the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
The City of Cape Town is actively fighting against illegal connections and vandalism to protect critical infrastructure and provide legal electricity to residents. The Energy Safety Team is a specialized unit that works to safeguard electrical infrastructure from tampering, vandalism, theft, and illegal connections, and they recently carried out operations in the Philippi area. The City enforces a zerotolerance policy towards these crimes, and a reward system is in place to encourage public participation in reporting illegal connections and vandalism.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre organized a first aid contest for volunteers to promote emergency preparedness. Numerous firefighting and first aid teams from across the city participated, showcasing their skills in reallife emergency scenarios. The contest not only encouraged improvement and enhanced morale but also motivated community participation and resilience, showcasing the volunteers’ dedication and the power of community engagement. The event serves as an inspiration for organizations worldwide to create similar platforms, ultimately contributing to a world where communities are better prepared to face emergencies and disasters with courage, unity, and expertise.
Two exceptional South African teachers, Mokolwane Masweneng and Mariette Wheeler, have been recognized as Top 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. Masweneng is devoted to promoting education while challenging gender norms that restrict female education, and Wheeler combines her experience as a biological scientist with her passion for teaching. Both have showcased unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and determination throughout their teaching careers, motivating countless students and making a substantial impact on their local communities. Their nominations for the Global Teacher Prize are wellearned, and they serve as shining examples of how devoted educators can profoundly transform the lives of their students and effect lasting, positive change in their communities.
Plated Convenience is a healthy meal delivery company that provides delicious and nutritious meals straight to customers’ doors in South Africa. With over 65 individual meals and snacks, including vegan and vegetarian options, Plated Convenience caters to individual dietary needs and lifestyle objectives. They use only the freshest, highestquality ingredients, and offer complete nutritional information for every meal, along with complimentary access to meal programs and guides for healthier eating. Plated Convenience aims to make healthy eating a staple in homes across South Africa, providing a healthier alternative to traditional fast food.
A sailor’s distress call sparks a united response from the maritime community, as vessels and rescue services quickly coordinate to search for him and his missing brother off the coast of Port St Johns. Despite their efforts, the brother is lost to the sea, but the rescue serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collaboration in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces. The story inspires hope and reminds us of the significance of solidarity, empathy, and preparedness when confronting life’s turbulent waves.
Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) recently organized a unique competition to test the readiness and abilities of first aid and firefighting volunteers. The event brought together enthusiastic teams from various regions, challenging their capacity to administer immediate, lifesaving care in emergency situations. By fostering camaraderie and a common purpose among these courageous individuals, events like the DRMC’s first aid competition inspire more people to contribute to their communities’ wellbeing in times of need. Ultimately, it is the combined efforts of these everyday heroes that contribute to building resilient communities capable of overcoming the challenges presented by emergencies and disasters.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is kicking off its new season at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town with a Halloweenthemed event featuring a screening of the classic slasher movie, Scream. With a starstudded cast including Drew Barrymore, Neve Campbell, and Courtney Cox, the event promises to be an immersive experience with themed décor and entertainment. The event organizers are also offering a prize of two tickets for one lucky reader to enjoy the movie on October 31, 2023, under the stars in the transformed gardens.
The Western Cape is battling with a spike in murders, with Police Minister Bheki Cele revealing over 100 murders in a single week. The province’s Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, is calling for more effective police deployment, with resources concentrated in areas with high murder and crime rates. The Western Cape Government has introduced the Western Cape Safety Plan and the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan to tackle the problem, but urgent action is needed to combat the escalating levels of violence.
A rare electric storm lit up the night sky in Cape Town, captivating residents and inspiring photographers and artists. The stunning display of nature’s power and beauty reminded us of the world beyond our screens and provided a moment for reflection and appreciation. The storm’s impact extended beyond its visual spectacle, sparking discussions about the historical and artistic relevance of natural phenomena. Overall, the event was a reminder of the wonders and majesty of the natural world.
The Great Optimist Race is a charity event in Cape Town that combines fun and philanthropy. Nonprofessional sailors race in optimist sailboats typically used by children, including celebrities, business professionals, musicians, and sports stars. The race is hosted by the Little Optimist Trust, which provides sailing experiences, educational programs, and adventure therapy activities to promote optimism and resilience in children dealing with health issues. This year, the race introduces a new relay format, paving the way for increased inclusivity and a higher number of participants.
Four suspected cashintransit robbers were killed in a police shootout in KwaMashu, South Africa. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against this illicit activity and the courage of law enforcement officers. The authorities found a collection of weapons, explosives, and incriminating evidence at the suspects’ hideout, signaling the possibility of more criminal activities. The hunt for remaining suspects continues, and collaboration between the police and the community is crucial in the fight against organized crime.
The Western Cape Government has achieved 100% clean audits, reflecting its dedication to transparent and accountable governance. However, this achievement has been downplayed by some, such as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The government has taken a proactive approach to tackle irregular expenditure in the former Department of Human Settlements and is committed to transparency and accountability. Additionally, the government has made significant progress in providing housing opportunities, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive, affordable housing and promoting thriving communities for all residents.
The most affected businesses by the recent storm in the Western Cape were accommodation establishments, eateries, bars, cafes, wine tourism attractions, trail networks, and retail stores, particularly in the Overberg and Cape Winelands region. While 44% of businesses had insurance coverage, not all damages and losses were covered, as revealed in an online survey conducted by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Despite the challenges, preparations for a successful summer season are underway, with an industry readiness event scheduled later this month.
Western Cape teachers have been celebrated for their excellence at the National Teaching Awards, with four provincial nominees securing top three spots in their categories. These educators were recognized for their commitment and expertise in teaching physical sciences, technologyenhanced teaching and learning, primary school teaching, and secondary school leadership. In addition, Dr. Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell was selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Global Teacher Prize. As part of Teacher Appreciation Month, the ThankaTeacher campaign invites everyone to show their gratitude for the exceptional teachers in the Western Cape.
The Thuntsha Lerole programme in South Africa’s North West province aims to improve service delivery and living conditions for local communities in the Mahikeng Local Municipality. The programme involves collaboration between governmental departments and entities, with a focus on key areas such as repairing roads, supporting agriculture and small businesses, and registering indigent individuals. Transparency and community engagement are prioritized, with daily feedback sessions allowing residents to express their concerns and contribute to shaping their community’s future. The Thuntsha Lerole programme serves as a model for future initiatives and demonstrates the power of collaboration and dedication in achieving progress for citizens.
On October 11th, South Africa will hold six municipal ward byelections across three provinces, with twentyfive candidates from nine different political parties and two independent contenders. This article breaks down the electoral environment in each ward, the candidates competing, and the wider implications of these byelections. Voter turnout will be a critical factor in determining the success of candidates and parties, and the outcomes could reshape the political landscape in these municipalities and beyond.
