Friday, the 20th of March, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- 26 000 dead, where is SAPS and why is crime out of control
- Your power bill is going up as Eskom tariff hikes hit Cape Town
- Forced out with nowhere to go as dozens are evicted near Cape Town Stadium
- Khayelitsha teacher turns job loss into a thriving preschool business
- Newlands name change looms as a new sponsor deal comes into play
- Pretty Woman the musical arrives in Cape Town for the first time
- Clear skies and calm winds expected across the Western Cape
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26,000 Dead So Far, Where’s The SAPS? Crime Crisis Reaches War Zone Levels
Parliament warns South Africa’s murder rate now mirrors conflict zones, with growing pressure for military intervention and systemic reform.
South Africa’s crime crisis has escalated to levels now being compared to active war zones, with more than 26,000 people killed in a single year, a figure that has triggered alarm across government and security structures.
During a recent Peace and Security Cluster briefing in Parliament, Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans chairperson Dakota Legoete described the situation as “war-like,” warning that the scale of violence poses a direct threat to national stability. The figure reflects a sustained pattern of violent crime that continues to affect communities across the country, including the Western Cape.
In Cape Town, particularly across the Cape Flats, residents continue to face daily incidents of shootings, gang violence, and extortion. These are not isolated events but part of deeply entrenched criminal networks that have proven difficult to dismantle.
Legoete confirmed support for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to assist the South African Police Service, stating that police resources alone are no longer sufficient to deal with increasingly organised and heavily armed criminal elements. However, lawmakers have been clear that this approach is only a temporary stabilisation measure.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, cautioned that military deployment risks masking deeper systemic failures. He warned that without structural reform, improved intelligence coordination, and stronger prosecution of organised crime, the intervention could become a short-term solution to a long-term crisis.
Further concern has been raised around the flow of illegal firearms, with reports indicating that weapons are being diverted from licensed security companies into criminal networks. This has contributed significantly to the scale and intensity of violence, particularly in urban areas.
For many Capetonians, the crisis is not abstract. It is a daily reality marked by fear, trauma, and uncertainty. Parliament has now stressed that long-term solutions must include socio-economic interventions, improved policing, and tighter regulation, warning that failure to act risks normalising levels of violence comparable to global conflict zones.
Source: IOL – Wendy Dondolo
Eskom Tariff Hike Set To Push Up Cape Town Electricity Costs
Cape Town households are preparing for another increase in electricity costs after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa approved Eskom’s tariff adjustments for the upcoming financial year.
From 1 April, Eskom direct customers will face an average increase of 8.76%, while municipal customers, including the majority of Cape Town residents, will see an average increase of 9.01% from 1 July, when the City of Cape Town implements its updated tariffs.
Eskom group chief financial officer Calib Cassim said the utility is working to balance affordability with operational sustainability. The increases, while lower than initially requested, remain above inflation and are expected to place additional pressure on households already dealing with rising costs.
Sandra Dickson, GOOD Party councillor and founder of Stop CoCT, criticised the increase, warning that many households could face an additional R200 to R300 per month for basic electricity usage. She argued that consumers should not be burdened with the cost of past mismanagement.
Bouwe van der Eems, vice chair of the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association, added that rising electricity costs are compounded by increasing municipal charges, including water, sanitation, and refuse services.
Despite Eskom reporting improved energy availability, currently at 65.85% year-to-date, concerns remain about long-term sustainability and cost drivers. The City of Cape Town is now under pressure to implement mitigating measures, including rebates and expanded support for vulnerable households.
There are also renewed calls to accelerate alternative energy solutions, including small-scale embedded generation, which could reduce reliance on Eskom and provide financial relief to consumers.
As the City prepares to finalise its tariffs, the impact on affordability will remain a key concern for residents.
Source: Cape Argus – Murray Swart
Dozens Evicted From Informal Settlement Near Cape Town Stadium
Around 40 people were evicted from an informal settlement along Granger Bay Boulevard in Green Point on Wednesday, in an operation carried out by the Sheriff of the Court with support from City Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service.
By midday, structures had been demolished using a bucket loader, leaving displaced residents sitting on the pavement with their belongings. Many expressed uncertainty about where they would go next.
Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell confirmed that the eviction followed a formal legal process, with multiple engagements and notices issued to occupants. The most recent notice was delivered on Monday, 16 March.
The City of Cape Town stated that alternative accommodation had been offered through its Safe Spaces programme, as well as options for relocation to family or friends. However, some residents declined these offers, citing concerns about conditions and restrictions in the shelters.
The site has been the focus of previous evictions, including the removal of a settlement known as Tent City in 2024. Authorities indicated that the cleared land will now be used temporarily for a construction project along the boulevard.
The eviction has once again highlighted the ongoing challenges around homelessness in central Cape Town, where limited shelter capacity, policy constraints, and public space management continue to create tension between enforcement and humanitarian needs.
Source: GroundUp via Cape {town} Etc – Matthew Hirsch
From Job Loss To Growth, Khayelitsha Teacher Builds Thriving Preschool
A local entrepreneur turns a pandemic setback into a growing early childhood development business.
When Mthwakazi Nancy Soqaka lost her teaching job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced a difficult decision. Instead of seeking new employment, she chose to build her own future.
With 15 years of experience and strong community ties, Nancy launched Grow Buddies Preschool and Aftercare in Khayelitsha. Starting with just four children and limited resources, she relied on donations, word of mouth, and her reputation to establish the centre.
Through support from Grow ECD, a non-profit social enterprise, Nancy gained access to business training, mentorship, and digital tools that transformed her operations. She adopted structured financial management systems and improved administrative processes, enabling sustainable growth.
Today, Grow Buddies operates across two sites, supporting over 50 children and creating employment opportunities within the community. Additional infrastructure support from Breadline SA has further expanded capacity.
Nancy says the transformation has been both personal and professional, with improved outcomes for children in language, confidence, and development.
Her long-term vision includes expanding into a full educational campus, demonstrating how entrepreneurship and community support can drive meaningful change in early childhood education.
Source: Good Things Guy – Supplied
Newlands Cricket Ground Could See Name Change Under New Sponsorship Strategy
WPCA explores commercial opportunities as current naming deal nears its end.
The iconic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town could soon be renamed, as the Western Province Cricket Association moves to reassess its commercial strategy.
With the current naming rights agreement with World Sports Betting nearing its conclusion, the association has partnered with marketing firm Megapro to explore new sponsorship opportunities.
WPCA chief executive Corrie van Zyl said the move aims to unlock the full commercial potential of the venue, while positioning Cape Town as a global cricket destination.
An independent valuation of the association’s commercial assets is also underway, conducted by Futures Sport and Entertainment.
The timing coincides with a major international season, with scheduled Test matches against Australia and England, as well as a One Day International against Bangladesh.
While the potential name change reflects commercial realities, it may face mixed reactions from fans who view Newlands as a historic venue with strong cultural significance.
Source: BusinessTech – Supplied
Pretty Woman The Musical Arrives In Cape Town
Global stage production brings a beloved story to South African audiences.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is set to debut in South Africa, bringing the internationally acclaimed stage adaptation to Cape Town audiences.
Based on the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the production combines romance, humour, and music, with songs by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams.
The show has enjoyed success on Broadway and the West End, and its arrival in South Africa reflects growing demand for large-scale theatre productions.
Ticketmaster has confirmed that accessibility options will be available, ensuring broader audience inclusion.
The production is expected to draw strong attendance, positioning it as a key event on the city’s cultural calendar.
Source: Ticketmaster – Listing
Financial Markets:
Clear, Calm Saturday Ahead Across the Western Cape
Mild temperatures, light winds, and clean ocean conditions set the tone for a settled day.
Saturday shapes up as one of those easy Cape Town days, clear skies from morning right through the evening, no rain, and steady, comfortable conditions across the region.
Cape Town will see a high of 23°C and a low of 16°C. Paarl warms to 28°C before dropping to 13°C overnight, while Stellenbosch reaches 24°C with a cooler low of 11°C in the early hours.
A light south south easterly wind at around 10 km/h will keep things stable, with very little disruption across the metro.
Out at sea, swell sits at 1.8 metres with a 12-second south westerly period, moderate but clean conditions along the coastline.
Tides will be high at 04:33 and again at 16:56, with lows at 10:47 and 22:56.
The sun rises at 06:50 and sets at 18:56, with a UV index of 8, very high, so take care if you’re outdoors.
Overall, a calm, clear and well-balanced day ahead.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Crime Report – IOL – Wendy Dondolo
Provincial Politics – Cape Argus – Murray Swart
City News – GroundUp via Cape {town} Etc – Matthew Hirsch
Feel-Good Friday – Good Things Guy – Staff Writer
WP Sport – BusinessTech – Staff Reporter
Local Events – Ticketmaster – Listing
Weather Forecast – South African Weather Service – SAWS
MONEY MARKET SOURCES:
Currencies: FNB FX – FirstRand Bank Ltd
Commodities: Goldbroker.com – Gold Broker Ltd
Crypto Market: Binance.com – Binance Holdings Ltd
CTNews will continue to track these stories and bring updates as new information becomes available. For the latest bulletin remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit ctnews.co.za for daily coverage and special features
Chief News Editor: Mark Botes-Lashmar
Written by: CTNews team
Publisher: Cape Town News
Region: Cape Town and Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: editorial@ctnews.co.za
