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.
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.
