Police in South Africa’s Gauteng province have arrested four suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including ATM bombings and illegal mining. The operation was carried out by the Ekurhuleni District police, and recovered stolen property, drugs, a shotgun and ammunition. While the arrests are significant, the fight against crime in the region and across the country continues.
The passing of Edith Sanders during the Cape Town Cycle Tour has sparked an inquiry by the South African Police Service. Eddie, in her nineties, was hit by a cyclist during the event and later succumbed to her injuries. Her son has appealed to witnesses to come forward, underlining the importance of eyewitness testimonies. Eddie’s life, a blend of happiness and tragedy, serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of living with vitality and fortitude.
Henri Schoeman, Jamie Riddle, and Vicky van der Merwe will represent South Africa in the triathlon event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The competition involves swimming, cycling, and running, and the triumphant athlete secures the coveted gold medal. South Africa’s sole bronze medal in this sport was secured by Henri Schoeman at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, and his return to the Paris Olympics in 2024 is eagerly anticipated.
Artists and athletes from Africa and Asia are unhappy with the high rate of Schengen visa rejections, which they liken to ‘global apartheid.’ They say that it disproportionately affects countries where people struggle to pay the visa fees, making it harder for them to access international opportunities. High fees and rejection rates could lead to a lack of diversity in art and sports, as talented people from certain regions may miss out.
A tragic accident in Klapmuts shook the community as 21 workers were involved in a severe bakkie accident. The incident highlighted the dangers of worker transportation, leading to demands for government action. A social media video captured the distressing scene as paramedics worked tirelessly to save the injured workers. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) pledged to work with the Labour Department to prevent such tragedies in the future and tackle unsafe transportation practices.
Ann Ashworth, the 2018 Comrades Marathon women’s ‘down’ run winner, was unexpectedly fired as race director by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) just seven months into her role. Despite her successful tenure, the CMA expressed their belief that she lacked leadership and race management skills, leading to Ashworth’s resignation. Ashworth’s dismissal has caused shock and surprise in the athletics world, but her legacy includes attracting new sponsors, raising the race’s prize money, and implementing changes to benefit tailend runners.
Cape Town is gearing up for the World Rugby U20 Championship, which will showcase the future talent of rugby from twelve nations under the age of 20. The tournament takes place across three venues in Cape Town from June 29 to July 19, 2024, with affordable ticket prices starting at R35 for children and R75 for adults. The local community is encouraged to show support and give a warm welcome to visiting teams, with the Junior Boks poised to enter the tournament with momentum after their bronze medal achievement at the 2023 championships.
The strength of a passport is crucial for global travel, and South Africa’s passport ranks at 52 on the Henley & Partners Passport Index, with a visafree score of 108. This means that South African passport holders can visit 108 countries worldwide without a visa, including destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. While some countries provide visas upon arrival, others require an electronic travel authority. The index highlights the disparities in worldwide travel freedom, but South African passport bearers have access to a rich spectrum of experiences and limitless exploration potential.
Get ready for a weekend full of music events in the city! From local talent showcases to jazz nights, there’s something for everyone and ticket prices won’t break the bank. Check out the events through Quicket.co.za and get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm and harmony of the city.
South Africa’s National Assembly is establishing a new parliamentary structure for its seventh term, focusing on creating a diverse and inclusive representation. The Programme Committee, responsible for determining the House’s agenda, and the Subcommittee on Review of NA Rules, ensuring the Assembly’s rules and practices’ integrity, are key players in this endeavor. The Rules Committee is developing new rules and procedures, with a comprehensive rulebook serving as the foundation of the NA’s operation. With the Chamber holding historical and symbolic importance, the National Assembly is wellprepared to lay a robust foundation for an effective parliament.
The South African cricket team, the Proteas, are on the verge of making history by reaching their firstever World Cup final. Fans all over the world are excited about their impressive journey, which was led by strong performances from their bowlers and batsmen. With a combination of skill and strategy, the Proteas have defied past perceptions of being ‘chokers’ and are now eyeing a triumphant moment in their cricketing history. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the final, where the Proteas will face either India or England.
The transformative restructuring of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during its inaugural meeting in 2024 consolidated Select Committees from eleven to ten and formed a Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and Programming Committee of the 7th Parliament. The Select Committees act as the “engine room” for provincial matters and the Council’s overall function, while the NCOP plays a fundamental role in safeguarding provincial interests within Parliament. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and oversight over different government departments, propelling the NCOP towards greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The Botany Café at The President Hotel in Cape Town has reopened for the winter season, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients for nutritious, flavorful meals. The café pays homage to the historic Botany Bay and creates an ambience where tradition meets innovation. Led by executive chef Sergio Adams, the everevolving menu focuses on quality and variety, with options for salads, sandwiches, main dishes, and desserts. Botany Café is more than just a dining experience it’s an idyllic poolside haven for everyone to enjoy modern, healthy cuisine.
Monkeypox, a virus related to smallpox, has evolved to include sexual transmission in addition to transmission through physical contact with infected animals, respiratory droplets, and scratches or bites. Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle aches, and swollen glands and can be fatal in severe cases. While treatments like Tecovirimat are available for severe cases, prevention through hand hygiene and seeking medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms is critical to managing the spread of the disease. Monkeypox does not discriminate by gender, age, or sexual orientation.
A viral TikTok video revealed the unexpected cost of a fiveday romantic retreat to Cape Town, shocking many viewers. The total cost was R27,000, with a significant chunk spent on lodging, ehailing services, and food. While some argue that Cape Town can be budgetfriendly, it’s a reminder to carefully plan and explore local destinations. The story emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of exploring overlooked local treasures like Cape Town.
The Grindr Gang, a group of three men, use the popular dating app Grindr to trap and blackmail innocent victims. They have been implicated in similar offenses in Gauteng and are a stark warning of the dangers of digital connections. The reign of the Grindr Gang extends beyond Cape Town and their deeds serve as a reminder to navigate online platforms with caution and awareness, as technology can be a doubleedged sword.