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Cape Town News
The National Disaster Management Centre has officially designated the floods that hit the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces in September as a National Disaster. This will enable the provincial government to seek relief funds from the NDMC to aid the recovery process, including the repair of public infrastructure. Although the financial burden is significant, the collaborative approach taken by the government presents a sense of optimism for the eventual healing and reconstruction of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
The Minister of Home Affairs has won a legal battle against the Helen Suzman Foundation and Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa. The Full Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, dismissed their enforcement application, which aimed to enforce a detrimental judgment on the Department. The ruling emphasizes the need to follow proper legal procedures and respect the appeal process while encouraging affected Zimbabwean nationals to legalize their presence in the Republic. The approved white paper towards a comprehensive overhaul of South Africa’s migration system signifies a significant step in creating a fair and transparent process for all parties involved.
South Africa is taking impressive steps to combat plastic pollution, led by Minister Barbara Creecy. Their comprehensive plan includes improved waste management, extended producer responsibility schemes, and increased public awareness. South Africa has already achieved significant progress, including the establishment of five registered extended producer schemes, removing over 368,000 tons of plastic waste, and supporting thousands of waste reclaimers. The upcoming INC3 conference in Nairobi will provide a platform for wider discussions on mandatory measures to combat plastic pollution.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the charge against corruption in the country. He spoke at the opening session of the National AntiCorruption Advisory Council’s National Dialogue, promoting the creation of new anticorruption initiatives and movements. The National AntiCorruption Strategy is a multisectoral effort that involves the entirety of society and prioritizes active citizen participation to hold leaders and organizations accountable. The National Dialogue emphasized the importance of promoting accountability and transparency at all levels of society, including exploring the role of technology in fighting corruption.
South Africa is making its presence known at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which takes place from November 6th to 8th, 2023. With a robust delegation led by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, the event features 27 exhibitors who represent the diverse attractions that South Africa has to offer. The objective of the event is to strengthen the nation’s tourism recovery.
A new wave of female leaders is making its mark on the crucial field of waste management, driving innovative solutions for a sustainable future. On November 9th, 2023, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, will address the Women in Environment Dialogue in East London, Eastern Cape Province. The event will unite women across the waste management sector to discuss challenges, exchange experiences, and celebrate their hardearned accomplishments.
In the bustling city of Cape Town, a groundbreaking effort is being made to provide a lifeline to vulnerable individuals who have found themselves living on the streets. The city’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, recently shared the news of approved plans for a 300bed Safe Space shelter, marking a significant stride towards tackling homelessness in this urban center. This monumental endeavor is set to start early next year, offering not only a place to sleep but also access to pivotal care services that can transform these individuals’ lives for the better.
South African Minister Senzo Mchunu Represents the Nation at the 7th AfricaSan Conference in Namibia
Namibia welcomes participants to the 7th Africa Sanitation (AfricaSan) Conference, with Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, leading the South African delegation. Organized by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Union (AU) Commission, the conference gathers ministers, highranking civil servants, academics, private sector representatives, and civil society to discuss sanitation and hygiene across the continent.
Limpopo Province has made considerable progress in improving its healthcare services with Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha’s unveiling of 35 new ambulances for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Sekhukhune District Municipality. This development is part of the ongoing pledge to increase healthcare accessibility for all residents of Limpopo, aiming to supply 500 ambulances by the end of this year.
South African Transport Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, and her protection team were involved in a hijacking attempt on the N3 highway. Despite the criminals using spikes to puncture the vehicle’s tyres, the Minister and her team were unharmed. The incident highlights the ongoing issues of crime and insecurity in South Africa and the need for effective security measures for both highranking officials and the general public. The nation must work towards overcoming these challenges and building a safer, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
The Atlas of Results for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections in South Africa has been indefinitely delayed by the Electoral Commission, leaving the media and the public waiting for a new submission date. The Atlas of Results is an essential document that highlights crucial statistics, trends, and insights about the political landscape, revealing how South African democracy operates. Despite the delay, the Electoral Commission has pledged to maintain open communication with the media and the public while working diligently to present an accurate and comprehensive document.
The Western Cape province is strengthening climate resilience through a partnership between Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies and the Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The alliance aims to facilitate a just transition towards a climateresilient society and a sustainable, lowcarbon economy through partnerships and cooperation in research, capacity building, and the pursuit of climaterelated solutions. The MOA signed in 2023 emphasizes the importance of partnerships and the exchange of scientific expertise in developing a green, lowcarbon, and climateresilient province by 2050.
Judge Thulare exposed the shocking extent of gang involvement within SAPS, revealing that the 28 gang had infiltrated the senior management of SAPS in the Western Cape. IPID promised to investigate, but their silence raises concerns about their intentions and progress. However, the Western Cape Government remains committed to pursuing transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption and gangsterism within SAPS, insisting on removing any implicated officers from service and protecting citizens from corrupt individuals.
South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, announced her decisions regarding the appeals lodged against the rulings in the Hake Longline sector as part of the Fishing Rights Allocation Process 2020/2021. The decisions were made to balance various elements, such as the Marine Living Resources Act principles and objectives, the 2021 General Policy on the Allocation of Commercial Fishing Rights, and the sectorspecific policy on commercial fishing rights allocation in the Hake Longline sector. The Minister emphasized the importance of incorporating new entrants to expand access to the fishing industry and foster its transformation while ensuring stability, sustainability, and transparency.
The UIFThuja jobs deal controversy involves allegations of bribery and ministerial involvement in a scandalous deal worth R5 billion in South Africa. However, the credibility of the source of these allegations, Mdwaba, and the lack of supporting evidence raise doubts about the validity of the claims. The media’s role in propagating the narrative without verifying the claims is also noteworthy. It is essential to investigate the irregularities of the deal and address the conflicts of interest and lack of due diligence that have come to light.
Thuntsha Lerole is a government initiative in South Africa that offers free basic services to eligible households with low income, including water and electricity. Over 1500 households have already received aid through the program, which aims to improve access to government services and communication between the government and local residents. Thuntsha Lerole’s success highlights the impact of government intervention on vulnerable communities and fosters a sense of empowerment and selfreliance among its beneficiaries.
