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On Wednesday, 16 April – we invite you to join us in a powerful and unifying event – the March of Hope organised by Good Hope Christian Centre. On this day, we will gather as a community, raising our voices and lifting our prayers for our city, our nation, and our own lives. This is …
The Enterprise Dinghy CV6 lost its mast, a Gypsy Dinghy from Plumstead Scouts snapped their centreboard while other boats had to do running repairs to complete this year’s MAC 24 Hr Challenge held at Milnerton Aquatic Club on Saturday and Sunday, the 29/30 March 2025. The 26th MAC 24 Hr Challenge started in perfect conditions …
GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade,GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor 29 March 2025 The Stellenbosch Municipality is failing the youth. It has become evident that many of the municipal play parks are in dire need of urgent upgrades to ensure they meet the safety and recreational needs of children in the area. These parks, which should […]
The post STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY: URGENT UPGRADES NEEDED TO MUNICIPAL PLAY PARKS IN STELLENBOSCH appeared first on For Good.
Still no arrests after seven-year-old raped in Eastern Cape in October
GOOD Statement by Axolile Notywala and Roscoe Palm ,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillors 01 April 2025 The City of Cape Town cannot allow mismanagement and flagrant human rights abuses to take hold in its Pickwick Transitional Housing project in Salt River. Several site visits by GOOD City of Cape Town councillors Axolile Notywala and […]
The post PICKWICK TRANSITIONAL HOUSING – BROKEN DOORS AND BROKEN PROMISES appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Anton Louw,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 31 March 2025 The City of Cape Town has introduced a cleaning tariff separate from Property rates being paid by residents. The amount has been ring fenced out of property rates but there has been absolutely no reduction to residents’ property rates. Instead, the City […]
The post CAPE TOWN BUDGET 2025/26: CITY OF CAPE TOWN PLAYS DIRTY WITH CLEANING TARIFF appeared first on For Good.
Conference places the spotlight on ocean sustainability
As the current holder of the G20 Presidency, South Africa is leading global efforts for ocean sustainability, particularly focusing on advancing sustainable ocean initiatives in Africa.
The country is hosting the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO), which is currently underway in Cape Town.
This premier scientific gathering, being held in Africa for the first time since 1997, brings together renowned meteorologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists to address the unique atmospheric and oceanic challenges of the southern hemisphere.
The five-day event, which kicked off on Monday, is hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the South African Environmental Observation Network, with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The conference shows South Africa’s growing influence in global climate science.
Opening the conference, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised the urgent need for scientific collaboration to combat the escalating threats of climate change.
“The world is experiencing intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events that disrupt economies, displace communities, and strain infrastructure,” the department said.
South Africa has witnessed the devastating impact of climate change in repeated floods and recurring droughts.
These events highlight the pressing need for enhanced climate prediction, risk management, and adaptation strategies, all key topics at ICSHMO 2025.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of turning scientific knowledge into tangible, actionable solutions.
Through the NRF, the country continues to support cutting-edge research in marine and coastal science, weather forecasting, and climate adaptation, to inform global policy and action.
Gina welcomed the integration of ICSHMO with the Ocean20 initiative, a flagship programme introduced under Brazil’s G20 Presidency, which is designed to promote sustainable ocean governance, and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of equitable access to artificial intelligence, big data and remote sensing technologies, which were transforming climate science, enabling more accurate forecasting, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were key to building a more stable and resilient global future, especially for nations that were most vulnerable to climate change.
A group of learners from Luhlaza and Usasazo high schools in Khayelitsha attended the conference and had a special interaction with Gina on the benefits of science for society.
During the opening session, Kenya’s representative for the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Patricia Nying’uro, highlighted the critical role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainability. She stated that the extensive knowledge accumulated by indigenous communities over centuries should be utilized to enhance climate action efforts.
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the conference would provide a vital platform for advancing scientific collaboration, sharing cutting-edge research, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate variability and change in the southern hemisphere.
“The insights and discussions over the next few days will undoubtedly contribute to shaping policies and strategies that enhance climate resilience in our region and beyond,” he stated. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:39
163 views
The Dial-a-Ride service has been stagnant for seven years
This week the Judicial Services Commission will hold interviews for judges and decide on two important disciplinary matters
Pan-African technology company Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), in a strategic collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a community engagement initiative focused on South Africa. Through this initiative, the two organisations will establish training hubs for youth in the local communities that will help spur employment opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
By prioritising renewable energy skills development, energy efficiency, and community microgrids, the initiative will empower the next generation to lead in the transition to clean energy. Activities will be focused in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where Cassava and Microsoft operate.
The project's training hubs will play a vital role in equipping Africa's women and youth with the skills they need to thrive in the renewable energy industry and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are realised by all.
Cassava Technologies, through its renewable energy company and co-location companies, will be a key player in this collaboration. Their local renewable energy expertise will ensure that the initiative delivers tangible benefits linked to clean energy jobs and projects to the communities that are involved. Through this initiative, Cassava and Microsoft are supporting community engagement and sustainable development in the region and across the continent, which lays the groundwork for expansion into other African markets.
Finhai Munzara, Chief Corporate Development Officer of Cassava Technologies, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Microsoft on this project, which ensures that we bring all Africans along as we transition to a digitally connected future using sustainable energy. By leveraging our technological expertise, on-the-ground experience, and Microsoft's global reach, we are poised to make a lasting, positive impact on South African communities.”
"We are pleased to work with Cassava to support climate initiatives in South Africa that enhance local communities, ensuring that those all have the tools to thrive," said Markus Swart, Director of Data Centre Operations in South Africa at Microsoft.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.
About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers' products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company's ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage.
The global demand for rare earth elements (apo-opa.co/3FI1pbZ) is projected to increase four-fold by 2030, driven by the energy transition and increasing investments in industrialization. African nations rich in rare earth minerals are accelerating exploration and production efforts to capitalize on this growth. With up to eight rare earth projects set for commissioning across the continent by 2029 - boosting Africa's share of the global supply chain to 10% - the upcoming African Mining Week will spotlight opportunities across the rare earth value chain.
Africa's rare earth sector remains largely untapped, thereby attracting the interest of global project developers eager to unlock its full potential. South African asset manager Novare, for example, signed a R1.8 billion agreement (apo-opa.co/3E9EG8f) in February 2025 with American firm ReElement Technologies to develop a rare earth refining and battery manufacturing facility. ReElement will contribute its refining technology while Novare will provide funding for the value addition initiative, with construction expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
In Namibia, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security and Namibia Critical Metals (apo-opa.co/427nfNI) completed a production pilot for the Lofdal Project, one of only two xenotime-type heavy rare earth deposits currently under development worldwide. Meanwhile, in Angola, Pensana (apo-opa.co/43A3nW0) secured an $80 million loan from Absa Bank Limited in January 2025 to expedite the rollout of the Longonjo Project, which is expected to supply 5% of the world's magnet metal rare earths demand – essential for the development of wind turbines and electric vehicles.
Major investors are also making bold moves in Africa's rare earth sector. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates (apo-opa.co/3FJsOdC) have injected $537 million into exploration and mine development through mining startup KoBold Metals, further accelerating Africa's rare earth ambitions. The funding will be directed toward rare earth mining ventures. Additionally, recognizing the strategic value of rare earths, multinational financial institution the African Development Bank proposed the development of the African Units of Account (AUA) (apo-opa.co/3FOTDxe) - a new currency backed by Africa's critical mineral reserves, including rare earth elements. The initiative would help stabilize regional currency markets and attract more international investment in green energy projects, amidst the growing demand of critical minerals globally and Africa's vast reserves.
The year 2025 continues to mark significant milestones in the growth of Africa's rare earth sector, with the advancement of key projects (apo-opa.co/43uodGd) such as Phalaborwa and Steenkampskraal (South Africa), Makuutu (Angola), Ngualla (Tanzania) and Songwe (Malawi). Amid these developments, African Mining Week serves as a strategic platform for African regulators, industry stakeholders and global investors to engage in deal signings and forge partnerships, further solidifying Africa's role in the global rare earth supply chain.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
JOHANNESBURG: It was a weekend of draws in the Division 1 4Day Series as the DP World Lions consolidated their place at...
Media and entertainment industry trade show, FAME Week Africa, built by RX Africa, secured top honours last week, taking home the trophy for the Best Trade Exhibition under 6000 m2 at the AXXO ROAR Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa. FAME Week Africa also earned an award for Excellence in Sustainability in recognition of the organisation’s …
G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group first meeting concluded
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Climate Change and Air Quality, Maesela Kekana, has reflected on the deliberations that took place during the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting held this week.
The first day of discussions centred around the ECSWG Issue Note as a whole.
“General comments and reflections were presented in the recap report of day one. This was followed by focussed sessions on days two to four wherein each identified priority area was discussed in detail and where participants were provided with the opportunity to provide reflections on each area.
“These included the Biodiversity and Conservation priority area; Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought priority area; Chemicals and Waste Management priority area and the Oceans and Coast priority area,” Kekana said.
He highlighted that the delegates also discussed the Climate Change and Air Quality Management priority area as separate discussions.
“Just looking at this brief synopsis of the discussions which we undertook during the last four days I am sure you would agree with me that the meeting has provided a significant input into the issue note, reflections on the priorities, as well as the expected deliverables.”
“South Africa has taken note of all your comments and proposals and will capture them in the report of the meeting in preparation for the next ECSWG meeting which is scheduled to take place in person in our beautiful and iconic Kruger National Park. It is therefore my honour to invite you to participate in this meeting which will take place from 14-18 July 2025,” Kekana said.
The 1st ECSWG meeting convened virtually, which involved the presentation of the ECSWG Issue Note, priorities and proposed deliverables and received inputs and views from G20 MS. Written comments on the priorities are due by 5 April 2025.
Engagements by the Chair of ECWSG will be undertaken with the Chairs of other relevant working groups to enhance collaboration, synergies and avoid duplications as appropriate.
During the interim period between the 1st ECSWG and 2nd ECSWG meeting, ongoing ECWSG and stakeholder engagements and events will take place, including but not limited to bilateral meetings with G20 member states; workshops; side-events; seminars; and conferences.
Ongoing review, revision and finalisation of the Technical Papers will continue as guided by reflections in the meeting and written inputs. These will be shared well ahead of the 2nd ECSWG meeting.
At the 2nd ECSWG Meeting at the Kruger National Park on 14-18 July 2025 Technical Papers to be presented and discussed.
The 3rd ECSWG Meeting in Cape Town on 13 -15 October 2025 will see final versions of the technical papers and draft Outcome Document discussed.
The Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town on 16 – 17 October 2025 will discuss the Outcome Document and the other deliverables to be adopted.
"I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your engagement during the last four days and hope that we can continue in this spirit and on this trajectory. It has indeed been an honour to chair this meeting, and we have covered a lot of ground in our initial ECSWG meeting,” Kekana said.
The ECSWG virtual meeting was opened by DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
The G20 ECSWG meeting brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from G20 Countries, invited Countries as well as partners to advance discussions on crucial environment and climate sustainability priorities that shape our collective future. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/30/2025 - 12:43
35 views
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟯 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.
In January this year, we met Luc van der Walt - an artist dedicated to making his craft accessible for everyone. But it’s his work with young children from disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape that’s been having a real impact. Using recycled materials like discarded boxes and homemade charcoal, children are exposed to art like never before. Now, Luc’s passion has inspired others to get involved.
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The NSRI’s newest JetRIB (an inshore rescue vessel) Janine, sponsored by the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre (WCDMC), was blessed and named during a traditional ceremony on Saturday, 29 March 2025, at the NSRI’s Yzerfontein Sea Rescue station. The vessel, which will operate from Station 34 Yzerfontein, marks the sixth JetRIB donated to the NSRI …
Over the past three weeks, 33 pedestrians have lost their lives in road traffic incidents across the Western Cape, making up a significant portion of the 60 fatalities recorded during this period. The Western Cape Government is deeply concerned about pedestrian safety, as they remain among the most vulnerable road users. These statistics paint …
Ryan Holmes, NSRI Gordons Bay station commander, said: At 10h07, Saturday, 29 March, NSRI Kleinmond duty crew were activated following reports from a local private boat and from NSRI coast watchers of a boat with 2 crew onboard, a husband and wife, from Gordons Bay, in difficulty offshore of Rooi-Els and threatening to run aground …
The Western Cape Government welcomes PRASA’s implementation of multiple successful trial operations on the Cape Town to Chris Hani (Khayelitsha) rail corridor. This milestone marks a significant step in the restoration of a reliable, safe, and efficient public transport system that plays a pivotal role in the economic growth and mobility of the residents of …
The property in the heart of Noordhoek will also be an open space for the community
Some of the protesters still live in apartheid era hostels
SADC’s withdrawal from DRC not a sign of abandonment of peace efforts
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to withdraw the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) should not be interpreted as a sign of defeat or abandonment of peace efforts.
“However, it should be seen as a confidence-building measure to ensure peace and stability in the eastern DRC,” the Deputy President told the Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town on Thursday.
Two weeks ago, SADC announced its decision to withdraw the SAMIDRC force from eastern DRC, opting for a phased withdrawal.
Reports indicate that leaders from the 16-nation SADC have lost at least a dozen soldiers in the eastern DRC since January of this year.
Locally, 14 members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries as fighting in the Goma region intensified between 23 and 27 January.
These soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told Members of the NCOP that South Africa remains committed and supportive to ongoing peacekeeping efforts on the continent in line with the country’s foreign policy vision of a “prosperous and peaceful continent”.
“South Africa’s contribution to peace and support operations should not be measured in isolation. As the country participates through missions, mandated and authorised by multilateral institutions such as United Nations and SADC,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged that the recent death of 14 “brave” SANDF soldiers in the DRC is a clear indication of these challenges.
Deputy President Mashatile sent his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased SANDF soldiers and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The second commander-in-chief stated that South Africa welcomes the appointment of former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who will join a panel of former presidents tasked with mediating peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This decision to include Motlanthe was made during a virtual joint summit of the SADC and the EAC on Monday.
“We welcome the recent progress and commitments made by EAC-SADC, and we also welcome the government of DRC and Rwanda’s commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
“The President and I will also continue interventions in South Sudan, to try and avert the return to full-scale war and holding of peaceful elections.”
The questions presented before him covered issues related to government’s plans to deliver quality water services to communities across all provinces and the progress achieved in facilitating the settlement of outstanding land claims.
Water
On ensuring quality and reliable water delivery to communities, he stated that water is a fundamental human right as specified in Chapter 2 of the country’s Constitution.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a Water Task Team, which I am chairing, working with Ministers and Water Authorities to provide clean water and sanitation services to all communities.
“In executing its task, the Water Task Team has been conducting outreach programmes, inspections, and oversight visits to assess challenges in communities affected by water supply challenges.”
Land claims
He also addressed the issue of land claims, stating that the government’s commitment to finalising outstanding land claims remains a key priority.
“Over successive years, we have made good progress regarding the settlement of land claims and returning the land to those who were previously dispossessed. However, much more still needs to be done.”
To expedite land access and reform, he announced that the government is focused on concluding restitution cases.
This includes prioritising old-order claims, which will lead to the transfer of secure and legally registered tenure to claimants along with settlement packages.
Meanwhile, he said R11.6 billion will be allocated over the medium term to settle about 844 land restitution claims, with R3 billion earmarked to allocate 138 000 hectares of land. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:40
700 views
City of Cape Town should work with and not against the building’s residents, say urban researchers
GroundUp recently reported that extortionists are targeting schools and informal businesses in Phillipi, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut responds. Extortion is a serious crime that threatens businesses, schools, and individuals, often instilling fear and disrupting livelihoods. In response, the Western Cape police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, government …
