Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.
The Eastern Cape province in South Africa has launched a groundbreaking strategy for the commercialization of cannabis, aimed at diversifying the economy and creating employment opportunities. The strategy involves controlling the entire production cycle from planting to packaging, and has already helped over 120 cannabis farmers obtain hemp permits. The investment in infrastructure is intended to benefit the province’s youth and women, with the aim of promoting inclusive growth.
Kwagga Smith is a South African rugby player who is currently playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan. He has been instrumental in boosting the growth of rugby in Japan, with the sport’s popularity reflected in substantial game turnouts. Despite enticing offers from other countries, Smith chose to remain loyal to the Shizuoka Blue Revs due to the favorable balance between club and international rugby that Japan offers. His personal journey is a testament to the rise of rugby in Japan and his unwavering pursuit of passion.
The Orlando Pirates have shown resilience and perseverance this season, bouncing back from a disappointing 2023 season. Despite setbacks, the Pirates emerged stronger and more determined, securing a symbolic win over their rivals and enjoying an impressive streak of four consecutive matches without defeat in April. Individual triumphs, such as that of Cameroonian forward Souaibou Marou, have also added to the squad’s journey. Looking towards the future, the Pirates aim to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the CAF Champions League while clinching the Nedbank Cup title.
Virgin Active Gym has implemented an inclusive policy that allows transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding with their legally recognized gender. This policy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for individual identities, but has also sparked debate around privacy and safety concerns on social media. Virgin Active has reaffirmed their support for individuals who have completed their transition process and addressed safety concerns, highlighting the corporate challenge of balancing inclusivity and safety while promoting a broader societal dialogue on gender identity and inclusivity.
Cape Town’s firefighters have faced a challenging summer season with a significant increase in vegetation fires and total incidents compared to the previous year. The city supports their firefighting response with aerial support during the summer months, including two helicopters and a spotter plane. As International Firefighters Day approaches, it’s essential to honor the dedication and bravery of Cape Town’s firefighters, who have persevered through one of their busiest summers yet.
The Free State community gathered to contribute their suggestions for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, proposing the appointment of a Deputy Chairperson for the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and a Deputy InspectorGeneral of Intelligence, as well as the differentiation between domestic and foreign intelligence services and the establishment of a South African National Intelligence Academy. Youth engagement in matters related to national security and concerns about security challenges experienced by residents were also discussed. Renowned organisations and individuals provided their feedback, with differing opinions on the Bill’s provisions. The Bill is now heading towards its final public hearing in East London.
On April 23, 2024, two security contractors were killed while guarding City of Cape Town employees during a sewer pipe repair operation in Philippi, South Africa. The incident has affected City services in parts of Philippi and led to the extension of tactical response and security escort services to all staff and contractors working in the area. The City has launched an antiextortion campaign, including a 24/7 hotline and reward system, calling on residents to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to promote peace and progress in their communities. The City has also spent over R8.5 million on private security escorts due to the increase in attacks on staff during working hours.
Jacques Kallis is not your average cricket star. He not only excelled on the cricket field, but he also made smart financial decisions, making him one of the wealthiest cricketers in the world. His net worth ranges from $25 million to $70 million, and he has invested in properties, businesses, luxury cars, and philanthropic ventures. Kallis is a wellrounded individual who balances his professional and personal life with ease, serving as a source of inspiration for many.
The 2024 Africa’s Travel Indaba is set to showcase the best of the continent’s travel experiences and honor PanAfrican tourism. With over 990 exhibitors from 26 African nations and more than 1,000 buyers from 36 nations, the event is one of the top global travel and tourism trade exhibitions. It plays a vital role in the tourism sector and the wider economy, injecting R1.2 billion into the South African economy and generating or maintaining 2,295 jobs. This year’s theme, “Unlimited Africa,” aims to challenge dated perceptions of Africa and highlight the continent’s growth and boundless potential.
SuperSport United is facing a performance crisis with twelve winless matches, but coach Gavin Hunt and defender Lyle Lakay offer hope and resilience. Hunt provides insight into the harsh realities of their situation, while Lakay presents an optimistic attitude towards recovery. The recent performance illustrates the unpredictable nature of football, but under the guidance of their experienced coach and the fighting spirit of their veteran players, SuperSport United has the potential to rise again.
South Africa mourned the tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa, their beloved goalkeeper, who was shot and killed during a family dispute in October 2014. The ensuing legal proceedings revealed a dark tale of turmoil, rage, and brutal aggression involving Meyiwa’s close allies and family members, with Longwe Twala accused of firing the fatal shot. The search for truth and justice continues, bringing some comfort to those impacted by this heartbreaking incident.
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 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.