Visit North West University press office South Africans are no longer just living in suburbs. They are living in defended zones. High walls, cameras and private security may protect some South Africans, but they are not solving crime – they are displacing it onto more vulnerable communities. Crime in South Africa is no longer treated as temporary. Fear has become embedded into daily life, reshaping how people move, socialise and even perceive strangers. South Africa’s “suburban arms race” is turning cities into fragmented islands of protection, where access, exclusion and fear increasingly define urban life. Violent crime in South Africa is rampant, with the country frequently ranked as one of the most dangerous in the world, as well as among the most unsafe in Africa. Citizens are afraid, and justifiably so, adapting to crime as though it is no longer temporary but permanent. This fear has, for decades, quietly been redesigning suburban South Africa. Across the country, cities are being turned into defended zones as defensive living becomes the norm. Spiked palisade walls, mounted cameras and roaming private security firms are not just a common sight in the country’s suburbs, they are increasingly defining them. According to Prof Gideon van Riet from the North-West University’s (NWU) School for Government Studies, this fear of crime is not irrational, but barricaded homes are not addressing the issue. They are displacing it. “Fear of crime in South Africa is not irrational. Violent crime is a lived reality for many, shaping how people think, move and protect themselves. Fear is reasonable. South Africa has a high crime rate. Crime is often violent, both inside and outside the non-continuous laager,” he explains, referring to the fragmented social boundaries that separate those with access to commercial security infrastructures from those without. Yet, he argues that the way society interprets and responds to crime may be just as important as crime itself. “The narratives we choose to attach to crime, however, are something we can and should control more carefully and urgently.” It is a difficult task as, it can be argued, many South Africans have institutionalised attitudes towards this disruptive pandemic. For many, crime is no longer an occasional concern but a constant factor in how their daily lives are organised. Routes are planned around perceived danger, certain streets are avoided after dark and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups function as informal early-warning systems. Security becomes less of a precaution and more of a routine. Fear begins to influence behaviour long before crime itself occurs. People gradually reorganise their lives around the possibility of victimhood, creating habits that become normalised over time. Cities are turning into fragmented protected zones He further states that as fear becomes embedded into routine, urban space itself has changed. South African suburbs increasingly resemble fragmented islands of protection, noting how these security infrastructures create what he describes as a “non-continuous laager” – a patchwork of defended spaces rather than a single protected boundary. “This means suburbs become divided into pockets of access and exclusion. Security infrastructures allow enough integration between those inside and outside the defended zone to maintain an elementary sense of legitimacy, but they also reinforce separation,” he explains. Inequality and exclusion remain central drivers While fear shapes behaviour, crime itself cannot be separated from deeper structural conditions. South Africa’s high levels of unemployment, inequality and social exclusion create environments where crime becomes more likely, even necessary for basic survival. “Crime should not be viewed purely as an individual moral failing. Instead, it is often linked to economic frustration and limited access to opportunity. In contexts where symbols of success are highly visible, but legitimate means of achieving them remain limited, strain and resentment become powerful forces,” he says, pointing to inequality as a critical underlying driver – one that cannot be resolved through walls, alarms or armed response alone. The unintended consequences of protection The suburban arms race creates a difficult paradox. As homeowners invest in stronger security, crime is not necessarily eliminated; it may simply move elsewhere. Van Riet warns that security upgrades can unintentionally redistribute vulnerability. Homes protected by multiple layers of expensive security infrastructure become harder targets, pushing criminal activity towards areas with fewer resources and weaker protection. “The problem of crime is not resolved. Instead, it is merely moved to those with less access to relatively effective security infrastructures.” The effects of fear extend beyond architecture and security spending. They also reshape how communities interact, who belongs in certain spaces and how strangers are perceived. Prof Van Riet says that suspicion often becomes tied to appearance, movement or perceived belonging. “People who appear ‘out of place’ may increasingly be viewed as threats rather than fellow residents. This reshaping of public space has wider implications for trust, social cohesion and the shared experience of city life.” Fear may be reasonable, but its consequences are not neutral He also makes a distinction between fear itself and what fear produces. While concern about violent crime is understandable, the long-term systems built around fear can deepen fragmentation. “The growth of private security, surveillance and fortified suburban life may create short-term reassurance, but it also risks reinforcing division. Again, fear is reasonable, but the narratives and structures that grow around fear deserve closer scrutiny.” What would change look like? If crime is rooted partly in exclusion and inequality, then long-term solutions require more than individual protection. Prof Van Riet suggests that reducing fear sustainably depends on building stronger social cohesion, improving access to economic opportunity and addressing deep structural divides. “Crime should be understood as a shared concern rather than a problem divided along class, geography or identity. Greater empathy and support for shared concerns across lines of division are required,” he says, “so that we may one day finally relegate the concept of the laager to the history books.” The answer to South Africa’s suburban fortifications, which insulate rather than address the issue of crime, is not a call to arms, but a call to understanding. Time will tell which one is heard. • Follow the link to the published article here:

On the initiative of the Embassy of Tunisia in South Africa, under the leadership of HE Karima Bardaoui, a delegation of South African women took part in the ninth edition of the Financing Investment and Trade in Africa Conference 2026 (Fita), in Tunis from 28 to 30 April 2026.  The strategic engagement underscores Tunisia’s growing role as a gateway for African trade and investment, while highlighting the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the continent’s economic future. The delegation included Wendy Mpendulo, the president of the Africa Progressive Women Chamber for Trade and Industry, accompanied by two businesswomen from the chamber.  Their participation reflected a broader commitment to strengthening intra-African collaboration and empowering women entrepreneurs across value chains. A highlight of the conference was a dedicated workshop hosted by the chamber, where Mpendulo delivered a compelling address on “Women leadership and free initiative: Supporting women’s participation in African value chains.” Her presentation emphasised the importance of inclusivity in trade, advocating for increased access to markets, financing and leadership opportunities for women across the continent. Fita 2026, held under the theme “African Value Chains: Developing Strategic Levers for the Transformation of the Continent”, brought together more than 3 000 participants from more than 65 countries. Attendees included ministers, policymakers, business leaders, development institutions and private investors, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and deal-making.  The conference reinforced its reputation as a pan-African hub for investment. This year’s edition focussed on sectors critical to Africa’s transformation, including digital innovation, clean technologies, infrastructure development and financial services. Through panels and networking platforms such as the “Deal Room”, participants explored practical pathways to unlock the continent’s economic potential. Wendy Mpendulo, the president of the African Progressive Women Chamber in SA and Anis Jaziri, the president of the Tunisian-African business council. A major outcome of the conference was the signing of 15 partnership agreements between the Tunisian African Business Council and various African chambers of commerce and employers’ organisations. The agreements span key sectors such as energy, water, telecommunications, engineering and infrastructure, reflecting a strong commitment to collaborative growth. Among the most notable initiatives discussed was a large-scale urban development project in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, covering about 43 000 hectares. Known as “Novation City Kinshasa,” the project includes plans for a technology park, textile manufacturing hubs and integrated urban infrastructure, with an estimated investment of €100 million (about R2 billion).  Additional projects in countries such as Guinea further illustrate the expanding footprint of Tunisian enterprises across Africa. The Tunisian African Business Council and the Africa Progressive Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding. The milestone agreement aims to strengthen cooperation, promote women-led enterprises and facilitate greater participation of women in African trade networks. Canada was featured as the guest non-African country, highlighting growing interest in sub-Saharan Africa’s trade opportunities and reinforcing the importance of international partnerships. Discussions encouraged the continent to leverage its financial resources and reduce reliance on external funding. Taking in the sites: (From left) The author on the steps of the Café des Nattes, established in 1894, alongside HE Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni of Rwanda to Tunisia and Hisham Ben Khamsa. Photos: Marion Smith Tunisia’s broader economic strategy was also brought into focus, with ambitions to increase foreign direct investment to four billion dinars (about R217bn) by the end of 2026.  Beyond the conference halls, Tunisia revealed itself as a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Widely regarded as a safe and accessible country, Tunisia offers visa-free entry for South African citizens on short stays, making it an increasingly attractive travel option. One of the country’s iconic destinations is Sidi Bou Saïd, a breathtaking village perched above the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its striking blue-and-white architecture, it is often compared to the Greek island of Santorini. With its panoramic views, art galleries and charming cafés, the village offers a serene yet culturally vibrant experience.  It was here that I got to sit on the steps of the historic Café des Nattes, established in 1894, soaking in the atmosphere alongside HE Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni of Rwanda to Tunisia and Hisham Ben Khamsa, who kindly shared insights into the heritage and character of the remarkable town and other sites. Nearby, the ancient Carthage stands as a testament to Tunisia’s rich historical legacy. Founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenicians, this Unesco World Heritage Site features remarkable ruins, including the Antonine Baths, Punic ports, and Roman villas, offering visitors a journey through centuries of Mediterranean civilisation. Equally captivating is Dougga, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa. Set on a hilltop, Dougga combines ancient architecture with sweeping views of olive groves and wildflower fields, creating a striking contrast between history and nature. Blend of old and new: (From left) From intricately designed doors to bustling markets, the medina is a living museum of Tunisian culture and craftsmanship. The Harbour in Bizerte, Dougga, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa. Dougga combines ancient architecture with sweeping views of wildflower fields. The capital, Tunis, offers a cosmopolitan blend of old and new. At its heart lies the Medina of Tunis, a Unesco-listed site renowned for its labyrinthine streets, vibrant souks and more than 700 historic monuments. From intricately designed doors to bustling markets, the medina is a living museum of Tunisian culture and craftsmanship. Tunisia’s culinary landscape is rooted in Mediterranean traditions and enriched by Berber, Arab and French influences. Tunisian cuisine is both diverse and flavourful. Dishes such as couscous, lablabi and merguez sausages highlight the country’s love for bold spices, particularly harissa. A standout experience is enjoying brik, a delicate pastry filled with egg and tuna, requiring both skill and enthusiasm to savour. Coastal towns like Bizerte offer a more relaxed charm. Dining at establishments such as Le Sport Nautique provides an opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, followed by leisurely walks through historic harbour districts. From its golden beaches and sun-drenched landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, Tunisia lives up to its reputation as the “balcony of the Mediterranean”.  In bringing together economic ambition and cultural richness, Tunisia offers more than just a destination, it presents an opportunity. Whether through high-level platforms like Fita or through its vibrant tourism offerings, the country positions itself as a key player in Africa’s future while inviting the world to discover its timeless charm.

African Bank has decided to discontinue its acquisition of Eskom's staff home loan portfolio, focusing instead on consolidating its recent growth and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Amidst escalating political tensions, Carl Niehaus calls on EFF supporters to gather outside the Constitutional Court today, demanding accountability from President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of a pivotal judgment in the Phala Phala case.

When a person carrying a potentially dangerous infectious disease travels through airports, hospitals or public spaces before being diagnosed, health authorities launch a process known as track-and-trace to identify people who may have been exposed. The system is used internationally during infectious disease events and involves reconstructing a patient’s movements and identifying individuals who may have had contact with them while they were infectious. Patient movements and possible contacts Medical doctor Juandre van den Berg said the process starts by establishing a timeline of the patient’s movements. “Authorities will look at where the patient travelled, which flights they boarded, which medical facilities they visited and who they came into contact with,” he said. Passenger manifests, hospital records, airline crew rosters and transport records may all form part of the investigation. “It’s a structured process where officials identify possible contacts and then notify those individuals about potential exposure,” Van den Berg said. Once contacts are identified, health authorities may advise them to monitor symptoms, seek medical attention if they become ill or limit contact with others depending on the level of risk. Speed critical during outbreaks Van den Berg said contact tracing systems became widely recognised during the Covid pandemic, but remain a standard public health procedure during outbreaks involving serious infectious diseases. “People became more aware of track-and-trace during Covid, but these systems have existed in public health for many years,” he said. “In situations involving international travel, authorities need to move quickly because people may already have travelled to different cities or countries before the diagnosis is confirmed.” The effectiveness of the system depends on accurate information and rapid identification of contacts. “The faster you can identify and inform people who may have been exposed, the easier it becomes to manage the situation.”

My mother, who was born in Cape Town, used to say you get two types of Kapenaars – those who leave (and seldom come back) and those who stay rooted to the spot, convinced they have secured a corner of paradise. The latter believe “the world ends at the Hex River Valley” was her scathing assessment of them. My aunt, her sister, was one of those. She and my uncle once planned a trip up to the then Natal, going via the Garden Route… quite an adventure from their flat in Tamboerskloof. They got as far as Betty’s Bay, an hour or so out of Cape Town, when one of them asked the other whether the front door was locked when they left. They couldn’t say for sure – so they went back… and that was where their Grand Tour ended. Cape Town people – at least those in white society my mother was familiar with – were, to my mother’s mind, insular and cliquey. That’s a complaint you still hear from those who “semigrate” from Joburg and find it difficult to fit in. And that’s not counting how professional black people feel when they are excluded from the cliques… it may be subtle, it may be well disguised, but it is still racism on the part of those who believe the Western Cape belongs to them. Now that Donald Trump has given the green light of respectability to all manner of fascists and racists, the “Cape independence” lobby is making more and more noise. That noise, by the way, contrasts starkly with the reality the vocal leaders of the cult ignore: when they put their vision of nirvana to voters in the Western Cape in the 2024 election, they garnered 0.71% of the vote. Let that sink in: less than one person in every 100 who voted in the province believes it should become its own country. The new wrinkle, though, is deeply ironic. More and more Afrikaners are eyeing the Western Cape as the anchor for their Volkstaat. Don’t kid yourselves – Ernst Roets, Kallie Kriel et al are angling for a place they can call home where they – white people, although possibly you’d have to include the Engelsman in that – will still call the shots, as they did when the shone shine benevolently on Hendrik Verwoerd’s apartheid creation. One of them told me the other day on X that this had been agreed to by the ANC during the negotiations in the ’90s. He pointed to the vague agreement signed by Constand Viljoen and other right-wingers which spoke about “self-determination” for the Afrikaner. In his assessment, this was a guarantee the Afrikaners could have the Western Cape, mainly because, I had to understand, he said, “the logic behind getting away from the people who destroyed the rest of the country…” So, running away from black people? Got you. The irony in all this is that the forebears of today’s current Volkstaat tub-thumping Afrikaners were those who embarked on the Groot Trek away from the Cape Colony in 1838. Those trekkers were the “real Boere”, Robert van Tonder, founder of the Boerestaat Party, once told me. They were not the “Cape Dutch”, Van Tonder said with dismissive venom. Then again, much as Orania is touted as a shining beacon of Volkstaat success, it will still be a bit of a kak place to live for sophisticated people like Roets, who is more at home in a European wine bar than a Kalahari barn. No wonder they are looking greedily at the Western Cape. So the 2026 vintage Cape White Whine is an intriguing blend…

The South African private sector purchasing manager’s index (PMI) rose to its best level since August 2022. The increase was despite the turbulence caused by the Middle East conflict. The S&P Global South Africa PMI rose to 51.6 in April from 50.8 in March and 50.0 in February. This confirmed the rise in the South African manufacturing PMI. This jumped in April to 52.6 from 49.0 in March and 47.7 in February. April components The April improvement was due to a rebound in both business activity and new sales orders. This may be due to front-loading of demand ahead of expected price increases and supply disruptions. The result was that production jumped to an 11-month high. This was prompted by the fastest increase in new orders in over 18 Months. Businesses are worried how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will impact crucial inputs such as helium. Inventories are already very low. The South African Reserve Bank reported that the inventory to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio fell to a record low of 5.1% in the fourth quarter 2025. The annual average was only 5.5% in 2025 from 5.8% in 2024, 6.1% in 2023 and is substantially below the 14.1% ratio in 2008. The acceleration in production saw the best employment growth since September 2022. Formal non-farm employment fell by 3.2% between the third quarter 2023 and the fourth quarter 2025. Any rebound in employment is therefore very welcome. The downside was that supply chain disruptions lengthened supplier delivery times. Lead times are now the longest in more than 18 Months. Prices The increase in diesel, petrol and liquefied natural gas prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had a local impact. Input prices jumped to a 30-month high. Consequently, output prices rose at the fastest pace since August 2024.

What a first introduction to the new petrol-powered Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Sport Double Cab 4×2. Driving through the Klein Karoo the day all the riverbeds filled with water and flowed once again. We were based in the usually arid Oudtshoorn for this event, but with more than 100 millimeters of rain predicted in the region, conditions were anything but typical. But we couldn’t have wished to be in anything better than the latest Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Sport Double Cab. Just consider what this bakkie represents; not just for the brand, but for South Africa as a whole. Since 2000, one-million Rangers have rolled off the Silverton production line across three generations, finding homes in 100 markets around the globe. As South Africans, we should be genuinely proud of that. A million bakkies. Built here. Sold everywhere. FORD RANGER 2.3 ECOBOOST SPORT DOUBLE CAB The new Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Sport Double Cab only comes in 4×2 at the moment. Image: File As we noted at the launch of the new KIA Tasman X-Pro last month, South Africa’s double cab segment continues its relentless march forward. No matter the state of the economy and fuel prices, Saffas still want their bakkies – amounting to one in every five vehicles sold in this country. Of which, the Ford Ranger commands the lion’s share – currently sitting at 26.7% share. But having touched 37% early in 2025. Of course, Ford South Africa isn’t resting on those laurels. Enter the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Sport Double Cab as part of the marque’s 2026 updates. The big news is the arrival of the all-new Sport series, which slots neatly between the XLT and the Wildtrak in the hierarchy. It brings a design refresh, updated wheels and all those incremental quality improvements that Ford engineers quietly bake in beneath the metal. INCREMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS From this year onwards, lots of the Ranger nice-to-haves are standard in all models from the XL up. Image: File Also, from 2026 onwards, the 12-inch tablet touchscreen and collision mitigation system are now standard across the entire Ranger lineup. And the headline act for this particular drive is the petrol engine under the bonnet. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder makes a very hearty 222 kW and 452 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic and available in 4×2 configuration only. With sky-high diesel costs squeezing South African motorists, the timing couldn’t be better. It’s available in the Sport and Wildtrak Double Cabs, as well as the cheaper Super Cab. The Sport we drove is priced at R839 600, while an EcoBoost Wildtrak retails for R899 000. As far as the powertrain itself, the EcoBoost’s power delivery is refined, smooth and eager. You appreciate its linearity from the first squeeze of the throttle. We’d call it quick rather than fast. Although, we wish we could tell you more about how it handles an open road with those higher Kilowatts. However, our launch drive took us squarely into the eye of this week’s massive storm. EPIC FORD RANGER 2.3 ECOBOOST SPORT DOUBLE CAB With the addition of a strong petrol-powered derivative, the Ranger’s cup really does runneth over. Image: File As a result, the insane rain and flooding across the Klein Karoo and Eastern Cape turned what should have been a comprehensive route into a logistical nightmare for the organisers, who had to conjure up more plans than the Ferrari F1 pit wall. All the scenic roads in the area (Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort, etc) were flooded. After a while the town of Oudtshoorn was blocked from one side when the river burst its banks. Low-lying alternatives became impassable, but not before we navigated probably two dozen deep water crossings. As such, it would be completely unfair to draw any sweeping conclusions from such limited sampling. What I can say is it felt willing, rugged and the powertrain inspired real confidence. But there’s so more to uncover in the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Sport Double Cab. Hopefully we’ll be back behind the wheel soon enough. This time to do it justice. Watch this space … But what do you think of a petrol-powered Ford Ranger? Would you consider one amidst the diesel price crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments section below …