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Cape Town News
The South African Parliament is a bustling center for political, socioeconomic, and legislative activities. It showcases the nation’s pledge to responsibility, transparency, and public participation in democracy. This week’s agenda includes a presidential session, committee meetings, and strategic planning sessions, highlighting the Parliament’s dedication to shaping the country’s policies and strategies. The Parliament is also committed to educating citizens about their rights and privileges and recognizing members who serve their nation.
Shelley Road tenants in Salt River are on a transformational journey towards home ownership, thanks to the Housing Information branch of the Human Settlements department. The tenants met the necessary criteria to qualify for the primary subsidy, including possessing no property, having good financial standing with the City, and adhering to specific household income limits. This story is a powerful example of community spirit and dedication towards social progress, and the journey towards home ownership is ongoing, monitored by the Human Settlements: Allocation Oversight Committee.
Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts’ Green StartUp Initiative is a program that aims to help young entrepreneurs and future leaders. It focuses on creating emerging business leaders, addressing environmental issues, and generating a proficient future workforce. This initiative has been implemented for over two decades and targets diverse youth demographics. It concentrates on capacity building and experiential learning for young people, while also supporting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises. Through these initiatives, the DFFE has created temporary jobs for the youth and provided them with essential skills to tackle environmental challenges, transforming them into dynamic job creators.
Cape Town City has introduced a new Smart Parking System at the Civic Centre that aims to enhance the parking experience at Artscape Theatre. With an advanced technology system and affordable pricing, patrons can enjoy a secure and convenient facility during performance hours. This initiative reflects Cape Town’s dedication towards improving the urban experience and catering to the changing needs of its visitors and citizens.
Get ready for the Three Sphere Planning Session, a pivotal gathering of South Africa’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP) scheduled from Tuesday, 27 August to Thursday, 29 August 2024. The session aims to address political and bureaucratic interplay, foster consistency in planning and implementation across the three spheres of governance, and enhance intergovernmental relations. Ministers, Heads of Chapter Nine Institutions Supporting Democracy, and distinguished academia will attend, and media professionals and the public can follow the proceedings live online. This platform signifies a commitment to fostering a more transparent, accountable, and effective governance system for the people of South Africa.
Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Initiative aims to rebuild the MyCiTi bus stations in Dunoon, Usasaza, and Phoenix that were damaged during protests in 2018. The project involves removing and refurbishing damaged structures, paving repairs, and installing rainwater and electrical systems. The initiative is a symbol of the city’s resilience and commitment to delivering services to its residents and is expected to be completed by November 2025. The project requires community participation in promoting peaceful protests and negotiations over destruction and violence.
Hudson’s, a popular restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, has launched a charity drive where top South African chefs create custommade burgers, and a portion of the profits go to charities chosen by the chefs. Chef Liam Tomlin from Chef’s Warehouse kicked off the initiative with a Mexican smashburger, with 30% of profits going to the Reach for a Dream charity. The initiative offers a range of signature burgers, each made by esteemed chefs and contributing to causes that resonate deeply. It’s not just about gourmet burgers but also about giving back to the community.
The aim is to create a digitalcentric institution that efficiently caters to citizens and reshapes governance in South Africa, achieved through a comprehensive digital platform using facial and fingerprint recognition technologies and machine learning. This transformation will restore the credibility of South Africa’s population register, strengthen its immigration systems, and position it as a potent economic driver for the country. Despite challenges, Schreiber is confident in the department’s potential to set an example of digital transformation for other departments to follow.
The Kerriewors controversy started when a TikTok video showed Jan Braai seemingly ignoring a man in a blue tracksuit while giving out kerriewors rolls at Willowbridge Shopping Centre. What was meant to be a fun event turned serious as people accused Jan of racial bias, sparking intense reactions online. Food Lover’s Market tried to clear things up by releasing new footage showing Jan sharing kerriewors with everyone, including the man in the tracksuit. This incident highlights the power of social media to stir emotions and shine a light on ongoing racial issues in South Africa, reminding us how easily misunderstandings can arise in the quest for unity.
The Land Bank is an important institution in South Africa’s economy, contributing to the agricultural industry and promoting inclusivity. It provides affordable financing for both large commercial entities and smallscale predominantly blackowned businesses, breaking down entry barriers. The Bank also plays a key role in stimulating rural economies and creating jobs, accounting for a significant 28% of South Africa’s farming debt. Despite experiencing a decrease in loan portfolio, the Land Bank has shown resilience and received fiscal support from the Ministry of Finance, aiming for sustained growth and development in the future.
Charlize Theron is a Hollywood actress and founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. She is dedicated to eradicating genderbased violence (GBV) and challenges societal norms to safeguard women and girls from GBV. Theron’s personal experience with domestic violence has shaped her activism, and she continues to be a prominent voice in the fight against GBV, which affects one in three women in their lifetime. Through her initiatives and public platform, Theron shows that much more needs to be done to address this global issue.
A Cape Dwarf Chameleon in South Africa faced a struggle for survival after being discovered with severe injuries. With the help of an expert veterinary team, the chameleon underwent meticulous surgery and intensive care, leading to a full recovery. This remarkable creature possesses unique survival skills, including the ability to alter its color in response to its thermal needs and a hunting strategy that involves using its tongue to capture prey. The chameleon’s journey highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the incredible resilience of nature.
Navigating the South African Property Market can be challenging due to high home prices. The current median price for a home in South Africa is around R972,200, requiring a monthly income of roughly R35,120. The Western Cape has particularly high property values, with an average home price of around R1.6 million. The Residential Property Price Index is a helpful tool for understanding the housing market in South Africa and tracking changes over time. It is important to keep in mind the ideal mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of a buyer’s gross monthly income, and potential homeowners should carefully consider their financial circumstances before committing to homeownership in South Africa.
South Africans have the chance to win a whopping R90 million PowerBall jackpot on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 9 PM. The National Lottery is urging people to participate by buying tickets from participating retailers or online platforms, including National Lottery’s website, mobile app, or participating banks. The lottery also offers free trauma counselling and financial guidance to winners of large sums, making it more than just a chance at financial freedom.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is cracking down on the illegal trade of fake goods and has seized over R94 million worth of counterfeit merchandise and arrested five nonresident individuals. The operations involved the National Counterfeit Goods Unit and other entities, including the Hawks, Department of Home Affairs, and private security firms. The successful seizures and arrests serve as a warning to those engaged in the counterfeit trade and reinforce consumer trust in authentic products while protecting the economy.
The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) is praised for its transformative impact on South Africa’s socioeconomic situation, addressing issues such as unemployment, economic disparity, and poverty through inclusive economic growth. The NEDLAC 30year report highlights focus areas such as structural reforms, social security, and infrastructure development. Strengthening state capacity, particularly at the local government level, is identified as a crucial necessity for effective policy execution and service provision, while NEDLAC’s role as a symbol of collaboration and consensusbuilding grows increasingly critical in fostering sustainable economic progress and promoting social justice.
