One week left for 2025 school transfer applications

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is calling on all parents and caregivers to act immediately, to meet closing date for applications.

This process applies only to learners in Grades 2–7 and Grades 9–12 who are already enrolled in a school but need to transfer to another.

Parents can submit applications online via the WCED admissions portal or directly at the relevant school or nearest WCED district office. Schools can only process transfer applications for their own institution, while district offices can capture applications for multiple schools.

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), all applications must include:
• The learner’s last school report card;
• ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit, proof of application, or police affidavit; and
• Proof of address or police affidavit.

Applying now is critical. Acting early will secure placement at a preferred school before spaces run out, prevent overcrowded classrooms and long travel distances, and allow the WCED to allocate teachers, resources, and infrastructure effectively. It also ensures a smooth start to the 2026 school year with all arrangements finalised well in advance.

Leon van Wyk, MPP and DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education, says, “Making use of this transfer period is important. Parents and caregivers who leave it too late, risk their children being placed far from home or in overcrowded classrooms. By applying now, we give every learner the best chance to start the school year prepared and ready to succeed.”

"The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to ensuring smooth transitions within the education system for the benefit of learners, teachers, and administrators. We believe that education is the key driver of economic growth and will continue to advocate for effective processes that put the needs of our learners first".

SA reaffirms support for global treaty to tackle plastic pollution

With the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on Plastic Pollution underway in Geneva, Switzerland, South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is already harming communities, economies and ecosystems - from land to rivers to oceans.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It affects public health, sustainable development and the future of our oceans. We must act now,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

The Minister is leading the South African delegation that is attending the second part of the INC 5.2 on Plastic Pollution.

This session is a critical opportunity to finalise a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.

George reaffirmed South Africa’s strong support for urgent and coordinated international action to end plastic pollution across its full life cycle.

Global plastic production has grown rapidly, from two million tonnes in 1950 to 475-million tonnes in 2022. Without urgent intervention, South Africa’s plastic pollution is expected to nearly double by 2040 compared to 2020 levels.

In response, South Africa has moved to ban plastic microbeads. Draft regulations have been signed and are set to be published for public comment. 

These regulations aim to prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale and distribution of microbeads and products containing them.

“South Africa is acting with urgency to address this crisis. But no country can solve it alone. We need global cooperation, innovation and ambition,” George said.

The INC process was established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2022, following the adoption of a resolution to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution, including marine plastic. 

While the first part of INC 5 took place in Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2024, a final agreement was not reached, and negotiations have resumed in Geneva.

The expected treaty will cover the full life cycle of plastics, from production and design to disposal.

It will also align with existing global commitments on climate change, biodiversity and chemical safety.

Suspect charged with murder of Hermanus woman

A 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s court today (Monday, 11 August 2025) on murder charges. The arrest follows the death of a 59-year-old woman outside the Whale Mall in Hermanus on Thursday, 07 August after she sustained gunshot wounds inflicted by armed assailants.

After the incident, an extensive investigation ensued that led to several persons being questioned. On Saturday, 09 August the suspect was charged. Two vehicles and a firearm were seized over the weekend as part of the probe.

The shooting incident is believed to be taxi-conflict related.

Crime investigators are still hard at work in search of more suspects.
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