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Cape Town News
Siya Kolisi is the inspirational captain of South Africa’s rugby team, recently named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024. He defies norms and has won backtoback Rugby World Cup victories, leading his team to victory during the Covid lockdown in 2021. Kolisi represents the transformative power of sports, bringing people together in challenging times and embodying hope for a brighter future.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Cape Town is transforming public administration by providing practical work experience and highquality education to its beneficiaries. The partnership between the City of Cape Town, the UWC School of Government, and the New Hope Training Organisation is creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system, and the first group of EPWP beneficiaries recently graduated with an NQF7 level qualification in Public Administration. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, and the graduates have been instilled with guiding principles such as democratic accountability, social equity, and ethical conduct. The accessible registration process and promising future outlook of the EPWP symbolize a monumental shift in efforts towards creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system.
On April 17, 2024, the South African Police Service launched a successful joint operation in Kimberley, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of illegal guns, SAPS uniforms, and rank insignia. The suspects were charged with possessing suspected stolen goods and illegal firearms, while investigations into their potential links to other related crimes were initiated. This event highlights SAPS’s commitment to maintaining peace and justice through their vigilant and dedicated efforts.
Cape Town is proposing to transform Berkley Road into a dual carriageway and reconfigure Alexandra Road to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a more direct route to the Maitland Rail Station, thereby reducing commuting time. Councillor Rob Quintas is optimistic about the proposals and is encouraging public participation through an open forum for feedback and submission methods that are inclusive and easy to access. The proposals signify the city’s commitment to establishing an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transportation network, highlighting its dedication towards enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants, stimulating economic growth, and advocating for environmental sustainability.
Cape Town is the best city for affordable property rates in South Africa, with rates 32% lower for commercial properties, 36% for industrial, and 28% for residential compared to its closest rival, Johannesburg. The city also offers investment incentives, a solid infrastructure, and a thriving environment for businesses and residents to grow and find opportunities. Cape Town is committed to transforming its infrastructure and becoming the most businessfriendly city in Africa, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs of all sizes.
Disney and National Geographic have joined forces to introduce ourHOME, an initiative aimed at promoting efforts to protect and celebrate the planet. The campaign features compelling narratives demonstrating the measures taken under Disney Planet Possible, which affirms Disney’s commitment to real action for a healthier environment. The initiative also includes exclusive content collections on Disney+, premieres of new Nat Geo series and Disneynature films, and a dedicated ourHOME television spot featuring the voice of Morgan Freeman. The ourHOME Digital Series will also allow viewers to engage directly with Disney Planet Possible stories.
“When Love Kills The Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele” is a controversial book by Melinda Ferguson that delves into the tragic love affair between South African rapper AKA and Anele Tembe, both of whom died under mysterious circumstances. The book has sparked both admiration and animosity from readers worldwide due to its scrutiny of issues like domestic violence, mental health difficulties, toxic masculinity, and the stress of celebrity life. Despite facing criticism, the author staunchly defends her literary creation, which remains a testament to her commitment to expose the truth.
Chommie toys are handmade plush collectibles from South Africa that are highly sought after by collectors. These limitededition toys are only available on the creators’ website and are deeply tied to the music of Die Antwoord. Each toy has a unique personality and power, and they are meticulously handcrafted and numbered. Chommie toys are considered a priceless commodity in the plush collectibles market and serve as physical reminders of the couple’s initial creative endeavors.
Cape Town broke the record for the largest gintasting event with 423 participants, organized by Two Gingers Premium Craft Gin. The event required precise coordination and adherence to Guinness World Records’ standards, overseen by esteemed spirits judge Cathy Marston. The successful event showcased the city’s vibrant spirit and the collective passion of its people, serving as a reminder of the unique experiences that make Cape Town a city unlike any other.
Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity supplier, has achieved a new record of three weeks of continuous and uninterrupted power supply, surpassing the previous record of 19 days. This achievement is attributed to tenacity, timely upkeep, and upgraded management practices. However, the Minister warns against complacency and emphasizes the need for persistent investment, rigorous management, and steadfast commitment to maintain this success. Eskom’s recent achievement showcases its capacity to rise above the odds, mapping out a new, positive course in South Africa’s power narrative.
Wellness tourism is booming in Africa, with South Africa leading the way. The market value of wellness tourism in Africa is set to reach $114.24 billion by 2029, with local customs and natural assets being incorporated into wellness experiences. South Africa is harnessing its natural assets, such as Rooibos, to offer visitors a glimpse into its wellness traditions and to carve out a unique identity on the international wellness tourism map. The trend towards healthfocused travel represents a shift towards more conscious and sustainable tourism.
Prince William may inherit the British monarchy due to his father’s cancer diagnosis, causing worry within the royal family. The Duchess of Cambridge is also battling cancer, adding to the uncertainty of the future of the monarchy. Despite these challenges, the royal family’s bravery and perseverance shine through, with Catherine’s popularity and future queen status making her a vital asset for the monarchy’s continuation. The family’s resilience is a testament to the robustness of the monarchy and the dignity of its members.
In Mamre, a police sergeant was tragically killed while responding to a domestic violence report. The suspect managed to escape the scene, prompting a manhunt, while the Western Cape Provincial SAPS management and police community expressed their distress and disappointment. Despite the heartbreaking event, the police force remains steadfast in their dedication to securing the safety and wellbeing of the communities they serve, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in preventing such occurrences.
The Cableway Charity Challenge in Cape Town is a massive hiking event that encourages individuals, corporate entities, and school groups to climb Platteklip Gorge and gather funds for various local causes. The challenging yet inclusive event embodies the unifying spirit of adventure and offers stunning views of Cape Town. Participants amass funds through endorsements and the event has raised nearly R15 million for 18 different groups since its inception. Even if the climb appears too overwhelming, there is still an opportunity to contribute by making pledges in favor of the challenge.
The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project in Cape Town that empowers jobless women through ecoconscious skills training. The curriculum includes green building concepts, small to mediumsized enterprise development, and soft skills for the workplace. A unique aspect of the program is the use of alien invasive species for environmentally friendly building materials. The initiative equips women with skills to succeed in the growing green economy, benefiting the community as a whole.
The Business Retention and Expansion unit in Cape Town is transforming the city’s industrial landscape by placing businesses at the core of its strategy. Through proactive action teams, the unit leverages the power of multiple city departments to enhance economic resilience, promote energy security, alternative energy solutions, and transport infrastructure. The unit’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, such as prospering businesses, dynamic city districts, and a thriving economy. Through partnerships and proactive initiatives, Cape Town continues to attract investment and job creation, ensuring ongoing economic stability for the entire city.
