the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
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.
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.
