Innehållsförteckning för 2024-11-28 från Cape Argus

The November 2024 Household Affordability Index, released yesterday, showed a steady increase in the price of essential groceries, putting further strain on already stretched household budgets. Mervyn Abrahams, the programme coordinator of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group, said: “Data from November indicates that while the household food basket is subdued, due mostly to lower vegetable prices, the basket on average continues to increase, albeit slowly. “At a total average cost of R5 361.04, the household food basket is still unaffordable for many, and with the additional volumes required to be bought, and the competition with Christmas clothes, and the January school opening, this period will be a hard one for most South African families,” Abrahams added. Month-on-month the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R12.39…

WHATSAPP messages between two siblings accused of fraud and money laundering related to the death of Noem my Skollie actor David “Gums” Manuel, showed they made effort to ensure greater insurance policy payouts would be made, mere days before the actor’s brutal murder. Siblings Wanda Mbele and Sindiswa Mbele were arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering soon after Manuel and his best friend Alfonso Fisher were murdered on October 8 in NY 141, Gugulethu. The siblings appeared at the Athlone Magistrates Court yesterday. The State read out a supplementary affidavit in opposition of their bail application. The WhatsApp messages show conversations between the two accused, in which the brother said he had just returned from Capitec to increase the policy taken out. He then says, “this is scary”…

A former adjudicator at the permit section of the Department of Home Affairs, Phanuel Mokomo, has been found guilty of corruption by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The conviction comes after Mokomo offered an internal investigator R10 000 bribe to stop him from conducting a prove into his corrupt activities. Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said Mokomo was under an internal investigation by the department for irregular issuance and approval of permits. After offering the bribe, the matter was brought to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) also known as the Hawks in September 2018. “An entrapment operation was authorised and executed in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977,” said Mogale. “The operation culminated in Mokomo being caught in the act of offering…

FOR over a decade, Gayl Basson has dedicated her life to rescuing abandoned animals. As co-founder of Fallen Angels Pet Rescue, Basson and her team have cared for countless dogs, cats and farm animals in need, rescued from the Cape Flats and across the metro. However, recent challenges, particularly a forced relocation and local government regulations, threaten her ability to continue the vital work. The rescue centre, operating within a 5km radius of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s emergency zone, was first hit with the harsh reality of forced closure two years ago. This, as the City of Cape Town instructed Basson to apply for a Special Consent Use Permit to continue operating the shelter. She hoped the approval would be a mere formality, but the application was rejected this…

America has been a superpower for the last 100 years. They have destroyed every country that challenged them. When Japan challenged them, they destroyed them. When the USSR challenged them, they broke them into 17 pieces. When Iraq raised its head, America destroyed it. They did the same with Iran. Nowadays it is China. But with India gaining more geopolitical significance, India’s turn has come. For the last 100 years, American industrialists have dominated the top 10 industrialists of the world, 8, 9 out of the top 10 are only American industrialists, no one else. When China’s “Jake Ma” secured the third position, “lobbying” started against him and he had to run away. They are now after Indian businessmen like Adani and Ambani. America’s strength is its industry, it controls…

THE EFF leadership thinks there is a plan to manage defections by staggering them over time. For them, this is dishonesty. It is an unfair attempt to sustain a narrative of an EFF that is bleeding. We do not know if that is true but we do know that the EFF is in an awkward position of having to defend and redefine itself on changing dynamics. South African party politics have changed in significant ways since the emergence of the MK Party (MKP). But this is not the first appearance of some realignment of politics happening. When Jacob Zuma rose to leadership, the governing ANC went through a rocky period that changed much in our politics. The emergence of Cope garnering more than a million votes in 2009 was a…

Stellenbosch FC’s maiden adventure in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages ended in disappointment as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Mali’s Stade Malien at the Stade de 26 Mars last night. The Western Cape club, revitalised by their recent success in the preliminary rounds, faced a stern challenge in the tough conditions of Bamako in Mali, where they conceded goals at the 15th and 94th minutes of the match. Head coach Steve Barker entered the contest without pivotal defenders Fawaaz Basadien and Ismail Toure, a setback that forced him to lean on the youthful talents of Kyle Jurgens and Unathi Mdaka in the fullback positions. This inexperience at the continental level, which had raised eyebrows during preparations, would soon manifest on the pitch. Stellenbosch started brightly, but were…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said speculation over Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield is fuelling the Egyptian’s fine form ahead of a “special” week for the Reds. Salah – who has scored 223 goals since joining Liverpool in 2017 – is out of contract at the end of the season, and expressed his disappointment at not yet receiving an offer for a new deal after netting twice in Sunday’s 3-2 win at Southampton. The 32-year-old said he was “more out than in” as things stand despite scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists this season to spearhead a stunning start to Slot’s reign. Liverpool were in first place in the Champions League ahead of the visit of holders Real Madrid last night, and sit eight points clear at the top of…

POLICE have yet to arrest the killers of a construction boss who was gunned down in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain, just days after he was released on R250 000 bail. More than two months after the murder of Abdul Kader Davids, who was facing corruption charges alongside former DA mayco member Malusi Booi and alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield, police have called on anyone with information to come forward. Davids died in a hail of bullets while walking in Ascot Street on September 19. He was outed in an investigation by the City of Cape Town in tender collusion worth R1 billion. The sole director of ZSM Developers came under scrutiny in July when City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo, revealed that Davids allegedly colluded with Nicole Johnson and Mohammed Amod…

The ANC top brass has summoned all KwaZulu-Natal ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members led by provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma to a “compulsory” meeting on Saturday at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng. This has fuelled the long-running speculation that the structure would potentially be disbanded and replaced with an interim structure owing to the disastrous performance during the May 29 elections. As revealed in a leaked letter dated November 26, signed by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, all PEC members are required to attend the meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC). The agenda remains undisclosed, but the significant presence of key leaders suggests a moment of reckoning is imminent. “This serves to invite the ANC (KZN) PEC to a meeting with the NWC (National Working Committee) on Saturday, 30 November…

THE Checkers store in Rylands has been warned by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), after a pork product was incorrectly labelled as halaal. The incident caused a stir on social media when a shopper alerted others about a pack of minced meat containing both beef and pork which had the certified halaal sticker. The ingredients listed showed the mince was made of 55% beef, 24% pork and 12% water. Social media users questioned how the mishap occurred, as the store is known for selling halaal-only products. In a statement, the MJC said: “Checkers Rylands, a halaal-certified store, sells only halaal meat products. We were alerted to a mislabelled meat product that incorrectly indicated it contained pork. Upon investigation, we confirmed the product is halaal, and the situation arose due to…

AMID our modern society’s pursuit of progress, an unsettling reality unfolds: individuals anchored in strong values paradoxically find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of denial, hope and disappointment, often overlooking the visible signs of abuse and toxicity that disrupt their personal or professional lives. The silent spectre of tolerance has reached the realisation of its limits. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the consequences. Raising awareness about the insidious nature of abuse, particularly when it’s cloaked in wealth and status, is crucial. When individuals, especially those from marginalised groups, are subjected to abuse, oppression and discrimination, their tolerance can wear thin. It’s like the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. The emotional toll of this cycle can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression and even…

For many young athletes, dreams often become catalysts for perseverance and ambition, and for Zimbabwean-born loose forward Dave Ewers, this has rung especially true. Since his childhood, Ewers envisioned himself playing in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby while watching South African teams dominate the field. Now, at 34, he has made significant strides in realising that dream, representing Western Province in the prestigious Currie Cup and running out for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. Ewers, a former Exeter Chiefs and Ulster player, made his debut for WP in September against the Pumas, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, the chance to step onto the Super Rugby stage has eluded him for now. Nonetheless, playing for the Stormers in the URC is another dream ticked off.…

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal delivered a Champions League statement of intent with their 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night. Arteta had demanded a dynamic display from his team ahead of their trip to the Jose Alvalade stadium, and they responded in style. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard lifted the Gunners into seventh place in the revamped Champions League as they chase a place in the last 16. It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League since Arsene Wenger’s men thrashed Inter Milan by the same score-line in 2003. “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement,” Arteta said. “I felt really good energy and belief before the match. The…

The Bulls have pushed themselves to play an exciting attacking style during the Jake White era, but may have to again rein themselves in for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht in Galway (7.30pm start). It has been a tough old slog for the Pretoria side this season, with three out of their five matches so far being up north, and with their next two weeks also being on the road. The Connacht encounter will be followed by their Champions Cup opener against Saracens in London on December 7, and then they travel back home to finish the year against Northampton at Loftus Versfeld and the Sharks in Durban. Their schedule resulted in their Springboks having to be away from home for two more weeks, after the 45-12 win…

Before the November international break, things were going rather swimmingly for the Sharks. They managed to quite comprehensively and rather easily bounce back from a disappointing loss to Benetton, returning home to sink their teeth into Glasgow and Munster at Kings Park. They outlasted the defending champions 28-24, before lighting the touch paper to maul the former champions 41-24 respectively. It was a pity then that the recent Test window interrupted their momentum and rediscovered belief. On Saturday, at the Shark Tank, the Sharks will have a two-fold objective against the Stormers (5pm kick-off). The first will be to recapture that winning formula post haste, while the other will be to finally beat the Capetonians in the URC. Jason Jenkins, who joined the union in June, will be keen to…

FEWER than one in five intimate partner femicide cases result in conviction. This means for five deaths of women, at the hands of their boyfriends or husbands, only one of them will face jail time. According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) report, the Eastern Cape continues to report the highest femicide rates in the country, while Gauteng saw a significant increase in cases during 2020/21. In contrast, provinces like the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State saw slight decreases, though these differences were not significant. The study’s findings reveal significant gaps in convictions, particularly as perpetrator identification rates dropped. The SAMRC has been studying femicide in South Africa for more than 20 years. The report, ‘South Africa’s Femicide Crisis Persists: New Report Highlights Increase in Intimate…

FROM the nostalgic wooden box TV with “bunny ear” antennas to the newly-launched 110-inch UX display, Cape Town’s Tevolution Museum has opened its doors, celebrating the rich history of television technology and innovation. The museum represents a significant achievement as South Africa’s inaugural television museum, thanks to a partnership between the Western Cape Government, Hisense SA, and the SA Sendinggestig Museum. The launch took place yesterday in Long Street at the SA Sendinggestig Museum. Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, described the unveiling of the country’s first television museum as a testament to the journey of innovation and cultural enrichment that television has brought to the nation. “This museum not only celebrates the evolution of technology but also highlights the Western Cape’s role as a hub for creativity and…

RAIN saved South Africa’s batting innings at Kingsmead in Durban yesterday as the visiting Sri Lankan team had the hosts reeling on 80/4 inside the first two hours of play of the first Test. At some point, due to the moisture in the air at Kingsmead and the pitch having been under covers overnight, it seemed almost impossible to survive at the crease long enough, let alone score runs. Right-arm fast bowler Lahiru Kumara was lethal with his express pace, and the sharp in-swingers that he was able to deliver at the Proteas batters. As a result, the quick grabbed two wickets as he got Tristan Stubbs (16) caught in the slip cordon and uprooted David Bedingham’s (4) off-stump. Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers, Vishwa Fernando (1/17) and Asitha Fernando (1/22),…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said a 3-3 draw in the Champions League against Feyenoord felt like another defeat after his side blew a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes on Tuesday night. A point did snap City’s five-game losing streak, but did little to inspire confidence ahead of Sunday’s daunting trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool. It is the first time City had failed to win a match they led by three goals since 1989, and the first time ever it had happened in the final 15 minutes of a Champions League game. But the defensive frailties that have been the root cause for a staggering collapse in recent weeks were exposed in the closing stages as Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko scored for Feyenoord.…

ON the face of it, Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalless draw in their CAF Champions League Group B opener against SC Maniema Union is a big blow to the Brazilians’ quest for glory in the continent’s premier club knockout competition. After all, don’t they always say that to be successful in such a team needs to make sure they win their home matches and at least get a draw on the road? And with Maniema regarded as the weakest team in the group that also includes Moroccan teams Raja Casabalanca and AS Far Rabat, not being able to beat the Congolese at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night would seem to suggest that the South African champions are not as good as their coach would like us to believe they are. Manqoba Mngqithi…

Talks of their past success at the Dubai SVNS haven’t been part of the conversation for the Springbok Sevens as they put the final preparations in place for the first tournament of the new season. While the Blitzboks have won the opening fast-paced event for the last five years in a row, they know they won’t be able to rely on that feat when they open their account on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates. For Olympic bronze medallist Tristan Leyds, this will be a debut appearance at The Sevens Stadium, and he is eager to make a telling contribution when they face Australia (8.50am), Kenya (12.58pm) and Olympic champions France (6.44pm) in the group stages. All eyes will be on the 27-year-old playmaker, who will be the general in…

The CSA Four-Day Series is slowly starting to take shape, and the Lions have set the early pace in defence of their title as they prepare to welcome the Warriors at the Wanderers today (10am start). The table-toppers will be out to carry their momentum against the winless Eastern Cape side at the Bullring, where they have maintained a 100% record, with wins against the Titans in the first round by 153 runs and Western Province by 125 runs last week. The Joburg side, currently on 60.40 points, lead the Titans (46.4), followed closely by the Knights (44.18), with Western Province rounding off the top four on 39.5 points. One of the stars for the Lions this season has been fast bowler Codi Yusuf, who claimed 5/71 against WP. The…