The South African government has expressed optimism regarding the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey results, despite a rise in unemployment. The increase in the number of employed individuals is a significant development that offers hope for the country’s economic growth and recovery.
The informal sector comprises a significant portion of the workforce in BRICS countries, with 62% of workers employed in this sector. However, the lack of formal training and education creates a skills gap and results in low productivity and work deficits. To promote decent work and reduce poverty, it is crucial to address this skills gap and incentivize a transition to formality.
As South Africa marks 29 years since the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, the nation has made great strides in building a more inclusive and equitable society. One essential element in this journey is the role of the National Statistical System (NSS) in driving development planning and monitoring.
Kenya experienced its worst mass suicide incident in the southeast of the country, with over a hundred confirmed deaths, including children, at the New Life Prayer Centre and Church. Led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the church captivated followers from all over Kenya with his apocalyptic narratives and controversial teachings. Autopsies revealed that most victims had starved to death at his urging to “meet Jesus” in the afterlife, while others, including children, had been strangled or suffocated.
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.
The recent incident in Browns Farm has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of violent crimes in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape. According to the latest crime statistics released by the SAPS in September 2022, there has been a 6.7% increase in murders in the Western Cape over the previous financial year. This trend underscores the need for continued efforts to combat crime in the province.
The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has launched the annual #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge. The initiative aims to stimulate small businesses and/or ideas through skills development and innovation, contributing to job creation. ## New Challenge Categories Encourage Innovation
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed the 2nd Presidential Health Summit at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng, reflecting on the Presidential Health Compact signed four years ago. The summit brought together stakeholders from various sectors to develop short and longterm solutions to challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare system.
The Sentech Africa Tech Week Conference recently took place in Cape Town, bringing together key stakeholders from across the tech industry. The event aimed to explore new business opportunities in the African Tech industry and discuss the latest trends, insights, and best practices. One of the key topics discussed at the conference was the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (20202030).
The 2023 National Freedom Day celebrations were marked by a speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his address, he discussed several issues concerning the history of Matlosana, the progress that had been made since the advent of democracy, and the challenges that the country still faced. While acknowledging the progress made over nearly three decades of democracy, he also recognized that there was still much work to be done.
Gang activity has been increasing in South Africa in recent years, especially in urban areas with high levels of poverty and unemployment. These criminal organizations engage in a variety of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, robbery, and murder, causing fear and insecurity among the population.
The Community Work Programme (CWP) workers have recently protested outside the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Pretoria due to delayed payments for April. This has brought attention to the situation of thousands of South African workers who rely solely on the CWP programme for their livelihoods. According to reports, over 260,800 CWP workers across the country have been affected by payment delays, which typically occur around contract renewal time. The delay is due to the CWP programme’s transition from an implementing agent to the COGTA.
Philippi, one of Cape Town’s poorest suburbs, is plagued by daily gunshots, murders, robberies, and carjackings. The local authorities struggle to keep up with the situation, and even dustbin collectors have withdrawn services due to safety concerns. The problem has escalated to the point where a cleaning company contracted to the City of Cape Town is in trouble due to a syndicate extorting protection money from government contractors.
Cape Town, South Africa, will be investing R11bn in infrastructure, making it the largest infrastructure budget among all of the country’s metros. This announcement was made by Mayor Geordin HillLewis during a City Council meeting. The budget is part of the City’s plan to build a “City of Hope” for all its residents, regardless of their background or where they live.
South Africa is currently facing a crisis of food price hikes that have caused widespread suffering among poor households. According to StatsSA, food prices have risen by 14% over the past year, resulting in millions of children and adults going hungry. This devastating crisis has prompted DA leader John Steenhuisen to urge President Ramaphosa and his cabinet to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Africa.
Volunteering in Cape Town is a rewarding experience and a window into the city’s social issues. The city is known for its natural beauty but is also home to many social challenges, including poverty, homelessness, and mental health. Volunteering allows engaging with these challenges and actively contributing to positive change.
