On the occasion of the commemoration of the Marikana tragedy, the South African government has provided an update on the progress of litigation related to the incident. This update reflects the government’s commitment to achieving justice and healing for all those affected by the tragedy.
Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Facility was struck by a catastrophic fire, which resulted in the displacement of highrisk inmates to other correctional facilities. The facility, which previously accommodated 3,024 inmates, currently houses only 588 inmates with 170 more due to transfer by August 18, 2023. The South African Custodial Management is overseeing the evaluation of the damage and the restoration process to full operation.
The rehabilitation of previously mined areas in Riverlea has become a subject of concern and public attention. In this regard, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) seeks to clarify the situation and shed light on the efforts made to address the issue.
In response to high levels of youth unemployment, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate and Corporate Services Directorate have launched an 18month fulltime Learnership Programme to train and provide young candidates with valuable skills. The aim is to recruit and train 1,000 candidates in two key areas: Traffic Services and the Metro Police Department.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has recently faced controversy over an inaccurate report by Business Day claiming a discrepancy in the submission of the Draft Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill (2023) to Parliament. The DMRE has clarified that the submitted version is identical to the one approved by the Cabinet in March 2023.
The City of Cape Town has recently completed its annual proactive water maintenance programme, which focused on cleaning the Molteno and Newlands reservoirs. These two reservoirs are among the oldest water facilities in Cape Town, and they continue to prove their durability and significance to the city’s water supply.
The energy sector has seen a significant transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has become a critical tool in stabilizing, optimizing, and improving energy generation. In the 21st Energy Digicon, Martin Svensson of AI Sweden shared his insights on how AI can bring positive disruption to the energy system.
As part of her commitment to ensuring the delivery of sustainable residences in South Africa, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recently visited the Northern Cape Province. The purpose of the visit was to assess progress and intervene in government projects to achieve set targets for the current financial year.
Dr. Johaar Mosaval, South Africa’s first black senior principal at the Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom, was born in Cape Town on January 8, 1928. Despite coming from a modest background, his passion, exceptional talent, and determination led him to a remarkable career spanning over four decades. On July 10, 2022, at the age of 95, this ballet icon passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a remission plan for nonviolent offenders in the country’s prisons. The aim of the plan is to alleviate the alarming 43% overcrowding crisis in its 342 correctional and 218 community centers. The decision could lead to the release of over 24,000 prisoners, including 3,000 individuals slated for deportation.
The case of Ivan Ivanov’s brutal murder has been a mystery since his tragic death in July 2019 while hiking in Cape Town, South Africa. The events leading up to his murder and the subsequent trial of his alleged assailants are complex and reveal the intricacies of the human psyche, justice, and criminal relationships.
South Africa’s National School of Government (NSG), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), is taking steps to achieve its vision of a professional and meritocratic bureaucracy in the midst of rapid globalization. On August 18, 2023, the NSG will host a MasterClass on “Building Professional and Meritocratic Bureaucracies: A Challenge for South Africa and the Global South” at ZK Matthews Great Hall, UNISA Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria. This educational initiative aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for creating an ethical, capable, and developmental state.
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is committed to promoting the commercialization of communal and emerging farmers. As part of this mission, the DRDAR recently handed over a fully equipped shearing shed to the Ubunye Farmers Association in Gqogqorha village, Tsomo. This investment in the R1.2 million facility empowers 24 woolgrowers comprising eight women and 16 men to improve the quality of their wool and access commercial markets.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), workrelated accidents or illnesses claim the lives of 2.3 million people annually. In response to this alarming statistic, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) in South Africa is taking action to reinforce the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The purpose is to protect vulnerable workers and impose more severe penalties on noncompliant employers.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has unveiled a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the busiest land Ports of Entry in South Africa. The project, which is expected to cost billions of rand, aims to enhance the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and strengthen economic ties across the continent.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa is seeking input from stakeholders on draft regulations related to the access and use of government waterworks and surrounding stateowned land for recreational purposes. This collaborative process aims to promote transparency and allow stakeholders to provide feedback before the regulations are finalized.