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Cape Town News
The Commission for Gender Equality in South Africa is hosting investigative hearings to evaluate the progress and challenges faced by local municipalities in promoting gender transformation. This provides a platform for examining policies and initiatives taken by the municipalities to enhance gender equality. The hearings will focus on areas such as support for womenowned enterprises, programs aimed at addressing genderbased violence, and representation of women in decisionmaking. It is important for members of the public to engage with the process to contribute to advancing gender transformation in their communities.
A deluge of rain hit the Western Cape region, causing flooding and powerful winds. The South African Weather Service issued a severe warning for Cape Town and surrounding areas. The impact of the rainfall on communities was significant, with over 1,000 homes affected by the flooding. Despite the devastation, the community showed resilience and unity, offering assistance and support to each other in the face of adversity.
In Cape Town, South Africa, a group of animal rescuers consisting of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, City law enforcement officials, and rescue services have teamed up to save abandoned animals amidst a flood. As families fled their homes, many pets and stray animals were left behind, but the rescuers faced the treacherous conditions to save them. Through remarkable teamwork, several horses, cats, and dogs were rescued, and the community’s generosity has helped support the ongoing mission. The story of these animal rescuers serves as a symbol of hope and unity during trying times.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is dedicated to improving the performance of the public service sector by addressing ethical challenges, promoting professionalism, and handling complaints and grievances. The PSC’s upcoming Quarterly Bulletin, “The Pulse of the Public Service,” will provide valuable insights into these crucial matters and offer solutions to refine the public service domain. Through fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance, the PSC aims to create a workforce that upholds the nation’s values and prioritizes the wellbeing of citizens. Citizens can report instances of corruption or unethical conduct through the National AntiCorruption Hotline.
The 20th USsubSaharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum is set to take place in Johannesburg from November 24, 2023. The forum will bring together representatives to discuss strategies for enhancing trade and investment between the US and subSaharan Africa, and promote economic growth and development. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will also play a critical role in spurring economic growth and fostering reform, as it provides dutyfree access to the US market for over 1,800 products from eligible subSaharan African countries. The event will also feature a ‘Made in Africa Exhibition,’ showcasing regional value chains on the continent.
Cape Town is gearing up for the festive season by launching a second wave of lifeguard recruitment for both swimming pool and beach lifeguards. The recruitment campaign runs until October 2, with the swimming season starting at the end of September 2023 and ending in April 2024. Lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer season for visitors to Cape Town’s aquatic attractions. The lifeguard recruitment process involves an intensive physical assessment to ensure only the most skilled and capable individuals are entrusted with the essential task of protecting lives.
The 26th Annual Basa Awards celebrates the power of collaboration between business and the arts, showcasing exceptional partnerships that rejuvenate communities, spark creativity, and address urgent social and economic issues. The awards honor the transformative collaborations between business and the arts that promote artistic expression, cultural diversity, and shared values in South Africa. The finalists represent a diverse array of partnerships, highlighting the importance of inkind support, innovation, corporate social investment, and longterm commitment in driving the success of artistic projects.
Vuk’Talks is a collaborative initiative between the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and educational institutions in South Africa, aimed at empowering the country’s youth. The initiative offers a platform for young people to discuss critical issues like career opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills development, and training. In addition to the dialogue series, Vuk’Talks launched a podcast in June 2023, which caters to the increasing trend of mobile news consumption among South Africa’s digitally connected youth. The success of the Vuk’Talks initiative demonstrates the South African government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth are informed, engaged, and empowered.
Cape Town, a stunning city celebrated for its aweinspiring landscapes and rich history, recently found itself at the mercy of a ferocious storm that swept across the region. Mayor Geordin HillLewis was compelled to sign a Major Incident Declaration, mobilizing muchneeded resources and relief efforts to counter the disastrous consequences of this unanticipated catastrophe.
Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, embodied strength and bravery throughout her 43 years of life. As a member of a family defined by resilience, her recent passing after a long battle with cancer leaves behind a powerful legacy that will continue to influence future generations.
Tucked away in the charming town of Simon’s Town is a modest abode that contains an extensive array of memorabilia spanning various historical and artistic periods. This hidden gem is passionately maintained by its guardian, Rear Admiral Arne Söderlund, a retired sailor with a heart of gold. Rather than charging admission fees, Söderlund greets guests with open arms and invites them to contribute to cancer and bone marrow research. Over the past ten years, he has raised more than R100,000 for the Sunflower Fund.
South Africa faces an immense plastic waste crisis, generating a staggering 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, with a mere 14% being recycled, according to the World Wildlife Fund. This leads to polluted rivers, littercovered beaches, and overfilled landfills. Nonetheless, creative projects are emerging that transform plastic waste into concrete bricks, laying the foundation for ecofriendly housing solutions in Cape Town.
The lively township of Gugulethu, situated on the fringes of Cape Town, South Africa, experienced a horrifying event that left its residents stunned and scared. A seemingly random driveby shooting resulted in the deaths of five people on Monday evening. This brutal act has left the community in turmoil, searching for answers and justice for those lost. As more information about this awful crime comes to light, we are reminded of the delicate nature of human existence and the importance of constant vigilance in our everevolving world.
Gauteng, a province in South Africa, has recently been confronted with serious water challenges as a result of various systemic issues. In response, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, along with Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, embarked on a mission to visit the most affected areas in order to evaluate the situation, engage with impacted communities, and formulate viable solutions.
The exceptional storm that caused significant damage in Cape Town and the Western and Eastern Cape over the weekend has left a profound effect on the city’s most vulnerable inhabitants. City disaster risk management and frontline service teams have been working nonstop to provide aid and assistance to those impacted, particularly in informal settlements, where the destruction is most severe.
In the captivating Cape Peninsula, an extraordinary effort is currently in progress to safeguard the indigenous Chacma baboon population while also addressing the concerns of urban communities that may encounter them. The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT), a collaboration between SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, is ardently working on creating and implementing a longlasting management strategy for the Chacma baboons residing in the Cape Peninsula.
