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Cape Town News
Cape Town is upgrading its aging water and sanitation infrastructure due to population growth and deteriorating pipes, with the Water and Sanitation Directorate aiming to replace 50,000 meters of water pipes by 2023/2024. The city has already replaced over 40,315 meters by March 2024, with dedicated teams working on projects across various locations to achieve significant progress towards their goal. This infrastructure overhaul is a story of resilience and determination, securing Cape Town’s sustainable future.
Prince Harry has returned to the UK to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event he founded in 2014 to celebrate wounded, injured, and ailing servicemen and women. His visit is filled with duty, loyalty, and his decadelong allegiance to the cause. Despite his father’s battle with cancer, Prince Harry’s commitment to his royal duties and the Invictus Games remains unwavering. Although a reunion with his father may not be possible during this trip, the royal family’s resilience and dedication to their respective causes remain steadfast.
South Africa is showing its strength and resilience in the face of the devastating collapse of a building in George. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences, and emergency personnel and volunteers are working tirelessly together in ongoing rescue efforts. The unity and compassion displayed in the face of tragedy are a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to withstand adversity. Despite the mounting death toll, the ongoing operation is a beacon of hope and solidarity for the nation.
South African budget airline FlySafair has revolutionized air travel by offering domestic flights for just R10, less than the price of a cup of coffee. As part of a sale of 50,000 seats on certain routes to mark its 10year anniversary, the airline has brought its prices down to the absolute minimum, democratizing travel for many. The sale has been so popular that FlySafair has introduced a digital waiting room to manage the high demand.
‘The Heart of Cape Town’ is a documentary premiering at We Are Africa that tells the story of Laston Sachikonye, a wire artist, and his partnership with Uthando South Africa to create unique wire hearts that spread love and warmth across South Africa. The documentary features South Africans moved by these wire hearts and serves as a testament to the strength of creativity, generosity, and the indomitable human spirit in South Africa. The premiere is expected to draw a large audience of international attendees and is a reflection of the beautiful and robust heart of South Africa.
Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Hazmat Team responded to a distress call regarding a container of radioactive material found at a scrapyard. With their expertise and stateoftheart technology, they followed strict procedures to evaluate the risk and remove the waste safely. Their professionalism was crucial in handling this potentially catastrophic nuclear incident, highlighting their commitment to public safety and making them the city’s protectors.
The 2024 PONDO Trail Run is an annual trail running event in Pondoland, raising funds for philanthropic causes like conservation and corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions. The event is a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and purpose, with partnerships with companies dedicated to environmental stewardship and societal obligation. The upcoming event also includes an initiative called ‘Gift of Warmth,’ encouraging participants to donate warm clothing and blankets for children in need. The event transcends being a mere sporting event and embodies resilience, spirit, and collective commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.
For over a decade, the disappearance of three young girls, including sixyearold ShashaLee November, has haunted the streets of Groenall Walk. Despite criticisms of the initial investigation’s inadequacies, the case remains unsolved. However, there is hope for resolution as the case is revisited by authorities and advocacy groups continue to search for leads. The tragedies serve as a reminder of the need for thorough investigations and a safer, more vigilant future.
South African sensation Tyla made a stunning Met Gala debut in a striking Balmain dress, embodying the event’s theme ‘The Garden of Time.’ Her fullbody, floorlength gown, paired with a single diamond choker and an hourglass clutch, left fashion enthusiasts and music lovers in awe. Tyla’s inspiring journey from obscurity to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists worldwide.
The trial of Nafiz Modack and his alleged involvement in the attempted assassination of William Booth has brought the complex and unpredictable nature of South Africa’s criminal underworld to light. The trial has revealed a world of risky investments, illicit transactions, and coercion. Essential witness Mr C recounted a distressing narrative of menace, manipulation, and blackmail, revealing the sinister shadows of the South African underworld. Despite threats to harm his family, Mr C remained steadfast in his complaint, demonstrating that the intricate nexus of crime and retribution holds no straightforward solutions.
Avi Lasarow, a British entrepreneur of South African origin, pioneered the world’s first commercial hair alcohol test, which played a significant role in public health initiatives in the UK and Germany. However, its most transformative use was in South Africa, where Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) rates are the highest globally. Lasarow’s efforts go beyond a medical test as they exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship that seeks not just financial prosperity, but also the wellbeing of society. His story is a motivating factor for South Africans living overseas to contribute to their homeland’s advancement.
The upcoming clash between Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium is a highly anticipated match in the DStv Premiership. With Kaizer Chiefs battling to maintain their spot in the top eight and their captain Given Msimango suspended, coach Cavin Johnson faces a crucial decision on who will replace him. The game promises to be a thrilling spectacle with both teams determined to secure maximum points. Fans can expect a showcase of strategy, skill, and talent.
Cape Town is planning to transform multiple roads into oneway streets to improve pedestrian safety, reduce traffic congestion and boost parking availability. The proposal is open for public consultation until June 7, 2024, with feedback channels available via email, online submissions, and written submissions at the Public Participation Unit. The city’s commitment to engaging citizens in its evolution highlights its dedication to promoting a harmonious relationship between the city and its inhabitants.
Amazon has made an exciting move into South Africa with the launch of its online platform, amazon.co.za. The platform offers a wide range of products and promises free nextday delivery on orders over R500. To enhance the customer experience, Amazon has partnered with local courier companies and a South African nonprofit organization, goGOGOgo, to provide realtime updates on orders, easy returns, and handmade gift bags. Amazon’s venture into South Africa offers a ripe opportunity for ecommerce companies, and it affords local sellers, brand proprietors, and entrepreneurs the chance to expand their business with Amazon.
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has launched a groundbreaking initiative called “Home Affairs on Wheels”, bringing government services closer to the populace through a fleet of mobile office trucks. The trucks offer fullyequipped services, including applications for passports, smart IDs, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and will be stationed in towns and villages at specific times. The initiative aims to reduce the costs and distances rural residents incur to access these services, with plans to add a hundred more trucks each year until they reach a thousand.
Exciting news for South Africa! President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Department of Home Affairs’ new Mobile Office Trucks in Mokopane, Limpopo, on May 7, 2024. Dubbed ‘Home Affairs on Wheels,’ these trucks aim to improve accessibility, speed, and costeffectiveness of public services, offering vital services such as smart ID, passport, birth, marriage, and death certificate applications. The initiative plans to deploy 100 trucks, expanding the fleet by at least 100 trucks annually, aiming to reach a total of 1,000. This marks a significant evolution in the record of public service delivery in South Africa.
