| Cape Town and New York reunited as airline resumes flights | The city first welcomed the maiden direct United Airlines New York to Cape Town flight on 16 December 2019, after much effort from the City of Cape Town | <p>(Photo credit: Justin de Reuck, United Airlines)</p><span><p><br>The city first welcomed the maiden direct United Airlines New York to Cape Town flight on 16 December 2019, after much effort from the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Cape Town Tourism, and Airports Company South Africa, which has helped facilitate Wesgro’s Air Access project. </p><p>The route was suspended a few months after its launch in March 2020 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/BestUAPlane02Dec2021.jpg" alt="" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘This is a special occasion – a day where we can welcome back United Airlines flights from New York to Cape Town. It was heartwarming to see a plane full of excited American tourists ready to explore and enjoy Cape Town, after a 20-month hiatus in flights. This is why it gives me great pleasure to say that today, we are “United” once more, said Mayor Hill-Lewis.</p><p>Covid-19 has had a significant impact on livelihoods and families. The tourism industry is a core part of our local economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. </p><p>‘As the Mayor of this beautiful city, I have said that we will focus all our work on growing the economy and making Cape Town the easiest place to do business in Africa. I look forward to seeing this route flourish and connect more people to each other, and help grow a stronger, resilient relationship between our two cities,’ added Mayor Hill-Lewis.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/LastGroupUA02Dec2021.jpg" alt="" /> </figure></span><span><p>Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said while the travel bans are disappointing, the City with its partners, will continue to work hard to reverse these restrictions to see the return of international airlines and all its travellers who were so keen to visit Cape Town. </p><p>‘A few weeks ago, we launched a destination marketing campaign in New York and other major cities showing the diversity of experiences and the beauty that Cape Town offers. This route between North America and Cape Town opens travel and trade opportunities that stand to be of significant benefit to our economy.</p><p>‘Tourism and aviation are crucial drivers of employment and the economy in Cape Town. In 2019, the airport helped funnel just under R14 billion into the metro while supporting over 28 000 jobs. We are determined to grow the aviation economy once more, to increase business and leisure tourism, and connect Cape Town to more countries,’ said Alderman Vos.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/CeremonialWelcomeUA02Dec2021.jpg" alt="" /> </figure></span><span></span><span></span><p>Service delivery accolades and the travel awards which we have received like being named the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2020 and Africa’s Leading City Destination and others in 2021 by the World Travel Awards, are evidence of the attractiveness of the city on a global level. </p><p>These awards are expected to boost Cape Town’s resilience when it finally emerges from the effects of Covid-19.</p><p>Cape Town is the gateway to the Western Cape and the African continent, and has the infrastructure, the scenery, the human capital and a favourable exchange rate to further build upon its reputation as a must-see destination. </p><p>The City of Cape Town is committed to doing everything possible to keep this city and South Africa open to protect the livelihoods of our residents. The tourism and hospitality sector needs every ounce of support we can offer.</p><p><br>Caption 1: The United Airlines aircraft makes its way to the docking terminal after landing at Cape Town International Airport.</p><p>Caption 2: (From left) To welcome tourists disembarking from the aircraft are Cape Town International Airport General Manager Mark Maclean, Western Cape Minister of Finance David Maynier, WESGRO CEO Wrenelle Stander, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Economic Officer at the US Consulate in Cape Town Neal Turner, United Airlines Western Cape Business Development Manager, Gayle Bannatyne and Information Officer at the US Consulate Tyler Hacking. </p><p>Caption 3: The United Airlines aircraft is given a ceremonial water cannon welcome to Cape Town International Airport after landing.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2021-12-02T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Atlantis graduates powered up for green economy | The 34 students received practical training in areas such as welding and production set-up. | <span><p>The 34 students received practical training in areas such as welding and production set-up.</p><p>‘With the world rapidly shifting towards cleaner energy, not to mention South Africa’s load shedding crisis, it is vital that we help Capetonians acquire sought-after skills to be part of the growing green economy,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos,</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/graduation1.jpg" alt="" style="width:797px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The graduation comes at an optimum moment for businesses in and around the ASEZ, which is expected to attract approximately R3,7 billion in green manufacturing investments over the next two decades.</p><p>Through the City’s work with GreenCape, its catalytic Special Business Partner, the City has created an enabling environment for project developers and manufacturers in the green economy within the greater metro as well.</p><p>Additionally, the City supports the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a training hub based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Bellville campus. It is the country’s first national greentech centre.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/graduation2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘The work that we have done with our partners to upskill Capetonians in this sector is one of the main reasons that Cape Town-based project developers were successful in over 75% of the fifth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. It is a testament to the ecosystem of a well-run City,’ said Alderman Vos.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/graduation3.jpg" alt="" style="width:940px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><span>To find out more about opportunities at the ASEZ, contact <a href="mailto:skills@atlantissez.co.za" target="_blank">skills@atlantissez.co.za</a> or contact <a href="mailto:info@greencape.co.za" target="_blank">info@greencape.co.za</a> or 021 811 0250. Read more about SARATEC’s courses at <a href="https://www.saretec.org.za/" target="_blank">https://www.saretec.org.za/</a> or call 021 959 4320.</span><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2021-12-02T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Progress update on Hout Bay and Llandudno water disruption | Residents are advised to collect water from the tankers in clean, sealed containers for domestic use during this period. Covid-19 protocols will be applicable. | <p>The City’s Water and Sanitation team is working around the clock to restore the water supply to the Park Road, Mount Rhodes, Suikerbossie and Llandudno areas and it is aware of the inconvenience experienced successively by the residents and businesses in these areas.</p><p>The burst is likely to be connected to the recent series of pipe bursts in the area. The fluctuation in pressure can trigger latent weaknesses in the surrounding network. </p><p>To provide relief in the interim and while the repairs were under way, a water tanker was positioned at Ruyterplatts opposite Mount Rhodes and another tanker roamed through Llandudno to provide residents with water for domestic consumption. These tankers returned to the depot late last night when there was no longer a need for water. This service will continue this morning until the water supply is fully restored to these areas. </p><p>The repairs, which involves excavation, trenching and replacement two pipe sections, has progressed considerably to the point where the new pipe sections are now being aligned for connection. Once the connection is completed, the pipeline will be filled slowly to dispel the air and also prevent any further bursts. Residents are reminded that once the repairs are completed, the water supply from the Suikerbossie Reservoir to the affected areas will also be opened up slowly to prevent any pipe bursts</p><p>Residents are advised to collect water from the tankers in clean, sealed containers for domestic use during this period. Covid-19 protocols will be applicable.</p><p>Residents are also advised to ensure that their taps are closed during the repairs to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored. </p><p>The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience of the consumers while it endeavours to restore the water supply.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2021-12-02T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Visit the City's My Clean Green Home exhibit this summer | The compact home is the epitome of the City’s vision for its energy future | <span><p>The compact home is the epitome of the City’s vision for its energy future. The home gives visitors a chance to walk through and experience what life could be like in a net zero carbon home.</p><p>‘It is an honour to visit this future fit home which contains ideas and a vision that we could all benefit from. It shows that even small actions can make a difference, irrespective of our walks of life. As part of the City’s climate change action, we are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050 and the City has committed that all new buildings in Cape Town will be net zero carbon by 2030. While net zero carbon homes seem as if they would be challenging to create, this shows that the technologies and building techniques already exist and are becoming increasingly within reach of the average household. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/clean%20green1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Some of my priorities for my new role are increasing energy efficiency, building Cape Town’s resilience and making Cape Town stronger through enabling and driving climate action. I have a vision for Cape Town to be an energy secure city that is able to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity to residents and businesses, and cheaper and cleaner energy at that. Visiting this exhibit is an example of these goals in action. Seeing this energy efficient home and experiencing this sustainable way of living shows me that households can take small actions to increase their energy, water and waste efficiency,’ said Councillor Van Reenen.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/clean%20green2.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><strong>Carbon neutrality – what is it?</strong><br>Carbon neutrality means introducing new technologies to completely clean up the fuels and activities that currently cause greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming, while enhancing our social, economic and environmental goals. In support of the growing global momentum to tackle climate change, Cape Town, along with other cities in South Africa and worldwide, has committed to achieving carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2050 to keep global warming to 1,5˚C. One of the main contributors to global warming is greenhouse gas emissions from manmade sources, including buildings and transport, so reducing emissions by changing the way we live, work and exist together is vital for all of us.</p><p><strong>Family fun weekend activities</strong><br>On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, family activities are hosted at the Smart Living Education Centre to teach children and adults about smart living. From art activities for children, Smart City Kids episodes, cooking demonstrations and an interactive play, we have something for everyone. Find out more about the weekend activities at My Clean Green Home or email <a href="mailto:energy@zafanzone.co.za" target="_blank">energy@zafanzone.co.za</a>.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/clean%20green3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></figure></span><p>The exhibit is open to the public from 10:00 to 16:00 until 19 December 2021 at Green Point Urban Park. Strict access control and Covid-19 protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. As required by law, all participants are requested to wear a mask at all times. </p><p><strong>Virtual walk through tool – a first for a South African city </strong><br>The My Clean Green Home virtual experience of this net zero carbon home design provides residents with the opportunity to learn about sustainable living and better understand their electricity consumption especially. This interactive, immersive educational tool which allows the user to experience a net zero carbon home is a first for a South African city and provides a wealth of information which users can use in their own homes.</p><p><strong>Residents can experience this innovative house using this link: </strong><a href="https://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/mycleangreenhome" target="_blank">https://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/mycleangreenhome</a></p><p><strong>For more information, see these resources:</strong><br><strong>For more on the City’s climate change work and the Let’s ACT campaign:</strong> <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/climatechange" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/climatechange</a> <br><strong>Save Electricity</strong>: <a href="http://www.savingelectricity.org.za/" target="_blank">www.savingelectricity.org.za</a> <br><strong>Smart Living Handbook</strong>: <a href="https://bit.ly/Smartliving2020" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/Smartliving2020</a> <br> <br> <br>End<br></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span><span></span><span></span> | 2021-12-02T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
