NEWS | By Marcela Guerrero Casas | 26 October 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a number of urban projects that provide opportunities to build community. Among those that are seeding hope and neighbourhood connection are projects that involve gardens and bicycles. If it weren’t for the news of a second wave wreaking…
Busting myths about homelessness: What you should know
NEWS | By Caryn Gootkin | 09 October 2020 10 October is World Homeless Day, which highlights the needs of homeless people. What better time, then, to sort fact from fiction in the ongoing battle between homeless people and those who feel they have no place in ‘their’ neighbourhoods. Shelters are free and freely available…
Singabalapha wins interdict against eviction:
City of Cape Town loses yet another ground-breaking court case Singabalapha Press release, 7 October 2020 It is with the greatest of gratitude that we, the movement known as Singabalapha (We Belong Here), write this press release in celebration of the Cape High Court’s decision to interdict the City of Cape Town from confiscating our…
A River Runs Through Obz
I hope that, by now, most of the residents are at least aware of the local community TRASH-Bash monthly clean-ups that take place along the River in Observatory on the first Saturday of every month? This little Community project was started by Ricardo Sa in 2013 and has run almost continuously since, barring a short…
Air pollution bothering you?
If you have a neighboring source emitting fumes, smoke or other disturbance of air quality, the City’s Health Department will be responsible for investigating. Here is a form to complete which you can send to [email protected]. Make sure that you capture the actual event/s when an air pollution nuisance is experienced. Captured events must represent…
Considering making changes to your house?
‘Hi Obsies, standing on my OCA A&H soapbox here reminding you that even if you are making ‘small’ or internal changes to your house, you need plans drawn up by a SACAP registered professional. Heritage protects the INSIDE, OUTSIDE and even the TREES of buildings older than 60 years. I know estate agents like to…
Celebrating 200 years of the South African Astronomical Observatory
The story. Perched on the outskirts of Observatory in Cape Town, just above the Black River, stands the South African Astronomical Observatory. Initially known as the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, it has multiple telescopes, a museum, a library and a mechanical workshop that can “build, maintain and support the various instruments used on telescopes in…
Occupiers on old circus school land cry foul over City of Cape Town’s conduct
Occupiers allege that the City ignored a court instruction to hold meaningful engagements with them. Picture: Supplied NEWS | By Marvin Charles | Sep 22, 2020 Cape Town – A group of people illegally staying at the former SA National Circus School next to Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory are livid after the City allegedly ignored…
How to whitewash colonial pain and trauma
No one should be comfortable with the status quo in South Africa. Decisions about land in particular (and property developments in general) should always be considered through the lens of our violent and traumatic colonial legacy. (Madelene Cronjé/M&>) NEWS | 24 Sep 2020 | Jonty Cogger Robyn Park-Ross In the same week that South Africans celebrate Heritage…
Amazon Part of Mega Development Given Go-Ahead at Two Rivers Urban Park
The River Club, currently a nine-hole golf course, is to be rezoned and will house new headquarters for giant multi-national company Amazon, following a decision by the City’s Municipal Planning Tribunal on Friday. Photo: Steve Kretzmann Developer says Amazon will be anchor tenant. By Steve Kretzmann NEWS | Sep 23, 2020 | Steve Kretzmann The…