the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Alistair Stanbull, a city employee, disappeared amidst a scandal involving a fraud of R2.5 million, prompting a communityled search and a surge of conjecture. His last confirmed location was on hiking trails in Constantia Nek, with his abandoned car found at Silvermine. The police are investigating his mysterious absence in the context of the fraud allegations, and his story has become woven into Cape Town’s local folklore. The city holds its breath in anticipation of the next chapter in this enthralling story, yearning for a resolution to the mystery that has unsettled their placid community.
Devan Cox, a young and fit South African constable, has captured the nation’s imagination with his viral postworkout selfie in his police uniform, which has landed him in hot water with his superiors. Despite the disciplinary action, Cox has remained committed to his role as a lifesaving officer rather than a model. He has become an internet sensation and an overnight star, but his story also highlights the struggle between personal identity and professional obligations in today’s social mediasaturated era.
The Lingomso ‘Our Future’ project and the Noluntu Soup Kitchen are two initiatives in Khayelitsha that are helping to foster creativity in children and fight hunger in the community. The Lingomso project uses art to empower students, helping them to develop problemsolving skills and a sense of environmental consciousness. The Noluntu Soup Kitchen ensures no one goes hungry by repurposing food waste into compost for a community garden and providing nourishing meals. These initiatives are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
A rare honey badger, also known as a ratel, was sighted near the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa on April 3. This marks the first documented presence of a honey badger near UCT and adds a new dimension to Table Mountain’s biodiversity. Honey badgers are known for their ferocity and audacity, and their adaptable nature often puts them in conflict with humans. If honey badgers start breeding and expanding on Table Mountain, it could pose new problems for urban residents.
Explore Cape Town’s wine wonderland with tours like the Stellenbosch Wine Tour by Wine Flies, the Franschhoek Wine Tram, the Constantia Wine Tour, and the Cape Point Vineyards Tour. These tours take visitors on a sensory journey, showcasing a variety of wineries, wine types, and educational opportunities. From verdant vineyards to awardwinning wines, these tours offer an unforgettable experience that explores Cape Town’s magical wine heritage.
Parliament is preparing for the transition to the seventh session as the sixth Parliament finishes its tenure. The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces are reviewing bills, motions, and committee reports, with both Houses holding plenaries on Thursday. The week showcases Parliament’s dedication to protecting public interest and adapting to the nation’s everchanging challenges.
Operation Shanela is a powerful law enforcement initiative in Northern Cape that targets contact crimes, drug trafficking, and GenderBased Violence and Femicide (GBVF). It has resulted in the arrest of 381 offenders and the seizure of large quantities of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and dangerous weapons. The operation has shut down three unlicensed liquor establishments, increasing police visibility in crimeridden areas. It is a symbol of hope in the fight against crime in Northern Cape.
Cape Town is an ice cream lover’s paradise with unique ice cream shops that go beyond the ordinary. From the authenticity of Italian gelato at Moro Gelato to the locally cherished The Creamery and the awardwinning Unframed, each venue not only promises a mouthwatering array of frosty delights but also presents a unique ambiance. These establishments share a commitment to quality and the craft of ice cream making, making Cape Town’s ice cream scene a mustvisit destination for any foodie.
The Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust has discontinued Clover’s halaal certification due to the company’s links with Israel, which is part of the Trust’s stance on BDS. From the start of August, none of Clover’s products have received a halaal certification, and from the beginning of 2024, they will cease to certify Clover as halaal. This landmark decision might signal future changes in the branded food and beverage sector and highlights the influence of geopolitical conflicts on international business activities.
Two female hikers were swept out to sea and trapped in a rocky gulley along the Otter Trail in South Africa. Their hiking companion called for help, and a daring rescue operation involving four NSRI rescue swimmers equipped with PFDs successfully brought them back to shore. The incident demonstrated the importance of being prepared and working together in a crisis, and underscored the indomitable human spirit and the strength of collaboration.
AfroDiaspora Connection is a music exchange initiative that aims to bring together African and Afrodiasporic abilities, spark innovative dialogues, and establish cultural bridges through workshops, performances, and studio sessions. The event features renowned artists and upandcoming talents from South Africa, the UK, and African diaspora communities, offering a unique experience for all attendees. The initiative promises to usher a novel wave in the regional alternative music scene and enhance opportunities for budding talents and marginalized communities to showcase their abilities on an international platform.
Leon Koks’ successful completion of the Comrades Marathon after undergoing robotic surgery for colon cancer is a testament to the lifechanging potential of advanced medical technology. The Western Cape Health Department’s investment of R80 million in surgical technology has resulted in over 600 successful robotic surgeries, providing numerous benefits such as shorter hospital stays and expedited healing. These breakthroughs in healthcare demonstrate the transformative power of medical innovation in revolutionizing the healthcare system and improving patients’ lives.
Over 300 unidentified bodies, including 66 children, are currently held in state morgues in South Africa’s Western Cape. The identification process involves fingerprinting, DNA testing, or other scientific methodologies, with burial initiated after 30 days if no identification is possible. Unclaimed bodies are often from unnatural deaths due to financial barriers hindering families from organizing funerals, with violent deaths on the rise. Efforts to tackle the issue include a violence prevention unit adopting an areabased team strategy.
Cape Town has a great coffee culture that has earned international recognition. The city’s coffee scene is a celebration of passion, creativity, and resilience, with outstanding roasters and skilled baristas. Cape Town has made a remarkable achievement by securing the ninth position in the prestigious US food aficionado, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2024 rankings of top coffee cities, beating out Melbourne. The city’s coffee heritage reflects its people and history, making it a unique and noteworthy destination for coffee lovers globally.
Rafiq Du Pont, a man from Mitchells Plain and affiliated with the 26s gang, was accused of sexually assaulting a 17yearold girl. Despite DNA and video evidence, charges against him were dismissed due to the discovery of DNA from two unidentified individuals on the swabs collected from the girl. Du Pont admitted to having an extramarital affair and warned married men to avoid relationships with younger women. This case highlights the need for ongoing discussions about sexual assault, consent, and age of consent.
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.
