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Cape Town News
The Mega Bridges of Eastern Cape, South Africa are two massive Chinese bridges being built as part of the N2 Wild Coast Road project. They include the Msikaba bridge, which will be Africa’s longest cablestay bridge and the Mtentu bridge, Africa’s highest bridge and one of the world’s longest mainspan balanced cantilever bridges. These impressive engineering feats are providing vital infrastructure to the region, generating jobs and economic growth. Although the projects faced obstacles and setbacks, they symbolize human resilience, ingenuity, and the promise of a brighter future.
The controversy centers around the similarity between Balmain’s face jewels in their Fall/Winter Men’s collection and Tongoro’s ‘Cairo’ face piece, bringing up issues of cultural appropriation and the need for recognition of nonwestern creativity. The controversy highlights the larger problem of cultural appropriation and the lack of recognition for creativity from Africa and other nonwestern regions in the fashion industry. This conversation prompts the need for a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable global fashion industry.
After a devastating fire in Hillview’s informal settlement, Carl Pophaim, a Councillor and Mayoral Committee Member, and Gift of the Givers, a charitable NGO, teamed up to provide crucial relief to distressed school students and their families. The collaboration proved that the strength of a community lies not only in shared joy but also in collective struggle. Gift of the Givers distributed school supplies and uniforms, while Councillor Pophaim underscored the importance of a wellstructured approach to disaster funding and advocated for its direct accessibility to competent municipalities.
Nick Cannon, a luminary of American media, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to his late son Zen who lost his battle with brain cancer at just five months old. The tribute features a private family portrait of Nick, Alyssa Scott, and their daughter Halo, demonstrating the power of love in the face of loss. Despite the unpredictability of life, Cannon’s tribute serves as a touching reminder of the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in adversity.
A notorious drug lord in Cape Town, Fadwaan Murphy, was recently convicted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act after a decadelong trial. His drug empire, operating under the label of Ulterior Trading Solutions CC, was uncovered when police found his hidden tikpackaging warehouse, containing drugs and cash estimated to be worth around R4 million. Murphy was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined R2 million, while all of his properties were to be auctioned. This victory marks a significant win for the legal system in its ongoing struggle against organized crime in Cape Town.
Perth is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Sevens Series tournament and the selection of Tristan Leyds in the Springbok Sevens team. Leyds is one of two newcomers in the revised Blitzboks lineup, and his older brother Dillyn has a special connection to the city, where his rugby career took off. Despite facing challenges transitioning to sevens rugby, Tristan is eager to contribute to the team’s success and emulate their triumphant performance in Dubai. Perth welcomes Leyds and his skills to the already dynamic team.
The Iziko South African National Gallery is showcasing a retrospective of Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most cherished artists, from February to August. The exhibition titled ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ showcases over 100 artworks, historic photographs and a short film, and celebrates Mahlangu’s distinct artistry that weaves African traditions with modernity and contemporary styles. This audacious exhibition offers an intimate view into Mahlangu’s colourful career and acts as a celebration of an utterly unique art form and an artist who has become an emblem of South African artistic talent, resilience, and creativity.
Dricus du Plessis made history as the first South African to win a title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He endured a grueling fight against opponent Strickland, taking a severe beating but remaining resolute and showcasing the spirit of a true champion. Du Plessis’s victory is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of sacrifice in pursuing excellence.
Orlando Pirates are considering loaning Monnapule Saleng, a valuable team member from the past season, to another team this month. Despite his significant role in the team’s victories last season, Saleng has struggled with form this season. The move aims to provide Saleng with regular playtime to regain his form and potentially benefit all parties involved. Saleng’s contract with the Pirates is valid until 2025, and the team still considers him a vital part of their future plans. This potential move is a strategic masterstroke with the potential to benefit all parties involved.
Rihanna and Natalie Portman met at the Dior Haute Couture Spectacle in Paris, where the two stars exchanged praise and admiration for each other. Rihanna was dressed in a black brocade puffer jacket and midiskirt, while Portman was front and center at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection. The starstudded event also saw the attendance of Glenn Close, Juliette Binoche, and Ali Wong, among others, highlighting the confluence of fashion and stardom that Paris is renowned for. The event showcased that Paris isn’t just about the attire, but the unmatched moments that are birthed when style, star influence, and the joy of life come together in an unforgettable scene.
Percy Tau is a footballer for Bafana Bafana who shared an amazing story of redemption during the African Cup of Nations, after missing a penalty that could have changed the game against Mali. However, he redeemed himself in the following game against Namibia, scoring a goal that helped his team win. Tau’s journey shows that failure is just a stepping stone to success and that the collective spirit and resilience of the Bafana Bafana team is stronger than any individual mistake. The team is now focused on their upcoming match against Tunisia and ready to give their best.
Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away in January 2024 after a brave fight against prostate cancer. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and bravery, as he worked tirelessly to preserve and promote his father’s legacy as Chairman of The King Center. Despite his passing, Dexter’s influence continues to reverberate, inspiring generations to uphold the values he cherished.
Chicco Twala, a famous record producer in South Africa, is facing serious charges of assault and gunpointing which has caused a stir in the music industry. The case has been adjourned repeatedly and Twala has tried to get it thrown out. The next hearing is on 13 February, and Twala will once again be in the public eye. The case presents a complex narrative, highlighting the intersection of art, power, and law in South Africa.
Prof. Anthony Figaji of the University of Cape Town has won the prestigious Wellcome Discovery Award for his groundbreaking work in promoting clinically relevant neuroscience research. The award is a grant to support pioneering research ideas across a wide array of disciplines. Prof. Figaji’s research project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disease mechanisms and the brain’s reaction to infections, with a strong emphasis on clinical application. This achievement serves as a testament to the potential for groundbreaking research and global contributions that can emerge from the African continent.
Pitso Mosimane is a renowned coach whose career has been linked with several football clubs in North Africa and the Middle East, including the Kaizer Chiefs. However, it’s rumored that Mosimane is on the verge of joining the Abha Club in the Saudi Arabian Pro League. This move presents him with a fantastic chance to ply his trade in the premier league of the Arabian nation, and Mosimane’s adaptability and leadership skills will be put to the sternest of tests in this new chapter of his career.
The deadline for written submissions for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been extended to February 15, 2024, to allow for greater public involvement in the democratic process. The Ad Hoc Committee overseeing the bill has emphasized the need for inclusivity and transparency, and public hearings have already begun in Musina, with more planned for Tzaneen and Lephalale on January 23 and 24, 2024. While the Committee is constricted by a tight deadline and cannot extend it further, interested parties are encouraged to make use of the current extension to contribute their opinions.
