South Africa

Government has reiterated its commitment to changing the socio-economic landscape of the country through the work done in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

To encourage more South Africans to get the COVID-19 vaccine, various companies and foundations have come on board to help boost vaccination rates by providing various incentives.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti says the COVAX facility is working to secure agreements for the production of syringes as shortages loom.

Government has reiterated its call to all registered South Africans to head to the polls in their numbers on Monday, 1 November, to elect councillors for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities in each of the country's nine provinces.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has announced that 1 000 voting stations in South Africa will have pop-up vaccination sites on Election Day, 1 November.

Power utility Eskom has assured the public that its power systems are not on the brink of collapse.

Twenty-five companies are expected to add at least 2583MW of energy to South Africa’s electricity grid once their renewable energy projects are complete, says Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.

The Ministries of Water in both South Africa and Lesotho have agreed to fast track phase two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) to ensure security of supply to the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

South Africa has recorded 533 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2 921 114.

In a bid to mitigate the high unemployment rate among young people in South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour and the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund have announced the opening of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI)’s National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) Innovation Fund funding round.

When the dust settles after the 1 November Local Government Elections, councillors need to quickly adapt, and understand and respond to all community needs, says Social Surveys Africa Director, Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato.

Participating in an election is a form of “affirmation” for some transgender people and an opportunity to participate in the democratic process as their authentic self.

Department of Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the demand for student funding has increased due to the impact of COVID-19.

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) levels have shown stability in the past few weeks, despite recording a minor fall this week.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will officially open applications for the 2022 academic year on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 until 7 January.