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Cape Town News
The South African government is committed to providing housing for its citizens and has allocated a substantial part of its budget to upgrading informal settlements and providing access to basic amenities. Despite fiscal issues and budget reductions, the government is focusing on social and affordable housing and launched initiatives to empower vulnerable groups and small businesses. The government is also aiming to create spatially integrated human settlements, improve disaster and emergency housing, and expedite the issuance of title deeds to deserving beneficiaries.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) is taking firm action to combat tax evasion by international online retailers like Shein and Temu, who have been exploiting tax gaps to provide competitive pricing. SARS is revamping its tax rules and administrative procedures to extract taxes more efficiently from these platforms, and packages will be taxed at 45% plus VAT, the same percentage as local clothing retailers. SARS aims to forge a balanced marketplace for all retailers by plugging these tax gaps and conveying a potent message to online retailers that the era of tax loophole exploitation is coming to an end.
Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Art, and Culture, recently revealed in his book “The Uncomfortable Truth” that he fathered eight children with six different women during his selfproclaimed “player days.” Despite the scandalous nature of his personal life, McKenzie denies being an absentee father and uses his book as a pathway to redemption, offering advice for women and his three daughters. McKenzie’s past relationships, including his marriage to attorney Nicolette Joubert and his current single status, are also explored. McKenzie’s journey serves as a testament to personal transformation and the potential for growth and redemption.
South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is currently embroiled in a legal battle over a contentious contract with eZaga, Coinvest Africa, Tenet Technology, and Norraco Corporation, which was aimed at disbursing payments to university and TVET college students. The contract’s termination was met with an urgent court application from eZaga, which secured a favorable ruling on July 15th due to irregularities in the tender award process. The situation remains complex, impacting the students who depend on the aid.
Cape Town is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address approaches. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has a successful history of managing major events in the city, with security measures in place, including increased roadblocks and police visibility patrols. The public is urged to uphold the law, with protests within the legal framework tolerated, and any threats or disruptions dealt with sternly. The city stands ready for a safe and secure event, leaving another mark on the country’s political landscape.
Run for the Dogs is a community initiative that encourages people to join a run to help rescue dogs find permanent homes. It is not just for pet owners and does not require participants to bring a dog. The movement partners with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to create a fusion of fitness, love for animals, and community. The next event is planned for July 20, 2024, and updates can be found on the Run for the Dogs Instagram page.
The 2024/25 Budget Vote of National Treasury: A Blueprint for Financial Stability and Economic Unity
The 2024/25 Budget Vote of National Treasury is a blueprint for financial stability and economic unity in South Africa. It aims to reduce the fiscal deficit and debtservice costs through stringent spending controls and revenue initiatives, while promoting fiscal sustainability, economic integration through infrastructure development, and sustainable development. The plan requires the united efforts and commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and citizens, to achieve its goals.
Five criminals in the Western Cape have been sentenced to a collective prison term of 545 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The extended sentences showcase the unyielding position of law enforcement agencies in upholding justice and maintaining societal harmony. The verdict serves as a powerful warning to those contemplating a life of crime, reminding them that justice is unfailing and unavoidable.
The Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Patricia de Lille, aims to make tourism a crucial driver of economic progression and job provision in the country. Her vision is outlined in the National Development Plan and Tourism Sector Master Plan, which highlight the potential for skill enrichment, job formation, income generation, and sustainable community growth. Initiatives include a maintenance program for national parks, a national Air Access Strategy, and visa waivers. The tourism sector in South Africa is constantly evolving, and de Lille’s commitment to her role as Minister of Tourism is commendable.
Cape Town is battling extreme weather with floods causing extensive damage. The Human Settlements Directorate of the City has distributed over 10,000 flood kits to residents in highrisk areas and officials are working tirelessly to support the affected population. The city is also developing sustainable solutions, such as a relocation strategy for those in highrisk informal settlements. Residents can contribute by donating to the Disaster Risk Management Centre or contacting the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre in case of emergencies.
Cape Town is revamping the weirs at Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei as part of a larger plan to improve water quality. The proposed changes aim to promote the oxygenation of exposed sludge, elevate groundwater levels and restore natural equilibrium. The City is encouraging public participation and adhering to strict environmental guidelines to ensure compliance. The proposed redevelopment represents a shared vision of a healthier environment and a sustainable future.
Cape Town’s tourism sector has achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of a new partnership that highlights the city’s unique features and experiences. The partnership amplifies the perspectives and knowledge of local tourism providers to create captivating marketing content that resonates with people around the world. The campaign has already reached over 2.3 million people and garnered more than 2.7 million impressions, boosting inbound travel and generating excitement for the future of Cape Town’s tourism industry.
South Africa’s government provides financial support to eligible senior pensioners aged 60 and above through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). SASSA’s Older Person Grants offer a lifeline to citizens, permanent residents, and refugees who lack significant income. An asset test is enacted to determine eligibility, with successful applicants receiving retroactive payments from the date of their application. The South African government’s commitment to social justice is evident through its ongoing review and increase of the stipend, demonstrating its respect and care for the elderly population.
The African National Congress (ANC) is holding a virtual disciplinary proceeding against expresident Jacob Zuma for breaching party rules, marking a significant juncture in South Africa’s political scene. The hearing was moved online due to safety concerns, and Zuma’s endorsement of a rival party has created tension within the ANC. The outcome of the hearing will have broader implications for the future trajectory of the ANC and the evolution of South Africa’s political landscape.
Get ready for a unique and exciting musical experience at the Cape Town Country Music Festival in October. The festival boasts a blend of international and South African country music talent, including headliners like Kip Moore and Zac Brown Band. Enjoy authentic American cuisine and drinks while browsing exclusive festival merchandise, and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of country music culture. This inaugural festival promises to be an unmissable addition to South Africa’s vibrant music scene.
The Sardine Run in South Africa is a breathtaking, raw display of marine life that has earned the title ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth.’ Billions of tiny silver bodies create a surge of life that lures predators such as sharks, dolphins, and orcas. However, overfishing and climate change are threatening the future of this annual spectacle, making its preservation crucial to the health and diversity of our marine ecosystems. The event’s magnitude is so colossal that it challenges human comprehension and belief, making it a wonder that deserves protection and preservation.
