Innehållsförteckning för 2024-09-13 från Cape Argus

FOR the first 10 days of September, the SA Revenue Service (Sars) received close to 160 000 tax directives relating to savings withdrawal benefits for the two-pot retirement system. Sars said from September 1 to 10, they received 159 853 two-pot savings withdrawal benefit applications. Overall, Sars received a total of 161 607 tax directive applications, including cancelled applications. The gross amount of the lumpsums for the applications received totalled R4.1 billion. Sars Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, said contributions made to pension or retirement funds were not taxed when they were paid to the funds, but were deferred to the time the person retired and then taxed at a reduced rate. However, when an individual withdraws from the savings pot of the two-pot system, they will be taxed at their marginal…

THE EFF has expressed excitement and welcomed the decision of reviving the nationalisation of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill, which was introduced by the party’s leader, Julius Malema. The Parliamentary standing committee on finance held a meeting on Wednesday, concerning the nationalisation of the SARB. The bill was introduced in 2018 as a private member’s Bill by Malema, but later lapsed. It was then revived in 2019, and went through public hearings in 2020. The Amendment Bill aims to amend the SA Reserve Bank Act to make the state the sole shareholder of the central bank and grant powers to the minister of finance to exercise the rights associated with the shares on behalf of the state. It also seeks to grant the finance minister the power…

THE recovery session at Diaz Beach, Cape Point, where French Under-18 player Medhi Narjissi lost his life, was poorly supervised by team officials in dangerous conditions, the French Rugby Federation said in a statement. Narjissi was swept away by a wave while swimming as France prepared for a five-nation U18 tournament in South Africa last month. After an internal investigation, the federation has called for the immediate sacking of those responsible for leading the session, accusing officials of failing to heed warnings over rip currents at the beach. “The decision to organise a recovery session in the water on Diaz Beach was made without considering the danger of the site, in particular that related to rip currents, waves and rocks,” the federation said. “The FFR (French Rugby Federation) observes that…

Ten years ago, South Africa’s most progressive and pluralistic Muslim House of Worship opened its doors. On September 19, 2014, the trailblazing Open Mosque in Wynberg emerged as the only Qur’an-centric, gender-equal and non-sectarian place of prayer in the country. A decade later – despite relentless clergy persecution – this trendsetting institution marks its 10th anniversary with a week of prayers, functions and public activities. Everyone, irrespective of belief or background, is welcome. These celebrations culminate with a novel interfaith conference in Greyton on September 27 – 29 to debate the role of religion and climate change. The launch of the Open Mosque was the result of concerted research and objective study for a viable scriptural-based alternative to the myopic orthodox faith in the Western Cape. Islam in South Africa…

In the next few weeks, one legend of Springbok rugby will happily pass on his record to another. In the next two Bok matches – if selected to play against the Pumas in Argentina and then a week after that against the same opposition at Mbombela Stadium – lock Eben Etzebeth will equal and then overtake the record number of Test matches played for South Africa, currently held by Victor Matfield. The former Bok skipper and lock ended his illustrious 14-year international career having donned the green and gold, the prancing Springbok on his breast, an impressive 127 times. Etzebeth has done so on 126 occasions. Matfield, however, can’t think of any one else more deserving to hold the moniker of most capped Bok Test player, and yesterday, while touring…

Arsenal face a daunting set of fixtures starting with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, with influential midfielders sidelined this weekend, but Mikel Arteta’s side can take heart from their recent record in north London derbies. Having been held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing, Arsenal are two points off the pace after champions Manchester City and Liverpool had perfect starts. Arsenal have been punished in the title race after letting points slip in the past two campaigns. With City and Liverpool playing tomorrow, Arsenal could potentially be staring at a five-point gap ahead of Sunday’s short trip to face their neighbours. Arsenal will wear their away kit in the derby for the first time in 38 years due to a…

SOUTH Africa will return to one-day international cricket next week for the first time this year, having last made an appearance against India in Paarl last year. That series against India was the Proteas’ first ODI clash after the 2023 World Cup semi-final exit, and even then, the squad looked a lot different, with key players rested and promising youngsters given an opportunity. One of those youngsters was left-handed opening batter Tony de Zorzi, who seemingly replaced the retired Quinton de Kock in the 50-over format. De Zorzi, now 27, would go on to have a dream debut with a sparkling match-winning century in Gqeberha and a decent half-ton in Paarl to announce himself as a viable option at the top of the order. As a result, there were no…

South African-born superstar Tyla has bagged the Best Afrobeats honours at the MTV Video Music Awards, following her Grammy, Billboard and BET wins. The 22-year-old took the honours for her hit song Water on Wednesday night in New York City. Dazzling in a bright yellow string dress from Area’s Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, the Jump hitmaker took to the stage as the audience applauded her for yet another accolade. During her acceptance speech, she described her win as “bittersweet”. “This is such a big moment for Africa, African music, like guys, the global impact that Water has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music too,” she said. “This is just so special but it is also bittersweet because I know there is a tendency to…

Appeal for sportsground to be redeveloped AS DETAILS over the sale of Newlands Rugby Stadium remain sketchy and Western Province Rugby playing its cards close to its chest, residents have called for the historical precinct to be developed before it deteriorates further. Five years since its move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium, Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) administrator Peter Jooste has refuted claims that the stadium has been sold, describing the alleged sale as “fake” news. This follows reports that the venue was sold to an unidentified buyer approved through a voting process. Jooste said the planned sale was not discussed with any media. “Whoever writes that, it’s fake news, it’s absolutely nothing. That is something that they sucked out of their thumb because not me who…

INCRIMINATING cellphone evidence linking alleged underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack, to the plans to bomb the home of slain Anti-Gang Unit detective Charl Kinnear have been revealed. Modack and his co-accused returned to the Western Cape High Court yesterday, where the Hawks’ National Task Team started to unpack the cellphone evidence of Amaal Jantjies. Jantjies, along with her gangster boyfriend Janick Adonis, are at the centre of the investigation into the planned attacks on Kinnear’s home during November 2019, amid threats on his life. Captain Trevor Shaw testified that Jantjies was arrested after an alleged gang member was caught outside Kinnear’s home in possession of a hand grenade.…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Pravin Gordhan remained in critical condition in hospital. He also slammed those who had spread fake news about Gordhan’s death and “wished him dead”. Speaking to the media after he visited the former minister yesterday, Mbalula described Gordhan as “one of the most outstanding compatriots of the country”. “We believe that the medical team is doing all that is necessary to give comrade Pravin Gordhan the best care. We remain hopeful for his recovery. “We have extended our heartfelt words of encouragement to the Gordhan family, offering support during this difficult time,” he said. Mbalula asked all members of the ANC and the country at large to keep the Gordhan family in prayer. “Comrade Pravin Gordhan is a veteran of our liberation Struggle, having played…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that the growth of extortion syndicates posed a threat to the country. He added that it was prioritised by law enforcement agencies, working together with stakeholders across government and society. He said this during the question and answer session at the NCOP yesterday afternoon. Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana from the Eastern Cape asked Ramaphosa whether the government had considered the negative impact of the growing trend of protection fee and business extortion to the economy, and the impact on delivery of services such as schools and state infrastructure projects. Ramaphosa said: “The growth of criminal extortion in several parts of the country is contributing to a climate of lawlessness and fear. Extortion has a great economic cost, disrupting business activity,…

MOTORISTS are saving an average of R50 per tank since the fuel price decrease was announced last week. This is according to industry experts, after the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) dropped the prices of both grades of petrol by 92 cents per litre, while diesel came down by between 79 cents (500ppm) and R1.05 (50ppm). This means that a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol costs R21.40 at the coast and R22.19 in Gauteng, and the cheaper 93 Unleaded is retailing at R21.79. It is the lowest level of petrol prices since February 2023. The DMRE said September’s petrol and diesel price decreases came mostly as a result of lower international fuel prices, while a slightly stronger South African rand added around 11 cents to the equation. Brina…

The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) will this month advocate for South Africans to embrace their food heritage for a healthier nation. This is as South Africans observe Heritage Month. Over the years, healthy eating habits have been associated with the Western food traditions. However, HEALA says there are various ways South Africans can embrace healthy living through their traditional foods. “Our food is a fundamental part of our cultural identities. By allowing big food to homogenise our plates we run the risk of finding ourselves losing the rich tapestry of our collective identities. “This, however, is near impossible given the proliferation of cheap, addictive ultra-processed food. HEALA is calling on government to use funds from unhealthy food taxes to subsidise healthier alternatives. Since its inception in 2018, the Health…

Cristiano Ronaldo says Erik ten Hag’s attitude is too negative, urging the Manchester United manager to target the Premier League title – even though the club needs to “rebuild from the bottom”. The Portugal star, who now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, fell out with Ten Hag before his second spell at Old Trafford ended late in 2022. Ronaldo believes his former club needs sweeping changes, but that Ten Hag should not rule out winning major trophies in the meantime. The Dutchman has said he is “quite confident” of claiming more silverware this campaign after lifting the League Cup and FA Cup over the past two seasons. But he said in July that his team are a “long way away” from being ready to win the Premier League,…

IVAN Botha and Donnalee Roberts, the husband and wife team behind South African box office hits like Pad Na Jou Hart and Vir Altyd, stepped up their game with their first TV series, Een Keer Om Die Son. And it’s been an emotional roller-coaster for viewers. If you haven’t watched it on kykNET yet, grab your tissues because the Van Wyk family will leave you in your feels. This 12-episode series doesn’t just tell a story – it lives it. From mental health struggles to the raw realities of family loss, bullying and even marital issues, it lays everything bare. Roberts nailed it when she said: “People can see themselves in these situations. All of us have lost someone and suffered pain. In South Africa, certain things are swept under…

A POLICE officer from Surrey Estate could face animal cruelty charges following a probe by officials from the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA. In a statement released this week, the animal organisation said they confiscated three dogs after obtaining a warrant from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. CoGH SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said they were alerted by concerned neighbours and subsequently visited the property. “A police officer, sworn to uphold the law, has violated one of the most basic and compassionate protections in society – the humane treatment of animals. “Despite multiple warnings issued by CoGH SPCA’s inspector Rowan Davids and a clear legal obligation under the Animals Protection Act, this individual chose continued neglect, resulting in three dogs being removed from his custody under a warrant issued by Wynberg…

COURT documents have lifted the lid on the alleged links between former mayco member Malusi Booi and affiliates of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield, as Booi is set to return to court today, where he faces various charges linked to a R850 million tender corruption. After months of investigations into the blacklisting of companies associated with Stanfield’s wife, Nicole Johnson, the Cape Argus can reveal the striking similarities between the State’s charge sheet released in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court this week, and an investigation by the Cape Town Municipality. Booi was arrested alongside Suraya Manual, Abdul Kader Davids, Mohammed Amod, his ex-girlfriend Lorna Ndoda, ex-wife Nomvuyo Mnyaka, Thuli Imgib, Brenda and Randall Mullins and Siphokazi September. During their first court appearance on Wednesday, it was revealed the group…

THE German International School Cape Town (DSK) has launched its new science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) Centre in Tamboerskloof, aimed at addressing a skills gap in South Africa. DSK board chairperson Angela Naumann-Daun, together with the German Deputy Consul-General, Sven Hartwig, said R38 million was invested in advancing STEM skills in South Africa. “This building embodies the spirit of collaboration between our two countries, showcasing how we can work together to advance STEM education and equip the next generation with the skills they will need in a rapidly changing world,” said Hartwig. Education MEC David Maynier welcomed the new school. He said the collaboration with Germany highlighted the importance of STEM education, while the province remained committed to equipping learners with the skills necessary to thrive in careers…

THE Betway Premiership season finally kicks off tomorrow when Royal AM face Cape Town City (3pm start) at Harry Gwala Stadium. We choose who we think will finish in positions one to four in the league ... ORLANDO PIRATES | IMPROVEMENT Where home is at: Orlando Stadium The man in the hot seat: Jose Riveiro Riveiro has endeared himself as a ‘cup specialist’ in local football, having won four trophies – two MTN8s and Nedbank Cups – in his first two seasons. But such is the pressure that’s on him this season, he’s expected to challenge for everything this season, especially the coveted Premiership title. Star player: Relebohile Mofokeng Pirates were their own worst enemies in the past two seasons. They dropped points that they were expected to collect with…