United in the Square is a vibrant festival in Cape Town that celebrates unity and diversity through music, dance, food, and crafts. The festival offers an exceptional lineup of artists and performers, as well as a wide variety of cuisine and handmade products from local artisans and vendors. It is a familyfriendly event that creates a memorable experience for all ages while supporting local businesses and promoting social cohesion. Join the festivities at Greenmarket Square on September 1617, and see why United in the Square is a mustattend event in Cape Town.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) encourages trade and economic collaboration between the United States and subSaharan African nations, promoting industrial development, job creation, and diversification of international supply chains. At the 20th AGOA Forum, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of industrial development, employment generation, and inclusive economic growth throughout Africa. AGOA has the potential to be a potent tool in accomplishing these objectives, but its complete potential has not yet been actualized. Early reauthorization and renewal of AGOA, along with essential reforms, can reinforce trade and investment relationships between the United States and African countries.
The K9 units in Western Cape have collaborated with other law enforcement organizations to make arrests and seize drugs and stolen items. Mossel Bay’s K9 unit has already shown its effectiveness in arresting individuals for drug possession, while Swartland’s K9 unit arrested individuals for trading in liquor without a permit, drug dealing, and possession. The Overstrand K9 unit made significant arrests and confiscated drugs and stolen items. The collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies is crucial for maintaining safety and security in any community.
The revised entry fees for five national parks in the Western Cape, including Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo, and West Coast National Parks, aim to strengthen conservation efforts and preserve the country’s biodiversity, landscapes, seascapes, and heritage assets. The revenue generated from these entry fees goes back into conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to explore these extraordinary landscapes and take advantage of various deals and discounts available for trips in and around Cape Town.
The prestigious Operalia competition, often dubbed the World Cup of opera, has commenced in Cape Town, featuring the legendary Spanish tenor and conductor Placido Domingo as the guest of honor. Established in 1993, Operalia has played a significant role in molding the careers of famous singers like Pretty Yende, Levy Sekgapane, and Metropolitan Opera star Sonya Yoncheva. The 30th edition of this esteemed event adds Cape Town to an impressive list of previous host cities, such as London, Paris, Madrid, Hamburg, Tokyo, and Milan.
The 2023 Urban Festival, organized by the South African City Network, will focus on “The Working City: Actions for Growth and Recovery (Data as an Enabler for Resilience)” and highlight the crucial role of local governments in driving development through datadriven decisionmaking. The festival provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among urban professionals to develop evidencebased solutions to address urban challenges and promote resilience. Minister Thembi Nkadimeng’s hybrid address is poised to inspire and inform professionals working towards urban resilience and sustainable development.
The Umoya Energy Wind Farm in South Africa is using a bladepatterning strategy inspired by a project in Norway to decrease bird fatalities caused by wind turbines. They are painting ten turbines a ‘signal red’ color, while an additional ten unpainted turbines act as controls, resulting in a 70% reduction in bird fatalities at the painted turbines. With over 200 bird species suffering fatal collisions with wind turbines in South Africa, this innovative approach has the potential to address the growing concern about the environmental effects of wind energy on bird populations and promote sustainable coexistence between renewable energy and the natural world.
The North West Province of South Africa recently experienced a significant victory in combating crime, thanks to Operation Shanela. This highdensity operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), resulted in the arrest of 597 suspects for various crimes between October 23 and 29, 2023.
Operation Shanela is a successful collaborative effort between law enforcement and stakeholder agencies that led to the arrest of 62 suspects in KwaDukuza, South Africa. The operation targeted various criminal activities, including drug possession, trafficking, and distribution of illegal items. It resulted in the seizure of heroin capsules, dagga, and counterfeit goods worth R140,000 and restored faith in law enforcement while paving the way for ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal activities in KwaZuluNatal. The operation exemplifies the power of a multiagency approach, adaptability, and versatility in addressing crime.
Paws on the Promenade, an annual fundraiser for animals hosted by Mdzananda Animal Clinic, has been postponed due to a venue issue. Set to take place in March 2023, the event will be held at the Mouille Point Lighthouse and promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Despite the setback, the clinic remains committed to their cause, and ticket holders can collect a complimentary goodie bag from Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition as a token of appreciation.
The South African Springboks won their fourth Rugby World Cup title in 2023, defeating the New Zealand team in an electrifying match on October 28th at Stade de France. President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the team’s exceptional talent, commitment, and unity, embodying their Stronger Together mantra. The Springboks’ triumph personified the spirit of unity and solidarity that unites the diverse South African nation, inspiring future generations of athletes.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a charitable event that promotes and raises funds for various organizations, benefiting numerous charity groups that participate in the event. Its primary beneficiaries are the Pedal Power Association and the Rotary Club of Claremont. The event serves as a platform for fundraising and raising awareness for causes such as breast cancer through organizations like ILoveBoobies and CANSA. The event unites people in the spirit of giving and celebrating life.
The BUZZER app has been introduced to Table Mountain National Park in South Africa to improve safety measures and act as a deterrent to criminal activity. The userfriendly app manages all alerts generated within the park and collaborates with local security companies and relevant organizations to ensure swift action in emergency situations. This initiative showcases the power of collaboration and technology in enhancing visitor experiences and safeguarding natural heritage sites.
The City of Cape Town is launching a major infrastructure project to improve urban mobility in the Kuils River area. The dualling of Bottelary Road involves constructing a new southern carriageway, finalizing a dual carriageway intersection, providing sidewalks, stormwater pipes, and new street lighting. The project is part of the City’s Congestion Management Strategy and is set to be completed by November 2024, with the aim of creating a more seamless traffic flow towards the R300 and improving the quality of life for residents.
Cape Town has approved the proposal to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which will enhance the city’s conservation efforts and connect it with a vast network of knowledge sharing. The IUCN focuses on biodiversity, climate change, freshwater and water security, governance, law and rights, naturebased solutions, oceans and coasts, and protected areas and land use. Joining the IUCN will provide Cape Town with access to resources, global collaboration, and internationally recognized tools to advance its conservation initiatives.
Community Development Practitioners in South Africa were recently celebrated in a graduation ceremony organized by the Department of Social Development and the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA). The event recognized the essential role these practitioners play in society as they provide crucial services to underprivileged rural and township communities. The initiative, known as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), aims to professionalize Community Development Practice, contribute to a more skilled and employable workforce, and foster overall economic growth in the nation. Through their dedication, Community Development Practitioners facilitate sustainable change and development in impoverished communities and combat poverty and other social challenges.