the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Over a six month period from April to September 2023, the Gauteng Health Department distributed over 38,000 aid devices, including prostheses, wheelchairs, and hearing aids, to disabled individuals in South Africa. These devices are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals, supporting them in leading fulfilling and integrated lives. The department also provides vocational rehabilitation services and cochlear implant programs, making it a model for empowering and uplifting disabled populations.
The QwaQwa Ministerial Business Seminar is an important event for South African entrepreneurs, taking place on November 30th, 2023 in the cultural town of QwaQwa. The seminar is a collaboration between government bodies and aims to connect entrepreneurs with government agencies to identify potential partnerships and collaborations. The event will feature interactive information exchange sessions and introduce various incentives offered by the government to support small businesses’ growth nationally, reflecting the government’s dedication to improving the South African business landscape.
Warrant Officer Alistair Rezant is a champion in the fight against sexual violence in South Africa. His unwavering dedication to eradicating sexual violence has led to securing a total of 1105 years of incarceration for offenders. Rezant’s victories showcase his relentless pursuit of justice and serve as a stark warning to prospective offenders about the severe repercussions of their actions. His commitment transcends the realm of mere statistics, and he is a true hero in blue tirelessly striving to ensure justice is served.
Mamelodi Sundowns is a top football club in South Africa with a dominant playing style that has made them a formidable opponent in the league. Despite recent defeats, their season trajectory is still promising with pivotal games against formidable adversaries. Coach Ernst Middendorp navigates the team through challenges while fans are increasingly engaged in their success. Key players Divine Lunga and Gaston Sirino have been instrumental in Sundowns’ recent successes, and their standing in the league is high.
South Africa’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is fighting against GenderBased Violence and Femicide through a threefold strategy of awareness, advocacy, and prevention. The campaign is not only symbolic but also a reflection of the country’s ambition to ensure safer communities for women and girls. The government has taken a comprehensive approach, including legislative reforms, the formation of the National Council on GenderBased Violence and Femicide, educational initiatives, and initiatives focusing on women’s economic empowerment. GBVF is a systemic problem rooted in gender inequality that often occurs in the home, perpetrated by known individuals.
Kevin Lerena from South Africa won the highlyanticipated WBC Interim Bridgerweight World Title in a dominating fight against Senad Gashi. Despite Gashi’s resilience, Lerena proved his mettle in the ring, with his aggressive stance and deft moves. The controversial scorecard did not dilute the jubilation sweeping across South African spectators, as they celebrated Lerena’s win as a punctuation in a tale of grit and determination.
Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo wowed fans and experts with his impressive performance in a recent Premier League match against Everton. Despite being only 18 years old, Mainoo showed maturity, control of the midfield, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. He overcame a preseason injury to make his debut and has become a potential linchpin in United’s future success, with fans and colleagues alike acknowledging his talent and potential. Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag has highlighted the importance of grooming young talent like Mainoo for a promising trajectory in the club’s future.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing a devastating rise in officer fatalities, with over 70 officers lost in the last seven months due to criminal attacks and ambushes. The situation highlights the need for strategic responses to address the systemic issues contributing to elevated levels of violence against law enforcement. The SAPS leadership has pledged to continue supporting and empowering officers in their crimefighting efforts, but comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure the safety and welfare of these valiant officers who daily risk their lives to guard their communities.
South Africa’s Department of Human Settlements has praised Limpopo Provincial Government for its efforts in championing economic empowerment among youth and women contractors. Limpopo’s Human Settlement Development Grant (HSDG) has redeemed its reputation in the current fiscal year, surpassing expectations. The Limpopo Department of Human Settlements has ensured that a minimum of 40% of the value of housing projects is dedicated to certain groups; up to 62% of the value of these projects has been apportioned to these groups, effectively revolutionizing the sector. The Department aims to provide quality, affordable housing to all South Africans.
Standard Chartered Bank has admitted to engaging in improper conduct in relation to the trading of the Rand/US Dollar currency pair, resulting in substantial penalties for the bank and raising doubts about market conduct. The National Treasury is committed to upholding the ongoing legal process and proposes additional legislation in 2024 to preserve the fairness and integrity of the South African financial markets. The proposed measures include introducing stringent governance, transparency, and conflict management requirements and broadening market abuse provisions to applicable security. The goal is to foster transparent, fair, and efficient financial markets and eradicate any form of malpractice and unjust treatment of customers.
The Health Portfolio Committee of South Africa organized three public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in Gauteng which saw a wide range of opinions, including disputes over the Bill’s introduction, concerns about its impact on small businesses, and debates about its potential effect on South Africa’s financial health. The proponents of the Bill advocated for plain packaging and the prohibition of tobacco sales through vending machines. The public hearings in Gauteng were a reflection of the people’s determination and the government’s dedication to hearing their voices.
A new campaign led by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is launching in Mpumalanga, South Africa to eliminate GenderBased Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and increase access to clean water. The 16 Days of Activism against Violence towards Women and Children campaign will begin in November 2023 and emphasizes two key themes: Swift Actions to Eradicate GBVF and Ensuring Inclusivity for All, and Women’s Access to Pure Water. The CGE is committed to remedying inequalities and ensuring basic human rights for all, with a focus on marginalized communities.
South Africa has made history with the launch of its firstever Sovereign Randdenominated AlIjarah Sukuk, valued at ZAR20.386 billion. The Senior Unsecured Shari’ah Trust Certificates were oversubscribed by 1.74 times, demonstrating a shift towards creative financial solutions. The transaction signifies a significant stride towards diversifying RSA’s investor base and enriching its financing strategy and sets a precedent for financial innovation and market enlargement on the African continent.
The Department of Water and Sanitation and the International Water Management Institute held a Climate Change and Water Sector Consultation workshop to tackle water scarcity and climate change. The workshop brought together government, civil society, and the private sector to construct a platform for dialogue and joint action towards a sustainable and climateresilient water sector. The consultation emphasized the need for collective action and shared responsibility to achieve water inclusion and a resilient future for the Water and Sanitation Sector.
The Dr Pixley Isaka Ka Seme Memorial Hospital in KwaMashu, KwaZuluNatal, is a beacon of hope for the community. Providing free healthcare and hospital services for all, the hospital addresses the growing healthcare needs of the area, including noncommunicable diseases. The facility also offers a primary healthcare outreach program, bringing vital services to the people. The hospital is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all and creating job opportunities while utilizing sustainable building practices.
The Manyane Game Lodge project has financial issues due to inadequate monitoring and evaluation, escalating irregular expenditure, and unaccountedfor assets. The project’s budget has surged to an alarming R71 million, and an extra R24 million is needed to complete the project. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, has pledged to resolve the problems and deliver a thorough report to the committee. The ongoing probe highlights the critical need for accountability, transparency, and sound financial management in public ventures.
