The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) recently held a followup hearing with the National Department of Health (NDOH) on the matter of forced sterilisation. CGE called the NDOH to account on 29 August 2023, exercising its statutory powers under Section 12 (4) (b) of the CGE Act 39 of 1996. This hearing, led by NDOH’s Deputy DirectorGeneral Professor Nicholas Crisp, was convened due to concerns over the department’s lack of progress in implementing its investigation recommendations.

The Department of Employment and Labour in Mpumalanga Province has organized a twoweek inspection blitz to strengthen labor regulations and establish a secure and just working environment. The inspections will take place from September 4th to 15th, 2023, in Malelane and Bushbuckridge. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), South Africa Police Service (SAPS), and municipal health inspectors from both Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi Local Municipalities will conduct a comprehensive examination of various businesses across different sectors.

The City of Cape Town has launched its annual #SpringCleanCT campaign for 2023, with the goal of encouraging residents to participate in local cleanup efforts and scaling up cleaning operations in litter hotspots across the metropolitan area. ### Success of Joint Efforts in 2022

The tragic fire that occurred in Johannesburg’s innercity has left families devastated and searching for answers. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has announced that the Diepkloof mortuary is now open for families to identify their loved ones who lost their lives in the incident.

Recently, South African Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi called for increased education and awareness of the amended Employment Equity Act (EEA). The EEA’s recent changes are aimed at promoting workplace equity, affirmative action, and similar subjects. ### Preventing Misinformation

Wesgro, the Western Cape’s tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, has played a vital role in the province’s growth strategy. As the agency continues to contribute significantly to the economy, fostering good governance and diverse leadership is crucial to its continued strategic growth.

South Africa has been a beacon of scientific progress and innovation for many years, making significant strides in various fields. The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recently highlighted the nation’s achievements in the 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards, emphasizing the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in economic development and addressing societal challenges.

Transnet, a critical player in South Africa’s economy, is facing a turning point. With a deteriorating financial and operational performance and the Auditor General’s critical findings, Minister Pravin Gordhan and the newly appointed Transnet Board are determined to address the challenges and enact a decisive and radical transformation plan.

On September 2, 2023, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, held a media briefing to provide an update on the Energy Action Plan’s implementation. The briefing took place at the GCIS Auditorium in Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, and aimed to keep the media informed and engaged in the national endeavor for sustainable power.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, recently addressed KwaZuluNatal entrepreneurs, urging them to scale up their businesses to drive economic growth and create jobs. The seminar hosted in Durban was aimed at small, micro, and mediumsized enterprises (SMMEs), providing them with valuable insights and information on funding opportunities available within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) agencies, and the KwaZuluNatal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA).

Deputy Minister Hendrietta BogopaneZulu Commemorates International Overdose Awareness in Potchefstroom, August 31 On August 31, Deputy Minister of Social Development Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu partnered with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and the South African Network for People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day at the JB Marks treatment center in Potchefstroom, North West province. The theme for the day was “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” emphasizing the need to raise awareness around the silent killer of drug overdose and the stigma surrounding overdose fatalities.

Gender data plays a crucial role in illuminating disparities between men and women in all aspects of life. It provides insights into their respective contributions to society and the economy, as well as the challenges each group faces. Gender statistics are essential for developing policies that promote gender equality and empower women and girls. They also help monitor progress and identify areas where more work is needed to achieve equitable outcomes.

Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD) is a bustling 384hectare economic hub situated near the harbor, convention district, historic BoKaap, District Six, and other areas like De Waterkant and the Parliamentary Precinct. The CBD serves as a trendsetter for Cape Town’s development, and as the city prepares for a postpandemic future, urban planners are envisioning a more liveable, resilient, attractive, and inclusive district.