the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
A baboon accidentally stowed away in a car and traveled 46 kilometers before being discovered by the driver’s children. SPCA cadet inspector Clodeen Arnolds rescued the baboon and ensured it received essential fluids and nourishment before transporting it to the SPCA Wildlife unit. The baboon was reunited with its troop and serves as a reminder to inspect vehicles before traveling and respect and protect the animal kingdom.
Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the “Please Call Me” communication tool, is a prominent figure in the telecommunications industry. Despite a twodecadelong legal battle with Vodacom, Makate’s resilience and creativity serve as a motivating testament to the power of perseverance and innovative thought. He came up with the idea of “Please Call Me” at just 24, born out of a personal problem of not having enough airtime to call his mother. Makate’s story is a powerful reminder that real innovation often comes from personal experiences and the will to overcome obstacles.
The Afrika Odyssey Expedition, led by the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, delivered over 7,000 mosquito nets to pregnant women and children under five in 13 African nations. The expedition covered hazardous roads and challenging conditions, with its vehicles, Moyo and Isibindi, proving their mettle in carrying humanitarian aid and supplies over 40,000 kilometers. The foundation also provides reading glasses and conducts educational campaigns on community conservation. The expedition is a testament to Kingsley Holgate’s legacy of adventure and philanthropy.
Bongani Sam, a wellknown football defender, faced a sudden change of fortune when his loan transfer to Moroka Swallows fell through due to a disputed match cancellation. Sam was subsequently expelled along with other players, leading to intense scrutiny. The Orlando Pirates are currently exploring the possibility of bringing Sam back into their squad, but potential obstacles could cause conflict with both the PSL and FIFA. Despite uncertainty, there is a glimmer of hope that Sam will reunite with his team before the season ends.
Rassie Erasmus is a legendary rugby coach who led the South African Springboks to victory in the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 British & Irish Lions series. His innovative and strategic leadership revitalized the team culture, revamped game strategies, and reshaped selection policies. Erasmus’s comeback as head coach promises an exciting future for the Springboks, with the possibility of him leading the team to three successive World Cup victories. His unconventional spirit, dedication, and resilience make him an icon in the world of rugby.
Dakota Fanning celebrated her 30th birthday in Hollywood glamour, wearing a stunning Dolce & Gabbana corset dress priced at $2,995. She expressed gratitude to her loved ones and received heartwarming wishes from Hollywood’s elite, including her younger sister, Elle Fanning. This celebration marked not just another year added to her life, but also the beginning of a new era of success and growth for the actress.
In South Africa, a committee has shortlisted eight candidates for the position of Deputy Public Protector (DPP), a crucial role in the country’s justice system. The committee received 44 applications and nominations, evaluated the candidates thoroughly, and selected those with the highlevel qualifications necessary for the position. The public was also involved in the selection process, with the committee sharing the list of nominees on the Parliament’s website for feedback. The selection process will be further detailed and aimed at choosing the most suitable candidate for the role.
Shaun Maswanganyi is a rising star in South African sprinting who has broken records and attracted global attention with his electrifying performances. He is an Olympic semifinalist in both the 100m and 200m sprints and has made appearances in the top ten on South Africa’s AllTime lists for both races. Maswanganyi is currently a studentathlete at the University of Houston and trains under world champions Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell, and his achievements serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring sprinters around the globe.
Get ready for an exciting weekend at the Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival, Cape Town’s longestrunning festivity taking place annually at Maynardville Park. With over 100 stalls showcasing local food, fashion, and handicrafts, electrifying live shows, and thrilling rides, the festival guarantees entertainment and adrenaline rush for all attendees. The festival also stimulates the local economy by providing a platform for local businesses, artists, and organizations to display their products and services. Plus, it has a charitable aspect, with Heinz Park Primary School’s annual prom and Strive Autism Learning Centre as beneficiaries.
The SmartCape Initiative is transforming Cape Town by providing digital skills to residents. With a network of 670 computers stationed in 104 libraries, the program offers free daily internet usage and a comprehensive threeday course to teach digital skills to over half a million citizens. The program’s success lies in empowering residents and reducing intimidation, encouraging them to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. The future of the program includes plans to widen its scope, extending its training modules beyond the present offerings.
Chiefs are struggling to convince celebrated coach Pitso Mosimane to join their team due to his high salary demands, but they must find a way to recruit him to rejuvenate the struggling team. Mosimane recently signed a shortterm contract with Abha Club in Saudi Arabia, but rumors suggest Chiefs are still interested in him and may try to secure him at the start of the next season. Mosimane has previously ruled out coaching an African club, but it remains to be seen if a compelling project could change his mind.
The ‘better. bellville. together.’ initiative is transforming the socioeconomic fabric of Bellville, a suburb of Cape Town, by leveraging community resources, infrastructure, and services to stimulate economic growth. This communitydriven project has successfully created new job opportunities and fostered business contributions and investments in the region. The initiative also prioritizes the promotion of a sustainable future by championing the local circular economy and collaborating with local businesses to integrate sustainable practices. The success of the campaign is attributed to collaboration and community engagement, building on current momentum to create an inclusive, sustainable, and thriving future for the residents of Bellville.
South Africa is facing a TB crisis, with a new person succumbing to the disease every seven minutes. Comprehensive targeted testing for TB is urgently needed, and the City of Cape Town offers free testing to all its residents. Prevention is key, and simple actions such as good personal hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can significantly curb the spread of TB bacteria. The call to action is clear: get tested and together we can conquer TB.
BoKaap in Cape Town is the heart of a unique project that celebrates the living heritage of the local community. Storytelling Day, set for March 2024, aims to capture the memories and experiences of residents and create a rich portrait of the community’s history. The initiative informs the redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry into a vibrant community and sports facility and incorporates feedback from the public. BoKaap’s living heritage is a crucial component of community identity and is thriving through this project.
South Africa is making a bold assertion of inclusion by committing to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities. The country is incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into domestic law and establishing protectors to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are not violated. South Africa’s commitment to disability rights is demonstrated through its actions towards building an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Premier Mxolisi Dukwana of South Africa’s Free State Province outlined an ambitious economic plan focusing on innovation, strategic investment in infrastructure, and job creation. He emphasized the province’s unique advantages in renewable energy, mining, and agriculture, and its potential to shape the future economy. Dukwana committed to ethical governance and a united front towards prosperity, calling for investments in people and technologies to position the Free State among the economies of the future.
