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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Cost of electricity

We bill you based on a three-tier tariff system comprising of the Lifeline tariff, the Domestic tariff and the Home User tariff. Find out how this works for residential and commercial properties.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/the-cost-of-electricity"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-cost-of-electricity</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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Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/coronavirus">coronavirus</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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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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Cape Town Future Energy Festival

The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a showcase of innovation and sustainable living.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/surveys-and-submissions/cape-town-future-energy-festival"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">cape-town-future-energy-festival</a>

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Alternative water sources

We live in a water-scarce region. The use of alternative water sources for irrigation and industrial purposes allows us to conserve the water supply from our dams.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/alternative-water-sources" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">alternative-water-sources</a>

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Cape Town Expozed talent competition
Comment on the amendment of existing contracts relating to public transport infrastructure
Get wise to STIs
Rape and sexual assault in the community

City advises of fuel reduction burn at Klein Dassenberg Conservation Area

The City’s Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve staff will be conducting a fuel reduction burn of stacked alien vegetation material in the Atlantis Sand Fynbos at the Klein Dassenberg Conservation Area

<p></p><p>The City’s Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve staff will be conducting a fuel reduction burn of stacked alien vegetation material in the Atlantis Sand Fynbos at the Klein Dassenberg Conservation Area. The conservation area is situated on the Corner of Reygersdal and Haig Avenue, north east of Atlantis. </p><p>Atlantis Sand Fynbos is regarded as critically endangered, and the City contributes to the conservation and restoration of this vegetation with the reduction and removal of the existing felled alien vegetation biomass on site. The use of fire in reducing fuel load will also reduce the risk of unplanned wildfire. </p><p>‘This controlled fuel reduction burn of the brush piles will assist the City’s Biodiversity Management team in their efforts to reduce fire risk and to restore the indigenous vegetation in this area. The City will also ensure that any invasive species that regrows on the site will be subject to follow up operations. We assure residents that precautionary measures will be taken to ensure the operation is executed safely,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The use of fire in managing alien vegetation and reducing fire risk is critical. Ecological burns play a fundamental role in the natural fynbos vegetation’s lifecycle, but the presence of alien vegetation can increase the intensity and frequency of wild fires. Carefully managed burns of old vegetation are also necessary to obtain maximum species diversity and to reduce fuel loads, which in turn reduce the risk of wild fires.</p><p>‘The burn is planned for some time between 13 to 15 July 2020, but the actual date is dependent on ideal weather conditions. We advise surrounding residents to keep their windows shut while burning takes place and would like to thank residents in the area for their understanding and cooperation,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p>Staff from the City’s Environmental Resource Management Department will be working with the City’s Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to ensure that the procedure is conducted efficiently and safely.</p><p>For further information, please contact Jacques Küyler on 021 400 6300 or email <a href="mailto:Ettienne.Kuyler@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">Ettienne.Kuyler@capetown.gov.za</a>. You can also contact Lynelle Matthys on 021590 5200 or email <a href="mailto:lynelle.matthys@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">lynelle.matthys@capetown.gov.za</a> </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2020-07-08T22:00:00Z

Attack on City’s recreational facilities is shameful, arrest of suspects welcomed

This morning I was alerted to the burning down of several structures at the City of Cape Town’s Monwabisi resort

<p>This morning I was alerted to the burning down of several structures at the City of Cape Town’s Monwabisi resort. I am however grateful that two suspects have been arrested. If they are found to be guilty, I trust that they will face the full might of the law. I also want to call on residents to please report anyone else suspected of being involved in this arson – they can make the report anonymously. <br><br>The reasons for the protest remain unclear at this stage, but it cannot justify the destruction of public property in the manner that we have witnessed this morning.<br><br>Information received thus far indicates that the protest started at 05:00 this morning along Baden Powell Drive. At 08:30, a report was received of a building alight at the Monwabisi resort.<br><br>It appears as though at least two arrests have been made – the City’s enforcement services will liaise with the South African Police Service for confirmation. <br><br>This is not the first time that this resort is targeted in this manner, and it really is shameful that public funding will now have to be diverted from other crucial projects to fix the damage. <br><br>There is simply no valid reason to destroy a beautiful recreational facility that has for years been used by the residents of Khayelitsha and surrounds.<br><br>Families who throughout the year enjoy this space and all its amenities, including a swimming pool, picnic spots and braai facilities, will no longer be able to enjoy these spaces.</p><p>During summer the facility is often filled to capacity, with the many picnic and braai sites set out on terraced lawns while an enormous tidal pool and smaller paddling pools provide safe spaces for children and parents to swim. <br><br>In the 2019/20 financial year, approximately R2 million was spent upgrading and painting the facility in preparation for the festive season, when the resort sees up to 1 000 visitors daily during its peak. The 26 accommodation units also attract bookings from tourists from all over the country, who secure their holidays months in advance, at a resort that is reputable for being both affordable and efficiently run.<br><br>It is unfortunate that Monwabisi Resort has become a target for community protests. Not too long ago, a vehicle was burnt down at the resort. Although the resort is currently closed, these actions put in danger security personnel and contractor staff who are on site throughout the year, completing repairs and maintenance.</p><p>The accommodation park with camping sites and chalets, next to the day resort will no longer be available to our residents and those involved in burning this facility should be ashamed of their actions.</p><p>If any residents know who was involved, please send an anonymous tip-off so that we can investigate without delay.<br>These anonymous tips can be relayed via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.</p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2020-07-08T22:00:00Z

City allocates more than R13 billion to help Cape Town through tough times

South Africa’s economy has been pushed to the brink, and we are facing many unknowns.

<p>It is a tough time for everyone. South Africa’s economy has been pushed to the brink, and we are facing many unknowns. The City thus continues to look at what financial relief options it can offer and how it can help to boost the economy and preserve livelihoods within its means, and without placing too great a burden on residents and ratepayers. </p><p>Approximately R10,3 billion has helped to protect and stimulate the local economy: </p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">R4,1 billion paid to suppliers within 30 days in April and May</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">More than R4 billion in tenders issued in April, May and June</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">R2,25 billion in purchase orders issued in April, May and June </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">More than 9 000 informal trading permits issued </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">3 000 business toolkits provided to small and medium businesses</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Payment arrangements and rates and service relief are available to qualifying residents</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">No water restrictions for debt </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">B&Bs and Guest Houses offered the option to halve their rates bills</div></li></ul><p>Additional R13 billion boost from July</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Capital budget increased to R9,6 billion to help enable economic recovery and job creation</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">R3,3 billion for rates and service relief </div></li></ul><p>The City is projecting the COVID-19 impact to be more than R5,7 billion (to date and projected). </p><p>We are doing all of this, while maintaining high service delivery levels and keeping necessary service increases from 1 July 2020 down to an average of between 3,5% and 4,8%, which is the lowest metro increases for rates and service tariffs in South Africa that we are aware of. </p><p>‘We are doing our absolute best to assist with rates and services relief, payment arrangements, boosting our local economy and preserving the livelihoods of our people where we can. South Africa remains in economic dire straits and as a City government, we are looking at all support options within our means. Ensuring that we have a strong COVID-19 recovery budget that does not over-burden our residents and ratepayers is key. We have increased our capital budget to help reignite our economy and create jobs, reminiscent of the post-war programmes introduced in the previous century to rebuild and stimulate recovery. </p><p>‘The City has made available more than R3,3 billion in the new year for rates and service relief but we ask those who can still afford to pay, to please continue to do so. We will not be able to sustain indefinitely our high levels of service delivery, additional costs and reduced income from rates and services – already at approximately R1,1 billion. We thank the people of Cape Town for their support,’ said the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson. </p><p>The City has cut expenditure in many areas that are not urgent, so as to ensure continued service delivery without undue rates and tariff increases. Internal funding sources from previous years have been fully used in this budget to help reduce the impact of the pandemic on residents and ratepayers.</p><p>Please continue to pay if you have the means and visit our customer offices if you need help with payments. To see which offices are open, please visit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za</a> </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2020-07-08T22:00:00Z

Make winter green again

About 5 000 Spekbome are growing patiently until regulations allow for them to be handed over to the NGOs

<span><p>'This time of year is usually tree planting season for the City's Recreation and Parks Department, and although they are not yet fully operational, they are hard at work getting ready for when restrictions allow. Our nursery is home to more than 41 000 plants which include trees, aloes and ground cover which are grown mainly for City use on street verges, public open spaces and parks. About 5 000 Spekbome are growing patiently until regulations allow for them to be handed over to the NGOs, ward councillors and residents who applied for the trees earlier this year,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Denise%20Ferreira%20Senior%20worker.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Planting trees during winter is hugely beneficial, because:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">It allows them some growing time to establish root systems that will survive in hot summers</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">There is more water and less wind</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The colder weather discourages insects from chewing your new tree and </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Trees will have a chance to acclimatise to their new homes</div></li></ul><p>'Trees are planted primarily for their beauty and shade, but they have many other benefits. Trees can soothe and relax us and help us connect to nature and our surroundings. It is also of benefit to the environment as it reduces pollution, lowers energy costs, and improves the aesthetics of communities,' added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>Winter is also a busy time for the department and since the start of the season on 1 May, the City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks Department has attended to 173 tree related call outs. </p><p>After hours standby teams are on duty to attend to horticultural emergencies as was the case with the last storm when two healthy trees were uprooted by the wind and damaged vehicles.<br></p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/nursery.jpg" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>'Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to predict when or which tree or branch is going to fall or break. In many cases, the defects are under ground or inside the tree and not visible without the most sophisticated and time consuming scientific tests. The City employs a dedicated arborist who is entrusted with the care and maintenance of the City’s valuable tree assets. Trees are inspected periodically and maintenance is carried out as and when necessary. </p><p>'The department also relies on partnerships with the community to identify high risk trees and when required, commits resources to mitigate risks and to respond timeously to incidents,' said Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>If you have large trees on your property, get a reputable tree felling contractor to regularly check on the trees and perform the necessary maintenance.</p><p>Be vigilant and report any obvious defective trees situated in public areas and road verges. </p><p>The Recreation and Parks Directorate’s after hour standby teams are responsible for all horticultural related emergencies occurring on City land outside of normal working hours. <br></p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/spekboom%20challenge%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:829px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><span></span><p>Fully equipped and trained standby teams perform their duties at various sites throughout the City and are dispatched to remove obstructions and make areas safe after a tree has been uprooted or branches have blown off. <br> <br>Tree emergencies must be reported to the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p>

2020-07-08T22:00:00Z

All City online services and applications

View all actions

Top City Connect services

Service Requests/Report a Fault (C3)

The cost of electricity

We bill you based on a three-tier tariff system comprising of the Lifeline tariff, the Domestic tariff and the Home User tariff. Find out how this works for residential and commercial properties.

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The City's Draft Budget 2020-2021

The City of Cape Town's budget reflects its key policy decisions and priorities, determines rates increases and indicates where money will be spent on programmes and services.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/the-city-budget/the-citys-budget-2020-2021"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-citys-budget-2020-2021</a>

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District plans

The District Plans are medium term (10 year) plans that aim to guide spatial development processes and land use management within the district and are approved by the Council of City of Cape Town as policy.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-plans"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">district-plans</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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The Business Hub

The Business Hub provides information on starting and growing your business.

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

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Pay your traffic fine

The City has a number of different options for paying traffic fines. If you would like to pay your fine.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Fines/Pay-your-traffic-fine"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Pay-your-traffic-fine</a>

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Pay your rates and services accounts

You can pay your rates and services account in a number of different ways.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/pay-your-rates-and-services-account"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">pay-your-rates-and-services-account</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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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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Jobs and opportunities at the City

The City offers a range of employment and career development opportunities to suitably qualified applicants from a range of social and educational backgrounds.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/jobs-and-skills-development/work-for-the-city-of-cape-town/city-jobs-and-opportunities"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-jobs-and-opportunities</a>

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2020/21 Tariffs

Find out about the latest tariffs that affect you

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/meet-the-city/the-city-budget/city-wide-tariffs"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-wide-tariffs</a>

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Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>

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View the Council Meeting Calendar

Access the Council meeting calendar and agendas for upcoming meetings.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/city-council/meeting-calendar"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">meeting-calendar</a>

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Cape Town Future Energy Festival

The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a showcase of innovation and sustainable living.

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Reduce rates for NPOs and PBOs

Some PBOs and NPOs which were previously excluded from the list due to legislative changes will now be able to benefit from reduced rates.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Claim-or-dispute/Contest-a-property-valuation/change-your-property-rating-category">change-your-property-rating-category</a>

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Informal trading events

Our informal trading information sessions and events will provide you with relevant information to ensure compliance with the City’s policies and by-laws, as well as various business support initiatives that could help you develop your business.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders</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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