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Cape Town News
Get ready for another economic winter in 2024, warns Maarten Ackerman, Chief Economist at Citadel. The global economy, still recovering from the Covid19 pandemic, will slow down further, marking the start of a winter cycle before spring arrives in 2025. South Africa is expected to face a colder economic winter compared to other parts of the world, due to structural factors such as an unreliable electricity supply and dysfunctional rail systems. Private sector investments are crucial to turning this economic winter into spring, and investors should maintain a proportion of cash and bonds in their portfolios as the riskreward balance in equities becomes less rewarding.
The City of Cape Town’s Open Data Portal is an advanced platform that provides access to crucial urban planning, disaster risk management, and housing development data. The portal aims to offer invaluable insights to residents, businesses, and stakeholders alike while ensuring a responsible and ethical approach to data management. It features an array of data types, including spatial, operational, administrative, and data collected from or about residents and businesses. The portal is poised to become an invaluable tool for residents, businesses, and stakeholders alike, cultivating a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
The Dido Valley housing development project in Simon’s Town, South Africa, is an impressive undertaking that seeks to offer 600 new housing opportunities to those who were affected by apartheid policies. The project aims to reconstruct and restore a community torn apart by past injustices, and the first 10 Breaking New Ground homes were handed over to eligible beneficiaries in October 2023. The project is a powerful symbol of redress and restitution and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
The K9 and Rural Safety Units of Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety in Swartland, Overstrand, and Mossel Bay made impressive progress in capturing a total of 65 individuals for various criminal offenses from 16 to 22 October 2023. The units seized illegal items such as abalone, West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL), drugs, and stolen vehicles. These achievements align with the Western Cape Government’s commitment to ensuring increased safety across the province and showcase the potential for collaborative efforts in addressing criminal activities.
The AGOA Forum Made in Africa Exhibition is an exciting event that creates opportunities for businesses to connect with African exporters and establish international partnerships that contribute to growth and success. Held in Johannesburg, attendees can network, explore new markets, and contribute to the advancement of global trade and investments. The event embodies the objectives of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and its B2B Sourcing and Investment Programme enables the exploration of new products, broadens market access, and endorses international partnerships. Businesses will build lasting partnerships and shape the global landscape, contributing to a brighter future for Africa and beyond.
South Africa plans to build 100 new rural bridges in six provinces to improve infrastructure and ensure children in remote areas can attend school during the rainy season. The initiative, part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, will also generate employment opportunities and reconnect communities separated by flood disasters. The South African National Defence Force is providing technical support for the project, which reflects the country’s cultural heritage and aspirations for a brighter future.
Unveiling the Promise of Electricity Wheeling in South Africa: Insights from the 28th Energy Digicon
Electricity wheeling is an innovative technique that allows power producers to transmit electricity through the grid to endusers without generating it onsite. It is being incorporated into the operations of Eskom, South Africa’s utility company, through a wheeling framework, which is expected to contribute significantly to the cessation of load shedding. The 28th Energy Digicon event explored the potential of virtual wheeling in South Africa’s energy landscape, with valuable insights from Onicah Rantwane, a senior advisor to Eskom on electricity pricing. The event highlighted the advantages of virtual wheeling, including greater market competition, potential cost savings for consumers and promoting renewable energy.
South Africa has opened its firstever dental care facility for children and those with special needs. The project, a joint venture between the Rotary Club, the Western Cape Provincial Government, and the University of the Western Cape’s Department of Paediatric Dentistry, concentrates on the dental welfare of children who require specialized healthcare attention. The facility features advanced dental technology, less intrusive procedures and preventive care, making the dental experience significantly more pleasant for young patients.
As students in South Africa prepare for yearend exams, many are turning to vaping as a coping mechanism for academic stress. However, accessibility to vaping products for young individuals has become a growing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that a significant portion of high school students use these products. As regulation efforts are underway, concerns arise about unintended consequences, but urgent action and increased awareness are necessary to protect the wellbeing of young people.
If you’re planning a fireworks display in Cape Town during the festive season, you must apply for a permit as per the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety ByLaw. Fireworks sales are also tightly regulated under the Explosives Act, with penalties for breaking the rules being severe. The City of Cape Town is committed to keeping its citizens safe during the festive season, and anyone with information about illegal fireworks sales or usage can contact the Public Emergency Communication Centre or the South African Police Service.
The South African province of Free State, led by Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, is preparing for a groundbreaking Energy Security Summit taking place in Bloemfontein on November 2, 2023. With its theme “Energizing the Future,” the summit strives to discover lasting energy answers and stimulate economic growth by encouraging cooperation between the government, higher education institutions, and private businesses. Over 500 delegates are anticipated to attend, providing an exceptional chance for specialists, academics, policymakers, and potential financiers to participate in productive discussions and establish partnerships for a cleaner, more thriving tomorrow.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two incredible goals for Al Nassr in their 43 victory against Al Duhail in the AFC Champions League match. The match took place in Riyadh, where Ronaldo’s exceptional prowess and finesse were on display throughout the game. Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca also delivered noteworthy performances, securing their team’s supremacy.
The 1995 Rugby World Cup was shrouded in mystery after former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains alleged that his team was poisoned by a waitress named Suzie before the final match. While the South African Rugby Union denied any involvement, the legend of Suzie and the alleged poisoning continues to fascinate rugby enthusiasts. Despite efforts to uncover the truth, the enigmatic Suzie remains at the center of this enduring mystery that has transcended the world of sports and become a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
South Africa has passed its firstever climate change legislation, aligning with international agreements and setting sectoral emission targets. The legislation requires every level of government to integrate their policies and strategies to address climate risks and establishes the Presidential Climate Commission to promote collaboration among stakeholders. The bill embodies the country’s ambition towards sustainable industrialization and inclusive collaboration, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the quest for a sustainable future.
Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans is bringing together international and South African mural artists to create educational murals promoting marine conservation in Cape Town. The weeklong program includes outreach to local schools, selfguided tours of the murals, and a coastal cleanup. The initiative aims to encourage ocean stewardship through visual storytelling and creativity while addressing environmental challenges. PangeaSeed Foundation, supported by the Save Our Seas Foundation, is commemorating two decades of marine conservation by adding to their collection of over 500 murals across 19 countries.
The Danie Craven Stadium is a historic venue in Stellenbosch, South Africa, named after rugby icon Danie Craven. It holds significant importance in South African rugby history and pays homage to Craven’s lasting legacy as a national coach, rugby administrator, academic, and author. As the DHL Stormers face off against the Scarlet in the United Rugby Championship, the stadium generates a distinctive atmosphere that celebrates the past while embracing the present. Danie Craven’s legacy continues to inspire new generations to pursue glory both on and off the field.
