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Cape Town News
South African UFC contender Dricus du Plessis is set to make history in his middleweight title match against Strickland on Saturday, January 20. With his eightmatch winning streak and signature phrase “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know), du Plessis is not just a fighter but a national icon for South Africa. The match will be broadcasted in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity.
Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, is a wellknown figure in British royal history, famous for being the mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. However, her life has been marked by scandal, including extramarital affairs and financial struggles, and she was even accused of receiving a payment from Jeffrey Epstein to settle her debts. Despite this, she remains an enduring presence in the public eye and recently made a comeback into the royal circle. Her recent reentry into the royal family has rekindled interest in her personal life, history, and controversies.
The second Test match between South Africa and India at Newlands was the shortest completed Test in cricket history, ending in just one and a half days due to an unsatisfactory pitch. The International Cricket Council deemed the pitch unsatisfactory and players struggled to execute their shots effectively due to the unpredictable bouncing of the ball. The incident has prompted discussions about the importance of pitch conditions and their impact on the game’s result, with contrasting viewpoints on maintaining fair competition and home advantage.
Mohamed Salah is a football superstar who plays for Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. He dreams of leading Egypt to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite facing tough opponents like Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, Salah remains determined to win the championship and bring pride to his country. His goalscoring prowess and unwavering commitment inspire his teammates and fans, making him a beacon of hope for Egyptian football.
The Identikidz project in Cape Town provides waterproof wristbands with unique numbers to children at beaches, which are logged with the child’s name, guardian’s name, and contact details. This creates a protective web around each participant and connects the child to their guardian even in busy beaches and crowded coasts. Since its launch in December 2023, the project has tagged over 85,916 children and facilitated 263 reunions, demonstrating the community’s embrace of the project and their shared dedication to child safety. The project will expand to even more beaches in January 2024.
Kaizer Chiefs may be on the lookout for new talent following their struggles to produce goals this season, with reports suggesting they may be interested in a European forward. The club recruited two new strikers at the start of the season, but their performances have fallen short of expectations. The potential signing of Robert Polievka could demonstrate the club’s willingness to adapt and evolve to overcome their goalscoring problem.
Cape Town and the Smart Water Network Forum (SWAN) are teaming up to host a workshop on smart water metering solutions called “Unlocking the Water Utility AMI Journey.” The event is significant for Cape Town, which is integrating smart water meters to reduce dependency on reading estimates, provide hourly water consumption data, and help manage wastage and reduce water bills. The workshop will feature discussions with experts from various countries and encourage public participation.
Varsity College is making a big impact in South Africa by helping underprivileged children through humanitarian initiatives. They’ve provided stationery to The New Jerusalem Children’s Home and festive gift packages to Yenzani Children’s Home, instilling optimism in the kids. Varsity College is also part of a broader ethos of social responsibility and educational support shared by institutions in South Africa, Cyprus, and the EU, with a focus on youth empowerment and community development.
ABSA, a South African financial institution, has announced a new international partnership at a citylevel event, attracting local officials and board members. While ABSA primarily operates in Africa, the partnership with European city representatives could lead to crossborder initiatives and shared financial stability. The partnership with Cyprus, a destination for international investors with enticing tax incentives and access to the broader European market, demonstrates ABSA’s commitment to global expansion and customer service. The partnership also raises conversations about potential benefits for inhabitants and visitors of Cape Town, including increased investment and economic stability.
MultiChoice Group is a leading video entertainment and internet company in Africa. Despite challenges, the company has established a foothold on the picturesque island of Cyprus and is set to dominate the market with a diverse range of offerings. Their premier streaming service, Showmax, is revolutionizing content delivery across Africa with a commitment to local narratives and global entertainment trends. MultiChoice’s astute understanding of African viewers’ passion for football is showcased through their strategic introduction of Showmax Premier League. Overall, MultiChoice is shaping the African narrative and quenching the continent’s thirst for highquality entertainment.
The 2021 Golden Globes celebrated the success of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” a film about the infamous atomic bomb creator, which won five top prizes and gave birth to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon in collaboration with “Barbie,” a biting critique of ingrained misogyny and a celebration of female strength. The event also acknowledged excellence in television, with “Succession,” “The Bear,” and “Beef” among the top winners. The ceremony marked a positive change for the Golden Globes, once shunned for corruption and racism allegations, and showcased the tenacity and ingenuity of Hollywood.
Oscar Pistorius, a oncecelebrated Paralympian, is currently fulfilling his community service obligations after being granted parole for the murder of his girlfriend. He is performing tasks such as sweeping church floors and managing parking at his local church while undergoing therapy for anger management and genderbased violence. Pistorius is subject to specified curfew hours and cannot consume alcohol or illegal substances. His journey from a celebrated sportsman to a convicted criminal seeking redemption through service offers a powerful lesson in remorse and rehabilitation.
Operation Shanela is a law enforcement initiative in South Africa that aims to identify, disrupt, and capture criminals involved in minor to serious and violent crimes during the festive season. Since its inception in May 2023, it has resulted in the arrest of 314,728 individuals, with 49,534 arrests during the last festive season alone. The strategy includes foot, vehicle, and aerial patrols, roadblocks, and vehicle checkpoints in highdensity locations, leading to the confiscation of illegal firearms and retrieval of stolen vehicles. The success of this initiative is attributed to a multifaceted approach that focuses on serious and violent crimes, increased visibility, and community collaboration.
Touch is a crucial aspect of human life and connection, playing a role in brain development, social bonding, stress relief, and pain management. Hugging, gentle caresses, handholding, and massage all have therapeutic benefits, impacting physical and emotional health. Touch is an unspoken language of emotions, conveying affection, empathy, and love without the need for words. Its power lies in its adaptability to individual preferences, reminding us of our inherent need for connection and wellness.
Cape Town’s law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly since the start of 2024, with 339 arrests made in the first week alone. Metro police officers and traffic officers have been actively enforcing the law, with a focus on the city’s growing issue of gun violence. JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s MMC for Safety and Security, has called on citizens to report any illegal activities or emergencies, emphasizing the need for intervention in the face of rising crime.
The Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town is the city’s hub of arts and culture, with something for everyone. January’s lineup includes the *encore of The Sound of Music, Simphiwe Dana’s MOYA, and the A Cappella Musical Festival*, offering a diverse range of performances from classic musicals to emerging talent showcases. The theatre centre is an iconic symbol of the city’s creative prowess, and each performance promises to be a captivating experience.
