3 died, 1 injured in Philippi East
UNATHIOBOSE
Ward 35 councillor Mboniswa Chitha has called for calm after three people were gunned down in Philippi East on Saturday 26 July.
A fourth person was injured
The shooting happened at Hankomo Street around 02:00.
Col Andre Traut, Western Cape police
Two dead,two injured in a shooting in Pholile,Lwandle
UNATHIOBOSE
Lwandle police are investigating two cases of murder and two of attempted murder after four people were attacked in the Pholile informal settlement on Sunday 27 July.
A 41-year-old man died at the scene, while a 33-year-old was declared dead on arrival in hospital. Two others, a 15-year-old and 38-year-old male, were wounded in the shooting.
Police say the incident occurred at 21:39.
Sgt Mthokozisi Gama, Lwandle police spokesperson, said the men were attacked by unknown people in their shacks “The
Lwandle Police Station spokesperson Sgt Mthokozisi Gama PHOTO: SUPPLIED
MP donates shoes to the learners
UNATHIOBOSE
Needy learners from three schools in Site C, Khayelitsha received much-needed help when a prominent member of Parliament donated 200 pairs of shoes on Friday 25 July.
One hundred pairs were donated to learners at Intlanganiso High School, 50 pairs to Encotsheni Primary and another 50 to Nolungile Primary School learners.
ANC MP Tebogo Letsie, chair of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said the cold and wet weather in the province had prompted him to act and change children’s lives for the better. He said this initiative was not a first for him, but it was the first one for Cape Town
“We know in Cape Town it is the rainy season now. And the majority of the learners in the townships come from disadvantaged families, who are struggling to buy everything at once.”
Letsie said he had a soft spot for children,
whom he holds as future leaders, tomorrow’s role models.
“It’s the first time I am donating shoes in Cape Town. I usually donate shoes to schools in my parliamentary constituency, Dobsonville and Carletonville. The aim is to enable people to develop a sense of dignity.”
Letsie urged the beneficiaries to focus on their studies.
Vuyiswa Somagaca, principal of Nolungile, expressed gratitude to Letsie. She said the shoes would make a huge difference to them and their academic performance.
“We are delighted by the gesture shown by Letsie to the school. We don’t take it lightly. It means a lot to us. The new shoes will boost the learners’ confidence Some had broken shoes simply because their parents couldn’t afford to buy them new ones.”
She urged the NGOs and local businesspeople to come on board with similar gestures, initiatives and drives.
Risingyoungrugbystarfrom Langaaimingforthetop
AVRILFILLIES
Asive Gaqa from Langa, a Grade 10 learner at Ned Doman High in Athlone, did not want to roam the streets in her community and decided to play rugby. She currently plays as a flanker for the WP u-18 team. “At 15, I first joined the Mbombo Leopards and was the only girl. In the first week, it felt strange to be on the field with the boys, but in the second week they accepted me. My first match was against SACS and I was the first girl to play in a boys team as well. When the boys realised I was a girl they were tough and tackled me hard,” she says.
Then she joined Zimasa Jack, which is a girls team and from there she was selected for the WP u-16 team and played many games at City Park during the festivals.
“This year I did not play many matches because the WP trials for u-18’s were early. I managed to do well in the trials and those extra games helped me a lot. I was then selected for WP u-18 Girls Week, although I am only 16 years old. My hero is Sizophila Solontsi, who plays flank and number eight for the Springbok Women and is also from the Eastern Cape like Siya Kolisi I like her attacking and defence structure and how she tackles her opponents,” she says.
After school she hopes to go to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) because of their team’s success in the Varsity Cup.
“I would like to play professional rugby, preferably at the Blue Bulls, although the WP team did well in the league and only lost in the final against the Bulls. Many
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Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the suspects were in custody until their appearance tomorrow Following their initial appearance on Friday last week 25 July, Ntabazalila said the matter was remanded for seven days for bail information.
Meanwhile, enraged residents ran amok on Friday and allegedly set on fire a house owned by the suspects. Earlier in the day, irate residents flocked to Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court in Harare to request that the accused be denied bail.
Asked about the incident, Twigg confirmed arson but said no case has been opened with the police. “In response to your media enquiry, kindly be advised that Harare police (are) aware of the inci-
dent, however, no criminal case has been registered for investigation yet.”
One of the neighbours, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the house was burnt on Friday evening.
She said she doesn’t know the motive “I saw the damaged house on Saturday morning (26 July) when I was passing by it. It was damaged. The windows were broken. You could see that it was set alight because there were dark marks on the windows that showed there were flames,” she said When the City Vision asked her if the incident was not related to the killing of Kowa she quickly responded by saying, “Hayi hayi andazinto.” (No, no, I know nothing) However, she stated that the community does not want the perpetrators in the neighbourhood.
coaches play a role in my rugby career I am very grateful to Mbombo Leopards for giving me the opportunity when there was no other girls in their team. Many coaches taught me little things, like how to tackle your opponents hard and to be prepared to get the same treatment.”
“At WP the coaches are professional and we train to play structured and strategy rugby. I was fortunate enough to be awarded in one match as the player of the match,” Gaqa says. Her parents are her biggest supporters and her father teases her a lot about rugby.
“My aunt Cwenga Gaqa played for WP Senior Ladies and she gives me lots of advice,” she says.
Transfer applications for 2026 school year open next week
STAFFREPORTER
Parents of learners who wish to apply for a school transfer for the 2026 school year can do so between Monday 4 to Monday 18 August. This applies to school-transfer requests for learners already attending school in Grades 2-7 and Grades 9-12. Applications can be done online at: https://www westerncape gov za/education/service/learner-admissions Transfer applications can also be done at the relevant school in which the parent/caregiver wishes to transfer to or the relevant district office.
Parentsapplyingwillneedthefollowingsupportingdocuments:
. The last school report card
. ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit, and . Proof of address or police affidavit.
Parents who have not registered on the
online system yet will first need to register on the site Once registration is complete, they can then proceed to the application. Online video tutorials and step-by-step guidelines are available on the website: https://wcedonline westerncape gov za/ admissions Please note that schools can capture applications only for their own institution, but the system can capture applications for multiple schools.
Parents or caregivers will be required to fill the WCED application form in, which can also be downloaded from the WCED website, but can be submitted only to schools or the district office from 4 August onwards. Visit wcedonline westerncape. gov.za/admissions for more Parents can drop the form and supporting documents off at the school. They can also contact it for details of electronic (e-mail) submissions Schools are finalising their Grade R, 1 and Grade 8 school admission lists and confirming placements
Some of the learners show off their new school shoes from Portfolio Committee chair on Higher Education Tebogo Letsie, wearing a top of the African National Congress, pictured with school staff and community leaders PHOTO:UNATHI OBOSE
Gwynne Philander, principal of Ned Doman High in Athlone, with Asive Gaqa, Grade 11 learner and WP u-18 rugby player, with Sgt Zita Norman, spokesperson for Athlone Police station
PHOTO: TABAH PARKER
House of a murder suspect torched in Kuyasa PHOTO: SUPPLIED
New commissioner coming soon
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The Western Cape is one step closer to welcoming a new Commissioner for Children.
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Standing Committee on Premier and Constitutional Matters in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said the vetting process for candidates has now been completed. “The vetting is now complete, and the committee will meet shortly to finalise the short list to be submitted to the premier.”
The post became vacant in May this year when the Western Cape’s first Commissioner for Children, Christina Nomdo, who had held the position since June 2020, stepped down citing “personal reasons”.
In terms of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children Act, the role carries a five-year term, with the possibility of one additional term
Van Minnen told City Vision’s sister newspaper, People’s Post, that 61 nominations were received
She said of these, 44 nominees accepted the nomination, while 16 did not respond and one declined
Van Minnen added that nine candidates were shortlisted and interviewed in April
She outlined the recruitment process.
“The Child Monitors gave input into the process, but the appointment is regulated by provincial legislation and the interview and recommendation process falls into the purview of the Standing Committee who set the questions and performed the inter-
views.”
She said despite the position being vacant operations continue. “The office of the Commissioner for Children continues to operate and perform its mandate, and the new Commissioner will be setting his priorities once he is appointed.”
Van Minnen emphasised that the office operated independently.
“They operate as an independent entity and thus although they report to the Provincial Parliament, their agenda is set by themselves.”
Patric Solomons, managing director for child right’s organisation Molo Songololo, said the appointment is “long overdue”
“Molo Songololo hopes that the new Western Cape Commissioner for Children will be accessible to children and children’s
organisations, and have the authority and commitment to engage the provincial government and legislature in the best interest of children as guided by the function and duties of the commissioner.”
According to Solomons, the commissioner should develop a clear five-year action plan in consultation with children, children’s organisations, key stakeholders in government and civil society.
“Engage the provincial legislature to improve its monitoring, financing and independence of the commissioner and commissioner’s office, and child participation policies and practices in the legislature,” Solomons said He said the commissioner should focus on advocating for an independent National Commissioner for Children
City librarians certified SILLy on World Library Day, 10 July
Twenty-three City of Cape Town librarians are the latest to graduate from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme on World Librarians Day (WLD), celebrated on Thursday 10 July.
The group was the fourth to complete the SILL programme - the theme this year was “Learning to play the game” SILL is a foundational leadership training curriculum designed to build leadership and innovation skills for librarians and was developed at the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programmes in partnership with librarians around the world The training is divided into interactive modules focusing on leadership, innovation, planning, and communication. The participants spent five weeks sharpening their leadership and innovation skills on matters linked to youth culture: gamified learning, creative problem-solving and community building. These graduates will go on to champion pop-up creative spaces, graphic novel clubs and engaging workshops that equip young residents to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy. Because of their energy, libraries have become launch pads where Cape Town’s youth explore ideas, connect with mentors and dream big.
“Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication. The graduation is made all the more significant by its timing on World Librarians Day, when we acknowledge the contribution and vital role of librarians. They do more than just catalogue thousands of items and also advise, troubleshoot and help patrons learn new skills and reach their goals.
10 July PHOTO: SUPPLIED
“The City’s librarians at our 102 service points are making an impact on their communities by providing access to information, supporting education and fostering a love of reading,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
South Africa’s theme for World Librarians Day is “Twelve Languages, One Nation, One Wikipedia”.
The City has recently appointed 32 librarians aged between 24 and 35, which brings the total number of librarians in this age group to 68. The younger generation of librarians are guided by the wisdom of their more experienced colleagues and can draw on their established knowledge while contributing their own youth energy, technological savvy, innovation and eagerness to learn City librarians hold a collective 4 057 years of service experience
UbongozaulutshaukubalulimeumamauNotitzaMazolweni
UNATHIOBOSE
“Ukulima kum kusegazini, yinto endikhule ngayo leyo,” lawo ngamazwi kaNotitiza Mazolweni (onama 73) nongumseki weNolungile projekthi, kwisikolo samabanga aphantsi iNolungile eSite C. U-Mazolweni uchazele iCity Vision ukuba waqala ukulima le gadi ngonyaka ka 2014 emva kwexesha elide engaphangeli. Ubalise wathi ngoko kwakunzima kuba baqala yonke into phantsi. “Ukuze ndilime apha ndaye ndandwendwelwa ngamanye amagosa karhulumente, ephuma kwisebe lezolimo apha ephondweni andicela ukuba ndilime. Athi ukhona umhlaba okhoyo endinowusebenzisa, qha mandifune abanye oomama abane ukwenzela sibebahlanu Andizange ndiphozise maseko ndenza njalo,” uthethe watsho uMazolweni. Uqhube wathi baye batyikitya isivumelwano seminyaka emihlanu nesebe Ngelishwa bonke oomama awayeqale nabo sele balandulela eli. Noxa kunjalo isivumelwano nesebe sisamile. Uthe rhoqo emva kweminyaka emihlanu baye basihlaziye isivumelwano. Xa kungoku usebenza nabanye oomama ababini, noxa beneminye imisebenzi “Unzima lo msebenzi. Ukulima kufuna umntu okhathalayo nokuthandayo. Ukuba ufuna imali ekhawulezileyo awuzukulunga
apha,” uthethe watsho Mazolweni. Ubalule inkxaso yesebe lezolimo ephondweni njengebaluleke kakhulu emsebenzini wabo
Phakathi kokunye libaxhasa ngezixhobo zokusebenza kuquka amatanki amanzi, imibhobho yokunkcenkceshela, imanyola kunye nocingo lokubiya Uqhube wathi phakathi kokunye ulima i-sipinatshi, iminqatha, iimbotyi, amatswele, ibeetroot, amakhaphetshu kunye ne kholiflawa Uthe inxalenye yemifuno uyithengisa ekuhlaleni ukanti enye uyisa kuBalimi bezeKhaya babathengisele. Abalimi Bezekhaya ngumbutho ozimeleyo nosebenzisana nabalimi abakhasayo, nothi ubaxhobise ngezakhona zokulima kunye nembewu. Le ngwevukazi ivakalise ukuba izakuzibeka phantsi iintambo ekupheleni konyaka. “Hay ndidiniwe ngoku. Kuzokhe kusebenze abanye. Ingxaki ke abantwana bethu abafuni ukusebenza egadini Kanti umhlaba yimpilo Yonke into iqala apha. Abantwana bethu bathanda imali ekhawulezileyo. Kanti siyabafuna apha,” utshilo. Uye wayibeka yacaca eyokuba amahomba awalungi egadini. “Xa usebenza ngezityalo naso nasiphi na kufuneka ubenobubele, unyamezele kwaye uzinikele kulento uyenzayo. Ayimfuni umntu olivila igadi,” uvalelise ngelitshoyo uMazolweni.
All the graduates from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders training programme who were honoured during the City’s celebrations for World Librarians Day Thursday
Umseki wegadi iNolungile Projekthi uNotitiza Mazolweni(73) ephethe eminye yemifuno yakhe ayivune egadini UMFANEKISO: UNATHI OBOSE
R45 mil budget for cemeteries
The Community Services and Health Directorate is planning a range of projects over the next 12 months
The top 25 account for approximately 60% of the available budget, with cemetery upgrades leading the charge.
“This City of Cape Town’s Budget of Hope will enhance access to critical services like homelessness support, recreational spaces, and community libraries, while also ensuring that our parks and public spaces are welcoming and functional for all Cape Town residents,” said Mayco member for community services and health
Francine Higham
The R45 million cemeteries upgrade project is the single biggest capital project. Cemeteries planned for expansion of burial capacity include: Kuils River, Welmoed and Rusthof. More detailed technical studies are planned for the development and expansion of Klip Road, Hout Bay, Stikland, Vaalfontein and Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain.
The planned capital spend is part of a five-year plan to increase burial capacity in Cape Town by 100 000 (double burials/ reopening of family graves) through the development of new cemeteries and the expansion of existing ones.
An additional R10,7 million will be spent at Maitland Crematorium on the installation of an additional oversized cremator, minor aesthetic improvements to the ex-
isting crematorium, mausoleum, parking and other ancillary building elements. Additional key projects for the Community Services and Health Directorate included in the 2025-’26 budget are as follows: Recreation and Parks, Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment: A R6,8 million upgrade to one of Cape Town’s iconic recreational spaces, Strandfontein Clubhouse Development: R3 million, Princess Vlei: Construction of Circular Trail: R10,2 million in 2025-’26, Active Road and Lower Cross Road Parks: Walking Track: R400 000 and R500 000 respectively, Lupin Crescent Park Upgrade: R1,5 million, Beaches and Pools, R6 million to restore swimming pools ensuring that public pools are operationally functional, Mnandi Beach Upgrade: R4,4 million to improve beach facilities to ensure that Cape Town’s coastal spaces remain safe, clean, and accessible. Sea Point Pool Upgrade: R2,4 million, ensuring it remains a top-tier facility for local and international visitors Vulindlela Pool Upgrade – R2 million allocated for the first phase is focused on conceptual planning, which will identify the best design options for the facility, Sports Facilities Site C Stadium Upgrade: R500 000. R2 million for the installation of synthetic pitches to increase sports participation and provide high-quality facilities for community use. Ocean View Baseball Pitch: R1,3 million; Enhancing Active Road
Park with a new walking track to promote health and fitness in the community. Libraries too will receive a healthy injection, with more than R12,7 million to be spent on new and replacement books Other major allocations include: R11,8 million on improvements to the department’s IS&T infrastructure and equipment. This includes the replacement of 200 public use computers at libraries. Nearly R12 million is earmarked for the upgrade of the Lwandle Community Library. R2,6 million has been allocated to complete the redesign and start the tender process for the reconstruction of the Suiderstrand Library.
City Health’s flagship projects for this financial year are upgrades to the Matthew Goniwe and Tafelsig clinics, totalling R21,4 million, while the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department will invest just over R4 million a piece on the development of a new Safe Space in Kuils River, and the upgrades at Culemborg One Safe Space.
“There are so many projects on the cards. We want to continue to provide facilities that boost community pride and I encourage everyone to help protect these investments by using them responsibly,” added Higham.
Construction at Princess Vlei PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The Strandfontein Pavilion refurbishment
Newofficersgear upfor116wards
Fresh out of college and fired-up with purpose, more than 800 new City police officers will hit the ground running and be deployed among all 116 wards across the city to serve and safeguard communities.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, together with JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, visited the officers, who are currently in their final stages of training, at the Public Safety Training College in Observatory on Thursday 24 July.
A total of 809 officers will take to the streets next month. Known as Neighbourhood Safety Officers, they will work closely with ward councillors and community-based structures such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums (CPF).
Deputy Chief Bradley Lackay, dean of the college, said it had received about 22 000 applications and, following a rigorous shortlisting process, 939 were selected But, he added, some dropped out and currently only 809 successfully completed the course and would graduate in September, 277 women and 532 men
• 12-month Traffic Officer course
• Metro police officer training which included firearm competency training (three months).
Specialised training which included Neighbourhood Safety Officer training, evidence-based policing. Additional Tactical training, EPIC training.
• This group of cadets also received Civic Academy training.
“This group is getting [comprehensive, rigorous] in-service training before their deployment,” Lackay pointed out. “We walk in the area, interacting with the community so people can get to know them.”
In this way we want to build the trust of the community. Smith said: “It’s rare to have the opportunity to deploy additional
members on the ground. It is a big financial expenditure and in this new budget a portion of it goes towards the deployment of additional officers.
“Across the country we have too few police officers in our neighbourhoods. As a result, crime peaks. We have LEAP officers already deployed in 23 wards ” Smith added that the deployment of five officers per area would help reduce crime and make communities feel safer.
“They will work in that ward and help tend to the 2 200 complaints we receive per day. They will be on the ground so they can respond to complaints more quickly.”
Hill-Lewis said the officers are a key investment in a safer Cape Town as part of the City’s new Invested in Hope Budget, alongside its SA record R40 billion infrastructure programmes.
“By this Spring we are on track to deliver a historic first in Cape Town, with every single ward set to receive dedicated neighbourhood police officers.”
The Mayor said these officers will work closer with residents.
“These officers will get to know the neighbourhood challenges, the goings-on, the problem buildings and the residents themselves This kind of personal policing, where relationships and trust are built, can only lead to more positive outcomes.”
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said that knowing more officers will be on the ground brings a sense of security and reassurance.
“I feel good about it. Safety is a big issue here, so they will help ensure safety.”
Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, shared the resident’s sentiments: “I am excited to see them being deployed to every Ward in the City. I am proud that they were trained here in the ward. I think it’s a much-needed boost for safety and security and will be welcomed by residents.”
Wheels of change: New rides for children with disabilities
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Transporting children with disabilities to school just got easier, thanks to specially adapted minibuses handed over to 10 disability support organisations in the province.
The handover took place at Alexandra Hospital in Maitland on Friday 25 July. These vehicles will ensure that children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities have affordable access to quality basic education. Each minibus cost about R1,2 million and can accommodate about 15 people, including one wheelchair.
The initiative is a partnership between the provincial departments of social development, mobility and health and wellness
Speaking at the event Jaco Londt, Minister for the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape, said the beneficiaries included organisations based in Mitchells Plain, Strand, Robertson, Oudtshoorn and Vredenburg, among others
“Quite often, we hear of the difficulties that organisations have in transporting people with disabilities And now we start bridging that gap. We are excited that we can take the hands of these 10 organisations so they can service the most vulnerable better.”
He said they hope to roll out to more organisations in the future.
“The children is our future and often they are the one’s who cannot fend for themselves. These organisations are their voices, and they are caring and looking after them.”
Corne Engelbrecht, a representative from the department of mobility, said: “The vehicle can accommodate one wheelchair, and it has a ramp It’s all hydraulic. It can transport 15 people and that includes the driver.
He explained that safety is a key component.
“If the teachers or drivers experience any problems and the electrical compartment does not work, it can also be used manually. It works like a trolley jack. Once the patient is on a wheelchair inside, there are safety straps for each wheel to secure it.”
Santi Terreblanche, deputy executive officer of Cape Mental Health, said the vehicles will relieve some of the strain experience at their Imizamo Yethu Centre in Khayelitsha and Erica Centre in Mitchells Plain.
“It will really be a benefit because we provide transport in the morning and afternoon Currently we are using multiple buses to do multiple trips to get children to the centres on time. These two buses will make a major difference in streamlining our transport and to be able to provide safe and reliable transport.”
ACVV Trippel Toontjies, a disabled school in Robertson is one of the beneficiaries of the minibus
Ronel van Tonder, a representative at the school, said: “We have many children who cannot walk and are in special chairs. We collect them at their homes We work with them and feed them and then transport them back home. We are so thankful to be chosen as on of the beneficiaries of these vehicles.”
She said they are always in need people to volunteers to assist them.
Londt appealed to businesses to partner with them and make financial contributions.
“Reach out to us. Even if you cannot contribute financially, offer to volunteer you services. These organisations need an extra pair of hands just lighten the load of the amazing carers that look after our children ”
The prospective cohort of City officers-in-training on parade PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith on patrol with officers
Each vehicle can accommodate one wheelchair
‘We are the Best City in the World’
Cape Town is officially the Best City in the World after winning the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking the seventh time the South African coastal metropole has claimed this coveted title.
This latest accolade comes just six months after Time Out magazine also crowned Cape Town as the world’s best city in January.
More than 20 000 United Kingdom (UK) travellers cast their votes in The Telegraph’s annual travel survey, with Cape Town outshining global tourism powerhouses including Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo.
This back-to-back international recognition confirms what locals
have long known – Cape Town offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality
The Telegraph’s assessment highlights the city’s extraordinary visual appeal: “Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope.”
This unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders – from the iconic Table Mountain cable car experience to the pris-
tine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay – continues to draw international visitors year after year.
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, attributes this consistent international recognition to strategic tourism initiatives and community involvement.
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” Vos explains
“From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people.”
The City’s focused destination
marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, have successfully positioned the Mother City’s unique experiences on the global stage, driving tourism demand while ensuring benefits for local communities
The Western Cape’s tourism industry continues to be a powerful economic driver.
Recent statistics show the 2023’24 cruise season alone contributed over R1,32 billion to the regional economy while supporting more than 2 000 jobs.
Cape Town International Airport reported a record-breaking 3,08 million passenger arrivals during the same period.
Briony Brookes, chief marketing officer for Cape Town Tourism, celebrates the significance of this repeated recognition. “Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights
More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world.”
With two global “Best City” titles already secured in 2025, Cape Town’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down.
Cape Town continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the authentic experiences and natural beauty
Bok women meet their nemesis
An exciting second test is on the cards on Saturday 2 August when the Springbok Women take on the Black Ferns in Athlone Stadium.
After dominating the first half in chilly conditions, the Black Ferns led 20-11 in the first half but as is customary in Springbok rugby, the hosts sent the bomb squad on in the second half.
The reserves made a huge difference and the Black Ferns had to defend as if their lives depended on it. The final score was 34-27 in favour of the visitors
Playing Nadine Roos at scrumhalf in the second half, was definitely the difference. Quick ball was available for the backline and the Bok Ladies slowly clawed their way back to diminish the deficit. A try disallowed for the Bok Ladies 15 minutes before the final whistle was the difference.
The penalties conceded by the Black Ferns played into the hands of the hosts, but they could not put the score beyond doubt and walk victorious from the pitch.
Coach Swys de Bruin was proud of the Bok Ladies, not only how they fought back in the second half but the progress the team has made since the World Cup in 2022.
“My management team and I thought it was going to be a big score when the Black Ferns came out all guns blazing, but kudus to the girls for hanging in and taking their chances when the opportunity arose We are on the right track for the Women’s World Cup in England,” he says.
Willie Walker, coach of the Black Ferns, acknowledged how surprised he was with the comeback of the Bok Ladies.
“When they brought on their reserves we had to close down the channels they attacked. They really surprised us in the second half. We have our work cut out this week at training,” Walker says.
Kick off is Saturday at 17:00. Tickets are R20 per person on Quicket.
Aseza Hele of South Africa powers forward as Luka Conner of the Black Ferns tries to grab the ball during an international friendly match played at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 26 July The Springboks fought bravely but defensive lapses in the first half cost them the match PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
