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Cape Town News
Mama Shelter, a famous hotel chain known for its unique and vibrant aesthetics, is opening a new hotel in the City Park building in Cape Town. The hotel will feature 127 guest rooms, coworking spaces, a gym, a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the city, as well as a new concept called Mama Play, including tenpin bowling and karaoke. The joint venture between Ennismore and Kasada promises to revitalize the once deserted City Park building, marking Mama Shelter’s debut in the South African market and contributing to the rejuvenation of Cape Town’s central business district.
Explore the hidden gem of Cape Town’s Mitchells Plain with RLabs’ First Thursday initiative. This monthly event showcases the local culture with food stalls, art, and live entertainment, offering a safe space for visitors to interact with the community while supporting local businesses. With effective security measures and a focus on community spirit, RLabs is transforming the image of Mitchells Plain and inviting others to partake in its energy and culture.
The trial of Nafiz Modack in the Western Cape High Court is exposing the seedy underbelly of Cape Town’s towing industry. Testimonies from tow truck operators reveal a web of crime and intrigue, linking the industry with the city’s gang activities and nightclub security feuds. The trial includes serious crimes such as murder, including the murder of Detective Charl Kinnear and tow truck driver Richard Joseph. The courthouse stands as a somber reminder of the intersection of organized crime and everyday businesses in Cape Town.
The City Revenue Department Customer Interaction Centre’s customer service offices will be closed temporarily from May 4th to May 6th, 2024, for system maintenance. Motor vehicle registrations and licensing services will remain unaffected, and the city encourages the use of digital platforms as an efficient alternative. Residents can settle their municipal accounts and renew motor vehicle licenses online, and fines and warrants can be accessed and paid online. The city has made efforts to ensure continued service and convenience for its residents during the weekendlong maintenance break.
The Water System Maintenance and Upgrade Program is an important initiative led by the Water and Sanitation Directorate of our city. It includes planned works such as zeropressure tests and conditional assessments, maintenance activities, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at ensuring future water supply continuity and reducing water waste. Although these works may cause temporary inconvenience, they are being performed for our welfare and sustainability. Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps shut during the disruptions.
Handre Pollard, renowned Springbok rugby player, and his wife Marise have recently welcomed their first child, Hunter Andre Pollard, who was born in a UK hospital. Fans have noticed Hunter’s remarkable resemblance to his father, including a small birthmark that resembles a scar Handre acquired during the Rugby World Cup final. The Pollards have shared their delightful experiences with fans, forging a personal bond between them and their admirers.
The community of Cape Town came together in an unprecedented effort to search for missing hiker, Alistair Stanbull. Rescue teams, including the Provincial Search and Rescue, SANParks, and WSAR, joined forces with local law enforcement and civic administrators to comb through the area. Despite the ongoing search, the city remained resilient and continued its routine activities while sharing any information that could aid the investigation.
The shocking disparity between the bonuses given to government employees and the basic needs of the nation’s poorest people has come under scrutiny in recent times, revealing questionable effectiveness in improving performance. From 2019 to 2024, over R3 billion was spent on bonuses, while stateowned enterprises have lost billions of Rand, worsening economic disparity in the nation. The situation calls for accountability and a rethinking of government spending policies.
Cape Town is transforming its cityscape to prioritize nonmotorized transport such as bicycles and pedestrians. The Urban Mobility Directorate has formulated a plan to renovate and establish NMT facilities in various locales, taking into account community distinctiveness and encouraging community involvement through public information sessions and feedback channels. The plan aims to create a city that is more inclusive, accessible, and centered on its residents.
“Baby Reindeer” is a captivating and intense British black comedydrama thriller miniseries on Netflix, based on creator Richard Gadd’s personal oneman show. It portrays his confrontations with stalking and sexual assault during his youth, and its emotional complexity and excellent performances have earned the series critical acclaim and immense popularity since its release in April 2024. With a talented cast and a gripping storyline, “Baby Reindeer” has become a rising supernova in Netflix’s catalogue and a mustwatch for viewers seeking a powerful and thoughtprovoking experience.
The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department is implementing a vital power upgrade project for Newlands and its surrounding areas to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. The upgrade will involve temporary power outages on specific days, but the City has taken measures to minimize inconvenience to its citizens. Residents are advised to exercise caution during the outages and switch off their appliances to avoid potential damage. For any questions or concerns, residents can contact the City’s Call Centre.
The honorary doctorate is a recognition of his substantial impact on society and the sport, and Erasmus can now be addressed as Dr. Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus. The Man Behind the Legend: Rassie Erasmus
Deputy President Paulus Mashatile engaged in meaningful discussions with representatives of various faiths in Cape Town, showcasing his respect for the religious leaders and their role in society. South Africa’s journey towards democratisation has been challenging, but the interfaith community has emerged as a beacon of hope, advocating for a society where every religion receives equal regard. Mashatile addressed pressing issues such as drug abuse and land redistribution, pledging to work towards a shared goal of a better South Africa for all.
Cape Town is taking a proactive approach to combat global environmental issues by initiating community involvement during International Compost Awareness Week. The aim is to educate people about the consequences of uncontrolled organic waste disposal and to distribute home composting containers to inspire personal accountability. Citizens are encouraged to join in building a sustainable future by reducing food waste through mindful meal planning, correct storage, and repurposing leftovers. This initiative reflects a city adopting its duty of climate change and encouraging its residents to do the same.
Cape Town’s innovative “Cash for Power” program incentivizes solar power generation by buying leftover solar PV power from smallscale producers and providing rewards, making it an attractive opportunity for property owners. The program’s success is evident with over 1,500 power sellers earning over R30.8m. The city’s vision is to acquire as much solar power as households and businesses can generate, promoting sustainable energy solutions and a green economy. The application process has been streamlined with a new online portal and a bidirectional meter is set to be introduced.
The disappearance of sixyearold Joshlin Smith from her home in South Africa has led to the arrest of four suspects accused of kidnapping and human trafficking. Independent investigator Danie Krugel has claimed to have detected the girl’s DNA using his Matter Orientation System, but its precision is yet to be confirmed. As legal proceedings continue, the community is left waiting for answers in this perplexing case.
