As globalization continues to bring nations and regions closer together, the importance of partnerships and collaboration cannot be overemphasized. Among the significant partnerships that have emerged in recent years is BRICS, a group of five major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICSAfrica Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue is a platform that seeks to foster cooperation between BRICS nations and African countries and the wider Global South.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a crucial role in preparing individuals for the evolving job market. As the global economy rapidly changes, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recently addressed the TVET Curriculum Transformation and Innovation Summit. The summit was hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in partnership with Vodacom Business, aiming to explore ways to unlock skills development for South Africa’s modern economy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit, which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The summit celebrated the partnership between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. This was the first inperson gathering of the five leaders since the COVID19 pandemic began.
Construction companies and infrastructure developers in South Africa have been facing a persistent and costly problem of extortion by the construction mafia. These criminal groups have embedded themselves within the industry, exploiting security breaches and illegal land occupations to extort millions and bring projects to a halt.
The Assegaai Submarine Museum, Africa’s only submarine museum, has announced the reopening of its doors and relocation to Simon’s Town, South Africa. The museum has been closed to the public since 2015 due to the need for maintenance, but the relocation, made possible by two cradles, will allow visitors to get an upclose look at the mysterious underwater vessels.
On Tuesday morning, South Africa lost one of its most respected journalists, Derek Watts, who passed away after a brave battle with cancer. His former Carte Blanche cohost, Ruda Landman, confirmed the news to News24. Derek Watts’ death has left an indelible mark on the country’s media landscape as he was widely regarded as a legendary anchor and a veteran journalist.
The 2023 Human Settlements Indaba, held in Kimberly, Northern Cape, successfully paved the way for women’s economic participation in the human settlements sector. Women from various sectors participated in the event, addressing capacity building, access to finance, and opportunities for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and Alternative Building Technologies.
On August 24, 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping cochaired the ChinaAfrica Leaders Round Table Dialogue with the theme “Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a HighLevel AfricaChina Community with a Shared Future.” The event was initiated by the Chinese government to emphasize their political commitment to African regional and continental integration.
The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) is hosting the 2023 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the South African construction industry. This prestigious event amplifies the voices and accomplishments of women in the field.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, will lead a significant cleanup and greening activity in Bothaville, Free State on August 25, 2023. ## Importance of Active Citizenry and Preserving Natural Resources
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) recently announced South Africa’s maiden gas reserves discovery in Amersfoort, Mpumalanga province. Kinetiko Energy, an Australian gas explorer, reported the discovery of 3.1 billion cubic feet of gas reserves, while contingent resources increased by 20%. The discovery signifies a significant step towards energy security and industrial development for South Africa.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, led a cleanup and greening activity in Bothaville, Free State on August 25, 2023. The event, a collaboration between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Lejweleputswa District, and Nala Local Municipalities aimed to raise awareness of the need to curb waste pollution and encourage active citizenry.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be conducting critical maintenance work on the 24th and 25th of August, causing water supply disruptions in certain areas. This maintenance work is essential for improving water supply infrastructure and minimizing the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.
The taxi industry in South Africa has been marred by violence for long. The issue of taxi violence has gained momentum in recent years, with several incidents coming to light. The latest event has taken a new turn, with authorities arresting two suspects, one of whom was involved in a mass shooting in Port Shepstone.
The Department of Employment and Labour has introduced amendments to South Africa’s employment equity laws to empower employers with greater flexibility while ensuring compliance. The new legislation allows employers to consult and selfregulate their equity targets while providing valid reasons for noncompliance.
The importance of improving power infrastructure cannot be overstated in today’s era marked by energy crises and rolling blackouts. Premier Alan Winde’s 22nd Energy Digicon is taking on this challenge, featuring a guest appearance by Eskom’s Chief Engineer, Mr. Lester Geldenhuis. Geldenhuis brings over 20 years of experience in power transformer maintenance to the table, providing valuable insights into Eskom’s electricity distribution capabilities and the necessary advancements to overcome the issue of rolling blackouts.