South Africa has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in the Gaza crisis following Israel’s attacks on Rafah. South African Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, voiced concern over the crisis and appealed to the ICJ to judge if Israel’s military operations in Rafah justified the Court’s involvement to prevent further infringement of Palestinian rights in Gaza. The ICJ’s response will likely have extensive effects on the region’s political environment and international relations.
South Africa is working hard to secure its energy future by upgrading and diversifying its infrastructure. This includes tapping into renewable resources, nurturing innovation, and building collaborations to stimulate economic growth and provide affordable energy. Recent advancements include bringing inactive units online, implementing the Standard Offer Programme, and investing in renewable energy and battery storage systems. The government is also planning to procure an additional 2,500 MW of new nuclear capacity and create an Independent Transmission Project Office to attract investment in transmission infrastructure. The focus is on empowering citizens and ensuring equitable access to energy.
Jerry Flannery, former Ireland hooker and assistant coach at Harlequins, has been appointed as the new defence coach of the Springbok team. His past involvement with the team during the World Cup preparations, familiarity with coach Rassie Erasmus’ style of operation, and experience as an international hooker make him the perfect fit for the role. Flannery’s appointment, along with the addition of Tony Brown as the attack coach, signals an exciting shift in the strategic direction of the Springbok team.
The use of snares anchored traps made from wire, rope, or cable is endangering the region’s native wildlife in South Africa’s Western Cape. Organizations, including the City of Cape Town and the Cape Leopard Trust, have taken measures to address the rising use of snares, including organizing a snare awareness information gathering and executing a snare patrol. The consequences of snaring go beyond the unsuspecting victims it primarily targets, as it disrupts the ecosystem and intensifies humanwildlife conflict. A Snare Free hotline has been set up for residents to report trapped animals, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.
Security officers from SJC Security Services in South Africa showed bravery and compassion during a recent hitandrun accident on Bottelary Road in Kraaifontein. The team discovered an 18monthold baby severely injured and fighting for breath, and they secured the scene and kept the baby alert until medical help arrived, potentially saving his life. Their actions highlight the importance of thorough training, rapid response, and the courage to act under stressful circumstances, and serve as a reminder of the innate human capacity for compassion.
“Chasing The Sun 2” is an upcoming documentary, created by South African broadcaster SuperSport, that chronicles the triumphant journey of the 2023 Rugby World Cupwinning Springboks. The documentary features interviews with key players such as Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, and Handre Pollard. The story celebrates the resilience, determination, and unity of the Springboks, reflecting the spirit of South Africa. The trailer of the documentary has already sparked enthusiasm among fans, who are eagerly awaiting its release on March 24th, 2024.
Caster Semenya, the South African athlete and double Olympic champion, is fighting against World Athletics’ policies that require female athletes with elevated testosterone levels to medicate. Despite facing backlash, Semenya has persistently opposed the policy since its inception in 2018. Her landmark victory in July 2019 lacked the authority to repeal World Athletics’ rules, and she is now scheduled for a hearing in May at the European Court of Human Rights. However, Semenya’s legal fight is hampered by budgetary limitations, and the costs of her decadelong legal journey amount to an astonishing R30 million.
The district of Mitchells Plain in South Africa is currently facing an alarming increase in infrastructure vandalism, with 353 incidents recorded in just the third quarter of 2023. These actions have cost the city R5.7 million in repair costs and placed a strain on resources needed for a quick recovery. However, the Energy Law Enforcement and Technical Unit (ELETU) is working to safeguard the infrastructure, and community alertness is also playing a crucial role in curbing vandalism. The fight against this threat is a communal effort that requires everyone’s involvement and vigilance.
Cape Town is facing a rising gang and drug crime crisis, along with a lack of efficient passenger rail services. Mayor Geordin HillLewis is calling for stronger action against corrupt elements within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and advocating for greater law enforcement powers for municipal authorities. He also wants to form a joint working committee to accelerate rail devolution, with the potential benefits of efficient trains saving lowerincome households up to R932 million per year and contributing R11 billion to the economy annually. The City is committed to addressing these pressing issues and advocating for its residents.
In Cape Town, violence and unrest are on the rise, causing fear and uncertainty for both travelers and locals. A recent event in Philippi saw a woman tragically killed and two others severely wounded while entering a minibus taxi. This is just one in a series of violent incidents connected to the taxi sector, with 16 people wounded and seven fatalities in the preceding month. The reasons behind the violence are unclear, but speculation points to internal conflicts within the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association.
South Africa’s Proteas faced off against New Zealand in a suspenseful cricket match, ultimately falling short despite captain Neil Brand’s leadership and David Bedingham’s standout performance. Bedingham’s assertive batting style and Brand’s disappointment reflect the unwavering spirit of cricket, emphasizing the players’ pursuit of excellence and lessons learned from their opponents. As the anticipation builds for the second Test, hopes are high for the Proteas to rise from the ashes of their defeat.
The Green Point Tennis Court occupants in Cape Town have welcomed shelter and social aid offers after interactions led by the City of Cape Town’s social development personnel. The court ruling includes an eviction plan for remaining unlawful inhabitants who have not agreed to shelter offers, scheduled for post7th February, and a prohibition against reentry at the tennis courts and other cityowned public spaces mentioned in the order. The City’s diverse strategy to address this matter is a testimony to its dedication to promoting dignity, health, and wellbeing. The City is investing in extending its Safe Space transitional shelters and plans to operate these shelters beyond the existing 700 beds across CBD and Bellville facilities.
The Springbok’s Rugby World Cup win had a price, as several players suffered injuries that took a toll on their physical health. However, RG Snyman and Frans Mahlerbe’s remarkable recoveries offer hope for the team’s future. The Sharks also faced challenges as Bongi Mbonambi suffered a severe knee injury, and several other players, including Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk, required surgeries. Despite these setbacks, the Springbok players remain resilient and determined to overcome the challenges they face.
The Western Cape High Court has upheld Parliament’s right to selfregulate and dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) seeking to halt the application of certain parliamentary procedures. The court ruled that there was no evidence of bias or targeting against the EFF and that the revised rules would apply uniformly to all political parties. The decision reinforces the need for all state entities, including political parties, to respect the separation of powers doctrine and adhere to rules and regulations in preserving democratic principles.
The men’s impressive style at the 66th Grammy Awards took center stage on the red carpet in audacious and elegant fashion choices. Icons like Lenny Kravitz and John Legend displayed their unique styles, while Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Jon Batiste embraced glitz and boldness. Others, like Calvin Harris, Landon Barker, and Ed Sheeran, revived past trends and embraced unconventional choices. Together, they showed that men’s fashion is just as dynamic and expressive as women’s.
Cape Town’s Development Charges Fund is a pioneering strategy aimed at enhancing affordable housing in lowerincome localities by backing microdevelopers financially. The fund offers subsidies for qualifying microdevelopers on firstcomefirstserve grounds and is anticipated to boost investment in the rental market, subsequently creating more affordable housing options within Cape Town. The initiative is a comprehensive economic package designed to encourage investment in targeted areas, with the expectation of generating employment opportunities, amenities, and economic prosperity for residents.