Hopeful Khayelitsha Residents as Minister of Water and Sanitation Sort out Sewerage problems

Khayelitsha residents remain hopeful as Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu's visit to the community will help end sewerage problems that have been happening in the community for the past few months.

Mchunu visited Site C and other areas after receiving a complaint from a resident about blocked drains and sewage flowing from the street into their yard.

The minister has agreed to meet with the City of Cape Town to resolve the sanitation struggles in the community. A resident in Vukani Street said she has been struggling with sewage flowing from a drain since 2018. She also highlighted that once a grain is blocked the sewerage starts coming to her house that she hopes the minister will be able to sort out.

The City of Cape Town said more than 4,700 sewer blockages and overflows had been cleared in the Khayelitsha area since January.

Officials said a number of upgrades to the sewage system in the community were on the cards.

Done by:  Lucille Dyosi 

New laws for the homeless

 The Cape Town City Council has approved the new Unlawful Occupation By-law, including updates to the Streets, Public Places and Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law, which has been in existence since 2007.

The City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato said that the City has a constitutional obligation to make sure that the public open spaces and city remain sustainable, that there is equality before the law.

According to the City, these by-law amendments are designed to help resolve public complaints more effectively. There are currently over 350 hotspots for public complaints around by-law violations relating to people living on the streets.

the law have been amended to provide for the following:

• A person found sleeping in a public place without authority will first be issued with a compliance notice;
• They will be offered alternative shelter;
• Such a person only commits an offence if they refuse a reasonable offer of alternative shelter;
• In sentencing, a court will give a guilty person the option to pay a fine.

The by-law also limits and explicitly states that law enforcement may:

• Direct a person to stop prohibited conduct, remove an obstacle, and to leave and remain out of a specified place
• Issue compliance notices as well as notices to appear in court or pay a fine
• Arrest a person who commits an offence in terms of the by-law and to search a person if necessary
• Impound goods and materials as per the City’s Standard Operating Procedure on the Impoundment of Goods and Animals
• Require identification

Gugulethu residents fall Victim to voucher scam

 Residents of Gugulethu have fallen victim to a scam where they had to pay money to get vouchers.

According to some residents, there were long queues yesterday outside two houses at NY49 and NY24 in Gugulethu. The queues consisted of people who were paying R10 and in return were promised to receive vouchers worth R1 400.

Ward 38 councillor Luvuyo Zondani said when he had heard what was happening, he reported it to the police to investigate. He said after police investigations the two operations were closed.

[REPORT] SABRIC releases annual crime stats for 2020

The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) on behalf of the banking industry has released its annual crime stats for 2020.

COVID-19, in conjunction with the implementation of regulations of the Disaster Management Act had a notable influence on financial crime trends in 2020. It triggered changes in human behaviour, human movement, and policing, creating new opportunities for criminals which significantly impacted the number of crime incidents. While some crime types decreased, others increased as criminals exploited COVID-19 for their own gain. Overall, SABRIC has seen an increase in banking crime incidents.

As customers turned to online shopping and settling payments on app, criminals enhanced their efforts to phish customers to steal their personal data to defraud them on digital and online platforms.

Digital banking fraud increased by 33%.

Debit card fraud rose by 22%, while on a positive note, credit card fraud decreased by 7%.

Contact crime was impacted by the restriction of movement and visible policing, resulting in a decrease in incidents. Associated robberies saw a decrease of 24% in 2020 when compared to 2019 with decreases evident in the Free State, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.

While ATM attacks decreased by 9% overall, ATM explosive incidents increased by 20%.

Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies decreased significantly due to the Level 5 lockdown in April and May of 2020, but once restrictions were lifted, these increased again by 22% as criminals were able to move with fewer restrictions and fear of roadblocks and searches.

Robberies and burglaries also increased by 42% and 12% respectively.

SABRIC CEO Nischal Mewalall stated: “Your personal data, when combined with technology has become the new key to the safe that holds your money in a bank, so you must safeguard your data to prevent criminals getting access to your safe.”

Mewalall further warned that looking ahead, cybercrime and data breaches will represent a significant threat to customers and banks, because even the best security and technology can be compromised when criminals source and use legitimate data illegally, to carry out a crime.

Mewalall also warns bank customers to never click on links in unsolicited emails as these links are used in phishing emails to drive people to “spoofed” websites which look like legitimate online retailers, complete with enticing images and convincing taglines.

“Criminals use these bogus websites to harvest bank card details to make online purchases using your account. We are still seeing lots of scam’s advertising seemingly incredible deals for personal protective equipment, sanitiser and fake vaccines that exploit people’s concern for their health and safety.” adds Mewalall.

hijacked truck with R1m cargo confiscated in Phillipi

Five suspects were arrested for hijacking a truck and its cargo with an estimated value of one million rand on Tuesday.

PICTURE: SAPS

Western Cape Flying Squad received a tip-off about a truck that is being off loaded on a small holding in Schaapkraal, Philippi.

The police’s Wesley Twigg said that upon further search the officers recovered a signal jammer and a SAPS blue light that were used by the robbers.

PICTURE: SAPS

The suspects between the ages of 23 and 46 will appear before court soon

In an unrelated matter, Manenberg Crime Prevention Unit were busy with high density patrols on Tuesday evening due to ongoing gang violence in the Manenberg area when they spotted a male who tried to get away from them.

‘’The members apprehended the suspect and found a .38 special revolver with ammunition in his possession. Once charged the suspects will appear in Athlone Magistrate’s Court to face the charges against them,’’ added Twigg.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Appletiser recalls products

Appletiser, under Coca-Cola South Africa, is asking customers to return affected batches of the sparkling drink.

In a statement the beverage company revealed that certain batches were not of acceptable standard.

“Following a standard quality testing routine, six specific batches of Appletiser were revealed to be outside of the acceptable standards”

PICTURE: Coca-Cola SA

The recall is nationwide with immediate effect.

‘’The health and wellbeing of our consumers is our primary concern and we have taken a decision to withdraw all affected stock from the market nationwide, with immediate effect.’’

It said that it is still probing the cause of the problem.

‘’With our partners, Coca‑Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca‑Cola Peninsula Beverages, we are working with authorities to ensure all processes are followed as we continue our investigation to understand the cause of the problem.’’

If anyone has purchased the Appletiser product from batches:

·        BB 07NOV21,

·        BB 30MAY22, 

·        BB 10JUN22, 

·        BB 18MAY22, 

·        BB 19MAY22, and 

·        BB 23MAY22,

 

you are asked to contact the call centre on 0860 112 526 and request for the collection and exchange of the product. The batch numbers can be found on the top or bottom of the pack. 

 

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SIU report on Digital vibes released

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the publication of the final Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report into the Health Department's irregular awarding of communication tender of R150m to Digital Vibes, which was paid over a 1-year period.

Ramaphosa received the report in early July 2021.

Presidency spokesperson Tyrone Seale says the report was released in the interest of fairness and in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

“The Presidency subsequently sent third-party notices to all persons or entities referred to in the report, so they could have an opportunity to object to its publication or part thereof. This was done in the interest of fairness and in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), following a number of PAIA applications by persons and parties who wished to have sight of the report.”

SIU says the Department of Health’s acting director-general Anban Pillay should be criminally prosecuted for his role in irregular awarding of communication tender to Digital Vibes.

“The obtained evidence indicates that Dr Pillay, as the ‘Acting’ DG of the NDOH during the Covid-19 media campaign, should be criminally prosecuted for ‘financial misconduct’, as envisaged in section the Public Finance Management Act,” the report says.

“Furthermore, Dr Pillay, in a letter to the National Treasury dated 11 May 2020 where he requested approval to deviate from normal procurement procedures, made numerous material intentional misrepresentations to the National Treasury in an attempt to obtain belated approval to deviate from normal procurement procedures. The obtained evidence indicates that he committed fraud in this regard.

“Furthermore, in respect of the Covid-19 media campaign in his capacity as ‘Acting’ DG of the NDOH, his conduct or omissions amounted to gross misconduct, gross dereliction of duty, and/or gross negligence.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Hairdresser sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Toddler

Hairdresser, Melvin Volkw has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his friend’s one-year-old son. The toddler was found dead in a drain near his grandma’s house.

Volkw returned to the Western Cape High Court’s containment room on Tuesday to hear his verdict. At the court It appears the cause of death of the infant could not be determined, as his body had already begun to disintegrate when it was pulled out of the drainage ditch on Whittebol Street in Melton Rose on April 2, 2019.

According to autopsy results, his only injury was a bruise-indicating discoloration of the back and sides of the neck, and the injury to the front of his head, as testified by his mother Davedine Lucas, was a bump against the light switch.

It seems at the time of the body of the toddle was found, he had already been missing for a week.

Done by: Lucille Dyosi

Emotional tributes at memorial for slain Heinz Park teacher

A memorial service was held for Manqoyi at the school on Tuesday where pupils and staff shared their tributes.

Former principals, education department representatives and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) joined to support his family members in attendance.

Another learner, who was overwhelmed by emotion, recalled how Manqoyi would give pupils money when they did not have food.

“Besides helping us to be good in Maths he taught us many good values by also teaching us the Bible every Monday"

“He was always there for us and we will always remember him and his words. He’s gone but will not be forgotten.”

Manqoyi was shot dead on September 21 while sitting in his car in the school parking lot.

Khayelitsha residents protest against poor service delivery

Cape Town police confirmed that no damages were reported and no one has been arrested following protest action in Khayelitsha on Tuesday.

About 300 residents from Site B took to the streets on Tuesday morning protesting against poor service delivery.

It is believed they were demanding the City of Cape Town to fix their overflowing sewage drains.

‘’Major routes connecting the area was closed, as protesters blockaded the route with burning tyres. Police was strategically positioned to monitor the march,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

Done By: Mitchum George

3 dead, several others injured after bakkie and car collides on N1 near weighbridge

Three people have died, and several others injured after a car and a bakkie collided with each other on the N1, 300 meters from the weighbridge in the direction of Cape Town on Tuesday.

‘’The Western Cape Government Health’s Emergency Medical Services responded to a call which involved two vehicles (a Nissan Micra and a Toyota Bakkie) at 07:35 this (Tuesday) morning,’’ said EMS’ Deanna February.

‘’It’s alleged that the two vehicles formed part of a head on collision. A total of twelve patients were involved. Of the twelve patients, three patients (two adult females and one male) sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Five patients were seriously injured - three adult females, one female child (approximately ten years’ old) and one male baby (approximately two years’ old). One adult female patient, two adult males and one female child (approximately ten years’ old), sustained minor injuries,’’ added February.

The patients were transported to Worcester Hospital.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Limpopo mom jailed after allegedly killing her son who threatened sibling

A 60-year-old woman has been arrested by the SAPS in Limpopo for allegedly killing her 18-year-old son.

The deceased teenager, identified by the SAPS as “Spanky Sefuka”, reportedly arrived home at Ga Masemola Kgoogo Section on Sunday at about 5am after attending a wedding.

He then allegedly started insulting his 25-year-old sister, threatening her with a knife. His mother reportedly tried to intervene but was allegedly threatened by the victim named Spanky,” said Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.

The mother then allegedly used the wood and a stick to strike the victim until he succumbed to the assault at the scene.

The 60-year-old woman thereafter went to a nearby police station to report the incident, and she was subsequently arrested.

 

Done by: Yandisa Qwabe

Western Cape tourism in hope for UK to remove SA from red list

 Western Cape’s tourism industry have increased their efforts to get South Africa from the list removed from the UK’s travel ‘red list’ for World Tourism Day on Monday.

Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC David Maynier has written to Uk and requested the decision be reviewed. He said easing travel restrictions for those travelling between the two countries ahead of r summer season will provide much-needed relief for the tourism and hospitality sector by the pandemic.

Maynier said this was one of many steps taken to engage with key decision-makers in both the UK and South Africa to tackle this barrier to the economic recovery of the tourism sector in the province.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde believes an end to the national state of disaster and moving to lockdown level 1 will create more economic opportunities, especially through tourism.

Suspect allegedly linked to Joe Slovo taxi shooting to appear in court

A 41-year-old man from Nyanga will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after he is allegedly linked to a shooting incident that occurred at the Joe Slovo taxi rank last Wednesday.

Three people were killed on the scene and a fourth victim succumbed to their injuries in hospital after sustaining serious gunshot wounds.

The shooting incident is believed to be taxi-related violence.

The police’s Novela Potelwa said the suspect, was arrested on Monday night.

‘’The suspect, from the Nyanga area, was arrested by detectives from the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit who also seized a firearm during the arrest. The suspect is facing murder and attempted murder charges.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

3 women shot and killed in Khayelitsha

Western Cape police have launched its 72-hour activation plan after three young women were shot and killed in Khayelitsha, on Monday.

Residents at the TT Block informal settlement claim they heard gunshots just after 20:00

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage.

‘’A few minutes later the bodies of young women aged 17, 20 and 21 were discovered in a passage between the shacks. The victims had all been shot in their heads,’’ said the police’s Novela Potelwa.

PICTURE: SAPS

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Search still on-going for Kalk Bay man lost at sea

A search for man lost at sea in Kalk Bay resumed on Monday.

The National Sea Rescue Institute's Craig Lambinon said there was still no sign of the man following an extensive sea and shoreline search. The police did an extensive sea and shoreline search as well as a scuba dive search was conducted.

According to witnessed the 32-year-old man fell off a paddle ski about 30 metres offshore in front of the Harbour House Restaurant on Sunday afternoon before disappearing under water, leading to members of the public raising the alarm.

Upon arrival, they found two bystanders who both volunteered to enter the water to try to rescue the man. Darren Zimmerman, the NSRI Simon’s Town station commander said they have yet to locate the man’s family although they believe he was KAlk Bay local.

Western Cape to exit 3rd wave by 2 October

The Western Cape is expected to exit the third wave of COVID-19 infections by the end of this week. According to the SA Modelling Consortium experts, the Western Cape has a 100% probability of exiting the third wave by 2 October.

‘’This is welcome news for many – but we now also must ensure the next most vulnerable group, those 50-59-years old, also get to similar vaccination coverage to those aged 60 and older. Vaccination remains voluntary, but it is our responsibility to ensure we save as many lives as possible before the end of the year. This is a key period now, in-between waves, so we can  ensure these citizens are vaccinated before the anticipated fourth wave hits in December,’’ said Maret Lesch, communivations Head at Western Cape government of Health.

Additionally, there has been a low uptake in vaccinations this past week. 67.5% of the total population (719,673) over the age of 60 has been fully vaccinated.

''Over the last few days of our vaccination drive we have seen a reduced uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. While we realise there are some people who have concerns about the vaccines, we would like to re-iterate the vaccines are safe and have been thoroughly tested. The vaccines are guaranteed to offer you great protection from getting severely ill and possibly dying from COVID-19,'' said Lesch.

 

Lesch gives tips on how to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before Christmas arrives:

·        Receive you first dose by latest 20 October (to allow for the time interval between doses) 

·        Receive second dose latest two weeks before Christmas – between 1 and 11 December (it takes 2 weeks for your immunity to build up maximum protection after the second dose)

·        Christmas – 25 December

 

‘’Younger age groups can also get severe disease and are also at risk of “long COVID” – long COVID is when sometimes symptoms persist months after contracting COVID and this affects our ability to live normally. Vaccination also reduces the chance of spreading the virus – you as a young person can contribute to protecting older or other persons more at risk of severe disease by getting vaccinated,’’ added Lesch.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

The Western Cape Department of Health Seeing Decline in Covid-19 Vaccines

The Western Cape Department of Health has put on alert that the province is seeing a decline in demand of Covid19 vaccines. Meanwhile the province is on a process to exit its third wave infections by end of next week.

The Department of health also stated the province is currently dealing with 8,000 infections which at the peak of the third wave the province recorded about 40, 000 active cases.

Maret Lesch, the provincial health department’s spokesperson said Cape Town residents must ensure they at least receive one dose of a vaccine in the coming weeks to ensure they are immunized by Christmas.

To date more than 1, 2 million people in the Western Cape have been fully vaccinated and at least one, 9 million people have received their first vaccination jab.

Done by Lucille Dyosi

South Africa exits third-wave of COVID-19 infections

South Africa has officially exited its third wave of Covid-19 infections. According to a statement by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), as of Sunday, the country recorded 2 896 943 laboratory-confirmed cases.

"Nationally, we have exited the third wave, according to the current definition. The national seven-day moving average of daily case Gauteng has recorded 915 609 confirmed cases in total, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 510 337 cases and the Western Cape with 508 715.

"The majority of new cases today (Sunday) are from KwaZulu-Natal (28%), followed by Eastern Cape (17%). Western Cape accounted for 12%; Free State accounted for 10%; Gauteng province, North West and Northern Cape each accounted for 8%, respectively; Mpumalanga accounted for 7%, and Limpopo accounted for 1% of today's new cases," said NICD spokesperson Sinenhlanhla Jimoh.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded 272 new cases on Sunday, the Eastern Cape 169 and the Western Cape 115.

There was an increase of 56 hospital admissions in the last 24-hour reporting cycle. As of Sunday, 7 172 people were in both public and private hospitals for Covid-19.

''numbers, positivity rate, and testing rate continue to decrease, with sustained decreases seen in all provinces," the statement read.

By: Yandisa Qwabe

3 died, dozens displaces in Ravensmead fire

Three people have died, and others seriously injured in a fire that broke out in Appelboord, in Ravensmead, on Saturday morning

The blaze, destroyed 22 homes, leaving about 150 people displaced.

Gift of the Givers has been providing humanitarian aid.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

In a separate incident, three people have died in a fire in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain on Friday.

Cape Town Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says two informal structures in Tunnel Street were destroyed.

‘’The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted that a Wendy house in Tunnel Street was on fire and crews from Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Ottery fire stations were dispatched. On the scene, firefighters found two informal dwellings ablaze and the bodies of the father, mother and their daughter were discovered among the debris.’’

The fire was extinguished at 03:08 and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Youth Café launched in Riversdale

The Western Cape’s Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, launched her department’s twelfth Youth Café in Riversdale, in the Garden route, in partnership with the Hessequa Municipality.

Youth Cafés objective is to create safe, creative spaces for young people, aged 16 to 35, to develop their potential and access opportunities.

"Youth Cafés offer young people the opportunity to acquire job readiness skills, gain entrepreneurial insights and training, and learn how to access funding opportunities, as well as practical training programmes across various sectors. They offer an accessible environment where young people may also find a sense of belonging among like-minded peers,’’ said Fernandez.

‘’I am mindful of the importance of Youth Development. The importance of such services could not come at a better time, especially as we continue to mitigate the economic effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. An investment in the youth is an investment in the future," added Fernandez.

For the current financial year, R14.9 million has been budgeted towards ensuring that at least 10 000 youth in the province are provided with opportunities to access skills and personal development programmes.

 

The programme targets the most vulnerable and valuable youth, with a focus on the following:

·        Life and personal skills development;

·        Work skills development;

·        Leadership development;

·        Mentoring;

·        Internships through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and;

·        Informal skills development.

SUPPLIED: WCGDSD

Done By: Mitchum George

 

B97 taxi route remains closed for further 2 months

Western Cape’s Transport & Public Works MEC, Daylin Mitchell has announced that the B97 taxi route will remain closed for a further two months

The taxi route between Bellville and Mbekweni, in Paarl was closed in July after efforts to end taxi violence between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) failed.

‘’In consultation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, the City of Cape Town and the Drakenstein Municipality, I have decided to extend the closure of the B97 route, two taxi ranks in Mbekweni and an informal rank in Bellville for a further two months from 25 September 2021,’’ said Mitchell.

The MEC said that the arbitration process is set to conclude by the end of September, with the arbitrator giving the findings and report at the end of October

‘’We expect implementation to take place during October, but parties have the option of applying to make the arbitration findings an order of court, which will take time. A total of 229 vehicles illegally operating on roads between Mbekweni and Paarl but off the B97 route, have been impounded, so the situation is clearly not yet stable. The extension of the closure of the B97 route and associated ranks for a further two months will give the search for a lasting peace a viable chance.’’

Mitchell says additional Golden Arrow bus trips will remain in operation between Bellvillle and Paarl. Commuters will also be able to use existing Metrorail train services between Bellville and Paarl.

‘’I expect that extending the closure of these routes and ranks will help maintain the relative stability that was restored to the public transport environment in affected areas and to support the process of finding a lasting peace.’’

Done By: Mitchum George

Two University of Limpopo students shot and killed and two more left injured in a robbery

 

Two University of the Free State (UFS) students were killed and two others were in a critical condition after robbers demanded money and their electronics near Phuthaditjhaba on Wednesday.

The group of students, residing at Botjhabela Village, were at their rental accommodation when three robbers wearing balaclavas attacked them at about 00:40.

According to police, they were summoned to the shooting incident in Botjhabela Village at about 01:00.

The robbers demanded money, laptops and cellphones from the students.

"The names of the deceased and injured will be released once the next of kin has been informed," Makhele added.

Police were investigating two murders, two attempted murders and house robbery.

UFS said it was saddened and shocked by the deaths of its students during two separate incidents in Phuthaditjhaba and the Bloemfontein campus.

Woman Dies of Severe Burn Allegedly attacked by Partner

 Jacqueline Mpontsana from Gugulethu Township has succumbed to her burned wounds after her boyfriend allegedly set her alight and left her with severe injuries.

Mpontsana was rushed to hospital Sunday evening where she was confirmed dead Monday afternoon.

Cousin of the deceased, Luvuyo Ndzuzo said the passing of Jacqueline has shattered the families’ hopes and dreams, as they did not expect something like this to happen to her. She rallied behind issues concerning gender based – violence to have died like this said Ndzuzo.

Police spokesperson colonel Andre Traut has said the circumstances surrounding the murder of Jacqueline are being investigated and that anyone with information regarding the case should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 Done by:  Lucille Dyosi

Three dead after being shot in Joe Slovo taxi rank, in Milnerton on Wednesday morning.

 Three people have been confirmed to have been killed after being gunned down in Joe Slovo taxi rank, in Milnerton on Wednesday. One person has been reported to have been injured during the incident. Provincial Police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that the Taxi Task team is investigating the matter.

Potelwa confirmed that police were called to the scene at around 9:AM on Wednesday morning, and on arrival, they found four men on the ground with gunshot wounds. She mentioned that the third one was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. She confirmed that the incident is linked to the current ongoing taxi conflict in the province.

“Police have opened murder and attempted murder dockets for investigation. The age of the deceased persons is estimated to be between 27 and 40.

“Their identities are yet to be determined. Preliminary findings are that the incident is linked to taxi conflict,” she said.

Police have urged anyone with information, in relation to the shooting incident, to come forward and contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 Done By: Yandisa Qwabe 

The UN pledges R20 million towards KZN’S unrest

The UN has pledged more than R20 million in financial support to KwaZulu-Natal in efforts to rebuild and redevelop sectors of its economy and society that were affected by the civil unrest in July this year.

The UN representative said the R20million was an initial pledge to the province

The UN’s resident coordinator and head of the UN in South Africa, Nardos Bhekele-Thomas, said that the funds would be used to support programmes geared towards the development of education, social cohesion and gender-based violence shelters in KZN.

Bhekele-Thomas and the KZN provincial government, under the leadership of Premier Sihle Zikalala, signed a memorandum of understanding at the International Convention Centre in Durban 

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

DA says government owned land should be used to build affordable housing

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has demanded that government-owned land be released to build affordable housing for the people of Cape Town.

On Wednesday Lewis led a demonstration outside the Department of Public Works building.

A memorandum listing the DA’s proposal of how available land should be developed to benefit the poor was handed over.

In the memorandum addressed to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Patricia de Lille, the DA stated that there was a worsening housing shortage in Cape Town due to national government’s refusal to sell or release available land.

The DA mayoral candidate said parliamentary villages, where MPs live, should be handed over to those who actually need homes.

The Ysterplaat Airforce Base and Wingfield Military Base was also identified as locations that should be converted into public housing.

By Danielle Mentoor 

A Heinz Park Teacher Shot Dead

Two unknown gunmen shot a 53 – year old Cape Town grade 6 teacher by the name of Thulani Manqoyi who died on the spot in his car at the parking lot of Heinz Park Primary School on Tuesday morning.

One of the witnesses said they heard gunshots fired and after saw two men leaving the school premises. The police have not yet established the motive behind the shooting but has asked anyone with information to come forward.

Meanwhile the Department of Education has stated that they will arrange counselling for both traumatized students and school teachers.

By Lucille Dyosi 

Over 90 000 Cape residents inoculated at CTICC

Since the opening of the ’Vaccination Centre of Hope’ in July, more than 90 000 people received their Covid-19 vaccinations at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

 The CTICC is currently home to one of the Western Cape's largest vaccination centres, after previously operating as one of the province’s largest temporary Covid-19 hospitals.

The vaccination centre is a partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, Discovery Health, and the CTICC to accelerate the vaccination programme within the province.

Between July and December this year, the mass vaccination centre is expected to administer over 750 000 vaccinations in Cape Town. Currently, close to 2 000 citizens are vaccinated each day at the centre.

Deon Cloete Chairperson of the Cape Town International Convention Centre Company (Convenco) said the only way to get ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic is to work together.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

  

Western Cape government launches TB dashboard

 The Western Cape government has launched the first-of-a-kind public-facing TB dashboard, which is designed to assist in monitoring the implementation of the province’s multi-sectoral TB response plan.

Premier Alan Winde announcement the launch, where he pledged to use the lessons learnt from the province’s swift response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the fight against TB.

It also follows the premier’s promise in the State of the Province Address to treat the TB epidemic with the same seriousness as the province has in fighting against Covid-19.

“TB has long been an epidemic in the Western Cape, and the dashboard will assist us in collating real-time data to respond effectively.” Winde said.

Premier Winde said that the aim of the dashboard is to “get the TB response, back on track”.

By Danielle Mentoor

32 Deaths No Link to Covid19 Vaccine, said WCDH

The Western Cape Department has reported the 32 people who had died had not died because of vaccine complication rather death occurred to them when they had already vaccinated.

Western Cape health department chief operating officer Saadiq Kariem said that in all deaths where the investigations have been completed, the vaccine did not cause the death and the death was confirmed to be due to another cause, such as illness or injuries.  

The province has had 645 reports of adverse effects after Covid-19 immunization. However, around 80% of these were minor reactions, such as headaches, body pain and fever. More than 400 people had already recovered, said Kariem. 

More than 2.5 million vaccine doses had so far been administered in the province, and Kariem said the department had no concerns regarding the long-term side effects of Covid-19 vaccines. He also stated the serious side effects were rare, and the known and potential benefits of Covid-19 vaccination far outweighed known and potential risks.

About 12 166 043 vaccine doses had been administered in South Africa, with 86 reports of death (about 0.0007%) among vaccinated people by end of August.

Done by Lucille Dyosi 

Endangered Penguins killed by Bees in Simonstown

 A swarm of bees has killed 63 endangered African penguins on a beach outside Cape Town, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds said on Sunday.

African penguins, which inhabit the coast and islands of southern Africa, are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list, meaning they face a high risk of extinction

The protected birds, found on Friday, were from a colony at Simon's Town, a small town near Cape Town.

The area is a national park and the Cape honey bees are part of the ecosystem.

The South African National Parks said the birds were taken to the foundation for post-mortems and samples sent for disease and toxicology testing.

The foundation's David Roberts, a clinical veterinarian. Has said that after tests were done they had found bee stings around the penguins' eyes.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

3 dead, 2 injured in Nyanga shooting

Nyanga police have launched a manhunt after three men were shot dead, and two other seriously injured in Crossroads on Saturday afternoon.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa said that a woman in her thirties who was standing outside her home was hit by a stray bullet during the shooting.

‘’It is alleged that suspects in a minibus taxi fired several shots at four men standing on the corner of Situlo Street after 14:00. Three died on the scene while a fourth one sustained serious injury.’’

‘’The ages of the victims are estimated between 25 and 33 years of age. Their identities will be released once their next of kin have been informed,’’ Potelwa added.

The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined. Police are yet to make an arrest

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Brackenfell police seize R2million worth of abalone

Two suspects, aged 26 and 36, were arrested in Brackenfell on Sunday after they were found in possession of nearly R2million’s worth of abalone.

‘’Brackenfell police members were busy with patrols earlier today (Sunday) when they spotted a double cab Ford Ranger, loading boxes onto a truck. The members called for backup and managed to stop the truck near to the corners of Viben and Petersen Roads and inspected the cargo,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

PICTURE: SAPS

The men were found with a total of 12 boxes containing dried abalone.

PICTURE: SAPS

Once charged they are expected to make a court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate court on a charge of possession of abalone.

Done By: Danielle Mentoor

WC flying squad sends stern warning to drug dealers

The Western Cape’s Flying Squad sent out a stern warning to drug dealers, saying that they will respond to all information received and arrest perpetrators when found in possession of drugs, which contributes to the execution of more serious crimes.

This warning comes as an integrated law enforcement team received a tipoff on Friday about drugs being kept at an address in Kraaifontein. ‘’Upon arrival, they conducted a focused search as per the information at their disposal. A 9 mm pistol and a huge consignment of drugs with an estimated street value of R64 000 were confiscated. A 33-year-old man was arrested and detained,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.

In an unrelated matter, also on Friday, the Anti-Gang unit confiscated a cocktail of drugs in Blikiesdorp informal settlement in Delft.

‘’The members strategized and proceeded to the address. Upon arrival they searched the premises and confiscated a huge consignment of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of cash. A 35-year-old man was arrested and detained,’’ added Swartbooi.

Meanwhile, Overberg police confiscated tik worth an estimated street value of R 250 000 in Napier

‘’Overberg Rural Flying Squad were busy with routine patrols near to Papiesvlei Road, Napier, when their attention was drawn to a suspicious Nissan Navara. The members stopped the vehicle and confiscated a bag with methamphetamine with an estimated street value of R 250 000-00 and an undisclosed amount of cash. Four males aged between 29 and 36 were arrested and detained,’’ said Swartbooi

 

Done By: Mitchum George

2 dead on fishing vessel in West Coast

West Coast police have opened an inquest docket after two crewmen died on the fishing vessel in Yzerfontein.

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said that NSRI Yzerfontein duty crew and police were alerted following reports from a local fishing vessel that they were heading towards Yzerfontein harbour with 8 crew onboard of which 2 crewmen were suspected to be deceased, just before 10am on Friday.

“NSRI medics met the vessel on her arrival at Yzerfontein harbour and a doctor, who happened to be at the harbour at the time, assisted. Two adult male crewmen of the fishing vessel were sadly confirmed to be deceased,” said Lambinon.

“Police attended at the scene and investigations are under way. The bodies of the deceased men were taken into the care of Western Cape government health forensic pathology services. Police have opened an inquest docket."

According to the police’s Joseph Swartbooi, the circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. Swartbooi added that no foul play has been suspected.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

IEC hopes more youth & first-timers will register for elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape has called on all eligible voters and existing voters in the province to use the registration weekend (18 September & 19 September) to register or re-register if their registration details have changed or needs updating.

The IEC in the province has recruited and trained 3 290 registration staff for this weekend.

All of the province’s 1 577 voting stations are open from 8a.m to 5p.m on Saturday & Sunday. Of these, 38 are temporary voting stations where permanent structures are not available or no suitable structure exists.  There are currently over three million voters registered in the Western Cape, and the IEC is hoping to increase voter registration among young people.

‘’The IEC is hoping to increase this figure, especially in regard to the youth and first time voters, and have therefore created an Online Registration facility as additional means of registration,’’ said the IEC’s Western Cape’s Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse.

Hendrickse warned that eligible voters would only be allowed to cast their ballots on 1 November if they were registered by the end of this weekend.

‘’In order to vote in the Local Government Elections to be held on 1 November 2021, voters need to be registered by 20 September 2021 which is when the national Minister of CoGTA will be proclaiming the elections. Any person registering after that date, will not be able to participate in the election on 1 November 2021, but may do so for other future elections.’’

‘’Voters are reminded that they need to be registered in the voting district in which they are ordinarily resident. You do not need to bring any proof of address, but you will be asked to provide your address or indicate the place where you reside – not having a formal address does not deprive an eligible citizen from registering and voting,’’ added Hendrikse

 

An online voter registration facility allows new voters to register and existing voters to update or amend their registration from the ease and convenience of their homes or anywhere.

When registering online:

·        Go to (www.elections.org.za) and go to registertovote

·        Enter your name and surname, contact details, and create a password

·        Capture your address details

·        Upload a photo or file of your valid SA ID – green ID book, smart ID or temporary ID

·        Insert the One Time Pin (OTP) sent to you

·        Receive a notification that you are registered to vote within 24 hours

To check if you are registered:

Ø SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS)

Ø Go to your local IEC office from Monday to Friday during office hours

Ø Go to the IEC website: www.elections.org.za and follow the link “Am I registered to vote?’

Ø Check the Voters’ Roll at the voting station where you are registered to vote during the voter registration weekend

Ø Call Toll-free from a landline to the call centre 0800 11 8000

 

Done By: Mitchum George