On May 18, 2023, Minister Maropene Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana will deliver the budget vote speech for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluations (DPME) in Parliament, Cape Town. This speech will provide an outline of the department’s plans for the current fiscal year and evaluate the government’s performance in achieving developmental goals under the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and the MediumTerm Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019 – 2024.
In a recent session led by Nono Maloyi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, South African municipalities gathered to address crucial progress reports on service delivery and infrastructure grants spending. This special session witnessed the attendance of Mayors, Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers, and other stakeholders, reflecting the urgency to improve service delivery in local communities.
On January 27, 2023, the Electoral Commission marked a significant milestone with the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act. This Act requires political parties to disclose their sources of funding and sets out the framework for public funding of political parties. The Commission tabled a report on political party funding in the National Assembly, which included the AuditorGeneral’s statement. The report pertained to the financial year 20212022.
In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched a “massive reading campaign” to ensure that every tenyearold in South Africa can read for meaning within a decade. Despite the Department of Basic Education’s claims of success, recent investigations reveal a different reality.
Cape Town’s Safety and Security Personnel Show Significant Progress in Combating Crime in Early 2023
In the first quarter of 2023, Cape Town’s Metro Police and Law Enforcement Departments made significant strides in their fight against crime, resulting in a notable increase in arrests and confiscations. This article will delve into the factors that contributed to this achievement, the challenges faced by the City’s Safety and Security personnel, and the importance of individual accountability in securing lasting change.
Sudan is on the brink of a civil war as the conflict between the head of Sudan’s Armed Forces, General Abdelfatah ElBurhan, and the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, continues to escalate. This crisis poses severe challenges for those attempting to deliver humanitarian aid in the region, leading to a significant increase in refugees fleeing to neighboring countries.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Western Cape has received a significant boost in law enforcement capabilities, with the delivery of 362 vehicles during the 2022/23 fiscal year. Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, is credited with this development, owing to his effective and enhanced oversight efforts.
Starting on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, the Portfolio Committees of Gauteng Legislature will hold public meetings across the province to comprehensively review the budgets of Provincial Government Departments for the 2023/24 financial year. These meetings aim to create an open and transparent platform for Gauteng residents to participate actively, express their opinions, and ask questions, which is a crucial component of the Legislature’s mission to involve the public in legislative processes.
The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs has raised concerns over the alleged irregular awarding of a tender worth R130,484,335.86 by the Department of Social Development. The Committee plans to request the Provincial Treasury to investigate the possibility of reviewing and setting aside the tender due to inconsistencies in the bid documents.
The ongoing Thabo Bester prison escape case has gripped the attention of South Africans as new revelations come to light during the court proceedings. With 16 charges, including fraud, corruption, and arson, the accused – Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana – have been joined by two former G4S employees: Natasha Jansen and Tieho Frans Makgotsa. These two individuals were identified during a court appearance on Wednesday, 03 May.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has allocated R62 billion for the COVID19 TERS relief funds, of which KwaZuluNatal businesses received R9.2 billion. To verify that the monies were paid to workers who were meant to receive the relief funds, the “follow the money” audit was set up.
Astron Energy, a South African refinery company, faces criticism following a recent product spill from their Milnerton Refinery that leaked into Table Bay waterways, affecting local birds and wildlife. Environmental groups and community members are frustrated with Astron’s response to the spill, with concerns raised about the fall’s extent and the booms’ effectiveness.
World Press Freedom Day is an annual event that commemorates the importance of press freedom across the globe. This year, the event is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the event. ## The Theme for 2021: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for Human Rights
Properly managing funds intended for student financial aid is crucial to ensure students can access the resources they need to succeed. Unfortunately, misappropriation of these funds is a severe issue that requires urgent attention. While the recent payment made by UJ to NSFAS is commendable, it is not enough to prevent future occurrences of mismanagement.
Balancing International Commitments with Domestic Needs: The Case of Putin’s Potential Arrest in South Africa
The tension between the Western Cape Government and the ANCnational government over the potential arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic needs. ## The Premier’s Statement
South Africa has taken a significant step towards a sustainable and lowcarbon future by publishing its 8th National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report (NIR). This detailed report provides an inventory of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 to 2020, including sources of emissions and removals by sinks, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons.