Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-10 i Weekend Argus Saturday

The Democratic Alliance has criticised Defence Minister Angie Motshekga for failing to attend a critical meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, where the recent withdrawal of SANDF troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was set to be addressed. Despite the meeting being held virtually, the Minister was reportedly travelling in Russia and instead delegated the responsibility to her Deputy. The DA has highlighted the gravity of this issue, particularly after 14 South African soldiers lost their lives during the mission in the DRC. DA Spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, criticised the Minister’s absence, saying, “After 14 South African lives were lost during the mission in the DRC, it is appalling that the Minister is somehow unavailable to account to the people of South…

SAPS revealed their new police station will be built in Belhar, with site clearance under way. This marks a step in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve police infrastructure and service delivery in the Western Cape. According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the Belhar station is expected to be completed during the 2028/29 financial year. Mathe said that while construction is in its early stages, the site clearance is progressing and is anticipated to be finalised by the end of June 2025. Following this, the planning and design phase will commence and is projected to run until June 2026. Once completed, the station will be staffed by a total of 107 officers. However, no specific budget has been made available at this stage, as consultants for the project have…

As ULTRA South Africa celebrates over a decade of establishing itself as a cornerstone in the electronic music landscape, it not only continues to push production boundaries but also embraces a line-up that reflects the vibrant future of dance music: diverse, unapologetic, and firmly ahead of the curve. The festival is proud to feature a growing roster of female and LGBTQ+ talent whose sounds, powerful visuals, and cultural impact are actively reshaping dance floors worldwide. Among the pioneers setting the stage is DJ Lady Lea is a fixture at ULTRA and the founder of Divas on Decks – a DJ agency dedicated to mentoring emerging female artists. Her legacy has not only inspired generations of women to find their place in the scene but also has paved pathways for future…

The Two Oceans Aquarium will participate in a significant beach clean-up initiative next Saturday, in collaboration with a local radio station, to celebrate World Turtle Day. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lagoon Beach, the event, aptly named Trash Bash, aims to engage the community in removing litter from one of Table Bay’s most polluted shorelines. This event will kick off on World Turtle Day, on May 23. Trish Taylor, head of Primedia Cares, emphasised the importance of cleanliness in the marine environment: “Every piece of plastic we remove from the beach is one less threat to our turtles, our ocean, and ultimately ourselves.” Helen Lockhart, conservation and sustainability manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium, said: “May is an important month for ocean conservation awareness with Endangered Species Day on…

When 33-year-old Kyle Wright entered the radiotherapy unit of the hospital for his final treatment session, he was met with an unexpected celebration – one that would match the warmth of his spirit. Born with cerebral palsy, Kyle had recently completed a month-long radiation therapy for testicular cancer, a journey he faced with resilience and positivity. Kyle’s affinity for Netcare 911 began when he was just 16 years old. A medical emergency had necessitated an ambulance ride from Howick to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital. Despite the pain and distress, he specifically requested the ambulance crew to sound the siren, and from that moment on, his admiration for the EMTs transformed into a lifelong bond. “He has been Netcare 911’s number one supporter since then,” Kyle’s mother, Anthea Wright, recounts fondly.…

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education this week, reaffirming her department’s commitment to delivering safe, dignified school infrastructure across South Africa. Gwarube outlined key progress made under the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) and other programmes, including the replacement of 331 schools built from inappropriate materials, clean water connections to 1 336 schools, electrification of 373 schools, and the provision of new sanitation to over 1 000 schools. The Minister also confirmed that 96% of pit toilets targeted under the SAFE initiative have been eradicated. Despite these strides, she acknowledged the scale of the work still ahead, like the significant infrastructure backlog. Gwarube also played open cards explaining that over 8 200 schools are in need of additional classrooms and…

Kia managed to boost the popularity of its Sonet compact SUV by introducing a significantly cheaper LS base model in 2024, and now the Korean carmaker is aiming to achieve the same with the slightly larger Seltos. The importer has quietly added a new 1.5-litre LS model to the family, which is available for R379 995 in manual guise and R404 995 as a CVT auto, as reported by Cars.co.za. Not only does this lower the entry price of the Seltos range by R88 000, but it also positions the model closer to similarly-sized rivals like the Suzuki Grand Vitara, which starts at R358 900, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser, from R342 500. Like the bulk of the Seltos range, the LS is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre normally aspirated…

Cryptocurrency has changed the way we think about money, but for many South Africans, it’s still an unfamiliar and confusing space. It’s digital, fast-moving, and full of both opportunities and risks. And while crypto offers exciting ways to invest and make transactions, it also comes with scams, speculation, and serious pitfalls. As a personal finance editor, I’ve seen stories of people who invested in Bitcoin or Ethereum at the wrong time, lost thousands to scam platforms, or blindly followed advice from influencers promising instant wealth. I even experienced it myself. A few years ago, I was approached by someone claiming they had a guaranteed investment strategy that would double my money in a month. I hesitated, although the numbers looked convincing, and the platform was filled with “success stories” of…

With South African salaries slowly falling behind the rising cost of living, side hustles are becoming a practical and increasingly popular way for enterprising people to make up the shortfall. Over the past five years, nominal take-home pay rose by 22.8%, but cumulatively inflation has increased by 26,6%, effectively reducing salary earners’ spending power by nearly 4%. Add to this other pressures, such as rising electricity and other service costs, tax bracket creep, and finding a way to top up the monthly pay cheque becomes increasingly necessary. Side hustles gained traction during the COVID-19 lockdowns, as people stuck at home had the time to explore new ways to supplement their income. Research indicates that now between 14% and 16% of middle-income households earn additional income from one or more side…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken a significant step in its strategic restructuring by appointing Shukri Conrad as the head coach of the Proteas Men’s all-format team. It confirmed Independent Media’s report back on April 1 already stating that Conrad would succeed former Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter after his sudden resignation. Conrad has been at the helm of the Test squad since January 2023 and will now extend his influence on the white-ball formats, starting with the T20 International tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in July. The 58-year-old will lead the national team through to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which is poised to take place on home soil. This decision comes as part of CSA's broader initiative to revitalise the national team structure, which further…

Sometimes, it’s important to take a step backwards, so that you can take two forward. I mean, just look at how Iqraam Rayners’ life has transformed lately. When Rayners struggled to cut the mustard at SuperSport United between 2020 - 2023, that must have been a dark period in his career. No doubt! He had, after all, left the comfort of his hometown club Stellenbosch where he had scored a club record of 36 goals in 81 appearances hoping for greener pastures. But instead of making the most of that opportunity, he formed part of an ugly statistic - he became one of the Western Cape-born footballers who struggled to live up to the fast life of Gauteng. So, that must have stung for Rayners as he must have had…

As Mother’s Day approaches, the quest for the perfect gift is on the minds of many. While flowers and chocolates have their charm, a thoughtfully selected book can create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of mothers everywhere. This year, we’ve curated a diverse list highlighting titles that celebrate motherhood, empowerment, self-discovery, and a bit of escapism – books sure to resonate with every type of mom. Cupcakes & Couscous: From My Kitchen to Yours Teresa Ulyate Start your Mother’s Day gifting journey with Cupcakes & Couscous by Teresa Ulyate. This enchanting cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a reflection of Ulyate’s cooking and eating style, artfully blending nostalgia-inspired dishes with accessible new recipes. “I believe in balancing wholesome nourishment and special treats,”…

The call came in just after 7pm as the paramedics began the night shift: a man had been stabbed in the head with a glass bottle and was bleeding heavily. The medical crew and their ambulance from Cape Town’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were only minutes away. But they could not respond until they had an armed police escort. The Cape Flats, low-lying townships outside Cape Town, are hotspots for murder and gang violence in a country already plagued by one of the highest crime rates in the world. The sprawling area of Philippi, where the wounded man lay bleeding in a shack, is among the most dangerous. It is one of nine Red Zones in Cape Town where the EMS refuses to allow its medical crews to move without…

The South African Navy honoured its members for distinguished service, acts of bravery, and long-standing dedication to duty during the Chief of the Navy Medal Parade – an official military ceremony. For Captain Riedewaan Semaar, the South African Service Medal represents far more than a military decoration. It is a deeply personal symbol of a complex journey – from teenage freedom fighter to career naval officer – etched in memory and service. Semaar was part of the historic 1994 intake that saw the integration of former liberation armies, Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, into the newly established South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The South African Service Medal, instituted by Warrant on 25 June 1999, was awarded to him in recognition of internal operational service rendered…

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has intensified its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the launch of its 10th GBV Ambassador Programme, expanding coverage to Cape Town’s Metro South region. The new cohort of 68 trained GBV Ambassadors will serve communities in Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Philippi, Browns Farm, and Gugulethu. These volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness about available GBV support services, assisting in early interventions, and working closely with the police and refer cases of domestic violence. They also volunteer in the police victim-friendly rooms to support survivors. With this latest launch, a total of 283 ambassadors are now active across the province, including areas such as Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Ceres, and parts of the Cape Metro. For many of these volunteers,…

Bidders Choice is hosting the online auction of a deceased estate in a retirement village in Graanendal, Durbanville. The two-bedroom home has an erf extent of ±465m2 and is in the Villa Cortona Retirement Estate. It comprises: Two bedrooms Family bathroom Open-plan kitchen Large lounge and dining area Large open stoep Study Double garage Family room or sunroom Enclosed washing line area Viewing is on May 21 from 10am to 3pm. Bids open on May 27 at 8am and close on May 28 from 12am. For more information, please visit www.bidderschoice.co.za or call Casper on 082 459 8877.…

In a world marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting social values, and increasingly urgent global challenges, the concept of volunteering is also evolving. What once involved traditional hands-on activities carried out in person, often within a local community, has grown into a diverse, dynamic, and deeply impactful global movement. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s clear that the future of volunteering will be shaped by adaptability, innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. At the heart of this transformation lies a shared desire: the will to make a difference. Whether it’s fighting climate change, improving mental health, addressing food insecurity, or promoting education, volunteering remains one of the most powerful tools individuals have to create real change. Let’s explore some of the emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of volunteering -…

“Growing up, I was raised in the slums of Muchini. I lost my mum when I was three. I then moved to my grandmother’s side – my mum’s mum. She happened to be a devoted Christian, and her family was musically inclined. My mum was the first of five siblings. My grandmother still had four other musically inclined children – instrumentalists and vocalists. Watching them make music helped me grow. That’s how I fell in love with music,” Oxlade said. As Oxlade introduces himself, it’s easy to see that his upbringing wasn’t easy. However, it was in this difficulty that he found himself – and eventually, he found music. Recalling his first song, a cover titled It’s Okay, Oxlade shares the story of his first time recording music. “I really…

My children – 12, 10 and 7 – sat us down to show us their PowerPoint presentation. The slides, designed to convince my husband and me that we needed a second dog, included photos of newborn puppies, potential names and how the kids would contribute. “Turtle would have a friend!” their last slide read. Turtle, our shaggy, beige 14.5kg labradoodle, was almost 3. From his first puppy weeks, he would stay at my side during the day. Each night, he curled up in bed with whichever kid needed him most. “Maybe it’s not a terrible idea?” I said to my husband. My sister’s dog had just delivered a healthy litter, and soon the puppies would need homes. My sister lived in Nashville and I lived in North Carolina. A chance…

Cape Town has been named the inaugural host city for Thrive by WHX, a global health and wellness experience launching in September 2025. Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets – Healthcare, said the choice was deliberate, citing the city’s unique combination of natural beauty, innovation, and an active lifestyle culture. “Cape Town embodies the spirit of wellness, innovation, and active living that Thrive celebrates,” Coleman said. “It offers a unique mix of world-class infrastructure, an emerging health-conscious community, and a growing culture of fitness and wellbeing.” Thrive aims to place Cape Town on the global stage as Africa’s wellness capital. While the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is not formally involved, the Ministry of Sports has pledged official support, helping to open the event. The event will…

There is no denying the Suzuki Jimny is the coolest car on South Africa’s roads. It’s giving “honey, I shrunk the G-Class”. It’s functional and highly customisable too, and with the introduction of the five-door version, far more practical than ever. I had the honour of testing the Jimny five-door immediately after spending a week in the spectacularly luxurious Range Rover Velar, and when the Suzuki arrived, I was more excited than I was when the footballer’s ride pulled up. Clad in black, with its charcoal grey alloys – the Suzuki Jimny, not the Velar – it was incredibly easy on the eye. And there’s no doubt about its off-road capability too, with a proper low-range gearbox and four-wheel drive, its skinny wheels helping with manoeuvrability in the rough stuff,…

Australia’s federal election, held less than a week after Canada’s, has produced a shockingly similar outcome. Commentators all over the world have pointed out the parallels. In both countries, centre-left governments looked like they were in serious trouble not long ago. On February 23, a Resolve Strategic poll found the Coalition leading Labor 55-45% on a two-party-preferred basis. An Angus Reid poll in December found voting intention for Canada’s Liberals dropping to just 16%, compared to 45% for the Conservatives. Yet both governments are now celebrating historic victories. And in both countries, the conservative opposition leaders, Pierre Poilievre and Peter Dutton, lost their own seats. US President Donald Trump was undoubtedly a factor in both elections. Even Trump’s most ardent Australian fans admit the reversal of the Coalition’s fortunes in…

A pension fund is obliged to provide the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) with requested information without obtaining consent from beneficiaries, says Muvhango Lukhaimane, the PFA. According to Lukhaimane, funds cannot use the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) as an excuse to withhold information from the PFA. She says that as a public body, as defined in the Act, the PFA has the right to access personal information when performing its duties. This came to light in a recent determination, where Lukhaimane made it clear that the PFA falls within the definition of a tribunal under POPIA and is permitted to collect personal information when necessary for its investigations. The issue arose when a fund initially refused to provide its investigation report to the PFA, citing the need to protect…

The Budget fiasco reveals the state of the nation’s finances. South Africa has run out of money. This comes at a time when many state institutions have failed. It is not newsworthy to list them all, but we need to add the failing justice system to the list, as extraordinarily little media coverage was given to this very tragic tipping point that we have reached. A new directive was issued In April 2025, from “office of the judge president gauteng division of the high court of south africa” as per Dunstan Mlambo, judge president. The problem stated is: “The caseload of the Division continued to rise and has now reached unmanageable levels. The state of the Civil Trial rolls is a source of serious concern. Civil Trial dates in…

In the wake of the departures of two prominent Romans, pre the Italian Open, first the passing of beloved pontif, Pope Francis and then to a lesser extent, the retirement of former Italian No 1, Fabio Fognini, the return of World No 1, Jannik Sinner, to Foro Italico, is all the more poignant. This marks Sinners first professional appearance, since the Australian Open, after a provisional three-month drug suspension. He finds himself in the top half of the draw, together with newly crowned, Madrid champion, Casper Ruud, with whom, he will potentially clash in the quarters and in the opposite side of the draw to arch rivals, World No 3, Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion, Alexander Zverev, whom he’s destined to meet in the semis. Alcaraz, bouncing back from…

Africa, a continent renowned for its wildlife and safaris, is often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond its iconic savannahs and majestic animals lies another treasure waiting to be discovered: its stunning coastal destinations. With a staggering 30 500 km of coastline, Africa is home to a diverse array of beaches that cater to sun-seekers and adventure lovers alike. Discover the distinct allure of East Africa’s islands: Zanzibar’s soft, white beaches contrast with the Seychelles’ lively seascapes, both providing stunning natural beauty, rich cultures, and a wealth of memorable activities. As you explore Africa's coastlines, you'll find that each destination tells its own story, shaped by the local culture and the natural environment. The continent's beaches are not just places to relax; they are gateways…

A 10-year old boy had his dream dashed when he was refused entry on an Emirates Airlines flight to Abu Dhabi to watch the Formula 1 with his grandparents even though he had the right documentation. What was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and year-long dream for Lola Clarke’s 10 year old grandson, to attend the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix with his grandmother, turned into a nightmare when he was wrongfully refused boarding by Emirates Airlines officials at the Cape Town International Airport, despite the family having obtained confirmation from the UAE Immigration offices that he did have a valid visa. Lola Clark, a director of a property investment company, has now sent a letter of demand to the airline through her attorneys, Trudie Broekmann Attorneys. Emirates…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has appointed Advocate Paul Pretorius SC to strengthen the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC)’s investigation into cases that emanate from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry report. On Friday, NPA national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga, said there are ongoing engagements regarding the extension of Pretorius’ contract. Pretorius served as the evidence leader for the State Capture Commission. “(We wish) to confirm that the appointment of Adv Paul Pretorius SC in terms of Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act is being processed by IDAC and such process is at an advanced stage. “The IDAC sought the services of Adv Pretorius to strengthen its capacity in dealing with, and managing, state capture cases that emanate from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry report that was submitted to the…

The notorious stretch of road along Baden Powell Drive has once again been thrust into the spotlight after the bodies of two men were discovered in bushes near Strandfontein. The incident has reignited long-standing community demands for proper lighting and CCTV surveillance along this dark and dangerous route. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said: “Strandfontein SAPS registered two counts of murder following the discovery of the bodies of two unknown men in the bushes off the road. “Both men, in their early thirties, succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head. “The discovery was made by a passer-by who flagged down a patrol van and pointed out the location. The motive is yet to be established. No arrests have been made.” The murders add to a growing list of gruesome discoveries…

The three convicted offenders in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith will be sentenced at the end of May, Judge Nathan Erasmus announced during pre-sentencing proceedings at the Western Cape High Court. Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn – who were found guilty on May 2 – appeared briefly as Erasmus confirmed that sentencing proceedings will take place over three days, from 27 to 29 May. Unusually, the hearings will be held at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, close to Joshlin’s home and the community most directly affected by her disappearance. The trio was convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin, who vanished from her Middelpos home in Diazville in February 2024. At the time, Joshlin had…

The 2025 South African National Rowing Championships, held over the weekend of April 26–27, brought together the country’s finest rowing talent in an action-packed regatta featuring school, club, provincial and national team crews. A major highlight of the weekend was the impressive showing from South Africa’s junior, U23, and senior national squads, who used the regatta as a final opportunity to trial combinations and test speed ahead of upcoming World Championship competition. Two of the standout women’s events of the weekend came in the Women’s A Single Sculls and Women’s A Pair. In the single sculls final, Kat Williams claimed a decisive victory, followed by Paige Badenhorst in second and Courtney Westley in third. The final also featured strong performances from Chloe Cresswell and promising newcomer Donè Erasmus, who finished…

The Rotary Peace Garden, officially launched on the final day of the Rotary Intercountry Committee (ICC) Africa Peace Forum from April 25 to 27, takes pride of place within the Long March to Freedom Bronze Statue Park in Century City. This new garden embodies the spirit of global co-operation and the relentless pursuit of peace. Surrounded by 101 bronze figures representing South Africa’s legendary leaders, the garden is rooted in indigenous flora, serving as a reminder that, like the plants it nurtures, the ideals of peace must be cultivated and cherished. “This garden is more than a symbol. It is a space where peace can grow. It is a commitment, a promise and a reminder that peacebuilding doesn’t end with words – it lives in what we do next,” remarked…

Cape Town will host the 2025 F20 Climate Solutions Forum on May 27–28, marking the first time the global event takes place on African soil. Co-hosted by the Foundations Platform F20 and Democracy Works Foundation, the forum aims to put Africa’s climate and development priorities at the centre of global philanthropic and policy discussions. Timed ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, the event will gather climate leaders, philanthropies and civil society to drive inclusive governance, sustainable finance and climate justice. With South Africa holding the G20 presidency, the forum supports the theme, “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development”. Profile speakers include EU Ambassador Sandra Kramer, Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews and Dorah Modise of the Presidential Climate Commission. Sessions will span topics such as food security, democratic resilience and…

People who insist that the original Land Rover Defender is the only true Defender now have an opportunity to own a new and upgraded Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, which Land Rover says is the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender. V8 powertrains are nothing new in a Defender, starting with the Series III Stage 1 3.5-litre Rover V8 in 1979 and, have been used in a number of Defenders around the globe since then, including in South Africa where there are a number of examples still running. Engine It’s exclusively available on the short-wheelbase 90 chassis and is the first Defender Soft Top since 2016, following the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert…

The phone rings, and it’s some sort of telemarketer on the other end. It’s hard to tell because the line isn’t the best. After checking that they have their victim, they say: “I have your information in front of me, and you are paying too much interest.” Of course, when probed, they vacillate and claim to have misunderstood what they said. There seems to be very little someone can do about this, given that the company is essentially anonymous. This is all illegal. Yet, the only thing I can think of doing is to report the number and then block it through TrueCaller. However, there are other avenues that, although time-consuming, should benefit everyone in the long run. The Direct Marketing Association of South Africa, a voluntary body for…

Debt is like deceit: a minor transgression can trigger a series of increasingly darker ones, each to cover up the previous one, until the situation is worse than anything you could have imagined. On the financial front, the scenario might look like this: Transgression #1: You don’t pay off the full amount on your credit card because you need to settle an exorbitant dentist’s bill that the medical aid wouldn’t cover. Transgression #2: You go into overdraft on your bank account because the rising debt on your credit card is causing your monthly repayments to spiral. Transgression #3: You miss a repayment on your car loan because you have maxed out both your credit card and your overdraft. Transgression #4: You take out a personal loan at a prohibitively high…

The Stormers want to expand their player capacity ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs while maintaining the momentum of the last two games. That is why director of rugby John Dobson decided on strategic positional changes for Saturday’s clash with the Dragons in Cape Town (6.15pm kick-off). While they are expecting a wet game, which could change their game plan slightly, they have largely stuck with the backline that ran Benetton to shreds a couple of weeks ago. Outside centre Wandisile Simelane and winger Ben Loader will get some game time. It is to ensure if they are needed by the knockouts, they’ve had some playing minutes under their belt. That’s the only change amongst the backs. Up front, Vernon Matongo gets a start at loosehead, while Bok…

The allure of world-famous destinations is gradually fading as thoughtful travel frameworks gain traction among contemporary explorers. In an era marked by the phenomenon of “the joy of missing out”, or JOMO, a significant shift in travel philosophy is emerging. No longer do tourists clamber for the perfect selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or jostle for prime viewing spots at Santorini's idyllic sunsets. A revealing 2025 survey has shown that over 75% of travellers are voicing genuine concerns about overtourism, signalling a broader call for the industry to evolve. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company, an astonishing 80% of tourists flock to a mere 10% of the world’s iconic attractions. This staggering statistic not only illustrates the challenge of overcrowding but also suggests a detrimental impact…