Cape Town’s Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Plan is a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the city with a massive investment of R39.5 billion towards infrastructure development. The project is estimated to generate 130,000 constructionrelated jobs over three years, benefitting lowerincome households and rectifying socioeconomic disparities. Cape Town’s innovative funding approach blends financing from its balance sheet and local and international markets, positioning the city at the forefront of urban development initiatives in South Africa.
Media24, a major media conglomerate in South Africa, has shut down five of its newspapers due to a decline in circulation and advertisement revenues, reflecting the impact of the digital revolution on traditional print media. This move is expected to cause significant job losses and highlights the sociocultural implications of the shift to digital media, which could leave out a significant number of South Africans who don’t have access to electronic media due to technical or economic barriers. The future of print media in South Africa remains a pressing topic of conversation, as the switch carries a considerable human cost that shouldn’t be neglected.
Netflix is considering launching a free version of its services in select international markets, aimed at expanding viewership in Asia and Europe and addressing the challenge of expanding its advertising portfolio. The idea was previously tested in Kenya in 2023. The move could bridge the gap with potential subscribers who find the subscription fee costly and offer an accessible entry point, while also expanding Netflix’s advertising landscape. Netflix’s rapid adaptability to changing market conditions, reflected in its introduction of an adsupported tier, suggests the potential for another landmark in the company’s trajectory.
V&A Waterfront in South Africa is embracing renewable energy by aiming to use 70% of it in five years through a power purchase agreement with Etana Energy. The company also plans to install rooftop solar panels to increase renewable energy to almost 80%. The goal is to be netzero carbon emissions by 2035, with significant progress already made in reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and waste. The waterfront’s sustainability strategy involves everyone, including tenants, residents, staff, and visitors, and serves as an example for others to follow.
Bob van Dijk, the Dutchborn exCEO of Naspers and Prosus, earned an impressive R333 million ($18.269 million) during his tenure, including base salary, bonuses, performance share units, and share options. After leaving, he entered a sixmonth consultancy agreement that added another R2.2 million to his income per month. Van Dijk’s leadership saw Naspers’ journey through shifts in the media landscape and towards digitalization. Recently, Naspers and its subsidiary Media24 announced the closure of five newspapers, marking a significant change in the industry.
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has suspended an engineer who supervised the construction of the collapsed George building to prevent any danger to public health and safety. The suspension will remain in place until any accusations against the individual are resolved. ECSA has set strict requirements for the projects involved, including the provision of draft design and asbuilt drawings, an independent engineer’s report, and a registered individual with ten years of experience and no previous involvement in the project. ECSA’s swift action showcases their dedication to public safety and professional responsibility.
South Africa has launched the National Free Basic Electricity initiative, which provides eligible households with free electricity vouchers up to a limit of 5060 kWh per month. Local municipalities will reimburse Eskom, the principal electricity provider in South Africa, for the cost of the initiative. The program aims to reduce the financial burden of basic municipal services for indigent households, promoting energy inclusivity and equity in South Africa. This initiative is a significant breakthrough for South Africa’s energy landscape, offering essential energy to those in need and paving the way for other countries to tackle similar challenges.
South African media company Media24 is set to close four print publications, including Beeld, City Press, Daily Sun and Rapport, and focus on digitalonly brands. The move, which is in line with a global trend of print media struggling to stay relevant in the digital age, could result in up to 800 job losses. Media24’s Chief Executive Ishmet Davidson said the company had been impacted by falling circulation and advertising figures as well as rising fixed distribution costs.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) presents a promising solution for the improvement of South Africa’s informal settlements, which have been plagued by policy confusion and administrative red tape. EPWP workers, often residents of the communities they serve, could manage intricate relationships necessary for upgrading informal settlements and repair strained relationships between informal communities and their municipal governments. To fully harness the potential of the EPWP, changes such as lengthening the employment limit and creating pathways for workers to transition into municipal human settlement departments are necessary, which could become an emergency lifeline for stalled housing and upgrading projects.
South Africa is expecting another reduction in petrol prices in July, with a predicted drop of over R1 per litre for petrol and a decline of between 48 and 55 cents per litre for diesel. The decrease is due to an anticipated decline in economic activity in developed markets, the cost of oil falling to $82 per barrel, and signs of minor weakening in the rand due to political instability. However, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and an increase in driving activity during the summer season may cause fuel prices to bounce back.
Real estate agents play a vital role in South African property transactions, managing how potential buyers view a property, determining an accurate price, and creating persuasive listing materials. They navigate negotiations, legal compliance, and manage time and stress associated with selling a home. Their expertise guarantees not just a higher sale price but a smoother and quicker transaction as well. In the challenging landscape of the South African property market, having a knowledgeable agent is essential.
King Price Insurance has analysed data to determine the ten car brands and models that have recorded the fewest hijackings in South Africa, including the Audi Q3, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Almera, Nissan Magnite, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Vitara and Renault Clio. The preference for vehicles with sturdy engines that can endure the rigours of African roads is also a factor in preventing car hijackings in the country. However, the same factors that make certain cars a prime target also shield others from theft and hijacking.
Media24, a major media corporation in South Africa, plans to stop the production of four wellknown newspapers, including City Press, Rapport, Beeld, and Daily Sun, from October 2024. The decision comes as print media faces challenges such as rising distribution costs, falling advertising revenue, and a shift in readers’ preferences towards digital news platforms. While Media24 has not confirmed if it will create distinct online brands for the newspapers, it follows a broader trend of declining newspaper and magazine circulation figures across South Africa and highlights the growing importance of digital news consumption.
The city of Cape Town has given the green light for the formation of two new City Improvement Districts (CIDs) Eastlake Island and Newlands which will enhance urban services for residents and complement municipal services. CIDs are formed by communities themselves and are funded through extra property rates. The newly established CIDs have the potential to act as a benchmark for other communities and inspire a domino effect of urban development across Cape Town.
Cape Town is preparing for its final property auction, featuring a variety of residential and commercial properties across prime locations within the city. The auction aims to stimulate economic progress and create job opportunities, with a blend of commercial, residential, social good, and educational premises available. The auction is part of Cape Town’s intelligent real estate strategy to extract the highest economic and social value from its assets, and participants can visit HighStreetAuctions.com or contact the Property Transactions Department for more information on participating.
Major changes are coming to the M3 route in Newlands, Cape Town, to ease traffic congestion and improve urban mobility. The enhancements will involve closing certain intersections and establishing median terminations, alongside new rightturn and freeflow lanes. These changes are set to begin in early 2026, and are expected to improve daily commutes and make them safer for commuters. The City of Cape Town is committed to enhancing urban mobility, and these changes signal a new era of streamlined commuting in the city.