Category: News

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.
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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.

Kruger National Park flood repairs estimated at R950 million

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht

The cost of repairing infrastructure damaged by severe flooding in the Kruger National Park earlier this year is estimated at R950 million.

Heavy rains and flooding in January 2026 caused extensive damage to roads, accommodation facilities and water-related infrastructure across the park.

Since then, the park’s management team and contractors have been working on a phased recovery programme to repair the damage and strengthen infrastructure against future extreme weather events.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier said the recovery effort is focused not only on restoring damaged facilities, but also on building more modern and resilient infrastructure.

“Our national parks are valuable environmental assets, and the Kruger National Park is the jewel in our crown. We must ensure that they are maintained and revitalised.”

Maynier visited the Kruger National Park last week for briefings on the progress of the flood recovery programme.

He also visited Letaba Rest Camp, one of the areas worst affected by the floods, where repairs are currently underway.

The A and B circles at Letaba are expected to reopen in September 2026.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge, which was also severely damaged, has already reopened, with the final stages of its rebuild nearing completion.

During his visit, Maynier also engaged with guests at Skukuza Rest Camp and the Letaba campsite.

He said maintaining a positive guest experience remains a key priority as investment in the park continues.

“The guest experience must be a key focus for investments going forward, as we want families and friends to come together and create lasting memories of their time at the Park,” Maynier said.

He added that feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, while any outstanding issues would be addressed by park management.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is expected to provide further updates on the progress of the recovery work.

Oudtshoorn power outage enters fourth day as Eskom revises restoration time

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The power outage affecting parts of Oudtshoorn has entered its fourth day, with Eskom revising its estimated restoration time to approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.

Eskom said further complex technical problems were encountered during restoration work, requiring additional repairs before the network can be safely energised.

“The safety of Eskom employees and affected communities remains paramount,” the utility said.

Technical teams remain on site and are working to resolve the issues and restore electricity as soon as it is safe to do so.

Eskom has apologised to affected residents for the prolonged outage and repeated changes to the restoration estimates.

“We sincerely apologise for the continued outage and the inconvenience caused. We understand the frustration caused by the interruption and changing restoration estimates,” Eskom said.

The utility said it will continue providing updates as restoration work progresses.

Customers can contact Eskom via the MyEskom Customer app, Alfred Chatbot or the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 37566.
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