Cape Town - Interesting Articles

[Hooked]

You can’t surf in the ocean but the streets are fair game
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/you-cant-surf-in-the-ocean-but-the-streets-are-fair-game
10 June 2020

"VIDEO: What do you do when Level 3 restrictions prohibit you from entering the ocean? You take it to the Blouberg streets and try out a few moves surfing in rain water. Give that man a Bells!
A video posted of a man surfing through water puddles on a local Facebook Group, called Bloubergstranders, kept the locals thoroughly entertained on this icy cold day.

Carol De Klerk shot the video at 12.15pm on Wednesday morning along the beach road in Blouberg. She captioned it “When you not allowed to surf you improvise”. The video shows a white bakkie pulling a surfer, clad in a wet suit, through water puddles on the side of the road. He even attempts a few turns and pulls them off.

By the looks of the video, the man is clearly skilled at surfing, he makes it seem so effortless.

“This is why I love Cape Town” and “Only in Cape Town” are some of the comments on the video.


https://www.capetownetc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/video-1591806244.mp4?_=1

 

[Hooked]

Milnerton Flea Market to reopen this weekend
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/milnerton-flea-market-to-reopen-this-weekend
10 June 2020

"The Milnerton Flea Market, one of Cape Town’s biggest markets, is ready to reopen this weekend following a long period of closure due to the nationwide lockdown.

Weather permitting, the popular market plans to open to the public again for the first time since lockdown was instated on March 27.

Organisers announced the reopening on Facebook, and added that safety protocols will be in place to provide the community with a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.

Shoppers and traders will have to wear masks at all times and anyone without a mask will not be allowed entry. Hand sanitising will be done at the gates and all shoppers and stall owners will have their temperatures checked before entering.

New trading times for the winter months have also been announced. The gates of the market will open for permanent traders at 7am daily and until 2pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Organisers also announced that online shoppers will still be able to purchase items using the Milnerton Online portal and can even pick up their purchased goods at the market if they so choose.

Eager market-goers will finally have the chance to snap up a good bargain and take in the beauty of the Mother City again, so mark your calendars and get ready to shop."

 

[Hooked]

UCT ranks among world’s top 1.4% universities
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/uct-ranks-among-worlds-top-1-4-universities
10 June 2020

"The Center for World University Rankings’ (CWUR) list for 2020/21 has ranked the University of Cape Town (UCT) as the best on the African continent, and within the top 1.4% in the world.

The CWUR is a leading consulting organization providing policy advice, strategic insights, and consulting services to governments and universities to improve educational and research outcomes.

Their annual university ranking assessed 20 000 education institutions globally, considering factors like the quality of their education and training, faculty members and research. UCT landed in 268th place in the world according to the CWUR, earning the esteemed university the top spot in the country and continent.

The University of the Witwatersrand came in at number 275, Stellenbosch University at 429 and University of KwaZulu-Natal at 477.

The Cape’s most recognised university, however, has fallen 16 places since last year’s rankings. The university attributes this drop in ranking to a greater improvement of scoring for other universities and a relative drop in performance.

In the top three on CWUR’s list are Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

This year the CWUR assessed thousands of universities with only the top 2000 receiving a ranking.

In assessing the top education institutes around the world, CWUR used seven indicators.

– Quality of education(25%): alumni who have won major academic distinctions relative to the university’s size are weighed

– Alumni employment (25%): alumni who have held top executive positions at some of the world’s biggest companies are noted relative to the university’s size

– Quality of faculty (10%): faculty members who have won major academic distinctions are noted

– Research performance, with four sub categories that count for 10% each, these include:

– Number of research articles

– The number of research articles placed in top-tier journals

– The number of research articles in highly influential journals

– The number of highly cited research articles

As education across the world continues to battle through the challenges posed by COVID-19, Capetonians are still filled with pride as UCT proves its worth on a global scale despite the challenges it has faced this year."

 

[Hooked]

Aboard Cape Town’s largest shipwreck
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/aboard-the-cape-towns-largest-shipwreck/
15 June 2020

"... Some 26 years ago a French crane barge by the name of BOS 400 ran ashore when a classic Cape storm stopped the massive vessel mid-journey. The BOS 400 was being towed by a smaller vessel when the storm hit and with the snap of a rope, destiny brought it to its final resting place on Duiker Island just 4.5km from Chapman’s Peak.

The giant vessel has stood the test of time along the coast line and is now a well-known landmark and even a hiking destination.

Daniel Johnson and a few friends took the opportunity to investigate the wreck as soon as they could.

“I had heard that it was possible to get to a large shipwreck in Cape Town, and when I later saw a YouTube video of it being explored, it seemed like it would be an unforgettable experience. I’ve always enjoyed hiking, and exploring unusual places, and I’ve been keen to get more experience with free diving, so this was the perfect chance to do each of those things, and see something unlike anything I’d seen before,” says Johnson.

To visit the famed, rusted monument hikers have to park at the Sandy Bay car park and make their way along the coastline without the help of any paths or signs.

After a short hike the massive wreck becomes visible in the distance and excitement guides you the rest of the way.

According to Johnson the unique condition of the wreck is certainly a sight to see.

“There were so many things which stood out about the experience, but what was perhaps the most notable was simply the sheer scale of it all. The whole experience was utterly surreal – exploring long-abandoned chambers, or swimming beneath the wreck, or looking down from the crane and seeing huge sections of the wreck which had broken off and sunk beneath the surface, all felt like something straight out of a movie. It was also fascinating to see how the wreck had been reclaimed by nature – there were cormorants nesting all along the walkway of the crane, seals and fish in the water around the wreck, kelp growing on the rusted metal beneath the surface, and a whole lot of crayfish on the levels which had been flooded,”

While this is Johnson’s first visit to a shipwreck in Cape Town, he says it has rare qualities that definitely make it stand out from the rest.

“This was actually the first wreck I’d been to in the Cape. It’s a rare example of a shipwreck which can be explored both above and beneath the surface, which made it perfect to see without scuba gear,” he adds.

Eager visitors are warned to be cautious when exploring as the once formidable structure has taken a beating over the years.

“The wreck has certainly deteriorated a lot over the last decade or so, it seems two major sections have broken off and fallen into the water. In many places, the floor is rusted away completely, and so one has to be very careful choosing a path through the wreck. Nonetheless, it remains very firmly in place, and is strong enough in most places to climb and explore. It seems most of the machinery which was used to operate the crane remains, and the crane itself is still held securely. Of all the shipwrecks I’ve visited or seen footage of around South Africa, this is without a doubt the most impressive, and the most intact,” says Johnson.

Take a peek aboard this magical time capsule on the Cape’s cost below:
Picture and video: Daniel Johnson

 

[Hooked]

Local man travels the world with Hout Bay passport
https://www.capetownetc.com/entertainment/local-man-travels-the-world-with-hout-bay-passport/
11 May 2020





"Capetonian comedian, Robin Boltman, proved that being from the “Republic of Hout Bay” has its perks as he used his Hout Bay passport” to travel the world.

In the 1980s, Hout Bay got its very own passport as part of a tourism stunt to give the seaside town more personality. The initiative was started by the Lions and Rotary Club for charity drives and the passports can still be purchased today to keep as souvenirs.

Known as the “Hout Bay Magician”, Boltman had a daring idea to use his passport while traveling on cruise ships. He wondered if he could get away with using the Hout Bay passport and the stunt quickly became an international success.

“When I went cruising it came with my bag of tricks and when I saw the first line of passengers going through customs my naughty sense of humor took over. Although as an entertainer with a ships ID card we didn’t have to, but I couldn’t resist,” says Boltman.

According to Boltman he was able to stamp his passport and travel to a variety of places from Israel, New Zealand and Australia to Tazmania, Fiji and Tonga – all with his trusty Hout Bay Passport.

Eventually it become a game between Boltman and the ship staff, where they would bet on whether his passport would get stamped or not. Boltman says it was a highlight for him over the years watching the staff eagerly wait to see if he would be arrested or if his passport would simply be stamped.

“In Southampton they also stamped it with a six months visitors visa… finally leaving getting it stamped at Heathrow. After the first few stamps it was easy because A… It looked quite real and B customs open it and seeing all the stamps, they just look for the next blank area for theirs,” he adds.

Traveling the world with his Hout Bay passport was a breeze. The only time he ever came into trouble was when he didn’t use it.

“In Botswana I didn’t have a work visa. In those days Sun International shows in neighbouring countries, it was too much red tape. We just used to say holiday or pleasure, but arriving in Gaborone for a week to entertain I said the usual when I was questioned, holiday. She said, really and pointed behind me, there was a huge advertising banner / poster saying appearing live at the Gab. Sun Robin Boltman. Eventually all was sorted out… The customs lady and her family came to the show and said “I’m pleased they let you out… We booked about 3 weeks ago! That’s when I thought I should have used my Hout Bay Passport,” recounts Boltman.

In total Boltman says he was able to travel to 20 different countries with his Hout Bay passport in-hand.

“I have a few stamps from the same country but different cities.. Eg Southampton – London Heathrow, arrived Fremantle departure Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, etc. – more than 20 stamps altogether,” he adds.

The life of the Hout Bay magician has proven to be anything but boring with Boltman surviving two sinking ships, first the Achille Lauro and the Oceanos.

Boltman even became well-known for his efforts in helping coordinate the rescue aboard the Oceanos when it sank.

In the end the Hout Bay passport that had helped Boltman travel the seas and the world was reclaimed by the ocean, as it sank along with Oceanos with over 20 stamps from different countries around the world and memories tied to it that would last a lifetime.

Pictures: Supplied/Robin Boltman

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town named among world’s top cities for start-ups
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-town-named-among-worlds-top-cities-for-start-ups
18 June 2020

"The Mother City has won yet another accolade, this time being named among the world’s top cities who are succeeding in creating a favourable environment for start-ups to thrive.

The world’s most comprehensive global Startup Ecosystem Map and Research Center, StartupBlink ranks the start-up ecosystem of more than 1000 cities and 100 countries.

Their yearly Startup Ecosystem Rankings Report provides free quality information for start-up founders so they can make intelligent decisions about relocation and the right place to build their start-up. Their latest report places Cape Town in 146th place out of more than 1 000 cities.

Cape Town is home to 60% of all South African start-ups, and the city is also considered the continent’s tech hub ..."

 

[Hooked]

Why Cape Town is called the ‘Mother City’…
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-town-called-mother-city

"Cape Town has several affectionate nicknames, some dating as far back as the 1800’s when when it was nothing more than a Spice Route. Have you ever wondered why we call it the Mother City?

This is an affectionate term used by both locals and international visitors to describe the sense of home they feel in our city. Our research has led us to some interesting conclusions.

Here are a few explanations:

1. The first city of SA
Cape Town is the original city of South Africa and was established in 1652 as a refueling station for ships bounds for the East (the Spice Route). The city is often referred to as the Mother of South Africa because it gave birth to civilisation.

2. Greek speak
A Cape Town newspaper operating in the 1930s claimed that this was the only city in South Africa that could claim to be a metropolis. The public enthusiastically took to this description. The word ‘metropolis’ is derived from the Greek word ‘metros’, which means mother. The Greek word ‘polis’ also means means city and the combination created the term Mother City.

3. It takes 9 months to do anything
Another explanation is that things take nine months to happen in the city. Cape Town is renowned for its laid-back work ethic.

4. Jou ma se…
If you’ve heard a Capetonian get angry, you will understand it a little more. Many think it’s because of the local dialect which makes very liberal use of the term, “Jou ma…” – you can fill in the blanks.

There are also several names Cape Town is affectionately known as…

1. The Cape of Storms
This is because of the unpredictability of the Atlantic ocean’s weather.

2. Tavern of the Seas
As the first port of call to offer refreshment after the long journey, Cape Town offered women, wine and song for the lucky sailors who survived the journey.

3. Table Bay
This is inspired by the table-like mountain.

5. Place of Sweet Water
This is a term used by the early San People in reference to the rivulets of water that flow from Table Mountain

6. Hui! Gaeb
The Khoisan people referred to the Cape as the place where the clouds gather, which describes Table Mountain’s famous ‘table cloth’."

 

[CTRiaan]

Big Bada Boom at the Astron Refinery this morning.

https://www.news24.com/news24/south...cape-town-refinery-structure-damaged-20200702

Sirens wailed after a massive explosion at the Astron Energy refinery in Cape Town, shortly after 04:00 on Thursday.


At 10:00, News24 was advised that the casualty picture involved nine people. Two died - a man and a woman - and a seven people - four men and three women - were lightly injured.

The situation was described as a live operation with possible changes to the human cost of the incident.


Earlier on Thursday, damage could be seen on one of the units closest to the Plattekloof side of the sprawling Milnerton plant, north of the city centre. The unit was partially collapsed and mangled.

"Astron Energy South Africa can confirm that an incident occurred at its Milnerton refinery at approximately 04:00 on 2 July 2020," a company statement read.

"Astron Energy immediately activated its emergency response procedures and notified the relevant authorities.

"The resultant fire has been contained and the plant is now stable. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those onsite and further information will be provided as soon as we have confirmed the details."

The refinery has undergone a massive expansion since its purchase by Astron.

 

[CTRiaan]

Big Bada Boom at the Astron Refinery this morning.

 

[Hooked]

WHEW! Looks bad!

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town’s very first drive-in style roadhouse to open
https://www.capetownetc.com/entertainment/cape-towns-very-first-drive-in-style-roadhouse-to-open
4 July 2020

"Necessity is the mother of invention. If there was ever a time to believe this, that time is right now. Hillcrest Restaurant in the Durbanville Wine Valley is doing just that and transforming their offering into the Hillcrest Roadhouse Restaurant.

A first for Cape Town – the restaurant parking area will be converted into a drive-in style area, plus you can order food and have it delivered to your car while you social-distance and enjoy the movie on offer.

Owner of Hillcrest Restaurant, Mike Crawford, announced via Facebook on Friday [July 3] that the restaurant will be changing into a roadhouse with a “Monster Big Screen” added to the parking area to host 100 cars for a movie.

“I had this idea pre-lockdown but we weren’t able to conceptualise it because we went into a heavy lockdown, so we shelved the concept. We brought it back now under the new Level 3. We are basically turning the restaurant into a roadhouse,” said Crawford.

The concept mimics a combination of a drive-in and a roadhouse, which were phased out years ago when movie theatres became fashionable.

“So people will drive in and park, order their food from a menu which you can pick up off QR codes on your phone. It will be waiter-served as well. And while people are in their cars we will be showing movies,” he explained.

They are currently busy with tying up lose ends with relevant departments for movie rights.

“We will screen predominantly some of the old school movies, which varies from comedies to action, romcoms and something for the kids as well. We are trying to initiate this on Friday, July 10. To start off we will be doing it on the weekend – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – with two screenings on a Saturday.”

If the trend catches on and there is a demand for more movies, they plan to screen movies every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, two on a Saturday and one on a Sunday.

And what can you expect to pay? Crawford says they are trying to keep costs as low as possible and are still finalising ticket prices – but expect to pay anything between R50 – R75 per person.

 

[Hooked]

Stellenbosch becomes first SA destination to receive Safe Travels Stamp
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/st...-sa-destination-to-receive-safe-travels-stamp
7 July 2020

"The Western Cape’s very own Stellenbosch has been awarded one of the first Safe Travels Stamps in the country.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel and tourism private sector. They work with governments, health experts and industry associates to achieve effective recovery protocols while creating action plans to optimise recovery across the sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Safe Travels Stamp has been created to help travellers identify locations and destinations around the world that follow the global standardised health and hygiene protocols, ensuring travellers will have a safe stay.

Stellenbosch has been recognised by the WTTC alongside popular destinations like Mauritius, Portugal and Turkey. The town’s quick implementation of recommended measures amid the pandemic has earned it a spot among international destinations ...

A number of initiatives have been launched over the past few weeks to ensure the small town is ready to safely and comfortably welcome travels from near or far.

The recent Stellenbosch Ready programme ensures needs such as WTTC validation, implementation of protocols, staff training and flexible bookings are met..."

 

[Hooked]

Sorry guys and gals, no drive-in.

SA drive-in cinema comeback stunted by government
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/sa-drive-in-cinema-comeback-stunted-by-government

"Eager movie fans who have been looking forward to the long-awaited return of drive-in cinemas in South Africa are out of luck, as a number of drive-in cinemas have been shut down just hours before kicking off due to government regulations.

Capetonians have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Mother City Drive-in and the Galileo drive-in theatre. The new entertainment offerings will not be able to go ahead as planned as government is treating them as an event or gathering rather than a cinema, which is allowed under Level 3...

Despite drive-in cinemas being safer than going grocery shopping or even visiting the casino – two things that are allowed under lockdown Level 3 – this entertainment form is receiving push back from government.

“Although we have support from public, ministers and relevant ruling bodies across the country, government right now has no specific category for Drive-in based concepts and therefore places us in an event category. With the current regulations and restrictions, we are battling to get a risk grading from SAPS. Drive-ins have become a safe form of entertainment all around the world without incident. We are one of the few cities that cannot get permission because of said limitations, as illogical as they seem,” adds Masters.

Mother City Drive-In has launched a petition that locals can sign to show their support for the cause. Sign the petition to allow drive-in cinemas here.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema announced on their Facebook page on July 4 that authorities had stepped in at the last minute to halt their first show that was planned to take place at Spier Wine Farm that evening.

“The matter is long and complicated, involving many officials at SAPS, Stellenbosch Municipality, Cape Town Municipality, Wesgro and the WC Government. We cannot explain all that went on behind the scenes as it’s been a long and tedious process that we started in early April, but suffice to say that we had all our ducks in a row and had been given the clear, only to battle it out last minute on interpretations of certain laws,” said the cinema company on their social media pages."

 

[Raindance]

Sorry guys and gals, no drive-in.

SA drive-in cinema comeback stunted by government
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/sa-drive-in-cinema-comeback-stunted-by-government

"Eager movie fans who have been looking forward to the long-awaited return of drive-in cinemas in South Africa are out of luck, as a number of drive-in cinemas have been shut down just hours before kicking off due to government regulations.

Capetonians have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Mother City Drive-in and the Galileo drive-in theatre. The new entertainment offerings will not be able to go ahead as planned as government is treating them as an event or gathering rather than a cinema, which is allowed under Level 3...

Despite drive-in cinemas being safer than going grocery shopping or even visiting the casino – two things that are allowed under lockdown Level 3 – this entertainment form is receiving push back from government.

“Although we have support from public, ministers and relevant ruling bodies across the country, government right now has no specific category for Drive-in based concepts and therefore places us in an event category. With the current regulations and restrictions, we are battling to get a risk grading from SAPS. Drive-ins have become a safe form of entertainment all around the world without incident. We are one of the few cities that cannot get permission because of said limitations, as illogical as they seem,” adds Masters.

Mother City Drive-In has launched a petition that locals can sign to show their support for the cause. Sign the petition to allow drive-in cinemas here.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema announced on their Facebook page on July 4 that authorities had stepped in at the last minute to halt their first show that was planned to take place at Spier Wine Farm that evening.

“The matter is long and complicated, involving many officials at SAPS, Stellenbosch Municipality, Cape Town Municipality, Wesgro and the WC Government. We cannot explain all that went on behind the scenes as it’s been a long and tedious process that we started in early April, but suffice to say that we had all our ducks in a row and had been given the clear, only to battle it out last minute on interpretations of certain laws,” said the cinema company on their social media pages."

This country is fast turning into a banana republic. The upside, and downside, is that you just need to know whom to bribe and what amount would be sufficient. Who to bribe can be found in the treasury list of preferred vendors, how much... well you are on your own on that one.

Regards

 

[Hooked]

NSRI warns to steer clear of coast ahead of stormy weather
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/nsri-warns-to-steer-clear-of-coast-ahead-of-stormy-weather
8 July 2020

"The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is appealing for public caution following the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasting high, rough seas and gale force winds expected along the coastal regions of South Africa over the coming days.

Localised flooding, storm surges, gale force winds and high seas are some of the winter weather phenomena expected from the approaching cold fronts which are set to reach the Western Cape coast during Thursday ...

“We urge beach goers and coastal hikers to stay away from the coastline, as dangerous waves or surges may catch them off-guard and could potentially sweep them off the rocks along the shoreline,” added Robertson."

 

[Hooked]

Alan Winde tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/alan-winde-tests-positive-for-covid-19
8 July 2020

"Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has tested positive for COVID-19. He made the announcement on Wednesday, July 8.

In a video shared to Twitter and Facebook, Winde explains that he is currently self-isolating at home for the next 14 days following his positive diagnosis.

“On Sunday [July 5], I started to develop mild flu-like symptoms. As I am Diabetic (type 2) and over 55 years of age, I know I am at a higher risk of developing a more serious illness. I, therefore, went to be tested to determine the cause of the symptoms on Monday [July 6],” he tweeted ... "

 

[Hooked]

COVID-19 claims life of Western Cape Mayor
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/covid-19-claims-life-of-western-cape-mayor
8 July 2020

"Following two weeks of hospitalisation, Mayor of the Langeberg Municipality Henry Jansen (64) has died from COVID-19. Jansen passed away on Tuesday, July 7 and is survived by his wife and children."

 

[Hooked]

Truck blown over by gale force winds near Somerset West
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/truck-blown-over-by-gale-force-winds-near-somerset-west/
9 July 2020

Picture: Twitter



According to Traffic Chief Kenny Africa, the driver has been seriously injured and two passengers who were aboard at the time were injured as well.

Motorists are being asked to be patient while officials attempt to remove the truck. It is currently lying just off the road on the middle island. Heavy rain is slowing the process down as a cold front has made landfall in the province and is causing widespread rain and wind across the Cape.

 

[Hooked]

Digging up the Lion’s Head gold mine
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/digging-up-the-lions-head-gold-mine
10 March 2020

"Cape Town is known to produce many things, but gold and silver are not really what typically spring to mind. Back in the day, however, there was a full scale operating gold mine right here on Lion’s Head.
n 1654 – Jan van Riebeeck had barely set foot on the Cape coast- a station post guard who claimed to be a silversmith said he had found a ‘lode of silver’ near what we now call Kloof Nek. It turned out eventually to be so thin-spread and difficult to dig out that all efforts were abandoned.

A few years later, in 1676, Jan van Riebeeck’s son Abraham visited the Cape while travelling out to the Far East as a newly appointed “assistant merchant” and wrote in his diary that he went out to “inspect the mines behind the head of the Lion Hill, the Upper Merchant finding there some good stones”. Once again, nothing came of it.

The Capetonians of old were adamant to strike gold, it seemed, as in 1886 again a newly formed Lion’s Head Gold Syndicate dug several shafts on a site on a farm on the mountains slopes, from which samples were taken to Wilkinson’s Mill in Kloof Street to be pulverised and assayed.

An anonymous letter writer wrote to the Cape Times on Thursday 9 September 1886, saying that there is not “the least doubt of gold”.

Credit: Heritage Portal

Small quantities of gold were indeed extracted, enough even to lead to the establishment of the Lion’s Head (Cape Town) Gold Mining Company in December 1887.

After having their samples tested, an analyst declared that the quartz from Lion’s Head did contain a small amount of gold (“one pennyweight to the ton”), and the syndicate excitedly sent off more samples as they wanted the assurance of a totally independent firm of analysts, so several tons of quartz were carefully sealed in bags by a government official and sent off to Germany for assaying.

Unfortunately for the gold-seekers, the results came back with rather disappointing comment saying “there was not an atom of anything resembling the precious metal in the whole of the quartz”, according to an account of the time, “and …it was only so much common rock which had not paid the cost of its shipment”.

The syndicate was eventually liquidated in 1891 and the Cape Town Public Works Committee instructed the Gold Syndicate to fill in the Lion’s Head shaft or fence it off, as it posed a danger to passers-by.

While all mining efforts were given up, the shaft still remained there until 1951, when a firefighter battling a blaze on the mountain nearly fell in, after which the shaft was covered up entirely. Hikers (and gold-seekers) who go up there looking for the mine today won’t find much and as the mountain is now a protected area, there are no hopes of finding any treasures other than nature’s wonderful fauna and flora.

 

[Dela Rey Steyn]

Al

Truck blown over by gale force winds near Somerset West
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/truck-blown-over-by-gale-force-winds-near-somerset-west/
9 July 2020

Picture: Twitter



According to Traffic Chief Kenny Africa, the driver has been seriously injured and two passengers who were aboard at the time were injured as well.

Motorists are being asked to be patient while officials attempt to remove the truck. It is currently lying just off the road on the middle island. Heavy rain is slowing the process down as a cold front has made landfall in the province and is causing widespread rain and wind across the Cape.

Always knew those chip packets are just full of air, this just confirms my suspicions!

 

[Hooked]

New World Record set in the Mother City
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/new-world-record-set-in-the-mother-city
19 July 2020

"The Mother City has done it! Together, the amazing team at Ladles of Love and caring Capetonians across the city, have managed to break the World Record for most sandwiches made in an hour.

Earlier this week, Ladles of Love made the call for Capetonians to join the cause, order their free sandwich making kit and help break the World Record for most sandwiches made in an hour on Mandela Day.

According to founder Danny Diliberto, the Guinness World Record for most sandwiches made in an hour stood at around 57 000, while the South African record made last year was roughly 107 000 and Ladles of Love was aiming for 125 00 sandwiches in one hour.

Following a huge amount of support from Cape Town residents Ladles of Love excitedly announced the winning tally on their Facebook page.

They didn’t make 125 000 or 200 000, together Cape Town and the dedicated team managed to make 304 583 sandwiches in just one hour, a new Word Record for the Mother City.

While setting a new World Record is one thing, the most important part about the attempt is that hundreds of thousands of hungry people in need were able to eat delicious sandwiches on Mandela Day. The efforts of Ladles of Love an the rest of Cape Town made sure that no one would go hungry.

Capetonians across the city shared their pictures of joining in on the challenge. For a day Cape Town was able to unite to bring joy to those in need."

 

[Hooked]

Tourism march in CT today - smoked out by Police

 

[Hooked]

Kirstenbosch to reopen to public for outdoor exercise
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/kirstenbosch-to-reopen-to-public-for-outdoor-exercise
31 July 2020

"... Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden will reopen its doors to the public on Monday, August 3 for outdoor exercise only.

This follows the announcement by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Ms Barbara Creecy on July 30 that all national botanical gardens will be allowed to open on Monday.

In line with Level 3 regulations, Kirstenbosch has implemented strict health protocols, including:
– Screening and contact tracing will be done upon entry
– The wearing of masks in public is mandatory: no mask, no entry
– Visitors will be expected to wear masks at all times while visiting Kirstenbosch
– Picnicking and gathering in social groups are not allowed
– Physical distancing measures will be strictly enforced
– The use of kiddies jungle gym is prohibited
– Limitations of visitor numbers may be imposed

The Kirstenbosch Tea Room, Moyo Kirstenbosch Restaurant, Garden Centre, Bookshops and Giftshops are open. The layouts have changed to reduce the number of customers, and all patrons are required to wear masks, except while eating and drinking ...

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden will be open every day from 8am-6pm. To reduce contact, book and pay tickets online at Webtickets."

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town’s COVID-19 plateau remains a mystery
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-towns-covid-19-plateau-remains-a-mystery
31 July 2020

"Health professionals are baffled regarding the Mother City’s current COVID-19 situation. Despite the reopening of the economy paired with a large number of establishments welcoming patrons, Cape Town’s infection rate is plateauing.

Western Cape Health Department Head Keith Cloete says the positive change in the city’s COVID-19 situation could be due to a behavioral change that has set in in the area, but the positive change remains a mystery.

“The assumption is that there are a number of factors and the number of people who get infected was potentially overestimated in the original assumption. Also, there may have been a level of behavioural change setting in, and thus the differential patterns. But I am saying all these things as maybes. There are no definite answers, and the exciting part about this is that we really don’t know,” said Cloete during an update on the province’s pandemic response with Premier Alan Winde.

According to Cloete early signs of the burden of COVID-19 reducing its negative effects on hospitals and lower case mortality rates are already visible.

Even areas previously identified as hotspots are showing signs of stabilisation, with deaths due to COVID-19 dropping.

Active cases have significantly dropped from July 29 to July 30, and numbers dipped from 11 522 active cases to 10 915 active cases alone. Further decline in active cases is expected in the coming days.

The expectation is that Cape Town will have a very different COVID-19 climate by September, with deaths and active cases at an all-time low if the province continues on its current trajectory.

In spite of the Western Cape’s miraculous road to recovery, both Cloete and Winde are urging residents to take the virus seriously over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure no flare-ups occur.

Capetonians and residents of the Western Cape are being asked to stick to the rules now more than ever to ensure the positive change is not lost."

 

[Hooked]

Here’s how much you may be fined for various lockdown crimes
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/heres-how-much-you-may-be-fined-for-various-lockdown-crimes
31 July 2020

"South African Police Service (SAPS) officers are allowed to give someone who has been arrested on suspicion of a less serious crime the option of paying a guilt of admission fine. While this does still go on the arrested individual’s criminal record, the perpetrator does not have to appear in court. This, in turn, alleviates strain on the already overloaded court system.

As reported by BusinessTech, thousands have already paid a guilt of admission fine since lockdown was first instated on March 26.

The fines will differ per region, but this table will provide a basis for what you can expect to pay for breaking different lockdown rules: This is based off the directive for KwaZulu-Natal:

• Intentionally making a misrepresentation that any person is infected with COVID-19. R3 000
• Failure by a driver or operator of any form of public transport to take reasonable steps to ensure a passenger wears a mask. R1 000
• Failure by a manager or owner of a building, place or premises, used by the public to obtain goods or services, to ensure that members of the public wear a mask. R1 000
• Failure by an employer to provide every employee with a cloth face mask or allows an employee to perform any duties or enter the premises without a mask. R1 000
• Failure by a principal of a school to ensure the relevant authority supplies it with sufficient masks. R500
• Convening of an illegal gathering during the national state of disaster. R1 000
• Failure to be confined to his or her place of residence from 21pm – 4am daily (it should be noted that the curfew now starts at 10pm). R1 000
• Attends or hosts a night vigil. R500
• Evicting or causing a person to be evicted from their home under alert Level 3 without court authorisation. R3 000
• Holding or arranging an initiation school. R2 000
• Failure to keep a place or premises open, normally open to the public, where sporting, cultural, entertainment, leisure, exhibitional, organisational or similar activities should be closed for the duration of the national state of disaster. R3 000
• Failure by a bus or taxi service to carry 70% or less of the licensed capacity for provincial travel. R1 000

There are some offenses that do not have the option of a guilt of admission fine, and these include:

• The sale of tobacco products
• The sale and dispensing of liquor
• The prohibited transport of liquor
• Obstructing, hindering or interfering with law enforcement as they carry out their duties."