The Mkhize brothers, Siseko and Simphiwe, were brutally murdered in Philippi, South Africa. Siseko was killed after documenting alleged culprits threatening a local shop, while Simphiwe was shot during a prayer service for his brother’s upcoming funeral. The attackers remain unidentified, leaving the community in fear and the police investigating the murders. The deaths of the Mkhize brothers serve as a stark reminder of the uncontrolled violence that persists in society’s underbelly.
Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, has called on the Finance Minister to reconsider proposed austerity measures that would cut grantfunding to municipalities and provinces. HillLewis proposes that cuts should not affect services for the underprivileged but come from government departments that lack a significant function. Despite financial limitations, Cape Town has prioritized grantfunding to improve housing and informal settlements, with Mayor HillLewis emphasizing the crucial role of passenger rail in the city’s growth and advocating for wise financial planning to promote inclusive growth.
Get ready to experience a vibrant showcase of Cape Town’s creative community at the monthly Kuier@TheCastle market event. Held at the historic Castle of Good Hope, visitors can expect a sensory extravaganza with local handcrafted items, delicious food, and captivating entertainment. The market aims to foster interaction between artists and a broad spectrum of consumers while providing an affordable, accessible, and inclusive environment. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of Cape Town’s artistic excellence.
The Winter Readiness Programme helps shelters provide refuge for homeless individuals during the cold winter months by offering resources and support to assist more people. The program’s objective is to empower these vital organizations and create additional sleeping spaces without forcing them to build permanent housing. To participate, organizations must be registered as NonProfit or Public Benefit Organizations, possess the facilities to house clients, meet health and safety guidelines, and complete site evaluations. The application deadline is March 8th, 2024.
A New Chapter in Dan Plato’s Political Journey: A Shift to People’s Movement for Change
Dan Plato, a former Mayor and Member of the Provincial Legislature, recently left the Democratic Alliance (DA) and joined the People’s Movement for Change (PMC), citing his growing discontent with the DA’s shifting priorities and stance on global matters. Plato’s departure marks a significant transformation in his political career, highlighting the everchanging nature of politics. His move also raises questions about political representation, the need for open discussions on global issues, and the importance of being part of a party whose values resonate with the community it serves.
President Ramaphosa spoke in the historic Cape Town City Hall, reflecting on South Africa’s progress over the past thirty years since gaining freedom. He acknowledged the challenges that the nation still faces, particularly among the youth, including high unemployment rates and persistent disparities between suburbs and informal settlements. However, the President also highlighted the technological revolution and advancements, improvements in education and healthcare, and the significant restructuring of stateowned enterprises. Despite the challenges, President Ramaphosa remains optimistic about South Africa’s future and calls for collective efforts in overcoming present challenges.
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is offering a diverse range of artistic performances for all types of performing arts enthusiasts in February. From family drama exploring the doubleedged sword of social media to ballet showcasing precolonial South Africa, the theatre promises a rich array of narratives that mirror the human condition in all its intricate diversity. The theatre continues to serve as a haven for performing arts enthusiasts in Cape Town, and its intriguing mix of drama, ballet, music, and live art encourages us to interact with our realities and challenge societal norms.
A disturbing incident involving sexual assault and murder threats from Martin Jacobson towards a woman on social media has sparked discussions around social media ethics and the responsibility of public figures. The incident highlights the need for prompt and decisive action against online hate speech and emphasizes the role public figures play in governing discourse on their platforms. Public figures have a moral duty to explicitly condemn such behavior as it sets the standard for their followers and ensures the maintenance of dignity and respect associated with their positions.
Dr. MJ Phaahla is the Honourable Minister of Health leading South Africa’s health sector. He has been fighting against Covid19 and focusing on Universal Health Coverage, human resource allocation, and infrastructure advancement in healthcare. The government is also addressing surgical procedure backlogs and HIV/AIDS, while advancing digital health systems. Dr. Phaahla emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare workforce, creating additional opportunities for doctors, and improving health services with infrastructure advancement.
Gwede Mantashe, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa, has played a crucial role in transforming the mining industry and achieving a fairer system of ownership, management, and acquisition. He highlights the government’s initiatives to cultivate a strong and inclusive mining sector and sustainable energy solutions. Mantashe emphasizes the enduring impact of apartheid and acknowledges the challenges that still exist, but his unwavering commitment to equitable development and honest engagement reinforces his vision of a united, prosperous South Africa.
The ANC government’s housing policies in South Africa have provided millions of houses to impoverished sections of society, contributing to women’s empowerment, emergency and disaster relief, and sustainable housing solutions. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi leads the charge towards a fairer and kinder South Africa, advocating for social justice and balanced development, rooted in the core values of the ANC. The government’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the Draft Human Settlements White Paper, aimed at creating integrated human settlements that respond to modern trends and uphold every South African’s dignity.
Cape Town City Hall is significant for being the site of important democratic events and discussions, including the upcoming joint assembly of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to analyze the President’s State of the Nation Address. The essence of parliamentary debates is to shape the nation’s path through open dialogue and shared responsibility. Media plays a crucial role in parliamentary proceedings, with virtual attendance possible for journalists and live broadcasts available to the public. The upcoming joint session symbolizes South Africa’s dedication to democracy, accountability, and advancement.
Proactive Measures Against Pollution: Unmasking Illicit Sewer and Stormwater Connections Through Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is a technique used to identify illegal connections to sewer systems that worsen pollution and sewage overflows. The Water Pollution Control Unit has developed this innovative approach to tackle urban water pollution, especially during the winter season. By pumping smoke into sewer pipes, the surveillance team can locate improper connections or weaknesses in the infrastructure and notify owners for required repairs. This initiative has produced promising results, and the City plans to continue its efforts to protect the environment and water resources.
The conflict between Moroka Swallows and Andile Jali has led to rising tension and uncertainty within the wellknown South African football club. Jali’s signingon remuneration and salary commitments have reportedly not been fulfilled, leading him to take the club to the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber. The situation has also affected the club’s relationship with Steve Komphela, leaving the team in an uneasy situation with no clear path forward. The upcoming decisions made by the PSL DRC and the club’s management will determine the team’s future potential and unity.
The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious international award for environmental solutions, will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time in November 2024. The weeklong Earthshot Week event will honor nominees from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1 million. The increase in African nominations highlights the continent’s creative potential and resilience in the face of climate change. Prince William, founder of the Earthshot Prize, chose Cape Town to expand the award’s global reach and recognize Africa’s role in environmental innovation.
Get ready for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024, a grand celebration of fine arts and cultural heritage featuring over 375 creators from four continents. This 11th anniversary event promises to showcase the most extensive gathering of artistic talents in Africa, with over 100 esteemed art galleries participating. The theme “Unbound” celebrates diverse and emerging talents, challenging the limits of creativity and infusing vitality into untapped possibilities. Don’t miss this threeday event from February 16 to 18, 2024, featuring highcaliber exhibits, thoughtprovoking debates, prestigious awards ceremonies, and exploratory tours.