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Comment on Draft Short-Term Letting By-law
Dear Cape Town Metro Property Owners, The City of Cape Town is proposing a new Short-Term Letting (STL) By-law to provide mechanisms for determining the appropriate rating category of a property used for short-term letting. The City’s Rates Policy requires that commercial property rates be levied on premises used for commercial accommodation (i.e. short-term letting). The By-Law aims to improve identification of these properties by introducing a registration system and direct information-sharing from online booking platforms. Please note: Commercial rates do not apply to properties with less than 50% of room night availability for short-term letting, such as people supplementing their income by renting out some of their primary place of residence for some of the time. It also does not apply to long-term rental properties that are the primary place of residence of the tenant. The draft STL By-law proposes:
Which properties used for short-term letting will be considered commercial accommodation?
Per the City’s Rates Policy, a property will be regarded as commercial accommodation if it:
Note: Properties rented out on long-term leases are not considered commercial accommodation as the property remains a primary place of residence for the tenant. Public participation The draft Short-Term Letting By-law is open for public comment from 5 August 2026 to 5 October 2026. This follows engagements with stakeholders in the sector over the past year. Access the Executive Summary and draft By-law for further details. The City encourages all interested property owners, residents, operators and industry stakeholders, data engineers and professionals to review the proposals and submit comments during the public participation period. Following consideration of public input, the By-law may be revised before being submitted to Council for consideration. The City intends to provide a grace period to enable owners, operators and booking platforms to comply with the new requirements before implementation, foreseen to come into effect from July 2027 onwards. City of Cape Town Have your Say - Organisational Performance Management PolicyComment on the Proposed Amendments to the Rates Policy
Dear Cape Town Metro Property Owners,
Cape Town’s Rates Policy requires that commercial property rates be paid for premises used for commercial short-term letting. This does not apply to people supplementing their income by renting out some of their residence for some of the time. To improve compliance for commercial short-term letting properties incorrectly paying residential rates, a draft Short-Term Letting By-law will go out for public participation in due course. In preparation for this, the City’s proposed Rates Policy 2026/27 includes updates related to the forthcoming By-law to improve compliance for premises that should rightfully be categorised as commercial tourist accommodation (short-term letting). This will further ensure fairness in the commercial accommodation industry, with all those using a property for commercial short-term letting paying the correct rates category required of a commercial business - as hotels, guesthouses, and BnBs already do. Which properties used for short-term letting will be considered commercial? Per the proposed amendments to the City’s Rates Policy, properties are considered commercial if they are available for short-term letting for more than 50% of the total annual room nights (the portion of nights a property’s total bedrooms are available for short-term letting over a 365-day period). Note: Properties rented out on long-term leases are not considered commercial as the property remains a primary residence for the tenant. The amended Rates Policy is available for public comment until 30 April 2026 as part of the City’s broader draft Budget public participation process. The updated Rates Policy will be tabled for adoption by Council in May 2026 for implementation from 1 July 2026. The City will enact a grace period for owners to adapt to the new system. It is foreseen that from 1 July 2027, the City will begin moving identified properties over to commercial property rates where applicable. Later in the year, we will release a related draft Short-Term Letting By-law. This will also be available for public participation and will outline all the processes for implementing the proposed amendments in the Rates Policy. You can find more information in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document which should be read alongside the draft of the amended Rates Policy. City of Cape Town Have your Say - Mobile Business Trading
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Stormwater drains VS Sewer Drains - KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
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New MyCiti Stops More Sidewalks and Traffic Calming MeasuresCITY OF CAPE TOWN 3 MARCH 2025 MEDIA RELEASE More sidewalks and traffic calming measures to enhance pedestrian safety The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate would like to advise residents, road users and businesses of the construction of sidewalks and various traffic calming measures in Atlantis, Table View, Sunridge, Montague Gardens, Sunningdale, Melkbosstrand, Bloubergrant, Parklands, West Riding and West Beach. The work is planned to take place from today, 3 March 2025, until Monday 26 May 2025, between 07:00 and 17:00, Monday to Saturday, weather permitting and provided there are no unforeseen delays. Read more below:  High resolution maps are available here: https://bit.ly/3XsBawq ‘This construction of sidewalks and traffic calming measures will enhance pedestrian safety, particularly around schools and play parks where the highest concentration of vulnerable road users is typically found. All applicable road signage and road markings will be installed and applied as well. I ask that road users be cautious while work is under way, lower their speed, pay attention to road signs, be vigilant in and around the roadworks area, factor in longer travel time and consider alternative routes where possible,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas. Work will be done in the various areas. Work will be done in the various areas. Bloubergrant:
End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Note to broadcasters – audio is available here: https://bit.ly/3DgmbyE Formal Channels of Reporting For Residents EPIC 2024 Q3 (Economic Performance Indicators for Cape Town)City capacitates Early Childhood Development CentresCITY OF CAPE TOWN 9 FEBRUARY 2025 MEDIA RELEASE City training interventions address scarce skills development The City of Cape Town’s Corporate Services and Human Resources Directorate has successfully implemented a number of training interventions that benefited its Service and Sales workers (3 806), Clerks (2 721), Technicians and Associated Professionals (2 069), Professionals (2 676), Craft and Related Trade Workers (1 544), Elementary Occupations (1 022) and 716 Plant and Machine operators. As at the end of December 2024, a total of 211 apprentice opportunities and 1 470 external learnership opportunities were created. The City further has 34 active Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) graduates within its ranks. Read more below: 
High resolution images available here: https://bit.ly/4b2eQOq ‘A City of Hope for all is our vision and the City is committed to skills development and the creation of opportunities for youth, as well as any eager-to-learn City staff members and residents. As of last year, the City has managed to train 9 567 employees across various training interventions. This is a remarkable feat that ensures that staff members are empowered with new skills to keep on rendering services of value to our residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys. The City of Cape Town has also actively participated in the Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) Programme since the 2014/15 financial year, funded by the National Treasury. This three-year programme aims to address scarce skills within municipalities across South Africa by training and mentoring graduates to achieve professional registration with their respective statutory councils. The ISDG graduates’ key focus areas include Civil, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Regional and Town Planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This year one of these Chemical Engineering graduates has been permanently placed at the City. ‘The ISDG programme plays a vital role in equipping graduates with specific scarce skills, abilities, and knowledge. We empower youngsters with three-year contracts that lay the foundation for them to register with statutory councils and bodies such as ECSA, SAGC, SACNASP and SACPLAN,’ said Alderman Uys. Caption: 1. Alderman Theresa Uys with last year’s cohort of ISDG graduates at the Civic Centre in Cape Town. End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Alderman Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, City of Cape Town, Email: Theresa.Uys@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) City capacitates Early Childhood Development CentresCITY OF CAPE TOWN 9 FEBRUARY 2025 MEDIA RELEASE City capacitates Early Childhood Development Centres Last year, the City’s Community, Arts & Culture Development (CACD) Department facilitated training opportunities for nearly 1 700 ECD practitioners. More opportunities are on the cards for 2025. Read more below:  Audio (English): https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/09022025_higham_ecds Audio (Afrikaans): https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/09022025_higham_ecds Audio (isiXhosa): https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/09022025_higham_ecds Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres play a vital role in a child's future well-being and success. The early years are foundational in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social abilities, making investments in ECD key to academic and socio-economic growth. However, ECD centres face many challenges in achieving successful outcomes, and CACD is committed to bridging these gaps. ‘Early Childhood Development Centres have to meet minimum compliance requirements to ensure the safety of the children in their care and they must be registered with the Western Cape Government. Not only does this ensure that health and safety standards are maintained, but once registered with the Western Cape Government ECDs can apply for funding support. The City offers guidance and resources where possible to help facilities achieve the legal requirements, but also to promote staff growth and development, and help ECDs thrive,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham. In 2024, the CACD Department hosted a number of training interventions on a range of topics, reaching 1 668 ECD staff members from across the metropole. Non-Profit Organisation governance and financial literacy training focused on aspects like good governance practices, developing business plans and mapping out budgets, as well as fundraising mechanisms for NPOs. The rest of the sessions focused on:
Generally, CACD also lends support to ECDs to ensure they are compliant with relevant legislation so that they are able to become registered. ‘As we settle into the new academic year, it is worth reminding ECDs that there are opportunities to help them grow as centres of learning, for the benefit of thousands of young children. We look forward to helping more ECDs through our training interventions, ensuring sustainability for their businesses and also peace of mind for the parents who rely on these facilities to aid their children’s cognitive development,’ added Councillor Higham. ECDs can request more information on training and other support available from their local CACD regional offices.
Caption 1 & 2: A First Aid training workshop for ECD practitioners in March 2024 Caption 3: A health and hygiene workshop for ECD practitioners in September 2024 End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Eslynn Apollis, Executive Support Officer to the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 615 3665, Email: Eslynn.Apollis@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Zero tolerance for illegal fireworksCape Town launches Beach Safety Plans Ahead of Record Festive SeasonCITY OF CAPE TOWN 2 DECEMBER 2024 MEDIA RELEASE Cape Town launches Beach Safety plans ahead of record festive season The City of Cape Town has deployed over 680 lifeguards to beaches and swimming pools ahead of the summer tourism boom. This forms part of a record festive safety deployment of over 5 000 personnel across the metro. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched the City’s drowning prevention plans together with Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, at the Lifeguarding Clubhouse on Clifton 4th beach on Monday, 2 December. Read more below:  High resolution photographs are available here: https://bit.ly/4eX4vVm As part of its drowning prevention campaign, the City is deploying 340 beach lifeguards and 343 swimming pool lifeguards. Lifeguards will be on duty at 29 different beaches, tidal pools, stretches of coast, and all public swimming pools between 10:00 and 18:00 daily. Partners include Lifesaving Cape Town, with 14 clubs along the coast, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), who are on standby to make emergency deployments of rescue swimmers and vessels operating from eight base stations across the city. The City’s Identikidz child safety project will be in full-swing, with this initiative tagging more than 130 000 children last summer. Holiday-makers can further expect a top-up cleaning service targeting all beaches, scenic routes and central business districts. Cape Town’s anti-litter mascot, Bingo, will also be making various public appearances to encourage people to “bin it in the Bingo bin” and keep Cape Town clean for all to enjoy. ‘Cape Town is expecting record numbers of visitors to our shores this festive season, bringing a welcome boost to our local economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. ‘We are excited to welcome the world to our pristine beaches, where we will be pulling out all the stops to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season. Visitors can expect well-trained lifeguards, an extensive child safety programme to prevent lost children, vehicle checkpoints, visible policing, and bolstered area cleaning services,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis. Cape Town has seen an improvement in drowning statistics over the past three years. Fatal drownings were down 26% in the 2023/24 summer season when compared to the season before. Thirty non-fatal drownings, 14 fatal drownings and 80 rescues were recorded along the coast in the 2023/24 season. There were no fatal or non-fatal drownings at municipal swimming pools. 'The improved statistics are welcomed, but one drowning is one too many. Even more heart-breaking is that all of the fatal drownings last season happened outside designated bathing areas, or during times when lifeguards were not on duty. ‘Our lifeguards are dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers, but it is a shared responsibility. Please adhere to the rules, and support our lifeguards, so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. City safety operations will be coordinated from special Beach Joint Operational Centres (JOCs), reporting into the central Metropole Integrated JOC at the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) in Goodwood, as well as the SAPS Command Centre. Vehicle checkpoints will be in place on major routes to beaches, with officers clamping down on alcohol-use and anti-social behaviour in public spaces. The City would like to remind the public of four golden rules to be cognisant of when in and around water:
End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Note to broadcasters – audio is available: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/02122024_vdross_drowning Media enquiries: Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 068 299 3933, Email: patricia.vanderross@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Media enquiries: Lyndon Khan, Mayoral Media Officer, Cell: 076 186 8719, Email: Lyndon.khan@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Draft Walking And Cycling Strategy The City of Cape Town is making significant strides in prioritising Active Mobility through our draft Walking and Cycling Strategy. Councillor Quintas shares insights on how this plan will enhance mobility and sustainability in our City. Watch the video, then head over to the Have Your Say page to provide your feedback. Your input is essential, comments close on 14 December 2024. Vist our platform via the link below to view the video. Click Here to Submit your Comment #WalkandCycleCT #UrbanMobilityCT Zero tolerance for illegal fireworks
09 October 2024
With Diwali celebrations at the end of October, and Guy Fawkes a week later, the City reminds residents that no fireworks will be allowed without the necessary permission and a permit. Although there has been a slight decline in fireworks-related incidents and complaints in recent years, it remains a contentious issue. The City of Cape Town dispensed with designated fireworks sites in 2019, for Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve. This year will be no different – anyone wishing to put on a fireworks display needs to apply for a permit from the South African Police Service, in terms of the National Explosives Act. If the application is approved by SAPS, the applicant has to contact the Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Life Safety Section in the area where they plan to hold the display, so that a site inspection can be carried out to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display. Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the immediate surroundings, strict conditions have to be adhered to before, and during the fireworks display to mitigate any potential risk to public health and safety. If more than 200 attendees are expected, or the event requires any infrastructure build, the applicant also requires an events permit from the City. Between October and November, complaints about fireworks increased, particularly in residential areas. The public is reminded that they can be fined for setting off fireworks without a permit, selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 16, or allowing a person younger than 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision. ‘Although the popularity of fireworks has decreased in recent years, there remain those who find joy in setting off fireworks and terrorising their neighbourhoods and pets. The trauma and stress, particularly in communities wracked by gun violence, is something that we all can do without. It is also an incredibly difficult offence to enforce, since the locations can’t often be pinpointed, or the perpetrators disappear before staff are able to get to the scene. Ultimately, a national ban on fireworks is the best solution, but until then, we ask that residents report those selling fireworks illegally so we can try and reduce the supply on the streets,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline. End Published by: City of Cape Town, Media Office Cape Town's Transport Picture 2024City issues updated integrated transport plan for public comment The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has updated the Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan (CITP) that was approved by Council in 2023. The CITP outlines the strategies and plans for the period 2023 to 2028 to improve transport in Cape Town, including access to a range of transport choices that are sustainable and dignified to keep Capetonians moving. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments on the updated information by 19 October 2024. Click Here to Read More   Transport Roadshow - Table View Presentation - COCT Municipal Planning By-LawProject Blast Off Amendments to the COCT Municipal Planning By-Law2024_HYS_MPBL.jpg)
CITY OF CAPE TOWN 12 SEPTEMBER 2024 MEDIA RELEASE City extends commenting period on draft revised Municipal Planning By-law, encourages public to attend clarification meetings The City of Cape Town has extended the 60-day public commenting period on the proposed revised Municipal Planning By-law (MPBL) with a month, to 25 October 2024. In addition, the City will also host an in-person public and online meetings where residents, interested and affected parties, and stakeholders can engage with City officials about the proposed amendments and new provisions. The MPBL regulates development and land use in the city. Residents and residents associations are encouraged to utilise the additional time to submit their input, and to attend the online meeting for further clarifications. Read more below: ‘We have received requests from ratepayers associations and other interested parties to consider extending the commenting period on the proposed amendments and new provisions to the Municipal Planning By-law. The City has carefully considered these requests, and I am happy to say that we are granting an additional 30-days for comments to be submitted. Thus, all-in-all, the City is having a 90-day commenting period on the MPBL, which I trust is fair and reasonable, and suffices in allowing residents and stakeholders the time they need to submit their input. ‘In addition, we will be hosting an in-person public meeting where the public can ask questions for clarification to better understand the potential impact these amendments may have on their neighbourhoods, and development in Cape Town in general. ‘City officials will also host meetings with stakeholder groups, if needed. These will be arranged on request from those recognised organisations such as ratepayers associations. I again want to thank the public for their interest in the by-law, and their commitment to collaborate with the City. We welcome the robust discussions, and are looking forward to receiving your comments,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. Details of upcoming meetings, and other engagements:
How to access the relevant documents and notices:
‘I want to reiterate that the City welcomes the robust discussions, and are looking forward to receiving further input in coming weeks to assist us in fine-tuning our efforts, as encapsulated in the draft MPBL,’ said Alderman Andrews. End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Note to broadcasters, sound is available here: https://bit.ly/4e2UBCi Media enquiries: Jason Love, Executive Support Officer to the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Cell: 072 161 4037, Email: Jason.Love@capetown.gov.za (Please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Celebrate Transport Month 2024  Draft Waste Strategy
New MyCiti Stops Tuberculosis  Draft Amendments to the Ombudsman By-law and Ombudsman PolicyCape Town Building for Jobs - Budget 2024/24  City’s WhatsApp Channel Now AvailableCITY OF CAPE TOWN 28 JUNE 2024 MEDIA RELEASE City’s WhatsApp channel now available for electricity queries The City of Cape Town’s 24-hour Customer Relations call centre has extended its WhatsApp channel to include electricity related faults and service requests. This channel will make it easier for residents to contact the City and request assistance in this regard. Read more below: ‘To log an electricity related service request or fault, residents can simply save 060 018 1505 as a contact on a Smartphone, open the WhatsApp application to initiate a conversation and select the Electricity tab to log the request. Customers are reminded to have their meter numbers handy (where applicable) and to provide a comprehensive description and location of the fault when using the WhatsApp platform,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys Some of the types of requests that can be logged via this channel, include:
End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Alderman Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, City of Cape Town, Email: Theresa.Uys@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Urban Mobility winter preparedness campaign   Draft Strategy to Address Rough SleepingCITY OF CAPE TOWN 21 APRIL 2024 MEDIA RELEASE City Invites Comments on its Draft Strategy to Address Rough Sleeping The draft strategy, set to replace the existing Street People policy, will enable the City to collaborate with more role-players, and broaden the scope of interventions for persons sleeping on the street. Read more below: The City of Cape Town has, for years, gone above and beyond its municipal mandate to help people off the streets. While the constitutional mandate and budgets for welfare services reside with national and provincial government, the City introduced a Street People Policy in 2013. The policy guided the implementation and expansion of numerous programmes to assist persons sleeping and living on the street, including access to social services, reintegration, personal development plans and short term work opportunities; facilitating access to identity documents and social grants, as well as access to NGO-run shelters. In addition, the City has supported the NGO sector through Grant-in-Aid funding, and in 2018, the Community, Arts & Culture Development Department (previously Social Development & Early Childhood Development) piloted its first Safe Space transitional shelter. Since then, 800 bed spaces have been made available at four Safe Spaces, with more to come. ‘We have achieved a lot thanks to the current policy, but we can do more. Rough sleeping is a complex issue that affects many major cities, and the situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the related economic impacts. This draft strategy is an opportunity for everyone to have their say and help us formulate a new blueprint that will alleviate the risks that make people vulnerable to rough sleeping,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross. The draft strategy to reduce rough sleeping aims to guide all assistance and interventions, partnerships (including social development programmes) to people sleeping on the streets, in open spaces, vehicles and makeshift structures, as well as those living in temporary accommodation such as shelters, safe spaces or temporary accommodation of a similar nature. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The public participation process runs from 22 April until 22 May 2024. Details will be available on the City’s webpage: Have your say (capetown.gov.za) Written comments can also be sent to Public.Participation@capetown.gov.za End Note to broadcasters – audio is available: https://bit.ly/3xIswjc Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 068 299 3933, Email: patricia.vanderross@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Do the Right Thing this WinterCITY OF CAPE TOWN 14 MAY 2024 MEDIA RELEASE Do the Right Thing this Winter As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is proud to announce the start of our Preparing for Winter initiative. The City will be going toe-to-toe against the pressing issues of illegal dumping, blocked stormwater drains and water damming onto our roads. However, we need Capetonians to work with us. By doing the right thing, we can all minimise the impact of winter storms, mitigate flooding of our roads and neighbourhoods, and ensure safer roads for all. Read more below: 
High resolution photographs are available here: https://bit.ly/3QJEC28 ‘The Urban Mobility Directorate is preparing for the wet season by clearing our stormwater infrastructure across Cape Town. Blocked inlets cause roads to flood and, as we have seen in the past, flooded roads often result in the flooding of houses in low-lying areas. While we are doing all we can, I’m calling on Capetonians to help us prepare for winter. ‘Without the cooperation of our residents, our efforts are in vain. We need residents to please work with us: do not dump any objects into the stormwater infrastructure; do not decant water onto roads, and report potholes as soon as possible so that our Roads Infrastructure Management teams can do the necessary repairs. Sometimes, a temporary repair will be done to keep the road safe until the surface is dry enough to undertake permanent repairs. Be that as it may, I want to assure residents we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of wet weather on our road network,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas. Residents can join efforts in mitigating flooding by promptly reporting instances of illegal dumping and blocked stormwater drains so that we can take action to clear obstructions and prevent potential flooding disasters. Illegal dumping of waste in our stormwater infrastructure can lead to blockages, causing water to accumulate and overflow onto roads, damaging infrastructure and posing hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Grey and waste-water (any water with a soapy substance) discharged onto road surfaces can cause significant damage to the road network, compromising its longevity and safety. Residents are urged to not pour washing water into roads and to ensure that nothing is deposited into stormwater drains that could obstruct the flow. How to report blocked stormwater infrastructure and potholes:
End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Note to broadcasters – audio is available here: https://bit.ly/4aiLlqP Media enquiries: Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Tel: 021 400 7197 or Cell: 082 042 3502, Email: Roberto.Quintas@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Amendments to Grant-In-Aid Policy and Ward and Subcouncil Policy Supply Chain Management Policy Conserving water through education on World Water DayCITY OF CAPE TOWN 23 MARCH 2024 MEDIA RELEASE Conserving water through education on World Water Day Annually observed on 22nd March, World Water Day serves as a poignant reminder of the global water crisis and the imperative to ensure access to safe, quality drinking water. Read more below:  High resolution photographs are available here: https://bit.ly/4arYIp2 This year’s theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace”, underscores the pivotal role water plays in fostering harmony among communities and nations. With a growing population and indifferent climate patterns exacerbating water stress, the City of Cape Town must increase its water supply sources to ensure resilience and sustainability for its residents. Expanding the City's water supply is paramount to meet the escalating demands stemming from rapid urbanisation, thereby alleviating strain on existing infrastructure. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has embarked on the New Water Programme (NWP), a multifaceted initiative aimed at diversifying and enhancing Cape Town's water resources. The NWP consists of various strategic endeavours geared towards augmenting the City's water supply by 300 million litres per day by 2030, including: Surface water: Harnessing water from rivers and dams to contribute an additional 40 million litres per day. Groundwater: Drilling boreholes and tapping springs securing over 100 million litres per day. Re-use: Implementing purified recycled wastewater, adding 70-100 million litres per day. Desalination: Extracting salt from seawater to yield 50-70 million litres per day. ‘In addition to infrastructure enhancements, the City is actively engaged in disseminating information and fostering community involvement to ensure inclusivity and awareness. Educational initiatives organised by the Water and Sanitation Directorate span schools, malls, and community forums, where residents are empowered with valuable insights into water conservation practices and the City’s plans for a resilient water supply,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water Sanitation. In the lead-up to World Water Day, outreach efforts have been concentrated in areas such as Thornton, Retreat, and Samora Machel, emphasising the significance of water conservation. Look out for the interactive trailer touring various neighbourhoods, equipped with innovative features designed to engage and educate, including gaming elements that impart crucial lessons on water conservation while entertaining young learners. Caption 1: (From left to right) Edmond Tiku, Lorna Maqula, Velile Maxwell Dingaan and Vuyokazi Mayekiso. Caption 2: (From left to right) Lorna Maqula, Edmond Tiku, Velile Maxwell Dingaan and Vuyokazi Mayekiso Caption 3: Lorna Maqula and Velile Maxwell Dingaan explaining to Marlon Kiewiet, Wendy Petersen and Ntombikayise Ntonyi the importance of saving water. End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 639 5773, Email: zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za). Kind Regards Subcouncil 3 Koeberg Sewer Pump StationCITY OF CAPE TOWN 25 FEBRUARY 2024 MEDIA RELEASE Multiple interventions in place to improve operations at Koeberg Sewer Pump Station Increased sand and foreign debris have been found in the inflow to the Koeberg Sewer Pump Station, which negatively impacts the pumps, causing frequent failures. Although the City has been diligently maintaining the pumps, significant flow surges may periodically cause the system to backwash and overflow via emergency discharge points. Read more below:  Although the City has made great strides in restoring the Milnerton Lagoon, pollution has regrettably persisted due to a string of unanticipated incidents. The 12 collapses in Montague Gardens during the past few months, on the 900mm diameter fibre cement pipeline, are the primary cause of the significant sand intrusion. This is mainly due to ageing infrastructure, which is approximately 50 years old. Another cause for system failures is high sewage flows, putting pressure on the entire sewer system. Additional complexities are presented when the need for repairs arises. Due to the depth of the pipeline excavation, typically measures 5m below the surface. The R470 million Milnerton Bulk Sewer Improvement Project has been instrumental in earmarking the area's deteriorating sewage infrastructure for phased replacement. ‘Long-term improvements to Koeberg Pump Station will cost R118 million, with the installation of a sand trap and screening facility being the first to be completed. The goal is to finish this project in 2025. Furthermore, from 2026 to 2028, Koeberg Pump Station will be re-constructed to increase overall capacity,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. As an interim measure, various interventions are in place to manage overflows during peak times including:
To register for more information or to receive daily alerts, please email communications.waterandsanitation@capetown.gov.za. We apologise for the inconvenience experienced by residents living and working in the surrounding community. Caption 1: The 610m-long rising main connected to the mobile pump station which has been installed as an interim measure to manage leaks. Caption 2: The mobile pump station was installed as an interim measure to manage leaks. End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Note to broadcasters: an audio clip is available for download: https://on.soundcloud.com/xJhDz Media enquiries: Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 639 5773, Email: zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za). Kind Regards Subcouncil 3 154 Assault Cases Reported In Two DaysCITY OF CAPE TOWN 26 FEBRUARY 2024 MEDIA RELEASE 154 assault cases reported in two days The City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre fielded 154 assault calls in just two days, while Traffic Service and Law Enforcement departments issued 71 202 fines and arrested 215 suspects during weekly enforcement operations. The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 995 calls for assistance which included 154 physical assault related incidents during the weekend. Traffic Service also executed 3 221 warrants of arrest. Read more below:  On Saturday, 24 February 2024 Metro Police officers recovered drugs with an estimated street value of R15 000. During a midday patrol along Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood, officers noticed a driver in a white Kia hatchback acting suspiciously when he saw the officers. Officers stopped the vehicle and while conducting a search officers noticed the driver’s nervous behaviour. Officers then requested to search the driver and found a medicine container with two bankies Heroin, 15 bankies Cocaine and four bankies Tik. The driver tried to bribe the officers with R2 000 not to arrest him. The 45-year old suspect was arrested for being in possession of drugs with an additional charge of bribery. He was detained at Elsies River South African Police Service( SAPS). On the same day, officers arrested a suspect and recovered a firearm in Heideveld. Patrolling in Winterberg Road, officers noticed a male suddenly changing direction when he saw the patrol vehicle. Officers approached the suspect and conducted a search and found a 9mm pistol with the serial number still intact, and six 9mm live rounds. The 18-year-old suspect could not produce a valid firearm license, and was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and detained at Manenberg SAPS. Officers also conducted crime prevention patrols in Dullar Omar Street, Fisantekraal when they noticed two suspicious males who fled when they saw the patrol vehicle. The suspects were apprehended and searched. One of the suspects, aged 22, was found with an imitation gas firearm and three gas rounds. The suspect was arrested for possession of an imitation firearm and detained at Durbanville SAPS for further investigation. TRAFFIC SERVICE On Sunday, 25 February 2024, officers were patrolling in the Wynberg area when they responded to information of a suspicious vehicle near Riverstone and Main Road. Officers searched the green Mazda sedan and found an imitation firearm with two blank rounds next to the driver seat. Further investigation led to the discovery of one bag of Tik. The driver was arrested for the illegal possession of drugs. During weekly enforcement patrols, officers issued 66 971 fines, of which 34 617 were for speeding offences and 32 354 for various other traffic offences. Officers also executed 3 221 warrants of arrest and impounded 188 public transport vehicles. A total of 36 arrests were made, of which 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, two for reckless and negligent driving and 10 for various other transgressions, which included a stolen vehicle, false documentation and assault of an officer. LAW ENFORCEMENT During the past week, the City’s Law Enforcement officers conducted more than 690 enforcement operations, where officers arrested 179 suspects and issued 4 231 fines. Officers attached to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan accounted for 172 of the arrests, of which 111 were for the illegal possession and or trade in drugs. PECC Of the 1 995 calls recorded during the past weekend, 822 were medical related, which include a staggering 154 assault cases. This is the highest number recorded in the past month of which 16 were gunshot related. Call agents also dealt with 66 domestic violence cases. The emergency centre also recorded 52 motor vehicle and 20 pedestrian vehicle accidents. ‘The number of assault cases recorded by our Public Emergency Communication Centre is worrying – call agents had to deal with 154 calls over the weekend. Although we expect an increase of assault cases during month-end weekends, the steep increase should be noted and is a concern. It’s an indication of the level of violence in communities often triggered by alcohol abuse, gender based violence and lack of respect. This behaviour often spills over to more serious crimes, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and theft. We also note the increase in domestic violence cases which has an extremely negative effect on households, especially those with innocent children. Our officers can only act if they are informed about these cases and we request residents to report any incident that poses a threat to families and the community,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline. End Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1311 or Cell: 083 675 3780, Email: jean-pierre.smith@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za) Kind Regards Subcouncil 3 |
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