Innehållsförteckning för 2024-09-20 från Cape Argus

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Celebrate Heritage Day at vibrant Mother City gatherings

Heritage Day is set to be a spectacular celebration of South African culture at Mojo Market, which will transform into a vibrant hub of African music, delicious food and colourful drinks which all offer a true taste of the country’s heritage. The festivities will kick off with Justin Zulu, who will perform from 1pm to 3pm. He is renowned for his blend of traditional Afrosoul and contemporary rhythms. Marimba Vibrations will then take the stage from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. This ensemble is celebrated for its marimba melodies and rhythmic versatility, offering a high-energy performance that combines traditional marimba tunes with modern influences. Ashweeta will perform from 6pm to 8pm. The hometown band’s music is celebrated for its dynamic range and lyrical depth, making them a stand-out act in the local…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Security boss’ murder charge provisionally dropped

THE State has provisionally withdrawn charges against a security boss accused of killing a father in the Bo-Kaap. Businessman Cameron Aberdeen was arrested on February 5 following the murder of Moegamat Abrahams and the attempted murder of a woman. According to the State, a security officer confronted a boy and the boy’s father slapped the officer, who then called his colleagues for back-up. Aberdeen confronted the boy’s family, which resulted in the community becoming “riotous”. Aberdeen and his colleagues then left the area. “He (Aberdeen) returned after noticing that his cellphone was missing. The situation was destabilised when the accused returned with the police and a further altercation happened,” said prosecutor Ricardo Swarts. “A group of residents later on the same day went to the CBD and vandalised the accused’s…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

‘Boland killer’ gets eight life sentences

TEARS of joy flowed in the Western Cape High Court yesterday, as the notorious “Boland killer” was slapped with a collective sentence of 260 years for the rape and murder of three women. After years of delays, Johan Williams, 52, was finally sentenced yesterday on charges which include murder, rape, kidnapping and assault. The father of nine was dubbed the “Boland killer” after it was found that he lured women to a farm in Wellington under false pretences and later murdered them. He was thrust into the spotlight in July 2018, when he was arrested for the murder of missing Kuils River mother, Chantell Mathyssen. The 21-year-old’s body was found on Aubon Rue Farm just weeks…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Discovery announces hike in medical costs, new plan

AROUND half of Discovery Health Medical Scheme members will experience a contribution increase of 8.4% next year. Discovery this week announced that contributions would range from 7.4% to 10.9%, depending on the plan in 2025. In a statement, it said there will be a 9.3% weighted average increase across all plans. The increases in scheme gross contributions for 2025 across benefit plans are: • Keycare Start: 7.4% • KeyCare Core: 7.4% • KeyCare Plus: 9.9% • Smart: 7.4% • Core: 9.9% • Saver: 8.4% • Coastal (Core/Saver) Plans: 10.9% • Priority: 9.9% • Comprehensive: 10.9% • Executive: 10.9% According to Discovery, the contribution increases have been submitted to the Council for Medical Schemes for approval. They will take effect on January 1, subject to approval by the council. Discovery…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

300 people gather for mass prayer rally

NEARLY 100 people gathered for a mass prayer rally in the Cape Town CBD yesterday, calling on the government to do more for the protection of children and communities. The group met at the starting point in Hanover Street, District Six, with prayer and song, and then proceeded to march to Parliament. The action was spearheaded by Balls Not Guns, a peace initiative working in Cape Flats communities, and the Women's Voice Revival Movement, supported by civic and Christian-led organisations and churches. Communities represented were Manenberg, Elsies River, Kuils River, Strandfontein, among several others. Balls Not Guns founder Gloria Veale and representing the Women’s Voice Revival Movement, said the march was also to strongly express their opposition to the newly signed Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill. “It's a prayer…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Bok De Allende gives children at Tygerberg Hospital a lift

Springbok Rugby World Cup winner Damian de Allende made a heart-warming visit to Tygerberg Hospital yesterday, to hang out with some if its youngest patients. The visit was part of the Smile Foundation’s ongoing partnership with Daikin Air Conditioning South Africa, showing their dedication to children’s health. Every month, they set aside special operating times for children who need craniofacial surgeries. This week, three courageous patients are getting the specialised care they need. De Allende’s visit not only lifted spirits but also sent a message about the community rallying around the children and their families during tough times. “I always wanted to give back and help the community out a bit. “You never know when to start, but I’m grateful to be here,” De Allende said. “Some of the kids…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Creating a future in which all can thrive

In October 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the Cabinet had approved the professionalisation framework for the public sector was remarkable. The action was particularly instructive for the built environment sector. It is not just the public sector but also the private sector that is being encouraged to professionalise. To clarify: in the built environment, when we speak of “professionalisation”, we are referring to the advent of professionalism, the transition to professional practices and the emergence of the profession itself. Since the announcement, there’s been considerable activity in this area led by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), all echoing President Ramaphosa’s sentiment. In fact, the CBE has gone so far as to develop the Built Environment Professionalisation and Capacity Development Strategy. Let us not limit ourselves to thinking…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Russian assault ‘stopped’

RUSSIA’S counter-offensive to retake Ukrainian-held territory in the Kursk region has been “stopped”, a spokesperson from Ukraine’s military administration there told AFP on Wednesday, after Moscow said it was beginning to repel the surprise incursion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said Kyiv has “fully prepared” its “victory plan” to end the war, which he has said he will discuss with US leader Joe Biden. Russia earlier said it had taken back several villages from Ukraine in the region, where Kyiv has held swathes of land since its shock offensive began more than a month ago. “They tried to attack from the flanks, but they were stopped there,” spokesperson Oleksiy Dmytrashkivsky from Ukraine’s military administration in Kursk said. “The situation was stabilised and today everything is under control. They are…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

First-ever Afghanistan loss ‘sucks’ – Mulder

“It sucks!” That was Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder’s frank assessment of the historic defeat to Afghanistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on Wednesday night. The Proteas were pitiful with the bat, apart from Mulder’s maiden ODI half-century, as they were bowled out for just 106 in 33.3 overs, which led to the six-wicket thrashing. While Afghanistan may no longer be counted among the minnows of the world game, having claimed some major scalps in white-ball cricket already this year, the manner of the defeat remained embarrassing for the tourists. Mulder, who scored 52 off 84 balls (5x4, 1x6) felt the shame of losing to a team that had never previously beaten the South Africans. “They’ve got very high skills and they put us under pressure, and they’ve put so…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Stellenbosch on ‘learning curve’ after Arrows shock

The resolve of the hitherto high-riding Stellenbosch FC will be tested after suffering an unexpected 2-0 defeat against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday evening. Before this fixture, Stellenbosch had won all six matches across various competitions this season, and everything pointed to a winning start to their Premiership campaign. However, with a weekend match against one of Angola’s most formidable teams looming in the CAF Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker decided to rest five key players to guard against fatigue because of their workload in the early part of the season. The untried Stellenbosch team failed to capitalise on their good fortune after dominating with 67% possession and setting up 14 shots at goal, five of which were on target. Arrows were restricted to six shots,…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Luus embracing ‘extra pressure’ in T20 decider

AS a batter, when you have two consecutive yearly averages of 16 and 28 in T20 cricket – as former Proteas Women’s captain Suné Luus had in 2022 and last year – you will be under pressure from the media and the fans at large. This year, Luus is currently averaging 17 in eight innings, a return that is well below what is expected from an international top-order batter, let alone a former captain of the national side. However, after not making the playing XI in the T20 series in India this past winter, Luus seems to have got her groove back as batting coach Baakier Abrahams and interim head coach Dillon du Preez have shown faith in the inexperienced batter in the ongoing T20I series in Pakistan. The right-handed…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Rob Lake brings his mind-bending illusions to SA in October

This October, prepare to be left spellbound by Rob Lake, one of the world’s most celebrated illusionists. Lake is known for his mind-bending illusions that have left audiences in awe. The American’s passion for magic started in his childhood, sparked by TV magic performances. He admired figures like Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg and Jim Henson, and was inspired by behind-the-scenes documentaries on movies and Broadway magic. By 10, he was already practising simple tricks for family and friends. As a teenager, he started performing at local events and competitions. Lake told City Lifestyle: “As a kid, I saw my fair share of magic shows – even had a magic kit – but it never took hold. Then I saw this huge production. It had tigers, lions, 30 or 40…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

eviction order for castle squatters

Destitute people defy 17 October deadline AN EVICTION order has been issued for the unlawful Castle of Good Hope squatters. Illegal occupiers at the city centre landmark have until October 17 to vacate the site after the Western Cape High Court granted an eviction order to the National Public Works Department (DPW) to remove them. The occupants, who live in tents and makeshift structures along the castle’s moat, have been living there since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the ruling, not only because of the Castle’s tourism and economic importance, but also for the sake of the unlawful occupants. “No person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs … “The City has been pushing for more than two years for the owner…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Killer convicted 7 years after arson

AFTER seven years, justice has been served for slain Yeshnee Kuni, who was burnt in her Burgundy Estate home on Women’s Day. The judgment against Darren Kershaw was handed down in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday. The killer had been on bail during his trial and when he was found guilty of murder and arson, he was handcuffed. The victim’s sister, Ushanta Gangen, said: “There was no emotion whatsoever from him. He looked as if ‘oh well, this is it’. It was shocking, but then again, you would only have emotions if you were innocent. We are so happy she got the justice she deserved but even with this, the pain will never go away. Everything is now confirmed. It is no more ‘this is what SAPS thinks…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Relief as Reserve Bank cuts interest rate by 25 bps

The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has finally cut the interest rate. The repo rate was cut by 25 basis points (bps) and will fall from 8.25% to 8%. This means the prime lending rate will drop from 11.75% to 11.50%. The repo rate was at a 14-year high before this cut. SARB Governor, Lesetja Kganyago said in discussing the stance, MPC members considered an unchanged stance, a 25 bpsand a 50 bps cut. “The MPC ultimately reached consensus on 25 basis points, agreeing that a less restrictive stance was consistent with sustainably lower inflation over the medium term,” he said. On inflation, Kganyago said that South Africa’s headline eased to 4.4% in August, a 3-year low, and close to the middle of the target range.…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Justice Zondo calls for the country’s executive to fight corruption

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has called on the current government executive to honour the late Pravin Gordhan by fighting corruption and preventing state capture from recurring. Delivering his tribute at Gordhan’s funeral service in Durban yesterday, Zondo, who chaired the State Capture Commission, hailed Gordhan for fighting corruption and praised him for being the first sitting Cabinet minister to testify about corrupt activities that took place in government. However, Nelson Mandela Bay University-based political analyst Ongama Mtimka said Gordhan’s legacy was negatively affected by his failure to turn around state-owned enterprises quickly, which continued to drain the state fiscus through bailouts. Independent political analyst Thobani Zikalala said Gordhan left the country's state enterprises in a mess. Zondo said Gordhan’s testimony assisted the commission in understanding the reasons behind his…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Tournament keeps Haron’s legacy alive

THE memory of anti-apartheid martyr Imam Abdullah Haron endures through a youth rugby tournament designed to honour his legacy. The Primrose Cricket and Rugby Club this week launched an inspiring venue as Awqaf SA introduced the Imam Abdullah Haron Youth Rugby Festival, scheduled for the Primrose Sports Field over the weekends of September 21-22 and September 28-29. Awqaf SA CEO Mickaeel Collier said that by participating in the tournament, the players were benefiting from the achievements of past greats of the game. “Rugby and the enjoyment on the field is the by-product of the type of lessons that we would like to be imparted to you in this tournament,” he told the players. Awqaf SA was established in 2000, to uplift struggling communities. Collier said: “Your history and identity come…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Shades of grey: A better way to debate

This week Stellenbosch University decided to close one of its men’s residences and reopen it later in a different, reimagined form. The decision is controversial, not only because of the reasons for it, but also due to the intensity of conflicts among and within diverse stakeholder groups about it. In its statements on the matter the university reflects on the complexities of such a decision. It seems less so for stakeholders, among which the drama intensifies by the day. Whoever comments on the process towards and the decision itself, they are inevitably seen to be either for or against the decision. Any comment locates one on a simple divide between yes and no, irrespective of how refined an argument you try to make. This dynamic seems a standard for public…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Nortjé stands up to keep Boks’ engine purring

Ruan Nortjé is quickly becoming one of the unsung heroes of the Springbok team – but for those who know him well, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The 26-year-old Bulls captain has had to wait for a while to be a more regular feature in the national side, following his debut in 2022. In fact, he was out of the mix since his first Test – a 13-12 defeat to Wales in Bloemfontein – until being recalled for the Wallaby clash in Perth a few weeks ago. It has been three victories in a row – Australia, and then New Zealand twice – and Nortjé is flourishing in the absence of injured No 5 stalwarts such as Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert. He will run the Bok line-out…

4 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Brace for Gwala as Bok Women crush Spain

The Springbok Women took a note out of their male Rugby World Cup-winning counterparts’ playbook to beat Spain 36-19 in the once-off Test at an icy Cape Town Stadium yesterday. The Bok Women utilised their superior forward power to overwhelm their European rivals. Their dominance in the set pieces – both lineouts and scrums – provided the platform for the Boks to run in six tries. After an opening period that saw both teams exchange early tries through a darting run by Spain’s flyhalf Amalia Aguardo around the fringes and a surge from Bok No 8 Aseza Hela off the back of a scrum, the point of difference between the sides was a couple of touchdowns from hooker Lindelwa Gwala either side of the half-time interval. Gwala put the Boks…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Ronwen’s back-up must get to his level, says Arendse

Ronwen Williams is in a league of his own, and that’s why it’s difficult to look past him, says legendary Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse. Williams recently became arguably the best African-based goalkeeper of all time after he was nominated for the 2024 Yachine Ballon d’Or award. The 32-year-old richly deserves the recognition. He’s been one of – if not the – best players for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana in the past few years. Williams captained Bafana to their first piece of silverware in more than two decades in the Africa Cup of Nations early this year as the team clinched bronze. He was exceptional on and off the pitch, including saving four penalties in the shoot-out against Cape Verde in the quarter-final – a feat that’s reportedly a world…

4 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

It’s all worked out nicely for Van Buuren at the Lions

WHEN you are part of a team that has a squad as big as the Lions usually do in domestic cricket, it’s likely that you are going to miss a few games, regardless of your form. Mitchell van Buuren knows this all too well, as he missed most of the Lions’ matches during last season’s Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge despite being in the form of his life with the bat. With the home international summer having ended in January last season, that meant that the likes of Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen were available for selection at the Lions, leading to many other franchise players sitting on the bench for the majority of the T20 Challenge. However, after riding through that tough period in his…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Diddy to remain behind bars after being denied bail again

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for a second time. The 54-year-old rap star is set to remain in a Brooklyn jail until he stands trial in his sex trafficking case, after a second judge refused to accept a $50 million (about R870m) bail package offered by his lawyers. US district judge Andrew L Carter jr dismissed Combs’ request to be released to home detention with GPS monitoring, the judge pointing out that the hip hop mogul could potentially tamper with witnesses. Combs pleaded not guilty to allegations of sex trafficking on Tuesday. The rapper appeared at a court in Manhattan, New York after being charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution. Asked during a hearing how he pleaded…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Child killer jailed for 13 years

THE gunman who took the lives of three children and a teenager in what has been dubbed the 2019 Elsies River massacre, has been sentenced to 113 years’ direct imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court. Rowan Stuurman was sentenced on Tuesday after being found guilty of four counts of murder, two attempted murders, and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. Siblings Toslin, 10, Malcolm Samuels, 12, and cousin Adrian Alexander, 12, were shot in Northmead Court, Clarke Estate, on September 17, 2019. Vineto Africa, 19, who is believed to have been the intended target, was also killed during the shooting spree. The children’s mothers, Mandy Samuels and Bianca Alexander, were wounded in the incident, while a witness who saw Stuurman flee the premises was shot. On the…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Murder accused Colin Booysen is denied bail

Murder accused Colin Booysen is set to stay in prison for the duration of his trial. His bail application was denied by the Bellville Regional Court this week. Booysen, the younger brother of alleged Sexy Boys gang boss Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, returned to court alongside Sillico Oliphant, Moegamat Faizel Abrahams, Herbert Zoutman, Prince Khumalo and John Edward Smith on various charges. The State has charged Booysen with the murder of Marwaan “Dinky” Desai from Mitchells Plain, who was killed alongside his henchman, Shameem Mohammed, in June 2017, and Joburg gang boss Mark “Bin Laden” Groene- wald. The group face over 20 charges for various crimes including murder, racketeering and smuggling mandrax worth R1.8 million. During the explosive bail hearings, court documents lifted the lid on what allegedly led to the…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Dismissed Leap officers picket for their jobs

The Law Enforcement Action Plan (Leap) officers dismissed from the City staged a picket led by the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Athlone yesterday. The action was as a result of the 47 officers being served with notices of an incapacity hearing. Around 20 disgruntled workers gathered at the corner of Klipfontein Road and Jan Smuts Avenue, with placards reading: “City must adhere to its own policy”, and “Stop the attack on black employees”. The hearing notification was received as Samwu was still fighting to reinstate 108 Leap officers who were dismissed after failing their driving and shooting assessments earlier this year. One of those officers said she had been unemployed since January. “I was dismissed for driving in January. I got the notification and I was told the…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Belhar teams triumph in World Robot Olympiad

The robotics and coding teams from Erica Primary School in Belhar have returned victorious in their own right after competing in this year’s World Robot Olympiad South Africa in Johannesburg. The school’s teams ranked fifth and 25th in the Explorer Prime category, and sixth and 18th in the Explorer Lite. A total of 30 schools nationally competed in the Olympiad. The school also placed fifth nationally in the Future Innovators Junior 2024 category, after presenting designs for robots, based on a theme. Coach Vernon Petersen, who has headed the club for two years, said the journey was “incredible”. “The experience was coupled with a lot of hard work and learning. “We are just so glad that everything went well, that we were sorted and seen to.” Petersen expressed his pride…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Fish Hoek beachfront restaurant lease up for grabs

THE 20-year lease for Fish Hoek’s beachfront restaurant, The Galley, is once again up for grabs next month. Interested parties can bid on the lease on October 2 at noon at the DHL Stadium in Green Point. The opening bid will be R100 000. In November last year, the restaurant’s lease was among several the City put up for auction. The bid for the lease on the 1 295m² stand opened at R50 000 and was sold to the highest bidder, restaurateur and former owner of Harbour House Group Michael Townsend, for R380 000 on November 23. Earlier this year, the City questioned the legitimacy of the bid after it came to light that Townsend had made the bid on behalf of the Kalk Bay…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Our democracy, our freedom, our future is at stake

I want to thank the editors of Independent and IOL for offering me the platform to share this crucial message. As Chairman of Independent Media and IOL, I believe this editorial comes at a critical time, with media freedom and South Africa’s democracy under serious threat. Media serves as the cornerstone of any democracy. It holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices. Without it, we risk allowing unchecked corruption and mismanagement to shape our future. South Africa has the potential to be a global success story, but only if we safeguard media freedom and create an environment that supports transparency and accountability. The Survé Family and Sekunjalo have invested approximately R1.4 billion in South African media businesses, spanning newspapers, radio, online platforms, magazines, and digital marketing. These investments have provided…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

City, Arsenal seek to lay down early marker

Sunday’s clash between champions Manchester City and Arsenal is already being billed as a pivotal moment in the title race, even though the Premier League season is only four rounds in. The two teams have been battling it out for the past two seasons, with Pep Guardiola’s City triumphant on both occasions as they stretched their run to an unprecedented four in a row. Nothing in the opening salvoes of the new campaign suggests it will be any different this time, although many are predicting that Arsenal can finally break City’s stranglehold – and a positive result on Sunday would be a psychological boost. City’s sky-blue horizon is clouded by the beginning of an independent commission’s hearing into 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules –…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Guardiola ‘really satisfied’ despite Inter stalemate

Inter Milan escaped the Etihad Stadium with a surprise 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night, exacting a small measure of revenge for their narrow loss to Pep Guardiola’s side in the 2023 final. Both teams squandered numerous chances in a breathless back-and-forth affair. City were largely stalled by Inter’s impressive discipline in defence, while Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, who were dangerous on the break on a nervy night for both sides, were wayward with their finishing. “We faced a really difficult team,” Guardiola said. “I’m still really, really satisfied for the game we played, especially with how (Inter) defended. They are masters of that, so big, they help each other unbelievably. So, you cannot expect to create a lot of chances.” Inzaghi was similarly pleased…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-09-20

Thomas ‘The Tank’ keen to fire for Boks in Argentina

Thomas “The Tank” du Toit says Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will gain some valuable insight when he shares the coaches’ box with Siya Kolisi in Santiago del Estero in Argentina tomorrow night (11pm kick-off, SA time). Kolisi is being rested from playing duties for the big Rugby Championship match against Argentina, and Erasmus has told the media that he wants the loose forward to follow in the footsteps of Duane Vermeulen and become versed in how things go down among the coaches during a match. Vermeulen has successfully transitioned from player to coach by following this path, but Du Toit said this week that Kolisi’s involvement with the coaches will be a two-way street. “With Siya there, I think the coach will get some insight into what the players will…

3 min