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Cape Town News
Take a moment to appreciate the teachers in your life during Teacher Appreciation Month. The ThankaTeacher campaign encourages us to show our gratitude for the mentors who shape our lives and guide us through the world of learning. By sharing messages, videos, drawings, or photos on social media with the hashtag ThankaTeacher, we can collectively honor these dedicated educators who play a vital role in our lives. Let us remember to recognize and cherish their invaluable contributions.
Zandvlei Estuary in Cape Town is a unique ecological gem that spans an impressive 92km² catchment area. It is the last fully functional estuary within the False Bay region and boasts a vibrant history, diverse fauna, and various recreational activities that attract both locals and tourists. Despite these attractions, the estuary is constantly under threat from significant amounts of contaminated and lowquality runoff from the urban catchment. The City’s Environmental Management Department has recently unveiled a draft management plan for the estuary, open for public commentary until November 30, 2023.
Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts of Public Works and Infrastructure spoke out against substandard infrastructure maintenance during an Imbizo in the Maquassi Hills local Municipality. Swarts emphasized the importance of community involvement, accountability, and compliance with industry standards to promote sustainable development. She also announced proposals to train local youth in firefighting, establish a fresh produce market, and repurpose neglected structures for community facilities. The Deputy Minister’s call to action emphasizes the significance of prioritizing quality and collaboration to enhance the lives and welfare of South Africa’s citizens.
The official funeral of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aziz Goolam Hoosein Pahad, took place at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg. Amidst heartfelt tributes and emotional memories, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a stirring eulogy that celebrated Pahad’s notable achievements and his lasting legacy. The president’s speech expressed deep gratitude for Pahad’s life and work, which exemplified his unwavering commitment to South Africa’s liberation and its people’s welfare.
The police community in Western Cape is reeling from the recent tragic discovery of a 29yearold policewoman’s lifeless body in Mfuleni, Cape Town. The young officer was reportedly visiting friends in the area with a companion at the time of the incident. She was a member of the Samora Machel South African Police Service (SAPS).
The GIA funding initiative in Cape Town demonstrates the crucial role arts play in community upliftment, promoting diversity, respect, and appreciation for the arts, and ultimately contributing to the city’s flourishing artistic ecosystem.
The Atlantis Business Hives has been revitalized, thanks to the city’s efforts to support local traders and provide them with a safe and clean working environment. The upgraded facility offers a wide range of services catering to traders in various sectors, and the city has allocated R184 million for upgrading trading spaces throughout the metro over the next three years. The city is not only focusing on physical infrastructure but also promoting the growth of business skills among traders and emerging entrepreneurs. With the support of the city, the traders of the Atlantis Business Hives are poised to seize fresh opportunities and chart a course towards prosperity and success.
Cape Town is celebrating its 45th year of hosting the prestigious Loeries festival, which brings together exceptional talent from Africa and the Middle East for a weeklong immersion into the world of creativity. The festival’s theme, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,” showcases the resilience and dedication of the brand communications industry. Loeries Creative Week is expected to host approximately 8,000 innovative individuals from over 20 countries, offering an unparalleled opportunity for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, trends, and best practices. The festival serves as a testament to Cape Town’s dynamic creative community and its commitment to supporting the growth and development of creative industries.
The prompt investigation by the SAPS Alexandria officers led to the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of three accomplices after they apprehended an individual vending suspicious items. As a result, one of the suspects received a sentence of 18 months’ incarceration, suspended for three years, showcasing the outstanding work of the SAPS Alexandria in upholding the law and fostering community collaboration.
Cape Town is leading the way in solar energy adoption, with a recordbreaking number of solar PV installation applications submitted in August 2023. The city is developing a userfriendly online application portal and introducing measures to tackle substandard systems. Mayor Geordin HillLewis is dedicated to making solar adoption more attainable for households, and the city has ambitious goals and incentive programs. This solar revolution represents a global shift towards clean and sustainable energy solutions, and Cape Town’s approach ensures that its solar market will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
The minibus taxi task team in Cape Town has successfully negotiated a resolution to ensure uninterrupted transportation services for the Western Cape. Following over four weeks of negotiations, the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, and Santaco Western Cape united to prioritize the needs of the people and address the concerns of taxi operators. The parties will now focus on implementing the agreed resolutions and refining operating license conditions to ensure they are fair, rational, and support the sustainability of the taxi industry.
Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city in South Africa that has a unique ability to enchant both locals and tourists alike with its incredible and everchanging skies. From the morning raindrops and light that evoke a sense of reflection and artistic melancholy, to the bustling afternoon winds that have shaped the city’s topography and architecture, to the twilight reflections that provide a sense of contemplation and wonder, Cape Town is a living tribute to the artistic prowess of nature. The city’s evershifting skies remind us of the beauty and impermanence of our world, and inspire us to embrace each unique and fleeting moment.
The Running Late Club in Cape Town is a community of runners that has brought people from different backgrounds together. It was founded by Wayne le Roux and Grace Evans, who envisioned a club that accommodates people of all fitness levels. The club’s name, which is about taking action and embracing the concept of “better late than never,” has caused some confusion, but Wayne and Grace explain it’s to address safety concerns of running alone in the dark. The Running Late Club has expanded rapidly and has become a symbol of unity and collective purpose that supports mental health and fosters inclusivity.
Montagu, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a unique experience for visitors with its intriguing history, spinechilling ghost stories, heartpounding adventures, fine dining, and lively artistic scene. The town’s streets are believed to be haunted by the spirit of a ginger cat named Heather, and cautionary signs have been placed to honor her memory. Montagu is also renowned as one of the world’s top climbing destinations, with over 650 routes available. Visitors can indulge their palates with local culinary standouts and sample exquisite local wines. Montagu’s enchanting fusion of history, mystery, and adventure creates a truly distinctive destination for travelers seeking an extraordinary experience.
The devastating floods in the Western Cape have left hundreds of residents struggling in the aftermath. The overflowing Kuils River and clogged drains have caused flooding in densely inhabited areas, forcing many residents to seek shelter in community halls. Civic organizations and authorities are providing aid to those affected, including hot meals, food parcels, blankets, and mattresses, but the flooding has highlighted the precarious living conditions of numerous communities. Despite the challenges, the Western Cape communities are demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The City of Cape Town has received a generous donation of two tonnes of rice from the Taipei Liaison Office, potentially feeding up to 10,000 individuals. The donation arrives at a crucial time as South Africa recovers from recent damaging storms, with the rice serving as an opportunity for people to come together and address the issue of affordable nourishment. This act of kindness is a reminder of the power of collective action and social responsibility in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
