The expansion of the Alice Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Works is a giant leap for the community and the University of Fort Hare. This project will boost the area’s water supply, letting it serve 38,000 people daily, while also creating 99 jobs for locals. With a strong focus on public health and sustainable growth, the initiative brings hope and new opportunities to Alice. It’s a shining example of teamwork, showing how government and community can work together to build a brighter future for everyone.
Cape Town’s Initiative for Esteemed Spaces is a policy that aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and quality of public places in the city. The humancentered urban designs transform spaces into purposeful, relevant, and significant places that encourage community development. The policy draws inspiration from principles such as the greater public good, holistic approach, identity, context, and placemaking, among others, to create visually captivating, environmentally friendly, economically sound, and socially fair environments in the city.
AfriPaw is a nonprofit organization that provides quality pet care to underprivileged communities in Cape Town, such as Vrygrond. They recently launched an innovative bicycle pet taxi service, enabling elderly and pet owners concerned about crime to transport their pets to AfriPaw’s monthly clinics safely and conveniently. AfriPaw also conducts free monthly clinics, extensive sterilization campaigns, and educational workshops, with the ultimate goal of cultivating responsible pet ownership through education. Their work is transforming the lives of pets and their owners, one bicycle ride at a time.
Mandela Day: A Commemoration of Unity and Artistry in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain
Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18th, honors Nelson Mandela’s dedication to social justice and encourages individuals to take action against poverty and inequality. The day is marked by community initiatives and the power of art to foster positive change. The Legacy Mural Initiative in Mitchells Plain and the Sinethemba Community Project in Khayelitsha are examples of communitybased initiatives that use art and unity to combat socioeconomic obstacles and promote community development. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of collaborative efforts to yield positive change and highlight the pivotal role that every individual can play in shaping their community.
The Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) in Botshabelo has been relocated to a more accessible location in the Reahola Shopping Centre, serving as a community cornerstone. The PCO plays a critical role in promoting interaction with citizens, facilitating ongoing dialogue on urgent issues, and strengthening Parliament’s supervisory role over the Executive branch. The office aims to enhance collaboration with local government representatives and function as a catalyst for Parliament’s vision of becoming a proactive and responsive institution that enriches South Africans’ livelihoods and nurtures lasting equality.
The Lingomso ‘Our Future’ project and the Noluntu Soup Kitchen are two initiatives in Khayelitsha that are helping to foster creativity in children and fight hunger in the community. The Lingomso project uses art to empower students, helping them to develop problemsolving skills and a sense of environmental consciousness. The Noluntu Soup Kitchen ensures no one goes hungry by repurposing food waste into compost for a community garden and providing nourishing meals. These initiatives are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
A Significant Milestone: Western Cape High Court Greenlights New Road Construction for Masiphumelele
The Western Cape High Court has approved the construction of a new road connecting Masiphumelele to the wider Noordhoek area, which will provide better access to essential amenities and emergency services, reduce traffic volumes, and counteract flooding risks. The road project, which had been delayed for almost eight years, is expected to bring relief to the community and enhance mobility and selfdetermination. While there were environmental concerns, the City has committed to mitigating any harmful impacts on wetlands and leopard toads, and the project is seen as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Cape Town is pioneering strategies to tackle homelessness through the groundbreaking Street People Policy launched in 2013. This policy has enabled easier access to social services, promoted reintegration, and guaranteed access to critical identification documents and social grants. The city’s strategy is always evolving, and the new draft strategy aims to further mitigate the factors that increase vulnerability to homelessness. The public participation process allows citizens to contribute their insights and assist in shaping the city’s strategy for addressing homelessness.
The Transformation of Becott Road in Ottery: A Tale of Progress and Community Development
Becott Road in Ottery is getting an infrastructure upgrade that includes replacing over 425 meters of deteriorating water pipes at an estimated cost of R1.7 million. The project is part of the city’s effort to maintain its aging water distribution network and is expected to be completed by May 2024. The opentrench excavation method was selected for this project, and it has created job opportunities for local residents. The project signifies progress, commitment, and resilience of the city.
The Power Play Women’s Cricket Tournament in Kleinvlei, Cape Town, is more than just a competitive sport. It promotes youth engagement, community development, and advancement of women’s sports, serving as an initiative aimed at empowering youths and fostering unity and teamwork. The tournament offers a beacon of hope for the young people of Kleinvlei, inspiring them to join, learn about the sport, and interact with their fellow community members. The tournament has become a muchawaited event in the local sports calendar, a testament to its success and its positive impact on the community.
On March 12, 2024, the Human Settlements Directorate in Cape Town distributed title deeds to new homeowners in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, marking a significant milestone for the community. The possession of a home represents financial stability, opportunities, and pride. While there are still over 12,000 unclaimed title deeds, the city’s commitment to increasing homeownership is a vital initiative towards a more prosperous Cape Town.
Barrydale Hand Weavers is an artisanal weaving brand located in Barrydale, South Africa, that uses locally sourced cotton scraps to create ecofriendly fashion. Their collaboration with Uni Form’s creative head, Luke Radloff, has propelled them to the world’s foremost fashion stage Paris Fashion Week 2024. The brand serves as a shining beacon of global textile production and offers a sustainable source of income for over 30 families. Their story serves as a motivational reminder of the power of passion, craftsmanship, and steadfast dedication to sustainable practices.
Kraaifontein’s Maroela South lowcost housing project is making progress towards providing sustainable and affordable housing for its population. The project includes 395 governmentfunded dwelling places and an additional 175 Gap housing units. The initiative not only provides a roof overhead but also promotes community ties, individual and family health, enhances educational opportunities, and ensures easy access to places of employment and economic activity. The Maroela South project is one of many projects undertaken by the Human Settlements Directorate, showing the City’s commitment to housing for everyone.
The City of Cape Town’s recent decision to waive application charges for leasing dangerous lanes in the Mitchells Plain community is expected to enhance safety and security for residents while reducing crime. The initiative is a result of years of community involvement and local governance, and property owners can now lease the lanes for a nominal monthly fee. The Mitchells Plain Lane Closure Project Committee will oversee the efficient execution of the project, setting a precedent for other communities grappling with similar issues.
BazArt’s International Public Art Festival in Cape Town uses art as a tool for placemaking, converting neglected public areas into vibrant community centers. By promoting safety, economic progress, and cultural interchange, each venue becomes a beacon of transformation and community involvement. BazArt’s initiatives have proven that public art and placemaking ignite social interaction, improve urban safety, and instigate economic growth, serving as powerful instruments for community development and social reform. Through the power of art, BazArt is not only transforming Cape Town but also shaping the future one brushstroke at a time.
In the pulsating core of Cape Town, a fascinating blend of diverse cultures and talents come together in a magnificent display of unity and entertainment. The Unity on the Square concert, an annual event now in its third year, is proudly backed by the City of Cape Town. This highly anticipated occasion unites the crème de la crème of Cape Town’s music scene. On the 16th of December 2023, the air in Greenmarket Square will be filled with the melodic tunes of Emo Adams, Youngsta CPT, Jack Parow, Kurt Darren, Early B, Loukmaan Adams, Jimmy Nevis, Paxton Fielies, and NV Funk, among other artists.