The recent surge in truck torchings on South African roads has caused concern for the economic stability of the nation. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has spoken out against the criminal acts, recognizing the impact they have on the country’s economy.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, spearheaded the Nelson Mandela International Day Outreach Programme on July 18, 2023, in Mangaung, Free State. The theme for Mandela Day 2023 was “It’s In Your Hands,” which presented an opportunity for people worldwide to make a difference in their communities by focusing on the pressing issues of climate, food, and solidarity.

Sewer pump stations are critical in ensuring the efficient transportation of wastewater to treatment plants, but they are often targeted by vandalism and theft, resulting in compromised community health and sewer overflows. To address this issue, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has increased its investment in security measures to upgrade and refurbish sewer pump stations.

At the G20 Environmental and Climate Sustainability Ministers Meeting in Chennai, India, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, highlighted the importance of global cooperation in protecting biological diversity. ## South Africa’s MegaBiodiversity

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) has pledged complete dedication to ensuring the 2023 Netball World Cup is safe and secure for all. The NatJOINTS, consisting of various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the State Security Agency (SSA), has been working diligently on the security plans for the event.

Farmers in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa have received a boost in their livestock quality and market reach through the donation of 144 Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics from Nonkqubela Pieters, the Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC. This support is part of the government’s efforts to commercialize agriculture in the province.

The 18th Energy Digicon, hosted by Premier Alan Winde, recently featured a discussion on demand side management (DSM) by the Western Cape Energy Resilience Programme. DSM aims to flatten peak energy consumption and encourage consumers to reassess their power usage habits.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will be holding a meeting with the North West business fraternity, including the North West Chamber of Commerce, in Lichtenburg, Ditsobotla Local Municipality on July 28, 2023. The aim of this gathering is to find longlasting solutions for water and sanitation provision in the province.

Cape Town’s Traffic Service has been working hard to locate and pursue the “Top 100” list of drivers who have the highest number of outstanding warrants for the last five years. As of July 17th, the group has collectively racked up 9,430 outstanding warrants, amounting to a staggering R9,129,180 ($611,366) in unpaid fines and penalties. The top offender alone has 268 warrants, totaling just under R300,000 ($20,000).

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, is set to visit Limpopo from 12 to 13 July 2023 to assess the state of water and waste water systems in four district municipalities. This move is part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s ongoing efforts to improve water security and waste water management in the region.

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.