Hannah Kriel is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food scene—from Bo-Kaap spice routes to Constantia vineyards—for local and international outlets. When she’s not interviewing chefs or tracking the harvest on her grandparents’ Stellenbosch farm, you’ll find her surfing the Atlantic breaks she first rode as a schoolgirl.
The Garden Route, once a sleepy coastal area, has exploded into South Africa’s hottest property market. Highearning professionals, working remotely, have flocked there, changing the area from a quiet place to a bustling hub. This shift brought big money, new jobs in tech, and cool, green ways of living. Now, it’s a vibrant, futurefocused place where nature meets modern life.
Sipho Mbule, once doubted, has become a star at Orlando Pirates. He worked super hard on his skills and fitness, training with special methods. Now, he’s like a midfield wizard, making amazing passes and helping the team score without even getting assists himself. Fans and even coaches call him “Zidane of Soweto” because of his clever moves and smart play. He’s not just playing well, he’s teaching younger players and showing everyone that hard work truly pays off!
South Africa is experiencing a Level2 yellow thunderstorm alert. This means moderate disruptions are expected due to strong storms with frequent lightning, heavy rain, and damaging hail. Four different air masses colliding create a dynamic weather pattern across the country, leading to diverse conditions from hot, dry areas to cool, misty zones. From the lightningprone Highveld to the stormsqueezing escarpments and coastal microclimates, understanding these weather warnings is crucial for safety and planning. This intense weather is further impacted by climate change, making accurate data and public awareness more important than ever.
Cape Town is boiling hot in December because a big air system called the South Atlantic High moves too close. This system pushes air down, making it hot. Then, another air layer acts like a lid, trapping all that hot air. This makes the city feel super warm, much hotter than usual, causing everyone to reach for sunscreen and cold drinks.
Cape Town’s new restaurants are super exciting, offering amazing tastes from the ocean, farms, and even old recipes. Places like Amura serve unique sea dishes, while Tannin has a huge wine list and tiny plates. Café Sofi bakes heavenly pastries, Beach Buns makes awesome burgers, and Le Bistrot de JAN mixes French and South African flavors. These spots let you taste the city’s lively food scene, from fancy dinners to casual beach eats, making every meal an adventure.
A man, known as Reese, was found burning on a Cape Town street by a motorist, an “offsite punishment” by gangs. He was severely injured but alive. Police believe he was attacked elsewhere and dumped. This brutal tactic of using fire instead of bullets is a new, terrifying trend in gang violence.
In Cape Town, a special house called “The Lighthouse in Lavender Hill” is a safe place for men and LGBTQ+ people running from violence. It’s the first of its kind in South Africa, paid for by taxes. Here, people get help to heal, learn new skills, and find their way back into the world. It’s like a warm, welcoming home that offers comfort and a fresh start, proving that even a small house can hold big hopes and dreams.
This guide shows South Africans how to make the police help them. It teaches you to speak clearly, record everything, and get a case number. If the police say no, you can call special numbers or use WhatsApp to get help. Knowing your rights and sharing this info makes the police do their job. This way, we build a better police service for everyone.
The Western Cape’s school system is broken, leaving thousands of children without a place to learn. Old computer rules and slow officials make it hard for kids, especially those moving from other areas, to get into schools. This leads to overcrowded classes in flimsy mobile rooms, and children with disabilities or those considered “too old” are left behind. It’s a sad picture where promises are broken, and many young lives are unfairly affected.
The Newlands Fire Fest was a super cool day where everyone came together to help fight wildfires! People saw big helicopters drop water, watched brave dogs find hidden dangers, and even got to spray a fire hose. It was a busy day with lots of fun, all to raise money for special gear and training for the amazing volunteer firefighters. By the end, they raised tons of cash to keep our homes and mountains safe from fire, showing how much everyone cares. It was a true celebration of heroes and community spirit!
Paul Adams, with his quirky bowling style, is not just a cricket legend; he’s sparking a revolution in township cricket! His program goes beyond just teaching kids how to play; it empowers them through multisport festivals, expert coaching, and crucial community services. This amazing initiative proves that talent can bloom anywhere and helps kids grow in every way, showing the world that a simple game can change lives.
Cape Town’s homeless shelters are like a ‘trap,’ keeping people stuck instead of helping them find real homes. They offer only temporary beds with no privacy or support, making it hard for people to get back on their feet. This old way just moves people around in circles, never truly solving their homelessness. We need a new plan that gives people private rooms, helpful services, and a clear path to lasting housing, turning shortterm fixes into real new beginnings.
Muizenberg Beach is like a big outdoor workshop right now, with cranes and building everywhere. But don’t worry, they’re making sure you can still get to the beach and have fun. They even stop building for a few weeks in December and January so everyone can enjoy the sand and waves. So, it’s a bit messy, but still a great place to play!
Cape Town is fighting hard to keep the lights on in Delft, a township where darkness invites trouble. Thieves are quick to steal copper from streetlights, plunging streets into danger and costing the city millions. But Cape Town is fighting back with smart tools like special cables that can be traced, drones watching from above, and tough new lights that are hard to break. They’re also getting the community involved, with residents and even kids helping to report problems. It’s a big fight, blending new tech with local heroes to keep Delft’s streets safe and bright after sunset.
Cape Town is revamping a super busy 2.2 km road called Turfhall, the first big change since 1973! They’re adding more lanes, special paths for bikes, and safer spots for people to walk and cross. This huge project will make travel smoother and safer for everyone by 2045, turning a crowded street into a modern pathway for the city’s future.
The city’s energy teams are getting ready for summer by cleaning up important power stations. This helps keep the lights on when it gets hot and many people use air conditioning. They are also working with people in the community to report problems and keep the power safe. This way, everyone can have a steady power supply all summer long.