Cape Town - Interesting Articles

https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/weather/warning-issued-for-gale-force-winds-high-seas-in-western-cape


CAPE TOWN - The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of gale force winds and high seas in the Western Cape.

Gale force winds of up to 75km/h are expected between Cape Point and Cannon Rocks.

Swells of more than 6m are expected between Cape Agulhas and East London.

Cold fronts and heavy rains are expected over the week in the Mother City, the eNCA Weather Centre predicted on Wednesday.
And here I was hoping for a quick round of "moer en soek" tomorrow.
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Regards
 
And what happened to the weather? It's a fine, sunny day with a calm sea!!!
 
Direct flights from Cape Town to Australia on the cards

https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/direct-flights-from-cape-town-to-australia-on-the-cards/

"... Cape Town may soon be connected with one of Australia’s busy and bustling metros [exact city unnamed] and has named the country as the next flight route target.

Currently the quickest way to get to Australia from Cape Town is to travel to Johannesburg and land in Perth after taking off from OR Tambo, this route totals around 16 hours at the very least when considering the wait in between flights and airport transfers. A direct flight route could reduce travel time to closer to the 10 hours mark.

Possible new direct routes on the cards [also] include Brazil. Van der Brink [Project Manager for Cape Town Air Access] says there are plans to connect Cape Town to Sao Paulo in Brazil, marking the city’s first direct flight to South America."

EDIT: See my comment here
 
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Sea Point High School: Gunmen threaten teacher & students during exam

https://www.all4women.co.za/1770597/news/south-african-news/sea-point-high-school-gunmen-threaten-teacher-students-during-exam

Two armed men who jumped the school fence of Sea Point High School in Cape Town, and disrupted an exam session this week by assaulting a teacher with a gun. They made off with 50 cellphones.

The men entered a classroom around 10:10 on Wednesday, before threatening a teacher and pupils, and then stealing the goods, said Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut. He said the men had yet to be arrested.

The men had jumped over the school fence. The school has a security guard and CCTV cameras.

Provincial Education MEC Debbie Schäfer said, “I am genuinely concerned that criminals have become so brazen that they enter school premises on a busy road, in broad daylight, and that not even a strong security presence, CCTV footage or fencing serve as a deterrent.”
 
Very clever, isn't it? All the cellphones in one place and they just march in and take them all in one fell swoop.
 
Sea Point High School: Gunmen threaten teacher & students during exam

https://www.all4women.co.za/1770597/news/south-african-news/sea-point-high-school-gunmen-threaten-teacher-students-during-exam

Two armed men who jumped the school fence of Sea Point High School in Cape Town, and disrupted an exam session this week by assaulting a teacher with a gun. They made off with 50 cellphones.

The men entered a classroom around 10:10 on Wednesday, before threatening a teacher and pupils, and then stealing the goods, said Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut. He said the men had yet to be arrested.

The men had jumped over the school fence. The school has a security guard and CCTV cameras.

Provincial Education MEC Debbie Schäfer said, “I am genuinely concerned that criminals have become so brazen that they enter school premises on a busy road, in broad daylight, and that not even a strong security presence, CCTV footage or fencing serve as a deterrent.”

Sad indeed
 
A Meal and Sparkling Wine on the House on Your Birthday
Knife will treat you to a free meal on any Saturday that falls in the month of your birthday
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/knife-restaurant-birthday-special


After eight years Knife, the Louisiana-style steakhouse in Century City, has gained a stellar reputation as a venue for celebratory occasions. And they have something extra for every birthday, with a treat added for CapeTownMagazine.com readers.

You get a free meal on any Saturday in your birthday month – if you bring along a party of five or more guests (minimum six including yourself) ordering a main course. Also bring ID. Most people come to Knife for the ribs, which are oaked-smoked (in their own smoker) and marinated in their homemade barbeque sauce.

For our readers celebrating their birthdays at Knife, on top of the free meal is a free bottle of Krone sparkling wine or non-alcoholic Zari sparkling grape juice. All you’ve got to do is mention CapeTownMagazine.com when you book. Remember you have to bring along five or more guests ordering a main course to qualify and proof of ID.

Date: 15 Jun 2019
Time: 11:00 - 23:00
Venue: Knife Restaurants
Location: The Crystal Towers | Cnr Century Boulevard & Rialto Road | Century City
Price: Free meal for birthday guest
Phone: +27 (0) 21 551 5000
Email info@knife-restaurants.co.za
Website: www.knife-restaurants.co.za
 
Standard Bank closing 104 branches across SA
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/standard-bank-closing-104-branches-across-sa

"Standard Bank has released the full list of all its branches that will be closing down, shifting the number up from the initial 91 to a total of 104. Standard Bank will now lose 17% of its overall branches in what seems to be a shift to allow its clients to service themselves. A total of 11 branches will close across the Western Cape and Gauteng will be hit the hardest with 49 branches closing down.

Below is the full list of closures:

Western Cape
Belhar
De Rust
Grassy Park Mini
Hout Bay
Melkbosstrand
Mitchell’s Plain
Mutual Park
Philippi
Plumstead
Rawsonville
Strand

Gauteng
Alberton
Arcadia
Baramall
Benmore Gardens
Bloed Street
Bracken City
Brixton
Chilli Lane
Cosmo
Dainfern Square
Daveyton
East Rand Mall
Edenvale
Ellis Park
Florida
Forest Hill
Hillcrest Boulevard Pta
Hyde Park
Industria
Irene Mall

Johannesburg
Kempton
Kwa Thema
Lambton
Lyttelton
Malvern
Melrose Arch
Menlyn
Menlyn Maine
Mogale BC
MTN
Newtown Junction
Norwood
Palm Springs
Parkview


Randburg
Randfontein
Randridge Mall
Rivonia
Rosslyn
Sandton (Alice Lane)
Soshanguve Crossing
Sunward Park
Unisa
West End
Wonderboom Junction
Woodbridge Square


Eastern Cape
Alexandria
Barkly East
Cala
Linton Grange
Molteno
Summerstrand


Free State
Bultfontein
Jagersfontein
Kestell
Lindley
Marquard
Phuthaditjhaba
KwaZulu-Natal
Dales Avenue
Hilton
Isipingo
Mandini
Musgrave Road
Theku Plaza
Tugela Ferry
Umkomaas
Watercrest
West Street

Limpopo
Bochum
Bopedi
Namakgale
Mpumalanga
Amersfoort
Evander
Kamaqhekeza
Kwa Guqa
Mbombela
Ogies
Northern Cape
Britstown
Diamond Pavilion
Hanover
Kenhardt
Kuruman
Philipstown
Sishen
Strydenburg
Sutherland

Northern Cape
Cachet Park Student Bureau
Klerksdorp
Moruleng
Tower Mall
 
South Africans may wait longer for US visas

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/south-africans-may-wait-longer-for-us-visas


"The United States Mission has issued a warning to all South Africans planning to travel to the US to apply for their visa far in advance to avoid extended waiting times.

… heavy demand for US visas has currently led to a longer-than-usual wait time in South Africa. We encourage all potential travellers to apply for their visas at least three months before the planned travel date.”

“For those already with valid visas, a renewal application can be submitted at any time, and we encourage these travellers not to wait until their current visa has expired to apply for a new one. If a visa is still valid or has expired within the last 12 months, the traveller may be eligible to renew by mail without an interview.”
 
Update to the robbery at Sea Point High School:

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/teen-arrested-after-sea-point-high-robbery

10 June 2019

A teenage suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery that unfolded at Sea Point High School last Wednesday. The 15-year-old suspect, who hails from Philippi East, is a student at Sea Point High School. Speaking to IOL, South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Andre Traut said police found six mobile phone covers at his home which are believed to have been on some of the phones taken during the robbery.

“He was identified by means of surveillance footage at the school when he and his accomplices entered the classroom at around 10.10am while learners were writing exams. The teacher and learners were held at gunpoint and robbed of a number of cellular telephones. The suspect is due to make his court appearance in Cape Town tomorrow while his accomplice is being sought,” Traut said.
 
Darling Winter Festival.jpg

Darling is also the home of the infamous Pieter Dirk Uys, as well as the famous Darling Toffee. It's only 20 mins. or so from Yzerfontein, where I live. So, if you plan on going to the festival, pop in to Yzer to say hi to me on your way there. PM me if interested and I'll give you further details.
 
Young female jugglers put up a show
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/young-female-jugglers-put-up-a-show

"Six of Cape Town’s youngest, most dexterous female jugglers are defying gravity and expectations in the art of juggling at the College of Magic in Claremont, ahead of World Juggling Day on Sunday, June 16.

World Juggling Day is celebrated annually close to or on June 16 to honour skilled performers who are able to juggle and balance as many objects (balls, clubs, fruit, plates, swords, etc) as possible at a time.

Come and see our star female juggling juggernauts in action at the 2019 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival. Families are invited to see Elethu, Lihle, Lindokuhle, Liyema, Ongezwa and Ruby defy the laws of gravity with their incredible juggling skills at the College of Magic’s winter school holiday event, from Wednesday June 19 to Saturday June 22 2019."

My Comment:

No address was given in the article, but I found this on the Internet:

Address: 215 Lansdowne Road, Claremont, 7700
Phone: 021 683 5480
 
Kleinplaas Dam hikers cautioned
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/kleinplaas-dam-hikers-cautioned

A robbery in the Redhill area of Kleinplaas Dam in Cape Point has prompted Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) to caution hikers to be vigilant, as the area has been pegged as a crime hotspot.

A male park visitor was making his way along the road to the Kleinplaas Dam parking lot when two young males in black hoodies and denim jeans approached him with knives and a suspected firearm. The victim dropped his belongings and ran away, alerting his friends of the suspects. The suspects then fled the scene, taking off in the direction of Ocean View.

“As soon as the rangers were tipped off via a Whatsapp Group member at about 2.30pm, the rangers immediately responded, taking them minutes to get to the scene. The first of three ranger teams arrived within 14 minutes of receiving the call and were followed up by two other teams in support of the incident from other sections,” TMNP said in a statement.

“Thanks to the speedy response of the rangers who were patrolling close to the area at the time, no injuries occurred and the victim was safely escorted to the incident location to retrieve his items.”

Additional resources will be deployed to the area to patrol and monitor activity within it.

Visitors to nature reserves should adhere to these SANParks safety tips:

– Never hike, run or cycle alone

– Plan your route from start to end and choose the route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group. This will prevent potential injury

– Inform someone exactly which route you are taking as well as your expected time of return and stick to your planned route

– Always be prepared for bad weather. Take proper weatherproof clothing even on a sunny day (wind- and rain-proof); torches, with spare batteries and globes; good footwear – strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles; food; water; a flask of tea or some other warming beverage; and rucksack to carry it all so as to leave your arms and hands free.

– Go with somebody who knows the way and carry a guidebook, map or route description. A registered guide is recommended.

– Keep to the designated routes on well-used paths. Heed danger signs and do not take shortcuts or unknown routes

– Leave valuable like cash and cameras behind

– Be wary of suspicious persons who may pose as hikers.
 
Free entry to CapeNature reserves this Youth Day
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/free-entry-to-capenature-reserves-this-youth-day

As part of CapeNature’s 20th annual celebration of conserving nature for the community and its commitment to providing access for all, it will be giving free entry to everyone aged 35 and under on Youth Day this Sunday June 16.

All people within this age group will be given free all-day access to CapeNature reserves across the Western Cape. Visitors will simply need to provide an identity document to verify their age when they arrive.

The free access will pertain to general access for hiking, mountain biking and picnicking. The free offer, however, will not apply to the Whale Trail or concessions such as canopy tours, bouldering and horse riding.

Normal rates and access fees will still apply to any accommodation booked online or via the call centre.

Access to Protected Areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be during regular reserve hours and specifically applies to entries at CapeNature receiver gates.

The free access Youth Day promotion will not be offered on Monday June 17.
 
Franschhoek Cellar is Open for Winter
June 15 @ 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
R295

https://www.capetownetc.com/events/franschhoek-cellar-is-open-for-winter/

The cold has rolled in, and the best part is that Franschhoek is open for winter. Brave the weather and head to the Franschhoek Cellar for this year’s edition of Franschhoek Winter Wines.

Inspired by the season, this winter warmer festival will take place on Saturday, June 15, from 11am to 4pm.

The cozy setting of the cellar is the ideal location to mingle with the Franschhoek Vignerons who will be showcasing some of their finest seasonal red wines at this bespoke event. Complement your wines with soul satisfying food – the perfect components for braving the cold weather. Live music will round off what promises to be the perfect day out to the Franschhoek Wine Valley.

Tickets are available directly from www.webtickets.co.za at R295 per person. This includes a complimentary wine glass, a tasting of all the wines on show, a R20 voucher (to be redeemed on the day). For an additional fee, enjoy a tutored wine tasting with one of the Valley’s winemakers – an opportunity to learn more about the art of winemaking.

General access and tutored tasting tickets are limited so pre-booking is essential. For more information contact 021 876 2861 or info@franschhoek.org.za.
 
The Ice Slides are Back at Capegate
June 14 - July 7
R30 - R80
Event Navigation

https://www.capetownetc.com/events/the-ice-slides-are-back-at-capegate/

Families are invited to enter into a magical ice age-themed world at Capegate Shopping Centre and zoom down three different toboggan-style ice slides, from June 14 to July 7.

This year, guests can try out a 28m long curved slide, a 24m long dipper as well as a 1.5m kiddie’s slide, which are all made from real ice. Kids will also get to play will real ice at the Ice Play station.

The area also features seven different, life-sized animals that lived during the ice age. All animals are set to simulate their natural environment and habitat of their time. Visitors can learn all about the Woolly Mammoth, Saber-toothed Tiger, Irish elk, Terror Bird, and Glyptodon.

Tickets cost R80 for a full rider, R50 for a mini rider, and R30 for a non-rider. These tickets are all valid for a 45 minute sliding session and include the ice age animal expo, which are available at the event entrance as well as online via WebTickets. For more information, visit www.capegatecentre.co.za, contact 021 981 2331 or follow #CGIceSlide on social media.
 
Swimmers make unexpected friend in Simon’s Town

https://www.capetownetc.com/photography/swimmers-make-unexpected-friend-in-simons-town/

Whale_1.jpg

Two locals had a whale of a time snorkelling in Simon’s Town when a Humpback decided to join their expedition and swim alongside them, leaving them stunned by its beauty and peaceful nature.

Local photographer Riaan Coetzer captured the magical moments that unfolded when two friends snorkelling at Fisherman’s beach were joined by the curious Humpback whale.

The lucky pair just happened to be swimming in the area when the majestic giant swam right up to them.

The curious marine mammal showed no signs of shyness as it repeatedly swam by the swimmers.

Swimming back and forth, the marine mammal made sure to get a good look and seemed to enjoy the encounter as much as the swimmers did.

The photographer is still not sure who the lucky swimmers are, but is hoping to giving them these amazing pictures if he finds out.

Whale_2.jpg

Whale_3.jpg

Whale_4.jpg

Whale_5.jpg

Pictures: Riaan Coetzer
 
Cape Town pollen count at 10-year high

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-pollen-count-at-10-year-high/

If you live in the Mother City and feel like your allergies have been getting worse in recent years, it’s not your imagination – a study released this year confirms there has been a dramatic increase in allergy-inducing pollen in Cape Town.

Cape Town is the only city countrywide that operates an advanced pollen monitoring and sampling programme to keep track of the allergy-causing pollens in our air. Although our city is the only one that tracks these developments, a large number of South Africans across the country suffer from allergies.

Head Professor of Groote Schuur Hospital Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Jonny Peter, spoke to CapeTalk about the latest survey findings.

Peter confirmed that as much as 30% of South Africans suffer from allergies, as well as asthma, and says recent changes in our environment caused by climate change could be making the situation worse.

The best place to keep up to date with Cape Town pollen counts is the lunginstitute.co.za.

“After last year’s drought followed by rains, the pollen count in September last year was at a 10-year high in Cape Town,” said Peter.

This information has only now become available following the extensive research carried out on allergen counts last year, and numbers could be even worse in 2019.
 
Cableway offers 3-for-1 kids special

https://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/kidz-season


DEAL DETAILS
Two children under 18 ride for free with every Kidz Season adult return ticket purchase.
This 3 for 1 offer costs only R290
This deal is for South Africans only (An SA ID is required when purchasing the Kidz Season package online or at the Cableway Ticket Office).
The Kidz Season ticket can be purchased online or from the ticket office at the Lower Cable Station (scroll to "Packages" section on tickets page when buying online)


Tickets purchased online are for use on selected visit date only and are valid for 7 days from the selected date (or unless otherwise stated).

Tickets purchased at the Ticket Office may only be used on the date it is purchased.


Online ticket refunds may be done within the 7 day validity period of the Kidz Season package. Request refunds from Refunds@tablemountain.net.
Explore the natural beauty and grace of Table Mountain with your children during the Cableway’s Kidz Season, when two kids ride for free with an adult who has purchased a Kidz season adult return ticket online or from the Lower Cable Station.

This offer is available from 26 April to 30 September 2019, 7 days a week (excluding the Cableway's annual maintenance from Monday 8 July to Sunday 18 August 2019).

Your children can enjoy a day of fun, food and natural beauty atop Table Mountain, and even a kiddies’ treasure hunt. As a part of the Kidz Season experience, all children will receive a treasure hunt map. Other treats for youngsters include something sweet when they hand in their voucher at both the Shop at the Top and the Café.

Our Table Mountain Café is offering a yummy Kidz Season Café deal for mini-Cableway explorers for just R55. Hungry little adventure-seekers can enjoy a slice of tasty Dassie pizza, a glass of fruit juice and a dried fruit roll.
 
Muizenberg celebrates 100 years of surfing

https://www.capetownmagazine.com/muizenberg-surf

Muizies. The Berg. Muizenberg. Call it what you will, this hippie little corner of Cape Town has attracted locals and foreigners to its expanse of beautiful beach and impressive backline for more than 100 years. It’s also where Agatha Christie liked to catch a wave (true story). Here are a few reasons to love SA’s surf capital even more.

IT’S WHERE THE FIRST WOMAN ON A SURFBOARD WAS PHOTOGRAPHED

Back in the 1920s, UCT student Heather Price made friends with a couple of surf-loving US Marines, whose ship had docked in Cape Town on its way back to America post World War 1. She took a fancy to their old-school, wooden, Hawaiian-style surfboards (and possibly to them) and decided to pose alongside one of them. The shot – the first ever recorded of a woman with a surfboard – became a bit of a surf cult symbol and with some luck, can still be found in surf shops and on postcards today. In fact, it’s reported that Heather was the first person recorded to have ridden a surfboard at The Berg. Muizenberg was also a favourite surf spot among some rather notable women, including renowned author Agatha Christie, who liked to put Fred (her board) through its paces there.

IT’S BEEN SCHOOLING SURFERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS

At the end of World War One, pilot Tony Bowman decided to make Muizenberg his home. Riveted by a description of surfing at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii by author Jack London in his novel, Cruise of the Snark, Bowman became slightly obsessed with riding waves himself. He created his own kind of surf “boats” and contacted the Honolulu Tourist Association for surfing photographs so that he could improve on the dimensions of the boards he was building.

Tony, along with his mates Lex Miller and Bobby van der Riet (a.k.a. “the Three Arcadians”) built boards in a workshop behind the Arcadia Tea Room in Muizenberg, and eventually honed their skills to the point that their boards made it to the waves, and stand-up surfing became established at Muizenberg.

Since then, Surfer’s Corner at Muizenberg has become home to the local surfing community and is known for its consistently good – and mostly gentle – waves, making it the ideal place to learn to surf. Numerous surf schools operate out of Muizenberg, many of which are also involved in community outreach initiatives and passing on “the stoke” to local kids.

IT’S HOME TO SA’S OLDEST SURF SHOP

Actually, Africa’s oldest surf shop… complete with original owner, Peter Wright. Affectionately known as the godfather of surf retail, this beloved, white-haired local opened The Corner Surf Shop at 1 Clarendon Lane, Muizenberg, on 1 July 1971.

Peter started out building surfboards and his label, Wright’s Surfboards, soon became the choice of board among the surfing elite of the time. Several years later, around the mid-Seventies, Peter began importing skate- and surf-wear and by 1978, The Corner Surf Shop had more than doubled in size.

In 1979, The Corner Surf Shop established South Africa’s first surf-report line (021-788-1350), which – just like the shop – is still in operation today and held in high esteem by local and far-flung surfing enthusiasts alike.

“I guess it was just a real cross-section of life,” answers Peter when asked about life in Muizenberg in the Sixties and Seventies. It seems then, that the essence of Muizenberg has changed very little since Peter’s heyday – which is exactly what makes it such a Cape Town gem.

SEE NEXT POST
 
Help Break A World Record of 511 People In A Paddle-out
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/international-surfing-day

Paddle out at the beach where it all began 100 years ago. Celebrate SA’s 100-year old surf culture on International Surfing Day

Celebrate our lekker and local 100-year-old surf culture by paddling out and linking hands at Muizenberg Beach on International Surfing Day, Saturday 22 June 2019, at 12 noon.

This gathering is purely for building community spirit, expressing gratitude for the ocean and our surfing heritage, and to highlight and educate people about the moments that brought us to where we are today.

HELP BREAK THE RECORD OR WATCH
The International Surfing Day event is all-inclusive and everyone is welcome to join; a love of the ocean and any type of surfing is all that's required. Arrive before 12 noon when participants will paddle out and gather in a circle around a special 100-year buoy at the back of the waves.

The official Guinness World Record for a paddle-out is 511 people, set at Huntington Beach, California. You could be part of setting a new record! Spectators may gather at Surfers Corner Beach to observe. Parking may be an issue, so it’s best to use public transport or lift-share.

For updates and all enquiries, please use the 100 Years of Surf Facebook event page and for an informative timeline highlighting the important moments in the history of SA Surfing, follow on Instagram.

This gathering is being organised anonymously by the 100years Crew. “In a world of egos and materialism, we want this event to be pure and unmarked by any potential personal gains or fame,” says a 100years Crew spokesperson. The event is also not associated with any brands or organisations.
 
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