the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Cape Town’s Film Fund is a special program that helps local filmmakers bring their stories to life by giving money and city support. It celebrates the city’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes while creating jobs and growing the film industry. By focusing on real Cape Town voices and diversity, the fund helps the city shine on the global stage. This effort turns Cape Town into a lively hub where stories from all backgrounds can inspire and connect people everywhere.
Bill McCaw was a true hero of New Zealand rugby, known for his tough spirit and smart play as an All Blacks captain in the 1950s. Growing up in Southland, he loved the game deeply and showed courage by always diving headfirst into tough tackles. McCaw helped change how the loose forward position was played, making it more active and versatile. After his playing days, he worked hard to coach and support young players, keeping the heart and soul of club rugby alive. His legacy of teamwork, dedication, and community pride still inspires players and fans across New Zealand today.
Cape Town’s trains connect many parts of the city, but for people with disabilities, traveling by rail is still very hard. Many stations have stairs instead of ramps or lifts, making it nearly impossible for wheelchair users to get on and off trains without help. Even though some new trains have accessible features inside, getting to the trains and navigating stations remains full of barriers. While the city has promised improvements and started talking with disability advocates, real change is still slow, leaving many to struggle every day. The hope is that Cape Town will one day offer safe, easy, and independent travel for everyone.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency shone a bright light on women’s financial inclusion, bringing global leaders together in Sun City to make real change. The 2025 conference created strong plans to help women access money, credit, and economic opportunities, blending big ideas with ontheground realities. Experts, activists, and policymakers shared stories and research, showing how empowering women can transform families and communities worldwide. This historic event sparked hope and set a clear path for a future where every woman can shape her financial destiny.
Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) is a bold effort to make the city safer by doubling police officers in tough neighborhoods and adding fastmoving units that respond quickly to trouble. Officers don bright blue uniforms, walk the streets, and chat with locals, helping to rebuild trust between police and communities. Early results show drops in violent crime in some areas, giving hope to residents who long for peace. LEAP’s success comes from smart use of crime data and strong teamwork between police, government, and citizens working hand in hand. This fresh approach is lighting the way toward safer streets and stronger neighborhoods in Cape Town.
In 2025, South African Airways faced a sudden cyber attack that targeted its website, app, and vital systems, threatening to disrupt its flights and services. Thanks to strong leadership and wellprepared plans, the airline quickly kept essential operations running and launched a full investigation. Their open communication with authorities and the public showed a new level of transparency and trust. This event highlights how important it is for big companies to be ready for digital threats and work together to stay safe in a connected world.
South Africa’s lake towns like Knysna, Kaapsehoop, Sedgefield, and Underberg carry a touch of Italian romance wrapped in local magic. They share beautiful, peaceful waters and a rich artistic spirit, just like Italy’s famous lakes, but with wild landscapes and vibrant cultures unique to South Africa. Each town offers a cozy blend of calm, adventure, and warm community life, inviting visitors to slow down and feel the quiet beauty all around. From misty hills to sparkling lagoons, these places are perfect for anyone who loves nature and a little bit of timeless charm.
World Cocktail Day, celebrated on May 13, is a celebration of the history and fun of making cocktails. One great way to join in is by trying a winter cocktail like the Golden Garden Spritz, made with fresh mint, berries, honey syrup, and vodka or gin. This cozy drink warms you up with its sweet and fresh flavors, perfect for sharing with friends on chilly evenings. Making it is simple and creative, letting you play with ingredients to suit your taste. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy a little handcrafted magic.
Two rare sevengill cow sharks washed up on Strand Beach with deep wounds likely caused by orcas, powerful sea hunters known for taking shark livers. This surprising event brought scientists and locals together, turning the beach into a lively classroom where everyone learned about these ancient sharks and their important role in the ocean. The strandings revealed not only the dangers these creatures face but also how humans and nature are connected in protecting the fragile marine world.
Salt is a big part of South African meals and culture, but eating too much of it can quietly harm the heart, kidneys, and overall health. Most salt isn’t just what people add—it hides in processed foods, making it easy to eat too much without realizing. High salt intake raises blood pressure, leading to serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke. Campaigns like “5 Ways to 5 Grams” are helping people use less salt, choose healthier foods, and cook fresh meals to protect their health while honoring traditional flavors. Small changes in salt habits can make a big difference for South Africa’s future.
Homes aren’t just places to live—they can also help people earn money and get creative. By renting out rooms, sharing parking spaces, or hosting guests on Airbnb, homeowners can bring in extra cash. Some even turn their houses into event spots or small business studios, mixing old ideas with new ways to work from home. This smart use of space helps families stay strong when money feels tight. With a little imagination, your home can become more than a shelter—it can be a source of income and fresh opportunities.
FlySafair’s R11 flash sale is a thrilling yearly event where flights across South Africa cost only R11, making travel affordable for everyone. At 9am sharp, millions rush online to grab these tinypriced tickets, turning the sale into a fun, exciting digital race filled with games and shared stories. This sale isn’t just about cheap flights—it’s a joyful tradition that brings people together, opening up new chances to explore and connect across the country. FlySafair’s bold offer sparks hope and adventure, proving that flying can be for all South Africans, not just the few.
Afrikaners are quietly leaving South Africa on secret flights to the United States because they fear losing their land, face safety worries, and feel unsure about the country’s future. This move stirs up old tensions tied to South Africa’s troubled past and the complicated changes since apartheid ended. While some see these Afrikaners as fleeing hardship, the South African government insists no citizens are refugees and stresses that land policies are fair and lawful. This flight highlights a deep struggle over identity, belonging, and hope for a safer, more stable life.
Gham is a lively and unique way of speaking and living in the Cape Flats, full of energy, creativity, and community spirit. It’s much more than just words—it’s a mix of language, gestures, food like the famous gatsby sandwich, games, and art that bring people together and turn tough times into pride and joy. Gham grew from history and struggle but shines as a symbol of belonging, cleverness, and resilience. It’s a living culture that you feel in every smile, story, and shared meal, showing the true heart of the Cape Flats.
Cape Town’s CT2 baboon troop lives between the forest and nearby suburbs, searching for food while avoiding dangers like paintball markers used to scare them away. As the city grows, these clever baboons face tough choices: stay safe in the forest or risk the suburbs’ tempting but risky meals. Volunteers work gently to guide the troop away from trouble, showing that kindness can help humans and baboons share space. Still, the fight continues as people worry about their homes and the baboons’ survival hangs in the balance.
District Six was once a lively, colorful neighborhood in Cape Town where many cultures lived together happily. In 1966, the government forced over 60,000 people out and destroyed the area, breaking up a close community. Since 1994, families have been trying to get their homes back, but problems like slow government action and lack of money have delayed this for decades. Some people have finally returned, but many still wait, holding on to hope for justice and a chance to rebuild their broken community. The story of District Six is one of pain, memory, and a long fight to come home.
