The Permit Advisory Forum (PAF) is a new initiative by the City of Cape Town to ensure compliance with marine outfall regulations and promote ecological responsibility. The PAF will manage effluent discharge volume and quality, pipeline maintenance, and environmental monitoring. The forum also explored innovative alternatives for waste management, including shortterm refurbishments and longterm wastewater treatment plant constructions. This pioneering effort aims to usher in a new era of sustainable and ecoaware ethos towards environmental stewardship.
Cape Town’s Energy, Water and Waste (EWW) Forum brings together the city and local businesses to work towards responsible resource management and sustainability. The forum focuses on innovative solutions to tackle organic waste management challenges and landfill diversion, with the goal of reducing organic waste in landfills by 50% by 2022 and achieving 100% organic waste diversion by 2027. The forum demonstrates the power of shared knowledge and collaboration in driving sustainable change and serves as an inspiring model for cities worldwide.
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.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Vision aims to provide dignified water and sanitation services to all residents, with a proposed budget of R5,317bn dedicated to water and sanitation in the financial year of 2024/2025. The plan includes installing new taps and toilets in informal settlements, diversifying water sources, and improving infrastructure and treatment facilities. The city is also committed to building resilience during instances of loadshedding, preserving the environment, and reducing the risk of pollution. This investment signifies a brighter, sustainable future for the city and its inhabitants.
Emazulwini Restaurant in Cape Town has achieved global recognition for its delicious flavors, warmhearted service, and lively personality. The restaurant prioritizes locallysourced and sustainable ingredients, making it stand out in the food industry. Chef Mmabatho Molefe, the creative mind behind Emazulwini, has had an impressive journey in the gastronomic world, recognized as one of the World’s 50 Next Hospitality Pioneers for her innovation in Zuluinspired cuisine. Although the restaurant has closed its doors, there are hints of a potential comeback, and its recognition highlights the impact of local, sustainable, and personalityrich culinary establishments worldwide.
‘Stop Food Waste Day’ is an important day that reminds us to make responsible choices, reduce carbon emissions, and strive for sustainability. Food waste contributes to global warming and climate change by releasing methane gas. We can take simple steps like mindful meal planning, proper storage of food, creative cooking, and supporting food redistribution initiatives to reduce food waste. Businesses also play a significant role in reducing food waste. By making small changes, we can safeguard our future and create a more resilient planet.
The Carbon Smart Skills Development program in Cape Town is transforming the lives of unemployed women by providing them with comprehensive training in green building principles and Biomass Insulated Concrete (BIC), an ecofriendly building material. The program promises jobs for three years and is not only a skill development initiative but also a beacon of hope and change for a more sustainable future. The use of BIC in construction projects is a paradigm shift that promotes the construction of green infrastructure across the city, minimizing carbon footprints during construction. The program aims to empower women and contribute to the green economy.
JessicaAnn Shepherd, the founder of clothing brand Oddity, has won the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024, a prestigious fashion competition in South Africa. Her winning collection, ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ impressed the judges with its sustainable approach to fashion, using upcycling methods and excess fabric to create vibrant and unique designs. As well as receiving a cash reward and mentorship programme, Shepherd will design a collection to be sold in select Mr Price stores next year. This win is a testament to the emerging talent in South Africa’s fashion industry.
The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project in Cape Town that empowers jobless women through ecoconscious skills training. The curriculum includes green building concepts, small to mediumsized enterprise development, and soft skills for the workplace. A unique aspect of the program is the use of alien invasive species for environmentally friendly building materials. The initiative equips women with skills to succeed in the growing green economy, benefiting the community as a whole.
The South African wine industry is adapting to climate change by replanting vineyards to conform to natural contour lines, installing drains to direct rainfall towards a reservoir, fostering biodiversity to enhance soil fertility, and preparing for future climate challenges. The vineyards in Stellenbosch are being extensively restructured to better endure heavy rain episodes, and the goal is to create a harmonious relationship with nature. The industry must prepare for a global temperature escalation of up to 3 degrees Celsius and a 30% shrinkage in annual rainfall by midcentury.
Cape Town’s Approach to Water Security: A Crucial Move Towards Enduring Adaptability
Cape Town is taking a proactive approach to water security by diversifying its water sources and implementing cuttingedge technologies for water recycling and desalination. The New Water Programme aims to boost daily water supply by 300 million litres by 2040 through various strategies, including invasive plant species clearance and groundwater exploitation. Citizen engagement is also critical to strengthening the city’s water resilience. With escalating challenges sparked by climate change and urbanisation, Cape Town’s efforts reflect resilience, adaptability, and the power of collective action.
The Strandfontein Coastal Development is a project by the City of Cape Town to transform an underutilized coastal region into a mixedpurpose urban hub while safeguarding the environment. The plan includes biodiversity, socioeconomic growth spaces, job creation, and residential opportunities. The City is engaging an independent environmental consultant to ensure strict adherence to environmental norms. The public will have opportunities to engage and offer feedback throughout the development process, demonstrating the City’s commitment to community welfare and environmental preservation.
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.
Engineers are critical to Cape Town’s sustainable development, working with the government to combat challenges in transportation, housing, water management, waste minimization, and water purity. The city sees its socioeconomic issues as stepping stones towards a more inclusive community, with engineers at the forefront of its grand blueprint. Their skills and expertise are deployed to prioritize infrastructure development, enhance urban mobility, and improve water and sanitation systems. Building trust and collaborating with local communities are key to ensuring a resilient and innovative future for Cape Town.
Devonbosch is a new urban development that focuses on sustainability, community, and innovation. Its unique architectural masterpiece, Building B North, is made up of ten distinct structures that create a microcosm within the larger building. Devonbosch offers a cyclist’s paradise, fitness options, community spaces, and an Italian restaurant called Ischia. The development is committed to sustainability, community engagement, and technological advancements, making it an attractive investment opportunity for the forwardthinking.
Bingo, the antilitter mascot of the City of Cape Town, has been visiting schools to spread the message of antilittering and correct waste disposal. Bingo’s interactive method has been successful in engaging children and encouraging their passion for preserving the environment. The City officials believe that this initiative can redirect future generations from the prevailing trend of littering and dumping rampant in several communities. Schools are motivated to schedule a visit from Bingo, highlighting the potential of using novel methods to communicate essential social and environmental messages.