Innehållsförteckning för 2025-03-04 från Cape Argus

Parents who fail to keep up with maintenance payments may soon face a new hurdle: restricted access to credit. The Department of Justice has introduced a policy that could see delinquent parents’ credit scores take a hit, as South Africa grapples with a staggering 70% default rate on maintenance payments within two years of court orders. Ayanda Ndimande, head of business development at Sanlam Credit Solutions, warns that the new enforcement measures could have serious financial repercussions. “While we’re still waiting for details on how the new policy will be enforced, it’s clear that failing to pay maintenance on time could lead to denied credit or lowering one’s credit score,” she said. “If you are divorced or separated and responsible for paying maintenance, it’s worth partnering with an adviser to…

Anora has won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film saw off competition in a tight contest from fellow nominees The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance and Wicked. It also scored the trophies for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Anora had edged ahead as the front-runner for Best Picture, having already taken the top prizes at the Producers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards and Writers Guild Awards, which are usually key indicators when it comes to the Oscars. In other headline Oscar news, Mikey Madison was awarded Best Actress for her turn in the title role of Ani in Anora. “This is very surreal,” said Madison on stage. “I grew up in…

FOLLOWING a steep increase in February, petrol prices are set for minimal movement in March, while diesel customers can look forward to a modest decrease. Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to a seven cent decrease for 95 Unleaded petrol and seven cent increase for 93 Unleaded, while diesel is looking set for decreases of between 17 cents (500ppm) and 22 cents (50ppm). This would see the price of 95 Unleaded receding to around R21.55 at the coast and R22.34 inland, where 93 ULP will cost around R22.23. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is likely to land around R19.47 at the coast and R20.23 inland. Keep in mind that the above predictions are based on unaudited data. The official fuel price adjustments, which will be…

THREE Zimbabwean nationals accused of kidnapping a Cape Town man and demanding R5m ransom appeared in the Stellenbosch Regional court yesterday. Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira, Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda and Itai Elvis Takawira face charges of assault, extortion, robbery and kidnapping. The matter has been postponed to March 14 for a formal bail application. The trio, aged 28, 35 and 39 were arrested on Friday in during a multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation involving the Hawks the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation and the Police’s Provincial Organised Crime, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) and Boland K9 Unit.. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the team was following up on a complaint that the victim who was visiting a shop in Stellenbosch last Thursday, did not return home. Vukubi said the family received a…

THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Member of Parliament (MP) Sihle Lonzi, is calling for transformative change in South Africa’s education and employment landscape with the introduction of the Student Debt Cancellation Bill. This proposed legislation seeks to address the crisis of over 300 000 students who have completed their studies but are unable to graduate or receive their qualifications due to outstanding student debt. In a video on X (formerly Twitter), Lonzi outlined the stark reality faced by many South African students: “Young people in South Africa were told that the doors of learning shall be opened. They have now gone to school, they have completed their studies, yet they cannot graduate because of their economic backgrounds, they cannot graduate because of student debt.” Lonzi emphasised that these students,…

The Durban High Court has slammed the state for trying to introduce new evidence without context in its re-examination in the fraud and corruption trial relating to a R300 million Solid Waste tender. The former mayor of eThekwini Zandile Gumede and 21 others are charged with conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act. On Friday, Advocate Griffiths Madonsela, counsel for one of the accused former City manager Sipho Nzuza, presented evidence from a witness, who cannot be identified as per an order of the court, that Nzuza followed all the supply chain management policies in extending the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender contracts. The state on Friday said it would correct the perspective that the…

THE deplorable Oval office bullying by US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, shows the influence of imperialism, narcissism and geopolitical absurdity. Like former leaders Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein and others, who were disposed of when they no longer served an operative function, Zelenksy’s head is now also on the guillotine. The widely televised shouting match with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, sparked by the catastrophic US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, exposes the growing rift between the United States and its NATO allies. Western and more specifically, American double standards have been unmasked during this White House debacle. Trump, the carrot-topped ignoramus individual, has been given the presidential seat with a particular long-term aim of consolidating a US colonial hegemony with imperial allies from the centre-right within Europe. The…

Kaizer Chiefs will not have been afforded time to nurse their wounds following their loss to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, as Magesi lie in wait in the Betway Premiership at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off). The Glamour Boys have had a season filled with flashes of brilliance, along with a fair share of fumbles, as they continue to settle under the leadership of Tunisian mentor Nasredine Nabi. Amakhosi currently occupy the last of the top eight positions, and in a season where – outside the log leaders – everyone else has been inconsistent, a win for them could strengthen their cause to remain in the top half. Fresh off a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns this past Saturday, Nabi will take a lot of confidence from the display…

johnathan nel Planning for retirement is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Yet, for many South Africans, the gap between what they have saved and what they need to retire comfortably is growing wider. A survey by Credit Suisse revealed that while nearly 80% of South African retirees receive a pension, it replaces only 19% of their last salary, far below the 59% average among OECD countries. With inflation and economic pressures increasing, this gap is becoming more pronounced, leaving many unprepared for their golden years. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more you benefit from compound growth. Delaying savings can significantly reduce the funds available when you need them most. The Snowball Effect of Inadequate Savings According to Cogence, more than nine out of ten…

Shrek has been a part of many of our childhoods, and, as a lifelong fan, I’m happy to say I still watch it to this day – and it turns out I’m not alone. Studies show that Shrek remains just as popular today as it was when it first hit the big screen in 2001. According to a report by Statista, the franchise continues to draw impressive numbers, with over 3.5 billion dollars in box office revenue worldwide. This green ogre has found a special place in our hearts, even years later. What made Shrek stand out was the quirky and lovable characters that filled its world. From the three blind mice to the gingerbread man, and yes, the iconic Disney princesses, it had us feeling right at home. We…

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa (NICD) has confirmed that while there has been no reported increase in food or water-borne outbreaks along the coastal provinces, 26 alerts were recorded last month. These included six in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape. Health professionals are now being urged to report any rise in cases to the NICD’s Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMC) system or to contact the institute directly. Yesterday, the Cape Argus reported on a woman who claimed she nearly died after a leisure swim at Saunders Rock beach led to a severe bacterial infection. Others have since come forward, saying they were also hospitalised with gastrointestinal and bacterial infections after swimming in Cape Town waters. The City of Cape Town has called for medical professionals…

ACTIONSA has expressed concern over the recent funding cut by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to South Africa’s healthcare programmes, particularly the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( Pepfar) initiative. This cut, amounting to roughly R8 billion, poses significant risks to patient care, critical medical research, the livelihoods of thousands of healthcare workers, and the overall functionality of South Africa’s healthcare system. The decision by USAID to withdraw funding, especially from Pepfar, follows similar cuts announced by US President Donald Trump’s administration, which had already significantly reduced global health aid. This has now left a major gap in funding for South Africa’s healthcare programmes. Last month, Trump’s administration announced that it would halt all Pepfar funding, which has supported the distribution of HIV/Aids treatment…

THE film and television industry faces challenges due to delays in rebate approvals and payments, worsened by limited communication from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and a lack of clear strategies for growth and sustainability. Members of the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, Independent Producers Organisation, Animation SA, South African Film Empowerment, Documentary Filmmakers Association, various industry captains, community partners, and allies of the creative industry protested outside the DTIC offices in Tshwane last week voicing growing concerns over the DTIC’s failure to address critical issues impacting the industry. With most of the companies being black-owned, the Independent Producers Organisation and Partners in the TV and Film Industry said jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of families have been affected, and livelihoods have been ruined. In a…

A Bloemfontein woman has been convicted of defrauding the Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) of more than R400 000. Mamello Kate Khabo, 48, was found guilty last week of medical aid fraud and sentenced in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in the Free State. Explaining what led to the fraud charge, Free State spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said Khabo took her daughter, who was not on the Gems medical aid, to a hospital and she was admitted. However, the mother had used her other daughter’s name as she was on the medical aid. Her ill daughter later died in hospital. The issue of the fraud came to light when Khabo had to obtain a death certificate for her daughter. “The accused defrauded…

PRESIDENT Trump’s confrontation with President Zelensky and the warning of World War 3 is indeed chilling. Real live time events in Europe, Asia and The Middle East are spiralling out of control. A new world war could erupt at any time. It was Mr.William Perry, who was Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton, that issued a stark warning some time ago, that a nuclear war could erupt and erase humanity if politicians continue with their fiery rhetoric. The volatile and escalating situation between Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan, USA, China, India, Pakistan, Iran and Israel, cannot be resolved by military force or political subjucation. Any act of brinkmanship, could result in a deadly chain of events, that their arrogant leaders will not be able to control and contain. The major…

The inclusion of their returning injured star players will take centre stage over the next couple of weeks as the Stormers eye a place in the top six of the United Rugby Championship (URC). While still in 12th on the official log, the Cape side will tour for two weeks in the middle of March, before returning to the Mother City for four home games in which they eye full points to boost their knockout bid. Stars Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are tipped to return in the next few days to full squad training. They are also expected to be available for both the overseas games. Winger Suleiman Hartzenberg (broken hand) and utility back Jean-Luc du Plessis, alongside lock Connor Evans, should also come into the picture…

Now that the weight of his historic achievement has finally sunk in, newly crowned SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo got to relive his “surreal” golfing triumph at the rain-battered Durban Country Club at the weekend. The 27-year-old golfer, who grew up in Lenasia, in the south of Johannesburg, became the first golfer of colour to win SA’s national open. He beat England’s Laurie Canter on the first play-off hole on Sunday. It was at the same venue where legendary golfer Sewsunker “Papwa” Sewgolum had to endure the humiliation almost 62 years ago of receiving his prize for winning the Natal Open outside in the rain after he wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse. “I’m very aware of the story of Papwa and what has happened at Durban Country Club. It’s something…

It’s important to understand your tax residency status when moving between countries. How long you're going to be spending in each jurisdiction, will, in most instances, determine where your tax residency is going to reside. If you’re a tax resident in the UK, you should be reporting your income and gains in the UK. The same applies if you’re a tax resident in South Africa, you should be reporting your income and gains in South Africa. There are exceptions to reporting certain income, such as rental income, which you may need to report in both jurisdictions, depending on the properties you own. Understanding what those requirements are means that you get it right from the beginning and you don't end up in a situation where you have to backdate…

THE Congolese national arrested in connection with the gruesome torture and assault at the infamous Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has appeared in court, where he was remanded into custody. The name of the 41-year-old accused man is withheld at this stage, due to an anticipated identity parade. Yesterday, the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court postponed the case against the bouncer to March 28 while he remains behind bars. The Congolese national did not pursue his bail application which was expected, and is expected to do so at a later date. The court heard that another victim has been identified and will also be required to participate in the identity parade. IOL reported last month that the accused man was nabbed in highly populated Yeoville, in Joburg, by members of the Johannesburg Metro…

The case of statutory rape involving a 28-year-old Limpopo man Ditebogo Frans Gololo, accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl has taken a turn, as paternity tests revealed that he is not the biological father of the child. Gololo appeared at the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing a charge of statutory rape. The man was alleged to have impregnated a teenage girl in Seshego township, who gave birth on Christmas Day in 2024. However, a dramatic turn of events occurred when the paternity tests disclosed that Gololo is not the biological father of the child. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi, stated that the state has obtained DNA results that exclude Gololo as the father of the child. Gololo was arrested after the minor gave…

Civil society organisation Black Sash and trade federation Cosatu have called for a wealth tax instead of an increase in VAT as the Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU) was still locked in a marathon meeting on the budget proposals to fund government spending on Monday. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was expected to provide a revised budget to the Cabinet on Monday after last month’s budget was postponed after GNU partners could not reach consensus on Godongwana’s decision to increase VAT by 2%. It is understood that President Cyril Ramaphosa had proposed a VAT increase of between 0.5 and 1% at the Cabinet meeting but the DA remained adamant that VAT should remain unchanged. Black Sash said it would reject any VAT increase, regardless of the percentage that…

ZELENSKY’S visit to the Whitehouse, and subsequent chaotic interaction with Americas leaders, should be concerning to all who want to do business with America. Anyone observing the meeting would have come to the realisation that the toxic serpent in the room was not Trump... but rather his Vice President Vance... a dangerous man, seeking the proverbial limelight...as he steered the meeting towards certain confrontation. Vance is clearly a man on a self serving mission. This TV disgrace will ensure that no sensible political leader will ever set foot in the Whitehouse again, until Trumps administration is removed from office by the American people. This display of aggressive bad manners, reflects an America that can no longer be trusted to be considered a loyal friend. Zelensky will probably fall now...but…

SINCE the launch of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, there have been ongoing negotiations about financing the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife. A major focus of these negotiations has been the CBD commitment for developed countries that are parties to the Convention to “provide new and additional financial resources” to developing countries that are signatories. Whereas this focus is on international aid, there are real opportunities for international trade. With the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, the CBD commitment to “raising new and additional resources” now also includes “encouraging the private sector to invest in biodiversity.” This is a most positive development encouraging private sector investment by enabling a return on this investment, for example through the legal trade in wildlife products.…

THE Western Cape Premier’s recent State of the Province Address painted an image of a thriving and well-governed province. However, for many residents, this version of reality does not match their daily experiences. Beneath the polished rhetoric lies a province struggling with deep inequalities, failing local governance, and reckless foreign policy decisions that threaten jobs and investment. Housing and governance Housing remains one of the Western Cape’s greatest crises, yet under the DA-led government, it has been marked by mismanagement and evictions that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. Take Communicare, for example. Despite national intervention and a forensic investigation into the acquisition of its properties, evictions have continued, forcing pensioners from their homes. This is just one example of the province’s disregard for the poorest citizens. Municipal failures are…

The Springboks and the All Blacks play each other every year at least twice. Sometimes even three times if it's a Rugby World Cup year. The Proteas and the New Zealand cricket team not so much. In fact, Heinrich Klaasen, who has played 59 ODI’s, has only faced the Black Caps once before in a 50-overs contest. And he wasn’t even required to do much on that occasion as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen both struck sublime centuries to steer the Proteas to a mammoth 190-run victory at the last World Cup back in 2023. It would be safe to assume that Klaasen will most likely have more on his plate when the Proteas face the Black Caps in Wednesday’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. The…

The Stormers have always been a team that thrives on resilience, and Bulls mentor Jake White's remarks about their injury struggles a couple of weeks ago only seemed to fuel their fire when they faced his side this past weekend. Instead of letting the words of the Bulls’ director of rugby get under their skin, the players turned it into extra motivation ahead of facing their arch-rivals. They used it as a reminder of their toughness and the team's ability to never back down, especially in a North-South derby. Rather than focus on their injuries and who was unavailable, the Stormers focused on proving White wrong - showing that no matter who's playing on the day, they can compete at the highest level. It’s a perfect example of how a…