Cape Town engaged its citizens in budget planning through open dialogue, inclusivity, and infrastructure development, addressing unemployment and supporting youth, and robust governance and transparency. The city facilitated 79 meetings, offering a blend of facetoface and online options, catering to the diverse needs of all residents. The public’s participation in the City’s draft budget signifies a mix of civil duty, public accountability, and transparent governance, resulting in a city that is progressing in harmony with a unified vision and a strong sense of community involvement.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town plans to build a turtle conservation centre, which will be open to the public and function as a sanctuary for turtles. The project, costing between R30 to R50 million, aims to address the urgent need to safeguard endangered turtle species, which face threats from extreme weather and plastic pollution. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has expressed excitement for the upcoming conservatory and proposed funding proposals to support the project. The initiative emphasises the shared responsibility to conserve endangered species.
The City of Cape Town is inviting public participation in its upgrade project for the interconnected roads of De Waal, Kendal, and Main Road. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow, with proposed modifications including widening roads, introducing medians, and improving sustainable elements. The City’s call for public involvement reflects a shift towards communitycentric urban planning, and provides an opportunity for residents to offer valuable insights and shape the future of the city.
South Africa’s National Assembly will hold its first virtual meeting in March 2024, marking a significant shift in the way government functions and promoting transparency and public engagement. The virtual programming committee will discuss parliamentary matters, and virtual Mini Plenary sessions will review committee reports with potential impacts on the nation’s future direction. These meetings provide a unique opportunity to understand the nation’s legislative process and are a testament to the evolving nature of democracy.
On June 7th, 2023, the South African Cabinet convened to address various concerns and devise strategies for the country’s progress. Following the meeting, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefed the media on the outcomes and plans for the future. The briefing, held at the Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room in Pretoria, was accessible through live streaming on social media platforms.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature invites the public to participate in an interactive hearing on the FundRaising Amendment Bill (B29B2020) (Section 76). The event is scheduled for June 2, 2023, at The Fairways Hotel, Randburg, at 10 am. The legislature’s committee on Social Development will lead the session, providing citizens with an opportunity to express their thoughts on matters that directly impact their lives.
Starting on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, the Portfolio Committees of Gauteng Legislature will hold public meetings across the province to comprehensively review the budgets of Provincial Government Departments for the 2023/24 financial year. These meetings aim to create an open and transparent platform for Gauteng residents to participate actively, express their opinions, and ask questions, which is a crucial component of the Legislature’s mission to involve the public in legislative processes.
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.
The Mfuleni Public Transport Interchange (PTI) in the City of Cape Town has been operating beyond its capacity, resulting in a lessthanoptimal experience for the thousands of people who use it daily. To improve the situation, the City of Cape Town has proposed upgrades to the PTI that have been welcomed by commuters and operators alike.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public engagement program for May 2023 demonstrates his administration’s dedication to promoting and strengthening South Africa’s global presence. The program encompasses various events and activities covering a wide range of topics, from healthcare to regional peace and security, as well as bilateral relationships with other countries.