Latest news with #R420
Time Out
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Cannabis in Cape Town: lounges, laws and rollups
House of Tiger In a historic De Waterkant warehouse space, with exposed brick walls and iron beams, this sophisticated members' club is among the best in Cape Town, offering a fantastic place to work, chill, meet friends and, of course, light up. While laptop warriors tend to focus at the communal tables up front, the games room and pool table at the back are ideal for unwinding with friends. There's also an extensive food menu featuring deli-style light meals. House of Tiger offers members a wide selection of cannabis buds, pre-rolls (from R100 to R180) and extracts, sourced from indoor and greenhouse cultivation. Helpfully, the levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) are indicated on the menu, providing an idea of the strength of each. But, if you're uncertain, there are knowledgeable 'budtenders' on hand to guide you. Membership ranges from R100 (one month) to R1000 (one year). 'We operate in a closed-loop structure meaning all cannabis is from members to members… all cannabis within our ecosystem comes from trusted local cultivation members,' says a House of Tiger spokesperson. 'We prioritise transparency, traceability, and the highest possible standards of care. We also take pride in educating our members about what they're consuming, whether it's the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, or best method of use.' 28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant The Alibi A discreet doorway off Bree Street leads members into one of the inner-city's more sophisticated cannabis clubs, where you can kick back in an array of communal spaces and private lounges. These upscale private lounges each come fitted with comfy couches, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers and games consoles. Hungry? The Alibi menu runs from breakfasts and smashburgers to a dedicated 'Munchies' section of nachos and chicken strips. The coffee from the in-house barista is excellent. Up at the front, a bar counter of buds, edibles, pre-rolls and more has pretty much everything you could ask for in the world of cannabis. Happily, everything from canned cannabis drinks to the brownies and cookies are locally made, with most of it created in Cape Town. In step with the upmarket look and feel of the space, and the facilities on offer, The Alibi is one of the more expensive members' clubs in Cape Town. Membership fees range from R250 for one month to R1500 for one year. Marley & Max Situated in the backstreets of Claremont, just steps from Cavendish Square, this popular members' club offers a diverse selection of recreational and medical cannabis products, available both in-store and online (collect or delivery). Membership fees range from R50 for one month to R420 for one year and can be completed online or in-store. Marley & Max says they source cannabis flower solely from trusted farms, with growers supplying a certificate of analysis for peace of mind. 'As a member, you get access to our shop instore and online, and you get first preference to any events held, and any new product releases,' says a spokesperson. 'You will also get full access to our lounge facility that allows you to chill, smoke or work.' Cavendish Street, Claremont Nirvana A sister-club to The Alibi, Nirvana in Sea Point is a larger space that draws more of a nighttime crowd looking to light up and chill out in the heart of one of Cape Town's nightlife hotspots. While there are working areas and private lounges, the heartbeat of Nirvana is in the evening when the restaurant and outside terrace come to life. Membership fees range from R250 for one month to R1500 for one year, and includes access to The Alibi as well as HQ in Johannesburg. Mason Cannabis Dispensary If you didn't look too closely, this elegant and airy boutique on the pedestrianised section of Waterkant Street could be selling bath oils or fine teas. However, at Mason Cannabis Dispensary, you'll find a curated collection of bud, pre-rolls, gummies, and drinks, beautifully arranged with helpful attendants behind the counter. While the 'dispensary' packets of cannabis bud are labelled for medical prescriptions, there's no paperwork required and anyone can buy pre-rolls or packets without membership or a medical script. Mason also has locations on Long Street in the city centre and Hout Bay. 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town Cannibisters Billing itself as a 'members-only herbal apothecary', Cannibisters is an upmarket Cape Town cannabis lounge in the heart of Sea Point, featuring the familiar combination of a retail store, coffee shop, and relaxed lounge area. Access is strictly for club members, with membership priced at R100 per month or R1000 per year. They are also one of the only clubs offering a one-day membership, which costs just R20. Once you're signed up, which involves reading the 24-page club constitution, you'll have access to the elegant lounge space and an extensive online retail offering of buds, pre-rolls, edibles, and accessories.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
‘No arrests, no justice': Intercape slams police inaction amid ongoing violence
Intercape said more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion Image: Supplied Long-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company. The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police's response had been 'a failure… in its statutory and constitutional duties,' even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However, Hofmeyr stated that this had not been reported to the courts or Intercape, as legally required. Intercape said it has spent more than R420,000 on medical costs for injured passengers, lost over R30 million in revenue due to suspended services, paid R3 million for private security, and R5.5 million for coach repairs. The company, founded in 1971, has faced various conflicts over the years, some dating back as far as 2016. CEO Johann Ferreira said tensions escalated sharply when the taxi industry began questioning the validity of Intercape's bus permits. Once investigations confirmed no irregularities, Ferreira said the situation evolved into 'a new level of warfare.' 'This escalated to stone throwings and shootings,' Ferreira said. 'They assaulted the drivers and passengers, stopping buses at the bus stations in the Eastern Cape and pulling passengers from the buses, armed with guns. It escalated to a point where a driver was murdered. Many passengers were injured. The drivers were injured. Passengers were traumatised.' 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 ✕ Ferreira expressed deep concern over the lack of arrests despite 200 pending cases. 'This is a blatant case of contempt of court and is being committed by a government which undertook a sworn oath of office to uphold the Constitution,' he said. After the briefing, Committee Chair Ian Cameron criticised the investigation's handling. 'With regards to the violence against the bus industry, it was shocking to see the lack of resolve or the lack of enthusiasm or urgency to attack the problem and solve the issue,' he said. 'They could have been much further with this, but they can't at the moment indicate the arrest of any kingpin even, which tells me that from the foundation phases of this investigation, they did it in the wrong way.' He added, 'Either there's a lack of will, a deliberate disregard for the problem, or just incompetence.' Cameron did acknowledge the practical limitations of police resources: 'I agree with SAPS in the way that they can't patrol or escort every single bus. That's not possible.' However, he argued this doesn't excuse the failure to run intelligence-driven investigations. 'Through solid, organised crime, intelligence-driven operation, prosecution-led investigation, they could have been much further with this.' Cameron supports the idea of a public hearing into the police's handling of the matter but noted the risks. 'It's easier to engage with large companies, but on the ground, people are scared. Some have been killed. The threats are real.'
IOL News
16-05-2025
- IOL News
Intercape appeals to Parliament over escalating violence against its operations
An Intercape driver rammed into barriers after he was shot on Jakes Gerwel Drive. Image: File Long-distance bus operator, Intercape, has made a desperate appeal to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, citing a complete breakdown in law enforcement response to ongoing violence and intimidation against its operations. The company appeared before the committee on Wednesday, where it laid out in detail how despite securing nine court orders against various arms of government, no meaningful action has been taken to protect its passengers and staff. Intercape CEO, Johann Ferreira, told the committee that over 200 criminal cases had been opened with police since 2015, including charges of murder, attempted murder, intimidation, and extortion. Despite extensive evidence, including video footage, witness statements, and the registration numbers of vehicles linked to taxi associations, Ferreira said not a single suspect had been prosecuted. The attacks, he said, include petrol bombings, shootings, ambushes, and in one case, the murder of an Intercape driver. In an unexpected turn during the committee meeting, senior police officials said that 11 arrests had allegedly been made in connection with the attacks, information that had never been shared with the company or submitted to the courts as required by law. 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 Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC, representing Intercape, described this development as "deeply troubling", noting that SAPS had failed to comply with court orders requiring them to update both the court and Intercape on the progress of investigations. Ferreira accused the Ministers of Police and Transport, their provincial counterparts, and police commissioners of openly defying multiple high court orders. The financial impact has also been severe, as Intercape said it had paid more than R420 000 in medical bills for injured passengers; lost over R30 million in revenue after suspending services in parts of the Eastern Cape; spent over R5 million on coach repairs; and incurred R3 million in private security costs. Ferreira said the broader implications of the government's inaction go beyond Intercape, as safe and affordable public transport options continue to disappear in areas dominated by violent extortion. Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Ian Cameron, described the presentation as 'shocking' and said hundreds of attacks had been documented, including more than 170 incidents involving Intercape and over 100 arson attacks on Golden Arrow buses in just the past 18 months. He said none of these had led to successful prosecutions. Cameron added that some SAPS members reportedly demanded protection fees from bus companies, effectively becoming part of the extortion network. "Even worse, there are credible reports that some SAPS members are demanding 'protection fees' themselves, effectively turning police officers into extortionists. "While SAPS and the Hawks debate over whose 'mandate' this is, organised crime syndicates operate freely. Bus operators are forced into 'no-go zones'. Ordinary South Africans lose safe, affordable transport. Businesses bleed millions." He said the committee would begin a formal process of scrutinising the specific cases raised, with further feedback to follow. Ferreira warned Intercape will soon bring new contempt of court proceedings against the state. Cape Argus
The South African
15-05-2025
- The South African
Intercape busses their complaints to parliament
Long distance transport operator, Intercape, has turned to parliament to shield them from ongoing attacks on their buses since 2019. They first appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee of Police on 14 May 2025. Intercape spokesperson, Lindiz van Zilla, said they want parliament to compel the police to act and stop the ongoing violence and intimidation against their company. 'Intercape submitted to the Portfolio Committee that despite submitting compelling evidence, police have not made a single arrest and no one has been prosecuted', said van Zilla. During their presentation in parliament, Intercape told the Portfolio Committee that they had suffered the following losses: Over R420 000 spent on medical bills for injured passengers R30 million loss of revenue due to being forced to suspend services in certain towns in the Eastern Cape R3 million in additional expenditure spent on private security escorts R5.5 million in repair costs for damaged coaches Since then, Intercape has opened over 200 cases with the police in six years. The charges range from murder, attempted murder, intimidation and extortion. The Portfolio Committee, chaired by Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance, heard testimonies alleging that police were lackluster in arresting the perpetrators of the bus attacks. 'The attacks against Intercape are serious and the SAPS' inadequate response to these attacks – even in the face of court orders ordering them to do so – is a failure by the SAPS in its statutory and constitutional duties', said Advocate Kate Hofmeyr. She urged the Portfolio Committee to use its powers to convene a public hearing into the the police's failure. She said key SAPS members should be called to give evidence in the forum in order to hold the police accountable publicly. Senior police management officials denied claims that they were not acting on attacks against Intercape. They said a total of 11 arrests had been made in connection with the attacks. However Hofmeyr said it was the first time they were hearing about the arrests. She said Intercape bussed their complaints to parliament because there was inaction. She further said there were court orders instructing SAPS to inform them of progress related to investigations and that had not been done. 'Intercape and the Portfolio Committee urgently awaits further details from the police to verify the claims related to the arrests and ongoing cases', said Hofmeyr. Intercape first approached the courts in June 2022, wanting the Department of Transport authorities to act swiftly. Despite having nine court victories, no meaningful action has been taken. They said the department still doesn't comply with very specific orders handed down by the High Court. Intercape CEO Johann Ferraira said, 'This is a blatant case of contempt of court and is being committed by a government which undertook a sworn oath of office to uphold the Constitution.' He said government has no respect for the rule of law and is in breach of its Constitutional obligations. 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.
