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Cape Town News
Disney Channel is bringing back the beloved sitcom ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ starring Selena Gomez. Fans are excited to see Gomez and David Henrie reprise their roles in the debut episode, which promises to rekindle the magical bond that made the original series so popular. The revival will feature a modern twist, with Henrie’s character, Justin Russo, giving up his magic for a mundane family life until a fledgling wizard seeks his help. The new series will be produced by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, known for their work on ‘Raven’s Home.’
Moroka Swallows, a South African football club, has terminated 22 players due to their absence during two crucial games, resulting in a hefty fine and loss of league points. The club initiated a virtual disciplinary hearing and announced that termination was the only suitable penalty, regardless of the player’s previous conduct. This event raises questions about player behavior, club administration, and league authorities’ accountability and serves as a reminder to other clubs to prioritize discipline and dedication.
Kini Shandu, an actor on the South African telenovela “Umkhokha: The Curse,” faced backlash after he referred to unwed mothers as “naughty women.” Shandu’s comments caused a social media storm, leading to tangible consequences such as the withdrawal of funding from sponsors of an event he cofounded. The controversy highlighted the role of public figures in maintaining respectful dialogue and the significant impact of public discourse.
Mamelodi Sundowns, a prominent football team in South Africa, has reportedly offered a contract to Lars Veldwijk, a highly regarded forward for the national team. Negotiations are ongoing, with contract length being the deciding factor. Sundowns prefers a shortterm contract while Veldwijk’s representatives are pushing for a twoyear contract. Fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this gamechanging move in South African football. The move has the potential to enhance Sundowns’ already impressive strike force, which includes Peter Shalulile and Ribeiro Costa.
Prince Harry was recently spotted in Santa Barbara amidst the controversy surrounding the use of Queen Elizabeth’s childhood nickname, Lilibet, for his daughter’s christening. The Queen was reportedly “incensed” when she learned of the use of her nickname, intensifying the already strained relationship between the royal family and the Sussexes. The controversy stems from the lack of collaboration and conflicting accounts of whether the Queen gave her consent for the use of Lilibet, prompting inquiries about the internal communication and decisionmaking processes within the royal family.
Football fans in South Africa are buzzing with excitement over rumours of an imminent player exchange between the Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu football clubs. The swap deal could see Bongani Sam joining AmaZulu while Riaan Hanamub moves to the Pirates. This potential deal is causing a stir as both clubs seek to benefit from the strategic swap. While fans eagerly anticipate the outcome, only time will reveal whether these changes will be a stroke of genius or a grave miscalculation.
Jaco Peyper, a legendary rugby referee with an illustrious career spanning 67 tests and three Rugby World Cup tournaments, has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era. Despite suffering an Achilles injury in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Wales and Argentina, Peyper remained an esteemed figure in rugby, officiating nine finals and winning Referee of the Year four times. His legacy as a remarkable ambassador for South African rugby and role model to future referees will continue to resonate in the sport.
Malia Obama, daughter of former US President Barack Obama, made her debut as a filmmaker at the Sundance Film Festival with her short film, ‘The Heart.’ The film explores themes of loss, forgiveness, and hope. Malia’s passion for film has led her to intern at prestigious companies and work on popular TV shows, paving the way for her promising career as a filmmaker. As she steps into the spotlight, Malia is carving out her niche in the artistic domain and exciting audiences with her emerging talent.
Jaco Peyper, a retired South African rugby referee with 67 international Tests to his name, has recently announced his retirement from the sport. His impressive career saw him officiate numerous playoffs in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, the Investec Champions Cup, and the Currie Cup, and his influence extended far beyond the rugby field. His advocacy for the interests of toplevel male and female officials worldwide, his work with broadcasters to improve understanding of the sport, and his commitment to grooming the next generation of match officials leave behind a strong legacy.
Kaizer Chiefs are striving to win the Nedbank Cup this season, according to star player Thathayaone Ditlhokwe from Botswana. Despite a difficult season, the team remains determined and focused on achieving their goal, with their game plan centered on selfconfidence. Fans are also excited about the return of former midfielder Cole Alexander to South Africa, who has signed with Polokwane City after a stint in Sweden. The stage is set for a thrilling end to the football season.
Rise Mzansi is a new political party in South Africa that has gained an incredible following of 200,000 citizens in a short amount of time. Led by visionary Songezao Zibi, the party’s core values focus on political reform, public safety, economic growth, inclusivity, justice, and addressing corruption and climate crisis. They plan to tackle issues such as unemployment and service delivery by using a grassroots approach and consulting with communities. Rise Mzansi has also attracted experienced members from other political parties, and their promising future suggests they could make a significant impact on the political scene.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat has made a surprising return to the spotlight by joining SuperSport United. After leaving Chiefs under controversial circumstances, Billiat spent the first half of the season without a team and is now reportedly training with SuperSport with hopes of rekindling his career. However, he may have to accept a lower pay package to make a comeback to competitive football after a sixmonth break. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in Billiat’s career.
Jaco Peyper, a retired rugby referee from South Africa, has officiated in over 67 Test matches and three Rugby World Cups. He is highly respected for his perceptive judgement and thorough comprehension of the game, which has been demonstrated in various leagues including the Super Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, and Currie Cup level. Peyper’s remarkable career has left a legacy of brilliance, commitment, and sportsmanship, establishing a standard for future referees.
South African football is currently embroiled in controversy over Percy Tau’s missed penalty in the AFCON match against Mali, with Doctor Khumalo emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes and moving forward. Meanwhile, Cole Alexander has returned to South Africa to join Polokwane City, bringing his vast experience to bolster the team’s firepower. As the sport continues to evolve, all eyes are on the future of South African football.
Orlando Pirates, one of the top football clubs in South Africa, has signed Thabiso Lebitso, a winger with a reputation for accuracy and scoring ability. Lebitso’s move follows his departure from Chippa United, where he made 97 appearances. There are rumors that Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs may also be interested in acquiring Lebitso. The transfer window is a time of high excitement and unpredictability for football fans, and Lebitso’s journey with the Pirates will be closely watched.
Zeenat Simjee, a member of the South African rugby team, has gained attention for her public political views on the PalestineIsrael conflict, which she has shared on her Instagram platform. Despite contributing to the team’s victories at the Rugby World Cup, her political affiliations have sparked debates and discussions, even leading to public calls for disciplinary action by the South African Rugby board. The situation highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and personal beliefs, and underscores the potential for athletes and sports personnel to spark conversations on wider societal issues.
