The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has announced the qualifying bidder for the Foreshore Freeway Project that, near the end of last year, was shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Project management firm Mitchell du Plessis Associates’ proposal has been chosen, out of seven submitted to the City. The firm has been involved with numerous large-scale projects in Cape Town, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Town Stadium, Riverside Mall (Rondebosch), Norfolk Place (Kenilworth), the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system, and the Cape Grade and V&A Hotels.
The firm’s R8 billion proposal focuses on completing Cape Town’s unfinished freeways, alleviating traffic congestion in and around the CBD, as well as providing affordable housing close to the City Centre.
The housing will be provided by means of building high-rise tower blocks of apartments across four precincts on the land between the freeways. The city is in desperate need of more affordable housing options for those who work in the city, many of whom currently commute from neighborhoods far away from the CBD, increasing traffic into the City Centre.
Cape Town is ranked as being the worst city in South Africa for traffic congestion, and was ranked 48th worst in the world in the 2016 TomTom Traffic Index. For the full ranking list, click here.
Mayoral committee member for Transport, Brett Herron, stated that, should the chosen proposal succeed, it will drastically transform Cape Town, and contribute towards a more residential and inclusive inner city.
During the second phase of the project’s tender process, Mitchell du Plessis Associates will, over the next 6 months, have to conclude an agreement with the CoCT, as well as finalize an investment plan, and secure financing for the project.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image source: [1].
President Ramaphosa Withdraws NPA Appeal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn an appeal against a judgment of the North Gauteng High Court that NPA boss Shaun Abrahams should vacate his position. This may be an indication that the President intends to replace Abrahams, and bring in a new NPA head.
Former President Jacob Zuma previously appealed the ruling by a full Bench of judges of the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, that found he was conflicted to appoint the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. Abrahams is still appealing the matter.
In a letter delivered to the registrar of the Constitutional Court on Friday afternoon, the state attorney informed the court of Ramaphosa’s decision to withdraw the appeal. On the same day, it emerged in court papers that the NPA was arguing that Abrahams was validly appointed.
Meanwhile, South Africans are eagerly awaiting President Ramaphosa’s announcement relating to a cabinet reshuffle, as well as to whom he will be appointing as Deputy President. The ANC’s top six are meeting today.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image source: [1].
Cameroon’s Main Opposition Leader Won’t Run for President
Cameroon’s main opposition leader, head of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), John Fru Ndi, has said that he will not challenge the long-ruling President Paul Biya in this year’s elections. Ndi has run as a candidate in the 1992, 2004, and 2011 elections, and boycotted the vote in 1997.
Biya stated during the 2011 elections that they would be the last he contested, and has said he wishes to pass the torch to the individual his party most prefers. The party is set to nominate a replacement candidate either today or tomorrow. The SDF draws much of its backing from two enclaves in the west of Cameroon.
Biya has been President of Cameroon since 1982. The office of President has a 7 year term, but no term limits. His party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) currently has 148 seats out of 180 in the country’s National Assembly. Meanwhile, the SDF has 18. Biya has not yet said whether or not he will run in this year’s general election.
Biya’s presidency has been criticized to a large degree, characterized by exploitation, corruption and repression, with his firmly rejecting any change to the status quo, and imposed night-time curfews, restrictions on movement, raids, and body searches in the country’s anglophone regions. Anglophone demonstrators have demanded a federal state, while some secessionists have even called for an independent state they have dubbed “Ambazonia”, due to what they say is discrimination by the French-speaking majority.
Cameroon uses a first-past-the-post voting system, and its general election will take place in October 2018. The exact date is yet to be set.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. Image source: [1].
Cape Town Foreshore Freeway Project Bidder Selected
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has announced the qualifying bidder for the Foreshore Freeway Project that, near the end of last year, was shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Project management firm Mitchell du Plessis Associates’ proposal has been chosen, out of seven submitted to the City. The firm has been involved with numerous large-scale projects in Cape Town, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Town Stadium, Riverside Mall (Rondebosch), Norfolk Place (Kenilworth), the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system, and the Cape Grade and V&A Hotels.
The firm’s R8 billion proposal focuses on completing Cape Town’s unfinished freeways, alleviating traffic congestion in and around the CBD, as well as providing affordable housing close to the City Centre.
The housing will be provided by means of building high-rise tower blocks of apartments across four precincts on the land between the freeways. The city is in desperate need of more affordable housing options for those who work in the city, many of whom currently commute from neighborhoods far away from the CBD, increasing traffic into the City Centre.
Cape Town is ranked as being the worst city in South Africa for traffic congestion, and was ranked 48th worst in the world in the 2016 TomTom Traffic Index. For the full ranking list, click here.
Mayoral committee member for Transport, Brett Herron, stated that, should the chosen proposal succeed, it will drastically transform Cape Town, and contribute towards a more residential and inclusive inner city.
During the second phase of the project’s tender process, Mitchell du Plessis Associates will, over the next 6 months, have to conclude an agreement with the CoCT, as well as finalize an investment plan, and secure financing for the project.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image source: [1].
Nigeria’s Naira to be Added to Britain’s List of Trade Currencies
Nigeria’s currency, the naira, will become one of three West African currencies that the United Kingdom’s export finance agency will add to its list of pre-approved currencies, allowing it to provide financing for transactions with Nigerian businesses denominated in the local currency. The other two currencies have not yet been disclosed.
Paul Arkwright, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, stated that this is a clear indication of how much value the UK places on its relationship with Nigeria, and that it will provide a firm foundation for a significant increase in trade and investment between both countries.
Britain voted in 2016 to leave the European Union, which has forced London to rethink its trade ties with the rest of the world. The UK and the EU struck an agreement in December that opened the way for talks on future trade ties.
The naira financing will follow the same structure as a someone buying in Britain’s sterling, except that Nigerian firms taking out a loan in the local currency can benefit from a UK government-backed guarantee.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Source: [1]. Image source: [1].