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Cape Town News
Leon Schuster is a wellknown South African comedian, famous for his eccentric onscreen persona and overthetop pranks. He has starred in numerous films, including You Must Be Joking, Oh Schucks it’s Schuster, Mr. Bones, and Mama Jack, which have garnered him millions of rands and a loyal following.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Cape Town shines a light on the entrepreneurial spirit of women who have made significant contributions to their local community. Womenowned businesses in diverse sectors showcase their creative energy and innovative spirit, leaving a lasting impression on the local landscape.
August brings a series of astronomical events to Cape Town’s night sky, with opportunities for stargazers to witness planets, meteor showers, and a Super Blue Moon. Here are the events to look out for: ### Moon and Saturn Close Approach (3rd August)
The brutal murder of a Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officer, Toufeeq Williams, in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, has sparked outrage in Cape Town. In response, the city’s Mayco member for Safety and Security, Jean Pierre Smith, has announced a significant R100,000 reward for anyone who provides credible information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved in the heinous crime.
The community of Blue Downs, South Africa, was shaken to its core when a 14yearold girl, Naeema Marshall, lost her life in a violent act. The alleged perpetrator, a 15yearold boy with connections to the Dixie Boys gang, reportedly shot Naeema in the head after she spurned his advances.
In a thrilling World Cup match, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana achieved a historic feat by defeating Italy 32, securing their firstever qualification for the round of 16. The stakes were high as they entered the game aware that only a victory would grant them passage to the next round.
The National School of Government (NSG) is proud to host a MasterClass on August 3, 2023, that will be led by Dr Phumzile MlamboNgcuka. The MasterClass is a program designed to empower women in the public sector and is aptly titled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling through Coaching and Executive Leadership Programmes for Women in the Public Sector.”
Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, is making significant progress in enhancing its infrastructure, particularly in the transport and logistics sector. The Department of Transport and Logistics is currently engaged in two major projects, namely the R82 and P214 roads, to improve the roads’ conditions and expand their carrying capacity. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s economic prospects.
Pheliswa Mthethwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), is stepping down at the end of the year. Her departure marks the end of an extraordinary tenure that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of aspiring black entrepreneurs and contributed significantly to South Africa’s economic growth. In this article, we celebrate her achievements and legacy.
The Western Cape Cabinet is seeking provincial disaster classification after the extensive flood damages that occurred from June 1419, 2023. The request to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) comes after assessing the aftermath, which revealed unfunded damages amounting to a staggering R703.3 million.
The Free State Province has taken a significant step in enhancing the safety and security of its citizens. In an event held at Bobbiespark – SAPS sportsground, the province announced the addition of 800 newly trained constables to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the launch of Operation Shanela.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that a South African couple has been found guilty of defrauding the Covid19 Temporary EmployerEmployee Relief Scheme (Covid19 TERS). Refilwe Kgaje and Isaac Phiri, through their company Pusoloso Engineering Services, submitted applications for Covid19 relief funds for 95 nonexistent employees between 2020 and 2021. The UIF paid out R600,000 to Phiri’s bank account.
The City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate has achieved a significant milestone, spending 99.3% of its budget of over R880 million in the 2022/23 financial year. These funds have been allocated to improve living conditions for vulnerable households and provide adequate housing. The directorate also spent most of its informal and urban settlements grant funding. The funds were used to provide housing and improve living conditions for the residents.
South Africa is gearing up to host the 13th BRICS Health Ministers meeting from August 1st to 4th, 2023, in Durban, KwaZuluNatal. The meeting is significant as it brings together the health ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss critical issues regarding health system strengthening and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Cape Town is embarking on a major infrastructure project, the R5.2 billion upgrade of Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works, the second largest infrastructure effort in Western Cape. Scheduled for completion by 2027, this project aims to double the plant’s treatment capacity and improve the environmental health of the Milnerton Lagoon.
The City’s Energy Directorate has reported a troubling increase in incidents of electricity theft, vandalism, and illegal connections in the second quarter of 2023. The South region of the city, particularly Mitchells Plain, has been the most affected, with over 63 incidents reported. However, recent positive changes in several areas reflect the impact of community efforts and newly implemented initiatives.
