A devastating fire tore through the shacks of Nomzamo, Cape Town, claiming two lives and leaving several homeless. The shanties had no formal electricity connections, and residents had been ignored when raising concerns about illegal connections. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for attention to basic living conditions and the widening gap between the affluent and the deprived, but also speaks of fortitude, community, and survival.
Comedian Marc Lottering is returning to his birthplace, Mitchells Plain, for a combined comedy show with Alfred Adriaan at Westridge High School on June 15th. Lottering has a special connection to Mitchells Plain as it was the backdrop for many of his young escapades. The event coincides with Father’s Day, making it an extra special celebration of community, fans, and fathers. The show promises an unforgettable evening of laughter and camaraderie.
The Library and Information Service’s Fine Free Week was a resounding success, resulting in the return of over 18,500 overdue resources worth R2.2 million. The initiative highlighted the importance of libraries as communal knowledge spaces and the shared commitment in preserving them. The regional breakdown showed outstanding progress by individual facilities, emphasizing the importance of localized efforts. The success of the campaign will assist the development of strategies to further boost the return rate and promote libraries as dynamic community spaces.
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.
World Physical Activity Day is an international event promoting physical fitness and the benefits of an active lifestyle for overall health and wellbeing. The article highlights a successful event held in Cape Town that brought together a diverse group of individuals for physical activities. The importance of physical activity extends beyond physical health to mental wellbeing, disease prevention, weight control, and immune system strengthening. Encouraging physical activity can involve group activities, minor adjustments to daily routines, and inclusive programs in the community.
Devonbosch is a new urban development that focuses on sustainability, community, and innovation. Its unique architectural masterpiece, Building B North, is made up of ten distinct structures that create a microcosm within the larger building. Devonbosch offers a cyclist’s paradise, fitness options, community spaces, and an Italian restaurant called Ischia. The development is committed to sustainability, community engagement, and technological advancements, making it an attractive investment opportunity for the forwardthinking.
Sixyearold Joshlin Smith disappeared on February 19th in Diazville, South Africa, leaving the community in a state of despair and uncertainty. Authorities and the public have joined in the search effort, but the whereabouts of the young girl remain a disheartening mystery. Joshlin’s mother and her boyfriend passed a polygraph test, leaving the investigation with more questions than answers. The tightknit community of Diazville and the rest of South Africa continue to hope and pray for the safe return of little Joshlin Smith.
BoKaap in Cape Town is the heart of a unique project that celebrates the living heritage of the local community. Storytelling Day, set for March 2024, aims to capture the memories and experiences of residents and create a rich portrait of the community’s history. The initiative informs the redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry into a vibrant community and sports facility and incorporates feedback from the public. BoKaap’s living heritage is a crucial component of community identity and is thriving through this project.
The Helderberg Night Market in Strand Square is a community celebration featuring live performances, street food, and locally crafted merchandise. It showcases the region’s artistic vitality and offers a platform for local artisans to display their talents. The market also bolsters the local economy and offers a vital lifeline to local traders. It’s a vibrant and welcoming space that promotes local talent and creativity.
Almost 900 families in Philippi and Nyanga, South Africa, are undergoing a significant relocation effort due to their proximity to the railway tracks of the Central Line. The move has faced setbacks and delays, with only ten out of 891 huts moved as of last Thursday afternoon, and families continue to struggle with the absence of basic necessities, such as toilets and running water. The new location is also close to the respected Somagwaza Institute, causing concern over the conflict between tradition and social progression. The future remains uncertain, but families are navigating this transition with tenacity and optimism amid hardship.
Muizenberg’s surf community recently hosted the Wave Challenge, an event celebrating accessible leisure and collective effort. The event engaged over 40 surfers, 120 volunteers, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and reciprocal aid. The Roxy Davis Foundation funded the induction of 30 new adaptive surfers and plans to provide six surf therapy sessions each, highlighting the transformative power of surfing and Cape Town’s dedication to creating accessible and inclusive environments. The event was a powerful testament to the strength of community, inclusivity, and the transformative power of surfing.
Little Givers Crèche and Kindergarten is a safe haven for disadvantaged children in Stellenbosch, providing a caring atmosphere for learning and social interaction. The institution depends on community funds to meet essential expenses and has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to meet the financial shortfall. Little Givers is more than just a school; it’s an oasis of hope, resilience, and compassion in a community grappling with financial hardship. Investing in this project means investing in young lives’ future and the community’s strength and resilience.
The Cape Town Artisan Society is a community of creative individuals who come together to create handmade toys for children in designated youth care centers. Through their Benevolent Craft Drive, local artisans use childsafe materials to make toys that offer children a sense of normalcy and festive joy during the holiday season. This initiative sculpts happiness, fosters selfesteem, and gives children a reason to smile, embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
The Kraaifontein Titans Sports Club is a beacon of hope for young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds in Western Cape. Founded by five primary school coaches, the club provides comprehensive training in sports like softball and netball with the aim of unleashing the potential of these children. The club offers seasonal training and assists children in gaining recognition from sporting federations, while also helping them avoid negative influences like crime, drugs, and violence. The club’s hard work has yielded inspiring success stories, proving that with the proper support and resources, underprivileged children can achieve greatness in their chosen fields.
The Noordhoek Open Gardens event in South Africa is an annual celebration of the area’s natural beauty and horticultural traditions. Visitors can explore 20 private gardens in the coastal village of Noordhoek, each with their unique character and allure. Spearheaded by On the Verge, the event aims to enhance public spaces and main roads in Noordhoek through gardening endeavors while providing a soulrefreshing getaway for attendees.
Over the weekend of September 7th8th, 2019, the Heinz Park neighborhood witnessed a surge of violence leading to the deaths of six innocent individuals. The community is left in shock and fear as the motives behind these merciless killings remain unknown. The AntiGang Unit has called for public assistance in finding justice, and the community must unite to overcome their fears and support each other in their pursuit of a brighter future. Art can provide a means of solace and healing for the community as they begin to rebuild their sense of safety and unity.
