Good News

BULLETIN 7 October 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# Cape Town has been included in TimeOut’s best 20 places to visit between October this year and February 2026. This as countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing colder weather during this period. Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, known for having turquoise waters and cloud-free skies pretty much all year round, tops the list. Namibia is second, followed by Cyprus, Bali in Indonesia, and Spain’s Alicante wraps up the top five. Cape Town is 17th on the list, recognised for its luscious natural scenery and sandy beaches, and blue skies between November and February.

# Founder and chief designer of the popular luxury Xhosa knitwear brand MaXhosa Africa, Laduma Ngxokolo, presented his Spring/Summer 2026 collection at the Paris Fashion Week over the weekend. The collection of 30 bold looks is titled Izipho Zabadala, which means Gifts For the Ancestors. Former US first lady Michelle Obama and singer Beyoncé are among the well-known personalities who have worn MaXhosa garments. Ngxokolo says being included in the Paris Fashion Week lineup for the fourth consecutive year is special:

# Since 2012, University of the Western Cape professor, Marichen van der Westhuizen, has explored how music, dance, photography, and storytelling can serve as tools for social cohesion and inclusion. She is set to deliver her inaugural lecture next week, which is dubbed the celebration of academic achievement. Van der Westhuizen says her upbringing during apartheid in Oudtshoorn was steeped in creativity and critical awareness:

# An initiative, spearheaded by global giant Diageo South Africa in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, will see hospitality students gain invaluable work experience at some of the top Johannesburg establishments. The Learning for Life programme is designed to equip students with essential practical skills and industry knowledge across tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage services. The Youth Employment Service has thrown its support behind the programme. The initiative will facilitate a one-year placement for 100 students in reputable hotels and culinary establishments.

# And finally: The City of Cape Town has recognised learners from Red River Primary, Floreat Primary, and Ysterplaat Primary, who are participating in the recently launched Junior River Warden Programme. The programme is an innovative environmental education initiative for learners in Grades 5 and 6, which introduces them to the importance of rivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in Cape Town. Mayoral committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, says the aim is to build environmentally conscious young leaders.

Stay tuned for more news………….