Innehållsförteckning för 2024-08-12 från Cape Argus

World-renowned choreographer Paul Modjadji believes that Africa is the “cradle of dance”. This notion has been reinforced following his 10-country African tour where he and his team explored the continent’s youth and dance culture for the local show, Breaking Down Borders Africa. “Having gone on this tour, I am more convinced that we are the innovators of dance and dance culture,” he told Independent Media Lifestyle. “African youth and dance culture really are front runners in many ways, we are trendsetters, we are quite innovative and we are originators. “So much of what you see implemented and replicated in various parts of the world originated in Africa and that was the thing I found really fascinating in the dance schools I visited on the continent.” The 14-part travelogue documentary, which…

Rap sensation Cassper Nyovest has returned to the music industry with the release of his new single, Kutsa. The Doc Shebeleza hitmaker recently took to Instagram to announce his musical return as he promised his fans even more hits in the future. “I just dropped something. Basically I’m back. More music is coming,” he wrote. Nyovest also emphasised the shift in his content, indicating a conscious effort to produce music that aligns with his personal growth and artistic vision. “The content has changed a bit. We’re not swearing too much,” he added. The new single comes after Nyovest gave his life to Christ in December and has since been embracing his newfound spiritual journey. Earlier this year, he also shared videos on social media of him being baptised. The…

A THIEF who left his beanie behind at a murder scene in Manenberg has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Wynberg Regional Court. Just 10 months after determined detectives nabbed Lorenzo Daniels, 32, who was behind a spate of gang-related shootings last year, he confessed to his crimes and entered into a plea deal. At the time, former station commander Brigadier Sanele Zama explained the gunman from the Americans gang was busted just a day after gunning down a rival gang member in the street in October, 2023. The shooting in the early hours in Irvine Street resulted in the death of a member of the B2K gang, which is a breakaway gang of the Americans and at the time the two groupings were embroiled in bitter…

EDUCATION faculty students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Mowbray campus are planning to march peacefully to the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) offices after their bursary funds were cut without warning. The students say they are tired of waiting on the DBE for answers over why their funds, which are bound by contract, were cut by nearly R20 000. Their main worry is that their student accounts have already racked up an amount that they would now have to pay back. Students who spoke to Cape Argus on condition of anonymity explained that the DBE teaching bursary, which usually covers accommodation, travelling, living allowance, books and teaching practice has been their saving grace for years. “With this money, we could comfortably pay for our books, tuition, teaching…

JO-ANE van Dyk closed out Team South Africa’s track and field campaign at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday evening with a touch of silver. Heading into Saturday’s javelin event, Van Dyk was ranked 11th in the world this year, but by the time the final had ended, Van Dyk clinched the silver medal after throwing 63.93m. Her throw was only bettered by reigning world champion Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan, with a gold effort of 65.80m. Van Dyk had surprised all and sundry with this podium finish. It was a fitting reward for her coach, Potchefstroom-based Terseus Liebenberg, who eight years ago guided Sunette Viljoen to Olympic silver in Rio in 2016. This personal triumph for Van Dyk meant so much for her and her family since she…

IN RECENT developments, the president of Zimbabwe has deployed military forces to dissuade citizens from participating in planned protests against looting and unlawful arrests. This decision has sparked controversy domestically and internationally. SADC, a regional body intended to promote peace and security, has drawn particular scrutiny regarding its stance and involvement in these events. Protests, as a form of expressing dissent and demanding accountability, are a cornerstone of democratic society. The government’s move to militarise the response to these protests can be perceived as an attempt to stifle dissent and maintain control through intimidation and force. Historically, Zimbabwe has faced political and economic turmoil, with allegations of corruption and human rights abuses frequently levelled against its leadership. The recent surge in public discontent, leading to the planned protests, highlights ongoing…

There is nothing like an expired politician who still inflicts his expired views on an exhausted public. Giving their robotic fans their overused lines and expired anecdotes, their fans will tirelessly applaud them, knowing full well that they are clapping against their better judgement. But this is not only true of politicians. It’s true of all of us. Of people like me who write. Of those who practise politics and leadership. Of those who host media shows. Of those who write letters or who call into media shows to inflict their continued toxicity and untruths on society. All our expiry dates are ignored because of some dubious data that indicates that the public approves of this. The inertia around disrupting the sycophantic political and media playbook is obvious. But more…

An at times controversial Olympic Games has come to an end, and while many will already look towards LA 2028, we must take a brief moment to celebrate our South African athletes. Team SA sent 149 athletes to Paris, who participated in 21 different sports from rugby sevens to sports climbing, competing in the pool and on the track and field. For their efforts, they collected six medals – one gold, three silver and two bronze – and will finish as one of the top African nations at the Games this year. Some might argue it is a poor return for Team SA, and there will certainly be merit in having such discussions, but for now, we can all appreciate the inspiring actions and stories of our athletes. Tatjana Smith…

The success of the Olympic Games has surpassed the wildest dreams of many in France but in the next weeks President Emmanuel Macron still will have to face the reality of the deadlocked politics created by his calling of snap legislative elections. Prior to the Games the polls left France with three major blocs in parliament – the left as the largest followed by Macron’s centrist forces and the far right – with none of them close to mustering the numbers for an overall majority. The former government of Macron allies, under Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, has carried on in a caretaker capacity throughout the Games, but five weeks after the elections, the country still does not have a new prime minister. Macron’s approval ratings remain well under 30% and…

It was derby day in the Southern Suburbs as Rondebosch completed the double over Wynberg, with a 19-7 win over the visitors after leading 7-0 at the interval. Both sides went into this derby encounter without key players who are doing duty for the SA Under-18 and Under-18 ‘A’ sides. Notwithstanding the wet conditions and a heavy downpour after half-time, both sides opted to keep the ball in hand instead of putting boot to ball. Bosch were full value for their win, scoring three tries to one. Playing with a swirling wind at their back in the first half they established a marked territorial advantage. They were solid in the set pieces and secured a few turnovers in the line-outs. In this respect, newcomer flank Matthys du Plooy caught…

Making game-changer moves, Free State-born Mia Le Roux was crowned the first differently-abled Miss SA on Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The 28-year-old Unisa BCom marketing student, whose mission statement boldly echoed inclusivity and mass representation of marginalised groups, namely the disabled, was over the moon, expressing her gratitude for the support of family and the nation. “With a humble and grateful heart, I accept the incredible responsibility of being your Miss SA 2024. It is an honour that fills me with immense pride and gratitude, and I am deeply touched by the trust and confidence placed in me,” said Le Roux, who now calls Rosebank in Cape Town home. The face of the deaf for Miss SA’s 66th pageant, Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss…

WHILE learners were cheering for their schools during a sports day held at Hoërskool Overberg last Wednesday, the cheerful voice of Deveney Nel was being silenced just metres away from the sports field. Nel was reported missing on Wednesday when she did not pitch for her transport home to Grabouw. The Grade 10 learner was later found stabbed to death, with her body dumped behind the locked doors of her school’s storeroom. It is believed the storeroom was not where the 16-year-old was murdered – a source said there were drag marks on the ground from the toilet. The source said Nel’s ribbon and her cellphone were found on the back of a bakkie of a man who works close to the school. The shocking discovery has left the school,…

Mystery shrouds the discovery of dead animals that washed up on Cayman Beach in Gordon’s Bay. This comes after several dead piglets and calves washed up on the shores of the Helderberg beach at the weekend. Nico van Niekerk, a resident of Gordon’s Bay, said he was strolling along the beach at about 11.30am on Friday when he made the discovery. “I could see seven or eight. It was very weird to find dead piglets on the beach,” Van Niekerk said. “They must have washed down from the canal.” The dead animals were collected by the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Helderberg. AWS Helderberg manager Julia Evans said they suspected that the piglets were from Vlakteplaas. “There is some major work going on with the river that runs from that area…

Women’s Day in South Africa pays homage to women’s pivotal role in navigating our nation’s complex history, while simultaneously commemorating the struggle for women’s rights and the ongoing efforts towards gender equality in our country. This day serves as a promise and a reminder that no matter how far we as a community have come, much is left to do to emancipate women from the overt and covert barriers that deny, exclude and oppress. Regardless of any official decrees or bills that attempt to codify a fairer society, women continue to face significant obstacles to building better lives for themselves. Nowhere is this more evident than with the barriers facing women and girls in South Africa today. Yes, significant progress has been made in promoting the equality and upliftment of…

Germany’s chancellor has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that he should conclude a deal on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, a German government spokesperson said yesterday. Many military objectives in the fight against Hamas have been achieved while civilian casualties and human suffering in Gaza are enormous, Olaf Scholz told Netanyahu, according to a German government statement. “An end to the war in Gaza would be a decisive step towards a regional de- escalation,” the German government spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Israel has issued a massive evacuation order in Khan Younis. Israel expanded evacuation orders in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip overnight. The instruction forced tens of thousands of Palestinian residents and displaced families to leave in the dark…

A week of racism-fuelled disorder in Northern Ireland, sparked by disturbances in English towns and cities, is proving harder to end, with fears the UK region’s sectarian divisions are feeding into the violence. “They burnt every single thing, there is nothing left inside, just ashes,” said Bashir, whose supermarket in Belfast was torched during attacks against foreign-owned shops and businesses. A mosque in a town near Belfast was also targeted on Friday. “We are scared at what may happen next, there is lots of hostility against the Muslim community,” said the 28-year-old from Dubai, who did not want to give his full name citing safety reasons. Northern Ireland has seen nightly unrest, mainly in pro-UK loyalist neighbourhoods, that began after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on August 3. The violence…

A LIMPOPO attorney is fighting tooth and nail after the High Court in Limpopo ordered him to pay maintenance for a child he claims is not his. Attorney Charles Chabalala believes the ruling was unfair because he had a vasectomy in February 2010, 13 years before the child was born in August 2023. He said the necessary scientific and medical records were submitted but ignored by Judge Thogomelani Tshidada, who made his ruling in December 2023. Judge Tshidada ordered Chabalala pay for the child’s maintenance at R9 000 per month. Chabalala said he also undertook a sperm count on the day the child was born, and was found to have no sperm in his semen. He said it was concluded that he could not naturally impregnate a fertile woman. Following…

IT’S BEEN 13 years since 52-year-old Suzette Jacobs received her second heart transplant in the month dedicated to women. The heart she received is also from a woman and, to top it off, it was successfully transplanted in the month celebrating organ donors. She now hopes her story can inspire people. Jacobs was only 26 years old when she learnt of the heart condition that would change her life forever. “It was bad, I couldn’t even walk without taking breaks in between, it literally felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. “I knew I needed to have myself checked out, not only for myself but for my two-year-old son at the time.” Jacobs learnt she had an enlarged heart, and that her heart muscles were damaged. “This is…

The UK is in the throes of anarchy unprecedented in it’s history. British democracy is facing threats we have not witnessed in recent times. We were warned by many on numerous occasions of the mortal danger that intolerance posed to global democracy. We are grimly witnessing carnage on an epic scale,that will be embedded in our collective memories,and recorded in history books for generations to come. The war for truth is now to preserve democracy. Over the past years, two unwritten norms have preserved the UK’s political system. They were mutual toleration,in which parties accept each other as legitimate rivals,and forbearance,in which politicians exercise restraint in using their institutional powers.The fiery looting carnage,completely destroyed that sacred accord. The role played by those seeking…

ENGLAND is teetering on the edge of civil war, with neighbour attacking neighbour in the streets. Mobs running riot, burning hotels cars and buses … all in the name of democracy? America, too, has never been so divided since the dawn of democracy in that country. Is this what democracy is all about ? American politicians firing salvo’s of mud at one another on public platforms? Teenagers plotting terror campaigns in Austria, the most gentle country in Europe. This is democracy? Only in the USA can someone aged 18 walk into a gun shop and buy a high-carbine assault weapon without a background check. All in the name of democracy and freedom. Chaos, diversity and disaster are crippling the West, all in the name of democracy. It is time for…

In a recent article, Dhivana Rajgopaul writes about the importance of entrepreneurship in the context of the increasing and concerning unemployment rate in South Africa. She writes that many South Africans have turned to entrepreneurship out of necessity and provides valuable advice on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Apart from the qualities and traits that entrepreneurs should possess or develop, having the right approach to addressing market needs is crucial for running a successful business. Key elements include effective planning, securing appropriate financing, staying attuned to market trends, maintaining realism, and seeking guidance from mentors or role models on the entrepreneurial journey. All of this is undoubtedly important, and numerous masterclass opportunities are available to help aspiring entrepreneurs. It is critical to address “bottom-line” turnover and…

The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for an attack in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo that killed five people, according to a US-based intelligence group. The SITE group, which specialises in monitoring radical Islamist groups, said on Saturday the Islamic State Central Africa Province (Iscap) had claimed responsibility for the attack in the Tshopo province. “The IS stated that fighters shot at a militia post in a village in Tshopo, killing three personnel, then turned their guns on Christians inside the village,” the group said in a statement. It added that the group had also set fire to more than 50 houses. SITE also said in its statement that the Iscap has “not previously carried out operations” in the Tshopo area. The Islamic State…

Western Province might call on the services of double World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff for their next Currie Cup clash, if he is medically cleared and gets permission from the Springboks to play. The Cape side are eager to beef up their stocks with some experienced players as the Currie Cup moves into a pivotal stage, and after Saturday’s 26-19 loss against the Cheetahs, Province are now in a do-or-die situation in the tournament. Kitshoff hasn’t had a single bit of rugby since picking up an injury at Ulster during the United Rugby Championship earlier this year and missed all of the Springbok mid-year Tests after returning to South Africa to link up with Stormers Rugby again after a year in Ireland. He’s been training with WP but hasn’t received…