The Human Settlements Department, led by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, will present their key priorities and performance highlights for the 2023/2024 Budget Vote on May 10th, 2023. This event is crucial following recent policy changes, such as the Emergency Housing Programme, which aims to improve the department’s ability to respond effectively and promptly to disasters, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for South African citizens.
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.”
South Africa’s tourism industry is pushing to reach preCOVID visitor numbers by 2030. Patricia de Lille, the Tourism Minister, has called on stakeholders to unite and foster growth to achieve over 21 million tourist arrivals before the end of the decade.
The water and sanitation crisis affecting several towns in South Africa has led to broken pipes and maintenance holes, causing severe sewage issues that impact the lives and health of thousands of residents. This crisis is evident in towns like Sannieshof, Ottosdal, and Delareyville, where raw sewage has flooded parts of the local cemetery and forced some households to avoid using their toilets due to backflows from the blocked sewerage system.
South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.
On Friday, Employment and Labour Minister T.W. Nxesi will announce regulations on Employment Equity (EE) targets. These regulations follow the amended Employment Equity Act of 1998, which empowers the Minister to set employment equity targets for economic sectors and prescribe demographic targets for employers with over 50 employees.
Ravensmead has been experiencing a rise in theft and vandalism that has caused significant damage to the city’s medium voltage feeder cable and substation. As a result, the electricity supply network in the area has been severely impacted, leading to frequent tripping and extended outages. The city recognizes the urgency of the situation and is focusing on repairing the damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible.
The South African government has been concerned about the possession and trade of illegal cigarettes and prohibited medication for a long time. Recently, the government has taken proactive measures to crack down on this illicit trade. The Johannesburg arrests serve as an example of the efforts made to combat the illegal trade of these products.
Career expos offer valuable insights into different professions and provide opportunities for networking with industry professionals. In May, the City of Cape Town libraries will host a series of career expos aimed at learners, unemployed youth, and anyone interested in making an informed career choice.
