City launches its annual Festive Season readiness deployment 23 October 2021
The launch events included the destruction of several thousand litres of confiscated alcohol, a number of enforcement operations, and a public exhibition.
Various City departments are participating in a number of events to signal the organisation’s readiness for the upcoming Festive Season today, Sunday 24 October 2021.
The City’s festive season readiness plan is part of its annual operationalisation to ensure that all measures are in place to enable Cape Town residents as well as tourists visiting the city, the safest and most enjoyable festive season.
It is important to advise the public of the plan, so that they understand how the City’s services are used to optimise their safety during this period.
During a liquor destruction event in Ndabeni, the Law Enforcement Liquor Unit disposed of approximately 6 000 litres of alcohol that was confiscated from public spaces in the last two years. The City’s by-laws prohibit the introduction and consumption of alcohol in public spaces. Offenders are fined R500 and their alcohol is confiscated.
Any alcohol not reclaimed from the pound within three months, is destroyed.
‘Alcohol consumption is a critical focus area, because there is a direct correlation between it and road safety, beach safety, domestic violence and the number of trauma cases at our hospitals. The more people who drink responsibly or abstain, the lower the number of incidents we record and the safer the festive season and life in general, for all of us.
‘This was one of many public safety and awareness messages shared during the exhibition held by numerous City services in Muizenberg as part of the launch event. Public safety is not only the responsibility of the City, or SAPS or the NSRI – individuals need to take personal responsibility too for their safety, and the safety of their loved ones,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City compiles a comprehensive Festive Season readiness plan each year, to account for the increase in visitors to Cape Town, and increased leisure activities such as events and festivities during this period.
As was the case during the previous festive season, the plan also seeks to manage the additional risks brought about by the continued threat of Covid-19.
Among the key focus areas are:
An integrated enforcement plan involving more than 2 000 Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Service staff
The rollout of Operation Exodus to ensure the safety of long distance travellers over the peak festive season period
The deployment of seasonal and learner firefighters, as well as aerial support, to assist with combating the increase in vegetation fires during the warmer months
Coordination of the City’s overall plans by the Disaster Risk Management Centre
Deployment of lifeguards to beaches and swimming pools, along with the Identikidz project at identified beaches to promote child safety
Additional temporary cleaning staff to assist the Solid Waste Department
Increased oversight visits by Environmental Health Practitioners to ensure both Covid-19 compliance, but also to mitigate the risk of diseases prevalent during the summer months
‘While the major focus is on the peak festive season period between Christmas and New Year, the work starts much earlier. It’s important to remember that there are other peaks in the lead up to the end of December, like the end of matric exams celebrations later in November, Black Friday, pre-festive season shopping and the payment of bonuses, which attract the interest of criminals. This year, various City services are also involved in assisting SAPS with the safety plans for the upcoming local government elections. From mid-December, once the schools close, the focus switches to road safety as people travel to their holiday destinations, and then of course the beaches and other public amenities become very popular.
‘In addition to all of these priorities, our staff will also have to ensure ongoing compliance with Covid-19 regulations and the enforcement of the disaster management regulations. We are also mindful of the predicted fourth wave of infections around the end of the year, which requires contingency plans. It really is a mammoth task, but the City works closely with numerous external partners through our Festive Season task team to ensure that all hands are on deck, and that potential threats are addressed as quickly as possible,’ said Alderman Smith. End
Published by: City of Cape Town, Media Office