Cape Town - Interesting Articles

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Two Oceans Aquarium Valentine’s Day picnic pods
https://www.capetownetc.com/food-and-drink/two-oceans-aquarium-valentines-day-picnic-pods
14 Jan. 2020

"The Two Oceans Aquarium is giving couples a unique opportunity to spend the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day – in a special way. For one night of the year, you can visit the fish after dark!

Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, go with a relaxed and informal mood by way of 40 intimate picnic spots dotted throughout the Aquarium.

These spots have been specially selected for their romance potential – a private “pod” complete with hay bales will accommodate only one couple per pod, affording a bit of privacy, comfort and intimacy. So, ditch the heels and the formal jacket and enjoy a laid-back evening of romance surrounded by the magnificent displays.

Each couples’ picnic pod will be set up throughout the Aquarium, under the beautiful light of the I&J Ocean Exhibit, in view of the sharks of the Predator Exhibit, as well as throughout the Aquarium’s intimate corners – like the exclusive Kelp Forest Exhibit viewing pit for one couple only.

Prices range from R650 to R1 600 per couple depending on which picnic spot you select. The price includes entrance into the Aquarium, an (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) arrival drink and a picnic basket for two.

The I&J Ocean Exhibit sets couples up in front of the main window with just the ocean’s beauty to keep you company with only 4 spots available at R960 per couple.

If you want to go all out, pick the most exclusive Valentine’s Day spot in the Aquarium – have the Kelp Forest viewing pit all to yourself! There’s only one spot available, at R1 100 per couple.

Alternatively, choose a pod scattered around the I&J Ocean Exhibit viewing room: There are 12 spots available, at R860 per couple. There are various other options at lower prices, too.

For further enquiries, email functions@aquarium.co.za or call 021 408 3812.

For full details and menu options, click here.

 

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Table Mountain Cableway closes due to strong winds
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/table-mountain-cableway-closes-due-to-strong-winds
17 Jan. 2020

"Today is International Cableway Day, but locals won’t be able to celebrate this year as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed as a result of adverse weather conditions and poor visibility.

“We are closed: adverse weather conditions. Temperature at the top is mild, wind strength is gale force, visibility poor,” the Cableway posted on Twitter.

According to accuweather.com, Cape Town can expect to be subjected to strong winds for the next week. Wind speeds will average 53 kilometres per hour over the coming weekend, and temperatures will also be slightly lower following a week of soaring temperatures."

 

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Where the Cape’s penguins came from
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/where-the-capes-penguins-came-from
16 Jan. 2020

"The smartly dressed penguins us locals have come to know and love that call Boulders Beach and Stony Point home have not always been there and if you, like us, have been wondering where they came from, you’re in the right place.

Before 1985 these flightless bird colonies were nowhere to be seen. What many people don’t know is that penguins from time to time tend to resettle in new areas either in search of food or mates.

Before 1985, the closest and most densely populated colony near to the Cape was Dassen Island, 9km off Yzerfontein. Here, thousands of cheerful African penguins called the peaceful island home until their numbers began to decline drastically in the 1960s and 70s when the anchovy stockpile in the area was affected by overfishing. Although Dassen Island housed the nearest colony, most African penguins came from Namibia.

Penguins were forced to abandon their nests in droves in the 1980s in search of food and a new habitat. This led to young penguins settling down and starting new colonies along Stony Point and Boulders Beach.

Before Stony Point was a feather-filled tourist attraction it was one of the areas associated with whaling between the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1912, 60 hectares of land including Stony Point was leased to Captain Cook who established The Southern Cross Whaling Company Ltd, profiting from the horrors of whaling.

A whaling station was established in the area and roughly 173 whales were killed in the seas off Cape Hangklip in 1913 and 84 in 1914.

Between 1916 and 1920, 300 whales were killed each year by steam ships that operated from the Stony Point whaling station and 144 people were employed in the grim business.

In 1976 whaling was outlawed and the dark years were left behind when Cape Nature upgraded the area due to its historical significance and welcomed the penguin colony we know today.

Unsurprisingly named after its giant granite boulders, this much-loved destination only welcomed penguins in 1983.

The colony has increased to over 3 000 strong but was started by just two breeding pairs spotted on Foxy Beach by locals roughly 37 years ago. The beach is enclosed, surrounded by boulders believed to be some 540-million years old.

Before, the beach was somewhat lonely without the little flightless birds to liven up the atmosphere, and now it is one of only two areas in Cape Town that the endangered African penguins call home."

 

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Gone with the wind! Capetonians hold on to street poles to save themselves from gusts
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/...-poles-to-save-themselves-from-gusts-20200117

Watch video in above link.

[My comment: When I first moved to CT I couldn't understand why there were barriers on the street corners in the CBD. I soon found out that they're there for pedestrians to hold on to while waiting to cross the road.

Today is pretty hectic, I must say, but I love the wind!! How do fellow Capetonians feel?]

 

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Cape Town welcomes new eco-store
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/northern-suburbs-welcomes-new-eco-store
20 Jan. 2020

"Another Cape Town suburb is joining the fight against the plastic plague and promoting a sustainable lifestyle thanks to the new eco-store that has opened in the area.

Residents in the near Milnerton, Parklands and Blouberg can now do their shopping without the extra plastic waste by visiting The Green Tap, a new eco-friendly option that caters to the conscious shoppers every need.

Based at Sunningdale Lifestyle Centre, in the Milnerton rural area, this convenient grocer offers visitors zero-waste packaging options where shoppers can enjoy eco-friendly products on tap, bring their own containers and pay according to weight...

All products sold at The Green Tap are 100% natural and also pose new alternatives to some products you haven’t thought of reusing before such as cotton rounds or sponges.

From baking grocery items to zero waste storage options, you can find everything on your grocery list and more.

If this spot is a little out of the way for you, check out our five plastic-free shops in Cape Town to start your sustainable shopping journey.

Also Read: The Capetonian’s guide to eco-friendly living

 

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Hout Bay residents cautioned over dangerous sand pit
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/hout-bay-residents-cautioned-over-dangerous-sand-pit
21 Jan. 2020



"The residents of Hout Bay have been warned to beware when walking along Hout Bay Beach. According to reports, a resident was walking on the beach at 8.27am this morning when she suddenly sunk into the earth while walking her dogs.

“She was fine,” said Rita Osborne, a representative of Deep Blue Security. The security group were the first to respond to the incident. ” She was just frightened. She was shouting for help, but no one came to her assitance.”

“We are not really sure of what exactly it is,” Osborne responded when asked whether the patch of sand is quicksand or a sinkhole. “We reported the incident to Hout Bay Law Enforcement. It was very scary walking and figuring out where it is without falling in myself.”

Currently, there are only reeds surrounding the dangerous patch of sand, but a post sent to the Hout Bay Complete Facebook group is warning residents to be vigilant.

If any more incidents involving the sand patch transpire, contact Deep Blue Security on 021 790 7901 for assistance.

 

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Comic Con Cape Town: Your Heroes Are Coming
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/comic-con-cape-town

"... Cape Town is hosting South Africa’s second iteration of one of the world’s biggest pop culture events … Comic Con Cape Town.

Reedpop and local exhibition specialists Reed International South Africa, the same organisers who brought us Comic Con Africa in Johannesburg, are bringing Comic Con Cape Town to the Cape Town Stadium from 1-3 May 2020, which includes the Worker’s Day public holiday on the first.

... Already confirmed for the event is international star Ricky Whittle, most famous for his work on the hit science fiction show The 100. Whittle’s previous work included a role in the popular British soap opera Hollyoaks and he was also a model for Reebok in the early 2000’s.

On the comic book front, the organisers have announced the Illustrator for Marvel Comics’ Han Solo, Mark Brooks, as the first comic book guest. Brooks has also done work on DC Comics’ iconic Batman series and is on regular rotation at Marvel creating cover art for numerous titles including Avengers, Secret Empire, and Conan the Barbarian.

More guests and panel speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

COMIC BOOKS AND ANIMATION FESTIVAL HAND IN HAND
Before the Marvel and DC cinematic universes became a reality, the best way to create a motion picture with comic book characters was through animation. So it’s fitting that Comic Con Cape Town will be co-located with the Cape Town International Animation Festival, Africa’s only dedicated Animation Festival. It’s renowned for presenting world-class content and In 2019 welcomed the likes of Academy Award-winning producer Aaron Warner (Shrek) and director Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse) among its more than 60 speakers...

AND FOR THE LITTLE ONES, THERE’S THE KIDSCON ZONE
... KidsCon is an interactive edutainment convention focused on kids. It is the only convention of its kind in South Africa and Comic Con Cape Town will have a dedicated KidsCon zone. The kids’ activities, such as games, toys, fun activations and more, will be integrated throughout the convention too.

GAMING AND COSPLAY: ALL THE USUAL FUN
Comic Con Cape Town will have a special section for this, called Cosplay Central. There, patrons can show off their costumes, meet professional local and international cosplayers, and have photos taken at cosplay backdrops. There will also be a cosplay clinic for any costume mishaps, and for the gamers there will be Esports tournaments. Boardgamers are able to meet like-minded friends in a dedicated board game area.

INTERNATIONAL COSPLAY RECOGNITION
Cosplay has grown in the country to such an extent that South Africa now competes on an international level. In 2020 the Comic Con Cape Town Regional Championships of Cosplay will be held at the event, and the winner of this competition goes straight to the finals of the Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay to compete for the Grand Prize.

Local cosplayers can enter one of four categories:

Needlework: for cosplay constructed primarily through sewing, stitching, and embroidery;
Armour: For cosplay constructed primarily by moulding and shaping its outer layers using acrylic, EVA foam, or cardboard;
Construction: Focuses on how well the costume is made; and
Masters: which is judged on presentation, construction, character and cosplay portfolio.

There’s also an overall prize for the best costume, and there are daily casual competitions, including a Padawan category for kids under six years. You can find more information on the competitions in the Comic Con Cape Town Website.

TICKETS TO COMIC CON CAPE TOWN
Ticket prices range from R160 for a day pass to R450 for a full weekend pass. These do not include special add-ons like autograph sessions and panel sessions, for which prices will be announced once the talent lineup has been confirmed. Parking at the event costs R25 and kids under six get in free.

Alternatively, if you purchase tickets to the Cape Town International Animation Festival, you’ll gain access to Comic Con Cape Town and KidsCon as well.

You can book your tickets via Howler.

 

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Hout Bay residents cautioned over dangerous sand pit
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/hout-bay-residents-cautioned-over-dangerous-sand-pit
21 Jan. 2020

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"The residents of Hout Bay have been warned to beware when walking along Hout Bay Beach. According to reports, a resident was walking on the beach at 8.27am this morning when she suddenly sunk into the earth while walking her dogs.

“She was fine,” said Rita Osborne, a representative of Deep Blue Security. The security group were the first to respond to the incident. ” She was just frightened. She was shouting for help, but no one came to her assitance.”

“We are not really sure of what exactly it is,” Osborne responded when asked whether the patch of sand is quicksand or a sinkhole. “We reported the incident to Hout Bay Law Enforcement. It was very scary walking and figuring out where it is without falling in myself.”

Currently, there are only reeds surrounding the dangerous patch of sand, but a post sent to the Hout Bay Complete Facebook group is warning residents to be vigilant.

If any more incidents involving the sand patch transpire, contact Deep Blue Security on 021 790 7901 for assistance.

Mysterious Hout Bay sinkhole explained
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/mysterious-hout-bay-sinkhole-explained
22 Jan. 2020

"A statement released by Ward Councillor Roberto Miguel Quintas, said this incident was caused by a sinkhole, and not a patch of quicksand as many had suspected.

Quintas said. “The sinkhole is believed to have been caused by unseasonal summer rains over the weekend falling on very loose dry sand, matched with higher than usual tidal movements resulting in a water-logged area in the vicinity of the old river mouth.”

Quintas added that Hout Bay Beach visitors are advised to walk on the waterline as a precautionary measure, as the sand is firmer and more compact. “The festive season lifesavers have also, as an advisory measure, placed netting and flags in the vicinity,” he said.

He has also assured Hout Bay residents that the Coastal Management Department, along with the Sports and Recreation Department, will be carefully monitoring the situation."

 

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Woolworths launches coffee cup recycling in the Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/woolworths-launches-coffee-cup-recycling-in-the-cape
22 Jan. 2020

"A new coffee cup recycling programme has been rolled out at all Western Cape Woolworth stores with cafés, coffee carts or pods. This comes after successful trials at the Woolworths Head Office and Garden Centre store.

The programme is in response to the problem presented by coffee cups which have mixed materials and often can’t be recycled because of food waste contamination. With these challenges in mind Woolworths has developed a bin with three separate sections, which will allow in-store customers to make sure that their cups are recycled.

The first compartment is for the plastic lid of the cup. The hole is only wide enough to fit a lid, thus ensuring that different materials are not mixed. Second, customers are required to empty the remaining coffee into the liquid partition thus ensuring that there is no food contamination. Finally, the cup itself is disposed of in the third compartment, which is in the shape of a cup to make it easier for customers.

Recyclables will be collected from stores and transported to the Woolworths Distribution Centre, where it is collected and sorted before moving onto the recyclers ... "

 

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DOG OWNERS


Parvovirus “outbreak” causes concern in Cape Town
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/parvovirus-outbreak-causes-concern-in-cape-town
22 Jan. 2020

"Dog owners in Cape Town are up in arms over a post on social media claiming there is an outbreak of the deadly parvovirus in the De Waal Park area. The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that manifest in symptoms resembling an upset stomach.

However, Resource Development and Communications Officer of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS), Allan Perrins said one case does not mean an outbreak. “We can’t confirm the outbreak at the moment,” he commented. One animal clinic says that while the disease is fatal, owners of vaccinated dogs need not be worried..."

Prevention is always better than cure,” Perrins said. “If you have vaccinated your dog, you have taken the necessary precaution and done all you can do.” His caution follows the news that at least one dog has died as a result of the virus.

Dog owners are advised to keep an eye on their dogs, and take them to a vet immediately if they notice any symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or lack of appetite. Some residents in the De Waal Park area have also said they will steer clear of the parks and forests for the time being."

 

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Any forumites in Stellenbosch?

The milkman is back in town
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/the-milkman-is-back-in-town/
23 Jan. 2020


Lekke Fresh is a farm-to-door food service offering fresh, organic goods like dairy products, breads, meat and veg to its clientele. It is a Stellenbosch University initiative and serves over 250 people in and around Stellenbosch. This unique business is now offering a modern-day milkman service where delivery boys bring the products right to your door.

“From local artisan breads, baked each morning to good old traditional farm milk. Lekke Fresh isn’t just a name, it’s a lifestyle. It’s local. It’s organic as far as possible. And it’s fresh, farm to door,” they explain on their website.... From bread so fresh it needs to be cut at home, to milk that can still give kids a ‘moustache’ when they drink it,”

...at 3.15am our Matie students brave the (sometimes wet and cold) morning hours. By 7am, the products are at the various doorsteps just in time for making sandwiches for lunch boxes and to pour milk into morning coffees.”

The deliveries happen three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 4.30am and 7am. Their milkmen are up and out from 3.15am to ensure the deliveries make it on time.

If you’d like a visit from the milkman, place an order on their website HERE.

[WOW! Wish I lived in Stellenbosch area! I've never had real fresh milk but I'm sure I'd love it!!]

 

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Cape restaurant breaks world record
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cape-restaurant-breaks-world-record/
22 Jan. 2020

" ... a restaurant in the Mother City has made it into the Guinness World Records book as the official title holder of the “Most Varieties of Milkshakes Commercially Available”. Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribs at the V&A Waterfront earned this title with their 207 decadently divine shakes on offer...

... the judges were divided into two teams which were only allowed a four hour time frame. Working in two shifts under the guidance of Pete Goffe-Wood and according to strict criteria, the 207 milkshakes had to be counted, tasted and signed off by the judges. In addition, they had to audit the recipes and verify that the 207 shakes actually appeared on the menu.

Video footage of the entire attempt was required. Photographs of the individual milkshakes being made were mandatory. After making 207 milkshakes for the official attempt the Gibson’s team expected to finish between 12pm and 1pm but managed to knock the challenge out by 11.20am...

So if you’re visiting the V&A Waterfront make sure to taste one of Gibson’s record breaking milkshakes, which includes flavours such as Chocolate Brownie, Caramel Fudge, Lunch Bar, Butterscotch, Peanut Butter & Crunchie, Honeycomb, Toasted Almond, Nutella & Mascarpone, Oreo Cheesecake, Malva & Custard, Chocolate Peanut Brittle, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate & Maldon Salt, Coffee & Doughnut, Crème Brûlée, Milky Bar White Chocolate, Choc Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Peanut Brittle, Tiramisu, Milo & Banana, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Koeksister & Maple Syrup, Caramel Waffle, Raspberry Meringue & Cream, Ferrero Rocher Supreme, Berry Explosion, Real Strawberry, Chocolate Toffee Cashew, Butter Pecan, Apple Pie & Cream, Salted Caramel and so much more… The on-going list of ultra-yummy shakes also includes an awesome selection of fat-free shakes, vegan Shakes, yoghurt and frozen yoghurt shakes, alcoholic shakes and Freek™ Shakes jam-packed with indulgent treats – all served with eco-friendly straws."

[And looking at these flavours, I can't help realising that many are available in a vape juice!]

 

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11 AWESOME THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT TABLE MOUNTAIN
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/table-mountain-facts
4 Oct. 2019

1. The Table Mountain National Park is rich in floral biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site – it is home to over 8200 plant species, of which 80% is fynbos. This is impressive if you consider that the British Isles is three and half times the size of TMNP, but only contains 1500 plant species.

2. Maclear’s Beacon, which stands at 1086m above sea level (the highest point of the mountain), was built for a trigonometric survey in 1865 by Thomas Maclear, an Irish-South African stargazer, in his attempt to measure the curvature of the earth.

3. The original name for Table Mountain was “Hoerikwaggo” meaning “Mountain in the Sea”, given to it by the Khoisan. This later changed when, in 1503, Portuguese explorer, Antonio de Saldanha, hiked the mountain (the first recorded hike in history) and renamed it Tabao de Cabo (“table of the Cape”). The name changed again in 1652, when Dutch settlers started referring to the mountain as Tafelberg.

4. The most common animal you’ll find is a dassie (rock hyrax), the nearest relative to the elephant.

5. Once upon a time, Table Mountain was three times higher – due to years of erosion, it’s become what we know today.

6. If not for the freshwater supply from Table Mountain’s Platteklip stream, Cape Town would have been moved to a safer natural
harbour such as where Langebaan is today.

7. According to UCT News, TMNP has the world’s highest concentration of Peregrine Falcons, who, in the mid-20th century, were on their way to extinction. Now their populations are so strong that it’s believed there are more Peregrines than there were pre 20th century.

8. According to the British tourism site, Bunac.org, Table Mountain has the world’s highest commercial abseil location, standing at 112m.

9. Table Mountain is home to a handful of venomous snakes. These include the Cape cobra, puff adder, boomslang, rinkhals, and berg adder.

10. In 1970, Lady Anne Barnard, a Scottish socialite and travel writer, was not only the first European woman to climb Table Mountain, but she was also recorded as the first-ever woman to climb the mountain, according to SoftSchools.com, a website that teaches kids about South Africa.

11. The Table Mountain Cableway turned 90 in October 2019.

 

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Where the Cape Minstrels came from
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/where-the-cape-minstrels-came-from/
23 Jan. 2020

The Cape Town Minstrel Festival, known by locals as Tweede Nuwe Jaar, is a parade that takes place every year on January 2 in celebration of the new year. Cape Minstrels (or Kaapse Klopse) dress up in elaborately extravagant attire, paint their faces and march through the streets singing, dancing to the ghoema (drum), and playing their instruments.

The Klopse today. Credit: Facebook / Local is Lekke

Being one of the longest-standing traditions in the Cape, the Minstrels are considered to be an integral part of Cape Town culture and history. Today, the tradition is contentious. Some see the parade as a reclamation of culture, an honouring of their ancestors, and a symbol of how far South Africa has come. Others see it as a flagrant disregard of the true history of their people – an unnecessary reminder of the atrocities suffered in the Cape, and as an inappropriate way to celebrate South Africa and the people of its past.

There is a reason the parade is so controversial. The tradition of the Cape Minstrels can be traced back to the early years of colonisation and slavery in the Cape. Slavery in the Cape dates back to 1652, when the first members of the Dutch East India Company settled. Slaves were brought from all over, including Mozambique, West and Central Africa, Bengal, Malabar, Coromandel, Ceylon and Indonesia.

When the Dutch settled, they brought their traditions with them. Twelfth Night was a very popular festival in the Netherlands – usually celebrated on January 5 or 6 and was a celebration of the Magi who allegedly visited Jesus Christ at his birth-place. Many aspects of this celebration, such as serenading people going from house to house while carrying lanterns, can be seen in New Year’s celebrations here.

The Dutch first incorporated the slaves into this occasion in 1674. The governor, Isbrand Broke, requested the slaves be part of the celebration on January 1. He allowed them to stop working for the day in order to participate. It is reported that street parades were part of these celebrations. Until the mid-1800’s, this was an annual occasion.

As time passed, slaves developed connections and networks despite the colonisers’ attempts to prevent the development of a collective consciousness. It is said that the slaves relished in dancing and singing; it was one of the mechanisms they used to cope with the dehumanisation and oppression they were forced to experience. With this came the invention of the ghoemaliedjie (ghoema song). The song was sung partly in Malay and partly in Dutch and is said to be done in satire of the ‘masters’.

In 1834 slavery was abolished although liberated slaves were required to complete an ‘apprenticeship’ ending in 1838. The purpose of the apprenticeship was to facilitate their ‘transition’ into society. Thereafter, the celebrations on January 1 and 2, which included street parades by former slaves, were seen as a celebration of their new ‘freedom’.

Towards the late 1800’s, this tradition was influenced by American minstrels who visited Cape Town. These minstrels dressed in “blackface” as an impersonation of the slaves in America. They sang and danced to the banjo and violin and wore colourful clothing too. These minstrels were referred to as “coons” (a racist expression for Black people) as they mocked the U.S slaves by performing as caricatures of them. This is where the term “The Coons” originates from.

In 1907 the first formal carnival took place at Green Point Track. This only lasted until 1909. In 1920 the carnival was reinstated, and in 1921 a rival carnival started in Newlands. From here, we began to see competitions between minstrels.

During Apartheid, the klopse were no longer allowed to compete where they usually did as a result of the Group Areas Act of 1951 which prohibited them from being in certain areas. The competition was pushed away and directed to Athlone Stadium, where it is still held today. For New Year celebrations they continued their festivities in District Six, where many of the participants resided. Here, the klopse and the nagtroepe (Malay Choirs) performed and socialised in the streets.

During the Apartheid era the costumes changed slightly, becoming more standardised in order to make them more affordable and brass bands were soon preferred instead of strings. The presence of the klopse deteriorated over the apartheid years as the government made it more and more difficult for them to continue their tradition. In 1977, the marches were banned. They were unbanned in 1989.

After apartheid, the klopse and nagtroepe were seen as an important part of the identity and heritage of Coloured people. While the parade is a celebration, it is also a reminder of the enslavement of an entire people.

The Klopse today. Credit: Facebook / Baraka Gifts and Decor

 

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My little town is getting fibre at last! They started digging the trenches yesterday. WHOOP! WHOOP! WHOOP!

 

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Residents warned over smash-and-grabs at hiking trails
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/residents-warned-over-smash-and-grabs-at-hiking-trails
28 Jan. 2020

"Two smash-and-grab incidents at popular hiking spots have residents on high alert as the trend of car theft that started in 2019 seems to be continuing on into 2020.

Hikers who parked at Silvermine East returned to their vehicle in shambles at approximately 5.30pm on Sunday, January 26. They found their vehicle broken into and searched for valuables to steal, and it is unknown whether the thieves were able to make off with any belongings.

Another vehicle was also hit in the Platteklip Gorge area on Tuesday morning, January 28.

Last year Cape Town experienced a significant increase in smash-and-grabs with a number of areas being flagged as hotspots. In 2019, CCTV operators captured 143 smash-and-grab incidents or attempts that took place between May and October ...

Hotspots to avoid include the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive which is notorious for smash-and-grabs and the intersection in Bishop Lavis between Robert Sobukwe Road.

Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of smash-and-grab incidents
1. Keep all valuables in your car out of sight either in the boot or underneath the seats.
2. Make sure your doors are locked and windows closed when you approach intersections or crossings.
3. When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you reach the crossing when the light has already turned green. This will reduce the risk of being in a vulnerable stationary position at an intersection.
4. Be cautious of people loitering at traffic lights or intersections.
5. Avoid discussions with vendors at intersections as it provides an ideal distraction for a perpetrator to access vehicles and motorist’s goods.

Smash-and-grab incidents can be reported to the nearest police station or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

 

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Hout Bay seals to be relocated
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/hout-bay-seals-to-be-relocated

"Seals in the Hout Bay Harbour may be moved to the Two-Oceans Aquarium as a result of the high number of illegal-feeders. The Department of Environmental Affairs is considering relocating the seals due to the manner in which they are constantly exploited...

There are reportedly several people at the Hout Bay Harbour who illegally feed seals, then charge tourists to take pictures with them. Residents have reported that these illegal-feeders manage to collect hundreds of rands at a time by exploiting the seals and harassing tourists. Feeding the seals is against the law and is a violation of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act...

 

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Hout Bay security app open to all Capetonians
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/hout-bay-security-app-open-to-all-capetonians
2 Feb. 2020

"Hout Bay residents created a security app that integrates private security firms and neighbours to fight crime in their neighbourhood in 2019. Now the app, Buzzer, is available for everyone in Cape Town to download.

The app, which was built by an Israeli tech company, has an SOS and panic feature like most safety apps. What sets it apart is that once the alert is sent, the signal goes out to local private and voluntary response teams and to residents of the area where the incident occurred.

Since launching they have responded to 16 fires, 25 crimes, 29 medical incidents and 83 suspicious activities through the app.

All Capetonians can now download the app through their website.

 

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CBD café opens on Long Street
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cbd-cafe-opens-on-long-street/

"... At Infusion on Long, visitors are exposed to a variety of CBD options achieving a desired result – added to your preferred drink or dish.

Whether you’re looking to de-stress, boost your energy levels or escape from anxiety, Infusion has a CBD concoction for you. CBD sprays that are used to infuse products also come in a variety of flavours, like mint and strawberry, so guests can choose one that suits their palate.

They also offer coffee pods infused with CBD and broad spectrum sprays that offer the full desirable compounds of cannabis, minus the psychoactive part.

When you visit Cape Town’s dedicated CBD café, you can indulge in a CBD of your choice infused into your meal, dessert or drink. You can also opt to simply sample the available options.

... The CBD is optional and the cuisine is inspired by the chef’s worldly travels with strong Mediterranean influence.

Contact: 087 470 0504

Address: 57 Long Street

 

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Some news from my little town.

SAWDN – Yzerfontein – Whales assisted in disentanglement operation:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2020/02/sawdn-yzerfontein-whales-assisted-in-disentanglement-operation/
2 Feb. 2020

"At 07h26, Friday, 30th January, SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) were activated following reports from a fishing vessel of a whale entangled in fishing rope off-shore of Dassen Island.

NSRI Yzerfontein sea rescue craft Rotary Onwards was launched to investigate and SAWDN volunteers from Cape Town were dispatched to join the Yzerfontein SAWDN team.

Following a search a 9 meter Humpback Whale was located entangled in fishing rope through its mouth and 6 wraps of fishing rope around the tail and rope was anchored to the sea bed. One floatation buoy was visible and additional floatation buoys were being held under water with the whales tail being held relatively deep under water by the line anchored to the sea bed.

SAWDN volunteers aboard the NSRI Yzerfontein sea rescue craft Sonja rendezvoused on the scene and using the specialised cutting equipment, in a difficult and delicate disentanglement operation, which included a SAWDN volunteer hanging over the side of the sea rescue craft being held by his ankles and using goggles to aid in underwater visibility in the effort to make the first cut of the rope that was being held deeper under water around the tail stock.

The rope line through the mouth was cut first and then the rope lines around the tail stock were cut individually, the first one at a relatively deep depth, with the last 3 lines being cut in one cut.

On closer investigation, it was confirmed all rope lines were cut free and the rope lines and floatation buoys were recovered.

The whale swam away confidently and SAWDN are satisfied that the whale will survive.

The operation was completed at 13h50.

The South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) was established in 2006 in order to manage entangled whales using specialized equipment and is comprised of trained volunteers from the – National Sea Rescue Institute, Telkom Maritime Radio Services KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Centre for Sustainable Oceans at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Nature, Mammal Research Institute, South African National Parks, South African Police Service, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Cape Nature, Bayworld, various Boat Based Whale Watching and Shark Cage Diving Operators, the Rock Lobster Industry and the Octopus Industry and fully supported by the Dolphin Action and Protection Group.

SAWDN COVERS THE ENTIRE SA COASTLINE
Whales assisted to date: 197

 

[Hooked]

WARNING TO CYCLISTS!!

Local cyclists warned over dangerous bike lane
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/local-cyclists-warned-over-dangerous-bike-lane
30 Jan. 2020

"A harrowing incident recounted by a local cyclist is a warning to bikers across the City to beware of cycling in certain areas and keep their safety in mind when taking to the streets. A new lane in Woodstock specifically has caused much concern as many cyclists have experienced attacks along the route in recent months.

According to a cyclist, a road that he had driven for the past two days turned into his worst nightmare one morning during his daily commute to work. A brand new cycle lane had just been built along the route to his work and he was planning to utilise it to avoid all of the cars on the N1.

“At 6.20am, I was cycling to work. I got onto the MyCity cycle lane at Woodstock bridge (Church Street bridge). I cycled towards Paarden Eiland, away from town. There is a small hill that leads onto the straight before it goes under the N1. I saw four coloured guys standing on the cycle lane,” says local cyclist, Don Connan.

It was then that he knew his morning cycle would not be the same as it had been the days before and he was confronted with both a knife and a gun.

“As I got to them to try pass, they grabbed me and took my bike, backpack, and phone. At least one had a knife. As they started dragging my stuff through a hole in the fence, I saw another guy come running down the hill towards us. Not knowing if he was coming to help me or them I ran diagonally across the MyCity lane towards where I came from and he was coming from. As the guy got closer and passed me he pointed a handgun at me and I just kept running shouting to please not shoot,” explains Connan.

He ran for his life and was lucky enough to make it out alive.

“I then climbed over the fence onto the busy on-ramp from Marine Drive to the N1. As I got over, these guys where all through the hole in the fence and then I saw the security car come driving past. This makes me believe the guy with the gun was on the hill keeping a lookout for this car and ran down when he saw it coming. Do not cycle this route alone please, as it is very dangerous. It is such a pity as it is a beautiful new cycle lane that is unusable,” adds Connan.

He says this is the first time he has been attacked, but that for cyclists, this is a common occurrence so he had always prepared himself for the day when it would happen to him by cycling with just the bare minimum.

“I know two guys at work that have been attacked on their bikes over the last four years in separate events. One managed to get away but another broke an arm as they pushed him off his bike,” says Connan.

The incident was reported on Table Mountain Bikers group on Facebook where a number of incidents along the same route have been shared.

Local cyclists are concerned about their safety in general in Cape Town and a number of incidents have taken place where cyclists are the victims. Many are asking what can be done to protect bikers and make it safe enough for them to use the new cycling lanes the City has provided..."

 

[Hooked]

Plane part plummets into Stellenbosch
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/plane-part-plummets-into-stellenbosch
4 Feb. 2020

A piece of a Mango aircraft plummeted to earth during a flight roughly three weeks ago on January 14 and happened to land in the Cape’s own Stellenbosch.

The budget airline confirmed the fall on Tuesday, February 4, saying a body panel had fallen off their Mango Boeing 737 during a flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

According to Mango spokesperson Sergio dos Santos speaking to IOL, commuters were in no danger during the flight.

“Mango can confirm that a panel, a side wing to body fairing, did detach from the body of one of our aircraft.

We can assure you that the loss of this panel did not pose a safety risk to the flight,” Dos Santos said."

The panel that fell from the plane.

 

[Hooked]

Bellville store offers free spekbooms
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/bellville-store-offers-free-spekbooms/
4 Feb. 2020

"The Spekboom Challenge has inspired locals across the nation to do their part for the environment and plant at least 10 spekbooms each by the end of 2020. The City of Cape Town has even recently joined the movement pledging to plant 5000 and now a store in Bellville is joining in too.

Cape Venison and Biltong in Bellville has joined the challenge in a truly meaningful way, offering every visitor who spends a mere R100 at their store a free small spekboom to take home.

The special is in collaboration with local home-based nursery Pot & Plant and will run for the month of February ...

According to Roux, guests can also get a larger spekboom when they spend R150 or more and if their special is a success, he hopes to extend it into the rest of the year and spread the spekboom love even further.

Pot & Plant is also doing their part offering the wonder plant at half price and including a small card with every plant that gives the new owners some information about how to plant and care for their new spekbooms.

The spekboom, also known as Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food, is a tree of wonder that has the ability to absorb the highest amounts of carbon dioxide when compared to any other plant in existence. A healthy thicket of this treasure trove is said to be ten times more effective at removing carbon dioxide from the air than the Amazon Forest, which is known as the lungs of the earth for its contribution to cleaning the air and removing carbon dioxide.

On top of this, spekboom can live up to 200 years and has the ability to adapt to its surroundings, ensuring a long and beneficial life once planted. It is also an edible plant with very high nutritional value that can be used in a variety of ways. If all of this wasn’t enough to inspire your love for spekboom, it is also a highly water-wise plant, needing only up to half the water of other plants to survive, meaning its not only easy to grow but also easy for those living in areas suffering from droughts or water shortages to care for.

You can visit this quaint store that sells everything from biltong to rusks and dried fruit at Suikerbossie 10, Shop 3A Blomtuin in Bellville.

Visit Pot & Plant at 61 Rathgarstreet, Bellville.

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town ranked SA’s second-richest city
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-ranked-sas-second-richest-city
3 Feb. 2020

"Cape Town is known for its lavish lifestyle, and new data has revealed the Mother City is the country’s second-highest GDP contributor. The data was published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and was compiled to highlight South Africa’s wealth issues.

The Fund specifically highlighted the financial disparities across South Africa’s nine provinces.

The IMF’s data reflects that Gauteng’s income per capita – which is largely generated in Johannesburg and Pretoria – is twice as high as more rural provinces such as Limpopo or the Eastern Cape.

Cape Town is the second-highest income per capita earner, and this helps those who live here live as comfortably as they do despite parallels being drawn in the disparity between salaries here and in Gauteng...

[My comment: But what they don't mention is the cost of living in CT. Real estate prices and rentals are much higher here than in Gauteng.]

 

[Hooked]

Tennis icon, Roger Federer lands in CT, gushes over South Africa
https://www.all4women.co.za/1941580...-federer-lands-in-ct-gushes-over-south-africa
6 Feb. 2020

"Cape Town – Tennis icon Roger Federer is excited to be in South Africa where he will face Rafael Nadal in an exhibition match at Cape Town Stadium on Friday…

Federer arrived in the Mother City on Wednesday where he addressed reporters at Cape Town International Airport.

The Swiss ace has a strong connection to South Africa, with his mother Lynette having grown up in the country and he often visited these shores with his parents as a youngster. But Federer, now 38 and the owner of a record 20 Grand Slam titles, has never played a tennis match in South Africa and he said it was long overdue.

“I’m very happy to be back in South Africa. And I’m excited that this match is finally around the corner. I have family here and have been wanting to come back for years,” Federer said.

“This really connects all the dots – playing tennis, raising money and doing it in South Africa, which is very special to me. I’m very happy it’s here. I think it’s going to be quite emotional because I’ve been wanting to play in South Africa for years.

“It’s a place where I’ve come to spend many vacations as a child. I still have family here in South Africa. I can’t believe that it has taken so long, and I hope it will be dry (hoping it won’t rain on Friday).” ...

Doubles match with Gates & Noah
Before Friday’s singles match, Federer will team up in a doubles match with Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist and rand trillionaire, Bill Gates against Nadal and South African comedian Trevor Noah ...