Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.
Seventh graders are misunderstood dynamos, bursting with curiosity and rapid brain growth. Their energetic, creative minds, when guided well, can lead to amazing learning. Instead of seeing their energy as trouble, educators should use it to fuel deep engagement and incredible school success. These young students are not problems; they are powerful engines ready to learn and invent if given the right opportunities.
Eben Etzebeth, a famous rugby player, got a 12match ban for touching another player’s eye during a game. He says it was an accident and used videos to try and prove his innocence. This ban came with a big fine and hurt his future in rugby. He’s now counting down the days until he can play again, hoping to clear his name.
A family’s morning drive in Cape Town turned into a terrifying “greenlight ambush.” A taxi ignored a green light, crashed into their car, and then, instead of an apology, the driver attacked the dad. The mom filmed it all, but that only made the attacker more furious, leading to shattered windows and a traumatized baby. This horrifying event highlights how quickly a simple commute can become a violent nightmare and the lasting fear it leaves behind.
In a horrifying night in Rocklands, masked gunmen stormed a home, killing nineyearold Zechariah, 26yearold Mougsheen, and 19yearold Cleo in just 90 seconds. Two others were hurt. Police think it was a planned attack, not a robbery, because nothing was stolen. The community is terrified, and schools are mourning the young lives lost, as police try to find the killers.
The Grassy Park Festive Market changes the Civic Centre into a buzzing place with food, crafts, and fun. It’s super important for the Cape Flats, mixing old ways with new ideas. Think yummy food smells, bright lights, and cool music. It’s more than just shopping; it’s where the community comes alive, making memories and helping local businesses shine.
Cape Town is a treasure trove for unique gifts and crafts! Imagine finding honey in old sheet music tins or turning bike tubes into cool wallets. You can explore shops with everchanging art, see wire sculptures, and discover glowing jewelry. There’s even a special store where you walk through different “chapters” of fashion and art. It’s an adventure to find these special things, far away from big malls.
Rassie Erasmus is now the “national performance architect” for South African rugby until 2031. This means he will reshape the sport from school games to the top team, influencing everything. He has a big say on the SA Rugby board and wants to make the Springboks strong for a long time. His plan includes new training, better data, and growing women’s rugby. This bold sevenyear vision aims to keep South Africa at the very top of world rugby.
Cape Town is building two huge projects to get water. One project will clean sewage water, turning yesterday’s flush into tomorrow’s drink! The other project will take salty ocean water and make it fresh. These plans will give Cape Town lots of water by 2030, so they won’t have to worry about running out, even without much rain. It’s a big step to make sure everyone has water for years to come. These projects are like magic, making sure the city’s taps keep flowing!
Paul Mashatile, South Africa’s Deputy President, is like a quiet superhero, secretly making big changes. He’s using cool new tech like blockchain for land, making sure everyone gets a fair piece. He’s also stopping crooks who mess with water, helping young people get jobs with special courses, and bringing in billions from other countries to help South Africa grow. He even helps other countries find peace and has a smart plan for when politicians don’t agree. He’s truly rewiring the nation, one clever project at a time!
Botswana, once a peaceful land, has become a secret highway for drug lords! Evil cartels are using its quiet corners to move powerful meth, turning the stunning Kalahari into a dangerous shortcut. They’re building hidden labs and sneaking drugs through ancient riverbeds, bringing a dark shadow to this beautiful country. It’s a shocking tale of how global drug networks are now reaching deep into Africa, changing everything.
On a chilly December morning in 2025, two figures were found floating in Table Bay Harbour. One was a man who had sadly passed away, but a small child, though very cold, was pulled from the water alive. This shocking discovery led to a big police investigation, especially since a child was involved. Rescuers worked quickly, with divers braving the dark, murky water to save the boy. Now, detectives are working hard to understand how this tragedy happened and if there’s a link between the man and the child.
Cape Town’s famous concrete ‘saucer’ building, once a lively spot for shows and events, is getting a huge makeover! This old structure, designed by a famous architect, will become a modern hub with a theater, workspaces, and even homes for people. The city hopes this big project, costing billions, will make the area exciting again, just like a spaceship launching into a new future, while keeping its special dome a secret treasure.
Cape Town faces a tough fight against illegal guns and rising crime, with deadly assault rifles often found on the streets. Law enforcement teams like LEAP work hard, chasing suspects, making arrests, and taking weapons off the streets to protect neighborhoods like Philippi East and Gugulethu. Despite their efforts, gunfire at night and constant threats make safety fragile, but officers keep pushing forward with courage and hope to rebuild trust and peace in their communities.
Cape Town’s new Traffic Calming Policy is a bold effort to make city streets safer and friendlier for everyone, especially children and the elderly. It listens closely to local communities and uses smart, creative designs to slow down cars and protect people in busy neighborhoods. By speeding up how many improvements happen each year, the city aims to spread safety across all areas, turning streets into lively, welcoming spaces. This fresh approach invites everyone to help shape a city where moving around feels safe, easy, and joyful.
Ouzeri is a sparkling gem in Cape Town’s dining scene, bringing the warm flavors of Greece and Cyprus to life. With its unique dishes crafted by Chef Nic Charalambous, the restaurant has gained global fame, being recognized in the World’s 50 Best Discovery list. Opened in 2022, Ouzeri’s cozy atmosphere and carefully made meals, like olive bread and stuffed cabbage, invite everyone to experience the joy of Mediterranean cooking. This restaurant not only highlights Cape Town’s rich food culture but also shows how passion and tradition can create something truly special.
The small but mighty Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle is threatening the beautiful trees of Somerset West, infesting over 5,000 of them, including beloved species like Boxelder and Weeping Willow. To combat this danger, the City of Cape Town is holding a free training session on December 19, 2024, inviting residents to learn how to spot and manage the beetle’s damage. This effort is vital not just for the trees, but for preserving the community’s rich cultural history tied to these natural treasures. By joining together, Somerset West can protect its urban forests and ensure they thrive for future generations.