During the hard lockdown, Yazeed Kamaldien obtained a permit to report as a journalist on Covid-19. He created a photo and video project titled 'Missing You Cape Town,' showcasing the empty city spaces with a placard reading 'Missing You' in love-letter red. The project aimed to send a message via social media to people trapped in their homes, emphasizing that the city misses its people. Kamaldien now wishes to showcase this project as a testament to that time.

A fourth staff member at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town has died from Covid-19, according to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union. The union is seeking assistance from the Western Cape health department, citing issues with personal protective equipment and staff screening. Emilia Moloi, a nurse at the hospital, highlighted the fear and anxiety among staff. Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo acknowledged the anxiety and noted that the hospital is following international guidelines for PPE. The Western Cape government expects Covid-19 to peak in early July, with a potential for up to 9,300 related deaths in the province.

Ninety films from 54 countries are showcased at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which opened with the Burkina Faso film 'Sira' focusing on terrorism in Africa. The festival, running until July 30, includes cash prizes and aims to foster connections among film-makers. Nathalie Vairac, a lead actress in 'Sira', emphasized the importance of cultural exchange. Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre For Creative Arts, highlighted the festival's new Brazilian component, in partnership with the Brazil Africa Film Festival, to promote South-South relations. This year's DIFF marks the first in-person event since 2019 due to the pandemic, aiming to reconnect audiences and film-makers while boosting Durban's profile as a tourist destination.

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) showcases 90 films from 54 countries, opening with the Burkina Faso film 'Sira' that addresses terrorism in Africa. The festival, running until July 30, includes a Brazilian component through a partnership with the Brazil Africa Film Festival, aiming to foster cultural exchange and address stereotypes. This year's DIFF marks the first in-person event since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of live cinema and personal connections among film-makers. The festival also contributes to local job creation and promotes Durban as a tourist destination.

Teachers at Liesbeeck Primary School in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, are preparing for the reopening of schools with safety measures like thermometers, sanitisers, and masks. Despite the preparations, there is still concern for safety as Grade 7 pupils are expected to return. The school has implemented a Covid-19 screening routine, but teachers like Faldielah Haupt and Irafaan Abrahams express mixed feelings about the return to work and the challenges of ensuring social distancing. Jonovan Rustin from the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union indicates that many schools may not be ready for reopening, citing cases of teachers returning with Covid-19. Education MEC Debbie Schäfer has praised the preparations she observed during her visits to schools.

Illegal street racers in Cape Town are determined to continue their activities despite acknowledging the illegality, urging the City to allocate a public road for their use. Following a recent crash on the N1, the Western Cape Transport Department is seeking to strengthen laws against such racing and car modifications. City official JP Smith suggests racers apply for event permits and adhere to safety regulations, while criminal law expert Ulrich Roux advises against legalizing street racing on public roads due to safety concerns. Racers express a preference for public roads over the Killarney racetrack, which they find unsuitable.

Imam Abdul Moutie Saban of Bo-Kaap's Jameah Masjid criticized the organizers of the Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade after minstrels were photographed urinating against the mosque's walls. Despite prior warnings and efforts by organizers to provide public toilets, the disrespectful behavior occurred. Saban also recounted an incident from a previous event where 'half-naked girls' entered local mosques. Muneeb Gambeno of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association apologized and stated that sufficient toilets were supplied. The Bo-Kaap civic and ratepayers’ association, along with JP Smith, a mayoral committee member, plan to investigate and address the incidents.

Parents testified at an unofficial public inquiry into child killings in the Western Cape, expressing frustration over ignored pleas for help. The inquiry, supported by the South African Human Rights Commission, aims to create a space for parents and develop an advocacy strategy. Organizers criticize the government for not launching an official inquiry despite rising child murder rates. The inquiry seeks to document findings and recommendations for the provincial government, emphasizing the need for community healing and closure.

Mamela Nyamza, a renowned dancer and choreographer, is the featured artist at this year's National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. Despite her recognition, she discusses the challenges of finding work and the concept of 'Black Privilege' in the arts. Nyamza will perform her commissioned work 'Black Privilege' and her decade-old piece 'Hatched', among others. She speaks on using her body and voice as tools for activism, especially when younger artists face unemployment fears. Nyamza also reveals her intention to dance less due to physical strain and focus more on creating and directing, giving opportunities to other dancers. She mentions her work 'Phuma-Langa' and her desire to revive the Dance Umbrella festival. The article also highlights other festival features, including performances by Chuma Sopotela and a digital arts festival called Creativate, showcasing the intersection of creativity, innovation, and technology.

Major General Peter Jacobs has been appointed as the national crime intelligence boss by the South African Police Service, despite doubts about his suitability raised by Western Cape crime intelligence head Major General Mzwandile Tiyo. Jacobs, with a history in the ANC's armed wing uMkhonto we Sizwe, was previously demoted but reinstated via labour court proceedings. Tiyo, who replaced Jacobs and later faced his own controversies, questioned the withdrawal of his complaints against Jacobs. Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidu affirmed that Jacobs's appointment followed due process.

Patricia de Lille, the mayor of Cape Town, accuses the Democratic Alliance (DA) of a baaskap culture and attempts to remove her from office through a no confidence motion. She has appointed advocate Dali Mpofu for her court case, seeking a secret vote. De Lille criticizes the DA's white male leadership, including James Selfe and Mmusi Maimane, for their treatment of members of color and alleges a conservative, Freemason influence within the party. The DA has accused her of insubordination, corruption, and maladministration, which she denies, attributing the accusations to a desire to tarnish her reputation.

The article discusses the role of Kumba Iron Ore, a member of the Anglo American mining group, in community development in South Africa. Kumba Iron Ore operates in the Northern Cape and has an annual budget of R26-billion. The company invests in local communities through various initiatives, including the Manyeding small-scale food garden project and the Batho Pele Mobile Health Clinic initiative. The food garden project supports sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment, while the mobile clinic aims to provide healthcare to remote communities. Kumba has also invested in early childhood development by building educational infrastructure for primary schools. The company's efforts are aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and viability of the communities where it operates, as well as maintaining its social licence to operate.