Public asked to come forward with information on violent protests

Public asked to come forward with information on violent protests, as third  person tragically dies

The City of Cape Town calls on any member of the public with information about the series of violent protests of recent days, to come forward. A R50 000 reward for information has already been offered.

“By early this morning, the City was aware of three people who had passed away as a result of these violent protests. Last night 30 year-old Xolela Poncho died after his truck was stoned by protesters and he drove into a barricade near the N2/Mew Way intersection. Golden Arrow bus driver Sandile Hoko passed away after the bus he was driving on Friday 3 August was stoned and the bus crashed into a number of houses. Daniel Sass who was in one of the houses at the time of the accident passed away on Monday 6 August 2012 from injuries sustained.    

“This senseless loss of life is unacceptable and on behalf of the City of Cape Town I again convey my condolences to the families. They are in our thoughts and the City will do everything in its power to assist the South African Police Services in identifying and prosecuting the individuals responsible”, said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Protests have already caused over R5 million worth of damage to infrastructure, while valuable law enforcement resources are diverted away from their normal duties to concentrate on dealing with illegal protests. A further R600 000 has already been spent in overtime budgets for law enforcement,” said Alderman Smith.

“We welcome any information that will help in the successful prosecution of those people who are responsible for these deaths, the destruction of property, or who make themselves guilty of instigating or participating in public violence,” said Alderman Smith.

The City of Cape Town like any major city in South Africa has to contend with increasing levels of urbanisation, as well as historical service delivery backlogs as a result of our Apartheid past. However, unlike many other metros, Cape Town  has high levels of service-delivery, with the lowest number of people not receiving basic services.

The City is resolute in its commitment to building a Caring and Inclusive City serving all the people of Cape Town.  It will not hesitate to use all legal means at its disposal to act against thugs and criminals who are intent on disrespecting the democratic will of the majority.

·         Anyone with information about illegal activity can contact either Alderman JP Smith on 021 400 1311/ jean-pierre.smith@capetown.gov.za or Executive Director for Safety and Security Richard Bosman on 021 400 3355/ richard.bosman@capetown.gov.za   

End

Issued by:  Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department,  City of Cape Town

Stormy weather

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

10 AUGUST 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

City’s Disaster Response teams on high alert following series of weather warnings

The City of Cape Town’s City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, together with its supporting disaster response agencies and public safety authorities, are on high alert following warnings of inclement weather this weekend.

The minor cold front to the west of Cape Town yesterday 9 August 2012 has now strengthened and grown into a larger lower frontal system. The weather forecast indicates heavy rainfall peaking at 100% on Saturday 11 August and 90% on Sunday 12 August; with persistent high rainfall next week across the Cape Peninsula along with associated north-westerly winds reaching 60 km/h.

The South African Weather Service has issued the following weather warnings:

·         Gale-force westerly/north-westerly winds (35 knots or 65 km/hour) are expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas overnight on Friday, spreading to Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday.

·         Gale-force westerly/north-westerly winds (35 knots or 65 km/hour) are expected over the interior of the Western Cape and western interior of the Northern Cape on Saturday.

·         Very rough seas (with waves of 4 – 6 metres) south of Cape Columbine overnight (Friday into Saturday) reaching high seas (6 – 9 metres) south of Lamberts Bay by Saturday afternoon subsiding on Sunday night.

·         Heavy falls of rain are expected in the West Coast District, Cape Metropole, Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts on Saturday.

·         Snowfalls are expected on the western high-ground of the Western Cape on Saturday morning, spreading to the east and southern high-ground of the Northern Cape during the afternoon.

·         Very cold, wet and windy conditions to set in over the Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape overnight tonight (Friday) persisting through to Saturday.

In addition, a watch was issued for very cold conditions persisting on the high-ground of the Western Cape and western high-ground of the Northern Cape on Sunday.

The City appeals to all Capetonians to please exercise extreme caution during these weather conditions and to heed the following advisories:

·         Slow down and maintain safe following distances on all roadways.

·         Dress warmly if you are out in the cold to protect yourself against the elements.

·         If sick, especially with influenza (flu), consult your local clinic, hospital or private medical practitioner for medical attention.

·         Keep a watchful eye on open flames and extinguish them before going to bed (including candles, lamps and paraffin stoves).

It is likely that the expected heavy rainfall will cause localised flooding across the Cape Peninsula. This may be exacerbated by the fact that the water-table in the Cape Flats is already very high as a result of recent rains.

The South African Weather Service will keep the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre informed regarding weather conditions, and further advice will be made available if and when required.

Residents are reminded to use the 107 number in the event of an emergency so that the nearest relevant emergency service provider can be dispatched. Dial 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The sooner you phone, the sooner help will arrive.

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, blocked and overflowing sewers can also be sent via SMS to 31373.  Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity fault reporting can be sent via SMS to 31220.

The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 regarding delays on roadways and deviations.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration and Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357 or Cell: 084 711 7709

Alderman J.P. Smith, Mayoral Committee Member: Safety and Security, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1311 or Cell: 083 675 3780

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE, HELEN ZILLE, AND THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF CAPE TOWN, ALDERMAN PATRICA DE LILLE

Premier Zille and Mayor De Lille lay charges against ANCYL

This afternoon, Premier Helen Zille and Mayor Patricia de Lille formally laid criminal complaints against the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), the African National Congress, the African National Congress Women’s League, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations in relation to offences that have been committed, as outlined in the Intimidation Act of 1982.

On Friday 27 July 2012, a memorandum issued by the ANCYL (Dullah Omar Region) was delivered to the Office of the Premier on behalf of the five organisations mentioned above. The memorandum contains, amongst other things, the following threat on the fifth page: “We demand that the abovementioned demands be positively responded to within 7 working days. Failure to do so the young people and the abovementioned stakeholders will make this city and province ungovernable! Amandla!”

This threat comes against the backdrop of a number of violent service delivery protests that have taken place in the city in recent days. It is already clear that there is an element of political stoking involved and there is mounting evidence that these protests are being coordinated and controlled.

Just this morning Mayor De Lille viewed video footage of a protest that took place in the early hours of Monday morning on the corner of Landsdowne Road and Duinefontein Road, near Sweet Homes Farm. The footage clearly shows how the actions of protestors are being carefully marshalled and controlled by certain identifiable individuals.

Mayor De Lille will bring this footage to the attention of the Provincial South African Police Services (SAPS) Commissioner, General Lamoer, when she meets with him on Friday this week. She will further use the occasion to strengthen cooperation between the SAPS and the City, with a view to identifying the individuals and/or organisations behind this conduct.

The complaint notes that the conduct by the five organisations, namely the issuing of a public threat to make the City of Cape Town and Province of the Western Cape ungovernable, constitutes offences under Sections 1(1) and 1A (1) of the Act.

Premier Zille and Mayor De Lille have therefore requested that a criminal investigation be instituted into the statements of the organisations and their members who have issued this public threat to the governability of the city and province, thereby endangering public assets and the fundamental rights of the province’s residents to life, security, trade and property.

With this recent threat, the ANCYL has exposed itself and its affiliates as being willing and unashamed to use public violence to make the city and Western Cape ungovernable. We cannot allow such thuggery to go unchallenged in a context where we are trying to build a constitutional democracy based on norms of public order and respect for rule of law. The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government will not allow the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens to be threatened in this manner.  

As part of our efforts to uphold the law, last week the City also formally requested that the National Director of Public Prosecutions review the decision not to prosecute ANC Councillor Andile Lili for his role in the malicious damage to property in Makhaza on 24 May 2010.

As part of the review request, the City has provided video and other evidence of Councillor Lili destroying City-provided toilets with a crowbar. If this review request is turned down, the City will consider taking the matter on review to the High Court.

The Province and the City will not stand by idly while organisations and individuals actively break the law. We are determined to improve the lives of all citizens, most especially the poor and most vulnerable, whilst at all times ensuring that the rights of law-abiding citizens are protected and upheld.

Service Delivery Protests

27 JULY 2012

CAPE TOWN THIS WEEK: A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF CAPE TOWN, ALDERMAN PATRICIA DE LILLE

The difference between legitimate service delivery protests and politically-orchestrated ones

My heart sinks when I am informed of a service delivery protest. It sinks because I think of the sadness and desperation that has driven people to take extraordinary measures. It sinks because I think of the breakdown in the relationship between government and people.

It sinks because, for everything that we do, for all the systems that we put in place, for all the problems we address, we can never – by definition – satisfy everyone. And so I know that, somewhere, somehow, there are people who feel excluded and neglected.

These emotions are the casualties of making the tough choices that governing a place that is historically divided and has limited resources requires. When governing well to satisfy the broadest mandate, these casualties are constant.

That is why I am disgusted when there are more casualties than there need to be, when people arrange events with collateral damage in mind; in fact, as their only objective.

Amongst legitimate service delivery protests, amidst communities searching for their voices, there are those protests used to advance political agendas, to destabilise the City.

This is not a conspiracy theory. It is the real frustration of a government dealing with those individuals who would destabilise our society because they have no faith in the ballot box and so must resort to violence.

I know the value of resistance and of fighting for what is right. I did so for decades, precisely for the right to use the ballot box.

And because I am a democrat and always have been, I resent the use of such brutal tactics to fulfil a political agenda.

There are already pieces of evidence in the public domain which indicate that such forces are working in our communities. One example is ‘Operation Reclaim,’ which has been presented in the public domain as a concerted campaign by the ANC to, it is suggested, destabilise the Western Cape in the run-up to the National Election in 2014.

We, of course, cannot be naïve and think that there is no political posturing between elections. As politicians and the public know, there is often something like the ‘constant campaign’ going on to try and sway the opinion of voters. That is right and good in a democratic system.

What is not right and good is realising that your reputation has been so out-stripped by others in terms of delivery and governance that your only recourse is diverting public attention to manufactured ‘protests,’ attempting to under-cut the impression of consistent delivery and diverting resources away from government strategies.

Because, these damages add up. During yesterday’s service delivery protest in Phumlani Village informal settlement, there was R600 000,00 worth of damage caused to 12 traffic lights.

And R2,6 million has been spent in the last two weeks alone to fix traffic lights in the metro as a result of the protests.

These millions combine to form a sizeable spend towards repairing facilities deliberately destroyed, instead of building new ones. And again, the poor are usually the ones who suffer most because of this.

To reconcile our governance strategy with the sadness we feel because of discarded communities and the anger we feel towards political agents, we need to be able to distinguish between legitimate protests and those fuelled by political ambitions.

Local government does not have the ability to gather criminal intelligence – that function is the domain of national State organs, such as the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). We will need their help, in the spirit of co-operation.

As such, I will be seeking a meeting with the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, General Arno Lamoer, to interrogate these theories of political agitation around certain service delivery protests.

To address these protests, we must fix problems where they exist. But we must also find out where they are being deliberately created.

Because the only thing that would be more tragic than seeing the poor neglected, is allowing them to be used.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Solly Malatsi, Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor of Cape Town – Alderman Patricia de Lille, Tel: 021 400 1382 or Cell: 083 943 1449 or E-mail: solly.malatsi@capetown.gov.za

Safety in bad weather

Residents urged to exercise caution in bad weather conditions

The City of Cape Town appeals to Capetonians to please exercise extreme caution during the very cold and wet conditions that have set in and are expected to continue over the next few days.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre is on high alert, working with its supporting disaster response agencies and public safety authorities.

·         Motorists should please slow down and maintain safe following distances on roadways.

·         Keep a careful eye on open flames and extinguish fires (including candles, lamps and paraffin stoves) before going to bed.

·         Avoid areas such as the Sea Point Promenade, Kalk Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, False Bay Coastline and Strand/Gordon’s Bay beachfront areas during this period due to possible storm surges.

·         Private home owners living close to the beach need to be prepared for possible storm surge impacts to their property.

Residents can reduce their flood risk by implementing the following measures:

·         Check that the drainage facilities on your property are in good working order.

·         Check for dead and burnt trees that could fall onto the property, and notify the authorities if there is a danger.

·         Place sandbags where necessary to protect critical areas.

·         If there is a threat of severe flooding or debris flow to your property, select a route through the property that will cause the least damage (such as a pathway or stairs) and use sandbags to try and confine the flow to that route.

·         Raise the floor level of your house to be higher than the land outside.

·         Listen to weather warnings that are issued by the South African Weather Service.

·         Check the terms of your insurance policy with regard to flood and mud damage.

Residents are encouraged to report any emergencies to the City’s 107 line. This line should be used if one’s life or property is endangered – the caller will be transferred to the relevant emergency service provider. Dial 107 from a Telkom line or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The quicker incidents are reported, the sooner help can arrive.

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, blocked and overflowing sewers can also be reported via SMS to 31373. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity fault reporting can be reported via SMS to 31220.

The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 for information on delays on roadways and deviations.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries:

Operational issues: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration & Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357 or Cell: 084 711 7709

Charlotte Powell, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357 or Cell: 084 711 7710

Winter Plan 2012

City announces its comprehensive Winter Plan for 2012

The City of Cape Town today announced its Winter Plan for the 2012 season. This plan details how the relevant Departments in the City will cooperate and liaise with each other to deliver the most comprehensive plan for eventualities and possible flood damage during the wet winter season.

“Each winter season, we prepare for any potential storm damage relating to the change in weather, such as flooding. We look back at the plans from previous years, and build on them to make sure we improve the assistance given to residents affected by any flooding. This year, as in previous years, the City is geared to deal with any major emergency or crisis events which require multi-disciplinary reaction by response agencies and specialised disaster response to safeguard the general public, property, environment and livelihoods,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron.

Last year 2 600 informal structures were affected as opposed to 3 400 structures in 2010 and 11 500 in 2009.

“The City’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit has in the last couple of years prevented many people from settling in flood-prone areas and rentention ponds not suitable for human habitation. This has played an important part in the reduction of the number of incidents,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman J.P. Smith.

The City has prioritised nine high-risk areas which include informal settlements in Phillipi, Strand, Gugulethu and Fisantekraal.

The South African Weather Service has forecast that there are no enhanced probabilities for extreme above- or below-normal rainfall patterns for the Cape Metropole. There is an indication for slightly below-normal to average rainfall in the beginning months of winter and, towards the end of the winter season, there is a slight increase in the probability of above-normal rainfall.

The Winter Plan for 2012 is managed by the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Centre, which will coordinate the plan in cooperation with the Solid Waste Management, Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Roads and Stormwater, 107 Call Centre and Human Settlements Departments.

“Our approach to Winter 2012 is to ensure that all rescue and disaster assistance agencies are on standby, and to have an early warning system in place so that we have as much time as possible to prevent disasters,” said Alderman Smith.

In this regard, the City’s DRM Center has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Swartland Municipality to institute an Early Warning System. The agreement ensures that the City is notified in the event of heavy rainfall, which may result in the Diep River flooding. Similarly, the City is engaging with other neighbouring municipalities and other organs of state to put in place cooperative agreements to deal with any disasters, especially during the wet winter season.

This initiative further endorses one of the essential criteria the City has met in terms of acquiring “Role Model Status” as part of the United Nations: International Strategy for Disaster Reduction ‘My City is Getting Ready’ Campaign.

“However, we also need the assistance and cooperation of the public – they will be the first ones to notice a developing problem, such as a blocked drain. If they raise the alarm early, it can mean the difference between wide-spread flooding and localised problems,” said Councillor Herron.

Despite putting a range of contingency and preventative measures in place ahead of the winter season, it is still impossible to prepare for every possible eventuality.

A number of City Departments have prepared specific measures for this year’s Winter Plan:

DRM CENTRE

The Flood and Storms Planning Task Team, a multi-disciplinary team of City and supporting external agencies, will introduce various flood risk reduction measures to counter and mitigate the adverse effects of the winter rainfall period across the Metropole.  

The DRM Centre has intensified its public education and preparedness programme in particular in informal settlements located across the Cape Flats area which are situated in low-lying floodplain areas with limited run-off capacity. The flood risk reduction focus has now also taken into account areas which are vulnerable to weather events such as urban, riverine and estuarine areas.

As part of this preparedness programme, residents are given practical tips on how to raise floor levels, divert flood waters, as well as reduce health hazards associated with stagnant water. An information pamphlet (in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa) is being distributed to residents in high-risk flood areas.

The DRM Centre will, as deemed necessary, issue weather warnings and alerts based on advisories received from the South African Weather Service.

Various emergency shelters have been identified to help minimise the disruption of lives and community activities in the event of flooding. People will be encouraged to first try and find alternative accommodation with neighbours, friends or families before being housed in community facilities. The City’s DRM Centre has made arrangements with disaster relief partners who can provide humanitarian aid to persons in distress and discomfort as a result of flooding and storm damage.

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

The Human Settlements Department is mandated to ensure a continuous, co-ordinated and integrated development and improvement of the Winter Plan with specific focus on high-risk informal settlements within the city. Together with other line Departments, it aims to integrate preparedness and response activities for flood-related hazards to reduce or mitigate the risk that the winter storms pose for communities.

“This Department will work closely with the communities and other City Departments to, as far as possible, ensure that the homes of those vulnerable to flooding are cared for,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg.

Where necessary, sand bags will be distributed to raise the floor levels of dwellings and keep water out. As a reactive measure flood kits will be made available in severe circumstances.

“We would like to encourage all residents, and especially heads of households, to be proactive in maintaining their informal dwellings – thereby reducing the risk of flooding,” Cllr Sonnenberg added.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The City has allocated a further R16 million for a cleaning programme, especially in sandy and leafy areas, to minimise stormwater blockages. The Solid Waste Management Department has already initiated three cleaning cycles, running from April to August, that will create approximately 650 temporary jobs.

  

ROADS AND STORMWATER

The Roads and Stormwater Department’s Proactive and Reactive Maintenance Programme, which includes both maintenance undertaken via the Annual Contracted Services and reactive maintenance via the Depot staff, is well underway. The programme focuses mainly on the pro-active, planned cleaning and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure to ensure it functions optimally.  

The Department is responsible for the following underground infrastructure: 7 500 km of pipes and culverts (underground conduits); 180 000 catchpits; 85 000 manholes; 850 stormwater ponds; and 1 200 km  of maintained rivers, canals and open channels. 

Ongoing monthly preparedness co-ordination meetings at District and Depot level are taking place to ensure that the required programmed maintenance plans are implemented throughout the Metro.  

         

The Department is also taking proactive steps to prevent the flooding problems residents experienced in 2011 and previous years by utilising the SAP C3 notification system.

Additional resources via the Mayor’s Special Job Creation Programme have been employed to assist in the cleaning of critical stormwater infrastructure in high flood risk areas across the city.

In addition, all critical stormwater retention ponds will be inspected at regular intervals during winter with particular emphasis on debris removal from outlet structures. Similar attention is given to intakes of mountain streams.

The current budget (2011/2012) for pro-active maintenance (mainly cleaning) of stormwater facilities by means of contracted services totals approximately R62 million. Reactive maintenance work, such as response to flood incidents is generally undertaken by the Department’s maintenance depots, and totals approximately R75 million.

Informal settlements are given high priority and maintenance efforts focus on the formal drainage systems either surrounding or within the settlements and inspections and cleaning frequencies are increased.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

This Directorate will assist in the provision of material support to qualifying partner Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). These NGOs need to prove to the City that they are able to provide a safe, clean and dignified environment for street people where they can be assisted and access programmes to facilitate their return to their families or re-integration into their communities of origin wherever possible.

“Whereas the short-term focus will be on immediate shelter, food and security, the longer-term focus must be on restoring human dignity and re-establishing people as self-reliant and positively contributing residents,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Beverly Cortje-Alcock

The Winter Programme has been running effectively for the last three years and will be monitored and assessed to ensure its continued support for vulnerable residents.

CONTACTING THE CITY

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre on  0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, blocked and overflowing sewers can also be sent via SMS to 31373. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity fault reporting can be sent via SMS to 31220.

For all emergency situations, please call 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. You will then be transferred to the nearest relevant emergency service provider.

The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 regarding delays on roadways and deviations.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

NDP a great leap forward - Helen Zille

Helen Zille

29 April 2012

DA leader commends Trevor Manuel's presentation to her party's Federal Council

National Development Plan a great leap forward for growth and jobs
Today, the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance hosted Minister Trevor Manuel and members of his National Planning Commission to discuss the National Development Plan.
The DA takes the National Development Plan (NDP) very seriously indeed. We believe it represents significant progress and that most of its policy proposals, if implemented, would redress apartheid's legacy at an unprecedented scale and pace.
In many ways, there is a strong convergence between the NDP and the proposals the DA is developing as part of its policy project to create jobs through increasing economic growth to 8%. Similar points of departure include:

• Pursuing growth as the best way to fight poverty and unemployment
• Involving individuals and communities in their own development
• Requiring a competent state to provide excellent education and essential services
• Creating the right conditions for investment and job creation that drive a virtuous cycle of sustained development
• Moving from passive to active citizenry
• Developing people's own capacity to pursue lives they value

When it comes to growth and jobs, we are encouraged that the youth wage subsidy - long championed by the DA - is seen as a key mechanism to fight unemployment. We do, however, believe that the plan could be bolder when it comes to labour market flexibility.
We fully concur that investment in infrastructure is vital which is why we have placed a special emphasis on this where the DA governs. We also agree that bureaucratic bottlenecks and red tape are holding up housing delivery and need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Providing learners with the skills they need to compete in the global knowledge economy is perhaps the single most effective weapon in fighting poverty and unemployment. We are therefore heartened that, besides other policy proposals around issues such as nutrition and school infrastructure, there is a focus on making principals and teachers accountable for learner outcomes.
The DA agrees that all South Africans deserve access to quality healthcare. But we do not agree with the NDP's endorsement of the planned NHI. We have no reason to believe the scheme would fix the accountability problems that result in poor quality healthcare. Furthermore, we believe that the NHI is financially unfeasible given South Africa's current fiscal position.
The NDP rightly points out that a capable state is an essential component of any development plan. It is refreshingly frank about the consequences of political interference in the public service. The proposals to inject greater professionalism into the public service are broadly in line with the DA's vision of a more accountable public service.
However, the DA disagrees with proposals that affect the intergovernmental system such as the introduction of a single public service. This would hamper the ability of other spheres of government to deliver services and make good on their electoral mandates - particularly if they are governed by a different party to that in power at national level.
The DA agrees that political will is essential in the fight against corruption. We support proposals that specialised teams of prosecutors and special courts handle corruption cases and that restrictions be placed on the business activities of public servants (as we have already done in the Western Cape). 
Dramatically improving the effectiveness of our country's criminal justice system and enhancing professionalism in the SAPS are crucial elements in the fight against crime. We fully concur with the NDP's recommendations to demilitarise the police and to involve communities in building a safer society. 
South Africa remains a divided society, scarred by our history of racial disenfranchisement, segregation and exploitation. The DA supports the NDP's observation that achieving a sense of common citizenship and belonging is a complex but important process, and that South Africa needs a united and compelling vision of hope we can all believe in.
In conclusion, we note that there is significant opposition to the NDP, not least from the ANC's own alliance partners. By contrast, the NDP finds a natural champion in the DA. We welcome the NDP's frank assessment of our country's challenges and we support its overall policy thrust.
Minister Manuel noted today that the National Development Plan is still very much a proposal, that this is a "listening phase". Overall, we like what we hear. We look forward to engaging further with the National Planning Commission to achieve our shared objective of rapid and sustainable economic growth. A high growth trajectory now needs to be the focus across government. It is the only way to we are going to create jobs and give each South African opportunities to a live a life they value.
Statement issued by DA leader, Helen Zille, April 29 2012

Holiday Activities

Cape Town children invited to enjoy sport and recreational activities during the Easter holiday

The City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department will host a range of activities during the Easter school holidays. This means that parents need not worry how they will keep their children entertained during this period as the City has a variety of events planned.

The Department has planned approximately 500 holiday programmes which will run daily from today, Monday 26 March – Thursday 5 April 2012. The programmes will be presented at the City’s various community halls, swimming pools, beaches, parks and public open spaces, libraries, sport and recreation facilities and resorts across the metropole.

“Each of the six districts in the Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department will use the services of volunteers to ensure that all of the programmes are effectively implemented. Our goal with these programmes is to encourage children from communities throughout the city to participate in sport, recreation and special events during the holiday period, and in the long-term,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.

A number of youth and holiday camps will also be hosted at various City resorts during the holiday period. The objective of these camps is to expose the youth to fun activities while also building social and life skills by teaching them how to work in groups, respect authority and appreciate nature.

These are skills and lessons that the youth will be able to take back to their communities so that they can positively influence their peers. The participants will be based at the camps and will also go on mountain hikes and excursions to explore the biodiversity within the city.

Indoor programmes that will be hosted at Community Centres include board games, gymnastics, rope-skipping, karate, pool, poetry and drama, concerts, indigenous games, cultural dances and fitness training, talent shows and arts and crafts.

Outdoor programmes include five-a-side soccer, mini-netball, basketball, cricket, hockey, sport against crime, big walks, fun-runs, beach soccer, water polo, learn-to-swim programmes, beach volleyball, slippery slides, jumping castle, face-painting, trampolining, touch rugby and various recreational activities and family festivals.

The public is encouraged to take advantage of the City’s extensive holiday programme and to visit their local Community Centre.

For further information, please contact the following Recreation Officers:

District 1

Dunoon, Joe Slovo/ Phoenix, Atlantis, Woodstock, Kensington, CBD, Salt River, Maitland, Langa, Summer Greens, Garden Village, Silverstroom etc.

Lisle Lombard

082 876 1714 or 021 550 1220

District 2

Ocean View, Hout Bay, Lotus River, Ottery, Grassy Park, Imizamo Yethu, Muizenberg, Westlake, Zandvlei, Retreat, Wynberg, Claremont, Masiphumelele, Vrygrond etc.

Mildred Van de Heever

082 758 3111 or 021 712 0970

District 3

Khayelitsha (Sites B and C), Mitchells Plain – Beacon Valley, Weltevreden, Westridge, Tafelsig, Strandfontein, Eastridge, Woodlands, Rocklands etc.

Sibongile Mlotywa

072 851 7840 or 021 370 3663

District 4

Athlone, Heideveld, Gugulethu, Manenberg, Belhar, Delft, Bontheuwel,Gatesville, Browns Farm etc.

Amelia Botha

083 986 9164 or 021 637 6607

District 5

Kuils River, Fisantekraal, Ravensmead, Parow, Bishop Lavis, Valhalla Park, Goodwood, Elsies River, Ruyterwacht, Bellville, Durbanville, Uitsig, Bothasig, Edgemead, Philadelphia, Wallacedene, Scottsville etc.

Mary Scholtz

071 851 1143 or 021 906 0783

District 6

Blue Downs, Delft, Kleinvlei, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Mfuleni, Macassar, Eerste River, Strand, Blackheath, Somerset West, Silversands, Gordon’s Bay etc.

Glen Goldman

076 055 6804 or 021 900 9904

Road Safety

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA RELEASE

22 MARCH 2012

City reminds Capetonians of basic road safety rules

With the upcoming series of public holidays and long weekends, many Capetonians will be making use of Cape Town’s roads and highways to travel. The City of Cape Town would like to remind all road users of some of the rules of the road.

“It is disturbing to note some media reports which seem to suggest a general intolerance towards each other on our roads, and a disregard for the law,” said Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services. “We remind road users that they all – regardless of the manner in which they travel – have a responsibility to adhere to the rules of the road. Our law enforcement officials will enforce the law equally against anyone transgressing these basic rules.”

Two areas of particular concern is how pedestrians make use of pedestrian crossings, and how cyclists behave in relation to other road users.

PEDESTRIANS

The flashing red man pedestrian signal is a vital part of the message that we need to convey to both pedestrians and motorists and the fact that motorists do not respect its meaning is a result of ignorance of basic traffic laws rather than the system being confusing.

The pedestrian signal system consists of three signal indications, namely the steady red man, steady green man and flashing red man.

The steady red man is well understood to mean that pedestrians should not begin to cross the road. The steady green man indicates to pedestrians that they may begin to cross the road. Pedestrians should not begin to cross after the end of the green man signal as they may not have sufficient time to complete the crossing before the start of the steady red man.

The flashing red man indicates to a pedestrian that has begun to cross on the green man that he or she should complete their crossing without delay. The length of time for which the flashing red man is displayed is based on the time that it would take the average person to cross the road.

A pedestrian who begins to cross the road on the last second of the green man will therefore have sufficient time to complete the crossing. Without the flashing red man signal, pedestrians would not be able to judge whether they can reach the opposite side of the road before the start of the steady red man. The length of the flashing red man is extended in instances where it is known that the pedestrian crossing is used by significant numbers of people, or people who walk slower than the average person, such as the elderly.

There is a misperception amongst drivers and some pedestrians that pedestrians must finish crossing the road within the green man signal. This is untrue. A person who begins to cross the road during the green man has right-of-way over cars both during the green and flashing red man signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing lawfully during these periods.

“The signal system is not complicated, but is misused by those people who do not know its meaning and resort to doing what they think is correct. The City encourages all road users to familiarise themselves with the meanings of traffic signals and to display patience and courtesy towards others,” said Lourens.

CYCLISTS

Road traffic laws do not differentiate between the driver of a car, nor a cyclist. In the eyes of the law, they are equal; each with a set of rights and responsibilities. A bicycle is considered a vehicle, under South African law. Too often cyclists are observed ignoring traffic lights and “jumping” red robots. Cyclists are breaking the law and will be liable for a fine if they are observed ignoring traffic lights.

There are several ways to stay safe on the roads:

·         Be visible. Unlike in many global cities - where thousands of cyclists commute and drivers are used to keeping an eye out - drivers in South Africa don’t always expect cyclists. Cyclists can help by wearing high-visibility clothing (orange, neon green, yellow or pink), flashing LED belts and trouser-straps – and by riding 1.5m in from the road edge rather than in the road gutters.

·         Obey the rules of the road: South African law considers you the ‘driver’ of a vehicle, so you have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

·         Be assertive, but polite. Show others the respect you would like to be shown.

·         Pay attention at intersections and traffic circles – particularly where vehicles may be turning left in front of you.

·         Be predictable. At busy intersections indicate to traffic where you intend to go.

·         Ride often and keep up your urban riding skills - nervous, hesitant cyclists often endanger pedestrians and motorists.

·         Ride in single file and wear a helmet – a helmet won’t prevent you from being involved in a crash, but it may prevent serious injury if you are.

·         Don’t deliberately swerve your bike from side to side, and always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.

·         Light up your bike: white lights/reflectors on the front; red lights/reflectors on the back.

·         Be prepared: Carry water, a pump, a puncture repair kit, and identification (on your person and your bike, not only in your wallet and on your phone, as unfortunately these may be stolen if you’re in a collision).

·         Check your bike for obvious mechanical problems every time you leave for a ride.

“Tolerance, awareness and mutual respect is key for road safety, especially during this busy cycling season,” said Lourens.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town