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Cape Town News
South Africa and Namibia’s BiNational Commission (BNC) serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration. The 3rd Session of the BNC in October 2023 focuses on energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, and encouraging collaboration in various other sectors to propel progress and development throughout the African continent. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia jointly preside over the session, with a highlevel delegation from South Africa attending to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
The National Health Council in South Africa is a crucial forum for decisionmakers in the public health system to collaborate and address vital issues impacting the nation’s healthcare. Its goals include launching new vaccines, evaluating the risk of avian influenza infections in humans, widening online birth registrations, and improving maternity and neonatal care guidelines. The council aims to optimize resource distribution and facilitate the effective delivery of health services by addressing challenges such as medicolegal claims and cost containment measures proposed by the National Treasury. Overall, the council’s initiatives signify a leap towards ensuring equitable healthcare for all residents of South Africa.
The Annual Research Day hosted by the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) at UKZN on October 12, 2023 brings together scholars, researchers, graduates, and postgraduate students to showcase research in various fields and discuss the latest advancements, with Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala as the keynote speaker. The theme for this year’s event is “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 for Higher Education Institutions PostCOVID19 Pandemic,” and it includes a Three Minute Thesis Competition. The event offers a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and addressing the challenges and opportunities in higher education institutions in the postCOVID19 environment.
Premier Alan Winde hosted the 26th Energy Digicon to discuss how the mobile communications industry is dealing with the energy crisis. Industry leaders explored the use of renewable energy sources and innovative technologies to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The event emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and industry in formulating holistic strategies to combat the energy crisis.
The Western Cape government in South Africa is working to improve the judicial system by pinpointing areas of inefficiency through the Court Watching Brief Unit (CWB). The CWB focuses on priority courts and its latest statistics showed that police inefficiencies led to 63 cases being recorded, with over 40% being related to genderbased violence. The government is also working to strengthen the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan to ensure a safe and prosperous region.
Ditsobotla Local Municipality in South Africa is addressing instability and poor service provision with the Ditsobotla Financial Recovery Plan. The plan aims to revive governance structures, financial management, and service delivery through a threephase approach of rescue, stabilization, and sustainability, with a focus on collaboration. The plan will be executed over at least three years and comprises four key pillars. The intervention team will work to identify and address immediate issues, reinforce governance structures, enhance financial management, and restore crucial services to the community.
The community of Oranjeville in South Africa has teamed up with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal fishing in the Vaal Dam and surrounding areas. Through cooperation and the capture of six individuals, the community has shown the power of community uprising in protecting their environment and natural resources. This effort serves as an example of efficient crime prevention and the importance of collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies.
Mpumalanga’s water levels have remained stable, but ongoing water conservation initiatives are crucial. The latest weekly reservoir report showed a slight drop in average water levels in dams, emphasizing the significance of heeding the Department of Water and Sanitation’s call for water conservation. Dams in distinct districts have recorded lower water levels, highlighting the need for individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide to adopt water conservation strategies and invest in responsible and efficient use of this invaluable resource for a sustainable future.
The financial sustainability of South Africa’s water sector is being addressed in an upcoming workshop, with representatives from various stakeholders coming together to discuss steps needed to ensure sustainability. The workshop will provide collaboration and knowledge sharing opportunities among key stakeholders to develop a stronger and resilient water infrastructure system in South Africa. Initiatives like this are crucial in addressing the challenges the sector faces, and collaboration among government authorities, private sector entities, and public sector organizations will be critical in surmounting financial challenges and ensuring the wellbeing of the nation’s population.
HIGHER HEALTH is an organization in South Africa that provides mental health assistance to students, fights against the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and works closely with LGBTQ+ students, genderbased violence survivors, and the general student and staff populations. Mental health problems, especially depression, impact young adults worldwide, and in South Africa, the numbers are deeply concerning. HIGHER HEALTH offers a 24hour Crisis helpline accessible through a tollfree line, and as we observe World Mental Health Day, it is vital to acknowledge both the severity of mental health problems affecting young adults and the efforts made by organizations like HIGHER HEALTH.
South Africa is taking action to tackle its high unemployment rate through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase 5. The program aims to create ongoing opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment for young people, revitalizing workshops and exploring alternative financing options. By incorporating modern technology and devising exit strategies for participants, the government hopes to create a brighter future for the country’s youth, women, and communities, ultimately changing the public employment narrative in South Africa.
Over the weekend of September 7th8th, 2019, the Heinz Park neighborhood witnessed a surge of violence leading to the deaths of six innocent individuals. The community is left in shock and fear as the motives behind these merciless killings remain unknown. The AntiGang Unit has called for public assistance in finding justice, and the community must unite to overcome their fears and support each other in their pursuit of a brighter future. Art can provide a means of solace and healing for the community as they begin to rebuild their sense of safety and unity.
Cape Town offers a variety of activities to improve mental health, including mindfulness, nature walks, and artistic activities. Taking a relaxing bath, establishing a routine, and developing stressresilience techniques also promote mental wellbeing. Surrounding oneself with positive energy, embracing laughter and smiles, and taking advantage of discounted offers for city attractions are additional ways to enhance mental health. By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can elevate their mood, sharpen focus, and increase overall wellbeing.
Cape Town is improving its urban mobility by replacing temporary MyCiti bus stops with permanent ones. The new stops will include name posts with lighting, leaning rails, and bus service information, as well as universal access measures such as tactile paving for the visually impaired and ramps for wheelchair users. The proposal also involves changing the placement of some permanent bus stops to optimize space and improve road safety. Residents can provide feedback on the proposed plans until October 31, 2023, and the city is committed to enhancing the daily commute for thousands of residents.
Two youth ambassadors, Sophumelela Qoma and Keira King, are leading the NotOnOurWatch campaign to protect endangered African penguins from climate change and habitat destruction. They organized the Worldwide Waddle on International African Penguin Awareness Day to rally support and raise awareness globally. The campaign aims to convince policymakers to prioritize penguin conservation and showcases the power of youthful dedication in conservation efforts. To contribute to their cause, visit their official websites and join the Worldwide Waddle.
Imam Abdullah Haron, a prominent antiapartheid activist, died after being tortured by the South African Police. After more than 50 years of uncertainty, a recently reopened inquest confirmed the cause of Imam Haron’s death and revealed the neglect and mistreatment he endured while in custody. The judgment not only vindicates the Haron family but also marks a crucial turning point for survivors of apartheidera police brutality and all those who struggled for a just and democratic South Africa.
