Tuesday, 7th of April, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Easter raid exposes lack of oversight inside Pollsmoor prison
- New manufacturing policy targets jobs across 33 industrial hubs
- Cape Town races to save billions of litres of water as dam levels fall
- Cyclist airlifted after taxi crash on Victoria Road sparks safety concerns
- Cape side Antalyaspor reaches Bayhill final to face Sundowns
- Global luxury travel leaders gather in Cape Town for ILTM Africa
- Hot conditions return across the Western Cape as temperatures climb
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Pollsmoor prison raid raises concerns over oversight failures in Cape Town
The unannounced operation, led by Department of Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, took place at the Tokai-based facility on Saturday as part of a coordinated effort to strengthen security and disrupt illegal activity inside correctional centres.
During the search, authorities confiscated a range of contraband, including cellphones, drugs, cash, routers, digital accessories and sharp objects. The scale and variety of the items recovered once again highlight the persistent challenges facing prison authorities in controlling what enters correctional facilities.
Officials have indicated that contraband continues to find its way into prisons through several channels. These include visits by members of the public, inmate transfers to courts and hospitals, and, in some instances, alleged involvement from within correctional facilities themselves. These risks have long been flagged as pressure points within the system.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services Emergency Support Team and the South African Police Service, underlining the seriousness of the intervention and the need for coordinated enforcement.
Pollsmoor Correctional Facility remains one of South Africa’s five largest prisons, housing a significant inmate population across various security classifications. Its scale, combined with ongoing challenges such as overcrowding and resource constraints, has frequently placed the facility at the centre of national discussions around prison management and security.
Incidents such as this continue to raise broader questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the ability of authorities to prevent illegal activity within correctional environments. While raids of this nature are aimed at restoring control, they also highlight systemic vulnerabilities that require ongoing attention.
Officials have stressed that such operations are essential in maintaining order, protecting both inmates and staff, and disrupting illicit networks operating behind prison walls. They form part of a broader strategy to reinforce discipline and accountability across correctional facilities.
Investigations into how the confiscated items entered the facility are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm whether any arrests will follow. Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Source: IOL – Se-Anne Rall
Cape Town expands manufacturing policy to boost jobs across 33 industrial hubs
The newly approved policy represents a major evolution of the City’s 2018 Investment Incentives Policy, which previously concentrated on just six areas. By broadening its reach, the City aims to unlock investment opportunities across a far wider network of industrial hubs.
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said the policy arrives at a critical time for the manufacturing sector.
“The new Manufacturing Support Policy not only expands its focus to 33 areas around Cape Town, but is also simpler to administer and implement. It is also arriving at an especially critical time for our manufacturing industry,” Vos said.
The policy introduces a more facilitation-driven approach to economic development. While financial incentives remain in place, including measures to fast-track development applications, the emphasis has shifted toward non-financial support mechanisms.
These include reducing administrative barriers, improving turnaround times, and making it easier for businesses to operate within the metro. This approach reflects a broader shift in investor priorities, where ease of doing business and regulatory efficiency are increasingly valued over direct financial incentives.
Manufacturing remains one of Cape Town’s most important job-creating sectors, supporting employment across a wide range of skill levels. It also plays a central role in supporting related industries such as logistics, warehousing and technology, creating a ripple effect across the local economy.
The City has pointed to the success of similar strategies in the business process outsourcing sector, where targeted support has led to significant job creation in areas such as Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. Tens of thousands of Capetonians are employed in that sector, often in communities beyond traditional commercial hubs.
Officials believe this model can be replicated within manufacturing, helping to spread economic activity more evenly across the metro rather than concentrating it in a limited number of areas.
Vos also linked the policy to broader investment momentum, including projects announced at the South African Investment Conference.
“These investments stem, in part, from ongoing engagements by the City. In these engagements, my officials and I cited our policies as mechanisms that pave the way for major investments that are a significant source of the 470 000 jobs added over the current local government term,” he said.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Manufacturers continue to face pressures related to energy costs, logistics constraints and slow national economic growth. The success of the policy will ultimately depend on whether it can translate into sustained investment under these conditions.
The City has positioned itself as a relatively stable and business-friendly metro, citing infrastructure reliability, governance, and energy resilience as key advantages in attracting investors.
Implementation of the policy will now begin following Council approval, with the City set to engage stakeholders and roll out support measures across the 33 targeted industrial areas.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
Cape Town saves 8 billion litres of water annually through treated effluent use
The initiative forms part of the City of Cape Town’s broader vision of becoming a water-sensitive city, where water resources are protected, used efficiently, and supplemented with alternative supply sources.
Through the increased use of treated effluent, wastewater that has undergone extensive purification processes, the City is reducing its reliance on potable water for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation and industrial use.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said the initiative is essential in safeguarding Cape Town’s long-term water security.
“We should only be using drinking water for essential purposes,” Badroodien said. “This long-standing initiative forms part of the City’s broader vision of becoming a water-sensitive city that protects its water resources, uses water more efficiently, and embraces alternatives like treated effluent.”
Badroodien recently visited treated effluent reuse pump stations in Bellville and Scottsdene, where he observed the infrastructure supporting the system. These facilities play a key role in reducing demand on the City’s drinking water supply.
Currently, treated effluent is supplied from nine wastewater treatment plants across Cape Town, including Athlone, Bellville, Cape Flats, Kraaifontein, Macassar, Potsdam, Scottsdene, Zandvliet and Melkbosstrand.
A portion of the treated water is further filtered and distributed specifically for non-potable uses. It is also more cost-effective than standard drinking water, offering financial benefits to businesses and institutions that adopt it.
The Bellville treated effluent reuse system, commissioned in March 2025, is already delivering around 4.3 million litres of treated water per day across a network stretching approximately 15 kilometres.
Meanwhile, the Scottsdene system, which began construction in September 2023, is expected to be fully operational by the end of April 2026. Once completed, it will supply up to 6 million litres daily over a network of about 14 kilometres.
At present, 345 users are connected to a network spanning 330 kilometres, with demand expected to increase as more sectors, including industry, schools, parks and sports facilities, adopt the system.
Additional infrastructure projects are also progressing, with the Zandvliet treated effluent system currently 85 percent complete and scheduled for completion by September 2026.
Badroodien has encouraged more businesses and institutions to consider using treated effluent, noting that wider adoption will help conserve water resources and reduce costs.
“The more customers that engage with this innovative option, the better for our precious water resources,” he said.
As climate pressures continue and rainfall patterns remain unpredictable, the City is positioning treated effluent as a key component of its long-term water resilience strategy.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba
Cyclist airlifted after taxi crash on Victoria Road raises safety concerns
The incident occurred on Monday morning along the popular stretch near the Twelve Apostles, a route frequently used by cyclists despite its sharp bends, narrow shoulders and high traffic volumes.
Emergency services responded shortly after the crash, stabilising the injured cyclist at the scene before arranging an airlift to a medical facility in the Cape Town central business district. Authorities have confirmed that the cyclist is in a stable condition.
Preliminary information suggests that the taxi attempted to overtake another vehicle before veering into the shoulder of the road, where a group of cyclists were travelling. The impact resulted in at least one cyclist sustaining serious injuries.
Pedal Power Association CEO Neil Robinson said the incident reflects ongoing safety challenges faced by cyclists in the city.
“The Pedal Power Association is working with traffic and SAPS on updates in terms of the investigation,” Robinson said.
He added that early indications point to the taxi losing control while attempting to overtake.
“As the person, the second he was hit, from what I understand, the taxi was coming around the Twelve Apostles, tried to overtake someone, overshot, went into the shoulder of the road and hit the cyclist,” he said.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that a case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened, with investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding the crash. No arrests have been made at this stage.
City Law Enforcement officers and Fire and Rescue teams assisted at the scene, where traffic disruptions were reported. Lane closures and stop-and-go conditions were in place before the road was eventually reopened.
The incident follows a previous fatal crash involving a cyclist on Victoria Road near Glen Beach in December last year, which led to a culpable homicide investigation and the arrest of a motorist.
Cycling groups have continued to call for improved enforcement, better driver awareness and safer road-sharing practices, warning that without intervention, cyclists will remain at significant risk on Cape Town’s roads.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
Antalyaspor JPM CT reach Bayhill Premier Cup final to face Mamelodi Sundowns
Antalyaspor booked their place in the final after edging Stellenbosch FC in a tense semi-final encounter at Erica Park in Belhar. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout where the Cape side held their nerve to advance.
The result sets up a high-profile final against Mamelodi Sundowns’ under-19 side, who secured their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nyanga-based Everton FC in the other semi-final.
Everton’s run to the semi-finals had been one of the standout stories of the tournament. Despite an early setback in the group stages, the Nyanga side delivered strong performances to reach the knockout rounds, including victories over Hout Bay UFC and CR Vasco da Gama.
Their progression continued with a 4-0 win against Jomo’s Power from Atlantis, followed by a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Eagles Performance Academy in the quarter-finals. However, their journey came to an end against Sundowns, whose experience and quality proved decisive.
Antalyaspor’s path to the final has also been marked by consistency and resilience. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Mitchells Plain’s Stanturf FC, followed by a 2-2 draw against hosts Bayhill United and a dominant 7-1 victory over Balobathaba FC.
In the knockout stages, they defeated former champions Chippa United from Philippi before overcoming Randburg AFC in the quarter-finals, building momentum heading into the semi-finals.
Head coach Mabhuti Ncaca, known as “Gazza”, has previously competed in the tournament with other teams and expressed his ambition to go further this time.
“I have been here before with different teams. I’ve reached the last 16, gone beyond it, and even won the Plate section,” Ncaca said. “But this time, I want to go one step further.”
The final is set to take place at Athlone Stadium on Easter Monday, where Antalyaspor will look to complete their impressive run and secure the title against one of the country’s top youth sides.
Source: Southern Suburbs Tatler – Fuad Esack
ILTM Africa brings global luxury travel leaders to Cape Town this weekend
ILTM Africa, part of the globally recognised ILTM brand portfolio, is an invitation-only event that brings together top luxury travel exhibitors from across Africa and the Middle East with carefully selected international travel advisors.
Taking place at the Norval Foundation in Tokai, the three-day event is designed to facilitate high-value business connections through a series of pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and buyers. These interactions allow participants to explore new opportunities, build relationships and secure future business within the luxury travel sector.
Beyond its networking focus, the event also serves as a platform for sharing insights into emerging travel trends, market shifts and evolving consumer expectations. Industry experts and professionals gather to exchange knowledge and strategies aimed at strengthening the position of Africa and the Middle East within the global luxury travel market.
Organisers say ILTM Africa plays a significant role in driving economic growth by connecting high-calibre professionals and showcasing the region as a premium destination. The event contributes to increased visibility for local tourism offerings while supporting investment into the sector.
Cape Town’s selection as host city reflects its status as a leading global travel destination, known for its natural beauty, hospitality infrastructure and diverse tourism experiences. Events of this scale further reinforce the city’s position in attracting international visitors and business interest.
The event runs from Friday, 10 April to Sunday, 12 April, with sessions taking place throughout the day. Attendance is limited to invited participants, ensuring a focused and high-level environment for engagement.
Source: RX Africa / ILTM Africa
Financial Markets:
Warm and clear conditions expected across Western Cape as temperatures rise midweek
Cape Town is forecast to reach a high of 29, with an overnight low of 14, as clear skies persist from morning through to the evening. Inland areas will experience significantly higher temperatures, with Paarl expected to peak at 35 and drop to 12 overnight, while Stellenbosch will see a high of 32 and a low of 10.
No rainfall is expected across the region, with precipitation probability remaining at 0 percent. Humidity levels are forecast at around 60 percent, contributing to generally stable atmospheric conditions throughout the day.
Winds will be coming from the east-south-east at approximately 20 kilometres per hour. These conditions are expected to provide some moderation along the coast, while inland regions will remain noticeably warmer.
Marine conditions remain moderate, with a south-westerly swell measuring 1.7 metres and a wave period of 12 seconds. These conditions may be suitable for experienced surfers, although caution is advised.
Tide patterns for Cape Town indicate a low tide at 00:04, followed by a high tide at 06:15. A second low tide is expected at 12:30, with the final high tide of the day at 18:55.
The sun will rise at 07:04 and set at 18:31, with a UV index of 6, which falls within the high category. Residents planning to spend extended time outdoors are advised to take appropriate sun protection measures.
As the region continues to experience dry conditions and dam levels remain under pressure, the persistence of clear skies underscores the importance of ongoing water conservation efforts across the Western Cape.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Crime Report – IOL – Se-Anne Rall
Provincial News – IOL – Murray Swart
City News – Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba
Traffic Update – IOL – Murray Swart
WP Sport – Southern Suburbs Tatler – Fuad Esack
Local Events – RX Africa / ILTM Africa
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
