| Lower or no rates for some NPOs, shelters, old age homes, nature conservation land and social housing | The new categories have a reduced Rate-in-the-Rand which means that less or no property rates will apply for these categories | <p>The new categories have a reduced Rate-in-the-Rand which means that less or no property rates will apply for these categories. The City has also availed continued assistance of R3,3 billion to residents and ratepayers over the new financial year, which started on 1 July 2020. </p><p>‘Public benefit and non-profit organisations such as those providing a haven for street people, those caring for war veterans, youth, children and our shared natural heritage in particular perform an absolutely crucial function and essential service in communities. That is why we have focused much attention on ways to help these organisations. </p><p>‘They add to the well-being of our city and its people especially during these very trying times. This is part of our overall efforts to help those who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, and Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson.</p><p>Amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act limited the City’s discretion to assist some public benefit organisations (PBOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) that had previously benefited from rates rebates but had fallen off the list due to the legislative changes. After much work and legal input and with Council’s approval, 11 new categories for rates relief has been added from 1 July 2020, which brings the necessary rates relief to some organisations. </p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:100%;"><strong>11 New property categories </strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cemeteries and crematoria</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used for animal shelters</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used as an early childhood development facility</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used for youth development</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used for street people shelters</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used as a local community museum</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used for an old age home</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by not for profit organisations and used exclusively for amateur sport</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by a Social Housing Regulatory Authority-accredited Social Housing Institution and used for social housing</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Properties owned by war veterans' associations and used for the welfare of war veterans</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Nature conservation land</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>These new property categories are thus added to the existing rating categories, namely: </p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Agricultural properties</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Business and commercial properties</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Industrial properties</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Mining properties</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Properties used for multiple purposes </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Properties owned by an Organ of State and used for public service purposes</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Properties owned by Public Benefit Organisations and used for Specified Public Benefit Activities </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Public Service Infrastructure (PSI)</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Residential properties</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Vacant land </div></li></ul><p>Organisations that qualify for the 11 new property categories may apply by visiting <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Commercial-properties/Property-valuations/property-rates" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Commercial-properties/Property-valuations/property-rates</a></p><p>For general enquiries, please contact: <a href="mailto:BusinessIntegration&ValuationsRegulation@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">BusinessIntegration&ValuationsRegulation@capetown.gov.za</a></p><p>In addition to the above, the City has announced financial assistance, payment arrangements and other relief options for property owners and residents who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis and national lockdown: Please visit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/coronavirus</a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-07-07T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| All rise - municipal courts now fully operational | We are doing all that is reasonably possible to ensure that our courts are safe | <p>The courts are located in: </p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:20%;">
<strong>Office</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:20%;">
<strong>Court code</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:20%;">
<strong>Court room</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:20%;">
<strong>Address</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:20%;">
<strong>Contact numbers</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Atlantis</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">173497</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">B</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Wesfleur Municipal Building,</p><p>Wesfleur Circle, Atlantis</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 444 4225/7</p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cape Town</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">180012</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Strand Concourse,</p><p>Cape Town</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 400 2183</p><p> </p><p>021 444 7555/1/2/3/4</p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Blue Downs</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">175708</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">4</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Blue Downs Magistrate's Court,</p><p>Butskop Road,</p><p>Blackheath</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">021 909 5268/78</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Goodwood</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">174605</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Hugo Street, Goodwood</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 444 7363/7359</p><p>021 444 8228/8229</p><p>021 444 7361</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Khayelitsha</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">177849</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">A</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Corner Walter Sisulu and Steve Biko Drives,</p><p>Khayelitsha</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 361 1144/1269</p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Mitchells Plain</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">177857</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cnr Melkbos and Merrydale Avenues, Lentegeur</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 400 6275</p><p>021 400 6276/6277/6278</p><p>021 400 6279/6280/6281/6282</p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Parow</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">175009</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Beacon Street,</p><p>Parow</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 444 1851</p><p>021 444 4384/1973/4385</p><p>021 444 4383 </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Simon's Town</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">179956</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">TC</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Simon's Town Library,</p><p>St Georges Street</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">021 786 8600/4602</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Somerset West</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">171306</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">A</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Town Hall,</p><p>Cnr Main and Church Streets,</p><p>Somerset West</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 444 6935/6936</p><p>021 444 6937/6938</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Strand</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">171403</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Municipal Court, Cnr Main Road and Fagan Street,</p><p>Strand</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 850 4100/4255</p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Wynberg</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">178243</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">10</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>Wynberg Magistrate's Court,</p><p>Church Street</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p>021 444 6862/3/4/5/6</p><p>021 444 6931/6857</p><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong>The courts are open for the following services: </strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Court appearances</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Paying of traffic fines</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Payment of warrants of arrest</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Payment of any admission of guilt fines for any other summons/notice to appear(section 56 notice) issued by the City of Cape Town</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">General enquiries relating to any summons/notice</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Written representations directed to the relevant prosecutor.</div></li></ul><p>‘No new traffic cases were enrolled during Nation Lockdown Alert Levels 5 and 4, thus summonses may be re-issued at a later stage. Members of the public who had matters on the court roll during these levels are encouraged to liaise with the relevant courts in order to establish the status of their case/s.<br><br>‘We are doing all that is reasonably possible to ensure that our courts are safe. I want to appeal to those who have to attend court to co-operate by complying with the safety measures which have been put in place at the various courts. The courts may have to close from time to time, without notice, in the event that a staff member tests positive for the virus. In these instances I would ask members of the public to be understanding and to accept that these are necessary safety measures. Motorists are encouraged, where possible, to pay their fines online via <a target="_blank">www.paycity.co.za.’</a> said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Sharon Cottle.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-07-07T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Facing COVID-19 head on – a doctor’s perspective | Some of her key day-to-day functions include consultation and management of acute and chronic adult and child illnesses as well as basic antenatal care. | <span><p>Dr Roslyn Lutaaya, 38, has been working for the City of Cape Town for seven years. She is based at the City’s Albow Gardens Clinic in Milnerton and lives in Table View. </p><p>Some of her key day-to-day functions include consultation and management of acute and chronic adult and child illnesses as well as basic antenatal care.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Dr%20Roslyn%20Lutayaa%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:1895px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>However, since the start of the pandemic, Dr Lutaaya works almost exclusively on screening, testing and treating patients presenting with suspected COVID-19 infection as well as managing confirmed COVID-19 cases telephonically. Her daily routine sees her working in full Personal Protective Equipment in the dedicated COVID-19 Unit.</p><p>‘During my daily routine, I have to be constantly vigilant; always being mindful of and practising infection control. It makes the job of caring for patients more mentally difficult. My family life and behaviour outside of work has also had to change, because I must change my clothing and shower before I can greet my children and family,’ said Dr Lutayaa.</p><p>One of the things that keeps Dr Lutaaya motivated is that she tries not to focus on the pandemic statistics, especially during her free time, tackles each day as it comes and gives herself and others grace. </p><p>‘We can only do our best for each patient - the rest is up to God,’ added Dr Lutaaya.</p><p>Dr Lutaaya said it was important for those in the medical profession to ‘support each other, and share the burden and responsibility’. </p><p>‘Don’t be quick to criticise, offer a solution if you think something can be done better. Be kind to each other. Look for opportunities to help and make sure you ask for help when you need it.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Dr%20Roslyn%20Lutayaa.jpg" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><p><br>She offered the following advice to the public, ‘Please, always follow the lockdown and social distancing regulations. You are doing this not only to protect yourself, but those around you,’ </p><p>Thank you to our essential staff members!<br>Leave your message.</p><p>If you would like to leave a message to our champions like Shahnaz Howell, go to: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/coronavirus</a> </p><p>Please note that the City may publish comments shared on this platform. </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2020-07-07T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| DLTCs go the extra mile to clear lockdown backlogs | DLTCs started reopening from 9 June 2020, after being closed to the public in terms of the national COVID-19 lockdown | <p>The City of Cape Town has introduced weekend services at some of its Driving License Testing Centres (DLTCs) to assist clients with renewal of driving licenses and completing learner and driving license tests, among others.</p><p>DLTCs started reopening from 9 June 2020, after being closed to the public in terms of the national COVID-19 lockdown. </p><p>Since then, numerous centres have had to suspend operations due to COVID-19 exposure, but most have since reopened.</p><p>‘It has been a trying time for our licensing and administrative section since we reopened the doors to the public. Not only have staff had to prioritise learner license and driving license appointments that were affected by the lockdown closure, but they have also had to familiarise themselves with an entirely different way of doing things to ensure their own safety, but also that of the public. It is unfortunate that, where DLTCs have had to close in line with the City’s workplace directives in terms of the pandemic, there’ve been further delays, but we are working to ensure that appointments can be rescheduled as speedily as possible,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>All services have been resumed at DLTCs, including:</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Renewal of driving licenses</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Renewal of Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs)</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Applications for duplicate learner licenses</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Foreign driving license conversions</p><p>Motorists are also reminded that there is a 90-day grace period for driving licenses and PrDPs that expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 May 2020. The grace period expires at the end of August 2020.</p><p>However, until further notice, the DLTCs are not accepting NEW appointments for learner licenses and driving license tests as they are prioritising appointments that could not be honoured during the lockdown.</p><p>‘The unfortunate implication is that learner licenses that expire during the period where no new bookings are being accepted will have to be reapplied for. This is out of the City’s hands, as DLTCs are governed by national regulations and we cannot make allowances for additional grace periods as have been requested by some members of the public.</p><p>‘We have however put measures in place to extend our operating hours at most of our DLTCs so that we can work through more transactions and hopefully reduce the number of people who would be impacted by the expiry of learner licenses in particular,’ added Alderman Smith.</p><p>The City’s 18 Driving License Testing Centres are open between 08:00 and 15:30 on weekdays. </p><p>During July, a number of centres are open from 08:00 until 15:00 on Saturdays and 08:00 and 13:00 on Sundays to assist with the following functions:</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Driving licence renewals</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Learner licence tests</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Card collections</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Payments of fines/warrants</p><p style="text-align:left;">- Tow-aways & impoundments </p><p>On Sundays there will be NO driving licence tests. </p><p>The centres offering extended services are:</p><p>Goodwood, Elsies Rivier, Durbanville, Parow, Brackenfell, Bellville, Gallows Hill, Milnerton, Atlantis, Fish Hoek, New Ottery, Hillstar, Joe Gqabi, Eastridge</p><p><strong>A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here: </strong><a href="https://tinyurl.com/y7n8poct" target="_blank"><strong>https://tinyurl.com/y7n8poct</strong></a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-07-07T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
