| Cape Town most sustainable metro in South Africa | Cape Town is the only metro to have strengthened its financial sustainability over the year in review and ‘is the only one that can be considered sustainable | <p></p><p>Cape Town is the only metro to have strengthened its financial sustainability over the year in review and ‘is the only one that can be considered sustainable with the capacity to absorb financial shocks’ as per the report. This speaks volumes of what we are doing right in Cape Town. And we need to make sure our municipality stays sustainable to best serve our people irrespective of the additional pressure brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. </p><p>Ratings Afrika’s Municipal Sustainability Index looks at operating performance, liquidity management, debt governance, budget practices, affordability and infrastructure development. It then gives a score out of 100. The closer to 100 the better. The City’s score of 74 is far ahead of the average of 48 given for South Africa’s metros. The report covering the financial year ending June 2019, has the second strongest performer at a score of 56. </p><p>According to the report, financial sustainability is defined as: ‘The financial ability to deliver services, develop and maintain the infrastructure required by its residents, without unplanned increases in rates and taxes, or a reduction in the level of services. Furthermore the municipality should have the capacity to absorb financial shocks caused by natural, economic, political and other adversities without external financial assistance.’</p><p>‘The report is a confirmation that the management of financial affairs in Cape Town is excellent, which provides the resilience that the City needs to provide services to its residents, while also being able to survive through multiple disasters such as droughts and pandemics. It is a beacon for the good governance practised in the City of Cape Town.</p><p>‘While we are currently in an abnormal situation with the COVID-19 crisis, sustainability is an important consideration in our planning and decision making. This includes ensuring that any increases are affordable for our residents, and avoiding huge price shocks in the future. There is no doubt the dire and dysfunctional state of the South African economy is impacting on us all, but we continue to do everything in our power as a metro to navigate these rough waters. </p><p>‘With the help of our residents, we successfully managed to get through the drought crisis and build greater resilience into our operations. With the COVID-19 crisis thus far, the City and the Western Cape Government have demonstrated good management by taking advantage of the lockdown periods to make sure we have enough clinical capacity to deal with the pandemic. We are leading the way in South Africa by fulfilling our basic service delivery mandate as well as providing enhanced essential COVID-19 services. This is only possible because we work really hard to ensure that this municipality is sustainable, resilient and accountable to its people,’ said the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson. </p><p>The Ratings Afrika report further notes (with the exception of Cape Town) a weakening trend of financial sustainability among the metros, with the average score of 48 being the lowest in five years. The report emphasises that these ratings are based on information collected prior to the ‘devastating effects of the current lockdown caused by COVID-19’. </p><p>The report states Cape Town is the only metro whose operating performance is at ‘an adequate level to provide sufficient funds for its operations to cover expenses, to provide the funding capacity for infrastructure development and to build the necessary reserves to absorb financial shocks’.</p><p>Cape Town has received a liquidity management score of 94 compared to the South African average of 39 and generally, the report indicates a weakening trend of metros to absorb financial shocks. <br> <br>The report notes Cape Town’s collection rate is the highest in the country – more than 95% average up to the year ending June 2019, with ‘sound cash management policies and practices’. </p><p>‘This strong focus on debt collection is one of the key reasons for the high sustainability and shows how important it is to think of the big picture when collecting rates and tariff income to ensure we can carry on delivering services and revitalising our local economy through capital programme and infrastructure injections. It is therefore so important that those who have the means to pay their rates and services continue to do so. For the current financial year, we have made provision for R3,3 billion in rates and service assistance and have also kept our average increases to approximately 4%, which is among the lowest in South Africa. In setting up the rates and tariff income parameters, affordability and sustainability have been key considerations,’ said Alderman Neilson. </p><p>The report concludes by stating: ‘At this moment, it is only Cape Town that has the capacity to weather the corona virus storm successfully’. </p><p>We thank our residents for their loyalty to the City. With more than 95% of residents paying their accounts even during the current crisis, we see that they remain party to our continued success. With our residents’ help, we will ensure that we keep it this way. <br> </p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2020-08-03T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| More time for virtual energy festival event submissions | Cape Town residents who would like to take part in the Green Maker Mania and Watt’s in the Pot? events are advised that they are still able to. | <p>Closing dates for submissions have been extended. These events form part of the virtual Cape Town Future Energy Festival which showcases innovative and cost-effective household solutions for energy use and a more sustainable way of living. Read more below:</p><p>The festival comprises a series of virtual events which are taking place to educate adults and children on how they can use energy efficiently and make sustainable choices at home. The virtual festival comprises engaging activities, the sharing of tips to help households save money and information about what our energy future may look like. It aims to create conversations inspired by climate change, energy efficiency, solar and wind power, water saving, waste reduction, smart transport and sustainable living.</p><p>‘Energy is a significant expense for many households. Now, as the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the household as well as the local and national economy, energy efficiency and cost cutting has become significantly important.</p><p>‘These energy festival challenges are not just an opportunity for our residents to share their ideas and creativity. They highlight the importance of greater resource efficiency, renewable technology, innovation, social inclusivity and energy security. Importantly, it shows how individuals and households hold the power to impact their household energy costs and can make the switch to a more sustainable future,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.</p><p><strong>Green Maker Mania</strong><br>Cape Town’s first ever Green Maker Mania celebrates and showcases our local maker culture. It provides makers the opportunity to share their projects and also benefit from an initiative of the City of Cape Town to support makers. The festival organisers will select the top projects which best complement the Future Energy theme of the Festival and invite them to showcase their projects on the festival’s various platforms.</p><p>To enter your project, please submit a short video of no longer than two minutes to explain your maker project or product via email to <a href="mailto:energy@zafanzone.co.za">energy@zafanzone.co.za</a>. In your submission please include the following information:</p><ul><li>your name, address and age</li><li>occupation/trade</li><li>contact number</li><li>name of Item and purpose of Item</li></ul><p><strong>The closing date for submissions has been extended to 31 August 2020 and the top projects will be announced on 8 September 2020.</strong></p><p><strong>Watt’s in the Pot? </strong><br>Those who are 18 years or older are invited to share their energy efficient and delicious recipes. Celebrity judges will select the six best recipes and the finalists will be invited to cook their dishes in a fully stocked industrial kitchen during an online cook-off. The judges will share smart energy cooking tips along the way. </p><p>Prizes are available for the finalists and the winners. COVID-19 social distancing regulations will be adhered to during the live show.</p><p>To enter the competition, applicants are required to visit <a href="http://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/submit-recipe">www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/submit-recipe</a> and fill in an online application form. </p><p><strong>The new closing date for all recipe submissions is 7 August 2020 and the finalists will be announced on 12 August 2020.</strong></p><p>For more information on the Future Energy Festival visit <a href="https://bit.ly/CTFutureEnergyFestival">https://bit.ly/CTFutureEnergyFestival</a> or <a href="http://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/">www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za</a>, alternatively email <a href="mailto:energy@zafanzone.co.za">energy@zafanzone.co.za</a>.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-08-03T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Help available for higher lockdown bills due to higher water, power usage | Households in general have used more water and electricity over the recent lockdown periods as more people were at home more often. | <p>Now that meter reading is resuming, and bills are no longer being estimated, residents may be receiving unexpectedly high bills for water and electricity. It is becoming apparent that many residents used significantly more than was estimated, and may not immediately be able to pay off this balance that was under-billed due to usage being estimated. </p><p>We encourage residents who cannot pay off their accounts in full to notify the City so that we can evaluate their circumstances and see if an interest free payment arrangement is possible. We have set aside R3,3 billion to assist those severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but the City does require a stable income from rates and services to continue delivering services. </p><p>We have previously communicated the increase in consumption is primarily because there were more people at home for longer periods of the day, with schools closed, many working from home and extended families choosing to see out the lockdown periods together. Usage over this time was billed as estimations, which for many residential properties were generally lower than the actual readings that we are seeing now that meter reading has resumed. </p><p>The City is aware that these consolidated amounts could be relatively substantial for some households, especially during these tough economic times. </p><p><strong>It is also worth noting that energy usage is traditionally highest in the winter months which will also pushes up bills. </strong></p><p>‘We encourage our customers to please contact us to find out how to make payment arrangements and also to see if there is any other financial assistance that is available to them in the form of rates and indigent relief, especially. We thank those who have the means to pay for continuing to pay their municipal accounts and urge those who cannot afford to pay their accounts, to contact the City immediately for assistance,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance and Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson. </p><p><strong>Income from rates and services is really important as it is used for the delivery of basic services. </strong></p><p><strong>Tips</strong></p><ul><li>Make the switch to online services. Please visit <a href="https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/">https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/</a></li><li>Take your own electricity and water meter readings:</li><li>Electricity: Customers may send a photo of the electricity meter reading by email to <a href="mailto:Electricity.MeterReading@capetown.gov.za">Electricity.MeterReading@capetown.gov.za</a> or phone 021 444 6286/8432/8478/1554 or 0860 103 089</li><li>Water: SMS: 31373, email: <a href="mailto:water@capetown.gov.za">water@capetown.gov.za</a> or phone 0860 103 089</li><li>Get an email copy of your invoice: <a href="mailto:copy.invoice@capetown.gov.za">copy.invoice@capetown.gov.za</a></li><li>For payment arrangements or rates and services relief, please phone 0860 103 089 or 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></li><li>Visit <a href="http://www.savingelectricity.org.za/">www.savingelectricity.org.za</a> for tips on how to reduce their usage. </li><li>Also see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/saving-water">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/saving-water</a> for top household water saving tips. </li></ul><p><strong>For account payments:</strong></p><ul><li>Online: <a href="http://www.easypay.co.za/">www.Easypay.co.za</a> or <a href="http://www.paycity.co.za/">www.payCity.co.za</a></li><li>EFTs: Select the City as a bank-listed beneficiary. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference</li><li>Retailers: Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar and Woolworths</li><li>e-Services: Use the City’s online e-services portal </li><li>ATM: contact your bank to add the City as an ATM beneficiary </li></ul><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2020-08-03T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City provides additional R25 million to food relief for vulnerable communities | The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential national lockdown has left many vulnerable families in need of food relief. | <p>In response to this need, the City used R12 million in savings and partnered with about 60 local organisations who have provided emergency food relief to vulnerable communities during 2019/2020 financial year. To continue the support to communities, the Urban Management Directorate secured an additional R25 million for food relief during the 2020/2021 financial year.</p><p>Noting the positive impact, an additional R25 million has been allocated for continued emergency food relief for the 2020/2021 financial year. The City’s Urban Management Directorate is busy working through the logistics to look at a process to seamlessly implement the rollout of the 2020/2021 food relief programme.<br> <br>‘As a result of the severe impact of the national coronavirus lockdown, many residents have struggled to put food on the table. Despite the move to Alert Level 3 which lead to the opening up more economic sectors, the need for assistance remains. We must continue to strengthen our support and compassion for our fellow residents. These donations are intended to assist organisations feeding residents in need and, as a caring city, we are doing all we can to help residents,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.<br> <br>Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management said: ‘Through the Urban Management Directorate, the City of Cape Town is making strides to fill the gaps, capacitating neighbourhood soup kitchens to feed hundreds of residents in their various communities. We are very pleased as a city, to continue to help feeding our local vulnerable communities.</p><p>‘We want to thank our Subcouncil Chairpersons, Councillors and the local organisations who have helped to action this programme. Our city and local communities are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and for this reason, we decided to continue with the food relief programme to the tune of R25 million for 2020/2021 financial year, to continue to support families with food relief. This hasn’t been and it still isn’t easy for all of us, especially our vulnerable communities, and we will try to assist as much as we can.<br> <br>‘We thank our residents for their support as this programme is rolled out.’ <br> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-08-03T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
