Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Candith MashegoDlamini, attended the Fourth Singapore–SubSaharan Africa HighLevel Ministerial Exchange Conference (SSSAHLME) and the Sixth Africa–Singapore Business Forum in Singapore from 2931 August 2023. The conference was based on the theme “Singapore and Africa: Partners in Digitalization and Sustainability,” highlighting digitalization, manufacturing, and sustainability as significant areas of cooperation between South Africa, Africa, Singapore, and Southeast Asia.

In South Africa, a majority of young people leaving secondary school struggle to find employment or pursue higher education. Recognizing this issue, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenneth Morolong, is spearheading the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) to address this urgent challenge.

Minister of Police General Bheki Cele recently addressed law enforcement officers, calling on them to use proportional force when facing threats. This plea comes in the wake of the tragic death of Sergeant Kediemetse Masilo, who was killed while tracking a stolen vehicle in Kimberley. Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated case, as 31 police officers have lost their lives in the past three months.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, has urged officials to prioritize addressing the disputes hindering the implementation of water projects for communities in need of basic water services in the Capricorn District, Sekhukhune District, Polokwane Local Municipalities, and surrounding areas.

South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on the City of Johannesburg to expedite the delivery of social housing units to address the escalating demand for affordable housing. The continuous influx of people migrating to Gauteng, the economic center of South Africa, has contributed to the evergrowing demand. In response, Minister Kubayi has urged the government to collaborate with the private sector to increase the number of social housing units in the city and beyond.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. David Mahlobo, led a meeting in Vereeniging on August 25, 2023, to discuss the progress of the Section 63 Intervention in the Sedibeng District Municipality. The objective was to address the challenges faced by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in managing water and sanitation services.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, recently spoke at a stakeholder meeting in Vereeniging, Gauteng, regarding the importance of work culture, service, and professionalism within the public sector and among key stakeholders. The meeting, held on August 25, 2023, provided an update on the Emfuleni Section 63 Interventions and was attended by Mayor Sipho Radebe of the Emfuleni Local Municipality and representatives from the business and civil society sectors.

Operation Vulindlela, a collaborative effort between the South African Presidency and National Treasury, aims to expedite the implementation of economic reforms to regenerate growth and generate job opportunities. Launched in October 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the coalition has recently published its Q2 2023 progress report, highlighting the crucial advancements made in diverse sectors.

In Cape Town, libraries are taking innovative steps to bridge the digital divide and promote reading among the youth. The introduction of tablets and gaming consoles in July 2022 has significantly increased the engagement and excitement of young patrons towards libraries.

The Western Cape Government recognizes the invaluable contributions female entrepreneurs make to the economy in South Africa. However, they acknowledge that more needs to be done to support and empower these entrepreneurs. To address the challenges facing women in business, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has introduced numerous programs, including the Small, Medium and Microsized Enterprises (SMME) Booster Fund.

On August 28, 2023, the Minister of Transport in South Africa, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, inaugurated the Leralla to Germiston passenger rail line, marking a significant milestone in the rail recovery program of infrastructure and stations by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The event was attended by PRASA Executives, board members, and members of the media.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Nelson Mandela Bay has recently intensified its efforts to combat crime in the area. Spearheaded by District Commissioner Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata, the police force has made significant arrests and confiscations that sent a powerful message: illegal activities will not be tolerated.