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Cape Town News
Cape Town is working towards sustainable tourism practices aligned with the expectations of today’s informed and responsible travelers. The city’s Responsible Tourism Working Group aims to promote a tourism environment that enhances the tourist experience while improving the quality of life for its inhabitants. The Grand Hotel at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is leading the way in sustainable upgrades, investing in green energy solutions, while Cape Town plans to reveal a new charter outlining strategies for sustainable tourism. The city’s commitment to sustainability ensures the preservation of its unique treasures and positions it as a leader in the global shift towards responsible tourism practices.
The city’s commitment to improving the safety and quality of life for residents is bringing a positive change to the Jabula Settlement in Philippi as households are connected to the electricity grid. The electrification efforts aim to provide basic electricity services and instill a sense of security. The city has allocated a budget of R23 million towards electrifying an estimated 2,440 households in the financial year of 2022/23, overseen by the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen. The move is transforming the lives of residents and promoting progress and inclusivity.
Identikidz is a child safety project implemented in Cape Town’s high footfall beaches, where parents and guardians can register their children at a dedicated station and receive a waterproof wristband carrying essential contact information. In the event of a child getting distanced from their family, this wristband becomes a valuable resource for rescuers to reunite them with their guardians. Over 90,000 children were tagged at participating beaches, and nearly 400 children were united with their guardians. The Identikidz initiative is a unified endeavor to ensure that the mirth of children continues to reverberate across Cape Town’s shimmering beaches.
Get ready for a thrilling cricket series between South Africa and India in December 2023! The teams boast a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, including exciting newcomers like Tristan Stubbs and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The series promises to showcase the dynamic nature of cricket and the importance of constant evolution, offering an enthralling narrative that cricket enthusiasts worldwide won’t want to miss!
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) guards have successfully stopped a child trafficking attempt at the Beitbridge border post. The guards, working with the police and anticorruption unit, discovered 443 young children traveling unaccompanied in a convoy of buses from Zimbabwe. All children were rescued and handed over to Zimbabwean officials for safe repatriation. As the holiday season approaches with an anticipated surge in border crossings, the BMA is preparing to deploy 380 extra personnel at the busiest entry ports.
Cape Town is implementing a comprehensive plan for water infrastructure maintenance between 4th and 8th December 2023. The plan includes zeropressure tests, pressure management, and pipe and valve repair and replacement to enhance water supply efficiency and reduce wastage. Although temporary water supply disruptions may occur, the city is committed to maintaining superior water and sanitation standards. Residents are encouraged to prepare accordingly and follow updates on the City of Cape Town Twitter account. The maintenance work highlights the importance of shared responsibility in curbing disruption and contributing to water conservation.
The picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve has been expanded and repurposed from a plant nursery into a 15 x 25 meter picnic section, complete with a children’s playground and an opportunity to share your picnic with the famous hippos of Rondevlei. This lush sanctuary is home to birds and other wildlife, offering visitors an idyllic picnic spot amid the wonders of nature. The expansion also emphasizes accessible recreation and promotes community involvement in conservation efforts.
The South African City Council has launched a sixmonth experimental venture to mitigate pollution in Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon. This pioneering initiative, the first in the South African region, seeks to restore the critical aquatic ecosystems by enhancing their oxygen content. The project involves using four aerators to increase oxygen levels in the river and combat the buildup of oxygendepleted sediment and hydrogen sulphide production.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a passionate speech at the 28th United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai (COP 28), calling for unity, transformation, and climate justice. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for a united front against the environmental crisis and immediate and transformative action, urging countries to align their perspectives on the transformation of financial systems and sustainable development initiatives. He also highlighted the principle of climate justice and the need for developed countries to provide necessary resources and support. Ramaphosa’s address was a powerful call for cooperation, transformation, and justice in the face of climate change.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech at COP 28 in Dubai emphasized the need for developed nations to meet their historical obligations in funding developing countries’ climate resilience efforts. He called for multilateralism, increased climate finance, debt reform, and access to affordable clean technologies. President Ramaphosa’s speech highlighted the importance of collaboration between the global North and South to combat climate change.
Deputy President Mashatile spoke at the Thanksgiving celebration at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ, emphasizing the important link between religion and politics. He called for inclusivity and unity in addressing societal challenges like genderbased violence and HIV infection rates among the youth. Mashatile also encouraged the Church to educate its members about safe sex and the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections. Overall, the celebration highlighted the progress made by South Africa as a nation and the role of the Church in promoting social cohesion and addressing social problems.
The South African parliamentary group is actively involved in COP28, attending various dialogues, sessions, and meetings focused on promoting sustainable development and climate action. Their participation underscores their commitment to addressing the climate crisis and their readiness to lead in the fight against it. The group has been dynamically taking part in multiple capacities, such as moderators, facilitators, and speakers throughout the fortnightlong conference, symbolizing their ongoing commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
Get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses in Cape Town by checking out these five boutiques for exceptional holiday gifts. Fabricate offers authentic South African treasures, Vannie Kaap has merchandise that reflects Cape Town’s soul, PICHULIK blends global influence with African heritage, Granadilla celebrates Cape Town’s summer spirit, and Donkey Long Tong is a gamechanger in the barbecue world. Each boutique offers unique and locally crafted gifts that showcase Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Cape Town is a lively city that offers a diverse array of experiences to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. From exclusive parties in majestic castles to familyfriendly festivals in enchanting forests, there is something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy live music, exquisite food, workshops, and more, and make indelible memories in this culturally rich city. With its magnificent venues, electrifying events, and timehonored traditions, Cape Town promises a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember.
The Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves in South Africa are a breathtaking wilderness experience, with aweinspiring mountains, rich flora and fauna, and enchanting trails leading to captivating rock pools and waterfalls. Visitors can also explore the historic Assegaaibosch farmstead, dating back to 1792. CapeNature plays a crucial role in conserving ecosystems and species, while their Biodiversity Stewardship program aims to establish agreements with landowners and support them in managing their properties based on sound conservation management principles. These reserves are a vital part of South Africa’s natural heritage, demonstrating their commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.
In 2023, Gerda Steyn broke her own national record at the Valencia Marathon in Spain, displaying incredible endurance and athleticism. Her journey has been marked by a series of achievements, inspiring her fellow South Africans and promoting healthy living and women’s empowerment. Steyn’s international recognition and recordbreaking performance have cemented her as a symbol of determination and a glorious moment in South Africa’s sporting history. Her journey continues to inspire and instill hope for a brighter future in athletics.
