Wednesday, 11th of February, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- District Six residents fight developer over Searle Street homes.
- National drought disaster declared as dam levels drops.
- Justice system under pressure after suspended drug fine.
- Livestock enforcement ramps up across Western Cape roads.
- SuperSport risks subscribers trust over Olympic blackout.
- Extreme Festival promises full-throttle family spectacle.
- Tomorrow, the Western Cape will be partly cloudy with warm inland highs and a coastal breeze.
Watch Today’s Bulletin
Do Support Cape Town News on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/capetownnews
District Six families fight eviction order.
Six families living in historic semi-detached Victorian cottages along Searle Street in District Six have been ordered to vacate their homes by 6 March after an eviction order was granted in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court in favour of a private developer.
The legal battle, which began in 2014, reached a turning point in December 2025 when Magistrate Juan de Pontes ruled that the residents must leave in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act. In his judgment, the magistrate acknowledged that the cottages had provided rare continuity for families who survived apartheid forced removals, but concluded that the property owner’s legal rights prevailed under the Act.
District Six remains one of Cape Town’s most powerful symbols of displacement and restitution. During the 1960s and 1970s, more than 60,000 residents were forcibly removed and relocated to the Cape Flats after the area was declared a whites-only zone under the Group Areas Act. The survival of a handful of family homes along Searle Street has long been viewed as an exception to that history of erasure.
For Sean Savage, whose family has lived in the cottage since 1928, the ruling represents more than a legal setback. He says he may celebrate his 70th birthday “either inside or on the pavement.” His niece, Vanessa Collison, born in one of the cottages, described the eviction as “heart-wrenching,” saying it is the only home she has ever known. Another resident, Ita Haricombe, said she has no intention of relocating, particularly at her age.
The residents intend applying for leave to appeal. A petition signed by nearly 1,300 supporters calls for the eviction to be halted and for the families to be granted first right of refusal to purchase the properties at a fair price. Civic organisations argue that redevelopment in District Six must be sensitive to heritage, restitution policy and long-standing community ties.
A solidarity picnic is planned for this weekend as supporters gather to oppose what activists describe as a continuation of displacement under new economic pressures. The case now places renewed focus on how restitution, private ownership and urban redevelopment intersect in post-apartheid Cape Town.
Source: GroundUp – Matthew Hirsch
National drought disaster declared in Western Cape.
South Africa’s worsening water crisis has prompted the national government to declare drought conditions affecting the Western Cape a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act of 2002.
The classification allows for emergency funding allocations, accelerated procurement processes and strengthened coordination between national, provincial and municipal authorities. Provincial leaders had called for disaster classification two weeks earlier, warning that declining dam levels and unfavourable rainfall projections required urgent intervention.
Provincial dam levels are currently hovering around 50%, a figure that has raised concern given forecasts of below-average winter rainfall. While officials stress that this does not signal an immediate return to Day Zero conditions experienced in 2018, they caution that water security remains fragile and dependent on conservation efforts.
Municipalities including Knysna, Kannaland and Beaufort West are considered highly vulnerable, with reports that Knysna may have only days of supply if consumption remains high. Medium-risk areas include George, Bitou, Langeberg, Robertson, Bonnievale, Swellendam, Prince Albert, Matzikama and Cederberg.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has redirected R20 million in infrastructure grants to assist vulnerable municipalities, particularly for groundwater development and emergency supply interventions. Agricultural stakeholders have expressed concern that irrigation restrictions could affect fruit and wine production if dam levels continue to decline.
The disaster declaration does not automatically impose uniform restrictions but provides a legal framework for coordinated response. Municipalities retain authority to introduce or intensify local water restrictions based on supply levels.
Cape Town officials have urged residents to reduce water use immediately as a precautionary measure. Experts note that behavioural change during early warning phases can significantly reduce the likelihood of emergency measures later in the year.
The coming months will determine whether the Western Cape stabilises its water reserves or faces a deeper crisis should rainfall fail to recover.
Source: Cape {town} etc – Staff Reporter
Justice system questioned after suspended drug fine.
Epping residents have reacted with anger after a man arrested on drug charges received an R8,000 fine suspended for five years following a guilty plea.
Police seized nine bags of tik, 31 units of heroin, 19 mandrax tablets and approximately R1,000 in cash during the October 2023 arrest. The sentencing outcome has reignited debate about whether penalties for drug offences adequately reflect the social damage caused by narcotics in vulnerable communities.
Mayoral committee member for safety JP Smith publicly questioned whether justice had been served, echoing frustration from residents who argue that drug supply networks fuel gang violence, school dropout rates and household instability.
Legal experts point out that magistrates exercise wide discretion in sentencing, considering mitigating factors, prior convictions, personal circumstances and statutory guidelines. Suspended sentences may be imposed where courts believe rehabilitation is possible or where aggravating factors do not meet mandatory thresholds.
In a separate operation in Grassy Park, police arrested a 27-year-old suspect in Phumlani Village after seizing 7,485 mandrax tablets, a firearm, ammunition and dagga cigarettes. The suspect appeared in Wynberg Magistrates’ Court and faces multiple charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm and dealing in drugs.
Community leaders say enforcement operations are welcomed but argue that consistent prosecution and visible convictions are critical to restoring trust. They are also calling for clearer communication from prosecutors to explain sentencing decisions to affected communities.
The debate highlights ongoing tension between judicial discretion, deterrence and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Source: Cape {town} etc – Angelica Rhoda
Livestock inspections intensify amid disease concerns.
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services conducted 204 integrated enforcement operations between 2 and 8 February, stopping 39,573 vehicles across major highways and regional routes.
The operations combined routine road safety enforcement with targeted livestock inspections amid concerns about suspected Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases in parts of the province. Joint initiatives with the Western Cape Agriculture Department focused on heavy vehicles transporting livestock in Mbekweni, Paarl and Mossel Bay.
Of 1,662 livestock-related vehicle stops, 838 were screened in detail. Four vehicles were suspended as unroadworthy and 238 fines totalling R347,850 were issued. Officials stressed that biosecurity checks are essential to prevent the spread of disease that could disrupt export markets and damage the agricultural economy.
Beyond livestock enforcement, driving under the influence remained a key focus. Of 114 arrests recorded during the reporting period, 71 involved alcohol impairment. One driver between De Doorns and Worcester registered an alcohol level 10 times above the legal limit.
Vehicle fitness inspections led to 27 vehicles being impounded and 231 discontinued due to unroadworthiness.
Despite the enforcement drive, 15 crashes occurred during the same period, resulting in 16 fatalities, eight of whom were pedestrians.
Authorities say integrated operations will continue, particularly where road safety intersects with economic protection and public health.
Source: Cape {town} etc – Lulama Klassen
SuperSport to skip Winter Olympics coverage.
MultiChoice, now owned by Groupe Canal Plus, has confirmed that SuperSport will not broadcast the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics scheduled for 6 to 22 February 2026.
The decision means DStv subscribers will not have access to live coverage or highlights, despite South Africa sending its largest winter sports delegation since 2018.
Premium subscribers, who pay close to R1,000 per month, have questioned whether comprehensive sporting access remains guaranteed. SuperSport has traditionally marketed itself as the home of major international sporting events, including rugby championships, cricket tournaments and the English Premier League.
Media analysts note that while Winter Olympics viewership in South Africa may be limited compared to rugby or football, the Olympic brand carries symbolic and global prestige. The absence of coverage has prompted debate about whether cost-cutting measures are reshaping content priorities.
The pay-television landscape has become increasingly competitive, with streaming platforms offering alternative access to selected sporting events. Analysts suggest that perceived gaps in coverage may encourage subscribers to explore other options.
MultiChoice has not indicated whether similar decisions may apply to future international events, leaving subscribers watching closely for signs of a broader strategic shift.
Source: Daily Investor – Staff Reporter
Extreme Festival to transform Killarney in March.
Killarney International Raceway in Table View will host the Extreme Festival on Saturday, 14 March 2026, combining national circuit racing with family-focused entertainment in what organisers describe as one of the Western Cape’s largest motorsport gatherings.
The event will feature categories including SA Touring Cars, SupaCups, single-seater racing and the SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup superbikes, with machines capable of speeds up to 270km/h.
Spectators will be granted access to the pits and paddock at no additional charge, a rare opportunity in South African motorsport. Scheduled fan walks will allow visitors to meet drivers and view vehicles up close. Passenger drift rides and public karting will add interactive elements.
A children’s carnival will operate alongside the racing programme, offering rides, magic shows, bumper cars, face painting and activity zones. Families may bring their own food and use braai facilities or purchase meals from vendors across the venue.
Tickets start at R40 for under-16s and R120 for adults online, with slightly higher prices at the gate. Camping from Friday is permitted to secure prime viewing spots.
Organisers say the festival aims to blend high-performance racing with accessibility, positioning Killarney as a key motorsport destination in the province.
Source: Cape Town Magazine.com – Khadeeja Adams
Financial Markets:
Partly cloudy conditions with extreme UV expected.
Cape Town is forecast to reach a high of 24°C and a low of 18°C tomorrow, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the morning, afternoon and evening.
Rain probability stands at 0%, while humidity levels are expected to remain high at 80%. A south-south-easterly wind of 18km/h may provide some coastal relief but could create warmer inland conditions where airflow is restricted.
Paarl is expected to reach 30°C with a low of 19°C, making it the warmest of the three major reporting areas. Stellenbosch is forecast for a high of 24°C and a low of 16°C.
The ocean swell is projected at 2.5m from the south-west with a 10-second period, producing moderate surf along exposed coastlines. Small craft operators and swimmers are advised to remain cautious during stronger sets.
High tide will occur at 12:15am and again at 12:20pm. Low tide follows at 06:10am and 06:51pm.
Sunrise is expected at 06:19 and sunset at 19:41.
The UV Index is forecast at 11, classified as extreme. Prolonged exposure without adequate protection may result in rapid skin damage. Residents are advised to use sunscreen, protective clothing and shade during peak sunlight hours.
Source: SAWS – South African Weather Service
Cape Town News is funded by you.
If you value independent local reporting, please consider supporting us.
TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
City News – GroundUp – Matthew Hirsch
Provincial News – Cape {town} etc – Staff Reporter
Crime Report – Cape {town} etc – Angelica Rhoda
Traffic Updates – Cape {town} etc – Lulama Klassen
WP Sports – Daily Investor – Staff Reporter
Local Events – Cape Town Magazine.com – Khadeeja Adams
Weather – South African Weather Service, Windy, Magicseaweed, Tide Forecast – Live Data
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
