the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Every year on July 25, Cape Town joins the world to remember those lost to drowning and to teach water safety. At the historic Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool, children and families learn important skills like swimming, floating, and spotting dangers in the water. Lifeguards and city leaders come together to share knowledge and encourage everyone to stay safe near oceans, rivers, and pools. The day is full of fun, learning, and hope, as Cape Town works hard all year to keep its community safe around water.
South African motorists can breathe a little easier thanks to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to freeze fuel levies for the next year. This means no hikes in fuel prices, offering around R4 billion in tax relief during tough economic times. While drivers will see a slight increase in the carbon fuel levy, the overall freeze helps lighten the financial burden, allowing families to save a bit more. This move aims to support both consumers and the environment, showing a careful balance between economic needs and climate responsibility.
The Blomvlei Canal in Cape Town is a quiet hero that keeps neighborhoods safe from flooding by carrying away stormwater. When heavy rains broke part of the canal, the city rushed to repair it with new technology that helps handle future storms better. This R2.7 million project not only fixes the damage but also brings communities closer, showing how important teamwork and care for city lifelines really are. The canal’s renewal is a hopeful step toward a safer, stronger Cape Town for everyone.
The Cape Town Carnival is a spectacular celebration of culture and joy, marking its 15th anniversary on March 15, 2025. The streets of Green Point will burst with color as 1,500 performers wow the crowd with lively parades and music from local and international artists. This year’s theme, “WowZA!”, promises an unforgettable night filled with vibrant costumes, exciting performances, and delicious food in the entertainment village. With free entry for everyone and special options for those wanting a VIP experience, the carnival invites all to join in the fun and celebrate the spirit of Cape Town!
The city is on a mission to fix its underground water pipes and the messy trenches they leave behind, setting aside R55 million for repairs in 2024/25. With help from contractors, they plan to work efficiently and keep everyone informed with monthly updates. This project aims to restore roads and sidewalks while also replacing old pipes to prevent future disruptions. Using strong materials and smart technology, the city hopes to create a smoother, safer environment for all its residents, showing a true commitment to a better urban life.
The MyCiTi bus service is getting a big upgrade in Claremont, Cape Town! Starting in March 2025 and finishing by December 2027, this 2.7kilometer extension will make traveling easier and help reduce traffic jams. The project aims to bring the community together, encouraging residents to share their thoughts and ideas on the changes. With better buses, cleaner air, and more connections, Claremont is set to become a vibrant hub, blending its rich history with a bright, sustainable future.
Cape Town’s bubble tea scene is a colorful mix of Taiwanese tradition and local creativity, offering exciting flavors like cheese tea and Uji matcha. Shops like Susu, Royal Tea, and Booba Beautea serve not just tasty drinks but vibrant, fun spaces where people gather and smile. From student favorites to stylish spots, every cup tells a story of culture, joy, and community. With every sip, Cape Town’s bubble tea captures the city’s lively spirit and love for new experiences.
On August 9, 2025, Cape Town Metro Police made a big drug bust in Fisantekraal, finding nearly 3.5 kilograms of dagga and arresting many people that week. This raid shows how the city is fighting hard against drugs, but also struggles with keeping communities safe and working with justice systems that sometimes fail. Behind the numbers are real stories of families and neighborhoods caught between hope and hardship. Cape Town’s battle against drugs is a tough, ongoing fight where police and citizens must work together to bring safety and peace to their streets.
In Cape Town, there’s a growing call for supercar drivers to have a special licence to ensure safety on the roads. Recent accidents, including a highspeed crash involving a flashy McLaren, have sparked serious concerns about drivers’ skills and responsibility when handling such powerful machines. A special licence would require advanced driving skills and could lower accidents, making the roads safer for everyone. By learning from places like Australia and the UAE, Cape Town can create rules that protect both supercar owners and the community, turning the thrill of speed into a safe and responsible experience.
Waste interceptors are floating barriers placed in city rivers and canals to catch trash before it spreads. They help keep waterways clean, protect fish and plants, and make the water safer for everyone. These simple but smart devices work quietly, cost little, and fit well into the flow of water. By stopping litter early, they help build a cleaner, healthier city for today and the future. When people care and work together, these small helpers can make a big difference.
The Doll House, which opened in 1938, was Cape Town’s first drivein restaurant, mixing American fast food with local flair. It became a beloved hangout spot, serving sizzling burgers and toasted sandwiches to families and friends until it closed in 1983. With its bright neon lights and carhop service, it wasn’t just about food; it was a place where the community came together, creating cherished memories. Though the building is gone, the spirit of The Doll House lives on in the hearts of those who enjoyed its delicious meals and vibrant atmosphere, making it a lasting part of Cape Town’s culinary history.
South Africa is moving from its old green barcoded ID book to a new smart ID card that looks like a bank card and uses tiny microchips and fingerprints to keep people’s identities safe. The old green book was easy to fake and linked to a hard past, while the smart card helps stop fraud and makes it quicker to access services like voting and banking. Many communities are helping each other through the change, making sure everyone can get their new ID smoothly. This new card is a big step toward a safer, fairer, and more connected South Africa.
In Cape Town, young adults are diving into the exciting world of toy collecting, driven by sweet memories of childhood and the beauty of art. This trend is all about joy, creativity, and connecting with others who share the same passion. With beloved old toys being brought back and new artistic creations hitting the shelves, collectors find happiness in both the hunt and their unique displays. From stylish bag charms to lively local events, toy collecting has blossomed into a fun cultural movement that brings people together and celebrates the magic of play.
Cape Town’s programme helps young women become strong leaders by teaching them how to prepare for disasters like floods, fires, and droughts. Through handson learning, field trips, and teamwork, these girls gain important skills like first aid and problemsolving. The programme shows them they are powerful agents of change who can protect and improve their communities. By focusing on girls’ leadership, it builds a future where resilience and care guide Cape Town through tough times.
Cape Town is shining bright as a leader in clever water management! With projects like the Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme and the Cape Flats Managed Aquifer Recharge, the city is finding smart ways to provide millions of liters of clean water every day. These efforts help Cape Town tackle challenges like climate change and a growing population while keeping water sources healthy and sustainable. By working hard and planning for the future, Cape Town inspires other cities to do the same, ensuring that everyone has enough water to thrive.
Constable Thabang Phakula fights stock theft in Limpopo by mixing old and new ways. He uses science like DNA tests alongside traditional brand marking to catch thieves and protect farmers’ animals. Phakula also teaches farmers how to keep their livestock safe and works closely with the community to build trust and hope. His unique blend of knowledge and care helps keep families’ dreams alive and their herds safe.
