Innehållsförteckning för 2024-09-11 från Cape Argus

Autoplay is an immersive multi-discipline production, with the calibre for which Darkroom Contemporary, who produced the play, has become renowned for. It centres around a surreal encounter between humans and machines. “The performance conjures a moving landscape that ebbs, shifts and transforms as it frames the experience,” a statement read. This hybrid work by Louise Coetzer, the multiple award-winning organisation’s co-founder and artistic director, blends dance, live performance, art performance, sound installation and digital processing to bring dance theatre to a range of alternate dimensions. It features a new original score by renowned music artists Brydon Bolton and Njabulo Phungula, with vocals by Inge Beckmann. Other notable performers include Bronwyn Craddock, Darion Adams, Vuyelwa Phota and Gabrielle Fairhead. “Staged in a secret location in Kloof Street, Cape Town, viewers…

A DIGITAL content creator and pastor who graduated just days ago has been found murdered following a hijacking in Delft. Marshall Ganyau, 30, was pictured smiling in his graduation gear after completing his studies in theology in Zimbabwe last month. It would be his last post to social media, followed by rest-in-peace messages from friends, family, acquaintances and followers of his digital creation platform Bhoo Here TV. Ganyau was visiting an acquaintance in Delft on September 7 when he was ambushed and abducted by three men, who bundled him into his car at gunpoint before driving off with him to Philippi. Ganyau’s brother Elvis Chibvuri said their nightmare began with struggling to open a case due to the fears of a witness who saw his brother being bundled into the…

MORE interventions and investigations are needed before the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board can consider the application of Tsogo Sun Caledon to relocate its casino to the Helderberg. This follows a public hearing with locals and interested parties on July 12, which allowed the public to make oral submissions to the board and to testify or to call witnesses. According to board CEO, Primo Abrahams, before it could decide on the matter, further information was required. “At this stage, all processes have not been completed and accordingly, there is nothing to report on the process,” Abrahams said. Among others, economic proposals and municipal approvals would be further considered. Abrahams said: “It is the normal probity investigations, land use certifications, municipality approvals, business licences, economic proposals and suitability of persons…

Next month will mark 100 days of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Ministers must be asking themselves how they can capitalise on the trust placed in them by South Africa. For those of us determined to inclusively grow our economy and create sustainable jobs, coupled with ensuring future-fit skills that will equip our people to compete in domestic and international markets, we are trusting the GNU to get on with the structural reforms needed in the business of government. We need the GNU to create an enabling environment for business and investment. We need it to deliver essential and meaningful services to the public so that we can grow our economy and jobs. In short, we’re trusting the GNU to “geshido” (get s*** done). If the GNU allows itself…

South African immigration officials are clamping down on undocumented foreign nationals, with some cities carrying out raids aimed to arrest undocumented foreign nationals. With global mobility on the increase, borders need to be manned properly and have effective equipment and technical infrastructure. Whoever enters South African borders must be correctly documented, but it must be done under the rule of law, Prevention of Illegal Eviction rules, Bill of Rights, the Immigration Act and Refugees Act. Comprehensive border and immigration control with a plan of action must be put in place to avoid corruption and human rights violations. |…

The Phala Phala scandal, which embroiled President Cyril Ramaphosa in allegations of misconduct and corruption, has become a symbol of the complex interplay between ethical considerations and the entrenched power dynamics within South Africa’s governance structures. As the nation grapples with the fallout from the controversy, it is imperative to examine the deeper implications for our democratic institutions and the ethical framework that underpins them. At the heart of the scandal lies the question of how power is exercised and the moral responsibilities that come with it. The Section 89 Independent Panel’s report, which highlighted Ramaphosa’s alleged violation of his oath of office, underscores the need for a rigorous examination of the mechanisms designed to balance power and uphold justice in our society. Ethical governance is not merely a matter…

HANOI: Severe floods were expected to inundate parts of Vietnam’s north, including the capital, officials said, as the aftermath of typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia so far this year, continues to extract a deadly toll. Landslides and floods triggered by the typhoon have killed at least 127 people and 54 others are missing in the north, the disaster management agency said yesterday. Most of the victims were killed in landslides and flash floods, the agency said, adding that 752 people have been injured. Several rivers in northern Vietnam have risen to alarming levels, leaving villages and residential areas inundated. | Reuters…

WHEN a teenager is as skilful with the bat as Dewald Brevis was during his record-breaking Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago, it is easy to understand why his skill and potential with ball in hand was under-appreciated. While the world was in awe of the 500-plus runs the youngster scored during those six World Cup games, they forgot to take note of the 215 deliveries that he bowled in returning seven wickets while conceding a healthy 5.58 runs per over. Many failed to notice that the leg-spinner bowled 13 overs more than the now highly rated Kwena Maphaka during that World Cup, painting a vivid picture of just how reliable Brevis’ bowling was. Two years later and now on the verge of breaking into the Proteas set-up, many…

Catherine, Princess of Wales is “cancer free” after completing her chemotherapy treatment. In March, it was reported that the princess announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer, forcing the 42-year-old royal to take a step back from public duties. At the time, the royal revealed she needed a course of preventative chemotherapy after abdominal surgery. She said that she would return to limited engagements over the next few months following an “incredibly tough” nine months. Princess Kate, as she is affectionately known, made a public appearance when she rode in a carriage alongside her three children at the annual celebration for King Charles III’s official birthday, in her first public appearance since December. She also made an appearance at the Wimbledon final. “I cannot tell you what a relief…

A post on social media, by a man traumatised by what he had to confront at a public hospital, has exposed the mismanagement, rot and appalling conditions. This then is what sick South Africans have to deal with daily. Does this post reflect the entire health care system in this country? Who is ultimately responsible for the demise? Blaming the minister and calling for his resignation is nonsense. The time has come to hold the cleaners and middle managers responsible. They are clearly not doing their jobs. The unions that protect the workers are as much to blame as unhealthy paradigms have been allowed to manifest in what should be First World hygienic conditions. Stop blaming the politicians; the problem rests with those who have been appointed to keep the…

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed his wishes for the state to establish a provincial bank to be run by the government for the purpose of providing capital for projects that are deemed unprofitable but socially important. While the published goals of the project might seem virtuous, South Africa’s state-owned enterprises have a dreadful track record. Unfortunately, if the bank was established, it would become just another vehicle for corruption. State-owned enterprises like Eskom, Transnet, the SABC and SAA all illustrate the inherent incompetence of state-owned projects and enterprises. The repeated looting of the Public Investment Corporation, in order to enrich corrupt politicians and their friends, adds an additional example of how whenever the government gets its hands on a source of capital it drives it into the ground through…

As we proudly celebrate our country’s vibrant entertainment industry, a heartbreaking reality remains hidden from view as many who practise the craft are struggling to survive. Despite their talent and dedication, they live in poverty, their dreams of stardom shattered by the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. The lack of job security, meagre pay and limited opportunities have left many artists destitute. They’re often exploited by unscrupulous producers and casting agents who prioritise profits over people. The constant rejection and uncertainty take a devastating toll on their mental health, leaving them feeling isolated and hopeless. It’s easy to forget that not all entertainers live a life of luxury. Recently, award-winning actress Gcina Mkhize revealed that the lack of job opportunities in the country’s TV and film industry meant she…

Moscow: A wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia killed a woman near Moscow, Russian officials said yesterday, the first time someone has been killed in a Ukrainian attack near the capital since Russia’s military offensive began in 2022. The attacks came as the Russian army claimed to have made territorial gains on Ukraine’s eastern front. Russia’s defence ministry said it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones that also disrupted air traffic at Moscow’s airports. A woman, 46, was killed and three others hospitalised in a drone strike on Ramenskoye, about 23km from Moscow, officials said. | AFP…

THE looming jobs bloodbath for teachers in the Western Cape has prompted young professionals to explore opportunities of working abroad. A private recruiter who has been assisting teachers to connect with employers in South East Asia said that while recruiting teachers from South Africa was not new, there has been a big increase in job enquiries over the past few weeks. This comes after the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced at the end of August that it was being forced to shed 2 400 teacher posts in 2025 due to budget cuts. “We have been getting enquiries from all over South Africa, especially from people with an average age of 30,” said recruiter Trevor Davids. “There was also an enquiry from two groups that teach as couples.” He said…

Former minister of public enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, has been admitted to hospital, his family said in a statement last night. “The family of the former minister of public enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan, would like to inform the media and the public that he has been admitted to hospital. “Mr Gordhan is receiving the best available medical care. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Further updates on his condition will be provided,” the statement read. Gordhan entered South African politics during the height of the Struggle against apartheid and announced his retirement from politics in May. As public enterprises minister, in August last year, Gordhan cited ill-health as his reason for not attending a meeting in Parliament to respond to SAA sale allegations. The committee on public enterprises…

A COMMUNITY project aimed at restoring the dignity of young girls in Kensington is under way, as volunteers are working hard to collect 5 000 pairs of underwear. The Panty Drive, spearheaded by ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg, follows calls for help from schools and organisations to assist teenagers to stay in school. “The Panty Drive comes from a project known as the Butterfly Programme that we started several months ago amid calls for help from the community. “Among some of the issues identified were teen pregnancies and absenteeism from school. “We teamed up with the Community Policing Forum and local actress Jill Levenberg and the Cape Cultural Collective who did a fantastic outreach programme with the girls.” Speaking to the Cape Argus, Steenberg said he was shocked when he heard…

To the Management of Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, I am a shoemaker in Turkey and would like to send a pair of shoes to Dr Barnard and Dr Blaiberg, who have made a remarkable contribution to humanity through their pioneering heart transplant. I kindly request that you send me their shoe sizes at your earliest convenience. I send my warm greetings to all the staff at your hospital from our city of Tekirdağ. Best regards, Ahmet Cuhaci May 1, 1968 In 1968, a shoemaker from Tekirdağ, Turkey, named Ahmet Çuhacı, reached out to Prof Dr Chris Barnard with a heartfelt letter. Barnard, who performed the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, became an international figure after the groundbreaking surgery. In his letter,…

Despite an enabling policy framework that supports additive multilingualism in our education system (starting with a language the child knows best and continuing with it while adding other languages such as English or Afrikaans), what happens is that African language-speaking children are forced to switch to English as a medium of instruction from Grade Four. They go from learning English as a subject to being taught and assessed in English very abruptly. Many of our children are unable to navigate this change successfully, as there is very little support throughout this change and process. All materials are in English, with very little developed for children to read in African languages and non-standard varieties of languages (“Afrikaaps”, for example). In high school, up to Matric, we maintain the languages of power…

Before I wrote this article, I decided to look at the impact of unemployment on the people who would be exiting the Community Work Programme (CWP), making sure that it was worth writing about. There was consensus among the dejected people that the phenomenon of unemployment in South Africa was troublesome and tanglesome for individuals and society. Disappointment was hardly a strong enough word to describe their reaction as the CWP will be tailing off soon. Thirty years after democracy in South Africa, unemployment, particularly for young people, is a sticky social problem. Our economic prosperity has reigned and fallen and our democratic glory has fizzled due to a weak economic climate and job losses, eroding confidence among job-seekers. It makes our cheeks burn with shame to see young people,…

Gaza’s civil defence agency said an Israeli strike yesterday on a humanitarian zone in the Palestinian territory killed 40 people, with the Israeli army saying it had targeted a Hamas command centre in the area. The strike hit Al-Mawasi – in Gaza’s southern province of Khan Yunis –which was designated a safe zone by the Israeli military early in the war, with tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge there. Israel’s military has carried out occasional operations in and around the area, including a strike in July that it said killed Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, and which Gaza health authorities said killed more than 90 people. Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts to broker an elusive ceasefire have focused on securing the release of hostages taken by Palestinian militants…

AMMAN: Jordanians went to the polls yesterday in a parliamentary election overshadowed by the war in Gaza and concerns over a slump in tourism, a sector vital to the kingdom’s economy. It is the first vote since a 2022 reform increased the number of seats in the house, reserving more for women and lowering the minimum age for candidates. But voters said the Gaza war dominated the election. Tensions rose just two days before the election when a Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli guards at the border between Jordan and the occupied West Bank. | AFP…