Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-08-28 i Cape Argus

Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses offers a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that brings to life the timeless myths of ancient Greece and Rome in a contemporary yet classical manner. Staged around a pool of water, this production allows audiences to witness the transformative nature of myths, both literally and figuratively. Drawing from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, the play revisits nine well-known stories that have captivated readers for centuries. This includes the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, King Midas’ curse and the intense passions of Aphrodite and Eros. Under the direction of Steven Stead, who previously helmed The Sound of Music, the production weaves these myths with a masterful blend of tone, ranging from the grandiose and epic to moments of subtle intimacy. Stead’s vision balances the enchanting and mythical with humour and raw emotion,…

ALLEGED underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack has been vindicated amid claims that he manipulated court documents to mislead his legal team. The confusion unfolded at the Western Cape High Court on Monday as Modack’s Legal Aid lawyer questioned the Hawks about claims that slain Anti-Gang Unit detective Charl Kinnear was meeting with alleged Sexy Boys gang boss, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen. This comes amid the mammoth underworld trial where Modack and 14 others are facing a string of charges linked to the murder of Kinnear and the botched hit on criminal defence attorney William Booth. Advocate Bash Sibda shocked the court this week when he hammered Hawks detective Edward du Plessis about the pinging of Kinnear and Booysen’s cellphones by Modack’s co-accused, Zane Kilian. Sibda produced a list of pings. Gasps were…

In what could be a game-changer for South Africa’s transition to renewable energy, Cape Town-based energy company Veers Group and Chinese solar giants Aiko Energy have unveiled a new joint venture called Aiko Energy SA. The partnership aims to transform the country’s solar sector by combining Aiko’s cutting-edge N-Type ABC solar modules with the Veers Group’s local expertise. Aiko Energy SA will focus on developing utility-scale and distribution solar sectors across South Africa and growing its distribution footprint across the country and the African continent. The venture is also committed to black economic empowerment and sustainable growth. Managing director of Aiko Energy SA, Muneeb Gambeno, said the partnership not only leverages Veers Group’s extensive expertise in South Africa but also prioritises the upliftment of local communities, thereby driving meaningful, sustainable…

RED Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) CEO Dr Anita Parbhoo has been named as one of this year’s Jakes Gerwel Award recipients. The award honours graduates of the UWC School of Public Health who have made a positive and significant impact through their academic or professional leadership and innovation. Parbhoo embarked on a journey to transform public health after being inspired by her father, who was also a doctor. The gentle-spirited doctor joined RCWMCH in 2008 as the medical manager. Thirteen years later, in 2021, she took over as CEO, championing many projects, including the creation of family-friendly bathrooms with the nursing manager at the time. She has also advocated for staff wellness, including a dedicated staff breast-feeding facility. In partnership with her management team, staff and the Children’s…

Despite Eskom riding the “no load shedding” wave, certain communities still suffer. South Africa has gone 154 days without load shedding. This week, Eskom revealed that it did not anticipate having to implement load shedding in summer. This comes after a record-breaking winter this year that saw no load shedding for the first time since 2018. According to Eskom,the base case set for summer was for unplanned outages to be below 13 000MW, which is conservative given that unexpected outages have recently been below 10 000MW. Even though Eskom would have enough coal-fired electricity available, in the base scenario, it would spend R3.5 billion on diesel to run the peaking power open-cycle gas turbines. Chief executive of Eskom Group Dan Marokane said it had not only prevented load shedding this…

IN JULY 2024, China hosted leaders of rival domestic political formations in Palestine, and later, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, in pursuit of fostering peace and political stability, offering Beijing as the centre of international diplomacy during global political crisis and uncertainty. Palestine in general, and Gaza, in particular, is facing the worst wars of our time, which could plunge the whole Middle East into conflict, while a slight miscalculation in the war between Ukraine and Russia could plunge Eastern Europe into major conflict with unpredictable global consequences. The fragmentation of political formations poses serious threats to the domestic prospects of unity and post conflict stability. Both conflicts present major challenges to global stability calling for global leaders and major powers to play responsible roles in ending the…

The All Blacks need to have their “eyes open” if they hope to knock over a more attacking Springbok team in Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown at Ellis Park (kick-off 5pm). That was the advice of their defence coach, Scott Hansen, as the Kiwis seek revenge for their 12-11 Rugby World Cup final defeat in Paris in October last year. It could not be closer between the two big rivals over the past few years. Since Rassie Erasmus took charge of the Boks in 2018, both teams have registered five victories, with a lone draw in Wellington in 2019. “We’ve had a look around where their game is and their style, and fundamentally, their coaches are building a game plan,” the 48-year-old former Crusaders scrumhalf said. “So, we understand what that…

Higher prices and shortages of potatoes will hit the country in the coming months as black frost destroys potato production. The limited supply of potatoes means the cost of potatoes and frozen chips will rise starting in September. M&R Marketing, based at Epping Fresh Produce Market and specialising in exporting and distributing fresh-produced fruit and vegetables, has issued a notice on a potato shortage expected to get worse in September. According to this agency, farmers experienced frost for six days a few weeks ago and they had not seen frost like that for 20 years; that frost destroyed their crops. M&R Marketing buyer Mohammed Adam said “the black frost has killed a lot of potatoes in the Limpopo region, and that has caused a shortage. The Western Cape is not…

AN elderly man, accused of shoplifting, was locked in a freezer for hours allegedly by security officers. Sandile Khwintshi, 52, was at Shoprite at the Gugulethu Mall when he was caught with two small drills on Sunday before 12pm. He was taken to the operational offices where he was assaulted by the staff members who then locked him in a cold storage. The man explained: “I was at Shoprite on Sunday when a man I know asked me to keep the drills. I thought he bought them so I walked out of the shop. “The security stopped me and said I had stolen the items. I kept trying to explain to them that I had not taken the drilling machines but they didn’t want to hear anything. They said I…

Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has welcomed the recent Supreme Court of Appeal’s (SCA) dismissal of an application by the founder of Thuja Capital Holdings, Mthunzi Mdwaba, concerning his R5 billion jobs scheme. Mdwaba’s application to appeal against judgments and other orders handed down by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria early this year was dismissed with costs on August 15 by the SCA. On April 19, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria set aside Mdwaba’s R5bn jobs scheme agreement and declared it invalid. This came after the court found that the agreement was entered into between the department and Thuja Capital without compliance with relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. Furthermore, acting Judge Japie Maritz ordered Mdwaba to refrain from making defamatory claims against then employment…

The DA, COPE and the EFF are urging the removal of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane over a controversial VBS Mutual Bank loan. According to reports, Simelane allegedly received a loan of R575 600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions in 2016, when she was still the mayor of Polokwane Municipality. Simelane, who served as mayor for the municipality between 2014 and 2021, until she was appointed as justice minister in June this year, allegedly used the loan to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton. The company, owned by Ralliom Razwinane, is directly linked to the unlawful investment of municipal funds into the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank during her time as mayor. According to the Daily Maverick, however, Simelane said “the transaction was completely above board”. Company owner…

The City’s Coastal Management Branch four-day clean-up operation has collected nearly 2 400 municipal bags at the Bantry Bay caves last week. The City's Coastal Conservation team started sweeping the area from the northern end of Clifton to the southern end of Bantry Bay on August 19 and by August 22 collected enough litter to fill 2 356 municipal bags. The team of 15 people swept the stretch from 9.30am to 2.30pm over four days. City’s mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the Coastal Management Branch co-ordinated the operation and provided the labour in partnership with the Shark Spotters and the Coastal Conservation crew. “Further assistance came from the Urban Waste Management Directorate, which collected the bags at pick-up points, and law enforcement officials for…

AS South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, the nation stands at a critical juncture, with deepening concerns about the state of its democratic institutions, economic exclusion, and the growing disillusionment of its citizens. The findings of the Zondo Commission and the Motlanthe High-Level Panel report on Parliament have exposed the critical shortcomings in our legislative bodies. They serve as a potent reminder that we, the people, should not merely be spectators to the parliamentary spectacles shown on television screens. Our role is not passive but active, and it is within our power to hold Parliament accountable and demand that our voices be heard and respected. This is a responsibility we all share. While the maturation of our democracy has brought some democratic dividends, the converse of receding trust and…

Cape Town City will host defending champions Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals today at Cape Town Stadium. The match was initially scheduled for yesterday but had to be postponed due to severe weather conditions in the Western Cape. The decision to postpone the match was made on the advice of the City of Cape Town authorities and stadium management, who reported gale-force winds averaging speeds of 67km/h. The adverse weather has led to collapsed buildings and blocked roads due to fallen trees, and affected stadium facilities. Tickets purchased for the match will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture (kick-off 6pm). The Citizens will be aiming to gain an advantage by playing at home first in the two-legged tie. “Pirates, playing at home or away, is…

Commercial theatre producers Disney Theatrical Group (DTG) will be making their way to South Africa in November for an extraordinary musical performance of The Lion King Jr. This will be the first time the junior production will be staged in SA. The DTG and the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) teamed up on a specially adapted production for young performers. The project forms part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the classic Disney animation, The Lion King. Director Julie Taymor’s award-winning stage adaptation, which is celebrating 25 years in London’s West End, has been seen in over 100 cities to more than 112 million people. Using masks, puppets and costumes, the musical tells the story of Simba’s epic adventures as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king. It…

EIGHT years after stealing R520 000 from the bank branch where she was employed, a former bank manager has been sentenced to prison, along with her husband and three others. Carmen Kolbee, was the branch manager at the Standard Bank in Kuils River at the time of her arrest in 2016. On Friday, August 23, 2024, Kolbee along with her estranged husband, Kensley Kolbee were each sentenced to 15 years behind bars for their role in the heist. Eric Ntabazalila of the National Prosecuting Authority explained: “I can confirm they were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each on Friday.” The husband-and-wife duo were convicted last month after appearing at the Blue Down’s Regional Court. The State proved Carmen had been the mastermind behind the heist and that they had planned…

THE three spheres of government have committed to working together in combating crime in the Western Cape. This was the outcome of an engagement with the province’s crime fighters, neighbourhood watched and community police forums alongside Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner Fanie Masemola The plan to work as a collective with the City and province was laid out as the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and is expected to be signed on Friday. But it is noteworthy that this is not an agreement to the devolution of powers to the province. Masemola said they plan to maximise the use of the resources. “All different structures must come together. We will focus on a proactive policing approach – joint visibility. “Policing requires both quality and quantity. Technology will help us…

Members of the public have less than 30 days to submit their appeals on why their identity documents (ID) have been wrongfully blocked, depriving them of accessing key governmental and other services. In an effort to clamp down on ID fraud, the Department of Home Affairs on August 16 announced that those in possession of wrongfully blocked ID could appeal this within 30 days. Written submissions on why the ID should not be cancelled should be sent to Sylvia.Phasha@dha.gov.za. This would also provide an opportunity for the department to resolve what it referred to as a “decades-old” issue of wrongfully blocked IDs while reducing the number of fraudulent documents in circulation. Some of the IDs were originally blocked as far back as 2005 for a number of reasons, including those…

Back for its tenth edition, the Cape Nature Access Week is promising to dazzle and draw in crowds this September. The annual week-long celebration, which takes place from September 21 and lasts for seven days, allows nature enthusiasts to visit 25 nature reserves – for free – to experience the various plants, indigenous flowers and other offerings. Cape Nature also facilitates different programmes for various community groups, including exciting events such as hiking, bird watching, swimming and mountain biking. Participating nature reserves range from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and the Klein Karoo: West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg Complex (Algeria, Kliphuis, Matjiesrivier), Rocherpan. Winelands: Limietberg (excluding Tweede Tol Picnic Area), Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Vrolijkheid. Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay,…

THE University of the Western Cape (UWC) women’s soccer team has returned home after their historic victory in Malawi. At the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers on Saturday, the ladies emerged as champions of the Cosafa region on Saturday. Their accomplishment became the first time an African university team had advanced to this round of the competition. The Caracals were welcomed back to loud cheers and celebrations at the Cape Town International Airport yesterday. Coach Thinasonke Mbuli commended her student athletes for striking a balance between their academic and athletic pursuits. Mbuli said that even though the county did not have a professional football league for women, the student team excelled at the highest level. “When it’s time to study, they study; when it’s time to play football, they give…

Many rugby pundits and Springbok supporters would have opted to start Handré Pollard ahead of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf against the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday (kick-off 5pm). Perhaps even fans of the young Stormers star may have felt that it was too much of a risk to throw Feinberg-Mngomezulu into the Ellis Park cauldron against a fired-up New Zealand looking to make a statement under new coach Scott “Razor” Robertson. But this 22-year-old pivot – much like Pollard himself at a similar stage of his career – is made of sterner stuff. He handled the pressure of wearing the No 10 jersey with aplomb in the two wins over the Wallabies in Australia – despite making a few mistakes in the rain in Perth – and has long…

WHENEVER the International Cricket Council (ICC) needs rescuing, particularly when it comes to last-minute and forced venue changes, the United Arab Emirates seems to swoop in. The UAE came to the rescue almost exactly three years ago when India could not host the Men’s T20 World Cup because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Push has come to shove once again, this time due to political unrest in Bangladesh, which was set to host the women’s version of the competition next month. Once again, the UAE has opened its doors in the form of two world-class stadiums – Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium – to save the world game. There are minor changes to the schedule, however. Last year’s World Cup runners-up, South Africa, will no longer play the…

The unusual steps taken by Rassie Erasmus to get Springbok talisman Eben Etzebeth into the starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks is all about the Boks going for the jugular in the Rugby Championship. Etzebeth was not announced in the team yesterday but could still make it through the back door if he shakes off a knee niggle. Erasmus took the unusual step of having his laptop with him at yesterday’s media conference and read out a long list of injured players, many of them locks. He said that he was not overplaying Etzebeth because he was supposed to have a bit of a break in the second Test against the Wallabies but ended up playing 60 minutes of the match when he replaced (concussed) Salmaan Moerat.…