The roads have been closed to accommodate President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address and the Opening of Parliament at 7pm this evening.

“There will be road closures in the surrounding area, particularly the CBD. The road closures will affect the normal flow of traffic in and around the City Bowl and road users are asked to plan their routes accordingly,” said the city in a statement.

Traffic law enforcement officers will be deployed, and directional signage will also be erected.

The following roads will be closed from 5:45pm to 7pm:

• Klipper Road, Newlands: from Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue
• Princess Anne Avenue, Newlands: from Newlands Avenue to Union Avenue
• Newlands Avenue, Newlands: from Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue
• Dean Street, Newlands, westbound: from Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue
• M3, Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, De Waal Drive, city-bound carriageway: from Newlands Avenue to city centre
• Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch, westbound: between Main Road (M4) and Rhodes Drive (M3)
• Anzio Road, Observatory: from Main Road (M4) to De Waal Drive (M3)
• N2, Settlers Way city-bound carriageway: from Main Road (M4) to city centre
• N2, Settlers Way city-bound carriageway at M5: (traffic will be diverted along Black River Parkway to the city).
• Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2) city-bound: from Hospital Bend to Christiaan Barnard Street (including the Melbourne Road, Roodebloem Road and Searle Street onramps)

The following roads will be closed from 4pm to 8pm:

• Nelson Mandela Boulevard: Strand Street off-ramp
• Hertzog Boulevard in-bound: from Nelson Mandela Boulevard to Heerengracht
• Strand Street: from Russel Street to Adderley Street
• Strand Street between Long and Adderley Streets
• Adderley Street: from Hans Strijdom Avenue to Wale Street
• Heerengracht: between Coen Steytler and Hans Strijdom Avenues
• Wale Street in-bound: between Queen Victoria and Adderley Streets
• Bureau Street: between Adderley and Parliament Streets
• Spin Street: between Plein Street and Parliament Streets
• Parliament Street from the gates of Parliament to approximately 35m before Longmarket Street (excluding the parking garage situated in Parliament Street)
• Plein Street between Roeland and Spin Streets
• Closure of the Company’s Garden
• Commercial Street from Buitenkant to Plein Streets.

The following roads are already closed and will remain so until tomorrow:

• Plein Street: between Roeland and Spin Streets
• Roeland Street: between Plein and Buitenkant Streets – deliveries to businesses or access to private dwellings will not be affected as provision will be made.
• Government Avenue
• Gallery Lane
• St John’s Road: between Plein and Vrede Streets
• Commercial Street: to be closed at Plein Street and to become bi-directional from 6am until midnight
• Bouquet Street
• Buitenkant Street between Roeland and Mill Streets: Traffic will be diverted at Mill Street and access control will be in place (New location for Remote Search Park – Buitenkant Street between Roeland Street and Glynn Street)

The public are also warned of the security fencing which will line the route in the CBD. There will be guarded pedestrian crossing points during peak time on Adderley Street at Hans Strijdom, Waterkant and Castle Streets.

The Company’s Garden will be closed on Thursday 10 February from 16:00 to 20:00.

The city has arranged that the MyCiti bus service will continue to run throughout the day.

At the Civic Centre station, buses will arrive at and depart from the north side of the station (Hertzog Boulevard out-bound). Passengers and pedestrians will not be permitted to use Hertzog Boulevard in-bound sidewalks on Thursday between 4pm and 8pm. – BuaNews

Zuma: A Biography

The first edition of Zuma, published in late 2008, concluded with Jacob Zuma’s future balancing on a knife’s edge. National elections loomed, but so did corruption charges and endless court battles. Since then Zuma’s star has spectacularly risen – the corruption charges were dropped, he led the ANC to election victory and duly became President of South Africa, and his new cabinet and government appointments were generally well received. But he has also recently suffered a huge blow with revelations of another love-child, this time with the daughter of soccer supremo Irvine Khoza. Many of his supporters have distanced themselves from him, and Zuma is looking isolated. Pundits are once again wondering how long he’ll survive as President. In this revised and updated edition, Jeremy Gordin takes the reader right up to present. He covers in detail the highs and lows of Zuma’s past 18 months, including the final salvoes of his legal battles, as well as his first year as President. New material in this edition alsoThe first edition of Zuma, published in late 2008, concluded with Jacob Zuma’s future balancing on a knife’s edge. National elections loomed, but so did corruption charges and endless court battles. Since then Zuma’s star has spectacularly risen – the corruption charges were dropped, he led the ANC to election victory and duly became President of South Africa, and his new cabinet and government appointments were generally well received. But he has also recently suffered a huge blow with revelations of another love-child, this time with the daughter of soccer supremo Irvine Khoza. Many of his supporters have distanced themselves from him, and Zuma is looking isolated. Pundits are once again wondering how long he’ll survive as President. In this revised and updated edition, Jeremy Gordin takes the reader right up to present. He covers in detail the highs and lows of Zuma’s past 18 months, including the final salvoes of his legal battles, as well as his first year as President. New material in this edition also

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The summer season in Cape Town is known as a high fire risk period when many residents living in vulnerable communities suffer due to devastating fires, resulting in a loss of their livelihoods, injuries and a loss of lives.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman Smith, said: “The City has reached the point where, in order to effectively combat the scourge of fires, other measures must be taken over and above investing in the Fire and Rescue Services.”

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and Fire and Rescue Services explored various strategies and responses to the problem before deciding on the strategy which features five key elements.

These elements are Education and Awareness, Emergency Preparedness, Engineering and Technology investments, Enforcement and Rehabilitation.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, Fire and Rescue Services, Human Settlements, law enforcement agencies and other Departments embarked on the strategy to mitigate the occurrence of devastating fires.

“Over the last few years there has been a steady decrease in the number of informal dwelling units that were destroyed as a result of fires in informal settlements from 8 864 destroyed in 2005 to 3 009 in 2010.

“The number of fatalities due to fires in informal structures, however, remains unchanged and is cause for concern,” said Smith.

The City is engaging with high-risk communities and educating them regarding fire safety awareness.

Residents and communities must, however, also accept their responsibility to reduce the risk of fires as the majority of shack fires are as a result of irresponsible behaviour.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and Fire and Rescue Services commenced with the campaign on 20 December 2011 that will run throughout the Festive Season to highlight the dangers of fires and to teach communities how to avoid fires that could result in loss of life, injuries, damage to property and the environment.

The campaign is part of the City’s commitment to create a Safe City and Caring City for all its residents. – BuaNews

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The City traffic police screened drivers of 396 vehicles for alcohol. Nine motorists were arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, with the highest breathalyser reading measuring 0.75 mg per 1000 ml of breath.

Two of the motorists arrested had outstanding warrants of arrest. In addition, officers issued 110 traffic fines to the value of R45 550.

The law enforcement personnel also served 16 warrants of arrest, valued at R13 200, on nine suspects. Seven of the suspects were warned to appear in court on another date and two were arrested.

Operation Exodus, which ran from 15 to 21 December, saw officers checking 2 479 public transport vehicles for roadworthiness at the city’s various public transport interchanges and at vehicle check points across Cape Town.

During that random check, 1902 vehicles passed the roadworthy test while 179 vehicles failed. 100 more vehicles returned for a second test, and 46 vehicles were suspended due to mechanical defects.

Traffic officers also cracked down on enforcement and issued 347 traffic fines for various offences including driving violations, unlicensed vehicles, vehicle defects and taxi-related offences.

Spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services, Chief Inspector Merle Lourens said one of the buses tested at the Joe Gqabi Testing Centre was found to have been issued with a roadworthy certificate on 7 December in Umtata.

“However, officers inspecting the vehicle found it to be completely Unroadworthy, in that its braking system, steering column and exit doors were faulty.

“Even the colour of the bus was noted incorrectly on the roadworthy certificate as white instead of blue. Officers summarily suspended the bus.

“The driver tried for three days to convince the officers to issue a roadworthy certificate. He eventually gave up and left the area,” said Lourens. – BuaNews

STEVIE WONDER / DON’T DRIVE DRUNK

GOOD ADVICE FROM STEVIE

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This world-renowned stadium which was used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a must-see attraction in the Cape for children, families, tourists, sport-lovers and those who appreciate architectural feats.

During the tour, visitors will be guided through the hallways of the stadium to the players’ change rooms, the on-site police cells and the VIP hospitality areas.

They will also have the opportunity to see the world-class pitch up close.

The adjacent Green Point Park is the perfect spot for an outdoor picnic and there are also guided tours of the Biodiversity Showcase Garden.

Visitors will be led through three fascinating biodiversity-themed areas focusing on people and plants; a biodiversity discovery trail; and a wetland walk.

Tickets for the guided tours of the stadium and the Biodiversity Showcase Garden are available from the Cape Town Stadium ticket office, situated on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point.

Tours commence daily from next Tuesday until Saturday at 10am, midday and 2pm. – BuaNews

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Image by Viaggi spensierati by Easy Way Travel S.r.l. (www.

This practice has been noted from the boardwalk at the end of Nerina Road and southwards to Slangkop Lighthouse.

In a joint statement the City and SANParks appealed to members of the public to refrain from this practice as it produces a hazardous environment for beach visitors.

“The removal and stacking of these rocks creates unstable terrain as rocks may easily roll underfoot or collapse, leading to possible injury.

“There is particular concern for children and senior citizens, who may be at a greater risk of injury, with some of the bigger rocks weighing in excess of 150kg,” read the statement.

Members of the public are removing coastal rocks from the spots where the natural coastal processes had placed them in order to build towers and ‘sculptures’ along this stretch of coastline.

The moving of rocks and the building of these towers occurs below the high-water mark as well as higher up on the beach, away from the high-water mark along the boardwalk.

This practice seems to take place mostly at sunset and there are now over 200 such rock formations strewn along the coastline.

Furthermore, the collective impact on the coastal environment is significant. The seashore, including the rocky shore, is formed through millennia of tidal and wave action, resulting in the landscape.

The packing of rocks not only disturbs this balance, but impacts on a wide variety of micro-fauna which seek refuge under the rocks.

Any alteration of this habitat will impact negatively on the marine life associated with rocky shores. The City and SANParks reminded the public that the seashore is defined as coastal public property.

Both the City and San Parks said the property is held in trust by the state, as provided for in the Seashore Act of 1935 and the Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2009.

As such, the state must ensure that the coastal public property is used, managed, protected, conserved and enhanced in the interests of the whole community.

Because this section of the coastal area below the high-water mark falls within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, there is an even greater need to avoid any action that may lead to the disturbance or destruction of the area.

The state, including the City and SANParks, will take action against anyone found to be engaging in moving and packing of rocks. SANParks will work towards the dismantling of these formations.

In the interim, the City’s Law Enforcement Officers and SANParks staff will continue to monitor the area with regular patrols. – BuaNews

Sunset over Kommetjie


Image by Ian Junor

The Institute continues to push creative and intellectual boundaries through its various interdisciplinary negotiations, with this year-end celebration calling into question our definitions of beauty and ugliness, with specific reference to the African continent. Leading cultural commentator and critic, Sarah Nutall; co-editor of the prize-winning book Ugly/Beautiful: African and Diaspora Aesthetics; will give the keynote address from which the event takes its thematic inspiration.

Nutall is recognised locally and internationally as a prominent voice in the ongoing debates on cultural theory, and particularly for her fresh perspective on the contemporary South African context. Here, she takes a closer look at exoticism in the context of women and race, particularly through the work of Harlem Renaissance performer Josephine Baker, and Johannesburg-based artist Mary Sibande.

Further explorations of notions of ‘aesthetic’ will take place in various forms over the two days. These include performances by dancer-choreographer Nelisiwe Xaba; acclaimed musician Neo Muyanga; fashion, visual and performance artist Athi-Patra Ruga; physical comedian Gaetan Schmid and the UCT Choir.

Theatre director and chef Peter Hayes will be cooking up “The Beautiful Feast” – an eight-course Processional Dinner through the reception rooms of Cape Town’s magnificent City Hall. In putting together what may just be Cape Town’s most talked about event this December, this previous creative director of the Mother City Queer Project predicts “it will be the kind of night you dream about… beyond your wildest dreams…”. This ‘rare’ experience promises a menu of whimsy and surprise, fun and laughter, levity and weight; a night when food, art, dance and theatre entwine and reflect each other’s eccentricities. So count on being led to a room for the main courses, with an expert on architecture sitting at your table and talking about the ‘beautiful building’ or for dessert being led into one of the rooms blindfolded and fed some dreamy sensation while a choir sings softly into one’s ear and so on.

References to Capote’s (in)famous ‘Black and White Ball’ not unfounded, it is suggested that guests dress in a manner befitting the occasion, as Hayes assures that “from canapés to cocktails, dessert to dancing, it’ll be a night to remember!”

The Beautiful Project takes place at the Cape Town City Hall and UCT’s Hiddingh Campus, on 9-10 December 2011. For more information on GIPCA, see the website www.gipca.uct.ac.za, phone the GIPCA office on 021 480 7156, or email fin-gipca@uct.ac.za. Tickets will be available through Computicket.

Author: Fiona Gordon
Website: http://www.gipca.uct.ac.za

Says Green Point City Improvement District (GPCID) CEO Marc Truss: “The City Council has made the conservation of the natural and built environments of Cape Town a priority, and we encourage you to the do same – appreciate, protect and be proud of the history in your area.”

Located right near the harbour, Green Point has an incredibly rich heritage, dating back to the 17th Century and the GPCID is honoured to do their bit in this beautiful part of Cape Town, with regular security patrols, cleansing initiatives and area upgrades. There are a number of buildings in the area that have been preserved in their original state and still get used today.

A wonderful example is St Andrew’s Church, which was built in 1828 and held its first service on 24 May 1829. The building has been renovated several times to ensure that it can be preserved and stand in good condition for many decades to come. St Andrew’s Church has had many claims to fame over the past 182 years, including the fact that it was the first English speaking church constructed in Southern Africa; it had a major outreach to the emancipated slaves and was also a venue for the hippie revival in the 1960s and 1970s! In more recent years the church has worked closely with Straatwerk and The Music Academy of St Andrew, a non-profit centre of musical excellence.

When it comes to appreciating architecture, Strand Street is the place to be; it is one of Cape Town’s oldest streets and has an eclectic mix of Victorian, Edwardian and Modern buildings. Some of them have been restored recently, such as the historical building on the corner of Upper Strand Street and Hudson Street, belonging to the City Council Electrical Department. It was built at the start of the 20th Century and starting showing signs of decay several years ago. Due to its historical significance the City of Cape Town awarded a R7.5 million tender for the restoration of the building to a specialist construction company in 2009. The project included breaking down and rebuilding damaged walls, using the same stones in the same positions, adding a new roof and refurbishing it with modern installations, without detracting from the historic ambience.

Another landmark that many residents will be familiar with is Fireman’s Arms, on the corner of Buitengracht Street and Mechau Street. This traditional pub was established in 1864 and apart from a few TV screens and the odd addition to the menu, not much has changed in 147 years. The flags and all sorts of other paraphernalia from the past century that cover the walls and roof are testament to this. There is always a jovial, welcoming atmosphere, with lots of locals around the bar and steaming plates of traditional pub-grub pouring out of the kitchen.

If you’re looking for something a bit further off the beaten track, Vasco da Gama on Alfred Street is worth a visit. Affectionately known as ‘the Portuguese Embassy’ by regulars, this restaurant was established in 1972 as a Men’s Only Portuguese Taverna and only opened its doors to women in 1994. Everything is exactly as it was 40 years ago, from the actual building to the paint, furniture and food, and even some of the barmen. Locals think of it as a home-away-from-home and often pop in for a couple of drinks, the traditional Portuguese food, banter with the waiters and barman, and conversations with the diverse group of people that filter in and out all day long.

This handful of examples demonstrates how important it is for the GPCID to reflect just how rich and diverse our history really is and the protection thereof. Get out and enjoy being a part of our incredible city on Heritage Day.

With their wage demands unmet, workers belong to the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) are expected to begin strike action on Monday, while the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) is expected to join in later in the week.

The trade unions have asked for an 18% or R2 000 increase, while the South African Local Government Association has offered 6.08% increase.

The City of Cape Town said it would heighten security measures at all municipal buildings to prevent possible violent outbreaks.

From Monday, visitors to municipal buildings will have to ensure that they have proof of an appointment with a staff member in the building, or their utility bill as reference to gain access to the building.

Contingency measures have been put in place to minimise the impact on service delivery.

The City expects solid waste services to be affected as most of the Solid Waste Management Department staff has been allowed to strike for a certain time period.

“Affected services include refuse removal in formal and informal areas, street sweeping, emptying of public bins and the removal of illegal dumping, as well as services to businesses and industries,” it said.

The City has asked for residents to help by moving their bins back into their properties if refuse is not collected on the scheduled day and to put it out again on the scheduled day the following week.

Those living in informal settlements have been asked to make use of the shipping containers placed throughout their area.

The City stressed that the principle of ‘no work no remuneration’ will apply to all municipal staff on strike.

In the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will also implement a strike management plan to counter the anticipated strike action of Samwu and Imatu.

According to the municipality’s chairperson for Corporate Services, Councillor Nomamerica Magopeni, the plan includes the establishment of a Strike Management Centre.

“The ‘no work no pay’ rule will be strictly applied and we would like to make it clear that employees at essential services will not be allowed to strike and disciplinary action will be taken against those who do,” she said.

The municipality said contingency plans were in place and will be implemented if required. – BuaNews

Members of the Portfolio Committee for Transport, Roads and Major Projects who initially requested the free service are ecstatic about the opportunity to showcase this world class service to many citizens of and visitors to the City.

The inner-city loop runs in two circuits, clockwise and anti-clockwise, both passing the areas around the Foreshore, Convention Centre, Long and Loop Streets, Orange and Mill Streets, and Buitenkant Streets.

It passes attractions including the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the nightspots of Long Street, the Labia Theatre, Government Avenue, the District Six Museum and the Castle. It also travels close to Greenmarket Square, Bo-Kaap and the Gardens Centre.

Buses travel in both directions and run about every 15 minutes, starting from the Civic Centre Station on Hertzog Boulevard.

“Come and catch the bus with us. It is a professional service, and all the people I’ve chatted on the MyCiTi, say they are extremely impressed by the high-standard of service offered,” said Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads & Major Projects.

‘The MyCiTi has been a huge success as World Cup service which received many accolades from locals and foreign visitors alike. It signals the way to something far greater, and we’d like Capetonians to start looking forward to that. In the future, as part of the first phase of the permanent MyCiTi service, there will be several permanent routes around Cape Town, starting with a trunk route on the R27,” said Thompson.

The MyCiTi inner-city loop was launched along with the airport shuttle, which is a permanent service and will continue to be charged for, at R50 per trip.

To catch the inner-city loop, go to the Civic Centre Station, or stand beneath for the yellow bus signs. The stops on the clockwise and anti-clockwise loops are found close to each other, except for on Long and Loop Streets, which are one-ways.

The stops on the anti-clockwise service can be found outside the CTICC, on Long Street (just before intersection with Waterkant; just before the Dorp Street intersection, and a few metres before the Long Street Baths); on Buitenkant Street (at the top; just before the intersection with Roeland; and one block south of the Grand Parade); and on Darling Street, just before the intersection with Tennant.

The plan was developed together with the Western Cape Department of Social Development, and will dovetail with the holiday activity programme being presented across the metropole in all 23 subcouncil areas.

“The City will test the plan at the ‘Cape Town Welcomes the World Party’ at the Grand Parade on Thursday 10 June,” says Pam Naidoo, 2010 Project Coordinator at the City of Cape Town.

A central feature is a dedicated ‘lost and found’ facility staffed by eight trained social workers and child care practitioners.

For the duration of the World Cup, the plan provides for six ‘lost and found’ rooms located at the Cape Town Stadium, the Fan Fest, and all four fan jols – Vygieskraal Stadium, Bellville Velodrome, Swartklip Sports Centre and the OR Tambo Sports Centre.

In addition, all children – whether they are part of a group or just one of a family – will be tagged by the City’s volunteers who will be deployed at the entrances of the respective event sites.

“The volunteers will direct families or groups to the tagging facility where the details of each child and accompanying adult will be registered on a database. Unaccompanied children will be redirected to the nearest schools holiday programme,” says Naidoo.

“The City is acutely aware that children will be particularly vulnerable at large gatherings during the football extravaganza. Their safety and security is crucial to the staging of a successful event,” says Lesley de Reuck, the City’s 2010 Operations Director.

“Another feature of this comprehensive plan is to use the huge TV screens at each venue to intersperse personal health and safety messages between match screenings and entertainment shows.”

“The screens will also be used to broadcast messages of missing children. Details of the person claiming the lost child will first be checked against the tagging information logged on the database,” says De Reuck.

Seventeen information kiosks across the city including the stadium, fan jols, the stations, City Hall, and other easily accessible venues, will double up as child safety information centres.

“This plan is a joint effort between the City, Provincial Government, Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and the volunteers,” says De Reuck.

On Thursday, 10 June, some 17 000 revellers are expected to gather at the FIFA Fan Fest™ on the Grand Parade and another 50 000 in the city centre.

“This party promises to be bigger, better and safer than any of the City’s previous parties. But with safety in mind, the City will be closing certain roads from 14:00 to 24:00 on that day,” says Executive Mayor Dan Plato.

The star-studded concert on the Grand Parade includes the internationally acclaimed Haindling Bavarian Band which will perform the late Miriam Makeba’s hit Patta Patta with local songstress Fancy Galada. All other performers are South African, including several new Cape Town acts.

The programme includes popular South African stars such as HHP, JR, Kurt Darren, Vicky Sampson, Flip a Coin, Locnville, Emo Adams, Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels, the Lindiwe Suttle Band, DJ Reddy, as well as The Nob and Soli Philander. Some of the stage acts selected during the city’s five-week-long public auditions will also be performing.

The free concert kicks off at 14:00 and will build up to a ceremonial highlight with a special lighting display on the historic balcony of the City Hall at 19:00. This will signal the start of the carnival parade and the switch on of Adderley Street’s spectacular soccer lights. From 21:00 until midnight some of South Africa’s biggest music icons will entertain the crowds at the Fan Fest.

Cape Town diva Vicky Sampson will perform ‘My African Dream’, after the ceremonial highlight on the balcony where former President Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech after imprisonment.

The highlight will celebrate the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and promote national unity and world peace in line with Madiba’s dream. Former President Nelson Mandela will celebrate his 92nd birthday on 18 July – one week after the final match of the World Cup.

The City of Cape Town’s electricity department has also arranged for eight colourful soccer-themed light installations on Adderley Street, starting from the Heerengracht Fountain Circle up to Wale Street. Some 10km of rope lights was used which uses 55% less energy than the traditional incandescent light bulbs.

For the welcome party and carnival parade, there will be intermittent road closures from 14:00 to 24:00 in and around the Grand Parade. Affected streets are Keizergracht, Buitenkant, Darling, Plein, Parade, Corporation, Burg, Wale, Bloem and Green.

No on-street parking will be allowed until midnight on Keizergracht between Sir Lowry and Tennant Street, in Darling Street, Adderley Street between Strand and Wale Street; Wale Street between Adderley and Burg Streets; as well as Queen Victoria Street between Wale and Bloem Streets.

Businesses, residents and pedestrians in the affected areas will be subject to access control measures.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these street closures and wish to thank all Capetonians in advance for their co-operation,” says Chief Inspector Merle Lourens of Cape Town Traffic Services.

“We advise all businesses to arrange that stock deliveries be done before June 10 in order to prevent traffic congestion on the day of the street festival,” she says.

“To minimise traffic disruptions, Cape Town Traffic Services will be on duty to redirect motorists and pedestrians. There will also be sufficient signage advising alternative routes,” says Lourens.

The City has been communicating regularly through a series of media releases, but will extend this programme with advertorials and its own print and web publications, providing the public with everything they need to know during the World Cup. The City urges the public to monitor print publications or visit this website regularly.

Over the next two weeks the public can look out for the following:

An advertorial poster in a variety of newspapers

This A1 poster will detail the schedule for matches to be played in Cape Town; road closures on match days and non-match days; transport arrangements; and information on the Fan Fest, fan jols and fan walk.

It will appear in the following publications on the following dates:

* Cape Argus – 7 June
* Cape Times – 7 June
* Daily Voice – 7 June
* Die Burger – 9 June
* Blits – 19 June
* All community papers – 8, 9 and 10 June

The poster was in the Rapport and the Sunday Times on 6 June. It is free of charge and will also be available at the information desks of the main shopping malls throughout the city; the information desk on the Concourse Level of the Cape Town Civic Centre; local libraries; the special information kiosks that the City will put up for the duration of the tournament; the FIFA Fan Fest™; and the four fan jols.

The poster is also available here.

A special bumper edition of CityNews will be distributed to residents through the city’s community newspapers this week.

This will contain all you need to know about the World Cup, including road closures on match days and non-match days, the FIFA Fan Fest™, the fan walk and the fan jols, as well as some informative frequently asked questions and answers. Copies of CityNews can also be collected from most City libraries.

Information on various electronic media platforms, as follows:

For general information the public can visit the City’s World Cup website. This site is regularly updated and contains information ranging from the operating hours of the Fan Fest and fan jols, to where to stay and eat out in Cape Town. There is also a very useful list of frequently asked questions, covering everything from ticketing information, to exclusion zones, to building restrictions.

* For news, pictures, report-backs on the games, entertainment, and the city’s vibe from the Stadium, Fan Fest, fan walk, fan jols and Cape Town metro, visit our Facebook page
* For up-to-the-minute news, follow us on Twitter

The party on the Grand Parade on Thursday 10 June 2010 will be the culmination of the City’s many hospitality initiatives, and will be built around the theme of welcoming the world to the southern tip of Africa.

Local residents and visitors will have the opportunity to be part of the celebration and get into the football spirit.

About 25 000 people are expected on the Grand Parade for a concert featuring an exciting line-up of mostly local artistes. The concert will start at 14:00, and at 18:30 flaming torches will light a cauldron on the City Hall balcony – from which Nelson Mandela made his first speech after his release – to signal the start of the carnival parade.

At 19:00, the Rainbow Parade featuring 2 000 Cape Minstrels will move through the city centre.

The party will also include the switch-on of eight colourful soccer streetlight displays in Adderley Street. About 10km of rope lights was used to create the displays. These use 55% less energy than traditional light bulbs.

“The City wants to position itself as the party capital of the world. This party promises to be bigger, better and safer than any of the previous parties,” said Cape Town Executive Mayor, Dan Plato.

Law enforcement officials will be out in full force, and trains will run until 01:00. Bus services – including the City’s newly-launched MyCiTi service, will also be operational. Food and art stalls as well as toilet facilities will be available.

Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson, posed for photographs with some of the performers at a preview event.

“It’s very exciting, after four years of planning – in which we built a stadium and a transport system – it’s finally here.

“And in just over a month, it’s all going to be over, so we’ve got to grab this opportunity and make the most of it,” he said.

FIFA released about 90 000 tickets on Friday 28 May 2010, including about 18 000 for Cape Town Stadium matches.

FIFA’s ticketing system initially crashed due to the high demand for tickets on Friday.

According to the latest match availability figures (https://lmsfwctickets.fifa.com/LMS/MatchAvailability.aspx), most Cape Town matches are sold out, and no tickets are currently available.

Some games have tickets which are “currently not available”, meaning these may become available at a later stage. Fans are advised to check for updates on the website (www.fifa.com), call the FIFA Call Centre (083 123 2010) visit FNB branches and certain Shoprite/Checkers branches, or visit the Cape Town FIFA Ticketing Centre at The Spearhead, 42 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Foreshore. This is open from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

However, it’s a case of “No ticket, no problem” for those who don’t have tickets, as they can watch the matches live at the official FIFA Fan Fest™ on the Grand Parade, or at one of the Public Viewing Areas, or fan jols. These are situated at the Bellville Velodrome, the Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone, the Oliver Tambo Sports Hall in Khayelitsha, and the Swartklip Sports Hall in Mitchells Plain.

The City’s 2010/11 budget of R23 billion, which was approved by Council on 25 May, focuses on stimulating growth and job creation, as well as providing more assistance to those Capetonians most in need.

A total of R1,1 billion of the City’s R23 billion budget (5%) has been allocated to help poorer residents with free basic services and rebates in the 2010/11 financial year.

Some of the key changes in the 2010/11 budget are:

• The monthly Indigent Grant of R30.00 for water and sanitation will as from July increase to R38.00. This provides an additional 4 500 litres of free water per month per household (and the associated sewerage charges and VAT), which is 500 litres per month more than previously provided. The 4 500 litres is over and above the 6 000 litres all households receive free of charge monthly.
• A total of R89 million has been allocated to provide the indigent households of the City of Cape Town with the extra free water for the 2010/11 financial year. Indigent-registered households also get 3 150 litres sewerage removal per month free, over and above the 4 200 litres sewerage that gets removed free of charge per month for all households in the city.
• The valuation limit for the above subsidy is now increased from R199 000 to R300 000. What this means is that all residential houses valued at R300 000 or below will be eligible to receive 4 500 litres of extra free water, per average month, free of charge.
• The first R88 000 of value of all residential properties are currently exempted from rates and this value now increases to R200 000. The residential rate on the remaining value is R0.00530/R.
• Besides these measures put in place to help the poorer residents, the City will also still offer free electricity for those households that purchase less than 400 kWh electricity per month. With the introduction of an inclining block tariff a substantial discount is provided for customers consuming between 50 kWh and 150 kWh per month. A total of R97 million of the R1,1 billion set aside to help the poor has been allocated for this free electricity.

Subsidies for a total of R166 million have been allocated for refuse removal. Rebates varying between 100% and 25% will now be granted to residential properties valued at R400 000 or below, increased from R300 000. Those residents living in residential properties valued at less than R100 000 will also receive a 100% rebate for the first refuse bin. In addition, R67 million will be used to provide informal settlements with solid waste removal services.

Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons will now receive rates rebates between 100% and 10% for monthly household incomes of up to R8 500. This income threshold is increased from R8 000.

The City has for the 2010/11 financial year also set aside an amount of R601 million to provide housing for the poor. This amount includes funds for upgrades to informal settlements, the establishment of new settlements, and upgrades to 43 500 rental units and 11 000 hostel units.

Who qualifies as an indigent resident?

The City’s indigent policy assists struggling households in paying their rates and service charges. To qualify, residents must meet certain criteria, and register on the City’s indigent database.

The City uses the following criteria to evaluate applicants:

• Proof of gross household income: This must not exceed R3 000 per household per month, irrespective of the municipal valuation of property.
• Ownership status: The applicant must be the registered owner of the property or an occupant of a child-headed household where the property is registered in the name of a deceased parent/s. In addition, the applicant must not be the registered owner of more than one property.
• Occupancy status: The applicant must be a full-time occupant of the property, and the property must be used for residential purposes only.

Prospective indigent applicants are urged to register without delay in order to receive the benefits approved by Council. They are therefore invited to register at any of the City’s Municipal Revenue Offices, or by calling 0860 103 089 for further information. Indigent residents should re-register every year.

The new service, which started on Saturday, will consist of two inner-city loops travelling in opposite directions. Both loops will start at the new Civic Centre Station (very close to the Cape Town train station) on Hertzog Boulevard, and cover the areas around the Foreshore, Long Street, Gardens, and Buitenkant, Keizergracht and Oswald Pirow streets.

The route travelling anti-clockwise (if viewed from the south) leaves Hertzog Boulevard and turns down DF Malan Street, then turns and passes the entrance to Table Bay Harbour. It passes the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Coen Steytler Avenue, then turns left into Lower Long Street, passing the South African Revenue Service and Telkom buildings.

Travelling up Long Street, the route passes Thibault Square, then travels close to Greenmarket Square, the Western Cape High Court and the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. It passes the Council Chambers at 44 Wale Street and, further up Long Street, the Long Street Baths. It then turns left into Orange Street, travelling close to the Iziko South African Museum, the Planetarium and the South African National Gallery, then passes the Hiddingh Campus of UCT and the Labia Theatre.

Travelling along Orange and Annandale Roads, the route passes Government Avenue, the Mount Nelson Hotel and Cape Town High School, travelling very close to Dunkley Square. Turning left into Mill and Buitenkant Streets, it travels past Robbie Nurock Day Hospital, the Iziko Rust en Vreugd Museum and Caledon Square Police Station. At this point, it is just a block from the Department of Home Affairs in Barrack Street.

The route then passes the Grand Parade and turns right into Keizergracht, travelling past the Good Hope Centre (this is very close to the Cape Town campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology), then left into Oswald Pirow, passing the taxi rank on the station deck. The bus then turns left into Hertzog Boulevard again towards the Civic Centre Station.

The other route, travelling clockwise, passes the same destinations except that it travels down Loop Street instead of Long Street, as these are one-way roads in opposite directions.

“The aim of these inner-city loop is to make it much easier for Capetonians to get around, and we’re really urging people to give it a try,” said City Media Manager Kylie Hatton. “The inner-city loop will give us a taste of the permanent inner-city service, which will be set up later as part of Phase 1A of the new permanent MyCiTi service.

Between 29 May and 16 July, the inner city loop service will run every 30 minutes between 03:00 and 09:00 and between 24:00(midnight) and 01:00 and every 10 minutes between 09:00 and 24:00.

Between 6 June and 10 July, the service will run every 30 minutes between 24:00(midnight) and 09:00 and every 10 minutes between 09:00 and 24:00(midnight).

Services may be increased on match days during the World Cup.

Tickets cost R8 and can be bought on the bus, and from roving vendors.
“We really hope that our excitement about this new service catches on,” said Hatton.