As we approach the Easter long weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a message to the nation, urging South Africans to celebrate the occasion with consideration for those affected by recent natural disasters and violent crime. In his statement, the President emphasized the importance of familycentered activities and prayerful devotion during this time.
In the past few months, Cape Town has experienced two separate incidents involving the shooting of city officials, which have caused widespread concern regarding the safety of those working in essential service delivery in the city. ## The First Incident
In March of 2023, Jean Tresfon, a renowned marine conservationist photographer captured an extraordinary moment at Struisbaai Main Beach. The event was the successful release of Dané, a female raggedtooth shark by the Two Oceans Aquarium. The release of Dané was a significant milestone for the conservation efforts of the Aquarium and highlights the importance of protecting marine life.
Three members of a notorious gang that terrorized people in three areas of South Africa have recently been found guilty and given a total of 705 years in jail. The three criminals, Calvin Congo Mabunda, Sibusiso Shamase Mkhwanazi, and Bhova Sticks Nkuna, were given their sentences by the South Gauteng High Court. They were found guilty on 19 charges, including murder, robbery, assault, attempted murder, possession of guns, ammo, and kidnapping.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has been embroiled in a series of legal battles since early 2021, with the rail agency relying heavily on the services of the law firm De Swardt Myambo Hlahla Attorneys. However, concerns have been raised over PRASA’s procurement practices, with the National Treasury warning that the agency may have violated procurement regulations by using De Swardt, which is not on its legal panel.
A beach is a place of fun and relaxation for many of us, but it can also be dangerous. That is why the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in South Africa is an essential organization that provides lifeguard services to beaches and inland dams nationwide. These lifeguards are highly skilled and dedicated professionals trained to prevent drownings and accidents and perform rescues when necessary. In this article, we will take a closer look at the daily routine of an NSRI lifeguard.
South Africa’s criminal justice system is failing victims of sexual offenses, and this problem is even more pronounced in schools. Sexual bullying in schools is a pressing issue that demands proactive measures to ensure that all learners are safe and free to learn. AfriForum has taken up the challenge, launching an antibully campaign aimed at providing resources and support for schools, educators, parents, and students.
Reeva Steenkamp was a talented and accomplished South African model and paralegal. She had a promising career in the fashion industry and was widely recognized for her beauty and intelligence. Her sudden and tragic death on Valentine’s Day in 2013 shocked the world and left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and fans.
Eskom, South Africa’s stateowned electricity company, is facing significant challenges in supplying electricity to the country. The company has projected that the government will face load shedding every week for the next year due to a worstcase scenario expected to exceed 17,000 MW of planned and unplanned outages.
Ashley Oosthuizen, a 24yearold woman from South Africa, is currently serving a prison sentence in Thailand for drug trafficking. Despite her predicament, she bravely wrote a letter detailing the experiences of female inmates in the Thai prison where she is incarcerated.
On April 5, South African fuel prices will see some changes. According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, diesel prices will decrease by over 73 cents per liter. At the same time, 93 unleaded petrol will see a marginal 1cent decrease and 95 unleaded gasoline will increase by 2 cents.
Cape Town, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, faces a significant threat to its urban forest. The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), an invasive beetle from Southeast Asia, has been infesting trees in certain areas throughout the City. The beetle is known for its ability to rapidly invade a range of tree species, leading to branch dieback, gumming, and, ultimately, the host tree’s death. The PSHB is a global problem, and the City of Cape Town has responded with a list of recommended trees to help mitigate its impact.
This proposal is familiar, brought up by a collective of civil society organizations. The City of Cape Town has been calling for the release of underutilized military land for at least a decade. But, according to the organizations, the housing crisis is so severe that the failure to develop social housing at Wingfield, Youngsfield, and Ysterplaat is “perhaps the most shocking failure” of intergovernmental collaboration.
The rugby world is mourning the loss of one of its most legendary figures, Ian McIntosh. He was fondly viewed as the ‘Godfather’ of Sharks Rugby, having coached Natal during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Under his guidance, Natal won their first Currie Cup championship in 1990, and McIntosh ultimately went on to oversee four Currie Cup victories as the team’s coach. He also coached the Sharks to two Super 12 finals.
With its mosaic, Succulent Karoo landscape, the Little Karoo region is a haven for biodiversity. It is home to various wildlife, from native wild species like aardvark, aardwolf, and honey badger to reintroduced and nonnative game species like giraffe and nyala. Every year, researchers from the Cape Leopard Trust Research (CLT) conduct a largescale survey of the region to monitor the status of the local fauna, with a particular focus on the elusive leopard population. The survey provides valuable insights into the region’s biodiversity and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
Cricket is a game that has captured hearts and minds for centuries, enchanting us with its beauty and grace. Its gentle rhythm and elegant movements are a testament to the skill and artistry of those who play the game. From the sundrenched fields of the West Indies to the misty grounds of England, cricket has brought joy to millions around the world.
