Drivers in Cape Town could access official CCTV footage in certain circumstances

Regarding privacy, Nqavashe said that the footage can’t be provided to just any member of the public, although there are ways to access this information.

However, he said there are two ways people can apply for access to footage under certain circumstances, such as proving to an insurer that a car crash wasn’t their fault.

The first is to apply using a case number, which can be retrieved from the case detective or the insurer.

If this option fails, the metro has an application that citizens can use to request access to the information under the Promotion of Access to Information Act by motivating their case.

CCTV is used actively to combat crime in Cape Town, but it is good to know there is also some public benefit that taxpayers could get back from it too.

And for those residents with street facing private cameras, they can also join the city’s greater CCTV network, which, according to Nqavashe, could yield multiple benefits.

He said residents with street-facing CCTV could add their cameras to the network, giving them access to the larger network when they need it.

Cape Town is using these cameras, as well as drones, and other systems to also actively monitor their infrastructure. Unfortunately, there are still high crime rates surrounding the theft of taxpayer-paid infrastructure. Anything made of metal, is in danger of being unbolted and carried away.

See mybroadband.co.za/news/securit…
#Blog, #capetown, #CCTV, #technology

This That Beat !

🇿🇦 Mr.Sakitumi ft. D.Form 📼

https://soundcloud.com/d-form-t/mr-sakitumi-meets-d-form-this-that-beat

🎧 Full album -> https://mrsakitumi.bandcamp.com/album/secret-asian-man

#MrSakitumi #DForm #Capetown #SouthAfrica #electro #hiphop #funk #beats #music

Three Meshtastic nodes are active in Cape Town for off-grid communications during disasters or just to meet your neighbours

Myself and two other ham radio operators have established 3 Meshtastic nodes that will operate 24/7 to help build out more connectivity across Cape Town.

We are using license-free 868 MHz radios, so anyone can buy these cheap (ish) devices and get connected. The more nodes we have, the better the connectivity gets across the whole city. These radios will keep messaging going regardless of whether there is Internet or not. So, if we hit Stage 8+ load shedding and cell towers and Internet starts to go down, this messaging network will still work.

This means that citizens can message for assistance needed, and this can be relayed to City or Provincial Disaster Risk Management. Or in cases of loss of communications during a disaster we can also send out messages to everyone on the network as to where water tankers will be deployed etc.

Apart from the public channel (which is much like CB radio’s Channel 19) anyone can also create their own private channels (with passwords) to stay in contact with groups of friends or family. The connections between all radio nodes are encrypted with AES256 encryption, so private messages will stay private even though they bounce across 3 or more other radio nodes to reach the recipient.

You have a phone, so all that is needed is the free Meshtastic app, and a Meshtastic compatible radio device. This is probably bad timing, as right now there is a global shortage of Meshtastic radio devices. The massive global uptake has also made this situation even worse. But the point of preparing for disasters, is to do that well before a disaster strikes.

I’ve documented a lot of my lessons learnt, as well as given some context to the situation in South Africa for this service at the linked web page below.

See https://gadgeteer.co.za/hamradio/meshtastic-in-south-africa/
#Blog, #capetown, #Meshtastic, #offgrid, #southafrica, #technology

Meshtastic

An open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices

Wildfires in South Africa: Firefighters battle blazes near Cape Town

In South Africa, hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple blazes near Cape Town. High winds are driving the fires, and authorities have ordered the eva...#AlJazeera #AlJazeeraEnglish #AlJazeeraLatest #AlJazeeraLive #AlJazeeraLiveNews #AlJazeeraVideo #CapeTown #CapeTownEvacuation #CapeTownFires #CapeTownfirefighters #SouthAfrica
Wildfires in South Africa: Firefighters battle blazes near Cape Town

South Africa protests: Debate on cutting ties with Israel

Members of South Africa’s parliament are expected to debate a motion to cut diplomatic ties with Israel as the war on Gaza continues.South Africa withdrew it...#AfricanNationalCongress #CapeTown #Gaza #Gazabombardment #Gazaceasefire #Gazahumanitariancrisis #Israel #IsraelHamaswar #JewishandPalestiniancommunities #Palestine #Palestinesolidarityrallies #PresidentCyrilRamaphosa #SouthAfricasparliament #YouthforAlqudsSouthAfrica #ceasefirenow #gazaairraids #gazablockade #gazaunderattack #gazawar #voicingitssupportforPalestinians
South Africa protests: Debate on cutting ties with Israel

Google Maps will dodge South Africa’s crime hotspots: Sadly it is needed as tourists have been misdirected

Google Maps will avoid directing motorists through crime hotspots, Pretoria FM reports.

This comes after tourism minister Patricia de Lille and Google country director Alistair Mokoena signed a memorandum of understanding at Parliament on Monday.

Just this last week, a US tourist (thankfully without his family) was directed off the N2 freeway to avoid traffic congestion. The problem is he was directed into an area that is notorious for muggings and attacks. He was shot in the face (without any prior warning) and thankfully he is alive and well. But only a month or two ago, a UK doctor also took a wrong turn off the same freeway and was killed. Locals obviously avoid these off ramps if they can.

It should be noted that this recent case was with an iPhone and there is NO mention of what navigation app was actually used. Google has been the first to respond to take action, and I’ve raised this with Waze last week (still no reply). There is a fair chance it was actually Apple Maps being used, but we don’t know right now.

This stretch of N2 freeway is especially dangerous and a Provincial Traffic patrol, and also a temporary police station, was set up there years ago (not sure if it is still there). Generally, during daylight hours the stretch from the airport to the city is fairly safe, as long as you don’t take any of the turn-offs between the airport and the Jan Smuts Drive turn off. I’d really expect too that any car rental company, at the airport, would thoroughly brief any foreigners before letting them drive off.

So, although we’ve seen warnings for isolated crime hot spots before, they have not actually been routed around crime hot spots properly.

See https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/515099-google-maps-will-dodge-south-africas-crime-hotspots.html
#Blog, #capetown, #navigation, #southafrica, #technology

My web based OpenWebRx receiver has been upgraded to the Plus version with aircraft location data etc

I featured my OpenWebRx receiver about a year or two back, which allows you to use any desktop or mobile browser, to be able to listen to various radio transmissions that are received at my home in Cape Town.

The previous version would allow you to tune into ham radio bulletins, repeaters, and simplex chats, including SSB on VHF and UHF, and even DMR and D-Star repeaters. It also had decoding for APRS location beaconing for vehicles, weather stations, etc.

By upgrading to the Plus version, my station is now also able to receive and decode the ADS-B locator beacons sent out by planes on 1.09 GHz. It looks like it is receiving up to a range of about 40 km. Not new to the Plus version, but I also added a profile for Cape Town International Airport’s Tower and Approach frequencies.

To view APRS or plane ADS-B beacons on a map, first open the correct profile (see red circle on attached image) and choose RTL-SDR Air ADS-B for the planes, or RTL-SDR 2m VHF Digital for the APRS beacons. Then, once they start to show data, click on the Map button at the far top right of the screen to view the map with those locations updated. In both cases, those profiles open on the correct frequencies ready to use.

Be aware though that up to 15 users can use this service, but everyone controls the same view. So, if you are listening to the plane beacons, someone else may switch it to APRS beacons and everyone sees the APRS view. And of course, if tow or three people try to control it, it could become chaotic. I may have to think about limiting it to one person at a time if the experience is not a good one.

You can click on the very top bar where it says ZS1OSS Cape Town, South, and the bar will expand to reveal more information.

See https://openwebrx.gadgeteerza.co.za/
#Blog, #capetown, #hamradio, #planespotting, #technology

Cape Town City libraries use technology to draw young patrons to the bookshelves: Read something, before you can use a tablet

Waiting times have increased due to the tablets’ overwhelming popularity, prompting the library staff to devise a creative solution. Those waiting their turn must read to a staff member before being allowed to use the tablets. This approach has produced remarkable results, with many young students improving their reading skills and gaining newfound confidence.

Gaming sessions are limited to Fridays, Saturdays and school holidays. To secure a slot, children are encouraged to borrow books, read them and then provide a brief review to the librarians, either written or spoken.

Simple, but brilliant! It’s a win-win as the kids get something they’ll enjoy, and at the same time their literacy skills improve. These literacy skills are what will make a massive difference to their school learning, as well as their ability to get jobs one day. Gaming itself will undoubtedly also teach them skills, but literacy trumps all. As an added bonus, they also learn that effort equals reward.

The rollout of this initiative began the previous year with the distribution of 66 tablets to 13 libraries. In 2023, the endeavour has expanded further, with 99 tablets allocated to 19 libraries, and this momentum is expected to persist throughout the year. I hope that more such tablets can be rolled out to additional libraries.

Librarians are not just people who sit behind a counter and stamp books out or charge fines for overdue books. I’ve always found them very helpful (taking you top something instead of just pointing in the distance), and what they do, is more than just about books. Libraries often have computer and Internet facilities, meeting spaces, and more. Many communities really underestimate the importance of libraries, especially to younger children who have a thirst for knowledge. One of the most precious gifts a child can get, is good reading and literacy skills. There is so much knowledge (and entertainment) that is available free of cost at libraries. Reading can inform, relax, motivate, and entertain.

See https://www.capetownetc.com/tech/city-libraries-use-technology-to-draw-young-patrons-to-the-bookshelves/
#Blog, #capetown, #libraries, #literacy, #reading, #technology

Don’t just blindly trust your mobile phone app when hiking or trail running around Cape Town, do these things as well!

Lesser used paths are often very difficult to follow, and a wrong turn can lead you quickly into difficulties, or even plunge off a 100+ metre drop, especially on Table Mountain. So do some extra research and planning before setting out for the first time on a new trail.

Always research a route also on something like Google Maps that will show the contours, distances, places close by, and often photos and reviews. You can also try the 3D view, or else revert to Google Earth for that.

I’d also highly recommend a well-used app like AllTrails that shows not only recent reviews, but also gives an idea of how often a trail is in use. It also has a good side-view of the elevation along the trail. If you are not familiar with the area, try stick to busier routes like the Newlands Forest Trails or Kirstenbosch Gardens if you are on your own. AllTrails as well as Strava (both maybe premium I think) as well as Google Maps will allow you to share your location as you are moving. Privacy is absolutely not a consideration when out hiking or being on a trail run.

Safety against nature is only one consideration, and the other is unfortunately against humans. We’ve had a few instances of muggings, and even murder, in Cape Town so it is not recommended at all that especially non-residents go out alone on lesser used trails, or over the top of Table Mountain where there is little cellphone reception. Always try and hike or run with someone else, try stay within cellphone reception areas, and let others know where you are going, and when you expect to return.

Apps such as Casi cost only about $2 pm and can summon armed response to assist you. You can also consider installing an app (or automation app like Tasker or MacroDroid) that alerts you if cellphone reception has been lost.

If you’re a ham radio operator, carry your VHH/UHF radio with you as you can summon help on 145.700 or 145.750 FM from most areas where there is no cellphone reception, and rescue organisations such as WSAR often have a ham radio operator on board. If your radio has APRS beaconing, keep that on as your location will be pinpointed at all times.

If you feel lost or threatened, rather summon help quickly and at least have someone monitoring you, than leave it too late (even if this is the BnB owner you are staying with).

There are some really great nature and trails to be explored around Cape Town, but it is essential to be prepared before going out. It is absolutely not to be considered a “walk in the park”.

Make sure your phone battery is fully charged, you have some clean drinking water, a good hat, a jacket, and ideally also have mobile data available. Also check the weather reports before leaving, and remember that in strongish winds the cable car station closes (as I discovered one day and had to descend Table Mountain in the dark).

See https://www.capetownetc.com/news/wsar-rescues-trail-runner-in-jonkershoek-nature-reserve/
#Blog, #capetown, #hiking, #safety, #technology

After two years of testing, Cape Town’s Golden Arrow Bus Service will go operational with 60 new electric buses per year

Cape Town-based Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) is planning to introduce 60 electric buses to its fleet every year starting in 2024 until it has replaced its full fleet of 1,100 diesel-powered people haulers.

After two years of testing both a 37 and 65-seater electric bus along major commuter routes in Cape Town, GABS’s pilot project has proved to be highly successful.

Initially, the buses completed 7,000km of testing without passengers with the weight of the maximum number of occupants modelled using sandbags to check whether the vehicles would be able to traverse the mountainous terrains on which they are required to work. The real-life trials showed that the electric BYD buses were able to operate on the steepest inclines in Cape Town, most notably Hospital Bend on the M3.

In addition to the satisfactory driving performance, GABS found that it could save upwards of R657,000 per year on fuel for its diesel buses by switching to electric, as well as achieve a 50% savings in spare parts and 80% savings in oils and lubricants.

Therefore, despite the battery-powered buses being two to three times more expensive than their diesel counterparts, the cost savings will see them paying for themselves within two to eight years, according to a Green Cape case study.

Test after test has shown that bus fleets around the world will benefit from going electric. Busses are the perfect type of vehicle for this use case, as they are depot bound, have known routes and distances, and have a period of rest when charging can be done. Bus fleets also have lots of operational and maintenance data to do proper case studies. And, of course for commuters, both inside the bus and others in rush hour traffic, the air is far cleaner to breath.

The facts are, times have chnaged along with available technology and the economics are telling us the chnage now makes sense.

See https://topauto.co.za/features/83106/1100-electric-buses-coming-to-cape-town/
#Blog, #airpollution, #capetown, #environment, #EV

Cape Town libraries have free access to Overdrive or Libby eBooks as well as over 7,000 local and international newspapers via PressReader

Apart from the above there is also online access to African storybooks in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans, Fundza literacy learning, SA curriculum for homeschooling, ISET publication for careers in IT, and more.

It is really good to see libraries catering for online and remote access in modern times. I see too our local library will be celebrating their 100th year of service next, after starting out in May 1924 from the premises of a private home shortly after the suburb was established and the first houses were built.

Free online access such as this brings really easy access to all residents, who just need an Android or iOS device to access a rich variety of learning and news.

I remember many years ago when I first got the PressReader app, how I wished there was easier, more ready access to it. But back then libraries, by us anyway, were not really up to date and e-books were not on their horizon at all. I remember then still visiting a library in person and having to navigate the Dewey catalogue system of cards in order to actually find the book on the shelves, and hope it was not checked out already. Today, there is little need to travel to the library unless you want to use the free computer resources or get person-to-person assistance.

See https://opac.capetown.gov.za/
#Blog, #capetown, #learning, #libraries, #southafrica, #technology

#streetart #art #artwork #Capetown #SouthAfrica

OURphone: A Cape Town innovator develops a truly open-source smartphone (hardware and software)

Cape Town-based innovator Evan Robinson claims he has developed the world’s first open source, do-it-yourself (DIY) smartphone that anyone can build from off-the-shelf components.

Robinson says he came up with the idea after getting frustrated by the limitations and lack of privacy provided by consumer smartphones.

“I wanted people to have more control and optionality over their most personal smart devices, so I built an Open source, Upgradeable, Repairable Smartphone that is completely big tech free. It’s not theirs – it’s OURS,” he says.

It may not be that compact yet, but he is looking to collaborate on the Github project around ideas. Like any open-source phone (on the software side) it may face challenges by banks, for example, which test for rooted devices for security authentication, but hopefully ideas can also help solve that challenge. And yes, most people may not be able to build it themselves, but the recipe could be used by those who can and can sell the completed device.

See https://www.itweb.co.za/content/KBpdg7pm3RDMLEew
#Blog, #capetown, #hardware, #opensource, #OURphone, #technology

Visit to Spice Route Destination and De Villiers Chocolate outside Cape Town

Spice Route Destination is about 45 minutes drive, along the N1, from Cape Town. It is in Paarl South, situated right next door to the the Fairview Wine Estate (Goats, Cheese and Wine). It has great views facing back towards Cape Town and Table Mountain.

There are quite a few businesses situated at the location but of interest to us were the De Villiers Hand Crafted Chocolates (and they had a 20% off sale!), the CBC Craft Beer Brewery, and the restaurants. We paid R30pp to do chocolate tasting and we bought a few chocolates. Info on the chocolates at https://devillierschocolate.com/. Of course there are also wine sales, the Wilderer Distillery making artisan gin, and a few others vendors. See https://www.spiceroute.co.za/.

We had lunch at La Grapperia Bistro and Pizzeria and enjoyed the great view. We both had a seafood pizza for only R130 each. The beer of course was freshly brewed 100m North of us.

After lunch we enjoyed two scoops of hand-crafted ice cream. The chocolate is especially tasty as, of course, it has real high-quality chocolate in it!

It was also a chance to use the Galaxy S23 Ultra phone camera bit. So, there are some wide angle, 3x and 10x optical zoom shots.

See all the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/LqWMg4n4T3fGJ3RQA
#Blog, #brewery, #capetown, #chocolate, #places, #southafrica

Moon “mode” photo taken on my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The phone uses AI to recognise it as a moon photo, and opens an aiming square (top left of the screenshot) which helps find the moon at full 100x digital zoom.

It uses AI to slightly enhance the photo as normally at 100x digital zoom this would be pretty blurry, actually. So not going to replace a DSLR quite yet, but a nice and easy shot (just mounted on a tripod).
Screenshot showing the aiming square top left to locate the Moon at full 100x zoom End result of moon photo
#moon #fullmoon #samsunggalaxys23ultra #capetown
#Blog, ##capetown, ##moon, ##samsunggalaxys23ultra, ##technology

Simon’s Town historic 9-inch rifled muzzle loading cannon (RML) will fire 5 times during 2023 in Cape Town

A historic 9-inch rifled muzzle loading cannon (RML) is one of the South African Naval Museum’s premier exhibits and its firing is proving a major attraction for the Simon’s Town-based museum.

Permission was granted and the cannon will go boom five times this year, all on public holidays (with one exception). Dates and firing times are 27 April (Freedom Day) at 12h00; 16 June (Youth Day) at 12h00; 24 September (Heritage Day) at 12h00; 11 November (Armistice Day) at 11h00 and 15 December (Day of Reconciliation) at 12h00.

The 9-inch cannon at Middle North Battery above Simon’s Town is a rifled muzzle loading (RML) one with a nine inch bore diameter positioned by the British in 1896 Steyn writes.

“With the commissioning of more modern cannon in defence of Simon’s Bay at the turn of the last century, the 9-inch cannon became obsolete and was abandoned to vandalism and deterioration. Until Croome – then the Warrant Officer-in-Charge of the South African Naval Museum – proceeded to save the cannon and the precinct at Middle North from further neglect. Over the course of many years and weekends he restored the old cannon to a point where it could be proof fired again – for the first time in 108 years – in time for the Navy Festival in April 2011.”

See https://www.defenceweb.co.za/military-history/simons-town-muzzle-loading-cannon-firing-dates-finalised/?utm_source=pocket_saves

#CapeTown #SouthAfrica #canon #museum #history
#Blog, ##canon, ##capetown, ##history, ##museum, ##southafrica

City of Cape Town has its own Load Shedding apps for Android and iOS

There has been some confusion between Eskom’s national stage levels and the City of Cape Town, for load shedding, mainly because Cape Town operates on a slightly lower stage level with its hydroelectric power generation. So many national apps try to cater for the different stage level for Cape Town, but citizens do get a bit confused with the stage changes.

The City’s own app shows just Cape Town and also includes a graphical map showing which areas are which, and which area is currently load shedding, and which one is next. The map also assist in finding your correct areas to add to the watch list.

The app also does a few other things, like reporting of faults and purchase of prepaid electricity, which I’ve not tested.

The app can be found at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esri.app9002d9bd7ea24a89ac679830537afe82 and at https://apps.apple.com/za/app/city-of-cape-town/id1613339640?platform=iphone

#technology #capetown #southafrica #loadshedding #faults
#Blog, ##capetown, ##faults, ##loadshedding, ##southafrica, ##technology

The steam train between Cape Town and Elgin is back from 28 November 2021

The trip takes about four hours, with the train winding its way up Sir Lowry's Pass before descending into Grabouw and the valley below, best known for its green tapestry of apple and pear orchards.

Passengers aboard the Class 19 D steam locomotive – affectionately known as Dolly – will have around three hours to explore the Elgin Railway Market. The market hosts a variety of food stalls and retail booths, selling jewellery, genuine leather goods, and even bespoke braai tools. There's a bar that serves local wines, beer, and cider and a wine shop stocked with Elgin and Bot River wines.

Regular trips will resume every Saturday and Sunday.

See TAKE A LOOK | The steam train between Cape Town and Elgin is back at the end of the month

#capetown #southafrica #tourism #steamlocomotives #thingstodo

The steam train route between Cape Town and Elgin returns on 28 November.

https://gadgeteer.co.za/steam-train-between-cape-town-and-elgin-back-28-november-2021

TAKE A LOOK | The steam train between Cape Town and Elgin is back at the end of the month

A Walk in Newlands Forest in Cape Town

Walking and hiking in Newlands Forest, in Cape Town, is a very popular activity. There are numerous trails to explore. The area is patrolled by both the Park Rangers and SA Police (road routes), and it is heavily used so you are usually not alone, and there is ample free and safe parking.

There are a number of geocaches also hidden along the various trails, so if that is your thing, be sure to plan ahead for this. This particular route takes about 45 minutes and has no steps. Be sure though to take water with you, and always inform someone where you intend to walk and when you expect to be back. There is cellphone coverage along the whole route.

The base itself also has a helipad landing area where the helicopters land while doing fire fighting duties on the mountain.

Watch at

A Walk in Newlands Forest in Cape Town
by Danie van der Merwe on YouTube

#capetown #southafrica #hiking #walking #trails

https://gadgeteer.co.za/walk-newlands-forest-cape-town

Valentine's Day Steam Trip in Cape Town

Atlantic Rail organised various steam train trips out of Cape Town, including an annual Valentine's Day trip down to Fish Hoek (or Simon's Town), depending on availability of the line. I think Atlantic Rail has now been amalgamated with Ceres Rail so it is best to check for availability with them.

If you ever visit Cape Town in the future and are interested in steam trips, it is best to book long before the time, to ensure availability. Bookings are all handled online.

Watch at

Valentine's Day Steam Trip - Cape Town to Fish Hoek
by Danie van der Merwe on YouTube

#southafrica #capetown #steamtrain #steamlocomotive

https://gadgeteer.co.za/valentines-day-steam-trip-cape-town