The Western Cape is heading into summer with dam levels around 5% lower than at the same time last year, despite the heavy rainfall and flooding experienced in May. With El Niño expected to strengthen, authorities are warning residents to prepare for potentially hotter conditions, reduced rainfall and greater pressure on water supplies.

The province says a drier winter has also increased the summer wildfire risk, while climate modelling points towards more frequent droughts, more extremely hot days and declining autumn rainfall. Premier Alan Winde has urged residents not to become complacent and to remain conscious of their water consumption.

More than R65 million has been allocated to water resilience measures this financial year. This includes R40.5 million for municipalities to strengthen infrastructure and prepare for water shortages, as well as R25.2 million for groundwater and response programmes. Authorities say preparing early will be essential to avoid water supply problems becoming a crisis during the warmer months.

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Acclaimed South African marimba soloist and percussionist Dylan Tabisher will return to the Helderberg for a special concert on Sunday, September 20, performing for the Helderberg Village Music Society at Talani Terrace, Helderberg Village. He previously performed a solo marimba concert for the Society in May 2025.

The Stellenbosch University graduate has performed both locally and internationally and was previously a semi-finalist in the World Marimba Competition in Germany. His upcoming programme will range from Bach to The Beatles, alongside compositions by Keiko Abe, Astor Piazzolla and others. He will also perform his own composition, Sage, and A Prayer for Healing, written by his father.

The concert begins at 16:00, with doors opening at 15:30. Tickets cost R130, and non-residents must book in advance through Quicket to gain access to Helderberg Village.

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Yaseen Gaffar of DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette has won the municipal and local government reporting category at the 2025 AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards. The national competition received 602 entries and recognises some of the best work produced by South Africa’s community journalists.

Gaffar’s winning portfolio focused heavily on issues affecting the Helderberg, including a derelict building in Bridgewater, the proposed Gordon’s Bay City Improvement District, sewerage concerns around the Geelsloot Ponds, the Faure Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade and the pressure rapid population growth is placing on local infrastructure. Judges praised his reporting for highlighting issues directly affecting residents.

The Helderberg publication performed well in several other categories too. Gaffar finished sixth in sports reporting, news editor Jamey Gordon placed seventh for sports writing and ninth for general photography, while Barend Williams finished fourth in the news photography category.

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Ford South Africa has recalled 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cab vehicles in South Africa over a potential safety problem involving their side curtain airbags. The recall affects certain 2026 and 2027 model-year vehicles sold through Ford dealerships between 22 May and 23 June 2026.

According to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), the side curtain airbags could interact with the vehicle's B-pillar trim when deployed, potentially preventing them from operating as intended. There is also a risk that part of the B-pillar could detach during deployment and become a projectile inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

The recall does not affect every Ford Ranger. Owners who are unsure whether their vehicle is included should contact an authorised Ford dealership and provide their vehicle details for confirmation. Any necessary inspection and repair work related to the recall will be carried out free of charge.

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