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Cape Town News
The City of Cape Town plans to invest over R4bn in upgrading and maintaining its electricity grid over the next three years, moving towards a decentralized energy future and allowing for smallscale, independent power producers. This investment aims to terminate loadshedding and stimulate economic growth, with the Building for Jobs budget reinvesting revenue from electricity sales. Residents can provide suggestions via email, telephone, or through their Ward Councillor/Subcouncil offices to participate in shaping this future.
The Permit Advisory Forum (PAF) is a new initiative by the City of Cape Town to ensure compliance with marine outfall regulations and promote ecological responsibility. The PAF will manage effluent discharge volume and quality, pipeline maintenance, and environmental monitoring. The forum also explored innovative alternatives for waste management, including shortterm refurbishments and longterm wastewater treatment plant constructions. This pioneering effort aims to usher in a new era of sustainable and ecoaware ethos towards environmental stewardship.
Professional golfer Charl Schwartzel and his wife Rosalind are battling breast cancer with hope and resilience. Their experience has transformed into a worldwide force for breast cancer awareness, advocating for early breast cancer detection and raising global consciousness. Their journey is more than a personal fight against cancer; it serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness, highlighting the strength of human resilience and the transformative potential of unity.
Sergeant Adian Mahoney was a dedicated law enforcement officer in Cape Town who tragically lost his life while responding to a domestic violence situation. His death serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face daily and the dedication they have to serving their communities. His sacrifice will be honored at his funeral service on April 27, 2024, as the community comes together to mourn and honor his legacy.
The trial of Nafiz Modack, a supposed mafia boss, in the Western Cape High Court is a riveting tale filled with crime, treachery, and redemption. Former Hawks officer Nico Heerschap plays a pivotal role in the drama, serving as both detective and victim. Despite personal loss, Nico remains undeterred in his pursuit of justice, highlighting the truth in a trial that has seized the nation’s attention. The trial continues with a new witness set to testify, as Nico’s tale of resilience and perseverance continues to unfold.
Phat Joe, a wellknown media personality, was recently evicted from his luxurious Sea Point apartment due to unpaid rent totaling over half a million rands. Sea Point is a highly soughtafter neighborhood due to its proximity to the beach and mountains, and apartments there can fetch monthly rents ranging from R10,000 to R100,000. Despite the eviction, Phat Joe’s professional journey remains strong, as he holds top positions at media and marketing companies in Cape Town.
On April 25th, a fire broke out in the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility, causing damage and completely destroying two units. The firefighters bravely battled the flames and saved a lifeless cat. The facility has housed infamous inmates such as Oscar Pistorius and the “Dros rapist,” Nicholas Ninow. The cause of the fire is still a mystery, highlighting the importance of implementing firewalls in infrastructure design.
Cape Town’s Energy, Water and Waste (EWW) Forum brings together the city and local businesses to work towards responsible resource management and sustainability. The forum focuses on innovative solutions to tackle organic waste management challenges and landfill diversion, with the goal of reducing organic waste in landfills by 50% by 2022 and achieving 100% organic waste diversion by 2027. The forum demonstrates the power of shared knowledge and collaboration in driving sustainable change and serves as an inspiring model for cities worldwide.
The T20 Challenge cricket series offers spectators the chance to win a substantial cash prize by catching a ball onehanded following a six. The event adds excitement and unpredictability to the game, and fans become part of the action, contributing to the thrill and suspense. The incident of Christopher de Wit’s remarkable onehanded catch exemplifies the immersive and unpredictable nature of cricket and the potential for unexpected heroes to emerge.
The Free State community gathered to contribute their suggestions for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, proposing the appointment of a Deputy Chairperson for the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and a Deputy InspectorGeneral of Intelligence, as well as the differentiation between domestic and foreign intelligence services and the establishment of a South African National Intelligence Academy. Youth engagement in matters related to national security and concerns about security challenges experienced by residents were also discussed. Renowned organisations and individuals provided their feedback, with differing opinions on the Bill’s provisions. The Bill is now heading towards its final public hearing in East London.
Maltento is a South African company that breeds black soldier flies to convert agroprocessing waste into proteinrich pet and aquaculture feed. Their unique farming methods not only produce functional proteins, healthy fats, and essential amino acids but also excrete a byproduct known as frass that has considerable nutritional value and can improve soil fertility. Maltento’s innovation and commitment to sustainability challenge preconceptions in the agritech and pet food industry, and their groundbreaking work highlights South Africa’s role in the global innovation landscape.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is conducting planned maintenance activities to preserve the water supply infrastructure. Zeropressure tests and state evaluations of the water supply network will be carried out from 29th April to 3rd May 2024, with water tankers provided for residents to minimize the inconvenience caused. The City has notified the Stellenbosch Municipality to make alternate arrangements during this maintenance period, and residents are advised to store enough water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps closed. This initiative reflects the City’s dedication towards ensuring the longevity of its water infrastructure and commitment towards transparency and effective communication.
The CPBMJTT aims to incorporate the perspectives of community members and stakeholders instead of enforcing topdown solutions in their community dialogues to strengthen community engagement and develop customized solutions for baboon management. Led by representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, the meetings will empower community members to suggest relevant interventions and reflect the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The CPBMJTT is committed to transparency and inclusivity, and the community can access the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan readily on their websites.
‘When Love Kills: The Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele’ is a heartwrenching book by Melinda Ferguson that tells the story of the tumultuous relationship between rapper AKA and his late fiancée, Anele Tembe, which ended tragically with her death in April 2023. The book vividly describes the chaotic events that led to Anele’s fatal fall, including a wild party marked by drug use and alcohol consumption. The story is also rife with controversy, including allegations of neglect by AKA and mysterious circumstances surrounding Anele’s phone after the incident.
The gig economy in South Africa is booming, with an estimated 4 million gig workers in the country. This flexible work arrangement covers a wide range of professionals and offers a lucrative platform for businesses targeting freelancers. Financial management for gig workers can be complex, but startups like Craft are providing solutions to make transactions smoother and facilitate financial management. The gig economy is set to reshape the idea of work in the upcoming years and is a major component of South Africa’s employment scene.
Supermodels Candice Swanepoel and Kate Upton took Miami by storm during a dynamic and iconic photoshoot. From Segways to bicycles and rollerblades, the models showcased their adaptability and fashion sense, all while exuding infectious positivity and grace. Swanepoel’s impeccable style and commanding presence cemented her position as a true fashion icon.
