June, 2025
Health care gets a proper shot in the arm
Just as the doctor ordered
There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for health care in the Western Cape.
In March 2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness launched an innovative healthcare think tank — a first-of-its-kind initiative bringing public and private healthcare professionals together.
The collaborative, which includes private hospitals, laboratories and pharmacy groups, health care funders, academic institutions, and the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, has been working to maximise resources and co-create a ‘Western Cape’ universal healthcare strategy —one built on partnership and innovation.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering a patient-centred healthcare system.
She said: “Healthcare is a team effort. To meet both the immediate and long-term needs of our residents, we need the public and private sectors, alongside academic experts, to work together to find smarter, more efficient ways to deliver quality care.”
The think tank is also developing strategies for implementing initial joint projects to improve healthcare delivery on the ground.
One potential solution under consideration is enabling public-sector patients to access specialised medical equipment and diagnostic imaging at private facilities where these are not available in the public health system.
Many private hospitals have advanced technology, such as CT scanners and MRI machines, which public-sector patients, especially those in rural areas, often struggle to access without travelling long distances. By working together, the public and private sectors could reduce unnecessary travel, improve patient care, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
“I want to thank our private-sector and academic partners for joining us on this journey, and I look forward to the solutions that we create together,” Wenger said. Source: Western Cape Government
SA now in second week of Youth Month
Focus on jobs for young people
With Youth Month 2025 now in its second week, the focus falls on jobs and economic opportunities.
According to Emmanuel Kganakga, Director: Youth Policy and Legislation at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the focus in week 2 is on creating inclusive employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.
The Department will engage with provincial offices, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector to ensure that growth opportunities are extended to all youth.
Week 3 will focus on financial and non-financial support for SMMEs, who the backbone of the SA economy.
“We will introduce expanded support mechanisms, providing not only funding but also vital training, mentorship, and market access to ensure these enterprises become powerful job creators and drivers of economic growth,” said Kganakga.
The final week of the month will zoom in on promoting physical and mental health, recognising that economic empowerment is most effective when the youth are healthy and resilient. Initiatives that reduce risky behaviours and improve access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and mental health services will be promoted. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Minister announces strategy fore food security
Transforming livestock sector
South Africa’s livestock sector is being transformed.
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen outlined five strategic pillars to guide South Africa to food security and export growth in the red meat and dairy sectors at the inaugural Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Conference
These include biosecurity and disease resilience; structural transformation and inclusion; regulatory efficiency and trade enablement; climate adaptation and environmental stewardship; and public-private partnerships and institutional coordination.
The three-day conference, taking place from 8–10 June 2025 in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, brings together stakeholders from across the livestock industry, including dairy and red meat producers, intensive sheep farmers, feedlot operators, and veterinarians.
The event offers a unique networking opportunity for dairy and red meat producers, intensive sheep farmers, input suppliers, feedlot operators, and veterinarians, to engage with experts on key topics, including biosecurity, rumen health, feed management and nutrition, and performance optimisation.
The Minister further called for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors – “not only on funding, but on policy alignment, research, and implementation.’
“We are committed to strengthening platforms such as the Red Meat and Dairy Master Plans, and working with industry partners to create offtake agreements, joint extension services, and coordinated disease control efforts,” he added. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Fund launched to boost social services sector
Caring for non-profits
The Cape Care Fund, an initiative aimed at boosting the resilience of organisations in the social services sector, was launched on Friday, 6 June 2025.
The Cape Care Fund is a Special Purpose Vehicle created between the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and The Health Foundation of South Africa to raise funds to further support the work of DSD through vetted, registered, compliant, well-functioning non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a proven track record of quality service delivery in the social services sector, in the Western Cape.
NPOs and NGOs in South Africa and the Western Cape are facing the combined impact of static or reduced government transfers and donor funding in the wake of South Africa’s post-Covid-19 economic downturn. Many funders, including government, have faced reduced income and have had to reduce or even cease funding NPOs altogether.
During the last three financial years (2022/23 – 2024/25), organisations across various sectors in the Western Cape have had to close their doors due to budget shortfalls, including:
- 12 NPO child protection branches rendering statutory services
- 3 Homes for Older Persons
- 18 community centres for older persons
- 4 NPO-run Child and Youth Care Centres
Organisations like these play an essential role alongside government in promoting the wellbeing of our communities, especially those operating in the social development sector.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said: “When I stepped into office last year, one of the first things I did was ask the Department of Social Development to do everything possible to strengthen support to this vital sector. Through the Cape Care Fund, we are hopeful to take NPOs and NGOs from surviving to thriving, for the benefit of our most vulnerable residents. I encourage businesses and residents that want to help create positive change by uplifting communities and individuals to support this initiative.”
Health Foundation CEO Harry Grainger said: “The Cape Care Fund exemplifies how innovative financing, and strategic collaboration can contribute to improved economic resilience and sustainable development. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey—working together towards a sustainable, inclusive, and healthier society.”
For more information about the Cape Care Fund, visit www.capecarefund.org.za
Source: Western Cape Government
Government launches cleaner and greener campaign
Let’s make our country better
The South African government is creating cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces across the country.
The initiative will be launched by the Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Friday, 6 June 2025.
“The Clean Cities and Towns campaign is envisaged to start a nationwide movement, encouraging citizens to come together for community cleaning activities throughout townships and villages.
“This unified effort will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit and pride,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Friday’s launch will take place at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto.
In addition, this initiative will be part of a larger service delivery effort by the government, aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), of which the Deputy President is a champion. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Get help early, it makes a difference
Cancer patients honoured
Cancer Survivors Day was celebrated on Wednesday, 4 June.
To mark the day, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness honoured cancer survivors, those who are still bravely fighting cancer as well as the community and healthcare workers who support them in their journey.
“We spoke to people who have survived cancer and are still fighting it. Through these stories, we are reminded that help is available to protect your health at every stage of your life,” the department said in a statement.
The department further advised parents to take their children to their nearest clinic or general practitioner if they notice early warning signs of childhood cancer.
A paediatric oncologist at Tygerberg Hospital, Dr Leilah Schoonraad, explained that childhood cancer is proof that life can often feel unfair.
“We as doctors in oncology promise to stand by your side and help you on the journey to ringing the bell, one day at a time. And as the memory of your treatment becomes a thing of the past, I hope you will share your story with others, so that they can know how strong you are and how much you have overcome,” the oncologist explained.
If symptoms persist even after treatment at the primary healthcare clinic, Schoonraad advised patients to discuss their concerns with a healthcare worker and get a referral to a hospital.
Doctors believe that in adults, early detection saves lives.
The World Health Organisation recommends being alert to several signs. These include unusual bleeding or discharge; sores that do not heal; changes in bowel or bladder habits; new or growing lumps, particularly in the breasts or testicles; a persistent cough or hoarseness; changes in moles, such as alterations in shape, colour, or size; and difficulty swallowing.
“It is also important to live a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco use, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise if you can. If you notice any of the signs, please visit your nearest clinic. Getting help early makes a difference.” – Source: SAnews.gov.za
A post from Facebook
Good humans still walk among us
𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲…
You made me bawl my eyes out in traffic today.
On this cold, rainy day, you noticed a homeless man—soaked to the bone, wrapped in a thin blue blanket and you stopped. You didn’t just drive by. You got out and 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 him lunch. Maybe it was your only lunch. Maybe it was extra.
Judging by your car, I can guess you’re not someone with endless means. But still, you gave. That moment humbled me to the core. It made me pause and ask: What am I even complaining about? What do I have to give?
You stepped out in the pouring rain, thinking of someone else. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆. 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆.
And it wrecked me, in the best way. You reminded me that kindness still exists. That good humans walk among us.
If you somehow see this:
I want to high five you. Hug you. Thank you.
You made me cry. You made me smile. And you reminded me of something powerful: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
So I pray blessing upon blessing over your life. Even in your “𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺. 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺.” season, I pray that you’ll always have enough, not just for yourself, but to keep giving from that beautiful heart of yours.
And for you reading this. Source: Leonie Viljoen via Facebook
Sector worth billions of rands to province
Big jobs boost for City
THE Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, one of Cape Town’s biggest economic success stories, created 10 427 new jobs between April 2024 and March 2025.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said this milestone represents a major boost for Cape Town’s economy and a clear sign that the City’s strategy for economic growth is delivering tangible results.
“It’s all about prioritising workforce development, preparing more Capetonians to be job-ready for this rapidly growing sector. That’s why the City, through our Economic Development and Investment Department, funds CapeBPO as our industry-focused business partner. Through initiatives like the CapeBPO Academy in Athlone, we are fostering strong, workable partnerships with the private sector to ensure we can continuously train, train, and train.
“When global companies select destinations for their operations, Cape Town stands out because we offer world-class connectivity and infrastructure a skilled workforce,” said Alderman Vos.
The sector now contributes around R24 billion annually to the Western Cape economy, matching the impact of the tourism sector.
Furthermore, CapeBPO has implemented a variety of initiatives to prepare youth for future careers in the industry. One example is a training school programme designed for Grade 12 learners. This initiative allows young people to gain first-hand experience in how the BPO industry works, giving them a solid foundation and easing their transition into further training, and ultimately into full-time employment in this dynamic and growing sector.