the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
A recent rescue mission on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, demonstrates the courage, readiness, and teamwork of responders, as well as the tenacity of the human spirit. A young Australian hiker collapsed on the India Venster trail and was rescued by the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter. The successful outcome of the rescue mission is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preparedness and collaboration.
The death of Palestinian businessman Shafiq Naser in Cape Town exposes the depths of the Israeli underworld and its extensive reach. Naser’s story reveals elements of ancient feuds, international secrets, and lethal confrontations, transcending borders and challenging our understanding of the complex ties that bind people and nations together. As the investigation into Naser’s death continues, many questions remain unanswered, taking us on a journey strewn with the remnants of broken lives and unfulfilled dreams in a maze of intrigue and deception.
Come to Cape Town in October and experience the perfect blend of nature, art, and culture. With comfortable temperatures and a refreshing breeze, the city’s natural charm is highlighted, while its European and African influences create a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the city’s landmarks, galleries, and street art to discover its rich history and artistic spirit. Indulge in the diverse culinary scene and enjoy live music performances in stunning settings. With so much to offer, Cape Town is a mustvisit destination for any history enthusiast, art connoisseur, food lover, or music fan.
iKaya Primary School in South Africa is leading the way in energy sustainability by installing a photovoltaic system and energyefficient lights, which will save R30,000 on its annual electricity costs. The project is a collaboration between Stellenbosch University, the Western Cape Education Department, and other partners, and aims to provide IoT energy management and lighting efficiency retrofits at 75 nofee schools. The project has already helped several schools reduce their electricity expenses and iKaya Primary is among ten schools that have benefited. The project serves as an example of how educational institutions, government bodies, and private partners can work together to develop sustainable solutions.
JeanMarc Johannes is a skateboarding hero from Cape Town, South Africa, who has achieved two Guinness World Records. Overcoming financial limitations, the lack of skate parks, and asthma, he has become a skateboarding legend, with a goal to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. JeanMarc’s journey inspires young skateboarders to pursue their dreams and highlights the transformative power of sports in shaping communities. His story teaches valuable lessons about passion, perseverance, and dedication that resonate beyond the skateboarding sphere.
The recent extreme weather event in Cape Town has had a significant impact on the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, with many businesses forced to temporarily close due to damages. The hardesthit towns were Franschhoek, Kleinmond, Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, and McGregor. Accommodation facilities and restaurants were among the businesses most affected, and despite many having insurance coverage, some policies did not cover all damages and losses incurred. It is crucial for businesses to adapt and build resilience to prepare for potential future disasters.
The Mother City Exhibition in Cape Town showcases the local artistic talent of 18 emerging artists, highlighting the connection between the city’s environment and their creative expressions. Curated by Zimasile Mjokozeli, the exhibition offers a meditative space for guests to explore the interplay between artists and the city. The initiative not only enriches local culture but also provides skill development and networking opportunities for artists with limited resources, fostering a sense of unity and community.
The Chess@Libraries tournament in Cape Town showcased the power of chess to connect people across generations, as over 70 chess enthusiasts aged from seven to 50 came together to compete. The Delft Library emerged victorious, with Lutho Mfazwe being crowned Library Chess Champion for 2023. Libraries have become crucial in nurturing chess talent within their communities, offering accessible space for people to engage with the game. The city aims to encourage children of all ages to learn more about the game at their nearest library, highlighting the commitment to expanding its influence.
The Western Cape poultry industry is on high alert against avian influenza, following recent outbreaks in other South African provinces. Farmers are urged to take proactive measures to prevent the virus from being introduced by wild birds. The poultry sector is a significant contributor to South Africa’s agricultural economy, creating over 52,000 direct jobs in 2022. Combating avian influenza requires both passive and active surveillance, along with preventative strategies like disinfecting vehicles and isolating new birds. The industry can weather the storm by adhering to biosecurity measures and maintaining vigilance.
The case of South African doctor Lauren Dickason, who was convicted of murdering her three young daughters in their New Zealand home, has highlighted the complexity of emotions surrounding such a heartbreaking event. Despite her appalling actions, Dickason expressed gratitude for the support she received during the trial. The case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, particularly during the postpartum period, and the need for comprehensive mental health care and support systems. The community’s support for the bereaved family demonstrates that compassion and empathy can shine through even the darkest times.
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.
