Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-16 i Cape Argus

Two-thirds of South Africans don’t have wills. The 2025 Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey shows will-drafting has fallen to just 34% of the adult population, down from 39% last year. When it comes to drafting wills, we are slipping backwards – a troubling reality in a country where estates can take years to wind up, leaving families with heavy emotional and financial burdens. What will motivate more people to draft their documents? The results of the survey suggest that big life moments, such as births and deaths, move us to action, alongside reliable advice and affordable access. Advocate Sankie Morata CFP, chief executive of Sanlam Fiduciary Services, says: “Our latest survey results show that lived experiences – the loss of a loved one, becoming a parent, or seeing the consequences of…

Police were called to three crime scenes on Sunday after five people were killed, including a taxi driver, and three wounded in shootings. This was also days after Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced the decision to close several minibus routes following deadly clashes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta). Five people were shot in Europe, Gugulethu, leaving two dead and three injured on Sunday, and a taxi driver was killed in Nyanga. In a third shooting, two men were murdered in Barcelona informal settlement. The incident has been linked to extortion. It has yet to be confirmed whether two of the shooting incidents are linked to ongoing taxi violence. By last night, Cata and Codeta had not responded to…

The killer of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, Donovan Moodley, could be a step closer to freedom after the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board on Monday approved his release following his 20-year stint in prison. But Tania Koen, the lawyer who represents Leigh’s parents, Rob and Sharon Matthews, said they are still considering their options following the news from the parole board. It is not a given that Moodley will be released, as the minister of correctional services will have the final word. Koen meanwhile was one of the lawyers present yesterday to oppose the granting of parole and she said they did present the board with a victim impact report regarding Leigh’s parents. “Rob and Sharon did not feel up to attending the hearing, as they are emotionally drained.…

The Lotus Gardens, Atteridgeville, and Saulsville Civic Association (Lasca) has slammed the City of Tshwane’s council for approving a 5% salary increase for councillors, while City workers have been waiting for their own salary adjustments. Tshepo Mahlangu, the organisation’s leader, has been outspoken in his criticism, emphasising the perceived double standard in the treatment of councillors versus city employees. He argues that approving councillor salary increments while relying heavily on consultants instead of investing in the workforce undermines both residents and City employees. “Why should councillors be rewarded while employees are still fighting for their long overdue salary increases?” Mahlangu asked. He questioned the justification for councillor salary increments, noting that thousands of unemployed residents have protested the unemployment crisis and that outsourced security guards have long awaited insourcing. “We…

This week, National Clean-up and Recycle SA Week, Polyco’s Packa-Ching programme has announced significant achievements such as R37 million paid to communities and 31 million kg of waste diverted from landfills. This initiative, supported by Sasol and Shoprite, tackles plastic pollution and poverty through 47 mobile buy-back centres. National Clean-up and Recycle SA Week promotes responsible recycling, and culminates in National Recycling Day, Friday, and World Clean-Up Day on Saturday. “We are thrilled to celebrate these milestones during National Recycling Week,” said Patricia Pillay, Polyco CEO. “It shows what’s possible when we combine innovation, community action and industry collaboration, creating real environmental impact and real economic benefit. “Packa-Ching shows that extended producer responsibility (EPR) is working, not just on paper, but in people’s lives,” Pillay added. “It is a clear…

Manie Libbok has had to fight harder than most of the Springboks’ modern flyhalves to prove his worth. His pathway to the No 10 jersey has been marked by continuous scrutiny and second-guessing, particularly around his goal-kicking and game management under pressure. However, if his recent performances — especially his electric showing in the Wellington demolition of the All Blacks — are anything to go by, Libbok has firmly positioned himself as the Springboks’ undisputed top flyhalf. Against New Zealand in Wellington, the pivot delivered arguably his most complete game in the green and gold. It was a match where the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks with pace, power, physicality, and precision — and it was Libbok who orchestrated the tempo after coming on halfway through the first half for…

Liverpool left it late again to preserve their perfect start to the Premier League season, with Mohamed Salah striking a stoppage-time penalty to down Burnley. Manchester City demolished Manchester United, while Arsenal underlined their squad depth in a dominant win over Nottingham Forest. Haaland shows his class Manchester United handed a first Premier League start to Benjamin Sesko at the Etihad on Sunday, with the Slovenian earmarked to fill the side’s desperate need for a prolific marksman. But his threat was easily nullified by the City defence, with Erling Haaland demonstrating to United manager Ruben Amorim exactly what he is missing. The Norwegian would have had a hat-trick but for an astonishing miss when he struck the post between two classy finishes. After scoring five goals against Moldova in a…

The asking price of a property is often the starting point for negotiation, and it is common for buyers to look for a discount. Negotiating a discount is part of most property transactions, and the worst that can happen is that the seller says “no”. According to agents from the Seeff Property Group, there are some factors which buyers need to consider if they hope to get a discount on the seller's asking price. Firstly, determine whether there is actually an opportunity for a discount. If you are for example purchasing off-plan, then the prices are usually fixed, but there may be a special deal as part of the marketing of the development. Instances where you could perhaps get a discount on the asking price include where the property is…

The Studio made history at this year's Emmy Awards with an astonishing 13 wins. The Apple TV+ show's debut season broke the all-time record for most wins for a comedy series, taking home three more prizes than when The Bear set the record in 2023 with 10 wins. In addition, co-creator and star Seth Rogen tied for the record of most individual Emmy wins in one night, putting him on par with Moira Demos (2016), Amy Sherman-Palladino (2018) and Dan Levy (2020). He scooped the Lead Comedy Actor prize and another for co-directing an episode titled The Oner with Evan Goldberg. The show also saw Rogen, Evan, Frida Perez, Peter Huyck and Alex Gregory win Best Writing for a Comedy Series for The Studio’s pilot episode, and the top award,…

WESTERN Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile has let 17 police officers off the hook. The findings were revealed in Parliament last week, throwing a harsh light on the region’s top cop after he overturned dismissal rulings for officers nailed for serious misconduct These include a sergeant convicted in a criminal court, who was kept in the service with only a one-month suspension; and a captain who assaulted a female and a club owner, whose dismissal was reduced to a written warning. In addition, multiple officers who illegally handed over police exhibits, dismissals were replaced with final written warnings. In Parliament, DA MP Nicholas Gotsell questioned Patekile on how many cops were fired after disciplinary hearings only to have their dismissals overturned and their punishments cut to lighter sanctions, even…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has called for Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga to postpone the proceedings set to begin on Wednesday at Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, citing the party’s court application contesting the Commission’s legality. MKP national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the party, along with former Jacob Zuma in his personal capacity, has filed a court application with the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, challenging the commission’s composition, with the hearing scheduled for Thursday. The commission is set to investigate alleged corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6. He claimed there was political interference in the system, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy SAPS Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of conspiring to disband the political killings task…

A judge, in ordering the police to pay R100 000 in damages to a man in a case of mistaken identity relating to a taxi killing, described the SAPS’s conduct towards the 22-year-old as being “reprehensible” as they were set on intimidating and humiliating him. Banoyolo Magxala turned to the Eastern Cape High Court, sitting in Mthatha, where he claimed R500 000 in damages against the Minister of Police for unlawful arrest and detention. The police did not defend their actions. Magxala, a now former taxi driver, was detained overnight in a police cell on charges of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was set free the next day after the police realised they had the wrong person. Magxala testified that on…

The Proteas Women’s team are hoping to utilise the ODI series against Pakistan as preparation for the upcoming World Cup on the subcontinent. Laura Wolvaardt’s team face off against their familiar foes in three ODI’s, starting today at the Gaddafi Stadium, with both teams looking to fine tune their gameplans. “This series is crucial for us. Obviously heading to the subcontinent before the World Cup is a massive opportunity,” Wolvaardt told the media yesterday. “I think getting used to the conditions, the heat and humidity, obviously coming from winter back home, it's a bit of an adjustment. “I think we last played together was five/six weeks ago, so to build a bit of momentum heading into a big tournament like that is going to be huge. “They are a really…

One of the biggest myths in business is that you have to say “yes” to every opportunity. That’s like saying you should accept every WhatsApp group invite – before you know it, your phone is flooded with ‘good morning’ GIFs and unsolicited voice notes from people you barely remember. The truth is, saying no can be one of the most powerful business moves you can make. Not every deal is a good deal, not every partnership is worth the handshake, and not every client is worth the headache. In my time as an entrepreneur and investor, I’ve learned many hard lessons which have taught me to recognise bad deals very quickly. These lessons have also taught me that saying ‘no’ to these types of deals will free up capital and…

A Grade R teacher at Yellowwood Primary School in Mitchells Plain is being applauded on social media for keeping her learners safe during a shooting. A video shared on TikTok shows her class lying flat on the floor while listening to calming melodies as shots ring out outside the Tafelsig school. As the shooting continues, the scared little ones can be seen lifting their heads in shock, but are reassured by the teacher, who tells them to “close your eyes and listen to the music”. With over 197 000 views, the video was posted on Friday by a concerned grandparent who had nothing but praise for the teacher. The grandmother, who does not want to be named, said: “I was just so grateful to the teacher for keeping them calm.…

The three accused implicated in the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them in the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo yesterday. Immanuela David and siblings, Florian and Ndilinasho Joseph, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them after the theft of $580 000 from the Phala Phala game farm in 2020. The trio faces charges of theft, housebreaking, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal. David also faces a charge of money laundering. The money was allegedly stolen from a couch on Ramaphosa’s property, where it was hidden. After several delays, the trial began just two years after the trio was arrested. As the State presents its case before the court, a total of 20 witnesses are expected…

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says South Africa’s post-school education system will only be able to accommodate around half of the 850 000 matrics expected to sit for their final examinations this year. Manamela gave an update on the state of readiness of universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges ahead of the 2026 academic year, and the opening of applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). “The reality is that about 850 000 young people will be sitting for exams. If all of them pass, the system can only absorb half,” said Manamela. “Between now and the next three months, we will be looking for solutions for the rest. Some will look for jobs, take a gap year…

Cape Winelands Airport is awaiting the results of its final Environmental Application Report, also known as an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), submitted in May, to hear if they have the green light to build what is to become Cape Town’s own Lanseria International Airport. Managing director of Cape Winelands Airport, Deon Cloete, who was also the former general manager of Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), said that they have been working on the airport’s grand plans for the past five years. The EIR was completed by an environmental practitioner who oversees their application. Cape Winelands Airport, previously known as Fisantekraal Airport, has been in existence for over 80 years and is currently used for training, private aircraft charters, with four runways. The airport will have a 3.5km runway, and they…

Wanted! A nation with a conscience. Forget the empty rhetoric surrounding the wasteful national dialogue led by those who proved during the last election that they can no longer be trusted. It is up to citizens to look within to rediscover the moral compass of good that would make South Africa great. The people must find their own voices on issues of national importance. No politician with a sofa-load of money is going to convince us about good or bad. Neither would that man who once led the Moral Regeneration Movement persuade us that he knows anything about what is good for the nation. Perhaps, if he paid back the money for his palace, things would change through that example alone. Billions have been invested in the National Student Financial…

SOUTH Africa’s energy sector is the lifeblood of the economy; slight changes in electricity prices impact business and have a domino-like impact on prices, supply and demand of almost all goods. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), a post-apartheid entity, was created by consolidating the Electricity Control Board, the Gas Regulator and the Pipelines Regulatory Authority. It is the independent regulatory authority mandated to govern the South African energy industry in accordance with the country’s laws. Its core function is to balance the interests of energy producers, distributors, and consumers to ensure a sustainable and efficient energy sector for South Africa. The recent revelation was that Nersa made a catastrophic multibillion-rand error in its tariff calculation for Eskom resulting in a spike in electricity prices for households and…

Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign away to Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, with Mikel Arteta’s side buoyed by a summer overhaul of their forward line. Arsenal begin their pursuit of Champions League glory against Athletic Bilbao today powered by a new-look attack revitalised by the Gunners’ summer spending spree. Mikel Arteta’s men reached the semi-finals of Europe’s top competition for the first time since 2009 last season before losing to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners also fell short in the Premier League, where they finished runners-up for a third consecutive season, undone in part by an inconsistent forward line. Determined to address that weakness, Arteta strengthened in attack during the close-season, with Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze all recruited to add firepower and depth. With Bukayo…

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come out of the international break firing, lending credence to the notion that this could finally be his year to return the Gunners to the top of the pile for the first time since the 2003/04 season of the Invincibles. There were many, myself included, who felt the Gunners were just one quality goalscorer shy of mounting a legitimate title challenge. Enter Victor Gyökeres (give him time). How about back-up for star attacker Bukayo Saka? Noni Madueke provides quality cover on the right, while Eberechi Eze brings plenty of flair down the other flank or even centrally. And what would a transfer window be without the addition by the former midfield strongman of – you guessed it – another central defensive midfielder or two? The already…