Water cut-off letter ‘is a hoax’

Western Cape Premier Helen Zillle’s office says a message on social media warning of a looming two-day water cut-off is a hoax. Her office issued a statement yesterday in response to the circulation on social media of what appears to be an official letter from the City of Cape Town under Zille’s name, saying water would be cut off on March 29 and 30. The letter reads: “The entire water system of Cape Town and surrounding areas will shut down in order to facilitate the new upgrades to the reservoir.”

Water cut-off letter ‘is a hoax’

Western Cape Premier Helen Zillle’s office says a message on social media warning of a looming two-day water cut-off is a hoax. Her office issued a statement yesterday in response to the circulation on social media of what appears to be an official letter from the City of Cape Town under Zille’s name, saying water would be cut off on March 29 and 30. The letter reads: “The entire water system of Cape Town and surrounding areas will shut down in order to facilitate the new upgrades to the reservoir.”

Kenya in tough pool – A’ in Vancouver this weekend

The Kenya national rugby sevens team has been handed another tough HSBC Sevens World Series assignment as they seek only their second quarterfinal slot of the season. Having qualified to the main cup quarters only in Cape Town this season, Kenya finds itself in a tough pool ‘A’ in Vancouver this weekend where they play Series leaders South Africa, giants England and Chile.

.com | Kidnapped SA photographer’s family distances itself from NGO’s deal claim

The family of missing South African photojournalist, Shiraaz Mohamed, have broken their silence, expressing concerns over claims made by a Cape Town-based NGO that it was negotiating his release. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mohamed’s sister, Sumaya, 36, said the family was concerned about reports that surfaced last Friday, where an organisation called Truth Collective South Africa, told the media that it was working with Mohamed’s abductors, to have him returned home safely and unharmed.

.com | Government ‘deeply distressed’ by Life Esidimeni deaths – Zuma

Cape Town President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday that government is “deeply distressed” by the death of 94 psychiatric patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni to various NGOs last year. “Mentally ill patients are some of the most vulnerable members of society, who need protection from the state itself and society as a whole,” Zuma said at the State of the Nation Address.

.com | Government ‘deeply distressed’ by Life Esidimeni deaths – Zuma

Cape Town President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday that government is “deeply distressed” by the death of 94 psychiatric patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni to various NGOs last year. “Mentally ill patients are some of the most vulnerable members of society, who need protection from the state itself and society as a whole,” Zuma said at the State of the Nation Address.

Ikea announces collaboration with designers from 7 African countries

If you haven’t noticed, everybody’s favorite purveyor of affordable Scandi-cool furniture and home goods has been covering a lot of new ground lately. Indeed, within the last two years, Swedish retailer Ikea has unveiled everything from collections inspired by Brazil and India , to a line of wireless charging products , to a boundary-pushing project with British designer Tom Dixon-that is all in addition to a new P.S. collection full of unconventional ideas.

Scuffling, heckling in South African parliament

Fistfights broke out in South Africa’s National Assembly on Thursday as opposition lawmakers protesting President Jacob Zuma were dragged out of the chamber during his annual State of the Nation address. Zuma’s address was delayed by 90 minutes as the Economic Freedom Fighters and other political parties disrupted the proceedings in Cape Town.

Gordhan calls for mining industry rethink

South Africa Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan on Tuesday urged mining companies in Africa to empower the youth and re-skill their workers to counter the adverse effects of technology, while ensuring that they mined commodities sustainably. Gordhan said technology in mining, especially the advent and subsequent takeover by robots and artificial intelligence, was threatening to wipe out at least five million jobs in the industry in the next few years.

Gordhan calls for mining industry rethink

South Africa Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan on Tuesday urged mining companies in Africa to empower the youth and re-skill their workers to counter the adverse effects of technology, while ensuring that they mined commodities sustainably. Gordhan said technology in mining, especially the advent and subsequent takeover by robots and artificial intelligence, was threatening to wipe out at least five million jobs in the industry in the next few years.

.com | Creating a private prosecutions unit ‘arrogant’ – ANCWL

Most of the country can expect rain on Friday, except in the Western Cape and along the West Coast of the Western and Northern Cape. Cape Town The Constitution is being exploited by “opportunistic anti-transformation agents”, the ANC Women’s League has said in reaction to AfriForum establishing a private prosecutions unit under Gerrie Nel.

.com | Henri van Breda set to go on trial in March

Murder accused Henri van Breda is to go on trial late in March, it emerged in the Western Cape High Court on Friday morning. During court proceedings it was heard that all pre-trial steps had been completed and the case was postponed to March 27 for the commencement of his trial.

Protesters rally worldwide in solidarity with Washington march

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and around the world are set to join marches Saturday to raise awareness of women’s rights and other civil rights they fear could be under threat under Donald Trump’s presidency. The key focus of the day will be the Women’s March on Washington, which organizers say could attract a quarter of a million participants.

Pedestrians, fatigue add to road death toll

Cape Town – Eight days into the new year, the Western Cape’s roads have claimed the lives of 30 people, a number that provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa said on Sunday was unacceptable. “Pedestrians and fatigue are the biggest problems on our roads.

Anglo’s 300-Year-Old South Africa Wine Farm Damaged by Fires

Anglo American Plc’s 300-year-old Vergelegen wine farm in South Africa has been damaged by wildfires as strong winds spread the blaze across parts of the country’s Western Cape winelands. “There’s been quite a bit of damage to the wine-farm areas,” including Vergelegen, Theo Layne, a spokesman for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue department, said by phone Wednesday.