Innehållsförteckning för 2025-08-15 från Cape Argus

THE Western Cape High Court has halted offshore drilling in the South-West Coast known as Block 5/6/7, setting aside the environmental authorisation granted to TotalEnergies EP South Africa (Teepsa), which intended to transfer it to Shell. It is a landmark and victory for The Green Connection and Natural Justice, which found serious flaws in the environmental impact assessment (EIA). The matter under review was between The Green Connection and Natural Justice as applicants and the respondents being: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Director General: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, TotalEnergies EP South Africa block 567 (pty) ltd, Shell Exploration & Production South Africa. On Wednesday, Judge Mangcu-Lockwood's judgment called for the Department of Minerals and Petroleum to conduct fresh assessments, gather…

POLICE have urged the public to come forward with information following a shooting incident in Lotus River, Grassy Park, yesterday, which left one person dead and four others injured. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said they responded to the complaint of a shooting in Fifth Avenue, Lotus River. A 20-year-old man was found deceased at the scene, said Twigg. “Four other males between 20 and 72, who sustained gunshot wounds, were taken to a medical facility. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and arrests are yet to be made. Murder and attempted murder cases were registered for investigation,” said Twigg. It was not confirmed whether the shooting is suspected to be gang-related. Ward 65 councillor, Donovan Nelson, who expressed concern for the safety of residents, called for urgent…

Labour federation, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), has thrown its weight behind the private members’ bill aimed to end outsourcing of core government services. The Insourcing Bill, introduced in the National Assembly last month by EFF’s Omphile Maotwe, will compel all organs of state to employ workers to provide the regularly required services, once passed. Cosatu’s parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said the labour federation supported the long overdue bill and undertook to mobilise its full support to ensure its expedited passage by Parliament and assenting into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. “This progressive bill speaks to Cosatu’s demand to insource key functions performed by various state organs. It responds to long-standing resolutions of the ANC and the Tripartite Alliance,” Parks said. He said the call to insource…

IN A groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Stellenbosch University have identified a rare class of chemical compounds, flavoalkaloids in the leaves of Cannabis plants for the first time. These compounds, known for their antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, could open new doors for the pharmaceutical use of Cannabis beyond its well-known cannabinoids. Published in the Journal of Chromatography A, the study details the work of analytical chemists who used cutting-edge laboratory techniques to investigate the phenolic content of three Cannabis strains grown commercially in South Africa. Out of the 79 phenolic compounds identified, 25 were previously unreported in Cannabis. Sixteen of those are believed to be flavoalkaloids, compounds so rare that they’ve barely been detected in nature. Dr Magriet Muller, lead author and researcher at SU’s Central Analytical Facility detailed what it…

IN South Africa, sexual violence is so widespread that it forms the background noise of our lives. It is not a distant threat. It is in our homes, in our churches, in our schools. It comes from the hands of men we know, love, and trust. It is part of the daily choreography of being a Black woman, calculating routes, glancing over shoulders, making sure the skirt is not too short, declining invitations, leaving gatherings early. This regulation of our bodies is not new. It is not accidental. It is a continuation of a long history of control. Pumla Dineo Gqola calls it the “female fear factory”, a system that keeps women in a constant state of alertness, limiting their freedom while excusing the violence of men. In colonial South…

The Springbok Women’s team departed for England and the World Cup on Thursday evening with excited coach Swys de Bruin describing himself as a kid before Christmas. De Bruin, speaking after his team had had one last training session at Parktown Boys High in Johannesburg, said: “It is like Christmas Eve for me and I’m wondering if Santa has left that shiny bicycle under the tree. “I woke up at 3am this morning, going over moves and selection. You are always wondering if there was that little bit more you could have done because these girls are so coachable. They soak up information like a sponge.” The Bok Women have had a busy week of farewells. And now it's showtime with their first game next Sunday against Brazil. “It is…

Mamelodi Sundowns has resonated louder than any other club in the vibrant world of South African football over the past decade. This football club has carved an indelible mark on the local game, combining a rich history with an unparalleled streak of success that has set new standards in local football. However, the Chloorkop-based side is embroiled in a storm of transfer speculation that threatens to shake the very foundation of the squad. As the new season unfolds, whispers of discontent have emerged, particularly surrounding three standout players: Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro, the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, and Peter Shalulile, Sundowns' all-time leading goalscorer. Recent comments from head coach Miguel Cardoso shed light on the unsettling climate within the team. With Sundowns kicking off their 2025/26…

Australia have been dealt a major injury blow as their three key players will miss the three-match ODI series against South Africa, that commences in Cairns on August 19. Matt Short and Lance Morris both ruled out of the white-ball series with injuries, while Mitch Owen’s potential ODI debut will have to wait with the rising star ruled out for the remainder of the white-ball series against South Africa with concussion. Short hasn’t recovered from the side injury he picked up at training during the recent white-ball series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, while Morris has reported back soreness and been sent back to Perth for further examination. Owen was struck during the second T20 in Darwin after top-edging a Kagiso Rabada delivery into his helmet’s grille from…

This week, the celeb world has kept the internet talking - serving plenty of sparkles and jaw-dropping scandals. From A-list weddings to glamorous engagement rings and gossip, here is your weekly celeb round-up: 1 Davido and Chioma’s luxurious wedding Award-winning Afrobeats star Davido held his luxurious white wedding celebration to his longtime partner, Chioma over the weekend in Miami. This highly-anticipated white wedding comes after the couple’s traditional wedding in Lagos in June last year and a court wedding in March 2023. The wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a luxurious affair as Davido gifted his wife a factory iced-out Richard Millie wrist watch worth $300 000 (R5 335 695.00) as a wedding gift. 2 Cristiano Ronaldo engaged to Georgina Rodriguez The Portuguese footballer and his…

Chilling details emerged during a bail application hearing at the Strand Magistrate’s Court involving the chairperson of the Strand Community Police Forum (CPF), who faces multiple sexual offence charges involving a 15-year-old girl. The accused, a former police officer, Niklaas Thysen, stands charged with exposure or display of genital organs to a minor, two counts of compelled self-sexual assault after instructing the victim to massage him to become aroused, two counts of crimes injuria for asking the minor to undress, and sexual assault, including massaging her breasts. The 56-year-old reportedly came to know the minor when her mother, concerned about her daughter’s drug use, sought counselling assistance from him, seeing him as a trusted community leader and volunteer counsellor. The victim’s mother recounted her initial interactions with the accused and…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has warned of economic repercussions across South Africa’s automotive value chain if an amicable trade agreement is not reached with the United States. Speaking at the opening of the P20 Women’s Parliament in Cape Town yesterday, Mashatile said that the imposition of a 30% tariff on South African automotive exports to the US threatens to disrupt established trade flows, undermine competitiveness, and put thousands of jobs at risk. “We must highlight that there will be repercussions felt throughout the entire value chain if we do not reach an amicable trade agreement with the White House,” Mashatile said. He noted that South African suppliers supporting domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that export to the US would likely face production cutbacks, putting pressure on planning, employment, and investment.…

ILLEGAL tyre dumping and burning pose a significant environmental health disaster for South Africa, as toxins from waste tyres leach into and contaminate groundwater. The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) reports a rise in illegal tyre dumping and burning incidents, highlighting the severe pollution and mismanagement of waste tyres in the country. REDISA has urged members of the Portfolio Committee for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to take urgent action on a new waste tyre management plan to prevent a full-blown environmental and health crisis. Dr Chris Crozier, from REDISA explained their plight. “A staggering number of waste tyres are produced in our country, equivalent to some 70 00 passenger tyres every day,” said Crozier. “Due to the absence of oversight and management, unregulated operators are…

Stellenbosch FC’s slow start to the Betway Premiership season continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Magesi FC at the Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night. The Cape Winelands side have only managed to collect one point from their opening two fixtures. They got off to a fast start through a Langelihle Phili strike, but Dikwena tsa Meetse hit back soon after via Kgomotso Mosadi. Stellies coach Steve Barker was content to leave with a point, acknowledging that Seshego is not an easy venue to visit. He admitted his side had to make several adjustments that took them away from their natural game. “It’s not an easy place to come and play,” Barker said after the match. “I wish we were like some of the bigger…

Springbok supporters must wait until Saturday afternoon to see if centre André Esterhuizen will reprise his role as a hybrid player against the Wallabies in the opening Rugby Championship Test. Esterhuizen was coy about giving anything away ahead of the duel as the world champions look to maintain their unbeaten run in the 2025 season against the Australians. He will partner with outside centre Jesse Kriel at Ellis Park in what should be an exciting midfield combination next to scrumhalf Grant Williams and flyhalf Manie Libbok. They will have the task to set the outside backs, wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe, and fullback Aphelele Fassi in space on the attack. “I can’t disclose that,” Esterhuizen said when asked about his hybrid role. “We will have to wait…

Eric Tinkler is an ambitious coach who wants to instill that trait in his Sekhukhune United players and challenge for silverware during his tenure at the club. The coach is in his first full season at Sekhukhune, having arrived earlier this year after taking over the reins from Lehlohonolo Seema. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder hit the ground running despite not having a pre-season with the team, leading them to a fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership. Now, with Tinkler having recently completed a full pre-season with the team, expectations are high for him to win the club’s first silverware since their promotion in 2022. The 55-year-old coach is more than capable of winning trophies, having earned such accolades at former clubs, the relegated Cape Town City and the now-defunct…

PROTEAS batter Tristan Stubbs had a century stand for the third wicket with centurion Dewald Brevis at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin earlier this week, a partnership that saw South Africa beat Australia by 53 runs and level the three-match series 1-1. Standing at the non-strikers' end, Stubbs had the best seat in the house to witness Brevis' record-breaking knock, one that saw the 22-year-old batter strike eight sixes and 12 fours for his unbeaten 125. Stubbs told the media on Thursday that he was not batting with Brevis for the first time in Darwin earlier this week and that he understood that his only job was to give him the strike as he was the aggressor in their partnership. Stubbs praised Brevis for his skill, talent and confidence, calling…

KRAAIFONTEIN residents were horrified after finding a dead baby in a bin on Wednesday. The deceased newborn was found in a waste bin in Zono Street around 8.30am. Kraaifontein police registered a concealment of birth case for investigation. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.” Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society said unwanted pregnancies can be overwhelming, but abandoning or killing a child can never be the solution. Du Preez said: “We are deeply disturbed by yet another heartbreaking case where a newborn baby was found dumped in a bin in Kraaifontein. "South Africa has safe and legal alternatives for mothers in crisis, such as placing babies in the care of designated ‘baby saver’ facilities, child protection organisations, or with the…

THE Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has publicly defended the controversy surrounding the award of the highly anticipated fourth national lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings. Tau was legally obligated to disclose his reasons for selecting the company in an affidavit, doing so in response to two court challenges requesting a review of the award. Tau has finally disclosed his reasons for awarding the contract to Sizekhaya citing the consortium's well-balanced bid, impressive technology partners, and high projected revenue as the reasons for its selection. He also commended Sizekhaya's plans to rejuvenate the suite of current lottery games and its broader marketing plans and spend. Tau's affidavit, filed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, also reveals that Sizekhaya Holdings "pipped others to the post" due to its…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying “the show goes on” and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, at a media briefing at the Union Buildings. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria this weekend. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. “The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,” said Magwenya. “It is a platform…

THE Western Cape High Court ruled that Transnet had to be added as a defendant in a damages claim of nearly R1.5 million by a Cape Town woman who fell into a manhole at a train station. The question arose as to who the manhole belonged to. The City of Cape Town, against whom Maureen Hendricks issued her summons for damages, was adamant the manhole did not fall under its jurisdiction. In an interlocutory application, the court was asked that Transnet Limited be added as a party to the pending action instituted by Hendricks, who said she suffered severe injuries when she fell into an open, unprotected manhole on August 17, 2022. The city has filed a special plea of misjoinder and non-joinder, averring that the manhole in question is…

Springbok legend Bryan Habana is thrilled that South Africa's dynamic wingers are being given the freedom to shine on the rugby field, a sentiment he expressed as the Boks prepare for their Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday. Habana, known for his own phenomenal wing play, is especially excited about the talents of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe, who, alongside the experienced Makazole Mapimpi, are setting the rugby world alight with their performances. Arendse and Van der Merwe are primed to feature as the wings in this crucial match in Johannesburg (5.10 pm start), marking a significant moment in their careers. Habana, speaking at the Peregrine Capital X Rugby Centurions launch party, is excited for what is to come from the Boks…

Kaizer Chiefs are enjoying a dream start to their Betway Premiership campaign, but second assistant coach Cedric Kaze has warned the team against getting carried away. Chiefs have won their first two games on the trot since the start of the league season last weekend, beating Stellenbosch and Polokwane City. The two matches, played last Sunday and Wednesday, saw Chiefs register back-to-back clean sheets, winning 2–0 and 1–0 respectively. It has been a fantastic start to the season for Amakhosi — so much so that some staunch supporters are convinced the club will return to their best this season. But while the technical team and players would want nothing more than to build on last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph, Kaze has called for calm. “It’s true that we are confident,…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou concedes the club’s fans are not living up to their ‘Happy People’ moniker at the moment — something he and the team are determined to change. Pirates were expected to start the season strongly, and early signs supported those expectations after they progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals. However, that promising start has proven to be a false alarm so far. The Buccaneers began their Betway Premiership campaign on a sour note, losing their first two games. Those defeats have increased the pressure on Ouaddou to turn things around quickly or risk being sacked even before the quarter mark of the campaign. Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash at home to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon, Ouaddou acknowledged the…

Kaizer Chiefs — they’re everywhere And by everywhere, I mean especially after they won their first two matches of the Betway Premiership. Even more so if you are caught wearing an Orlando Pirates shirt after those victories, with my side of the aisle looking rather grim following the opposite results — two losses in as many matches. Walk around town in the iconic black, the skull and crossbones embroidered on your breast, and you are more than likely to get the customary greeting — arms crossed at the wrist — or a sardonic smile from those who follow the Glamour Boys, challenging you with an “Amakhosi for life.” Find yourself in a pub, and you might just be forced to shoot a grim shot of tequila, crowned by a slice…