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 Anatomy of Violence Based on Gender in the Western Cape: A Continued Fight for Justice
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.
Unwavering Bond Between South Africa and South Sudan: A Path to Peace and Prosperity
South Africa and South Sudan share a strong bond built on mutual respect and shared struggles for freedom. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, highlighted the enduring relationship between the two countries. Constructive dialogues between the leaders of both nations aimed at reinforcing their partnership across multiple sectors, particularly towards peace, development, and democratic governance. Progress towards peace in South Sudan is evident through the formation of unified security forces and the reestablishment of pivotal institutions, indicating the nation’s resolve for democratic processes and governance.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Cape Town is transforming public administration by providing practical work experience and highquality education to its beneficiaries. The partnership between the City of Cape Town, the UWC School of Government, and the New Hope Training Organisation is creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system, and the first group of EPWP beneficiaries recently graduated with an NQF7 level qualification in Public Administration. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, and the graduates have been instilled with guiding principles such as democratic accountability, social equity, and ethical conduct. The accessible registration process and promising future outlook of the EPWP symbolize a monumental shift in efforts towards creating a more inclusive and accessible public administration system.
Jonty Rhodes is a cricket legend known for his remarkable fielding skills, solid performance, and agile speed on the pitch. His legacy extends beyond numbers, as he has influenced training methods and ignited the passion of budding fielders around the globe. Rhodes has also transitioned smoothly into coaching positions, becoming a cherished figure in cricketloving India, and settling in the beautiful coastal state of Goa. His enduring passion for the game of cricket has solidified his association with the sport.
The future leadership of South African football club, Kaizer Chiefs, is a hot topic of debate. Lehlohonolo Seema, a successful coach for Sekhukhune, has emerged as a strong contender for the position. Sekhukhune has experienced an impressive rise under Seema’s leadership, with the team currently in fourth place. However, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, a seasoned Brazilian coach, is also in the mix, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Kaizer Chiefs.
The Paris 2024 Olympics flame was born in Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of a journey across 64 French territories. The flame carries a message of unity and hope, building on the legacy of previous Olympics and achieving gender parity. The upcoming Paris Olympics promise to be youthful, inclusive, urban, and sustainable, inspired by the Olympic Agenda reforms. The flame represents the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games and the harmonious coexistence of fierce competition and peaceful coexistence.
Annual Survey by the Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate: A Path towards Improvement
The Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate is launching its annual Customer Satisfaction Survey from April to June 2024. The survey aims to assess the happiness of Cape Town’s inhabitants and businesses regarding the city’s water and sanitation services. It covers both official and unofficial residents and businesses, giving the City crucial feedback to understand citizens’ everyday experiences and improve service delivery. The City guarantees the highest level of confidentiality and hires an independent research agency to ensure integrity and promote a culture of joint governance. Participating in the survey is an opportunity for residents and businesses to shape the City’s future.