Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-12-12 i Cape Argus

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

A heart-warming story of family and community

In Christmas Clothes, director Athi Petela captures the essence of festive traditions and the significance of family bonds in a modern South African context. The Showmax Original, which premiered on Friday, is a delightful coming-of-age story which places youngsters in the spotlight. The South African Christmas comedy centres around Nqubeko, played by Omhle Tshabalala who also featured on Scandal! He stars as a teenager whose suburban life is upended when his parents (Thami Mngqolo and Khanya Sosibo) are hit with financial problems. Against his will, he and his older sister (Slindokuhle Tshabalala) are forced to spend Christmas week with their uncle and cousins in Soweto, Johannesburg. Despite being despondent at first, Nqubeko makes friends with Benny (Mpumelelo Magaga) and Small (Alex Tivani), who eventually help him do some odd jobs…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Farewell to two pillars of SP High

THE halls of South Peninsula High School are steeped in history and the indomitable spirit of its educators. This year marks the end of an era, as Principal Zeid Baker, 60, and administrative assistant Joan Bezuidenhout, 65, bid farewell to the school they have called home for decades, leaving behind a combined legacy of 69 years in education. Baker’s journey at South Peninsula High began long before he became its principal. In 1978, he walked through the gates as a learner during a turbulent time marked by the 1980 uprisings. “The learners took on the State during those years,” he recalled. “That was part of my high school experience, and it shaped my understanding of resilience and the power of community.” After completing his matric, earning his degree and teaching…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Accused in kidnapping case claims sole responsibility

ONE of the suspects accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl said he was solely responsible for the matter. Isaac Murishi, Paul Bucumi and David Ndayisaba appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing charges of kidnapping, rape with common cause, aggravated robbery and attempted extortion. Their bail application was expected to commence, but due to logistics, it was decided that it would take place in the new year as State prosecutor Siyabulela Boto would be on leave. “If the bail application would proceed it would only be partly heard as I’m going on leave on Thursday and would be returning in the new year. “That would then be postponed until I come and it would not be in the interest of justice, as it would cause further delays.” Defence attorney,…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

SA citizens imprisoned in Mauritius

THE South African High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius, Hlamalani Manzini, has alerted a delegation from the Department of Social Development (DSD) over the high number of South Africans imprisoned in Mauritius for drug trafficking. This, as the delegation left…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

2024 year in search

Leading search engine Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search (YIS) findings for South Africa, providing a window into the evolving landscape of public interests. This annual analysis not only highlights the top trending searches but also reflects the significant cultural conversations that captivated the nation over the past year. The data showcases a remarkable shift in online behaviour, with a notable surge in topics related to entertainment, current affairs, and a curiosity about the lives and legacies of celebrities and influential figures who have passed away. Among the year’s revelations is the trend surrounding the word ‘demure’. Once largely dismissed as an outdated descriptor of femininity, ‘demure’ has experienced a renaissance, being embraced by a new generation. This trend, which originated from a playful TikTok phenomenon, has sparked…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

A brutal year in human history

The most brutal year in living memory comes to an end soon. Catastrophic events raged out of control, as nation upon nation, made preparations to intensify war as an instrument of expansion and military and political dominance in every hemisphere encompassing all our continents. The conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan are undoubtedly the most inhuman conflicts in recorded human history. Syria, the cradle of civilisation, has become a horror story, as a once beautiful land, becomes a scorched land, balkanised by its neighbours. It is an act of insanity when self-defence is allowed to commit slaughter on such a horrendous scale. Our failure to stem the brutal carnage is unconscionably irresponsible. Anger and despair, have enveloped the world and the hatred and division that afflicts and divides humanity…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

What the Syrian crisis means for Russia, Iran

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024 and the ensuing Israeli airstrikes signal a critical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The rapid collapse of the Syrian state, framed as a triumph of democracy, is instead an all-too-familiar tale of Western interference dressed in lofty rhetoric. This is no organic uprising but an externally engineered insurgency, designed to destabilise Syria, weaken Russian and Iranian influence, and assert control over the region’s invaluable resources. The swiftness of Assad’s removal – achieved in just 11 days – exposes the extent of foreign coordination behind the scenes. Years of punitive sanctions, relentless media demonisation, and direct support for opposition forces had primed Syria for this moment. The blueprint, perfected in interventions across the Global South, follows a predictable trajectory: isolate a nation…

5 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Stormers must keep the elusive Smith in check

The Stormers are battling through a difficult phase in the Champions Cup, following last week’s 24-14 defeat to Toulon in Gqeberha. With their backs against the wall, another loss to Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop in London on Saturday (10pm kick-off) could signal an early end to their campaign. What complicates matters further is the absence of key Springbok players who are sidelined due to injury, leaving the team to face their London opponents without several crucial assets. However, hopes are high that captain Salmaan Moerat will return after a knee injury, albeit some players are staying behind in Cape Town to prepare for upcoming local derbies in the United Rugby Championship. In the absence of two injured flyhalves, it’s expected that director of rugby John Dobson will hand the…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Top eight the target for Villa now, says delighted McGinn

Aston Villa captain John McGinn toasted his side’s unexpectedly successful return to the Champions League after Tuesday night’s 3-2 win at RB Leipzig put them on course for a top-eight finish. Villa moved to third in the table and on course for a top-eight finish, 41 years after their last campaign at the highest level of European football. “It’s a bit surreal,” McGinn told Amazon Prime after the game. McGinn said he “didn’t know” how far Villa could go in the Champions League this season, adding: “Obviously, it’s our first season back in the Champions League for a long time, so we’re just going to take each game as it comes. “If we get into the top eight, brilliant. That’s the target now, and hopefully we can do that.” McGinn…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Only Sundowns currency for Cardoso is Champions League title

MIGUEL Cardoso talked a good game when he was introduced as the new coach of Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday. He looked the part too – a navy suit with a white shirt, dressed down in white designer sneakers, making him fit the bill of a man to lead Bafana Ba Style. Damn, he exuded confidence well, right from the moment when as he greeted the gathered media in the local isiZulu language – “Sawubona”, – to when he shared his desire to be “a winner” with the Brazilians. Just on those factors, there can be no denying that the South African champions have hired the man with a personality befitting of the club. Football, though, is way much more than that. Personalities are, of course, a factor in helping…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

How Anelise Foxx’s guitar playing helped save the actor’s life

Jamie Foxx believes his daughter Anelise Foxx’s guitar playing saved his life after a bleed on his brain led him to suffer a stroke. The Creed III actor was hospitalised in April last year after suffering a mystery medical complication, which his family kept private but he has now detailed his health ordeal in the Netflix special Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was... The 56-year-old comedian – who has Anelise, 16, with his ex Kristin Grannis – revealed that staff at Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital thought they were going to lose him in the first two weeks of his hospitalisation as his vitals were all over the place but they miraculously started going down when the teenager started strumming the instrument at her father’s bedside. He recalled: “They said at one…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Guides lament Table Mountain ticket system

TOUR guides have questioned the “fairness” in the use of a fast-tracking ticketing system at Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, allowing visitors pressed for time to pay extra to avoid long queues. The premium ticketing option was first introduced and implemented towards the end of 2021, ahead of the peak summer season. The Fast Track ticket allows visitors to gain direct access to the cable car, and skip any potentially hours-long wait. The Fast Track tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter at a cost of R995 per round trip or R650 for a one-way ticket. Regular tickets for adults purchased online cost R430 per return ticket and R280 for a one-way ticket; while adult tickets purchased at the ticket office cost R490 and R280 for a…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Grieving mother speaks out after daughter’s murder

A DISTRAUGHT mother said she searched for her missing daughter for two days before discovering she was murdered. Fundiswa Masa, 45, was at work when her 24-year-old daughter, Thina, went missing last Wednesday. She only realised on Friday that she had not been home because she worked night shifts. “I last saw her on Wednesday when I went to work. When I returned on Thursday morning, the door was open and the burglar gate was unlocked. “I thought she was visiting a friend in the opposite house because she wouldn’t go far and leave the door unlocked. “I went straight to bed and fell asleep and I went to work that evening. “I had not seen her but I assumed that she returned home but didn’t want to wake me…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

SA’s tax collections soar to R1.7 trillion

SOUTH Africa’s tax collections have increased from R113.8 billion in 1994/95 to R1.7 trillion in 2023/24, according to the Tax Statistics report from the National Treasury and the SA Revenue Service (Sars). The tax collections increased between 1994/95 and 2023/24, at a compounded annual growth rate of 9.9% and an average tax-to-GDP ratio of 22.2%. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, SA’s tax authority collected: - R2.2 trillion in gross tax revenue, R87.0bn or 4.2% more than the previous year - Refunded taxes worth R413.9bn, R32.8bn or 8.6% more than in the year prior - Netted tax revenue amounting to R1.7 trillion, R54.2 bn or 3.2% more than in the year before According to the report, the 2023/24 fiscal year saw a sharp decline in Company Income Tax (CIT) revenue, particularly…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

END OF THE YEAR – CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Every year at this time I try to alert employers, employees and trade unions about the risks and problems that arise at the end of the year celebrations. Firstly, everyone should be aware that any corporate event of any nature, no matter where it takes place is still under the jurisdiction (rules and regulations) of the employer. The codes of good practice, disciplinary codes and other rules of employment apply during these celebrations. Obviously rules such as dress code and inebriation might be lifted temporarily for the occasion. Just because these rules might be temporarily suspended it does not mean that other rules do not apply. It is incumbent upon every employer and manager who might be in charge of the event to actually warn all the…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Raid on Syria was illegal

The attack and destruction of Syria’s total military infrastructure by Israel “just in case” it falls into the wrong hands is an absurd argument! Under whose authority was this done? Not only was this raid on Syria illegal it also leaves a bad taste and is a reminder by Netanyahu that Israel remains a nanny state in the Middle East under his watch. Furthermore the destruction of the Syrian military infrastructure leaves the moderate incoming Syrian administration defenceless against the very same enemy of Israel…. this being radical groups in Syria intent on destabilising efforts by the new administration to transform the new Syria into a free democratic state. What a missed opportunity it was by Israel to mend fences and form an alliance with Syria’s new moderate administration with…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Syria lacks cash to rebuild

Syria’s new interim prime minister said he aimed to bring back millions of Syrian refugees, protect all citizens and provide basic services, but rebuilding would be difficult because the country lacked foreign currency. “In the coffers there are only Syrian pounds worth little or nothing. One US dollar buys 35 000 of our coins,” Mohammed al-Bashir told Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera. “We have no foreign currency and as for loans and bonds we are still collecting data. So yes, financially we are very bad,” said Bashir, who ran a rebel-led administration in a pocket of north-western Syria before the lightning offensive swept into Damascus and toppled President Bashar al-Assad. The new administration is trying to win funds to rebuild Syria, a colossal task following a civil war that…

5 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Linde bringing the ‘fire’ to Proteas again

SURELY the three years that all-rounder George Linde spent out of the Proteas team, with very few viable reasons, were tough to deal with. As Pieter Malan said on his Test debut almost five years ago, “International cricket is a privilege. Pressure is fighting for your career in empty stadiums in domestic cricket”, it must have also been tough for Linde to wait his turn as the country seemed to have completely moved on from him. In a post-match press conference following South Africa’s 11-run victory over Pakistan in Durban on Tuesday night, one could easily feel Linde’s pain as he struggled in his attempt to describe how he has been able to hold onto his desire to play international cricket again. “I did struggle for a year or two.…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Postecoglou feeling Spurs heat, United and Chelsea in Europa League action

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou returns to Glasgow tonight for a Europa League ‘Battle of Britain’ against Rangers in desperate need of a victory to calm speculation over his future. Spurs have won just once in their past seven games in all competitions – a spectacular 4-0 rout of English champions Manchester City – to tumble to 11th in the Premier League and ninth in the Europa League. A 4-3 defeat to London rivals Chelsea on Sunday encapsulated the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the Australian’s side in 90 minutes. Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead, but gung-ho Postecoglou refused to sit on that advantage – and the in-form Blues hit back in a thrilling encounter that swung from end to end. Postecoglou bemoaned his team’s indiscipline after conceding two penalties,…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

McKenzie: Proteas captain Bavuma has ‘real pocket power’

Former Proteas batter Neil McKenzie believes Temba Bavuma is starting to “walk the talk”. McKenzie, who was Sri Lanka’s batting consultant during the recent series against the Proteas, had a close-up view of Bavuma’s recent excellent run of form. The Proteas captain scored 327 runs at an average of 81.75 across the two Tests, passing 50 in each of his four innings. The skipper certainly led from the front in claiming the Player of the Series award, which took his team to the summit of the World Test Championship log. “I think, you know, you set your standards as the captain, and you’ve got to sort of walk the talk – and I think a guy like Graeme Smith, he walked the talk,” McKenzie exclusively told Independent Media yesterday. “A…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

GQ names Tyla Entertainer of The Year

GQ South Africa has announced Tyla as the Entertainer of The Year. The incredible run that the 22-year-old star has had since the inception of her career is quite impressive. Her work ethic and hunger for success have put her on the map while garnering a following from all corners of the world. The Jump hitmaker has also been making remarkable moves throughout the year as she collaborated with renowned international artists on her debut album. The songstress has also been entertaining audiences worldwide with her captivating performances while also topping the music charts. In their Instagram post, GQ highlighted how Tyla has solidified her status as a global superstar, making impressive career strides. Her viral 2023 hit song Water broke through internationally, topping charts in multiple countries while earning…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Modack family in Gauteng court

ALLEGED underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack, along with his wife and other relatives are set to go on trial in the South Gauteng High Court next year, on a range of gun-related charges. His wife, Rehana Ismail, along with Modack’s co-accused, returned to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this week where they were informed the matter was being transferred to the high court. The charges are linked to an investigation undertaken by slain Anti-Gang Unit detective, Charl Kinnear and his team, which led to Modack’s arrest in June 2020, just months before Kinnear was shot and killed. At the time, police revealed the couple along with Modack’s younger brother, Yaseen, Ismail’s sister, Roshana, and a long list of police officers, faced charges of fraud, defeating the administration of justice and contravention of…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Digital subpoena launched to combat financial crime in SA

TO BOLSTER South Africa’s capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crime, the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) and the South Africa Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) have partnered with the Hawks, launching the digital section 205 subpoena making it easier for investigators to serve a subpoena. National head of the Hawks, Godfrey Lebeya, said the business sector is a crucial partner in the fight against crime. He said the digital landscape in which the Hawks operates is evolving at the speed of light. “Digital forensics play a crucial role in the Serious Organised Crime, Serious Commercial Crimes and Serious Corruption Investigations,” he said. “The successful launch of the section 205 digital subpoena project follows the establishment of last year when the cutting-edge Digital and Financial Forensic Analysis Centre for…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

From karate kid to Sensei at 78

SEVENTY-eight-year-old karateka, Salome Davids, has been honoured with a prestigious black belt promotion after nearly 30 years’ experience. Davids was promoted at Karate Kai International’s year-end grading at the weekend, which drew 80 dedicated athletes ranging in age from four to 56 from clubs based in Hanover Park, Heideveld, Ruyterwacht, and Elsies River. The event, held biannually, is a hallmark on the karate calendar, testing students’ mastery of basic techniques such as punches, blocks, kicks and stances. The highlight of the day was an emotional and inspiring moment featuring Davids, who has been practising karate for nearly 30 years, as she received an honorary 3rd dan black belt in a heartfelt ceremony. Due to health challenges, she is no longer able to actively participate in the sport, but plans to…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

A desperate plea for intervention

Your Monday edition “Busa calls for the UIF to be placed under administration” refers. This is a good call as we have now had almost 25 years of maladministration and destruction. The employees of South Africa have been treated like dirt! Unfortunately, things got a lot worse during Covid and nothing seems to have been improved since then. The call for administration is probably made out of desperation. I have always called for the South African Revenue Services to take over the administration of the payments made by the UIF to the individuals who have been dismissed, retired, retrenched. The Labour Minister seems to be very tardy on this exercise.…

1 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

All kinds of activism matter in fighting global issues

What good does the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children do? This question is always posed during this time of the year when this global and highly commendable campaign comes to a close, as it did on Tuesday. The same or similar questions are often asked with regard to many other “international” and special campaign days dedicated to a string of societal issues plaguing our communities within and without our borders. Some real polemics will even question celebratory days or holidays such as Valentine’s Day and International Nelson Mandela Day. One simple answer is that such days or periods help to focus attention, raise awareness and educate people about that particular matter. Opening people’s minds’ eyes and conscientising them about the existence and the nature…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Leinster’s Barrett looking forward to facing old SA foes

All Black star Jordie Barrett admitted that he is looking forward to once again facing South African franchises in the coming months when he runs out for Irish giants Leinster in the United Rugby Championship. Barrett recently joined Leinster on a short-term contract until the end of the 2024/25 season, and made his debut for the Dublin-based outfit this past weekend against Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup. In what has been described as a “blockbuster” performance, the 27-year-old made an immediate impact, scoring his first try for his new team 15 minutes into his introduction, off the bench, in the 35-12 win. For his efforts, he was also included into Planet Rugby’s Champions Cup Team of the Week. Previously, Barrett had enjoyed the fierce competition afforded by the SA…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Slot: Victorious Liverpool hardly had any control

Champions League group phase leaders Liverpool virtually sealed a place in the last 16 with a tight 1-0 victory at Girona on Tuesday night after Mohamed Salah struck from the penalty spot. Liverpool have made a stunning start in the competition under coach Arne Slot, winning all six of their matches to move provisionally five points clear of second-placed Inter Milan. The English giants, six-time winners of the competition, were given a tough night by Champions League debutants Girona, who fell to a fifth defeat and are on the verge of elimination. Teams finishing in the top eight will avoid an extra round of play-off matches. “If you ask me about all six games, I’m really pleased with all the results... (but) I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight,”…

3 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

SA Rugby Player of the Year will surely ‘Eben’ out

SA Rugby opened the nomination process earlier this week to decide the local Player of the Year, whom they will honour when the new year rolls around. A glittering awards ceremony earlier this year selected Eben Etzebeth as the best men’s player in South Africa, the 33-year-old becoming only the second player to win the accolade back-to-back. The awards will not just celebrate the men’s best player, but also the women’s player, along a handful of other important categories. The Bok Women have grown enormously over the last year; while the stars of the Under-21 Boks, had a troubled but promising year; while their were stand-out players in a Blitzboks team that lost their way before finishing wonderfully with a series win in Cape Town last week, and by also…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

Hendrikse can test his mettle against Pollard

The Sharks find themselves on a high ahead of their second-round Champions Cup match against the Leicester Tigers as the only unbeaten South African side in the competition. Fresh from a resounding 39-21 victory over Exeter, where their attacking prowess was on full display, the Durban-based side heads to Welford Road in the East Midlands of England ready to face a Tigers team nursing a few wounds. The Sharks were impressive in round one, securing five points, while conceding just three tries. Their dominance was marked by a staggering 18 clean breaks on attack. However, as they travel to the UK, the chilly winter climate presents a stark contrast to the balmy summer conditions they are accustomed to, which could heavily influence their style of play this weekend. Leicester –…

2 min

Cape Argus|2024-12-12

No weather excuses at Loftus for Bulls pack against Northampton, says Bok Steenekamp

The Bulls are determined to bounce back at home in the Champions Cup from a harsh lesson learned amidst the damp conditions in England. After being comprehensively outplayed by Saracens in their opener last week, the South African side are setting their sights on a much-needed victory against the Northampton Saints in round two of the prestigious competition at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The 27-5 defeat to Saracens in London last weekend was a wake-up call for the Bulls, and now they are laser-focused on rectifying the errors that cost them dearly. For loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp, the impending showdown against Northampton presents an exciting challenge, particularly in the scrum department. “I enjoy scrumming against a side like Northampton with a good set-piece,” Steenekamp said yesterday, highlighting the…

2 min