Brand Africa has recognized three South African destinations for their unique appeal and role in shaping the nation’s global reputation. Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Soweto have gained recognition for their breathtaking beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. This recognition stands as a tribute to South Africa’s evolution as a premier tourist destination and its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s image on the global stage.
The City of Cape Town is making strides towards providing affordable housing for its residents through a strategic decision to allocate land for the development of 375 units, retail space, and over 300 gap and market rental units in the New Market Street site in Woodstock. This initiative reflects a shift in the City’s approach to housing development, as it embraces involving the private sector in the provision of affordable housing. The location of the development, within easy reach of amenities and public transport, is set to dramatically alter the lives of its future residents.
Resolving traffic fines in Cape Town is straightforward and can be done online, inperson at City offices, or selected stores. Thirdparty providers should be avoided as they can result in financial loss and unresolved fines. Opting for the City’s official channels guarantees safety and transparency, and those who contest fines can submit applications to the City’s traffic representation email. By paying fines responsibly, individuals can contribute to fostering a culture of responsible road usage in Cape Town.
The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is celebrating its silver jubilee this year with a monthlong celebration of humor, showcasing both local and international comedic acts. The festival has consistently served as a beacon of hope and a haven of laughter, especially in challenging times. Its enduring legacy is founded not only on its starstudded rosters but also on its commitment to paving the way for emerging talents, making it much more than just a comedic event and a cornerstone of Cape Town’s vibrant cultural calendar.
Alistair Stanbull, a staffer at the City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Department, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on April 29. A month later, a decomposed body was discovered at the Silvermine Nature Reserve, and officials are conducting DNA assessments to confirm if it is Stanbull. Adding to the peculiarity of the case, Stanbull was involved in a fraud controversy allegedly involving roughly R2.5 million. The case has left the city engulfed in uncertainty as the truth remains concealed somewhere among the rugged footpaths of the reserve.
Cape Town is facing a critical challenge of sewer blockages, with an alarming 2,799 blockages reported in a week, causing a massive problem for the city. The city’s maintenance teams work relentlessly to deblock sewers, but household waste items such as candy and chip wrappers, cooking oils, and fats often contribute to the problem. The city has implemented preventative measures, but citizens also have a crucial role to play in mitigating the problem by utilizing proper waste disposal and refraining from pouring cooking oils or fats down the sink.
The Youth Day Classic Basketball Tournament in Cape Town is an exciting sports event showcasing emerging basketball talent from all over South Africa and beyond. Hosted by African Grassroot Hoops, the tournament is also a platform for community development and mentorship. The games promise a thrilling display of athleticism and skill, with teams from different regions competing. Spectator tickets start at just R50.
Cape Town’s libraries are hosting career fairs that provide high school students with a diverse range of career options. The fairs offer a chance for learners to interact with industry professionals and gain deep insights into various professions. The initiative has been very successful, with over 2,000 attendees in just a few months. The fairs are redefining the role of libraries in modern society by turning them into dynamic arenas for career introspection and guidance.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in Cape Town work tirelessly to ensure that the food we eat is safe and of high quality. They conduct regular checks and audits on food handling sites and collect food samples to verify the quality of the food on sale. In the current fiscal year alone, they have conducted over 25,000 inspections and collected 4,605 food samples for microbiological examination. Consumers also play a crucial role in preserving food safety at home by practicing good hygiene, proper food storage, and staying informed about food recalls.
Cape Town has proposed a R39.5 billion infrastructure investment blueprint, known as the Building for Jobs Budget, over three years to alleviate poverty and become Africa’s most businessfriendly city. The budget includes plans for diverse projects, including upgrading informal settlements, providing lowincome households with the highest free water allocation, and offering the widest qualifying criteria for a 100% rates rebate. The budget is a testament to the city’s commitment to democracy, with extensive comments and feedback from Capetonians contributing to its formation. The Building for Jobs Budget serves as a symbol of hope, reflecting the city’s determination to create a prosperous future for all.
A devastating fire destroyed over 150 shacks in the unstructured settlement of Doornbach, leaving approximately 360 residents without homes and identification documents. As a result, they are unable to cast their votes in the upcoming elections, with the Department of Home Affairs failing to issue temporary IDs. Doornbach residents already struggle with poor living conditions, with uncollected garbage attracting rats and flies, and their fight for basic acknowledgement continues amid the blame game between Home Affairs and the City of Cape Town.
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.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is investing in advanced mechanical filtration screens to upgrade its sewer pump station infrastructure, with a total investment of R8.1 million. These custommade screens act as a barrier against large objects that should not enter the sewer system and reduce the risk of overflows. The screens are easy to operate and are being installed at various pump stations across the city. This ongoing initiative aims to protect infrastructure and the urban environment, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In Cape Town, the Water and Sanitation Directorate is facing a crisis as workers responsible for providing clean water and sanitation solutions are being threatened by criminal activity. In the preceding fiscal year, there were 22 hijackings and 52 robberies reported, causing a financial burden of R8.5 million in private security escorts to ensure personnel safety and continuity of services. The Mayor has launched an AntiExtortion Campaign, and Councilor Zahid Badroodien is calling for community cooperation to guarantee safer working conditions for essential workers, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect public service providers.
Discover the best breakfast spots in Cape Town with a morning culinary tour of the city. Indulge in unique breakfast selections, from shakshuka to French extravagance, at Our Local @117 Kloof, Loading Bay, Starlings Cafe, Chocolat Bistro, and Harvest Cafe. Each location offers a distinct atmosphere, ranging from cozy and laidback to luxurious and elegant, making for an adventure of tastes and a celebration of the city’s diverse food culture. Start your day with a culinary exploration of the Mother City’s vibrant breakfast scene.
Cape Town is expanding its law enforcement project into three CBDs, following the success of the program in their own CBD. The initiative has resulted in 185 arrests and numerous fines in the first three months, and a further 60,683 fines, 1,396 arrests, 22 vehicle impoundments, and 30% drugrelated arrests in the following year. The deployment of 50 Law Enforcement and Metro Police officers will be communityoriented, datadriven, and focused on learning from past experiences, aiming to create safer and economically stronger CBDs and cultivate a more secure and vibrant city.
