Indholdsfortegnelse for 2023-10-31 i Cape Argus

A teenager’s body was found with a big gash in her head and swollen face. Tashneecka Prins’s body was discovered on a field in Symphony Road in Steenberg. The 17-year-old was last seen alive by her family on Saturday afternoon. Her grief-stricken grandmother, Anne Brenda Gordon, said: “I last saw her around 2pm, she just came in and went out. “It wasn’t a surprise when she didn’t come home because there were nights when she would sleep out. When she didn’t sleep here, I would know she was with her friends.” She said she was at church when she was informed a body was found. “At the time I was told that no one knew what happened. They weren’t even sure if it was my granddaughter, but she was identified…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) have confirmed that Matthew Lani is expected to make his first appearance in court today for impersonating a doctor. The 27-year-old was arrested by security personnel at the Helen Joseph Provincial Hospital in Johannesburg on Sunday. According to provincial Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, it is alleged the suspect was seen on Friday at the hospital, reportedly making videos. “The hospital staff were informed to be on the lookout for him. “On Sunday, the suspect was seen in the hospital premises and apprehended by the security guards then handed over to the Brixton police.” Mogale said another case of impersonating a doctor was opened at Tembisa SAPS. “It is alleged the same suspect utilised the credentials of a practising doctor to fool…

In a groundbreaking judgment for new parents – especially fathers – the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg last week ruled that both parents are entitled to maternity leave. High Court Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland concluded that the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act regulating parental leave unfairly discriminated against various types of parents. This has resulted in sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act being declared unconstitutional because, when it comes to “maternity leave”, the conditions have worked to “unfairly discriminate against mothers and fathers, surrogate parents, and those who adopt”. The judge has given Parliament two years to “cure the defects” in the acts. In the meantime, all parents are entitled to four months of “parental leave” collectively…

LAST week, I started looking back on my three-year journey of writing this column by focusing mostly on the things that we have managed to impact on and that have changed for the better for those living on the streets of Cape Town. There have been many achievements that were either initiated, inspired or motivated by my columns and I thank God for the opportunity and privilege to continue using this vessel for the good of those living on the streets and as a vessel to inform the general public of the reality of this experience. But all is not well and all is not how it seems in the sector of homelessness. This column has been instrumental in discovering and revealing a great deal of the ugliness that lurks…

The recent return of load shedding in South Africa has left many of us angry and disappointed. It is a stark reminder of the complete incompetence of our politicians, and their lack of understanding of the complex issues that are affecting the country’s power supply. As a nation, we were elated when the new minister announced that key power stations were back on track – even before schedule – and that we would no longer have to suffer through blackouts. We were finally able to watch the Rugby World Cup without the constant fear of the lights going out. But now it seems like a sick joke. Just a day after celebrating our rugby triumph, we wake up to the news that load shedding is back. It’s a bitter pill…

A recently released report aimed at understanding the key challenges facing South Africa’s education system says that profoundly unequal access to quality education lies at the heart of the country’s extreme and persistent levels of inequality. Despite nearly three decades since the advent of democracy, an inequitable education system persists, perpetuating an inter-generational cycle of education and income inequality. The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s Education Research Report identifies problems with South Africa’s education system at every level – from early childhood education to basic education to tertiary education. Limited access to quality early childhood education for about 80% of children in the country means most of them enter the schooling system with learning backlogs. These discrepancies are exacerbated by a poorly performing and dysfunctional public school system characterised by poorly resourced…

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates president of COP28 has urged countries to seek “common ground” to resolve disagreements over the future of fossil fuels before a UN climate summit he will host. The summit, from yesterday to December 12, will seek agreement on phasing out fossil fuels. But countries are divided between those demanding a deal to phase out the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, which produce the greenhouse gases that are the main cause of climate change, and nations insisting on preserving a role for fossil fuels. Sultan al-Jaber told the Pre-COP28 summit convened in Abu Dhabi:“I need you to work together to come forward with solutions that can achieve alignment, common ground and consensus between all parties.”…

CHICAGO: An unknown man has opened fire during a Halloween party in Chicago, Illinois, leaving at least 15 people injured, the local police department said, adding that the suspect had been detained. “Officers responding to a ‘shots fired’ call in the area approached and observed an unknown male shooting into the location where a gathering was taking place. The offender fled on foot and was placed into custody by responding officers,” the police department said. The incident took place early on Sunday morning at a party attended by nearly 100 people, the police said. Two of those wounded were in a critical condition, the police added. |…

MOSCOW: The Cambodian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet will allocate around $36 million to skills training for nearly 1.5 million young people from poor and socially vulnerable families, Cambodia’s Fresh News broadcaster reported yesterday. The initiative is included in the budget planned for 2024, Fresh News reported. The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has opened a 10-day course for teachers to support technical and vocational training programmes, according to the report. Last week, Cambodian media reported that citizens, in particular the poor, will get access to free medical services.…

Banyana Banyana are on course to emulate the Springboks’ heroics in Paris after progressing to the third round of the Caf Olympic qualifiers. Banyana beat the DRC 3-1 on aggregate in the second round of the qualifiers after winning the return leg 2-0 at a wet and cold Orlando Stadium yesterday afternoon. Captain Thembi Kgatlana scored, adding to the solo goal scored in Kinshasa as Banyana kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Games alive. Having missed out on the last Olympics in Tokyo following their loss to Botswana at the same ground in 2019, the African champions are hellbent on going to Paris next year. After all, the French capital left a lasting mark on all South Africans on Saturday as the Springboks won the Rugby World…

SOUTH African cricket is not known for producing players who embrace pressure moments, but there may just be one who is looking to change that script. Mihlali Mpongwana was born in 2000. The 23-year-old Western Province all-rounder has no recollection of the Proteas’ 1999 World Cup semi-final defeat - except for YouTube and clips repeatedly played during the current World Cup. He plays the game without any fear. And relishes the opportunity to shine when his team faces adversity, like Province encountered last Saturday at Newlands in the CSA One-Day Cup final against the North West Dragons. The home team were staring down the barrel at 81/4 when Mpongwana joined his captain Kyle Verreynne at the crease. Two hours later, Mpongwana had raised his bat for his maiden List A…

After this weekend’s triumph by the victorious Springboks, lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy for successive World Cups, and the only team to have done so four times, President Cyril Ramaphosa last night declared December 15 a special public holiday. In a televised address that dealt mostly with the achievements of his government, ahead of tomorrow’s medium-term Budget statement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s economy had recovered much of the losses brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the progress made since the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, despite the significant challenges faced in recent years. He highlighted the improvement in electricity supply, job creation, infrastructure development, and the efforts to combat crime and corruption. “Despite the progress we are making, poverty, inequality…

ANGLICAN Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba has joined mounting calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the opening of humanitarian corridors in the face of a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Gaza Strip. On Friday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israel and Hamas, and the “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of life-saving supplies and services in Gaza. Despite this, Israel expanded and intensified its military aggression in Gaza. To date, more than 8 000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the Israeli bombardment. With a population of more than 2 million people, Gaza is considered one of the most densely-populated areas. It has been under an illegal blockade by Israel…

In view of the current human disaster unfolding in Gaza, let us look at the membership of the United Nations (UN). There are 195 countries in the world, with 193 being members of the UN, and Palestine and the Vatican City as members with observer status. The Security Council of the United Nations’ (UNSC’s) primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security. The UNSC has five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK and the US), who have veto power to reject any decision, and 10 elected members which serve two-year, non-consecutive terms and do not have veto power. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to comply with council decisions. The UN Charter states; “We the people of the UN determined; (1) to…

Not much of the school remained. The buildings and playing fields were given a revamp at the turn of the century, and the synthetic grass of the sports field was guaranteed for 1 000 000 tournaments or (until) the year 3023, whichever came first. With the most popular subject, gaming, the fields were used for droning competitions and an activity that never disappeared throughout the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & and 8th industrial revolutions. This activity is still known by its original name – “athletics”. Freddie Mann, better known to the school community by his Cemis number 561019, ambled along the ghostly corridors towards his classroom. All students were known by their Cemis number only, and it was said that all these changes came about when a principled principal acted…

With the matric exams kicking into gear there is a sense in which society is unwittingly or even stupidly creating tension for the learners who are to write. What is all this nonsensical hype about matric exams when these learners have been writing exams from primary school? The most inane infestation of this is what I see in the media, where ridiculously pupils are scared into believing it’s now or never by blaring headlines such as “D-day for students”. We hear horror stories these days, where learners during this time being under “stress” even committing suicide. But if the right approach and support is given by teachers and society, all this malady would disappear. Pupils must be told that they fail or pass every day right from the commencement of…

Every day, thousands of weary, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed travellers arrive in the “City of Gold”, Johannesburg, vowing to make a fortune, and leaving behind their lives of poverty. That’s the story of every major city around the world, but in South Africa, Johannesburg is the shining city on the hill, adorned with bright lights and its streets paved with gold. For “Dr Matthew Lani”, Johannesburg was where he was going to make his fortune. He went about it with the sort of discipline required of a charlatan in a new town: make a lasting impression and embellish some parts of your life story. Lani, whose true identity is still unknown, went to work on the social media platform, TikTok. There, he created a persona of a medical doctor who was…

The South Korean government has proposed a bill introducing a sentence of life imprisonment without parole amid an increase in the number of serious crimes committed in the country, the Yonhap news agency reported yesterday, citing the justice ministry. Sources in the ministry said the government had already given the green light to the revision to the country’s Criminal Act, with the bill now to be officially sent to South Korea’s unicameral parliament for discussion, . Under the current legislation, a criminal sentenced to life in prison has an opportunity for parole after serving their sentence for 20 years. The possible changes to the criminal act aim to ensure “heinous criminals [might] pay a price corresponding to their crimes and be isolated from society”, the sources in the justice ministry…

FRANKFURT: Germany’s Merck KGaA said yesterday it had struck a collaboration deal with Chinese drug maker Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals to widen Merck’s work in an area known as “DNA damage response” drugs. Merck said it had agreed to pay Hengrui €160 million (about R3 billion) upfront. The deal could be worth up to €1.4bn when including payments contingent on development and commercial achievement as well as royalties on sales. Under the agreement, Merck wins the licence outside of China to develop, manufacture and commercialise Hengrui’s drug candidate HRS-1167.…

Shortly after the news of Hollywood actor Matthew Perry’s demise emerged, celebrities and fans began sharing tributes for the Friends star. Taking to Instagram, actor Selma Blair wrote, “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.” Mira Sorvino, who starred with Perry in the 1994 TV movie Parallel Lives, also expressed her grief. She tweeted, “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!” Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote, “RIP Matthew Perry, 54. The Friends star was a great actor, but by his own admission, a very tormented guy. His recent autobiography…

Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla’s wife is asking for the urgent arrest of the mastermind behind the slaying of the activist. The former politician was murdered on April 17 as he attended a meeting about the central line railway squatters. The Hawks arrested Zukisa Tshabile for the murder on Friday. Nkohla’s wife Nyameka Mabandla, who attended the appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, said: “I welcome the arrest of the murder suspect who brutally and intentionally assassinated my dear husband, Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla. “Inasmuch as I feel relieved at the major breakthrough in this case, my interest is in the swift and urgent arrest of the mastermind behind this ordeal. “I can confirm that the suspect appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court yesterday, October 30. “He remains in custody until November 6…

Volunteers willing to drop everything and risk their lives to help those stranded on the mountain have appealed for assistance. Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) spokesperson David Nel said that through the generosity of others, the organisation could assist with rescue operations. WSAR is trying to raise funds for headsets, which help in conducting helicopter rescues. “We desperately want others to enjoy and experience the mountain the way we do, and we understand that at times accidents do happen, and we want to reassure people that there is this amazing group of people willing to drop everything and rush out to help.” WSAR’s Backabuddy campaign explains that helicopters are used in about 30% of its operations, and how impossible it is to hear anything when a helicopter hovers above. Until…

In response to the letter, “Cadre deployment cause of Life Esidimeni tragedy” on October 26, 2023. It is absolutely correct that cadre deployment was one of the direct causes of the tragedy. Over and above this, we are seeing countless other tragedies in all government departments because of cadre deployment. In essence, people are appointed to positions that are far beyond their capability. It is vitally important for institutions such at Section27 to keep very careful oversight on our reckless and completely broken government. We also need to salute the DA spkesperson on Health in Gauteng, Jack Bloom, who was alerted to the tragedy, and tirelessly pursued justice for those who lost their lives.…

The occupation of Palestine is the world’s longest and a major source of instability around the globe, and Gaza is the world’s largest concentration camp. Amid another round of loss of life and devastation in Gaza, let’s remember there are multiple fronts to this Palestinian struggle for liberation from the Zionist apartheid state of Israel. Alongside the Zionist inhumane behaviour, and beyond the war crimes, rages the social media battle between facts and lies. It is not an Israel-Hamas conflict. That is the Zionist rooted narrative manufactured to make it seem like Hamas or other Palestinian resistance movements invaded apartheid Israel. Why is apartheid Israel’s original sin, its murder, ethnic cleansing, dispossession, seizure and stealing of Palestinian villages, towns, homes, farms and the gross displacement that made Palestinians a nation…

China hosted defence officials from nearly 50 African countries, 100 defence ministers and senior representatives from the AU during the third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing, which ran from August 19 to September 2. The discussions focused on the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which sets out Beijing’s policy principles for managing conflicts and keeping the world at peace, counter-terrorism, and training on the continent. More than 80 countries and regional organisations have expressed appreciation and support to the GSI. The GSI offers a new opportunity for the African continent to decisively address a diverse mix of conflicts. The conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Gaza, including broader regions with Palestinian populations, have overshadowed pervasive insecurity and instability on the African continent. While Western powers have traditionally…

Sanctions and suspension of international finance and aid have left the economy of Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, hanging by a thread three months after a military coup. The EU, a key partner for the Sahel nation, had allocated e503 million (R10.4 billion) “to improve governance, education and sustainable growth” for Niamey from 2021to 2024. But the EU, France and other partners halted their budget support immediately after the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Today Niger is estimated to be receiving financial support of $254m compared with $1.166bn before the coup, according to a study by the World Bank and World Food Programme. Niger has received just $82m this year against the expected $625m, the study found. The EU says Niger has financed only 62% of its…

A legislator with the far-right Alternative for Germany party was arrested yesterday on charges including displaying forbidden totalitarian symbols, with neighbours of his fraternity complaining of often hearing the Nazi “Sieg Heil” victory salute. Newly-elected Daniel Halemba, 22, was due to take up his seat in the Bavarian regional parliament later yesterday. He is a member of the Teutonia Prague student fraternity, whose premises were raided by police in September. During the raid, officials said, they found forbidden symbols – Germany’s constitution forbids the display of symbols of totalitarian regimes, like the swastika – and neighbours complained of hearing “Sieg Heil” (Hail Victory) from inside. A prosecution spokesperson said Halemba would be brought before court later yesterday or today. Charges include inciting racist abuse. A national conversation that is increasingly…

BEIJING: China’s military said yesterday that a Philippine vessel “illegally entered” waters near Scarborough Shoal without authorisation and it urged the Philippines to immediately stop its “provocations.” China and the Philippines have had several confrontations in disputed waters in the South China Sea, recently trading accusations about a collision between a Chinese coastguard vessel and a boat from the Philippines. “We are urging the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocations, and earnestly avoid further escalation,” said senior colonel Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army.…

Hamas released a video yesterday it said showed three women from the more than 230 people Israel says were abducted by militants and taken to Gaza during the October 7 attacks. The Palestinian Islamist group referred to the women in the 76-second video as “Zionist detainees” but it was not immediately possible to verify their identities. Sitting on plastic chairs against a white tile wall, one of the women urges Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree a prisoner exchange for the release of all captives. Speaking in Hebrew, she becomes very agitated and starts shouting, almost screaming by the end, as the other two remain silent. The hostages were seized when hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the border into southern Israel and attacked kibbutz communities, towns and military…