South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, will host the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting in Cape Town on June 1, 2023. The meeting aims to enhance diplomatic relationships and encourage cooperation among participating nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The midterm meeting provides a platform for Foreign Ministers to engage in discussions on regional and global developments.
Enlit Africa is a highly respected conference and exhibition that recently shone a light on Cape Town, highlighting the city’s focus on innovative energy solutions. Held from May 16th to 18th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including businesses, consultants, developers, and analysts representing various countries. Together, they worked towards contributing to Africa’s vision for a ‘Just Energy Transition’ and addressing South Africa’s energy crisis.
The Garden Route area in South Africa has been constantly striving to improve its safety measures. In line with this, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen recently celebrated the graduation of 40 Peace Officers (PO’s) in the province. This initiative forms a crucial part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP).
On 19th May, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Western Cape. The Imbizo aimed to promote collaboration and open communication between citizens, community organizations, businesses, and the government for inclusive economic growth.
The South African Department of Transport has revealed the details of its 2023/2024 financial year plans, with a budget of R79,565 billion aimed at improving transport infrastructure and services throughout the country. The investment will be focused on several key projects, including the construction, enhancement, and maintenance of roads, rail networks, public transport, rural bridges, and the aviation industry.
The Department of Transport recently hosted a Post Budget Vote Stakeholder and Media Panel Discussion Breakfast on May 18, 2023 at the Taj Hotel in Cape Town. The event aimed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and media representatives to analyze the key transport issues that emerged following the budget announcement.
Deputy Ministers Conduct Comprehensive Assessment of the Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Pinky Kekana, and Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Bernice Swarts, recently conducted a comprehensive assessment of the innovative Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone. The strategic initiative showcases a promising model for economic development and empowerment that aligns with the District Development Model (DDM).
Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE) is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities by hosting a workshop that aims to discuss strategies for helping them transition into the labor market. The event, which is part of an ongoing series, will take place in Rustenburg, North West Province and is a collaboration with the Education for Employability (E4E) program.
As South Africa approaches the 30th anniversary of its democracy, it is essential to reflect on the various developments made since 1993 and the crucial role played by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in facilitating communication between the government, its citizens, and the international community. In a recent address on the GCIS Budget Vote for 2023/24, Minister in the Presidency Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni provided insights into South Africa’s journey thus far and the evolving role of GCIS in promoting continued progress and resilience.
South Africa is taking a big step towards enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the region. Thanks to the collaboration between Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, and multinational company Sasol, the University of Mpumalanga will receive a mobile science laboratory on May 17th.
The recent rescue of 14 hikers from the Tsitsikamma hiking trail in South Africa is a testament to the bravery, teamwork, and dedication of multiple rescue crews who faced treacherous weather conditions to save them. ## Stranded Between the RainSwollen Lottering and Elandsbos Rivers
In the midst of adversity, innovation and collaboration can thrive, giving rise to new ideas and opportunities. This couldn’t be more true when a group of South African comedians partnered with a plumbing company, XTEND Elements, to promote a revolutionary heating element for geysers. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of working together in difficult times, proving that unexpected collaborations can lead to success.
The recent incidents of violent disruptions, arson, vandalism, and intimidation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the University of the Western Cape have raised concerns amongst university communities and the public. In response, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, has expressed his strong condemnation of these criminal acts.
In recent years, South Africa has seen a positive shift in its approach to human settlements, thanks to Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete and the Department of Human Settlements. With the implementation of the innovative District Development Model, various spheres of government have been able to collaborate more effectively, resulting in improved service delivery.
The BRICS partnership, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. The alliance aims to ensure that economic growth and decent work opportunities are distributed more equitably among disadvantaged groups.
The annual Africa’s Travel Indaba, a prominent tourism marketing event in Africa, is happening on May 10 and 11, 2023, in Durban, KwaZuluNatal. The event brings together international buyers and media to showcase the best tourism products in Southern Africa.