Cape Town speaker survives motion of no confidence

Cape Town speaker, Felicity Purchase, survived a motion of no confidence against her

This as ANC leader in Cape Town who brought forward the motion Banele Majingo has joined the Democratic Alliance

Majingo handed over a motion to Purchase in February and The Multi party caucus consisting of the ANC, EFF, Good Party, National Coloured Congress, Patriotic Alliance, and Aljamah ah, believes that Purchase violated rule as speaker.

The first council of 2025 which was held in January was moved virtually following fears of disruption following allegations of two MMCs JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg into tender fraud allegations into the City’s construction sector.

In his statement, Majingo shared: “After careful consideration, I have come to realise that my personal values and principles are now more aligned with those of the Democratic Alliance. I am committed to their pursuit of clean governance and economic growth. I am increasingly impressed with their commitment to deliver for poor residents and the unemployed.”

On Wednesday, the DA.welcomed members from the ANC, ACDP, and ARA.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Woman shot and killed in Elsies River

Elsies River police are probing a murder that claimed the life of a 22-year-old man. Police confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday on the corner of 35th Avenue and Owen Road in Clarke Estate.

‘’Elsies River police attended to a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang related. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. A murder case was registered for further investigation,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

New members for Elsies River CPF to be elected

The Western Cape Provincial Community Policing Forum (CPF) Board confirmed that a new Annual General Meeting for the Elsies River will now be arranged to elect new representatives.

This follows public outcry after a picture of a serving Elsies River CPF Executive Committee member, posing with the son of an alleged gang boss went viral.

The provincial CPF also found that some current elected representatives on the Elsies River CPF Executive were found to be ineligible to serve on that structure. The board said a verification for eligibility will be done prior to the AGM. It has also amended certain rules, it says, in order to prevent future occurrences of this nature.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, welcomed the intervention

‘’Community Policing Forums represent the interests of the community in the policing environment and members of the CPF leadership have access to potentially sensitive information related to crime prevention operations. It is important that only individuals of the highest integrity serve on such key community structures in order to protect the credibility of Community Policing Forums as key partners in our fight against crime.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

49 political members jumps ship to DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Cape Metro Region welcomed 49 opposition members during a special walk-over ceremony on Tuesday.

In a statement, the ‘blue’ party said the former African National Congress (ANC), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and African Restoration Alliance (ARA) members believe the DA is the ideal vehicle to promote hope, non-racialism and effective governance.

SUPPLIED: DA Western Cape

‘’Their decision to join us is not just about politics; it is about service, about faith in action, and about strengthening the hands of those who work tirelessly for our communities,’’ said Tertuis Simmers,DA Western Cape Leader.

‘’We are a party that believes in hard work, in standing up for what is right, and in strengthening communities where everyone can prosper. However, none of this can be done alone. We cherish the partnerships with faith-based organisations and community leaders who dedicate their lives to uplifting the people of this province. We recognise the role of the religious fraternity in our society - not just in spiritual matters, but in feeding the hungry, educating our children, and bringing hope where there is despair,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Woman shot and killed inside a car in Belhar

Belhar police are investigating a murder after a woman was shot and killed in De Waal Road on Tuesday evening.

PICTURE: Pixabay

‘’Information at our disposal suggests that unknown gunmen opened fire on a female, seated inside a motor vehicle, who was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown gunmen fled the scene in a White Toyota Etios and they are yet to be arrested,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The motive for the attack is unknown and no arrests has been made as yet.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Mpox in SA rises to 31

The Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding symptoms of mpox, as three additional laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease have been identified in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

PICTURE: NICD

The newly confirmed cases include a 38-year-old man, who sought treatment at a healthcare facility due to symptoms of mpox. The other two cases involve a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman, both of whom have been in contact with the first patient.

“None of the patients have recent travel history to countries or regions currently experiencing an outbreak, which suggests there is ongoing local transmission of the virus in the country,” the department explained.

In addition, the department announced that all three new mpox patients also tested positive for a relatively unknown, but common virus known as herpes simplex virus (HSV).

“This is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers which mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact including kissing and unprotected sex, hence consistent and correct use of condoms remains the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs [sexually transmitted infections].”

According to the department, the virus is generally asymptomatic, and treatable, but not curable.

The department believes that the recent cases highlight the necessity of rapid and well-coordinated contact tracing for early detection and effective management of positive cases.

The latest cases have increased the total number of positive cases from 28 to 31, since the outbreak began in May 2024. This total includes six cases recorded since the beginning of this year.

The department said the patients are currently self-isolating and receiving appropriate clinical management from the healthcare workers.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

GABS adds more electric buses to its fleet

Commuters can expect to see more Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) electric buses on the road, as the bus company received the first 20 electric buses which will be followed 100 more buses to be delivered over the course of 2025.

COURTESY: GABS

In a statement, the Company said it has also installed 30 charging units, with two dispensers each, the largest of its kind in South Africa. The charging facility will be expanded to 60 chargers with a total of 120 dispensers during the second half of 2025.

COURTESY: GABS

GABS piloted testing two electric buses in 2021.

“This is a full circle moment for Golden Arrow, in 1896 we were behind the wheel of the first electric tram in South Africa and now, some 129 years later we are first commuter bus company to introduce electric buses into service at scale,” says Francois Meyer, Golden Arrow Bus Services Chief Executive Officer.

“Innovation, backed by data and testing, is key to transforming the South African economy. We believe that this is a key moment not only for Golden Arrow but for the local transport industry. This is an opportunity for businesses across the supply chain to diversify their offerings, embrace sustainable transport solutions and create jobs. This is a historic moment for our country that we can all be proud of,” he added.

According to Golden Arrow Bus Services Company Engineer, Gideon Neethling, a key takeaway from Golden Arrow’s electric bus journey has been the power of partnerships.

“As part of planning for this project, we visited a number of international electric bus operations and the golden thread behind their successes were partnerships with business, government and civil society.  We have been engaging with a variety of stakeholders and will be looking to establish further partnerships so that this project can benefit the transport industry and economy.’’

GABS says 120 buses represent over 10% of Golden Arrow’s total fleet and the buses will operate across various routes.

According to the bus company, the new buses were given a resounding thumbs up by the Company’s passenger forums and feedback from passengers and the public has been overwhelmingly positive thus far.

“As a cornerstone of Cape Town's public transport system, Golden Arrow Bus Services is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by introducing these electric buses into its fleet. In the public transport sector, the shift to electric vehicles is critical to achieving sustainable mobility for commuters and creating economic opportunities and job creation in various sectors of the province. These vehicles also create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in the electric mobility sector and takes us closer to achieving our long-term vision to be a net zero emissions, climate resilient and job creating province,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Minister of Mobility.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Consultations to continue for regulations banning foods containing hemp and cannabis

Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, has withdrawn the regulations banning foods containing hemp and cannabis. This follows backlash about the impact the restrictions would have on the cannabis industry.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Motsoaledi met with President Cyril Ramaphosa and expressed concern about unregulated foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis flooding the South African market.

‘’President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed his support for more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the formulation of new regulations that will limit health risk and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors,’’ said the Presidency in a statement.

‘’In light of further stakeholder consultations, the Minister of Health will withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) to prohibit the sale, importation and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis. The Department of Health will continue to consult broadly before publishing the revised regulations,’’ it added.

The Western Cape’s Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the decision, saying this will allow for comprehensive public consultation, ensuring that all voices are heard.

‘’This will lead to the development of policies and rules that support the potential of the cannabis and hemp industry to generate jobs, improve public health, and boost economic growth.”

“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (also known as the CanPlan), launched in March 2023, is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed insights into the current and future scenario (production, processing, exports) of cannabis and hemp in the agricultural sector”, continued Meyer.

"One of the Government of National Unity (GNU) objectives is inclusive growth. So we must protect jobs and support the value chain. Let us use the consultation period to fully appreciate the value chain of this sector, including research, biotech and testing capability, IT and logistics, brand-building, agriculture and agri-processing and infrastructure. A comprehensive understanding will be crucial in maximising the contribution the cannabis and hemp value chain can make to the Western Cape's economic, social and environmental objectives,” added Meyer.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Duo arrested for illegally operating gambling machines in Manenberg

Western Cape police management has pleaded with residents to stop criminalising themselves by trying to make a quick buck by installing gambling machines in their homes.

This comes as two women were arrested in Manenberg on Tuesday after the duo were found with gambling machines without valid licenses. Police confirmed that the women arrested in possession of these machines are not the owners.

‘’Gambling machines can negatively affect children through various avenues, including psychological distress, behavioural problems and increased risk of developing gambling problems later in their lives. Finances and proceeds generated through this illegal form of gambling or a game of chance also lead to tax evasion as monies owed to government in taxes are not paid,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

COURTESY: SAPS

Manyana says running illegal activities as these may run the risk of being evicted by the City of Cape Town as these houses are part of the cities rental stock.

‘’The premises could be forfeited to the state for being used in the commission of crime.

The two females, aged 43 and 46, will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ court soon for being in possession of these gambling machines without the necessary operating licenses.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Ten people slightly injured in multi-vehicle crash at Jakes Gerwel Drive

Ten people, including a child, sustained minor injuries in a multi-vehicle crash at Jakes Gerwel Drive and Viking Way on Sunday after a taxi allegedly caused the crash involving four other motor vehicles.

In a statement from the City of Cape Town, the taxi driver was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, as well as reckless and negligent driving.

‘’The change in weather combined with poor driving habits and a lack of patience likely all contributed to the increase in motor vehicle accidents. Let’s not forget vehicle defects like balding tyres and brakes, and worn wipers – all things that can compromise safety on the roads. Please let this be a cautionary tale as we brace for winter and get your vehicles checked timeously to ensure they’re able to deal with the changing road conditions. Some motorists would also do well to check their attitudes and behaviour on the roads, or run the risk of ending up behind bars,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Figures from the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 57 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents the past weekend compared to 41 the previous weekend. The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 629 incidents over the weekend, including 80 assault cases, 50 domestic violence incidents and 206 noise nuisances.

Meanwhile, the City’s enforcement agencies made 322 arrests and issued 53 185 fines for various transgressions in the past week.

Residents are reminded to report criminal activities by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Suspected human trafficker in Cape Town arrested in Durban

A suspect in a human trafficking case in Cape Town was on Monday arrested in Durban. The 38-year-old is sought in connection with a case opened in September 2024 in Plumstead.

During September 2024, the Hawks in the Western Cape, supported by officials from Department of Home Affairs visited a suspected address in Plumstead, Cape Town. Twelve occupants were found on the premises of which five female persons were identified as sex workers. The person found to be managing the brothel was identified.

‘’During investigation, a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of trafficking. She was handed over to the social workers from Department of Social Development for emergency placement. Furthermore, two traffickers were identified whereby warrants of arrest were authorised,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, Hawks in the Western Cape.

The suspect will make her first appearance in transit in the Durban Magistrates Court on Tuesday, thereafter will be transferred to Cape Town.

The matter against Rogers Mubiru, who was the first suspect, was postponed to 17 April 2025 for formal bail application.

 

Done by: Mitchum George