| FEBRUARY 2007 Editor's Letter Dear Readers, You'll be relieved to know that the CID is not about to overwhelm readers by expounding an ambitious 2007 to-do list. For the moment, it merits just a few mentions of our rapidly expanding, diverse profile of duties: from providing timeous water relief for dehydrated firefighters to rescuing and reuniting stray pets with their owners. For CID troopers, it's all in a day's work. Still, we'd like to say a special thank you to each and every one of our associates who go beyond the call of duty to make our districts safer, friendlier and A Home For All. A quick trip down memory lane (see Photo Essay) shows how far we've come in developing our vicinity. While we've always been committed to respecting our green spaces, we are reminded of the extra value we need to place on cooperative relationships between economic development and environmental conservation. Against this backdrop, and with fresh perspective, one should conscientiously consider the benefits of developing the Green Point Stadium as the site for the World Cup semi-final. A recent Mail&Guardian article cites a confidential document titled Draft Strategic Plan for the Provincial Government of the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town, in which Laureen Platzky, deputy director general in the Western Cape premier's department, confirmed that during the 2005 visit, the Fifa delegation indicated they were surprised that Green Point was not the chosen site for the semi-final. "The local organising committee indicated to the provincial and city leadership that should they want to honour and benefit from the not inconsiderable benefits of hosting a semi-final, which would attract well over a billion TV spectators as well as thousands of international fans and their families, not to mention all the lead-up events, product launches, possibly a Fifa congress and high-profile other events, they should co nsider expanding the Green Point Stadium." Whether the powers that be will press on with the stadium or not, our role is abundantly clear: to remain committed to our neighbourhood and look out for its best interests. Affecting meaningful change starts with fostering awareness. That is why we invite you to get involved in any of our neighbourhood's community services. Together we can make a difference. Marc Truss
Editor Wolf on the loose in city centre On Saturday morning my pet wolf Akela opened the car window while left alone for no more than 10 minutes and went running around in the city centre. When I returned, I found a wide open window and a note placed under the windscreen wiper by a concerned shop owner opposite Shell House. I spotted a CID security van and immediately told the official what had happened, giving him my details and asked him to inform his control centre. Within minutes I had a call from the control centre and the very efficient lady stayed on the line informing me of the wolf's progress through the city as I followed. She ran up Loop, then Bree, across Church Street, then Bloem, where she set off for Signal Hill. A Green Point CID van took over and followed her past children playing and dogs as she headed for the Noon Gun. They waited for me where she slipped through a hole in the fence into the bushes. I followed her into the bushes, called her name and she appeared (rather sheepishly), happy to accept her leash. The only damage was by xenophobic Signal Hill flies responding to an alien - within minutes they had attacked the tips of her ears and the blood was flowing. She was not overly spooked by the whole episode. Wolves are not aggressive animals and are rather very shy. They are very intelligent (she learnt to turn a key with teeth at six months to open the fridge) and adept at taking care of themselves. She moved through the city centre very rapidly, probably too fast for most people to even spot her. What I learnt from all of this was the efficiency of the CID's security and the responsiveness of the control centre in the city centre. I am well acquainted with the V&A Waterfront's security and I must say, from this experience, the City's is as good (and who knows, maybe even better).  The cherry on top came the next day when I received a call from the Green Point security officer asking how the wolf was. Now that's 10/10 for going beyond just doing a job. That shows caring and great initiative.
Thank you very, very much. Carl Momberg, Cape Town Akela at Bredasdorp primary, where a learner dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. The canine frequently meets school kids when they learn about wolves. KleinBurger devoted a whole page to what the kids thought. Taking a Stand on 2010 The Green Point CID supports the 2010 World Cup as a Global event that will bring enormous benefits to South Africa, CapeTown and Green Point, in particular. We support the choice of Green Point Common as a site for the stadium as it is one of the few areas in the city that has all the requisite facilities, infrastructure and access. Naysayers to the Green Point stadium and the World Cup have not advanced any cogent reasons why we should not go ahead with building the stadium, often quoting cost as a prohibitive factor and the argument that the billions of Rand would be better spent elsewhere. This is erroneous as all these arguments discount the role of publicity, business confidence and job creation in their critiques. The investment in the stadium and surrounds is a 'sunk cost'. It is an investment in the city's infrastructure that will enhance the city's position when bidding on other events, such as the Commonwealth Games. Moreover, the real benefits will come from all the ancillary business activities that the stadium will generate, most of which will fall into the broad tourism category for services like wings, wheels, accommodation, hospitality and foreign exchange. Other significant spinoffs include job creation. Official stats show that for every 11 visitors to our shores one sustainable job is created. The rest is maths. Pull an extra 1 million visitors per annum and you create 90,000 jobs. In real terms, if every breadwinner is responsible for four people, you feed 360,000 people. Critics have cited transport and crime as major problems. Yet, there are more than enough opportunities to improve our urban transportation. What we lack is leadership and vision but that should not be used as an excuse not to hold the World Cup. The fact that we have a high crime rate should not deter us from trying to find a solution. Crime can be effectively reduced for the duration of the World Cup and with creative thinking crime reduction can become a permanent feature. Hugh von Zahn,
Chairman,
Green Point CID TAKE 5 1. CIDs support Western Cape Firefighters
During an interview on Cape Talk on Friday 26 January 2007, the Director of Disaster Management, Pat Adams, put out a call for help on behalf of the Western Cape Fire Fighters who were battling numerous blazes across the Western Cape. According to Adams, the firefighters were in desperate need of clean drinking water. Within 15 minutes Marc Truss, the Head of Operations of the Green Point and OranjeKloof CIDs, managed to raise R4000,00 from the GP, OK, CCID and Sea Point CIDs. The money was used to purchase 57 cases of Karoo Spring Water, which Steffen Brandt, MD of Karoo Spring Water, generously supplemented with an additional 20 cases. This amounted to a total of 924 1.5-litre bottles of water which was delivered to the Goodwood Fire Station on Wednesday 31 January 2007. The retail value of this donation was a whopping R11 000,00. Says Marc Truss: "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for supporting the call for 'bottled water' and trust that members of the public will follow suit. Firefighters brave the odds to protect our environment, our properties and our lives daily. We are delighted that we were able to support them on behalf of our ratepayers in their time of need." 2. Opening of Parliament 2007
South Africa's legacy of three capitals has left Cape Town hanging on determinedly to its status as legislative capital, despite rumours that a move elsewhere abound. For the moment, though, parliamentarians return to their duties after a lengthy and no doubt hard-working summer recess for the formal opening in February. The opening of Parliament in the new South Africa is a wonderfully colourful affair, with the grey men in grey suits and hats syndrome of the past having given way to a wonderful mix of styles and ethno-political statements. Visitors can arrange through the Visitor's office or their local consulate to visit Parliament and see a session. The Opening of Parliament is slated for 9 February 2007.
Source: http://www.cape-town.org/contents.asp?Page=MainEvents&SecName=MainEvents 3. Did you know?
The headquarters of one of the largest and longest established NGOs (Non-governmental organisations) in the Western Cape is located in Green Point. Catholic Welfare & Development (CWD) - situated in 37a Somerset Road - was founded under the auspices of the Catholic Church in 1972 by two social workers who could not turn a blind eye to the abject poverty and injustices suffered by underprivileged people living on the fringes of Cape Town. CWD is an umbrella organisation comprised of ten programmes and ten community development centres in the Greater Cape Metropole. In addition, their rural programme covers the West Coast, Boland and Matzikamma. Their main areas of focus are:
- Community Development Centres (CDC's)
- Women, Children and Youth Development
- Health and Food Security
- Economic Development
Realising that they cannot make a difference in isolation, the CWD works with provincial and local government to refine service delivery to the poor, homeless, children and others. Volunteers and visitors are greeted with smiles and song at any of CWD's childcare centres. Come along and see how your support makes a difference at their refugee centre, WARMTH community kitchens, NOAH old age homes and Zanokhanyo Training Centre. Contact 021 425-2095 to arrange your visit - give them two weeks' notice, if possible. Transport will be provided and you will be accompanied by one of the community or programme leaders.  For more information visit: www.cwd.org.za 4. Bantry Bay Pharmacy lends a helping hand
Garth Miller, owner of the Bantry Bay Pharmacy, has kindly donated eight pairs of sunglasses and enough sunblock to last the City's White Line Section team till the end of summer. The eight men all form part of the CIDs rehabilitation programme and have essentially come off the streets, found useful employment in painting the road markings throughout the region, and are now nearing complete self-sufficiency. Spending a minimum of eight hours a day in the sun is never fun, but with this generous donation they can now be sun smart all summer long.  Says Miller:" We have realised the incredible difference the CIDs have made to our, and other areas, and when Marc Truss called me to discuss the possibility of a sponsorship, we jumped at the chance. Our motto is 'Professionals caring for the community' and as a community pharmacy we believe in the difference that relationships can make and how a small donation can go a long way, hence wanting to help the guys out."
5. Did you know? Approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year after Christmas, according to the Greeting Card Association. Women are the biggest spenders and purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines, they say. In our estimation that's a whole lotta lovin' Valentines Day in other cultures  According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av Tu B'Av (usually late August) is the festival of love (hag haahava). In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.
In Brazil, there is no Valentine's Day. Instead, "Dia dos Namorados" (lit. "Day of the enamoured", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts such as lingerie, chocolates, cards and usually a flower bouquet. For more information and interesting facts on Valentines Day go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day SECURITY UPDATE
When in your car: - Ensure all doors, windows, boot and sunroof are closed and locked, no matter how briefly left unattended or even when paying for petrol.
- Make sure the ignition key is removed if you get out of the vehicle.
- Remember to activate the immobiliser if the process is not automatic.
- If you have other security devices fitted, such as a steering lock, always use them. The more resistance/obstruction for the potential thief, the better.
- Do not leave valuables and other personal possessions on display. What may seem worthless to you might well entice a thief.
- Do not leave money, bank books, debit / credit cards in your vehicle.
- Vehicle registration papers, driving documents and personal type correspondence should always be retained separately from your vehicle. They could help a thief sell your vehicle, providing also a feasible story if stopped by police, or even identify your home address.
- Always remove audio equipment if you can. Whether removable or not, all equipment should be marked. It is advisable also to record serial numbers, should you need to refer to it at a later stage.
- Keep valuables out of sight whilst driving. Keep all doors locked and windows closed. Thieves are renowned for removing handbags and other valuables by opening car doors or even breaking windows while cars are stationary in traffic.
- If you park your vehicle in a garage remember to lock both the car and the garage.
- When parking in a public place, always leave your vehicle in a well lit, well spaced location, preferably visible to passers by. If you are planning to leave your vehicle in a car park, try to choose one that is security controlled and/or patrolled.
Photo Essay 
Description: Panoramic view of railway and goods yard at Green Point. Residential area on the slopes of Signal Hill can be seen in the background.
Description: View of Adderley Street, Cape Town, showing trams, motorcars, old Post Office, Standard Bank building and buildings with part of Table Mountain in background.
Description: View of Kloof Street, Cape Town.
Description: Mosque, Lower Chiappini Street, Green Point, Cape Town.
In memory. The CIDs are sad to report the passing of Mr. Mthuthuzeli Thomas Fulani (known as Fulani) aged 36 on Thursday 18 January 2007. Says Marc Truss: "He was a dedicated individual that had the persona of strength; the aptitude and dedication to overcome any obstacle; he was always cheerful; never in doubt and an exemplary member of staff. This is a sad loss not only to us as a CID, but to the community. He will be missed."
Mr. Fulani is survived by his son, two brothers, his sister and his mother. | Dates to diarise Nomvula - After the Rain
Date: 14 - 25 February 2007
Venue: Artscape, Cape Town
Tel: 021 410 9800 Grace and precision embrace indigenous contemporary in a classical ballet to the music of Freshly Ground. The mix of Afro-pop and urban tunes of the popular South African rock group Freshly Ground is celebrated by the dancers of the Cape Town City Ballet in this new production. This modern-day African story is a must see! www.artscape.co.za Sunset Special on Table Mountain
Date: 3 - 31 February 2007
Venue: Table Mountain Cableway(CBD)
Tel: 021 424 8181 Take advantage of this Sunset Special on Table Mountain Cableway by paying only half the price of a regular ticket. Perfect for picnics with family and friends, while soaking up breathtaking sunsets. Adults pay only R60 and children under 18 R32.50, per person return. www.tablemountain.net NSRI Twilight Yacht Racing
Date: 10 January - 14 March 2007
Venue: Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town
Tel: 021 421 1354 sailing@rcyc.co.za www.rcyc.co.za Appletiser Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch
Date: 1 January - 1 April 2007
Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Tel: 021 799 8783 strys@sanbi.org www.sanbi.org Cape Country Picnic Festival
Date: 23 - 25 February 2007
Venue: Bien Donné Farm, Simondium, between Paarl and Franschhoek
Tel: 0861 222 335 This Picnic Festival is for the whole family! Gates open daily at 11:00 and close at 20:00 on Friday and Saturday and 18:00 on Sunday evening. Buy all your picnic bites and drinks from the food and wine stalls. info@cadek.co.za www.picnicfestival.co.za Vodacom / Good Hope FM Clifton Beach Challenge
Date: 17 December 2006
Venue: Clifton 4th Beach, Cape Town
Tel: 021 426 5775 jackie@worldsportgroup.co.za www.worldsport.co.za Our partners    
Important numbers Police Services - 24hr Emergency
101111 Fire Station - Emergency Services
021 535 1100 Ambulance
10177 Mountain Fires
021 423 3210 Disaster Management
021 483 9272 Snakes
0824937713 Metro Police
021 596 1400 Motor Vehicle Licence Department
021 400 2487 Traffic Department (Accidents / Towing etc.)
021 406 8700 Roads and Storm Water (Cape Town)
021 425 3310 Electricity
021 590 1535 /021 424 1331 Water Pollution
(chemicals/poison etc.) 021 557 2226 City Health Department
021 421 0161 Refuse / Black Bins / Collections
021 462 4414 Call Centre - (black/wheelie bins)
0860103089 |
