Credit Card, paying with a card / Pixabay: AhmadArdity Tasleem Gierdien – 16 October 2025 It is illegal for suppliers to charge extra because you choose to use your bank card to pay. South African consumers are protected by law from being charged extra for using their bank cards to pay at tills. According to…
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No place for old locals – Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis defends vision for Cape Town
Illustrative image | Sea Point Main Road in front of an apartment complex construction site, 9 September 2025. (Photo: David Harrison) | Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin-Hill Lewis. (Photo: Gallo Images / Die Burger / Theo Jeptha) By Kevin Bloom Follow 13 Oct 2025 In a cordial but combative interview in early October, Cape…
🚨 Community Alert: Scammers Posing as City of Cape Town Officials 🚨
Residents are urged to stay alert — scammers are posing as officials from the City of Cape Town Revenue Department and attempting to gain access to properties under the pretext of “scheduled disconnections” due to alleged municipal arrears. A recent incident occurred in Observatory, where individuals sent WhatsApp messages claiming to be from the City’s…
As Trump champions fossil fuels, the world is betting on renewable energy [Grist]
![As Trump champions fossil fuels, the world is betting on renewable energy [Grist]](https://obs.org.za/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/f037220c-0382-d024-d821-179aff41f6c9-1024x683.png)
Photo by Thomas Richter on Unsplash. Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two new reports. If you live in the U.S., you could be forgiven for thinking that renewable energy is on the outs. In July, Congress voted to rapidly phase out longstanding tax credit support for wind and solar power. The…
We tested if a specialised magnetic powder could remove microplastics from drinking water: the answer is yes
Collecting plastic bottles on a beach in South Africa. iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus The Conversation – October 8 2025 Microplastics are the crumbs of our plastic world, tiny pieces that come from bigger items breaking apart or from products like synthetic clothing and packaging. They’re now everywhere. Scientists estimate there are about 51 trillion of these particles…
Mancomm Meeting
Mancomm meeting Date: Tuesday 30th September 2025 Time: 18h00 Venue: Observatory Community Centre (room 1)
Thrift and party like a student in Cape Town’s vibrant Obz
Photograph: Gabi Zietsman Want to party with the students, hippies and Southern Suburbians who prefer walking to their favourite bar? Cape Town’s Observatory is one of the most central neighbourhoods in the city, home to academics and activists and a big thrifting scene. I have lived a large part of my Cape Town life here,…
🏡 Buying or selling property privately? Need help with a transfer?
I’m Gillian Erasmus, an attorney based at 3 Cambridge Road. I specialise in property transfers and can guide you through the whole process — from drafting an offer for a private sale, to handling the transfer at the Deeds Office. I keep the process straightforward, give regular updates, and make sure your interests are protected….
FOL IS SEEKING REGULAR VOLUNTEERS
Every month a group of volunteers run a public litter clear up on the river in Obs. This is under the umbrella of Friends of the Liesbeek but organised by Obs volunteers. The Friends of the Liesbeek team supplement the volunteers and enter the more challenging areas. Coordinators are needed to “manage” a volunteer day –…
Understanding Heritage Day: Insights from the District Six Museum
Yaeesh Collins – 24 September 2025 “When it comes to Heritage Day, it is never about wearing our identity like a costume or a parade,” Chrischene Julius told IOL. In South Africa, the day has increasingly been branded as “Braai Day,” a convivial occasion centred around food, music, and community gathering. While Julius acknowledges the…