• Just FYI, if you say you 'frequent' an establishment, it means you go there often. You don't need to say you 'frequent it often'. #
• Been asked to address 100 grade 10 pupils on the responsibilities that come with online influence. Better start practicing being responsible #
• Excited to be invited to launch of Leopard's Leap wine estate & Liam Tomlin food. There will be wine, not sure how I would get home though. #
• It's the inaugural meeting of the Pastry Chefs Forum at the Mount Nelson tonight. I bet the snacks will be off the charts! #
• Dinner at Hudson's on Kloof Rd tonight. I see there is a new Italian restaurant next door, called Mitico. It was packed, so must be good. #
• Anybody else notice that the draught beers at all the Hudson's are never really properly cold? #
• The trailer for season 2 of Game of Thrones, which starts in April. I may have just wished away February & March! http://t.co/e7Ll6YRd #
• I also want to be invited to technology launches! #GeekAtHeart #
• #SaveTheDate For the sauvignon blanc fans, 25th Feb is Constantia Fresh http://t.co/rmDLvLg1 #
• Is that a mustard & tomato sauce theme for a gourmet hotdog spot? Clever RT @senseoftaste: This is it! On a roll… http://t.co/THAvakRd #
• Justice! RT @brucebusiness: Frankies CEO tells me ASA has ruled in their favour. Woolies must remove retro drinks that they copied. #
• And stop copying stuff RT @WOOLWORTHS_SA: Our customers’ trust is more NB than this product range. We’re removing vintage sodas from shelves #
• RT @CaptainBreadZA: Pizza & Beats at Jason's Bakery tomorrow evening. Be there!!! http://t.co/Dz56rC5t #
• 228 comments, most of them saying they are switching to Capitec. The big 4 banks must be kaking off http://t.co/Yvbiyfpg #
• My vote is in. How are you old friend? RT @tanitphoenix Pls Vote for me!! … http://t.co/Pl5HEZFT #
• restaurant review number 188. The Table at De Meye. It's a goodie http://t.co/l2bZWYhA #
• Congrats to you and Jane! RT @christianeedes: Taking baby Eliza home. There will be champers involved. Again. #
• Attending a lecture at UCT GSB tonight: "Rebalancing Society:
  Radical Renewal beyond Adam Smith & Karl Marx". Should be interesting. #
• First time at Earth Fair market in St Georges Mall today. So much good stuff! Had paella for lunch & took home dried pineapple & biltong. #
• Anybody been to Blue Rock adventure park in Somerset West? Is it cool? I wouldn't mind going wakeboarding sometime http://t.co/epc8eHpz #
• Enjoyed the presentation at UCT GSB, probably because it reinforced what I already believe about society, economics and all that. #
• Now popping into Jason's Bakery for pizza & beats. No local beer on offer so I'm enjoying a refreshing Everson's hand crafted cider. #
• Them Tornados are performing @ the Grand Daddy rooftop this evening. I'm gonna start the weekend with some rockabilly http://t.co/o756m1vR #
• Them Tornados are getting us in the mood for a fabulous Friday in CT! http://t.co/eP6GZiEa #
• So Down South is closed? On another note, this dude from Texas is telling me that he's been to the Bacardi family mansion in Miami! #Random #
• Every time I try and eat at South China Dim Sum Bar in Long St they are full & I have to go next door. Never eaten at Royale this often. #
• Visiting my budget barber at the Adelphi Centre. R31 a haircut. Don't need financial management software to tell me it's a good deal. #
• Up to no good with @NoMUChirps luckily @liezelv and @neiLLanthony looking after me! #nothingtoseehere #
• I second that RT @SamWilson1 Such a lovely dinner at @NoMUChirps. Great food, good wine and awesome people. #
• Lunching at Babel for the first time. It's hot out here. Thank goodness they have local beer, about to tuck into a Darling lager. #
• We're really enjoying our experience at Babel. This salad is beautiful! Great quality tableware too http://t.co/5LwnPG5D #
• Just watched Eat Pray Love. Feel a need to eat good pasta and gesticulate wildly. And make a mixtape. #
• I'm really regretting not buying a fan this week as I intended to. Never going to be able to sleep in this heat… #

Original Post on Relax with Dax: Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-02-05

De Waal Park, at the foot of Table Mountain, is the place to be every second Sunday in summer, when Cape Town’s esteemed musicians take to the park’s historical Edwardian bandstand.

The Summer Concerts in the Park are a free concert series organised by Friends of De Waal Park and sponsored by ReMax Living. The series aims to bring a dynamic range of fine music, which caters to all tastes, and introduce De Waal Park to new visitors.

The first four concerts featured Hot Water, Sterling EQ, Karen Zoid and The Philharmonic Brass Quintet and established the series as an institution on the Cape Town entertainment and social calendar.

Filling the park with song on 5 February are The Gugulethu Tenors, an Afro-operatic pop sensation. What started more than 10 years ago as four high school students’ respective dreams of being on the classical concert stage, has culminated into this heart-warming and jaw-dropping musical act which has graced the stages of South Africa’s top events and festivals, shared bills with local and international headliners, and received extensive national and international media coverage. It will be a vocal feast that offers something for everyone – from opera favourites like Nessun Dorma and contemporary classics like You Raise Me Up, to South African favourites such as Meadowlands, Pata Pata and even Liefling, as well as their own moving compositions like O Afrika! and Nyamezela.
`

Entrance is free. Visitors should bring their own picnics (no food or drinks will be for sale), sunscreen, chairs, sun umbrellas and rugs.

For more information contact Friends of De Waal Park:
Charles 082 451 9339 or linbow@vodamail.co.za 
Alex 082 491 0705 
www.dewaalpark.co.za

The rest of the Summer Concerts in the Park series, will feature artists as esteemed as:

The Rudimentals 19 February 2012
Celebrated African-Ska band The Rudimentals is a socially diverse, fun-filled act that strives to interact with people of all ages and tastes. This multi-layered musical offering is made up of eight highly accomplished, talented and entertaining musicians, representing a blend of youth and experience.

Ike Moriz 4 March 2012
International Jazz and Pop star, singer, producer and actor Ike Moriz (pictured above) has received wide acclaim for his 11 albums ranging from original melodic indie Rock/Pop to Latin/Easy Listening and Jazzy Swing. His songs have been played in 17 countries worldwide, reaching No.1 in the UK, Holland, South Africa and Germany.

Saudiq Khan 18 March 2012
Saudiq Khan is South Africa’s flamenco guitar wizard whose passion and technique was nurtured in Seville Spain, the heart of flamenco music. Passion and technique combine in a show full of cutting edge rhythms, which promises to captivate the audience with passionate Flamenco and Latin, plus a dash of jazz, and original work.

Nomfusi 1 April 2012
With her powerful voice, adorable charisma and dynamic stage presence, SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee Nomfusi is carving out a solid reputation for herself around the globe. With nine international tours under the belt, this jet-setting songbird has performed with her band from the townships, The Lucky Charms, at prestigious festivals around the world.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/EnjoyTheGugulethuTenorsonSun5Feb.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Enjoy The Gugulethu Tenors on Sunday, 5 February at De Waal Park, free of charge!

The City of Cape Town has reported an increase in the number of building plans passed during the last quarter of 2011.

There was a 25% increase in the number of plans passed covering residential property and a 31% increase in plans covering non-residential properties. The non-residential component comprised 102 plans, including 63 for shopping space, 14 for industrial/warehousing and eight for offices.

“The construction industry is a major employer in terms of labour and it is therefore encouraging to learn that the number of building plans passed by the City has increased when compared with the same period in 2010,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Alderman Belinda Walker.

This increase must be viewed in light of the fact that the overall number of plans passed for 2011 is slightly lower than in the previous year. A total of 23 971 plans were passed during 2010, compared with 23 769 in 2011. In addition, the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ meant a greater demand for construction.

The increase in the last quarter is therefore the first indication of an upturn in the local economy since the credit crash. This increase serves as an indication that investors are more positive about long-term economic prospects in Cape Town. The City awaits the figures for the first quarter of this year with great anticipation, to gauge whether the upward trend continues.

The City is also working with the Provincial Government of the Western Cape and the Cape Chamber of Commerce to reduce bureaucratic delays through the ‘Red Tape to Red Carpet’ initiative. As part of this programme, the City will this year implement measures to improve performance including a system whereby developers and members of the public will be able to submit their applications electronically.

The electronic system will initially manage applications to erect signage, then land use applications and will finally be extended to cover building plans. This electronic processing of applications will speed up service delivery and benefit the public and development industry – which in turn results in job creation.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/Increaseinapbuildingplansduringquarter2011.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Increase in approved building plans during the last quarter of 2011

Ten new 12m MyCiTi buses will be deployed in Cape Town from late March to help alleviate the severe congestion being experienced by MyCiTi users. A focus area will be the suburbs of Table View and Parklands, and traffic along Gie Road and Raats Drive.

The City is aware of extensive delays being experienced in Table View, Parklands and surrounding areas particularly during peak traffic times.

The problem has been exacerbated recently by roadworks for the extension of the MyCiTi service on the West Coast and an influx of new passengers who need to travel to local schools.

“The City of Cape Town regrets the delays being experienced by MyCiTi customers in these areas. We have already implemented contingency plans, and we’re investigating other ways of addressing the situation and relieving the delays as soon as possible,” says Councillor Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater.

In a longer term effort to address demand, new MyCiTi buses will enter service in March, while the fleet of 9m Optare ‘feeder’ buses will begin arriving from mid-2012 and will be introduced into the service as part of the roll-out of the first phase of the MyCiTi service.

In the short term, the City has arranged for an extra bus to help clear any backlog on the Parklands route. Alternate routes and extra stops are being considered while roadworks construction intensifies.

“We ask the public’s patience as we try to address the delays, and we apologise for the inconvenience experienced,” said Herron.

For more information on the MyCiTi system, visit www.capetown.gov.za/myciti, email myciti@capetown.gov.za or call the Transport Information Centre 0800 65 64 63 (toll free).

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/MyCiTitakingstepstofixfeederroutedela.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: MyCiTi taking steps to fix feeder route delays in Table View area

At a meeting requested by MEC Robin Carlisle, Provincial MEC for Transport, on Friday 27 January 2012 public transport role-players agreed to put in place mechanisms to try and ensure that travel on public transport is improved.

In attendance were representatives from Metrorail, the Provincial Department of Transport, Cape Chamber of Commerce, Golden Arrow Bus Service, the South African Police Services and the City of Cape Town.

Metrorail systems, rail assets and rolling stock are regularly vandalised and sabotaged. Since November last year, there have been 73 train cancellations and 2 503 train delays.

The rail provider has revised its security strategy and procured additional resources to give effect to it. These include the installation of CCTV cameras and beefing up Metrorail’s Protection Services unit by employing 100 ex-SANDF personnel.

Regional manager Lindelo Matya explained that despite this past weekend’s repairs of vandalised assets, points would remain clamped as a safety precaution and trains would continue to be manually authorised through affected sections of the rail-track. The current operating conditions, although safe, reduce the flexibility and capacity of the rail system. To alleviate congestion at the most affected stations, additional express buses will operate between Cape Town – Khayelitsha/Chris Hani/Kuyasa/Nolungile/Stock Road/Nonkqubela until further notice.

The role-players agreed that they would work together to look at how the different bodies can support security for public transport routes, interchanges and nodes; how different public transport providers can supplement each other’s services particularly during times of crisis; improving communication to users of public transport; and utilising the City’s Transport Management and CCTV cameras where possible.

An operational task team chaired by the City of Cape Town was convened. The City, Metrorail, the Provincial Department of Transport, the Cape Chamber of Commerce, Golden Arrow Bus Services, and the SA National Taxi Council will immediately convene a working group to share information, co-ordinate services, provide additional transport where one or more modality have not been functioning at scheduled levels and work together to improve modality headways. They will also be operationalising integration initiatives that will best serve the needs of all commuters.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce has also called on business to be aware of the current situation and the resulting impact on workers during this time, and to plan accordingly. They have recommended implementing practical measures such as shifts, flexitime and even remote work, where appropriate, as options to be considered.

The meeting comes ahead of planned future co-ordination of public transport activities, in accordance with legislation proposed by national government. It is expected that this framework will be formalised over the next five years.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron, described the meeting as very important for everyone who uses public transport in Cape Town.

“Over this last month and particularly last week we have seen train commuters being unfairly inconvenienced by criminal acts of vandalism. As a Caring City and a responsible partner in the public transport sector, we must have a plan in place so that we can come to their assistance,” said Councillor Herron.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CTpublictransportroleplayerssetupcoordinatinggro.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Cape Town public transport role-players set up co-ordinating group to help commuters

The City of Cape Town’s four Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment sites are running free 16-week substance abuse rehabilitation programmes, based on the Matrix Model. “This is part of our goal to create a Caring City, where all are residents are given support, particularly in times of crisis”, says Mayoral Committee member for Health, Cllr Lungiswa James.

The rehabilitation sites, which are situated at the City’s Tafelsig, Table View, Delft South and Khayelitsha clinics, are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 – 16:30. Any clients aged 18 or older are welcome to attend. Referrals to the centre are generally made by family or friends, colleagues, the media, hospitals or clinics, police and law enforcement agencies, NGOs, Churches, and alcohol and drug helplines.

Clients who visit the centre are screened and assessed and then referred to a therapist in order to join the treatment programme. The programme consists of individual or co-joint counselling sessions (including family members), early recovery skills groups, relapse prevention groups, social support groups and family education groups (where family members are given vital information to assist in their understanding of addiction and recovery).

Clients are seen at least three to four times a week and groups are open so anyone can join at any time. Random drug testing is also conducted at the centre.

Once clients have completed the free programme, they have the option of remaining in the programme for as long as necessary. If a client relapses continually, it is recommended that they return to the programme for further evaluation and counselling.

Types of substance abuse can vary and may include addiction to alcohol, dagga, TIK, heroin, cocaine or prescription medication, amongst others. For substances such as heroin, patients will be referred to a detox facility, for example Stikland, as an in-patient.

For more information about the programme, please contact:

• Tafelsig: Warren Burnhams, tel: 021 397 8195/8906/8145
• Table View: Abdul Allie, tel: 021 557 1065 or 021 556 7103
• Delft South: Natasha Green, tel: 021 955 9229/11/50
• Khayelitsha: Monwabisi Mbandazayo, tel: 021 360 4014/4000

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/Cityoffersfreesubstanceabuserehabilitationprogrammesatitsoutpatientcentres.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City offers free substance abuse rehabilitation programmes at its outpatient centres

The City of Cape Town’s Sport and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Cape Town Tens, will host the Castle Cape Town Tens’ Rugby Tournament for the fourth consecutive year this February.

The popular Castle Cape Town Tens, the brainchild of former Springboks Bob Skinstad and Rob Fleck, takes place on 3 and 4 February, at the Hamiltons Rugby Club in Greenpoint.

The tournament will host 192 games over four divisions, including the finals. Seventy eight teams from all over South Africa and Australia will participate in the tournament.

This year’s Castle Cape Town Tens promises to be a highlight of the rugby year and a highly enjoyable event for all spectators with an exciting music line-up, appearances from local and international rugby legends, competitions, giveaways, and a new addition of a fascinating rugby expo. Live entertainment includes the popular group Goodluck, The Graeme Watkins Project, The Light Years and Me and Mr Brown. With three rugby fields, beer and food tents, kiddies’ play areas, and a host of rugby personalities, there will be plenty for the whole family to experience, both on and off the field.

As part of the event’s objectives the City of Cape Town will transport 140 children between the ages of 7 and 12 to participate in the various rugby clinics. Rugby Tens legends will be coaching the children and teaching them the sport’s various
techniques and skills.

Venue:
Hamiltons Rugby Club, Greenpoint

Dates:
Friday, 3 February: Games start from 12:00
The last game starts at 19:17
Saturday, 4 February: Games start from 08:00
The last game starts at 19:40
Tickets
Tickets are on sale at R70 per person via Computicket.
Children under age 12 are free.

For more information contact Kirsty Lyall on 083 450 6665/e-mail kirsti@klprsa.com or
Nuhraan Davids on 084 478 4818/e-mail Nuhraan.davids@capetown.gov.za 

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CitytohostCastleCTTensRugbyTour.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City to host Castle Cape Town Tens’ Rugby Tournament

There seems to be a trend of people opening small restaurants with limited menu and wine list, often open for limited hours. I reviewed The Dog’s Bollocks the other day which is basically a guy selling burgers out of his garage in the evenings, and this last weekend I went to <a href="http://www.thetablerestaurant.co.za” target=”_blank”>The Table at De Meye.

We were lunching with our good friends Roger and Dawn from Jorgensen’s Distillery, and they suggested this as a good place to have a nice long, relaxed lunch. They were right, it’s a great place to have a nice long, relaxed lunch. It was a boiling hot day and the tables were all positioned in the shade of the various trees scattered around the lawn.

It was warm but we kept well hydrated. They stock Darling beers so we had to start with a round of those. Then to be responsible we ordered some water. They offer tap water, served in those cool retro Dairybelle orange juice bottles (remember from the days when they delivered milk and orange juice to your house?). But the filtered water (still or sparkling) is only R10 a bottle as they filter and gas it themselves. The filtered water is also served in a reusable bottle. And if you are one of those people who puts the reusable bottle in your bag and takes it home, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! It’s called stealing. Look it up.

We then got serious and ordered some MCC. They only sell De Meye wines except for alternatives when they don’t have that variety of grape. So the MCC is from Saltare and it’s great. The wines are very reasonably priced. The MCC was R150 and it’s priced at R140 from the estate so that’s a steal. The De Meye wines are priced from R55 to R90 with one costing R125.

It’s good that the wines are inexpensive because the food, at about R250 for 3 courses, is not. But there is a good reason for that. While just about every restaurant these days tells you they use fresh, local ingredients where possible (something I quite expect regardless), the provenance of each ingredient at The Table is important and this information is shared with the patrons. Commitment to the sourcing of ingredients of such high quality attracts a premium price.

The way the menu works is a bit different to your normal a la carte restaurant. The Table is only open for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the menu for each week is set in advance. A ‘menu du jour‘ if you will. You can view the menu on their website before booking to check that you are happy with it. Vegetarians will be catered for with advance notice. The ingredients are all purchased according to the bookings (less than 10 tables per day) so last minute cancellations are a costly exercise. Why do Capetonians do this?

Below is the menu we enjoyed:

Starter

there’s a trick to good chicken livers that Camilla learned years ago from a griller called Goodman. she’s got a stunning knack with getting the spiciness just right and will only use livers from free range, hormone-free chickens. They are completely delicious and we’ll be serving them with crusty bread on a bed of Steve the Magic Man’s organic baby leaves as a salad for starters.

Main

oven roast Karoo lamb is the main, we’re still quibbling over the cut, but our butcher Wim has sourced some lovely meat for us. there will be hasselback potatoes with that because they’re just so good and a little seasonal salad. one of our favourite books at the moment is Movida, and the Moroccan-influenced carrot salad will make another triumphant appearance on tables this week.

Dessert

if you have room left, we are considering the heat and serving ouefs a la nege, a light dessert of soft meringue islands in creme anglaise. thoroughly delicious and just the ticket before a little sleep under an oak tree.

As you can see, very personalised and all about the ingredients. Everything was delicious. It’s certainly not fancy (except for the dessert, that was pretty fancy). The food is served on platters for the table and each person helps themselves (except for the dessert, that was fancy). It’s country style eating with a focus on the simple, true flavours of the ingredients combined in slightly unusual but careful ways.

The same attention that is paid to the food, is paid to the service. While Camilla and her brother look after the kitchen, Russel, Camilla’s husband, handles front of house with the assistance of 1x super jacked waitress (Mariska). Russel introduces each dish to the table, explaining a little about the ingredients and from where they are sourced. The service is best described as personal. Almost as if you’re having lunch at a (very helpful) friend’s place rather than a restaurant.

We arrived at about 1:30pm and departed at about 5:30pm after a stroll around the deli which sells some of the handmade sauces and relishes which accompany the meal. Don’t book at The Table if you’re short on time, it’s the quintessential long, lazy lunch. But be sure to book early in the week to avoid disappointment.

The Table at De Meye
Muldersvlei Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: 083 252 9588
<a href="http://www.thetablerestaurant.co.za” target=”_blank”> http://www.thetablerestaurant.co.za

ps. I took the photos off their website as mine did not turn out well.

Original Post on Relax with Dax: The Table at De Meye

• The real story behind the Chapman’s Peak toll development, Republic Radio interviews Robin Carlisle http://t.co/64KXyhOX #
• I use Dropbox, but I’ve been playing with SugarSync and it has same extra features so I’m using both now http://t.co/3QvAhhZg #
• This dude serves burgers out of his garage, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t The Dog’s Bollocks http://t.co/7FmkShQc #
• Jason is very proud of his new sign at the Bakery… http://t.co/PCtmsE41 #
• Hey, @jasonbakery, Vanessa reckons that was the best fruit salad she’s had in a very long time. in reply to jasonbakery #
• Relax with Tax #Help #
• Quite impressed with the latte art at Common Ground Cafe this morning. The coffee is good too. http://t.co/gm85gYmW #
• You need a ‘MyConnect’ card to travel on MyCiti buses now. No cash/ticket option. I hope I’m able to obtain a card on the bus next trip I do #
• I’m bummed that I’m not around for the invite only Dom Perignon party at The Reserve on Friday. Looks like it will be a spectacular event. #
• All those offering to attend the Dom Perignon function in my place, your support brings tears to my eyes but the invite is non transferable. #
• eTV news did an insert on the scam where okes jam the signal from your remote so your car doesn’t lock. It happened to me earlier at Spar. #
• Thinking of going to the J&B Metropolitan on Saturday? Ubuntudeal is offering half price tickets http://t.co/7E7opS8h #
• Did you resolve to take control of your finances in 2012? Check out this website for tracking & planning your spending http://t.co/ZN10QovI #
• Exclusive Books sale starts tomorrow. I must not go. Not until I’ve read the 20 books already standing next to my bed! #
• New Discovery benefits include up to 25% of health care products at Clicks, like sunscreen http://t.co/YzvrPRdL #
• For the gamers, BT Games is having a huge sale http://t.co/a4QTy5m0 #
• #SaveTheDate Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo at Val de Vie. 25th Feb, 2:30pm – 11pm. R400 per ticket. #
• PE doesn’t have much going for it, but their sober chauffeur service, Home James Homes, is cheap as chips! http://t.co/4VGWn0qv #
• Talking about sober chauffeur services, CT has a new one called The Lift Club, a cross between taxi & chauffeur service http://t.co/VF4VKn3R #
• Good! RT @MyCiTiBus RT @brettherron 105 cars fined for driving in the MyCiTi bus lane near Stadium yesterday. #
• You’re too kind RT @cloudsdrummond: you sir, should be knighted “@RelaxWithDax: #SaveTheDate Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo. Val de Vie. 25/2″ #
• Feel like trying something different tomorrow? How about an authentic Peruvian breakfast at Keenwa? http://t.co/T5KfAp8t #
• I’m so looking forward to movie on the lawn at Nabygelegen tonight. Then a hike tomorrow with the awesome @RogJorgensen & @dawnjorgensen #
• Another highlight of my weekend is going to be trying The Table at De Meye for the first time tomorrow #HighExpectations #
• Express espresso, the new high velocity option at Jason’s Bakery, for when you need a fix on the run http://t.co/KZfjKrIQ #
• Tomorrow I’m not attending the J&B Metropolitan after attending it for 11 consecutive years. Quite relieved really. #
• I’ve had 3 bottles of French champagne in my fridge for ages. Clearly there is not much in my life worth celebrating #fail #
• Although, I’ve gone through quite a bit of MCC. So maybe I’m just parsimonious. #
• Just finished fab hike in Baineskloof, look at this view. Now for a swim in the dam at Nabygelegen http://t.co/o8TgCEFk #
• Great long lunch at The Table at De Meye. Look at these beautiful veggies. Now must have siesta. http://t.co/Nag9eUAw #
• Trying the slider option at Hudsons. Nice way to try different burgers without ordering a full one http://t.co/QhVNlCOg #
• Anybody know anything about the new restaurant in Seapoint called Richard’s? It’s where Adega used to be above 7Eleven on Glengariff. #
• You’ll all be pleased to hear that 1 of the bottles of French champers in my fridge has been drunk. The occasion was lunch with good friends #

Original Post on Relax with Dax: Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-29

It’s the Open Thread!

Original Post on Cape Town Property Bubble: Sunday Open Thread

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services crew members recently went above and beyond the call of duty when they assisted in the delivery of a baby in a grocer’s store on Voortrekker Road.

On Monday, 16 January 2012, a crew was dispatched to a maternity call in Parow. On arrival, they found a 21 year-old woman who was seven months pregnant. She was in an advanced stage of labour and the crew soon realised they would have to perform an emergency delivery of the premature infant.

The new-born baby was found to be unresponsive, was not breathing and had no pulse. Hypoxia had also discoloured the infant’s skin, which was prominently blue.

The crew recognised the seriousness of the situation and acted in accordance with standard infant rescue resuscitation protocols. Numerous attempts ensured the spontaneous return of the infant’s breathing and circulation.

Both infant and mother were referred to the nearest hospital in a stable condition.

“The crew who assisted will receive a formal commendation of service from the City for not only displaying exceptional skill but peak proficiency within their scope of practice. Their quick-thinking and hard work saved the infant’s life,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman J.P. Smith.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CityFireandRescueServicescrewgoprebaby.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City Fire and Rescue Services crew go the extra mile to deliver premature baby

If you’re planning a trip up Table Mountain later this year, note that the Cableway will be closed for its annual maintenance from 23 July 2012 to 5 August 2012.

It will reopen on Monday 6 August 2012, weather permitting.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway company says the annual two-week maintenance closure is vital to be able to carry out the necessary safety checks in order to ensure the continued safe and effective use of the world-famous attraction.

During the closure, the Cableway Visitor Centre will be open and operate as per normal, selling cable cards and retail items.

However, all facilities at the top station will be closed, including the toilets, so hikers will not be able to make use of these.

Those whose birthdays fall during the closure period will still be able to claim their free ride in the week before or the week after the Cableway reopens. Normal rules apply.
For more information, visit the Table Mountain Cableway website, or call 021-424 8181.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/TableMountainCablewaymaintenanceclosuredatesannounced.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Table Mountain Cableway maintenance closure dates announced

City of Cape Town traffic officials will be out in full force when one of the country’s top horse races, the JB Met, takes place at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday 28 January 2012.
Traffic services will be deployed to the event from 06:00 to midnight, says Chief Inspector Merle Lourens.

“Traffic officers will be on point duty directing traffic and assisting pedestrians. Motorists are requested to obey directions given by all traffic officers.”

There are no planned road closures for the event, but motorists are urged to be aware of pedestrians crossing Wetton Road and Rosmead Avenue throughout the day, and reduce speed accordingly.

Public parking is provided at Youngsfield Military Base that can be accessed via Ottery Road and Wetton Road where a shuttle service will be provided.

Motorists with dedicated parking accreditation must pre-plan their route and have their parking discs displayed to gain entry, she said.

Temporary signs prohibiting parking will be erected in the area.

“Motorists are asked to avoid parking illegally within the residential area.

“Vehicles, such as those parked on sidewalks, which are causing obstructions to the free flow of traffic and to pedestrians will be towed away,” Lourens warned.

Those attending the race have also been urged not to drink and drive.

The JB Met is one of Cape Town’s premier social events and over the last 35 years has established itself as one of the top three horse races in the country. For many, the spectacle of the horseracing takes a secondary spot to the fashion and socialising, including the famous after-party.

It draws crowds of at least 50 000 each year. The number of hospitality tents has reportedly doubled, and the grandstand seats and lounges are sold out. There are 184 picnic sites available for the crowds.

The annual Most Elegant Couple competition is always a highlight, with this year’s theme being “Made Different”.

The country’s top 16 horses will be in action, with prize money totalling R2.5 million.
- For more information, visit the JB Met website.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/TrafficofficialsoutinfullforceforJBMet.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Traffic officials out in full force for J&B Met

The City of Cape Town has been recognised with an honourable mention at the 2012 Sustainable Transport Awards in Washington.

Hosted by The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) during its Transport Research Board Conference, the awards honour cities that have developed truly sustainable public transport systems.

Cape Town was nominated along with 16 cities around the world, and received an honourable mention along with Buenos Aires. San Francisco and Medellin were the joint winners. [The other nominees were Jaipur (India), Singapore (Singapore), Antalya (Turkey), Cuenca (Ecuador), Chicago (USA), Lviv (Ukraine), Seoul (South Korea), Jerusalem (Israel), Bihar (India), Fazilka (India), Seville (Spain), Minneapolis (USA), and Chnagwon (South Korea).]

The honourable mention is for the City’s initiatives in implementing sustainable transport practices. This includes the steps taken to implement a non-motorised transport network that provides safe transport links for pedestrians and cyclists as well as its new MyCiTi initiative. In accepting the award on behalf of Cape Town, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron, told the audience it was a great honour for him to be accepting the award.

“Cape Town is still in the infancy of our transportation transformation, or revolution, and we have a long way to go before we achieve our objective of providing an equitable, safe, efficient, affordable, quality public transport service for all,” said Councillor Herron.

“This award, which sees us on stage with some of the world’s greatest cities, is a massive vote of confidence in our pursuit of this objective and is enormously encouraging.

“A quality, integrated public transport system is essential to providing both social and economic inclusion and to achieving our objectives, and delivering on our mandate, which is to build a city that provides opportunity, is safe, is caring, is inclusive and is well-run,” said Councillor Herron.

In coming months, the MyCiTi service will connect the town of Atlantis; which is physically far removed from economic opportunities; as well as the isolated and poor community of Dunoon, to retail, commercial and industrial centres of the city. In so doing, the City will begin supporting the economic and social inclusion of these residents.

The ITDP works with cities worldwide to bring about transport solutions that cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of urban life. They have offices in eight countries.

For more about the award, visit http://www.itdp.org/get-involved/sustainable-transport-award/finalists

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CTrecognisedforSusTraneffortsatinternationaltransportcon.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Cape Town recognised for its Sustainable Transport efforts at international transport conference

The City of Cape Town’s Council has approved the transfer costs for two Early Childhood Development (ECD) sites: one in Rocklands and one in Ocean View.

This decision, made at the first Council meeting of the year on 25 January, allows the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Directorate to fast-track the construction of a Centre of Excellence on each of these sites. The land on which the centres will be situated belongs to NGOs which are already involved in early childhood development. The City managed to negotiate a transfer of the land to implement its programme of providing quality community facilities for holistic early childhood development.

“I am very thankful that we now have the permission to go ahead as a Directorate and begin the construction of these Centres of Excellence,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Beverley Cortje-Alcock.

In both instances it was difficult for the organisations to pay the costs related to transfer and they therefore agreed to offer land to the City. Like many other community organisations these NGOs are often hamstrung by lack of financial resources.

Councillor Cortje-Alcock said that she would continue to look for ways to remove the obstacles that prevent delivery of excellence to our communities.

“Early Childhood Development is an important part of our Integrated Development Plan as a Caring City and we are intent on ensuring that we bring quality Centres of Excellence to the communities that need them most,” she said.

Centres of Excellence are pre-school facilities which allow the wider community and other ECD centres access to the facility as well as opportunities for training.

“We intend for these facilities to become the heart of the community when it comes to advancing the cause of the children and the youth,” said Councillor Cortje-Alcock.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CapprovestransferECDCentresExcellRocklandOV.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Council approves transfer costs for early childhood development centres in Rocklands and Ocean View

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-754" title="Cape Town 10′s pic 3″ src=”http://mycapetown.co.za/news/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/f6847_Cape-Town-10s-pic-3-300×225.jpg” alt=”" width=”300″ height=”225″ />Once again, the very best of rugby action will be showcased at the Hamiltons Rugby Club for the Cape Town Tens Rugby Tournament 2012 on February 3 and 4 (Friday and Saturday).

The popular tournament, now in its fourth consecutive year, is the brainchild of former Springbok stars Bob Skinstad and Rob Fleck. Medac/Rockets, the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of sports injury bracing and performance gear will be the official rehab partner for the event.

This year is set to be bigger and better than ever with the number of teams being increased from 56 to 72 and there will now be four divisions – a heavy and light Beer League, The Vets League and the more competitive Premier League.

As always, there will be appearances many from local and international rugby legends such as Breyton Paulse, Leon Lloyd, John Allen and Malcolm O’Kelly. The tournament will include plenty of entertainment off the field with live performances from top acts such as the UK band, The Lightyears and the popular Cape Town based Me and Mr Brown. There will also be beer and food tents, children’s play areas and lots of fun competitions and giveaways including a kicking contest that will see one lucky winner walk away with a brand-new Golf GTI worth R365 000.
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-757" title="Cape Town 10′s 2011 pic 2″ src=”http://mycapetown.co.za/news/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/d1066_Cape-Town-10s-2011-pic-2-225×300.jpg” alt=”" width=”225″ height=”300″ />
As the official rehab partners, Medac/Rockets will have  physiotherapists which will be on hand throughout the tournament to assist players with recovery and managing injuries including the use of a cryotherapeutic ice recovery pool and providing post-game massages at the Medac/Rockets Recovery Zone.

“The 10’s tournament is a great event to be involved in.  Our recovery tent provides all the players with a world class service of which we are extremely proud,” says Craig Homan, Medac CEO.

Tickets are available now through Computicket. (Kids under 12 are free)

For more information on Medac/Rockets contact:
Facebook: <a title="Cape Town Tens facebook page” href=”http://capetownblog.co.za/2012/01/26/medac-partners-with-cape-town-tens-rugby-tournament/www.facebook.com/CapeTownTens” target=”_blank”>www.face<a title="Cape Town Tens facebook page” href=”http://capetownblog.co.za/2012/01/26/medac-partners-with-cape-town-tens-rugby-tournament/www.facebook.com/CapeTownTens” target=”_blank”>book.com/CapeTownTens
Telephone number: 086 163 3221
Fax:  021 706 1636
Email: sue@medac.co.za
Website: www.medac.co.za
Buy Online: www.medacsport.co.za
Rockets Compression Range: www.rocketsrange.com

Original Post on Cape Towns Source for News and Events: Medac Partners with Cape Town Tens Rugby Tournament