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Cape Town News
The Green Point Tennis Courts in Cape Town have been restored for public use after the eviction of unauthorized inhabitants. The City of Cape Town approached the eviction with both empathy and practicality, offering temporary lodging options and social programs through City Safe Spaces to support social integration and rehabilitation. The City continues to invest in Safe Space transitional shelters to combat homelessness and assist those in need.
The highly anticipated Ratanga Park Sunset Concerts are set to take place on February 25th, featuring a lineup of top South African musicians including Die Heuwels Fantasties and Jitsvinger. The venue, Century City, provides the perfect backdrop for a summer evening outing, with lush green spaces and canals creating a tranquil atmosphere. The familyfriendly concerts invite attendees to bring picnic baskets and enjoy food from local trucks while immersing themselves in the music and nature around them. Tickets can be purchased on Quicket starting at R200.
The paradox between human convenience and animal welfare has been brought to light after a ship carrying 20,000 live cattle from Brazil to Iraq was found to be transporting the animals in appalling conditions, with sick and injured animals among them. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ship and uncovered horrifying conditions. Greenpeace Africa has emerged as a strong advocate for animal welfare and is dedicated to confronting the systems that propagate harm. This incident acts as a potent reminder of the pressing need for change in animal welfare practices.
Beyoncé launched her hair care line, CÉCRED, with a glamorous event in Downtown LA. The line aims to promote diversity and celebrate the beauty of various hair types while paying homage to hair rituals worldwide. Beyoncé’s fashion sense and business acumen were on full display at the launch event, showcasing her lasting impact and pioneering spirit. CÉCRED is not just a hair care line but a tribute to the versatility and dynamism of the iconic pop artist.
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has invited the public to review and provide feedback on 20 candidates for six open positions in the Commission for Gender Equality. This move exemplifies the democratic principle that decisions should not be made about people without their input and underscores the commitment to creating an inclusive society where every citizen can express their views on matters of public importance. The shortlisted candidates are diverse in gender, race, disability, and profession, and the public’s participation highlights the significance of every voice in the journey towards gender equality in South Africa. The deadline for feedback is March 12, 2024.
The WWE Elimination Chamber is coming to Perth, Australia on February 24th, and fans in South Africa can watch the event on SuperSport and the WWE Channel on DStv. The event will feature four exciting matches and special appearances by WWE superstars. The lineup includes formidable competitors like Drew McIntyre and Becky Lynch, while championship matches will test dominance in the women’s and tag team divisions. Special appearances by Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will make this event a collision of wrestling’s brightest stars.
La Masia’s coach, Daine Klate, reflects on his team’s 61 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, highlighting the tactical brilliance of the opposing team’s coach and his team’s readiness for selfexamination. Klate acknowledges the Sundowns’ dominance on the field and learns from their strengths to better prepare for upcoming challenges. Despite the loss, Klate maintains pride in his team’s commitment to the game and their tenacity.
Antoine Dupont, a renowned French rugby player, is making his debut in sevens rugby in Vancouver as he aims to secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics. At the age of 27, Dupont has been recognized for his strategic skills and his ability to assist his teammates, making him a valuable addition to Jerome Daret’s 14strong squad. The upcoming Vancouver SVNS promises to be a challenging competition for France, with Dupont’s former team Toulouse facing a daunting task in his absence. Despite this, Dupont’s unwavering commitment and skillful performances suggest that his transition to sevens rugby will be a success.
The training tour of the Springbok Women’s rugby team, including matches against Scotland, Wales, Spain, and the USA, is an exciting opportunity for the team to showcase their talent on an international level. Coach Louis Koen’s fresh approach to selection, incorporating six overseasbased players, provides a blend of homegrown and international experience to the diverse 32member squad. This tour is a priceless opportunity for the team to demonstrate their skills and to cement their place on the global platform.
Ferlon Christians, the leader of the African Christian Democratic Party in Western Cape, boldly declared his support for Israel amid controversy surrounding the International Court of Justice’s hearings regarding Israel’s control over Palestinian territory. His statement, “Long live Israel,” sparked a range of responses, illustrating the complex nature of South Africa’s stance on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The ACDP’s longstanding support for Israel has attracted criticism, with opponents accusing the party of endorsing Israeli genocide and fostering racism. The issue remains controversial and requires careful handling and delicate negotiation.
A dangerous syndicate supplying illicit explosives to criminals in South Africa was recently dismantled by law enforcement agencies. The syndicate’s activities contributed to an upsurge in CashInTransit heists, illegal mining, and ATM bombings. The arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against crime and demonstrates the commitment of South African law enforcement to bring criminals to justice. Despite formidable charges, the syndicate’s capture serves as a beacon of hope for the nation’s safety and security.
Cape Town’s Metro Police have made a significant impact on the city’s crime rate, apprehending 63 criminals and issuing 5,439 fines in just 18 hours. These officers focus on tackling serious crimes, such as firearmrelated offenses and drugrelated crimes, and emphasize the importance of proactive policing and community partnerships in curbing crime. Their unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and safety in their city is commendable and has resulted in a safer community for all.
Cape Town is facing a significant reduction of R540 million in funding over the next two years due to nationwide cuts announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The decision threatens to disrupt the operational budget and resources devoted to housing, basic services, and upgrading informal settlements. Despite these challenges, Cape Town remains committed to advocating for the preservation of vital grant funding and a larger equitable share of national funding. Mayor HillLewis criticized the national government’s decision and proposed exploring other options such as reducing wastage in national departments or trimming VIP security expenses.
The community in Saldanha Bay is coming together to find missing sevenyearold Joslin Smith. Patriotic Alliance’s leader, Gayton McKenzie, offered a reward of R100,000 to anyone with information about her location, and urged the Western Cape premier and police to take action. The search for Joslin is still ongoing, with calls for communal participation and vigilance to help locate the missing child. The community’s determination to find Joslin demonstrates their unity and strong belief in the power of group effort.
The South African music industry has two intertwined narratives of legal drama and inspiring philanthropy. Bulelwa Nazo faced a legal dispute with Inga Hina over uncompleted music PR work, emphasizing the need for a careful balance between promises and delivery. Meanwhile, rapper Big Zulu’s philanthropic efforts reached a triumphant climax when he organized a fundraising event to rebuild a family’s home, highlighting the resilience, determination, and compassion of the South African music industry. These stories capture the intricate fabric of the South African culture.
North West, the 10yearold daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, debuted as a rapper in her father’s album “Vultures” in December 2023. She became the youngest artist to clinch the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in just two months after her debut. North dreams of becoming a rapper, basketball player, and inheriting her parents’ business ventures, Yeezy and SKIMS. With her talent, ambition, and creativity, North is a talent to be reckoned with, and the world is eagerly watching her ascend to the stars.
