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Cape Town News
South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced a new digital service, the TMNP My Activity Permit, allowing for easy procurement of the permit for certain leisure activities within the Table Mountain National Park. The permit is costeffective and valid for a year from the date of purchase. It is aimed at improving the guest experience by enabling smoother exploration of the park’s diverse options and protecting the environment. The procurement process is userfriendly, and holders do not have to pay entrance fees at TMNP pay points for their designated activities, making outdoor activities within this stunning park more economical and attractive.
Johannesburg, South Africa is facing a challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with public opinion over a monthly surcharge on prepaid electricity. The city administration has committed to reassessing the surcharge due to growing public discontent while also taking into consideration its financial stability and legal compliance. The exemption of economically disadvantaged people from the surcharge has been implemented as a relief measure, highlighting Johannesburg’s commitment to public involvement in decisionmaking. Managing financial burdens, escalating electricity expenses, and implementing the surcharge are all crucial aspects of Johannesburg’s strategic approach to its fiscal challenges.
When heavy rainfall hits Cape Town, the city’s water channels can become overwhelmed, causing flash floods in certain areas. Lowlying regions around the Diep River and Kuils River are particularly at risk, and stormwaterrelated infrastructure can also be swamped. To combat these issues, it’s important for residents to report blocked infrastructure and dispose of waste responsibly, while the City takes proactive measures to clean infrastructure before winter. Safety is key during these times, with precautions including refraining from approaching water bodies and canals during heavy rain and maintaining gutters and drains free of debris.
SterKinekor is undergoing a revolutionary transformation in the cinema industry, led by CEO Mark Sardi. The company is integrating interactive educational experiences and console gaming into its cinema venues, potentially turning them into egaming stages. Despite facing challenges such as staff reductions and shutdowns, SterKinekor is embracing innovation and exploring new directions, while honoring its cinematic heritage with the “Throwback Cinema” project.
Get ready for a new player in the apple world: the Kimito apple! Originating from Japan, this goldenhued fruit boasts impressive storage capabilities, catching the attention of international distributors. Wismettac Foods has partnered with a South African business to introduce the Kimito apple to the farming landscape, potentially creating a strong export market targeting Asia and beyond. The partnership also safeguards intellectual property rights through the “club variety” system, ensuring that Hirosaki University will benefit from a licensing fee.
MTN has been named South Africa’s topquality mobile network, according to a report by MyBroadband Insights. The study analyzed 288,210 speed tests conducted by 7,092 mobile data users between April and June. MTN achieved the highest average download speed of 83.08 Mbps, followed by Vodacom at 79.70 Mbps and Cell C at 54.50 Mbps. Overall, South Africa’s average mobile download speed increased to 70.41 Mbps from last year’s 62.27 Mbps.
South Africa’s rental property market is on the rise, with a strong demand for rental properties leading to low vacancy rates. Factors like highinterest rates, economic uncertainty, and low employment rates have encouraged a shift from homeownership to rental properties. The Western Cape and Gauteng are prime markets for landlords and investors, with a continuing preference for renting over homeownership predicted for the second quarter of 2024. Despite challenges, the rental market offers a golden opportunity for investors, with promising returns expected in the future.
Exciting changes are happening in African football, with Rulani Mokwena reportedly set to sign a twoyear contract with Moroccan team Wydad Casablanca. Mokwena, the exHead Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, is known for his distinct coaching style and ability to gather fan loyalty. The anticipated deal allows him to choose up to three members of his technical team and is expected to be announced soon, marking a promising new chapter in African football.
If he succeeds, he will be the first South African to play in the NBA, paving the way for aspiring basketball players across the continent. Cele’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of dreams. The Ascent of Samkelo Cele: Beyond the Court of Cape Town Tigers to the NBA
South Africa’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes are heading to the Paris Games with Akani Simbine and Caitlin Rooskrantz chosen as flag carriers for the Olympics and Mpumelelo Mhlongo and Kathrine Swanepoel for the Paralympic team. Mhlongo hopes to surpass his own world records, while Swanepoel is a talented swimmer with an impressive list of accomplishments. For South Africa’s athletes, the upcoming games are a chance to make history and make their dreams come true. The journey is a celebration of their extraordinary abilities and unyielding spirits.
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in South Africa recently made several appointments, including the election of Mr. Poobalan Govender as Deputy Chairperson. Other roles were assigned to various members, signifying the country’s dedication to good governance and democracy. These decisions were made during a plenary session and represent a mix of experienced and emerging leadership, demonstrating South Africa’s commitment to democracy and its continuous refinement of governance structures. The NCOP plays a vital role in fostering and preserving democratic governance in South Africa.
South African passport holders can travel without visas to 35 African nations, 18 countries in the Americas, 17 in Asia, 16 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 8 in the Middle East and 10 in Oceania. However, recent changes to visa regulations, such as Ireland’s adjustment, have reduced their global influence. South Africans should stay informed about evolving visa regulations to make the most of their passport’s opportunities.
The world of lottery is a thrilling blend of chance and opportunity that mesmerizes people worldwide. In South Africa, lottery games like PowerBall and PowerBall Plus create millionaires and transform lives every week. Although the recent draws didn’t yield jackpot winners, the stakes remain high, and the potential for triumph is more exhilarating than ever. Anyone aged 18 or older can participate, and staying updated on lottery results is crucial for a chance at sudden affluence. As the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus jackpots continue to rise, the next draw could eternally alter someone’s destiny.
Despite a surge in urban criminal activity, Cape Town’s law enforcement remained steadfast in their pursuit of public safety. They apprehended 333 suspects and reported 57,485 traffic rule and bylaw transgressions. In tackling issues such as illegal street racing and gun violence, law enforcement emphasized the importance of community awareness and cooperation. Their efforts to preserve law and order in the city showcase their resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
Newly elected chairpersons in the National Assembly committees bring a fresh direction to parliament. They oversee the administration of their respective committees and transform decisions into reports. Public meetings held by these committees allow ordinary South Africans to express their views and influence parliamentary decisions. Recently, 30 portfolio committees have been established, and sixteen portfolio committees held elections for chairpersons, including representatives for health, finance, and communication and technologies. Members of the public can attend debates or arrange a tour to witness democracy in action.
Karin Kortje, winner of Idols SA, uses TikTok to share her personal story of tragedy, recovery, and resilience. Her account serves as a therapeutic outlet for her to recount the night when Renate Kellerman was brutally murdered, revealing spooky moments that cast doubt over her thenboyfriend. Through her storytelling, Kortje showcases the transformative power of using one’s voice to recount personal trauma and the effect of shared experiences in fostering healing.
