Get ready for a carefully planned maintenance task happening in Cape Town from March 18th to 26th, 2024. The Water and Sanitation Directorate will upgrade the city’s water infrastructure by installing pipes, replacing valves, and repairing water meters in various neighborhoods. Although there may be temporary water service interruptions, the associated reservoirs will be filled beforehand to ensure an uninterrupted water supply, and residents are encouraged to follow the City of Cape Town X account for live updates on the maintenance work.
Cape Town is bursting with excitement as it prepares for its annual Carnival, featuring over 1,400 performers, magnificent floats, and elaborate costumes. The event provides a platform for local artisans and designers to showcase their skills. The Carnival procession will take place on March 16th and is just one of the city’s many diverse events, including sporting competitions and cultural festivities. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of Cape Town’s events and experiences.
Cape Town is leading the way in renewable energy with its pioneering Energy Services Applications platform, which streamlines the application process for solar PV systems and significantly reduces the waiting period for authorisation. The city is committed to promoting solar power investment and reducing reliance on Eskom, while also ensuring the safety and integrity of solar PV systems. Residents and businesses can easily join the renewable energy revolution through the userfriendly online portal, which also offers incentives such as the Cash for Power programme.
Durban, South Africa, is facing neglect, pollution, and labor protests, resulting in potential health risks for its inhabitants and visitors. The city’s decline is due to a culmination of factors, including contamination of its popular beaches, continuous water shortages, and power interruptions. Prominent local figures, including Siv Ngesi and Gareth Cliff, have expressed their outrage at the city’s downfall, which serves as a warning for other cities to prioritize effective governance, environmental responsibility, and an informed and active populace.
Sydney Sweeney rocked the Vanity Fair Oscar Party with a stunning tribute to classic Hollywood glamour. The 20yearold actress wore a vintage Marc Bouwer dress previously worn by Angelina Jolie at the 2004 Academy Awards, making a bold statement that caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts globally. Sweeney’s fashion choice was a meticulously executed nod to Hollywood’s golden era, with her contemporary hairstyle and minimalist makeup approach creating a mesmerizing image on the red carpet. Her rising fashion prominence promises to keep fashion aficionados guessing and questioning established perceptions of celebrity fashion.
Consuming too much salt can lead to serious health issues like hypertension, heart diseases, and strokes. In Cape Town, high salt intake is linked to an increase in noncommunicable diseases. The World Health Organization recommends a daily salt consumption limit of no more than five grams. It’s important to check food labels and find healthier alternatives for seasoning food to promote better health and prevent diseases.
Cape Town has almost completed its massive infrastructure project of upgrading over 630,800 prepaid electricity meters throughout the city before the national deadline of December 2024. The city implemented a phased approach and established support channels for elderly or disabled residents who require assistance. The upgrade process is simple for most customers, with two 20digit update codes provided at purchase, and the city has reassurances and plans in place to ensure comprehensive coverage. Cape Town’s dedication to efficient service delivery is exemplary and has garnered gratitude from its residents.
Exciting times are ahead for South African football as rising star Relebohile Mofokeng impresses top names in the sport, while legendary figure Jomo Sono receives recognition for his contributions to the game. Mofokeng’s skills have caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Bros, while Sono was recently presented with a bronze medal from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by Bros. The bond between generations of footballers highlights the progress and vibrancy of South African football.
South Africa’s elite athletes are gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with sprinter Wayde van Niekerk, breaststroke sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker, and surfer Jordy Smith among the stars set to make an impression on the world stage. The Olympics will be an exciting platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and strive to carve out their legacy in their respective sports. These five South African athletes personify the country’s Olympic ambitions, each shouldering the burden of hope with poise and resolve.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) is taking a proactive approach against rising disaster risks by conducting 451 public education sessions in various locations to raise public awareness about disaster risks. These sessions facilitate open dialogues with local residents to gather valuable insight into their experiences which forms the foundation of practical action plans aimed at increasing community preparedness and instilling a sense of responsibility for managing risks. The DRMC is also ensuring safety at events and facilities by conducting indepth risk assessments and developing detailed event safety plans which set out emergency procedures and protocols.
Akira Toriyama, the creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ series, passed away on March 1, 2024, leaving fans devastated. Toriyama’s groundbreaking contributions in the manga and anime industry will be missed, but his legacy lives on through his enduring stories that continue to captivate and inspire. His death triggered an outpouring of grief in the international manga community, with tributes flooding social media platforms. Toriyama’s life and work stand as a shining example for aspiring artists, demonstrating the transformative power of storytelling.
The community is coming together to find missing sixyearold Joslin Smith and bring her abductors to justice. Despite the bleakness of the situation, their unwavering spirit and determination serve as a testament to their strength and resilience. The search for Joslin has united a diverse range of individuals, NGOs, law enforcement officers and government representatives, demonstrating the power of unity and collective action in the face of adversity. A reward of half a million has been offered for information on her whereabouts, highlighting the urgency of the case.
South Africa’s biodiversity is threatened by invasive species, which have been introduced into various ecosystems and have caused extensive damage to water assets, pastures, and native biodiversity. The introduction of 32 new alien species in the past decade has worsened the risks associated with wildfires and flooding, making it a monumental challenge that requires a concerted and cooperative effort from all stakeholders. The government has pledged over 1.5 billion Rand to tackle biological invasions, and NGOs have secured over 180 million Rand to control invasive species in water catchments around Cape Town. Nevertheless, the challenge ahead remains monumental and requires unity and collaboration from all stakeholders.
The Springboks, South Africa’s rugby team, are preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with intense concentration and diligent preparation. A recent alignment camp in Cape Town set the team’s goals, benchmarks, and distinctive operational methods, with new coaches adding fresh perspectives and techniques. The team is excited for an upcoming season, including matches against Wales, Ireland, and Portugal, as they work towards their ultimate goal of winning the 2027 World Cup. With a cohesive approach and transparent expectations, the Springboks are primed for success.
The National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, gave a passionate call to action during the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, urging parliamentary speakers around the world to advocate for genderaware budgeting. She stressed the importance of incorporating a gender lens into budgetary procedures to foster gender equality and break down gender stereotypes and sociopolitical barriers. South Africa’s progress in enhancing genderresponsive budgeting has shown positive results, and MapisaNqakula implored her peers to guide their respective parliaments towards the enactment of laws and regulations that protect women’s rights.
In 2024, Limpopo was hit by an organized crime syndicate, who committed two business heists in one day. However, the SAPS in the Sekhukhune District quickly apprehended three culprits connected to the crimes through a detailed and systematically executed tactical mission. The culprits are currently awaiting charges associated with business robbery, illegal firearm possession, and perjury. This successful operation showcased the intelligent and knowledgeable law enforcement activity, and offered a sense of relief and security to the terrorstruck residents of Sekhukhune.