Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-20 i Cape Argus

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Exciting live music events: Sting, Jeremy Loops, more

Sting is heading to South Africa and Cape Town fans are in for something special. Sting 3.0 The legendary musician will perform twice at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Before that, he’ll make a stop in Pretoria at the SunBet Arena on Saturday. The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, will be joined on stage by virtuoso guitarist and long-time collaborator, Dominic Miller, as well as dynamic drummer Chris Maas, who previously worked with Mumford & Sons and Maggie Rogers. His South African visit is part of the Sting 3.0 tour, presented by Cherrytree Music Company and Big Concerts, powered by Hot 102.7 FM and in association with KFM 94.5. They also performed in several cities in the US as well as…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

McDonalds assault video fuels GBV activism

AN ANTI-GENDER-based violence organisation has expressed outrage following the attack on a black female McDonald’s employee by a white male customer, saying it amplified ongoing victimisation and racial discrimination. SAPS has since confirmed that no case was opened as yet regarding the incident. “Kindly be advised that no criminal case was registered for investigation yet,” said police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg. Earlier, McDonald’s South Africa confirmed they launched an investigation into the assault, which took place on Monday at their branch in Kenilworth. GBV activist organisation, Ilitha Labantu, said they strongly condemned the assault. “This attack is yet another example of the intersecting issues of GBV, workplace abuse, and racial discrimination that black women continue to endure in South Africa. The viral video of the incident shows a white man entering…

1 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Modack exposes cop ‘links’ to Cyril Beeka

ALLEGED links between slain underworld kingpin Cyril Beeka and former Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) boss Major-General Andre Lincoln have arisen at the Charl Kinnear murder trial. The claims made by murder-accused Nafiz Modack before Judge Robert Henney came under scrutiny yesterday as he returned to the witness stand. Modack, who is accused of tracking AGU detective Kinnear and his colleagues in the months leading up to his murder, appeared annoyed as the State meticulously probed him on cellphone evidence between himself and his co-accused, Amaal Jantjies. Jantjies and her former partner, Janick Adonis, are accused of helping Modack plot a grenade attack on the home of Kinnear in November 2019. In the cross examination, State prosecutor Advocate Greg Wolmarans questioned Modack extensively on his communication patterns with Jantjies. Communications between the…

1 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Taxpayers cough up R65m on vacant properties

Taxpayers have forked out a staggering R65 million in rates and services for more than 1 000 vacant properties owned by the state, according to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. Macpherson revealed the figure when he was responding in writing to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Kenneth Montwedi. He said as of January, there were 1 259 state-owned vacant lands, 207 unoccupied houses and 830 abandoned farms that remain unallocated for utilisation. Macpherson said the government could be missing out R83m by not leasing out the properties. “The estimated potential revenue lost in 2024-2025 financial year is R83m based on the Property Management Information System calculations in terms of holding costs,” he said, when asked the amount lost in revenue by the government. Macpherson said his department has…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Bedridden granny misses card swop

A BEDRIDDEN granny from Wellington is among the over one million people who missed today’s SASSA card swap deadline. In a chaotic migration process in which social grant beneficiaries have had to change their expiring gold card to the Postbank black card or move to a bank of their choice, the vulnerable around South Africa have been met with endless frustration. Nicolet van der Westhuizen said she has been struggling with SASSA officials to come out and help her 71-year-old mother, Angeline Johannes, who is bedridden with severe arthritis. “On 16 February I added my mother’s name to the list for home visits to get her black card but nobody has come out yet. My mother can’t leave the house at all. “We got a contact for a man named…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

US and SA have mutual interests

THE ANC’s collision with the Trump Administration has much relevance in terms of the exposure that it has produced and long term American interests. Since the ending of white rule, international focus on South Africa declined significantly until the ANC’s inducement by Iran to accuse Israel of genocide in the ICJ. Then, with Trump shaking up the world order and re-examining US trade interests regarding AGOA (African Growth and Opportunities Act), ANC rule of South Africa has come under the spotlight. ANC policies on property rights, racial discrimination and its relations with the pariah state of Iran, have once again placed South Africa in the arena of censure. This is ironic because it was the ANC’s campaign against apartheid which placed South Africa there in the 1980s. But then history…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Two SA engineers must be freed from Equatorial Guinea

As South Africa marks Human Rights Day on 21 March, the families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham are calling on the government to continue their diplomatic efforts to secure the men’s release from unlawful detention in Equatorial Guinea. At the same time, they are imploring the President of Equatorial Guinea to grant the men clemency. Human Rights Day in South Africa is dedicated to reflecting on the country’s hard-won freedoms and commitment to justice, peace and human dignity. Frik and Peter, both South African engineers, have now endured more than two years of arbitrary imprisonment, despite the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) opinion in July 2024 that their detention is both unlawful and arbitrary. The UN called for their immediate release, yet they remain behind bars,…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Who cares about the people’s suffering?

WHEN elephants fight, it is the grass that usually suffers the most, says an African proverb. It's easy to grasp meaning is so appropriate for many of the news events that are gathering viral attention presently. Both the World Wars showed that the superpowers flexed their muscles with wanton disregard, military precision and caused massive devastation and destruction at every turn. Spare a thought for the commoners from all the nations involved who didn’t care diddly squat about the issues the political top brass and business elite of the day grappled over – they just wanted to get on with life. Yet they were mostly the ones who suffered in a range of ways. These days, the battlegrounds have changed in many ways and skirmishes do not always happen over…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Davids boosts Blitzboks as Snyman seeks ‘never-say-die attitude’

The Blitzboks will hope that the return of forward Zain Davids will galvanise the squad at next weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens. Davids missed the Vancouver Sevens in Canada last month with an injury that he picked up at the Perth Sevens. His robust style of play and leadership is a welcome boost as the South Africans look to go one step further and win the title after losing 19-12 to Argentina in the Canada final. Apart from Davids, another stalwart in playmaker Dewald Human is back after being rotated for the Canada event, while teenager Gino Cupido is set to make his debut in Hong Kong in the squad announced by SA Rugby on Wednesday. From the Canada squad, Ronald Brown is sidelined with an injury, David Brits is being…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

IPL: Saffers ready to shine at cricket’s biggest showstopper

Cricket’s biggest showstopper, the Indian Premier League (IPL) gets underway this weekend in Kolkata. There will once again be a fair representation of South Africans at jamboree that will ziz-zag across the subcontinent with 10 teams playing in 13 cities. Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams takes a closer look at which teams the South Africans will be representing this IPL season. GUJARAT TITANS: Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee Having played 80 matches since his debut back in 2017, Rabada is a seasoned IPL veteran. The Proteas superstar has claimed 117 wickets at an average of 21.97 and will bring considerable experience and class to the 2022 champions after moving from Punjab Kings for R23.05 million. The Titans will be hoping that Rabada’s Proteas teammate Coetzee has recovered from his injuries.…

4 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

‘He lost a rap battle that he provoked’: Drake’s record label seek to have lawsuit dismissed

Drake’s record label are seeking to have his lawsuit against them dismissed, arguing he “encouraged” his feud with Kendrick Lamar. The Canadian rapper sued Universal Music Group (UMG) for releasing and promoting Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us but in their response to the defamation case, they argued that the 38-year-old star “lost a rap battle that he provoked” and “sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.” In documents obtained by People magazine, UMG claimed that although Not Like Us features hyperbolic insults, including referring to Drake and his friends as “certified paedophiles”, the God’s Plan hitmaker had used their platform to “promote tracks levelling similarly incendiary attacks” on his rival. The filing added: “Drake encouraged the feud.” “For example, when he felt that…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Probe over CPF member’s gang photos

CONCERNS have been raised over Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) member and People’s Movement for Change (PMC) member, Claudine Coleridge, seen photographed with Joel Booysen, the son of alleged Sexy Boys gang leader, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen at Jet Lounge. In response, Coleridge told the Cape Argus the photograph was taken at Booysen’s establishment during a film production in 2022, and that she had taken various photographs with crew and cast members on the said day. This is the second occasion in which questions have publicly arisen about Coleridge being photographed with alleged gang affiliates. In 2021, she made headlines in the Daily Voice when she was seen standing next to members of the Terrible Josters gang while she was a member of the Cape Coloured Congress (CCC). At the…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Eskom probes executives in alleged job-for-pals scandal

Eskom has been rocked by an alleged job-for-pals scandal involving an executive in its Human Resource (HR) department and an employee who works in the finance department. This was after the HR executive Lebogang Letlape and Cathrine Mosotho, who works in finance, allegedly plotted the appointment of Mosotho’s boyfriend who was subsequently appointed as senior manager for operational technology and cyber security at Eskom Distribution. It has been alleged that Letlape was also part of the interview panel. The alleged boyfriend, Ezzard de Lange, apparently resigned last week after Eskom launched an investigation into the matter. The matter was reported by a whitsleblower to the utility in March 2023, following De Lange’s appointment. According to the whistleblower, Mosotho visited Letlape’s home in Pretoria North to discuss the position on January…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

US funding cuts threaten SA’s HIV/Aids progress

The South African government and health experts are sounding the alarm over the devastating impact of US funding cuts on the country’s HIV/AIDS programme. The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been a crucial lifeline for South Africa’s HIV response, but the recent funding freeze has left thousands of jobs at risk and the lives of millions of people living with HIV, in jeopardy. The funding cuts have already resulted in the loss of jobs of around 15 000 trained healthcare providers, data capturers and technical support staff. This has led to reduced services, clinic closures, and diminished data collection. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi described the situation as a “train smash” for the thousands of workers affected. “That’s a train smash for them – we accept that;…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

City of Cape Town welcomes the world as Africa’s Grandest Gathering returns

RECENTLY crowned the best city in the world by Time Out magazine, Cape Town is ready to welcome jazz lovers, music enthusiasts, and visitors from across the globe as it plays host to the 22nd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) on 25 and 26 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Renowned as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the iconic festival will once again showcase over 30 artists across four spectacular stages – Kippies, Moses Molelekwa, Rosies and Manenberg – transforming the city into the heartbeat of world-class jazz, culture and entertainment. As the official host city, Cape Town is rolling out the red carpet for festinos, offering not just an unforgettable musical experience, but also the breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant energy that make…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

BEE’s failure demands change

WE need to urgently become market friendly and pro-growth. It is clear that social engineering such as the one we practice (BEE) has never worked anywhere in the world. We are told of numerous examples and literally hundreds of enterprises that have used the false qualification called BEE credentials to suck up government loans and to squander them. The latest example which is horrific to say the least, is Daybreak Farms. This was as chicken producer and had pretax revenues of over R300million and within three years they dropped to R86m. When the Compensation Fund, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the government employees pension fund bought the farm for R1.2billion in 2016 it was almost insolvent within six months. In other words, BEE has made a group of individuals who…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

No guaranteed silver lining with VAT hike

Although it’s now over three decades since the democratic elections in South Africa, the country still battles with the triple challenge of unemployment, inequality and poverty. South Africa’s current weak economic growth and outlook present a very bleak future. South Africa has immediate pressures on infrastructure investments and job creation. In his budget speech, Minister Enoch Godongwana argues that tax hikes will contribute immensely to the planned R232.6 billion funding of key programmes. Minister Godongwana stated that “the funding is for spending pressures for infrastructure investments, social protection, a higher-than-anticipated public-service wage agreement, and provisional allocations for critical frontline services.” The current strategic focus of the National Treasury is on electricity, rail, water and transportation infrastructure projects. Such investments are projected to contribute immensely to the reduction of the cost…

4 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Hamas open to talks with Israel

Hamas said it remained open to negotiations while calling for pressure on Israel yesterday to implement a Gaza truce after its deadliest bombing since the fragile ceasefire began in January. Israel carried out fresh air strikes on Gaza yesterday, killing 13 people according to the territory’s civil defence agency, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday’s raids were “only the beginning”. The United Nations and countries around the world condemned the high civilian death toll in the renewed strikes, which have killed more than 400 people, according to Hamas-run territory’s health ministry. Hamas is open to talks on getting the ceasefire back on track but will not renegotiate the agreement that took effect on January 19, an official from the militant group said. “Hamas has not closed the door…

4 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

My team, my choice: Broos takes strong stance on selection

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that he remains fully in control of squad selection, despite ongoing calls for the inclusion of various players. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, South Africa will face Lesotho on Friday, 21 March, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, followed by a match against Benin in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Tuesday, 25 March. Broos, however, has emphasised that his decision-making process remains unaffected by external pressure. The Belgian coach made it clear that all the players he has called up deserve to be in the squad and no one—whether journalists, club officials, or other figures—will influence his choices. “When a player is ready, I will call him up, regardless of whether he’s from Chippa United, Sundowns, or Polokwane…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Schools SA20 shows transformation can prosper organically

Cricket South Africa have copped plenty of abuse recently – and rightly so – for their role in the Warriors being deducted points for not adhering to the transformation policies of the 1-Day Cup. That ultimately led to the Gqeberha-based team being eliminated from the competition by having their semi-final status revoked. The management of the entire situation could and should have been much better. Personally, I do feel that the Warriors transgressed, and were guilty of not conforming to the competition regulations. However, laws are sometimes meant to be challenged if they are deemed unjust, with the Warriors now leaving the ball in Cricket SA’s court with regards to reviewing an outdated transformation policy that has been in place for over a decade. Much of the abuse CSA have…

4 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

AB helped me manage my emotions, says Karabo Meso

The Tuks Main Oval has seen some special innings from the likes of Indian legend Rohit Sharma and Proteas batter Reeza Hendricks over the years. Last Saturday, teenager Karabo Meso added her name to the honours list at the University of Pretoria by entertaining all and sundry with her vast range of strokes to raise her bat for the maiden Schools SA20 century. The achievement held even greater gravitas with her 117 not out powering Steyn City to an emphatic 99-run victory over St Christians School to claim the inaugural Schools SA20 championship. It was an innings of the highest calibre. Meso, 17, showed her experience by initially easing her way to 66 off 53 balls. But with the departure of her good friend and fellow SA U19 international Diara…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Reserve Bank expected to keep interest rates on hold

THE SA Reserve Bank (Sarb) is anticipated to maintain its current interest rate at 7.5% per annum today, as it takes a measured approach to assess the potential ramifications of an impending VAT increase. This decision comes amid predictions of rising consumer inflation, which is expected to persist its upward trajectory in the forthcoming months. With economic pressures mounting, many are looking towards the Sarb’s next moves as a litmus test for the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting households across the nation. FNB senior economist, Koketso Mano, said the coming months may witness several factors influencing inflation trends. Key among these are the fading of base effects, an expected increase in consumer spending, and the looming impact of a VAT hike – all of which are anticipated to push inflation rates…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

‘Focus should be on what happened to Joshlin’, says uncle

IN A SOCIAL media post that has since blown up, Raquel “Kelly” Smith’s youngest brother has broken his silence after more than a year. Smith, the eldest of five siblings who all reside in the Northern Cape, is currently on trial for the disappearance of her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. Earlier this week, Smith’s sister, police constable Mickeyla Daniels, took the stand. Daniels, had tongues wagging and social media in a frenzy with her appearance. This ultimately resulted in social media users comparing Smith and Daniels to each other, and many drawing comparisons between their looks and lifestyles. In a post, which has since gone viral on Facebook, the brother, only identified as…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Parliament takes tough stance on municipal audit failures

THE Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is taking decisive action against municipalities that have failed to submit their financial statements for audit purposes, with plans to summon council members and provincial MECs of finance and local government. This comes after a briefing from the Office of the Auditor-General (A-G) concerning 10 municipalities with outstanding annual financial statements during the 2023/24 audit cycle. Bongi Ngoma, head of audit at the A-G’s office, highlighted that the non-submission of annual statements prevented proper accountability for accounting officers. Ngoma noted that Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal maintained a 100% compliance rate. The North West and Free State remained the most challenged provinces in submitting their financial statements, while Mpumalanga regressed. As of January, five municipalities – Mafube, Kopanong, Mohokare, and Masilonyane in the…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Stellies Sunday market closes

AFTER a prolonged struggle with the Stellenbosch Municipality, the popular Dorp Street Sunday Market has officially shut down. The organisers announced its closure on Tuesday, stating that while it may operate again in the future, it was exhausted by bureaucratic red tape. In a statement, the market organisers said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the final closure of the Dorp Street Sunday Market. As you may recall, we announced our return in December 2024, but unfortunately, we have faced numerous challenges since then. Despite having our application approved three months ago, the events committee of Stellenbosch Municipality has refused to approve our 2025 application, which is identical to the 2024 application that was previously approved. The only difference is the updated dates for 2025. “There was only…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Sand dunes invade pensioner’s dream home

LIVING in a house 50 metres from the ocean is a dream for many in Cape Town. But it has become a nightmare for a retired teacher and her family who are often unable to access the property or their vehicles, suffering thousands of rands in damages and loss due to sand dunes. Faheema Majiet, 63, of Cape Cod Road in Macassar, has lived at the residence for the past six years and has sent numerous letters to authorities, including the ward councilor Peter Helfrich and the City of Cape Town, which she said has fallen on deaf ears. Just a week ago, 70 wheelbarrows were used. She is depressed and often not able to leave her home, which is barricaded in sand. Her garage has been damaged and her…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Healthy religion can advance human rights

FOR success, democracies with their bills of human rights rely on inputs and contributions that they cannot produce themselves as German philosopher and judge Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde reminds us in his 1964 lecture titled The Rise of the State as a Process of Secularization. In celebration of Human Rights Day on 21 March, it would be good to explore how religious and secular worldviews can co-create conditions within which human rights can flourish. Religion has the potential to fulfil a constructive role in overcoming the violation of human rights as seen, for instance, in the crucial role of religious organisations in the struggle against apartheid. We are, however, also aware of the destructive role of religion in the quest for human rights, as seen amongst some churches that provided theological…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

The impact of racial and ethnic profiling

Thirty years post democracy and we continue to be faced with blatant racial profiling. Citizens are treated differently because of dominant societal perceptions which lead to negative stereotypes. This also has a ripple effect on the beliefs on other racial grouping, ancestry, ethnic grouping, place of birth and origin, and religious beliefs. Racial representation in all spheres of South African life permeate and to a certain extent still dominate social, political, and economic growth and development. The stance that was adopted when the Black Economic Empowerment policy was implemented was that previously disadvantaged South Africans would be a priority in relation to employment and opportunities. The aim was to readdress the injustices of the past. In the 1920’s Afrikanerdom adopted a similar stance to support the impoverished sects of the…

4 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Dobson spoilt for choice as he puts his backline puzzle together

After a long season without some of their best backs, the Stormers suddenly have an embarrassment of Springbok riches. But what combination will John Dobson pick to play against the Scarlets this weekend? Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Warrick Gelant have been sorely missed for long periods in a season that has left the former champions struggling for survival in the United Rugby Championship. They are currently 12th and face a challenging fortnight away from home against the Scarlets and Ulster. All three are versatile — particularly Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu — and it will be interesting to see how the coach combines their talents while also accommodating other key backline players such as Dan du Plessis. With Manie Libbok still injured and unlikely to play again this season, Dobson has…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Jurenzo ‘The Boogie Man’ Julius sets his sights on Springboks

If Jurenzo Julius had not been awarded a rugby scholarship to Paul Roos Gimnasium, he could have debuted for Namibia instead of knocking on the door of the mighty Springboks. The 20-year-old was born and raised in South Africa’s neighbouring country, where his powerful physique earned him the nickname “The Boogie Man”, and also gained him attention from the Cape rugby nursery. “Namibia was my home and my family live there, but it changed for me after primary school when the offer came to go to South Africa,” the recently crowned Junior Springbok of the Year said on Wednesday. “I was born into a rugby family – my father and uncles played semi-professionally – and being bigger than the other guys, the nickname came, and it stuck. “But I also…

2 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Bulls skipper Ludwig locked in for Bok RG

It doesn’t get much bigger than facing RG Snyman – literally and figuratively – and the Bulls seem to be making a special plan to counter the Springbok giant. Current captain Reinhardt Ludwig has been operating at blindside flank for most of his senior career, but is now set to don the Bulls No 5 jersey in Saturday’s huge United Rugby Championship clash against Leinster at Loftus Versfeld (5pm start). The 22-year-old utility forward is not daunted by the challenge of taking on Snyman, though, especially with regular skipper Ruan Nortjé still out with a knee injury. Junior Springbok JF van Heerden has stepped into the No 5 breach in the meantime, but Ludwig is set to shift from blindside flank to lock this weekend. Asked about his thoughts of…

3 min

Cape Argus|2025-03-20

Maharaj aiming to take Dolphins ‘over the line’

As busy as the international and franchise cricket schedule is, it remains an important role for the Proteas players to return to domestic cricket and pass down the knowledge and experience to the new generation. SA spinner Keshav Maharaj understands this duty that he and his national teammates have, and hasn’t hesitated fulfilling it as he returned to the Dolphins side from the Champions Trophy to help the Durban-based side to win the One Day Cup. Maharaj understands the impact of sharing the dressing room with an experienced international as a young cricketer on the come-up. Having played in two ICC events in under a year, playing in the scorching West Indies and Bangladesh sun in Test cricket, Maharaj feels fatigued, but national duty outweighs physical tiredness. “Look, as tired…

2 min