Indholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-24 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Texas oil field drama Landman has been renewed for a third season. The original drama series stars Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton, Oscar-nominated actors Demi Moore and Andy Garcia, Oscar-nominated actor Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan and Colm Feore. The first season of Landman was one of the biggest shows of 2024-25, averaging 15.8 million viewers in Nielsen’s 35-day, cross-platform ratings. The second season’s premiere nabbed the biggest season or series premiere in Paramount+’s history with 9.2 million views worldwide over its first few days. Thornton scored a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Tommy Norris. In Landman, Thornton plays an overseer of an oil-drilling operation in West Texas. He manages…

DAVOS – Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survé has called for closer collaboration between government, business and society to strengthen South Africa’s image as an attractive investment destination, saying the country’s future success depends on stakeholders working together. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Survé welcomed the tone and substance of speeches by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, saying they reinforced the message that South Africa is moving in the right direction. “I think they were really good speeches by the ministers,” said Survé. “They reaffirm South Africa’s trend towards becoming a more investment-friendly destination. That’s good for the country and good for South Africa’s brand image.” As a leading figure in the private sector,…

A frustrated mother is at her wits’ end after Home Affairs denied her son an identity document, all because of an exclamation mark (!) in his name. For nearly a year, 18-year-old!Khúboab Oedasoua Lawrence has existed in a bureaucratic limbo, even though his name is recognised by his family, community, and culture, but not fully by the state. Lawrence applied for his identity document in 2024 and received confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs acknowledging receipt of his application on April 3 last year. Almost a year later, the document has still not been issued, with officials citing technical limitations related to the processing of “special characters” in his name. For his mother, Lesle Jansen, the delay is not merely administrative. She says it strikes at the core of…

Public anger has mounted over perceived failures in the child protection system after a disturbing video showing the abuse of an intellectually disabled boy in Macassar circulated widely on social media. The footage, which has sparked widespread condemnation, shows a boy known in the community to have intellectual and physical disabilities being assaulted after entering a nearby home. The incident has renewed scrutiny of the role and oversight of non-government organisations (NGOs) contracted by the Department of Social Development (DSD) to provide child protection services. On-the-ground activist Zona Morton said the child, an intellectually disabled teenager, had previously been flagged as at risk and referred twice to Child Welfare South Africa, the designated NGO funded by DSD in the Macassar area. Despite these referrals, Morton alleges that the child was…

Tears, laughter, dancing, and memories filled the Cape Town City Hall auditorium as David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen were honoured for their immense contribution to Cape Town’s cultural heritage with the Freedom of the City Award. The ceremony, held this week, kicked off at the Nelson Mandela statue, where members of the Kramer and Petersen families stood together, watching the guard of honour and warmly waving to members of the public who had gathered to share in the moment. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis awarded the City’s highest civic honour to two of its most loved cultural icons, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen. This marked the first awarding of the Freedom of the City in Cape Town in almost a decade. In his address, the Hill-Lewis…

In a world where evolution seems to favour traits that enhance reproductive success, a curious phenomenon has emerged from the study of nonhuman primates: same-sex sexual behaviour. While this behaviour may initially strike observers as non-reproductive and, therefore, evolutionarily questionable, new research reveals that same-gender interactions may serve crucial survival functions in certain species. A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution offers fresh insights into the complexities of natural selection. Through their analysis of 491 primate species, researchers, led by Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London, found strong evidence of same-sex behaviour in 59 species, with 23 exhibiting repeated instances of such interactions. The findings indicate that both male and female nonhuman primates engage in same-sex relations, challenging the previous understanding of social behaviours that support…

In a remarkable example of interspecies communication, researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) have uncovered that honey-hunting communities in northern Mozambique utilise regionally distinct “dialects” when interacting with honeyguide birds. This groundbreaking study, recently published in People and Nature, not only highlights the complexities of human-wildlife interactions but also reveals striking parallels between how human languages diversify across regions. The study showcases the first documented instance of variable human-to-wildlife communication that mimics the linguistic diversity found among human populations. Each dialect allows local communities to work alongside greater honey-guides (Indicator indicator), wild birds renowned for leading humans to the nests of honeybees. In this mutually beneficial relationship, honey-hunters and honey-guides engage in a unique cooperative behaviour translating into shared rewards: honey-seeking humans save time and effort while the…

South African-born Sean Berriman kept the flag flying at the Dakar Rally, finishing in second place as co-driver in the Defender Rally Stock Class in their debut at the world’s most gruelling off-road race. Berriman, navigating for American driver Sara Price, finished second overall in class after two relentless weeks in the Saudi Arabian desert. Ahead of them were teammates Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal, who sealed the Stock class win, while Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Mika Metge rounded out Defender’s effort in fourth. When the final stage ended, Defender’s three crews had filled the top three positions on 10 of the 13 stages. Between them, the trio covered around 24 000km of dunes, rocks and high-speed desert tracks, all while staying within the tight limitations of…

This week I attended Liberty’s Planifest 2026: From Vision to Action. The event was not only insightful but also practical, reminding us that financial planning is about more than numbers — it is about purpose, and about the life we are trying to build. What resonated with me was the idea that it all begins with intention. But intention on its own is not enough. It must be translated into actionable steps: you need to see it, plan it, and ultimately live it. The organisers encouraged us to leave with a plan for how to approach our finances and the year ahead holistically, setting goals that matter and can be measured. From my own perspective, I realised how often we delay financial decisions because they feel overwhelming. Sitting in that…

As of 2025/26, the gross South African government debt was R6.09 trillion ($412.04 billion), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 77.4%. The national government’s gross loan debt increased by 8.5% year on year to R5 817bn (78.1% of GDP) as of 30 June 2025. ​ The private sector debt linked to a variable rate is: Home loans (mortgages): ● R1.1 trillion outstanding (largest category of household debt). ● Vehicle finance: R500 bn outstanding. ● Personal loans: R170 bn outstanding. ● Credit card debt: R183 bn outstanding ● Total variable rate debt R1 953bn. For every half a percent reduction in the short-term interest rates, the private sector has an additional R 9 760 000 000 per annum, or R 813 333 333 per month, discretionary spending.​ Total liquid fuel consumption:…

Sport could end up smoothing over relations between South Africa and the United States following the news that the world-champion Springboks are to play fierce rivals New Zealand in Baltimore in September. Maybe it is a good job that the sport of rugby barely registers on the US sporting radar, because if it were baseball and the proposed fixture reached a certain office in the White House, the Boks might have been tackled by red tape. But it may well have come to even Donald Trump’s attention that in 2031 the USA hosts the Rugby World Cup, which is the third biggest sports gathering outside of the Fifa World Cup and the Olympic Games. This is why the two biggest rugby nations on the planet are playing a fixture in…

As Michael Carrick prepares to lead Manchester United into a titanic clash against Arsenal following an emphatic debut victory, United’s new man at the helm reveals the elite mentality and Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence driving his interim head coach reign in an in-depth interview. On his previous stints as a manager: Q: You were initially asked to take charge of Manchester United for three games. What was it like being the Manchester United manager? A: “It was a real privilege and a huge responsibility. On the other side, I was so close to Ole that the fact it hadn’t worked out really hurt me. When Ed Woodward asked me to take over on that Sunday morning, my first thought was that I needed to speak to Ole. Ole told me,…

CAPE Town’s Table Mountain has been celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful. According to a recent study conducted by Just Cover, an Irish travel insurance company, Table Mountain ranked 14th on the list of the globe's most stunning mountains. The study analysed 56 mountain ranges worldwide, employing eye-tracking technology to determine which landscapes are the most visually captivating. The mountains were scored based on how quickly they captured participants’ attention and how long they held their gaze. In this analysis, Table Mountain achieved a score of 62.6 out of 100. The flat-topped landmark that overlooks Cape Town is renowned for its distinctive “tablecloth” cloud, rich biodiversity, particularly its fynbos vegetation, hiking trails and a modern revolving cable car that transports visitors to its summit. This ancient mountain,…

The adulation around Netflix’s new thriller His & Hers has been inescapable on social media. With the start of a new year, viewers are naturally drawn to trending offerings. Like the rest of the curious binge-watchers, I watched the six-part series. I certainly enjoyed it. However, I didn't feel it should be compared to Behind Her Eyes, which, for me, remains the ultimate benchmark for a truly twisted offering. Let’s get into Dee Johnson’s adaptation of the 2020 Alice Feeney novel of the same name. The story is a layered narrative, kicking off with a murder that connects to a high school friendship marred by festering issues of bullying, entitlement and social disparities. In Dahlonega, a small town in Georgia, a woman’s body lies sprawled across her red sports car…

The Western Cape is experiencing its worst fire season in more than a decade, and Premier Alan Winde has now declared the devastation a provincial state of disaster. Winde was briefing the media on the province’s response to the ongoing fire crisis and mounting water pressures when he revealed that the 2025/26 fire season has already surpassed previous years in scale and severity, making it the most destructive since 2015. To date, approximately 132 000 hectares of land have burned across the province. The scale of the fires has placed immense pressure on firefighting resources, with double the number of fires recorded compared to the same period during the previous fire season. Multiple structures have been destroyed, and the wildlife death toll has been significant. Despite the widespread devastation, no…

At 50, Candice Van der Rheede is not slowing down, she is stepping into what she believes is her true purpose. The head of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit is set to begin her LLB studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA), with a clear vision: to become a magistrate who actively challenges injustice and corrects the inequalities embedded within the justice system, while continuing to educate and empower her family and the broader community. Van der Rheede’s journey back to education began after she was forced to leave school more than 30 years ago due to unforeseen circumstances and personal challenges. In 2024, she completed her matric through night school, a milestone she once thought would never be possible. In 2025, she made what she jokingly refers…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has raised alarm over the escalating demands that violent crime continues to impose on the province’s healthcare system. The stark reality of this crisis is evidenced by the latest trauma admission statistics, revealing a distressing picture of gun violence and stabbings that burden hospitals across the region, and emphasizing the urgent need for improved crime prevention measures. In a recent written parliamentary reply, the DA highlighted that between June and November 2025, a staggering 3,111 patients were admitted to provincial hospitals due to gunshot wounds. Even more alarming, a massive 23,711 individuals sought medical treatment for stabbing-related injuries during the same timeframe. The relentless influx of these violent trauma cases has left hospitals shattered, with emergency centres and trauma units struggling to…

An international team of scientists from South Africa, Canada, France and the UK has uncovered fossil evidence of a tiny ecosystem that helped kick-start the recovery of Earth’s oceans after a global mass extinction. The team, led by Dr Claire Browning, an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), found fossilised burrows and droppings left by creatures so small they lived between grains of sand, revealing an ancient community that probably played a critical role in reviving marine life after the End-Ordovicianice age and mass extinction event. The discovery places UCT at the centre of groundbreaking research that is reshaping how scientists understand early marine resilience. The findings are published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. Using micro-CT scanning, an advanced X-ray imaging technique that allows scientists to…

JAC Motors has expanded its local workhorse line-up with the introduction of the new T6 2.0L CTi single-cab that forms part of its broader global rollout of the model in right-hand-drive markets, following its introduction in left-hand-drive regions. Engine The T6 is powered by JAC’s 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine, which is already familiar from the T8 range, producing 102kW and 320Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox, with the emphasis on low and mid-range torque. JAC claims it has a combined-cycle consumption figure of 6.9l/100km, and with a 76-litre fuel tank, the bakkie is capable of covering more than 1 100km between fill-ups. Chassis Underneath, the T6 uses a galvanised ladder-frame chassis with a double- wishbone independent front suspension and a…

On January 14, a few hours before the historic meeting in Washington between representatives from Greenland and Denmark and their US counterparts, J D Vance and Marco Rubio, Denmark and several of its Nato allies reinforced their military presence in Greenland and announced that further reinforcements would follow. Some interpreted this move as pressure on the Trump administration before the meeting. But anyone familiar with Nato-Denmark politics would recognise that appeasement with the empire is the more likely explanation. At the Washington meeting, the US reiterated its firm demand for “having Greenland”: “It is clear that the president wants to conquer Greenland,”declared the Danish foreign minister after the meeting. The parties agreed to establish a “high-level working group” in an effort to contain the crisis. However, the crisis persists, and…

In last week’s column on new-year resolutions, I ended by quoting historian Yuval Noah Harari, who warned against panicking on the basis of bad news and the outbursts of prophets of doom. But I must confess that, after learning of US President Donald Trump’s deranged ambitions for Greenland, I couldn’t help but feel panic. Is this what rational, decent people felt in the 1930s when the irrationality of a handful of megalomaniacs overturned the world order? And they had been through it two decades earlier! One myopic commentator remarked that if the US invaded Greenland, it would be the shortest war in history. Anyone who has ever taken their country to war has had that same insane idea. Wars rarely go according to plan. If the NATO alliance crumbles, who…

For many South Africans, the December break offers something that the rest of the year rarely does: the time and headspace to tackle projects that have been put off for months. From upgrading kitchens and installing solar power to improving home security or enhancing vehicles. The end-of-year pause frequently becomes a period of practical upgrades. While these improvements can enhance comfort, safety, and long-term value, they can also have unintended consequences if insurance cover is not updated accordingly. Policyholders often underestimate how even seemingly modest changes can affect their risk profile. Many home upgrades alter a property’s replacement value or risk exposure. Extensions, renovations, and new kitchens increase rebuilding costs, while installations such as solar panels, inverters, and batteries introduce high-value components that may not automatically be covered under an…

New AmaZulu recruit Mason Mushore has expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Marshall Munetsi after completing his move to South Africa. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who has one senior cap for the Zimbabwe national team, is settling into life at the Durban-based club as the second round of the Betway Premiership season gets underway. Mushore joined AmaZulu from Zimbabwean giants Highlanders, arriving with a growing reputation as one of the league’s most promising young midfielders. He is the second Zimbabwean to sign for AmaZulu this season, following striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, 23, who joined the club ahead of the campaign. The pair form part of a broader recruitment strategy aimed at adding youthful energy and depth to Arthur Zwane’s squad. Mushore arrives highly rated from the Zimbabwean…

You have to give it to Cedric Kaze. It must have taken guts – and a great deal of boiling frustration – for him to say what he said on Tuesday night. But for his own sake, I hope the chickens do not come home to roost. Deep in the bowels of FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, Kaze claimed: “I am giving you (his critics) until the end of the season. We’ll meet, and I am pretty sure everyone will apologise.” His remarks came after he was asked whether he and co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef felt they were trusted enough by everyone associated with Kaizer Chiefs. While the Burundian explained that they were “trusted and supported internally”, he said it was the outside noise – from certain coaches and members…

In just a few weeks, the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa is poised to transform dramatically with the launch of SWEAT Africa, the continent’s first experiential start-up and venture festival. Nestled within the stunning Bertha Retreat between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, this inaugural event promises to weave together students, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators into a vibrant tapestry of collaboration and opportunity. Born from a serendipitous moment during a 14km mountain run in the Cape Epic, where a group of young founders engaged with angel investors from tech giants like Google and OpenAI, SWEAT Africa, which stands for Students Working to Empower African Talent, emerged as a bold vision. Inspired by the momentum of Finland’s Slush festival, this unique gathering promises not just to showcase innovation, but to ignite genuine…

Two years ago in Mitchells Plain, five primary school learners and a high school learner were killed when a bakkie transporting pupils lost control, slammed into a tree and a traffic light, causing the vehicle’s canopy to shatter. In the wake of the devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, where 14 lost their lives, the Western Cape Mobility Department said learner transport safety has remained a top priority since the Mitchells Plain crash, with several interventions implemented to strengthen safety, compliance and oversight across the province. The department said its Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) continues to monitor and oversee public transport operators, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are properly qualified and operating licences are valid. “The PRE currently oversees more than 3,500 registered scholar transport operators and more than…

Cape Town’s inner city was on the move this past weekend as Sheer City took over the City Bowl with a roaming, multi-venue night festival that pulled crowds from venue to venue and spilled energy onto the streets. Running across Harringtons, District, SurfaRosa and The Electric, with a fringe stop at Texas, the event drew strong attendance throughout the night. From early evening until close to midnight, partygoers flowed through the precinct on foot, turning normally quiet stretches of the city into busy corridors of music, fashion and late-night chatter. A brief bout of rain did little to slow things down. By sunset, venues were filling fast, beats carried into the streets, and the crowd settled into the rhythm of moving, dancing and reconnecting across spaces. At its heart, Sheer…

Many people wish they could spend more time with their dogs. Director Ben Leonberg took that idea to extraordinary lengths, spending three years making the horror movie Good Boy with his dog, Indy, as the protagonist. Last week, Indy won best performance in a horror or thriller at the Astra Film Awards, beating out five Hollywood stars: Ethan Hawke, Alison Brie, Sally Hawkins, Sophie Thatcher and Alfie Williams. “I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to make a movie where I essentially just got to play with my dog,” Leonberg, 38, told The Washington Post. One scene in the film shows Indy getting caught in a snare. On his back, Indy vigorously shakes his body to try to escape. In reality, Indy was enjoying a blissful moment while shooting,…

Four exceptional young scientists from South Africa have earned the prestigious opportunity to represent their nation at the upcoming Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium, scheduled to take place in India from January 27-31. These learners, who distinguished themselves at last October’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), are poised to unveil research that could make a significant impact on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. The selected learners will present groundbreaking projects covering a range of pressing social and environmental issues. Each of the projects showcases innovative solutions, from harnessing natural materials to address contamination to creating affordable technology for the visually impaired. They are set to compete under the expert guidance of delegation leader Dr Krishnie Naidoo, Eskom Expo Academic Director, who emphasised…

The road less travelled and far from the madding crowd has always been my mantra when it comes to weekends away and holidays. The tougher the road, and the fewer people around as possible, is just the way I like it. Fortunately, my partner feels the same, so our planning always revolves around where to go and which route to drive while taking in as many interesting places as we can find along the way. Last year, we went to the Richters- veld National Park, where temperatures ranged between 45 and 52°C, next to the Orange River, which just saved the day with regular dips in that majestic strip of water. Something cooler I think that may have been the tipping point for my partner, so she suggested that next…

South Africa has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita in the world, and our government has long used sin tax as a way to tackle the problem. By steadily raising the price of alcohol, the aim is twofold: discourage excessive drinking and generate revenue for public health. As prices climb, demand for cheaper alternatives has surged. This has created fertile ground for the illicit alcohol trade, a shadow market that brings its own dangers, not just for public health but also for workplace safety in high-risk industries such as mining, construction and transport. Raising alcohol taxes is not a new idea. However, history shows that restricting access to alcohol rarely eliminates demand – it simply pushes it elsewhere. South Africa is no exception. As mainstream alcohol…

With legal challenges to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act wending their way through various courts, there continues to not only be a lack of clarity on rolling out national healthcare but also bankrolling it. One funding suggestion by Nicholas Crisp, the deputy director-general responsible for NHI in the Department of Health, has caused substantial consternation: slowly withdrawing and then eliminating medical scheme tax credits by 2029. Medical tax credits operate as a direct reduction in a taxpayer’s liability. Current allowances are R364 monthly for the principal member, R364 for the first dependant, and R246 for each additional dependant. The theory is that eliminating these credits could pull in between R30 billion and R35bn a year towards NHI funding. Universal healthcare is expected to cost anywhere from R300 billion…

It is that time of the year when some of us inject our lives with New Year's resolutions (“firm decisions to do something”) while others start the year off with the promise of New Year's resolutions (“dramatic and wide-reaching changes in conditions”). We dust off our running shoes and gym clothing, read inspirational notes, and make plans for the year to come. If we have to be honest, are we spending any time on resolutions that will improve our retirement outcomes in 2026? What are the things that we should be doing to make 2026 a great year for our retirement savings? We can improve our retirement outcomes for 2026 by doing the following 5 things: Take stock of what happened in 2025 Did you meet your retirement savings…

Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit will return to South Africa for surgery after sustaining an undisclosed injury in Japan that will sideline him for an extended period, his club, Toyota Verblitz, confirmed yesterday. The Japanese giants also revealed in the online media statement that the contract of the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has been cancelled as a result of his latest injury setback. “It has been confirmed that Pieter-Steph du Toit will be taking a long-term leave from Toyota Verblitz,” the club statement read. “He will undergo surgery for an injury in South Africa, and as a result, his league registration will be cancelled. As a team, we hope for a speedy recovery. “The exact date of joining the team will be announced once it is confirmed."…

South African tennis stands on the brink of a new era as three junior prodigies, Jahnie van Zyl, John Bothma, and Connor Doig, have secured main draw entries in the prestigious Australian Open Juniors. This notable achievement heralds a significant moment for South African tennis, marking the first instance in several years where several players will participate in a Junior Grand Slam main draw. The tournament kicks off in Melbourne today. Sixteen-year-old Jahnie Van Zyl fought her way through after a challenging qualifying tournament. The talented player from Potchefstroom, who currently stands as South Africa’s top-ranked junior girl, showcased her mettle in a nail-biting final qualifying match against Japan’s Kokona Ishii. Refusing to buckle under pressure, Van Zyl saved several critical break points, ultimately clinching victory and securing her place…

Polokwane City will resume their Betway Premiership campaign this weekend, eager to maintain their upward momentum when they travel to Durban to face a rejuvenated Durban City side at Chatsworth Stadium tomorrow. Under the guidance of Phuti Mohafe, Rise and Shine have quietly put together a solid season and currently sit seventh in the standings with 23 points. While they have often operated away from the spotlight, their consistency has ensured they remain firmly in the top-half conversation as the league edges towards its decisive phase. Polokwane City return to action on the back of encouraging form. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, scoring eleven goals while conceding just eight. Those numbers underline a side that has found the right balance…

The AFCON hosts Morocco claimed the coveted ‘Coach of the Tournament’ and ‘Fair Play’ accolades, achievements that seem to stand at odds with the unsportsmanlike tactics displayed throughout the event. The Moroccans, driven by an unyielding desire to win at all costs, cunningly leveraged their home advantage to maximum effect, and without shame. As hosts, they scheduled all their games at the same venue, from the group stage to the final. Not content with enjoying the home-crowd advantage, they gave themselves a bonus: playing at one venue from start to finish. Hence, unlike all the other teams, Morocco didn’t travel to different venues for games. Morocco did not have different training venues. This situation was unheard of in the history of AFCON. The 2025 finalists, Senegal, travelled by public train…