Tag: South Africa

Four Suspects Now Linked to Tsengwa Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Three suspects have appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot dead in his vehicle last week.

A fourth suspect handed himself over to Plettenberg Bay police on Monday morning.

The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder, relating to the three passengers who were travelling with Tsengwa at the time of the shooting. One of the passengers remains in critical condition.

An identification parade involving witnesses is still to be conducted. The case has been postponed until next Monday.

DA to grill Gayton McKenzie in committee tomorrow

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and officials from his department are expected to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, 25 August, to account for South Africa’s delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and related expenditure.

The meeting is scheduled for 17:30 and will be the second time the minister and department have appeared before the committee on the matter.

During the committee’s previous meeting on 4 August, Members raised concerns about the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s presentation and called for a more detailed account of the estimated R31 million spent on the World Cup delegation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the department to provide detailed information on the 151-member delegation, including the qualifications, experience, roles and responsibilities of each member.

The party also wants a breakdown of the activities undertaken by the delegation, including meetings and engagements involving the minister and other members.

Among the information the DA is seeking is a detailed breakdown of the estimated R31 million expenditure, including costs attributed to individual delegation members, as well as details of sponsorships received.

The party is also calling for information on the return on investment from the expenditure, including measurable benefits for South African sport, arts, culture, tourism and related industries.

DA Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson Leah Potgieter is expected to raise the questions on behalf of the party.

The committee’s meeting will provide the department and the minister with an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised during the previous hearing and provide further details on the World Cup delegation and its costs.

Two Men Arrested in Connection With Former Knysna Mayor’s Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Two men have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder following the fatal shooting of Knysna councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Western Cape police said the suspects, aged 39 and 46, were arrested on Saturday by a multidisciplinary team comprising Serious Violent Crime detectives, Crime Intelligence, local police, the Combat Team and the drone unit.

The arrests form part of the ongoing investigation into Wednesday evening’s shooting, which left Tsengwa dead and three other people wounded.

Police said the suspects were charged after being questioned by investigators. Two vehicles, three firearms and several cellular phones have also been seized as part of the investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.

The investigation continues as police search for additional suspects and work to establish the motive behind the shooting.

Knysna police have registered cases of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, Visit Knysna and the greater Knysna tourism sector extend their sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the recent isolated fatal shooting incidents in the community.

Knysna Municipality Local Economic Development & Tourism Manager, Ms Lungiswa Goya, said: “We recognise the concern these incidents have caused and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. The incidents are being investigated by the South African Police Service, and we are working closely with the municipality and relevant authorities to monitor the situation.”

“We want to reassure visitors that Knysna remains open and welcoming. Tourism businesses, accommodation establishments, restaurants and attractions continue to operate. As a united destination, we remain committed to supporting our community, prioritising the wellbeing of our visitors, and ensuring that accurate and reliable information is shared.”

Greater Knysna Business Chamber Tourism Pillar Chairperson, Ms Elmay Bouwer, added: “As with any destination, visitors are encouraged to exercise normal safety awareness, remain vigilant and follow standard travel precautions. It is important to place this tragic event in context. It was an isolated incident and does not reflect the experience of Knysna as a tourism destination and there is no indication that visitors or tourism establishments are at risk because of the incident.

“Knysna remains a welcoming, vibrant and much-loved destination, and visitors can continue to enjoy its beaches, forests, lagoon, restaurants, accommodation establishments and outdoor experiences.”


Springboks face All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Springboks will take on New Zealand’s All Blacks in the opening Test of the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said the squad combines players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the series with those who featured against Argentina.

Erasmus said the squad was well balanced and that the return of several players from injury, along with sufficient recovery time for others following the Nations Championship, had helped with preparations.

“The All Blacks are a quality team, and we selected combinations we think would be best suited for the challenge this weekend,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website.

He added that the squad had been together for more than a week and was fully aligned with the team’s approach for the match.

“We are preparing for an 80-minute grind. They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.”

Erasmus expects another closely fought encounter between the two rivals and stressed the importance of taking opportunities and maintaining discipline.

“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it is important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It is going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it,” he said.

SA Agulhas II arrives safely at Marion Island

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The SA Agulhas II has arrived safely at Marion Island, where a 32-member team is working to reactivate the research base following the evacuation of the previous team earlier this year.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier said significant progress had already been made to restore the base through careful coordination and cooperation between all stakeholders.

“While there is still much work to be done, the efficient redeployment of the Marion Island team bodes well for the future of our research programme in the region,” Maynier said in a statement on Thursday.

The team departed Cape Town on 5 August 2026 and reached Marion Island on 9 August to begin an initial inspection of the base.
It includes 20 officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), who landed on 10 August to begin reactivating the facility.

The operation has involved transporting equipment, repair materials and essential supplies from the vessel to the island by helicopter.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said cargo offloading would continue over the coming week. If there are no delays, the formal takeover of the base by the M83 team is scheduled for 25 August.

Maynier stressed the strategic importance of research conducted at Marion Island, noting that the Southern Ocean has a direct impact on South Africa’s climate, economy and security.

“We must retain our position as Africa’s leader in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research, through careful management of our bases on Marion Island and Antarctica,” he said.

Cape Town takes investment campaign to Johannesburg and Durban

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The City of Cape Town has taken its investment proposition to two of South Africa’s key economic centres, using a national roadshow to strengthen partnerships, engage businesses and showcase the opportunities positioning Cape Town as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, opened the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) trading floor on Thursday, 13 August, with the ceremonial sounding of the market’s opening horn. The event marked the Johannesburg leg of the City’s national investment positioning roadshow.

Municipal officials from the Economic Growth Directorate joined representatives from industry bodies and business partners, including Wesgro, GreenCape, CapeBPO, UVU Africa, the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, Cape Town Tourism and other sector-focused organisations supporting investment, trade and economic development.

The programme also marked the launch of the City’s new global investment campaign, Cape Town. Built for Business. The campaign will roll out across multiple channels in more than 60 cities worldwide.

The City also showcased Maya, Invest Cape Town’s new AI-powered investment facilitation tool. Maya is designed to help investors navigate municipal processes and connect with relevant suppliers, partners and officials.

Invest Cape Town, the business and investment brand of the City’s Economic Growth Directorate, hosted business leader engagements in Johannesburg and Durban, bringing together senior representatives from businesses, investors, industry associations, investment promotion agencies and economic development organisations.

“Standing on the JSE trading floor and opening the market is something I will remember. But the real purpose of being here is much bigger. We are here to connect, collaborate and build relationships that can strengthen South Africa’s economic proposition,” said Vos.

“We are not here to compare Cape Town with Johannesburg or Durban. South Africa needs strong economic centres working together. We want to complement what other cities are doing and showcase the sectors and opportunities where Cape Town has a particular competitive advantage.”

These sectors include technology and business process outsourcing, manufacturing, tourism, the blue economy, renewable energy, creative industries and international trade.

The Johannesburg Business Leaders Forum gave the City and its partners an opportunity to engage directly with companies and investors about expansion plans, challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

“We need to get out of our offices and into the boardrooms. We want to hear from businesses about what they need, what is holding them back and where we can work together to unlock investment and jobs,” Vos said.

In Durban, the delegation visited Dube TradePort to learn more about its approach to developing manufacturing, logistics and industrial opportunities around its airport and trade infrastructure.

“We were particularly interested in seeing how Dube TradePort is creating an environment where manufacturing businesses can establish new factories and operations seamlessly,” Vos said.

The Durban programme also included an Invest Cape Town Business Leaders Forum, continuing discussions with businesses and strategic economic partners around investment, collaboration and inclusive growth.

The engagements highlighted the City’s new Manufacturing Support Policy, Business Support Policy and Ease of Doing Business Index, all aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate, grow and invest in Cape Town.

“Cape Town has a very clear proposition: we want to be the easiest place to do business in Africa. That means creating the right conditions for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs, but it also means working with our partners across South Africa.

“Ultimately, when Cape Town attracts investment, creates jobs and grows its economy, it strengthens the South African economy too. That is the message we are taking to the rest of the country and, now, to the world,” Vos said.

Kruger National Park flood repairs estimated at R950 million

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht

The cost of repairing infrastructure damaged by severe flooding in the Kruger National Park earlier this year is estimated at R950 million.

Heavy rains and flooding in January 2026 caused extensive damage to roads, accommodation facilities and water-related infrastructure across the park.

Since then, the park’s management team and contractors have been working on a phased recovery programme to repair the damage and strengthen infrastructure against future extreme weather events.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier said the recovery effort is focused not only on restoring damaged facilities, but also on building more modern and resilient infrastructure.

“Our national parks are valuable environmental assets, and the Kruger National Park is the jewel in our crown. We must ensure that they are maintained and revitalised.”

Maynier visited the Kruger National Park last week for briefings on the progress of the flood recovery programme.

He also visited Letaba Rest Camp, one of the areas worst affected by the floods, where repairs are currently underway.

The A and B circles at Letaba are expected to reopen in September 2026.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge, which was also severely damaged, has already reopened, with the final stages of its rebuild nearing completion.

During his visit, Maynier also engaged with guests at Skukuza Rest Camp and the Letaba campsite.

He said maintaining a positive guest experience remains a key priority as investment in the park continues.

“The guest experience must be a key focus for investments going forward, as we want families and friends to come together and create lasting memories of their time at the Park,” Maynier said.

He added that feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, while any outstanding issues would be addressed by park management.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is expected to provide further updates on the progress of the recovery work.

Oudtshoorn power outage enters fourth day as Eskom revises restoration time

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The power outage affecting parts of Oudtshoorn has entered its fourth day, with Eskom revising its estimated restoration time to approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.

Eskom said further complex technical problems were encountered during restoration work, requiring additional repairs before the network can be safely energised.

“The safety of Eskom employees and affected communities remains paramount,” the utility said.

Technical teams remain on site and are working to resolve the issues and restore electricity as soon as it is safe to do so.

Eskom has apologised to affected residents for the prolonged outage and repeated changes to the restoration estimates.

“We sincerely apologise for the continued outage and the inconvenience caused. We understand the frustration caused by the interruption and changing restoration estimates,” Eskom said.

The utility said it will continue providing updates as restoration work progresses.

Customers can contact Eskom via the MyEskom Customer app, Alfred Chatbot or the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 37566.

Garden Route Environmental Crisis: Invasive Alien Plants Among the Worst in South Africa

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Garden Route is facing an environmental crisis of alarming proportions, with the region’s invasive alien plant problem described as “among the worst in the country” by veteran environmental manager Dr Guy Preston.

Preston recently visited the Garden Route following the region’s extreme weather events and assessed environmental conditions on the ground.

“After seeing conditions on the ground, Preston expressed deep concern at the extent of invasive alien plants (IAPs), describing their prevalence in the Garden Route as among the worst in the country,” said Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Preston’s assessment carries significant weight. He is widely recognised for his role in establishing and driving South Africa’s internationally acclaimed invasive alien plant control programmes, including Working for Water, Working for Wetlands and Working on Fire, during his tenure as Director of Natural Resource Management Programmes in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs.

At their peak, these programmes had combined budgets running into billions of rand and created thousands of jobs while restoring ecosystems and tackling invasive species.

During his Garden Route tour, Preston highlighted the serious risks posed by the unchecked spread of invasive vegetation. The threat extends far beyond the displacement of indigenous plants and loss of biodiversity.

Dense stands of invasive alien vegetation create significant amounts of combustible biomass, increasing the risk of intense and destructive wildfires. Invasive species can also outcompete indigenous vegetation, disrupt natural ecosystems and undermine biodiversity.

Water security is another major concern. Invasive alien plants can consume substantial quantities of water, particularly in catchments, potentially affecting streamflow and reducing water availability for both ecosystems and communities.

Preston also raised concerns about the degradation of rivers, wetlands and other natural infrastructure. Healthy catchments and functioning river systems are essential to the Garden Route’s ecological resilience, yet widespread invasive plant infestations are placing these systems under increasing pressure.

For the Garden Route, Preston’s assessment represents a stark wake-up call.

The region’s forests, rivers, wetlands, mountains and coastal ecosystems are among its greatest natural assets, but their long-term resilience cannot be taken for granted.

His visit highlighted the urgent need for coordinated, sustained action involving national and local government, municipalities, landowners, conservation organisations and communities.

The success of Working for Water demonstrated what can be achieved when invasive alien plants are treated as a major environmental and economic priority. GREF believes these lessons should inform a renewed and properly resourced effort to control invasive species and restore the Garden Route’s ecosystems before the environmental and economic costs of inaction become even greater.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate-change think tank.

Photo: Cobus Meiring, Chairperson of the Garden Route Environmental Forum, with Dr Guy Preston.

Peet Viljoen Denied Bail in R27.6 Million Fraud Case

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen has been denied bail yet again by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria in connection with a R27.6 million fraud case.

Viljoen appeared in court on Monday for his bail decision.

Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe ruled that Viljoen posed a flight risk and ordered that he remain in custody.

His wife, reality TV personality Mel Viljoen, was seen crying after the ruling.

Viljoen was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 16 June after being deported from the United States.
error:
Scroll to Top