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Cape Town News
Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited China to strengthen the relationship between China and South Africa. He participated in the 8th South AfricaChina BiNational Commission and attended the China International Import Expo to showcase South Africa as a great investment opportunity. During his visit, he engaged with Chinese leaders and stressed the thriving economic collaboration between the two nations. This visit solidifies the foundation of 25 years of diplomatic relations and historical ties dating back to the Bandung Conference in 1955.
The Tourism Equity Fund in South Africa is a new R1.2 billion project that seeks to promote expansion, transformation, and inclusivity in the tourism sector. The Fund offers financial aid and support to Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises, prioritizing job creation, sustainability, and targeted groups such as youth, women, and disabled individuals. The Department of Tourism and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency are collaborating with banks and financial institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the TEF and promote a more inclusive and prosperous tourism sector.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has achieved a remarkable milestone of producing and delivering one million vehicle driving licence discs. To mark the occasion, RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi personally presented the millionth disc to Mr. Lukie Mashishi in Ivory Park, Tembisa. The NaTIS online system, a governmentprovided service, has rapidly grown into the most reliable and costeffective platform for renewing motor vehicle licenses across South Africa since its launch in February 2022.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, and her Ukrainian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kubela, are scheduled to participate in political dialogues on November 6, 2023. The meeting aims to fortify diplomatic relations between South Africa and Ukraine by discovering mutual understanding on pressing matters, harmonizing interests, and exploring opportunities for partnership. Discussions will also include cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.
The City of Cape Town is seeking public feedback on proposed traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety, especially in school zones where vulnerable road users are most prevalent. Feedback can be given through email, written responses, or inperson submissions. The initiative is dependent on funding availability, and the city aims to implement the measures across various locations. The city is emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the planning process to create a safer and more pedestrianfriendly environment.
The City of Cape Town is seeking public feedback on proposed traffic calming measures to enhance pedestrian safety in various neighborhoods. Residents can provide their opinions on the plans, which are available on the city’s website and at various subcouncil offices and libraries. The city is offering special assistance to disadvantaged groups to ensure their input is documented and submitted. Cape Town’s approach to involving local communities in urban planning serves as an example for others to follow in creating safer and more inclusive cities.
Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is seeking public feedback on proposed traffic calming measures for 14 communities, including school zones, to protect vulnerable road users. Residents can view the proposed designs and provide feedback through various channels until December 2, 2023. The City is dedicated to addressing each site and highlights the critical role of public participation in the decisionmaking process. Various channels are available for submitting feedback, including inperson at various Subcouncil offices and libraries throughout affected communities, ensuring all voices are heard.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga inaugurated the R37 national road in Burgersfort, Limpopo Province on November 3rd, 2023, after a R780 million partnership with SANRAL to upgrade the road between Burgersfort and Polokwane, promoting better connectivity and addressing traffic demands and road safety concerns. The project aims to link rural areas to Central Business Districts, fostering socioeconomic activity for communities. Additionally, Minister Chikunga distributed Shova Kalula bicycles to selected learners in the Sekhukhune District Municipality, emphasizing the significance of connectivity for education and development.
South Africa is preparing for six municipal ward byelections on November 8th, 2023, across four provinces. 25 candidates from 11 different political parties are competing for seats in their respective wards, making the upcoming elections a critical test for political parties and their candidates. With a diverse range of contenders and different voter turnout percentages in previous elections, South Africa’s political environment is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and transformation. The candidates, their parties, and the voters all have a crucial role in shaping the future of their respective municipalities and the country as a whole.
The National Children’s Day Dialogue in South Africa brought together stakeholders to discuss investing in children’s wellbeing and growth. The dialogue addressed violence against children, with emphasis on proactive prevention and early intervention programs. The government has adopted a life cycle approach to violence prevention, including communitybased prevention and early identification programs to support the wellbeing of young children and their parents, and the goal is to ensure a brighter future for South Africa’s children.
The upcoming meeting between the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Gauteng Gambling Board, and the Gauteng Legislature’s Standing Committee on Scrutiny of Subordinate Legislation is significant in assessing the current legislation governing the gambling sector in the province. The CSSL Committee’s responsibility is to ensure that the gambling sector operates within the legal confines established by the Constitution and Parliament, promoting a balance between economic growth, social responsibility, and adherence to the law. The meeting will contribute to the ongoing efforts to maintain a wellregulated, sustainable, and responsible gambling industry in Gauteng.
EARTHBOX is an underground chamber at Lourensford Wine Estate that takes visitors on a journey through Earth’s ancient past, dating back 560 million years. The chamber spans 8×24 meters and is located five meters below the earth’s surface, providing a unique and immersive experience. EARTHBOX offers a range of experiences, including guided meditations, geology audio tours, daily yoga and Pilates sessions, music series, and special dining experiences curated by renowned chefs. It promotes a cellphone-free environment and is open from November 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, with ticket prices ranging from R100 to R170. What is EARTHBOX? EARTHBOX is
The City of Cape Town is taking proactive measures to help customers in designated areas upgrade their prepaid electricity meters to new software. Eligible customers will receive two upgrade codes with their electricity purchase, and city teams are available to provide support if needed. The upgrades will not affect electricity consumption or existing units, and mopup operations will be conducted in early 2024 to ensure all meters are upgraded before the deadline. The City is committed to delivering reliable and efficient power supply services to its residents.
Private sector engagement in the Port of Cape Town could generate an extra R6 billion in exports, create roughly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, and yield more than R1.6 billion in added taxes over five years. The port has been facing operational inefficiencies and delays, which hinder the city’s commerce and economic progress. The Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism suggests that private sector involvement could introduce new investments, cuttingedge technologies, and effective management practices, ultimately increasing the port’s competitiveness and strengthening the region’s economy.
The Free State Energy Security Indaba brought together experts, investors, financial backers, and policymakers to discuss a strategy for addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. The forum identified the Free State as a central energy security hub due to its rich natural resources, strategic location, and interconnectedness to other provinces. Collaboration and diversity in the energy portfolio were emphasized, along with exploring the Free State’s vast potential for energy resources. The event fostered connections among various government spheres and social partners, united by the common vision of an energysecure nation.
South Africa is committed to protecting journalists’ rights and promoting democracy. The government supports the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and honors journalists on Black Wednesday. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) holds panel discussions on cyberbullying against female journalists and strives to foster safe reporting during elections. While challenges like cyberbullying and harassment remain, South Africa’s commitment to protecting journalists is praiseworthy.
