the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Jeffrey Zikhali, a beloved sports presenter and spokesperson for the provincial department of agriculture and rural development in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, was tragically killed by gunmen who are still at large. Zikhali’s dynamic career and respected community presence have left a void that will be difficult to fill. His death serves as a call to action for justice and safety, urging community members to work with law enforcement to identify and apprehend the culprits and emphasizing the importance of community participation to ensure the safety of the province.
Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s Springbok captain, has made a bold move to Racing 92, a renowned Rugby Union team in France. Kolisi was influenced by the allure of the Top 14 league and the shared vision of building a strong legacy with Racing 92’s chairman, Jacky Lorenzetti. His move from South Africa’s team to France’s team will not affect his international captaincy, and his debut for Racing 92 is on November 26, 2021. The impact of this move goes beyond the confines of national leagues, reflecting the global nature of rugby.
South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley is abuzz with anticipation for the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival. This opulent event, a highlight of the year, is all set to enthral guests this coming weekend. Sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth, the festival is an elegant amalgamation of indulgence in its most exquisite forms. The historic Franschhoek Huguenot Monument provides a majestic backdrop for two days of lavishness. A flute and ten tasting tokens, included with every ticket, allow enthusiasts to sample all the Cap Classiques on display as well as a selection of champagnes.
Real Madrid secured their position at the top of the Champions League group stage with a 42 win against Napoli. The Italian team’s future in the tournament is uncertain as they head into a crucial match against Braga. Madrid’s victory was characterized by a highoctane football display, with goals from Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Nico Paz, and Joselu. Notably, Paz expressed his joy at the victory, and Madrid’s counterattack proved too much for Napoli’s resilience.
Experience an unforgettable day of music, food, and wine at the historic Muratie Wine Estate with the electrifying rhythms of the Albert Frost Trio. Immerse yourself in the sanctuary of viticulture and enjoy Frost’s masterful guitar playing, which oscillates between rhythm and lead, acoustic and electric. With tickets priced at R295, the day includes a welcome drink, lunch, and a soulstirring performance that promises to be both challenging and captivating.
Cape Town’s Shark Spotters Programme is a unique initiative that places observers on mountain ranges surrounding the city’s popular swimming beaches to scan the waters for sharks. The spotters use a flag system to convey any potential threats and ensure the safety of locals and visitors. The programme has recently received recognition for its contribution towards responsible tourism and community welfare, as well as its efforts in safeguarding the shark population and promoting public education about these marine predators.
Cape Town’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) offers temporary job opportunities in various sectors to tackle unemployment and stimulate development. The city has received recognition and accolades for its superior performance among municipalities and commitment to effectively implementing the national government program. The EPWP has generated over 140,000 temporary work opportunities since 2011 and contributes to Cape Town’s financial stability and growth. The programme fulfils a dual purpose of offering employment and boosting the city’s economy.
Cape Town’s Electricity Department achieved SANAS compliance certification, making it the only municipality in South Africa to do so. The department invested R7.3 million in equipping its laboratory with advanced technology, positioning the department as a national leader in adopting and aligning with international best practices. The SANAS accreditation assures the department’s energy distribution and consumption adhere to environmentally acceptable standards, promoting efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The Baxter Theatre Centre is a vibrant hub for performing arts in Cape Town, offering a riveting array of South African stories and cultural expression. This season, the theatre promises to hold audiences spellbound with a lineup of performances, including Marc Lottering’s hilarious perspective on contemporary South African existence, Mike van Graan’s politicallycharged satire, Jive Culture Shock’s festive showcase of Cape Town’s diverse cultural scene, Liewe Heksie’s timeless tales for children and adults alike, and the Adams brothers’ highenergy fusion of music, comedy, and dance. And beyond the theatre, Cape Town offers stunning landscapes and a lively urban scene for visitors to discover.
Cape Town’s Smart Parks initiative is transforming city parks into inclusive public spaces that encourage social interaction and community integration. The initiative emphasizes meaningful community participation, where the community collectively decides the design and vision for the park. The first three Smart Parks in Khayelitsha, Blikkiesdorp, and Gugulethu have received recognition for their innovative design and community engagement. Plans for three more Smart Parks in Atlantis, Nomzamo, and Seawinds are underway, showcasing the initiative’s impact beyond just urban greening.
Cape Town’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in its Blue Flag beaches, which meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, and amenities. The city boasts seven Blue Flag beaches and three Blue Flag marinas, offering visitors not just beautiful vistas but also environmental education programs. Cape Town’s dedication to sustainable environmental management practices has earned it the prestigious Blue Flag Long Service Award, reinforcing its status as a global beach vacation hotspot.
Cape Town is leading the way in the global fight against climate change, being recognized as the first Compactcompliant city in Africa. The city has established a strong foundation of strategies and plans to combat climate change, including tangible projects like the solar water heater accreditation program. Cape Town’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening its climate resilience has earned it international recognition, serving as an inspiration and call to action for cities worldwide.
Cape Town is leading the way in climate change adaptation with innovative strategies for water conservation and management. The city’s Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Programme has achieved over 30% water savings despite a growing population, thanks to a balance of technical and behavioural aspects. As a result, Cape Town has gained global recognition and a place in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, inspiring other urban areas to follow suit in the fight against climate change while ensuring sustainable resource management.
Urban libraries are playing a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of cities. Four libraries were recognized at the Provincial Cultural Affairs and Sports Awards in 2016 for their contributions. These libraries go beyond their scholarly reputation and function as dynamic cultural hubs, stimulating young minds to explore arts, culture, and entertainment. They are innovative centres where communities interact, discover, and learn, making culture, art, and knowledge accessible to all. These libraries weave together the past, present, and future, fostering cities rich in culture, art, and heritage.
Sergeant Nombi Peter is a South African investigator who has put 31 rapists behind bars with her unyielding pursuit of justice and empathetic connection with victims of genderbased violence. She goes beyond her responsibilities as an officer, spreading awareness and rallying the community to report crimes. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and justice in a society often marred by violence and injustice.
South Africa’s hopes of Formula 1 returning to the famous Kyalami circuit have been put on indefinite hold due to rumors of demands from the owners of the circuit. Jody Scheckter, the only South African Formula 1 world champion, expressed disappointment with the owners’ demands, which led to the withdrawal of government support for the project. While the process is difficult, the dream of hearing the roar of F1 engines on their turf is still alive for motorsport enthusiasts in the country.
