The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a coastal safety advisory, urging beachgoers and ocean users to be extra vigilant as a full moon spring tide affects coastal conditions this weekend, peaking on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Spring tides occur when the sun, moon and Earth align during a full moon, amplifying the gravitational pull on the oceans. This results in more extreme tidal conditions, with higher-than-usual high tides and lower low tides. According to the NSRI, the effects will be felt over the weekend and for several days thereafter.

The institute is warning beach visitors, swimmers, rock and surf anglers, hikers and boaters to be aware of stronger tidal variations and increased hazards along the coastline.

During a spring tide, water levels can rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline, while low tides expose more of the seabed than usual. The tidal range – the difference between high and low tide – is also at its maximum.

These conditions often result in stronger tidal currents, particularly in narrow inlets and estuaries. The NSRI says this increases the risk of rip currents at beaches, as well as powerful tidal flows in areas such as the Knysna Heads. Coastal hiking trails may become hazardous or inaccessible during high tide in the afternoon, while anglers face the danger of waves reaching beyond normally safe zones.

To reduce the risk of accidents, the NSRI is advising swimmers to only enter the water at lifeguard-protected beaches and to swim between the flags. Beachgoers are urged to remain alert for rip currents, which are typically stronger during outgoing tides in the late afternoon and early evening.

Shoreline anglers are advised to keep a safe distance from the water, and those fishing from rocks or cliffs should wear life jackets and carry flotation equipment that can be thrown to someone in distress. Boaters and paddlers are reminded to always wear life jackets, carry essential safety gear and keep their cellphones fully charged in waterproof pouches. The NSRI’s SafeTRX smartphone app can also be used to log trips and quickly request help in an emergency.

The institute has also warned against consuming alcohol before swimming or taking part in water-based activities, and stressed the importance of close supervision of children near water. Inland water users are cautioned to be careful around rivers, lakes and dams, particularly after heavy rainfall, and to remain alert to adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and fast-flowing rivers.

Beach visitors and anglers are encouraged to carefully plan activities around tide changes, especially during late afternoon high tides, and to stay informed by checking weather forecasts and tide tables.

“The effects of spring tides can last several days,” the NSRI said, adding that by following safety guidelines, the public can minimise risks and enjoy coastal activities responsibly.

The Mother City is preparing for one of its most vibrant cultural spectacles as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade and Choral Competitions take place on Monday, 5 January 2026, centred around Somerset Road and the DHL Stadium in Green Point.

The event marks Day One of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) annual Kaapse Klopse competitions, officially ushering in the 2026 Klopse season.

Various other klopse groupings, not affiliated with KKKA, are participating in separate competitions. (There is also a court dispute, not linked to the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar event.)

The KKKA is the official organiser of Tweede Nuwe Jaar, which takes place on 5 January this year, due mainly to religious and logistical reasons.

(This includes the fact that Friday, 2 January, is a sacred Mosque day; Saturday, 3 January, coincides with a sold-out Stormers vs Bulls match, which would cripple traffic and compromise safety; and Sunday, 4 January, is a church day.)

When and where it happens

At exactly 12:00, on 5 January, Somerset Road will burst into life as more than 10,000 minstrels, their faces painted and dressed in brightly coloured satin suits, begin the iconic road march.

The parade will start at the corner of Ebenezer and Somerset Road, filling the area with music, umbrellas and the unmistakable rhythm of gummie and tamareen.

At the same time, festivities will unfold inside the DHL Stadium, where spectators can watch troupes compete in the opening competitive categories of the season.

What’s happening inside the stadium

Stadium gates open at 11:00, with a stage activation beginning at 11:30. At noon, competition items kick off in perfect synchrony with the road march outside.

The competitive categories on the day include:

• Klopse Jol
• Best Dressed Troupe
• Juvenile Drum Major
• Senior/Adult Drum Major

All KKKA-affiliated troupes will participate.

Tickets and entry

No tickets will be sold at the venue. Tickets must be purchased in advance. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Ticket prices:

• Stadium seating: R80
• Children aged 2–6: R50
• Pensioners: R50 (valid ID required)
• Children under 2 enter free if seated on an adult’s lap

Thermal-printed till-slip tickets will not be accepted. Digital tickets on a phone are allowed.

Once a ticket has been scanned, no re-entry is permitted.

Important stadium rules

• This is an alcohol-free event
• No liquids may be brought into the stadium (empty bottles are allowed and can be filled inside)
• No fast food is permitted; only dry, sealed items in original packaging
• Local vendors will be available inside the venue
• Seating is unallocated block seating
• Children performing in a troupe must complete their judged performance before entering the stands via the correct access point

Why the route and format have changed

The KKKA has addressed public confusion and criticism around changes to the traditional parade route.

According to the association, the changes are driven by the need to compress the Klopse season, as Ramadaan overlaps with the festive period, a cyclical occurrence every 33 years. This requires multiple events to be held on the same day or in close succession to preserve the ability to perform during historically significant periods.

The KKKA insists the heritage of Tweede Nuwe Jaar is not being erased.

“Our elders tell us that Klopse have always marched and performed in Green Point,” the association said, adding that the adjusted route allows both the street parade and stadium competitions to take place on the same day.

The organisation also rejected claims that it has become “political” or “sold out”, emphasising that Klopse is a cultural movement, not a political one, and must remain inclusive of all religions, races and identities.

Planning your day

Spectators are advised to:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Bring valid identification
• Familiarise themselves with venue rules
• Expect road closures and increased foot traffic in Green Point

The City of Cape Town has urged residents to reduce their non-essential water consumption, as daily usage has exceeded the target by more than 50 million litres per day.

The target of less than 975 million litres per day (MLD) was set for the summer season to mitigate the risk associated with below-average or unpredictable rainfall during 2026, and to maintain a reliable supply.

But the City says they noticed excessive water usage over the past few weeks, and as of today, 31 December 2025, the average water usage stands at 1 025MLD, with the city’s dam levels at 70,5%.

Currently, the City’s main supply dams are 19,2% lower than last year at this time.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, says as a city we have collectively and consistently been using over 1 000 million litres of water daily for the last few weeks.

“While there is no immediate reason for concern, all Capetonians, visitors and businesses are encouraged to carefully manage their water use over the coming months.”

He says early and sustained reductions in water use help protect water security, reduce the risk of sudden restrictions, and ensure that sufficient reserves are available should rainfall in 2026 be below average.

“Adjusting water-use habits now across households, businesses and the tourism sector will help build resilience against climate-related shocks and safeguard water supplies.”

Through the City’s New Water Programme, the Metro is also actively securing new water from reuse, desalination and groundwater. But Badroodien emphasises these investments take time, which is why every Capetonian must make water-wise choices today.

Tips for saving water:

• Take short, stop-start showers or small baths. The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed seven litres.
• Wash more with less, for laundry and dishes. Only wash clothes and dishes (pots, cups etc) when really needed. Washing and spot-cleaning can use less water.
• Turn off taps and hoses when not using the water.
• Only water gardens before 09:00 or after 18:00 to avoid evaporation losses.
• Keep summer fun water-wise. Use water mindfully for children’s play and cooling. E.g. Use a wet cloth to cool down hot skin, and avoid wasteful spraying of water.
• Swim, cover, save, repeat. Built-in and fold-away pools must be covered when not in use, to prevent up to 95% of evaporation losses. Recycle the backwash, and top up with rainwater or alternative water where possible.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public to be extra vigilant at drinking and leisure venues as the country heads into the New Year.  

The SAPS has become aware of a syndicate using young women to spike men’s drinks at clubs and taverns before robbing them, with some victims seriously injured or killed. Some male victims are said to have died as a result of an “overdose of what has been used to spike them”. 

The SAPS noted several recent cases in various parts of the country, particularly Gauteng and the North West.  

“The main syndicate would monitor these females movements and assist them to find a possible target inside the drinking establishment.  Once the target has been identified, the women would move in, often promise to leave with the unsuspecting victim to another drinking place, their home, a hotel or even a guesthouse. During that period, these women would often spike the men’s drinks,” read the national SAPS statement. 

The SAPS advised that “cars, cellphones and money” are often stolen. 

Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, also urged women to be vigilant, as they remain vulnerable to becoming targets for similar crimes.  

“Women are also victims of spiked drinks. A number of cases have been reported nationwide of women who have been found raped, assaulted or dead while coming back from taverns, shebeens, nightclubs and other places of recreation,” she said.  

As such, both men and women are urged not to leave with strangers, to watch their drinks closely and to move in groups with people they trust, while socialising. SAPS advises the public to plan safe transport, avoid carrying large sums of cash and remain alert as police operations continue nationwide.

“Spiking, irregardless [sic] of the victims’ gender, is a serious crime with severe physical and psychological consequences,” said Mathe.  

As New Year celebrations get underway, SAPS said law enforcement agencies remain on the ground nationwide to ensure safety but urged the public to be “extra vigilant”, avoid drinking and driving, and to always prioritise personal safety. 

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