On April 26, 2023, the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans in South Africa announced the rollout of the longawaited Military Veterans Pension. This financial support for veterans was legislated in the Military Veterans Act of 2011, Act no. 18 of 2011.
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 investment required to conserve and restore global ecosystems has been far less than what is needed. To discuss strategies and opportunities to bridge this financing gap, the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDPBIOFIN) hosted the 5th Global Conference on Biodiversity Finance in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 911, 2023. The conference brought together over 180 experts and government members from 45 countries to emphasize the importance of both government and private sector involvement.
The Africa’s Travel Indaba, held on May 10th, 2023, in Durban, provided an exceptional platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to collaborate and establish meaningful connections. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of networking and addressing skills shortages in the hospitality and tourism services sector.
After a period of uncertainty, the construction project for the road between Molelema and Matsheng in Taung is finally set to resume. This project brings new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. ## Resolution of the Conflict
On May 13th, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, in collaboration with USAID, will launch ChommY. This pioneering program aims to empower children aged between 10 and 14 years from Ekurhuleni hostels. The initiative will be launched at the Vosloorus Civic Centre under the theme “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today.”
The 5th Global Conference on Biodiversity Finance is set to take place on May 9th, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. The event is a joint effort between the South African Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will mark the 10th anniversary of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (Biofin). The conference aims to bring together representatives from member countries, government officials, private sector stakeholders, experts, and academics to explore opportunities for biodiversity finance solutions and investments in Biofin countries and regions.
The Pretoria High Court has ordered the South African government to equip public facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, police stations, and schools, with generators and diesel to ensure an uninterrupted power supply within 60 days. The ruling raises concerns about the economic implications of this directive, as the cost of generators and diesel would be an expensive undertaking for taxpayers, funded by general taxes.
The 5th Global Conference on Biodiversity Finance, organized by the South African government and the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will provide an opportunity for government representatives, private sector members, experts, and academics to share experiences and engage in technical discussions on biodiversity finance solutions and investments in BIOFIN countries and regions.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has launched a crimefighting initiative to reduce crime in Gauteng. The industry is led by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesfufi, and the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko. The newly launched crimefighting unit plans to deploy 6,000 Crime Prevention Wardens in townships, informal settlements, and hostels to protect residents and fight crime.
Residents of Johannesburg are facing a nightmare on the city’s roads, which are in a state of disrepair. The lack of adequate maintenance has led to the proliferation of potholes that make driving a dangerous proposition. Despite the efforts of the newlyelected mayor, Thapelo Amad, the situation remains unchanged.
South Africa is currently facing a crisis of food price hikes that have caused widespread suffering among poor households. According to StatsSA, food prices have risen by 14% over the past year, resulting in millions of children and adults going hungry. This devastating crisis has prompted DA leader John Steenhuisen to urge President Ramaphosa and his cabinet to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Africa.
