Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-25 i Cape Argus

SPITCH Nzawumbi has stepped into the role of host for Unfollowed season two, promising an in-depth exploration of cancel culture’s impact on South Afri can celebrities. The radio and TV personality takes over the reins from newscaster Thembekile Mrototo on the Showmax Original series’ latest offering, which will premiere on Wednesday. The 35-year-old promises that viewers are in for a wild ride on the new season as each episode explores a different public figure, unpacking the controversies that have shaped their lives and careers. It will also feature insights from journalists, activists and legal experts. Those who will be featured include The Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel Viljoen, controversial pastor Prophet Mboro and radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu, who has made headlines for his contentious cultural promotion. “There are…

A POLICE officer accused of colluding with underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack, has finally been released on bail after a three-year court battle for freedom. Speaking to the Cape Argus two days after his release from Goodwood Prison, former sergeant Ashley Tabisher maintained his innocence, saying he is confident in the justice system. The 42-year-old father from Elsies River was catapulted into the spotlight in May 2021, when a large contingent of police descended on his home and charged him with corruption. According to the State’s case, the former Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officer is accused of colluding with an affiliate of Modack – Amaal Jantjies, to provide information on raids by the elite police unit, claims he has always denied. The State alleged that Tabisher received R10 000 and a cellphone…

A BOLD new plan by businesses and crime fighters to improve safety along the Blouberg beachfront has been launched. Speaking to the Cape Argus, Trevor Wittles of the Beach Boulevard Precinct Business Forum, said after months of hard work, the project was finally launched this week, with the help of the Table View Community Policing Forum (CPF). He said the project comes following an increase in various crimes which has resulted in a decline in foot traffic at local eateries. Wittles said in recent months, the forum noted an increase in social media posts about patrons feeling unsafe while visiting the picturesque beachfront. “We were receiving flack about vagrants and drug dealers. We employed a private security company but new issues arose, where not all the businesses were clients of…

THE construction of eco-friendly toilets in Nyagatisa informal settlement in Macassar and Masincedane in Strandfontein is progressing well following the handover to contractors in September. The communities are the first two of five informal settlements where the sanitation technology, running independently to the municipal sewer reticulation system, is being piloted. This project is an initiative of the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate in collaboration with the Water Research Commission, with funding from a grant provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The technology treats wastewater through a biological reactor and ozone disinfection, with the treated water then recycled for flushing. Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said construction of the Clear Enviro Loo Recirculation toilet system in both communities is nearly 75% completed. The completion target is…

THE 14th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture highlighted the significance of bearing witness in a time of untold violence, threats to global peace and security and violations of human rights, while misinformation and attacks on truth-tellers such as journalists remain rife. This year’s annual lecture took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday, and part of a year-long campaign in recognition of 30 years of democracy in South Africa and 40 years since the Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role as a unifying leader in the non-violent campaign against apartheid. The role of Leah Tutu alongside the Archbishop was also highlighted. Nobel Peace Prize laureates Filipino-American journalist Maria Ressa and Ukrainian human rights advocate Oleksandra Matviichuk delivered the keynote speeches. MCing…

The diversion of nearly R19 million from South Africa’s Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) to fund President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration has reignited discussions about the government’s inability to utilise funds designated for critical public safety initiativTondo FireAs my doctoral research, The Impact of Taxi Recapitalisation Programme on Precarious Working Conditions within the Minibus Taxi Industry in Johannesburg, and subsequent peer-reviewed articles reveal, the TRP has struggled to achieve its stated objectives. Despite the noble intentions of the programme, structural and operational flaws have rendered its progress insufficient to address the industry’s challenges. The minibus taxi industry is pivotal in South Africa’s public transport sector. Accounting for approximately 68% of all commuter trips, the industry serves as the primary mode of transport for millions of South Africans, particularly in low-income and rural…

A popular catchphrase in business is “proper prior planning prevents poor performance” and according to Franco Mostert, this explains why the Springboks finished their end-of-year tour unbeaten. The Springbok veteran was the Player of the Match in Cardiff where the Boks overwhelmed Wales with a score of 45-12 to add to their convincing defeats of Scotland and England. “Rassie and the coaching staff had a plan for these three games. It was well organised long before we left South Africa and the players knew when they would be playing, so while it looked like we were chopping and changing the team each week, we knew what was going on and had bought into the system.” The 33-year-old said the team should give themselves a collective pat on the back.…

BLOEMFONTEIN - Elvis Chipezeze is a realist. Even when his performances for the club have been such that he should be a shoe-in for national team call-up, the goalkeeper is content with his lot. Zimbabwe’s national team have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) without his services and while he would love to be part of the Warriors squad in Morocco late next year, Magesi’s number one knows that team selection is the prerogative of the coach. And he was not about to highlight his brilliant performances for the Premiership rookies in the Carling Knockout to force the coach’s hand into calling him up. Chipezeze was colossal in Magesi’s fairytale run in the country’s ‘league cup’ as he won Man of the Match awards in all of his…

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered in Manenberg over the weekend to bid farewell to slain mother, Tasleema Erasmus, 42, who was struck by a bullet amid a gang fight. Her body was found in Sabie Road on Thursday. According to a relative, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, they believe she was intentionally shot as she had been vocal about the violent clashes between child gangs, where minors as young as nine years old engage in stone throwing fights. “Tasleema is a mom of five children and she worked as an information officer for a men’s circumcision clinic. “On Thursday, chaos broke out between the Okka Boys and the Sabie Kidz and Tasleema ran out to fetch her son who was on the corner. “As the fight got…

A SOWETO father of six insists the woman who appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for allegedly scamming different women also defrauded him. Ishmael Masango (not his real name) was emotional as he sat in the public gallery of the packed court when Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo, 42, walked into the dock. Ngcobo, known to her victims as Lebo or Linky, was flanked by her co-accused, Derrick Nsubuga, 34, and Nassazi Joan, 31. The R2 million case was postponed to December, when Ngcobo, Nsubuga and Joan will continue to push for their release on bail. Masango said he was contacted around March through Facebook Messenger by people claiming to be prayer warriors. They invited him to their house where he met “twins” who introduced themselves as “Mommy” and “Chief”. As…

South African women are facing alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign approaches. This annual United Nations initiative runs from November 25 to December 10, aiming to raise awareness and combat violence against women and children. Recent findings from the Human Sciences Resource Council (HSRC) reveal that in 2022, over a third of South African women experienced abuse or physical violence. This statistic highlights a national disgrace and underscores the government’s failure to protect its citizens from such heinous crimes. The HSRC study, presented to Minister of Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, indicates that at least seven million women in South Africa have faced physical violence, with more than two million surviving sexual abuse.…

WITH plans under way for another spectacular Kaapse klopse season, there is palpable excitement in Cape Town, particularly within the ranks of the Baruch Entertainers, one of the city’s treasured minstrels troupes. This enthusiasm is set to culminate in a lively Summer Party event on November 30, at the Matroosfontein Civic Centre. At the gathering, the troupe will proudly unveil their new uniform, designed for the upcoming 2025 Cape Town Street Parade and Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competitions. In a time of economic hardship, Baruch Entertainers is determined to ensure no one is excluded from celebrating their cultural heritage. Chairperson, Claude Jonas, said: “Our uniforms are not merely costumes; they are symbols of unity, pride, and tradition. We aim to make these outfits accessible to everyone, especially those who…

The first job of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is complete for Bafana Bafana in what has been a heady week for South African football. But the bigger mission of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup is filled with potential pitfalls and major conundrums that coach Hugo Broos and his technical team will have to ponder over in the next few months. After a busy period, the international scene is on a break until March, when the World Cup qualifiers will resume. South Africa are currently in second position – due to goal difference – in Group C, level on seven points with leaders Rwanda. That is mainly due to their surprise 2-0 defeat to Rwanda on a synthetic pitch in Kigali in November 2023, with the…

After India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, getting secured by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping Rs 27 crore (R58 million), his childhood coach Devender Sharma expressed delight saying that “It’s a proud moment for me”. The auction took place at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah yesterday and former Delhi Capitals captain’s Rs 27 crore is the highest-ever bid in the history of the tournament. Pant’s bid surpassed former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer, who was sold to Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore (R57 million) earlier in the day. LSG wasted no time, launching the first bid, only to be countered fiercely by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).…

The Emirates Lions return to Europe this week in what could arguably be a season-defining fortnight. The next block of four matches – two of them on the other side of the world – could possibly have a major impact on the Joburgers’ ambitions. Several areas within the Lions’ systems – squad depth the foremost – will be stress tested. Logistics and player management will also come under intense scrutiny as coach Ivan van Rooyen and Co consider their options in games against Munster, the Ospreys, Pau and the Stormers. The first two are in Limerick and Swansea, respectively, the former a United Rugby Championship (URC encounter), the latter an EPCR Challenge Cup clash. Thereafter, the Lions will have to rush home for French outfit Pau, also in the Challenge…

THE Last Ranger, a South African short film that shines a spotlight on rhino poaching, has garnered multiple awards on the international film festival circuit. The production by Kindred Films, which is supported by Anele Mdoda’s Rose and Oaks Media, is the second instalment in the anthology series When The World Stopped. Since its release in January, it has received multiple accolades, among them Best Narrative Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival, the San Diego International Film Festival and the Cordillera Film Festival, among others The film also qualified for Oscar contention for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards, while also winning Best Screenplay and Best Actress for Liyabona Mroqoza and Avumile Qongqo. The Last Ranger has also garnered several other awards at noted…

THE Rocklands community in Mitchell’s Plain is mourning the loss of a cherished local hero, Frederick Pullen, who passed away of old age on Saturday. The 87-year-old crime-fighting stalwart was a founding member of what is now known as the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch, having initially established the Sky Hawks Neighbourhood Watch in 1992. Pullen was renowned for his remarkable crime-fighting efforts, often seen patrolling the streets on his cherished bicycle, ensuring that families felt safe within their homes. His daughter, Gwen Pullen, highlighted the legacy her father left behind. “My dad’s bike was like his second legs. If he couldn’t walk that day, and was on his bike, then he was 100 percent.”…

ANC MPs broke the law when they voted against holding President Cyril Ramaphosa to account for failing to report the theft of millions of rand in undeclared foreign currency in his Phala Phala farm. This is among the arguments made by the EFF at the Constitutional Court, in the party’s bid to force the National Assembly (NA) to take action on the recommendations of the Section 89 independent panel chaired by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. In November 2022, the panel told Parliament that Ramaphosa had a prima faciecase to answer for failing to report the theft of the undeclared US$580 000 (nearly R8.8 million at the time the money was stolen in February 2020) at his Limpopo farm. However, in December 2022, the panel’s report came before the NA…

Eskom has extended the deadline for prepaid electricity meters upgrade, as over a million customers, largely zero buyers, are reported to have not upgraded their meters. In a statement on Friday, the power utility explained current zero buyers with active meters have been granted an extension to update their meters to be KRN2 (Key Revision Number 2) compliant beyond the November 24 deadline. This announcement follows hundreds of South Africans who lined up at Eskom offices nationwide to recode their prepaid meters, driven by the looming deadlines. Residents braved the early hours to reach these crucial centres, eager to ensure their electricity supply remained uninterrupted, yet many found themselves facing frustration as chronic delays beset the process. Despite announcing that the deadline had been extended, the public’s frustrations have highlighted…

I read an interesting opinion piece recently regarding the injustice against Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN). I was so moved by the topic that I decided to give the issue some teeth and pursue it in the public domain. Pipe dream or reality was penned by Mr Jordan Erradu, a former LSEN school principal with 37 years of experience and several degrees, including a Master’s in Inclusive Education. It’s a cri de couer from a man who has spent a lifetime with these kids. For far too long, pupils in this category have been marginalised and negated by education authorities, stakeholders, and broader society. All of Down’s Syndrome, autism, ADHD, and dyslexia make up the LESN sphere. These congenital intellectual and physical impairments are intoxicating. Whether it is their…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted “in eight years we have never lived this kind of situation” after Tottenham won 4-0 at the Etihad on Saturday to condemn the Premier League champions to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions. James Maddison marked his 28th birthday with two first-half goals before Pedro Porro scored against his former club, with Brennan Johnson completing the rout. Defeat meant the end of City's 52-game unbeaten home run and left them on a losing streak unlike anything else Guardiola has experienced since arriving in Manchester in 2016. They also remain five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, with Arne Slot's side facing bottom club Southampton (late yesterday). City travel to Liverpool next weekend and Guardiola conceded their defence of the title is realistically…

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez lashed out at various targets during the club's annual general meeting on Sunday including European and world football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA. The 77-year-old Los Blancos chief has been at war with football's rulers over the Super League project Madrid, Barcelona and other top European sides tried to launch in 2021. Perez blasted the new and expanded Champions League format which features eight group games instead of six and an extra round of matches for some clubs. “The new Champions League format is unfair, nobody understands it,” said Perez. “With more games, the value of each one has fallen almost 30 percent - there are more games, but they are worth less. This competition will only arouse interest at the end and not at…

Magesi FC coach Clinton Larsen might not be a serial-cup winning coach, but whenever he meets Mamelodi Sundowns in a cup final, he always comes out tops. In a coaching career which has spanned for more than two decades, Larsen has only won two domestic cups – the Telkom Knockout and Carling Knockout. This is the same competition. It’s just that they’ve changed sponsors over the years, with Larsen winning the Telkom Knockout in 2012 and Carling Knockout this year. The 53-year-old coach incredibly won both trophies against Sundowns, with the initial victory coming during his stint with the defunct Bloemfontein Celtic. Larsen’s win with Magesi came on Saturday. It was a déjà vu moment for him such that in his wildest dreams he wouldn’t have scripted the triumph even…

Max Verstappen’s rivals were quick to congratulate the Red Bull driver on winning his fourth consecutive Formula One championship yesterday but said they did not believe the Dutchman was invincible. Verstappen secured the championship in Las Vegas by finishing in sixth, one place ahead of title threat Lando Norris of McLaren along the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip. “Nobody is unbeatable,” race winner George Russell of Mercedes told reporters. “You go through these phases where teams and drivers together are dominating and people think if I went up alongside them, I wouldn't be able to compete with them. “But you have to have belief in yourself.” Verstappen rewrote the F1 record books in 2023 and started this season strongly with a dominant car before hitting a tough patch midway through the…