Innehållsförteckning för 2025-04-29 från Cape Argus

Debt follows us to the grave, and understanding what happens to it after death is a key part of sound estate planning. How your debt is handled depends on several factors, including your estate’s solvency, the type of debt, whether it’s co-signed or guaranteed, your marital contract, and the provisions in your will. Here’s what you need to know. The role of the executor: Once your death is reported to the Master of the High Court, an executor is appointed to administer your estate. This person becomes your estate’s legal representative, responsible for settling all debts before any assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. Your executor will begin by meeting with your family and preparing an inventory of your assets and liabilities. Advertising for creditors: One of the executor’s…

EFF president Julius Malema has joined the chorus calling for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana along with his Director-General, Duncan Pieterse, to resign over the VAT battle. The Red Berets leader made the call during a media briefing yesterday, after the Western Cape High Court’s full bench set aside the adopted 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals and suspended the implementation of the 0.5 percentage point VAT increase which was set to come into effect on May 1. The EFF and the DA had approached the court to have the VAT increase announcement by Godongwana as well as the adoption of the finance committees’ report by both Houses set aside. After the matter was argued, the Finance Minister announced that the VAT increase would not be implemented. However, the court matter…

A MOTHER who is illegally in South Africa as her spousal visa has lapsed and is facing deportation was blocked by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, from taking her two sons with her when she relocates to Israel. The father of the children, a lawyer, vehemently opposed his children’s relocation, and he told the court that he and his fiancée were able to provide a better home in South Africa for them. Some of his concerns included that due to Israel facing a lot of conflict and war, he also feared that once the children turn 18, they may be forced to join the Israeli army. In turning down the mother’s application to take her sons with her to Israel, Judge Marcus Senyatsi remarked that compared to Israel, South Africa…

AS THE deadline for public participation on the City of Cape Town’s draft budget for 2025/26 approaches on May 2, the Noordhoek Ratepayers’ Association (NRPA) is urging residents to sign a petition opposing the proposed budget. Initiated by the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) – a coalition of more than 50 civic organisations – the petition has gained significant traction, particularly among communities in the Far South. The petition raises concerns over the City’s proposed shift to fixed monthly charges for essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and cleaning. These changes are not only seen as unfair but may also be legally questionable. Both the NRPA and the Fish Hoek Valley Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association raised the alarm earlier this month, warning that the budget’s structural changes could…

Humility, treating everyone with the same level of respect, whether they are the king or queen or prince, or president, or someone that cleans toilets, continuous learning, and seeking psychological help are some of the tips, secrets, and values shared by Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survè, which he described as key to success. Dr Survè was speaking at a recent gathering of nearly 500 employees who represented various companies under the Sekunjalo Group, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where he expressed gratitude for everyone’s contribution to the company. He shared secrets to success, building integrity, and making an impact on those around you. That, with all his crucial points skillfully embedded in little stories and humour, which occasionally left everyone in stitches. Detailing the family values he lives…

THIS year marks 31 years of South Africa’s freedom from apartheid. The advent of democracy in 1994 was characterised by euphoria and ecstasy. This was expected, especially among those who had been excluded from voting. The apartheid regime used its ‘divide and rule’ strategy through what it called the ‘Tricameral Parliament’ which somewhat accommodated coloureds and Indians through the House of Representatives and the House of Delegates. It was only in 1994 that all South Africans of voting age cast their votes. There were high hopes and optimism about the future of post-apartheid South Africa. Among the anticipated changes were the creation of jobs, reduction and eventually ending of poverty, embracing racial equality, and many such developments. In a way, those who held such high hopes were vindicated when Reconstruction…

Liverpool centre-half Ibrahima Konate revealed manager Arne Slot told the team last summer they could win the Premier League title this season. The Dutchman replaced Jurgen Klopp in July 2024 and duly put an end to Manchester City's record run of four consecutive league triumphs when he guided Liverpool to a 20th English top-flight title on Sunday following a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham at a jubilant Anfield. "I think he brings something new, like the style of playing," 25-year-old Konate said. "Just before we started the season he showed us why we didn't win the league the year before, some details, and he said if we change that and improve on that we have a big chance to win the league. "And that's what we've done since the start of…

A lot more than pride will be at stake when Kaizer Chiefs host Orlando Pirates in the first of two Soweto Derbies at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). For Amakhosi, a place in the top eight is on the line, while the Buccaneers are desperate to keep pace with Mamelodi Sundowns in their pursuit of a first league title in over a decade. Ahead of a crunch week, Obakeng Meletse highlights five players who must deliver pivotal performances to swing the derby in their side’s favour. Bruce Bvuma When Matome Mathiane and Daniel Msendami breached Kaizer Chiefs’ defence twice in their 2-1 defeat last weekend, it highlighted why Amakhosi currently share the league’s third-worst defensive record. Injuries — notably to Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley — have destabilised the…

We talk a lot about wellness—physical wellness, mental wellness, even spiritual wellness. We invest in healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness, and personal development. But one wellness pillar that often gets overlooked is financial wellness. Well-being isn’t just about feeling good in your body and mind—it’s also about having confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future. Stress around money, uncertainty about your investments, and fear of making the wrong financial decisions can weigh just as heavily as other life challenges. Wealth should not be seen as a number in a bank account but as a tool for freedom, empowerment, and legacy. Today, women are increasingly taking ownership of their financial wellness to ensure that their wealth is working for them, not just today, but for generations to come. Should women…

THE two men accused of murdering slain underworld kingpin, Mark Lifman, have lodged an appeal in the Western Cape High Court against the denial of their bail. As preparations are under way for the murder trial to be held in the George Regional Court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has revealed the appeal by Gert Bezuidenhout and Johannes Hendrik Jacobs will be argued in the High Court next month. Lifman died in a hail of bullets at the Garden Route Mall in George on November 3. Shortly after his death, Lifman’s close friend, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, publicly accused Alwyn Landman of PPA security of being behind the hit as they alluded to friendship links between him and Bezuidenhout. NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: “The bail appeal of Gert Bezuidenhout and…

THE George Municipality’s Labour Court bid to have a now-retired employee’s appointment declared lawful has been dismissed, with the court upholding that the appointment flouted fair labour practice. The municipality appointed the woman as a Human Resources manager in 2015 without having the minimum qualification requirement. A commissioner of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council found the municipality committed an unfair labour practice in shortlisting and appointing the woman without the NQF Level 7 qualification. This prejudiced two other employees who applied for the same position and held the required qualification but ranked lower in the interviewing process. The employee has since retired. The municipality sought the arbitration sanction to be reviewed and set aside, and for it to be heard afresh before a new commissioner. It was in…

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is set to take over from Wallaby Quade Cooper at the Osaka-based Hanazono Liners, who are currently placed third in Division Two of Japan Rugby League One. The Stormers have reportedly granted Libbok leave to play in Japan because they are spoiled for choice at 10 after the return to action of Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse, while Jurie Matthee has proved to be a decent back-up. Libbok hasn’t played since picking up a knee injury in January, in the Stormers’ away game against Leinster. It makes sense for the Stormers to allow him game time abroad as he would be unlikely to feature for them in the coming weeks. Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse have been in fine form. The Liners need a flyhalf after Cooper…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have to beat one of the most influential figures in his football life when the Gunners face Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain in the Uefa Champions League semi-finals. Arteta's side host PSG in the first leg on Tuesday as the Spaniard aims to lead Arsenal to only the second Champions League final appearance in their history. Standing in his way is a close friend who, along with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, played a major role in his compatriot's impressive transition from the pitch to the dug-out. Luis Enrique was a senior star at Barcelona when Arteta started his playing career at the Camp Nou, a period that had a major impact on his managerial philosophy with Arsenal. "He was extremely supportive with the young players,…

Regarding the padel court action, the wisest and fittest bodies ultimately decide who gets the spoils. This week, however — on May 1, to be precise — it’s the fastest fingers that will help secure a spot in one of the most exciting tournaments in the Western Cape padel community to date. At the end of May, one of Cape Town’s fastest-growing padel brands — Padel4Good — will host their first mixed event tournament since relocating from the Virgin Active Padel Arena in Paarden Eiland to the vibrant and popular Racket+Ball Club in Bree Street, Cape Town. Entries for this competition will open this Thursday at 6pm, allowing 32 players (16 mixed teams) to secure their spots. For the first time, this showpiece will cater to a wider pool of…

Accidents happen in an instant, often leaving families with unexpected medical expenses that extend far beyond what medical aid covers. Whether it’s emergency treatment, ambulance services, hospitalisation, or specialist care, these costs can accumulate rapidly, creating a significant financial burden. This is where gap cover becomes a vital safety net. Accident benefits help bridge the gap between what medical aid pays and the actual costs of treatment, ensuring that families are not left struggling to cover essential medical expenses. Implications of accidents From minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies, medical costs can vary significantly. In severe cases, accidents that require hospitalisation for life-threatening injuries are classified as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), meaning medical aids generally cover these expenses in full. However, while these critical expenses may be covered, the financial…

IN HEED to calls from the legal fraternity to appoint the next Deputy Chief Justice, President Cyril Ramaphosa has initiated consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly on this crucial appointment. The Constitution provides that the president, as head of the National Executive, after consulting the JSC and the leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly, appoints the chief justice (CJ) and the deputy chief justice (DCJ). The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since September 1, last year, when the then-Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya rose to the position of chief justice. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said in a statement that the president has, in a written submission to Chief Justice Maya, who chairs the JSC,…

DISGRACED ex-police officer, Frederick Soldaat, who was convicted last month for the rape of a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. It took nine years to convict the former warrant officer after the incident took place in Montagu in August 2016 and was investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). He also resigned from the police service in 2017. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the Montagu Regional Court sentenced Soldaat to 25 years direct imprisonment after the court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment due to the accused’s medical condition. “During the trial, State Advocate Heinrich Koert led evidence, which revealed that the victim’s mother brought the victim to the trauma room following a disagreement with her daughter at…

THE 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival roared back to life in spectacular style, drawing around 24 000 music lovers across three incredible days at the weekend. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant free concert in the City Centre on April 24, followed by two electrifying days of performances at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on April 25 and 26. The free concert left audiences thrilled with performances by The Ploemies, DJ Eazy – a seasoned Cape Town DJ boasting over two decades of experience, alongside the exuberant British-born, Cape Town-raised singer-songwriter Hannah Ray, the dynamic Andrea Fortuin, the much-loved Kwaito group TKZee, British acid jazz pioneers Incognito, and sensational singer Fancy Galada. As the beats reverberated through the square, attendees of all ages soaked in the vibrant…

TWENTY-five animals were rescued from a house in Edgemead after they were found trapped in dirt. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said they received multiple complaints but were unable to gain access to the property on two separate occasions. The initial complaint was received on April 12 from a concerned member of the public associated with a rescue organisation. The complaint, which was accompanied by video and photographic evidence, alleged severe neglect, including the feeding of live prey to snakes, visible injuries on rodents, and a bird kept in dirty and unhygienic conditions. A second complaint was later submitted by another rescue organisation, corroborating the conditions and urgency of intervention. The inspectorate was able to obtain a warrant in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, read…

IT WOULD not be an understatement to make the claim that gender-based violence (GBV) has become an epidemic in South Africa and has been one for some time now. Virtually every day the media carries stories of women and children, who have been sexually assaulted, abused, violated, raped, harassed and, in the worst case scenarios, murdered by an intimate partner, a family member or a sexual predator. Alongside these news reports are further stories of how those who actually survived their attacks tried to report the incident, open cases at a police station, seek justice through the courts, and just simply attempted to negotiate the criminal justice terrain but were repeatedly failed by the justice system as well as the judiciary. In the recent past, cases such as that of…

No sooner had the final whistle sounded at Anfield, confirming Arne Slot’s historic title feat at Liverpool, did the doubters start trying to downplay the achievement. Koppites celebrated late into the night after the 5-1 win over Tottenham, painting the town red (Bok captain Siya Kolisi was part of the throng). But the debate has already started about where Slot’s triumph ranks among the great debut seasons by a Premier League manager. Dilly ding, dilly dong ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho is thrown into the mix for his first-season heroics at Chelsea. Claudio Ranieri’s dilly ding, dilly dong season at Leicester is still the stuff of Foxes fairytales. While Slot’s championship pales in comparison to Leicester’s for shock value, no one also saw it coming. The Dutchman was supposed to struggle…