Northern Cape in South Africa is undertaking a historic housing project worth around R1 billion, aiming to build over 4,000 homes in 12 to 18 months across different regions. The project prioritizes vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and childled households, and also targets individuals who earn an income but don’t qualify for subsidized housing or bank loans. It seeks to encourage economic growth and empowerment of women and youthowned businesses while correcting historical injustices of land and home ownership. The project has secured funding from various sources and promises rigorous monitoring to ensure highquality standards.
On December 5, 2023, the South African National Assembly passed several landmark bills that reinforce independent institutions, advance social justice, and protect the nation’s youth and agricultural lands. Significant legislative reforms include the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill, Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, National Youth Development Agency Amendment Bill, and Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Amendment (PDAL) Bill. These changes represent a progressive legislative landscape that reflects the government’s commitment to meeting the nation’s evolving needs.
In the bustling core of Cape Town, Central Methodist Church, located in the lively Greenmarket Square, has been a longstanding symbol of endurance and optimism. Pastor Alan Storey has overseen the institution, transforming the church from a simple place of worship into a hub of social activism, advocating for societal transformation and justice.
Siya Kolisi, a renowned rugby player from South Africa, is committed to philanthropy and raising awareness about genderbased violence. He uses his influence to inspire positive change in his community, rather than turning to politics. Kolisi’s dedication stems from personal experience, as his aunt and mother suffered from abuse. He believes in the healing power of conversation and has used his success in sports to unite people across his country. Ultimately, Kolisi’s unwavering commitment to social justice and community welfare makes him an inspirational figure both on and off the rugby grounds.
Rachel Kolisi, a fitness influencer from South Africa, is committed to social justice and has founded the Kolisi Foundation with her husband Siya Kolisi. The foundation aims to uplift the disadvantaged and has partnered with the Saartjie Baartman Centre to combat genderbased violence. Rachel has created Power2You bags to empower women and children with tools to resist GBV, symbolizing a transition from victimhood to survivorship and activism. Her tireless work highlights the impact of empathy and compassion in creating a more fair world and shows that joint efforts can tackle societal problems.
Clint Abrahams, an architect, lecturer, and PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has received the prestigious 2022 Social Responsiveness Award for his work in the Bong’s Inn project. The award was established in 2009 to recognize work that contributes significantly to South Africa’s cultural, economic, political, scientific, and social domains.
On 24th July, Deo Kato embarked on a historic journey to become the first person to run from Cape Town to London, covering 14,570 km in 381 days and 53,400 m of elevation. Kato’s journey traverses deserts, grasslands, and everything in between, as he seeks to raise awareness for racial injustice and inequality.
Despite the establishment of monitoring and reporting mechanisms for employment equity, the EEA’s impact has not achieved its intended goals after 25 years. The representation of previously disadvantaged individuals in senior management positions and specific industries remains inadequate, and corporate South Africa reflects the economically privileged population rather than the economically active one.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently attended the World of Work Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, hosted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC), focused on achieving “Social Justice for All.”
The world is currently facing unprecedented challenges, and leaders across the globe must rise to the occasion and collaborate for the common good of humanity. During the recent World of Work Summit of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges, particularly in the pursuit of social justice.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the World of Work Summit. The twoday event is hosted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and coincides with the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). ### ILO’s Mission and Summit Theme
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.
In a recent address to the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi emphasized the need for accelerated global policy coordination and joint action. With only seven years to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets, Nxesi stressed the important role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) members in facilitating dialogues and enhancing policy coherence.
The South African government has taken a strong stance on the issue of child labor, with Minister of Employment and Labor, Thulas Nxesi, leading the charge. He recently spoke at a highlevel side event titled “Social Justice for All: How to End Child Labor” at the #ILC2023 in Geneva, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and wellbeing of children.
The passing of Eusebius McKaiser, a prominent broadcaster, writer, and political commentator, on May 30, 2023, has left the communications sector in South Africa in mourning. His loss is deeply felt by those who knew him as a fearless advocate against discrimination, inequality, prejudice, and corruption.
Energy poverty is a significant challenge facing many communities in Cape Town, particularly those living in backyard dwellings. Backyarders, who often live in informal settlements, face significant energy challenges due to a lack of access to essential energy subsidies, such as the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) offered by the city.