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Cape Town News
Rugby player Willie le Roux has joined the Bulls, marking a new chapter in the sport. His transfer signifies a change in dynamics, promising an exciting season and is a testament to the Bulls’ foresight. With players such as Le Roux, the Bulls are no longer just participating in the games, but also challenging their opponents.
The Festive Lights SwitchOn in Cape Town is a celebration of community and the holiday season, with over 80,000 attendees enjoying music and camaraderie on the historic Grand Parade. With meticulous safety measures and transportation provisions, the event brings together diverse musical styles and creates a sense of unity and companionship. The organizers have carefully considered logistics, including public transport and parking, and strict prohibitions on alcohol and glass to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. As the city illuminates with festive lights, it promises to be a vibrant fusion of melodies and community spirit.
The police in Stellenbosch, South Africa recently arrested five individuals for their involvement in a crowbar gang that was operating in the area. The suspects, aged 32 to 41, were found in possession of stolen merchandise, including a television set, iPhones, and various pieces of jewellery. The police traced the stolen items back to an unfortunate 82yearold woman who was the victim of a house robbery in Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek valley. The arrest of these criminals serves as a reminder of the importance of community collaboration and vigilance in preserving the peace and security of the town.
Cape Town is offering support to pensioners through retroactive benefits and adjustments on municipal bills. Those aged 60 and above can apply easily with proof of income, and homeowners earning R7,500 or less per month may also qualify for indigent support. The initiative is not temporary and will remain valid until the next municipal valuation of their property. The City is committed to assisting as many deserving inhabitants as possible, showcasing its caring approach aimed at assisting many to manage their financial burdens.
South Africa’s recent municipal byelections in KwaZuluNatal province saw the African National Congress (ANC) win with an 81.64% vote share, a significant increase from their 61.48% share in the 2021 Municipal Elections. The byelections also highlighted the actively engaged citizenry with a 36.13% voter turnout and showcased the extensive and diverse nature of the South African government’s digital platform. The victory signifies the ANC’s continued relevance to the people, marking its undying significance in KwaZuluNatal’s political scenario.
Gavin Hunt, the SuperSport United coach, has called for respect towards Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos. Hunt highlights Broos’ extensive football experience and implores PSL coaches to tap into his knowledge and expertise for the betterment of South African football. Hunt’s plea is a powerful message of unity and mutual respect for the PSL coaching community.
Basil D’Oliveira, a pioneering cricketer, is being celebrated in Cape Town for his significant contributions to the sport during a time of racial prejudice. He was forced to leave South Africa and play for England, causing political turmoil when he was selected to tour South Africa in 1968. D’Oliveira’s legacy shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence.
NASA has achieved a groundbreaking feat in space communication technology by transmitting a nearinfrared laser carrying test data over a distance of 16 million kilometers, setting a new record. This technological leap marks a significant advancement in data transmission across the solar system, with the potential for higher data rates and the possibility of transmitting highresolution images and even streaming video. The DSOC project envisions data rates at least 10 times more than existing technology, with the potential to prepare for future deep space missions and sending humans to Mars.
The Western Cape Government’s executive team met on November 22 to discuss important issues affecting the region’s future, including future fiscal planning, the poor performance of the Port of Cape Town, and encouraging economic indicators. The team pledged to shelter Western Cape citizens as much as possible from the fiscal crisis, while also prioritizing citizen safety and essential services. The port’s underinvestment was identified as a hindrance to economic growth and job creation, and the province is intensifying safety measures for the upcoming tourism season. Despite financial obstacles, the executive team remains committed to the region’s prosperity and wellbeing.
A study by Authority Hacker reveals the most influential celebrities in the digital age, with Taylor Swift ranking first due to her 4.5 million Google searches each month in the US and impressive follower count of over 274 million. Elon Musk, LeBron James, Rihanna, and Selena Gomez also rank in the top five most influential celebrities. The study highlights the dominance of musicians in the digital realm and the new hierarchy of fame based on social media followers and Google searches.
Gareth Southgate, the manager of England’s football team, plans to select a secluded base camp in Germany ahead of Euro 2024. He aims to create a serene atmosphere for the team, distancing them from outside distractions while still having access to facilities for training and preparation. Southgate’s approach prioritizes the players’ wellbeing and comfort, and he may take inspiration from the team’s setup during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they were stationed in a remote location away from media attention.
The future of South African football depends on young talents like Bongani Sam and Mashego, according to experienced player Tsepo Masilela, who believes that the selection of a leftback must align with the coach’s philosophy and the requirements of the game. The debate over who will take the leftback position for South Africa’s Bafana Bafana continues to intensify, with numerous potential candidates in contention, including Terrence Mashego and Paseka Mako, despite some concerns over age and injury.
Oscar Pistorius’ upcoming parole hearing on November 24th marks a crucial turning point in his life, as a board of expert parole officers will weigh in on the possibility of his release. However, a potential parole does not promise a return to Pistorius’ former luxurious lifestyle, as the parole terms are strict and prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The consequences of not complying with the rules are severe, but the parole hearing also represents a chance for redemption.
South African Deputy Minister Mr. Fish Mahlalela presented a comprehensive strategy to revive the country’s tourism industry after the pandemic. The government’s outreach program aims to attract tourists from East Africa and promote investment opportunities. Mahlalela emphasized the crucial role of diplomatic missions in marketing South Africa and applauded the department’s achievements in empowering women, youth, and the differentlyabled. The TSHRD strategy focuses on enhancing skills and human resources in the tourism industry through capacitybuilding programs. Despite the pandemic, there was an 89.5% increase in accommodation revenue in the three months ending August 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
Trevor Noah and Siya Kolisi have both been considered as ambassadors for South Africa, with each showcasing the essence of the country in their unique way. While Trevor uses his humor and global fame to promote the country, Siya, with his exceptional rugby skills and patriotism, personifies the essence of South Africa on and off the field. Despite their different methods, both embody an unshakeable love for their homeland and encourage the world to explore its richness.
Inter Miami CF, the MLS team partly owned by Lionel Messi, has denied rumors that they will participate in the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia against two Saudi clubs in February. The club has clarified that owner Jorge Mas has not made any comments about the preseason tour. Nonetheless, Inter Miami intends to announce their first international tour in the upcoming weeks as they maintain their commitment to becoming a global brand. Despite the potential of a MessiRonaldo matchup, the Riyadh Season Cup proves to be too fantastical to be real.
