Saturday, June 21, 2025

Artscape host free concert in Athlone

The Cape Flats is set to come alive on Saturday afternoon with music, dance, poetry, and celebration, as the Artscape Theatre brings theatre and live performance directly to the people.

It is hosting an upcoming Urban Outreach Concert, at the Athlone Civic Centre

‘’This initiative was put together by the City of Cape Town in association with Artscape. The idea is to take the arts to the communities. Not everybody can get to the Artscape, but not everybody can get to a venue. It is also about making sure that artists get a platform to perform, in front of an audience. The initiative is about artist activation, taking the arts to the to the communities,’’ said Craig Parks, producer of the outreach concert, who spoke to Bush Radio’s Back Chat programme on Friday.

‘’I would urge everybody to come through because it is in the community and it is absolutely free - What we have done is we asked people to go to web tickets to acquire tickets. Each individual will be allowed four tickets. For more than four tickets, you can contact the Artscape. It will feature eight acts. No break. We got Fazeka community choir, Heideveld steelpan band, Gugulettu dancers, Rocky Sams – R&B singer, saxophonist Nuran Boltman, poet Jaden, Sabu, and the Matimba jazz, Afro jazz fusion group, and many more,’’ he added.

SUPPLIED


Parks elaborated on why Athlone Civic Centre was chosen for this event.

‘’’Athlone is sort of slap bang in the center. Gugulethu is on the one side. Langa's on the other side, Silvertown on the one side, Bridgetown on the other side, and there's a hive of creative activity there and they need to express themselves more

On what Parks hope this initiative aims to bring.

‘’It is the youth taking an initiative in, participating in community in upcoming events.  We nurture them in their skill. It is all about making a  positive change.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Friday, June 20, 2025

8 year old boy killed in hit-and-run in Elsies River


Elsies River police are appealing to anyone with information about an alleged hit-and-run involving an 8 year child to come forward.

Ethan Abrahams, a Grade 1 learner at Range Primary, was knocked down before heading to school earlier this week. Sadly the 8-year-old died on the scene.

The police's Anelisiwe Manyana said a case of culpable homicide was registered for further investigation. "According to reports, police members attended to the crime scene and upon arrival, they were informed by a member of the public that the victim was standing at the pedestrian crossing line when a white Toyota Tazz knocked him over and drove away."

Range Primary School has taken to social media, expressing sadness following this week's tragedy of the loss of the young learner.

Done by Shaneca Cupido


Thursday, June 19, 2025

WC EMS grapples with myriad of challenges in order to respond swiftly to patients

Emergency services in the Western Cape are grappling with a myriad of challenges that threaten their ability to respond swiftly and effectively. From resource shortages and aging infrastructure to increasing call volumes and rising levels of violence, frontline workers are under mounting pressure and as communities grow and demands intensify, concerns are rising over the long term sustainability of the province's emergency response teams. The Western Cape's Department of Health and Wellness briefed the Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Wednesday, on the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) in the province and the associated challenges.

COURTESY: WCPP


Director for EMS at Western Cape Government, Craig Wylie, says it starts with bystander care, whereby the community keeps the patient alive whilst waiting for the EMS. He says more than 10 000 emergency first aid responders were trained in the Western Cape, and thus, he says, acts as a pathway entry into the emergency medical services. Wiley added that there are five emergency contact centers in the province and one mobile center for major incidents.

‘’The clinical desk, which is a new addition to the emergency contact center space, really looks at providing clinical care through telephonic measures before the arrival of the ambulance to give advice to bystanders or medical personnel that's on the scene that may want to assist. This is driven by the computer aided dispatch system that we have deployed within the province and really speaks to the effectiveness of the province's responses to incidents. The provincial health operation center is a center that deals with all of the major incidents within the space and makes sure that the entire system comes together when a major incident occurs so that we can adequately and effectively transport and treat patients towards the health system as a whole.’’

‘’Our computer aided dispatch system solution allows the contact center to assign appropriate vehicles to incidents. Emergency care providers receive the call on a mobile data terminal in the front of the vehicle that allows them to book towards the scene and also navigates them to get there. And then there's a detailed electronic patient care report that gets completed in the back of the vehicle, which allows us to understand the cases better and allows us to understand the burden better within our system. In terms of the PHOC [Provincial Health Operations Center], they really do look after our major incidents, and they work on a principle called MIMS, which is the Major Incident Medical Management and Support Principles. They're critical to the function of a sober command and pull the whole system together when these system wide coordination, when these major incidents does happen or the system gets overload,’’ he added.

‘’In terms of the emergency response, primary response within the province deals with incidences in the public space. We classify incidences according to priority, so, ensuring that the most ill patients will get a response the quickest. Medical rescue plays a vital role in the access and extrication of patients, and the aeromedical service that we have in the province allows us to retrieve critically ill patients from far away and bring them to central places as well in time sensitive scenarios.’’

COURTESY: WCPP


Wylie says EMS team responded to more than 816 000 incidents in 2024.

‘’We do move many people within the inter facility transfer space as well. Almost an 180 000 inter facility transfers last year. These resources are shared, so it is not specific for inter facility transfers so that the system can be agile to where the need is. Specifically, in 2024, we saw more than 3 000 highly specialized ventilated transfers happening from hospitals to specialized care. In addition, because of this, we have created a critical care transport team within the Western Cape that is specialized paramedics that is able to transport very small, very sick adults as well. Our Health Net Services or Planned Patient Transport Services in 2024 transported around a 150 000 patients. These staff and vehicles are across the entire province ensuring that we can get our patients to where they need to be in the appropriate time. Specifically, we focus on vulnerable patients within our planned patient transport space, but this does differ when we speak about patients coming from rural areas where vulnerability can be extended to your ability to to be transported.’’

SCREENSHOT: WCDoH&W

He also outlined the challenges faced by EMS staff and says that about nine or 10 paramedics are needed to staff one ambulance.

‘’Just in terms of what it means to staff one ambulance, we need between nine and ten emergency care paramedics or emergency care officers to staff one ambulance. In the rural areas, our staff, it's actually very well self organized, their ability to staff more than one ambulance at one time.’’

Wylie says what hampers operations is having to wait for police escorts to attend to ‘red zone’ areas.

‘’So police escort results in compounded resource constraint. We know the police is also resource constraint. EMS is resource constraint. Together, if they rely on each other, there's obviously a compound. Addressing these concerns are complex with certain initiatives underway such as sub green corridors and several engagements with the SAPS. But solutions to safety concerns should be co-created with local communities and emergency care providers, and that's really where we focus is that we can create local solutions. Of staff safety, a big concern for EMS, remains the mental health of our providers. These providers have to go out to uncontrolled traumatic incidences outside of four walls. They don't know the area that they're going into. And then to be faced with a traumatic incident really does have a significant impact on your mental health. The department and, Western Cape government has employee assistant programs, which is really good and really engaging, but mostly reactive and we have to have to start focusing on the physical and mental health of our providers pre-employment and throughout the length of the employment. Staff safety is directly linked with staff wellness and mental health.’’

‘’Then around retention of emergency care providers, and you'll see largely my focus on the challenges is our providers because we need providers to be in ambulances to be able to service incidents. So the brain drain continues to reduce our workforce and specifically in The Middle East. Similarly, staff appointment in rural aim to staff appointed in the rural space often aim to move towards the urban space. We cannot compete with salaries or workplace safety and workload of the international markets. But what we can do is we can ensure that there's career advancement, there's a work life balance.’’

SCREENSHOT: WCDoH&W


Health and Wellness MEC, Mirelle Wenger, says the department continues to have a fiscal constraint with 34% of the budget allocated to the health sector, as it feels the pinch from 2023.

‘’Despite that, even in this year, in terms of our staff, we are not in a position to grow yet. We are building back, but we are not yet at the place where we can say we are growing in terms of our number of employees. It means that we have high service pressures and we have to do more with what we have. Therefore, we're working very hard at making sure we can be as efficient as possible. In particular, for example, in the EMS space, we have just recently launched a think tank with the private sector, which is working on specific things that will help, for example, in the EMS space. Let me give you a practical example and that lies in imaging. If a patient presents in a rural area and they are then taken to the district hospital, if that hospital does not have sophisticated imaging capability, for example, a CT scanner, the ambulance will then take that patient to the nearest facility that does, and sometimes that could be as far as two hours away. That means that ambulance is now taken out of circulation to help that that patient to get their scanner and then return based depending on what the results of the imaging shows. That then puts pressure on the remaining ambulances in that area. It also depends on the day, is it a weekend or high pressure times, then it means that the waiting times will go up.’’

In emergencies, every second counts—but in some areas, those vital minutes are stretching longer than ever.

‘’The day in a life of a paramedic is very hard to explain if you have not lived it yourself. We make considerable effort to ensure that we get out there and actually spend time, firstly, serving the population, but secondly, understanding the day in the life of a paramedic and what the challenges are that they actually get to. So just in terms of a general day, and I think it is very different between urban and rural. In the urban areas, our crews will come on duty in the mega station. They will need to quickly do their handover and take over, deal with all of their PM issues, deal with all of their queries to people management or to finance that they need to make around uniforms, etc. They have about fifteen minutes to do that, and then they need to go out,’’ said Craig Wylie, Western Cape's director for EMS.

‘’In the urban area, our ambulance crews will do between ten and twelve incidents a day. In the past, that meant that you could get 60 minutes per incident. At the moment, we get around 2 000 escorts per month from the SAPS in the urban area. Waiting times for SAPS escorts can sometimes take more than sixty minutes, but you are still required to still do your 10 to 12 calls a day. You now need to do more than one person per call. We then have to have interpersonal relationships. As you know, the community, rightfully so, will get quite angry at our ambulance staff,, because it is taking them so long to get there in the first place. So we see this negative feedback loop occurring where it takes longer, people get angrier, the mental health of our staff takes a significant decline,’’ he added.

SCREENSHOT: WCDoH&W


Juanita Arendse Chief Director: Emergency & Clinical Services Support at Western Cape says the target is 30minutes for life-threatening cases, however patients have to wait more than an hour to be assisted and explained that staff prioritises cases.

‘’The target is 30 minutes for a priority 1 client in the metro and 40 minutes for priority one client in rural areas, because of the distance. We have achieved 48% of that target in metro and because of the other things that is outside of our control, and we've achieved 82% out in rural. A lot of the reduced achievement of that target in the metro is because of the red zones, and we have to wait for escorts. We experienced it ourselves when we rock up at a police station, and there was only one SAPS vehicle for the night and you have to wait until that SAPS vehicle comes back in after they have attended to something, and then they escort you to the client, which is out of our control.

‘’We also found that a lot of the clients exaggerate the symptoms or they paint a different picture and when they [paramedics] arrive on scene, it is a completely different to what the call has received, but that means that another client who really is in that situation now waits. That is also something we have been trying to address through communications and all of those things.

MEC Mirelle Wenger reminded the public of various communication channels to ensure complaints, compliments, or suggestions are attended to. You can contact the provincial client support center by sending a ‘please call me’ or calling them to lodge a complaint on 086 142 142, or simply send an email to service@westerncape.gov.za. You can also SMS the word help followed by your name, the nature of your complaint, facility, and if applicable, the name of a staff member to 31022.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

CATA and CODETA expected to make peace soon


The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) says it hopes negotiations with rival Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) will come up with a desired resolution for both taxi associations soon.

This, after talks deadlocked again between the two biggest taxi associations in Cape Town. At the center of the talks is a dispute over a taxi route from Mfuleni to Somerset West.

The feud has led to at least eight taxi operators from both sides killed.

After negotiations between CATA and CODETA over the Mfuleni to Somerset West taxi route reached a stalemate last week Friday, another meeting was scheduled for earlier this week. The rival taxi associations met again on Tuesday; however, the parties still couldn’t come to an agreement.

CODETA said that despite not agreeing on a suitable situation for all involved yet, there's hope that they will eventually reach common ground.

CATA said a decision that will be taken will ease the situation.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

46 arrested by City officers over Youth Day long weekend for drunk driving

The City of Cape Town expressed concern about the number of motorists arrested for driving under the influence ‘’and remains a challenge on the roads.’’

Forty-six motorists were arrested over the Youth Day long weekend for driving three sheets to the wind.

‘’On Saturday, 14 June 2025, Metro Police officers from the Camera Response Unit conducted vehicle patrols in the Cape Town CBD area which led to the  arrest of four suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspects, aged between 31 and 42 were detained at Cape Town Central South African Police Service,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety & Security.

PICTURE: Pixabay


Metro Police officers arrested 68 suspects and issued 3 265 fines during patrols. Of those arrested, 17 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and 38 for the illegal possession of drugs with 13 other for charges such as property and contact related crimes and firearm related offences.

Law Enforcement counterparts arrested 163 suspects and issued 6 685 fines. Traffic officers issued 37 960 fines and arrested 30 motorists during integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations in the past week. Of those arrested,  29 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Officers also impounded 162 public transport vehicles and executed 821 warrants of arrest.

‘’Drunk drivers pose a serious threat to a safe road environment and increase the risk of fatal accidents. The attitude of drunk drivers who think they will not be caught or simply don’t care cannot be tolerated. Our officers will continue to patrol the roads and arrest those who think they are above the law. We should all use the roads responsibly and respect other road users,’’ said Smith.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

WCED auto-confirms applications for 2026 academic year

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says double-parked spots by parents with multiple offers for Grade R, 1, or 8 placements for the 2026 academic year have now been auto-confirmed to top-ranked schools.

PICTURE: Pixabay


Parents and guardians had until Tuesday to confirm the schools of choice freeing up thousands of places. The WCED urged parents to stay in touch with schools in case additional places are opened:

‘’Schools will then continue to fill remaining places until the end of July, so we encourage parents who do not yet have a place to stay in touch with the schools they have applied to in case additional places have opened up. We urge parents who have not yet received an offer to not be disheartened, as we are still very early in the placement process for 2026,’’ said Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for Education MEC, David Maynier.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Car crashes into train traveling to Nyanga

Metrorail in the Western Cape has urged motorists to be cautious when approaching level crossings after a car crashed into a train, traveling from Phillipi to Nyanga on Wednesday morning.

‘’Reports from the train crew are that the train driver observed a vehicle approaching the level crossing and sounded the warning horn. Despite the warning horn from the driver, the vehicle was reported to have proceeded onto the crossing, which then led to the incident,’’ said Zino Mihi, Metrorail Western Cape spokesperson.

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Mihi advised motorists not to take the risk of crossing.

“Trains by nature, appear to be moving slow at a distance, resulting in motorists miscalculating their speed. However, they are fast moving and aren’t able to make sudden stops. Therefore, we urge all road users and pedestrians to continue to exercise extreme caution when approaching level crossings and to adhere to warning signals.”

The Central Line service has since been restored and trains are now operating according to schedule

Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

E-hailing driver and his two passengers killed in apparent gang-related shooting in M/Plain

An e-hailing driver along with his two passengers were shot and killed in Mitchell’s Plain on Tuesday morning.

PICTURE: Pixabay


Western Cape police told Bush Radio News that the motive for the triple murder is believed to be gang-related.

‘’Preliminary reports indicate that unknown suspects, travelling in two vehicles, opened fire on the occupants of an e-hailing Honda sedan at the intersection of Merrydale Avenue and Highlands Drive in Lentegeur at approximately 11:10,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’The e-hailing driver, a male whose age is yet to be confirmed, and two passengers, a 38-year-old male and a 36-year-old female sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene,’’ he added.

Traut said its Anti-Gang Unit detectives are following up on all available leads in an effort to apprehend those responsible and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Police arrest Cape Town's most-wanted in Free State

Police made a breakthrough after they nabbed a 38-year-old man on Friday, who was on the run and had been sought for murders, extortion and arson.

In a statement, Western Cape police confirmed that Vuyolwethu Tshukela aka ‘Yesu’, was arrested in Welkom in the Free State.

‘’The suspect who is on the run has been positively linked to at least four taxi-related murders which were perpetrated in Philippi East and Nyanga during August 2024 and murders in Nyanga and Delft during September 2024,’’ said Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape police spokesperson, previously.

PICTURED - SAPS: Vuyolwethu Tshukela


Tshukela, who was born in Mthatha appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s court on Tuesday, and was formally charged with only one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of extortion.

The State said that on 18 August 2024, during a meeting of taxi drivers at a rank, Tshukela allegedly approached the group and fatally shot one of the drivers in front of multiple eyewitnesses. According to the State, the deceased had previously refused to pay extortion money.

Tshukela allegedly also demanded payments from drivers and threatened that those who did not comply would be shot.

Yesu is also accused of torching containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank in February 2025. Tshukela is alleged to have opened fire on taxi operators.

The State prosecutor told the court that the matter falls under Schedule 6 offences, which means the accused must show exceptional circumstances to be granted bail. The State indicated it would oppose any bail application.

The matter was postponed to 24 June in order for Tshukela’s private lawyer to be present and for bail application

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Three men fatally shot in Phillipi East, another wounded



Police are still investigating a mass shooting in Phillippi East where four men were shot and three killed in Better Life informal settlement on Sunday night.

Crime groups were alerted of the shooting which took place on Sunday before midnight when unknown gunmen entered a premises and opened fire at the victims who were enjoying yesterday’s public holiday. Three men were shot dead while a fourth was left wounded and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that police are investigating a case of triple murder and one case of attempted murder in Philippi East.

Traut says “Provincial Serious Violent Crime detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday, 15 June 2025, at approximately 11.15pm. According to reports, the victims were consuming alcohol inside a residence in 18083 Road, Better Life, Philippi East, when unknown assailants entered the premises and opened fire. Three victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the fourth was transported to a medical facility for treatment”.

Police are still searching for the wanted suspects.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Eastern Cape province receives government assistance after heavy floods claim many lives


President Cyril Ramaphosa said that flood victims in the Eastern Cape would receive government assistance but only after full damage assessments had been conducted.

The president spoke during a visit to Mthatha, where he met with survivors who took shelter in temporary accommodation. Heavy floods earlier this week claimed at least 78 lives, with rescue teams still searching for the missing and providing aid to displaced communities.

The torrential rains left homes destroyed, washed-out roads and mud-clogged villages, with hundreds now homeless and relying on humanitarian support.

The president was joined by several cabinet ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who also committed to providing additional resources to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.


Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Artscape host free concert in Athlone

The Cape Flats is set to come alive on Saturday afternoon with music, dance, poetry, and celebration, as the Artscape Theatre brings theatre...