CAPE TOWN: The South African government has announced a series of significant activities scheduled for the week of December 2-6, 2024, aimed at addressing issues ranging from border control to international relations and scientific innovation. The week kicks off on Monday, December 2, with a media briefing by Dr. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, who will outline festive season control measures at all ports of entry. On the same day, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will co-chair the Ministerial Session of the 11th Session of the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town with his Nigerian counterpart. Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, will also lead the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Restitution of Land Rights Act under the theme ‘Dignity Restored through the Land Restitution Act’.

According to South African Government News Agency, on Tuesday, December 3, President Cyril Ramaphosa will launch So
uth Africa’s G20 Presidency at the Imbizo Media Centre in Cape Town. Additionally, President Ramaphosa is set to co-chair the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Tuynhuys in Cape Town. The 2024 Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) event will also commence on this day at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre in Pretoria, where Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will deliver the keynote address. This event will continue until December 6.

On Wednesday, December 4, the Electoral Commission of South Africa will conduct municipal by-elections in Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Limpopo, marking an essential step in maintaining democratic processes at the local level.

The activities continue on Thursday, December 5, with the unveiling of more sites connected with Government Free Wi-Fi by the Gauteng e-Government. This initiative will enhance digital accessibility in
schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics, and community centers, with a media tour scheduled at Daveyton Main Clinic in Ekurhuleni.

From Thursday, December 5, to Friday, December 6, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the Fire Services Indaba in George, Western Cape, under the theme ‘Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa’. This gathering underscores the government’s commitment to improving fire services across the nation.