Route 62, the iconic 850km highway journey from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, is one of the world’s most exhilarating and scenic road trips. It offers a unique experience that takes visitors on a journey through time and space, winding through breathtaking landscapes and charming towns on and off the beaten path.
South Africa is currently facing a severe infestation of German cockroaches due to the rising temperatures and increasing humidity caused by climate change. CropLife, a nonprofit organization that represents manufacturers and suppliers of pesticides, has identified the usage of unregistered pesticides for indoor use and inadequate hygiene practices as the leading factors behind this outbreak.
The Oceans Mall, located in Umhlanga, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, has been making waves in the retail industry since its opening in November 2022. The mall, developed by businessman Vivian Reddy, has been called the “Dubai in Durban” and has been described as a “game changer” for KwaZuluNatal.
A recent development in Cape Town has shed light on the ongoing struggle of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness in the City. The City of Cape Town had applied to have a group of homeless individuals evicted from several public sites, including locations in the city center. However, the eviction hearing was delayed after the group, represented by the SocioEconomic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), filed a notice of intention to oppose the eviction. While disappointing for the City, the delay has opened up an opportunity for a larger conversation about the root causes of homelessness in Cape Town.
South Africa is currently facing a crisis of food price hikes that have caused widespread suffering among poor households. According to StatsSA, food prices have risen by 14% over the past year, resulting in millions of children and adults going hungry. This devastating crisis has prompted DA leader John Steenhuisen to urge President Ramaphosa and his cabinet to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Africa.
Fashion has always been a form of selfexpression, but the industry has been scrutinized for its environmental impact in recent years. However, in South Africa, a growing number of fashion brands are taking proactive steps toward sustainability and ethical production. From ecofriendly fabrics to upcycling materials, these brands are leading the way toward a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Cape Town has emerged as a leading global tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant atmosphere. The city has been nominated across nine categories for the World Travel Awards Africa Region 2023, which are considered the gold standard for the travel and tourism industry. These nominations bring global attention to the local destinations, attractions, and operators, and winning these accolades will attract more tourists to Cape Town, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the region.
Cape clawless otters are one of the most endearing creatures on South Africa’s coastlines. These shy, nocturnal, and diurnal animals, slightly larger than one might expect, are the largest freshwater species after the South American otter. Unfortunately, their population is slowly decreasing, and they were listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2014. However, their playful nature and endearing appearance make them a favorite among locals and tourists.
Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, has been in the spotlight for the past few years due to the severity of load shedding experienced in the region. However, the city is now set to become the first loadsheddingfree city in the country, thanks to the development of a solar PV and battery storage project near Somerset West.
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.
