On July 18th, the world celebrated International Nelson Mandela Day, a day that honors the life and legacy of the South African antiapartheid revolutionary and former president, Nelson Mandela. This year’s theme, “It is in Your Hands,” embodies Mandela’s belief that each individual has the power to make a difference in the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.
On July 18th, 2023, an interdepartmental commemoration of International Mandela Day was held at Siphumelele Secondary School in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. The event was a collaboration between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Department of Correctional Services, and the Imbumba Foundation.
The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is committed to promoting inclusivity in its laws and policies. In a recent workshop organized by the Department in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Deputy Director Niresh Singh emphasized that the employment equity (EE) laws encompass all racial and cultural groups, debunking the misconception that certain groups are excluded from the legislative framework.
On July 21, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu launched the first phase of the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, a largescale water project aimed at providing safe drinking water to thousands of communities in the Umngeni and Msunduzi Local Municipalities and surrounding areas.
The Limpopo Department of Employment and Labour has launched a fourday registration drive from July 10th to 13th, 2023, aimed at providing free services to job seekers in Sekhukhune district. This initiative will empower individuals and enhance the workforce through the Public Employment Services (PES) unit, which will educate job seekers on the ESSA database and provide career counseling services.
The current energy crisis, characterized by frequent power outages, demands groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions. As a response, Premier Alan Winde will host his 18th Energy Digicon on July 27, 2023, with the participation of Mark Allewell, the founder of Sensor Networks, as a special guest. The event aims to showcase inventive technologies that can alleviate the impact of power outages on households and businesses.
South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has recently visited the stalled construction site of the Port Shepstone Magistrates Court in KwaZulu Natal. The inspection took place on July 22, 2023, as part of Minister Zikalala’s Operation Siyahlola initiative, aimed at overseeing unfinished and obstructed construction projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has announced plans to bring the Netball World Cup 2023 experience to local communities. The initiative involves setting up four public viewing areas (PVAs) to screen live games, with the aim of fostering social connections and promoting sports and recreational activities.
The recent passing of Dr. Essop Goolam Pahad was a great loss for the South African community. He had been an exceptional leader and advocate for the nation’s liberation. At his funeral, Acting President Paul Mashatile delivered a moving eulogy, emphasizing Pahad’s profound impact on South African society. This article explores the life and contributions of Essop Pahad.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the COP28 Presidencydesignate, has appointed South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, and Denmark’s Minister, Dan Jørgensen, to cofacilitate discussions at a political level on the Global Stocktake (GST) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, has praised two revolutionary water projects in Limpopo that have the potential to serve as trailblazers for other municipalities. The Masodi Waste Water Treatment Works project and the Olifantspoort Bulk Water Scheme showcase the impact of publicprivate partnerships on the socioeconomic development of local communities.
In the ongoing battle against crime, the K9 and Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in Swartland, Overstrand, and Mossel Bay are making significant progress. These units have been actively disrupting criminal activities in their respective municipalities and have recently achieved commendable successes.
On July 21, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa conducted an oversight visit to KwaZuluNatal to review the progress of water projects aimed at improving bulk water provision and maintaining crucial water infrastructure in the province. The following projects were the main focus of the visit:
The SocioEconomic Impact of PhDs in South Africa: Findings from the National Tracer Study of Doctoral Graduates On 21st July 2023, the National Tracer Study of Doctoral Graduates in South Africa was launched, providing valuable insights into the impact of PhDs on the country’s socioeconomic landscape. The study aimed to trace the careers of PhD graduates in different sectors and assess the impact of their qualifications on various aspects of South African society.
Illegal mining is a widespread and devastating issue in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The harmful effects of illegal mining were highlighted in the Angelo Informal Settlement tragedy, where 17 people lost their lives due to nitrate oxide inhalation. The gas cylinder allegedly responsible for the incident was used in illegal mining activities carried out by zama zamas in the area.
The government of South Africa’s Western Cape province has been making notable efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens through various law enforcement and community safety initiatives. Among these initiatives, the K9 and Rural Safety Units in Swartland and Overstrand regions have gained attention for their unrelenting work in tackling crime.