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Cape Town News
South Africa celebrated a democratic milestone with the triumph of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) 2024 election results. The electoral process showcased a free, peaceful, and fair expression of the people’s will, with millions of South Africans participating from all corners of the country. The election results reflected the resilience and strength of South Africa’s democracy, and the shared mandate is to construct an inclusive, united, and prosperous nation, prioritizing the people of South Africa.
Marshall Dlamini, the former security head for the Economic Freedom Fighters, is on trial for assaulting a warrant officer during the State of the Nation address in 2019. The court is struggling with the sentencing, with suggestions ranging from community service to a threeyear sentence. The outcome will have implications beyond Dlamini’s personal fate, with the public’s trust in the justice system at stake. The decision will resonate throughout South Africa’s justice system’s historical records, and it is hoped that justice will be upheld.
South African smallscale fishermen are standing up against TotalEnergies’ offshore oil and gas exploration plans amid fears that they will ruin their livelihoods. Led by fisherman Sifiso Ntsunguzi, the community is concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed sites and the potential loss of fish, which is their main source of food and income. Environmental group Green Connection has sued the government over TotalEnergies’ environmental authorisation, and the company’s promises to reach netzero carbon emissions by 2050 are being scrutinised. The conflict highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental preservation.
Eskom, the largest power utility in South Africa, has achieved an unprecedented 65day suspension of load shedding, signaling a significant improvement in power reliability. This has resulted from Eskom’s strategic efforts to bolster the dependability of its power generation fleet and streamline maintenance, as outlined in its Generation Operational Recovery Plan. Key performance indicators such as the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor and Sustained Energy Availability Factor demonstrate Eskom’s progress towards greater reliability. Despite these achievements, Eskom urges the public to continue using electricity judiciously, promoting a reliable energy future for South Africa.
Cape Town is full of surprises, especially on its beaches. Giant squids, Bryde’s whales, manta rays, and beaked whales have all been found washed up on the shore, giving people a glimpse of the ocean’s mysterious depths. Some beachgoers have even rescued stranded marine creatures, showing the interconnectedness between humans and nature. While some discoveries are heartwarming, others are heartbreaking, and some highlight the negative impact of human actions on marine life. Nevertheless, each new wave brings a new story, and Cape Town’s beaches are full of intriguing tales and treasures.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is responsible for maintaining the city’s water supply infrastructure. They have announced a planned maintenance operation from June 1 to June 8, 2024, which will affect certain regions and may cause temporary disruptions to water supply. The operation is necessary for efficient water management and to achieve the city’s water management goals. Residents are advised to store enough water and keep uptodate with maintenance work via the City’s Twitter account.
A group of organizations joined forces to pay tribute to Charles Darwin’s visit to the Cape of Good Hope, which shaped his theory of evolution and natural selection. The tribute involves a bronze memorial bust sculpted by a local artist, Johan Steyn, and a public crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the project. The initiative highlights the profound impact of Darwin’s ideas and intellectual odyssey, which will be commemorated by the installation of the memorial bust at Jubilee Street.
Hacienda restaurant in Cape Town brings the essence of Mexico to the heart of the city. The atmosphere is a fusion of modern and rustic décor, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the experience. The culinary wonders include signature dishes like the Mole Hacienda and Taco Cola Amarilla, as well as a special halfprice margarita offer. Each dish is a work of art, skillfully crafted with vivid flavors that transport diners to Mexico’s stunning coastline.
The Manor at Nederburg is a toprated dining establishment in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, offering outstanding cuisine, exceptional wines, and picturesque views. Headed by Chef Linda Trautmann, the menu features mouthwateringly tasty dishes, from smoked hake croquettes to Amarula and tonka bean crème brûlée. The restaurant is familyfriendly and accessible to guests of all abilities, making it a gastronomic sanctuary for everyone. Book your table today and experience the warmth of The Manor at Nederburg.
Scala Pasta Bar in Cape Town is a mustvisit for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu features antipasti, tapasstyle pasta, and daily specials showcasing seasonbased dishes. The star of the show is the signature Carbonara Pasta, featuring guanciale, egg, and pecorino. Vegetarian options are also available, and a corkage fee of R100 applies, while a cake charge of R150 is imposed. Scala Pasta Bar is located at 81 Church Street and is open from 12 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Morwe Frans Motsume is a revered figure in South African law enforcement, with 33 years of dedicated service in the SAPS. He is celebrated for his exceptional aptitude as a detective, capturing 13 serial rapists and obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40yearold serial offender, Albert Nyembe. Despite challenges such as the disappearance of the original case file and Nyembe’s intimidation of victims, Motsume remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice, driven by a fervour to safeguard women and children.
Soul Barrel Brewing is a shining star among African breweries, having won the title of Africa’s finest beer producer for two consecutive years. Their awardwinning ‘Ale of Origin’ is a threeyearaged fermented ale crafted with indigenous South African grains and Lambic methods of spontaneous fermentation, resulting in a complex flavor profile with hints of zesty mango, orange, wild fruit, tart lemon acidity, yeast biscuit earthiness, honey, and floral undertones. The success of the Ale of Origin is a tribute to South African agriculture and the potential of local produce, showcasing the future of South Africa’s beer industry.
Siya Kolisi, the South African Rugby Champion, recently attended the Monaco Grand Prix as a guest, leaving a lasting impression on the event through his infectious enthusiasm and charismatic personality. His unexpected reunion with former teammate Tendai Mtawarira was a testament to the unifying power of sports and the shared spirit of competition and sportsmanship that transcends boundaries. Kolisi’s appearance at the Grand Prix reinforced the belief that true sports icons are not limited to their field of play, and that in sports, there are no strangers, only teammates waiting to be discovered.
Cape Town has proposed a R39.5 billion infrastructure investment blueprint, known as the Building for Jobs Budget, over three years to alleviate poverty and become Africa’s most businessfriendly city. The budget includes plans for diverse projects, including upgrading informal settlements, providing lowincome households with the highest free water allocation, and offering the widest qualifying criteria for a 100% rates rebate. The budget is a testament to the city’s commitment to democracy, with extensive comments and feedback from Capetonians contributing to its formation. The Building for Jobs Budget serves as a symbol of hope, reflecting the city’s determination to create a prosperous future for all.
Cape Town’s Building for Jobs Budget 2024/25 is a cuttingedge fiscal plan aimed at benefiting lowerincome demographics, committing 75% of total expenditure to them. It aims to create 130,000 constructionrelated jobs in the next three years and includes propoor infrastructure spending of R9 billion, outshining any other city. The budget also prioritizes investments in Cape Town’s most rapidly expanding and deprived areas, leading the way in free basic services and property rates, and is a testament to Cape Town’s commitment to its citizens, envisioning a brighter, more inclusive future.
Cape Town’s Building for Jobs Budget is a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on propoor infrastructure investment, committing R39.5bn to underserved sectors over the next three years. The budget prioritizes communitycentric development, with 75% of the proposed R12bn investment benefiting lowerincome households. The initiative aims to generate 130,000 constructionrelated jobs and reshape Cape Town’s narrative, striving to dismantle the unjust past and plot a path towards a more balanced future. Through this budget, Cape Town aspires to become a City of Hope, adhering to its longterm vision.
