Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.
Two dramatic mountain rescues unfolded in the Western Cape on a scorching afternoon. First, an elderly British hiker suffered severe heatstroke on “The Oven” trail and was airlifted to safety. Soon after, a young engineer broke his ankle in the treacherous Witels Canyon, requiring a daring winch rescue. These events highlight how extreme heat and more visitors are making mountain rescues more common, stressing the need for preparation and quick responses.
Shanice Rudolph, a 23yearold pregnant woman, vanished after a quick trip to the corner shop and was found buried in Klip Road Cemetery. She and her unborn son tragically died from brutal bluntforce trauma, likely from a concrete rod. “Oom Boeta,” a backyard mechanic known to her family, has been arrested in connection with this heartbreaking double murder. This case has ignited fury, with activists demanding justice and stronger laws against violence towards pregnant women.
Get ready for an explosive football showdown! The fanchosen Carling AllStars, packed with top players from Chiefs and Sundowns, are set to battle the Orlando Pirates. But wait, the Pirates team is full of young, hungry players because their stars are away. This means it’s a clash of experienced legends against a wave of fresh, fearless talent. Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will roar as these teams fight for glory on December 13th!
African ministers met for breakfast, but it was no ordinary meal. They turned a simple pastry table into a warroom, fighting for Africa’s climate future. They need a lot more money for climate projects, about $50 billion each year. The ministers found $27 billion worth of projects that are ready to go, like green bonds and special funds. These projects aim to fix big problems like floods and droughts, proving that climate action is also about saving money and lives, not just the planet.
The Bafana Bafana No. 10 jersey is super special, not just a number on a shirt. It’s like a family treasure, passed down from legendary players, showing South Africa’s football heart. Recently, a young player, Mohau Nkota, wore it for a short time and then humbly gave it back to its usual owner, Relebohile Mofokeng. This simple act made everyone feel good and showed that being humble and working together is really important, more than any rules. This story proves that the jersey is more than just clothes; it carries history, respect, and the hopes of a whole nation.
Strand is building a massive R620million wall along Beach Road to fight the ocean. This isn’t just a wall; it’s a smart, living fortress with giant concrete blocks called dolosse that tame waves and even create homes for sea creatures like mussels. The project is a dance between big machines, clever engineers, and the wild sea, transforming the coast into a safe and beautiful place that even hums like a giant instrument. It’s a huge effort to protect the land, and it’s even bringing new life and fun to the beach.
Coach Hugo Broos is super angry! He’s fed up with players being late and making excuses. A player missed his flight, and the club tried to trick the coach. Broos said no more! He wants everyone on time and disciplined, even if it means losing. This tough stance is changing the team, making sure everyone respects the rules, or they’ll be left behind.
The US and South Africa are in a big fight over trade! South Africa might lose its special trade perks, which means its cars and farm goods could get hit with huge taxes. This all started because the US didn’t like South Africa’s friendship with Russia. Thousands of jobs are on the line, and the future of South Africa’s economy hangs in the balance.
Cape Town is buzzing with young, creative power! Undergraduate designers and artists are turning everyday city life and problems into amazing, awardwinning projects. They use local stories, art from shipping containers, and even everyday items to create fresh, unique designs that stand out on global stages. This exciting surge is putting Cape Town’s special “flavour” onto the world map, showing that creativity can bloom anywhere.
Pitso Mosimane, a legendary football coach, no longer chases jobs. Instead, clubs must impress him! He has strict rules: young, talented players, full control of the team, a good chance to win big trophies, and even a nearby international school for his kids. He waits for clubs to beg him, not the other way around, changing how coaches get hired in Africa.
Get ready for a big change at Strand Beach! From December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026, a part of the beach, between the municipal pool and Norman Road, will be closed. This is because workers will be building a huge wall to protect the coast from strong waves and rising sea levels for the next 30 years. So, while a piece of your favorite beach will be closed for a short time, it’s for a very important reason: to keep the beach safe and beautiful for many years to come!
South Africa is getting its railway system back on track with a smart move! A private company, Traxtion, bought 46 old diesel trains from New Zealand. These trains are special because they fit South Africa’s old tracks perfectly and can easily cross borders. This helps deliver goods faster and cheaper, boosting trade and making everyone happy, from farmers to big companies.
Cape Town is doing a massive underground makeover, replacing 49 kilometers of old water and sewer pipes with super strong new ones. Imagine tiny workers deep below your feet, battling old pipes and making everything fresh. This huge project, costing R589.5 million, means better water pressure, fewer leaks, and a super reliable system for everyone. It’s like the city is getting brand new veins and arteries, quietly making life better for everyone above ground.
Cape Town is turning a sleepy lagoon into a giant water hospital! They are using a huge machine called “Mvezo” to suck out 40 years of yucky mud. This will stop bad algae and make the water clean and fun again. This big cleaning project is a bold step to heal the lagoon, showing other cities how to fix their water problems too.
Matthew Gruter, a South African engineer, landed at OR Tambo after being deported from Australia for a farright rally. He was met by counterterrorism officials and reporters, his face plastered across news. With no home, he listed a Postnet mailbox as his address. His career is now in ruins, facing blacklisting and intense scrutiny, while his family navigates a life turned upside down by a brief, hateful act.
Cape Town is changing how it keeps people safe with 420 special officers. These officers don’t just enforce laws; they also help people and connect them with social services. They use cool technology and talk to the community to solve problems like crime and broken things. It’s like a new way to make the city better, using smart ideas and local helpers.