The Amy Foundation and Lagoon Beach Hotel in South Africa have teamed up to combat the country’s alarming youth unemployment rate of 45.5%. The partnership provides practical experience and skill enhancement opportunities to young adults interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. Already, 127 individuals have benefited from the programme, with 47 securing contracts and seasonal positions. The collaboration serves as an inspiring model for how targeted initiatives and strong partnerships can lead to sustainable solutions to pressing societal problems.
Nasreddine Nabi is the new head coach for Kaizer Chiefs, bringing a commitment to scoring goals and a diverse coaching background. His preferred formation is 4231, requiring a transformation in the team’s dynamic. Nabi’s past accomplishments, particularly his backtoback trebles with the Young Africans, have raised anticipation around his arrival at Kaizer Chiefs and his potential to rekindle the team’s spirit and pave the way for mesmerizing performances in upcoming seasons.
The horrifying incident of animal abuse against a Boston Terrier named Waffles has shaken the community of Green Point. The video showed a man brutally assaulting Waffles with a brush that had wooden bristles, highlighting the ongoing battle to combat animal cruelty, which is a struggle not just in South Africa but around the world. However, the incident has also brought the power of community vigilance to light, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and stepping in when witnessing injustice.
South African ultramarathoner Gerda Steyn is expected to perform well in the Comrades Marathon, a grueling 85.91km journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Steyn has twice won the marathon, setting records for both the ‘up’ and ‘down’ runs. This year’s competition will be tough due to strong competition from other runners. The race will take place on 9 June and has a reduced distance, making it the shortest Comrades Marathon to date.
South African businesses and brands are offering a variety of incentives like free gourmet treats, discounts and deals, and even discounted Uber rides to encourage citizens to participate in the general elections and exercise their right to vote. The hospitality industry is also joining in, with Southern Sun offering a 20% discount for those planning a vacation around the election period. This innovative approach to promoting voter participation not only encourages citizens to engage in democracy but also supports local businesses, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.
The Mpox disease is a highly contagious viral sickness that causes painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It can spread through persontoperson contact, sexual intercourse, and activities like hunting, skinning, or cooking animals. The South African Department of Health has issued a plea for individuals experiencing potential symptoms to diligently seek screening and testing. The department is also managing the annual influenza season, with highrisk groups encouraged to get vaccinated and follow preventative measures. It is crucial for communities to make informed choices and safeguard each other.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the City’s emergency response efforts have resulted in a significant decline in emergency calls during a recent weekend. Emergency operators handled a total of 1,661 incidents, indicating a 10% reduction compared to the previous weekend, including a decrease in incidents such as interpersonal violence and road accidents. Officials caution that the path to a safer community is ongoing and urge the public to maintain responsible behavior, particularly during upcoming challenging periods. The City’s meticulous efforts combined with the decline in critical incidents offer a glimmer of hope in the darkness of the pandemic.
South Africa’s government has passed two important laws the National Council on GenderBased Violence and Femicide Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill to combat corruption and genderbased violence. The National Council on GBVF will coordinate efforts to tackle the crisis, while the NPA Amendment Bill grants permanent status to the Investigating Directorate against Corruption to improve the fight against corruption. These legislative advancements represent the government’s commitment to creating a more equitable society, and it is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders to back these efforts.
The Majestic Transformation of Cape Town’s Skyline: The Cape Winelands Airport Expansion
Cape Town’s Cape Winelands Airport is undergoing a massive $460 million expansion, with plans to extend a runway to 3,500m and become the most ecofriendly airport in the world. The project is expected to create 60,000 new jobs and serve as a backup for Cape Town International during emergencies, reducing carbon emissions and conserving fuel. The expansion is set to transform Cape Town’s skyline, bringing economic growth and environmental responsibility to the forefront.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is investing in advanced mechanical filtration screens to upgrade its sewer pump station infrastructure, with a total investment of R8.1 million. These custommade screens act as a barrier against large objects that should not enter the sewer system and reduce the risk of overflows. The screens are easy to operate and are being installed at various pump stations across the city. This ongoing initiative aims to protect infrastructure and the urban environment, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Cape Town’s proposed budget for 2024/25 focuses on promoting social inclusivity and economic advancement. The city’s social package, tailored to the needs of the underprivileged, retirees, and general citizenry, is unmatched among South Africa’s metropolitan regions. The budget sets aside a significant chunk of its capital budget for infrastructure development, concentrating on the poorest and fastestgrowing areas, and is expected to yield approximately 130,000 constructionrelated jobs over the next three years. Cape Town’s commitment to cultivating an environment of inclusivity and economic expansion serves as a model of progress.
‘Just Now Jeffrey’, a South African film directed by Hylton Tannenbaum, is gaining global recognition for its unfiltered portrayal of Apartheidera South Africa. The movie explores teenage issues against the backdrop of political turmoil, providing an authentic glimpse into the country’s complexities. Despite being produced independently, the film has been showcased at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and is set to be featured at other festivals around the world.
South Africa’s NHI Bill has been approved by the president and aims to offer universal quality healthcare to all citizens by consolidating resources from taxpayers. The bill promises to enroll all South Africans, including pensioners, in a unified funding system by 2024, ensuring extensive healthcare coverage. However, concerns have been raised about the potential pressure on government finances and the sustainability of SASSA grants. The execution of the bill is fraught with uncertainties, but if successful, it could bring a favorable transformation to the SASSA grants and alleviate financial strain on the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Makhaza Police Station in South Africa has launched Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to prevent vehicle theft. The station offers a wide range of law enforcement services to maintain community safety and order, and is a significant step towards bringing services closer to communities and intensifying crime control initiatives. The adoption of ANPR technology is part of a countrywide rollout aimed at tracking down criminals and combating vehicle theft more effectively. The construction of another police station further advances the police ministry’s mission of accessible services and symbolizes a positive step forward in the fight against crime.
Cape Town is ushering in a new era of affordable housing with the Bonteheuwel Infill housing project, which will provide 273 modern housing units by the end of 2025. The project is a symbol of the city’s dedication to providing dignity and human settlements for its citizens, with a fair and transparent allocation process. This architectural marvel embodies the Breaking New Ground statesubsidised houses and is a beacon of hope for future housing schemes, driving Cape Town closer to its objective of becoming a city for all.
South African art is on the rise, with artists like Irma Stern and Alexis Preller gaining global recognition. The Evening Sale at Strauss & Co in Johannesburg on May 28th, 2024 features many pieces highlighting the diversity and talent of South African artists. This auction offers a comprehensive overview of South African art, tracing its roots through to the present day, and signifies a crucial stride in the international restoration of South Africa’s historical artists.