Author: Eon Engelbrecht

What have they done to the rain? July 2026 driest on record in parts of Western Cape

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
July 2026 has gone down as the driest July on record for several areas of the south-western Western Cape, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

SAWS says several severe weather systems during May and early June 2026 significantly improved water storage across much of the province. However, a strong blocking high-pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean later prevented most cold fronts from reaching the Western Cape.

As a result, only three weak cold fronts moved across the south-western Cape during July. Since the region receives most of its annual rainfall between June and August, the lack of frontal systems led to exceptionally dry conditions.

Preliminary rainfall data shows that Cape Town International Airport recorded just 14.4 mm of rain during July – the lowest July total since records began in 1958. This is only about 16% of the airport's average July rainfall. The previous record low was 18.0 mm, recorded in 1987.

The Weather Service says seasonal forecasts had already indicated a strong likelihood of below-normal rainfall during the winter months, with short-term forecasts suggesting the dry pattern could continue into the first week of August.

Several other stations also recorded their driest July on record:

Cape Town International Airport: 14.4 mm (68-year record)
SA Observatory: 15.6 mm (91-year record)
Malmesbury: 3.2 mm (33-year record)
Kirstenbosch: 65.0 mm (29-year record)
Hermanus: 12.0 mm (21-year record)
Paarl: 27.6 mm (17-year record)

SAWS also highlighted the stark contrast between July 2025 and July 2026. Several cold fronts crossed the Western Cape during July 2025, with many stations receiving more than 100 mm of rainfall. In contrast, July 2026 was the driest on record across much of the south-western Cape.

With El Niño expected to strengthen over the coming months, the likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer over the Western Cape is expected to increase.

Given the uncertainty surrounding rainfall during the 2027 winter season, the South African Weather Service has encouraged residents to continue using water sparingly in the months ahead.

Final voter registration weekend is here

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
South Africans who have not yet registered to vote or need to update their details, have been urged to do so during the final voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) said it had completed its preparations for the final voting station-based registration opportunity, with 23 699 voting stations set to operate across the country from 8am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

IEC Chief Executive Officer Sy Mamabolo called on eligible voters to use the opportunity to secure their place on the voters’ roll, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“The Commission calls on all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered as voters; those who are registered but have not yet inspected their address details for completeness, or those who have moved residence since they last registered, to use this final opportunity to secure their place on the voters’ roll,” Mamabolo said.

The IEC will deploy 48 212 trained electoral officials to assist voters with registration, updating their details and verifying their registration information.

The Commission has also adjusted its voting district arrangements following an assessment of voter activity during the first registration weekend, reducing the number of districts from 23 706 to 23 699.

During the first registration weekend on 20 and 21 June, more than three million registration transactions were recorded.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has also urged citizens to take part in the final registration drive, stressing that active participation is essential to improving local government.

“Go and vote for people who will serve you. It is not going to help to complain if you don't participate in selecting who should be your candidate,” Hlabisa said.

He said the quality of local government depended largely on the calibre of councillors elected to serve communities.

“If we want to fix municipalities, we must fix who becomes a councillor. That is the bottom line,” Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa also urged voters to participate in the candidate nomination process and elect leaders who will ensure that municipal funds are directed towards essential services and priority needs.

The Department of Home Affairs will align its operating hours with the registration weekend to assist eligible voters who require identity documents.

Following the final registration weekend, the IEC anticipates that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will proclaim the date of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Mamabolo said the voters’ roll would close at midnight on the day the election is proclaimed.

Thereafter, no new registrations or changes to existing voter details will be permitted until after the elections, and the IEC will cease registration drives and deactivate its online registration portal.

Two firearms seized, two men arrested in Western Cape operation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Police have arrested a 36-year-old man and seized two firearms, ammunition and imitation weapons during an intelligence-driven operation in Ottery, Cape Town.

The operation was conducted on Thursday, 30 July, by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit, supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), under Operation Prosper.

Police targeted a residence at Hohenhort Court in the Ottery area after receiving intelligence about suspected illegal firearms.
During a search of the property, officers seized a CZ100 pistol and a Ruger pistol, two imitation firearms, three magazines, 29 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and a blank round.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as the illegal possession of two imitation firearms.

He is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court.

In a separate operation conducted as part of the same deployment, police tracing wanted suspects arrested a 51-year-old man for allegedly contravening the Domestic Violence Act.

The arrests come as police intensify operations targeting illegal firearms, which authorities have identified as a major contributor to violent and gang-related crime in the Western Cape.

Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi said the recovery of illegal firearms could help prevent further violent crimes.

“The proliferation of illegal firearms continues to fuel violent crime and gang-related violence in our province,” Damoyi said.
He said police could not determine whether the recovered firearms had previously been used in crimes until ballistic testing had been completed.

“Every firearm recovered is one less weapon available to criminals to rob, intimidate or take innocent lives,” Damoyi said.

He added that police would continue conducting intelligence-driven operations to remove illegal firearms from circulation.

SAPS has urged communities to provide information that could assist police in recovering illegal firearms and identifying those involved in their possession and use.

President green-lights report on electricity sector restructuring

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed a landmark report by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), setting out the framework for establishing a fully independent state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO).

The report sets the stage for a restructuring of the electricity sector to “create competition, unlock investment, reduce electricity prices and ensure energy security for sustained economic growth and job creation.”

“This report shows how government can ensure that the architecture of the electricity sector can change as the sector continues to evolve, creating the foundation for South Africa’s growth.

“It is welcomed that all the key stakeholders are aligned on this objective,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Friday.
According to the Presidency, the report sets out recommendations for an “independent Transmission System Operator separate from Eskom.”

“The TSO is a key enabler of a successful competitive wholesale electricity market that is expected to deliver reliable and cost-effective electricity. This reform will support higher rates of economic growth, investment and job creation,” the Presidency said.

The report includes recommendations that:
-show that the restructuring is feasible, in line with international best practice, and can be done in a manner that does not compromise Eskom’s financial sustainability.
-highlight that the growth in municipal arrear debt to Eskom needs to be addressed because of the threat it poses to Eskom and the broader electricity sector.
-identify several actions that can be taken immediately to enable the restructuring.

“In Phase II, which starts immediately, the detailed transaction structure and implementation plan will be developed. Phase II will proceed over the next three months.

“The ERTT has proposed that a working group develop a consolidated action plan, encompassing all initiatives aimed at arresting the growth in municipal arrears and identifying those to be scaled up and accelerated.

“Such initiatives include stronger enforcement of credit controls, rolling out smart meters and Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs), and stricter license enforcement, as well as the continued implementation of the Municipal Debt Relief Programme, Metro Trading Services Reform and the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) Reform Roadmap,” a Presidency statement noted.

Actions that can be implemented immediately include:
-strengthening interim measures to support the existing National Transmission Company of South Africa’s (NTCSA’s) independence and the internal ring-fencing of the NTCSA’s different licensed activities.
-taking first steps toward unbundling tariffs.
-clarifying the payment waterfall within the restructured market environment.
-developing mechanisms to insulate market participants from non-payment.

“The proposals to strengthen NTCSA’s independence during the interim period until the TSO is established include various requirements to ensure good governance and strengthened regulatory oversight.

“Directors serving on the Eskom board will not be appointed to the board of the NTCSA or serve on the boards of both the NTCSA and Eskom. The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and senior management of NTCSA will be the sole responsibility of the NTCSA Board,” the statement read.

Furthermore, there will be “clear delegation of authority from Eskom to the NTCSA of all decision-making related to the market, financial and operational ring-fencing of NTCSA from Eskom”. 

“Decisions on access to the transmission network are to be relocated to the NTCSA and eventually to the TSO. This includes cases in which connections are at the distribution level but have implications for the market or transmission network.

“Eskom Distribution will retain a Grid Access Unit to manage connections to its distribution network where projects connect at this level,” the statement concluded. 

Cabinet approves 10-year driving licences & Publication of Revised Electricity Pricing Policy

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has announced that Cabinet has approved the extension of the validity period of driving licences for light motor vehicles and motorcycle licences from five years to 10 years.

Addressing members of the media in Pretoria on Thursday on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni said the extension applies to Codes A, A1, B and EB, increasing the validity period from five to 10 years.

Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain subject to the existing two-or five-year renewal cycles, while Professional Driving Permits will also remain on the two-year renewal cycle.

“The implementation of the extended validity period requires legislative amendments. Motorists must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect. 

“The change aligns with international best practice, enhances administrative efficiency, reduces the frequency of renewals for motorists and eases service-demand pressures within the licensing system,” the Minister said.

Revised Electricity Pricing Policy

Cabinet also approved the publication of the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy for public comment. The policy strengthens the regulatory framework governing electricity prices, tariffs and charges.

The policy provides tariff transparency through the unbundling of tariffs across generation, transmission, distribution and retail activities. It also consolidates regulatory arrangements for electricity pricing across the various pricing interfaces between generators, traders, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), and distributors.

It also establishes the framework through which these interfaces will be enabled and regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Ntshavheni said the policy updates the 2008 Electricity Pricing Policy to reflect developments in the electricity supply industry, including ongoing market reforms arising from the unbundling of Eskom and the implementation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024.

“The policy supports the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs while protecting vulnerable users and strategic economic sectors,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, government is set to publish the draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public comment, following Cabinet’s approval.

“The position paper provides a framework to guide South Africa’s transition from a predominantly state-controlled electricity system to a more competitive electricity market, in line with the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024 and the Energy Action Plan.

“The proposed reforms seek to improve energy security and reliability by reducing reliance on a single electricity supplier and enabling greater participation in electricity generation and trading. 

“The reforms are also aimed at attracting investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure supporting job creation and economic growth, and reducing electricity costs over the long term,” Ntshavheni said.

SA tourism records double-digit growth

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
South Africa's tourism sector continued its strong recovery in the first half of 2026, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 12.3% compared with the same period last year, according to the Department of Tourism.

The latest tourism figures show that South Africa welcomed 5 584 473 international tourists between January and June 2026, reflecting sustained growth across both regional and overseas markets.

The increase was driven by a 14.3% rise in arrivals from the African continent, while overseas arrivals grew by 5.6%, underscoring the country's continued appeal to international travellers.

June also delivered another strong performance, with 823 365 international tourists visiting South Africa during the month, representing a 9.8% year-on-year increase. Tourist arrivals from Africa climbed by 12.1% compared with June 2025.

The United States remained South Africa's leading overseas source market for the second consecutive month in June, with 40 566 American visitors travelling to the country.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille attributed the positive results to government's strategy of broadening the country's tourism offering and strengthening partnerships with the industry and international markets.

"The deliberate decision to diversify our tourism products is yielding positive results. The sustained growth in both regional and overseas arrivals reflects the resilience of our tourism sector and the effectiveness of the partnerships we have built with industry and our international markets," de Lille said.

She said government would continue to strengthen partnerships through joint marketing initiatives across the African continent while expanding its presence in strategic overseas markets.

De Lille added that the latest figures reinforced government's commitment to improving ease of access for travellers, expanding air connectivity and positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travel. 

SARS warns public against new scam

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned the public of a new scam circulating via SMS and email claiming that recipients are owed a refund and directing them to a fraudulent website to claim it.

SARS said that scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate professional-looking email templates that are harder to identify as fraudulent.

“If you receive it, please delete and block it. If in doubt, email the SARS IT Security team or visit the Scams and Phishing webpage to see the latest scam examples,” SARS advised taxpayers.

The security team can be contacted at [email protected], and the phishing webpage is at https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/. Taxpayers can also contact the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.

Members of the public are randomly emailed false “spoofed” emails that appear to be from SARS but are in fact fraudulent attempts to entice unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information, such as bank account details.

Examples include emails that appear to be from [email protected] or [email protected] indicating that taxpayers are eligible to receive tax refunds.

These emails contain links to false forms and fake websites made to look like the “real thing” but with the aim of fooling people into entering personal information such as bank account details, which the criminals then extract and use fraudulently.

SARS said it will never request passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs, or eFiling login credentials through email, SMS, social media, or telephone.

“Taxpayers must use only official SARS channels and verify the credentials of any tax practitioner before sharing personal information. For a tax practitioner to charge you for their services, they must be registered,” SARS said.
Taxpayers can check whether a tax practitioner is registered with SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB) via https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za/TaxPractitionerQuery.aspx.

SARS taxpayers should take note of the following:

•    Do not open or respond to emails from unknown sources.
•    Beware of emails that ask for personal, tax, banking, and eFiling details (login credentials, passwords, PINs, credit/debit card information, etc.).
•    SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, email, or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites—even those of banks.
•    Beware of false SMSs.
•    SARS does not send .htm or .html attachments.

Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Garden Route can no longer prepare for yesterday’s climate. Building resilience is now essential for protecting communities, the economy and the environment.

This was the overriding message from the recent Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Extreme Weather Summit hosted in collaboration with NMU and GRDM, where renowned climate, environmental and disaster management experts shared the latest science and practical solutions for adapting to a changing climate.

Presentations suggested that a strong El Niño event may develop towards 2027, potentially bringing drought conditions to parts of the region. At the same time, experts warned that climate change is driving more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods and wildfires.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, said the Garden Route has already experienced the enormous social and economic costs of climate-related disasters.

“Climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity. Every investment in protecting our natural environment and strengthening community preparedness will reduce future disaster risks and economic losses”, said Meiring.

Delegates heard that local communities are increasingly adapting through rooftop solar energy, rainwater harvesting, improved water management and the clearing of invasive alien plants that reduce water availability and increase wildfire risks.


One of the Summit’s strongest conclusions was that protecting and restoring natural infrastructure - including mountain catchments, wetlands, rivers and estuaries—is among the most effective ways to improve water security and reduce flood impacts.

Recent disasters illustrated the urgency. The extensive damage to Meiringspoort disrupted transport and tourism, while increasingly frequent heavy truck accidents on the Swartberg Pass highlight the growing challenges posed by difficult weather conditions and climate-related risks.

The Summit demonstrated that building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, business, scientists and communities to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think tank. Visit grefecsf.co.za for more information.

Dyantyi appointed to lead SAPS in the Western Cape

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Lieutenant General Sizakhele William Dyantyi has been appointed as the new South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner for the Western Cape.

Dyantyi brings with him 34 years of distinguished policing experience, having served in various operational and leadership roles across both the Eastern and Western Cape.

“His career reflects a deep understanding of policing at station, district and provincial level, underpinned by a strong commitment to service excellence, integrity and community safety,” the police said in a statement on Wednesday.

Announcing the appointment, Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said the Western Cape requires strategic leadership to address the province’s complex crime environment, strengthen public trust and drive the SAPS Reset Agenda.

“The South African Police Service congratulates Lieutenant General Dyantyi on his promotion and appointment and wishes him every success as he leads policing in the Western Cape in partnership with communities and stakeholders to create a safer province for all.”

Dyantyi holds a Master’s Degree, Honours Degree, Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and a National Diploma in Policing.

He has held senior roles including Station Commander, Cluster Commander and District Commissioner, building a track record in crime prevention, operational policing and strategic leadership.

His appointment marks a significant milestone for SAPS in the Western Cape, with his operational experience, academic qualifications and commitment to public service expected to play a key role in policing efforts in the province.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, have welcomed the appointment.

The Premier reiterated his commitment to deepening a constructive working relationship with Dyantyi in the interests of the province's residents.

"Our residents deserve and desperately need a police service that is properly resourced, intelligence-led and capable of effectively combating and preventing violent crime,” he said in a statement.

Winde expressed his deep concern over ongoing violent crime affecting far too many communities and said improved collaboration alone will not succeed in reducing crime. It must be accompanied by meaningful improvements in police capacity.

"The Western Cape continues to face unacceptably high levels of violent crime. Addressing this crisis requires significantly greater investment in frontline policing resources, modern investigative capabilities, and intelligence-gathering. Without these critical building blocks, it will remain difficult to dismantle organised criminal networks," the Premier said.

Marais said Dyantyi had firsthand knowledge of the unique crime challenges facing the Western Cape and understands the importance of partnerships.

“His appointment presents an important opportunity to embrace new ways of strengthening policing in the province with a strong focus on the proper resourcing of police stations and tackling gang and organised crime. I look forward to my renewed partnership with the provincial management of SAPS under his leadership.”

Search still on for missing girl (17) from George

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
A search for the missing 17 year old girl, Sarah Starrett, from Blanco in George who was reported missing continues. Sarah has not been traced as depicted in some posters circulated on social media platforms.  
 
According to information, she was last seen on 19 July 2026, dressed in black clothing.
 
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences unit (FCS) based in George is leading the police investigation.
 
Sergeant Brendon Jacobs, the investigation officer urges the public to come forward with any information which could assist the police to secure the safe return of the missing girl.

Anyone with information may contact the investigation officer at 082 335 1200 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

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