The Gauteng Department of Health in South Africa is extremely concerned about the growing number of food poisoning cases, particularly among children. One incident involved 41 children who accidentally consumed rat poison, mistaking it for candy. Another incident resulted in the death of a sixyearold student. These incidents are part of a broader trend of food poisoning cases in the area, with over 800 reported since October 2023 and 11 deaths. The Department is calling on everyone in the community to take responsibility and work together to protect children’s health.
Cape Town has launched Jobs Connect, a recruitment platform that aims to connect job seekers with potential employers in the city. The service offers work readiness training and a digital evaluation of numeracy and literacy skills, and has already attracted over 100,000 users. The initiative has been earmarked for a significant R5.5m budget, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of job hunting and creating new opportunities in sectors such as call centres, hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
Propranolol, a medicine typically used to treat high blood pressure, could potentially diminish unconscious racial prejudices. This theory suggests racism might be a neurological aberration, a ‘brain bug,’ and could be medically addressed. While still in its infancy, this groundbreaking viewpoint on racial bias offers radical new insights in the fight against racism. However, it’s important to remember that societal efforts to address the basis of racism in cultural, educational, and systemic infrastructures are still necessary.
Kaizer Chiefs are changing their strategy in their search for a goalkeeper after their first choice, Stanley Nwabali, gained attention from European clubs and competition from rivals Orlando Pirates. Reports suggest the Chiefs may consider signing Pirates’ experienced Ghanaian goalkeeper, Richard Ofori, who could provide 57 years of service. Despite competition from other potential goalkeeper signings, signing Ofori could be a tactical move for the Chiefs, as they deal with their own goalkeeping issues and seek to secure their position for years to come.
The Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town brings together thousands of runners for a unique blend of athleticism and stunning landscapes. The city’s skyline provides the perfect backdrop for this grand event that showcases Cape Town’s dynamic culture and passion for sports. With dedicated safety and security staff, road closures, and route changes, the city is ready to host this global event and showcase its forwardthinking vision. The marathon is a cultural symbol of urban unity and sportsmanship that positions Cape Town as a bright star in the sporting world.
South African authorities, including the South African Police Service, collaborated to conduct a major crackdown on counterfeit and illegal trade in Johannesburg’s Fordsburg shopping center, leading to the confiscation of over R11 million worth of counterfeit goods and the arrest of 37 illegal foreign nationals. The operation targeted 18 stores and resulted in the seizure of over 8,000 fake products impersonating popular brands, contravening Acts that protect consumers and ensure fair trading. The operation is one of many successful efforts to disassemble the deeply rooted criminal networks of the counterfeit trade, aiming to safeguard consumers and honest enterprises, expose and penalize those who manipulate the system for their enrichment, and triumph over deceit.
The firefighters of Cape Town are not only extinguishing fires but also raising funds for the local hospital’s burn care unit. Burn injuries are the third leading cause of injuryrelated fatalities in children, and the firefighters are committed to strengthening burn services for children in the Western Cape. Their annual charitable initiative has transformed into a celebrated event that the local residents look forward to every year, raising funds through ticket sales and community contributions. The Burns Project aims to improve overall results and lighten the load on families residing far from Cape Town, supported by the City’s Mayoral fund and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The South African Springboks are preparing to return to the rugby pitch, and all eyes are on who will be chosen as the team’s captain. Coach Rassie Erasmus has hinted at a preference for a captain rooted in the local scene, casting doubt on Siya Kolisi’s role. However, Erasmus has also expressed his desire to retain Kolisi, citing his exceptional leadership and impressive win record. As speculation builds, the Springboks continue to embody unity, grit, and passion on their path to victory.
Russ Cook, also known as “The Hardest Geezer,” is close to completing an incredible feat of being the first person to walk the length of the African continent. He has covered the distance of 376 marathons in just 345 days, facing many challenges along the way including visa issues, health hazards, and even an armed theft. Cook has raised an impressive amount of £380,995 for charity, making this journey a true testament to human endurance and triumph.
The ‘Building for Jobs’ budget in Cape Town is a transformative fiscal strategy focused on infrastructure and job creation, with a record R76.4bn allocated for the financial year 2024/25 and R12.1bn earmarked for infrastructure. The budget is expected to create 130,000 jobs over the next three years and is committed to social inclusion and green energy. It also reflects the city’s dedication to social welfare, green energy, and safety measures. This innovative budget represents a pivotal juncture for Cape Town, driven by a vision of a wealthier, fairer, and more inclusive future.
Siya Kolisi is a South African rugby player who led the national team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first black captain of the team. He has become a symbol of hope and inspiration in the sport, and his journey is marked by resilience and triumph. Despite embarking on a new chapter of his career playing for French club Racing 92, Kolisi remains rooted in his South African roots and continues to hold his family and homeland close to his heart.
Hout Bay is using stateoftheart trenchless pipecracking technology to replace over 3,300 meters of outdated water pipes, showcasing the city’s dedication to adopting innovative solutions to tackle its infrastructural hurdles. The technology is costeffective, reduces disturbances, and facilitates quicker completion times, making it a practical choice for the world with scarce resources. The project is expected to be accomplished by June 2024, signifying another step towards urban regeneration and a sustainable future.
In Nyanga, the funeral of a notorious gang member named Magwala turned disturbing when his gang members fired 549 bullets into the air in a symbolic gunfire salute. This macabre tribute highlighted the pervasive gun violence and the threat it poses to the safety and wellbeing of the community. The problem of illegal firearms continues to afflict communities like Nyanga, but the city and SAPS are making strides to tackle this problem and combat crime.
South African Police Service’s AntiSmuggling Unit apprehended a suspected smuggler in a meticulously planned operation. The arrest highlighted the widespread issue of crossborder smuggling, which affects both South Africa and the African continent. Investigations revealed the suspect’s engagement in a largescale smuggling operation, and the accused will stand trial for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and fraudulent documents. The arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against organized crime, and the SAPS remains committed to the fight for justice.
Patricia De Lille, leader of the GOOD Party, has proposed increasing South Africa’s Basic Income Grant from R350 to roughly R1,000 to help those living in poverty. She also advocates for government reformation, professionalisation of the public service, eradication of corruption, and implementation of tax amendments. De Lille’s manifesto also emphasizes investment in public infrastructure and affordable, basic services, and financial support for small businesses. The proposal aims to rebalance society and provide a safety net for those struggling with poverty while revitalizing the South African economy.
The Springbok rugby team may have a new captain, as there are rumours that Siya Kolisi may not continue in the role. Four players have emerged as potential successors Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, and Elrigh Louw each with unique strengths and potential implications. This change in leadership represents a transformative phase in South African rugby, with the selection of the next captain greatly influencing the team’s dynamics and performance.