Innehållsförteckning för 2025-10-20 från Cape Argus

When I recently came across Maintenance Required on Amazon Prime, I was excited to see women are in the driving seat of the motoring world. I enjoyed the Fast & Furious films and other movies set in the automotive industry but I want to see more than these kinds of productions which are portrayed through a male perspective. With the release of Motorheads on the streaming platform in May, I enjoyed seeing Melissa Collazo leading the cast so I was hoping Maintenance Required would kick the female power up a notch in this exciting genre. But the performances of Riverdale star Madelaine Petsch, alongside Madison Bailey and Katy O’Brian, were anything but thrilling. The film, directed and written by Lacey Uhlemeyer, introduces us to Charlie O’Mally (Petsch) who is running…

MEMBERS of the public have expressed anger and frustration after being denied entry to the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court. The restrictions were implemented following a shooting incident outside the court on August 26. According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, overcrowding at courts in the area has occasionally led to security threats and the compromise of sensitive information, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. In consultation with the Judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and other stakeholders, the Court Security Committee temporarily restricted public access to manage crowds and protect everyone within the court precinct. While the principle of open justice remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s legal system, officials said there are circumstances where access may be limited. Factors include the nature of the cases, particularly those…

Embattled former Department of Social Development (DSD) communicator Lumka Oliphant has spoken out after her dismissal from the post, saying she will not be silenced despite what she describes as a campaign against her. Oliphant, who has long been at odds with Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, said she was moved by messages of support from South Africans who have faced similar treatment. The department announced she was fired on Friday in a letter signed by the directors-general. “The many black professionals who have been purged, silenced because we fear for our lives and worry about where our next job will come from,” she said. “At this point, I should remind you that Mandela once said ‘if the ANC were to do what the apartheid government did to us, we…

Civic movement #StandUpSA, together with the youth-led movement Enough Is Enough, will lead the ‘Ramaphosa must go’ march in Pretoria today, calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down from his role. In a statement, the movement confirmed that it would be leading the march today. According to the two groups, Ramaphosa failed to curb corruption in various government departments and has also failed to show real leadership and take responsibility. They also blamed his government for the weak economic growth, growing inequality, and the everyday struggles of South Africans dealing with unemployment, poverty, and poor basic services. “We are marching not out of anger, but out of love for our country and a commitment to its future.” Organisers said the march would resume from Church Square in Pretoria, which…

Construction has begun on the long-awaited resurfacing of the R27 cycle lane between Sunset Beach and Dolphin Beach, following months of complaints from residents and cyclists about its deteriorating condition. Ward 4 councillor Anthony Benadie confirmed that work started last week, after ongoing engagements with the City’s roads department. “Over the past few months, I received several complaints about the poor condition of the cycle lane, which is used daily by hundreds of residents for running, walking, and cycling,” Benadie said. “I accompanied an avid cyclist on a site visit and found several sections severely compromised and in some areas on the verge of collapse,” he said. He said the City’s roads department later conducted its own assessment and determined that simple patching would not be sufficient. A contractor has…

The South African men’s and women’s hockey teams confirmed their status as kings and queens of the continent, booking their place at next year’s Hockey World Cup with respective wins over Egypt and Ghana in the African Hockey Cup of Nations finals in Ismailia, Egypt. The men beat the hosts 5-1 in the decider to clinch their eighth Afcon crown. Expectations of a tight contest, following a drawn group match, were quickly dispelled as South Africa secured a seventh straight final triumph over Egypt, recording the biggest winning margin in an Afcon final and cementing their status as African hockey’s undisputed heavyweight champions. The equally dominant South African women’s team kept pace with the men, claiming their eighth consecutive continental crown with a 4-0 victory over Ghana, who had troubled…

Spin. And spin some more. That’s what Proteas captain Aiden Markram expects from the Rawalpindi surface for the second Test, which starts here on Monday. “We’ve expected those types of conditions from day one,” Markram said on Sunday. “It's about us having done some homework post the first Test and coming up with new plans to hopefully counter that and give ourselves a chance of succeeding in these conditions. “I suppose when you get to spinning conditions, the guessing game is always how long until it really starts to spin exaggeratedly.” Fortunately for the Proteas, their most accomplished spinner Keshav Maharaj has returned to full fitness and will significantly boost the visitors’ chances of utilising the conditions in their favour. Maharaj missed the series opener in Lahore due to a…

Despite Sanlam offering all 2025 entrants a sponsored entry to either 2026 or 2027’s race, many runners said they were devastated, spending thousands of rand for accommodation and flights, training for hours and travelling from across the country and globe to compete. The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to high winds damaging the route yesterday. Overnight, strong winds caused significant damage at the Green Point race venue. Marquee tents were damaged, and branding was torn from fences and scaffolding. This prompted urgent meetings between the race organising team and the Joint Operations Committee (JOC). Over 24 000 runners were expected to complete a 42.195km route. The cancellation, made at 4.45am, an hour and a half before the 6.15am start, followed by emergency meetings that deemed the route…

Seven men were shot dead and their bodies partially burned inside a house in Philippi East on Friday night, leaving the community in shock. The attack occurred around 10pm in Road 53, Better Life, and is believed to be a co-ordinated execution. One victim was found in the front room, while six others lay in the bedroom, their bodies surrounded by smoke-stained walls and the charred remnants of a fire that the killers had tried to start. A strong smell of smoke lingered through the house on Saturday morning. Blood marked the passage, the bedroom door was scorched, and blankets lay heaped in the centre of the dark room. In the kitchen, a bowl of dough sat untouched, a haunting reminder of the life interrupted just moments before the gunfire.…

Occupational therapist Dr Fatima Hendricks blames a decline in moral integrity, fuelled by greed and financial influence, for the dire situation at Tembisa Hospital. She described this a “moral abomination” that compromises personal ethics and devastates patients and communities. Speaking at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Hendricks recounted her experiences of being held captive by Israel after Israeli Occupation Forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla. She spoke about lessons learnt from the Global Sumud Flotilla and interacted with UKZN’s occupational therapy academics, third-year students and the media. Hendricks emphasised the importance of understanding South African politics, especially concerning land expropriation, gentrification, and political power distribution. She said these are parts of bigger conversations that are important as the country prepares to hold local government elections next year. “As healthcare professionals,…

Bongeka Sobekwa is still recovering at Tygerberg Hospital two weeks after she was attacked by two pit bulls in Kuils River. She said she was walking to the shop after 4pm on Thursday, October 2, when the dogs attacked her in Davis Street, Highbury. “It was a cold afternoon. I didn't use the same street that I usually use. I took a shorter one, the Davis Street. So, as I turned right onto the street, there were two pit bulls. I told myself to just relax. They started to bark at me, and I started to say, 'Go away,’ ” she said. She said the larger of the two dogs first jumped and bit her fingers, while the second one bit her buttocks. The larger dog then started to repeatedly…

The final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Cape Winelands Airport expansion has been submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Last week, the airport, which is projected to open in 2028 and boost the economy by R8bn, secured a landmark partnership with Growthpoint Properties, jointly they are set to deliver the province’s next-generation aviation, hospitality and industrial hub. Growthpoint Properties, which co-owns the V&A Waterfront and holds group property assets to the value of R155.8 billion across retail, office and logistics properties. Construction of Cape Winelands Airport, the former Fisantekraal airfield could begin in early 2026, pending EIA approvals. The development will proceed in phases, starting with runway and safety infrastructure, followed by the terminal, cargo and industrial precincts. The airport…

Each time I attend Cairo Water Week, I am reminded that water is more than just a resource, but the lifeblood that connects us as humanity. This year marks the fourth time that I have had the privilege to participate in this gathering, and each time, I leave with a deeper sense of urgency and hope. In a world shaken by conflict, climate change, and inequality, water remains one of the few elements that can truly unite rather than divide us. Yet, it is painful to witness how, in some parts of the world, water is being manipulated and used to assert control, or worse, as a weapon of war. At the 8th Cairo Water Week, which took place from October 12 to 16, in Cairo, Egypt, I felt compelled…

Sune Luus believes the “momentum” is with the Proteas after qualifying for the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal with two games to spare. It will be the Proteas’ third consecutive World Cup semi-final after reaching the knockout stages both in 2017 and 2022. Laura Wolvaardt’s team are among the most consistent major tournament contenders after also progressing to the last two ICC T20 World Cup finals. “Yeah, it's exceptional. I think, you know, the team has shown their character in the last couple of games,” said former captain Luus. “I think how we started was not ideal, but to have four wins in a row after that playing good cricket, I think it's definitely put the momentum on our side.” The Proteas still have two matches remaining against Pakistan in…

A frustrated John Plumtree has called on his Sharks to “reset” quickly after their 34-26 defeat against Ulster in Durban on Saturday, admitting that both players and coaches must take responsibility for the team’s poor start to the United Rugby Championship season. The result at Kings Park leaves the Sharks near the bottom of the table, and with only a week before they face the equally struggling Scarlets, Plumtree said there was little time for excuses. “Monday is the most important day for us,” he stressed. “It’s not about next week, it’s about Monday — and then we can start building. We’ve only got seven days to get right for the Scarlets, so for me, Monday is just massive.” Plumtree acknowledged that the recent reintegration of several returning Springboks has…

The Lions broke their United Rugby Championship (URC) duck at the weekend with a workmanlike victory over the Scarlets at Ellis Park, but they will need to lift their performance considerably when they host Ulster this week. Ulster are unbeaten in three games and sit fifth on the URC points table, despite having played one fewer match than most other teams — the Ulster-Edinburgh fixture scheduled a few weeks ago was postponed due to Storm Amy. The Northern Irish side have been on something of a giant-killing spree, having defeated two South African heavyweights in the last fortnight. The Bulls were routed 28-7 in Belfast, and on Saturday, the Sharks — featuring 13 Springboks — were shocked 34-26 at Kings Park. Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen, speaking after his team…

Nearly 25 years after its debut, Fear Factor is set to return to television with a new season, promising more adrenaline-pumping challenges. Earlier this year, Fox announced that the show is expected to premiere in January 2026 with stunt performer Johnny Knoxville as the host. Fox says this reinvention aims to blend classic danger with modern psychological tension, drawing inspiration from shows like Survivor and Big Brother but with the signature Fear Factor twist. The Fear Factor: The Next Chapter reboot follows years of cancellations caused by controversy, including one infamous donkey stunt. The show was cancelled in 2006 after the contestants were asked to drink donkey urine and semen. This move sparked outrage even before it was aired, which led to NBC canning it. MTV tried to revive the…

The Western Cape Mobility Department has reopened taxi routes after a month-long shutdown due to violent clashes between rival associations. The routes were closed on September 17 following six fatalities linked to disputes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta). While restrictions were lifted at midnight on Friday, not all taxis have resumed operations as negotiations continue with the provincial government. Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said discussions were still ongoing. “I can’t comment now because we are still in negotiations with the MEC.” Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana confirmed that some taxis had started operating again. “We were informed that we should operate according to our permits. We will hear all the details when we meet with the MEC,” he said.…

AS gunfire continued to spread in Overcome Heights, community workers risked their lives to help fire victims following a devastating blaze which left 150 people homeless. A fire broke out on Thursday, destroying about 45 structures. Strong winds fanned flames over the Cape, with firefighters attending to fires in Capri Village, Khayelitsha and Witsands. In Khayelitsha, 300 people were displaced, and in Witsands, where 10 informal structures were damaged by fire, 32 residents lost their homes. The City’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said: “The Disaster Risk Management Centre has completed assessments of fires that occurred in Khayelitsha and Witsands (Thursday). “In Witsands, 10 informal structures were damaged by fire, displacing 32 persons. Gift of the Givers is on site to provide soft relief. “The fire in…

Members of Parliament have said that there is some uncertainty regarding whether evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC, would be included in the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliaments and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004. This comes after suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, is demanding an apology from Parliament’s Ad Hoc committee evidence leader for comments he made last Wednesday. In a letter to Arendse dated October 17, Nkabinde’s lawyers, Lawtons Africa, said the remarks were made on October 15, when suspended deputy police commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya appeared. “During the course of these proceedings, and… after the chairperson had made a ruling that the evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse SC, must clarify certain issues that needed clarity, Arendse SC made reference to our client’s name,”…

The Room Next Door Wendy Walker Multi-cast narration Audible Originals WENDY Walker’s The Room Next Door is a psychological domestic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Released earlier this month, this audiobook, running just under nine hours, is an Audible Originals offering that takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, where secrets, lies, and past traumas threaten to unravel everything. Set in 2010, the story begins with the bond of three best friends: Brooke Lowry, Carrie Hollis, and Eve Shay. A close-knit friendship, full of shared memories and laughter, quickly takes a darker turn. Tragedy strikes on a Fourth of July when Eve mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangled web of unanswered questions. Years go by, and the case remains unsolved, but the emotional scars never…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says he will rotate his players for the United Rugby Championship tour finale against the Warriors in Glasgow on Friday, as the tough northern hemisphere conditions have taken a toll on bodies. The Bulls lost heavily to Ulster in their opening match and narrowly edged Connacht 28-27 in Galway at the weekend. Ackermann also has to adhere to Springbok resting protocols. “At this stage, Wilco Louw and Canan Moodie will go back home, and one or two others as well,” Ackermann said. “We are going to rotate the squad purely to give some guys a mental and physical break.” “The 4G pitches are taking their toll on the bodies,” the coach added. “There are a lot of bruises and a lot of skin off knees and…

In a landmark moment for South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns finally conquered the Nigerian hoodoo by claiming a decisive 5-1 victory against Remo Stars in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. The match, played at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Ogun State on Sunday, saw Sundowns rewrite the history books, overcoming a long-standing jinx of South African clubs failing to secure a win on Nigerian soil in previous Champions League encounters. For years, the prospect of facing Nigerian teams proved daunting for Sundowns. Their previous encounters had ended in disappointment, as they suffered defeats to formidable opponents like Lobi Stars and Enyimba. However, the class and maturity displayed by Sundowns in Sunday’s match indicate a significant shift in the team’s fortunes and mentality when…