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Western Cape

latest news & developments

Science in Action: Advancing Knowledge NPC Science Club Competition 2026

Over 220 learners from across the Cape Winelands and Overberg regions showcased vibrant experiments and innovation at the 2026 Advancing Knowledge NPC Science Club Competition.

Expanding STEM Opportunities: Four New Science Teaching and Learning Centres Open in the Eden and Central Karoo

Four new Science Teaching and Learning Centres have opened in the Eden and Central Karoo district, boosting hands-on STEM education and teacher training across under-resourced…

Levelling the STEM Playing Field: Two New Science Teaching and Learning Centres Open in Cape Town

Two new Science Teaching and Learning Centres have opened at John Pama Primary in Nyanga and Heinz Park Primary in Philippi, boosting STEM education and teacher training across…

The port of Cape Town

Cape Town should not sacrifice its water for data centres

As the Western Cape champions data centres as the 'engine of the future economy,' this article critically examines the hidden cost: water. Drawing parallels with water-scarce…

From Training to Transformation: Strengthening Science Clubs Through Teacher Development

Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company (AK NPC), in collaboration with SADTU and the WCED's Cape Winelands and Overberg Education Districts, successfully delivered a science club…

West Coast Science teachers strengthen physics and astronomy inquiry-based teaching skills

Advancing Knowledge NPC (AK NPC) concluded its 2026 professional development programme for Natural Sciences teachers from the West Coast Education District. The SACE-endorsed…

Parts of the south-western Western Cape have recorded their driest July on record after most winter cold fronts missed the province. (Martin Heigan)

Record-dry July in parts of Western Cape raises water concerns as El Niño strengthens

Parts of the south-western Western Cape recorded their driest July on record, with several weather stations measuring historically low rainfall. This, coupled with a…

Bone of contention: The Western Cape provincial government wants to sell the Main Road site in Sea Point to a private concern but activists demand it be used for social housing instead.

Tafelberg saga lands up in Concourt

After 10 years and four court battles, the Constitutional Court has finally ruled the 2015 sale of the old Tafelberg School site in Sea Point illegal. This landmark decision has…

Unique landscape: Conservationists have spent years trying to protect the Rooiels Corridor, a strip of habitat linking the Kogelberg mountains with the False Bay coastline. Photo: Callum Evans

The heart of the fynbos

Explore the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a unique landscape between Rooiels and Pringle Bay, where an ambitious conservation effort is underway to protect critically endangered…

The Cape Town theatre complex celebrates its 55th anniversary by reflecting on transformation, accessibility and the evolving role of public cultural institutions

Artscape celebrates 55 years by opening its doors wider than ever

The Cape Town theatre complex celebrates its 55th anniversary by reflecting on transformation, accessibility and the evolving role of public cultural institutions

Of the 848 wastewater treatment plants assessed nationwide, 396 are in a critical state, while only about a quarter are performing at a standard that meets regulatory requirements. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

‘We have the skills but not the system’: Water Institute of Southern Africa on SA’s wastewater crisis

Nearly half of South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants are in a critical state, with untreated sewage polluting rivers and dams

The Blue, Green and No Drop certification programmes are the department’s regulatory mechanisms to improve municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management, water conservation and demand management.

SA’s water crisis deepens: Nearly half of wastewater systems critical

The latest Green, Blue and No Drop reports show widespread deterioration of water and sanitation infrastructure. Nearly half of wastewater systems are critical, drinking water…

Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, has denied receiving financial gratification from businessman  Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s contract.

Government deploys SANDF, SAPS in joint operation to tackle organised crime hotspots

Security forces say the integrated deployment aims to dismantle illegal mining syndicates, curb gang violence and restore order in affected communities

Investment: InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town has undergone a R1 billion refurbishment. Photo: IHG

Tourism sector is evolving upwards

Travel is becoming planned, curated and experience-led again. The development pipeline reflects that

The joint task force comprising the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to tackle crime will not see soldiers performing ordinary policing functions. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

SANDF deployment to back police set to start on 31 March

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said the army would play a supporting role to the South African Police Service