Latest news with #Mayco
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi addresses Starlink concerns, insists the country's data must be protected
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to not only explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty but that the recent gazette he issued is to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist, Google Cloud, Manav Daby, among others. The minister delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. He mentioned how through collaboration between the public and private sector, South Africa has quickly become a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing. 'To fully unlock the potential of data as a national asset, that further drives our competitiveness, economic growth and public service delivery, the government is committed to a regulatory framework that creates that environment for growth, and does not stifle innovation. 'At the same time, we acknowledge the responsibility of protecting our national and public interest in aspects of our data. The past few years have demonstrated the growing confidence that global cloud leaders have placed in South Africa, and our strategic approach to data sovereignty,' Malatsi said. He said that the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied 'Our approach is based on four basic pillars - firstly, by acknowledging that not all data is equally sensitive and requires the same level of regulation (that) we are implementing in a risk-based approach. So it is this distinction between general commercial data and critical sovereign data that our national policy on data and clouds allows for the free-flow of this data, while (still) protecting our national interest. Malatsi said government is serious about creating a regulatory strategy which will help pursue by aligning data regulations with international best practices. 'Thirdly, we realise the importance of developing world-class digital infrastructure so that we can demonstrate to the rest of the world that we are truly open for business and that we can take them also beyond the boundaries of Cape Town. 'We believe the expansion of local data regions and data centres is crucial for this purpose. He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. 'And lastly, we are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Malatsi, speaking on the sideline of the conference said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the United States - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' [email protected]
The South African
20-05-2025
- General
- The South African
Bad flushing habits choke sewers in affluent Cape Town area
According to the City of Cape Town, Water and Sanitation teams responded to 1 072 sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton, and Sea Point between July 2023 and March 2025. Many of the incidents along this affluent part of the Atlantic Seaboard were caused by wet wipes and other non-flushable items ending up in the sewer system. 'We see an increase in the prevalence of wet wipes blocking sewer pipes,' said Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. 'These should be discarded in the bin to be collected along with other refuse.' Nearly 30% of sewer blockages are from foreign objects, including wet wipes. Image: CoCT The public's tendency to flush wet wipes, nappies, and other foreign objects is giving the City a serious headache. It not only damages infrastructure and causes sewer overflows, but threatens the environment, the City said on Tuesday. The statement also identified other causes of sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton and Sea Point: 26% foreign objects (wet wipes, sanitary towels, nappies) 18% roots of trees 9% rags 6% fats from restaurants and eateries 8% other causes The remaining 33% likely stemmed from issues further up the network, or had cleared before crews arrived. 'They could also be the result of high flows due to rain, which could have subsided by the time teams went to site,' the City said. Nonetheless, the volume of repeat call-outs – sometimes just days apart – highlights what city officials are describing as 'ongoing irresponsible behaviour' in high-use areas. Badroodien is urging all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point NOT to flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet. 'These items do not break down like human waste and toilet paper, and severely damage our sewer infrastructure,' he added. The public have been told to place all other waste in bins, and to use the City's drop-off facilities to get rid of recyclables. Residents are also encouraged to report sewer blockages, overflows, and vandalism through the City's official channels. South Africa is not the only country battling a wet wipe scourge in their sewer systems. In the UK, an organisation is calling for an outright ban of wipes – even those that claim to be biodegradable. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
JP Smith responds to allegations of missing firearms in Cape Town
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has hit back at claims made by National Coloured Congress' (NCC) leader, Fadiel Adams' that 27 firearms belonging to Metro Police went missing in 2002. Image: Supplied The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has hit back at claims made by National Coloured Congress's (NCC) leader, Fadiel Adams' that 27 firearms belonging to Metro Police went missing in 2002. Smith kicked back to the allegations via his Facebook page and also responded to the Cape Argus' queries about the claims, in which he stated that four firearms had vanished in the past two years and that the more than two-decade discrepancy was due to an administrative error which had been ironed out. 'It has come to our attention that the NCC political party and their various proxies are sharing misinformation related to the Metro Police Firearms,' Smith explained. 'As the City would like to dismiss and condemn their continued attempts to share misinformation. 'The facts of the matter are: In the past 2 years the City of Cape Town has only lost 4 firearms, 3 were recovered and the 1 missing firearm was an armed robbery. 'The 27 firearms referred in their misinformation pertain to historic firearms that were purchased and licensed under various municipalities prior to their integration into a single UNICITY, namely the City of Cape Town in 2002. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This matter originates from systemic record-keeping failures within the Central Firearms Register (CFR), particularly errors that occurred during the migration of firearm data from the Electronic Firearm Register System (EFRS) to the database under the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). 'Evidence suggests that several firearms were either never properly documented due to administrative irregularities or erroneously linked to the City's Official Institution without supporting evidence. 'Reports dating back to before 2002 indicate that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had already identified discrepancies related to 'lost firearms.' Metro Police formally reported these anomalies, as evidenced in a sworn statement by the former Chief of Metro Police.' Smith added that discussions regarding this issue have been ongoing in quarterly meetings with CFR (Central Firearm Register), where multiple municipalities have raised similar concerns about unaccounted-for firearms still appearing in their records. 'Despite repeated engagements with SAPS to correct these discrepancies, no remedial action has been taken, especially following the resignation and retirement of senior SAPS management. The issue has now resurfaced due to Metro Police engagements with newly appointed SAPS staff in another attempt to remove these firearms from our records,' he added. 'Furthermore, we can assure residents of Cape Town that SAPS has conducted multiple inspections of the Official Institution over the past 4 (four) years and continues to use the City as a benchmark for compliance." National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader, Fadiel Adams. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers In a video posted to Facebook, Adams said Smith and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis were present at the Mitchells Plain Police station in January 2024 after the murder of 12-year-old Firdous Kleinsmidt, and asked what had happened to the firearms that went missing there. Fifteen guns and five imitation firearms disappeared from the Mitchell's Plain Police station after it was supposed to be booked in at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Plattekloof. "You found out in 2002 that 27 guns were gone. What did you do? Nothing," Adams said. "You tried to keep it a secret. 'I have just seen your press release, guns disappeared in 2002, let's say 27 guns disappeared , I get that you were not in charge . 'When our councillor asked about it, you told her you need to get a legal opinion.' Cape Argus
The South African
15-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
City invites hawkers to trade at popular Cape Town nature reserve
The City of Cape Town is inviting local informal traders to apply for trading spots at the scenic Tygerberg Nature Reserve in the Northern Suburbs. The initiative, led by the City's Biodiversity Management Branch, is aimed at supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy – particularly in nearby communities such as Bellville, Brackenfell, and Durbanville. According to a statement, the City views it as an exciting opportunity for local informal traders to showcase and sell their products in a unique environment. 'Registered informal traders, especially those offering locally produced, handmade, and artisanal goods are encouraged to apply for a trading spot at the Tygerberg Nature Reserve,' said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. 'This initiative will provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to reach new customers and will also enhance the visitor experience at the reserve.' At this stage, it is unclear where exactly in the reserve the City plans to accommodate informal traders. In terms of when , the trading opportunity will be split into two intakes. The first, running from July to the end of August, will cost vendors just R100 for the two-month off-peak season. The second intake, covering the busier September to February (peak) period, will be priced at R1 050 for six months. Ten trading spots are available in the reserve and applications will be dealt with on a first-come first-served basis. The City will ensure each trader offers a unique range of products, with strict bans on alcohol, tobacco, drug-related items, and balloons. Traders will be reviewed monthly to ensure that they are complying with bylaws and quality standards. The City says the move marks a significant shift in how it approaches informal trading and protected spaces by breaking down 'traditional boundaries between commerce and conservation.' 'The reserve offers a picturesque and well-frequented location, ideal for promoting and selling products to a wide audience of nature lovers and local visitors,' Andrews added. If traders are planning on selling or hawking food, they will need to apply for a hawking business trading license as well as a certificate of acceptability. To find out more about trading hours, compliance requirements and permits, interested parties can find out more information here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cape Town Libraries launch exciting writing competition for young authors
Cape Town libraries invite young writers to explore their imaginations in exciting new competition Image: Supplied The City of Cape Town's Library and Information Services is excited to announce the return of its much-anticipated writing competition for children aged nine to 13. Following the success of last year's competition, which focused on environmental awareness and received entries from over 100 talented young writers, the City is once again inviting primary schools, book clubs, and aspiring authors to participate. This year, the winners will be celebrated at the Open Book Festival on 6 September 2025. The theme for this year's competition promises to spark curiosity and creativity among participants. Entrants are asked to imagine a scenario where they stumble upon a mysterious box hidden between the shelves of their school or local library. This box, adorned with strange symbols and emitting a faint humming sound, is the starting point for a magical adventure that contestants will describe in their short stories. Participants will be challenged to explore what happens when they finally open this enigmatic box, allowing their imaginations to run wild. "Writing provides a creative outlet and helps children to organise their thoughts and emotions," said Francine Higham, the Mayco Member for Community Services and Health. "By putting pen to paper, they learn a new way to communicate and express themselves. Our children are creative, with vivid imaginations, and I'm sure the judges will have a hard time picking a winner. I want to encourage all our learners to participate, as they could very well write their way to a future as authors." Entries will be open from Monday, 5 May until Friday, 8 August 2025. Competition submissions must adhere to a set of criteria designed to inspire originality and creativity: Word limit: Between 500 and 1,500 words Must be an original story—no AI-generated stories will be accepted Entries must be submitted in handwritten form. Stories can take the form of a picture book, short/long story, or graphic novel Encouragement for drawings and illustrations throughout the work Key elements to include in the stories are: A mysterious box in a library setting A magical adventure A relatable main character or object Entrants are reminded to unleash their imagination and creativity while keeping their work original. Points will be awarded for artistic presentations, including illustrations and drawings. 'Most importantly—have fun.' Higham said, adding a supportive nudge to budding writers. Students interested in participating can submit their stories via email to or drop them off at their nearest library. As young authors prepare to embark on this literary journey, the City of Cape Town is eager to witness the incredible imaginations that will unfold through their words.
