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Cape Town News
The Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over Wydad Casablanca in the African Football League final has left a psychological wound on the Moroccan team. This was evident in their recent loss to Jwaneng Galaxy and their current position at the bottom of the table in the CAF Champions League. Galaxy’s victory against Wydad was a milestone moment for the Botswana Premier League Champions, but not without controversy. The battle lines in the CAF Champions League have been redrawn, and the question now is who will emerge triumphant and who will face defeat in this highstakes game.
Siya Kolisi, a renowned rugby player from South Africa, is committed to philanthropy and raising awareness about genderbased violence. He uses his influence to inspire positive change in his community, rather than turning to politics. Kolisi’s dedication stems from personal experience, as his aunt and mother suffered from abuse. He believes in the healing power of conversation and has used his success in sports to unite people across his country. Ultimately, Kolisi’s unwavering commitment to social justice and community welfare makes him an inspirational figure both on and off the rugby grounds.
In a poignant commemoration of lives lost to road accidents, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, fervently initiated the 2023/24 Road Safety Festive Season Campaign. The event, organised in Tsakane, brought together a multitude of representatives from various domains such as transport, law enforcement, religious sectors, and media.
Cape Town’s Festive Lights SwitchOn is a breathtaking canvas of radiant light that ushers in the festive season with a vibrant spectacle of color and light, binding the community spirit. The event features 6,000 meters of LED rope lights, crafted into diverse designs, extending through Adderley Street and Darling Street. Safety remains a top priority, and the event organizers incorporated renewable energy for the second year in a row to power the festivities. A large Christmas tree at Grand Parade added an additional touch of holiday merriment to Darling Street.
As the sun rose over the North West Province, the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro Community Hall buzzed with excitement. The Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee was holding public hearings on two bills that could change the region’s fate: the North West Gambling Amendment Bill and the North West Consumer Affairs Bill. These bills aim to overhaul gambling regulations, introduce new definitions, and create entities that protect consumer rights. The legislature’s commitment to democracy and transparency is reflected in the community hearings held across various towns and broadcasted live online.
The ‘Tournament of Dreams’ is an extraordinary sports tournament that celebrates sportsmanship, talent, and community participation. The tournament brings together football clubs from across the city to create a lively atmosphere and fosters a culture of values beyond the field. The event is a beacon of hope and joy, promoting inclusivity, sportsmanship, and unity in diversity, and the proceeds will contribute to the continuous development of young footballers in the undersix, undereight, and under10 categories.
Cape Town’s procurement strategy has successfully procured necessary goods and services at rates below the market average through a comprehensive approach. The Value for Money Report highlights the importance of transparency in building public trust and promoting competitive economic activity. The city’s procurement success sets a standard for other cities and enables better public value while maintaining fiscal integrity. The comprehensive approach includes negotiations, fitforpurpose evaluations, and good governance to ensure efficient procurement and optimal resource utilization.
The city is focusing on pedestrian safety to enhance walkability and keep the city’s rhythm pulsing. Pedestrian accidents have increased, with many violating safety rules, endangering both pedestrians and vehicle occupants. The city’s departments are conducting campaigns to educate the public and enforce penalties under national laws. There have been hundreds of penalties handed out for pedestrian activity on highways, and the city has made thousands of arrests and handed out fines for traffic and bylaw violations. Ultimately, pedestrian safety is a civic duty that demands collective action to keep the city secure and lively.
South Africa’s government has endorsed a new Financial Inclusion Policy Framework, which seeks to enhance the financial inclusion of individuals and households, widen access to financial services for SMMEs, and utilise a more diversified provider and distribution base for financial services in the country. While more than 81% of South African adults now have access to bank accounts, underlying issues such as economic stagnation and high unemployment still limit comprehensive financial inclusion. The Financial Inclusion Policy aims to tackle these issues, with the National Treasury working with key stakeholders to monitor and track progress towards a more inclusive financial sector.
Captain Bez Bezuidenhout and his team in the Serial and Electronic Investigations (SECI) division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) brought an online child sex offender to justice, resulting in a 6548year prison sentence. The SECI has identified 27 active online child sex predators, and parents are advised to install parental control software to prevent access to harmful content. The fight against online child sexual exploitation requires collective responsibility, awareness, education, and the courage to take action.
Beloved educator Kirsten Kluyts was brutally murdered during her morning jog in Johannesburg, causing shock and despair within the local community. A 21yearold student was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime, with initial reports suggesting a possible rape preceding the murder. The tragic incident has fueled public discourse on two fronts the safety of joggers and the wider societal issue of violence against women in South Africa leading to calls for stricter measures to ensure public safety.
The Department of Cooperative Governance in South Africa is taking a multipronged approach to address financial distress in municipalities, including Municipal Support and Improvement Plans, increasing revenue and reducing debts, boosting revenue, technical support for cost of supply studies, and assistance with data management. They are also implementing programs for recent graduates, capacity building, and disaster recovery grants to ensure the longterm financial viability and service delivery of municipalities. The briefing led by Minister Thembi Nkadimeng underscores the Department’s commitment to tackling the complex challenges faced by municipalities and nurturing their sustainable development.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is set to host the Sixth BRICS Sherpas Meeting in Durban from November 30 to December 3, 2023. The assembly of emissaries from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa plays a crucial role in preparing for the main summit by addressing various issues and laying a detailed foundation for subsequent conversations. The meeting carries exceptional significance as it symbolizes the end of South Africa’s term as the Chair of BRICS and serves as a platform to further the conversation on cooperation and collaboration with other nations.
South Africa mourns the loss of Mr. Luwellyn Landers, a leader known for his commitment to democratic values, leadership, and dedication to public service. As the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, his absence leaves a gaping void within the nation’s diplomatic circles. Mr. Landers’ legacy of service, devotion, and leadership will inspire future generations. Through his life and accomplishments, he embodied the virtues of commitment, service, and integrity, leaving behind a legacy of pursuit of justice and community betterment.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is preparing for maintenance work in several regions to ensure the continuity of the water supply system. The maintenance work will cover parts of Goodwood, significant areas of Gordon’s Bay, Constantia, Plumstead, and Meadowridge, among others. The water supply to these regions will be temporarily interrupted as the team performs installations, repairs, and replacements of pipelines and valves. The Directorate’s proactive approach aims to preempt any potential water supply issues, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for the city’s residents.
The Western Cape Government is preparing for a potentially dangerous fire season with a budget of R16 million and contracts for aerial and ground support in place. The Mutual Aid Agreement also plays a crucial role in this initiative. Public participation in wildfire prevention is important, especially since 97% of wildfires are either intentional or due to carelessness. The initiative involves multiple partners across the Western Cape to protect its people and environment.
