Tour World Art Museums Online

The oval rooms housing “Les Nymphéas” (The Water Lilies) by Claude Monet.

Image courtesy of https://worldtoptop.com/

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected the whole world, countries have introduced travel restrictions in a bid to minimise the spread of the virus.

In South Africa, international travel is not allowed as the country prepares for the peak of the corona virus. Only business travel is allowed.

Thanks to technology, there are ways to ensure that wanderlust travellers still get a bit of their favourite destinations.

In a bid to bring the French spirit to South African travellers, several museums are offering virtual tours.

The Louvre has introduced a virtual tour, travellers are able to explore the many corridors and take in some of the most important pieces in history which sit proudly on display in the museum. Pieces like the Mona Lisa, Nike, Venus de Milo and more are available to view with a click of a button. Visit the Louvre virtually here.

The Fine Arts Museum Of Lyon, which holds some of the most significant fine art pieces in the country France,  has also gone virtual. You can visit the Fine Arts Museum Of Lyon virtually here.

Musée d’Orsay is housed in what used to be an old railway station and a hotel before it was turned into the remarkable world-famous museum that it is today. The museum houses French furniture, paintings, photographs, and sculptures from artists like Renoir, Monet, Degas, Manet, and van Gogh. You can visit it virtually here.

The Lascaux Caves, which is situated near the village of Montignac, is home to some of the earliest cave paintings in the world. The cave contains nearly 6,000 figures which can be grouped into three main categories: animals, human figures and abstract signs, and gives us a glimpse of what human life was like roughly 20,000 years ago. Visit The Lascaux Caves virtually here.

Musée l’Orangerie, also invites travellers to take part in a virtual walk in the two oval rooms of the artist’s world-famous Water Lilies series which was designed between 1915 and 1926 in Giverny. You can visit Musée l’Orangerie virtually here.

Article posted by The Atlantic Sun on 30 June 2020.

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/entertainment/tour-french-museums-from-comfort-of-your-home-50153498

WWF Brings Nature Inside During Lockdown

WWF South Africa has launched a 10-hour long playlist titled Bring Nature Inside". 

WWF South Africa has launched a 10-hour long playlist titled “Bring Nature Inside”, which features soundscapes from nature recorded in areas where they are working.

“We wanted to allow people to experience the richness of nature. With many of us feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world and the unique disruptions we are facing, it is imperative for us to take care of our mental and emotional well-being. Nature provides the perfect ‘escape’ that we need during this time,” says Justin Smith, head of business development at WWF South Africa.

From the soothing backdrop of a free-flowing river to the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic Ocean, each track features sounds with a description, and showcases the work WWF is doing to help protect South Africa’s natural heritage.

The calming and inspirational tracks include Soutpansberg, Highveld, Fishing, Rhino, Beach, Bees, Sugarbird, National Park, Windfarm and Pastures.

The soundscapes are available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, Google Play and Amazon or visit wwf.org.za for more information.

A percentage of the streaming royalties will go to support WWF SA’s ongoing conservation work, at no cost to the platform user.

Article posted by the Atlantic Sun Staff Reporter 25 June 2020.

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/wwf-south-africa-brings-nature-to-you-49856753

Improving Kloofnek congestion

The City’s transport directorate is investing R2.1 million in improving traffic flow on Kloofnek Road and to create a safe footway for pedestrians along Signal Hill Road.

The project started in April and is scheduled for completion by the end of August, if all goes according to plan and if bad weather doesn’t stall work.

The City’s mayoral committee member for transport, Felicity Purchase, said the footway would accommodate pedestrians who usually walk from the MyCiTi stop at the top of Kloofnek Road to the steps opposite the SANParks office. Once completed, pedestrians will be able to use this footway to a point where they can access the off-street contour path to Lion’s Head.

“This area is extremely popular among tourists, visitors, and local residents and will help to improve the safety of those on foot,” she said.

Improvements to assist with traffic flow are also under way on the Camps Bay-bound approach off Kloofnek Road at the intersection of Tafelberg and Signal Hill roads.

Currently, about 160m of the footway has been completed.

A yield controlled pedestrian crossing will still be added at the crossing point on Signal Hill Road, at the point at which steps lead up to the SANParks contour path to the Lion’s Head parking lot.

The widening along Kloofnek Road on Lion’s Head side is still in progress.

From page 1

The City said the excavation would not extend beyond the relatively narrow strip that is currently visible on the Lion’s Head side of the roadway.

They said the current short right-turn lane on Kloofnek Road heading towards Camps Bay does not sufficiently meet the demand and often results in queuing right-turning road traffic and obstructs the movement of other traffic.

“We have investigated possible solutions, and have decided to implement a longer dedicated right-turn lane, along with a separate through lane. This change will necessitate the widening of the road within the existing road reserve so that we can achieve the relevant lane-width requirements. The widening is being implemented within the road reserve and existing cut-slope or embankment on the Lion’s Head side of the roadway,” said Ms Purchase.

She added that traffic exiting from The Glen and Signal Hill towards Camps Bay, would need to turn left and then proceed right around the median island, in a similar fashion to negotiating a traffic circle.

“Many vehicles approaching along Kloofnek Road from Camps Bay exceed the posted speed limit. This creates a dangerous situation for those exiting from Tafelberg Road and Signal Hill Road. Thus, the change is deemed necessary and is in the interest of road safety and improved traffic flow,” she said.

She said the improvements would alleviate congestion and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at the gateway to one of the five key tourism destinations in the city and It will benefit visitors and daily commuters using this route as we anticipate fewer delays.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time – the requirement to practise social distancing will be with us for the foreseeable future and the footway will make it possible for pedestrians to give each other a bit more space without stepping on the road,” she said.

Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell, said the changes should make a significant difference to those commuting home to Camps Bay, Clifton and Hout Bay and for drivers on the school commutes and to seasonal and tourist visitors to the area, beaches and mountain.

Article posted by the Atlantic Sun 25 June 2020

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/improving-kloofnek-congestion-49856343

Camps Bay Police Station now re-opened

Camps Bay police station has reopened after being closed last week when an employee tested positive for Covid-19.

The station was closed for 48 hours to be santised and the affected members are in quarantine. On Monday June 22, the station was closed again after a second positive case of Covid-19 was revealed. The station was sanitised in the evening and members of the public were urged to go to the Sea Point police station for assistance.

Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Health has released the number of Covid-19 cases per suburb. According to statistics for some of the Atlantic Seaboard areas, as at Monday June 22, there were 10 cases in Bakoven, 21 in Camps Bay, eight in Clifton, 15 in Devil’s Peak Estate, 15 in De Waterkant, 118 in Fresnaye, 73 in Gardens, six in Mouille Point, 32 in Oranjezicht, 59 in Schotschekloof, 83 in Sea Point, 14 in Tamboerskloof, 14 in Three Anchor Bay, 55 in Vredehoek and 24 in the Waterfront.

Premier Alan Winde said the province had recorded an additional 25 deaths, bringing the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the province to 1 424.

He said the province was continuously reassessing the data available to them to give them an indication of when the virus peak will occur.

He said these models are predictions based on the best available data at the time, and it is impossible to pinpoint exactly when this will happen.

“But by taking additional care now, and managing the number of active cases, we can help to slow the spread and help to save lives,” he said.

Article was published by Sinazo Mkoko and Staff Reporter at The Atlantic Sun 25 June 2020.

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/station-now-open-49856347

Community who Cares Important Update

Please see the message below from Theresa, Alan and Heike for feedback on our fundraising in Camps Bay for the homeless.
 

---

Dear Camps Bay ‘Community who Cares’,

Some of us in the community have been on the frontline with our homeless for many months now, getting to know them and their story personally and making every effort to get them assistance - long before lockdown.

I had an inspiring conversation with one of the Supervisors at the Strandfontein site where many of our Atlantic Seaboard homeless are staying for the lockdown. What was shared gave me so much hope and convinced me that the work CwC  (‘Community who Cares) is doing is more critical than ever.

I’m hearing the most incredible stories about our homeless in the various safe spaces - how they are reuniting with their families, feeling a sense of belonging (sometimes for the first time), getting a cooked meal for the first time in years and best of all finally seeing that there are field workers (our ‘walking angels’) who care enough to walk a transformation journey with them - even post lockdown.  

Many of these field workers themselves have been on the streets previously and giving back tirelessly, to help transform the lives of others.

Had it not been for this forced lockdown some of these homeless may not have known what help is possible (including medically) as they were secure in their next ‘fix’, next bin day and possibly just the pure surrender to life on the streets. 

While some of the homeless will inevitably return to street life after the lockdown - that we cannot control – by then our field workers will have built the trust and relationships needed to continue our efforts and never give up - always keeping the door open for help.

In fact the best news is hearing how many homeless are now asking for help to not go back to life on the streets. This self-driven ‘want’ is the first step in rehabilitation and transformation, as we have come to understand all too well.

This initiative integrates all our community structures including CBCSI, CBCRA, CPF as well as NGOs, SAPS, Law Enforcement and Department of Social Development (DSD) and we are very thankful to every team member for their months of hard work. It is this collective effort that is driving our results so far.
And from you, the community, we have raised over R160,000 (via Camps Bay CwC) and over R100,000 (via Green Point CwC) in a matter of days - thanks to your generosity. If you would still like to donate, please see bank details at the end of this message. If you would like to volunteer, please email Theresa on CommunityWhoCares@outlook.com.

After careful analysis of where help is needed most, we are releasing the initial funds through our various NGO partners as follows:

• Ladles of Love (already feeding 20,000 people in need)
• RPJ Helping Hands (feeding our homeless at CoCT Culemborg Safe Space and elsewhere)
• Haven Shelter (also helping to feed homeless at Strandfontein)
• Matdoc (project managing the Safe Space and ensuing our Homeless stay entertained with games/arts & crafts etc, also donated by our amazing community members)
• The Homestead (caring for all our street kids during lockdown)
• U-Turn (feeding and supporting hundreds of homeless)

Please know there isn’t one community contribution or effort that goes unnoticed. 

We value your genuine care above all and see it as integral in executing our collective CwC vision...far beyond lockdown.

Thanks for ‘being the change.' 

Should you wish to still make a donation to this ongoing project here are the details. 

The bank account is a Nedbank Account and the details are:
Account Type - Nedbank Current Account
Account Name - The Camps Bay and Clifton Safe Community Trust
Account Number - 1003615899
Branch - Sea Point
Branch Code – 106909
Payment Reference - CWC+Surname+Address
Proof of Payment - sarah.meder@cbcsi.org 

Kind regards.
 
Theresa, Alan (and of course Heike, Sarah and Ryan (CBCSI) for all behind the scenes effort and support)
CwC Change Champions

COVID19 INFORMATION TOOLKIT

Subject: COVID19 INFORMATION TOOLKIT

Dear Ward Committee Member

Trust you are keeping safe.

Please click on the link below for information toolkit . Please circulate to sectors and contacts and request them to circulate to their contacts.


The following file is available for download: http://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/BigFilesAccess/DownloadBigFile.aspx?file=14d7be17-f4a8-400a-943c-f7b3d785cb80

It will be available until 27/04/2020.

Kind regards

Catherine Overmeyer
Electoral Officer: Ward Committees

Tourist Attractions on Lockdown

 

The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association (BKCRA) banned tourists from the area last week, ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Monday night of a national lockdown.

Chairperson Osman Shaboodien said as a tourist destination, Bo-Kaap’s residents were more prone than other areas to get into contact with tourists from high-risk countries.

“We, therefore, place the tourism industry and government on notice that Bo-Kaap will be on lockdown and no tourists will be allowed into our area. This is for their health and the health of the Bo-Kaap community,” he said.

Mr Shaboodien said it would have been a challenge to enforce and they had appealed to the community and tourism industry for support.

“We can easily ask the group when they come in here, but we can’t do that to individuals coming in and staying in our B&Bs. We ask people to adhere and respect our wishes until this dies down. Eventually, things will go back to normal,” he said.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) closed to all visitors on March 18.

“As the leading attraction in Africa and the Indian Ocean, we believe that it is our duty to act responsibly as a tourism operator under these extreme circumstances.

As the number of confirmed cases continue to rise, we will continue to take the necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus,” said TMACC managing director, Wahida Parker.

Meanwhile, two vessels in the Port of Cape Town were held off port limits last week after a crew member onboard one of the vessels began to exhibit symptoms of Covid-19.

It was later established he had been on a flight with a fellow crew member and six passengers who went on to board a cruise vessel at the port.

This was the first suspected case of Covid-19 in a South African sea-port. The two crew members had flown into the country from Istanbul, Turkey, on March 9. Only one of the two showed signs of being ill, however both have been placed into isolation onboard the general cargo vessel, the unfortunately named MV Corona.

MV Corona left the Port of Cape Town on Wednesday, March 11. On Friday, March 13, the Master of this vessel contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the Port Health unit of the National Department of Health, confirming one crew member was exhibiting symptoms and requesting that the vessel returns to the Port of Cape Town for evacuation.

Upon arrival on Monday, March 16, both members were evacuated by airforce helicopters for the suspected sick crew member to be transported to hospital. They later both tested negative.

In a second ship, the MV. AidAmira ship, which had been operating between Port of Cape Town and Namibia (Walvis Bay) this cruise season, six passengers were quarantined after Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was informed by Port Health Cape Town that they had been on the same flight as the two MV Corona crew members. The members were evacuated and taken to the hospital for testing.

They all tested negative for Covid-19.

Transport minister Fikile Mbalula announced the results and has since issued a ban on leisure vessels entering the country’s seaports and prohibited cargo vessels from changing crews once they dock as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

At a press conference at the Cape Town harbour last week, Mr Mbalula announced new regulations that would prohibit the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at eight sea ports.

In terms of these regulations, he said, no passenger vessels will be allowed in our ports. In essence, there is a total ban on cruise ships.

“This affects all leisure travellers,” he said.

Atlantic Sun

By SINAZO MKOKO AND STAFF REPORTER