| Mayor expresses condolences on Mitchells Plain fatal crash tragedy | Our City mourns together with the families of scholars who died in the fatal crash in Mitchells Plain this morning. | <p></p><p>'Our City mourns together with the families of scholars who died in the fatal crash in Mitchells Plain this morning. This is a terrible, dark day in our city. As a parent, my heart breaks for those who will not see their children return home from school today. While it can never restore the lives so tragically taken, we trust that authorities will establish the full facts surrounding this incident so that there may be accountability for any wrongdoing,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis.</p><p> </p><p>The South African Police Services (SAPS) have secured the scene and will communicate official announcements on the incident. City agencies are supporting SAPS.</p><p> </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br><strong> </strong><br><br></p><p><br></p> | 2023-05-29T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| New graduates receive City SCM training | 'The graduates will contribute to building capacity within SCM and to support the City's capital programme, procurement efficiency and ultimately service delivery to our residents. | <p></p><span><p>'The graduates will contribute to building capacity within SCM and to support the City's capital programme, procurement efficiency and ultimately service delivery to our residents. This initiative will assist the City in developing future skills and competence through a professional development programme to enhance its governance and compliance with Supply Chain and Procurement Regulations.</p><p> </p><p>'The graduate programme attracted applications from more than 2 500 graduates. Of these, 175 applicants were shortlisted and taken through a rigorous recruitment process. The City ultimately selected 10 young graduates with various qualifications ranging from Finance and Supply Chain Management to Cost and Management Accounting, Building and Legal.<br></p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/scm%20grads.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:914px;" /> </figure></span><p>'The City will provide the graduates with a 36-month internship and the opportunity to learn from professionals within the organisation and gain work experience. These graduates, who started in April 2023, hail from areas across the metro including Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Grassy Park, Delft, Table View, Lower Crossroads, Parklands, Wynberg, Milnerton and Muizenberg, among others. </p><p> </p><p>'We are proud to work with these young people and to provide them with the opportunity to learn from our teams and help build a better future for Cape Town. Together, we are building a City of Hope, a city where our youth are given the necessary resources to thrive and succeed. They will be exposed to the dynamic and complex processes of a large metropolitan City, and gain valuable experience. We look forward to watching their progress over the next three years,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi. </p><p> </p><p>'The training and development that happens during the course of our graduate internship programmes will eventually strengthen the City's work force with the necessary skills and education. It will provide these individuals with a better chance of building their career,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-05-29T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City disburses more than R11,6m to NGO sector | The City has a well-established track record of services and support to vulnerable individuals, as well as the NPOs who work tirelessly in pursuit of making a meaningful difference in people's lives. | <p></p><p>The call for applications was made in November 2022, and considered by the Section 67 Grants-in Aid Committee.</p><p> </p><p>The list of proposed recipients was given the go ahead by the Portfolio Committee on Community Services and Health and the Mayoral Committee, before final submission for approval at full Council.</p><p> <br></p><p>Council approved the proposed Grants-in-Aid allocation for 2022/2023 totalling R8 393 790 for projects focusing on assistance to persons living on the street and those at risk of migrating through the street through the provision of confirmed additional bed spaces, developmental programmes and efforts that encourages social entrepreneurship.</p><p> </p><p>A total of 20 projects, to be administered by 19 recipients, have been approved, ranging from substance abuse interventions to integration, accommodation, skills development and employment. </p><p> </p><p>Apart from ensuring that all applicants meet the criteria set out in the Municipal Finance Management Act, the other key element is that the projects being applied for are in line with the City's Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department's basket of services.</p><p> </p><p>'The City has a well-established track record of services and support to vulnerable individuals, as well as the NPOs who work tirelessly in pursuit of making a meaningful difference in people's lives. This grant-in-aid funding should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of the City's broader social development interventions, like our investment in Safe Spaces, the continued work being done on a daily basis through our Street People Programme, the Winter Readiness Programme to assist shelters and the temporary work opportunities created through the Expanded Public Works Programme to help persons off the street.</p><p> </p><p>'We recognise that, as a City, we cannot do it alone, and that there are many organisations out there doing brilliant work. But they deserve support, and that is why we continue to make available the grant-in-aid funding, with the understanding that we are all working towards a common goal,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.</p><p> </p><p><strong>ARTS & CULTURE</strong></p><p> </p><p>Council also approved the disbursement of R3 230 046 to numerous recipients in the cultural and creative sectors, as part of the annual grant-in-aid allocations. </p><p> </p><p>Applicants were asked to submit proposals for projects that foster an appreciation for the arts, creativity, heritage and diversity; provide beneficiaries with positive activities and transferable skills; introduce beneficiaries to career possibilities in the cultural and creative sectors; and support emerging and early career artists, designers and cultural practitioners.</p><p> </p><p>The 28 selected recipients deliver a range of projects that contribute to building hope through sustainable cultural development and which serve young people or vulnerable groups as the primary beneficiaries.</p><p> </p><p>'These projects are often integral to the young people's growth, enrichment and sense of belonging, by providing opportunities and experiences that develop a holistic sense of wellbeing. The City is proud to be able to make a contribution to the efforts of organisations who give youth a chance to shine, give support to those in need, and enable everyday opportunities for people to participate in culture on their doorstep', added Councillor Van der Ross.</p><p> </p><p>Following Council's approval of the grant-in-aid allocations, the Social Development & Early Childhood Development will inform all applicants in writing about the outcome of their applications, before the funding is disbursed by the end of June. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-05-29T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City teams on standby to assist customers with updating prepaid electricity meters in Far South suburbs | All prepaid metering software in South Africa must be updated or customers won’t be able to recharge their meters with new tokens; and will be left without power supply. | <p></p><p><strong>Customers in the following areas are able to update their electricity meters as of 1 June to 30 June 2023:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Cape Point<br></li><li>Fish Hoek</li><li>Kalk Bay</li><li>Kommetjie</li><li>Muizenberg</li><li>Noordhoek</li><li>Ocean View</li><li>Simon's Town</li><li>Tokai</li><li>Khayelitsha</li><li>Macassar<br><br><strong><em> </em></strong><br><br>The City is making good progress with its prepaid electricity meter software upgrade programme. Some 53 areas in the metro have already been reached and approximately 370 000 or 52% of prepaid meters have been updated according to plan. The City will reach the remaining 21 areas in the coming months.<br><br> <br><br><strong>Residents are encouraged to update their meters themselves by following the three easy steps. </strong><br><br> <br><br>Residents are urged to help their family members with their updates where possible, particularly elderly family members and those with disabilities. Alternatively, residents are encouraged to call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for assistance.</li></ul><p><strong><em> </em></strong></p><p>Do it yourself</p><p>When making a purchase, customers will receive two <strong>20-digit update codes </strong>along with their usual prepaid token. <strong>Customers who do not live in the area that is currently earmarked for updating will not be eligible to update their meters yet and will not automatically receive update codes with their normal purchase until their time comes.</strong> Update codes will be issued with purchases in areas across the metro in phases in accordance with the area schedule (see below). </p><p> </p><p><strong>Customers may follow these easy steps to enter the update codes when their area is scheduled for the update:</strong></p><p> </p><ol><li>Enter the first <strong>20-digit update code</strong> and wait for it to accept.</li><li>Enter the second <strong>20-digit update code</strong> and wait for it to accept.</li><li>Enter the <strong>usual 20-digit token</strong> to recharge units as normal.<br><br> </li></ol><p><strong>Most customers prefer updating their own meters. Those who require assistance are encouraged to contact the City by: </strong></p><ul><li><strong>SMS:</strong> 31220</li><li><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:power@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">power@capetown.gov.za</a></li><li><strong>Phone:</strong> Call Centre: 0860 103 089</li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>City teams are on standby to assist if required</strong></p><p>City teams are standing by to assist households with the updates. Teams carry identification and work order numbers. Phone the City's call centre for verification.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Frequently asked questions – Prepaid electricity meter software update (token identification update – TID)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Why must prepaid electricity meters be updated? </strong></p><p>The current pre-paid electricity metering software will expire in 2024 for all prepaid electricity meters in South Africa. </p><p> </p><p>Pre-paid meters must be updated or you won't be able to recharge your meter with new tokens and won't have power supply. Updates to the software of prepaid electricity meters will happen in a phased approach across the metro to ensure all meters are updated ahead of the deadline. Only when an area is reached for updating, as per the schedule, will customers get the update codes with their normal purchase. Customers in an area that has not been reached yet as per the schedule, will not be eligible to update their meter yet. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Which meters must be updated? </strong></p><p>All prepaid electricity meters in South Africa. The City has 570 000 pre-paid meters. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>By when must meters be updated? </strong></p><p>By December 2024 and it will be done in phases. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>4.</strong> <strong>Will all customers be able to update their meters immediately? </strong></p><p>No. </p><p>City prepaid meters are being updated in accordance with an area schedule. Only when an area is being updated as per the schedule will update codes be issued when making a purchase. Update codes will not be issued to areas not earmarked for the updating in a certain month and customers in areas that have not yet been reached for updating will not yet be eligible to update their meters. </p><p> </p><p><strong>5.</strong> <strong>How should meters be updated? </strong></p><p>Most customers prefer updating their own meters. They are able to easily update their own meters when making an electricity purchase. </p><p>When making a purchase from 1 May in the Bergvliet, Constantia, Diep River, Hout Bay, Plumstead and Wynberg areas (and then subsequent areas on the schedule), two 20-digit update codes will be included, along with the usual electricity token as soon as the programme is in your area and you are eligible for the update. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Follow these easy steps to enter your update codes WHEN your area is scheduled for the update:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Enter the first 20 digits update code and wait for it to accept.</strong></li><li><strong>Enter the second 20 digits update code and wait for it to accept.</strong></li><li><strong>Enter your 20 digits token to recharge your units as normal.</strong></li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>6.</strong> <strong>Will the update codes work on all types of pre-paid electricity meters? </strong></p><p>Yes, as soon as the codes are received, but only when an earmarked area for updating has been reached in accordance with the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Token_Identifier_Roll-Out_Plan_Key_Change_Token_Project_Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">schedule</a>. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>7.</strong> <strong>For how long are the update codes valid? </strong></p><p>The two 20-digit update codes must be entered into the meter immediately after it has been supplied as no other recharge token will be accepted by the meter. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>8.</strong> <strong>What happens if I throw away my slip, will I be able to get the two 20-digit codes again?</strong></p><p>The customer would have to phone the City to get the code. Currently there is no way to get a copy at a vendor.</p><p>Take a picture of the slip; or make a note of the two 20-digit update codes. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>9.</strong> <strong>What if I can't update my own meter? </strong></p><p>City teams are visiting areas across the metro according to a schedule over the next two years. They started in Atlantis, Mamre and Pella and will move to the areas on the schedule over time. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>10.</strong> <strong>How do I verify whether a person coming to my home to assist me with an update is from the City? </strong></p><p>Teams will carry identification and work order numbers. Customers may phone the City's Call Centre for verification<strong>. </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>11.</strong> <strong>If my area is not on the schedule, will areas be visited again?</strong></p><p>We plan to go area by area and then at a later date revisit any meters that are not complete regardless of the area. This mop up operation is currently planned for late 2023 and early 2024.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>12.</strong> <strong>I am in line for the City's ongoing meter replacement programme (to replace old infrastructure), will the new meter be software compliant once installed? Would I need to update the code? </strong></p><p>New meters installed will eventually all be updated but we are working through older stock at the moment and the older stock even though newly installed would need to be updated; the new compliant-ready meters are in the City stock stores now. Some of the field staff are already updating the meters if they are on site doing a meter change or site inspection.</p><p> </p><p><strong>13.</strong> <strong>Will my old unused tokens still work after the upgrade? </strong></p><p>No, all old tokens must be entered prior to the update being completed.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>14.</strong> <strong>Where do I find the work schedule for when update tokens will be issued per area? </strong></p><p>The schedule is available on the City's website <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Token_Identifier_Roll-Out_Plan_Key_Change_Token_Project_Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p> </p><p><strong>15.</strong> <strong>What should I do when my area has been earmarked for updating but I have not received my update codes yet? </strong></p><p>The prepaid electricity meter software update takes place in a phased manner within the various earmarked areas. Please give the City some time to reach your specific area.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>It is important to note that the system does not automatically issue residents their update token on the first of the month, but can do so any time during that month with a purchase.</p><p> </p><p>If you only purchase electricity once a month and did not receive your update token, then the update token will be made available to you with your next purchase in the following month. </p><p> </p><p><strong>16.</strong> <strong>Will my electricity meter use more electricity after the software update?</strong><br><br>Updates to the software of City prepaid electricity meters will not affect the user's electricity usage in any way as it does not affect the meter's calibration. If a resident suspects that their meter may be faulty, they are encouraged to contact us.<br><br> </p><p><strong>17.</strong> <strong>Will my electricity units disappear or decrease when the meter is updated?</strong></p><p>No, a customer's electricity units will not be affected by the update. However, should customers have any technical issues; they are encouraged to contact the City's Call Centre.<br><br><strong>TOKEN IDENTIFIER ROLL-OUT PLAN: KEY CHANGE TOKEN PROJECT SCHEDULE</strong><br></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>AREA</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>PERIOD IN WHICH KEY CHANGE TOKENS WILL BE ISSUED </strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cape Point</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">June 2023</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Fish Hoek</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Kalk Bay</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Kommetjie</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Muizenberg</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Noordhoek</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Ocean View</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Simon's Town</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Tokai</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Khayelitsha</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Macassar</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Mitchells Plain</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">July – August 2023</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Grassy Park</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">September – October 2023</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Ottery</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Pelican Park</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Philippi</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Gordons Bay</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">November 2023 – December 2023</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Helderberg</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Sir Lowry's Pass</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Somerset West</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Strand</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong><br>Again: it must be noted that only when a specific area is reached as per this schedule, will update codes be issued with the normal electricity token when a purchase is made. </strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-05-29T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
