The power of history is a central theme in Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s speech on the State of the Nation Address in South Africa. He highlights the importance of documenting history and how it shapes us as individuals and nations. The minister also shares personal and communal stories of South Africa’s journey from trials to triumphs, including improvements in healthcare, education, and administrative reforms. Through his narrative, he emphasizes the progress made towards equality and progress and reminds us of the value of recognizing and appreciating our history for a brighter future.
South African cricketer Dean Elgar recently retired after a successful twelveyear career marked by thrilling encounters and vigorous competitions. One such rivalry was with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, which saw a transformation and a resolution after an act of disrespect from Kohli towards Elgar. The incident allowed AB de Villiers to mediate and demonstrated the strong bonds hidden behind competitive cricket. Elgar’s career is a testament not only to his skills as a cricketer but also to his resilience in handling adversities and his regard for camaraderie.
Rugby star Willie le Roux and his beloved Holly Clare celebrated their love and partnership in a grand wedding attended by rugby greats and influential businessmen. Their journey also included building their dream mansion in the elite Val de Vie estate, culminating in a stunning wedding set against Western Cape’s scenic mountains. Their story reminds us that love, combined with shared dreams and perseverance, can achieve remarkable feats and serves as an inspiration to all.
Climate tech company Spiritus has pledged to offset the carbon emissions from Taylor Swift’s private flight from Japan to Las Vegas using its Direct Air Capture technology. The company’s innovative technology simulates the human lung to remove carbon from the air, potentially lowering the cost of carbon removal to under $100 per ton. Spiritus CEO Charles Cadieu emphasised the importance of carbon removal to combat environmental damage and make a sustainable future a reality. The initiative highlights the potential for everyday actions to impact climate change and encourages wider changes in environmental responsibility methods.
Antoine Dupont, a rising rugby superstar, is making an uncertain move from traditional rugby to Sevens rugby, fueling speculation that he may be aiming for Olympic gold in 2024. This decision means skipping the Six Nations competition and potentially taking a sabbatical in Japan after the Olympics. While some reports suggest he may stay in Europe, this unpredictable player’s career trajectory remains as exciting and surprising as the game he plays.
Itumeleng Khune, the experienced goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, is currently suspended after showing up for training under the influence of alcohol. His future with the team remains uncertain, and rumors suggest that he might be forced to leave after over a decade of service. Despite the challenges, Khune remains dedicated to Kaizer Chiefs and has refrained from criticizing the club publicly. His contributions to the team will not be easily forgotten.
The future of former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Steve Komphela, with Moroka Swallows is uncertain, as he has not received any information from the club about his professional status. The Swallows are preparing for their upcoming match against Cape Town City, while Komphela remains on the sidelines waiting for news. Despite the ongoing disruption, the team is gearing up for their match, but the fate of their former coach serves as a reminder that instability can lurk just beneath the surface in the world of football.
Siyabonga ‘Scarra’ Ntubeni’s journey to becoming a Springboks player was a *long and challenging* one, but his unwavering determination and exceptional skills helped him climb up the ranks and establish himself as a reliable player in the domestic sphere. Despite multiple nearachievements, it wasn’t until 2019 that he was recognized by the head coach of the Springboks and made his debut. Ntubeni’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, patience, and determination in achieving success.
Cape Town launched the Emailed Accounts Initiative in 2024, encouraging residents and businesses to switch to a more environmentally friendly alternative to paper accounts. The service is costeffective, efficient and green, with close to 400,000 users already signed up. Benefits include faster account access, reduced printing costs, and the ability to manage accounts digitally from anywhere. The city has made a range of payment options available, and the service can be accessed via eServices or an SMS request.
Get ready for a thrilling and grand finale to South Africa’s leading T20 league’s second season with the Betway SA20 Final. The iconic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will host the event on February 10th, where the Sunrisers Eastern Cape will defend their title against the winners of the playoff game. With approximately 17,000 spectators expected to attend the extravaganza promising worldclass cricket and entertainment, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is at its peak.
The Golden Ratio, an ancient mathematical concept, is being used to set beauty standards in the world of aesthetics. Advanced facemapping techniques are employed by facial plastic surgeons to evaluate facial features like eyes, nose, lips, and chin, to determine their alignment with the Golden Ratio. British actress Jodie Comer tops the list of celebrities with nearperfect facial symmetry, while pop star Ariana Grande has the most aesthetically pleasing nose. While these metrics provide a compelling analysis, beauty is subjective, and diversity and individuality should be celebrated.
The Kaizer Chiefs are bidding farewell to defenders Njabulo Ngcobo and midfielder George Matlou at the end of the season. Ngcobo struggled to secure a permanent place on the team, while Matlou was overshadowed by other players. This highlights the competitive nature of professional football and the potential for new talent to emerge. Despite their departure, Ngcobo and Matlou’s contributions to the Soweto football community should not be overlooked.
An American couple, Jason and Katharine Zoladz, fell victim to a violent carjacking in Cape Town’s Nyanga district while using Google Maps for directions. The incident resulted in a lifethreatening injury to Jason, highlighting the importance of our basic instincts for survival. Google has since rerouted journeys to the airport to avoid dangerous areas, emphasizing the influence of technology on our lives and the responsibility tech giants have in ensuring their users’ safety.
South African actress Innocentia Machidi announced her pregnancy on Instagram, sharing an enchanting photo with her husband and a heartfelt caption expressing her gratitude for God’s blessings. The announcement was met with a wave of congratulatory messages from her fans and followers, marking a new chapter in her life as she prepares to embrace motherhood. As a revered member of the Muvhango ensemble, Innocentia’s reflections on the show’s 25th anniversary were laden with nostalgia and appreciation for her colleagues and industry stalwarts.
The South African Parliament has successfully completed the media accreditation process for the 2024 State of the Nation Address, which will be held at the historic Cape Town City Hall on February 8, 2024. Accredited media professionals, including journalists, photographers, and broadcasters, will be present to report on the event, ensuring that the deliberations of the supreme legislative institutions reach the public through various media. The official list of accredited delegates is available for public viewing on the Parliament’s website, along with detailed information about committee affiliations and other parliamentary processes.
A giant ocean sunfish weighing 600kg was rescued from a dry dock in Cape Town by a collaborative team consisting of the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, Transnet, Teeman Cranes, and Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School. The team hoisted the sunfish onto an aquarium boat, allowing for genetic and parasitic samples to be gathered for future research. The successful rescue highlights the dedication and commitment of ocean animal lovers to understand and protect marine life.