South Africa is focusing on “Universal Mental Health Coverage” for World Mental Health Day 2023, with the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities and the South African Federation for Mental Health advocating for a human rightsbased approach to mental health. Due to South Africa’s history of racial segregation and inequality, mental health challenges are prevalent, exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic. To achieve universal access to mental health care, the government should invest in training mental health professionals, allocate more resources to mental health services, encourage mental health literacy, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.

The Yarona Digital Ambassadors Programme is a government initiative in South Africa that aims to address the digital gap in the country by cultivating digital proficiency among South Africans, empowering communities with necessary resources, and tackling the digital skills shortage. The programme celebrates the graduation and certification of trainees who have successfully completed the Cell phone Repair Training Programme, emphasizing youth involvement, creativity, and innovation. It marks a significant achievement in the country’s growth, striving to tap into the abilities and potential of its citizens to foster a more inclusive and thriving future.

The South African Health Minister, Dr. MJ Phaahla, believes that mental health is a fundamental human right, yet less than 30% of people with mental health disorders receive treatment in South Africa. Dr. Phaahla emphasized the need for a united effort to raise mental health awareness and minimize stigma, and highlighted the essential role of civil society, faithbased organizations, and traditional health practitioners in prevention, care, treatment, and rehabilitation. Efforts have been made to enhance access to mental health services, including developing guidelines for identifying and treating conditions at the primary health care level and training community health care workers in basic mental health care skills.

A recent case in South Africa highlights the dangers of identity fraud in healthcare. “Dr. Matthew Lani” infiltrated the healthcare system by presenting himself as a medical professional, but further investigations revealed that his real name was Dr. Sanele Zingelwa, a secondyear medical intern. The case emphasizes the need for improved security measures and identification protocols to prevent potential threats from jeopardizing patient health and safety. The presence of unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals can have severe consequences, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Oversight Week is a program that aims to reinforce oversight, encourage public participation, and enhance accountability and transparency within the government. Members of the Provincial Legislature interact with provincial departments, Mayors, Accounting Officers, and members of Municipal Public Accounts Committees to assess the current status of numerous projects, identify challenges, and find solutions. The initiative encompasses a broad range of activities, from incomplete MIG projects to livestock programs, and displays the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

S’miso Nkwanyana was a visionary who fought for a fair and equal South Africa through his work in the financial sector, education, and politics. He understood the significance of student activism and was committed to the fight for socialism and the liberation of all people from oppression and exploitation. His legacy continues to inspire us today, and we honor him by continuing to fight for a better future for all South Africans.

The Western Cape government is working to reopen roads, restore economic activity, and ensure traveler safety after severe weather caused extensive damage. The estimated cost of repairs is R500 million, and the process cannot be expedited. The government urges travelers to pay attention to safety and road closure signs, and Premier Alan Winde emphasizes the significance of repair and rebuilding efforts.

The Telkom Foundation’s Connected Schools program aims to provide digital skills and tools to learners, educators, and young people in rural areas through the creation of modern ICT laboratories. Nyanga High School recently unveiled a cuttingedge ICT laboratory as part of this program, which will help close the digital gap in remote communities and enhance academic growth through internet connectivity and digital access. The initiative represents a significant step towards achieving academic excellence through technology and empowering the youth with knowledge and competencies that can contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr. Reginah Mhaule is taking part in an Outreach Program in Dealesville, Free State, which aims to raise awareness about various issues faced by schools and communities, such as genderbased violence, bullying, learner pregnancy, and drug and substance abuse. The event at Kgololosego Secondary School highlights the government’s commitment to addressing crucial social issues and providing assistance to communities in need, with the involvement of Free State Premier Dukwana and MEC Mohale reinforcing the importance of addressing these pressing concerns in the region. The Outreach Program serves as a valuable platform for stakeholders to unite and work towards achieving lasting, meaningful change.

The unveiling of these borehole systems represents a beacon of hope, highlighting the possibility for more sustainable, equitable, and ecofriendly solutions to our global water crisis. The Coke Ville Groundwater Harvesting Project involves the development of four solarpowered borehole systems that will supply up to 4.6 million liters of water annually, at no cost, to the communities of Mankweng and Moletjie in Polokwane, South Africa. The project is a collaboration between CocaCola Beverages South Africa and the Department of Water and Sanitation, aimed at providing essential water to thousands of inhabitants in the region.