Late summer in Cape Town brings hot temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions. These months place increased pressure on our environment, infrastructure and communities.
This year, fire season remains at its peak, the City has urged reduced water consumption due to low dam levels and below-average rainfall predictions, and heatwave warnings have also been issued.
Preparedness is not about alarm – it is about awareness and shared responsibility. As always, the Wynberg Improvement District remains available for matters relating to public safety and urban maintenance, so please always report any relevant incidents.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FireSafety-Extinguisher2026.jpg14392555Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2026-02-28 13:32:302026-03-03 12:43:31Late Summer Readiness – Fire Safety, Water Use and Heat Awareness
As the year draws to a close, the Wynberg Improvement District looks back on twelve months of sustained progress in keeping Wynberg cleaner, safer and more resilient. From public safety patrols to urban cleaning and rapid response to service requests, our team has remained focused on delivering the services that help businesses operate with confidence.
This year’s statistics, illustrated in the infographics below, highlight the day-to-day work that keeps our district running smoothly. Whether attending to service requests, responding to public safety incidents, clearing illegal dumping or maintaining public spaces, WID continues to provide consistent, on-the-ground support for the precinct.
Public Safety & Security
Our public safety team continues to play a vital role in maintaining a safe and responsive environment. Regular vehicle and foot patrols, proactive engagement with the public, the recovery of stolen goods, and coordinated responses to incidents are all part of our commitment to crime prevention.
The festive season often brings increased movement, higher visitor numbers and a rise in opportunistic crime, making the presence of WID’s public safety officers even more essential at this time of year.
Urban Cleaning & Management
Across Wynberg, our cleaning and maintenance teams have worked throughout the year to keep streets, verges and public spaces clean and well managed. Activities such as removing litter, clearing illegal dumping, attending to urban defects, servicing public bins and keeping stormwater infrastructure clear have all contributed to creating a more inviting environment for workers, visitors and businesses.
These ongoing operations ensure that the district remains functional and well maintained despite seasonal changes, heavy usage and broader service delivery pressures.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Cape Town continues to experience strong growth, driven in part by ongoing semigration as more people and businesses relocate to the city. This shift brings both opportunity and increased pressure on urban environments, making the role of CIDs more important than ever. Against this backdrop, our focus remains on delivering reliable, high-quality public safety and urban cleaning services that support a well-managed and resilient district.
As Gene Lohrentz, Managing Director of Geocentric Urban Management, notes:
“Throughout the year, we have kept our focus on delivering consistent and effective public safety and urban cleaning services. The continued progress in these areas reflects the dedication of our teams. We look forward to building on this momentum as we move into 2026.”
Geocentric, now in its sixteenth year of partnership with City Improvement Districts, proudly oversees 14 of Cape Town’s 54 CIDs. Our commitment remains centred on strengthening service delivery, supporting business growth and ensuring that each district remains a thriving, welcoming space.
Wynberg Business Forum: Call for Participation
Local businesses and property owners are invited to participate in the formation of the Wynberg Business Forum, a new platform aimed at strengthening collaboration, encouraging coordinated private investment and creating a unified voice for the Wynberg CBD. The initiative, led by Ward 62 Councillor Emile Langenhoven, focuses on economic revitalisation, urban improvement, safety and deeper partnership with the City. Businesses and property owners are encouraged to learn more about the forum’s purpose and next steps via the information link provided, and to add their voices as this collective vision for Wynberg takes shape.
As the holidays approach, it is important for businesses to remain vigilant. The festive season typically brings increased foot traffic, higher crime risks and a heightened chance of fire incidents. The following tips can help safeguard your property, staff and operations.
Protect Your Business & Property
Keep your security systems in good working order: Test alarms, CCTV cameras, access control systems, security lighting and gate mechanisms to ensure they are fully functional.
Improve exterior lighting: Well-lit areas act as a deterrent and support visibility for security personnel. Consider using timers and motion sensors to improve efficiency.
Make use of professional security services: Invest in reputable security or armed response services, and stay connected to community information channels such as WhatsApp groups or neighbourhood watch networks.
Fire safety matters: Check fire extinguishers, ensure flammable materials are stored safely, train staff in fire procedures and confirm that your fire detection systems are operational.
Install panic buttons and adequate surveillance: Strategically place panic buttons and ensure that cameras are positioned to avoid blind spots.
Be alert during opening and closing times: These periods are high-risk and require extra vigilance from staff.
Avoid predictable cash deposit patterns: Vary the timing and route of deposits to reduce the likelihood of targeting.
Secure all access points: Before leaving your premises, check all doors, windows, roller shutters and gates, ensuring they are properly locked and in good working order.
Staff & Customer Safety
Verify all new employees: Request identification, proof of residence and previous references before hiring.
Monitor stock and cash handling: Regularly review inventory, equipment and cash procedures.
Train staff for emergencies: Ensure all employees know what to do in the event of a fire, robbery or medical emergency.
Road Safety
Ensure vehicles are roadworthy: Service vehicles regularly and check essentials such as spare tyres, jacks and warning triangles.
Stay alert on the roads: The festive period sees increased traffic and higher numbers of intoxicated drivers. Take extra care and avoid driving when tired and when the roads are extremely busy over holidays.
Stay Vigilant: Road Crime & ATM Safety
Prevent road crime: Keep valuables out of sight, remain aware of your surroundings and ensure doors are locked when stationary or driving.
Stay safe at ATMs: Use well-lit machines, avoid distractions and never share your PIN with anyone.
Emergency Contacts
Keep these essential numbers easily accessible:
SAPS: 10111
Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423
City of Cape Town Disaster Management: 107 (cell phone) / 021 480 7700 (landline)
WID Control Room (24-hour public safety emergencies): 021 565 0900
Proactive citizens can help us to solve issues of urban maintenance by logging service requests with the City. WID then actively follows up on these requests to ensure they are attended to, and quickly!
Getting these attended to is as simple as reporting to the City of Cape Town via an option of different channels.
We recommend their easy-to-use online portal found at https://www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests, or simply download the City of Cape Town’s mobile app from the relevant app store.
As we close out the year, thank you for helping us keep Wynberg safe, clean and thriving.
Wishing you a safe, restful and prosperous festive season.
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, the Wynberg Improvement District continues its work to keep our urban environment clean, safe and well maintained. This is also the time when we prepare for our Annual General Meeting (AGM 2025), where we reflect on the year’s achievements and look ahead to 2025/26.
We invite all stakeholders to join us for our AGM – an important opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our community. Full details are provided below.
AGM 2025
Save the Date!
An important event on our annual agenda, the Wynberg Improvement District will be hosting its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 9 October 2025 at 10:00 at the Methodist Church, 72 Church Street, Wynberg. All stakeholders are encouraged to attend as we review the past year and set priorities for the future. Resolutions presented at the AGM can only be voted on by bona fide members. Non-members wishing to take part must be registered before Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
To become a member there are a few documents that need to be filled out. Under the Companies Act, the Members’ Register must contain the following information in respect of each member: (a) name; (b) business, residential or postal address; (c) email address (unless person has declined to provide an email address); and (d) an identifying number unique to that person (e.g. a RSA ID number).
Over the past months, our teams have been hard at work maintaining and refreshing the Wynberg area. These projects are aimed at improving the quality of the public environment for all who live, work and visit here.
Our focus has included:
Urban cleaning and maintenance – tackling illegal dumping, graffiti removal, gutter and drain cleaning, poster removal and high-pressure sanitising.
Greening initiatives – planting, landscaping and maintaining public spaces to create a more welcoming and environmentally friendly urban landscape.
Ongoing upgrades – responding to service requests, addressing problem areas, and ensuring that seasonal changes don’t compromise the safety or cleanliness of our streets.
Together, these efforts lay the foundation for a brighter, cleaner and greener spring season.
Grass cutting – before, during and after
Updates from the Wynberg Improvement District
In Wynberg, recent projects have included large-scale deweeding and grass cutting, as well as gutter and drain cleaning to prevent blockages from winter rainfall. The team has also addressed illegal dumping and graffiti removal, ensuring public spaces remain safe and welcoming.
A major highlight was the Glaren Road upgrade project, where extensive work was carried out to improve the streetscape and maintain the surrounding area. These efforts, supported by ongoing poster removal and targeted sanitising of public spaces, contribute to a cleaner, greener Wynberg for residents, businesses and visitors.
City Updates
Switch to eBilling before 31 December 2025
The City of Cape Town is phasing out paper bills, with all municipal accounts to be sent by email from 1 January 2026. To switch to eBilling, simply send your account number and email address to Revenue.Eservices@capetown.gov.za or via SMS to 31223. More than 475 000 residents have already made the move, enjoying faster, more efficient and environmentally friendly billing. Customers without email access can still receive paper bills by contacting the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for assistance.
Building a Cleaner, Greener Cape Town – The City’s New Waste Strategy
The City of Cape Town has launched its new Waste Strategy, a long-term roadmap to deliver sustainable, affordable and future-fit waste services for all residents and businesses. With illegal dumping, landfill reliance and growing urban waste challenges, the strategy sets out clear goals to improve data and technology use, drive behaviour change, strengthen partnerships and close service gaps.
Centred on three pillars – optimising existing services, minimising waste to landfill, and maximising service offerings – the strategy calls on everyone to play their part in building a cleaner, greener Cape Town.
From 1 July 2025, as part of the new municipal financial year, customers may notice changes to electricity tariffs and the way items appear on their municipal accounts. These reforms are designed to ensure sustainable service delivery into the future while continuing to provide price relief where possible.
For more information, please see the City’s electricity price relief overview pamphlet.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Glaren-Road-project18.jpg9601280Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2025-09-11 13:58:062025-09-12 14:35:20Spring Update & AGM 2025 – Save the Date
As temperatures drop and the rains return, winter in Cape Town brings with it both seasonal challenges and the opportunity for communities to come together. For residents and businesses, preparation is key to ensuring safety and continuity. At the same time, the City of Cape Town is stepping up support for our most vulnerable residents through its strengthened Winter Readiness Programme.
This season, we share practical tips on how to prepare your property for winter, and we highlight the ways the City is working with shelters and non-profit organisations to offer care and dignity to those most in need.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2_WID-Glaren-road-project.jpg9601280Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2025-06-09 15:28:572025-06-11 09:29:15Staying Safe and Warm This Winter: How We Prepare and Support Our Communities
NOTICE OF EXTENSION: DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
Following thorough consideration of all inputs received, the City has proposed several key amendments. Interested parties may view the draft budget in full and comment on the amendments between 28 May and 13 June 2025. Should any comments made during the initial public participation period not have been addressed, you are welcome to comment again. Please visit www.capetown.gov.za for the full amended draft budget documents and any supporting material. The residential calculator has also been updated to reflect the proposed amendments.
A budget of R84,1 billion will be spent in the metropolitan area to ensure that services are maintained, improved and expanded, that capital projects are rolled out and that the IDP is implemented.
Budget Summary & Documentation
The City of Cape Town’s budget reflects its key policy decisions and priorities, determines rates increases and indicates where money will be spent on programmes and services. View the full Draft Budget 2025/26 with associated documentation on the City’s website. For a summary of the budget, see the presentation and the advert (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa).
The documents can also be accessed on the City website from 28 March 2025 at www.capetown.gov.za/budget.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Draftbudget2526Overview_Presentation-e1744725038465.jpg9732000Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2025-04-14 09:46:072025-06-06 13:20:50UPDATE: The City of Cape Town Draft Budget 2025-2026 comment period is open until 13 June
Request for Proposals: CCTV Project – Installation Of Additional CCTV Cameras and Wifi Network Upgrades
Wynberg Improvement District (WID) invites prospective Service Providers to express their interest in the CCTV Project – Installation of Additional CCTV Cameras and WiFi Network upgrades:
Interested Service Providers may apply to this notice by emailing info@wynbergid.co.za no later than 21 March 2025.
Upon receipt of application, WID will provide a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which must be signed and returned via email before the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) documents will be released to the Service Provider in question.
For further inquiries, please contact 021 565 0901 during office hours.
Wynberg Improvement District reserves the right to accept or reject any expression of interest.
Welcome to 2025: Strengthening Our City Improvement Districts
As we settle into 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining safe, clean and thriving business districts through the dedicated work of our City Improvement District (CID). As a CID, our mandate focuses on improving public spaces through cleansing, infrastructure maintenance and environmental initiatives, supporting local businesses and ensuring urban safety, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town.
For more on the role of the City Improvement Districts, read our FAQs.
As we move through the peak of summer – characterised by high temperatures and strong winds in the Cape – we focus on essential seasonal safety topics, including fire prevention, urban wildlife awareness and heatwave precautions.
And, we share a recent urban upliftment project for WID.
As 2024 draws to a close, the Wynberg Improvement District celebrates a year of notable achievements in making Wynberg a cleaner, safer and more vibrant community. And, we share our festive season safety tips for businesses and all those going on holiday this season. Finally, we have some important reminders from our Wynberg Improvement District Board and a notice regarding the Community WhatsApp Groups.
2024 in review – efficient service delivery in urban cleaning.
Urban Cleaning Success
This year, our urban cleaning and management efforts have continued to be a priority across our City Improvement District. Thanks to the tireless work of our team, our streets and public spaces remain clean and well maintained. Improved waste management, rapid response to urban defects, and efficient service delivery have all contributed to creating a cleaner environment for residents and businesses.
Looking Ahead
“Despite a tough economic climate, rising costs and ongoing service delivery challenges, we’ve stayed focused on delivering high-quality services,” says Gene Lohrentz, Managing Director of Geocentric Urban Management. “The achievements in urban cleaning and continual focus on crime prevention in deploying ever more safety officers this year are a testament to this commitment. We’re eager to continue this momentum into 2025.”
Geocentric, a partner in managing CIDs for 15 years, proudly oversees 13 of the 54 City Improvement Districts (CIDs).
The WID Board and Geocentric management team are dedicated to innovative and effective approaches to service delivery, ensuring Woodstock remains a thriving, inclusive community for all. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in these endeavours. Here’s to a safe, clean and prosperous 2025!
Improving Accessibility and Active Mobility: Open for Comment
The City of Cape Town continues its commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable transport system with two key initiatives: the Draft Universal Access Policy and the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy. The Universal Access Policy focuses on addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities, the elderly, children, female passengers and others with specific needs, aiming to create transport infrastructure and services that enable independent travel for all.
Complementing this, the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy repositions walking and cycling as primary, safe and sustainable modes of transport. By shifting from the term “non-motorised transport” to “active mobility,” this strategy emphasises human-powered travel and updates previous plans, such as the 2016 Cycle Strategy. Both initiatives align with the City’s Integrated Development Plan, Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan, and Climate Change Strategy, highlighting a vision for Cape Town as a people-centric city with equitable access to opportunities.
Public input on these drafts is invited until 13 December 2024 for the Universal Access Policy and 14 December 2024 for the Walking and Cycling Strategy. Comments can be submitted online at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay, via email at UrbanMobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (references 110242504 and 110242503, respectively), or in writing at local subcouncil offices and libraries.
Stay Safe This Festive Season: Essential Tips for Business Owners in Cape Town
As the festive season approaches, it’s crucial for business owners to be proactive in safeguarding their assets, employees and property. With the influx of visitors to Cape Town and an uptick in crime and fire hazards, the holiday period can present unique risks. Ensuring your business is prepared will help prevent incidents that could disrupt your operations and damage your reputation.
Protect Your Business and Property
Security is paramount during the busy holiday season. Here are key tips to secure your premises:
Maintain your security systems: Ensure gates, locks, security lights, alarm systems and cameras are in good working order. Regularly test alarm systems and surveillance equipment to prevent malfunction during peak times.
Install and maintain adequate lighting: Exterior lighting serves both as a deterrent to criminals and essential for the detection of a potential intruder by security. Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors can also help you save on your power bill.
Hire professional security: Invest in reputable security services or armed response teams. Being part of a local neighbourhood watch group or staying connected with your area’s WhatsApp groups can help you stay informed about security incidents nearby.
Fire safety: Regularly check your fire extinguishers and train staff on fire safety procedures. Make sure your fire alarm system is operational and plan regular fire drills. Keep flammable materials stored safely and ensure electrical systems are maintained to reduce the risk of fires.
Retail and Business Operations
The holiday season often brings increased foot traffic to businesses. Here’s how to keep your store safe:
Panic buttons and surveillance: Position static panic buttons in strategic areas such as cash offices and storerooms. Install and maintain security cameras to eliminate blind spots.
Observe opening and closing hours: Be especially vigilant during opening and closing hours, as these are prime times for opportunistic crime.
Cash deposits: Avoid predictability when making cash deposits. Vary the days, times and locations to reduce the risk of criminal activity targeting your business.
Secure your property: Ensure that all access points are secure, including all security gates, roller shutters, doors, windows, security bars and locks, and do a complete perimeter check that these are in working condition and properly locked when you leave the premises.
Employee and Customer Safety
Employee verification: Always verify new staff with proper identification, proof of residence and references from previous employers.
Monitor stock and cash: Regularly check inventory, equipment and cash floats to ensure there is no theft or mismanagement.
Train staff in emergency procedures: Ensure your staff knows how to act in case of an emergency—whether it’s a robbery, fire or medical situation.
As a business owner, you and your employees may be commuting more often during the holidays. Here are key road safety reminders:
Vehicle checks: Ensure vehicles are regularly serviced and equipped with essentials such as a spare tyre, jack and emergency warning triangle.
Be cautious on the roads: Be aware of the higher risk of intoxicated drivers during the festive period. Always keep your phone charged in case of emergencies, and take regular breaks during long drives.
In addition to securing your business, it’s essential to stay vigilant against road crime and ATM theft:
Prevent road crime: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially when stopped at traffic lights or in unfamiliar areas. Keep valuables out of sight, and lock your doors when driving.
ATM safety: Only use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations. Be cautious and aware of anyone loitering nearby, and never share your pin with anyone, even if they appear to be an official.
Emergency Contact Details
It’s always a good idea to keep emergency numbers on hand in case of any incidents:
SAPS (South African Police Service): 10111
CID Security (Geocentric 24-hour control room): Call 021 565 0900 (for Public Safety Emergencies)
City of Cape Town Disaster Management: 107 / 021 480 7700
Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423
Community WhatsApp Group: Stay connected to the local WhatsApp group for real-time updates on emergencies and security alerts. Important information regarding the WID WhatsApp Groups below.
Reminder to ALL WID property owners from the Board
On 1 September 2024 the Wynberg Improvement District’s boundary officially grew to include 19 additional streets in Wynberg plus a short section of Constantia Main Road. With the influx of approx 700 new property owners added to the Wynberg Improvement District, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all WID property owners of the following:
Rubbish Bins
Please do not place your rubbish bin out until the morning of your collection. Rubbish bins are a magnet for drawing individuals into the neighbourhood overnight and create a circumstance that puts vehicles parked on the road overnight at risk and increases the potential for opportunistic crime. Bins can be used to access your property as well. Please do your part to mitigate potential opportunistic crime in the Wynberg area.
If you see that something requires City of Cape Town services, please log a C3 yourself via 0214807700 or by going onto the CoCT website at www.capetown.gov.za.
Search on a word that fits your issue – ie pothole
Use the dropdown menus to further identify the issue
Write a description of the problem. Be very explicit about the issue and location. Please include the street name and suburb.
If you have a photo, it must be less than 2 MB. You can crop it using your phone and that will generally reduce the size. If it is the proper size for uploading, upload it.
Provide your contact details and choose whether you would like to be notified of status via email or sms.
You will receive a reference number, please keep this for followup.
If you have logged a request via the website you should receive notification regarding status. When the issue has been addressed it will be marked as closed.
If your issue is not addressed within 7 days, please provide it to the WID manager for followup.
WID Community WhatsApp Group – Important Notice from the Board
Dear WID Property Owners,
Please be aware of some changes that have taken place with regard to the WID related WhatsApp groups monitored by the WID Control Room and various WID management personnel. There are now 2 different groups covering properties within the WID area:
WID Business: for business owners in the WID area
WID Residential: for residential property owners in the WID area
This change will make the management of concerns and dispatching of public safety patrol officers in the WID area less cumbersome, as currently the Control Room must monitor several groups at once, with various overlapping spaces.
If you are a property owner in the WID, please fill out the form on the link below to be added to the appropriate group.
Please note: All information will be kept confidential and only used for the purposes of WID related business. All WID associated personnel (admins, management and board members) are bound by the POPI Act.
Thank you for your patience in our transition to a more efficient system for the control room, public safety officers and property owners.
24 HR Control Room 021 565 0900 – Geocentric CID Community
Group Description: This is a group for emergency communication to the WID Control Room only.
Group Protocols:
No chatting Please do not reply to messages unless relevant to the emergency in progress. All unnecessary chat messages will be deleted.
The WID mandate is public space only. Security matters on private premises call your security company or SAPS at 10111.
Re Service Requests. The WID officers will identify and report issues in the public space that require attention. As active citizens you are requested to log your own service requests when you notice issues in your immediate area by calling 0214807700 or under ‘Create a Service Request’ (AKA C3) at www.capetown.gov.za please be sure to document the reference number given.
Unresolved service requests may be sent to Cllr Langenhoven after 24 hours (in the case of Electric or Water issues) or WID re street lights, potholes, etc after 3 days.
Except for the Control Room, and Board member Nancy Krisch, Admins on this group are Geocentric Mgmt following what is taking place in Wynberg Please do not write to any of these admins privately
No photos of faces may be posted on this group. It is against the rights of the individual. You may share photographs or video footage of concern with WID Mgmt or Board member Nancy Krisch.
Cases must be opened at SAPS If you have been victimised or your property has been maliciously damaged you must open a case with SAPS.
You may write to WID Mgmt at info@wynbergid.co.za
As we close out the year, let’s work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for businesses, employees and customers. Prioritising these safety measures will help you protect your business and create a positive, secure atmosphere for all who visit or work in the city.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and here’s to a safe and prosperous festive season!
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CCTV-installations-and-maintenance.jpg720960Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2024-12-11 15:09:152024-12-12 12:31:46WID 2024 roundup & safety tips for the festive season
