Latest news with #FrancineHigham
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Transforming Manenberg: City invests R13 million in sports facility upgrades
Completion of The Greens Sports Ground in Manenberg is set for June. Image: Facebook Seven years ago, the City's Recreation and Parks Department vowed to inject a total of R19.3 million into the upgrade of various community and sports facilities across the metro, including Manenberg. This week, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis introduced the work done at The Greens Sports Ground in Manenberg via social media, with the City confirming the upgrades to the facility would total R13.2million. It is expected to be completed by the end of June. Previously, when the upgrades were announced, a total of R17 million was to be ploughed into work expected to be done in Manenberg and Gugulethu. The upgrades at The Greens sports complex include: timber play structure, new outdoor gym equipment, new signage, new outdoor benches, upgraded lighting and electrical infrastructure; upgraded perimeter and internal fencing, upgrades to hard surfaces (pedestrian and vehicular), two upgraded multi-purpose courts (netball and basketball), a warm-up running track, two new 5-a-side football synthetic pitches, and one upgraded full-sized football synthetic pitch. Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said the project is intended to bring much-needed recreational facilities to the community. 'The project is not completed yet and the projected budget is R13 247 480. Completion is set for end June 2025 (The Greens portion of work),' Higham said. 'The facility was intended for recreational purposes and more community members of varying ages and abilities including sporting organisations will be able to utilise the facility.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading According to Pastor Vernon Visagie of the Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), educational programmes and recreation was needed for the youth. 'We are still faced with some challenges and this one is positive but is not going to solve our problems. 'Education and the high drop out rate is what is hampering positive changes." Meanwhile, between September 2024 and the end of January, several key milestones were achieved as part of the Recreation and Parks Department's maintenance, repairs and upgrades programme. Six projects were either completed, or phased milestones achieved, with an assigned budget of just over R43 million. Manenberg's youth will benefit from enhanced recreational facilities. Image: facebook/ Belgotex Sport
Eyewitness News
14-05-2025
- General
- Eyewitness News
City of Cape Town to assist NGOs as winter sweeps in
CAPE TOWN - With winter on our doorstep, the City of Cape Town has reaffirmed its commitment to assist non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provide shelter for people living on the street. It said its Winter Readiness Programme also allows shelters to apply for support like food parcels, toiletries, mattresses, and bedding. READ: CoCT commits to providing R1.2m worth of goods, services to shelters to assist homeless MMC for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham says, however, organisations must be registered as an NPO or a PBO (Public Benefit Organisation) to be eligible for the programme. She adds shelters like U-Turn Ministries, the Haven Night Shelter, and Mould Empower Serve (MES) are already part of its programme. "The city's safe spaces offer 1070 beds across the metro, and then we also partner with our NGOs like the Haven Night Shelters to offer additional beds. Haven Night shelter, as far as I'm aware, has just over 1400 beds, and we're working with them to add additional beds over the winter months."
Eyewitness News
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Eyewitness News
CoCT commits to providing R1.2m worth of goods, services to shelters to assist homeless
CAPE TOWN - As temperatures drop, keeping warm is on everybody's mind, especially people living on the streets. During the winter months, homeless shelters are more in demand as people try to escape the harsh, cold weather. In a bid to lighten the load on NGOs, the City of Cape Town has committed to providing items like blankets, mattresses, food items and hygiene packs to selected shelters around the city. MMC for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said that through this programme, goods and services valued at around R1.2 million would be given to shelters this winter. "Winter places enormous strain on shelters as demands for warm beds and basic care increase, especially during storms. By working with our NGO partners on a comprehensive response, the city's contribution reduces the pressure on qualifying NGOs and also increases their capacity to help more people off the street."
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cape Town Libraries launch exciting writing competition for young authors
Cape Town libraries invite young writers to explore their imaginations in exciting new competition Image: Supplied The City of Cape Town's Library and Information Services is excited to announce the return of its much-anticipated writing competition for children aged nine to 13. Following the success of last year's competition, which focused on environmental awareness and received entries from over 100 talented young writers, the City is once again inviting primary schools, book clubs, and aspiring authors to participate. This year, the winners will be celebrated at the Open Book Festival on 6 September 2025. The theme for this year's competition promises to spark curiosity and creativity among participants. Entrants are asked to imagine a scenario where they stumble upon a mysterious box hidden between the shelves of their school or local library. This box, adorned with strange symbols and emitting a faint humming sound, is the starting point for a magical adventure that contestants will describe in their short stories. Participants will be challenged to explore what happens when they finally open this enigmatic box, allowing their imaginations to run wild. "Writing provides a creative outlet and helps children to organise their thoughts and emotions," said Francine Higham, the Mayco Member for Community Services and Health. "By putting pen to paper, they learn a new way to communicate and express themselves. Our children are creative, with vivid imaginations, and I'm sure the judges will have a hard time picking a winner. I want to encourage all our learners to participate, as they could very well write their way to a future as authors." Entries will be open from Monday, 5 May until Friday, 8 August 2025. Competition submissions must adhere to a set of criteria designed to inspire originality and creativity: Word limit: Between 500 and 1,500 words Must be an original story—no AI-generated stories will be accepted Entries must be submitted in handwritten form. Stories can take the form of a picture book, short/long story, or graphic novel Encouragement for drawings and illustrations throughout the work Key elements to include in the stories are: A mysterious box in a library setting A magical adventure A relatable main character or object Entrants are reminded to unleash their imagination and creativity while keeping their work original. Points will be awarded for artistic presentations, including illustrations and drawings. 'Most importantly—have fun.' Higham said, adding a supportive nudge to budding writers. Students interested in participating can submit their stories via email to or drop them off at their nearest library. As young authors prepare to embark on this literary journey, the City of Cape Town is eager to witness the incredible imaginations that will unfold through their words.
The South African
08-05-2025
- The South African
Cape Town's most Instagram-worthy road has finally reopened
One of Cape Town's most scenic and photo-friendly routes has officially reopened to the public, just in time for winter. Tafelberg Road winds along the foot of Table Mountain, leading to the iconic aerial cableway as well as to the starting points of several popular hiking trails. It has long been a favourite for tourists, photographers and Instagrammers seeking jaw-dropping and unparalleled views of the city. Now, thanks to extensive upgrades by the City of Cape Town, the route is not only more picturesque but also safer and more accessible. Cape Town City officials, including Mayco Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas and local Ward 77 Councillor Francine Higham, visited the upgraded road this week and announced the completion of the project. 'This project took approximately 18 months and we are very happy to see the work completed before the rainy season,' said Quintas. 'The end result is impressive and I want to thank road users, visitors and residents for their patience and support while we were doing the work.' Restoration and upgrade of the road Rehabilitation of parking facilities Rehabilitation of stormwater infrastructure Building a sidewalk along the 1.3 km section of road to improve pedestrian safety Restoration of embankment retaining structures to protect the infrastructure against mudslides and severe weather events In addition to resurfacing, Tafelberg Road received several upgrades, including wider verges, extended boardwalks, and formalised paved parking areas and sidewalks. The road also has an improved stormwater system designed to manage rainwater and prevent flooding. 'I encourage our Cape Town residents and visitors to do this walk and appreciate the amazing work that has been done here,' added Higham. 'It is a significant upgrade and it provides safer access for pedestrians all the way from Kloof Nek Road right up to the cableway.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
