Innehållsförteckning för 2025-07-07 från Cape Argus

Netflix’s Trainwreck docu-series has me in a chokehold, okay? From cruise ships turned floating toilets to festivals that never were, this series is my kind of chaotic binge. But this week’s episode, Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, really got me spiralling. It’s giving fashion fever, cult realness and one of the most problematic CEOs to ever sit in an open-plan office. Welcome to the world of Dov Charney – or as I like to call him, the man who turned a T-shirt into a movement and himself into a menace. American Apparel wasn’t just another clothing brand in the 2000s. It was the brand. Everyone wanted in. It was quirky, it was edgy and it made basics look like runway statements. The kind of place that, rumour has it,…

THE ANC is grappling with an internal controversy after Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula “deliberately and prematurely” announced the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza, sparking widespread criticism and calls for him to take responsibility for his actions. According to ANC insiders, President Cyril Ramaphosa was “very angry” after Mbalula took to social media to announce Mabuza’s death ahead of the president’s official announcement. Ramaphosa had delayed announcing the death because he had been waiting to express his condolences to Mabuza’s family before informing the nation. Mabuza died at a Sandton hospital on Thursday, after a short illness. Sources claim that Ramaphosa’s frustration stems from Mbalula’s breach of protocol, which is seen as a sign of disrespect to the president and the party. “The president was waiting for the family to…

THE Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court will hear testimony this week, before deciding on the bail application of a former teacher accused of sexual grooming of a minor and exposing the child to explicit material. There was drama at the courthouse last Thursday, after a controversial call to block media coverage of the case involving the former Grade R at Harvester Primary School and the Grade 7 learner. The teacher is accused of sending explicit videos to the learner. The court was expected to hear arguments from the State and the teacher’s lawyer on her release on bail, however, the proceedings took a turn when the court heard that a “problematic” article had been published by a media house. The accused’s legal representative stated that information mentioned in the article was…

“THE baby is not seen as a person, but as a solution – something to fill a psychological void.” This is the weigh-in of TEARS general manager of operations, Celeste Louw, as recent headlines centred around the kidnapping of 9-day-old baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar in Cape Town last week. In two recent cases at Gauteng hospitals, newborns were abducted and in both cases the babies were safely recovered thanks to CCTV surveillance and security measures. According to Louw, the mind of a kidnapper is complex, in which they are faced with a psychological void to resolve. “The recent case of a newborn abducted from Bellville, Cape Town, has gripped the nation,” she said. “Thankfully, the baby was recovered safely, due to swift community vigilance and police intervention. “But the case…

IN A STRONG response to a rising tide of anti-foreigner sentiment that has erupted in Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, along with the National Department of Health and the South African government, has condemned alarming actions that prevent foreign nationals from accessing essential healthcare services. This week, members of Operation Dudula in Gauteng and members of the March and March movement began their campaign of manning the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, in a bid to prevent alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare. In an interview with IOL, the spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale, said while the department does not condone illegal migration, the actions of the activist groups…

ACTIVISTS are rallying together to hold a protest after the euthanasia of two baboons that were mauled by dogs over the weekend. The Cape Baboon Partnership and SPCA responded to sick and injured baboons after several urgent welfare issues arose in the Northern baboon (Tokai and Constantia) troops over the past week. The Cape Baboon Partnership said two baboons required humane euthanasia, including a sickly juvenile baboon from CT2 (troop) and an adult female baboon from the Tokai troop that had been mauled by dogs. They added that a subadult male from MT2 (troop) was killed by a vehicle, a juvenile male from CT1 (troop) was killed by dogs, and the search for an adult male in the MT1 troop that was spotted with a snare around his body…

The Springboks’ lacklustre performance in the first Test against Italy will have repercussions, with coach Rassie Erasmus stating that he will revisit his planned selection for this week’s second Test in Gqeberha. The Boks went into the Pretoria season-opener with high expectations after a promising warm-up against the Barbarians, but their 42-24 win was flawed. The Italians had left a core of stars at home, yet troubled the Boks in the line-outs and breakdowns, and were arguably the better side in the second half. Last week, Erasmus said he had internally informed the players which of them would feature at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. But after several disappointing individual performances, the coach says he will revisit those plans. “I guess it’s a positive that we scored six…

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka marched into the Wimbledon quarter-finals without dropping a set, as Elise Mertens fell short of upsetting the US Open champion on Sunday. Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club but is now the standout contender, as the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing. The 27-year-old missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine. Now back with purpose, Sabalenka looks determined to make up for lost time and, just like in her third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, had to overcome a stern test to beat Mertens 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). A fast start saw the Belarusian…

An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding, rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune—when the Australian was handed a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car—to finish 6.811 seconds clear. It was Norris's first home win, his fourth victory of the year, and the eighth of his career, lifting him to within eight points of Piastri in the drivers' standings. “Thank you, McLaren. Thanks, everyone,” said Norris. “This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.” Nico Hülkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber, claiming the first podium of his long career after…

Step aside Sir David Attenborough because Ryan Reynolds is taking over. The new Disney+ series Underdogs, narrated by Deadpool actor Reynolds, takes a refreshing step back, opting to shine a light on the lesser-known and often quirky creatures of the animal kingdom. The five-part series from National Geographic celebrates the unsung heroes that are often left out of traditional nature documentaries and showcases their unique abilities, habits, “terrible parenting” strategies and at times, the downright gross aspects of the animal world. The first episode hones in on a set of animals Reynold’s dubs the Superzeros, a group of creatures from around the world with unique and fascinating "superpowers" that help them survive in the wild. Reynolds’ kicks off the global journey with the velvet worm, who launches a special adhesive…

OVER 20 000 flood victims in the Cape metropole received humanitarian aid yesterday following the heavy impact of the cold front. This, as the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre remained on high alert and the City’s Disaster Management Centre tended to several informal settlements. The Disaster Management Centre said in the Vygieskraal informal settlement, around 500 structures were damaged, which affected 2 000 residents. Elsewhere around 200 structures in Haji Ebrahim Crescent were impacted, affecting 1 000 persons, and 150 RDP homes, also in Vygieskraal, affected around 750 people. By 1pm on Saturday, 112 structures were affected in Burundi, Mfuleni, which impacted 119 persons. Other dwellings affected include 100 dwellings in Zola informal settlement and Oliver Tambo, 200 dwellings in Sweethome Farms, and approximately 200 dwellings each in The Ark,…

FOLLOWING the public interview process over two days last week, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) resolved to recommend Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo to be the country’s next deputy chief justice. It will accordingly advise President Cyril Ramaphosa that Judge Mlambo is a suitable candidate for the position, but the president has the final say in the matter. The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since September 1 last year, when the now chief justice, Mandisa Maya (then deputy chief justice), was appointed in her current position. The other two candidates who were interviewed alongside Judge Mlambo were Free State Judge President Cagney Musi and Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tlaletsi. At 65, Judge Mlambo was the oldest candidate, which means that, if appointed, he would have to…

THE Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has not decided on the ANC’s decision to establish the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the recent resolution by the South African Communist Party (SACP) to contest the elections independently. Popcru president, Thulani Ngwenya, revealed that the union will be consulting and workshopping some of the recent political developments with all its members and partners across all the regions before making a final decision on its position. This comes as Popcru members met for a three-day political workshop held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from Wednesday to Friday. Following the 2023 Popcru elective congress in Durban, Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya indicated that due to the outcomes of the recent elections, which resulted in the formation of the GNU and the…

THE Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, was received by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Saturday at the official Leeuwenhof residence, where they discussed opportunities for investment and job creation. This comes as Van der Bellen and the first lady of Austria, Doris Schmidauer, arrived in the country as part of a four-day working State Visit with the Austrian delegation to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria. Winde, who, alongside his wife Tracy met with the Austrian leader and Schmidauer, said their meeting was “great”. He added that there’s strong interest in green energy and advanced manufacturing, which are both key sectors for growing the Western Cape economy and creating work for residents. “We’ve got a linkage between Upper…

Amorph Chené Lawson, N.K. Jemisin Performed by a full cast AUDIBLE ORIGINAL IN THE realm of contemporary science fiction, N.K. Jemisin’s Amorph, is now brilliantly brought to life in an Audible Original production. Narrated by a full cast, this engaging audiobook immerses listeners in a future where technology and the human experience intertwine in ways both wondrous and perilous. The plot centres on a barely employed tech worker, grappling with a profound sense of alienation – both from society and within their own family. Zinhle’s mundane life is punctuated by loneliness and an unquenchable desire for connection, even if manifested in the digital ether. The plot thickens with the arrival of a black-market hacker who offers up a tantalising possibility: an entry into a virtual realm that defies human…

Banyana Banyana begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a high-stakes encounter against Ghana in Rabat on Monday, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. The Group C opener at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium brings together two African giants, both with aspirations of going deep into the tournament. For South Africa, it’s the beginning of a campaign steeped in expectation — and pressure — as they look to retain the trophy they famously won in Morocco three years ago. Head coach Desiree Ellis leads a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with fresh young talent, but the reigning champions will have to do without one of their most influential players. Star forward Thembi Kgatlana is unavailable due…

Alpecin's Mathieu van der Poel edged Tadej Pogačar to win the second stage of the Tour de France in a tense hilltop finale at Boulogne-sur-Mer on Sunday. The victory saw the Dutch rider take the lead in the overall standings, denying Pogačar his 100th career win as around 30 riders broke away in the final 2km. It was a second Tour de France stage win for Van der Poel, who took the yellow jersey from team-mate Jasper Philipsen — the winner of Saturday’s opening stage. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard appeared comfortable as he crossed the line in third, with Frenchman Romain Grégoire fourth and compatriot Julian Alaphilippe fifth. Van der Poel also won stage two of the 2021 Tour de France and dug deep then to retain the yellow jersey for…

POLICE have revealed that the motive behind the series of shootings in Mitchell’s Plain on Thursday was linked to a domestic dispute between members of rival gangs within the same extended family. Speaking during a visit to the Mitchell’s Plain police station, Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said the violence appeared to have been triggered by a conflict between in-laws, both allegedly high-ranking figures in opposing gangs. “It would have been difficult to anticipate that this was going to happen, because it started as a domestic fight between two related leaders from different opposing gangs within the same family. “It escalated to the point where we lost many lives and many more were injured,” said Patekile. Five people were killed and seven others wounded in the shootings. He confirmed that 19…

A WAR of words has ensued between former president Thabo Mbeki and DA leader John Steenhuisen over the withdrawal of the DA from the National Dialogue. The DA last weekend announced its withdrawal from the National Dialogue, just days after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired former Trade and Industry deputy minister Andrew Whitfield for travelling to the US without presidential permission. Whitfield’s departure has rocked the Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA threatening to leave the arrangement but later backtracking. Ramaphosa accused the DA of turning its back on South Africans and lacking commitment to core democratic values. Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue would continue without the DA’s participation, emphasising that the dialogue is not a party-political event but a national platform for all South Africans. “It’s the poverty…

NOORDHOEK’S Karoline Hanks has successfully completed her self-imposed “Everesting Challenge” – running the equivalent height of Mount Everest, 8 849m, by repeatedly ascending and descending Chapman’s Peak. Over the course of more than 30 hours, she tackled the route 13 times, braving fatigue, icy winds, and the mental toll of repetition – all to raise funds for the conservation-focused Project Noordhoeked. The effort, she said, was filled with a “complete fruit salad of thoughts and emotions and memories”. “I need to write it all up still – the groundhog day element, the mind games, fear (sometimes), elation, recognition of the intense privilege, love for that mountain, my community, my friends, my partner, my son. And so much gratitude,” she said. Hanks, who is the founder of Project Noordhoeked, said the…

In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She’s never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa’s biggest challenge when he said: “Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive”. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked…

Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the club’s commitment to a stable and efficient squad. In an interview with Independent Media, Benadie expressed confidence that the groundwork laid in previous seasons would serve the club well as they head into the new campaign. There has been limited player turnover and continuity within the technical staff. "I'm feeling optimistic for the season," Benadie stated. "Our squad is currently well settled and complete, but of course, it is a long transfer window and there are always a few surprises." He reflected a calm confidence, reinforcing the idea that the club is well prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. However, the competitive landscape for South African football clubs is shifting. With the apparent…

Yusuf Maart is not a man of many words — and perhaps that’s why his presence and personality sometimes defied expectations of a Kaizer Chiefs captain. Chiefs are one of the biggest sporting brands in South Africa, and as such, their leaders are expected to command presence the moment they walk into a room. Unfortunately for Maart — who is reportedly on his way to Austrian club SV Ried, despite recently renewing his contract — he wasn’t always perceived as that kind of figure. By the time he was being judged for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, alongside his performances, many had already made up their minds. He wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Accused of being “too soft” to captain Chiefs, Maart also suffered dips in…

Liverpool and England football legend Michael Owen is 80% confident that the Reds will repeat last season’s Premier League title heroics, with Arsenal given only a 20% chance by the football pundit. “I do believe that they’re absolutely the team to beat. When you’re strengthening from a position of strength then that’s obviously double trouble for your opponents,” said Owen, who was in Durban at the weekend as a SunBet ambassador for his first Durban July experience. The horse breeder and owner’s passion for horse-racing is said to be just as strong as his passion for football. Liverpool finished last season, their first under new manager Arne Slot following the departure of club icon Jürgen Klopp, on 84 points, 10 points clear of nearest challengers Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s formerly dominant…