The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has invited the public to review and provide feedback on 20 candidates for six open positions in the Commission for Gender Equality. This move exemplifies the democratic principle that decisions should not be made about people without their input and underscores the commitment to creating an inclusive society where every citizen can express their views on matters of public importance. The shortlisted candidates are diverse in gender, race, disability, and profession, and the public’s participation highlights the significance of every voice in the journey towards gender equality in South Africa. The deadline for feedback is March 12, 2024.
Antoine Dupont, a renowned French rugby player, is making his debut in sevens rugby in Vancouver as he aims to secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics. At the age of 27, Dupont has been recognized for his strategic skills and his ability to assist his teammates, making him a valuable addition to Jerome Daret’s 14strong squad. The upcoming Vancouver SVNS promises to be a challenging competition for France, with Dupont’s former team Toulouse facing a daunting task in his absence. Despite this, Dupont’s unwavering commitment and skillful performances suggest that his transition to sevens rugby will be a success.
South African football player Khanyisa Mayo has rejected the interest of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, choosing to stay with Cape Town City and sign a longterm contract extension. Mayo’s decision ends any further transfer speculations and his market value is expected to skyrocket as his career continues to unfold. The involvement of Cape Town City’s chairman, John Comitis, and his high valuation of R38 million for Mayo initially piqued the interest of the Chiefs and Sundowns, but ultimately resulted in Mayo remaining loyal to his club.
Cape Town is fighting against illegal dumping by promoting citizenled community cleanup campaigns. The Urban Waste Management Directorate supplies refuse bags and helps dispose of the waste, transforming dumping grounds into areas of communal pride. By uniting and organizing cleanup campaigns, residents can deter offenders and reclaim their neighborhoods, creating a cleaner, greener Cape Town for future generations.
The Twickenham Showdown in 2024 is a highly anticipated rugby match between Wales and the reigning world champions, the Springboks. The absence of a home ground advantage for Wales at the neutral venue of Twickenham, along with the match not aligning with the international calendar, provides a unique challenge for both teams. Despite this, both teams are eagerly anticipating the match, with Wales using it as an opportunity for team growth and development. The upcoming year is a pivotal time for Welsh rugby, with the challenging tour to Australia also on the horizon.
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is facing a major financial and operational crisis that has caught the attention of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The municipality is struggling with debt, financial regulation noncompliance, and inaccurate job grading. However, the South African Local Government Association is optimistic about the municipality’s recovery and supports the implementation of a Financial Recovery Plan. Despite the challenges, the potential exists for a stronger financial management system and a positive transformation for this historic municipality.
The Western Cape Department of Mobility has had significant success in law enforcement operations, including a major drug bust in Laingsburg, where two tonnes of dagga worth around R4 million were seized. The department also conducted 248 roadblocks and inspections, arresting 96 suspects for various crimes, including 63 for drunk driving. These efforts highlight the department’s commitment to preserving order and security in the region and ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens. The officers’ dedication to their duties serves as a constant reminder of their important role in maintaining law and order in the Western Cape.
The Sony Creators Convention 2024 in Cape Town is a melting pot of possibilities for content creators. Attendees can expect to learn from industry leaders, establish valuable connections, and broaden their skill set. The event features workshops, handson sessions, distinguished speakers, and major brands showcasing their latest products and innovations. This convention is an opportunity for content creators to elevate their craft to unprecedented heights and leave an everlasting imprint on their creative journey.
Evidence Makgopa is a rising star in South African football, having recently represented the national team at the African Cup of Nations and impressed in the domestic league. His coach, Jose Riveiro, has praised his performance and potential, citing his exposure to highlevel competition as a key factor in his development. Despite previous obstacles, Makgopa’s tenacity and commitment have propelled him to success and promise a bright future in football.
Lift Airline is an inventive South African carrier that focuses on passenger enjoyment as a cornerstone of its business model, offering flexible flights with full refunds, complimentary beverages, snacks, and a variety of inflight happenings, including book launches, fashion shows, album launches, and comedy shows. They recently launched a novel by South African author Jo Watson on board a flight, showcasing their commitment to promoting local talent and offering an enhanced flight experience. Despite launching during the pandemic, Lift has successfully cultivated a devoted clientele and is challenging the conventional concept of inflight entertainment.
The City of Cape Town has embraced digital transformation to enhance its public services, with a new online reservation system for Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing offices. The system has significantly reduced waiting times, with over 24,000 users already utilizing the service. The City’s website is designed for mobile compatibility, making the service easily accessible and convenient for residents. This digital evolution is paving the way for how a city can improve its services and enhance the lives of its citizens.
There are rumors that midfielder Vincent Pule may leave Orlando Pirates despite recently renewing his contract until 2025. Pule is seeking more regular game time, and a loan or permanent exit is possible. His departure would be a significant loss for the team, who recently lost Thembinkosi Lorch. Pule’s uncertain future could have implications for the team’s dynamics and overall performance.
District Six’s Chapel Street is undergoing a significant renovation, designed to create a pedestrianfriendly environment and foster community spirit. The Urban Planning and Design Division in Cape Town has collaborated with the District Six populace, investors, and those with vested interests to create a detailed design draft that will be presented to the public on 24th February 2024. Feedback opportunities are available online until 7th March 2024, and the project embodies the spirit of communitydriven urban development and heritage preservation.
Stellenbosch University, a prestigious institution in South Africa, is facing controversy surrounding the trial of former student Theuns du Toit, who was caught on film desecrating a black fellow student’s study materials and laptop. The university’s Central Disciplinary Committee found Du Toit guilty of racially biased behavior, but he has since escalated the issue to the Western Cape High Court. The upcoming trial will have widespread implications for the university’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Bingo is a lovable ecowarrior mascot in Cape Town, teaching people about environmental responsibility. He visits schools and community events with engaging performances, interactive activities, and animated antics to inspire a change in people’s approach towards waste disposal and ecological responsibility. Booking Bingo is highly competitive, indicating the community’s enthusiasm for this initiative.
Pregnancy Awareness Week is a weeklong campaign aimed at raising awareness about the potential complications associated with teenage pregnancies and the importance of early antenatal care. The initiative focuses on reducing pregnancyrelated complications and minimizing adverse outcomes for teenage mothers and their newborns. The Health Department is leading this initiative, with goals of having 47% of pregnant women register for Basic Antenatal Care before week 14 and 72% before week 20. The week includes events at various City clinics, with a focus on maintaining health and wellbeing during pregnancy and offering additional services and support for women who want to prevent pregnancy.