There is a place in Malmesbury called alCATraz, and yes, it is exactly what you think: a retirement sanctuary for older cats who have spent too long in survival mode. The Lucky Lucy Foundation just gave the place a significant upgrade, complete with herb gardens, shade-filled walkways, and enrichment zones. First-time residents are reportedly taking it in their stride. The photos will destroy you in the best possible way.

This one has been making the rounds again and it deserves every share it gets. Somewhere between Mars and Jupiter, orbiting through space on a four-year loop, is a minor planet named 23182 Siyaxuza, after Siyabulela Xuza, a young scientist from Mthatha who built a rocket in his mother's kitchen, won gold at the National Science Expo, competed at the Intel International Science Fair, and was invited to Harvard. MIT's Lincoln Laboratory named the planet in his honour. There is currently a film in development about his life, and honestly it cannot come soon enough.

Bolt started trialling glowing LED billboard screens mounted on top of its Cape Town vehicles this month, and the City was not impressed. A formal legal notice citing the National Road Traffic Act and the City's Outdoor Advertising By-law arrived swiftly, and Bolt has pulled the plug on the whole operation while it figures out compliance. The glowing cars were raising road safety concerns. The city that banned a tech giant's billboards in under a week is the city we deserve.

Truth Coffee Roasting on Buitenkant Street is the steampunk café that has appeared on so many "world's best" lists that it almost feels too well-known, but regulars will tell you it earns every mention. The original Victorian machinery, the ridiculously tall ceilings, and the precision-brewed filter coffee make it one of those places that genuinely feels designed for a grey winter Monday. Sit in, order something slow, and stay as long as you need to. Around R60 for a coffee.

Reservoir Gallery is tucked on the seventh floor of Bree Castle House on Bree Street, and most people walk past it every week without knowing it exists. The space is dedicated to ambitious solo exhibitions by independent artists, and there is almost always something sharp and unexpected on the walls. Entry is free. The elevator ride alone is worth it for the reveal.

16 on Lerotholi in Langa is the township's first dedicated fine-art gallery, and it is one of the most quietly significant spots in Cape Town. The space includes a sculpture garden, a café running produce from a community vegetable garden, and rotating exhibitions by local and national artists. It is free to visit and the kind of place that changes how you see the city. Get there on a slow afternoon and take your time.

Quote of the Day

“It is infinitely better to transplant a heart than to bury it to be devoured by worms.”

Christiaan Barnard