Innehållsförteckning för 2025-04-07 från Cape Argus

Netflix’s The Residence ushers the Shondaland empire back to the White House with a broad, escapist twist. Whereas Scandal was a drama about a fixer, this limited series, created by Scandal writer and producer Paul William Davies, is a hammy whodunit starring Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, the world’s greatest detective (and an inveterate birder). The show’s world is implausible, well-rendered and surprisingly specific. This is an alternate universe where the president (Paul Fitzgerald) is gay, married and trying to save the United States’ shaky relationship with Australia – and his fledgling administration – with a fancy state dinner. It’s not a home run. The seating chart’s a mess, the White House calligrapher is off his game and the food is as meagre as it is bewildering. But things really…

THE Bloubergstrand Residents Association (BRA) has objected to the rezoning of a property where the Rockhaven Guesthouse, currently stands, citing that a proposed hotel is out of character with the area. The City of Cape Town’s Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) approved the application for rezoning earlier this month. The property located at 7 Sir David Baird Drive in Bloubergstrand Property, also known as The Village, will negatively impact the surrounding residents and the Village’s unique character including leaving them vulnerable to future applications, the BRA argues. While the City argues that this is not the case, citing that they had approved the development via the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) and that each case of the same nature in the future would be dealt with independently on its merits and…

CRIMEFIGHTERS have lauded the arrest of a Khayelitsha woman who was busted with Mandrax tablets worth R1 million at the weekend. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said the 46-year-old female was caught on Friday as officers from the Khayelitsha Crime Prevention Unit continued to clamp down on the illegal distribution of drugs. He said alert police were conducting a stop and search operation, when they received information about a premises in Site B that was allegedly being used as a liquor storage facility. Van Wyk explained: “The officers immediately operationalised the information and on arrival they saw a lady on the premises carrying a big green bag and found 10 big packets with Mandrax tablets and four small clear packets also with Mandrax tablets. “When counted in each…

WHILE the City of Cape Town’s draft budget for the new financial year, starting July 1, seeks to invest in hope, some have taken issue with how it plans to do that – namely the introduction of fixed charges. The budget, which was tabled at last month’s Council meeting, and is now open for public comment and seeks to prioritise cleaner vleis, resilient coastline, and upgrade public places. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the “Invested in Hope Budget” considers the implications of climate change, population growth, in-migration, surge in informality, and the escalating need for indigent support and financial sustainability of City budgets. GOOD councillor, Anton Louw, said that the draft budget signals a sharp increase in costs for many residents, “despite the city’s attempts to downplay the increases”. Louw highlighted…

IN an apparent bid to reduce the risk of incorrect readings and improve energy usage for residents, the City of Cape Town has confirmed that it will be rolling out new “compulsory” electricity meters. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said the new meters would be beneficial for residents. “Our meter replacement programme is beneficial for residents. The new meters help with managing costs, ensure accurate readings and assist residents in controlling and monitoring usage,” Limberg said. “They also allow eligible residents to switch to the affordable Lifeline Tariff, which includes Free Basic Electricity, Importantly, the price of electricity is the same for both old credit meters and new prepaid meters. We encourage all residents to work with us as we continue to roll out these meters…

Proteas Women’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams believes the upcoming tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India is the ideal preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year on the subcontinent. The Proteas have been exposed to subcontinent conditions regularly over the last 12 months with tours to India and Pakistan along with the T20 World Cup in Dubai, where Laura Wolvaardt’s team finished runners-up for the second consecutive year. “Yeah, I think the series against India and Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka, is coming at the right time for the team,” Abrahams said. “It'll give us a good gauge in terms of the progress the batting unit has made in the last 12 months. “I think we've been really clear in terms of our mindset and how we…

It’s not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday. The Bulls scored four tries at the Stade Jean Dauger to advance to Saturday’s quarter-final against Edinburgh – who beat the Lions 24-12 – in Scotland (1.30pm SA time start). And while 31-year-old English referee Christophe Ridley handed out a yellow card to Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe for a high tackle on Bayonne wing Xan Mousques – which looked a bit worse than it was – White had no complaints. “Referees get criticised so much, but I tell you what I really enjoyed today: that referee reffed like a Test referee,” the former…

Glenrose Xaba once again confirmed her versatility as a middle-distance star at the weekend, following up her recent Spar Women’s Challenge win on the streets of Cape Town with the defence of her national 10 000m title on the track in the same city. Xaba dominated from start to finish at the ASA 10 000m Championships that were incorporated into the Cape Milers Club ASA Grand Prix meeting at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Friday. The Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) ace lapped every other athlete in the field on her way to victory. She completed the 25-lap race in a time of 31:40.13, securing her eighth national senior title over the 10 000m distance. Cacisile Sosibo took second place in the colours of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) in…

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach, Nasreddine Nabi, says their poor form has been due to bad luck, which has prevented them from performing at their best. Chiefs’ struggles continued on Saturday night with a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership in Polokwane, leaving them in eighth place with 30 points — just one ahead of ninth-placed Chippa United, who have two games in hand. This puts Chiefs in a precarious position, potentially finishing outside the Top 8 for a second consecutive season, which would be a blow for the team after appointing Nabi to rebuild and deliver results. Nabi, frustrated with the team's poor finishing, has suggested that bad luck is behind their inability to consolidate leads. “We are going to take it game-by-game. The players did everything they…

Legendary musician Elton John recently interviewed South African singer Moonchild Sanelly on his renowned radio show, Rocket Hour. The conversation unfolded while Sanelly was in Manchester last month, promoting her new album, Full Moon. Sanelly released her latest offering, which is her third studio album, in January. According to the singer, the album is more than just a collection of songs but rather her fully embracing her essence. The album features 12 hits that showcase her unique approach to music, a mix of unapologetic self-love and empowerment. John, who has openly declared his admiration for Sanelly’s work, expressed how much he enjoys her album, saying he “constantly” plays it. He particularly highlighted his affection for the song Falling, describing it as “one of my favourite videos of all time.” “You…

A 44-year-old rapist will serve life behind bars for the rape of his pensioner neighbour. This week, the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Gqeberha sentenced Lindile Hini for raping a 70-year-old woman on the eve of October 29, 2023, in Kwazakhele. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, confirmed Hini faced charges of rape, housebreaking with intent to commit rape, and contravention of the Older Persons Act (OPA). “The pensioner was at her home in Kwazakhele, sleeping with the lights on, and had left the back door unlocked for her son. Hini, her next-door neighbour since 1984, entered the house through the back door, undressed, and told her he had been waiting for ‘the opportunity’ for some time. He then forcibly removed her pants and sexually assaulted…

A Langa man accused of raping a 15-year-old intellectually-challenged girl has been granted R1000 bail while her alleged second attacker is also facing charges. It is alleged the teen has become a victim twice of sexual assaults by two different male suspects. According to the teenager’s grandmother, she was allegedly raped by two men on two separate occasions who live in the same block of flats in Langa. Joseph Nthethe, is believed to have raped the teen on March 27, and was granted bail of R1000 on Friday at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court. The second accused, Lyanda Nkomiyaphi who was also expected to make an appearance at the courthouse on the same day, did not attend proceedings after he was reportedly ill and had his bail application postponed. It…

PUBLIC Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has vowed not to be deterred by smear campaigns, political pressure, or even threats to his life while providing an update on the ongoing investigation into the R800 million oxygen plant tender. “My mandate is to clean up the department, and that is exactly what I intend to do, relentlessly,” Macpherson said yesterday. His remarks came after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) filed a criminal complaint against him in January, accusing him of improperly contacting a junior employee at the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to get a report on payment delays to Lonerock Construction. The EFF said Macpherson bypassed IDT’s board and executive leadership, undermining its governance. Macpherson denied the allegations, calling them part of a “smear campaign”. The Democratic Alliance (DA), his…

A PROPOSAL to close a pedestrian walkway that leads into an informal settlement in Wynberg East is open for public comment until Wednesday April 30. The City plans to permanently close the pedestrian walkway leading to the Bonnytoun informal settlement. The lane runs off Rosmead Avenue, between the Urban Waste Drop-off Facility and the Electricity Depot. Access to Wynberg CBD from the informal settlement is available from Wetton Road as an alternative route. In the notice for comment, the City states the daily losses of cable theft, home burglaries, theft out of motor vehicles and the robbery of personal belongings experienced by the greater Wynberg community as the reasons for the proposal to permanently close the lane, adding that perpetrators use the lane as a convenient escape into and out…

AS the trial-within-a-trial continues in the Joshlin Smith court case, the court has reviewed the footage of the alleged confession of Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis. The trial-within-a-trial stems from Appollis and his co-accused, Steveno van Rhyn claiming they were assaulted and tortured by police. On Friday, before the footage was played in court, Appollis’ lawyer, Fanie Harmse, needed to place information on the record. “There are contents of his statement by the accused that he was informed on what to say,” Harmse submitted. Judge Nathan Erasmus questioned: “So, the crucial part of what happened was not his knowledge but what he was told to say?” Harmse responded: “Correct, my Lord.” Erasmus said that because facts were being distorted, the accused may be prejudiced. He said there was a request to have…

Manchester United and Manchester City played out an anticlimactic 0-0 English Premier League draw on Sunday in a low-key derby that dealt a blow to City's bid for Uefa Champions League qualification. Pep Guardiola's team are fifth in the table on 52 points, one behind Chelsea, and United are languishing in 13th place on 38. With both sides struggling through difficult campaigns, neither created many clearcut chances, particularly in a drab first half at a sun-drenched Old Trafford. The game picked up after the interval and City striker Omar Marmoush unleashed a blistering shot from 25 yards that forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into a terrific save. Joshua Zirkzee had United's best opportunity midway through the second half when he turned and struck a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson…

McLaren boss Andrea Stella reiterated that team interests would trump those of individual drivers this season, after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third behind Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. Stella faced questions over the team’s strategy after McLaren missed out on the top step of the podium for the first time in three Formula One races this year. However, the Italian was quick to remind reporters that it is a 24-race championship. “We are here, first of all, to beat the other teams and put McLaren in a very strong position,” Stella told reporters. “When McLaren are in a strong position, then that's the best position for the two drivers to pursue their aspirations. “This is very clear to the team, very clear…

With a 10th Ligue 1 title in the last 12 seasons, Paris St Germain have made their dominance in French football a matter of routine rather than a contest. Their 24-point lead over Monaco with six games left means they have sealed this season's title and tells the story of a club operating on a different planet to their rivals, a machine fine-tuned for relentless success on home soil. Luis Enrique’s side have been ruthless, their 6-1 mauling of St Etienne eight days ago yet another flex of their muscles, a statement that, even with change, their grip on French football remains iron-clad. The victory against Les Verts extended their unbeaten away run to 38 games, a feat matched in the top five European leagues only by AC Milan from…

Brad Pitt is set to return as laid-back stuntman Cliff Booth in a new project connected to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Online reports say that Tarantino has written the script for this new venture, but has chosen to pass on directing duties to the acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher, who previously collaborated with Pitt in classics like Fight Club and Seven. While the plot remains under wraps, industry insiders suggest that this new project will not be a traditional sequel but rather a “derivative” of the original. This development comes on the heels of Tarantino’s 2021 “novelisation” of the film, which provided fans with deeper insight into Booth’s backstory, enriching the narrative established in the film. Originally, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood captivated audiences with its…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is investigating a case of negligence following a brutal attack on a 10-year-old girl by a pit bull. According to the SABC the young girl lost an eye and sustained a skull fracture during the attack last week. The police have also urged the public to refrain from circulating graphic images of the victim on social media. “The Galeshewe SAPS is investigating a case of negligence or failure to prevent an animal to cause injury to another person against the owner of the dog,” the police said in a statement. The police also highlighted that Section 1(1) of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993 “provides that any person as a result of whose negligence an animal causes injury…

THE South African Communist Party (SACP) argued that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is not a key player in the Government of National Unity (GNU) and should be excluded from the coalition. “There is a 50% plus one majority in parliament excluding the DA, the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MKP), and others. So South Africa will not stop, and that is one of the discussions we are having here,” Mashilo said. Speaking to the public broadcaster SABC on Saturday, spokesperson Dr Alex Mashilo said that the voting patterns during the budget vote last week, where the budget passed by a slim majority of 192 votes in favour versus 182 against demonstrated that the DA was not a key factor. To secure the budget’s approval, the African National Congress (ANC), without its primary…

ECONOMIC Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema didn’t mince his words yesterday, when he called out ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. He said Mashaba was “an old crook,” alongside other parties that supported the passage of the 2025 National Budget. “Last week, we fought with them in Parliament, and when we were fighting, they teamed up in secrecy and managed to pass the VAT increase,” Malema said. His remarks followed the passing of the budget by 192 Members of Parliament (MPs) last week, with 182 MPs voting against it. The African Transformation Movement (ATM), EFF, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), and ACDP, along with the Democratic Alliance (DA), voted against the fiscal framework. In contrast, the African National Congress (ANC), ActionSA, Build One South Africa (BOSA), Al-Jamah-ah,…

THE battle of the milks – First Choice vs Fresh Choice – raged before the Gauteng High Court, with the owner of First Choice asking that its competitor be interdicted from using the Fresh Choice logo, as it claimed it is similar to their trade mark. Woodlands Dairy, a long-standing, family-owned dairy operator in the Eastern Cape, turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to obtain an order against its competitor. It produces an extensive range of dairy products, including UHT milk, which is marketed and sold in outlets throughout South Africa. It sells these products under the name and brand First Choice and it owns this trade mark in South Africa. Sansom Farming CC is also a dairy operator, on a substantially smaller scale than the applicant. It is…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is looking forward to his team embracing the almighty challenge that awaits them in Cairo when they face Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final second leg on Wednesday. The two sides are deadlocked at the moment after the goalless draw at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town last week. Stellenbosch FC were intent not to concede an away goal and are now confident of dethroning the defending champions. “Our main objective going into the first leg was just to ensure that we are competitive and that we can travel away with either to hold on to something or to still be in the tie. So yes, I thought we equipped ourselves really well,” Barker said. “There are certain areas that we have to improve…

The limping Lions make their way home from their European tour, with their EPCR Challenge Cup hopes in tatters after the 24-12 mauling by Edinburgh Rugby, and their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign perilously close to disaster. Coach Ivan van Rooyen spoke of the “open wounds, cuts and grazes from the three consecutive games on the artificial pitches”. However, it has often been the self-inflicted wounds that have done the most damage in a season that has threatened to roar into life, but is likely to end with a whimper. While the Johannesburg outfit were certainly better than in their 42-0 drubbing against Glasgow last week – a low bar – their defence let them down again against Edinburgh. They lost the breakdown battle and slipped off tackles in an…

Gerda Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed — even as yet another 'adversary' threw jabs her way. Steyn had just obliterated the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon field, running the third-fastest time — 3:29:20 — ever recorded by a woman in the world-renowned 56km ultra, to claim her sixth consecutive title. All three of the fastest times on the course now belong to her. Yet the woman seated to her right at the post-race press conference at UCT Rugby Fields was describing the queen of the Two Oceans as "lucky". Shelmet Muriuki, who finished runner-up on Saturday morning — a distant eight minutes and 40 seconds behind Steyn — echoed the sentiments of her Entsika Athletic Club teammate, Nobuhle Tshuma, who…