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Cape Town News
Mamelodi Sundowns and Petro de Luanda are set to kick off the firstever African Football League. The game will be an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and determination against formidable rivals. Mamelodi Sundowns seeks redemption following their recent losses and welcomes back seven important players, including Gaston Sirino, while uncertainty surrounds the participation of two influential members. The game will receive broad coverage, representing a historic moment for African football.
Opera UCT and Cape Town Opera have partnered to create a fresh interpretation of Verdi’s La Traviata. This mesmerizing production features two diverse casts showcasing the remarkable talents of both institutions. Guided by acclaimed theatremaker Mari Borstlap, this production highlights the lasting relevance and allure of opera as an art form. With breathtaking performances from Opera UCT and Cape Town Opera’s emerging talents, this reimagined La Traviata promises to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of performers.
Bongani Zungu’s apology to Bernard Parker is a testament to the importance of sportsmanship in football. During a match between Sundowns and TS Galaxy, Zungu caused an injury to Parker, leading to Zungu issuing a heartfelt apology. Despite the unfortunate consequences of the tackle, Zungu’s decision to take responsibility and apologize showcases his humility and empathy, and exemplifies the unifying spirit of athletic competition. Football’s true essence lies in the connection between players, fans, and the passion propelling them all forward.
South African citizens can enjoy a break from load shedding as Eskom halts the power outages for the weekend due to stable generation capacity. After this point, Stage 2 load shedding will recommence from 4 pm until 5 am on Tuesday. Eskom has also shared an update on the status of Koeberg Unit 1, indicating the end of its outage and its synchronization with the grid expected by October 2023. The anticipated revival of Koeberg Unit 1 offers hope for enhanced energy availability in the future, and residents are encouraged to explore the city during the load shedding suspension.
The ongoing water crisis in Western Cape communities has been marked by incidents of water infrastructure sabotage and allegations of fraud, maladministration, and corruption. The recent sabotage incident left two towns without water for nearly two weeks, with the Matzikama Municipality filing charges for deliberate property damage. The crisis highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure like water resources and the need for heightened vigilance and collaboration between government agencies and the public to preserve vital services.
The Springboks’ ability to overcome adversity has contributed to their impressive Rugby World Cup track record. Many South African athletes face substantial stress growing up, making representing their nation on the rugby pitch an honor. Their fervor for representing their nation and their dedication to surmounting obstacles have enabled them to excel on the global stage. As they prepare for their semifinal match against England, the Springboks are ready to embrace the challenge and give everything for their country, exemplifying the unbreakable bond between South African rugby and the Springboks.
South Africa’s cricket team achieved a historic triumph over England in the Cricket World Cup thanks to Heinrich Klaasen’s sensational century. Klaasen’s remarkable performance, along with a wellrounded team effort, led to a dramatic 229run victory. Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, and Proteas captain Aiden Markram also played crucial roles in the team’s success. The Proteas’ unwavering determination to excel has propelled them to new heights in the tournament standings, making them a team to watch closely in upcoming matches.
South African passport holders can visit 107 countries without a visa, as per the Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023. This provides South Africans with a gateway for global exploration, offering diverse experiences such as navigating the lush landscapes of the Americas and delving into the rich history of the Middle East. The visafree travel also presents shorter trip planning times, decreased travel costs, and less red tape for South Africans, unlocking a world of amazement with endless opportunities to create lasting memories and establish new connections.
The Golden Vines Awards 2023 was a starstudded event that celebrated the best in the wine and spirits industry, with winners including Sadie Family Wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, and Penfolds. The ceremony, held at the Opera Garnier in Paris, drew in nearly 1,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 27 Masters of Wine, 22 Master Sommeliers, and over 180 winemakers and wine merchants. Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines won the prestigious 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second year in a row, solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers.
Red Bull DIY is a project that refurbishes or constructs skateboarding spaces to promote engagement and inclusivity within the sport. Their latest skate park in Khayelitsha, South Africa, offers a secure location for skateboarders to improve their skills and contribute to the local skateboarding culture. The project aims to create public spaces for skateboarders in areas where there was previously no infrastructure and cultivate a sense of community and belonging through art and sport. The success of the initiative demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration and the potential for growth and diversification within South Africa’s skateboarding community.
Get ready for an electrifying rugby match! On October 21, 2023, the Springboks and England will face off in the Rugby World Cup semifinal, with the game being broadcast exclusively by SuperSport. However, fans can also watch it live on SABC or stream it on sabcsport.com. Both teams have put together formidable lineups, promising an intense and thrilling contest that rugby fans won’t want to miss.
The release of a Netflix documentary about David Beckham, coowner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF, has led to a significant increase in the club’s social media following. Beckham’s investment and role in shaping the future of the club has brought enhanced visibility and credibility to the team. The addition of toptier talent, such as Lionel Messi, has further generated substantial excitement for the team’s future. With a discerning eye for talent and a love for the beautiful game, the future of Inter Miami CF appears promising under the guidance of this iconic playerturnedowner.
South Africa is facing a bird flu crisis caused by two strains of highly contagious avian influenza that have already killed millions of birds. The emergence of the H7N6 strain, which first appeared in June 2023, has alarmed experts as it is welladapted to infecting chickens and can easily spread between birds and farms. The crisis has revealed flaws in the country’s biosecurity measures and prompted calls for innovative solutions to combat the virus’s spread, including new vaccination strategies and compensation for farmers who comply with culling measures. Despite the outbreak, poultry products remain safe for consumption, with no evidence of human infection from the current virus.
Drumstruck at Silvermist is a 5star African drum theatre production that combines traditional African instruments, songs, and dance to produce an irresistible musical happening. Each spectator is given their own djembe drum to play and sing along, actively participating in the shared celebration of African music and culture. The new season runs every weekend from November 10th to November 30th, with two shows daily from December 1st until April 2024, and takes place at the Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, offering an idyllic setting for the show.
Cape Town has become South Africa’s wealthiest city with a growth rate of 10% over the past decade, defying the trend seen in Johannesburg. The city’s stunning natural beauty, lifestyle, and thriving tourism and tech industries are contributing factors to its economic rise. Recent trends show that Cape Town is gradually closing the gap with Johannesburg and is set to surpass it as the country’s wealthiest city by 2040. The migration of wealth towards coastal cities, driven by the allure of ocean living and a more relaxed lifestyle, is a key trend shaping South Africa’s financial landscape.
Dr. Mariette Wheeler is a Life Sciences educator at Protea Heights Academy who has been chosen as one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. She is known for her innovative teaching techniques that make complex scientific concepts more understandable to her students. Dr. Wheeler also shares her expertise with the community through her monthly radio broadcasts on marine life. As a top 50 finalist, she represents South Africa and Africa, and her achievements serve as an inspiration to educators worldwide.
