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Cape Town News
The Delft Library in Cape Town has won an award for its innovative Gaming Programme, which encourages young visitors to complete reading or homework sessions in return for playing video games. The programme has not only increased library attendance, but also helped to reduce antisocial behaviour by reigniting a passion for reading among young people. The success of the initiative has seen it adopted by libraries across the area, and serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and community spirit to transform traditional institutions.
Heart Awareness Month and World Heart Day are campaigns that aim to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the importance of heart health. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA) organizes various communitybased activities and programs, such as the School Health Promotion Initiative, to educate individuals about the advantages of maintaining optimal heart health. It is crucial to understand the effects of hypertension, diabetes, climate change, and pollution on CVD to determine one’s cumulative risk. By adopting healthy habits and supporting the HSFSA, individuals can minimize the risk of CVD onset and decrease morbidity and mortality.
In the aftermath of fierce storms, Western Cape schools have struggled to recover. Over 24 schools remained closed due to damage and obstructed access roads, with 249 schools in total being substantially affected by the storm. Teachers, government officials, and emergency services are collaborating to ensure the swift reopening of the schools and have implemented catchup plans for students to make up for lost days. Despite the challenges, the Western Cape community remains committed to their children’s education and wellbeing, demonstrating resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Rocking the Daisies festival, known for its celebration of music and community, faced unprecedented challenges due to extreme weather conditions and flooding in the Western Cape. After careful consideration, the festival was postponed to November 2023, with a commitment to safety and support for affected communities. Despite setbacks, the festival’s lineup remains largely unchanged, and organizers are working diligently to minimize disruptions. The resilience and unity of the festival’s community, including title partner Johnnie Walker, have demonstrated the power of music and art in overcoming adversity.
The Saldanha Industrial Development Zone in South Africa is set to become a hub for economic growth with the completion of a new access road. The road is part of a larger infrastructure investment project worth R2.25 billion and is expected to increase economic activity and revenue in the region. The Saldanha IDZ has already contributed significantly to economic development and job creation, and ongoing infrastructure projects are expected to continue driving progress and prosperity in the area.
In Gauteng, South Africa, a CashInTransit (CIT) robbery was stopped thanks to the prompt action of the Gauteng police. The robbers disarmed the security guards, detonated explosives on the cash van, and escaped with an undisclosed sum of money. However, the police managed to track down and arrest the suspects within a mere three hours, confiscating three rifles, cash, and two cellphones from the arrested suspects. The incident highlights the effectiveness of the ongoing Operation Shanela, which aims to eradicate crimes such as murder and armed robberies in the region.
*Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, has successfully secured a High Court order to prevent the National Coloured Congress (NCC) from shutting down businesses and interfering with the city’s development.* The NCC had been presenting disruptive plans and had already halted a City construction project and service station. *Mayor HillLewis stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law and reminded that violent disruptions or threats are unconstitutional. The High Court order serves as an example of how legal channels can effectively counter disruptive political aims and safeguard the rights of citizens and businesses.*
Get ready for the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town, an exciting event that brings together thousands of energetic participants to raise awareness for breast cancer. With runners donning pink shirts, the race aims to promote unity, courage, and determination among women. The event supports the PinkDrive campaign, offering complimentary breast examinations and emphasizing the importance of selfexaminations. In preparation for the race, temporary road closures will impact several major roads in Cape Town, but the collective stride of the runners will push towards a future of support and hope in the fight against breast cancer.
Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa gave an inspiring speech at the ICT SMME Certification Ceremony during the 2023 Corrections Week. Holomisa emphasized the importance of human rights and the responsibility of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to create a just and secure South Africa. Community Corrections plays a vital role in aiding the acceptance and social reintegration of offenders, and the DCS needs to reinforce partnerships to accomplish its objectives. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders are necessary to prepare inmates for life after release and create a safer and more just South Africa.
The briefing was held to foster transparency and accountability as South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, shared insights on the outcomes of a crucial Cabinet meeting. The public had access to it via live streaming on multiple platforms, and the topics discussed during the meeting may have included economic development, education and training, healthcare, social benefits, infrastructure and services, and international relations. Through such engagements with the media, the government demonstrates its commitment to democratic values and ensures that all South Africans are wellinformed and actively participating in the nation’s development.
The South African High Court has supported the auction of a lavish home connected to Johannesburg businessman Hamilton Ndlovu, who obtained 19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tenders worth R172m from the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) through an irregular agreement. The court’s rejection of an application to halt the sale advances the enforcement of investigation findings and consequence management to recover losses incurred by NHLS and the state. The South African Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that 90% of the funds received by Ndlovu were not spent on procuring PPE supplies but were diverted for personal benefit.
President Ramaphosa is focusing on domestic initiatives to strengthen South Africa’s economy and tackle pressing challenges. These initiatives include boosting collaboration between the government and business sector and addressing issues such as energy, logistics, crime, and corruption. The President has also expressed condolences for the loss of Zoleka Mandela and offered support to those affected by recent flooding. Additionally, he will be hosting the Special Olympics Team to acknowledge their accomplishments and overseeing the inauguration of the Border Management Authority.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend the inauguration of the BaGa Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing Village as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme. The health centre will offer primary healthcare services to the surrounding communities, including emergency medical services, women and child health care, and mental health services. Mashatile will also conduct an interactive session with the BaGa Mothibi community to update them on government service delivery programs and encourage social cohesion. This visit exemplifies the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and public health in the region.
Cape Town’s City Council is updating prepaid electricity meters to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for all customers by the 2024 deadline. The process is simple, with residents receiving two 20digit update codes alongside their standard prepaid token and following three straightforward steps to complete the update. City teams are available to assist and support residents, ensuring a seamless transition. The initiative will guarantee continuous power supply for all residents within the region, with easytofollow instructions and the assistance of City teams.
The Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sector has immense potential, with the province aiming to double the number of visitors by 2035, and skilled tourist guides play a vital role in realizing this vision. The Western Cape celebrated World Tourism Day with the graduation of 38 tourist guides in Langa, Cape Town. The graduates, representing diverse communities, completed a course sponsored by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the City of Cape Town, becoming Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority accredited tourist guides with a specialization in cultural sites.
The Ninth BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, is working towards creating a fair and just global system. With its expansion to include six new members, the intergovernmental organization aims to address issues such as UN’s role in international matters, economic globalization, peace and security, and collaboration in various fields. The forum’s potential to initiate change on an unparalleled scale has been recognized, and its parliamentarians must utilize the power of legislation to create a fair world where everyone has the opportunity to prosper. The forum must be ready to manage and resolve disputes and challenges that emerge from conflicting interests, tackle the intricate challenges of development, and ensure gender equality and economic empowerment while working towards achieving the African Continental Free Trade Area.
