Tag Archives: Paddy Chapple

Breakfast with Mmusi Maimane

Yesterday Ward 57 had the pleasure to host a breakfast at The Kitchen in Woodstock  for around 30 invited guests who met, chatted with and listened to DA Parliamentary Leader Mmusi Maimane MP, discuss his thoughts, ideas, and insights about South Africa. In a wide ranging speech the following points stand out:

On the ANC: After 20 years in power its leadership has lost the plot, lacks political will or effective leadership and does not respect the Constitution or the institutions of state which are meant to protect the fundamental rights of citizens.  Preferring rather to subvert them to defend their own entrenched interests.

Opposition role: The DA is in for the long haul, as we understand the importance of democratic principles and the need to protect and uphold them as an effective opposition.  This goes beyond grandstanding and means taking the government to task if necessary on a wide array of issues – education, defence, spending, corruption, Eskom – backed up by research.

Corruption: In the budget R9 billion was raised by increasing taxation – R30 billion alone has been lost with corruption, Government should be looking at corruption, and cutting down on wasteful spending.

Education:  It is the only way for the youth to become employable, youth unemployment is the highest it has ever been and current education policies are failing them miserably.

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2015 Senior citizens event

Friday 13th of February saw over 100 seniors from a number of retirement homes and social groups from around the ward – including Arcadia, Nazareth House, the Marian Institute and the Woodstock and Salt River Health Committees catching buses to the 2015 senior citizens picnic hosted by Councillors Brett Herron and Paddy Chapple at the Green Point Urban Park which lies adjacent to the Cape Town Stadium.

The weather did not quite play along yet failed to dampen both the spirits of the seniors or the natural beauty of the setting. Lunch was eaten, an informative lecture was given and Valentine’s Day gifts were distributed by Brett. A truly enjoyable morning was had by all, as can be seen from the photos (Click to open full size images).

2013 Senior Citizens Event

Tuesday 11th of February saw over 100 seniors from a number of retirement homes and social groups from around the ward – including Arcadia, Nazareth House, the Marian Institute and the Woodstock and Salt River Health Committees catching buses to the (postponed because of Nelson Mandela’s death) 2013 senior citizens picnic hosted by Councillors Brett Herron and Paddy Chapple at Kirstenbosch.

The weather was perfect and the setting like nowhere else in the world. Lunch was eaten, songs were sung, dances danced and Valentines Day gifts distributed by Brett. A truly enjoyable day was had by all, as can be seen from the photos (Click to open full size images).

Paddy preserves pear tree

Saffron Pear

Saffron Pear Tree in the Gardens

The City awaits new shoots of South Africa’s oldest tree from cuttings which were taken from an historic Saffron Pear tree (Pyrus communis) in the Company’s Garden. Newlands Nursery staff now eagerly await the opening of the first shoots from the cuttings of this 300 year-old tree.

The cuttings were taken in August 2013 in order to preserve this domestic pear tree’s genetic material. Tiny shoots have started to sprout and City Parks officials believe they could start opening soon.

A motion to preserve the tree was put forth to the Community Services Portfolio Committee by Councillor Paddy Chapple last month. The Saffron Pear tree, still drawing in sweet mountain water, was planted during the initial Dutch occupation of the Cape and is believed to be the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa. It is estimated to be over 300 years old. Should the original tree die, its clone could be planted.

City Parks has built a protective structure around the original tree in an attempt to keep it viable. It was, however, decided to make the cuttings and propagate it at the City’s Newlands Nursery as a preservation measure.

The Company’s Garden in Cape Town is home to many historical trees and this initiative could be the first of many.

“This is a great way for the City to celebrate Heritage Month. The Saffron Pear Tree is one of the country’s Champion Trees, receiving protection from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Cape Town boasts an array of these trees,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker.