Amid reports of irregularities in the awarding of a tender to Ndhuna Civils, MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi has directed an internal investigation to be conducted urgently. As the MEC for Public Works and Roads, Molapisi expressed his concern regarding allegations and the Department’s admission that the contractor has underperformed on previous projects due to poor workmanship.

The issue of river pollution caused by municipal wastewater treatment plants is a pressing concern in South Africa. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has recognized the urgency of addressing this issue and has launched several initiatives to mitigate the problem.

The City of Cape Town is making great strides towards achieving its goal of providing electricity to informal settlements. Recently, 43 households in the Skeem Saam informal settlement in Lotus River were electrified, marking an important milestone in the City’s efforts.

Minister Sihle Zikalala, the head of South Africa’s Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, held a productive meeting with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to discuss critical issues facing the construction sector. ### Restoring Infrastructure in Johannesburg

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime team has taken a significant step in disrupting the infiltration of illegal drugs into South Africa. The team executed a multidisciplinary operation in Mpumalanga on Sunday, 16 July 2023, which led to the arrest of a 49yearold foreign national and the seizure of 250 kilograms of heroin.

On July 19, 2023, Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi delivered a powerful speech at the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference in Sandton. She spoke about the challenges facing South Africa’s economy and the need to reduce inequality in the country.

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced essential maintenance work to take place from the 13th to the 15th of July. The work aims to enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure for the benefit of its residents. While the planned work may cause some disruptions in water services, the City expresses regret for any inconvenience caused.

On July 24, 2023, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni played a vital role in the Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting. The event took place in Sandton, where Ntshavheni warmly welcomed her BRICS Security counterparts. ## Friends of BRICS Countries in Attendance

Illegal dumping has become a significant issue across various public open spaces, causing harm to the environment and threatening the health and safety of nearby communities. Law enforcement departments are now taking action to combat this pressing problem. ## An Alarming Surge in Incidents

The death of a police officer is a tragedy that shakes the core of a community. On July 4th, 2023, Sergeant Wiseman Sihle Masuku was fatally shot in the village of Bedlane in Melmoth. Three men between the ages of 18 and 30 have been arrested and charged with his murder. They are set to appear in the Melmoth Magistrates’ Court on July 19th, 2023.

On July 26, 2023, Acting Premier Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi launched the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in the North West Province. The initiative aims to tackle service delivery challenges in the region by involving local communities in the decisionmaking process and fostering collaboration and constant feedback.

Illegal mining has become a pervasive issue, causing environmental degradation, loss of revenue for governments, and adverse effects on local communities. South Africa, with its rich mineral deposits, is particularly susceptible to unauthorized excavation operations. In Limpopo, the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team, National Unrest Deployment, and Bokoni Protection Service recently collaborated to arrest two suspects, aged 19 and 28, in the area of Zeekoegart (Atok). The operation also led to the confiscation of essential equipment used in illegal mining.

With World Drowning Prevention Day fast approaching, the City of Cape Town is committed to raising public awareness and emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent drowning incidents in and around water bodies. The Recreation and Parks Department is leading the charge with yearround drowning prevention awareness programs, spearheaded by Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently executed a successful intelligencedriven operation in the Western Cape that led to the arrest of two foreign nationals and the confiscation of drugs worth approximately R4.5 million. The individuals are now facing charges of dealing in drugs.