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Cape Town News
A Positive Outcome for Cape Town’s Transportation: A Reflection on the Resolution of the Taxi Strike
Cape Town, a city with stunning views and a vibrant culture, recently experienced a week of unrest due to the taxi strike organized by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). Despite the turmoil, the resolution of the strike has brought about positive changes, setting a new precedent for governance in South Africa.
In today’s world, where curiosity has no limits, children’s literature aims to present complex subjects in captivating and comprehensible ways. An excellent example of this innovative approach is the children’s book, “It’s Just Skin, Silly!” The book delves into the fascinating science behind skin color, dispelling myths and nurturing a profound comprehension of our collective humanity.
In recent years, the color of the Earth’s vast oceans has been gradually changing from striking blue to verdant green. This shift is a result of humaninduced climate change, with farreaching implications for the ocean’s health and essential resources such as fishing and oxygen production. South Africa, with its extensive coastline, is home to various marine environments, and this ecological turmoil poses challenges for marine life as they struggle to survive.
Cape Town, the bustling metropolis of South Africa, is still reeling from an eightdaylong taxi strike that resulted in violence, property damage, and loss of life. The South African National Taxi Alliance (Santaco) led the strike, which Mayor Geordin HillLewis claims could have been avoided if they had accepted the city’s initial agreement.
On the night of August 11, 2023, tragedy struck Umlazi, a township in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, as four armed men brutally murdered six people and left another in critical condition. The incident has prompted a largescale manhunt by the South African Police Service to bring the culprits to justice.
The Western Cape taxi industry had a challenging period due to an eightday stayaway that led to widespread damage to property, the local economy, and the region’s reputation. During a joint press conference, Premier Alan Winde, the City of Cape Town (CoCT), the Western Cape Government (WCG), and Santaco discussed the financial and reputational losses incurred by the industry, estimated by Santaco’s first deputy chairperson, Nceba Enge, at R50 million per day.
The case against Zaid Isaacs, a rehab owner accused of murdering Igshaan Philander, has been provisionally withdrawn, leaving Philander’s family members feeling dismayed and disappointed. Isaacs owned and operated Synergy Rehabilitation and Upliftment Centre in Ruyterwacht. His coaccused, Vuyani Kedama, Moegamat Ishmail Jones, and Moegamat Rafiek Ishmail, were also arrested in connection with Philander’s death.
South Africa’s prison system is struggling with a significant issue of overcrowding that has come to the fore following the reincarceration of former President Jacob Zuma. In July 2021, Zuma was sentenced to a 15month prison term by the Constitutional Court but was granted medical parole just two months later, which was later declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal. This decision has brought to light the problem of prison overcrowding in South Africa, prompting the government to take action.
The Growthpoint SA National Squash Championships has returned to Cape Town for the third year in a row. The tournament features eight elite male and female players battling for top honors on a breathtaking allglass court at the V&A Waterfront.
The recent Santaco minibus taxi strike in Western Cape has significantly impacted the education sector, affecting both learners and staff. The strike has resulted in temporary school closures and affected attendance, causing concern for matriculants preparing for upcoming exams. ## Education Statistics During the Strike
The Effects of the Strike on WCED The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has had a significant impact on the region’s education system. According to reports from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), 728,247 learners and 12,026 staff members were unable to attend school on Thursday, representing 60% of total learners and 21.5% of staff members in the region. Furthermore, 48 schools had to close their doors due to the lack of transportation caused by the strike.
The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has brought the public transport system to a standstill, with devastating consequences. This strike has lasted over a week now, and as minibus taxis are responsible for transporting around 75% of public transport users in the area, or about a million passengers per day, the impact has been significant. The Western Cape Department of Mobility has stated that these taxis serve areas not usually covered by other public transport services.
In June 2023, city energy officials faced an unprecedented challenge as they were tasked with addressing 50,000 service requests from communities across the metro. The types of requests varied from streetlight repairs and localized power outages to individual residential electricity faults.
The Blaauwberg Road Corridor in Table View is the focus of a local spatial development framework (LSDF) currently being prepared by the City of Cape Town. This initiative aims to address the spatial development needs of the area, both present and future. With the potential for significant urban regeneration, residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the process.
The BRICS Inward Buying and Investment Business Forum is a highly anticipated event that brings together prominent minds and businesses from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The objective of the forum is to establish meaningful interactions between international buyers and the South African market, foster business partnerships and expand market access.
Dr. Marcos Orellana, the UN Special Rapporteur on Toxins and Human Rights, recently visited South Africa from July 31st to August 11th, 2023. The aim of the visit was to address the issue of hazardous waste and chemicals in the country. The visit was productive and received praise from the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy.
