| New Strategic Business Partner sets sail to grow ocean economy | This SBP has been established to support job creation and the growth of Cape Town’s ocean economy through marine manufacturing. | <span><p>The primary role of BlueCape, which has also received support from the V&A Waterfront, is to provide skills training for employment opportunities in the oceans economy, support product development, provide international marketing for Cape Town as a destination of choice and to help identify and clear any barriers to the development of the marine economy.<br><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Boat11.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /></p> </span><span><p>‘Since 2014, the boat building industry, including commercial and ocean sports, has secured investments worth over R25 billion and created over 4 500 direct jobs and 7 000 indirect jobs. This is why we have been working with key stakeholders, since 2019 to establish BlueCape, to realise this sector’s full potential for expansion and job creation that will bring waves of benefits for our residents.<br> <br>‘I have personally visited Cape Town’s boat yards, including world renowned Robertson and Cain, both before and during COVID-19, and lobbied national government on behalf of the sector to allow for their continued operation during lockdown to save jobs. I am proud to confirm that BlueCape has already started facilitating new investments through the manufacture and export of catamarans, and has set up skills training for many young people in ocean safety,’ said Alderman Vos. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/boat22.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The boat building sector alone has grown by an average of 20,5% year-on-year since 2014, which is no small feat. The marine industry also includes sail makers, mast builders as well as manufacturers of marine grade rope, aluminum doors and engine components. There is also a significant opportunity to train unemployed youth to service and maintain boats of varying sizes.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/boat33.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>Attracting the investment we need to create jobs will continue to be a priority for the City of Cape Town. By supporting high-growth sectors, we can plot a sustainable path to economic recovery. By working together and implementing targeted strategies, we can emerge stronger than before.<br> <br> <br><strong>End</strong></span><span></span> | 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Blue Flags take to the sky at City shores | The City is pleased to once again receive this recognition. Being able to retain the status of all 10 Blue Flag beaches | <span><p>(Note to editors: These are archive photographs that were taken before COVID-19)<br>Following a national audit of beaches submitted for assessment by each local municipality, WESSA used 33 criteria to determine if each beach meets the level of service excellence required for Blue Flag recognition. Each beach is measured in four categories: Environmental Education and Awareness, Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety Services. The individual criteria allow for an in-depth analysis of a variety of areas of competence, which include:</p><p>• Universal access (for the disabled, elderly and mothers with young children)<br>• Control of domestic animals (such as dogs on beaches)<br>• Availability of interpretive signage<br>• Effective waste management<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Blue%20Flag%20beach%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><br>‘The City is pleased to once again receive this recognition. Being able to retain the status of all 10 Blue Flag beaches can be attributed to the work of our environmental staff, who have ensured the quality and cleanliness of these beaches have been consistently maintained. These spaces are especially important as we head into the summer months, enabling residents to enjoy nature and the ocean, while being able to safely social distance in line with COVID-19 regulations,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato. </p><p>‘Beaches are popular places to spend time with family and friends in the outdoors and to enjoy the summer weather. After months of restricted movement, it is expected that more people will flock to the City’s beaches this summer. The Western Cape Premier has also announced the resurgence of COVID-19 in the Cape Town metropole which will impact on the summer season. I urge all residents to adhere to the safety regulations when they are at our beaches and pools. We are also extremely proud that 10 of the City’s beaches once again ticked all the boxes and will be flying the flag of excellence,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Service and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Blue%20Flag%20beach%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The quality international standards which have been achieved at the ten beaches are critical drivers, which encourage the economic growth of the coastal areas. Residents and tourists can access a variety of leisure activities at these beaches. </p><p>Primarily, Blue Flag is an educational programme, designed to encourage participating municipalities to meet high environmental and international standards sustainably.</p><p>The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has driven implementation of community environmental education, with internal and external partners throughout the year. These programmes are a key consideration in preparation for Blue Flag submission and comprise of efforts to reduce litter and remove microplastics, teach the youth about kelp and caring for the sensitive biodiversity on the coastline, as well as wide distribution of educational materials on safe swimming areas and how to avoid rip currents.</p><p>On an operational level, much time has been invested in getting facilities ready to receive an influx of visitors for the season. At Camps Bay, an old asbestos roof has been replaced and in Muizenberg, the pavilion was re-painted.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Blue%20Flag%20beaches.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p>For water quality, an independent laboratory has been appointed. Working in conjunction with transversal teams and multiple processes within the City, they are currently monitoring the water quality at the beaches which are undergoing audits.</p><p>Also, as nature flourished during the lockdown period, much had to be done before the start of the season to manage dunes, control alien vegetation, manage animal populations and collect waste from beaches.</p><p>The following City beaches have qualified to fly the Blue Flag this season, announced at an official ceremony by WESSA in Kwa-Zulu Natal this morning:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Bikini Beach </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Camp’s Bay </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Clifton fourth beach </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Fish Hoek </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Llandudno </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Melkbosstrand </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Mnandi </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Muizenberg </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Strandfontein </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Silwerstroom</div></li></ul><p>In addition to the 10 beaches that received Blue Flag status the City of Cape Town received a special 10 year award recognition for Silwerstroom strand.</p><p>The Blue Flag Season will run from 1 December 2020 to 31 January 2021 for Bikini Beach, Clifton Fourth beach, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Melkbosstrand, Mnandi and Silwerstroom.</p><p>Camps Bay, Muizenberg and Strandfontein will have an extended season until 31 March 2021. The Blue Flag applicable times at all of these beaches is from 10:00 to 18:00 daily.</p><p>‘We would like to congratulate the Recreation and Parks Department and all of the teams who worked tirelessly to once again achieve an exceptional milestone. For many years now, the City has boasted the most Blue Flag beaches with full status in South Africa. Blue Flag is an excellent opportunity to attract international travellers, boost the economy and offers locals a beautiful place to enjoy this Festive Season,’ said Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>The City plans lifeguard deployment for the coastline annually in line with the school holiday dates. Lifeguard deployment is operational at City beaches and tidal pools. The Recreation and Parks Department will also implement its Drowning Prevention Plan. Lifeguards will be on duty daily, from 10:00 until 18:00, until 12 April 2021.</p><p>Beaches were officially opened under the national lockdown Alert Level 2 in August this year. The City of Cape Town is experiencing a resurgence of Coronavirus infections and residents are urged to take all safety protocols seriously and adhere to them.</p><p><strong>Safety on beaches is paramount and the City would once again like to make beachgoers aware of the following beach safety tips:</strong></p><p><strong>Do</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Make sure you know how to swim before swimming in the sea.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Swim between the red and yellow flags, as these areas are patrolled by lifeguards.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Identify an easy-to-find place where you can meet if anyone gets lost or separated.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Stay hydrated. Watch out for signs of dehydration such as red, dry skin, rapid/weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.</div></li></ul><p><strong>Don’ts</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Don’t drink alcohol before you swim as it impairs your judgement.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Don’t dive into unfamiliar water as there may be rocks or other dangers.</div></li></ul><p><strong>What to do when you get caught in a rip current:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Don’t panic.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Don’t try to swim straight back to the shore against the current as this will exhaust you.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Try to tread water or turn on your back and float (rip tides get weaker as they go further out).</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Raise one arm in the air and wave for help to alert people on the beach that you are in trouble.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Swim parallel to the beach, out of the current, and then use waves to help you get back to the beach.</div></li></ul><p>The City urges visitors to the beach to only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags designating safe bathing areas and adhere to all safety protocols.</p><p>‘Although it has been an extraordinary and challenging year, we know that if we work together these challenges can be overcome. Caring for our beaches is a shared responsibility and I would like to request everyone who visits our beaches to assist officials in keeping them clean, to adhere strictly to the safety protocols and to report any anti-social behaviour,’ added Cllr Badroodien.</p><p>Residents and visitors can find a comprehensive range of public safety messages at <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/visitor-safety/general-safety-awareness/water-safety-at-pools-and-beaches" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/visitor-safety/general-safety-awareness/water-safety-at-pools-and-beaches</a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p><span></span><span></span><span></span> | 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| New skills project to create job opportunities for women and youth in the clothing and textile sector | The Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator has been made possible thanks to the National Skills Fund collaboration with the City of Cape Town. | <span><p>The Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator has been made possible thanks to the National Skills Fund collaboration with the City of Cape Town. The project will enable SMMEs to take on machinists at a greatly reduced cost to their business while creating learning and work opportunities for unemployed women and youth. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/SKILLS%20P1.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The programme is designed to offer National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level training and workplace opportunities for unemployed youth and women as part of a 12-month learnership, with a view to the SMMEs employing the women at the end of the project. The learners who are recruited for the project must reside within the City of Cape Town metropolitan area, while the businesses may operate outside it.</p><p>‘Together with the City’s Enterprise and Investment Department, we fund Strategic Business Partners, such as the CDI, in high-growth sectors to secure the skills pipelines businesses need to succeed.</p><p>‘The youth and women will be supported through an accredited learnership (NQF level 2) in either clothing, footwear, leather, and textile production. SMMEs will be able to create a job profile to suit their individual business needs and recruit participants from the learnerships with little cost to the business. Thanks to tax rebates and incentives, a business can reduce the cost even further,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/SKILLS%20P2.jpg" alt="" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘This is not just a skills development project – the CDI is also placing emphasis on the development of the business and its capacity to not only host trainees but hopefully absorb them after the learnership is completed – we are aiming to grow the participating business for long-term sustainability,’ said Erica Elk, Group CEO of the CDI.</p><p>‘Urban Management through its public employment and skills development unit (Corporate EPWP) co-funds the project with R10 million per year. This amount is dedicated at ensuring that all participants receive adequate stipends, while they undergo their respective training. The project comes at a time in which government has clearly identified public employment programmes as one of the most strategic and readily available tools needed to drive increased economic inclusion.</p><p>‘For the City, this partnership also means an evidence based reorientation of the focus of the City’s EPWP into creating platforms that not only allows for participants to gain work experience while earning – but, creating platforms that allow both the economy and participants to identify and close skills gaps that will open opportunities for growth on a sustainable level,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/SKILLS%20P3.jpg" alt="" style="width:592px;" /></figure></span><p>Creative SMME businesses in these sectors, who are building, or on the verge of building, production capacity are strongly encouraged to apply. This project has been developed in consultation with emerging and growing businesses operating in the clothing and textile sector, and accredited training service providers.</p><p>The learners will develop skills that include pattern making, pattern cutting, garment making, and sewing with 75% of the time spent in the business supported by 25% classroom time provided by the training provider. </p><p>The CDI will recruit between 40 to 60 SMMEs to participate in the project, and the goal is to train 200 machinists. </p><p>To apply visit the link on <a href="https://www.thecdi.org.za/page/CapeSkillsandEmploymentAccelerator" target="_blank">https://www.thecdi.org.za/page/CapeSkillsandEmploymentAccelerator</a>. </p><p>The application deadline is 15 January 2021.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span> | 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City advises of postponement of water network upgrades in Blue Downs/Kuilsriver areas | City advises of postponement of water network upgrades in Blue Downs/Kuilsriver areas | <p>The areas that would have been affected by the disruption of the water supply are; Dennemere, Austinville, Blackheath Industrial, Happy Valley, Summerville, Hagley, Saxenburg, Ou Nooiensfontein, Nuwe Nooiensfontein, Dannarand, Sarepta, Kalkfontein, Highbury, Voelvlei, Mabille Park and Wesbank. </p><p>Please be advised that this work has been postponed and a new date and time for this will be set up and communicated in advance to the affected communities</p><p>The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. <br></p> | 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
