RC 260813Cape TalkJohn Maytham
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Violent CPUT unrest, grant-office backlogs and Cape Town’s fight against construction extortion dominated a wide-ranging Afternoon Drive, alongside scrutiny of Kirstenbosch’s decline and funding gaps.
- 17:01
CPUT said calm had returned after a week of violent protests, but campuses still saw disruptions, injuries, arson and arrests; council also withdrew the draft 2027 financial recovery plan that fuelled the unrest.
- 15:23
Parliament heard SANBI has filled long-vacant Kirstenbosch posts, including a nursery manager after eight years, but the garden’s infrastructure upgrades remain uncosted and funding is still the main obstacle.
- 17:29
The City of Cape Town secured a final High Court interdict against extortion on the MyCiTi Phase 2A works, with SAPS now compelled to arrest anyone blocking construction, intimidating workers or entering sites unlawfully.
- 17:31
Social Development Minister Dina Pule visited SASSA offices in Bellville and Khayelitsha after staff complaints about understaffing and queues; government says 1,000 contract workers will be deployed nationwide to ease pressure.
- 16:32
The new Western Cape police commissioner said rebuilding trust with communities and tackling corruption are top priorities, with better command, control, communication and conflict resolution training for members.