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Cape Town News
DESTEA’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: Career Expo and Flagship Programs The Department of Economic Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) organized an Environment Career Expo on June 2, 2023, at the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve to celebrate Environment Month. The expo aimed to educate learners about the opportunities available in the environmental sector and to encourage the pursuit of careers in this field. The theme for World Environment Day was #BeatPlasticPollution, which stressed the importance of reducing plastic pollution.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is inviting the public to comment on its recent draft of the PSC Bill of 2023. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and active public participation in the legislative process. ### The Drafting Process
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Health Department, is working towards improving healthcare services in Atlantis, a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The integration of health services offered by the City at Saxon Sea and Protea Park clinics into the health services provided by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is a significant step towards streamlining healthcare services for the Atlantis community.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an essential entity under the Department of Employment and Labour, has recently expressed its support for the arrest of six individuals suspected of defrauding the Fund of R2 million. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) apprehended these suspects on 10 June 2023 in the North West province. Two of the accused were previously employed by the Department of Employment and Labour, raising further concerns about corruption within the government system.
South Africa has sent a second team of highly skilled firefighters to assist Canada in the ongoing fight against the devastating wildfires in Alberta. The deployment comes after an urgent request was made by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). The South African team, named Mzanzi Hotshots 2, comprises 200 firefighters and 13 managers. They will work together with their Canadian counterparts to suppress the inferno that has already caused destruction and displacement across the region.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, has announced the finalization of appeal decisions related to the Squid Sector as part of the Fishing Right Allocation Process 2020/2021 (FRAP 2021). The Squid Sector had its appeal decisions finalized on the 12th of June 2023. The General Published Reasons for the Appeal Decisions in the Squid Sector: 2021/2022 will be available soon on the Department’s website.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is committed to empowering the youth of South Africa through various employment initiatives and readinesstowork programs. These initiatives provide young individuals with opportunities for capacitation, funding, and mentorship to accelerate youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future. Among these initiatives is the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, which has achieved several milestones since its inception.
As the Vitality Netball World Cup draws closer, the City of Cape Town and the Netball World Cup 2023 Board unveiled the latest Netball World Cup 2023 legacy mural at the Lotus River Recreation Centre. This mural aims to raise awareness about Africa’s firstever Netball World Cup and celebrate important themes such as women’s empowerment, hope, and sports culture in Cape Town.
On June 13th, 2023, Judge Siraj Desai, the Legal Services Ombud, held a media briefing at the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre in Pretoria. The purpose of the briefing was to provide an update on the progress made by his office. This event was particularly significant in light of the recent promulgation of sections of the Legal Practice Act.
The South African government has taken a significant step towards improving the Public Service Commission (PSC) by adopting and approving the publication of the draft PSC Bill of 2023. The aim is to transform the PSC into an independent and impartial constitutional body. Additionally, the proposed legislation seeks to extend the mandate of the PSC to include municipalities and public entities, fostering greater accountability and transparency throughout the country.
South Africa is making significant strides towards a hydrogen economy, with the recent docking of the Energy Observer, a hydrogenpowered boat, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. This achievement highlights the potential of a hydrogen economy and emphasizes the importance of embracing innovative, sustainable energy solutions.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently delivered a keynote address at the 2023 Batseta Winter Conference, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in driving sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic growth in South Africa. ### The Need for Collaboration
Minister Sihle Zikalala, in his role as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in South Africa, has taken a firm stance against corrupt practices in the construction industry. Zikalala is determined to promote accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure projects and put an end to contractors taking advantage of governmentfunded projects.
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has accomplished a significant milestone by providing grant funding for 20 years to support disadvantaged communities in South Africa to launch their own media platforms. This article explores MDDA’s mission, mandate, achievements, and upcoming events.
In the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, De Aar has become a hotspot for gangsterism. Schoolchildren in the area are increasingly involved in gangs, leading to a growing concern for the safety and wellbeing of residents. To address this issue, the Department of Social Development has planned a restorative justice intervention involving both parents and children.
The Electricity Generation and Distribution Department of the City has announced a scheduled electricity supply interruption in Lavender Hill. The interruption is set to occur on either Wednesday, 21 June 2023, from 07:00 to 20:00, or Tuesday, 27 June 2023, from 07:00 to 20:00, depending on operational challenges, weather conditions, and loadshedding.
