A boating accident on the Goukou River in Stilbaai left a young woman seriously injured on Friday afternoon, 19 December.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 31 in Stilbaai, duty crews were activated at around 14:21 after reports of an accident upstream on the river.

NSRI Stilbaai station commander, Stéfan Grové, said it appears a couple from Centurion were ejected from their private boat while it was underway.

The boat’s motors reportedly remained engaged, causing the vessel to strike the woman while she was in the water, resulting in severe injuries.

The woman was rescued from the river by a family on a private boat, who pulled her from the water and transported her to the Stilbaai jetty.

There, NSRI medics and crew, a local doctor and members of the Stilbaai community worked together to provide urgent medical care. At the time, the woman was in a critical condition.

A second private boat assisted at the scene and brought the man involved in the accident safely to shore.

Western Cape Government Health EMS responded, and the 27-year-old woman was transported by ambulance to hospital before being transferred to a private facility. She remains in a serious but stable condition under the care of doctors and nurses.

The casualty boat later ran ashore and was subsequently recovered.

The NSRI commended the family who rescued the woman from the water, the crew of the second private boat, and the broader Stilbaai community for their swift and coordinated response.

“Our thoughts are with the woman recovering in hospital and with the families involved during this difficult time,” the NSRI said.

With the festive season in full swing, Cape Town residents are looking forward to cooling off in the City’s public swimming pools.

Laughter, splashes, and the smell of sunscreen are set to fill the air as families and friends make the most of the season.

This year, 36 of the City’s 37 pools are open, providing safe, well-maintained spaces for everyone to relax, play, and create lasting memories.

The City has invested heavily in upgrades, including at Newlands, Wynberg, Kensington, Goodwood, Bellville South, and Manenberg, ensuring the pools are ready for heavy summer use.

The Vulindlela pool in Gugulethu is also undergoing a major upgrade, with reopening dates to be announced.

During the festive season, pools are open daily from 10:00AM to 18:00PM, with the last ticket sold at 17:30PM.

The City says after the school holidays, hours will revert to weekends only. Children under seven must always be accompanied by an adult, ensuring the little ones enjoy the water safely.

Following a visit to several pools this week, Councillor Francine Higham said that while the pools are a place for fun, safety must remain a priority.

“Please be considerate of one another and follow the instructions of lifeguards and staff. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable swimming time this summer.”

To keep the pools and beaches safe, the City has deployed over 490 senior and seasonal lifeguards, with an additional 67 added in December. These measures are part of the City’s summer readiness plan, designed to prevent accidents, ensure proactive safety, and provide a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Cape Town’s iconic Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations are expected to look and feel markedly different in 2026, as organisers have requested that the traditional Klopse street parade along the Grand Parade, Darling, Adderley and Wale streets be moved to Green Point.

For many Capetonians, particularly residents of Bo-Kaap, the looming change may bring a sense of loss. For generations, families have arrived before sunrise with chairs and umbrellas, claiming their spots along Wale Street up to Rose Street to watch the Kaapse Klopse troupes pass by in a sea of colour, music and tradition.

That familiar ritual is expected to now give way to a new route, which organisers say is aimed at reshaping the future of the carnival.

Towards the end of November this year, the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Assosiasie (KKKA) announced a revised programme on its Facebook page:

The street parade is expected to take place on Monday, 5 January 2026, with the choral competition launching on the same day at DHL Stadium.

Additional competition days are scheduled for 10, 24 and 31 January, and 7 February 2026, to be hosted at Athlone Stadium.

According to the KKKA, this move was influenced by several factors, including the need to respect religious observances.

Prayers will be observed on Friday, 2 January and Sunday, 4 January, prompting organisers to move the parade to a Monday.

The association also cited historical links to Green Point as another reason to move the venue.

“In the past, our ancestors paraded along multiple routes towards the cradle of carnival – Green Point,” the KKKA said. “By honouring this history, we are acknowledging the home of carnival.”

The newly announced route is expected to move through the Old Cape Malay Quarter, into Somerset Road, along the Fan Walk, and into DHL Stadium, where Day 1 of the choral competition,  known as the internationally celebrated Klopse Jol, will take place.

In a statement, the City of Cape Town said its Events Permit Office is currently reviewing the event application, having given its in-principle support for the change of venue, on condition that the KKKA submits plans for the proper management of the event route.

Those plans include ensuring that the parade route is kept clear of any overnight spectators and preventing the demarcation of viewing spots with tents and gazebos.

*This article was updated to reflect the response of the City of Cape Town