Innehållsförteckning för 2024-12-05 från Cape Argus

The Disney musical sequel Moana 2 is like David Lynch’s surreal adult masterpiece Mulholland Drive before it, a repurposing of material originally intended for the small screen. The follow-up to the Dwayne Johnson-headlined hit was initially announced as a Disney Plus streaming series before being retrofitted into a theatrical feature. Johnson, who reprises his quippy role as the vain, shape-shifting demigod Maui, is also starring in a live-action remake of Moana due in July 2026, less than a decade after the animated version arrived. Remember when Disney would wait a generation before giving blue-chip animated musicals like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin underwhelming, live-action reskins? The target audience for Moana 2 is not so well-versed in the history of remakes, of course. But their parents, older…

Renowned SA multi-instrumentalist Guy Buttery is on the brink of unveiling his most ambitious project to date. The award-winning musician will be releasing his new album, Orchestrations, next month. This breathtaking work encapsulates a 12-year journey of meticulous crafting, expansive collaborations and profound artistic exploration, earning a reputation as his “magnum opus”. The roots of Orchestrations can be traced back to 2012 when Buttery joined the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra to perform three of his compositions, arranged for a 52-piece ensemble. For Buttery, this moment ignited a transformative dive into the world of orchestral composition. With Buttery’s signature guitar at its core, the album unfolds as a lush, layered soundscape, inviting listeners to explore the intricate tapestry interwoven with global influences and expansive orchestral arrangements by Chris Letcher. A stellar roster…

A small group of disgruntled supporters gathered outside the ANC’s Luthuli House yesterday, turning the party’s headquarters into a site of protest. Teboho Maake, an activist, spearheaded the effort by expressing dissatisfaction with the ANC’s recent diplomatic approach to Morocco. The protest highlighted a growing rift among party loyalists regarding the ANC’s foreign policy direction, particularly in relation to its long-standing commitment to the Sahrawi people. Maake expressed the sentiments of the group, stating: “We are dissatisfied over the ANC’s stance against Morocco, and there exists an urgent need for clarity on how we plan to develop our bilateral relationships with them.” This statement comes amid the controversy surrounding the ANC’s provincial leader, Obed Bapela, who faced internal party ramifications after allegedly signing an agreement with Moroccan officials during a…

WHILE the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has assured that its platforms are ready to respond to the increased pressure during the festive season, it has appealed for greater supervision and responsibility during this time. A media briefing on the department’s Festive Readiness Plan was held with Health MEC Mireille Wenger, chief operating officer Dr Saadiq Kariem, director for emergency and clinical services support Dr Juanita Arendse, provincial director of EMS Craig Wylie, and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital CEO Dr Anita Parbhoo, yesterday. Arendse said in terms of children’s safety, a critical challenge during the summer season were pedestrian accidents, drownings or near drownings incidents. She appealed for greater supervision of children around bodies of water, and for children to swim where lifeguards are present. Arendse…

THE “Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine”, also known as the Register of Damage for Ukraine or RD4U, is an acronym for Western ganging up against Moscow in the wake of a glaring geopolitical clash of interests between the West and Russia. Founded by the Council of Europe to proliferate ways to punish Russia economically and politically, the establishment of the RD4U was also a means by which to drain the Russian Federation off its resources invested overseas. When the Biden administration declared a proxy war on Russia and mobilised Nato and the EU behind Washington’s foreign policy objective to isolate President Vladimir Putin and his nation, Europe fell for the ploy, sleepwalking into a totally unnecessary war they could have evaded. In…

Just a day after the scheduled conclusion of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park, the Proteas will do battle with Pakistan in a T20 International further down the coast at Kingsmead. Never before have the Proteas been forced to split up their squads in this manner and play two internationals across different formats within the space of 24 hours. But such is the modern-day cricket landscape that any form of whinging about the schedule will merely fall on deaf ears. It’s best to simply accept one’s fate, move on as quickly as possible, and focus on the task at hand. And that alone will require all the focus of Temba Bavuma’s Test side, for they once again go searching for those 12 precious match…

The Bulls may have had a great start to the season, winning five out of six United Rugby Championship games – including three out of four away from home. But Jake White’s team will know that they will be playing at a higher level when they take on English powerhouses Saracens at the StoneX Stadium in London in Saturday’s Champions Cup clash (7.30pm start). Centre David Kriel, who has again been one of the most consistent performers this season, fully understands the magnitude of the occasion. The Bulls have reached two URC finals – going down to the Stormers in 2022 and Glasgow last season – but chasing a first-ever Champions Cup crown is of even greater importance for a team with three Super Rugby titles. Saracens have a similar…

Virgin River fans are in for a treat as the recent trailer for season six promises plenty of romance and drama. The Netflix series, which is set to premiere on December 19, will see much of the original cast reprise their roles. This includes fan favourites such as Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge), Jack (Martin Henderson), Preacher (Colin Lawrence), Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) and Kaia (Kandyse McClure). And if the trailer is anything to go by, viewers are in for a treat as it appears that Mel and Jack finally make it down the aisle. The trailer is packed with drama, the scenic location fans have come to know and love and plenty of romantic scenes between Mel and Jack. There are also classic pre-wedding rituals such as bachelor and bachelorette parties…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint former justice minister Thembi Simelane as the new minister of human settlements has attracted criticism, particularly regarding allegations of corruption that have plagued Simelane since her tenure. In a surprise move on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa reshuffled his Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet making four changes to the executive. Alongside Simelane’s new appointment, the reshuffle included the introduction of Phumzile Mgcina as Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala as deputy minister of employment and labour, both of whom have previously served in other capacities within the national executive. Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will succeed Simelane as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. The decision to redeploy Simelane, accused of allegedly receiving a loan of R575 600 from Gundo Wealth…

THE Select Committee on Social Services has welcomed the announcement by Minister of Social Development, Nokuxola Tolashe, on the suspension of the CEO of the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa), Busisiwe Memela-Khambula. The announcement was made yesterday, pending the outcome of an investigation into the CEO’s appointment. Tolashe said the suspension is prompted by the need to conduct an investigation without hindrance or interference given Memela-Khambula’s position as CEO of Sassa. Committee chairperson, Desery Fienies, commended the minister for her commitment to transparency and accountability. “We commend the Minister for recognising the importance of maintaining public trust in our institutions, especially those that serve our most vulnerable citizens,” Fienies said. “The challenges faced by Sassa are significant, and it is imperative that we navigate them with integrity and diligence.” Tolashe…

AS PART of their community engagement programme, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra performed and engaged with over 300 young students at the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. After performances in Johannesburg’s Linder Auditorium and the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein, the orchestra’s national 2024 tour, titled Rhythms of Hope, reached a crescendo yesterday with a highly anticipated concert at the Cape Town City Hall that featured top orchestral musicians as they brought a stunning repertoire to life. This tour celebrates hope across the country as South Africa marks 30 years of democracy. “The national tour comes hot on the heels of the Mzansi Philharmonic’s most recent triumph, which saw the formation of the Africa United Youth Orchestra, made-up of the continent’s most promising young musicians,…

In today’s world, fake news and alternate facts have become the new norm. It is essential to recognise the importance of truthfulness in our personal and professional lives. Deceit can hijack our reality, leaving us questioning what is real and what is not. Untruths can be spread across all communication channels – social media, texts, emails and whispered conversations, infecting our relationships and tainting our perception of reality. The lines between truths and untruths blur, leaving us with a fragile sense of self, propped up by the fleeting admiration of onlookers. In today’s world, where misinformation spreads like wildfire, it is crucial to develop a keen sense of discernment to separate fact from fiction. At first glance, fabricated untruths may seem harmless – who wouldn’t want to be trending online…

Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba will run out in his 50th match for the Stormers this weekend, and hopes to celebrate the milestone in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a victory. The Cape side will kick off their campaign for Champions Cup glory against three-time winners Toulon in Gqeberha (5.15pm kick-off) in a home tie that will hopefully bring some winning momentum back to the Stormers. They are on a run of two losses after their narrow 21-15 United Rugby Championship defeat to the Sharks this past weekend, and now have an uphill to try and bag some winning momentum in the Friendly City when they face the French giants. Dweba, who joined the Stormers in their debut season in the URC – as well as loose forward Willie Engelbrecht…

Ruud van Nistelrooy savoured his first match in charge of Leicester with a 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham, while Crystal Palace edged Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday night. Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka got the goals as Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a dream start to his new role shortly after his departure from Manchester United. “On a long-term basis, we know the performances need to get better. But the spirit and how we want to do things we saw today because, if not, the Premier League is too brutal,” said Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman said he had been “astonished” by the number of offers he received after a four-game spell as interim United boss, which included two wins over Leicester. “The third day working at the club,…

BENNI McCarthy says he hopes Orlando Pirates are fully prepared to take on the challenges that come with participating in continental competition. The Buccaneers are in the group stages of the CAF Champions League, and will host title holders and record champions Al Ahly in their second Group A match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Pirates began their campaign with a splendid 2-1 victory away to CR Belouizdad. “I hope they are strong enough,” the former Manchester United forwards coach said of the club he starred for towards the end of his illustrious playing career. “So far, they are doing really well, but I think when you want to win the PSL and you want to go into a final of the Champions League, you are going to…

The Office of the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, has initiated an investigation into Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie amid serious allegations of misuse of public funds during his recent trip to the Olympics in Paris, France. This probe comes after a complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), with spokesperson Sinawo Thambo declaring the party’s commitment to holding the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) accountable for its actions. In a letter dated December 3, the Public Protector confirmed receipt of the complaint, which highlighted potential violations of the code of ethical conduct and the Ministerial Handbook governing members of the executive. Gcaleka’s office acknowledged Thambo’s allegations, which paint McKenzie’s actions in a dubious light, suggesting not only a misuse of funds but also a…

Stellenbosch FC will be wary of the threat that RS Berkane will pose in their CAF Confederation Cup group stage clash on Sunday (3pm kick-off) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. But if there’s any team that can beat the Moroccan Botola Pro 1 league log leaders in Group B, which also has Stade Malien of Mali and Lunda Sul of Angola, it is the Cape Winelands outfit. Coach Steve Barker’s men and Sul remain the only winless teams in the group after the first round of matches, after losing to Malien and Berkane. So, given their high-flying start, Berkane will touch down in the country high on confidence as they are dominating both domestically and on the continent. But they’ll know that they’ll undermine Stellies at their own…

Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season and bid for an 11th Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, it was announced yesterday, with the Serbian superstar now coached by Andy Murray. The 37-year-old is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam crown after failing to add to the total during a frustrating 2024, although he did win Olympic singles gold in Paris. The ATP-WTA event runs from December 29 to January 5, with the Australian Open to begin on January 12. “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International, and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena,” said Djokovic. “I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans, and making this tournament one to remember.” Should he win, it would be…

A CAF Champions League clash that was always going to be tense has been spiced up by the host team’s failed attempt at pre-match gamesmanship. As if Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with AS FAR Rabat was not intriguing enough, the Moroccans have gone and intensified the animosity for Saturday night’s match (9pm kick-off) by trying to play mind games, which the Brazilians did not fall for. Winners at Raja Casablanca on Matchday 1, AS FAR tried to move their clash against Sundowns from El Jadida to Meknes – no doubt in a ploy to unsettle the visitors. But having already done their reconnaissance trip and booked their accommodation, the South African champions rushed to CAF and lodged a complaint. The continental governing body agreed with the Brazilians, and has insisted that…

Every match will count for the Blitzboks, and they are dead-set on performing on their home turf in attempting to claim their first Cape Town SVNS title since the inaugural tournament back in 2015. It’s been eight long years since the Springbok Sevens had success in the Mother City, and with a revamped tournament format, they know it will be crucial to win every game to wear the crown again. The South Africans will only play two pool games on Saturday – against Ireland (11.44am) and Argentina (6.41pm) – in their search for a place in the semi-finals of the abbreviated format. While there were quarter-final spots up for grabs in the Dubai SVNS last weekend, there will be none in Cape Town in the do-or-die format. According to Blitzboks…

While it may seem blatantly obvious to regular watchers of the copious amounts of T20 cricket on offer, dominating the opening Powerplay remains the key to winning or indeed losing your fair share of short-format matches. During the recent T20I showdown against India, the Proteas fell way short in three of the first six-over Powerplays across the four matches. It is no coincidence that the only Powerplay the Proteas won in Gqeberha also resulted in their solitary victory of the series. South Africa’s limited-overs coach Rob Walter admitted yesterday – after naming a much-changed squad – that there needs to be major improvement in this crucial area of the game if the Proteas are to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan. “The Powerplay with bat…