They use the fibres of bananas, pineapples, mielies, river reeds, hemp, sisal, ficus, cotton and grass, along with agricultural and other waste, to make their uniquely South African paper.

This product has gained popularity in the form of conference notepads and folders, gift packaging, cards and stationery as well as arty “lifestyle” items such as picture frames, bowls and other trendy decor.

“We are the only producer in South Africa manufacturing this unique range of superior quality paper,” said Phumani Paper project manager Mandy-Lee Pietersen.

She said the eco-friendly paper and paper products, which take on the earthy colour and feel of the vegetation from which they are made, were sold countrywide, with one of their biggest clients being a national designer homeware and furniture chain.

“Our conference range is popular among our corporate clients and we supply paper to a number of galleries and artists, who use the paper for some of their artwork.

“Given that our products are 100% ‘green’, from the local vegetation used to produce them to the chemical-free manufacturing process, and that they are customised to suit our clients’ needs, they are priced higher than typical off-the-shelf paper merchandise.

“However, those who invest in our products gain from the uniquely South African flavour they add to any conference or special event, and the knowledge that they are also investing in the development of South Africa’s people.”

The Phumani Archival Mill, situated at the University of Johannesburg, is the only handmade archival papermaking unit in the country.

“Our archival paper is non-acidic, does not discolour as fast as commercial paper, and can thus be used to safely store important documents. Archival packaging can be custom-made, in terms of size and colour, to best-fit the documents to be preserved,” said Pietersen.

Meaning “reach out” in isiZulu, Phumani Paper was established in 1999 as a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology and the University of Johannesburg. The aim was to create hand-crafted paper enterprises in the poorest areas across the country, where communities are severely affected by unemployment and other social and health factors.

Today, there are six such enterprises – in Limpopo (Polokwane), Gauteng (Johannesburg and Midrand), North-West Province (Lehurutshe and Winterveld) and the Western Cape (Cape Town) – although hand-papermaking machinery has also been set up in several other provinces.

As it lacks accessibility to indigenous fibres due to its location, Phumani Paper’s Western Cape producer unit uses recycled paper and other waste to produce its paper range.

The company’s philosophy is to maintain existing employment levels while constantly identifying and exploiting future job creation opportunities. “We strive to maintain superb product quality and provide the best assistance possible to each producer group and client,” said Pietersen.

To buy paper or paper products, phone 011 559 6534 or order online at www.phumanipaper.org.

Phumani Archival Mill product developer and papermaker Sipho Mabaso fits the handmade archival packaging he crafted for an artist's limited edition sketchbook range. Photo: Supplied

The City of Cape Town’s older cemeteries are reaching full capacity. This poses a challenge to City Parks, the department which is responsible for cemeteries. Instead of simply developing more cemeteries, City Parks is using making available additional burial and interment options in order to increase the density of burials, whilst still striving to respect cultural and religious diversity.

Maitland Cemetery is Cape Town’s largest cemetery (113 hectares) and will have exhausted its vacant graves’ space within three years. There are areas within this cemetery that cannot be used for in-ground burial due to the presence of a high water table. This land was therefore earmarked for building above-ground concrete crypts in the form of a mausoleum, as an alternative internment option to the public.

A pilot phase of 144 mausoleum crypts were built in 2011 and after 15 months of environmental monitoring, these crypts are now officially on offer to the public. Booking enquires can be made at the Northern Cemetery Booking Office on 021 550 7639.

During the last five years City Parks has also extended Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Welmoed Cemeteries, as well as developed new cemeteries in Wallacedene and Delft.

These cemeteries have been designed with two types of private graves, namely full monumental and berm grave blocks. In order to densify burial layouts, the berm grave layout was introduced without pathways between the graves. The memorial work on berm graves is limited to headstones only and no monumental work is allowed on the surface of the grave. The surface is levelled and grassed to provide access for visitors. Berm graves are offered at 40% of the price of a full monumental grave, which provides a significant cost incentive, whilst the City saves space for future burial demands.

Both berm and full monumental graves offer “exclusive right of burial” and these graves give the family the option to re-use the grave for second burials (on top) of another family coffin.

Second burials or burials on top of another family member, causes no disturbance of the first buried coffin in any way. This practice is therefore being encouraged, so as to provide for more space in existing cemeteries for the future.

New cemeteries are also being planned in Vaalfontein (Somerset West) and Metro South East (Mfuleni) to cater for future demand for burials.

Anyone wishing to enquire about bookings at Wallacedene, Delft and Welmoed Cemetery can contact the following booking offices: 
 

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

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City cemeteries offer a greater choice of burial and internment options

• About 10 full page ads by big banks in the Sunday Times re fees. Meanwhile, I've saved over R5000 in fees in 2 years by moving to Capitec. #
• The amount I save in bank fees with Capitec in 1 year is more than my Outbonus after 3 years with Outsurance #Perspective #
• Gourmet meat free monday at Catharina's on Steenberg tonight with Slow Food Mother City. Also keen to see the new champagne bar… #
• Free Stellenbosch Wi Fi now live http://t.co/tZBqOCFV #
• Love the new Graham Beck champagne bar at Steenberg. Look at these canapes for the pairing! http://t.co/WnPZN2q3 #
• Settling into our multi course vegetarian gourmet dinner at Catharina's, very exciting menu… http://t.co/r5DYDIaS #
• RT @monsters_closet: check out http://t.co/QhzdAaND, a rad recycling initiative happening in HoutBay. Follow them at @Trashback_SA #
• BB users, v3 of Twitter for Blackberry has been released. I recommend upgrading asap. #
• RT @slowmothercity: What did you miss at last night's #MeatFreeMonday at Catharina's? See the photos on our FB page: http://t.co/hsSM6xrT #
• Tonight I'm watching Masterchef, but right now I'm watching the 2nd episode of HalfArsed-a Chef. See if you can spot me http://t.co/tOHOKteh #
• Nettleton House in Clifton makes it onto The Coolist (if you don't read The Coolist, start!) http://t.co/1LXQNw34 #
• Just ordered my new laptop. A Lenovo Thinkpad Edge 220s. My inner geek is very excited but to the outside world I appear ambivalent. #
• #UsefulTip for Blackberry users, the built in Calculator app does conversion from Imperial to Metric & vice versa. Type in value & open menu #
• RT @whalecottage: Valora on Loop Street has closed down. #
• 8ta has extended the 'Midnight Surfer' window, it starts at 11pm instead of midnight now. Still ends at 5am http://t.co/4TpMimeB #
• Richard's Stage & Bistro on cnr of Glengariff & Main Rd in Sea Point is officially open. Free wi fi, apparently. #
• Also, new bar/restaurant called The Orphanage on cnr of Bree & Orphan streets in town. #
• I was quoted in Die Burger today. It's an article about last night's episode of Masterchef SA http://t.co/2EEze12d #
• It's gonna be a crazy weekend! I've just taken delivery of a box of rad looking Original Shaken premix cocktails http://t.co/eU0998br #
• I hope the other networks copy 8ta and make midnight surfing start earlier. Would love my sleep patterns to return to normal. #
• For those that struggle with Afrikaans & so couldn't read the Die Burger article which quoted me,it's online in English http://t.co/xp6uIlm2 #
• #SaveTheDate Taste of Cape Town is back from the 19th – 22nd April at Green Point Cricket Club http://t.co/OAtabVUL #
• #SaveTheDate Cheese Festival time! At Sandringham, 27th – 30th April http://t.co/8aVuu4ov #
• I've noticed some events using Nite Owls as their sober chauffeur service. I wonder why they choose them out of the 13 available options? #
• Dropbox now gives 500MB free space for referrals, & retrospectively. I suddenly have 14GB of free space. Max is 16GB http://t.co/9nb4ZARu #
• Tjekking out Tjing a ling. Packed. #
• Did you know that Tjing Tjing is about the music? Next time, take a listen. You won't recognise many tracks but you'll enjoy them all. #
• Definitely gonna start a website which lists which restaurants are open or closed on any given public holiday. Off to try option no. 3! #
• Fairly decent breakfast at Cafe Milano. It was buzzing, and so was Manna next door & Cafe Paradiso over the road. #
• Just watched This Is It, the documentary of Michael Jackson's final concert.So sad that he didn't get to share his masterpiece with his fans #
• Post lunch tequila, this is some quality stuff. Good enough to sip http://t.co/LM68H0s8 #
• Dinner in Franschhoek tonight. Anybody know of any good options for pre drinks that will be open today? #
• Just enjoyed a bottle of Big G at Holden Manz. Lovely wine, 50% cab sav & 50% cab franc. Great looking estate, must visit in the day. #
• Dinner at Le Bon Vivant in Franschhoek. Been impressed with the food, awaiting soufflé for dessert. Service a little rough around the edges. #

Original Post on Relax with Dax: Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-08

Over the school holiday period and Easter long weekend, the City of Cape Town’s vital 107 Public Emergency Communication Centre – which is the central point for reporting emergency situations – receives an increase in call volumes for traffic, fire and medical incidents.

Visitors and residents are urged to please exercise caution during this period and are reminded that they can call 107 in the event of any life- and/or property-threatening emergency. By dialling this number they will gain access to the Police, Fire Services, Ambulance and Traffic Services as well as the City’s Disaster Risk Management Department.

Those using a landline can dial 107, while cellphone users can access the 107 Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700; they are urged to save this number on their cellphones. The number can be dialled anywhere in the 021 dialling code area.

The 107 Public Emergency Communication Centre will be on full alert and ready to receive calls on the 107 number. Emergency communicators will be available on a 24-hour basis.

Article source: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/City107linenumbertocallforemergEasterperiod.aspx

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City’s 107 line: the number to call for emergencies during Easter period

The City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department will host a range of local and national events over the Easter weekend, across various sporting codes including soccer, rugby, running and hockey, amongst others.

“These events provide all Capetonians with an opportunity to celebrate Easter in a healthy way, while offering activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.

The following events are scheduled to take place over the Easter weekend:

Two Oceans Marathon
 
The City is once again partnering with Old Mutual to host the 43rd annual Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) over the Easter weekend, which will see over 20 000 runners taking to the streets.

The OMTOM Expo will take place from 4 – 6 April at the Good Hope Centre. This year marks the biggest expo yet, with over 130 exhibition stands and 78 companies participating – of which 22 are first-time exhibitors. The expo will be followed by a fun-run, a trail run and an international friendship run on 6 April and will be rounded off by a Parlotones concert at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens from 17:00 to 19:00 on Sunday 8 April.

The 56 km Ultra Marathon and the 21,1km Half Marathon will take place on Saturday 7 April 2012.

Both races will start from Main Road, Newlands. At 06:00, the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, will fire the starting gun for the Half Marathon, followed by the 56km Ultra Marathon at 06:25.

Dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful marathon’, the event has grown over the past 43 years from an Ultra Marathon (i.e. a longer than usual marathon) to a variety of events spread over the Easter weekend that cater for every class of participant – from top marathon runners to toddlers. Nearly 23 000 runners will participate in this year’s events, with 9 000 entrants competing in the 56km Ultra Marathon and just over 14 000 in the 21,1km Half Marathon.

Contact person: Stefanie Shultzen on 072 457 8085

Click here for more event information and details about road closures. 

Metropolitan Premier Cup
 
The City is partnering with the Bayhill Football Club to host the 24th annual Metropolitan Premier Cup 2012. Local soccer fans will be able to watch talented young under-19 footballers from 32 teams across South Africa and Africa competing for top honours, with junior players from the top Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams participating. Some 30 000 spectators are expected to attend the tournament over the Easter weekend.

Amongst others, Benny McCarthy, Mathew Booth and Mark Williams graduated from this tournament in previous years and went on to play for Bafana Bafana. The tournament is attended by scouts from all of the major PSL clubs and is a platform for players to be spotted and scooped by the top clubs. The event has grown from humble beginnings 23 years ago to being one of the premier events over the Easter period.

Sponsors include the City of Cape Town, Metropolitan, Bayhill Football Club and sportswear company Adidas.

• Date: 4 – 9 April 2012
• Time: 08:00 – 21:00
• Venue: Erica Park Sports Complex, Belhar

Contact person: PJ Williams on 082 335 7392

KC March Easter Hockey Festival 2012

The City is partnering with the Central Hockey Club to host the KC March Easter Festival 2012 for the first time in Cape Town since 2007. The event will take place at the Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium and Vygieskraal Hockey Complex under the auspices of Western Province Hockey Union and the South African Hockey Association (SAHA).

Close to 40 teams will participate, representing top clubs from across the country. The Premier Division comprises eight ladies’ and eight men’s teams. The rest of the participants will participate in the Challenge and Masters Divisions for ladies and men.

Many of the participants are in the prime of their hockey careers (ages 18 to 25 years), several of whom have represented their provinces. A large contingent of South African under-21 and senior players will compete as well as former national players. Participating clubs will travel from Port Elizabeth, East London, Johannesburg, Kimberley and Bloemfontein.

• Date: 6 – 8 April 2012
• Time: 08:00 – 20:00
• Venues: Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium, Observatory
  Vygieskraal Hockey Complex, Athlone

Contact: Ron Hendrickse on 084 800 0844 or E-mail: ronh@yebo.co.za  

Young Brothers RFC National Rugby Tournament
 
The City is partnering with the Young Brothers Rugby Football Club to host the inaugural Young Brothers Rugby Football Club National Rugby Easter Tournament. The tournament will take place from 6 – 9 April 2012 at the NY49 Sports Complex in Gugulethu.

The tournament will see 22 teams from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng competing in 21 games played over three divisions, namely: juniors, seniors and women. Over 3 000 spectators are expected to attend.

• Date: 6 – 8 April 2012
• Time: 10:00 – 19:00
• Venue: NY49 Sports Complex, Gugulethu

Contact person: Mvuyisi Goduka on 072 207 5298

Lagunya Easter Rugby Tournament

The City is partnering with the Lagunya Rugby Football Club to host the Lagunya Easter Rugby Tournament in Nyanga.

The tournament will see 16 teams from Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng competing to win the first trophy. The National Minister for Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalulu, and President of South African Rugby, Oregan Hoskins, are expected to attend.

• Date: 6 – 9 April 2012
• Time: 09:00 – 14:00
• Venue: Nyanga Rugby Stadium, Nyanga

Contact person: Buster Phillips on 084 823 5054

The City intends to develop these events to attract large numbers of local and international participants. This complements the City’s strategy to partner iconic events, such as the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Challenge, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and the Metropolitan Premier Cup.

“The City has made considerable investments in terms of providing much-needed facilities, and we will do all that we can to see these major tournaments take place in our less privileged areas and support disadvantaged participants. These facilities are to be enjoyed by everyone and we want to promote their use not only for the communities in which they are built, but also by neighbouring communities,” said Cllr Gqada.

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

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City celebrates bumper Easter sporting weekend with a wide range of events

Statement by the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson

Moody’s International yesterday confirmed its confidence in the City of Cape Town’s finances, by maintaining the City’s Double-A credit rating.

Our efforts and commitment to being a Well-run City are paying off as the City is once again rated at the high end of the six metropolitan municipalities rated by Moody’s in South Africa.

In a time of economic volatility, the City’s maintenance of its strong financial position is particularly noteworthy. A favourable rating from Moody’s – one of the world’s leading credit agencies – provides investors and the community with confidence in the financial leadership and management of this municipality.

Companies that do business with the City can do so in the full knowledge that the City is able to pay their accounts.

A strong rating allows for a lower interest rate from banks and other financial institutions, which places the City in a stronger financial position. The stronger the City’s financial position, the more resources can be allocated to our residents, particularly to those most in need of assistance.

According to the Moody’s report, “Cape Town’s administration reflects proper financial governance, which is geared towards maintaining the City’s strong financial position and ensuring robust cash flows. The City adheres to prudent policy strategies with respect to financial, debt and liquidity management. A well established and focused management team provides some stability to the City’s strategic planning and operations. Budget execution and cash flows are regularly monitored and the administration is committed to reinforcing internal controls. The City received an unqualified audit report for the financial year 2011”.

The report also refers to the relatively strong financial position in the medium term, supported by an overall prudent financial policy and a relatively large and evenly diversified economic base.

This vote of confidence serves to assure investors and residents of the sound financial management and leadership of this municipality.

Click here to view a full copy of the Moody’s International report.

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

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: City’s financial stability confirmed by Moody’s International

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is Cape Town’s premier road race and takes place on Saturday 7 April 2012. This year the half-marathon has 16 200 entrants and 9200 runners have entered for the ultra-marathon.

The 21.2km half-marathon starts at 06:00 and proceeds through Newlands, Claremont, Bishopscourt and Constantia before returning along Rhodes Drive to finish at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

The 56km ultra-marathon starts at 06:25. It follows a picturesque route along Main Road taking the runners along the False Bay coast via Muizenberg before turning at Fish Hoek and proceeding to Chapman’s Peak, through Hout Bay, up Constantia Nek onto Rhodes Drive and finishing at UCT.

On Good Friday, 6 April 2012, the following events will take place:

• Trail runs: Both the short and the long runs start at 07:00 at UCT and take runners along the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and nearby forests finishing back at UCT
• Fun runs: Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to come along and take part in the annual Fun Runs taking place on the UCT rugby fields from 12:00 onwards
• Friendship run: International entrants are invited to meet on Good Friday morning at 09:30 at the Amphitheatre in the VA Waterfront for a scenic 5km run/walk that takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks, which include the Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point Promenade, Green Point Park and Mouille Point Lighthouse before returning to the Waterfront

Getting to the start

The starts of both the half- and ultra-marathons are outside SA Breweries in Main Road, Newlands. This is a short walk from the parking areas that have been arranged at local schools. Marshalls will direct runners and their supporters to their start.

Both races finish on the sports fields at UCT.

How to get there and where to park

Runners and spectators coming from the City Centre, Northern Suburbs and the eastern parts of Cape Town will be arriving via the M3, N2, M5 and Landsdowne Road where parking is available at clearly signposted local schools at a charge of R30 per vehicle entry.

From the City Centre

Take Nelson Mandela Boulevard to the N2 and then the Liesbeeck Parkway turnoff. Turn right and proceed onto Campground and Palmyra Roads where parking is available at Groote Schuur High school fields.

From the Northern Suburbs

Take the N1, then the M5 then the N2 and then the Liesbeeck Parkway turnoff.

Alternatively take the N1, then the R300, then the N2 and then the Liesbeeck Parkway.

Turn left and proceed onto Campground and Palmyra Roads where parking is available at Groote Schuur High school fields.

From the eastern and Winelands areas

Take the N2 and then the Liesbeeck Parkway turnoff. Turn left and proceed onto Campground and Palmyra Roads where parking is available at Groote Schuur High school fields.

Alternatively take Landsdown Road onto Palmyra Road where parking is available at Groote Schuur High school fields.

From the fields it is a short walk to the start.

From Hout Bay and the Southern Suburbs

Runners and spectators may park at SACS and Westerford High school grounds.

Shuttle service

An event shuttle service will operate between the parking areas and UCT to allow friends and family to get to the finish to support their runners and the runners and their supporters back to their vehicles.

This service will operate from 07:30 and will run until approximately 14:00.

Road closures 

Area

Road name

Route no.
Carriageway/ Lanes/ Direction

Section

Time
From

To

From

ToMowbray, Newlands, Claremont, Bishopscourt, Constantia
Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Edinburgh Drive, Simon Van Der Stel Freeway
M3
Southbound only
Princess Anne Road
Ladies Mile
05:30
08:00 Claremont
Protea Road
M33
Both directions
Main Road
Paradise Road / Newlands Road
05:30
06:45 Claremont
Paradise Road
M152
Both directions
Protea Road/Newlands Road
Edinburgh Drive
05:30
06:45 Rondebosch, Newlands
Main Road
M4
Both directions
Klipper Road
Letterstedt Road
04:00
06:45 Constantia
Kendal Road
M38
Both directions
Spaanschemat River Road
Edison Road
05:30
08:00 Constantia
Spaanschemat River Road
M42
Both directions
Doordrift Road
Ladies Mile Extension
06h00
08h00 Constantia
Ladies Mile Road
M39
Both directions
Spaanschemat River Road
Constantia Main Road
06:15
08:30 Constantia
Parish Street

-
Both directions
Constantia Main Road
Southern Cross Drive
06:15
08:30 Constantia
Southern Cross Drive

-
Both directions
Hermina Avenue
Rhodes Drive
06:15
09:00 Constantia, Bishopscourt, Newlands
Rhodes Drive
M63
Both directions
Constantia Main Road (Constantia Nek)
Canterbury Road
05:30
13:00 Bishopscourt, Newlands
Rhodes Drive
M63
Northbound (Direction Cape Town) Lane
Canterbury Road
Union Avenue
06:30
13:00 Newlands, Rondebosch
Union Avenue
M3
Northbound Carriageway, Left Lane only closed
Rhodes Drive
UCT Off Ramp
06:30
14:00 Newlands, Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Plumstead
Main Road
M4
Both directions. Local Access only
Letterstedt Road
Gabriel Road
05:30
07:15 Diep River, Bergvliet, Retreat, Lakeside, Muizenberg
Main Road
M4
Southbound Lane (Direction Muizenberg) closed. Traffic to use northbound lane.
Gabriel Road
Atlantic Road
06:30
08:15 Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay
Main Road
M4
Both directions.
Atlantic Road
Clairvaux Road (Boyes Drive)
07:00
09:15 Kalk Bay, Clovelly, Fish Hoek
Main Road
M4
Westbound Lane (Direction Fish Hoek) Stop / Go System for traffic between Clovelly and Clairvaux Roads
Clairvaux Road (Boyes Drive)
Clovelly Road
07:00
09:15 Fish Hoek
Main Road
M4
Westbound Lane (Direction Fish Hoek)
Clovelly Road
Beach Road
07:00
09:15 Fish Hoek
Main Road
M4
Eastbound Lane (Direction Kalk Bay) Local Access only.
Beach Road
Kommetjie Road (Fish Hoek Circle)
07:00
09:15 Fish Hoek, Sun Valley
Kommetjie Road
M65
Southbound Lane (Direction Fish Hoek) partial closure.
Main Road
Corsair Way
07:00
10:00 Sun Valley
Corsair Way

-
Both directions
Kommetjie Road
Frigate Crescent
07:00
10:00 Sun Valley
Frigate Crescent

-
Both directions
Corsair Way
Ou Kaapse Weg
07:00
10:00 Sun Valley, Sunnydale
Ou Kaapse Weg
M6
Both directions
Buller Louw Drive/Frigate Cres
Noordhoek Road
07:00
10:00 Steenberg, Westlake, Noordhoek, Sun Valley
Ou Kaapse Weg
M64
Southbound traffic
Steenberg Road
Noordhoek Main Road
07:00
09:30 Sun Valley, Sunnydale
Ou Kaapse Weg
M6
Both directions
Buller Louw Drive/Frigate Cres
Noordhoek Main Road
07:00
09:30 Noordhoek
Noordhoek Road
M6
Northbound Lane (Direction Hout Bay)
Ou Kaapse Weg
Chapmans Peak Drive
07:00
10:30 Noordhoek
Silvermine Road

- 
Both directions
Village Lane
Noordhoek Main Road
07:00
10:30 Noordhoek, Hout Bay
  Chapman’s Peak Drive
M6
Both directions – access to picnic sites from Hout Bay only up to 07:00 after which full road closure
Noordhoek Main Road
Main Road (Hout Bay)
03:30
07:00 Both directions
Victoria Road
Main Road (Hout Bay)
07:00
12:00 Hout Bay
Main Road (Hout Bay)
M6
Southbound lane (direction Noordhoek)
Victoria Road
Chapmans Peak Drive
07:30
11:30 Hout Bay
Hout Bay Road
M63
Both directions
Victoria Road
Disa River Road
07:45
12:00 Hout Bay
Hout Bay Road
M63
Restricted access – convoy system in both directions
Disa River Road
Constantia Main Road/Rhodes Drive (Constantia Nek)
07:45
12:15

Impact of road closures

Union Avenue M3: Rhodes Drive to UCT – 06:30 to 14:00

Left shoulder and lane will be coned off for athletes whilst the right lane will remain open at all times for motorists traveling towards Cape Town.

The Rhodes Memorial restaurant will be accessible to the public.

Parking restrictions

Residents in the following areas are requested not to park along the route and to use alternative side streets for the duration of the race:

• Between Klipper and San Souci Roads 
• Protea Road from the Main Road to Edinburgh Drive (M3) 
• From Atlantic Road, Muizenberg through St James and Kalk Bay until the police station just past Clovelly Road in Fish Hoek 
• Kommetjie Road from 17th Avenue through to the Fish Hoek Circle (runners will be running towards Sun Valley facing the traffic within one lane which will be coned off)  

Detours 
 
Constantia Main Road (M41) direction Wynberg: 05:30 to 08:00 

• Traffic from Hout Bay will be directed in via Pagasvlei Road and Spaanschemat River Road to the M3 and Constantia Road and then to Claremont and Wynberg via Alphen hill Road (Victoria Hospital)

Constantia Main Road (M41) direction Hout Bay: 05:30 to 08:00 

• Traffic to Hout Bay will be directed from Edison Road and Ladies Mile Roads to Spaanschemat River Road and Pagasvlei Road to Constantia Road

Main Road (M4): Muizenberg to Fish Hoek: 07:00 to 09:15 

• Motorists travelling south north will be diverted over Boyes Drive to Clairvaux Road. A stop go and convoy system will be in operation between Clairvaux Road and Clovelly Road 
• Traffic proceeding towards the City will be diverted through Fish Hoek, proceed along Main Road to Kalk Bay and then along Boyes Drive to Lakeside. From there motorists will be directed to the M3 (“Blue Route”)

Main Road (M4): Between Beach Road/Sunray Road and Kommetjie Road/Simon’s Town Road: 07:00 to 09:15 

• Traffic Officers will be in place at the Kommetjie Road/Main Road Circle and motorists travelling from/towards Kommetjie Road will be diverted via Beach Road between Simon’s Town Road and Main Road (at the Caltex Garage)

Kommetjie Road (M65), Fish Hoek: 07:00 to 10:00 

• From Fish Hoek Circle (intersection Main, Kommetjie and Simon’s Town Roads) to Corsair Drive, Sun Valley, runners will use the West Bound (direction Kommetjie) lane and motorists will share the East Bound (direction Fish Hoek) lane

Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) – Steenberg Road to Noordhoek Road: 07:00 to 09:30 

• Southbound traffic to proceed via Boyes Drive and Main Road. Open to Northbound traffic 
• Expect delays. Stop-go system runners/cars after 09:30

Ou Kaapse Weg (M6) – Buller Louw Drive / Frigate Crescent to Noordhoek Road: 07:00 to 09:30 

• Northbound traffic will be directed via Buller Louw Drive via Noordhoek Road to Ou Kaapse Weg 
• Closed to southbound traffic
• Expect delays
• Stop-go system runners/cars after 09:30

Hout Bay Main Road (M63): Chapman’s Peak to Victoria Road Circle: 07:30 to 11:30 

• Traffic coming into Hout Bay will be detoured away from Victoria Road Circle to Valley and then Disa River Roads
• Runners will be on the right side of the road

Rhodes Drive (M63) from Canterbury Road Circle to Union Ave: 04:00 to 13:00 

• Stop and go system both directions between 04:00 and 06:30 
• 06:30 – 13:00: Traffic may only travel south. Runners in northbound lane

Please note: Kirstenbosch Gardens and restaurant will be accessible to the public.

M3 Northbound: 06:30 to 14:00 

• Please note that the M3 Northbound will remain open to traffic for the duration of the event 
• Traffic to proceed with caution between Newlands Avenue and UCT

Delays can be expected for the duration of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. We appeal to motorists to avoid using roads leading to the race route. Please comply with the directions given by Traffic Officers and marshals. Road signs have been in place a week prior to the race, advising motorists of the road closures. Detour guidance notices will be in place for the duration of the road closures on race day.

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

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: Two Oceans Marathon: Transport and road closure information

The City of Cape Town has announced the transport plan and road closures for the Eagles concert at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

With five number one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards and six number one albums, the Eagles were one of the most successful acts of the 1970s. The Eagles are the fifth highest selling music act in U.S history and to date have sold in total 120 million copies worldwide.

As no parking at or near the Stadium will be available to the public, attendees are encouraged to park in the city centre and use the free event shuttle to and from the Stadium that departs from the Civic Centre MyCiTi bus station. A post event MyCiTi bus service will be provided for ticket holders to Table View. No additional trains will be provided after the event.

Train services to Cape Town will run as normal, with no additional trains provided on the evening. Train schedules and related information are available from the 24/7 Transport Information Centre which can be reached on the following toll-free number 0800 65 64 63, and www.capetown.gov.za or www.capemetrorail.co.za

The MyCiTi event shuttle service will run from the Civic Centre Station to the Stadium Station on Wednesday, 4 April 2012:

• The first event bus will depart from the MyCiTi Civic Centre from 17:00
• Thereafter a bus will leave every 15 minutes or when full
• The last bus will leave the Stadium bus station at 23:30
• These buses are free of charge on presentation of a valid event ticket

There will be no shuttle service between University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Civic Centre, or from Hout Bay to the Stadium

MyCiTi service between the Civic Centre and Table View

The hours of operation of the MyCiTi service between Civic Centre and Table View bus stations have been extended to cater for concert-goers. Prior to the event, passengers will be required to use their myconnect cards to pay for travel to the Civic Centre bus station. Cards can be purchased at any station kiosk.

After the event, passengers will be able to use the service free of charge on presentation of a valid event ticket stub. Buses will depart from the Civic Centre bus station every 30 minutes from 22:30 until 24:00 which is the last bus. These buses will only stop at Lagoon Beach, Woodbridge, Milnerton, Racecourse, Sunset Beach and Table View stations. The F14, F15 and F16 feeder routes will also depart Table View bus station every 30 minutes from 23:00 until 00:30.

Please note: there are no Park n Ride facilities for this event.

Road closures  

Impact of road closures on public transport services
 
Public transport services operating in the Green Point and CBD areas may be subject to localised deviations from 17:00 on 4 April 2012. The affected scheduled services are listed below: 

Golden Arrow Bus services travelling through the Green Point area

All services along Somerset/Main Road Green Point between Buitengragt and York Road will run along Helen Suzman Boulevard after 21:00. Passengers using this service may board or disembark at the stops either side of the closures at Buitengragt or York Road. 

Golden Arrow Bus services entering the CBD

The Waterfront service will operate via the CTICC, turning right into Heerengracht, stopping opposite Standard Bank, proceeding around the circle, back down Heerengracht and on to the Waterfront. The Waterfront/Sea Point service will continue to operate on its normal routes but may be subject to delays. 

MyCiTi Bus Service – effective from 17:00

The normal Gardens-Civic-Waterfront MyCiTi bus service will not be free of charge to event ticket holders.

The Civic Centre/Waterfront MyCiTi service will stop at the Stadium bus station en route to the Waterfront and then will be rerouted turning left into Portswood Road from Helen Suzman Boulevard, left into Beach Road and right at the traffic circle into Granger Bay Boulevard.

Granger Bay bus station will be closed for this period while all other stops and services on the Gardens-Civic-Waterfront route will remain operational.

Passengers may use the Waterfront bus station in Breakwater Lane, Stadium bus station and/or Buitengragt stops as alternatives to the Granger Bay bus stations.

On the return journey from the Waterfront, the bus will turn left into Beach Road, right into Portswood Road and left at Helen Suzman Boulevard to continue its normal route to the CBD.

Parking
 
Parking restrictions will be enforced in residential areas adjacent to Cape Town Stadium from 00:00 to 24:00 (midnight) on 4 April 2012, including on Main Road. Motorists are advised to obey the signage to avoid receiving fines. Normal restrictions and charges apply to kerbside parking in the CBD.

People with disabilities

Dedicated parking has been allocated on DF Malan Drive for those attendees with disabilities who wish to use the Stadium shuttle service. Only people with an official disability permit from the City of Cape Town will be allowed to park in this dedicated parking area.

There is no charge for the limited disabled parking at the Stadium in parking area P5 within the Stadium precinct, located off Vlei Road. These tickets can be obtained on request by e-mailing Donne Ludick at Big Concerts – donne@bigconcerts.co.za  

When requesting disabled passes, patrons are to include a copy of their identification document; a copy of the concert ticket; and proof of a legitimate disabled permit or a letter from a Doctor indicating the need for such a parking space. Disabled parking access is issued at the discretion of Big Concerts and is subject to availability.

Drop-and-Go
 
Attendees may be dropped off and collected in DF Malan Drive opposite the Artscape Theatre or dropped off on Helen Suzman Boulevard (seaside carriageway) between Vlei Road and the elevated traffic circle at Granger Bay Boulevard.

On-street parking in the CBD

On-street parking is available within the CBD, but no additional security will be provided. Parking tariffs will apply until 18:00 when on street parking becomes free of charge.

VA Waterfront

The VA Waterfront has approximately 3 500 parking bays available to the general public. There is a charge associated with this parking, and traffic flows into and out of the VA Waterfront may be congested.

Pedestrian routes

The Fan Walk provides the opportunity for attendees to move from the Civic Centre bus and Cape Town rail stations to the Stadium at Green Point along a dedicated pedestrian route. After 21:00 roads down the Fan Walk will be closed to vehicular traffic as pedestrian volumes increase. A contra-flow system will be provided for local vehicle access on the mountain side (West bound) carriageway on Main Road in Green Point between York and De Smit Streets.

Pedestrian access between the Waterfront and Stadium will be via Granger Bay Boulevard and, between the City and Stadium, via the Fan Walk and underpass at the Green Point Traffic Circle.

Cycling

Attendees wishing to cycle to the Stadium are encouraged to do so. Bicycle racks are located on the eastern (Waterfront) side of the elevated circle at the Stadium. Cyclists must provide their own lock and chain as bicycles are left at own risk.

Please remember the ‘ride safe’ motto and wear a helmet, have adequate lighting and wear reflective clothing. Please note that helmets are not allowed inside the Stadium. We advise that you secure your helmets with your bicycles.

Due to the number of people using the Fan Walk, it is advised that cyclists coming from the CBD use the route through the VA Waterfront or the back roads in De Waterkant to access the Stadium.

Ticket collection

Attendees are encouraged to collect their tickets from Computicket outlets before the day of the event.

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

Original Post on MyZA» Cape Town: An evening with the Eagles

• Reminder: Vitality members with a Discovery credit card are getting double cash back rewards at Nando's for March if they spend over R150. #
• Only just learned that perogative is actually spelled and pronounced prerogative. I suppose you all knew this already? http://t.co/fUDGDRMs #
• Here are my thoughts on the 2012 Eat In Awards along with the results http://t.co/3EHBt8kZ #
• Maybe 1 less caffeine-rush today? Every mug of coffee uses up to 140? of water to produce! #CloseTheTap http://t.co/N3mXYFlv cc @IsobelSeed #
• #JustHeard that Oona's Kitchen (ex Crush) in Wembley Square has closed. #
• I'm there! RT @KegKingSA: Right, let's get this sucker trending before a monster beer weekend, who is all coming to #KKOpenTap on Sat? #
• Forget Masterchef, for pure entertainment you need to check out the first instalment of HalfArsed-a Chef. Starring me! http://t.co/5DM9UCrl #
• My blog post on HalfArsed-a Chef http://t.co/5DM9UCrl @liezelv @neillanthony @nomuchirps #
• Too beautiful for words! RT @neillanthony: The @liezelv @RelaxWithDax winning boerie tower #HAchef http://t.co/GkBMMJGf #
• I'm lying low this week. Preparing body & mind for Open Tap on Sat. 10 kegs to empty. There are only a few tickets left http://t.co/a4ciUqiS #
• If you haven't seen the car guard song yet, you're missing out http://t.co/HBw0l8u4 #
• It's Earth Hour on Sat, 8:30pm. I'll be at Open Tap, but I'll probably be lights out by midnight, does that count? http://t.co/kR467Awv #
• Another great video from X Factor, you know the ones, where the underdog shines… plus some social commentary from me http://t.co/V5V3JGMp #
• Flip sakes! How cute is this baby pygmy hippo? (Via Cape Times) http://t.co/BTP2Hq9Q #
• I may have cried too. Don't tell anyone RT @AddToTaste: Thanks to @RelaxWithDax for my midmorning cry http://t.co/DMynARiS #
• When your car insurer notifies you of your annual premium increase, get a competing quote, then call them & they will match it #HotTip #
• Someone should start a framers market. Somewhere you can browse for things in which to put your pictures & art… #
• So tomorrow is National Cleavage Day. Note to self: Don't work from home tomorrow! #
• Some rad latte art from the barista at Common Ground Cafe http://t.co/tQvPtlSr #
• Breakfast at Jason's Bakery with @Cheviot_Publish and a great start to #CleavageDay http://t.co/Om3vZAp7 #
• If you're a big fan of Body Shop, they have a special running of R100 off if you spend R350 or more. That's a good discount. #
• Game is selling packs of 8 Gillette Mach 3 blades for R150. Normally about R120 for 4. Stock up! #
• The Post Office has a Public Internet Terminal, but it's running Windows 2000 & has a stiffy drive & no USB #Fail http://t.co/HUYKnyDp #
• This pic is guaranteed to make you laugh, I've been chuckling for the last 5 mins http://t.co/jqkoKasw #
• I just received a #LindtGoldBunny Apparently a % of sales of these treats is donated to Endangered Wildlife Trust Riverine Rabbit Programme #
• The new Le Creuset store has opened at the Waterfront, here are my thoughts on quality cookware http://t.co/GEzJMkvU #
• Off to Neighbourhood on Long St, for the start of the CT Pub Crawl, leading straight into Open Tap. 12hrs of beer. Feeling a tad nervous! #
• The disassembled clock suspended in resin makes the Neighbouhood bar on of the coolest #CTpubcrawl http://t.co/3L05h1Em #
• Some serious Spiderman stuff going on at our next venue, the Purple Turtle #CTpubcrawl http://t.co/wMIRjSZ2 #
• Have you seen the real Purple Turtle? Here she is and ps. Worst toilets I've seen in ages http://t.co/AaYGAOUh #
• How rad is this photo we took en route from Dias Tavern to Kimberly Hotel? http://t.co/Kif3SdkD #
• Interval. A break between #CTpubcrawl & #KKOpenTap So decided to have a burger at Dog's Bollocks. Watching it being made. Mouth Watering… #
• Inside track from Nigel at Dog's Bollocks, they're opening during the day soon. Serving hubcap breakfasts & complimenting the coffee shop! #
• Look at the size of this flip flopping burger #DogsBollocks http://t.co/7QErE8zy #
• Things are getting hectic here at #KKOpenTap – beer pong being set up… http://t.co/GIi1EBLl #
• Crapballs, I'm on my way to Decodance, why can I not prevent this from happening? #

Original Post on Relax with Dax: Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-01

The City will be switching off the lights on Table Mountain and in its own buildings for one hour in support of the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour 2012, which takes place on Saturday 31 March from 20:30 to 21:30 (local time).

“The City will join hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments from around the world in support of this initiative – the largest environmental event in history, and we are asking our residents to do the same,” says Alderman Belinda Walker, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Environmental Spatial Planning.

More than 5 200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going beyond the hour to commit to lasting action for the planet.

“The City has a comprehensive and integrated Energy and Climate Action Plan, outlined in its Moving Mountains report, which comprises 11 objectives, with targets and detailed implementation plans involving over 40 programmes and more than 120 projects,” says Alderman Walker.

The City has already put a number of these plans into action. By the end of this year, all of the traffic lights in Cape Town will have been retrofitted with LEDs, and a very substantial portion of its street lights will have been replaced with energy efficient bulbs.

City buildings are also being retrofitted. Further phases include installing meters which are able to monitor energy consumption half hourly. The building retrofits are also accompanied by a behaviourial change campaign for staff.

In addition, the City has been working with Cape Town businesses through the Energy Efficiency Forum; and assisting residents to save electricity and money through its comprehensive Electricity Savings campaign. 

• For information and tips on saving electricity visit the City’s Electricity Savings website   
• Click here to download the City’s Moving Mountains report   
• For more about Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org.za