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Cape Town News
Cape Town is planning the largest social housing development in the inner city, with 1,800 units in the Salt River suburb, including 840 social rental units for families earning less than R22,000 per month, along with various onsite services. The project aims to create inclusive and diverse living environments, addressing the needs of residents and providing a highquality living space. This ambitious housing project demonstrates the city’s commitment to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing and signals a forwardthinking future for Cape Town.
What is Boatica Cape Town and why is it significant? Boatica Cape Town is the leading marine manufacturing event in Africa, offering a unique blend of business and leisure opportunities for industry participants. With significant economic relevance for Cape Town and the worldwide community, the event serves as a crucial hub for innovation and collaboration. Featuring over 70 exhibitors and 50 boats, the event is a celebration of marine ingenuity, attracting visitors and investors from around the world.
The 2023 South African municipal byelections brought significant changes in the nation’s political landscape. An Independent Candidate won a seat, while the ANC retained a seat and won another, and the DA maintained their hold on a seat. These results suggest potential shifts in the nation’s political landscape. The rise of Independent Candidate Jacobus Cornelius Stoltz in Lekwa Municipality’s Ward 04 in Mpumalanga underscores a significant shift in voter preferences. The ANC’s mixed results illustrate the intricate dynamics present in South African politics, and the DA’s performance highlights the party’s stronghold in certain regions.
The recent trial blasting at Clanwilliam Dam is a crucial milestone in the longawaited construction phase to increase the dam wall’s height by 13 meters. The project will provide additional water resources to the region’s agricultural industry, generate employment opportunities, and boost the economy along the West Coast corridor. The trial blasting involved drilling 116 holes, consuming 920 kg of explosives, and excavating approximately 1253 m3 of hard rock, paving the way for regular blasting operations and establishing safety measures. The project’s success will improve the lives of the people living in the West Coast region and contribute to overall development.
What progress has the South African Police Service made in the war on drugs? Under the leadership of General Fannie Masemola, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confiscated and destroyed illegal drugs worth R800 million in Johannesburg, Gauteng. During the 2022/2023 fiscal year, SAPS eradicated 20.8 tons of drugs with an estimated street value of R2 billion. Recent drug disposals were executed after obtaining court orders and completing associated cases. General Masemola emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders involved in border security to enhance cargo control measures.
Community Development Practitioners in South Africa were recently celebrated in a graduation ceremony organized by the Department of Social Development and the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA). The event recognized the essential role these practitioners play in society as they provide crucial services to underprivileged rural and township communities. The initiative, known as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), aims to professionalize Community Development Practice, contribute to a more skilled and employable workforce, and foster overall economic growth in the nation. Through their dedication, Community Development Practitioners facilitate sustainable change and development in impoverished communities and combat poverty and other social challenges.
The Soweto Parkrun is a community program that promotes healthy living through physical activity, providing accessible exercise options for all ages and fitness levels while fostering a sense of community and social engagement. The initiative addresses public health issues while promoting inclusivity and social interaction, enabling citizens to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Participants can register for free on the official website, and the program is a shining example of how public health interventions can be both meaningful and enjoyable.
The Senior Citizens Sectoral Parliament in Mahikeng is an event that aims to promote understanding, respect, and support for the dignity and rights of older individuals. It seeks to empower senior citizens by providing them with a platform to express their concerns and propose their ideas. By encouraging engagement, collaboration, and selfrepresentation among older individuals, their opinions will be taken into account across various activities that impact their lives. The ultimate goal is to enhance the dignity and wellbeing of older persons in the North West Province.
The Thuntsha Lerole Programme is a comprehensive service delivery initiative in South Africa that aims to improve the standard of living for inhabitants of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality by offering a wide array of government services. The programme focuses on infrastructure enhancements, community development, and environmental matters, and is being implemented in local municipalities throughout the province. With a coordinated and integrated strategy, the programme serves as a model for future service delivery initiatives in South Africa.
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in South Africa is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of championing and safeguarding media variety and progress in the country. Established in 2003, the MDDA is a legislative development organization formed through a partnership between the South African government and major print and broadcast corporations, with the goal of cultivating community and small commercial media throughout the country. The MDDA has financed 586 community media projects, including 321 community broadcasts and 185 community print projects, such as newspapers, magazines, and small commercial print media, demonstrating its dedication to advancing media growth and inclusivity.
South African police successfully seized valuable gems, ammunition, and explosives during an antiillegal mining operation in Limpopo. The operation involved collaboration between law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and private security firms, and aimed to eradicate illegal mining activities. The recovered items highlight the persistent issue of unregulated mining in South Africa and the need for continued multiagency efforts to combat the problem. The authorities’ commitment to addressing this intricate problem involves a multifaceted strategy, including strong law enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns, and capturing not only those directly engaged in unlawful activities but also targeting the financiers and enablers who allow these operations to flourish.
Dr. Fred Calitz was a highly respected figure in South African education, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 87. He was instrumental in the development of Umalusi’s quality assurance frameworks, and his unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity, quality, and standard of examinations has left a lasting legacy within the South African educational landscape. Even after his retirement, Dr. Calitz continued to contribute to the organization, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing the quality assurance processes and approaches for the betterment of South Africa’s education system.
South Africa’s National Safer Festive Season Operations and Operation Shanela have achieved remarkable progress in reducing organized crime syndicates, including cashintransit heists, ATM bombings, and drug trafficking. In just two weeks, over 20,000 criminals have been apprehended, and 5 tons of drugs with an estimated street value of 800 million rand have been seized and destroyed. The progress made in disrupting the drug distribution chain within South Africa has been significant, and the joint efforts of stakeholders in both border security and cargo control measures entering and leaving the country have been pivotal.
Cape Town has made significant progress in providing affordable housing and infrastructure improvements for its rapidly growing population. The city has allocated a 3.2hectare site for a 1,800unit innercity housing initiative, and the Mayoral Priority Programme has approved over 2,000 social housing units across seven land parcels. However, the national social housing subsidy regime and budget reductions pose challenges for the city’s social housing sector. Despite these obstacles, Cape Town remains committed to investing in infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, and is a leading city in inclusive and sustainable growth.
Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, participated in two United Nations Security Council debates on the Middle East conflict and women’s role in peace and security. The Middle East debate centered on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, while the Women, Peace, and Security discussion discussed the critical role of women in international peace, conflict resolution, and security. Dr. Pandor’s engagement in these debates demonstrated South Africa’s commitment to promoting peace, gender equality, and international collaboration.
South Africa’s Department of Basic Education and Dove teamed up for a weeklong celebration in October 2023, honoring the International Month of the Girl Child. The event included selfesteem workshops and a Ministerial commemoration promoting female empowerment through education. Social media influencers were in attendance, highlighting the importance of collaborations to uplift and honor girls and young women. The event demonstrated the power of cooperation in effecting change and illuminating the importance of education and selfconfidence in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
