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Cape Town News
Professor Muse Nkondo was a towering figure in South Africa’s political and academic arena, with a legacy that permeates essential sectors like tourism and public administration. He was a defender of human rights and an exceptional advocate for social cohesion and unity. His wisdom and teachings will continue to guide South Africans towards a brighter and more prosperous future. As we honor Professor Nkondo, let’s strive to replicate his dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm, and advance his legacy of unity, social cohesion, and nationbuilding.
The R5 Mandela coin, released in 2008, maintains its face value of R5 according to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), despite collectors potentially paying a premium for commemorative coins. However, some individuals believe that wellkept R5 Mandela coins can command up to R200 each, sparking a debate on its worth. SARB distinguishes between standard circulation coins, commemorative circulation coins, and collectors’ coins, with the latter’s worth dictated by the collectors’ market rather than their face value.
The Eastern Cape in South Africa is struggling with a major ecological crisis caused by rampant veldfires, which are causing harm to the environment and livelihoods of its inhabitants. The crisis is multifaceted and affecting the economic equilibrium, environmental health, and overall prosperity of the province. The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has proposed adherence to fire hazard assessments and active involvement in Fire Protection Associations, while also initiating projects to promote local production and generate revenue for inhabitants. The province’s administration and population are exhibiting a hopeful and resilient response to the crisis.
Cape Town’s exceptional governance is unmatched in South Africa, thanks to its transparent and accurate management of public funds for delivering services. The city has achieved a clean audit for over 10 years, reflecting its steadfast commitment to accountability, good governance, and careful financial management. However, other municipalities need to follow suit to ensure the responsible use of public funds, and Cape Town’s infrastructure investment plan sets new standards for other cities to follow. Overall, Cape Town’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and progress makes it an engineering marvel of efficiency, accountability, and good governance.
South Africa’s Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works transformation project is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the way waste is treated. With a substantial capital investment of R4 billion and executed in phases, the project aims to enhance the quality of treated effluent, reduce odours, and ensure a sustainable future for the facility. Phase 2 focuses on enhancing capacity and community impact, including addressing the odour issue, improving sludge management, and refining the inflow system. The project sets a benchmark for sustainable future wastewater management and promises a future where waste treatment aligns with the highest environmental standards.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to manage the area’s baboon population, including the establishment of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG). The CPBAG will advise and facilitate the application of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP) at a local level, ensuring continuous and productive interaction among varying constituencies and building strategic alliances with stakeholders. The objective is to maintain a sustainable Urban Baboon Program that includes local communities, operationalizes the Baboon Strategic Management Plan, and seamlessly transitions into the subsequent phase.
The city of Cape Town is dedicated to maintaining over 245,000 streetlights and ensuring urban security through its municipal services’ ceaseless repair attempts. Despite facing hurdles posed by vandalism and thefts, the city’s services have steadily continued to illuminate even the most hidden corners of its districts, rectifying an astounding 5,810 faults associated with streetlights in just two weeks. Residents also play a crucial role in protecting this vital public asset by remaining observant and reporting any suspicious activities. This effort represents a commitment to safety, security, and an improved quality of life in urban settings and serves as a beacon of hope for safer, brighter, and more vibrant communities.
Electricity theft and vandalism is a major problem in some areas of the city, including Mitchells Plain and Area South. The City is taking a proactive approach to combatting these issues, with initiatives such as the “Let’s ACT Protect Your Power” campaign and increased security measures. The City is also making material changes to infrastructure, such as using aluminium instead of copper and implementing underground cabling. Through community collaboration and joint action, the City aims to transform these areas into safe, empowered communities.
Cape Town has launched a cuttingedge online appointment system for tasks such as motor vehicle license renewals, account payments, and query resolution. The system is userfriendly and has a fivestep process, allowing residents to choose a convenient date and time slot, input their contact details, and receive an SMS and email confirmation of their booking. This innovative system marks a transformative shift in the way residents engage with the city’s public services and is a proactive initiative to refine customer service and offer residents a more timeefficient method of accessing City services.
Cape Town is building a new stormwater system on Japhta K Masemola Road to improve road safety and prevent flooding caused by the existing drainage system being blocked. The infrastructure project is part of the city’s commitment to sustainable development and aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The Road Infrastructure Management team is working to ensure the project’s successful completion, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes during the construction period. This initiative showcases the City of Cape Town’s dedication to progress and safety, providing a model for other cities worldwide.
Cape Town City has made an unprecedented R9.4bn investment in infrastructure for the 2023/24 financial year, with 94% of the budget already disbursed or contractually designated. The investment aims to enhance water security, energy security, and public transport, while also creating thousands of affordable housing opportunities and safer communities. The construction industry alone is set to generate approximately 130,000 jobs, making a substantial impact on the city’s employment surge. Mayor HillLewis has appealed for additional funding from the National Treasury to further advance the city’s ambitious infrastructure upgrade plans.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre in Cape Town relies on a team of committed volunteers to tackle extreme weather events and reduce disaster risks. These unsung heroes spend an astounding amount of time supporting the centre officials and participating in training sessions to improve their abilities in disaster management. From April to June, these heroic citizens committed over 18,000 hours of service, equivalent to over 769 days of unbroken work. Their selfless dedication serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for Cape Town’s future.
Cape Town has received a massive R5 billion budget for water and sanitation services in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The funds will be used to secure the city’s water future, ensure access to highquality drinking water, address sewer overflows, and provide satisfactory sanitation services in informal settlements. The investment demonstrates the city’s dedication to its residents and its readiness to tackle future challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. The capital budget allocation is diverse, addressing a variety of needs, including proactive measures for sewer overflows, flood mitigation projects, and pollution reduction initiatives.
Cape Town’s call centre industry has grown rapidly in recent years, creating over 10,000 jobs in just one year, and reaching a total of 90,000 employees. The success is partly attributed to CapeBPO, a project that develops skills within the industry and promotes Cape Town as an ideal location for BPO firms. The sector adds a significant amount to the city’s economy and is evidence of the effectiveness of publicprivate partnerships. Initiatives like the Afterschools and Sunday School programs ensure sustainability by providing job training and industry exposure to potential employees. This success is a symbol of hope for young people in Cape Town.
South Africa’s National Commemoration Day pays tribute to fallen police officers who risked their lives for public safety. The ceremony, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, honors heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice, reminding South Africans of the constant threats faced by the police force. The Acting President of South Africa, H.E. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, challenges the police force to reassess their strategies and strengthen the policetopopulation ratio to combat crime. The ceremony concludes with a moment of silence, honoring the bravery of the fallen officers and a call to action for the living officers.
Sergeant Monyamane Moeketsi is a fierce crime fighter in Temba, Gauteng, and a crucial part of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. With an impressive 14year track record of successful convictions, including 20 sexual offenders, Moeketsi is a role model for women everywhere. Balancing family life with her demanding career, she remains steadfast in her fight against crimes aimed at South Africa’s most vulnerable. Her commitment to justice and the safety of South Africans is an inspiration to all.
