Traffic chaos in Cape Town: A resident's plea for change

Arthur Talbot, Mouille Point

Writes in response to a letter to the editor entitled "Enough is enough" (Atlantic Sun, November 6).

Reading Mr Smulik's letter and the response from mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith it is clear to me that Mr Smith has not read a word that Mr Smulik raised in his concerns regarding the absolute nightmare and traffic congestion shambles that precedes each of these "events" or the chaotic conditions that the plus 40 000 residents have to put up with every time an event is held in the cramped confines in the area under the spotlight.

All he is talking about is the jobs of 40 000 people that may be in jeopardy if events are curtailed.

He boasts about the amount of money that fills the coffers of the City of Cape Town if events were limited.

His words wax lyrical off his pen; events are woven into the social and economic fabric of Cape Town.

Nonsense, the people who benefit directly are the owners of restaurants, pubs, and shops in the immediate vicinity of the events themselves.

Why are these events not spread out to say Blouberg, Khayelitsha, Claremont, Rondebosch, Simon's Town, and Constantia so the love can be spread around and all of the shopkeepers can benefit?

Why is it always that all roads lead to the stadium and to hell with residents who have to fight their way through very congested traffic to drop off kids at school, get to appointments, and sometimes just try and get out of town without being redirected into congested areas.

The recent Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was a case in point where trying to get from Beach Road via either Glengariff Road - main road, Helen Suzman Boulevard (HSB), or via the Waterfront was a no-go area, and the race never even took place.

The Stellenbosch - Kaizer Chiefs football game was another chaotic situation with no points man at the Portswood Drive, HSB, eastward direction, turning right created a traffic nightmare for those traveling along the HSB eastwards.

This at 3pm when the kick off was at the same time.

When one eventually got through the westbound traffic on HSB stretched right past the overhead flyover coming into town.

The spokesman is living in cloud cuckoo land if he thinks that people enjoy this type of regular chaos.

I fully support Mr Smulik that it's time that the municipality limited the number of events, or granted the less important events to other areas in the metropole, which will give residents in the area a well-deserved break.

We are so. used to getting informed of road closures that the City may want to introduce an inconvenience tax because that is what it is.

With more and more people being attracted to the city and cruise ships visiting, we are on the cusp of total gridlock.

Smith says the benefits outweigh the impact on residents.

If he does a poll on the plus or minus 40 000 residents in the area and they agree with him, then I will gladly bow down to the majority vote.

I disagree with him that fewer events will diminish the vibrancy that defines Cape Town. I think that spreading events to other areas will be very welcome in an already congested area and will give areas on the metro's periphery a welcome economic boost.

The City of Cape Town is preparing for another bustling month of activities, with around 200 event organisers having applied for permits to host events across the metro during November.  

• The City's mayoral committee member for safety and security responds: November's vibrant events calendar is already well underway, following a successful weekend that saw a combined 100 000 spectators attend the Killarney Motor Show, Liefde by die Dam, and Red Bull Flugtag.  

This past weekend gave us just a glimpse of what lies ahead for Cape Town this summer.

The coming weekend will be no different, with our Events Permit Office monitoring more than 20 events across the city. 

Based on the applications received so far, we anticipate around 480 000 people will attend or participate in events hosted across Cape Town this month.

This bodes well for an industry that depends on strong attendance to sustain livelihoods, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.

The City’s events, as well as safety and security staff, remain on hand to ensure that all participants and spectators enjoy a safe, seamless, and memorable experience.  

This coming weekend’s events calendar offers a diverse line-up of musical performances, extreme sports, and cultural showcases.  

The Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival kicks off the festivities with a celebration of traditional Maskandi music, fashion, and heritage.   

Taking place at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium on Saturday, November 8, the festival features some of Cape Town’s finest artists, including Mshayi and Mr Tela, uGatsheni, Majongosi, Thandazani, Mjolisi, Njoko, Menzi, DJ Prince, and more.  

The annual event is one of the biggest cultural festivals in Cape Town, showcasing top artists, township pride, youth talent, and cultural unity.   

The festival starts at 11am and runs until 10pm, with tickets available via Webtickets.   

The FNB Wines2Whales, which set off from Hermanus last Friday, will conclude at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West on Sunday, November 9.   

Now in its 16th year, the nine-day event features 650 teams of two riders each, covering approximately 200 km of mountain terrain and 4 500 metres of climbing.   

Spectators are invited to welcome the riders at Lourensford from 9am on Sunday.  

On the same day, parts of the central business district (CBD) and surrounds will be transformed into temporary skateparks courtesy of Red Bull Spot Check.  

The event will bring together some of the world's best skateboarders at iconic spots chosen by the public.    

Locations include City Bowl Park, the Iziko South African Museum at the Company’s Garden, Thibault Square, and the Civic Centre.  

The action kicks off at Baseline Skate Shop on Kloof Street from noon, before moving between the various sites.   

This is a free event open to the public.  

The busy November events calendar will also include:   

Women In Festival at Newlands Cricket Ground on Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14.   

Cape Town Disabled Open at King David Mowbray Club from Sunday, November 16 until Tuesday, November 18 

Ultra Trail Cape Town at Gardens Rugby Club from Friday, November 21, until Sunday, November 23

iRed Bull King of the Air at Kite Beach, in Blouberg, on Saturday, November 22, until Sunday, December 7 (competition window)

Italy in Town at Cape Quarter, De Waterkant, on Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23

DStv KykNET Mitchell's Plain Festival at Westridge Gardens from Friday, November 28 until Sunday, November 30  

Surf Expo Africa, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2) from Friday, November 28, until Sunday, November 30

Torpedo SwimRun at Sandy Bay on Saturday, November 29 

Cape Malay Choir Board Choral Competition Grand Final at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, November 29 

OK Mamre Community Rugby 7’s at Mamre Sports Ground on Saturday, November 29

Streetopia at Lower Main Road and The Village Green on Saturday, November 29 

Toy Run at Killarney International Raceway on Sunday, November 30 

Heineken World Tour in Partnership with F1 at Green Point Precinct on Sunday, November 30 

For more information on these and other events in Cape Town, visit: www.eventsincapetown.com