the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Football fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate an upcoming season. Will Khama Billiat make a comeback to the Zimbabwean national football team? Former teammate Willard Katsande has hinted at the possibility, but a reliable source suggests that his chances are currently 50/50. While Billiat’s inclusion could provide a muchneeded boost to the team’s performance, the decision ultimately lies with Billiat himself. As fans speculate about Billiat’s potential return, the final decision is his to make.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the City’s emergency response efforts have resulted in a significant decline in emergency calls during a recent weekend. Emergency operators handled a total of 1,661 incidents, indicating a 10% reduction compared to the previous weekend, including a decrease in incidents such as interpersonal violence and road accidents. Officials caution that the path to a safer community is ongoing and urge the public to maintain responsible behavior, particularly during upcoming challenging periods. The City’s meticulous efforts combined with the decline in critical incidents offer a glimmer of hope in the darkness of the pandemic.
“Mother City” is a powerful documentary about the fight for social equality in Cape Town’s neglected spaces. The film follows the Reclaim the City initiative’s struggle over five years to transform these spaces into homes for the working class. The documentary captures their battles against influential political forces and property moguls and documents their journey to Barcelona, where they drew inspiration to counter Cape Town’s escalating housing problems. “Mother City” is set to make its global debut at the Sheffield Doc Fest in the UK in June, before its African premiere at Encounters 2024.
Africa Day celebrates the establishment of the African Union and represents a time for reflection on Africa’s journey to political freedom. The theme of the 2024 Africa Day was “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century,” emphasizing the importance of robust education systems and inclusive learning for the continent’s growth. The AU’s Agenda 2063 also highlights the need for education to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of all citizens. Additionally, the Parliament expressed concern about ongoing conflicts in Africa and emphasized the vital role of peacekeeping in promoting socioeconomic growth.
The Natjoints Coordination Centre is a new addition to South Africa’s largest police training institution, designed for information coordination, incident reporting, and quick responses. The NCC boasts stateoftheart technology and will host representatives from 39 government departments and private sector stakeholders within the National Joint Operational Centre. It represents a significant step towards improved coordination and a leap towards bolstered security for all South Africans.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a captivating preelection homily in 2024, reflecting on the achievements and challenges of the sixth democratic administration and the path ahead. He praised the Independent Electoral Commission for their meticulous preparations for the election and acknowledged the indispensable role of law enforcement agencies and security services in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The President highlighted the considerable progress made towards restoring the economy, battling against genderbased violence, and increasing South Africa’s global influence. He urged citizens to renew their commitment to democracy, unite, and work towards creating a more prosperous South Africa.
Uitzig Secondary School in Cape Town, South Africa, was systematically stolen, piece by piece, until only its foundation was left standing. The thieves stole everything from construction materials and plumbing to electrical installations and furniture. This larceny highlights the need for community vigilance and effective law enforcement to combat rising crime rates in public schools in the region. The story of Uitzig Secondary serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing socioeconomic issues that persist in certain parts of the world and the need for substantial support and resources for those battling addiction.
Thousands of people gathered in Cape Town to protest against the ongoing crisis in Gaza, particularly the Rafah invasion. South Africa has taken a significant role in the crisis, with the International Court of Justice commanding Israel to cease military campaigns in the Rafah Governorate. The human cost of the conflict has been horrific, with approximately 35,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, falling victim to the war. The Cape Town protest was a powerful demonstration of unity and dedication to halt the assault on Gaza and liberate Palestine.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate’s maintenance team has been working hard to address the regular water supply disruptions in Hout Bay caused by outdated infrastructure. They are strategically placed onsite and working continuously for three consecutive days to manage the situation. The city is taking proactive measures, such as placing water tankers at key points, to mitigate disruptions. Residents are encouraged to prepare for planned disruptions in advance and follow the City’s alerts account for updates. Despite the challenges, the city remains committed to resolving the issue and creating a system that can withstand future disruptions.
In May 2024, a cashintransit heist took place in Mangaung, South Africa, but law enforcement agencies responded swiftly and effectively, preventing any injuries during the exchange of gunfire. Through a multidisciplinary approach, seven suspects were eventually captured, and stolen money, firearms and vehicles were retrieved. This case highlights the importance of public caution and SAPS’ commitment to community safety, with Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane praising his team’s dedication to combat crime and ensure speedy justice.
South Africa’s beloved comedy show, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, is making a grand revival for its 25th anniversary. Curated by Eddy Cassar, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with an impressive lineup of local and international comedians, while also supporting local charities and businesses. The festival’s dedication to promoting emerging comedy stars and communityfocused initiatives is admirable, making it a significant cultural platform. Join the celebration from June 11 to July 7 at The Baxter Theatre and experience the power of laughter.
The Scone Shack is a sustainable eatery in Cape Point, Cape Town, founded by Karl Odendaal, a minimalist committed to offgrid living. The Shack is ecofriendly with salvaged windows and wood scraps, selfsufficient in energy, and reliant on solar power for electricity and alien wood for its woodburning oven. Visitors can enjoy vegan and glutenfree options and walk barefoot while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the space. The Shack is a sanctuary of peace, a throwback to simpler times, and a celebration of a conscious, sustainable lifestyle.
The endangered Barber’s Cape Flats Ranger butterfly, with a population of only fifty, is found exclusively in Strandfontein and is under threat due to plans for a multilevel development project in the area. The proposed development could increase traffic, which is already causing butterfly deaths due to collisions and pollution, leading to the loss of the butterfly species and disturbing the ecological function of the area. The potential consequences of these development plans go far beyond the butterflies, affecting other animals that inhabit the increasingly fragmented habitat and calling for immediate conservation actions.
Soul Barrel Brewing Co., a small artisanal brewery located in South Africa’s Winelands, has become Africa’s foremost beer manufacturer by committing to using only local produce and mastering their craft. Their Live Culture Grand Cru won the Best Beer in Africa accolade at the African Beer Cup, showcasing their complex blend of indigenous wild yeast, locally sourced barley, fynbos, and hops. The brewery’s mission is to foster a topnotch South African beer culture and serve as a reminder of the power of local enterprises and commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and local farming.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Coordination Centre (NCC) has launched in South Africa, representing the country’s unwavering dedication to national security. The centre is equipped with cuttingedge technology capable of realtime monitoring and response to unfolding scenarios and shares a dynamic and interconnected relationship with the Provincial Joint structures across all nine provinces. The NCC is not merely a technological hub but also a meeting ground for intellects, housing representatives from 39 government departments, agencies, stateowned corporations, and private sector stakeholders. It promises a safer environment for the country’s residents, and its longterm vision is to maintain its roundtheclock surveillance and coordination role.
The recent divorce of Rassie Erasmus, coach of the Springboks rugby team, has sparked a nationwide debate about the balance between privacy rights and public interest for sports celebrities. While Erasmus has been notoriously private about his family life, the lack of comments regarding his divorce has raised questions about whether his offfield life should be subject to public scrutiny. The situation highlights the complex reality of public figures, where personal and professional lives often become intertwined, and opinions on privacy rights continue to be diverse.
