Latest news with #Higham
The South African
3 days ago
- General
- The South African
'Let it grow': Cape Town kicks off annual no-mow programme
If you see the grass longer than it should be in Cape Town, worry not – it's just no-mow season once again. Every year, the City of Cape Town initiates its Spring Readiness Programme, when mowing at parks and public open spaces is halted to allow flowers to bloom and seed ahead of spring. This then helps to create a healthier, more colourful landscape and supports nature by attracting important pollinators. Councillor Patricia Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, stated that the initiative is about more than skipping maintenance. 'By letting nature take its course, we create living conservation corridors right in our city. Beyond the beauty of wildflowers, the no-mow initiative supports pollinators, encourages natural seed production, and helps protect ecological corridors by reducing unnecessary disturbance.' Higham said. The City is holding back the mowers in selected public open spaces, greenbelts, road verges, and parks – areas that often host remnants of critically endangered vegetation and link larger biodiversity hotspots such as nature reserves and national parks. This pause gives local plants the chance to grow, bloom, and spread their seeds. In spring, these spaces transform into living habitats that draw in bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators, helping to sustain the city's ecological web. Temporary NO MOWING signs mark participating sites, encouraging residents to respect these patches of urban nature and appreciate their role in supporting biodiversity. By the end of November, the mowers will return, but until then, Cape Town's green spaces are being left to do what they do best: grow, thrive, and keep the city buzzing. 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.
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Person injured after three-vehicle crash closed road
A person has been injured after a crash in Higham. At around 11am today (August 7), police closed Barrowford Road at the junction of Fir Trees Lane. This was due to a crash near Lower Northwood Farm. Police confirmed that the crash involved three vehicles. A minor injury has been reported. The road has since reopened. A police spokesperson said: 'Earlier, we let you know that Barrowford Road, [Higham] is currently closed at the junction of Fir Trees Lane due to a road traffic collision near Lower Northwood Farm due to a road traffic collision. 'We can now bring you the update that the road has now fully re-opened and is safe for you to travel on. Thank you for your patience. 'Crash reported at 10.52am. It was a three-vehicle crash, minor injury.'
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Celebrating National Science Week: libraries transform into learning hubs
Students from Brackenfell High with Councillor Higham and exhibitor Sheen Academy during a robotics demonstration Image: City of Cape Town From the 2nd to the 8th of August, thirty-three libraries across the city will transform into vibrant hubs of learning and discovery as they celebrate National Science Week. Kicking off with an engaging launch event at Amazon's Observatory venue, the week promises a plethora of interactive activities aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators. Featuring grade eight and nine learners from local schools, the launch was marked by an address from Francine Higham, the City's Mayco member for Community Services and Health. The theme for this year revolves around STEAM—comprising Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—drawing in students, parents, and community members alike to a rich programme that is poised to spark curiosity, foster learning, and stimulate innovative thought. Throughout the week, participating City libraries will host an array of science demonstrations, talks, and even chemistry experiments. Among the libraries involved are Kensington, Wynberg, Simon's Town, and many others, creating a collaborative network aiming to engage and educate youth within the community. 'Looking at the many well-attended programmes our libraries offer throughout the year, it is clear that they remain popular community facilities. We are excited to be part of National Science Week and the opportunities for collaboration it presents,' Councillor Higham noted. 'We invite all learners, parents, educators, and community members to visit their nearest participating library and embark on this exciting journey.' Tasneem Adriaanse (Youth Co-ordinator), Councillor Viljoen, Joie Lomboto (Teen Champion Competition winner), Junior Mayor Michael-Daniel Bam, LiBee the Library Mascot, James Gray (Amazon), Councillor Higham, Ninnie Steyn (LIS Director) and Junior Deputy Mayor Matt Kriel. Image: City of cape Town In line with the STEAM theme, partnerships with tertiary institutions, private sector representatives, and non-profit organisations—including the Cape Town Science Centre—will allow libraries to facilitate hands-on experiences. These range from coding and robotics workshops to science shows and career talks, all designed to engage young minds with the captivating possibilities of the STEAM fields. This year's programme also includes a special focus on female learners, encouraging them to explore STEAM subjects and consider careers in these fields. With August being Women's Month, libraries are set to highlight female role models, fostering inclusive environments that support young women in the pursuit of science and technology. The initiative to celebrate Libraries Science Week stems from a commitment to offer meaningful and accessible programming, particularly in communities where such opportunities may be scarce. It reinforces the role of libraries as essential hubs for literacy, creativity, discovery, and lifelong learning. The launch event also witnessed the announcement of Joie Lomboto, a 15-year-old from Wynberg Library, as the winner of the inaugural 'Teen Champion Competition'. This initiative allowed youth to showcase their creativity and passion for their libraries during Youth Month, with Joie's heartfelt submission resonating deeply with the spirit of community engagement that libraries embody.
Eyewitness News
03-08-2025
- General
- Eyewitness News
City of Cape Town helps the homeless to get off the streets
CAPE TOWN—The City of Cape Town has partnered with shelters to create safe spaces for those sleeping on the streets this winter. In an update, the city said the Rough Sleeper Strategy has helped 5000 people to get off the streets. The program offers aid to fight substance abuse, obtain ID documents, and provide a warm bed and meal for those sleeping on the streets. MMC for Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the program is centred around reuniting families. 'The city operates four safe spaces and has partnered with eleven shelters across the metro. The city safe space model includes dignified shelter and ablutions facilities, two nutritious meals daily, and onsite social work services, as well as personal development planning and assistance with ID documents and social grants,' said Higham
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Higham campaigners hope 10-year NHS plan will save GP surgery
Campaigners fighting to save their local GP surgery believe the government's 10-year plan for the NHS will help them Medical Practice in north Kent has applied to close one of the four sites it operates from, in Higham, which it said is financially unsustainable.A campaign and petition have been launched to save practice said closing one surgery was the only way to safeguard its three other sites. On 2 July Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer launched a series of wide ranging reforms to the NHS, to be carried out over the next Angell, who started the petition to save Higham surgery, said: "It mentions communities and villages having direct access to care."I'm hopeful that means, whether the surgery does or does not close, there will be a replacement service." The application to close the surgery will now be considered by the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB).Ms Angell said she and fellow campaigners would be lobbying the board."I'm hopeful" she said, "the fight isn't over."I just hope the ICB give us the time we need to be able to express our concerns and take them on board."Highparks also runs surgeries in Cliffe Woods, Cliffe and Wainscott. 'Struggled with challenges' A spokesperson for Highparks Medical Practice said: "All four sites work together as a single practice serving over 15,000 patients, who can be seen at any location regardless of which site is nearest their home."Both this government and the previous one have prioritised general practice at scale. The latest plans focus on large health hubs like the Healthy Living Centres in Medway but do not address how to sustain small rural surgeries like ours."As a partnership, we have struggled with these challenges for years and are saddened by the need to close one site. Despite extensive discussions with the local Integrated Care Board and political representatives, no alternative has been found."Unless the government addresses rural primary care challenges, practices like ours will continue to face difficult decisions. This decision safeguards the future of the practice and the care of over 15,000 patients."
