South African finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, has joined efforts to advocate for effective taxation of the world’s richest individuals. The G20 Ministerial Declaration on International Tax Cooperation recognizes that wealth disparity is a societal problem and a significant economic issue. G20 countries, including South Africa, are working together to formulate effective taxation strategies for individuals with assets over $30 million to reduce inequality and stimulate economic growth. Domestic reforms, such as South African Revenue Service’s initiatives, will also be implemented to ensure tax compliance among highwealth individuals and multinational corporations.
Cape Town is building two innovative MyCiTi depots on Spine Road and Mew Way to provide reliable and safe public transport to the city’s lowincome households. The project, partially funded by the Dutch government, is expected to be completed in May 2025 and will create temporary job opportunities and fuel local businesses. Despite facing extortion attempts, the project is 65% complete, and the depots will house an initial fleet of 290 buses and serve as multipurpose facilities hosting administrative offices, boardrooms, training spaces, and amenities for staff and drivers.
Get ready for a mindblowing international fashion spectacle at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow on November 28th. With over 230 experts from 60 countries, the summit offers a diverse mix of talent and unique viewpoints. South Africa is set to take center stage, showcasing its dynamic fashion history with contributions from prominent figures like Stephen Manzini and David Tlale. The summit aims to shake up established fashion markets and influence global trends while promoting international cooperation in shaping the future of fashion.
South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has called on the international community to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Speaking at the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nxesi emphasized the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach to promoting social justice and tackling global challenges such as economic inequality, poverty, and discrimination.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Working on Fire program has dispatched a second team of firefighters to aid in combating the wildfires in Alberta, Canada. The Mzanzi Hotshots 2, made up of 200 firefighters and 13 managers, will work alongside the previous team of 200 firefighters and 15 managers who arrived on June 3, 2023.
South Africa has sent a second team of highly skilled firefighters to assist Canada in the ongoing fight against the devastating wildfires in Alberta. The deployment comes after an urgent request was made by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). The South African team, named Mzanzi Hotshots 2, comprises 200 firefighters and 13 managers. They will work together with their Canadian counterparts to suppress the inferno that has already caused destruction and displacement across the region.
South African Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, recently concluded a fiveday official visit to the People’s Republic of China to enhance practical law enforcement cooperation and collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their Chinese counterparts. This visit sets the stage for the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni recently gave a speech at the 11th International Meeting of HighRanking Officials Responsible for Security Matters. In her address, she discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by the current international landscape, stressed the importance of international cooperation, and emphasized the need for investment in Africa’s economic development.
A 61yearold Rwandan fugitive, who was allegedly involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has been captured in South Africa after evading authorities for over 20 years. The arrest was made possible through the collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), Crimes Against the State, and Interpol.
Amidst the growing prevalence of violent conflicts globally, the African Heads of State have taken a commendable initiative by facilitating peace talks aimed at resolving the RussiaUkraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presented this mission to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during separate phone calls.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in South Africa, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recently oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Higher Education and Training between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This partnership is significant as it reinforces their shared commitment to promoting educational excellence and equipping both nations with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the fastpaced, everchanging world.
The recent capture of Odis Maluleke on May 6, 2023, is a significant development in the ongoing struggle against rhino poaching in South Africa. Maluleke is one of Mpumalanga’s most wanted rhino poaching suspects. His capture marks a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and conservation organizations in their efforts to conserve rhino populations and bring notorious criminals to justice.
The case against the five suspects accused of robbing German tourist Nick Frischke on the day he went missing has been postponed for further investigation. The accused faced a charge of aggravated robbery and will remain in custody. Carlo Guenantin, one of the accused, was previously convicted of attempted murder and released on parole last year. However, his parole is under revision following his failure to meet the conditions.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since the 2019 coup that led to the removal of former President Omar alBashir. The country has been facing political instability, economic turmoil, and social unrest since then. ## The Recent Conflict and its Impacts