During the winter months, many cities face a recurring problem of sewer overflows. These not only cause inconvenience for residents but also pose significant environmental hazards. By directing rainwater to the appropriate stormwater drains, households can play a vital role in reducing sewer overflows in their neighborhoods.

On 19th July 2023, municipal byelections were held across various provinces in South Africa, providing insight into the country’s political landscape. The African National Congress (ANC) retained six seats, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) managed to keep one seat and win another. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) each secured two and one seats, respectively.

South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting in Chennai, India. The event’s purpose is to discuss recommendations prepared by the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently officiated the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) pass out parade at the Duttonar Military Base in Nigel. The initiative, established in 2010, strives to build the capacity of rural youth through various skills development and training programs. The pass out parade serves as a ceremonious conclusion to the youth’s training, signifying their readiness to contribute effectively to the workforce.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is exploring legal options after a recent judgment by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division Pretoria, which declared Proclamation 49 of 2022 unconstitutional and of no force or effect. Proclamation 49 authorized the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, malpractice, and potential corruption in Telkom, a major telecommunications provider in the country.

In Elsie’s River, the ICAN Centre is changing lives through digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities. Recently, Mireille Wenger, Provincial MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, visited the center to experience its transformative impact. ### The ICAN Centre’s Mission and Accomplishments

Cape Town’s clothing and textile industry is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to the city’s rich history of art and design, a skilled workforce, and increasing market demands. The industry has become the secondlargest employer in the city’s manufacturing sector, and the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) has identified the potential for the creation of at least 20,000 new jobs through increased local sourcing.

July 2023 marks the commemoration of Nelson Mandela Month in South Africa, a time to honor the legacy of the former President and his relentless pursuit of justice. Mandela’s fight against poverty and injustice continues to inspire current efforts to combat food insecurity and climate change in South Africa.

The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City will perform essential maintenance work on the water supply infrastructure. The maintenance work will take place from 18th to 22nd July 2023. This necessary operation aims to enhance the city’s water supply system, bringing benefits to the residents.

President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled two statues of Nelson Mandela on Nelson Mandela Day. One statue was unveiled in Mthatha, and the other statue was unveiled in Qunu, Mandela’s final resting place. ## A Tribute to Mandela’s Legacy

Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently launched the National Human Development Report 2022 in South Africa, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its partners. The report aims to shed light on the challenges faced by South Africa’s youth, with the theme “Harnessing the Employability of South Africa’s Youth.”

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has released the latest hydrological report on the water situation in the Western Cape. The report indicates that the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) is currently at 99.19% capacity, a significant increase from 75.41% last year.