Innehållsförteckning för 2023-09-20 från Cape Argus

Veteran thespian Sandra Prinsloo returns to theatre to showcase the exciting Master Class production at Theatre on the Bay. Back by popular demand, the production will run from September 26 to 30. Directed by Cape Town Opera’s artistic director Magdalene Minnaar, with musical direction by José Dias, the two-act play was written by the late Terrence McNally (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Love!Valour!Compassion!). Prinsloo is cast as Maria Callas and is joined by the Cape Town Opera cast including Soprano Siphamadla Moyake together with CTO’s Judith Neilson Young Artists – Alida Scheepers, Dineo Bokala and Tylor Lamani as the aspiring opera singers mentored by Callas. Musical director Dias takes on a dual role as pianist and actor. Maritha Visagie gets the cast in character on costume design and Minnaar sets…

A Western Cape gardener and his friend have been convicted of murdering an elderly couple for whom he worked. Gcinilelitha Ngcobelothe and his friend, Lwazi Ntsibantsiba, were this week convicted in the Western Cape High Court for the murder of Riedwaan Addinall and his wife, Rugeya Addinall. The couple, aged 82, were strangled in their Ottery home on January 5, 2019. Ngcobelothe had worked as a gardener for the couple for some years. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in addition to murder, the men were convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Provincial NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the State planned to ask for life sentences to be imposed during sentencing proceedings in November. Ntabazalila said rat poison pellets were found in Rugeya’s mouth. “Following the murder, the accused ransacked…

The Road Accident Fund Amendment Bill 2023 released on September 8 by the Department of Transport has ignited a fire-storm of controversy, with more than 5 000 objections pouring in. Critics argue that if enacted, the bill will severely curtail the rights of drivers, passengers and pedestrians to claim compensation for motor vehicle accident injuries. The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul the Road Accident Fund (RAF), transitioning from a “compensation” model to a “social benefits” structure. Advocate Justin Erasmus, chairperson of the Personal Injury Plaintiff Lawyers Association (Pipla), in collaboration with multiple law societies, warns that the changes would drastically limit benefits and restrict existing rights, especially impacting the economically disadvantaged. Highlighting the bill’s contentious points, Erasmus points to the proposed annuity payments for loss of earnings, replacing the…

Princess Charlene of Monaco’s foundation, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa (PCMFSA), hosted the inaugural Water Bike Challenge at Sun City. Among the celebrities competing in the South African version of the race at the weekend was cricket star AB de Villiers, boxer Kevin Lerena, Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley, swimming star Ryk Neethling, model Lee-Ann Liebenberg, musician Jesse Clegg, actor Siv Ngesi, and DJ and model Roxy Louw. Photos were shared from The Monaco Palace Instagram account of the fun-filled event, but someone who was noticeably absent was Prince Albert and the couple’s twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The royal spent the weekend at the opening of the exhibition “Pablo Picasso & Antiquity”, and then accompanied the children on a World Clean-up Day event around Monaco. Princess…

The ANC is an organisation that has had a profound impact on South Africa’s political, social and economic landscape. As an opponent of apartheid, it was vocal and determined in its mission to fight for a democratic society in which all South Africans had equal rights. The ANC was a beacon of hope for generations of South Africans who had long suffered under the oppressive apartheid regime. However, since the ANC took over governance of South Africa in 1994, its rule has been characterised by broken promises, corruption, and the erosion of public confidence and trust. The ANC, throughout its existence, has had many leaders who have won the admiration of the international community. Their Struggle against apartheid has been depicted in various films, literature and documentaries. They fought selflessly…

Liverpool will approach the Europa League in the “right manner” and have the squad depth to be successful in both the Premier League and Europe’s second-tier competition, manager Jurgen Klopp said. Six-time European champions Liverpool have missed out on the Uefa Champions League for the first time since Klopp’s first full season in 2016/17. They reached the final of the 2016 Europa League under the German and he said reaching the title decider was the target once again. “First and foremost, I think we all have to make sure that we all respect the competition in the right manner, that we respect the opponents in the right manner,” he told TNT Sports. “I would love to go to the final, obviously, but I have no clue if we can reach…

France coach Fabien Galthie has recalled his premium players for their third Pool A match against Namibia tomorrow (9pm kick-off) as Les Bleus look to pick up momentum after a see-saw start to their World Cup. France started in inspired fashion with a 27-13 victory against New Zealand but the reserve side was largely disappointing as they beat Uruguay 27-12 six days later, leaving assistant coach Laurent Labit saying the team had done “too little” so far. A few tweaks were made to the team who played against the All Blacks, with loosehead prop Cyril Baille back from injury to boost the French pack, with Galthie insisting being able to adjust to circumstances was key to a successful tournament. “We build our line-up on a weekly basis, there is no…

It’s been a few months since presenter and actress Minnie Dlamini announced her divorce from producer Quinton Jones. Getting the former couple’s divorce finalised is taking rather a while, as they are embroiled in quite a legal battle. According to ZiMoja, Jones is allegedly “demanding a R10 000 monthly support” from the The Honeymoon actress. “A source close to the estranged couple says Minnie is willing to fight tooth and nail to make sure her soon-to-be ex doesn’t benefit from her hard-earned money,” reported the publication. “Can you imagine Minnie taking care of their child and also supporting him financially, she will never let it happen. “She has good lawyers on her side who will fight to make sure he doesn’t get anything,” the source said. While her first marriage…

An alleged gangster just released from prison was shot dead while pushing his stranded vehicle. The murder occurred on the corner of Klip and Strandfontein roads in Lotus River. Witnesses said the car driven by Peter Mark Maart, 44, was stuck and he requested a passer-by to help him push the silver-grey VW Polo. That’s when the shooter ambushed the pair. The victim resided in Ottery. It is unclear whether he was on his way home when he was shot. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene in the direction of Lotus River. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Monday evening, September 18, at about 9.45am, in which a 44-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded and a 33-year-old man shot and wounded…

One of the five people accused of swindling power utility Eskom in an elaborate scheme, 55-year-old Patrick Patrese Jones, has been denied bail by Hendrina Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga. Jones, who had been on the run for 10 years, appeared in the Mpumalanga court on Monday, where he was seeking bail. After hearing his application, the court denied him bail and postponed his case to December 4, where he will appear alongside his four co-accused, and a company. The 55-year-old man was arrested on September 7 during an operation conducted in Gordon’s Bay, in the Western Cape, for the Mpumalanga fraud case registered with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks. Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said the 55-year-old was wanted for fraud, theft and…

THROUGH a Futurewear programme sponsored by Pick n Pay Clothing, two young designers from Cape Town have collaborated with the brand, making clothes that will be seen in 40 Pick n Pay stores nationwide today. Cinani Nhlapo and Kiav Mitoo have come up with what will become a famous print and design at the stores. The garments designed by Nhlapho, originally from Brits in North West Province, draw inspiration from the modern, resilient women of South Africa. They showcase versatile pieces that blend minimalism, functionality and style with an eco-friendly ethos. The silhouettes and fabric choices keep the shopper on-trend, not only with the look of the garments, but also with the global shift towards sustainability in fashion. They are tailored for everyday wear, cater for women from all walks…

The absence of veteran Springbok eighth man Duane Vermeulen will definitely affect the reigning world champions’ chances of beating Ireland in Paris on Saturday. But the brave decision of picking a seven-one bench split with two locks, two loose forwards, and only scrumhalf Cobus Reinach as the backline replacement, shows the Boks mean business against their Irish counterparts. SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus hinted at a forwards-overloaded team earlier this week. Confirmation came yesterday when the team to play the third Pool B match was announced, and it included a nuclear ‘Bomb Squad’ for the second time this year. The Boks look set to use the exact blueprint they overpowered the All Blacks with at Twickenham last month, with just a couple of personnel changes to complete the…

Minute-long video captures the action Police are on the hunt for brazen modern-day highwaymen, one armed with a rifle, who held up a packed bus and robbed its frightened passengers. At around 12.30pm in Gugulethu on Saturday a bus driver was forced to stop his vehicle by seven armed men. In a minute-long video shared on social media, the suspects hop on to the Golden Arrow bus on NY 3A; one of them has a backpack from which another takes out a rifle. Five men are inside the bus while two are standing at the door. After the robbery they disembark and can be seen putting the rifle back into the backpack. Golden Arrow Bus Services spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said: “Golden Arrow can confirm that the footage forms part…

A SUSPECTED robber was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with Limpopo police after they arrived at a shop during a robbery. SAPS said different police units were on a crime combating operation in the Ritavi policing area when they were alerted to a robbery in progress. Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said: “While the police were patrolling at Nkowankowa Section B, a community member alerted them to a business robbery in progress at a nearby tuck shop and they rushed to the scene. “Upon the arrival of the police, three male suspects came out of the tuck shop. Seemingly, after seeing the police, one suspect allegedly started to shoot at them and they retaliated. The suspect was fatally shot on the scene,” he said. The other alleged robbers, aged…

Economists and financial experts believe the interest rate will hold steady at the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting this week, despite fuel prices being predicted to go up again next month and the rand weakening against the US dollar. The latest Consumer Price Inflation index will only be released today, one day before the repo rate decision, but the recent declines in inflation are still considered to be strong enough to avoid a rate hike. South African consumers will continue feeling financial pressure, though, as rates hold at a higher level for longer than they did in previous hiking cycles. Nolan Wapenaar, co-chief information officer at wealth and asset management business Anchor Capital, says the company is of the view that the MPC will keep interest rates stable. “We think…

TRAFALGAR High School opened its revamped Science Teaching and Learning Centre yesterday. The new science laboratory was made possible through a partnership between Advancing Knowledge NPC, Garden Cities Archway Foundation, and the Western Cape Education Department. At the opening were long-standing supporters and alumni of the school, including retired high court judge Siraj Desai and lawyer and Cape Heritage Museum curator Igshaan Higgins, who were joined by staff and learners. Principal Salwa Southgate said the room had not been renovated in 40 years. “I think it gives the learners an opportunity to renew their interest in and love for the sciences. Many children aren’t excited about science and maths any longer. “They’ve got other interests, but now at least science is being promoted. It’s good for the country, good for…

STAGE and TV star Christo Davids will be directing the stellar trio of Abduragman Adams, Christian Bennett and Stefan Erasmus in Lyle Kessler’s critically acclaimed Orphans at the Baxter’s Golden Arrow Studio from October 11 to 28. The play portrays various events in the lives of two grown-up orphan brothers who abduct a mysterious wealthy businessman, Harold. The audience is promised a dark yet comedic story as all three characters venture into unknown territory. The performance will be both in English and Afrikaans with the story set in a dilapidated house in Woodstock. Davids said: “The relationship between an older and a younger brother, in the absence of a father, becomes even more intriguing when the older brother must teach the younger brother lessons without enough life…

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane said yesterday his team had to use Manchester United’s woes “to our advantage” but admitted Erik ten Hag’s struggling side “could be really dangerous” in their Champions League opener. England captain Kane is set to make his Champions League debut for Bayern tonight after his close-season move from Tottenham Hotspur. United have been beset by off-field issues and have also lost three of their opening five Premier League games of the campaign, including Saturday’s embarrassing 3-1 home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion. “We have to use circumstances to our advantage,” Kane said yesterday. Bayern are unbeaten in the Bundesliga and behind only Bayer Leverkusen, with whom they drew 2-2 at the weekend, on goal difference. “United have been going through a tough spell recently,…

Formula One risks being thrown into disarray in the unlikely event of Felipe Massa winning a threatened legal claim for the 2008 world championship, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Former Ferrari driver Massa, now 42, has alleged he was denied the title by a “conspiracy” because the sport’s leaders knew the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was manipulated, but took no action until a year later. The Brazilian lost that title by a point to Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, then at McLaren and now at Mercedes and a seven-time world champion. “I don’t think he has a case, to be honest,” Wolff said at the latest edition of the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend. “We are signing up to sporting regulations that are very clear and you commit (to) as…