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Cape Town News
The 2023 Urban Festival, organized by the South African City Network, will focus on “The Working City: Actions for Growth and Recovery (Data as an Enabler for Resilience)” and highlight the crucial role of local governments in driving development through datadriven decisionmaking. The festival provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among urban professionals to develop evidencebased solutions to address urban challenges and promote resilience. Minister Thembi Nkadimeng’s hybrid address is poised to inspire and inform professionals working towards urban resilience and sustainable development.
Save the Children’s recent report on Gaza revealed a shocking fact that the number of children killed in Gaza in just three weeks surpassed the yearly number of children fatalities in conflict zones worldwide since 2019. Children make up more than 40% of the 7,703 total deaths in Gaza, and over 1,000 children are still unaccounted for. The International Criminal Court has been called to take immediate action on the deliberate killing of children in Gaza, and South Africa has demanded an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and global accountability.
Police officers engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspects who had been terrorizing the local community in Inanda, South Africa. The operation involved multiple police units, private security, the National Intervention Unit, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Four suspects were fatally wounded in the shootout, and one member of the National Intervention Unit suffered a gunshot wound but is in stable condition. The police discovered four pistols in the suspects’ possession, and a manhunt is still underway for more suspects. The bravery and determination of the officers involved in the operation demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting the community from the forces of evil.
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, announced significant fuel price modifications that will take effect from November 1, 2023. The adjustments are determined each month based on international and local influences, such as the average Brent Crude oil price, international petroleum product prices, the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, and the implementation of the slate levy. The government’s decision to modify fuel prices aims to maintain a balance in the country’s economy, considering international influences alongside local requirements, ultimately encouraging economic stability and growth.
The HemelenAarde Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape is undergoing road restoration following devastating floods, showcasing the power of collaboration and perseverance. The project, led by the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure and Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr. Annelie Rabie, involves building a temporary bypass oneway lane to enhance access and allow traffic to move through stop/go operations, with cooperation from local business proprietors. The project leaders have called for patience from road users and compliance with signage and traffic control measures once the road reopens.
Tshokolo Petrus Nchocho has been appointed as the Board chairperson for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), bringing over two decades of experience in finance and economic development. Nchocho’s appointment aims to strengthen TNPA’s strategic presence and enhance the economic contribution of ports in South Africa. TNPA’s Board already boasts a talented and diverse group of individuals, and with Nchocho’s appointment, the organization is wellequipped to drive economic growth and competitiveness.
The ehailing industry in South Africa is focusing on sustainability and social equity by transitioning to electric vehicles and promoting sustainable transportation methods. The industry is also providing training and mentorship programs for women and youth, creating empowerment programs with local communities and NGOs, and implementing safety measures to create a secure working environment for everyone. The Vuk Talks webinar brought together industry leaders to discuss challenges and solutions for driving change towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has warned against a fake message about a free data giveaway, which is completely untrue. The South African government has launched various initiatives to promote digital equality, such as the South Africa Connect Phase 2 program and the Broadcast Digital Migration process. Access to the internet and digital literacy are essential tools for individuals to participate in the digital economy and create a more equitable society. Investing in these initiatives will prepare the country for future growth and success.
South Africa has a new public holiday, 15 December, which represents hope and unity. President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized the people’s desire for a day of relief, while also emphasizing the need to prioritize matric exams. The holiday symbolizes a day when the nation can come together in celebration and contemplation, dedicated to constructing a better South Africa. In his speech, President Ramaphosa also emphasized the remarkable ability of sports to unite people, and highlighted urgent issues such as corruption, infrastructure, and economic growth. This day serves as a powerful symbol of hope and unity for South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership has steered South Africa towards economic recovery despite facing challenges such as corruption and stagnant growth. The country has made notable progress, including creating over 1.2 million job opportunities, improving access to basic services, resuming operations on commuter rail corridors, increasing private investment in electricity generation, and recovering and returning R5.4 billion to the state. With ongoing partnerships and reforms, South Africa is poised for further growth and a brighter future.
Humor can be a delicate balance on social media, as demonstrated by a recent tweet from David ‘The Kiffness’ Scott that joked about a vulnerable moment in rugby player Cheslin Kolbe’s career. While humor can provide relief from intense situations, it is important to be mindful of one’s audience and exhibit empathy. This situation serves as a reminder to tread carefully and consider the impact of our words and actions on others in the age of social media.
South Africa is celebrating the Springbok rugby squad’s historic victory in the IRB Rugby World Cup. The team faced tough competition from topranking rugby teams, but their resilience and determination led them to triumph against France and New Zealand in the final match held in Paris. The Springboks’ exceptional performance has united the people of South Africa and left a lasting impression on the global stage, inspiring future generations of athletes. The future of South African rugby is bright, and the nation can take pride in knowing that their team ranks among the world’s best.
Cape Town is gearing up to celebrate the Springboks, South Africa’s rugby team, for their World Cup victory. The celebration will take place on November 3rd, 2023 and includes a miniconcert followed by a parade through the city’s central business district and surrounding communities. The parade aims to share the excitement of the Springboks’ victory with fans while showcasing the spirit of unity and determination that propelled the team to victory.
GirlGamer Africa is an esports festival that promotes and empowers female gamers across the African continent. The festival offers regional qualifiers for top female players from various African countries to secure a spot in the prestigious GirlGamer World Finals in Spain. GirlGamer serves as a hub for female gamers worldwide, united in their goal to highlight the essential role women play in the gaming landscape. The festival’s success in empowering female gamers across Africa serves as a testament to the immense potential within the esports industry.
The Umoya Energy Wind Farm in South Africa is using a bladepatterning strategy inspired by a project in Norway to decrease bird fatalities caused by wind turbines. They are painting ten turbines a ‘signal red’ color, while an additional ten unpainted turbines act as controls, resulting in a 70% reduction in bird fatalities at the painted turbines. With over 200 bird species suffering fatal collisions with wind turbines in South Africa, this innovative approach has the potential to address the growing concern about the environmental effects of wind energy on bird populations and promote sustainable coexistence between renewable energy and the natural world.
The World Rugby Awards in Paris celebrated rugby players’ achievements and contributions to the sport, with New Zealand’s Ardie Savea winning Player of the Year and Andy Farrell of Ireland winning Coach of the Year. Eben Etzebeth was included in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, while John Smit received the International Rugby Players Special Merit Award. The Springboks’ experience at the awards highlighted the significance of acknowledging not just the winners on the field, but also the crucial players behind the scenes, and the event’s lasting impact united the global rugby fraternity in a shared appreciation of the sport’s finest talents.
