Cape Town is predicted to become Africa’s wealthiest city by 2030, according to the African Wealth Report. Driven by internal migration of highnetworth individuals and an influx of retirees, the city is already home to the secondhighest number of millionaires in Africa, and its picturesque landscapes and attractive suburbs make it a center for wealth in the region. Corporate giants are also planning to move their offices to Cape Town in the upcoming decade, contributing to its economic expansion.
The City of Cape Town is welcoming 19 recent graduates to its Infrastructure Skills Development Grant Programme, chosen from a staggering 3,035 applications. The diverse group possesses critical qualifications in infrastructure development fields and hails from various locales within the metro region and beyond. They will acquire invaluable onthejob experience working on infrastructure projects and contribute to the city’s training capability and nurture a skilled set of professionals proficient in areas experiencing a talent shortage.
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.
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.
The launch of the Ikhala TVET College’s engineering campus is a major milestone for South Africa’s education system. The government invested R221m to expand the country’s educational infrastructure and provide opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. The campus will also offer workplace training through partnerships with local businesses and municipalities. The inauguration marks a new chapter in education and a bright future for young individuals in the Joe Gqabi district.
The Bellville CBD Makeover is a revitalization project in Cape Town, South Africa, with the goal of improving the infrastructure and facilities in the CBD, particularly Kruskal Avenue. After delays, a new contractor is set to commence work in June, subject to weather conditions. The project aims to enhance the pedestrian environment, resolve traffic conflicts, and introduce new features like trees, irrigation systems, and benches. The city’s vision is to transform the district into an appealing destination for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Boity Thulo is a multitalented South African rapper, reality TV star, presenter, actress, and businesswoman who dominates the entertainment industry with her diversified ventures. Despite setbacks in her perfume business, Thulo continues to exhibit resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Her varied roles as a rapper, reality TV star, presenter, actress, and businesswoman, prove her unwavering spirit and determination, making her a paramount figure in the South African business milieu.
An Invitation to My Cape Town Market Atlantis: A Celebration of Artisan Culture and Entrepreneurship
My Cape Town Market Atlantis is a vibrant celebration of artisan culture and entrepreneurship, taking place on May 4th and 5th, 2024. Vendors can apply for trading bays online or by collecting paper application forms from various locations. The market offers a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents, generate revenue, and interact with customers, while also providing entertainment for all ages. Spaces are limited, so apply now to be a part of this exciting event!
Ernie Els is helping to transform KwaZuluNatal’s North Coast through his involvement in the Zimbali Lakes development. His collaboration with IFA Hotels & Resorts is not just about luxury and entertainment but also attracting investments and enhancing the North Coast’s image as a haven of opportunity. Els’ international appeal is set to entice significant overseas interest and investment in the region, making it a top destination for both local and international tourists. The partnership between Ernie Els and Zimbali Lakes reflects their dedication to excellence, innovation, and community involvement, promising a brighter future for the region.
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.
Cape Town: South Africa’s Premier Destination for Competitive Property Rates in 2024-2025
Cape Town is the best city for affordable property rates in South Africa, with rates 32% lower for commercial properties, 36% for industrial, and 28% for residential compared to its closest rival, Johannesburg. The city also offers investment incentives, a solid infrastructure, and a thriving environment for businesses and residents to grow and find opportunities. Cape Town is committed to transforming its infrastructure and becoming the most businessfriendly city in Africa, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs of all sizes.
The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project in Cape Town that empowers jobless women through ecoconscious skills training. The curriculum includes green building concepts, small to mediumsized enterprise development, and soft skills for the workplace. A unique aspect of the program is the use of alien invasive species for environmentally friendly building materials. The initiative equips women with skills to succeed in the growing green economy, benefiting the community as a whole.
The Business Retention and Expansion unit in Cape Town is transforming the city’s industrial landscape by placing businesses at the core of its strategy. Through proactive action teams, the unit leverages the power of multiple city departments to enhance economic resilience, promote energy security, alternative energy solutions, and transport infrastructure. The unit’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, such as prospering businesses, dynamic city districts, and a thriving economy. Through partnerships and proactive initiatives, Cape Town continues to attract investment and job creation, ensuring ongoing economic stability for the entire city.
“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.
Cape Town is leading the pack in South Africa’s urban development scene with an ambitious plan to invest R39.7bn in infrastructure over the next three years, generating 130,000 job opportunities and addressing socioeconomic inequalities by allocating R9bn for the city’s lowerincome households. This investment is 80% larger than the next urban contender and a whopping 98% larger than eThekwini, the third largest. This model of sustainable urban development is setting the standard for other cities to follow.
Taylor Swift’s UK tour has been hit by ticket fraud, with at least 3,000 fans being duped into buying fake tickets, resulting in over £1m being stolen from them, according to Lloyds Bank. The fraudulent schemes have shown a 158% increase from the previous year, with an average victim loss of £332. These scams mostly originate from Facebook, with unofficial groups offering tickets at bargain prices or claiming to sell entry to soldout events at exorbitant rates. Fans are advised to use official ticketing sites and to pay by credit or debit card for added security.