Innehållsförteckning för 2025-06-24 från Cape Argus

With the traditional nuclear family no longer the norm, financial planning has had to evolve to cater to blended families and their unique dynamics. Whether bound by marriage, adoption, or partnership, blended families face a complex mix of emotional and financial obligations. Here are six key planning areas to consider: 1. Navigate maintenance with clarity: Entering a new relationship while honouring maintenance obligations to an ex-spouse or children can cause tension. Competing financial priorities may emerge, especially if you’re building a new family. Conflict often arises when an ex-spouse makes unreasonable demands or defaults on payments, leaving your new partner to cover shortfalls. This dynamic can quickly become emotionally and financially charged, particularly if children are involved. The complexities of blended families require honest communication and, where necessary, the guidance…

Pop music, the infectious genre that has the world singing and dancing, is a phenomenon that transcends generational boundaries. With its catchy rhythms and repetitive lyrics, pop effortlessly draws listeners in and often reflects the universal emotions we all share. The journey of pop music is as captivating as the sound itself Emerging prominently in the mid-20th century, it has undergone numerous transformations while retaining core elements that resonate with fans. The rebellious spirit of the 1960s paved the way for the funky grooves of the 1970s, illustrating music's profound ability to mirror societal changes and the atmosphere of the times. Icons like Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift not only shaped the genre but also demonstrated its capacity for evolution, ensuring that pop remains fresh and relevant. Fast forward to…

A FORMER SA Revenue Services (Sars) employee has been sentenced to an effective 3 years direct imprisonment after he was prosecuted for fraud, failure to register as a tax practitioner as required by the Tax Administration Act, and illegal possession of a cellphone while in custody. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila said Faried van der Schyff worked for Sars from 1992 to 1997 and subsequently started an accounting business, which traded as VDS Financial Services and Advisors. Ntabazalila said he provided tax advice to members of the public in Belhar, Athlone and surrounding areas, with clients brought under the impression that he was equipped to address all their Sars-related responsibilities. “He not only practised as a tax practitioner unlawfully, but also fraudulently filed an income tax return on…

INTERNATIONAL retailer Cape Union Mart has approached the Western Cape High Court to seek an interdict restraining local organisation, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), from labelling them as supporting genocide. The retailer has been called out by the PSC numerous times as “supporting genocide”, referring to the current ongoing genocide taking place in Gaza as the Israelis continue to martyr the Palestinian people. In court papers, Cape Union Mart is cited as the first applicant, and the second applicant is owner and executive chairperson Philip Krawitz. The respondents are five activists from the PSC, and the sixth respondent is unidentified protesters, and the seventh respondent is the PSC. In its application, Cape Union Mart asked the court to interdict/restrain PSC from harassing and intimidating customers and staff. Cape Union Mart’s legal…

I WRITE this letter with a heavy heart after reading the recent article, “Eastern Cape police launch manhunt after discovery of charred bodies of teen girls”, in the Cape Argus. The harrowing details of this tragedy are deeply distressing. The brutal killing of these young girls is not only a violent act against innocent lives, but also a damning reflection of the growing scourge of gender-based violence in our society. These were children, full of promise, whose lives were senselessly stolen in a manner no words can justify. While it is commendable that the Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt, we must go beyond reactive measures. We must ask: how do such heinous acts continue to happen? Where are the safety nets for our youth? What preventative actions are…

EVERY day young South Africans face challenges beyond unemployment, they battle hopelessness, trauma and anxiety. While government plans often focus on job creation and skills development, there’s neglect on the deeper, less visible crisis that’s unfolding and that is the mental health of our youth is deteriorating. We continue to overlook the emotional well-being of those expected to contribute and build our future. Economic empowerment efforts will continue to fall short unless mental health becomes a central pillar of South Africa’s youth development strategy. According to Statistics South Africa (2025), youth unemployment remains a staggering challenge, with 46.1% South Africans aged 15-34 unemployed in the first quarter of the year. Even more concerning, 62.4% of young people aged 15-24 are unable to find work. This reflects not only an economic…

Pride and reputation will be at stake when Kaizer Chiefs step onto the pitch to begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign in the coming months, following two disappointing seasons that saw them finish outside the Top 8 — ultimately costing them a place in the MTN8 competition. The Glamour Boys have been among the more proactive clubs in the early stages of the transfer window, making bold moves to reshape their squad. Several players were expected to play a significant role during the previous campaign — including striker Ranga Chivaviro and defender Edmilson Dove — but they came up short and have been shown the door. In a statement of intent, the Naturena-based side have welcomed former Orlando Pirates defenders Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, reinforcing a squad that will…

For the past two years, Nandi Madida has hosted Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1, and on June 20, she reached the 100th episode mark. Apple Music celebrated the milestone by surprising the Black Is King actress with an intimate dinner. Instead of a normal dinner with her Apple Music bosses, Madida was welcomed by the familiar face of her husband Zakes Bantwini and select members of the media. “It feels like such an honour,” beamed after receiving a 100-rose bouquet in celebration. Previous Africa Now Radio hosts include Nigerian DJ and musician DJ Cuppy, Nigerian presenter Dadaboy Ehiz and South African presenter Luthando “LootLove” Shosha. “The time has flown by because it’s been so much fun. I’ve simply been a voice for what has already been happening.…

THE SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) has undertaken a nationwide audit that has reached every major fishing port in South Africa to identify, among others, the age of the fleet, which compromises the structural integrity of the vessels. Briefing vessel owners who gathered at a media engagement at the Cape Town Waterfront Jetty yesterday to hear his keynote address from Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that since 1996, nearly 400 commercial fishing fatalities have been recorded in South Africa, with over half of them occurring in the Western Cape. He touched on the tragedy of the MFV Lepanto, a 63-year-old vessel that capsized off Kommetjie, taking 11 crew members to their deaths in minutes last year. He also noted its sister vessel, Armana, which went up in flames a…

MANAGEMENT of the Bellville United Soccer Club say they have been left frustrated at the state of their clubhouse, which has been without floodlights for more than a decade, and has vandalised toilet facilities and damaged ceiling boards. While footing the bill themselves for installation and paint, they said they have pleaded for over a decade for repairs to be done to infrastructure damaged by criminals. “The City is not adhering to our request when it comes to maintenance on our clubhouse,” said the management, who listed their grievances with the Cape Argus. “We are sitting without floodlights for more than 10 years.” They said the facility lacked security to protect its infrastructure and that officials in charge of it, ignored their requests. “The club must buy paint to mark…

IN the high-stakes arena of international conflict, Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iranian soil can be likened to a brazen gangster crossing into rival territory to send a message. Just as a mob boss might storm another’s neighbourhood, guns blazing, not for defence but to affirm dominance, Israel’s attack echoes this display of underworld bravado. In the murky world of geopolitics, intelligence replaces whispers in smoky bars, and drones replace drive-bys. The Israeli state, long skilled in covert operations, played the part of the seasoned crime syndicate, sending a calculated warning. Iran, viewed as a threat to Israeli interests through its nuclear ambitions and regional influence, became the target of a “hit”, not unlike a gangster neutralising a threat before it grows too powerful. This strike, while framed as self-defence, had…

He’s done it for America. Donald Trump has put America first and bombed Iran. Just yesterday he was talking peace. He said let’s use diplomacy instead of bombs to resolve the Middle East crisis. But then Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran. Then Trump said he’ll wait for two weeks and then decide whether the US should enter the fray. But suddenly he sends his war planes into Iran to bomb its nuclear sites. How can anyone trust this double-talking man? Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and now Iran. The US cannot stay away from the Middle East. And Trump cannot stay away from controversy and trouble. The attack on Iran was an unprovoked attack on another sovereign state. The US has breached an international law. But who will stop…

A CONVOY of cars slowly moved through Sea Point at the weekend with horns blaring, flags raised, voices calling for freedom. It was a reminder that what happens in the Middle East doesn’t stay in the Middle East but it reaches us too. In our streets, our airports, and in the voices of people who still believe the world should care. The conflict between Iran and Israel has taken a dangerous turn. The US is now involved, with the latest air strikes launched on Iran’s nuclear facilities. South Africans might feel far away from all this. But that distance is shrinking. Flights have been grounded, airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Israel have closed. Travellers are stuck and airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have pulled flights to Tehran,…

TWO suspects implicated in an inter-provincial drug bust have been released on R15 000 bail each and will return to court on July 7. Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a preservation yesterday by the Western Cape High Court. This was after members of the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau acted on intelligence received on August 23, regarding a Hyundai H1 that was transporting drugs from Gauteng to Cape Town. The vehicle was spotted on the N2 near Strand towards Cape Town. “Upon searching, 71 000 mandrax tablets and 14 bricks of cocaine, which weighed 14kg, were found concealed in panels of the vehicle. “The value of the drugs was estimated at R 6…

IF a country is surrounded by military bases, constantly threatened, spied on, bombed, and its scientists murdered – is it the one starting the war? If another country carries out airstrikes, funds assassinations, supports illegal settlers, and then paints itself as the victim – who’s really dragging the world toward destruction? Look at Israel. Look at Netanyahu. Look at how they break law after law, bomb after bomb – and still hold a microphone in every room, standing on global stages, holding up posters and maps, waving pictures like a salesman of fear. Under his rule, peace is not even on the table anymore. Humanity? He crushes it beneath his boots. And to sit on the bones of the innocent, he will drag the whole region into this madness if…

THE constant dissatisfaction with the proposed introduction of NHI (National Health Insurance) in its current form, bears reference. Most objections to the NHI relate to the high risk of financial corruption. This is indeed a genuine threat. What is of greater concern however, is the capability of the government to provide better healthcare services even with increased funding through the NHI, than what they are currently rendering. One has to take a closer look at the 10 NHI pilot districts where it was first introduced in 2012, i.e. 13 years ago already. How has the increased clinician-to-patient ratio, more equipment, new types of equipment and supplies, and the expansion of clinical services enabled through increased NHI funding, improved the quality of healthcare in these districts, compared to the rest of…

Orlando Pirates on Monday announced the appointment of Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach, officially bringing the search for José Riveiro’s successor to a close ahead of the 2025/26 season. Ouaddou arrives at Mayfair after guiding Marumo Gallants to safety in the Betway Premiership last season. He took over in the second round of the campaign and helped the Limpopo outfit steer clear of relegation, but parted ways with the club following a contractual dispute with management. The 45-year-old edge d out several strong candidates during the Pirates’ search process, including former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and ex-AmaZulu FC mentor Pablo Franco Martin. While Mokwena’s return to Orlando Stadium — where he previously served as assistant and co-coach — seemed all but certain at one…