CBCRA AGM - SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Through tremendous challenges of Covid, bringing endless lockdowns…along with Disaster Management Act restrictions…etc. we have persevered.

◦ Thanks A+ (Positive Action) TEAM…Counsillor Nicola Jowell, Social Development esp Fiona Bosch and team, SAPS (Warrent Officer Fortuin, Sgnt Bester), CPF team and Chair, Alan Marsh and Ryan Rudy…CBCSI (Sarah Meder in particular for her administrative support), Peter Cookson along with Fiona Bosch…they are actually the golden key to everything we do and the CBCRA team.

◦ 1 year ago we launched COMMUNITY STEWARD (Blue Bib team)…they have since successfully helped with catching criminals, motivating other homeless off streets, finding lost property etc. and become service ambassadors to community. We recently also launched Employability Skills Programme. Some Stewards have already moved into mainstream employment and independent living. We now require support for night shift Stewards especially for season and invite businesses and community to support this project.

◦ VACCINATION Day for our Homeless Community…DSD helped homeless people in the process to reintegrate/move off street.

◦ CORPORATE Sponsored (Mr Price) Beanies for Homeless Clients taking up Reintegration assistance.

◦ Community FUNDRAISING FOR FIREFIGHTERS and they in turn donated to Masiphumelele community (who had far more severe fires), through The Hebron Project.

◦ Community DONATION DRIVES (Shoes, Jackets, etc for Community Stewards, as well as crockery/cutlery/bedding etc. for those who successfully Reintegrate…E.g. Vernon who was on our streets two years ago has been our best ambassador for what’s possible with proper transformative support…from Fieldworker he is now House Father for Safe Space Bellville)

◦ Various OPERATIONS and INTERVENTIONS with SAPS/LE (incl. Victim Support Room makeover, Home makeover for local elderly CB community member, Spring Walk/teambuilding workshop, Breast Cancer Awareness/Zumba combined with Table Bay and Pinelands SAPS, International Mens Day)

◦ STREET KIDS focus…since most of our street children come from Kalksteenfontein we collaborate with Kalksteenfontein Primary and will launch various initiatives in 2022 to support kids to remain in school and off streets. Thanks also to Camps Bay Primary partnership for collecting and donating a huge amount of Sports Kit to Kalksteenfontein. The school is now proudly able to get more kids engaged in sport. Launching more programmes in Kalksteenfontein from February 2022 and invite businesses and community to support and get involved however they can. With one social worker for every three hundred kids facing trauma every day we have deep systemic challenges to support, especially if we are serious about transformation and reducing unemployment and homelessness.

◦ REBRANDING (launch soon) and formalized CwC as NPO…continue collaborative efforts across all stakeholders/forums etc and excited to do more in a full time capacity. Have had numerous requests from other commitments to adopt CwC model and strategy.

Thanks to our community for ongoing support. We value collaboration above everything and encourage ongoing responsible giving through our efforts.

Please CONTACT CommunitywhoCares@outlook.com for any questions, suggestions and concerns around Social Development in our community.

Theresa Massaglia

CwC Co-Founder

CBCRA (Social Development Portfolio) and CPF Exco

Board Member of Western Cape Street Children’s Forum (WCSCF)

CBCRA AGM 2021 Planning Report

I’ve highlighted a few current items but more information can be found on the website – or by contacting me directly.

• Hotel on the beachfront: The application for a 101-room hotel on the Place on the Bay site, which received 76 individual objections, was approved by the Municipal Planning tribunal. The CBCRA call to the community to assist in opposing this application received tremendous support and over R80k in donations. An extremely well-prepared appeal against this decision was placed before the Mayor and the appeal was partially upheld and partially dismissed. 

In essence the parking departure to allow 58 parking bays in lieu of over a hundred required was refused. We are currently in (very slow) discussions with the developer, who is clearly hoping that the City will remove parking requirements from the DMS. Our thanks to attorney Leon van Rensburg for his expertise in this matter.

• 5 The Meadway: 

This matter was heard in the Western Cape High Court late last year and all planning permission was set aside. Of course, the newly constructed building on the site has been interdicted from any further work or occupation. The objective now is to seek the demolition of certain illegal portions of the building, if the developer is not prepared to do voluntarily. The shocking conduct of certain City officials in facilitating the illegal work was highlighted to the Court and although also referred to the City, nothing came of it – as always. The CBCRA will be taking this up with the new mayor to see if he is willing to require the officials to conform to legality.

• 96 Camps Bay Drive: 

This matter is also a longstanding issue. A couple of years back, the CBCRA successfully applied to the High Court for an order setting aside the City-approved plans. The developer re-submitted plans to which the CBCRA and neighbours objected. 

As always, the MPT simply approved the new application and the CBCRA appealed this decision to the Mayor’s Planning Appeal Panel. 

The appeal was upheld and the MPT decision to approve the application was set aside. Again, we thank Leon van Rensburg for his strong legal appeal.

It would appear as if this developer is still not willing to meaningfully discuss the matter with the CBCRA and, no doubt, a third application will be submitted to the City. However, the CBCRA is not giving up the fight to limit the development in Camps Bay to residential homes and not allow flats.

• 22 Sedgemoor Rd: It would be difficult to miss the construction of the monstrous block of flats in Sedgemoor Rd. The CBCRA and  a few affected (and generous) neighbours have made an application to the Western Cape High Court to have the planning permission set aside and any further work on site ceased.

We will update this on the website.

• 23 Francolin Rd: The CBCRA was instrumental in bringing an application for the setting aside of the planning permission by the City for a 4-storey building at this address. The developer, probably sensing the inevitable, opted to settle by demolishing the entire top floor.

Again, we will raise the completely dubious planning permission, granted by the City officials, with the new mayor.

• In general, it would appear as if the MPT regard the praedial rights in our title deeds as mere annoyances and remove them at will. The CBCRA is researching the history of all applications to detail the arbitrary nature of the MPT’s actions. If the City shows no interest in this undermining of our property rights, we will consider a legal challenge.

Time will tell if the new mayor is receptive to the plight of the ratepayers of Cape Town.

Chris Willemse

Vice-Chair CBCRA

CBCRA AFS 2020

 CBCRA Annual Financial Statements 2020

Councillor Nicola Jowell's report at CBCRA AGM 2021

(Councillor Nicola Jowell's report at CBCRA AGM 2021 -As read by Richard Bendel, the chair, in Nicola's absence)

Nicola Jowell, Councillor of Ward 54

Dear Residents and members of the Camps Bay Ratepayers association

It is with great sadness that I cannot be there tonight to join your AGM and have conveyed by apologies to the committee. I am deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by every member of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association. Having spent more than a decade as a volunteer on community groups and been on the executive of a ratepayers association myself I know the challenges that it comes with and the vast amount of volunteer time that is used in working to protect the interests of all residents in an area.

This has again been a challenging year and I look forward to a time when our reflections don’t start with this caveat! And we end the year again with the next round of the COVID-19 news of us entering the 4th wave in a couple of weeks and the discovery of Omicron both here and internationally. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to appeal to every single resident of Camps Bay and Clifton to please heed the call from our President to get vaccinated. It is only through vaccinations that we will be able to fully protect ourselves, our loved ones and also the economic future and viability of our city and country.

The Council is currently getting back onto full swing with the formal inaugural meeting two weeks ago, the Mayoral Committee has been reappointed and we now look forward to the announcement of the oversight Portfolio Committee Chairpersons. The Sub-Councils and ward forums will however only be reinstated in the new year.

I urge residents to have their say and input into the development of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the next 5 year term of office. The Public Participation process has started. Council does not usually allow for public participation to run over the festive season but an exemption as approved via special application in Council last week which was inevitable due to the late elections and crunch to have this approved for the next budgetary cycle. This means that the process has opened now and will close on the 7th January. The IDP is the primary strategic plan that will guide all planning and development in Cape Town over the next five years. The city needs your input on the community’s developmental needs and priorities. So I urge you to take some time to submit this. If you go to the website www.capetown.gov.za there is a link to the IDP on the main page under the “trending” section.

I would also urge you to give your input on changes to the off street parking requirements in areas that are now designated as Public transport zones. This affects Camps Bay as the MyCiti bus stops were included in the Public Transport maps earlier last year, whereas before this it only included the train stations. The inclusion in the maps means a considerable reduction or removal of the need to have off street parking provided. This came into effect last year but I challenged the issue with the Transport Department who made the changes until the process was halted but it is not off the table and they are now conducting this public participation process. It is important to understand that the rationale behind these changes are to continue to promote and encourage people away from dependence on vehicles and to use and challenge public transport but there are valid arguments around current density in this area and the need to possibly have a phased in approach to this strategy. The public participation for this closes on the 31st January and I would encourage you to ensure that you provide input on this.

I would like to thank everyone who made it out to vote on the 1st November in what was incredibly trying conditions. From the weather, COVID and the impossible situation at the Camps Bay Soccer Club where the IEC was overwhelmed due to technical issue, staff shortages and a venue far too small. I am very grateful for the support that you have given me and am ready to continue to take up and address the challenges that the community faces.

I look forward to a continued partnership with the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association and also working with individual members of the community to tackle service delivery head on.

Many thanks 

Nicola

CBCRA Chair's Report AGM 2021

Good evening and welcome to the 2021 AGM of the CBCRA in a year which has proved to be quite wild and damaging. 

Due to current circumstances, it was decided to hold this meeting via Zoom and we trust that everyone who wanted to attend has managed to log into the meeting. The on-screen comments bar will be monitored as far as possible.

It would be appreciated if you would do your membership fee payments online. 

Tonight, as with last year, we will dispense with all but the most important business of an AGM, so I apologise for the a meeting that will be more report-back in nature but quicker in time. 

Our local ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, recently re-elected does have a prior engagement but will attempt to manage an online appearance. Nicola cannot make the meeting, a copy of her address is posted on our website <here> . Please feel free to raise any issues that are of concern to you and we will also post her replies and comments.

Nicola Jowell's report

Firstly, may I please have any apologies for tonight’s meeting.

Apologies which have already been received will be posted with the minutes of this meeting

Also, we need to confirm the minutes of the previous AGM, held on 23 November 2020. Proposer and seconder?

Chris Willemse, vice-chair of the CBCRA

Chair’s report (given by vice-chair, Chris Willemse):

As mentioned, I will only give the bullet points and encourage you to follow developments on the website. Also, Manco members will gladly discuss any matter telephonically, via email or on Facebook.

• Parking on the beachfront: 

This initiative is still awaiting the City’s implementation. That’s exactly as reported last year but, as you might have noticed in Sea Point and CBD, curbside parking tenders have been let and are operational. As reported last year, the various groupings in Camps Bay such as the CBCSI, Neighbourhood Watch and others have initiated their own plan and this has resulted in the Blue Team of car guards on the beachfront. CBCRA’s Theresa Massaglia, who dedicates so much time and effort to positively assisting the homeless on the beachfront will address you shortly on this matter.

• Valuations: 

The GV2018 property valuation cycle by the City is still going through the appeal process, with many appeals still to be heard. It would appear as if many of the appeals have resulted in a lower, more realistic valuation.

It is understood from the City that the next cycle will be GV2022 (and not GV2021).

it will be interesting to see how these valuations pan out, given the reported drop in house prices along the Atlantic Seaboard. This clearly has major implications for the City administration, as if the gap between high- and low-end prices narrows, it will mean that the latter will end up with a higher rates bill – which is not politically comfortable!

• Environment: 

Chris von Ulmenstein will update the meeting on her efforts and collaborations in cleaning up litter in the suburb and on the beaches. It is a responsibility that rests with all Camps Bay residents and visitors but appears to rely on the hard work of a few. Chris will also report on membership.

Here is a copy of her report summary: Report

• Marine Outfall Plant: 

The CBCRA continues to oppose the City regarding the millions of litres of raw sewerage that it pumps into the bay at Camps Bay on a daily basis. As reported previously, the City continues to deny any damage to the environment and is satisfied that the system of dumping pollutants into the sea is sustainable despite the contrary opinion and established facts by all academics in this field. The CBCRA hopes to have other groupings on board in opposing the destruction of the natural environment by the City, which not only includes the Camps Bay MOP but also that of Mouille Point and Hout Bay and the wetlands and lagoon in Milnerton at Flamingo Vlei. The CBCRA recently commented on this problem in its response to the Draft Water & Sanitation Development Plan. It remains to be seen if the City take any notice of this.

However, the Mayco member responsible for this portfolio has been axed from the new Mayco announced by incoming mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis. Hopefully, the new incumbent will not be as obstructive as the last.

Whilst on this topic, it can be announced that the City have finally accepted that its various wastewater treatment plants are not fit for purpose. Due to this, large swathes of the City have had a moratorium placed on them in terms of major development – areas such as Table View, Milnerton, Gordon’s Bay and Somerset West. Obviously, the developers in these areas are incensed and some are planning legal action against the City and others are exploring the feasibility of installing mini-sewerage plants at their developments.

In essence, a few months ago, the City claimed that it adequate capacity for all these developments and two weeks later, claimed that there was none.

Clearly, the problem lies with the DA-administration which has been the handmaiden to the development industry, encouraging all sorts of unsustainable development – and the senior officials who were too obsequious to speak truth to power regarding this looming crisis.

• Cell masts: 

As previously reported, the City planners have allowed almost unrestricted installation of microwave equipment in Camps Bay. Probably the worst case is the Marine Heights block in Upper Tree Rd. The CBCRA has been making representations to the planning authorities for years now, without success. The CBCRA advised affected neighbours to take this matter to the High Court, which is the only institution that can force the City to properly govern, and a case was brought before the Western Cape High Court in early 2021 by an affected neighbour and the CBCRA to have this illegal equipment removed. Delaying tactics were employed by the cell mast operators but the application was heard in August 2021. Unfortunately, the presiding judge (Deputy Judge President Goliath) did not make a final determination and the matter has been held over until the City has considered the latest application by the owner of Marine Heights, Egbert Hering and the various cell mast operators, which includes Vodacom and Cell-C.

The CBCRA will keep all pressure on the City in this regard.

• Theatre on the Bay: 

The upgrade to the Theatre on the Bay precinct has proceeded to the completion of the  piazza on the seaside of Link Street. The site will incorporate the war memorial and add a special space to the area. Our thanks to Manco member Johan van Papendorp for his tireless efforts and the support of Pieter Toerien of the Theatre on the Bay.

I would strongly urge all residents to visit the precinct and take in a show at the Theatre.

• Maidens Cove development: 

It was reported at the 2020 meeting that although the City claimed that it had “listened to the people of Cape Town” and abandoned its proposed development of Maidens Cove, Mayor Dan Plato recently confirmed to the CBCRA that it was on the cards again. Basically, too much money around the development for the DA-led City to ignore! 

As previously stated, the CBCRA, along with the CBOA and the Maidens Cove for All group, will keep a close eye on this proposal and will remain prepared to counter any threat to the suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton from the City of Cape Town. We will also engage with the new mayor on this, although he has, via email, confirmed to the Clifton Bungalow Owners that he is in support of maintaining the heritage integrity of the area. Let’s see….

• Traffic flow over Kloof Nek: 

The City finally completed the proposed traffic re-alignment at the top of Kloof Nek, essentially creating 3 lanes from the city side (one to Table Mountain, one to Camps Bay and the last to Clifton via The Glen).

We were hoping to see its efficiency in the upcoming holiday period but the Omicron variant might have other ideas…

• Homeless people: 

Theresa Massaglia will update you on this most important and pressing issue.

Beachfront Social Issues and Actions: Theresa Massaglia. I would also like to thank Alan Marsh, the CPF Chair, Peter Cooksen of the City’s Social Development branch and Warrant Officer .. Fortuin of Saps, Camps Bay for all their efforts in dealing with these seemingly intractable issues.

Environment & Marketing: Chris von Ulmenstein has converted her daily walks and personal clean-up of the suburb into a CBCRA project.

You can read Theresa Massaglia's report <here>.

PLANNING

I’ve highlighted a few current items but more information can be found on the website – or by contacting me directly.

• Hotel on the beachfront: The application for a 101-room hotel on the Place on the Bay site, which received 76 individual objections, was approved by the Municipal Planning tribunal. The CBCRA call to the community to assist in opposing this application received tremendous support and over R80k in donations. An extremely well-prepared appeal against this decision was placed before the Mayor and the appeal was partially upheld and partially dismissed. 

In essence the parking departure to allow 58 parking bays in lieu of over a hundred required was refused. We are currently in (very slow) discussions with the developer, who is clearly hoping that the City will remove parking requirements from the DMS. Our thanks to attorney Leon van Rensburg for his expertise in this matter.

• 5 The Meadway: 

This matter was heard in the Western Cape High Court late last year and all planning permission was set aside. Of course, the newly constructed building on the site has been interdicted from any further work or occupation. The objective now is to seek the demolition of certain illegal portions of the building, if the developer is not prepared to do voluntarily. The shocking conduct of certain City officials in facilitating the illegal work was highlighted to the Court and although also referred to the City, nothing came of it – as always. The CBCRA will be taking this up with the new mayor to see if he is willing to require the officials to conform to legality.

• 96 Camps Bay Drive: 

This matter is also a longstanding issue. A couple of years back, the CBCRA successfully applied to the High Court for an order setting aside the City-approved plans. The developer re-submitted plans to which the CBCRA and neighbours objected. 

As always, the MPT simply approved the new application and the CBCRA appealed this decision to the Mayor’s Planning Appeal Panel. 

The appeal was upheld and the MPT decision to approve the application was set aside. Again, we thank Leon van Rensburg for his strong legal appeal.

It would appear as if this developer is still not willing to meaningfully discuss the matter with the CBCRA and, no doubt, a third application will be submitted to the City. However, the CBCRA is not giving up the fight to limit the development in Camps Bay to residential homes and not allow flats.

• 22 Sedgemoor Rd: It would be difficult to miss the construction of the monstrous block of flats in Sedgemoor Rd. The CBCRA and  a few affected (and generous) neighbours have made an application to the Western Cape High Court to have the planning permission set aside and any further work on site ceased.

You can read the Founding Affidavit <here>.

• 23 Francolin Rd: The CBCRA was instrumental in bringing an application for the setting aside of the planning permission by the City for a 4-storey building at this address. The developer, probably sensing the inevitable, opted to settle by demolishing the entire top floor.

Again, we will raise the completely dubious planning permission, granted by the City officials, with the new mayor.

• In general, it would appear as if the MPT regard the praedial rights in our title deeds as mere annoyances and remove them at will. The CBCRA is researching the history of all applications to detail the arbitrary nature of the MPT’s actions. If the City shows no interest in this undermining of our property rights, we will consider a legal challenge.

Time will tell if the new mayor is receptive to the plight of the ratepayers of Cape Town.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS

Nick Taylor joined the Manco to assist with the issue of problem rental houses in Camps Bay.

All other members currently serving on your Manco have agreed to remain for the following year.

Chris Marshall has left the Manco to join the Greater Cape Town Civic Alliance. Chris will be dealing with the governance in the City within this civic grouping but remains in direct contact with the CBCRA. 

I wish to express my personal gratitude to all these hard-working and selfless individuals who freely give of their time to protect the uniqueness of our beautiful village and suburb. I’m sure that all present here tonight will join me in thanking the Manco.

As always, new members are welcome and there is a great variety of tasks to tackle. Any nominations from the floor?

FINANCIAL REPORT - Richard Bendel

Matters Arising

Meeting Closed at 19h30

COMMENT ON CCT DRAFT 2022 – 2027 WSDP & INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

26 November, 2021

CBCRA COMMENT ON CITY OF CAPE TOWN DRAFT 2022 – 2027 WSDP & INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (“the draft report”)                             

The CBCRA has studied the draft report by the City and comments as follows: 

This is a voluminous report with statistics that cannot be easily verified by a volunteer ratepayers’ association, however the City presented data is accepted in good faith.

It is not the remit of the CBCRA to reinvent any wheel in this regard and it will confine itself to comments on the specific waste management problems facing the Atlantic Seaboard.

The reliance on an incredibly outdated Marine Outfall Plant (“MOP”) serving Camps Bay, Glen Beach and Clifton (and other MOPs serving Hout Bay and Mouille Point) is considered as beyond unacceptable and a prime source of the environmental destruction of the marine environment along our coast.

The overwhelming scientific evidence that such MOP’s are outdated, crude and destructive appears to be common cause amongst all those who have knowledge of the workings and effects of these decades-old dinosaurs.

It appears to be only the City of Cape Town which finds such sea-borne sewage disposal as acceptable – both at a political and administrative level.

It must be clearly stated that the destruction of the marine life along the Atlantic Seaboard has been conclusively established by expert academics of all the major local universities.

Yet the City remain stubbornly obstinate to the situation.

It is understood that the City has large commitments in terms of the provision of water and sanitation to the greater metropolitan area of Cape Town, but it is the duty of the responsible department(s) to adequately make provision for these public health and environmental responsibilities and for the City’s elected politicians to ensure that adequate budgetary provision is made available to provide for improved sanitation and waste management in our area and the greater Cape Town area. This will be addressed in the general comments below.

It is clear from the draft report that, although mention is made of finding a balance between sustainable development and improving quality of life, no mention is made of the MOP’s.

It is anticipated that the City’s response will be one of denial of a problem and an insistence that the MOP operates within its licence mandate.

Such City response will be trite as the whole issue of the purported issuance of the licence remains problematic, including the fact that no operating licence was in place for many years.

Further, in the general table of overall Microbial, Chemical & Physical compliance percentages, the e-coli count is blanked out. This is suspicious, as the City claims to test for and record such counts on a very regular basis. The fact that Camps Bay and Clifton are “blue-flag” beaches only adds to the problem.

It is further noted that the e-coli counts for Green Point (Mouille Point) and Hout Bay are also voided.

However, even without predictably low compliance (given the often-reported raw sewerage in the Bay), Camps Bay still fails to comply with the latest discharge standards.

In summary, the continued use of MOP’s needs to be independently and scientifically assessed and if found to be unfit for purpose, as is to be expected given the current scientific data and opinions, then budget must be made available urgently to counter the harmful effects of this MOP on our seaboard and environment.

In general, the sewerage crisis in Cape Town has been manufactured by a political system which promotes development at any cost and a compliant technical City section which has remained quiet despite what must have been an obvious problem in the making: The waste water system doesn’t suddenly become under-capacity overnight.

The draft report clearly states that the treated effluent quality will deteriorate and pollution levels within the receiving water body (river, estuary, bay or ocean) will increase with continued (over-)development. 

The draft report makes much of the future approach of the City toward what is a very essential municipal service. It is important that both the politicians and the officials are held to account going forward as they have clearly failed the citizens of Cape Town and our coastal environment to date.

Although the bulk services’ budget shows an increase from 2021/22 to 22/23, there appears to be a 35% decrease in 2023/24. This is not explained.

Satisfaction with sewage, wastewater and share toilets indicates that 66% of formal settlement dwellers were satisfied with the service. Although this figure is relatively low, final effluent treatment is dysfunctional and this indicator merely expresses satisfaction that the initial removal of waste water from their properties appears to work.

The reality is that large swathes of the City are drowning in sewerage, mostly in the waterways and vlei areas of Cape Town, but also along our Atlantic Seaboard coastline and on our beaches. Fourth, Second, First Beach and Glen Beach have frequent sewerage spillages which contaminate our environment and put our public health at risk.

We trust that the new Mayco member for this important portfolio will grasp the problem and with urgency work towards a solution that benefits the City of Cape Town, its people and our environment.

As always, the CBCRA offers to work with the City and all interested and affected parties to contribute to the betterment of the current situation.

Regards

Chris Willemse

Vice Chair

CBCRA

The report can be found here:

https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/Issues-open-for-public-comment/draft-2022-2027-water-and-waste-sector-plans

CBCRA AGM 29 November 2021

 

REMINDER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING    **TONIGHT**  The CBCRA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: CBCRA AGM 2021 Date: Monday, 29 November 2021 Time: 18h00 - 19h30 Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7059668482 Meeting ID: 705 966 8482  AGENDA  WELCOME AND THANKS   APOLOGIES & ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS AGM MINUTES   COUNCILLOR REPORT Cllr Nicola Jowell   CHAIR'S REPORT   Richard Bendel   HOMELESS PEOPLE Theresa Massaglia   ENVIRONMENT & MARKETING Chris von Ulmenstein   PLANNING Chris Willemse   ELECTION OF MANCO  All   FINANCIAL REPORT Richard Bendel   MATTERS ARISING  All   CLOSE

Camps Bay Swimming Club in the deep end

On Thursday December 2, the club will close and the decision to terminate its contract at Camps Bay Primary School has upset club members.

When George Hedges, the father of Wendy Way, founded the club in 1946, it operated from the Camps Bay municipal pool. After a storm damaged the facility, the club relocated to Long Street swimming baths. And when the Camps Bay Primary School pool opened in 1974 the club was invited to use its swimming pool.

According to Camps Bay Primary School Governing Body (SGB) chair Chris Loker the club’s lease ended in December 2021 and while there had been an option to renew, terms could not be agreed before the June 2020 deadline.

“The school elected and informed the club that they would go through a procurement cycle to satisfy the SGB that they were getting the most from the facilities, which incur significant costs at a time when most schools are struggling financially, and to try regain eminence once more as a strong swimming school,” he said.

“This process was delayed due to Covid restrictions but the club was allowed to keep operating during that time. The club were invited to tender (which they did), but were not successful and feedback supplied on the 29th October to them in writing.”

Mr Loker said there had been five applicants and an adjudication process based on a set of criteria set by the school. A non-negotiable for all the proposals, he said, was the continued participation of Ms Way after whom the aquatic centre had been named.

“It was all stakeholders’ belief that recognition of her experience, loyalty, value and longevity was preeminent for as long as she chose to remain involved,” said Mr Loker.

He also confirmed that Vineyard Swimming club would take over at the school.

Simon Thirsk, chairman of the CBSC, said he and other members were deeply saddened by the closing of the club. “During our negotiations with the SGB, they requested R15 000 rental from the club.

“We accepted this, provided the heating was removed from our responsibility, as the school was using the pool around 50% of the time and not contributing to the R175k per annum cost to heat the pool.

“The school rejected our counteroffer and said we must pay the heating. We countered with R6 000 plus heating and the discussions became protracted and placed in the hands of the then incoming new principal,” Mr Thirsk said.

He said they had reached out to the school to ask for the swimming club lease to be extended up to April 2022 when the season ends.

“Why must an institution created by Wendy which is renowned not just to Camps Bay Primary school kids, but most residents of the Atlantic Seaboard and the City Bowl be shut down in this way?

“Why must her legacy end? Why could the school not be transparent, especially considering the amount of respect they are quick to share and publish that they have for Wendy? They have offered her a place at the pool under the new club, which Wendy has declined, as she has pride and self-respect and understands that her services are no longer required,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve the Camps Bay and swimming community over the past years. I enjoyed meeting and working with so many wonderful children and their swimming families. A very big thank you to all who have supported helped the club over the many, many years,” said Ms Way in a CBSC letter circulated via social media.

A farewell event for the CBSC is planned for November 26. For more information visit the club’s website: www.campsbayswimming.co.za

By Shahied Joseph

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/camps-bay-swimming-club-in-the-deep-end-4091def6-383f-4b25-aa86-682ad551f3a4

Cape Town Community roleplayers recognised with 2021 Mayoral Civic Awards!

A City of Cape Town Subcouncil 16 Awards Ceremony held on Monday three Camps Bay residents were awarded Mayor’s Civic Awards ‘in recognition of dedicated and generous service to the community in Good Hope Subcouncil (16). Your commitment to service delivery is hereby acknowledged with gratitude’.

In total 14 residents received Civic Awards. I am extremely grateful to be one of the Award recipients.

Ward 54 Councillor (for Sea Point and Camps Bay) Nicola Jowell nominated the three recipients in her Ward, and presented each Award to: 

In total 14 residents received Civic Awards. I am extremely grateful to be one of the Award recipients.

Chris von Ulmenstein: for her Camps Bay Clean initiative in picking up litter in Camps Bay, for encouraging Homeless persons to work with her, for hosting Community Beach cleans, and for reporting maintenance and security issues to Councillor Nicola. She heads up the Environment and Communications Portfolios on the Camps Bay Ratepayers Association.

Theresa Massaglia: her Community who Cares project encourages homeless persons to move into shelters and to be gainfully employed, the Camps Bay Community Stewards being a major project started a year ago. She heads up the Homeless Portfolio on the Camps Bay Ratepayer’s Association.

Alan Marsh: Chairman of the Camps Bay Community Policing Forum, and working on Community who Cares with Theresa.

Camps Bay Ratepayers’ Association member Johan van Papendorp, renowned landscape architect, designed the De Waterkant Park, which was implemented by a De Waterkant Volunteer Resident Group.

Other recipients of the awards were

#.  Niels Colesky, whom I met in the lift going to the Award venue, and who entertained me during the ceremony, knowing that Gary Peterson and I are friends, and about my reputation as a controversial restaurant writer, for a De Waterkant Park created by a group of resident volunteers

#. Andre Viljoen of Woodstock Brewery, who started the Mother Soup Project to feed needy persons, he opening a permanent facility in Paarden Eiland soon (Photograph left)

#.  Frank Solomon from Hout Bay, who started a safe sea education program in Hout Bay

#.  Stanley Dorman for his contribution to Tourism in Hout Bay

#   Ernest Ford, Ward 57

#   Simon Birch, Ward 57

#   Erefaan Ramjan, working with the youth and pensioners in Bo-Kaap and District Six

#   Jesse Laitinen of Khulisa Streetscapes, working to empower street people, and creating urban food gardens

#   Tasso Evangelinos of the CCID, working with developers to look after the city centre and creating the largest CID in our city.

#   Zhogra Nordien and the District Six Working Committee

#   Mandy Pelser and the Church of Scientology

Congratulations to all the 2021 Civic Award recipients.

This is published by Chris von Ulmenstein 

Congratulations to Nicola Jowell

2 November 2021

Dear Cllr Jowell

Ward Councillor re-appointment

On behalf of the CBCRA, we would like to congratulate you on your re-appointment as the Ward Councillor of Ward 54.  

We look forward to continue working with you in order to improve our Ward.

Yours faithfully  

RICHARD BENDEL  (Chair)

CHRIS WILLEMSE    (Vice-Chair)

Founding Affidavit 22 Sedgemoor Road

22 Sedgemoor Road 

Founding Affidavit in the application to the Western Cape High Court to set aside the planning permission for this block of flats.

Please click on the link below to download the PDF document (65pages) 379KB.

22 Sedgemoor Road Founding Affidavit

Camps Bay High creates Garden of Hope

A visual of The Camps Bay High garden. The school is appealing for funds for the project.

Camps Bay High School’s new food garden was designed and is being developed by former pupil Ben Getz of Urban Harvest.

The idea is that current pupils, with the help of staff and community members, will work the garden, which will produce a bounty of fruit and vegetables that can either be given to those in need or sold, with the proceeds going to help keep the garden going and help the Camps Bay community.

Last Tuesday, the first tree at the Garden of Hope was planted, and it was dedicated to Isabella Lubczonok, a Camps Bay High School pupil who recently passed away.

“The school would like to use the Garden of Hope as an opportunity for alumni to remember those ‘Gone too soon’. There are many opportunities within the garden for past pupils to remember their classmates and provide a living legacy for future generations,“ said Cara Kahn, Head of the Camps Bay High School Alumni Association.

“We need R200 000 to make this garden a reality so we are appealing to those in our community and past pupils to help us get our garden planted. Donations start at R100. Once you have clicked on the donation link, you will be able to recommend past pupils you would like to honour in the garden.”

To support the fundraiser, set up by James Bosenberg, general manager of Quicket South Africa and a past pupil of Camps Bay High School, go to https://qkt.io/GardenOfHope

Article © of the Atlantic Sun https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/camps-bay-high-creates-garden-of-hope-587908fc-496b-4ed9-9f5d-cccac1f4b5cf

Camps Bay High puts an end to period poverty

From left are Nishaat Williams and Michael Gulston from Camps Bay High School’s RCL with the sanitary products.

Camps Bay High School’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL) has put an end to period poverty at the school, at least for the next year.

The project started with members of the RCL buying sanitary pads and tampons and placing them in all the girls’ toilets on a trial basis to measure usage and to see whether the privilege would be abused or not.

“Earlier this year, the newly elected Camps Bay High School RCL decided to try an experiment in the female and gender neutral bathrooms at school. The team placed baskets with free sanitary products available to all those in need. This was incredibly well received by the learners at our school and based on this, they launched an internal funding drive with parents and guardians of learners at the school so that the project could be sustained in the long term,” said Camps Bay High School’s Educator-in-Charge of RCL, Michelle Janse van Rensburg,

“I’ve always questioned why sanitary products are not supplied free-of-charge in all female and gender neutral bathrooms at school. Menstruation is not a choice and period poverty within our school community is definitely a reality. Camps Bay High School is a truly diverse school with learners coming from a variety of backgrounds. Sometimes learners may also come to school unprepared. Having sanitary products available for free in the bathrooms avoids all sorts of embarrassment and judgement,” said Michael Gulston, Grade 12 member of the RCL.

Ms Janse van Rensburg said the RCL raised over R17 000 in a month to buy the products in bulk and ensure there is never a shortage.

The school has also invested in sanitary product dispensers, which are now on the walls of the toilets.

“We would like to thank all the parents and guardians who contributed to this project to ensure that we can end period poverty, at least at Camps Bay High School.”

Michael hopes their action will inspire other schools to start their own initiatives and challenged other RCLs to make an effort to end period poverty in their schools.

Article and Photo © Atlantic Sun

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/camps-bay-high-puts-an-end-to-period-poverty-6d7090d7-f13c-41e4-b505-5962d3facc99

Hope keeps beaches, parks and streets clean

By 

Shahied Joseph 

Atlantic Sun

HOPE is a project that keeps Sea Point beaches and streets clean and safe while offering homeless people valuable work experience as Community Care Ambassadors (CCA).

Community Care Ambassadors cleaning up a Sea Point park.

The Homelessness Outreach Prevention and Education (HOPE) programme was started in the midst of the lockdown by the Sea Point Fresnaye Bantry Bay (SFB) ratepayers’ association (“Project Hope makes positive waves on the Atlantic Seaboard”, Atlantic Sun, May 13).

They realised that dealing with the issues encountered by the homeless was a task that needed to be approached constructively, so they enlisted the help of Kevin Alexander, 60, to lead the charge as their field co-ordinator.

“When I had the meeting with the SFB, I had three objectives – to reunite the homeless people with families, reintegrate them into the community and refer them to shelters or safe spaces.

“We have about eight people that have rejoined their families and the community care ambassadors, except for two, are at shelters. So we have made progress in the past few months and at the moment we have 16 ambassadors,” he said.

The ambassadors wear clearly marked PPE.

The CCA operates in teams of two across eight beaches from Three Anchor Bay to Saunders Rock, keeping them clean while alternating tasks on the promenade and the streets.

“They are happy to do this, picking up litter; sweeping and they double up as security too. They are quite territorial and proud of what they do. The SFB pays for their shelter fees and give them a monthly stipend. We even started a soccer team and play at Green Point park, we also do life skills projects with them so it’s not just about cleaning the beaches,” said Mr Alexander, a former Haven night shelter manager.

Hope field co-ordinator Kevin Alexander meets with the CCA’s.

The ambassadors, one of whom is deaf and the other a 43-year-old woman, meet once a week to discuss obstacles with Mr Alexander, who claims that there are issues but nothing they can’t handle.

“I started last month and I’m happy with the job. I’m improving all the time and I improved since I joined, so I’m happy,” said Belinda Booi who is responsible for Three Anchor Bay beach.

Belinda Booi and a fellow ambassador at work on the streets of Sea Point.

Cornelius Lewis, the first ambassador of Hope when it began in September, says he appreciates the CCA’s responsibilities as he is experienced in this field.

“I’m responsible for Rocklands beach. I’ve been cleaning beaches for six years already and it’s nice for me, I enjoy working with my hands and seeing that the beach is clean,” the 69-year-old said.

Mr Lewis roped in 36-year-old Raphael Felix who loves working on the beach, specifically at Graaff’s pool.

“I enjoy doing this, it’s part of my life,” said Mr Felix.

“I am doing this for four years now without payment. People see what I do and they say thank you, here’s some money, but I don’t ask them for money. I enjoy what I do and I’m happy that Hope is assisting us, it’s a great thing.”

Mr Alexander believes that the ambassadors are changing for the better. “This project is a stepping stone for them. We want them to learn, to become self supporting, independent and to restore their dignity and the change is manifesting, the residents can see it and it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Kevin Alexander, the field co-ordinator for the Hope project.

Sculpting with sand, sea and sun

By

 Shahied Joseph

Atlantic Sun

Methuserah Mukenga adding detail to the whale sculpture.

Methuserah Mukenga sculpting a penguin.

Carefully adding detail to the dolphin.

The sand sculptor with his tools.

Methuserah Mukenga relies on tips from those that appreciate his craft.

Giving a personal touch to the couple admiring his work.

For Methuserah Mukenga, Camps Bay beach is a canvas where he can create sculptures of sea creatures and other animals out of sand and sea water.

It’s an art that requires good weather, so when the Cape winter rains approach, Mr Mukenga is out of work. However, he doesn’t give up hope, even though winter has arrived irregularly this season.

“When there is no sun I do struggle, so I prefer the summer and I’m here whenever the sun shines. I’ve been doing this at Camps Bay since December 2018,” he said.

“The Camps Bay community appreciate this and they have allowed me to continue doing this. They can see what I’m doing adds value and they show their appreciation and it makes me feel good. They even supported me when law enforcement tried to stop me from working,” Mr Mukenga said.

Mukenga studied visual arts at the Nairobi Technical College in 1998 but did not complete the course; however, he picked up enough know-how to sculpt with sand, clay and concrete.

“I first saw this (sand sculpting) in Mombasa and I did some sculpting there. Then years later I saw it in Durban and it was done with so much more detail. I was really impressed and decided to do it here when I moved to Cape Town.”

Since arriving in South Africa in 2000, the 41-year-old has worked as a packer at a food factory and as a taxi driver, but always missed working with his hands.

“I was doing okay but I was not happy and decided to do this because it is something that is in my heart and in my mind. So I left the job I had and came here, to sculpt. Fortunately I met Innocent and he mentored me, he inspired me and showed me how to work better with the sand.”

The Rwandan citizen enjoys watching National Geographic and most of his sculpting revolves around animals. Armed with a plastic spoon and makeshift tools, Mr Mukenga is meticulous when moulding the fin of a dolphin or using a makeshift sprinkler to add depth to a whale’s body, lightly amending mistakes with his hands as he brings the creatures to life.

“Sometimes I get requests from people, especially kids, they want baboons and octopus and sharks. They ask me to show them how to do it. But I can do anything, I enjoy it, and they enjoy watching me do it. They see I start with heaps of sand and then it slowly becomes a whale or a penguin and they are always surprised with what they see.”

Mr Mukenga says he always creates a spacious heart as people love having their names inscribed on it.

“People that are in love, that are newly married, tourists and especially Joburg people, they like putting their names on the heart and taking pictures,” he quipped.

“It’s artistic, I can easily identify the animals so the likeness is on point,” said 28-year old businessman Jowen Greeff.

“I hope someone sees this and gives him a chance to study so that he can exhibit his art elsewhere, he definitely has talent,” he said.

“It’s exceptional, you don’t see such art anywhere, so it’s unique and I appreciate his skill,” 25-year old Valencia Sass remarked.

Giving a personal touch to the couple admiring his work.

CTICC converted to vaccination centre

Picture: David Ritchie

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) will be the first of at least three large vaccination facilities in the city to provide residents with increased vaccine access.

The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government have worked together on the mass vaccination site.

The City was to lead final preparations, with the goal of finishing the project by the end of June. The Western Cape Government will be in charge of site management.

Once vaccinations are delivered, the CTICC can operate at full capacity.

“Just over one year ago our teams worked quickly and efficiently to convert the CTICC into the Western Cape’s first major field hospital, our hospital of hope, and it became a place of healing for the thousands of residents who received life-saving treatment there. I’m excited to once again be working at full speed to open this world-class conferencing venue to residents across the City of Cape Town, enabling a radical increase in life-saving vaccinations. It is our intention for it to be a Centre of Hope in our City and Province within a few weeks,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

Mr Winde said at its peak, the centre would be able to vaccinate approximately 4 000 people every day, thanks to its 50 vaccination stations, each of which can deliver 100 vaccinations each day.

Mayor Dan Plato said: “There are currently detailed plans in place for the opening of several more mass sites in the Metro. The City is excited to partner with the provincial government on these projects where we can so that we ensure that residents have better access to vaccines”.

According to the provincial government, as at 1pm on Monday June 14, the Western Cape had 8 037 active Covid-19 infections, with a total number of 302 232 Covid-19 cases to date and 282 234 recoveries.

Mr Winde said we have entered a third wave of Covid-19 infections and there is an increase in infections across the province.

“I call on residents to practice the lifesaving behaviours that we have learnt over the past year to stop the spread of Covid-19. These include washing and sanitising your hands regularly and wearing your mask correctly. This means replacing or washing your mask after each use and ensuring that it covers both your mouth and nose at all times. You must also ensure that you maintain a safe distance. Please avoid all non-essential gatherings. However, if you must meet, please ensure that you keep it short, small and outside – with good ventilation. It is also crucial that you avoid the 3Cs of confined places, crowded spaces and close contact. By adhering to these important steps, we can flatten the curve and save lives.”

Seniors can register for a vaccine by:

Visiting https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ or www.westerncape.gov.za;

Dialing *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks); or

WhatsApping the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.

City accused of changing parking requirements without public participation

By 

Sinazo Mkoko

Atlantic Sun

The City of Cape Town has been accused of changing parking requirements for some areas on the Atlantic Seaboard without any public participation.

Sea Point, Fresnaye and Bantry Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (SFB) claim the City has approved parking requirements without consulting the public.

According to the Sea Point, Fresnaye and Bantry Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (SFB), in October last year, they were provided with a demolition application for a residential home in Oldfield Road, next to the park in a Heritage Overlay Zone.

They said, as part of part of the assessment, the committee investigated the planned development for this property and was informed that the developer planned to erect a building with 22 “studios” on the 588sqm plot with a provision of eight parking bays.

They said, in the past, for every apartment at least one parking bay would have been required and, therefore, a departure would have been requested which was not the case here. Hence the committee enquired about the reason.

“To all our surprise, it emerged that council had changed the parking requirements for Green Point and large part of Sea Point and as a result, no parking spaces and, therefore, no departures will be required in future for any developments below Ocean View Drive. This was all done without any public participation.”

They said these revised parking requirements paved the way for a new developer’s product – the “studio” or “micro apartment“.

“Under the auspices of ‘affordable housing’ tiny one-room apartments are sold at sqm prices of R 50 000 and more.

“Who will buy and stay in these 17 to 28 sqm apartments for a price of more than R 1 million or monthly cost in excess of R 10 000? Certainly not local residents. In our view this new product line is aimed at investors that can manage such small scale investments and are intrigued by prospected high short term rentals (e.g. AirBnB). It is a nonsensical hypothesis that such tenants will not rent cars that need to be parked and will only use public transport,” they said.

“What will be the effects on our neighbourhood and the existing hospitality infrastructure in Sea Point? Would anyone want to live for an extended period of time in a building where holidaymakers party and change on a daily basis in summer, whereas in winter the place is deserted?”

They said meetings have been held recently with those responsible and they await the outcomes with interest.

“In our view, such a significant decision should have required public participation. Furthermore, it is of great concern that developers had knowledge of these changes well in advance and have been able to plan and apply for building permits based on these changes while ratepayers and residents organisations were completely unaware of these issues.”

The SFB said it is of the impression that the primary objective of the change in parking requirements is the City’s drive for “densification“ and, at its core, the increase of its rates ”income”.

“In many areas, the disproportionate ratio of rates collected to rates spent has reached proportions that can only be called a ‘rich tax’.”

In June 2014, the City announced that they approved the maps demarcating the reduced parking requirements for development in priority areas which are served by public transport.

This, they said was the next step in the City’s efforts to promote development close to public transport at a higher density.

Responding to this, the City’s mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Marian Nieuwoudt, said the introduction of the concept of PT1&2 parking standards into the Development Management Scheme (DMS) and its predecessor, namely the City of Cape Town Zoning Scheme (CTZS) since 2013, was to give effect to the City’s strategies to support an effective, efficient and viable public transport system.

She said the PT1&2 provisions still provide a minimum parking requirement.

“A property owner or developer is therefore only required to provide the minimum standard but may still provide more parking.

“These provisions are an incentive to support the use of public transport and are not enforced as a maximum standard.”

She added in the most recent update of the PT1&2 map, the provision of road-based public transport was assessed.

“The Sea Point, Fresnaye and Bantry Bay areas are particularly well-served by the MyCiTi feeder service, as well as Golden Arrow buses and minibus taxis. In fact, the MyCiTi feeder service along this route is the highest functioning feeder service in the city,” she said.

“I advise the residents to please submit comments and suggestions for the review of the Development Management Scheme that is currently under way. The closing date for comments is April 23. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to influence the future of the built environment in their areas.”

To comment on this, visit: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.

Comments and suggestions to be taken into account in the review process can be submitted to lums@capetown.gov.za