The Growth for Jobs Tourism Challenge Fund is a significant development in South Africa’s tourism industry, providing a muchneeded boost for the sector. This proactive move by the Western Cape Province’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) aims to help the tourism industry recover from the pandemic’s impact and ensure longterm growth.
Astron Energy, a South African refinery company, faces criticism following a recent product spill from their Milnerton Refinery that leaked into Table Bay waterways, affecting local birds and wildlife. Environmental groups and community members are frustrated with Astron’s response to the spill, with concerns raised about the fall’s extent and the booms’ effectiveness.
ComicCon Cape Town 2023 opened its doors to a world of sights and sounds that made attendees feel like they had entered a dream. The brightly colored booths, the sound of video games, and the excited chatter of fans created an atmosphere of pure excitement.
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure has set a target of creating more than 15,000 jobs within the next three years. The department plans to achieve this goal through infrastructure development projects. The Roads Infrastructure branch expects to create around 4,500 jobs each year, while the General Infrastructure and Public Works branch aims to generate 650 jobs annually.
The Community Work Programme (CWP) workers have recently protested outside the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Pretoria due to delayed payments for April. This has brought attention to the situation of thousands of South African workers who rely solely on the CWP programme for their livelihoods. According to reports, over 260,800 CWP workers across the country have been affected by payment delays, which typically occur around contract renewal time. The delay is due to the CWP programme’s transition from an implementing agent to the COGTA.
Located in the quaint town of Wellington, just 45 minutes from Cape Town, FiftyFive Croissants is a charming curbside café that brings the taste of France to South Africa. With only 55 classic buttery French croissants made daily, you can guarantee the freshestpossible, bestquality pastry with minimal waste for the café.
The Energy Directorate of the City of Cape Town has successfully implemented a plan to address outstanding streetlight repairs in the Mitchells Plain area. Despite facing high service requests, loadshedding, and weatherrelated issues, the City has made steady progress. ## Increase in Electricity Infrastructure Repair Service Requests Due to Vandalism and Theft
The Golden Globe Race is considered one of the toughest challenges in the world of sailing, testing human endurance, mental strength, and physical ability. It is an eightmonthlong solo, nonstop, aroundtheworld race, where participants carry all their provisions from the start to the finish, with no external support or assistance allowed, except for emergencies.
Zeitgeist’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact goes beyond just their color palette and local manufacturing. The brand takes pride in using sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and recycled polyester in their designs. They also limit their use of plastic and paper in their packaging, opting instead for reusable and recyclable materials.
Gondwana Private Game Reserve, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, is an 11,000 hectare reserve that is home to the Big Five, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. The Pioneer Trail is a threeday, allinclusive package that covers a distance of 20km over two days, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the reserve on foot while enjoying luxury amenities and comfortable accommodations.
Tourism is a crucial sector in Cape Town’s economy, with many small businesses relying on it for their livelihoods. The City of Cape Town recently organized a community conversation with Hout Bay tourism operators to support and strengthen the industry.
The Oceans Mall, located in Umhlanga, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, has been making waves in the retail industry since its opening in November 2022. The mall, developed by businessman Vivian Reddy, has been called the “Dubai in Durban” and has been described as a “game changer” for KwaZuluNatal.
Cape clawless otters are one of the most endearing creatures on South Africa’s coastlines. These shy, nocturnal, and diurnal animals, slightly larger than one might expect, are the largest freshwater species after the South American otter. Unfortunately, their population is slowly decreasing, and they were listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2014. However, their playful nature and endearing appearance make them a favorite among locals and tourists.
South Africa faces a severe social housing crisis, with many people living in inadequate and overcrowded conditions. **Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed**, a recent Ph.D. graduate from Stellenbosch University, has developed a solution to this problem. His innovative woodplastic composite material combines invasive Port Jackson trees with recycled lowgrade plastic waste to create affordable and sustainable housing.
South Africa is a land of diversity and one of the most exciting destinations for tourists. The country boasts of spectacular natural landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most colorful and vibrant areas in South Africa is the BoKaap area in Cape Town. The area is known for its brightly painted houses, rich history, and unique culture. However, recent incidents of robbery targeting tourists in the area have raised concerns about tourist safety.
South Africa is home to some of the world’s deadliest snakes, including the Black and Green Mamba, Cape Cobra, Forest Cobra, Snouted Cobra, and Gabon adder. In addition, the country has recently been facing a critical shortage of snake antivenom treatment, which has caused alarm among locals and medical experts.
