the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Taj Cape Town is a stunning hotel where oldworld charm meets modern luxury. Housed in a beautiful Edwardian building, it invites guests to step into Cape Town’s rich history while enjoying top comforts, delicious food, and warm, personal service. From waking up to views of Table Mountain to relaxing with awardwinning spa treatments and savoring exquisite meals, every moment feels special. The hotel also connects visitors deeply to the vibrant culture and spirit of the city, making each stay a unique and memorable adventure.
South African nonprofits face a big deadline between April 15 and May 31, 2025, to submit important tax reports called IT3(d). This report keeps their ability to give donors taxdeductible receipts, which helps raise money and build trust. Missing the deadline can cause fines and loss of this key status, hurting their work and the communities they serve. Many groups are working hard, using new tech and teamwork to meet the deadline and stay strong. This yearly challenge pushes nonprofits to be more professional and transparent, securing their future.
The NSRI’s Beach Safety Camera Network is making South Africa’s beaches safer by watching six risky spots with live video and trained watchers. These cameras spot trouble fast, helping rescuers jump into action before things get worse. The system respects people’s privacy and brings communities together to protect beachgoers. Thanks to this smart mix of technology and teamwork, more lives are being saved along the beautiful but sometimes dangerous coast.
Teen vaping is growing fast in South Africa, with many young people using flavored nicotine vapes that are easy to find and heavily advertised. A big study found that nearly one in six teens vape regularly, and many show signs of addiction, worrying health experts. Vaping has become part of teen life at schools and social spots, fueled by cool images online and wrong ideas that it’s safe. Now, South Africa faces a crucial moment to pass strong laws and teach kids the truth before this habit takes deeper hold. Without action, many teens risk lifelong health problems hidden behind the clouds of sweet vapor.
The Strand Street Quarry in Cape Town is set to transform from a quiet, forgotten space into a lively community hub full of sports, culture, and fun. This special place, rich with history and surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods, will become a spot where people can play, celebrate, work, and connect. The city is listening closely to its residents to make sure the new space respects the past while welcoming the future. Together, Cape Town hopes to turn the old quarry into a bright, shared treasure for everyone.
The Spier Light Art Exhibition in Stellenbosch is a magical outdoor event that turns a quiet vineyard into a glowing playground of light and creativity. Artists from near and far use colorful lights to tell stories about history, community, and technology, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the shining artworks. As night falls, the farm transforms into a living canvas where light dances, sparks imagination, and connects people through shared wonder. This event is more than art—it’s a joyful celebration of light’s power to inspire and unite.
Cape Town’s “Invested in Hope” budget puts nearly R40 billion toward building fairer, kinder neighborhoods by focusing on free basic services, support for pensioners, and job creation. This plan helps people who need it most, giving them water, electricity, and relief from property taxes. By investing in homes and jobs, the city is healing old wounds from apartheid and making sure everyone feels part of the community. Stories from residents like Nontombi and Zanele show how this hope turns into real, everyday changes. Cape Town’s bold steps offer a shining example of how cities can grow with fairness and care for all.
In 2025, Cape Town’s running events paint the city with energy, history, and community spirit. From the lively April Velocity HalfMarathon through scenic vineyards in May, to the meaningful Slave Route Challenge in June, each race tells a story. October’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon shines on the world stage, while November’s Great World Race brings runners from everywhere together. These races are more than just runs—they are vibrant celebrations of Cape Town’s beauty, heritage, and the strong human spirit that beats in the Mother City.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is fighting hard against corruption in South Africa by accusing Minister Thembi Simelane of approving over R700,000 in fake payments linked to the Kusile Power Plant scandal. They want the police to investigate fully and bring justice. This case has stirred strong feelings because it reminds many South Africans of past scandals and broken promises. With public eyes watching closely, the DA hopes to push for honest leadership and clean government. The battle shows the nation’s deep need for truth and fairness at the highest levels.
Franz Müllner, known as the Iron Man, amazed Cape Town by pulling a giant 16,700 kg doubledecker bus through the city, setting his 60th world record. Crowds cheered as he showed incredible strength and determination, inspiring everyone to believe in their own power. His journey took him across seven continents, pushing human limits and uniting people through his amazing feats. Müllner’s story is one of courage, discipline, and the endless chase for greatness.
South Africa has set bold new rules for 2025 to make workplaces fairer by ensuring more black people, women, and people with disabilities hold jobs, especially in management and skilled roles. These rules target 18 industries with clear goals and deadlines, pushing companies to act or face penalties. This fresh push builds on decades of struggle to fix past unfairness, aiming to turn good intentions into real change. It’s a hopeful step toward workplaces where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.
South Africa’s Department of Justice is making strong moves to clean up its act by handling many cases of employee misconduct. They have already resolved most complaints, firing 54 workers and suspending dozens more to show that bad behavior won’t be ignored. Led by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Department is building a culture of honesty and fairness, both inside and out. This bold effort aims to restore trust in the justice system and prove that true change is possible when leaders act with courage and care.
Knoflokskraal is a small farming community in South Africa’s Elgin Valley where mostly Khoisan people have settled to reclaim their ancestral land. Since 2020, they’ve turned wild bushland into fields of crops and homes, striving to live independently despite facing tough challenges like water shortages and government restrictions. The settlers work hard to build a future rooted in their history and culture, showing strong hope and resilience even when the odds are against them. Their story is about more than just land—it’s about identity, survival, and the dream of belonging.
The Western Cape’s school admissions for 2026 use an online system where parents must apply on time for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements, with over 164,000 applications expected. Families face challenges like internet access and keeping contact details updated to get timely offers, which start coming out in May 2025. Despite hurdles, strong community effort and careful planning help many children secure spots, showing how education is a shared hope and responsibility in this diverse region. The process blends new technology with old traditions, reflecting the province’s determination to build a brighter future for all children.
On a cold evening, British Airways flight 58 faced a sudden emergency when smoke filled its cockpit above Cape Town. Thanks to quick thinking by the pilots and fast action from Cape Town’s emergency teams, the plane landed safely. Firefighters, medical staff, and airport crews worked together smoothly, helping passengers exit calmly without panic. This event showed how teamwork, training, and calm minds can turn danger into a story of strength and safety.
South Africa’s landscape stretches far beyond its famous wildlife and bustling cities. Here lies a different kind of paradise—one defined by serenity, stillness, and a slower way of life. For the traveler weary of noise and haste, the country offers countless sanctuaries where the world seems to pause. Amid quiet villages, sweeping coastlines, and forests steeped in legend, South Africa invites visitors to step back, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of unhurried living.
