MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Cape Town City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate participated in a lively community activation at the bustling Parow Market on Saturday, 24 May 2025. Organised by the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP), the event created a platform for residents to engage with various City departments and also get assistance with water and sanitation-related services. Through interactive …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of renowned photographer, cultural activist and jazz organiser Rashid Lombard, who has passed away at the age of 74.
Mr Lombard was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), which he received in 2014 for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world.
President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Lombard family and Mr Lombard's extensive network of friends, comrades and creatives nationally and internationally.
Mr Lombard has been the organiser behind the positioning of South Africa through the arts in the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town, now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival), and was the Festival Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Mr Lombard was born in North End, Gqeberha, and moved to Cape Town in 1962.
Originally qualified as an architectural draughtsman, Rashid Lombard became an industrial photographer and later a renowned news and documentary photographer, and photographic artist.
He built on his creative media career by becoming an influential jazz promoter and founder of the then Cape Town edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival.
President Ramaphosa said: “We have lost a cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.
“Rashid Lombard's fearless depiction of apartheid's endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity.
“His creative and entrepreneurial ability gave rise to his establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival through which he bolstered South Africa's integration into global culture and linked this prestige event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities.
“Rashid achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation.
“He did so with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone with whom he interacted and whose lives he touched. We reflect on his life with gratitude and with liberation and joy he leaves behind as his legacy.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance’s controversial attempt to turn the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival into a party-political fundraiser has been cancelled and while this is a victory for transparency and accountability, it comes at a cost to local artists. The GOOD Party first raised alarm bells on 9 May, highlighting the clear violation of the City […]
The post DA METRO FUNDRAISER CANCELLED – A VICTORY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, BUT ARTISTS LEFT OUT OF POCKET appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Patricia de Lille ,GOOD Leader & Minister of Tourism 04 June 2025 The GOOD Party extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all music lovers mourning the passing of Rashid Lombard, a cultural icon whose contributions helped shape the soul of our nation. A recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga […]
The post RASHID LOMBARD: A GIANT OF JAZZ, JUSTICE, AND JOURNALISM appeared first on For Good.
The City is pleased to announce that bylaws adopted by former municipalities in what is now the City of Cape Town metro have been repealed. The Bylaw on the Repeal of Bylaws that were Adopted by Former Municipalities, 2025, has been published in the Provincial Gazette today, Wednesday, 4 June 2025. With the promulgation of …
The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee (PC) has endorsed a motion for the devolution of policing powers to the municipality. At the latest PC meeting today, councillors resolved to table the resolution at the next full sitting of Council. The City is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all …
The roadshows continue to impress, with the last two events delivering higher returns than four roadshows over a six-month period – a sign that the concept of the ‘one stop shop’ is what’s driving its success. The Traffic Fine Roadshows are not slowing down – in the last two years, the frequency has increased from …
GOOD Statement by Bongani Sonqwenqwe ,GOOD Overberg District Councillor 04 June 2025 The GOOD Party notes with concern the growing public backlash and rising community unease following allegations regarding the legality and procedural integrity of recent traffic enforcement roadblocks in Swellendam. At the centre of the controversy is the Municipality’s outsourcing of mobile paypoint systems […]
The post SWELLENDAM ROADBLOCK CONTROVERSY RAISES RED FLAGS appeared first on For Good.
Cape Town's hospitality and real estate industries are experiencing remarkable growth, reinforcing the city's current status as Africa's premier destination for tourism and investment. This surge bodes well for the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit Africa, the continent's most influential hospitality & tourism investment conference, which comes to “The Mother City” on June 17-19.
When destinations experience strong economic growth, they are typically a magnet for money, as investors are keen to come and see what's going on. Their presence has a knock-on effect of attracting top executives from developers, bankers, operators and brands, who are keen to meet their peers and discuss new opportunities. So, the organisers expect the Summit to be busy.
The city's hotel sector has shown outstanding performance, with CoStar's April 2025 figures revealing an occupancy rate of 72.5%, the highest in South Africa. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) climbed by 20.1% year-on-year, reaching ZAR 2,286.63 and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) reached ZAR 3,145.96, up 17.7% on 2024. According to Philip Wooller, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa at CoStar. He said: “Cape Town's performance reflects a powerful rebound in demand and a growing confidence in the city's hospitality offerings. The consistent rise in both occupancy and RevPAR shows that Cape Town is not only back on the global travel radar—it's commanding a premium.”
This strong performance extends across the Western Cape too. In April 2025 the province posted a 64.6% hotel occupancy rate, well above the national average of 56.3%. Cape Town's Luxury properties also performed particularly well then, achieving an impressive 66.2% occupancy—outpacing counterparts in other major South African cities.
Cape Town's real estate market is experiencing a similar boom. In 2024/5, the average capital value of property reached R13,400/sqm, significantly higher than Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Wayne Godwin, CEO at JLL Africa, noted: “We're seeing a convergence of factors driving the real estate upswing in Cape Town: a robust tourism pipeline, investor confidence, and a renewed focus on mixed-use and lifestyle-driven developments. The city's appeal is both emotional and financial—it makes sense to visit, and increasingly, it makes sense to invest.”
In keeping with its reputation as an investment-grade forum, FHS Africa's agenda will focus on all aspects of hospitality investment and finance, as well as development, capital markets, dealmaking and the sector's most pressing issues and opportunities. In the hospitality industry, it is known as a networking hub for global industry leaders, major investors, and policymakers and is an event where substantial deals are often conceived and announced.
“We're seeing strong and sustained demand in Cape Town, driven by both international, and regional travel. This is creating meaningful opportunities for growth, particularly in the premium and luxury space. The anticipated addition of Morea House, Autograph Collection later this year reflects this momentum and the market's appetite for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences,” said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott International, Middle East and Africa.
Andrew McLachlan, Founder & MD, Develop Hotels Inc (pictured), concluded: “Cape Town is buzzing — I'm tracking over 40 new hotel projects, from boutique stays, aparthotels to urban resorts. With global brands and bold independents circling, FHS Africa couldn't be better timed to help investors, developers and owners align brand, business models and strategy for serious long-term value”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
Further Information:
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
Email: David@Tarsh.com.
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at www.TheBench.com
This Youth Day, Monday, 16 June 2025, young people from across the city are invited to AWAKEN: Infinity Conference – Worship Encounter, an electrifying celebration of faith and revival hosted at Good Hope Christian Centre in Ottery. Starting at 2:00 PM, this powerful gathering will feature dynamic praise and worship, impactful dance performances, and a …
GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido ,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Whip 03 June 2025 As the 5th of June approaches, the GOOD Party has again written to the Cape Town City Manager regarding the City’s continued failure to act on a blatant violation of its own Events Policy, namely, the DA’s use […]
The post CITY’S SILENCE ON DA FUNDRAISER A FURTHER BREACH OF PUBLIC TRUST appeared first on For Good.
The GOOD Party is calling for urgent action against an allegedly irregular and unqualified medical practice exploiting the healthcare vacuum in Atlantis, putting lives at risk and undermining trust in the health system. A chronic lack of access to adequate provincial healthcare has left the community of Atlantis vulnerable, and into that void stepped Sister […]
The post HEALTHCARE HIJACKED: GOOD PARTY DEMANDS CRACKDOWN ON UNQUALIFIED PRACTITIONER EXPLOITING ATLANTIS COMMUNITY appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament 03 June 2025 Today, a female body was discovered during a community search for missing teenager, Chanelle Plaatjies. Chanelle was reported missing by her mother on May 28. We do not yet have confirmation that the body is hers nor […]
The post CHANELLE PLAATJIES IS MORE THAN A NAME: THE WESTERN CAPE’S FAILURE TO PROTECT ITS GIRLS appeared first on For Good.
Cape Town, South Africa – Take note! A one night only transcendent experience is on the cards as the world premiere of Symphony of Bansuri takes centre stage at the Artscape Opera House on 2 August. Starring Grammy Award-winning flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), this boundary-defying concert will showcase …
More than 100 young children and early childhood development practitioners participated in a child protection awareness programme. The programmes took place in Tafelsig and Wynberg last week. Hosted by the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department, the programme created awareness of child protection through learn and play. It also aimed to build capacity …
A R5,8 million water pipe replacement project is currently under way in Nooitgedacht, with approximately 1,45 kilometres of ageing infrastructure being upgraded along Baracuda Crescent, Salm, Pike and Tuna Roads. Now two months into construction, the work is already making strides toward improving water supply reliability for residents who have experienced frequent pipe bursts. This …
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate hereby provides a progress update about the rehabilitation of Jakes Gerwel Drive. The roadworks commenced in January 2025, and the project should be complete by March 2026, pending unforeseen delays. The rehabilitation of Jakes Gerwel Drive is taking place between Viking Way and Voortrekker Road. ‘We would like to thank …
ARUNDEL: It says everything about his character that one of Kyle Verreynne’s most memorable days of his cricketing career came...
Activists want the decriminalisation bill to be fast tracked
Over the month-end weekend, cases of assault and drunk driving predictably increased – in one incident, LEAP officers intervened and arrested six suspects for sexual assault. LEAP officers were flagged down in Philippi East at approximately 01:30 on 1 June 2025, by a woman who alerted them to an incident of sexual assault. They responded …
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate remains committed to completing the multi-million rand Bayside Canal upgrade in Milnerton. Work on site was temporarily suspended in November 2024 due to a contractual dispute with the appointed contractor. Efforts are currently under way to resolve the matter and resume construction. The City is committed …
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, proudly announces that over 10 427 new jobs have been created in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector during the past financial year, from April 2024 to March 2025. This milestone represents a major boost for Cape Town’s economy and a …
On 2 June 2025, Western Cape Ministers of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, and Mobility, Isaac Sileku, announced the reduction of the speed limit on a section of the R44 through Betty’s Bay in the Overstrand Municipality. Last year, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure received a request to decrease the speed limit on the commercial section …
As Africa leverages coal to drive industrialization and support sustainable development, African Mining Week (AMW) – the continent's premier platform for mining stakeholders – will highlight investment opportunities within the coal sector. Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town, the event will unite project developers, investors, policymakers and technology providers to advance coal-focused deals and partnerships.
A dedicated panel discussion, “Coal's Indispensable Role: Powering Africa's Downstream Processing and Manufacturing Boom,” will explore how coal contributes to energy security, economic growth and job creation across the continent.
Coal remains a critical driver of energy security in Africa. The continent is expected to increase coal use by 6 million tons to 191 million tons per annum by 2027 under efforts to enhance the resilience of the electricity network, according to the International Energy Agency. In South Africa – Africa's largest producer and the world's sixth - the coal sector has been crucial in addressing load shedding, with a 7% increase in coal use in 2023 and 2024 strengthening the grid. On the global stage, African coal also plays an important role, accounting for over 3.5% of the world's total production, with producers such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana kickstarting new projects and optimizing existing assets. South Africa exports 28% of its coal production and ranks as the world's fourth largest coal exporting market.
Glencore increased its South African coal production by 5% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching 4.2 million tons. In March 2025, Seriti Resources inaugurated the R500 million Naudesbank Colliery in Mpumalanga province, shortly after coal was designated a critical mineral by South Africa's Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Meanwhile, Canyon Coal is preparing to break ground on the R1.5 billion Sukuma Mine, targeting 7.2 million tons of annual output. In Zimbabwe, Contago Holdings' Muchesu project – backed by Huo Investments – is ramping up production to meet both domestic and export demand.
Recognizing coal's strategic importance in shaping a just and inclusive energy transition and economic diversification, global public and private sector players are ramping up investment. In a landmark policy reversal in May 2025, the U.S. Export-Import Bank lifted its ban on financing overseas coal projects, opening new channels for international funding for African projects. South Africa's Exxaro and Eskom have entered into a joint agreement to invest in emissions reduction technologies, supporting cleaner coal usage aligned with just energy transition objectives. In Mpumalanga, Blue Ammonia Production is progressing with its R31.5 billion Suiso Coal-to-Fertilizer project, poised to create 4,000 jobs and enhance regional agricultural productivity. Botswana is similarly advancing a $2.5 billion coal-to-liquids plant, designed to strengthen the country's energy and fuel security. With African coal producers generating substantial revenue from coal exports, the industry will be crucial in funding the continent's renewable energy deployment and energy mix diversification, facilitating a just and inclusive energy transition
African Mining Week 2025 will serve as a strategic platform to explore these developments and examine coal's evolving role in Africa's industrial future. The event will place a strong emphasis on sustainable coal practices that balance development with environmental stewardship and long-term transition goals.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
