The South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, will host the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, and China in the Eastern Cape on August 3rd and 4th, 2023. This significant gathering is part of South Africa’s BRICS rotating presidency, whose theme this year is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.”

The City of Cape Town has taken a remarkable step to empower young, ambitious women through its Apprenticeship Programmes. These programmes have recently led to the permanent employment of a group of skilled handywomen in the City. This is a significant milestone for these women, who have worked hard to complete their apprenticeships and secure longterm careers.

The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate demonstrates its commitment to providing a reliable energy supply and ending loadshedding through its significant capital budget spend of R1 billion in the last financial year (2022/23). This investment showcases the city’s capacity to invest in dependable services for a growing population.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has become a beacon of hope for young South Africans, empowering thousands through various initiatives. The NYDA’s dedication to good governance and achieving desired outcomes is evident from its ninth consecutive clean audit report from the Auditor General of South Africa for the 2022/2023 financial year.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has declined to sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Cape Town’s local government, which has sparked discontent among city leaders and commuters alike. PRASA’s unwillingness to commit to improving the level and quality of passenger rail services in Cape Town has further highlighted the need for rail service devolution.

South Africa’s taxcollecting agency, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), has recently been accused of political interference. The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter to investigate the tax affairs of those who attended and sponsored the EFF Gala Dinner in July 2023. Malema’s accusations have raised concerns about SARS’s impartiality and integrity, but the institution is standing firm, defending its values and commitment to the country.

In July 2023, the South African province of KwaZuluNatal saw a remarkable decrease in crime due to the success of its ongoing highdensity police operations, including Operation Shanela. The operations resulted in the apprehension of almost 9,000 suspects, and the recovery of 332 firearms through various police activities, including daytoday patrols and vehicle checkpoints.

Health Ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa convened in Durban, South Africa for the 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting. The ultimate goal was to address the increasing cases of oncology diseases and tuberculosis (TB). The ministers focused on strategies to reduce the risks of deaths from oncology diseases and improve the quality of life for palliative care patients. They also aimed to tackle the burden of TB, which is prevalent in the BRICS member states, accounting for about 40% of the world’s TB cases.

The City has initiated a plan to enhance the safety of communities by expanding First Aid training for Neighborhood Watches (NWs). This move is part of the ongoing Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme, which was launched in 2008 to assist communities in setting up NWs, provide training, and secure accreditation through the Western Cape Department of Community Safety.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala is taking proactive measures to address the issue of stalled construction projects in the Gauteng province. The primary focus is on service delivery and the adverse impact of these delays on crucial sectors such as the dispensing of justice. Therefore, Minister Zikalala aims to unblock these hindrances and ensure the speedy completion of stalled projects.

Recently, the Electoral Commission of South Africa has published draft regulations that pertain to the Electoral Amendment Act. These regulations seek public comment and provide a framework for independent candidates to participate in provincial and national elections. The purpose of this article is to provide readers with an indepth analysis of the draft regulations and inform them about this significant development in South Africa’s democratic process.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his heartfelt support to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who has been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The president expressed his concern and wellwishes to Prince Buthelezi and his family during this difficult time.