Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-20 i Cape Argus

January often arrives with a list of familiar resolutions: to exercise more, eat better, and learn a new skill. Clear money goals matter because a vague once such as “save more” can easily get lost in the ‘new me’ sauce. This is exactly where many South Africans miss the opportunity to build lasting financial security and confidence. Money goals need the same level of intention as any other resolution. When goals are specific, realistic, and tracked consistently, they become far easier to achieve. The key to making 2026 your money year is starting with clarity: knowing exactly where you stand financially before setting goals that are practical and achievable. Step one: know your spending Before drawing up a budget, it’s important to understand your current financial habits. Reviewing your…

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, emphasised the urgent need for safety and dignity for learners across South African schools an event held at Eldorado Park secondary school. Yesterday, the minister was joined by Gauteng MEC for education, Matome Chiloane, at the school as part of the 2026 Back-to-School Campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Gwarube delivered a keynote address, saying that at the heart of quality education is the promise of safety, dignity, and care for every child. She further emphasised the connection between school safety and effective learning, and stressed that when schools are unsafe, or learners feel threatened, education suffers. Safe schools, she noted, must be places of care, discipline and respect, where learners feel confident and protected. "Addressing issues…

The DA's former Federal Finance Chairperson and former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has accused Helen Zille of making false allegations against him, that include irregular staff appointments to his ministerial office and inflated salaries at public expense. George said the party had never brought these charges against him, describing it as a smear campaign after he announced his resignation from the DA. George announced his resignation last week following the report of the DA’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC), which cleared the party’s leader, John Steenhuisen, of allegations regarding the misappropriation of DA funds via a party-issued credit card. In the statement shortly after George resigned, the DA’s federal Council chairperson, Zille, described his resignation as “unfortunate”, adding that he left before the internal disciplinary…

Oblivious to the needs of the majority of South Africans, the DA is increasingly consumed by internal conflict that exposes deep weaknesses in its leadership, organisational culture, and political posture. This occurs as it prepares for its elective conference in April 2026. With the official nomination process set to open, this is not merely a leadership contest, but a wider crisis triggered by the party’s entry into the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its access to state power. For much of its recent history, the DA functioned comfortably as an opposition party. That position allowed it to criticise without governing, to posture without delivering, and to define itself largely in opposition to the failures of others. Participation in the GNU has fundamentally altered that dynamic. Power has brought visibility,…

Gavin Hunt kicks off his journey as the new coach of Stellenbosch FC this evening, taking on a Sekhukhune United side led by his old PSL rival, Eric Tinkler. Hunt’s squad are itching to climb the table, but they will have their hands full against a formidable Sekhukhune team currently sitting in third place. A victory for “Babina Noko” could even see them hit the top spot if Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns slip up. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch find themselves fighting for stability down in 14th place, with just 12 points from 14 games. But let’s be real – this team has far more talent than their current position suggests. However, performances before the AFCON break showed signs of decline, with only one win in their last six league matches. Nevertheless,…

Now is the moment for the Bulls to build real momentum after snapping their losing streak and reigniting their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign under Johan Ackermann. Their gritty victory over Pau in France in the Champions Cup this past weekend could prove to be a turning point. Under immense pressure for long periods, the Bulls absorbed wave after wave of attack before holding on to secure a crucial win and a place in the knockout stages. It was the kind of result that can do wonders for belief, especially for a side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks. However, the task now is to quickly shift focus back to the URC, where a tricky away clash against Edinburgh awaits in the Scottish capital. While the home side…

Kaizer Chiefs head into their clash against Golden Arrows aware that history offers context, but not comfort with this encounter set for the FNB Stadium tonight at 7.30pm. While past meetings between the two sides have swung both ways, this encounter is framed far more by present needs than previous results. In their last direct meeting, Chiefs edged Abafana Besthende 1-0, a narrow win that reflected the fine margins often present in this fixture. Across the last five encounters in all competitions, Chiefs have claimed two victories, while Arrows have won three – evidence of a rivalry that rarely follows a predictable script. Yet, for Amakhosi, the focus has firmly shifted away from numbers and narratives. Speaking ahead of the match, experienced defender Paseka Mako dismissed any suggestion that Chiefs…

Estate planning and retirement planning are rarely discussed in the same breath. This is because they focus on different life stages and are therefore thought of as separate aspects of financial planning. However, it’s important to consider your retirement funds when constructing your estate plan. Estate planning focuses on how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death. It ensures your wishes are honoured and helps minimise taxes and legal complications for your heirs. Retirement planning, on the other hand, focuses on accumulating and managing resources to support your lifestyle after you stop working. It helps to provide you with financial security during your retirement years. Financial advisers use various strategies and products to assist their clients in realising these goals. Your will, for example, is the primary…

Kwaito OGs Trompies are back with a new single, Lilizela featuring Nokwazi, Kwesta and Stoan, setting the stage for their upcoming EP Pantsula 4 Life. Lilizela stands as a powerful reminder of Trompies’ unmatched ability to unite listeners across eras, carrying their signature kwaito energy into a fresh, contemporary landscape. For more than three decades, Trompies have stood as one of South Africa’s most influential musical forces. The iconic kwaito group currently consists of Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng, Eugene “Donald Duck” Mthethwa, Jairus “Jakarumba” Nkwe, and Zynne “Mahoota” Sibika. Emmanuel “Mjokes” Matsane tragically died in May 2021 following a car accident after a performance in Soweto. With 30 years in the entertainment industry, Trompies show no signs of slowing down; instead, they are evolving with the times. Jakarumba explained that music…

To escape the clutches of a gang, a brave 16-year-old boy chose to enter a Secure Care Centre. However, behind these walls, he remains at risk of exposure to the very elements he tried to escape: gangs, assault, and drugs. Activists who work closely at these centres reveal, sadly, it has become the recruitment grounds for gangs and are calling on stricter mandates and protocols. The country is home to 15 juvenile correctional centres with over 1 200 inmates in the Western Cape who are between the ages of 18 and 25. This was according to a parliamentary session last year. The Department of Social Development (DSD) reveals that it funds seven Secure Care Centres and has implemented a range of targeted programmes in the top 10 murder precincts from…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences after 13 learners died in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, Gauteng, yesterday. Eleven learners died at the scene on Fred Droste Road while others were taken to hospital. Two more deaths in hospital have since been confirmed. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver of the scholar transport vehicle had allegedly tried to overtake several vehicles when his vehicle crashed into a tipper truck. It is alleged that the truck driver tried to swerve to avoid the scholar transport vehicle but it was too late and the vehicles collided. There were emotional scenes at the crash site yesterday where parents gathered for news. The learners are from both primary and high schools. Police have confirmed that detectives are investigating culpable…

The MK Party has rejected remarks by former president Thabo Mbeki which it says portray the party as a product of “counter-revolutionary forces” rooted in apartheid-era security structures, arguing that the claims are reckless and unsupported by evidence. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the narrative advanced by Mbeki was an attempt to delegitimise the democratic choices of millions of voters who had withdrawn their support from the ANC. “The MK Party rejects, as politically reckless, socially dangerous and intellectually dishonest, the narrative advanced by former president Thabo Mbeki,” Ndhlela said. Mbeki was speaking at the inaugural uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) conference, where he told members that public anger over the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma and the July 2021 unrest had been falsely presented as popular…

Organ donation has saved the lives of two children at Red Cross War Memorial Hospital. Meeka, 13, from Atlantis, and Ovayo, 6, from Delft, received kidney transplants on December 19 and 20, respectively. Ovayo’s mother, Xolelwa Magqabi, said that her son is doing well. “My son having this transplant was a good Christmas present,” she said. Ovayo came home from the hospital on January 8. Magqabi said her son’s health complications started four years ago when she noticed that he was losing weight. She took him to the clinic, and afterwards, he fell and fractured his left arm and leg. After his injuries, the health officials at the clinic noticed he had difficulty breathing. The clinic transferred him to Tygerberg Hospital in 2024, and he was transferred to the children’s…

The Provincial Organised Crime: Anti-Kidnapping Investigation Unit, who worked on the Joshlin Smith case and the successful recovery of baby Imaad Sharmar, including the Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF), were among the awards received at the Western Cape 2024/2025 Excellence Awards for the Provincial Police. The ceremony was held last Saturday in Century City. The keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, the provincial police commissioner, vowed to catch those responsible for the mass shooting in Marikana in Philippi Easton Saturday, which claimed the lives of eight people. Patekile said that despite 38 000 illegal guns being removed from the streets in the past five years, mass shootings and murders continued, but he thanked the men and women in blue for their dedication. “We are celebrating the hard effort, dedication, and…

As the euphoria around the matric 2025 results cools down, the focus turns to university admissions. But the burning question over the public versus private education debate remains. One has to ask whether the elite Independent Examinations Board (IEB) schooling system is better equipped to give one’s child a better head start in life than the current National Senior Certificate (NSC) public system? Despite massive transformative shifts aimed at redress and inclusion, the annual noise around the matric gives one the impression that the system continues to perpetuate the apartheid goals. On the stage at the MTN auditorium, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, celebrated the top achievers. Ditto these celebrations throughout the country as the Education MECs celebrated the cream of the crop…

Proteas batter Jason Smith has shown glimpses of his power-packed game, but was he used properly at MI Cape Town in the SA20? Smith is among the 15-players selected in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India next month, a squad that was selected by convenor of selectors Patrick Moroney and coach Shukri Conrad. The 31-year-old was a surprise addition to the squad, as he did not seem to be in the plans, having not been included in last month’s five-match T20I series in India. However, the power-packed batter has shown glimpses of what convinced both Conrad and Moroney that he could add value in the T20 World Cup. The brute strength that he showed during his 14-ball 41 in the SA20 opener…

Every January, we make bold resolutions about health, productivity, and finances, yet by February, many of them have already faded into the background noise of daily life. The problem with one big financial resolution is that it often feels too large, too vague, and too distant. A more effective approach may be to break your financial goals into twelve smaller resolutions. By focusing on one practical goal each month, you’ll build momentum, discipline, and confidence throughout the year. January: Start with a financial plan: The new year is the perfect time to begin with clarity and intention. Before setting any other goals, have a professional financial plan prepared or reviewed. This plan should outline your current position, quantify your goals, and establish a roadmap for achieving them. A sound plan…

Prisoners across the country achieved an overall pass rate of 94.4%, surpassing the national average of 88% for the National Senior Certificate. Last year, 180 learners from 18 schools sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) hosted the NSC results at Goodwood Prison on Monday, and Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald said it has 19 registered schools offering Further Education and Training (Grade 10 to 12). Fifteen schools achieved a 100% pass rate, an improvement from 13 schools in 2024. A total of 132 distinctions were earned. Usethubeni in Durban-Westville (KwaZulu-Natal) and Baviaanspoort (Gauteng Region) have maintained a 100% pass rate for the past 10 years. The Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre School achieved a 100% pass rate. Groenewald said KwaZulu-Natal deserves special recognition, producing…

EIGHT learners from Milnerton High School charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm are expected to return to the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday as the case linked to a widely circulated school assault video continues. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the accused face eight counts of assault stemming from an incident that occurred in October last year and was later shared extensively on social media. Six of the accused appeared in Court 26, while two juveniles appeared separately in Court 19. Their first court appearance took place on October 23. “The accused were released on bail and warning after their first appearance,” Ntabazalila said. “This decision was based on the fact that they have fixed addresses, no previous convictions, no outstanding…

A TODDLER has been hospitalised after sustaining an open wound on the back of his head while fleeing from gang bullets. The three-year-old was injured during an attack on three people in Atlantis on Sunday in what is believed to be a gang-related shooting. As the men came under attack by four unidentified gunmen in Dura Eagles Nest around 10.13am, the toddler, who was walking with an adult, ran for cover. The adult picked up the toddler but tripped and the boy hit his head. The three shooting victims were rushed to hospital. Police spokesperson Captain F.C Van Wyk confirmed that four counts of attempted murder have been registered for investigation. Van Wyk reported: “Atlantis police registered four counts of attempted murder following a shooting on Sunday morning at about…

Residents in parts of Knysna in the Western Cape are facing an escalating water crisis as dam levels drop, infrastructure failures persist, and consumption remains well above target, DA councillor for Ward 10, Peter Bester, has warned. Bester said that while most households currently still have water, several areas are already experiencing supply disruptions due to burst pipes and reservoirs running dry after pump failures. “At the moment, the majority of people have water in their taps. However, there are some areas battling under burst pipes and reservoirs that have run dry because of pumps that have failed,” he said. According to Bester, Akkerkloof Dam is sitting at just 18% capacity, which places the town under severe pressure. “As of yesterday’s readings, there’s 18% of water in Akkerkloof Dam, so…

A petition launched by the advocacy group Bays of Sewage Helderberg calling for an end to sewage spills has garnered close to 3 000 signatures since the start of the year. The group is calling on the City of Cape Town to adopt a pollution control response, formally recognise ratepayer associations as stakeholders in Subcouncil 8 decisions, and implement enhanced water-quality monitoring with independent oversight and daily public dashboards, among other demands. According to the petition, the community has experienced repeated beach closures and ongoing sewage discharges into key recreational areas. Water quality advocate Jamii Hamlin, of Bays of Sewage Helderberg, said that while the group acknowledges the City’s sewer network upgrades in the Helderberg and other areas, water quality remains unreliable. “We regularly receive complaints of illnesses and infections…

Sadio Mané was the hero for Senegal once again in Morocco, but this time not because of a goal, a burst of pace or a moment of individual brilliance. This was leadership in its purest form, delivered in chaos, when calm mattered most. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward claimed his second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday as Senegal edged hosts Morocco in a final drenched in controversy. Yet, the image that will endure has little to do with the final whistle or the trophy lift. It came deep into stoppage time, with the match threatening to spiral beyond football. In the 98th minute, Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Díaz in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, igniting fury among the…

It hardly seems believable after last season’s title heroics, but Arne Slot’s Liverpool future is facing a threat from a former club great who has gone from phantom menace to potential messiah for a number of Reds fans. Xabi Alonso is a Liverpool legend: tactically intelligent and intimately familiar with the club’s DNA. He still has credit in the bank from Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten march to the Bundesliga title, though his ill-fated recent spell at Real Madrid has affected his reputation. Fans adore him, players respect him, and the media would leap at the narrative of a hero returning to save a floundering season with the title race all but over. In theory, it’s a compelling move to inject fresh ideas into a side that looks increasingly laboured, despite…