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. today8 April, 2024
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 […] today8 April, 2024
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 […] today20 March, 2024
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 […] today28 February, 2024
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 […] today9 February, 2024
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 […] today31 January, 2024
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. today23 January, 2024