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 44
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 27
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 29
insert_link South Africa Evacuation Underway as Fires Threaten Pringle Bay in Western Cape The Overberg Municipality has initiated a precautionary evacuation of residents from the small coastal town of Pringle Bay in the Western Cape. Raging fires in the area prompted the move, with residents being relocated to the Kleinmond town hall as a safety measure against the approaching flames. Municipal manager Dean O’Neill emphasizes the necessity of this action due to safety concerns. Axel Maier, head police reservist, notes the challenges faced […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa Western Cape MEC Urges Swift Recovery of Stolen Firearms from Mitchells Plain Police Station Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has called for the immediate retrieval of 15 firearms and eight imitation weapons stolen from Mitchells Plain Police Station. The incident, discovered in November last year, involved a police officer, who has since been arrested and dismissed. He is due in court on 2 February. Allen calls for more charges if the stolen firearms were used in crimes. todayJanuary 23, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa Western Cape government is urging residents to join forces with the Law Enforcement during the festive season The Western Cape government is urging residents to join forces with the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officers during the festive season to foster safer communities. Over the past month, these officers seized 27 firearms and carried out 1,253 arrests from October 30th to December 3rd, concentrating on areas with high crime rates. Reagen Allen, the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, praised the relentless endeavors of LEAP officers in […] todayDecember 20, 2023 22
insert_link South Africa The alleged SA Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe is found unfit to stand trial The South African High Court in the Western Cape has ruled that alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe is not fit to stand trial. Presiding judge Nathan Erasmus, in agreement with the doctors’ report, stated that Mafe lacks an understanding of the wrongfulness of his alleged actions. The report, conducted by three doctors, concluded that Mafe is unfit to stand trial. Mafe had been charged with housebreaking, arson, and theft following […] todayDecember 12, 2023 4
insert_link South Africa Western Cape has once again been denied its democratic will after it voted against the National Health Insurance Bill SA's Referendum Party’s leader, Phil Craig says the Western Cape has once again been denied its democratic will after it voted against the National Health Insurance Bill in the National Council of Provinces. Craig says if president Cyril Ramaphosa signs the bill into law, the province will be forced to implement yet another ill-considered and destructive policy to which the Western Cape people are opposed. todayDecember 8, 2023 5
insert_link South Africa Western Cape MEC of Finance says they continue to see job creation Western Cape MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, says in spite of a challenged post-COVID-19 global economy, they continue to see job creation and economic growth improve. She tabled the Municipal Economic Review and Outlook 2023/2024 in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament this week. Wenger says the outlook reflects the province’s adaptability and resilience in the face of changing economic paradigms. todayNovember 24, 2023 13