In recent years, Cape Town’s City Council has implemented various initiatives to address the challenges of apartheid’s spatial planning legacy. The council has been working towards creating a more integrated and inclusive city for all its residents.
Safe Space Pilot Project Deemed a Success
One significant initiative is the Safe Space pilot project, which has been a success. After a couple who had been living on the streets for years moved into the facility, they exchanged vows and soon started working under the Expanded Public Works Programme. This project aims to enhance urban development and integrate the city’s diverse communities.
Cape Town’s Dam Levels Reach a Milestone
Cape Town’s dam levels have surpassed the 60% mark for the first time since 2016. This is thanks to the collective water-saving measures undertaken by the residents of Cape Town. As the city continues to experience the effects of climate change, the council stressed the importance of maintaining good water-saving behavior.
Economic Transformation and Inclusion
Cape Town’s government is committed to redressing past injustices and facilitating economic transformation. For the financial year ending June 30, 2018, over 95.76% of purchase orders were placed with B-BBEE-compliant vendors, up from 92.7% in the previous financial year. The city spent R12.2 billion, with R11.2 billion awarded to B-BBEE-compliant suppliers. This focus on economic inclusion and transformation within the supply chain is crucial to maintaining Cape Town’s status as an opportunity city.
Climate Change Action
Cape Town has witnessed a 4.1% reduction in its energy and transport carbon emissions between 2012 and 2015. The decrease in emissions is attributed to climate action projects and a significant reduction in electricity consumption resulting from energy efficiency campaigns and reduced usage by residents. While further progress is constrained by Eskom’s reliance on fossil fuels, the City is awaiting a court date for its case against Nersa and Eskom to fight for the right to buy cleaner energy directly from independent power producers.
Mayoral Pop-Up Office for Improved Communication
To improve communication with residents, the Mayoral Pop-Up Office initiative was launched two months ago. Officials have visited six communities and addressed over 100 individual complaints, ranging from housing queries to water billing and refuse collection.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Cape Town’s City Council continues to support women’s empowerment and gender equality. The recent intake of apprentices in the Fleet Management Department includes five women participating in the scarce skills program, which aims at developing in-house skills in various sectors. The training program includes practical and theoretical block training at City workshops and Northlink College.
Through various projects, investments, and initiatives, Cape Town’s City Council is making great strides in overcoming the legacy of apartheid spatial planning and building a more integrated, inclusive, and opportunity-driven city for all its residents. The city is working towards a future where everyone has access to opportunities and a high quality of life.
