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Cape Town News
South Africa’s mining sector has long been acknowledged as a central part of its economy, bringing resources and job opportunities. However, the industry has notoriously been slow to accept gender transformation, even with multiple legislative frameworks in place to advance equality. To address this pressing issue, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has planned a series of gender transformation hearings, focusing particularly on the mining sector.
CocaCola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) have partnered to promote small enterprises in Harrismith’s townships through the Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme. The programme provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support. The aim is to create employment opportunities and reduce poverty in marginalized communities, bridging the spatial gap and empowering SMMEs.
Karoo Lamb, a unique lamb offering from South Africa’s Karoo region, has become the first South African product to be registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the nation’s Agricultural Products Standards Act. This registration ensures that financial and reputational rewards are directed back to the region and maintains the high quality and standards for which it is renowned. Karoo Lamb’s journey towards GI registration required years of cooperation among various stakeholders and the product’s unique features have been the focus of comprehensive research. The GI registration serves multiple purposes beyond simply recognizing this specific product, as it also secures the reputation of Karoo Lamb and ensures that financial and reputational rewards are directed back to the region.
South African leaders and mayors met for a twoday workshop to discuss international migration’s effects on local communities and identify areas for collaboration. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government ministries, traditional authorities, and municipalities, who agreed on several areas of cooperation, such as policy changes, enhanced coordination, and supporting local economic development. The workshop’s collaborative environment signifies a positive step towards addressing national migration challenges and highlights the importance of joint efforts by all involved parties.
The North West Province of South Africa recently experienced a significant victory in combating crime, thanks to Operation Shanela. This highdensity operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), resulted in the arrest of 597 suspects for various crimes between October 23 and 29, 2023.
My Cape Town Market Ridgeworth is a vibrant event that supports local entrepreneurship and creativity, taking place on December 9 and 10, 2023. Visitors can expect a festive ambiance suitable for everyone, with live performances, a children’s play area, and a dog adoption and play space. Vendor applications for trading bays are now open, and vendors must fulfill specific criteria to ensure a diverse and topquality assortment of products and services at the market. It’s a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and connect with local talents.
There has been an increase in reckless and violent behavior during monthend festivities, coinciding with events such as the Rugby World Cup final and strong winds. The surge in fires, assaults, and drunk driving arrests shows a growing lack of respect for the law and others’ wellbeing, leading to challenges for emergency responders and law enforcement agencies. Stricter enforcement, improved public education, and community collaboration are necessary to address this issue and create a safer environment for everyone, including our emergency responders.
Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa to address governance and financial irregularities. His responsibilities include initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities. Prof Rensburg will also establish a new council, realign UNISA’s strategic focus, and support student body strategies to improve success rates. His appointment represents a critical juncture for UNISA, and the higher education community looks forward to the revitalization of its governance, management, and strategic focus.
Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha encourages the Matric Class of 2023 in Limpopo province, South Africa, to stay focused, motivated, and tenacious as they embark on a year of academic rigor and achievement. The entire community stands with these young students, providing support, guidance, and motivation at every step. The message instills a sense of pride and confidence in the students, reminding them that they are the future leaders of the province and their success will contribute to a brighter future for the entire community.
An imposter dressed as a doctor tried to sneak into Helen Joseph Hospital, but the security personnel caught him before he could do any harm. The imposter, who had been there before, attempted to escape but was caught again. This incident highlights the importance of strong security measures in hospitals. The Gauteng Department of Health praised the hospital’s security team for their quick and efficient actions in apprehending the fake doctor.
Cape Town plans to establish six new nature reserves and expand nine existing ones to balance urban expansion with environmental sustainability. The city employs land banking and biodiversity offsets to preserve its unique biodiversity and natural assets. Collaborative efforts with CapeNature and local communities ensure transparent guidelines and public involvement, making Cape Town a model for sustainable urban development.
Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth, is calling for increased food safety inspections and penalties for store owners who sell expired products in South Africa. This comes after a surge in foodborne illnesses across the nation, particularly among school children. Meth has urged municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance food safety inspection procedures to protect children from expired items and ensure that store owners who violate the law are held responsible. The responsibility for food safety also falls on consumers to be cautious about where they buy their food.
The Gauteng Department of Health is taking steps to improve mental health services in the province by expanding access to experts, rehabilitation services, and acute mental health beds. They are also working towards eliminating stigma and discrimination, addressing workforce shortages, and providing preventative and interventional mental health care through various teams and initiatives. Their goal is to create a more inclusive and empathetic society that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing for all.
The Welisizwe Bridges Project, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Provincial Departments of Transport, is an ambitious threeyear initiative with a R3.3 billion budget allocation to build 134 bridges across six provinces in rural South Africa. The project not only provides access to essential services but also creates numerous employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme, offering valuable skills to the workforce. The initiative symbolizes the government’s dedication to addressing inequality and improving the wellbeing of its citizens, serving as a blueprint for similar programs in other countries.
South Africa’s National Senior Certificate Examinations are about to begin, with over 900,000 students participating across 6,898 centers. These exams are critical for students as they determine eligibility for higher education and other tertiary institutions. The South African government is dedicated to supporting these students and has invested significantly in the education sector, providing equal opportunities for all learners. The Class of 2023’s success in these exams will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous South Africa.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered irregularities in a personal protective equipment (PPE) contract awarded by the National Department of Transport to Ecko Green Environmental Consulting (Pty) Ltd worth R8,072,000. The SIU found the procurement process was unlawful and Ecko Green was not registered on the government’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) when the contract was awarded. Additionally, Ecko Green had altered details of another company on the CSD in order to submit bid documents to the Department of Transport. The company has been instructed to repay R1,701,000 plus interest.
