Day: August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton (80) has died

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

Parton, one of the most celebrated and influential artists in country music history, reportedly cancelled recent concert appearances due to health concerns. Her family confirmed her death just moments ago.

The singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades, producing timeless hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

Tributes are pouring in from around the world for the legendary performer, whose music, personality and charitable work made her one of the most beloved figures in entertainment.

US President Donald Trump has announced that flags are to be lowered throughout America in honour of the country music legend.

SANParks Announces Free Access Week for South African Visitors

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
South African day visitors will once again have the opportunity to explore participating national parks for free during the 21st annual SA National Parks Week.

The South African National Parks (SANParks) initiative will take place from 7 to 13 September 2026, offering South African citizens free entry to participating national parks across the country.

However, free access at Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park will only be available from Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September, and will not include the weekend.

“This highly anticipated South African National Parks campaign opens the gates of participating national parks to South African day visitors at no charge, creating an opportunity for families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors to experience some of the country’s most spectacular protected areas,” SANParks said.

Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are not included in the free access initiative.

To qualify for free entry, South African visitors must present a valid identity document. Children under the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.

The free access offer applies to day visitors only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourism activities, which will continue to be charged at normal rates. SANParks has also warned that individual parks may have different entry requirements and visitor limits.

For the full list of participating parks and their respective free-access dates, visit the SANParks SA National Parks Week 2026 page.

Since its launch in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and helping to build greater appreciation for South Africa’s national parks and their role in conservation.

More than 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free-access initiative in 2025 alone.

Call for Increased Patrols at Garden Route Dam After Latest Attack

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The FF Plus is urgently calling on the police and George municipal law enforcement services to immediately increase visibility and patrols at the Garden Route Dam.

The dam is a popular recreational area where residents and visitors walk, jog and cycle. The latest incident, in which a 22-year-old woman was approached from behind and grabbed around the neck while walking alone to her vehicle, highlights the serious safety risks in the area.

Several incidents in recent times indicate that the current level of visibility is insufficient. The FF Plus is requesting increased patrols at the dam and along the surrounding routes, and that all incidents continue to be reported so that crime patterns can be identified and addressed.

However, the solution cannot be for people to stay away from the dam out of fear. When residents avoid public spaces, it becomes easier for criminals to take control of them.

Visitors are instead encouraged to act responsibly, move in groups where possible and remain vigilant.

"Tourism is an important pillar of George’s economy and supports numerous businesses and jobs. The town cannot afford for a valuable tourism and recreational area to develop a reputation for being unsafe," the FF Plus said in a statement.

The political party is calling on all stakeholders to work together to make the Garden Route Dam safer, so that residents and visitors can enjoy it with greater peace of mind.

Photo by Wessel Van Heerden Photography

Four Suspects Now Linked to Tsengwa Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Three suspects have appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot dead in his vehicle last week.

A fourth suspect handed himself over to Plettenberg Bay police on Monday morning.

The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder, relating to the three passengers who were travelling with Tsengwa at the time of the shooting. One of the passengers remains in critical condition.

An identification parade involving witnesses is still to be conducted. The case has been postponed until next Monday.
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