Innholdsfortegnelse for 2021-08-24 i Cape Argus

FORMER Springbok rugby coach Ian McIntosh says Rassie Erasmus’s video assassination of the state of refereeing was “an accident waiting to happen” because officiating has deteriorated to the point where referees are looking for ways to stop the game rather than keeping it going. McIntosh, an internationally respected legend of the game, spent half a decade on an Experimental Laws Committee (ELC) which came up with positive recommendations to the International Rugby Board, but few of them were actually implemented, and Mac says if they had, the game would be a far better product. There are few rugby men more passionate than the former Sharks coach, so when he suggests the lawmakers have lost the plot, World Rugby should take heed. “It is not for me to say whether Rassie…

Alyssia Birjalal alyssia.birjalal@inl.co.za Every year the dance fraternity puts its best foot forward to create a dance spectacle for the country to watch. And this year is no different. Here’s our top picks from JOMBA! Legacy artist, Jay Pather presents “Undertow” – August 24 at 7pm Pather opens the festival with “Undertow” - a composite film comprising of skilful excerpts from Qaphela Caesar, rite, Body of Evidence and Hotel featuring Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre. “Borders for me have not been ones that you can gracefully jeté over, or jump, or even assail. Border crossing has meant digging below, just before the fence, rummaging through mud, crafting in trenches, tunnelling through underneath. Getting to the other side clear, clean, triumphant and unmarked is impossible – things tug, hurt and tear. And…

In step with Madiba’s legacy Kristin Engel kristin.engel@inl.co.za IN HONOUR of Nelson Mandela and his legacy, Lufezo Jigga Thomas will be combining his passion for walking and helping those in need in a new endeavour. He aims to walk from Qunu, in the Eastern Cape to Cape Town in 67 days. Thomas and his supporters will begin their 67-day charity walk on October 1 and will help various towns, villages and suburbs along their journey by donating food and clothes, cleaning old age homes and helping abandoned animals with food donations. “The main objective of this is to walk 67 days while helping individuals, animals and all those in need as Tata Mandela did in his 67 years of work for this beautiful country. Following in his footsteps will…

Kristin Engel kristin.engel@inl.co.za PROTESTERS gathered at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, where three suspects appeared on charges of robbery relating to a break-in at the Parkwood Community Upliftment (PCU) organisation. PCU founder Max Swartz said they ran various projects to elevate and serve the Parkwood community, including a feeding scheme, youth after-school and holiday programmes, clean-up campaigns, and youth development, job-creation, and animal outreach campaigns. Swarts said the organisation was unable to render any of these services after the the theft of property, including computers, groceries, and stationery. “The sad part is that the community is partly to blame because some of them know where the stolen goods went because it's not people outside Parkwood that came and stole everything, it’s people in the community that did it.” Police spokesperson…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za FOLLOWING five months of protracted municipal wage negotiations, the SA Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) conciliator has recommended that all municipal employees receive an increase of 3.5% backdated to July 1 this year. The conciliator also said that different categories of employees should receive an additional once-off non-pensionable cash allowance. The conciliator’s recommendations came after a two-day extended conciliation session in Durban last week. South African Local Government Association (Salga) spokesperson Sivuyile Mbambato said: “We are optimistic that the process has moved to an advanced stage, compared to where it all started in March. “The essence of the conciliator’s recommendations is that it advocates a multi-year agreement and inflation- linked increases. It also comes with elements of cost containment measures in areas around employee costs in…

SURGICAL patients in Africa are twice as likely to die in hospital after surgery when compared with the global average, a study on post-operative deaths in Africa has found. The University of Cape Town yesterday said the deaths were due to failure to recognise or respond to common post-operative complications. The study, published in the Lancet Global Health journal, details the African Surgical Outcomes-2 (Asos-2) trial that tried to address the problem of post-operative deaths in Africa. It was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. During the trial, patients at a greater risk of death were identified and the limited available care was redirected to them. Investigators randomised hospitals in clusters across the continent to provide either enhanced post-operative surveillance…

Kristin Engel kristin.engel@inl.co.za THE Lipton Challenge Cup concluded at Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan at the weekend after 10 competitive sailing races that saw the Royal Natal Yacht Club (RNYC) emerge victorious for the 10th time in the race’s history. The final race proved to be a nail-biter with positions changing regularly and only a single point separating the winning RNYC from defending champions, Witbank Yacht and Aquatic Club (WYAC), in second place and the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) in third place, with Aeolians Club fourth and Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club fifth. RCYC was in the lead until the final 8th leg of the race, where they took their chance, backed their tactician Pete Shaw to the hilt and went in search on the left course, in the same…

WANT a Brazil jersey owned by Pele? An All Blacks shirt signed by Dan Carter? A New York Yankees photograph autographed by Derek Jeter? David Beckham’s AC Milan shirt? Those items, plus others from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, are among 229 that will be up for sale next month at an auction organised by Pele for the foundation he created in 2018 to help underprivileged children. The Brazilian, the only player to claim three World Cup winner’s medals and a man often called the greatest footballer of all time, said all monies raised will help Brazil’s fight against and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. So far 575 000 people have died in Brazil from Covid-19, the second highest death toll in the world after the United States. “Pele is…

MANCHESTER City will unveil statues made in honour of former players David Silva and Vincent Kompany outside the Etihad Stadium ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Arsenal, the club said yesterday. Spanish midfielder Silva, who helped City win the Premier League four times and the FA Cup twice, left the club last year. Former captain and Belgian defender Vincent Kompany left in 2019 after 11 years at the club. A third statue, in tribute to all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who left the club at the end of last season after a decade-long association, will be unveiled in 2022.…

GIVEN MAJOLA given.majola@inl.co.za SOME SOUTH African development finance institutions were seeing great interest from local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in their recovery offerings, pushing them to lobby for more funds from the National Treasury because demand has resulted in them exceeding their initial budgets, according to Department of Small Business Development finance manager Goabi Moiloa. At the Productivity SA and Business Unity of South Africa World Entrepreneurs’ Day on Friday, the eve of the international day, as it fell on a weekend this year, Moiloa said the demand for finance was even coming from entrepreneurs based in townships and rural areas, particularly those in manufacturing. Productivity SA chairperson Professor Mthunzi Mdwaba said it was a major concern that South Africa still had a dual economy with one of…

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi viwe.ndongeni@inl.co.za THERE are many ways to keep you fit and active, especially with the help of apps. Activity-tracking apps keep a record of all the activities you do. They can be for a specific activity, such as running, but often you can choose which activity you're going to do from a list. These apps create a log of all your activities and the stats associated with them, such as how many calories you burned or whether your bicycle ride today was as long as yesterday. We’ve compiled this list to help take out the guesswork. Strava If your favourite thing about fitness is the sense of community and social connection it provides, Strava could be for you. The app is designed for exercisers who enjoy a little friendly…

The US is expanding its manufacturing of Covid-19 vaccines to help countries with low access to the lifesaving shots, the nation’s top infectious disease expert has said. “We are now working on greatly expanding the capacity to allow us to donate hundreds and hundreds of millions of doses to the low- and middle-income countries,” Dr Anthony Fauci, medical advisor to President Joe Biden, was quoted as saying to CNBC. The Covax programme, the international vaccine-sharing initiative – co-ordinated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organization (WHO) – aims to provide 2 billion doses worldwide by the end of 2021. The US has given more than 120 million doses to 80 countries. |…

Follows Hawks’ arrest of seven suspects Sisonke Mlamla sisonke.mlamla@inl.co.za MORE and more school governing body (SGB) officials and school staff are being caught misappropriating and mismanaging funds. The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Leonardo Goosen said thus far this year, they have been dealing with five complaints in respect of Western Cape schools – three matters have been finalised and two remain outstanding. This comes after last month’s arrests by the Hawks, where seven suspects – including a former SGB chairperson, a director of a security company and the acting principal of the Western Cape Sports School – were nabbed after allegedy committing fraud and corrupt acts. Goosen said their process was that once reports have been finalised by a panel of PSC commissioners, they were submitted to the Education MEC…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za TWO Cape Town families who pursued a land claim for 26 years are anxious because an alternative settlement offer from the Regional Land Claims Commission (RLCC) has not been properly explained to them. Members of the Hendrickse and the Bergstedt families, who are descendants of the original land owners, Stephanus and Marguerita Hector, are demanding an investigative report outlining the methodology and calculations for the deviation from the original settlement offer. They sent an email to Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza on August 11 about the issue, but say they have yet to receive a response. In their letter to the minister dated August 11, Patrick and Godfrey Hendrickse and their sister Zelda Jansen said: “As yet, we have not received the…

UNION rivalry killings in the North West platinum belt appear to have resurfaced with the murder of Malibongwe Mdazo last week. Mdazo, 40, a volunteer recruiter for the National Union of Metalworkers of Sa (Numsa), was gunned downed on Thursday, while leaving the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration offices in Rustenburg. In 2017, he survived a hail of bullets when a gunman shot at him in Mooinooi, near Marikana, south of Brits. At the time he was the branch chairperson of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu). He was later elected Amcu North West region deputy chairperson. He joined Numsa and organised contract workers at Impala Platinum (Implats) Rustenburg operations, a move Numsa claimed cost him his life. “Numsa is very clear that the murder of comrade…

Sihle Mavuso and Kailene Pillay LAW enforcement agencies yesterday thwarted the anticipated national shutdown. The event failed to materialise with the police and members of the SANDF placed on high alert, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) saying it had put measures in place to ensure safety and security. Talk of a shutdown began early this month, with indications that its main aim was to force President Cyril Ramaphosa to release former president Jacob Zuma from prison. Zuma is serving a 15-month sentence for defying the Constitutional Court. However, briefing the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday last week, state security officials said truck drivers, under the banner of the All Truck Drivers Foundation, wanted to use the day to kick out foreign drivers. It is said…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za ROOIBOS, an indigenous plant native to the Western Cape, is now on a par with Champagne and Port Wine, which are classed by the EU as products that are “produced, processed and prepared” in a specific area, using a particular traditional method. This after Rooibos was officially included in the EU’s Geographical Indication Register. In practical terms this means that unless a product is made from dried leaves derived from the Aspalathus linearis plant that have been harvested from the Western or Northern Cape and specifically from the Cederberg region, it cannot be called Rooibos. During a ceremony at which EU Ambassador to South Africa, Riina Kionka, handed over a certificate to the Rooibos industry recognising its registration for Protection Designation of Origin (PDO) in the…

Staff Reporter A LOCAL short film that deals with topical issues has won its fourth international prize since it debuted on the festival circuit in January. On Saturday, the lead actress, co-director and writer of Two Hues, Weaam Williams, won the prize for Best Actress in a Short Film at the West Europe International Film Festival (Brussels Edition). The film festival, which was held virtually, is one of four annual festivals presented by Fusion International Film Festivals, with UK directors Dan Hickford and Steve Grossmith at the helm. Two Hues is about a bipolar woman who deals with post-traumatic stress and her life navigating the patriarchy in her family and the workplace. Williams said: “Women are always quite sexualised in front of the camera, and I knew that the first…

MATSHELANE MAMABOLO THE provisional Bafana Bafana squad that Hugo Broos announced this week may have had many proclaiming the start of a new era for the country’s senior national team. The question, perhaps, should be what kind of new era is the Belgian bringing with these changes. On the face of it, the 31-man squad that he is to trim down to 23 later is exciting with many of the national Under-23 players who were at the Tokyo Olympics picked up. Progression! Good! But, closely assessed, it becomes clear that in injecting new life to the squad Bafana’s new coach has missed the mark – the group evidently bereft of obvious leaders and enforcers who are so crucial to success in the jungle that is continental football. The discerning…

BUSINESSES adversely affected by the recent looting and unrest can apply for a grant of up to R30 million to finance the reconstruction of their infrastructure. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has announced the Critical Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme (CIRP) as part of the R3.75 billion relief package for the restoration of businesses. The CIRP is a cost-sharing grant of up to 50 percent of the total qualifying infrastructure costs, capped at R30m, to rebuild any type of infrastructure that was damaged. DTIC deputy director-general Susan Mangole urged businesses to apply for relief funding to ensure they rebuild as quickly as possible and get the economy going. The department’s relief package was part of the government’s broader R38bn relief package announced by the minister of finance last month.…

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi viwe.ndongeni@inl.co.za IF there was ever a time that made us pay attention to our health, it has been during the Covid-19 pandemic While the virus has been brutal to many people, diabetic and obese people have proven to be a part of the vulnerable group whose immune system is easily compromised, making them vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 Registered dietician Omy Naidoo says that the impact of Covid-19 is greater for people who are diabetic and obese. “People who have diabetes and are obese, are more likely to have serious complications from Covid-19. In general, people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications, when infected with any virus. On the other hand, obesity has emerged as a strong and independent risk factor for…

Director of D6 Museum remembered Shakirah Thebus shakirah.thebus@inl.co.za THE District Six Museum has an- nounced the untimely passing of its passionately serving executive director, Siddeeq Railoun. Railoun was formally appointed as executive director of the museum in May this year. The museum expressed its shock and sadness following his death yesterday. “Over the three months since he joined us, he has made a tremendous impact. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that you keep them in your prayers. May he be granted the highest place in Jannah (Heaven).” District Six Museum research associate Bonita Bennett said Railoun had hit the ground running: “Taking over a non-profit that was hit hard by the pandemic was no mean feat. He embraced all of the challenges and was committed…

| African News Agency (ANA) THREE suspects appeared in the Bizana Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape yesterday on charges of fraud and money laundering. In a statement, the provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, said the suspects, aged between 39 and 42, were arrested on Friday. The matter is being investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Mthatha. She said it is alleged that in 2015 catering services were procured for a roadshow in Mzamba Cluster. The company reportedly appointed a catering service, which was to be paid R14 000 for services rendered. On April 30, 2015, the payment was made into the company’s account. Mgolodela said it was later established that a further payment was made…

Staff reporter An intense cold front is expected to make landfall in the south-western parts of the country on Thursday evening, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says. This comes after the SAWS dismissed a video doing the rounds on social media, which forecast snow for Gauteng next weekend. “Although a cold front is expected in South Africa later this week, numerical model predictions together with historical observations do not suggest snowfall in GP at this stage. “SAWS is the only authoritative voice of severe weather in South Africa. We will keep you posted on our social media and media platforms if any changes in weather alerts do occur,” the SAWS tweeted. The Cape Argus followed up on the post by the SAWS, in which the weather services said residents…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za A LAWSUIT by Vinpro contesting the approach followed by the national government in implementing restrictions on liquor within the Disaster Management Act will continue in the Western Cape High Court today after the matter was adjourned yesterday. Vinpro, which is represented by advocate Johan de Waal SC, launched its legal application during the second wave of Covid-19 infections in January this year. It claims the blanket liquor ban missed its purpose during the third wave. De Waal presented Vinpro’s argument on the structure of the government’s argument by way of an interim application asking that evidence regarding the third wave be taken into account, as well as the issue of mootness since the ban has been partially lifted. He said Vinpro would not back down from the…

CHELSEA striker Romelu Lukaku said his goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win over London rivals Arsenal, the Belgium international’s first match back with the European champions, was his favourite of the 114 he has scored in the Premier League. Lukaku needed only 15 minutes to get off the mark for Chelsea following his reported £97.5-million transfer from Inter Milan, tapping in a cross by Reece James, who bagged the second goal. The goal was Lukaku’s first for Chelsea, with the 28-year-old having failed to find the net during his first period at the club that ended seven years ago. “That was the best one for me, the best of the lot,” said Lukaku. “You know how emotional it was for me.”…

HERMAN GIBBS MAMELODI Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has raised fears about breaking down teams coached by Gavin Hunt ahead of today’s Premiership showdown against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (5pm kick-off). Apart from defence, Mngqithi is also preparing to counter Chippa’s dead-ball plays since Hunt has always had an ace up his sleeve at set-piece time. Mngqithi remembered Chippa relied on a set-piece to kick-start their season on a winning note over the weekend. “Knowing Gavin Hunt, we are expecting a tough match because the goal that they scored against Sekhukhune was from a set-piece,” said Mngqithi. “Chippa have some very strong players in midfielder Sammy Seabi and central defender Vuluyeke Zulu. Even their striker Bienvenu Eva Nga is strong in aerial situations. He is…

Stuart Hess stuart.hess@inl.co.za Proteas coach Mark Boucher offered an “unreserved apology” for his conduct as a Proteas player, which had been highlighted at Cricket South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) hearings. Former Proteas player Paul Adams had claimed that Boucher, along with other teammates, had called him “brown sh*t” in a team song that was sung at post-match celebrations in the late 1990s. The reference to Adams had been, according to Boucher, created by another player he didn’t know. “But I acknowledge that it has now become apparent, from testimony of former teammates, that some of what happened at those meetings was totally inappropriate, unacceptable and in retrospect understandably offensive,” he said in a written submission to the SJN, which was made public yesterday. In a statement released…