The current state of the 2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) has become a matter of national concern. Premier Alan Winde expressed disappointment over the urgency of the pending fiscal crisis. Despite his efforts to have the issue addressed at the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), it was not included in the agenda. In response, Premier Winde has declared his intentions to bring this issue to the forefront.

In Babanango, a small town in South Africa’s Zululand district, a historic moment is taking place. The launch of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) Smart Skills Centre is bringing digital skills development to rural communities and marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide.

On August 26th, the Bergrivier Municipality Town Hall in Velddrift hosted a meeting where members of the Bergrivier community were presented with updates and mediumterm plans by Tertuis Simmers and Ricardo Mackenzie, the Western Cape Government’s provincial MECs of Infrastructure and Mobility, respectively.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) recently held a followup hearing with the National Department of Health (NDOH) on the matter of forced sterilisation. CGE called the NDOH to account on 29 August 2023, exercising its statutory powers under Section 12 (4) (b) of the CGE Act 39 of 1996. This hearing, led by NDOH’s Deputy DirectorGeneral Professor Nicholas Crisp, was convened due to concerns over the department’s lack of progress in implementing its investigation recommendations.

The Department of Employment and Labour in Mpumalanga Province has organized a twoweek inspection blitz to strengthen labor regulations and establish a secure and just working environment. The inspections will take place from September 4th to 15th, 2023, in Malelane and Bushbuckridge. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), South Africa Police Service (SAPS), and municipal health inspectors from both Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi Local Municipalities will conduct a comprehensive examination of various businesses across different sectors.

The City of Cape Town has launched its annual #SpringCleanCT campaign for 2023, with the goal of encouraging residents to participate in local cleanup efforts and scaling up cleaning operations in litter hotspots across the metropolitan area. ### Success of Joint Efforts in 2022

The tragic fire that occurred in Johannesburg’s innercity has left families devastated and searching for answers. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has announced that the Diepkloof mortuary is now open for families to identify their loved ones who lost their lives in the incident.

Recently, South African Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi called for increased education and awareness of the amended Employment Equity Act (EEA). The EEA’s recent changes are aimed at promoting workplace equity, affirmative action, and similar subjects. ### Preventing Misinformation

Wesgro, the Western Cape’s tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, has played a vital role in the province’s growth strategy. As the agency continues to contribute significantly to the economy, fostering good governance and diverse leadership is crucial to its continued strategic growth.

South Africa has been a beacon of scientific progress and innovation for many years, making significant strides in various fields. The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recently highlighted the nation’s achievements in the 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards, emphasizing the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in economic development and addressing societal challenges.

Transnet, a critical player in South Africa’s economy, is facing a turning point. With a deteriorating financial and operational performance and the Auditor General’s critical findings, Minister Pravin Gordhan and the newly appointed Transnet Board are determined to address the challenges and enact a decisive and radical transformation plan.

On September 2, 2023, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, held a media briefing to provide an update on the Energy Action Plan’s implementation. The briefing took place at the GCIS Auditorium in Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, and aimed to keep the media informed and engaged in the national endeavor for sustainable power.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, recently addressed KwaZuluNatal entrepreneurs, urging them to scale up their businesses to drive economic growth and create jobs. The seminar hosted in Durban was aimed at small, micro, and mediumsized enterprises (SMMEs), providing them with valuable insights and information on funding opportunities available within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) agencies, and the KwaZuluNatal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA).