| Find your study groove at the library | Libraries provide free access to educational materials and resources to many who would otherwise be unable to afford them. | <p>‘Libraries provide free access to educational materials and resources to many who would otherwise be unable to afford them. These facilities offer learners a place to continue and complete the learning process and, for many of our young people, it’s the only quiet or safe space to study,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.<span></span></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/B-Zone.jpg" alt="" style="width:1004px;" /></figure><p></p><p>‘The City’s libraries are there to serve everyone and complement the work done at schools and tertiary institutions. For many learners, the situation in their home or neighbourhood is not conducive to study, in addition to challenges like gaining access to online study material.</p><p>‘In some areas, the library is not only the safest space but also the one place where it is quiet enough to allow for study and knowledge retention,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p>Through the SmartCape initiative, which provides free internet access to all library users, members of the City’s libraries can access all Britannica resources and, should they require, they can have unlimited access to the service from any internet-enabled phone or other device for registered library users.<span></span></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/kuyasalibrary.JPG" alt="" style="width:948px;" /></figure><p></p><p>This means that children and students will have access to factually sound information that is updated on a regular basis, and which will be available to them at any time of day at their leisure. Content on the site is tailored according to the educational level of the user and the service also supports those for whom English is an additional language.</p><p>This service is another effort by the City to provide digital access to educational and other resources.</p><p>The City’s libraries also offer the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), which is available remotely via the Internet and will save readers time when looking for library materials. It can also be accessed inside the library.</p><p>A single search returns results from the entire collection, including different formats of material such as books, CDs, magazines, etc. and shows material availability across the libraries in the city.<span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Reading%20corner.jpg" alt="" style="width:920px;" /></figure></span></p><p>The search can be streamlined to indicate only a library of interest, or a search can be conducted for particular titles, authors, DVDs or even by subject. </p><p>Library patrons can also view and renew items on loan to them, except when an item has been reserved by another patron. DVDs and study material may not be renewed.</p><p>There is some work still being done on the new Library Management System. In the near future, students will be able to create booklists which they can email. They will also be able to view book synopses, author biographies and more.</p><p>Five of the City’s libraries are closed for proactive maintenance. Four will reopen in December with the last one reopening in January.<br>
The affected libraries are Fish Hoek, Kraaifontein, PD Paulse in Kuils River, Scottsdene and Goodwood.</p><p>‘The money spent on these facilities is an investment into the education and empowerment of communities. Libraries serve to culturally enrich the areas they are in and serve as a vital resource and access to information,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p>To find your library and its opening times, please visit http://www.capetown.gov.za/libraries.</p><p><b>End</b></p>
| 2018-10-15T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Cape Town wins Africa’s Events Capital award at 2018 World Travel Awards | The City of Cape Town has been nominated to be recognised as the ‘World’s Leading Festival & Events Destination’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards. | <p>
<em>
<strong>The City of Cape Town, already recognised as the Events Capital of Africa, has been nominated to be recognised as the ‘World’s Leading Festival & Events Destination’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards, set to take place at the Pátio da Galé, in Lisbon, Portugal, on 1 December. The nomination follows the announcement in Durban last week, where Cape Town was named ‘Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination’ at the Africa and Indian Ocean edition of the awards. Cape Town is nominated alongside other leading global event cities including London, Montreal, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Danang (Vietnam) and Guayaquil (Ecuador). Read more below: </strong></em></p><p>Cape Town has become the envy of many global cities as a result of its wide-ranging events portfolio. The city has continually affirmed its place as the events capital of Africa by securing key international and local events over the last five years.</p>
<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/EventsCapitalAward2018-2.jpg" alt="" />
<br>
<p>Signature festivals and events hosted in the city include, among others: the Cape Town International Film Market & Festival; the HSBC Rugby Sevens, which generates revenue of about R700million for the City; the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which was crowned the Participation Event of the year (2018); the Volvo Ocean Race, which contributed about R500m and 35 000 bed nights to the city’s economy in 2017; the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which creates more than 2 000 temporary jobs and attracts in excess of 37 000 music lovers over the 2 show days; and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.</p><p>Eight of the signature events supported by the City contribute more than R3 billion to the local economy and create more than 20 000 temporary jobs. While some of the jobs related to major events are temporary, they afford people the opportunity to gain experience and acquire skills for permanent employment. This success is thanks to the City of Cape Town’s commitment to building an opportunity city that creates an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth and job creation.</p><p>The city is also growing in popularity as a premier business and tech events destination, and was recently ranked the number one city in Africa for business tourism events by the International Congress and Convention Association. </p>
<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/EventsCapitalAward2018-1.jpg" alt="" />
<br>
<p>We are delighted with the accolade of once again being affirmed as the Events Capital of Africa, and now have our sights set on becoming the ‘World’s Leading Festival & Events Destination’. I would like to call on event organisers and citizens of Cape Town to vote for the city to be honoured as the world’s top events city. We have delivered on our commitment and we proudly hold a dynamic annual events calendar with established internationally renowned events and many new events coming to our city each year.</p><p>Mayco member for Social Services, Alderman JP Smith said: “The 180 events that we have supported and 1 277 permits approved by the City have allowed us to achieve this award. Such results are not achieved through a once off effort but are a culmination of years of developing events capacity and running a competent events department. The City will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen its position as a premium events destination and I would like to congratulate everyone who work around the clock to ensure that visitors and event organisers get the best possible services. We will do all we can to improve services, keep on developing a favourable environment for the events industry and open up investment opportunities as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.” </p><p>Events provide enormous benefit to the local economy and play a pivotal role in generating visitor expenditure. It is important for the city that this translates into economic inclusion of all communities in Cape Town. The City could not have done this without the incredible investment from our event organisers. </p>
<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/EventsCapitalAward2018-3.jpg" alt="" />
<br>
<p>This is what some of the world’s top event organisers have to say about Cape Town as an events city:</p><p>
<strong>Billy Domingo, Cape Town International Jazz Festival director</strong></p><p>“There are many things that make the Cape Town International Jazz Festival an award-winning, world-famous event, but something that is often overlooked is the crucial supporting infrastructure and communitive ethos of our host city, and the impression Cape Town leaves on global visitors. Africa’s Grandest Gathering was born out of this ethos, and today attracts over 35, 000 visitors from South African and aboard. Our visitors not only come to Cape Town to enjoy the exceptional music on offer, but also to explore the beauty of the Mother City and its surroundings. It comes as no surprise that our city is once again being acknowledged as the events capital of the world, a title that is greatly deserved and will continue to contribute to the wonderful attributes that make Cape Town the friendly, exciting and warm place that it is.”</p><p>
<strong>Kevin Vermaak, founder of the Absa Cape Epic</strong></p><p>“The 2018 Cape Epic was the 15th edition of the race, and we are incredibly proud to start (the race) on the slopes of Table Mountain, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. It provides an iconic South African backdrop for the first day of the Epic. From there, the route will wind 658km through the beauty of Robertson, Worcester and Wellington, before the finish at the Val de Vie estate in the Paarl-Franschoek valley. The trails of the region have had much to do with the fact the Cape Epic is regarded as the premier mountain bike stage race in the world. We have been called the Tour de France of mountain biking, and have set standards for mountain bike events around the world. The excellence of the trails, the infrastructure and the people who build new routes and maintain them each and every year are the lifeblood of our sport.” </p><p>
<strong>Paul Bellamy, managing director of World RallyCross for IMG</strong></p><p>“We have found the perfect match in Africa to host our final round of the World Championship: Cape Town is a desirable international tourist destination and we’ve had tremendous support from both the City of Cape Town and Killarney International Raceway. The track backdrop of Table Mountain as One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the heritage, world class track and facilities at Killarney will be the ideal setting for our World Championship season-closer in Cape Town.”</p><p>
<strong>Janet Welham, organiser of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon</strong></p><p>“We are so blessed to call Cape Town our home. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon proudly hosted Africa’s only IAAF GOLD Label status marathon. With the on-going support of the City, Western Province Athletics, our Sponsors and Partners and with Cape Town being one of the world’s top tourism destinations, we believe, that in time to come, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will become one of the worlds “must run” destination marathons.”</p><p>
<strong>CEO, Jay Douwes, CEO of Cape Town Carnival</strong></p><p>“A spectacular socially transformative event like the Cape Town Carnival relies on receptive and supportive engagement with our host city. Safely accommodating massive crowds in public open space is a credit to our beautiful tourist friendly city and provides an opportunity for locals & tourists to experience and enjoy South African community, culture & creativity.”</p><p>
<strong>Irene Ochem, Founder & CEO, Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)</strong></p><p>“Cape Town is one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations and the number one Convention City in Africa. It has a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem with global dimensions, and it is only natural that an organization such as AWIEF would want to position itself to be part of that global community in order to promote its pan-African agenda.”</p><p>
<strong>Sugen Pillay, commercial director for Reed Exhibitions, organisers of Africa Travel Week</strong></p><p>“The feedback from international buyers and attendees is absolutely positive. The buyers are always impressed with what Cape Town has to offer. Many of them haven’t been to the continent before. When they come here they sample the destination, and then the business happens. We bring in new buyers every year. The products have been amazing, the service levels excellent and the hospitality world-class. We do a lot of research before a show. When we started off, over 90% of buyers requested for the show to be in Cape Town. It would be foolish of us to move it to another destination. Every year we ask the same question and get the same response. The city is doing something right to attract these buyers. Cape Town is known as a premier tourism destination globally. The city is the positioning factor for South Africa globally.”</p><p>To vote for Cape Town to win the award ‘World’s Leading Festival & Events Destination’, visit the World Travel Awards website:
<a href="https://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-worlds-leading-festival-and-event-destination-2018" target="_blank">https://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-worlds-leading-festival-and-event-destination-2018</a> </p><p>
<strong>End</strong> </p> | 2018-10-15T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| MyCiTi service disrupted due to illegal bus drivers’ strike | Some of the bus drivers operating the MyCiTi bus routes embarked on an illegal strike at approximately 05:00 this morning, 15 October 2018. | <p>Some of the bus drivers who are employed by the Vehicle Operating Companies (VOCs) operating the MyCiTi bus routes embarked on an illegal strike at approximately 05:00 this morning, 15 October 2018.</p><p>As a result, the MyCiTi service has been severely disrupted with few routes operating during the morning peak hour period. Neither the VOCs, nor the City of Cape Town, were informed of the imminent strike and the reasons for the illegal stay-away.</p><p>It is unclear for how long the illegal strike will continue, and when the MyCiTi service will be able to resume normal operations. The City is monitoring the situation and will inform commuters accordingly.</p><p>Hertzog Boulevard was closed to incoming traffic this morning after the striking drivers gathered on the red bus lane outside of the Civic Centre station in the central business district, intimidating those bus drivers who were still fulfilling their duties. Vehicular traffic and MyCiTi buses operating on the N2 Express routes from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha have been diverted along other routes.</p><p>‘I am concerned about the illegal strike and the impact it has on commuters who are already taking strain due to the ailing rail service. I was also alerted to incidents where some strikers intimidated their colleagues who are not participating in their illegal strike. This is unacceptable. I urge the VOCs and their employees to meet as soon as possible. These engagements must be facilitated through the appropriate channels so that the impasse can be resolved. We need the MyCiTi service to resume operations as soon as possible, and without any disruptions,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.
<br></p><p>‘The drivers are represented by trade unions and their conditions of employment are the subject of a collective bargaining agreement. An agreement was reached as recently as May this year, following a protracted four week strike, and this morning’s wildcat strike is inexplicable. I urge those who have embarked on this strike to use the structures and processes in place to address any grievances or concerns they may have with their employment,’ said Councillor Herron.</p><p>The City, in collaboration with Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service, is closely monitoring the situation.</p><p>The City apologises for the inconvenience. Commuters can contact the Transport Information Centre 24/7 on
<a>
<em>0800 65 64 63</em></a> for the latest information regarding the service, or follow
<a href="https://twitter.com/MyCiTiBus" target="_blank">@MyCiTibus<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> on Twitter, or visit the facebook page ‘<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mycitibus/" target="_blank">MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transit System<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>’.<br></p>
<br>
<strong>End</strong><br><br> | 2018-10-14T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Clean hands are lifesavers | As the world marks Global Handwashing Day,5 October 2018, City’s Health Department reminds members of the public about the importance of handwashing | <p>As the world marks Global Handwashing Day, tomorrow 15 October 2018, the City’s Health Department reminds members of the public about the importance of handwashing for their own safety and for the safety of those around them.</p><p>Handwashing with soap is proven to be one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of germs and disease. </p><p>In South Africa, along with the rest of the developing world, effective handwashing can mean the difference between life or death, particularly for young children who are most at risk of contracting diarrhoea with potentially fatal consequences.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/cleaning%20hands%20day.jpg" alt="" style="width:1036px;" /> </figure>
<span>
<p>The theme for Global Handwashing Day this year is ‘Clean hands – a recipe for health’. It focuses on the link between handwashing and food, with the former being an important part of keeping food safe, preventing diseases and helping children to grow strong. </p>
<p style="text-align:left;">‘We’re heading into our warmer season, which generally coincides with an increase in food- and waterborne diseases. Diarrhoea is probably the most common of these. Germs thrive in warmer temperatures, which means they spread more easily and that’s why clean hands and good overall hygiene are so important.<br></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Alderman%20JP%20Smith.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:463px;height:529px;" />
</p>
<p>‘These are lessons that have to be ingrained from a young age, which is why so many of our outreach interventions happen at pre- and primary school level. That said, it is important that adults get the message too because they need to lead by example and of course, they tend to be the ones who prepare food,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith. </p>
<p>Apart from ongoing awareness and education around handwashing, the City’s environmental health practitioners also continue to promote the use of the squeeze bottle and the tippy tap. Both methods make use of a two-litre cold drink bottle and a straw or small pipe to ensure effective hand hygiene irrespective of water availability.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Tippy%20Tap%201.JPG" alt="" style="width:800px;height:500px;" /></figure></span><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Tippy%20Tap%202.JPG" alt="" style="width:800px;height:500px;" /></figure></span>
<p>‘The tippy tap and squeeze bottles are ways of ensuring clean hands and are fit for purpose in any household, especially considering how we’ve all had to re-evaluate our relationship with water in the wake of the drought. It is also a fun way of engaging young children around the issue of hand hygiene,’ added Alderman Smith.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Squeeze%20bottle%201.JPG" alt="" style="width:800px;height:500px;" /></figure>
<span>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Squeeze%20bottle%202.JPG" alt="" style="width:800px;height:500px;" /></figure></span>
<p>
<strong>Key messages on Global Handwashing Day which apply to daily hand hygiene year-round, include:</strong></p><ul><li> Wash your hands with soap at critical times, especially before eating, cooking, or feeding others </li><li> Model good handwashing behaviour and remind or help others to always wash their hands before eating </li><li> Make handwashing part of your family meals </li><li> Establish places to wash your hands in the household, in your community, in schools, workplaces, and in health facilities </li><li> Promote effective handwashing behaviour change in research, policy, programmes and advocacy </li></ul><p>
<strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2018-10-13T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
