South Africa faces a daunting challenge at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they struggle to regain their former glory. Despite having won the tournament in 1996, the team has had a hard time in recent years and shares a tough group with Tunisia, Mali, and Namibia. South African supporters remain optimistic, but the road to victory is challenging, and the team must overcome their past failures and deliver a standout performance in the competition.
Experience the vibrant rhythm of Cape Town at the Third House Poetry Open Mic event, where undiscovered talents share their poetry in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The event welcomes linguistic diversity, giving poets an opportunity to express themselves in their mother tongue. With only 25 slots available, register early to secure your chance to share your revelations, musings, victories, and struggles with a captivated audience.
Over 150,000 Children’s Grants have been suspended by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), leaving many families struggling to provide for their children’s education and other needs. Reports conflict over the cause of the suspension, with SASSA blaming incorrect banking details provided by grant applicants. The crisis has raised questions about the agency’s transparency and dedication to helping vulnerable citizens, highlighting the need for systemic accountability in South Africa’s social security system.
Prince Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare,’ released a year ago, has revealed shocking claims about the royal family. The memoir describes a physical altercation with Prince Charles, his father expressing concerns over Meghan’s financial burden, and the suspicion that Princess Diana orchestrated her own death. These revelations offer a disturbing glimpse into the hidden dynamics of the royal family from an insider’s viewpoint, highlighting personal battles and insecurities behind the splendour of the royalty. Despite the memoir’s contentious nature, it serves as a powerful reminder that even the royalty is not exempt from family conflicts and emotional distress.
South Africa’s legal team is fighting in the International Court of Justice to acknowledge that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and to mandate a ceasefire. Civil society groups and political representatives gathered in Cape Town to show support for the legal team, highlighting the grave impact of the Gaza war and Israel’s disconcerting statements. The case is one of the most consequential legal battles of our time with potential global ramifications.
Cape Town is a city that champions the synergy of law and artistic innovation. Its Graffiti bylaw facilitates artistic liberty through murals while respecting certain restrictions. The city encourages public art through a structured process that assures the sustainable administration of public infrastructures and spaces, while also taking decisive action against unlawful graffiti, tagging, and gang symbols. Cape Town’s strategy towards public art acts as a dynamic archetype, a blueprint for cities globally to emulate.
Manie Libbok is a rising star in international rugby who went from being overlooked to becoming an indispensable part of the international rugby scene. His remarkable performance in the 2021 Rugby World Cup, where he wore the No 10 jersey for 11 Tests, was evidence of his indomitable spirit. Libbok’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and determination, and his story is one of unrestrained determination, unwavering grit, and a deepseated passion for the sport.
Mohamed Salah is a football superstar who plays for Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. He dreams of leading Egypt to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite facing tough opponents like Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, Salah remains determined to win the championship and bring pride to his country. His goalscoring prowess and unwavering commitment inspire his teammates and fans, making him a beacon of hope for Egyptian football.
The Identikidz project in Cape Town provides waterproof wristbands with unique numbers to children at beaches, which are logged with the child’s name, guardian’s name, and contact details. This creates a protective web around each participant and connects the child to their guardian even in busy beaches and crowded coasts. Since its launch in December 2023, the project has tagged over 85,916 children and facilitated 263 reunions, demonstrating the community’s embrace of the project and their shared dedication to child safety. The project will expand to even more beaches in January 2024.
Kaizer Chiefs may be on the lookout for new talent following their struggles to produce goals this season, with reports suggesting they may be interested in a European forward. The club recruited two new strikers at the start of the season, but their performances have fallen short of expectations. The potential signing of Robert Polievka could demonstrate the club’s willingness to adapt and evolve to overcome their goalscoring problem.
Nicole Johnson, the wife of alleged gang leader Ralph Stanfield, is facing serious legal charges, including attempted murder. Her defense has been called into question after unknown assailants targeted a complainant’s father while she and her husband were in custody. Johnson is also dealing with personal struggles, including the potential loss of her business and her daughter’s medical condition. The court is expected to deliver a ruling on January 16.
South Africa is leading the way in renewable energy with the groundbreaking Oya Energy Hybrid Facility and Umoyilanga Energy projects, the firstever hybrid renewable independent power producer programme projects in the country. These initiatives blend wind, solar, and battery storage to reduce carbon emissions and manage peak energy usage periods. The projects are expected to generate close to 4,000 employment opportunities and infuse 5,000MW of new generation capacity into South Africa’s power grid, reflecting the country’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources for a sustainable future.
The lifeguards working in Cape Town’s beaches are the true heroes of the season, tirelessly working to keep the beachgoers safe amidst the festive cheer. However, the recent drownings and nonlethal incidents remind us of the unseen dangers of beach fun, and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. The lifeguards’ undying spirit and innovative initiatives, such as the Identikidz project, showcase their commitment to public safety and serve as a reminder that safety is a communal responsibility.
Robert Ebersohn, a prominent rugby player, retired due to a concussion injury sustained during a preseason match against Australia’s Western Force. He played over 260 matches, including 110 for the Cheetahs and over 150 for French teams. His career took off straight out of high school, where he made his debut in 2008 against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. Ebersohn’s journey ended where it began, playing for his cherished Cheetahs in front of his family and establishing strong bonds with teammates.
Tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are returning to the court after taking breaks, with Nadal set to make his comeback at the Brisbane International and Djokovic participating in the United Cup in Perth and Sydney. Both are expected to compete in the Australian Open, with Nadal aiming for a successful farewell season and Djokovic hoping to win his 11th Australian Open title and 25th major title. The season promises to be exciting, with rising stars and the return of Naomi Osaka.
Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has finally reached the number one position on the UK charts, 39 years after its release. The perennially popular holiday classic ranks as the third most successful single in UK history. This accomplishment marks a bittersweet moment for Wham!, as George Michael, who cowrote and performed the song, is not here to witness its triumph. Nevertheless, “Last Christmas” stands as a touching tribute to the enduring contribution of Wham! to pop music and their lasting legacy.
