Latest news with #Capetonian
The South African
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
'Humbling': Rachel Kolisi 'downgrades' to affordable car
Rachel Kolisi has swapped driving luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rovers for a more affordable ride, a Yaris! Despite being the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel has been praised for her humility and simplicity. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Rachel Kolisi posted a series of pictures of her latest ride – an old Toyota Yaris. In the post, the former Springbok WAG rode around in the modest vehicle, which she also used to pick up her ex Siya Kolisi's sister Liphelo. The influencer and philanthropist captioned the post: 'Life has a funny way of humbling you just when you think you've got it all figured out. One day you're riding high, the next you're asking a friend to borrow their spare car and googling 'how to parallel park a Yaris with dignity.' The mother-of-two added: 'It's not forever. It's just a chapter. But honestly? Betsy (the car) and I are kind of vibing, and I still nail clutch control.' Rachel Kolisi deleted an IG post about her modest car. Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi Just hours earlier, Rachel had posted pictures of her 'last day' in her Mercedes-Benz. It's unclear if the luxury car was hers or possibly a brand endorsement deal. Rachel Kolisi isn't the only Capetonian who will be hitting the road in a Yaris. Former DA leader Helen Zille revealed in March that she would be finally upgrading her trusted Corsa of 25 years to another affordable option. In the comments section, Helen was asked what car she would be driving next. 'A Toyota Yaris,' she responded. According to Toyota, the Yaris debuted in South Africa in 2005 and quickly became one of their best-selling models globally. In recent years, 'slow sales' have seen the popular car being discontinued in countries around the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Brave Harris goes down in four sets to skilful Rublev
Lloyd Harris produced a courageous display before losing in four sets to Russian 17th seed Andrey Rublev in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday. Rublev took two hours and 22 minutes to defeat the 28-year old Capetonian, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 on court 7, at Roland Garros. Ultimately it was the Russian's greater match play and versatility that proved the difference against Harris, who underwent back surgery in October and has had limited match time at the highest level in 2025. Harris will take great encouragement from his performance, especially how he hung with Rublev during the first three sets and especially in the second, when he came out on top in a few lengthy rallies. The big serving South African will draw confidence from his exploits on the Paris clay as he prepares for the grass and hard court portions of the season over the next few months. He beat two seeded players, including 2014 US Open champion, Marin Cilic to qualify for the year's second major, but received arguably the toughest draw of all those who qualified or earned a lucky loser spot, when he was paired with Rublev. Though the Russian has struggled this year, illustrated by a 15-12 win/loss record ahead of the French Open, he has won one tournament in Doha — on hard court — and last week reached the final of the clay court event in Hamburg where he lost to Italian Flavio Cobolli. He hired two-time major champion Marat Safin as his coach in March. After dropping his serve in the tenth game to lose the first set, Harris quickly recovered to break Rublev in the third game of the second. But that lead barely lasted with the talented Russian breaking back immediately. Harris stayed strong however, winning a series of lengthy rallies in the latter half of the set, to tie the match at a set-a-piece. Through some exciting exchanges at the start of the third, Harris again showed he was able to mix it with a top 20 player, but his lack of match play ultimately proved costly. Rublev was able to step up his performance in the latter stages of the third set, and kept his foot on Harris's throat throughout the fourth set, though the South African was able to create four breakpoint opportunities in the fourth game. But once Rublev had survived that mini crisis, Harris' resistance crumbled. Rublev will face Australian Adam Walton for a place in the third round.
The South African
26-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
THIS item is the No 1 cause of sewer blockages in upmarket Cape Town suburbs
A dramatic surge in sewer blockages is causing headaches for residents and authorities in some of Cape Town's most affluent coastal suburbs, with over 1 000 incidents reported since July 2023. The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate has linked the persistent problem to the improper disposal of household waste – especially the flushing of wet wipes . According to the City, Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point have been the hardest-hit areas, with 1 072 blockages recorded between July 2023 and March 2025. Despite ongoing maintenance and rapid response efforts, blockages are recurring frequently – sometimes within days of being cleared. 'We see an increase in the prevalence of wet wipes blocking sewer pipes in some areas. These should be discarded in the bin to be collected along with other refuse,' said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. An analysis of sewer blockage causes in the affected suburbs revealed: 26% due to foreign objects like wet wipes, nappies, and sanitary towels due to foreign objects like 18% caused by tree roots invading the system caused by invading the system 9% due to rags due to 6% linked to fats and grease from local restaurants linked to from local restaurants 8% from other causes from other causes 33% could not be definitively traced 'Despite our efforts, many of these blockages are entirely preventable. What is especially concerning is the need for repeat visits just days apart,' Badroodien added. The City is now urging residents and visitors alike to change their bathroom habits by following a simple rule: 'Bin it, don't flush it.' 'I urge all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point – please do not flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet. 'These items do not break down like toilet paper and severely damage our sewer infrastructure,' said Badroodien. Only flush human waste and toilet paper – nothing else Dispose of wet wipes and hygiene products in bins, not toilets Report sewer overflows and blockages using the City's official channels Report missing manhole covers or suspected vandalism Use drop-off sites for large or recyclable waste City officials stress that a collaborative effort between residents, businesses, and local government is essential to stopping the environmental and health damage caused by sewer overflows. 'Breaking the cycle of this persistent challenge requires a joint effort. We need every Capetonian and visitor to play their part,' said Badroodien. With sewer infrastructure under increasing strain, the City hopes that stronger public awareness and behaviour change will stem the tide – literally – of this growing coastal crisis. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
24-05-2025
- The South African
Cape Town hiking trails to tackle in a winter wonderland
Cape Town is a mecca for hiking enthusiasts, trail runners, beach-goers and lovers of the outdoors. Parts of Table Mountain truly come alive in winter. The beauty of exploring Cape Town lies in its inclusivity and accessibility to people of varying fitness levels. First-time visitors to the area, however, may feel a little intimidated by some of the hiking trails. That's why we've identified some of the easiest and most scenic hiking spots in the Mother City. Start with these and you'll never go back. Kasteelpoort is quickly becoming a firm favourite for families. It offers staggering views, and the start of the pipe track is just five minutes from the Cape Town CBD. The first three kilometres are flat, and then you ascend Table Mountain, sipping water from streams along the way. If you're a Capetonian, then you've probably scaled Lion's Head at least once this week. It's no wonder that it's a popular hiking route, given the sensational views. It's also relatively easy and only takes up a couple of hours of your time. The tranquillity of the pipe track at sunrise as one scales Kasteelpoort, with breathtaking views of Lion's Head. IMAGE: @jamofreemantle / IG It doesn't get much more iconic than the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Meet your pals at the tea room and explore the panoramic beauty that surrounds you. Explore everything that the gardens have to offer, including all of the indigenous flora & fauna, and then consider your next move on the mountain. If you feel like a proper hike from Kirstenbosch, tackle Skeleton Gorge. It's doable for the whole family, but it certainly elevates the heart rate. At the top, you're greeted by full dams and beach sand. It's worth the effort and around this time of year, you should happen upon a couple waterfalls. No better feeling than getting out of the busier areas of the Cape Town Atlantic seaboard and hitting the trails. The Missing Link looks back on Lion's Head and also offers elevated views of Victoria Road and Oudekraal. It's stunning. Kasteelpoort is easily accessible from the Pipe Track and provides a launching point for other trails. IMAGE: @jamofreemantle/ IG *Please be attentive on the mountain and only attempt hikes in groups. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
BOSA rejects City of Cape Town's tariff increases
CAPE TOWN - Build One South Africa (BOSA) has rejected the City of Cape Town's tariff comes as the window for public comment on the proposed increases to rates and other services closes on party argues that extra costs will worsen the lives of Cape Town residents, particularly those living in low-income added that the tariff increases don't accommodate all citizens and their monthly political party handed over a copy of its submission to the mayor's office on Roger Solomons said the increase would cause more suffering."It's going to affect every Capetonian family very hard. It's an increase in the normal rates, there's an increase in water and sanitation, there's over 20% increase in electricity. Cape Town families are already struggling to put food on the table, pay for transport, school fees... it is utterly disgusting." Solomons said the public must have a chance to participate in these decisions.
