On June 28, 2023, Solidarity SA, a trade union, and the South African Government, represented by the Department of Employment and Labour, signed a settlement agreement at Sol Tech (Monument Park Campus) in Pretoria. This agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving the longstanding dispute over the Employment Equity Act.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), the Police Ministry, and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) have formed a partnership to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and media houses. The goal of this collaboration is to establish trust within communities and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Gauteng police force in South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in their fight against serious and violent crimes by confiscating an astounding number of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Over a sixweek period, from May 15th to June 26th, 2023, the police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative partners, and various crimefighting stakeholders, recovered over 900 unlicensed firearms and nearly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

The South African Department of Employment and Labour is committed to addressing unfair employment practices, particularly those related to the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (NMW). In a recent advocacy seminar held at Hotel Savoy in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Dr. Pravine Naidoo, the Director of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations, emphasized the importance of fair labor practices when implementing the NMW.

The City of Cape Town has recently undergone a series of renovations aimed at improving customer experience. These improvements reflect the city’s dedication to offering its residents a modern and efficient environment. ## Renovations for a Better Customer Experience

The BroadBased Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Commission and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) have partnered to organize a digital event on the 28th of June 2023. This event, themed “Beyond 20 years of BBBEE: Youth Economic Empowerment opportunities through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD),” is part of the Youth Month campaign that aims to create awareness about youth empowerment.

The Western Cape region of South Africa has experienced heavy rainfall in the past three weeks, leading to a significant increase in dam levels. This is a marked improvement from earlier this year when water users expressed concerns about the slow rate at which the dams were filling up compared to the previous two years.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, a prominent political figure in Southern Africa, recently attended the 8th Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State and Government Summit in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The summit brought together leaders and policymakers from SACU member states, aiming to promote collaboration and assess the progress of the SACU Strategic Plan 20222027.

Cape Town, the bustling city on South Africa’s southwest coast, is gaining recognition not just for its natural beauty and vibrant culture but also for its leadership in championing a Rail Devolution Strategy. The ambitious plan, set to be implemented by 2023, aims to enhance the city’s transportation system and improve the quality of life for its residents.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Sithole Mbanga. After an extensive and meritbased selection process, Mr. Mbanga assumed the position on July 1, 2023, succeeding Mr. Xolile George, who became Secretary to Parliament in June 2022.

The City of Cape Town has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive services to its residents. On 27 June 2023, two new Ombudsman’s offices opened in Atlantis and Khayelitsha. These offices are intended to bring essential services closer to residents and provide a crucial line of communication between the public and the City.

The Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, led by MEC Nonkqubela Pieters, has recently extended support to emerging farmers with a focus on facilitating their transition to commercial farming. This initiative is in line with the government’s effort to enhance the agricultural sector’s growth and sustainability.

Functional government and societal wellbeing rely heavily on an efficient and effective public service. As such, it is crucial to continuously analyze and improve this sector to ensure its success. The South African Public Service Commission (PSC) takes this responsibility seriously and has released a quarterly bulletin titled “The Pulse of the Public Service” to shed light on pertinent issues, challenges, and progress in the public service sector.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, has announced new regulations aimed at streamlining the fee structure for aviation meteorological services provided by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). ## Importance of Meteorological Services for Aviation Safety

On June 27, 2023, the O.R Tambo International Airport witnessed an exceptional moment as the triumphant 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team returned home. The athletes’ remarkable performance at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, had earned them a remarkable medal count of 22 gold, 20 silver, and 7 bronze, making them top contenders and deserving champions.