Understanding our history and heritage

Paw and Order: Fighting crime with the City’s K9 Unit

Today, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Alderman JP Smith visited the Metro Police K-9 unit where our four-legged officers learn how to put their best paw forward as part of the City's crime fighting team.

Today, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Alderman JP Smith visited the Metro Police K-9 unit where our four-legged officers learn how to put their best paw forward as part of the City's crime fighting team. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the expansion of this unit with more dogs, and a new training and kennel facility. Over the last year, the K-9 Unit has taken part in more than 500 operations focused on drugs, firearms, explosives, copper theft, missing persons and more with 192 drug-related drug arrests over the same period. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/k9%20unit1.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:871px;" /> </figure>'This unit is a great example of how the City has invested in building a more capable and effective City police service. In the years ahead we will grow the size of our K-9 unit. Our Metro Police K-9 Unit is regularly requested to join local SAPS operations, their Anti-Gang Unit on joint operations, and the City's own enforcement services. This unit has become a key part of our efforts to make Cape Town safer for all. Its success gives weight to the call we have been making for the devolution of more policing powers to the City.''We are implementing a record R5,4bn safety budget this year and deploying an additional 230 officers. We are doing everything within our limited ability and resources to make Cape Town safer – but we can do more to make residents feel safer through our Law Enforcement and Metro Police officers being empowered by Section 99 of the Constitution to create a fully-fledged City police service,' said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.To sign the City's petition go to <a href="https://www.research.net/r/CCT-MorePolicingPower" target="_blank">https://www.research.net/r/CCT-MorePolicingPower</a> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/GroupK929Sept2022.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:746px;" /> </figure>Training scope for K9 Unit:Training the dogs takes place over a three-month period in which they are tested on different disciplines, and assessed for their individual temperament which determines whether they are assigned to detect narcotics or explosives. During this time they are also bonding with their handler to form a lasting relationship of trust.Once this phase of training is complete and the canine member becomes an active recruit, these skills are regularly repeated over time to ensure the quality of detection is maintained. 'The ongoing and undisputed value of our loyal K9s have secured a permanent position within the ranks of our Metro Police, but more so within the hearts of Cape Town's citizens. The public's heartfelt appreciation for these service animals is perhaps only outpaced by the love and trust that exists between each handler and their assigned K9 partner. We have already begun costing exercises to determine how best we are able to expand the unit, to allow us to offer even greater support to these various departments,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.Being able to detect substances remains a skill throughout their life - even when it's time for a K9 member to retire - unless their senses are affected by medical issues. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/k9%20unit3.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:885px;" /> </figure>End

2022-09-28T22:00:00Z

City connects people to services

From 09:30 until 13:30 officials from the City's Customer Relations Department will be at the Maitland Garden Village Community Centre on the corner of Beaty Avenue and Alexander Road to attend to queries.

From 09:30 until 13:30 officials from the City's Customer Relations Department will be at the Maitland Garden Village Community Centre on the corner of Beaty Avenue and Alexander Road to attend to queries.On the same day, the Mobile Office and the Basket of Services will be at the Bellville South Civic Centre, in Kasselsvlei Road in Bellville South from 09:00 until 15:00, to assist residents with service and municipal account enquiries.Departments that will be visiting Bellville South include:<ul><li>Human Resources for enquiries about bursaries, internships and apprenticeships</li><li>Social Development and Early Childhood Development – to provide information about challenges affecting our communities such as substance abuse, gender based violence, older persons, ECDs, persons with disabilities, youth and arts and culture programmes</li><li>Finance for all enquiries about municipal accounts</li><li>Health for more information about primary health care services</li><li>Human Settlements will assist qualifying residents with registering on the City's housing database, as well as other housing enquiries</li><li>Safety and Security will provide information about traffic and law enforcement services</li><li>EPWP will assist jobseekers and give unemployed youth an opportunity to register on the jobseekers database. </li></ul>'Our aim is to build a working relationship with our residents by ensuring that they can access services as conveniently as possible. We constantly strive to develop appropriate service delivery models to improve access. Thus, I appeal to residents to please take advantage of this opportunity to engage with trained officials about a variety of services,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys. End

2022-09-28T22:00:00Z

City springs into action for a cleaner Bellville

The City has stepped up to the challenge by putting 300 more boots on the ground to clean littering hotspots.

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste, Alderman Grant Twigg, staff from the Economic Growth Directorate, and a team from the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) also sprang into action. Cleaning materials for the activation were kindly donated by USABCO, a Bellville-based company best known for the Addis range of products.'The City has stepped up to the challenge by putting 300 more boots on the ground to clean littering hotspots. But it's also up to each and every one of us to do our part in creating a cleaner Cape Town. I would especially like to encourage local businesses to get involved in the #SpringCleanCT campaign,' said Alderman Vos. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/CleanCity1-Bellville-dropbox.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>'At present, several key developments are also under way, such as the building of high-tech storage centres for a major shopping chain, with plans in place for further projects.'When businesses help to make sure their areas are pristine, they give existing and potential customers or investors the confidence to support them. Between 2010 and 2021, approved building works in the Bellville area reached R7,3 billion, with major forthcoming investments including the high-tech storage centres for a major shopping chain. We need to ensure Bellville is a clean, conducive environment for more investment.'Under the City's cooperation with the GTP, there are several projects wherein local businesses can also show their support, including experimenting with biofuel as a solution to food waste, urban greening projects, and the expansion of the Trolley and Recycling Project,' Alderman Vos added. The Trolley and Recycling Project is a programme that provides personal and economic development opportunities for waste pickers and is designed to empower individuals to become recycling entrepreneurs. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/CleanCity2-Bellville-dropbox.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>'Our various recycling initiatives help us to maintain a cleaner centre while diverting waste from landfills and providing a source of income for destitute people that could, over time, break the cycle of poverty,' said GTP CEO, Warren Hewitt.Alderman Twigg said the #SpringCleanCT campaign has thus far achieved great success. 'It is encouraging to see more people joining the #SpringCleanCT campaign. Since the start of the campaign just over three weeks ago, over 26 800 bags of litter, including recyclables, have been cleared off the streets of Cape Town.'The City has launched a 24-hour toll-free number to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence. In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1000 up to R5000, depending on the offence,' said Alderman Twigg. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/CleanCity4-Bellville-dropbox.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>There are three easy ways for businesses to get involved:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Share the #SpringCleanCT message with your staff and find useful information at <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Campaigns/join%20the%20springcleanct%20campaign/Join%20the%20SpringCleanCT%20campaign" target="_blank">CapeTown.gov.za</a> </li><li>Allow some time for your employees to arrange a clean-up, or sponsor a community clean-up to show your business cares. Be sure to share your efforts on social media with the hashtag #SpringCleanCT</li><li>Report illegal dumping tip-offs to our 24-hour toll-free number on 0800 110077 </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/CleanCity5-Bellville-dropbox.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>End

2022-09-28T22:00:00Z

City joins call to action on International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

Organic waste that ends up in landfills is a significant contributor to climate change. When this waste breaks down in the landfill mass, it creates landfill gas. This gas, made up primarily of methane, has been shown to have a global warming potential approximately 25 times higher than carbon dioxide. However, while these emissions are the primary concern of the City's Urban Waste Management Directorate, waste of food also has serious broader implications for food security. An estimated 14 percent of the world's food is lost between harvest and retail, and an estimated 17 percent is wasted in retail and at the consumption level. This comes at a time when 811 million people on earth go hungry. As a result, the City of Cape Town has been stepping up efforts to address food security in recent times. A Food Systems Programme has been developed by the Resilience Department to map City food mandates, improve scenario planning for food-related shocks and enhance networking among stakeholders. This programme includes Urban Waste Management's efforts to reduce waste. Urban Waste Management actions aimed at reducing food waste and associated emissions include, but are not limited to: <ul><li>Currently all businesses in Cape Town are being required to <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Businesses%20attend%20info%20session%20on%20incoming%20organic%20waste%20plan%20regulations" target="_blank">update their mandated integrated waste management plans by 31 October 2022, to reflect how they will reduce their organic waste (including food waste they produce) that is sent to landfill by 50% before the end of the year, and 100% by 2027</a>. All restaurants, hotels and other businesses that produce organic waste are required to comply. </li></ul> <ul><li> The City is also tackling organic waste that has already been disposed of at our landfills by establishing infrastructure that can safely extract and convert landfill gas to Carbon Dioxide, a far less harmful greenhouse gas, before it enters the atmosphere, or even burn this gas to create electricity. See <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20launches%20landfill%20gas%20to%20energy%20project">here</a>, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20earns%20first%20carbon%20credits%20from%20Landfill%20Gas%20Extraction%20and%20Utilisation%20Project">here</a>, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Work%20to%20reduce%20emissions%20and%20generate%20electricity%20at%20Vissershok%20landfill%20starting%20to%20hit%20the%20gas">here</a> and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Cape%20Town%20nears%20first%20production%20of%20electricity%20from%20landfill%20gas" target="_blank">here</a> for details</li><li>Provided 22 495 home composting containers, and counting, to residents across the metro, free of charge. The City also offers tips to anyone wishing to start their own organic waste diversion and composting at home – a home composting container is not a necessity for this. Composting food waste at home not only reduces the impact of organic waste, but also feeds your soil and results in a healthier, more productive garden. Residents with a garden/outdoor space for a composting container/heap can find information here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3vIMK7J" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3vIMK7J</a> </li></ul><ul><li>The City is also investigating various ways to work with informal traders to separate and compost their food waste so that it doesn't end up in landfills (see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20serious%20about%20diverting%20organic%20waste%20from%20landfills">current trial being carried out in Langa</a>). </li></ul><ul><li>The City's <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/wasterec/map" target="_blank">waste recyclers map</a> shows the location and contact details of private drop-off sites and organic waste collectors operating in Cape Town. </li></ul><ul><li>Finally, the planned <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Planned%20Coastal%20Park%20Refuse%20Transfer%20Station%20moves%20the%20City%20towards%20a%20more%20waste-wise%20future" target="_blank">Coastal Park Integrated</a> Waste Management Facility will include some kind of facility that can separate organic waste from the general waste stream and beneficiate this organic matter. The exact design of this system must still be concluded however the intention to develop such a project represents a major step forward for the City's waste management. </li></ul>'Reducing Food Waste is one of the most impactful climate solutions normal residents can implement in their own homes and businesses. As the world's population continues to grow, our challenge should not be how to grow more food, but how to reduce food waste sustainably. The City is stepping up efforts to implement new technologies and infrastructure that can help reduce food waste, but we need citizens and businesses to also please play their part,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has drawn up <a href="https://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1309609/" target="_blank">a list of useful tips</a> residents can follow for reducing food waste. The City encourages all residents to incorporate these tips into their daily lives. End

2022-09-28T22:00:00Z

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