The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but it’s important to remember that pets can be susceptible to unexpected dangers during this time. Dr. Elizna Boag, a respected veterinarian, warns about the risks of feeding pets human food, including the dangers of bones, red meat, and chocolate. Keeping harmful foods out of pets’ reach and consulting a veterinarian for advice on safe treats are crucial for pet safety during the holiday season. Prioritizing pet health and safety is key for happy and joyful celebrations.
Social grant scams in South Africa during the holiday season are a rising threat, with fraudsters exploiting the vulnerable and desperate. Scammers use unsolicited messages and counterfeit websites to trick people into giving away their social grant cards or personal information. It’s important to recognize and avoid these scams by staying informed and using only the official social grant website. If you encounter a scam, report it to the police or SASSA hotline number. Being vigilant and following safety protocols can help combat social grant scams and ensure a joyful holiday season.
As the festive season approaches, municipal service centers experience a surge in visits for tasks such as settling bills and renewing licenses. The City recommends using eServices to simplify procedures and save time. Municipal offices dealing with cash transactions, motor vehicle registration, and licensing will be closed on certain days, and operational hours of key shopping locales have been released. The City offers various contact options for residents, and online payment options are available to ensure the holiday season proceeds without unexpected interruptions.
Join the fight against food waste this holiday season with practical steps and mindful practices. By planning meals efficiently and purchasing locally and seasonally, we can reduce waste and promote sustainability. Mindful food storage, portion control, and creative use of leftovers are also important techniques. Businesses can also contribute to waste reduction with integrated waste management strategies. Let’s embrace sustainable feasting and build a more responsible and environmentally friendly future.
Cape Town is getting ready for the holiday season by hiring extra workers to keep the city clean and support local businesses. The Municipal Waste Management department has recruited over 2,500 seasonal workers and is implementing several cleaning measures across the city, asking residents to contribute to cleanliness efforts and adjust their refuse collection routines. The department also reminds residents to beware of imposters posing as collection staff and report any suspected instances to the police.
The Western Cape province in South Africa is gearing up for the festive season by implementing a robust health strategy to address around 60,000 emergency calls expected between December 15 and January 15. The strategy includes reducing elective procedures to allocate more resources to emergency centres, positioning ambulances and rescue vehicles along major highways, and collaborating with the National Sea Rescue Institute and Lifeguards SA during beach days. The province’s five drones equipped with highdefinition cameras and other sensors will provide realtime situational information to emergency services in challenging locations. Western Cape’s dedication to public health and safety demonstrates its commitment to managing largescale public health situations.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to prioritize safety on the roads. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is focusing on reducing road fatalities through increased awareness and vigilance. The banner Fatela represents a joint responsibility to look after each other’s safety on the roads, including pedestrians, passengers, and transport operators. To ensure road safety, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, drive with a valid license, avoid drinking and using drugs while driving, and follow speed limits. And for general safety, be aware of your surroundings, avoid excessive drinking and disputes, and always lock your windows and doors.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) warns parents and caregivers to be extra careful about their children’s location during the festive season, especially in public areas such as beaches and shopping centers. Children being inadvertently left behind on beaches is a recurring issue, but the DSD has implemented protective measures like the IdentiKidz project to ensure their safety. The DSD advises parents to seek help from law enforcement in case of unfortunate incidents and to celebrate responsibly to ensure a memorable and joyous festive season.
Cape Town is preparing for the upcoming holiday season by increasing its sanitation staff by 2,568 workers to keep the city clean and maintain its economic prosperity. Residents are urged to refrain from littering and to put their bins out early on their designated collection day. Community recycling centers will not be operational on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and residents are advised to report any incidents of coercion or disruptive conduct by City staff to the Call Centre.
South Africa’s Airports Company (ACSA) is preparing for the busiest time of the year as it braces for an influx of passengers during the holiday season from late October 2023 to March 2024. ACSA’s peak season planning includes a joint effort with multiple stakeholders to ensure a smooth travel experience and mitigate operational risks. OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport are expected to receive the highest traffic with 85% of all air passenger traffic in South Africa passing through these airports.
Step into the magical world of “Naledi’s Dream” at V&A Waterfront this holiday season. Combining storytelling, dance, and music, this theatrical production is an immersive experience for all ages, with daily shows from December 1623 at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm. The show is a celebration of Cape Town’s cultural dynamism and the true essence of the holiday season, with tickets available for only R100. Don’t miss out on this captivating spectacle and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.