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Cape Town News
The Cape Town property auctions are a vital catalyst for economic prosperity, providing opportunities for small businesses, boosting the retail market, enabling firsttime buyers, and generating revenue for municipal services. The recent finale auction of 2023 was a sparkling success, featuring highly desired kiosks in the city center, a robust retail space in Simon’s Town, and a beachfront commercial property in Fish Hoek. The auction also enabled firsttime buyers to acquire homes and played a pivotal role in community development. The city’s economic rejuvenation strategy and focus on maximum economic and social returns from city assets ensure a bright future for Cape Town’s property market.
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.
Ten detainees awaiting trial escaped from a South African police station in Mogwase, causing a widespread manhunt. The escapees were dangerous individuals with charges ranging from housebreaking to murder and attempted rape. Mogwase’s police force and community united in a joint effort to restore safety and order, highlighting the ongoing challenges that law enforcement agencies face.
South Africa’s transition towards renewable energy, led by independent power producers such as Red Rocket, was showcased at the 30th Energy Digicon. These green energy initiatives not only address the country’s energy deficit but also create employment opportunities and boost the local economy. Notable projects include the Kruisvallei hydro project and the Roggeveld Wind energy facility, both of which are expected to generate significant amounts of electricity while having a positive impact on the environment and the nation’s economic wellbeing. The event symbolizes a shared vision for a future dominated by green energy, devoid of power cuts, and with a reduced environmental footprint.
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.
Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Programme and the Digital Skills Forum are working to close the digital gap in South Africa and equip its citizens with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The alliance with Huawei since 2016 has played an important role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape. The development of ICT skills is crucial for economic growth and job creation, and the need for appropriate skills is growing at a swift pace in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the Port of Richards Bay highlights the government’s focus on improving the nation’s logistical structure. The port is facing congestion issues due to various factors, such as inadequate rail mechanisms and a damaged conveyor belt. Transnet has proposed a recovery plan, which includes enhancing the Northern Corridor railway line and repairing the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal conveyor belt. The government’s Freight Logistics Roadmap outlines a longterm strategy for reforming the freight logistics system, including open access to the freight rail network and increased private sector involvement. Private sector involvement is crucial in rehabilitating the nation’s logistics network to complete operational capacity.
South African Breweries has invested R5.8 billion to improve brewing capabilities in two of their plants, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. The investment not only includes facility upgrades, but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and sustainable business practices by sourcing 94% of their beer locally. SAB’s investment serves as a beacon of hope for South Africa’s economy and fosters community development, showcasing the power of responsible investment and corporate citizenship.
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) has invited public feedback on the Scrap Metals Policy, focusing on four major points including a temporary ban on exporting certain waste and scrap metal, suspension of the Price Preference System, additional restrictions on exporting semifinished copper products, and a temporary ban on exporting used or secondhand rails. The proposed measures aim to control and oversee trade in metals to prevent damage to the infrastructure and economy. The dtic recognizes the value of public opinions and critique in policymaking and highlights its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public inclusion.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Infrastructure Development & Property Management Portfolio Committee visited LG Holele Secondary School in GaRankuwa to evaluate the effective utilization of funds reserved for the school’s construction. The committee aimed to establish superior educational environments to facilitate the thriving of Gauteng’s children. Their ongoing series of supervisory visits aims to scrutinize numerous educational infrastructure development projects and expedite the provision of highquality education facilities across the province. The committee’s commitment to promoting educational growth and development in the province is a testament to their determination.
The conferral of title deeds symbolized more than just a legal action in the title deed handover event in Elands Bay. It was a celebration of perseverance, optimism, and the indomitable human spirit that empowered residents and granted them a sense of belonging and assurance of their rightful place in society. The event showcased the community’s unyielding spirit and dedication to fulfilling its promises, and it serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, patience, and commitment to our people, we can realize even the most daunting dreams.
