Bail postponed again for Peet Viljoen

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The bail application of fraud-accused and disbarred attorney, Peet Viljoen, has been postponed to 23 July.

Viljoen told the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today that he is not a flight risk and would not attempt to evade his trial if released on bail.

Viljoen is facing numerous charges, including 400 counts of fraud, forgery and corruption.

The former reality TV personality says he intends to sue the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for R500 million, claiming he has been subjected to an unlawful prosecution. He remains in custody.

Knysna Oyster Festival remains key economic driver for Garden Route

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The Western Cape Government is proud to continue partnering with the Knysna Oyster Festival, as the Garden Route expands into a sporting, cultural and culinary hub, marking a lively 10-day programme filled with a variety of experiences. Taking place from 3 to 12 July 2026, this year’s programme highlights Knysna as a special destination and one of South Africa’s much-loved winter locations for sport, arts and culture.

The festival programme included the flagship Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon which took place on Saturday, 4 July. With a scenic route through the indigenous Knysna Forest, this year marks the 41st edition of one of the Garden Route's most iconic races.

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is supporting several team sports tournaments and engaging various community leaders across the region throughout the festival week. Through the Department’s support, basketball is once again part of the festival programme. The success of the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments is made possible through strong partnerships between government, municipalities, sporting federations, and organisers.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, congratulates all participants of the Knysna Forest Marathon, the Knysna Basketball Tournament and other sporting codes. “As the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, we remain committed to supporting events and festivals that encourage young people to participate in sport and contribute to job creation and the economy. Well done to all athletes and to everyone who continues to invest in and strengthen sport across the region,” said Minister Mackenzie.

The Minister also joined passionate spectators at the Springbok Bok Tent for the Nations Championship on 4 July, as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival celebrations. The crowds were buzzing, proudly singing our national anthem, and celebrating a successful 45 – 21 victory over England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Knysna Oyster Festival serves as a catalyst for a much broader celebration of sport and community leadership across the Garden Route.

During this period, the Minister also opened the 2026 Growthpoint Properties Jarvis / Kaplan National Squash Championships in Mossel Bay. This marks the start of one of South Africa’s premier national squash tournaments, and for the first time ever, the tournament is being played on an all-glass court. The all-glass feature enables spectators to have a full, uninterrupted view of the game from all angles. The department welcomes all athletes from across the country and wishes those competing in the championships every success. “The upcoming week will be a showcase for sport and for our country”, says Minister Mackenzie.

By supporting events such as the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments, as well as sporting events across the broader Garden Route region, the department continues to strengthen the Western Cape’s sporting ecosystem – investing in sport as a catalyst for youth participation, community development and job creation.

The Garden Route’s packed sporting calendar is a testament to the region’s vital role in hosting significant national sporting events during the winter season. The full festival programme is available on knysnaoysterfestival.co.za and we encourage everyone to visit the Garden Route and support this festival and other activities in the region.

Six Western Cape properties to remain centres for GBVF survivors

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has formalised the renewal of six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Department of Social Development for the continuation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) shelter services.

The properties in Aurora, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Laingsburg and Moorreesburg were being used to support shelter and care services for survivors of GBVF. The renewal will ensure the continuation of these services.

At the signing ceremony held at the Western Cape Department of Social Development on Wednesday, Macpherson formalised the renewal of the six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, for the continued provision of shelter and support services for victims and survivors of GBVF.

Macpherson said the renewal reflects the department’s commitment to ensure that public property is used for the public good and does not stand idle or vacant in communities across the country.

The renewal of the properties is part of the department’s broader work to ensure that state-owned properties are actively used to support service delivery alongside the 801 unused and non-essential state-owned properties identified by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for sale or repurposing.

“When I took office, I made it clear that public assets must be used for the public good. This renewal gives practical meaning to that commitment by ensuring that these state-owned properties continue serving as safe spaces for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are proud to support the Western Cape Department of Social Development and its partners in providing shelter, care and protection to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide,” Macpherson said.

Londt said the partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will play an important role in supporting victims and survivors of Gender-based violence.

“This renewal reflects our shared commitment to putting the needs of our citizens first. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that these properties remain safe havens for women, children and vulnerable people fleeing gender-based violence and other crises,” Londt said.

The renewal process forms part of Macpherson’s commitment to ensure that public assets continue to be used for the public good, particularly where they support vulnerable communities and frontline social services.