Suspected measles cases at multiple Hout Bay schools

18 March 2026

Several schools in Hout Bay have reported suspected cases of measles, amid growing concerns over child declining immunisation rates.

The Western Cape Health and Wellness Department confirmed that a total of 39 suspected cases have been reported in the area since December last year.

“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirms that suspected cases were identified at multiple schools in Hout Bay,” said the department in response to SmileFM’s query.

According to reports, the affected schools include Hout Bay Primary, Oranjekloof Moravian Primary, and Disa Primary.

The department highlighted that the rise in measles cases is prevalent across the country.

“The increase in measles cases is not unique to the Western Cape, as South Africa is currently facing a decline in childhood vaccination uptake.”

Meanwhile, data from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases shows that the Western Cape has consistently reported the highest number of new cases.

In the NICD’s last three “Weekly Measles and Rubella Situation Report” (with the latest figures recorded on 8 March 2026), the Western Cape recorded between 30 and 38 new cases. All the other provinces recorded figures under 10.

Nonetheless, the provincial Health and Wellness Department has urged parents to ensure that their children receive their routine immunisation, as not doing so poses a risk to public health.

“[It] threatens the country’s efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. The decline has contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province, indicating concerning gaps in population immunity.”

The department noted that it has implemented an early warning and response system, which includes “strengthening coordination of the response, intensifying disease surveillance, clinical management of cases, and community engagement”.

There are also targeted vaccination initiatives in parts of the province where cases are increasingly prevalent.

“The department further confirms that a total of 2,415 learners has been vaccinated across these schools.”

How to spot measles

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and coughing. It is highly contagious.

Parents are urged to monitor their children and keep them home if symptoms appear, to prevent further spread.

“Should your child run a fever, feel sleepy or struggle to eat, take them to the nearest clinic immediately.”

Potential complications include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness, particularly in young infants under two and malnourished children.

Free vaccines are available at public health facilities, with catch-up doses offered if a child has missed a vaccination. It’s also available through “private sector facilities and private-public partnerships”.

“Parents are urged not to assume their children are immune. They are encouraged to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations and to complete consent forms when school vaccination teams visit.”

Dagga Bust Follows Dramatic High-Speed Chase in Khayelitsha

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

18 March 2026

A large quantity of dagga has been seized following a high-speed chase in Khayelitsha, which also led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man.

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic department says they had a busy start to the morning when officers conducted a vehicle check point on Spine Road in Khayelitsha. Spokesperson Kevin Jacobs says what should have been a smooth and seamless process led to a high-speed chase when a driver refused to stop as instructed by officials.

“Members of the Cape Town Traffic’s Roadblock Unit (RBT) attempted to stop a white Hyundai i20 for failing to display a valid licence disc. The driver failed to comply with the lawful instruction and sped off, resulting in a high-speed pursuit.”

Jacobs says when the driver was eventually apprehended, a search of his vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 24.5 bags of dagga.

“The chase continued towards Mfuleni, Driftsands, where the suspect’s vehicle eventually came to a stop after sustaining damage to its front axle and wheel. The driver then fled the scene on foot. Traffic officials pursued the suspect and successfully apprehended him shortly thereafter.”

The suspect faces charges of reckless and negligent driving, as well as possession of a large quantity of dagga and is set to appear in court once formally charged.

Robben Island is getting a Spring-clean… in Autumn

Merentia Van Der Vent

18 March 2026

Robben Island is getting a spring-clean in Autumn, and volunteers will be steering this particular ship this weekend. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, along with its partners the Robben Island Museum, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, First National Bank, and the Two Oceans Aquarium, will lead a team of volunteers to clean up the island on Human Rights Day. Members of the team will take a ferry to the island on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

“We can all make a difference by one small act of service,” says the Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie.

Robben Island is getting a spring-clean

The Department’s Tania Colyn says this initiative is in its second year, after it was launched in 2025. She says, with the DCAS leading the contingent, the aim is to spend the day on the island, cleaning up as much rubbish as possible. This will be done to preserve and protect this very important UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we’re committed to protecting our natural environment and leaving a positive impact for future generations,” says Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at CCPB.

IMAGE: Facebook/Robben Island Museum (for illustrative purposes only)

Spend the day on a clean-up operation on Robben Island

The Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, says Robben Island is one of the most important heritage sites in South Africa. He says people can trace the footsteps and stories of some of the country’s most prominent political leaders. Mackenzie says, as a province, they are committed to commemorating its legacy. At the same time, they are also committed to safeguarding its landscape. He says campaigns like this will contribute to the stories contained there being preserved for many generations to come.

“World Without Waste continues to drive our mission to collect and recycle as many bottles or cans we sell and building continued focus on Returnable packaging and partnerships across sustainability.”

By South African Tourism from South Africa – Robben Island – Cape Town, South Africa, (Wikipedia)

Partnership aimed at cleaning Robben Island

Meanwhile, the Shared Prosperity and Care Head for FNB Commercial Public Sector, Andre Prinsloo, says Protecting Robben Island is not just an act of service. He says it’s a continuation of the responsibility to care for society, the environment and the resources that shape our future. Prinsloo says, working alongside partners and volunteers, they’re proud to put this commitment into action. By doing this, they contribute to preserving a landmark that carries so much of South Africa’s story.

The ferry to the island will leave at 07:30 on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

Kim Engelbrecht is coming to the Suidoosterfees in “A Woman Alone”

Phil de Lange

18 March 2026

This April, South African powerhouse actress Kim Engelbrecht takes the stage in “A Woman Alone”, the critically acclaimed play by Nobel laureate Dario Fo and Franca Rame. Kim popped in to studio to chat about the exciting project. She was also joined by her sister – a familiar face and voice to Cape Town Jo-Dee Butler.

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A Woman Alone is a searing, darkly comedic masterpiece that explores themes of isolation, resilience, and female empowerment in the face of societal oppression. Kim Engelbrecht brings her extraordinary talent to the role of the Woman, navigating the character’s labyrinth of loneliness, defiance, and survival with nuance and grit.

Directed by Quanita Adams, with Charlton George as Assistant Director and Charles Tertiens as Stage Manager, this production promises to be a highlight of the Suidooster Festival at Artscape (30 April – 2 May). Tickets are available on Webtickets.

N2 smash-and-grab suspect arrested by Traffic Ghost Squad

Danielle Mentoor

18 March 2026

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services says its Highway Deployment Ghost Units arrested several suspects in two separate incidents along the N2 highway this week, one of which involved a smash-and-grab incident.

Officers attached to the Ghost Unit responded to a smash-and-grab incident at the N2 and Jakes Gerwel Drive intersection during morning peak time on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

During the incident, a vehicle’s side window was reportedly damaged. According to the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, no items were taken as Ghost unit officers responded to the scene quickly and apprehended a suspect shortly after the incident.

The suspect was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a case was registered at Athlone Police Station for further investigation.

In a separate incident, a Ghost Unit Traffic Officer, who was on patrol on the N2 inbound near Jakes Gerwel Drive on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, stopped a vehicle for failing to display a front number plate.

While interacting with the driver, the officer reportedly noticed an elderly woman running after two male suspects who had allegedly committed an offence against her.

“The officer observed that one of the suspects was carrying a woman’s handbag and immediately activated his blue lights and siren to intervene. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot,” added Safety and Security Chief, JP Smith

With the assistance of police officers who joined the chase, the suspects were arrested a short distance away.

The suspects were brought back to the victim, who confirmed that they had robbed her of her handbag containing her SASSA money and three cellphones. Both suspects were arrested and handed over to Athlone SAPS, where a case was opened for further investigation.

According to Smith, the traffic officer noticed that it was the 2nd time he had arrested the same suspect for the same offence.

“The City of Cape Town commends the officers for their alertness, swift response which led to the successful arrests and recovery of the victim’s property.”

Smith reminded motorists and residents that traffic officers remain vigilant across the road network, not only enforcing traffic legislation but also assisting in combating crime and protecting vulnerable road users.

“Always stay alert! Keep your valueables locked away and do not use your cellphone whilst driving. You become a target! Cape Town Traffic Services aim to keep motorists safe on our roads!”

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Suspected measles cases at multiple Hout Bay schools

“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirms that suspected cases were identified at multiple schools in Hout Bay,” said the department in response to SmileFM’s query.

“The increase in measles cases is not unique to the Western Cape, as South Africa is currently facing a decline in childhood vaccination uptake.”

“[It] threatens the country’s efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. The decline has contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province, indicating concerning gaps in population immunity.”

“The department further confirms that a total of 2,415 learners has been vaccinated across these schools.”

How to spot measles

“Should your child run a fever, feel sleepy or struggle to eat, take them to the nearest clinic immediately.”

“Parents are urged not to assume their children are immune. They are encouraged to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations and to complete consent forms when school vaccination teams visit.”

Dagga Bust Follows Dramatic High-Speed Chase in Khayelitsha

“Members of the Cape Town Traffic’s Roadblock Unit (RBT) attempted to stop a white Hyundai i20 for failing to display a valid licence disc. The driver failed to comply with the lawful instruction and sped off, resulting in a high-speed pursuit.”

“The chase continued towards Mfuleni, Driftsands, where the suspect’s vehicle eventually came to a stop after sustaining damage to its front axle and wheel. The driver then fled the scene on foot. Traffic officials pursued the suspect and successfully apprehended him shortly thereafter.”

Robben Island is getting a Spring-clean… in Autumn

Robben Island is getting a spring-clean

Spend the day on a clean-up operation on Robben Island

Partnership aimed at cleaning Robben Island

Kim Engelbrecht is coming to the Suidoosterfees in “A Woman Alone”

N2 smash-and-grab suspect arrested by Traffic Ghost Squad

“The officer observed that one of the suspects was carrying a woman’s handbag and immediately activated his blue lights and siren to intervene. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot,” added Safety and Security Chief, JP Smith

“The City of Cape Town commends the officers for their alertness, swift response which led to the successful arrests and recovery of the victim’s property.”

“Always stay alert! Keep your valueables locked away and do not use your cellphone whilst driving. You become a target! Cape Town Traffic Services aim to keep motorists safe on our roads!”

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