Category: News

Western Cape Schools Smash Guinness World Record for Largest Marimba Ensemble

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The Western Cape has officially made history, with 1,276 marimba players setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble ever recorded.

The achievement took place at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town on Saturday (2 August 2025) bringing together learners from across the province as well as from Zimbabwe in a display of unity and talent. The young musicians performed in perfect harmony, creating a powerful moment that showcased the energy and skill of the region’s youth.

Originally aiming for 1,177 players, the event exceeded expectations with the final tally confirmed by Guinness World Records. Organisers, educators, and supporters celebrated alongside the participants, who demonstrated what can be achieved through teamwork and dedication.

“This achievement belongs to every learner, educator, organiser and supporter,” said organisers, expressing pride in the province’s role in hosting the historic event.

The Western Cape can now proudly call itself home to a world-class record-breaking performance.

Police confiscate abalone estimated at R13 000 in Mossel Bay

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A swift response to information about abalone harvesting ensured that a man was arrested after abalone with an estimated value of R13 000 was found in his possession at Mossel Bay.

On Sunday, 03 July 2025 at about 20:00 Da Gamaskop police members in Mossel Bay received a hint from the public. The members operationalised the information and proceeded to Bakke Road, Mossel Bay where they spotted two men.

They approached the pair and a scuffle erupted leading to a bag with abalone falling from a back pack and one of the men fleeing. A search of the remaining suspect resulted in the discovery of 46 units of abalone.

The vigilant members confiscated the find and arrested the 35-year-old man.

The suspect remains in police custody and will appear in court once charged. He is facing charges of unlawful possession of abalone, resisting arrest and assault common.

His accomplice is yet to be arrested.

Western Cape police management commended the members for their vigilance which led to the confiscations and arrest. These interventions will go a long way to bring unlawful harvesting of the valuable living marine resources along the coast to a halt.

SA must adapt to “turbulent trade environment”

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With the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, the country must adapt quickly to a “turbulent trade environment”. 

“The decision by the United States to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports highlights the urgency with which we have to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade.

“The US is South Africa’s second largest trading partner by country and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to that country and on the workers they employ, as well as on our fiscus,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

The tariffs imposed by the USA sweep across countries around the world.

“It is important to understand that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs from the US. 
"A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures. 

“The international trading system is changing. Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative. As government, we remain committed to ongoing engagement with the US and building trade resilience,” the President explained.

Complementary relations

He said relations between the two countries have been complementary, with sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles, benefitting from duty-free access to the US through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA is a trade agreement that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the USA market for over 1 800 products, in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalised System of Preferences programme.

“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. It remains our aspiration that this should continue. Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States’ industrial base. 

“South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors, including mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain,” the President said.

Furthermore, South African products imported by the USA “ultimately benefit US consumers in terms of both choice and cost”. 

“By way of example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production. Furthermore, production by US companies has been on the decline for a number of years as the US sector grapples with low yields, a citrus greening disease and other factors unrelated to competition from imports. 

“Imports from South Africa, the world’s second largest citrus exporter, have filled a gap and contributed to stable supply and prices for US consumers,” the President said.

Open communication

President Ramaphosa reiterated government’s stance that communications is ongoing between the two countries.

“As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US. 

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products. We must also accelerate the diversification of our export markets, particularly by deepening intra-African trade,” the President said.

While that is ongoing, work to assist affected exporters is progressing, with the establishment of an Export Support Desk.

“We will in due course be announcing the modalities of a support package for companies, producers and workers that have been rendered vulnerable by the US tariffs. 

“This intervention will also play a key role in guiding industries looking to expand into new markets in the rest of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and markets we already have trade agreements with,” he said.

Regional collaboration

To build resilience in the export market in the long-term, government will be seeking to strengthen regional value chains.

“Much as strengthening and establishing alternative value chains will take time, this moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA]. 

“Reducing over-dependence on certain markets is a strategic imperative to build the resilience of our economy. It will also enable us to expand the frontiers of opportunity for South African businesses, goods and services.

“In the coming months, we will be scaling up our trade missions into new markets in Africa and beyond, as well as the National Exporter Development Programme whose aim is to grow the pool of export-ready companies,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Eskom says generation fleet gaining momentum

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Eskom says its generation fleet is showing ongoing momentum with more than half of coal-fired power stations operating with an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) exceeding 70%.

Some three stations are operating at an EAF of more than 90%.

“The power system continues to operate reliably, supported by an improved Energy Availability Factor, which reflects progress in plant performance and enables Eskom to meet winter electricity demand effectively. 

“When system constraints do arise, they are managed through the targeted use of emergency reserves during morning and evening peak periods,” the power utility said.

South Africa has not experienced load shedding since May this year.

“With 30 days of Eskom’s winter outlook period still remaining, the system remains well-positioned to maintain stability and meet demand effectively.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages stand at 8 525MW, the lowest level in recent history, narrowly surpassing the 8 258MW recorded on 28 October 2024. The available generation capacity currently stands at 30 882MW,” Eskom said.

The power utility is expected to return some 3075MW back to the grid over the next week.

“Between 1 April and 31 July 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor, which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 28.58%. 

“This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.4%, although it remains about 2.3% higher than the 26.28% recorded during the same period last year.

“As of [Thursday], the UCLF had dropped below the 20% mark, reaching 19.94%, signalling a significant and consistent improvement in generation performance.

“The Winter Outlook…covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2,” Eskom said. 

Police shut down six unlicensed liquor outlets in the Garden Route

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Crime fighting efforts in the Garden Route District yielded excellent results with the closing down of six unlicensed liquor outlets and the confiscation 414 litres of liquor.

On Friday, 01 August 2025 at about 12:00 Kwanonqaba police, armed with a search warrant, conducted an operation at a Fikile Street, Asla Park in response to information received from the public. A search of the premises, which operated as a shebeen, resulted in the discovery of 48,75 litres of liquor which were confiscated. The members subsequently arrested a 28 year old man on a charge of dealing in liquor without a licence.

Later the same day, 01 August 2025, Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Unit members embarked on an operation when they descended on a house at Bloekom Street, The Crags just outside Plettenberg Bay. The members confiscated various brands of liquor totalling 271 litres. A 42-year-old woman was taken into custody. She also faces a charge of dealing in liquor without a licence.

Similar operations were conducted at Oudtshoorn and Kwanokuthula policing precincts where smaller quantities were confiscated.

All those arrested will appear in court once charged.

These operations forms part of continued efforts to eradicate alcohol abuse. Operations aimed at unlicensed liquor outlets will be sustained as part of “Operation Basadi” which is being rolled out extensively during Women’s Month.

FlySafair Strike Ends

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FlySafair has confirmed that the strike by a portion of its pilots has officially ended following the signing of an agreement between the airline’s management and trade union Solidarity. The deal was reached today after weeks of negotiations facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

The airline will now begin restoring its full flight schedule, with all aircraft returning to service. FlySafair says the additional capacity should help stabilise airfares in the coming weeks as more seats become available across its network.

“We are pleased to have reached a constructive resolution that allows us to move forward together,” said Kirby Gordon, the airline’s Chief Marketing Officer. He thanked the CCMA, staff, and passengers for their patience and support during the dispute.

The strike, which had caused disruptions in recent weeks, involved only a portion of FlySafair’s pilot workforce, with other pilots and crew working to maintain operations. The airline says it is now focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable air travel.

Professor Firoz Cachalia sworn in as Minister of Police

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Professor Firoz Cachalia has been sworn in as the new Minister of Police during ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today.  

“In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed President’s Act. The said Minister-Designate, who is about to become Minister, is Professor Firoz Cachalia... (sic),” said President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony.

The swearing in follows President Ramaphosa’s announcement last month that he had placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The affirmation was administered by Acting Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, following Cachalia's appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The President further announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

Mkhwanazi had raised concerns about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures. He also accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Director-General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni, who spoke at the swearing-in, congratulated the newly appointed Minister. 

“Minister, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you much success in your duties and endeavours to make South Africa and the world a better place for all,” Baleni said.

Addressing members of the media after the ceremony, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns regarding the seeming duplication in the police ministry.  

“I know there is a technicality about seeming to have two Ministers in the same portfolio, and that is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time.  

“I directed the commission [of inquiry] to complete its work as quickly as possible, so whatever confusion there might be is going to be of a short duration. I expect a report from the commission within three months and if they have to ask for an extension, we will give consideration to that. 

“I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible but at the same time, we have had to provide leadership to the police service. We can't leave a vacuum. Whilst all of this is happening, Minister Mchunu is on leave while this matter is being resolved, and he is preparing himself, as I hear, to appear before the commission,” the President said.  

Speaking to the media about his new role, Cachalia said he had not yet had an opportunity to meet with the President but had been informed that the first Cabinet meeting would take place on Wednesday, and he assumed the President would engage with him in due course.  

Cachalia assured the public that he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and is committed to prioritising their safety and security.  

“I don’t think there are any specific fears going into this portfolio. I understand the moment the country is in and the weight of the responsibility that I have, together with the others in government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind. That’s what I am going to focus on, and I hope that I will be able to take the country forward,” he said. 

Responding to a question on whether he supports the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Cachalia said he would comment after meeting with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday next week.  

“I don’t think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that without having the benefit of a discussion with him,” he said. 

Cachalia also touched on his dual role as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends at the end of the month. 

“I do think that my appointment as a Minister of this portfolio, while I am still the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council – the term of which expires at the end of this month... I am now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take the recommendations of the Council forward, and I will certainly be doing so."  

Cachalia said he would ask the National Commissioner, during their upcoming meeting, to arrange a session between the Anti-Corruption Council and the police management team to discuss the Council’s recommendations, adding that it is his intention to work closely with the Minister of Justice, as the recommendations impact both their portfolios. 

“We will together be in a much better position going forward to take those recommendations forward. The recommendations that the Council has made are the ones I am committed to fully implementing,” Cachalia said.  

On when he will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to meet with General Mkhwanazi, Cachalia said the visit will depend on his discussion with the National Commissioner. 

“As the national Minister, I have to visit all the provinces – in what sequence and with what priorities in mind, that still has to be determined. So, I will answer that question in the coming days,” he said.  
Minister Cachalia vowed to work hard and remain focused on his responsibilities despite the challenges surrounding his appointment.  

“I will work hard. I am not distracted by the noise, and I am not driven by political ambition. I have been given a task. I am going to tackle the task without fear or favour, subject of course to the President’s guidance and direction as a member of the Cabinet,” the Minister said. 

SA continues to engage US over tariffs

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South Africa remains committed to finding a resolution with the United States following the recently imposed reciprocal tariffs.

This, as government intensifies efforts to protect jobs, support affected companies and diversify trade markets.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed members of the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. 

The President’s comments follow the imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States on all goods imported from South Africa. The move forms part of a broader US tariff policy affecting multiple trade partners across the globe.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa had already tabled a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade proposal to the United States and that negotiations are ongoing.

“We put on the table a package, which would deal with our trade relations with the United States that contained what we were offering and what we wanted them to offer us. We wanted a number of trade items to be exempted, and we wanted to offer them the ability to invest in our economy, as well as South African companies to invest in the United States. 

“That package is still to be fully negotiated. What they want to do now is to deal with the trade issues that have got to do with what they are going to be imposing (sic)… Our negotiations with the US are continuing,” the President said. 

The President stressed that South Africa was not alone in facing these challenges. “Let’s be clear. South Africa is not the only country that is dealing with these crises. Many other countries are, some of which are in a much worse situation than we are. Others are slightly better off.

“All of us are involved in a process of having discussions and negotiations with the United States. It should also be clear that the US has come up with a unilateral tariff imposition on many countries in the world.

“They are the biggest economy in the world, so we have to respond to the US tariff proposal. Many of our companies deal with US customers. We export vehicles, steel and aluminium and citrus. We have to engage with them and find a way to reach a settlement. Within the window that’s still open, we are hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter. 

“On our African continent, we are the largest economy and the most industrialised economy. So obviously we will be a target, because we export more than many other countries,” the President said.

Support for local companies

Government is working on a support package for South African companies that are likely to be hit hardest by the new tariffs.

“That for us is the main objective, but at the same time, we are saying to our companies that we are going to come up with measures to support our companies through negotiations. There are other interventions that we are working on, which will lessen the blow to our companies,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Government’s approach is two-pronged: to negotiate both globally and at the sectoral level, while also offering direct support to industries most exposed to the US market. 

“Our objective really is to save jobs. We want to preserve the jobs at those companies that are going to be adversely affected.

"Those who deal with citrus, we will be assisting them with those negotiations, and those who deal with vehicles, we will be [assisting them as well]. The second approach is precisely that of assisting our companies and giving them as much help as we can,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa is taking active steps to reduce its dependence on any single trade partner by encouraging companies to explore new international markets.

“The whole process of dealing with countries on a trade basis requires that we should be multidimensional. We should not just focus on one country, and we've been encouraging our companies to look out to export their products to various markets because it is too risky just to focus on one market. 

“When I travel overseas, I usually take a business delegation so that they can go and search for new markets wherever we go. The same thing happens with the Deputy President and other Ministers as well,” the President said. 

He emphasised that South Africa must intensify its efforts to expand international trade.

“For us to grow our economy, we need to be much more vigorous and robust with our international trade, and it must be as 'international as the word international means'. 

“There are quite a number of countries that we need to reach out to, countries that want to deal with us, that want to trade with us, and this moment gives us that opportunity,” the President said. 

Engagement 

Following the briefing, The Presidency released a statement confirming that South Africa will continue negotiating with the United States on the tariffs which are expected to come into effect seven days after 1 August 2025. 

“South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30% tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, seven days after 1 August 2025,” the statement read.

It clarified that previously exempted items under a US Executive Order, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and stainless-steel scrap, remain excluded from the new tariff measures. 

The statement confirmed that South Africa has submitted a Framework Deal aimed at fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. 

“All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US,” it said.

In the interim, government is finalising a support package for affected sectors, with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) set to announce further details. An Export Support Desk has also been established to provide exporters with updates, guidance and market assistance.

“South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country, we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world,” the statement read. 

City Hall clock and bell chime heard across Cape Town again

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The famous City Hall clock is ticking in perfect time and its beautiful bells are chiming once again after being fully restored.

The City Hall clock was removed in March of this year for repairs to restore its bells and chime mechanisms. The mechanism was manufactured by the UK clockmaker, JB Joyce & Co., who also built Big Ben, and was installed in City Hall in 1905.

Adorning the Cape Town City Hall and with Table Mountain in the background, the clock has become an iconic backdrop to events on the Grand Parade, such as the Festive Lights Switch-on and the start of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

‘Great cities are built on small details and strong principles. A working City Hall clock and chiming bells are a symbol of our pride and heritage as Capetonians, and a reminder of our daily commitment to building a city of hope for all. From clock maintenance, to permanent lighting of the historic front façade, and restoring the carillon bells, we are taking care of Cape Town’s precious City Hall and the surrounding precinct in our flourishing Inner City, ensuring that the Mother City does not walk the path of decline sadly visible in other municipalities,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The City Hall is one of the municipality’s strategic assets and its facilities have undergone several upgrades including to its CCTV system, wayfinding signage and lighting.

‘These ongoing improvements have seen City Hall booked to near capacity, hosting events such as the State of the Nation Address (SONA), concerts of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and various choir competitions. It is also host to the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town Legacy Exhibition, the Cape Town Civic Collection’s Attic Exhibition and Cape Town Tourism’s City Hall Visitor Experience Centre,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.

The process of fixing the clock included restoring worn drum bushings and ensuring that the sound mechanism meets heritage preservation standards.

The turret clock features a three-train movement with separate mechanisms controlling the timekeeping, chimes and strikes. The Westminster chimes, once heard every quarter-hour, are similar to those of London’s Big Ben.

The original parts make it a rare example of historical horology, requiring special expertise to restore it.

‘I am extremely grateful to the Strategic Assets team for their careful work in restoring this beloved turret clock. City Hall is an important feature of Cape Town’s heritage and has been the location or backdrop to many of the most important moments in South Africa’s history. We will continue to do work that maintains its facilities and honours its legacy,’ said Alderman Vos.

DA Urges Urgent Action Over OR Tambo Security Concerns

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent intervention by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy following allegations that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) obstructed critical security upgrades at OR Tambo International Airport.

The concerns stem from a 25 May 2025 incident in which deactivated training grenades were mistakenly cleared during screening. Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) said the breach could have been prevented if outdated hold baggage screening equipment had been replaced with newer, AI-enabled systems - a move it claims ACSA has repeatedly blocked despite three High Court orders between November 2024 and May 2025.

The DA has urged Creecy to ensure ACSA complies with court rulings, take action against any unlawful conduct by executives, and appear before Parliament’s transport committee alongside ACSA, ACS, and the Civil Aviation Authority to address governance and safety concerns.

The party warned that ongoing disputes, legal defiance, and outdated infrastructure threaten passenger safety and damage South Africa’s global aviation reputation.
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