Innehållsförteckning för 2025-02-04 från Cape Argus

Some of the world’s biggest music stars were awarded with Golden Gramophones at the 2025 Grammy Awards which were held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. The event, hosted by South African-born comedian Trevor Noah, saw Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter taking home the biggest prizes at the 67th edition of the annual ceremony. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, arguably the biggest artist in the world right now and who recently concluded her epic Era’s Tour which took the world by storm, missed out on major trophies. After sweeping the Grammy’s last year, the Cruel Summer hitmaker missed out to Carpenter for Best Vocal Album. She also lost to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars who won Best Pop Duo/Group performance for their song, Die with a Smile. Swift…

EXPECT to pay more for fuel from tomorrow, with month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) pointing to significant increases for both petrol and diesel. 95 Unleaded petrol is looking set to increase by around 83 cents and 93 Unleaded by 90 cents, while diesel is likely to rise by between R1.01 (50ppm) and R1.06 (500ppm). This will inflate the price of 95 petrol to around R21.63 at the coast and R22.46 in Gauteng, while 93 should increase to around R22.24. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel looks set to reach R18.68 at the coast and R19.44 inland, although retail prices will be somewhat higher than that. Although these predictions are based on the actual price under-recoveries for January, the official fuel price adjustments have yet to be announced…

FOUR illegal Lesotho nationals have been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a police officer at his home in the Free State. The Hawks, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, said Constable Justice Sephooa was attached to the Ficksburg Crime Intelligence Unit. Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said on January 21, two unknown men approached Sephooa at his home and that one of them shot him twice before they fled the scene. Mogale said the suspects were arrested on Saturday, in Stilfontein, North West, after the Hawks’ Serious Organized Crime Investigation worked together with the North West Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the National Intervention Unit (NIU). She said they were then transferred to Bethlehem and will be appearing in the Ficksburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where they are facing…

EFF leader, Julius Malema, demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa take decisive action against Rwanda, including closing the Rwandan embassy in Pretoria after South African soldiers were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ramaphosa has vowed to continue providing support to the DRC, despite growing calls for the withdrawal of SA troops from the conflict-torn region. The decision comes amid escalating tensions with Rwanda, which has been accused of backing rebel groups in the DRC. “The embassy of Rwanda should be closed with immediate effect because we cannot share the soil with the people who have the blood of South Africans on their hands,” Malema said during a media briefing in Johannesburg yesterday. “It is unacceptable for our soldiers to be caught in a conflict where their presence does…

THE Gauteng High Court has rejected the demands of an unemployed woman seeking interim maintenance from her divorcing husband while living with her lover, who provides her with financial support and credit cards. The court said it would be contrary to justice and equity and would further be against public policy for the woman to be entitled to collect support from her husband, as well as from her “putative” second “husband”. He reasoned that she was now being taken care of by her lover, who provides her with everything she needs and he thus no longer needs to provide for her. The woman also wanted her husband to contribute towards her legal fees regarding their divorce proceedings. The court once again put its foot down and said at this stage…

THE World Health Organization has been given the proverbial upper cut by President Trump, and boy, are we happy about this? Tedros Gebresius, who heads up this highly controversial cabal of globalist doomsday prophets, must be having sleepless nights as he was probably hoping and wishing for much needed funding from the World’s largest economy, the USA. The way we have been lied to by the WHO and by every other player such as Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci and Big Pharma, has been despicable, to say the least! Hundreds if not millions of people have lined up to take the Covid shot, not knowing how it would destroy their health in the long run. Joe Biden, by recently pardoning Fauci, has done the World a massive disservice by letting this…

IT seems that the knives are out for JP Smith. Insinuations, innuendo and huff puff that he’s complicit in some sort of tender fraud without tangible proof is daft. Furthermore, should tender fraud be uncovered within his portfolio how does that implicate him personally? Sounds like a witch-hunt as there’s no prima facie case against him. It’s inconceivable to even imagine that “Mr Clean” himself would in any way be complicit in any underhand or illegal tender activity as it flies in the face of everything he stands for. The legal process however needs to be followed… those with knives out for JP however, need to be reminded of an old cliché “Never bring a knife to a gunfight.”…

I’ve always said this regarding Trump 2.0. America deserves Trump. A bigot, a felon and insurrectionist and rebel against the law. His policies, which resonated with many Americans, especially the upper echelons, and which are fast being implemented, will no doubt amplify America’s decline – not only in the wider world but in America, itself. The Democrats who shot themselves in the foot with Smokin’ Joe and a pathetic campaign, that many in the Youth Camp refused to be a part of, will, with shock, learn how they have handed America a catapult into pariah status. The withdrawal of the “assistance” that US gave to the rest of the world will not weaken the rest but in time will strengthen them, allowing independent growth, perhaps initially, with help from other…

HEALTH Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has recently confirmed that the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) is under review. This funding supports crucial HIV and Aids programmes in 27 districts. If the review leads to cuts, it could affect thousands of South Africans living with HIV. While Motsoaledi has reassured the public that 80% of South Africa’s HIV programmes are funded by the government, Pepfar plays a key role: it funds over 15 000 health workers, including nurses and pharmacy assistants, who help run the critical services. Losing this support could disrupt care in areas that need it most. Motsoaledi was quick to point out that South Africa already spends 8.5% of its GDP on healthcare. He also acknowledged that South Africa received support from the Global Fund,…

Cape Town musician Jeremy Loops has unveiled his latest album, Feathers and Stone. Released on Friday, it follows years of introspection and crafting. It also encapsulates the essence of being human in a time of overwhelming noise and transformation. “Feathers and Stone has been years in the making and it feels like life has found its way into every crack of these songs,” Loops said. “It’s a journey, a balancing act between heaviness and lightness, the weight of the world and those rare moments that let you breathe,” he added. At its core, Feathers and Stone celebrates the beauty inherent in imperfection. “These songs are built on the raw, real stuff, live instruments, human hands, human hearts. There’s magic in the flaws, in the wobble of a string, the crack…

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Krugersdorp High learner, Retshegofetse Sennelo, who died following a freak accident at the weekend. In a post on social media, the school said the teenager was severely injured when he collided with a fellow team mate during a cricket match at Christian Brothers’ College in Boksburg on Saturday. Principal, Ivan Bailey said paramedics were on scene immediately, and Retshegofetse was taken to Netcare Sunward Park. He said the other player was taken to a hospital in Krugersdorp, under his parents’ care, and later discharged. “After undergoing an emergency operation at Sunward Park, the surgeons could not stop the internal bleeding, and Retshegofetse passed away in theatre. “Our deepest condolences go out to Olga Sennelo, our SGB Chairperson, Gomolemo, his brother, all the family members,…

THE man accused of murdering SPCA veterinarian Dr Natheem Jacobs has pleaded not guilty at the Wynberg Regional Court as his family prays for justice. Nearly two years after the horrific fatal attack in Garlandale, his alleged killer, Jovan Williams has denied any involvement. Relatives gathered at the courtroom on Friday, anticipating how he would be pleading after initially admitting to stabbing Jacobs. Williams pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances. Jacobs died in hospital on March 2 2023 after being stabbed during a scuffle outside his home. He allegedly caught Williams trying to steal the wheels from his wife’s car which was parked outside their Garlandale home. Williams subsequently went on the run but dropped his cellphone at the crime scene and police carried…

TIGER Brands has agreed to make advance payments to those severely impacted by the listeriosis outbreak. In a joint media statement, Tiger Brands, Richard Spoor Inc and LHL Attorneys confirmed that monies will be paid out to those who require urgent medical care while the class action against the manufacturer continues. The details of the payments will remain confidential. “In late October 2024, Tiger Brands reported that the company’s attorneys were engaging with the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Richard Spoor Inc and LHL Attorneys, to agree on relief for qualifying individuals who have urgent medical needs, regardless of the fact that liability has not yet been determined,” the statement read. Richard Spoor said the open lines of communication with Tiger Brands is an important inroad and a first step in the parties’…

THE South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced that it has deployed over 20 000 additional constables in various units around the country during the last three years, with the goal of increasing policing efforts and improving public safety. During a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, the national commissioner for the SAPS General Fannie Masemola, provided an update on SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, stating that 2 699 freshly trained constables entered the ranks in mid-December of last year. “We were able to heighten police visibility and boost our crime combatting efforts at areas identified as hotspots across the country, including malls, beaches and along our country’s key strategic routes,” said Masemola. During the holiday season, police arrested 244 951 individuals for a variety of offences, including murder,…

THE National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) continues its searches for a 13-year-old boy from KwaZulu-Natal along the South Coast who went missing at the weekend. The teenager went missing just after 12pm on Saturday, February 1, near Umzumbe. One person has died and another is recovering in hospital after the incident. NSRI Shelly Beach duty controller, Melodie Herrmann said duty crews were activated following reports of a drowning in progress near Umzumbe, in front of Mocking Bird Chalet’s, Hibberdene. “It was reported that at least five people appeared to be in difficulties in the water – some reported to be family members of a teenager that was swept out to sea and Good Samaritans, attempting to rescue the teenager and assist the family members – all reported to be caught…

WHILE South Africa currently faces a youth unemployment rate of approximately 45%, data from Finscope indicates that a considerable 30% of SMMEs owners are 35 years or younger, underpinning the role that the youth play in building a resilient economy and creating jobs, regardless of numerous socio-economic challenges and risks. The youth of South Africa are well-positioned to excel as entrepreneurs and business leaders despite these challenges. Being young offers the freedom to take risks without significant financial responsibilities, encouraging young people to learn from mistakes and recover quickly. Embracing failure as part of the journey builds resilience in our youth, and failing early inadvertently accelerates their long-term success, with each learning curve providing a stepping stone towards their entrepreneurial goals. Young entrepreneurs also possess the energy needed for the…

WHILE we slept like old uncle Rip van Winkle for the last ten months, distracted by Ukraine, Gaza and Hindutwa, little did we suspect that the spores that were hidden beneath the quagmire were silently re-germinating. Resurrecting into that same slimey creepy crawley son of a snake that would once again wind its toxic reptillinian body around our near-dead corpses, already pre-dehydrated by the interminable high noon summer sun. Strangulating us again. At the very beginning of a new year. When sugar levels are way down. When the economy is just beginning to try to raise it’s head. When factories attempt to reawaken from a slumber that has lasted already for the last ten years. When children and parents experience the greatest quantity of stress in trying to handle the…

IT is refreshing to read that the clerks from the High Courts in Pretoria and Johannesburg went to another Court, the Labour Court to say that the termination of their contracts was unfair. In essence, the Labour Court ruled against its sister Courts, (High Courts in Pretoria and Johannesburg) and reinstated the clerks into their position on a permanent basis. This indicates how free and fair our Courts can be and for the most part are indeed independent. However, the lack of finance from the Department of Justice has infact impeded much of the litigation in South Africa. For instance, the Labour Court now has anything up to a three year wait before a case can be heard. Notoriously labour matters are urgent and are the cornerstone of individuals livelihoods.…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to begin talks yesterday on brokering a second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas, his office said, as he visits the new Trump administration in Washington. Ahead of his departure, Netanyahu told reporters he would discuss “victory over Hamas”, contending with Iran and freeing all hostages when he meets with President Donald Trumptoday. It will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to the White House in January, a prioritisation Netanyahu called “telling”. “I think it’s a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance,” he said before boarding his flight. He was welcomed to the US capital by Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, who stressed the coming Trump-Netanyahu meeting would strengthen “the deep alliance between Israel and…

Cape Town City' slump continued on Sunday when TS Galaxy handed them a 2-0 defeat in Nelspruit. It was the third time in four matches that City failed to score. City's Turkish coach Muhsin Ertuğral has identified the problem areas, but it seems he is unable to guide the team to winning ways again. City started well against Galaxy without creating goalscoring chances although they managed final third entries very often in the opening half hour. "I think we started very well and had a lot of momentum in the opening 30 minutes, but we couldn't find that last (scoring) pass when making last-third entries. "Here and there was a glimpse of a (scoring) chance. “We won a lot of balls back in the second phase of the game." One…

SOUTH Africa is currently under threat as plans to terminate all future aid due to the country, which could affect approximately $440 million in assistance to South Africa, disrupting vital programmes including HIV/Aids and education supported by Pepfar and impacting dozens of NGOs in the country. This follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that his administration will stop all future funding for the country, where many organisations heavily rely on Western funding. If Trump lives up to his promise, here are some of the programmes that will be affected: According to Health Policy Watch (HPW), some NGOs heavily reliant on US funding, including the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, have been affected, with some initiatives facing immediate funding halts. It stated the suspension of Pepfar funding, worth $332.6 million…

THE belief that military strength alone guarantees survival is a myth. “Military power is not enough. It is impossible to survive alone; we need true international support, which can’t be bought just by developing drones that drop bombs,” writes Israeli journalist Gideon Levy. His words underscore a growing dilemma: Israel’s reliance on military dominance is no longer enough to secure its global standing. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s ability to silence global criticism by invoking antisemitism has begun to erode. The world’s lingering guilt over the Holocaust, long a shield against scrutiny, is fading. “If Israel continues to rely so heavily on its military power, the guilt, emotional extortion, and the influence it wields as a result will diminish,” Levy warns. This perspective is rarely reflected in mainstream media, where…

THE National Coloured Congress, GOOD, ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters so called protest outside the civic centre and recent claims that the virtual meeting is a veil attempt to protect Alderman JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg from public scrutiny was choreographed as seen on their collaborative press conference outside while abandoning the Adjustment Budget debate. This is not only a tepid attempt to spread misinformation, hypocrisy at its finest, but also confirms again that they are cynical concessiocrats desperate to pander to their ANC handlers. The Alliance of Destruction (GOOD, National Coloured Congress, EFF and ANC) has to add substantive value to all policy and legislative discussions in council and its committees and not only through their flair for political theatre and sensational, headline grabbing topics. It is then will…

I FULLY understand the debate and I fully understand both sides of the argument. However, it must be known and acknowledged that parties who receive land cannot do anything with that land unless they had financing to work the land and the knowledge to do it properly. Our government has notoriously given land and in particular farms to people and even groups of people and they have destroyed the farm not for any other reason other than the fact is they don’t have access to proper finance and proper education. Land itself in our modern economy means nothing unless you can use that land to exploit it properly. Even housing has been completely destroyed because people cannot afford the upkeep and the expenses of the housing. The situation is a…

Elon Musk attacked the US Agency for International Development, calling it a “criminal organisation” on Sunday, as Donald Trump said the agency was “run by radical lunatics” and said he was considering its future. The assault on the agency tasked with humanitarian relief overseas marks a significant new front in Trump’s move to give unprecedented power to Musk to upend government departments and counter what the pair consider wasteful official spending and overreach. “USAID is a criminal organisation,” Musk, who has become the president’s most powerful backer, wrote on his X platform, replying to a video alleging USAID involvement in “rogue CIA work” and “internet censorship.” In a subsequent post, Musk doubled down and, without giving evidence, asked his 215 million X followers, “Did you know that USAID, using YOUR…

MI Cape Town will resist any temptation to curtail their attacking instincts as they approach the business end of the SA20. The Newlands-based franchise have been a revelation in Season 3, brushing off the debris of two disappointing seasons, to finish top of the log with a record 35 points. “I think, you know, in the last couple of years we played good cricket, but it was just about that we haven't finished well,” MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan said, ahead of Qualifier 1 against Paarl Royals at St George’s Park on Tuesday. “You know, we haven't hit those points where it was a matter of going to the result. “We were not finishing that well and that's where we were losing the game. And I feel like this…