The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Cape Flats has drawn a mixed response from community leaders and anti-crime activists, with many welcoming the intervention but warning that more decisive action is needed to curb ongoing crime. 

READ MORE: SANDF members prepare for Cape Flats deployment – Smile 90.4FM

This is as soldiers have begun their Operation Prosper mission in various parts of Cape Town on Wednesday, driving through local streets in armoured vehicles and raiding homes of possible criminal activity.  

🟡As a show of force ahead of Operation Prosper, law enforcement vehicles were filmed by residents moving through Valhalla Park, Matroosfontein and Elsies River this afternoon, 31 March, demonstrating the state of readiness of integrated law enforcement agencies. Western Cape… pic.twitter.com/C9DJc7lQ1x

— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 31, 2026

Elsies River community activist, Imraahn Mukkadam, said residents were hopeful the intervention would restore calm following a surge in deadly shootings.  

“We have seen very violent past two weeks where a number of young people have lost their lives in gang violence. And we would hope that the presence of the South African National Defense will bring calm and stability to our area,” he said. 

However, Mukkadam raised concerns about the effectiveness of the deployment, noting that violence had continued despite the army’s presence. He noted that shortly after soldiers moved through Clarke’s Estate on Wednesday morning, shooting continued.  

“So clearly gangs do not see the presence of the South African National Defence force as a deterrent at the moment.”  

He added that authorities needed to intensify operations through “checkpoints”, “search and seizures”, and “targeted operations” to remove illegal firearms from the streets. 

“We need to see an active presence, not just driving through our areas, but really we need to see some roadblocks. We need to see some search and seizures. And we need to see areas where known gangsters are present to be cordoned off and searched. And all the guns in those areas must be retrieved and removed from our street.”  

Meanwhile, #GangsterismMustFall spokesperson Roscoe Jacobs described the deployment as a welcome relief for residents living in fear but reiterated the sentiment that that alone is not enough to resolve the crisis.  

“If we are serious about ending gangsterism, we must address the socio-economic conditions that drive it. Poverty, unemployment, inequality and lack of opportunities for young people continue to push many into gangs. Without tackling these root causes, we are simply managing the symptom, not solving the problem,” Jacobs said. 

Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs echoed support for the initiative, describing it as a “force multiplier” for police, while urging communities to assist law enforcement with information to combat crime more effectively. 

“We will be monitoring the crime stats over the next two quarters,” said Isaacs.

As gunshots echo through the streets of Hanover Park, a community activist is pleading with the community and authorities to bring an end to the bloodshed in the area.

As the South African Defence Force (SANDF) hits the ground from today, two people have been gunned down in Turfburg Walk earlier this morning.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the victims, aged 25 and 33, were found in an informal dwelling in the area with gunshot wounds to their bodies.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says the motive for the attack is being investigated.

“The 25-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim was transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle where he was declared deceased on arrival at the hospital. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”

Hanover Park Community Police Forum (CPF) media liaison, Kashiefa Mohammed says the community is bleeding as gang violence continues to tear through the area.

“This is a gang-related incident, and it is unfortunate that it happens at the time when people are heading to work. Our people are left fearing the very area that belongs to them, and we should bring an end to it. Gangs are hindering our freedom.”

Mohammed has expressed deep concern around the latest “trend” in which police and law enforcement officials are subjected to stone-throwing when responding to complaints in the area.

“It is unacceptable that those who are sent to try and restore peace to the area are met with such activities.”

Furthermore, Mohammed says she hopes the deployment of the SANDF will bring about meaningful change in areas where violence seems to be escalating.

“We beg and plead that we will see a difference now that the army will be deployed, just so that we can have some peace in our areas. We hope to see fewer killings in the coming days.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has published draft regulations on the management of learner pregnancy for public comment, which are aimed at strengthening protections for vulnerable learners and keeping more girls in school.

The proposed regulations, released under the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) framework, are designed to ensure that pregnant learners are supported to remain in school during pregnancy and return after childbirth, without facing expulsion, suspension or discrimination.

Minister Gwarube says the regulations build on progress already made in protecting learners’ rights.

“We have moved away from a painful past where young girls were expelled or forced out of school due to pregnancy. These practices contributed to alarmingly high dropout rates. These regulations reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity.”

Under the draft rules, schools will be required to create a non-discriminatory and supportive environment for pregnant learners, safeguarding their physical and psychological well-being.

The draft regulations make provision for reasonable accommodation, including modifications to furniture, facilities and equipment, to ensure pregnant learners can remain safe and comfortable in the classroom.

Schools must also work with the Departments of Health and Social Development to ensure access to antenatal care, postnatal services and psychosocial support.

Principals must ensure pregnant learners continue attending school for as long as it is medically safe, provide academic support during periods of absence, and facilitate their return to class after childbirth.

Schools will also need to establish support teams to coordinate care, develop individual support plans and strengthen referral systems to health and social services.

District and school-based support teams will play a central role in managing cases, including helping learners access medical care, counselling and other essential services, while ensuring their right to basic education is protected.

The proposals also provide flexibility during exams and assessments. Medically fit learners will be allowed to sit for tests and final examinations, including the National Senior Certificate, while schools must provide alternative arrangements where necessary.

Importantly, the draft regulations introduce a mandatory reporting requirement: if a learner under the age of 16 falls pregnant, the school must report the matter to the Department of Social Development and the South African Police Service. Cases involving sexual offences must be handled in line with existing legislation.

Government says the aim is not only to address learner pregnancy, but also to stabilise school retention and reduce dropout rates linked to social and economic pressures.

Members of the public have 30 days from 25 March 2026 to submit written comments on the draft regulations via email to LearnerPregnancyRegz@dbe.gov.za.

Extreme tidal conditions are expected at local beaches over the long weekend, considering the full moon spring tide.  

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) advised that higher high tides, lower low tides and strong rip currents can be expected for the next few days. Conditions will peak on Thursday, 2 April. 

“This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align during the full moon phase, amplifying the gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans,” said the NSRI in a statement.  

The NSRI warns of the effects of the spring tide and urges beachgoers, anglers and hikers to be vigilant.  

“Water levels will rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline; more of the seabed will be exposed as water levels dip below average; the difference between high and low tide levels will be at its maximum.” 

The NSRI said these conditions will result in stronger-than-usual currents posing risks in certain areas, especially areas like the Knysna Heads.  

NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram encourages beachgoers to swim at lifeguard-protected beaches and remain between designated flags, while advising anglers to keep a safe distance from the water and to wear flotation gear when fishing from rocks or cliffs. 

“Follow tide timetables, stay informed with local weather updates from the South African Weather Service and always prioritise safety. For emergencies, dial 112,” said Ingram.  

The NSRI also cautioned against alcohol consumption before taking part in water activities and urged close supervision of children near the water.  

READ MORE: Water safety tips