Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-19 i Cape Argus

Fom Robert Redford’s death to Mariah Carey’s festival performance and Tyla’s fashion nod from Claudia Schiffer, it has been an eventful week in the entertainment word. Stars passed away, albums dropped, supercars changed hands and icy celebrity feuds may have finally melted. Here’s a wrap of the biggest local and international moments. 1 Robert Redford dies, aged 89 Cinema icon Robert Redford passed away in his sleep at his Utah home on Tuesday at the age of 89. Known for his roles in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, Redford also won an Oscar for directing Ordinary People and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. He co-founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1985, supporting independent film-makers, while also being a…

A FORMER machinist from Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain is “sewing” hope into her community by teaching them skills and has trained close to 700 people. Maria Brander, 62, founder of the Sewing Academy Training School in Beacon Valley, said she is utilising her skills to educate people in her community to become employable, creating job opportunities for themselves. She said it doesn’t matter your age, whether you’re wearing rags or homeless, she has trained over 690 people from the surrounding gang-ridden areas and is making a difference. Brander said: “I don’t know what happened, but one day God just put it on my mind to help these people on the street. “I asked Him to show me, and He said ‘teach my people, get them off the street’. “If you…

A new report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has revealed that Gauteng and Western Cape are likely to experience more water scarcity due to growing populations – driven by significant in-migration. This is according to the 2024 National State of Water report, which stated that Gauteng is the leading centre for international and domestic migrants, while the Western Cape is the second major immigration attraction centre. Gauteng has a population of about 16 million while the Western Cape is home to 7.6 million residents. The report stated that Gauteng is projected to reach 20 million residents by 2050, while the Western Cape is expected to reach 8.5 million, a growth not matched by an adequate increase in dam storage capacity. For years, some parts of the country…

KZN Police Commissioner, lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, dropped a bombshell at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, claiming that the arrest of Crime Intelligence chief, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, was a calculated move to shut down investigations into powerful drug cartels and organised crime. Speaking at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, Mkhwanazi revealed that internal sabotage and political interference were crippling the Political Task Team’s work, which was tasked with unearthing deep-rooted criminal networks operating across provinces. “When General Khumalo was arrested, it became clear – this wasn’t just a legal matter. It was a strategic hit on our operations. His arrest was meant to immediately collapse the investigation,” said Mkhwanazi. Khumalo was arrested two months ago under what Mkhwanazi called “questionable and politically motivated circumstances”, following a letter circulated within the Investigating Directorate…

Wesley Neumann, the former principal of Heathfield High School, is set to return to the Labour Court today as he fights for reinstatement against the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). This David and Goliath battle unfolds as Neumann’s counsel presents his grounds for review, following the WCED’s arguments. Closing arguments will be heard at the Labour Court in Cape Town. According to the head of the department at the time, Brian Schreuder, Neumann went against directives he had issued, which instructed that every Grade 12 pupil be physically at school every day of the week from August 3, 2020, until the commencement of their National Senior Certificate exams. Despite his reservations about the directives issued, which related to health and safety concerns during the first wave of the pandemic, evidence…

The Springboks delivered a statement performance in Wellington, dismantling the All Blacks in a manner few could have anticipated. It was a victory that reignited belief in Rassie Erasmus’ plans ahead of the next Rugby World Cup in Australia and kept the Springboks’ Rugby Championship hopes alive. It was also the first real sign this year that the Boks’ evolution is on track, as they combined their physicality and top-class kicking with brilliant decision-making and clinical finishing with ball in hand. But now comes the real test for the Springboks — consistency. It’s time to deliver that sort of performance on a regular basis after a few Jekyll-and-Hyde displays over the last few months. Erasmus has admitted that the constant rotation of his matchday squads could be the reason why…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has called on his under-pressure team to produce “perseverance and resilience” in their upcoming two home Betway Premiership matches. Stellies suffered a 2-1 defeat to AmaZulu on Wednesday evening - their third consecutive reversal including last weekend’s MTN8 Cup final loss to Orlando Pirates - and now find themselves languishing in 13th position on the League table. Barker was hoping for his side to bounce back at the Princess Magogo Stadium, but instead a two-goal blitz from Usuthu’s Hendrick Eikstein sunk the Winelands club further into the quagmire. The next challenge is Richards Bay, who are two places ahead of Stellies on the table, at the Danie Craven Stadium tomorrow followed by a head-on collision with another high-flying KwaZulu-Natal outfit Durban City on Wednesday. “Yeah,…

Season two of Married at First Sight South Africa has proved to be a viewer favourite. For the past 11 weeks, there have been numerous online conversations about the couples who got married at first sight, navigating married life in real time. They are Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya as well as Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo. In the latest episode, emotions ran high as tensions surfaced between some of the couples. Baloyi and Luvalo had an intimate and heartfelt conversation about grief, following the recent passing of Baloyi’s father. After finding himself tired of the external noise, Luvalo joined the show to try a different approach to finding a wife. “To cut out options and choice and see…

The City of Cape Town will put an updated traffic by-law out for public participation from today, the first major review of the legislation in 15 years. Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith said the original by-law was adopted in 2011, and this is the first significant overhaul since then. “Work on the amendments began in 2019 through the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, with some provisions already gazetted in 2022. “The review specifically looks at empowering officers to impound vehicles in instances of reckless or dangerous driving. The by-law is really an attempt to create meaningful behaviour change on our roads,” Smith said. He noted that despite the high number of fines issued in Cape Town, driver behaviour has not improved. “In March, April, May, June, and…

A FEMALE gun smuggler has been arrested at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court while armed with ammunition and was caught by their newly improved metal detection system. This Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, revealed while addressing the National Assembly this week, as she responded to questions on access to justice, prosecutor protection, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and court security. Kubayi’s oversight visits to courts nationwide identified challenges like infrastructure, security, and staffing, alongside positives such as efficient Small Claims Courts. Interventions include infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security, staff recruitment, and ICT support. “I am grateful for the observations made during the course of the visits. The men and women who wake up daily to ensure that access to the courts and access to justice is a lived experience…

Eskom Group chief executive Dan Marokane has revealed that while nearly 10 million households across South Africa are eligible for free basic electricity, only 2 million are actually receiving it. This stark disparity highlights a significant issue in electricity access. Last month, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said that the cost of electricity in South Africa was “unsustainable” and was driving many households deeper into energy poverty. “We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It’s unaffordable. I mean, it’s dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households.” He added that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units. In an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Marokane revealed that while…

Championship leader Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris resume their world title battle in Azerbaijan this weekend, but they could also secure McLaren the constructors’ crown. Having won 12 of the 16 races so far this year between them, Piastri and Norris are already on the brink of wrapping up McLaren’s 10th team title with seven races remaining. The teammates are also locked in a race for the drivers’ world championship, with Piastri leading Norris by 31 points after the Briton cut his advantage last time out in Monza. Despite Max Verstappen’s victory at the high-speed Italian Grand Prix, the return to a street circuit where Piastri triumphed last year should enable McLaren to resume normal service. Accidents and incidents, however, are often part of the spectacle in Baku. Norris can…

Let me set the scene. It was the late ’90s in the south of Johannesburg. I was a prefect then at Laerskool Theo Wassenaar and in the final days of primary school before heading to the nearby high school. It was an open day, where they welcomed prospective students, and as prefect – proudly wearing my bottle green blazer, my station pinned its lapel – it was my job, alongside my peers, to introduce them to the school. The drop-off point was on the sidewalk, at the lower end of the school, next to their fields. We would guide the younger kids, along with their parents, up to the main gate, making small talk and speaking pleasantries as we attempted to convince both that this was the school that they…

Orlando Pirates are slowly blending as a unit, which is why they’ve set their sights on challenging for every trophy up for grabs this season — including the CAF Champions League. The Buccaneers will begin their Champions League campaign in the first-round preliminary qualifiers at a neutral venue -Toyota Stadium in the Free State - tomorrow. They are expected to win this match, and the tie overall. The Sea Robbers are high on confidence, having cruised to their fourth successive MTN8 crown after beating Stellenbosch 3–1 at Mbombela Stadium at the weekend. And that’s not all — they also had an impressive continental campaign last season and boast considerable squad depth. Pirates reached the Champions League semi-finals last term, losing to eventual champions, Pyramids of Egypt. A lot has happened…

Baroque Orchestra Festival Experience this annual festival, where orchestral music is being celebrated and ushered into a new era of growth and artistic excellence. The festival features five events: showcasing upcoming recorder players, celebrity duos, Tudor vocal music – celebrating 18th-century female composer, Mrs. Philarmonica – and a performance tribute to German composer, Georg Telemann. Some of South Africa’s finest music and international musicians including baroque violinists Antoinette Lohmann and Pauline Nobes; soprano Stefanie True among many others will also be featured on some of the performances. Where: Various locations across Cape Town. When: This Saturday until September 27. Show times differ. Earthdance Indulge in a weekend of celebrating and connecting with the beauty of the Earth. This event features psychedelic trance music, performances from acoustic musicians, ceremonial fire space…

Ten dogs have died and eight are critically ill after a mass poisoning incident in Greenfield. Thukumbela Street residents found nine dogs dead and nine more convulsing. One of the nine admitted to Animal Welfare Society Helderberg died, leaving eight fighting for their lives. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Inspector Lwazi Ntungele was called to the disturbing scene by the Animal Welfare Society Helderberg. “What I saw this morning will stay with me for a long time. Dogs lying dead in their own vomit, children asking me if their dogs would wake up, and men who admitted that they cried for the first time in years,” he said. “I feel a heavy responsibility to these dogs and their families to seek justice for them.” The SPCA said the homes…

The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that two groups of learners linked to an altercation during which a learner was stabbed in the neck due to an argument over a cap, were suspended. The school said disciplinary action is on the cards following a peace agreement between the parties. The school, Tuscany Glen High School in Blue Downs, shared an open letter to parents on their Facebook page regarding the September 10 incident. They said disciplinary action included a visit by a representative from the department and Anti-Gang Unit (AGU). The learners were suspended for seven days and returned to school yesterday. The school said: ““Upon their return, we will proceed with disciplinary action as outlined in the school's Code of Conduct. “To address the root conflict and prevent…

THE South African arts and culture industry is in uproar, preparing for a major showdown with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and its Minister, Gayton McKenzie. The department is under fire for its decision to significantly reduce funding for major cultural festivals. This backlash is further fuelled by the reallocation of R82 million from its budget, money initially earmarked for the now-abandoned Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology project. This contentious move has thrown beloved events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, Woordfees, Innibos, Aardklop, and the Vrystaat Kunstefees into deep crisis, raising serious concerns about the very survival of South Africa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Adding fuel to the fire is the revelation that the R82m diversion was initially meant for sports…

Cape Town City Hall has stood at the edge of the Grand Parade for 119 years, its honey-coloured stone and clock tower a familiar mark on the city skyline and a witness to some of the country’s most important moments. Completed in 1905, it was the last Victorian building to rise in Cape Town. Architects Harry Austin Reid and Frederik George Green won a public design competition, and contractors T Howard and FG Scott carried out the construction. The limestone was shipped from Bath in England. The tower’s clock and bells were modelled on London’s Big Ben, with clock faces cast in iron and filled with opal thought to have come from Australia. For decades the building served a double purpose. The administrative wing housed the mayor and city officials,…

India’s commitment to strengthen trade relations and deepen economic ties with South Africa and the other countries on the continent was highlighted during the 20th India-Africa Conclave in New Delhi in August. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau led South Africa’s delegation at the invitation of Indian minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The relationship between India and countries on the African continent continues to be strengthened with India-Africa trade surpassing $100 billion in 2024/25 compared to $56 billion in 2019/20 and New Delhi has emerged as one of the top-five investors in the continent. With the focus shifting to co-creating a shared future, bilateral trade between countries on the continent and India has significantly increased since 2019/20 and India has extended significant loans and grants for…

The highly speculated rift between Kaizer Chiefs and head coach Nassredine Nabi has culminated in an unexpected split, plunging the club into uncertainty ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign. In a decision that has left fans perplexed, Chiefs have parted ways with Nabi, as unresolved licensing issues and deepening mistrust proved too significant to bridge. For his part, Nabi has insisted that his departure is not as sinister as many have speculated. Speaking to North African news platform WinWin, he said: "My separation from Kaizer Chiefs was a mutual agreement with the club's management, following a successful and challenging experience. "Currently, I need some time to rest, focus more on my family, and monitor my wife's health, which has required me to be by her side over the past…

The Champions League returned with drama on all fronts on Wednesday night as Chelsea marked their comeback with a 3-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, Diego Simeone called for greater protection for managers after Atletico Madrid’s fiery 3-2 loss at Liverpool, and holders PSG swept aside Atalanta 4-0 in Paris. Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer lamented his side’s loss of focus at the Allianz Arena, where the Club World Cup holders made their first Champions League appearance in two years. Michael Olise pressured Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah into an early own goal and England captain Harry Kane added a penalty soon after. Palmer pulled a goal back immediately, finishing off an excellent team move, but Kane capitalised on a defensive error from Malo Gusto to complete a double and secure Bayern’s opening…

Team SA’s search for an elusive World Athletics Championships medal continues after another tough day of competition on Day 5 in Tokyo yesterday. One of South Africa’s top medal hopes, Zakithi Nene, missed out on a podium place in the men’s 400m final, finishing fifth in a time of 44.55. Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi won gold and made history as his country’s first-ever athletics world champion. Nene went out hard in the first 200m, but began to fade with around 130m to go. Kebinatshipi, the fastest man in the qualifiers, timed his surge to perfection and powered through the back straight before crossing the line ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards and fellow Motswana Bayapo Ndori. Meanwhile, in the 200m, Sinesipho Dambile kept South African hopes alive by qualifying…