In ‘n poging om die publiek groter insig in die beoogde Langtermyn Operasie (LTO) van Koeberg se Eenheid 2 te bied, het Eskom in Julie ‘n reeks openbare bewusmakingsessies in die Wes-Kaap en Namakwaland aangebied. Die sessies was deel van ‘n uitreikingspoging om gemeenskappe in te lig oor die lisensie-aansoekproses én om hul vrae, bekommernisse en verwagtinge aan te hoor. Die byeenkomste is in Athlone, Atlantis, Table View, Concordia (NamaKhoi-munisipaliteit) en Garies (Kamiesberg-munisipaliteit) gehou. Velaphi Ntuli, kernbeampte-hoof by Koeberg, het op elke sessie beklemtoon dat Eskom voortbou op 40 jaar van veilige werking. “Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid is die sleutel tot ‘n volhoubare pad vorentoe,” sê hy.

In Atlantis het inwoners op die bewusmakingsessie met eerlikheid en empatie gedeel oor hoe die LTO-proses hul daaglikse lewens beïnvloed. WeskusNuus het met etlike inwoners oor hul indrukke van oor Eskom se openbare uitreiking gesels.

Gary Lewis het die behoefte aan deursigtigheid onderstreep.

“Eskom het my vrae beantwoord, maar ek is nie ‘n kenner oor veiligheid nie, so ek moet op kundiges vertrou. Wat wel uitgestaan het, is die min tyd vir vrae wat die publiek nie ‘n regverdige kans gegee het nie. My grootste bekommernis bly deursigtigheid.”

Seymour Daniels het die praktiese impak op jongmense en ontwikkeling uitgelig.

“Toe ek daar aankom, het ek min geweet van wat die LTO regtig behels. Maar ek het baie geleer – dit gaan nie net oor kerntegnologie nie, dit raak ons daaglikse lewe. Ons gemeenskap het betroubare krag nodig; vir skole, vir besighede, vir gesinne.

“My grootste bekommernis is dat plaaslike kontrakwerkers dikwels uitgesluit voel. Hulle kry nie genoeg inligting oor werksgeleenthede en programme nie. Eskom en vakbonde moet meer sigbaar wees, hulle moet die skole besoek en werksessies aanbied . . . ’n Webwerf is nie genoeg nie. Kinders moet dié geleenthede kan ervaar, nie net daarvan hoor nie.”

Vakbonde soos NUM, Solidaritiet en NUMSA het inligting oor werkskepping en vaardigheids- ontwikkeling gedeel – met die boodskap dat die verlenging van Eenheid 2 meer as tegnologie is; dit is ‘n belegging in mense en dorpe.

Gemeenskappe verwelkom die uitreik en verwag volgehoue betrokkenheid en ondersteuning.

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Multiple emergency services worked hand-in-hand on Saturday 2 August following a serious taxi accident down an embankment alongside the N7 near Melkbosstrand. The incident saw one taxi, 11 patients, and nine different emergency services come together to execute a flawless rescue and treatment operation. No fatalities were reported, but patients sustained a range of injuries, from minor to serious.

Community Medics, who were among the first responders on scene, praised the collaborative effort. “This was a textbook example of how multiple agencies can operate seamlessly in high-pressure situations. Everyone knew their role, communicated clearly, and kept patient care at the forefront,” said a spokesperson for Community Medics.

Passengers safely removed

Metro rescue and fire and rescue services led the extrication efforts, deploying hydraulic rescue tools to safely remove passengers trapped inside the taxi. At the same time, City and provincial traffic services swiftly managed road closures, diverting traffic to create a secure perimeter for the emergency teams to work unhindered.

While rescue operations were underway, paramedics from various services—including Community Medics—provided critical on-scene care to patients who had sustained a range of injuries, from minor to serious.

“The coordinated response across fire, rescue, traffic, and medical teams ensured that every patient received timely care, and the scene was managed with utmost safety,” Community Medics added. “Cape Town is truly privileged to have such dedicated and professional multidisciplinary teams serving the public.”

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People who walk 7 000 steps a day have a dramatically lower risk of a broad range of serious health problems, the largest review of the evidence yet said Thursday.

The most widely promoted target for people tracking their number of steps is 10 000 – but that figure reportedly originally came from a 1960s marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer.

To find a more scientific target, an international team of researchers sifted through 57 previous studies that covered 160 000 people.

The results published in the Lancet Public Health journal found that walking 7 000 steps a day nearly halved people’s risk of early death from all causes, compared to 2 000 steps.

The study also looked into health problems not previously covered by research into step counts.

Walking 7 000 steps a day was linked to people’s risk of dementia falling by 38 percent, depression dropping 22 percent and diabetes decreasing 14 percent.

It was also associated with lower rates of cancer and falls, though the researchers warned this was based on less evidence.

“You don’t need to hit 10 000 steps a day to get major health benefits,” Paddy Dempsey, a study co-author and medical researcher at Cambridge University, said.

“The biggest gains happen before 7 000 steps, and then benefits tend to level off,” he said.

While people’s speeds vary widely, 7 000 steps adds up to roughly an hour of walking throughout the day.

Dempsey emphasised that people already managing 10 000 or more steps should keep it up.

But he had a message for people who might find 7 000 steps daunting: “don’t be discouraged”.

“If you’re only getting 2 000–3 000 steps a day, aim to add an extra 1 000 steps. That’s just 10–15 minutes of light walking spread across the day,” he said.

Andrew Scott, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth not involved in the study, said that “it demonstrates that overall more is always better”.

“People should not focus too much on the numbers, particularly on days where activity is limited,” he added.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a week. Nearly a third of people worldwide do not reach this target, according to the WHO.

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BLOEMFONTEIN – A 43-year-old Bloemfontein woman has been convicted of culpable homicide by the Bloemfontein Regional Court, in connection with the death of her neighbour’s 8-year-old son, who was killed by her Pitbull Terrier on 12 November 2022.

Keabetswe Moroane was found guilty following an incident in which her Pitbull broke free from her property, fatally attacking the young boy while he was playing in a neighbouring garage. The child died at the scene from severe injuries sustained during the attack.

The court heard that Moroane owned three dogs, including the Pitbull that was known for aggressive behaviour and had previously caused much distress to residents in the area. Despite receiving repeated complaints from neighbours, Moroane failed to maintain adequate security measures to contain the animal.

Evidence presented to the court showed that both Moroane and her neighbours had attempted to address the containment issue through the installation of fences and wooden poles. However, these safety structures were not properly maintained, ultimately allowing the dog to escape on the day of the fatal incident.

Court finds negligence

The court found that Moroane had acted negligently by not taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. Given the known history of aggression by the dog and the prior complaints from community members, the court ruled that she had a duty of care to protect others from the potential danger posed by the animal.

Her failure to act decisively and responsibly directly resulted in the loss of a young life, the court determined.

The matter has been postponed to 2 September for sentencing. A pre-sentencing report has been requested by the defence.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the conviction and commended the efforts of the investigating and prosecution teams.

NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the authority extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss. “This case serves as a stark reminder that owners of dangerous animals have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of those around them.”

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CAPE TOWN – Eight passengers were seriously injured when assailants hurled a petrol bomb at a Golden Arrow bus in Gugulethu on Monday morning, in what officials have described as a “senseless and horrific” attack on public transport.

The attack occurred at the intersection of Duinefontein and Govan Mbeki roads just before 07:00, during the height of the morning commute.

City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Traffic Services officers responded swiftly to extinguish the flames that engulfed the bus following the petrol bomb attack.

Hereafter a second Golden Arrow bus was also targeted in the same area. However, the fire on the second vehicle was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported in that incident.

According to Grounup,org.za, a group of residents, unhappy that they had not been given jobs on the under-contruction MyCiti bus project on Govan Mbeki Road, protested throughout the day on Monday, blocking parts of the road. “The group acknowledged they were responsible for petrol bombing the buses,” reportd Grounup.

The dual attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of public transport users and the increasing frequency of attacks on critical infrastructure in the Western Cape.

Western Cape mobility spokesperson and Member of Provincial Parliament Nomafrench Mbombo has strongly condemned the attacks, emphasising that there is no justification for endangering lives and damaging essential transport infrastructure.

“This incident was not only criminal in nature but a direct attack on public infrastructure and the safety of residents,” Mbombo stated. “Violence must never be used as a means to express frustration.”

Mbombo acknowledged that commuters may experience legitimate frustrations regarding transport and service delivery issues but cautioned that resorting to violence ultimately places additional strain on already stretched resources.

“I urge all residents to use peaceful, lawful channels to raise their concerns and to work with us to find real, lasting solutions. The safety of commuters must remain our top priority,” she added.

The Golden Arrow Bus Services, which provides crucial transport links for thousands of Cape Town residents daily, has faced numerous security challenges in recent years as operators struggle to maintain safe and reliable services in volatile areas.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the attacks, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

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CAPE TOWN – Eskom has ramped up recovery efforts across the Western Cape as prolonged power outages continue to plague communities, with infrastructure theft and illegal connections severely hampering restoration work in townships and surrounding areas.

The state-owned electricity utility confirmed on Saturday that 19 areas are currently experiencing extended blackouts, with residents in Khayelitsha, Delft, and Wallacedene among the worst affected by the ongoing supply crisis.

Infrastructure theft cripples Delft supply network

The Delft area has emerged as a particular hotspot for criminal activity, with deliberate tampering of pole top boxes and rampant illegal connections causing systematic overloads that lead to transformer failures.

“These ongoing criminal activities are not only disrupting electricity supply but are also further delaying efforts to address the growing backlog of reported faults in the area,” Eskom stated in their latest update.

The utility condemned what it described as “acts of electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism” that continue to undermine essential service delivery while placing immense financial strain on the organisation, costing millions in repairs.

Communities experiencing prolonged outages include: Khayelitsha; Delfr; Wallacedene; Blue Downs; Eersteriver; Bloekombos; Du Noon; Uitsig; Philippi; Bardale; Tableview; Blackheath; Belhar; Macassar; Klapmuts; Fisantekraal; Nomzamu and Carbon.

Protests hamper repair efforts

Eskom’s restoration work faces additional challenges from protests at several Customer Network Centres (CNCs), which the utility says compromise both the safety of repair teams and their ability to attend to critical faults.

“We appeal for calm and cooperation from customers to ensure that we continue our restoration efforts without disruption,” the utility stated, urging residents to use official contact channels rather than visiting CNCs directly.

Public urged to report criminal activity

The electricity provider has issued a strong appeal for community cooperation in combating infrastructure theft and illegal connections.

Residents can report incidents through:

• Eskom Toll-Free Crime Hotline: 0800 11 27 22
• Local SAPS stations
• Anonymous reporting options available

“We urge residents to work together with Eskom and law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable,” the utility emphasised.

Eskom customers are also encouraged to use digital platforms for fault reporting:

• MyEskom Customer App (available on App Store and Google Play)
• Alfred Chatbot on the Eskom website
• WhatsApp service: 08600 37566

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CAPE TOWN – Police have released a facial composite of a suspect wanted in connection with a vicious assault on Table Mountain that left a Cape Town woman with permanent vision loss.

Camps Bay police are urgently seeking public assistance to identify the man depicted in the identikit, believing he can help with their investigation into the assault that occurred on 6 July at approximately 12:40 on the popular Jeep Track trail.

Attack shocks hiking community

What began as a peaceful solo hike turned into a nightmare for Pérola Noble when she was violently ambushed by an unknown assailant along a trail she regularly used. The attack occurred on a route that is popular with both locals and tourists.

According to preliminary police information, Noble was hiking up Table Mountain when she was accosted by the unknown man, who initially engaged her in casual conversation before picking up a rock and launching an unprovoked attack. The assailant struck her repeatedly on the head with the rock in what has been described as a savage assault that has shocked the local hiking community.

“This mad man hit her over the head with a rock, three times, four times, then tried to gouge her eye out,” Noble’s husband, Ken, previously told the media.

The woman’s screams alerted two other hikers who came to her assistance, causing the attacker to flee empty-handed from the scene.

Emergency response and medical treatment

SANParks rangers were alerted to the scene and found the woman in critical condition. The rangers immediately administered first aid before rushing her to hospital, while other teams launched a search of the area for the suspect.

Noble underwent an extensive four-hour surgical procedure to repair her scalp, followed by additional eye surgery. SANParks has confirmed the woman was left partially blind following the violent attack, highlighting the severe nature of the assault.

With the suspect still at large nearly two weeks after the incident, police are conducting an intensive manhunt. Officers are reviewing nearby surveillance and trail camera footage in hopes of identifying the attacker, while appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.

Safety measures increased

The brutal attack has sparked renewed concerns over safety on Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most beloved natural attractions. In response to the incident, SANParks has increased patrols in the area, while local safety groups are calling for more visible policing on all major trails.

Hikers are being cautioned to avoid walking alone and to stay on busy, well-monitored routes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who can recognise the person in the identikit is urged to contact Constable Keenen Schutters or Warrant Officer Jerome Leste Matthews on 081 552 4066 / 081 432 6150.

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CAPE TOWN – The Barcelona Informal Settlement in Gugulethu witnessed scenes of hope on Wednesday as Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku launched the latest phase of the province’s groundbreaking Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme. The initiative, delivered in partnership with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), forms part of meaningful Mandela Day community upliftment efforts across the Western Cape.

The programme addresses a critical barrier facing unemployed South Africans: the inability to afford transport to job interviews, training sessions, and employment opportunities. Through the initiative, qualifying jobseekers receive free GABS Gold Cards preloaded with trips, effectively removing financial obstacles that often prevent people from accessing work opportunities.

Overwhelming community response demonstrates programme’s value

The enthusiasm surrounding Wednesday’s registration drive was palpable, with nearly 100 jobseekers queuing to sign up for the life-changing programme. Minister Sileku described the turnout as “overwhelming” and a powerful reminder of how deeply communities value support that opens doors to opportunity.

Among the beneficiaries was Ms Lilitha Ngamso from Barcelona, who expressed how the voucher brings her renewed hope and possibility. “For her, and many others, it’s more than a ride, it’s a lifeline to opportunity,” Minister Sileku explained during the launch event.

The programme has also attracted young job seekers like 19-year-old CJ Skennelth, a 2024 matriculant from the local area who is actively seeking employment to help improve his family’s circumstances. His determination exemplifies the programme’s core philosophy that recognises mobility as a key that unlocks opportunity for unemployed individuals across the Western Cape.

Impressive success rates drive programme expansion

Since its official launch in February 2024, the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme has demonstrated remarkable success in connecting unemployed residents with employment opportunities. More than 6 000 jobseekers have registered for the programme, collectively completing over 8 300 free trips to potential work opportunities.

The programme’s impact extends far beyond simple transport provision. Early outcome surveys reveal that approximately 40% of participants have successfully found employment after using the service. The demographic breakdown shows that youth and women comprise the vast majority of beneficiaries, addressing key unemployment challenges in these vulnerable groups.

Perhaps most significantly, more than 90% of programme users reported that the travel voucher made a meaningful difference in their job search journey, underlining the critical role that transport accessibility plays in employment outcomes.

Strategic partnerships

The success of the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme stems from strategic collaboration between government and private sector partners. The Western Cape Mobility Department has partnered with private companies, non-governmental organisations, and Golden Arrow Bus Services to expand both the reach and impact of the initiative.

This collaborative approach ensures sustainable funding while maximising the programme’s accessibility to communities most in need of employment support. The partnership model also demonstrates how public-private cooperation can address complex social challenges affecting unemployment in South Africa.

Programme expansion proof of growing success

Minister Sileku emphasised that the programme’s expansion to the Barcelona community demonstrates its growing momentum and the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing opportunities closer to communities experiencing the highest levels of unemployment.

The targeted approach of launching in informal settlements and economically disadvantaged areas ensures that resources reach those who face the greatest barriers to employment access. This strategic focus aligns with broader Western Cape government priorities around inclusive economic growth and job creation.

The programme’s evolution from pilot phase to expanded community roll-out illustrates how evidence-based policy making can scale successful interventions to benefit larger populations of unemployed residents.

To register with the programme, visit: https://gettingyoutowork.westerncape.gov.za/

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Hugo Hattingh (39) van Wellington in die Wes-Kaap lê in ’n kritieke toestand in ’n Thaise hospitaal nadat hy ernstige brandwonde opgedoen het in ’n bootontploffing. ’n BackaBuddy-veldtog is geloods om fondse vir sy mediese behandeling in te samel.

Tragedie tref ervare skeepskaptein

Hattingh, ’n ervare skeepskaptein bevind hom in ’n lewensgevaarlike toestand nadat ’n katamaran-ongeluk sy lewe op 7 Julie onherroeplik verander het. Die 39-jarige pa van twee seuns het brandwonde oor 80% van sy liggaam opgedoen ná ’n erge ontploffing aan Thailand se ooskus.

Die ongeluk het sowat 300 km oos van Bangkok plaasgevind toe petroldampe in die enjinkajuit vlamgevat en ’n ontploffing veroorsaak het, wat temperature van tussen 1800°C tot 2200°C bereik het.

Volgens Chris Hattingh, Hugo se pa, het die tragiese gebeure begin toe petrol per ongeluk in die enjinkajuit gemors en vlamgevat het. Hoewel die petrol skoonggemaak is, het gevaarlike dampe agtergebly.

“Toe Hugo die kajuit binnegaan om aan die kragopwekker te werk, het die petroldampe wat agtergebly het vlamgevat en ’n ontploffing veroorsaak,” verduidelik Chris.

Hugo het ten tyde van die ongeluk net ’n nylon-kortbroek gedra. Die intense hitte het sy klere en hare verskroei en ook ernstige interne beserings veroorsaak, insluitend skade aan sy ingewande, niere, longe en hart.

Mediese toestand en vooruitsig

Hugo lê tans in ’n hospitaal sowat 200 km buite Bangkok en is aan verskeie lewensondersteunende masjiene gekoppel. Sy familie maak beurte om hom te besoek, terwyl sy suster Candice Hattingh (42) permanent langs sy bed waak.

Indien sy toestand stabiel bly, sal hy minstens drie tot ses weke in die hoësorgeenheid moet deurbring voor ’n lang en onseker pad na herstel kan begin.

Familie in krisis

Die ongeluk het plaasgevind ’n week voordat Hugo sy pasgebore seuntjie, Luka, sou ontmoet. Luka is op 6 Junie in ’n Paarl-hospitaal verwelkom nadat die gesin besluit het om na Suid-Afrika terug te keer vir die bevalling.

Hugo se lewensmaat en hul pasgebore baba kan weens ’n gebrek aan al die nodige reisdokumente nog nie na Thailand reis nie. Hy het ook ’n negejarige seun, Aydin.

Versekeringsnagmerrie vir internasionale werkers

Een van die grootste uitdagings wat die familie tans in die gesig staar, is die gebrek aan mediese versekering wat internasionale voorvalle dek.

“Hoewel Hugo voorheen ’n mediese fonds in Suid-Afrika gehad het, het dit slegs binne die landsgrense dekking gebied,” lui die verduideliking op die BackaBuddy-veldtog.

Waarom kon hy nie internasionale dekking kry nie?

Die meeste internasionale versekeraars sluit voorvalle wat voortspruit uit professionele aktiwiteite op seiljagte uit. Sy beroep word ook as hoërisiko beskou. Sommige versekeraars bied slegs dekking vir eenmalige ontspanningsvaartogte en selfs beperkte reisversekering via sy kredietkaart is geweier

Moontlike dekking onder die boot se polis word ondersoek, maar dit is onseker of dié spesifieke voorval gedek sal wees.

Hattingh is ’n ervare skipper wat klein bote, insluitend seiljagte en katamarans, oor die wêreld heen vervoer. Hy het sy eie onderneming, GlobeSail.net, in Thailand waar hy onder meer boottoere met sy twee bote doen.

Die oud-Paarl Gimnasium-leerder woon reeds sowat 16 jaar in Thailand en het oor die jare ’n gerespekteerde naam as skeepskapitein opgebou.

BackaBuddy-veldtog toon gemeenskapssteun

Die “Help Save Hugo Hattingh’s Life” BackaBuddy-veldtog het reeds merkwaardige steun van die gemeenskap ontvang. Meer as R300 000 van die R850 000-teiken is reeds ingesamel.

Hoe om te help:

• Besoek die BackaBuddy-veldtog: “Help Save Hugo Hattingh’s Life”
• Kontak Chris Hattingh by 064 153 2471 vir meer inligting

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The Western Cape’s dam levels across the province continue their steady climb, with the Cape Town Water Supply System now sitting at an encouraging 82.06% capacity, yet lower than last years 94.21% level during the same period of time.

The latest hydrological report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) shows a good recovery, with levels jumping from 78.84% just one week ago – representing an overall increase of nearly 20% compared to readings taken a month earlier.

This positive trajectory comes as consistent winter rainfall has provided much-needed relief to the province’s water reserves, which have faced significant pressure in recent years.

However, Western Cape Provincial Head of DWS, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, is cautioning against complacency despite the encouraging figures.

“We are pleased with the recovery of our dam levels and we would like to encourage both residents and businesses to continue using water responsibly despite the increase as we cannot predict the rain patterns for the following weeks,” Bila-Mupariwa said.

The recovery has been widespread across the province’s major water sources, with most dams recording significant gains over the past seven days.

Dam levels this week:

The standout performer has been Steenbras Lower Dam, which recorded a dramatic 22.63 percentage point increase week-on-week, jumping from 51.17% to 73.80%.

Two dams – Berg River and Steenbras Upper – are now operating above full capacity at 100.50% and 100.60% respectively, indicating optimal water storage conditions.

The Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the Western Cape Water Supply System, has shown steady improvement, reaching 77.59% from 75.57% the previous week. But it still remains quite a bit lower than last years level, when it was almost at capacity in July.

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