Recently, the Western Cape legislature witnessed a heated exchange between Premier Alan Winde and the opposing ANC party. The controversy began when Winde asserted that the ANC had been financially supported by Russia. ## Premier Winde’s US Visit and the Importance of AGOA
Cape Town is a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the best ways to explore its essence is by visiting the Cape Town Big 6 – a collection of six prominent attractions: Table Mountain Cableway, Robben Island Museum, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia.
In a mass political rally, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s thirdlargest party, accused its closest rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), of inciting ethnic violence. The EFF, led by Julius Malema, stirred up emotions by chanting a controversial antiapartheid struggle song, “Kill the Boer, the farmer.” This song targets the Boers, who are the descendants of Dutch settlers and have a significant presence in South Africa.
The bustling city streets can be a hazardous place, especially for its youngest inhabitants. The PartTime Traffic Attendants (PTAs) make up the Road Safety Education Unit of the Traffic Service and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of thousands of children as they navigate their way to and from school.
On June 30, 2023, Eastern Cape MEC Nonkqubela Pieters of the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) unveiled a new R1.1 million shearing shed for farmers in Bell village, Ngqushwa. The project aims to promote youth participation in the wool industry and support local farmers.
On July 2, 2023, Minister of Electricity Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will be providing an update on the progress made in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing, which will take place at the GCIS Auditorium in Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, and will also be streamed live on the GovernmentZA YouTube channel.
On June 29, 2023, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) held its 8th Summit in Mandvulo, Eswatini. The summit brought together the Heads of State or Government of SACU member countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Botswana. ### Welcoming the Executive Secretary and Addressing Global Developments
Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been experiencing a surge in public unrest as of late. On Thursday, June 29th, 2023, local police arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in the violent protests. The police used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, which had gathered to voice their grievances. The situation remains under close observation by the authorities, with the possibility of further tensions.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Ronald Lamola, has recently announced a series of proposed reforms to the existing whistleblowing legal framework. These recommendations, open for public comment, were based on an extensive research process and comparative analysis of different global whistleblower systems, including those of the US, UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.
The Western Cape Province has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors to its various attractions, with a 54% growth recorded compared to the previous year. This surge has been due to domestic and international tourists who are eager to explore the region’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. As a result, Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, has compiled a monthly tourism report highlighting the province’s achievement in attracting visitors.
The National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba, held at the Durban International Conference Centre in KwaZuluNatal from June 26th to June 30th, 2023, brought together young professionals, academics, and nongovernmental organizations to discuss innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by the water and sanitation sector. The event was organized by the Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water.
In today’s world, where the effects of climate change threaten humanity’s survival, it is crucial to have leaders who prioritize environmental management and strive to build resilience against the consequences of global warming. One such leader is Ms. Barbara Creecy, the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Her recent speech at the Annual Garden Route Environmental Management and Climate Change Indaba 2023 highlighted the importance of localized efforts to combat climate change and adapt our societies to its effects.
On June 29, 2023, the Durban International Convention Centre hosted the 8th annual Green Youth Indaba. Among the attendees was Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and The Environment, Barbara Creecy, who delivered a speech on the importance of sustainable development and the role of youth in addressing environmental issues.
In a landmark decision, Judge Johannes Daffue of the Special Tribunal has ruled that three former Western Cape municipal officials must jointly pay back R400,027.50 for their involvement in an irregular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender. This case highlights the devastating impact of corruption and maladministration in public procurement during the Covid19 pandemic.
At the 8th Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) held in Ezulwini, Eswatini on June 29, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Union leaders about the challenges facing the global economy and the importance of collaboration and cooperation within SACU.
The KwaZuluNatal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs recently released a preliminary report on the damages caused by severe weather conditions in Durban Metro and Ugu District Municipality. The report revealed that heavy rains and strong winds caused significant harm to roads, electricity, sewer systems, and housing.
