South Africa’s Springboks face midyear test matches without eight crucial players, including six World Cup victors, due to injuries. However, the team’s vast talent pool, including four new players, indicates their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges, the Springboks are poised to showcase their grit and deliver an exhilarating display of rugby.
South African fashion brand Earth Age wowed audiences with its ecofriendly designs at Dior Men’s Summer 2025 show in Paris. The brand partnered with renowned designers and milliners to showcase the vibrant and unique aspects of Cape Town’s craft sector, including distinct Helix beaded bucket hat designs that represent Earth Age’s sustainable ethos. The event marked an inventive amalgamation of craft traditions from two unique cultures, French and South African, and shone a spotlight on local crochet artists and their superb craftsmanship. It also demonstrated the importance of incorporating art and sustainable practices into the fashion industry.
The City of [city name] is on the verge of completing a nationwide software upgrade programme for prepaid electricity meters, with almost 99% of the estimated 604,500 meters successfully upgraded. The upgrade process is designed to be customerfriendly, with support available for those who need it. Failure to upgrade meters by December 2024 may cause power supply issues, emphasizing the importance of timely action. The City’s forwardthinking approach sets it apart from other primary utilities, and its extensive support system ensures a smooth transition for residents.
The Goo Goo Dolls are embarking on a highlyanticipated tour in South Africa, starting at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town on December 4. The tour promises to be a celebration of music, history, and shared experiences with local acts Just Jinjer and Roan Ash joining the band on stage. The concerts will be a convergence of music enthusiasts under the stars, relishing the allure of rock music.
Learn how to travel on a budget with six tested tactics that will make your money go further. Embrace offseason travel, use online price comparison tools, choose unconventional lodging options, cook your own meals, seek out free or lowcost activities, and opt for smart transportation choices. With these tips, you can have a memorable and budgetfriendly adventure without sacrificing comfort or quality of experience.
V&A Waterfront in South Africa is embracing renewable energy by aiming to use 70% of it in five years through a power purchase agreement with Etana Energy. The company also plans to install rooftop solar panels to increase renewable energy to almost 80%. The goal is to be netzero carbon emissions by 2035, with significant progress already made in reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and waste. The waterfront’s sustainability strategy involves everyone, including tenants, residents, staff, and visitors, and serves as an example for others to follow.
Rabies has been detected in Cape Fur Seals along the South African coastline since October 2023, with the first verified case confirmed on 7 June 2024. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services and the State Vet are managing the situation and public health guidelines have been set. The public is asked to comply with guidelines to maintain public safety and animal welfare, including not touching, handling, or consuming seal carcasses or any part thereof. Future mitigation strategies are being developed to preserve the equilibrium of South Africa’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
A grand mansion in Upper Constantia, previously owned by the Gupta family, is undergoing a transformation after being abandoned for several years and confiscated by the National Prosecuting Authority. It was eventually sold to an unidentified international buyer for R20 million, who plans to revitalize and restore the deteriorated structure. The mansion’s future is hinged on the new owner’s vision, with hints of a comprehensive renovation and a new roof in the works, it is anticipated to regain its prominence among Upper Constantia’s architectural wonders.
Bob van Dijk, the Dutchborn exCEO of Naspers and Prosus, earned an impressive R333 million ($18.269 million) during his tenure, including base salary, bonuses, performance share units, and share options. After leaving, he entered a sixmonth consultancy agreement that added another R2.2 million to his income per month. Van Dijk’s leadership saw Naspers’ journey through shifts in the media landscape and towards digitalization. Recently, Naspers and its subsidiary Media24 announced the closure of five newspapers, marking a significant change in the industry.
A baboon went on a journey from the Cradle of Humankind to the city of Johannesburg, causing anxiety among citizens. The baboon crossed roads and towns before being hit by a vehicle and ultimately euthanized due to serious injuries. This incident highlights the conflict between urban development and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the need for understanding and respecting boundaries between the two.
A recent surge of highdensity police operations disrupted the serene atmosphere of the North West Province in South Africa, resulting in the arrest of 768 suspects accused of various crimes from murder to drug possession. The operations included targeted detective raids, stop and search operations, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and checks of licensed liquor establishments, leading to the seizure of illegal items such as drugs, ammunition, firearms, liquor, and mobile phones. The success of these operations highlights the crucial role of effective policing in disrupting criminal activities and securing safer communities.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir has become a sensation thanks to their unique harmonies that have reached audiences across three continents, including famous figures like Trevor Noah and Bill Gates. Their 2025 homecoming tour in South Africa is set to be a massive success, with shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg already in the works. The choir has evolved over the years, incorporating fresh songs like a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and paying tribute to local music legends. Their journey from a rural province to the global stage is a testament to the power of music.
The ANC and DA are locked in a power struggle for control of key positions in South Africa’s Government of National Unity, including the deputy presidency and major economic departments. The DA has presented several demands, including ten ministerial portfolios, and is unwilling to compromise. The potential delay in forming the GNU Cabinet highlights the difficulties in building an effective government and underscores the constantly evolving landscape of South Africa’s political arena.
“In Their Own Words 2” is a riveting documentary series that immerses viewers into the All Blacks’ unforgettable journey in the Rugby World Cup 2023. The series offers a raw and unfiltered look into the team’s triumphs, personal struggles, and the spirit that makes them who they are. Through sharing their experiences, the players portray a multifaceted picture of the All Blacks’ ethos, intertwining individual stories with shared experiences. Available for viewing on the All Blacks’ YouTube channel and social media platforms.
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has suspended an engineer who supervised the construction of the collapsed George building to prevent any danger to public health and safety. The suspension will remain in place until any accusations against the individual are resolved. ECSA has set strict requirements for the projects involved, including the provision of draft design and asbuilt drawings, an independent engineer’s report, and a registered individual with ten years of experience and no previous involvement in the project. ECSA’s swift action showcases their dedication to public safety and professional responsibility.
Swearingin ceremonies are important in South Africa’s Parliament as they signify the commitment of Members of the National Assembly to uphold the Constitution and represent the interests of the people. The recent swearingin of 58 MK Party Members was a significant event that took place in the Goodhope Chamber, overseen by the Chief Justice or a judge appointed by him. The ceremony showcased the inclusive and progressive nature of South Africa’s Parliament, which also includes an annual review of the Constitution by a joint committee of Parliament.