BazArt’s International Public Art Festival in Cape Town uses art as a tool for placemaking, converting neglected public areas into vibrant community centers. By promoting safety, economic progress, and cultural interchange, each venue becomes a beacon of transformation and community involvement. BazArt’s initiatives have proven that public art and placemaking ignite social interaction, improve urban safety, and instigate economic growth, serving as powerful instruments for community development and social reform. Through the power of art, BazArt is not only transforming Cape Town but also shaping the future one brushstroke at a time.
The Western Cape experienced a historic surge in tourism in December, welcoming over 400,000 visitors, according to Wesgro. Cape Town, home to attractions like Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, saw a significant increase in visitors, with Table Mountain National Park experiencing a 21.9% growth in comparison to the previous year. The spike in tourism proved to be a windfall for the province’s economy, with Cape Town International Airport breaking previous records, processing an astounding 317,000 twoway international passengers.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is eyeing an expansion into Africa following South African MMA fighter Dricus Du Plessis’s historic victory at UFC 297. UFC president Dana White has expressed a keen interest in organizing a fight in South Africa, Nigeria, or Rwanda later this year. This development could mark a fresh epoch in the sport’s annals, already brimming with narratives of determination, resilience, and victory.
The Lady Day Big Band, an allfemale professional big band, is launching their debut album ‘Livus’umoya’ in Cape Town, South Africa. The band showcases the skills of female musicians, nurtures emerging talent, and disrupts traditional norms in the maledominated jazz scene. The album is a reflection of the musicians’ growth and confidence, with over half of the compositions written by band members. The launch promises to be an unforgettable night of astounding music and a tribute to South African music, showcasing the enchantment of The Lady Day Big Band.
Kandis Starr, an American psychic, claims to have communicated with the spirits of deceased South African rappers AKA and Costa Titch, revealing startling details about their murders. Despite skepticism about psychic communication, Starr’s sessions offer comfort and closure to grieving families and admirers. The sessions also shed eerie new light on the ongoing murder investigations, with cryptic messages hinting at the identities and motives of the suspected killers. Starr’s revelations include a heartfelt message for AKA’s mourning mother, Lynn, and an assertion of poisoning by someone close in Costa Titch’s case.
The need for global governance reform was highlighted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 19th NonAligned Movement Summit in Uganda. He also revealed his aspirations for the movement, including selfdetermination rights for Palestine and Western Sahara, eliminating economic blockades and sanctions against certain countries, and adhering to UN Charter in peacefully resolving conflicts. Ramaphosa implored the NonAligned Movement to collaborate, enhance commitment towards development, peace, security, and human rights, and embody the principle of solidarity.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is objecting to the sale of Nelson Mandela’s personal possessions due to their cultural significance to South Africa’s national heritage. As an integral part of the country’s cultural identity, Mandela’s life achievements and experiences continue to inspire future generations. The legal battle highlights the conflict between cultural preservation and commercial exploitation, and the outcome could potentially create a benchmark for future cases where cultural heritage clashes with business interests. The struggle is a fight for national pride, heritage, and the enduring legacy of a man who revolutionized a nation.
Discover the hidden gems of the Western Cape in South Africa, from the vineyards of Stellenbosch to the rugged wilderness of the Cederberg Mountains. Stay at The Flower Farm in Stellenbosch for a modern, natureinspired retreat, or head to Tulbagh for a unique geodome experience with stunning mountain views at The Sunset Dome. For an adventure in the wild, visit Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Cederberg Mountains, where modern comforts blend seamlessly with untamed beauty. Unearth the treasures of the Western Cape and ignite your sense of adventure.
“Pulling the Threads: A Comprehensive Investigation into Cape Town’s Underbelly of Corruption”
Cape Town is embroiled in a scandal involving alleged collusion between a highranking city official and the construction mafia and the criminal underworld. Investigations have uncovered corruption within the directorate, with officials manipulated by criminal syndicates. The city is committed to eradicating corruption and restoring public faith in its governance structures through impartial and fearless confrontation of misdeeds.
Cape Town’s historical attractions offer an enlightening perspective on the past while shedding light on the present. The Robben Island Museum is a mustvisit landmark, showcasing Nelson Mandela’s life during apartheid. BoKaap Museum pays homage to the local Islamic culture, while the Iziko Slave Lodge offers a stark reminder of South Africa’s shameful slavery history. The Castle of Good Hope takes visitors back to South Africa’s colonial past, and the District Six Museum honors the displaced community during apartheid. These attractions are storytellers that narrate tales of resilience, survival, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Cape Town’s Franschhoek Pass is at risk of being shut down due to irresponsible road use, endangering its natural beauty. The Western Cape offers affordable getaways and bioluminescent waves at Muizenberg. Tourists are warned of credit card scams, and Sanlam takes a zerotolerance approach to employee misconduct. Wise holiday strategies can help maximize annual leave, while foodies should explore Kloof Street’s culinary scene. Cape Town is a city full of diverse stories and experiences that continue to unfold in 2024.
A Strategic Showdown: DHL Stormers Triumph Over Stade Francais to Secure Home Champions Cup Playoff
The DHL Stormers defeated Stade Francais in a thrilling 2420 bonuspoint victory in Paris. The match was filled with strategic maneuvers and intense emotions from both teams. The introduction of the “Bomb Squad,” Hendre Stassen’s inaugural try for the Stormers, and Deon Fourie’s leadership were instrumental to their success, securing their place in the Champions Cup last16 for the second consecutive season. The game will be remembered for the Stormers’ tenacity and strategic brilliance, serving as a reminder of the thrilling rhythms of rugby.
DarkFest is an amazing event for mountain bikers who love daring jumps and stunts. It happens every year and features a unique group of riders from around the world. The event takes place from February 3rd to February 10th at the Hellsend Dirt Compound at Vuurberg Farm near Stellenbosch. Tickets are available for purchase, and fans can upgrade to the DarkFest Athlete Zone to interact with their favorite riders. Safety is a top priority, so stay tuned for updates in case of any weather changes.
In a constantly changing political climate in South Africa, a new ray of hope has emerged in the form of Rise Mzansi. The Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria bore witness to a significant moment as Songezo Zibi, the leader of Rise Mzansi, unveiled the party’s election manifesto. This event marked a crucial turning point in the nation’s journey towards democracy, embodying an ethos of transformation and progress.
South African fighter Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis won the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 297 after a grueling fiveround confrontation against Sean Strickland. Du Plessis emerged victorious with a score of 4847, marking an immaculate 60 commencement to his UFC journey. His rapid ascension to the championship in just over three years is a testament to his relentless quest for glory and serves as an inspiring beacon for fighters around the world.
South African company AskCarlaKote has secured a deal to export chicken feet to China, worth R300 million, creating around 3,000 new jobs and delivering 540 tonnes of chicken feet per month. The partnership between Wesgro, Standard Bank, and femaleled poultry farms in Western Cape and Mpumalanga provinces will revolutionize the South African poultry industry and provide a significant boost to the employment sector. Chicken feet make up 50% of China’s yearly chicken imports, and this deal indicates South Africa’s potential as a key exporter and a significant step towards enhanced economic integration between South Africa and China.