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Cape Town News
South Africa’s education system is getting a revamp through the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which focuses on making the system more inclusive, equitable, and efficient. The bill addresses administrative challenges such as admissions policies and financial accountability systems while promoting inclusivity for learners with special needs. Despite controversy surrounding false information about the bill, it remains a vital step in transforming the country’s basic education landscape and laying the groundwork for a more equitable and efficient education system.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is celebrating contemporary African art this summer with exhibitions, programs, and publications. The season’s exhibitions focus on lensbased art forms, featuring works by established and emerging artists. The museum’s dedication to art education, critical thinking, and art history through diverse mediums is evident in its summer programming and exhibitions. Visitors can expect to engage with thoughtprovoking exhibitions, educational programs, and insightful publications, making it a dynamic platform for artists and the community.
Boatica Cape Town is Africa’s top maritime manufacturing event, showcasing the best of Africa’s marine manufacturing and ocean sports. With the support of Cape Town’s City Council, the event is set to run for an additional three years. Boatica Cape Town unites enthusiasts, buyers, and industry stakeholders while also providing a platform for networking, learning, and establishing partnerships.
The 2023 World Rugby Awards is approaching, featuring an impressive list of nominees such as Manie Libbok, Eben Etzebeth, and Jacques Nienaber. Rising stars Louis BielleBiarrey, Tamaiti Williams, and Mark Tele’a are also nominated. The award categories include Breakthrough Player of the Year, World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, and World Rugby Coach of the Year. The nominees represent a perfect blend of forwards and backs and have all made significant contributions to their teams’ achievements in 2023.
Cape Town is buzzing with excitement for the Abantu Music Festival and live screening of the Rugby World Cup final. The festival features a lineup of South Africa’s most talented musicians, including Zakes Bantwini, who will be the first African musician to headline a concert at the DHL Stadium. The event celebrates South African culture and talent and promises a unique experience for everyone. Tickets are selling fast, with various pricing options available for different budgets and preferences.
South Africa is facing a food insecurity crisis due to high food prices and waste. Onethird of all food produced in the country is wasted, leading to the loss of more than 10 million tons of consumable food annually. Simplifying date labels and potentially extending “best before” dates can reduce food waste and improve food security. Organizations like FoodForward SA are working to redirect surplus food to vulnerable segments of society, contributing to a more sustainable and fair food system for all citizens.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming public engagements will encompass diverse aspects of governance, including enhancing service delivery, attending international sports events, and fostering economic partnerships. These endeavors illustrate the President’s dedication to forging stronger ties within South Africa and beyond its boundaries.
South Africa is taking action to address the high rates of teenage pregnancy and HIV infection among young people by introducing Adolescent and YouthFriendly Services (AYFS) in primary healthcare facilities. These youthfriendly zones aim to provide a supportive environment that is approachable and inviting for adolescents and young adults to seek vital healthcare services, such as reproductive health and family planning. The Emalangeni Clinic in Lusikisiki serves as a positive example of the success of these zones, encouraging more young people to access crucial healthcare services, which could lead to a reduction in teenage pregnancies and HIV infection rates.
Dr. Mariëtte Wheeler, a Life Sciences teacher at Protea Heights Academy, has been named one of the top 10 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. The prestigious award recognises outstanding educators around the world, and Dr. Wheeler’s innovative teaching techniques and dedication to education have landed her a spot among the best. As she competes for the ultimate prize, her journey serves as an inspiration to educators everywhere, showing that exceptional teachers have the power to transform lives.
South Africa’s National Labour Migration Policy seeks to harmonize the expectations of the populace, labour market demands, migrant worker protection, and regional integration. The policy has three critical intervention areas, emphasizes collaboration, and aims to address specific issues faced by migrant workers through data collection and analysis. A Labour Migration Policy and Governance dialogue was hosted in Mpumalanga, drawing diverse stakeholders from various sectors, and the Department of Employment and Labour is committed to developing a wellinformed NLMP that addresses concerns and benefits all parties involved.
The 2023 Women Recognition Awards celebrates female farmers’ invaluable contributions to rural development, food security, and job creation. Women in agriculture have defied the status quo and made remarkable progress, from smallscale subsistence farmers to commercial agripreneurs. Initiatives and programs have been implemented to support female farmers, providing them with access to training, funding, and mentorship opportunities. As the world faces the challenges of feeding an expanding population, the Women Recognition Awards is a celebration of progress and an acknowledgment of the integral role women play in shaping agriculture’s future.
Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, gave opening remarks at the National Stakeholder Consultations for COP28, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the need for inclusive negotiations. COP28 is the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries gather to discuss global efforts to combat climate change. Key agenda items include establishing a global fund for loss and damage, increasing climate finance goals, and assessing collective progress through the Global Stocktake. South Africa is actively preparing for the critical COP28 conference in December, aiming to shape the country’s negotiating position while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
The newly enacted MHI Regulations of 2022 aim to improve workplace safety by refining and broadening protective measures related to handling bulk hazardous substances. A significant change in the updated regulations is the expectation for MHI facilities to selfregulate, which includes the adoption of incorporated standards and creation of a Major Prevention Incident Policy. The event will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, and media participation is encouraged.
The Digital and Future Skills National Conference in South Africa addressed the urgent need for skills development to support innovation and digital transformation. With a young population, the country has immense potential to leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but also a pressing need to skill, reskill, and upskill the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy. A comprehensive strategy for digital skills development that includes both technical and soft skills is essential, along with investment in innovation hubs and publicprivate partnerships to drive innovation and bridge skills gaps.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made remarkable progress in eradicating the illegal drug trade under General Fannie Masemola’s leadership. Recently, SAPS supervised the destruction of R800 million worth of drugs seized during operations across the country. SAPS’ persistent and diligent efforts have made a significant impact on the local drug trade and aided the global fight against organized crime, with drug demolitions becoming a regular occurrence. SAPS’ commitment to ensuring compliance, collaboration, and dedicated officers’ bravery and vigilance have made a significant contribution to creating a safer environment for all and defending citizens against the threat of illegal drug trafficking.
The Matric Class of 2023 must prioritize road safety during their National Senior Certification exams. By learning and following road rules, fostering safety awareness, and emphasizing public transportation and pedestrian safety, students can ensure a secure journey to and from school. Schools, parents, educators, and the broader community must work together to cultivate a culture of safety and accountability on the road, promoting a brighter future for everyone.
