May 2026 storm damage tops R9 Billion

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by

The Western Cape Department of Local Government revealed in a briefing to the Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today that preliminary estimates of damage from the May 2026 floods exceed R9 billion. Despite the severity of the damage, the Western Cape’s disaster risk management system proved its value with proactive planning, which saved hundreds of lives during the flooding.

The severe weather between 5 and 12 May brought 300 mm of rain and 120 km/h winds. Provincial disaster centres activated early, pre-positioning rescue teams and closing schools based on flood-risk profiling. Despite 11 fatalities, a coordinated response prevented greater tragedy: 651 rescues, 3 690 people sheltered, over 56 000 reached with humanitarian aid, 97% of power restored, and 70% of road disruptions cleared within days.

It was also revealed that tourism impacts in CapeNature reserves included 1 241 days lost and 306 bookings affected, with the potential revenue lost estimated at R2.5 million.

A written parliamentary reply from the Department of Agriculture further confirmed that over 1 400 hectares of farmland were damaged by the inclement weather, resulting in over R1.2 billion in agricultural and export losses. Consequently, 1 568 agricultural jobs were disrupted, with agricultural infrastructure damage exceeding R3.9 billion.

Dave Bryant, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: “The briefing shows that the DA-led Western Cape Government leads in disaster preparedness. Our officials activated Joint Operations Centres, pre-deployed rescue teams, and issued warnings that saved lives. This includes 650 rescues, thousands sheltered, and repairs started within days. The DA in the Western Cape commend every official and volunteer who kept our province safe.”

Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Our farmers and farmworkers have shown incredible resilience, but 1 400 hectares lost, 1 500 jobs disrupted, and R3.9 billion in infrastructure damage is devastating. The DA-led Western Cape Government has activated the Rural and Sector Support structure, fast-tracked relief, and ensured commodity formations deliver aid. We will rebuild and leave no farming community behind.”

DA Opposes Proposed New Motorist Charge to Fund RAF

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has intensified its opposition to proposals being considered by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to introduce an additional charge on motorists to help fund the financially troubled Road Accident Fund (RAF).

According to the DA, government is considering attaching a new fee to annual vehicle licence renewals as part of efforts to secure alternative funding for the RAF. The party argues that motorists are already contributing to the fund through the fuel levy and should not face additional financial burdens.

The DA maintains that the RAF's financial difficulties stem from years of mismanagement, corruption, wasteful expenditure and poor governance rather than insufficient funding from motorists. The party says the focus should be on reforming the system rather than introducing new taxes or levies.

DA transport spokesperson Dr Chris Hunsinger said the party is engaging with the Transport Minister on proposals to replace the RAF through legislative amendments and is awaiting confirmation of a meeting to discuss the matter.

The party argues that South Africans are already under financial pressure due to rising fuel costs, food inflation and other household expenses, and that any additional charges would place further strain on consumers.

The DA has reiterated its call for the RAF to be replaced with what it describes as a more sustainable, efficient and affordable system that can support road accident victims without requiring increased contributions from the public.

Government has reportedly indicated that the proposed licence renewal charge remains one of several options under consideration as it explores alternative funding mechanisms for the RAF.

The DA has pledged to oppose any measures that would increase costs for motorists.

Statistics South Africa reports 0.5% GDP growth

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by

The South African economy maintained its positive momentum in the first quarter of 2026 (January - March). Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0,5%,1 marking a sixth consecutive quarter of growth. Finance, agriculture, trade and transport did the heavy lifting on the production (supply) side of the economy. The expenditure (demand) side was supported by a decline in imports and a rise in household consumption, government consumption and exports.

Nine industries were stronger
The finance industry was the main positive contributor on the production side of the economy, expanding by 0,9% and adding 0,2 of a percentage point to GDP growth. Agriculture, trade, and transport & communication also made notable contributions.

Agriculture grew for a sixth consecutive quarter, expanding by 3,9%. Field crops and horticulture products (particularly fruit) underpinned the industry’s stronger performance.

The trade industry also extended its gains for a sixth straight quarter, supported by stronger wholesale trade, motor trade, food & beverages and accommodation. Retail trade was the exception, recording zero growth.

Positive results from land transport, air transport and transport support services pushed the transport & communication industry higher by 0,7%. Economic activity in communications, however, was down in the quarter.

Mining was stronger on the back of higher production levels for platinum group metals, gold, chromium ore and diamonds.

Manufacturing misfired in the first quarter, weakening by 0,8%. This is the industry’s second consecutive decline, dragged lower mainly by the petroleum & chemicals; iron & steel; and wood, paper & publishing divisions.

Glass & non-metallic mineral products, motor vehicles & transport equipment, electrical machinery and textiles & clothing were stronger, but not enough to lift the industry into positive territory.

Expenditure on GDP was also positive
The expenditure side of the economy was lifted by weaker imports, together with a rise in household consumption, government consumption and exports.

Household consumption expanded by a marginal 0,1%, the lowest growth rate in eight quarters. Household utilities (such as water and electricity) and transport were the largest positive contributors.

Consumers spent less on food & non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages, tobacco & narcotics. This was consistent with the zero per cent growth rate in retail trade on the production side of the economy. Spending on restaurants & hotels was also down. The miscellaneous goods & services category was the most significant negative contributor, reflecting a decline in insurance expenditure.

Following two consecutive increases, capital formation pulled back in the first quarter, declining by 1,1%. This was mainly due to a decrease in investments in machinery & other equipment and residential buildings.

The slowdown in imports was largely influenced by weaker trade in precious metals, mineral products, machinery & electrical equipment, textiles & textile articles, and animal & vegetable fats and oils. Exports rose by 0,5%, driven by rise in the trade of mineral products, vegetable products (reflecting the rise in the production of fruit in the agricultural industry), and prepared foodstuffs, beverages & tobacco.

The manufacturing, trade and mining industries dipped into their stockpiles to meet demand, resulting in an annualised R22,4 billion drawdown in inventories. Manufacturing’s drawdown was the largest (-R14,5 billion).

The impact of the conflict in the Middle East?
The conflict in the Middle East began towards the end of February, more than half-way through the first quarter. The impact of the conflict was felt in the sharp fuel price increases in April, which may reflect in the second quarter GDP estimates. These will be released on 08 September 2026.

Operation Shanela cracks down on organised criminal networks

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its nationwide Operation Shanela crackdown on organised criminal networks involved in illicit trade, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and other serious and violent crimes.

These intelligence-led operations were conducted between 1 and 7 June across the country, resulting in the arrest of 17 587 suspects, including 2 549 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes.

During the same period, 2 399 illegal foreigners were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, with the most arrests recorded in Gauteng (959), followed by 529 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Police have also conducted operations targeting transitional criminal networks involved in illicit trade, including significant seizures of illicit cigarettes across multiple provinces.

On 3 June 2026, police intercepted a suspicious truck and arrested a 35-year-old male suspect for possession of suspected illicit cigarettes worth R7.5 million on the N1 near Vaal Plaza in the Free State.

On 5 June 2026, police seized illicit cigarettes worth R3 million and arrested two foreign nationals in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

On 4 June 2026, police arrested a 49-year-old Zimbabwean national after intercepting a Nissan truck carrying illicit tobacco, worth R1.5 million, along the R518 road in Limpopo.

In the Western Cape, police seized illegal liquor worth more than R9 million and arrested three Chinese nationals following a coordinated operation in Paarl on 4 June 2026.

In the fight against transnational drug syndicates, law enforcement agencies secured a major victory when they seized 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine, worth R36 million, at the Durban Harbour on 6 June 2026.

Other key arrests this week include 1 564 suspects arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm]; 153 for murder; 157 for attempted murder; 135 for rape; 567 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 196 for dealing in drugs; 3 115 for possession of drugs; 499 for illegal dealing in liquor and 26 for human trafficking.

Police also confiscated and recovered 127 unlicensed firearms of various calibres; 1 898 rounds of ammunition; contraband goods worth more than R21 million; various types of drugs, and 59 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Garden Route Climate Summit to Focus on Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by

The Garden Route has faced some of South Africa’s most severe climate-related disasters in recent years, including the 2017 Knysna fires, repeated floods, storm damage and ongoing threats to infrastructure and communities.

Most recently, strong winds, flooding and coastal damage in May and June have again highlighted the region’s vulnerability, prompting calls for stronger coordination and preparedness.

In response, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), with partners and Nelson Mandela University, will host the 2026 Extreme Weather Reflection Summit at NMU’s George Campus on 2 July.

The summit will bring together experts, government, business, agriculture and civil society to review recent events and develop practical resilience and disaster-risk solutions.

Preceding the event will be training for disaster management teams, including chainsaw operation and biomass clearing.

Discussions will focus on climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water security, biodiversity, environmental restoration and sustainable development. The summit is supported by the Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality.

RSVP is essential via [email protected].