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 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.

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.

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.