Innehållsförteckning för 2022-10-06 från Cape Argus

THERE could soon be light at the end of the load shedding tunnel. Speaking to Radio Sonder Grense, Eskom CEO André de Ruyter said power cuts could ease within the next 10 days, however it could take another 18 to 24 months for capacity to come onto the network. “We are doing everything possible to add megawatts to the grid,” he said. De Ruyter said Eskom had started buying power from Zambia and was also looking at acquiring power from Mozambique and the private sector. He said the private sector had 6 000 megawatts of renewable projects in the pipeline. Last month, Eskom announced plans to buy power programmes to secure 1 000MW to bolster constrained generation capacity. “Initially the programmes will focus on generators capable of supplying more than…

POLICE made a drug bust at Cape Town International Airport worth R2.4 million on Tuesday. According to provincial police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi, 4kg of the drug was confiscated. He said that the officers from the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics Unit reacted to information about a passenger trafficking drugs. The 37-year-old suspect landed in Cape Town from Dubai. Police profiled and searched passengers disembarking from a flight from Dubai just before midday, Swartbooi said. “They confiscated 4kg of cocaine wrapped in chocolate wrappings hidden in the luggage of one of the passengers.” A 37-year-old man was arrested. Once charged, the suspect will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court. In an unrelated incident, an abalone poacher who had been sought by the police for four years handed himself over on Monday. Shahabaz…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has urged “fellow citizens” to make shielding teachers and learners from violent incidents, especially at schools, their top priority. “We need to work together, across society, to ensure that our schools are safe,” he said. Ramaphosa was addressing the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) national general council (NGC) meeting in Kempton Park on Tuesday. In his remarks, he said “as we prepare to mark World Teachers’ Day, I once again express our nation’s gratitude to the members of Sadtu and all educators for their courage and commitment in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic”. Sadtu kicked off its two-day NGC meeting with a focus on wages, racism and violence. Ramaphosa noted the emerging difficulties the education sector was facing daily and how learning environments were disturbed. “We…

The plight of the endangered African Penguin is taking centre stage yet again as African Penguin Awareness Day approaches this Saturday. The Two Oceans Aquarium is looking to raise awareness of this endemic but severely endangered species with a “March of Penguin” or “Waddle” through the V&A Waterfront. Two Oceans Aquarium spokesperson Renée Leeuwner said: “As the aquarium, we are incredibly worried about the decline in the numbers of African penguins. We need as many people as possible to make their voices heard for the African penguin and their continued survival. By inviting the public to be part of the Waddle, we hope that people will realise that they have the power to save this species.” Those interested in joining are encouraged to meet at the entrance to aquarium at…

A Documentary about Jacob Zuma is to be made after a recent call for production companies to produce a comprehensive film on the former president’s life. The Jacob Zuma Foundation has confirmed that it is looking for interested production companies to help it capture the life and times of Zuma. The foundation said it wanted local and international producers to assist it to “do justice” to the former president. Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said the documentary should cover no less than seven pillars in the life of the controversial leader, whose rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential political figures since the dawn of democracy was well documented but not yet the subject of a film. With the closing date for work submissions pushed from October 7…

ERIK ten Hag admitted yesterday that Cristiano Ronaldo is frustrated when he is not playing for Manchester United, but insisted he is happy at Old Trafford. The close-season transfer window was dominated by speculation over the 37-year-old’s future after the club’s disappointing campaign in 2021/22. Ronaldo reportedly received an eye-watering offer from Saudi Arabia, but no Champions League giants made their move for the Portugal attacker, who missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue. The forward could start just his fourth match in all competitions when United take on Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League tonight. Ronaldo was left on the bench for Sunday’s 6-3 derby hammering at Manchester City, leading to renewed questions about his future before the trip to Cyprus. “I never…

RED Bull’s flying Dutchman Max Verstappen has another chance to clinch his second consecutive world championship when the Japanese Grand Prix returns at Suzuka this weekend after a three-year absence because of Covid-19. The runaway leader failed to secure the title at last weekend’s rain-affected Singapore Grand Prix, but he will do it in Japan if he wins and nearest rival Charles Leclerc finishes lower than second. Verstappen is 104 points ahead and he needs to extend that to 112 points over the field to claim the championship after Sunday’s race. Simply put, if Verstappen gains eight points on Leclerc and six on teammate Sergio Perez, who won in Singapore, he will be only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races…

THE last few years have seen challenging economic conditions, which have cast a cloud over the open medical schemes market, according to South Africa’s self-administered medical scheme, Bestmed. On Tuesday, the scheme announced its product enhancements, preventive benefits and contribution changes for 2023 across its value-for-money Beat, Pace, and Rhythm product ranges. Leo Dlamini, CEO/principal officer at Bestmed Medical Scheme, said their commitment to offering their members value for their medical aid contributions while remaining competitive in the market were key drivers for the 2023 benefit enhancements and changes. “Over the past few years, we invested substantially in preventative care benefits for our members,” Dlamini said. The scheme said this announcement followed its 3.5% growth in principal members for 2021, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under its care to…

DStv music channel Trace has long been punting its organisational desire to showcase local talent. The goal, it has often said, is to empower young creatives to produce “outstanding quality local content”. In support of this, Trace recently announced three new diverse locally-produced Trace Original shows: Future Maskandi, Afro Tech is Life and The Re-Introduction. Said Trace’s managing director for southern Africa, Valentine Gaudin-Muteba: “These Trace originals aim to propel further growth within the younger audience segment offering not just music but edutainment, fashion and lifestyle.” Presenter and musician Zulu Mkhathini is the host of Future Maskandi, that can be seen on Mondays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 2pm and Sundays at 7pm on Trace Africa. Features on the show include artists like Mzukulu, Mnqobi Yazo, Lwah Ndlunkulu Thee Legacy, Big…

Proposed bans on indoor smoking, vaping CIGARETTE smokers and vapers are set to choke at the news that government is pressing ahead with a host of new laws that include a proposed ban on advertising and a 100% ban on smoking indoors. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2018 was given the green light for submission to Parliament last month and that if the new bill comes into play, smoking indoors, in a car or at home in the presence of a non-smoker will be illegal. The Bill is designed to address key areas relating to indoor public areas, display of tobacco products at point of sale, use of electronic devices and the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products. Should the bill be passed, smokers…

As South Africa races to beat the end of October grey listing deadline set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), businesses fear that not enough has been done to avoid the probable economic consequences of grey listing and are searching for ways to mitigate repercussions. When a country is put on the grey list, it is subject to increased monitoring by FATF, the global money-laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, of which South Africa is the only permanent African member. Master Data Management managing director Gary Allemann said FATF membership helps to streamline the movement of money across borders by guaranteeing that the parties involved in a transaction are above board. Business Leadership SA (BLSA) CEO Busisiwe Mavuso said business needs to know whether the work being done by the…

THE Public Service Commercial Union (PSCU) said yesterday it was seeking legal advice on whether former assistant commissioner at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Commission of Inquiry, Gill Marcus, had committed a crime by failing to disclose her alleged relationship with Steinhoff while adjudicating at the commission. The PSCU also welcomed the court ruling that compelled Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan to provide the confidential documents on the sale of a 51% stake in SAA. Marcus is the non-executive director of the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (Kilt), a non-profit organisation (NPO) that received donations from the Steinhoff Group. Its annual report showed that between January and December 2019, Kilt had a budget of R24.7 million and Steinhoff had donated R10.9m to the NPO during the 12 months ended…

The City has withdrawn the sale of Erf 12157, used by a scout group in Durbanville, after resistance from the community. 1st Durbanville Scout Group, which has been leasing the property for more than 60 years, was told in late 2020 that by the end of this year, the City intended to dispose of it. In August the City issued an advert for public comment on the proposed sale of the leased land. However, in a meeting that followed with the community last month, mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said an administrative error was the cause of the property having been advertised again as available for sale. The land scout group is home to cub scouts and scouts between the ages of 5 and 25 and is one of the strongest groups…

THE City of Cape Town issued a press release at the weekend, which I happened to read on Facebook. In it, it announced the process to replace the turf at the Cape Town Stadium. This would commence with the issuing of a tender in October 2022 and the projections are that the new pitch will be ready for use by October next year. The press release quoted various figures relating positive comments about this development. While this move is welcomed, I offer another perspective. I contend that this is an obvious attempt to place this project in a positive light, rather than a case of serious oversight, poor budgeting and planning. Ultimately this is rooted in poor management by both the City and WP Rugby who, during the negotiations to…

ZEBRE may were the bottom dwellers last season with just a lone win in 18 games, but that doesn’t mean the Stormers just need to rock up for a bonus-point victory in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash in Parma (4pm kick-off). The Italian outfit may have lost all three games so far this season, but nearly toppled Irish giants Leinster at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, where they lost 33-29. Then they almost got the better of the Sharks, with the Durbanites holding on desperately in the second half for a 42-37 triumph. Zebre were competitive against Munster in Cork, where they conceded 21 points in 25 minutes of the first half, but added five themselves in the second to go down 21-5. “They are a decent team and have a…

While the announcement late yesterday by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy of another – albeit small – cut in the petrol price will bring some relief to motorists at the pumps this month, the latest Household Affordability Index paints a grim picture for the millions of South Africans who are battling to feed their families. CEO of Debt Rescue, Neil Roets, who has frequently spoken out about the consequences of food inflation over the past year, says the resulting misery it brings is by far the most critical issue in the country right now. “The petrol price cut will make no real difference to the lives of most citizens who have had to absorb massive fuel price hikes over the past year,” he says. “The only thing that…

The LGBTQIA+ community is gearing up for the annual Cape Town Pride event, which will see thousands gather for the special day. Known for bringing colour to Cape Town for a day, the Pride Launch will see members of the LGBTQIA+ community dress up in their fiercest, most colourful outfits to descend on the Embassy of Belgium Consular residence in Newlands, where the event will be held on November 26. The Launch of Cape Town Pride 2023 will be a day of celebration with live performers on stage. There will be bars and stalls and opportunity to connect with friends and others in the diverse, colourful and creative community. The calendar of events for Pride 2023 will be released, as well as ticket sales information for the main Pride Festival…

Advocacy website Dear SA fears the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Amendment Bill, up for public comment, could criminalise critics of the government’s policies or legislation. Dear SA chairperson Rob Hutchinson said: “This proposed bill could put an end to petitions and public participation.” He said the amendment bill, as proposed, sets a broad definition of terrorist activity and there is no single internationally agreed upon definition of terrorism. Hutchinson said the broad definition was problematic as it would enable the state to criminalise any citizen who supports one side of a controversial topic. He said the bill would also target those who criticise or challenge the government’s policies or legislation, as encouraging or indirectly facilitating terrorism. He urged citizens to make their contributions heard before…

On World Teacher’s Day yesterday, supporters of former Heathfield High principal Wesley Neumann gathered to reaffirm their support as the legal battle with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) rages on. Political parties, trade unions, non-governmental organisations, learners, parents among others, attended a media briefing regarding the matter, at the Wave Café Theatre in Long Street. Guest speakers included Al Jama-ah Party leader Ganief Hendricks, United South Africa president Colleen Titus, the GOOD Party’s Brett Herron, the ANC’s Muhammad Khalid Sayed, and SA 1st forum convener and advocate Rod Solomons, among others. Neumann had refused to reopen the school during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, following directives to do so by the department. Claims of R2.6 million spent by the WCED to deal with the matter were rejected. Solons said:…

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp says even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not immune to confidence issues as he seeks to find a solution to his team’s frustrating inconsistency. Saturday’s 3-3 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, after recovering from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, was an example of the wider malaise affecting the team. Liverpool are ninth in the Premier League after just two wins from seven matches and are already 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. “People can ask how could it happen that these players are not full of confidence,” said the German. “Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo (reduced to a substitute’s role at Manchester United) at this moment is top of his confidence levels? “He was for ages the best player in the world and…

THEIR summer spending spree was validated by La Liga and their new signings, including Robert Lewandowski, hit the ground running. The overhaul sent them back to the top of La Liga for the first time since June 2020, and the ‘Xavineta’ – Xavi truck, as the manager’s project is fondly known in Catalonia – picked up new passengers in droves, with Camp Nou attendances booming again. But the thorn in their side, their Champions League failure over the past seven campaigns, remains. And after last year’s humiliating group stage exit, Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan put Barcelona in a precarious position. They welcome the Italians next week at Camp Nou for a match which they must win, with Bayern Munich leading Group C on nine points ahead of Inter…

ORLANDO Pirates’ complacency against the so-called ‘smaller teams’ remains their Achilles heel this season after a shock defeat on Tuesday night. Fresh from producing an entertaining draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg, the Buccaneers were tipped to beat Sekhukhune United. Instead, it was the Polokwane-based outfit that collected all three points at home, thanks to late goals from Elias Mokwana and Vusimuzi Mncube. Mokwana’sstrike was a typical team goal following some lovely build-up play from the back, while Mncube's was due to an act of clumsiness from Pirates. Late in the game, Miguel Timm opted for a back-pass to goalkeeper Richard Ofori who tried to build from the back only to lose the ball to Mncube. The striker needed no second invitation as he slotted the…