I might not be in Mauritius, but I can’t really complain about the autumnal weather in Cape Town right now. Sure, it’s looking a bit iffy towards the end of the week, but in typical Cape Town autumn style, it’s hot in the sun, cold in the shade and (since I’m kind of between the two) actually very pleasant here right now. Apparently, it’s raining in Mauritius.
Yep. The nice weather here means that I’m taking the opportunity to sit outside and write this blog post before I get on with parental duties this afternoon. And it’s worth noting that I was absolved of those this lunchtime as the Boy Wonder drove himself and his sister home from school.
I’ve still got my noise-cancelling earbuds in because there’s a lot of local building and leaf-blower action again today. And I am wondering what those building and leaf-blowing individuals have in store for tomorrow, which is – lest we forget – a public holiday.
Wednesday, 29 May 2024 marks the country’s seventh democratic election. To ensure that South Africans have sufficient time to make their way to the polls to have their vote counted, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special public holiday.
Government calls all eligible voters especially young people to go out in numbers to vote on that day, as the active participation of all eligible voters is central to strengthening our democracy. Your vote gives you the power to change or improve things and allows you to choose who will represent the interests of your community.
Yeah, I mean that second paragraph was obviously written whilst wearing rose-tinted spectacles. Because whoever you vote for, the government always gets in.
Anyway, I plan not to get up too early, so I’m hoping that they will all be taking a well-deserved day off.
Which they should be doing:
The Regulations issued in terms of section 17 (1) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, prohibit the use of machinery, engines, apparatus, tools or contrivance which may cause a disturbance to the neighbourhood –
- on a public holiday or Sunday;
- before 06:00 or after 17:00 on any Saturday; and
- before 06:00 or after 18:00 on any day other than those days above.
These are strict timelines which can be enforced by engaging the relevant law enforcement authorities.
I’m not planning on making a fuss, but I would appreciate them not making a noise either.
Let’s do each other a favour.