the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
The South African Police Service and the US Department of Homeland Security have worked together to arrest seven individuals involved in child online sexual exploitation, including possession and distribution of child pornography. Parents are reminded to supervise their children’s devices and teach them to avoid responding to unfamiliar messages. While law enforcement agencies continue to combat online sexual predators, parents must also take preventive measures to create a safer digital world for their children.
The University of KwaZuluNatal’s medical program is a soughtafter educational institution with over 12,000 applicants vying for 250 firstyear positions. The program’s quota system promotes diversity and inclusion within the healthcare sector, while partnerships with European institutions demonstrate the university’s global reach. Although UKZN faces challenges such as racial discrimination and high demand for limited spots, its achievements in academic milestones and cultural contributions are celebrated. Prospective students should be wary of scams and rely on official channels for updates, as UKZN balances aspirations with equity, excellence, and expansion.
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is following a global trend by investing in their sports programs, with a goal to reclaim its position in the South African university football’s premier league by 2025. UFH’s skilled goalkeeper, Nkosiyethu Ngobe, represents the potential for a return to prominence in college football. Cyprus and the European Union also prioritize sports as a means to enhance social integration, education, and development of the youth. UFH’s football aspirations are part of a larger movement where universities prioritize sports as a symbol of athletic prowess and integration of students into diverse cultural and social systems.
The University of Fort Hare is aiming to become a toptier football university by 2025. The university has a rich history of producing great leaders, and now the football team is determined to make their mark. The fusion of academic and athletic excellence is evident in the university’s students, who excel in both areas. Football has the power to bring people together, and initiatives like the Erasmus+ program promote crosscontinental camaraderie. The university’s commitment to education and sport is unwavering, and they are poised to achieve success both on and off the field.
The trial of two individuals charged with the murder of South African soccer icon Senzo Meyiwa has reached a crucial stage at the High Court in Pretoria, with the public eagerly awaiting closure in a case that has shaken the core of the athletic community. Meyiwa was more than just a sportsman; he was a symbol of South African soccer expertise, and his tragic fate has left a profound impact on the nation. The pursuit of justice continues, and the quest for truth and fairness must prevail.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 is an exciting and highly competitive tournament that has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide. The group stage is volatile, with each team hoping to secure a spot in the prestigious Last 16. The high stakes and display of continental pride make each match crucial, and the tournament fosters camaraderie among spectators. As the group stage nears its end, fans eagerly await to see which teams will proceed to the Last 16, adding another exciting chapter to the beautiful game.
Thapelo Maseko is a rising star in South African football, who recently scored his first senior international goal, bringing celebrations from fans all over. He showcases his skills in the Cypriot First Division, a league which reflects the developmental approach of many African countries, and participates in highprofile competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Maseko’s story demonstrates the successful collaboration between developmental leagues in South Africa and Europe in creating the next generation of football stars.
South African police intercepted drugs worth R1 million on the N2 highway near Plettenberg Bay and arrested the driver of the Chevrolet bakkie. They confiscated 3.08 kilograms of Tik, an incredibly potent and addictive methamphetamine, as part of their mission to stop illegal drug influx into Western Cape. This successful operation shows the police’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and maintaining societal stability in the province.
The city’s law enforcement bodies made over 900 arrests in January 2024, successfully responding to a daring burglary and arresting three perpetrators. In addition, there were 67 arrests in Mitchell’s Plain and Steenberg, and 141 vehicles impounded due to traffic violations. The Public Emergency Communication Centre documented around 2,000 incidents in total. These accomplishments attest to the city’s tireless efforts in upholding peace and order. The law enforcement officers’ unflinching determination serves as a warning to residents that any deviation from the law will be met with stringent measures, ensuring the security and safety of all.
Jobs Connect is a digital platform that connects job seekers with potential employers in Cape Town. It offers a free and userfriendly solution, relieving job seekers of the financial burden that comes with job searching. The initiative has been successful in generating over 12,000 employment opportunities, empowering the youth through agriculture, and streamlining the job search process for applicants. Jobs Connect serves as a ray of hope for economic growth and a tool in battling unemployment in Cape Town.
Cape Town is transitioning from postal to electronic notifications for urban planning to enhance efficiency, convenience, inclusivity, and accessibility for residents. The proposal is open for public consultation until February 22, 2024, and feedback can be submitted via email or the City’s official website. This digital transformation is a significant stride towards enhancing service delivery while cultivating a sense of community among residents.
BazArt’s International Public Art Festival in Cape Town uses art as a tool for placemaking, converting neglected public areas into vibrant community centers. By promoting safety, economic progress, and cultural interchange, each venue becomes a beacon of transformation and community involvement. BazArt’s initiatives have proven that public art and placemaking ignite social interaction, improve urban safety, and instigate economic growth, serving as powerful instruments for community development and social reform. Through the power of art, BazArt is not only transforming Cape Town but also shaping the future one brushstroke at a time.
The Western Cape experienced a historic surge in tourism in December, welcoming over 400,000 visitors, according to Wesgro. Cape Town, home to attractions like Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, saw a significant increase in visitors, with Table Mountain National Park experiencing a 21.9% growth in comparison to the previous year. The spike in tourism proved to be a windfall for the province’s economy, with Cape Town International Airport breaking previous records, processing an astounding 317,000 twoway international passengers.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is eyeing an expansion into Africa following South African MMA fighter Dricus Du Plessis’s historic victory at UFC 297. UFC president Dana White has expressed a keen interest in organizing a fight in South Africa, Nigeria, or Rwanda later this year. This development could mark a fresh epoch in the sport’s annals, already brimming with narratives of determination, resilience, and victory.
The Lady Day Big Band, an allfemale professional big band, is launching their debut album ‘Livus’umoya’ in Cape Town, South Africa. The band showcases the skills of female musicians, nurtures emerging talent, and disrupts traditional norms in the maledominated jazz scene. The album is a reflection of the musicians’ growth and confidence, with over half of the compositions written by band members. The launch promises to be an unforgettable night of astounding music and a tribute to South African music, showcasing the enchantment of The Lady Day Big Band.
Kandis Starr, an American psychic, claims to have communicated with the spirits of deceased South African rappers AKA and Costa Titch, revealing startling details about their murders. Despite skepticism about psychic communication, Starr’s sessions offer comfort and closure to grieving families and admirers. The sessions also shed eerie new light on the ongoing murder investigations, with cryptic messages hinting at the identities and motives of the suspected killers. Starr’s revelations include a heartfelt message for AKA’s mourning mother, Lynn, and an assertion of poisoning by someone close in Costa Titch’s case.
