President Ramaphosa spoke at the JET Municipal Conference about the crucial role of South African municipalities in the country’s energy transition towards lowcarbon development. He emphasized the need to lessen reliance on carbonheavy energy production, diversify energy sources, and stimulate economic growth while fulfilling the country’s commitment to combat climate change. Municipalities were identified as key players in providing clean, affordable energy and facilitating decarbonization efforts. The speech also addressed challenges surrounding municipal debt owed to Eskom and the need for infrastructure upgrades and expansion.
Karli Fourie, a fifthgrade learner from South Africa, has become the youngest swimmer to conquer the Robben Island crossing, completing the 7.4km swim in just three hours and four minutes. She used her recordbreaking swim to raise money for Home From Home, a charity supporting foster children. Despite her young age, Karli’s determination and courage have drawn attention to her as a budding talent and philanthropist.
A transgender discrimination case has emerged in Somerset West, South Africa, which is now being heard in the Equality Court. The school requested that the 8yearold boy wear unisex swimwear rather than boys’ swimwear and also contested his use of the boys’ bathroom. The parents are seeking R100,000 and an apology from the school, who they claim caused their son emotional, physical, and psychological distress, leading to the family moving to Switzerland.
Delta Air Lines is set to offer complimentary WiFi on its longhaul flights, a significant shift from the high costs that have hindered its usage in the past. This move highlights the aviation industry’s understanding of changing customer expectations and a readiness to adjust accordingly. Turkish Airlines has also stated its plan to offer unrestricted free WiFi on all its flights by the end of 2025, pointing to an emerging trend in the airline sector towards offering valueadded services to passengers.
Join filmmaker and emotional ecology advocate Craig Foster on a journey to reconnect with nature in Cape Town. From diving at Windmill Beach to tracking wildlife at Cape Point Nature Reserve, experience the beauty of South Africa while keeping conservation in mind. Foster implores visitors to respect and protect the environment through activities like beach cleanups and volunteering with local conservation organizations. By appreciating and interacting with nature, we can better understand the necessity of safeguarding it for future generations.
A Tale Interwoven with Identity, Heritage, and Diversity: The Chidimma Adetshina Story
The Chidimma Adetshina Story is about a beauty queen who is navigating a complex situation involving her identity and heritage. Chidimma embodies resilience and optimism as she faces challenges related to her citizenship and multicultural background, while advocating for diversity and inclusion. Her story highlights the importance of understanding, recognizing, and embracing diversity in our multifaceted identities, and her message encourages us to be included, celebrated, appreciated, loved, and accepted.
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa is facing allegations of corruption and irregularities in the tender process. However, Mathanzima Mweli, DirectorGeneral of the Department of Basic Education, has defended the programme, stating that it was published transparently and legally to improve the quality and quantity of meals provided to underprivileged children and boost the economy. The NSNP is not just a feeding programme, but a modernisation endeavour that has been subjected to open and transparent discussions with key educational bodies, with the aim of creating over 30,000 jobs.
L’Agulhas is a stunning coastal town where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge. It boasts abundant biodiversity, untouched wetlands, and intriguing bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and art lovers. The town also has a thriving wine culture and is an emerging wine frontier in South Africa. Educational institutions and upcoming real estate developments make L’Agulhas an ideal place to live in, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and idyllic lifestyle options.
A building collapse in George, South Africa on May 6 killed 33 people and left others injured. Among the survivors was Delvin Safers, a young electrician who was buried under debris for over a day. Now, Safers is preparing to share his harrowing story of resilience and survival in a book, which will serve as a tribute to the unified efforts of a community affected by the tragedy. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Safers is currently undergoing physiotherapy for his injuries.
The upcoming elevation of Justice Maya represents a historic change in South Africa’s judicial landscape, instilling hope and empowerment for women across the nation. South Africa’s judiciary is about to witness a pioneering moment as Mandisa Maya prepares to become the first black woman to preside over the Constitutional Court. Maya’s appointment as Chief Justice, effective August 31, 2024, follows her groundbreaking role as the first woman to head the Supreme Court of Appeal. President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized Maya’s potential to contribute to the transformation of the judiciary, calling her ascent to the apex court a beacon of determination and transformation towards gender equality.
A substitute history teacher at Table View High School in Cape Town, South Africa has caused controversy after allegedly using racial slurs during a session with students. The use of the ‘Kword’ reportedly provoked outrage among parents and students, with calls for the teacher’s dismissal. The school has apologized and pledged to scrutinize the teacher’s instruction more closely in response to the incident, which is being examined by the Western Cape Education Department’s Labour Relations Directorate. A human rights complaint has also been lodged.
South Africa is facing a crisis as it tries to evict hundreds of foreign nationals who refuse to reintegrate into local societies or return to their home countries. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has called for innovative solutions to accelerate the asylum application process and resolve the situation. However, the lack of refugee facilities and an overwhelmed asylum application system are contributing to the humanitarian drama in Cape Town and the desperate situation of the refugees caught between a rock and a hard place.
“The Shakedown” is a new South African film set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on August 8. Directed by Ari Kruger, the film boasts an impressive cast and showcases the talent of the South African film industry. It tells the story of Justin Diamond, a medical aid broker who gets caught up in the criminal underworld of Cape Town, leading to a series of thrilling adventures. With its international distribution, “The Shakedown” is a milestone for South African cinema, showcasing the country’s creativity and narrative prowess.
Mandela Day: A Commemoration of Unity and Artistry in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain
Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18th, honors Nelson Mandela’s dedication to social justice and encourages individuals to take action against poverty and inequality. The day is marked by community initiatives and the power of art to foster positive change. The Legacy Mural Initiative in Mitchells Plain and the Sinethemba Community Project in Khayelitsha are examples of communitybased initiatives that use art and unity to combat socioeconomic obstacles and promote community development. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of collaborative efforts to yield positive change and highlight the pivotal role that every individual can play in shaping their community.
Police in George intercepted a drug shipment worth R340,000, arresting a 55yearold Tanzanian man for drug trafficking. The police squad found 979 grams of tik hidden under the passenger seat of a blue Lexus with Gauteng Province license plates. This successful operation showcases the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in the ceaseless battle against drugs.
The Unexpected Storm Swirling Around South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme
South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is currently embroiled in a legal battle over a contentious contract with eZaga, Coinvest Africa, Tenet Technology, and Norraco Corporation, which was aimed at disbursing payments to university and TVET college students. The contract’s termination was met with an urgent court application from eZaga, which secured a favorable ruling on July 15th due to irregularities in the tender award process. The situation remains complex, impacting the students who depend on the aid.