Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-14 i Cape Argus

It’s been more than two decades since the Goo Goo Dolls last took to the stage in South Africa, and the anticipation is palpable as the iconic rock band prepares to return. The Goo Goo Dolls are set to serenade fans around the country when they begin their three-city tour. Formed in 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls have long since woven themselves into the fabric of modern American music. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy nominations and a prolific catalogue that includes 16 No 1’s and Top 10 hits, the band’s influence is undeniable. Known for their timeless classics, such as Iris, Slide and Black Balloon, the Goo Goo Dolls have established their place in music history, thanks to an impressive…

The highly anticipated testimony of Lourentia Lombaard in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial has officially begun. Lombaard, a former accused who turned State witness, took the stand after lunch. She was initially arrested alongside Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, and two others: Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn. Their arrests followed the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin from her Middelpos home on 19 February 2024. Joshlin had not attended school, with Kelly claiming her daughter was unwell and that her school uniform was dirty. She stated that she had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Boeta, on the day the child went missing. Originally from Wolseley in the Western Cape, Lombaard is a mother of four. Two of her children live in Worcester, while the other two…

WITH the eThekwini Municipality losing billions of rand on water losses, it has now begun replacing old asbestos cement pipelines with new pipes made from modified polyvinyl chloride (mPVC). The eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit said this was part of ongoing interventions to address water disruptions and prevent water loss. The project is taking place in various areas across the city with the goal of preventing burst pipes that cause water outages. Yesterday, the unit laid 12.545km of new pipelines on Cardinal Road in Phoenix. Within five years, the unit intends to invest R25 billion in public-private partnership initiatives. The two new regional wastewater treatment facilities, which will cost R2.1bn to be built in the 2027/2028 financial year, are the first significant projects. In five years, the unit intends to…

AMENDMENTS to the Citizenship Act came under the judicial spotlight after one child born from parents who are legally in the country as refugees after they fled Rwanda was classified a citizen of South Africa, while her younger sister, born after amendments, is left stateless. The youngest child, born in 2015 after a change in the law, does not automatically qualify for citizenship as her elder sister did. In terms of the new law, she can only apply for citizenship here – with no guarantees that she will receive it – after she has turned 18. Her parents, who have been living in South Africa now for several years, turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, out of desperation as their youngest child has now been left stateless. Home Affairs,…

The advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994 did not just focus on reconciliation and nation-building. It also necessitated acknowledging the imbalances of the past which were based on racism. As such, the new political leadership had to enact laws and craft policies that would respond to this reality of racial disparities. One of the deliberate policies that was crafted by the ANC-led government was Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) which was deemed to be part of the broader basket of reparations meant to address the injustices of the past. Unfortunately, the implementation of the BEE policy did not live up to people’s expectation. For example, it was open to abuse. Some white business owners decided to front with black faces so that they could get government tenders. Some high-profile…

There is something satisfyingly retro about Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Uefa Champions League qualification and not just because they are trying to re-create the glory days of the late 1970s. In an age when possession and high pressing have become mantras for many Premier League managers, Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo is bucking the trend in spectacular fashion. While some sides are easier on the eye, efficiency is Espirito Santo's watchword. In their 28 league games, Forest average 39.4% possession – the lowest of the 20 clubs. They have made 9 355 passes, the lowest total in the top flight. But they have scored 45 goals, conceded just 33 and have 51 points and with 68.6 the average amount of points required to finish fourth in the last five Premier…

This year is a big one for women's cricket, given that the much anticipated Women's Cricket World Cup is taking place in India in October. In preparation for the ICC event, South Africa's senior women national team are set to tour Sri Lanka for a Tri-Series against the hosts and their India counterparts. The tour will play a massive role in the Proteas reminding themselves of their gameplan on the subcontinent, having played the 2024 T20 World Cup in similar conditions. They have also toured India and Pakistan over the past few years. Proteas Women spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, as one of the best white ball spinners in the world, will have a big role to play on a spin-friendly wicket at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, where…

Reality star and entrepreneur Happy Simelane, better known as Her Majesty on The Mommy Club season 3, has publicly addressed the growing concerns surrounding bullying on the show. In recent weeks, viewers have been vocal about what they perceive as toxic behaviour among some of the cast members, with a particular focus on how fellow star Nokisie has been treated by the group. The Mommy Club has always been a whirlwind of drama, but recent episodes have raised serious questions about the nature of the conflicts being portrayed. Some fans have pointed to the treatment of Nokisie, who has found herself at the centre of mounting tensions within the group. As the show often highlights, reality TV tends to amplify emotional confrontations, but fans are increasingly concerned that the atmosphere…

RENOWNED South African playwright, novelist, actor and director, Athol Fugard, who died on Sunday, at the age of 92, will forever be remembered for using arts to rouse the consciences of international audiences in support of the anti-apartheid Struggle. In his career spanning 70 years, he penned more than 30 plays. Several of his plays were adapted into films, including Boesman and Lena, Master Harold and the Boys, Tsotsi and The Road to Mecca. He performed the role of General Jan Smuts in Richard Attenborough’s film, Gandhi. Those who had the opportunity to work closely with Fugard described him as determined, focused, open, kind, generous and unmatchable. Daniel Galloway, who was managing director of The Fugard Theatre – bearing the name of the late legend between 2010 and 2020, said…

Bafana Bafana will continue their bid to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup as they shift their focus to the upcoming qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. On Thursday, Hugo Broos named a 23-player squad that will take on neighbors Lesotho next Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium (kick-off 6pm). Four days later, they will travel to Ivory Coast to face Benin at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan (also 6pm). South Africa are currently second in Group C, level on seven points with Rwanda after each of the six teams have played four matches. Broos and his charges suffered a setback with a 2-0 loss to Rwanda early in the qualifiers, but they have since picked up four points from their last two fixtures, leaving them behind…

It has long been said that the PSL is a ticking time bomb, and this is partly reflected in the clubs that have, scandalously, recently made it onto the Fifa transfer ban list over the past few months. The clubs – Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants, along with embattled Royal AM – are on the list after having been punished because, in most cases, they have not respected players' contracts. Over the years, several clubs have acted with abandon, showing no regard for sound governance. This lack of sound governance is also evident in the way the mother body has conducted their affairs most recently. The Royal AM mess has come about because of the PSL's failure in that department. Had the PSL adhered to their handbook, they would have…

True to form, Cape Town City raised their game against their Soweto hosts Kaizer Chiefs to hold out for a goalless Premiership draw at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday. Not too long ago, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said Cape Town teams "love to run an extra mile" when they face the Soweto teams. This season notably City and Stellenbosch have managed to raise the game against the Soweto giants, and invariably come away with the spoils. By the time City ran out onto the pitch against Chiefs on Wednesday, they had failed to win a match in eight consecutive games. The stats for the Chiefs - City game showed that the Mother City visitors were under the whip for most of the way, but City's low-block tactics saved the…

THE Budget battle is far from over as the ANC prepares to pass its proposed Budget in Parliament despite facing fierce opposition from all parties, including its coalition partner, the DA. The DA, the second largest party within the Government of National Unity (GNU), still reeling from its defeat on the proposed Budget, has made it clear that it will not vote with the ANC to pass it. “We were saying there are growth initiatives that if they were done would make it perhaps acceptable for a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT, but in the absence of those things, how do you expect us to accept a 0.5 percentage point increase when a key part of our election manifesto revolved around no new taxes?” DA leader John Steenhuisen said…

IN JUST one week, two families in Cape Town have come forward with claims of police brutality either resulting in death or attempted murder. This week, another family, that of a 23-year-old man, said they were shocked and appalled that a Durbanville police officer accused of murdering their relative was granted bail. The case was registered on September 20, 2024, after Sikelela Tshota was shot and killed in Fisantekraal. The police officer, Funisile Xhego, who was stationed at Durbanville SAPS, is currently making appearances in the Bellville Regional Court and was granted bail. The Tshota family told the Cape Argus they were displeased with the fact that the officer was freed on bail and wanted justice for their relative who was the breadwinner of his side of the family. “They…

Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened at an extraordinary summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they made the critical decision to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and initiate a phased withdrawal of troops. This decision reflects escalating violence and security concerns in the region, particularly following the tragic deaths of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, in clashes with M23 rebels. The summit, attended by numerous heads of state, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. In a statement, the SADC leaders expressed grave concern over the recent capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu by M23 rebels, which has severely hindered humanitarian efforts and complicated the…

A WOMAN is seeking R2 million in damages from the Gauteng Department of Health MEC, for claims of negligence in that while undergoing a myomectomy at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, a surgical swab was left behind resulting in bowel obstruction, infection and fistula formation. Any-Mitonga Lukusa underwent the myomectomy on December 17, 2014, and was discharged three days later. In October 2015, she was admitted to South Rand Hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation and was later referred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. An ultrasound scan revealed a surgical swab in her abdomen causing the bowel obstruction. On November 26, 2015, she had to undergo surgery to remove the swab. The woman is represented by lawyer Tzvi Brivik, director of Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Inc. Brivik told the Cape…

THE tabling of the National Budget is one of the most crucial aspects of government functioning, as it sets the framework for fiscal policy and resource allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. On March 12, following a failed attempt to present the Budget on February 19, the National Treasury proceeded to table the National Budget in Parliament despite facing rejection from several political parties. A critical point of contention in the recently tabled budget is a proposed 0.5% increase in VAT. Critics argue that this modest increase exacerbates an already high cost of living, particularly for low-income households. However, it is essential to recognise the efforts made by the government to mitigate the negative impact on vulnerable communities. The proposed increase in VAT, significantly lower than the initially suggested 2%,…

In March, 2000, a 20-year-old Justin Ontong walked to the crease in the domestic one-day final with Boland in deep trouble against a strong Eastern Province team. Ontong took strike with the score at 55/2, which soon became 89/4. The Boland Park faithful, who had braved the Paarl heat during the day, began to feel a little nervous. It was up to the Paarl-born local lad to make something happen after the senior pros lost their wickets. Ontong had come through the Boland junior structures as a classy right-handed batsman. The year before, he had played for SA Schools before going straight into the Boland team as a teenager. He was always seen as a future Proteas player. But it was in that final that Ontong announced himself on the…

In a night that celebrated excellence in South African rugby, speedster Cheslin Kolbe etched his name into the history books by becoming the first backline player to win the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year title since 2013. The dazzling awards ceremony took place at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town yesterday evening, where Kolbe’s remarkable contributions to the sport in the 2024 season were duly recognized. Kolbe’s phenomenal performance throughout the year helped the Springboks secure 11 victories out of 13 Tests, culminating in reclaiming the Rugby Championship and Freedom Cup titles. His electrifying pace and unparalleled skill on the field have solidified his status as one of the preeminent talents in world rugby. While mainly a try-scoring winger, Kolbe popped up as a lineout thrower…

Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC have an excellent chance to secure a CAF berth for next season when they clash on Sunday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Stellenbosch are in fourth place on the log with 32 points after 20 games. Their away form is particularly impressive, with five wins, three draws, and just one loss, highlighting their ability to perform on the road. Sekhukhune, currently in third place, are enjoying a highly competitive season. They have surprised with their form, although they have occasionally been inconsistent. In their last five matches, they have secured three victories and now sit on 34 points after 21 games. Home advantage will be crucial in this encounter as they look to capitalise on fan support. Stellenbosch will see familiar faces in the Sekhukhune…