The Blank Break Film Festival, hosted by the Pride Shelter Trust in Cape Town, provides a platform for queer filmmakers to showcase their work and promote queer narratives on the silver screen. It creates a safe and encouraging space for budding and seasoned queer artists, celebrating diversity and fostering solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. The festival showcases inspiring and diverse films from gifted filmmakers, and attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Pride Shelter Trust to support the LGBTQ+ community facing homelessness or crisis situations.
“Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca: A Tale of Perseverance, Resilience, and the Power of Community”
Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca is a South African boxer with an unwavering dedication to the sport. From modest beginnings, he has achieved international recognition, winning numerous championship belts. However, in 2018 he was shot in the leg, leading him to face the possibility that his time in the ring may be limited. Vukile found comfort in coaching and gradually regained his strength, choosing to stage a comeback. He is now scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in a WBC International title match in Mexico, and the Cape Town community is rallying behind him to help make his dream a reality.
Little Lambs Christian Daycare and Educare Centre, located in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, is a preschool that provides care, education, and meals to approximately 300 children. The organization employs certified educators and obtains meal ingredients from the nearby community. It has transformed lives, particularly for women, by empowering them to live better lives.
Cape Town, the “Mother City” of South Africa, has been filled with remarkable stories, events, and moments in the past seven days. Here are ten standout events that have shaped the city during that time. ### Time Out Market’s Arrival
The Disappearances Trevor Andrews and McNeil Fortuin, both 13 years old, went missing in early August in Lambert’s Bay. Trevor was last seen on August 3, informing his mother that he was going to help someone clean their house. When he failed to return home, his mother immediately became worried, as Trevor was always punctual. Similarly, McNeil was last seen by his aunt on August 4, who later reported him missing.
The Disappearance of Ryder Kossatz On August 9, 17yearold Ryder Kossatz disappeared after being swept away by a powerful wave at Llandudno. Despite the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) search efforts, Ryder has not been found.
In Tafelsig, a suburb of Mitchells Plain, South Africa, the power of human empathy and collective action was demonstrated when a baby was abandoned in a neighbor’s driveway.
Powering the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Vet Shop: A Generous Donation by Automation Africa
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s vet shop faced a devastating robbery in July 2023 during Stage 6 loadshedding. The store was left in a state of disarray, with significant damage to its interior, structure, and merchandise. In the aftermath of the incident, the need for an uninterruptible power supply became apparent.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) celebrated Mandela Day on July 18th by hosting a memorable day for children from Home from Home, a local child protection organization. Established 18 years ago, Home from Home has been providing loving support to vulnerable children in the Western Cape by offering permanent, familystyle foster care within 16 communities across the province.
The Cape Town community is mourning the loss of a dedicated police officer, Constable Unathi Makananda, who was stationed at Kleinvlei. Makananda was tragically shot and injured during a house robbery in Mfuleni on June 26th, a senseless act that ultimately led to his untimely demise.
On the night of July 3rd, a 19yearold woman was abducted outside a fastfood outlet on Ireland Street in the Verulam Central Business District (CBD) in KwaZuluNatal. The young woman managed to escape her kidnapper and seek assistance, in a harrowing experience.
The World Rugby Under20 Championship was marred by tragedy when Greig Oliver, father of Irish team member Jack Oliver, passed away in a paragliding accident. The devastating news cast a shadow over the rugby community, who typically come together in the spirit of sportsmanship during this event.
Rondebosch East, Cape Town, is currently experiencing a power outage due to a recent cable fault. The city’s electricity teams are working diligently to restore power to households in the affected area and its surroundings. However, this task has proven to be challenging, both technically and humanwise.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Judith Tshabalala, and the South African Female Riders Forum demonstrated an extraordinary act of kindness by donating 1.5 million litres of water to the community of Hammanskraal. The area is currently facing a cholera outbreak and severe water shortages, making this contribution critical.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made remarkable progress in addressing crossborder criminal activities in Northern KwaZuluNatal. Within just three months, the task team deployed to the region by the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has arrested 59 suspects. This success is the result of discussions with community leaders and the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.
The Western Cape has launched the #BackOnTrack campaign, a massive R1.2 billion educational program aimed at addressing the significant decline in learning outcomes due to the Covid19 pandemic. The campaign aims to improve learning outcomes in the region over the next three years and secure a brighter future for children.