Prioritising the very DNA of Cape Town – its people and street life – The City Walk will see the cultural, economic and social upliftment of the city’s interconnected public space. This pedestrian spine of the city starts in the Company’s Garden, proceeds down Government Avenue and St George’s Mall, before turning onto the Fan Walk and ending at the Prestwich Memorial in St Andrew’s Square.

Starting at the cultural precinct, people are encouraged to experience:

• Iziko Bertram House
• Iziko South African Museum
• Iziko Planetarium
• Iziko South African National Gallery
• South African Jewish Museum
• South African National Library
• Centre for the Book
• St Georges Cathedral and the Crypt.
• There is also potential to add in Parliament
• The various experiences at Company Gardens currently include the Lions Gate, Rose Garden, heritage story boards, feeding squirrels and enjoying the bird house. The imminent addition of a vegetable garden (replicated from the original VOC gardens), children’s play area, and Madame Zingara restaurant as well as the outdoor chess area will add to these offerings.
• Public art, including:
  • General Jan Smuts memorial, Company Gardens, near National Gallery
  • Mark O’Donovan’s “Man Running from Lion”, in front of National Gallery
  • Bruce Arnot’s “Niminous Beast”, in front of National Gallery
  • Rosenclaire “Soap boxes”, in front of National Gallery
  • Iain Redenlinghuys, Untitled (Stainless Steel), in front of National Gallery
  • Brett Murray’s “Aids Memorial”, Company Gardens Rose Garden

The route then takes the visitor to St Georges Mall, a pedestrianized route where visitors can experience African art and curio traders, and an offering of formal retail shopping and casual al fresco dining.

Public art along the route includes:

• Piece of Berlin Wall, St Georges Mall near Wale Street
• Fritha Langerman and Catherine Bull’s “Come to Pass”, Compass on the floor at St Georges and Shortmarket Str intersection

Diversions from the St Georges Mall route include:

• Along Bureau Street to Church Square, where there is public art (Wilma Cruise and Gavin Younge’s “The Cape Town Memorial to the Enslaved”, Church Square; Oom Jan statue and the remembrance of the Slave Tree”. Here, visitors can also visit the Iziko Social History Centre (appointment only) and Slave Museum.

• Along Longmarket or Shortmarket Streets to Green Market Square, where an authentic African market experience can be enjoyed, along with markers of the colonial history of Cape Town, including the original cobble stone flooring, and the Michaelis Collection, housed at the Iziko Old Town House.

At the intersection of St Georges Mall and Waterkant, where the iconic Brett Murray sculpture titled “Africa” stands, the route takes a turn along the “Fan Walk” – a pedestrian route developed in the city’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup hosted in 2010.  Along this route, more street traders, retailers and fast-food stores can be enjoyed, culminating at the Prestwich Memorial, where according to a plaque at the space “ossuaries house the remains of people who had been buried in and around the burial grounds of the Green Point area – between the second half of the 18th century and the late 19th century.  The human remains placed in these ossuaries are from unmarked graves, many of them being slaves and the poor who had been buried outside the formal graveyards”.

Public art can also be enjoyed here, including:

• Kommetjie Environmental Action Group, “Full Circle Tree”, opposite Prestwich Memorial
• Ettienne de Kock’s “Dancing in a Melting Pot”, opposite Prestwich Memorial
• Conrad Hendricks “Implements”, opposite Prestwich Memorial
• Heath Nash’s “ It’s Beautiful Here”, opposite Prestwich Memorial
• Felix Holme’s “Wind Tree”, opposite Prestwich Memorial
• Willard Musarurwa’s “Wired”, opposite Prestwich Memorial

The precinct will feature free wireless and the evolution of informative signage to assist in peeling back the layers of Cape Town’s hidden stories. The introduction of more public ablutions, experimental street food offerings, permanent as well as temporary public art, and event activations will form a practical aspect to developing the space as a lively destination.

Recognised for its safety, liveability and tourism desirability, the Cape Town CBD is steeped in heritage, public art, retail and events – both informal and formal. The City Walk will thread these elements together across all the layers of the Cape Town CBD story into an informative, engaging precinct to captivate both locals and visitors.

More than responding to the growing tourism trend for authentic urban experiences, the City Walk is key to activating Cape Town’s CBD as a 24-hour city. The Cape Town Partnership envisions the route as an extension of the daytime foot traffic in the area, with spin-offs for the surrounding businesses, residents and commuters.

“The development of a curated route or cultural precinct is something that will involve the stakeholders and participants in this story,” says Cape Town Partnership CEO, Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana. Speaking at the AGM, she appealed to the public to work with them to co-create the route. “We envision a team of stakeholders who will be able to engage with us about the narrative of this route. We want it to be authentic, and to include diverse voices and perspectives.”

These voices would include those of both formal and informal retailers, cultural and historical landmarks and institutions, and organisations concerned with contemporary development and public life, as well as residents, visitors, students, scholars, artists, entrepreneurs and everyone who finds themselves engaging with the city.

The project has already been endorsed by the City of Cape Town. “For visitors such a route will immediately provide an accessible and coherent means to experience Cape Town as a city destination. For locals such a route can open up the city, provide a sense of inclusivity and encourage the sense of Cape Town being a ‘crossroads’ or meeting point across divergent histories, cultures and demographics,” enthused Tim Harris, head of the City of Cape Town’s Investment directorate.

The Cape Town Partnership is welcoming conversation through an email address or social media hashtags #CityWalkCT.Cape Town

Cape Town’s City Centre/CBD
As the commercial hub of the city, 40% of Cape Town’s total business turnover takes place in the CBD. Home to a number of provincial and national government offices, it is also the cultural heart of the metropole.

Urban and cultural tourism now accounts for 70% of global tourism. City brands have an increasing importance in attracting and retaining talent, visitors and citizens, as well as in the definition of our national consciousness.

Guided by the Central City Development Strategy, the Cape Town Partnership strives to create a city that is:

• a more competitive business location
• a quality sustainable urban environment
• a popular destination for Capetonians and visitors
• a leading centre of knowledge, creativity and innovation
• a crossroads that connects people to the rest of the city

World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014 Winners
Hotel Verde, known as the greenest hotel in Africa, won the Best City Hotel Gold award and the V&A Waterfront won the Best Destination Gold award at the 11^th Responsible Tourism Awards held at World Travel Market London today.

Other South African finalists also received awards. Mdumbi Backpackers based in the Eastern Cape received an accolade winning the Best for Poverty Reduction Silver award, and SAASA (South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance – Monkeyland, Birds of Eden & Jukani) won a Gold award for Best Animal Welfare Initiative and the overall World Responsible Tourism award.

The awards have become the global benchmark for responsible tourism leadership. They recognise the essential role that tourism can play in benefitting citizens and enriching the perspectives of travellers worldwide. Candidates for the awards are nominated by the public and the travel industry, and there is a rigorous judging process to ensure that winners are accountable and deserving of their honours.

Cape Town Tourism, CEO, Enver Duminy, congratulated the winners on the recognition they had achieved; “These Cape Town Tourism members have proven themselves to be up there with the world’s best. We salute their innovation and integrity, and can all learn from their journey.”

International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations 2015
Furthermore, the City of Cape Town revealed that it will play host to the 11^th International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations, to be held from 13 to 15 April 2015. The conference, a collaboration between the City of Cape Town and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, will form part of Africa Travel Week, incorporating WTM Africa. The announcement was made at the World Travel Market in London, which is being attended by Cape Town Tourism.

Delegates to the International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations will be well timed to attend Africa Travel Week (13-17 April 2015), which includes the International Luxury Travel Market Africa, International Business Travel Market Africa and WTM Africa. In addition, the organisers of the conference have announced that the inaugural African Responsible Tourism Awards will be held during Africa Travel Week.

Says City of Cape Town Mayco Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Garreth Bloor; “Cape Town is a pioneer in responsible tourism. It was here that the 1^st International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations was held in 2002 and that resulted in the establishment of the Cape Town Declaration. This was the game changer and catalyst for our tourism role-players to achieve sustainable development through responsible tourism practices.  Together with our tourism partners, we have achieved a lot on this front but there is still more that needs to be done. We will continue to strive towards this goal of responsibility and build on the brave choices made along the way. We look forward to hosting next year’s conference, and affiliated awards, in the Mother City.”

Cape Town also launched its new dedicated responsible tourism website www.responsiblecapetown.co.za at World Travel Market today.

South Africa maintained its number 1 spot in the African meetings category, followed by Kenya and Morocco with triple the amount of meetings held. In the African city rankings, Cape Town was the ultimate winner with Durban 2^nd and Nairobi 3^rd.  Stellenbosch placed 10^th an incredible feat for this picturesque town in the Cape Winelands region.

In relation to its partners in the BestCities Global Alliance (Berlin, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Vancouver) Cape Town fared very well at 52^nd, behind Melbourne at 44^th and Vancouver at 38^th.

Cape Town and the Western Cape’s impressive results are attributed to our award-winning international airport, world-class infrastructure, award-winning international convention centre and its vibrant destination appeal, making it a first choice destination to meet in.

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) General Manager for Commercial and Business Development, Megan Arendse says that the recent ICCA rankings bears further testament to Cape Town’s appeal as one of the world’s leading convention destinations and the leading destination in Africa.

“The centre’s imminent expansion is set to further enhance Cape Town’s value proposition as it will attract a greater number of international association conferences to the city, thereby further enhancing economic growth and job creation”, she adds.

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, a division of Wesgro — the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for the province, has been working closely with its BestCities Global Alliance partners to source leads and bid intelligence. They have also strengthened relationships with local Professional Conference Organisers by providing stronger marketing support for building attendance and on-site event services.

Nils Flaatten, CEO of Wesgro, adds “The latest rankings serves as testament to our world-class facilities, dynamic product and service offerings and unwavering professionalism. Without our stakeholders and partners this would not have been achieved and it is because of them that we celebrate our global ranking as a top destination to meet in.”

ICCA is a prominent international meetings organisation and the only association that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events. ICCA boasts more than 850 members in over 80 countries worldwide.

So we thought we should at least try to find out.

Media24 reports that Limpopo premier, Cassel Mathale, might be the richest premier in South Africa, with more than 20 directorships, a 1,700ha farm and a health spa.  And his day job!

Mathale told City Press that he started registering companies in 1997 and has ­business interests in the property market.   “Our company is very big, it is growing and we wish it could be the biggest property company in South Africa. I can do business with government because I have the right to do that,” he said.

In April last year, Mathale ­declared five properties: a farm and health spa in Letsitele; two houses in Polokwane and a house in Nkowankowa.  He also declared an interest in 16 trading entities.

Wealthy politicians are nothing new in Limpopo, or the old Transvaal which it formed part of.  Former minister of (at various times) agriculture and transport, the late Hendrik Schoeman, was regarded as one of the biggest and most successful farmers in SA and was based near Groblersdal and Marble Hall in Limpopo.  Maybe his son inherited the title… or maybe it’s one of the wealthy farmers in the Tzaneen area.

Limpopo’s mines are largely owned by the Anglo’s and Rio Tinto’s of the world, but there are some new- and some not-so-newcomers. One of these is Tim Tebeila, executive chairman of Sekoko Resources.  His group entered mainstream economic activity when it emerged as a major shareholder in the newly listed coal mining operation Firestone Energy SA, an extension of Australian coal mining giant Firestone Energy.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RaSbQiEleI

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMe_ydVSsP0

And then of course there’s Julius Malema… maybe that’s the reason behind this being such a popular question.  He’s certainly risen from ‘rags’ to riches in a few short years and, if reports are accurate, plays an inordinately important role in awarding and sharing in contracts.

If you have the answer and know who the richest man (or woman) is, please let us know so we can share it with everyone.

WINNERS: from left to right: Tim Jobson (Friends of Rondebosch Common), Annalene de Beer (for Vernon Gibbs-Halls), Braam Malherbe, Elma Pollard, Suzanne du Plessis, Martin Thompson, Jean Fillis, Jonathan Deal (behind), WESSA CEO Mumsie Gumede (behind), Kelvin Cochrane, Marilyn van der Velden, Pierre de Villiers, Janette Maree du Toit and Niel van Wyk. Not present: Green Renaissance Filmmaking Team.

Thirteen outstanding individuals and groups were formally acknowledged by WESSA for their contribution to the South African environmental conservation and environmental education sector at a special ceremony, which took place on Thursday 18 August 2011 in the Silver Tree restaurant at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The annually presented Regional WESSA Awards attracted many nominations this year, all of which spoke of excellent work being done.  “Though not all nominations were selected for an award, WESSA will  reconsider them for future recognition, especially those linked with environmental initiatives that are likely to gain further evidence of sustainable positive impact over time”, said the organisation’s Patrick Dowling, Head of Environmental Education for the region.  “We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of all the nominees and honoured each one of them at the event”, he added.

The 2011 Regional WESSA Awards were presented in a variety of categories to Suzanne du Plessis  (Friends of Die Swart Tobie), Niel van Wyk (Friends of Rietvlei and Blaauberg Conservation Area), Jean Fillis (Friends of Kirstenhof Wetland), Kelvin Cochrane (Dressing of the Princess Project at Princess Vlei), Jonathan Deal (Treasure the Karoo Action Group),  Friends of Rondebosch Common, Marilyn van der Velden (Recycle Swop Shop in Hermanus), Martin Thompson (City of Cape Town, Catchment Management), Pierre de Villiers (Programme Manager:  Marine Protected Areas, Islands and Estuaries; and Co-ordinator: CAPE Estuaries Programme), Vernon Gibbs-Halls (Eden District Municipality Planning and Environmental Unit), Janette Maree du Toit (Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve), the Green Renaissance Filmmaking Team and Elma Pollard (the Green Times).

The Awards had particular significance this year as the presentation ceremony formed part of a special programme of celebrations to mark the occasion of WESSA’s 85^th anniversary – that is, 85 years of caring for the Earth through pro-active engagement with the challenges and opportunities presented by South Africa’s unique natural heritage and with the social and economic systems that depend on it.

WESSA CEO Mumsie Gumede gave the evening’s opening address, in which she outlined the organisation’s national strategic direction, and this was followed by number of regional conservation and education reports, which highlighted more local achievements over the past year.

The guest speaker at the event was Braam Malherbe – extreme adventurer, conservationist and 50/50 presenter – who presented an inspirational talk entitled “Re-connect with the wilderness, both without and within”.  Braam’s affiliation with WESSA goes back to the 1970s when he ran 532km in 11 days from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town to raise funds for WESSA’s conservation work with the protection of the Langebaan Lagoon.  For this remarkable effort, Braam was Awarded Life Membership of the organization.

Also included in the programme for the evening was the exhibition of an exquisite series of wildlife pencil drawings by local artist Bowen Boshier who generously donated the bulk of the profits from the sale of his works to WESSA’s Rhino Fund.   Bowen is no stranger to WESSA, having received in 2008 a WESSA Volunteer Award in recognition of the time and energy he had put into tackling various environmental issues, from inappropriate developments to alien invasive plants.

The convivial event drew a strong attendance of WESSA members, Friends groups, partners, funders and sponsors, and wine for the evening was generously sponsored by Vondeling Wines, a Biodiversity and Wine Initiative-certified estate in the Paardeberg wine region near Wellington.

The Award citations follow below:

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Suzanne du Plessis – Friends of Die Swart Tobie
For her uncompromising energy over many years in dealing with the struggles and challenges facing the environment of the Cape West Coast.  She has shown commitment, courage and creative enthusiasm in running environmental projects, confronting issues of governance and accountability, resisting inappropriate development and promoting public participation and social upliftment in the Doringbaai – Strandfontein region.

Niel van Wyk – Friends of Rietvlei and Blaauberg Conservation Area (BCA)
For his mature, informed and firm approach to addressing environmental issues in and around the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve, and for championing the cause of wetlands in South Africa.  He has valiantly fended off inappropriate developments and provided sound and practical advice on environmental management.

Jean Fillis - Friends of Kirstenhof Wetland
For her unwavering commitment and selfless efforts to improve the environment in her own and our back yard.   Leading by example as an active member of her community and Friends of Kirstenhof Wetlands, Jean engages proactively with City Parks, fundraises, and has established indigenous gardens which are of environmental and educational benefit. Here is a person helping restore the commons.

Kelvin Cochrane – Dressing of the Princess Project at Princess Vlei
For his undaunted commitment to, and hard physical work in the Dressing of the Princess project.  His remarkable and sustained effort to highlight the history and worth of the Princessvlei, his hours of labour on the banks of the vlei and at Bottom Road Sanctuary along with  his unfailing ability to galvanize the community into action for the environment and against inappropriate development make him more than a deserving recipient of such an award.

GROUP CATEGORY

Jonathan Deal - Treasure the Karoo Action Group
For his tenacity and devotion to the very special Karoo environment. He has worked tirelessly day and night to rally support for the protection of the Karoo against highly contentious exploitation by would be frackers, making this issue a national rallying point around what represents true and timeless value in a world where quick profit drives many actions.

Friends of Rondebosch Common
For their dedicated custodianship of the common for over 20 years in a variety of ways that range from clearing aliens, picking up litter, recording fauna & flora, conducting educational outings and printed material, as well as protecting the common from inappropriate developments.

PROJECT CATEGORY

Marilyn van der Velden – Recycle Swop Shop in Hermanus
For the innovative community upliftment project that promotes both a cleaner environment and individual environmental responsibility by providing an opportunity for  underprivileged children to access much needed basic school supplies.

INSTITUTION CATEGORY

Martin Thompson – City of Cape Town, Catchment Management
For going beyond the scope of his professional work by focussing community attention on caring  for catchment areas, and for recognising the environmental benefit of  “greening” traditional engineering solutions to catchment management and for supporting local environmental initiatives around water conservation.

Pierre de Villiers – Programme Manager:  Marine Protected Areas, Islands and Estuaries; and Co-ordinator: CAPE Estuaries Programme
For his outstanding work on the development of estuary management plans, and his commitment to championing causes of wetlands in the Western Cape, through an inclusive participatory approach and “can do” attitude.

Vernon Gibbs-Halls - Eden District Municipality, Planning and Environmental Unit
(Award collected on Vernon’s behalf by Annalene de Beer, Director of Corporate Affairs, Eden Municipality)
For his dedication to seeking informed and sustained solutions to both environmental and social challenges in the Eden District Municipality.  Also in recognition of his active participation on numerous environmental committees, and practical support for Civil Society endeavours and eagerness to promote the wise management of natural resources.

Janette Maree du Toit - Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve
For her professional approach to promoting environmental conservation, education and sustainable tourism and for her ongoing and sustained efforts in promoting the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve over many years.

MEDIA & JOURNALISM CATEGORY

The Green Renaissance Filmmaking Team
(Award collected on their behalf by Jonathan Deal)
For their excellent  voluntary contribution in film making aimed at raising the level of consciousness about the dangers of fracking in the Karoo and travesties of environmental decisions at Mapungubwe, and thereby making important national issues part of  global awareness raising and a call for action.

Elma Pollard – The Green Times
For her outstanding work in the field of environmental education as a reporter, editor, writer, activist and avid recycler.  Through the Green Times she has encouraged and motivated many in the South African context to live more sustainably, by making green information freely and inspirationally available to the community.

WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a key environmental education and conservation non-governmental organisation that has been actively working for 85 years to ensure environmental sustainability for current and future South African generations through responsive conservation action, innovative educational intervention and human capacity development that empowers people to make sustainable lifestyle and environmental management choices.  WESSA addresses hands-on, the issues our planet is facing such as global climate change, the destruction of natural resources, polluted and degraded water systems and biodiversity impacts.  WESSA’s core mission is to promote public participation in caring for the Earth.

Aquila rhino fighting for its life after poachers removed its horn

Sometime during the early morning of 20 August 2011, two groups of rhino poachers attacked 3 of the herd of 6 resident rhinos, on the 7500 hectare Aquila Private Game Reserve, under 2 hours from Cape Town. We are led to believe that they gained access initially by vehicle through neighbouring farms on the N1 national road, then walked several kilometers at night through the Karoo vegetation.

Within the last year, Aquila’s anti poaching team has deterred two attempted rhino poaching attempts. In November 2010, a low flying helicopter made two passes across the reserve before being deterred. Since then we have spared no expense to protect our rhinos; with full time security, we purchased semi automatic weapons and equipped our staff with night vision, bullet proof vests, quad bikes and vehicles. We believe that our anti poaching team must have surprised the poachers, as the first rhino we found, with its front horn sawn off with a chain saw and they left having only had time to get half way through the second horn before retreating. They would not have left without the second horn, with a street value of R1m, if it was not for our anti poaching team. This rhino has lost a lot of blood but has managed to stumble over 150 metres and is fighting for his life. The loss of blood and position it was lying in while drugged could have caused massive muscle and organ damage which could be fatal. This rhino was the first rhino reintroduced to Aquila and to the Western Cape in over 250 years since shot out by hunters. What is even harder to bear is that this rhino fathered the first two rhino babies born in the Western Cape in over 250 years. The second rhino we came across was still alive and was one of the two fathered by him.

This young female was found with a dart in her shoulder area barely alive. The owner Searl Derman raced to the closest vet in Paarl and a clinic in Worcester to get the antidote and schedule 6 and 7 drugs that were needed to save her. These drugs can only be kept by licensed veterinary surgeons. We are pleased to say that as at this morning 9am, she has recovered well and is standing over her father to protect him… it is a heartbreaking sight. We believe that it is thanks to the active patrolling of our anti poaching teams that deterred the poachers from dehorning and killing her.

After finding the second rhino, we sent all rangers and security staff in game vehicles, on quad bikes and horseback to search for the one rhino that had not been accounted for. Knowing that the poachers had used drugs that would kill the rhino instead of bullets that could be heard by anti poaching teams, time was of the essence and no expense was spared… two helicopters and a light aircraft from Cape Town were brought in to search Aquila’s 7500 hectare conservancy. The rhino was spotted from the air by the owner Searl Derman, from his friend, Enzo Kuun’s helicopter of Cape Town Helicopters. On landing they discovered a blood bath and a rhino with his face literally hatched off with pangas and machetes proving that there were two active teams attacking the Aquila rhinos, one using a chain saw, the other using pangas and machetes to dehorn the rhino.

Aquila’s remaining 3 rhino and the rhino standing over her father are safe and fine. The security team has been briefed and 24 guards have been positioned at strategic points along the boundaries and on higher ground to keep guard. The owner Searl Derman would like to thank the local Touws River police station and in particular Capt Voight, as well as the dog units from Cape Town and the police helicopter unit for their rapid response and vigilant crime scene management. Special thanks are also extended to the dedicated vets Dr Walton and Dr Wium, Roland Bellstead, Doempies Trichardt, Douw Grobler , the Aquila staff and the thousands of concerned sms’s, calls, emails, Facebook posts and tweets received from all over the world.

Mr Derman took the opportunity to slander the South African Police Fire Arm Licensing department in Pretoria for their incompetence and procrastination. They have taken 9 months, many telephone calls, many motivational letters from police, Nature Conservation and Mr Derman himself to issue the Aquila licenses for semi automatic weapons that are needed to protect our anti poaching team and our rhinos. Mr Derman believes that as only some of the anti poaching team have access to firearms, if they had come face to face with the poachers, we would be burying our staff today. Rhino poaches are well equipped, heavily armed with automatic weapons, night and thermal vision equipment and well trained their “modus operandi” is normally to fly at night with thermal vision. They can spot a rhino through bushes and mist over 4 miles away, they GPS the location of the rhino and drop their poaching teams off several kilometers away to walk in and normally dart the baby first so that the mother and father stay to protect and don’t run away. These teams are ruthless and will stop at nothing to kill and maim for financial gain. Which in this case they got away with a street value of over 4 million rand in rhino horn.

Aquila is offering R100 000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution of these poachers. Informants details will be kept confidential and we can be contacted on . Anyone wanting to monitor the progress of the rhino and our just launched anti poaching campaign can follow us on our Facebook  (www.facebook.com/aquilasafari) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/aquilasafaris) pages.  The security teams found a hooded jersey near the point of entry which could have been lost during the poacher’s hasty retreat. We will be posting picture of this jersey on our Facebook page as well as the Aquila Website (www.aquilasafari.com) and would appreciate the support of the public in identifying suspects that would have the background or training to poach rhinos amidst anti poaching teams.

Mr Derman quoted this morning that “It literally feels like the death of a family member? What happened?” Mr Derman has won several awards and has been acclaimed for his conservation, job creation and philanthropic efforts. 19 years ago he founded one of Cape Town’s largest armed response security companies protecting the residents and companies in the CBD, Zone armed response, which was later sold to ADT. He has assured us that his anti poaching campaign will employ leading military and police Special Forces, intelligence gathering personal, hi-tech surveillance and electronic forewarned system technicians and advertising and social media company or staff to create awareness and generate controversial social media platforms as a deterrent. Concerned and qualified personal wishing to donate services or equipped, time or even apply for full time positions can send CV’s to

You can see the entries here.

This really should become a far bigger campaign, with longer legs and running for much longer. It is one of the most important challenges facing the city.

Karoo Adventures

Karoo Adventures had an open day for their new ZIP slide on the Wagonwheels 4×4 route in the Koo valley on Saturday!  The ZIP slide traverses a gorge with steel cables for almost a kilometer of the most extraordinary scenery in the Karoo.  Truly big sky country, mountain range after mountain range into the far distance.

Virtually anybody can ZIP, although they do not have harnesses small enough for under 13′s yet.  The equipment is imported from Switzerland and safety is a priority.  There is a back-up cable  and the guides are very patient, making sure you are comfortable and are with you at each platform.

Situated about 20 kms from the N1 and about 40 kms outside Montagu on the R318, this is an adrenalin rush you will never forget!  Best of all, the platforms and base camp all fit perfectly into the environment.  Contact

Montreal (Canada) – Following deliberations on 9 June 2011, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) has the pleasure to announce on behalf of the members of the World Design Capital® (WDC) Selection Committee that the cities of Bilbao (Spain), Cape Town (South Africa) and Dublin (Ireland) have been selected as the three shortlisted cities that will move on to the next round of evaluation in the bid to becoming the World Design Capital in 2014.

In 2014 selection of World Design Capital will be the fourth appointment by Icsid of this biennial designation to a city, in recognition of its accomplishments in using design as a catalyst for development and reinvention, as well as for improving its social, cultural and economic environments.

After a comprehensive review of all bids submitted, the cities of Bilbao, Cape Town and Dublin distinguished themselves not only by demonstrating their individual approaches towards design in their cities, but also managed to convey the impact of these on the various aspects of social, cultural and economic life, as well as provided three very unique visions for how design will continue to reinvent their urban landscape. Furthermore, these cities demonstrated that they possessed the expertise, infrastructure and financial capabilities to successfully develop and implement an inspiring yearlong programme of international design related events, promoting design, as well as their city, on an international stage; and finally, illustrated how their citizens have and will continue to benefit from their cityʼs achievements in design.

“It was a difficult decision, but the WDC Selection Committee has shortlisted three incredibly well thought-out and all-together remarkable bids that have created unique competitive advantages for their cities through design,” expressed Martin Darbyshire, WDC Organising Committee member and Icsid Executive Board Member. “These proposals have conveyed very workable and deliverable plans to use design as a means to reinvigorate their cityʼs social, cultural and economic development.”

“The Bilbao City Hall, the Provincial Government of Bizkaia and the Basque Government would like to express their great enthusiasm on being shortlisted to be the World Design Capital in 2014,” stated Iñaki Azkuna, Mayor of Bilbao. “Design innovation has become an essential tool to improve the competitiveness and quality of life in cities, and is necessary to enhance collaborative public-private environments with direct participation from the administrations, universities and different economic and professional agents. This is the direction Bilbao has followed to achieve its transformation over the past 25 years, and this designation will help continue the rejuvenation of our great city.”

“Cape Townʼs bid to be the World Design Capital of the year in 2014 shows how far we have come as a city. More importantly, it shows how far we want to take this city,” declared Patricia De Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town. “The creative industries make up an extremely important part of our local economy. The value of an event such as World Design Capital not only exposes our creative design talents to the world, but in turn develops our local industry into an asset for decades to come.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen echoed the enthusiasm shown by the two accompanying shortlisted cities, stating, “Dublin is honoured to be one of three cities shortlisted for World Design Capital 2014. On behalf of Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils, I welcome the opportunities the World Design Capital project will give us. The project will be beneficial in economic, environmental, social and political terms. These are difficult times and this bid will challenge us to adapt, recover and grow.”

The next step in the process leading up to the final selection of the 2014 WDC designation is the city visits that will be conducted in July 2011 by members of the WDC Organising Committee. These site inspections will enable further information to be gathered in an attempt to provide the WDC Selection Committee with a more thorough understanding of the proposed programmes by each of the shortlisted cities prior to the final selection in August 2011.

The official announcement of the 2014 World Design Capital designated city will be on 26 October during the 2011 International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress in Taipei, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei).

For more information, please visit www.worlddesigncapital.com, or contact:

Dilki de Silva
Icsid Secretary General
t: +1 514 448 4949 ext. 227
f: +1 514 448 4948
e:

Claudia Sighomnou
World Design Capital Programme Coordinator
t: +1 514 448 4949 ext. 228
f: +1 514 448 4948
e:

Links

• WDC 2014 Selection Committee
• 2011 IDA Congress

About the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid)
The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress.
www.icsid.org

About the World Design Capital
While there are many awards that recognise individual accomplishments in design, the World Design Capital (WDC) designation is unique as it aims to focus on the broader essence of designʼs impact on urban spaces, economies and citizens. The designation provides a distinctive opportunity for cities to feature their accomplishments in attracting and promoting innovative design, as well as highlight their successes in urban revitalisation strategies.

The World Design Capital is an initiative of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), who manages the daily operation of the project in a major step for the global design community.
www.worlddesigncapital.com