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Cape Town News
The Tats4Tails TattooaThon is an annual event in South Africa that raises funds for animals waiting for their forever homes. The event features renowned tattoo artists and celebrities creating unique tattoos as a symbol of empathy, care, and hope for animals in distress. The strong sense of community and compassion behind the event’s success serves as a potent reminder of the power of collective action towards a shared cause. This year, the event exceeded its target, raising a remarkable R112 700.
The 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town honored the late Namibian President and discussed opportunities and challenges in the African mining sector. South Africa’s mining industry has undergone transformative changes over the past three decades, with a shift from 2% to 39% black ownership. However, the sector faces challenges such as geopolitical conflict, energy costs, and illegal mining. President Ramaphosa proposed goals to boost the sector’s competitiveness and ensure a sustainable future. Initiatives such as the Electricity Action Plan and Just Energy Transition Investment Plan provide a roadmap for progress.
Cape Town’s enforcement services had an intense weekend in February 2024, with numerous confiscations, detentions, and fines. They uncovered stolen backup batteries, apprehended individuals for illegally possessing property, and captured a murder suspect. In addition, they issued 53,614 fines and executed 2,426 arrest warrants. This weekend serves as a testament to their unwavering determination and commitment to maintaining public safety.
Taylor Swift broke records at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, winning her fourth ‘Album of the Year’ award, a first for any artist. Other notable female winners included Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell, and Victoria Monet. The event also marked a significant win for women in music and featured outstanding performances by various artists, although there were controversies and disappointments too. Despite this, the awards ceremony demonstrated the transformative power of music.
The Urban Mobility Directorate of Cape Town is making great strides in enhancing mobility through road network improvements, transport system expansion, and public transport interchanges. Their MyCiTi bus service has seen a significant increase in ridership, and multiple projects are underway to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow. The directorate’s dedication to practical solutions and cuttingedge advancements is shaping a legacy of innovation in urban mobility, fueling the city’s dynamic life flow and creating a conducive environment for residents to reach their workplaces and schools on time.
The Tamil Nadu Global Expo and Knowledge Summit 2024 brought together experts and guests to discuss the importance of global collaboration, skills development, and trade links between India and South Africa. The event emphasized the potential of digital platforms to foster global partnerships and the shared aspirations of BRICS nations. The Summit served as a dynamic platform to fortify ties between India and South Africa and envisioned a more equitable and united world.
The world is mourning the loss of His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, the respected President of Namibia, who played a crucial role in liberating Namibia and South Africa from apartheid tyranny. His legacy is a lasting tribute to his relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom. This loss resonates far beyond Namibia’s borders; it is indeed a loss to the entire SADC region and the African continent. As we grieve his loss, let us also celebrate his life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
The State of the Nation Address is a significant event for South Africa, and the Parliament is buzzing with activity as it prepares for it. Here, the President presents an overview of the country’s current state and the government’s plan of action. The event takes place in Cape Town City Hall, where the legislative, executive, and judicial powers gather under one roof. Leading the arrangements are the Parliament’s Presiding Officers, and in the runup to the SONA, various committees are holding crucial meetings to discuss progress and future plans on a range of topics, reflecting the heartbeat of South Africa’s democracy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have founded media production company Archewell Productions with a focus on creating impactful content that “educates and also provides hope”. They have partnered with Netflix on several unscripted projects, a scripted series, and a feature film. Their collaborations with Netflix showcase their commitment to generating diverse content and their dedication to social causes, including highlighting the Invictus Games, a sporting event founded by Prince Harry for injured veterans. The couple’s transition from royal life to media production highlights their resilience and adaptability, as they shape the global entertainment landscape.
South African rugby is entering a new era as Duane Vermeulen and Rassie Erasmus team up at SA Rugby. Vermeulen brings his extensive experience and strategic expertise to aid Erasmus in his pursuit of excellence, with his role expanding beyond conventional defensive coaching. This collaboration is expected to elevate the Springboks’ global standing and shape the future of South African rugby, paving the way for continued success.
Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby and head coach for the Springboks, was unexpectedly hospitalized due to severe chemical burns from a potent detergent product. However, he is on the road to recovery and remains committed to rugby, making various statements on the sport during his recovery process. Erasmus’s resilience and dedication to rugby serve as a testament to the sport’s spirit and the unyielding spirit necessary to overcome challenges.
In February 2024, the South African Police Service launched Operation Shanela, a fourday campaign to combat rampant crime in the Northern Cape province. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 187 suspects and the confiscation of stolen property and dangerous weapons from illegal shebeens. The success of Operation Shanela showcases the power of collective effort in the fight against crime and serves as a symbol of hope for a safer future in South Africa.
Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service has responded to over 13,000 incidents in the past quarter, making it one of their busiest periods in four years. Despite a 12% increase in incidents year on year, the city’s firefighting capabilities have remained strong, with plans to strengthen infrastructure and educate the public. While there has been a rise in vegetation fires, the city’s firefighters remain resilient, with ongoing initiatives to ensure safety and security.
Police officers prevented a cashintransit robbery in Dobsonville, South Africa, thwarting suspects who intended to detonate a CIT cash van. The officers recovered an R5 rifle, three AK47s, and three vehicles, and two suspects were fatally injured in the operation. The bravery and commitment of the SAPS reinforce the public’s trust in their ability to maintain safety and peace, and their ongoing fight against severe and violent crime.
Devin Gray, an internationally recognized South African comedian, is set to deliver an uproariously funny oneoff performance titled “How To Get Away With Marriage” at the Kaapstad Toneelhuis in Cape Town on March 6th. Gray’s comedy draws on shared experiences and common realities, and his unique blend of observational humor and lighthearted banter is sure to elicit fits of laughter. Don’t miss this chance to see Gray’s highly anticipated performance and let his humor shine a light on the shared human experiences that bring us all together.
Get ready for a mesmerizing journey through the world of Afropop as Ayra Starr takes over Cape Town with her uncontainable energy and rhythminfused melodies. The ‘In the City – Ayra Starr and Friends’ concert is set to be an unforgettable evening, with Steyn Entertainment, Flying Fish, and Maybelline backing the event. As the youngest African female artist to cross the 100 million views mark on a single YouTube video in only five months, Ayra Starr is a rising sensation in the Afrobeats arena. With supporting acts like Musa Keys, Kash, and Cuito, join Ayra Starr for a night of revelry and music on Friday, 16 February, at Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront.
