The Pollen Report
The Pollen Report provides allergy sufferers with a day-to-day guide on pollen levels for Cape Town specifically, as well as for other major cities in South Africa. It gives practical information on the types of pollen in the air and alerts allergy sufferers, particularly asthmatics, when to stay indoors and curtail their activities. Information is presented by Dr Jonny Peters, Head of the Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at UCT.
This pollen report is brought to you by FEXO, the no sneeze, no snooze, ALLERGY TABLET that provides RELIEF for up to 24 hours.
Celebrate Hope this Mandela Month with FUTURELIFE and the Nelson Mandela Foundation
“It’s all about the future of our children, and about their chances in life. Children are so honest, uncomplicated, and full of love. If we can bring opportunity to children, we can help them realise their true potential. Children are our future.” – Nelson Mandela
During July, FUTURELIFE will be celebrating Mandela Month with the goal of providing a million meals for vulnerable children. To help deliver on this ambitious plan, FUTURELIFE has partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation Early Childhood Development Programme and is inviting all South Africans to join them in this much-needed initiative.
Did you know that…
- 4.6 million children will go to bed hungry tonight.
- 27% of all children under the age of 5 years are nutritionally stunted.
- 76% of children under the age of 4 do not have access to pre-schools.
That’s why FUTURELIFE has partnered with The Nelson Mandela Foundation as part of their mission to distribute over 5 million highly nutritious meals for vulnerable children and to build a pre-school. FUTURELIFE Smart Food has been formulated with Moducare, a daily immune supplement and contain 50% of your daily requirements for all 19 vitamins and minerals.
FUTURELIFE Smart Food is also high in energy, Protein, Omega-3 and fibre. FUTURELIFE has created a unique SMART FOOD Mandela pack that is available at all retailers and online at www.futurelife.com.
To find out how you can contribute, tune in to Smile Breakfast with Bobby and Lindy, look for the special FUTURELIFE Mandela pack in store, or click here.
Smile 90.4FM proudly supports FUTURELIFE and The Nelson Mandela Foundation this Mandela Month.
We hope you enjoy your ice cream
Thank you for visiting the Smile Ice Cream Van.
Fill in the form below to win your share of R10 000 worth of data from MTN.
The Smile Ice Cream Van is crafted by Gelato Mania and powered by MTN.
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Le Petit Chef is in Cape Town
DinnerTimeStoriesSA | Le Petit Chef Southern Africa is a mind blowing, innovative, unique, internationally acclaimed, gastronomic experience full of ‘Never Before Seen In CPT’ tabletop projected fun and surprises.
The unparalleled 3D gastronomic experience is open to Cape Town diners at The Capital 15 on Orange for the first time, from 17 March 2022.
“Here, next to the globe’s most famous tabletop, I assemble a culinary world wonder…” declares Le Petit Chef.
Immerse yourself in a 3D, high definition, projected extravaganza that allows you to travel through the big, exciting and flavourful world of the intrepid explorer Marco Polo! Before your very eyes and nose, Le Petit Chef will manufacture world wonders to share his gourmet adventure, designed from his experiences along the Silk Route of Asia.
Le Petit Chef : In The Footsteps of Marco Polo is accompanied by an awe-inspiring and mouth-watering six course dinner, infused with the essence of each country passed through.
Your authentic culinary journey begins as you traverse the Asian continent through the desert sands of Arabia, the dripping colours of India, the peaks of the Himalayas, the heavy mists of China, returning to the point of origin in the romantic cobbled streets Marseilles, France.
Cape Town shows include live Arabian belly and fire dancing, with Bollywood and Chinese LED, which will transport you to each Silk Route country sans passport.
Le Petit Chef as an individual, and as an event, understands the power of those things small, so, while the gourmet dining theatre hosts 64 seats per show, the entertainment remains top-notch, and your tastebuds are titillated as ever before, rest assured that your health and safety remains a priority.
Click here to book!
Fuel prices: A bleak start to the festive season for motorists
It appears Santa Claus will not be bestowing major fuel price cuts upon South African motorists this Christmas. Unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund points to a marginal decrease of about 7 cents per litre for 93-octane petrol. This is coupled with a slight increase of 3 cents per litre for 95-octane petrol.
The Automobile Association’s spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela shared the details for what else can be expected.
“It’s probable that the annual margin adjustments could also have a negative impact on the expected increase of around 48c/l to diesel, also pushing this fuel price higher. The expected increase of around 43c/l for illuminating paraffin will also not come as good news for users of this fuel in December,” said Mavimbela.
Fluctuations in the international product prices of unleaded fuel since the middle of last month and a weaker Rand at the start of the month has added to the under-recovery (increase) of fuel prices.
Motorists can expect the December fuel price adjustments to kick in on Wednesday 4 December.
READ MORE: New public transport lanes on the N2 for taxis and buses
Two firefighters help deliver a baby at Mfuleni Fire Station
Two City of Cape Town firefighters became midwives this weekend when they helped deliver a baby at the Mfuleni Fire Station.
According to the City, Joswin Lameyer and Khuselo Blaai were at the station, when a mom-to-be arrived, complaining of obstetric pains.
Lameyer and Blaai immediately responded to assist the mother and called on paramedics from the Macassar Fire Station to assist in delivering the baby.
But, according to the firefighters, the baby was not waiting, so the two were set on helping the mom deliver her baby while receiving telephonic instructions from an Ambulance Emergency Assistant.
A few minutes later, a healthy baby boy made his appearance, and Lameyer and Blaai were able to clamp and cut the umbilical cord.
According to the City, the mom and baby were transported to the Site C Community Health Centre in Khayelitsha.
“This is such a wonderful start to the festive season and a real feel-good story.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has sent his best wishes to the mom and the newest addition to her family.
” – I also want to congratulate our firefighters for their quick thinking and putting their skills to good use to help welcome the newborn to the world.”
READ MORE: Two Western Cape learners have been selected to represent South Africa
A young teacher building a bright future through sports & education
Zukile Ncube is a young teacher in Cape Town who goes above and beyond the classroom to inspire the youth. From his days as a student Zukile faced many obstacles in the way of his dreams, but used his challenges to craft his passion for inspiring others.
Listen to the interview here:
For more information about Zukile’s work in uplifting the youth of our country check out Ikigai Sports.
Muizenberg beachfront set to get an upgrade
The City of Cape Town has announced that it is on track to commence with the refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront. The project, which is set to break ground February next year, will see major upgrades being made to the beach’s public amenities and replacing old seawalls. The projected completion of the upgrade is set for the end of 2026.
The City’s Spatial Planning and Environment directorate has been engaging with stakeholders, business owners and the local community to inform them of the timeframes, anticipated impact, and measures to address inconveniences while work is ongoing.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews says the refurbishment is one of the biggest capital projects the City’s Coastal Management branch has undertaken in recent years.
“We are extremely excited about the revamp and the long-term benefits it will bring to the area, the local community, and visitors.” added Andrews
While the beach will remain open during this time, Andrews says the reality is the work will have an impact on all of those who live and work in Muizenberg, and visitors frequenting the beachfront.
According to the City, the project will be done in phases and the first work will commence along the western section of Surfer’s Corner, next to the railway line. The beach will remain open and accessible at all times and Andrews says they will do everything they can to mitigate the impact.
” – a project of this magnitude will cause inconveniences and given the timeframe, engagements are already underway with the local businesses, other stakeholders, and residents to inform all about what is coming and how the work will be phased.”
Deatails of the Muizenberg breachfront upgrade
Public information displays
- Public information displays with details about the upgrade have been installed at various points at the Muizenberg beachfront
- These include artist impressions of the refurbishment and design
- Scan the QR code to sign up for updates, and more information about the project
Location of the upgrade project
The upgrades will take place at Surfer’s Corner, on the western part of the beachfront along Beach Road, including the connection to the St James walkway, the Surfer’s Corner steps, the main promenade area and the existing informal gravel parking area along the railway line and eastern parking area.
Upgrades and repairs
Stepped revetment coastal protection infrastructure
The existing wooden coastal protection structure along the promenade, stone masonry steps and curved concrete seawall in the corner have passed their design life and are failing. These will be replaced with a stepped revetment that will include a 3m wide promenade with a universally accessible beach ramp.
The new revetment is a key element of the upgrade, designed by coastal engineering experts to protect the beachfront from future impacts of climate change such as increased wave action due to sea level rise and more frequent storm surges.
The steps and promenade will be constructed with concrete to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in protecting the public beachfront. The areas landwards of the promenade will be paved with clay segmented pavers.
- The new stepped revetment follows the existing seawall alignment in the main promenade area and retreats in the corner area
- The alignment of the new revetment will improve the connection along the beach by retreating in the corner area and provide a wider beach area for recreational users and seating in high tide conditions
- A sandstone aggregate and sandblasted finish to the concrete will avoid the bland grey concrete look
- The new promenade is universally accessible, and will also link with the St James walkway
- Universal access will be improved on the promenade, onto the beach and for public amenities, including facilities for adaptive surfing
Parking areas
The existing gravel parking area along the railway line will be formalised with clay pavers, in the same style as the current main parking area. Formalising relates to the resurfacing, the use of soft landscaping, a pedestrian-oriented design, and the demarcating of parking bays, as well as area lighting for improved safety.
• Importantly, the upgrade and improved layout will not take away any of the beach space
• The layout of the eastern parking seaward of the Pavilion will also be optimised
• Parking will remain free of charge
Ablution facility
The existing ablutions are located on the beach in the littoral active and wave run-up zone, which is not a long-term sustainable location. Thus, it will be demolished and rebuilt in the same architectural style just landwards of the revetment, opening up more beach space.
• The new facility will be located at the central shower plaza area
• Universal access parking will be provided in the central area at the ablution
• The facility will be universally accessible with family changing rooms and wheelchair-accessible showers;
• Local mosaic art will be included inside the building and at the outside showers
• The outside shower remains in the central node area
Pergola
The pergola will be demolished and rebuilt further landward to allow for the construction and setback of the new revetment structures and promenade.
It will be rebuilt like-for-like, meaning the new pergola will have the same design and details as the current structure to preserve the local heritage, look, and feel, as requested by the public. As is the case currently, there will also be an outside shower at the pergola.
Playground
The existing playground will be upgraded with a kelp forest theme and will include a universal access ramp and interactive play equipment for children with various abilities.
Paved areas
The surfaces landwards of the new promenade will be surfaced with clay pavers matching the existing colours and style.
Station forecourt
The forecourt will be refurbished to make it more pedestrian-friendly. Parking for people with special needs and a universally accessible ramp to access the promenade will also be located in this area.
Services
The underground sewer and stormwater mains will be realigned where needed to avoid the risk of coastal impacts, and the capacity maintained.
Soft Landscaping
Locally indigenous vegetation and grassy areas will be included. Unfortunately, trees are not suitable for the harsh coastal climate and strong south-easterly winds.
Beach huts
All eight huts will be relocated to the central plaza, as opposed to on either side of the main plaza, and thus also serve as a wind shelter for the central shower area.
Buildings
The existing NGO buildings will remain, this means those who are currently operating from the beachfront will keep on doing so.
The number of informal trading opportunities will be retained and accommodated during the construction.
Waves for Change will move to a newly constructed building near the northern corner of the formalised parking area. The current Waves for Change building will be modified to provide greater adaptive surfing opportunities, and storage of beach access mats, equipment and wheelchairs. The Shark Spotters building remains as is.
Where existing buildings are refurbished or demolished, these will be rebuilt in a style similar to the existing buildings to ensure we retain the heritage value, look and feel of Muizenberg
While the beach and activities at the beachfront will remain open to the public, the City has noted that once the construction has started, there will be an impact on beachgoers and businesses along Beach Road, as well as the surrounding areas.
Those who operate from the Muizenberg beachfront – be it private businesses or NGOs – has therefore been asked to plan ahead and consider the anticipated impact on their operations.
During this time, there will also be less parking availabke for visitors and traffic flow to and from the beachfront will be impacted as well.
“We will give more details about the construction and how activities will be accommodated on the beachfront in the new year. On the bright side, once done, the Muizenberg beachfront will be a quality destination for decades to come,” said Andrews.
READ MORE: NSRI records increase in drowning accidents ahead of summer
The NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy Project has saved 200 lives!
The NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy Project has saved 200 lives! This past weekend, the 200th and 201st people to be rescued with the help of a Pink Rescue Buoy took place at the Clovelly corner of Fish Hoek beach.
The NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy Project
CEO of the NSRI, Mike Vonk says a young man and his father were rescued. He says the rescue of the duo from a rip current at Fish Hoek beach on Saturday, where a bodyboard and a Pink Rescue Buoy were used, marks the 200th successful rescue of a person in danger of drowning that they know of.
200 Lives have been saved
The National Sea Rescue Institute launched its Pink Rescue Buoy initiative in 2017. Since then, over 200 lives have been saved. Vonk says the Pink Rescue Buoy project has been a game-changer regarding community involvement in water safety. He says each Pink Buoy serves as a symbol of safety, providing a lifeline to those in distress. At the same time, it raises awareness about the dangers of water.
The Pink Buoy serves as a symbol of safety
The organization’s Communications Manager, Andrew Ingram also emphasised the importance of public awareness and the role of untrained people in the initiative’s success.
“The Pink Rescue Buoy is effective because it enables ordinary people to make a difference,” Ingram added.
Key Metrics of the Pink Rescue Buoy:
200 people we know of were rescued with a Pink Buoy
151 adults we know of were rescued with a Pink Buoy
49 children we know of were rescued with a Pink Buoy
127 males we know of were rescued with a Pink Buoy
56 females we know of were rescued with a Pink Buoy
165 casualties who needed a Pink Buoy
32 rescuers who needed the Pink Buoy
130 people, in 100 instances, needed the Pink Buoy because of rip currents
26 of the rescuers who used the Pink Buoy had training to perform this type of rescue.
Ingram said, “Time is critical in any drowning situation, and having these buoys available means that anyone nearby can assist without putting themselves in unnecessary danger.”
