the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.
L’Agulhas is a stunning coastal town where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge. It boasts abundant biodiversity, untouched wetlands, and intriguing bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and art lovers. The town also has a thriving wine culture and is an emerging wine frontier in South Africa. Educational institutions and upcoming real estate developments make L’Agulhas an ideal place to live in, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and idyllic lifestyle options.
A building collapse in George, South Africa on May 6 killed 33 people and left others injured. Among the survivors was Delvin Safers, a young electrician who was buried under debris for over a day. Now, Safers is preparing to share his harrowing story of resilience and survival in a book, which will serve as a tribute to the unified efforts of a community affected by the tragedy. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Safers is currently undergoing physiotherapy for his injuries.
Discover the enchanting city of George, situated on South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route. With its lush golf greens and intriguing history found in the George Museum, George offers a blend of historical enchantment and natural wonder. Explore the Outeniqua Transport Museum, Garden Route Botanical Garden, and Outeniqua Nature Reserve for a journey through time, flourishing flora, and wildlife preservation. Enjoy coastal charm at Victoria Bay, play a round of golf at the George Golf Course, and blend adventure and tranquility at Redberry Farm and the Outeniqua Pass. Hike George Peak, visit the Outeniqua Family Market, and indulge in creativity and cuisine at the Clay Cafe. Don’t miss out on this unique destination accessible via the N2 highway from Cape Town, Knysna, or Oudtshoorn.
In a dramatic clash between the KwaZuluNatal Provincial Stabilization Team and three murder suspects, fatal injuries were sustained by the suspects. The suspects were accused of a minimum of ten murder cases and an ATM bombing in Esikhaleni. The incident underscores the escalating audacity of crime in the region and shows the determination of law enforcement to bring criminals to justice.
The upcoming elevation of Justice Maya represents a historic change in South Africa’s judicial landscape, instilling hope and empowerment for women across the nation. South Africa’s judiciary is about to witness a pioneering moment as Mandisa Maya prepares to become the first black woman to preside over the Constitutional Court. Maya’s appointment as Chief Justice, effective August 31, 2024, follows her groundbreaking role as the first woman to head the Supreme Court of Appeal. President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized Maya’s potential to contribute to the transformation of the judiciary, calling her ascent to the apex court a beacon of determination and transformation towards gender equality.
AfriPaw is a nonprofit organization that provides quality pet care to underprivileged communities in Cape Town, such as Vrygrond. They recently launched an innovative bicycle pet taxi service, enabling elderly and pet owners concerned about crime to transport their pets to AfriPaw’s monthly clinics safely and conveniently. AfriPaw also conducts free monthly clinics, extensive sterilization campaigns, and educational workshops, with the ultimate goal of cultivating responsible pet ownership through education. Their work is transforming the lives of pets and their owners, one bicycle ride at a time.
A substitute history teacher at Table View High School in Cape Town, South Africa has caused controversy after allegedly using racial slurs during a session with students. The use of the ‘Kword’ reportedly provoked outrage among parents and students, with calls for the teacher’s dismissal. The school has apologized and pledged to scrutinize the teacher’s instruction more closely in response to the incident, which is being examined by the Western Cape Education Department’s Labour Relations Directorate. A human rights complaint has also been lodged.
South Africa has secured two positions on TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places List, which features 100 extraordinary sites worldwide. The Grootbos Florilegium in Gansbaai is a museum celebrating South African flora and pollinators through a collection of close to 250 botanical representations and depictions of insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, Johannesburg’s Magugu House showcases the creative prowess of acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu, functioning as both a retail outlet and exhibition space. These two establishments offer unique glimpses into South African culture, society, and aesthetics, affirming the country’s diversity and everevolving terrain.
South Africa has introduced a new ‘dualfund’ retirement system, with contributions split into a savings fund and a retirement fund, giving members a financial buffer during hardships and ensuring assets for postretirement life remain untouched until required. A third of contributions will form the savings component, while the remaining twothirds will be allocated to the retirement segment and can only be accessed upon retirement. Funds accrued prior to September 2024 will continue to be protected. However, there are concerns from experts that people could end up dipping into their savings fund too frequently and damaging their longterm financial safety.
South Africa is facing a crisis as it tries to evict hundreds of foreign nationals who refuse to reintegrate into local societies or return to their home countries. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has called for innovative solutions to accelerate the asylum application process and resolve the situation. However, the lack of refugee facilities and an overwhelmed asylum application system are contributing to the humanitarian drama in Cape Town and the desperate situation of the refugees caught between a rock and a hard place.
South Africa’s rental property market is flourishing due to high demand and a shortage of available properties. Economic instability and high interest rates have led more people to favor renting over homeownership, with the Western Cape and Gauteng regions being the most attractive for landlords and investors. While there are challenges, such as financing and potential rent defaults, the rental market is expected to continue thriving beyond 2024, offering lucrative opportunities for investors. Despite the obstacles, the rental property market in South Africa remains a promising field for expansion and investment.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa has demonstrated financial responsibility by returning R580 million to the National Treasury due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, while still achieving 99% of its performance objectives. Under the leadership of Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, the DHET is committed to developing a qualified workforce that contributes to economic expansion through its higher learning institutions. The DHET’s initiatives include resolving legal litigation, prioritizing response to genderbased violence, investing in research and development, and expanding the postsecondary education and training system.
Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis presented a comprehensive advocacy agenda focused on law enforcement, passenger rail services, affordable housing, and economic development, reflecting the city’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents. Specific proposals include municipal police investigative authority, a transfer of responsibility for train services to the city, and the release of national megaproperties for affordable residential units. HillLewis’s agenda is a canvas of positivity, potential, and wellplanned development, reflecting the city’s commitment to embracing change and innovation.
In July 2024, an ATM bombing in Esikhaleni, South Africa led to a dramatic confrontation between the suspects and the police, resulting in a tragic death. The incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance against crime and the need for community collaboration and support for law and order. It also serves as a potent reminder of the bravery and dedication of the police officers who risk everything daily to ensure public safety and security.
The Cape Town Country Music Festival is a twoday event at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on October 2627, featuring an exciting mix of international and local talent from the country music genre. The festival offers an immersive Nashville experience with authentic American food and drinks, and exclusive festival merchandise. Headlining the festival are Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, CAM, Zac Brown Band, and local artists like Demi Lee Moore, Roan Ash, and Juan Boucher. The festival is a celebration of Cape Town’s cultural diversity and invites everyone to dance into a weekend of pure joy and unity.
