Cape Town is taking a proactive approach to combat global environmental issues by initiating community involvement during International Compost Awareness Week. The aim is to educate people about the consequences of uncontrolled organic waste disposal and to distribute home composting containers to inspire personal accountability. Citizens are encouraged to join in building a sustainable future by reducing food waste through mindful meal planning, correct storage, and repurposing leftovers. This initiative reflects a city adopting its duty of climate change and encouraging its residents to do the same.
In Valencia, South Africa, a routine accident investigation led to a significant drug bust. The police discovered eight crates of an unidentifiable white powder, which turned out to be cocaine weighing approximately 11 kilograms. A 23yearold suspect was arrested and potentially faces charges of R4 583 370 for the suspected cocaine. The incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance in the fight against illicit narcotics and the significance of community cooperation with the police in maintaining safety and security.
World Accordion Day is celebrated annually on May 6th around the world, highlighting the importance of the accordion as a musical instrument. In South Africa, the event showcases the accordion’s historical significance and contemporary relevance, with renowned artists performing at various venues. The accordion’s versatility and adaptability transcends cultural boundaries and has an enduring influence on South African music, as celebrated during the event’s diverse performances.
The Let’s Act campaign was launched by the city in response to the rising rates of electricity theft and vandalism. The campaign calls for collaboration between the city administration and residents to protect the electricity infrastructure. The Energy Safety Team was established to monitor and report any criminal activity, which has caused significant financial implications and safety concerns. The city is investing over R4bn in upgrading and maintaining the electricity grid over the next three years and urges residents to report any suspicious activities to protect their communities.
Unveiling Cape Town’s Proactive Approach to Preserving the Environment: Reviving Spaanschemats River
Cape Town is taking a proactive approach to preserving the environment by reviving the Spaanschemats River. The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is manually gathering litter, unclogging drains, and curbing invasive plants to stimulate the reappearance of indigenous plant and animal life in the region. The project aligns with the city’s Mayoral Priority Programmes to improve inland water quality and mitigate flooding, and serves as a reminder of our shared duty to our natural resources and potential to effect positive change.
Cape Town is helping small and mediumsized enterprises (SMMEs) thrive through its Smart Supplier Programme. The initiative connects SMMEs with potential clients and provides workshops to equip them with the skills necessary to overcome business obstacles and establish collaborations. With a focus on networking, the programme aims to link SMMEs with clients nationally and continentally, yielding business prospects worth an estimated R20 million.
A 2,000yearold pot from the Khoekhoen people has been found at the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa. The pot, believed to have been used for cooking, is made of red ochre clay and shows evidence of scorch marks. The discovery is a window into the cultural practices and human resilience of the Khoekhoen people and their coexistence with huntergatherer societies. Plans are being developed to create a 3D model of the pot for educational purposes and public awareness campaigns.
Springboks’ star Handre Pollard and his wife, Marise, welcomed their son, Hunter Andre Pollard, into the world on April 25th. Hunter’s birth marks the third within the Springbok brotherhood this year and serves as a testament to Handre and Marise’s enduring bond. Marise, an accomplished athlete and fitness blogger, shared her excitement on Instagram, while their enduring relationship, now further enriched with the arrival of their son, serves as a testament to their lasting bond.
Comic Con Cape Town was a spectacular event celebrating pop culture at the Cape Town International Convention Center 2, with over 200 stalls and celebrity guests. The event catered to every facet of pop culture, including video games, comics, anime, and cosplay, and had an estimated attendance of 30,000 to 40,000 enthusiasts. The venue was divided into several unique zones, offering an array of experiences for attendees, including a Red Bull Kumite tournament, food and beverage stalls, and an outdoor area for unwinding.
In Klapmuts, South Africa, a little boy was subjected to a horrific act of aggression by three men who accused him of stealing R600. The abuse was captured on video and posted on social media, leaving the community deeply shaken and exposing the horrifying reality of child abuse. The incident serves as a reminder of our shared duty to safeguard society’s most vulnerable members and ensure they are raised in safe and nurturing environments. The peaceful township was shattered by this unforeseen tragedy, reminding us all to guard against such brutality.
Maltento is a South African company that breeds black soldier flies to convert agroprocessing waste into proteinrich pet and aquaculture feed. Their unique farming methods not only produce functional proteins, healthy fats, and essential amino acids but also excrete a byproduct known as frass that has considerable nutritional value and can improve soil fertility. Maltento’s innovation and commitment to sustainability challenge preconceptions in the agritech and pet food industry, and their groundbreaking work highlights South Africa’s role in the global innovation landscape.
Tensions are rising in South Africa following a vigilante incident involving a group advocating for Cape’s autonomy. The ANC is concerned about the racial tension sparked by the incident, which involved the barricading of the R62 road connecting Eastern and Western Cape. The Cape Independence Party denies any racial charges and claims their intention was an expression of their aspiration for independence. The incident is a violation of human rights and the Constitution, urging state bodies to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The incident has highlighted the brewing political discord and racial tensions within South Africa.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Vision aims to provide dignified water and sanitation services to all residents, with a proposed budget of R5,317bn dedicated to water and sanitation in the financial year of 2024/2025. The plan includes installing new taps and toilets in informal settlements, diversifying water sources, and improving infrastructure and treatment facilities. The city is also committed to building resilience during instances of loadshedding, preserving the environment, and reducing the risk of pollution. This investment signifies a brighter, sustainable future for the city and its inhabitants.
Nestlé has come under fire for its marketing of sugarladen infant food products, with high sugar content found in some of their products in certain countries. This has led to concerns about rising obesity rates among children in low and middleincome countries. Investigations by Swissbased research organization Public Eye revealed the discrepancy, with the World Health Organisation calling for a ban on added sugar in products for babies and infants under three years old. The scandal highlights the urgent need for a holistic and ethical approach to food production that prioritizes public health over profit margins.
A new exhibition in Woodstock, called “Abantu Abasha”, showcases the skills and innovation of 20 upandcoming artists while emphasizing the commercial aspect of the art sector. The exhibition functions as the climax of an inventive capacitybuilding training initiative and offers a platform for networking opportunities. The theme prompts artists to address social issues through their creations and cultivates a community characterized by shared experiences and collective growth. Visits to the exhibition are strictly by appointment only.
The South African Senior Track and Field Championships in Pietermaritzburg showcased the country’s budding talents and experienced competitors from April 2023, 2024. Key highlights included young phenom Benjamin Richardson outshining Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk in the 200meter final and Bayanda Walaza signifying his potential by finishing second in the men’s 100meter final. Many athletes also qualified for the Paris Olympics, revealing the depth and breadth of talent in South African athletics and signaling a promising future for the sport in the country.