The launch of the Msinga Campus in South Africa is a landmark event in the expansion of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The government’s investment of over R2.880 billion in expanding the TVET sector includes the construction of thirteen new campuses and upgrading three existing ones. The Msinga Campus offers quality education and vocational training to address the skills requirements of the local community and aligns with the government’s broader agenda to address the skills mismatch and invest in high demand occupations.

The Franschhoek Pass in South Africa’s Western Cape is an essential link for local communities and trade, but ongoing rehabilitation work means it will be closed daily from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays from November 28 to December 15, 2023. Light motor vehicles will still have access, but vehicles over five tons are not allowed. The closure is necessary for safety and sustainability, but motorists are urged to use alternative routes and the completion date for repairs is uncertain.

The Cleaning and Greening InHouse District Model Programme is set to create 800 new jobs across five municipalities in South Africa’s Free State, while also tackling environmental concerns. The initiative is an expansion of the Good Green Deeds programme, which has already created 20,000 employment opportunities and contributed to a cleaner and safer environment. The launch of this programme signifies a transformative journey for the region, positively impacting both the environment and the livelihoods of many residents.

Efforts are being made to protect marine mammals in Cape Town from the illegal and inhumane activity of feeding seals. The City of Cape Town and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment have taken proactive measures to ensure the cessation of this mistreatment, but persistent challenges remain. The protection and assurance of seal welfare is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of the public, tour operators, and guides to become protectors of marine wildlife.

In 2023, South Africa’s electricity supplier, Eskom, implemented Stage 6 load shedding to prevent a complete power system failure during peak demand. The decision was accompanied by a livestreamed briefing, which aimed to provide transparency and responsibility, acknowledging the challenges to the people and striving to provide a better understanding of the intricacies that govern their power supply. The briefing served as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our lives and the systems we depend on, the demandsupply equilibrium, and the nation’s strive towards a sustainable future.

Black Friday shopping can pose risks to consumer wellbeing, with counterfeit and outofdate food items on the market. To ensure quality and safety, consumers should be vigilant of unusual color, texture, scent, and packaging, as well as inconsistencies in stated ingredients, and look for clearly displayed manufacturing and expiry dates. Reporting suspicious vendors is also crucial, and South African law enforcement is authorized to investigate and act under the Foodstuffs Act as Inspectors. Ultimately, safety and quality should be prioritized over savings during Black Friday shopping.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government is launching the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign in Lusikisiki, with initiatives including trauma counselling, psychosocial support services, and the appointment of additional social workers. Collaborative efforts between the government and civil society have formed GBV Rapid Response Teams and the Court Watch Brief initiative, resulting in convictions in multiple rape cases. The campaign aims to educate and empower communities to establish GBVfree communities and safeguard women and children’s rights, and serves as a beacon of hope for a world devoid of GBV and where justice prevails.