| Public will need to apply for permits for firework displays in 2020 | As was the case in 2019, fireworks displays will only be allowed where a permit has been applied for in terms of the relevant legislation. | <p>Persons wishing to host fireworks displays will be able to apply for a permit to do so, in terms of the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. </p><p>Any event where 200-plus attendees are expected, or that requires any infrastructure build, will also require an Events permit from the City.<br> <br>The City wishes to reiterate that, while it has, in years gone by provided designated fireworks sites, there is no obligation to do so and since 2019 has no longer provided designated fireworks sites for Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.<br> <br>Chapter 11 of the Community Fire Safety By-law, which deals with fireworks, states that<strong> A controlling authority MAY set aside municipal land for the purpose of the letting off of fireworks by the public, subject to such conditions as may be determined by the controlling authority and indicated by a notice at the site.</strong><br> <br>‘As we indicated last year, the public will need to apply for a permit for a fireworks display as we no longer provide designated sites. There is growing public sentiment opposing the use of fireworks, and we have also seen a decreased appetite from subcouncils to approve designated sites. Add to that the cost of running the sites and making resources available to monitor activities and clean up the aftermath, a picture emerges of why the designated site allocation is not feasible. Furthermore, the designated sites have done little to deter the illegal discharge of fireworks in residential areas, which is an ongoing problem.<br> <br>‘Unfortunately this was misinterpreted as a ban on fireworks, when it was first implemented, but I would like to remind the public that only national government has the authority to ban fireworks. Firework displays can still be applied for, in terms of the relevant legislation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.<br> <br>Persons who would like to apply for a permit to host a firework display need to apply to the South African Police Service via email, on <a href="mailto:capetown.explosives.cmrd@saps.gov.za">capetown.explosives.cmrd@saps.gov.za</a>. They can copy the Head of the City’s Fire and Life Safety Section in their application – <a href="mailto:Ignatius.smart@capetown.gov.za">Ignatius.smart@capetown.gov.za</a><br> <br>If the application is given the go ahead by SAPS, they then have to make contact with 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. <br> <br>Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the immediate surroundings, permission also needs to be sought from residents and businesses in the area, and strict conditions have to be adhered to before and during the fireworks display to mitigate any potential risk to public health and safety.<br> <br>The public is reminded that the import and sale of fireworks without the necessary permissions outlined in the Explosives act is illegal, as is the discharge of fireworks in an area not specifically designated for it. <br> <br>In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.<br> <br>Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report this to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or to the South African Police Service on 10111.<br> <br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-09-22T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City protects ancient Milkwood trees in Gordon’s Bay | The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department recently completed a green infrastructure improvement project in Gordon’s Bay. | <p>The natural heritage we own in Cape Town such as our trees and biodiversity are just as important as any other aspect of the city’s heritage. The Gordon’s Bay Milkwood trees have been here for over 100 years. They have provided beach goers with shade and a recreational spot for decades. I am sure this area and these Milkwood trees bring back fond memories of time spent with families and friends and feature in many holiday photographs. This pilot project is an innovative way to protect these much loved Milkwood trees and provides an improved recreational area which visitors can enjoy for many years to come. With the warmer months approaching, and this beach being extremely popular because of the shaded areas under these trees, it was a perfect opportunity to complete the pilot project,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The Milkwood trees along Beach Road in Gordon’s Bay appear to be the remainder of a bigger historical coastal forest. Milkwood trees are indigenous to coastal areas, and are protected trees in South Africa. Therefore, they may not be cut or removed without permission from the Department of Fisheries and Forestry. </p><p>The construction of this pilot project took place over the last three weeks, however meticulous and innovative planning was required leading up to September. The need for a suitable green infrastructure intervention required urgent attention as there was concern for the health of the old Milkwood trees as their roots had become very exposed.</p><p>After consulting the City’s arborist for advice, the Environmental Management team devised a system whereby the trees would not not be damaged during and after the construction. People can sit on the protective tree platforms surrounding the Milkwood trees; it is raised above the ground to protect the roots of the trees and made from 100% re-cycled plastics. <br>The current platform of about 50m² is a pilot project and, if successful, the City plans to continue to surround the other trees with this design and create additional platforms between the trees. This will provide improved spaces for visitors to sit under the Milkwoods and enjoy the beach front.</p><p>Specifications such as keeping 150 mm clear of all tree parts including trunks and exposed roots; providing for growth and tree movement; and not excavating or disturbing closer than 1,5m from the base of a tree had to be considered while implementing this project.</p><p>‘The Milkwood tree has a rich history and is commonly found in coastal gardens with its dense foliage; black berries and small dainty white flowers. I look forward to the possibility of expanding this project and to see the local residents and visitors enjoy the upgraded version of their favourite summer spot,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The City encourages residents to head out to Gordons Bay Beach Front tomorrow to enjoy Heritage Day under the Milkwood Trees.<br></p> | 2020-09-22T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Liberation route will highlight Cape Town’s struggle history | Liberation route will highlight Cape Town’s struggle history | <p>‘Cape Town’s heritage must be inclusive and speak to the shared identities of all South Africans, while also celebrating the unique and significant values of our diverse range of cultural groups. The city is rich with monuments and statues that are used as both a means to celebrate our collective heritage and identities as well as to educate current and future generations about our past,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Zahid23.jpg" alt="" style="width:872px;" /> </figure><p>The City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture branch is in the process of documenting and consolidating sites around the metropole that form part of South Africa’s liberation struggle.</p></span><p>It is envisaged that the project will result in the formation of the Liberation Heritage Route, which will allow locals and visitors to Cape Town to learn more about key events in the liberation struggle as it unfolded in Cape Town.</p><p>The project aims to:</p><p>• Develop an overview of the liberation struggle in the Western Cape, with particular emphasis on Cape Town<br>• Survey some of the sites that have already been identified and which form part of the National Liberation Route and provide an historical overview <br>• Identify sites which have not previously been recognised, and which could form part of the Liberation Heritage Route<br>• Promote heritage education while giving appropriate recognition to the liberation struggle’s contribution to freedom in South Africa</p><p>‘Cape Town is home to many natural and historically significant landmarks that are a must-see, not only for visitors to our city, but also for locals. However, there are numerous significant sites in our city that are crucial to our story. The planned Liberation Route will take the form of a brochure and a map, with details of the sites that form part of the route, and an explanation of how they came to feature in South Africa’s struggle for freedom. It is our hope that once launched, the route will become a feature on the itinerary of many, so that we may amplify Cape Town’s history, but also benefit the communities who live in these areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>Among the sites already identified for inclusion are the:</p><p>• Trojan Horse massacre memorial in Athlone<br>• Gugulethu Seven memorial in Gugulethu<br>• Mendi Square<br>• Mamre MK Training Camp<br>• Pass Museum in Langa</p><p>‘Additionally, in order to meaningfully redress Cape Town’s colonial and apartheid recognition of historical figures, events or community spaces, we will begin a process to identify significant post-democratic moments, figures or community spaces in consultation with all relevant stakeholders or interested parties. This is a moment to reflect on our shared heritage and together map a city that appropriately and respectfully recognises our painful past, our shared present and a hope-filled future. </p><p>‘Community participation is a vital part of sustainable heritage management. Cape Town communities have a key interest in heritage and have an essential role to play in identifying and protecting heritage resources. Communities are valuable resources of knowledge, and partnerships between the City and the public may empower both. For this reason, the City will promote partnerships between community groups and heritage agencies in the identification, protection and enhancement of heritage resources with the aim to ensure that heritage makes a positive contribution to community identity by better articulating the history of places, people and events,’ added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>Residents can forward suggestions for additional inclusions on the Liberation Route to <a href="mailto:albert.webster@capetown.gov.za">albert.webster@capetown.gov.za</a></p> | 2020-09-22T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City, Garden Cities hand over units at R74m Greenville Phase 3 housing project | The City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor Dan Plato and the developer Garden Cities celebrated with beneficiaries of the R74 million Greenville Garden City Phase 3 housing project near Durbanville. | <p>Today, 23 September 2020, the City and Garden Cities handed over the keys of 20 new State-subsidised houses to first-time homeowners. Greenville is a partnership between the City’s Human Settlements Directorate, the Western Cape Government Department of Human Settlements and developer, Garden Cities. </p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/o11W25Ew.jpeg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure><p>Thus far, 868 beneficiaries have received homes in Phase 1, which cost approximately R153 million. Phase 2 was completed in August 2020, which included 507 BNG housing opportunities, at a cost of approximately R94 million. Greenville forms part of a greater catalytic housing development, which will eventually boast approximately 4 000 BNG housing opportunities, social housing, financed linked houses and commercial opportunities. Apart from the 20 units handed over today, a further 126 houses will be handed over in Greenville this year. </p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/6UC6DjHQ.jpeg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure><p> ‘The City congratulates all beneficiaries who have received their homes today. Our most vulnerable residents deserve safe and comfortable housing that will last for generations. It is also very important that we drive our redress agenda to ensure that those who were previously unable to own property are empowered as first-time homeowners. The City remains dedicated to housing provision and will continue to make every effort to deliver more housing opportunities that will empower many more residents as property owners,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.<br> <br>‘Today, we congratulate the new homeowners who have received their keys to their brand new homes. The City remains committed to inclusivity and will keep on exploring all possibilities to enable us to provide more affordable housing opportunities for our residents. We will continue to hand over new housing opportunities to beneficiaries over the coming months. We recognise that we need new ways to deliver opportunities and greater partnerships to address the housing demand. A radical reform of the housing environment is required and we urge all residents to look at the draft Human Settlements Strategy that is out for public participation. It sets out the challenges and proposes a direction to enable the delivery of more opportunities, especially for those earning below R22 000 per month,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements,’ Councillor Malusi Booi. </p></span></span><p>Greenville Phase 3 uses Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) such as the Benex Block, which was brought to South Africa by Garden Cities from Australia. </p><p>‘The Benex Block is a lightweight block, thermal efficient and easy to use during construction. Due to the easy installation, Garden Cities is able to use skilled and unskilled labour from the community.</p><p>‘In addition to the materials consisting of Alternative Building Technologies, Garden Cities has been successful in developing subcontractors from the community, who now employ their own teams and provide jobs within the greater Fisantekraal area. Garden Cities will continue to support the subcontractors as part of its Enterprise Development Initiative,’ said John Matthews, Group CEO of the Garden Cities Group.</p><p>View and comment on the draft Human Settlements Strategy<br>Please visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay">www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay</a>. In addition, the executive summary of the strategy is available in three official languages at subcouncil offices during the public participation period, which closes on 30 November 2020.<br> <br>Unlawful occupation: Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:<br>Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.<br> <br> <br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-09-22T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
