the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
The Kenneth Nkosana Makate vs Vodacom case is an intriguing legal battle in South Africa, centred on the ‘Please Call Me’ concept, which revolutionised mobile communication. Makate, the originator of the idea, claims he was not fairly compensated by Vodacom, his former employer. A recent ruling by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has directed Vodacom to pay Makate between R28.99 billion and R55.37 billion. If he receives the payout, it could have significant implications for Vodacom and transform Makate’s life, making him one of the wealthiest people in South Africa.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a dangerous health risk that can lead to serious complications like stroke and heart attack. The city’s health department has increased screenings and promoted prevention measures like medication, physical activity, and healthy eating to combat this “silent killer.” They have found that more young people are being diagnosed with hypertension, and urge everyone to prioritize their health and get screened regularly. By adopting a preventive healthcare approach and routine screenings, the city’s health department is fighting against this unseen threat.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to provide necessary compensation to workers injured in a building collapse in George, Western Cape. The government will also ensure those responsible are brought to account. The President visited the collapse site and engaged with various parties involved in the aftermath, including Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, to address the crisis. The tragedy has highlighted the importance of building safety and labour rights, but also the resilience and unity of the community in the face of adversity.
South Africa’s participatory democracy has entered a new chapter with the establishment of a new Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) in Botshabelo, Free State, under the stewardship of Mr. Lechesa Tsenoli. The refurbished PCOs provide a platform for Members of Parliament to communicate directly with the public, facilitating a deeper understanding of their concerns and aspirations. The goal is to promote public access and meaningful engagement in parliamentary proceedings, nurturing a more inclusive society. The Botshabelo PCO symbolizes a new era of lively community partnership and a vision for an inclusive democracy.
South Africa’s National Council of Provinces approved six important legislative acts on May 16, 2024, including the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to overhaul the electrical industry and the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill to enhance national security measures. Other approved legislation includes the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill, the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill, the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Bill, and the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Bill. These legislative changes aim to enhance the agricultural sector, protect the marine environment, restructure the transportation system, and improve the water supply.
Makhaza Police Station in South Africa has launched Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to prevent vehicle theft. The station offers a wide range of law enforcement services to maintain community safety and order, and is a significant step towards bringing services closer to communities and intensifying crime control initiatives. The adoption of ANPR technology is part of a countrywide rollout aimed at tracking down criminals and combating vehicle theft more effectively. The construction of another police station further advances the police ministry’s mission of accessible services and symbolizes a positive step forward in the fight against crime.
Cape Town officials and South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched new law enforcement facilities in disadvantaged communities to improve public safety. The enlargement of police services is a result of a partnership between the City of Cape Town and SAPS, with the shared objective of bolstering law enforcement apparatus and extending their reach to the most vulnerable neighborhoods. This partnership sets an example for other cities to follow in their pursuit of community safety.
The maintenance of vast sewage and river systems is a strategic priority, particularly as a sewage overflow or river flood is the last thing a city needs during the colder months. The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is preparing for winter’s increased stormwater volume by cleaning sewer pipelines, clearing litter traps in river systems, and monitoring stormwatertosewer connections. Residents can help by adhering to protocols like flushing only human waste and reporting blockages and overflows. By collaborating with the city’s efforts, we can ensure a safer and cleaner winter season.
Cape Town is ushering in a new era of affordable housing with the Bonteheuwel Infill housing project, which will provide 273 modern housing units by the end of 2025. The project is a symbol of the city’s dedication to providing dignity and human settlements for its citizens, with a fair and transparent allocation process. This architectural marvel embodies the Breaking New Ground statesubsidised houses and is a beacon of hope for future housing schemes, driving Cape Town closer to its objective of becoming a city for all.
The EPWP Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme in Cape Town is a successful initiative that fosters economic development and inclusivity by supporting small, medium, and microenterprises (SMMEs) and informal businesses. The program offers monetary benefits and training to encourage growth and resilience within the structure of urban entrepreneurship. The program’s impact on iKasi Krate Uniforms demonstrates how the EPWP not only stimulates economic progress but also inclusivity by invested efforts into the growth and enhancement of entrepreneurial ventures, nurturing an atmosphere of innovation and resilience.
Happy Jele, the legendary player of Orlando Pirates, has retired from professional football at the age of 37, after a remarkable 17year career. Jele won eight significant trophies with the Pirates, becoming an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Despite missing out on several Cup finals and representing Bafana Bafana twice, Jele’s imprint in football remains unscathed, and his remarkable journey continues to serve as motivation, both on and off the field.
The criminal justice system in South Africa is dedicated to protecting its community members, as shown by the recent sentencing of Hlajoane Shakhale and Thabang Molapisi to life and 18 years in prison, respectively. The police and prosecutors in the North West province work tirelessly to hold criminals accountable, particularly in cases involving vulnerable groups like women and children. The swift response and stern punishments demonstrate the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing justice, fostering a culture of accountability and deterrence against crime.
The trial of Nafiz Modack and his companions in the Western Cape High Court involves a locationtracking platform used to monitor the movements of individuals, including law enforcement officers. Tech tycoon Larry Hurwitz provided revealing testimony on the software’s intricate workings, leading to debates on the ethical and legal limitations of surveillance technology. The trial sheds light on the interplay between technology, crime, and law enforcement, and the potential for abuse of surveillance tools.
The Urban Mobility Directorate is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our streets and ensuring the smooth functioning of our drainage systems. As winter approaches, they focus on enhancing efforts to upkeep and clean the city’s catch pit infrastructure to prevent potential flooding and ensure our safety on the roads. The team employs a range of cleaning techniques and manual labor, and citizens should be mindful of their actions to avoid causing problems in the drainage system. Despite often going unnoticed, the directorate plays a crucial role in our daytoday lives in protecting our city’s infrastructure.
Rugby’s epicenter has shifted from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere in the past decade due to the financial capabilities of Europe’s elite leagues. Super Rugby has witnessed a decline in enthusiasm and talent drain to wealthier northern leagues such as Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One. South Africa’s decision to part ways with SANZAAR in favor of the United Rugby Championship has also impacted Super Rugby’s future relevance within the sport. Major League Rugby offers potential to players who cannot compete in Super Rugby or European leagues.
Ehailing services have been linked to an increasing number of crimes, including a recent rape and robbery involving a young woman. The incident highlights the need for better vetting procedures and increased safety measures, such as facial recognition technology, to protect passengers. Community leaders are calling on the government to address safety concerns in the ehailing industry.
