The recent South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) strike has posed significant challenges to the Western Cape Education Department. Over 852,000 economically disadvantaged students were unable to attend classes, and 17,000 staff members were unable to report to work during this period. As a result, the department has announced that all schools in the region will return to full operation on Monday.
The recent taxi strike in Cape Town has sparked a controversy between city officials and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). The issue revolves around the fate of impounded taxis, with Santaco claiming that they will be released without charge, but city officials vehemently denying this.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has applied for leave to appeal the decision of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division Pretoria, regarding the investigation into the affairs of Telkom, a leading telecommunications company in South Africa. The High Court had ruled that Proclamation R49 of 2022 authorizing the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, malpractice, and possible corruption in the affairs of Telkom is declared unconstitutional, invalid, and of no force or effect.
Summer in the Western Cape is synonymous with the magic of open air cinemas. The 12th season promises unique movie experiences at stunning locations across the region. ## PreMovie Picnics
A recent 90year sentence handed down to a child rapist in South Africa is a victory for child protection and the eradication of genderbased violence. The success of this case highlights the dedication and commitment of law enforcement in the region, and serves as a testament to the prioritization of women and children’s safety in the area.
Located in the heart of the Western Cape, Langa Township has a rich history, culture, and socioeconomic significance. This year marks Langa’s 100th anniversary, and the community has come together to celebrate this significant milestone through a series of events.
On August 6th, a rockfall in the Congo Canyon resulted in severe damage to two undersea communication cables, leading to widespread disruptions in internet speeds and connectivity services across the nation. The South Atlantic Telecommunications Cable number three (SAT3) and the West Africa Cable System (WACS) both suffered cuts on the same day, highlighting the vulnerability of international communication infrastructure.
In response to the recent taxi strike in Cape Town that led to violence and infrastructure damage, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced that it will submit an ethics complaint against the National Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga. The DA’s Shadow Minister of Transport, Dr. Chris Hunsinger, accused Chikunga of supporting the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape, prompting the DA to file a complaint with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
In an impressive move to eradicate corruption in the employment and labour sector, two foreign nationals faced arrest in Mpumalanga for attempting to bribe an official of the Department of Employment and Labour on 10 August 2023. The Secundabased Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation swiftly arrested the suspects on charges of fraud and corruption, and they appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court the following day.
In today’s world, public safety is of utmost importance, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure it. One innovative approach to tackle crime has been through the use of surveillance technology, specifically ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) cameras. CCTV cameras have gained popularity as an effective tool for law enforcement agencies worldwide. The city of Cape Town, South Africa, provides a recent example of the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in curbing crime.
On August 13, 2023, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) reached a significant agreement, ending an eightday minibustaxi strike in Cape Town. The agreement addressed the concerns of all parties involved in the strike.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin HillLewis has urgently appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a joint working committee on rail devolution. This comes after the recent minibustaxi strike left thousands of commuters stranded, exposing the dire need for a functional passenger rail system in the city. The Mayor has requested a response from the President by August 31, after which the city will resort to intergovernmental dispute mediation.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its captivating landscapes and lively cultural scene, is betting on the cruise industry to boost its local economy. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, recently spoke at the Cruise Tourism Workshop hosted by South African Tourism to emphasize the potential of the cruise sector.
On August 11, 2023, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone DialeTlabela, handed over the first phase of the Vereeniging Intermodal facility to the Sedibeng District Municipality residents. The inauguration of the intermodal facility marks a significant step towards transforming Vereeniging into an Economic Development Hub. This initiative also demonstrates the government’s commitment to accelerating road infrastructure delivery across Gauteng.
South African law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in the investigation of the tragic mass shooting incident that occurred in Kwanobuhle on July 11, 2023. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit, along with the Provincial Crime Intelligence, have successfully apprehended two more suspects in connection to the heinous crime, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.
The Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) plays a vital role in meeting the Western Cape’s energy demands. As the only nuclear power station in South Africa, it is responsible for supplying the region with a significant portion of its electricity. In Premier Alan Winde’s 20th Energy Digicon, acting Chief Nuclear Officer Keith Featherstone elaborated on the importance of the KNPP to the Western Cape’s energy mix and South Africa’s energy needs.