Innehållsförteckning för 2024-09-05 från Cape Argus

Selling Sunset season 8 is already heating up and the show hasn’t even hit Netflix yet! Premiering tomorrow, the season promises a whirlwind of drama. Chrishell Stause, one of the show’s stars, took to Instagram to make it known that she’s had enough of the behind-the-scenes antics, even threatening to quit the show. Stause isn’t happy with her co-star Nicole Young, who’s been accused of spreading a lie about their fellow castmate, Emma Hernan. Stause didn’t hold back, posting a fiery warning on her Instagram Stories, calling out Young and the show’s producers for allowing what she described as a “disgusting lie” to be aired. Stause started a poll and asked her followers: “Are we really still giving airtime to liars who just want screen time?” The drama didn’t stop…

72-year-old suffocated after couple tied up A PANORAMA family is mourning the murder of their 72-year-old father, believed to have died a hero, after he was tied up and suffocated in a violent home invasion. Husain Mukadam was laid to rest yesterday after he died in the early hours of Tuesday, when three unknown men gained entry into his home in President Brand Crescent at around 1am. Mukadam was with his wife when the incident happened. She was also tied up but survived. His devastated son, Mustafa Mukadam, said the suspects entered through the backyard where there was an unsecured area. He said they jumped through three yards to get to his place. “He wasn’t shot; what happened was that there was a major struggle,” said a grief-stricken Mustafa. “My…

THE Western Cape High Court has overturned a decision ordering the City of Cape Town mayor to administer a trust to safeguard a family home on behalf of a minor child. The child was orphaned after Babsy Ntamehlo strangled, partially burnt and buried his estranged wife Nosicelo Tsipa’s body in a shallow grave in Fisantekraal after they fought over the RDP house they were living in. Ntamehlo was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2023. A ruling made by Judge Daniel Thulare declared that the minor left behind should receive the house, and ordered mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to establish, without delay, a trust for the child’s benefit, and to assist in upholding the child’s rights of freehold ownership of the house. However, Hill-Lewis approached the…

The Department of Employment and Labour has announced that all designated employers must submit their 2024 employment equity reports. They must complete reports on EEA2 and EEA4. One can go on to the online portal of the Department of Employment and Labour to ensure that the forms are properly completed. It must be remembered that a designated employer is an employer with 50 or more employees or an employer with fewer than 50 employees but whose annual turnover meets or exceeds the thresholds listed in Schedule 4 of the Employment Equity Act. Some employers choose to volunteer and become designated employers. They must likewise submit their forms as soon as possible. The period for the 2024 Employment Equity Reporting is from this month to January 15, 2025. It is vital…

Our men and women in blue dominated the news and the national discourse again this week following the gunning down of six suspects at Durban’s South Beach and the parliamentary debate on measures to deal with extortion and crime in general. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu shone the spotlight on the extortion crisis this week. He is correct in encouraging police officers to deal “head-on” with the brazen and belligerent “armies of murderous parasites” who extort businesses as well as ordinary citizens and resist arrest, training their guns on police when hunted down. The police involved in the hard, bloody battles on the ground against these gangs plaguing our big cities were correctly applauded. But there is one particular policeman who keeps endearing himself to citizens across the country – KwaZulu-Natal…

Leaders and senior officials from 50 African nations are gathering in Beijing this week for a 3-day summit hosted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, part of China’s decades-long efforts to be seen as a champion for the developing world. The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, held every third year since 2000, is a key component of China’s diplomatic outreach to countries often known as the Global South. Much of this effort is intended to reshape global trade and geopolitics to strengthen Beijing’s influence relative to Washington and its allies. “The Washington perception that China is trying to be more vocal and have more presence in the world, that’s accurate,” said Zhou Yongmei, a professor at Peking University in Beijing. “I think that’s a good thing. Over time, China will be more…

THE search continues for the 300-year-old slave bell stolen at Groot Constantia. The 100kg relic from 1716 was reported stolen from the Hoop op Constantia homestead, declared a National Monument by the minister of education in 1984. Groot Constantia Estate has since appealed for assistance in recovering the bell, allegedly stolen on Sunday. “We are reaching out to inform you of a recent theft that occurred in our community. A brass bell has been stolen and we are seeking your assistance in recovering it,” the estate notified the public. CEO of Groot Constantia, Jean Naudé, said the brass bell weighed around 100kg and was notable for its green discolouration. “The theft has been officially reported, and a case has been opened at the Diep River police station. Authorities and Groot…

INVESTIGATIONS into the conduct of two learners from Plumstead High School who landed in trouble after brandishing weapons and alcohol while dressed in their uniforms have revealed that the weapon was a pellet gun. This was according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), as disciplinary hearings were finalised this week against the two boys, with the outcome pending. The two learners, who are in Grade 10 and 12, caused a stir last week when images of them surfaced on social media, labelled “Scumstead”. The school subsequently issued a letter to parents saying an investigation into the disturbing images was under way. Speaking to the Cape Argus yesterday, WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said the disciplinary process had been completed. “The two learners in Grade 10 and Grade 12 were on…

THE Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has inspired little confidence that it would comprehensively perform its mandate within the established time frames. The portfolio committee was briefed by the Department of Home Affairs and a progress update was provided from the panel on Tuesday. The establishment of the panel came about following a realisation by the committee on the public request for a fundamental review of the current electoral system. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the panel had the department’s support and there would be no “taint” of political interference or involvement in the independent and objective process. Panel chairperson Richard Sizani, an advocate, said the committee comprised nine members approved by the National Assembly and in May 2024, the home affairs minister appointed the panel in terms of section…

A DISPUTE lodged against the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) concerning the scrapping of 2 400 teacher posts will be set down for conciliation. This, as the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) confirmed they received the dispute submitted by the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) this week. “The matter will now be set down for conciliation, where the appointed commissioner will try to resolve the matter between the parties. “If not resolved, the matter will then be set down for arbitration, where the commissioner will decide on the matter. “The award will be made available once the matter has been finalised with all the details of the proceedings and the outcome,” said ELRC general-secretary, Cindy Foca. Sadtu lodged the dispute after it said the WCED’s consultation with unions over the…

The City of Cape Town’s Directorate for Economic Growth has welcomed the announcement of a new initiative by the Department of Home Affairs to simplify the visa process for group travellers from China and India. Coinciding with National Tourism Month, the department announced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme on Monday, saying it was an innovative group visa system that would process permits for mass travellers from the two countries. The system will allow strictly assessed and authorised tour operators from China and India to register with the department to facilitate visa applications for tourists travelling with approved tour groups. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the core focus of the system is to remove obstacles hindering the country from becoming a favoured destination for the growing Chinese and Indian…

The criminal antics of the construction mafia and resultant extortion demands require strong urgent action, with such acts being eliminated and offenders punished. Yes, there are impediments to such criminality coming to an end, such as reluctance of some witnesses to come forward for fear of reprisals, inefficient and/or corrupt police, and the underperforming National Prosecuting Authority. Also, the fact that the wheels of justice grind so painfully slowly and that many people have little or no faith in the justice and policing systems. Recently at a women’s conference, controversial businesswomen Shauwn Mkhize said that over the years she had conducted business associated with such thugs, had no problem continuing with same and branded such criminals “victims”. This is utter hogwash and speaks volumes about Mkhize’s ethics and…

THE South Africa national men’s squad have reconvened for two crucial Africa Cup of Nations Afcon) qualifying matches with head coach Hugo Broos adding fresh faces to his roster. Bafana will tackle the challenge of Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday (kick-off 6pm) before jetting off to South Sudan to play their second match in the group on Tuesday. Having formed what seems to be his core in the last 10-12 months, Broos has handed first-time call-ups to two or three new players, who are expected to make a huge impression on the Belgian mastermind. Here, Smiso Msomi takes a look at five players desperate for Broos’ nod of approval in the upcoming Afcon qualifiers. 1 Thalente Mbatha Durban-born Mbatha has been one of Orlando Pirates’ most enterprising revelations over…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Enoch Nkwe believes the Proteas Women’s campaign at the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates will not be derailed due to the side not having a full-time head coach. CSA has yet to replace Hilton Moreeng, who guided the team to a first T20 World Cup final last year, after the long-serving coach vacated his post back in April to take on a new role in the US. At the time Nkwe indicated that “the process of recruiting for a new coach is already under way” with former bowling coach Dillon du Preez appointed on a temporary basis. Du Preez oversaw the tour to India, where the Proteas were swept 3-0 in the ODI series and lost the one-off Test, but…

THE town of Keimoes in the Northern Cape continues to grieve the loss of nine loved ones who were among the victims of the bus crash along Van Rhyns Pass. The construction workers had spent the weekend with their families and on Monday were on their way to Ceres where they worked at Scatec solar energy farm. The bus they travelled in, owned by TP Williams Vervoer, reportedly had a tyre burst then veered off the road and rolled down the slope, landing at the foot of the mountain. The accident happened between Van Rhynsdorp and Calvinia at around 5pm, leaving 10 people, including the driver, dead, with 29 people taken to hospital. One of the dead, Sebastiaan Nimeerhoudt, 28, had worked for Scatec for a year. His distraught…

WHILE there has been an increase in special schools for learners with disabilities over the past two decades, there remain hindrances to access inclusive education, particularly for learners aged 16-18, in the Western Cape. This was one of the findings revealed during a briefing by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to the portfolio committee on Tuesday. The briefing related to promoting inclusive education in respect of progress in support of Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN), digital resources and learning resources for special schools. During opening remarks, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said the department was trying to not only expand access, but the quality of inclusive education as much as possible. The department had 295 special schools in 2002, and 499 special schools listed in 2023. In…

The DA has written to the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to urgently draw her attention to the fact that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) seems to have halted payments for nearly four months. This state of affairs seems to indicate the dire state of the fund without any prompt intervention from either the Transport Minister or the Portfolio Committee on Transport. Over the years, we have seen a worrying disconnect between the Department of Transport and one of its key entities, the Road Accident Fund (RAF). The RAF CEO and the Board appear to have been operating unchecked and without proper oversight for too long. Having six Transport Ministers in only seven years has produced a perfect environment in which the RAF, for example, can pick which sections of…

After the May elections, South Africans hoped that the new government would kick off by solving some of the overwhelming problems we have been experiencing in recent years. The continual lack of effective municipal services in most provinces in South Africa has been alarming. Residents of KwaZulu-Natal, for instance, are grappling to access water from their taps after the Tongaat tornado and the floods in 2022, which were recorded as the most catastrophic in the province in decades. Repairs the eThekwini Municipality promised to complete after the July riots in 2021 are lagging. KwaZulu-Natal is not the only province that struggles to have continuous access to essential resources. Water woes were a big challenge for residents of Gauteng earlier this year; the waterless period continued for about two weeks in…

THE Las Vegas Grand Prix will add a Ferrari Challenge support race to the second edition of the Formula One event in November after criticism of the limited track action on offer last year. For those with money to splash and wanting more than just ice in their drinks, organisers said they also plan to install a skating rink on the roof of the Paddock Club hospitality building. Formula One’s third US round races down the Nevada city’s famed Strip at night but only offered F1 last year. Other Grands Prix, particularly in Europe, have a range of junior series and sportscar races. “We took on the feedback last year of not having a support race,” said Emily Prazer, COO for F1 and the Las Vegas GP. “Logistics last year…

SET to face American Emma Navarro in front of the US Open’s boisterous home fans, Aryna Sabalenka jokingly sought to peel off some of that partisan support by offering them a round of drinks if they cheered for her in tonight’s semi-final. Sabalenka has had an up-and-down relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowds over the years, calling them out for a lack of support during last year’s final against home favourite Coco Gauff before shedding tears at the trophy ceremony. After her routine 6-1, 6-2 win over China’s Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday, the Belarusian was asked in an on-court interview how she might get the home fans on her side against Navarro at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “Drinks on me tonight?” said Sabalenka. “Drink on me and please give me some…

Kimberley will provide the perfect opportunity for some United Rugby Championship (URC) players of the Stormers to stretch their legs ahead of the new season. Western Province will throw some of them in the mix in their final Currie Cup clash tomorrow against Griquas in the Northern Cape, but not all URC guys will get a run. The dry field and expected heat should prepare the players for what awaits in November, December, January and February in Cape Town when they play in the URC and Champions Cup. The Stormers will now open their URC campaign away against the Ospreys on September 28 after they were initially scheduled for a North v South derby against the Bulls a week earlier. But because the Currie Cup final will be decided on…