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Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
Sewage, garbage, dirty water: Theewaterskloof is in a mess after years of bad management
CAPE TOWN - In the list of comments on the Theewaterskloof Municipality draft budget, nine residents of Riviersonderend complained about the water being dirty, smelly and undrinkable. An 8% increase in the water tariff has since been passed, yet food and hospitality businesses have had to invest heavily in filtration systems or find alternative sources of water. DA Councillor Piet Stander said the town used to have the best quality water in the Overberg, as it was gravity-fed from the perennial Olifants River in the adjacent mountains, to the reservoir. But Stander said lack of maintenance meant pipe breakages and leaks had not been fixed, so for the past four years, water had been pumped from the Sonderend River, which was polluted by upstream effluent and agricultural runoff, including pesticides. He said the cost of chemicals now needed to treat the water has exceeded what it would have cost to fix the pipes. Riviersonderend is not the only town in the municipality in which the drinking water quality does not meet the minimum national standards. Besides Riviersonderend, the municipality includes Caledon, Greyton, Genadendal, Tesselaarsdal, Botrivier, Villiersdorp, and Grabouw. Only Tesselaarsdal and Botriver have acceptable quality drinking water, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation's Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS). The rest are all failing the microbiological standards, having more faecal bacteria in the water than is allowed. IRIS also shows that sewage treatment works in all eight towns are failing, and have been for years in most, releasing sewage that has not been properly treated into the streams and rivers in the area. The Caledon sewage treatment works has just had a R56-million upgrade, paid for in this financial year. But there have been 32 high-level failures this year, with effluent spewed out with E. coli counts of more than double what is allowed, along with high levels of ammonia and other pollution indicators. A visit to the plant found that although new infrastructure and equipment was installed, only half of it appeared to be working. Of four aerators, only two were working, and of two clarifiers, only one was operational. The landfill at Caledon was supposed to have been closed and rehabilitated years only is it still in use, but the refuse dumped there is uncovered, with wind blowing plastic into the surrounding landscape. The management of solid waste in Theewaterskloof is also problematic. The Caledon landfill, carved into the northern side of the Klein Swartberg mountain, is uncovered, and plastic waste is being blown across the landscape. It is also full. The municipality's Spatial Development Framework of 2023 states it should have been closed when a transfer station was completed in the 2020/21 financial year, and the landfill rehabilitated. The transfer station, from which waste is supposed to be taken to Karwyderskraal regional landfill site outside Hermanus, has been completed but is unused, with the paved road in the premises already needing repairs. In Villiersdorp, a transfer station to take waste to Karwyderskraal was built, but has been stripped for use as building material in informal settlements. The Spatial Development Framework states the landfill has been closed and is to be rehabilitated, but as the transfer station is dysfunctional, the landfill, while officially closed, is still used. Residents still use it to dump rubble and garden refuse provided the road there has been graded and is passable. When it is not, they dump their rubbish in the bushes alongside the road. A resident, who asked not to be named, said household refuse is collected and taken to the Caledon landfill. The crumbling pillars of municipal service are reflected in the lack of stability in municipal management. There have been four municipal managers in as many years since the municipal elections and the ousting of Danie Lubbe by the new coalition of the ANC, Patriotic Alliance (PA), EFF, and GOOD. Lubbe was subsequently employed by Langeberg Municipality. The contrast between the two municipalities is stark. The Auditor-General doubts Theewaterskloof can be considered a going concern and racked up more than R300-million in irregular and unauthorised expenditure in 2023/24. But Langeberg received an unqualified audit and no irregular or unauthorised expenditure, and just R5,000 in fruitless and wasteful expenditure. The ANC-led coalition, which was heavily reliant on GOOD joining in with its three seats in the 27-seat council, replaced Lubbe with Boy Manqoba Ngubo in June 2022. Manqoba Ngubo's position was finalised with a five-year contract in October that year, but he unexpectedly resigned five months later. The ANC-led coalition then controversially appointed Wilfred Solomons-Johannnes ahead of a better-qualified candidate. Western Cape MEC for local government, Anton Bredell, challenged the appointment, and the high court duly ruled it was illegal. Solomons-Johannes stood down as municipal manager in June 2024. He remains in the municipality as director of community services, but in April was placed on suspension while R41-million in missing disaster relief funds for floods in September 2023 is investigated. Reynold Stevens was then appointed in an acting position from July 2024 until replaced by Walter Hendricks in mid-February. Hendricks was officially appointed from his acting position on 30 May. New municipal manager Walter Hendricks is the fourth municipal manager since Daniel Lubbe was ousted after the 2021 local government elections. Hendricks hopes to get the municipality back on an even financial keel so that municipal services can be improved. Hendricks is frank about the challenges the municipality faces. 'We're in a mess, we don't have money,' Hendricks told GroundUp. 'The first thing we need to do is remain within the boundaries of the law.' Besides the coffers being left empty, he said there were internal challenges with certain people appointed who 'don't add the kind of value you need'. He said his aim was to focus on the municipality's core functions of water, electricity, roads and stormwater, refuse and waste water. 'Luckily, I have a mayor who has bought into that.' He said he was working closely with provincial and National Treasury officials and master plans were in place. Once Theewaterskloof was financially stable again, they could start looking at reinstituting facilities such as swimming pools in the towns, upgrading sports fields and improving libraries. 'We have to eat the elephant bit by bit.'
The South African
05-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event
Cape Town continues to grow in popularity with visitors. Image via Pixabay. Home » Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event Cape Town continues to grow in popularity with visitors. Image via Pixabay. Cape Town is growing in popularity with business travellers. In fact, a new report shows that the city is now one of the world's top destinations for international conventions. That's according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The report provides insight into global association meetings, including the favourite destinations for such conferences. Cape Town has risen 15 spots in the ICCA GlobeWatch 2024 rankings for international association meetings. It now ranks 35th globally. The city also ranks in the top 10 globally for average attendance per event. 717 delegates attend the average event in the city. Cape Town hosted 58 international meetings in 2024, up from 42 in 2023. Smaller towns like Stellenbosch also hosted multiple events, reflecting a province-wide trend. South Africa as a whole remains the top country in Africa for international meetings. The country hosted 98 international meetings in both 2023 and 2024. The business events industry generated over R2 billion for the national economy in that period. The rise is attributed to strategic bidding, strong public-private partnerships, and increasing interest in the region as a hub for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, welcomed the news. In a statement on Bizcommunity, CEO Wrenelle Stander said: 'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events.' Stander added that Wesgro secured 36 new conference bids for 2024/25, projecting an impact of R745 million and over 27 000 delegates through 2028. Cape Town's rise in the rankings was also celebrated by Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, also welcomed the news. The Mother City's popularity is by no means slowing down. Cape Town will host a plethora of conventions in the next few years, including: International Communication Association Congress (2026) World Congress on ADHD (2027) World Congress of Entomology (2028) Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Tatler Asia
03-06-2025
- General
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A serene estate surrounded by layered gardens in South Africa
When Stander and Ferreira purchased the property almost two decades ago, they were attracted in part by its location—nestled on the edge of Knysna Forest, a patch of wilderness located close to the coast and characterised by indigenous afromontane vegetation, which has also long been renowned as one of South Africa's loveliest places. The property featured an original woodcutter's adobe brickhouse as well as several other structures, including a pair of timber cottages. 'The buildings were neat and beautifully built with basic materials and minimal fittings,' they recall. 'Small pockets of garden with larger areas of lawn surrounded the buildings, and the rest of the 1.75 hectares of land was maintained with a tractor-mounted mower that kept the field low, promoting the growth of buffalo grass. Scattered with Australian blackwood and pine, it had a good number of water tanks for storage of rainwater, which is the only source of water. It was very liveable and basically a clean palette for our vision.' Above Stander with Shinto, one of the three Maine Coon cats that reside at Highacre Above Ferreira putting the finishing touches to the floral arrangements Above This cottage living room features a vintage leather sofa Above Built using partially salvaged materials, the conservatory was designed as the ideal environment for nurturing delicate potted plants and flowers It is almost impossible to imagine Highacre as it once was. Today, its lush, layered gardens bear little resemblance to their former state. And initially at least, realising their vision was a challenge. Highacre is on the edge of an indigenous forest reserve, so 'initially, wildlife such as baboons, bushbuck, porcupines and bushpigs raided newly planted areas', they say. 'We had to fence off a section of the garden and in time, we managed to protect our territory with our family of dogs.' This wonderfully disparate pack—there are currently 12 canines in all, ranging in size and breed from a diminutive yet very assertive Jack Russell Terrier to gentle but incredibly speedy giant Boerwindhonde—roams the garden freely, forming an effective deterrent against baboons in particular. Marauding wildlife was not the only challenge encountered. Heavy clay with a relatively thin layer of topsoil necessitated painstakingly labour-intensive and time-consuming preparation of the soil during each phase of the development of the garden. In several areas, too, 'we used permaculture practices to prepare areas for planting', say the owners. Above The garden at Highacre faces the east and frames sunrises beautifully Above Hannes Stander and Daniel 'DP' Ferreira with some of their beloved pet dogs, Above Shinto, one of the three Maine Coon cats that reside at Highacre Above Some of Ferreira's collection of vases, furniture, glassware, cutlery and crockery lend a charming touch With the absence of an existing irrigation system and rainwater as its sole source, water conservation remains an ongoing priority. 'Watering only when needed has ensured a garden that would be resilient over time,' they say. This area does usually get fairly good rainfall—although of course it can vary in a time of climate change—but the abundant feel of all of Highacre's various garden spaces is a result of careful soil preparation, ecologically sensitive planting and wise water planning. Highacre now features multiple different spaces, each with its own distinct identity and atmosphere. Overall, the garden is a masterclass in beautifully textured, naturalistic planting, and incorporates a large pond and surrounding wetland, an area that at the height of summer overflows with the blooms of 19 different species of agapanthus, a restful round lawn surrounded by walled seating that defines its circle, an elegant gravelled walk enclosed by high hedges, a fragrant rose garden and an abundance of beautiful trees. All of the various spaces of the garden are linked via pathways that twine through the landscape, enabling visitors to meander at leisure and wherever they please. In case you missed it: Inside Peninsula House: The transformation of a Penang art deco landmark Above Exposed roof beams lend a barn-like feel to the conservatory Above A corner featuring a ceramic prep sink from Koöperasie Stories Above A steely blue wall acts as a calming backdrop to an assortment of curiosities Above This botanical-themed table setting features vintage Villeroy & Boch fruit plates and Wedgwood majolica green glazed salad plates In addition, there is the delightfully layered and rustic conservatory, which is both a variably semi- to fully enclosed greenhouse in which potted plants can be nurtured, and a wonderful space in which small events are hosted. Combining the conservatory with the beautiful garden pavilion—a fairly newly developed part of Highacre that straddles the boundary between the more intensely developed garden and the natural environment, and is accessible via an elongated pergola—makes for a truly special environment in which to celebrate a wedding or a birthday. Two charmingly appointed guest cottages provide overnight accommodation for visitors. The creative owners might focus their attention in different realms, with Stander mainly working in landscape design and Ferreira taking the lead on events and floristry, but their mutual love of plants is clearly key to both their professional and personal lives. When asked what it is about working with plants that has always attracted them, they respond: 'Their presence as a life force in our environment—and how they can be grown, nurtured and shaped to fulfil a desired function in the garden.' Above Interior walls are clad in salvaged terracotta roof tiles Above An abundance of foliage in the garden Above The delightfully layered and rustic conservatory, which is both a variably semi- to fully enclosed greenhouse Stander's office and landscaping yard are located on the property, making Highacre a busy place on a daily bais, while Ferreira's studio in the nearby town of Knysna, where he keeps a collection of vases, furniture, glassware, cutlery and crockery for the events sude of their business, is also invariably a hive of activity. But the Highacre garden itself remains a focus. This is their home as well as a place for hosting events and guests, and they 'spend as much time as possible here to make sure that it is continually developed, kept in a beautiful state and nurtured sufficiently'. Unique and special places—especially gardens—can't be brought into existence overnight. It has taken many years of effort and care to create Highacre; as Stander and Ferreira declare: 'We consider each space and project very carefully, regarding function and aesthetic before we manifest a space. Sometimes we contemplate for a long time, and when the installation happens, it draws from all those thoughts, discussions and dreams.' Their combined aesthetic skills, plus bucketloads of patience, dedication and hard work, have enabled the development of this unique and special place, which 'celebrates the botanical realm' in a way that is sure to inspire and invigorate those fortunate enough to visit it in person for many years to come. Credits Images: Warren Heath / Bureaux Images: Sven Alberding / Bureaux
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Court dismisses bid to drop charges in 1987 student activist Nyoka's murder case
The court rejected claims of no evidence in the case of apartheid-era officers accused of murdering Caiphus Nyoka in 1987. The Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni has rejected claims of no evidence in the case of two former apartheid-era officers accused of murdering student activist Caiphus Nyoka in 1987. The court ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial of two ex-officers accused of killing the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) member and student activist. This follows a Section 174 application brought under the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 by former commanding officer Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg (75) and former Sergeant Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61). The two, along with former Sergeant Pieter Stander, 60, are facing a murder charge in connection with Nyoka's death. Nyoka gunned down According to the allegations, the three members of the South African Police Service's Reaction Unit got together on the evening of 23 August, 1987 to plot Nyoka's murder. Van Den Berg allegedly led the planning of a raid on his residence. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said at around 2am on 24 August, 1987, Stander, Engelbrecht, and other Reaction Unit members – who are also charged separately – arrived at Nyoka's home and broke into his room. ALSO READ: NPA reopens inquests into Chief Albert Luthuli and Griffiths Mxenge's deaths 'They found him sleeping with three of his friends. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him nine times,' Mahanjana said. Nyoka died on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Trial proceedings During the trial, the state called five witnesses, including Nyoka's sisters Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka and one of his three friends who were present on the night of the incident, Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane. The court also heard testimony from expert witness Dr Nicky Rousseau, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) researcher, and the investigating officer, Lieutenant Petrus Colonel Beukman. After five witnesses testified, the state closed its case. Accused application dismissed 'Thereafter accused number one (Van Den Berg) and two (Engelbrecht) brought a section 174 application claiming that the state had no case,' Mahanjana said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays 'After the court dismissed their application, accused number three (Stander) opted to remain silent and closed his case.' The court has postponed the matter to 8 to19 September for the defence cases of Engelbrecht and Stander. Sentencing The sentencing proceedings for Johan Marais, 65, a former member of the Reaction Unit 6 in Dunnottar who was prosecuted and found guilty of the same offences, have been rescheduled for 5 to 6 June. 'This court outcome is encouraging as the state overcomes the first hurdle that was presented by the defence in order to prevent the trial from proceeding,' Mahanjana concluded. 'The state will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served against such atrocities of the apartheid era.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Declare gender violence in S.Africa a national disaster, campaigners say
Several hundred people marched on Friday against femicide and gender violence in South Africa, calling for the "scourge" to be declared a national disaster. Gender-based violence is endemic in the economic powerhouse where one in three women experiences physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, according to UN figures. The rally -- one of many organised across the country on Friday -- marched to the Union Buildings, the majestic seat of government that adjoins the presidential palace in the capital Pretoria. They handed a petition to the government which was received by a deputy minister. Counting the black-clad Miss South Africa Mia le Roux within their ranks, they booed, chanted and waved placards reading slogans such as "My body is not a crime scene!". "It is time for change. We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over and nothing happens," said Siphiwe George, founder of a group called Women Waging War, who drove nine hours to join the protest. Declaring the violence a national disaster "will open up a whole new level of how we can fight this scourge", she told AFP, saying it would release funds for shelters for victims. South Africa, a nation of 62 million people, has some of the highest rates of violence against women and children in the world, according to the UN agency, UN Women. On average, at least 129 rapes are reported daily, according to the latest police data which does not specify the gender of the victims. - Violence 'a pandemic' - "We are the rape capital of the world. Our statistics are horrific," Women for Change spokesperson Bulelwa Adonis told AFP. "Our country has showcased so many times that this is a pandemic," she said. "It's time that it's declared a national disaster because enough is enough." In one of the latest cases to anger the country, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped at her school last year but no arrests have yet been made. The case gained nationwide attention only last month, after her mother revealed the details in a podcast and local media. Witney Stander, whose sister was killed in 2023, said the time had come for perpetrators to be held to account. "We just want some accountability and some action to be taken," she told AFP. Ntombifuthi Stander also demanded that police do more to tame the violence. Recalling the day her daughter was killed, she said police "refused to come out and help us". "We are crying... that day was a nightmare," Stander said. Action has long been promised. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday there was an urgent need to address legal blind spots that worked against the rights and interests of survivors of gender violence. "Laws cannot just be written, they must be enforced," he told a conference of women judges. "Perpetrators must be held accountable, and the sentences they are given should reflect the seriousness of their crimes." str-ho/br/kjm
