| General Valuation 2018 Roll open for public inspection from today | An analysis of the property growth trends across South Africa has shown that residential property prices in Cape Town have grown considerably above the national trend since the GV2015 roll | <p>An analysis of the property growth trends across South Africa has shown that residential property prices in Cape Town have grown considerably above the national trend since the GV2015 roll. This trend is even greater for certain sectional title schemes and residential vacant land. <br> <br>Although the year-on-year growth in some areas during the first half of 2018 was less substantial than in the past, the full three-year period between the GV2015 and GV2018 cycles should be considered to determine the trend. <br> <br>‘The five modelling categories that are based on market data and sales and that are used by the City’s Valuation Office show that the value of residential properties in Cape Town increased by an average of 34% in the three years between the GV2015 and GV2018 cycles. The growth in sectional title properties, especially residential estates and vacant land, is an indication of the enabling environment that this administration has established over the years to unlock investment and to make Cape Town a top destination in which to work, play, live and do business. It shows confidence in how the City is being run, and what has been achieved over the past years.<br> <br>‘The average increase in residential values is of course positive for property owners because it reflects a solid return on their investment. <br> <br>‘Good growth has also been achieved in the lower end of the property market, unlocking asset values as a means of empowerment. <br> <br>‘It must be noted that the percentage growth in property value does not determine the percentage of rates increases. <br> <br>‘The City looks at what budget is required for the 2019/20 financial year and then the cent-in-the-rand is determined by Council. Rates income is used to fund shared public services such as roads, street lights, parks, beaches, area cleansing, libraries, clinics, law enforcement and fire services. <br> <br>‘A calculation is also done to determine what rebates should be given to the more vulnerable in our society,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson. <br> <br>The GV2018 Roll contains some 875 000 registered properties in Cape Town.<br> <br>An indication of the rates payable, based on the GV2018 valuation and the rating category, will be available on the City’s website in April 2019. This will be after the new rate-in-the-rand is determined by Council and this is subject to the City’s budget requirements for the 2019/20 financial year.<br> <br>The GV2018 Roll will be implemented for the billing of rates with effect from1 July 2019.<br> <br>How to inspect the GV2018 Roll and lodge an objection<br> <br><strong>Electronically until 30 April 2019:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Visit the City’s website <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/generalvaluations" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/generalvaluations</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Online objections should please be submitted electronically via the City’s e-services portal until 30 April 2019. Please visit <a href="https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/irj/portal" target="_blank">https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/irj/portal</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Property owners are able to register for e-services to submit their objections online. This is the preferred option, as it is captured instantly on the City’s system. </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Alternatively, objectors can also download a pre-populated objection form and return it by email, including properly motivated corrections, until 30 April 2019.</div></li></ul><p><strong>How to activate the municipal accounts feature on e-Services</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Log on to e-services</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Submit a certified copy of your ID in order to activate the municipal accounts option</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Once you have applied to activate this service, we will take a few days to verify your information before granting you access</div></li></ul><p><strong>In person until 29 March 2019:</strong><br>To accommodate a wide spread of communities, 32 inspection venues will be available as follows:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Four main venues will be open for the full comment period on weekdays until 29 March 2019. During this period, the Cape Town Civic Centre venue will also be open on Saturdays from 09:00 to12:00</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">28 roving venues will be operational for shorter periods (3 to 5 days) on weekdays until 29 March 2019</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">More information about the public inspection and objection venues can be obtained from the City’s website at <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/generalvaluations" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/generalvaluations</a> </div></li></ul><p> <br><strong>Nature of objections</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">When submitting an objection, it is important to provide a motivation as to why it is believed that the valuation is incorrect. It is advisable to use sales of comparable properties sold on or around the date of valuation (2 July 2018) as motivation for an amended valuation </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">A comparison with neighbouring properties on the valuation roll does not suffice as a motivation for an objection</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Please note that no late objections will be considered</div></li></ul><p> <br>How property valuations are done<br>The City chooses to conduct a general valuation every three years, instead of the legislatively mandated four-year period, in order to mitigate against large fluctuations in property values between general valuations. <br> <br>The City Valuer makes use of a computer modelling programme called Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) which uses sales data, aerial imagery and other property information (for example the property’s location, size, number of rooms, outbuildings, general quality and view) to determine the market value of a property.<br> <br>The results are then reviewed by professional property valuers and adjusted if necessary. There is no involvement by councillors in the determination of property values, nor may they be involved in dealing with any objection to a valuation.<br> <br>The City’s Valuation Office takes pride in being the leading City in South Africa in respect of its valuation processes and implements several precautions to ensure that the valuations produced are accurate and market-related, including undergoing an independent external audit.</p><p><strong>Please watch this video for more information on the GV2018 process</strong>: <a href="https://youtu.be/zk2DEZY4U-o" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/zk2DEZY4U-o</a></p><p> <br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2019-02-20T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| The future of tourism in Cape Town | Speech by Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management. | <p>Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to welcome you all on behalf of the City of Cape Town. It is always a pleasure to collaborate with sectors and stakeholders that not only significantly contribute to this city’s economy but also play an integral role in growing the economy.</p>
<p>My new portfolio, Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, has the potential to ensure that we continue to be the go-to city on the African continent and globally for business, trade, and tourism. </p><p>As the largest metropole in the Western Cape, we pride ourselves with having a diverse economy that is creating jobs and keeping unemployment low. This positive trend is reflected in Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey 2018, released in October for the third quarter where Cape Town recorded positive employment growth for the 9th consecutive quarter. Despite South Africa’s national economy experiencing several challenges, this city has shown incredible economic resilience, positive growth and the creation of employment opportunities.</p><p>The city’s tourism efforts have not only resulted in the establishment of new businesses but also the expansion of existing businesses.</p><p>I will continue to build on this success by working with industries and communities to invest in projects and programmes that will drive demand and make business sense.</p><p>I am excited about the future of tourism in our city.</p><p>My department is currently finalizing the Draft Tourism Development Framework (TDF) for Cape Town which will be out for public participation during the first quarter of this year. The TDF aims to develop more community-based offerings that will enhance the existing experience for visitors. Our focus will be to create sustainable jobs in a depressed economic climate, to create new job opportunities and to put measures in place to ensure long-term growth.</p><p>I have been working in close collaboration with strategic partners like Wegro who facilitates the Cape Town Air Access initiative.</p><p>The City of Cape Town is proud to be involved with Air Access as we have provided funding towards this initiative. With the recent approval of the adjustment budget, I have motivated for additional funding towards this project, given its significance to land more flights that will translate into more economic opportunities for our city meaning more jobs for locals. This project certainly unlocks the full potential of our aviation economy, and importantly connects our city with many more countries resulting in additional trade and investment opportunities. </p><p><strong>Since its launch in 2015, this initiative contributed to:</strong></p><ul><li>Landing 13 new routes</li><li>Facilitated 18 route expansions</li><li>Doubled the international seat capacity by 1,5 million seats, which in turn helped the airport reach the 10,7 million passenger mark in 2017 </li><li>Growing international passenger numbers by 20% in 2017, reaching a total of 2,4 million</li></ul><p>There is no more opportune time for an upgrade of the Cape Town International Airport. The airport has several key infrastructural projects planned which will result in an R7 billion investment over the next five years and will include:</p><ul><li>A new realigned runway</li><li>The refurbishment of the Domestic Arrivals Terminal </li><li>Expansion of the International Terminal</li></ul><p><strong>The runway alone is a project worth R3,93 billion of investment and is based on the following:</strong></p><ul><li>In its current position, the runway is too close to the Terminal building. Once it is realigned, it will allow for future terminal expansion</li><li>The new runway will allow the airport to increase its per hour landing and departures from 30 to 45 aircraft movements</li><li>It will allow the airport to handle the New Generation Large aircraft such as Boeing 747-800 or A380. It is, however, NOT, being built for the A380 specifically.</li><li>It will ultimately facilitate greater air access into Cape Town and the Western Cape as it will enable growth of passenger and cargo traffic that is essential for tourism and economic activity</li><li>It proves our determination to invest in infrastructure that drives demand and makes business sense. A vision shared by our partners and the City.</li></ul><p>The tourism sector has not been without challenges, with the ever changing needs of our visitors and the need for the government to adapt and become more technologically focused.</p><p>For this reason, I welcomed the announcement at the country’s State of the Nation address by the Honorable President Cyril Ramaphosa to roll-out e-Visas that will make visa applications for visitors much easier and less stressful.</p><p>Our tourism industry is still recovering from the disastrous visa regulations debacle, which, according to the South Africa Tourism Service Association (SATSA), resulted in an estimated R7,5 billion loss to the tourism economy and thousands of associated jobs.</p><p>I am pleased with the announcement of the e-Visa system as this is in line with the recommendations by the United Nations World
Tourism Organization (UNWTO).</p><p>South Africa must follow the example set by countries with e-Visa systems where they have proven to increase border security while decreasing visa turnaround time. Initiatives like these are required to unlock the full potential of the tourist market.</p><p>With an increase in the demand for international travel worldwide, the key is to have effective systems that simplify the visa application process. By implementing an e-Visa system, government can prevent excessive hours waiting at visa centres, reduce the workload of staff working at airports, embassies and consulates, and provide easier facilitation for tourists and business travellers.</p><p>In closing, I cannot omit to speak on the significant investment opportunities Cape Town has to offer and why becoming part of this dynamic economy should be a prerequisite for you.</p><p>As a City, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for business to invest and grow. Between July and December 2018, four SPV’s secured investments to the value of over R1,8 billion and in the process created just over 2 200 employment opportunities.
We also established the Invest Cape Town initiative, which demonstrates the City’s commitment to creating a platform that enables business leaders and entrepreneurs to live, work, play and invest. </p><p>Invest Cape Town works with international and local entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinationals that wish to set up a business in Cape Town. On the ground, the City’s Enterprise and Investment Department collaborates with partners from business formations, investment promotion agencies and sector support entities, and all spheres of government to encourage economic growth and investment.</p><p>Cape Town is an excellent location from which businesses can launch their operations into the rest of Africa, and we are ready to help you build your business case for investment.</p><p>While Cape Town is renowned for being a world-class tourism destination, I am pleased to confirm that increasingly more businesses identify Cape Town as a forward-looking globally competitive business city that is open for investment. Testament to this fact is that Cape Town is already home to the African headquarters of major multinationals such as Amazon, KimberlyClark, DHL, and home-grown global titans like Naspers, Shoprite and, Woolworths who use Cape Town as a base to expand across the continent and beyond.</p><p>More companies are choosing Cape Town because the city boasts first-class infrastructure, sound governance, and four of the top African universities providing a skilled workforce. </p><p>Despite South Africa’s national economy experiencing several challenges, this city has shown incredible economic resilience. This is reflected in Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey 2018, for the third quarter (released in October last year) that showed Cape Town recorded positive employment growth for the 9th consecutive quarter.</p><p>Cape Town is a well-run city; it is an opportunity city; it is an inclusive city, it is a city that is committed to the wellbeing of its citizens and its economy.</p><p>While I was a member of Parliament, serving as the Shadow Minister of Tourism, I had the pleasure of working with many of you. I look forward to strengthening existing relationships and to building new ones.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2019-02-19T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City advises of water supply disruptions in Kleinvlei area | Water supply disruptions in Kleinvlei area | <p>The Water and Sanitation Department will be conducting a bulk meter installation at the Kleinvlei Resevoir.</p><p>The repair work will result in the disruption of the water supply on Friday 22 February 2019 between 09:00 and 18:00.</p><p>A water tanker will roam the area should residents require water for domestic consumption. Residents are kindly requested to store water in clean, sealed containers for use during this period.</p><p>All taps must be kept closed during this period to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.</p><p>The City apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused while conducting these emergency repairs. It is nonetheless imperative that the City maintains the water supply in good condition to ensure quality drinking water to its residents.</p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2019-02-19T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Thousands to benefit from latest electrification projects in Khayelitsha, Philippi | The City of Cape Town is overjoyed with the progress to electrify thousands of households in Philippi and Khayelitsha this week. | <p>Construction of the infrastructure necessary to electrify Jim se Bos informal settlement in Philippi has started. The first phase of the electrification project will connect 450 households to the electricity grid. Further surveys will be undertaken to determine the number of households that will benefit from the second phase. </p><p>It is expected that the first phase of this R2,8 million City-project will be completed by the end of March 2019, if all goes according to plan.</p><p>‘Based on the site inspection that I have conducted, I am satisfied with the progress thus far and I thank the community for working with us to ensure that this phase is completed in the shortest possible timeframes. Access to electricity, where it is possible to install, is a game-changer especially for the most vulnerable in our society. It enables economic growth and allows small home-based businesses to operate more efficiently; it enhances safety; reduces the risk of fires; promotes better public health; and also creates an improved environment for learners to achieve better academic results since they no longer have to use candle light to do homework and study for exams.</p>
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<p>‘We remain committed to improving the lives of our residents in informal settlements. According to the City’s latest Annual Report, 97,3% of our households have access to electricity, 98,4% have access to refuse removal and 94,3% have access to sanitation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.</p><p>The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department as well as the Informal Settlements and Backyarder Department will continue to go above and beyond the call of duty to see that this project is concluded successfully.</p><p>Earlier in the week, on Thursday 14 February, a milestone was reached with the switching on of electricity for the first of more than 600 homes in RR Section in Khayelitsha as part of the first phase of this project. The electrification project, which will see 3 000 dwellings connected to the power grid, comes after some years of planning, community engagement and hard graft.</p><p>Initially, the project required informal structures to be relocated to enable the electrification work to proceed. This was an immense task and was necessary to enable Eskom to get sufficient access to install the services. Part of the informal settlement is situated on Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) land, while the other part is situated on City-owned land. The City initially approached Prasa and Eskom to request the electrification of this area.</p><p>The partnership between Prasa, the City and Eskom is resulting in tangible positive change. The City thanks Eskom for all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into this electrification project which will benefit a number of informal settlements in the area.</p><p>There are areas in Cape Town which are supplied by the City and areas which are supplied by Eskom. Electrification in City supply areas is above 97%.</p><p>Permanent electricity services cannot be installed in cases where, for instance, residents live under power lines or on railway/road reserves, or where the land is uninhabitable such as settlements formed on wetlands, floodplains or other water bodies; where residents have settled on privately-owned land; or where no permission exists for the City to install such basic services, among others.</p><p>End</p> | 2019-02-18T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
