the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
As our world becomes increasingly digital, it is essential to prioritize online security and safety. Safer Internet Day aims to draw attention to emerging online risks such as cyberbullying and child exploitation. The surge in internet usage has led to an increased risk of exposure to harmful content, emphasizing the need for stronger and more effective internet safety protocols. It is vital for organizations to take steps to safeguard themselves and their clients from financial losses, reputational harm, and evolving regulatory demands.
The 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in South Africa marks thirty years of democratic Parliament and is a moment of reflection and change as the country gets ready to usher in a new cohort of Parliament members. The event will follow the full ceremonial format observed in previous years and signifies the country’s transformation from systemic racism to a democratic republic. The SONA will promote the local economy, acknowledge dignitaries and facilitate the media, and appreciate the essential role played by informal traders. The nation is urged to participate actively by tuning into the live broadcast.
The Western Cape High Court has upheld Parliament’s right to selfregulate and dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) seeking to halt the application of certain parliamentary procedures. The court ruled that there was no evidence of bias or targeting against the EFF and that the revised rules would apply uniformly to all political parties. The decision reinforces the need for all state entities, including political parties, to respect the separation of powers doctrine and adhere to rules and regulations in preserving democratic principles.
The SAYEC Business Dialogue at Mining Indaba 2024 highlighted the importance of youth participation in South Africa’s mining sector. The Deputy President emphasized the need for the youth to be involved in strategic decisionmaking and applauded SAYEC’s work in this area. The event showcased the active participation of the youth in significant economic sectors, including the successful acquisition of Shiva Uranium and Gold by Africa Gulf International Mining, and aimed to encourage diversity, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth. The dialogue identified opportunities for the youth in the industry and emphasized the need for equitable distribution of social and economic benefits.
The men’s impressive style at the 66th Grammy Awards took center stage on the red carpet in audacious and elegant fashion choices. Icons like Lenny Kravitz and John Legend displayed their unique styles, while Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Jon Batiste embraced glitz and boldness. Others, like Calvin Harris, Landon Barker, and Ed Sheeran, revived past trends and embraced unconventional choices. Together, they showed that men’s fashion is just as dynamic and expressive as women’s.
Mfundo Vilakazi, a talented winger transitioning into Kaizer Chiefs’ senior team, has received invaluable mentorship from Vela Khumalo, coach of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team. Khumalo’s philosophy emphasizes the need for Vilakazi to retain his original style of play and offers a balanced mix of encouragement and critique to promote his progress. Despite the challenges faced by rising talents in the team, Khumalo remains hopeful about their potential, indicating the transformative power of persistent mentorship. Vilakazi’s journey is a gripping narrative of optimism for the team’s future.
South African rugby is making a shift towards gender equality, with a recent twoday workshop focused on promoting greater involvement of women in the sport. The workshop attracted 63 delegates and endorsed World Rugby’s new T1 rugby programme, which emphasises inclusivity and efficient use of time. The workshop addressed various issues, including budget discussions, capacitybuilding programs, safeguarding, and tackle height, with the ultimate goal of boosting participation and ensuring sustained growth in the sport for both genders.
Linda Buthelezi, an icon of African soccer, believes that the current South African Bafana team has the skills to beat Nigeria in the semifinal match. As a key player in the victorious 1996 African Cup of Nations team, Buthelezi is confident in the team’s abilities. He identifies rising talents such as Sphephelo Sithole and commends the team’s solidarity and collaboration. Despite historical dominance by Nigeria, Buthelezi remains unwavering in his faith in the current Bafana squad and encourages them to seize the opportunity to bring honor to their country.
In Philippi, Cape Town, a 17yearold boy was fatally shot for filming an act of extortion on his mobile phone. The culprits targeted him to get their hands on the phone holding the evidence of their illicit activities. Despite his injuries, the teenager tried to escape but later died in hospital. The community, law enforcement, and city officials have since rallied together to combat extortion and ensure public safety.
Cape Town’s Development Charges Fund is a pioneering strategy aimed at enhancing affordable housing in lowerincome localities by backing microdevelopers financially. The fund offers subsidies for qualifying microdevelopers on firstcomefirstserve grounds and is anticipated to boost investment in the rental market, subsequently creating more affordable housing options within Cape Town. The initiative is a comprehensive economic package designed to encourage investment in targeted areas, with the expectation of generating employment opportunities, amenities, and economic prosperity for residents.
South Africa’s urban centers are plagued by housing scams, which residents can protect themselves from by staying alert to potential real estate deception, identifying warning signs, reporting suspicious activities to the South African Police Service and the city, and ensuring their details are current on the Housing Needs Register. The city is committed to protecting its residents and empowering them to safeguard themselves against scams. The Maroela housing project has fallen prey to fraudulent promises of immediate housing, but the city offers warning signs to identify potential frauds and urges residents to keep their details current on the Housing Needs Register.
Jerry Flannery, the exIreland hooker, is a top contender for the role of defence coach for the Springboks rugby team. His previous work with Rassie Erasmus at Munster and his current position as defence coach at Harlequins make him a leading candidate. Rumors suggest that Harlequins is preparing to bid farewell to Flannery, aligning with South Africa’s eagerness to have him start as soon as possible. If confirmed, Flannery’s inclusion in the South African coaching team could bring a new era to their rugby history.
South Africa is facing a potential cholera epidemic in 2024, with a noticeable spike in suspected cases reported. Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by a bacterial infection and is typically spread through contaminated food and water. Immediate medical attention and rehydration are crucial for suspected cholera patients. To prevent an outbreak, a comprehensive and proactive health policy approach is necessary, including health literacy, proper sanitation practices, and medical readiness. The response to this impending health crisis will be a testament to South Africa’s resilience and fortitude.
Dr. Nicholas Procter, a renowned medical doctor, was reported missing in Nelspruit, South Africa, and later found dead. The South African Police Service (SAPS) worked tirelessly to investigate the murder, leading to the arrest of three suspects just four days later. This breakthrough brings hope to the community and honors the memory of Dr. Procter. The SAPS’s determination and commitment to justice serve as a guiding light in the face of tragedy.
HillLewis’s fervent plea underscores the urgent need for action on both fronts to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Cape Town’s residents. Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, is calling for action to tackle gang crime and improve the railways in the city. HillLewis demands measures to address the problem of unlicensed guns that fuel gangrelated crimes, including enhancing the policing powers of municipal law enforcement officers and curbing corruption in the criminal justice system. He also urges the government to transfer passenger rail services to the metropolitan area to revive the rail system and stimulate the local economy.
Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management bylaw enforcement division is dedicated to ensuring cleanliness and implementing waste management rules. From October to December 2023, the team issued 980 fines totaling R1,257,000 for littering, unlawful dumping, and noncompliance with waste management schemes. Businesses failing to comply with the Integrated Waste Management Bylaw, which mandates waste reduction and pollution prevention, were a significant issue addressed by the team. The team’s efforts and regulations have strengthened Cape Town’s approach to sustainable waste management.
