Police confiscate drugs estimated at R470,000 after vehicle chase in Knysna

Posted on November 17, 2025November 18, 2025 by

Western Cape police have seized drugs with an estimated street value of R470 000 following a vehicle chase on the N2 in Knysna during ongoing Safer Festive Season operations.

The incident happened on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 22:30 when Knysna Crime Prevention Unit members were patrolling in the town’s central business district. Officers noticed a vehicle parked in Main Street. As they approached, the driver sped off, prompting a chase.

Police managed to stop the vehicle near the Knysna Provincial Hospital on the N2. During a search, officers found two large parcels in the back of the vehicle. Further inspection revealed 58,85 kilograms of dagga hidden inside. Members also confiscated three cellphones, a scale and an undisclosed amount of cash. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

The suspects, aged 43 and 49, remain in custody. They are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, facing charges of dealing in drugs.

Western Cape police management praised the vigilance of the officers involved and commended their efforts in intercepting the consignment.

Safety warning amid Level 9 weather alert

Posted on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 by

North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Citizens have been urged to remain cautious as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 weather warning.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) on Monday said while emergency services remain on high alert, the public must follow these safety measures:

- Stay informed by monitoring local news and updates from the SAWS for the latest weather forecasts.
- Evacuate if necessary, following instructions from authorities, and seek higher ground if you are in flood-prone areas.
- Secure your property by clearing debris, securing loose items, and reinforcing doors and windows.
- Stay connected by keeping in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable.
- Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as these actions are among the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said following the outlined safety measures, although they seem simple, remains a powerful tool that saves lives and livelihoods, while preventing avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

He said the department is implementing disaster response measures since the severe weather warning, which includes widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.

Disaster Management Centres have been active in these affected areas, while other provinces remain on high alert.

In addition, national departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to remain vigilant.

“Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and so on.

“Lives cannot be replaced; as such, every precaution we take, every plan we implement, and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

“Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs [non-government organisations] and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

“Remember to prioritise your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe,” CoGTA said in a statement.

The National Disaster Management Centre will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management across national, provincial and local government levels, as well as among statutory bodies and other stakeholders involved in disaster response.

19 Garden Route Beaches Awarded Blue Flag Status for 2025 Holiday Season

Posted on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 by

Nineteen beaches across the Garden Route coastline have been awarded Blue Flag Status for the upcoming holiday season by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) There are 50 Blue Flag Beaches in the country and 20 Pilot Status beaches.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger said: “The municipalities in our region who received consistent Blue Flag Status and related awards, reflect their commitment to excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility. Thank you for the local municipalities of Hessequa, Bitou, Mossel Bay and George, for once again helping us collectively secure our top spot on South Africa’s preferred tourism destination map.”

Lappiesbaai in the Hessequa Municipal area has maintained Blue Flag status for 20 consecutive years, while Witsand, also in Hessequa, celebrates its 10th consecutive year of accreditation.

More exciting statistics include the following:

*Four of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status (South Africa has 20), these include Santos Beach, Suiderkruis, Tweekuilen and Leentjiesklip.
*Three out of 15 Green Coast sites (15 sites in South Africa), these include Nature’s Valley Beach, Swartvlei Beach and Gwaiing Beach.
*Two Blue Flag Marinas (5 Blue Flag Marinas in South Africa), these include Thesen Harbour Town Marina and Thesen Island Home Owners’ Marina.
*Two Sustainable Tourism Boats (7 in total in South Africa), these are from Offshore Adventures (Robberg Express and Oceanic).

Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:
Hessequa (6): Witsand Beach, Preekstoel Beach, Lappiesbaai Beach, Jongensfontein Beach, Gouritsmond Beach and Still Bay West Beach.
Plettenberg Bay (6): Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout Beach, The Dunes and Singing Kettle Beach.
Mossel Bay (4): De Bakke Beach, Hartenbos Beach, Little Brak Breach and Glentana Beach.
George (3): Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay and Wilderness.
South Africa has proudly participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 24 years, since 2001.

G20 Leaders’ Summit ‘will go on’ despite absences – President Ramaphosa

Posted on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 by

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the United States (US) government.

The President was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme held in Kliptown, Johannesburg, on Friday morning.

Recently, US President Donald Trump announced that neither he nor anyone representing that country would attend the global intergovernmental forum to be held in Johannesburg this week.

“[USA] President Trump has decided not to come and he’s pulled out all the US representatives. But we have said that boycott politics never work. If you boycott an event or a process, you... [lose] because the show will go on.

“The summit will go on. We are not going to stop because they are not here. We will continue and we will take fundamental decisions on matters that affect the people of the world,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that the G20 represents “up to 80% of the global economy” and that nearly 40 other Heads of State and Government, as well as heads of global organisations, will be at the Summit.

The President added that while South Africa would not want to handover the G20 Presidency gavel to “an empty chair” – the USA will be the next G20 President – there will be a symbolic handover.

“We will probably symbolically hand over to that empty chair and then talk to President Trump and say: even though you are not here, I am now handing over to you the reins of being President of the G20,” he said.

The President emphasised that despite the boycott, the USA remains an “important market” for South Africa.

“We want to engage more with their businesses. Government facilitates the engagement at trade and economic level so we want to continue trading with the businesses of the United States, and with the people of the United States. We export products to that country.

“The other issues are political and as normal, we will continue to dealing with the political issues.

Sometimes you have to talk to people who may not be very friendly to you to advance the interests of your own people. Sometimes you’ve got to do what people may think is unpalatable but I’m prepared to do it to advance the interests of South Africans,” he said.

On news that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s will not attend the Summit, President Ramaphosa said this is due to scheduling challenges.

“[It is] because of prior commitments... but the Prime Minister [Li Qiang]... will be here.

“President Xi Jinping has been to South Africa six times and that continues to show his commitment to South Africa, and I have great understanding for his busy schedule in China,” he said.