Category: News

Three killed, fourteen injured in Riversdale crash

Posted on by
Three people were killed and 14 injured when a minibus and a car collided on the N2 between Heidelberg and Riversdale this morning.

Provincial traffic said the crash happened at about 10am.

Three people have lost their lives, and a further 14 people have sustained injuries. Emergency services were still at the scene.

Operation Shanela nabs over 23 000 suspects nationwide

Posted on by
Over 23 000 suspects were arrested for various offences nationwide, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued to carry out Operation Shanela.

In operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July, 23 011 suspects were nabbed.

Detectives further arrested 2 391 wanted suspects, linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms, carjacking, possession of drugs, house and business robberies.

Among the arrests effected across the provinces include the arrest of 127 individuals for murder, 179 for rape and 143 suspects for attempted murder.

“As part of the intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and related criminal activities, the SAPS arrested 6 807 illegal migrants across multiple provinces for contravening the Immigration Act,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.
The police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, remain on high alert to safeguard communities and property during ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests across the country. 

“While recognising the constitutional right of citizens to protest, participants are urged to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. Citizens are also reminded to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media platforms.”

The SAPS further cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands. 

“Any incidents of violence, incitement, intimidation, or damage to property must be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest police station.”

In addition, police operations yielded significant results in specific crime categories:
•    282 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, including 79 in the Eastern Cape.
•    654 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, with 241 in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    724 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“The SAPS remains committed to intensifying its operations, ensuring law and order, and protecting the people of South Africa,” it said.

Home Affairs to recruit 301 immigration officers

Posted on by
The Department of Home Affairs says it is moving to strengthen immigration enforcement capacity through the recruitment of an additional 301 immigration officers.

At present, the department has only 868 immigration officers.

“This limited capacity is expected to support immigration enforcement across the entire country. Despite the severe resource constraints that the department continues to face, reprioritisation work has been done to enable the recruitment of this cohort of additional Immigration Officers. 

"The increase from 868 to 1 169 officers will enhance enforcement capacity by 35%,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

This is being done in conjunction with other initiatives alongside National Treasury to secure additional resources to further boost digital transformation and capacity-building initiatives. 

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the recruitment drive forms part of the department's broader reforms to build a secure, digital and fit-for-purpose immigration system that serves the national interest.

“The Home Affairs @ home reforms are about building an immigration system that works from beginning to end. That means using technology like the Electronic Travel Authorisation to strengthen the enforcement of lawful entry into South Africa, while also investing in the frontline officers who enforce our laws every day.

“By appointing 301 additional immigration officers, we are now making one of the biggest investments in immigration enforcement capacity in years, strengthening our ability to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system,” the Minister said.

Western Cape concludes voluntary repatriation operation for foreign nationals

Posted on by
The Western Cape Government has successfully concluded its coordinated humanitarian operation to assist foreign nationals who voluntarily elected to return to their countries of origin. 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the provincial government said the operation was undertaken in partnership with municipalities, national government departments, humanitarian organisations, faith-based partners and law enforcement agencies. 

According to the provincial government, all individuals who presented at municipal facilities and the Department of Home Affairs offices in Epping, Cape Town, have departed following extensive verification, registration and logistical planning undertaken by the department and supporting partners.

Dozens of buses were procured for this purpose.

Premier Alan Winde thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the operation.

“This operation demonstrated what can be achieved when all spheres of government, humanitarian organisations, religious institutions, transport providers and local communities work together towards a common humanitarian objective. 

“We are deeply grateful to every individual and organisation that played a role in ensuring a safe, dignified and orderly process. I also want to thank our mediators who worked hard to defuse tensions. You played an important part in ensuring unrest did not erupt in our province. I am also deeply grateful for the engagements our International Relations Directorate initiated with affected foreign missions,” Winde said. 

The Premier also thanked municipalities that made facilities available, humanitarian organisations that provided food, water and essential relief items and operational teams that worked long hours to support the intervention.

The provincial government said temporary facilities established for the operation have now been demobilised and normal operations are resuming.

It also clarified that municipalities will not provide any further transport logistics for the repatriation of foreign nationals.

“The Western Cape Government wishes to make it clear that no further transport logistics will be undertaken by municipalities for the purposes of repatriating foreign nationals. Reports of free transport services after today are incorrect,” the provincial government said. 

The government encouraged foreign nationals requiring assistance to engage directly with their respective embassies or consulates and to follow normal immigration processes administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

It also acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by businesses and communities surrounding the temporary support facilities and thanked them for their patience and cooperation throughout the intervention.

While the transport phase has concluded, the provincial government said departments and municipalities will continue to monitor the situation and address any humanitarian, safety or operational concerns through normal service delivery channels.

Feast of flavour at the 2026 Knysna Oyster Festival: 3–12 July

Posted on by
The countdown is officially on for the 2026 Knysna Oyster Festival, and food lovers have plenty to look forward to when the festival returns from 3–12 July under the theme “A feast of family fun”. From oyster competitions and wine tastings to forest feasts, food markets and sweet treats, this year’s programme serves up one of the most diverse culinary line-ups yet.

At the heart of the action is the Festival Hub at the Knysna High School sports fields, where Oyster Alley will bring together food stalls, local flavours, family entertainment and market experiences throughout the festival. Visitors can sample a wide variety of food while soaking up the festive atmosphere and live entertainment.

One of the most anticipated events on the programme is the Stella Artois Oyster Cooking and Shucking Competition. Taking place at the Festival Hub, the event will see talented oyster shuckers competing for championship honours while visitors enjoy plenty of oyster-inspired fun.

Food enthusiasts can also look forward to the ever-popular FeedmeSlowly Feast in the Forest experiences at Diepwalle. These intimate Slow Food events combine exceptional local produce with the natural beauty of the Knysna forest, offering a dining experience unlike any other.

Wine lovers are equally well catered for. The Knysna Fine Wine Festival returns with premium tasting experiences at Simola Country Club & Spa, while additional wine tastings will take place throughout the festival at participating venues across town. Escape Wine Tasting at Blackwaters River Lodge, Blend Wine Tasting and Boards, and the Vintage & Wine Tasting Experience at Ekhaya African Cuisine all offer visitors the chance to discover outstanding local and South African wines.

The programme also includes several unique food experiences. Visitors can enjoy a four-course Oyster Inspired Dinner at Île de Pain, a four-course Slow Food Dinner at Grain Mill Bistro, the popular Robberg Fish Braai Competition, and the wonderfully indulgent Dessert War Fair at the Festival Hub, where bakers and dessert enthusiasts will showcase their sweetest creations.

For those wanting to enjoy oysters in true Knysna style, the Oyster Cruise aboard The Water Club combines a lagoon cruise with fresh oysters and MCC, while Simola’s Sip, Shuck & Spa experience offers a more relaxed way to celebrate the festival.

Adding to the flavour of the festival are the Stella Artois Oyster Hot Spots, where participating restaurants and eateries across Knysna will be offering oyster specials, unique dishes and opportunities to win prizes throughout the festival.

Lungiswa Goya, Manager: Economic Development at Knysna Municipality and spokesperson for the festival, says food remains one of the festival’s biggest attractions.

“The Knysna Oyster Festival has always been about bringing people together, and food plays a central role in that. From oysters and wine to family favourites, local produce and unique dining experiences, this year’s programme offers visitors countless opportunities to discover the flavours that make Knysna such a special destination.”

The full programme is available at www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za and visitors are encouraged to check back regularly as additional events and experiences continue to be added.

Eskom receives report on alleged irregular diesel procurement

Posted on by
Eskom has received a report on the independent investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts.

According to Eskom, the investigation was originally launched in March 2025 by the power utility’s Group Investigations and Security (GIS) function following “monitoring of contract performance during operational emergencies” involving load shedding early last year, as well as tip-offs.

“The independent forensic firm has delivered its comprehensive report, and the matter is progressing through the required internal corporate governance, legal review and quality assurance processes to ensure that all findings strictly meet the necessary evidentiary and procedural standards to support any disciplinary and legal action.

“As part of strengthening the evidentiary base of the investigation, Eskom previously expanded the scope of work associated with the management of the contracts following the interim report, to include further document analysis, supplementary interviews, and digital forensic reviews of key records,” the power utility explained.

Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane has assured the public that the power utility is handling the matter with precision.

“We remain committed to taking the corrective actions on the findings of this investigation with the appropriate level of legal thoroughness given what is at stake.

“We will update stakeholders at the end of the quality assurance process, which is expected to be by the end of July,” Marokane said.

The matter has been reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.
Eskom stated it will temporarily withhold specific details of the findings due to the sensitive ongoing legal and disciplinary procedures.

“Considering the internal processes currently underway as well as the consequence management steps Eskom is already taking, and may need to further take, to address the identified procurement and contract management breaches relating to this matter, and the possibility of criminal prosecution…Eskom is not in a position to engage on the details or comment further at this stage, so as not to jeopardise the next stage of the process.

“Eskom supports and encourages the reporting of any concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats all such information with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality,” the power utility said. 

Sixteen killed in Touwsriver accident

Posted on by
The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in a bus crash that claimed 16 lives.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday on the N1 near Gulfstream Garage in the Western Cape.

According to reports, the bus was transporting 78 passengers, including children, from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape.

It is alleged that the bus overturned, resulting in 16 fatalities and leaving 20 occupants injured. The injured were transported to Worcester Hospital, while 43 occupants refused medical treatment.

Creecy and Hlengwa have wished a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries.

They have also directed the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to provide the bereaved families and the injured with the necessary support.

In addition, Creecy and Hlengwa have instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to investigate the cause of the crash in collaboration with local authorities.

A preliminary investigation report is expected within 48 hours after the RTMC begins its investigation.

New Ministers, Deputy Ministers sworn in

Posted on by
South Africa’s new Ministers and Deputy Ministers have been sworn in following changes to the National Executive made by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

They were sworn in during a ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday afternoon.

“In terms of the powers that are vested in me by Section 91 subsection 2, read with Section 91, subsection 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, I have decided to appoint the following persons as Ministers for the portfolios indicated in the signed President’s Act: David John Maynier to be Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Dina Deliwe Pule to be Minister of Social Development,” President Ramaphosa said.

The two then took the oath of office or affirmation and were sworn in by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla.

“In terms of the powers that are vested in me by Section 93 subsection 1a of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, I have decided to appoint the following persons as Deputy Ministers for the portfolios indicated in the signed President’s Act: Mr John Henry Steenhuisen to be Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Dr Jack Bloom, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation and Mr Yusuf Cassim, Deputy Minister of Higher Education,” the President said.

They, too, were sworn in.

President Ramaphosa announced changes to the National Executive in a statement on Tuesday night.

The changes followed consultation with the leadership of the Democratic Alliance as a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

eRadio SA Unveils a Bold New Look, Enhanced Sound and Brand-New Website

Posted on by
eRadio SA has officially entered a new era with the launch of its refreshed brand identity, upgraded website and a significantly enhanced listening experience.

The station's transformation includes a modern new logo, refreshed imaging, an updated sound and a completely redesigned website. The station's primary brand colour is now vivid red with versions in white and also blue. The flexible and simplistic new logo is also not too far removed from its predecessor, just brighter. Behind the scenes, eRadio SA has also invested in upgraded servers and a new playout system to deliver greater reliability and a smoother, higher-quality broadcast for listeners.

The refresh extends beyond the station's appearance. eRadio SA has expanded its music library to offer greater variety while maintaining the familiar format listeners have come to enjoy.

Newsreader Precious Sisulu joins the station, delivering concise, no-nonsense bulletins that focus on the stories that matter. Listeners can expect local, national and international news, along with technology, weather and sport, without unnecessary clutter. More presenters are also undergoing training and will switch on the microphone once they're up to standard.

The station has also introduced two internationally recognised voice-over artists to give eRadio SA's new station IDs a fresh, world-class sound.

Despite embracing the latest advances in artificial intelligence and broadcast technology, eRadio SA says it remains committed to keeping people at the heart of everything it does.

Founder and Managing Director Eon Engelbrecht said the rebrand reflects the station's ongoing commitment to innovation while staying true to what listeners value most.

"This is far more than just a new logo or a new website. We've invested heavily in the technology that powers eRadio, from upgraded servers to a new playout system, allowing us to deliver a more reliable, better-sounding station with even more music variety. At the same time, we're embracing the latest AI tools where they genuinely improve the listener experience, while ensuring the human element remains at the heart of our programming."

Engelbrecht added that eRadio SA has also tackled one of the biggest frustrations many listeners have with traditional radio.

"Advertising remains our primary source of income, but we've always believed there's a smarter way to do it. By placing our commercial breaks at the top of the hour, we reduce interruptions throughout our programming and create a more enjoyable listening experience. It's a unique approach that benefits both our listeners and our advertisers."

The station's refreshed sound, new website and enhanced programming form part of eRadio SA's vision to deliver a cleaner, more engaging and more modern digital radio experience for audiences across South Africa and around the world.

Listeners can listen on the eRadio SA website or on their favourite app by using the new tune-in guide: https://eradiosa.com/tune-in-guide/

Stay tuned!

About eRadio SA:
eRadio SA is a South African digital radio station offering a diverse music mix, concise news coverage and engaging programming. Broadcasting online 24 hours a day, the station combines innovative technology with a people-first approach to deliver a modern radio experience for today's connected audience.

Implementation of AARTO continues

Posted on by
The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) says the implementation of  Phase 2 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) is continuing as scheduled.

This as RTIA welcomed the order of the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) had brought an urgent application to interdict the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, which is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026.

“On 23 June 2026, SALGA instituted an urgent application against the Minister of Transport, RTIA, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the Minister of Finance. SALGA raised concerns on the regulatory framework for the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, infrastructure and equipment readiness of issuing authorities, and the financial model for municipalities,” the authority said in a statement.

The purpose of the Act is to promote quality, safety and discipline in road traffic by providing for a scheme to discourage road traffic contraventions; to facilitate the adjudication of road traffic infringements; to support the prosecution of offences in terms of national and provincial laws relating to road traffic, and to implement a points demerit system, among others.

Additionally, SALGA had formally declared an intergovernmental dispute on 19 June 2026, in terms of section 41 of the Constitution and the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, seeking to halt the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, pending the resolution of the dispute.

SALGA’s application was opposed by the Department of Transport, RTIA, and the South African Post Office (SAPO) on the following grounds:
•    Lack of urgency: SALGA had been aware of the 1 July 2026 implementation date since November 2025 but delayed bringing the application, creating its own urgency.
•    Lack of authority to represent municipalities: SALGA failed to provide evidence that municipalities authorised it to bring the application on their behalf. The Minister served a formal notice in terms of Rule 7 of the Uniform Rules of the High Court, requiring SALGA to produce council resolutions from the affected municipalities. 
•    Presidential proclamation not yet in place at the time of the filing of the application: The implementation of AARTO requires a Presidential Proclamation.
•    Readiness for implementation: RTIA demonstrated that it is fully prepared for Phase 2 rollout. Under Phase 2, there are 62 issuing authorities with 283 combined sites, of which 75% are properly equipped and have received relevant training. This includes the provision of equipment, training of law enforcement officers and back-office personnel and ensuring network connectivity.

Upon hearing the matter, the Court struck the application from the roll, finding that:
•    SALGA failed to establish urgency, as required by the rules of the High Court.
•    SALGA failed to demonstrate that it was authorised to act on behalf of municipalities.
•    Courts should not lightly interfere with government decisions on policy matters and the implementation of legislation.

“The order clears the way for the implementation of AARTO Phase 2, as scheduled on 1 July 2026, the system is now being rolled out across a total of 62 local and metropolitan municipalities, building upon the initial implementation already underway in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

“RTIA remains committed to the successful rollout of AARTO and will continue working with all issuing authorities to ensure effective implementation. Motorists and the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the AARTO system through the official channels and resources provided by RTIA,” it said.

Meanwhile, SALGA on Tuesday expressed disappointment at the ruling of the court.

“The ‘for lack of urgency’, reasoning by the court, only means that the merits of the case will have to be argued at a later stage and not on an urgent basis,” it said.

It further added that at the heart of the contention are concerns around the funding model underpinning the Act and its regulations. 
error:
Scroll to Top