the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Katlego Mphela, a former striker for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, surprised everyone by starting a career in car sales after retiring from professional football in 2019. Despite mixed reactions on social media, many praised him for his dedication to an honest living after retirement. Mphela’s journey from the football field to the car sales floor showcases human resilience and adaptability, reminding us that the roles we play in life do not define us, but rather, it’s the integrity with which we play them.
Infecting The City Festival is a twoweeklong public art festival held in Cape Town that features music, dance, video, and visual art, transforming urban spaces into audiovisual spectacles. The festival aims to challenge the idea of a smart city as a stronghold of creative expression, and to serve as a soundboard for universal rights, intensifying the voice of the city and its inhabitants. Completely free of charge and accessible to all, the festival is a key instrument that connects the personal, public, and private domains in Cape Town.
The *Otto Foundation* is a South African organization that aims to *enhance early literacy* among South African children through the transformative power of literature. They create inviting school libraries that focus on *reading for joy and selfmotivation*, emphasizing the idea that *proficient readers initiate a selfsustaining cycle of desire and ability*. The foundation’s dynamic approach includes local books, diverse characters, and support for librarians and teachers. Their mission is to nurture a love for reading and instigate positive societal change within South Africa, guiding young minds towards a world of endless possibilities.
Violence erupted in Freedom Park, Rustenburg in November 2023 when local inhabitants gathered at a suspect’s home and attacked police officers. The officers were tied up with ropes and beaten with knobkerries, but were eventually rescued by the Public Order Police and Tactical Response Team. Five suspects were subsequently captured and face serious accusations. The incident highlights the risk that law enforcement faces and the importance of community involvement in preventing and resolving crime.
The maintenance work carried out by the Water and Sanitation Directorate in Cape Town on the water supply infrastructure, including zeropressure tests and conditional evaluations to install pressure management technology and efficient functioning of pressurereducing valves, is crucial to ensure uninterrupted water supply and a sustainable future. Some regions will experience water supply disruptions during this period, but residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in advance and follow the City of Cape Town Twitter account for updates.
Lyle Foster, a South African football star, has taken a break from the Premier League due to his mental health issues. He openly acknowledged his struggle, sought help, and set a powerful example for other professional athletes to follow. His decision to prioritize his mental health is a landmark moment in the fight against the stigma attached to mental health and highlights the immense pressure and stress that professional athletes undergo.
Princess Diana was a fashion icon known for her elegance and sophistication. Her style statements, which ranged from daring to modest, left a permanent mark on the global fashion scene. She was equally adept at both glamorous and casual looks, and her vast fashion range continues to inspire designers and fashion connoisseurs today. Despite her premature death, Princess Diana remains an enduring fashion icon whose legacy continues to flourish.
The hooker’s role in rugby is often overlooked, but it is crucial to the team’s success. South Africa’s Springboks are currently struggling to find a replacement for injured veterans Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx, with potential successors struggling to emulate their excellence. While there are some promising players, such as Johan Grobbelaar and PJ Botha, the upcoming URC season is pivotal for the Springboks as they attempt to solve this hooker puzzle. Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating who will rise to the occasion and replace Mbonambi and Marx.
Prince Harry *surprised* audiences by making his *debut into standup comedy* at the Stand Up for Heroes event, showcasing his *humorous and selfmocking personality*. He *joked about the absence of media scrutiny* he experiences and received *genuine praise from those closest to him* for his comic skills. Despite his status as a prominent figure in the British Royal family, Prince Harry’s *passion for comedy and ability to make light of himself* portrays him as a *relatable and personable individual*.
In Mowbray, Cape Town, police officers conducted an unexpected drug search on the Perfect Touch Boutique and Salon, physically and psychologically assaulting a Burundian barber during the raid. The incident is not unique, and the salon owner reported experiencing repeated police raids over the past three weeks, highlighting the need for checks and balances within power structures in South Africa. The episode was recorded by the salon’s surveillance cameras, which provide a haunting illustration of unchecked power abuse.
Coach Hugo Broos surprised many with his squad selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including Sibongiseni Mthethwa from Kaizer Chiefs. The rest of the elite squad comes from Mamelodi Sundowns, with eight players selected. The team faces a daunting challenge, with their first match against Benin on November 18th, 2023, followed by an away game against Rwanda on November 21st. The Bafana Bafana team will need two positive results from their first group C matches to advance to the 48team FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The Orlando Pirates, led by Coach Jose Riveiro and captain Tapelo Xoki, are gearing up for the Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Following their recent victory, the team is focused on securing a win and bringing the momentum of their previous game into the crucial match. Xoki highlights the importance of the game, not just for the team, but for their supporters who long to see them triumph. The Pirates are not just preparing for a game, but a battle, carrying the hopes and dreams of their club and their loyal fans.
Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain who led South Africa to World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, recently signed a threeyear contract with Racing 92, moving from the Sharks. His debut is scheduled for November 26 against La Rochelle in Paris. Despite his notable career accomplishments, Kolisi remains grounded and excited to embrace the new opportunity and leave a lasting impression on the club and its supporters.
South Africa’s economic hub is experiencing a surge in power vandalism and unauthorized connections, with 201 cases reported in the third quarter of 2023. The districts of Mitchells Plain and Philippi have been identified as hotspots for this criminal activity. The City of Cape Town is taking measures to combat the problem, including heightened surveillance, requesting citizen cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, and offering rewards for anonymous tips. Citizens are encouraged to play their part by reporting any damage to municipal electrical infrastructure or suspicious activities in their area.
Disturbing incidents have occurred at Hope Learners with Special Educational Needs in Westcliff, Johannesburg. These include two sexual assaults within the school’s territory, one involving a Grade 9 boy and a Grade 8 girl on Valentine’s Day 2023, and the other involving a Grade 12 male student allegedly violating a Grade 4 male pupil on 26 October 2023. Additionally, a pupil in an electric wheelchair was injured after the wheelchair was tampered with, a student distributed “space cookies,” and a Grade 12 student accused of the second incident was temporarily transferred to another school to finish his final exams. The Gauteng Education Department is currently investigating the occurrences.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa has been recognized as Africa’s top botanical garden by the World Luxury Travel Awards. The garden, situated beneath Table Mountain, seamlessly integrates careful landscaping with the untamed beauty of nature. Visitors can enjoy the rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere of this beloved sanctuary, which promises to remain a treasured jewel in Cape Town’s crown.
