| Mangaung informal settlement connected to the grid | The City thanks the residents of the Mangaung informal settlement for their patience during the completion of the project. | <p></p><span><p><br>The City thanks the residents of the Mangaung informal settlement for their patience during the completion of the project. Approximately R4,5 million was spent to connect the households to the electricity grid.<br> <br>‘Yesterday, we celebrated with the beneficiaries at the official switch on. We are immensely proud of the work done to connect the families to the electricity grid and as a result of this partnership with Eskom, more than 371 households now have electricity for the first time.</p><p>‘I wish to thank the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department and Eskom staff for their dedication, hard work and attention to detail. We are pleased that this electrification project can now help provide the community with an improved quality of life as well as business prospects. We remind residents to help the City protect infrastructure by reporting electricity theft, vandalism and illegal connections to the City or to the South African Police Service,’ said Councillor Maxiti. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/manguang1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><strong>To report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">SMS: 31220</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Email: <a href="mailto:power@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">power@capetown.gov.za</a></div></li></ul><p> <br>Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:<br>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 cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/manguang2.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><p><strong>Caption 1:</strong> Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti and beneficiary Ms Nosaviwe Nogqaka<br><strong>Caption 2</strong>: Beneficiary Ms Vuyokazi Stimelo</p><p> <br><strong>End</strong><br> </p> | 2021-06-10T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City raises AARTO concerns | AARTO aims to introduce significant changes to driving laws in the country, including a new demerit system | <p></p><p>AARTO aims to introduce significant changes to driving laws in the country, including a new demerit system. It will also be responsible for the administration, collection and adjudication of fines related to road traffic offences. AARTO has outlined its objective as the reduction in road fatalities. This objective does not appear to be achieved in the province where this was piloted. </p><p>‘The City is considering its options to challenge the implementation of AARTO specifically with regard to its functionality. We believe it is ineffective in reducing road fatalities. The other objection would be related to the powers of law enforcement where AARTO legislation appears to conflict with local government mandate as far as it relates to traffic and parking,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. </p><p>In a comparison of fatal crashes, the Western Cape has a consistent and significantly lower number than Gauteng. This is based on data from annual traffic reports provided by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, which is the lead road safety agency in the country.</p><p>‘When we look at the numbers, Gauteng generally has double the number of fatal crashes whereas in the Western Cape, fatal crashes appear to be decreasing. In addition, AARTO should include all aspects of unsafe driving, instead of focusing on those infringements, which are already covered by traffic law enforcement,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p>Fatal crashes for the last few years:</p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;">Year</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;">WC</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;">GP</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2010</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1029</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1959</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2011</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1039</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2321</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2012</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1004</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2037</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2013</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">928</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2009</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2014</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">994</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2136</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2015</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">998</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2171</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2016</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1071</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2385</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2017</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1063</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2398</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2018</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">885</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2267</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2019</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1013</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2180</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>‘The city is continuously engaging the relevant departments such as the Road Traffic Infringement Agency and has raised certain concerns as it relates to the AARTO regulations and its envisaged rollout. While we are considering various options to challenge the regulations, it does not exclude the possibility of legal action,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2021-06-10T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme honours its first graduates | graduation ceremony at the Alphen Centre in Constantia to honour 22 graduates who underwent skills development training for the past three years through the Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme | <p></p><span><p>The Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme was initiated in September 2019 and forms part of the City of Cape Town’s Skills Development Programme. It is funded through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) office. </p><p>The objective of the programme is to equip participants with the skills and experience necessary for the job market, or for starting their own small businesses after the three-year implementation period.<br>The participants were selected from the Kader Asmal Integrated Inter-Departmental Catchment Management Programme’s database, the City of Cape Town job seeker database and also from the partner organisations.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/kadar%20asmal1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘I encourage all EPWP participants to make the most of the opportunity given to them. Everyone should work hard in the respective roles they are given. With the skills and experience gained in this programme, they will be able to apply for permanent or long-term contract positions. </p><p>‘Young people, visit your local subcouncil with your ID and proof of address to register with the EPWP Jobseekers Database for upcoming temporary work opportunities within the geographical boundaries of your local sub-council,’ said Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management.</p><p>During the three years of the programme, the participants were empowered with a variety of skills, including soft skills such as emotional intelligence, self-motivation, self-management, and training related to different areas within the environmental administration fields. The programme is complemented with on-the-job training within the Invasive Species Unit and our internal and external stakeholders.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/kadar%20asmal3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The 22 students graduating today are the first to graduate from the programme and are part of 53 participants who have successfully completed it since it was initiated in 2019.</p><p>Some of the programme’s successes include first runners’ up for best project category at the Mayor’s Special Awards for the implementation of the EPWP Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme and Kader Asmal Integrated inter-departmental Catchment Management Programme in 2019. </p><p>Between July 2019 and May 2021, the Invasive Species Unit (ISU) has created 9 292 permanent job opportunities and cleared 24 961 ha of invasive alien plant species across the city.</p><p>Special awards specifically linked to the role individuals played within the ISU will also be presented to recognize those outstanding staff members.</p><p>EPWP is one of government's programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment</p><p>‘It warms my heart to celebrate with these young people, during Youth Month, who have benefitted from temporary work opportunities, especially in a time when unemployment is a challenge, and they have upskilled themselves,’ said the City’ Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p>A panel consisting of the Head of Invasive Species, Area Manager in the Biodiversity Branch and Compliance Officer within the EPWP office reviewed and recommended the submissions of these awards. This is vital for the skills development staff to grow their CVs and to become more employable in the near future.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/kadar%20asmal2.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘This programme speaks to our commitment to investing in expanded public and community programmes that will provide long-term employment. As an opportunity City, we are constantly seeking ways and means to attract talent and create an institutional culture where all talent can thrive. I am so proud of these participants who took the opportunity presented to them and now stand to enjoy economic inclusion.</p><p>‘What is also commendable is that the participants are all young, and South Africa is currently celebrating Youth Month – what better way to celebrate them? Also, the permanent job opportunities come at a time when the world is grappling with unemployment which has been exacerbated by Covid-19. The programme has exceeded our expectations. It is encouraging to see how these graduates have grown in their respective roles within the ISU. I also want to commend our staff, because without their dedication and support, this would not have been achieved. They ensured that the participants had access to the necessary tools that enabled them to continue with the programme even during the hard lockdown period last year. This is how we make progress possible, together,’ said Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/kadar%20asmal4.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p><span><strong>Below is a table showing the participants who are now permanent City employees:</strong></span></p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Name </strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Department </strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Sandiso Ziduli</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Bulk Water</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Vutshilo Ramabulana</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Simone Petersen</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Waseem Parker</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Nwabisa Majali</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Kidwell Voyiya</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Water and Waste</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Solulele Mjandana</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Ntlahla Nomsobo</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Heiner Riffle</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Environment Management Department</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Daniel Clark</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"> </td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><strong><br>Below are the participants who are employed by other stakeholders:</strong></span></p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Name </strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Company</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Matshela Khalo </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">CTEET</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Nosimphiwe Gola</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Department of Agriculture and Forestry</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Thandiwe Mayile </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">SANParks</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Sindisa Njemla</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">SANParks</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Lehlogonolo Seshabela </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">SANParks</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Khayakazi Breakfast</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cape Nature</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>The next intake for the Kader Asmal Skills Development Programme will be implemented across the additional units within the Biodiversity Management Branch in due course.</p><p><strong>Captions</strong><br>Photo 1: Alderman Grant Twigg, Banothile Khubani, Julia Wood<br>Photo 2: Deboseng Nazo<br>Photo 3: Mishumo Masithembi<br>Photo 4: Ndimphiwe Tshikana</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2021-06-10T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| How residents can safely trim their trees this winter | Cape Town residents are encouraged to trim trees and vegetation growing on their property to prevent these from interfering with power lines | <p></p><span><p>Storms can sometimes contribute to an increase in prolonged power outages, especially where tree branches grow over or into overhead power lines or where fragile trees or their branches fall over and damage infrastructure. Recent storms experienced across the metro should serve as a reminder for all residents about the possibility of these occurrences taking place.</p><p>‘Property owners or those renting a property are urged to do this maintenance work to prevent trees and vegetation from growing into power infrastructure, while taking safety precautions and to ensure that there is a required clearance of at least 3,8 metres between vegetation and power lines.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tree%20trim1.jpg" alt="" style="width:951px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Residents are also reminded that branches, which encroach on streetlights, diminish their efficacy. Safely clearing vegetation that is already encroaching on overhead lines can be dangerous and property owners are requested to contact the City for advice and to arrange an electricity shutdown to remove branches safely. </p><p>‘By working together, we can mitigate the risks and avoid the inconvenience caused to our residents when power lines are struck by trees during a storm,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti. </p><p>The City’s electricity teams have made every effort to minimise electricity outages caused by trees growing into overhead power lines by clearing these away from power lines across the metro. The department has spent more than R3,4 million on trimming trees in preparation for winter storms. Areas included:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Newlands</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Claremont</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Plumstead</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Wynberg</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Rondebosch</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Westridge</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Audas Estate</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Humanshof</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Briza</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Goedehoop</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Pearl Rise and Helena Heights</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Goodwood</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Monte Vista </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Suburbs in the Brackenfell, Kuils River and Kraaifontein areas</div></li></ul><p><strong>Reduce the risk of nuisance tripping</strong><br>As Eskom’s load-shedding continues this week, the City also encourages residents to reduce the risk of nuisance tripping. When power is restored after load-shedding, nuisance tripping sometimes occurs. This is when the power is restored to an area and fails to come back on in some parts. The power outage often goes unreported because residents assume that it is due to load-shedding.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/trim%20trees.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /></figure></span><p>Residents are encouraged to reduce the risk and occurrence of nuisance tripping by switching off appliances, including geysers, air conditioners and pool pumps prior to load-shedding and leaving one light on to indicate the return of the supply. Nuisance tripping might in some instances damage electrical equipment or cause a fire to start.</p><p>General faults can also sometimes be confused with load-shedding.</p><p><strong>Contact the City (please only use one channel):</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Should residents be concerned that there is a risk of trees on City property encroaching on City overhead power lines, they are encouraged to report these cases to the City’s Fault Reporting Centre on 0860 103 089 or <a href="mailto:FaultReporting.Centre@capetown.gov.za">FaultReporting.Centre@capetown.gov.za</a> or <a href="mailto:power@capetown.gov.za">power@capetown.gov.za</a>.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">SMS: 31220 (standard charges apply)</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Online: <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Please note, during inclement weather, service requests increase and this can impact on the time required to fix an outage. The City thanks all residents for their understanding.</div></li></ul><p>For more information on why you should safely trim your trees or get advice on how to do it, please visit: <a href="http://bit.ly/CCT-Treetrimming" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/CCT-Treetrimming</a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span><span></span> | 2021-06-10T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
