JOHANNESBURG, 20 October 2026: Independent news publishers looking to strengthen their digital operations now have access to a free tool to help them understand what is working, where improvements are needed and what to prioritise next. The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) has partnered with RNW Media to make its Digital Transformation Assessment (DTA), a service of RNTC, available free of charge to independent publishers throughout South Africa, including the Fund’s 43 grantees.

The DNTF is a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. The Fund supports the sustainability, innovation and digital transformation of small and medium local and independent news publishers in South Africa.

The assessment takes around 60 minutes to complete, ideally with two to four team members working together. It looks at how different parts of a news organisation are adapting to digital publishing, across areas including strategy, editorial workflows, audience engagement, operations, monetisation, people and digital security.

Each organisation receives a personalised report outlining its current digital position, helping teams identify strengths, areas for improvement and where to focus their limited resources. The results can also help teams develop a practical action plan, including capacity-building needs and a realistic budget. Leanne Kunz, Head of the DNTF, says: “Independent publishers are working hard to adapt to a changing media environment, often with limited resources. This assessment gives them an opportunity to look at their progress, identify what needs attention and make informed decisions about their next steps.”

Participation is entirely confidential, voluntary and does not affect DNTF grants or funding conditions. Responses are used only to generate each organisation’s report, with individual data kept private and not shared with the Fund or other third parties. The report is tailored to each organisation that submits the assessment information.

Boris van Westering, Digital Transformation lead at RNW Media, says: “The assessment is designed to encourage practical conversations within newsrooms about digital transformation. It gives teams a clearer picture of where they stand and helps them agree on what matters most.”

RNW Media and RNTC will host a free introductory session on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 (SAST), open to anyone interested in learning about the assessment.

The session will take place on Microsoft Teams. Join the introductory session using this link here.

Publishers can also learn more about the DTA and access the assessment at rntc.com.

For more information, please visit dntfund.org.za.

The post South African Publishers Gain Free Access to Digital Assessment Tool appeared first on Alt News Network.

DURBAN, South Africa — October 19, 2026:  A six-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after an alleged stabbing at a learning centre in Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal, in a case that has raised serious questions about whether authorities acted decisively enough when confronted with earlier warning signs.

The 16-year-old suspect was arrested on October 13 after allegedly entering his former primary school and repeatedly stabbing the child. Reports indicate that the girl sustained several wounds and was last reported to be in a critical but stable condition.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of an earlier alleged bombing attempt at Ballito Junction Regional Mall, following which the teenager was reportedly released from custody and placed on probation.

The central question is no longer simply how a young person could allegedly progress from threatening behaviour to an attack on a child. It is whether the available warnings were properly assessed, investigated and acted upon before another child was placed in danger.

Earlier incident raises questions about intervention

According to reporting by Newsday, the teenager had allegedly attempted to plant an improvised explosive device in the food court of Ballito Junction Regional Mall. The device reportedly failed to detonate properly.

The subsequent school attack has brought renewed attention to the handling of that earlier incident and the decision not to keep the teenager in custody.

A report by the Sunday Times published on October 18 also raised questions about whether police had been alerted to threatening behaviour before the stabbing. The report said the National Prosecuting Authority had attributed the earlier case not being placed on the court roll to insufficient evidence, while a police insider disputed that explanation.

These accounts point to a matter requiring clear answers from the relevant authorities. What evidence was collected, what investigative steps were taken, and what factors informed the decisions made after the mall incident?

The public should not have to rely on conflicting accounts from unnamed sources to understand how a case involving an alleged explosive device was handled.

At the same time, the distinction between a failure to prosecute and a failure to assess risk is important. Insufficient evidence to secure a criminal conviction does not automatically establish that a suspect poses no danger. Nor does alarming behaviour, on its own, prove that a person will commit a violent crime.

The challenge for investigators and child-protection authorities is to assess the available evidence properly and determine what reasonable safeguards are necessary.

Online communities and the escalation of violent behaviour

Newsday reported that the teenager had participated in online communities associated with the glorification of serial killers and mass murderers.

A former acquaintance, identified by the publication under the pseudonym Max, alleged that people who knew the teenager had raised concerns about his behaviour as far back as 2024.

The acquaintance also described online interactions involving violent imagery, disturbing statements and admiration for perpetrators of mass attacks.

Such accounts require careful handling. Participation in an online subculture does not, by itself, establish criminal intent, and disturbing online expression cannot be treated as proof that every person involved will become violent.

However, when threats, alleged preparation for violence, access to weapons and a previous serious incident converge, the situation warrants a more considered response than dismissing the behaviour as attention-seeking.

The concern is not that young people should be punished for unconventional interests or online associations. It is that credible threats should be assessed on their evidence and potential consequences, irrespective of whether they emerge from a recognised extremist organisation or a loosely connected online group.

The internet can provide vulnerable teenagers with a sense of belonging, but it can also expose them to communities that normalise violence, encourage increasingly extreme behaviour or exploit their vulnerabilities.

Parents, schools, online platforms and law enforcement all have roles to play. Their responsibilities differ, but none should assume that another party has dealt with a credible threat without verifying it.

Were the warning signs properly assessed?

Forensic psychologist Gérard Labuschagne has questioned the handling of the earlier incident. According to Newsday, he argued that the teenager’s behaviour and the material reportedly circulated before the mall incident warranted a formal assessment of the risk of violence.

A structured assessment could help identify potential targets, possible escalation, access to weapons and appropriate safeguards. It would not guarantee that an attack could be prevented, but it could inform decisions about supervision, intervention and public safety.

The case also raises questions about how reports from members of the public are received. Newsday’s source alleged that attempts to report further concerning behaviour encountered obstacles because the alleged victim was expected to open a police case herself.

That allegation deserves clarification from the police. Authorities should explain what reporting procedures apply when third parties disclose credible threats, particularly where the potential victim is a minor or may be vulnerable.

A reporting system that discourages people from sharing relevant information risks losing opportunities to intervene before violence occurs.

There must also be accountability for decisions made by officials, but accountability should follow an evidence-based investigation rather than assumptions about individual culpability.

A child should not become the measure of institutional failure

The most immediate consequence of this case is the harm suffered by a six-year-old girl and the fear experienced by her family, classmates and educators.

The circumstances also raise broader questions about how South Africa manages young suspects who may present a risk to others while remaining children under the law.

A juvenile justice system must balance the rights of minors, rehabilitation and public protection. These objectives are not mutually exclusive. Proper risk assessment, appropriate supervision and evidence-based intervention can support rehabilitation while reducing the likelihood of further harm.

What matters now is whether the relevant institutions can account for the decisions made before the attack, identify any procedural shortcomings and explain what corrective action will follow.

The teenager’s age does not remove the need for accountability, just as the seriousness of the allegations does not remove his legal rights. The investigation must establish the facts, and the justice process must proceed on that basis.

The public also deserves clarity on whether the earlier incident was investigated fully, whether appropriate risk assessments were considered, and whether communication between the police, prosecutors and other relevant bodies was adequate.

The questions South Africa cannot ignore

The attack in Umhlali should prompt more than expressions of outrage. It should lead to a documented examination of what was known, when it became known, and what officials did in response.

If credible warnings were ignored, the public deserves to know why. If investigators lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute the earlier incident, the authorities should explain what further investigative options were considered. If the available safeguards were inadequate, the system needs to address those shortcomings.

Above all, the outcome should not be another investigation that produces statements but no measurable change.

How many warning signs must be documented before institutions coordinate an effective response? And will the investigation into this case establish where the system fell short, or will responsibility once again disappear between agencies?

The post Umhlali School Stabbing Raises Questions Over Police Warnings and Child Safety appeared first on Alt News Network.

Cape Town, 15 October 2026 — South African rugby star Cheslin Kolbe will meet fans at Cavendish Square on Thursday, 22 October, for the launch of his memoir, Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds. Organised in collaboration with Exclusive Books, the event begins at 19h00 and celebrates the achievements and personal journey of the two-time Rugby World Cup champion.

Rugby fans and book lovers will have the opportunity to meet the double Rugby World Cup winner, hear more about his extraordinary journey and have their copies of his book signed. Published by Pan Macmillan South Africa and written in collaboration with award-winning broadcaster and author David O’Sullivan, the memoir tells the remarkable story of a young boy from Kraaifontein who defied expectations to become one of the most celebrated rugby players in the world.

Growing up, Kolbe was repeatedly told he was too small to succeed in professional rugby. But through determination, courage and an extraordinary belief in himself, he went on to achieve international sporting greatness, winning two Rugby World Cups with the Springboks and earning a place among the game’s most admired players.

Beyond his sporting achievements, Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds offers a personal account of the family, faith and community that shaped him, as well as the challenges he overcame on his journey to the top.

Pre-booking is essential

“Cheslin Kolbe is a true South African hero whose story has inspired millions, and we’re delighted to welcome him at Cavendish Square. As a proud son of Cape Town, his journey from Kraaifontein to the very top of world rugby is extraordinary, and we’re excited to give fans the opportunity to meet him and celebrate the launch of his book,” said Faizah Behardien, Centre Manager at Cavendish Square.

The book launch will take place on the lower level of Cavendish Square, with guests invited to arrive from 18h30 for a 19h00 start. Kolbe will be in discussion with David O’ Sullivan. Copies of the memoir will be available to purchase on the evening, with an opportunity to have them signed by Kolbe himself.

Attendance is free, but booking is essential as places are limited. Fans wishing to attend can reserve their places through Exclusive Books.

For more details on Cavendish Square shopping centre’s stores and promotions, visit cavendish.co.za or follow the centre on Instagram.

The post Cheslin Kolbe Announces Cape Town Memoir Launch and Book Signing appeared first on Alt News Network.

According to a report published by Newsday on October 13, the Gauteng Department of e-Government was alerted to a security vulnerability on September 21, 2026, by cybersecurity researcher and GroundUp journalist Joel Cedras. The application had approximately 280,000 registered users, although the full extent of the alleged exposure remains undetermined.

The department reportedly took approximately two weeks to notify the Information Regulator, which had not received the required security compromise notification by September 30.

Section 22 of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) requires organisations to notify the regulator and, where applicable, affected individuals, as soon as reasonably possible, when there are reasonable grounds to believe that personal information has been accessed or acquired by an unauthorised person.

The delay raises questions about the department’s incident-response procedures and whether its handling of the matter complied with its legal obligations.

Who Investigates a Government Data Breach?

Further concerns emerged over the decision to allow Evolve, the company responsible for developing and hosting the e-Panic Button application, to appoint its own investigator.

During a joint meeting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on e-Government and Community Safety, questions were raised about the independence of that investigation.

The preliminary investigation report is expected on October 20, 2026. Until its findings are made available, important questions remain unanswered, including when the vulnerability first emerged, how the exposure occurred, how many people were affected, and whether adequate security assessments were conducted before the system was deployed.

These are not minor technical details. The application is intended to help residents seek emergency assistance, including in circumstances involving domestic violence, assault and other threats to personal safety.

If a platform collects sensitive information to protect people, the security of that information becomes part of the protection it promises to provide.

The incident also raises questions about the appropriate distinction between identifying a security vulnerability and exploiting one. Newsday reports that the South African Police Service advised Evolve to open a criminal case against Cedras over allegations that his actions amounted to attempted hacking. The circumstances and merits of those allegations should be established through a properly conducted investigation.

Digital Government Requires More Than Assurances

The breach comes as South Africa accelerates its plans to digitise government services and introduce a national Digital ID system.

In an October 1 address, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the department was progressing with the Digital ID project and processing public comments on the draft regulations. He stated that the system would be voluntary, that physical Smart ID cards would remain available and that the final regulations would impose limits on how personal data could be used.

The government’s stated objectives include improving access to services, reducing fraud and enabling citizens to use digital credentials to verify their identities.

Those objectives may offer practical benefits. However, the effectiveness of any such system depends on how its security, governance and accountability arrangements operate in practice.

The e-Panic Button incident does not establish that the proposed Digital ID system has the same vulnerabilities. It does, however, illustrate why the public should demand evidence of robust safeguards before entrusting increasingly sensitive personal information to digital government infrastructure.

Questions about cybersecurity cannot be answered by assurances alone. Independent penetration testing, clear incident-reporting procedures, meaningful oversight, and transparent investigations are essential components of public trust.

What Happens When Sensitive Data Is Exposed?

A compromised emergency-services platform presents risks that extend beyond the possibility of ordinary identity theft. Depending on what information was accessed, an exposure could potentially place people at risk by revealing personal circumstances, reports of abuse or other sensitive details.

The actual consequences of this incident remain subject to investigation. Nevertheless, it highlights a fundamental concern: citizens should not have to accept unnecessary risks simply because they rely on a government-supported service.

The same principle must inform the debate about Digital ID. A digital credential may make identification and access to services more convenient, but the broader digital infrastructure supporting it must be assessed for its security, resilience, and potential consequences of system failures.

The public also deserves clarity about which institutions and service providers can access identity information, how access is monitored, how long records are retained and what remedies are available when personal information is compromised.

The government’s Digital ID proposals and the e-Panic Button breach concern different systems. Their connection lies in the wider question of whether adequate protections, independent scrutiny and effective accountability will keep pace with the expansion of digital government.

Accountability Must Come Before Public Confidence

The immediate priority should be to establish the facts surrounding the e-Panic Button breach, determine the extent of the exposure and clarify whether the department and its service provider met their legal and contractual responsibilities.

The public should also be informed about the corrective measures taken, the findings of an independent investigation and any steps required to prevent a similar incident.

As South Africa expands its digital infrastructure, the standard of accountability should rise alongside the volume and sensitivity of the information being collected.

If a government department cannot yet establish the full extent of a reported data exposure, what evidence should citizens require before trusting larger digital identity systems with even more consequential personal information?

Related analysis: The Gauteng data breach raises broader questions about South Africa’s Digital ID ambitions, government accountability and the protection of personal information. Read our analysis on Casting Out Deceptions: South Africa’s Digital ID: Who Protects Our Data?

Source: Newsday — Government department waited two weeks to report data breach exposing 280,000 South Africans. Additional context: Gauteng Provincial Legislature statement and Home Affairs Minister’s October 1 address.

The post Gauteng Data Breach Raises Government Cybersecurity Questions appeared first on Alt News Network.

South African motorists have been hit by another substantial increase in fuel prices. Now, with the possibility of further increases in November, questions are mounting over whether the government is doing enough to protect consumers — or whether motorists could face additional financial pressure through existing and proposed transport-related charges.

The October 7 fuel-price adjustment increased 93-octane petrol by R3.12 per litre and 95-octane petrol by R3.33. Diesel prices rose by between R2.84 and R3.24 per litre, depending on the grade. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the increases primarily to higher international crude oil and petroleum product prices, supply shortages, shipping costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

The impact extends well beyond the filling station. Fuel is an essential input for freight operators, agricultural producers, public transport and businesses that depend on deliveries. When transport costs rise, the pressure can eventually reach supermarket shelves and household budgets.

For families already struggling to cover food, electricity, school expenses and transport, another substantial increase could leave even less room in the monthly budget.

Temporary relief was possible. Why has it ended?

Earlier in 2026, National Treasury introduced temporary General Fuel Levy relief to soften the impact of rising international fuel prices. The measures ran until June 30, after which the levies returned to their normal levels.

The government’s intervention demonstrated that temporary tax relief is an available policy instrument. However, it also came at a fiscal cost, and Treasury must account for the revenue forgone when deciding whether to extend similar measures.

That leaves motorists with a legitimate question: if emergency relief was possible earlier this year, what would prevent the government from considering another temporary intervention if international prices continue to place exceptional pressure on consumers?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that rising fuel costs are affecting consumers and businesses, while indicating that further relief must be assessed against the country’s fiscal position.

The debate is therefore not simply about whether the government can reduce fuel taxes. It is about the circumstances under which it considers such relief justified, how it would finance the intervention and whether other expenditure priorities could be adjusted.

The RAF’s proposed levy increase raises further questions

The Road Accident Fund has proposed increasing its fuel levy from R2.25 to as much as R3 per litre. That would represent an additional 75 cents per litre — a substantial increase for motorists who already contribute to the Fund whenever they purchase fuel.

The RAF’s position is that its funding model is under pressure from declining fuel sales, inflation and the scale of its claims obligations.

But the proposal has encountered resistance. On October 12, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy reportedly said she would not seek the proposed increase while she remained in office. She argued that the RAF needed to address its institutional and management challenges.

This distinction matters: the proposed increase is not an approved new levy, and the minister has publicly rejected pursuing it.

Nevertheless, the underlying question remains. How should South Africa finance compensation for road accident victims without continually increasing the burden on motorists? And what reforms are needed to ensure that the Fund can meet its obligations?

Those are questions that deserve transparent answers, supported by audited financial statements, clear performance measures and a credible plan for dealing with outstanding claims.

Could motorists face additional vehicle charges?

Dear South Africa’s fuel-price campaign also raises concerns about possible additional charges associated with annual vehicle licence renewals.

The campaign argues that motorists could be required to pay both fuel-related levies and a separate annual charge, creating an additional burden for vehicle owners.

However, the precise legal status, scope and amount of the alleged licence-disc surcharge must be established through the relevant departmental documents. A claim that regulations are being drafted should not be confused with a finalised regulation or an implemented tax.

The public deserves clarity from the Department of Transport. Is such a charge formally being developed? Which vehicles would be affected? What would the money fund? Would conventional motorists face a new charge even though they already pay fuel levies?

Until those questions are answered with documentary evidence, motorists are entitled to demand transparency without being expected to accept speculation as fact.

The November warning: forecast, not final price

The Automobile Association has warned that preliminary fuel-price data could point to a petrol increase of up to R4.58 per litre in November, with diesel also facing a possible substantial increase.

That figure is a forecast, not a confirmed price adjustment. The final outcome will depend on the factors used in the monthly pricing calculation, including international product prices, the exchange rate and applicable adjustments.

Even so, the warning underscores the importance of timely communication from the authorities. Households and businesses need reliable information to plan for possible increases rather than learning the full impact only when new prices take effect.

South Africans deserve answers

The fuel-price debate exposes a difficult policy challenge. International market conditions influence the cost of fuel, but domestic taxes and regulated pricing components also affect what consumers pay.

The government cannot control every movement in the international oil market. It can, however, explain its tax decisions, disclose the reasoning behind proposed charges and demonstrate how it intends to balance public revenue against the economic consequences of higher fuel costs.

The central questions are straightforward: Why did temporary relief end when fuel costs remained a concern? What alternatives have been assessed? What reforms will address the RAF’s financial difficulties? And will the government rule out additional vehicle charges until their necessity, legal basis and impact have been properly explained?

South Africans should not have to rely on social-media rumours to understand policies that affect the cost of commuting, transporting food and running a business.

Have your say

Dear South Africa has opened a public campaign inviting South Africans to respond to its concerns about fuel levies, possible vehicle licence charges and the reinstatement of temporary relief.

Read the campaign and examine its supporting information before deciding whether to submit your own views: dearsouthafrica.co.za

Should the government reconsider temporary fuel-tax relief? What reforms should precede any additional RAF revenue measures? And what evidence should officials provide before introducing new charges for motorists?

The post South Africans Face Another Fuel Price Shock as Tax Relief Debate Intensifies appeared first on Alt News Network.

Looking at the average income of some of the ANC fat cats over the last 30 years, over and above additional tenders and nepotism reaching disgusting levels, how does Mr Herron come to the conclusion that despite SA’s steady decline since the Zuma years and farm murders drastically increasing, it is still the White minority who poses a threat to our society? Is it not time we hold the ANC to account since nothing has changed in 30 years, Mr Herron? How long do we accept that a Black Elite can keep robbing us blindly whilst the average SA citizen suffers to make ends meat? And do we tolerate a government who refuses to accept financial help from the US to beef up rural security, whilst Lamola runs his mouth at the Whitehouse?

The recent second time – demarching of the US’ ambassador Brent Bozell, despite efforts to assist us in protecting our farmers, speaks volumes of the ANC’s stance towards rural safety. Ernst Roets is shining a bright light on who the ANC has become, and how Reverse-Apartheid seems to have rooted itself in our beautiful country. The legacy of Mandela was nothing but a fairy tale, as the ANC keeps pushing aggressive BEE and affirmative action laws, as well as proposing increasing centralization of State resources, despite its dismal records of hollowing out multiple state institutions- to the point where our country is starting to look like a war zone!

To Mr Herron I’d like to say this: please rethink your view on White Afrikaner minority groups and be honest with yourself and our readers! This country is in the state that it is, only because of one thing- gross mismanagement and never-seen-before racial exclusion, where even water rights are said to be determined by skin colour! The World is watching, Mr Herron, and soon we might see massive changes coming, and it won’t be good for the ANC! I can assure you.

The post Fears of White Rule Returning to SA Unfounded appeared first on Alt News Network.

The City’s Land Use Management unit previously confirmed that a Contravention Notice had been served regarding what it described as an illegal truck depot. The property owner was given 14 days to respond and cease the illegal land use, with that period expiring around Sept. 15.

Residents have since requested confirmation of the outcome of the notice, whether the land use has ceased, what enforcement action has followed, and what development and land uses are currently authorised at the property.

AMAFA has separately confirmed that it received a demolition proposal on April 30 for existing structures on the property to make way for a new building. Following its heritage assessment and public participation process, AMAFA approved the application, saying it found no heritage reason requiring the existing building to be retained.

However, that response does not resolve the outstanding land-use and municipal enforcement questions.

As of publication on Sept. 24, eThekwini Municipality had not provided further comment or answered the outstanding questions submitted to the City.

The post Questions Remain Over 710 Sarnia Road as City Stays Silent appeared first on Alt News Network.

Cape Town, 23 September 2026: Wine lovers in Cape Town will have the chance to sample some of South Africa’s finest wines in one location when the 2026 Fine Wine Awards Trophy Winners Tasting, in partnership with American Express, takes place at Cavendish Square on Saturday, 26 September 2026, from 11am to 2pm.

Hosted by Wine Tonight? in Cavendish Square’s Centre Court, the tasting will bring together the Trophy-winning wines from the 2026 Fine Wine Awards, giving shoppers a rare opportunity to taste their way through some of the standout wines selected from this year’s competition.

Nearly 1,000 Wines Judged Blind

The Fine Wine Awards have rapidly established themselves as one of South Africa’s significant wine competitions. Almost 1,000 wines were entered into the 2026 Awards, representing producers and wine styles from across the country.

Importantly, the wines are judged blind, meaning the tasting panel evaluates each wine without seeing the bottle, label, producer or price. The focus is entirely on the quality of the wine in the glass.

From those entries, the very best-performing wines across the different categories are recognised as Trophy winners – and it is these wines that will take centre stage at Cavendish Square.

Taste the Trophy Winners

The public tasting provides Cape Town wine lovers with an opportunity to discover and compare a collection of award-winning South African wines without having to travel from estate to estate.

Visitors will be able to taste the Trophy-winning wines, discover new producers and varietals, and purchase their favourites directly from the Wine Tonight? store at Cavendish Square.

American Express Cardmembers will receive complimentary access to the tasting, as well as 15% off Fine Wine Awards Trophy-winning wines purchased on the day using their American Express Card.

The tasting runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, 26 September, with no pre-booking required.

Celebrating the Best of South African Wine

The Fine Wine Awards were created to recognise outstanding South African wines on merit, regardless of reputation, packaging or price.

“The thing that makes this tasting particularly exciting is that these wines have earned their place purely on what was in the glass,” said Clifford Collard of Wine Tonight?

“Nearly 1,000 wines were entered this year and tasted blind. The Trophy winners represent some of the wines that really stood out to the judges. Bringing them together at Cavendish gives wine lovers a fantastic opportunity to taste some of South Africa’s best wines side by side and decide on their own favourites.”

The Trophy Winners Tasting is part of the continuing partnership between the Fine Wine Awards, Wine-of-the-Month Club, Wine Tonight? and American Express, aimed at celebrating South African wine while making exceptional locally produced wines more accessible to consumers.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
• Time: 11:00 – 14:00
• Venue: Centre Court, Cavendish Square, Cape Town
• American Express Cardmembers: Complimentary tasting access and 15% off Fine Wine Awards Trophy-winning wines purchased on the day using an American Express Card.

The post Fine Wine Awards Trophy Winners Head to Cape Town This Weekend appeared first on Alt News Network.

What happens when a residential neighbourhood slowly starts looking more like an industrial trucking zone, and the authorities already know about it?

That is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in Seaview and Bellair, where residents have raised concerns about homes and commercial properties gradually being turned into truck yards and depots.

What Is Happening at 710 Sarnia Road?

At 710 Sarnia Road, there is already a paper trail.

Following complaints and a residents’ petition, Land Use Management (LUM) served a Contravention Notice concerning trucks being parked at the property and confirmed that the use was unauthorised.

The owner’s response period was expected to run until approximately 15 September. It is now 18 September, and trucks are still being seen at the property.

So, what happens now?

A Notice Was Served, but the Trucks Remain

LUM has said a follow-up inspection would take place. If the unauthorised use continued, officials indicated that the property’s rating category could be increased and the matter referred to Enforcement and Prosecutions.

But increasing the rates doesn’t make the trucks disappear.

Residents are still waiting to hear whether the owner responded, whether another inspection has taken place and, ultimately, what enforcement action will actually stop the unauthorised use.

AMAFA Finds Another Problem

There is another concern at the same property.

The KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute (AMAFA), the provincial authority responsible for protecting heritage resources, inspected 710 Sarnia Road.

AMAFA found that buildings on the property appear to be more than 60 years old and potentially protected. It also identified alterations for which no written AMAFA approval had been issued.

Is 710 Just the Beginning?

This is where the story becomes bigger than one property or one trucking company.

Residents have raised similar concerns about other properties in the surrounding area being used for major trucking operations.

If that continues, Seaview and Bellair could change one property at a time, without anybody ever formally deciding that these residential neighbourhoods should become industrial trucking areas.

That leaves two uncomfortable questions:

1. Is Durban watching the industrialisation of its residential suburbs happen property by property?
2. If the City already knows a land use is unauthorised, why is it still happening?

The post Durban’s Truck Depot Creep: Who Is Actually Enforcing the Rules? appeared first on Alt News Network.

Cape Town, 27 August 2026: Liberty Promenade has revealed the winners of its “Power of Sport” campaign, launched as part of Mandela Month to recognise local organisations using sport to support their communities, nurture young talent and drive positive change. More than 1,700 shoppers took part in the public vote to choose the organisation they felt was making the biggest difference.

Recognising Community Champions

Following weeks of voting, Red Rovers Football Club (FC) was crowned the overall winner of The Power of Sport campaign. The club was recognised for its commitment to developing young people through football, offering them opportunities to grow while building teamwork, discipline and community pride.

As the overall winner, Red Rovers FC received R20 000 to support and grow its programmes, enabling the club to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in Mitchells Plain.

Runner-up Tafulzucht was also recognised for its dedication to empowering young people through sport and received R5 000 to continue its valuable work within the community.

A Campaign Driven by the Community

The Promenade Power of Sport campaign showcased 13 inspiring local organisations, each demonstrating how sport can transform lives and strengthen communities. Throughout the campaign, shoppers had the opportunity to meet many of the finalists during in-centre activations, learn about their programmes, and cast their votes for the organisation they believed deserved to win.

The initiative not only celebrated the important role these organisations play but also encouraged the wider community to recognise and support the positive impact being made through sport every day.

Liberty Promenade extends its sincere thanks to every shopper who participated by voting and supporting the campaign. The overwhelming response affirms the incredible power of sport to inspire hope, develop future leaders, and bring communities together.

For more information on the finalists and campaign, visit libertypromenade.co.za or follow Liberty Promenade on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The post ‘The Power of Sport’ Winners Recognised for Community Impact appeared first on Alt News Network.