the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Discover the hidden gem of South Africa’s Cape Winelands at The Soul Barrel Brewing Co. Their innovative brewing techniques utilize local ingredients to create an authentic South African flavor, earning them the title of Best Beer in Africa at the African Beer Cup. This prestigious competition celebrates the high standards and emerging trends in the beer industry, showcasing the innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship of breweries like The Soul Barrel and Darling Brew. These breweries remind us that the best flavors come from a combination of tradition and innovation, old and new, local and global.
The Kolisi family, led by exSpringbok skipper Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, recently moved to France to start a new chapter in their lives. Despite initial fears of language barriers and cultural differences, the Kolisis have been warmly welcomed by the French community and have fully embraced their new surroundings. They even had the opportunity to dine with tennis superstar Roger Federer, whom Siya had met previously and developed a friendship with. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing change and making the most of unexpected experiences.
Mia Le Roux, a contestant in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, is a beacon of resilience and determination. Despite being born with profound hearing loss, she has become a marketing manager, model, and parttime marketing student. Le Roux is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity, increasing awareness about the deaf community’s struggles, and making cochlear implants accessible for all. Her story exemplifies triumph over adversity and represents the spirit of Ubuntu that South Africa takes immense pride in.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is a competition for students in Grades 6 to 9 to come up with innovative solutions to environmental issues threatening biodiversity. The challenge is a joint effort by several organizations in the Western Cape, aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmental custodians. Students can participate solo or in teams, with the chance to win exciting prizes. The competition provides a unique opportunity for young minds to become part of the solution to environmental issues and take a proactive approach towards ecological responsibility.
Uitsig is struggling with a 165% increase in sewer blockages due to outdated infrastructure and incorrect waste disposal practices. Despite a pipeline replacement project starting in July 2023, only 8.2% completion has been achieved due to the dual threats of extortion and public safety. The City has set up a 24hour hotline for anonymous reporting of incidents of extortion and urges residents to be mindful of what they discard to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more efficient Uitsig.
Cape Town is fighting against metal theft using advanced technology like infrared cameras and a tollfree hotline with an incentive program for those who provide information that leads to the capture and prosecution of cable thieves. The city is also using a billboard campaign to deter potential thieves and reinforcing patrols to increase the pressure on metal thieves. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities and serve as protectors of the infrastructure in their local areas. Despite the challenges, Cape Town remains resilient and innovative in its fight against metal theft.
Cape Town is planning to convert selected roads into oneway streets to improve road safety and ease peakhour traffic. The city is inviting its citizens to participate in the decisionmaking process by providing feedback on the proposal. The city administration is committed to transparency and has set up multiple avenues for the public to express their views and concerns, fostering active citizen engagement and shaping the city’s urban evolution in a participatory and democratic way.
Rafael Nadal’s future at Roland Garros is uncertain, as the tennis titan hints that he may not be ready to announce his final departure yet. The anticipation surrounding his potential final appearance at the event adds an exciting layer of intrigue, as Nadal approaches the tournament as a dark horse, facing physical challenges in the past year and a half. Despite the uncertainty, Nadal’s legacy at Roland Garros is imperishable, a testament to his skill and fighting spirit.
The ‘BishBosch brawl’ refers to a violent incident between two prestigious Cape Town schools during a water polo match. The incident resulted in severe injuries and a civil damages claim of R645,000. The case has uncovered longstanding tensions and aggressive behavior between the two schools, highlighting the need for stricter control and discipline at school events. The court case reveals a culture of ‘goading’ and verbal taunts between the schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and discipline at educational institutions.
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.
