Family and home

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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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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Indigent grants

You can apply for an indigent grant to help pay rates, service charges or City housing rental payments.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/financial-relief-and-rebates/our-approach-to-financial-support/indigent-grants">indigent-grants</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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Going solar in the home

Installing renewable energy in your home could result in lower electricity costs and contribute to a more sustainable Cape Town.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/saving-electricity-at-home/go-solar-in-the-home">go-solar-in-the-home</a>

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Play and get active

Keeping our kids active through sports and outdoor play is a great way to channel their energy.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/family-care-and-support/caring-for-your-child/play-and-get-active" target="_blank">play-and-get-active</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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Comment on the amendment of a contract related to the Manenberg Infill Housing Project
Dam levels
Volunteer at a City nature reserve or in a biodiversity programme
Tender sum increases

Caretakers secure their future by saving Hout Bay dunes

The dune rehabilitation project is managed by the City’s Coastal Management Branch

The dune rehabilitation project is managed by the City’s Coastal Management Branch and covers approximately 50 000m² of re-profiled, netted and planted dune, which has significantly reduced the accumulation of sand on City infrastructure and private properties in the Hout Bay area.The re-profiled dune comprises three areas, namely the fore-dune, buffer-dune and back-dune, and suitable dune vegetation has been planted according to the requirements for each dune area.The Hout Bay dune rehabilitation project is an initiative aimed at managing the movement and migration of dunes. The profiling, wind netting, and planting of dune-specific vegetation have assisted in restricting the movement of sand, which has been a problem in this area for many years. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/dune1.jpg" alt="" style="width:968px;" /> </figure>‘We have invested significant resources in the implementation of this project. Apart from the work that is being done to stabilise the Hout Bay dunes, we have also appointed 10 Expanded Public Work Programme (EPWP) workers to maintain the dunes. These workers were selected from the local subcouncil database and have benefitted from the temporary employment opportunities and skills development,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt. The Hout Bay dune rehabilitation project is a pilot initiative to train and upskill EPWP workers. ‘This team has been working on the project for the past 24 months. While spending time on the dunes they have learned about wind net management, maintenance, seed collection, plant propagation, ecology, irrigation management, and fertiliser application. Thanks to the training they now qualify to provide contracted services if opportunities arise for the maintenance of the dune systems in future,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/dune2.jpg" alt="" style="width:852px;" /> </figure>These skills are recognized as part of the National Qualification Framework. Certification is received at NQF level 1: Ornamental Horticulture Learnership and Alderman Nieuwoudt handed over the certificates on Thursday, 18 July 2019.‘I am so proud of the immense enthusiasm and dedication shown by this team to have completed the training of the highest standard. It was our intention that this pilot project and training programme would provide those who participated with the necessary skills to apply for employment that requires experienced people with specialized skills in dune and coastal rehabilitation. Future job opportunities could also include working in the horticultural industry and at nurseries, or by subcontracting to bigger companies to do specific dune work or plant propagation,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.City contracts have been secured for these workers for the next 18 months. These contracts will also include a NQF level 2 plant production learnership and AET Matric, as well as various other short courses for financial planning, life skills and Small Business Enterprise. ‘I trust that they will approach the next stage of their learning with the same vigour and energy that they’ve demonstrated during the completion of the first phase of this programme. To the recipients of the certificates I would like to give a word of encouragement as well. By protecting our environment we ensure a future for our children. It is not just a job; it is a calling and I heed you for answering that call,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt. End

2019-07-18T22:00:00Z

Speech by the City's Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato

Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato at the Integrated Urban Transformations South-South Knowledge Exchange, hosted by the City of Cape Town, from 14 July-22 July 2019

It has indeed been a great honour for the City of Cape Town to host this event, which aims to identify practical solutions to challenges facing the world. Cape Town has innovative minds and experts who I’m sure have contributed meaningfully to discussions that have taken place here. We also hope that we have strengthened our networks and relationships with the cities represented at this conference.Cape Town has been recognised as the top opportunity city in Africa and is fast becoming the focal point of innovation in Africa, with its numerous thinkers, innovators and design-led entrepreneurs. Cape Town was ranked as Africa’s most innovative city in the 2016–2017 Innovation Cities Index, and in 2018 we were again ranked as the number one African city in this Index.With rapid urbanisation and population growth, governments need workable ways to develop and support their residents. The global population is expected to grow to 10 billion within the next thirty years. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase ten-fold. As is similar around the world, South African metros are important in driving growth and generate almost two-thirds of the country’s economic activity and just over half of national employment. Although job creation is not a direct local government mandate, the City has formed partnerships with other spheres of government, the private sector as well as cities around the world to encourage job creation in Cape Town by providing a more enabling business environment that attracts investment and economic growth. The City also supports income generation opportunities for the unemployed through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).More than 63,71% of the country’s population, of over 57,7 million people, are currently concentrated in the urban centres. This figure is projected to increase to 71,3% by 2030 and by then the urban population of developing countries is also predicted to double. Cape Town is not unique and also faces the challenge of adequately addressing the expanding needs of its growing population with declining resources. As you are aware, the City of Cape Town recently experienced its worst drought in a century. Fortunately, our water reserves stand at just over 60 percent and are in recovery, with the promise of more good rain. Through the lessons of the drought, we developed a new water strategy to become a water-resilient city. Globally, the biggest obstacle we’re facing in our goal to speed up growth and development is the threat of climate change. Governments, including our own, must do more to prepare and respond effectively. A shift towards greener, less carbon-intensive energy supply sources offers Cape Town with an opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable.Over the last few years, Cape Town’s public transport challenges have increased as a result of the failing national rail system and other contributing factors. A business plan has been approved to incrementally take over the management of the rail network in Cape Town. However, I must emphasise that this long-term process is in its very early stages. Cape Town’s road network comprises over 10 600 kilometres. Another way we’re proactively aiming to address congestion is to, over the next three financial years, spend nearly R3 billion rand on extending the MyCiTi bus service, an integrated bus service. Money has also been allocated for building new public transport interchanges (PTIs) and to refurbish existing interchanges for commuters and the minibus-taxi operators. An integrated, well-functioning, safe and efficient public transport system is one of the key solutions that would alleviate this challenge and improve the functioning of the City as a whole, as well as contribute to improving the quality of life for many citizens. To beat the traffic, we are building new roads and we are prioritising public transport, among other interventions. We have set aside over a combined total of nearly R350 million for the maintenance and reconstruction of the city’s roads as well as new roads and links to alleviate congestion in the worst affected areas.We are also focusing heavily on delivering quality services to our residents. Because of this commitment to serving our communities, the South African Customer Satisfaction Index reported Cape Town as the best-performing municipality in the country. However, we must work harder to make sure every single person experiences that reality. As the exchange draws to a close, I hope that delegates have had fruitful discussions. On behalf of the City of Cape Town, we thank you for your participation and wish you a safe journey home. Thank you.END

2019-07-18T22:00:00Z

21st edition of the Festival of Running keeps Cape Town running this weekend

The City of Cape Town-sponsored event features a 100km ultra, 50km mini-ultra, 5 x 5km Team Relay and 21,1km half marathon. The 100km and 50km ultras serve as official qualifiers for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.

More than 5 000 athletes will take to the streets for a series of ultra and shorter distances on Saturday and Sunday. The City of Cape Town-sponsored event features a 100km ultra, 50km mini-ultra, 5 x 5km Team Relay and 21,1km half marathon. The 100km and 50km ultras serve as official qualifiers for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.‘The Cape Town Festival of Running is one of the key running events on the City’s annual calendar. It is one of the many events that attracts visitors to our city, during winter, which has contributed to Cape Town being named the World’s Leading Festival and Events Destination. ‘In addition to being a fun family event, the festival also promotes healthy living and provides an opportunity for Capetonians from across the metro to test their mettle against participants from the rest of the country and abroad. The City is proud to partner with organisations that promote the development of running and encourage a healthier lifestyle,’ said the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson. Temporary road closures will be in effect in Sea Point and Camps Bay on Saturday and Sunday. Beach Road will be closed between Rocklands Road up until the circle at the bottom of Queens Road from 07:15 to 08:00.In the event of an emergency during this period, residents will be able to enter or exit the areas affected by the closures.A medical team will also be on duty in the area.End

2019-07-18T22:00:00Z

City libraries have the write stuff

Budding storytellers and writers were asked to submit their stories about Cape Town and creative writing workshops were facilitated at libraries to find the voices

'Budding storytellers and writers were asked to submit their stories about Cape Town and creative writing workshops were facilitated at libraries to find the voices. A total of 187 entries were received from librarians and patrons. These included stories and poems in Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Kaaps,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. The project was planned in collaboration with the Open Book Festival, an annual literary event, and the best stories will be included in the Cape Town Library Book to be launched during the festival in September.‘All the work that will be selected will focus on an aspect of our beautiful city. It has given participants a platform to celebrate and deepen our understanding of who and what makes Cape Town such a wonder. It is also providing an opportunity for writers, young and old, to see their work in print and share their diverse stories,' said Councillor Badroodien.The competition has closed and the final selection for the anthology is being made. The printed anthology will be available through the library network and also available for sale at the Open Book Festival. 'The city is home to a multitude of different voices and the anthology will give us a glimpse into some of the stories which make up the colourful fabric of Cape Town. Open Book appointed a judging panel to make the final selection of 40 contributions and I am excited to see and read more about our diverse city,' said Councillor Badroodien.End

2019-07-18T22:00:00Z

All City online services and applications

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Top City Connect services

Service Requests/Report a Fault (C3)

Alternative water sources for the home

The City is promoting the responsible use of alternative water, including grey water, rainwater, and groundwater from boreholes/well points.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/alternative-water-sources-for-the-home">alternative-water-sources-for-the-home</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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Bursaries and funding from the City of Cape Town

The City offers a number of external bursaries on offer.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Jobs-and-skills-development/Work-for-the-City-of-Cape-Town/Bursaries-and-funding-from-the-City-of-Cape-Town"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Bursaries-and-funding-from-the-City-of-Cape-Town</a>

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Volunteers in uniform

Volunteering your time and skills with our fire-fighting, law enforcement and safety and security teams helps to make our city safer and better.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Community-building-and-upliftment/be-an-active-resident/volunteers-in-uniform"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">volunteers-in-uniform</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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Fire safety in the home

Join our junior fire marshals, Aphiwe and Ayanda, as they investigate and solve fire issues in their communities.

<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety-in-the-home"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">fire-safety-in-the-home</a>

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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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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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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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Prepaid electricity meters offline on Thursday 8 March 2018	<div class="ExternalClass18DE4309986447AB8122062497609AF0"><p>Prepaid electricity customers will not be able to purchase electricity between midnight and 02:00 on Thursday, 8 of March due to planned maintenance. Please ensure that you have sufficient units to carry you through this period.</p></div>
e-Services attachment issue	<div class="ExternalClassF2D6874413A64014A6B70C52F90C75B0"><p>The document uploading function on the e-Services system will be unavailable between 15:00 and 16:00 on Sunday, 16 September 2018. This is due to necessary maintenance. You will not be able to upload documents such as building plans and identity documents during this time. We apologise for the inconvenience.</p> </div>
Pipeline repair work - Monday, 17 September until Friday, 21 September 2018	<div class="ExternalClassD072850AFD2743B2AC32EC79173AB6CA"><p><a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Pipeline%20repair%20work%20in%20Bellville%20South%20Industria%20Residents%20and%20businesses%20advised%20to%20expect%20low%20pressure">Water pressure related work will take place in the Bellville South Industria</a> from Monday, 17 September until Friday, 21 September between 20:00 and 03:00 each day. Please only store up to 10 litres of water for essential use, if required.</p></div>