A.    Issues in the environment

1.    Economic imperatives

• Government remains steadfast in its quest to:
  o    grow the economy;
  o    reduce unemployment; and
  o    create a more resilient investment climate.

1.1    Notable developments on economic-related imperatives:

1.1.1    Gross domestic product (GDP) growth

Minister in The Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 4th September 2024.

The media briefing will take place as follows:

Date:            Thursday, 05 September 2024
Time:           11h00
Venue:         GCIS Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament, Cape Town

Live Streaming details:

Government welcomes the country's economic growth, as reflected in the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. According to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the GDP increased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, following a 0.0% growth in the first quarter. 

The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Sello Seitlholo will on Monday (02 September 2024) attend two meetings in Vryburg, North-West and in Jankempdorp, Northern Cape to intervene in water supply challenges in those areas.

Deputy Minister Seitlholo will first interact with Phokwane Local Municipality (PLM) in Northern Cape and North West’s Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District (DRSMDM) regarding trans-boundary bulk water supply scheme that provides water services between the two provinces. 

South Africa celebrates Tourism Month annually in September to promote domestic travel, showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings, and highlight the sector’s significant contribution to the South African economy. This year, it is celebrated under the localised theme: “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting People to Places and Cultures” and it will be spotlighting the Northern Cape province as the destination for Astro- Tourism. The Northern Cape is host to Square Kilometer Array ( SKA) radio telescope and the South African Largest Telescope ( SALT).

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host a service delivery activation during the celebration of the 30 years of Freedom and Democracy under the theme “30 years of Democracy; Partnership and Growth”, at Mabopane Train Station in the build-up for the upcoming launch of the Democracy Train project in partnership with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

JCPS Cluster Ministers will appear before the National Assembly for an oral Question and Answer session on Wednesday, 28 August 2024.

This marks the first parliamentary Oral Q&A session following the formation of the new Government of National Unity after the 2024 election and the appointment of the new National Executive by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Date: Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Time: 15h00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber (Hybrid), Parliament of South Africa, Cape Town

Government congratulates the re-elected leadership of the Black Business Council (BBC), led by Mr Elias Monage as President. The other re-elected members are Vice President: Organised Business, Mr Gregory Mofokeng, Ms Linda Maqoma- Vice President: Professionals, Mr Dumisani Mpafa- Head of Policy and Princess Tsakani Nkambule- Treasurer General. The re-election of all previous leaders is historic, as it is for the first time that all previous leaders of the council are re-elected to the same positions.