On July 7, 2023, South Africa mourned the loss of Mme Matlotlo Margaret Mathabatha, a pivotal figure in the country’s history. Her funeral service was held at the Uniting Reform Church in Southern Africa in Serala View, Polokwane, Limpopo. ### Early Life and Career

On Friday, 07 July 2023, North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will conduct a sodturning ceremony on Road Z431 at Kgora Farmer Training Centre in Mahikeng. The event aims to improve rural road infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. Kgosi of Batloung Ba Ga Shole, Kgosi Shole, and the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Cllr Tshepiso Mphehlo, will also attend the ceremony.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Lisa Mangcu, will be visiting the families affected by a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 15 people on July 2, 2023. Along with officials from various agencies, Mangcu will be visiting the crash site to pay tribute to the victims and offer support to their families.

In Western Cape, South Africa, a massive and ambitious housing project is underway, spearheaded by Tertuis Simmers, the Minister of Infrastructure. The Airport Precinct Informal Settlement project aims to provide dignified living opportunities for thousands of families by building 7,800 houses spread across nine distinct communities. With a budget of R3.2 billion, the initiative involves land rehabilitation, bulk services, internal services, and top structures during various stages of development.

On June 23, 2023, the Special Tribunal of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced its decision in the case of Special Investigating Unit and Matzikama Municipality v Duneco CC and 4 Others (Case No WC/05/22). Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, welcomes the verdict, which has revealed severe misconduct by several municipal officials.

The human settlements sector is a key driver of economic development. It impacts Gross Domestic Product, creates jobs, and builds new infrastructure. As such, it is our responsibility to transform this sector to provide healthy and dignified shelter while adapting to climate change challenges.

Essop Pahad, a legendary struggle veteran, academic, and politician, passed away recently. He embodied the spirit of selflessness and unwavering dedication, leaving a nation in mourning. In this article, we remember his life and legacy and the significant contributions he made to South Africa.

On the morning of the 6th of August 2021, a gas accident occurred at the Angelo Informal Settlement in Boksburg, South Africa. The incident led to the tragic loss of 17 residents of the squatter camp, leaving many families grieving the loss of their loved ones.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Johannesburg High Court’s recent decision to dismiss the private prosecution initiated by outgoing President Jacob Zuma. The ruling is significant in South Africa’s legal history as it reinforces the principles of due process and adherence to the rule of law.

The Huawei EcoConnect SubSaharan Africa Summit 2023 brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of the digital economy. This event took place amidst significant global shifts in digital governance and technology advancements. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Philly Mapulane, highlighted the importance of ICT infrastructure and affordable communication, especially for marginalized communities.

The City’s Arts and Culture Branch initiated the Arts Aweh! programme to provide an afterschool initiative that has left an indelible impression on the lives of children. The programme was held for two months, from May to June, and had over 400 young participants each day, totaling approximately 19,800 attendees from 10 different locations across the metropole. The programme offered a variety of creative disciplines, such as drawing, painting, photography, hip hop, dance, poetry, clay, and beading, to young artists.

In order to prepare young women for the careers of the future, government agencies, businesses, and international organizations are joining forces to make sure girls are fully equipped to participate in the 4th industrial revolution. One such initiative is the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), which aims to tackle gender imbalances and empower a new generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, recently spoke at the Ministerial Meeting of the NonAligned Movement (NAM) Committee on Palestine in Baku, Azerbaijan. In his address, Botes expressed his concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine.