Cape Town - Interesting Articles

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Parvovirus on a high in Cape Town
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/parvovirus-on-a-high-in-cape-town
28 Jan. 2021

"The Animal Welfare Society is warning dog owners to be extra careful, as there has been a notable increase in parvovirus cases.

The canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. It spreads through the faeces of infected dogs and is often fatal. Common symptoms of an infected dog include vomiting, diarrhea (with a very distinct smell), lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Parvovirus breeds in warm temperatures, making summer a perfect environment.

The virus is so potent that it is able to be carried and transmitted by unwitting third party vectors via the soles of their shoes or clothing. All dogs and puppies are at risk regardless of demographics, and all pet owners are strongly urged to vaccinate their pets and to be extra vigilant.

Any dog or puppy displaying any symptoms or that appears to be ‘off colour’ should be seen by a veterinarian without delay. A snap-test will quickly confirm whether or not the pet has parvovirus."

 

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Table Mountain Killer sentenced to two life sentences and 33 years in jail
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/table-mountain-killer-sentenced-to-33-years
28 Jan. 2021

"The Western Cape High Court sentenced Blessing Bveni, also known as the Table Mountain Killer, to two life sentences and 33 years imprisonment on Thursday, January 28. This follows his reign of terror around the Silvermine Nature Reserve from 2017 to 2018 where he attacked hikers, cyclists, a woman and two children.

His modus operandi was the same. He attacked unsuspecting victims around the Silvermine Nature Reserve near Fish Hoek, and robbed them of their valuables. Some of the victims were brutally stabbed without any provocation.

This spate of attacks and robberies resulted in the deaths of Ian McPherson and Douglas Notten, an attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances of Malcolm Eesterhuizen, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on David Bucklow, robbery with aggravating circumstances of Megan Steel and Damian Steel and robbery with aggravating circumstances of Julia Notten.

The court convicted the 33-year old Zimbabwean national on all ten counts... "


He was sentenced to two years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on David Bucklow, seven years for robbery with aggravating circumstances of Megan Steel, three years for robbery with aggravating circumstances of Damian Steel, three years for robbery with aggravating circumstances of Julia Notten, life imprisonment for the robbery with aggravating circumstances of Douglass Notten, 18 years for attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances of Malcolm Eesterhuizen and life imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder of Ian McPherson. The sentences will run concurrently.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Judith Cloete said: “The deceased, Notten and McPherson, were subjected to brutal, frenzied attacks with the clear purpose of making sure they would not survive. Both must have died in agony. The evidence established that the accused planned the attacks and either stalked his victims or at the least preyed on defenceless people in fairly remote areas, knowing full well that they would find it very difficult to call for help.

“He thus appears to be a cruel and cold-hearted individual. He shows no remorse. The sequence of the crimes shows that his level of brutality quickly escalated, moving from two assaults with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to armed robberies, murder, a near murder and a further murder.”

 

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Stellenbosch vying to become first municipality without load shedding
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/st...come-first-municipality-without-load-shedding
29 Jan. 2021

"Stellenbosch Municipality is investigating ways to secure their own electricity supply and become the first town to be load shedding free. This comes after a change in legislation in October 2020 made it possible for municipalities to start investigating how they can generate their own electricity...

The municipality submitted a request to commence with an investigation into the use and generation of alternate electricity supply on Thursday [January 27].

The decision means Stellenbosch may potentially become the first municipality in the country to eliminate load shedding after the promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Act Regulations in October 2020..."

 

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Five SA matrics off on “adventure of a lifetime” in Antarctica
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/five-sa-matrics-off-on-adventure-of-a-lifetime-in-antarctica
28 Jan. 2021

"Ayakha Melithafa, from the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha, is one of five matric students from the class of 2020 who left Cape Town on Wednesday [January 27] on an all-expenses-paid educational adventure in Antarctica with pioneering explorer Riaan Manser and a team from Stellenbosch University.

Matrics in Antarctica (MIA), founded by Manser, is a competition open to every single matric student in South Africa from which five lucky matrics were chosen to go on an educational adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica.

They will fly out to Antarctica with the Antarctica Logistics Centre International (ALCI) and spend five days on the virtually uninhabited continent.

In order to win and secure their place on the trip, entrants were asked this question: ‘If saving nature and the environment is a world problem – how can YOU help? What can you do in your own hometown that you believe will make a positive impact on the planet and possibly Antarctica?’

The five winners, chosen from more than 3000 entries from across South Africa, are:

– Ayakha Melithafa from the Centre of Science and Technology in the Western Cape

– Thea J Earnest from Mountview Secondary School in KwaZulu Natal

– Kelby Barker from Diocesan School for Girls in Eastern Cape

– Cobus Burger from Hoërskool Duineveld in the Northern Cape

– Boiketlo Lamula from Sedaven High School in Gauteng

The matriculants and Manser, along with a group of distinguished professors from Stellenbosch University led by Professor Jonathan Jansen, left for the icy continent on Wednesday after a nine-day isolation at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town.

Once they arrive, they will partake in a variety of activities, scientific experiments, and survival lessons. They will even take the chance of setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest 100-metre sprint on the continent.

“This is going to be a groundbreaking expedition during the five days there in terms of data gathering. These five bright kids will get an intimate, first-hand understanding of Antarctica,” Manser told the Cape Argus."

 

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SA couple's crayons for different skin colours are now selling out in stores around the world
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/a...selling-out-in-stores-around-the-world-2021-2
3 Feb. 2021

"A husband and wife team from Cape Town launched a set of children’s crayons that better represent human skin colours - and through word of mouth sales and a surprisingly large following on Instagram, they’ve sold tens of thousands of packs both via their website, and in stores in South Africa and abroad.

Colour Me Kids was borne out of teacher Kylee Faure’s frustration with the limited learning aid options in South Africa - and in particular with regards to crayons that came in colours representative only of a small selection of skin tones.

 

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Damage and crack found around circumference of Koeberg Power Station
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/da...around-circumference-of-koeberg-power-station
12 Feb. 2021

"A new report released by Eskom reveals that the concrete of the containment buildings at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has been damaged by 40 years of exposure to sea air. At one stage, the concrete containment dome was found to have cracked around the entire 110-meter circumference, according to the Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA).

This building surrounds the reactor buildings and is designed to contain the escape of radioactive steam or gas in the event of an emergency..."

 

[Raindance]

Damage and crack found around circumference of Koeberg Power Station
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/da...around-circumference-of-koeberg-power-station
12 Feb. 2021

"A new report released by Eskom reveals that the concrete of the containment buildings at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has been damaged by 40 years of exposure to sea air. At one stage, the concrete containment dome was found to have cracked around the entire 110-meter circumference, according to the Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA).

This building surrounds the reactor buildings and is designed to contain the escape of radioactive steam or gas in the event of an emergency..."

Sleep well kids. Eksdom will have us all glowing in the dark so load shedding will no longer bother us. I know, lets appoint another seven general managers to f it up completely.

Regards

 

[Hooked]

Kirstenbosch to introduce dual pricing from April
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/kirstenbosch-to-introduce-dual-pricing-from-april
19 Feb. 2021

"... From April 1, 2021 Kirstenbosch will implement dual pricing for non-South African and South African residents visiting the Garden..

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden entry fees from April 1, 2021

– Non-South African Residents of 18 years and older: R200
– South African Residents of 18 years and older (with ID): R80
– Students from a South African institute (with student card): R45
– Scholars/Learners (6 – 17 years): R25
– Children under 6 years: Free
– BotSoc members (with membership card): Free
– South African residents over the age of 60 (with ID): Free on Tuesdays except on public holidays..."

 

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Ostrich enjoys cool waters of Cape Point beach
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/ostrich-enjoys-cool-waters-of-cape-point-beach
16 Feb. 2021




"Those who visited Cape Point beach on Sunday, February 14 were treated to the amusing sight of an ostrich walking into the water to cool off on the hot day.

Speaking to Cape Town Etc, beachgoer and eyewitness Kayleigh Tuck said: “It’s quite normal to see ostriches at Cape of Good Hope and Olifantbos – as it is within a reserve – but it was a bit bizarre that this one went into the ocean.” She started taking pictures of the ostrich on her camera as she saw it was going to get into the water, said Tuck."

[My comment: We often see ostriches casually strolling along the road here in Yzerfontein, helping themselves to people's gardens - much to their dismay sometimes - but I've never seen one going into the sea.]

 

[Hooked]

And in my town we frequently see ostriches casually strolling down the road.

 

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One of our residents asked on FB why Yzerfontein is always cooler than Langebaan and Melbosstrand. The reply that was given is that there are only two towns (Yzer and Saldanha) on the West Coast where the South Eastern blows in over the sea and brings in the cool sea air.

Interesting!

 

[Hooked]

10 pet-friendly restaurants – pawfect!
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/10-pet-friendly-restaurants-around-cape-town
9 March 2021

FoodBarn (Noordhoek):
This lovely restaurant not only has good food but provides water, along with doggy treats for your bundles of joy. They also offer a grassy outdoor area where dogs can play and get to know each other.

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and tea garden (Newlands):
A spectacular view of the Atlantic and Indian oceans just for you and your pooch. This is a perfect spot to visit after a morning or afternoon hike.

Massimo’s (Hout Bay):
An Italian setting with some awesome pizza, Massimo’s are pet-friendly and offer dogs a bowl of fresh water while they wait outside. Four-pawed guests are welcome to join you inside if they are well behaved.

Lighthouse Cafe (Simon’s Town):

A seaside restaurant for surf-lovers and shaggy doggo’s where fresh air, fantastic food, and sandy shores are all on offer.

Espresso.Kom (Kommetjie):
Famous for their breakfast and coffee, visit this seaside suburb with the whole family. No floof left behind!

Cafe Paradiso (Kloof Street, Cape Town):
Indulge in some freshly baked bread at one of Madame Zingara’s restaurants while your dogs enjoy a fabulous courtyard area. The courtyard only accommodates a certain number of pups, so call ahead and book to be safe.

Oude Wellington Restaurant (Wellington):
Take a road trip with your pooch and experience one of Cape Town’s most loved farm-style locations. There are 31 hectares of vineyards, horse paddocks, and bamboo hideaways for you and your pets to explore.

Warwick Wine Estate (Stellenbosch):
Enjoy a lovely meal and a refreshing glass of wine, while your companion checks out the scene. From forest courtyards to multiple open lawns, this is the perfect paradise for your pooch to roam.

Die Damhuis Restaurant (Melkbosstrand):
You and your family will feel right at home here, with South African cuisine and delectable seafood on the menu. Pooches are welcome to hang around and enjoy views of Table Mountain and Robben Island.


The Dock in the Bay (Gordon’s Bay):
Enjoy a cocktail and a good meal with a magnificent sunset, all while your fur babies mingle. A perfect social setting for those who love to get together with friends.

 

[Hooked]

“Lanseria Airport of Cape Town”
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/bi...urn-fistantekraal-airport-into-capes-lanseria
9 March 2021

Billionaire Rob Hersov plans to build the “Lanseria Airport of Cape Town”.

Where will this airport be situated, you may ask? Just 14 kilometers northeast of Durbanville, at the Fisantekraal Airport. This airport has been around since the 1940s and is 150 hectares large.

The Fisantekraal Airport first featured four runways. While all are still visible from overhead, only two are currently in use. According to reports by Moneyweb, the airfield was transferred to the local municipality in the 1960s and sold to a private owner in 1993.

Hersov pals to rename it to the “Cape Winelands Airport” and hopes it will compete with Cape Town International Airport.

As it is “conveniently located approximately half-way between the Cape Town CBD and Paarl”, Hersov believes it is the best site to launch Cape Town’s second commercial airport."

 

[Hooked]

CAPE TOWN RESORTS + CAMPSITES ARE BACK IN BUSINESS

Read here

 

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Former paralympian to climb Table Mountain for charity
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/former-paralympian-to-climb-table-mountain-for-charity
15 March 2020

"Christaan Theart, a former paralympic athlete and hiker of note will hike up Table Mountain in April to raise funds for charity.

Theart was born with polio, but that has never stopped him from doing the sports he loves. In 1981, he received his Springbok colours for swimming and table tennis, his daughter Nicolene van der Mescht shared on Facebook....

On Valentine’s day this year, Theart climbed Lion’s Head with his crutches. It took him only 3.5 hours to get to the top, and 2.5 hours to get down, a time not to be sniffed at.

Now, he wants to take his adventures to the next level. “I cannot walk without my crutches, but it certainly doesn’t stop me,” he told IOL. He hopes to raise money for an organisation that supports people living with polio."

 

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“My Octopus Teacher” nominated for an Oscar!
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-to...us-teacher-in-the-running-for-an-oscar-ready/
16 March 2021

"Cape Town has done it again. The heartwarming documentary “My Octopus Teacher” is in the running for an Academy Award in the Documentary Feature-category.

The doccie follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he free dives nearly every single day in False Bay. He establishes a close connection with a female octopus and follows her life cycle, learning invaluable information about this creature’s underwater world while dealing with his own emotional journey.

It’s directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, two people who can be immensely proud. “My Octopus Teacher” already has a string of accolades to its name: two awards at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards (CCDA), the Grand Teton Award at the Jackson Wild Media Awards and the Best Feature Film award at the EarthX film festival.

Fingers crossed it they will soon be able to add an Oscar to that list.

The 93rd Academy Awards will be hosted on April 26, 2021."

 

[Hooked]

Covid-19 cost WC government R1bn per wave – Finance MEC
https://www.all4women.co.za/2215207...-cost-wc-government-r1bn-per-wave-finance-mec
17 March 2021

"The Western Cape government says it has a R2,17 billion “war chest” to defeat Covid-19 in the province.
Finance MEC David Maynier also revealed that each Covid-19 wave had cost the province R1 billion so far...

The R2,17 billion “war chest” comes amid 11 363 deaths linked to Covid-19 complications so far in the province.

Out of that budget, R325,6 million has been allocated for the rollout of up to 5,1 million vaccines in the Western Cape.

The department also allocated R75 million for the procurement of vaccinations which may be spent for up to 500 000 single shot vaccines for the province.

R832 million would be used to respond to a possible third wave, which included spending on rapidly expanded testing, personal protective equipment, oxygen and critical care capacity...

A further R20 million was budgeted for communications on the benefits of being vaccinated.

The Western Cape’s Covid-19 “war chest” was made up of the R1,08 billion contribution against Covid-19 from national government, matched with a R1,09 billion contribution by the Western Cape.

Maynier said R100 million would also go towards providing humanitarian relief for people who had lost their jobs and could not make ends meet.

In the meantime, still on the health front, the province made R99 million available over the medium term for the home delivery of chronic medication and R10 million over the medium term to provide tele-health services.

Maynier said the province planned to spend R72,3 billion in 2021/22, R72,6 billion in 2022/23 and R72,7 billion in 2023/24.

However, he said the national government “owe a lot of people a lot of money” and was cutting expenditure to reduce the fiscal deficit to pay down staggering levels of national debt in South Africa..."

 

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6 Municipalities moving off the grid revealed
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/6-municipalities-moving-off-the-grid-revealed/
18 March 2021

"... In the 2021 Budget Address, the MEC announced a total package of R217.83 billion over the medium term in the Western Cape. This breaks down to R72.39bn in 2021/22, R72.68 bn in 2022/23 and R72.77bn in 2023/24 in the Western Cape.

He explained over the medium term, the province will spend R48.8 million to beat load shedding.

The six candidate municipalities participating are:

Drakenstein Municipality
Mossel Bay Municipality
Overstrand Municipality
Saldanha Bay Municipality
Stellenbosch Municipality
Swartland Municipality

 

[Hooked]

UCT ranks in top 10 for higher education institutions in the developing world
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/uc...ucation-institutions-in-the-developing-world/
18 March 2021

"The University of Cape Town was recently named in the top 200 higher education institutions in the developing world, according to the latest report from the Times Higher Education Emerging Economies Rankings 2021.

In fact, UCT managed to rank 10th place on list on the list, which is quite impressive when you take into account the other institutions on the list.

In terms of how the ranking actually works, according to Times Higher Education, the Emerging Economies University Rankings 2021 includes only institutions in countries classified by the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE Group as “advanced emerging”, “secondary emerging” or “frontier”.

Taking the top spot on the list was Tsinghua University in China, followed by Peking University and Zhejiang University, both also located in China.

UWC wasn’t the only institution to do Cape Town proud. Stellenbosch University also made the list, ranking in at the 23rd and beating out the likes of HSE University from Russia and China’s Sun Yat-sen University..."

 

[Raindance]

UCT ranks in top 10 for higher education institutions in the developing world
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/uc...ucation-institutions-in-the-developing-world/
18 March 2021

"The University of Cape Town was recently named in the top 200 higher education institutions in the developing world, according to the latest report from the Times Higher Education Emerging Economies Rankings 2021.

In fact, UCT managed to rank 10th place on list on the list, which is quite impressive when you take into account the other institutions on the list.

In terms of how the ranking actually works, according to Times Higher Education, the Emerging Economies University Rankings 2021 includes only institutions in countries classified by the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE Group as “advanced emerging”, “secondary emerging” or “frontier”.

Taking the top spot on the list was Tsinghua University in China, followed by Peking University and Zhejiang University, both also located in China.

UWC wasn’t the only institution to do Cape Town proud. Stellenbosch University also made the list, ranking in at the 23rd and beating out the likes of HSE University from Russia and China’s Sun Yat-sen University..."

As opposed to a few decades back when it featured in the top 50 in the developed world...

Regards

 

[Hooked]

South African farm-style cafe and deli opens in Hong Kong
https://www.capetownetc.com/events/food/south-african-farm-style-cafe-and-deli-opens-in-hong-kong
29 March 2021

Hong Kong has its first dedicated biltong bar, thanks to three professional athletes who collectively made it come to life and named it Chief’s Blend.

According to Good Things Guy, Chief’s Blend is a collaboration between Biltong Chief (owned by Matt Rosalie and Dylan Rogers) and Blend & Grind (owned by Johny Rees).

The trio call it an upmarket South African farm-style cafe and deli.

Rosslee, Rogers and Rees joined forces while playing rugby at different stages of their careers. After many years of working together on the field, the three decided to come up with what has now become Hong Kong’s hottest new cafe.

“Rosslee and Rogers grew up in South Africa and met while playing rugby at the University of Cape Town. Rees, who is originally from England, met them on the pitch playing for the Hong Kong national 15s squad, and the three have been good friends ever since,” the report says.

Chief’s Blend has the first and only dedicated biltong bar in Hong Kong, bringing a uniquely South African experience and atmosphere to the city. And the locals are loving it!

“It has the first, and only dedicated biltong bar in Hong Kong, giving you a unique South African experience and atmosphere,” the cafe’s website states.

The cafe also offers farm-style delicacies, specialty coffee, craft beer, small-batch South African wines and delicious grab-and-go hot foods, making this a unique Hong Kong offering."

 

[Hooked]

Baker helps woman deliver baby inside her car
https://www.all4women.co.za/2218456...aker-helps-woman-deliver-baby-insider-her-car
29 March 2021

"A Cape Town croissant baker had to switch off the stove and put on her midwife cap when she had to help a mother in distress deliver her baby inside her car on Friday morning.
According to the 23-year-old baker, Sam van Staden, it was around 07:30 while she was baking, when her manager called the staff to assist a couple that had an emergency outside their bakery in Kalk Bay.

“When I went outside, I realised that the woman in the car was ready to have a baby,” Van Staden told News24.

She said that her first instinct was to advise them to rush to the hospital, however when she saw the baby’s head peeking out, she had to act quickly.

“I asked the lady’s husband to assist with taking off her clothes,” she said.

“Surprisingly I was very calm during the ordeal,” she explained.

The Ohana Cafe baker said that her focus was making sure that the mother and the baby were safe.

“I’ve never had to do this before, but with my experience as a mother of a two-year-old, I knew that once the baby starts crowning, it shouldn’t stay in the birth canal for too long,” she said.

After a few pushes from the mother-to-be, Van Staden helped to deliver a healthy baby boy.

“The mother couldn’t stop shouting, it’s a boy, it’s a boy,” she said giggling.

According to the multi-talented baker, the baby looked healthy and emergency services arrived 15 minutes after the baby was born and transported both mother and baby to hospital."

 

[Hooked]

The City has proposed that the Cape Town cargo port be relocated Saldanha.
https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles...town-cargo-port-to-saldanha-due-to-high-winds

"The City of Cape Town's mayco member for transport Felicity Purchase says that high winds are often preventing or delaying activity in the harbour, causing setbacks for the local economy.

In a statement issued last week, Purchase announced that she's requested a meeting with Portnet, the national ports authority, to discuss the proposed move.

She's called on Pornet to investigate the viability of the move and consider alternative options for a container port.

Purchase has also advised that Portnet should not move ahead with plans to expand the port at its current Cape Town location.

Purchase said that, "The need seems to be more and more evident for moving the container port out of Cape Town... or at least doing Saldanha also as a container port."

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town opens its second EV charging station in Somerset West
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-opens-its-second-ev-charging-station-in-somerset-west/
30 March 2021

"Eat your heart out Elon Musk, the city of Cape Town has opened its second Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, situated in the parking area of the Somerset West Civic Centre...

The City of Cape Town selected the Bellville Civic Centre and Somerset West Civic Centre as the locations for the first charging stations because of their convenience, safety and visible locations. The EV Chargers were donated to the City by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)..."

 

[Raindance]

Cape Town opens its second EV charging station in Somerset West
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-opens-its-second-ev-charging-station-in-somerset-west/
30 March 2021

"Eat your heart out Elon Musk, the city of Cape Town has opened its second Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, situated in the parking area of the Somerset West Civic Centre...

The City of Cape Town selected the Bellville Civic Centre and Somerset West Civic Centre as the locations for the first charging stations because of their convenience, safety and visible locations. The EV Chargers were donated to the City by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)..."

Bellville (AKA Abuja South) civic centre safe? Only if you are a prostitute and at daytime, maybe...

Regards