Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa gave an inspiring speech at the ICT SMME Certification Ceremony during the 2023 Corrections Week. Holomisa emphasized the importance of human rights and the responsibility of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to create a just and secure South Africa. Community Corrections plays a vital role in aiding the acceptance and social reintegration of offenders, and the DCS needs to reinforce partnerships to accomplish its objectives. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders are necessary to prepare inmates for life after release and create a safer and more just South Africa.

The Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sector has immense potential, with the province aiming to double the number of visitors by 2035, and skilled tourist guides play a vital role in realizing this vision. The Western Cape celebrated World Tourism Day with the graduation of 38 tourist guides in Langa, Cape Town. The graduates, representing diverse communities, completed a course sponsored by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the City of Cape Town, becoming Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority accredited tourist guides with a specialization in cultural sites.

The Ninth BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, is working towards creating a fair and just global system. With its expansion to include six new members, the intergovernmental organization aims to address issues such as UN’s role in international matters, economic globalization, peace and security, and collaboration in various fields. The forum’s potential to initiate change on an unparalleled scale has been recognized, and its parliamentarians must utilize the power of legislation to create a fair world where everyone has the opportunity to prosper. The forum must be ready to manage and resolve disputes and challenges that emerge from conflicting interests, tackle the intricate challenges of development, and ensure gender equality and economic empowerment while working towards achieving the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ivilitex is a new clothing and textile manufacturing facility in Cape Town that aims to increase the share of locally produced apparel from 44% to 65% by 2030. The facility employs stateoftheart technology that streamlines the manufacturing and washing of garments while reducing environmental impact. With plans to produce 1,500 units daily and 33,000 units monthly, Ivilitex’s hightech approach to manufacturing heralds a new phase in the evolution of the local clothing and textile sector.

The South African Youth Economic Council recently hosted a gala dinner to discuss how to combat youth unemployment and encourage economic growth in the country. Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasized the importance of investing in education and skill development for youth, particularly in industries such as mining, renewable energy, and technology. He also promoted entrepreneurship, the expansion of SMEs, and bridging the educationemployment gap through practical skills training and accessible financial institutions. The government and private sector must work collaboratively to empower the youth and create a prosperous future for South Africa.

South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour has proposed the BRICS Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work Platform, which has been unanimously approved by all member nations. The platform aims to stimulate economic growth, sustainability, and job creation by encouraging cooperation and the exchange of knowledge among its member countries. The ecosystem embodies a dedication to social justice and fairness, recognizing the significance of decent work, dignity, and respect for all as integral components of sustainable development. The success of this ambitious initiative hinges on the mutual commitment and active involvement of all participating countries.