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Police in Johannesburg have successfully dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate, arresting two suspects and seizing a number of stolen vehicles. A team of law enforcement agencies worked together on the operation, using intelligence reports to track the gang’s movements. As well as recovering three stolen vehicles, the team discovered multiple electronic devices and false registration plates. The syndicate targeted highend vehicles, using signal jammers and other sophisticated equipment to evade detection.
The City of Cape Town has confirmed the presence of discolored water in the northern suburbs due to the effects of a severe storm on the water quality at the Wemmershoek Dam. Despite being treated, the water’s turbidity count exceeds the aesthetic standard limit for drinking water. The City is closely observing the highly turbid water and carrying out extensive water sampling and continuous testing to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the affected areas. The incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and contingency plans to respond to emergencies and maintain the quality of essential services like clean water supply.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is encouraging public involvement in discussions regarding marine outfall discharge permit applications and Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) permits. Residents and stakeholders can share their comments and suggestions on five WWTW facilities across 60 days through inperson and virtual meetings and alternative platforms. The City’s inclusive approach to policy development reinforces its dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship. The public’s feedback will influence the future of wastewater management and ensure effective and sustainable policies are created.
Attention residents of Athlone and neighboring areas: Please be advised that there will be a temporary water service interruption starting on Thursday, 28 September 2023 at 19:00 until Friday, 29 September 2023 at 08:00 due to emergency repairs on a water main in Bofors Circle, Epping. The affected areas include Athlone, Hazendal, Heideveld, Rylands, Belgravia, Crawford, Sybrand Park, Lansdowne, Rondebosch East, and Gatesville Melomed Hospital. Water tankers will be available for domestic use during this time, and residents are urged to store water ahead of time and keep taps closed to prevent water loss and damage. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Greenville Phase 4 Breaking New Ground housing project in Durbanville is a remarkable collaboration between the City of Cape Town and Garden Cities. With a budget of R163 million, the project aims to provide affordable and ecofriendly housing for over 1,000 families by 2025. The project is notable for its innovative construction methods, such as the use of Benex Block, as well as its commitment to fairness and transparency in housing allocation. The Greenville housing project is a shining example of progress, collaboration, and sustainability for the future of housing development in South Africa.
Reagen Allen, the Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, has been leading intergovernmental municipal engagements to unite local municipalities in the Western Cape province to combat crime. These engagements aim to create a shared vision, examine crime prevention strategies, and align resources to create a safer environment for residents. Allen’s leadership has inspired municipalities to join forces and embrace the Western Cape Safety Plan, and with continued collaboration, the province is set to become the safest in the country.
The Electoral Commission has announced a voter registration weekend to prepare for municipal ward byelections happening on November 15, 2023. Eligible voters can register, verify their registration details, and update their residential information by bringing a valid identification document and providing their physical home address. The byelections will occur in several wards across South Africa, and special voting will be accessible at polling stations and through home visits. It is crucial to engage in the democratic process and participate in the voter registration weekend to ensure that every eligible voter can contribute to shaping the country’s future.
The results highlight the importance of voter turnout and political adaptability, and provide valuable insights into the priorities of South African citizens at a local level. Surprising Shifts in the Political Landscape
The BRICS Infrastructure Investment Symposium is a platform for collaboration among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to address the $94 trillion infrastructure financing gap and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2040. The Symposium emphasizes the importance of cooperation, innovation, and sustainability to narrow the financing gap and support shared growth and development. By fostering effective partnerships, BRICS nations can accelerate the implementation of their ambitious infrastructure plans and contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future.
South Africa and Lesotho have launched their first BiNational Commission (BNC), which aims to strengthen the bond between the two nations and foster bilateral cooperation. The summit facilitated discussions about various aspects of collaboration, from trade and investment to infrastructure development and cultural exchanges. The BNC also offers an opportunity to improve economic integration within the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Overall, the BNC marks a critical turning point in the partnership between South Africa and Lesotho, setting the stage for a new era of cooperation, progress, and prosperity.
The LesothoSouth Africa BiNational Commission marks a pivotal moment in the strong and intertwined history between the two countries. The commission aims to address shared challenges in economics, environment, and society, with a focus on renewable energy and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This collaboration serves as a benchmark for unity and cooperation in the region, highlighting the power of strong relationships in overcoming obstacles and creating a better future for generations to come.
Cape Town’s cemeteries are facing numerous challenges due to the unpredictable weather patterns caused by global climate crises. Rising water tables and flooding are among the obstacles hindering cemetery operations. The Recreation and Parks Department is working tirelessly to address these ongoing weatherrelated challenges, ensuring the safety and welfare of residents and visitors. The recent severe weather event disrupted the efforts made to lessen the heavy rainfall’s impact during the winter months, and the city remains watchful, continually monitoring the situation and actively striving to address the challenges posed by climate change.
All residents of a major city are being urged to conserve water following unforeseen maintenance work at the Blackheath Water Treatment Plant and subsequent storm damage to an essential pipeline. The city authorities are calling for drastic cuts in water usage until necessary repairs are completed, following an extension to the plant’s closure.
Hon. Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, is leading the DDM Imbizo to expedite service delivery in the North West Province on September 29, 2023. The event aims to address obstacles faced by the community and improve service delivery, with the participation of political leaders and community members. The DDM Imbizo offers media professionals a chance to witness the impact of the event firsthand, and it exemplifies the unwavering dedication of leaders like Hon. Swarts to create a better future for their communities.
The Western Cape region has been hit by a powerful winter storm causing widespread destruction. The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is taking immediate action to restore services and rebuild the affected areas. The recovery efforts aim to overcome infrastructure and communication challenges, and address urgent needs for vulnerable communities. Despite the obstacles, the combined efforts of various stakeholders ensure that the region will rise again, stronger than ever before.
South African Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, supports an investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration related to a R295 million tender granted for the renovation and improvement of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works. The plant has struggled with operational and maintenance issues, resulting in inadequate effluent treatment and contamination of the Apies River and the Leeuwkraal Dam. This pollution has negatively impacted the water quality in the Leeuwkraal Dam, compromising the drinkability of the water supplied to the Hammanskraal area. The Special Investigating Unit will probe the allegations and the City of Tshwane will address water quality and supply problems.
