Cape Town - Interesting Articles

[Room Fogger]

What to do when strangers take pictures of your kids
https://www.capetownetc.com/family/what-to-do-when-strangers-take-pictures-of-your-kids

12 Sept 2019

"Capetonians have been up in arms over a group of men who were spotted taking unsolicited pictures of children on Muizenberg Beach. Residents were shocked and concerned to hear about the incident and many felt hopeless about what they could do to protect their child.

“I just want to share my experience I had today on Muizenberg beach and hope parents are more vigilant because the world has become a scary place,” a post shared on the popular Fish Hoek Voice Facebook group reads. “So while we were sitting on beach, I notice this guy walking on the beach and seems like he is on a video call. Then he stops and takes a picture of a young girl while the mother is there, who doesn’t seem to be bothered, and carries on walking along the beach and then takes another picture of a little girl.”

Numerous reports of similar occurrences have been popping up on local Facebook groups and between residents in certain areas, as a worried parent here are a few things you can do to take control of a situation when it arises.

1. Address the person taking pictures
You don’t have to be rude or violent but it is within your rights as a parent to politely express your discomfort and ask photographers to stop taking pictures. In this situation you can also block the view of your child and show that you are watching them closely and playing attention to their safety.

Often, foreigners visiting a country think that it is okay to take pictures of children and may not be trying to do so for nefarious purposes, although this is a legitimate fear in today’s society.

In the instance that a person happens to be taking pictures without thinking, they will most likely apologise and delete the pictures.

2. What if a stranger refuses or runs away?
In the instance that this occurs, parents are encouraged to immediately contact nearby authorities. Try to remember the appearance of the person/s in question and explain the situation as best as you can to law enforcement officials.

Because this usually happens in a public setting, the assumption can’t be made that the person/s has broken the law in anyway but if you feel your privacy has been infringed upon, you are within your rights to report it. This includes calling the police.

3. Laying charges
Parents may lay crimen injuria charges against the stranger which address a case in which an individuals dignity or privacy is unlawfully or intentionally impaired. If a parent continues to lay charges against the stranger, evidence of the incident and witnesses will be needed.

4. It is okay to forcefully take the phone of a stranger?
In the situation where a parent feels a stranger is actively taking pictures of their child, many would be inclined to forcefully take the phone and check for themselves.

This action is outside of the law and the stranger has no obligation to show the parent in question anything on their personal cellphone.

Parents should be very careful not to harm the stranger or damage their personal belongings.

Start recording them and see their reaction, if they are up to no good they will vacate the area at speed. Will help if you decide to lay charges later as well to give a detailed description.

I now take photos of unknown cars parking near or in front of my house and forward them to neighborhood watch due to previous incidents in the area, as do most other households, Just for Incase. Strange how fast some of them leave when they see the phone or camera coming out.

 

[Hooked]

SA’s first CBD skincare range launches in Cape Town
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/sas-first-cbd-skincare-range-launches-in-cape-town

12 Sept 2019

Alchemy Elixzar, South Africa’s first complete range of seven CBD-infused skincare products has launched and Capetonians will be proud to know that all ingredients are sourced and made right here in the Mother City.

The range, consisting of a Skin Elixzar, facial cleanser, moisturizer, cleansing bar, skin polish, skin balm and facial spritzer, is produced in Cape Town in small batches to ensure the highest quality.

The unisex range is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free and enriched with pure Cannabidiol (CBD) which is the non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating component of the Cannabis plant known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

CBD is beneficial for conditions including acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, as well as skin-sensitivity and cold sores. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, CBD oil also stimulates collagen and the cells responsible for keeping skin firm and healthy.

Alchemy Elixzar is made by locals Emi Grobbelaar, a somatologist, and Jena Goncalves, an acupuncturist and an acudetox practitioner, and together the entrepreneurial duo have more than 14 years’ experience in the medical and skin-care industries.

Shop the range here.

And read my comments here.

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town airport park-and-ride bus service on the cards
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-airport-park-and-ride-bus-service-on-the-cards

12 Sept. 2019

"The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) is working with the City of Cape Town to set up a park-and-ride service from Cape Town International Airport to the CBD.

The move will alleviate rush-hour traffic on the N2 highway, and will also allow more of the airport’s arcades to be used. This was revealed during a press briefing with Cape Town International Airport’s General Manager Deon Cloete.

“There are no time lines as yet, but talks are at an advanced stage,” he said.

The airport currently has five separate parkades that has space for 7 399 cars. “P1 consists of five storeys and contains 4050 parking bays, P2 lies to the south and contains 1749 parking bays; there are a total of 1600 parking bays in the shade parking, including the Long Stay parking P5,” the ACSA site reads."

[...]

 

[Hooked]

Vote for Cape Town in the World Travel Awards
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/vote-for-cape-town-in-the-world-travel-awards

12 Sept. 2019

"On Thursday September 12, voting officially opened for Capetonians to nominate their favourite Mother City icons for the 2019 World Travel Awards. From Cape Town International Airport to the Table Mountain Cableway, people from near and far can show support for Cape Town by casting their vote.

The Mother City has made its way into four nominee categories. Cape Town International Airport has been nominated for the World’s Leading Airport. Table Mountain is a nominee for Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction. Cape Town is a nominee for Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination. Lastly Cape Town is a nominee for the World’s Leading City Destination.

Voting closes on Sunday 2o [sic], October 2019 . Here are some easy steps to follow to get your voting process going:

1. Head over the the World Travel Awards site and click on the vote tab at the top of the page.

2. Select your region from the Region Menu, select “World”.

3. Begin your voting process.

4. There are a number of places around the world nominated so if you are not interested in voting for these you can select to “skip this award” which is the last option on the list."

 

[Hooked]

Start recording them and see their reaction, if they are up to no good they will vacate the area at speed. Will help if you decide to lay charges later as well to give a detailed description.

I now take photos of unknown cars parking near or in front of my house and forward them to neighborhood watch due to previous incidents in the area, as do most other households, Just for Incase. Strange how fast some of them leave when they see the phone or camera coming out.

@Room Fogger We have so many break-ins here in Yzer that Armed Response and Neighbourhood Watch have advised everyone to buy their own CCTV cameras to record the street area outside their homes.

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town’s pollen count at record high
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-towns-pollen-count-at-record-high

"Cape Town’s pollen count has reached new records this year. According to the University of Cape Town (UCT) Lung Institute, the amount of pollen in the air is 14% higher than it was decade ago. Pollen counts worldwide are predicted to quadruple in the next 20-30 years.

According to the Institute, “This year saw some of the highest recorded pollen counts in history, which had cities from Europe to the US covered in clouds of pollen as a result of global warming. A spike in South Africa’s pollen production has also been flagged by local scientists who are calling for an urgent expansion of the country’s pollen monitoring programme.”

[...]

 

[Hooked]

Roads to be closed during Total Shutdown
[on Wed. 25 Sept.]
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/roads-to-be-closed-during-total-shutdown

The Total Shutdown Movement has announced that they will be protesting again come September 25 – exactly a year after they closed many of the Cape’s major arterial routes – as their demands have not yet been met.

In early August, the Gatvol Capetonian group staged a shutdown across the city which dealt with the issue of housing, but this led to sporadic violence, including the throwing of stones and burning of tyres.

“We will be attempting to close arterial roads such as the M7, Jakes Gerwel, the Stellenbosch Arterial, Valhalla Drive and Voortrekker Road from 5am to 10am because it seems there is no other way the government is going to listen to us accept when we affect businesses,” Total Shutdown spokesperson Nadia Mayman De Grass told IOL. “There won’t be any burning tyres, there won’t be any throwing of stones.”

Abdul Karriem Matthews, who is one of the organisers of the shutdown, said that the group is tired of the violence in the Cape Flats.

“Seven days to Total Shutdown. Last night three children and one 18-year-old were massacred in a wendy house in Clark Estate. The AGU [Anti-Gang Unit] and the SANDF [South African National Defense Force] has to date not arrested and prosecuted one major gang leader or drug lord, let alone all of them,” he shared on social media. “With more than 150 000 gang members, all armed, we are in fact facing a low intensity war, waged by what constitutes an armed militia terrorising working class communities. The morturies are filled to capacity and our hospitals are practicing battle field medicine as if we are in a combat zone. The Cape Flats and the townships remain a site of mass trauma and will continue to be so unless we, the working class communities directly impacted by this war take a stand, unite, organise and mobilise ourselves.”

“We want AGU units in all the hot zones to eliminate the gangs and drug dealers and we want them now. We demand proper housing, jobs, education and health and we want it now,” Matthews said.

 

[Hooked]

Burger King drops the “ham” in hamburger
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/burger-king-drops-the-ham-in-hamburger
20 Sept. 2019

"Many locals have been scratching their heads after Burger King’s latest announcement that several of their stores will now be serving bacon, and therefore losing their Halaal certification. Out of respect for their Muslim clients, however, they will be dropping the “ham” from their menu.

This news comes as the fast-food giant has decided to add bacon to their menu, introducing a new “Bacon King”, a towering burger featuring a heaped helping of crispy bacon.

As of September 2019, a select number of their stores no longer have their Halaal-certification, in spite of this, the menu will still feature all original Halaal menu items.

Burger King says this move was inspired by a number of requests from non-Halaal consumers for a new offering that includes bacon.

In total 40 restaurants across the country will lose their certification with 56 remaining unchanged.

Forming part of this movement Burger King will also be removing the “ham” in hamburger out of respect for their Muslim patrons. From now on menu items will just be called “burgers”.

Interestingly enough the ham in hamburger is featured in the name out of reference for the German city of Hamburg where the concept of burger patties supposedly originates. The name does not at all reference pork or ham as hamburgers traditional are made of beef.

KwaZulu-Natal is the only province whose restaurants will remain unchanged.

The following restaurant locations in Cape Town will be losing their Halaal-certification:

– Blue Route Mall
– Cape Gate Shopping Centre
– N2 Strand

 

[Hooked]

So they're dropping the "ham" but putting in the bacon.

 

[Hooked]

TAKE A LOOK: This Cape Town parking bay is on offer for a cool R1.25 million
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/t...ay-is-on-offer-for-a-cool-r125-million-2019-8
20 Aug. 2019

A parking bay in Cape Town's upmarket Clifton neighbourhood is currently for sale for R1.25 million.

“For a parking to be available in a such prime location like this is incredibly rare. Many of the buildings in this area were built in the 1950s where it was common to simply park your car on the street, and now there is a shortage of them,” said Adrien Epstein, luxury property consultant at Dogon Group.

Situated on the roof of San Michele apartment building in Victoria Road, the open-air parking bay offers a splendid oceanic view, private security, and access via the building to one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, Clifton 1st .

A guaranteed parking like this is extremely sought-after during Cape Town’s peak-season in summer when thousands flock to the beach. Clifton’s famous beaches are only accessible via long winding staircases. Street parking is limited.

But it's not even a record. In 2017, another parking bay in Clifton sold for R1.65 million.

Other bays were sold for R1 million, and R1.1 million respectively in Clifton and Bakoven.

“We’ve seen garages for more. But I think [the bay] is correctly priced for what you are getting. You must compare that some of the houses (in the neighbourhood that) sell upwards of R30 million. So for R1.2 million it comes in at a bargain,” said Epstein.

However, even houses on the Atlantic Seaboard have not been immune to the general property price slump that have hit home-owners in SA.

The latest FNB House Price Index shows that prices in the area were almost 4% lower in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

 

[Hooked]

Here's something to do with the kids during school holidays! I'd love to take a drive out there and do it myself some time too!

Unleash your inner artist at Clay Café
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/unleash-your-inner-artist-at-clay-cafe/
15 Aug. 2019

In a time when we are so consumed by the constant noise of social media, you need an outlet to stop and unplug for a Cape Town minute. Clay Café, set among the giant oak trees in Hout Bay, is exactly that place.

While many assume it is a place for little hands to get dirty painting ceramic trinkets, in reality it is a space for the entire family, including granny and grandpa, to unwind and unleash their inner artist. The result of the hours of patient and enjoyable fun culminates into a beautiful piece of work unlike any other.

Clay Café has both inside and outside areas, so the weather doesn’t play a huge factor. The process is pretty simple. You book a session online, when you arrive you decide what you would like to paint from a range of unfired bisque items – then choose your colours and get settled.

If you would like some professional advice, you can opt for a short demonstration by an onsite artist. Armed with several colours of paint and an overactive imagination, I rolled my sleeves up and got stuck in. After 30 minutes I realised something was not right, my kids aged 4 and 10 were painting in total silence – now that right there is golden and something money can’t buy.

Friendly waiters patiently wait around, not interrupting your workflow, to take your orders...

You don’t realise how utterly relaxed you are until you look at the clock and realise it’s been hours since you even looked at your phone.

In psychology, art therapy is used to treat various psychological disorders and to enhance mental health. The time I spent pouring over my ceramic unicorn reminded me why distractions like these are so very important to our mental health. Painting is a way to communicate ideas, express yourself and also release emotion.

Three hours and very little conversation later… our works of art were complete and we all stood back in complete awe. It takes three weeks for the process to be completed, the next step is to burn the ceramics in the kiln and glaze it to finish it off. An express option costs a little extra.

Clay Café allows you to play and relax at the same time. The outdoor area is expansive and is a child’s dream play area. Bouncing castles, swings, slides, trampolines and ponds create a play haven for kids who have tired of the art.

There are also outside tables with a bird’s eye view of the kiddies play area to watch your children burn pent-up energy. It is absolutely perfect for team-building events, bridal showers, kiddie or adult parties or for those looking to escape their crazy busy life.

Contact: 076 810 5120
Address: 4080 Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Website: claycafe.co.za

Pictures: Clay Cafe

 

[Room Fogger]

TAKE A LOOK: This Cape Town parking bay is on offer for a cool R1.25 million
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/t...ay-is-on-offer-for-a-cool-r125-million-2019-8
20 Aug. 2019

A parking bay in Cape Town's upmarket Clifton neighbourhood is currently for sale for R1.25 million.

“For a parking to be available in a such prime location like this is incredibly rare. Many of the buildings in this area were built in the 1950s where it was common to simply park your car on the street, and now there is a shortage of them,” said Adrien Epstein, luxury property consultant at Dogon Group.

Situated on the roof of San Michele apartment building in Victoria Road, the open-air parking bay offers a splendid oceanic view, private security, and access via the building to one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, Clifton 1st .

A guaranteed parking like this is extremely sought-after during Cape Town’s peak-season in summer when thousands flock to the beach. Clifton’s famous beaches are only accessible via long winding staircases. Street parking is limited.

But it's not even a record. In 2017, another parking bay in Clifton sold for R1.65 million.

Other bays were sold for R1 million, and R1.1 million respectively in Clifton and Bakoven.

“We’ve seen garages for more. But I think [the bay] is correctly priced for what you are getting. You must compare that some of the houses (in the neighbourhood that) sell upwards of R30 million. So for R1.2 million it comes in at a bargain,” said Epstein.

However, even houses on the Atlantic Seaboard have not been immune to the general property price slump that have hit home-owners in SA.

The latest FNB House Price Index shows that prices in the area were almost 4% lower in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

I pay that for a parking bay I’m living on it. Quite a nice view too

 

[Raindance]

TAKE A LOOK: This Cape Town parking bay is on offer for a cool R1.25 million
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/t...ay-is-on-offer-for-a-cool-r125-million-2019-8
20 Aug. 2019

A parking bay in Cape Town's upmarket Clifton neighbourhood is currently for sale for R1.25 million.

“For a parking to be available in a such prime location like this is incredibly rare. Many of the buildings in this area were built in the 1950s where it was common to simply park your car on the street, and now there is a shortage of them,” said Adrien Epstein, luxury property consultant at Dogon Group.

Situated on the roof of San Michele apartment building in Victoria Road, the open-air parking bay offers a splendid oceanic view, private security, and access via the building to one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, Clifton 1st .

A guaranteed parking like this is extremely sought-after during Cape Town’s peak-season in summer when thousands flock to the beach. Clifton’s famous beaches are only accessible via long winding staircases. Street parking is limited.

But it's not even a record. In 2017, another parking bay in Clifton sold for R1.65 million.

Other bays were sold for R1 million, and R1.1 million respectively in Clifton and Bakoven.

“We’ve seen garages for more. But I think [the bay] is correctly priced for what you are getting. You must compare that some of the houses (in the neighbourhood that) sell upwards of R30 million. So for R1.2 million it comes in at a bargain,” said Epstein.

However, even houses on the Atlantic Seaboard have not been immune to the general property price slump that have hit home-owners in SA.

The latest FNB House Price Index shows that prices in the area were almost 4% lower in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

Dibs!

Regards

 

[Room Fogger]

Dibs!

Regards

Split 50/50? Who gets the top tent?

 

[Hooked]

Cape has slowest mobile internet speed in the country
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-has-slowest-mobile-internet-speed-in-the-country/
14 Aug. 2019


"South Africa has moved up four places on the worldwide broadband speed league. According to Cable.co.uk, SA is now ranked at number 76 out of 200 countries in regards to the average global broadband speed. Besides, when it comes to the African continent as a whole, South Africa in particular fares well, coming in third behind only Kenya and Madagascar

The report, “Worldwide broadband speed league 2018” is based on over 163-million speed tests in 200 countries. According to the report, SA has a mean download speed of 6.38Mbps and the time it takes to download a typical 5 GB high-definition movie in the country is 1hr 47min 3sec.

[...]

South Africa has the fastest average mobile download speed in Africa with 22.42 Mbps. But speed varies among cities.

City Download (Mbps)
Durban 26.66
Pretoria 24.25
Johannesburg 23.62
Soweto 22.90
Cape Town 22.72

 

[Hooked]

Rising sea levels threaten Cape Town’s coasts
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-cape-towns-coasts/
30 Aug. 2019

"Concerns are mounting regarding the Mother City’s coastal properties as rising sea levels caused by global warming could call for a retreat to high lying areas. The Milnerton coast in particular is fighting against being swallowed by the ocean, and stormy weather has lead to heavy erosion of parts of the beach’s infrastructure.

Options are being assessed by the City of Cape Town and may include a plan to retreat part of the Milnerton coast according to Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt.

[...]

Sea Point, Glencairn, Blouberg and Hout Bay are also being affected by rising sea levels.

[...]

The following projects received budget which was spent in the last financial year:

– Fishermans Lane Parking revetment: R3,5 million

– Big Bay rehabilitation: R3,8 million

– Clifton walkway repair: R200 000

– Hout Bay dune rehabilitation: R6 million – ongoing

The following projects are currently underway with funding:

– Fishermans Lane Upgrade: R26 Million

– Demolition of derelict infrastructure: R 5 million

– Macassar pavilion

– Defunct ablutions etc.

– Glencairn Beach precinct upgrade: R3,5 million

 

[Hooked]

CT waiter & shopper jailed for cloning credit cards
https://www.all4women.co.za/1832993...aiter-shopper-jailed-for-cloning-credit-cards
30 Aug. 2019

Two men have been convicted of skimming and cloning credit cards in the Bellville and Athlone Magistrate’s Courts on Thursday.

[...]
Celesani Cele, 31, also known as “Sunny”, a waiter at a popular local Table View restaurant, was sentenced on six counts of fraud, violating the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ETC) Act 25 of 2002, and money laundering. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years.
He was slapped with a further three years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years for violating the ETC Act 25 of 2002 and an additional seven years’ imprisonment for money laundering, wholly suspended for five years.

Cele was arrested by the Hawks’ ATM Task Force Team and various banking industry role-players while on duty inside the restaurant in November 2018. He was found in possession of a bank card skimming device, and a notebook containing what appeared to be illegally collated bank card details of various restaurant clients.

On a separate matter, Lukhanyo Bokolo, 33, was also arrested by the Hawks’ ATM Task Force Team upon following up on information about suspected cloned cards being used at a store in Tyger Valley Mall in June 2019. Bokolo was caught in possession of five cloned cards which were used to purchase more than R31 000 worth of merchandise.

Bokolo pleaded guilty on all charges and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years for violating the ECT act 25 of 2002. The Bellville Magistrate’s Court also found him guilty and sentenced him to three years direct imprisonment for fraud as well as an additional three years for violating the ECT act 25 of 2002. Both charges will run concurrently.

 

[Hooked]

Two stabbed, one dies on Clifton beach
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/two-stabbed-one-dies-on-clifton-beach

An arrest is yet to be made after two men were stabbed on Clifton’s 3rd Beach in Cape Town in the late hours of Saturday night. According to Western Cape police, they were stabbed during an alleged robbery. The ages and identities of the two victims are yet to be released.

One of the men was taken to hospital for further care following the harrowing incident but his friend succumbed to his injuries and died shortly after being stabbed.

Police are still investigating the details surrounding the stabbing.

 

[Hooked]

Chaos as fight breaks out in mall [Canal Walk]
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/chaos-as-fight-breaks-out-in-mall
30 Sept. 2019


A video recorded by a member of the crowd shows a large group of people all crowded on an escalator. They can be heard yelling at each other and hurling what appears to be shopping trolleys and baskets at one another.

According to Canal Walk CEO Gavin Wood, the group refused to leave the mall at closing, became agitated and attacked security guards attempting to escort them out.

See above link for videos

 

[Hooked]

Two stabbed, one dies on Clifton beach
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/two-stabbed-one-dies-on-clifton-beach

An arrest is yet to be made after two men were stabbed on Clifton’s 3rd Beach in Cape Town in the late hours of Saturday night. According to Western Cape police, they were stabbed during an alleged robbery. The ages and identities of the two victims are yet to be released.

One of the men was taken to hospital for further care following the harrowing incident but his friend succumbed to his injuries and died shortly after being stabbed.

Police are still investigating the details surrounding the stabbing.

UPDATE:
the University of Cape Town (UCT) has confirmed that four of their students were involved.

[One student died, another was stabbed in the leg and two others managed to escape. No arrests yet.]

 

[Hooked]

Capetonians driving to Gauteng & Tshwane take note:

The new demerit system is already in place there!

 

[Hooked]

Cape ice cream parlour named best in the world
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-ice-cream-parlour-named-best-in-the-world
1 Oct. 2019

"Cape Town is on a roll, scooping up yet another international accolade with Unframed Ice Cream parlour ranking in at the number one spot out of 50 ice cream cafés worldwide. The list, compiled by Big 7 Travel, ranks some of the best places to get ice cream across the globe, and ranges from simple gelato to soft serve...

Cape Town’s unique artisan ice cream maker, Unframed Ice Cream, ranked in first place for its ability to make healthy ice cream options from scratch in small sustainable batches.

Locals love Unframed Ice Cream for their one-of-a-kind flavours, including their vegan options which are no less delectable than the rest. Some flavours loved by Capetonians include the “Blue Coconut” made with Blue Spirulina, the “Beetroot Chocolate Ginger” and the “Matcha”.

Unframed currently has two locations, one in the heart of the city on Kloof Street and another at the bustling V&A Waterfront food market.

The top 10 on the list are:
1. Unframed Ice Cream, Cape Town
2. Licc – York, United Kingdom
3. Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery – Toronto, Canada
4. FRYST – Stockholm, Sweden
5. Gelato Messina Circular Quay – Sydney, Australia
6. Churn – Phoenix, Arizona, USA
7. Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique – Singapore
8. Emilia Cremeria – Parma, Italy
9. Giapo – Auckland, New Zealand
10. Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy – Chico, California, USA

 

[Hooked]

Couple struck by lightning while driving
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/couple-struck-by-lightning-while-driving
1 Oct. 2019

"A couple had the shock of their life when they were struck by lightning while on their way to Sunday lunch on September 29, 2019.

Speaking to News24, Wynand Van Der Merwe said that everything was blank when the lightning bolt struck the car he was travelling in with his wife, Christine. “There was the hit, and then moments later my eyes opened and everything was white,” Van der Merwe said.

The couple was making their way to a family lunch to see a relative who was visiting from abroad when they were stuck by lightning, just as they entered Moreesburg.

“There was the hit, and then moments later my eyes opened and everything was white,” Van der Merwe continued. “The car was like a dead ant moving slowly forward from the momentum. I’m like ‘OK, I don’t know what just happened’.”

The passengers in the car that was driving behind them stopped to help, and informed them that the lightning had hit their car’s aerial. “They said to us, ‘You were just struck by lightning’,” Van Der Merwe said. The helpful strangers, who had been driving ahead of them, called their parents to offer assistance. They removed the Van Der Merwes’ car battery in case the car caught alight. The couple then continued to make their way to lunch after the incident with the assistance of the strangers who helped them.

Wynand downed a piping hot chocolate drink when he arrived at the lunch, as he had spilled the first one they had bought on their way to Moreesburg. It spilled when they were hit by lightning.

He and his wife Christine felt perfectly fine after lunch, but when Van Der Merwe woke up on Monday morning, his arms were swollen. According to his doctor, it may be muscle damage due to the electric shockwaves, and tests are being conducted to check for kidney damage."

 

[Hooked]

One stabbed, another assaulted on Camps Bay Beach
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/one-stabbed-another-assaulted-on-camps-bay-beach
1 Oct. 2019

"Just two days after a local university student was stabbed to death on Clifton 3rd Beach, another attack transpired on popular Camps Bay Beach. It is alleged that a fight broke out on the beach at approximately 6pm on Monday, September 30.

According to the South African Police Services (SAPS), one person was stabbed in the hand while another was assaulted with a brick during the scuffle. “An altercation between three youths aged 15 and 16 (from Bloekombos) occurred, a passer-by tried to intervene and was hit over the head with a brick. Camps Bay SAPS members in the vicinity arrested of a 18-year-old male on a charge of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). The arrested suspect is due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court soon on the mentioned charges,” Captain FC Van Wyk said in a statement.

“A young man was approached by a man who tried to steal his phone. The youth and his friends gave chase after the suspect and cornered him. He then stabbed one in order to get away. The second injury occurred a short while later when Law Enforcement and SAPS was on the scene,” Nicola Jowell, ward councillor, said in a Facebook post. “A passing motorist stopped and confronted the group of youths, I am unsure at this stage as to the exact nature of the confrontation. One of the youth threw a brick at this man and he was injured by this attack. This person was arrested by SAPS. The initial robbery/stabbing suspect has not yet been arrested.”

 

[Hooked]

Visit the Table Mountain Cableway for R90
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/visit-the-table-mountain-cableway-for-r90
1 Oct. 2019

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway on Friday, October 4 2019, the Cableway is giving back to the local community with a month long special for all South Africans.

From October 1 to October 31, 2019 all locals with a valid South African ID, or birth certificate if they are under the age of 17, will qualify for a special once in a lifetime R90 return ticket up Table Mountain.

Locals can book online or at the Ticket Office at the Cableway during the month of October for this special offer.

Both children and adults will be charged R90 per ticket but the anniversary special can not be used in conjunction with other specials.
Children under the age of four do not have to pay for their tickets. The special allows both a ride up and down the cableway.

For more information locals can contact the Cableway at +27 (0)21 424 8181 or email info@tablemountain.net.