SCHOOL NEWS - The Department of Basic Education has revealed that 464 schools in South Africa do not offer Mathematics as a subject In a written parliamentary reply posed by MP Mandla Shikwambana Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube noted that KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of schools without Mathematics These schools still offer Mathematical Literacy Number of public schools not offering Mathematics the department advises pupils to select their desired subject streams alongside parents and schools.  “While Mathematics remains a high-priority subject schools — particularly smaller ones — may not have sufficient resources or demand to offer both Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy,” she said Gwarube further highlighted the following challenges as the main reasons for having no Mathematics Gwarube said that the DBE actively promotes the offering of Mathematics in all schools with key interventions in place “Schools and learners are consistently encouraged to choose Mathematics over Mathematical Literacy where appropriate Provinces are also supported in strengthening teacher capacity and learner performance in Mathematics “Ongoing professional development includes a focus on methodology with the aim of enhancing learner understanding and retention in Mathematics,” she added several strategic interventions have been put in place many of which align with the findings from recent global and regional assessments “These measures are part of our broader strategy to improve learner participation and performance in Mathematics and ensure that more schools are equipped and encouraged to offer the subject,” Gwarube concluded ‘We bring you the latest Garden Route it is unclear whether there is a risk of the building collapsing The Diocese of Oudtshoorn joins the global Catholic family in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis the diocesan community reflects on the Holy Father’s legacy of humility the faithful are called to prayerful remembrance and to continue living the values Pope Francis championed throughout his pontificate and website in this browser for the next time I comment The mission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy ©2024 Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference NATIONAL NEWS - Eskom is planning to avoid load shedding during the winter period as its operational performance has improved and it expects additional capacity to come online unplanned outages must remain below 13 gigawatts (GW) load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days at stage 2 - an improvement over the prior winter’s worst-case prediction of stage 5 load shedding,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Addressing a media briefing on Eskom’s State of the System for the 2024/2025 financial year Marokane said the improved winter outlook is due to a 3.1GW decrease in unplanned outages compared to the previous year.  the forecast range has been lowered to 13-15GW with average unplanned outages at 12.3GW - significantly below the winter 2024 base-case projection of 14GW “This year’s winter outlook prediction is built on an improvement in operational performance and overall efficiency Load shedding was the lowest in Eskom’s last financial year (FY) 2025 than in the previous two years.  Our diesel open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) were utilised approximately 50% less in FY 2025 compared to the two previous financial years saving around R16 billion,” the CEO said Eskom has seen some setbacks in operational excellence as evidenced by the recent load shedding requirements between January to April 2025.  “A targeted plan has been put in place to reinforce operational discipline and accelerate recovery initiatives to address the root causes related to the recent load shedding events,” Marokane said said Koeberg unit 1 has received the long-term operating go-ahead from the regulator to ensure 20 years of additional life.  “We have been able to restore Kusile unit 2 and 3 Kusile unit 1 will be placed back in its original form before the end of May The three units at Kusile will give us [additional] megawatts (MW) during the winter period “Kusile unit 6 has been synchronised to the grid It is [providing electricity] and at times we will get the long-term benefits of the unit “We plan to bring back Medupi unit 4 back to service during winter It has been out of service for about four years We are expecting to get about 800MW in the middle of winter,” Ramokgopa said The Minister said load reduction will remain in place to protect the equipment and as a safety precaution to protect the lives of those who are close to the infrastructure when it gets overloaded due to rampant illegal connections Eskom implemented load shedding for 13 days compared to 329 and 208 in the two previous years Marokane said Eskom supplied South Africa with more electricity and reduced load shedding without the extensive use of diesel during the period under review “We had a 45% reduction in diesel consumption against the backdrop of the highest send out in the last three years and the lowest load shedding days “We used the OCGTs very tactically to support the high vulnerability and once we have our capacity you will see the diesel expenditure going down significantly,” he said According to Eskom Group Executive for Generation Eskom has continued to maintain high levels of planned maintenance as part of efforts to improve fleet reliability in preparation for the high winter demand while also meeting environmental licence conditions and regulatory requirements “We have evolved our Generation Recovery Plan to ensure our data-led analysis into the delays in returning units from outages on time which has caused our fleet to be constrained and not able to accommodate a sudden loss of units high support' culture to support our teams to rectify this situation,” Nxumalo said NATIONAL NEWS - Rapper K.O finally won a Metro FM award in his home province of Mpumalanga after being named the Best Hip-Hop artist “The fact that it’s in my province and apparently this is the last Metro FM awards in Mpumalanga is a beautiful moment,” K.O told The Citizen after accepting his award K.O was the most nominated artist at the Metro FM awards with seven nods but walked away empty-handed on the third and final year of the Metro FM awards being held in his home province the rap artist hails from Mpumalanga and said winning the award in his home province means more My family is from the far east of the province The fact that they drove all the way up here to witness the moment is quite encouraging for me.” the Metro FM awards were held at Mpumalanga’s Mbombela stadium for the final year after being hosted in the province for three years Some of the night’s biggest winners were Makhadzi who walked away with the Artist of the Year award Amapiano boy band Woodblock DJs won the Best Viral Challenge for Skuta Baba this year’s Best Jazz Album winner Linda Sikhakhane won an award that he missed out on two years ago “First of all I wasn’t expecting to win as I said we never prepare for these moments because I understand the stature of the category and the people that were part of [it] To be given this opportunity is very humbling,” Sikhakhane told The Citizen on the night The category was one of the most competitive on the night with artists such as Thandiswa Mazwai ( Sankofa) Nomfundo Xaluva (Ndilapha) and Sydney Mavundla (Dirge for our Fathers) were all nominated Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen MOTORING NEWS - Motorists will breathe a sigh of relief from Wednesday as the cost of all grades of petrol are set to come down This as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from Wednesday The price of petrol 93 (ULP and LRP) will decrease by 22 cents a litre while the price of 95 (ULP and LRP) will also come down by 22 cents a litre a litre of petrol 95 costs R21.62 in Gauteng Meanwhile the price of Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will decrease by 42 cents a litre and that of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) will come down by 41 cents a litre The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will decrease by 31 cents per litre The Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin will see a 41 cent decrease and the maximum LPGas Retail Price will increase by 46 cents per kilogram “The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 71.04 US Dollars (USD) to 66.40 USD during the period under review,” said the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources It added that the tariff and trade war initiated by the United States which has raised global economic recession concerns and oversupply of oil from non-OPEC countries and the anticipated increase in oil production by OPEC+ members were the main contributing factors for the fuel price adjustments “The average international petroleum product prices of petrol and diesel followed the decreasing trend of crude oil prices while the price of LPG increased due to higher freight (shipping costs) during the period under review,” said the department NATIONAL NEWS - The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has announced the introduction of a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process for grant recipients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number Springs Advertiser reports that this move forms part of Sassa’s efforts to enhance the security and to protect the integrity of the country’s social grant system All new applicants who do not use the standard South African ID as well as existing clients undergoing personal information reviews or changes will be required to complete the biometric enrolment process which aligns with Regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act [13 of 2004] is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,” says Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi To ensure a smooth implementation across all regions Sassa’s information and communication technology team in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency has trained a group of designated ‘super-users’ These people will now facilitate regional training under the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programme equipping staff at every Sassa office to manage biometric enrolments efficiently Sassa has also committed to ensuring that all offices are adequately staffed to assist clients and avoid delays during the rollout “Sassa is pulling out all the stops in tightening its systems and implementing measures meant to safeguard social grants – ensuring that we pay the right grant to the right person at the right time and place Njalo!” the agency said in a statement For enquiries about social grants, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Sassa’s toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or email grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za BUSINESS NEWS - Acts of kindness go beyond a single day - they are a daily reminder of the transformative power of generosity Simple acts of goodwill can nurture happiness creating a ripple effect that strengthens both individuals and communities.  When kindness is woven into the fabric of organisations dedicated to uplifting others which has made it a core part of its mission to empower communities through meaningful work and financial support Relate Bracelets has demonstrated how empowering individuals promotes personal happiness and sets in motion a cycle of generosity This cycle spreads from one person to another catalysing further acts of kindness and creating an ever-expanding ripple effect capable of transforming entire communities The psychology and emotional benefits of kindnessThe act of kindness has a profound psychological and emotional impact.  A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that engaging in acts of kindness can lead to improved mood and heightened well-being for both the giver and the recipient Kindness releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine often referred to as “feel-good” hormones.  These chemicals are linked to feelings of connection which is why acts of kindness often result in a sense of satisfaction for both parties involved says: "Random acts of kindness are not just gestures of goodwill they are powerful tools for healing and connection not only uplifting the recipient but also enriching the giver."  and creates a ripple effect of compassion that transforms lives." Studies also suggest that kindness significantly reduces stress levels which is essential in today’s fast-paced Stress is a leading contributor to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.  individuals not only alleviate stress in their own lives but also contribute to creating a supportive environment for others it strengthens social bonds and cultivates a sense of belonging; critical for emotional well-being The cycle of joy and purposeRelate Bracelet’s initiatives reveal a simple truth: when individuals are empowered they gain a sense of purpose that drives them to give back Empowerment can take many forms; whether through financial support they gain a greater sense of control over their lives which fuels their drive to help others in similar situations Relate Bracelet’s support of local education initiatives has helped provide underprivileged youth with scholarships and access to career development resources who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to pursue higher education creating a cycle of giving that strengthens communities from within.” This phenomenon aligns with the concept of positive contagion where positive emotions and behaviours spread from one person to another Acts of kindness often create a “snowball effect,” with recipients passing it on to others leading to a wider culture of compassion.  creating a sense of collective purpose and connection Building a culture of compassionKindness should not be limited to just one day a year - it can be embedded in the everyday culture of a workplace which integrates kindness into its mission to empower communities serves as an inspiring example of how organisations can implement compassion-driven solutions to address societal challenges Embedding kindness into the core values of an organisation requires a commitment to creating an environment where empathy This can be achieved by strategic partnerships that align with an organisation’s values and creating opportunities for individuals to contribute to causes they care about.  it encourages people to act with integrity and consideration toward others creating lasting bonds that ripple through communities Let us remember that every small act has the power to create lasting change creating a ripple effect that transforms lives for the better NATIONAL NEWS - With a stable power system Eskom is set host a state of the system media briefing on Monday as the winter period sets in supported by adequate emergency reserves that are strategically deployed when necessary to manage periods of peak demand This proactive management contributes to the overall reliability and resilience of the electricity supply,” the power utility said on Friday the power utility said planned maintenance activities are ongoing as part of efforts to prepare for the anticipated winter peak demand while also ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and environmental requirements “For year-to-date (1 April to 1 May) an average of 6 928MW — equivalent to 14.82% of total generation capacity—has been under planned maintenance This reflects a 3.4 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year stands at 28.26% for the financial year-to-date (1 April to 1 May) This reflects an improvement of approximately 1.6 percentage points compared to 29.82% recorded during the same period last year,” it said reliance on diesel usage is expected to decline as maintenance activities wind down and additional units return from long-term repairs during the winter months “A total of 2 850MW will be returned to service before the evening peak on Monday to further stabilise the grid,” it said The power utility added that while load shedding remains suspended and electricity demand continues to rise the public should help to prevent transformer overloads and related equipment failures which can result in explosions and prolonged outages “This can be achieved by avoiding illegal connections purchasing electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and ensuring that customers take responsibility for regularising their electricity usage.” Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities Any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure should be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323 Eskom requests the public to continue to use electricity efficiently,” it said Monday’s briefing is set to take place at Eskom’s Megawatt Park offices in Johannesburg PROPERTY NEWS - Selling a home quickly can feel daunting There are many reasons for needing a fast sale whether to avoid missing out on a home you’ve just put in an offer for or simply wanting to avoid the extended stress of a lengthy selling process.  the right approach can expedite the sale significantly explains that property remains a great investment due to its potential to appreciate in value you should always be able to sell it to recoup your initial investment.  “If you have purchased a property in desirable enough location you should have little trouble selling quickly when the time comes,” he states When pushed into a situation where you want to close a deal fast Goslett suggests taking a flexible approach to pricing.  competitive asking price is essential when aiming for a speedy sale Ask your real estate agent for insights into local real estate trends and comparable properties then price your home somewhere within your market's range.  "Avoid aiming for the highest possible price as this can significantly limit buyer interest and prolong the selling process competitive price can spark interest quickly and encourage multiple offers potentially driving the final price higher through competition,” Goslett explains Goslett stresses the importance of first impressions.  “Homes gain maximum exposure with the first 24 hours of being listed on property portals This is because most portals share alerts with users when there are new listings that meet the users’ search criteria.  it is not a wise idea to take short cuts and avoid the use of a professional photographer and possibly even a home staging service You need to do all you can to ensure those listing photos draw buyers in immediately,” he stresses “It goes without saying that the better condition the home is in the broader the appeal it will have among buyers and the quicker it is likely to sell If you don’t have the time to get the home in top condition then you may need to compromise on price to attract a quicker sale,” he notes There are other more aggressive strategies that could also be considered if you are in a true rush to sell.  If you are up for trying something different speak to your real estate agent and find out if it would be worthwhile to boost your listing on the agent’s social media platforms or to try an out-of-the box marketing stunt like leveraging a local influencer or hosting a themed open house party my advice is to rely on the guidance of your chosen real estate professional Experienced agents understand local markets intimately and possess negotiation skills that can significantly streamline and expedite the selling process Trusting their advice can save you valuable time and increase your chances of a swift and successful sale,” Goslett concludes LIFESTYLE NEWS - When you order water in a restaurant the choice often comes down to “still or sparkling?” yet behind that simple question lies a much bigger story.  Understanding what goes into a truly safe and responsibly bottled water brand is important With South Africa facing growing water challenges from deteriorating municipal infrastructure to localised contamination more people are turning to bottled water as a trusted alternative.  But here’s the catch: not all bottled water meets the same standards That’s where SANBWA accreditation makes a critical difference The South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) sets some of the most stringent quality and sustainability standards in the world.  Members must adhere to strict protocols that go far beyond basic hygiene aligning with both local Department of Health regulations and international best practice It’s easy to think bottled water is just water in a sealed container but SANBWA-accredited brands go through rigorous checks before reaching your hands.  not all so-called “green” options are what they seem Take “biodegradable bottles” for example.  they’re not recyclable in South Africa and often end up as contamination in the recycling system Another trend to be cautious about is in-house refilled water If water is bottled and served (even in a café or wellness studio) it’s legally considered packaged water and must comply with strict safety regulations.  These are impossible to meet outside of a certified bottling facility jugs of tap water that can be cleaned thoroughly are fine make sure it’s from a SANBWA-accredited source Why this matters for your health and the planet Choosing a SANBWA-accredited brand means you’re making a conscious choice transparency and environmental responsibility Whether you’re hydrating after a yoga class packing school lunches or setting your dinner table knowing what’s in your bottle and where it comes from matters “When you choose a SANBWA-accredited brand you’re choosing peace of mind for your family and the environment.” So next time you're shopping for water OUDTSHOORN NEWS - In a gripping clash at the Infantry School Sportsground on Saturday 26 April the senior team of Infantry School FC delivered a standout performance against Hanover Park FC who are the current log leaders of the ABC Motsepe League with 46 points.  The match kicked off at 14:00 and kept spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish Despite Hanover Park's top-tier status they were unable to find the back of the net came close to scoring on multiple occasions they couldn't quite convert those chances and the team walked away with a hard-fought 0 - 0 draw that felt like a win in its own right The squad's cohesion and tactical discipline were clear indicators of the positive impact made by newly appointed head coach Infantry School FC will next face Beaufort West FC on 3 May at Rustdene Stadium global markets have delivered strong annual returns — around 8% to 10% per year Any investor would be happy with that result But those returns didn’t come in a straight line There were multiple points where it felt like the market was on the verge of collapse — Brexit they recovered — often faster than expected Every little red ‘X’ in the chart above felt like the world was ending This is the reality of investing: the path is messy That’s why we design portfolios with this in mind.  For clients who may need access to funds in the next year or two we set aside enough in cash or low-risk assets so they’re not forced to sell growth investments during a downturn.  It’s not about avoiding volatility — it’s about being prepared for it Because here’s the key point: drawdowns are normal But holding a diversified portfolio — and staying invested — continues to beat cash over time You don’t need to predict the next crash You just need a plan that makes it easier to hold on when it comes Matthew Matthee has a wealth management business that specialises in retirement planning and investments. He writes about financial markets, investments, and investor psychology. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from Stellenbosch University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from UFS. MatthewM@gravitonwm.com  OPINION - Mossel Bay Advertiser asked Dr Dennis Farrell the managing adviser at the Business Café in George In its simplest terms a VAT increase from 15% to 15.5% - a 0.5% percentage point increase on non-zero-rated products - would have cost the consumer an additional R5 per thousand rand spent on these products not have been any change on VAT zero-rated-products which include amongst others 19 basic food items and illuminating paraffin used primarily for cooking and lighting during the process of debilitating decision making by the government on whether the increase is going ahead or not had to carry the related cost to change their systems to accommodate the increase Due to the increase being repealed it means businesses have had a double cost impact on operational readiness for VAT changes The question now is whether businesses are going to recoup these costs from customers through increased product costs It is reported that the government is projected to lose R75 billion in revenue over the medium term due to not increasing the VAT rate by 0.5% The impact of this on the provision of services is not clear As taxpayers we must insist on real and tangible cutting of costs and an increase in efficiency.  There are two no-brainer areas where the government needs to cut costs - reduction in staff and the associated salary bill inclusive of cutting back on cabinet roles with associated benefits and secondly increased efficiency in service delivery through technology and partnering with the private sector to the level of SMMEs As the public we must not be fooled by the political "brownie badge" mentality of the politicians of most parties now trying to claim victory would have been the number one contender for the Sunday Times' "Mampara" award As the 2025/26 municipal budget process is current it will be interesting to see how the political parties who "fought for the alleviation of cost pressures on the public" during the VAT saga are going to apply these same principals at local level as ratepayers could be facing a minimum eight to 10% increase on their cumulative account from their municipalities.  This means an increase of around 270% above the current March 2025 reported inflation rate (CPI) of 2.7% To put this into perspective: for every R1 000 spent on a municipal account a 10% increase is going to cost the ratepayer R100 more." Read more opinion pieces here.  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Group Editors and its publications Dissatisfaction with the conduct of the former DA Mayor of Oudtshoorn came to a head this week when the existing coalition in the Municipality landed on the rocks A new Government of Local Unity (GLU) was subsequently formed with Johan Allers of the FF Plus as the new Mayor The FF Plus invited the DA to join the GLU right from the outset The DA repeatedly refused to comply with the other parties and the public’s requests to replace Macpherson and finally walked out of the coalition of its own accord Here are some of the reasons why Macpherson was removed from his office by means of a motion of no confidence earlier this week: • The director of Infrastructure in Oudtshoorn was dismissed in November 2023 without following the prescribed disciplinary processes The Mayor (Macpherson) ignored the collective caucus decision in which three of the four coalition parties (FF Plus ICOSA and Saamstaan) voted against the dismissal • The reason for the dismissal related to the relocation of a sewer pipe at a new development and the question of who was liable for the cost of R3,1 million The dismissed director insisted that the developer should pay for it The Mayor said the Municipality should pay the sewer pipe matter was discussed in the council again along with the proposal that the Municipality should relocate the pipe ICOSA and Saamstaan) once again insisted that a legal opinion should be obtained simply proceeded to instruct the Municipal Manager to have the pipe relocated • The same scenario played out at another construction site of the same developer where the Mayor insisted that the Municipality should cover the electrical connection costs The director and coalition partners felt that the developer should be the one to pay for it • A municipal budget was compiled without any input from the coalition partners When the coalition partners expressed their dissatisfaction with it the Mayor responded by saying that it is “his budget” and that the “smaller parties” do not have a say the Mayor paid no attention to the coalition partners’ plans to reduce exorbitantly high property rates the DA failed to attend a caucus and the coalition partners once again decided not to adopt the budget The Mayor negotiated with the ANC outside of the coalition and the budget was ultimately adopted with support from parties not in the coalition the DA had in effect already broken the coalition agreement • A frequent complaint was that the Mayor unilaterally reversed committee’s decisions and that he did not cooperate with the committee chairs • The Mayor restricted the powers of the FF Plus Speaker in various ways; for instance he was not allowed to serve on the KKNK Committee or the Water and Sanitation Work Group • The Mayor also decided that an FF Plus councillor was no longer allowed to serve on the Housing Work Group These instructions issued by the Mayor were unlawful seeing as the council makes appointments and not the mayor • The Office of the Mayor’s media officer served only the Mayor and not the coalition or any other party • The Mayor colluded with the PA to take the FF Plus’s place in the coalition he also used the PA to lodge false complaints against the FF Plus Speaker The aforementioned makes it abundantly clear that the Mayor continually demonstrated contempt for the coalition agreement and the coalition partners He acted as if the DA was the only party governing Oudtshoorn its leadership explicitly stated that no-one will dictate to them who to appoint as mayor The FF Plus does not believe that anyone was trying to dictate to anyone else it was merely a sincere attempt to appoint a competent person as mayor in the interest of Oudtshoorn residents The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Mbombela Local Municipality (Mbombela/Nelspruit White River) is deeply concerned by the utter lack Yesterday’s EFF march to Kleinfontein was nothing but political theatrics riddled with racism to divert attention away from the failures of the coalition in the The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) questions the Tshwane Metro’s Department of Human Settlements’ decision to relocate yet another 5 200 people to a piece ❗️Corné Mulder: GNU must unite or fail — as Trump-era US eyes ANC’s foreign blunders @alechogg @MulderCorn VF Plus dien griefskrif in teen Mangaung-watertariefverhoging | Freedom Front Plus Die VF Plus het ʼn griefskrif teen die Mangaung-metro se voorgestelde watertariefverhoging van 11% oorhandig aan die .. The Freedom Front Plus is committed to group rights against affirmative action and towards a better SA for all fans in Knysna are waking up to the sights and sounds of the 2025 Simola Hillclimb commences Let’s see what the weather has in store for the spectators NATIONAL NEWS - Two Correctional Services officials attached to the Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended following the death of an inmate Two other officials have already been suspended in this regard This was revealed by National Commissioner Fortuin died following a clash with officials which left one with serious injuries and led to an investigation into the matter “After reviewing the investigation report and considering its findings I have decided that the Western Cape Region will reimpose the suspension of two officials who were previously suspended but later reassigned.  “They will now join Qhama Kweleta and Thembisa Mninzi Other officials confirmed to have been involved will also be considered for possible disciplinary action,” he said The commissioner revealed that a post-mortem examination on Fortuin found that he had died resulting from “multiple blunt force injuries” and the matter is currently under investigation by police He added that the internal investigation has pointed to a need for an evaluation of management practices at the correctional centre we are committed to taking corrective steps where necessary and will continue to support and encourage our officials through wellness and support programmes to boost morale and safety “We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining institutional accountability I assure the public that this matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and any misconduct uncovered will be met with appropriate disciplinary action “Correctional Services remains committed to supporting the SAPS investigation We commend the many dedicated officials who continue to serve with integrity upholding the Constitution and the human rights of all individuals in our care,” Thobakgale said GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves along parts of the Western Cape coastline between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday A south-westerly swell with wave heights of 3.5 to 4.5 metres accompanied by strong to near gale force winds (gusting up to 70km/h) is expected to result in rough sea conditions.  strong to near gale force westerly to south-westerly winds (40-60 km/h gusting at 60-70km/h) are expected to accompany these waves which will result in rough and choppy seas The winds will moderate from the west from Thursday afternoon Please avoid risky coastal areas and stay updated through official weather channels.  wet and windy conditions are expected over the Cape Winelands Central and Little Karoo municipalities until Friday Western Cape: Fine over the eastern parts in the morning otherwise cloudy and cold with isolated showers and rain but scattered in the south and south-west The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong westerly to north-westerly along the south coast in the morning otherwise moderate to fresh westerly to south-westerly Western half of the Eastern CapeCloudy and cold with isolated showers and rain but cool along the coast The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong south-westerly reaching gale force in places from late morning Eastern half of the Eastern CapeWindy and cold in places otherwise cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain in places south of the escarpment becoming partly cloudy in the north in the afternoon The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh south-westerly OPINION - As South Africa marks Workers’ Day on 1 May Free SA stands not with the elites in regalia or the podiums heavy with empty slogans but with the 12.2 million South Africans who want to work but because they have been shut out of an economy that has stopped growing meant to honour the dignity of labour and the rights of workers Behind every brass band performance and union speech lies a deeper truth namely the promise that hard work can secure a life of dignity has been broken South Africa’s economy has been in decline since the Zuma-era collapse in governance and the global financial crisis state bureaucracy is bloated yet ineffective and investor sentiment continues to deteriorate “While politicians celebrate Workers’ Day with slogans we at Free SA are asking a more serious question: where are the jobs?” said Free SA spokesperson Reuben Coetzer.  “The government pretends that jobs can be legislated into existence yet continues to pass policies that undermine job creation is too often shaped by ideology rather than reality but they frequently achieve the opposite of what they promise: exclusion Free SA is calling for a bold shift away from symbolic gestures towards real reform.  Free SA advocates for these four simple and quick solutions all of which would go a long way towards creating above population growth economic growth to create jobs: It is time to free our economy from the chains of failed policy and elite complacency “This is not a time for celebration,” Coetzer concluded South Africa must choose policies that work for the people Only then will Workers’ Day be worthy of its name.” BUSINESS NEWS - A new business complex at Oudtshoorn's busiest intersection This development aligns with Oudtshoorn's evolving economic landscape attracting businesses and professionals seeking affordability quality of life and modern infrastructure.  It is positioned to become a central hub for commerce retail and professional services and the prime location ensures maximum visibility and accessibility making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the region As semigration to the Western Cape continues at a rapid pace Oudtshoorn is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for families This growth is now being matched by an exciting new business development set to redefine the commercial landscape of the town the operational director of the development "This project is a key part of that evolution Our goal is to create a dynamic space where businesses can thrive and the community can access essential services in a convenient and modern setting." an entity founded by business owners from Oudtshoorn The Karoovest team has identified security and parking as a top priority "The centre will be fenced and adequate security will ensure that customers can shop safely What sets the complex apart from other shopping centres in town is the fact that there will be national brands that have not been in Oudtshoorn before." A development that matches the town's future visionStrategically situated at the intersection of Voortrekker Road and Langenhoven Road this new business complex is designed to cater to the evolving needs of Oudtshoorn's growing community.  office space and service-oriented businesses it offers a prime location with high foot traffic and modern infrastructure The development is poised to attract both established brands and innovative startups eager to capitalise on the town's expanding market Why Oudtshoorn?Oudtshoorn has seen a surge in interest as more individuals and businesses recognise the advantages of moving to smaller The neighbouring towns of George and Mossel Bay have already experienced significant expansion with schools nearing capacity and new developments selling out quickly.  with multiple new residential and commercial projects underway A key factor driving this growth is the shift in migration patterns While many South Africans previously considered relocating abroad challenges in Europe and other international destinations have led to a renewed focus on local semigration.  has become an increasingly desirable alternative minimal traffic and access to excellent schools is emerging as a prime choice for families and entrepreneurs Oudtshoorn is quickly becoming a hub for remote workers and professionals embracing flexible work lifestyles Adding to its appeal is the stunning natural beauty of the Little Karoo which offers endless opportunities for outdoor sports and mountain biking enthusiasts the Oudtshoorn Municipality has recognised this trend and remains committed to investing in infrastructure and sustainable development to support the town's continued expansion Strong demand - limited spaceThe demand for space in this prime business hub has been overwhelming with most units already confirmed by tenants Businesses looking to secure a foothold in this thriving location will need to act quickly "The strong uptake reflects the confidence in Oudtshoorn's economic potential and the increasing need for modern well-located commercial spaces," said Iverach For leasing inquiries or more information, please contact:Brandon IverachOperational Directorbrandon@iverach.net LIFESTYLE NEWS - With Mother’s Day fast approaching on Sunday several successful Capsicum Culinary Studio alumni – many of whom attribute their passion for cooking to their mothers – shared a recipe for something they’d make their mom on her special day who is currently working as a Senior Chef de Partie at the Angus Hotel in Blairgowrie Scotland says she will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a phone call to her mom and then “either organise her a massage or book a table for her and a friend to have lunch at her favourite restaurant.” Lehabe says her favourite dish her mom made when she was growing up was Ting (fermented sorghum) “It will always be something I crave and I get her to make it for me when I’m home.” what would she dish up for her mother on Mother’s Day “I would definitely make her breakfast it was the only way I could surprise and spoil her She really loves my Orange & Elderflower Panna Cotta so here’s the recipe for anyone else who wants to give it a go for their mom.” let the gelatin bloom by sprinkling it over water and let it sit for 5 min Add the gelatin mixture and stir with a whisk until dissolved Pour mix into tumbler glasses and leave to set (about six hours) before decorating with edible flowers Isla Rechner returned to South Africa in late 2020 after spending several years working for the late chef Bill Granger in London Rechner is busy with her private cheffing services including developing freezer meals and desserts we’ll most likely head to one of the local wine estates for a family-friendly breakfast or a relaxed picnic on Mother’s Day,” she says What was her favourite dish her Mom made when she was growing up “I think there’s always something wonderfully nostalgic about a mom’s cooking My mom was never particularly enthusiastic about spending time in the kitchen but her roast chicken was always beautifully comforting It still brings back warm memories and is a dish I ask her to make when she visits.” And what would she make for her Mom on this special day I’d definitely want to create a showstopper dessert for her and strawberry tart is bursting with both flavour and colour It’s also deceptively simple to make — which is always a win in my book.” Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Roll out the chilled pastry to 3mm thickness Chill the lined tart tin in the fridge for 1 hour to prevent shrinkage during baking.  Blind bake the tart case: line the pastry with baking paper and fill it with baking beans or rice Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and fully cooked (Note: Any leftover pastry can be wrapped tightly in cling film and refrigerated for up to 4 days.) For the white chocolate & basil ganache gently heat the Greek yoghurt with the basil until warm Remove from heat and allow to infuse for 10 minutes Strain the yoghurt to remove the basil leaves combine the infused yoghurt and white chocolate.  Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler) and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy Pour the ganache into the cooled tart shell Place the sliced strawberries in a small bowl Sift over the icing sugar and toss gently to coat Arrange the macerated strawberries around the edge of the chilled ganache tart in an overlapping pattern Garnish with baby basil leaves and a scattering of white chocolate curls Serve chilled for a beautifully balanced tart that's as eye-catching as it is delicious Pretorius worked at several top hotels and restaurants in Dubai after graduating He has also written a cookbook called The Sweet Side of Life which is due to be published this year “Although my mom passed away many years ago I’ll be honouring her memory by cooking something she was well known for amongst friends and family - her Sout Tert (Savoury Tart) It was also my favourite dish when growing up and to this day it holds so many warm memories so I thought it would be a good recipe to share.” “If I could get to spend a Mother’s day with her I’d bake her a carrot cake and I know it would make her smile.” ½ tsp cream of tartar and 1½ tsp salt 60ml white vinegar and ¾ cup ice water Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and knead for a few minutes Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.  roll out and cut into circles that can be placed in a muffin pan Beat the eggs then stir them into the sauce Spoon the filling into the pastry shells in the muffin pan Bake at 180°C until light golden brown Tinotenda Sadziwa was the Pastry Chef at Winslow’s Tavern in Cape Cod Massachusetts in the US but she’s now back home in Zimbabwe working as a full-time home baker She is currently being kept busy offering personalised Mother’s Day cake designs with heartfelt messages “I already have orders for classic vanilla and rich chocolate cakes which I will adorn with fresh flowers to make the day extra special and I’m also creating gift boxes filled with an assortment of baked goods that will include a handwritten note and a mini bouquet with each order “I am also going to donate a cake to a local old people’s shelter to the grannies there; they also deserve to be celebrated.” Sadziwa says her favourite dish that her mother used to make when she was growing up was lasagna and stuffed chicken “Each layer was a statement to her love Eating her lasagna was more than just a meal it was a cherished memory filled with warmth and love the thought of it brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy Sunday evenings reminding me of the joy that good food can bring.” Sadziwa is going to make her mom’s all-time favourite - Grilled Chicken with Ratatouille Heat half of the oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium heat Add the eggplant and fry until golden brown (2-3 minutes) Add the remaining oil to the skillet and fry the zucchini just until golden and slightly softened.  Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside to the same bowl with the eggplant.  onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes Add the plum tomatoes and balsamic vinegar bring to a simmer and break the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon.  Allow the sauce to simmer until it starts to thicken Partially cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes or until sauce is thick and veggies are tender.  you can bake it uncovered in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes oregano and thyme; generously season with salt and pepper Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight is even better).  Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; preheat 5 minutes basting with reserved marinade and turning halfway through Serve with ratatouille and fresh ciabatta bread BUSINESS NEWS - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that a new national budget will be presented in Parliament on 21 May The decision to introduce a revised budget comes in the wake of government’s move to abandon the plan by the National Treasury to increase the value-added tax (VAT) The original proposal aimed to raise VAT by 0.5% starting on 1 May 2025 followed by an additional 0.5% hike in the 2026/2027 financial year The plan was intended to bolster government revenue but it faced significant public and political resistance due to concerns over the potential impact on the cost of living and economic inequality attention has turned to how the government will address its revenue shortfalls and fund key public services Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen NATIONAL NEWS - Great news for millions of South African grant beneficiaries is that SASSA Gold Cards will remain operational beyond 31 May ensuring uninterrupted access to social grants comes as a relief for beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the new Postbank Black Cards putting an end to any uncertainty about payment disruptions Postbank reassured users that Gold Cards will continue to function across all payment platforms This means beneficiaries can still withdraw cash and access their funds as usual - no immediate switch is required "We remain committed to ensuring no beneficiary is left without access to their grants," said Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe “In keeping with our commitment that we made that Postbank will ensure that no beneficiary will be left with no access to their grants and that there will be no disruptions in payments of grants Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new black card “We are therefore hopeful and confident that this announcement addresses any concern relating to the payments of any beneficiaries that may not have yet obtained their Black Cards,” Mbengashe The CEO advised social grant beneficiaries to ignore any call that they must change banks “We plead with them to be wary of misleading information that their Gold Cards will not work and that they need to change banks because of this,” she said Beneficiaries are also asked to always only respond to Postbank published communication when it comes to their SASSA Gold Cards and the Black Cards as the only authorised entity that is responsible for the issuing of these cards Beneficiaries are further advised that whenever they come across any information regarding their cards that has not been communicated by Postbank they should not believe what is being said Postbank said this will prevent beneficiaries from being misled as the entity observes increased amounts of incorrect information being communicated about the SASSA cards recently “As the Gold Cards will continue to work and all beneficiaries can continue to use those cards and their Black Cards to access payments Postbank notifies the beneficiaries that it has put a temporary suspension of the distribution of new Black Cards in its sites until further notice has no impact on anyone who currently has a Postbank Black Card as that card will continue to work as per normal,” the entity said will remain open and available to beneficiaries to access the following services: OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality is making significant progress in its transition to paperless municipal accounts A growing number of residents are registering on the Collab Citizen app and opting to receive statements via email and ensure residents have instant access to their municipal accounts the municipality has seen an encouraging response with many account holders successfully registering for digital statements some residents have faced challenges with the registration process particularly in updating their contact details the municipality has implemented various support measures including step-by-step registration guides on its official Facebook page and in-person support at the municipal accounts offices Concerns have been raised regarding accessibility particularly for elderly residents and those without digital access the municipality has ensured that printed statements remain available upon request at municipal offices As indicated on your municipal account regarding reference amendments all account numbers with less than 11 digits will be changed to 11 digits These changes will be phased in over some time Account Holders must always have their latest account number for payment purposes as these changes will impact the Payat reference and payments at Checkers The municipality wants to highlight the importance of registering on the Collab Citizen App to have the latest information at your fingertips as payment can only be made to a valid account number The first phase of these changes has been implemented and will be affected on accounts payable on 10 March 2025 Residents are urged to ensure they use the newest account number to make payments at third-party Vendors the municipality plans to introduce SMS notifications for municipal accounts This service is expected to launch in the coming months once the update of mobile numbers is complete residents are urged to update their contact details via the Collab Citizen app or by emailing accountenquiries@oudtmun.gov.za Consumers can also WhatsApp contact details to 077 6075 910 Take note that this number will only be used to receive contact information for clients Please rephrase from sending any other information to this number Consumers are requested to follow the prompt message and include all the relevant information as requested social media uploads and SMS notifications will be used to remind account holders to register The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality appreciates the cooperation of residents during this transition the municipality aims to provide a more efficient For further inquiries or assistance with registration residents can contact the accounts department via email at accountenquiries@oudtmun.gov.za or visit any municipal office GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - A cold front with a high pressure system ridging in behind it is expected to affect the Western Cape and southern regions of Namakwa from Wednesday through to Friday wet and windy conditions can be expected over the southern parts of the Namakwa as well as over the Cape Winelands Central Karoo and Little Karoo municipalities from Wednesday to Friday The public and small stock farmers are advised to take the necessary precaution to ensure the safety and health of their animals during very cold Isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers are expected over the north eastern parts today but will be confined to the south western interior tomorrow with possible disruptive rainfall & severe thunderstorms Please check your email and enter your one time pin below:   Open in Gmail Sorry there was an error loading the audio Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) councillor Johan Allers was elected the new mayor of Oudtshoorn on 1 August The Karoo municipality made headlines after the FF Plus ended a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in favour of a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC) Allers, the former Speaker of the council, spoke to Daily Maverick two weeks after he was sworn in as mayor about the town’s recent successes, his vision and some of the issues within the Greater Oudtshoorn municipality, which covers Oudtshoorn, De Rust, Dysseldorp and other smaller settlements. advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads The region – dubbed the Capital of the Klein Karoo – made headlines when it was announced that superstar Lady Gaga wore ostrich feathers from the region during her performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony I received an exciting letter from the MD of Cape Karoo International, informing me that the pink ostrich plumes and black ostrich feather outfit used during Lady Gaga’s Olympic Games performance were sourced from South Africa’s ostrich farms and are proudly South African. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/PAhf4aV062 — John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) July 29, 2024 Then Oudtshoorn resident Mia le Roux became the first hearing-impaired woman to win the Miss South Africa title Allers said: “We’re really proud of all of that.” He said these successes could boost Oudtshoorn’s tourism sector and thus, the economy in the big Karoo town that is also dubbed the ostrich capital of the world – and also well known for its messy coalition politics.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Allers has been involved in politics since 1981 but only became an active member of an organisation in 1994 when he joined the FF Plus and remains a member He worked in insurance before becoming a farmer he and his family moved back to Oudtshoorn in 2017 He farms and his wife runs a guesthouse as well as cottages on their farm When asked about his vision for the municipality I would like to see the tourism blossom… I would like to see people sleep two nights instead of one.”  He said tourist routes should be properly maintained in a bid to keep tourists used to driving cars and having a standard of infrastructure “So if your road surfaces aren’t maintained Allers said his biggest dream was that “in two or three years’ time we will see that the town is really a town that is accessible for each and every tourist that they enjoy our museums,” and other attractions such as the Cango Caves and local waterfalls Allers said this could only be achieved through proper infrastructure and maintenance of the roads A focus for him – and on his agenda would be to concentrate on tourism “because tourism brings jobs and if there’s jobs Although Oudtshoorn has notched up some positive news of late it has not all been bedazzlement: the town’s messy coalition politics once again resurfaced No single party gained a majority after the 2021 municipal elections while other parties such as the FF Plus make up the rest of the 25-seat council with 24-year-old Chad Louw taking the mayoral chain Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) and Suid Kaap Saamstaan Read more: ANC taking legal advice after the ousting of Oudtshoorn’s young mayor reports began to emerge of a fracture between the DA Icosa and Saamstaan coalition – mainly over the former mayor’s alleged involvement with a developer for a new project The parties did not support the DA’s budget adjustment and thus leading to a blame game between the DA and FF Plus leaders about who broke the coalition Read more: Another DA-Freedom Front Plus coalition collapses in the Western Cape Allers said problems started in November 2023, and claimed DA mayor Chris Macpherson “was doing his own thing and operated like a dictator.” Allers alleged Macpherson wanted “special treatment” for a developer of a project that was still in the development phase.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Allers said this issue led to disagreements within the coalition and spread to the municipal administration, which led to a director leaving the municipality. The disagreements within the coalition then came to a head in February during the budget adjustment period. advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads some parties wanted the developer to pay for cost-related expenses while Allers claimed the mayor wanted the municipality to foot a R3.1-million bill This was followed by a legal opinion which was not concluded including the parties refusing to support the budget The parties then voted against the budget – and thus DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers told Daily Maverick that “Icosa brought this allegation to our attention more than once but could not substantiate their allegation As a party of the rule of law and due process we cannot act against people on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations.” Simmers said the FF Plus had not brought the matter to their attention The parties then voted against the budget – and thus, the DA, FF Plus, Icosa and Saamstaan coalition fell apart. advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads a meeting was called for all the political parties to come together and find a plan to govern letters between the DA leadership and the FF Plus were exchanged and meetings were held in a bid to save the coalition This failed – with DA Federal Chair Helen Zille putting the blame squarely on the FF Plus after it walked out of a meeting with Mziwoxolo Tyatya from the ANC elected deputy mayor and Suzanne Jansen from the PA taking the Speaker role Smaller parties such as Advieskantoor and the Oudtshoorn Gemeenskap Initiatief also received roles within the mayoral committee in this new government of local unity – a take on the national government of unity Western Cape FF Plus leader Dr Corné Mulder said on 1 August this change in government was due to “the pleas of former coalition partners of the DA in Oudtshoorn to replace Mr Macpherson amid numerous complaints and grievances.” In a statement Mulder said: “The DA refused to comply with the requests and decided to rather break its coalition agreement with the FF Plus and other parties than appoint another candidate in the mayoral position.”  Mulder added: “It is regrettable that the DA’s unyielding attitude resulted in this keep doing everything it can to ensure good cooperation between the new governing partners.”  Read more: ANC and FF Plus join forces in new local governance model in Western Cape Daily Maverick journalist Velani Ludidi said the new venture between the FF Plus and the ANC could potentially become a fixture in the Western Cape – which began with Oudtshoorn and would be followed in other provincial municipalities I’m afraid the DA’s regress due to real or perceived arrogance will continue until they can rid themselves of Helen Zille ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Mr Johan Allers of the FF Plus was appointed as Oudtshoorn’s new Mayor today by a Government of Local Unity replacing the controversial Mr Chris Macpherson of the DA Mr Allers was elected with 14 votes to 9 after opposition parties took the historical step to commit themselves to working together in a local unity government – much like the national government there is not a single party in Oudtshoorn with enough support to govern on its own This development follows the pleas of former coalition partners of the DA in Oudtshoorn to replace Mr Macpherson amid numerous complaints and grievances The DA refused to comply with the requests and decided to rather break its coalition agreement with the FF Plus and other parties than appoint another candidate in the mayoral position was unilaterally terminated by the DA after the coalition partners did everything in their power and held several talks with the DA in an attempt to prevent a split It is regrettable that the DA’s unyielding attitude resulted in this keep doing everything it can to ensure good cooperation between the new governing partners There are some who would like to see the new government fail and opponents will most probably make it as difficult as possible to achieve success but the FF Plus urges the new governing partners to focus on service delivery and what is most important for Oudtshoorn and its people In terms of the cooperative agreement between the parties working mechanisms will be created to ensure continued consensus and resolve disputes The FF Plus is once again calling on the DA to restore the coalitions that it terminated in George and the Garden Route District Municipality for the sake of good governance and service delivery the FF Plus hopes that the DA will reconsider and not merely fulfil an opposition role but contribute meaningfully to a Government of Local Unity to serve their voters’ interests The FF Plus is willing and able to take the lead in Oudtshoorn and will do everything in its power to protect the remaining coalitions in the Western Cape GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The southeastern line of the Swartberg Mountain fire from Cango Mountain Resort to Rust en Vrede Waterfall Only a roaming light vehicle (skid unit) will perform spot checks in this area every two hours The focus of operations shifts to the most northern and northwestern lines These two areas are still inaccessible to vehicles and can only be accessed on foot has moved over and down the mountain to the north and toward the Central Karoo District area including those from the Central Karoo District