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 Significant Milestone: Western Cape High Court Greenlights New Road Construction for Masiphumelele
The Western Cape High Court has approved the construction of a new road connecting Masiphumelele to the wider Noordhoek area, which will provide better access to essential amenities and emergency services, reduce traffic volumes, and counteract flooding risks. The road project, which had been delayed for almost eight years, is expected to bring relief to the community and enhance mobility and selfdetermination. While there were environmental concerns, the City has committed to mitigating any harmful impacts on wetlands and leopard toads, and the project is seen as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Cape Town is pioneering strategies to tackle homelessness through the groundbreaking Street People Policy launched in 2013. This policy has enabled easier access to social services, promoted reintegration, and guaranteed access to critical identification documents and social grants. The city’s strategy is always evolving, and the new draft strategy aims to further mitigate the factors that increase vulnerability to homelessness. The public participation process allows citizens to contribute their insights and assist in shaping the city’s strategy for addressing homelessness.
The Transformation of Becott Road in Ottery: A Tale of Progress and Community Development
Becott Road in Ottery is getting an infrastructure upgrade that includes replacing over 425 meters of deteriorating water pipes at an estimated cost of R1.7 million. The project is part of the city’s effort to maintain its aging water distribution network and is expected to be completed by May 2024. The opentrench excavation method was selected for this project, and it has created job opportunities for local residents. The project signifies progress, commitment, and resilience of the city.
The Power Play Women’s Cricket Tournament in Kleinvlei, Cape Town, is more than just a competitive sport. It promotes youth engagement, community development, and advancement of women’s sports, serving as an initiative aimed at empowering youths and fostering unity and teamwork. The tournament offers a beacon of hope for the young people of Kleinvlei, inspiring them to join, learn about the sport, and interact with their fellow community members. The tournament has become a muchawaited event in the local sports calendar, a testament to its success and its positive impact on the community.
On March 12, 2024, the Human Settlements Directorate in Cape Town distributed title deeds to new homeowners in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, marking a significant milestone for the community. The possession of a home represents financial stability, opportunities, and pride. While there are still over 12,000 unclaimed title deeds, the city’s commitment to increasing homeownership is a vital initiative towards a more prosperous Cape Town.
Barrydale Hand Weavers is an artisanal weaving brand located in Barrydale, South Africa, that uses locally sourced cotton scraps to create ecofriendly fashion. Their collaboration with Uni Form’s creative head, Luke Radloff, has propelled them to the world’s foremost fashion stage Paris Fashion Week 2024. The brand serves as a shining beacon of global textile production and offers a sustainable source of income for over 30 families. Their story serves as a motivational reminder of the power of passion, craftsmanship, and steadfast dedication to sustainable practices.
Kraaifontein’s Maroela South lowcost housing project is making progress towards providing sustainable and affordable housing for its population. The project includes 395 governmentfunded dwelling places and an additional 175 Gap housing units. The initiative not only provides a roof overhead but also promotes community ties, individual and family health, enhances educational opportunities, and ensures easy access to places of employment and economic activity. The Maroela South project is one of many projects undertaken by the Human Settlements Directorate, showing the City’s commitment to housing for everyone.
The City of Cape Town’s recent decision to waive application charges for leasing dangerous lanes in the Mitchells Plain community is expected to enhance safety and security for residents while reducing crime. The initiative is a result of years of community involvement and local governance, and property owners can now lease the lanes for a nominal monthly fee. The Mitchells Plain Lane Closure Project Committee will oversee the efficient execution of the project, setting a precedent for other communities grappling with similar issues.
BazArt’s International Public Art Festival in Cape Town uses art as a tool for placemaking, converting neglected public areas into vibrant community centers. By promoting safety, economic progress, and cultural interchange, each venue becomes a beacon of transformation and community involvement. BazArt’s initiatives have proven that public art and placemaking ignite social interaction, improve urban safety, and instigate economic growth, serving as powerful instruments for community development and social reform. Through the power of art, BazArt is not only transforming Cape Town but also shaping the future one brushstroke at a time.
In the pulsating core of Cape Town, a fascinating blend of diverse cultures and talents come together in a magnificent display of unity and entertainment. The Unity on the Square concert, an annual event now in its third year, is proudly backed by the City of Cape Town. This highly anticipated occasion unites the crème de la crème of Cape Town’s music scene. On the 16th of December 2023, the air in Greenmarket Square will be filled with the melodic tunes of Emo Adams, Youngsta CPT, Jack Parow, Kurt Darren, Early B, Loukmaan Adams, Jimmy Nevis, Paxton Fielies, and NV Funk, among other artists.
Bonani Ngamlane’s rise from humble beginnings in Samora Machel to starring in Netflix’s newest South African series, “The Queenstown Kings,” is a tale of triumph and dedication to his community. Ngamlane didn’t just want to achieve personal success, he also wanted to help his community ascend. He recently established his production company, Black Seed Productions, to act as a launchpad for emerging talents from his community. Ngamlane’s story is one of resilience and giving back, and he hopes to inspire future generations.
The Peace Through Sports Program plans to use basketball as a force for change to stimulate growth in the existing community center in Bridgetown. The upgraded basketball court in Athlone’s Bridgetown, thanks to Forest Whitaker’s Peace & Development Initiative and the National Basketball Association Africa, represents more than just a sports facility. The initiative is not just about creating a basketball court, but about instilling aspiration and hope among the young generation while promoting peace, reconciliation, and social development within communities affected by conflict and violence.
Forest Whitaker’s nonprofit organization, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), has built a stateoftheart basketball court in Athlone, Cape Town to promote social development and enhance the quality of life for residents. The court will host 20 junior teams and provide free services such as computer training, mental health support, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, business skills, and entrepreneurship. This project stands as a symbol of community, opportunity, and hope, a beacon for youth development, and a triumph for Athlone and its surrounding regions.
Johannesburg’s K73 Allandale Road has undergone a significant infrastructure upgrade, easing traffic and providing job opportunities for locals. The project, spearheaded by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, included a dual carriageway construction, the enhancement of Woodmead Drive and Allandale Road, and the building of a bridge overpass. The upgrade has already been recognized by the community for its immediate advancements, improving traffic flow and boosting the local economy through the employment of 34 SMME subcontractors. The project showcases the government’s dedication to bettering residents’ lives and serves as a landmark achievement in infrastructure improvement.
The Langa Sports Complex in South Africa is undergoing a R4 million renovation project aimed at fostering community development and athletic prowess. The initiative by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department includes upgrades to fencing, field rehabilitation, and maintenance plan, with the aim of establishing a secure and accessible environment for sports and recreation. The project serves as a significant investment in Langa’s future and sporting success, with the complex boasting a rich legacy of nurturing national athletes, including Thabo Mngomeni, Themba Bavuma, Thami Tsolekile, and Sinazo Mcatshulwa.