Transport

Mayor welcomes Port of Cape Town inclusion in RFI for private sector partnerships

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the Port of Cape Town’s inclusion in government’s Request For Information (RFI) process

‘We are relieved to see the Port of Cape Town’s inclusion in government’s testing of market appetite for private sector involvement. The City has been making this case to national government for some time, and I am grateful to Minister Barbara Creecy for following through on her commitment. This is a positive step towards enabling the level of infrastructure investment and expertise needed to co-run the port successfully. According to the World Bank, Cape Town port is the least efficient in the world, and is a real handbrake on the regional economy and job creation. We need to urgently see private investment and management in the Cape Town port to release this handbrake and speed up job creation in Cape Town. ‘There is huge potential for job-creating economic growth if we can establish our port as a regional shipment hub of choice and turn its reputation around as one of the worst in the world for inefficiency. We are encouraged by government’s short deadline of August 2025 to enter into the formal procurement phase for private partners, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s involvement in setting up the coordinating unit to get private partnerships done. We must make sure these timelines are not delayed,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.Research from the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism indicates that private sector participation at the Port of Cape Town could result in an additional R6 billion in exports, the creation of approximately 20 000 jobs, and over R1,6 billion in additional tax revenues within five years. Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said major infrastructure investment is needed to reduce the impact of wind on port operations. This has been a key concern expressed by business leaders during the City’s industry engagements. ‘When the port is unable to operate sufficiently, exporters are forced to divert their goods to other ports in Durban, Gqeberha and elsewhere at huge costs. The private sector has the services and the expertise and have shown they are willing to assist as much as possible. We will be closely monitoring the RFI process, which we hope will lead to the full-scale joint running of the Port with private partners, as well as a major infrastructure investment boost. The City stands ready as a partner to expedite any infrastructure investment within our local government purview,’ said Alderman Vos. End

2025-03-23T22:00:00Z

Weather shifts gears: 39% increase in motor vehicle accidents

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 57 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents in 48 hours compared to 41 the previous weekend.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 629 incidents over the weekend, including 80 assault cases, 50 domestic violence incidents and 206 noise nuisances.However, it was the increase in motor vehicle accidents compared to the previous weekend that caught the eye. In one of the latest incidents on Sunday, 23 March, a taxi caused a collision involving four other motor vehicles at Jakes Gerwel Drive and Viking Way. Nine passengers in the taxi and a child in one of the other vehicles all sustained minor injuries. The taxi driver was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, as well as reckless and negligent driving. ‘The change in weather combined with poor driving habits and a lack of patience likely all contributed to the increase in motor vehicle accidents. Let’s not forget vehicle defects like balding tyres and brakes, and worn wipers – all things that can compromise safety on the roads. Please let this be a cautionary tale as we brace for winter and get your vehicles checked timeously to ensure they’re able to deal with the changing road conditions. Some motorists would also do well to check their attitudes and behaviour on the roads, or run the risk of ending up behind bars,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.In general enforcement in the past week, the Traffic Service made 24 arrests – 15 for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless and negligent driving and five for other offences. Officers also recorded 41 986 offences, impounded 248 public transport vehicles and executed 884 warrants of arrest.Their Law Enforcement counterparts arrested 184 suspects and issued 7 323 notices, while Metro Police officers made 114 arrests, including 30 for driving under the influence, and issued 3 876 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions. Residents are reminded to report criminal activities by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline. End

2025-03-23T22:00:00Z

City-supported better bellville together making a lasting impact

The better.bellville.together programme

The better.bellville.together programme, administered by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), has been running for two years and focuses on place-making, improving waste management, and supporting projects for small businesses and informal traders.‘Through better.bellville.together, we are seeing businesses working together to enhance spaces with better lighting, accessible wayfinding, and revitalising infrastructure. This in turn has led to improved safety and visually appealing public areas that residents are more eager to experience,’ said Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/23-GTP%20-%20BBT%20Walk%20Ald%20J%20Vos-Framed%20by%20Claire%20PhotographyE1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>Under the banner of the waste reduction project, successes include:• 52 jobs created; • 181 437kg of waste recycled; • 75 businesses engaged in the recycling initiative; • Engaging 26 380 school pupils and 1 884 teachers in the Zero Waste Schools Project • 12 658kg of food waste, 13 515kg of paper, 1 247kg of plastic, and 733kg of glass recycled; • 38 610kg of CO₂ emissions prevented; • Organic waste composted for 13 gardens, saving R60 000 annually; • A Zero-Waste Trader trial is under way to help traders transition to more sustainable packaging; • Introducing bulk bins and gravity dispensers for snacks and sweets to reduce packaging waste; • Upcycling discarded materials like paper potato bags into useful products; • Joined forces with the Electronic Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) to integrate advanced waste management solutions while creating work opportunities for waste collectors.Last year, the GTP’s Mobile Artisan Skills Centre was established with the aim of giving unemployed youths woodworking training. After hosting 12 workshops, several students have already been placed in practical internships, gaining on-the-job experience at active construction sites. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/gtp.jpg" alt="" style="width:2137px;" /> </figure>‘As critical as the waste diversion is for our city, it is just one part of an ecosystem that is cleaning up the area, educating our communities and providing employment opportunities for those who fell out of the economic system. It has been really rewarding and we are very grateful to the City for their support,’ said Warren Hewitt, CEO of the GTP.Support for small, medium and micro-enterprises A focal point of better.bellville.together is supporting SMMEs, both as part of the waste reduction and place-making efforts, and through initiatives such as the Bellville Business Expo, a platform for upskilling, networking and showcasing regional businesses. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/gtpPic%204.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>‘Looking ahead, the SMME support project will unveil Bellville Connect, a digital marketplace connecting businesses, traders and investors as well as the Virtual Business Hub, an online resource where entrepreneurs can find mentorship, training and networking opportunities to support their growth and sustainability,’ said Alderman Vos.If you or your organisation would like to be part of or know more about better.bellville.together, contact <a href="mailto:ceo@gtp.org.za" target="_blank">ceo@gtp.org.za</a> or call the GTP on 021 823 6713. End

2025-03-23T22:00:00Z

Strengthening the Cape Town-Aachen Partnership: 25 years of collaboration

The Cape Town-Aachen partnership is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges

‘The Cape Town-Aachen partnership is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges. Over the past 25 years, it has facilitated over 1 000 exchanges, benefitting both cities through initiatives such as the Climate Ticket Cape Town, Hack your Shack, and agri-hubs and food gardens. With 2025 marking a quarter century of this partnership, we remain committed to deepening ties and driving impactful projects,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.During the visit, officials and civil society representatives from both cities engaged in discussions to refine and strengthen the partnership for the future. Key themes that emerged included governance, behaviour change, and collaborative sustainability efforts, all aimed at ensuring greater alignment between Cape Town and Aachen’s shared vision for resilient and sustainable urban development. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/DSC_8429.jpeg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure>‘The two cities of Cape Town and Aachen have been close friends for 25 years. Our vibrant partnership was further strengthened during the official visit to Cape Town on behalf of the remarkable anniversary of our collaboration. The engaging interactions with those actively involved in the partnership’s projects, as well as the close and friendly dialogue with colleagues from the City administration, have deepened our bond. In the joint workshop on the further development of the city twinning, we have developed, reflected on, and solidified our goals. These will be outlined in an updated MoA for the upcoming years, set to be signed in Aachen in August 2025, said Lord Mayor of Aachen, Keupen.A key outcome of the delegation’s visit was the initiation of the review process for the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the two cities signed in 2017. The renewed MoA, set to be formally signed at the 25th anniversary celebrations later this year, will build on past successes and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in tackling shared urban and environmental challenges. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Photo%203_Cape%20Town-Aachen%20Partnership_Group%20photo%20IMG_4695.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>The visit also included engagements with local institutions, thought leaders, and stakeholders, fostering discussions on innovative urban solutions and knowledge exchange. From exploring transversal collaboration in education and city governance to addressing pressing environmental sustainability challenges. The visit reinforced the importance of city-to-city partnerships in navigating complex global issues.The renewed MoA will guide this continued cooperation, ensuring that the partnership remains a driver of innovation and shared progress. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Photo1_20250318_184417.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>End

2025-03-23T22:00:00Z

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