Author: Eon Engelbrecht

Springboks face All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Springboks will take on New Zealand’s All Blacks in the opening Test of the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said the squad combines players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the series with those who featured against Argentina.

Erasmus said the squad was well balanced and that the return of several players from injury, along with sufficient recovery time for others following the Nations Championship, had helped with preparations.

“The All Blacks are a quality team, and we selected combinations we think would be best suited for the challenge this weekend,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website.

He added that the squad had been together for more than a week and was fully aligned with the team’s approach for the match.

“We are preparing for an 80-minute grind. They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.”

Erasmus expects another closely fought encounter between the two rivals and stressed the importance of taking opportunities and maintaining discipline.

“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it is important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It is going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it,” he said.

PRASA to Run Special Trains for Springboks and All Blacks Matches

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will operate dedicated train services for rugby fans attending the upcoming Barbarian Tour and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

The special services will support three major matches: the Springboks’ Test against the All Blacks at 10BET Ellis Park in Johannesburg, the Lions’ clash with the All Blacks at the same venue, and the Springboks’ second Test against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

PRASA said the additional services form part of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, affordable and convenient public transport for major sporting events.

“Supporters are encouraged to arrive at their departure stations early and to buy return tickets before travelling. This will reduce queues and make for a smoother journey,” PRASA said.

Commuters using Isitimela Sabantu and travelling through PRASA stations have also been urged to comply with rail safety regulations.

Train services

Springboks vs All Blacks - 10BET Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 22 August 2026

PRASA will operate a free shuttle service between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park Station for supporters with valid match tickets.

Trains will run every 15 minutes from 12:30pm to 8:30pm, with connections to Gautrain services at Park Station. The last Gautrain service departs at 9pm.

Lions vs All Blacks – 10BET Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August 2026

A shuttle service will operate between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park Station every 15 minutes from 2:30pm to 10:30pm.

Connections to Gautrain services will be available at Park Station, with the last Gautrain departing at 11pm. A return ticket will cost R20.

Springboks vs All Blacks – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 29 August 2026

PRASA Western Cape will operate additional train services to accommodate the thousands of supporters expected to attend the match at DHL Stadium.

The services are intended to provide a convenient alternative to private vehicles and help reduce traffic congestion around the Cape Town CBD and Green Point.

PRASA said further information on train schedules will be shared through its official digital platforms, including WhatsApp commuter groups.

Two Men Shot Dead in Knysna After Tsengwa Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Serious Violent Crime detectives have launched a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for a shooting that claimed the lives of two men in Knysna on Thursday evening, just a day after former Knysna executive mayor and ANC Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa was shot and killed in the town.

According to preliminary information, the two victims, aged 47 and 48, were in a vehicle in Bongani at about 21:00 on Thursday when unidentified gunmen opened fire.

The latest shooting follows the murder of Tsengwa in Ngxalo Street, Joodsekamp, at approximately 21:20 on Wednesday, 19 August.

Police have opened a murder case and three cases of attempted murder following that attack. Tsengwa was reportedly travelling home with three other people when an unidentified gunman approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Tsengwa, who was driving at the time, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. The three other occupants were injured and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The Provincial Serious Violent Crime detective team, which was already investigating Tsengwa's murder, has since been reinforced, with additional detectives deployed to investigate both shootings.

Police have not yet established the motives for either attack and are investigating whether the two shootings are linked.
No arrests have been made, with detectives continuing to follow up on all available leads.

Tsengwa served as executive mayor of Knysna from August 2022 until February 2025. He was removed from office following a successful motion of no confidence. He returned to the Knysna Municipal Council in June 2025 after being elected as the ANC's Ward 8 councillor in a by-election.

Tributes have since begun pouring in following his death.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigations is urged to contact SAPS Sergeant Nobuntu Thundezwa on 082 522 1251, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

Minister Marais Condemns Killing of Former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has condemned the killing of former Knysna mayor and ANC ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot and killed in Knysna on Wednesday evening, 19 August 2026.

Marais extended her condolences to Tsengwa’s family, friends and colleagues, describing the killing as “brutal” and “senseless”.
“I strongly condemn this brutal, senseless killing,” Marais said.

She welcomed the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit to investigate the murder.

“Every possible avenue must be followed so that those responsible can be identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” she said.

Marais said the motive for the killing remains under investigation, but warned that Tsengwa’s murder comes during an increasingly sensitive political period ahead of the local government elections.

“We must be vigilant against any form of political violence,” she said.

Marais added that she would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

SA Agulhas II arrives safely at Marion Island

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The SA Agulhas II has arrived safely at Marion Island, where a 32-member team is working to reactivate the research base following the evacuation of the previous team earlier this year.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier said significant progress had already been made to restore the base through careful coordination and cooperation between all stakeholders.

“While there is still much work to be done, the efficient redeployment of the Marion Island team bodes well for the future of our research programme in the region,” Maynier said in a statement on Thursday.

The team departed Cape Town on 5 August 2026 and reached Marion Island on 9 August to begin an initial inspection of the base.
It includes 20 officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), who landed on 10 August to begin reactivating the facility.

The operation has involved transporting equipment, repair materials and essential supplies from the vessel to the island by helicopter.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said cargo offloading would continue over the coming week. If there are no delays, the formal takeover of the base by the M83 team is scheduled for 25 August.

Maynier stressed the strategic importance of research conducted at Marion Island, noting that the Southern Ocean has a direct impact on South Africa’s climate, economy and security.

“We must retain our position as Africa’s leader in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research, through careful management of our bases on Marion Island and Antarctica,” he said.

Former Knysna Mayor killed

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Former Knysna executive mayor and current ANC Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa has been killed in a shooting in Knysna.

Police have launched a murder investigation, along with three cases of attempted murder, following the attack in Ngxalo Street in Joodsekamp at approximately 9.20pm on Wednesday, 19 August.

According to police, Tsengwa was travelling home with three other people when an unidentified gunman approached and opened fire. The suspect fled the scene afterwards.

Tsengwa, who was behind the wheel at the time of the attack, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.

The three other occupants were injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Police have not yet established a motive for the shooting, and the investigation is continuing.

Tsengwa served as executive mayor of Knysna from August 2022 until February 2025. He was removed from office after a motion of no confidence against him was passed.

He returned to the Knysna Municipal Council in June 2025 after being elected as the ANC's Ward 8 councillor in a by-election.

Tributes have since begun pouring in following his death.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

Western Cape Government brings Rental Housing Tribunal services closer to Garden Route residents

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht

The Western Cape Government has expanded access to rental housing support in the Garden Route with the launch of two new Rental Housing Tribunal offices in George and Oudtshoorn.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers officially launched the offices on Monday, 17 August, bringing the number of local, free and professional rental housing advisory and dispute-resolution services in the Southern Cape to four.

The new offices mean residents no longer need to travel hundreds of kilometres to Cape Town to access administrative justice and assistance with rental-related disputes.

Operating under the Rental Housing Act, the offices will provide tenants and landlords with guidance on their rights and responsibilities, face-to-face advice, early dispute-resolution support and formal referrals to the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Simmers said the initiative is aimed at making government services more accessible while promoting a fair, transparent and stable rental market.

“Today is about much more than opening government offices. It is about bringing government closer to the people.”

The expansion comes as rapid economic and population growth in the Garden Route continues to drive demand for well-regulated rental housing. The new offices will help communities better understand their rights and responsibilities, resolve disputes earlier and support safe, lawful and dignified living conditions.

The George and Oudtshoorn offices complement the fully operational Rental Housing Tribunal office in Mossel Bay and the recently launched office in Bitou, further strengthening access to rental housing services across the region.

Minister Simmers stressed that the Tribunal’s role is not to favour either landlords or tenants, but to ensure a balanced rental environment.

“Responsible property owners must feel secure in their investments, while tenants must be treated with dignity and fairness.”

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure says it will continue working to decentralise advisory and dispute-resolution services across municipalities, bringing government support closer to communities while strengthening housing stability and access to justice for both landlords and tenants.

Cape Town takes investment campaign to Johannesburg and Durban

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The City of Cape Town has taken its investment proposition to two of South Africa’s key economic centres, using a national roadshow to strengthen partnerships, engage businesses and showcase the opportunities positioning Cape Town as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, opened the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) trading floor on Thursday, 13 August, with the ceremonial sounding of the market’s opening horn. The event marked the Johannesburg leg of the City’s national investment positioning roadshow.

Municipal officials from the Economic Growth Directorate joined representatives from industry bodies and business partners, including Wesgro, GreenCape, CapeBPO, UVU Africa, the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, Cape Town Tourism and other sector-focused organisations supporting investment, trade and economic development.

The programme also marked the launch of the City’s new global investment campaign, Cape Town. Built for Business. The campaign will roll out across multiple channels in more than 60 cities worldwide.

The City also showcased Maya, Invest Cape Town’s new AI-powered investment facilitation tool. Maya is designed to help investors navigate municipal processes and connect with relevant suppliers, partners and officials.

Invest Cape Town, the business and investment brand of the City’s Economic Growth Directorate, hosted business leader engagements in Johannesburg and Durban, bringing together senior representatives from businesses, investors, industry associations, investment promotion agencies and economic development organisations.

“Standing on the JSE trading floor and opening the market is something I will remember. But the real purpose of being here is much bigger. We are here to connect, collaborate and build relationships that can strengthen South Africa’s economic proposition,” said Vos.

“We are not here to compare Cape Town with Johannesburg or Durban. South Africa needs strong economic centres working together. We want to complement what other cities are doing and showcase the sectors and opportunities where Cape Town has a particular competitive advantage.”

These sectors include technology and business process outsourcing, manufacturing, tourism, the blue economy, renewable energy, creative industries and international trade.

The Johannesburg Business Leaders Forum gave the City and its partners an opportunity to engage directly with companies and investors about expansion plans, challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

“We need to get out of our offices and into the boardrooms. We want to hear from businesses about what they need, what is holding them back and where we can work together to unlock investment and jobs,” Vos said.

In Durban, the delegation visited Dube TradePort to learn more about its approach to developing manufacturing, logistics and industrial opportunities around its airport and trade infrastructure.

“We were particularly interested in seeing how Dube TradePort is creating an environment where manufacturing businesses can establish new factories and operations seamlessly,” Vos said.

The Durban programme also included an Invest Cape Town Business Leaders Forum, continuing discussions with businesses and strategic economic partners around investment, collaboration and inclusive growth.

The engagements highlighted the City’s new Manufacturing Support Policy, Business Support Policy and Ease of Doing Business Index, all aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate, grow and invest in Cape Town.

“Cape Town has a very clear proposition: we want to be the easiest place to do business in Africa. That means creating the right conditions for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs, but it also means working with our partners across South Africa.

“Ultimately, when Cape Town attracts investment, creates jobs and grows its economy, it strengthens the South African economy too. That is the message we are taking to the rest of the country and, now, to the world,” Vos said.

Consumer inflation slows in July 2026

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The headline inflation rate cooled for the first time in five months, declining to 4,3% in July from 5,0% in June. The monthly increase in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,2%, down from 0,7% in June.

The slowdown can be attributed to three main factors: softer inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); lower municipal tariff increases; and a decline in fuel prices.

Food inflation lowest in 16 years

The annual rate for food & NAB declined to 0,9% in July. This is the lowest print for food & NAB in more than 16 years, since June 2010 when it was 0,7%. Incidentally, that was the month when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup.

The lower rate for food & NAB in July 2026 was mainly due to cereal products and meat. Cereal products recorded an annual change of -2,0%, down from -1,5% in June. Several products recorded softer monthly rates, most notably maize meal (-3,1%), macaroni (-0,7%) and white bread (-0,6%).

Annual meat inflation slowed to 1,5% from 5,1% in June. Unprocessed beef products reflected negative annual price changes, with stewing beef at -7,9%, beef steak at -6,1% and beef mince at -5,8%. However, several processed meat products recorded an increase, including corned meat (+11,8%), meat patties (+7,8%), russians (+7,7%) and sausages (+6,2%).

Food & NAB categories that registered higher annual inflation rates in July include fruits & nuts; fish & other seafood; vegetables; oils & fats; cold beverages; and milk, other dairy products & eggs. Oils & fats, for example, saw its rate rise from 2,3% in June to 2,8%.

There are 144 food and beverage products in the CPI basket. The graph below shows those that recorded the largest price changes in July. Several fish products recorded sharp monthly increases, including battered or crumbed fish portions (+3,5%); fish fingers (+2,3%); hake (+2,1%); and canned fish (excluding tuna) (+2,0%).

Municipal tariff increases softer in 2026

Municipalities implement their tariff increases in July each year. Most CPI tariff categories saw lower increases in 2026 than in 2025. Electricity tariffs rose by 8,1% in 2026, down from a rise of 10,4% in 2025. A similar pattern was recorded for water tariffs (10,2% compared with 12,1%) and refuse removal (4,7% compared with 6,6%).

In contrast, sewerage tariffs increased by 7,8% in 2026, higher than the 6,5% rise recorded in 2025. Property assessment rates increased by 4,9% in both 2025 and 2026.

Fuel prices retreat in July

Annual transport inflation cooled to 8,9% in July from 12,7% in June, mainly due to lower fuel prices. Petrol prices decreased by 7,1% and diesel by 11,7% between June and July, pulling the annual rate for fuel down to 20,6% from 34,3% in June. Despite the monthly decline, petrol is 19,3% and diesel 28,8% more expensive than a year ago.
mau

Government outlines plan to lower electricity costs

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African government has outlined measures aimed at reducing electricity costs while keeping tariffs cost-reflective and protecting vulnerable households and key economic sectors.

The proposals are contained in the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy, which updates the 2008 policy and was approved by Cabinet for public comment last month.

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said tariffs have increased by about 977% since 2007, highlighting the need for a new pricing framework.

10-year electricity price forecast

The policy will require the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to publish a 10-year electricity price forecast, giving businesses and investors greater certainty when planning long-term investments.

It will also establish a framework for transparent, efficient and cost-reflective tariffs while preventing hidden costs from being passed on to consumers.

More competition in electricity market

Government is also opening the electricity market to greater competition as part of reforms aimed at reducing Eskom's dominance.
The new framework will allow generators and electricity users to enter into bilateral supply agreements outside of Eskom, supporting the transition towards a wholesale electricity market.

Stronger protection for vulnerable households

The policy will strengthen support for poor and vulnerable households while tackling the impact of unpaid municipal electricity debt.

Ramokgopa said consumers who pay their electricity bills should not be forced to carry the cost of those who do not.

Government also plans to modernise the administration of free basic electricity by creating a central database linked to Home Affairs and social grant records. This is intended to make it easier to identify households that qualify for assistance.

Support for energy-intensive industries

Government will also introduce a Negotiated Pricing Agreement mechanism to support electricity-intensive industries, including businesses that are not currently in financial distress but could contribute to economic growth and job creation if given more competitive electricity prices.

Ramokgopa said the overall objective is to improve efficiency in the electricity sector and create conditions that could ultimately result in lower electricity costs.
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