Tag Archive for: Wynberg Improvement District

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WID 2024 roundup & safety tips for the festive season

Wynberg urban maintenance

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.

Wynberg stats 2024 - public safety
Wynberg stats 2024 - urban cleaning
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.

Urban Maintenance
Urban Maintenance
Urban Maintenance
Wynberg Urban Maintenance
Urban Maintenance
Urban Maintenance
Wynberg cleaning - greening
Wynberg cleaning - greening
Wynberg cleaning

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.”

Wynberg security - impact squad
Wynberg security - public assistance
Wynberg security - impact squad

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!

Wynberg urban maintenance
Wynberg cleaning - greening
Wynberg cleaning
Wynberg cleaning
Wynberg cleaning
Wynberg cleaning

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.

Holiday season safety tips in Cape Town

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.

Holiday season safety tips

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.

Read more business safety tips

Holiday season safety tips

Safety on the Roads

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.

Read more road safety tips

Stay Vigilant

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.
Emergency numbers primary

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

wheelie bin Cape Town

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.

Read more Wheelie Bin Safety tips here.

Logging Service Requests/C3s

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. 

On capetown.gov.za follow these easy steps:

  1. Report a Fault
  2. Create Service Request
  3. Search on a word that fits your issue – ie pothole
  4. Use the dropdown menus to further identify the issue
  5. Write a description of the problem. Be very explicit about the issue and location. Please include the street name and suburb.
  6. 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.
  7. Provide your contact details and choose whether you would like to be notified of status via email or sms.
  8. 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:

  1. WID Business: for business owners in the WID area
  2. 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.

Nancy Krisch

WID Board Member

Link to registration form. 

WID WhatsApp Group Protocols

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!

Holiday season safety tips
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Winter Hope & Giving Back Responsibly  –  help combat poverty & inequality

International Mandela Day - 18 July

Winter in Cape Town is a time in which poverty and homelessness become heightened social issues, because of the extremely harsh weather conditions. At the same time, the annual Mandela Day initiative coincides, taking place this 18 July, helping to bring hope and support to vulnerable communities.

Indigent people in South Africa are an inherent part of the cityscape, with hundreds of thousands of people homeless and living on the streets.

It is well-known that cash handouts are not a good solution for supporting people living on the streets  –  as these often serve to fuel the problem by funding addiction and other negative or self-perpetuating behaviour.

However, most of us would like to help in some way to combat poverty and inequality. For this reason, it’s important to work with known NGOs, nonprofits or charities, who have built social infrastructures and relationships that have longevity.

MES Cape Town - Mould, Empower, Serve

Mould, Empower, Serve  –  how the City Improvement Districts are working with MES

MES Cape Town is a key partner in the mission to sustainably rehome the homeless across various City Improvement Districts. Their extensive network of outreach and social relief programs provides the vital reach and resources our CID needs. Additionally, their responsive help desk is always available to assist with the immediate and short-term needs of the homeless and unemployed community.

We work closely with MES to identify individuals for casual labour on specific projects. Their team actively scouts promising candidates, placing them with us each week on a probationary basis as one of our on-the-ground workers, fondly known as our “Green Ants”. For those who show dedication, we offer pathways for them to become supervisors and advance their training, making them valuable members of our workforce in a way that allows us to support their growth.

To ensure the funds generated through our partnership are used effectively, we pay stipends directly to MES, which helps cover their living expenses sustainably throughout their stay.

Winter Hope 2024

MES is running a WinterHope campaign until the end of July, in a mission to spread hope and warmth this winter, by gathering essential items such as warm clothing, blankets, and nourishing food supplies.

Visit MES @mouldempowerserve on Facebook, or @mesorgsa on Instagram, to see causes near you to support this winter.

Read more
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Notice for Application for the Proposed Boundary Expansion of the Wynberg Improvement District

WID boundary extension
  • At the WID Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 16 October 2023 the Members of the WID approved an amended business plan in support of the proposed boundary expansion, as required in terms of section 26(2)(b) of the City of Cape Town: City Improvement District By-law, 2023 (the “By-law”).
  • In terms of section 26(2)(f)(i) of the By-law, the AGM resolution referred to in paragraph 1 above (attached as Annexure A) is available on the WID website,
  • The proposed boundary expansion will include properties in the area. A map depicting these geographical boundaries is attached hereto as Annexure B.
  • In terms of section 26(2)(f)(ii) of the By-law, Additional Rate Payers (ARPs) in the WID were informed of their right to submit a written objection to the proposed expansion of the WID.
  • The WID is a Mixed-Use Improvement District with a rates base value consisting of less than 40% of residential property, in terms of section 26(2)(f)(iii) of the By-law, Council may approve the amendment if written objections are not received from at least, 50% plus 1 of ARPs of the WID.
  • In terms of section 26(2)(g) of the By-law, Following the public meetings held on the 16 November 2023 and 22 May 2024 the local community, ARPs and proposed ARPs were provided with a 30-day period to submit comments on the amended business plan. No comments were received.
  • The Application to amend the WID geographical boundary will now be submitted to Council for consideration.

KENNISGEWING VAN AANSOEK OM DIE VOORGESTELDE GRENSUITBREIDING VAN DIE WYNBERG-VERBETERINGSDISTRIK (WID)

  • By die WID se algemene jaarvergadering gehou op 16 Oktober 2023 het die lede van die WID ’n gewysigde sakeplan ten gunste van die voorgestelde grensuitbreiding goedgekeur, soos vereis ingevolge artikel 26(2)(b) van die Stad Kaapstad: Verordening op Stadsverbeteringsdistrikte, 2023 (die “Verordening”).
  • Ingevolge artikel 26(2)(f)(i) van die Verordening is die besluit waarna in paragraaf 1 hier bo verwys word op die WID-webwerf beskikbaar (aangeheg as bylae A).
  • Die voorgestelde grensuitbreiding sal eiendomme in die gebied insluit. ’n Kaart wat hierdie geografiese grense uitbeeld is aangeheg as bylae B.
    Ingevolge artikel 26(2)(f)(ii) van die Verordening is betalers van addisionele belasting (ARP’s) in die WID ingelig oor hul reg om skriftelik beswaar teen die voorgestelde uitbreiding van die WID aan te teken.
  • Die WID is ’n gemengdegebruikverbeteringsdistrik met ’n eiendomsbelastingbasiswaarde wat uit minder as 40% residensiële eiendom bestaan, en ingevolge artikel 26(2)(f)(iii) van die Verordening, kan die Raad die wysiging goedkeur tensy skriftelike besware van minstens 50% plus 1 van die ARP’s van die WID ontvang word.
  • Ingevolge artikel 26(2)(g) van die Verordening, na die hou van openbare vergaderings op 16 November 2023 en 22 Mei 2024, is die plaaslike gemeenskap, ARP’s en voorgestelde ARP’s ’n 30-dae-tydperk gebied om kommentaar oor die gewysigde sakeplan in te dien. Geen kommentaar is ontvang nie.
  • Die aansoek om die WID se geografiese grens te wysig, word nou vir oorweging aan die Raad voorgelê.

Annexure A

resolution

Annexure B

More information

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New law enforcement officers for Wynberg, Winter preparation, Wheelie Bin Safety and Expansion of the Wynberg Improvement District

CID wheelie bins

Our Wynberg team have been busy as always and we have an update from our managers to share regarding our new law enforcement officers in the area and other positive developments.

As we head into the colder months, we’re preparing you with some winter readiness tips to keep both yourself and your property safe. Additionally, we share some tips on keeping your wheelie bin safe so that you know it’ll always find its way back home.

Lastly, the proposal for the expansion of the Wynberg Improvement District is underway. Read more below.

On-the-ground Report from our CID Managers

Meet the Wynberg improvement district managers

Recently, we have seen the introduction of 16 Law Enforcement Officers being deployed into the Wynberg CBD.

These officers will be patrolling the CBD and policing a range of City By-Law infractions.

We thank the Mayor, Ald. Geordin Hill-Lewis, and Ald. JP Smith for their efforts in getting this deployment into Wynberg and trust that residents will give them a warm welcome.

We have seen the following results thus far:

Two arrests:

  1. Undocumented Person (Contravention of Immigrants Act)
  2. Possession of suspected stolen goods

5 different aspects were tackled under the following groupings:

  1. The Traffic Department running a Vehicle Control Point (VCP) on both Brody Road and Main Road.
  2. Foot patrols through the area in two groups.
  3. Inspecting the current tented camps in the Wynberg area, led by Inspector Ras.
  4. Roving patrols, led by Inspector Siyo, where Metro Police and Law Enforcement stopped and searched people.
  5. Foot Patrol with Alderman JP Smith, to introduce him to the problems encountered in the Wynberg Improvement District area, including the difficulties faced with the subways and drug-related issues.
Read more
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Safety & fire during the hot, dry and windy Cape Town Summer months

Cape Town fire

Cape Town fire season occurs from November through May. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Cape Town is notoriously prone to wildfires that occur in natural vegetation when it is hot and dry in the summer months, which coincide with the windy season – creating ideal conditions for wildfires to occur and quickly get out of control. This season has already been earmarked to be the worst fire season in 8 years.

Cape Town fires are particularly common in the Table Mountain National Park due to the natural conditions in our fynbos ecosystem. But, homes and businesses are not exempt from danger, as any fire can spread quickly and far – up to tens of kilometres from the source. It is most important to keep your home, family and business safe, protecting life and property, as our urban living spaces share a boundary with the national parks in many parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape.

By 18 January 2024, there have been a total of 22 new fire incidents, with SANParks firefighting teams demonstrating swift response and effective containment. This influx has occurred particularly in the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, in Kalk Bay, Oceanview and Red Hill areas, as well as in the north of the park, in the Signal Hill and Pipe Track areas, posing significant risk to the communities living adjacent to the park, particularly with hot temperatures and strong wind conditions being experienced.

Fire Safety Precautions & Interventions

In Cape Town, there are various organisations in place to manage fire safety and interventions that should be taken, both to avoid fire and to control it when it happens. 

Read more
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Wynberg Improvement District 2023 Roundup

It’s been another year of successes and tackling challenges head-on for the Wynberg Improvement District. As part of our renewed commitment to public safety and urban cleaning and management, we persist in leading the way toward the continuous improvement of Wynberg as a thriving residential and business hub.

Our CID team has increased their presence on the ground, resulting in improved statistics across the board for 2023. We’ve driven more kilometres in our patrol vehicles, engaged with more members of the public and attended to more service requests and urban defects than ever before. We’ll continue with this increased presence in the community in 2024 and the years beyond.

This year, with 51 CIDs now in operation in the City of Cape Town, the new CID by-law and policy has come into effect. Geocentric, who has now been working with city improvement district initiatives for more than 2 decades, is proud to be responsible for over 25% of the total CIDs in operation. 

In addition to taking care of the public’s safety and urban cleaning, our CID placed a focus on greening areas across Wynberg in 2023. These urban beautification projects will be continued throughout 2024, in line with the goal of continuously upgrading our community. 

2023 Wynberg Improvement District Stats

“Despite the challenges of a struggling economy, ongoing load shedding and higher fuel prices, the aim of the WID remained focussed on delivering top-up services to the public spaces of Wynberg throughout the year,” says Gene Lohrentz of Geocentric Urban Management, tasked with the delivery of our City Improvement District services.

The WID Board and Geocentric management team is committed to finding innovative, efficient and cost-effective ways to continue delivering on the vision for a safer, cleaner, well-maintained and vibrant community.  We look forward to more opportunities to make a tangible difference in 2024.

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

As the festive season approaches, it is essential to prioritise safety at this time, as crime, accidents and fire hazards are usually on the rise during the holiday period.

Being mindful of potential risks and hazards can help safeguard you, your business and your property – from road safety considerations to vigilance against petty crimes in crowded business premises to more serious crimes such as hijacking and robbery. 

Along with keeping your personal safety in mind, if you are a business owner, it is imperative to be vigilant and proactive in implementing strategies that protect your assets, property and staff during the busiest time of year. 


Prevention is better than cure. That’s why we urge property and business owners to make every effort to prepare their properties, businesses, staff and themselves against opportunists and criminals with our safety tips below:

Emergency Numbers

Quick access to relevant emergency numbers can be the difference between life and death. We have compiled a comprehensive list for you to save and share for easy access to these numbers.

Once again, our 24-hour security control room is always available for your public safety emergencies.

Proposed changes to the M3

Comment on the amended road plans to improve traffic flow along the M3 in Newlands by 13 December.

The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has drafted a number of proposed changes to the intersections along the M3 in Newlands to improve traffic flow along this important road link between the Southern Peninsula and the Cape Town CBD.

They plan to alleviate the bottlenecks along the M3 between Upper Hillwood Road and Newlands Avenue, and assist with the free flow of traffic along this section of the M3, by:

  • Removing two signalised intersections
  • Implementing three median closures and a road closure, among others
  • Reinstating a signalised pedestrian crossing at Upper Hillwood Road in Bishopscourt
  • Constructing a third southbound lane between Rhodes Avenue and Upper Hillwood Road, including upgrades to the side roads

Access more details on the proposed upgrades and submit your comment online at the link.

Whatsapp group info 

If you’re interested in staying informed about our initiatives, as well as the newest developments in your improvement district, you can become a member of our WID business WhatsApp group by:

• Sending a WhatsApp message to 081 869 8911.

• You will need to include your Name and Surname or the name of your business

• You will need to include your street address, which should be within the boundary of the CID

• We will add you to the relevant CID Community Group

Rules and regulations for communicating will be stipulated in the group.

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AGM Save the Date, logging a service request & new CID by-law

AGM save the date 2023

Come October, we hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM 2023) to review the year’s activities and begin our planning for 2024/25. We hope all our members can attend. Non-members still have time to register. The new City of Cape Town CID by-law and policy came into effect on 1 July and that is available to view online.

The recent bout of storms and cold fronts experienced in the Cape have certainly added to the work of the CIDs, in particular in the way of road maintenance and fallen trees. We’d like to remind you at this time to assist us in providing effective service by logging a service request for any faults encountered. More on this below. And if you missed our Spring updates, we have undertaken several urban beautification projects, adding greenery and cleaning up public areas of Wynberg, which you can read about in our August blog. Otherwise, read on for more on the above.

SAVE THE DATE! Our AGM 2023 is coming up

At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting for the Wynberg CID, all stakeholders are invited to a review of the year’s activities and planning for 2024/25.

Resolutions presented at the AGM can only be voted for by bonafide members. All non-members wishing to take part must be registered before 5 October.

View all AGM documents here.

AGM Details

Monday, 16 October 2023, 10:00
The Methodist Church, 72 Church St, Wynberg
RSVP to info@wynbergid.co.za.

New CID By-law Policy

The new CID by-law policy came into effect from 1 July, which serves “To provide for the establishment of City Improvement Districts; to provide for additional rates; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.”

The City of Cape Town’s by-law and policy regarding the establishment and management of City Improvement Districts has gone through several iterations over the years since the concept of a CID was first tested in the year 2000.

The latest revisions of the by-law and policy comes as more than 50 CIDs are now in operation.

The by-law is available to download on our website here.

Read more
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First quarter 2023 updates & meet our WID managers

Wynberg City Improvement District

2023 is well underway and as we embark on a year that promises to elevate our Wynberg Improvement District to new levels, we’d like to introduce you to our core team and provide some essential reminders and updates from WID and the City.

As always, our focus remains on developing a safe, accessible and welcoming urban ecosystem for all workers, visitors and community members in our district. We are firmly committed to supporting the property and business owners in our locality, and our aim is to build upon last year’s successes by strengthening and enhancing our services.

Meet our Wynberg Improvement District managers!

Meet our Wynberg Improvement District managers! Senior manager Deon Manuel (left) and manager De Wet Beck (right) are committed to making Wynberg better for our community, working tirelessly in their key roles as our City Improvement District managers.
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Wynberg Improvement District 2022 roundup & safety tips for the holiday season

Wynberg Improvement District

2022 has been a year for celebrating successes for Wynberg Improvement District and tackling new and ongoing challenges. We renew our commitment to providing top-up services to the City of Cape Town with a special focus on public safety, urban cleaning and management, continuing to lead the charge in the continual improvement of Wynberg as a residential and business area.

As we round up 2022 following our recent AGM held in November, we recap on the year’s work, successes and statistics.

Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District

Wynberg Improvement District’s achievements of the last year are a testament to the team’s commitment, experience and increased on-the-ground presence  –  led by the capable hands of Geocentric, who have been working with city improvement district initiatives since 2001 and responsible for a total of thirteen of Cape Town’s improvement districts from Salt River through to Strand, Tyger Valley and Wynberg.

“The rollercoasting aftermath of Covid lockdowns steadily calmed down in 2022, yet conditions remained difficult as significant increases in the cost of living and the continuous challenges of load-shedding remained at the forefront,” says Gene Lohrentz, director of Geocentric.

“In the face of these new challenges, the Wynberg Improvement District board and management team have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality top-up services in Wynberg. Embracing and implementing adaptability into our vision now seems entrenched in our day-to-day operations as well as our strategic thinking.”

2022 Wynberg Improvement District stats

Wynberg Improvement District 2022 stats Public Safety
Wynberg Improvement District 2022 stats - Urban Cleaning & management

Stay safe this festive season

From increased fire hazards in Cape Town to countrywide holiday travel to seasonal crime spikes, there are many reasons to up our vigilance these summer months and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Home and Work Checklist for Fire Safety

  • Ember-proofing any area, requires the removal of all flammable plants up to 7m from a building, as well as overhanging branches. Checking and cleaning gutters and roofing for debris is important too. 
  • Always remember, your safety is first and if you are not properly trained, call for assistance. 
  • Make sure that all your insurance documents and other important documentation are backed up securely to the cloud.
  • Assign tasks to staff and run fire drills so that everyone is prepared in an emergency.
  • If you need to stay and help fight fires, cover your head, nose and mouth and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear good shoes and gloves.
  • If you have access to water, wet the roof and gutters to stop hot ash from burning the roof.
  • Keep grass cut as short as possible as it helps slow the fire.
  • Keep a hose pipe rolled up and ready.
  • Keep fire extinguishers around that are regularly maintained and train your staff on how to use them safely and correctly.

Safety Tips To Prevent Property Crime

  • Ensure your property can be secured properly. This includes checking all locks, gates, doors, windows and roller shutters.
  • Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or perimeter wall or unintentional points of access to your business or home that may need additional security.
  • Make sure all bushes or trees close to your walls, gates and fences are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding or using them to access your property.
  • Adequate lighting around the perimeter of your property acts as a good deterrent
  • Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors act as an additional deterrent.
  • Have an alarm installed by a reputable security company with armed response.
  • The key to effective security lies in being able to detect a potential intruder before they gain access. Adding detection beams and sensors of electrical fences vastly contributes to property security
  • Ensure your alarm is in working order. Business and property owners should test their alarms at least once a month and should the system require servicing this should be arranged as early as possible.
  • Please ensure that all the key holder information is available and ensure that key holders are available and able to come out to the property should the alarm activate, and checking be required.
  • Don’t leave ladders, spades or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in tools.
  • Ensure that remote controls for automatic gates and garage doors are not left lying around.
  • Always be alert to vehicles or persons following you into your entrance or the parking area.

Road safety tips

  • Check your vehicle before travelling long distances  –  including tyre tread and pressure, oil and water, wind-screen wipers, headlights and brakelights and ensure your spare tyre, jack and emergency warning triangle are all intact and stored in your vehicle
  • Leave early to be prepared for road congestion during busy periods
  • Take breaks to avoid road fatigue which can cause accidents
  • Be aware of pedestrians particularly when passing broken down vehicles or public transport
  • Never drink and drive

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Contact details

As the year draws to a close we remind you once again of our important contact details to report emergencies and incidents.

For Public Safety Emergencies contact our 24-hour control room

  • 021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room 

Emergency numbers

  • 10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)
  • 107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management

City Of Cape Town

  • General Enquiries: 0860 103 089 – Sms 31220 (Electricity)
  • Cable Theft: 0800 222 771
  • Roads And Storm Water: 0800 656 463 – Sms 31373
  • Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423

Visit our Contact page for more details and  capetown.gov.za for more City of Cape Town Emergency Numbers.

Join our WhatsApp Community Group

If you are curious about the work we do and want to stay up to date with the latest developments in your improvement district, you will be able to join our WID Business WhatsApp group by:

• Sending a WhatsApp message to 081 869 8911

• You will need to include your Name and Surname or the name of your business

• You will need to include your street address which should be within the boundary of the Wynberg Improvement District

• We will add you to the Wynberg Improvement District Community Group

Rules and regulations for communicating will be stipulated in the group.

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Update on our results for 2022!

In the last few months, we’ve been working hard on our most important goals all to make our community a safe, rich urban environment where our community can thrive. 

Here is what we have achieved so far: 

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