The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety, and Transport Management expresses concern over the increase in crime incidents in the province. ## Increase in Crime Statistics

The BRICS Urbanisation Forum is set to take place in Durban, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, from July 26 to 27, 2023. The theme of the event is “Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations” and will be led by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms. Thembi Nkadimeng. The forum will provide a platform for representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to address crucial urbanisation issues and offer policy advice to the leaders of the BRICS countries.

The Metro South Education District in South Africa has launched a program to enhance the performance of Grade 10 learners in Mathematics. The initiative, known as #BackOnTrack, aims to provide students with the necessary mathematical skills to succeed in their final three years of schooling. This article delves into the key components of the program and highlights the cooperative efforts that have made it possible.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has teamed up with Santam Heavy Haulage, Sanlam, Master Drive, and Fleetwatch to launch a road safety awareness campaign. The campaign aims to educate and equip truck and bus drivers with knowledge on how to prevent accidents and promote safer road conduct.

The South African Department of Employment and Labor Minister, Mr. Thulas Nxesi, has raised concerns about the increasing number of violations of basic employee registrations. During an inspection at the Golden Ridge Estate, a Kirkwoodbased farming estate, which contributes significantly to the Eastern Cape’s GDP, he emphasized the need for employers to adhere to labor laws.

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is committed to commercializing emerging and communal farmers. As part of this initiative, MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will be handing over a fully equipped shearing shed to wool growers in Qaga Village.

On July 25th, 2023, the Minister of Transport, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, visited the North West Province to address concerns regarding the state of roads and road infrastructure in the region. This visit reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure throughout the country.

Premier Alan Winde and Dr. Keith Cloete, Head of the Western Cape Department of Health, recently convened at the 17th Energy Digicon to discuss the persistent issue of power blackouts affecting the healthcare sector in Western Cape, South Africa. They examined the adverse effects of these blackouts on health services and possible solutions to tackle this crisis.

The City of Cape Town’s Street People Programme Unit, part of the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department, is an essential resource for the most vulnerable members of the community. In the 12month period ending in June 2023, the team provided support to over 51,000 homeless individuals, offering them a path towards a better future.

MEC Nonkqubela Pieters has announced a new initiative aimed at commercializing agriculture and uplifting disadvantaged farmers in the Eastern Cape. The program involves the handover of 144 Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics and eight sheep shearing sheds to sheep farmers in Mafinini village.

The Langeberg region, located in the northeastern corner of the Cape Winelands District, comprises the charming towns of Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor, and Montagu. Each of these towns offers visitors a unique experience with its rich history, natural beauty, and sense of community.

On July 27, 2023, a meeting was held in Kimberley, South Africa, where the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Ministers, Mr. David Mahlobo and Ms. Judith Tshabalala, met with the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality to assess its water and sanitation situation. The Northern Cape province, particularly the Sol Plaatje Municipality, is facing significant challenges in this regard, making the meeting a crucial step towards finding sustainable solutions.

In a recent operation led by Crime Intelligence and Table View police, three foreign nationals were arrested for possession of abalone worth R2.8 million. The operation was intelligencedriven and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal abalone trade in South Africa.

Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, recently conducted an oversight visit to the Zanokhanyo Agricultural Cooperative (ZAC) in Upper Gxulu Keiskammahoek. The project is funded by the National Development Agency (NDA) and is part of a series of engagements in Buffalo City and Amathole district ahead of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament on July 14, 2023.