Forests and plantations

Residential water restrictions explained

Insufficient rainfall and fast declining dam levels have led to the current drought in Cape Town. We need to work together to change the way we use our water

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/Residential-water-restrictions-explained">Residential-water-restrictions-explained</a>

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Commercial water restrictions explained

Insufficient rainfall and fast declining dam levels have led to the current drought in Cape Town. We need to work together to change the way we use our water

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/Commercial-water-restrictions-explained">Commercial-water-restrictions-explained</a>

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Water saving toolkits

To help you spread the word, we have created water-saving information packs for your home, business and hospitality industry.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/education-and-research-materials/graphics-and-educational-material/water-saving-resources">water-saving-resources</a>

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Cost of electricity

We bill you based on a three-tier tariff system comprising of the Lifeline tariff, the Domestic tariff and the Home User tariff. Find out how this works for residential and commercial properties.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/the-cost-of-electricity"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-cost-of-electricity</a>

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Get involved

Discover how you can get involved in your community

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-building-and-upliftment/be-an-active-resident/get-involved">get-involved</a>

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Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>

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Safety and security resources

The City offers a variety of free interesting and educational material relating to safety and security.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/education-and-research-materials/graphics-and-educational-material/safety-and-security-education-resources" target="_blank">safety-and-security-education-resources</a>

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Loadshedding

Loadshedding power outages generally last for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one area being affected at a time during stage 1 and four areas being affected at a time during stage 3b.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/load-shedding-and-outages">load-shedding-and-outages</a>

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Cape Town Future Energy Festival

The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a showcase of innovation and sustainable living.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/surveys-and-submissions/cape-town-future-energy-festival"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">cape-town-future-energy-festival</a>

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Alternative water sources

We live in a water-scarce region. The use of alternative water sources for irrigation and industrial purposes allows us to conserve the water supply from our dams.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/alternative-water-sources" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">alternative-water-sources</a>

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Cape Town Expozed talent competition
Get wise to STIs
Rape and sexual assault in the community
How to register your business

Cape Town dam levels at 72,7%

Dam levels have increased by a staggering 9,2% over the past week

‘Dam levels have increased by a staggering 9,2% over the past week pushing the overall figure firmly past the 70% mark. Just three weeks ago, dam levels were at 58,8% and although rainfall has been inconsistent during this period, a handful of significant storm events have done some heavy lifting for our stored water supplies. While every bit of rainfall we receive is cause to be grateful, it should be noted that we are still tracking at below historic averages and as things stand, we are still experiencing the drought. It is important that we do not forget the harsh lessons learnt about the finite nature of our most precious resource,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.For more information on new water sources, water restrictions (Level 1 currently in place), guidelines around alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks, and tariff information, please visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater">www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater</a> End

2020-07-13T22:00:00Z

Cape Town ranks among the world’s top emerging start-up ecosystems

The latest report comes on the heels of Cape Town being ranked the top start-up city in South Africa by StartupBlink

The latest report comes on the heels of Cape Town being ranked the top start-up city in South Africa by StartupBlink, a Global Start-up Ecosystem Map and Research Center. As the City, we are immensely proud that Cape Town has been acknowledged as an emergent start-up powerhouse. Cape Town is recognised as the digitech hub of Africa and a leading location for tech start-ups and venture capital deals. The city is also home to almost two-thirds of all start-ups in South Africa. This can be attributed to the many support structures we have put in place to assist entrepreneurs. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/city%20rank1.jpg" alt="" style="width:788px;" /> </figure>From across the globe, entrepreneurs are drawn to choosing Cape Town for a number of compelling reasons, including among others: <ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">The idyllic lifestyle</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Diverse communities</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Access to start-up capital </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Top tertiary institutions </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">World-class talent</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">A culture of innovation</div></li></ul>The latest ranking is a result of the City, together with our Strategic Business Partners and the private sector’s dedicated efforts to attract investment, create the conditions for businesses to grow and create employment.The city boasts first-class infrastructure, sound governance and four of the top universities in Africa, providing a skilled workforce. As tech hub of the continent, Cape Town has what it takes to provide a business-friendly environment which grows the economy and creates jobs. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/city%20rank2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1794px;" /> </figure>This year, the GSER went beyond listing only the top ecosystems and included the next Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems. The GSER 2020 has nearly doubled the number of ecosystems studied since 2019, assessing over 270 ecosystems across over 100 countries to rank the top 30 globally and runners-up. According to Start-up Genome, the report took into account the factor weights to rank these ecosystems, which were slightly different from those used for top ecosystems. This was done in order to reflect its emerging status and to emphasise the factors that have more influence in ecosystems that were starting to grow.The report also revealed that start-up culture and entrepreneurship have spread across the world, and that different ecosystems have gained relevance, impacting economies in a meaningful way. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/city%20rank%203.jpg" alt="" style="width:1285px;" /> </figure>According to the report, Europe leads in terms of constituents in the Emerging Ecosystems list with 38 start-up ecosystems, eight of which were from Eastern Europe. Europe was followed by North America with 32 start-up ecosystems and Asia-Pacific was third with 22 ecosystems. End

2020-07-13T22:00:00Z

City is attending to high volumes of electricity service requests, backlogs due to storm

Electrical infrastructure in areas across the metro has been affected by the strong winds and rain

Electrical infrastructure in areas across the metro has been affected by the strong winds and rain causing some flooding and uprooting of trees and branches getting caught up in the power lines. Prolonged outages are being experienced and affecting large areas due to the severity of the infrastructure damage. This impacts on the restoration time. Eskom’s load-shedding is also contributing to the challenge of restoring power and/or high number of service requests due to nuisance tripping among others. Some larger area outages include Grassy Park, Lotus River, Retreat, Bergvliet, Rylands, Brooklyn, Southfield, Wynberg, Diep River, Claremont, Heathfield, Meadowridge, Steenberg, Schaapkraal, Fish Hoek, Noordhoek, Nyanga, Constantia, Gugulethu, Philippi, Bishopscourt, Kenilworth, Eikendal, Rondebosch and Wetton areas, among others. This takes longer to fix. Unfortunately delays are to be expected due to the sheer volume of faults caused by the damaged power infrastructure and the large area outages. We are unable to say how long it will take to restore individual faults but we are working as hard as we can. Due to the high call volumes which the Electricity Call Centre is currently experiencing, customers are encouraged to instead make use of SMS or email to report electricity outages.Trees affecting power lines, infrastructure <ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Property owners are encouraged to maintain their trees and vegetation. Stormy weather usually contributes to an increase in power outages especially where tree branches grow over and into overhead power lines.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department has made every effort to minimise electricity outages caused by trees growing alongside overhead power lines by carrying out various tree clearing efforts in preparation for winter storms. Vegetation growing too close to overhead power lines is especially dangerous. </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Property owners or those renting a property are urged to do this maintenance work while taking safety precautions and to ensure the required clearance of at least 3,8 metres between vegetation and power lines. Residents are also reminded that branches that encroach on streetlights diminish their efficacy. Clearing of overhead lines can be dangerous and property owners can approach the City for advice if they have already let trees grow too close to power lines.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Should residents be concerned that there is a risk of trees on City property encroaching on City overhead power lines, they are encouraged to report these cases to the City’s Fault Reporting Centre on 0860 103 089 or <a href="mailto:FaultReporting.Centre@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">FaultReporting.Centre@capetown.gov.za</a>.</div></li></ul>Nuisance tripping Residents are encouraged to be mindful that they may also be experiencing outages due to Eskom's load-shedding. When power is restored after load-shedding, nuisance tripping sometimes occurs. This is when the power is restored to an area and fails to come back on in some parts. The power outage often goes unreported because residents assume that it is due to load-shedding. In the event of load-shedding, residents are encouraged to reduce the risk and occurrence of nuisance tripping by switching off appliances, including geysers, air conditioners and pool pumps prior to load-shedding and leaving one light on to indicate the return of the supply.We are doing our absolute best and thank our customers for their patience and understanding. Due to the high call volumes which the Electricity Call Centre is currently experiencing, customers are encouraged to instead make use of SMS or email to report electricity outages.Contact us: SMS: 31220 (electricity faults) Email: <a href="mailto:power@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">power@capetown.gov.za</a> End

2020-07-13T22:00:00Z

City staff ‘leaf’ no branch unturned to clear weather-related tree obstructions

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has been kept busy over the past few days, dealing with tree obstructions caused by adverse weather conditions.

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has been kept busy over the past few days, dealing with tree obstructions caused by adverse weather conditions.Between Friday, 10 July 2020 and Monday, 13 July 2020, the department’s Horticultural after-hours standby team has responded to 93 fallen trees or trees with broken branches that were causing obstructions to roadways or posed serious safety hazards.Areas most affected were Constantia, Rondebosch, Wynberg, Bellville and surrounds. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tree%20clearing1.jpg" alt="" style="width:807px;" /> </figure>The trees that fell over on Kloof Road in Clifton was the largest incident responded to, and took the longest time to clear. ‘Uprooted trees or fallen branches are some of the most visible impacts of the severe winds and storms, and have the potential to cause significant damage. Our teams are on standby to respond to reports as they come in, so that the work can be completed as speedily as possible, to reduce the risk to lives and property.‘The teams put themselves at risk by working in extremely difficult weather conditions. They are also required to work at any time of day or night; on uneven terrain; at heights and among snakes, spiders and bees. However, due to years of experience, good supervision and protective clothing provided to each worker, almost no injuries have been recorded while teams are out on call-outs,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tree%20clearing%204.jpg" alt="" style="width:919px;" /> </figure>During normal working hours, the Recreation and Parks Department performs routine maintenance on trees, courtesy of horticultural staff working at various depots across the city. The after-hours standby teams are responsible for horticultural-related emergencies occurring on City land, outside of normal operating hours. They are also called upon to assist in emergencies resulting from extreme weather, like the conditions experienced over the past few days. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tree%20clearing2.jpg" alt="" style="width:840px;" /> </figure>The teams are highly skilled in using machinery to cut up dead trunks and branches into portions that can be loaded and carried away. They are well-equipped with chain saws, pole saws, grab trucks, cherry pickers and various hand operated tools.All workers are issued protective overalls, safety boots, gloves, earmuffs, hardhats and waterproof pants and jackets. Recently face masks have been included in their Personal Protective Equipment due to COVID-19.‘I had occasion to watch one of the teams at work in less than ideal weather conditions and the ease with which they completed the task was proof of their experience and expertise. The City and its residents are indeed fortunate to have such skills and dedication at our disposal, and we owe a debt of gratitude to these teams and other workers who literally step out when the storms come, to keep us safe,’ added Councillor Badroodien. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tree%20clearing3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>End

2020-07-13T22:00:00Z

All City online services and applications

View all actions

Top City Connect services

Service Requests/Report a Fault (C3)

The cost of electricity

We bill you based on a three-tier tariff system comprising of the Lifeline tariff, the Domestic tariff and the Home User tariff. Find out how this works for residential and commercial properties.

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The City's Draft Budget 2020-2021

The City of Cape Town's budget reflects its key policy decisions and priorities, determines rates increases and indicates where money will be spent on programmes and services.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/the-city-budget/the-citys-budget-2020-2021"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-citys-budget-2020-2021</a>

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District plans

The District Plans are medium term (10 year) plans that aim to guide spatial development processes and land use management within the district and are approved by the Council of City of Cape Town as policy.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-plans"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">district-plans</a>

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Informal trading

Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and benefits both traders and locals.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/informal-trading"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">informal-trading</a>

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The Business Hub

The Business Hub provides information on starting and growing your business.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/the-business-hub"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-business-hub</a>

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Pay your traffic fine

The City has a number of different options for paying traffic fines. If you would like to pay your fine.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Fines/Pay-your-traffic-fine"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Pay-your-traffic-fine</a>

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Pay your rates and services accounts

You can pay your rates and services account in a number of different ways.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/pay-your-rates-and-services-account"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">pay-your-rates-and-services-account</a>

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Prevent illegal dumping

We are calling on all our residents to stop and report illegal dumping … Illegal dumping costs us money It costs the City R350 million every year to clean up illegal dumping …

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Safety-in-the-home/Environmental-health-in-the-home/prevent-illegal-dumping"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">prevent-illegal-dumping</a>

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Upgrade to a new prepaid electricity meter

Find out if your suburb has been selected for a compulsory electricity meter upgrade

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter</a>

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Submit a building plan

If you are planning any building work on a property, you may need to submit a building plan for approval.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Planning-building-and-development/Building-plan-applications/Apply-for-a-building-plan"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Apply-for-a-building-plan</a>

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Jobs and opportunities at the City

The City offers a range of employment and career development opportunities to suitably qualified applicants from a range of social and educational backgrounds.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/jobs-and-skills-development/work-for-the-city-of-cape-town/city-jobs-and-opportunities"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-jobs-and-opportunities</a>

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2020/21 Tariffs

Find out about the latest tariffs that affect you

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/meet-the-city/the-city-budget/city-wide-tariffs"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-wide-tariffs</a>

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Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>

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View the Council Meeting Calendar

Access the Council meeting calendar and agendas for upcoming meetings.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/city-council/meeting-calendar"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">meeting-calendar</a>

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Load-shedding

Access load-shedding schedule and tips to save electricity

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/load-shedding-and-outages"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">load-shedding-and-outages</a>

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Coronavirus updates

We are operating with reduced services and communication channels as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and national lockdown.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/general/coronavirus-updates">coronavirus-updates</a>

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Load-shedding

Load-shedding stages are announced by Eskom and depend on the extent of the shortage of generation capacity

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Libraries

Loan out books, get access to electronic resources or take part in community programmes and events at any of our libraries

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Libraries"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Libraries</a>

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Comment on the draft Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities 2019

We are in the process of reviewing and updating our Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities.

<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City Connect Header Image.jpg"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icjpg.gif">City Connect Header Image.jpg</a>

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Cape Town Future Energy Festival

The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a showcase of innovation and sustainable living.

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Reduce rates for NPOs and PBOs

Some PBOs and NPOs which were previously excluded from the list due to legislative changes will now be able to benefit from reduced rates.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Claim-or-dispute/Contest-a-property-valuation/change-your-property-rating-category">change-your-property-rating-category</a>

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Informal trading events

Our informal trading information sessions and events will provide you with relevant information to ensure compliance with the City’s policies and by-laws, as well as various business support initiatives that could help you develop your business.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/general/information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders</a>

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Apply for replacement wheelie bin

The City will replace or repair a damaged or stolen wheelie bin free of charge.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin" target="_blank">Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin</a>

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Pay and renew your vehicle licence

There are a number of different options you can use when paying for and renewing your vehicle licence renewal.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Vehicle-licences/Pay-your-vehicle-licence" target="_blank">Pay-your-vehicle-licence</a>

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Dam levels

The dam levels are critical for Cape Town’s water supply and are a key contributor to the Day Zero water dashboard

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/this-weeks-dam-levels">this-weeks-dam-levels</a>

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Apply for new or replacement driver's licence

Find out how to get a new or replacement driver’s licence.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Driving-and-vehicles/Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence">Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence</a>

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