President Cyril Ramaphosa announced over the weekend that he has appointed Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, to serve as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land.

Sihlobo is also a Senior Lecturer Extraordinary at the Department of Agricultural Economics of the University of Stellenbosch and has published widely on agricultural policy, land reform, and food security. He has more than a decade of experience in the sector and academia.

In a statement on Saturday, 21 February, the Presidency stated that Ramaphosa has appointed Sihlobo as an envoy in view of the importance of agriculture in South Africa’s economic growth path, recurrent challenges in the sector, and growth opportunities domestically and abroad.

According to the Presidency, Sihlobo will support priorities and objectives on agriculture, rural development, land reform and international trade. He will work closely with the responsible departments, in pursuit of the Presidency’s priorities.

“The Envoy will also work closely with various state-owned entities, such as the Agricultural Research Council, Land Bank, and Onderstepoort Biological Products, as necessary, in support of agricultural development and growth opportunities.”

Sihlobo will also engage other stakeholders, including the private sector, to unlock progress and realise tangible gains.

“The ultimate goal of this work is to advance The Presidency’s priorities for overcoming constraints to agricultural growth and boosting competitiveness, inclusion, and the sector’s export profile.”

Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has questioned the appointment, labelling it, in effect, a “Presidential motion of no confidence in his own ministers.”

The party’s chief spokesperson on agriculture and MP, Dr. Wynand Boshoff, says while they congratulate Sihlobo on his appointment, the appointment raises eyebrows because it is difficult to distinguish his role from that of the relevant ministers.

“The Department of Agriculture and Land Reform is in the process of splitting, and there are already two Ministers and two Directors-General: one for Agriculture (the DA’s Mr John Steenhuisen) and one for Land Reform and Rural Development (the PAC’s Mr Mzwanele Nyontsho). Neither of the two has done much to impress since being appointed.”

Boshoff says public confidence in Steenhuisen “crumbled with his poor handling of the foot-and-mouth disease disaster, which is totally out of control.” He adds that, so far, Nyontsho has not been able to get land reform off the ground.

“In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, the President should not establish yet another department under his own authority – in this case, by appointing a special envoy. Instead, it would be better to simply appoint competent ministers.”

The Western Cape SAPS has indicated that “electric shock” led to the death of eight-year-old Matthew Baartman, who died after attending school last month. 

Matthew, a grade 3 learner at Klapmuts Primary School, attended school on 23 January, but was later that morning transported to a medical facility where he was declared dead. 

The circumstances of his death had since then been shrouded in mystery, with there being some speculation around an electricity connection.  

Matthew’s mother and others believed that he may have been electrocuted because he drank water from an outside tap that was near exposed wiring.  

At the time, the school and the Western Cape Education Department noted that safety assessments were carried out after the incident and determined that the school was safe. It was reopened to learners three days later.  

A provincial SAPS spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, confirmed the latest on the investigation with SmileFM on Monday.  

“This office confirms that the death of the eight-year-old boy was a result of an electric shock,” said Gwala, noting that investigations are ongoing.  

A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Bronagh Hammond, reiterated that the police investigation is ongoing, meaning that this recent note from the police was not a conclusion on the cause of Matthew’s death.  

“We have yet to get formal notification from SAPS and [Western Health and Wellness],” said Hammond. 

Hammond further confirmed that WCED officials had gone to the school with an electrical contractor after the incident, noting that they “could not find any evidence of live wires or electrical connections”. 

“We also indicated that we would fully support SAPS in the investigation of the incident, which we have, including the determination of the cause of death. 

Matthew was buried on 1 February. 

Hammond, on behalf of the WCED, offered condolences to all those affected by his death.  

“The tragic incident has understandably caused great concern, and we offer our deepest condolences to the learners’ family and the school community.”  

Passenger rail services have returned to the Mitchell’s Plain corridor as PRASA Western Cape officially reopened the Kapteinsklip Line today, 23 February 2026.

The reopening restores train services to commuters for the first time since 2020, when operations were suspended due to widespread vandalism and infrastructure damage across the rail network.

The reinstated limited service will operate between four stations:

• Philippi
• Lentegeur
• Mitchell’s Plain
• Kapteinsklip

A shuttle service will run between Kapteinsklip and Philippi, where passengers can transfer to other routes.

PRASA says the reopening marks the final phase in restoring the Central Line, a key public transport route serving thousands of daily commuters in the Cape Town metro. The return of rail services is also expected to help ease congestion on other forms of public transport.

Extensive rehabilitation work included track repairs, signalling restoration, upgrades to stations and commuter facilities, and safety testing. Successful trial runs were completed in December 2025 ahead of the line’s return to operation.

Updated train timetables are available on PRASA Western Cape’s official social media platforms.

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The Century City Conference Centre has made history after becoming the first conference centre in Africa and the southern hemisphere to receive the internationally recognised Green Key certificate for environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism operations.

The milestone was marked during an official handover ceremony attended by James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, who praised the venue’s commitment to sustainability.

Green Key certification is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education and is recognised globally by bodies including the UN Tourism, the United Nations Environment Programme and UNESCO.

“This recognition shows that Cape Town venues are setting the green standard for practices that centre on sustainability,” said Vos.

“In a world and city that continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is pivotal that all businesses and industries prioritise sustainability.”

He added that the conference centre has consistently demonstrated environmentally responsible practices, having previously earned a 4-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa and winning the Sustainable Venue of the Year (Africa) award at the Global MICE Awards in 2019.

Chief Executive Officer Gary Koetser said the achievement reflects years of focused effort by the venue’s team.

“For our team, the Green Key certificate together with a 100% audit score is a recognition of consistency and discipline,” he said.

“Being the first conference centre in Africa and the southern hemisphere to achieve this certificate matters, but what matters more is that it proves Cape Town venues can lead globally and set global benchmarks.”

The recognition comes as Cape Town continues to grow its reputation as a leading global business events destination. According to the International Congress and Convention Association’s GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report, the city ranks among the top 10 worldwide for average attendance per event, with about 717 delegates per meeting.

The report also noted an increase in international association meetings hosted in Cape Town, rising from 42 in 2023 to 58 in 2024.

Vos said business tourism remains a major driver of economic growth for the city.

“Foundational to our destination development strategy is to make Cape Town the go-to city in the world for events and conferences,” he said.

“Through partnerships with the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, we are attracting major conferences that will bring thousands of delegates and significant economic benefits to the region in the coming years.”

Homeowners across the metro are being urged to check their latest property valuations after the City of Cape Town opened its 2025 General Valuation Roll (GV2025) for public inspection and objections.

The valuation process directly affects how municipal property rates are calculated, which means it can influence how much you pay each month.

Here’s a simple guide to what’s happening, why it matters, and what you should do next.

What is the General Valuation Roll?

By law, municipalities must reassess property values at least every four years under the Municipal Property Rates Act.

The GV2025 roll:

• Covers about 970,000 properties across Cape Town
• Reflects each property’s market value as at 1 July 2025
• Will take effect from 1 July 2026
• Forms the basis used to calculate municipal property rates

Market value refers to the price a property would reasonably sell for between a willing buyer and seller under normal market conditions.

Importantly, valuations are done from scratch each cycle using property market data and comparable sales — not by simply increasing previous values by a percentage.

Why this valuation matters to your rates bill

Alongside the new valuation roll, the City has proposed measures aimed at limiting rate increases for homeowners.

These include:

• A proposed 10.2% reduction in the residential “rate-in-the-rand” (the formula used to calculate property rates)
• Increasing the rates-free threshold from R450,000 to R500,000
• Extending certain relief benefits to properties valued up to R8 million

According to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, these changes mean more than 60% of residential properties could see either no increase or even a decrease in rates, despite rising property values.

However, your individual outcome depends on your property’s valuation, which is why checking it is essential.

How to check your property valuation

Property owners can now inspect the GV2025 roll online or in person.

You can access your valuation by:

• Visiting: www.capetown.gov.za/propertyvaluations
• Searching using your property address or erf number

Online tools allow you to:

• View your valuation notice
• Compare nearby property sales
• Use an automated rates calculator
• Download a pre-completed objection form if needed

What to do if you disagree with your valuation

If you believe your property value is incorrect, you have the legal right to object, but strict rules apply.

You may lodge an objection if:

• The valuation does not reflect market value as at 1 July 2025
• Property-specific factors were not properly considered

Your objection must:

• Be submitted on the official objection form
• Apply to one specific property only
• Include supporting reasons or market evidence
• Be submitted before the deadline

You cannot object to:

• Your municipal bill amount
• Service tariffs such as water, sanitation or cleaning charges

How to submit an objection

The City offers three submission options:

✅ Online (preferred method)

20 February – 30 April 2026

• Via e-Services portal: www.capetown.gov.za/en/eservices
• Requires registration beforehand

✅ Email

20 February – 30 April 2026

• Download form and send to: valuationsobjection@capetown.gov.za

✅ In person

20 February – 31 March 2026

At public inspection venues across the city, including:

• Cape Town Civic Centre
• Bellville Civic Centre
• Athlone Stadium
• Gugulethu, Delft, Khayelitsha, Strand, Constantia and other locations

(venues operate on weekdays only)

⚠️ No late objections will be accepted.

What happens after you object?

Once submitted:

1. The Municipal Valuer reviews your case.
2. A decision is issued in writing.
3. Your valuation may increase, decrease, or remain unchanged.
4. Your rates account will be adjusted accordingly.
5. You may appeal if you disagree with the outcome.

Key deadlines homeowners should remember

• Inspection period opens: 20 February 2026
• In-person objection deadline: 31 March 2026
• Online/email objection deadline: 30 April 2026
• New valuation takes effect: 1 July 2026

Why the City wants residents to participate

The City says public participation is a critical part of ensuring fairness and accuracy in property valuations.

Checking your valuation now ensures:

• Your property value reflects market reality
• You avoid paying incorrect rates later
• Any disputes are resolved before the new rates system takes effect

Homeowners are encouraged to review their valuation as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline period.

Even if your property value has increased, proposed rate reductions may limit how much you pay, but you should still verify your valuation and act quickly if something looks wrong.