TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town is struggling with an overpopulation crisis, with 338 animals currently in its shelter. The facility has had to temporarily stop admitting new adult dogs and puppies until adoption rates increase, as the system for fostering is stretched thin. To combat the issue, TEARS is holding a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its kennels and cattery on 16 and 17 December, encouraging residents to adopt rescue pets.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a warning about the upcoming spring tide peak, which will increase the strength of rip currents. Rip currents are dangerous and can drag even strong swimmers into deep waters. The NSRI advises people to exercise caution near the shoreline, swim only in areas guarded by lifeguards, and to float on their back and swim parallel to the beach if caught in a rip current. It is important to prioritize safety when enjoying the stunning coastline of Cape Town.
Table Mountain National Park, a stunning natural wonder in Cape Town facing a surge in crime, including muggings, poaching, and forest destruction, requires immediate interventions to prevent it from becoming inaccessible and harming the tourism sector. Shortcomings in resource allocation mean that only a third of the park’s generated income is redirected back to combat crime. Proposed solutions include immediate recruitment of rangers, security infrastructure, a collaborative security plan, and doubling the current allocation of resources. As advocates for TMNP, Friends of Table Mountain urge you to sign the petition to demand urgent action and protect the park’s unparalleled rugged beauty.
The Norfolk Island Pine in Arderne Gardens contracted a severe case of dieback disease, which unfortunately led to its removal. The declining health of the tree made it clear that it had to be taken down to ensure public safety. The process was executed with utmost care to avoid damage to the surrounding area, and replacement plans are already underway for a new sapling to take root in the garden.
A climber fell 15 meters at “The Mine,” a popular climbing spot in Western Cape, and required rescue. The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) team used a stretcher wheel to transport the patient safely over challenging terrain. Rock climbing accounts for only 3% of annual rescues by WSAR, emphasizing the importance of learning proper climbing techniques and safety checks before embarking on this sport. WSAR is a crucial part of the outdoor adventure community, providing a beacon of hope for those in need.
Shark cage diving offers shark lovers an extraordinary opportunity to witness these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. Forget movies like Jaws and Sharkando, and experience sharks in the wild where you can see for yourself their great beauty. When booking your shark trip, it’s natural to ask yourself if shark cage diving does anything to benefit the sharks? First and foremost, shark cage diving brings a significant amount of awareness of sharks and their plight. Many sharks are listed as endangered due to overfishing and other reasons, all by the hand of humans. Consequently, it’s humans that we need
Cape Town has introduced a new weed harvester, named Cape Shoveler, designed to eliminate invasive plants in the city’s waterways. The vessel is equipped with underbelly blades, navigates through the water, and chops, gathers, and eliminates aquatic weeds that threaten to strangle the waterways, starting with the Zandvlei. The launch of the Cape Shoveler is the first of three such specialized vessels the city aims to launch by 2025, with plans for a second weed harvester for the Zandvlei and another for Rietvlei. The vessel stands as a tribute to local craftsmanship, as it was proudly constructed in Cape Town.
The picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve has been expanded and repurposed from a plant nursery into a 15 x 25 meter picnic section, complete with a children’s playground and an opportunity to share your picnic with the famous hippos of Rondevlei. This lush sanctuary is home to birds and other wildlife, offering visitors an idyllic picnic spot amid the wonders of nature. The expansion also emphasizes accessible recreation and promotes community involvement in conservation efforts.
The South African City Council has launched a sixmonth experimental venture to mitigate pollution in Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon. This pioneering initiative, the first in the South African region, seeks to restore the critical aquatic ecosystems by enhancing their oxygen content. The project involves using four aerators to increase oxygen levels in the river and combat the buildup of oxygendepleted sediment and hydrogen sulphide production.
Cape Town’s Shark Spotters Programme is a unique initiative that places observers on mountain ranges surrounding the city’s popular swimming beaches to scan the waters for sharks. The spotters use a flag system to convey any potential threats and ensure the safety of locals and visitors. The programme has recently received recognition for its contribution towards responsible tourism and community welfare, as well as its efforts in safeguarding the shark population and promoting public education about these marine predators.
Cape Town’s Smart Parks initiative is transforming city parks into inclusive public spaces that encourage social interaction and community integration. The initiative emphasizes meaningful community participation, where the community collectively decides the design and vision for the park. The first three Smart Parks in Khayelitsha, Blikkiesdorp, and Gugulethu have received recognition for their innovative design and community engagement. Plans for three more Smart Parks in Atlantis, Nomzamo, and Seawinds are underway, showcasing the initiative’s impact beyond just urban greening.
Cape Town’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in its Blue Flag beaches, which meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, and amenities. The city boasts seven Blue Flag beaches and three Blue Flag marinas, offering visitors not just beautiful vistas but also environmental education programs. Cape Town’s dedication to sustainable environmental management practices has earned it the prestigious Blue Flag Long Service Award, reinforcing its status as a global beach vacation hotspot.
Cape Town is leading the way in the global fight against climate change, being recognized as the first Compactcompliant city in Africa. The city has established a strong foundation of strategies and plans to combat climate change, including tangible projects like the solar water heater accreditation program. Cape Town’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening its climate resilience has earned it international recognition, serving as an inspiration and call to action for cities worldwide.
Local citizens in Cape Town are working with the Urban Waste Management and Community Services and Health divisions of the local government to turn unlawful waste disposal sites into community spaces. By introducing native plants and professional landscaping, the community takes pride in these oncedisregarded areas, improving aesthetics, promoting community health, environmental conservation, and civic pride. Residents and community groups are encouraged to join the campaign against illegal dumping.
Revamping Cape Town: Community Efforts to Convert Illegal Dump Sites into Pleasant Environments. The Urban Waste Management and Community Services and Health directorate have partnered with local communities to transform areas littered with illegal dumps into clean and enjoyable spaces. The strategy includes waste disposal, planting native plants, and extensive landscaping at two selected sites. The community’s participation is vital in these rejuvenation initiatives, cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility and pride in their environment.
De Winton’s golden mole, a creature that had disappeared from the South Africa dunes almost a century ago, has been rediscovered by researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the University of Pretoria. The mole’s reemergence is a testament to the researchers’ resilience and innovative use of technology, including scentdetecting dogs and environmental DNA. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving the mole’s habitat and signals hope for the conservation of other lost species.
