Innehållsförteckning för 2025-05-30 från Cape Argus

AS JOSHLIN Smith’s kidnappers were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping on Thursday, the country observed the start of Child Protection Week. From May 29 to June 5, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) said it was the culmination of a month-long awareness campaign in the province, placing the spotlight on the rights of children. In the first campaign, the DSD took to the streets of the Breede Valley Municipality for the official start of Child Protection Week, by hosting a 10-kilometre relay. Various NGOs that work in the child protection space, the local fire department and safety and foster parents joined Social Development MEC Jaco Londt for the event under the theme “Passing the baton for child protection”. The department…

A CONVICTED offender has been re-arrested, but his accomplice remains at large. Mikyle Mentoor, 19, was re-arrested by Manenberg police this week on a murder charge. DA MP and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, last week blew the whistle on Mentoor and Me-Khayle Timmie, who were both unaccounted for while meant to be in custody at Pollsmoor Prison. A third inmate, Xolani du Preez, was subsequently returned to Pollsmoor following his arrest for robbery in April, while Timmie, a convicted rapist, remains at large. Mentoor and Timmie were being held at Horizon Child and Youth Care Centre due to their ages and were to be transferred to Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre after they attacked a staff member. As sentenced prisoners, they were transported to…

AT AN AGE when most teenagers are still navigating high school, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli will be donning her graduation gown this autumn as one of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) youngest-ever graduates, obtaining a degree in Actuarial Science at the age of 17. Originally from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, Mongiwa’s academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. She began her university studies in 2022, having accelerated through primary and secondary school after her academic talents became clear at an early age. “When I was in Grade 3, I mistakenly wrote a Grade 4 mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the actual Grade 4 learners. My teacher identified this and allowed me to write more Grade 4 papers, and saw that I performed exceptionally well.” This led to an extraordinary academic…

MARINE lovers have not forgotten about Rocky, a juvenile southern elephant seal stranded on a beach in KwaZulu-Natal. This was evident when they wondered if the seal galumphing in Gordon’s Bay this week was Rocky. A healthy-looking Rocky had been stranded in Rocky Bay in October last year, and a uShaka Sea World team decided to relocate him to a quieter beach to rest without interruption. Rocky returned to the water but was hauled out again on another beach. It was then decided to take Rocky to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility for tests and recovery. In March, after spending five months under the care of uShaka Sea World staff, Rocky was hoisted onto a vessel heading for Cape Town. He was reintroduced into the ocean off the continental…

THE MyCiTi bus project along AZ Berman Drive is 31% complete, with the City wanting to bring a “world-class" Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to Mitchell’s Plain. Roadworks are currently focused on two sections: On the northbound carriageway, work is under way between Highlands Drive and Wespoort Drive, heading from Liberty Promenade mall towards the R300. On the southbound side, crews are working between Nduli Street and Sesame Street, moving from the R300 towards Liberty Promenade. The City has installed two signboards near the construction zones – one opposite Watergate Mall and the other in the median close to the local police station. According to the Urban Mobility Directorate, these signs include artist impressions of what the final project is expected to look like by January 2027, the scheduled completion…

Who would've thought that the same year we were all bracing for the world to end in 2012, South African romcom fans were falling head over heels for Semi-Soet? Directed by Joshua Rous and packed with charm, the Afrikaans-language favourite starred Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio and it quickly carved out a soft spot in the hearts of local audiences. The plot followed career-driven Jaci van Jaarsveld (played by James Alexander), an advertising exec desperate to save her boutique firm, Mojo, from being swallowed up by ruthless corporate shark JP Basson aka “The Jackal,” brought to life with effortless swagger by Panagio. When a big deal with a family-run wine estate hinges on her appearing in a wholesome relationship, Jaci ropes in a fake fiancé. The shocker? That charming faker…

COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has thrown his weight behind the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to investigate Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, for allegedly operating in the country without authorisation. This development comes after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) alleged that Starlink was offering its services in South Africa without a licence. Icasa confirmed that the organisation had launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in South Africa. Icasa spokesperson, Milly Matlou, said: “Icasa has launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in SA. We have also engaged SpaceX for further clarity and have currently deployed inspection teams on the ground to investigate the matter further.” If found guilty,…

The Stormers have moved to secure the cream of local schoolboy rugby talent in the Western Cape ahead of the next season. A strong group of juniors have committed their futures to the Cape side for 2026 and beyond as they transition from school rugby into the more professional side of game. The recruitment is led by the Paarl Gimnasium duo of centre Markus Muller and loose forward Quintin Potgieter, who will be joined by Rondebosch Boys’ loose forward Alutha Wesi, centre Randall-John Davids, and Paul Roos stalwarts wing Jordan Steenkamp, hooker Altus Rabe and loose forward Gert Kemp. Additional signings include Wynberg Boys’ flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, Boland Landbou scrumhalf Jayden Brits and Grey College lock AJ Meyer. There is especially excitement about the future of Muller, captain of Paarl…

Tonight, the Stormers will face off against the Glasgow Warriors in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship quarter-final at the Scotstoun Stadium where the stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Stormers, this is not just any knockout match – it represents an opportunity to finally exorcise the demons of their record in Glasgow. The Cape side have never managed to win at the venue that has long been a fortress for the home side. With both teams in solid form heading into the business end of the season, this quarter-final (8.35pm start) offers the promise of glory and the threat of early elimination. As the visitors look to secure a semi-final spot, they’ll need to overcome not only Glasgow’s formidable home advantage, but also the mental hurdle of past disappointments…

The Good Life Show The Good Life Show promotes health, wellness, and sustainability with exciting new features. Expect top chefs, expert advice, eco-friendly innovations, and engaging talks. Aimed at both consumers and trade professionals, the show inspires conscious living and happier lifestyles. With wellness booming globally, it’s the perfect space for those embracing healthier habits and sustainable choices in South Africa. Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre. When: Today to Sunday at 10pm. Pension Killer South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz’s Pension Killer takes aim at chaos, confusion, and cultural contradictions, unpacking what South Africans think they know but maybe don’t. From everyday mishaps to deeper societal questions, the show explores identity, information gaps, and the absurdities we all live with. Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter. When: Tomorrow at 7.30pm. Layla:…

THE alleged hitman accused of murder inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court says a single cell is too “depressive” and wants to move back in with other inmates at Pollsmoor Prison. Abubaker Adams is one of the five accused, along with Shireen Matthews, Brian Booysen, Wanay Farao and Vuyisani Zengetha, charged with the premeditated murder of Dingalomoya Chintso on April 7. The five were back in court yesterday, where they allegedly executed the hit on Chintso on the fourth floor of the same building. The accused face charges in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) for aiding and abetting criminal gang activities in association with the Junky Funky Kidz (JFK) gang, premeditated murder, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The court was expected to start with…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has established a commission of inquiry into the delay in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes, but the nephew of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol, believes this might not serve the purpose of bringing justice to the families of the victims. Imtiaz Cajee, whose uncle was murdered while in police detention in October 1971, said he has serious reservations about the commission, adding that it will only make recommendations that must be handed to another law enforcement agency. Cajee said he has always been of the view that instead of a commission of inquiry, the government should investigate the matter. He was responding to the Presidency’s announcement yesterday that Ramaphosa had signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts…

About 8000 people are expected to take part in the 21km half marathon, a 10km walk or run and a 5km fun run during the 13th edition of the Slave Route Challenge on Sunday. The Slave Route Challenge retraces the paths once walked by slaves. Historic landmarks runners pass through include District Six, Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap, Green Point Urban Park, Fort Wynyard, the Whipping Post (corner of Buitenkant and Darling streets), Gallows Hill (Somerset Road, Green Point) and the Slave Tree Plaque (Spin Street) and the Castle of Good Hope. The half marathon runners set off at 7am with the 10km races following at 7.30am and the 5km at 7.40am. Starting on Darling Street, in front of the iconic City Hall, 10km participants go through District Six, Gardens, Bo-Kaap and…

This article draws directly from the official City of Cape Town budget document: Annexure 21 – Projects Over R50 Million: 2024/25. A full sector-by-sector analysis covering Housing, Water and Sanitation, Energy, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure including all Top 20 projects in each category. Cape Town’s 2024/25 budget is being marketed as a record investment in infrastructure, growth, and future-readiness. Glossy graphics showcase R36.8 billion in capital projects from smart city operations and solar grids to road upgrades and wastewater treatment plants. The DA-led City Council proclaims progress. But beneath this polished façade lies a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: this budget reinforces the city’s spatial and economic apartheid, entrenching exclusion while branding it as modernisation. Across five sectors – Housing, Water and Sanitation, Energy, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure – a clear…

After the Sharks’ dour 12-3 defeat of the Scarlets a fortnight ago, there was a chance they might have had to call veteran Lionel Cronje out of semi-retirement for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Munster – but the flyhalf injury crisis has lifted. Jordan Hendrikse has been running in the position at training this week, and while Siya Masuku is still struggling with the hamstring problem picked up against the Welsh team, one fit flyhalf is better than none. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Grant Williams will make the Munster party as he continues to nurse a neck injury. This is a pity, because he is the catalyst the Sharks have been missing to get their attack going. They need someone to push the detonator on the ample…