Recent reports reveal that police inefficiencies have caused 283 cases in the Western Cape to be removed from the court roll, leaving victims and their families in limbo. Out of these cases, 84 involved murder and 77 were related to genderbased violence (GBV). This grim situation calls for immediate action to ensure that the victims receive justice.
Minister Ronald Lamola delivered a compelling keynote address at the 3rd South African Institute of Government Auditors Annual Conference on September 14, 2023. The event aimed to spark meaningful discussions around the crucial role of auditors in society and promote the foundational principles and ethos of the South African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA).
Drugresistant tuberculosis (DRTB) is a growing global health threat, with high mortality rates, exorbitant treatment costs, and increased transmission risks. In 2021, there were approximately 450,000 DRTB cases reported worldwide, resulting in 191,000 deaths. South Africa has one of the highest DRTB burdens, but only half of the patients initiate treatment.
In January 2022, a Cape Town law enforcement officer, Luvolwethu Kati, allegedly shot and killed a homeless man, Dumisani Joxo, in the Rondebosch area. The incident has since been the subject of a murder trial, with Kati’s colleague, Unathi Govuza, providing a harrowing account of the events that unfolded that day.
The 15th Annual Govtech Conference, centered around the theme “Platform Economy for Digital Transformation and Inclusive Growth,” focused on the potential of the platform economy to drive change in various sectors. Held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, the conference brought together diverse stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, and senior government officials.
The Department of Employment and Labour has announced two upcoming conferences that will focus on the crucial role of labour inspectors in ensuring fair working conditions and protecting vulnerable workers. The events will be held in KwaZuluNatal and the Eastern Cape, providing a platform for inspectors from all provinces to engage in conversations about compliance with labour legislation.
The City of Cape Town and the Water Research Commission (WRC) have partnered to provide innovative sanitation solutions for informal settlements. This groundbreaking initiative, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to install climateresistant Community Reinvented Toilets across highdensity settlements in the city.
In Limpopo Province, South Africa, the Public Employment Service (PES) unit of the Department of Employment and Labour is implementing an innovative approach to youth empowerment. They are launching a series of community outreach programs from September 13 to 29, aimed at equipping the young residents of Capricorn District Municipality with vital information and skills for jobseeking, informed career decisions, and access to training and development opportunities.
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille recently met with stakeholders in the Overberg region of the Western Cape to address key issues and provide updates on the state of tourism. The meeting was aimed at boosting the recovery of the tourism industry and contributing to the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
The annual Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Awards, initiated by the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, are currently open for nominations. The awards commend the unwavering commitment and diligence of accredited individuals and NW teams throughout the metropolis in their quest to maintain and enhance community safety.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is launching an initiative aimed at conducting Employment Equity Hearings, focused on reviewing gender transformation in both the public and private sectors. On September 14, 2023, the CGE will call prominent entities such as Clover SA, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Water and Sanitation to account for the slow pace of gender transformation within their organizations.
The National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) 2023 is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism, Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA), and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, represented by the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA). The event, which marks its 13th anniversary this year, is aimed at attracting young talent to the thriving tourism sector.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has recently announced the organization of a special official funeral service for the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. This event has been declared a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting the Prince’s extraordinary credentials and immense importance to the Republic of South Africa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently reported the arrest of six suspects in separate incidents. Three individuals were apprehended in connection with an armed robbery, while the other three were found in possession of carbreaking implements. The swift response of the police in both cases exemplifies their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the communities they serve.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Ms. Thembi Nkadimeng, is embarking on a visit to Mpumalanga Province as part of ongoing engagements with municipalities and provinces throughout the country. The objective of this initiative is to offer critical support in overcoming persistent challenges that hinder the effective and efficient functioning of municipalities.
The South African government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges faced by municipalities is evident in the District Development Model (DDM) Ministerial Outreach program. On September 13, 2023, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Ms. Thembi Nkadimeng, will lead the program’s outreach to Kimberley in the Northern Cape. This event is a significant step towards addressing the barriers that impede the effective functioning of local government administrations.