Thursday, 19th of March, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Diesel pumps run dry as shortages appear across South Africa
- R230 million superyacht marina planned for the V and A Waterfront
- Alleged gang boss shot dead in Elsies River as Bishop Lavis tensions rise
- Codeta taxi rank manager and passenger killed in Delft shooting
- Stormers Twenty Three set to face the Seattle Seawolves in Cape Town
- Milnerton Players present UNSCRIPTED: A Night of Improv Comedy
- Light rain expected across Cape Town and the Winelands tomorrow
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Diesel shortages appear across South Africa as supply pressures build
South Africans are beginning to experience diesel shortages at several petrol stations across the country, raising concerns about the stability of the national fuel supply as global energy pressures intensify.
Reports from motorists and fuel distributors indicate that multiple petrol stations have temporarily run out of 50ppm diesel in several provinces, including the Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape. Some Western Cape locations mentioned in community alerts include towns such as Paarl, Saldanha, Beaufort West and Swellendam.
While authorities stress that the situation does not currently represent a national fuel crisis, the emergence of empty diesel pumps has drawn attention to South Africa’s growing reliance on imported refined fuel.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says the country continues to receive fuel shipments and that coordination between government and industry remains ongoing.
Officials say supply chains are being closely monitored to ensure that sufficient diesel reaches distribution hubs across the country.
However, fuel companies have already begun implementing controlled allocation measures at some depots and service stations. These measures are designed to prevent panic buying and ensure that available fuel stocks are distributed as evenly as possible.
Energy analysts warn that the system remains vulnerable to global disruptions.
Professor Vally Padayachee, an energy expert quoted in recent reports, cautioned that geopolitical tensions could quickly impact fuel availability.
“It would be prudent for South Africans to remain vigilant, as any sudden geopolitical escalation could lead to fuel rationing and long queues at petrol stations,” he said.
The potential economic impact could extend far beyond motorists.
Diesel remains essential for heavy transport, agriculture, mining and construction, while many businesses also rely on diesel generators during power outages.
South Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuel has increased significantly in recent years after several domestic refineries closed or suspended operations.
Analysts say this shift has left the country more exposed to fluctuations in global oil markets and international shipping disruptions.
Motorists may also face financial pressure in the coming months. Data from the Central Energy Fund suggests diesel prices could rise by more than R7 per litre in April if current market conditions continue.
With global energy markets remaining volatile, industry observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current shortages remain isolated incidents or develop into a broader national supply concern.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Tauhira Ajam
R230 million superyacht marina planned for Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is preparing for a major expansion of its maritime infrastructure with plans to develop a R230 million superyacht marina aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a global destination for luxury vessels.
The new facility, known as the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina, will be located directly in front of the upcoming Cape Town EDITION hotel and is expected to accommodate vessels between 40m and 90m in length.
Developers say the project is designed to attract a growing international fleet of superyachts that visit Cape Town each year during the southern hemisphere summer.
The marina is scheduled for completion in October and will significantly increase the number of dedicated berths available for large private yachts visiting the city.
According to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town has seen a steady increase in superyacht traffic in recent years.
During the 2024/25 season alone, 35 superyachts were recorded docking in the city, with some remaining in local waters for several months.
Industry leaders say these vessels generate significant economic activity during their stay.
Superyachts require specialised services including engineering, maintenance, provisioning, crew accommodation and security.
“Each visiting superyacht supports a wide ecosystem of marine professionals, from technicians and suppliers to hospitality services,” a Waterfront spokesperson said.
“These vessels often remain in Cape Town for extended periods, meaning the economic benefits extend well beyond tourism.”
The marina is also expected to support South Africa’s expanding marine manufacturing sector, particularly the catamaran production industry which has gained international recognition in recent years.
During the off-season, the marina will provide space for locally built vessels to be prepared and commissioned before export.
Developers say the facility will aim for international Gold Anchor accreditation, a recognised standard for marina excellence that focuses on operational quality, environmental sustainability and customer service.
The investment forms part of a broader strategy to position Cape Town as a major maritime hub linking Africa with global sea routes.
With more than 30,000 vessels passing the Cape annually, city officials believe the new marina could play an important role in attracting high-value maritime tourism to the Western Cape.
Source: IOL – Alyssia Birjalal
Community tensions rise after alleged gang boss shot dead in Elsies River
Residents of Bishop Lavis and surrounding Cape Flats communities remain on edge following the fatal shooting of an alleged gang leader in Elsies River.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of 35 Street and Old Stellenbosch Road.
According to police, a 42-year-old man was shot multiple times while driving a lime green Toyota Auris.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a burst of gunfire before the vehicle came to a stop with the driver slumped over the steering wheel.
A 54-year-old passenger travelling in the vehicle was also struck by gunfire and rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that Elsies River officers responded to the scene shortly after 2pm.
“Elsies River police responded to a complaint of a shooting incident at about 2.16pm where a 42-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, and a 54-year-old male was injured,” Van Wyk said.
Authorities believe the victim was associated with the Disciples gang, a group linked to drug-related crime in parts of the Cape Flats.
Local sources say the Disciples maintain a complicated relationship with another gang known as the Fancy Boys, raising fears that the killing could spark retaliatory violence.
Community members say the shooting has heightened anxiety in the area.
Residents expressed concern that further violence could erupt as rival groups react to the killing.
Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder and are appealing to the public for information that could assist with the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop anonymously.
Source: IOL – IOL Reporter
Taxi rank manager and passenger killed in Delft shooting
Police have launched a murder investigation after a taxi rank manager and a female passenger were shot and killed near the Palm taxi rank in Delft South.
The shooting occurred on Monday evening when the victims were travelling in a vehicle close to the taxi rank.
According to police, unknown suspects approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
When officers arrived, they discovered the bodies of a 50-year-old man and an adult female who had both sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Medical personnel declared both victims dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered dozens of spent cartridges at the location, including R5 rifle ammunition and 9mm rounds, suggesting the attackers used multiple firearms during the assault.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Delft detectives are investigating two counts of murder.
“Delft police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Monday evening at about 20:15 near the Palm taxi rank,” Twigg said.
“Upon arrival officers found a 50-year-old male and an adult female who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.”
Authorities believe the motive for the attack may be linked to tensions within the taxi industry.
The deceased man was identified as a rank manager connected to the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association, commonly known as Codeta.
However, officials say investigators are still determining whether the attack may involve rivalry between taxi associations, internal disputes or other factors.
The shooting follows another violent incident at the Delft taxi rank earlier in March where three people were killed.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Source: IOL – Kim Swartz
Stormers XXIII prepare to face Seattle Seawolves in Cape Town
The Stormers will field a strong Stormers XXIII squad when they face American side the Seattle Seawolves in a friendly fixture at Cape Town Stadium this weekend.
The match will take place on Sunday following the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash between the Stormers and the Dragons.
The encounter forms part of a new strategic partnership between the Stormers and the Major League Rugby side.
The partnership aims to promote collaboration between the two teams, including coaching exchanges and opportunities for player development.
Seattle have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in Major League Rugby, having won the competition twice.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said the partnership presents an opportunity for both teams to learn from each other.
“Having worked with the Seawolves coaches over the past few weeks, we are really excited about what we can learn from each other,” Dobson said.
The Stormers XXIII side will feature a mixture of experienced players and promising young talent.
Several players returning from injury are expected to get valuable game time during the match.
Head coach Labeeb Levy said the fixture will allow players outside the main URC squad to prove their ability.
“We have players returning from injury and others looking to show they can make an impact when called upon,” Levy said.
Supporters attending the match will have the opportunity to see emerging Stormers talent in action as the team continues to build squad depth ahead of upcoming competitions.
Source: SA Rugby Mag – Listing
Improv comedy night coming to Milnerton Players Theatre
Cape Town audiences looking for a different kind of theatre experience will soon have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of improvisational comedy at the Milnerton Players Theatre.
The show, titled “UNSCRIPTED: A Night of Improv Comedy”, will take place on 20 March and will be performed by the visiting improv group Oops On PurpoSe.
Unlike traditional theatre productions, improvisational comedy is created entirely on the spot.
Performers build scenes and characters in real time using suggestions from the audience.
This means that no two performances are ever the same.
The show will feature a series of fast-paced comedic challenges designed to test the creativity and quick thinking of the performers.
These include scenes spoken entirely in questions, unexpected plot twists and comedic scenarios created from random audience suggestions.
Organisers say audience participation forms an important part of the evening.
Guests may be invited to contribute ideas or even join the performers on stage during certain segments of the show.
“Every show is completely unique,” organisers said.
“What happens on stage exists for that night only.”
Tickets for the performance are priced at R100.
The event is expected to attract both regular theatre-goers and newcomers interested in experiencing the spontaneity of improv comedy.
Source: Milnerton Players – Event Listing
Improv comedy night coming to Milnerton Players Theatre
Cape Town audiences looking for a different kind of theatre experience will soon have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of improvisational comedy at the Milnerton Players Theatre.
The show, titled “UNSCRIPTED: A Night of Improv Comedy”, will take place on 20 March and will be performed by the visiting improv group Oops On PurpoSe.
Unlike traditional theatre productions, improvisational comedy is created entirely on the spot.
Performers build scenes and characters in real time using suggestions from the audience.
This means that no two performances are ever the same.
The show will feature a series of fast-paced comedic challenges designed to test the creativity and quick thinking of the performers.
These include scenes spoken entirely in questions, unexpected plot twists and comedic scenarios created from random audience suggestions.
Organisers say audience participation forms an important part of the evening.
Guests may be invited to contribute ideas or even join the performers on stage during certain segments of the show.
“Every show is completely unique,” organisers said.
“What happens on stage exists for that night only.”
Tickets for the performance are priced at R100.
The event is expected to attract both regular theatre-goers and newcomers interested in experiencing the spontaneity of improv comedy.
Source: Milnerton Players – Event Listing
Financial Markets:
Western Cape braces for cooler Friday with light rain and rougher sea conditions
The Western Cape is expected to turn cooler and wetter on Friday, 20 March, with light rain forecast across Cape Town, Paarl and Stellenbosch as a mild weather system moves across the province.
In Cape Town, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 22 and dip to 18 overnight. Paarl is forecast to see a high of 24 with a low of 16, while Stellenbosch will reach 23 before dropping to 14 later in the evening.
Slight rain is expected through the morning, afternoon and evening, with a 30 percent chance of rainfall and around 5 millimetres possible in some areas. Humidity will remain high at 85 percent, adding to the damp feel across the region.
Winds are expected to stay relatively light, blowing from the west at around 10 kilometres per hour.
Sea conditions will become slightly more active, with a south-westerly swell of 2.3 metres and a period of 11 seconds expected along the Cape coastline. That could bring choppier conditions for small craft and beachgoers.
Tide times in Cape Town will begin with high tide at 03:58, followed by low tide at 10:12. The second high tide is expected at 16:20, with the final low tide at 22:20.
The sun will rise at 06:49 and set at 18:57, while the ultraviolet index is expected to reach 7, which is rated high.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Provincial News – Cape {town} Etc – Tauhira Ajam
City News – Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
Crime Report – IOL – Staff Reporter
Crime Report – IOL – Kim Swartz
WP Sport – SA Rugby Mag – Staff Reporter
Local Events – Milnerton Players / Oops On PurpoSe – Event 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
