Cape Town’s innovative “Cash for Power” program incentivizes solar power generation by buying leftover solar PV power from smallscale producers and providing rewards, making it an attractive opportunity for property owners. The program’s success is evident with over 1,500 power sellers earning over R30.8m. The city’s vision is to acquire as much solar power as households and businesses can generate, promoting sustainable energy solutions and a green economy. The application process has been streamlined with a new online portal and a bidirectional meter is set to be introduced.
Cape Town is taking a bold step towards energy sustainability with its flagship Atlantis Solar PV plant. The 7 MW solar facility, owned and managed by the city, is set to begin construction in August 2024 and will be a beacon of green energy. The Lesedi Technoserve Consortium is handling the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction, and the plant is expected to directly supply the city’s electrical network with the 7 MW of electricity it generates. This largescale renewable energy endeavor is also expected to promote job creation and contribute towards Cape Town’s netzero carbon emissions goal.
Maltento is a South African company that breeds black soldier flies to convert agroprocessing waste into proteinrich pet and aquaculture feed. Their unique farming methods not only produce functional proteins, healthy fats, and essential amino acids but also excrete a byproduct known as frass that has considerable nutritional value and can improve soil fertility. Maltento’s innovation and commitment to sustainability challenge preconceptions in the agritech and pet food industry, and their groundbreaking work highlights South Africa’s role in the global innovation landscape.
South Africa’s public transport sector is embracing the electric revolution with the introduction of Lion’s Explorer E electric buses by Golden Arrow Bus Services. The electric buses are financially viable and address the country’s unique environmental conditions. With successful trials and positive feedback, the City of Cape Town plans to incorporate electric buses into MyCiTi Phase 2A by 2027, indicating the country’s commitment to sustainable transport. The transition towards electric buses is a refreshing development, showcasing the country’s dedication to green technology and a sustainable future.
Residents can access a variety of information and services from the municipal website, including motor vehicle registration and licensing processes, which can be booked online. The introduction of QR codes on municipal account invoices has simplified the payment process, and payments can also be made through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or at various retail outlets. The city is committed to providing efficient and effective services through digital platforms, allowing residents to access services from the comfort of their own homes.
The Safety and Security Directorate of Cape Town has proposed a draft budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, which focuses on utilizing cuttingedge technology and conventional practices to establish an environment that is not only secure but also operationally efficient. The budget proposes a substantial allocation of roughly R363 million for the procurement of new equipment, expanding the city’s CCTV network, refurbishing buildings, and enhancing the efficiency of the Emergency Policing Incident Control system. The Safety and Security Directorate’s unwavering dedication to integrating technology into its operations is wellfounded, and the proposed budget signifies a brave move towards a future where technology and tradition unite in the pursuit of safer, more secure communities.
South Africa Connect Phase 2 Project is a groundbreaking initiative to reduce the digital divide and provide comprehensive connectivity to all educational, health, and governmental facilities. The project aims to enhance the digital footprint of SMMEs and create job opportunities for trained experts and semiskilled workers. Collaborative efforts by Broadband Infraco, SENTECH, and SITA are striving to deliver broadband services to South African citizens, ensuring digital inclusivity and promoting the country’s digital economy. With the launch of this project, South Africa is taking a significant step towards bridging the digital gap and ensuring universal connectivity for all.
Solarpowered illumination systems are being used to light up marginalized communities in Cape Town, providing safety, security, improved quality of life, prolonged working hours for local businesses, educational opportunities, ecological benefits, lessened fire hazards, and improved respiratory health. The initiative is part of the City’s latest Urban Energy Poverty Alleviation Programme and is being explored in areas where traditional electrification methods are not feasible. The potential of solar power is immense, and the City’s dedication to this mission is apparent in its combined approach with grassroots experts and partners.
Propranolol, a medicine typically used to treat high blood pressure, could potentially diminish unconscious racial prejudices. This theory suggests racism might be a neurological aberration, a ‘brain bug,’ and could be medically addressed. While still in its infancy, this groundbreaking viewpoint on racial bias offers radical new insights in the fight against racism. However, it’s important to remember that societal efforts to address the basis of racism in cultural, educational, and systemic infrastructures are still necessary.
The Safety and Security Directorate of the city recognizes the importance of integrating cyber forensics into their defensive strategy due to the increasing rate of digital offenses. To achieve this objective, they recently organized a transnational training session on cyber forensics led by professionals from France and Australia, focusing on digital aspects of crime scenes and handling digital proof. The Directorate plans to incorporate cyber forensics into their training college’s curriculum to prepare their personnel to tackle modern criminal activities effectively.
Cape Town’s Development Management Department is planning to replace registered mail with email for notifications concerning the Municipal Planning Bylaw. The shift is expected to be more efficient, reliable, and economical for the City, ratepayers, and the applicant. The City has planned a transition period of roughly two years, but is continuing to use registered mail for individuals whose email addresses aren’t recorded in the City’s system.
Cape Town’s TER Scottsdene Pump Station is a groundbreaking project aimed at increasing the availability of treated effluent and reducing the city’s reliance on potable water supplies. It plays a crucial dual role, increasing the availability of treated effluent and significantly reducing reliance on potable water supplies. The project symbolizes Cape Town’s unwavering dedication to sustainable water management and becoming a waterconscious city.
The Khayelitsha LED highmast renovation project is replacing old highmast lights with stateoftheart LED fixtures in an effort to promote economic growth, increase safety, and reduce energy usage. The first phase is being implemented in the neighborhood of Makhaza, with a total of 222 highmast fixtures to be replaced across Khayelitsha. This initiative represents a significant investment in the city’s key infrastructure and signifies a significant shift towards urban sustainability. However, the success of this initiative depends on collective responsibility and the support of the community.
Cape Town has introduced an online solar PV authorization portal that has already authorized over 5,000 solar PV systems, contributing 126 MVA to the city’s energy grid. The innovative platform significantly reduces the time taken to authorize solar PV systems, ensuring safety measures within the energy sector. The Energy Services Application automates the issuance of Permission to Install Letters for specific types of applications, including smallscale residential solar PV and battery systems, and is available via eServices. The increasing demand for solar PV in Cape Town is evident, with the number of monthly applications tripling from 2021 to 2023.
The Water, Air, and Energy (WAE) Lab has recently been launched in Cape Town by JPAL Africa, the City of Cape Town, and Community Jameel. The lab brings together policymakers, researchers, and the public to create evidencebased solutions to improve access to clean air, water, and energy for the city’s inhabitants. The lab is part of JPAL’s global network of Air and Water Labs (AWLs) and has the potential to impact millions of people worldwide, making it a beacon of hope for a sustainable and equitable future.
Hout Bay is using stateoftheart trenchless pipecracking technology to replace over 3,300 meters of outdated water pipes, showcasing the city’s dedication to adopting innovative solutions to tackle its infrastructural hurdles. The technology is costeffective, reduces disturbances, and facilitates quicker completion times, making it a practical choice for the world with scarce resources. The project is expected to be accomplished by June 2024, signifying another step towards urban regeneration and a sustainable future.