Emma Botha is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting social-justice landscape for the Mail & Guardian, tracing stories from Parliament floor to Khayelitsha kitchen tables. Born and raised on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, she still hikes Lion’s Head before deadline days to remind herself why the mountain and the Mother City will always be her compass.
Zheng Qinwen and Dayana Yastremska have both made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open, which is their first Grand Slam semifinal. Zheng made a remarkable comeback in an epic encounter against Anna Kalinskaya, while Yastremska has proved to be a formidable contender in the tournament. The upcoming semifinal promises to be an exciting showdown between two rising tennis stars.
Grant Kekana is a rising star in Johannesburg, known for his key role as a defender for the Bafana Bafana team. He’s preparing for a crucial Afcon game against Tunisia, determined to secure a favorable outcome and keep the team in the tournament. Kekana’s recent impressive performance against Namibia has given him and his team confidence, and they are eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead. The team’s ambition and determination, led by Kekana and coach Hugo Broos, have the potential to make history in African football.
The Mega Bridges of Eastern Cape, South Africa are two massive Chinese bridges being built as part of the N2 Wild Coast Road project. They include the Msikaba bridge, which will be Africa’s longest cablestay bridge and the Mtentu bridge, Africa’s highest bridge and one of the world’s longest mainspan balanced cantilever bridges. These impressive engineering feats are providing vital infrastructure to the region, generating jobs and economic growth. Although the projects faced obstacles and setbacks, they symbolize human resilience, ingenuity, and the promise of a brighter future.
Dricus du Plessis made history as the first South African to win a title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He endured a grueling fight against opponent Strickland, taking a severe beating but remaining resolute and showcasing the spirit of a true champion. Du Plessis’s victory is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of sacrifice in pursuing excellence.
Crystal Hefner’s tale provides a glimpse into the world of Playboy and the true nature of her marriage to Hugh Hefner. It was a relationship characterized by domination, manipulation, and control, with Hugh exerting significant influence over Crystal’s physical appearance and even requiring her to frequently bleach her roots, resulting in painful scalp burns. Despite the glamour and fantasy associated with their lifestyle, Crystal confessed that she was never truly in love with Hugh, and that everything had a price tag. However, her role as Hugh’s caregiver in his last years suggests another layer to their unconventional love story.
Jaco Peyper, a retired rugby referee from South Africa, has officiated in over 67 Test matches and three Rugby World Cups. He is highly respected for his perceptive judgement and thorough comprehension of the game, which has been demonstrated in various leagues including the Super Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, and Currie Cup level. Peyper’s remarkable career has left a legacy of brilliance, commitment, and sportsmanship, establishing a standard for future referees.
Eminem’s impromptu performance of ‘Lose Yourself’ during the Detroit Lions playoff game turned the event into a concert that brought together fans from different backgrounds. With fellow musicians and football idol Barry Sanders, Eminem fused sports and music, igniting the hearts of Detroit’s locals. The unifying power of music was underscored as 65,000 fans chanted the lyrics in synchrony, creating an electrifying display that broke conventional confines of a playoff game and will be etched in Detroit’s shared memory for years to come.
Louis ReesZammit is making a surprising career change from rugby to American football, and former rugby and NFL player Naas Botha offers valuable insights on the transition. Botha advises ReesZammit to determine his position on the field, adjust to the physicality of American football, and adapt to the NFL atmosphere without the standard fouryear collegiate journey. ReesZammit’s international rugby background may prove useful, but he also needs a comprehensive transformation in his approach and mindset to succeed. Botha expresses excitement and eagerness for ReesZammit’s NFL journey, as this remarkable move is an impressive example of sports transcending boundaries.
Boitumelo Radiopane, a young and promising striker on loan to Cape Town Spurs from Orlando Pirates, has been eagerly awaited by his parent club after being sidelined by a broken ankle during the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs. The injury has complicated matters for both Radiopane and the Pirates, as it may necessitate an extension of his loan period before he can return to the Pirates. Despite setbacks, there is immense hope and expectation for Radiopane’s triumphant return to the football arena, where he can unleash his prodigious talents.
The controversy that followed the Springboks vs. France World Cup quarterfinal match took the sports world by storm. French captain Antoine Dupont blamed the refereeing standards for the Springboks’ win, resulting in online abuse towards referee Ben O’Keeffe. World Rugby stood firmly in defense of their officials and emphasized the importance of upholding decorum and respect both on and off the field. Despite the controversy, the match will be remembered as one of the most exciting and contentious games in recent World Cup history.
Cape Town is investing R285.7 million to update and improve its waste management services, including the procurement of new machinery such as refuse compactors, trucks, generators, and street washers. This initiative will enhance the reliability and operational resilience of the service amidst persistent challenges such as loadshedding and illegal dumping. The city’s commitment to cleanliness and effective budget utilization is reflected in this project, which emphasizes the importance of timely equipment replacement and optimized repair and maintenance programs.
Getting ready for the first day of school can be exciting but also scary. To make it easier, parents can plan ahead and talk to their children about all the fun things they will experience. Having a routine and arriving early on the first day can also help. With these tips, parents can make the transition to the new academic year a smooth and joyful one.
The South African Post Office is facing significant downsizing, with plans to cut 6,000 jobs out of its total of 11,038 employees due to escalating debts and a decline in revenue. The Communication Workers Union is concerned that the Business Rescue Plan, which prioritizes creditors over employees, may not comply with Independent Communication Authority of South Africa regulations. Additionally, the Post Office has been defaulting on transferring employee pension fund deductions to the Post Office Retirement Fund since April 2020, exacerbating the situation. The future of the organization and its employees is uncertain.
Cape Town International Airport has achieved an unprecedented performance, with 317,000 travelers in December 2021, infusing almost R1.9 billion in direct expenditure into the local economy. This achievement has fortified the financial position of Western Cape and has become a pipeline for economic progress, creating opportunities and securing jobs. CTIA’s joint project, Cape Town Air Access, played a pivotal role in attracting flights to the region and boosting tourism, leading to positive knockon effects on job opportunities and economic possibilities for the province.
Keke Palmer, a charming and intelligent woman, has made history by becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show. Her victory is a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, breaking down traditional barriers in game show hosting. Palmer’s win is a landmark achievement and highlights the evolving landscape of the industry, demonstrating that a combination of charm, intelligence, and style can outdo even the most formidable competitors.
In January 2024, Hout Bay faced a water shortage due to an unexpected burst in the main water pipeline. The repair process was complicated by tree roots wrapped around the pipe. Despite the challenges, the city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate worked tirelessly to address technical hurdles and provide an alternative water source. The City’s commitment to its residents was evident in their unwavering focus and determination to restore normalcy amid disruption.