The Carbon Smart Skills Development program in Cape Town is transforming the lives of unemployed women by providing them with comprehensive training in green building principles and Biomass Insulated Concrete (BIC), an ecofriendly building material. The program promises jobs for three years and is not only a skill development initiative but also a beacon of hope and change for a more sustainable future. The use of BIC in construction projects is a paradigm shift that promotes the construction of green infrastructure across the city, minimizing carbon footprints during construction. The program aims to empower women and contribute to the green economy.
Cape Town is pioneering strategies to tackle homelessness through the groundbreaking Street People Policy launched in 2013. This policy has enabled easier access to social services, promoted reintegration, and guaranteed access to critical identification documents and social grants. The city’s strategy is always evolving, and the new draft strategy aims to further mitigate the factors that increase vulnerability to homelessness. The public participation process allows citizens to contribute their insights and assist in shaping the city’s strategy for addressing homelessness.
JessicaAnn Shepherd, the founder of clothing brand Oddity, has won the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024, a prestigious fashion competition in South Africa. Her winning collection, ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ impressed the judges with its sustainable approach to fashion, using upcycling methods and excess fabric to create vibrant and unique designs. As well as receiving a cash reward and mentorship programme, Shepherd will design a collection to be sold in select Mr Price stores next year. This win is a testament to the emerging talent in South Africa’s fashion industry.
Cape Town is participating in the 2024 City Nature Challenge, inviting residents and tourists to showcase its rich biodiversity to a global audience. Participants can use the iNaturalist app to log various plant and animal species, contributing to citizen science. The challenge offers an educational opportunity for the younger generation and encourages community involvement in environmental stewardship.
The Anatomy of Violence Based on Gender in the Western Cape: A Continued Fight for Justice
The Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety revealed that 89 cases of genderbased violence were dropped from the court roll in six months due to the ineffectiveness of the South African Police Services. However, the Court Watching Brief Unit aims to monitor and strengthen SAPS in tackling these issues, and the government has committed R1.6 billion to fund and implement an Emergency Action Plan on GenderBased Violence and Femicide. Despite these efforts, the fight for justice against genderbased violence continues in the Western Cape.
Unwavering Bond Between South Africa and South Sudan: A Path to Peace and Prosperity
South Africa and South Sudan share a strong bond built on mutual respect and shared struggles for freedom. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, highlighted the enduring relationship between the two countries. Constructive dialogues between the leaders of both nations aimed at reinforcing their partnership across multiple sectors, particularly towards peace, development, and democratic governance. Progress towards peace in South Sudan is evident through the formation of unified security forces and the reestablishment of pivotal institutions, indicating the nation’s resolve for democratic processes and governance.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Cape Town is transforming public administration by providing practical work experience and highquality education to its beneficiaries. The partnership between the City of Cape Town, the UWC School of Government, and the New Hope Training Organisation is creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system, and the first group of EPWP beneficiaries recently graduated with an NQF7 level qualification in Public Administration. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, and the graduates have been instilled with guiding principles such as democratic accountability, social equity, and ethical conduct. The accessible registration process and promising future outlook of the EPWP symbolize a monumental shift in efforts towards creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system.
Jonty Rhodes is a cricket legend known for his remarkable fielding skills, solid performance, and agile speed on the pitch. His legacy extends beyond numbers, as he has influenced training methods and ignited the passion of budding fielders around the globe. Rhodes has also transitioned smoothly into coaching positions, becoming a cherished figure in cricketloving India, and settling in the beautiful coastal state of Goa. His enduring passion for the game of cricket has solidified his association with the sport.
The future leadership of South African football club, Kaizer Chiefs, is a hot topic of debate. Lehlohonolo Seema, a successful coach for Sekhukhune, has emerged as a strong contender for the position. Sekhukhune has experienced an impressive rise under Seema’s leadership, with the team currently in fourth place. However, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, a seasoned Brazilian coach, is also in the mix, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Kaizer Chiefs.
The Paris 2024 Olympics flame was born in Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of a journey across 64 French territories. The flame carries a message of unity and hope, building on the legacy of previous Olympics and achieving gender parity. The upcoming Paris Olympics promise to be youthful, inclusive, urban, and sustainable, inspired by the Olympic Agenda reforms. The flame represents the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games and the harmonious coexistence of fierce competition and peaceful coexistence.
Annual Survey by the Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate: A Path towards Improvement
The Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate is launching its annual Customer Satisfaction Survey from April to June 2024. The survey aims to assess the happiness of Cape Town’s inhabitants and businesses regarding the city’s water and sanitation services. It covers both official and unofficial residents and businesses, giving the City crucial feedback to understand citizens’ everyday experiences and improve service delivery. The City guarantees the highest level of confidentiality and hires an independent research agency to ensure integrity and promote a culture of joint governance. Participating in the survey is an opportunity for residents and businesses to shape the City’s future.
In the Inanda Triple Homicide, three people were brutally killed, causing shock and terror in the community. Local police and community members are now working together to find the culprits and seek justice for the victims. As the investigation continues, the community remains resilient and hopeful for a successful resolution to this horrific crime.
Cruise tourism has a significant impact on the Western Cape’s economy in South Africa, contributing around R1.2 billion in the last fiscal year and expected to bring more economic benefits with an influx of around 90,000 passengers and 38,000 crew members in the current year. The industry also creates job opportunities, with every 30 cruise passengers creating approximately one fulltime job. The geopolitical climate and return tourism are some of the factors driving traffic towards South African ports, such as Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal.
Operation Shanela is a groundbreaking approach to policing in South Africa’s Western Cape, aimed at combatting severe and violent crime. It involves direct engagement between law enforcement and the community to promote crime deterrence and foster a stronger relationship. The upcoming Ministerial Izimbizo in Hanover Park symbolizes a shift towards a more communityfocused approach to policing and exemplifies the immense potential of meaningful policecommunity alliances in establishing a safer society. However, sustained execution of such communitybased strategies is necessary to achieve a persistent decrease in crime rates.
Strengthening Democracy: South Africa’s National Assembly Revamps its Petition Guidelines
South Africa’s National Assembly has made a significant decision to strengthen democracy by allowing the public to directly petition without the need for parliamentary intermediaries. This move aims to create a more transparent and accessible legislative process, breaking down barriers to democratic participation. Petitions must comply with guidelines for language, signing, submission, clarity, decorum, and supplementary documentation, and aim for action within the spectrum of the House, national government, or a Minister. This change signifies a new era of democratic participation, shaping the future of public involvement in governance.
Cape Town is leading the way in sustainable energy with a commitment to reduce reliance on Eskom and eradicate load shedding by 2026 through renewable energy projects and investments in infrastructure. The city is investing heavily in the Steenbras Pumped Hydro Storage plant and aims to infuse up to one gigawatt of independent power into its grid within the next five years. With a range of programmes designed to facilitate market interventions and a commitment to energy resilience, Cape Town is setting an example for others to follow.