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Cape Town News
Despite the onslaught of severe weather and the challenges it has brought, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department remains committed to serving the community and prioritizing the safety of residents and visitors. The department’s emergency tree teams have been working tirelessly to manage the consequences of the weather, ensuring public safety. Although City cemeteries have been severely affected, with some temporarily halting burial services and experiencing accessibility limitations, the department continues its ongoing struggle to preserve the wellbeing of the community and remains resilient against the forces of nature.
Shaheema River survived a harrowing bus accident that killed three people and injured 35 others. She recalls the tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit while urging people not to make assumptions about its cause. Despite not hearing from Golden Arrow Bus Service, she plans to file a lawsuit against it and join others in seeking justice for the victims. The incident highlights the fragility of life, the power of human resilience, and the importance of community during times of crisis.
Sir Michael Gambon, a legendary actor with a sixdecadelong career, has passed away at the age of 82 due to pneumonia. Wellknown for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, he won four BAFTA awards and was knighted in 1998, cementing his status as an artist of immense contribution to the entertainment industry. Sir Michael’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of actors and artists to pursue excellence and passion for their craft.
The Totalsports Women’s Race is more than just a running event, it is a celebration of women’s strength and a testament to their determination to conquer the challenges they face. Cape Town is gearing up for the Totalsports Women’s Race, which aims to raise awareness for breast cancer and promote women’s empowerment. The event will see nearly 10,000 participants don their pink event tees as they run through the picturesque city, creating a stunning ‘Pink Tide.’ In addition to the race, the event also supports the PinkDrive campaign, which provides breast cancer education and services for women throughout South Africa.
The South African Navy will rename sections of Simon’s Town Naval Base to honor the memory of three submariners who lost their lives in a tragic event. The renaming underlines the importance of their contributions to the Navy and serves as a lasting reminder of their unyielding dedication. The Gillian Hector Training Centre, Mmokwapa Mojela Building, and William Mathipa Workshop will stand as a testament to their unwavering courage and resolve. Although the renaming cannot alleviate the families’ pain, it serves as a symbolic gesture to memorialize the lives of these brave individuals.
The community of Albow Gardens, Rugby, is mourning the loss of Kalen Kansley, a 29yearold father who was stabbed to death while trying to break up a fight between two young boys. Kansley’s selfless act of heroism serves as a reminder of the unexpected risks that can come with good intentions. Despite the tragedy, the community has come together to celebrate Kansley’s life and to address the underlying factors contributing to youth violence. Kansley’s legacy of kindness and dedication to fostering nonviolence and supporting the youth will always be remembered.
Druginfused sweets are becoming increasingly prevalent in Cape Town, with vendors selling dagga (marijuana) laced lollipops and other treats to children, often using unbranded and unsealed packaging. The Grassy Park police are investigating local stores and vendors to counteract the trend, and one man has already been arrested with R70,000 worth of druglaced sweets. Community involvement is crucial in tackling the issue, with parents encouraged to monitor their children and report any suspected instances of druglaced sweets. The police and local authorities cannot tackle the problem alone.
South Africa and Tunisia will hold political consultations to assess and improve their bilateral relations. The meeting will focus on economic collaboration, security, healthcare, and science and technology. The two countries hope to strengthen their diplomatic ties through an institutionalized agreement and potentially create a positive impact on the African continent.
South African political leaders and councilors recently convened to address the ongoing water shortage crisis in the cities of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Tshwane. The discussions were prompted by a factfinding mission in September 2023 to assess the most affected municipalities in Gauteng province. The collaboration between political leaders and councilors underlined the critical need for a unified approach to tackle South Africa’s water supply challenges, ensuring that communities have access to dependable water sources and fulfilling human rights obligations.
The Taipei Liaison Office donated two tons of rice to the city of Cape Town, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts and social responsibility. Rice is an essential staple food in South Africa, and the donation has the potential to feed around 10,000 people, addressing food security concerns in a country dealing with economic disparities and natural disasters. The donation serves as a symbol of hope and solidarity, showcasing the power of international collaboration and working collectively to tackle challenges.
Police in Johannesburg have successfully dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate, arresting two suspects and seizing a number of stolen vehicles. A team of law enforcement agencies worked together on the operation, using intelligence reports to track the gang’s movements. As well as recovering three stolen vehicles, the team discovered multiple electronic devices and false registration plates. The syndicate targeted highend vehicles, using signal jammers and other sophisticated equipment to evade detection.
The City of Cape Town has confirmed the presence of discolored water in the northern suburbs due to the effects of a severe storm on the water quality at the Wemmershoek Dam. Despite being treated, the water’s turbidity count exceeds the aesthetic standard limit for drinking water. The City is closely observing the highly turbid water and carrying out extensive water sampling and continuous testing to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the affected areas. The incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and contingency plans to respond to emergencies and maintain the quality of essential services like clean water supply.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is encouraging public involvement in discussions regarding marine outfall discharge permit applications and Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) permits. Residents and stakeholders can share their comments and suggestions on five WWTW facilities across 60 days through inperson and virtual meetings and alternative platforms. The City’s inclusive approach to policy development reinforces its dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship. The public’s feedback will influence the future of wastewater management and ensure effective and sustainable policies are created.
Attention residents of Athlone and neighboring areas: Please be advised that there will be a temporary water service interruption starting on Thursday, 28 September 2023 at 19:00 until Friday, 29 September 2023 at 08:00 due to emergency repairs on a water main in Bofors Circle, Epping. The affected areas include Athlone, Hazendal, Heideveld, Rylands, Belgravia, Crawford, Sybrand Park, Lansdowne, Rondebosch East, and Gatesville Melomed Hospital. Water tankers will be available for domestic use during this time, and residents are urged to store water ahead of time and keep taps closed to prevent water loss and damage. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Greenville Phase 4 Breaking New Ground housing project in Durbanville is a remarkable collaboration between the City of Cape Town and Garden Cities. With a budget of R163 million, the project aims to provide affordable and ecofriendly housing for over 1,000 families by 2025. The project is notable for its innovative construction methods, such as the use of Benex Block, as well as its commitment to fairness and transparency in housing allocation. The Greenville housing project is a shining example of progress, collaboration, and sustainability for the future of housing development in South Africa.
Reagen Allen, the Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, has been leading intergovernmental municipal engagements to unite local municipalities in the Western Cape province to combat crime. These engagements aim to create a shared vision, examine crime prevention strategies, and align resources to create a safer environment for residents. Allen’s leadership has inspired municipalities to join forces and embrace the Western Cape Safety Plan, and with continued collaboration, the province is set to become the safest in the country.
