A report from the South African Human Rights Commission has highlighted the negative effect of school dress codes. The investigation found that strict hair rules and genderspecific uniform mandates violate learners’ right to dignity and education. The report also calls for a reassessment of these policies, citing biased hair policies and the financial burden of school uniforms. The report has sparked a debate about the consequences of gendered school uniforms and the potential infringement upon learners’ rights.
Get ready for an exciting week in South African politics! The country is buzzing with a surge of parliamentary activities, including highlevel meetings and discussions. The week kicks off with a Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, followed by a multitude of local parliamentary activities and committee meetings covering a range of important topics. From government properties to nuclear safety, the agenda promises engaging and potentially transformative discussions, all with a shared dedication to democracy, transparency, and accountability. It’s a pivotal week for South Africa’s legislative and sociopolitical landscape.
The small township of Diazville is reeling from the disappearance of sixyearold Joslin Smith. The police are actively searching for her, and the community has been urged to stay united and assist in the search. Despite challenges such as misinformation and blamegaming, the community remains resilient and committed to finding Joslin, with the support of the police and Minister of Police General Bheki Cele.
The Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government has taken place in South Africa, coinciding with the start of Human Rights Month. The country’s local government AntiCorruption Strategy encourages ethical standards, with a focus on integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service. The Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative and AntiCorruption Forum are working to instill an ethical culture, including the development of a Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government. The Ethics Institute, SALGA, and the Moral Regeneration Movement have been instrumental in supporting this endeavor.
Cape Town is working hard to ensure a sustainable water supply as its population grows rapidly. The city has implemented a multifaceted approach that includes clearing invasive species, investing in groundwater and desalination, utilizing treated effluent, and allocating funds for maintenance and upgrades. These efforts are part of the New Water Programme, which aims to diversify and enlarge water resources to guarantee a sustainable future for the city’s growing population.
The Urban Health Programme and Monitoring Initiative is a groundbreaking effort by the City to promote health equality and improve community health outcomes in Cape Town. It focuses on the socioeconomic determinants of health unique to the city, providing insight to all departments on how they can contribute to tackling health determinants. This holistic health initiative sets a benchmark for other cities to emulate and signifies a shift towards a healthier, more equitable urban future.
The success of this study could revolutionize the standard HIV care for patients in Africa and reduce HIVrelated mortality rates. The REVIVE study is a collaborative research trial between the University of Cape Town and the Population Health Research Institute aimed at testing the effectiveness of a costeffective antibiotic treatment for advanced HIV patients. The trial, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to investigate if administering the antibiotic azithromycin daily over a fourweek period can significantly lower death rates among adults suffering from advanced HIV.
Celebrating the Exemplary Career of Marais Erasmus: A Respected Icon in the Cricket World
Marais Erasmus, a South African umpire, has retired from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires after a distinguished career. He was highly respected for his professionalism and calmness and received the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year three times. Erasmus also served in four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournaments, and seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. His retirement marks the end of an exceptional chapter in the cricket world.
The Springboks are preparing for the new rugby season with high expectations and intense preparations during their national alignment camp in Cape Town. Invited players are participating in strategic gatherings, and new coaches Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery are bringing their vast playing and coaching background to the team. With the coaches’ first facetoface meeting after their World Cup win and exinternational referee Jaco Peyper’s presence as the team’s national laws advisor, the Springboks are ready to embark on a new chapter with the 2024 season ahead.
The *episode highlighted the delicate nature of personal disclosures and the complexities of relationships* among the cast members as The Real Housewives of Durban featured a Housewarming party hosted by Jojo Robinson that led to tension between Zama Ngcobo and Nqobile “Angel” Ndlela due to a conversation about infertility during Zama’s birthday feast. The drama escalated as Angel stood up for herself, stressing her independence and her achievements as a thriving businesswoman, while Zama dismissed the seriousness of the situation. Along with the glitz and glamour, the episode offered a glimpse into the struggles, dreams, and intricacies of these women’s lives.
Jessica Smith, the actress who played the smiling baby sun in Teletubbies, has recently become a mother and continues to share personal moments with her followers. Her lucky casting was due to a chance encounter at a hospital where the production team noticed her bubbly smile. The enduring impact of Teletubbies reflects its cultural relevance even years after its original run, with the beaming, laughing baby sun being one of its most memorable features.
Showmax is set to premiere a fourpart documentary series called “Tracking Thabo Bester,” which delves into the life of South Africa’s notorious criminal Thabo Bester. The series will reveal that he did not die in a prison fire as initially believed and will explore the complex accusations against him and his supposed accomplice, Nandipha Magudumana. The documentary features an impressive lineup of interviewees, including former police profiler Dr. Gérard Labuschagne and prisoners and wardens at Mangaung Correctional Centre. The series premieres on Showmax on March 15th and 22nd, 2022, and promises to keep viewers riveted from start to finish.
Nadia Jaftha is a social media influencer who stands out for her authenticity and engagement with her followers, promoting products with honesty and advocating for mental health awareness. Her resilience and ability to persevere through public scrutiny and personal struggles make her a remarkable figure in the social media landscape. Nadia’s talent and genuine essence serve as an attraction for brands seeking an honest depiction of their values.
The tragic deaths of AKA and Tibz have left many questions unanswered in Eswatini. Recent disclosures by the South African Police Service have led to the apprehension of seven suspects, who allegedly received a payment of R800,000 before the crime. The suspects’ lavish lifestyle and mysterious wealth have also raised eyebrows, leaving citizens of Mzansi curious and eager for justice.
Huw Jones is a rugby player who embodies passion, commitment, and loyalty. He recently signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors, choosing stability and ambition over the temptation of an international expedition. Jones’s decision to remain is a testament to his faith in the team’s potential, a sign of the unity within the squad, and an acknowledgement of the increasing influence of an inspirational coach. With the backing of his team, family, and the city, Jones is prepared for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
BoKaap in Cape Town is the heart of a unique project that celebrates the living heritage of the local community. Storytelling Day, set for March 2024, aims to capture the memories and experiences of residents and create a rich portrait of the community’s history. The initiative informs the redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry into a vibrant community and sports facility and incorporates feedback from the public. BoKaap’s living heritage is a crucial component of community identity and is thriving through this project.