April, 2025
11 out of 13 graduates secure jobs
Interns on their way
THE City of Cape Town has congratulated 11 Digital Internship Programme interns who have successfully secured permanent jobs with the City.
The internship programme was launched in February 2023 as part of the City’s Digital Transformation Programme. It attracted many students from Western Cape universities across various degrees, spanning Computer Science, Science, Engineering, Industrial Psychology and Physics degrees.
“I had the opportunity to meet six of the 11 interns during our International Women’s Day celebrations last month and wished them the best in their full-time careers with the City. The Graduate Internship Programme started with 13 interns and we ended up retaining 11,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Theresa Uys.
“There are many more exciting internship opportunities and graduate training programmes within the City. I encourage people to keep regular tabs on the City’s website, and scroll the ‘find a job’ page to view the latest advertisements, “ said Uys.
To qualify for a graduate internship, you must be in possession of a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification. Source: City of Cape Town
No increase on 1 May
Good news on VAT
THERE was some relief for South Africans on Thursday, 24 April 2025 when it was announced that the proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) would be withdrawn.
The VAT increase was to be implemented from 1 May. According to the National Treasury, the decision to withdraw the increase follows “extensive consultations with political parties and careful consideration of the recommendations of the parliamentary committees”.
Treasury said the withdrawal is expected to create an estimated revenue shortfall of R75 billion over the medium term.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will withdraw when he introduces the Rates and Monetary Amounts and the Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill (Rates Bill) to Parliament.
“The Minister has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly to indicate that he is withdrawing the Appropriation Bill and the Division of Revenue Bill, in order to propose expenditure adjustments to cover this shortfall in revenue.
“Parliament will be requested to adjust expenditure in a manner that ensures that the loss of revenue does not harm South Africa’s fiscal sustainability.”
The Western Cape Government has welcomed the withdrawal of the VAT increase.
“Our position on the matter has always been clear: We have significant budget pressures, especially in health, education and social services. However, funding should come from fast-tracking economic growth reforms, cutting wasteful expenditure and reprioritising spending – not an increase in VAT,” said Western Cape Minister of Finance, Deidré Baartman. Sources: SAnews.gov.za/westerncape.gov.za
Victims of crime will also benefit
Skills training for ex-inmates
LAW breakers and victims of crime are getting a great chance at employment and entrepreneurship.
This comes after the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced a new Skills Development Programme, aimed at empowering victims of crime, parolees and probationers.
The initiative will provide inmates with market-related skills and vocational training, to facilitate their rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The programme is being rolled out in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College, in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
The department said the initiative, funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority, will provide 100 selected participants from the greater Johannesburg area, with accredited trade-related training.
“The programme is designed not only to enhance employability, but also to foster entrepreneurial opportunities among its beneficiaries. The beneficiaries will undergo six months of training under the programme.
“[Participants] will be equipped with practical skills in trades such as, pumbling, welding, electrical work, bricklaying, air conditioning and refrigeration. Upon completion, participants will receive trade certificates, boosting their prospects for meaningful employment or self-employment,” the department said. – Source: SAnews.gov.za
Bayhill Cup lives up to all expectations
Everyone’s a winner
IT’S BIG thumbs up for the players, organisers, sponsors, supporters and everyone else involved the 2025 Bayhill Premier Cup held in Cape Town over the Easter weekend.
The Ubuntu Football Academy was crowned the 2025 champions, but everyone involved in the prestigious tournament can call themselves winners.
For the record Ubuntu beat Randburg AFC 2 – 0 in the final at Athlone Stadium on Easter Monday. All the other teams lived up to the expectations and produced quality football throughout the event.
Thousands of people turned up daily to witness the knockout stages being played at Erica Park in Belhar, while at the Athlone stadium 6000 pitched for the finals on Monday alone.
“This truly is a wonderful example of how organised sporting events can bring out the best in players, but also those cheering from the sidelines.
“The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and it is clear to see why this tournament holds such prestige.
“I want to thank each and every one who came out to play, their supporters and also the event organisers for the show they put on. We look forward to seeing you all again next year,” said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health,” Francine Higham. Source: City of Cape Town, Media Office
Good response to Easter safety campaign
Success on the roads
GOOD and positively.
This is how the public responded to the Easter Season Road Safety Campaign, according to the government.
While accident statistics for the Easter Season are still undergoing quality assurance and verification, Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, says early indications are showing a significant decrease in fatalities and crashes in all provinces, with the exception of Mpumalanga.
Providing an update for the 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign on Sunday, the Minister said the public has responded positively to the campaign.
She also commended traffic law enforcement officers their dedication.
” We are confident that our actions are saving lives on our roads,” the Minister said.
The Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign was launched on 20 March, under the theme – It begins with Me – and runs until 2 May 2025
The campaign is aimed at reducing road fatalities during the high-traffic holiday period through integrated law enforcement and public education. – SAnews.gov.za
Follow these tips to help you arrive alive
Be safe on the roads
As holidaymakers and motorists head off to various destinations for the Easter long weekend, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has shared tips on how to get there safely.
Motorists have been urged to be responsible on the road and ensure they and their loved ones arrive alive.
Before any journey ensure you:
• Check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy.
• Carry a valid driver’s license.
• Check your tyres thoroughly.
• Have a spare wheel (make sure you have a wheel spanner).
• Get your battery tested before heading out.
• Have your shocks checked.
• Have your lights checked.
• Have your wipers checked.
• Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one.
• Maintain focus and avoid distractions like cellphones.
• Be sure to pay special attention to your blind spots.
• Do not engage in secondary activities while driving.
• Wear your seatbelt, even for short journeys.
If you are a pedestrian this Easter weekend, make smart choices and:
• Only cross the road at a marked intersection or pedestrian crossing.
• Avoid jaywalking.
• Wear bright clothing at night.
• Walk on the pavement rather than on the road.
• Avoid wearing earphones or texting while you’re walking.
As commuters:
• When disembarking make sure it is safe to do so, and only once the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Always pass behind the vehicle instead of the front where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed.
• Make use of marked pick-up and drop-off points.
• Don’t distract the driver.
As a motorcyclist:
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and proper gear for your ride.
• Focus on the road ahead to anticipate obstacles such as potholes, speed bumps, stationary cars or vehicles that brake suddenly.
• Increase your visibility by wearing a brightly coloured vest and be vigilant of vehicles that may not be able to see you in their mirrors.
• Avoid wearing earphones, as you need your ears on full alert.
• Obey the rules of the road, like adhering to speed limits.
The Easter and Festive Season period is a critical period for road traffic management authorities in South Africa.
Road traffic fatalities are among the main causes of death in South Africa. This results in serious social and economic costs for the country. These consequences include the loss of family members, bread winners and leave behind traumatised families. – SAnews.gov.za
Record number of applications for school next year
We want to learn
SCHOOLS in the Western Cape have received a record number of applications for Grade R, 1 and 8 for 2026.
The on-time application window for these applications closed on 15 April 2025.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) it has received 164 565 applications, an increase of 12 577 compared to 2024. This represents the highest number of on-time applications received to date.
The Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, thanked parents for taking the responsible action of applying.
“We cannot overstate the importance of applying on time and how this assists us to plan better for additional school places in the coming school year,” said Mr. Maynier.
Schools will now consider all of the applications received, select successful applicants and make offers of acceptance to parents from 30 May 2025. Parents will need to confirm their acceptance by 17 June 2025.
“The most important thing that parents can do now before the outcomes are available is to ensure that they update the department if their contact details change. Every year, we face challenges with parents who are uncontactable when an offer is available for their child, so we urge parents to assist us by providing accurate details,” said Mr Maynier.
Parents can contact the WCED call centre on 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions) to make the necessary changes to their contact details.
Old Age Grant will not be stopped in May
SASSA slams fake news
FAKE!
This is how the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) described social media posts and screenshots claiming that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May if certain documents are not updated by 30 April 2025.
SASSA released a statement on 16 April 2025 stating it noted the social media posts with concern and confirmed that the message was incorrect and fake.
“This message is mischievous, and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be cancelled.
“If a grant needed to be reviewed at a particular time, SASSA will communicate this to the beneficiary whose grant is to be reviewed before any action is taken.
“The spread of fake news on social media platforms are very unfortunate and they create unnecessary panic to our beneficiaries, particularly the vulnerable and we urge everyone to stop sharing them.
“We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages. Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries”, says Paseka Letsatsi, the SASSA National Spokesperson.
If you are in doubt about your grant please call SASSA toll free on 0800 60 10 11.
City announces first beneficiaries of major new project
It’s lights, camera, action for film fund
THE Cape Town Film Fund is ready to hit our screens.
The City of Cape Town has announced seven productions, including a feature film, two short films, two TV series, a reality TV show and an animated short film as the first beneficiaries of the Fund.
The aim of the Fund is to provide support to filmmakers whose projects spotlight the Mother City’s rich storytelling culture and cinematic potential.
It further aims to empower emerging and established filmmakers in the metro by supporting original content that amplifies local voices, promotes Cape Town’s diverse stories, and strengthens the city’s position as a global film and media hub.
The Fund will provide support in the form of finance or municipal services for film projects produced in Cape Town.
The selected projects for 2025 span different genres and themes, showcasing the depth and diversity of South African storytelling.
They are:
• Astory for Spelonk: A dystopian sci-fi action drama with commentary on water conservation and exploring themes of climate change through powerful storytelling.
• Crossroad Pictures for Sky City: A futuristic neo-noir short film exploring a dystopian world dominated by drone surveillance.
• Media24/Pop24 for Drukkoker: A 13-episode cooking competition showcasing local culinary prowess while also discovering Cape Town’s next restaurateurs.
• Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation for Wild Waterfront: A six-part documentary series showcasing the work of the Wildlife Management team at the V&A Waterfront.
• Triggerfish Development for Rosy Days: A series of 10 animated shorts following Rosy Days, from the award-winning Belly Flop, as she explores Cape Town
• Herstory Slate for The Multiverse of Auntie G: A short film romantic comedy that chronicles the life of a middle-aged woman that gets stuck in a rut and seeks spark and adventure.
• Quizzical Pictures for Cooper: A crime historical drama/murder mystery set in apartheid South Africa. Source: City of Cape Town News and Media
Top talent on show in Bayhill Cup over Easter
Get ready for fantastic football
SOUTH Africa’s premier under-19 soccer tournament is all set and ready for kick-off tomorrow, 16 April 2025.
The Bayhill Premier Cup is a 32-team tournament played annually over the Easter weekend in Cape Town and attracts clubs from all over South Africa and aboad.
The tournament is played at Erica Park Stadium in Belhar from Wednesday until Sunday 20 April with the final taking place on Monday 21 April at the Athlone stadium.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said they were proud to be associated with the Bayhill Premier Cup.
“To all of the young participants, I wish you the very best as you compete for a spot in the finals, and for ultimate glory,” she said. Higham.
The play-offs for the event started in October 2024 and culminated in February this year, with the 12 top teams from the Western Cape qualifying out of 193 participants from the province.
“We wish our participants the best of luck and urge the communities to come and experience the excellent football venues at Erica Park and Athlone Stadium – let’s back the boys as they push to become the next Bafana Bafana superstars. This is the Bayhill Premier Cup – Where Legends Are Born,” said Tournament Director, Rayaan Alie.
Source: City of Cape Town Media Office