Cape Town’s coastal suburbs are experiencing water supply issues due to a damaged water main that occurred during a storm. The Water and Sanitation Directorate is addressing the problem with emergency repairs and residents are encouraged to decrease their water usage during this period. The repair serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and maintenance for a city’s ongoing growth and development. By working together and making small individual sacrifices, Cape Town residents can help to alleviate the immediate crisis and contribute to the longterm sustainability of their city’s water supply.

South Africa has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of deliberately depriving Gazans of vital resources such as food, water, electricity, and fuel. The Fourth Geneva Convention provides protection for civilians in conflict zones and occupied territories, including protection from murder, torture, and discrimination. Israel’s recent directive ordering 1.1 million Gazans to relocate to the south is poised to worsen the disaster, and the UN has called for vital lifesaving supplies to be allowed into Gaza.

The 3rd South AfricaNamibia BiNational Commission brought together leaders from both nations to address shared challenges, strengthen economic cooperation, collaborate on energy security and climate change, and reinforce global governance institutions and multilateralism. Notable achievements include auditing legal instruments, enhancing investment and trade, and jointly combating terrorism and extremism in Northern Mozambique. Both nations pledge their support for sustainable peace and the reinforcement of global governance institutions and multilateralism. Overall, through cooperation and dialogue, South Africa and Namibia are wellpositioned to create a brighter, more prosperous future for their citizens.

Being prepared and aware of disaster risks is crucial in mitigating their impact, as climate change has the potential to cause severe weather events that expose vulnerable populations to disasters. Effective strategies can be devised by recognizing the connection between inequality and disaster risk and fostering resilience through communitybased risk assessments, disaster planning, and collaboration among government, NGOs, the private sector, and humanitarian partners. Through heightened awareness and knowledgesharing, a more resilient future for all can be built. This was emphasized at the Disaster Risk Management Centre’s seminar in Cape Town commemorating the United Nations International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Cape Town’s beloved Kloof Road has been declared offlimits to the public for at least the next 12 months due to severe landslides caused by a level nine storm event. The City is working with a civil engineering geotechnical specialist to assess the damage and devise appropriate repairs, with estimated timelines of 12 to 18 months before the road can fully reopen. The closure presents an opportunity to rediscover other historic streets and landmarks and emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure and adapting to changing climates.

The public’s involvement is crucial in shaping regulations that protect the nation’s threatened species and cultivates a stronger connection with their natural surroundings. The South African government is seeking public feedback on draft regulations and lists related to threatened or protected land and freshwater species. The consultation period is open for 30 days, and feedback can be submitted by mail, handdelivered or email. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is dedicated to a transparent and inclusive decisionmaking process to safeguard South Africa’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

Cape Town is fighting against infrastructure vandalism and theft to protect essential assets that ensure lighting, safety, and security for its residents and visitors. The City has a zerotolerance stance against criminal conduct and has established several preventative initiatives to pinpoint and reinforce infrastructure hotspots. The City encourages public participation by providing rewards for information that leads to arrests or the seizure of stolen and illicit goods. Thanks to the combined efforts of committed teams, Cape Town is determined to defend its infrastructure from vandalism and theft, ensuring the welfare of its people.