Innehållsförteckning för 2023-11-30 från Cape Argus

The holiday season has been lauded as a period of bliss, joy and festive cheer. But for many, the festivities can often prove to be something they dread. It is a time when the accomplishments of the past year are shared and celebrated with loved ones. But if you are not exactly where you want to be in your life, the festive season has a way of amplifying insecurities and highlighting shortcomings. This is the narrative behind Best. Christmas. Ever!, Netflix’s latest holiday offering. It centres on two friends who are on opposite ends of the festive cheer spectrum. For Jackie, played by actress and musician Brandy Norwood, Christmas is her favourite time of the year. She loves it so much that she shares a boastful Christmas newsletter with her…

A matric learner said classmates at a Du Noon high school were threatened by their principal that if they didn’t bring photocopy sheets they would be denied entry to write their exams. The 19-year-old explained that this was an ongoing problem at Inkwenkwezi High School. In June she didn’t receive her report until she had given the school a ream of paper. “This happened when we wrote the trial exams; I was helped by another teacher, who is also my mentor. I wouldn’t have applied to university if she didn’t pay. “My mother had to empty her pockets to pay for my sister and I and she doesn’t even work.” She said the problem doesn’t end with the papers but also the textbooks. “During the trial exam, while we were…

Alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack has conceded to taking a Legal Aid lawyer to represent him at the mammoth underworld trial set to start at the Western Cape High Court next year. After months of delays in obtaining legal representation and a final ultimatum by the court, the man who is known for his luxury cars and expensive clothing will now make an application for Legal Aid to assist him. This was revealed yesterday as Modack and his co-accused returned to the Western Cape High Court for one of their final pre-trial hearings aimed at addressing the preparations for the trial. Modack appeared on two different matters which have now been dubbed the “Tax Matter” and the “Kinnear Matter”. For the first trial, the State is set to prove that…

BY 2040, the City of Cape Town wants to have 25% of its water supplied from alternative sources, stating that relying solely on rainfall is no longer prudent in the light of ongoing climate change risks. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis hosted mayors and officials from seven cities across the world at an International Water Reuse Conference, which was held yesterday to share experiences on water reuse. Hill-Lewis said water reuse had the potential to change the city’s water security dramatically, and they were looking at this source to add about 7% to the city’s total bulk potable water supply by 2040. “A state-of-the-art new water scheme will be built at the Faure Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir to the east of the city. “It will source treated wastewater from our recently…

Former Western Cape ANC leader and deputy minister of international relations and co-operation, Marius Fransman, is launching his own political party, the People’s Movement for Change (PMC), this coming weekend. While chairperson of the ANC in the province, Fransman was accused of sexually harassing his personal assistant, Louisa Wynand, in 2016 during a trip to Rustenburg. The ANC later suspended his membership for five years, and following this, he announced his resignation from the Provincial Legislature. In September 2019 the NPA decided to drop the charges against Fransman. PMC member Freddie Adams, who is also a former member of the ANC and MP, said Fransman is a respected leader with experience among public farmers and that the party trusts him. “Fransman is a good and capable leader and has…

ON International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a large number of community-led mobilisations took place in a single day across the country, yesterday. The mobilisations from as early as 7am were in partnership or supported by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Cape Town, the SA BDS Coalition, South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP), African Artists Against Apartheid (AAAA), and a plethora of other organisations. Around 40-50 learners with teachers and staff gathered outside Modderdam High School in Bonteheuwel for a demonstration. Geography teacher Ganaan Kloppers said the demonstration outside the school was to decentralise solidarity gatherings and bring these closer to the community. “We speak a lot about Ashley Kriel at this school because he was a freedom fighter from Bonteheuwel. He was part of the…

The term “rurality” has no universal definition and varies across geographical and temporal dimensions. What is deemed rural in the Global North may vastly differ from rural conceptions in the Global South, indicating a profound disparity in socio-economic and cultural contexts. Furthermore, the passage of time alters the perception of rurality; areas once considered rural may now be on the urban fringe, transformed by the spread of cities and infrastructure. In South Africa, the heterogeneity of rural landscapes is particularly pronounced. The notion of the rural encompasses the expanse of vast commercial agricultural lands held under freehold tenure, reflecting a more con- ventional Western perspective of rural spaces. Yet, it also encompasses scattered settlements woven across communal lands, embodying a unique rural identity. The communal areas starkly contrast commercial farms…

Banyana Banyana are pumped up and ready to start the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown against Burkina Faso with a bang this evening. Banyana were crowned the African queens for the first time in the biennial showpiece that was held in Morocco last year, adding a milestone to the growth of women’s football in the country. So, as a result of that coronation, and historic finish in the round of 16 at this year’s World Cup in Australasia, the South Africans will be the team to beat in the Wafcon finals next year in Morocco. But before they can even dream of defending their title at the main event, they have to qualify first by beating Burkina Faso over a two-legged fixture. Banyana want to ensure…

Kylian Mbappe struck a controversial penalty deep in stoppage time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-1 draw against a valiant Newcastle United in the Parc des Princes and keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands on Tuesday. The visitors had led the Group F clash since midway through the opening half thanks to Alexander Isak’s tap-in, his first Champions League goal. They weathered a furious late assault from the hosts, only to be denied by a cruel and highly contentious decision. PSG’s players howled loudly for handball when the ball bounced off Newcastle’s Tino Livramento’s chest and against his elbow, with referee Szymon Marciniak then invited to check the pitch-side monitor by the VAR. To Newcastle’s horror, Marciniak pointed to the spot, and Mbappe was cool as…

EMPLOYMENT and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has urged businessman Mthunzi Mdwaba to bring evidence in court that he is implicated in the R500 million kickback scandal with other ministers. Mdwaba has named Nxesi, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula as four politicians who tried to solicit a bribe of R500 million through intermediaries. The politicians have taken legal action against Mdwaba. Nzimande laid criminal charges against him in Pretoria this week for failing to report corruption. Nxesi, who was part of the Ministers in the Economics Cluster answering questions in Parliament yesterday, said Mdwaba must stop going to social media to report alleged corruption against him. He challenged him to bring evidence to court. “Mthunzi Mdwaba must not run to social media.…

The former lawyer of Zane Kilian has alleged he is a pathological liar amid explosive testimonies at the Western Cape High Court. Attorney Eric Bryer was thrust into the limelight this week when Kilian levelled various allegations amid his new bail application before he is set to stand trial alongside alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack. The man accused of allegedly assisting Modack to carry out the assassination of slain Anti-Gang Unit detective Charl Kinnear lashed out at his legal representatives and revealed an alleged plot to protect Modack after Kinnear was killed. While Kilian has already lost a bail application at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court and a subsequent appeal at the high court, he has taken the stand to testify on the ongoings after his arrest. Kilian, along with Modack…

The man convicted of inciting violence during the July 2021 unrest in Pietermaritzburg has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. The charges relate to the incidents of looting and public violence which occurred in July 2021 in parts of the country, especially KwaZulu-Natal. Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court yesterday facing charges of contravening Sections 17 and 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, where he incited people to gather and commit public violence. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), this was done by making an inciteful video pertaining to the Brookside Mall and distributing it on WhatsApp. During this time, the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg was looted and burnt to the ground. Regional NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Zuma was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment…

A Cape Town production company is on a mission to help local actors reach for the stars. Impossible Dream, a production company from Morgan Village in Mitchells Plain is now turning the tide in the film industry. The production house was started in 2021 by siblings Justin and Jade Barends who wanted to bring real-life stories to the big screen. Justin, who is the director, said they wanted to create a platform where ordinary people can come and showcase their skills. “People can come to see their acting, singing or if they want to be a filmmaker they are welcome to join. “They need no experience because opportunities are limited for these types of things,” he says. With some experience behind his back, Justin said that Impossible Dream has already…

The City of Cape Town’s department for economic growth has opened a City-funded BPO Sunday School aimed at equipping more unemployed young people with call centre skills. The school will be administered by the City’s CapeBPO initiative. The school forms part of the City’s schools programme to provide school- leavers with a three-week course that will equip them with skills to become employable in their fourth week of experiential learning. According to the City, the course will cover modules targeting work readiness and conversational fluency among other key skills. While the school was meant to run primarily on Sundays, the admin team will be factoring in some weekdays should it be necessary for the students, the City said. Mayco member for economic growth James Vos recently officially unveiled the Sunday…

What if it were possible to control 100% of our thoughts, emotions and reactions? But, with any challenging experience, it is possible to listen to oneself, respect oneself and be in harmony with oneself and others. When faced with a challenging experience, the brain switches off and emotions and feelings are given priority over logic. It is said: “The only constant in life is change.” Despite this, we are not prepared for the emotional disturbance that comes with it. Change impacts our emotions; we feel like we are no longer in charge of our lives. Since the beginning of the 20th century, emotions have been a topic of research. Even though it is not a new topic, the stoicism philosophy, which dates from the 3rd century, has conducted extensive research.…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says they are banking on their maturity to help them end their semi-final curse in the Carling Knockout Cup after enduring pain in previous tournaments. Stellies will play in their third successive semi-final, against Richards Bay in uMlazi on Saturday (3pm kick-off), having failed to win the last two in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8. But a lot has happened since the heartbreaks to Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates, and Stellies are in the form of their lives in domestic football. They beat Chippa United and Polokwane City in regulation time in the last 16 and quarter-final of the ‘beer cup’, while they are also fourth in the DStv Premiership standings. Stellenbosch’s fourth place was consolidated with a 3-0 win over neighbours Cape Town Spurs…

Yet another goals record on Erling Haaland’s bulging CV had Pep Guardiola sounding on Tuesday – tongue-in-cheek – like he was growing tired of answering questions about his prolific scorer. The 23-year-old became the fastest to score 40 Champions League goals with his strike in the 54th minute that sparked City’s 3-2 comeback victory over RB Leipzig, which clinched them top spot in Group G with a round of group games remaining. Three days earlier, Haaland had become the fastest to net 50 Premier League goals in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool. “Again? I have to tell you again?” Guardiola said, laughing, when asked for comment. “A thousand million times, I’m really impressed. They won today. Another record. Congratulations. He’s a fantastic player. I tell you many times, we’re really,…

The City of Cape Town emerged as Africa’s foremost city for climate action, securing a coveted A-rating for climate action and transparency in the 2023 Cities A-List by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The City’s dedication to effective environmental management and disclosure places it at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. According to a City of Cape Town press release, in 2023 a mere 13% of the over 930 cities evaluated received an A-rating from the CDP. The annual scoring system assesses cities on their climate change response disclosure, reflecting their adeptness in managing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate risks. Cape Town's exclusive A-list status not only reaffirms its role as Africa’s climate champion but also signals its commitment to international investors and financial institutions. Investor confidence plays…

There will be no escaping the many great disappointments the Blitzboks have suffered in recent months, but it will be those feelings of despair that will propel the team back to where they belong – at the top – if Impi Visser is to be believed. The Springbok Sevens team had some truly horrible results on the World Sevens Series circuit last season that left fans, pundits and players all dispirited. They finishing an unacceptable seventh in the standings, which was further compounded by an inability to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games automatically – and then after that, through Africa, where they shockingly lost to Kenya. A repechage awaits them later next year – one final chance to still qualify for the 2024 Games – but there is no…

When a group of mates, colleagues or enthusiasts inevitably come together and begin to review and argue about the year that was in the coming days, then surely Brad Binder should be in that discussion as one of the best-performing South African sport stars in 2023. The 28-year-old didn’t win anything on race day in MotoGP this year, but his consistency, tenacity and single-mindedness in the main event at the highest level remains admirable – and, moreover, inspirational for a nation desperately seeking hope. Despite his failure to stand on the top step of the podium this season, the Red Bull KTM rider’s stats remain impressive. He finished fourth, quite comfortably, in the elite category of riders, and was only bested by three contenders competing on the dominant Ducatis this…

It is true that the Lions have been building a team for some time now, in a process that has been frustrating to watch and painful in many instances. This Lions group will be the first to admit that perhaps they were just not good enough, and they let slip their momentum and confidence at the most crucial of moments and inappropriate times during past seasons. Nevertheless, there is a growing sense that something wonderful is stirring in the halls of Doornfontein and that a team with a winning mentality – one that does not lack in self-belief and that can bounce back if ever there is a setback – is being constructed. A team that might even have a future Springbok or two in it ... The culture of…

Picking a whole host of returning Springboks for a franchise can go two ways: either your team suddenly fires on all cylinders, or there is disruption and the players battle to achieve cohesion. It was certainly the first scenario for the Sharks last weekend as they hammered the Dragons 69-14 at Kings Park. Coach John Plumtree had little choice but to involve all his World Cup Springboks – Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams and Makazole Mapimpi, with Lukhanyo Am having already featured a week earlier. They will still have to wait a few more months before the injured front-rowers Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch are ready to play again. Mapimpi was the man of the match and scored a try, while Williams grabbed a brace, with Am…

After four defeats in a row, it is understandable if Stormers fans are worried about their favourite team. But one of the men who can help bring them back on track, Damian Willemse, says now is not the time to panic. John Dobson’s team could easily have won all four games on their European tour, but went down 20-9 to Glasgow, 20-17 to Benetton, 10-3 to Munster and then 31-24 to Cardiff last weekend. They should be able to get back to winning ways in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre in Stellenbosch (7.15pm kick-off), although they can’t afford to underestimate the Italian side despite the 61-19 thrashing they received from the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend. But the Stormers need to sort out a number of issues…