“Mother City” is a powerful documentary about the fight for social equality in Cape Town’s neglected spaces. The film follows the Reclaim the City initiative’s struggle over five years to transform these spaces into homes for the working class. The documentary captures their battles against influential political forces and property moguls and documents their journey to Barcelona, where they drew inspiration to counter Cape Town’s escalating housing problems. “Mother City” is set to make its global debut at the Sheffield Doc Fest in the UK in June, before its African premiere at Encounters 2024.
Africa Day celebrates the establishment of the African Union and represents a time for reflection on Africa’s journey to political freedom. The theme of the 2024 Africa Day was “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century,” emphasizing the importance of robust education systems and inclusive learning for the continent’s growth. The AU’s Agenda 2063 also highlights the need for education to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of all citizens. Additionally, the Parliament expressed concern about ongoing conflicts in Africa and emphasized the vital role of peacekeeping in promoting socioeconomic growth.
South Africa’s exhibit, ‘Cape Floral Kingdom,’ won a gold medal, the ‘Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion,’ and the ‘Best New Design Award’ at the Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit showcased the unique biodiversity of the Cape area, with over 22,000 plant stems, earning perfect scores from judges. This success highlights South Africa’s horticultural prowess and serves as a tribute to the country’s aesthetic and ecological wealth. The exhibition’s impact encourages the preservation and celebration of South Africa’s natural legacy.
The Woodhead Dam Museum in Cape Town is a historical museum that takes visitors on a journey through time to learn about the city’s water supply. It offers a collection of specialized equipment and artifacts, including a steam train, hand tools, instruments, and flow measuring devices. Visitors can explore the rich 127year history of the dam and its complex construction process. The museum serves as a visual record of the City’s water heritage and highlights the urgency of water conservation.
Experience the serene and sustainable Gonana Collection in the peaceful fishing village of Paternoster, where each of the seven properties is powered by solar energy and offers a warm embrace of the idyllic environment. Discover a tapestry of sustainability woven from unrefined local materials and collaboration with local craftsmen. Embrace the Gonana lifestyle and contribute to the evolution of travel in this sanctuary for contemplation and mindfulness where nature and elegance intertwine.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first visit to Nigeria was marred by controversy as reports emerged that Dr. Allen Onyema, a man facing bank fraud and money laundering charges in the US, greeted the royal couple. Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, facilitated the couple’s threeday tour of Nigeria, but the allegations against him raised questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues and faced criticism from within the royal family. The controversy highlights the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in the planning of highprofile events.
The Cape Town Winelands Airport is undergoing an extensive expansion plan that aims to create a new era of economic growth and sustainability. The project includes the development of a Code F runway and additional facilities such as a plaza, hotel, conference center, and winetasting facilities. The expansion prioritizes environmental considerations, aiming to be completely offgrid for water and electricity by employing solar and biogas power derived from chicken manure. The project is expected to create 60,000 jobs during construction and capture onefourth of the local market share by 2050 while balancing growth and sustainability.
Will Edson Castillo leave Kaizer Chiefs for a potentially better offer? The Venezuelan player’s exceptional boxtobox style on the pitch has caught the attention of competitors across Africa, and despite previous talks with Zamalek, he is reportedly considering other options. This creates a transfer drama that could have a significant impact on Chiefs and the broader football world. Castillo’s dynamic play has won praise within the South African football circle, and his potential departure is sure to be as captivating as his performance on the pitch.
South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is showing unwavering support for Caster Mokgadi Semenya as she fights for her right to compete without reducing her testosterone levels. The department is collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen Semenya’s legal fight and is hopeful that the upcoming ruling will uphold justice, inclusivity, and diversity. DSAC has also launched an extensive public awareness campaign to nurture a sporting culture that celebrates inclusivity and respect. The department aims to promote the right to compete on an equal footing without prejudice and discrimination.
The Vredenburg community is in a state of fear and anxiety after the disappearance of sixyearold Joshlin Smith, who is believed to have been trafficked for R20,000. Four individuals, including Joshlin’s mother, are facing allegations of abduction and human trafficking in this heartrending case. Outside the courthouse, a crowd of locals gathered, chanting “Where is Joshlin?” while inside, the postponement of the trial has caused frustration for the victim’s family who are desperate for any information about their missing loved one.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, has called for a renewed investigation into the deaths of three influential antiapartheid activists, Chief Albert Luthuli, Mr. Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge, and Mr. Booi Mantyi. The circumstances of their deaths remain unclear, and new evidence has emerged to challenge the original investigations. Lamola believes that justice is not constrained by time and that the pursuit of truth is essential. The reexamination of these cases may reopen old wounds, but it is crucial for creating a future that is more transparent and truthful.
On Monday, May 13th, 2024, the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill met to consider public reactions to proposed changes, including responses from the State Security Agency (SSA) and legal guidance from the Parliamentary Legal Services. The exchange was an enlightening display of democracy at work, demonstrating the country’s dedication to transparency and active civic participation. The SSA’s constructive responses to public feedback and proactive engagement showcased their readiness to engage with the public, while the public’s participation exemplified an exemplary form of participatory governance.
Cape Town’s ‘I am a Smart Driver’ initiative is a driving program that promotes responsible and sustainable driving among city fleet drivers. The program requires training for all drivers and has already resulted in significant fuel savings, reduced CO2 emissions, and improved road safety. The program is a concrete city initiative that is monitored through advanced technology to track driver behavior, fuel usage, and safety records. It serves as a model for other cities to follow in fostering environmentally friendly practices and sustainable urban development.
The ’30 Years the Occupants’ exhibit at Cape Town’s HUB Gallery showcases the journey of South Africa through visual narratives. The exhibit is a collaboration between Matthew Willman’s ‘Mandela Heritage Collection’ and the Spier Collection, displaying intimate instances with Mandela and vividly portraying the nation’s democratic metamorphosis since 1994. The exhibition is open to the public until 31st May 2024, offering an opportunity to engage with the cultural narratives, question, and reminisce.
Cape Town has been fighting against metal theft, particularly the theft of street lights, with the help of a specialized team called the “Copperheads.” The team has facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12year prison sentence. Despite persistent vandalism and theft, the city has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate while intensifying inspections and patrols to bolster antitheft measures. The public has been urged to participate in the fight against metal theft by reaching out to the city’s 24hour tollfree tipoffs line.
The launch of ‘Otter’, a custombuilt weed harvester, marks a significant milestone in the environmental conservation of Rietvlei in Cape Town. Its function is to cut, collect, and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities. The initiative is part of the City’s commitment to the preservation of its cherished recreational vleis and contributes to the local economies flourishing around these vleis. ‘Otter’ is a commendable step towards the management of natural resources.