In June each year, Mangaung, Free State Province, South Africa commemorates the 47th anniversary of the 1976 student uprising. This historical moment has inspired a new initiative to empower and uplift the youth of today through tourism. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism, and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), has announced a community engagement event to discuss opportunities for upskilling and empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
On June 9, 2023, Minister Senzo Mchunu, accompanied by his deputies Ms. Judith Tshabalala and Mr. David Mahlobo, visited Lekwa Local Municipality to evaluate the progress of intervention projects dedicated to addressing water and sanitation challenges. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of last year’s allocation of R350 million to the municipality and to engage with community members to ensure transparency and accountability.
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Bernice Swarts, will spearhead a threeday Imbizo in Mpumalanga Province, addressing major challenges faced by communities in the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala districts. ### A Collaborative Effort to FastTrack Service Delivery
The Cape Town police executed a swift and decisive operation to prevent a planned robbery at a Langa supermarket. As a result, four suspects, aged between 30 and 36, were apprehended, and illegal weapons, ammunition, and potentially stolen items were confiscated. This successful operation highlights the crucial role of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring public safety.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Judith Tshabalala, and a team of bikers from the South African Female Riders Forum have joined forces to donate water to the people of Hammanskraal. The aim of the donation is to mitigate the effects of the cholera outbreak in the region, showcasing the power of community and government working together to alleviate public health crises.
On May 29, 2023, Cape Town’s Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Human Settlements, Councillor Albert Anda Ntsodo, visited the Tambo Square informal settlement in Gugulethu. The visit celebrated the installation of new street name signs that will impact the lives of residents in various ways.
The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal has brought to light the ongoing water and sanitation crisis in South Africa. The lack of access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services has been a persistent issue in the country, affecting millions of people.
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.
Illegal dumping in Cape Town is causing major problems for the city’s annual Winter Preparation Programme. This initiative aims to address flood risk management and ensure that the city is clean and safe during the winter season. However, illegal dumping continues to undermine these efforts, making it difficult for the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) Department teams to carry out essential cleanup operations in areas such as Newlands, Imizamo Yethu, and Masiphumelele.
Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, demonstrated its dedication to environmental conservation by achieving second place in the global City Nature Challenge held from April 28 to May 1, 2023. The competition, which involved 482 cities worldwide, aimed to inspire urban residents to explore their local nature reserves and document the diverse flora and fauna they encountered.
Infrastructure development is a critical aspect of economic growth, creating job opportunities and paving the way for increased economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. In this regard, two significant infrastructure projects in George, South Africa, are set to revolutionize life for local residents: the Gwaing Road upgrade and the Metro Grounds housing project.
As we approach International Family Day on May 15th, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the success of the City of Cape Town’s Strengthening Families programme. This initiative has completed a decade since its pilot in 2013 and has become a critical part of the City’s numerous social crime and substance abuse interventions. The programme has supported more than 1,700 families in the region, focusing on substance abuse prevention and interventions.
The South African Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will hold an imbizo in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on May 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. The purpose of this event is to engage with informal communities and provide feedback on the provision of fundamental services. The gathering follows previous government engagements aimed at addressing community leaders’ concerns.
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete are set to engage with communities from various informal settlements in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The imbizo, scheduled for May 12, 2023, at the Tusong MultiPurpose Centre, aims to provide feedback on the provision of basic services, discuss future plans, and strengthen the relationship between the government and the communities.
The uMkhanyakude District has been facing ongoing water challenges, prompting Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu to embark on a twoday visit to KwaHlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities in KwaZuluNatal on May 11 and 12, 2023. The purpose of the visit is to provide comprehensive oversight of the refurbishment and upgrading of water supply schemes following the invocation of Section 63 of the Water Services Act, 108 of 1997, in February last year.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch ChommY, a social and behavioral change program. The program aims to support children aged 10 to 14 years from Ekurhuleni hostels, promote awareness, develop essential life skills, and empower young individuals to make informed choices.