April, 2025
More than 1000 arrests in one province
Good fight against crime
The good fight against crime is continuing unabated.
This follows the arrest of over 1000 suspects in Gauteng for various crimes between April 7 and 13, 2025.
The arrests form part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela.
“During the operation, a total of 81 undocumented persons were arrested, 105 were nabbed for drunk driving and 13 for possession of drugs. About 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down and a substantial amount of liquor seized,” said SAPS in a statement.
Among the 1067 arrests, 840 were wanted suspects across the province.
The actions conducted on the operations included roadblocks, stop and searches, liquor and second-hand goods compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints and patrols. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Good news for education in province
A thousand more teachers
ONE thousand more teachers to make sure there’s a teacher in every classroom.
This is the good news for education in KwaZulu-Natal following the provincial Education Department’s appointment of over 1000 teachers to ensure no classroom is without a qualified teacher.
Education MEC (Member of the Executive Committee) Sipho Hlomuka said the department had appointed 1 530 Post Level 1 teachers between January and April 2025.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing quality education to learners across the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The filling of these critical posts is a significant milestone for the department, as it will enable us to improve the teacher-to-learner ratio, enhance teaching and learning, and ultimately improve learner outcomes,” Hlomuka said.
He added that the achievement was a testament to the department’s dedication to ensuring that learners receive consistent and quality education.
The MEC expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the process, including teachers’ unions, and the broader education community. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Nominate your best educator to win top award
Let’s celebrate our teachers
IT’S that time of the year again when the process to celebrate South Africa’s top teachers is underway.
Nominations for the 2025 National Teaching Awards are now open until 16 May 2025.
The Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, said the awards give them the opportunity to celebrate teaching excellence, and to appreciate the outstanding work done by teachers in public schools each year.
All teachers, school governing bodies and district officials are invited to submit nominations to their principals or centre managers.
The nomination guide and relevant application will be sent to all schools, and details are also available on the Western Cape Education Department website –https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/national-teaching-awards
The categories for this year are: Excellence in Grade R Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7); Excellence in Primary School Leadership; Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12); Excellence in Secondary School Leadership; Excellence in Special Needs Teaching; Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership; Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET); Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET); Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences; Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences; Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6); Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning; National Best Teacher Award and Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards will take place in August.
“The 15 provincial winners will then go on to be our nominees for the national awards ceremony due to take place during October.
“We encourage every teacher to participate in the awards, so that we can celebrate their dedication, care and love for the children of the Western Cape,” said Maynier.
Successes against criminals in City
Cops grab those suspects
THE City of Cape Town’s crime fighting teams had good successes in the past week (7 to 10 April 2025).
According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, the traffic services, metro police, and law enforcement teams were deployed to the Steenberg area in an effort to assist the SAPS.
“The area has recently seen a surge in gang-related shootings. It was during this deployment that our traffic team recovered a stolen motor vehicle in Vrygrond near Muizenberg on Monday, 7 April. The vehicle was located with the support of SAPS Flying Squad, and two suspects were arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
“On Tuesday, 8 April our law enforcement officers on patrol in Woodstock spotted a suspicious vehicle and stopped it, discovering that it was also stolen. The driver was arrested.
“Also in Woodstock, on Wednesday 9 April law enforcement officers arrested three suspects for possession of a variety of drugs,” said Smith.
Other arrests included a 21-year-old man for possession of a prohibited gun in Hanover Park, a 23-year-old man for drug dealing and a third suspect in Gugulethu for possession of prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Drones, body cams ready for Easter
High tech crosses SA borders
SOMETHING good is coming to South Africa’s borders soon.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) announced at a media briefing in Pretoria on 10 April 2025 that four drones and 40 body cameras will be deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry over the coming Easter weekend.
The AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world.
The devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people or vehicles. They can travel at speeds f oup to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas and underground without access to GPS.
The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber told the briefing the launch of this technology marks the biggest step forward for increased border security and management.
“Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented, increased by 215%,” said the Minister.
He said the BMA will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a fulltime basis.
“As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security,” he said.
The body cameras will be fitted to officials working in the port environment to detect and punish acts of corruption, while also monitoring the efficiency of officials.
“Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.”
BMA Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato said the Easter period is traditionally characterised by a significant spike in the movement of people and goods across the country’s ports.
“During this period, families travel for religious observances, holidays, and cultural gatherings, while traders and transporters increase activity in preparation for the long Easter weekend.
“These heightened activities bring both opportunities and risks, requiring a concerted and integrated operational response,” he said.
The BMA will train eight officers to become expert drone pilots.
Social Development gazettes new amounts
All good for grant payments
The Department of Social Development has gazetted the new social grants amounts effective 1 April 2025.
The new amounts, as per the gazette, are:
Older persons grant: R2310
Older persons grant 75 years plus (additional payment): R2310 + R20
War veterans’ grant (including additional payment): R2310 + R20
Disability grant: R2310
Care dependency grant: R2310
Foster child grant: R1250
Child support grant: R560
Child support grant (Top-Up): R560 + R280
Grant-in-Aid: R560 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
Free vehicle testing for long distance operators
Good news for drivers
THERE is some fantastic news for long distance transport operators in Cape Town just before Easter.
Operation Exodus will be making a return to facilitate free vehicle safety checks from Friday, 11 April 2025 until Thursday, 17 April 2025 to long-distance operators before they leave Cape Town.
Where defects are detected, drivers are informed and advised to attend to the issue. They are able to have the vehicle retested afterwards.
“Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy before taking any trip, especially over peak times and popular travel holidays like Easter, can help identify critical issues and save lives. Vehicle fitness is crucial, along with responsible driving behaviour.
“The vehicle checks are free and will only cost you some time to get it done. We want to make sure everyone gets where they want to be safely and back again,” said Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
Operation Exodus venues are Joe Gqabi, Bellville, Cape Town station and the Intercape Bus Depot.
Good news as nearly 90 000 want to register
Half a Billion for spaza shops
THE South African government has received nearly 90 000 applications from owners to register their spaza shops.
The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, announced on 9 April 2025 that the government is willing to assist South African-owned spaza shops and at the same time launched a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF.
Registered spaza shops will get help
With the recent drive to have spaza shops registered, the government has received 87 407 applications and of these, a total 53% is from South African-owned spaza shops.
“Our commitment with this fund is to support those who heeded the President’s call to register their spaza shops. As the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), we can help you when you have an idea and want to start a business.
“We have incubators that help new and startup businesses. We can help you from being an informal trader to a formal trader, to start a spaza shop and to own a wholesale or an entire distribution channel. We will be working with you to help you to turn things around,” said Ndabeni.
The fund will be rolled out nationally to impact spaza shops across all major townships, as well as rural areas.
To access the funding, applicants need to apply to the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA) through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution’s website.
The following website can be used to apply for funding: www.spazashopfund.co.za
The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund call centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za.
Contact details for the NEF call centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA call centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Effort raises over R200 000 for vital service
‘Insane’ firefighters
THE brave firefighters who took in the challenge of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on Sunday, 6 April have so far raised a staggering R226 000 for the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS).
City of Cape Town firefighters Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan completed the race in full firefighting gear and their feat was described as INSANE by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
They were joined by VWS firefighters. Liam Gannon and Thomas Lennon.
“The VWS is an incredible organization that relies on volunteer members who risk their lives to combat wildfires. When disaster strikes, VWS volunteers spring into action, providing critical support to contain runaway veld fires.
“To ensure VWS can continue their vital work, they need our financial support. That’s where you come in, Cape Town,” said Smith.
The firefighters who conquered the half marathon in full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus and oxygen tanks, are asking people to donate just R21 towards for a much-needed vehicle replacement.
Visit www.vws.org.za to learn how to contribute.
“Let’s rally behind these heroes and help protect our beloved city’s natural beauty!” Sources: www.vws.org.za and JP Smith via Facebook
Mayor finally hands over Civic Honours Scroll
Butler gets his award
NEARLY two years after being awarded Civic Honours by the City of Cape Town, South African jazz legend, Jonathan Butler, has finally received his award in person.
In December 2023 Butler was among a group of worthy South Africans who received Civic Honours for the role they played in society. The official ceremony was held at the City of Cape Town Council Chambers.
However, Butler was in California at the time and did not attend the ceremony.
On 28 March 2025 Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, handed over the Civic Honours scroll and award to Butler who was in his town of birth for a visit.
At the time of handing out the awards in 2023, Hill-Lewis said: “Today is about recognising the contributions of some truly remarkable people and to reflect on their achievements and the impact they’ve made in society. We express our deepest admiration and gratitude to them all.”