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Cape Town News
The South African Table Tennis Championship is an exciting and diverse competition that showcases the skill and commitment of exceptional players. Held at the Proteaville Recreation Centre, this event features a wide range of categories and draws support from the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department. With a livestream broadcast available on their YouTube channel, the South African Table Tennis Board is proud to promote the expansion and progression of the sport, while fostering a sense of community among players of all ages and skill levels. The championship is a celebration of devotion, passion, and the unifying power of sports.
Cape Town hosted the threeday AllFashion Sourcing event, showcasing sustainable and ethical fashion. The event attracted 161 exhibitors, including young designers competing for a prize of R15,000 and an exclusive runway showcase. The event highlighted Cape Town’s commitment to promoting itself as a sustainable and creative fashion hub, attracting international buyers and delegates and nurturing the city’s fashion industry’s future.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the South African Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings in Tshwane to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. The team earned 22 gold, 20 silver, and seven bronze medals, breaking down barriers and highlighting the nation’s commitment to social inclusion and the promotion of human rights. These athletes are inspirational heroes and distinguished leaders, showcasing the power of dedication, perseverance, and cooperation between government and civil society in creating a more inclusive and united nation.
The National Teaching Awards in Pretoria is a platform that recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers for their priceless contributions to education, despite often difficult circumstances. The event unites the educational community and promotes further excellence within the profession by acknowledging and rewarding the top educators from various backgrounds. The awards ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of South Africa’s most exceptional educators, emphasizing the importance of promoting excellence in education and encouraging continued growth and development within the profession.
Retailers in South Africa are implementing strict measures to maintain egg supply in response to the avian influenza outbreak that has disrupted the egg supply chain. Major retailers like Woolworths and Pick n Pay are restricting egg purchases for customers and collaborating with suppliers to manage stock levels and support stores. The government is also involved in addressing egg production challenges and exploring trade instruments to facilitate the supply of chicken meat in the broiler segment of the poultry sector. The crisis highlights the importance of collaboration and adaptability in ensuring food security.
The small town of McGregor in South Africa was left isolated and without basic necessities after heavy rainfall and flooding destroyed their lifeline bridge. The Gift of the Givers, a leading humanitarian organization, stepped in to provide muchneeded assistance by airlifting emergency food packages and establishing alternative gravel routes for delivering crucial supplies. Their farreaching efforts have provided support to over 15,000 people across various municipalities in the Western Cape province, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of unity in overcoming adversity.
Get ready for a New Year’s Eve like no other as GEazy makes his debut appearance in South Africa at the Ignite Secrets of Summer festival. The event, featuring multiple stages and local talent, will take place at UCT Rugby Fields and promises a diverse and unforgettable musical experience. With ticket options ranging from general access to VIP and VVIP areas, be sure to secure your spot for this highly anticipated event, with phase 1 ticket sales beginning on October 7, 2023.
South African Police Minister Bheki Cele has been found to have breached the code of ethical conduct for Members of Parliament after shouting “shut up” to Ian Cameron, director of Action Society, during a crime imbizo in 2022. The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest has called for Cele to issue a public apology to Cameron in front of the National Assembly members. The incident highlights the importance of public officials maintaining high standards of professionalism, and citizens and community organizations must continue to advocate for their rights and the proper allocation of police resources.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is conducting maintenance work this week to enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure. The work involves zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in several regions, which may result in temporary water supply disruptions or reduced pressure for some residents. The maintenance work aims to guarantee the longterm reliability and excellence of Cape Town’s water supply, and the city is advising residents to prepare by storing water, adjusting appliances and fixtures, and being patient. Ultimately, the improvements to the water supply infrastructure will outweigh any temporary inconvenience.
Fuel prices in South Africa are set to increase, affecting both individual drivers and the wider economy. Diesel prices will see a substantial increase, and all petrol and diesel grades will exceed the R25 per litre mark. The Central Energy Fund attributes the price increases to various international factors, including rising petrol costs and the strength of the rand against the US dollar. South African motorists may consider looking into more fuelefficient vehicles to lessen the impact of these price hikes on their budgets.
AfriForum, a private prosecution unit, has joined the investigation into the murder of AntiGang detective Charl Kinnear, who was shot outside his home in September 2020. Kinnear’s widow has criticized the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for their failure to bring those responsible to justice. AfriForum’s involvement is hoped to bring renewed urgency to the case and ensure that Kinnear’s assassination is not left unpunished, serving as a reminder to protect those who confront crime and corruption.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has successfully pursued justice within the Department of Human Settlements, with the recent Labour Court verdict validating her quest for accountability and transparency. The judgment ruled that an official within the Department unlawfully appointed nine officials, and the resolution highlights the Department’s growing dedication to professionalism. The Labour Court’s ruling sets a benchmark for future instances of unlawful appointments, reminding civil servants to act within the legal framework and emphasizing the role of transparency in fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
October is “Lights On After School Month” in South Africa, a campaign aimed at promoting After School Programmes (ASPs) for the nation’s youth. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is leading the charge, encouraging everyone to participate and support the initiative. ASPs provide young learners with chances to expand their horizons, unleash their potential, and access highquality extended education enrichment opportunities. The campaign aims to recognize the vital role ASPs play in fostering the potential of young minds and transforming communities.
Premier Alan Winde’s Energy Digicon is back, featuring Professor Mark Swilling as a special guest. Swilling, renowned for his expertise in sustainable development, will discuss the energy crisis from a “bottomup” approach, focusing on how the public can establish more energyresilient communities. The event aims to engage individuals and communities in meaningful discussions about sustainable energy solutions and empower them to take tangible actions towards energy resilience. By hosting esteemed experts and facilitating engaging conversations, the Energy Digicon can serve as a driving force for change, motivating individuals and communities worldwide to shape a sustainable and energyresilient future.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasized the importance of smarter mobility solutions to address rapid urbanization and population growth in Africa during his keynote speech at the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit Gala Dinner. With the world’s population set to reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and half of the 2 billion people to be added coming from Africa, it is essential to invest in infrastructure and network industries that ensure a sustainable ecosystem and enhance the quality of life for all. Leveraging technology, such as battery electric vehicles and clean energy sources, and addressing challenges, such as accelerating investment in critical infrastructure and digital solutions, can create new economic opportunities and promote women’s emancipation in traditionally maledominated sectors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the South African Special Olympics Team to great success, with the athletes not only excelling in their sports but also becoming symbols of hope and inspiration for their fellow countrymen. Their dedication and love for their sports have allowed them to overcome obstacles and defy stereotypes. Their achievements showcase the unbreakable spirit of South Africans and demonstrate the power of collaboration between government and civil society. The athletes are a shining example of what can be achieved when a nation comes together to support and uplift its people.
