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Tuesday 8 March 2011
Tel: 021 713 9440 Fax: 021 713 9481
TAKING FLIGHT: The Cape Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is presenting What a Wonderful World at the Art scape Theatre from Friday 4 March until Sunday 13 March. The production is di rected by Debbie Turner, in collaboration with Jacqui Pells and Nathalie Vijver. The performance showcases 175 talented young dancers from the ages of five to 25 in a production that explores global cultures and events through ballet, modern, hip hop, tap, drama and song. Tickets are available from Computicket and range from R75 to R150. For more infor mation call 083 915 8000.
School loses points for missing information TERESA FISCHER
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AYS ahead of the official opening of Claremont High School, the City of Cape Town has confirmed that it has discovered “a number of inconsistencies” in the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works’ application for rezoning. After re-examining the case, officials found certain information was either “incorrect” or “missing”, says Cheryl Walters, the City of Cape Town’s Director of Planning and Building Development Management. As a result the application will be re-advertised and the public participation process must be re-conducted. However, the school has been open since mid-January and is also not compliant with the zoning scheme regulations. The State is not exempt from zoning scheme requirements. In a previous article, the town planner appointed to write an objection on behalf of residents, Tommy Brümmer, said he was “alarmed” by the “lack the information” provided by the Department of Transports and Public Works, noting that
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essential information, including traffic and parking implications, were absent. Traffic congestion and parking issues are residents’ major gripes about the Molteno Road school (“School’s out, People’s Post, 18 January 2010 and “School issues still not resolved”, People’s Post, 1 February 2010). Furthermore, Walters reports that the building work that has taken place is not in accordance with the plans lodged with the city council. However, she explains that the National Building Regulations specifically say that the State is exempt from these regulations. Walters says therefore the question of whether building work is unauthorised is a complex one. Walters says the State submits courtesy plans, which are assessed by the Department of Planning and Building Development Management, and a letter is then sent to the owner advising any requirements necessary to ensure the plans comply with the National Building Regulations. The Department of Transport and Public Works managed the application on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Education. (WCED). “There is no approval given and only advice is provided for the nec-
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portunity of setting out their concerns. Ultimately, the Protea subcouncil decides whether or not to approve the application, explains Brümmer. Brümmer says: “All responsible citizens as well as the provincial and central government should abide by the zoning regulations in order to maintain a coordinated and functional city.” A Molteno Road resident who asked not to be named says: “Well, we are now into March and absolutely nothing has come of any of the promises made by MEC for Education Donald Grant.” She lists access issues in Harfield and Molteno roads and adds the promised meeting has not been held. She adds: “We are also concerned about good governance on the part of the Education Department. Were proper procedures followed in the appointment of the architects? They are not in the telephone directory. Was the building work put out to tender – was it advertised correctly? Were all the teaching posts correctly advertised?” Bronagh Casey, spokesperson for Education MEC Donald Grant, says provincial government is working
closely with the City to resolve any other planning or related issues. Casey says Grant has held “a number of meetings with the local councillor and individual residents” to find solutions to any legitimate concerns. He will this week communicate the date and time of the information evening to be held at the school later this month. “Finally, Minister Grant warmly welcomes any and all reasonable and constructive suggestions on how to minimise any disruption that the operation of the school may pose. He, however, will not entertain ill-informed questions or speculation about the actual governance of the school or by the WCED, all which has been done within the confines of the necessary law, which is a tribute to this government’s desire to provide a quality education to a diversity of learners.” Grant and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille will be guest speakers at the opening on Saturday 12 March.
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essary amendments. If the State department chooses not to implement the amendments, the city cannot take action,” says Walters. In this case, the necessary land use rights have not been obtained, so the courtesy plans have not yet been assessed. This anomaly is something ward councillor Ian Iversen says is a “piece of apartheid legislation that needs to be done away with”. Iversen says in Kenilworth, a minister or a deputy minister is converting a garage into a bedroom/office but is not required to submit building plans. Iversen says: “It just sends the wrong message. It doesn’t seem fair or right that you have to look the other way. In South Africa we have to level the playing fields.” But the building work should be done only in terms of the authorised use and compliance with the zoning scheme which still has to be obtained. Walters confirms the necessary land use rights have not been obtained Brümmer says the public participation process will take place only when the application is found to be complete. Surrounding property owners will then be given the op-
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