| City’s Metro Police Department marks 20 year anniversary | The parade was the first in a series of commemorative events set to take place over the next 12 months. | <p></p><span><p>The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Department held a parade at the Green Point Athletics Track, including officers from the first intake of recruits who remain in service.<br> </p><p>The parade was the first in a series of commemorative events set to take place over the next 12 months.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/awards2021.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘It is a privilege to be with you today to celebrate this milestone. Twenty years of service and dedication to the people of Cape Town; 20 years of helping to make communities feel safer. Today we express our sincere gratitude to you and to those officers who have given their lives in service and duty. I salute every member, and I know I speak for every law abiding Capetonian when I say thank you for your dedication and service. <br><br>‘In Cape Town we aim to set the standard for service excellence, professionalism and the ethic of public service. But we cannot reach the heights we dream of if we do not work together. My Mayoral Committee team and I will wake up every day with the sole purpose of uplifting our residents to create meaningfully faster economic growth, to encourage investment and job creation and to address crime - this is our task for the next five years and beyond. As Metro Police in the City of Cape Town, you are a crucial part of that mission of building a city that inspires hope and optimism,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.<br><br>The City’s Executive Committee and full Council endorsed the proposed establishment of a Municipal Police Service in May 2001.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/mpd3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘We have come a long way since those early days, and the Metro Police Department is so deserving of this honour where we can pause for a moment and reflect on their achievements. Apart from their impressive arrest rates, they have expanded beyond their initial inception as the City Police into a team that the residents of Cape Town can be proud of. The specialised units demonstrate the dedication of Metro Police to focus on the task at hand and find solutions, both short and long term. </p><p>‘As Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, I have the utmost respect for the officers who serve under Metro Police. Many of them have been in the department since the first intake in 2001. Wayne Le Roux, the current Chief has been at the helm for 10 years. I regularly go out with the staff on operational patrols and I am always taken aback by their knowledge and passion for serving the communities they work in. </p><p>‘To the Safety and Security Directorate at large, I salute you. But today, to the Metro Police Department, congratulations on your 20 years serving this City. Your hard work lives on in the communities you serve. Thanks for caring so much about our safety and stepping out every day to serve and protect,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/mpd2021.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><span></span><span><p><strong>HISTORICAL OVERVIEW</strong><br> <br>The first intake of recruits started on 1 July 2001.<br> <br>These recruits went on patrol in December 2001, and a few months later, in March 2002, the first specialised units (Bicycle and Equestrian) were introduced.<br> <br>CCTV surveillance formed part and parcel of the City Police Service from the early days, under the watchful eye of the Strategic Surveillance Unit. <br> <br>In years to follow, more specialised units would be introduced including:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">the Special Operations Unit (2003) to conduct tactical operations with SAPS in crime hotspots, </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">the Safer Schools Programme (2003) to protect learners in gang and crime hotspots, which morphed into the School Resource Officers programme in 2013</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">the Neighbourhood Safety Officer (NSO) programme in 2007 to attend to specific priorities in identified wards</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">the K9 Unit in 2009</div></li></ul><p> <br>Four years after its establishment, in 2005, the City Police was renamed the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, and a year later, officers traded their black and white uniform for the now established khaki and blue uniforms.<br> <br>As part of preparations for the Fifa 2010 World Cup, the Safety and Security Training Academy was enhanced, and under the leadership of the Metropolitan Police Department, has grown into a distinguished, accredited training institution for all City enforcement agencies.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/mpd4.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p>Today, Metro Police has deployment stations throughout the metropole. Area policing is the first line of defense, supported by the Specialised Tactical Response, Camera Response and Service Animal Units, as well as the Gang and Drugs Task Team. <br> <br>These units are ably supported by their colleagues in the Radio Control Room, Community Service Centres, the Training Academy, Firearms Management team, Civilian and Internal Affairs, Information Management and administrative support services. <br> <br>‘Over the past two decades, we have experienced success, failures, highs and lows, celebrations and adversity; but the one thing we never accepted was defeat. Through faith, mutual trust, and commitment to the cause, we can stand here today, to commemorate this milestone. The employees of this department are the backbone of our operations and our success. So my colleagues, by celebrating this 20th anniversary, we are celebrating the success of our employees, their families and loved ones who have made significant sacrifices. I congratulate you all,’ said Metro Police Chief, Wayne Le Roux.<br> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2021-12-05T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Cape Town pivots to domestic traveller campaign | Our launch event today is testament to the quick-thinking creativity of our tourism teams, and is testament to our City’s commitment to doing what we can to help the tens of thousands of Capetonians | <span><p>‘Our launch event today is testament to the quick-thinking creativity of our tourism teams, and is testament to our City’s commitment to doing what we can to help the tens of thousands of Capetonians who work in tourism to thrive in this difficult time. <br><br>‘We turned this campaign on in a week to send out a clear message to every South African and Capetonian: Don’t let travel bans ruin your travel plans - come to Cape Town! We are waiting to welcome you with open arms, and can’t wait for you to safely experience the best our city has to offer,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/domestic%20campaign1.jpg" alt="" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘The City team has worked quickly and creatively this week to put together an impressive collection of offers and packages to attract more South Africans to visit Cape Town this season, and to encourage Capetonians to be tourists in their own city. <br><br>‘Our launch includes many discounts to flights, accommodation and attractions around Cape Town, and we are <strong>relaunching the Pocket-Friendly Campaign to give visitors lots of options. ‘The tourism industry needs every ounce of support this summer peak season and we’re looking forward to welcoming back tourists to visit beautiful Cape Town.’</strong><br><br> ‘When the bad news hit, we used that verb that became the global word of 2020: pivot. Our team has worked quickly to pivot our summer message to a domestic audience, and I am pleased to be here today to launch their work. I have spoken about the need for Cape Town to be creative, innovative and nimble-footed and today is one important example of how we are starting to show that in practice.’<br><br> The Pocket-Friendly Campaign offers discounts in flights, hotels and highlights activities. With a Love Cape Town discount code found on <a href="http://www.travelstart.co.za/" target="_blank">www.travelstart.co.za</a>, our domestic and local travellers can get up to R300 off bookings through Travelstart, Safarinow and Club Travel across flights, accommodation and experiences. Or you can find great deals discounted up to 20% online.<br><br>The summer season is the peak tourism season, with the tourism and hospitality sector supporting tens of thousands of jobs.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/domestic%20campaign2.jpg" alt="" style="width:813px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Cape Town Tourism has decided to relaunch the Pocket-Friendly Campaign with Travelstart that runs until 28 February 2022, and will help counteract the abrupt international cancellations over the last two weeks. This will be done by offering our domestic travellers great discounts and lower fares to Cape Town through subsidies and vouchers across hotels, flights and experiences. This campaign will benefit the sector from SMME businesses such as independent local attractions, guest houses, and B&B accommodation all the way to larger hotel chains that all need assistance over these challenging times,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis. <br><br> The Pocket-Friendly Challenge is part of the overall campaign and helps promote and explain the initiative in is a series of six video episodes where multi-cultural teams are given R150 per person to explore the neighbourhoods of Langa, Athlone, Kalk Bay, Sea Point, Kirstenbosch and Blouberg. Each neighbourhood is highlighted by a video, a route map, that can be downloaded, and a website feature.<br><br> Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth highlighted a recent domestic survey by CTT, which indicated that the majority of South Africans have a strong appetite for vacationing over the festive period.</p><p>‘Local travellers have always been a pillar of strength for our industry and to ease the financial pressure, we are really amplifying CTT’s Pocket-Friendly Campaign this year with these new offers and partnerships.<br>‘At the same time, we are keenly focused on conversion, which is about turning potential travellers into actual bookings. CTT and the City is working closely with small businesses and communities to get them ready for visitors. For example, CTT has hosted several eKasi Tourism Development workshops and recently rolled out a Neighbourhood Experience Development practical training manual. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/domestic%20campaign3.jpg" alt="" style="width:840px;" /> </figure>‘We have created the TravelWise initiative, which provides visitors with information on health and safety and ready access to an emergency operator through the Namola app. Travelwise was instrumental in helping myself and provincial officials in assisting international travellers stranded by the latest travel bans. Let’s continue to give travellers the best, most affordable and safest experience possible,’ said Alderman Vos.<br><br>Cape Town remains open to local visitors and all the necessary precautions are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer holiday adventure. While the UK has reversed its ban on flights to Cape Town, various other countries have maintained their restrictions on South Africa.<br><br>The City of Cape Town will continue to work with our partners to reverse these restrictions and allow international airlines to bring the many travellers who were so keen to visit Cape Town. In the meantime, Cape Town is your summer holiday destination. The City and its partners are committed to doing everything possible to keep this city and South Africa open to protect the livelihoods of our residents. The tourism and hospitality sector needs every ounce of support we can offer.<br>Cape Town can be your holiday destination. We have everything here: beaches, adventure activities, wine farms, top-rated restaurants and hotels.<br><br>‘Based on domestic research, the primary barrier to Cape Town as a domestic leisure destination is the perception of cost versus value. To this end, the initiative is focused on our domestic marketing by promoting the diversity of our neighbourhood experiences. When domestic travel opened mid-August in 2020, we partnered with Travelstart to add a conversion element to the campaign, where we offered <strong>highly discounted flights </strong>to drive demand in flight bookings. This campaign was extremely successful.Cape Town International Airport domestic arrivals to Cape Town between August and December 2020 increased by 34% in four months to reach 50% of 2019 levels. We achieved a return on investment 74:1 when comparing visitor spend to campaign spend,’ said Enver Duminy, Cape Town Tourism CEO.<br><br><strong>The areas part of the Pocket Friendly Campaign:</strong><br>In<strong> Blouberg</strong>, there’s Eden On The Bay, for shopping or a sunset picnic, a perfect mountain frame pic at the beach, and surfing.<br><br>In <strong>Langa</strong>, there are a host of restaurants to sample local foods such as Eziko, Lelapa, Mzansi and Malusi’s Tavern. If you’re looking for some art, the Guga S’Thebe Arts & Culture Centre has exhibition areas and a theatre space.<br><br>In<strong> Athlone</strong>, sample the best gatsbys at Golden Dish or Super Fisheries, or fish and chips, or another southern suburbs tradition of Wembley Roadhouse and explore the local Gatesville Market or even take in street art at Kannabast Close.<br><br>Another must-see space is<strong> Kirstenbosch Gardens </strong>to see the green views from the Boomslang walkway, the national flower in the Protea Garden and enjoy a coffee or meal at the Moyo Restaurant.<br><br>Get the endorphins flowing by pedalling around the <strong>Sea Point </strong>Promenade on a hired bicycle, sink a hole-in-one at the Putt-Putt area, the little ones catch the mini locomotive at the Blue Train Park or catch a memorable selfie at the Mouille Point Lighthouse or giant Mandela Glasses.<br><br>In <strong>Kalk Bay</strong>, beat the summer heat and get an ice cream, shop for bargains, or enjoy seafood at the seaside at Kalky’s or see the seals at the Kalk Bay Harbour.<br> <br><strong>End</strong></span> | 2021-12-05T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City’s Traffic Service will not be intimidated into ceasing taxi operations | Saferty and Security weekly roundup. | <p>‘The attack on our traffic officers was completely unacceptable, but not entirely surprising. Over the years we have seen a very violent response from illegal taxi operators who think that they are untouchable and can deter enforcement through intimidation. In the most recent incidents, staff were attacked while conducting an operation to check for permits, and then followed to the Driving License Testing Centre where they were attacked once more. One of them was bitten by a dog right down to the bone. This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated, nor will it succeed in deterring our efforts to maintain law and order on the roads, and protect the public,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.<br> <br>In general, during enforcement operations last week, traffic officers arrested 39 suspects and issued 54 017 fines. Officers also impounded 102 vehicles and 81 cellphones.</p><p>LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT<br> <br>Officers from the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) confiscated three firearms and various live rounds of ammunition during weekly patrols. <br> <br>On Thursday, 2 December 2021, LEAP officers confiscated a firearm and ammunition during a stop and search operation in Nyanga and handed the suspect over to the South African Police Service. <br> <br>On Sunday, 4 December 2021, LEAP officers found a suspect in possession of a Beretta 9mm short pistol and a round of ammunition in Hanover Park. The suspect did not have a licence for the firearm or ammunition and was handed over to Philippi SAPS. <br> <br>Then, just before 02:00 this morning, officers conducting patrols in Hanover Park heard gunshots, and responded. The suspects managed to get away, but officers found a high powered black python revolver chambered in a 357 magnum with five live rounds. The firearm was booked in at Philippi SAPS.<br> <br>Elsewhere, Law Enforcement officers arrested 85 suspects and issued 3 240 fines. <br> <br>METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT<br> <br>Officers arrested 26 suspects and issued 993 fines.<br> <br>On Thursday, 2 December 2021, officers from the K9 Unit were on patrol in Voortrekker Road when they noticed a driver behaving suspiciously when he spotted the patrol vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over, and further investigation revealed it was stolen in Sea Point last month. Two suspects, aged 27 and 31 were arrested and detained at Maitland SAPS.<br> <br>On Friday, 3 December 2021, officers monitoring the CCTV cameras at the Transport Management Centre building in Goodwood, observed two males digging on the side of the road at the corner of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Heideveld Road in Bridgetown. Athlone SAPS was activated to respond, and arrested the duo for cable theft. <br> <br>‘We are ramping up our operations now as the festive season edges closer. However, safety is a shared responsibility, so everyone needs to play a role in ensuring their own safety, as well as that of those around them, and the community at large,’ added Alderman Smith.<br> <br>The public is reminded to report any emergency incidents to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre, by dialing 107 from a landline, or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. <br> <br> <br>End<br> </p> | 2021-12-05T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Come see the future of District Six | The City of Cape Town, residents, and nominated Caretakers have been collaborating over the past few months on the Public Realm Study for District Six | <p></p><span><p>‘District Six is far more than a place of restitution and redress. The neighbourhood has a rich heritage. It is a unique and special part of the city that must be embraced by and integrated with its surroundings. The purpose of the work the City is currently doing with the help of the District Six community and interested parties, is to restore the legacy and vibrancy of the former neighbourhood. In fact, we want to revive the life of District Six by focusing on the public open spaces where the community used to live, interact, and socialise. Communities are formed over time, and much of this happens in public spaces where we often find a sense of belonging. The importance of this project and the collaboration with the community and caretakers of District Six cannot be overstated. I encourage all to join us – be it through the online meeting, or else, at one of the Open Days at the City Hall to see the work that has been done so far,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/D6_1.jpg" alt="" style="width:933px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>To date, the work on the Public Realm Study has focused on the vision and strategies for the public spaces and streets of District Six and how these tie together as a whole. </p><p>The public is invited to an update on the progress and can do so via an online meeting, or by attending the Open House days. Those wanting to attend the Open Days are reminded to follow the Covid-19 health and safety protocols by wearing a mask to cover the nose and mouth, to practice social distancing, and wash or sanitise hands often.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/D6_2.jpg" alt="" style="width:893px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><span><p><strong>Online meeting:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Wednesday, 8 December 2021 from 14:00 to 15:30 – this is the third virtual meeting where the City will share feedback with the public. Those who want to join can use the following link: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19:meeting_YTE3YmYyMmUtODA3Ni00MjU0LWJjYzMtZTBjZjgxOGY4YWM5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22:%2218b6867f-6556-4963-9a0b-4ec91d8f1d83%22%2c%22Oid%22:%22f318198a-10eb-4c14-8263-1fb533c2e87f%22%7d" target="_blank">https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTE3YmYyMmUtODA3Ni00MjU0LWJjYzMtZTBjZjgxOGY4YWM5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2218b6867f-6556-4963-9a0b-4ec91d8f1d83%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f318198a-10eb-4c14-8263-1fb533c2e87f%22%7d</a></div></li></ul><p>Open House days at the City Hall, Parade Street entrance, will take place as follows:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Thursday, 9 December 2021, from 14:00 to 20:00 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Friday, 10 December 2021, from 09:00 to 15:00 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Saturday, 11 December 2021, from 09:00 to 15:00</div></li></ul><p>Caretakers nominated by the community have participated in four of the six face-to-face co-design workshops since mid-September 2021, with the last two to follow in the new year. </p><p>The co-design workshops have been recorded and shared with the wider community to get their input as well. The District Six community has an inherent knowledge and experience of the public open spaces, and we want to draw on this wisdom. The City encourages residents to participate as all of the comment will feed into design guidelines – the look and feel – of the public open spaces in District Six.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/D6_3.jpg" alt="" style="width:882px;" /> </figure></span><p>The City would have wanted to involve more people at the co-design workshops, but unfortunately, numbers have to be limited due to Covid-19. </p><p>‘Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we are doing all we can to create conditions for a meaningful, vibrant, dynamic, honest, transparent and authentic process. I encourage those who are interested to visit the City’s website. We are updating the content with videos and documents as the process unfolds,’ said Alderman Andrews.</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">The link to the content is as follows: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-six-neighbourhood-plan" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-six-neighbourhood-plan</a></div></li></ul><p>The Public Realm Study will also inform the draft Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for District Six that is currently available for public participation and comment until 15 December 2021. The plan is available on the City’s website at <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay</a>. </p><p>The LSDF and related Public Realm Study are aspects that the City can implement. They are separate from, but will enhance the housing project of the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development that is currently under way as part of the restitution process.</p><p> <br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2021-12-04T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
