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Cape Town News
Salim Essa, a former associate of the Gupta family, has been hit with a R2.6 billion tax bill by South African authorities as part of a wider crackdown on corruption. Essa is accused of participating in corrupt activities with government agencies. Public sentiment on social media platforms reflects frustration and skepticism over the government’s ability to hold corrupt individuals accountable. The case highlights the importance of international efforts to combat corruption and enforce tax laws.
Umalusi is an institution in South Africa that ensures the quality of national examinations. They oversee the entire process, from writing to marking and execution, with transparency and scrutiny from various establishments. Umalusi’s CEO, Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, recently hosted a media briefing to unveil the results of their quality assurance processes for the 2023 national exams. Along with ensuring authenticity and credibility, Umalusi also works to counter fraud in the education sector and fosters an environment where learners can reach their full potential.
Cape Town urgently needs private sector involvement in its port operations due to persistent inefficiencies and low global rankings. While the private sector is set to commence operations at the Port of Durban, the national government remains silent on fasttracking private sector involvement in Cape Town’s port. The city plans to assemble key players, including the private sector, to establish definite schedules and deadlines for a private sector alliance and leverage expertise, knowledge, and innovation to chart a sustainable path for growth and development. The move could result in additional revenue, job creation, and taxes within five years.
Metro Police officers in the city centre of Cape Town use dauntless enforcement, innovative crime methods, traffic enforcement, and emergency response to combat the drug trade. They make arrests, issue citations, execute law enforcement operations, and impound vehicles, and have uncovered drugs in unlikely hiding spots like behind toilet bowls and inside vacuum cleaners. The city’s residents play a vital role in reporting criminal activities or emergencies promptly. The officers consistently prove they are more than capable of overcoming the challenges of drug dealers, putting their lives at risk, and outwitting them by being more creative.
A massive rally was held at Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade as a part of the Global Activism Day for Palestine, demanding an immediate truce in Gaza. The event was organized by Palestine Solidarity Campaign and featured distinguished speakers advocating for a ceasefire. Similar protests were held in 66 cities across at least 36 countries, representing a united front of global voices calling for an end to the conflict. The rally was decorated with roses and symbolic watermelons, and participants waved Palestinian flags.
David Teeger, the captain of the South African U19 cricket team, was removed from his position due to unspecified “safety” concerns. This move came after he dedicated his prize to the “young soldiers in Israel” during a speech at an awards event, sparking controversy. Despite being cleared of any misconduct, CSA removed him from his captaincy as they feared protests and violent clashes that could endanger everyone involved in the U19 Cricket World Cup. The decision has drawn global reactions and rumors of political influence, with CSA standing firm on their prioritization of safety.
A truck driver in Cape Town experienced a horrifying hijacking that was caught on his dashcam. Three men forcibly took control of his vehicle, and he was forced to abandon it. Road safety experts advise remaining calm, not gathering personal items or valuables, and complying with the hijacker’s requests to increase the likelihood of survival. It’s also crucial to remember as many details as possible about the hijacker and the event to help police investigations.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has voiced his intention to return to the presidency, but he faces legal obstacles as the country’s constitution only allows for two terms. Zuma has formed alliances with other parties and has received support from influential figures, but his potential reentry into politics remains uncertain. The news has sparked hope among rural residents grappling with a severe power crisis, but whether Zuma’s aspirations will become reality or remain a distant dream remains to be seen.
Get ready for the 75th Emmy Awards, a celebration of TV’s finest, happening in Los Angeles on January 15th. “Succession” leads the pack with 27 nominations, followed by “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus.” “Ted Lasso” dominates in the comedy category, while the limited series category features a diverse range of shows. The individual performances category is filled with a plethora of talented actors and actresses across all genres.
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is a cultural hub showcasing a diverse range of artistic performances, including dramas, musicals, comedies, and classical and contemporary music. It is a mustvisit destination for anyone seeking to experience and appreciate South African arts and narratives. From classic dramas to modern comedies, the center hosts a variety of performances that foster societal discourse. The center also supports charitable endeavors by donating revenue generated from certain performances to humanitarian organizations.
Learn how to make a positive impact on the environment with these ten proactive steps to incorporate ecofriendly practices into your daily life. From reducing plastic use to adopting green modes of transport, these simple changes can make a big difference. Join the movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, and inspire others to do the same.
A hitandrun incident in Simon’s Town, South Africa, saw a white Volkswagen Polo swerve into the bicycle lane and hit cyclists Dewald van der Westhuizen and Mike Moriarty. The driver, Garth Pasha, fled the scene and was later charged with attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and drunk driving. Van der Westhuizen suffered severe injuries and is still recovering. Moriarty sustained minor injuries. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Despite the trauma of the incident, van der Westhuizen’s spirit remains strong and his journey to recovery serves as an inspiration to all.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, has led a team of lawyers to present a case of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They accuse Israel of indiscriminately bombing and blockading Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 23,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children. The multinational team, including esteemed professionals in international law, human rights, and advocacy, aims to seek justice for victims and prevent further atrocities in the region. Leading figures in South Africa’s legal brigade include Professor John Dugard, Advocate Max du Plessis, and Advocate Adila Hassim.
Get ready for an exciting adventure in Cape Town in 2024! From quad biking in Atlantis Dunes to a helicopter flight over the city, crocodile diving at Danger Point, shark cage diving in Gansbaai, and a romantic horse riding experience at Goedeverwachting Estate, there’s something for everyone. These activities offer a chance to explore the natural beauty, culture, and people of Cape Town, all at affordable prices under R100,000. Come and experience the thrill of discovery in this magnificent city!
Law enforcement agencies are now using immersive training simulators to train officers in making instantaneous decisions on the lawful application of force. The 180degree firearm simulator is a groundbreaking training tool that provides officers with diverse scenarios to hone their skills and decisionmaking capabilities. It replaces live ammunition used for training with templates, reducing operational costs. This technology marks a bright future for law enforcement training, forming a bridge between classroom instruction and practical field experience.
False Bay is a diverse and beautiful marine sanctuary that offers a constantly evolving display of aquatic life, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts. The bay is home to marine animals such as Cape fur seals, Bryde’s whales, dolphins, penguins, and seabirds. In addition to its aquatic wonders, False Bay also offers historical and cultural landscapes, making it an irresistible destination for adventure seekers, marine biologists, and nature lovers alike.
