Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-29 i Cape Argus

Cape Town will once again transform Adderley Street into a sparkling wonderland with the annual Festive Lights Switch-On event on Sunday. The much-loved tradition, which has lit up the city since the 1960s, is more than just a dazzling display of lights. It is also a celebration of togetherness, resilience and the vibrant spirit of the Mother City. This year’s event, under the theme “People of Hope”, celebrates unity, strength and optimism. The Festive Lights Switch-On began as a way to mark the start of the festive season, drawing Capetonians and visitors to the heart of the city. Over the decades, the tradition has evolved into a grand celebration which features performances, comedy and family-friendly entertainment, cementing its place as one of Cape Town’s cultural highlights. Adderley Street, with its…

South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, pictured, is taking viewers on a journey to explore the bizarre and fascinating corners of the working world in his latest docuseries, The World’s Strangest Jobs. The show, which premiered on Sunday, sees Bezuidenhout travelling the globe to uncover some unusual professions, from pet detectives in New York to rental boyfriends in Tokyo. Bezuidenhout described it as the “perfect Sunday watch” for those curious about unusual career paths. The comedian hinted that the show reflected some personal changes in his life. Recently, he revealed on social media that he and his wife, Mica McKechnie, have decided to part ways after less than two years of marriage. “You’ll see there are a lot of references to things like my wife – awkward – but it’s a…

A LAINGSBURG police officer has lifted the lid on the links between slain Tik Tok creator Suhail Mohamed, 34, aka Mr Zulu, and Durban arms dealer Anderson Padayachee, saying Mohamed was present during a gun bust in 2018. This came to light in the Western Cape High Court yesterday, as Padayachee returned for the continuation of his trial. The owner of Anderson’s Guns and Ammo in Wentworth, Durban, Padayachee has pleaded not guilty to 66 charges against him, including murder, attempted murder, fraud, violating the Firearms Control Act, and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act. Padayachee is accused of selling firearms illegally to the Terrible Josters gang, and was arrested by the Hawks in February 2021. At the time of his arrest, it was revealed that police seized…

SOUTH Africa’s electric car adoption rate might be slow at present, but work is progressing behind the scenes on a rural network of solar-powered charging stations to ensure the country is ready for a more electrified future. A company called Charge, formerly known as Zero Carbon Charge, this week opened its first off-grid, ultra-fast renewable energy powered EV charging station in Wolmaransstad in the North West. This, says Charge, is the first of 120 solar-powered charging stations that the company plans to erect on major routes over the coming year. The stations will be paired with farm stalls so that users can grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while waiting for their cars to charge. The intention is to space them out at 150km intervals to…

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis finds herself in a challenging position as she navigates through injuries and academic commitments while preparing her team for their final international friendlies of the year against Jamaica. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) looming next year, the stakes have never been higher. The South African national team arrived on the beautiful shores of Jamaica, informally known as ‘Jamrock’, to play two crucial matches against the Reggae Girlz. The first of those fixtures will take place tonight (3am SA time tomorrow), while the second will kickoff on Monday night (2.30am SA time on Tuesday). However, this expedition has not been without its share of difficulties. Ellis is grappling with the absence of key players due to injuries, along with several others who…

Manager Arne Slot expressed relief on Wednesday night that Liverpool had finally managed to beat Real Madrid for the first time in 15 years – but stressed he was not getting carried away by his team’s perfect start in the Champions League. Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo gave the Reds a deserved win in a dominant performance against the Champions League holders, whom they last beat in 2009. “You know how special it is to play against a team that has won the Champions League so many times. They were a pain for Liverpool for many years too,” said a delighted Slot, whose team has now won five out of five in Europe’s elite club competition. “I think it’s always good to win a game, and…

The Springbok Sevens are once again set to embrace the vibrant and supportive atmosphere of Dubai as they embark on their campaign in the World Rugby SVNS Series, hoping to replicate their success at their “second home”. Starting tomorrow, the Blitzboks will seek their sixth consecutive title in the season-opening tournament, hungry to establish strong momentum against formidable opponents Australia, Kenya, and France. With their first match against Australia scheduled for 8.50am, followed by a clash with Kenya at 12.58pm and a final pool clash against Olympic champions France at 6.44pm, co-captain Impi Visser expressed the team’s enthusiasm. “The excitement of a new season starting is palpable, and we always seem to jump the gun and be fast starters in Dubai,” he said yesterday. “Hopefully we can do that again…

Sean “Diddy” Combs has had his third bail application refused. The rapper, 54, is behind bars at a notoriously brutal New York jail after being arrested on September 16 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. So far, he has launched appeals to be released on a $50 million (R909 million) bond and asked to be released to be held on a private island ahead of his trial. Combs’ latest bail bid was denied after a hearing on Wednesday headed by federal judge Arun Subramanian, which was held after a bail bid launched by the performer during a court appearance on November 22. The judge said while refusing Combs’ latest bail application: “The court finds that the government has shown by clear and convincing evidence…

CRITICISM has surfaced regarding the recent reinstatement of Western Cape crime intelligence boss, Major-General Mzwandile Tiyo, who had been dismissed from his position several months ago. Tiyo will be encouraged to retire early, after he was fired following a Section 34 inquiry to establish his fitness to hold office. This, after allegations that he “lost” a laptop and a firearm, and used crime intelligence resources to find the thieves before assaulting them. The theft happened in 2022 while Tiyo was at a tavern. The belongings were in a car parked outside the Mbekweni establishment in Paarl. News of his return to work this week sparked concern over the ethics of the SAPS. Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, said reinstating the sacked crime intelligence boss was a miscarriage…

A SENIOR official of G4S security company, Mark Llewellyn Kannemeyer, 56, has been remanded in custody after appearing in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of illegal dealing and possession of firearms and ammunition. Kannemeyer was arrested by the Hawks after he allegedly tried to sell a semi-automatic rifle to undercover officers. “The matter was postponed to December 5 for formal application on schedule,” said Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Lloyd Ramovha. He said Kannemeyer was arrested in a “significant” operation conducted last Wednesday near Kannemeyer’s home in Westonaria. “It emanated from valuable intelligence received by the West Rand-based Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation team on November 18. “This concerned an individual who was selling an AR15 rifle, along with various calibres of ammunition,” said Ramovha. Following the intelligence, a search…

The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) argued that renaming Sandton Drive after Palestinian struggle hero, Leila Khaled, would starkly dishonour South Africa’s peace-building and reconciliation core values. The organisation’s stern disapproval comes after it led a protest against the pending proposal on Wednesday outside the City of Johannesburg Council Chambers in Braamfontein. The protest was supported by locals who attended in numbers, including members of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and former mayor of the metro, Mpho Phalatse. Spokesperson for SAFI, Bafana Modise, said changing the street to Leila Khaled Drive would be a step backward in the country’s efforts towards nation-building. “South Africa is a nation striving to heal its divisions. Renaming a prominent street after someone with such a violent legacy undermines this effort and promotes…

A TROUBLING incident at Darul Arqam Islamic High School in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain, has raised concerns about learner privacy and how the school handled a sensitive situation during the high-stress matric exams. The mother of an 18-year-old learner said her daughter was questioned by the school secretary about being pregnant and was told not to tell her mother about her being questioned. The mother expressed her shock, saying: “The fact that my child was questioned by the secretary and told to not tell me boggles my mind.” The mother also criticized teachers for conducting their own investigations and gossiping among themselves. She recalled how distressed her daughter was when she came home. “I could not believe the state my daughter was in when she got home, I could see she…

As the United Rugby Championship season reaches a critical juncture, the Stormers find themselves in a precarious position. A crucial clash awaits them tomorrow in Durban, where they will attempt to restore some pride against their coastal rivals, the Sharks, at Kings Park (5pm start). The Cape side are enjoying an unbeaten record against the Sharks in this tournament, but with three losses already marring their campaign, they now sit in the unfamiliar territory of 13th place on the log. To compound their challenges, the Stormers will enter the match short-handed, missing several key Springbok players due to injuries. Notably absent will be prop stalwarts Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff, both essential for neutralising the Sharks’ formidable scrum. Also missing from the backline is the experienced Damian Willemse, a double…

South African multi-award-winning musician Tyla is riding a wave of extraordinary success, having made history yet again with her hit song, Water. According to Chart Beat by Billboard, Water has become the first solo song in history to spend 52 weeks at No 1 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart. The song, which was released on July 28 last year, peaked at No 11 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. The song entered the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart at No 37 on September 9 last year, before debuting at No 67 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on October 14, 2023. In total, Water has been on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart for 65 weeks. Tyla’s Tygers took to the comments to congratulate the “pretty girl from…

It will cost as much as R2 million for those who want to sit next to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party President Jacob Zuma, at the party’s upcoming gala dinner. MK Party will celebrate their first anniversary with the main event being at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 15, followed by the gala dinner at the Olive Convention Centre, also in Durban, the following evening. According to the party, the festivities are intended to raise money for the party’s future in addition as honouring their accomplishments. Stakeholders, organisations, and individuals are invited. “This celebration is more than an event; it is a moment to honour our shared legacy and pave the way for future success. “We encourage our stakeholders to take part in this historic milestone and contribute to the…

Victorious Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler breathed a massive sigh of relief the moment referee Thokozani Mkhize blew the full-time whistle in his team’s 1-0 Premiership win over Polokwane City at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night. There was a hint of desperation in Tinkler’s voice as he expressed his delight after his team ended a run of three games without a goal in all competitions. City had only found the back of the net twice in their opening five Premiership matches, and they were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. The Cape side are now in 10th place on the standings, two points outside the top eight. “Today’s three points at home were extremely, extremely important. I don’t think I can emphasise that more.…

Despite having been on a 12-week-long rehabilitation and conditioning break, left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen led from the front on day two of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban yesterday as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for 42 – the lowest Test total in South Africa since readmission. The lanky quick showed very few signs of rust as he blew the visitors away with figures of 7/13 in 41 balls, the best return of his 14-Test career. Alongside Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee, the 24-year-old rescued South Africa after they put up 191 runs in the first innings and cleaned up the visitors in only 83 balls, making it the shortest completed innings in 137 years of Test cricket. Most importantly, the fast bowlers had given South Africa the…

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi was pleased with the team’s victory over beleaguered Richards Bay on Wednesday night – but said the playing standard was below expectation. Chiefs played the second half with 10 players after defender Reeve Frosler was sent off for an early shower following two yellow cards. Even then, Richards Bay battled to drive home the advantage, although they managed a consolation goal from Yanele Mbuthuma in the dying minutes as the match ended 2-1 in Chiefs’ favour. This Richards Bay team have one win in eight outings, and Nabi was justifiably disappointed that the Amakhosi did not produce a performance of which the famous club can be proud. The Tunisian mentor said he was busy with a project at Naturena to raise the level of play…