The City Council has passed Cape Town’s Adjustment Budget, tabled by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on 29 January, who described it as a key tool to keep major projects on track while maintaining financial sustainability.

The mid-year budget adjustment realigns spending with the pace and scope of projects already underway, shifting funds forward or back where necessary to ensure priority programmes are properly resourced.

Major focus on N2 safety project

A significant portion of the budget adjustments relates to the N2 Edge project, a wide-ranging safety and infrastructure intervention along the N2 highway near Cape Town International Airport.

The project includes the replacement of a dilapidated security barrier along the route, which the City says is intended to improve motorist safety and reduce pedestrian fatalities.

Beyond the barrier, the project will also involve upgrades to the road embankment, new pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, access control and landscaping, along with fire and flood mitigation measures. Secondary interventions are planned for adjacent communities, including safer recreational spaces, improved livestock control and steps to reduce illegal dumping.

The Adjustment Budget allocates R7 million this financial year for detailed design work, with a further R108 million in the 2027 financial year earmarked for the bulk of construction.

The project forms part of a broader safety strategy along the N2. The City has already deployed a dedicated unit of 45 Metro Police officers to patrol the corridor, supported by CCTV cameras with automatic number plate recognition technology.

Between September 2024 and mid-January this year, City officers assisted nearly 2,900 motorists along the route, many after incidents were picked up by camera operators.

The N2 stretch, described as a ‘hell-run’ has seen several incidents over the past few years of motorists being attacked.

Strandfontein Pavilion redevelopment ahead of schedule

Another project receiving additional funding is the redevelopment of the Strandfontein Pavilion on the False Bay coast, home to what the City describes as the largest tidal pool in the southern hemisphere.

The City has brought funding forward after progress moved faster than expected. An additional R11.3 million has been allocated this year to accelerate construction.

The mayor said public participation and a “cultural mapping” process helped shape the final design to reflect the heritage and memories associated with the site. Construction is expected to begin soon.

National Treasury boost and stormwater upgrades

The Adjustment Budget also includes a R401 million allocation from National Treasury, linked to reforms in the City’s trading services for water, sanitation, electricity and waste. This funding will support various infrastructure projects.

An additional R57 million has been set aside for stormwater upgrades in flood-prone communities, where smaller-scale projects can make a major difference during winter rains. Recent improvements in Samora Machel helped keep several blocks of homes dry last winter.

Investment in recreation, safety and early childhood development

The City is continuing its drive to upgrade public recreation facilities. Public swimming pools will receive R46 million over the next three years for improvements. The Community Services and Health Directorate also receives R30 million for maintenance and upgrades of public amenities.

In the Safety and Security directorate, R45 million is allocated to establish a new Joint Policing Centre in Parow, intended as a high-tech coordination hub for City enforcement agencies and SAPS. A further R16 million will go towards additional vehicles for Neighbourhood Safety Officers.

The budget also sets aside R5 million to assist early childhood development centres by covering certain City-related building and approval costs, with a focus on supporting operators in lower-income communities.

“Every line item matters”

Hill-Lewis told councillors the Adjustment Budget reflects the City’s broader goal of building a safer, more dignified and opportunity-driven Cape Town.

“These line items represent our investment in the future of this great city,” he said, adding that the budget aims not only to improve local services but also to demonstrate that effective, accountable governance is achievable.

READ THE MAYOR’S FULL COUNCIL SPEECH HERE.

The Western Cape is ramping up enforcement to protect learners on the road. The tragic scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, has once again highlighted the urgent need to strengthen safety measures for learners who depend on daily transport to and from school.

Since schools reopened on 14 January 2026, the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement, in close collaboration with Municipal Traffic Services, has intensified its enforcement operations for scholar transport across the province. These efforts have revealed deeply concerning levels of non-compliance within the sector, placing children at avoidable and unacceptable risk.

Western Cape ramps up enforcement to protect learners on the road

Between 14 and 23 January 2026, officers conducted 45 integrated operations, during which they stopped over 1,600 vehicles, issued 1 250 fines totalling over R580 000, impounded 46 vehicles, and discontinued 23 unroadworthy vehicles, many of which were transporting learners. Officers also detected drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, widespread overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, and operators deliberately diverting from known enforcement routes. Three drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, including one who recorded a reading of 0.68 mg/l.  A total of 109 fines were issued for public‑transport-related offences alone.

Protecting learners on the road is a priority

While scholar transport regulated through the education system is easier to monitor, unregulated operations pose the greatest threat, particularly those operating only during peak hours, making them difficult to track and frequently non-compliant with licensing and safety requirements.

Key operational risks identified include:

• Illegal public transport vehicles carrying learners
• Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol
• Dangerous levels of overloading
• Unroadworthy vehicles
• Operators diverting from enforcement routes
• Repeat offenders continue operations with minimal disruption

Minister Sileku commented, “Our foremost concern is the safety of every learner who depends on transport to get to and from school each day. That is why we have strengthened our enforcement efforts during the busiest travel periods (06:00–08:00 and 13:00–15:00), placing particular focus on overloading, seatbelt use, driver fitness, vehicle roadworthiness, and valid operating licences. However, the government alone cannot ensure the safety of scholars. We need transport operators, parents, and guardians to take bold and proactive steps to protect the lives of our learners.”

Targeted interventions include intensified monitoring

Targeted interventions have also included intensified monitoring of high‑risk routes, increased oversight at known loading points, and enhanced intelligence‑sharing with the Western Cape Education Department and municipal partners.

A reminder to transport operators and drivers:

• Keep vehicles roadworthy or don’t operate.  Unsafe vehicles put lives at risk.
• No driving under the influence, ever. Zero tolerance. Zero excuses.
• Don’t overload. One extra passenger can cost a life.
• Stay legal. All licences and permits must be valid, always.
• Stick to approved routes. No shortcuts. No detours.
• Be the example. Drive safely, obey the law, and model good behaviour.
• Keep parents and schools informed. Clear communication builds trust and safety.
• Do daily pre‑trip checks. A few minutes can prevent disaster.
• Every learner must have a seat. No standing. No laps. No sharing seats.
• Report illegal operators. Protect learners and the reputation of compliant operators

The Western Cape Government urges parents and guardians to play an active role in ensuring their children travel safely. Choosing lawful, compliant transport significantly reduces the space in which dangerous and unregulated operators continue to operate.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Verify that transport vehicles are roadworthy.
• Ensure drivers are properly licensed and sober;
• Avoid agreeing to overloaded transport arrangements.
• Observe loading practices and question unsafe behaviour; and
• Report illegal or unsafe transport operations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, accepting its recommendations and calling for urgent action from law enforcement agencies to address alleged corruption and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System was established by the President in July 2025. It followed explosive allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about a sophisticated criminal syndicate said to have infiltrated key law enforcement structures.

Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, the commission submitted its interim report on 17 December 2025, in line with its mandate.

Referrals for criminal investigations

In a statement released on Thursday, the Presidency said the report includes referrals for immediate criminal investigations, urgent prosecutorial decisions, and recommendations regarding the employment status of certain officials, including possible suspension.

The Commission acted within its terms of reference, which allow it to consider prima facie evidence of wrongdoing and refer matters to appropriate authorities for investigation, prosecution, disciplinary steps or further inquiries.

President Ramaphosa said all relevant law enforcement bodies are expected to act “with speed” in implementing the recommendations.

“Such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption,” the Presidency said.

SAPS and Ekurhuleni officials implicated

The Commission found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing and referred matters concerning the following South African Police Service (SAPS) officials for investigation:

• Major General Lesetja Senona
• Major General Richard Shibiri
• Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
• Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
• Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

It also identified prima facie evidence relating to current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), including:

• Suspended EMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
• EMPD Officer Bafana Twala
• EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie
• EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols
• Former EMM City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
• EMM fleet manager/proxy Chris Steyn
• EMM Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka
• EMM Head of Legal Advocate Kemi Behari
• Etienne van der Walt

The referrals relate to allegations including corruption, fraud, perjury, murder and other unlawful conduct.

Where the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is already handling matters, the Commission will seek updates on the status of those investigations and explanations for any delays.

Allegations, not findings

The Presidency stressed that, with the exception of Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, some of the individuals named have not yet presented their responses before the Commission. As such, the allegations remain prima facie and do not constitute final findings.

However, the seriousness of the claims warranted immediate referral for further investigation and possible disciplinary or prosecutorial steps.

Special investigations task team

To fast-track the process, President Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a special investigations task team. The unit’s leader will report directly to General Masemola.

The Presidency said the dedicated team is critical to ensuring the investigations proceed as a matter of urgency.

Appreciation for the Commission

President Ramaphosa expressed “deepest appreciation” to Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo, and the commission’s staff for their work in producing the interim report.

He said he looks forward to the finalisation of the Commission’s work and its contribution to improving the effectiveness and integrity of law enforcement agencies and the broader criminal justice system.

Cape Town residents have been advised to reduce water use amid recent pressure on the water system.

This is because the City of Cape Town revealed that dam levels are nearly 20% lower than what they were at this time last year, with current dam storage levels standing at 62,2%.

The City noted that the current supply must now last until the next rainy season, which usually starts around May.

The municipality’s concern follows a period of reduced inflows into dams throughout 2025, which is the result of lower annual rainfall.

At the same time, water usage has peaked, reaching 1,062 million litres of water used per day, this past week, with the City noting that this is significantly over its target of 975 million litres of water per day (MLD).

“Water usage this past week has unfortunately peaked, so we are 87 million litres a day over our target,” read the City statement.

Recent figures from the City’s weekly dashboard have shown an upward trend, from 1,029 MLD on 10 December.

While officials say there is no immediate risk of taps running dry, the situation is becoming strained.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said the most immediate solution lies with residents and businesses.

“We need all hands on deck to help bring our collective use down. Let’s do what we can to protect our supply. Early proactive measures are far more effective than emergency restriction,” said Badroodien.

He provided some tips that may help with keeping water usage down:

• Find and fix water leaks on your property.
• If dripping taps, leaking toilets and faulty plumbing go undetected and ignored for a long time, a lot of water is wasted.
• Monitor your own usage and make the effort to save water.
• About 70% of all water used in the city is used in homes, which is why saving water at home is so critical. Only water the garden at night to prevent evaporation and avoid topping up swimming pools or pool inflatables unnecessarily.
• Switch to treated effluent re-use for industrial irrigation or construction purposes.

“We must reduce the unnecessary litres of water used in our homes, in industrial and agricultural processes and at work. We can’t afford to be complacent. We must closely keep track of consumption indicators on a weekly basis,” said Badroodien.

At the same time, the City has tasked itself with upgrading aged infrastructure and fast-tracking plans for desalination and water reuse by 2031. Badroodien said continued work is being done to resolve pipe bursts and water leaks, emphasising that those reported through official channels are being attended to.

“Since the drought, the City has and continues to invest in upgrading aged water pipes, improving pressure management, fixing leaks faster and strengthening metering along the water supply network… The City is also actively progressing with strategic plans for Cape Town’s new water supply to build our water secure future.”

READ MORE: Tips for saving water or report water issues/City of Cape Town

The City encouraged residents to heed the call to be water-conscious, in a bid to prevent the need for harsher, mandatory restrictions in future.

A South African national has been caught up in the Minnesota ICE raids, with claims that he assaulted someone with a weapon.

On 27 January, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement posted on X that Jacobus Lodevickus Janse van Rensburg has been arrested, labelling him a “criminal illegal alien” from South Africa.

ICE posted his mugshot along with several other people, who they say are the “worst of the worst” that have been taken out of Minnesota suburbs to protect American families.

The post reads:

“When you see videos of anti-ICE agitators swarming our officers and agents in Minneapolis, MN, just know… this is who they’re trying to protect. Below are some of the WORST of the worst we’ve arrested and taken out of MN neighbourhoods to protect American families:”

What follows are pictures of people from around the world, including Laos, Liberia, Ecuador, Mexico, China, Thailand, El Salvador, and Somalia, who ICE claims face a range of charges, including sexual assault, drunk driving, domestic violence, and, above all, that they are “illegal aliens”.

According to ICE, Jacobus Lodevickus Janse Van Rensburg has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, assault and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Further details about Janse van Rensburg, when he was arrested, where he is being detained, and how he came to be in America are unknown at this stage.

READ: White Afrikaners get priority access to the US amid refugee cap