Innehållsförteckning för 2025-12-12 från Cape Argus

We are back this week with piping hot tea about all things celebrity. From new music, bittersweet endings, celebrations and shocking revelations, let’s dive into this week’s entertainment gossip: 1Christall Kay teases new music, sparks online reaction South African reality TV star Christall Kay teased her new Christmas track titled God Knows I Could Fall for You on social media. Kay said that the song is inspired by a love that feels powerful enough to bring someone to their knees and she encouraged listeners to open themselves to love this Christmas. The snippet of the song sparked quite a conversation on social media, with users having very mixed reactions. 2 Vuyokazi Nciweni opens up about her relationship with the Mseleku family The former Uthando Nes’thembu reality star recently took to…

AT just 21 years old, David Obagbuwa has made history as one of South Africa’s youngest medical doctors after graduating from Stellenbosch University. Having made this promise at age 15, his remarkable achievement defies conventional timelines in medical education and inspires a new generation of young aspiring doctors. Obagbuwa received his MBChB on Thursday, completing a journey that began when he entered SU’s medical programme at an age when most pupils are in Grade 10. He persevered through the pressures of early university life and the isolation of the Covid-19 lockdown, emerging with a degree he had long envisioned earning at 21. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Obagbuwa moved to South Africa when he was 11 and attended Kharwastan Secondary School in Durban. A misunderstanding placed him in Grade 9, but…

A KIRSTENHOF family is reeling after their dog survived a knife attack so violent that the blade was driven to its hilt, missing her brain by millimetres. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has opened an investigation into cruelty charges under the Animals Protection Act and CCTV evidence, tying three local teens to the stabbing. Zia, a four-year-old female brindle cross, was attacked at 3.08pm on December 8. Her owner, Jonathan Nel, arrived home shortly before 4pm to find her with “a large knife protruding from her nose”. He rushed her to the SPCA in Grassy Park, where emergency x-rays revealed the blade was lodged deep in her right nasal cavity. By 4.31pm, SPCA inspectors, supported by Kirstenhof Crime Watch (KCW), had analysed neighbourhood CCTV footage, identifying three teenagers between…

Construction of the new residential tower in the Golden Acre Precinct has begun. The redevelopment of the Golden Acre Precinct, which sits at the centre of Cape Town’s largest public transport interchange, has formally begun in recent weeks, marking a major step toward revitalising the heart of the city with the commercial office tower being converted to residential apartments housing, upgraded retail, and a safer, better-connected pedestrian environment. In August, Cape Argus reported that history was made as the iconic Golden Acre Shopping Centre has been sold for R781 000 000. The sale was approved by the Competition Commission in February following its transfer. The new owners (Putirex (Pty)) are set to redevelop the mall which was built by Sanlam in the 1970s. Earlier property broker, Ash Müller stated the…

The Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations have done the country a grim favour: they have stripped away the veneer of respectability from our public service and shown us the rot beneath. What is unfolding in those hearings was not the odd lapse or a few bad apples. It was a pattern. A culture of mediocrity, patronage and protection that has been normalised at the highest levels of state power. We are watching senior officials and political appointees stumble through testimony, offering “I don’t recall” after “I don’t know”, producing no documents when pressed, checking phones in the witness box and, in some cases, contradicting sworn statements. Former municipal managers, ministers’ chiefs of staff and senior police leaders are exposed…

Quinton de Kock and the new-ball bowlers showed off the Proteas’ bouncebackability as the visitors levelled up the five-match series at 1-1 with a 51-run victory in the second T20I in New Chandigarh yesterday. After a two-ball duck a couple of days ago, De Kock showed the fickleness of the T20 game with a spectacular 90 off just 46 balls to power the Proteas to 213/4 after being inserted on a glorious batting surface at the Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium. De Kock put himself right back in the frame for T20 World Cup selection, and the IPL shop window with the auction set to be held in a few days' time in Abu Dhabi, with a scintillating innings that was kickstarted with a couple of sixes off Arshdeep Singh and…

Reflecting on 2025, Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted his focus on team culture as the key ingredient to their success. The 45-year-old added that creating synergy in language and work ethic across girls’ cricket, domestic cricket and the international game remains high on his to-do list for the future. When Mashimbyi took over as head coach, he immediately implemented culture camps, making his intentions clear early in his tenure. Ultimately, the Proteas Women made history, becoming the first senior South African side to reach an ICC World Cup final after beating England Women to book their place against hosts India in Navi Mumbai. Although they lost the final, they left an enduring mark on the global stage — proof that a team with a healthy culture can defy the…

A Christmas Concert Christ Church Constantia sets the scene for a classical Christmas evening with A Christmas Concert, featuring soprano Lynelle Kenned, baritone William Berger and pianist Stefan Lombard. Kenned, a graduate of the UCT Opera School, brings experience from opera, theatre and classical recitals. Her performances range from West Side Story to Carmina Burana and she has been recognised with awards including the Fiësta, Woordtrofee, Naledi a and Fleur du Cap. Berger, a baritone with international experience including the Royal Opera House in London and the Kennedy Center in Washington, adds depth and contrast. His repertoire spans La Bohème, Carmen and Die Zauberflöte and he has been honoured with the Lucerne Festival Prize and the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award. Lombard’s piano accompaniment provides the backbone for the performance,…

AS Santaco Western Cape prioritises safer long-distance taxi travel this festive season, the Western Cape High Court’s decision for the earlier interim order aimed to curb violence and intimidation within the minibus industry has been made permanent. The news has been welcomed by residents – who are calling on associations, Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) to reassure them they will be safe as the festive season is in full swing. Yesterday, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape coincidentally launched its focused Festive Road Safety Activation at the Site-C Long Distance Taxi Rank in Khayelitsha, under the theme “Putting driver wellness first”. The Western Cape Mobility Department said it welcomes the Western Cape High Court’s decision Wednesday in the…

TWENTY-six matric learners have admitted to having access to both the English Home Language Paper 2 exam paper and the marking guide after being interviewed by a joint investigation team. Two Department of Basic Education (DBE) employers have been suspended. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube yesterday, confirmed that leaked 2025 papers originated inside DBE and reached learners at seven Pretoria schools. “The spread seems to be confined to identified learners in seven schools in a specific area in Pretoria,” she said Investigators later confirmed that the compromised material “could only have originated from the national DBE offices. The breach extended to the Mathematics and Physical Sciences papers, but appears limited. The minister, speaking at the Good Hope Chambers in Parliament, said the detection shows the system’s safeguards are functioning as…

Unity On The Square (UOTS) is set to return to Greenmarket Square on December 16, the Day of Reconciliation, marking its fifth edition since being launched in 2021. The event features a line-up that includes Loukmaan and Emo Adams, Mafikizolo, Keanu Harker, Verd, Mujahid George and Faghrie Isaacs. This year’s festival will pay tribute to Cape Town performer Loukmaan Adams, who turned 50 in September. While fans called for a birthday concert, Adams and his wife and business partner, Shaakirah Adams, opted to centre the celebration around a community event focused on music, culture and shared experiences. “Reaching 50 years and reflecting on over four decades in the arts, it’s amazing to see young talent, women, and communities sharing the stage, telling their stories, and creating opportunities,” Adams said. Organisers…

Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has stressed the importance of starting their AFCON campaign with a victory, saying that will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Bafana will return to the continental showpiece — to be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18 — as dark horses, having been on an upward trajectory that includes qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Hugo Broos’ men and the rest of the nation share the belief that they should improve on their third-place finish from the last edition in Ivory Coast and aim to go all the way in Morocco, they remain grounded and cautious. Bafana are planning to take it one game at a time, starting with their opening match against Angola on December…

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt revealed that a new-look playing XI will take the field in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland Women. South Africa dominated the recently concluded T20I series, winning 2-0, after the third and final match was abandoned due to rain at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday evening. The squad will now switch focus to the ODIs, with the first of three matches set to start in East London tomorrow. The Proteas Women head into the ODI series high in confidence, having reached the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Navi Mumbai last month. This three-match series will be the team’s first ODI assignment since falling short against India Women in the final. Captain Wolvaardt expressed excitement within the squad about playing…

While City officials have welcomed the arrest of a 33-year-old Langa resident for the murder of 64-year-old Karin van Aardt, they have indicated more arrests are expected with the net slowly tightening on the syndicate. Van Aardt, a grandmother from Nelspruit, had just arrived in Cape Town to celebrate her granddaughter’s birthday when she was attacked during a smash-and-grab at Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive. Her killing intensified public outrage and renewed scrutiny of violent roadside crime across the city. Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said enforcement teams would continue to drive the effort for arrests. “The City will continue to assist SAPS in its investigation through CCTV, boots on the ground, and the sharing of information. “We have also appealed directly to residents of Langa…

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) finds itself embroiled in a significant financial predicament, as it owes over 600 accommodation service providers a staggering R48 million for the 2024 academic year. This came to light when Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela responded to questions from DA MP Delmaine Christians, who sought clarity on the number of landlords with outstanding claims. Christians asked about the total number of student accommodation providers or landlords that remained unpaid to date. According to Manamela, a total of 655 accommodation providers have valid claims pending due to discrepancies in the invoices submitted for the academic year 2024. Manamela said the NSFAS had identified some discrepancies in the 2024 invoices, prompting requests for resubmissions. “The resubmitted invoices have been validated and verified, and…

THE Western Cape High Court has delivered a scathing judgment against the provincial education department, ordering it to develop a comprehensive plan within six months to address late school admissions. The ruling comes amid growing concerns about learners left without placements at the start of the academic year. Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC), who launched the application, hailed the judgment confirming that learners from Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Kuils River, Strand, and surrounding areas have an equal right to basic education. The applicants successfully asked that the court declare the department’s failure to plan for and timeously place late applicant learners in schools is unconstitutional and in violation of their rights to dignity and equality, among others. Over the years, learners from poor, working-class backgrounds have faced…

“A pat on the back from the guys in the same industry as you is everything, and this award means a lot.” That was the reaction from Springboks flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after being voted Players’ Player of the Year for 2025 by fellow players and teammates in South Africa. MyPlayers is the representative body for professional rugby players in the country, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu received the honour yesterday after being chosen by his peers. Other nominees included loosehead prop Ox Nché, hooker Malcolm Marx, loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, and utility back Damian Willemse. The 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar season with both the Springboks and the Stormers. Blitzboks star Donavan Don claimed the Sevens Player of the Year award, while the fleet-footed Byrhandré Dolf was named Women’s Player of the Year.…

Unhappy Bulls fans are questioning why their star flyhalf, Handré Pollard, is being “rested” for their away Champions Cup match against Northampton, despite having barely played this season. The Bulls named their tour squad for Saturday’s clash at Franklin’s Gardens, with Keegan Johannes and new signing from the Lions, Kade Wolhuter, the two flyhalves selected. The omission of the two-time World Cup winner was attributed to “Springbok resting protocols”. Supporters are growing restless after a difficult start to the campaign — the Bulls have lost four of their seven matches, including back-to-back defeats at Fortress Loftus. Of those seven games, Pollard has played just twice: the United Rugby Championship loss to Ulster on 7 October and last week’s Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux. After the heavy 28–7 loss in Belfast,…

It may be a stretch to suggest that the Sharks’ clash with Saracens in Durban this weekend is a warm-up for next year’s Springboks versus England Test, but there will nevertheless be a host of players from both sides involved in that fixture. Saracens are mid-table in the English Premiership but, like the Sharks, are expected to climb the ladder now that their international players have returned from the November Test window. The Sharks will field the likes of André Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Makazole Mapimpi and Bongi Mbonambi, while Saracens welcome back heavyweight England (and British & Irish Lions) players Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell and Jamie George. They also boast a new sensation in teenage wing Noah Caluri, who made his England…