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Cape Town News
South Africa’s Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector is getting ready for the 2024 academic year, with plans to expand access to education and improve its quality. The sector is celebrating the impressive national high school pass rate of 82.9% and is determined to provide more opportunities for students. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme continues to support students from lowincome households, and the sector is preparing for the 2024 academic year with the creation of several committees and monitoring instruments. Overall, South Africa’s education sector is striving for a future where every student has access to quality education.
The public hearings on the Tobacco Control Bill will be held in the Eastern Cape from the 26th to the 28th of January. The committee welcomes both written and oral submissions, and the primary aim of the Bill is to bolster public health protection measures. The proposed alterations include 100% smokefree indoor public spaces and certain outdoor areas, a ban on the sale of cigarettes via vending machines, and regulation of electronic nicotine and nonnicotine delivery systems. Mixed reactions have been received, but advocates stress the importance of public involvement in discussions surrounding the Bill.
The South African Parliament mourned the sudden loss of Nkululeko Masondo, son of the National Council of Provinces’ Chairperson, Mr Amos Masondo, at the age of 24. The Presiding Officers expressed their deep sorrow and extended genuine condolences to the Masondo family during this challenging time. Despite the grief, the Parliament continues to function, with dedicated individuals like Ms Delmaine Chelsey Christians representing the democratic spirit and commitment to public service. Nkululeko Masondo’s legacy remains indelible, reminding us of the personal stories interwoven with the national narrative and the strength of the human spirit.
Solly Moholo, a gospel artist, has made a surprising move into the world of Amapiano, a popular South African house music genre. Amapiano is a cultural phenomenon that has spread beyond South Africa into Europe, where it is finding recognition even in countries with strong folk music traditions. Solly Moholo’s versatile talent shows that music can bring people together regardless of genre, generation, culture and geography. His fusion promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
The U19 Cricket World Cup showcased young talent from around the world, including South Africa’s own Kwena Maphaka and New Zealand’s Snehith Reddy. The tournament served as a platform for emerging cricketers to shine and set the foundation for future success. Beyond the cricket field, the tournament brought nations together and stimulated local economies, celebrating unity and hope for cricket fans worldwide.
In South Africa, tradition and modernity blend harmoniously, as shown in the joyful dance between Sangoma Gogo Skhotheni and gospel icon Solly Moholo. Gogo Skhotheni embodies the wisdom of traditional healers, while Moholo infuses vivacious joy into gospel music, a channel for cultural expression and spiritual introspection. Their dance symbolizes community resilience and cultural exchanges, creating emblems of joy, resilience, and the enduring spirit of South Africa.
South African rugby player Faf de Klerk and his wife, Miné, have announced their expected addition to their family during a baby tea ceremony, adding Faf to a list of Springboks who have recently announced their transition into fatherhood. Faf’s romance with Miné adds a loving element to the rough world of rugby, and their announcement is part of a growing trend of Springboks expanding their families. The players’ personal lives bring an endearing quality to the team, and their bond grows stronger as they celebrate each other’s lifechanging events.
Twelve lives were lost to drowning between December 2023 and January 2024, with an additional 25 individuals barely escaping the same fate. The majority of the victims were young adults, and the incidents often occurred during weekends and school holidays. While there has been a 29% reduction in fatal drownings compared to the previous year, caution and vigilance are still critical, and swimming should only be done under the watchful eye of lifeguards and within designated areas. Education, awareness, and respect for nature are our most powerful defenses.
Siyethemba Sithebe’s future with the Kaizer Chiefs is uncertain due to injuries and limited playing time. Former Amakhosi striker Siyabonga Novethe has advised Sithebe to fight for his place in the team and deliver topnotch performances. With the club participating in the transfer window, Sithebe may need to reflect on his career and potentially move to a new club to revive his career.
David Ansara, CEO of South Africa’s Free Market Foundation, advocates for selfreliance and minimizing reliance on the government to thrive in 2024. He suggests reducing tax contributions and establishing offshore companies in countries with lenient tax policies, but these strategies require meticulous planning and ethical considerations. Ansara’s guide emphasizes individual and corporate autonomy, critical comprehension of the government’s limitations, and careful financial management. His provocative theories on governmentproofing in South Africa underscore the significance of selfreliance and personal liberties.
Lukhanyo Am’s journey to the 2023 Rugby World Cup exemplifies the importance of offfield contributions to a team’s success. Despite an injury that initially left him out of the team, fate intervened, and he played a backstage role in South Africa’s victorious journey. His experience is a testament to the undefeated spirit of sportsmanship, blending setbacks and resilience, offfield contributions, and victory. The tale of Lukhanyo Am shows that an athlete’s journey is not merely about personal achievements but also about their contribution to the team and the nation.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has taken a new twist as one of the five defendants, Bongani Ntanzi, has expressed interest in striking a plea agreement and testifying against his codefendants. This unexpected development was revealed by lead detective, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, during his testimony at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The trial, which centers around the premeditated contract murder of the renowned Orlando Pirates goalkeeper in 2014, has garnered significant public attention and sparked a tireless quest for truth and justice.
Handre Pollard faces tough competition from rising stars Manie Libbok, Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu, and Curwin Bosch for the flyhalf position in South African rugby. Pollard remains a talented player, but these emerging players possess impressive skills and gamechanging moves that make them formidable contenders. The future of South African rugby looks promising, with these rising stars keeping the sport vibrant and competitive.
International efforts to combat online child exploitation have resulted in the arrest of several individuals in South Africa, in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security. The recent arrests in Western Cape serve as a reminder that such illicit activities can take place anywhere, even in the least expected places. Each arrest reaffirms the commitment to protect children and rid society of such horrific acts.
Get ready to be amazed as we explore the mysteries of life! From the Moon’s gravitational pull to the silent language of dreams, there’s a whole world of fascinating facts waiting to be discovered. Did you know that animals perceive time differently from humans or that allergies aren’t just exclusive to humans? Share these captivating facts with others and let’s continue our quest to understand the world we live in.
The Khayelitsha community is in mourning and demanding justice after the brutal killing of Felicia Mlanjeni, a beloved member of the community and mother of a 14yearold son. The residents are outraged and have marched to the police station, demanding the arrest of the presumed murderer and a thorough investigation. However, doubts surrounding the assassin’s identity and the police response have left the community unsettled and struggling with grief. The community remains determined in their call for justice and reform.
