The Iliso LaBantu News

27/12/2024

Dunoon's Ekuphumuleni residents Yonela Mkala and her boyfriend, Baithuti Shasha, escaped through debris-strewn passages until exhaustion forced her to set him down, after which he crawled to safety. A Christmas Day fire destroyed 300 homes and left one person injured. Photo: Peter Luhanga A Christma...

27/12/2024

Amputee crawls to safety amid Christmas Day blaze

Dunoon's Ekuphumuleni residents Yonela Mkala and her boyfriend, Baithuti Shasha, escaped through debris-strewn passages until exhaustion forced her to set him down, after which he crawled to safety. A Christmas Day fire destroyed 300 homes and left one person injured. Photo: Peter Luhanga A Christma...

11/11/2024

Vandalism leaves 6,200 Eskom customers in Dunoon without power

Staff Reporter

About 6,200 Eskom customers in Dunoon have been without electricity since early Sunday morning, November 10, following the vandalism of a key power cable.
Eskom spokesperson Kyle Clarkson says repair teams are on-site assessing the damage but cautioned that restoration times remain unclear.
“We’re working diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” he said, urging residents to remain patient during the repair process.
To prevent further incidents, Clarkson added that Eskom will engage with local residents to find lasting solutions aimed at curbing the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
“We urge community members to report any suspicious activity related to theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure to the relevant authorities or the Eskom crime line at 0800 11 27 22, or SMS Crime Line at 32211.”

27/10/2024

Photography Call for Submissions
The Iliso LaBantu News is inviting our readers to share their most compelling recent photographs. As a grassroots community newspaper dedicated to amplifying the voices of the most vulnerable, we seek to highlight the stories that often go unheard in mainstream media—stories obscured behind paywalls that many cannot afford to access.

We are particularly interested in images that capture your living environments, whether in shacks, overcrowded conditions, or any space that resonates with your experience.

If you would like the chance to feature in our beautifully designed fortnightly publication and digital journalism platform, please send us a photograph you’ve taken recently. Along with your image, include details about where it was taken, when it was captured, and why the scene held significance for you at that moment.

Submission Guidelines:
Provide as much context as possible about the time and location of the photo, as well as the circumstances surrounding it.
Please ensure you include your full name and contact information, as we want to credit you properly when we publish your image.
Email your photos to: [email protected]
Or send them via WhatsApp: 084 229 6399

We look forward to showcasing the rich tapestry of life in our community through your lens.

25/07/2024

Isilumkiso seMozulu!

Inkonzo yeMozulu yoMzantsi Afrika ikhuphe ingcebiso ngemozulu kule mpelaveki izayo.
Umphambili obandayo obonakalayo kulindeleke ukuba ufike ngoMgqibelo kwaye uqhubeke ngoMvulo (nge-27 ukuya k*ma-29 kaJulayi 2024). Ngolwazi oluthe kratya

Inkonzo yeMozulu yoMzantsi Afrika ikhuphe ingcebiso ngemozulu kule mpelaveki izayo. Umphambili obandayo obonakalayo kulindeleke ukuba ufike ngoMgqibelo kwaye uqhubeke ngoMvulo (nge-27 ukuya k*ma-29 kaJulayi 2024). Ngolwazi oluthe kratya ndwendwela https://bit.ly/3Lg3tHU Ingcebiso yeMozulu Uhlobo.....

25/07/2024

Ubundlobongela eDunoon naseSite 5

25/07/2024

Abahlali baseDunoon balwa nedama eliphuphumayo

Abahlali abali-172 bachatshazelwe kukunyuka kwamanzi kunye nokuphuphuma kwedama

Abahlali baseDunoon balwa nedama eliphuphumayo  Abahlali abali-172 bachatshazelwe kukunyuka kwamanzi kunye nokuphuphuma kwedama  Peter Luhanga  Bebonke bakwikhulu elinamashumi asixhenxe anesibini abahlali abatsala nzima ngenxa yokuphuphuma kwedama okubangelwa kukuphuphuma kwemvula yasebusika k*m...

25/07/2024

The Iliso LaBantu News - edition - month end July 2024

https://is.gd/3mIwWi

18/07/2024

In honor of Nelson Mandela Day, we invite you to share how you are dedicating your 67 minutes today. Capture these special moments and send us your best two photographs with captions. Your contributions will be featured in the upcoming July month-end edition of The Iliso Labantu News, coming out next week, Tuesday the 23rd.

Send your photos to our WhatsApp number: 0696829893, or email: [email protected]. Let's celebrate Mandela's legacy together through your inspiring images!

18/07/2024

Ukuhlonipha uSuku lukaNelson Mandela, siyak*mema ukuba wabelane ngendlela ozakunikela ngayo imizuzu engama-67 namhlanje.

Thatha le mizuzu ikhethekileyo kwaye usithumelele eyona mifanekiso emibini mihle kunye nengcazelo.

Igalelo lakho liza kubonakala kuhlelo oluzayo lwenyanga kaJulayi oluzayo lweIliso Labantu News, oluphuma kwiveki ezayo, ngoLwesibini umhla wamashumi amabini anesithathu.

Thumela imifanekiso yakho kwinombolo yethu kaWhatsApp: 0696829893, okanye i-imeyile: [email protected]

Masibhiyozele ilifa likaMandela kunye ngemifanekiso yakho ekhuthazayo!

11/07/2024

Flooding disrupts traffic across the city

Heavy overnight flooding has caused significant disruptions to roadways, leading to multiple closures and obstructions.

Closed Roads:

AZ Berman Street between Wespoort and Imperial Road
The M5 southbound off-ramp to Ottery Road
Rockley and Lester Roads in Wynberg, due to flooding under the railway bridge

Obstructed Roads:

R300 northbound before Hindle Road: Left lane blocked by fallen trees.
N7 northbound off-ramp at Bosmansdam Road: Left lane obstructed by debris.
Diemersdal and Phesantekraal Roads in Durbanville: Both lanes blocked by fallen trees.

Authorities caution that the number of affected roads may increase as the morning progresses.
Despite potentially lighter traffic volumes, motorists are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Drivers are urged to reduce speed, use headlights at all times, and maintain a safe following distance. Any hazardous conditions should be reported immediately when it is safe to do so.

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre can be reached at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone for emergencies.

10/07/2024

Severe storm prompts school closures across Cape Town Metro and surrounding districts

By Staff Reporter

Cape Town — 10 July 2024 — In response to severe storm warnings, schools across the Cape Town metro districts, Cape Winelands, Overberg, and parts of the West Coast district will be closed on Thursday, 11 July, 2024.

This decision follows extensive consultations with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The closures, aimed at ensuring the safety of learners and teachers, will affect public ordinary and special schools in the following education districts:

Metro Central Education District
Metro East Education District
Metro North Education District
Metro South Education District
Cape Winelands Education District
Overberg Education District
Circuit 1 and 2 of the West Coast Education District (Malmesbury and Picketberg areas)

School officials have communicated the closures to parents following an official notice from the Head of Department. Other schools in the remaining districts will remain open unless specific approval for closure is granted on a case-by-case basis.

"Our default position is always to keep schools open, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas," stated Bronagh Hammond, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson.

To date, 20 schools, primarily in the Cape Winelands district, have received permission to close due to storm-related issues. Over the past few days, 137 schools have reported some form of infrastructure damage, with 49 cases requiring urgent attention.

“I am extremely proud of our infrastructure team who are rapidly addressing the reports coming through. It is not easy in these continued extreme conditions; however, they are determined to reduce further damage and ensure structural safety,” stated Hammond.

All schools are expected to reopen on Friday, 12 July, 2024, though this will depend on weather predictions for the end of the week. Authorities will evaluate conditions to determine if further closures are necessary.

The storm has already caused significant disruption, underscoring the importance of swift and coordinated responses to ensure the safety of the school community.

Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the weather situation develops. — the Iliso LaBantu News

Share your stories

We want to hear how the storm is impacting you. Please share your stories and photographs so we can seek responses from those in power to hold them to account.

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +27696829893

07/07/2024

Cape Town braces for severe weather as warning level rises

The South African Weather Service has raised the alert for disruptive rainfall in Cape Town from Level 4 to Level 6, anticipating heavy downpours on Sunday morning.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has issued heightened warnings, particularly concerning mudslides. With two recent incidents in the Kalk Bay area and a significant frontal system expected to make landfall, residents near mountain slopes are advised to take protective measures.

Residents should identify vulnerable areas on their properties, such as slopes or spots near water sources, and strategically place sandbags to divert or slow the flow of mud. Proper sandbagging techniques include filling bags with sand or soil, sealing the tops, layering them in a staggered pattern for strength, and focusing on reinforcing lower areas, entrances, and foundations.

The public is advised to avoid high-risk areas like steep slopes, riverbanks, and flood-prone zones during the heavy rainfall. Additionally, community members should check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they are prepared for the weather impacts, including mudslides.

For emergencies, residents should save the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre number (021 480 7700) on their phones. As Cape Town prepares for the severe weather, these precautions are essential to protect lives and property.

If you are experiencing floods and have been affected, please share your story and photographs with us. We will contact the authorities to seek their response. WhatsApp your images and location to 0842296399. As Cape Town prepares for the severe weather, these precautions are essential to protect lives and property.

~ the Iliso LaBantu

07/04/2024

In Pictures: Table View beachfront braces for the storm

Captured just before the storm hit, these photographs show the Table View waterfront under heavy rain clouds. With a 100% chance of rain predicted overnight into tomorrow, residents are urged to stay safe and prepared as the storm approaches. Photo: Peter Luhanga

07/04/2024

Western Cape government prepares for severe weather impact

Staff Reporter

As a severe weather system sweeps through the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde, along with key officials, has updated the public on proactive measures being taken on Sunday 7 April.

Strong winds have already caused fires in the Cape Winelands, most of which have been contained.

A level 9 weather warning has been issued for the southern parts of the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts. The SA Weather Service predicts intense downpours and wind as an intense cut-off low system moves in.

To ensure safety, all WCED schools in the Cape Winelands district, Overberg, and Helderberg basin will be closed on Monday, 8 April. Healthcare facilities remain operational despite some wind damage, and several roads, including the R44 Clarence Drive and Chapman's Peak Drive, have been closed.

Emergency services are on high alert, prioritising the protection of lives, critical infrastructure, and property. Residents are urged to stay informed and cooperate with authorities. For updates and assistance, the Western Cape Government's call center is operational 24/7 at 0860 142 142. — the Iliso LaBantu News
Premier Alan Winde

07/04/2024

Premier Alan Winde shares how the Western Cape Government and municipalities are responding to the impact of severe weather.

- the Iliso LaBantu News.

07/04/2024

Severe Weather Strikes Cape Town: Somerset Mall Roof Damaged, Evacuation Ordered

By Staff Reporter

In a significant impact of the ongoing severe weather in Cape Town, roof sheeting at Somerset Mall has been blown off, leading to the closure of the mall and the evacuation of occupants.
The South African Weather Service has raised the warning level to six, indicating the severity of the weather conditions.

"The impact of this severe weather event is evident," stated Charlotte Powell, the City of Cape Town disaster management spokesperson.

Powell stated emergency services have responded to incidents at the Donkerbos informal settlement and Morkels Cottage in Somerset West, where roofs have also been damaged. At Morkels Cottage, injuries have been reported, prompting Emergency Medical Services to intervene.

She stated roofs have also been blown off in Somerset West, Macassar, Mitchells Plain, and Clifton. The Recreation and Parks Department is actively engaged in clearing uprooted trees in these areas.

Powell urged residents to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines during this period of severe weather. — the Iliso LaBantu News

26/03/2024

Take a look at page 7 of The lliso LaBantu News March monthend edition out today.