the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Dr. Sam Motsunyane, known as the father of Black empowerment in South Africa, made a lasting impact on the nation through his many accomplishments. During his career, he established the African Bank, Black Chain Ltd, and the MasikelaMavimbela Scholarship Fund, among other achievements. His lifelong dedication to serving and empowering South Africa’s Black population serves as a source of inspiration for the entire nation. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Ms. Thoko Didiza, will present the 6th Dr. Sam Motsunyane lecture in his honor, celebrating his profound impact on the nation.
Edu Invest is a publicprivate partnership initiative launched by the Western Cape Education Department and Wesgro to attract investment in the education sector and create new private schools. The program aims to relieve overcrowding in public schools, enhance overall educational outcomes, and position the Western Cape as Africa’s foremost education and innovation center. Edu Invest underscores the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape and build a brighter future for the region.
The Durban Occupational Health and Safety Conference 2023 aims to bring together stakeholders to share best practices and explore technical cooperation in the changing work environment. With a focus on collaboration, the conference highlights OHS as the fifth principle in ILO’s fundamental rights and principles at work, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response from all parties involved. South Africa’s commitment to integrating this right into its workplaces demands a systematic approach and the commitment of all role players, enabling the ongoing enhancement of OHS policies and ensuring decent work conditions for all citizens.
The City of Cape Town has made paying municipal bills easier for its residents by introducing QR codes on invoices. By scanning the QR code with their smartphones, customers can quickly access the payment portal, making the process more accurate, efficient, and secure. The City also encourages residents to sign up for emailed accounts for added convenience, but traditional payment methods are still available for those who prefer them. The integration of QR codes is a significant milestone in the City’s pursuit of excellence, offering a userfriendly payment option for its residents.
Cape Town is hosting the Festive Lights Dance Off Competition as part of the annual Festive Lights SwitchOn event on November 26. The competition showcases local dance talent and promotes the event’s theme of “Future of Hope.” Cape Townbased dancers of all ages can form groups of 2 to 10 members to participate. The top three dance crews will receive prizes, and the overall winning team will earn a grand prize of R10,000, as well as the opportunity to perform during the Festive Lights SwitchOn event.
The recent conviction and sentencing of the guilty culprits behind the death of Tool Wessels in Bonnievale, Western Cape, signifies a powerful stand against rural violence and a commitment to protecting rural communities from violence and lawlessness. The outcome of the case demonstrates a firm dedication to securing justice, safety, and a better future for rural communities. The Western Cape Government’s goal of reducing the murder rate by 50% by 2029 is a bold target aimed at creating a safer and more prosperous community for all residents.
Coalition governance in South Africa allows for collaboration among different parties and voices, promoting inclusiveness in the political sphere. However, unprincipled manipulation and difficulties in adapting to coalition dynamics can impact service delivery and weaken municipal administrations’ capacity to provide essential services. The Department of Cooperative Governance is pursuing legislative reforms to manage coalition governments more effectively and create a more stable and equitable environment. Despite its challenges, coalition governance reinforces the principles of a true democracy, with inclusivity and knowledgesharing among diverse parties serving as driving forces for a brighter, more united future.
South African Airways has bounced back from financial difficulties and state capture with a renewed focus and is negotiating with a potential strategic equity partner to expand. The relaunch of the transcontinental route to São Paulo, Brazil, is just the beginning of the airline’s exciting new chapter, with further growth planned. SAA’s resurgence showcases South Africa’s ability to complete deals and reform initiatives for stateowned organizations, sending a message of hope and confidence to both domestic and international communities.
In the Eastern Cape, 312 community development practitioners have gained formal qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) courses, acknowledging and validating their extensive informal experience. This graduation ceremony signifies the potential of RPL programs to empower people and close the qualification gap. The success of RPL courses in transforming the lives of community development practitioners inspires others to recognize and value people’s realworld experience and create a prosperous, inclusive society that values every member’s contributions.
Cape Town is engaging its residents in cocreating a new Traffic Calming Policy and Road Safety Strategy to enhance road safety in the city. The Urban Mobility Portfolio Committee is utilizing the Collaboration Platform and Subcouncils to collect ideas and recommendations from residents and stakeholders, with multiple channels for idea submissions provided. This inclusive approach shows the City’s commitment to involving its residents in the policymaking process, fostering a safer environment for all who travel its roads.
The City of Cape Town is launching a major infrastructure project to improve urban mobility in the Kuils River area. The dualling of Bottelary Road involves constructing a new southern carriageway, finalizing a dual carriageway intersection, providing sidewalks, stormwater pipes, and new street lighting. The project is part of the City’s Congestion Management Strategy and is set to be completed by November 2024, with the aim of creating a more seamless traffic flow towards the R300 and improving the quality of life for residents.
Cape Town has approved the proposal to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which will enhance the city’s conservation efforts and connect it with a vast network of knowledge sharing. The IUCN focuses on biodiversity, climate change, freshwater and water security, governance, law and rights, naturebased solutions, oceans and coasts, and protected areas and land use. Joining the IUCN will provide Cape Town with access to resources, global collaboration, and internationally recognized tools to advance its conservation initiatives.
Bongi Mbonambi, the South African hooker, has been cleared of allegations of racial discrimination made by England’s Tom Curry during the Rugby World Cup semifinal. World Rugby conducted an exhaustive investigation, finding insufficient evidence to charge Mbonambi with misconduct. His acquittal allows him to participate in the World Cup final, which promises to be an electrifying and closely fought contest between the Springboks and All Blacks. The rugby community must embody the values of respect, integrity, and solidarity to ensure that rugby remains a symbol of hope, unity, and excellence in the world of sports and beyond.
South Africa’s Air Force is in crisis, with over half of its aircraft nonoperational due to a shortage of spare parts and budget limitations. Combat aircraft like the Gripen and Rooivalk attack helicopters are most affected, leaving the country’s airspace vulnerable in times of crisis. The crisis is blamed on mismanagement, neglect, and a lack of political will. A significant investment, efficiency improvements, and collaboration with international partners are needed to restore the air force’s strength and ensure the nation’s safety.
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, observed annually on October 27th, celebrates the cultural importance of recorded audio and visual materials and the challenges associated with their conservation. Institutions from around the world organize events to mark this day, including national and regional archives, museums, libraries, and audiovisual associations. The theme for the 2023 celebration is “Your Window to the World,” highlighting the significance of audiovisual materials in shaping our comprehension of the past and preserving our collective memory and history.
The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met 2023/2024 is a horse racing event in Cape Town that showcases the city’s racing history and progress. Guests can enjoy highend hospitality, fashion, and entertainment off the track while witnessing intense competition and sportsmanship on the track. The event also features a fashion competition and an opportunity to place bets on jockeys. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
