insert_link South Africa Tragedy Strikes: Two Dead, Dozens Trapped in George Building Collapse In Western Cape Following the collapse of a five-story building under construction along Victoria Street in George, Western Cape, two fatalities have been confirmed. Seventy-five construction workers were present during the incident yesterday afternoon. George Municipality reports that 22 individuals have been rescued and transported to hospitals, with two casualties. A massive rescue operation involving various disaster service units, including police search and rescue teams with sniffer dogs, is underway to extricate the […] todayMay 7, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety has called for improved service delivery in the police service Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has called for improved service delivery in the police service to curb crime. This stance comes after statistics reveal 243 cases were dismissed due to SAPS inefficiencies between April and September 2023. Of these, 89 were related to gender-based violence. Allen emphasises the need for police improvement plans to prevent recurrence, stressing the importance of credible and trustworthy policing […] todayApril 16, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa George Municipality in S.A to Conduct Mop-Up Operations After Flooding The George Municipality in South Africa will continue mop-up operations today following flooding in various parts of the Western Cape town. Disaster Management Services reported that some areas received over 100 millimeters of rain, leading to overflowing of the Garden Route Dam. Flooding affected homes, roads, and infrastructure such as the Wilderness Civils Depot and Water Treatment Works. Mayoral committee member for Community Safety, Marais Kruger, mentioned that wet and […] todayApril 10, 2024 84
insert_link Environment Cold temperatures, widespread rainfall and flooding continues over parts of South Africa In a recent report regarding the consequences of the storm in Cape Town, the City's Disaster Risk Management told SA media outlet Independent Online that nearly 3,000 structures suffered damage by the gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms that have battered the Western Cape. This as extreme weather conditions continue along South Africa's southern and eastern coasts until Wednesday. Officials reported storms with heavy rain and strong winds hitting the […] todayApril 9, 2024 28
insert_link South Africa Western Cape Government Orders Closure of Public Schools in Affected Areas Due to Severe Weather Damage In response to reports of damage caused by high winds over the weekend, the Western Cape government has announced the closure of all public schools in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Helderberg areas today. Education MEC David Maynier stated that the decision was made following reports of school damage and that the department's infrastructure team is currently assessing the extent of the damage. todayApril 8, 2024 22
insert_link South Africa Western Cape Premier Alerts Emergency Services Amid Severe Weather Warning Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has announced that all disaster management and emergency services are on high alert following a level nine warning issued by the South African Weather Service for damaging winds and rain across the province. Strong winds have already caused damage and exacerbated fires, particularly in the Cape Winelands, although most have been contained. Winde emphasized that protecting lives is the top priority, followed by safeguarding critical […] todayApril 8, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa South African Union Applauds Adoption of Expropriation Bill by National Council of Provinces Cosatu has welcomed the South African National Council of Province’s adoption of the Expropriation Bill. The Western Cape was the only province that voted against the legislation, which was adopted with proposed amendments, that require the National Assembly to approve. One of the objectives of the bill is to expropriate land and property in the interest of the public. Cosatu’s, Matthew Parks, says president Cyril Ramaphosa must ignore opposition from […] todayMarch 20, 2024 38
insert_link Environment Small-scale fishers could be allowed to catch new species photo: Ashraf Hendricks By Liezl Human via GroundUp Small-scale fishers in the Western Cape could be allowed to catch new species, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has said. The Department is finalising policy for the small-scale sector in the Western Cape. Small-scale fishing cooperatives must be sustainable, Abongile Ngqongwa, deputy director of small-scale fisheries management, told Parliament on Tuesday. He said most resources had been declining and […] todayFebruary 28, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa Partial Reinstatement of Metrorail Services in Western Cape Amidst Vandalism Disruptions Metrorail in the Western Cape has announced the partial reinstatement of train services following severe disruptions caused by vandalism between Bellville and Tygerberg stations. Operational lines now include the Cape Flats Line, Cape Town to Heathfield via Athlone and the Southern Line, Cape Town to Fish Hoek via Wynberg. Efforts are underway to restore the Central Line. Spokesperson Zinobulali Mihi stated that dedicated technicians have been working tirelessly around the […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 26