Table Talk

David McCloskey WW Norton & Co./Jonathan Ball Publishers Review: Karen Watkins What happens when a spy is forced to reckon with the consequences of his deception? If that idea appeals, David McCloskey’s geopolitical thriller The Persian could almost have been lifted from a 2026 news headline. The novel explores the shadow war between Israel’s Mossad and Iran’s Qods Force.

A therapy dog named Toffee Beanz accompanied a young witness while giving evidence in the Western Cape High Court earlier this year, in what was believed to be the first time a therapy dog has been allowed to sit alongside a child during testimony in a South African courtroom. The initiative, involving Jelly Beanz and Honey’s Garden Medical Alert Dogs, illustrates how specially trained dogs can support people through stressful experiences, including trauma and mental health challenges.

The Taking Rubbish Away, Saving Habitat (TRASH) project is appealing for public support to continue its work of keeping the Liesbeek River corridor clean, with a fundraising draw closing on Saturday, October 17. Run in partnership with Friends of the Liesbeek (FOL), the initiative helps keep the riverbanks free of litter and rubbish.

Samuel Mocke in action on his way to defending his title in Spain at the weekend. South Africa’s National Surfski Team has secured their fourth consecutive overall world title, reaffirming the country’s position at the pinnacle of international ocean racing after a standout performance at the World Ocean Racing Championships in La Vila Joiosa, Spain. Known as the Bokskis, the National Surfski team represents South Africa’s strength, depth and ambition on the international ocean racing stage.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness emergency medical services (EMS) and Air Mercy Service (AMS) airlift a German visitor, who slipped and fell four metres along the Grotto Fountain Cairn Traverse off the India Venster route. Local Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers demonstrated extraordinary dedication this past weekend, braving harsh conditions to rescue three hikers in two separate incidents on Table Mountain.

The Heartsong Collective in partnership with award-winning PBO Uthando South Africa, will feature guest appearances by South African music legend Vicky Sampson and Khayelitsha-based singer and songwriter Mohau Moahloli. Cape Town is set to host a unique communal music experience on Saturday, October 17, as 1 400 voices gather at the historic Groote Kerk on Adderley Street for the 15th annual World Singing Day.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Cape Town International Kite Festival is using its annual celebration to encourage greater awareness and more open conversations about mental health. The festival, now in its 32nd year, returns to Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery with this year’s #ColourTheSky campaign highlighting the importance of mental well-being and support.

The Western Cape has every reason to be proud after three of its young riders were crowned champions at the recent South African BMX Championships, hosted by Pietermaritzburg BMX Club a week ago. Out of the Western Cape participants, Finley Neil (9), Mason Hendry (10), and Cruz Hendry (13) took first place. Finley regained his SA champion status, Mason defended his title for the third consecutive year, and Cruz won his first championship after six years of competing.

Pearl Nel, from Claremont, Sharon Paulsen, from Walmer Estate, and Mandi Williams, from Wynberg. Families took to Cape Town streets to support their loved ones in their recovery and mental health journeys. The annual Recovery Walk Cape Town (RWCT) 2026 coincided with World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.

Table Mountain provides a striking backdrop as drifting drivers entertain spectators between races during the Cape Hell Drivers’ season opener at Killarney, at the weekend. There was little time for anyone to settle in as the Cape Hell Drivers kicked off the new season’s regional racing action at Killarney International Raceway on Saturday, October 10.