Chloe de Kock is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from township braai joints to Constantia vineyards, for the Mail & Guardian and Eat Out. When she’s not interviewing grandmothers about secret bobotie recipes or tracking the impact of drought on winemakers, you’ll find her surfing the mellow breaks at Muizenberg—wetsuit zipped, notebook tucked into her backpack in case the next story floats by.
Get ready for the highlyanticipated Tshwane derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership. Despite a hectic schedule, Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena is determined to take it one game at a time and give his team’s best. The winner of this match will secure a top position in the championship rankings, making it a game changer on the horizon. Excitement is in the air, and the Lucas Moripe Stadium is ready to host a thrilling showdown between these two skilled teams.
A new era for the Springboks is on the horizon as a generation transition takes place. Four rising stars are catching the eye of Springbok recruiters, including Cameron Hanekom, Henco van Wyk, Phepsi Buthelezi, and Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu. Each player brings their own unique set of skills and promise, signaling a bright future for South African rugby. These young players are expected to become crucial components of the ongoing journey for the Springboks.
Maro Itoje, a top rugby player, is faced with a challenging decision about his career. He must choose between staying loyal to his current team, Saracens, and possibly making a lot of money by transferring to a French club. However, this decision could also impact his chances of representing England and joining the Lions’ tour. It’s a tough dilemma, and the outcome will shape his career’s future.
Pinelands sewer depot team’s exceptional rescue operation and firefighting skills during a residential fire in Heideveld on November 20, 2023, transformed their work vehicle into an unconventional firefighting tool. The team’s bravery and selflessness didn’t end with the rescue operation; they donated essential items from their own resources to help the family rebuild their lives after the event.
Cape Town’s annual Festive Lights SwitchOn event is a dazzling spectacle of joy that transforms the city into a glittering fantasy land. This year’s theme, ‘Cape Town: A Future of Hope’, blended the city’s rich heritage with the possibility of a technologically advanced future. The event catered to a diverse crowd and featured a fantastic lineup of local artists, a stunning 3D video mapping display, and a shared sense of unity and excitement for the festive season.
Cape Town’s Festive Lights SwitchOn is a breathtaking canvas of radiant light that ushers in the festive season with a vibrant spectacle of color and light, binding the community spirit. The event features 6,000 meters of LED rope lights, crafted into diverse designs, extending through Adderley Street and Darling Street. Safety remains a top priority, and the event organizers incorporated renewable energy for the second year in a row to power the festivities. A large Christmas tree at Grand Parade added an additional touch of holiday merriment to Darling Street.
Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi is a warrior in the battle against violence on women and children in South Africa. As a seasoned detective in the police force, he has incarcerated 17 serial rapists, resulting in 57 life sentences and 3074 years of imprisonment. His dedication and hard work have been recognized with a Certificate of Commendation by the National Commissioner of SAPS in 2020. Beyond his duties, Rapakgadi’s passion for justice drives him to hunt down suspects and bring them to justice, making him a symbol of the relentless fight against violence in South Africa.
The Dr Pixley Isaka Ka Seme Memorial Hospital in KwaMashu, KwaZuluNatal, is a beacon of hope for the community. Providing free healthcare and hospital services for all, the hospital addresses the growing healthcare needs of the area, including noncommunicable diseases. The facility also offers a primary healthcare outreach program, bringing vital services to the people. The hospital is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all and creating job opportunities while utilizing sustainable building practices.
Meghan Markle shone at the Power of Women event with her regal presence and impeccable style. She donned an offtheshoulder cream midi dress from Proenza Schouler worth $1,400 and opted for a minimalist makeup look, complementing her natural beauty. Meghan also hinted at her upcoming projects with Archewell Productions and emphasized the importance of women supporting each other while advocating for women’s empowerment. Her appearance was a vibrant display of elegance, modernity, and dedication.
South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs Football Club is facing turbulence as their star goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, allegedly consumed alcohol before a training session, prompting the club to consider suspension and removal from his leadership role. Another player, Bernard Parker, also suffered a careerthreatening injury from a brutal tackle. These incidents serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between triumphs and tribulations in the world of sports, and the club’s actions suggest a commitment to upholding professionalism and discipline.
The pressure of professional soccer can be overwhelming for players, as expectations from fans and personal ambition to excel can lead to stress and impact performance. Moroka Swallows goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, reflects on his experience with the pressure at his former team, Kaizer Chiefs, and suggests that senior players should mentor younger ones to help cope with the stress. The upcoming match between Swallows and Chiefs is predicted to be a fierce faceoff, highlighting the hightension environment of soccer.
Oscar Pistorius, a doubleamputee athlete, made history by competing in the 2012 London Olympics. However, in 2013, he was arrested and later found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Despite his defense that he had mistaken her for an intruder, his conviction was upgraded to murder on appeal, and he was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison in 2017. Pistorius’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dual nature of humanity, capable of both immense inspiration and severe wrongdoing.
South Africa’s transition towards renewable energy, led by independent power producers such as Red Rocket, was showcased at the 30th Energy Digicon. These green energy initiatives not only address the country’s energy deficit but also create employment opportunities and boost the local economy. Notable projects include the Kruisvallei hydro project and the Roggeveld Wind energy facility, both of which are expected to generate significant amounts of electricity while having a positive impact on the environment and the nation’s economic wellbeing. The event symbolizes a shared vision for a future dominated by green energy, devoid of power cuts, and with a reduced environmental footprint.
Jamie Foxx has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a rooftop bar in New York in 2015. The woman alleges that Foxx groped her breasts and digitally penetrated her, leading to physical harm and emotional distress. She has started legal action against Foxx for both compensatory and punitive damages. The incident serves as a reminder of the existence of sexual assault and the need for a culture of respect and consent.
Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic champion, could be granted parole this week after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend ten years ago. His legal counsel has expressed hope that he will be released before Christmas, but the journey towards parole is often a lengthy process, and it may take several weeks for Pistorius to leave the prison. Pistorius’s crime was a tragic fall from grace for the former Blade Runner, who had previously achieved worldwide fame as the first double amputee to participate in the Olympics.
The Peace Through Sports Program plans to use basketball as a force for change to stimulate growth in the existing community center in Bridgetown. The upgraded basketball court in Athlone’s Bridgetown, thanks to Forest Whitaker’s Peace & Development Initiative and the National Basketball Association Africa, represents more than just a sports facility. The initiative is not just about creating a basketball court, but about instilling aspiration and hope among the young generation while promoting peace, reconciliation, and social development within communities affected by conflict and violence.