Category: News

Western Cape honours top teachers at 2025 Provincial Teaching Awards

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Cape Town – The Western Cape’s top educators were celebrated on Friday, 15 August, at the 2025 Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards held at The Westin Cape Town. The annual event recognises the dedication and excellence of teachers across the province, with awards presented in 15 categories.

The winners are:
Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Charles Mokoena, Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel (Metro Central)
Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7): Domé Swart, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)
Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Roché Witbooi, Concordia Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12): Fiona Blanchard, Crystal Secondary School, Hanover Park (Metro Central)
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Hendrik Smith, Hoërskool Langenhoven, Riversdale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East)
Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership: Alsje Schoeman, Oudtshoorn School of Skills, Oudtshoorn (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET): Mariska Niemand, Altena Primary School, Strand (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET): Charissa Shay-Sithole, Apex High School, Eerste River (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences: Demi Michelle Potts, Kretzenshoop Primary School, George (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands)
Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Kirsten Tomé, Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
National Best Teacher Award: Wedaad Esau, Bridgeville Primary School, Bridgetown (Metro Central)
Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Lorinda Rinkwest, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)

The 15 provincial winners will now represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards on 9 October 2025.

Education officials congratulated all the winners and praised the broader teaching community for their dedication, support and daily commitment to learners across the province.

DA Calls for Urgent Action as 60 Killed in Taxi and E-Hailing Violence

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Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has called on Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government to take immediate action to address ongoing violence between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which has claimed at least 60 lives since April.

The most recent incident involved the killing of an e-hailing driver during clashes at Maponya Mall in Soweto. The DA says the situation poses a serious threat to both commuters and drivers and requires intervention from national government.

The party is urging Premier Lesufi and MEC for Roads and Logistics, Kedibone Diale Tlabela, to work with Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to address the conflict. They have also called for the publication of regulations under the National Land Transport Amendment Act and the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Act, as well as ongoing engagement with the taxi industry to address unregulated and informal operations.

According to the DA, intimidation by taxi drivers has turned many shopping mall pick-up points into “no-go zones” for e-hailing services, limiting commuters’ ability to choose their preferred mode of transport.
The party proposes increasing the number of anti-crime wardens in hotspot areas and enhancing cooperation with the South African Police Service to prevent further violence.

“Competition in the transport industry is normal,” the DA said, “but ongoing deadly clashes cannot be allowed to continue.”

Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

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“The Garden Route played host to the Fynbos Forum from 12 to 14 August at the iconic Wilderness Hotel”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Established in 1997 the Fynbos Forum is South Africa’s premier conservation and research group dedicated to the preservation of the South African Fynbos Biome.

Vital to indigenous bio- diversity the Southern Cape is home to a magnificent treasure chest of Fynbos species. Unfortunately much of what remains of our once abundant Fynbos is critically endangered due to intensive agriculture, over development, encroachment of invasive alien plants and animals as well as frequent wild- fire disasters.

The Fynbos Forum is a scientific group of natural scientists, researchers, planners, managers, landowners and key stakeholders. It meets annually to discuss the collaborative production of knowledge that underpins regional conservation efforts in the Fynbos Biome in South Africa.

The good news is that as more land and conservation corridors in the Garden Route are becoming available for conservation and rewilding purposes as well as awareness grows on the incalculable value of Fynbos, there is a real chance that it may prevail despite many challenges.

As a transdisciplinary regional learning network, the Fynbos Forum supports discussions on management issues and research results, prioritizing future research and conservation management actions required to ensure the conservation and sustainability of fynbos ecosystems.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)- a climate change and environmental management think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za)

Eskom, Red Cross assist over 3 000 beneficiaries affected by extreme weather in E Cape

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Through the Eskom Development Foundation, Eskom has partnered with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) to assist 3 668 beneficiaries across 501 Eastern Cape households affected by recent extreme weather conditions. 

This after the region suffered heavy rainfall, flooding and snowfall, leading to fatalities, significant damage to homes and infrastructure, and the displacement of more than 1 500 people. 

Over 3 000 households across the OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo districts have been affected, resulting in serious interruptions to transportation, electricity, and livelihoods. 

Eskom has allocated R2 136 830 from the Eskom Development Foundation to provide vital relief items, including mattresses, blankets, food parcels, hygiene kits, and kitchen utensils to 3 668 individuals. 

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said these beneficiaries were identified through a coordinated effort involving local ward councillors, disaster management teams, and trained volunteers working with SARCS, ensuring equitable and transparent distribution. 

“Eskom stands with communities during challenging times. This effort embodies our value of Sinobuntu, showing empathy, compassion, and unity with those in need,” Motshele said. 

Motshele said the Foundation’s Strategic Donations Committee approved this relief initiative on 30 June 2025 as part of Eskom’s wider corporate social responsibility efforts. 

“For many families affected, this support represents more than material assistance; it’s a sign that they are supported and hopeful for the future. 

“Eskom’s commitment goes beyond generating electricity. As a responsible corporate citizen, we strive to contribute sustainable value to South Africa. Our success is measured by the positive impact on the lives of South Africans. Beyond infrastructure development and electrification, Eskom supports local economic growth, skills development, and job creation, helping to transform communities nationwide,” Motshele said.

Eskom further extended its heartfelt condolences to those who have suffered loss and renew its commitment to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process. 

About the Eskom Development Foundation 
The Eskom Development Foundation (ESDEF) is a non-profit entity fully owned by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. It implements Eskom’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, focusing on sustainable development projects across all nine provinces. 

The Foundation leads flagship initiatives in education, health, environmental protection, enterprise development, food security, rural infrastructure, and community upliftment. 

Over the years, ESDEF has consistently worked to improve the well-being of South African communities through targeted CSR programmes.

Home Affairs collaborates with banks to expand services

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The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank have launched a new partnership that will enable South Africans to apply for their smart card IDs and passports at the banks and at a later state on mobile applications.

FNB will be taking a phased approach to the rollout of these services. The bank is committing to rolling out 15 branches immediately, 240 branches over the next year, and more announcements to follow as the project plan unfolds.

Similarly, Standard Bank will be adopting a phased approach, with 20 branches going live this year and 300 over the next year with more to come by 2027. 

Both banks will avail these services to all South Africans, including those who are not clients.
This partnership was launched on Wednesday. 

“I am delighted that FNB and Standard Bank are the latest banks to partner with Home Affairs to expand the offering of our services across the entire country. 

“This new digital partnership model that harnesses the power of technology, will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint and thereby bring us closer than ever before to delivering our vision of Home Affairs at home. 

“I am grateful to them for committing to demonstrate how we can resolve long-standing problems when we work together,” Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said.

CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, welcomed the partnership with the department that spans over a decade. 

“We have always believed that financial inclusion is directly linked to safe and secure documentation, and we are delighted to take our partnership with the DHA to the next level, by scaling our solution with more branches and reissuing via our App. 

“We commend the Minister and his department for the vision they have shown and look forward to continuing to serve South Africans with professionalism and simplicity,” Silinda said.

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, the bank is proud to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that will save clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services. 

9 800 streetlights repaired, 35 000 electricity service requests attended to over July

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Cape Town City energy teams attended to more than 9 800 streetlight repairs over July, out of a total of approximately 35 000 electricity-related service requests.

"Over the month in review, Area East which includes Parow and Goodwood, and Area South, which includes Mitchells Plain, Gugulethu, Wynberg and Muizenberg unfortunately experienced the highest number of streetlight-related repairs with more than 7 200 combined cases.

The predominant cause of these faults is due to vandalism and theft related damage to infrastructure where electricity cables, transformers, streetlights, and substations along with other equipment located in our communities continue to be targeted. Our energy and law enforcement teams continue to be visible in all hotspot areas and we ask our residents to alert us to any suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. 

"We recently saw positive action with the successful prosecution and imprisonment of a cable thief and we will continue to support our law enforcement agencies and SAPS in our fight against vandals and infrastructure thieves".

"Our Protect Your Power campaign will also continue to be rolled out in all communities, especially hotspot areas to drive awareness and to ensure our customers know which channels to report the criminal acts of vandalism, theft and illegal connections," said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

The City maintains more than 245 000 streetlights across the metro.

UPDATE: Light aircraft crash in Durban, pilot missing

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DURBAN - An extensive sea and air search is underway off Durban North Beach after a light aircraft ditched in the ocean during an air show on Thursday afternoon, just before 14:00.

The 61-year-old male pilot from Johannesburg, who was flying solo, remains missing. The incident occurred about half a nautical mile offshore.

Three NSRI rescue craft are assisting at the scene, providing a platform for Police Search and Rescue divers and Metro Police divers who are conducting scuba searches. Onshore, NSRI Durban crews, rescue coordinators, eThekwini Municipal lifeguards, paramedics from Netcare 911 and ALS, eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services, and members of the South African Police Service are involved in the operation. A police helicopter is also aiding the search.

The operation is being coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) with support from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Transnet National Ports Authority Port Control, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, and the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre.

Two NSRI rescue craft from Durban and Umhlanga were already nearby when the accident occurred and responded immediately. Despite the swift reaction and ongoing efforts, there has been no sign of the pilot.

Police and the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) will conduct investigations into the incident.

Authorities have extended their condolences to the pilot’s family and friends during this difficult time.

SA to send delegation to White House over trade tariffs

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will send a delegation to the White House to discuss trade tariffs with United States President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Deputy President Mashatile said the recently announced tariffs could disrupt trade flows and undermine the global competitiveness of the local automotive sector.

As of 8 August 2025, a 30% tariff on all South African goods entering the United States is now in effect.
“We will continue engaging with the USA to identify practical solutions. The President will be sending the delegation once again to the White House to engage with the US administration on this matter,” he said. 

The country’s second-in-command delivered a keynote address at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show 2025, a premier forum showcasing the capabilities of the domestic automotive component manufacturing sector in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Deputy President touched on the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement on economic integration and industrialisation, which is projected to draw additional international investment into the African automotive industry.

Creating a single continental market for goods and services could potentially lead to increased trade, investment, and job creation within Africa.

“However, this does not suggest that we do not need other nations as trading partners. We believe in diversifying our investments and engaging in trade with several partners.” 

The Deputy President said Cabinet is committed to protecting the economic interests of the country and is forging ahead toward strengthening the economy and dealing with the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“I must highlight that there will be repercussions felt throughout the entire value chain if we do not reach an amicable trade agreement with the White House.” 

He said it was likely that South African suppliers supporting domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) exporting automobiles or integrated systems to the United States will face volume reductions.
“This will put pressure on production planning, employment decisions, and investment choices.” 

In addition, the South African automobiles and components would see a direct rise in the landed cost in the United States market. 

“Because of this, they would be unable to compete with goods from nations that have continued preferential or zero-duty access, such as those in the USMCA (United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement).
 
“Overall, the imposed tariffs threaten to disrupt well-established trade flows and weaken the global competitiveness of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.”

However, the Deputy President believes South Africa remains resilient and steadfast in its efforts to grow and protect the economy. 

He called for collaboration between the government and the private sector to address the growing dependence on imports, infrastructural inadequacies, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the issue of a 30% tariff increase.

He praised the NAACAM for investing a lot of resources in improving the localisation, transformation, and supplier development landscape in South Africa.

The automotive industry holds significant potential for shared prosperity through targeted industrial development. The sector plays a crucial role in the gross domestic product (GDP) and employment of the country. 

It is one of the most strategically important and internationally linked industries, accounting for 22.6% of manufacturing output and contributing 5.2% to the nation’s GDP.

The automotive sector employs around 115 000 people in total, with over 80 000 of these employees working in the component sector. In 2024, the component sector exported R62.5 billion of components.

“We must never allow the loss of these gains because of external and internal pressures. I say this with concern because the employment levels in the sector have been under strain due to ongoing economic pressures and reduced production volumes.” 

In the past two years, NAACAM has reported the closure of 12 companies, affecting over 4 000 people. 
The Deputy President believes that the latest unemployment figures are an indication that the nation’s joblessness crisis remains an urgent concern. 

“We need to do more to combat unemployment, which might include improving education and skills to match labour market demands, promoting entrepreneurship and small enterprises, and investing in public employment programs to generate jobs.” 

He told delegates that government is committed to working with various sectors to create employment and improve the living conditions of the people. 

“As the government, we recognise the industry’s significant role and see it as the backbone of our economic growth, promoting industrial development and encouraging innovation.” 

Western Cape Mobility reports a rise in road fatalities

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The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about a significant rise in road fatalities during the first 11 days of August 2025. 

In this period, the provincial department said 52 people have lost their lives, compared to 28 fatalities in the same timeframe last year.

According to the department, fatalities have occurred across urban and rural areas. 

There were 37 deaths on municipal roads, with 15 more recorded on provincial routes. Meanwhile, the pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, with 28 fatalities. 

In addition, the department said passenger and driver deaths have also risen sharply, and motorcycle-related fatalities on municipal roads have been reported for the first time this year.

“The main causes are speeding, alcohol use, unsafe pedestrian crossings, and poor visibility at night.
These behaviours put all road users at risk,” the statement read. 

According to the department, from 1 and 11 August, provincial traffic officers conducted 394 integrated checkpoints and roadblocks on high-risk routes. 

They stopped and inspected 60 226 vehicles, which included 3 770 public transport vehicles, and arrested 195 drivers for driving under the influence, with one driver registering a blood alcohol level nearly six times the legal limit.

During this period, the team also recorded a total of 15 824 offences, which included speeding, reckless driving, cellphone use while driving, and seatbelt violations. 

In addition, they discontinued 341 vehicles from use and impounded 46 due to roadworthy issues.

“Fifty-two lives lost in eleven days – that’s 52 families shattered. These aren’t numbers, they’re our neighbours, friends, and loved ones. I’m asking every driver, passenger, and pedestrian – slow down, stay sober, and make the choices that keep us all alive. Let’s make sure no more families must get that devastating call,” Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku. 

The department has since urged drivers to slow down, stay alert, and obey traffic laws, and pedestrians to cross roads only at safe points, stay visible at night, and avoid alcohol near traffic. 

The province is also encouraging all road users to avoid walking on freeways and use safe and legal routes. 

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every choice matters, and every life is precious.” 

Eskom marching in the right direction – Minister Ramokgopa

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Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has assured South Africans that Eskom is “moving in the right direction” to dismantling the load shedding challenge.

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

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing to update the nation on the state of the electricity grid.

“We are in a good space. We are moving in the right direction. We made the promise that we are going to address this situation and we made the promise that we are confident of our technical ability to resolve what many thought was an intractable challenge. 

“We are within that touching distance,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister said Eskom does not “expect any major surprises in relation to the performance of the grid” for the remainder of the winter and the subsequent transition to the warmer months.

“Of course, this is a dynamic system. These are rotating units and there could be challenges here and there. However, the grid is designed in such a manner where we can call upon the peaking plants to help us to sustain the performance of the grid without relying on load shedding.

“[The peaking plants] are a card we have when are in major challenges… to keep the lights on,” he said.
Before the winter season, Eskom had warned that load shedding would be implemented in a situation where unplanned outages went beyond 13 000MW.

“We are doing substantially better than that. We are beginning to see that the system is stable, resilient and becoming more reliable as we move on.

“The unplanned outages of the generating units average about 10 880MW over the past seven days and] we have seen that even going below 10 000MW. I really want to congratulate the… 42 000 plus men and women at Eskom for being able to keep their shoulder to the wheel and transfix on the resolution of what is essentially an existential crisis [facing] the country.

“We are more than confident that we are getting out of the woods,” he said.

Between April and August 8, power stations have been operating with an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) that has reached 60.14%.

“This is major progress that we are making, if you look at where the performance was. If we go back to 2023 when we initiated this intervention, it was substantially lower… we are coming from a low of about 49%.

“The past 14 days or so… the EAF is continuing to give us spectacular results. At some point, we even breached the 70% mark in relation to performance of the EAF. The average month to date… we are sitting at 65.38%.

“We had made the promise to the country that we are going to experience short-term pain… We said we know what we are doing. Most of the country… believed in us and we are happy to say we are delivering against the promise that we have made and, in some instances, we are delivering more than what we had promised,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister noted that during some periods, Eskom has been generating more electricity than is demanded.

“There are periods during the week… where we have to put machines in cold reserve, meaning… we are generating more than what the demand is and to protect the grid, we must pull back some of the machines.

“That says... we have now created sufficient space and headroom for the economy to grow on the back of this performance. We are marching and we are going to get out of the woods,” Ramokgopa said.
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