South Africa’s National Assembly will hold its first virtual meeting in March 2024, marking a significant shift in the way government functions and promoting transparency and public engagement. The virtual programming committee will discuss parliamentary matters, and virtual Mini Plenary sessions will review committee reports with potential impacts on the nation’s future direction. These meetings provide a unique opportunity to understand the nation’s legislative process and are a testament to the evolving nature of democracy.
KidsCon is a childfriendly zone within Comic Con Cape Town that offers a fun and imaginative experience for kids and adults alike. With engaging activities and competitions, KidsCon is a celebration of pop culture, and the official partner, Toys ‘R’ Us, guarantees a shopping experience that is out of this world. From video games to tabletop gaming and cosplay competitions, KidsCon is the perfect family outing and is set to be a major attraction at Comic Con Cape Town.
LaConco’s incredible transformation journey, which involved liposuction, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, has inspired many and sparked discussions about body positivity and selflove. Her bravery in sharing her journey and unveiling her new body in a swimsuit has earned her widespread admiration and support. LaConco’s advocacy for body positivity and selfcare serves as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of selflove and acceptance.
The South African football world is abuzz with rumors that leftsided player Sanele Barns may be signing with Stellenbosch FC, despite being a highly desirable recruit for Kaizer Chiefs. Stellenbosch FC has reached a precontract agreement with Barns, set to take effect from July, which could signal a victory for the team. The battle for Barns’ signature has been fierce, but Stellenbosch FC’s determination and quick action seem to have tilted the balance in their favor.
The Wavescape Surf and Ocean Festival in Cape Town is celebrating its 20th year, championing conservation, community development, and surfing culture. With outdoor screenings, beach cleanups, and discussions, the festival has raised almost R7 million for ocean charities and showcases unique surfboards created by talented artists. Spearheaded by Director Shani Judes, the festival is a beacon of celebration and advocacy, resonating strongly with oceanconscious communities and brands. As it evolves and innovates, the Wavescape Surf and Ocean Festival remains an indispensable event for surfers and marine enthusiasts alike.
Black Coffee is a South African Grammyaward winning disc jockey who recently confirmed being in a new romantic relationship with Venezuelan model, Victoria Gonzalez, after his divorce from Enhle Mbali. Their love story began during a flight mishap to Argentina where Black Coffee suffered a critical spinal injury, and Victoria stood by him during this trying period. Despite the hardships, Black Coffee remains hopeful about the possibility of marriage, as his personal journey, much like his hypnotic tunes, is a melodic composition of towering peaks and profound valleys.
Elon Musk, a visionary businessman, advocates for population growth not only on Earth but also to establish colonies on Mars. Despite criticism, Musk remains steadfast in his unconventional approach to population dynamics and his dream of colonizing Mars. He has expressed his concerns about the declining birth rates in Japan and the need for more human beings to fulfill his cherished ambition. While his views on population growth are not confined to Earth, they highlight the need for indepth contemplation and discussion on the future implications of population dynamics.
Amazon is entering South Africa’s ecommerce market, offering local vendors the chance to participate in the global market by registering on their free Global Selling platform. The platform offers opportunities for businesses to establish themselves in the local and global commerce scene, providing a chance to enhance competition for quality products. Vendors must adhere to Amazon’s philosophy, including return policies, and be capable of engaging with representatives during sales transactions. Nevertheless, vendors have other options like Takealot to list their products on different platforms.
The Cape Cheers Gin Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, is a celebration of gin, music, cuisine, and convivial scenes. Attendees can participate in setting a world record for the most gin consumption at a single venue and enjoy live music, gourmet food trucks, and a range of gininfused beverages. The festival is organized by Two Gingers, a renowned craft gin establishment, and promises to deliver a rich sensory experience and a shared appreciation for gin. Beyond the festival, attendees are encouraged to explore Cape Town and its enchanting neighborhoods.
In South Africa, a committee has shortlisted eight candidates for the position of Deputy Public Protector (DPP), a crucial role in the country’s justice system. The committee received 44 applications and nominations, evaluated the candidates thoroughly, and selected those with the highlevel qualifications necessary for the position. The public was also involved in the selection process, with the committee sharing the list of nominees on the Parliament’s website for feedback. The selection process will be further detailed and aimed at choosing the most suitable candidate for the role.
South Africa is facing a TB crisis, with a new person succumbing to the disease every seven minutes. Comprehensive targeted testing for TB is urgently needed, and the City of Cape Town offers free testing to all its residents. Prevention is key, and simple actions such as good personal hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can significantly curb the spread of TB bacteria. The call to action is clear: get tested and together we can conquer TB.
Premier Mxolisi Dukwana of South Africa’s Free State Province outlined an ambitious economic plan focusing on innovation, strategic investment in infrastructure, and job creation. He emphasized the province’s unique advantages in renewable energy, mining, and agriculture, and its potential to shape the future economy. Dukwana committed to ethical governance and a united front towards prosperity, calling for investments in people and technologies to position the Free State among the economies of the future.
Area South is facing an unprecedented crisis of vandalism leading to power outages and destruction of the power infrastructure. The city is deploying private security forces, alternative lighting solutions, hitech solutions, and a Law Enforcement Unit for Energy to counter the problem. Each resident can contribute by reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline. The city is coming together to build a stronger and more resilient community in these troubled times.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception until their second birthday, is a critical period for maximizing their potential and preventing stunting. In South Africa, where no benefits are available for pregnant women, extending the child support grant to cover the pregnancy period could potentially save the government $720 million over the first 1,000 days of children’s lives. A pilot study in the Western Cape province introduced a digital food voucher for impoverished pregnant women, showing promising results in improving nutrition and reducing financial stress. Providing sufficient support to pregnant women is an investment worth making for a healthier and financially stable future.
“South Africa’s Strides Towards Disability Rights: An Emphasis on Inclusive Policies”
South Africa is leading the way in championing the rights of individuals with disabilities through the implementation of inclusive policies and integration of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into its legal framework. The country also has policies in place to ensure unrestricted access to critical public services like healthcare and education. South Africa is committed to creating partnerships with individuals with disabilities and the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy to make inclusivity a reality, reflecting the nation’s dedication to upholding and safeguarding human rights for all.
Residents of Loyiso Nkohla informal settlement in Cape Town protested for essential facilities, including electricity, water supply, waste disposal bags, and more toilets. The City of Cape Town stated that they have limited resources and obligations towards formal settlements, but assured residents that their concerns are being considered. The community’s fight for basic amenities showcases their resilience and determination to survive and prosper despite neglect.