US President Donald Trump exits Air Force One along with his son Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson while arriving at Palm Beach International Airport on 27 March in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
President Trump will not attend Donald Trump Junior’s wedding to Bettina Anderson, citing government business in Washington.
The wedding will take place this weekend on a small island in the Bahamas.
Trump had originally planned to spend the night at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday after an event in New York’s Hudson Valley.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, because he has to stay in Washington for government business.
“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr, and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon-to-be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, DC, at the White House during this important period of time,” the post continued. The wedding happens this weekend on a small island in the Bahamas, CNN reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the plans. A spokesperson for Trump Jr did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that Trump Jr wanted his father to attend, but that it would be a “small private affair.”
Trump said then he would try to make the wedding, but the timing was bad for him.
Trump said on Thursday:
I have a thing called Iran and other things.
The Trump administration has been engaged in diplomatic talks mediated by Pakistan aimed at securing a deal to end the war with Iran that the US and Israel began on 28 February.
Trump had originally planned to spend the night at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday after an event in New York’s Hudson Valley, but he will now return to the White House, according to a change in his public schedule released on Friday afternoon.
READ | Trump says Iran attack on ‘hold’: What we know about latest negotiations
Trump Jr’s engagement to Anderson is his third. He was married to his previous wife, Vanessa, a former model and actress, for 12 years, and they have five children together.
Vanessa filed for a divorce in 2018. He was later engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a US television personality, until they separated in 2024.
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Clue of the week: 8 Lack of resistance in the end (6)
Of nearly 460 foreign nationals processed, only one was found to be in the country illegally and arrested.
Migrants claimed anti-immigration groups forced them from their homes and sought police protection.
Some foreign nationals fled during the verification process while tensions erupted outside the centre.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says only one of nearly 460 foreign nationals processed by authorities on Thursday was found to be in the country illegally and subsequently arrested, while the Department of Home Affairs’ KwaZulu-Natal manager said, of the foreign nationals who underwent a verification process, only two were found to be without valid documentation.
Xaba was speaking outside the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD at around 15:00, where a heavy police presence dominated the surrounding streets as authorities coordinated the transfer of foreign nationals to the Department of Home Affairs offices in Umbilo for verification of their documentation and legal status.
However, the police in the province have not confirmed any arrests or detentions, stating they would provide an update once the operation was completed.
Xaba urged communities to show tolerance towards documented foreign nationals, while maintaining that those found to be in the country illegally should be arrested and deported.
“Ours is to accept the facts and accept them into our communities. They must go back and get reintegrated into our communities. We must accept them as people who are in the country lawfully,” he told the media.
We don’t want people who breach our laws, and those who were processed today [Thursday] are in the country legally and have followed all the prescripts, so I don’t think we have any issue with them.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika at the Durban Refugee Reception Centre at around 19:00, the Department of Home Affairs’ KwaZulu-Natal manager, Cyril Mncwabe, said 459 foreign nationals underwent a verification process, with only two found to be without valid documentation.
“One of the two had their application rejected. Once an application is rejected, the person no longer has a valid permit,” he added.
Mncwabe said the individual was arrested and would face charges for contravening the Immigration Act.
“The other person was found to have a fraudulent permit,” he added.
The group of migrants has been staying at the centre for the past two days after more than 500 of them gathered outside the Durban Central police station earlier this week seeking shelter and protection.
They claimed they were forced from their homes by anti-immigration groups and accused KwaZulu-Natal police of failing to provide adequate protection.
During the relocation, some migrants were sceptical about the process and decided to flee rather than board the buses the city provided for them.
Police officers formed cordons around buses arriving at the centre while the foreign nationals, many carrying small bags and blankets, waited under tight security.
Some of the foreign nationals taking refuge at the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD were sceptical about the relocation and fled rather than board the buses the city provided for them.
Sakhiseni Nxumalo/ News24
The eThekwini Municipality says migrants staying at the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD are being relocated to a refugee reception facility, where the Department of Home Affairs will process them and determine their legal status in the country.
Sakhiseni Nxumalo/ News24
Tensions briefly flared when some foreign nationals attempted to flee upon seeing the buses, fearing their documents would be scrutinised and that they could face deportation.
Several were seen running through nearby streets and alleys before being pursued by police officers.
READ | Over 500 foreign nationals march in Durban, demanding safety
Members of the March and March movement, along with supporters of political organisations including the MK Party, gathered outside the centre, singing anti-immigration songs and slogans as the operation unfolded.
Some residents joined in pursuing those attempting to evade the process, detaining them and handing them over to the police.
Earlier, the police dispersed the crowd using rubber bullets and stun grenades.
Xaba and several councillors remained on site throughout the operation to monitor developments.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) confirmed it would, from Thursday, conduct a targeted verification process of all foreign nationals to determine their legal status in the country.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said this followed an engagement between the Southern African Refugee Forum, which represents the foreign nationals, and senior officials of Natjoints represented by the Department of Home Affairs and law enforcement authorities in the province.
He added that the operation would be led by an integrated team involving the departments of home affairs, social development and transport, and law enforcement in the province.
Netshiunda said:
Natjoints has made it clear that this process is not meant to legitimise the illegal stay of undocumented foreign nationals in the country but to ensure that those who are here legally are duly protected and the undocumented ones are subjected to the immigration laws processes accordingly.
“This process will be conducted with the integrated team of Natjoints to ensure that we attend to all the issues associated with this illegal occupation of the centre.”
He added that those found to be in the country illegally would be processed to their countries of origin immediately.
The eThekwini Municipality says migrants staying at the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD are being relocated to a refugee reception facility, where the Department of Home Affairs will process them and determine their legal status in the country.
Sakhiseni Nxumalo/ News24
The eThekwini municipality said migrants who have been sheltering at the Diakonia Centre in Durban’s CBD are being relocated to a refugee reception facility.
Attacks
Meanwhile, Netshiunda said the police in eThekwini were following up on various allegations of assault against foreign nationals, who were among this group, and other cases reported relating to intimidation, malicious damage to property, and closure of businesses.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Major General Phumelela Makoba added that all cases reported would be duly investigated.
The integrated team assured members of the public, who were concerned about the turn of events, that the situation would be “resolved as a matter of urgency”.
Police efforts
Natjoints sought to highlight its efforts to deal with illegal immigration through various operations, including Operation Shanela.
According to the police, since 1 January, they have arrested 29 731 undocumented foreign nationals during various high-density operations conducted nationwide.
In the previous financial year, a 76 588 were arrested.
Natjoints reported that the Department of Home Affairs had deported 59 814 undocumented foreign nationals in the past financial year.
“These operations are intelligence-driven and are conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the laws of our country,” it said in a statement.
“Natjoints remains committed to maintaining law and order, safeguarding the country’s borders, and ensuring that all persons within South Africa comply with immigration laws.”
Earlier, fear and tension gripped foreign nationals who resisted being moved to a Home Affairs facility for processing.
The situation escalated when buses arrived to transport the group to a refugee reception centre, where authorities said their legal status in South Africa would be assessed. While some complied and boarded, others attempted to flee, running from officers as the buses were loaded.
Said one woman who refused to board, clutching her belongings:
I’m not going anywhere. I have papers and have had them for years. I have the right to be here. This is my home; I’ve been here for over 10 years. I have children here. What if they send me back to Congo? This is xenophobia.
Another foreign national told News24 that many in the group were undocumented, but said he was not worried about his own status.
“I am not scared. My papers are fine, but yes, many don’t have papers. Some never had them, some can’t renew them. I think those running know it’s over for them,” he said.
“They know they will be arrested and sent back. Who would want to go back to DRC? That’s why they’re scared,” he added while waiting to be escorted onto a bus.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information and the number of undocumented foreign nationals.
The DA has accused KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi of using state-owned water tankers for political branding after images of his face appeared on the vehicles, deepening tension in the province’s coalition government
Tension between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal’s government of provincial unity are escalating before the November local government elections, with the DA accusing Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of using state resources for political branding.
The DA said it would submit parliamentary questions after images surfaced of government-owned water tankers bearing Buthelezi’s face.
“The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal will be submitting a written parliamentary question over branding of government resources,” said newly-elected provincial DA leader Sithembiso Ngema. “This as the DA has seen images of department water tankers branded with KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s face.”
Ngema said that branding government vehicles with the image of a politician blurred the line between the state and party politics.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, section 195 (public administration), states that using public property for personal branding constitutes a misuse of these resources,” he said.
The DA would seek clarity on whether the MEC’s actions violated laws governing public administration. “As we fast approach the local government election, the DA warns MECs against using state resources for electioneering,” Ngema said.
Buthelezi, a senior IFP leader and traditional prime minister to the AmaZulu nation, unveiled the water tankers shortly after taking office as Cogta MEC, saying they would help municipalities battling water shortages, beginning in the uThukela district.
At the time, Buthelezi said the tankers, owned by the department, would reduce municipalities’ reliance on hired water tankers and ease financial pressure on struggling councils.
“In line with his commitment to improving access to basic services across the province, the MEC will hand over the water tankers and receive an update on the progress of water schemes within the district,” the department said.
Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila dismissed the DA’s criticism as political posturing.
“What is important is that the affected communities get water through the MEC’s intervention. The MEC will not be drawn into political posturing with the DA,” Mzila said.
The dispute is the latest sign of strain in KwaZulu-Natal’s coalition government, led by the IFP and comprising the DA, ANC and National Freedom Party.
In April, the DA announced plans to take IFP-led uThukela District Municipality to court over water supply failures. The party accused the IFP of shielding municipal manager Langelihle Jili despite allegations of financial mismanagement and governance failures.
The DA and IFP also govern together in several hung municipalities across the province, including the City of uMhlathuze, where the DA holds the deputy mayoral position.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping tour Zhongnanhai Garden on 15 May in Beijing, China. Trump and other US officials were finishing up a visit intended to address the Iran conflict, trade imbalances, and the Taiwan situation while establishing new bilateral boards for economic and AI oversight.
Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images
Trump said he would speak with Taiwan’s President Lai, unprecedented since the US recognised Beijing in nineteen seventy-nine.
The move could anger China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and views Lai as a separatist.
Trump has approved major weapons sales to Taiwan but also touts his relationship with China’s Xi as “amazing”.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, an unprecedented move for a US leader that could roil US relations with China.
US and Taiwanese presidents have not spoken directly since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take control of the democratically governed island. It has been angered by the longstanding US military support for Taiwan to deter Chinese military action.
“I’ll speak to him,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before boarding Air Force One when asked about Lai.
“I speak to everybody … We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem.”
It’s the second time in a week that Trump has said he intends to speak to Lai, dispelling initial speculation that his first mention of it after meeting China’s leader, Xi Jinping, last week was a slip of the tongue.
READ | Taiwan ‘will never be sacrificed’ in US and China deal, vows President Lai Ching-te
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when such a call might happen or what would be discussed. China’s embassy in Washington also did not respond immediately.
‘Amazing’ relationship with XI
Trump administration officials have noted that Trump has approved the sale of more weapons to Taiwan than any other US president.
But he has also repeatedly touted his relationship with Xi as “amazing.” After last week’s trip to Beijing, Trump said he has not decided whether to proceed with a major weapons sale worth up to $14 billion to Taiwan, adding to uncertainty about US support for the island.
Any direct US-Taiwan conversation would ordinarily anger China, which sees the island as its own territory.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
Taiwan Presidential Office/Anadolu via Getty Images
However, Trump’s language has sent mixed signals to Taipei. While Lai has welcomed the chance to speak to Trump, the US president’s reference to the “Taiwan problem” echoes Beijing’s phrasing.
Lai, who Beijing views as a separatist, said earlier on Wednesday that if he got the opportunity to speak to Trump, he would say his government is committed to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and that it was China that was undermining peace with its massive military build-up in the Indo-Pacific.
Lai said:
No country has the right to annex Taiwan. The people of Taiwan pursue a democratic and free way of life, and democracy and freedom should not be regarded as provocation.
Under US law, Washington is required to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and both Republican and Democratic US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to continue with weapons sales.
Underscoring Taiwan’s strategic importance to the US, the island of 23 million people is the fourth-largest US trading partner, behind China, which has 1.4 billion people. Much of that trade is based on exports of advanced semiconductors to the US, which fuels the global economy.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula. (@MbalulaFikile/X)
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has warned internal critics that he will not be “blackmailed” before the 2027 ANC elective conference, as tension over succession politics intensify in the party.
Mbalula addressed ANC members during his closing remarks at the West Rand regional conference, which elected new leadership yesterday.
“A lot of people say Mbalula is supporting these people and they will never support him. I support the ANC. I don’t care about your support,” Mbalula told delegates.
“I’m a secretary-general. I was elected. I’m leading even those who didn’t elect me and I must show them the way. I won’t be blackmailed because 2027 is coming. We will know when we get there.”
William Matsheke was elected chairperson, Lucky Sele deputy chairperson, Mkhuseli Jokazi regional secretary, Mcebisi Moyeni deputy regional secretary and Nozuko Best regional treasurer.
The ANC West Rand regional conference was delayed by court interdicts filed by party members who felt that Mbalula was interfering in the conference to ensure that the current leadership emerged victorious.
While the ANC has not officially opened a succession debate, several figures have been mentioned as possible contenders, among them Mbalula, current deputy president Paul Mashatile and businessperson Patrice Motsepe.
Mbalula has previously warned that he would suppress any succession debate, saying the party’s focus should be on winning the 2026 local government elections after its weaker performance in the 2024 general elections, which saw it dip below the 50% mark needed to govern outright.
Mbalula told delegates on Tuesday that those who saw leadership in the ANC as a pathway to personal enrichment had no place in the party.
The ANC had not survived 114 years by pursuing tenders and accumulating wealth, he said. Instead, it survived because generations of cadres had been willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of liberation. He emphasised that the former liberation movement must return to that principle.
Mbalula said the party was under no illusion that the ANC must transform itself or risk becoming a footnote in history.
“Our movement has been battered by scandals that erode public trust,” he said. “Corruption has eaten away at our moral authority. Factionalism has diverted our energies from the people’s business to internal power struggles.
“In too many of our branches, meetings have become battlegrounds for tender disputes rather than platforms for community service. This must end if we are to decisively tackle the existential crisis we face.”
The ANC, Mbalula said, must be uncompromising against corruption. “Anyone who used their position in the ANC to enrich themselves at the expense of the people has betrayed the memory of every comrade who sacrificed for this movement.”
The party should deal with corruption without fear or favour. Renewal of the ANC meant revitalising its branches. “When branches are strong, the ANC is strong. When branches are weak, infiltrated by opportunists and careerists, the entire movement suffers.
“Every branch must become a centre of community activism, not a vehicle for accessing government resources. We must recruit members who join because they believe in our vision, not because they see an opportunity for self-advancement.”
Qatar Airways says increased flights to Cape Town will help restore 80% of its ore-war weekly frequencies to the Mother City.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Middle East carrier Qatar Airways will increase its weekly flights to Cape Town next month, as it looks to restore its pre-Iran war service frequency to South Africa.
The airline has been recovering since March, when it was forced to navigate airspace closures and a limited schedule on several major routes due to the US-Israel war on Iran.
According to the FlightRadar24 Gulf airline recovery index, the Doha-based airline operated 352 flights on 17 May and 369 on 18 May, compared with the 583 global flights it operated on 27 February – a day before the war broke out.
READ | Qatar Airways announces limited March flight schedule as airspace remains closed
In a statement this week, Qatar Airways said it would increase weekly flights to Cape Town from seven to 10 on 16 June.
In the same announcement, it said it would increase weekly flights to several destinations on the continent, including Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Seychelles, and Kigali in Rwanda. It will also operate one daily flight to Marrakesh in Morocco from 1 July.
The regional route between Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) will also see more weekly flights, as will the route between Maputo (Mozambique) and Durban.
The airline is also launching three weekly flights to Port Sudan from 2 July.
Qatar Airways told News24 that the added flights to Cape Town would restore 80% of its flight frequencies to SA. The airline said it would continue to build its route network to 160 destinations.
“Prior to 28 February, Qatar Airways operated 39 weekly flights to South Africa, including 18 flights per week to Johannesburg, 14 flights per week to Cape Town, and seven flights per week to Durban. With this announcement, operations equate to 31 flights per week, including 14 flights per week to Johannesburg, 10 flights per week to Cape Town, and seven flights per week to Durban,” it said in written correspondence.
“The resumption of flights and measured frequency adjustments reflect Qatar Airways’ strategic, phased global network restoration that balances sustainable growth with rising demand for air travel connectivity and trade.”
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Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, pictured at the Madlanga commission, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with his co-accused, Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla Mkhwanazi. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been charged with fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. His bail application is expected to be heard on Thursday.
After his arrest on Saturday morning, Mkhwanazi appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with his co-accused, Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla, who was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.
Mkhwanazi has been a key witness at the Madlanga commission regarding a memorandum of understanding allowing Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company, Cat VIP, to be fitted with blue lights reserved for law enforcement.
Outlining the charges in court, the state prosecutor said the fraud charge related to both accused acting “in common purpose”. A second charge of defeating or obstructing the ends of justice was also brought on the same basis. A third charge of corruption was added under the relevant provisions of the Corruption Act.
The state said the charge distinguished between the giver and receiver of gratification, alleging that the case involved both “giving and accepting” proceeds of corruption.
Mkhwanazi was charged as the receiver, while his co-accused, Lerutla, was implicated as the giver.
Lawyers for both accused said they had not received formal documentation of the charges. “We’ve just been provided now, simultaneously as your worship,” Mkhwanazi’s lawyer, advocate P Wilkins, told the court.
Lerutla’s legal representative, Zweli Zakwe, echoed this, saying they could take note of only what had been placed on record in court. “It is the first time that we are being formally advised of the charges. We do not have anything in writing.”
The state indicated it would oppose bail, arguing that the charges fell under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act. That would require the accused to demonstrate that their release would be in the interests of justice.
However, Wilkins said he could not concede that the matter qualified as a Schedule 5 offence without sight of the charge sheet. “We do not know what is specifically alleged,” he said.
Zakwe added that they were “not in a position to either agree or disagree” with the classification, noting that the details, such as the alleged amount involved, had not yet been disclosed.
The prosecutor said the charge sheet would be provided to the defence before the bail hearing. He said there had been an informal agreement to proceed with the bail application on Thursday, when the state would present arguments opposing release.
The court heard that the state might take up to seven days to investigate aspects relevant to bail, including confirming Lerutla’s address.
Wilkins disputed the need for a delay, saying his client’s address had been confirmed after his arrest at his home early on Saturday. He argued that the arrest appeared to have been pre-planned and the state should be ready to proceed.
Lerutla’s legal team supported the position, arguing that a postponement was not automatic and had to be properly justified.
“Any party seeking a postponement must fully motivate why it requires one,” Zakwe said, adding that verifying his client’s address could be done within hours.
The state also told the court that Mkhwanazi was found in possession of ammunition and investigations were ongoing to determine whether he was licensed to possess firearms, particularly in light of his suspension.
Zakwe further noted that, according to the arrest warrant, the alleged offences dated from 2019.
“The police have been investigating this matter without my client’s knowledge for several years,” he said. “It is unclear why information they do not have now would be available within the next few days.”
The magistrate indicated that if the state was not ready to proceed by the next day, it would inevitably have to apply for a postponement and therefore, Thursday would be a reasonable date. The bail hearing remains scheduled for Thursday.
Muddy, and wet conditions in Dunoon. The downpour of rain caused some homes to be flooded at the weekend.
Supplied by Gift of the Givers
Heavy rainfall over the weekend has resulted in some localised flooding in parts of Cape Town.
Disaster Risk Management teams are out on the ground in various areas doing assessments on the reported damage.
Authorities have warned that more rain can be expected.
Mop-up operations are under way across parts of Cape Town after heavy weekend downpours triggered localised flooding, but authorities have warned the situation remains precarious with more rain expected in the coming days.
Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said only “some isolated flooding” had been reported, which the city’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) teams had managed.
“From a provincial perspective, our disaster centre is monitoring the situation, and we are in contact with our district disaster centres. Nothing major has been reported so far. We are expecting another 30mm of rain today (Monday),” Bredell said.
DRM spokesperson Sonia Lategan said teams were still on the ground conducting assessments in affected areas, including Mkhonto Square informal settlement in Nyanga and Brown’s Farm.
“Our Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) received reports that structures in these areas have been affected by the heavy downpours. The extent can only be confirmed once assessments are completed,” Lategan said.
ANALYSIS | Climate change is overwhelming already failing municipalities
She added that multiple reports of localised flooding had been received across the metro and were being channelled through the Transport Management Centre for intervention by roads and stormwater teams.
“There has also been localised flooding of roads, and in Simon’s Town, water couldn’t clear quickly enough due to the heavy downpours,” she said, noting that no major residential impact had been reported at this stage.
However, humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers said it had been inundated with calls for help from communities hardest hit by the rain.
On Monday morning, teams were deployed to Dunoon, where residents had already begun sweeping water out of their homes as the rain subsided.
Resident Linda Potelwa described Sunday night’s downpour as “terrible”, saying both her kitchen and bedroom were flooded.
She said:
The worst part of the year is arriving, and now we again have to sweep all the dirt, water and mud out of the house. It’s not nice.
She added that her two children only left for school after 09:00 once the rain eased.
“Luckily, their school clothes were not wet, but the boys wanted to stay at home and help me clean the water out, but I said they must go so I can clean the place up while they’re gone,” Potelwa said.
She said Gift of the Givers teams were already in the area, assisting residents with food and blankets and helping clear water from flooded homes.
WATCH | Zille rides boat on flooded Soweto road, highlighting long-standing drainage drama
Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said the organisation had received calls for assistance from multiple informal settlements across the Cape metro and Drakenstein areas, as ongoing rainfall led to widespread flooding.
“Our teams are currently engaging with community leaders and local councillors to assess the extent of the impact and coordinate an effective response.
“Activation of relief efforts will commence shortly to provide support and assistance to affected families and communities,” Sablay said.
He said hot meals, blankets, detergent packs, hygiene packs and warm clothing would be distributed to affected families.
Areas that have requested assistance include Lwandle, Nomzamo, Strand, Valhalla Park, Mitchells Plain, Philippi, Dunoon, Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Kayamandi.
City of Cape Town traffic chief Kevin Jacobs said no major disruptions had been reported, although the left lane on Rhodes Drive was flooded.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious amid the wet conditions. Lategan advised the public to report emergencies to the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre on 021 480 7700.
News24 sent additional questions to the City, provincial government, and the South African Weather Service (SAWS). This article will be updated once further information is received.
Dr Vish Govender laments of struggling to attract structural engineers with only four serving the entire province. Photo: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal is struggling to attract structural engineers putting the province in a precarious position during devastating disasters.
Complicating the grim picture is that the coastal province over the years has been prone to floods leaving a trail of deaths and infrastructural damage. Recently, the department of public works and infrastructure advertised several vacancies calling for structural engineers, but none of the applicants met the required qualifications nor experience. The department resorted to withdrawing the adverts.
Dr Vish Govender, the newly elected head of department for public works and infrastructure described the situation as dire.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure continues to face a significant shortage of qualified structural engineers, which remains a critical constraint on our ability to effectively deliver and maintain public infrastructure across the province. Structural engineering is a scarce and highly specialised skill in South Africa, and this scarcity is particularly pronounced within the public sector, where we are competing with the private sector on remuneration, career growth, and project exposure, ” Govender told the Mail & Guardian.
He stated while the department had increased the number of structural engineers from one to four, it was inadequate to respond to infrastructural demands.
“When the current administration assumed office, the department had only one structural engineer serving the entire province. This posed substantial risks in terms of project oversight, designing and approvals, infrastructure assessments, and response to structural failures. Since then, we have made deliberate efforts to strengthen this capacity, and we have successfully recruited three additional engineers, bringing the total to four,” he said.
Govender explained while the department had undertaken recruitment, including the advertisement of vacant engineering posts, the efforts have not yielded the desired results. “We have struggled to attract suitably qualified and experienced candidates. This is largely due to the broader industry shortage, as well as challenges related to attracting engineering professionals.”
The department was now banking on expanding internship and candidacy programmes to develop internal capacity, and enhancing mentorship structures to support professional registration among other initiatives.
The severe shortage of engineers in the country was also noted by Vishal Haripersad, president of Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa).
According to Haripersad, South Africa has a deficit of at least 60 000 engineering professionals, an untenable situation for a country that has invested in excess of R1 trillion in infrastructure.
“South Africa has one engineer for every 3 000 people, compared with about one engineer for every 300 people in a developed country. By our estimates, we are currently short of around 60 000 professionals,” he said.
Contributing to the already dire situation was a number of qualified engineers who have exited the public sector and left the country for developed nations.
