Green shoots — five new forests spring up in Cape Town

The first SUGi pocket forest in South Africa is the pilot forest in Philippi, located on the KT Grows Organics which is now two years and five months old.(Photo: Christian Helgi for Mzanzi Organics) Kristin Engel – 27 May 2024 New urban pocket forests have sprouted around Cape Town in Langa, Mitchells Plain, Bo-Kaap, Pinelands…

Salt River street art walk

From gigantic to tiny, political to pretty – the variety of murals is huge in Salt River. Home to the annual International Public Art Festival for five years 2017-2021 (I am one of their guides), new large murals are being commissioned by the Salt River Heritage Society. The area is full of history and is…

Blow for Woodstock social housing plan

The contested site in Earl Street, Woodstock, where the City of Cape Town planned to develop social housing is currently open space. Photo: Matthew Hirsch 15 May 2024 | By Matthew Hirsch Tribunal overturns Heritage Western Cape decision to allow development at the Earl Street site An independent tribunal last week overturned a Heritage Western…

Long Street swimming pool is open for business

After nearly four months of maintenance and renovation work, Long Street swimming pool has reopened, ready to show off its enhanced interior and upgraded facilities. These enhancements include roof and cash office repairs, electrical compliance upgrades, and interior touch-ups like the painting of the foyer ceiling and external façade. While there is still some minor installation…

U-Turn’s ‘A Night on the Street’ campaign raises over half a million rand to fight homelessness

Winter is on our doorstep and homelessness is on the rise in South Africa. Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers By Wendy Dondolo In a striking campaign designed to enhance public empathy and understanding for homelessness, U-turn, along with partners SMG BMW Constantia and various philanthropic organisations, hosted a successful event “Night on the Streets 2024”. The…

Cape Town protesters block busy road, demanding services

Families from the “Gate 7” informal settlement outside the Maitland Cemetery blocked Voortrekker Road in Cape Town on Wednesday morning. They want the City of Cape Town to install water, electricity and toilets. Photos: Ashraf Hendricks 22 May 2024 | By Ashraf Hendricks About 40 protesters from the “Gate 7” informal settlement outside the Maitland…

Proteas win again at the Chelsea Flower Show

An unprecedented 22,000 stems were used in the display to create a proudly South African explosion of fynbos. (Photo: Mandy Ackerman) Daily Maverick – 21 May 2024   South Africa’s Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, inspired by the Cape Mountains, led by designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg, wowed with its fynbos explosion, rare hybrids…