the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
The City of Cape Town has invested over R5.5m in the Maitland Sewer Pipe Replacement Project, which aims to replace outdated sewer pipes in the Maitland district. The project uses an innovative approach called Curedinplace pipe (CIPP) to line old vitrified clay sewer pipes with a resincoated textile tube, resulting in a jointless and flawless lining. The project serves as an example for other cities on how to prioritize and tackle infrastructurerelated issues, while emphasizing civic responsibility and the importance of collaboration and compliance among citizens.
South African actor Kai Luke Brümmer is taking his awardwinning role from the film ‘Moffie’ to the theatrical stage, presenting a fresh perspective on an already celebrated story. Brümmer’s performances have received critical acclaim, and he is eager to delve deeper into the narrative on stage. With a South African heritage and experience in live performances, Brümmer is ready to tackle the challenge and present a compelling theatrical experience for audiences. The play is set to premiere at the Riverside Studios in London on 5th June.
Cape Town is calling on organizations to join the Protected Area Advisory Committees to help preserve nature reserves and their unique biodiversity. These committees facilitate communication and partnerships between local communities, interest groups, and the City, playing a fundamental role in managing the City’s nature reserves. The makeup of the committees reflects diversity and inclusivity, and they oversee a variety of nature reserves, each with picturesque landscapes. Cape Town’s initiative stands as a hopeful model for community participation in environmental conservation.
The South African parliament’s agenda for May 1315, 2024, includes a range of legislation, committee meetings, and touching farewell speeches from esteemed members. The week’s discussions will revolve around critical bills such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, National Water Resources Infrastructure Bill, and Railway Safety Bill. The week concludes with members’ farewell speeches, representing their personal and political trajectories in parliament. The schedule reflects the vibrant and dynamic nature of South Africa’s political structure, shaping the future of the nation.
Honourable Yvonne Mokgoro was a groundbreaking black woman judge in South Africa’s judicial system, known for her strong advocacy for women’s rights. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering commitment led her to make history. Her legacy lives on, inspiring others to strive towards creating a more equitable society. Her passing is mourned, but her lasting impact on South Africa’s judicial system remains.
The Civil Security Cooperation Initiative is a partnership between city governments and community safety partners to incorporate community watch groups and other security structures into intelligence gathering and distribution efforts during crises. The initiative aims to streamline crisis communication and capitalize on the benefits of having a direct communication line with community organizations. This represents a gamechanging shift in urban safety management, positioning civic society as the centerpiece of intelligence gathering. The pilot program was tested in a simulated dry run on May 11th, 2024, and proved to be an efficient and effective approach to crisis management.
The unveiling of the Vygekraal pedestrian bridge in Cape Town represents progress, community integration, and safety. The bridge, which connects Kewtown and Bridgetown, provides easy access to schools, colleges, and places of worship. The completion of the bridge was not without its challenges, but it stands as a testament to the collective efforts of residents, officials, and community leaders. The bridge is designed to serve the public, and its purpose is to unify dreams, aspirations, and the shared destiny of its people.
Cape Town has been fighting against metal theft, particularly the theft of street lights, with the help of a specialized team called the “Copperheads.” The team has facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12year prison sentence. Despite persistent vandalism and theft, the city has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate while intensifying inspections and patrols to bolster antitheft measures. The public has been urged to participate in the fight against metal theft by reaching out to the city’s 24hour tollfree tipoffs line.
The City of Cape Town is conducting a household survey to gain insight into the socioeconomic circumstances of different communities, with over half of the targeted 10,000 interviews already completed. Residents can participate to help shape their communities’ future and enhance service delivery. The collected data is confidential and adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act, and participation is voluntary. Kantar, a data collection agency, is conducting the survey with safety measures in place to ensure legitimacy and minimize privacy intrusion.
Meet Otter, a weed harvester designed to keep Cape Town’s water bodies healthy and clean. Equipped with underwater blades, it is responsible for controlling the growth of Sago Pondweed, removing algal mats, and refining water quality. Otter is a breakthrough in ecofriendly water management and a triumph of local craftsmanship, contributing to the city’s dedication towards preserving and enhancing its water bodies.
The deliberate removal of manhole covers and the addition of foreign objects leads to severe blockages and overflows, posing a dangerous threat to public health and safety. The community must take responsibility and practice responsible waste disposal to protect the vital infrastructure that maintains the city’s health and cleanliness. The city has initiated awareness campaigns and a hotline to report incidents, but residents must also play a significant role in protecting their city’s health.
The launch of ‘Otter’, a custombuilt weed harvester, marks a significant milestone in the environmental conservation of Rietvlei in Cape Town. Its function is to cut, collect, and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities. The initiative is part of the City’s commitment to the preservation of its cherished recreational vleis and contributes to the local economies flourishing around these vleis. ‘Otter’ is a commendable step towards the management of natural resources.
Cape Town’s Catchment, Stormwater, and River Management department is leading a largescale project to rejuvenate the Blinkwater Stream in Camps Bay. The project aims to repair the concretelined channel, construct two silt basins upstream to trap large boulders, and equip the city to better resist future weather adversities. The innovative project, which integrates several detailed strategies, reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability and proactive infrastructure maintenance.
Cape Town has introduced an affordable singlephase feedin meter for residents to trade excess solar power back to the city through the ‘Cash for Power’ scheme. The new meter is priced at 40% less than the previous threephase model and has already generated over R30.8m. Participants can receive credits on their electricity and rates accounts by selling power back to the city or earn cash once their total municipal bill is credited down to zero. This initiative reflects Cape Town’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing loadshedding.
The City of Cape Town’s Central Library has launched the Oral History Project, which preserves the stories of local musicians. This innovative project transforms library services into a platform for preserving and educating about music history. Video podcasts are available to the public on YouTube and linked to the Online Public Access Catalog, allowing everyone to experience the vibrant cultural history of Cape Town’s music community.
The Absa Cape Town 10K is a prestigious road race that brings together elite runners from across Africa for a scenic 10kilometer stretch. The event attracts 12,000 runners and is accompanied by a festive atmosphere along the route, with temporary road closures in place. The race has helped establish Cape Town as a prime location for athletic competitions and showcases the unifying power of sports.
