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Cape Town News
Rassie Erasmus had an exciting idea to create a fortnight long rugby tournament with games condensed into just 20 minutes per half, inspired by T20 cricket. He planned to auction off players and coaches in a televised event in London, but the innovative idea was met with obstacles. Despite securing prominent sponsors and reaching out to nearly 100 top international players, a complaint from the New Zealand Rugby CEO resulted in a warning from the International Rugby Board, ultimately leading to the termination of the concept.
South Africa is preparing for a potential vehicular chaos on December 15, 2023, due to a rare combination of events, including the Rugby World Cup victory, the end of the school year, and a drop in fuel prices. The South African National Roads Agency warns that the N1 toll road, N3, and N4 will be the busiest during this time, with potential accidents and delays at toll roads. Travelers are advised to consider alternative routes or driving on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to avoid this historic traffic surge.
The IMPAACT4TB Consortium has created a childfriendly version of rifapentine, a medication used in TB prevention and treatment. This development is crucial as over 2.25 million children need TB prevention treatment, and rifapentine was previously deemed unsuitable for children under 12. The shortterm treatment is affordable, costing between $6.53 to $15.80, and is expected to substantially reduce the number of children falling ill with TB, potentially saving thousands of lives. This medication marks a significant milestone in TB prevention, providing hope for lowtomiddleincome nations struggling with the disease.
Damian Willemse, a South African rugby player, is believed to earn no less than R10 million per season through a multifaceted deal involving the union, the South African Rugby organization, and a thirdparty sponsor. He also became the brand ambassador for Ardagh Packaging in 2022. The intricate financial network surrounding his income has sparked disputes and debates, but ultimately, his financial adventure serves as an example of the interplay between sports, finance, and commerce.
Vincent Pule, a celebrated footballer, recounts his traumatic experience of being held captive by hijackers. He emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of unexpected challenges and stresses the importance of mental and emotional healing after traumatic events. Pule’s journey of resilience serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing personal adversity, highlighting the importance of inner strength, selfbelief, and the determination to endure. His triumph over trauma is a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome, survive, and ultimately, to emerge victorious.
Lynn Forbes, the mother of the late South African musician AKA, is struggling with grief following his untimely death. Despite the festive season, Lynn shared a photo of her last family Christmas with AKA on social media, which received an outpouring of support from fans. Lynn’s recent disclosure about her emotional attachment to AKA’s shoes highlights the complexity of the grieving process, and his loss has had a significant impact on the public sphere, particularly in the South African music scene.
Siba The Restaurant in Cape Town is a gastronomic treasure that lures international stars such as Amal Clooney. This restaurant, founded by South African chef Siba Mtongana, is not only a place for gourmet delights but also a gathering spot for influential personalities. It has become a hub for meaningful social dialogue and a venue for vital conversations that unfurl over shared meals. Siba The Restaurant highlights the dynamic culture and spirit of Cape Town, a city that constantly inspires its residents and tourists.
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but it’s important to balance this with safety and responsibility. Public safety measures are being reinforced by various agencies and rescue teams to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without any potential issues. This includes increased road safety precautions, alcohol control, and ensuring safety in recreational areas. It’s important to practice responsible swimming and child protection measures while also being collectively responsible for each other’s welfare.
A terrifying crime saga unfolded in Mfuleni, South Africa, in December 2023, involving kidnapping, extortion, hijacking, and human trafficking. The SAPS launched a countercharge and successfully rescued the victims, but the ripple effects of this case continue to lead organized crime detectives deeper into the complicated world of criminal investigation. The case serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of crime and the importance of community vigilance in maintaining societal safety. However, the decisive response of the SAPS also acts as a beacon of hope and reinforces the path to justice.
Cape Town has launched a revolutionary ‘Zero Expense Transfer’ program to help tenants become property owners without any financial burden. The initiative aims to promote inclusivity within communities through property ownership and has been earmarked for an estimated R40 million over a threeyear period. The initiative also covers attorney transfer fees and insurance costs for rental units, making the journey to homeownership easier for beneficiaries.
Ciara and Russell Wilson have welcomed their fourth child, Amora Princess Wilson, into the world, weighing 9 lbs., 1 oz. The Wilson family now has a unique blend of personalities with a 3yearold son named Win Harrison and Ciara’s 9yearold son Future Zahir. Ciara balanced her professional commitments alongside her pregnancy and welcomed the new family member with an outpouring of joy.
The world of rugby recently witnessed an intriguing development involving Londonbased team, the Saracens. Their experienced and esteemed number eight, Billy Vunipola, received uplifting news when he had his red card rescinded following an examination of a contentious incident in their encounter with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This revelation marks a significant turning point for the team as they gear up for their European Champions Cup faceoff against Connacht.
Remembering the *legendary Andre Braugher* and his *unforgettable portrayal* of Captain Holt in Brooklyn NineNine. From heartwarming moments to hilarious scenes, Braugher’s performance showcased his *depth and versatility* as an actor. His *legacy will forever be cherished* by fans as his portrayal of Captain Holt captured the *essence of compassion and humanity*.
North West stunned the crowd with her rap performance at her father’s album unveiling in Miami. The 10yearold daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian showed undeniable talent and confidence, raising the possibility of a new prodigy in the rap industry. The event was mainly focused on Kanye West’s and Ty Dolla $ign’s joint album, ‘Vultures,’ but it was North West’s unexpected performance that truly captivated everyone’s attention.
South Africa’s Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, is championing the rights of musicians and has consulted with the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) to address exploitation allegations within the industry. The tragic events surrounding the untimely death of South African singersongwriter, Zahara, have brought exploitation charges to the forefront, highlighting the need for government intervention to protect the livelihoods of musicians. Kodwa’s public endorsement of SAMRO’s investigation into exploitation allegations is a promising shift towards justice within the music industry, but comprehensive measures are needed to address the challenges that musicians face beyond exploitation by record labels.
The PenguinThemed Pedestrian Crossing in Simon’s Town, South Africa is a lively public art display featuring the town’s beloved African penguins. Created by local artist Jacques Coetzer, the installation reflects the diverse interests of the community, including neighborhood associations, penguin conservation groups, and the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate. The crosswalk brings charm and warmth to the urban scenery of the town and serves as a constant reminder of the local fauna’s importance and the necessity of conservation efforts. It embodies the unique cultural heritage of the area and symbolizes the power of art and community collaboration.
