Latest news with #Capetonians
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Wynberg faces ongoing urban decay issues following problem building declaration
263 Main Road in Wynberg has officially been declared a problem building under the City of Cape Town's by-laws and Law Enforcement has initiated eviction proceedings for current unlawful occupants. Image: supplied The derelict building at 263 Main Road in Wynberg has officially been declared a problem building under the City of Cape Town's by-laws — a significant step in addressing long-standing concerns about safety and misuse, said ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven. However, some residents argue the area is steadily sliding into chronic urban decay. 'The Wynberg precinct is no different from Yeoville or Hillbrow,' said property owner Andrew Charman. 'If Capetonians believe the City has the ability or political will to tackle complex urban management challenges, they are mistaken.' Charman, who owns property in the precinct, described the City's approach as rudderless. 'For over a decade, City officials and political leaders have promised stern action against problem buildings. A high court case against the Uli Heydt building was said to be imminent. Nothing happened.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said socio-economic issues also need addressing, including medical support for homeless people with severe mental illness and the open sale of drugs. Langenhoven confirmed that while 263 Main Road was earmarked for the list in 2023, formal declaration only happened recently. 'The process involves inspections, compliance notices, and allowing time for objections or remedial action. 263 Main Road has now been formally declared a problem building. Law Enforcement is now empowered to proceed with evictions of unlawful occupants and to secure the premises.' Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said LEAP is deployed to crime-affected precincts to assist SAPS and is not assigned to Wynberg for by-law enforcement. In response to claims that the City's crime-fighting efforts fail to address the root causes of chronic urban decay, City spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo said, the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP) had deployed 12 Wynberg Ambassadors for patrols, focusing on crime prevention and reporting service faults. 'Community Safety ambassadors have been consistently present for the past six months and during peak seasons over the last three years,' he said. 'Additionally, MURP deployed two-armed response vehicles during the day and night with armed guards providing a visible security presence that directly addresses social challenges contributing to crime in the CBD area. These interventions had reduced crime within the CBD and Public Transport Interchange areas over the last few months.' Responding to complaints about grey water runoff, illegal dumping, potholes, and by-law violations, the City's Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said teams rely on logged service requests to identify faults like burst pipes and overflowing sewers. He further urged residents to always report such service requests to help teams to attend to these matters as quickly as possible. Cape Argus
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
UPDATE: Identity of man who jumped from rooftop of Cape Town hotel confirmed
Capetonians were left reeling last Monday afternoon following a tragic incident at Hotel Sky, where a man died after jumping from the rooftop. Image: Hotel Sky Cape Town police continue to investigate the death of a man who jumped from the 28th floor of Hotel Sky on Monday, 9 June. ADVERTISEMENT While the man's identity has now been confirmed, it has not yet been made public. He was reportedly just 33 years of age. Initially DNA testing was required to verify the body due to its condition, but police have since reached out to the man's family. Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Poje says the family has requested to keep his identity private. His body will be handed over to his next of kin, who will make arrangements for burial. ADVERTISEMENT In South Africa, an inquest docket is opened when a person dies due to unnatural causes, including suicide. Not a hotel guest According to authorities, the deceased was a walk-in guest who was not formally registered as a hotel guest. He was seen at the 27th-floor Sky Lounge before he somehow gained access to the rooftop area one floor above, which is usually off-limits and secured. An autopsy has been completed, but the official cause of death will only be released during a scheduled inquest. ADVERTISEMENT Police have not yet ruled out foul play, and investigations into how the man accessed the restricted area remain ongoing. Background Capetonians were left reeling last Monday afternoon following a tragic incident at Hotel Sky, where a man died after jumping from the rooftop. Western Cape police have launched a full investigation, with crime scene experts and Cape Town Central SAPS detectives currently gathering evidence. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111. ADVERTISEMENT Extended condolences Hotel Sky's Managing Director, Paul Kelley, confirmed the man was a walk-in visitor and that the incident was not connected to the hotel's Sky Hi Ride attraction. The man reportedly walked in off the street and went up to the 28th floor, which is the rooftop, and then jumped to his death despite the security and safety measures in place. Kelley extended his condolences to the man's loved ones, emphasising the need to take mental health struggles seriously. 'We must all recognise mental health illness and depression and never take these incidents for granted as a community.' ADVERTISEMENT Kelley reaffirmed the hotel's commitment to safety, adding that the premises comply fully with local and international standards. If you or someone you know is struggling Help is available. In South Africa, contact: SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) : 0800 567 567 / SMS 31393 : 0800 567 567 / SMS 31393 Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 Have you ever managed to convince someone in need to call for help? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is South Africa facing a potato drought? Changes to Golden Dish's menu explained
Capetonians were taken aback on Tuesday afternoon when the beloved and renowned Golden Dish announced significant changes to their potato-based offerings. In a public statement, the management explained, "Due to a nationwide shortage of potatoes, you may notice limited availability or changes to our usual potato offerings. We understand this may be an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue with our suppliers." But what exactly is happening? Are we facing a genuine potato shortage? Agricultural economist, Wandile Sihlobo, confirmed to IOL that South Africans don't have anything to worry about. "There is no shortage of potatoes in South Africa. Our supplies are healthy," said Sihlobo, adding that Potatoes SA agrees with the view. According to the latest statistics, potato stocks in various fresh produce markets indicate it's still in good shape.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Golden Dish's menu changes: Is South Africa really facing a potato shortage?
Capetonians were taken aback on Tuesday afternoon when the beloved and renowned Golden Dish announced significant changes to their potato-based offerings. In a public statement, the management explained, "Due to a nationwide shortage of potatoes, you may notice limited availability or changes to our usual potato offerings. We understand this may be an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue with our suppliers." But what exactly is happening? Are we facing a genuine potato shortage? Agricultural economist, Wandile Sihlobo, confirmed to IOL that South Africans don't have anything to worry about. "There is no shortage of potatoes in South Africa. Our supplies are healthy," said Sihlobo, adding that Potatoes SA agrees with the view. According to the latest statistics, potato stocks in various fresh produce markets indicate it's still in good shape.
The South African
5 days ago
- Climate
- The South African
Wildfire breaks out on Boyes Drive
Yet another wildfire is raging in the Boyes Drive area in Lakeside, with road closures imminent. Ward 71 Councillor Carolynne Franklin took to social media on Sunday morning to confirm the fire was in the region between Lakeside and Muizenberg and that motorists should avoid the area. In addition, Main Road is expected to be seriously impacted. She thanked those who reported the fire as well as the City Services for their response. Cape Town has experienced unseasonal warm winter weather over the past 24 hours with Berg winds blowing. Capetonians will need no reminding of the devastating wildfires which destroyed nearly 4 000 hectares in April this year in the Tokai and Silvermine areas of Table Mountain National Park. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
