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Cape Town News
The City Chartered Accountant Academy in Cape Town is a vital institution that advances public sector accounting by training and fostering topnotch accounting professionals. It offers unique opportunities to aspiring Chartered Accountants by bringing the training directly to the candidates. The Academy has a reputation for itself as a strategic investment that brings substantial returns and shapes the future of public sector accounting. Its influence goes beyond just creating successful Chartered Accountants, with many of its graduates occupying pivotal positions within the City.
The Universal Ballot Template (UBT) is a voting aid designed for individuals with disabilities or special needs, enabling them to cast a confidential and autonomous vote. This innovative solution was devised by the South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB). The UBT incorporates a hard black plastic design with high contrast, into which a standard ballot paper can be inserted, allowing the voter to cast a vote in a simple and seamless process while maintaining the voting integrity. The UBT stands as a testament to the power of innovation to overcome hurdles and ensure that the fundamental pillar of democracy, the right to vote, is genuinely universal.
The safety of women in South Africa is a concerning issue, as a recent investigation revealed that 96.4% of women in the country do not feel secure in their home province. The Western Cape was identified as the least safe province, with the majority of women feeling unsafe during routine activities and over 60% having been victims of crime. The study also showed that many women are considering emigration due to safety concerns, with top destinations including the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, the head of 1st For Women Insurance emphasized that a high crime rate does not necessarily mean a high frequency of crimes and that a comprehensive understanding of the situation requires a wider range of enquiry.
Cameron Saaiman, the South African MMA fighter, is set to take on undefeated American bantamweight fighter, Payton Talbott, at the upcoming UFC Fight Night. Saaiman, known as the ‘Most Savage Player’ in the octagon, has an impressive record of 9 wins and 1 loss. He aims to follow in the footsteps of his fellow countryman and friend, Dricus du Plessis, who became South Africa’s first UFC champion in January 2024. As he prepares for his upcoming match, Saaiman embodies the power of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Misinformation is a growing concern in the digital age, particularly when it involves critical public amenities like water supply. The recent Tshwane water scare incident in South Africa highlighted the severity of this issue, as a fake notification about contaminated water caused panic among the public. The City of Tshwane responded proactively to dismiss the false alarm, emphasizing the importance of authenticating information and relying on reliable sources. The incident serves as a reminder for every citizen to combat the spread of false information and stay updated through trustworthy channels.
Cape Town is building two innovative MyCiTi depots on Spine Road and Mew Way to provide reliable and safe public transport to the city’s lowincome households. The project, partially funded by the Dutch government, is expected to be completed in May 2025 and will create temporary job opportunities and fuel local businesses. Despite facing extortion attempts, the project is 65% complete, and the depots will house an initial fleet of 290 buses and serve as multipurpose facilities hosting administrative offices, boardrooms, training spaces, and amenities for staff and drivers.
Lerato “Lira” Molapo, the beloved Afrosoul artist, suffered a stroke in 2022 that left fans worried if they would ever see her perform again. However, in 2024, she made an impressive comeback at Bassline Fest, unveiling a “new” Lira after a twoyear hiatus. Her transformation, triggered by the stroke, led to a deep metamorphosis that she now sees as bidding goodbye to the “old Lira.” Her inspiring story of resilience and personal transformation moves millions.
The Cape Town walking permit scam targets unsuspecting tourists, exploiting their lack of knowledge about local norms. Fraudsters convince them they need ‘permits’ to roam the city streets and ask them to swipe their card to obtain it. This scam was recently caught on CCTV, and four participants were arrested. Tourists are urged to remain alert and report any dubious activities while authorities continue to enhance their efforts to quell these scams.
Protests have played a significant role in the history of South Africa’s fight for justice and fair treatment. The psychology behind the South African protest movement, known as the toyitoyi, stems from a sense of dissatisfaction and the pursuit of fairness. When protests are done correctly, they can be a powerful form of expression, highlighting the potency of speaking out, the power of collective action, and the effectiveness of peaceful resistance. The right to protest is guaranteed by the South African Constitution, and protesters must comply with legal requirements for a safe and authoritative platform.
Black Coffee’s journey from a smalltown disc jockey to an international sensation with collaborations with Drake, David Guetta, and Usher is an inspiring tale of perseverance and the power of dreams. His rise to fame, from charging a modest entrance fee to now charging millions for his electrifying performances, is a testament to his unshakeable resolve. Black Coffee’s story serves as a guiding light of hope and inspiration for aspiring artists globally, demonstrating the power of selfconfidence, determination, and hard work.
The recent internet disruption in Africa caused by damage to at least four submarine communication cables off the west coast of Africa highlights the importance of undersea cables for our digitallydriven global community. The outage led to outages and connectivity issues for mobile operators and internet service providers, with varying degrees of impact across different countries. Major international telecom operators, including Microsoft, experienced knockon effects, emphasizing our growing reliance on digital infrastructure and the need for sturdy emergency plans.
The unsolved murder of South African football star Senzo Meyiwa has fascinated the public with a web of highprofile figures and a mysterious unresolved story. Longwe Twala, who was present during the fatal incident at Kelly Khumalo’s home, is now willing to testify, potentially revealing what happened on that tragic night. The circumstances surrounding Meyiwa’s death have been shrouded in mystery and speculation, with unsettling accusations and allegations surfacing. Despite the intrigue, the truth needs to come to light, and the willingness of key individuals to testify fosters hope that justice will prevail.
Discover the shocking reallife story of Nandipha and Nathi, who uncover the sinister connection between their family and Thabo Bester, the notorious “Facebook Rapist”. Bester had ingratiated himself into their lives under the guise of a successful entrepreneur until Nathi discovered the truth. This led to a defamation lawsuit and a chain of events that exposed Bester’s extensive criminal activities, including fraud and money laundering. The ongoing saga of Thabo Bester, Nandipha Magudumana, and Nkosinathi Sekeleni offers a gripping illustration of the fight against crime and corruption.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, spoke at the Basic Education Lekgotla on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, employability, and society. AI is changing the way we learn, communicate, and work, but it is important to ensure that it remains accessible, fair, and ethical for everyone. The use of AI in education is creating inclusive and efficient learning environments, but challenges such as data confidentiality and algorithmic prejudice need to be addressed. The automation of labor markets through AI is creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, but promoting lifelong learning and upskilling is crucial to ensure the future workforce is prepared. South Africa’s efficient science, technology, and innovation (STI) reaction to the COVID19 pandemic provides valuable lessons for navigating the AI transformation and its impact on education, employability, and society.
The Cape Town Carnival is an exciting annual event showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit through radiant performers, unique floats, and delectable food offerings. The event provides a safe haven for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and celebrate creativity and talent. With a diverse lineup of performers and unique floats, the Carnival promises to be a breathtaking spectacle that perfectly embodies the essence of ‘local is lekker.’
The cast of Brooklyn NineNine has an unbreakable bond that exemplifies the strength of friendship. They recently mourned the loss of their beloved colleague, Andre Braugher, who left a tangible gap in their hearts. Despite this loss, they continue to uphold his legacy and influence, showing us the true essence of friendship, camaraderie, and cherishing every moment in our lives. This gathering of remarkable individuals serves as a beacon of optimism, inspiring us to recognize and cherish the Andre Braughers in our own lives.
