In a bold move to stem the tide of illegal mining activities, President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the green light for the deployment of 3,300 army personnel as part of “Operation Prosper.” This collaborative effort, involving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service, will wage a targeted six-month campaign costing an estimated R492 million (approximately U.S$26 million), as reported by Reuters. The operation is set to run from October 28, 2023, to April 28, 2024, spanning all provinces.
Illegal mining has been a thorn in the flesh for South Africa, with the Minerals Council South Africa revealing that it has significantly tarnished the country’s appeal as an investment hub. The impact of this nefarious activity is staggering, costing operating mines up to R7 billion annually and inflicting substantial economic losses in export earnings, taxes, and royalties. The government’s proactive response indicates a resolute commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources and economic prosperity.
Residents of KwaZulu-Natal Take Legal Action Over Contaminated Tap Water
In a separate development, the residents of KwaZulu-Natal, specifically in Underberg and Himeville, are up in arms over the compromised quality of their tap water. The Harry Gwala district municipality faces mounting pressure as it is accused of neglecting long-standing water issues and failing to issue timely warnings about the unsafe drinking water. According to a report by TimesLIVE, citizen science activists from WaterCan conducted tests on the water, revealing disturbingly high levels of coliform bacteria, prompting concerns about public health.
The municipality’s delayed response and attribution of the issue to gas chlorine shortages due to load-shedding challenges further infuriated residents, who are contemplating legal recourse. The lack of transparency and accountability from the authorities has sparked outrage, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to rectify the situation and ensure the provision of safe drinking water to the affected communities.
The Kiffness Encounters Ups and Downs on U.S. Tour, Meets Whoopi Goldberg
In a mix of adversity and serendipity, South African artist David Scott, widely known as The Kiffness, experienced a rollercoaster of events during his North American tour, as detailed by TimesLIVE. While on tour in the U.S., Scott faced a setback when his van was burgled, resulting in the theft of equipment valued at approximately R100,000 and prompting the cancellation of a show in Detroit. However, amidst the challenges, a beacon of positivity shone through when Scott discovered that the renowned actress Whoopi Goldberg was present in the audience during a performance in New York.
The unexpected encounter with Goldberg, who has strong ties to South Africa, brought a moment of joy and validation for Scott as she expressed her appreciation for his music. Undeterred by the setback, the tour marches on, with upcoming performances scheduled in Chicago, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, showcasing the resilience and spirit of South African talent on the global stage.
These are just a few of the recent happenings in South Africa, underscoring the dynamic and multi-faceted nature of the nation’s news landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments.
