Team eRadio – Page 6 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Western Cape maintains strong 2024/25 municipal audit performance

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The Western Cape Government (WCG) welcomes the 2024/25 municipal audit outcomes confirming that 25 of the province’s 30 municipalities achieved unqualified audit outcomes; the gold standard of audit outcomes directly supporting reliable service delivery, infrastructure investment, and responsible use of public funds. This outcome confirms that the financial statements are presented fairly and are free from material misstatements.

Of these, 20 municipalities achieved clean audit opinions and a further five received unqualified opinions with findings. These outcomes mean that residents in the majority of the province’s municipalities can expect greater financial stability, reduced irregular expenditure, and more consistent basic services.

Western Cape Minister of Finance, Deidré Baartman, said, “Unqualified audits are not just technical achievements. They mean that every rand of public money is accounted for, that services can be delivered without disruption, and that residents can trust their local government. The Western Cape Treasury has worked alongside municipalities to strengthen financial controls, and these results show that partnership works.”

The WCG notes improvements in two municipalities. Beaufort West Municipality achieved an unqualified audit with findings for the first time since 2016. This marks a meaningful step forward after years of challenges and demonstrates that recovery is possible where there is accountability, cooperation and stable leadership. And Cederberg Municipality improved from an unqualified audit opinion with findings to a clean audit for the first time since 2022.

Five municipalities remain in distress. Bitou Municipality and Prince Albert Municipality have regressed to qualified audit outcomes, while Theewaterskloof Municipality maintained its qualified opinion. More serious concerns persist in Kannaland Municipality, which received a disclaimer audit opinion in two consecutive years, and Laingsburg Municipality, which remains at an adverse audit outcome.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, said, “Where municipalities struggle, we do not stand back. The Department of Local Government and Provincial Treasury are now providing intensified hands-on support to these five municipalities - including financial recovery plans, capacity deployment, and monthly compliance reviews. Our goal is not to criticise, but to stabilise and rebuild.”

Audit outcomes remain one of the clearest indicators of how well municipalities manage public funds. Unqualified audits confirm that financial statements are credible, that municipalities comply with relevant legislation, and that resources are used for their intended purpose, namely the delivery of reliable services to communities.

Premier Alan Winde said, “When municipalities manage public finances responsibly, it creates the foundation for growth, reliable service delivery and infrastructure investment. The fact that 25 municipalities have achieved positive audit outcomes is encouraging, but more needs to be done. We want to see continued improvement across every municipality in our province. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

Used car prices hold above 2025 levels as Chinese brands reshape market value

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AutoTrader data shows average used-car prices remained higher year-on-year from January to April, notwithstanding that Chinese-brand vehicles added more lower-mileage stock to key SUV and crossover segments.

South Africa’s used-car market is showing signs of recalibration rather than broad-based price decline, with new data showing that average prices remained higher year-on-year in each of the first four months of 2026.

The figures point to a more segmented pricing environment, where pressure in some vehicle bands does not necessarily reflect the broader used-car market. While more affordable new vehicles and the growth of Chinese brands are influencing price expectations in key SUV and crossover segments, the data shows that the market is not moving in a single downward direction.

AutoTrader reports that average used car prices were higher year-on-year in each month from January to April 2026. The average price rose from R415,770 to R430,165 in January, from R426,836 to R439,663 in February, from R428,253 to R439,614 in March, and from R430,373 to R433,318 in April.

George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, said the data showed a market that was recalibrating rather than one in broad pricing decline. “Pricing pressure in some parts of the market is not the same as a broad decline in used-car values,” said Mienie.

“The data shows that average used-car prices are still higher year-on-year, but the market is becoming more competitive. What is changing is the mix of vehicles, the value buyers are responding to, and the way dealers need to position stock.”

One of the clearest shifts is the growing role of Chinese brands in the used car market. AutoTrader data shows that Chinese-brand vehicles are becoming a larger part of the used car supply and demand, while also changing the price comparison in popular SUV and crossover segments.

In several high-volume segments, Chinese models are being compared directly with established rivals on price, age, mileage, and specification. This is changing how buyers assess value in the used-car market, particularly where newer Chinese models are priced below or close to comparable non-Chinese alternatives. This does not necessarily mean that consumers are spending less; consumer spending is holding while they are getting more value out of higher-specced Chinese vehicles.

The Haval Jolion, for example, recorded an average used price of R302,782 in April 2026, compared with R393,328 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro recorded an average price of R267,234 in April, compared with R317,779 for the Kia Sonet, while the Omoda C5 averaged R345,966 compared with R363,667 for the Mazda CX-30.

However, the data also shows that this is not simply a case of Chinese vehicles undercutting the used car market. In many cases, these vehicles are newer or have lower mileage than established rivals, meaning buyers are weighing price against age, mileage, specification, and perceived value.

In April, the average Chinese-brand used vehicle on AutoTrader had an average registration year of 2024 and average mileage of 28,970 km, compared with an average registration year of 2020 and average mileage of 72,624 km for non-Chinese vehicles.

Over the same month, the average Chinese-brand used vehicle price was R382,78, compared with R437,172 for non-Chinese vehicles.

Mienie said this showed why used car pricing could not be understood as a single market-wide trend.

“The used car market is not one uniform market,” he said. “A nearly-new SUV, an older entry-level hatchback and a high-mileage family car will all respond differently to current market conditions. Chinese brands are adding more choice in important segments, and that is changing how consumers assess value.”

The shift is also reflected in demand and sales activity. Chinese-brand used vehicle sales on AutoTrader rose from 6,314 units in the first four months of 2025 to 10,295 units in the same period in 2026. Their share of total used car sales increased from 4.9% to 7.2%, while listings, leads and impressions also rose.

Among popular Chinese models, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Haval H6, Haval Jolion and Omoda C5 recorded combined used sales of 3,686 units between January and April 2026, compared with 2,459 units over the same period in 2025.

Mienie added that the growth of these Chinese brands should not be seen only as pressure on the used car market. “More affordable new vehicles can change the pricing equation in certain segments, especially where nearly-new used vehicles are competing for the same buyer,” he said. “But those vehicles also become part of the future used car market once they begin changing hands. That adds stock, choice and competition, which can benefit consumers.”

AutoTrader’s broader used car sales data also points to continued market activity. Used sales on the platform increased from 128,309 units in the first four months of 2025 to 142,663 units in the same period this year, with year-on-year growth recorded in each month from January to April.

The data suggests that South Africa’s used car market is recalibrating rather than retreating. Average prices remain higher year-on-year, demand remains active, and Chinese brands are becoming a more visible part of the pricing conversation as buyers compare newer, lower-mileage options against established rivals.

For consumers, this means the used-car market is becoming more competitive, but not uniformly cheaper. Average prices remain higher year-on-year, demand remains active, and value comparisons are becoming more dependent on vehicle type, age, mileage, brand, specification and segment-level demand.

As Chinese-brand vehicles continue entering the second-hand market, AutoTrader’s data suggests they are reshaping price-to-value expectations in specific segments rather than weakening the category or its average pricing as a whole. The broader picture is one of a market adapting to new sources of value, not one defined by broad-based price decline.

Hlabisa urges caution amid severe weather warnings

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged communities to exercise extra caution following severe weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) in parts of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

According to SAWS, the weather system is expected to bring widespread bitterly cold, wet and windy conditions across several provinces, with flooding anticipated in parts of the Eastern and Western Cape from 3 to 4 June 2026.

Light snowfall is also anticipated over the higher-lying mountains of the cape provinces and the Drakensberg mountain range.

In response to the warning, the Minister said the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is working closely with provincial and local disaster management centres to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures where necessary.

To strengthen preparedness and ensure a coordinated response, the following measures have been implemented:

• Provincial Disaster Management Joint Operations Centres (JOCs) have been activated in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
• Municipal Disaster Management JOCs have been activated in affected districts and metropolitan municipalities.
• South African Search and Rescue teams have been placed on standby.
• The National Joint Flood Coordinating Committee (NJFCC), including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has been activated to ensure intergovernmental coordination.
• Temporary Mass Care Centres have been identified to accommodate affected residents should the need arise.

The NDMC will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.

“Members of the public are strongly encouraged to regularly monitor official weather forecasts and warnings issued by SAWS, as these will be updated continuously based on changing weather conditions and potential impacts.

“The public is also advised to remain vigilant against unauthorised or unverified information and to refrain from sharing such content,” Hlabisa said.

The public is therefore advised to:
• Monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.
• Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers.
• Secure loose outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds.
• Exercise extreme caution along coastal areas and avoid fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period.
• Ensure adequate shelter, warmth, food, and protection for livestock and pets.

Hlabisa emphasised that preparedness and vigilance remain critical in reducing the impact of severe weather events and safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods.

Two arrested in Mozambique for murder of Mossel Bay couple in Kruger National Park

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in Mozambique in connection with the brutal murder of two South African tourists.

The bodies of Dina and Ernst Marais were discovered nearly two weeks ago near a river area in the northern section of the Kruger National Park after a search operation was launched when the couple failed to return to their camp.

The suspects reportedly confessed to the crimes, and the vehicle belonging to Mr and Mrs Marais has been recovered.

“South Africa will now start the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for this heinous crime,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Aucamp has called on law enforcement to ensure the suspects are brought back to the country to account for their crimes.

“I have engaged with my colleagues in the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Justice to emphasise the importance of securing the suspects’ return to South Africa to face the full might of the law. We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened,” he said.

Aucamp expressed his appreciation to the dedicated personnel at the South African National Parks (SANParks), South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican authorities, and conservation partners for their exceptional commitment and cooperation, which were instrumental in achieving this outcome.

The arrests are the result of effective cross-border cooperation between the following entities:
-Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC), Mozambique’s agency responsible for investigating serious and organised crime;
-The Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC); and
-Kruger National Park Ranger Services, led by the Regional Ranger for the Nxanatseni (Far North) Region, together with rangers from the Pafuri Section.

The Minister reiterated that criminal activity will not be tolerated in South Africa’s national parks and called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to safeguard these protected areas.

“While the Marais family has suffered a devastating loss, I hope that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to them as they continue to navigate this difficult journey,” Aucamp said.

Steenhuisen moves to allow introduction of avian influenza vaccinations

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has stepped in to amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026 of 1986) to allow the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccinations against the disease in the country.

The move is aimed at providing the poultry sector with a sustainable way forward in combating bird flu.

The decision follows a formal objection submitted by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) under Section 23 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

SAPA highlighted a breakdown in the department’s Directorate: Animal Health, reporting continuous failure to provide a practical or affordable solution to HPAI and prevent any potential crisis. Poultry producers argued that the department kept them stuck in an outdated system that forced the mass culling of birds, leaving them without any modern legal tools to protect their flocks.

After reviewing the findings of a Section 23 Investigation Committee, Steenhuisen said he had accepted recommendations aimed at breaking what he described as an administrative deadlock and modernising the country's disease-control strategy.

The Minister said the report provides an opportunity to move away from the traditional “stamping-out” model, which legally requires the destruction of both healthy and sick birds, towards a state-regulated vaccination defence plan designed to strengthen disease prevention and control.

“Our poultry farmers need direct support, and we are changing policy to give them a legal mechanism to protect their livelihoods. The old regulations forced the industry to destroy flocks unnecessarily, which harmed agricultural businesses and raised food prices for consumers.

“By changing this policy, we are giving producers the legal right to use verified scientific tools to protect their farms, protect agricultural jobs, and secure affordable food for the public,” the Minister said.

New Framework for disease management

The formalisation of an HPAI Vaccination Framework under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) will change how poultry operations run in South Africa:

•    Farmers will use a combination of vaccination, biosecurity, and testing, which stops the requirement for widespread bird culling and lowers financial losses;
•    The department will amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026) or issue a formal Section 9 control measure, to establish a clear legal framework on how poultry farming entities must manage an HPAI outbreak once identified on their farms. The objective of this measure is to eliminate mixed enforcement rules that created confusion and weakened the capacity to quickly eradicate the disease;
•    The new rules will balance disease control requirements so that both big commercial operations and smallholder farmers can have the space in line with the new regulations to efficiently and effectively deal with HPAI outbreaks on their farms;
•    The department’s role will be to set up and run national surveillance systems for HPAI, laboratory testing, and ensuring that farming entities adhere to regulations when there are outbreaks on their farms;
•    The department will also focus on maintaining international trade standards to ensure market access.

The Minister has instructed the department to immediately implement interim control measures in place while the policy shift is being formalised through the appropriate statutory instruments to ensure an orderly transition for the sector and provided a deadline for the publishing of the gazette.

Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm

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Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route today (3 June) and tomorrow (4 June 2026).

“We are urging residents, businesses, farmers and municipalities to prepare for severe weather conditions expected across the province,” Minister Bredell said.

According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo likely to be most severely affected. The municipalities of Bitou, Knysna and George can expect accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm. In the Karoo, the Beaufort West Municipality can anticipate between 60 mm and 80 mm of rainfall over the two-day period.

The expected heavy rainfall, combined with the impacts of the severe storms that affected the same regions during May, has contributed to the high Impact-Based Warnings issued by SAWS today. A Level 8 warning has been issued for the eastern parts of the Garden Route, while a Level 4 warning has been issued for the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam.

“Such significant rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments. Given the recent rainfall across the province and already saturated catchment areas, there is an elevated risk of rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services. Rural and farming communities may become isolated if roads are flooded or damaged.

“Along the coast, rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres are expected, posing a risk to small vessels and coastal activities.”

Provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated and are monitoring developments closely.

Emergency services remain on high alert, municipalities are implementing local readiness plans, humanitarian support partners have been mobilised, and health and rescue services stand ready to respond should the need arise.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives. Farmers and rural communities are advised to prepare for possible isolation by ensuring sufficient supplies for people and livestock, securing equipment and infrastructure, and moving livestock away from flood-prone areas where necessary.

“Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, remain indoors where it is safe to do so, keep emergency contact numbers readily available, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services,” Minister Bredell said.

All government facilities and services, including schools, will operate as normal. If this changes, updates will be communicated, based on ongoing assessments of local conditions and risks. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates through official Western Cape Government communication platforms, municipal communication channels and SAWS weather alerts.

Minister publishes National Elephant Heritage Strategy

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Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has announced the publication of South Africa's National Elephant Heritage Strategy in the Government Gazette, paving the way for its implementation as a national framework for elephant conservation and management.

The strategy provides a coherent, evidence-based approach to the conservation and management of the African elephant in South Africa and is aligned with national biodiversity targets and policy mandates.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), African elephants are currently listed nationally as "least concern", reflecting a widespread and stable population that faces a low risk of extinction within South Africa.

The strategy was developed through a partnership between the DFFE, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and South African National Parks (SANParks).

The initiative was aimed at creating a unified framework to guide elephant conservation and management across the country.

In line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the strategy was developed using a whole-of-society approach that incorporated input from stakeholders across South Africa.

As part of the process, a National Elephant Indaba was convened to discuss challenges related to human-elephant conflict and to develop a coordinated national response informed by scientific evidence.

The National Elephant Heritage Strategy is intended to guide the development, revision and implementation of several key mechanisms and tools, including the Elephant Norms and Standards, the National Elephant Research Strategy, the Non-Detrimental Finding for Elephants, the Elephant Red-list Assessment, reserve-level Elephant Management Plans and the National Elephant Meta-Population Plan.

The department said the strategy adopts an integrated socio-ecological framework aimed at strengthening adaptive management, improving stakeholder engagement and enhancing sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities associated with elephants and their habitats.

The strategy will also serve as South Africa's National Elephant Action Plan for the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP).

Government said the framework aligns with the country's international obligations and will support engagement with other elephant range states while demonstrating South Africa's contribution to achieving the objectives of the AEAP.

Electronic copies of the Government Notice for the National Elephant Heritage Strategy are available here.

Schools in Eden and Central Karoo to Close Amid Severe Weather Warning

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Schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will be closed on Wednesday (3 June) and Thursday (4 June) due to severe weather warnings in the area.

Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier says the decision was taken in consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to protect learners and teachers as heavy rainfall is expected.

The closure affects all public ordinary and special needs schools in the district. Schools have been informed and asked to notify parents.

All other schools in the Western Cape are expected to remain open unless special approval for closure is granted on a case-by-case basis.

The department says schools are expected to reopen on Friday, while the situation will continue to be monitored. Parents will be informed directly if any additional school closures become necessary.

More stormy conditions this week

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring cold, wet and windy weather to the central and southern parts of the country on Wednesday, with possible localised flooding in the Eastern and Western Cape.

"A cold front is expected to slip south of the country, with a cut-off low deepening west of the country, which is expected to propagate eastwards across South Africa from Wednesday and finally exit the country towards the weekend," the weather service said on Monday.

Showers and rain can be anticipated over the south-western parts, spreading along the south coast and adjacent interior. An influx of rainfall may lead to heavy downpours and possible flooding over the southern parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tuesday’s forecast indicates fine conditions in the east. Elsewhere, it will be partly cloudy and cold to cool, with isolated to scattered showers and rain along the coast and nearby interior of the Western Cape, as well as the western parts of the Eastern Cape.

On Wednesday, conditions will be cloudy and cold to cool, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.
These are expected to become widespread over the southern parts of the country. Snowfall is also expected over the mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape.

The weather service has issued the following warnings:

*Disruptive rain may endanger lives, flood roads and bridges, create fast-moving streams and rivers, and force the closure of major roads in the eastern parts of the Garden Route District in the Western Cape, as well as along the coast and adjacent interior between Plettenberg Bay and East London in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday and Thursday.

*Disruptive rain is also expected to cause localised flooding in settlements, on roads, in low-lying areas, and over bridges in parts of the eastern Western Cape and southern Eastern Cape on Wednesday and Thursday.

*Damaging winds and waves may cause localised disruptions at small harbours or ports and make navigation difficult for small vessels and personal watercraft between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday and Thursday.

*Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over the central and eastern interior of the Western Cape, the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, and parts of the Eastern Cape from Wednesday to Thursday.

Petrol price increases, diesel on a downturn

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The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has announced that petrol will increase by R1.43 this Wednesday, while the prices of diesel, paraffin and LP gas will decrease.

The adjusted prices for this month are as follows:

Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R1.43 increase.
Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.43 increase.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.24 decrease.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R2.61 decrease.
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.96 decrease.
Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R7.95 decrease.
Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 17c per kg decrease and 20c per kg decrease in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 101 US Dollars (USD) to 104.59 USD during the period under review. This is due to the continued tension between the US and Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The prices of middle distillates [diesel and paraffin] decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer.

“The prices of Propane and Butane remained the same during the period under review, however, the freight costs decreased,” the DMPR explained.

During the period under review, the Rand strengthened against the USD from R16.65 to R16.52 per USD, leading to “slightly lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 12.07 c/l, 14.81 c/l and 14.55 c/l, respectively”.

The general fuel levy has been reduced by some R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, also effective from Wednesday.