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Scores of residents in Mtititi village in Limpopo are able to escape poverty on a daily basis, thanks to community food gardens that are run through Thusong Service Centres.

Government established Thusong Service Centres (formerly known as Multi-Purpose Community Centres) in 1999 to refocus government services to meeting the basic needs of people, particularly those who live below the poverty line in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Poverty is a harsh reality for many South Africans and has devastating health deficits such as malnutrition, especially among children.

A food technologist who started experimenting with ingredients in her kitchen to make treats for the little ones in her family is now the owner of a low-sugar bespoke lollipop business.  

Karabo Makhetha Masola, 25, of Alberton in Johannesburg had a promising career as a quality technician at a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company  when the idea to create unique lollipops was sparked. 

In a bid to alleviate the burden of rising living costs for households in Gauteng, the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) is offering affordable rent options in quality-built housing units.

The GPF is an agency of the Department of Human Settlements and was established in 2002 to form private and public partnerships in order to speed up the development of affordable rental housing near amenities and economic opportunities.

Recently, the agency has partnered with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to launch a 72-unit housing development project at Harpur Avenue in Benoni.

Government’s flagship job creation programme, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), is set for a major shake-up in the months ahead.

The programme will be contributing to building better community infrastructure, empowering participants with training and skills to enter the job market and becoming entrepreneurs as part of their exit strategies.

Letter

Dear Vuk’uzenzele

I just wish to know if one wishes to start a business with no means of capital and only has an idea… what is the first thing for him or her to do?

Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants and stakeholders are now able to contact the newly launched call centre to lodge complaints and get assistance with their cases.

From the Union Buildings 

 

While we have made significant progress in recovering from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, most South Africans are feeling the pressure of rising prices and a slow economy.

The recently launched Masters' Deceased Estate Online Registration System is a milestone for how the Masters' Office renders services to the public.

This is according to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, who recently addressed the launch.

A South African foods manufacturer, Futurelife, has invested R75 million to boost the economy of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The company recently took occupation in a new manufacturing facility in Dube TradePort, located near the King Shaka International Airport.

KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma said the investment in a new Futurelife manufacturing facility at the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created hope for a better future for the province.

South Africa’s population has increased from 51.7 million in 2011 to more than 62 million in 2022, which is a growth rate of 1.8 percent in the intercensal period.

This is according to Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke, who recently handed over South Africa's Census 2022 national results to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.