In the bustling city of Cape Town, a groundbreaking effort is being made to provide a lifeline to vulnerable individuals who have found themselves living on the streets. The city’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, recently shared the news of approved plans for a 300bed Safe Space shelter, marking a significant stride towards tackling homelessness in this urban center. This monumental endeavor is set to start early next year, offering not only a place to sleep but also access to pivotal care services that can transform these individuals’ lives for the better.

Namibia welcomes participants to the 7th Africa Sanitation (AfricaSan) Conference, with Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, leading the South African delegation. Organized by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Union (AU) Commission, the conference gathers ministers, highranking civil servants, academics, private sector representatives, and civil society to discuss sanitation and hygiene across the continent.

Limpopo Province has made considerable progress in improving its healthcare services with Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha’s unveiling of 35 new ambulances for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Sekhukhune District Municipality. This development is part of the ongoing pledge to increase healthcare accessibility for all residents of Limpopo, aiming to supply 500 ambulances by the end of this year.

The Western Cape province is strengthening climate resilience through a partnership between Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies and the Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The alliance aims to facilitate a just transition towards a climateresilient society and a sustainable, lowcarbon economy through partnerships and cooperation in research, capacity building, and the pursuit of climaterelated solutions. The MOA signed in 2023 emphasizes the importance of partnerships and the exchange of scientific expertise in developing a green, lowcarbon, and climateresilient province by 2050.

Judge Thulare exposed the shocking extent of gang involvement within SAPS, revealing that the 28 gang had infiltrated the senior management of SAPS in the Western Cape. IPID promised to investigate, but their silence raises concerns about their intentions and progress. However, the Western Cape Government remains committed to pursuing transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption and gangsterism within SAPS, insisting on removing any implicated officers from service and protecting citizens from corrupt individuals.

The UIFThuja jobs deal controversy involves allegations of bribery and ministerial involvement in a scandalous deal worth R5 billion in South Africa. However, the credibility of the source of these allegations, Mdwaba, and the lack of supporting evidence raise doubts about the validity of the claims. The media’s role in propagating the narrative without verifying the claims is also noteworthy. It is essential to investigate the irregularities of the deal and address the conflicts of interest and lack of due diligence that have come to light.

Thuntsha Lerole is a government initiative in South Africa that offers free basic services to eligible households with low income, including water and electricity. Over 1500 households have already received aid through the program, which aims to improve access to government services and communication between the government and local residents. Thuntsha Lerole’s success highlights the impact of government intervention on vulnerable communities and fosters a sense of empowerment and selfreliance among its beneficiaries.

The BreedeOlifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) have launched an enforcement campaign in Klein Karoo to address illegal water use and ensure adherence to the National Water Act. The Blue Scorpion Inspectorate, consisting of BOCMA and DWS personnel, is conducting inspections to catch wrongdoers and promote responsible water usage. The campaign highlights the significance of water conservation and the role of government agencies in preserving natural resources for sustainable future generations.

Malaria is a lifethreatening disease that is preventable and treatable if detected early. The South African Department of Health has implemented various response strategies to prevent and control malaria, including screening and testing for malaria at borders, indoor residual spraying, and public education campaigns. Travelers can take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing longsleeved clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets to protect themselves. However, ongoing challenges such as climatic changes and drugresistant strains of the parasite present a continued challenge for healthcare providers and researchers.

The Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development and Property Management in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature is set to revisit Mayibuye Primary School in Tembisa to assess any progress made since the school’s construction completion in 2017 and establish whether learners have started using the facility. The school has remained unoccupied for years after its completion, and the Committee aims to assess if any progress has been made in resolving the issue and holding the responsible individuals accountable. The Committee will also visit New Kempton Park High School and Lake Side Primary School to address other infrastructure challenges faced by schools in the region.