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Cape Town News
Caster Semenya, the South African athlete and double Olympic champion, is fighting against World Athletics’ policies that require female athletes with elevated testosterone levels to medicate. Despite facing backlash, Semenya has persistently opposed the policy since its inception in 2018. Her landmark victory in July 2019 lacked the authority to repeal World Athletics’ rules, and she is now scheduled for a hearing in May at the European Court of Human Rights. However, Semenya’s legal fight is hampered by budgetary limitations, and the costs of her decadelong legal journey amount to an astonishing R30 million.
Antoine Dupont, a rising rugby superstar, is making an uncertain move from traditional rugby to Sevens rugby, fueling speculation that he may be aiming for Olympic gold in 2024. This decision means skipping the Six Nations competition and potentially taking a sabbatical in Japan after the Olympics. While some reports suggest he may stay in Europe, this unpredictable player’s career trajectory remains as exciting and surprising as the game he plays.
Eddie Jones, a veteran coach from Australia, has returned to lead Japan’s national rugby team with the aim of identifying players with similar characteristics to Cheslin Kolbe and strengthening the country’s unique rugby identity. Jones has returned to Japan almost a decade after his first stint with the squad, during which he led them to victory against the Springboks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He hopes to cultivate talent and create a team with a distinct Japanese style and ethos.
The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious international award for environmental solutions, will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time in November 2024. The weeklong Earthshot Week event will honor nominees from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1 million. The increase in African nominations highlights the continent’s creative potential and resilience in the face of climate change. Prince William, founder of the Earthshot Prize, chose Cape Town to expand the award’s global reach and recognize Africa’s role in environmental innovation.
Kaizer Chiefs, a South African football giant, is in the midst of a major transformation as they search for a new permanent coach. After bidding farewell to Molefi Ntseki, Cavin Johnson took over and led the team to an impressive streak of victories. However, rumors are circulating about the potential appointment of veteran coach Mushin Ertugral, although he has expressed caution about returning to the PSL. The football community awaits the appointment of a new coach who can bring the Chiefs back to their former glory.
A Twitter exchange between two strangers resulted in a heartwarming act of kindness. American photographer Tim Castleman sent $20 to South African lawyer Neil Bensch to buy ten Big Mac meals for the needy. Bensch distributed the meals in Cape Town’s Table View area and documented the process on Twitter. Castleman went on to send a total of $150, resulting in multiple meals and a surge of positivity that enveloped the virtual world, showing how small acts of kindness can generate waves of positive change that transcend geographical boundaries.
Time Out Market Cape Town is a vibrant and dynamic culinary and cultural hub located at the heart of Cape Town, showcasing 13 exclusive kitchens, three bars, and cultural activities like jazz nights, comedy performances, and sip & paint events. The market offers an avantgarde experience that blends fine dining, cultural activities, and social interaction, providing an engaging peek into Cape Town’s burgeoning beverage industry. Conveniently accessible at the V&A Waterfront, the market celebrates Cape Town’s finest under one umbrella, making it a mustvisit destination for residents and tourists alike.
Itumeleng Khune, the experienced goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, is currently suspended after showing up for training under the influence of alcohol. His future with the team remains uncertain, and rumors suggest that he might be forced to leave after over a decade of service. Despite the challenges, Khune remains dedicated to Kaizer Chiefs and has refrained from criticizing the club publicly. His contributions to the team will not be easily forgotten.
The City’s water management program is like a symphony, carefully orchestrated to maintain the harmony of infrastructure and water management. The program includes zeropressure tests and conditional evaluations, with a team working diligently from 9 am to 4 pm each day. This program aims to handle water pressure more efficiently, minimizing the risk of pipe breakages and water wastage. While temporary disruptions might occur, they only serve to amplify the excitement for the final performance an efficient, wellmanaged water supply system.
Cape Town is facing an environmental crisis due to untreated sewage being discharged into its marine protected areas, threatening marine ecosystems and local industries such as fishing and tourism. The sewage, amounting to 32 million litres per day, originates from various areas in the city including Green Point, the city centre, Salt River, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay. While progress has been made in addressing the issue, the financial and technical implications of infrastructure upgrades require careful planning and execution. Rising environmental awareness among residents and the City’s commitment to addressing environmental issues provides hope for the future.
Young Zambian forward, Andy Boyeli, is attracting interest from top South African teams, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. The Pirates are reportedly in the lead to secure his transfer after the season’s conclusion. Meanwhile, the Pirates have lost interest in Shaune Mogaila due to complications arising from Royal AM’s transfer ban. The football transfer market is unpredictable and complex, with teams using calculated strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
Get ready for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024, a grand celebration of fine arts and cultural heritage featuring over 375 creators from four continents. This 11th anniversary event promises to showcase the most extensive gathering of artistic talents in Africa, with over 100 esteemed art galleries participating. The theme “Unbound” celebrates diverse and emerging talents, challenging the limits of creativity and infusing vitality into untapped possibilities. Don’t miss this threeday event from February 16 to 18, 2024, featuring highcaliber exhibits, thoughtprovoking debates, prestigious awards ceremonies, and exploratory tours.
Cape Town is leading the way in renewable energy solutions to improve living conditions in informal settlements. The Urban Energy Poverty Programme is collaborating with community partners to develop affordable, sustainable energy solutions such as indoor solar lights, renewable public lighting, and smart cookers. Education and awareness campaigns are promoting the advantages of alternative energy sources, while ongoing research and technological developments are advancing the programme’s goals. The City is committed to creating a brighter, cleaner, and safer future for its inhabitants.
The district of Mitchells Plain in South Africa is currently facing an alarming increase in infrastructure vandalism, with 353 incidents recorded in just the third quarter of 2023. These actions have cost the city R5.7 million in repair costs and placed a strain on resources needed for a quick recovery. However, the Energy Law Enforcement and Technical Unit (ELETU) is working to safeguard the infrastructure, and community alertness is also playing a crucial role in curbing vandalism. The fight against this threat is a communal effort that requires everyone’s involvement and vigilance.
AB de Villiers inadvertently caused speculation about Virat Kohli’s absence from the Test series against England after commenting on his YouTube channel about Kohli and his wife awaiting their second child. De Villiers quickly withdrew the comment and admitted his mistake, showing integrity and respect for his friend’s privacy. This serves as a cautionary tale about the distribution of information in the public domain, especially concerning private details about public figures. De Villiers’ prompt rectification exemplifies his integrity and respect for his friend’s privacy.
South African rugby is set to receive a significant financial boost with an anticipated $75 million investment from the Ackerley Sports Group, which aims to fortify rugby at all levels and broaden revenue sources. This investment will create a new epoch of financial soundness for South African rugby, with the Ackerley Sports Group acquiring a significant minority stake in the new Commercial Rights Corporation, safeguarding all present and future revenueearning assets of the Springboks and SARU. The Ackerley Sports Group’s deeprooted passion for sports excellence and wealth of experience is expected to bring immense value to South African rugby.
