The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in South Africa, Blade Nzimande, recently launched the 2023 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report. The report, commissioned by the Centre for STI Indicators under the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), provides a comprehensive analysis of South Africa’s STI landscape. The report highlights both positive developments and critical challenges that must be addressed to build a resilient STI system and drive the nation’s growth and development agenda.

South Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, has launched a series of training programs in the Chris Hani District Municipality to combat unemployment. These projects, funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) through its Labour Activation Programme (LAP), aim to reduce poverty and unemployment by providing training, reskilling and entrepreneurship opportunities to jobseekers while preserving existing jobs and offering access to markets.

The SANTACO strike has created a challenging situation for the city’s administration, as it strives to provide essential services amidst the unrest. Although the administration is taking extraordinary measures to mitigate the impact on commuters, residents, and city facilities, the strike is still affecting service delivery. As the situation remains fluid, the administration is adapting its operations to restore normalcy as soon as possible.

In South Africa, genderbased violence and femicide (GBVF) have become pressing issues that require collaboration across different faith traditions. To combat this problem, the Faith Action to End GBV Collective has organized an Interfaith Consultation in Benoni from 1416 August. This historic event aims to draft a joint Statement of Commitment that outlines practical and accountable actions to combat GBVF.

In a groundbreaking move to safeguard aquatic ecosystems, the City of Cape Town has announced the deployment of two weed harvesters, Cape Shoveler and Otter, to tackle invasive weeds in Zandvlei and Rietvlei. The machines are set to arrive in November 2023 and February 2024, respectively, after being named through a communitydriven initiative.

Cape Town, known for its stunning beauty and cultural heritage, has been marred by a tragic incident. A British tourist was killed during a taxi protest in Nyanga, Cape Town, Western Cape. The victim and his family were on their way from Cape Town International Airport when they unintentionally entered the protest area. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in the loss of life and has tarnished South Africa’s reputation as a welcoming and safe destination.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has expressed its approval for the recent disciplinary measures taken against officials at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. The measures were a result of the SIU’s findings and recommendations regarding corruption and maladministration at the hospital.

As the winter rains retreat and the warmer months draw near, Cape Town gears up to welcome the vibrant colors of early spring flowers. The Recreation and Parks Department of Cape Town has initiated its annual spring season readiness plan to enhance the beauty of public open spaces and parks while nurturing the growth of indigenous flora.

In honor of Women’s Month, Koleka Makanda, a former female footballer and sports enthusiast, is pursuing her PhD in Environmental and Water Sciences with a focus on Water Resource Protection. Makanda, who hails from Buffalo Nek, Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, is currently in her final year at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

North West Acting Premier Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi is leading an initiative to enhance service delivery in the province. The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme Thuntsha Lerole, launched in Mamusa Local Municipality, aims to involve communities in addressing the service delivery issues faced by the region. This program will be implemented across four districts, emphasizing community involvement and feedback on service delivery progress.

South Africa is set to host the BRICS Trade Fair and Summit, organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in collaboration with the South African BRICS Business Council. The event will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from August 1923, 2023. Minister Ebrahim Patel and his BRIC counterparts will inaugurate the event on August 19, 2023.

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has launched a series of training projects in the Eastern Cape Province to reduce unemployment levels and mitigate poverty. The programme was coordinated through the Labour Activation Programme and funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Minister Nxesi outlined the programme’s objectives, which include providing jobseekers with marketrelevant skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, and preserving jobs.

In February 2023, the National Treasury launched the Energy Bounce Back Loan Guarantee Scheme (EBB) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and households in investing in solar equipment. This initiative is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to adjust the BounceBack Loan Scheme (BBS) for small businesses.