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Cape Town News
The Nelson Mandela Commemorative Centre and School of Public Governance is a monument being developed in Cape Town, South Africa to celebrate the legacy of late President Nelson Mandela. It will cultivate ethical leadership and shape future generations of leaders, and will feature interactive public art pieces, reflective paths, and communal spaces. The center, which will house the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, is committed to nurturing upcoming leaders from throughout Africa and standing as a symbol of ethical leadership and a brighter future.
‘Just Now Jeffrey’, a South African film directed by Hylton Tannenbaum, is gaining global recognition for its unfiltered portrayal of Apartheidera South Africa. The movie explores teenage issues against the backdrop of political turmoil, providing an authentic glimpse into the country’s complexities. Despite being produced independently, the film has been showcased at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and is set to be featured at other festivals around the world.
Cape Town’s first Innovation Hackathon aimed to develop an “EPublic Participation Platform” for city residents, and the winning team created a userfriendly webbased application that facilitates job searches and provides updates on City projects. The event showcased exceptional skills and forwardlooking insights, emphasizing the power of technology and young citizens in improving public services. The participants surprised judges with their solutionoriented applications, focusing on developing costeffective, userfriendly software capable of efficiently retrieving information on projects, tenders, and job opportunities. The hackathon highlighted the dedication of UVU Africa and CAPACITI to fostering local talent to bridge the digital gap and showcased the candidates’ commendable skills and innovative thought processes.
The tragic murder of fiveyearold Ditebogo Phalane in South Africa has prompted a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies. Recently, the TOMS squad of the Hawks’ Pretoria division, working jointly with the Akasia Crime Prevention Unit and Tshwane District CI, made arrests in the case and discovered two illegal firearms, one suspected to be the murder weapon. One of the suspects was out on bail at the time of his arrest, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in upholding peace and order. Despite the darkness of this tragedy, the tireless pursuit of justice by law enforcement serves as a beacon of hope in a crimeinfested society.
Cricket South Africa’s controversial decision to only include one black African player in the national team for the T20 World Cup has caused outrage and highlighted deepseated systemic problems within South African cricket. The lack of representation is disrespectful of the nation’s diversity and reflects an elitist approach to the sport. If Cricket South Africa does not make substantial changes to its structure and values, the future of cricket in South Africa remains uncertain.
South African comedian and filmmaker Leon Schuster recently found himself at the center of a false death report, causing significant emotional turmoil for him and his loved ones. Despite this, Schuster showed resilience and found humor in the situation, reassuring his fans of his wellbeing. His coactor and friend, Alfred Ntombela, stood by him, showcasing their resilience and determination. Schuster’s humor, infectious energy, and resilience continue to make him a beacon of laughter and strength.
The District Six Museum in Cape Town recently unveiled an immersive virtual reality experience for visitors, created in collaboration with Loud Rabbits Agency and the Alumni of Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts Game Course. The project aims to attract a younger audience while preserving the history of the district. The museum’s efforts in making history interactive and accessible to younger generations while preserving its essence could potentially pave the way for similar initiatives.
Hisense has introduced a revolutionary 100inch U7K ULED MiniLED TV equipped with advanced technologies such as Quantum Dot Colour and Game Mode Pro, setting a fresh benchmark for home entertainment devices. The TV was constructed at Hisense’s plant in Atlantis, on the fringe of Cape Town, and it will debut in South Africa in June 2024 with a price tag of R79 999. This launch symbolizes a new stage for Hisense in South Africa, reinforcing the company’s dedication to providing cuttingedge products that cater to the digital era’s evolving requirements.
Jurgen Klopp bid farewell to Liverpool after a nineyear stint as manager, with his final match at Anfield resulting in a 20 victory over Wolves. Fans poured out their affection for Klopp, who had become an emblem of Anfield. Klopp’s legacy, characterized by victories and significant bonds, serves as a beacon for the football world, while Liverpool embraces its future under the stewardship of Arne Slot.
Cape Town is investing in its informal economy by improving trading spaces with enhancements such as asphalt coating, pavers, and gazebo hooks. Major infrastructural projects are underway, including a container market and Traders Support Services Centre. The city proposes dedicated business training workshops to strengthen local entrepreneurs’ commercial prowess. Cape Town’s approach showcases how cities can develop inclusive, resilient, and dynamic economies.
Updating your contact information on the Housing Needs Register can unlock a brighter future with a wide array of housing opportunities offered by the City of Cape Town, including programs like Breaking New Ground, Gap to Flisp, and Community Residential Units. Mr. Ismail de Jongh’s story is a prime example of the transformative power of the City’s housing opportunities, and the City invites inquiries and encourages residents to keep their details uptodate to benefit from these programs. Seize the moment and join forces with the City to build a stronger community, one home at a time.
In Cape Town, the Water and Sanitation Directorate is facing a crisis as workers responsible for providing clean water and sanitation solutions are being threatened by criminal activity. In the preceding fiscal year, there were 22 hijackings and 52 robberies reported, causing a financial burden of R8.5 million in private security escorts to ensure personnel safety and continuity of services. The Mayor has launched an AntiExtortion Campaign, and Councilor Zahid Badroodien is calling for community cooperation to guarantee safer working conditions for essential workers, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect public service providers.
Worldrenowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, is bringing his exceptional classical talent to South Africa in April 2025 for his 30thanniversary tour. The concert promises to be a unique experience, featuring a soprano, choir, and orchestra set against the backdrop of the captivating Cape Town landscape. Bocelli’s concerts attract vast audiences worldwide and are renowned for their universal appeal, making his visit to South Africa a monumental moment of shared emotional experience. Fans can secure their seats from May 24, 2024.
Operation Shanela in South Africa’s North West Province was a successful law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of over a thousand suspects involved in various crimes, including contact crimes like murder and rape. The operation was led by the Provincial Police Commissioner and involved a multitude of strategies, including stop and searches, patrols, and vehicle checkpoints. The operation’s success showcases the dedication of law enforcement agencies in their relentless pursuit of justice and sends a strong message that crime in the North West Province will not go unpunished.
Enforcement agencies in the city have been working tirelessly to ensure public safety and have arrested almost 2,000 individuals and confiscated over 150 public transport vehicles within a week. The agencies have also recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended an individual in possession of a hijacked vehicle. Despite the challenges faced, the enforcement bodies continue their vigilance and never give up in their pursuit of justice.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first visit to Nigeria was marred by controversy as reports emerged that Dr. Allen Onyema, a man facing bank fraud and money laundering charges in the US, greeted the royal couple. Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, facilitated the couple’s threeday tour of Nigeria, but the allegations against him raised questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues and faced criticism from within the royal family. The controversy highlights the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in the planning of highprofile events.
