Understanding our history and heritage

Residential water restrictions explained

Insufficient rainfall and fast declining dam levels have led to the current drought in Cape Town. We need to work together to change the way we use our water

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/Residential-water-restrictions-explained">Residential-water-restrictions-explained</a>

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Commercial water restrictions explained

Insufficient rainfall and fast declining dam levels have led to the current drought in Cape Town. We need to work together to change the way we use our water

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/Commercial-water-restrictions-explained">Commercial-water-restrictions-explained</a>

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Water saving toolkits

To help you spread the word, we have created water-saving information packs for your home, business and hospitality industry.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/education-and-research-materials/graphics-and-educational-material/water-saving-resources">water-saving-resources</a>

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Get involved

Discover how you can get involved in your community

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-building-and-upliftment/be-an-active-resident/get-involved">get-involved</a>

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Safety and security resources

The City offers a variety of free interesting and educational material relating to safety and security.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/education-and-research-materials/graphics-and-educational-material/safety-and-security-education-resources" target="_blank">safety-and-security-education-resources</a>

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Play and get active

Keeping our kids active through sports and outdoor play is a great way to channel their energy.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/family-care-and-support/caring-for-your-child/play-and-get-active" target="_blank">play-and-get-active</a>

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Resorts

Cape Town has a variety of coastal resorts offering affordable accommodation.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Resorts" target="_blank">Resorts</a>

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Nature reserves

Our nature reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural areas and biodiversity heritage as well as offering both recreational and educational activities.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Nature%20reserves</a>

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Loadshedding

Loadshedding power outages generally last for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one area being affected at a time during stage 1 and four areas being affected at a time during stage 3b.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/load-shedding-and-outages">load-shedding-and-outages</a>

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Give Dignity to change lives
Explore our mountains, fynbos and forests
Comment on the amendment of a contract related to the Manenberg Infill Housing Project
Volunteer at a City nature reserve or in a biodiversity programme

New by-law to protect Cape Town’s beaches

Cape Town is synonymous with rolling waves, rocky shores, dolphins, whales, and sunsets on pristine beaches

<p>‘Cape Town is synonymous with rolling waves, rocky shores, dolphins, whales, and sunsets on pristine beaches. Our coastline draws millions of tourists and local visitors every year; it is central to our identity, and gives us a sense of place and pride. We also cannot overestimate the importance of the coast to our local economy. It is a public asset that must be preserved and protected for current and future generations. The draft by-law will assist us to better manage our coastline and enable law enforcement of activities that may have a damaging impact on the coastal environment,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The draft by-law will be available for public comment as from 1 August until 2 September 2019. The City will, during this time, also host eight public hearings across Cape Town where residents can ask questions, and comment.</p><p>The draft by-law will be applicable to the coastal zone, which is a public area that belongs to all South Africans. It covers the seashore, the coastal waters, and the environment on, in, under, and above the coastal zone.</p><p>Broadly speaking, the proposed by-law addresses the following:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">poaching, or illegal fishing</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">harvesting, or removal of vegetation</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">removal of sand, pebbles, rocks, shells, and kelp</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">removal of or damage to indigenous coastal vegetation</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">littering</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">pollution and dumping</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">encroachment of private property into the coastal environment</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">measures to remove encroachments, and rehabilitate affected land</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">possession or consumption of liquor or drugs</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">hawking or doing business without authorisation</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">launching of vessels</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">issuing of fines for contraventions</div></li></ul><p>‘One of the most important aspects of the proposed by-law is that it will give the City the legislative powers to enforce the public’s right to access and enjoy our beaches and sea. Some residents are claiming the beaches or parcels of land in front of their properties as their own private areas by either extending their homes or gardens, sinking swimming pools, or building walkways with ‘no-access’ signs on it. Our coastline belongs to all South Africans, and the by-law will be used to entrench this right,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p>Broadly speaking, the by-law will be a legislative tool to, among other things:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">entrench and enforce the public’s right to freely access and enjoy our coastline </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">ensure the sustainable use and development of the coastal area;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">promote the protection of the natural environment of the coastal zone;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">manage and promote public access to beaches and beach areas;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">prevent anti-social behaviour on beaches and beach areas;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">manage access to and the use of public amenities on the beach and beach areas;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">enable better regulation, protection, and governance of the coastline as a sensitive and economically valuable asset; and</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">ensure measures are taken to rehabilitate or correct actions that have a damaging impact on the coastal environment.</div></li></ul><p>The City’s Coastal Management Branch has drafted the proposed by-law. It is founded on the principles of the Integrated Coastal Management Policy and Coastal Management Programme that were adopted by Council in 2014 and 2015 respectively, and the National Environmental Management Integrated Coastal Management Act 36 of 2014 as amended. </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2019-07-17T22:00:00Z

Street people count to guide City’s future Social Development interventions

A breakdown of the numbers indicated that 3 999 persons were sleeping on the street and that 2 084 were using shelters

<span><p>The City of Cape Town has verified the data for its latest enumeration which puts the street people population at an estimated 6 175, a decrease of 16% since the last enumeration. </p><p>The study was conducted over an 18-day period in November 2018.</p><p>Four teams of enumerators moved through the city between 03:00 and 08:00 during this period, to conduct a count of people sleeping on the street. Shelters in the city also provided registers during the period, which helped ascertain how many people were using their facilities.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/safe%20space_2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1004px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘The study was conducted to determine the number of persons living on the streets or shelters in our city, and to determine the hot spot locations. Cape Town is one of the few administrations with a street people policy and meaningful interventions for those who agree to it, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The social development findings of this enumeration will help determine if, and how, we need to augment the City’s existing social development interventions for street people. </p><p>‘Already, we have changed our mechanisms for how the public can assist, as the launch of the ‘Give Dignity’ campaign illustrates. In the past, we used to direct the public to shelters with donations, instead of direct handouts. With this new campaign, we are making drop off points available at all City libraries, to make it easier for those who want to donate,’ said Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/safe%20space_1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>A breakdown of the numbers indicated that 3 999 persons were sleeping on the street and that 2 084 were using shelters. This figure is just over 16% lower than the figure arrived at during the last count in 2015. Our researchers have recommended more frequent counts that will better inform us of trends and other key indicators in this regard,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>The survey identified the Cape Town Central Business District and surrounds, Mitchells Plain and Bellville as the areas with the largest street people populations. </p><p><strong>Other key findings included:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">At least 64% of persons on the street are male</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Persons aged 26 – 45 account for just more than 60% of the street people population</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">By race, just over 55% are coloured</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The majority of persons utilising shelters are male (78%), adults and reported to be predominantly coloured</div></li></ul><p><strong>Among the recommendations are:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Initiatives tailored to assist newly homeless persons before they acclimatise to the streets</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The introduction of a crisis response system and emergency beds for newly homeless persons, with an established point of contact</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">That future research happen more frequently</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Future initiatives should focus on the holistic development of street people in order to increase reintegration rates. </div></li></ul><p>More details on the enumeration are available here: <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Enumeration%20Presentation-Janine.pdf" target="_blank">https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Enumeration%20Presentation-Janine.pdf</a></p><p>‘The City of Cape Town has an established track record when it comes to offering, and delivering on services to street people. Just recently, we marked the first anniversary of our first Safe Space, which was set up, in consultation with street people. Already, we are seeking to find funding and locations to replicate the project in other parts of the city. However, we are cognisant of the fact that homelessness is an immensely complex issue that many cities around the world grapple with. <br></p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/safe%20space_3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p>‘While we set out to plot the way forward for Cape Town, we ask our residents to work with the City in finding lasting solutions. Most critical is to support our ‘Give Dignity’ campaign, which will ensure that donations are distributed to registered organisations working with street people and the City’s Safe Space for street people. It is a fact that indiscriminate handouts do more harm than good, as they keep people on the street instead of accessing the services that are available to them.</p><p>‘Our street people population statistics will enable all levels of government to make necessary policy changes aimed at increasing or improving initiatives to support those individuals who sleep rough in the city. We are excited to host the street people summit in October this year, in collaboration with our partners, which is sure to drive innovative policy solutions to addressing and supporting our street people,’ added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p><span></span><span></span>

2019-07-17T22:00:00Z

City supports growth in tech industry

City of Cape Town officials together with councillors undertook a site visit to the Cape Innovation Technology Initiative (CITI) campus in Salt River

<p><span>City of Cape Town officials together with councillors undertook a site visit to the Cape Innovation Technology Initiative (CITI) campus in Salt River, Cape Town, to interact with CITI staff and students respectively. It was also an opportunity to orientate new council members with the crucial skills development work that is undertaken by CITI.<br></span></p><p>‘The ICT sector is an enabler of many other sectors and it is also a growth sector with huge potential globally. It contributes significantly to the provision of business opportunities to SMME’s; competitiveness of Cape Town with regard to being a knowledge economy; promotion of entrepreneurial activity; supporting the development of other sectors through backward and forward linkages, as well as attracting creative talent to Cape Town. It contributes to the overall competitiveness of Cape Town through its linkages to the financial services industry, and industry in general, in their ability to service local and global companies,’ said Alderman Vos.<br></p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Tech%20industry%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure><span><p></p><p>‘It was indeed an honour to be a part of the delegation visiting the Cape Innovation Technology Initiative (CITI) campus in Salt River today. Information communications technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries, directly creating millions of jobs, but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development. The partnership between the City of Cape Town and CITI aims to facilitate training, skills development and business development for the ICT industry. This is one of the critical sectors in which we are addressing the skills demand,’ said Alderman Twigg. </p><p>The City’s Enterprise and Development Department provides financial and non-financial support to the Cape Information Technology Initiative (CITI) to enable the institution to achieve the following:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;"> facilitate the competitiveness and attractiveness of the information, communications and technology (ICT) industry in Cape Town;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">facilitate sector specific training (skills development) and business development;</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">promote inclusive growth through targeted programmes specifically for previously disadvantaged individuals and the youth; and </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">to position Cape Town as a globally competitive ICT hub </div></li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Tech%20industry%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Although the Enterprise and Investment Department manages the implementation of these programmes, some of these initiatives are funded through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Urban Management Directorate.</p><p>‘One such programme is where the City has partnered with Capaciti to implement two training projects for unemployed youth via the Citi's Skills Development and Job Readiness Programme. The aim of the project is for young people to receive training and placement within the Digital Programming Environment,’ said Alderman Twigg. </p><p>The City invested a total of R3,5 million in the one-year training programme, from January to December 2018, which saw 107 learners trained in the tech sector.<br>CapaCiTi has employed ten young people who completed their training: three as Placement coordinators, a recruitment coordinator, a Project Manager, a Student Ecosystem Manager, an Administrator, a Placement Assistant and a Campus Manager. The hiring of these employees has been of significant help to CapaCiTi from a resource point of view.</p><p>85% of the 107 learners on an ICT Technical programme are currently in internships at reputable companies such as ABSA (ABSA Aliens programme), TFG, Old Mutual, Santam, Pepkor IT, Condor Green, Data4Africa, Gettruck, and Innovo Networks, amongst others.</p><p>‘The success of this programme is evident. We need more of these interventions to capacitate our young people,’ added Alderman Twigg.</p><p>‘The Enterprise and Investment Department, which is part of my portfolio, has prioritised support to CITI in order to support interventions such as enterprise development, and mentorship programs as well as skills development and training programs for the ICT industry. These interventions help in increasing the attractiveness of Cape Town as an IT location, stemming the loss of professional skills and attracting inward investment. This in turn facilitates job creation and prosperity through IT,’ added Alderman Vos.</p><p>These interventions also help in increasing innovation and technology services, addressing skills shortages and increasing the competitiveness of Cape Town in the ICT sector. </p><p>The Enterprise and Investment Department has provided funding support to CITI as depicted below and in return, CITI has helped with the training of young beneficiaries and job creation for Cape Town:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Total funding (2012-2019): R21 791 392 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Total no. of people trained: 1 857</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Total jobs secured: 511</div></li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Tech%20industry%203.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><p>From 2018 to date, CapaCiTi has successfully managed to place 614 interns across different programmes, and in 382 direct jobs. These jobs are a combination of 19 permanently employed, 18 fixed-term contracts, and 363 internships exceeding 10 months. All placements took place in CISCO Security, CITIX Grad programme, Java Launch, Systems Development, EOH (Technical Support, Systems Support, Business Analysis), Software Engineering, VH Certification programme, Data Analytics and ICT Infrastructure.</p><p>CITI was established in 1998 to develop and support the ICT cluster in the Western Cape, in order to generate employment and empowerment prosperity through ICT for people from all backgrounds. The IT industry is critical to the City of Cape Town in regard to the City’s aim of positioning itself as a global innovation and knowledge hub. </p><p>‘CITI’s core objective is to promote the Western Cape ICT industry through positioning and promoting the Western Cape as a global source of ICT products and services. CITI is also instrumental in upskilling young people and has been successful in placing them with companies in the industry, thereby promoting a job creation agenda over the years,’ added Alderman Vos. </p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p><p> </p>

2019-07-16T22:00:00Z

City records on average 380 incidents per severe weather episode

With winter in full swing and more rain in the forecast for the coming days, the DRMC has calculated that it recorded 760 incidents during June 2019.

<p>With winter in full swing and more rain in the forecast for the coming days, the DRMC has calculated that it recorded 760 incidents during June 2019.</p><p>The DRMC coordinates the City’s response to incidents that impact on the safety and well-being of residents. </p><p>In June, the DRMC received weather warnings from the South African Weather Service on two occasions.</p><p>Severe weather fallouts reports included flooding to varying degrees; roofs damaged or blown off by strong winds; trees and branches had fallen down, blocked drains, and power outages, amongst others. </p><p>The DRMC recorded the following notifications:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">139 leaking/blown off/roof repair or other storm roof-related notifications </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">346 fallen trees on roads, overhead cables, and other tree related notifications</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">84 electricity outages reported between 21 and 23 June 2019</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">191 incidents were reported relating to blocked roadways and flooding in formal and informal areas</div></li></ul><p>‘We are grateful for the winter rain, as it is crucial to efforts to replenish our dams, but the City is also mindful of its responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable when storm-like conditions hit the city. The focus of the City’s emergency services is always on protecting life as a first priority, to avoid damage to property or the environment and to minimise disruption,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. </p><p>When a call is received, it is assessed in terms of what services are required, and whether it is a routine matter or requires emergency action. </p><p>The City’s DRMC ensures that all the required services, both internal and external are notified and mobilised as per the winter readiness plan. Internal role-players include the City’s departments responsible for water and sanitation, transport and storm water, electricity, informal settlements, public housing, building inspectors and safety and security. External stakeholders include the Social Security Agency of South Africa (SASSA), the SPCA and several others.</p><p>‘The incidents are prioritised, and staff will respond accordingly. It is therefore extremely important that anyone in need of assistance provides as much detail as possible, as that helps determine where on the list of priorities the incident can be placed if need be, particularly when staff are overrun with requests for assistance,’ added Alderman Smith.</p><p>Fake news, amplified by instant messaging and social media platforms, has become a source of concern for the City’s first responders. One such example was the hurricane warning that circulated recently. The hoax message resulted in a flood of calls to the DRMC from concerned residents.</p><p>‘Our appeal to the public is to not share these messages until they are verified. It creates unnecessary panic, and blocks the emergency lines which means persons who need assistance struggle to get through. </p><p>‘We also ask that the public help our disaster risk reduction efforts by making sure that their immediate environment is flood and fire secure, that they have a family disaster risk plan in place, in the event of an emergency, and that they report any illegal dumping and blockages of the stormwater system, as this is a major contributing factor to localised flooding during times of heavy downpours,’ said Alderman JP Smith.</p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2019-07-15T22:00:00Z

All City online services and applications

View all actions

Top City Connect services

Service Requests/Report a Fault (C3)

Alternative water sources for the home

The City is promoting the responsible use of alternative water, including grey water, rainwater, and groundwater from boreholes/well points.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/alternative-water-sources-for-the-home">alternative-water-sources-for-the-home</a>

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Informal trading

Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and benefits both traders and locals.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/informal-trading"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">informal-trading</a>

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Bursaries and funding from the City of Cape Town

The City offers a number of external bursaries on offer.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Jobs-and-skills-development/Work-for-the-City-of-Cape-Town/Bursaries-and-funding-from-the-City-of-Cape-Town"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Bursaries-and-funding-from-the-City-of-Cape-Town</a>

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Volunteers in uniform

Volunteering your time and skills with our fire-fighting, law enforcement and safety and security teams helps to make our city safer and better.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Community-building-and-upliftment/be-an-active-resident/volunteers-in-uniform"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">volunteers-in-uniform</a>

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Prevent illegal dumping

We are calling on all our residents to stop and report illegal dumping … Illegal dumping costs us money It costs the City R350 million every year to clean up illegal dumping …

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Safety-in-the-home/Environmental-health-in-the-home/prevent-illegal-dumping"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">prevent-illegal-dumping</a>

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Fire safety in the home

Join our junior fire marshals, Aphiwe and Ayanda, as they investigate and solve fire issues in their communities.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety-in-the-home"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">fire-safety-in-the-home</a>

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Libraries

Loan out books, get access to electronic resources or take part in community programmes and events at any of our libraries

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Libraries"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Libraries</a>

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Upgrade to a new prepaid electricity meter

Find out if your suburb has been selected for a compulsory electricity meter upgrade

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter</a>

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submit a building plan

If you are planning any building work on a property, you may need to submit a building plan for approval.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Planning-building-and-development/Building-plan-applications/Apply-for-a-building-plan"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Apply-for-a-building-plan</a>

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Apply for replacement wheelie bin

The City will replace or repair a damaged or stolen wheelie bin free of charge.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin" target="_blank">Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin</a>

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Pay and renew your vehicle licence

There are a number of different options you can use when paying for and renewing your vehicle licence renewal.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Vehicle-licences/Pay-your-vehicle-licence" target="_blank">Pay-your-vehicle-licence</a>

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Dam levels

The dam levels are critical for Cape Town’s water supply and are a key contributor to the Day Zero water dashboard

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/this-weeks-dam-levels">this-weeks-dam-levels</a>

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Apply for new or replacement driver's licence

Find out how to get a new or replacement driver’s licence.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Driving-and-vehicles/Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence">Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence</a>

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