Indholdsfortegnelse for 2021-07-13 i Cape Argus

Sisonke Mlamla sisonke.mlamla@inl.co.za TAXI owners said they believed a third force was behind the killings of taxi operators in the province. This after a Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) driver was shot and killed in Site B, Khayelitsha, at the weekend. The 28-year-old was killed on Saturday, just two days after Codeta, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association, and the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works signed a peace agreement. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “A murder case was opened and the motive for the murder could possibly be related to taxi violence. Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell’s spokesperson, Ntomboxolo Makoba-​Somdaka, said the department was concerned about the killings. Codeta spokesperson Andile Khanyi said sthat the driver killed had operated on the Mitchells Plain route. He…

Mthuthuzeli Ntseku mthuthuzeli.ntseku@inl.co.za THE provincial Human Settlements Department says it has seen a drastic reduction in attempted illegal land invasions, with 159 reported incidents in the metro areas since the second week of April while none were recorded on state land. Human Settlements MEC Tertius Simmers’ spokesperson, Marcellino Martin, said between July 2020 and the end of last week there had been 1 239 attempted land invasions of state-owned land. Martin said this reduction in land invasions was due to proactive steps taken to protect land and properties, which had cost the provincial government R400 million in the last financial year. “We continue to condemn these unlawful invasions as they hurt the poor the most, and severely impact our ability to deliver housing opportunities to already identified, deserving, qualifying…

Cuban advisers ‘justified’ Tarryn-Leigh Solomons tarryn-leigh.solomons@inl.co.za THE Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says its reason for employing Cuban nationals as technical advisers and not South Africans, has to do with the inability to attract and retain skills in these technical fields, where the department has been facing challenges in terms of filling vacancies in these areas. In response to a Parliamentary question from the DA, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Patricia de Lille said that 24 Cubans were employed, with each employee receiving a salary of R1 125 725 in the 2020/21 financial year. DA MP Samantha Graham Mare said she would write to De Lille and request a breakdown of exactly which projects were making use of these technical advisers and what the skills requirement was…

ANOTHER week of running around trying to get to everyone and everything needing my attention. Our negotiations about our House went well and our Homes not Handcuffs campaign petition had reached 5 000 signatures. All good. Also paying dividends, was our Homeless not Voteless campaign which we extended to include the registration of homeless people for the Covid-19 vaccination, which also requires an ID. Hope Exchange director Reverend Annie Kirke has been hard at work getting both the Home Affairs and Health departments to respond to her call and on Monday morning we welcomed Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo to the Hope Exchange, with the media. Ward 115 councillor Ian MacMahon, was also present. He called me “our latest movie star”, probably due to my having appeared in four programmes, including…

Kristin Engel kristin.engel@inl.co.za IN A bid to address Cape Town’s housing crisis, the Forest Village Housing Development in Eersteriver saw more than 2 760 qualifying beneficiaries from across the metro move into their new homes with remarkably improved living conditions. Human Settlements MEC Tertuis Simmers said the Forest Village Housing Development stood to welcome another 2 060 beneficiaries from the Housing Demand Database (HDD). “Thus far, this project has assisted backyard dwellers and other vulnerable beneficiaries that are prioritised for a housing opportunity. “This means it is especially the elderly and disabled residents registered on the HDD that are typically prioritised for housing opportunities as they become available,” said Simmers. “This is particularly seen in this project, as the large majority of those that have benefited, and continue to benefit,…

Survey shows they reject authoritarian rule; prefer consensual democracy and stability Nic Cheeseman and Sishuwa Sishuwa It has become common to argue that most Africans are not that committed to democracy. Commentators often suggest that Africans care more about development than democracy. Also, that they would happily trade away their political rights for a “strong man” who can get things done. This narrative has proved to be durable despite being wrong. We investigated three issues. First, is there support for democracy in Africa? Second, what kind of democracy do people want? Third, why are African citizens’ desires so often silenced? Drawing on survey data collected by Afrobarometer 2016-2018, we found large majorities think democracy is the best political system for their country. Contrary to claims that “Western style”…

The top US general in Afghanistan relinquished command yesterday at a ceremony in the capital Kabul, the latest symbolic gesture bringing America’s longest war nearer to an end even as the Taliban continue a bloody onslaught across the country. General Austin “Scott” Miller – the highest-ranked officer on the ground in the war-torn nation – handed command to General Kenneth McKenzie, who will oversee remaining operations from a US-based headquarters. Miller has been in Afghanistan since 2018, but was charged more recently by commander-in-chief President Joe Biden with organising the final withdrawal of US troops, to be completed by the end of August. The pace of the pullout – and multiple offensives launched recently by the Taliban – have raised fears that Afghanistan’s security forces could be swiftly overwhelmed, particularly…

NEW DELHI: Several people reportedly taking selfies near a historical fort in northern India were among nearly 80 killed by lightning strikes during the early stages of the annual monsoon season, officials said yesterday. Of the 76 killed in the region, at least 23 people died in the mostly desert state of Rajasthan, including a dozen who were watching a storm cross Jaipur city from watch towers near the famous 12th-century Amer Fort late on Sunday. Police said up to 30 people were on the towers when the lightning struck. Emergency teams were checking if any victims had fallen into a deep moat on one side of the towers. People had been flocking to Amer Fort, which provides a panoramic view of Jaipur, a tourist city, after weeks of intense…

With a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title secured, Novak Djokovic has time and winning momentum on his side in the race to be crowned the greatest player of all time. The world No 1 went level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 majors with a sixth Wimbledon title thanks to his four-set win over Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on Sunday. The 34-year-old has won eight majors and appeared in nine Grand Slam finals since turning 30. Incredibly, when Federer secured his 20th at the 2018 Australian Open, Djokovic was still way back on 12. “He’s amazing. He’s like in the movies. You have to kill the guy 27 times and still he gets up and you have to kill him again and he gets up,” said Goran Ivanisevic, one…

THIS week's Open Championship is at Royal St George's, or Sandwich as​ it is commonly known, and only one South African has won golf's oldest​ Major at this iconic south England seaside links and that was Bobby​ Locke in 1949. The two qualifying rounds (these being mandatory in those days even​ for the defending champion) were at Sandwich and the adjacent Deal and​ ​Locke posted a 71 and 69 respectively to easily qualify. A drought had​ ​rendered Sandwich dry with not much rough, although the greens were​ ​well-watered and produced some bite. In the first round Locke got off​ ​to a fast start, racing to the turn in 32 despite two three-putts. “Then I spoilt my round with a seven at the par-5 14th where I drove​ ​out…

England football chiefs and police faced questions yesterday over the chaotic and violent scenes around Wembley Stadium for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final, with concerns it could affect the country’s 2030 Fifa World Cup bid. Police have launched an investigation to find the ticketless fans who stormed through security barriers and entered the stadium before the final, in which Italy beat England in a penalty shootout. Stewards and riot police chased dozens of fans, who kicked down the security barrier before stampeding into an entrance and barging their way past other supporters, leading to violent scenes as some fought back. Questions were raised about why so many fans without tickets had been allowed to congregate on the main thoroughfare to the famous ground, where the atmosphere became more hostile as kick-off…

Kailene Pillay kailene.pillay@inl.co.za THOSE opposing former president Jacob Zuma’s application to the Constitutional Court to rescind its imprisonment order have argued that he clutched at straws to be released from prison and that “he always held the key to his own prison door”. As KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were hit by violent unrest and looting since Zuma’s arrest, the Constitutional Court yesterday reserved its judgment on whether it would rescind its ruling. In a hearing lasting more than 10 hours, the Concourt heard an urgent application brought by Zuma seeking the rescission of its decision to sentence him to 15 months’ imprisonment for contempt of the apex court. Zuma was sentenced to jail on June 29 and given five days in which to hand himself over to police and Correctional Services…

Sisonke Mlamla sisonke.mlamla@inl.co.za ANC councillor Nokuthula Bolitye, 50, was shot dead outside her home in Old Crossroads yesterday. Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said police were combing the area for clues after Bolitye was shot and killed in Gqolomba Street. Swartbooi said that according to reports, Bolitye was seated in a minibus taxi in front of her home, when three men approached the vehicle and fired a number of shots at her. “The suspects fled the scene in an undisclosed direction and are yet to be arrested. “Nyanga police is investigating a case of murder,” he said. ANC spokesperson Fiona Abrahams said Bolitye was a ward councillor in Crossroads Ward 36. “We appeal for calmness because our colleague was loved and respected by the community she served.” She said Bolitye…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za A BETTER than average rainfall season has caused the biggest dams in the province to fill up rapidly and further rainfall this week will add to dam and river levels across the Western Cape, Local Government and Environmental Affairs MEC Anton Bredell said. He said the Clanwilliam dam has increased from 23.6% to 94.2% in the past 10 days and the biggest dam in the province, Theewaterskloof dam is currently at 99.5%. The latest average dam level for dams in the province is 71.5%, which is 18.5% higher than the 2020 level of 53%. “We are seeing an above average rainfall season. Some regions, the Gouritz River Catchment area in particular, remain in need of rain. We hope to see some relief there.…

Baldwin Ndaba baldwin.ndaba@inl.co.za THE ANC has vowed to act against its members who are fuelling the violent protests that have led to the massive destruction of property in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The party also joined the SACP in urging law enforcement agencies to act sternly against perpetrators of acts of violence, which have left a trail of destruction in the two provinces. ANC acting secretary-general Jessie Duarte expressed her outrage at the disruption of the vaccination process due to the ongoing violent protests. Duarte was divulging the outcome of her party’s national executive committee meeting. “The ANC condemns these acts without reservation. We support the government in its efforts to strengthen its response and take harsher measures against this rioting, looting and destruction of property. “While these actions are being…

The sheer acts of criminality and hooliganism we have seen play out over the past few days cannot and should never be tolerated. The country has reached a defining moment. We are at a crossroads and this period will undoubtedly go down as one of the most challenging times for South Africa and her people. What aptly began as the fundamental act of disapproval or the right to protest over the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, has turned into a sordid and disheartening sight. Criminals have brazenly hijacked these protests to carry out their vile acts. We all have theories of how we arrived at this burning point. Some have described this as our Arab Spring moment, while others have pinned it to lack of leadership, a rise against…

Thousands of Cubans took part in rare protests on Sunday against the communist government, chanting, “Down with the dictatorship”, as President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on his supporters to confront the demonstrators. The anti-government rallies started spontaneously in several cities as the country endures its worst economic crisis in 30 years, with chronic shortages of electricity and food. Several hundred protesters marched through the capital Havana chanting, “We want liberty”, with a heavy military and police presence deployed after demonstrators massed outside the Capitol building. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and 10 people were arrested, while officers used plastic pipes to beat protesters Diaz-Canel delivered a combative television address: “We call on all revolutionaries of the country, all communists, to go out in the streets where these provocations occur…

Madrid: Dozens of migrants scaled a fence and crossed the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Melilla yesterday, just weeks after a similar crisis that saw thousands cross the frontier and clash with security. Migrants routinely try to enter Melilla and Ceuta, Spanish territories near the Moroccan border – Europe’s only land crossing with Africa. Some 200 people had tried to make the crossing, and five officers from Spain’s Civil Guard police force and a migrant were slightly injured. Those who entered Spain were taken to a government-run centre for migrants where they will be tested for Covid-19. | APF…

Mike Greenaway mike.greenaway@inl.co.za IN a day of revelations for the British & Irish Lions camp, there was word from Cardiff that original tour captain Alun Wyn Jones could make the party after all, while the South Africa ‘A’ team announced to play the Lions tomorrow had captain Conor Murray describing the match as a “fourth Test”. Coach Warren Gatland said he had received news from Wales that Wyn Jones has made a miraculous recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during the Lions’ warm-up match against Japan in Edinburgh. “Alun has been back fully training with Wales and on Tuesday he is doing a double session with them and we will just see what the outcome is,” Gatland said after naming a strong team for the SA ‘A’ game. “A few…

Matshelane Mamabolo IT is no longer just about Kaizer Chiefs, but South Africa now. Will this be a boon or burden for Amakhosi as they take on Al Ahly in the Champions League final in Casablanca on Saturday? In wishing the Glamour Boys well as they prepared for an assault on the continent’s premier club knockout competition, minister of sport Nathi Mthethwa said yesterday that Chiefs’ mission extended beyond just adding a star to their jersey to emulate Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. “Your success will bring back home much more than just the Cup,” Mthethwa said in Twitter message. “It will also offer much needed positivity in the face of the devastating Covid pandemic.” As if overcoming the reigning African champions was not too tough a mission for…

Chaos instigated as cover for looting, theft sihle Mavuso and Sisonke Mlamla ALL AVAILABLE resources would be mobilised to restore order in the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said last night. He spoke after violence and looting rocked Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal yesterday. Ramaphosa said South Africa was undergoing the most difficult period since it attained its freedom and named 10 people who were killed during the violence. “What we are witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft. There is no grievance nor any political cause that can justify the violence and the destruction that we have seen in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.” He said that with the destruction of infrastructure, medication delivery was hampered, as…

Sisonke Mlamla sisonke.mlamla@inl.co.za GUN OWNERS have welcomed the extension on the deadline to make submissions on the Firearms Amendment Bill, granted by Police Minister Bheki Cele. The deadline of the bill, which has courted some controversy around amendments, has been extended to August 2. Gun Law expert lawyer Martin Hood said they had to go to court to get an extension for the bill. Gun Owners SA (Gosa) spokesperson Paul Oxley said it was the first of what would doubtless be several extensions. He said the bill was so badly drafted that “more turds just kept floating to the surface of the swimming pool”. Spokesperson Tshepi Mmekwa of Girls On Fire, an organisation that helps women licence firearms for self-defence, said the extension was all well and good, if…

Nomalanga Tshuma nomalanga.tshuma@inl.co.za POLICE have arrested the parents of twin 9-month-old babies who died in a fire that destroyed their home in Delft South at the weekend. The fire tore through a backyard dwelling in Stamperhout Street. Police have reportedly taken into custody the parents of the infant boys, who their landlord said were not at home at the time of the fire. The owner of the house where the incident happened, Noluthando Tsotso, said they were told, that the mother of the twins had stepped out to get food for the children and left the boys in the care of her 8-year-old daughter when the fire started. “We don’t have electricity at the moment and we haven’t for a while. The family was using candles for light and…

gogo CYNTHIA | Camps Bay EVERY day we are faced with the news of the scourge of gun warfare resulting in the loss of so many lives, not only of the intended victims but innocent lives too – so many of them precious children, wounded or killed in the crossfire. Surely the time has come to re-evaluate the ridiculous assumption that guns are necessary for protection. I have yet to hear of one family protecting themselves with a gun of their own against a gun-toting intruder. I have heard of gun-toting “monsters” terrorising and robbing families of guns they know are in their possession. Please help me with my heartfelt plea, to all our people in our beautiful country, to demand a ban on all guns. If one…

THE National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA) have announce that retired Constitutional Court judge, Justice Johan Froneman, has accepted the appointment as chairperson of the BCCSA’s Appointment and Appeals Panels. His appointment was effective as of July 9, they said. Justice Froneman’s illustrious 26-year judicial career included 11 years’ service on the Constitutional Court, and was distinguished by his commitment to driving social justice through his work as a pioneer in South Africa’s constitutional jurisprudence. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Justice Froneman obtained a BA degree from Stellenbosch University and an LLB degree from the University of South Africa. After completing his pupillage at the Pretoria Bar, he practised as an advocate in Grahamstown, becoming senior counsel in 1990. In 1994,…

JOHANNES M SEKGOLOLO IT MAY BE prudent, as some have suggested, to grant general citizenship to undocumented immigrants in South Africa. This may solve the problem of those inside the country, but there is no mention of those approaching the border intending to enter illegally. The notion of giving citizenship to undocumented immigrants without addressing the problems at the border is repugnant. Be that as it may, South Africa needs to find new ways to resolve its border crisis. Advanced technologies are tools that society must use to address diverse challenges. The porosity of South Africa's boundaries is well documented. Where humans fail, technology, as an extension of humanity, ought to be considered. The laughable fence that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure erected at the Beitbridge calls…

A hotel collapsed in eastern China yesterday, leaving at least one person dead and 10 others missing, the local government said. Rescuers had pulled seven survivors from the rubble of the budget Siji Kaiyuan hotel in the popular tourist city of Suzhou, the city government’s official social media account said. The Suzhou government said it was “sparing no effort to treat the injured”, adding that authorities were investigating the cause of the disaster. The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had 54 guest rooms, a banquet hall and conference rooms, according to its listing on the travel site Ctrip. CCTV images showed more than a dozen rescue workers at the site of the disaster, with the warped cladding of the hotel visible atop a mound of rubble. Broken glass was…

Brussels: The EU yesterday formally established a military mission for Mozambique to help train its armed forces battling jihadists in the north of the country. A deadly insurgency by militants linked to the Islamic State group has ravaged the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province since late 2017, claiming some 3 000 lives and displacing 800 000 people. Portugal is already providing training for Mozambican troops. “The mandate of the mission will initially last two years,” said the EU. Regional powers are also looking to bolster support for Mozambique’s fight to crush the insurgency. | AFP…

Wynona Louw wynona.louw@inl.co.za RUGBY South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus named a star-studded SA ‘A’ team for their clash with the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 8pm). The 25-man squad, which will be cut down to 23 within the next two days, features 18 World Cup winners and will be captained by Lukhanyo Am, while Eben Etzebeth will be the vice-captain. With a number of players unavailable as they are isolating due to Covid-19 protocols, Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber, who is also isolating after testing positive last week, picked the strongest-available team for what will be only their second match against international opposition in 20 months. Notable omissions include flyhalf Handre Pollard, tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, and the massively experienced Frans Steyn,…

Covid-19 might top the risks at the Tokyo Olympics, but organisers in Japan have other deadly, unpredictable threats to contend with: natural disasters. Japan is regularly rattled by earthquakes and battered by typhoons, and experts warn that disaster preparation for a major event like the Games should not take a back seat because of the virus. "For organisers, infection measures are an urgent challenge," Hirotada Hirose, a specialist in disaster risk studies, said. "But the risks of a major earthquake mustn't be forgotten when you have an Olympics hosted by Japan," added Hirose, professor emeritus at Tokyo Woman's Christian University. Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches throughout southeast Asia and across the Pacific Basin. The country is also home to…