| Festive period closure of City’s Ombudsman satellite offices | The Office of the City Ombudsman will be closed from Tuesday, 13 December 2022 | <p><strong>The Office of the City Ombudsman will be closed from Tuesday, 13 December 2022 and will re-open on Tuesday, 17 January 2023 at the following offices:</strong></p><ul><li>Omniforum Building, Kuils River</li><li>Durbanville Walk-in Centre, Oxford Street, Durbanville</li><li>Stocks and Stocks Building, Khayelitsha</li><li>Liberty Promenade Mall, Mitchells Plain </li></ul><p> </p><p>The office will, however, continue to assist City staff and members of the public for all last resort municipal-related complaints via the telephone, SMS, online option and walk-in enquiries during this time, as below:</p><ul><li><strong>SMS:</strong> 44781 (Standard Rates Apply)</li><li><strong>Tel:</strong> 021 400 5487/1944</li><li><strong>Fax: </strong>021 4005952</li><li><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za</a> </li><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/ombudscomplaints" target="_blank">http://www.capetown.gov.za/ombudscomplaints</a> </li></ul><p> <br></p><p><strong>Walk-in </strong><strong>q</strong><strong>ueries:</strong></p><p>Third Floor, Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town</p><p>08:00 - 15:30, Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays)</p><p>(Wheelchair access via the security access, Tower Block lift, Second floor)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Nature of complaints </strong></p><ul><li>If a member of the public has lodged an enquiry or complaint about service delivery with a City department and an insufficient or no response has been received, the City Ombud may be contacted to investigate the matter.</li><li>It is required that one must first approach the relevant City department and provide proof of the exchange before approaching the Ombudsman.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Please always describe the complaint in detail, including the name/s of the official/s involved, what happened and any relevant dates and times. Please always include any relevant documentation or evidence. The Ombudsman's Office will assess the complaint, to determine whether the office can assist or whether to direct the complainant to the appropriate department or institution.</p><p> </p><p><strong>The office follows the Ombudsman By-law (2015). It functions with independence, credibility and impartiality. It is against the law and South African Constitution to interfere in the business, powers and functions of this office. </strong></p><p> </p><p>There are many City complaint channels available to members of the public, depending on the nature of the complaint. </p><p> </p><p><strong>The </strong><a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Ombudsman" target="_blank"><strong>Ombudsman</strong></a><strong> does not investigate the following complaints, as there are other complaint channels for these:</strong></p><ul><li>Any legislative or executive decisions by the Council, any of its portfolio committees or subcouncils;</li><li>Any matter involving an allegation of fraud, corruption or corporate crime as referred to in the City's <a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Fraud%20Prevention%20Policy%20and%20Fraud%20Response%20Plan%20-%20%28Policy%20number%2025749A%29%20approved%20on%2003%20December%202014.pdf" target="_blank">Fraud Prevention Policy</a>;</li><li>Any matter or dispute which must be dealt with or settled within the field of labour law;</li><li>Any allegation relating to financial irregularities;</li><li>Any cases where the complainant has not reported the matter to the line department as a first port of call;</li><li>Any alleged irregular conduct of a councillor;<br></li><li>Any complaint which is vexatious or frivolous;</li><li>Any tender-related matter; and</li><li>Administrative appeals.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2022-12-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Help is available - R4,7bn assistance campaign boosts help to hundreds of qualifying residents | The indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive will continue in the New Year | <p></p><p>The indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive will continue in the New Year and the City encourages all qualifying residents to visit an event when it reaches their area and to speak to a City official about available assistance.</p><p> </p><p>'The campaign has done very well over recent months. We have approved more than 709 applications and more than 557 are in process. The officials have assisted a high number of residents older than 60 years and we urge more residents to make use of this opportunity for assistance in 2023.</p><p> </p><p>'The City thanks all the officials for their work in assisting residents with their unique matters and applications. When the campaign kicks off again in the New Year, we will once again help residents with the registration processes, forms and required documentation, and ensure that information is captured accurately.</p><p> </p><p>'Residents are reminded that rebates of up to 100% on municipal rates and refuse removal can be granted, depending on their unique circumstances. We once again urge residents to make use of this opportunity. Our officials are ready to assist you,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Remember</strong></p><p>Whether residents qualify for indigent support or indigent rates relief depends on monthly household income. If the total household income is R7 500 or less per month, residents could qualify for a discount on water, sewerage, electricity, waste collection and property rates.</p><p> </p><p>The cost of the City's social package for the 2022/23 financial year amounts to R4,7 billion, and includes R2,3 billion for indigent relief and R1,45 billion for rates relief. Those who have qualified for indigent benefits in the past must remember that they need to apply yearly for the benefit, except pensioners who may apply to renew their benefit every three years. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Residents may qualify for indigent support if they:</strong></p><p>• are a homeowner</p><p>• earn R7 500 or less per month</p><p>• own only one property</p><p>• are the full-time occupant of the home</p><p>• use the home mainly for residential purposes</p><p>• are a child who lives in the home of a parent who has passed away</p><p>• received the house in a divorce settlement</p><p>• depend on a pension or a social grant for their livelihood</p><p> </p><p><strong>Applicants will need:</strong></p><p>• proof of identification (ID book/card or passport)</p><p>• a bank statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bank account</p><p>• a bond statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bond account</p><p>• a copy of the estate documents if the applicant has inherited his or her house</p><p> </p><p><strong>If residents are employed, they must also include:</strong></p><p>• latest salary/wage pay slip or a letter from an employer stating their income</p><p>• a sworn affidavit if they are self-employed stating how much is earned per month</p><p>• proof if a disability grant, maintenance grant or pension is received</p><p> </p><p><strong>If residents are unemployed, they must include the following in the application:</strong></p><p>• a sworn affidavit stating that they are unemployed</p><p>• a sworn affidavit stating that they have no other source of income</p><p> </p><p><strong>Useful contacts and information:</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>For rates or services relief</strong></p><ul><li>Visit: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief</a> or a City customer office.</li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za</a> </li></ul><p> <br></p><p><strong>Pensioner rates relief</strong></p><ul style="text-align:left;"><li>Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants amounting to no more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. They are invited to go to the nearest City customer care office or send an email to <a href="mailto:rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za</a></li><li>For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support</a> </li></ul><p> <br></p><p><strong>For payment arrangements</strong></p><ul><li>Visit: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za</a><br></li></ul><p><strong>For a list of the City's Cash Offices and Walk-in Centres, please visit:</strong> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres</a> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p> | 2022-12-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City and SANParks Table Mountain celebrate their dedicated volunteers | 'Volunteering takes you on a journey of unintended consequences, but with each step you are making a difference. | <p></p><span><p style="text-align:justify;">Volunteers from the City of Cape Town's Environmental Biodiversity Management Department and the SANParks Table Mountain National Park received certificates in recognition of their dedicated service at our nature reserves across Cape Town.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">'Volunteering means that I am able to give back to my community without the expectation of being rewarded or getting paid. The best reward for me is to see the appreciation of the people that I help,' said Johan October, local adventure guide and SANParks volunteer.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">'Volunteering takes you on a journey of unintended consequences, but with each step you are making a difference. For me, volunteering gives purpose and meaning,' said Louise Matschke, a volunteer from Nature Connect.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/volenteer%20awards.2jpg.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1002px;" /> </figure></span><span><p style="text-align:justify;">Collectively, our volunteers contribute towards environmental education in the community and assist with tasks including alien vegetation clearing, general maintenance, plant nursery work, flora and fauna surveys, guided hikes, office administration as well as litter clean-ups. The City and SANParks are truly grateful for the assistance we receive in keeping Cape Town's nature reserves pristine and making it accessible to all residents.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">'We extend our thanks to our volunteers who come from all walks and who give of their time so freely to ensure a better environment for our residents and visitors to Cape Town. As a City, we are committed to protecting, restoring and managing our natural areas and to improving the health of our environment to the benefit of all. In the battle against climate change, even small contributions make a difference, and through environmental education we can effect change through raising awareness. Our volunteers go a long way towards making this effort a reality,' said Alderman Eddie Andrews, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment.</p><p> </p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/volenteer%20awards.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:877px;" /> </figure></span><p>'I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the volunteers who willingly offer their time to assist in econservation efforts carried out across Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), and the City of Cape Town metropole. We are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication you bring to your roles as volunteers as you help us accomplish our goal of preserving our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all and we look forward to teaming up with you again and continuing to make a difference together,' said Frans van Rooyen, Table Mountain National Park Manager, SANParks.<br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2022-12-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Festive season homes handed over in Harare | To date, the City has handed 328 homes to beneficiaries in the R134,3 million Harare Infill Phase Two project in Khayelitsha | <p></p><span><p>'To date, the City has handed 328 homes to beneficiaries in the R134,3 million Harare Infill Phase Two project in Khayelitsha, as well as 228 title deeds. The project will provide opportunities to 900 qualifying beneficiaries, which includes 417 opportunities in Phase 1 and 483 homes in Phase 2.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Harare%20Phase%202%20handover%201.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>'It is a privilege to celebrate with the latest beneficiaries today as they receive the keys to their brand new homes. We are committed to enabling redress and transformation and we are pleased to see more families move into their homes this morning. </p><p> </p><p>'Steady progress has been made at the project and we are happy to hand over hundreds of homes to the rightful beneficiaries. This project is an example of the City's commitment to providing affordable accommodation to residents in all areas of the city and we will continue to do all that we can to protect it so that the remaining opportunities are provided to the rightful beneficiaries. <br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Harare%20Phase%202%20handover%203.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>'The City thanks all teams and contractors for their hard work and dedication, and for making this festive season handover possible for our latest beneficiaries,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Beneficiaries of all City housing projects are selected in accordance with the City's Housing Allocation Policy and the City's Housing Needs Register to ensure that housing opportunities are made available in a fair and transparent manner that prevents queue jumping and to those who qualify for housing as per the South African legislation</strong>.<br></p><p><br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Harare%20Phase%202%20handover%204.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><p><strong>Anonymous tip offs are welcome:</strong></p><p>Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cellphone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2022-12-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
