Innehållsförteckning för 2025-04-15 från Cape Argus

The Easter holiday season is upon us, and for many South Africans, it’s a time to hit the road, reunite with loved ones, and explore the country’s breathtaking destinations. According to local travel stats published by the South African Tourism Department, domestic travel has surged in the last couple of years, with nearly half of South Africans saying travel is now more important to them than it was before. While this enthusiasm is encouraging, caution and preparedness must be exercised, as the risk of road accidents remains a concern, especially with the persistent rains. Increased traffic volumes on major highways bring a heightened risk of accidents, especially during rainy weather, which is expected to persist throughout April. Last year’s road stats published by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) revealed…

MEMBERS of the MK Party's Women's League (MK) marched to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in Pretoria yesterday, demanding action on gender-based violence (GBV) cases and calling for reforms to a justice system they believe fails victims. Promise Nkosi, interim co-ordinator of the Women's League in Tshwane, said the march was organised due to the alarming rate of rape cases, often resulting in perpetrators escaping punishment or receiving lenient sentences. “For example, the case of Pastor (Timothy) Omotoso, the case was everywhere in the media space. The witnesses were there. It is surprising that Omotoso was released to go freely and there was no justice for the victims,” she said. Omotoso, the Nigerian televangelist, was recently acquitted in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha of more than…

THE Magistrate’s Commission will interview more than 290 candidates from May 5 for posts at courts across the country in a bid to address the workload of magistrates in the lower courts. Judges Matter, a transparency project which keeps an eye on judicial matters, said that in a justice system already stretched to breaking point, the appointment of magistrates is not a side issue - it is central to ensuring access to justice in South Africa. The Magistrates Commission has published a shortlist of the candidates, which Judges Matter said is a critical development. “With only around 2 000 magistrates currently serving more than 60 million people, these appointments will shape the delivery of justice for millions of South Africans - particularly the most vulnerable.” Judges Matter believe that…

IN A PROUD moment for South Africa, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) have been recognised at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The awards ceremony took place on April 9 during the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, Spain, and highlighted the exceptional service and amenities provided by these airports. CTIA clinched three notable accolades, being named the best airport in Africa, the best airport staff service in Africa, and the cleanest airport in Africa. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams at the airport, ensuring a top-notch experience for passengers from around the globe. KSIA in Durban received the title of best regional airport in Africa, further cementing its reputation as a key regional hub. The award…

I first met the Above Normal founder, Masingita Masuta, on Facebook. Then, I met Masuta face to face last December at Southgate Mall. She is such a great conversationalist. It was a pleasure to meet her. During our lunch meeting, she told me a bit about herself. She's feisty, stubborn, opinionated and headstrong. A few years ago, she tested for a driver's licence and failed seven times. She was told to give up, but she never did, until she got her license. Now, she drives herself around. Masuta has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement, posture, and speech. When she speaks, one must listen very carefully. However, that has not stopped her from pursuing her goals with gusto and living her life to the fullest. For instance, she…

Kaizer Chiefs are seemingly heading back to the continental stage, and they’ve done it with the kind of drama only football can script. In a seismic Nedbank Cup semi-final clash at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, Amakhosi rose from the ashes of recent disappointments, to stun Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 and could secure a long-overdue return to African football via the CAF Confederation Cup, if the Betway Premiership standings remain as is. Ashley du Preez emerged as the hero on Sunday night, slotting home a dramatic 89th-minute winner that turned Pretoria into a cauldron of disbelief and euphoria — depending on which colours you wore. Sundowns came into the encounter as the firm favourites. They had beaten Chiefs three times this season, are cruising in the Premiership, and looked untouchable after hard-fought…

Rory McIlroy's dramatic win at the Masters on early Monday put an end to the questions that have hounded him every time he set foot on Augusta National over the past 10 years as he finally turned the page on years of frustration. McIlroy's roller-coaster round ended with him beating Justin Rose in a one-hole play-off 11 years after his first attempt to achieve the rare feat of capturing all four of golf's majors. "I'd like to start this press conference with a question myself," McIlroy said, as he entered the interview room donning his new Green Jacket. "What are we all going to talk about next year?" he said with a laugh. "I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember." That dream threatened to…

Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi is hoping teenagers Seshnie Naidu and Karabo Meso bring their “fearless type of mindset” with them on the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka. Naidu (19) and Meso (17) starred for the SA U19 team at the recent ICC U19 Women’s World Cup where the Junior Proteas finished runners-up to India in Malaysia. Both have played T20I’s for the Proteas before, with leg-spinner Naidu also part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad in the United Arab Emirates last year. However, they have now both been called up, along with uncapped allrounder Miane Smit (20), for the first time to the ODI squad. The Proteas Women will face hosts Sri Lanka and India in an ODI Tri-Nations Series starting at the end of the month. “Freshness…

Life changes fast. Financial obligations, health status, and family dynamics evolve, sometimes gradually, sometimes in an instant. Yet, traditional life insurance policies are designed as rigid, one-size-fits-all agreements that don’t easily adapt to the realities of life’s twists and turns. This is where claim-stage flexibility is becoming a critical innovation in life-risk products. Unlike conventional policies that lock consumers into pre-set payment choices, claim-stage flexibility ensures that when life takes an unexpected turn, your insurance is equipped to support you in a way that matches your evolving needs. The problem with old-fashioned life insurance Traditional life insurance is often structured as a one-size-fits-all product. It's designed at one point in your life and doesn't easily adjust when your needs change. Think about it: your family grows, you buy a house,…

As the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) approaches, the anticipation is palpable for both seasoned fans and first-time visitors alike. Scheduled for Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, this world-class event will illuminate the iconic Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with incredible performances from a stellar line-up of local and international artists. For those preparing to dive into the magic of jazz for the first time, we have compiled a list of essential tips to ensure you create lasting memories at this remarkable festival. Plan your schedule With an impressive 33 acts set to perform across multiple stages, planning your schedule is a must. Once the official CTIJF website releases the line-up and set times, review them thoroughly. Highlight your must-see performances while allowing ample time between…

The City of Cape Town spends R100 million annually to clear illegally dumped waste, addressing more than 800 complaints. This, while the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment DFFE said over 400 complaints were received nationally, with 52 municipalities having cases against them for non-compliance in curbing the on-going issue. The City of Cape Town said its Urban Waste Management By-law Enforcement Unit continued to make inroads in combatting illegal dumping in the past year and issued 604 fines issued for illegal dumping, amounting to a total value of R1 223 500, while 865 illegal dumping complaints were attended to, and 385 compliance notices issued to offenders. The City said it annually spent R100 million on illegal dumping. “The public can submit photographs of offenders in the act, accompanied…

IN JUST A year, the Cape Flats has become home to 2 395 parolees and shockingly, 254 have reoffended - a 10.6% recidivism rate in one year. This is according to Nicholas Gotsell, DA MP and member on the Select Committee on Security and Justice, who has written to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services to request an urgent reform of the current parole system. In a parliamentary reply from the Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, he highlighted the dangerous link between parole policy failures and the ongoing gang and drug wars plaguing the Cape Flats. Gotsell said he believed it was important to relook at parole systems and how decisions were made. Last week, the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Service (JICS) met with the Select Committee…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as Special Envoy to the US has been largely welcomed. Jonas is tasked with resetting the relationship between South Africa and the US, which has soured in recent times after US president Donald Trump cut funding and then accused the country of persecuting white farmers. The US last month expelled SA's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, over remarks he had made about the Trump administration. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, yesterday said that Jonas would not be serving as an ambassador but as a special envoy, focused on advancing SA's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. Magwenya also confirmed that Ramaphosa was still pondering on who to appoint as ambassador and Jonas would pave the way for the appointment after negotiations. “The process…

IT WAS an emotional day for the three young Limpopo men who captured the nation's heart with their journey all the way to Cape Town, reaching the end of a physically and psychologically challenging cycle. The cyclists, driven by passion, perseverance and a spirit of unity, are Karabo Mokowo from Riba cross in Sekhukhune District aged 21, Mahlakwane Gauta from Ga Mathabathe-Makgoba Capricorn District aged 22, and Ndo Maxwell from Vhembe aged 24. The three determined young cyclists, known as Gauta BMX, have been on a mission to cycle all the way to Cape Town with hopes of inspiring young people across the country. Their campaign is also dedicated to raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and other social ills affecting South African communities. As they travelled across the country,…

BY all accounts, South Africa’s conundrum that is the Government of National Unity (GNU) will likely fester into a debilitating wound before it gets healed anytime soon. The revelation of the DA and Patriotic Alliance (PA), two of the mainstays of the GNU, undertaking what looks like a clandestine trip to Israel ought to shake the substance that has kept the unique ruling alliance together since the outcome of the May 2024 elections, in which no single party garnered an outright majority. There are simply more questions than answers in the wake of the revelation made by the GOOD party about the trip to what the PA’s national spokesperson Steve Motale refers to in a media statement as a “trip to the Holy Land”. Clearly, if the fanfare with which…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is placing major importance on Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu in their bid to remain in contention for a place in next season’s CAF Cup competitions. Stellies are currently enjoying a magnificent debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign having knocked out defending champions Zamalek last week in Egypt to qualify for a first-ever semifinals appearance. The winelands outfit travel to Zanzibar later this week to face Tanzanian side Simba FC on Sunday. However, they are currently in fifth position on the domestic league table with 35 points, but have two games in hand on fourth placed TS Galaxy (36) and a game on third placed Sekhukhune United FC (37). “It's a massive game for us in the league. Obviously, it's important for us to get…

While Liverpool stumble to the Premier League title, the news of Mohamed Salah’s contract extension has surely put a spring in their step. It has also dispelled some of the gloom around the potential departure of stalwart right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. False alarm The potential exit of Salah, Trent and skipper Virgil van Dijk must have been a cause of great anxiety among Reds fans. With Van Dijk also likely to extend his stay at Anfield, talk has inevitably turned to next season. It seems strange to tie the destiny of next year’s EPL trophy to two 30-something veterans. But such has been the performance of the duo that it is hard to imagine the Reds defending their title without them. Salah the boogieman Salah has already broken the record for…

Operations at six Master’s Offices across South Africa have come to a near standstill after key leadership positions were left vacant at the end of March. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has not yet renewed or appointed replacements for several critical roles, including that of the Chief Master and heads or acting heads for six offices. These offices are responsible for managing deceased estates, insolvent estates, trusts, curatorships, and the Guardian’s Fund, which holds and protects the assets of minors and people who are mentally incapacitated. Without Masters or acting Masters in place, no authority can be delegated, resulting in a major disruption of services across the affected regions. A message shared in a stakeholder WhatsApp group and seen by Personal Finance highlighted the growing frustration.…

ANOTHER day, another slay, and this time, Tyla is front and centre on the April cover of Nylon magazine, continuing her reign as one of the most stylish stars on the planet. At just 23, the South African singer is not only delivering bangers on stage but serving fashion fantasy in every editorial shoot. This latest spread is no different: bold looks, sharp silhouettes, and that effortless cool only she can pull off. Tyla’s feature comes hot off the heels of an impressive list of magazine covers. In just over a year, she’s graced the pages of British Vogue, Elle US, Billboard, Cosmopolitan, BeatRoute, T Magazine from The New York Times, and Dazed. Each shoot has spotlighted her meteoric rise from Johannesburg girl to global It-girl, never shying away from…

A STRANDFONTEIN woman accused of orchestrating a gang hit at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court has been sent to prison, as police revealed they busted another suspect yesterday morning. Shireen Matthews, 35, made her first highly-anticipated appearance in court, where she is charged with the murder of Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49. Chintso was shot dead last week on the 4th floor of the court building, which houses the Wynberg Regional Court. Matthews, who is alleged to be the lover of a Junky Funky gang boss, yesterday appeared annoyed as she covered her face as cameras and heavily armed cops swarmed the court room. She is alleged to have ordered the hit on Chintso, as he was accused of murdering someone from the Junky Funky Kidz gang. At the time of Chintso's murder, a…

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), during the reopened inquest into the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Luthuli, yesterday said that a magistrate had premeditated the outcome of the original inquest. For decades that original inquest had maintained that Luthuli died after being hit by a goods train on July 21, 1967, in Stanger, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Delivering the opening remarks before Judge Qondeni Radebe, State Advocate Ncedile Dunywa painted a picture of how the justice system might have collaborated with apartheid police in subverting the truth behind the death, which many people suspected to be a murder. Dunywa said the outcome of the inquest, held the same year Luthuli died, was not based on fact and evidence, “but rather on the suppression of justice aimed…

THE City of Cape Town has invited the public to comment on its proposed CBD Mobility and Access Plan, which aims to promote walking and cycling, and create a pedestrian-friendly space. Out for public comment until May 11, the plan proposes a road network plan, a schedule of routes to be partially pedestrianised, and a parking plan to support the vision of a "car-free CBD". "The main ideas are to improve walkability in the heart of the CBD, around the public transport stations and terminus; to promote walking and cycling within the CBD by creating a decongestion zone; and to divert through-traffic onto bypass roads, with targeted safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The decongestion zone would include superblocks, similar to those in Barcelona, but relevant to the local context,"…

The phenomenon of organised crime syndicates, notably the Mafia, has deep historical roots and was mainly influenced by socio-economic conditions in Sicily. Initially, landowners, unable to depend on state authorities for protection against banditry, resorted to hiring private militias known as “mafie.” Over time, these groups evolved from merely providing security for property to becoming quasi-governing bodies that exerted significant influence over local power dynamics. As this evolution progressed, the Mafia expanded its operations beyond essential protection services, engaging in protection racketeering, conflict mediation, and enforcing clandestine agreements and transactions. Consequently, the Mafia not only supplied security but also effectively monopolised various illicit operations, creating a cycle of exploitation and control that affected both their original patrons and the broader community. In South Africa, the rise of “construction mafias,” also…

Barring a collapse at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, Hansi Flick has Barcelona on course for the Uefa Champions League semi-finals and a return to Europe’s elite after a turbulent decade in Catalonia. A semi-final place — where Barcelona would likely be favourites to reach the final — would mark the high point so far for the Catalan giants in the post-Lionel Messi era. Four points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga with seven games remaining, and also set to face Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona are enjoying their best season since Messi’s departure. Since winning it all in Berlin in 2015, Barcelona have reached the Champions League semi-finals only once — in the 2018/19 campaign — though it is a tie they would rather forget.…

The Stormers could have JD Schickerling back from injury to partner Ruben van Heerden, who will celebrate his 50th cap on Saturday, for their vital United Rugby Championship match against Connacht in Cape Town. The second-row pair were a formidable combination until Schickerling crocked his shoulder two months ago, but assistant coach Norman Laker says the powerful lock has trained without any issues this week, and will be considered for selection. One of Schickerling’s strengths is running the lineout and given the Stormers have been shaky in this area of late, the 29-year-old’s return is significant. “JD is training fully at the moment. So far so good,” Laker said, before delivering not-so-good news on flyhalf Manie Libbok and wing Seabelo Senatla. “Manie’s not back yet, and Senatla has unfortunately been…