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Cape Town News
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.
Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi is a warrior in the battle against violence on women and children in South Africa. As a seasoned detective in the police force, he has incarcerated 17 serial rapists, resulting in 57 life sentences and 3074 years of imprisonment. His dedication and hard work have been recognized with a Certificate of Commendation by the National Commissioner of SAPS in 2020. Beyond his duties, Rapakgadi’s passion for justice drives him to hunt down suspects and bring them to justice, making him a symbol of the relentless fight against violence in South Africa.
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.
