Saturday, 28th of March, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Cape Town rapist jailed for 12 years after court ruling
- Diesel, disease and dam levels raise alarm across the Western Cape
- Easter flight prices spike for Cape Town travellers
- Call centre boom creates 100 000 jobs across Cape Town
- Olympic committee bans transgender women from female category from 2028
- Thousands expected at SPAR Women’s Challenge tomorrow in Cape Town
- Clear skies and calm winds set for Western Cape Sunday
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Cape Town Court Sentences Rapist to 12 Years, Victim Finds Relief After Lengthy Legal Battle
A Cape Town court has sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for rape, bringing a measure of relief to the victim after what has been described as a long and emotionally taxing legal process.
Cameron Smith was sentenced in the Cape Town Regional Court after being convicted of raping a colleague during a year-end staff function in Salt River on 21 December 2023. The incident took place at a props hire company where both the accused and the victim were employed.
The court heard that Smith had also faced a second charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but he was acquitted on that count. However, on the rape charge, the court found the State’s witnesses to be credible and reliable, while rejecting the accused’s version of events as not reasonably possibly true.
In delivering judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Amori Graf deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years. The court ruled that substantial and compelling circumstances justified a lesser sentence of 12 years, while still recognising the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the victim.
Medical evidence presented during the trial supported the victim’s account of non-consensual intercourse, with injuries consistent with her testimony. The court also took into consideration the broader emotional and psychological consequences of the crime.
In a victim impact statement, the complainant described ongoing trauma, including anxiety, depression, emotional distress and recurring nightmares. She told the court that the experience has had a lasting effect on her mental health and daily life.
The impact extended beyond the victim herself. Her young son, who was present on the day of the incident, was also left traumatised and required counselling. The court acknowledged the broader harm caused by the crime, particularly in cases where children are indirectly affected.
Smith, a first-time offender and father of two, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming the encounter had been consensual. The court ultimately rejected this version of events based on the evidence presented.
In addition to the prison sentence, Smith’s name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
While the sentence does not undo the harm suffered, it represents a significant step in the victim’s pursuit of justice and accountability within the legal system.
Source: IOL – Chevon Booysen
Western Cape Faces Triple Pressure as Fuel, Disease and Water Concerns Mount
The Western Cape Government’s Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is continuing to coordinate a complex, multi-layered response to three growing challenges facing the province, fuel supply pressure, the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, and declining dam levels ahead of the winter season.
The update was presented during the latest JOC meeting, where provincial authorities confirmed that while overall fuel supply remains stable, diesel availability is under increasing strain due to rising demand. This is particularly concerning for the agricultural sector, which is entering a critical period of fruit harvesting and winter grain planting.
The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has assured Premier Alan Winde that sufficient fuel imports have been secured for March and April. However, the province remains vulnerable to external pressures, including global oil price volatility linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Officials have also raised concern over isolated reports of fuel shortages, which have been attributed not to a lack of supply, but to delays by certain suppliers in releasing fuel to clients. The Premier has issued a firm warning against any form of hoarding or withholding of fuel, describing such practices as unethical and harmful to the broader economy.
“Fuel is essential to our economy, growth and job creation efforts, especially in agriculture,” Winde noted, emphasising the importance of maintaining consistent supply chains during this critical period.
Alongside fuel concerns, the province continues to manage the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has already resulted in 29 confirmed cases. Authorities report that more than 50% of cattle in the City of Cape Town have now been vaccinated, with over 140,000 vaccine doses administered across 477 sites, supported by both state and private veterinary services.
The response strategy includes strict movement controls, 24-hour border monitoring, rapid on-the-ground veterinary response, and coordinated quarantine and sanitation measures. Officials say these interventions have so far been effective in limiting further spread of the disease.
Water security remains the third major concern. Dam levels across the Western Cape have dropped to just over 45%, significantly lower than the same period last year. With the province now entering its winter rainfall season, authorities are working closely with the national Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that infrastructure is fully operational and capable of capturing incoming rainfall efficiently.
This includes clearing silt from key systems feeding dams and reservoirs, a critical step in improving water retention capacity after several seasons of pressure on supply systems.
Residents are once again being urged to use water sparingly, as officials continue to monitor conditions closely. The province’s ability to manage these combined challenges will depend not only on government intervention, but also on public cooperation and responsible resource use.
With fuel stability, disease containment, and water security all under strain, the JOC’s role remains central in coordinating a unified response to protect the Western Cape’s economy and communities in the months ahead.
Source: Western Cape Government – Department of the Premier
Easter Flight Prices Surge as Demand Rises Between Cape Town and Johannesburg
Travellers planning to move between Cape Town and Johannesburg over the Easter long weekend are facing rising costs, as increased demand and fuel-related pressures push ticket prices higher across one of South Africa’s busiest domestic routes.
Airline FlySafair has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on selected flights, citing a spike in global oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The surcharge, which applies to flights departing up to mid-May, is being itemised separately on tickets rather than being absorbed into base fares.
The decision reflects growing pressure on the aviation sector, where fuel remains one of the largest operational costs. By separating the surcharge, airlines aim to maintain transparency while retaining flexibility should fuel prices stabilise in the coming months.
For travellers, however, the impact is already being felt. A return trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg over the Easter period, departing early and returning after the long weekend, is currently priced at just under R5,000. The reverse route, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, is even more expensive, with fares exceeding R6,000 for similar travel times.
The Easter break, running from Good Friday on 3 April through to Family Day on 6 April, is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Many South Africans use the extended weekend to visit family or take short holidays, placing additional strain on available flight capacity.
Industry analysts note that demand-driven pricing, combined with external cost pressures such as fuel, often leads to sharp increases in ticket prices during peak periods. As flights begin to fill, last-minute bookings tend to carry the highest premiums.
While airlines maintain that surcharges are a necessary response to fluctuating costs, the move has sparked debate among consumers, with some questioning whether the additional fees are justified. Others have urged travellers to book early to avoid further price increases.
For now, the message to travellers is clear, secure bookings as early as possible or risk paying significantly more as the Easter weekend approaches.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
Cape Town’s Call Centre Boom Drives Jobs Into Local Communities
Cape Town’s rapidly expanding call centre industry is not only servicing international markets, it is increasingly reshaping local communities by creating large-scale employment opportunities across the metro.
New workforce data reveals that the city’s business process outsourcing sector is deeply rooted in communities beyond traditional commercial hubs, with thousands of employees commuting from areas such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Langa and Athlone to work in call centres serving global clients.
The data, commissioned by the City of Cape Town and conducted through CapeBPO, offers one of the clearest insights yet into the geographic spread of the workforce behind the industry’s continued growth.
Mitchells Plain accounts for approximately 16.3% of employees in international call centres, followed closely by Khayelitsha at 15.3%. Langa contributes 7.5%, with other areas such as Athlone, Hanover Park, Delft, Elsies River, Grassy Park, Kraaifontein and Manenberg also forming key parts of the workforce.
In total, around 70,000 Capetonians are employed in international call centres, with an additional 30,000 working in domestic operations. This brings total sector employment in Cape Town to approximately 100,000 people, making it one of the city’s most significant job creation engines.
According to Alderman James Vos, the findings help answer a key question about who is benefiting from the sector’s growth and how widely opportunities are distributed across the metro.
While many call centre operations are based in areas such as the CBD, Woodstock, Century City and Bellville, the workforce itself is drawn from across the city, effectively linking global demand with local talent.
Industry leaders say the insights will play a crucial role in guiding future investment, skills development programmes and infrastructure planning, particularly as the city explores opportunities to position new facilities closer to residential areas.
Beyond direct employment, the expansion of call centres is also contributing to broader economic activity. Increased foot traffic in surrounding areas often leads to the growth of small businesses, retail outlets and transport services, creating a multiplier effect within local economies.
City officials have indicated that aligning economic development more closely with Cape Town’s spatial realities remains a long-term goal. Reducing commute times while expanding access to employment is seen as key to unlocking further growth.
As Cape Town continues to position itself as a leading global outsourcing destination, the sector stands as a clear example of how international demand can translate into tangible opportunities for local communities.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
IOC Policy Shift on Transgender Athletes Sparks Global Debate Ahead of 2028 Olympics
A major policy shift by the International Olympic Committee is set to reshape elite sport, after the organisation confirmed that transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in the female category at the Olympic Games from 2028 onwards.
The decision marks a significant departure from the IOC’s previous position, which had emphasised inclusion and allowed participation based on broader eligibility guidelines during recent Olympic cycles, including the Tokyo Games.
According to the IOC, the updated policy is grounded in three key principles, fairness, safety and the integrity of competition. Officials say that scientific research conducted over the past year indicates that athletes with male chromosomes may retain performance advantages in areas such as strength, endurance and power, even after transitioning.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that while inclusivity remains important, the organisation has a responsibility to ensure a level playing field in women’s sport at elite level. The new framework introduces eligibility criteria based on biological characteristics, including testing linked to sex-determining factors.
The policy is expected to rely on genetic screening methods as an initial step in determining eligibility, with further assessments required where necessary. The IOC has indicated that the approach is designed to be applied consistently across all Olympic disciplines.
The announcement has triggered widespread global reaction. Human rights groups have criticised the move, arguing that it risks excluding athletes and undermining principles of equality and non-discrimination. They have called for policies to be based on sport-specific evidence rather than generalised assumptions.
At the same time, supporters of the decision argue that it protects the competitive balance within women’s sport, particularly in events where physical performance differences may have a significant impact on outcomes.
The decision may also have implications for athletes with differences in sex development, including South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, as governing bodies continue to refine eligibility criteria.
With the policy set to take effect at the 2028 Olympic Games, further guidelines and implementation details are expected to follow, as the IOC navigates one of the most complex and sensitive issues in modern sport.
Source: Daily Maverick – Yanga Sibembe
SPAR Women’s Challenge Returns to Cape Town With Thousands Expected at Green Point
Cape Town is preparing to host one of its most anticipated community events of the year, as the SPAR Women’s Challenge returns this weekend, bringing together thousands of participants for a celebration of fitness, unity and empowerment.
The Cape Town leg of the national SPAR Women’s Challenge series will take place at the Green Point Shared Fields, marking the start of a countrywide event that has become widely recognised for its inclusive spirit and strong community focus.
Open to women of all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds, the event encourages both runners and walkers to take part, creating a vibrant and accessible atmosphere that has earned it a reputation as one of South Africa’s most inclusive races.
This year’s theme, “Celebrate Her”, places the spotlight on the individuality and strength of every participant, with organisers emphasising participation and community engagement over competition.
The event is expected to draw large crowds throughout the morning, with thousands of participants taking to the route and spectators lining the course in support. Organisers have also confirmed that a range of incentives will be available, including finisher medals, goody bags and a series of lucky-draw prizes.
Among the standout prizes is a R30,000 SPAR voucher, which will be awarded to one participant, adding further excitement to the day’s activities.
Beyond the race itself, the event continues to support the SPAR Petals Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing period poverty and providing essential hygiene products to women in need. The programme has become a key component of the event’s broader social impact.
City officials have advised motorists to expect increased traffic in and around the Green Point area during the morning hours, as both participants and spectators make their way to the venue.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge remains a highlight on Cape Town’s events calendar, not only promoting health and wellness, but also fostering a sense of community and shared experience across the city.
With favourable weather conditions expected, organisers anticipate a strong turnout, reinforcing the event’s status as a cornerstone of the city’s annual sporting and social calendar.
Source: Cape Town Events – Listing
Financial Markets:
Clear Skies and Mild Conditions Expected Across the Western Cape on Sunday
Weather conditions across the Western Cape on Sunday are expected to remain calm and clear, with mild autumn temperatures and no rainfall forecast across the region.
In Cape Town, temperatures will reach a high of 22°C, with a low of 16°C overnight. Inland areas will be warmer, with Paarl expected to peak at 27°C and Stellenbosch at 24°C, both dropping to lows of 11°C during the early morning hours.
Skies are forecast to remain clear throughout the day, from morning into the evening, with a 0% chance of rain. Humidity levels are expected to sit at around 80%, while a light south-south-easterly wind of approximately 10 km/h will contribute to stable and comfortable conditions.
Along the coastline, ocean conditions are expected to be moderate, with a swell of 1.6 metres and a 13-second period from the south-west, offering relatively steady sea conditions.
Tide patterns for Cape Town will see high tide at 01:08 and again at 13:34, with low tides at 07:31 and 19:40.
The sun will rise at 06:56 and set at 18:45, while the UV index is expected to reach a high level of 7, indicating that sun protection remains advisable during peak daylight hours.
Overall, the weather is expected to provide favourable conditions for outdoor activities across the province, including events such as the SPAR Women’s Challenge taking place in Cape Town.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Crime Report – IOL – Chevon Booysen
Provincial News – Western Cape Government – Department of the Premier
City News – Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
Community Spotlight – Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
WP Sport – Daily Maverick – Yanga Sibembe
Local Events – Cape Town Events – Listing
Weather Forecast – SAWS – South African Weather Service
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
