Five provinces removed from load reduction schedule

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

At least five of South Africa’s nine provinces are load reduction-free following the implementation of Eskom’s nationwide Load Reduction Eradication Programme.

Since the launch of the programme in September last year, some 1.1 million South Africans have been removed from load reduction schedules, representing some 65% of the power utility’s eradication target.

Provinces eliminated from load reduction are Mpumalanga, joining the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West, with national eradication targeted by March 2027.

“The achievement reflects Eskom’s broader strategy to pursue operational and financial sustainability by reducing energy losses and modernising the power system through targeted investment in strengthening distribution infrastructure.

“It also supports improved reliability and customer experience, while delivering tangible benefits to households, schools, clinics, businesses and communities through a more resilient and secure electricity network,” Eskom said in a statement.

Eskom Group Executive for Distribution Junaid Munshi added that the milestone is indicative of the power utility’s drive to transform “electricity service delivery across South Africa”.

“While significant progress has been made in improving generation performance and sustaining power system stability, we recognise that some communities continue to experience the impact of load reduction.

“Reaching the milestone of more than one million customers removed from load reduction demonstrates that the programme is delivering tangible results. However, the work is not complete.

“The remaining areas, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, require sustained investment, continued infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of advanced technologies and ongoing collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of network overloading,” Munshi said.

Load reduction is implemented by the power utility to protect infrastructure from overloading and destruction where there are illegal connections.

“Illegal connections, electricity theft, meter tampering and vandalism continue to place significant pressure on local electricity networks, increasing the risk of infrastructure damage, supply interruptions and safety incidents.

“Eskom, therefore, calls on all customers and community stakeholders to support efforts to protect electricity infrastructure and maintain reliable electricity supply,” the power utility said.

Community members are encouraged to:
-Report illegal connections, electricity theft and meter tampering.
-Report damaged or unsafe electricity infrastructure.
-Support smart meter installations and providing safe access to authorised Eskom technical teams.
-Promote the safe and legal use of electricity within communities.

“Customers are encouraged to report illegal connections and infrastructure damage to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

“Eskom remains committed to delivering a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring that the benefits of improved power system performance are progressively experienced by all South Africans,” Eskom said.

Seven companies placed on blacklist following Transnet investigation

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has blacklisted seven companies implicated in serious unethical and unlawful conduct.

This after the company, assisted by the Special Investigating Unit, conducted forensic investigations which uncovered financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion and the submission of false information.

Disciplinary action has also been taken against officials at the State-Owned Entity (SOE) who colluded with the companies.
TPT Chief Executive, Jabu Mdaki said: “Transnet Port Terminals remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance and conducting its business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances”.

He added that the company is determined to grow and add to the country’s global competitive edge.

“TPT has a mammoth task of enabling South Africa through our specialisation in maritime logistics where the country trades with over 100 markets in the world.

“As a team, we are united in understanding that we exist to serve and there’s no room for anyone who does not share in that mission,” Mdaki said in a statement on Thursday.
According to Transnet, the crackdown reflects a broader, systemic investigation currently active across all of Transnet’s operating divisions.

“Earlier this week, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) suspended four employees based on similar allegations. Additionally, restrictions against implicated suppliers at TRIM are also proceeding.

“Earlier this year, Transnet announced the suspension of nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers. Six of these employees have now left Transnet’s employment because of disciplinary action instituted against them. Disciplinary proceedings against the other employees are still in progress,” the SOE said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected fraud or any irregularity involving Transnet to 0800 003 056, email: [email protected] or SMS: 063 786 7403.

“While the consequence management processes are proceeding, Transnet is also implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of such malfeasances,” Transnet said.

George Airport Capacity Set to Double in R974 Million Expansion

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

George Airport is set for a R974 million expansion as growing passenger demand continues to strengthen air travel across the Western Cape, particularly on the Southern Cape and Garden Route.

The project will double airport capacity from 1 million to 2 million passengers annually, with completion expected in 2027, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the province’s tourism growth trajectory.

Upgrades will improve key passenger areas including check-in facilities, security screening, baggage handling, and circulation flow, delivering a more efficient and seamless travel experience.

Delivered in phases while remaining fully operational, the expansion also reinforces sustainability priorities, targeting a 4-Star Green Star certification aligned with long-term environmental goals.

Bail postponed again for Peet Viljoen

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The bail application of fraud-accused and disbarred attorney, Peet Viljoen, has been postponed to 23 July.

Viljoen told the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today that he is not a flight risk and would not attempt to evade his trial if released on bail.

Viljoen is facing numerous charges, including 400 counts of fraud, forgery and corruption.

The former reality TV personality says he intends to sue the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for R500 million, claiming he has been subjected to an unlawful prosecution. He remains in custody.

Knysna Oyster Festival remains key economic driver for Garden Route

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The Western Cape Government is proud to continue partnering with the Knysna Oyster Festival, as the Garden Route expands into a sporting, cultural and culinary hub, marking a lively 10-day programme filled with a variety of experiences. Taking place from 3 to 12 July 2026, this year’s programme highlights Knysna as a special destination and one of South Africa’s much-loved winter locations for sport, arts and culture.

The festival programme included the flagship Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon which took place on Saturday, 4 July. With a scenic route through the indigenous Knysna Forest, this year marks the 41st edition of one of the Garden Route's most iconic races.

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is supporting several team sports tournaments and engaging various community leaders across the region throughout the festival week. Through the Department’s support, basketball is once again part of the festival programme. The success of the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments is made possible through strong partnerships between government, municipalities, sporting federations, and organisers.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, congratulates all participants of the Knysna Forest Marathon, the Knysna Basketball Tournament and other sporting codes. “As the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, we remain committed to supporting events and festivals that encourage young people to participate in sport and contribute to job creation and the economy. Well done to all athletes and to everyone who continues to invest in and strengthen sport across the region,” said Minister Mackenzie.

The Minister also joined passionate spectators at the Springbok Bok Tent for the Nations Championship on 4 July, as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival celebrations. The crowds were buzzing, proudly singing our national anthem, and celebrating a successful 45 – 21 victory over England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Knysna Oyster Festival serves as a catalyst for a much broader celebration of sport and community leadership across the Garden Route.

During this period, the Minister also opened the 2026 Growthpoint Properties Jarvis / Kaplan National Squash Championships in Mossel Bay. This marks the start of one of South Africa’s premier national squash tournaments, and for the first time ever, the tournament is being played on an all-glass court. The all-glass feature enables spectators to have a full, uninterrupted view of the game from all angles. The department welcomes all athletes from across the country and wishes those competing in the championships every success. “The upcoming week will be a showcase for sport and for our country”, says Minister Mackenzie.

By supporting events such as the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments, as well as sporting events across the broader Garden Route region, the department continues to strengthen the Western Cape’s sporting ecosystem – investing in sport as a catalyst for youth participation, community development and job creation.

The Garden Route’s packed sporting calendar is a testament to the region’s vital role in hosting significant national sporting events during the winter season. The full festival programme is available on knysnaoysterfestival.co.za and we encourage everyone to visit the Garden Route and support this festival and other activities in the region.

Six Western Cape properties to remain centres for GBVF survivors

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has formalised the renewal of six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Department of Social Development for the continuation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) shelter services.

The properties in Aurora, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Laingsburg and Moorreesburg were being used to support shelter and care services for survivors of GBVF. The renewal will ensure the continuation of these services.

At the signing ceremony held at the Western Cape Department of Social Development on Wednesday, Macpherson formalised the renewal of the six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, for the continued provision of shelter and support services for victims and survivors of GBVF.

Macpherson said the renewal reflects the department’s commitment to ensure that public property is used for the public good and does not stand idle or vacant in communities across the country.

The renewal of the properties is part of the department’s broader work to ensure that state-owned properties are actively used to support service delivery alongside the 801 unused and non-essential state-owned properties identified by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for sale or repurposing.

“When I took office, I made it clear that public assets must be used for the public good. This renewal gives practical meaning to that commitment by ensuring that these state-owned properties continue serving as safe spaces for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are proud to support the Western Cape Department of Social Development and its partners in providing shelter, care and protection to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide,” Macpherson said.

Londt said the partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will play an important role in supporting victims and survivors of Gender-based violence.

“This renewal reflects our shared commitment to putting the needs of our citizens first. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that these properties remain safe havens for women, children and vulnerable people fleeing gender-based violence and other crises,” Londt said.

The renewal process forms part of Macpherson’s commitment to ensure that public assets continue to be used for the public good, particularly where they support vulnerable communities and frontline social services.

Three killed, fourteen injured in Riversdale crash

Posted on July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 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 July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 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 July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 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 July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 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.