The Latest Breaking News from the Western Cape

At least 21 dead after multi-vehicle crash in South Africa

The crash started with two minibus taxis colliding head-on, after which an SUV crashed into them, the Western Cape Mobility department said

The Independent UK · Sep 14

How a tiny South African fishing village solved its water crisis by turning seawater into drinking water using solar power

In the small coastal village of Witsand, at the mouth of the Breede River in the Western Cape's Overberg region, sits Africa's first desalination plant powered entirely by solar energy. Witsand has a low-season population of only around 300 people, but that number swells to more than 3,000 during the…

The Times of India · Jul 31

Kinshasa shuts down in protest against plan to reform constitution

In tonight's edition: many people in Kinshasa stay home in protest against the possibility of their leader seeking a third term. Also, hundreds of Malawians and other foreign nationals flee their homes in South Africa as groups of xenophobic residents reportedly go door to door in the Western Cape issuing…

France 24 · Jun 3

South Africa’s famous fynbos must be preserved – but burning invasive plants on site isn’t the best strategy

Invasive plants and trees were introduced to South Africa from as early as the 17th century for a range of commercial, subsistence and ornamental uses. Today, every area of the country has been invaded by a variety of these plants. The most species are found in the Western Cape, Eastern…

The Conversation · Feb 24, 2025

Is This The World's Best All-Round Golfing Destination?

Along with its stunning scenery, vineyards, welcoming climate and top-quality accommodation, this scenic region is home to a wealth of fine golf courses

Golf Monthly · Jan 9, 2025

Extreme weather in South Africa is disrupting tourism – research tracks the impact on coastal areas

South Africa has experienced some extreme weather events in recent months. These have included floods and an uncommon tornado in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, floods in the Eastern Cape and mid-latitude cyclones in the Western Cape. Kaitano Dube, a human geographer who has researched tourism, extreme weather and resilience to…

The Conversation · Jul 8, 2024

Cape Town’s poor ‘neglected’ in South Africa’s only opposition-run province

Township residents say the opposition Democratic Alliance is elitist and runs a city that functions only for the rich.

Al Jazeera · May 28, 2024

South Africa's great white sharks are changing locations – they need to be monitored for beach safety and conservation

South Africa is renowned for having one of the world’s biggest populations of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Substantial declines have been observed, however, in places where the sharks normally gather on the coast of the Western Cape province. Sharks congregate at these locations to feed, interact socially, or rest.

The Conversation · Sep 7, 2023

South Africa's ANC controls eight of nine provinces - why the Western Cape will remain elusive in the 2024 elections

The African National Congress (ANC), which governs South Africa, finally held its postponed Western Cape provincial elective congress in June. This was after painstaking years of electing branch and regional executives. The new executive is the first elected ANC Western Cape provincial executive in six years.

The Conversation · Aug 1, 2023

Drink up, it’s closing time: South African study calculates that limiting opening hours will save lives

South Africans are among the heaviest drinkers in the world. The country has the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in Africa. Excessive drinking is especially widespread in the Western Cape. Research estimates that per capita alcohol consumption in the province is between 30% and 40% higher than the…

The Conversation · May 29, 2023