Extortionists Close down Informal Businesses in Cape Town
SAPS says fighting extortion is a priority, but won’t provide details on its response
Khayelitsha
Removal of Illegal Connections Sparks Protests in Khayelitsha
Residents of Social Distance informal settlement demand electricity supply
Eskom Suspends Services in Part of Khayelitsha After Hijacking
Employees were robbed at gunpoint in Makhaza
SASSA Battling to Find a Permanent Office in Khayelitsha
Agency plans to improve rented office space
Government allocates R19.2 billion to upgrade PRASA signalling
Government allocates R19.2 billion to upgrade PRASA signalling
Government has provisionally allocated an additional R19.2 billion over the medium term for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) critical signalling upgrades.
Tabling the 2025 Budget Speech on Wednesday, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, said the agency was making steady progress towards rebuilding infrastructure to provide affordable commuter rail services.
“To sustain this progress, we have provisionally allocated an additional R19.2 billion over the medium term for critical signalling upgrades. This will enable commuters from areas like Mamelodi, Kwa-Mashu, Motherwell and Khayelitsha to catch a train every 10 minutes, to get to and from work and significantly reduce the money that low-income households spend on transport.
“The allocation will also allow PRASA to maximise the potential of the 241 new trains delivered through the rolling stock renewal programme,” the Minister said in Parliament.
Despite the progress made, Godongwana said PRASA’s procurement system needed strengthening.
“The management of the entity is already instituting measures to strengthen their procurement weaknesses. This includes getting support from the National Treasury to build capacity and mitigate risks and undertaking live audits for large procurement projects,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:53
131 views
Here’s How a Disabled Person Spent Their Grant
We spent time with 31-year-old Khanyo Mantshi from Khayelitsha who says his grant falls short of his needs
W Cape welcomes extension of SASSA-Postbank card replacement deadline
W Cape welcomes extension of SASSA-Postbank card replacement deadline
Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, has welcomed the announcement extending the deadline for replacing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with the Postbank black cards to 20 March 2025.
This decision was shared in a joint press release by the Ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, and Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, on Friday.
“My office has been inundated with queries and complaints from SASSA grant beneficiaries across the Western Cape, even though SASSA is a national entity and does not fall within the powers of the Western Cape Government,” he said.
According to the MEC, many of the complaints are centred on the lack of Postbank sites in rural areas.
“It is unacceptable that the majority of service points in the province are in the Cape Metro, with only a few in George, Vredenburg and Caledon, although we have received reports that the sites in Vredenburg and Caledon do not seem to be operational. The offices also need to be adequately staffed to deal with the influx of beneficiaries.”
He believes that mobile offices will now be dispatched to service rural areas, but there will need to be clear and adequate communication on where and when these mobile units will be in the areas.
“Our office can assist in communicating this schedule, to ensure no resident is left behind in this process.”
These are the sites where SASSA people can replace their cards:
• Boxer Langa;
• Boxer Philippi;
• Boxer Mitchells Plain;
• Checkers Hyper Parow;
• USave Bellville;
• Shoprite Bayside Mall;
• Shoprite Eerste River;
• Shoprite Khayelitsha CBD;
• Shoprite Gugulethu;
• Shoprite Adderley Street;
• Shoprite Thembalethu;
• Shoprite George;
• Shoprite Paarl;
• Shoprite Vredenburg, and
• USave Caledon.
Londt has called Postbank to increase the number of service points in rural areas and adequately resource other sites in larger areas like the Cape Metro where residents have been experiencing extremely long lines, while trying to replace their old cards.
“We have heard of elderly residents standing in queues from the early morning hours, only to be turned away. Many of our most vulnerable residents are spending money so that they don’t have to travel long distances to get to facilities that may or may not be able to help them.
“As a government, we have a profound duty of care to protect our most vulnerable residents. We must demonstrate this by resolving the current crisis swiftly and with humanity.”
He said the province will continue to monitor the card migration process, to ensure vulnerable residents – for whom these grants are essential for their survival, receive the best possible service from these national entities.
“I will also be raising this issue during a meeting with the Minister of Social Development and MECs from other provinces this week,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 09:01
42 views
Minister Londt Welcomes Extension of SASSA-Postbank Card Replacement Deadline
I welcome the announcement by the national departments of Social Development and Communications and Digital Technologies that the deadline for the replacement of the SASSA Gold Cards with the Postbank Black Cards has been extended to 20 March 2025.
My office has been inundated with queries and complaints from SASSA grant beneficiaries across the Western Cape, even though SASSA is a national entity and does not fall within the powers of the Western Cape Government.
Many of the complaints are centered around the lack of Postbank sites in rural areas. It is unacceptable that the majority of service points in the province are in the Cape Metro, with only a few in George, Vredenburg, and Caledon (although we have received reports that the sites in Vredenburg and Caledon do not seem to be operational). The offices also need to be adequately staffed to deal with the influx of beneficiaries.
We have been pressuring SASSA and Postbank to address the flaws we have found in the card migration process, such as the lack of service points and adequate staffing. This is still a huge concern, as we cannot leave vulnerable residents living in rural areas behind in this process.
Apparently, mobile offices will now be dispatched to service rural areas, but there will need to be clear and adequate communication on where and when these mobile units will be in the areas. Our office can assist in communicating this schedule, to ensure no resident is left behind in this process.
These are the sites SASSA people can replace their cards at:
- Boxer Langa
- Boxer Philippi
- Boxer Mitchells Plain
- Checkers Hyper Parow
- Usave Bellville
- Shoprite Bayside Mall
- Shoprite Eerste River
- Shoprite Khayelitsha CBD
- Shoprite Gugulethu
- Shoprite Adderley Street
- Shoprite Thembalethu
- Shoprite George
- Shoprite Paarl
- Shoprite Vredenburg
- USave Caledon
Postbank must increase the number of service points in rural areas, and adequately resource other sites in larger areas like the Cape Metro where residents have been experiencing extremely long lines while trying to replace their old cards. We have heard of elderly residents standing in queues from the early morning hours, only to be turned away. Many of our most vulnerable residents are spending money that they don't have to travel long distances to get to facilities that may or may not be able to help them.
As a government, we have a profound duty of care to protect our most vulnerable residents. We must demonstrate this by resolving the current crisis swiftly and with humanity.
We will continue monitoring the card migration process, to ensure vulnerable residents – for whom these grants are essential for their survival – receive the best possible service from these national entities.
I will also be raising this issue during a meeting with the National Minister of Social Development and MECs from other provinces next week.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Khayelitsha School Still Without Stationery
Western Cape Education Department has urged the formation of a school governing body to help deal with issues at the school
Nyanga and Khayelitsha Train Services Suspended
Metrorail says services should be restored in two days
Sustainability of community media is of vital importance – Morolong
Sustainability of community media is of vital importance - Morolong
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.
Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday.
The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media's contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.
“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.
He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.
“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said.
However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.
“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance.
“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said.
Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable.
He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs.
“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said.
Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.
“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.
“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 06:08
26 views
No End to Long Queues at SASSA Khayelitsha
Grant recipients and applicants must sleep over or arrive in the early hours if they hope to get served
Expanding digital access for learners
Expanding digital access for learners
As part of ongoing efforts to expand digital access, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has launched a state-of-the-art Cyber Lab with 40 laptops and modern infrastructure designed to enhance digital learning, in Cape Town.
“Bridging the digital divide is not just about providing technology - it’s about ensuring that young people have the skills and opportunities to use it effectively. This Cyber Lab ensures that learners from these communities are not left behind but are equipped to thrive in a digital future,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
The initiative, which is in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), marks a significant step in expanding digital access for learners from Lansdowne, Khayelitsha, Langa, Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Nyanga.
A key element of this initiative is the broadband connectivity provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government, reinforcing the power of cooperative governance in expanding digital access and transforming education.
To ensure lasting impact, the initiative includes a structured digital literacy program for both teachers and students.
This training will equip learners with essential digital skills, including coding, website design, and other Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) capabilities - unlocking opportunities in software development, e-commerce, and the broader digital economy.
“By investing in both infrastructure and digital literacy - including coding, website design, and other high-demand digital skills - we are laying the foundation for more inclusive economic participation and future job opportunities in the tech sector.
“But this is not just about individual success. It is about uplifting communities. We want to see learners use these skills to help small businesses build a digital presence, support community initiatives, and create solutions that drive local development. Digital transformation must be inclusive, and it starts here - with young people using technology to shape a better future for themselves and those around them,” the Minister said.
This project aligns with the department’s commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have meaningful internet access by 2029. It also supports the department’s goal of equipping citizens with the digital skills necessary to participate in the digital economy. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:15
593 views
Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025
Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025
From 1 to 5 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, undertakes a G20 science, technology and innovation visit to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
On Monday, 3 February, the South African delegation, led by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, participates in the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba convened under theme: “Future-proofing African Mining, today!”.
On Monday, 3 February, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, oversees the commencement of the single dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive at Welizibuko Primary School in Klipspruit, Soweto.
From Monday, 3 February, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities from in the Western Cape province.
- Day One: Monday, 3 February
11h00: Service delivery outreach, Guga S’thebe Arts Centre.
- Day Two: Tuesday, 4 February
15h30: Western Cape Community Media consultative session, Khayelitsha Thusong Service centre.
- Day Three: Wednesday, 5 February
13h00: Oversight visit to Mitchells Plain Thuthuzela Care centre
15h00: Community Radio Simulcast Broadcast panel discussion, Mitchells Plain Labour Centre.
On Tuesday, 4 February, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, will visit and handover digital migration equipment to a gender-based violence victims shelter in Western Cape, Cape Town.
On Tuesday, 4 February, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, together with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, will launch of the SITA STEM Cyberlab in Lansdowne.
On Tuesday, 4 February, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, chaired by Mpho Khunou, will hold an oversight meeting with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, together North West Parks and Tourism Board, over delayed payment of salaries at the entity, and other concerning matters in different entities of the department.
On Wednesday, 5 February, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, will host an Outreach Programme at the JL Zwane Memorial in Gugulethu - Western Cape Province - to share information on the department’s capacity and empowerment programmes with a view to encourage active and inclusive participation by the Youth, Women and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) who seek to advance their career or business in the tourism sector.
On Thursday, 6 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.
Matona
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:33
77 views
Khayelitsha pastor faces rape charges
Khayelitsha pastor faces rape charges
A 51-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting a 15-year-old girl, and two women, aged 22 and 23 at his church in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
“It is alleged that people would go to the pastor for healing and he would tell them healing is possible, but then the victims must stay at the church, and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive their healing,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.
According to the reports, the suspect assaulted and raped the victims at his church between November 2022 and January 2025.
“The community became aware of his behaviour and had a community meeting, and it was then when victims came forward and made the claims. The victims 15, 22 and 23 are safe and are receiving treatment and counselling.
“The 51-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ court where the case was remanded until 04 February 2025,” the SAPS said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:54
234 views
900 Families’ Portable Toilets Not Cleaned for Over a Month in Khayelitsha
City says community disputes over recruitment of workers disrupted the service
Nelson Mandela Bay residents urged to stop vandalism of infrastructure
Nelson Mandela Bay residents urged to stop vandalism of infrastructure
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has called on community members to report and stop the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
The call follows the collapse of a substation in Khayelitsha, Kariega, due to vandalism.
The City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Electricity and Energy, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, said the incident, which took place last week Monday, has resulted in the loss of power supply to many households.
Mnqokoyi said the substation is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and it will take approximately two weeks to fix the damage.
“We have been conducting oversight visits throughout last week in the affected substation building, which has unfortunately collapsed due to vandalism, resulting in a loss of power supply, and we can report that work has started.
“However, to restore power, a comprehensive scope of work is required, including the building of the distribution substation, procurement and installation of switchgear, and testing and commissioning,” Mnqokoyi said.
She said the team has made it clear that given the complexity of the work, ordinarily a completion timeframe for this type of work would take at least six months.
“However, they are working diligently to expedite the process, aiming to complete the project by 31 January 2025,” Mnqokoyi said.
Mnqokoyi has condemned the "blatant criminality", and appealed to residents to stop vandalising infrastructure, as this affects service delivery.
The MMC also called on any resident with information regarding the incident to report it to the municipality’s law enforcement agencies, or the South African Police Service, in order to bring the perpetrators to book. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:32
8 views
Over a Hundred Disabled and Elderly People Queue Outside Sassa in Khayelitsha
Monday was the first day for disability grant applicants to make medical bookings
Instead of Going to School, These Children Have to Queue for Water
Six-year delay in water project leaves Komani residents dry
Police Chairperson Condemns the Handling of Khayelitsha Resident by VIP South African Police Service (SAPS) Officers
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has strongly condemned the mishandling and maltreatment of a Khayelitsha man in his own home by the South African Police Service VIP protection unit members. While the Chairperson acknowledges that ensuring the security of the protectee is paramount, it should be done within reason and the confines of the law. The incident is worrying in the context that eight officers of the same unit have been on suspension for over a year for assaulting members of the public on the N1 in Gauteng.
"It is untoward that the VIP protection unit members acted irrationally and outside the limit of their power. Also, the incident puts into question the security protocols around a VIP and whether those protocols are followed," Mr Cameron said.
While the incident highlights the need for effective and enhanced training for VIP SAPS officers, especially as it relates to the abuse of power, it also highlights the irrationality of the SAPS's continued focus on budget allocation for VIP protection.
"It is undeniable that the SAPS spends an inordinate amount of money protecting a few politicians despite the rampant crime in areas like Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa. Ordinary citizens are then prevented access to their elected representatives by these security officials. This then puts into question who the public representatives are really representing," Mr Cameron said.
The committee has highlighted the need for accountability within the SAPS in its previous engagement, especially considering the number of incidents involving SAPS members and their abuse of power.
Also, increased funding for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is needed to ensure accountability at all times. The committee will schedule a meeting to find out progress on the disciplinary proceedings against the eight SAPS VIP officers who assaulted a civilian on the N1. The committee will use that meeting to get an update on any cases against the SAPS VIP unit to ensure accountability.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Social Development hosts outreach programme in the Western Cape
Social Development hosts outreach programme in the Western Cape
The Department of Social Development and its entities - the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA) – will conduct a week-long outreach programme in the Western Cape.
The programme will be led by Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe from 7 – 14 January 2025.
“The Social Development portfolio will, in the period, review the impact of poverty eradication initiatives and programmes catered by the department to vulnerable individuals, families and communities which intend to promote sustainable livelihoods.
“Also, a considerable amount of time will be dedicated to taking services offered by SASSA into communities of the Western Cape as well as monitoring issues related non-profit organisations registration and compliance verifications processes,” said the department.
The Minister will conduct oversight visits to two funded organisations in Khayelitsha and Nyanga. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:58
132 views
SASSA Accuses Media of “Overstating the Problems” at the Agency
“These negative reports have led to an unfortunate conclusion that SASSA has completely failed in its responsibility” SASSA’s Sibusiso Nhlangothi tells the Western Cape provincial legislature
Key Disability Bill Should Not Be Rushed
We need more time to comment on this bill, which could transform the lives of millions
Funza Park: From Cherished Playground to Rubbish Dump
Residents want the neglected playground in Harare, Khayelitsha, refurbished