Category: News

Good News: Power system remains stable

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Eskom has assured South Africans that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages at generating units “currently within acceptable levels”.

In a statement, the State-owned power utility said the system “continues to show resilience” during the winter months.

“While occasional system constraints do arise, they are effectively managed, with sufficient emergency reserves available and strategically deployed during morning and evening peak periods,” the statement read.

Last Sunday, Medupi Power Station’s Unit 4 was successfully brought back online -– a further boost for the power system.

“Once it reaches full capacity in the coming weeks, it will contribute 800MW to the national grid, marking a key milestone in strengthening South Africa’s energy security and improving supply reliability,” Eskom said.

Since May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

Eskom attributed this to an “improved Energy Availability Factor [EAF]”, which ranged between 60% and 62% last week.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages total 13 380MW, with an available generation capacity of 30 195MW.

To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 3 470MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday.

“The Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, has reached 29.44% for the current financial year to date (1 April to 10 July 2025). This represents an increase of approximately 2.4% compared to 27.03% recorded during the same period last year.

“The year-to-date load factor for open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) has marginally increased to 10.78%, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.87% recorded during the same period last year. Although diesel usage is within budget, it is expected to decline as more units return to service, increasing available generation capacity,” Eskom said.

The power utility added that the winter outlook up to the end of August 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 encourages all South Africans to use electricity efficiently throughout the winter season. To help manage household electricity consumption, Eskom customers are encouraged to use the Eskom Residential Calculator, a convenient tool for tracking and optimising energy usage, at: 
https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/residential-calculator.

“Eskom will provide an update on Friday, 18 July 2025, or promptly communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur,” the statement read.

Play your part
The power utility has urged citizens to play their part in protecting essential electricity infrastructure.
“Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft. These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network. 

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” the electricity supplier said.

Report illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

Police Minister Mchunu placed on leave of absence

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.

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

The President made the announcements during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.
During a media briefing last week, Mkhwanazi made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services.

Mkhwanazi also made allegations against the Police Minister – alleging that Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

During the address to the nation, the President emphasised that the allegations “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation”.

“To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

“In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mkhwanazi had also made allegations about the uncovering of a drug cartel, implicating, amongst others, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors and politicians.

The President said these allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies,” President Ramaphosa said.

With the Police Minister now on a leave of absence, Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister  in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution.

“Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as a MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

“Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa to address the nation on Sunday Night

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief the nation on national security matters on Sunday, the Presidency has announced.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

“The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.
“President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025,” it said. 

The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms. 

Sports Minister welcomes Caster Semenya ruling

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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. 

This ruling upheld a 2023 decision by the ECHR’s lower chamber, which found that Semenya was denied a fair and effective hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal. 

According to reports, this was part of the two-time Olympic champion’s seven-year legal battle against the eligibility rules in track and field. 

On Thursday, the court’s 17-judge panel ruled in a 15-2 vote that Semenya’s rights to a fair hearing were violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Athletics.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) believes that the decision marks a critical moment in the long-standing battle for the dignity and human rights of female athletes with differences of sexual development.

“Caster, we as South Africa have always stood by you, and we will continue to do so as the fight for your bodily rights continues,” the Minister said. 

From the outset, the department said the South African government stood firmly behind Semenya. 

“Through the current DSAC and the former Department of Sport and Recreation, a coordinated and multi-sectoral response was established that included expert panels in the legal, medical, and advocacy spheres. 

“The department also launched the #NaturallySuperior campaign to mobilise public awareness and international solidarity, highlighting that Semenya’s natural talents should be celebrated rather than policed."

DSAC committed financially in support of Athletics South Africa’s legal efforts with Semenya and further engaged with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to elevate the matter internationally, leading to a strong resolution on the matter at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“This resolution condemned the current regulations against her as a violation of bodily integrity, equality, and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment.”

While the recent ruling has not overturned these discriminatory regulations, it is an important legal and moral victory, which opens new legal avenues and affirms the right of athletes such as Semenya to be heard on just and equal terms. 

DSAC said it will continue working with Athletics South Africa, legal experts, and other African governments and federations to pursue justice through all available channels, including within the structures of World Athletics.

“Caster Semenya has become the face of defiance against injustice in global sport, and this court victory is a victory for every African child. South Africa is proud of her, and we will walk every step of this journey with you, Caster, until justice is not only seen, but felt,” said McKenzie. 

“We can’t wait to see you running again,” he added.  

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said they have noted the judgment handed down by the ECHR.  

“The Commission is still studying the judgment. A formal statement on our position will be released in due course,” the statement read. 

Central Karoo police clamp down on copper cable theft and seize R-5 magazines

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WESTERN CAPE - Heightened visibility and targeted policing to eradicate the distribution of drugs and firearms along the main entry and exit routes in the Central Karoo paid off with the seizure of copper cable, tools, ammunition and R-5 magazines on Wednesday, 09 July 2025. 

At about 15:55 members attached to the Central Karoo District Crime Combat Team followed up on information received of drugs being sold at a premisses in Nkosi Street, Mandela Square, Beaufort-West.

Upon their arrival at the address, the members ensued with a search and instead of drugs, discovered one 9mm round of ammunition and two R5 magazines in the bedroom under a mattress. An adult male was arrested on charges related to the illegal possession of ammunition and the possession of stolen property.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Beaufort-West Magistrates’ court, once charged.

In an unrelated incident on the same day, at about 21:30, the members were alerted by a security company who caught two Lesotho nationals in the act of damaging and stealing essential infrastructure at the Weltevrede Railway site in Leeu-Gamka. The members confiscated seven roles of copper cable, two cellular telephones, tools and arrested the 45 and 35 years old suspects who are scheduled to appear in the Leeu-Gamka Magistrates’ Court soon.
Central Karoo 2

Ambitious plan to create South Africa’s first ever Digital ID system

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Cape Town – Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber says government is laying the foundation for an ambitious plan to create South Africa’s first ever Digital ID system.

“Home Affairs will shortly submit a Digital ID policy to Cabinet for approval to conduct public hearings.

Beyond the material benefits, such as clamping down on fraud and enhancing inclusion, the Digital ID system will also restore the integrity and pride of our cherished South African identity,” said the Minister. He was delivering the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday.

Schreiber said the department plans to deliver digital versions of enabling documents that can be accessed online and on smart devices.

“[The] Digital ID will also enable users to remotely authenticate themselves, laying the foundation for a digital revolution not only for government services, but also for critical private sector services like banking, finance and insurance.”

The Minister said government was committed to the digital transformation of the department - called Home Affairs @ home.

“We call this vision Home Affairs @ home… Our goal is nothing less than revolutionising the way citizens interact with their government by moving from manual to digital,” said the Minister.

He said building a new reform model - based on decentralisation, modernisation, digital transformation and remote access - will “restore the hope that South Africa as a whole can work”.

The constant investments being made in the reform of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority and Government Printing Works, is starting to compound and grow.

“During the past year, we have delivered nearly 3.6 million Smart IDs – almost half a million more than the previous annual record. We cleared a visa backlog of over 306 000 applications dating back over a decade.

“We deported over 46 000 illegal immigrants, the highest number in five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined. We used drones and body cameras to increase the number of attempted illegal crossings that were detected and prevented by up to 215%.

“We empowered naturalised citizens and permanent residents to obtain Smart IDs for the first time, expanding inclusion and making our country less reliant on the green ID book that is 500% more vulnerable to fraud than the Smart ID.

“If this is just some of what Home Affairs could do in one year. Just imagine what we can do in five,” said Schreiber.

Now that the department is enabling all qualifying categories of persons to obtain Smart IDs, “the next step will be to dramatically scale up access to this critical and more-secure enabling document”.

In line with the Medium-Term Development Plan adopted by Cabinet, the department will do so by expanding the successful pilot project that currently delivers Smart ID and passport services in about 30 bank branches across the country.

“We will use digital transformation to integrate the Home Affairs IT platform onto banks’ networks, thereby enabling many more bank branches to deliver this service around the country.

“Our target for this financial year is to expand this service to at least 100 more branches.”

This same technology reform will enable South Africans to order Smart IDs and passports through their banking app, just like they already when buying electricity or data.

The department will further introduce the option of home delivery for Smart IDs and passports, using advanced facial recognition technology to secure the process.

“Through scaling up the existing collaboration with banks, we will rapidly accelerate access to Smart IDs with the goal of ending the production of new Green ID books by the end of this year.

“This will be a momentous step towards delivering dignity for all, while simultaneously clamping down on fraud,” said the Minister.

He announced that, by the end of this month, Home Affairs will launch new facilities abroad to assist South Africans living and working overseas. These new facilities will ensure a five-week turnaround time for IDs and passports.

“We are starting in Australia, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, followed by France, Germany and The Netherlands later this year, and North America in the new year.”

He said the ultimate aim is to deliver “Home Affairs @ home”, which will enable every South African, no matter where they are in the world, to obtain services from their government online.

DA lays fraud charge against Police Minister

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Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a fraud complaint against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of misleading Parliament about his relationship with a businessman reportedly linked to criminal syndicates.

On Thursday (10 July 2025), DA representatives opened a case at the Cape Town Central Police Station and confirmed they would also submit a formal complaint to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.

The move follows what the DA describes as contradictory statements by Mchunu regarding his association with Brown Mogotsi. Mogotsi has been linked in media reports to organised crime networks and alleged political interference in the police service.

In March, while under oath before the Police Portfolio Committee, Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi. However, in a public statement on 9 July, the Minister acknowledged he does know Mogotsi, referring to him as “a comrade.”

The DA claims this reversal raises concerns about whether Mchunu deliberately misled Parliament, which would constitute a criminal offence under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.

According to the opposition party, Mchunu’s conduct may amount to fraud and a breach of parliamentary ethics codes that require honesty and transparency from Members of Parliament.

“The country cannot afford a police service tainted by political interference or led by individuals who evade accountability,” the DA said in a statement.

The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to respond to the allegations. It said the President has remained silent since KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner made revelations about the matter, and has not taken action against Mchunu or two other ministers - Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane - who have also faced recent ethical controversies.

The DA said it would continue to pursue accountability in the matter.

23 fatalities on Western Cape roads in one week

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The Western Cape Government is deeply concerned by the number of pedestrian fatalities and drunk driving arrests recorded during the past week. Between 30 June and 6 July 2025, 23 people tragically lost their lives in 23 crashes reported on Western Cape roads.

These include:
15 pedestrians
4 drivers
3 passengers
1 motorcyclist

These figures serve as a sobering reminder that reckless behaviour on our roads continues to have devastating consequences, particularly for our most vulnerable road users.

“The loss of lives on our roads is avoidable and requires collective action. Too many innocent lives are impacted and altered by the poor judgment and decisions of road users,” said Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku.

“Most alarming is the 57 people arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol during a week marked by heavy rain across the province. Driving while under the influence, no matter how small the amount, will not be tolerated. Drivers are urged to prioritise safety at all times,” added Minister Sileku.

The winter season brings added challenges for all road users. Shorter days, poor visibility, wet roads, and adverse weather conditions increases the risk of incidents, especially for pedestrians.

Driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of road crashes and fatalities. If you plan to drink:

Arrange for a sober driver, taxi, or e-hailing service.
Never let a friend drive under the influence.
Be part of the solution, report reckless drivers when it is safe to do so.
Pedestrians are urged to take personal responsibility when heading out:
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in poor light conditions.
Cross only at designated crossings or intersections where drivers expect to see pedestrians.
Avoid distractions such as cellphones and headphones when walking near or across roads.
Do not walk under the influence of alcohol.
Stay alert, always assume drivers cannot see you.

To improve safety and visibility on our roads, the Western Cape’s Provincial Traffic Services conducted 213 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations across the province during the past week. Over 27 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in just over 4 000 fines issued for various traffic violations.

A total of 78 arrests were made for the following offences:
57 × Driving under the influence of alcohol
4 × Reckless and negligent driving
1 × Speed-related arrest
3 × Vehicles with overloaded goods
11 × Possession of fraudulent documentation
2 × Failure to furnish information

The Western Cape Government continues to urge all road users to act responsibly, especially during adverse weather conditions.

“Pedestrians remain our most vulnerable road users, and the numbers recorded this weekend are a stark reminder. We all have a role to play in protecting lives on our roads, let’s drive, walk, and act with care,” concluded Minister Sileku.

Product Recalls: Volkswagen Golf, Volvo And Hino 500 Vehicles

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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has received recall notifications from Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA), Volvo Cars South Africa (Volvo South Africa), and Toyota South Africa Motors (PTY) Ltd (Toyota South Africa).

RECALL OF VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TSI AND GTI

VWSA is recalling a total of 159 Golf 8 R2.0 TSI 7 speed DSG 235 KW and Golf 8 GTI 2.0 TSI 7 speed DSG 180 KW vehicles sold between 16 April 2025 and 30 June 2025. These vehicles are being recalled due to a defect in the front passenger seat belt. According to VWSA, there is a possibility that the seat belt on the front passenger side is not properly attached to the lower anchoring point because of a fault in the sewing process. If the lower anchoring point of the belt system is not securely attached, the protective function of the seat belt is significantly reduced. In the event of an accident, this could result in serious or fatal injuries to the occupant in the front passenger seat.

RECALL OF VOLVO XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID

Volvo South Africa has also notified the NCC about the recall of the twenty-six (26) XC90 plug-in hybrid vehicles model year 2025 – 2026. The vehicle’s braking functionality may be temporarily disabled while using ‘B’ mode (in plug-in hybrid cars) or One Pedal Drive (in pure electric cars), after coasting downhill for a period. This could lead to a collision with potentially serious safety consequences for occupants of the vehicle and others.

RECALL FOR HINO 500 SERIES SKD AND HINO 500 CBU SERIES

Toyota South Africa informed the NCC that they are recalling a total of six thousand, six hundred sixty-two (6662) Hino 500 SKD series and seventy-seven (77) Hino 500 CBU series. The vehicles were made available from 11 May 2017 to 14 December 2023, and from 31 May 2018 to 25 December 2024, respectively.

According to the supplier, an incorrect cage bolt spanner was supplied in the Hino 500 SKD vehicles, while the Hino 500 CBU came without the cage bolt spanner. Although the parking brake will continue to operate during a vehicle failure, it will not be possible to release the parking brake as the tool is incorrect and is not supplied.

“The NCC has noted the recent rise of recalls of motor vehicles or related components of such motor vehicles and is engaging affected suppliers for further information to determine the required steps to address this. In the meantime, consumers with affected vehicles are urged to urgently book their vehicles with their nearest approved dealerships for a thorough vehicle check, at no cost”, said Acting Commissioner, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu.

Good News: Cruise Cape Town celebrates record-breaking 2024/25 Cruise Season

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Cruise Cape Town, a catalytic project powered by Wesgro, continues to showcase the powerful impact of strategic collaboration – marking its longest and most successful cruise season to date.

The 2024/25 season, which concluded with the departure of the Crown Princess, has been nothing short of impressive, with 83 ship calls, 11 inaugural visits, and a record-breaking 22 ship visits in March alone.

The 2023/24 season generated R1.32 billion for the regional economy and supported 2,000 jobs, underscoring the major economic impact of cruise tourism and its growing importance to the Western Cape.

An economic impact assessment of the 2024/25 season will now be undertaken, and we look forward to sharing insights when completed.
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