Our Speeding Awareness Initiative – No Need to Speed

It’s no mystery that for many of us, a work commute is an unavoidable and chaotic part of our lives. Shockingly,  1 third of all deaths on our roads are caused by motor pedestrian collisions at speed. Closely followed by passenger deaths, making up 32% of road fatalities. This leaves countless families shattered simply because drivers were in a rush. Our speeding initiative shares our top insights on how to curb speeding in your area.

Tygervalley Improvement District – Collaborating with the City of Cape Town

A common occurrence we see daily in the Tygervalley Improvement District  (TVID) is this. Imagine there is a truck or a visitor is pulling into an opposite bay, and you are a driver speeding. You overtake the truck quickly but don’t see the pedestrians walking in front of the vehicle. Leaving you with 0 reaction time to brake.

This causes a potentially fatal collision for the pedestrian. Derails the driver’s life who is liable to criminal charges. Costs the business cleaning up the accident dearly. Most importantly, it is incalculably devastating to the passengers, drivers, and pedestrians’ families.

The solution to stopping speeding? Simple, slow down.

Every morning and afternoon, thousands of dedicated employees make their journey to work by foot, taxi, bus, and car. Here is the good news – we have a simple solution. Simply slow down, pay attention and obey our speeding laws and safer South African streets are just around the corner.

As the Tygervalley Improvement District, we are helping to stop speeding by:

  • Making sure all traffic and speeding signs are clearly visible and in good condition.
  • Continuing to develop creative ways of implementing sustainable road safety strategies. We are also working together with the TVID population to adjust these programmes to your specific needs.
  • Collaborating with the City of Cape Town to implement and maintain traffic speed enforcement measures. These include cameras, speed management obstructions and traffic officers patrolling the greater TVID area.
Tygervalley Improvement District – Implementing sustainable anti-flooding road safety strategies

As a driver, you can help us curb speeding by:

  • Slowing down. In industrial areas, the National Road Traffic Act states that drivers should not exceed 60 km/h. This ensures that you have sufficient time to react to unforeseen situations and will avoid unnecessary fines.
  • Remaining aware and vigilant. Keep your eyes on the people, other drivers, and potential obstructions in your line of sight and off your cell phone. 
  • Being aware that the TVID is an industrial area and likely to have pockets of congestion throughout the day. Be mindful to allow yourself more time to get where you are going.
  • Being patient. We have many slow-moving vehicles carrying remarkably heavy loads that are too large to manoeuvre quickly so don’t pass when it is not 100% safe.
  • Our streets are lined with driveways, side streets and loading bays that trucks need to turn into. Please do not park in any of these zones, as this will lead to a traffic jam until you are found and move your car out the way to safety.
  • Maintaining a safe following distance. If you are unsure of what this is for the different vehicle types, watch this excellent video guide on “The Time Distance Ratio”   by Arrive Alive.

As a business owner, you can:

  • Create parking zones for clients and 3rd party suppliers. This will prevent them from needing to slow down and to park either in an open employee bay or illegally on the opposite side of the road.
  • Respect the boundary markings of roads. Red lines, pavements, pedestrian walkways, and cyclist paths are carefully calculated to keep the flow of people into the area safe and swift. Please do not park vehicles in these designated areas.
  • Make provisions for pedestrians so your employees and the employees of the businesses around you are not forced to endanger themselves by walking on the road.
  • All your employees who come to work in their own vehicles should be educated on the dangers of speeding and carpool where they can to save on parking space.
  • Ensure that all employees who need parking bays are provided with a place to put their vehicles. The best time to make these alterations would be during a Facade Improvement intervention.
  • If you are a fleet manager – have multiple company cars or have an internal employee transport system – introduce a telematics system. This will allow you to target your speeding awareness interventions to the drivers who need them.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), traffic accidents cost our already strained South African economy a whopping R176 Billion in 2020. We also missed the target set out in the UN decade for action road safety amendment by miles, despite a months-long lockdown that restricted movement.

Traffic Enforcement 

Traffic enforcement is a last resort for the TVID. While we would prefer not to implement these measures, we are charged with the duty of making the Tygervalley Improvement District safer for all. Traffic enforcement to curb speeding vehicles will be a necessary consequence if we all don’t slow down.

In a time where so many of us are only just scraping by financially, we simply shouldn’t waste money paying expensive traffic fines for speeding incidents that are 100% easily avoidable.

We truly believe that together we can make the roads of the Tygervalley Improvement District  (TVID) a safer space for our community and would love to hear your #GoodNews and suggestions, simply mail us at info@tvid.co.za.

If you have any safety concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:

  • SAPS (South African Police Services) – 10111 
  • City of Cape Town Disaster Management. – 107
  • Geocentric Control Room – 021 565 0900

 

City of Cape Town COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

Good day 

At the start of lock down, the City of Cape Town engaged businesses across the City on the impact that the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic was having on their businesses.  The inputs from that survey have been used to inform the City’s response to business support in the pandemic.  The economy is now gradually re-opening and people are returning to work.  This is not without its challenges.  In order to continue to support businesses in this time, we are undertaking another survey.

The purpose of this survey is to gather information to determine the impact of the current COVID-19 virus pandemic on businesses operating in the Cape Town/Western Cape region with the aim of directing those in distress to suitable institutions for assistance.  We would appreciate it if you could take ten minutes to complete the survey which can be found at the following web link:

https://forms.gle/pXe43oKALLH22sz37

The City of Cape Town will continue to support businesses in distress as we seek to minimize the economic impact of the pandemic.  Two useful online resources that can assist business returning to work and looking for government and private sector support can be found at:

  •  Return2work initiative: templates, processes and requirements for businesses bring staff back into the workplace –  https://www.return2work.co.za/

If you have any queries regarding the survey or your business requires assistance please contact:

Gerschwin Williams   Head: Investment Facilitation Unit (Atlantis) Gerschwin.Williams@capetown.gov.za Cell – 078 6733 997Makeya Karlie   Professional Officer: Investment Facilitation Unit (Atlantis) Makeya.Karlie@capetown.gov.za Cell – 079 518 0406  Winston Richards   Professional Officer: Investment Facilitation Unit (Atlantis) Winston.Richards@capetown.gov.za Cell – 072 902 1691  

Covid-19 – Essential services during nationwide lockdown

Strict regulations in place

Those on the road will be required to produce a permit and proof of identification to law enforcement officers

27 March 2020 – Cape Argus – BALDWIN NDABA AND MWANGI GITHAHU

ESSENTIAL services workers who will be allowed to report for work during the 21-day nationwide lockdown will do so under strict regulations.
Yesterday police emphasised that all people classified as essential workers would have to adhere to the regulations gazetted by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Wednesday.
Each worker will be expected to carry a permit which they will have to present to law enforcement agencies during the execution of the lockdown.
According to the permit, under Regulation 118(3), “the person to whom this permit is issued must at all times present a form of identification to be presented together with this permit. If no identification is presented, the person to whom the permit is issued will have to return to his or her place of residence during the lockdown”.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula also announced that minibus taxis, metered taxis and e-hailing services would be limited to the public during the lockdown.
He said only staff rendering essential services and those out for essential purposes, such as buying groceries or going to work, would be allowed to leave home.
Taxis will only be allowed to transport people for these essential trips from 5am to 9am and 4pm to 8pm.
A vehicle licensed to carry up to four people will only be permitted to load one passenger. A vehicle licensed to carry up to eight passengers will only be permitted to load a maximum of three people.
Buses will also have limited operations – only transporting essential services workers and people making necessary trips.
Police Minister Bheki Cele also issued a warning to those who might want to transgress the regulations, saying law enforcement officers would act against them.
Gatherings would be banned, except for funerals, which could be attended by only 50 people or less.
Movement between provinces, metros and district areas would also be banned and roadblocks on the community, provincial and national roads would be conducted, to enforce this with health screenings to ensure movement was restricted.
With the SANDF possibly aiding the SAPS to police the lockdown, military sociologist Professor Lindy Heinecken of Stellenbosch University said sending in the army once again placed the military in a situation it might not be adequately prepared for.
“With just 10 companies (roughly 1400 soldiers), which implies less than 400 boots on the ground at any one time to allow for rotation, one wonders how much support they can render,” said Heinecken.
Meanwhile, Premier Alan Winde said staying home was the only way to save lives.
“I know what we are asking for is difficult, and it is scary, but we have overcome many, many challenges as a country. We can do it again, together. If we all do this, we will be able to go back to our lives again and start to rebuild our economy.
“If we do not, and the virus continues to spread, many people will die and the lockdown may be extended. So now is the time. We can do this together. Let us be strong now for each other,” said Winde.
He underlined that the lockdown meant: “You will be required to stay in your home unless it is to go and buy groceries, go to the pharmacy or to seek medical attention.”
He said that as of 9am yesterday morning, “the province had confirmed 181 positive cases of Covid-19. Three residents are currently in hospital as a result of this virus.”
Winde said they had put measures in place to assist victims of violence.
“Rendering services to victims of crime and violence is an essential service. The Western Cape Department of Social Development and civil society organisations will continue to provide these services through provision of shelters and psycho-social support.”
Winde said four shelters had been identified as Stage 1 shelters to admit at-risk victims of crime and violence.
“Only referrals from a social worker with safety risk assessment and SAPS referral will be accepted.
“After the initial 14 days, clients will be transferred from a Stage 1 shelter to a Stage 2 shelter with the assistance of the SAPS,” said Winde.
He said the Department of Health would assist with medical screening and the medical needs of clients.

Guide on how to Apply for a new, lost or stolen wheelie bin.

Apply for a new bin

The registered property owner or property managing agent must download and fill in the Supply of Services Application Form (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa). Please ensure that you fill in all the sections related to refuse removal.

If you are renting, you will need to submit a letter of authority from the property owner or managing agent with your application form.

Click Here to guide.

Replace a stolen or damaged bin

If your bin has been stolen, you will need to report the theft of your bin at the nearest SAPS office to obtain an affidavit.

Click Here to guide.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 2019

Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tygervalley Improvement District NPC that will take place on 21 October 2019, Auditorium, 1 Sportica Crescent, Santam Head office, Tygervalley, 7530 at 16:30 where the following items will be discussed:

  1. Registration
  2. Welcome & Apologies
    • Membership
      • resignations
      • new members
    • Quorum to constitute a meeting
  3. Previous AGM minutes

3.1          Approval

3.2          Matters arising Chairman’s Report

  1. Feedback on operations 2018-19
  2. Noting of Audited Financial Statements 2018-19
  3. Budget

6.1          Approval of use of additional surplus funds

6.2          Approval of budget 2020-21

  1. Approval of implementation plan 2020-21
  2. Appointment of auditors
  3. Confirmation of Company secretary
  4. Election of Board Members
  5. General / Q & A
  6. Adjournment

For more information go to the AGM 2019 page

MEDIA RELEASE – Mayor Plato announces City’s move to Level 3 ‘recovery’ restrictions

  • From Saturday 1 December 2018, water restrictions and the associated tariffs will be lowered from Level 5 to Level 3 recovery restrictions, which includes increasing the daily usage from 70 litres per person per day to 105 litres per person per day; or from 500 million litres to 650 million litres of collective usage per day
  • Tariffs will also be lowered to Level 3. If for example residents use less than 6 000 litres per month (Step 1) they can expect to pay 35,5% less
  • This decision follows on from the National Department of Water and Sanitation’s latest water assessment
  • Restrictions remain on a fairly strict recovery level as a precaution to deal with rainfall uncertainty in 2019 and 2020
  • We encourage Cape Town’s water ambassadors to maintain their water-wise approach during the recovery phase and as the metro moves towards becoming a more water-sensitive city in the near future
  • The 40% restriction on water usage applicable to businesses has been removed but the sector is strongly encouraged to continue implementing and investigating the further efficient use of water in their operations

 

The City of Cape Town’s water users can expect a considerable reduction in the cost of water to be reflected in their municipal invoices from next month. This is due to the lowering of water restrictions from Level 5 to Level 3 recovery restrictions from Saturday 1 December 2018.

 

The City views 2019 as a recovery year after having successfully emerged from the unprecedented drought.

 

This decision to lower restrictions comes after a meeting between the National Department of Water and Sanitation and the water users of the Western Cape Water Supply System, namely the agricultural sector, Western Cape Government, municipalities and the Cape Town metro regarding the water assessment for the year ahead.

 

Based on National Government’s assessment of the hydrological year, a saving of between 10% and 20% for urban water users has been proposed. However, the City has decided to implement a more cautious 30% saving to help with the recovery of the dams and to cater for the uncertainty that exists around rainfall volumes and frequency in 2019.

 

‘I want to thank all the residents, officials, and visitors to Cape Town who played their part in helping us get through one of the worst droughts this city has ever seen. While the drought is not yet over, we have seen that there is room to bring some relief to our residents. I know it has been tough and I hope that this reduction in tariffs will bring some comfort over the festive season. We will still need to be water-wise though, as we do not know what the next rainy season holds.

 

‘We are no longer in a period of extreme scarcity, but it does not mean that we should forego some of the great water-wise ways that we have made a part of our daily lives – and for which we have become world famous. We are situated in a water-scarce region and the water-wise efforts and ways to diversify and augment our water supply should and will continue.

 

‘If one looks at international drought experience, water restrictions are either implemented too late or lifted too early. Hence our decision to take a conservative approach to the recovery while we continue to monitor the situation,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.

 

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg added: ‘We see 2019 as a recovery year after having successfully emerged from the severe and unprecedented drought. Based on our own assessment, we are following a conservative approach in the light of rainfall uncertainty over the coming two years. These Level 3 recovery restrictions are also a measure to help support the great change we have seen in the relationship that we have with water while, at the same time, providing some financial relief to residents and businesses. This is not only a period of recovery for our dams, but also for our economy as a whole as well as for our residents and businesses who truly made huge sacrifices to help us get Cape Town through the drought.’

 

Due to the extreme economic and rural hardship that has been suffered as a result of the drought, the agricultural sector will only reduce water usage by 10% as it too enters a period of recovery. The City fully supports this move as the agricultural sector also supported the City as an urban water user during the height of the drought.

 

Please see the following links for information on:

Full Programme for Cleaning and Maintenance Team

Tidying, de-weeding, removing of graffiti and more 

In Tygervalley, the Cleaning and Maintenance team of the TVID makes a visible difference in a number of ways that certainly bring about a positive change and improvement.

Amongst other things, the team deployed to cut the branches of trees hanging over into the street and the sidewalk, where it had become difficult for pedestrians to walk and for cars to see the traffic lights on the corner of Durban Roadand Bill Bezuidenhout Street.  

cutting of overhanging branches 1 cutting of overhanging branches 2

Some of the other tasks they performed, were the following: 

  • On 24 February 2018 they were deployed to cut the grass and to de-weed at Sportica Street. 

de-weeding 2

de-weeding 3

de-weeding 4

de-weeding 5

de-weeding 6

  • On 6 March the team were deployed to remove all graffiti in the area. 

graffiti 1 graffiti 2 graffiti 3 graffiti 4 graffiti 5 graffiti 6 graffiti 7

  • On 8 March they were tasked with repairing the paving in Carl Cronje Street close to Santam and at BP Garage in Durban Road.  

repairing of paving 3 repairing of paving 4 repairing of paving 5

Working hand in hand with the City of Cape Town, the TVID Maintenance Team cleaned the drains in preparation for the rainy season during winter.  

cleaning of drains 1 cleaning of drains 2 cleaning of drains 5 cleaning of drains 4 cleaning of drains 3

On 16 and 26 March 2018 the City of Cape Town’s Cleansing Department replaced 9 green bins on Edward Street with new ones, as well as replacing the inners and strapping the green bins in the area. 

replacing of wheelie-bins 1 replacing of wheelie-bins 2 cleaing of drains 5

Also during the course of March the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Signal Maintenance Department installed new cables for traffic lights on the corner of Willie Van Schoor Street and Bloemhoff Street (see accompanying photographs). 

installing of new cables by CCT

Illegal Dumping 

One of the most unpleasant tasks for the TVID Cleaning and Maintenance Team is when they are deployed to pick up illegal dumping, especially if is as messy as depicted by the photographs taken at the back of Spar in Willie Van Schoor Street. 

illegal dumping 1 illegal dumping 2 illegal dumping 3 illegal dumping 4

Mr Dave Blackbeard sets a Worthy Example

Dave BlackbeardAlthough all hands involved with the various tasks to improve Tygervalley are willing and busy, Manager Clifford Oostendorp says it is a pleasure to present Dave Blackbeard as one of the best workers in the TVID team. 

He says Dave is always on time. “We start at 08:30, but when I arrive at the office at 07:00 in the morning, Dave is here already getting the bags and all that they are going to use for the day.” He says Dave is the one always filling in the TVID cleaning report, keeping the place clean and willingly going the extra mile. 

On 29 March 2018 at about 18:00 Dave was robbed at the ATM whilst drawing money. He was hit on the shoulder with a stick, all his clothes were taken, as well as his cell phone, bank card, his ID document and the money he had drawn. 

Mr Oostendorp says the reason for telling this story is because notwithstanding the fact that Dave still lives at a shelter in Bellville and had no money to buy food or clothes to wear for the whole Easter weekend, and without his employers knowing anything about what had happened to him, he still came in on the 3rd of March 2018: “There was Dave, ready for work, in pain, still hungry and still wearing the same clothes. I gave him a copy of his ID and asked him if he wanted to go and sort out his matters and go to the doctor, but he said no, he wants to work. 

Dave, you are an example to all of us!  

Plenty of Action on Public Safety Front

TYGERVALLEI FINALThe TVID Public Safety Officers patrol the area on a 24-7 basis and behind the scenes work tirelessly to secure the area better. Here are some of the recorded incidents: 

In recent months we have had a few incidents of theft from motor vehicles.  Our Public Safety Officers received a call from the security at Virgin Active parking about a suspicious car.  The occupants appeared to be busy with remote jamming. Our Public Safety Officers approached the vehicle but they left the area immediately.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to shopping trolleys and wheelie bins and when a group of people appeared suspicious in  Durban Road, we cautioned them and confiscated the trolley which was returned to the rightful owner. A wheelie-bin was also confiscated from a person on Durban Road.

Our officers responded to a call from the security at Tyger Manor, where a man had hit a lady, taken her phone and run away. The person was caught and the SAPS came to the scene, but she decided not want to lay a charge.  

In a separate incident, Public Safety Officers engaged with individuals sleeping on a public open space at Carl Cronje Street behind the Bellville Velodrome. The officers cautioned them and requested them to leave the area. TVID Cleaning and Maintenance Team were deployed to remove all litter and clean the area. 

An incident involving theft occurred when a woman was caught with stolen goods while she was on her way to a vehicle with registration CEY 32214 that was parked in the parking area of Mr Price Sport at Sportica Crescent Tygervalley, where she had obviously intended hiding the stolen goods. When apprehended, the woman confirmed that she was not alone and that the other people involved had run away, including the driver of the getaway vehicle, which was a blue Renault Clio. 2x Mr Price Sport jackets to the value of R449,99 each with Mr Price labels were found in their possession. Two of the women were arrested inside the store.