The Sony World Photography Awards 2023 recently honoured visual storyteller LeeAnn Olwage with the firstplace award in the professional creative category for her photography series, The Right to Play. Olwage’s work creatively explores the transformative impact of education and empowerment on young girls, using photography as a powerful tool for cocreation and celebration.
Gerda Steyn has once again proven herself as one of the greatest longdistance runners ever by winning the Women’s Two Oceans marathon for the fourth consecutive time. Her impressive victory saw her finish the race in 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 6 seconds, placing her 12 minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. This performance earned her first prize of R500 000, a new record incentive, and the use of a KIA car for twelve months.
In a world where animals are sometimes oppressed, it is heartening to see that there are still people willing to put themselves on the line to help them. For example, in Woodstock, Cape Town, a dog was found chained and padlocked so tightly to a fence that he could barely move. Fortunately, Constable Rubashnee Naicker of the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, her colleagues, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA were on hand to rescue the animal and bring the perpetrator to justice.
As we bid farewell to summer and welcome the colder months, South Africans look forward to spending more cozy nights in front of their screens. Fortunately, Showmax has created an exciting lineup of local content to keep viewers entertained throughout April. From heartwarming children’s series to thrilling action movies and gripping telenovelas, Showmax has something for everyone.
Ayanda ka Nobakabona, a playwright from the Zwelitsha informal settlement in Cape Town, has won multiple awards at the prestigious Zabalaza Theatre Festival for his play, “Tiro’s Toughloop Testimony.” The play, based on the life of antiapartheid activist Onkgopotse Tiro, earned awards for Best Script, Best Actor, and the Finest of the Festival award, shared with “Oorwinnings Reis” and “Lamentations.” Ka Nobakabona’s work is a moving testimony to the power of art to educate and preserve history.
South Africa faces a severe social housing crisis, with many people living in inadequate and overcrowded conditions. **Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed**, a recent Ph.D. graduate from Stellenbosch University, has developed a solution to this problem. His innovative woodplastic composite material combines invasive Port Jackson trees with recycled lowgrade plastic waste to create affordable and sustainable housing.
Cape Town is a city of contrasts, where the urban landscape meets the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and sea. It’s no wonder that the city’s farmers’ markets are such a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. From the lush valleys of Elgin to the historic wine estate of Stellenbosch, there is no shortage of markets to explore and discover.
Cape Town is a city that is renowned for its beauty and cultural diversity. But, regarding wine culture, the region is no less than a paradise for wine lovers. The Cape Winelands boasts some of the world’s most delicious wines that have caught the attention of wine enthusiasts from across the globe. Winetasting tours are a popular activity that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s wine culture and explore the stunning vineyards.
South African chef Hylton Espey has been making waves in the culinary world through his restaurant, Culture, in Falmouth, UK. The prestigious Michelin Green Star award has recently recognized Espey’s commitment to ethical and environmentally sustainable dining. ### A South African Influence
The fifth annual Investment Conference in South Africa, recently held in Johannesburg, has been a resounding success. The gathering, aimed at promoting investment in the country, attracted investors from both South Africa and other parts of the world. Some leading industries that received investment commitments included mining and mineral beneficiation, the energy sector, industrial sector, advanced materials, chemicals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, infrastructure development, logistics, and social housing. With these sectors receiving significant investment commitments, the conference achieved its target of R1.2 trillion investments.
South Africa is a land of diversity and one of the most exciting destinations for tourists. The country boasts of spectacular natural landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most colorful and vibrant areas in South Africa is the BoKaap area in Cape Town. The area is known for its brightly painted houses, rich history, and unique culture. However, recent incidents of robbery targeting tourists in the area have raised concerns about tourist safety.
The world of celebrities has always been associated with promoting different diet trends, and lately, the “one meal a day” diet (Omad) has been gaining popularity among them. Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin are among those who follow it to manage their weight and stay fit. Omad is a form of extreme fasting diet, where a person consumes all their daily calorie intake in a single, large meal. Although there is limited research on its effects on the human body, claims about its benefits are primarily anecdotal.
Dr. Maye Musk, an accomplished and respected figure in the field of nutrition and wellness, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Free State (UFS). The UFS recognized Dr Musk for her outstanding contribution to the field of nutrition and dietetics, as well as her lifetime accomplishments that have benefited communities and humanity in general. Dr. Musk’s passion for nutrition and empowerment has made a significant impact in the field, and the UFS is proud to have her as an alumna.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has recently announced its plans to allocate over R76 million towards improving security measures in all schools across the province in the 2023/24 financial year budget. This budget, which includes significant infrastructure investment, teacher training programmes, and support plans amounting to R29.55 billion, is a major step towards creating a safer learning environment for students.
Cape Town is a city that boasts a unique and diverse range of attractions, making it a fascinating and alluring destination for tourists from all over the world. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance, Cape Town is a city that offers an unforgettable experience.
Streaming giant Netflix has pledged to inject R929 million into the South African creative industry, recognizing the potential of the country’s TV and film sector. Madeleine de Cock Buning, Netflix Vice President for Public Policy EMEA, views South Africa as an untapped opportunity for the company, having already created 7,000 jobs in the country. According to Buning, the TV and film industry has a significant impact on economic growth and jobs, playing a crucial role in the African economy.