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Cape Town News
The importance of observing and bolstering International Humanitarian Law was emphasized at The 6th International Humanitarian Law Conference of The Commonwealth Red Cross and Red Crescent, in a world grappling with multidimensional obstacles. South Africa’s dedication to humanitarian diplomacy, peace, and security was highlighted, as well as the critical role of women in peace and security. The conference provided a platform to discuss the most egregious violations of IHL and underscored the importance of recognizing women as influential actors in cultivating sustainable peace and security. The event set the stage for future conferences and a collective sentiment of optimism.
Cape Town is transforming the 26hectare Strandfontein coastal node into a multipurpose urban precinct with residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. The project aims to promote economic opportunities, job creation, and urban inclusivity while preserving the natural environment. An open house meeting is scheduled for April 17th, 2024, to involve residents in the development process and gather their opinions on the environmental impact assessment. The goal is to establish Strandfontein as a superior coastal urban node, contributing to economic development and promoting roundtheyear usage by locals and tourists.
Cruise tourism has a significant impact on the Western Cape’s economy in South Africa, contributing around R1.2 billion in the last fiscal year and expected to bring more economic benefits with an influx of around 90,000 passengers and 38,000 crew members in the current year. The industry also creates job opportunities, with every 30 cruise passengers creating approximately one fulltime job. The geopolitical climate and return tourism are some of the factors driving traffic towards South African ports, such as Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal.
Muizenberg, a peaceful coastal district of South Africa, has recently been shaken by a surge of violence resulting in the unfortunate death of five people and injuries to four others. The violence included multiple shootings and driveby attacks, with a possible connection to gangrelated violence. The community is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to restore peace and safety to the once tranquil area.
The Western Cape High Court is preparing for two upcoming trials involving alleged underworld adversaries Nafiz Modack, Mark Lifman, and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. These trials will unveil the convoluted ties and obscure alliances within Cape Town’s criminal underworld and the involvement of a compromised law enforcement system. The trials will disclose the dark side of a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque beaches, exposing the harsh realities of the city’s criminal underworld.
Loowatt, a private toilet service in South Africa, charges R350 per month for its offering that includes maintenance. The service is spearheaded by Loowatt and Khanyisa Projects, and it promotes the production of locallymade toilets that bolster business growth and sustainability. Despite the positive progress, South Africa’s informal settlements still face a need for accessible, secure, and private home sanitation services that reflects an inhabitant’s aspiration for dignity and respect.
Cape Town is taking a practical approach to urban mobility by prioritizing the repair and upkeep of existing infrastructure, enhancing public transportation services, and alleviating traffic congestion. The city has allocated over R3.5 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, with a focus on the MyCiTi bus service, road maintenance, and nonmotorized transport options. The budget aims to ensure timely, safe, and economical mobility for residents, making it an excellent model for other cities to follow.
City law enforcement agencies had an outstanding April 2024, confiscating 14 firearms and removing two imitation firearms from circulation. Their visible and proactive patrols in several regions led to the recovery of five firearms and six arrests. Joint efforts with SAPS resulted in a proposed Joint Operations Centre to introduce more efficient and impactful intervention methods in gang hotspots. The City’s agencies also made 336 arrests and issued 54,166 fines for various offenses throughout the week, showcasing their dedication to ensuring safety and maintaining order.
Cape Town has launched Jobs Connect, a recruitment platform that aims to connect job seekers with potential employers in the city. The service offers work readiness training and a digital evaluation of numeracy and literacy skills, and has already attracted over 100,000 users. The initiative has been earmarked for a significant R5.5m budget, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of job hunting and creating new opportunities in sectors such as call centres, hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
Solarpowered illumination systems are being used to light up marginalized communities in Cape Town, providing safety, security, improved quality of life, prolonged working hours for local businesses, educational opportunities, ecological benefits, lessened fire hazards, and improved respiratory health. The initiative is part of the City’s latest Urban Energy Poverty Alleviation Programme and is being explored in areas where traditional electrification methods are not feasible. The potential of solar power is immense, and the City’s dedication to this mission is apparent in its combined approach with grassroots experts and partners.
Markus Jooste, an exexecutive of Steinhoff, is shrouded in mystery after his alleged suicide. Despite his public death, there has been no mention of funeral arrangements and the whereabouts of his body remain unknown. His death came just after a warrant for his arrest was issued, leaving many unanswered questions and sparking public speculation. The circumstances of his demise, along with the absence of his body, have crafted a mystery that continues to baffle authorities and fuel public curiosity.
Cameron Suafoa is a rugby player for the Auckland Blues who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Although he has undergone surgery and radiation therapy, he remains determined to make a strong comeback. His remarkable resilience and unyielding spirit demonstrate the power of human spirit to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.
Johnson & Johnson’s children’s cough syrup has been recalled in several African countries due to the presence of toxic diethylene glycol. The recall was triggered after Nigeria’s health watchdog found the compound in a batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup. Excessive diethylene glycol levels have been correlated with the deaths of numerous children in other countries, highlighting the importance of quality control and prompt action in the pharmaceutical industry. People who have used the faulty batches or observed adverse reactions in children are strongly advised to seek immediate medical help and report the occurrences to aid health authorities in containing the situation.
A group of heavily armed suspects attempted to rob a fuel station in Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga. However, the police force responded quickly and with bravery, engaging in a gunfire showdown with the culprits. Though some escaped with the stolen cash, one suspect was captured, and the police are still on the hunt for the remaining culprits. The incident stands as a testament to the heroism and dedication of the police force in upholding law and order.
Isak Thompson, a South African soldier, disappeared while on a training course and his salary continues to accumulate in his bank account, adding to the mystery. The investigation has yielded no solid leads, leaving Thompson’s family in a state of constant worry and heartache. The police are tirelessly working on the case, scrutinizing Thompson’s personal belongings, but the investigation remains at a deadlock, leaving Thompson’s family in a state of unnerving suspension.
Kaizer Chiefs, a prestigious football club, is struggling with a prolonged trophy drought, concerns over player conduct and performance, and a misaligned approach towards its players. The lenient approach towards underperforming players and lack of accountability has been detrimental to the team’s success. Urgent improvement is necessary to honor the club’s heritage and spirit of football, especially as the current season seems to be slipping into irrelevance. The team needs to confront these issues fearlessly to become a team that epitomizes the spirit of football in each performance.
