Cape Town’s environmental volunteers, known as ‘Friends,’ are recognized for their vital role in conserving and restoring the environment. Their work includes alien vegetation removal, maintenance, restoration work, litter pickups, and educational activities. These volunteers are a symbol of the importance of shared passion and commitment in forging a sustainable future, and their contributions have been instrumental in preserving and rejuvenating the city’s protected areas. Through collaboration and community involvement, Cape Town’s environmental landscape continues to thrive, thanks to the tireless efforts of these silent ecowarriors.
The City of Cape Town is taking significant steps to combat HIV and TB by implementing new policies and guidelines, such as Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to motivate people to evaluate their HIV status and offer alternatives for those at risk. The City’s approach focuses on social, biomedical, and behavioural aspects and serves as a model for other cities. The City has seen a substantial increase in HIV selftests, and prevention strategies aim to reduce the untested population. The City’s dedication to combating HIV and TB goes beyond biomedical and behavioural approaches and addresses the social determinants of health.
Cape Town’s urban landscapes were transformed into lively murals advocating for ocean conservation and community activism through Sea Walls South Africa, an initiative by the PangeaSeed Foundation in collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation. The event brought together 18 muralists to address urgent marine issues such as plastic waste and community involvement in protecting marine life. The murals serve as educational devices advocating for ocean care through imaginative storytelling and embody the concept of ‘artivism’, symbolizing the transformative power of art in inciting change.
Run For Rangers is an annual event that promotes unity and compassion with game rangers who protect endangered species worldwide. The event involves completing a 100 km course over two days in a challenging terrain that requires fortitude and collaboration. The participants raised over R600,000, highlighting the power of sports in uniting people for a noble cause. The event serves as a compelling example of the potential in collaboration and community involvement for wildlife conservation.
Don’t miss this exclusive Cape Town opportunity to positively impact the lives of animals in need. Paws on the Promenade is a funfilled, charitable dog walk fundraiser taking place on Sunday, October 29th, along Cape Town’s picturesque Sea Point promenade. Hosted by Khayelitsha’s Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, the event welcomes all animal enthusiasts, whether you have a furry friend or not. With tickets priced at just R50 per person, R50 per dog, and R25 for children under 12, Paws on the Promenade offers budgetfriendly entertainment, treats, and a chance to meet and potentially adopt dogs.
A paraglider in Cape Town, South Africa, Handré Fouché, became an unlikely hero when he sprang into action after hearing a scream for help midflight. He skillfully navigated his paraglider to locate the origin of the distress call and alerted the authorities, who were able to apprehend the suspect. His actions serve as a reminder of the significance of staying alert and proactive in potentially dangerous situations.
Violent incidents targeting waste services workers have increased in Cape Town, causing concern for the safety of city workers. Criminals are demanding protection fees from waste services staff, resulting in the temporary halting of waste collection services in certain areas. The City of Cape Town is taking a multifaceted approach to reestablishing normalcy and ensuring the safety of its employees, including working with law enforcement, providing counseling support to affected staff, and encouraging community involvement in reporting criminal activities.
The Delft Library in Cape Town has won an award for its innovative Gaming Programme, which encourages young visitors to complete reading or homework sessions in return for playing video games. The programme has not only increased library attendance, but also helped to reduce antisocial behaviour by reigniting a passion for reading among young people. The success of the initiative has seen it adopted by libraries across the area, and serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and community spirit to transform traditional institutions.
The housing crisis in South Africa has been a longstanding issue where traditional methods have fallen short in providing adequate solutions. However, Cape Townbased nonprofit organisation, Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE), has taken a bold approach by embracing innovative design models to address this crisis through their Empower Initiative.
A tragic event occurred in the central business district of Cape Town as a MyCiTi bus collided into the renowned and awardwinning Truth Coffee Roasting coffee bar on Buitenkant Street. The incident, which took place just before 7 PM, left patrons and witnesses in shock as multiple people suffered injuries.
Renowned gym, Ignite Fitness, is collaborating with the MENstruation Foundation on Mandela Day to combat period poverty. With a presence in 10 locations across South Africa, Ignite Fitness is hosting an Open Month during July to raise awareness and garner support for this worthy cause.
Community Involvement is Key in Combating Child Abuse Child protection experts emphasize the importance of involving the entire community in fighting against child abuse. A recent incident in the Western Cape highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.
The Food Dialogues programme is an annual event that brings together a diverse group of individuals who have a critical role in shaping our food landscape. This unique initiative aims to foster a healthier, more resilient, and just food system for our collective wellbeing. By focusing on intimate discussions about the food we eat and the future of our nourishment, Food Dialogues provides an unparalleled opportunity for engagement.
Early morning on June 29, a daring group of nine armed robbers attacked an ATM at a filling station in Odendaalsrus. Using force and violence, the robbers threatened and overpowered the staff, demanding money before bombing the ATM. ### Armed and Dangerous
The Western Cape police have launched a highdensity operation called “Operation Shanela” in their battle against crime. From June 12 to June 18, 2023, this initiative has resulted in the arrest of 2,011 suspects and has made significant inroads against crime in the affected areas of the Western Cape.
The De Aar Employment Centre, located in the heart of the Northern Cape, serves as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the local community. The centre is part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Services (PES) initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and the job market by providing a range of invaluable tools and services.