The Urban Mobility Awards in Cape Town celebrate the dedication and remarkable accomplishments of City staff who have devoted many years of their lives to the service of the city. Michael Ohlsson, one of the 105 staff members recognized at the event, started working for the Transport Department when he was just 19 years old and has now spent over 30 years contributing to the city’s growth and progress. The event was attended by notable figures in the city’s administration and celebrated the resilience, adaptability and dedication of longstanding members to the city’s success.
Emazulwini Restaurant in Cape Town has achieved global recognition for its delicious flavors, warmhearted service, and lively personality. The restaurant prioritizes locallysourced and sustainable ingredients, making it stand out in the food industry. Chef Mmabatho Molefe, the creative mind behind Emazulwini, has had an impressive journey in the gastronomic world, recognized as one of the World’s 50 Next Hospitality Pioneers for her innovation in Zuluinspired cuisine. Although the restaurant has closed its doors, there are hints of a potential comeback, and its recognition highlights the impact of local, sustainable, and personalityrich culinary establishments worldwide.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government initiative in South Africa that aims to create job opportunities for those who cannot enter the formal economy. Over the past 20 years, it has created more than 14 million job opportunities across different sectors, from early childhood development to community crime deterrence. The EPWP has transformed lives and communities, instigating positive change across the nation, and its success has even extended beyond South Africa’s borders. As the EPWP enters into its next phase, the government is committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery, boosting youth involvement, and fortifying skills development.
Deep Dive: Cape Town’s Battle Against Rising Crime and the High Risk Lives of Its Law Enforcement
Cape Town is facing an escalating crisis as law enforcement officials become victims of the very crime they fight against. Three personnel from the South Africa Police Service were violently assaulted in just one week, highlighting the rising audacity of criminals in the region. The incidents emphasize the need for society to support the police force in their mission to reestablish peace and order. The relentless violence has spurred SAPS into action, pledging to mobilize all resources to track down perpetrators.
Revealing Hidden Misconduct in South Africa’s Prestigious Boys’ Schools: A Documentary Insight
School Ties, a new documentary series set to air on MNet, exposes the sexual misconduct and grooming that has been hidden within South Africa’s prestigious boys’ schools for far too long. The series sheds light on the culture of silence that has allowed these predators to continue their crimes and aims to answer crucial questions on the measures in place to curb them. School Ties serves as an urgent call for action and a beacon of hope for victims who have been silenced for far too long.
The highlight of the event was a surprise reunion performance by the Spice Girls, sparking rumors of a possible reunion in 2024. Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday party was a starstudded affair held at Oswald’s in London. The intimate celebration was attended by Alist celebrities like Tom Cruise, Salma Hayek, and Gordon Ramsay. Victoria shared Instagram posts featuring her family, showcasing her love for them on this momentous occasion.
The deviation from established protocols in the financial aid appeal orchestrated by Major General Eric Mnisi, the SANDF’s Head of Legal Service, without informing the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, has created significant financial implications for the Department of Defence. This has raised questions about Mnisi’s conduct and protocol adherence, and the situation has caused a disturbance in the power corridors as exSpeaker Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula seeks financial assistance to cover her legal costs while facing corruption charges.
Dr Motsoko Pheko was a champion for justice and freedom, celebrated for his contributions as a Member of Parliament in challenging colonial narratives and promoting African perspectives. His legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to pursuing justice and the rights of the dispossessed and landless. The South African Parliament recently mourned his passing, recognizing his unwavering dedication to the nation and its citizens. As parliamentarians continue to carry the beacon of justice, Dr Pheko’s legacy serves as a reminder of the steadfast commitment required to advocate for equality and freedom.
The top ten stories from a notable week in Cape Town, South Africa are explored, featuring a friendly hippopotamus exploring the city, severe rainfall in the United Arab Emirates, a terrorism alert, an electricity scam, a heartwarming story of an elderly couple, the lowest property rates, giant Pepsi cans, institutional controversies, excessive spending, and a landmark achievement for Cape Town International Airport. These narratives paint a vivid picture of Cape Town’s lively spirit and reflect on the city’s dynamic society and our role within it.
The DHL Stormers suffered a disappointing defeat against Ospreys, which left their playoff prospects in doubt. Head coach John Dobson expressed deep disappointment with the team’s lack of tactical discipline and risky plays. However, he remains confident that the team will improve and make a comeback in their next match against Leinster, despite the intense pressure they face. The Stormers will need to focus on moving forward down the center of the field and avoid risky plays if they want to secure a win.
Cape Town is facing a growing extortion problem that affects various sectors of the city, including business centers, public transportation networks, and service delivery contractors. To combat the issue, the City of Cape Town has introduced initiatives such as offering a reward to those who provide information leading to the capture of extortionists and launching public awareness campaigns. However, the fight against extortion is an uphill battle, and the city needs the collective efforts of its residents, authorities, and the broader South African community to restore safety and prosperity to the city.
Law enforcement agencies in South Africa intercepted a drug courier from Eastern Cape en route to Cape Town and seized R2 million worth of mandrax, an illegal synthetic drug. A hidden compartment in the vehicle’s rear contained 50,000 packets of the drug, highlighting the pervasive infiltration of the illegal drug trade. The operation showcased the exceptional coordination among the Hawks, SANEB, and Crime Intelligence’s Counter Narcotics and Gangs, and the impact of their dedicated efforts in disrupting drug supply chains.
“Lighting the Path Forward: The EPWP’s Significant Role in Job Creation and Essential Service Provision”
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in South Africa creates shortterm job opportunities and delivers essential services, such as sanitation and infrastructure projects. It has positively impacted the lives of those who were previously jobless and provides a consistent income stream to sustain their families. The program also focuses on skill development and transitioning workers into permanent positions within the program. The EPWP has been instrumental in empowering and transforming individuals, demonstrating the city’s dedication towards creating jobs and preserving livelihoods.
The prestigious reputation of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been tarnished by a controversy involving an associate professor and an alleged act of arson. While two investigations failed to link the professor to the fire, a former head of UCT’s Social Development Department accused the university of shielding him, leading to calls for a new investigation by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The allegations continue to attract significant public attention, and the final resolution remains uncertain.
South Africa and China have a thriving partnership that has developed over the past 25 years, resulting in significant economic growth and the creation of over 400,000 jobs in South Africa. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is part of a wider 10year Strategic Programme of Cooperation that emphasizes socioeconomic enhancement and shared growth. These vibrant trade relations address poverty, inequality, and unemployment, promoting engaged citizenship and social contracts aimed at achieving development objectives. South Africa celebrates three decades of democracy and freedom, promoting a shared vision for quality growth.
Cape Town is taking a practical approach to urban mobility by prioritizing the repair and upkeep of existing infrastructure, enhancing public transportation services, and alleviating traffic congestion. The city has allocated over R3.5 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, with a focus on the MyCiTi bus service, road maintenance, and nonmotorized transport options. The budget aims to ensure timely, safe, and economical mobility for residents, making it an excellent model for other cities to follow.