Cape Town is extending Saxdowns Road to improve traffic flow and promote sustainable modes of transportation. The project will include a single carriageway, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, as well as a traffic signal, street lighting, and stormwater pipe. This comprehensive approach will ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025 and will bolster the residential area of Kuils River while setting a new benchmark for urban development in the region.
Marble, a renowned restaurant concept by David Higgs, is set to arrive in Cape Town in late 2024. The location in the historically significant UnionCastle Building will provide breathtaking views of the ocean and mountain, and the restaurant can accommodate up to 300 guests. Expect firebased culinary techniques, with a focus on seafood and vegetables, enhanced by a Mediterranean twist. This highly anticipated gastronomic debut is sure to be a delicious addition to the vibrant culinary scene of Cape Town.
District Six’s Chapel Street is undergoing a significant renovation, designed to create a pedestrianfriendly environment and foster community spirit. The Urban Planning and Design Division in Cape Town has collaborated with the District Six populace, investors, and those with vested interests to create a detailed design draft that will be presented to the public on 24th February 2024. Feedback opportunities are available online until 7th March 2024, and the project embodies the spirit of communitydriven urban development and heritage preservation.
Jazzart Dance Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary with a grand event called ENCORE, paying tribute to visionary directors, choreographers, performers, and teachers who have contributed to the world of dance. The gala takes place at the historic Artscape Theatre, showcasing a diverse lineup of performances by top choreographers, special guests, and highly recognized alumni. Jazzart performances not only demonstrate talent but also narrate stories, expressing the human experience in an emotive manner. ENCORE promises to be an unforgettable event and an appropriate homage to the legends of dance.
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is offering a diverse range of artistic performances for all types of performing arts enthusiasts in February. From family drama exploring the doubleedged sword of social media to ballet showcasing precolonial South Africa, the theatre promises a rich array of narratives that mirror the human condition in all its intricate diversity. The theatre continues to serve as a haven for performing arts enthusiasts in Cape Town, and its intriguing mix of drama, ballet, music, and live art encourages us to interact with our realities and challenge societal norms.
A raging wildfire in Cape Town caused significant destruction to property and hospitalized two people. A team of firefighters from multiple services bravely fought the blaze, with additional support dispatched to the area. The aftermath highlights the vital role of community support during crises, and donations are being accepted to support the heroic firefighting crews.
Cape Town has introduced an innovative energy strategy that enables residents to sell their excess solar power back to the city through the ‘Cash for Power’ program, which pays them in cash rather than crediting their municipal bills. The city aims to end loadshedding, stimulate job creation and economic growth, and provide free basic alternative energy to nongrid connected households, while residents can also join the ‘Power Heroes’ program by turning off their water heaters during peak hours. Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, stated that Cape Town is now the pioneer city with an officially adopted Energy Strategy that aims to terminate loadshedding and stimulate job creation and economic growth.
The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious international award for environmental solutions, will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time in November 2024. The weeklong Earthshot Week event will honor nominees from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1 million. The increase in African nominations highlights the continent’s creative potential and resilience in the face of climate change. Prince William, founder of the Earthshot Prize, chose Cape Town to expand the award’s global reach and recognize Africa’s role in environmental innovation.
Get ready for a thrilling and grand finale to South Africa’s leading T20 league’s second season with the Betway SA20 Final. The iconic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will host the event on February 10th, where the Sunrisers Eastern Cape will defend their title against the winners of the playoff game. With approximately 17,000 spectators expected to attend the extravaganza promising worldclass cricket and entertainment, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is at its peak.
In Philippi, Cape Town, a 17yearold boy was fatally shot for filming an act of extortion on his mobile phone. The culprits targeted him to get their hands on the phone holding the evidence of their illicit activities. Despite his injuries, the teenager tried to escape but later died in hospital. The community, law enforcement, and city officials have since rallied together to combat extortion and ensure public safety.
The Urban Mobility Directorate of Cape Town is making great strides in enhancing mobility through road network improvements, transport system expansion, and public transport interchanges. Their MyCiTi bus service has seen a significant increase in ridership, and multiple projects are underway to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow. The directorate’s dedication to practical solutions and cuttingedge advancements is shaping a legacy of innovation in urban mobility, fueling the city’s dynamic life flow and creating a conducive environment for residents to reach their workplaces and schools on time.
FlySafair has announced a new route connecting Cape Town and Kruger National Park, catering to the increasing international tourism numbers in Cape Town. The Boeing 737800 will operate flights every Tuesday and Saturday from April 2024, with a oneway ticket fare starting at R1 851. The new route offers a costeffective option for tourists to experience the diverse natural and cultural heritage of South Africa.
Cape Town’s innovative energy initiatives have gained global recognition, including a recent visit by the World Bank’s Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa to the Steenbras Hydro Pumped Storage Scheme. With plans to boost loadshedding protection and substantial infrastructure investment, the city is setting out on a tenyear journey to create the “City of Hope”. The city’s power supply diversification initiatives include LPUs curtailment, Embedded IPP renewable energy, and a Dispatchable IPP Programme, among others. The World Bank has extended invaluable support to Cape Town, providing pinpointed technical assistance to several departments, including Energy, Future Planning and Resilience, and Water and Sanitation.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema in Cape Town offers a unique cinema experience by screening films in beautiful outdoor locations until April 2024. Viewers can enjoy captivating stories while soaking in the invigorating air of the Cape, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The cinema also provides offers such as discounted round trips from Cape Town to the Winelands, making it an immersion into the city’s natural and cultural wealth. With a diverse range of films and striking locations, the Galileo Open Air Cinema is more than just a cinema it becomes an immersive cultural event.
Juma Igiranieza’s encounter with police brutality in Cape Town highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies. Despite the crimes under investigation including attempted murder, torture, and assault, law enforcement organizations have remained quiet about the identities and the fate of the officers involved. Juma’s experience is a chilling reminder of the pervasive fear and violence that can emerge even in the most idyllic of settings.
Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate is preparing for a momentous 2024, with a budget of R707 million allocated for affordable housing and development projects. The Directorate is committed to transforming the lives of its residents by upgrading informal settlements, enhancing backyarder services, and strengthening alternative building technology initiatives. With a steadfast dedication to progress and a beacon of hope, the Directorate is poised to write a new narrative in the city’s development, where every resident actively participates in the story of progress and development.