Cape Town - Interesting Articles

[Hooked]

Killer whales surround great white in Cape waters
https://www.capetownetc.com/entertainment/killer-whales-surround-great-white-in-cape-waters
7 Feb. 2020

"A tour group was surprised by a particularly unique experience just off Seal Island, where a pod of killer whales was spotted hunting down a great white shark ...

Killers whales have a reputation in the Cape as they have been blamed for the absence of great whites in the False Bay area. Pods of killer whales are known to hunt sharks, with those living in Cape waters becoming notorious for their predatory behaviour."


Video credit to Donavan Smith

 

[Hooked]

New direct flights to link Cape Town and London
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/new-direct-flights-to-link-cape-town-and-london
12 Feb. 2020

"Cape Town Air Access has announced a direct air route from London Heathrow to Cape Town, with Virgin Atlantic. The service will be available from October 2020 onwards.

According to the Virgin Atlantic Facebook page, flights commence on October 25, 2020 and bookings for flights are available from February 18.

For more information visit: www.virginatlantic.com or www.virginholidays.co.uk or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic  @virginholidays

 

[Hooked]

CT banks where you can collect your ID, passport
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/ct-banks-where-you-can-collect-your-id-passport
12 Feb. 2020

In an effort to reduce congestion in Home Affairs offices, the E-Home Affairs system allows users to apply and pay for their new Smartcards online on the Home Affairs website. Once the card is ready, it can be collected at a Home Affairs office or one of these participating banks.

ABSA:
– ABSA Claremont: Absa on Grove, 11 Grove Ave (Coming in 2020)

FNB:
– FNB Portside: Portside Building, 5 Buitengracht Street (Currently available)

Standard Bank:
– Canal Walk: Shop 599LL, Upper level, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City (Currently available)

– Promenade Mall: Corner of AZ Berman Road And Morgenster Road, Shop 73-75 Liberty Promenade (Opening date in March 2020)

Nedbank:
– St. George’s Mall: Corner of Waterkant Road and St. George’s Mall (Opening date between February – June 2020)

 

[Hooked]

Attempted armed robbery at Somerset Mall
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/attempted-armed-robbery-at-somerset-mall
16 Feb. 2020

"An attempted armed robbery took place at Van Deijl Jewellery store in Somerset Mall today, February 17, at approximately 10:17 am.

According to a statement posted to the Somerset West Facebook page, six armed men entered the mall and five security guards were held hostage. The men smashed the window of the jewellery store which immediately activated the security shutters. The perpetrators escaped with no jewellery.

Upon making their escape, the robbers, who were reportedly armed with two high caliber firearms, entered an unnamed sunglasses store and managed to steal a number of sunglasses. A staff member was injured during the altercation and immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. No shots where fired during the incident.

A Somerset Mall security guard said he was on scene within 5 minutes of the incident. “Suspects have 2 high caliber firearms. 2 vehicles were left idling at Entrance 2 of Somerset Mall. 4 bravo males suspects got away,” he said in a statement.

Somerset Mall is working closely with the partners and stakeholders within the security cluster as well as law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of all customers and tenants visiting the mall."

 

[Hooked]

Western Cape license fees to increase in April
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/western-cape-license-fees-to-increase-in-april
10 Feb. 2020

"... Fees for cars, motorcycles, trailers, trucks and caravans in the Western Cape were outlined in the 2020 gazette, showing an increased of approximately 4.5%. This increase falls in line with inflation."

[Prices are given in the above link]

 

[Hooked]

SA’s biggest tequila bar comes to Cape Town
https://www.capetownetc.com/sponsored/sas-biggest-tequila-bar-comes-to-cape-town/
14 Feb. 2020

"Tequila Town boasts over 100 bottles of Tequilas, Mezcals and Karoo Agave making it South Africa’s biggest Tequila reserve collection. This Mexican style restaurant and bar offers dinner along with entertainment and is ideal for celebrations like bachelorette parties, birthday parties and corporate events.

On the entertainment side Tequila Town offers a diverse range of entertainment from comedy nights that run four nights a week featuring both South Africa’s upcoming and popular comedic talent. Furthermore, the restaurant hosts alternative forms of entertainment like quiz and karaoke nights and is already rated as one of the best live music venues in the Mother City.

Stepping into Tequila Town you would think you just walked into Mexico. The concept for the decor brings warmth and flair to the interiors of the restaurant and bar. This 140-seater restaurant is a must-visit for all lovers of Tequila, Mexican food, and great entertainment.

In addition, they also offer Tequila Tastings, Tequila and Chilli pairings a well as Tequila and Salt Tasting so that you are able to experience a world of flavors which is only available at Tequila Town.

The strong Mexican theme does not end with Tequila as they have put together a delicious Mexican food menu which includes the tastiest Mexican jalapeno poppers."

[The article didn't give the address but I found this on the Internet]

 

[Hooked]

These signs were spotted in Kirstenhof!

 

[Hooked]

SA Cocktail Festival 2020 – bigger and better!
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/sa-cocktail-festival-2020-bigger-and-better
17 Feb. 2020

On Saturday, February 29, 2020 South Africa’s Biggest Cocktail Festival comes to Cape Town with a stellar line-up with electronic acts like Pascal & Pearce, Strange Loving & live acts like Yanga Sobetwa, Jarrad Ricketts. With 15 pop-up bars, cocktail-lovers can enjoy the best of local spirits and trendy drinks in a grand street party with over 30 spirit brands like Cruz Vodka, Galliano, Jim Beam, Passoã, Leonista Karoo Agave, Hendricks Gin, Tequila Patron, Absolut Vodka, Bacardi Rum, Sierra Tequila, Duchess G&T, Monin, Tanqueray and more featured in other editions.

The festival’s theme is “Grand White Street Party” and SA Cocktail Festival 2020 offers organised tastings and the opportunity to learn insider secrets to making top-quality drinks at home. The festival is stepping up the educational and informational aspect of creating cocktails with Masterclasses by some of the top bartenders in and around Cape Town. Each class will accommodate 15–20 attendees per session, book your spot ASAP!

Cocktail enthusiasts can also look forward to guest shifts with bartenders in bars across the city.
The SA Cocktail Festival 2020 offers:
– Cocktail Masterclasses: Learn the art of cocktail making, get information about the origins of the brand and future cocktail trends.
– Amazing food and spirits pairings, for a full culinary experience.
– Flair Bartenders, Mixologists and Brand experts telling you more about Cocktail Trends.
– Casino-style entertainment
– Live music, electronic beats: an impressive line-up of local South African bands & DJs such as Yanga Sobetwa, Jarrad Ricketts, Pascal & Pearce, Strange Loving and more.
– A week-long SA Cocktail Week cocktail journey can be enjoyed by attendees filled with cocktail experiences, food , events and more.

[No further info given, but I found this on FB https://www.facebook.com/sacocktailweek

TICKETS:
• Buy now: https://www.howler.co.za/sacw19
• Complimentary Cocktail & Masterclass with each Ticket!

Event Timings:
29 Feb Saturday - 11am to 10.30pm |

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town to lead SA’s cannabis industry
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-town-to-lead-sas-cannabis-industry
17 Feb. 2020

South Africa, the Western Cape and Cape Town as a whole will soon increase their efforts to capitalise on the cannabis industry, as it is expected to garner more than $40-billion worth worldwide by 2024.

As the industry has a massive potential for growth the City of Cape Town will explore all avenues to ensure residents benefit from the unlimited potential.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced at the State of the Nation Address that opportunities for hemp products would be opened up in 2020.

“This year, we will open up and regulate the commercial use of hemp products, providing opportunities for small-scale farmers; and formulate policy on the use of cannabis products for medicinal purposes,” said Ramaphosa.

Cape Town already has significant interest from investors in the agricultural area alone with the City expecting huge interest in the pharmaceutical research, development, and biotech as Cape Town is fast becoming the Africa’s leader in these areas.

The City is also conducting research to further its cannabis industry involvement and seek out other key areas of growth.

Several pieces of land in Atlantis have already been earmarked for use in the private sector specifically to grow medical cannabis with other plans including open up opportunities for income, job creation and up-skilling for locals.

“It is also testament to the City’s commitment to partner with the private sector to explore new opportunities to grow the economy, attract investment and create much needed employment,” says JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management.

The hemp industry will allow for an alternative source material for rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation and biofuel and the frameworks to legalize hemp are already underway in South Africa. Currently hemp may only be imported under specific conditions but cultivation in SA is still illegal.

The cultivation of hemp will specifically help small-scale farmers with the government planning to award them with the rights to farm this bountiful crop this year.

“My intention is to write to the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and the Medicines Control Council to request an update on the progress made to allow for the farming of hemp,” says Smith.

Smith also plans to get an update on the provision for cannabis in the following areas according to Section 22C(1)(b) of the Medicines Act:

– Cultivate/grow and produce cannabis and cannabis resin
– Extract and test cannabis, cannabis resin and/or cannabinoids
– Manufacture a Cannabis-containing or cannabinoid-containing medicine
– Import a cannabis-containing medicine
– Export a cannabis-containing medicine
– Distribute a cannabis-containing medicine

[By the way, there is a shop which sells items made of hemp. I bought a bag and hemp T-shirt from them and I love the T-shirt!

https://www.hemporium.co.za/

 

[Hooked]

Beware of new vehicle recall scam
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/beware-of-new-vehicle-recall-scam
17 Feb. 2020

The Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB) has issued a vehicle recall scam alert as a result of the new method, which has been shared by Dialdirect Insurance.

“Criminals execute a recall scam by contacting unsuspecting vehicle owners and posing as officials representing a car manufacturer – convincing the owners that their vehicle is part of a batch being recalled due to serious malfunctions,” said Maanda Tshifularo, head of Dialdirect Insurance, to BusinessTech. “With the promise of a repaired or replacement vehicle, many people buy into this scam and end up losing tens, or even hundreds of thousands of rand.”

According to the ICB, the initial contact is made telephonically – the criminal poses as an official and informs the victim that their vehicle has been recalled.

“This is often followed up with a spoof e-mail, with criminals going to great lengths to make their communication seem official,” the ICB said. “They convince vehicle owners that they shouldn’t drive their vehicle under any circumstances and make arrangements to collect it – most often using a tow truck.”

A few days later, when the owner phones the dealership to check on their vehicle, they discover that their vehicle has been stolen instead of recalled. It is suspected that the scam is run by either a single or multiple syndicates.

Dialdirect and the ICB advise drivers to do the following to prevent becoming a victim:

– Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and telephonically, as criminals use this to build a detailed profile on their victim.

– Remember to be vigilant and maintain a healthy sense of scepticism when talking to strangers. If the stranger claims to be a representative of a car dealership, contact the dealership immediately to verify that they are an employee.

– Check with the manufacturer and/or dealership directly to verify that the recall is real. Never trust contact details provided by the person who called you.

– Report any suspicious calls to the authorities, the manufacturer and/or the dealership.

 

[Hooked]

Gordon’s Bay beach glows bright blue
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/gordons-bay-beach-glows-bright-blue
17 Feb. 2020


Pictures: Eric Nathan Photography

Residents in the Gordon’s Bay Area were treated to an unforgettable show as the beach came alive with bright blue lights on Sunday, February 16.

Local Jézelle Fourie shared her experience of the amazing occurrence on Facebook expressing how memorable it was.

Bikini Beach was filled with a subtle blue hue as the waves crashed in gorgeous luminescent flashes.

Bioluminescence is a unique natural phenomenon where a living organism emits or produces light. A common example of this is seen in fireflies, although this phenomenon occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates alike. The light produced is called a ‘cold light’, meaning that less than 20% of the light generates heat or thermal radiation.

Gordon’s Bay is not the only place that glows blue every now and then. This occurrence takes place in other areas including Fish Hoek and usually happens during the summer months. The same bright light show happened last year in Kogel Bay.

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town to open independent power office
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-town-to-open-independent-power-office
17 Feb. 2020

The Mother City is making a move towards renewable energy. The City of Cape Town’s Executive director for energy Kadri Nassiep says they have engaged with the national treasury to set up an independent power producer (IPP) office.

This new strategy is in line with the City’s renewable energy independent power producer programme (REIPPP) with a call for proposals appealing to those who can help the Mother City move into a new era. “We have also engaged CSIR to prepare our mini-IRP that will direct our call for proposals,” Nassiep told the Daily Maverick.

Guided by the integrated resource plan (IRP), the City will choose where the electricity will be sourced from and when.

The IPP office has already started with an exercise to urgently source 2 000 to 3 000 megawatts of energy. Part of the new offices duties will be re-shaping the energy landscape of the Mother City and actively implement its own resource plan.

According to Nassiep this means tariffs will need to be relooked as well. “We still have to refine tariffs, but we are looking at it already,” he said.

A new budget will be necessary to accommodate the plans going forward.

Earlier in February, it was announced that the government will be gazetting a revised Electricity Regulation Act with Schedule 2 enabling self-generation and facilitation of “distributed generation” by municipalities.

The City of Cape Town is still waiting to have their day in court in May 11 and 12 where the City will state its case against Nersa and for having its own source of electricity.

Joining Cape Town in the battle is the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), saying the government has a duty to provide clean, healthy energy to its people that does not pollute or damage the climate in any way.

Currently the City is also conducting a study to determine the best ways to rise above energy poverty improving access for all as well as affordability.

President Ramaphosa is also behind the movement having announced that a new ministerial determination will be issued shortly which will allow for the development of additional grid capacity from renewable energy specifically.

“We will initiate the procurement of emergency power from projects that can deliver electricity into the grid within three to 12 months from approval,” said Ramaphosa.

As the fight for renewable energy rages on the future looks as though it will be brighter with Cape Town leading the way.

 

[Hooked]

The Cape Town Prawn Festival 2020
February 22 @ 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
https://www.capetownetc.com/events/the-cape-town-prawn-festival-2020

"... an action-packed day and a seafood feast at the Cape Town Prawn Festival on February 22.

Kenilworth Racecourse plays host to the Prawn Festival, which not only means thousands of succulent, freshly cooked prawns available for sale as the name suggest, but also promises an adrenalin-pumping days-worth of racing – with no less than five graded races carded, including the Grade 1 Cape Derby...

At just R99 for 25 prawns (which includes chips, rice and a choice of sauce), there will be few better Saturday lunch offers to consider. Couple that with live entertainment for adults and kids alike, an on-course market and prizes worth R50 000 to be given away on the day – including R20 000 worth of household appliances to one lucky race-goer – and you have the recipe for an unforgettable experience for the whole family...

Gates Open at 11am.

Transport: Parking is available on the in-field at Kenilworth Racecourse off Wetton Road for all guests who have pre-purchased event tickets. Guests are urged to use taxi services which will be present on the day. Pedestrian entrance on Wetton road.

Tickets: Entrance is Free

For further information follow Racing. It’s A Rush on social media or visit www.itsarush.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RACINGitsarush

Twitter: https://twitter.com/racing_itsarush

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racingitsarush/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/racing-it-s-a-rush

 

[Grand Guru]

Gordon’s Bay beach glows bright blue
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/gordons-bay-beach-glows-bright-blue
17 Feb. 2020

View attachment 190305
Pictures: Eric Nathan Photography

Residents in the Gordon’s Bay Area were treated to an unforgettable show as the beach came alive with bright blue lights on Sunday, February 16.

Local Jézelle Fourie shared her experience of the amazing occurrence on Facebook expressing how memorable it was.

Bikini Beach was filled with a subtle blue hue as the waves crashed in gorgeous luminescent flashes.

Bioluminescence is a unique natural phenomenon where a living organism emits or produces light. A common example of this is seen in fireflies, although this phenomenon occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates alike. The light produced is called a ‘cold light’, meaning that less than 20% of the light generates heat or thermal radiation.

Gordon’s Bay is not the only place that glows blue every now and then. This occurrence takes place in other areas including Fish Hoek and usually happens during the summer months. The same bright light show happened last year in Kogel Bay.

I’ve witnessed this phenomenon when I was a child. Mesmerizing!

 

[Hooked]

German government grants water funds for Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/german-government-grants-water-funds-for-cape
21 Feb. 2020

"...The City of Cape Town recently announced that it has implemented a new water strategy, and this has secured funding from the German government to the value of R93-million.

The grant will be paid via the German Development Bank KfW, and according to IOL, it will be used to cover a wide range of technical assistance, educational and training measures to support the City’s drive towards water resilience. “For the German government to consider such a substantial investment into the implementation of the City’s water strategy is a significant indication of good faith and confidence in the exemplary work that has been produced by our Water and Sanitation Department,” Mayco Member for Water and Waste Services, Xanthea Limberg, said.

The grant will be allocated into two separate allotments, with approximately R1.2-million being set aside for educational and training measures in wastewater treatment, while another R4.5-million allocated to support City projects.

“It (the grant) will be used for a range of professional services and technical training, including optimal use of wastewater as a resource, with energy/resource efficiency and price considerations; greenhouse gas reduction objectives; development of a risk management strategy for reuse and appropriate monitoring programme taking into account contaminants of emerging concern; and updating the City’s stormwater master plans; along with various other projects,” Limberg said."

 

[Hooked]

Buffel the elephant seal spotted in False Bay
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/buffel-the-elephant-seal-spotted-in-false-bay
21 Feb. 2020

Credit: Facebook / Pippa Ehrlich (via The Change Project)


"Cape Town’s favourite seal is back on our shores! Buffel the southern elephant seal has recently been spotted moulting in False Bay.

Buffel, as the seal is affectionately known to locals, is somewhat of a famous face in the Cape. He was often found lazing around Fish Hoek Beach in January 2019 and on Duiker Island in Hout Bay in 2019. Now it seems the popular marine animal has set his sights on False Bay as his latest hang out spot.

According to The Change Project, Buffel is currently undergoing molting on the coast to maintain his health.

“Elephant seals undergo a process known as catastrophic moulting whereby a layer of skin and hair is shed,” explains The Change Project. “This is done to maintain healthy skin and is an adaptation to their extended deep, cold dives.

“During their dives, they limit the flow of blood to their skin and extremities — most of the blood flow is sent to their brain and core organs. Thus in order to maintain a healthy pelt, they have developed a strategy which includes spending a month on a beach, allowing blood to circulate continuously past the skin, while ensuring that there isn’t excessive loss of body heat.”

 

[Hooked]

Convicted paedophile caught lurking at Rondebosch Boys High
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/convicted-paedophile-caught-lurking-at-rondebosch-boys-high
24 Feb. 2020

Rondebosch Boys High School (RBHS) in the southern suburbs of Cape Town has issued a warning to parents of pupils at the school after the Child Protection Unit notified them of a convicted paedophile approaching families.

The suspect, William John Creasey (73), was found guilty of indecently assaulting 13 young boys while teaching art at a Grassy Park school in 2004. A letter sent to the school notified the principal that Creasey had reportedly offered to give private art lessons to two boys from the school.

The letter also stated that Creasey had been spotted attending sporting events and snapping pictures of pupils. Creasey even went so far as to paint portraits of boys he had photographed and show them to families with the offer of repainting it more accurately at a private sitting.

On Saturday, February 22, he was caught taking pictures of young boys during a cricket match at Rondebosch Boys High School. Two parents noticed the pervert taking pictures of the Grade 9 boys shortly after they were notified that he had been seen near the school.

Parents managed to snap a picture of the man and questioned him before having him escorted off the field by police.

According to parents who saw Creasey at the school, he could not explain why he was photographing the boys. He told parents he could not be arrested because he didn’t commit a crime when they removed from the field. Following his conviction, sentencing and jail time served for child molestation and being registered as a sex offender, Creasey is not allowed to approach or work with minors under any circumstances.

In 2004, Creasey was convicted for indecently assaulting 13 boys at a Grassy Park school. He was also found with the largest stash of child porn ever recorded in the Western Cape and served six years in Pollsmoor Prison. He was released in 2009.

Bronagh Hammond from the Western Cape Education Department confirmed to Daily Voice Newspaper that Creasey was seen at the field over the weekend and that they were looking at ways to better protect learners in the future.

 

[Hooked]

https://www.capetownmagazine.com/south-yeaster-summerfest

Beer, Beer And More Beer At SouthYeaster Summerfest
Cape Town homebrewers put their best beer forward
If you love beer and want to taste some new flavours, you need to get to the SouthYeaster Summerfest; an authentic home brew experience.

Local home brew club SouthYeasters is showcasing Cape Town's finest home brewers on Sunday, 1 March, at the Saggy Stone Villager Pub and Grill in Claremont.

EXPECT FLAVOURS YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED
Celebrating small scale home-brewed beer, the SouthYeaster home brew club offers fans of beer the opportunity to try a range of different flavours they've never tasted before.

Since homebrewers deal with just 20 litres of beer, they have the advantage of experimenting in ways commercially produced beer can’t. Mixing and matching new flavours to create delicious flavours.

Expect to taste a variety of IPA's, stouts, Kolsch's, wheat beers, ciders and more this year.

HOW IT ALL WORKS
The Yeaster Summerfest welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to compete to join in and add to the range of home-brewed beers.

aste sample of any beer you like from between 15-20 homebrewers. At the end of the tasting, vote for your favourite home brew contestant. The winner will take home the coveted People's Choice trophy.

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
For those who don't drink beer, the Saggy Stone Villager Pub and Bar will be open and serving soft drinks and food throughout the day. Book your ticket on the SouthYeaster website and enjoy a day of authentic home brew tastings for R95pp.

 

[Hooked]

Pump station spills sewerage at Blouberg Beach
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/pump-station-spills-sewerage-at-blouberg-beach
25 Feb. 2020

"Residents in the Table View, Big Bay and Blouberg Strand areas are up in arms after a pump station at the Bloubergstrand Beachfront pumped sewage into the water.

Beach-goers were asked to avoid the beach area near Café Blouberg on February 22 when the spill was noticed by members of the Table View Rate Payers Association.

The pump reportedly tripped after load shedding and no warning alarm or system was properly in place to notify relevant officials that the station was spilling sewerage onto the beach.

According to the Table View Rate Payers Association, it took 18 hours from when the incident was reported by residents for the pump to be attended to and switched back on. The stench from the spill was strong and terribly nauseating for residents in the area ...

Yesterday [February 24] a suction pump truck visited the Bloubergstrand beachfront to carry out cleaning attempts on the contaminated water. During the cleanup, a worker slipped and fell on the rocks and has reportedly broken his arm.

On the same day at approximately 12.30pm, residents notified the Water and Sanitation Department of more sewage flowing from outflows onto the beach to the left of Blue Peter Hotel and Spanish Steps houses. The Pellegrini sewage pump had failed, residents reported that it had been unattended for 48 hours.

“Pump stations are fitted with telemetric alarm systems to allow teams to respond when an incident occurs. Alerts triggered via the telemetric systems at pump stations are sent by radio but transmission/reception has been slower during load-shedding. Even with mobile operators rerouting to other towers, to compensate for battery theft or low capacity of batteries at towers, there has been an impact on these systems associated with load-shedding,” says Limberg."

 

[Hooked]

Cape boy to be the youngest to climb Kilimanjaro
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-boy-to-be-the-youngest-to-climb-kilimanjaro
24 Feb. 2020

Picture: Facebook / Live Your Dream GO

"... Nine-year-old Guillaume Olivier from Fish Hoek plans to make the great trek up Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic peaks in August 2020. This brave boy also hopes to take the journey in honour of the firefighters in South Africa and the world over who bravely risk their lives every day ...

The minimum age to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is 10-years-old, so Guillaume had to write a letter of motivation to receive special permission. Luckily, the National Park Board at Kilimanjaro has agreed and Guillaume will take to the mountains from August 21-30, 2020.

The youngest person in the world to climb Kilimanjaro is Coaltan Tanner, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who reached the summit aged just 6 years, 1 month and 4 days on October 22, 2018. Retshegofaditswe ‘Tshego’ Hatang from Little Falls in the West Rand is the youngest recorded South African to reach the summit at 10-year-old, conquering the mountain back in 2018.

If you’d like to support his journey, you may donate to his fundraiser HERE and follow his journey on his Facebook page.

 

[Hooked]

How Cape Town’s “Tampon Towers” came to be
https://www.capetownetc.com/entertainment/how-cape-towns-tampon-towers-came-to-be
25 Feb. 2020

"Known by many names Vredehoek’s “Tampon Towers”, “The Pepper Pots” or “The Toilet Rolls” are a well-known addition to the Cape Town skyline that dates back to the 1960s, this is their story.

While the towers are infamous for their less than perfect appearance many are unaware that their actual name is the Disa Towers as they are located in Disa Park.

These 17 storey structures were built by construction company Murray and Roberts in the 1960s with each tower being given their own name: Blinkwater, Platteklip and Silverstroom.

As they feature in the foreground of the beautiful Table Mountain, residents have long seen them as spoiling the natural beauty of the mountainside.

The towering structures were approved for construction when the company found a loophole in the building restrictions placed on the mountainside. They managed to build the base below the allowable development line and then built upward from there, finding a clever way around regulations.

An interesting point of the development is that in their early years of letting prices for apartments ranged from between R55 to R160 per month and included water and electricity. Other features offered to tenants included a laundromat, doctors clinic, creche, shoe repair depot, sport facilities, a garden and parking. Roughly 340 cars can park in the parking area.

In total the buildings offer 287 apartments and could house roughly 1 000 people comfortably.

In their day, the structures were highly experimental and lead the way for their industry in design and lessons learned from construction. Their circular design is capable of reducing noise pollution and the structures feature unique vinyl-like flooring which further reduces unwanted sound.

Now the towers experience some of the best views of neighbouring suburbs and the mountains in the Mother City.

Residents living in the towers are spoiled for choice when it comes to trails nearby and they also have a variety of recreational activities nearby including tennis and squash courts.



Published by Aimee Pace on February 25, 2020
23.2K 196
Known by many names Vredehoek’s “Tampon Towers”, “The Pepper Pots” or “The Toilet Rolls” are a well-known addition to the Cape Town skyline that dates back to the 1960s, this is their story.

While the towers are infamous for their less than perfect appearance many are unaware that their actual name is the Disa Towers as they are located in Disa Park.

Since their heydays the buildings have since changed owners but they are a part of Cape Town that few locals will ever forget and that visitors will ask about for years to come.

“In April 2017, Murray & Roberts sold all its civil and building construction businesses to a black-owned company called Southern Palace Group – we exited the civil and building construction sector completely in 2017. We no longer do any such projects,” says Murray & Roberts Group Investor and Media Executive, Ed Jardim.

These 17 storey structures were built by construction company Murray and Roberts in the 1960s with each tower being given their own name: Blinkwater, Platteklip and Silverstroom.



As they feature in the foreground of the beautiful Table Mountain, residents have long seen them as spoiling the natural beauty of the mountainside.

The towering structures were approved for construction when the company found a loophole in the building restrictions placed on the mountainside. They managed to build the base below the allowable development line and then built upward from there, finding a clever way around regulations.

An interesting point of the development is that in their early years of letting prices for apartments ranged from between R55 to R160 per month and included water and electricity. Other features offered to tenants included a laundromat, doctors clinic, creche, shoe repair depot, sport facilities, a garden and parking. Roughly 340 cars can park in the parking area.

In total the buildings offer 287 apartments and could house roughly 1 000 people comfortably.

In their day, the structures were highly experimental and lead the way for their industry in design and lessons learned from construction. Their circular design is capable of reducing noise pollution and the structures feature unique vinyl-like flooring which further reduces unwanted sound.

Now the towers experience some of the best views of neighbouring suburbs and the mountains in the Mother City.

Residents living in the towers are spoiled for choice when it comes to trails nearby and they also have a variety of recreational activities nearby including tennis and squash courts.



The towers have a unique cylindrical appearance with past tenants saying they even sway in the wind on particularly windy days.

Some say you can’t even open your windows or you might lose them to the mountain breeze.

When the towers first rose from the ground they were the first high-rise circular buildings in the world to make use of industrialised or pre-fabricated building techniques during construction.

They measure 180 feet (54,86 metres) high, 80-feet (24.384 metres) in diameter and are made mostly of precast concrete units.

 

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Mostert’s Mill: Africa’s only working windmill
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/mosterts-mill-africas-only-working-windmill
26 Feb. 2020

Published by leila stein on February 26, 2020
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If you’ve driven along Philip Kgosana Drive (M3) you may have noticed a windmill which appears out of place along the highway. This is Mostert’s Mill, the only working windmill in Africa, south of the Sahara.

This farm windmill was built in around 1796 in accordance with standards set by the Dutch. These standards were put in place as previous windmills had been damaged by the strong winds that rip through the Cape.

It was built on a farm called “Welgelegen” and became known as Mostert’s Mill after Sybrand Jacobus Mostert, who inherited the farm in 1823. It eventually came under the ownership of Cecil John Rhodes who was buying up land in the area to consolidate his Groote Schuur Estate.

Following his death in 1902, the mill and all other Rhodes properties were given to South Africa in accordance with his will.

It is a truncated tower-mill with a revolving cap, thatched, roof. The sails are turned by the wind. It is referred to as a Grond Zeile mill in Dutch and refers to the fact that the sails are serviced from the ground. The mill has been restored twice, once in 1935 and again in 1995 by the Public Works Department.

Access to the mill is only by permission from the Department of Public Works or by joining the Friends of Mostert’s Mill, the society who operate the mill.

Weather permitting. Friend’s of Mostert’s Mill, has an open day every 28 days. This year’s milling days are March 7, April 4, May 2, May 30 and June 27.

Pictures: @pizhobling/Twitter/Mostert’s Mill

 

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52 Super Series at the V&A Waterfront
March 2 - April 4
https://www.capetownetc.com/events/52-super-series-at-the-va-waterfront

"The 52 Super Series is established as the world’s leading grand prix monohull yacht racing circuit. For the first time every, the circuit will visit the Southern Hemisphere and start the 2020 calendar in Cape Town for two events before returning to the Mediterranean for the rest of the season.

Ten teams representing 8 different countries are made up of the best sailors in the world – with several Olympic medals, America’s Cup wins, Volvo Ocean Race campaigns and countless World Champions in various classes – this is the fleet that the world is watching.

The fleet will be based at the iconic V&A Waterfront where sailing fans will be able to enjoy their first glimpse of the TP52 fleet including the home South-African-flagged Phoenix teams of Hasso and Tina Plattner. Competing owners and crews will be able to take advantage of the excellent local atmosphere and breath-taking views.

Racing will take place daily in Table Bay and depending on the weather conditions, spectators can line the Breakwater walkway or Blouberg beaches to watch the close racing. Each day teams will depart from Quay 6 from 10am and return around 5pm. Send off and welcome is open to the public and watching teams prepare for a day of battle is a sight to behold..."

Event 1: March 2 – March 6 2020
Event 2: March 31 – April 4 2020

 

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Western Cape to become first load shedding free province
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/western-cape-to-become-first-load-shedding-free-province
2 March 2020

The Western Cape may soon become South Africa’s first power independent province with nearly all of the 30 municipalities ready to provide their residents with electricity of their own.

Twenty-three out of the Cape’s 30 municipalities are ready to procure their electricity from Independent Power Producers or IPPs. Once the provinces receive concrete deadlines for implementation from the national government they will be ready to hit the ground running.

With the Western Cape being the most prepared for power-independence, the province could become the first in the country to provide power for their residents without having to deal with load shedding ...

At least 19 of the Western Cape’s municipalities already have regulator-approved tariffs, when the municipalities receive their rights to procure energy they will also be able to reduce long-term costs of electricity as they see fit.

 

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SA’s first plastic road officially opens
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/sas-first-plastic-road-officially-opens
2 March 2020

(Not CT but Jeffreys Bay)

Motorists will finally be able to make use of South Africa’s first and only plastic road as of March, 2020. The project aimed at recycling thousands of kgs of plastic to create a sustainable road that will last longer. The project started in March 2019.

The Kouga Municipality is the first to trial the concept of a plastic road, made from recycled plastic materials broken down into pellets.

Since news of the idea reached the rest of the country, there has been talk of opening a factory in Kouga and spreading the plastic road trend throughout South Africa.

Done in partnership with Scottish company MacRebur, who specialise in plastic roads, the new development along Woltemade Street in Jeffreys Bay is expected to last substantially longer than conventional roads and save money in upkeep.

A new factory in the area could resolve South Africa’s general road upkeep problem as well as create jobs and use plastic in a positive and sustainable way.

Roughly 1.5 tonnes or 1500kg of plastic are used to complete just 1km of road, this is equal to 1.8-million plastic shopping bags.

If you’re visiting Jeffreys Bay, be sure to take a turn down Africa’s first eco-friendly road.

Picture: MacRebur