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.

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 Refinery Interchange Bridge in Western Cape will be temporarily closed from November 2427, 2023, due to the fifth phase of roadworks. Alternate routes and contingency plans have been established to minimize interruption during the closure, and the Department of Infrastructure is available for any inquiries. The closure will have a significant impact on the city’s complex commuting network, but measures have been taken to ensure a smooth transition.