Innehållsförteckning för 2024-10-01 från Cape Argus

With medical aids such as Discovery putting their premiums up across the board at a rate higher than the consumer price index, shopping around for a cheaper option might seem like a good idea. At Discovery, there will be a weighted average increase of 9.3% next year across all plans. These higher than the cost-of-living increases are the result of something known as medical inflation, which the Council for Medical Schemes explains includes aspects such as age demographics, increased cost of medical equipment and medicine, as well as the volume of claims. There are several aspects to consider when moving medical aids, or even joining one for the first time, including cost. Kia Brokers managing member Gerald Kahn said, “If you are young, disciplined, and generally in good health with…

Jeremy Loops has included the personal hardships over the past few years in his new album. The South African singer and songwriter admitted that it was challenging to put it together but he is thrilled with the outcome and excited for his fans to hear it. “Making this album has been some of the most cherished moments of my life,” he said. “It’s been some of the hardest songwriting I’ve ever done and some of the easiest song-writing I have ever done at the same time. It represents a shift for me, because of some of the things I’ve gone through in the past four years. “There are some weightier songs on this album and some things that will go on to mean a lot to others who have also…

A 21-year-old South African woman has been arrested at the busy OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for drug trafficking, moments after she arrived from Brazil. Police said the woman became the 11th drug mule to be arrested at the airport in two months. The woman was arrested in a joint operation by the police and the South African Revenue Service (Sars) customs unit. SAPS national spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the drug mule was profiled and intercepted as she arrived on a flight from São Paulo on Sunday, at around 9am. “She was taken to a local hospital where an X-ray confirmed that she was having foreign objects in her stomach. “She has already released a number of bullets from her body and is in police custody where police are…

NORA de Kock, who was possibly the second oldest living woman in the Western Cape at the age of 114, has passed away. De Kock, from Sarepta, Kuils River, became well known to Cape Town residents as her birthday was celebrated every year. She died on Saturday, surrounded by family. De Kock had a short illness after being hospitalised last month because of breathing issues and struggled to eat solids. She was born on May 12, 1910, on a small farm in Paarl. When De Kock was first introduced to the media, she lived on her own at the age of 104 and would even walk to church. She is survived by her two children, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, including great-great grandchildren. Danielle Goliath, one of De Kock’s grandchildren,…

THE City of Cape Town has embarked on its public participation process regarding plans for the old Woodstock Hospital site, renamed by those occupying it as “Cissie Gool House.” The City said the public participation process would run from September 27 to November 27 and residents, the Woodstock community and interested or affected persons are invited to make submissions. Mayco member for human settlements Carl Pophaim said: “The total extent of the property, valued at approximately R87 million, including a potential residential development yield of approximately 500 units, comprising open market and social housing, will be disposed of subject to the provision of affordable housing. All due process is being followed in ensuring we progress definitively on this long-awaited development.” Reclaim the City’s Karen Hendricks said Cissie Gool House residents…

The Springboks dominated the Rugby Championship and were it not for a defensive implosion in Argentina, they could have achieved a rare Grand Slam of wins in the southern hemisphere competition. After claiming the trophy spectacularly this past Saturday in the season finale against Los Pumas in Mbombela, the world champions underlined their dominance over their Sanzaar counterparts in the new era of coach Rassie Erasmus. Here, Independent Newspapers looks at how the teams fared. TheSpringboks (P6 W5 L1 Pts24 PD97) Standout player: Ox Nche (prop) Were it not for that late missed penalty goal against Argentina in Santiago del Estero, the wins column would have read six from six. But even Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said it should not have come down to one kick. Despite that, the…

YOU’LL be forgiven for thinking life’s immediate needs are the ones our wallets must prioritise. Rent, groceries, school fees, transport, and so on, have become financial staples in just about every household. So fixated are we on these costs, we tend to forget to take a step back and see the bigger picture. This is especially true for households headed by younger breadwinners – those who don’t tend to think about their financial futures or how they should financially protect their loved ones from unpredictable tragedies. In a country where the economic landscape is constantly shifting, young breadwinners find themselves at the forefront of financial responsibilities for their families. The pressures are significant, but with the right products and advice, they can secure financial peace of mind for themselves and…

Tributes continue to pour in for Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn, who died one day before his 71st birthday after battling pancreatic cancer. The renowned actor played John Black on the soap for 38 years. A statement from Hogestyn’s family – including his wife Victoria and their children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben – was shared on the soap’s social media accounts to announce the news of his death. It read: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. “He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. “He was the most amazing husband,…

NAMIB Mills’s Top Score Instant Porridge has been removed from South African shelves following the deaths of three children in the Eastern Cape. The two toddlers and a baby from Mdantsane died after reportedly consuming the porridge bought from a SPAR outlet. The children experienced stomach cramps after eating the vanilla-flavoured instant maize porridge and were later taken to a local clinic, where they were pronounced dead. Namib Mills, the company behind Top Score Instant Porridge, has since released a statement. Marné Bouwer, senior brand manager, stressed there is currently no evidence connecting their product to the tragic incidents, but they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. “First and foremost, the loss of life, especially of young children, is a tragedy, and our deepest condolences go out to…

FORMER police captain, Esmeralda Bailey, will approach the Western Cape High Court to overturn her conviction for corruption after her recent leave to appeal was denied. The 56-year-old, who helped secure the conviction of child killer, Dina Rodriguez, was handed an 11-year jail term for selling police uniforms, stealing exhibits and other crimes. The former Hawks detective was catapulted into the spotlight several years ago when Rodriguez, along with her co-accused, went on trial for the murder of baby Jordan-Leigh Norton. Rodriguez was found guilty of masterminding the murder of little Jordan-Leigh inside her Lansdowne home on June 15, 2005. Rodriguez had hired the hitmen, who pretended to be from a courier company, and offered them R10 000 for the murder. In December 2011, the Hawks swooped on Bailey’s…

POLICE in the Eastern Cape have released the names of the 18 people who died in a mass shooting in Lusikisiki on Friday night. The majority of the victims were women, with the youngest victim a 14-year-old boy. Yesterday, police said investigations were ongoing and no arrests had been made. The women victims are: Nonkanyiso Dukuza, 19, Ruth King, 21, Mandisa Dlokweni, 59, Samantha Sinqina, 26, Lungiswa Gawulekana, 51, Thandeka Mhlaluvele, 46, Mary Sinqina, 63, Nombuliso Dukuza, 32, Mathembisile Mayekiso/Sinqina, 64, Nobelungu France, 59, Themi Vimba, 41, Nomazwi Ndleleni, 59, Nancy Sinqina, 59, Dimpho Sinqina, 30, and Thali King Sinqina, 26. The three male victims were: Thobile Sinqina, 37, Smomoza Sinqina, 14, and 59-year-old Sigobodo Gxobela. Police said two victims are receiving treatment in hospital. Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Siphokazi…

The Lions and Bulls have the perfect opportunity to back up their opening wins from the weekend, but the Sharks and Stormers must find some answers to their overseas woes in the United Rugby Championship (URC). While the Lions didn't play their best rugby against Ulster at Ellis Park, there is another chance for them to gain some valuable momentum if they can topple their Scottish opponents Edinburgh in Johannesburg on Saturday. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen will probably look at some continuity in selection for their last home game with most players not setting a foot wrong in the victory, although they would feel they left some points out on the field that could've been converted. Edinburgh will also provide a very different challenge to what Ulster did. The…

INSURANCE providers want to avoid misunderstandings about car policies because they can lead to frustration or a loss of trust. In an effort to clear up five popular myths, let’s dive into them. Myth 1: “My premium will go down once I am older than 25” Some believe age is the biggest determining factor for their premiums. There are no hard and fast rules here. Factors like your past claims, where you live and work, the cost of the items being covered as well as your driving history and yes, how long you’ve had your driver’s licence and your age are considered when pricing premiums. It’s about more than just your age. When an actuary works on your insurance profile, they use mathematical and statistical models to figure out how…

CAPETONIANS will have to brace for some more cold weather, as windy conditions leading to day-time temperatures of 10 °C and below are expected in areas of the Western Cape today. This follows a Level 5 warning for disruptive snow issued by the SA Weather Service yesterday. The weather bureau said disruptive snowfall was expected over the Cape Winelands, Cederberg, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Central and Little Karoo mountains. “The closure of the following mountain passes are likely, the Swartberg, Franschhoek, Hex River, Ouberg and Katbakkies. Snowfall accumulation of 5 to 10cm is expected with possible low-level or ground snowfall especially over southern high ground of the Northern Cape and the Cape Winelands,” the weather service said. It added that there is a possibility of 20cm accumulation of snowfall over the…

A COMMUNITY panel discussion over the weekend focused on gender-based violence affecting marginalised and migrant communities. The interactive dialogue, which included shared personal accounts from survivors, was hosted by Africa Unite’s migrant women’s programme, Tusimame Wanawake, at its office in Spin Street in the CBD on Saturday. Organisations present included Village of Hope, Nyanga Men Empowerment, Kwesu, and iThemba Walkway. Tusimame Wanawake (Stand Up Women in Swahili) coordinator, Tolulola George, said migrant communities were marginalised as they faced secondary victimisation, or were afraid to report an offence to police or law enforcement due to lack of documentation and fear of deportation, or not being believed by the authorities. “Many of the African migrant communities also have a culture of silence because we are bound by our cultural beliefs, we are…

The Wild Falcon Spur in Fairland, north of Johannesburg, was in hot water after it was found some of its staff members were illegal foreigners. Combat, a protest movement “against lawlessness and economic apartheid” that aims to protect marginalised poor South Africans, wants unemployed citizens to apply and for them to be hired. Founder Enos Maake said the restaurant has 60 employees, of whom only 13 are South Africans. “Drop off your CVs. Go to this restaurant and try your luck,” said Maake. He said Home Affairs, Labour and the SAPS have intensified inspections across Joburg, targeting restaurants. “Job-seekers should now intensify their search for jobs as many companies are feeling the pressure and laying off illegal foreigners voluntarily. Spur Group Corporate spokesperson Moshe Apleni said yesterday that Spur operates…

IN A STEP towards inclusivity, the City of Cape Town, in collaboration with DeafSA, has introduced an innovative service designed to improve safety for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents. The pilot project on the City’s app, allows these residents to connect directly with the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre. The initiative goes beyond just a technological enhancement; it represents a crucial advancement in providing equal opportunities for everyone to respond during emergencies. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the feature, tailored specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, enables them to quickly and easily request emergency help in critical situations without needing to make a voice call. He said users can pre-register their information, allowing them to send a distress signal with just a few taps. “The system automatically pinpoints the resident’s location, helping…

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s dramatic last-gasp victory against Leicester will help “shape the character” of the team as he prepares for tonight’s Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners scored twice in injury time to win 4-2 on Saturday and finished the weekend third in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Liverpool. Arsenal host French champions PSG in a Champions League match at the Emirates tonight, seeking their first win in the competition this season after a goalless draw against Atalanta. Arsenal manager Arteta was asked at his pre-match media conference about the importance of winning games from different positions – either by dominating games or with last-gasp victories. “It shapes the character and the body of the team, that they have the certainty that they can win…

After claiming the Rugby Championship spectacularly this past weekend, there won’t be any real rest for the Springbok coaches, who shift their attention to the URC to keep a keen eye on the Boks' fringe players. While head coach Rassie Erasmus alluded to the fact that some of the players planned to take a well-deserved holiday in Mauritius, he and his coaches will take stock and start plotting for the world champions’ trip to the UK next month. The Springboks will take on Scotland (November 10), England (November 16) and Wales (November 23) in their final three Tests of 2024. It’s been a season that has brought convincing wins over most of their opponents and only two losses by a single point against Ireland and Argentina. Apart from claiming the…

Nearly 200 local and international T20 cricketers will go under the hammer at the SA20 season 3 player auction taking place in Cape Town today. Fourteen countries are represented across the field, with 115 South African and 73 overseas players making up the main auction. West Indies fast-bowling phenomenon Shamar Joseph tops the list along with his Windies teammate, Matthew Forde. Joseph shot to prominence earlier this year when he delivered a spectacular seven-wicket haul to drive the Windies to their first Test win over Australia in 27 years. He has since backed up his maiden performance with further inspirational spells in both Test and T20Is. New Zealand’s record-breaking T20I opener Martin Guptill could also potentially add some explosive batting power to one of the six teams, while Sri Lanka’s…