The National Teaching Awards in Pretoria is a platform that recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers for their priceless contributions to education, despite often difficult circumstances. The event unites the educational community and promotes further excellence within the profession by acknowledging and rewarding the top educators from various backgrounds. The awards ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of South Africa’s most exceptional educators, emphasizing the importance of promoting excellence in education and encouraging continued growth and development within the profession.

The small town of McGregor in South Africa was left isolated and without basic necessities after heavy rainfall and flooding destroyed their lifeline bridge. The Gift of the Givers, a leading humanitarian organization, stepped in to provide muchneeded assistance by airlifting emergency food packages and establishing alternative gravel routes for delivering crucial supplies. Their farreaching efforts have provided support to over 15,000 people across various municipalities in the Western Cape province, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of unity in overcoming adversity.

South African Police Minister Bheki Cele has been found to have breached the code of ethical conduct for Members of Parliament after shouting “shut up” to Ian Cameron, director of Action Society, during a crime imbizo in 2022. The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest has called for Cele to issue a public apology to Cameron in front of the National Assembly members. The incident highlights the importance of public officials maintaining high standards of professionalism, and citizens and community organizations must continue to advocate for their rights and the proper allocation of police resources.

Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is conducting maintenance work this week to enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure. The work involves zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in several regions, which may result in temporary water supply disruptions or reduced pressure for some residents. The maintenance work aims to guarantee the longterm reliability and excellence of Cape Town’s water supply, and the city is advising residents to prepare by storing water, adjusting appliances and fixtures, and being patient. Ultimately, the improvements to the water supply infrastructure will outweigh any temporary inconvenience.

Fuel prices in South Africa are set to increase, affecting both individual drivers and the wider economy. Diesel prices will see a substantial increase, and all petrol and diesel grades will exceed the R25 per litre mark. The Central Energy Fund attributes the price increases to various international factors, including rising petrol costs and the strength of the rand against the US dollar. South African motorists may consider looking into more fuelefficient vehicles to lessen the impact of these price hikes on their budgets.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has successfully pursued justice within the Department of Human Settlements, with the recent Labour Court verdict validating her quest for accountability and transparency. The judgment ruled that an official within the Department unlawfully appointed nine officials, and the resolution highlights the Department’s growing dedication to professionalism. The Labour Court’s ruling sets a benchmark for future instances of unlawful appointments, reminding civil servants to act within the legal framework and emphasizing the role of transparency in fostering trust between the government and its citizens.