The Western Cape High Court recently delivered a ruling that dismissed the South African National Taxi Council’s (Santaco) court application against the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government (WCG). As a result, the court granted the City’s request to make the terms of the agreement that ended the taxi strike an order of the court.
The Western Cape region of South Africa is a captivating destination, especially during the spring season from August to October. The vibrant tapestry of wildflowers that blooms at this time creates a mesmerizing sight that attracts tourists from around the world. However, it is important to note that the flowers only open during specific times of the day, making it crucial to plan accordingly.
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, reiterated the country’s commitment to providing electricity to Namibia during a media briefing in Windhoek. Namibia currently generates only 40% of its required energy domestically, with the remaining 60% imported from neighboring countries through the Southern African Power Pool. South Africa contributes 100 megawatts to this energy supply.
The 15th BRICS Summit will be held in Johannesburg on August 22, 2023, and preparations are well underway to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. In anticipation of this prestigious event, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, have been conducting security engagements and briefings with their teams.
South Africa is preparing to host the 15th BRICS Summit, a significant event for the country and the African continent. President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation on South Africa’s foreign policy, emphasizing the values and principles of the 1955 Freedom Charter that influence the country’s approach.
On August 29, 2023, the Urban Waste Management (UWM) Directorate will be hosting a Basket of Waste Services Roadshow at the Bishop Lavis Civic Centre. This event provides residents from nearby communities with a chance to meet with representatives from the City’s UWM Directorate. Notably, the roadshow will unveil the upcoming release of home composting containers.
Durban law enforcement officers made a swift apprehension of four individuals, including an illicit scrapyard owner, following the launch of the High Density Operation Shanela. This operation aimed to address the rising number of copper theft incidents in South Africa that have been negatively affecting the nation’s economic infrastructure.
As Women’s Month is celebrated in South Africa in August, universities in the Western Cape have joined forces to prioritize women’s safety on campus. This initiative was prompted by a research report released by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), revealing that female students face a heightened risk of sexual victimization. The study found that one in five women at public universities and technical colleges have experienced sexual assault.
From August 1718, 2023, the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, is representing the nation. The conference provides African countries with a platform to reinforce their collective commitment to global environmental initiatives.
Solar MD, a lithiumion battery storage manufacturer, has broken ground on the continent’s first gigawatt battery storage manufacturing plant in Cape Town, South Africa. This development marks a significant milestone for the African continent and Cape Town, setting them on a path towards a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) took a bold step towards combating illegal mining on August 18th, 2025. A group of four individuals, aged between 25 and 43 years old, were arrested in Atok an area under Apel Policing jurisdiction in Limpopo province during an operation led by the Sekhukhune District Task Team. This apprehension serves as a reminder of the dedication and vigilance required to address unlawful extraction in the region.
The latest Quarterly Crime Stats report has shed light on the pressing need for better collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local authorities in their fight against crime. In particular, the City of Cape Town has expressed its willingness to strengthen SAPS’ crimefighting efforts if more policing powers are given to municipal officers.
The current state of informal settlements in Cape Town is causing widespread fear and turmoil among residents. Families are evacuating two informal settlements, Siyakhana and Siyahlala, due to threats from backyarders and residents of Mandela Park. ## Backyarders Demand Housing and Threaten Eviction
The Western Cape province has witnessed a decline in crime rates, as reported by their crime statistics for the first quarter of 2023. The murder rate has dropped by 5.5%, following a 14.1% decline in the fourth quarter of 2022. These numbers show a consistent decrease in crime in the region, with a total of 939 murders reported in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 994 in the same period last year.
Khayelitsha Cookies is a South African company that began in 2005 with just two staff members. Today, the company has grown to employ nearly 80 women who handcraft over 82,000 baked goods daily. The company was founded by American entrepreneur Alicia Polak with a vision to teach women in the community how to bake “American style” cookies. However, Khayelitsha Cookies has evolved into much more than a cookie company; it has become a symbol of hope and strength for the women of Khayelitsha.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced planned maintenance work on the water supply infrastructure in certain areas that will lead to disruptions in water supply. The maintenance work is essential to benefit the residents, and it is regrettable that this may cause inconvenience. The following is what you need to know about the planned maintenance work.
