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Cape Town News
Cape Town is gearing up for the World Rugby U20 Championship, which will showcase the future talent of rugby from twelve nations under the age of 20. The tournament takes place across three venues in Cape Town from June 29 to July 19, 2024, with affordable ticket prices starting at R35 for children and R75 for adults. The local community is encouraged to show support and give a warm welcome to visiting teams, with the Junior Boks poised to enter the tournament with momentum after their bronze medal achievement at the 2023 championships.
The strength of a passport is crucial for global travel, and South Africa’s passport ranks at 52 on the Henley & Partners Passport Index, with a visafree score of 108. This means that South African passport holders can visit 108 countries worldwide without a visa, including destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. While some countries provide visas upon arrival, others require an electronic travel authority. The index highlights the disparities in worldwide travel freedom, but South African passport bearers have access to a rich spectrum of experiences and limitless exploration potential.
Get ready for a weekend full of music events in the city! From local talent showcases to jazz nights, there’s something for everyone and ticket prices won’t break the bank. Check out the events through Quicket.co.za and get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm and harmony of the city.
South Africa’s National Assembly is establishing a new parliamentary structure for its seventh term, focusing on creating a diverse and inclusive representation. The Programme Committee, responsible for determining the House’s agenda, and the Subcommittee on Review of NA Rules, ensuring the Assembly’s rules and practices’ integrity, are key players in this endeavor. The Rules Committee is developing new rules and procedures, with a comprehensive rulebook serving as the foundation of the NA’s operation. With the Chamber holding historical and symbolic importance, the National Assembly is wellprepared to lay a robust foundation for an effective parliament.
The South African cricket team, the Proteas, are on the verge of making history by reaching their firstever World Cup final. Fans all over the world are excited about their impressive journey, which was led by strong performances from their bowlers and batsmen. With a combination of skill and strategy, the Proteas have defied past perceptions of being ‘chokers’ and are now eyeing a triumphant moment in their cricketing history. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the final, where the Proteas will face either India or England.
The transformative restructuring of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during its inaugural meeting in 2024 consolidated Select Committees from eleven to ten and formed a Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and Programming Committee of the 7th Parliament. The Select Committees act as the “engine room” for provincial matters and the Council’s overall function, while the NCOP plays a fundamental role in safeguarding provincial interests within Parliament. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and oversight over different government departments, propelling the NCOP towards greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The Botany Café at The President Hotel in Cape Town has reopened for the winter season, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients for nutritious, flavorful meals. The café pays homage to the historic Botany Bay and creates an ambience where tradition meets innovation. Led by executive chef Sergio Adams, the everevolving menu focuses on quality and variety, with options for salads, sandwiches, main dishes, and desserts. Botany Café is more than just a dining experience it’s an idyllic poolside haven for everyone to enjoy modern, healthy cuisine.
Monkeypox, a virus related to smallpox, has evolved to include sexual transmission in addition to transmission through physical contact with infected animals, respiratory droplets, and scratches or bites. Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle aches, and swollen glands and can be fatal in severe cases. While treatments like Tecovirimat are available for severe cases, prevention through hand hygiene and seeking medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms is critical to managing the spread of the disease. Monkeypox does not discriminate by gender, age, or sexual orientation.
A viral TikTok video revealed the unexpected cost of a fiveday romantic retreat to Cape Town, shocking many viewers. The total cost was R27,000, with a significant chunk spent on lodging, ehailing services, and food. While some argue that Cape Town can be budgetfriendly, it’s a reminder to carefully plan and explore local destinations. The story emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of exploring overlooked local treasures like Cape Town.
The Grindr Gang, a group of three men, use the popular dating app Grindr to trap and blackmail innocent victims. They have been implicated in similar offenses in Gauteng and are a stark warning of the dangers of digital connections. The reign of the Grindr Gang extends beyond Cape Town and their deeds serve as a reminder to navigate online platforms with caution and awareness, as technology can be a doubleedged sword.
Tiffindell Ski Resort in Southern Drakensberg, South Africa, has permanently closed due to Covid19 and unpredictable snowfall, leaving the region with just one ski resort. Tiffindell was a gem for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, and had the potential to evolve into a yearround destination. Despite its closure, Tiffindell will be remembered for providing a unique winter experience in a country where snow was rare, and as a blueprint for future winter resorts.
Comedy legend Eddie Murphy is back to voice his iconic role in both Shrek 5 and a spinoff film centered on Donkey, confirming rumors that have been circulating since 2023. Murphy has already begun recording the first act of Shrek 5 and plans to complete it in 2021, with the film set to release in 2025. The Shrek franchise has an enduring place in animation history, known for its wit, emotional richness, and memorable characters, and Murphy’s return to the beloved series is sure to excite fans worldwide.
A robbery attempt at a local shop in Nyanga resulted in a 19yearold man losing his life and three others left battling for survival. The incident highlights the random and unfathomable nature of violence in the community and the fatal consequences of extortion. Law enforcement faces the challenge of community reluctance to share information. Collaboration between the community and law enforcement is crucial to interrupt the vicious cycle of violence and fear.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) runs an annual resilience programme focused on disaster risk reduction, specifically tailored to cater to women and girls. The programme covers topics related to disaster management such as early warning systems, neighbourhood resilience evaluations, and waste management. The syllabus also includes practical skills such as selfdefense, basic firefighting techniques, and first aid. The programme is designed to foster disaster preparedness at home and in the community through experiential learning beyond the classroom. The goal is for these newly minted disaster risk reduction ambassadors to share their knowledge and raise awareness about the critical importance of resilience and preparedness in their communities.
South African National Parks is leading the way in digitalization by introducing an online purchasing system for the My Activity Permit of Table Mountain National Park, making it easier for visitors to engage in specialized activities. The park has also gone cashless at two major entry points, promoting a safer and more efficient mode of handling payments. This innovative step signifies a commitment to sustainable practices and sets a standard for national parks around the world. The fusion of nature and technology at Table Mountain National Park creates a unique and progressive recreational experience, enhancing the park’s appeal for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
South Africa’s Department of Transport has faced obstacles in securing service providers for the launch of the 2024 driver’s license cards, causing delays and frustration among citizens. The procurement process has been slow and lacking transparency, leading to public distrust. Despite reassurances from the Transport Minister, the project remains mired in controversy and technical intricacies. The department has received offers from five companies and has new printing machinery, but contradictory information and inconsistencies have left the public uncertain about when the cards will be available.
