Day: September 21, 2022

Following a parliamentary reply by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week on devolving policing powers, the City of Cape Town is calling on the Ministers of Police and Justice, Bheki Cele and Ronald Lamola, to formally respond to our request for more policing powers. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said in an 18 August letter that the City wants to do even more to help SAPS fight crime, and already has law enforcement capacity to do this. More policing powers for municipal officers would enable them to compile prosecution-ready case dockets, especially on key crime categories such as guns, drugs, gangs, and metal theft.

The City further supports the devolution of more powers for the Western Cape Government to shape policing policy and accountability for the region. In a parliamentary reply this week, President Ramaphosa opposed more policy-making powers for provinces on policing.

The President missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in combatting crime. The President was also silent on the specific constitutional means of devolving powers which the City has proposed to Ministers Cele and Lamola. The City already has its own Municipal Police service and is seeking to give it more powers, either via section 99 of the Constitution or by expanding the existing legislative framework for policing.

‘I am appealing to President Ramaphosa: do not abandon our communities who are living in daily fear of violent crime, and support our call to empower local law enforcement with more policing power. Our fight is with criminals, not politicians. The City already has officers on the ground who can help SAPS fight crime, and we are investing millions in safety technology and coordination for more effective policing. Together we can take more guns and drugs off the streets, and prevent the many tragedies and lives needlessly lost in our communities. This is about children being able to play safely outside, and for residents to have simple freedom of movement and a chance at a better life. We can help SAPS fight crime and make Cape Town safer together. We keenly await Minister Cele and Lamola’s positive response to this sincere offer of support,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

Mayor Hill-Lewis specifically asked the Police Minister to consider a devolution of policing powers to the City under section 99 of the Constitution. This does not conflict with the constitutional provision for a single police service, as the constitution allows for the SAPS to be structured differently at national, provincial, and municipal level.

The Mayor has also offered more immediate help to SAPS by way of extending existing peace officer powers granted to municipal law enforcement. This would simply require the issuing of another declaration by the Justice Minister – as was done in 2018 when more powers were conferred to municipal law enforcement.

Municipal Law Enforcement has more than tripled its arrest rate in recent years due to increased investment, with 50% of these arrests being drug-related.

The City is investing in more than 230 new law enforcement and metro police officers in this financial year alone, and hundreds of millions of rands in crime fighting tech in the city – from cameras to drones to gunshot location technology, with a record R5,4bn Safety budget in 2022/23.

In partnership with the Western Cape Government, the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) has collectively delivered 1 100 new officers in communities impacted by high crime rates, including Delft, Nyanga, Khayelitsha (Site C), Philippi (inclusive of Hanover Park), Bishop Lavis, Mfuleni, Harare, Gugulethu, Kraaifontein, Mitchells Plain, Atlantis, Philippi East, and Samora Machel.

As of 31 July 2022, LEAP officers have made 8 500 arrests overall since the first deployment in February 2020. Over 220 guns have been taken off the streets in line with LEAP’s aim of helping the South African Police Service (SAPS) reduce murders and other violent crimes.

Source: City Of Cape Town

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith along with Minstrel and Malay Choir organisations hosted a media session to provide an update on the upcoming events.

After a two year absence due to Covid-19, it is a distinct pleasure to announce that the annual Minstrel competitions, Malay choir road marches and the historic 2de Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade will return this summer.

The City of Cape Town will once again provide financial support, event services and waive the use of City facilities for the events.

‘These events represent the rich heritage of our beautiful city and they mean so much to thousands of Capetonians who have grown up with the culture associated with Minstrels and Malay Choirs. Not seeing them performing over the last two summers has left a cultural hole in Cape Town. We have all waited eagerly for this day. Ons wil almal weer ‘n slag die klanke van die ghoema hoor en die kleure van die klopse in ons strate sien!

‘We are really looking forward to working with the organisations to ensure we put on a massive celebration for their return and to ensure those who make a livelihood through these events can continue doing so,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The first of the events, the Cape Malay Choir Board Choral competition, is taking place at the Good Hope Christian Centre in Ottery on Saturday 24 September 2022.

Source: City Of Cape Town

Statement by Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth

This week, I had the privilege to experience the Halaal Hopper Tour in Macassar, an experience that highlighted the contributions of Cape Town’s Muslim community

With Heritage Day this coming weekend, the experience was a fitting one. Muslims have been here for hundreds of years and are thus woven into the social fabric of our beautiful city.

The City and its official Destination Marketing Organisation, Cape Town Tourism (CTT), have worked closely with the industry to create initiatives that cater to the Muslim market.

In 2017, CTT and Crescent Rating, the world’s leading authority on Halaal travel, launched the Chef Exchange which saw Singaporean gourmet chefs educate local chefs on Halaal food preparation. This programme has now become a global practice. CTT’s broader partnership with Crescent Rating to help the city become more Muslim-friendly paved the way for the travel authority’s deal with New York’s destination promotion organisation, NYCGo.

This is yet another example of the inclusivity of Cape Town’s tourism industry which offers attractions and accommodation catering to particular communities and cultures.

In marking Tourism Month, I maintain that people and places lie at the heart of our destination offering. From bustling bars and nightclubs to hiking trails, museums, community theatres and blue-flag beaches, the Mother City boasts a kaleidoscope of places for travellers and locals alike to enjoy.

But what sets Cape Town apart from other destinations is the warmth of our people. Capetonians who show visitors how to make koesisters or umqombothi and greet them with a smile when they enter Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Point, or simply a home, embody the soul of this city.

It is for this very reason that the City aims to boost the tourism industry through destination promotion – such as that of CTT’s interactive Find Your Freedom concept – that attracts visitors and supports local businesses and service providers who are connecting with those visitors.

The World Travel & Tourism Council Economic Impact Report found that South Africa’s tourism sector is capable of contributing more than R554,6 billion to GDP over the next decade while creating over 800 000 jobs to reach more than 1,9 million by 2032.

Through tourism, we can continue to honour the communities and cultures of Cape Town while realising meaningful economic growth for those same people.

Caption 1:  Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth with Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy.

Caption 2:  Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth with members of the Economic Growth Portfolio Committee at the Sheikh Yusuf Al Makasari Kramat in Macassar.

Caption 3: (Left to right) Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth; Chairman of the Economic Growth Portfolio Committee, Alderman Clive Justus; Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy; Halaal Hopper Tours owner, Fayrouz Holliday-October, and tour guide, Faizal Darries.

Source: City Of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town wants to advise the public of the upcoming lane closures at the intersection of Govan Mbeki Road and Jan Smuts Drive in Hanover Park. The lane closures will be in place while we are constructing a freestanding elevated traffic circle, the first of its kind in South Africa, as part of the roll-out of the MyCiTi service to the metro-south east.

High volumes of traffic move through the intersection at Govan Mbeki Road (M9) and Jan Smuts Drive (M17) in Hanover Park on weekdays. The lane closures have been planned to fall outside the morning and afternoon peak hour periods to limit the impact on the flow of traffic.

Still, road users are advised to avoid this intersection and to consider using alternative routes, if possible.

The lane closures will take effect on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, for about 19 months, until 30 April 2024.  

The lane closures entail the following:

The lanes to be affected are at the intersection of Govan Mbeki Road and Jan Smuts Drive in Hanover Park

The closures will be in place between 09:00 and 15:30 on weekdays only

The right-turning lane on the southbound carriageway along Jan Smuts Drive will be temporary closed to traffic during these times

The right-turning lane on the northbound carriageway along Jan Smuts Drive will be temporary closed to traffic during these times

Flag personnel will be on site to manage traffic through the construction site

The affected lanes will be open to traffic before 09:00 and after 15:30

On the odd occasion, the contractor may need to work over a weekend, but the public will be informed in advance, should this be the case

The lanes will be open during the December builders’ holiday period

‘I want to ask the public to please bear with us, and to be patient while the construction is under way. Unfortunately, road works are always inconvenient, and with a project of this magnitude, the impact will be felt, especially given the fact that the lane closures will be in place for over a year-and-a-half. Best is to try and find an alternative route to your destination and avoid this intersection altogether, if that is possible.

‘Apart from the traffic circle that will be used by the MyCiTi buses, the City is also upgrading the intersection to improve traffic flow. The improvements entail the reconfiguration of the intersection, dedicated turning lanes, improved traffic signals and signalisation.

‘Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit as dedicated lanes for walking and cycling along Govan Mbeki Drive and at the intersection form part of this project,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

The new elevated traffic circle can be described as a hollow circle in the sky, letting in light to the intersection below.

Source: City Of Cape Town

On 28 September 2022, the Access to Information Unit within the City’s Legal Services Department will host a Promotion of Access to Information Awareness Campaign on the Concourse Level at the Cape Town Civic Centre from 08:30 until 14:00.

The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (commonly known as PAIA) is South Africa’s access to information law that enables people to gain access to information held by both public and private bodies. All organisations in South Africa must comply with it.

The purpose of the awareness campaign is to raise awareness of the PAIA, as well as to inform members of the public of their rights in terms of the Act.

A team of well-equipped officials will be on the second floor of the Civic Centre on the day. They will:

·       raise PAIA Awareness

·       educate members of the public about their rights to access City records and the procedural requirements to do so.

In addition, anyone wishing to request access to City records will be assisted on site.

‘A person informed is a person empowered. This campaign seeks to give members of the public access to information of their municipality, thereby empowering them to participate in the activities and services of their municipality. The access to information also empowers people to exercise other rights, such as the right to equality and human dignity.

‘I am encouraging residents to please come and take advantage of this opportunity to get informed free of charge and ultimately become active participants in City activities that affect them. We will also distribute leaflets for people to take home for further reading and clarity,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.

Source: City Of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town plans to build its first grid-connected solar plant next year as one of its interventions to end load-shedding over time.

The City has issued the tender for engineering, procurement and construction of its planned 7MW Atlantis solar photovoltaic (PV). The facility will be connected directly into the City’s electrical network. It is foreseen that the future could hold the construction of similar plants across the metro.

‘This is one of a range of interventions to end load-shedding over time. The power plant would start generating electricity in 2024 and be in operation for 20 years, with a foreseen annual output of 14,7GWh.

‘The City currently purchases most of its electricity from Eskom. High Eskom price escalations expected in future may not be financially sustainable for the City and its residents. It is expected that the Atlantis solar plant will enhance the City’s financial sustainability as the cost of generating the electricity would be lower than the bulk procurement from Eskom. Reducing the dependency on Eskom also means the City can develop and explore more climate-friendly power sources than Eskom’s coal-fired power stations.

‘This is another decisive step that the City is taking toward a more secure, cheaper and cleaner energy future for the people of Cape Town. Apart from the City’s own build generation, strides have also been made to enabling independent power production and small-scale embedded generation. In this financial year, R15 million has been allocated to pay for energy generated by small-scale embedded generators through the feed in tariff of 75,51 c/kWh (excluding VAT) and the 25c/kWh incentive offered for small-scale embedded generators. I recently announced a policy shift allowing qualifying commercial and industrial electricity generators to sell energy to the City. The City also issued its first tender in the new Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme which entails buying 200MW from IPPs within the City’s electricity supply area,’ said Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Net zero

‘One of the goals of this programme is to achieve the City’s net-zero carbon municipal buildings commitment by 2030, and this power plant would be expected to contribute towards this. There would be a significant reduction in the City’s carbon footprint if it switched from Eskom to solar-generated electricity.

‘Other important impacts of this development is that it holds the potential to enhance the attractiveness of Atlantis as an investment hub and it is expected to stimulate the green and broader local economy. This holds the potential to increase investment and thus enable job creation, boosting the local and Cape Town economy. The investment in construction of the Atlantis plant is expected to result in a R47,2 million gross domestic product increase. It is also expected that this development will enhance the safety of the surrounding communities, as well as stimulate the surrounding property market,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

How to tender

Tender documents may be collected during working hours between 08:30 to15:00 from 16 September 2022.

The physical address for collection of tender documents is: Tender Distribution Office, 2nd Floor (Concourse Level), Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town.

The closing time for receipt of tenders is 10:00 on 25 October 2022.

Tender submission details are as follows:

Tender Box 127 at the Tender and Quotation Box Office, 2nd Floor (Concourse Level), Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town

Source: City Of Cape Town

PRETORIA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) will host three parades in two provinces for 495 trainees who have successfully completed the Introductory Police Learning Development Programme (IPLDP).

The parades will take place on Friday, 23 September 2022 at the SAPS Academy Mthatha and SAPS Academy All Saints in the Eastern Cape and SAPS Academy Thabazimbi in Limpopo.

The 495 newly trained police officers are the first batch of 10 000 members that will be deployed as fully-fledged Constable’s to stations, units and all SAPS service points to ensure more boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility.

The National Commissioner of the South Africa Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, will host the parade at the SAPS Academy Mthata where 194 police trainees will stand on parade.

The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, will deliver the keynote address at the SAPS Academy Mthatha.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the events as follows;

Functionary: Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele

Date:  Friday, 23 September 2022

Time: 08:30 for 09:00

Venue: SAPS Academy Mthatha

Contact person: Brigadier Kinana 082 301 7699

Functionary: Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale

Date: Friday, 23 September 2022

Venue: SAPS Academy All Saints, Bhisho

Contact person: Colonel Athlenda Mathe 0820408808

Functionary: DPCI Head, Lieutenant General Lebeya

Date: Friday, 23 September 2022

Venue: SAPS Academy Thabazimbi

Contact person: Brigadier Mojapelo 082 876-6429

Source: South African Police Service