Category: News

Western Cape Government places Knysna Municipality under administration

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The Western Cape Government recently decided to place the Knysna Municipality under administration in terms of Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution. At a special Cabinet meeting, it resolved to dissolve the Municipal Council and appoint an Administrator with full executive and legislative authority until fresh elections are held within 90 days.

Premier Alan Winde said the decision was taken as a last resort after repeated failures in governance and service delivery. He stressed it was necessary to protect residents, restore stability, and ensure reliable services.

Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said Knysna has faced escalating crises despite years of support, including a Section 154 Support Plan, technical assistance, and millions in provincial funding. Chronic infrastructure breakdowns have left residents exposed to sewage spills, water shortages, and irregular waste collection.

A recent provincial assessment found that of 67 sewage pump stations, only 11 were fully functional, while nearly half were non-operational or missing pumps altogether. These failures have resulted in raw sewage flowing into homes, streets, waterways, and the Knysna estuary, creating severe health and environmental risks.

Despite interventions such as emergency water tankers, backup generators, and refuse vehicles, the municipality has not fulfilled its obligations, and conditions have continued to deteriorate.

“The situation has become untenable,” Winde said. “We must act in the interests of Knysna’s residents.”
Bredell added that recovery will take time but assured residents the province will work with national government, the Garden Route District Municipality, and local civil society to stabilise the municipality and prepare for fresh elections.

Eskom maintains reliable power supply

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Eskom reports that it continues to reliably supply electricity to South Africa, with unplanned losses from breakdowns remaining well below the 10 000 megawatt (MW) threshold, currently recorded at 7 394MW.

“This reflects sustained structural improvements in plant performance driven by the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan,” the statement read. 

In addition, the state-owned power utility said the open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), or diesel generators, maintained a load factor of just 0.001% for the second consecutive week.

“The sustained technical improvements have ensured a reliable power system, meeting more than 97% of electricity demand since the beginning of the financial year.” 

South Africa has experienced no load shedding since 15 May 2025, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 11 September 2025.

Between 5 and 11 September 2025, planned maintenance increased as Eskom entered the summer period, averaging 4 624MW. 

During this period, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) fluctuated consistently between 69% and 73%, with the month-to-date average further remaining above the 70% mark.

“This upward trend reflects growing stability and improved reliability across the generation fleet. These figures exclude Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing 720MW to the national grid since 23 March 2025. 

“Although not yet in commercial operation, the unit is expected to reach that milestone by September 2025.”

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom has planned to return a total of 2 835MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 15 September 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Between 1 April and 11 September 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 26.53%. 

The utility said this represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.4%, although it remains about 1.2% higher than the 25.38% recorded during the same period last year.

From 1 April to 11 September 2025, the diesel spend remains well under the allocated budget.

“As of today, 119 consecutive days without load shedding have been achieved,” said the utility on Friday.

Summer outlook
Meanwhile, Eskom recently published the summer outlook, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no load shedding due to the structural progress in plant performance because of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

The available generation capacity stood at 28 776MW, with Eskom stating that the current capacity is sufficient to meet requirements over the weekend.

From 1 April to 11 September 2025, Eskom spent approximately R5.9283 billion on fuel for its OCGT plants, generating 1 000.91 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. 

“While there was no notable increase in expenditure over the past week, the electricity generated represents a significant rise compared to the 578.14GWh produced during the same period last year. 
“It is important to note that diesel expenditure is not consistent throughout the year but fluctuates seasonally in response to system demand and operational requirements.”

Load reduction 
During the previous winter peak periods in the mornings and evenings, load reduction eased slightly – from an average of 544MW in April 2025 to 529MW in June 2025 – with Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng accounting for approximately 87% of the total.

“Eskom appreciates the progress achieved in reducing load nationally, with a 3% improvement recorded between April and June 2025.

“The largest gains were seen in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with reductions of 13% and 5% respectively. Looking ahead, Eskom is committed to further reducing load reduction by 15–20% by March 2026 and eliminating it within two years.” 

Eskom said this will be achieved by addressing 640 000 illegal connections by March 2026, upgrading infrastructure, including the rollout of smart meters, reducing zero buyers and illegal vending, and expanding free basic electricity registrations in priority areas.

The primary causes of load reduction remain illegal connections and meter bypassing. 

These practices amount to electricity theft and place severe strain on the network, leading to transformer overloads, equipment damage, and, in extreme cases, explosions and extended outages.

“Electricity should only be purchased through Eskom-accredited vendors, and customers are encouraged to regularise their electricity usage. These actions are critical to securing safe, reliable, and fair access to electricity for all.”

Any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure should be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

5000 Ford Rangers recalled

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More than 5,000 brand-new Ford Ranger vehicles in South Africa are being recalled for brake inspections.
The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) announced over the weekend that certain 2025 Ranger models may develop brake system issues. The defect could cause drivers to require extra stopping distance, raising safety concerns.

The recall specifically involves the brake booster. According to Ford, affected drivers might notice changes in how the brake pedal feels, or they may need to press harder than usual to stop the vehicle. If the booster fails, the ABS warning lights, electronic stability control light, and regular brake lights will switch on, accompanied by an audible warning sound.

Ford warned that the loss of brake assistance could increase the risk of an accident. In South Africa, 5,387 Rangers are affected, along with 113 in Botswana, 157 in Namibia, and 19 in Eswatini.

FMCSA said it is reaching out to affected customers directly. Owners are advised to schedule an appointment with their preferred dealer, who will inspect the vehicle and carry out any necessary repairs. A related software update will also be applied at no cost.

Customers unsure if their vehicle is included in the recall can check by entering their VIN on a dedicated recall website created by FMCSA. They can also confirm using the FordPass smartphone app, calling the customer relations centre at 0860 011 022, or emailing [email protected].

Fitch affirms South Africa’s BB- rating, maintains stable outlook

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Government has welcomed Fitch’s decision to affirm South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at “BB-” and maintain the stable outlook.

According to Fitch, South Africa’s credit rating is constrained by several factors, including low real gross domestic product (GDP) growth, high poverty and inequality levels, a high and rising government debt-to-GDP ratio, and a rigid fiscal structure that hampers budget deficit reduction. 

“However, the ratings are supported by a favourable government debt structure with long maturities and mostly local-currency-denominated, strong institutions and a credible monetary policy framework,” the National Treasury statement read. 

Fitch also noted that the Government of National Unity (GNU) continues, under Operation Vulindlela Phase 2, to implement a reform agenda. 

Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 is a joint initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation.

Phase II of Operation Vulindlela will implement reforms in three new areas, including digital transformation.

According to the Treasury, reforms focused on improving network infrastructures, such as electricity, logistics, water, and digitalisation, have alleviated load shedding and halted the decline in freight volume transported, contributing to Fitch’s forecast of a modest increase in real GDP growth.

“Government’s economic growth strategy will continue to focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability to reduce living costs and grow investment, executing reforms to promote a more dynamic economy, building state capability in core functions and supporting growth-enhancing public infrastructure investment,” said the Treasury on Friday. 

Over the medium term, Treasury said government will invest over R1 trillion in infrastructure, and reforms will make it easier for the state and the private sector to invest in roads, rail, energy and water. 

In addition, major reforms to state spending and the budget process are underway, including the implementation of targeted and responsible savings across government. 

Treasury announced that further details will be provided in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on 12 November 2025. 

New regulations gazetted for Uber, Bolt

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The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act, along with its amended regulations. 

The Act introduces a new transport category, e-hailing services, as a recognised mode of public transport.
This move affirms and formalises a sector that was previously treated as operating outside the law by some existing operators. 

It also requires all public transport operators, including e-hailing providers, to hold valid operating licences to ensure services remain authorised and safe. 

In addition, the Act sets out standards for quality and security that e-hailing platforms must meet to protect passengers and drivers alike.

“Each vehicle should be branded or carry a sign indicating that it is an e-hailing vehicle. 

“Commuters must verify that vehicle and driver details appear in the app, and if not, should exercise precaution,” the statement read.  

According to the department, under the new rules, app developers who permit users to use their apps without an Operating License risk a fine of up to R100 000 or up to two years in jail. 

“All apps must also be registered with the regulators.”

In addition, the Act also requires panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to help keep commuters safe and provide quick emergency response and that vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed. 

“The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies. 

“Commuters are also required to ensure that the vehicle and driver are compliant. Drivers are required to have the requisite documents to be eligible for compliance.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will ensure compliance upon processing all applications before drivers can be issued an operating license.

In addition, e-hailing operators, when applying for an operating license, are subjected to a standard operating license application fee.

“Other operational costs are outside of the Department of Transport’s purview.”

This move will also see the companies being required to register and comply with company laws in South Africa under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and South African Revenue Services (SARS), and there may be other requirements with costs. 

“The department will hold workshops to share this information with all operators and officials across the country starting from this week.”

Western Cape Provincial Government on intensifying efforts to combat and prevent crime

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On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Provincial Safety Council.

The council comprises multiple stakeholders, among them the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipalities and academic organisations. It provides strategic leadership and oversight of safety and crime prevention efforts, as well as promoting evidence-based decision-making and innovation.

In his opening, Premier Winde lamented, “Our residents are feeling the impact of high crime levels more than ever before. We must build stronger partnerships with a joint approach to addressing this issue.”

The Premier also commended the City of Cape Town for its deployment of 700 new Metro Police officers, the largest investment in personnel in a decade. This includes a dedicated neighbourhood deployment for every ward in the city – a first for Cape Town.

The council received an update on the development of the new Western Cape Safety Plan. Key priorities include:

-Ongoing extensive consultation with stakeholders
-Strengthening the function of Community Safety Forums
-Increased commitment to devolution of policing authority
-Addressing Western Cape SAPS under-resourcing
-Increased focus on concentrating more resources in areas with the highest concentrations of violent crime

The council agreed that the full implementation of the Safer Cities Cooperation Agreement signed between the Western Cape Government, national government, SAPS, and CoCT must be fast-tracked.

“More urgency is needed. Incremental improvements in reducing some categories of priority crimes are encouraging. But the reality is that residents and communities impacted by violent crime, especially gangsterism, are not seeing or experiencing this change,” said the Premier. He emphasised that as much as there is a need to intensify crime-fighting efforts, there must also be a concerted focus on violence prevention.

The Premier’s Safety Digicon: Tackling gangsterism and organised crime through collaboration
The Western Cape Government’s violence prevention strategy was among the interventions discussed at a digicon, hosted by Premier Winde after the Western Cape Provincial Safety Council meeting. The Violence Prevention Unit (VPU), managed by the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, utilises data from healthcare facilities to identify and design unique interventions to better address the root causes of violence in communities.

The purpose of the Western Cape Government’s Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP) report was also discussed during the digicon. The PNP is a legislative mandate of the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety. It is aimed at shaping and influencing policing strategies and resource allocation.

The 2025/26 version of the PNP has been finalised.

The PNP report assesses certain metrics and contains findings and recommendations, including:

Budget & Resources
Chronic underfunding despite high crime
Recommendation: Equitable funding based on crime levels

Human Resources
SAPS staffing has dropped despite population growth in the Western Cape
Ratios as high as 1:962 in hotspots
Recommendation: Fill vacancies, improve training, revise HR model

Infrastructure & Equipment
Stations in disrepair, vehicle shortages
Recommendation: Upgrade facilities, decentralise servicing, modernise tech

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais noted that despite the challenges outlined in the PNP, the SAPS in the Western Cape has acknowledged the value of the reports, noting that the provincial government’s evidence-based recommendations are instrumental in enhancing service delivery and informing strategic interventions.

Mr Mark Shaw, Executive Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, was the Premier’s special guest at the digicon.

The organisation is the biggest organised crime think tank in the world, comprising 140 analysts and 14 observatories globally, including one based in Cape Town. “It is not only the Western Cape that is affected by organised crime and gangsterism. This is a huge challenge globally. There are a lot of lessons we can learn from across the world. Our message is that we need a strategic, joined-up response; we need to work together to bring together all the resources we can in a coordinated way,” Mr Shaw said.

He outlined 6 recommendations that the initiative believes will boost the collaborative approach to tackling organised crime:

-There must be political will
-clear and simple strategy must be jointly developed
-Authorities, including the South African Revenue Service, must undermine and disrupt the money-collecting abilities of criminal networks
-There must be a clear understanding of resourcing needs
-Remove illegal firearms from communities
-Build resilience in communities to reduce the legitimacy of gangs and organised crime

Premier Winde, “Ultimately, we must prevent violence by building a safer society from the ground up.”

40 days: Final stretch for Class of 2025

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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public to prioritise matric candidates and treat them as the province’s “VIPs” in the lead-up to and during the exam period.

“They are already under enough pressure, and do not need the added stress of protests and disruptions in and around schools. Please put the best interests of our children first, so that they are in the best possible mindset for the exams,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.

Today, the country marks 40 days to go before the matric learners sit down for their 2025 National Senior Certificate exams. 

The exams begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, and ends on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. 

“Our matric teachers, tutors and officials have been hard at work preparing our candidates for the final hurdle of their school careers,” said Maynier.

According to Maynier, nearly 22 000 matrics attended ’Back on Track’ winter school during the mid-year holidays, which took place in all eight education districts in the province. 

The MEC said revision classes will also take place during the spring school holidays in October, while matrics have also had weekend revision classes during the third term. 

“Our annual matric support booklet has been delivered to schools, which contains past matric papers, administrative details like the exam timetable and pass requirements, study tips and advice for post-school studies.” 

The provincial department also announced it will provide a ’Tips for Success’ booklet featuring comprehensive guidance on effective study strategies, essential exam concepts, maintaining health and wellness during exams, a sample study timetable, and advice from past matric learners.

“The run-up to the matric exams can be a particularly stressful period for our candidates.  We encourage all learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out to us for help.”

He told matrics that it is the home stretch and the time for complete focus and commitment. 
“The hours you invest over the next 40 days will be of great benefit to you during the exams. We are here to support you, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you when the results are released in 2026,” he added.

The department has also collected a wide variety of eLearning resources to support matrics, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries and study guides. 

These can be accessed on the WCED website and on the department’s ePortal: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support. 

School staff can seek guidance from district support teams, and the department’s Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47 toll-free can connect learners with help from partner government departments and non-governmental organisations.

DA calls for plan to stop gang violence in Cape Flats

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concern over Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s acknowledgement that government has yet to establish a comprehensive plan to address gang violence on the Cape Flats.

The party says the absence of a clear strategy from the South African Police Service (SAPS) comes at a time when murder and shooting incidents continue to increase in the area. It argues that the delay in implementing an effective response is placing communities at risk.

According to the DA, residents are living under constant threat of crossfire, with children and families often caught in the violence.

The party has called on SAPS to urgently present a fully funded plan to curb gang-related crime.

Changing gear: Eskom introduces first electric vehicle fleet

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In a move that marries its energy mandate with a vision for a sustainable future, state-owned power utility Eskom has officially plugged into the future of transport with the introduction of its inaugural fleet of electric vehicles.

The initiative is supported by the installation of some 10 charging stations on five sites aimed at supporting the adaptation of electric transportation.

The state-owned power utility described the move as “a major milestone” on the journey toward “sustainable transport and a cleaner energy future for all South Africans”.

“Eskom is driving South Africa’s shift to a cleaner, low-carbon future. Through e-mobility, we are cutting emissions, boosting innovation, and showing how sustainable energy solutions can create real benefits for communities and the economy. 

“We see ourselves as more than just an electricity provider – we are enablers of progress,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

The power utility’s Group Executive for Distribution, Agnes Mlambo, described the move as transformational.

“Eskom is taking steps to transform how South Africans move in a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent reality. 

“The launch of these vehicles is not only about mobility; it is about reimagining the energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring every community benefits from the transition to sustainable transport,” Mlambo said.

To date, the power utility has taken delivery of some 20 electric vehicles.

These vehicles range from light delivery vehicles to light trucks with another 100 planned for the near future. 

“These vehicles will be deployed primarily in the Distribution and Generation Divisions, supporting operations while demonstrating the practicality and benefits of e-mobility in South Africa.

“Eskom’s vision for e-mobility extends beyond vehicles. The organisation has committed to gradually transitioning its entire fleet to EVs, with the Distribution Division, which has the largest vehicle footprint, targeting full electrification by 2035.

“To enable this shift, Eskom will expand charging infrastructure across its sites and roll out 55 public EV charging stations over the next two years, creating opportunities for broader adoption,” the power utility said.

Furthermore, Eskom is also “prioritising grid readiness for e-mobility”.

EV load forecasting is integrated into long-term planning to ensure that increased electricity demand is managed effectively. 

Smart charging systems and time-of-use tariffs are being developed to optimise energy use, making EV ownership more affordable and sustainable for the public.

“Since 2021, Eskom has engaged with government, automotive manufacturers, petroleum companies, and research institutions to build a strong and integrated e-mobility framework for South Africa.

“Through e-mobility. Eskom is not only reducing emissions but also driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for all South Africans. By embracing electric mobility, we are delivering tangible benefits to communities and the economy, while also pivoting into new revenue streams by this offering for our customers,” Eskom said.

Walmart stores coming to SA

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Government has welcomed plans by Walmart to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year.

“Government welcomes Walmart’s investment in South Africa as an expression of confidence in the country. The investment underscores a strong belief in the country’s economic trajectory and confirmation that South Africa remains a reliable investment destination,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

This announcement comes in the footsteps of Walmart’s first growth summit that was held in South Africa and resulted in the company recruiting small and medium-sized suppliers from South Africa and the rest of the African continent. 

“Walmart’s commitment to sourcing locally produced products will contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation, which are apex priorities of the government’s medium term development plan (MTDP),” GCIS said.

Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay expressed that the company was thrilled to begin the journey of introducing the iconic Walmart brand to South African associates, customers and communities.

“By listening and working together, we aim to build lasting relationships and deliver a delightful shopping experience that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Africans,” McLay said.

Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. 

Walmart will also offer a variety of locally sourced products. 

“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart will bring its signature Every Day Low Prices and global standards to the market, while celebrating the country’s rich culture.

“With sites already in development, these new stores are set to open before the end of the year, with official opening dates to be announced in October. The company will share further details about store locations, hiring and community initiatives in the coming months,” McLay said.
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