City of Cape Town Link

Looking after our natural heritage

<h2 class="sectHeading">Reasons to protect our natural world</h2><p>The natural world was here long before us and we can play a role in keeping it safe from harm.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy blue bg-navy"><div class="graphic no-border"> <i class="info opportunity"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p> <b>An opportunity city:</b> Many of the City's biodiversity areas are managed with community partners.</p></div></div></span> <p> <strong>Protecting our environment benefits us in the following ways:</strong></p><ul><li>Plants and soil filter water and air. </li><li>Healthy ecosystems help us adapt to climate change – they recover and adapt better to changes in weather and temperatures and help us withstand extreme storm and flood events.</li><li>Nature-based tourism provides valuable income and jobs.</li><li>Plants can have commercial value; e.g. flowers, buchu, thatching reed.</li><li>Fishing provides an income and is a popular sport.</li><li>Natural playgrounds have incredible health benefits.</li></ul><p>See our Biodiversity Fact Sheets in the document download section below for more tips on how you can help us <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-precious-biodiversity/preserving-our-biodiversity">preserve our precious biodiversity</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Become a spotter</h2><p>Are you a regular hiker, an interested gardener or a concerned member of the public? Our Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Programme will be even more effective if you can help them with locating new invasive alien target species.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> <b>Target species</b> do not, as yet, occur widely in the Cape - this means we still have a chance to get these species under control. There are currently 25 species listed on the <a href="https://www.capetowninvasives.org.za/plants/edrr">Cape Peninsula Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) programme's<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> target list for control.</p></div></div><p>As many target species can be found in gardens or areas often visited by hikers, friends, gardeners or nature lovers, you can play an active part in spotting, reporting or even removing the plants before they become established and start spreading. Start by signing up to become a <a title="Cape Town spotter" href="http://www.capetowninvasives.co.za/" target="_blank">Cape Town spotter<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. View the target list, read more about the plants, see the most recent spotter updates and track the progress of the removal of the plants on the ‘map’ link.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Replace invasive plants</h2><p>There are thousands of eco-friendly, water-wise plants that are not invasive to the environment. In addition to the over 25 000 indigenous plants in the country, there are an estimated 8 000 foreign plants in South Africa, of which only 360 have been declared an invasive menace to society and the environment. Speak to your nursery about replacing any invasive plants in your garden with indigenous ones.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Nature-and-environment/invasive-species-programme">Get involved in the Invasive Species Programme</a></p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Support our protected nature areas</h2><p>Cape Town is unique amongst world cities because of the many plant and animal species that are found within the city and nowhere else in the world. A visit to the City’s <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves">nature reserves</a> and natural areas will reveal our network of incredible plants and animals. </p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> A 'friends' group is a group of volunteers who work together with conservation authorities to protect a natural area they are passionate about.</p></div></div><p>Visit a City nature reserve today or help to look after one – volunteer or join a ‘Friends’ group so you can take part in patrols, maintenance, management and administrative duties. Find out how by following the City Connect link below:</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/friends-groups-and-community-organisations/Friends%27%20groups%20and%20community%20organisations">Volunteer with ‘Friends’ groups and community organisation</a></p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Other ways to get involved</h2><p> <strong>There are many ways for you to get involved in protecting our natural environment and its ecosystems. Here are some suggestions:</strong></p><ul><li>Join a ‘Friends Group’ at your local nature reserve to volunteer in restoring the veld.</li><li>Join <a title="iSpot" href="http://www.ispotnature.org/" target="_blank">iSpot<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to record the biodiversity around you.</li><li>Maintain biodiversity in your garden by <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/green-gardening-and-eating/start-composting-at-home">composting</a>, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/environmental-health-in-the-home/hazardous-waste-in-the-home-and-community">avoiding pesticides</a>, planting indigenous plants, and using fencing that lets small animals move between gardens.</li><li>Combat urban sprawl by putting pressure on your <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Meet-the-City/City-Council" target="_blank">local government</a> to support proper planning of urban areas.</li><li>Reduce, reuse and recycle your waste so we can have cleaner and greener natural areas. See our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Greener-living/Recycling-at-home">recycing section</a> for tips.</li><li>Reduce your carbon footprint – use less of the earth's resources by <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/transport-and-vehicles/greener-travel/smart-driving">driving less</a> and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/make-water-saving-a-way-of-life">conserving water</a>, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/saving-electricity-in-your-home">electricity</a> and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/greener-business/cape-towns-green-future/renewable-energy-sources-in-cape-town">fossil fuels</a>. See our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Greener-living">greener living section</a> for some more tips.</li><li>If you know your birds or plants, record and monitor threatened and rare species and help groups like <a title="Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers" href="https://www.facebook.com/Custodians-of-Rare-and-Endangered-Wildflowers-CREW-167173663344071/" target="_blank">Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW)<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to map areas that need conservation</li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/volunteer-at-a-city-nature-reserve-or-in-a-biodiversity-programme">Volunteer at a City nature reserve or in a biodiversity programme</a><br><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/the-source-to-sea-project">Volunteer on the Source to Sea Project</a><br><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/cape-town-environmental-education-trust">Volunteer with the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust</a></p></div></div></span> <p> Which part of the natural world are you passionate about?</p><p> <strong>For more tips on how you can get involved in protecting our natural world, see the following:</strong></p><ul><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/Forests-and-plantations/cape-towns-forests-and-plantations">Cape Town's forests and plantations</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Nature-and-environment/cape-town-green-map">Cape Town Green Map</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Rivers-and-wetlands/Conserve-our-rivers-and-wetlands">Conserve our rivers and wetlands</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-precious-biodiversity/focus-on-baboons">Focus on baboons</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-precious-biodiversity/focus-on-fynbos">Focus on Fynbos</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-precious-biodiversity/focus-on-sharks">Focus on sharks</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/Our-floral-kingdom">Our floral kingdom</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-beaches-and-coast/Our-unique-coastline">Our unique coastline</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Nature-and-the-community/Conserving-our-natural-heritage/Preserving-our-biodiversity">Preserving our biodiversity</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/The-capes-animal-kingdom">The Cape's animal kingdom</a></li></ul>

Why it is so important to protect the natural environment and how you can make a difference.

Biodiversity: Unique Species Poster			1094841	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2011-01-31T22:00:00Z
Biodiversity: Unique Vegetation Poster			796771	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2011-01-31T22:00:00Z

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.

<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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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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City jobs and opportunities

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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Coronavirus updates

We are operating with reduced services and communication channels as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and national lockdown.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/coronavirus-updates">coronavirus-updates</a>

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Load-shedding

Load-shedding stages are announced by Eskom and depend on the extent of the shortage of generation capacity

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