The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is conducting scheduled maintenance on the water supply network from July 7th to the 14th to ensure sustainable water provision and reduce water wastage. Residents in affected areas should store enough water in clean sealed containers and keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the supply is restored. The maintenance work includes zeropressure tests, pipe and valve installations, and the annual cleaning of the Newlands Reservoir. The City’s efforts to upgrade the water supply network are critical in guaranteeing its health and longevity.
Langa’s apartheidera zones are a stark reminder of the poverty that still reverberates from that time. The derelict hostels that function as homes for residents, spanning generations, entrap them in a cycle of destitution. The need for a transition towards a more balanced society is amplified by the glaring reality of the poverty that surrounds them. Despite promises of redevelopment plans, the residents continue to wait for a better future, their hope resilient amidst the ruins of the past.
Cape Town is introducing a new bylaw to stop unauthorized construction. The bylaw will allow the city to seize assets of individuals engaging in illegal building operations and set clear guidelines for the impoundment procedure. Deputy Mayor Alderman Eddie Andrews believes that the new bylaw will encourage prompt action against developers who persist with their building operations unlawfully, even after being directed to stop. The proposed changes are open for public views until September 23, 2024.
Online gambling among young people is a worrying trend due to its easy accessibility and captivating appeal. A recent study by InfoQuest reveals that online video games, sports betting, and virtual slot machines are the preferred options for young gamblers. With experts highlighting the need for awareness, education, and prompt intervention, parents, educators, and policymakers must remain vigilant in combating this alarming trend.
Cape Town’s dams have exceeded 100% capacity, bringing a wave of comfort to its inhabitants. The extra water is a result of water cascading over the dam’s spillways, providing an ephemeral reservoir of water for rivers downstream. While the fixed baseline fee for water supply remains constant, the usagebased fee may increase to recoup expenditures associated with delivering trustworthy water services. Cape Town is investing in desalination, groundwater systems, and reuse, and aims to amplify water supply by an additional 300 million litres of new water per day by 2030 to ensure future water availability.
Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, has sparked controversy with remarks about Miss South Africa finalist, Chidimma Adetshina’s mixed heritage. Adetshina has faced xenophobic comments, but both she and the Miss SA organisation have stood their ground, affirming her eligibility to compete in the pageant as a South African citizen. Political figures and social media users have weighed in on the debate, highlighting the complexities of national identity in South Africa.
A mother in Cape Town is embroiled in a legal battle with a Montessori school after her son was allegedly injured from a fall on the playground. She is demanding R504,000 in compensation for damages and medical expenses. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and transparency in educational institutions, and has caused concern among parents in the community. The ongoing legal debate has left the mother anxious for justice and a safer future for children.
Cape Town has opened a new Safe Space facility in Green Point, providing shelter, transitional housing, personal development planning, job opportunities, and referrals for mental health, medical, and addiction treatment services to the homeless community. With a total capacity of 1070 beds across all centers, the Safe Spaces funded by the city’s coffers offer a unique approach to homelessness, going beyond providing shelter and warmth to provide sustainable solutions and social programs. Cape Town’s commitment to helping the homeless sets a global example, demonstrating that with investment and dedication, it is feasible to establish a caring, supportive environment for those most vulnerable.
A cargo ship stranded off the coast of South Africa in July resulted in an oil spill, posing an ecological emergency. Despite rescuing the crew, the ship still threatens marine life. An immediate emergency salvage mission was triggered, with a new company tasked with assessing the ship’s structural integrity. However, the ship later split into four parts, intensifying the oil spill, and local authorities are working to contain the spill with the help of the community. This highlights the need for safe and sustainable maritime operations and effective crisis management.
Zimbabwe’s new consulate in South Africa provides an easy way for Zimbabweans living in South Africa to get passports and birth certificates. The new epassport initiative within the consulate allows Zimbabweans to apply for the essential document quickly and conveniently, without the need for intermediaries. This development is a significant technological advancement in bureaucratic processes and marks a hopeful leap towards progress and resilience as the world recovers from the pandemic’s impact.
Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis is pushing for the devolution of criminal investigation powers for local municipal police officers to combat gangrelated, firearms, narcotics, and blackmail crimes. HillLewis has already initiated a conversation with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has expressed optimism about the potential legislative amendment. The mayor is also calling for intervention against the construction mafia and blackmailer gangs in Cape Town, with Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson planning to meet with him to discuss the problem. HillLewis’s efforts signify an unyielding offensive against crime in the city.
A power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused chaos as air travel was halted for several hours. The interruption affected essential services, leaving stranded aircraft and redirecting flights to alternative airports. Despite the inconvenience, airport staff and airlines worked tirelessly to manage the crisis and ensure passenger safety.
This week, South Africa’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is gearing up for a packed schedule of legislative activities, including policy debates, budget votes, and committee meetings on topics ranging from economic development to agriculture. The week will conclude with a constituency period, during which members of parliament will engage with the public. Additionally, a joint committee of Parliament will review the Constitution, highlighting the country’s commitment to continuous improvement and evolution in legislation.
BoKaap, a vibrant and colorful neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa, is facing the threat of an upcoming sixstorey development. Though the proposed height of the building has been downsized, the BoKaap Civic and Ratepayers Association is still strongly opposed to the project, fearing that it would disrupt the spiritual, social, and architectural harmony of the area and destroy its unique cultural identity. The ongoing dialogue between the developers, the BKCRA, and the local inhabitants highlights the need for balanced urban planning that respects and safeguards the histories and heritages that give cities their unique identities.
Traversing Africa via public transport is a thrilling adventure that requires patience and flexibility. It’s an immersive way to understand the continent’s people, cultures, and landscapes while experiencing its unpredictable nature. Though there may be challenges, the journey offers unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the unexpected. It’s an exploration of new territories and of oneself, ultimately leaving travelers with a passion for the path less trodden.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to receive a R50 billion funding boost from the country’s treasury, which will significantly increase the payout for SASSA beneficiaries. The funding infusion also has the potential to turn the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant into a Universal Basic Income Grant (BIG) by 2026, which could dramatically transform the country’s social welfare system. The 2024 Appropriation Bill has been approved by the National Assembly, providing access to funds from the National Revenue Fund from 2025 onwards, with the proposed increase in spending on social welfare expected to surge from R283 billion to R331 billion by 2026.