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Cape Town News
Morwe Frans Motsume is a revered figure in South African law enforcement, with 33 years of dedicated service in the SAPS. He is celebrated for his exceptional aptitude as a detective, capturing 13 serial rapists and obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40yearold serial offender, Albert Nyembe. Despite challenges such as the disappearance of the original case file and Nyembe’s intimidation of victims, Motsume remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice, driven by a fervour to safeguard women and children.
Soul Barrel Brewing is a shining star among African breweries, having won the title of Africa’s finest beer producer for two consecutive years. Their awardwinning ‘Ale of Origin’ is a threeyearaged fermented ale crafted with indigenous South African grains and Lambic methods of spontaneous fermentation, resulting in a complex flavor profile with hints of zesty mango, orange, wild fruit, tart lemon acidity, yeast biscuit earthiness, honey, and floral undertones. The success of the Ale of Origin is a tribute to South African agriculture and the potential of local produce, showcasing the future of South Africa’s beer industry.
Siya Kolisi, the South African Rugby Champion, recently attended the Monaco Grand Prix as a guest, leaving a lasting impression on the event through his infectious enthusiasm and charismatic personality. His unexpected reunion with former teammate Tendai Mtawarira was a testament to the unifying power of sports and the shared spirit of competition and sportsmanship that transcends boundaries. Kolisi’s appearance at the Grand Prix reinforced the belief that true sports icons are not limited to their field of play, and that in sports, there are no strangers, only teammates waiting to be discovered.
Cape Town has proposed a R39.5 billion infrastructure investment blueprint, known as the Building for Jobs Budget, over three years to alleviate poverty and become Africa’s most businessfriendly city. The budget includes plans for diverse projects, including upgrading informal settlements, providing lowincome households with the highest free water allocation, and offering the widest qualifying criteria for a 100% rates rebate. The budget is a testament to the city’s commitment to democracy, with extensive comments and feedback from Capetonians contributing to its formation. The Building for Jobs Budget serves as a symbol of hope, reflecting the city’s determination to create a prosperous future for all.
Cape Town’s Building for Jobs Budget 2024/25 is a cuttingedge fiscal plan aimed at benefiting lowerincome demographics, committing 75% of total expenditure to them. It aims to create 130,000 constructionrelated jobs in the next three years and includes propoor infrastructure spending of R9 billion, outshining any other city. The budget also prioritizes investments in Cape Town’s most rapidly expanding and deprived areas, leading the way in free basic services and property rates, and is a testament to Cape Town’s commitment to its citizens, envisioning a brighter, more inclusive future.
Cape Town’s Building for Jobs Budget is a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on propoor infrastructure investment, committing R39.5bn to underserved sectors over the next three years. The budget prioritizes communitycentric development, with 75% of the proposed R12bn investment benefiting lowerincome households. The initiative aims to generate 130,000 constructionrelated jobs and reshape Cape Town’s narrative, striving to dismantle the unjust past and plot a path towards a more balanced future. Through this budget, Cape Town aspires to become a City of Hope, adhering to its longterm vision.
The proposed road schemes aim to strategically rearrange Bellville’s transport routes to enhance urban mobility, bolster roadbased freight and public transport services, and ultimately, boost the region’s economic development. The Cape Town Urban Mobility Directorate has a plan to revitalize the Bellville Central Business District through significant road enhancements and extensions. The public is welcome to provide their comments and thoughts on the proposed schemes, and the deadline for comments is 14th June 2024. The initiative promises a brighter, more accessible future for Bellville CBD.
South Africa is set to receive an unexpected snowfall with up to 10cm predicted in various regions, including the Cape Provinces, Lesotho, and neighbouring Namibia. The snow is expected to fall as early as Saturday in some areas and continue into next week in others. This unusual weather event presents a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy a winter wonderland and experience the rare occurrence of African snow.
Decorex Cape Town, the ultimate interior design exhibition in South Africa, is making a comeback from 6th to 9th June 2024. Attendees will witness innovative showcases, dialogues, and exhibitions, featuring 230 creative companies. Expect to see the future of 3D printing, sustainable housing, exciting design showcases, engaging dialogues, and South African brands. The event unites industry pioneers, design enthusiasts, and the public for a stimulating and captivating experience.
The ‘Save Our Future’ campaign for World No Tobacco Day is an alliance of health and community organizations committed to protecting young people from the deceptive tactics of the tobacco and ecigarette industries. The campaign empowers youth to resist the manipulative strategies employed by these industries through social media and education. By giving the youth a platform to voice their opinions, ‘Save Our Future’ aims to generate a wave of awareness and stimulate discussions among them. Through education, empowerment, and action, the initiative is forging a path for future generations to escape the grip of the tobacco industry.
The Khuseleka OneStop Centre is a new establishment within the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children that offers a range of services for victims of crime and violence, including trauma therapy, legal advice, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment programs. Despite facing challenges in acquiring support and recognition, the centre stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the fight against genderbased violence and femicide. The inauguration coincided with the signing of the National Council of GenderBased Violence and Femicide Bill, indicating progress in both policy formulation and practical application.
The Springboks are on the brink of a leadership transition, with current captain Siya Kolisi potentially stepping down. Head coach Rassie Erasmus is considering several candidates to lead the team, including Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, and Elrigh Louw. Each candidate has their strengths and weaknesses, and Erasmus must choose between experience and promising talent. The upcoming campaign holds the promise of being a transformative period for the team, as they navigate this challenging decision.
The debate continues in Cape Town on balancing urban structure and safety in cycling paths. Initially, hailed as an efficient transport network, crime has transformed these paths into epicenters of unlawful activity. The city has decided to close numerous cycling paths and pedestrian walkways, but citizens are invited to engage in the decisionmaking process for a democratic outcome. Despite the closures, there is hope as residents can lease the land and convert it into gardens, reflecting the city’s ongoing adaptability and resilience in confronting adversity.
Electoral commissions are vital in ensuring fair and open elections in democratic societies. The Electoral Commission of South Africa faced challenges during the 2024 election, including long lines, technical issues, and poorly prepared staff, leading to calls for improved election management and eroding voter confidence. The successful conduct of an election must instill confidence and trust among the electorate, and the IEC must address concerns to uphold the principles of fairness and freedom in the voting process. Citizens can voice their concerns through a feedback form to aim for a seamless and efficient voting experience for all.
Amid the city districts of Cape Town, urban pocket forests are sprouting using the Miyawaki afforestation method, a Japanese technique that emphasizes growing dense, diverse forests of native and indigenous plant species. Mzanzi Organics and local elementary schools are utilizing this method to plant 800 indigenous trees and shrubs across 200 square meters of Langa, leading to the birth of the region’s firstever forest. These green sanctuaries serve as alfresco classrooms for learning sessions and venues for music collaborations between musicians and pupils, while also encouraging biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
The success of AgriKey Farming highlights the critical role of entrepreneurship training in catalyzing economic development and the transformative potential of connecting entrepreneurs with educational resources and support. AgriKey Farming in Mfuleni, South Africa started as a small chicken farming business but expanded into pig farming, crop cultivation, and vertical farming systems on school grounds to reinforce school feeding programs and create job opportunities. The owner, Khaya Burwana, also established five meat stands, providing fresh, locallyproduced meat products and creating job opportunities.
