Video from inside the cable car on top of Table Mountain, Cape Town.
February 15, 2010
September 2, 2009
World Tourirsm Month
September is World Tourism Month and Cape Town Tourism is celebrating with the launch of a World Tourism Month mini-site.
The theme for this year is “Tourism – Celebrating Diversity”, and where better to do this than in South Africa’s Mother City, with its reputation as a free-spirited, cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures?
Click here to see Cape Town Tourism’s calendar of World Tourism Month events
“Diversity is one of the driving forces behind tourism and can allow all nations to share the numerous benefits brought about by building stronger ties with other countries. As such, tourism is an undisputed catalyst for building understanding, fostering social inclusion and promoting higher standards of living.
“This type of unity and collaboration is increasingly important as the world comes together to face climate change and ensure sustainable development, particularly in the context of the current economic crisis. These worldwide partnerships allow for a more effective and global response to issues which concern us all.”
World Tourism Day message by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General a.i. of UNWTO, taken from the UNWTO website.
May 1, 2009
DA wins Western Cape
Pretoria – The DA can take sole control of the Western Cape government after winning an outright majority in the province with more than 51% of votes.
The Independent Electoral Commission said early on Saturday that the party had taken 51.46% of the vote, nearly double its tally in 2004 and a resounding victory over the ANC whose vote share fell sharply to 31.55%.
“Yes, the DA won an outright majority,” IEC communications manager Trevor Davids said, but added that the results had yet to be formally declared.
It is the first time since the end of apartheid that a party has scored an overall majority in the province and the result of a driven campaign by DA leader Helen Zille to unseat the ANC.
Cope won 7.74% of votes and knocked the Independent Democrats into third place in the province. The ID slipped from 7% five years ago to 4.68%.
Zille has promised supporters that as the new premier of the Western Cape she will serve the interests of all people in the province, where racial divides run deep.
“We will try to govern as well as we can to show that life is better for everybody under the DA,” Zille said late on Friday after arriving at Cape Town airport to a hero’s welcome.
Alliance with smaller parties
Although the election result means that the DA does not need coalition partners in the provincial legislature, Zille has hinted that she might still form an alliance with smaller parties.
She will be taking control of the province after receiving good reviews of her three-year stint as mayor of Cape Town, which boosted the DA’s campaign in the hotly contested province.
The ANC, on the other hand, has been weakened by leadership problems in the province, where it took 46% of votes in 2004.
The Western Cape is the only region where the opposition has managed to wrest power from the ANC in this week’s elections.
Early on Saturday the DA was lying at 20% in Gauteng, while the ANC had victory firmly in hand with more than 64% of the vote in the province.
Zille has charged that a constitutional amendment approved by the Cabinet on the eve of the elections was a blatant attempt by the ANC to limit the powers of local governments, particularly those under control of the opposition.
- SAPA
News24.com
April 8, 2009
Two Oceans Marathon 2009
This coming Saturday the 11th of April welcomes the 2009 edition of the Two Oceans Marathon.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has earned a reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon. The first race was held in 1970 and saw 26 runners line up to face the unknown challenge. Since then, the race has become a national institution and a firm favourite with local, upcountry, and international athletes. The event attracts close to 26 000 participants across the ultra, half marathon and the fun runs and provides them with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a gruelling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.
Participants consistently vote it as one of the best in South Africa and it continues to attract strong fields and an increasing number of international entrants. The event has become synonymous with the Easter Weekend in Cape Town, with the pre-race activities at the expo, family day, and fun runs on Easter Friday. En-route entertainment on the race day provides fun, excitement, and a unique experience to runners, family, friends, and spectators alike.
Old Mutual is proud to continue its association with this great event, which is the premier event in their road-running portfolio. Participants can choose from various distances – the scenic 56km ultra-marathon or popular 21km half-marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs.
(www.twooceansmarathon.org.za)
March 27, 2009
Cape Town Jazz Festival
10th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in the year 2000. Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14 000 to 32 000 in the last nine years.
Melodytrip has ranked this proudly South African event as No.4 in the world, outshining events such as Switzerland’s Montreaux Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.
The festival’s winning formula of bringing more than 40 international and local artists to perform over two days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent.
Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the festival which will be in its tenth year when it takes place on Friday 03 and Saturday 04 April 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Once again Cape Town international Jazz festival will thrill loyal and new fans with world class music.
For more information visit Cape Town Jazz Festival
13 reasons to visit Cape Town
Image by neilsingapore
The second largest city of South Africa and the southern most city of the mighty and timeless African continent, Cape Town is a place of many marvels. A journey to this modern city takes you back into nature’s lap to your complete surprise. There are so many wonders that are waiting to thrill you to bits, so many adventures to excite you and millions of sights and sounds— almost overwhelming. Other than the great heritage, the city’s culture and the amazing architecture, here are 13 reasons to visit Cape Town.
1. Meeting of the mighty Indian and Atlantic Oceans
Image by zug55
Image by Michel van den Burg
Few top notch cities in the world lie at a stone’s throw away from the merger of two great oceans. And with the vast temperature differences of the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, you can expect great diversity as you enjoy a very rare sight indeed. A trip to the Cape of Good Hope offers you sights and sounds you will never forget.
2. Swim with the penguins at Boulders
Image by ifijay
Image by teachandlearn
The popular beach near Simon’s Town is known for the colony of friendly African Penguins that take shelter here. Just a small trip away from Cape Town, you can not only get friendly with the clever little guys, but also take a swim with them. Unlike in the case of being caged and going underwater to meet a shark, this is a lot happier, pleasant and a far less tense affair.
3. Go back in history at Robben Island
Image by fihliwe
Image by maanskyn
Used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu, this iconic former prison is not just a spot of extraordinary historic significance, but also a beautiful little ride for nature lovers as well. For many, the soothing half day ferry ride symbolizes the struggle for equality and a fight against discrimination… Robben Island merits a special spot anyway you see it.
4. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Image by slack12
Image by troopa
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain and in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor, the waterfront that attracts over 20 million tourists each year is a great place for having fun, dining, shopping and just enjoying flat out in every way that you can. If you wish to party loud, then this is the place to hang out. With scenic views of Table Mountain, historic buildings, museums and even a chopper ride for those interested, this is all about living it up in a classy way!
5. Bo-Kaap
Image by exfordy
The part of Cape Town which was once a settlement for mainly Muslim descendants of slaves from South-East Asia, the region presents for an awesome walk through its colorful streets. It offers a glimpse into its unique and vibrant culture. An hour long walk through the Bo-Kaap is both a treat for your eyes and your stomach as you will find some real delicacies on its crowded streets.
For all 13 reasons go here
March 18, 2009
Table Mountain fires
Residents were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday morning as firefighters continue to battle the fires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, Disaster Management services said.
Spokesperson Greg Pillay said people from University Estate, Walmer Estate, Urban Edge of De Waal Drive, The Towers and Vredehoek were requested to leave their homes for safety.
“Approximately 60 evacuees are currently being accommodated at the Good Hope Centre where medical crews are on standby.”
“At this stage no property has been damaged and the fire crews are battling to bring the fire under control as a result of strong wind conditions,” he said.
Pillay added that the fire first started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial.
“Strong winds resulted in the fire spreading rapidly around the mountain to Vredehoek.”
“Fire & Rescue Services deployed 29 fire engines, 90 firefighters who are being assisted by 45 fire-fighters from the South African National Parks and volunteers of Disaster Management,” he said.
According to Disaster Management two helicopters are also on standby to assist with aerial support at first light.
