The Absa Cape Town 10K is a prestigious road race that brings together elite runners from across Africa for a scenic 10kilometer stretch. The event attracts 12,000 runners and is accompanied by a festive atmosphere along the route, with temporary road closures in place. The race has helped establish Cape Town as a prime location for athletic competitions and showcases the unifying power of sports.
South African budget airline FlySafair has revolutionized air travel by offering domestic flights for just R10, less than the price of a cup of coffee. As part of a sale of 50,000 seats on certain routes to mark its 10year anniversary, the airline has brought its prices down to the absolute minimum, democratizing travel for many. The sale has been so popular that FlySafair has introduced a digital waiting room to manage the high demand.
Cape Town’s Cash for Power scheme allows households and businesses to trade their surplus solar power back to the city, providing an opportunity to tap into clean and renewable solar energy while also receiving financial rewards. The program has led to collective earnings of over R20.8 million for participants and has spurred interest in solar power utilization. Cape Town’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices is setting a standard for other cities throughout the continent.
Parliament is preparing for the transition to the seventh session as the sixth Parliament finishes its tenure. The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces are reviewing bills, motions, and committee reports, with both Houses holding plenaries on Thursday. The week showcases Parliament’s dedication to protecting public interest and adapting to the nation’s everchanging challenges.
Mama Shelter, a famous hotel chain known for its unique and vibrant aesthetics, is opening a new hotel in the City Park building in Cape Town. The hotel will feature 127 guest rooms, coworking spaces, a gym, a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the city, as well as a new concept called Mama Play, including tenpin bowling and karaoke. The joint venture between Ennismore and Kasada promises to revitalize the once deserted City Park building, marking Mama Shelter’s debut in the South African market and contributing to the rejuvenation of Cape Town’s central business district.
Cape Town’s innovative “Cash for Power” program incentivizes solar power generation by buying leftover solar PV power from smallscale producers and providing rewards, making it an attractive opportunity for property owners. The program’s success is evident with over 1,500 power sellers earning over R30.8m. The city’s vision is to acquire as much solar power as households and businesses can generate, promoting sustainable energy solutions and a green economy. The application process has been streamlined with a new online portal and a bidirectional meter is set to be introduced.
In Pretoria Central, the Gauteng police quickly captured a suspect in the homicide of a Meter Taxi Association chair. The suspect allegedly began shooting at the police before being arrested for murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The event sheds light on the persistent issue of violence in the South African taxi industry and the effectiveness of the Rapid Rail Police Unit’s speedy response. The police are investigating potential connections to other crimes related to taxi violence.
Phat Joe, a wellknown media personality, was recently evicted from his luxurious Sea Point apartment due to unpaid rent totaling over half a million rands. Sea Point is a highly soughtafter neighborhood due to its proximity to the beach and mountains, and apartments there can fetch monthly rents ranging from R10,000 to R100,000. Despite the eviction, Phat Joe’s professional journey remains strong, as he holds top positions at media and marketing companies in Cape Town.
The CPBMJTT aims to incorporate the perspectives of community members and stakeholders instead of enforcing topdown solutions in their community dialogues to strengthen community engagement and develop customized solutions for baboon management. Led by representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, the meetings will empower community members to suggest relevant interventions and reflect the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The CPBMJTT is committed to transparency and inclusivity, and the community can access the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan readily on their websites.
The Munster Rugby team paid tribute to their late coach, Greig Oliver, in a touching ceremony in Cape Town. Oliver was an instrumental figure in shaping the careers of many young players in the Munster Rugby Academy and was a mentor and paternal figure to them. He tragically passed away in a paragliding accident in July 2023. The team placed a commemorative wreath in remembrance of Oliver, marking their first visit to the city since his passing.
Orlando Pirates, a South African football club, is shaking up their recruitment strategy for the upcoming season. They’re looking for younger and vibrant players to join their attacking force, and are evaluating various young forwards while considering releasing current forwards to make room for new talent. The Pirates’ plan involves a mix of fresh and longstanding targets, experienced and younger players, and a willingness to reorganize their team for the better.
The Bulls and Munster faced off in a United Rugby Championship match, with the Bulls seeking redemption after a previous defeat. However, Bulls’ flyhalf Johan Goosen received a red card, resulting in a threegame suspension by the URC for dangerous tackling. Despite this setback, the Bulls are focusing on their upcoming matches, including a challenging game against the Ospreys, to secure a toptwo finish for a home quarterfinal.
‘Stop Food Waste Day’ is an important day that reminds us to make responsible choices, reduce carbon emissions, and strive for sustainability. Food waste contributes to global warming and climate change by releasing methane gas. We can take simple steps like mindful meal planning, proper storage of food, creative cooking, and supporting food redistribution initiatives to reduce food waste. Businesses also play a significant role in reducing food waste. By making small changes, we can safeguard our future and create a more resilient planet.
The Western Cape High Court has approved the construction of a new road connecting Masiphumelele to the wider Noordhoek area, which will provide better access to essential amenities and emergency services, reduce traffic volumes, and counteract flooding risks. The road project, which had been delayed for almost eight years, is expected to bring relief to the community and enhance mobility and selfdetermination. While there were environmental concerns, the City has committed to mitigating any harmful impacts on wetlands and leopard toads, and the project is seen as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
South Africa reigns as Africa’s primary wealth hub, with Johannesburg being the continent’s most affluent city, home to 12,300 millionaires, 25 centimillionaires, and two billionaires. Cape Town follows closely in second place, with 7,400 millionaires, 28 centimillionaires, and one billionaire. These rankings highlight the concentration of wealth within specific nations and cities, with South Africa possessing more than double the number of highnetworth individuals compared to any other African country. The 2024 African Wealth Report showcases the continent’s financial landscape and underscores its growing economic power.
Cape Town is predicted to become Africa’s wealthiest city by 2030, according to the African Wealth Report. Driven by internal migration of highnetworth individuals and an influx of retirees, the city is already home to the secondhighest number of millionaires in Africa, and its picturesque landscapes and attractive suburbs make it a center for wealth in the region. Corporate giants are also planning to move their offices to Cape Town in the upcoming decade, contributing to its economic expansion.