Team eRadio – Page 26 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Over 6 400 South Africans in the Middle East register on Travel Smart

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has noted a significant increase in registrations by South African citizens on its Travel Smart System, with more than 6 400 citizens in the Middle East having registered their presence as of 04 March 2026.

In a statement on Wednesday, DIRCO said South African citizens currently in the region for non-essential travel and who wish to evacuate cities and countries affected by the ongoing interstate conflict in the Middle East are strongly advised to use official channels to facilitate their departure.

“This proactive measure is essential to prepare for an exit from the danger zone as soon as it is safe to secure passage,” the department said.

Citizens have also been urged to note that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region.

“Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days. Your safety is our paramount concern,” DIRCO said.

The department further discouraged South Africans from undertaking all non-essential travel to the region at this time.

South Africans experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or those requiring urgent consular support have been urged to contact the department through its official channels.

For assistance, citizens may contact the South African Emergency Line at +27 12 351 1000 and request consular services.

They can also reach the South African Embassy in Amman, Jordan on +962 6-461-5167, or make inquiries regarding the Jordan border on +962 5 393 3031.

Email coordination is available through [email protected] or [email protected]

Emergency consular support can also be accessed through Mr Litha Ngwanya on +972 50-520-8100 or Ms Lizelle Segev on +972 54-588-0698.

Meanwhile, South Africa reiterated its call on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

In an advisory on Monday, South Africa has called on all its citizens currently in the Middle East to urgently contact the relevant South African embassies accredited to their countries of residence to ensure that they are registered, and that their whereabouts are known to officials amid heightened regional tensions.

In the advisory by DIRCO, government warned that consular support in parts of the region may be limited, particularly in the event of an emergency.

The Travel Smart System can be accessed here and also from the Apple App Store and on Android

Road closures ahead of the Cape Town Cycle Tour

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The City of Cape Town has warned residents of road closures as thousands of cyclists from across South Africa and the world will descend on the Mother City for the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.

“The city will once again assist the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust to ensure that participants have a smooth and safe journey around the peninsula, by deploying our Safety and Security personnel from Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Disaster Risk Management along the route,” Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said.

Residents and motorists are advised that minor road closures will be in effect in some areas from Friday, with hard closures in place on Saturday, 7 March, and Sunday, 8 March 2026, particularly in the CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs and the Deep South.

Key closures include:
Sections of Helen Suzman Boulevard.
Chapman’s Peak Drive.
M3 Highway (outbound).
Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2 outbound).
Hospital Bend Interchange.
Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
Main Road (M4) through the Deep South.

Castle Street between Darling and Stand streets will be closed from 19:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday to allow for the construction of the start gantry.

The situation intensifies on Saturday, 7 March, as multiple streets, including sections of Castle Street, Darling Street, and Strand Street will be closed in the CBD from 14:00 until late on Sunday afternoon.

The race will also have an impact on several MyCiTi routes in the CBD and on the service to Hout Bay/Hangberg.

A comprehensive list of all road closures is available here

Cycle Tour Expo

The Cape Town Cycle Tour week kicks off on Thursday, 5 March, with the three-day rider registration and the Lifecycle Expo at the DHL Stadium.

Approximately 35 000 people will visit over the three days at the expo, which is a celebration of cycling, health and fitness under one roof.

The Expo will feature more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in cycling gear, nutrition, technology and apparel.

Entry into the Expo is free for participating cyclists and children under 12. The cost is R50 for non-participants.

It will operate during the following hours: Thursday, 5 March: 09:30 – 19:00; Friday, 6 March: 09:00 – 19:00, and Saturday, 7 March: 09:00 – 16:00.

Public parking will be available at the Cape Town International Convention Centre P1 (paid), P9, P11, P12 and P13, with a dedicated bike park and disabled parking in P5 and P13.

Race day logistics

This year, the cyclists will take the 109km and the 42km from the city centre, and the 78km invitational Women’s Race and U17 Boys Race from Fish Hoek.

The traditional 109km route starts at the Grand Parade at 06:16 and circles the Cape Peninsula before finishing on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.

The 78km Invitational Women’s Race (06:20) and the U17 Boys Race (06:15) will once again start in Fish Hoek and finish in Green Point.

The increasingly popular 42km route provides a shorter, but no less memorable experience, drawing riders through the southern suburbs via the M3 before finishing in the city. The ride will set off at 10:00.

VW Recalls Over 25 000 Polo Vivo Vehicles Over Handbrake Safety Concern

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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has alerted South African motorists to a recall affecting 25 729 Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles, following a notification from Volkswagen Group Africa (Pty) Ltd (VW).

The affected models were sold nationwide between February 2025 and February 2026.

VW has identified a potential issue with the rivet height on the handbrake lever of these vehicles. If the rivet height is outside the required specifications, the handbrake may not engage properly or could, in rare cases, disengage unexpectedly. This poses a safety risk, particularly when the vehicle is parked on a slope.

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to take precautions until their car has been inspected and, if necessary, repaired. VW recommends parking on level ground, engaging first gear for manual vehicles or “P” for automatic models, and avoiding slopes altogether.

The NCC said it is monitoring the recall closely to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and to protect consumer rights.

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged owners to act without delay. “Given the high potential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately get their vehicles to any authorised VW dealership for inspection.

Any inspection and associated repairs will be done at no cost to the vehicle owners,” he said.

Shock as Canal+ shuts down Showmax

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French media group Canal+ has confirmed that it will close the struggling streaming service Showmax after completing its takeover of the platform’s parent company, MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator.

Showmax, which was launched by MultiChoice in 2015, operates in at least 44 African countries and has featured a wide range of African films and television series.

In a statement released on Thursday, Canal+ said MultiChoice, now part of Canal+ SA, will begin the process of shutting down the streaming service. The company said the platform’s ongoing financial losses had become impossible to sustain.

According to the group, Showmax recorded a trading loss of about R2.6 billion in the financial year ending March 2024. Losses increased to roughly R4.9 billion the following year, bringing the combined deficit over two years to around R7.5 billion.

MultiChoice had previously invested heavily in an effort to revive the service. Around R3.3 billion was spent on the launch of Showmax 2.0 in 2024, which involved upgrading the platform’s technology and incorporating streaming technology from Comcast’s Peacock platform.

Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada had earlier acknowledged that Showmax had not achieved the expected commercial success and had been generating significant losses for several years.

Despite the shutdown, the company said the move would not lead to job cuts. Instead, MultiChoice plans to roll out its own large-scale in-house streaming platform aimed at both African and international audiences.

Subscribers were informed of the decision through an email from Showmax, which said the closure is intended to support the long-term sustainability of the business in an increasingly competitive global streaming market.

The acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ in September, valued at about 3 billion dollars - roughly R54 billion — created a media group operating in 70 countries across Africa, Europe and Asia. The combined company now employs around 17,000 people and serves more than 40 million subscribers.

Canal+ described the deal as the largest transaction in the company’s history. The French broadcaster already dominates the pay-TV market in French-speaking parts of Africa, while MultiChoice has traditionally led in English- and Portuguese-speaking regions on the continent.

South Africa Mourns the Passing of Soli Philander

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South Africa’s entertainment industry is mourning the loss of beloved comedian, actor and television presenter Soli Philander, who died on 4 March 2026 at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.

Philander, born Silamour Philander in 1961 and raised in Elsies River on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, became one of the country’s most recognisable entertainers through a career that spanned theatre, television, radio and comedy.

His death was confirmed by friends and colleagues, who said he passed away at home surrounded by loved ones after recently being discharged from hospital.

A Career that Spanned Decades

Philander was widely admired for his versatility as a performer. Over the years he worked as a comedian, actor, playwright, director, columnist and motivational speaker.

He became a household name on South African television, presenting popular shows such as Liriekeraai, Vat ’n Kans, and Let’s Fix It.

Many viewers also remember him from children’s television, where he portrayed the beloved character Timothy Traddle on the show Kideo.

Beyond television, Philander performed extensively in theatre productions both in South Africa and internationally, bringing his distinctive storytelling style and humour to audiences across the world.
Voice of the Cape Flats

Throughout his career, Philander used comedy and storytelling to reflect the culture and everyday experiences of communities on the Cape Flats. His work often highlighted local identity, language and social issues with honesty and humour.

Tributes have poured in from across the country, with leaders and fellow performers praising his ability to connect with audiences and bring laughter while reflecting the realities of South African society.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie described Philander as a performer who “brought laughter, insight and warmth to audiences everywhere in our country.”

A Lasting Legacy

Philander’s career spanned more than four decades, bridging the apartheid and post-apartheid eras of South African entertainment.

In recognition of his contribution to the arts, he received several accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards in 2019.

He is survived by his children and family, who have been widely supported by tributes from fans, colleagues and members of the public.

Transnet suspends nine employees for colluding with suppliers

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Transnet has suspended nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption and misconduct within the organisation.

Disciplinary proceedings against three of the suspended employees have commenced, with charges against other implicated officials imminent.

Transnet uncovered irregularities through an internal investigation in which 34 audits were undertaken across two Transnet operating divisions for transactions concluded in the 2024/25 financial year.

The audit found that suppliers were overcharging Transnet by anything between 50% and 1000% across several items.

The process to blacklist suppliers involved has also commenced.

“Transnet maintains a zero-tolerance stance on any form of impropriety. This extends beyond instances of overcharging, as such conduct directly undermines our operational efficiency and financial performance,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said on Wednesday in a statement.

This development marks a critical step in strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and safeguarding Transnet’s operational and financial integrity.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to eradicating corruption across the organisation and will not allow the conduct of a few individuals to derail the pursuit of our strategic objectives,” Phillips said.

Transnet has already approached law enforcement agencies for assistance.

While the consequence management processes are proceeding, Transnet is also finalising targeted actions and implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of such practices.

Further investigations are ongoing.

Remaining Grade 1 And Grade 8 Learners in Gauteng all placed

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Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has announced the complete placement of the remaining Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners, whose parents and guardians applied online through the 2026 Online Admissions system.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said that approximately 484 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners remained unplaced in Ekurhuleni, specifically in Tembisa and Kempton Park.

“By Tuesday evening on 3 March, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had successfully placed all remaining learners in alternative schools in the respective areas,” the department said.

The total figure of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners that were placed for the 2026 academic year through Gauteng’s Online Admissions system is 392 224. The main application period, which ran from 24 July to 5 August 2025, accounts for a majority of these applications.

Meanwhile, 8.5% (33 650) of these applications were made during the late application period from 17 December 2025 to 30 January 2026.

The department expressed its sincere appreciation for the patience and resilience shown by parents and guardians, particularly while efforts were underway to secure placements for all remaining learners.

The department said schools will initiate the appropriate catch-up plans to assist learners recover any curriculum time lost.

Chiloane emphasised that the Online Admissions system remains an important transformation tool to ensure that all schools in the province are accessible to all children.

“We are pleased to have demonstrated this through the placement of all applicants who applied online.

However, we are determined to improve the system to ease some of the frustrations that are encountered during this process.

“In addition to system improvements, the Gauteng government will be constructing 18 additional new schools to increase capacity in the high-pressure areas that we have identified,” Chiloane said.

Ensure the validity of your vehicle licence discs

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Motorists who intend to travel over the Easter long weekend are advised to ensure the validity of their vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards, as the Natis system indicates that 700 399 vehicle licence discs will be expiring at the end of March.

The renewal for vehicle licence discs affects 259 563 vehicles in Gauteng, 116 633 vehicles in the Western Cape, 98 735 vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal, 51 198 vehicles in Mpumalanga and 45 240 vehicles in Limpopo.

In the Eastern Cape, 44 840 vehicles are affected, 36 335 in the North West, 31 964 vehicles in the Free State, and 15 891 vehicles in the Northern Cape.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has encouraged motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs in the comfort of their home or office by using the online.natis.gov.za

“The disc will be delivered within three to five working days. More than six million vehicle licence discs have been processed through this platform since it became available in 2022.

“Drivers based in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Karigan in the Eastern Cape can use the same platform to prebook a slot to renew driving licence cards. Drivers in other provinces can use the services at their driving licence centres,” RTMC said on Tuesday.

A total of 128 080 driving licence cards will be expiring in the same period and need to be renewed.

This will affect 44 142 drivers in Gauteng, 20 188 drivers in KwaZulu-Natal, 17 108 in the Western Cape, 12 515 in Mpumalanga, 11 831 in Limpopo, 8 404 in the Eastern Cape, 6 187 in North West, 5 471 in Free State, and 2 234 in Northern Cape.

Cape Town Cycle Tour this weekend

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The Mother City will this week open its roads to around 30 000 cyclists for the 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. This is the ultimate guide for the world's largest timed cycle race taking place on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

Around 10 000 of the approximately 30 000 cyclists are expected to travel from outside the Mother City to take part in the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

In 2025, 10 091 travelling cyclists represented over 60 countries.

‘This is a powerful reminder that the Cape Town Cycle Tour is not just a race, but a global drawcard. This week, thousands more riders from across South Africa and the world will descend on the Mother City, filling hotels, restaurants and public spaces as they prepare to take on one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world.

The City will once again assist the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust to ensure that participants have a smooth and safe journey around the peninsula, by deploying our Safety and Security personnel from Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Disaster Risk Management along the route,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Cycle Tour Expo

Cape Town Cycle Tour week kicks off on Thursday, 5 March with the three-day rider registration and the Lifecycle Expo at the DHL Stadium.

Approximately 35 000 people are expected to visit over the three-day period at the expo, which is a celebration of cycling, health and fitness under one roof.

The Expo will feature more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in cycling gear, nutrition, technology and apparel.

Entry into the Expo is free for participating cyclists and children under 12. The cost is R50 for non-participants.

It will operate during the following hours:
Thursday, 5 March: 09:30 – 19:00
Friday, 6 March: 09:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 7 March: 09:00 – 16:00
Public parking will be available at CTICC P1 (paid), P9, P11, P12 and P13, with a dedicated bike park and disabled parking in P5 and P13.

Raceday logistics

This year, thousands of cyclists will take on the 109km and the 42km from the CBD and the 78km invitational Women’s Race and U17 Boys Race from Fish Hoek.

The traditional 109km route starts at the Grand Parade at 06:16 and circles the Cape Peninsula before finishing on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.

The 78km Invitational Women’s Race (06:20) and the U17 Boys Race (06:15) will once again start in Fish Hoek and finish in Green Point.

The increasingly popular 42km route provides a shorter, but no less memorable experience, drawing riders through the southern suburbs via the M3 before finishing in the city. The ride will set off from 10:00.

Road Closures and Public Transport

Residents and motorists are advised that minor road closures will be in effect in some areas from Friday with hard closures in place on Saturday, 7 March and Sunday, 8 March 2026, particularly in the CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs and the Deep South.

Key closures include:
Sections of Helen Suzman Boulevard
Chapman’s Peak Drive
M3 Highway (outbound)
Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2 outbound)
Hospital Bend Interchange
Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Main Road (M4) through the Deep South

Castle Street between Darling and Stand streets will be closed from 19:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday to allow for the construction of the start gantry.

The situation intensifies on Saturday, 7 March, as multiple streets, including sections of Castle Street, Darling Street, and Strand Street will be closed in the CBD from 14:00 until late on Sunday afternoon.

A comprehensive list of all road closures is available here.

The race will also have an impact on several MyCiTi routes in the CBD and on the service to Hout Bay/Hangberg.

For more information on impacted stops and deviations, visit the MyCiTi website.

A three-stop bus shuttle between Hanover Street and Adderley Street will operate to ease passenger travel in and out of the city. Services at the terminus will resume by 15:00 on Sunday.

Due to the road closures, the City’s Kommetjie and Simon’s Town waste drop off facilities will be closed on race day. Alternative facilities are Retreat (closes at 13:00 on Sunday) and the Coastal Park Landfill Site on Baden Powell Drive, which operates until 14:00 on Sunday.

Spectator Experience

Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the route and bring the gees. The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust has identified spectator-friendly spots along the route where members of the public can watch and cheer on the cyclists.
Mostert’s Mill (M3)

Edinburgh Drive (Wynberg Park)

Ladies Mile

Steenberg Road

Jubilee Square in Simon’s Town

Noordhoek Farm Village

Hout Bay CBD

Camps Bay Main Road

Sea Point Promenade

Race Finish on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point

For more information on the Cape Town Cycle Tour and other events hosted in Cape Town, visit www.eventsincapetown.com

Fuel Price Surge: RFA Warns Consumers to Prepare for Higher Costs at the Till

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“The increase in fuel prices in March 2026 is a direct result of upward pressure on the international price of oil due to both supply and logistics risks following the start of hostilities between Iran and the US and Israel. The Road Freight Association (RFA) has noted with both dismay and concern, that the price of diesel is increasing between R0.60 and R0.65 per litre.

Given that diesel is the primary source of fuel for most medium and heavy commercial transporters, this will place an immediate cost burden on daily operations. Transporters will be faced with - either immediately or later, depending on their operating models or agreements - factoring this increase (and any others that may arise) into their pricing when offering freight transportation services.

This means that the gains which were achieved through the gradual reduction of the basic fuel price during 2025, will be erased and the consumer will, inevitably, begin to feel this change in increasing prices at the till.

Unfortunately, fuel is one of the basic input costs in a transportation business that has huge impact on rates for transport. The general economy will also not be immune - with this pressure becoming an upward inflationary force - thus affecting both future decisions regarding the repro rate and the value of the Rand in the pocket of the man on the street.”

By Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association