| Flu vaccines nothing to sneeze at | Flu vaccines nothing to sneeze at | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/flu%20vaccine%20generic.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Distribution to clinics is under way, and the vaccines will be available free of charge. | <p style="text-align:justify;">Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, especially for at risk individuals.<br></p><p>The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent infection, reduce the severity of symptoms, and lower the risk of complications. Vaccination also helps to reduce strain on healthcare services by preventing flu-related hospitalisations.<br></p><p>This week, City Health took delivery of 18 500 doses of vaccine. Distribution to clinics is under way, and the vaccines will be available free of charge. </p><p><strong>Due to the limited vaccine availability in the public sector, the following groups are prioritised:</strong></p><ul><li>Persons aged 65 and older as their immune system grows weaker with age</li><li>Persons with chronic conditions like HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), as well as other lung diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis;</li><li>Persons with cardiac problems or a history of strokes;</li><li>Persons with diabetes, severe obesity (BMI of 40 or more), or other long-term health conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, brain, blood, or metabolism </li><li>Children between six months and 18 years who take long-term aspirin medication</li><li>Pregnant women, as flu can cause serious complications for both the mother and the unborn baby.<br><br></li></ul><p>'Getting vaccinated is a responsible choice that not only protects you, but also helps safeguard your loved ones and the broader community. The flu season is upon us, so please act now to reduce your risk. We also remind the public to keep good hygiene habits top of mind, particularly regular handwashing, and coughing etiquette, which advises that you cough into your elbow, instead of your hand,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.</p><p>Influenza is a viral infection – should you contract it, you are to rest, stay hydrated, and allow up to 10 days for symptoms to resolve. <br></p><p>Stay at home as far as possible, or wear a mask when venturing outdoors.<br></p><p>Seek medical attention in the event that a secondary bacterial infection develops – symptoms to watch for include fever, rapid breathing, discoloured sputum etc.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2025-04-18T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Your City in 60 seconds | Your City in 60 seconds | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Site%20Images/Media%20Centre%20Header%20Image.jpeg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Catch up on the latest important City news updates with your City in 60 seconds. |
<p>Each week, we share a new video giving you a snapshot of what we are up to in your community.</p><div class="responsive-media">
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<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20to%20support%20NGO%20shelters%20ahead%20of%20winter%20cold">
<img class="responsive" alt="City to support NGO shelters ahead of winter cold" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/roughSleep-380.jpg" />
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<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20to%20support%20NGO%20shelters%20ahead%20of%20winter%20cold">
<strong>City to support NGO shelters ahead of winter cold</strong></a>
<br>We're boosting shelter capacity with plans for more beds.
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<img class="responsive" alt="Cape Town tables most inclusive social package for indigents relief, pensioners" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/City-380x220.jpg" />
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<strong>Cape Town tables most inclusive social package for indigents relief, pensioners</strong></a>
<br>Cape Town offers one of the best social assistance packages.
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<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-an-emergency/Emergency-contact-numbers">
<img class="responsive" alt="Emergency contact numbers" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/police-van-380.jpg" />
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<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-an-emergency/Emergency-contact-numbers">
<strong>Emergency contact numbers</strong>
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Stay safe this holiday season and report emergencies to 021 480 7700.
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| 2025-04-17T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Call on public to comment on land use application for proposed redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry | Call on public to comment on land use application for proposed redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | The City of Cape Town is calling on residents and interested parties to comment on the land use application for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry site. | <p></p><span><p style="text-align:justify;">The Strand Street Quarry is one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap, and a National Heritage Site. Located between Strand Street and the Bo-Kaap, it has always been a key strategic site and asset, but unfortunately, has been left derelict and underutilised for decades. In fact, multiple local governments have been working on studies, assessments and development proposals since 1976 with no tangible results. <br> <br>The site consists of a portion of the remainder of Erf 367, Erf 617 and some unregistered state land. To the east of the site is Strand Street; to the west is Tana Baru cemetery; and to the south is Jami’a Masjid.<br> <br>‘We have been collaborating with the local community and stakeholders since 2023 on a shared vision for this important site. I am elated to say that we have now reached a pivotal moment where the land use application for the proposed redevelopment is advertised in terms of the City’s Municipal Planning By-law. The application makes provision for phased implementation over time, and by different role-players. I encourage residents and interested parties to submit their comments. We are eager to receive your input as part of this statutory process,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. </p><div style="text-align:justify;">
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Strand%20Street%20Quarry%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> </figure><p><div style="text-align:justify;">How did we get to this point:<ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">In March 2023, the City initiated a due diligence investigation and concept design process for the Strand Street Quarry in collaboration with a collective of community representatives, City professionals, and stakeholders at co-design workshops.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The first draft concept design was advertised for public comment in November 2023.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">An application was made for environmental authorisation to undertake activities listed in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 as amended (GNR 326 of 2017)</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">In August 2024, we invited interested and affected parties to comment on the draft Basic Assessment Report.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The Heritage Impact Assessment for the proposed redevelopment was tabled for decision at the Heritage Western Cape Impact Assessment Committee (IACOM) on 22 January 2025.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Following the conclusion of the abovementioned public participation process related to the heritage impact assessment and environmental impact assessment, all reports were finalised and submitted to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for a decision on the environmental authorisation application.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The proposed Strand Street Quarry redevelopment project also includes a Living Heritage investigation, which was conducted in unison with the draft Concept Design process in 2023.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The project collected and recorded the oral histories and intangible cultural heritage and social history of the Bo-Kaap community, particularly their connection to the quarry site and broader surrounding area.</div></li></ul> <br>‘When we started with the concept design process for the Strand Street Quarry in March 2023, we made the commitment to build partnerships with the impacted communities, and to be inclusive. City officials asked these representatives what do you need, how can the quarry site be developed to meet these needs, and how can we collaborate on a project that will uplift the wider area, and give you hope?<br> <br>‘Thus, the land use application is based on the vision that we crafted in collaboration with the directly affected communities with the intention to deliver a fully developed site that will benefit Capetonians for generations to come. <br> <br>‘I want to thank the civic associations, sporting groups, community organisations and residents for the time they set aside for the collaboration, and for the trust they put in us and this ongoing process. Obtaining public comment on the planning application is a crucial step in our ongoing engagements to make this facility a reality,’ said Alderman Andrews. <br> <br>How to comment on the land use application:<br>• Go to <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay/">www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay/</a> <br>• Send an email to <a href="mailto:comments_objections.tablebay@capetown.gov.za">comments_objections.tablebay@capetown.gov.za</a> <br>• The closing date for submissions is 30 May 2025 <br> <br>All of the relevant documents related to the proposed redevelopment are available on the City’s website at this link: Redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry, Cape Town<br> <br>The application can be viewed during office hours at the office of the District Manager on the 2nd floor; Media City, corner of Hertzog Boulevard and Heerengracht, Cape Town, on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:30. Arrange an appointment via email: <a href="mailto:Tablebay.hub@capetown.gov.za">Tablebay.hub@capetown.gov.za</a> <br> <br>Caption: The photo depicts the Strand Street Quarry site. <br> <br> <br>End<br></div></p></span> | 2025-04-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Domestic animal survey hits the home straight | Domestic animal survey hits the home straight | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Domestic%20pets%20in%20the%20community%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | In the space of four weeks, the domestic animal survey has yielded 13 037 completed surveys. | <p></p><span><p>In the space of four weeks, the domestic animal survey has yielded 13 037 completed surveys.</p><p>The survey asks a range of questions, from a number of pets to their vaccination and sterilisation status and the type of animal healthcare accessed in times of need.</p><p>Apart from the online option, the City has also deployed teams of field workers to engage residents directly. </p><p>The field workers have also attended a number of outreach events in collaboration with animal welfare partners – the latest being the monthly pet clinic hosted by AfriPaw in Vrygrond on Saturday, 12 April 2025.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Vrygrond%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:1079px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Six weeks have been set aside for the survey, set to conclude at the end of April.</p><p>‘We're trying very hard to improve the quality of life of everybody in our city. If we do not have a healthy animal population, that affects the human population. So it's important that we get better data so we can speak to provincial and national government about proper funding for our animal welfare organisations who do great work for all the pet lovers and animal owners across the city. So if you haven’t done so already, please get online and help us in this very important cause by completing the survey,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. </p><p>The survey outcomes will help shape future planning and interventions on animal welfare in Cape Town, and provide an estimate of the domestic animal population. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Vrygrond%204.jpg" alt="" style="width:909px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>It can be completed online at <a href="https://bit.ly/4bPScdI" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/4bPScdI</a> </p><p>Field workers conducting the in-person surveys will carry identification cards when visiting properties. Residents can contact the City’s Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to verify a staff member’s credentials, if need be.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Vrygrond%206.jpg" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> </figure><p><span></span><span>The City has also set up a toll-free number for general queries or concerns about the survey – 0800 212 176, available weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.</span></p></span><p><span><strong>End</strong></span></p> | 2025-04-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
