Planning portal

Registering as an accredited waste service provider ensures that your business is compliant with the City's Integrated Waste Management By-law.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/Business-and-trade/Register-as-an-accredited-waste-services-provider"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Register-as-an-accredited-waste-services-provider</a>

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How to read your water meter

You can submit your water meter reading by calling 0860 103 089 or entering it online via your municipal account on our e-Services portal.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/water-meter-readings"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">water-meter-readings</a>

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Comment on the proposed MyCiTi Phase 2A stop locations along direct routes

10 October – 30 November 2022

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/Issues-open-for-public-comment/proposed-myciti-phase-2a-stop-locations-along-direct-routes">proposed-myciti-phase-2a-stop-locations-along-direct-routes</a>

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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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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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Submit your water meter readings online

You can submit your water meter reading online through e-Services.

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Arrange a payment plan

We offer payment plans for property owners and tenants who have outstanding payments on their municipal accounts.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection</a>

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Dam levels

The City of Cape Town and the National Department of Water and Sanitation measures dam levels to check how much water is available.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/this-weeks-dam-levels"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">this-weeks-dam-levels</a>

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Apply for a wheelie bin

Property owners can apply for a 240 litre wheelie bin for the household, while relevant sectional title complexes can apply for the required number of bins.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-a-new-wheelie-bin-for-domestic-properties"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Apply-for-a-new-wheelie-bin-for-domestic-properties</a>

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Pay and renew your vehicle licence

Pay for your vehicle licence renewal online through e-Services or in person.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Vehicle-licences/Pay-your-vehicle-licence"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Pay-your-vehicle-licence</a>

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Prevent illegal dumping

The City calls on all communities to stop illegal dumping and to report anyone who engages in this act.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-health-and-safety/healthy-environment/prevent-illegal-dumping"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">prevent-illegal-dumping</a>

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Informal trading

Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and offers good employment opportunities for traders, as well as affordable goods and services to 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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Submit your electricity meter readings online

You can submit your own electricity meter reading or let the City read your meter for you.

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

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Find your councillor, ward or subcouncil

You can find your councillor, ward or subcouncil using our easy look-up tool.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/city-council/find-your-councillor-ward-or-subcouncil"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">find-your-councillor-ward-or-subcouncil</a>

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City Health records 55% increase in food-related service requests

Most complaints relate to dates of durability (or what people perceive as expired foodstuff), unhygienic conditions at food premises and food quality concerns.

South Africa has been in the grip of a food safety debate for months.In November, national government announced that spaza shops would need to be registered to continue trading. Any food-handling establishment is required to obtain a Certificate of Acceptability (COA), and to ensure that it complies with national hygiene and food safety standards. Between 15 November and 31 December 2024, the City's Environmental Health service received 6 510 COA applications from spaza shop owners – the bulk of the applications came from Area East, i.e. Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Strand and surrounds. COAs are only awarded on submission of all relevant documentation, and a physical inspection to ensure that the premises complies with legislative requirements.A look at other food-related data shows increases in public complaints and fines issued by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs). <table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Fines issued</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Jul – Sept 2024</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Oct – Dec 2024</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;">Total</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 and related legislation</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">74</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">202</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">276</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Business Act (Act No. 71 of 1991) as amended</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">16</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">49</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">65</td></tr></tbody></table> In 2023, the public logged 128 service requests for food-related matters.Most complaints relate to dates of durability (or what people perceive as expired foodstuff), unhygienic conditions at food premises and food quality concerns. In 2024, the number increased by 55% to 199, with notable increases in November and December compared to the previous year. 'The increase in complaints tracks with the increased publicity around food safety matters. It's an indication of greater public awareness, although we are under no illusion that much work still needs to be done, amongst businesses but also consumers. For example, there is no such thing as expired food in South African law. It is critical that we all develop an understanding of the regulations, and also how food labelling works to reduce the risk of misinformation and ultimately, food waste. 'In recent months, the focus has been on businesses, but it is important to remember that food safety is as critical in the home. This includes knowing how to handle and appropriately store food items, but also effective hygiene like handwashing and clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.CERTIFICATES OF ACCEPTABILITYAs a minimum from a health point of view, any person or premises handling foodstuffs for public consumption must be in possession of a valid COA issued by the relevant local authority. A COA is a legal document indicating that a food-handling premises complies with the hygiene and food safety standards as outlined in the Regulations Governing the General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters, R638 of 22 June 2018. A 'food premises' means a building, structure, stall or other similar structure, and includes a caravan, vehicle, stand or place used for or in connection with the handling of food and "handle" includes the manufacturing, processing, producing, packing, preparing, keeping, offering, storing, transporting or displaying of food for sale or for serving. Any business, owner or person in charge involved in the handling, preparation, storage, distribution, sale, serving or transportation of food intended for human consumption must be in possession of a valid COA. This certificate must be visibly displayed and informs the customer that the premises meets the minimum hygiene and food safety standards. Customers are encouraged to take a moment to verify this important certification before making food purchases. The City encourages businesses to apply for a COA by registering as a Business Partner on the City's e-Services portal, where applications can be made online under the Environmental Health Services link. There is no charge for a COA.'EXPIRED' FOODSTUFFThere is NO provision for 'expired food' in the current South African Labelling Regulations. It is therefore incorrect to refer to expired food.The regulations do however dictate that all foodstuff have a clearly indicated date marking on the label. Generally, these are: • 'Best Before', which generally applies to shelf stable foods that do not require refrigeration (canned goods, rice, pasta, cereal, biscuits etc.) • 'Sell By', which is the date by which it should leave the store, so as to give the consumer reasonable time to use the product at home• 'Use By', which is the most critical, and generally applies to meat, dairy or any other perishable product It is also important to note that, with shelf stable goods (items that are sealed and do not require refrigeration), food items could still be safe to use, but the nutritional value may diminish after the 'Best Before' date. Perishables and cold chain goods should not be sold past the use-by dates. Members of the public who have health-related concerns or complaints about businesses can contact their local Environmental Health Office for assistance via their local clinic or the City's Technical Operations Centre on 0860 103 089. For more information on food safety, visit the City's website: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/food-safety">https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/food-safety</a>

2025-01-21T22:00:00Z

Ecological burns scheduled for City nature reserves

The City will be conducting ecological burns at various nature reserves in February, March and April 2025.

Carefully managed burns are necessary to maintain maximum species diversity. There are numerous benefits to burns. For example, by removing the canopy created by the mature vegetation, sunlight is allowed to reach the ground, which helps with seed germination. 'Heat and smoke generated by fires also provide the critical stimulation which many of our unique fire-dependant plant species require to germinate. There are many short-lived species which complete their life cycles shortly after a fire event, these are known fire ephemerals. Very many species, including the majority or Erica species and the highly threatened Serruria aemula, have their seeds stored in the soil which are stimulated to germinate by the fire. Other species, such as Protea burchellii and Protea scolymocephala, store their seeds on the plant in cones (serotiny). These seeds are released soon after the fire and can germinate in the open habitat with little competition,’ said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.The recommended potential ecological burns areas for this season are as follows: <ul><li>Meadowridge Common Conservation Area – 1,5 ha northern block</li><li>Muizenberg East Private Conservation Area – 3 ha</li><li>Westlake Conservation Centre – 1,66 ha</li><li>Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve – 8,12 ha</li><li>Camphill Village Conservation Area – 6,1 ha </li><li>Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Hill Section – 19 ha</li><li>Camdebo Conservation Area – 2,92 ha </li></ul>Competent, trained staff from the Environmental Management Department (EMD) will work with Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and other partners. All of the above ecological burns are scheduled for the month of February to April 2025. ‘While fires that occur too frequently can lead to a decline in slow growing species and reduced seed production, withholding fire for a long time will lead to bush encroachment and the local extinction of species. It is also imperative to ensure that there is a mosaic of different veld ages where possible. Another advantage of burning old vegetation is that it reduces fuel loads, which in turn reduces the risk of wild fires,' said Alderman Andrews. In addition to fynbos and renosterveld regeneration, ecological burns are also used as a tool for restoration: as a first treatment for invasive plant clearing, and to restore habitat for critically endangered species such as the Ranger butterflies (Kedestes spp.).For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Biodiversity@capetown.gov.za">Biodiversity@capetown.gov.za</a>. To report a wildfire, please contact the City’s Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services on 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. High resolution images are available <a href="https://rb.gy/al0an3">here.</a>

2025-01-21T22:00:00Z

Reinstatements gaining momentum across the city

From mid-November 2024, the City's Water and Sanitation Directorate has been actively reinstating pavements, driveways and road curbs across the City.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by delays, the City has taken steps to improve efficiency in this service. External contractors are now engaged to carry out reinstatements, with work grouped into batches and allocated to service providers.This systematic approach allows multiple work packages to be rolled out simultaneously, ensuring consistent progress across various areas. Each batch covers approximately 1 000m² of roadways, driveways and sidewalks, with at least 4 000m² of streets and pavements in different stages of reinstatement at any given time.To address the backlog, the City has allocated R55 million for repair and maintenance in the 2024/25 financial year. Progress is expected to gain momentum as contractors adapt to the new system. Since implementing the new strategy mid-November, 260 reinstatements have already been completed in areas including Strand, Somerset West, Kuils River, Delft, Malibu, Belhar, Blomtuin, Bo Oakdale, Brackenfell South, Chrismar, Eversdal, Glenhaven, Groenvallei, Kenridge, La Rochelle, Labiance, Morgenster, Morgenster Heights, Northpine, Oakdale, Schoongezicht, Scottesdene Depot Area, Shirley Park, Sonstraal and Valmary Park.<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/After%20-%20Virtue%20Close%2c%20Tuscany.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1052px;" /></figure>In the coming weeks, reinstatements will commence in the southern suburbs of Bergvliet, Constantia, Diep River, Heathfield, Lakeside, Meadowridge, Muizenberg, Plumstead, Retreat, Southfield, Steenberg, Tokai, Wynberg and in the northern suburbs of Fairfield Estate, Glenlilly, Bothasig, Panorama, Edgemead and Plattekloof. Residents are advised that finishes between property boundaries and street curbs will adhere to standard materials such as asphalt concrete and clay brick paving. Specialised surfacing or custom finishes are not included in these reinstatements.‘Reinstatements are being carried out by City-appointed contractors through two active tenders. Contractors are working as quickly as possible, but timelines will vary depending on trench size, complexity and batch volume. We thank residents for their patience and regret any inconvenience caused,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. End

2025-01-20T22:00:00Z

The City’s Business Hub is ready to roll out its training support programme for Cape Town’s small businesses and entrepreneurs this year.

The sessions will once again cover a variety of business-related concerns and topics, including marketing strategy, financial planning and tendering. Most of the programmes will take place virtually, meaning that business owners will be able to access it wherever they are. Last year, the hub assisted 4 968 SMMEs and entrepreneurs through its training programme. This includes City-registered vendors exposed to procurement opportunities and small enterprises receiving training on doing business in the public and private sectors. The Productivity Efficiency Programme helped 17 enterprises to improve their operations, retaining a collective 509 jobs.<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Ald%20Vos%20with%20members%20of%20the%20BH%20team.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1108px;" /></figure>‘SMMEs account for 80% of South Africa’s workforce while generating an estimated turnover of over R5 trillion. This clearly shows how pivotal they are for holding up our economy. Small businesses are a lifeline of employment, innovation and our economy. By supporting SMMEs with platforms to help them maintain and grow operations, we are driving an economically-sustainable environment. That’s why we run these programmes – to prepare the groundwork, ensure the ecosystem works well, and I can see that the impact is truly worthwhile,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos. In addition to the training, the Business Hub is also on standby to assist enterprises with information relating to red tape, financing and other enterprise growth queries. To see the calendar of events and sign up, go to <a href="https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/">https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/</a>. For data-free access to the virtual sessions, attendees can use the SmartCape services in public libraries or go to one of the 100 City-run buildings in the metro with free Wi-Fi access. Find out more here: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/get-online/Public-Wifi-Zones/public-wifi-across-the-city">https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/get-online/Public-Wifi-Zones/public-wifi-across-the-city. </a>Contact The Business Hub team on business.support@capetown.gov.za or +27 21 417 4043 if you have any questions. End

2025-01-20T22:00:00Z

All City online services and applications

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Top City Connect services

Service Requests/Report a Fault (C3)

Prevent blocked sewers

The City has an excessively high number of sewer blockages each year. On average, we attend to nearly 300 sewer blockages every day. Clearing these blockages makes our operational costs higher.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/prevent-blocked-sewers"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">prevent-blocked-sewers</a>

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Get Grants-in-Aid funding

The City of Cape Town makes grants-in-aid available to organisations to fund projects that benefit the community and assist the City in realising its goals and objectives as set out by the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Find-grants-and-funding/Business-funding/Get-grants-in-aid-funding"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Get-grants-in-aid-funding</a>

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Apply for debt relief

If you would like to have your debt written off, please contact us directly to find out if you qualify.

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Registering as an accredited waste service provider ensures that your business is compliant with the City's Integrated Waste Management By-law.

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How to read your water meter

You can submit your water meter reading by calling 0860 103 089 or entering it online via your municipal account on our e-Services portal.

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Arrange a payment plan

We offer payment plans for property owners and tenants who have outstanding payments on their municipal accounts.

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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.

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Submit your electricity meter readings online

You can submit your own electricity meter reading or let the City read your meter for you.

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Find your councillor, ward or subcouncil

You can find your councillor, ward or subcouncil using our easy look-up tool.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/search?k=find%20your%20councillor"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">search</a>

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Apply for a wheelie bin

Property owners can apply for a 240 litre wheelie bin for their household

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-a-new-wheelie-bin-for-domestic-properties">Apply-for-a-new-wheelie-bin-for-domestic-properties</a>

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Comment on the proposed MyCiTi Phase 2A stop locations along direct routes

10 October – 30 November 2022

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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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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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Informal trading

Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and benefits both traders and locals.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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Submit your water meter readings online

You can submit your water meter reading online through e-Services.

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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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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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