MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Cape Town

Cape Town

Leonsdale beneficiaries receive title deeds

Location: News

Leonsdale beneficiaries receive title deeds

The City of Cape Town is on a campaign to hand over title deeds to qualifying residents in the city.

In a statement, the city said approximately 12 000 title deeds need to be delivered to qualifying residents and significant progress is being made towards reaching this goal “one title deed at a time”.

“The city’s mission of empowering residents is bearing fruit and we remain committed to helping as many residents as possible with our innovative title deeds programme. The city thanks beneficiaries, residents, city staff and all stakeholders for their support and we look forward to assisting more residents in as many communities as possible," said MMC for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.

The campaign was in Leonsdale at the weekend to hand over title deeds and will visit many more communities over the coming weeks.

“Our teams have been working hard and we are looking forward to empowering many more beneficiaries. This week we handed over title deeds in Leonsdale and in the coming weeks, we will be in Samora Machel, Delft and other areas,” said Pophaim.

If you or a family member is a beneficiary of a city unit without a title deed, here's what you need to do:

  • Identify the easily recognisable title deed agents visiting your area.

  • Have the following documents ready:

    •   owner ID and spouse ID (if applicable)

    •   marriage certificate (if applicable)

    •   In the event of a death, provide a letter of authority and death certificate.

Alternatively, bring along the required documents to the Human Settlements Kiosk at the Cape Town Civic Centre, Monday to Friday between 09:00 to 12:00.

For more information or to verify that the agents are legitimate contact 021 444 0333 or email title.deeds@capetown.gov.za or visit the local housing office. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Mon, 09/23/2024 - 09:45

82 views
Read moreLeonsdale beneficiaries receive title deeds

City of Cape Town to host World Rugby’s WXV tournament

Location: News

City of Cape Town to host World Rugby’s WXV tournament

The City of Cape Town is playing host to the World Rugby’s WXV tournament where the Springbok Women will face off against five other nations. 

The Springbok Women will kick-off the tournament on Friday, 27 September, when they go up against Japan at the DHL Stadium. Kick-off will be at 4pm.

In a statement on Saturday, the city said the DHL and Athlone Stadiums will host the matches.

“The WXV 2 tournament is part of World Rugby’s annual women’s rugby competition. It consists of three rounds over three weeks. Hosts South Africa will be joined by Japan, Australia, Wales, Scotland and Italy for the competition,” said the city.

On Saturday, 28 September, DHL Stadium will host a clash between Australia and Wales at midday followed by the clash between Italy and Scotland at 3pm at the same venue.

‘For the second year running, Cape Town is hosting this marquee World Rugby tournament, and this is testament to the Mother City’s reputation of hosting successful events. We are opening up two of Cape Town’s iconic stadiums to be the battleground for these titans of global women’s rugby. 

‘We are extremely proud to be involved with a tournament that is aimed at growing the status of the women's game, while also providing these skilled athletes with a platform to showcase their talent. I would like to urge our residents and visitors to show support to the teams by purchasing a ticket for as little as R35,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

Round 2 of the games will take place in October with Wales facing Italy on 4October at the Athlone Stadium at 4pm and Japan versus Scotland on 5 October. The game will get underway at 2 pm.

South Africa will face Australia on 5 October at Athlone Stadium at 5pm.

Round 3 of the games will see Wales clash with Japan on 11 October at the Athlone Stadium at 4 pm.

South Africa will go against Italy at Athlone on 12 October at 2pm, followed by Australia versus Scotland on the same day at 5pm. The match will be played at Athlone Stadium.

A total of nine matches will be played between 27 September and 12 October 2024. 

Tickets for the matches are available at Ticketmaster. -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo
Mon, 09/23/2024 - 09:31

62 views
Read moreCity of Cape Town to host World Rugby’s WXV tournament

CCTCLaunches Origin8 Programme to Accelerator Sme Growth in the Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Industry

Location: MyPR

The Cape Clothing & Textile Cluster (CCTC) is excited to announce the launch of “Origin8: From Start-up to Scale-up”, a programme that is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa’s clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector. Supported by the City of Cape Town’s Growth Coalitions Branch, the programme is the …

Read moreCCTCLaunches Origin8 Programme to Accelerator Sme Growth in the Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Industry

Understanding Trichologists and Their Role in Hair and Scalp Health

Location: MyPR

Hair is a vital part of personal identity for many people, and experiencing issues like hair loss, thinning, or scalp conditions can be distressing. A trichologist can provide the necessary expertise to address these concerns. Specializing in hair and scalp health, trichologists offer targeted solutions that go beyond everyday hair care routines.   What is …

Read moreUnderstanding Trichologists and Their Role in Hair and Scalp Health

Public Works, Cape Town commit to using public buildings for public good

Location: News

Public Works, Cape Town commit to using public buildings for public good

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis have committed to work together to use public-owned buildings across the city for the public good. 

The Minister and Mayor committed to forming a technical committee to work together between the department and the city during an oversight visit to derelict State-owned buildings in Cape Town and the Hout Bay Harbour on Friday. 

The two leaders have since agreed to track the progress achieved with these properties every month. 

“As Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I have always committed to using assets for the public to ensure that they contribute to the economic growth of their respective regions and help to create jobs.

“In many cities, our buildings have become a burden for the cities they are in, often attracting criminal elements and affecting property values. This has to change,” Macpherson said.

At a time of fiscal constraints, the Minister believes it is important that government find innovative solutions to dilapidated State-owned buildings to ensure that they become an asset to communities. 

“The State is simply unable to maintain and secure all of its buildings in the current fiscal environment, and therefore, partnerships will be essential.” 

With regards to the Hout Bay Harbour, Macpherson stressed that as the custodian of small harbours across the country, the department should consider partnering with competent local and provincial authorities and entities. 

This, he said, would help to manage, maintain and upgrade these assets to ensure that they contribute to economic growth in the municipality and province they are located.

Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis said the new joint technical committee would help fast-track resolutions to problem buildings owned by the State.

“There are several rundown State-owned buildings in Cape Town that are a source of crime, and a blight on neighbourhoods. We are encouraged that the collaboration with the... Minister will... yield positive results for Capetonians, and the neighbourhoods and businesses surrounding these buildings.

“Some of these buildings and land parcels could be released for affordable housing, while others should simply be demolished or sold so that they can be put to more productive use,” said Hill-Lewis.

The Mayor said he would like to like to see Hout Bay Harbour reach its full economic and tourism potential. 

“We are excited about the prospects of a partnership with national government to improve the infrastructure, safety, and local economic activity around this harbour,” Hill-Lewis added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 15:36

431 views
Read morePublic Works, Cape Town commit to using public buildings for public good

Gelant, Mulaudzi, and Kipngetich Set for Showdown at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Location: MyPR

With only one race remaining in the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, South Africa’s top runners are gearing up for an intense showdown against their East African rivals. Reigning Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K champion, Elroy Gelant, and newly crowned SA 10km Cross Country champion, Kabelo Mulaudzi, are set to go head-to-head with …

Read moreGelant, Mulaudzi, and Kipngetich Set for Showdown at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Celebrating This Year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

As Africa's energy sector continues to grow, a new generation of women is breaking barriers and redefining leadership in this critical industry. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) proudly announces the 2024 edition of the 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars – a group of outstanding individuals whose innovation, perseverance and passion are transforming the landscape of African energy. These trailblazers are not only reshaping a traditionally male-dominated field but are also playing a vital role in the journey to end energy poverty by 2030. The AEC proudly honors these women as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

In alphabetical order:

Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Intelligence

Amena Bakr is a Senior Research Analyst at Energy Intelligence. Specializing in the energy transition, corporate strategy and market analysis, Bakr leads insights on oil markets, OPEC policies and political trends in the Middle East and Gulf Arab region. Her previous roles include Chief OPEC Correspondent and Dubai Deputy Bureau Chief, where she earned accolades such as the OPEC Award for Best Journalist and the IAEE Excellence in Written Journalism Award. Bakr holds a BA in Business Administration from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Egypt.

Amoetsoe Mkwena, Senior Associate, Watson Farley & Williams (Middle East)

Amoetsoe Mkwena is a Senior Associate at Watson Farley & Williams, specializing in energy and infrastructure with a focus on Africa. She advises on international projects, including the $15 billion Simandou project in Guinea. Mkwena's expertise includes power, renewables, oil and gas, and mining. Her legal skills and ability to bridge cultural divides make her a key player in Africa's energy sector.

Asha Amani, General Manager, INTERAFCON

Asha Amani is the General Manager at INTERAFCON, where she blends strategy and leadership to drive growth in complex energy projects. With seven years in Industrial Engineering and five years in the energy sector, Amani excels in business strategy, opportunity identification and project management. Her previous role as a Business Development Consultant at Tetco Consulting focused on delivering tailored solutions for the energy, engineering, and construction sectors.

Blandine Biaou, Geological Engineer, Head of Research and Prospection Department, SNH-Benin

Blandine Biaou, Head of the Research and Prospection Department at SNH-Benin, specializes in hydrocarbon exploration. She has optimized Benin's energy sector through resource management and contract revisions. Biaou has developed a modern data center and interactive database, contributing to national projects and representing Benin in international conferences, positioning it as a hydrocarbon hub.

Charné Hollands, Deputy Editor, Energy Capital & Power

Charné Hollands is the Deputy Editor at Energy Capital & Power, the leading investment platform for the African energy sector. She produces content on the entire energy value chain in Africa, with a focus on oil, gas, renewable energy and energy policy. Hollands holds a Master's in Media Studies from the University of Cape Town and has co-authored African Energy Chamber: Road to Recovery.

Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, Managing Partner, Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners

Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, a leading dispute resolution lawyer, specializes in complex oil and gas cases. She has represented Shell Petroleum and serves as company secretary for the Ebendo Host Community Trust Board. With degrees from Oxford and Bristol, she shapes oil and gas law and is implementing digital solutions to streamline board operations.

Fatimat Adenike Olanrewaju, General Field Engineer, SLB

Fatimat Adenike Olanrewaju, a Chemical Engineering graduate, is a General Field Engineer at SLB, focusing on wellhead installations and emissions reduction. She excels in a male-dominated field and leads community service through SLB's SEED initiative, advocating for gender diversity and mentoring.

Gracia Munganga, Senior Technical Advisory, ABT Global

With a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, Gracia oversees operations for the company, which has been designing and commissioning solar PV systems across sub-Saharan Africa since 2018. Her career includes roles at GreenCape, Anaergia Africa, the Climate Innovation Centre South Africa (CIC-SA), and the Carbon Trust.

Ifeoma Adeoye, CEO, IMSE Energy Resources Limited

Ifeoma Adeoye, CEO of IMSE Energy Resources Limited, leads the company in EPCI services and innovative crude evacuation technology. A graduate of the University of Manchester and Warwick, she also founded Business Nest Investments and BNI Insurance Brokers Limited, to empower and protect people and businesses through microfinance and insurance.

Jamilla Massamba, Health Safety and Environment Manager, SLB Congo

Jamilla Massamba, Health, Safety & Environment Manager at SLB Congo, leads HSE initiatives across Africa. With a Master's in Environmental Management Sciences, she has conducted over 100 audits and received awards for her work. Massamba also mentors young women in STEM and leads green energy projects.

Janice Faria, CEO, Enagol: Energias de Angola

As CEO of Enagol, Janice Faria has elevated the company's national and international profile. Under her leadership, Enagol competes globally and services International Oil Companies, setting a precedent for local enterprises in the global market.

Jocelyne Machevo, Communication, Commercial & Marketing Manager, Vivo Energy Mozambique

Jocelyne Machevo, formerly with Eni Mozambique, played a key role in the Coral FLNG Project and led the company's local brand transformation. Now at Vivo Energy Mozambique, she focuses on energy transition and decarbonization projects.

Lilian Kamanja, Electrical Engineer, Kenya Power

Lilian Kamanja is a Renewable Energy Specialist at Kenya Power with over nine years of experience in electrical engineering, network operations, and renewable energy development. She holds a BSc from the University of Nairobi and an M.Tech from IIT Delhi, focusing on renewable energy projects that enhance power accessibility and reliability.

Kanni Touray, Deputy Director General, Petroleum Commission, The Gambia

Kanni Touray, The Gambia's youngest and first female Deputy Director General at the Petroleum Commission, has enhanced the organization's efficiency and visibility. She champions sustainable development and energy transition, positioning The Gambia as a growing player in the global energy market.

Lizette Bouddhou, Human Resources Manager, SLB Congo and Gabon SLB

Lizette Bouddhou, HR Manager at SLB Congo and Gabon, drives diversity and workforce development. She leads recruitment and training initiatives, boosts employee engagement, and advances community outreach through educational partnerships, supporting women in STEM.

Maggie Mutesi, Managing Editor, Mansa Media

Maggie Mutesi is the Managing Editor at Mansa Media, with over 15 years of experience in major media outlets including CNN, BBC and CNBC. Her reporting spans over 30 African countries, focusing on trade and investments. At the BBC, she managed BBC Africa's daily live program, Money Daily. Mutesi has also extensively covered the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, working with the African Union and Afrochampions Initiative to enhance awareness among Africa's private sector.

Marilia Sitoe, Subsea Engineer, Eni Rovuma Basin

Marilia Sitoe, a Subsea Engineer at Eni Rovuma Basin, focuses on optimizing Mozambique's gas sector. Her work includes deep-water gas production and subsea infrastructure for Coral South FLNG. Sitoe's research supports Mozambique's economic growth and sustainability goals.

Mervin Azeta, Engineer, SLB

Mervin Azeta, a leader at SLB, has advanced from field engineer to corporate strategist. Recognized for her impact on African communities and the global industry, she is active in non-profit boards and connects young Africans with top leaders, fostering learning and inspiration.

Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen Advisor, GIZ

Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen Advisor at GIZ, advocates for women in oil and gas and green hydrogen development in Namibia. She has educated over 200 Namibians and leads green industrialization studies to boost local industries and reduce youth unemployment.

Ozioma Agu, Partner, Stren & Blan Partners

Ozioma Agu, a Partner at Stren & Blan Partners, excels in high-profile energy and infrastructure transactions. Her work includes advising on Mobil and Shell divestments and renewable projects. Agu has earned awards for her expertise in oil and gas and green hydrogen.

Pauline Murari, Contracts Manager SLB Angola, Central and East Africa

Pauline Murari, Contracts Manager at SLB, is known for her negotiation skills and leadership. She has driven growth in SLB's regional portfolio and contributed to projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Murari supports STEM education and local development.

Pearl Enyam Akosua Akude, Business Line Job Delivery Lead, SLB

Pearl Enyam Akosua Akude, with over 35 wells drilled, is a leader in the energy sector. She handles complex projects, trains engineers, and has contributed to innovations like TerraSphere and Net Zero Development in Africa, impacting the region's energy landscape.

Rita Bagaine Kagoro, Talent Acquisition Manager SLB: Angola, Central and East Africa

Rita Bagaine Kagoro, a Ugandan Petroleum Engineer, has seven years of experience and holds degrees from China University of Petroleum and Delft University of Technology. Her roles include Measurements and Logging While Drilling Engineer and Drilling Product Engineer. Kagoro has innovated drilling technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. She is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and advocating for diversity in hiring and women in energy.

Tania Silva, CEO, Angola LNG Marketing

Tânia Silva is the CEO of Angola LNG Marketing, the company's first female and youngest CEO. She oversees LNG sales, liquids contracts, and the shipping fleet. Previously, Silva was Head of Non-Operated Assets at Sonangol Gás e Energias Renováveis, S.A., where she managed non-operated assets and contributed to renewable energy projects. Her career is marked by leadership and innovation in the energy sector.

Tokollo Matsabu, Women Leader in Energy & Climate Fellow, Atlantic Council

Tokollo Matsabu is a 2024 Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellow and Director at Patlong Advisory, a consulting firm focused on energy programs and carbon sequestration in Africa. She is pursuing an MS in Global Energy and Climate Policy at the University of London's School of Oriental & African Studies, with a focus on critical minerals. Matsabu has a background in financial journalism and has conducted risk analyses for various stakeholders in the Global South. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Media and Writing from the University of Cape Town.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreCelebrating This Year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars

Juvenile Humpback Whale Assisted in a Disentanglement Operation

Location: News

The young Humpback whale approached the NSRI rescue craft and fishing vessel IINGWANE and hung around for quite some time appearing to show appreciation for being freed. Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simonstown and SAWDN duty controller, said: At 08h18, Wednesday, 18 September, SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) volunteers and NSRI Simonstown crew were activated following reports …

Read moreJuvenile Humpback Whale Assisted in a Disentanglement Operation

Elevate Your Enterprise Summit 2024: Championing Growth Through Marketing, Technology, and Investments

Location: Business

Cape Town will be the hub of innovation on October 16th and 17th, 2024, as it hosts the Elevate Your Enterprise Summit, organised by business school, Pranary. This premier event aims to unite global thought leaders, industry pioneers, and ambitious entrepreneurs, focusing on key drivers of business growth: Marketing, Technology, and Investments, with a special …

Read moreElevate Your Enterprise Summit 2024: Championing Growth Through Marketing, Technology, and Investments

Cabinet hails progress in fight against crime with Operation Shanela

Location: News

Cabinet hails progress in fight against crime with Operation Shanela

Cabinet has welcomed progress being made in the fight against crime through Operation Shanela, which continues to make its mark in rooting out criminality. 

“Between 2 and 8 September 2024, law enforcement agencies arrested 13 691 suspects for serious crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post Cabinet media briefing on Friday. 

Since its inception in May 2023, Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus on murder and rape suspects, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers. 

Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks, as well as stop and searches - police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that they serve.

Since its launch, Operation Shanela has resulted in the arrest of 850 375 suspects, and seizure of 824 illegal firearms and over 17 282 rounds of ammunition. In addition, drugs worth over R13 million were seized at the OR Tambo International Airport over the past two months, and copper worth over R20 million was recovered from a scrapyard near Durban, with a suspect arrested.

“Through a coordinated multidisciplinary and intelligence-led operations, law enforcement agencies are focused on dismantling extortion syndicates across the country. In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were arrested in various provinces,” Ntshavheni said.

Restoring Integrity of Law Enforcement Officers

Through a multidisciplinary collaboration, law enforcement agencies have arrested 14 suspects in Mpumalanga on charges of fraud and corruption for issuing illegal learners’ and driver’s licences. Meanwhile, 11 traffic officers were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists along the N1 freeway in Limpopo.

“Three off-duty police officers and a civilian were arrested in Durban, KZN, for soliciting a R100 000 bribe from a businessman in exchange for the release of confiscated goods, and four more police officers handed themselves over to the SAPS on the same case,” the Minister said. 

Furthermore, eight suspects were arrested for alleged involvement on tender fraud and corruption amounting to R850 million in the City of Cape Town, Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 14:11

24 views
Read moreCabinet hails progress in fight against crime with Operation Shanela

Minister Macpherson welcomes Castle of Good Hope court order

Location: News

Minister Macpherson welcomes Castle of Good Hope court order

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed a court order which stipulates that those occupying the Castle of Good Hope have to vacate the property by 17 October.

The eviction order was granted to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) by the Western Cape High Court.

The order stipulates that those occupying the Castle of Good Hope have to vacate the property by 17 October 2024, following which an eviction may occur as needed for any remaining unlawful occupants. 

The City of Cape Town has a standing offer to unlawful occupants to take up dignified transitional shelter at the city-run Safe Space facilities. 

Safe Spaces offer warm beds, ablution facilities, meals, access to medical care, substance abuse treatment, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work, personal development planning and more, to help people leave the streets.

“The eviction order serves as a boost for Cape Town’s economy ahead of the busy summer tourism season in the city and reinforces our position that state assets should be looked after and be used for public good. 
“We simply cannot allow state assets to be occupied and vandalised, such as the Castle of Good Hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The occupation and decay of state buildings nationwide create issues for the municipalities by attracting crime and grime which we have also seen at the Castle of Good Hope,” Minister Macpherson said. 

He added that the castle is an important part of South Africa’s history, and it is therefore important that it be safeguarded and maintained to ensure that future generations can learn from the past to build a better future. 
He added that the castle is also an important tourism attraction in the City of Cape Town and thereby plays an important role in the local economy which helps to create jobs which are sorely needed.

Meanwhile, the Minister will be joining City of Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Friday afternoon, to tour the Grand Parade next to the Castle of Good Hope, as well as the Hout Bay Harbour. 

The Minister will also address the media on efforts by the DPWI to address hijacked and decayed State-owned properties in the city.

The Minister said he is committed to working with all municipalities to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for public good. 

“Similarly to the Memorandum of Understanding that I will soon be signing with the Mayor of eThekwini, I look forward to concluding an agreement with the City Of Cape Town, to work closer together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to address hijacked and decaying state-owned buildings, but also to contribute to economic growth and job creation. Let’s Build South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 09:44

102 views
Read moreMinister Macpherson welcomes Castle of Good Hope court order

Western Cape NCOP Delegation Impressed by Delivery of Affordable Social Housing in Cape Town

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
Download logo

The Western Cape's permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) expressed satisfaction and commended the efficient implementation of social housing projects to residents by the Western Cape Provincial Government's Department of Infrastructure and the City of Cape Town.

The delegation said some of the social housing projects are a great example of effective intergovernmental collaboration and public-private partnerships which provide decent and dignified accommodation.

While briefing the delegation on, the City of Cape Town reported that ten affordable social housing projects, totaling 4 849 residential units, have been completed between 2017 and 2024. According to the City, six more land parcels have been awarded as part of the land release program for affordable mixed social housing, out of which 4 268 housing opportunities are expected to be completed by 2028.

The delegation heard that more land parcels are at planning and release stage and are expected to provide approximately 20 000 housing opportunities in future.

The delegation conducted site visits to three of the recently completed social housing projects on Wednesday. It was impressed by the Conradie Better Living Model Exemplar Project in Pinelands which has 1004 affordable rental units ranging from R740 a month for a bachelor unit. It was built on the land belonging to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and has more tenants living in the vast precinct than the total population of Pinelands.

The delegation also commended the Maitland Mews development which boasts 204 social housing units developed to curb the City's dire need for centrally located social housing residences. At a total development cost of R95 953 055, monthly rental ranges from R650 for a bachelor to at least R4 900 for a two-bedroom unit.

Other features include nine business training units which are also used as meeting venues, play areas for children, and 24-hour security with biometrics fingerprint access and CCTV cameras.

The delegates also braved the rain and inclement weather on their third site visit of the day. They inspected the Goodwood Station Social Housing Project which began tenanting its 1055 units in December 2023 and August 2024 respectively. Water and bulk services are fully subsidized, and tenants also benefit from the indigent electricity subsidy.

The delegation and SALGA representatives quizzed the City on what seem like stringent and exclusionary letting procedures, and recommended a more inclusionary approach to benefit more people. The City currently has 410 000 applicants on its waiting list of indigent people needing social housing.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, said other municipalities could benchmark the City's delivery model in managing strategic intergovernmental cooperation and private-public partnerships that enable development.

Meanwhile the department cautioned that lack of funding, cross-subsidy and political support may hamper the delivery of similar projects that are currently at planning phase. The department indicated that similar projects are currently underway in Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna, Worcester, Stellenbosch and in other areas across the province.

The City recommended exploring alternative funding mechanism for affordable housing beyond government subsidies which may not be sustainable in future. The City also suggested the devolution of the Consolidated Capital Grant funding to municipalities for localized administration.

Mr. Badenhorst said the delegation will consolidate all recommendations and report back to the NCOP at the end of the oversight programme. The delegates will reconvene at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Chamber this morning to turn their focus towards the province's disaster management systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreWestern Cape NCOP Delegation Impressed by Delivery of Affordable Social Housing in Cape Town

Things to Do with Your Kids This Holiday Period: A Week of Fun and Learning

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

As the September/October school holidays approach, parents everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate challenge—keeping their kids off screens and fully engaged in fun and learning. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a little adventurer, or a mini artist, we’ve got you covered with activities that promise to make this holiday one for the …

Read moreThings to Do with Your Kids This Holiday Period: A Week of Fun and Learning

Committee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease

Location: News

Committee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has commended the proposed plans by Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to terminate the rental agreement of the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) headquarters in Cape Town.

Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, said the NSFAS headquarters in Cape Town had always been a sore point for the committee since moving from its previous leased building in Wynberg to the Cape Town city centre.

“While many students suffered in terms of funding, getting their allowances on time and accommodation challenges, the entity enjoyed a building with scenic views," said Letsie.

This comes as it has been reported that there are plans to end the lease of the Cape Town office to reduce costs, among other things.

Letsie said the committee had criticised the decision by NSFAS to move its headquarters to a place where most of its clients do not have access to their services.

He said the planned termination was long overdue and was a positive step towards addressing decades of mismanagement of student affairs by NSFAS.

“[The] NSFAS budget is bigger than many national departments and we have always maintained that the offices of NSFAS must be in Gauteng where we have the highest concentration of the student population.

“Ultimately, the committee would like to see the decentralisation of NSFAS to all regions which will ensure accessibility to students across the country added,” the chairperson said.

The committee welcomed the new NSFAS 2025 online applications intake opening on Friday, 20 September 2024, to allow for extensive consultations with institutions, stakeholders, and student formations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 11:38

0 views
Read moreCommittee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease