Betty's Bay residents welcome reduction in speed limit on R44
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure received a request to lower the speed limit to 60km/h on the commercial section of the roadway known as 'The Hub' and at the entrance to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens to enhance safety.
In response, an investigation was initiated to evaluate the situation.
At a meeting with local councillors and stakeholders, Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said the investigation by the department had shown that a decrease in the speed limit on this section of the road was viable.
'I am pleased that my department and the Department of Mobility can work together to respond to the concerns of our communities. The new speed limit sign boards will be installed in due course.'
However, Simmers warned that the posted speed limit was not a target or endorsed safe speed, but rather the maximum legal speed, and, as on all roads, it remained the responsibility of motorists to keep to the legal limit.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, said the safety of all road users was a priority for the provincial government.
'By reducing the speed limit through this busy section, we are not only protecting lives but also supporting safer access for both residents and tourists. This is a perfect example of how Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility work hand,' said Sileku.
Meanwhile, Simmers said as smaller towns in the Western Cape continue to expand, the road networks need to accommodate growing populations.
'Tourism also plays an important role in these local economies and contributes to job creation, and as the sector continues to grow, it is important to ensure that roads in the Western Cape are safe, accessible, and enable a growing economy that creates job opportunities for all.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Gauteng records over 600 000 online school applications for 2026
More than 600,000 successful applications have been submitted for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements across Gauteng, just two weeks after the 2026 Online Admissions system opened. MEC for Education Matome Chiloane confirmed the achievement, describing it as a strong sign of public confidence in the province's education system. 'As of 14:00 on Tuesday, 5 August, the system had recorded 600 936 applications, 254 251 for Grade 1 and 346 685 for Grade 8,' Chiloane said. Parents and guardians who have not yet applied are urged to complete the process before the deadline on 29 August by visiting The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) emphasised that incomplete applications will not be considered, and all applicants must follow the five-step application process. Parents are also required to upload certified copies of necessary documents online or deliver them to selected schools within seven days of applying. Once documents are submitted, schools will receive prompts to verify and update their status. SMS notifications will confirm when documents are verified, and parents should retain all communication for reference. To ensure no child is left behind due to lack of internet access, the department has set up 81 decentralised walk-in centres across the province. Additionally, all Gauteng public schools are available to assist with applications. Parents should apply to at least three and no more than five schools to improve placement chances. From 16 October, those with complete applications will receive placement offers via SMS. The GDE contact centre remains open for support, offering assistance via toll-free phone, WhatsApp, and email. With nearly a month left before the deadline, the department remains hopeful that more parents will take advantage of the system. 'We continue to urge all parents to apply online,' said Chiloane. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
WATCH: Mbalula responds to IDT CEO's attempt to bribe journalist
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has weighed in on the R60,000 bribery scandal involving the Independent Development Trust (IDT). The IDT's suspended CEO, Tebogo Malaka, and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly attempted to bribe a Daily Maverick journalist to halt an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption. An exposé, accompanied by images from the encounter, was published this morning, 6 August. The publication obtained video footage and audio clips from the meeting. ADVERTISEMENT MBALULA SAYS LAW MUST DEAL WITH CORRUPTION During a media briefing on the outcomes of the ANC's National Executive Committee meeting, Mbalula addressed the alleged bribery attempt. He stated that if Malaka and Makgolane are found guilty, they must face the full force of the law. 'All those implicated in corruption; the law must deal with them. It doesn't matter who they are,' said Mbalula. IDT LINKED TO DODGY DEALINGS According to its website, the IDT is a Schedule 2 state-owned entity. It is responsible for managing and implementing infrastructure programmes on behalf of the government. Malaka was suspended by the IDT's board of trustees following irregularities in an R800 million oxygen plant tender. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has recommended disciplinary action against Malaka and other implicated officials. According to the Daily Maverick, the publication has also been probing Malaka's property dealings and her alleged ties to an IDT contractor. WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO TRY TO SILENCE JOURNALISTS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news ADVERTISEMENT
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Where forest meets the sea: Coastal woodland escapes in SA
South Africa's coastline is world-famous for its rugged beauty, wildlife, and endless beaches. But beyond the ocean views lies a lesser-known treasure: coastal woodlands where ancient trees meet rolling surf. These rare ecosystems create some of the most enchanting travel experiences in the country, combining the serenity of forests with the drama of the sea. Here are three woodland escapes to explore… Tsitsikamma National Park. Image: canva Known as the heart of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is where towering Outeniqua yellowwoods and lush fynbos hug dramatic cliffs. Visitors can walk among tree canopies, kayak in river gorges, and watch dolphins from suspension bridges over the Indian Ocean. The famous Otter Trail, one of South Africa's most iconic hikes, takes you through dense coastal forest, past waterfalls, and along rocky shorelines. The Touw River in Wilderness. Image: canva Nestled between mountain forests and the sea, Wilderness National Park blends rivers, lakes, and estuaries with lush woodland. Canoeing on the Touw River while listening to the call of the Knysna turaco is a uniquely calming experience. The nearby beaches and paragliding cliffs add to the area's adventure appeal. Kosi Bay, KZN. Image: canva At the northeastern edge of KwaZulu-Natal, Kosi Bay is known for its pristine lakes and ancient fishing traditions. Here, coastal woodland mixes with mangroves and sand dunes. Snorkelling among tropical fish or hiking through forested trails that lead straight onto deserted beaches feels like stepping into another world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
