Innehållsförteckning för 2025-08-05 från Cape Argus

Every August, South Africa pauses to honour the courage, strength and brilliance of its women – and in 2025, the celebration feels especially resonant as a new wave of dynamic young women reshapes the music industry with unapologetic talent and fearless creativity. From soulful vocalists to genre-bending producers and sharp-tongued lyricists, these young artists are not only creating music – they are crafting culture. Whether it is the hypnotic beats of Amapiano, the healing power of gospel or the raw truth-telling of hip hop, women are commanding the mic and shifting the narrative. They are occupying space in genres traditionally dominated by men and carving out their own identities in sonic landscapes that have long lacked their voices. Here are six rising stars whose journeys, voices and artistry deserve the…

TWO guests in their sixties are recovering after a panga attack and robbery at Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek. Police are appealing for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. It is the second incident in less than eight weeks, after two people were attacked on a private farm in June along the R45 in Franschhoek and escaped with minor to moderate injuries. In the latest incident, which took place on August 2, three masked suspects entered the premises and attacked the two victims in their sixties with a panga and fled with undisclosed items. Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said: “Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Information will be treated as highly confidential.”…

The children of well-known former Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, who died in May last year, turned to court in a bid for the Master of the High Court to accept what they said is the last will and testament of their mother made in 2021. Judge Mokgoro made an earlier will in 2014, but her children told the Kimberley High Court that the earlier will fell away as she made another will seven years later. While both wills are basically the same, the only difference is in clause 3 of both wills. In the 2014 will in reference to this clause, the late judge left her share in a property to her life partner, David Mmelesi. In terms of her 2021 will, she left her share to her children…

THE City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 60 motor vehicle accidents and 21 pedestrian accidents over 48 hours at the weekend, representing a near 100% increase compared to the previous weekend when 41 incidents were recorded. The centre also recorded 648 medical incidents, 34 fires, 96 cases of assault, and 53 cases of domestic violence. “These statistics are a grim reminder of the challenges we face with road safety,” said Safety and Security mayco member, JP Smith. “With the current wet weather over the city, odds are that the rate of incidents will remain high. Our enforcement services work around the clock to be visible and to address transgressions. Just in the last week, traffic officers recorded more than 50 000 incidents where road users broke the law. Enforcement is…

THE controversial Tafelberg site in Sea Point is expected to give birth to social housing, with a proposal of up to 252 units and public comment by 2026, while Social Development is keen for it to be utilised for older persons. In February, judgment was reserved in the Constitutional Court following housing activist group Ndifuna Ukwazi’s plight of spatial apartheid against the City, Western Cape Government, the Premier and MEC of Transport and Public Works. In the same breath, in January, Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers and MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, announced the province’s proposal to redevelop a portion of 353 Main Road in Sea Point, known as the “Tafelberg site”. Brett Herron, GOOD Party Secretary-General and MPL said various proposals were under way but that enough time had…

THE tide is turning – and at a blistering pace – for the recognition of the Palestinian statehood by a growing majority of the nations of the world. As of this year, 147 out of the 193 UN member-states officially recognize the State of Palestine. At the end of a widely publicized conference on the Middle East held in New York this week, 15 predominantly Western nations undertook to recognize the Palestinian statehood. Represented by their ministers of foreign affairs, the following countries nailed their colours to the mast, once and for all. They are: Canada, France, Australia, Ireland, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, Malta, San Marino, Andorra, and Luxembourg. Why does this matter? It matters the most because, for far too long, the plight of the…

Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch FC coach, said his side’s tactical savvy allowed them to emerge victorious in a pulsating five-goal thriller against AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday in Cape Town. The hosts, Stellenbosch, conceded two goals due to errors and concentration lapses, but the team recovered well to score “well-worked” goals. Barker highlighted his squad’s ability to respond effectively and secure a place in the next round of the tournament. “We found a way back into the game with a well-worked goal and then followed up with a good free-kick from Sanele Barns,” remarked Barker, reflecting on his side’s performance. “It was a tough match; we had to dig deep.” The match was physically demanding, with players visibly struggling with cramps as it extended into extra-time — a…

The announcement by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) sees the repo and prime lending rates cut by 25 basis points for a second consecutive time. Now at 7% and 10.50% respectively, borrowing costs are officially 1.25% lower than they were a year ago, a welcome result that I believe will continue to support homebuyers and homebuying activity. At the current prime lending rate of 10.50%, the monthly repayment on a home priced at our Q2 ‘25 average approved bond size of R1,455,712 equates to R14,534 over 20 years - down from R15,776 just a year ago. Savings like these add up to almost R15,000 extra in a homeowner’s pocket over a year. Consumers’ improved affordability is reflected in ooba Home Loans’ latest figures. In Q2 ’25, we saw an…

PETROL-powered vehicle owners can look forward to some relief at the pumps tomorrow, while diesel is looking set to increase by a significant margin. Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to petrol price decreases of 29 cents for 95 Unleaded and 33 cents for 93 Unleaded, while diesel prices are expected to rise by between 63 cents (50ppm) and 66 cents (500ppm). This follows July’s petrol and diesel price increases of up to 55 cents and 84 cents, respectively. In the case of petrol, 95 Unleaded should recede to around R20.79 at the coast and R21.58 in Gauteng, where the slightly less expensive 93 ULP is expected to retail for R21.46. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is predicted to reach R19.28 at the coast and…

MINISTER of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, has outlined the government’s plan to tackle the looming 30% US tariff set to come into play this week. Addressing the media yesterday, Lamola said since the onset of the 7th Administration, South Africa has diligently aimed to stabilise and elevate its mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships with the US. “However, recent developments suggest that despite ongoing negotiations and strategic frameworks proposed by South Africa, the US has decided to implement a 30% unilateral tariff on South African imports, a significant move that threatens to destabilise these vital economic exchanges,” he said. Lamola explained that the unilateral tariff decision comes as both countries engage in discussions designed to resolve long-standing bilateral issues aiming to foster predictability in trade. He said South…

THE Presidency said the US findings, that farm attacks are not ordinary crimes, lacks credibility and has accused that country of ignoring reliable information in order to sustain a disinformation campaign against South Africa. The US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), claimed that attacks on farms display a distinctly brutal pattern. The bureau said this was uncovered during its recent visit to the country as part of the US President Donald Trump’s executive orders to learn more about the farm attacks. While AfriForum welcomed the findings, Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the report has no credibility. He said the bureau visited Cape Town only, and also ignored credible SAPS statistics in order to sustain a disinformation campaign against South Africa. “There is nothing constructive or…

THE Mouille Point Residents’ Association has launched a photo competition, encouraging residents and visitors to capture their best photo of Mouille Point and post it to social media. The initiative is part of the association’s drive to grow its social media presence and foster a greater sense of community pride. To enter, participants need to upload their photos to Facebook or Instagram, tag a friend, and follow the official Mouille Point Residents’ Association pages. Entries should then be emailed to mpracompetitions@gmail.com The photo entry – no more than two pictures – must include a distinctive and recognisable Mouille Point element. The photo should not be heavily retouched and can be in portrait or landscape, and must have at least a 1600-pixel resolution. Entries close on August 15 and…

JOHANNESBURG - It would have taken someone with strong convictions to have placed a bet against Laura Wolvaardt walking away empty-handed from the recent Cricket SA Awards. The Proteas Women’s captain has been a perennial winner at the annual end of season ‘Oscars’ since her international debut whilst still a schoolgirl at Parklands College almost a decade ago now. Wolvaardt, along with star allrounder Marizanne Kapp, had to look on as a new brigade of Proteas such as Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed four prizes on the night including the coveted SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and Annerie Dercksen (ODI Player of the Year) stole the spotlight. But instead of being disappointed about missing out on personnel accolades, Wolvaardt was excited by the youthful energy being infused into the Proteas…

Despite South Africa’s tough economic backdrop, working citizens are showing a notable resurgence in financial confidence, both in sentiment and action, according to the 2025 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM). The data from OMSIM reveals a shift among middle-income earners who, despite persistent pressures, are actively reshaping their financial futures. From cutting debt to launching businesses, the findings reflect a nation moving from survival to strategy. OMSIM, now in its 16th year, tracks the financial behaviours, priorities, and perceptions of employed South Africans earning upwards of R8 000 per month. This year’s report highlights adaptability, resilience, and a growing trend of financial agency. According to Vuyokazi Mabude, head of knowledge and insights at Old Mutual, this year’s results mark a turning point. “The results show that while life…

TWO high-school seniors were among the four people killed in a tragic car crash over the weekend in Brackenfell. On Saturday evening, the four victims were declared deceased after their vehicle crashed into a tree in Cecil Morgan Road and caught fire, while two other victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Millicent Merton, confirmed two of the victims involved in the crash were identified as Fairmont High School Grade 12 learner Perth Keaden Eksteen and former learner Daniel Jansen van Rensburg. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the learners who passed away this weekend following a car accident.” Fairmont High School took to their social media to extend their condolences and acknowledge the passing of…

COMMUNITY members have called for justice to prevail in the matter of a mother of a 3-year-old boy, who was captured on video allegedly giving her child a broken bottle to smoke hard drugs from. This comes as the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the case against the mother alongside three of her accused, who are facing charges of attempted murder, child abuse, and child neglect, to Thursday. Last week, the four suspects were captured on a social media video giving the toddler the broken bottle. Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane yesterday said the suspects have been able to secure legal representation while the State requested a postponement to verify the residential addresses of the accused. “We don’t have much information about the accused who are before the court,…

A radio advertisement regarding new smart technology which is said to be capable of doing a health assessment by measuring blood pressure came under the spotlight by the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) following a complaint by a member of the public. The commercial features Afrikaans dialogue between “Johan” and “clever Werner” of Momentum. Werner proceeds to promote the advertiser’s new smart technology with a “selfie video”. Werner notes that this technology measures heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, and stress levels on your smartphone. The complainant submitted that smartphone applications, such as the one promoted, do not “measure” blood pressure. They can only calculate it by using data provided. It is dangerous to claim that this application can “measure” high pressure, as mistakes could lead to death, the complaint read. The…

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says South African taxpayers cannot afford to pay for two ministers in one portfolio as it accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of violating his oath of office and failing to uphold the Constitution as required by that office. This was after Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister. MKP leader, Jacob Zuma, has also given Ramaphosa until 10am on Friday, August 8, to resign. In a letter dated August 4, Zuma said he will take action against Ramaphosa if he fails to adhere to the demand. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said they were aware of the letter. “The legal team will deal with that letter,” he said. The letter from KMNS attorneys, who act on behalf…

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will have to cough-up over R1 million after a spate of burglaries and vandalism at schools during the June/July holiday. The province recorded 57 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 46 schools during the winter break, while education watchdogs and authorities are calling for stricter policing and priority investigations. Education MEC, David Maynier, said the incidents were a significant increase compared to last year, when 45 incidents took place at 39 schools. He said property such as fencing, electrical wiring and computers were either vandalised or stolen. “School properties are at particular risk of burglary and vandalism during school holidays, which is why the WCED subsidised holiday security at 424 schools in high-risk areas during the winter holidays,” he said. “Despite this investment, 57…

THE 'Giant of Africa' is in bad shape. In a massive humanitarian emergency, over 30 million Nigerians are facing hunger in the worst food shortage in the country's history. This crisis not only places Nigeria in peril but also poses a threat to regional stability, according to David Stevenson, the Nigerian Country Director for the World Food Programme. Nigeria is a hotbed of instability. The danger of Jihadist insurgency is ever-present, the economy continues to decline, and the hazardous level of political corruption and attrition is eroding trust in the government. The current administration's response to these interlinked crises will have significant consequences for the people of Nigeria, the well-being of West Africa, and the legacy of President Bola Tinubu. Under his leadership, GDP has fallen, and measures to…

Will he? Won’t he? Liverpool’s attempt to sign star striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle – in a second blockbuster deal of the transfer window for the league champions – has become the trending transfer saga. By all accounts, the lethal Swedish finisher has informed the Tyneside giants that he wants out, after refusing to extend his contract, with Merseyside his preferred destination. He missed out on their recent pre-season tour of South Korea, prompting fears among Newcastle fans that they had seen the last of the lanky striker in the iconic black-and-white kit. It is clear his head has been turned by the attentions of the Reds, who have embarked on a massive spending spree expected to top €500m by the close of the window. Yet Liverpool’s recent £110m offer…