Innehållsförteckning för 2025-12-17 från Cape Argus

CATS Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is back, revisiting the Jellicle Cats’ annual celebration. Based on T.S. Eliot’s poems, the story follows characters like Rum Tum Tugger, Mr Mistoffelees, and Grizabella through themes of identity, belonging, and rebirth. The revival stays true to Lloyd Webber’s original score, choreography, and design, creating a nocturnal world where cats express their stories through movement and music, exploring community, transformation, and the search for acceptance. Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Opera House. When: Runs until Sunday, January 11 at 7.30pm. Moana Jr Moana Jr brings the beloved story of courage and self-discovery to life on stage. Like Moana, it’s about following your inner voice, stepping beyond the familiar, and embracing who you truly are.The musical explores identity, belonging, and the bravery it takes to face…

Gangsters are demanding up to R10 000 from municipal workers before they are allowed to enter certain areas to fix burst pipes and sewage overflows. City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien said the city has identified “red zones” where crime is at its worst. “Red zones” are areas municipal officials avoid because they are too dangerous. “Our staff cannot carry out essential repairs in these areas without putting their lives at risk,” Badroodien said. The crisis is playing out against the backdrop of ongoing sewage overflows and low water pressure in the metro’s informal settlements. Makhaza, Khayelitsha, resident Aphiwe Mhlungu said the situation has become unbearable. “We can’t open our windows, the smell is everywhere, and the kids can’t even play outside,” the 45-year-old said. Mhlungu…

A joint operation between the SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officials has prevented a possible suspected gang-related attack outside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition. Integrated police teams acted on intelligence indicating that an attack was being planned in the vicinity of the court. Officers moved swiftly and descended on an identified vehicle parked outside the Wynberg court precinct, where three illegal firearms and approximately 60 rounds of ammunition were seized. Seven suspects, aged between 18 and 64, were arrested at the scene. “All the suspects were apprehended before any harm could be caused, and the illegal firearms were taken off the streets,” said SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa. “This proactive…

President Cyril Ramaphosa again addressed the perpetuation of misinformation on farm murders by US President Donald Trump when he delivered his Day of Reconciliation address. Ramaphosa was received by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie at the Ncome Museum, Nquthu Local Municipality, in the uMzinyathi District, KwaZulu-Natal, for National Reconciliation Day Commemoration yesterday. The president delivered his keynote address under the theme “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations,” which seeks to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to unity, healing and nation-building. In his address, he subtly tackled the remarks made by Trump last month on his social network “Truth Social” that the US did not attend the G20 in South Africa “because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human Rights…

Cape Town CBD and Hout Bay residents have a new, unwanted visitor – the invasive Polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (PSHB) has been confirmed in these two areas for the first time. Samples from trees along Long Street, St George’s Mall, Military Road, Tamboerskloof, and Victoria Road in Hout Bay tested positive, confirming the pest’s arrival and giving tree lovers plenty to worry about. PSHB is a tiny insect that burrows into trees, laying its eggs and spreading a fungus that can damage or even kill them. It attacks many types of trees, making it a serious concern for both public and private greenery. Deputy Mayor and spatial planning and environment political head Eddie Andrews said the number of infested trees was not immediately known. “At this stage, the City…

As families prepare to travel this festive season, one number should put every transport planner, engineer, and policymaker on edge: 41.9%. That’s the share of road deaths over the 2024/2025 holiday period that were pedestrians, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation. Out of 1 589 fatalities, 654 were people on foot – ordinary South Africans walking to work, public transport, church, or to visit family. These are not random accidents. They are the predictable result of a country where most roads are designed for vehicles, not people. Our roads endanger those on foot South Africa’s roads and intersections are built for speed and volume, not pedestrian safety. Road planning in South Africa prioritises traffic-related factors, such as the speed and volume of private vehicles, over considerations for pedestrian safety…

Enzo Maresca insisted earlier this week that he “absolutely” remains committed to his job as Chelsea manager after saying at the weekend he had suffered his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club. The Italian made the surprising comments following his side's 2-0 win at home to Everton on Saturday, hitting out at unnamed parties for failing to support him and his players, though he stressed he was not referring to fans. He refused to clarify his comments at a press conference on Monday. Chelsea were scheduled to play in the League Cup quarter-final against third-tier Cardiff last night. Maresca became visibly impatient with requests to explain remarks that have fuelled intense speculation he was taking aim at the club's owners and sporting directors. “I respect people's opinion,” he said.…

Cape Town pumps an estimated 27 million litres of raw, untreated sewage into its coastline every day through marine outfalls in Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay. These are the allegations made by ActionSA, that Cape Town is discharging millions of litres of raw sewage into the ocean each day. It has intensified scrutiny of the City’s broader water and sanitation woes including long-running health concerns around the polluted Milnerton Lagoon. Speaking near the Green Point marine outfall on Monday, ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont warned that Cape Town was “on the brink of becoming the next eThekwini”, accusing the City of denial as sewage infrastructure buckles under population growth. “Cape Town pumps an estimated 27 million litres of raw, untreated sewage into its coastline every day through marine…

With thousands of holidaymakers expected to pour into Knysna this month, the Western Cape Government has stepped in to help the town stabilise its strained water supply and prevent taps from running dry during the festive season. Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said the provincial government will co-chair a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) with the Knysna municipality. He said the committee will manage the immediate water crisis and support the Garden Route town through the busy holiday period. Bredell said the decision followed engagements with Knysna’s political leadership, who acknowledged that the town is facing a serious water challenge. Level 4 water restrictions are in place in Knysna, limiting non-essential water use. “The mayor, together with his mayoral committee members, agreed that Knysna…

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) national elective conference in Polokwane this week concluded with the unopposed re-election of Collen Malatji as president with suggestions that this will reinforce secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s ambitions of becoming party president. The newly elected Top Five leadership alongside Malatji includes Francisco Dyantyi (31), who moves from provincial secretary to deputy president. Tsakani Shiviti (34), the ANC chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on science, technology and innovation, was elected secretary-general. Zamakhanyase Khanyase (31) was elected first deputy secretary-general, having served as national spokesperson in the previous administration. Jacob Tau will now serve as treasurer-general, and Venus Blennies-Magage (30), the MEC for finance, economic development and tourism in the Northern Cape, was elected second deputy secretary-general. Malatji was re-elected uncontested for a second term yesterday at the…

A week before Christmas celebrations, traffic authorities have confirmed that 14 pedestrians have been killed on Western Cape roads, with 37 lives lost in 28 road crashes over the past two weeks. Authorities warn that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, particularly when alcohol is involved. Walking near roadways while intoxicated significantly increases the risk of fatal incidents, especially in low-visibility conditions. Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said in the past week alone, the province has seen a concerning number of road crashes and fatalities, many caused by negligence and reckless driving. “From 1 to 11 December, 37 people lost their lives in 28 crashes across the Western Cape. There will be empty seats at Christmas tables, and birthdays that will never be celebrated, all of which…

As the festive season approaches, bringing with it opportunities for celebrations, family gatherings, and holiday traditions, we must also be aware of the increased safety risks for children, particularly in crowded public spaces such as shopping malls, and within the home. In 2024, over 632 children were reported missing to police nationally. Over the past 10 years, nearly 9 000 children were reported missing across the country. In the light of this information, we strongly urge all parents to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children, particularly during this holiday season​. Safety tips for children • Maintain situational awareness: Do not walk in public spaces, such as streets or malls, with a phone visible or while wearing headphones. Please remain alert at all times. • Travel…

As much as the Proteas wanted to keep the focus on today’s all-important fourth T20I in Lucknow (start 3.30pm) to stay alive in the five-match series, their attention kept being pulled towards the IPL auction. Delhi Capitals purchased Proteas finisher David Miller for approximately R3.68million, while fast bowler Anrich Nortje went for the same price to Lucknow Super Giants. It just so happened that Nortje was conducting the pre-match press engagement as the bid padel was raised for him by LSG. "This is news to me," Nortje said, after finding out that the capital of India's Uttar Pradesh state would be his new home. "I'll see you guys soon then. I'm very happy." Nortje would certainly be relieved that he was able to land another IPL deal after playing only…

This was the year the Proteas Test side came of age. Under the astute leadership of coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas closed a chapter containing 27 years of hurt, disappointment and trauma to be crowned World Test Champions at Lord’s. It was arguably the most seminal moment in South African cricket history since the first ball was bowled at Eden Gardens upon the team’s return from isolation back in 1991. The WTC final at the “Home of Cricket” was an occasion to savour. The opposition was the arch-enemy Australia, which added to the spectacle, especially as the Baggy Greens were expected to roll a young and inexperienced Proteas team that many believed were not deserving of their place in the showpiece due to the opposition they…

RESIDENTS of the Atlantic Seaboard have successfully had their appeal against the development of a block of flats in Sea Point upheld. The appeal concerned properties located at 29 and 31 St Johns Road, where buildings as old as 60 years once stood. “I wish to advise that the appeal was upheld as per the attached decision dated November 18 and that the application has been refused, and the process has therefore now been concluded,” stated the final appeal notification letter by Development Management, which was received on December 12. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who serves as the final appeal authority under the Municipal Planning By-Law, upheld the residents’ appeal, setting aside the decision previously made by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT). The property is under development by well-known property…

TWO law enforcement officers attached to the City of Cape Town Metal Theft Unit were granted bail after appearing in court on charges of corruption, extortion, and business robbery. Justin Kervan McKay, 31, and Christopher Neol Molefie, 41, were released on R10 000 bail each following their court appearance on Monday. The duo were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team (SCI) together with the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Information Management Services (SSIMS). Their arrest followed incidents that took place from January 31 until their arrest today on a warrant. Zinzi Hani, of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), said the matter was postponed until February 20 for further investigation. “Both accused, CoCT Law Enforcement officials, were released on R10 000 bail…

The proposal to rename Cape Town International Airport after the Khoi woman Krotoa is stuck on the runway, with officials saying the application cannot proceed until proper public consultation is completed. The update was provided in response to a question raised in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament by Patriotic Alliance MPL Bazil Petrus. Petrus wanted to know what was happening with the application. He also asked what safeguards are in place to make sure the rules are applied fairly. Western Cape cultural affairs and sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie responded to Petrus, saying the application has not yet met all the legal requirements. Mackenzie said the Krotoa Foundation formally submitted its application on July 2, though the foundation has been calling for the renaming for the past four years. Krotoa, also…

While most teenagers were out and about making the most of the December school holidays, a group of Cape Town learners were dreaming big and thinking about the future. They gathered in the city on Friday for an open day welcoming the 2026 intake of iAccelerate SA. The entrepreneurship accelerator brought together the new 2026 learners with pupils from the 2025 cohort, who completed the programme this year. The aim was to give the incoming group a clear picture of how the programme works and what is expected of them. iAccelerate SA is an entrepreneurship programme for high school learners. It focuses on practical, real-world skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and developing ideas, rather than traditional classroom learning. Founder Rayhaan Survé said the open day was designed to connect past…

There’s an old saying, “Once the rain is over, the umbrella becomes a burden.” In the storm, an umbrella is precious, shared, defended, and trusted. But when the clouds clear, it suddenly feels heavy, unnecessary, and awkward to explain. Loyalty often ends when the benefit stops. This old truth hits uncomfortably close to home as South Africans learn that the preliminary report of the Madlanga-led commission will not be made public. The storm seemed to have passed; the groundwork was done. The country waited for sunlight, for truth, only to find the umbrella remained closed. Who holds the umbrella? The question is simple: if the rain has stopped, why are we still being asked to carry the umbrella? Or more pointedly, who is allowed to hold it? Justice Madlanga has…

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side had inspired the Old Trafford crowd in a pulsating 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, but must be more ruthless to turn draws into victories. Three times United led the Cherries on Monday in arguably the best offensive performance of Amorim’s reign. Matheus Cunha netted just his second goal for the club, Bruno Fernandes curled in a brilliant free-kick, and Amad Diallo signed off for the Africa Cup of Nations with the opening goal. But United’s defensive frailties, without the experienced duo of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, were exposed as they failed to win for the third consecutive home game. The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at Old Trafford by 10-man Everton last month and also blew the lead in a 1-1…

Hugo Broos is far too experienced a coach to be overly concerned by pre-tournament jitters. After watching Bafana Bafana grind out a 1-0 victory over Ghana in their final warm-up match before flying to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the silver-haired Belgian expressed disappointment with the performance but understood why it occurred. “Many times, a few days before a big tournament, it is not the game you want to see," Broos said. "But I am happy with the result. "It is always better to go to Morocco with a victory than a draw or, in the worst case, a defeat. “We can do much better than we did (Tuesday)." The septuagenarian, who won the biennial continental showpiece with Cameroon in 2017, has worked with many players and understands…

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green made headlines yesterday after being roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record R46 million at the IPL 2026 auction, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Due to a mistake by his manager during player auction registration, Green was initially listed as a batter. He later clarified that he would be available to bowl as well during the tournament. By confirming his availability as an all-rounder, he surpassed the previous record held by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc, who was bought by KKR at the IPL 2024 auction. Green made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after Mumbai Indians (MI) acquired him. At the time, he became the second-most-expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, the third-most expensive player overall, and…