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Cape Town News
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga believes that the youth of South Africa are crucial for the country’s industrial growth and have enormous potential for the country’s welfare. She proposes specialized programs to tackle youth unemployment and foster innovationled industrial strategies, including opportunities in green manufacturing, the ocean economy, agriculture, mining, and energy transitions. She calls for the establishment of an Action Plan and a Youth Unemployment Crisis Committee to ensure the proposed interventions are executed promptly. Minister Chikunga stresses the need for sincere evaluation and profound interventions, moving beyond surfacelevel alterations to the system, and establishing intelligent industrial towns and cities in strategic locations outside traditional urban centers.
The City of Cape Town is involving residents in the redesign of road infrastructure in the Kraaifontein region through public engagement opportunities and open public days. The project aims to reshape road infrastructure in growing regions and prioritize growth areas through proactive planning. The city is committed to democratic involvement and invites all residents to express their thoughts and comments on the proposed designs before presenting the final designs to the Council for approval.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has invested over R105 million in a fleet of advanced vehicles and equipment to improve the city’s water and sanitation systems, including unclogging sewer blockages and ensuring water supply during disruptions. The new fleet includes advanced jetmachine trucks, combinationunit trucks, and supersucker trucks, as well as a mobile laboratory for offsite water testing. The investment emphasizes the importance of technology in improving essential services while emphasizing the mindful behavior of residents in preserving the city’s systems.
The heroic firefighters of the City of Cape Town are taking a break from fighting fires to run in the Totalsports Women’s Race. Their goal is to raise awareness about blood cancer and bloodrelated disorders and recruit more people as stem cell donors. Their partnership with DKMS, a global nonprofit fighting against these diseases, aims to make a difference in the lives of those affected. You can join their noble cause by registering as a stem cell donor online at www.dkmsafrica.org.
The Human Settlements title deeds initiative in Cape Town distributed 2,000 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries between June and July 2024, utilizing a doortodoor methodology that showcased community cooperation. The initiative has redefined the lives of recipients and bears witness to the commitment and determination of personnel and title deed agents. Title deeds are emblems of possession and sovereignty, integral to financial transactions, and the initiative’s success indicates a commitment to enabling residents and unlocking new possibilities. An estimated 12,000 title deeds are still awaiting delivery, and beneficiaries without a title deed are encouraged to interact with title deed agents.
Cape Town is taking action to address the need for affordable rental housing by revising the Municipal Planning Bylaw to attract micro and smallscale developers to invest in areas where housing is urgently needed. The proposed changes aim to establish and manage these developments, leading to higher quality, safer housing units that are legally connected to essential services. By introducing spatial policies and strategies, the city plans to construct safer, better quality homes in informal settlements and backyards, aligning with Objective 8 of the City’s Integrated Development Plan.
The South African Police Service showed their bravery and commitment to public safety during a highrisk car chase and gunfight in Umlazi. Three suspects were killed and a police officer was wounded but recovered. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between law enforcement and criminal forces.
Pharmacists are the unsung heroes of healthcare, armed with extensive knowledge in medication and serving as custodians of medicinal knowledge. City Health, with its team of pharmacists and postbasic pharmacist assistants, is an example of the profession’s significance. Pharmacists also play a vital role in combating antimicrobial resistance and ensuring proper drug disposal. As we celebrate Pharmacy Month, let us acknowledge their contribution and heed their advice on medication use for better health outcomes.
The MyCiTi bus service on Turfhall Road is an exciting project that aims to revolutionize public transport in Cape Town. It will connect travellers from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to Wynberg and Claremont through dedicated bus lanes and improvements to roads and transportation facilities. The project, set to be completed by July 2027, involves extensive construction and is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to local residents. Despite the disruptions caused by construction, the project promises to provide accessible, dependable, and affordable public transportation, shaping a new era of connection and mobility in Cape Town.
In the Western Cape Tactical Response Team, there is only one female member, Constable Thabisa Ntyinkala. Her journey is a story of courage and determination, as she climbed the ranks of the South African Police Service. Despite being a single mother of two, Ntyinkala is devoted to maintaining her fitness and readiness for her demanding job. Her accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for others, and she hopes to eradicate corruption within the SAPS ranks.
On World Ranger Day 2024, we celebrate the inspiring women rangers who protect Cape Town’s reserves. These conservation champions have received comprehensive training and provide diverse skills to preserve the environment. From Victoria Day, a reserve supervisor at False Bay Nature Reserve, to Vuyokazi Rubushe, a field ranger at Helderberg Nature Reserve, these women’s journeys highlight the importance of offering equal opportunities and embody the pillars of success: passion, dedication, and a commitment to learning.
A Zambian man suspected of leading a kidnappingforransom syndicate was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The authorities linked the man to the kidnapping of a businessman in July and discovered a stash of crystal meth worth R300 million on the same day. The arrest was the result of a joint effort by multiple law enforcement agencies and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against organized crime.
Cape Town is taking action against the pothole crisis caused by heavy rainfall, with Road Infrastructure Management teams prioritizing repairs based on specific criteria. The city also focuses on maintaining and preserving the road network through regular resurfacing and resealing interventions. Residents can report potholes through various channels, and Cape Town’s response reflects its dedication to keeping its transportation network running smoothly. The city’s decisive response to the issue demonstrates its resolve to overcome the crisis.
Cape Town’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) plays a crucial role in generating employment opportunities and developing skills for its residents. The program has evolved from creating job opportunities to serving as a platform for skills development, enabling recruitment into a variety of fields. The city has invested over R460 million in multiyear skills development projects, providing practical work experience and training for unemployed residents and fostering a more inclusive economy.
The Community, Arts and Culture Department of Cape Town is offering nonprofit organizations the opportunity to apply for GrantsinAid funding amounting to R3 230 046. This funding is dedicated to creative and cultural projects that target young individuals and marginalized groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The projects aim to enrich the city’s cultural milieu and enhance the community’s overall wellbeing, with a focus on accessibility and diversity. The city is committed to making cultural and creative activities more accessible, nurturing talent, and promoting cultural activities in neighborhoods.
The City of Cape Town is gifting title deeds to its residents, providing them with a sense of ownership, stability, and empowerment. The Human Settlements Directorate is coordinating the title deedtodoor campaign, delivering these crucial pieces of paper to homeowners throughout various communities in Cape Town. The City has established systems to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent activities, and residents can easily identify the individuals responsible for title deed delivery. The title deed handover is more than a formality; it’s a promise of a safe and secure future for many South Africans.
