Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away in January 2024 after a brave fight against prostate cancer. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and bravery, as he worked tirelessly to preserve and promote his father’s legacy as Chairman of The King Center. Despite his passing, Dexter’s influence continues to reverberate, inspiring generations to uphold the values he cherished.
Chicco Twala, a famous record producer in South Africa, is facing serious charges of assault and gunpointing which has caused a stir in the music industry. The case has been adjourned repeatedly and Twala has tried to get it thrown out. The next hearing is on 13 February, and Twala will once again be in the public eye. The case presents a complex narrative, highlighting the intersection of art, power, and law in South Africa.
Triumph in Academia: Prof. Anthony Figaji Secures Prestigious Wellcome Discovery Award
Prof. Anthony Figaji of the University of Cape Town has won the prestigious Wellcome Discovery Award for his groundbreaking work in promoting clinically relevant neuroscience research. The award is a grant to support pioneering research ideas across a wide array of disciplines. Prof. Figaji’s research project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disease mechanisms and the brain’s reaction to infections, with a strong emphasis on clinical application. This achievement serves as a testament to the potential for groundbreaking research and global contributions that can emerge from the African continent.
Pitso Mosimane is a renowned coach whose career has been linked with several football clubs in North Africa and the Middle East, including the Kaizer Chiefs. However, it’s rumored that Mosimane is on the verge of joining the Abha Club in the Saudi Arabian Pro League. This move presents him with a fantastic chance to ply his trade in the premier league of the Arabian nation, and Mosimane’s adaptability and leadership skills will be put to the sternest of tests in this new chapter of his career.
The Prolonged Deadline for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill: A Strategic Opportunity for Public Involvement
The deadline for written submissions for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been extended to February 15, 2024, to allow for greater public involvement in the democratic process. The Ad Hoc Committee overseeing the bill has emphasized the need for inclusivity and transparency, and public hearings have already begun in Musina, with more planned for Tzaneen and Lephalale on January 23 and 24, 2024. While the Committee is constricted by a tight deadline and cannot extend it further, interested parties are encouraged to make use of the current extension to contribute their opinions.
The University of KwaZuluNatal’s medical program is a soughtafter educational institution with over 12,000 applicants vying for 250 firstyear positions. The program’s quota system promotes diversity and inclusion within the healthcare sector, while partnerships with European institutions demonstrate the university’s global reach. Although UKZN faces challenges such as racial discrimination and high demand for limited spots, its achievements in academic milestones and cultural contributions are celebrated. Prospective students should be wary of scams and rely on official channels for updates, as UKZN balances aspirations with equity, excellence, and expansion.
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.