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.

In recent events, Gauteng’s Driving License Testing Centre has been subject to fraudulent activities compromising public safety. In response, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has launched an operation leading to the arrest of four individuals involved in these unlawful practices.

Businesses hoping to expand their international market reach have only one more week to apply for the Western Cape Government’s Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP). The deadline for applications is June 30, 2023. The R5 million fund aims to support exportready businesses and those working towards export readiness to meet global market demands.