Operation Bhekela is removing over 5,000 shacks along Cape Town’s Central Line. Almost 900 families have been temporarily relocated to a site adjacent to Stock Road station but are refusing to move until basic services, such as water and sanitation, are in place. The families’ struggle mirrors the larger issue of urban displacement and obstacles to securing housing. Despite some efforts to provide basic facilities, the situation remains uncertain.
Looking for affordable rental options in South Africa? Look no further than the North West province, which boasts the most economical rental rates in the country, with properties averaging at R5,985. Despite the rising rental prices across the country, renters can still find value for their money in the North West, with properties offering substantial amenities and strategic locations. So if you’re operating on a budget, the North West province could be the perfect solution for costeffective housing.
The Southern Suburbs of Cape Town are experiencing a surge in popularity due to semigration, resulting in a significant impact on property prices. The suburbs of Newlands, Rondebosch, and Claremont are in high demand for their peaceful ambiance and proximity to vital facilities. However, there is a limited supply of houses available at current average selling prices, making the market highly competitive. This shift in urban living dynamics is reflective of a growing yearning for a balanced lifestyle, open spaces, and peace.
As summer approaches, Cape Town’s tourism industry is thriving with a surge in visitor numbers, thanks to strategic global marketing campaigns. The city’s Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has already noticed a significant increase in tourists, and statistics show that October and November had vastly more visitors than the previous year. Cape Town Tourism members are anticipating a better December this year, and the city has implemented measures for safety and readiness, including its most extensive festive tourism safety operation yet. Cape Town is ready to welcome back the world and shine as the vibrant, bustling city it is renowned to be.
Cape Town has launched a revolutionary ‘Zero Expense Transfer’ program to help tenants become property owners without any financial burden. The initiative aims to promote inclusivity within communities through property ownership and has been earmarked for an estimated R40 million over a threeyear period. The initiative also covers attorney transfer fees and insurance costs for rental units, making the journey to homeownership easier for beneficiaries.
South Africa is celebrating its triumph in the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a national holiday on December 15th to honor the Springboks’ victory. The announcement coincides with Reconciliation Month and highlights the unifying potential of sports and the arts. The victory’s significance transcends sports and transforms into a national festivity, serving as a reminder of the nation’s sporting prowess and contributions to the vibrant landscape of global sports.
The City of Cape Town has issued an eviction order to unauthorised inhabitants of Three Anchor Bay, offering transitional housing assistance before the deadline of January 31. The City is also committed to keeping public areas orderly and has proposed an investment of R230 million to upgrade Safe Space shelters and expand bed capacity at the Haven Night Shelter. The City’s multifaceted approach to social reintegration includes mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment referrals and job opportunities, with a focus on fostering longterm solutions through social development partnerships.
In South Africa, over 998,000 live births were recorded in 2022, with the majority taking place in the same year. The median age of mothers giving birth increased to 28.2 years, with 70% of births from mothers aged 2034. However, there were concerns about delayed birth registrations, particularly among teenage mothers. The data also revealed seasonal birth trends and regional variations in birth rates, as well as popular baby names for the year.
A team of unstoppable heroes from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) recently saved a 64yearold hiker who injured his ankle while hiking up the Platteklip Gorge trail on Table Mountain. The team, made up of volunteers, professionals, and government agencies, quickly came to the hiker’s aid, trekking across the mountain in difficult terrain to rescue him. The team’s unending dedication, preparedness, and spirit were evident throughout the fivehour operation, which ended safely with the hiker being transported to a hospital. To support the WSAR’s lifesaving efforts, one can make a donation on their BackABuddy platform.
Tucked away within the bustling informality of Overcome Heights, a revolutionary project is quietly illuminating brighter prospects. Kickstarted earlier in the calendar year, this pilot project has been created to boldly confront and diminish the persistent danger of fires, which have been a longstanding menace to these communities.
Five people were injured and one woman suffered a displaced fractured vertebra at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market due to an unexpected gust of wind. The incident, which caused chaos at the market, highlights the importance of preparedness for unexpected emergencies, as emergency services responded promptly. The market owner assures that all necessary safety measures were in place and an investigation is underway to better understand the incident.
Alderman JP Smith of Cape Town is advocating for responsible digital behaviour when disclosing incidents to aid the legal process. Sharing suspect images online can weaken the case against the suspect and jeopardize the legal process. Smith’s call for action is not a plea for silence, but for prudent judgement, and refraining from sharing suspect images can help ensure justice is effectively and fairly administered. In this digital era, the power of a click must be exercised judiciously to maintain a fair and equitable society, both online and offline.
Kauai, a popular healthy food brand, recently celebrated the opening of its 200th store in South Africa. Their menu includes over 100 superfoods that can be customized to fit different dietary preferences, and they have a notable presence in countries around the world. Kauai’s success is a testament to the changing lifestyle preferences of South Africans, who are leaning towards healthier food options. The brand is also committed to sustainability and digital innovation to enhance customer experience.
Protesters in Cape Town demand fair water distribution and an end to water inequality. The municipality’s implementation of water management devices and debt deductions from electricity transactions were key issues of contention during the demonstration. The struggle for resource equality continues, with the wealthiest 14% consuming over half of the city’s water supply, while those lacking financial resources face challenges in accessing this vital resource.
Cape Town is upgrading its infrastructure in the Belhar region, including the renovation of Robert Sobukwe Road, to enhance road safety, improve riding quality, and extend the lifespan of the city’s road network. The project will commence on December 11th, 2023, and is expected to be completed by December 22nd, 2023. Teams will operate strictly at night to minimize disruption to residents and businesses, and motorists are advised to be cautious and consider alternative routes. This project is a clear demonstration of Cape Town’s commitment to improving the urban environment and prioritizing road safety.
Over two months, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital addressed over 2,500 cases of poisonings in Cape Town. The Poisons Information Helpline proved to be an invaluable resource, providing assistance and advice for situations such as medication overdoses and exposure to household products. The Western Cape Government released safety tips aimed at curbing the risk of poisonings, including storing medications and poisonous substances out of children’s reach and caution when visiting homes where such safety measures may not be strictly followed.
