Cape Town Families Say City Has ‘Abandoned’ Them
Municipality has no immediate plans to move families living at the Masonwabe temporary relocation area in Gugulethu
Western Cape
DPWI on track to develop small harbours
DPWI on track to develop small harbours
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Friday have a stakeholder consultation in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, as part of bringing to reality the development of a small harbour in the area.
Zikalala will be joined by the Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, Port St Johns local Municipality Mayor, Cebisa Mazuza and the Eastern Cape Chair of the House of Traditional leaders, Mpumalanga Gwadiso.
“Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal and Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape have been identified for small harbour development, which will create jobs and boost the economy,” the department said on Wednesday.
Last month, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Mayor of Saldanha Bay, André Truter, committed to working together to redevelop the St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay small harbours.
The two small harbours in the Western Cape, which are owned and managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, have over the years fallen into a state of disrepair, often attracting criminal activity and deterring investment in the surrounding communities.
READ | Public Works commits to rehabilitating St Helena and Saldanha Bay harbours. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:58
23 views
Western Cape Promises Progress on Inner-City Housing Projects
Several social housing projects in Cape Town will go to tender this year
Tygervalley Home Affairs office opens its doors to the public
Tygervalley Home Affairs office opens its doors to the public
A new state-of-the-art Home Affairs office, located in Tygervalley Shopping Centre in Bellville, Cape Town, served its first clients this morning in the presence of Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.
The Minister officially opened the office earlier in the day.
The new office features upgraded technology that integrates a camera at the counter, eliminating the need to queue for photos. It also only accepts prior bookings, ensuring that there are no queues.
“We are guided by our vision to deliver 'Home Affairs @home'. This means that we are gradually bringing services closer to the people, including through our presence in malls. This process will eventually culminate in Home Affairs services also being offered at many more bank branches, and through online devices,” Minister said.
“The people of Bellville and surrounds will now experience the meaning of our commitment to deliver dignity for all. Every day, we are making progress, together,” the Minister said.
On Saturday, the Minister also opened a Home Affairs office in Mitchells Plain.
The new office is modern and spacious, with 250 seats (it previously had 50). It also includes upgraded technology like cameras installed directly at each counter, which eliminates the need to queue to take photos.
“This new office serves as tangible proof to the people of Mitchells Plain that Home Affairs is delivering dignity for all. The vastly improved facilities and technology will transform their daily interactions with our services.
“We have brought Home Affairs closer than ever to the people of Mitchells Plain and in the coming months, our plans to expand access to services through many more bank branches will take us closer still to delivering 'Home Affairs @ home,” Schreiber said.
At the time, the Minister was accompanied by the Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, and Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:59
120 views
Sedgefield Developer Sues Knysna Municipality for More Than R2.5-Million
A local environmentalist is also being sued
Western Cape woman nabbed for drug possession
Western Cape woman nabbed for drug possession
Police in Cape Town have arrested a 46-year-old woman for the possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R1 million.
Members attached to the Khayelitsha South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit arrested the suspect on Friday, who was found with a large amount of mandrax.
“On Friday, the members were conducting a stop and search operation, when they received information about a premises in T-Block, Sector 6, Site B, Khayelitsha, that is allegedly used as a liquor storage facility.
“The members immediately operationalised the information and on arrival, they found a lady on the premises carrying a big green bag, and found 10 packets of mandrax tablets and four small clear packets also with mandrax tablets.
"When counted in each of the 10 packets, 1 000 units of mandrax tablets were found and inside the four small packets, 100 mandrax tablets were found, with an estimated street value of R1 million,” the police said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Monday for possession of drugs.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, commended the efforts of community members, who shared valuable information that led to the recovery of the drugs. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 09:46
254 views
State-of-the-art Home Affairs office opens in Mitchells Plain
State-of-the-art Home Affairs office opens in Mitchells Plain
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber on Saturday officially opened a new state-of-the-art office in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.
He was joined by the Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, and Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The new office is modern and spacious, with 250 seats (it previously had 50). It also includes upgraded technology like cameras installed directly at each counter, which eliminates the need to queue to take photos.
“This new office serves as tangible proof to the people of Mitchells Plain that Home Affairs is delivering dignity for all. The vastly improved facilities and technology will transform their daily interactions with our services.
“We have brought Home Affairs closer than ever to the people of Mitchells Plain and in the coming months, our plans to expand access to services through many more bank branches will take us closer still to delivering 'Home Affairs @ home',” Schreiber said.
READ | Work underway to transform government services
– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 09:09
83 views
Immigration Advisory Board Appointed for the First Time in a Decade, Says Schreiber
13-member Board will be advising the Home Affairs minister on matters relating to immigration policy, strategy, and implementation
R750-Million Budget Change Hits Housing Developments in Three Provinces
Western Cape, Gauteng and Free State are challenging national government’s decision to cut their funds and reallocate them
Mixed Reviews for Cape Town SASSA Offices on Grant Payment Day
Beneficiaries using the SASSA Gold Card have until 31 May to swap to the Black Card
Eviction Must Not Make Immigrants Homeless, Says Court
High Court rules against eviction of people occupying old Circus School premises in Cape Town
Operation Shanela continues to make strides
Operation Shanela continues to make strides
Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress in the fight against crime with 13 633 suspects having been arrested through the multidisciplinary operation.
“Through high visibility patrols, stop and searches and the tracing of wanted suspects, police are hard at work in stamping the authority of the state,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
A number of takedowns and major drug busts were recorded which include the confiscation of R50 million worth of crystal meth during an intelligence driven operation in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.
Another major success was the interception of a truck and vehicle car hijacking syndicate in which four suspects were arrested. In this case, numerous truck trailers, vehicle parts, heavy-duty machinery, forklifts, and copper plates all valued at R10 million were discovered at a farm in Ventersdorp in the North West.
Additionally, 145 stolen sheep were recovered in Qumbu within 24 hours after they were stolen during a farm attack while also 18 000 units of Abalone to the value of R15 million was also seized in the Eastern Cape.
Other arrests made across the country include the arrest of 2 192 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder and attempted murder. A total 137 suspects were arrested for murder, with a majority of these suspects being arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (32).
Additionally, 259 suspects were arrested for rape, 95 of the arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and 220 drug dealers were arrested in the past week with the majority of these suspects arrested in the Western Cape (57).
“[A total] 113 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, with the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (36),” said the SAPS adding that the 1072 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested.
The police also recovered 131 firearms and 1510 rounds of ammunition that were confiscated.
Additionally, a joint operation conducted by Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime unit, Brand Protectors, and border police resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods including clothing, consumables, toys and cellphone accessories worth over R35 million.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:41
278 views
Still No Compensation for Victims of George Building Collapse
Dysfunction at the Compensation Commission mean some victims may never receive payment
Thousands March to Call for Justice for Raped Child
Still no arrests after seven-year-old raped in Eastern Cape in October
People With Disabilities Lack Accessible Public Transport in Cape Town
The Dial-a-Ride service has been stagnant for seven years
JSC Must Urgently Fill Vacant Posts and Hold Judges to Account
This week the Judicial Services Commission will hold interviews for judges and decide on two important disciplinary matters
NICD warns of increase in cases of respiratory diphtheria
NICD warns of increase in cases of respiratory diphtheria
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged citizens to check their children’s vaccination status due to a rise in diphtheria cases in the country.
Since the beginning of 2025, up until 23 March, diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been confirmed in 40 people in South Africa.
Of these cases, 19 exhibited symptoms, while 21 were asymptomatic.
“These asymptomatic individuals were carriers identified during contact tracing,” the statement read.
According to data from the NICD, there were 15 reported cases of respiratory diphtheria in the Western Cape, two cases in Gauteng, three cases in Mpumalanga, and one probable case in Limpopo.
Laboratory tests did not confirm the case from Limpopo, but the person exhibited symptoms consistent with respiratory diphtheria.
Over 78% of the cases have occurred in adults aged 18 and older.
Among the symptomatic cases, the public health institute said it was important to note that nine people have died, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27% (nine out of 33 cases) since the beginning of 2024.
“Adults who have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the last 10 years are urged to seek vaccination at a clinic or with their usual healthcare provider.
“Pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine with each pregnancy to protect the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
Diphtheria is a contagious, severe, vaccine-preventable illness usually associated with a sore throat, fever, and large, swollen glands in the neck.
The NICD said this illness is sometimes called a “bull neck”, and on examining a patient, the doctor will see a characteristic adherent membrane over the tonsils and the throat, also known as a “pseudomembrane”.
“If not treated early, the public health institute said diphtheria causes difficulty in breathing and can lead to complete blockage of the airway and death. The organism also produces a toxin that affects the heart muscle, kidneys, and nervous system, leading to life-threatening illness.”
Treatment is with diphtheria antitoxin to neutralise the toxin produced by the bacterium and appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the organism, which should be given early to be effective.
The NICD is encouraging doctors and healthcare workers to be on high alert for suspected diphtheria cases and are urged to report cases on the Notifiable Medical Condition app or the NICD website.
The NICD said the best protection against diphtheria is vaccination.
Infant vaccine is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses at 18 months and six and 12 years.
The available vaccines include Dt (diphtheria and tetanus) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough). – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:41
443 views
SAPS Responds to Groundup’s Articles on Extortion in Cape Town
GroundUp recently reported that extortionists are targeting schools and informal businesses in Phillipi, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut responds. Extortion is a serious crime that threatens businesses, schools, and individuals, often instilling fear and disrupting livelihoods. In response, the Western Cape police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, government …
Accused in Police Torture Case Considers Plea Deal
Three police officers are charged with torturing a barber in Cape Town in November 2023
Extortionists Close down Informal Businesses in Cape Town
SAPS says fighting extortion is a priority, but won’t provide details on its response
Operation Shanela makes progress
Operation Shanela makes progress
Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across the country, with police having arrested 12 892 suspects recently.
“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [South African Police Service] continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement this week.
The arrests were made in the period 17 - 23 March 2025.
The police said 123 suspects were arrested for attempted murder; 167 suspects were arrested for murder (with the majority of these suspects, 45, arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and followed by the Western Cape with 42). The police also arrested 1 753 wanted suspects and 203 drug dealers.
A further 1 507 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects (689) were arrested in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 115 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms.
Additionally, 10 suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 432 drivers were arrested for drunken driving.
One hundred and nineteen firearms and 1 335 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The police also recovered 76 hijacked and stolen vehicles.
Curbing smuggling
Members of the Limpopo Anti-Smuggling team conducted a successful operation along the N11 road in Mahwelereng, which resulted in the arrest of 20 Ethiopian foreign nationals, who were allegedly smuggled into the country.
Police also arrested suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man and South African woman arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police. Police seized cocaine valued at over R1 million. Their arrest has now brought the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:30
273 views
Parliament Secretly Passed New Code of Conduct Without Public Comment
Activist group #UniteBehind wants the change declared unconstitutional
Minister reflects on department’s achievements, challenges in first three months
Minister reflects on department’s achievements, challenges in first three months
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has commended the department’s team for the work done to realise one of the principles of the Freedom Charter of providing houses, security and comfort.
This comes as the Minister reflects on the progress made in the three months since her appointment, acknowledging both the achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.
Progress and achievements
In a statement on Monday, Simelane said several key strides hace been made by the department, including responding to emergencies such as floods and fires in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
She highlighted visits to various human settlements projects and a significant meeting held with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to discuss the five-year Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), and review progress on the implementation of the 2024/2025 priorities and proposed policy changes, among others.
In collaboration with the Department of Social Development, the Ministry has developed the Special Housing Needs Programme Grant designed to support the implementation of the Special Housing Needs Programme (SHNP).
“This programme seeks to provide amenities required in human settlements to help those who cannot independently live by themselves. This includes persons with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and the elderly,” the Minister explained.
Additionally, the department has worked to ensure stability within its entities by appointing and inducting new board members to serve in five of the six department’s entities.
A White Paper on Human Settlements was also approved in December 2024, focusing on developing a policy and legislative framework for Integrated and Sustainable Human Settlements.
The framework aims to provide housing, safety, and comfort for all, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, the poor, and the “missing middle” of society.
Addressing challenges
Simelane said the period has enabled her to fully understand the challenges faced by the sector. These include budget cuts, poor contract management leading to project abandonment, allegations of fraud and corruption, a trust deficit between the department and its stakeholders, distressed social housing projects, and finding permanent solutions to the country’s informal settlements.
“These challenges inform us that there is no silver bullet to resolve our challenges. Government alone cannot provide solutions. Partnership with the private sector, the public, and NGOs [non-governmental organisations] will bring us closer to a permanent solution to our country’s housing challenges,” Simelane said.
The Minister addressed the issue of tenants deliberately boycotting rental agreements in social housing projects. She stressed that social housing is rental accommodation, and that tenants are legally obliged to pay rent.
“Failure to do so will lead to eviction. Do not blame government. Do the honourable thing, pay rent, and enjoy decent and affordable accommodation closer to economic activities and social amenities,” the Minister said.
Post Investment Support Programme
To foster mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector, contractors and developers, and address issues that have cost the government millions of rands, the Minister announced that the department will launch the Emerging Developer Incubator and Post Investment Support Programme.
The programme, through the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), will be launched on 28 March 2025.
This initiative aims to provide non-financial support to emerging developers, particularly those who have been historically disadvantaged. The programme will assist them in packaging funding proposals, managing construction phases and post-investments, and marketing completed units after construction.
“Empowered contractors are a vehicle to our success. If contractors and developers were to deliver quality human settlement projects on time and within budget, nothing would stand in our way of achieving our goals,” Simelane said.
She further outlined some of the department’s immediate priorities, including completing stalled or blocked projects, addressing the backlog of military veterans' housing, and prioritising housing for vulnerable groups and the destitute.
Investigation into George building collapse
Meanwhile, the Minister said she has received the preliminary report of the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC) has into the building that collapsed in George, Western Cape, in 2024.
The final report is expected to be completed shortly.
Simelane will in the coming months unpack departmental priorities, in line with the 2024-2025 MTDP, and explain how the priorities will contribute to government’s three key goals: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/24/2025 - 12:59
109 views
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has officially unveiled a groundbreaking Request for Information (RFI), aimed at transforming the country’s struggling rail and port infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector.
“Today, I am launching an online request for information to develop an enabling environment for Private Sector Participation (PSP) and enhance investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations,” Creecy said during a media briefing on Sunday.
The Minister described this decision as a significant step in government’s efforts to partner with the private sector, ensuring that the country’s rail network and ports reclaim their crucial role in enhancing trade and driving economic growth.
Creecy highlighted the urgent need for intervention, citing significant challenges, including infrastructure deterioration, vandalism, theft, underinvestment, and operational inefficiencies that have hindered economic growth.
“The limited availability of State resources to fund infrastructure development and address backlogs has intensified these challenges, severely restricting the ability of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) to fulfill their critical mandates.,” she explained.
The Minister told journalists that Transnet and government have received many “unsolicited“ proposals from the private sector offering investment skills and expertise to support the rehabilitation and reform of our struggling rail and port systems.
“This overwhelming interest has made it clear to the department and Transnet that we must engage in broad and inclusive market research before issuing requests for proposals in August this year.”
However, according to the Minister, these processes are not formal procurement methods, but rather a mechanism to gather and analyse information from the market.
She stated that the government recognises the importance of understanding the freight logistics landscape from the perspective of interested and affected parties.
The Minister believes that this will ensure that solutions are both effective and sustainable during this initial phase of PSP.
The RFI targets key mineral export routes, include the corridor from Northern Cape to Saldanha for iron ore and manganese exports, as well as the routes from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay for coal and chrome exports.
In addition, there is an intermodal supply chain project that focuses on the container and automotive sectors.
This project encompasses the port, container, and automotive port terminals, as well as back-of-port arrangements and railway and inland terminals.
It will also address the corridors connecting Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Gauteng and Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura), and Gauteng and Western Cape (Cape Town).
“The RFI represents a pivotal step forward in our shared commitment to building a 21st-century transport system that goes beyond mobility to strengthen industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration, and drive inclusive economic growth.”
Creecy believes this move will help the department express challenges in a structured and coherent manner, clearly defining their scope, context, and impact to guide the development of focused, strategic, and sustainable solutions.
Support for new and emerging players
Meanwhile, Creecy said the State has committed to principles of job retention, State asset ownership, localisation, and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and gender equality, by providing strong support to new and emerging players in the rail and port sectors.
A dedicated PSP unit, to be hosted by the Development Bank of South Africa, will oversee the initiative.
The eight-week online consultation process, running from 24 March to 9 May 2025, aims to gather comprehensive market insights before issuing formal proposals in August.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate through the department’s website or dedicated online portal at www.psp-rfi.co.za, with all submitted information to be treated confidentially.
“I encourage all Interested and affected parties to actively engage in this RFI process, contributing to the PSP unit’s efforts in shaping the potential PSP programme of projects and designing future bid packages for procurement,” she added.
Government plans to release a second RFI focusing on passenger rail initiatives in May this year. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 03/23/2025 - 13:28
57 views