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.

The City of Cape Town is taking steps to assist citizens facing financial difficulties, by offering relief measures to households in need. These measures are available to indigent households, social grant recipients, and pensioners. The City now offers an increased social support package of R4.3 billion for rates and services relief in 2023/24.

Cape Town’s new HIV preventive strategy, PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), has achieved great success in less than 18 months since its launch. The city’s clinics have had over 6,000 clients accessing the treatment, making it a groundbreaking initiative. South Africa is the first African nation to approve PrEP, a daily tablet of antiretroviral medication that protects HIVnegative individuals from contracting the virus when at risk of exposure through sexual activity.

South Africa and Lesotho are taking steps to improve their already strong relationship by working to speed up disbursement of funds to Basotho former mine workers. This issue is of significant concern within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and both countries are committed to creating mechanisms to efficiently channel compensation to rightful recipients.

South Africa is set to conduct municipal byelections on 19th July 2023, across five provinces Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZuluNatal, North West, and Western Cape. There are six independent candidates and 55 candidates from 16 political parties vying for the available positions. This article provides a breakdown of the contests in each province.

George, a stunning town located in the Western Cape, is undergoing a major upgrade to its water infrastructure. Premier Alan Winde, during a recent visit to the site of the water treatment works extension project, expressed his admiration for the progress made so far. The project is a testament to the Western Cape’s forwardthinking approach, and it has been meticulously planned and executed to cater to the growing population.

On July 12, 2023, the Cape Town Civic Centre hosted an event to celebrate the long service achievements of 238 staff members from various departments within the Safety and Security Directorate. The event recognized the dedication of employees from the Disaster Risk Management Centre, Traffic Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Metro Police and Law Enforcement Departments, and the Events Department, who committed their invaluable experience to serving the residents of Cape Town.

Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in South Africa, has launched a pioneering program in Africa the National Civic Education and Health Skills Programme. The initiative aims to equip students with the top 10 soft skills that employers seek, preparing them for a competitive job market.

In South Africa’s Gauteng province, public healthcare facilities are making strides towards improving healthcare services by encouraging patients to participate in the annual Patient Experience of Care (PEC) survey. The survey, which takes place from July to September, allows patients to offer feedback on the quality of care they receive and express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services rendered.

Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, recently updated the media on the progress of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act at Umjantshi House, Braamfontein. ### AARTO Act A Constitutional Solution to Road Carnage

Transnet’s announcement of a private sector partner to upgrade Pier 2 of the Durban Container Terminal has been praised by MEC Mireille Wenger. This investment is expected to benefit South Africa’s economy, and further investments are required in other ports, such as the Port of Cape Town (PoCT).

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is calling on public transport operators to renew their expired operating licenses by July 31st, 2023. Over 6,000 licenses have been identified as requiring renewal but only 500 applications have been processed so far.

In recent years, Cape Town’s City Council has implemented various initiatives to address the challenges of apartheid’s spatial planning legacy. The council has been working towards creating a more integrated and inclusive city for all its residents. ## Safe Space Pilot Project Deemed a Success

Uitsig, a growing neighborhood, is undergoing a substantial infrastructure overhaul as part of the city’s investment of R863,6 million in water and sewer refurbishment. The aim of this ambitious project is to provide resilient infrastructure and reduce the risk of sewer overflows that have been a concern for the local community.