South Africa, currently holding the BRICS chair, is hosting a significant event in the field of communications and digital technologies. The BRICS Ministers of Communication Meeting will take place from July 31 to August 4, 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The meeting aims to encourage cooperation among the BRICS nations on matters related to information and communication technology (ICT).
The BRICS Urbanisation Forum, a twoday event centered around the theme “Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations,” recently concluded in Durban, South Africa. The forum aimed to provide a platform for delegates to explore innovative strategies, projects, and initiatives implemented in cities to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and social vulnerabilities.
Transport Minister Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga visited Rustenburg, North West, on July 25, 2023, to address the province’s road infrastructure challenges. The Minister led a stakeholder dialogue, bringing together representatives from provincial and local government authorities, private sectors, and community members to find solutions for the pressing issues related to the region’s road infrastructure.
On July 20th, 2023, the Gauteng Legislature will hold a roundtable discussion led by Chairperson Fasiha Hassan to address the challenges and opportunities presented by coalition governments in Gauteng. The event, organized by the Portfolio Committee on Cogta, eGovernment, Research & Development, will take place at Pretoria’s Fire & Ice Hotel.
Attention Hanover Park residents! The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department has announced a scheduled electricity supply interruption for August. The maintenance work aims to provide a consistent and reliable power supply for the area’s residents. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the planned interruption.
Cape Town has seen a steady increase in public transport impoundments in recent weeks. The city’s three agencies within the Safety and Security Directorate have arrested nearly 400 people, highlighting the efforts made to ensure road safety. ## Enforcing Traffic Regulations
In a recent meeting of the Western Cape Energy Council, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, National Minister for Electricity, presented the national government’s Energy Action Plan to tackle the persistent power outages in South Africa. These outages threaten an estimated loss of R725 billion to the economy in 2023.
The Ugu District Agriculture and Other Critical Skills Careers Expo and Economic Opportunities Exhibitions is a significant event that aims to uplift the lives of Ugu District citizens and those from surrounding areas. The event is an initiative of the Ugu District Development Model (DDM) and seeks to address the high rate of youth unemployment within the district by promoting skills development and hosting Youth Careers Exhibitions.
In July 2023, Anroux Marais, Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, hosted a recognition ceremony to honor Western Cape’s outstanding athletes and administrators. The event showcased the achievements of some of the province’s most talented sportspeople, inspiring future generations.
On the night of 25 May 2023, tragedy struck Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, South Africa, claiming the lives of 21 young people who had just completed their school exams. The incident sparked a collaborative effort between government departments and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to establish the cause of the tragedy and provide answers to the bereaved families.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently visited the Sekhukhune District at the Motodi Sports Complex in Limpopo Province. This marked the eighth successful Presidential Imbizo under the current administration, reflecting a clear commitment to community engagement and development. ## Infrastructure and Community Development
The Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Africa collaborated with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the National School of Government (NSG), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to organize a twoday retreat focused on the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector. The event, which took place from July 13th to 14th, 2023, in Krugersdorp, aimed to bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for implementing the framework and addressing challenges faced by the South African public sector.
On July 6th, 2023, The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town. The agreement lays the foundation for a more sustainable management plan for the Chacma baboon population in the Cape Peninsula.
Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, has made significant strides in recent years, demonstrating resilience and adaptability despite numerous challenges. With exceptional choral performances and recordbreaking infrastructure investments, Cape Town has become a beacon of progress and development, setting an example for the rest of the country and the African continent.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) recently participated in the BRICS Urbanization Forum, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among member countries in tackling urban growth challenges. This article explores the nuances of urbanization in BRICS nations, the impact of climate change on urban areas, the proposed BRICS Local Government Climate Change Programme and the importance of alternative funding solutions.
The Community Services and Health Directorate of the City of Cape Town has organized a series of events to celebrate Women’s Month in August. The monthlong celebration is designed to recognize the valuable contributions of women in society and empower them through various activities.