| Applications now open for Winter Readiness Programme to support shelters | Applications now open for Winter Readiness Programme to support shelters | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | During the colder months, more rough sleepers and vulnerable people seek shelter and assistance. | <p>During the colder months, more rough sleepers and vulnerable people seek shelter and assistance. The City’s Winter Readiness Programme helps shelters respond to this increased demand by providing practical support, including bedding, blankets, hygiene items, food supplies and cleaning materials.</p><p>The programme is open to qualifying shelters who are able to temporarily increase their bed capacity to deal with the increased demand for the service during winter. The City will also make available staff through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to assist with general and administrative tasks to increase capacity at NGO-partners to accommodate additional clients.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/IMG_0996.JPG" alt="" /> </figure><p>The Winter Readiness Programme is a core part of the City’s broader approach to reducing rough sleeping, which also includes access to Safe Spaces, a dedicated Street People Unit and public awareness campaigns.</p><p>In the six months between July and December 2025, the Street People Programme Unit:</p><ul><li>Received 6 103 service requests and enquiries</li><li>Completed over 5 400 screenings and 9 500 follow-up visits, and</li><li>Facilitated 1 075 placements at shelters or City Safe Spaces. </li></ul><p>Some rough sleepers engaged in this period have gone on to find employment, including jobs as an e-hailing driver and chef.</p><p>The Winter Readiness Programme will be implemented between 4 May and 30 October 2026.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/IMG_09mm98.JPG" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>‘Winter is one of the hardest times for people living on the streets, and we know the pressure this places on our shelters. Through this programme, the City is working with our NGO-partners across Cape Town to provide safe, dignified spaces and practical support. I encourage all eligible shelters to apply so that, together, we can help more residents come in from the cold and access the support they need,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.<br>
<p>Applicants must be registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) or a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO). </p><p>They must also:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Have existing facilities to accommodate clients and address their needs through support programmes</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Be compliant with requirements of the Population Certificate (when applying for increase in bed capacity)</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Comply with all health and safety regulations</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Have an approved building plan</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Submit a draft floor plan for the additional temporary bed spaces</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Have a Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises</div></li></ul><p>Application forms are available by emailing
<a href="mailto:Chantal.Krull@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">Chantal.Krull@capetown.gov.za</a> or at
<a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/readyforwinter" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/readyforwinter</a> .</p><p>Caption: Councillor Higham at the handover of aid at an event in 2025.</p><p>
<strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2026-02-17T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Innovative affordable housing tenders worth R36,3 million issued for first-time buyers | Innovative affordable housing tenders worth R36,3 million issued for first-time buyers | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/%28Treasury%29%20Policies%20and%20publications%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | As part of the City’s drive to enable more access to affordable housing opportunities on well-located land across the metro, it has issued two new tenders | <p>‘Our accelerated land release for affordable housing opportunities programme brings bankable, investment-ready, packaged and rezoned properties to the market. The latest release of tenders to the value of some R36,3 million offers development opportunities at discounted land costs to enhance the attractiveness and viability of potential developments to the private sector. </p><p>‘These latest tenders are very exciting as it is an innovative way to enable city-wide affordable housing access. The tenders present an opportunity for development on fully-serviced sites in Bardale and Robinvale targeted at home buyers. The development mix is a combination of First Home Finance (FHF) housing and affordable ownership opportunities tailored for mid-income first-time homeowner-households. </p><p>‘The City’s Affordable Housing programme provides opportunities to households earning less than the market aligned inflation adjusted monthly income of R34 400 to cater more realistically to housing demand trends.’ </p><p>‘The City's game changing land price discounts applied on its affordable housing portfolio fosters greater market participation by reducing the barriers of entry into the Cape Town market,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim. </p><p><strong>New tenders – closing date for tender submissions: 10 April 2026</strong><br>Bardale - serviced stands on various erven (unregistered portions of remainder Erf 41962) on serviced stands, Blue Downs<br>The proposal entails the development of an estimated 140 mid-income Affordable and FHF housing opportunities on fully serviced stands. Mixed neighbourhood primed for public transport–linked densification and value growth. Bulk services are accessible. Environmental and heritage compliant. </p><p>Robinvale – serviced stands on various erven (unregistered portions of remainder Erf 6296 and unregistered portions of remainder Erf 4302) Robinvale, Wesfleur <br><br>The proposal entails the development of an estimated 116 mid-income Affordable and FHF housing opportunities on fully serviced stands. It is located within the growing northern suburb and has a strong alignment with FHF housing market demand. Environmental and heritage compliant. </p><p>All information is on the City’s tender portal on <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za</a> </p><p><strong>Previous tenders issued: Closing date for submissions by 10:00 on Tuesday, 17 March 2026</strong><br><strong>• Enslin, Ottery Erven 1291 and 1292 and Remainder 1293, 1294, 1295, 1296, 1297, 1298, 1299 and 1300, Ottery.</strong><br>The proposal entails the development of a residential security estate with an estimated 375 residential units in buildings ranging from two- to four-storeys, providing a mix of affordable housing and market related rental accommodation. <br> <br><strong>• Lansdowne - Erven 62594 and portion of Remainder 58699 (unconstructed Lansta Road) situated at the corner of Smuts and Ruby Roads, Lansdowne. </strong><br>The proposal entails the development of a residential security estate with an estimated 308 residential units arranged in four-storey buildings, providing a mix of affordable housing and market related rental accommodation. <br> <br><strong>• Eaon Way - Remainder Erf 3423 situated at 220 Buiten Street, Northpine. </strong><br>The proposed development of a residential security estate with an estimated 396 affordable rental housing units accommodated in two- to four-storey buildings, together with 34 housing ownership opportunities in two-storey buildings, as well as approximately 800 m² in size of retail floor space. <br> <br><strong>• Ruwari - Erf 9702 situated at 10 Affodil Street, Ruwari Brackenfell.</strong><br>The proposed development of a residential security estate with an estimated 115 affordable rental housing units accommodated in two- to three-storey buildings, together with 30 housing ownership opportunities in two-storey buildings, as well as approximately 60 m² in size of retail floor space. </p><p><strong>Note on the general legal frameworks applicable</strong><br>All due process and the required public participation processes are followed as and when required in terms of various distinct pieces of legislation. It must be noted that there are two main legislative processes at play. </p><p>In the City of Cape Town, LUMS (Land Use Management System) refers to the City’s legal framework that regulates zoning, development rights, and land-use approvals. It is implemented through the Cape Town Municipal Planning By-law (2025) and aligned with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA). It carries its own requirements and public participation and due process. <br> <br>The other legislative process in this case is the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (MATR) – these two processes MATR and LUMS are separate and independent. One can occur without the other. They are not the same process. <br> <br>For information on all tenders mentioned above, please contact: <a href="mailto:affordable.housing@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">affordable.housing@capetown.gov.za</a> </p><p> <br></p> | 2026-02-17T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Good start to the week for Neighbourhood Safety officers | Good start to the week for Neighbourhood Safety officers | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | The City’s Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) continue to make strides in communities in the fight against crime.
| <span><p>The NSOs are tasked with by-law enforcement, traffic enforcement and general crime prevention duties. </p><p>Some of the most recent successes include arrests for the illegal possession of drugs, ammunition and driving under the influence of alcohol </p><p>On Monday, 16 February 2026, officers were busy with by-law enforcement at the corner of Jake’s Gerwel and Klipfontein Roads, Heideveld. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/NSOs%2018226.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Officers noticed two men who looked suspicious and conducted a search of the backpack of one of them and discovered 26 rounds of ammunition. </p><p>The 34-year-old male then attempted to flee, but was quickly apprehended by the officers, and detained at Manenberg SAPS for the illegal possession of ammunition.</p><p>On the same day, officers arrested a scholar transport driver for driving under the influence of alcohol in Bonteheuwel. </p><p>They saw the driver of a red minibus disobeying a stop sign and when he was pulled over, officers smelled alcohol.</p><p>He admitted to drinking and a breathalyser test confirmed a reading of 0,24mg per 1000ml. </p><p>The 34-year-old driver was arrested and detained at Bishop Lavis SAPS for driving under the influence of alcohol. The owner of the minibus was contacted to collect the nine learners who were in the minibus at the time.</p><p>On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, officers on patrol at the Tienie Meyer Underpass informal settlement in Long Street Bellville, noticed a female acting suspiciously. Officers stopped the suspect and a search revealed one bag and 16 packets of dagga with the street value of R20 000. The 18-year-old female was arrested and detained at Bellville SAPs for the possession of drugs with the intent to deal.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/NSOs%2018226%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><p>‘I am encouraged by the continued success of our NSOs. An increase in drug-related and other arrests clearly show that our officers add value to our crime prevention initiatives. Crime will not be eradicated overnight, but each arrest, each weapon and drug confiscated is one step closer to saving lives and making our communities safer. Arresting those who deal in or transport illegal drugs often stops a more serious crime from happening. Our NSOs will continue to patrol communities and build relationships with SAPS, Neighbourhood Watches and other enforcement forums by providing support during enforcement operations. We would like to encourage members of the community to provide information to our officers that could lead to arrests.’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>The City reminds the public to report all issues and concerns by calling the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC) on 021 480 7700 and to obtain a reference number.<br></p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2026-02-17T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Residents encouraged to join the Vygekraal Catchment Management Forum | Residents encouraged to join the Vygekraal Catchment Management Forum | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Cape%20Town%27s%20rivers%20and%20wetlands%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Councillor Zahid Badroodien, joined the Vygekraal Catchment Management Forum on a site visit through key waterways and points of interest. | <p>The V-CMF is one of three forums operating in the broader Salt River Catchment area. Together, these forums aim to drive community-led action and practical solutions to the water quality challenges facing this important urban river system.</p><p>As part of the river walk, the group observed conditions at the Bokmakierie Canal in Jan Smuts Drive, which flows into the Vygekraal River, and then continued to the last stop at the Bloemvlei Canal in Belgravia. Although recently upgraded, this canal remains chronically polluted due to illegal dumping.</p><p>‘It was wonderful meeting such passionate and knowledgeable individuals who have an amazing vision to address the various challenges within the Vygekraal catchment. We encourage residents and businesses in the area to get more involved by attending forum meetings and working alongside the City to improve our waterways,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Residents%20encouraged%20to%20join%20efforts%20of%20the%20Vygekraal%20Catchment%20Management%20Forum%201.jpg" alt="" /></figure>
<p>The Vygekraal sub-catchment spans several key waterways and communities. The Bloemvlei Canal flows through Hanover Park, Penlyn Estate and Rylands; the Bokmakierie Canal runs through Hazendal, Athlone and Bokmakierie; and the Vygekraal River passes through Gugulethu, Manenberg and Bridgetown.</p><p>Since the start of the 2025/26 financial year, the City has committed to investing R3 million in a range of initiatives across the catchment. These include preparing waterways to manage increased winter flows, removing invasive alien vegetation, improving inland water quality, and enhancing stormwater hydraulic performance.</p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">
<strong>Project location</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:35%;"> <strong>Details</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="1" style="width:45%;"><strong>Start and end date (If completed already) and anticipated to start (if scheduled to commence)</strong></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Blomvlei Canal </td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Vegetation, litter and silt removal</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="1">Mechanical cleaning was completed between 12 and 23 January 2026. Hand-cleaning teams are set to start on 18 February 2026.</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Vygekraal Canal</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Vegetation, litter and silt removal</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="1">Completed between 15 and 30 October 2025</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Vygekraal River</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Vegetation, litter and silt removal</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="1">Completed on 9 February 2025</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">Bokmakierie Canal</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">Vegetation, litter and silt removal</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="1">Completed on 9 February 2025</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Residents%20encouraged%20to%20join%20efforts%20of%20the%20Vygekraal%20Catchment%20Management%20Forum%203.jpg" alt="" /></figure>
<p>
<strong>Update on the Vygekraal River, Athlone Liveable Urban Waterway initiative </strong></p><p>This project involves rehabilitating specific sections of the Vygekraal River between Jakes Gerwel Drive and Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works, including the section through Nantes Park. </p><p>Significant progress has been made on the design, incorporating input gathered through various community-driven workshops. The proposed interventions focus strongly on improving the overall liveability of the area. The project is currently moving through the environmental authorisation process, a critical step before implementation can begin.</p><p>It aims to:</p><ul><li>Rehabilitate the waterway where there is erosion;</li><li>Create more natural-looking banks;</li><li>Remove invasive alien plants and sediments, and replace with appropriate plants;</li><li>Create new wetlands and rehabilitate the existing wetlands; and</li><li>Improve footpaths, bridges, seating and signage.</li></ul><p>‘We envision a healthy, resilient and well-managed Vygekraal Catchment that supports ecological integrity, public health, and socio-economic wellbeing for all communities within the catchment. Ultimately, the forum’s vision is for the Vygekraal Catchment to become a model of integrated urban water management, where rivers and canals are valued as shared assets that contribute to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and improved quality of life for present and future generations,’ said Haroun Parker, chairperson of the V- CMF.</p><p>As the forum continues to take shape, stakeholder mapping is under way. Residents and interested parties will be able to find details of upcoming meetings on the City’s X (formerly Twitter) account, @CityofCT.</p><p>
<br> </p><p>END<br></p> | 2026-02-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
