Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-09 i Cape Argus

THE ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) has decided to maintain its working relationship with the DA within the Government of National Unity (GNU). This decision comes despite intense opposition related to the recently approved 0.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) hike proposed by the National Treasury. The decision to raise VAT by 0.5% has ignited considerable backlash, particularly among opposition parties. The DA has condemned the hike, arguing that it disproportionately burdens low-income individuals and the working class, exacerbating existing economic inequalities. According to a senior ANC member, who was part of the NWC meeting that discussed what the party’s intentions were regarding the DA on Monday, there was a fierce battle between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, on whether to retain the DA within the GNU or…

MCDONALD’S South Africa has confirmed police have been notified to investigate the incident where a black female employee was assaulted by a white male customer, which went viral on social media after it was filmed by a customer. A month following the incident at the Kenilworth branch, Daniel Padiachy, chief marketing officer at McDonald’s South Africa, confirmed the case was ongoing and had been reported to police. “We can confirm that the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities,” he said. Earlier, McDonald’s South Africa confirmed it started an investigation into the assault. Gender-based violence activist organisations also jumped on board and said the incident highlighted the racial discrimination that women continued to endure and that it was not an isolated event, but spoke of the broader issue of…

QUALIFYING South African-born spaza shop owners have been urged to stop leasing out their properties to undocumented immigrants who run spaza shops in their communities. This comes as scores of eager spaza shop owners, hawkers, and ordinary Soweto residents came out in large numbers to hear the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Small Business and Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams unveil their joint R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund during an event held at the Eyethu Shopping Centre in Soweto. However, due to the size of the venue, scores of other Soweto residents were turned away with a promise that the two ministers would return to the township on another date. The fund, aimed at empowering and skilling South African-born spaza shop owners and other food handling businesses…

RESIDENTS of the Bo-Kaap are thrilled at the discovery of a stone well, which is possibly more than 150 years old, and have asked for it to be preserved and tested as a possible modern supply of spring water. Mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, yesterday confirmed the stone well was discovered along the Spolander House, during the construction and upgrade of the Bo-Kaap Market. Spolander House, on the corner of Yusuf Drive and Pentz Street, is a national heritage site and the land associated with the house (on which the well was found) is protected as a provincial heritage site. Upon discovering the well, City officials instructed the contractor to immediately cease work. On confirmation that the well was indeed archaeological, officials from Heritage Western Cape were notified.…

THE power of VR in nursing education can already be seen. As a nursing educator at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of integrating virtual reality (VR) into our nursing curriculum. Our collaboration with the University of Missouri has opened new avenues for immersive learning, allowing our students to engage with realistic clinical scenarios in a controlled, virtual environment. The introduction of VR in our nursing programme marks a significant milestone. During a recent demonstration, I personally experienced the VR setup. The simulation transported me to a virtual hospital with nursing staff, doctors and patients. The realism was astounding, and it was easy to forget that I was in a lecture room and not an actual clinic. Like third-year nursing student, Nnenna…

During the BRICS summits in 2022, 2023 and 2024, member countries engaged in serious discussions about ways to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. While these efforts have since elicited serious punitive threats from the Trump administration, the recent US tariffs will further fuel either de-dollarisation or diversification of currencies used for international trade, particularly among BRICS countries. The US dollar has been the singular most dominant currency and the sole major international reserve currency since the end of the World War II, dominating and influencing international financial and monetary policies abroad. It became the standard currency for international transactions, hence, trade between countries involves converting local currencies into the US dollar. The current international financial and monetary system is disproportionately dominated by the US dollar, which accounts for…

With Southampton becoming the first team in history to be relegated from the English Premier League with seven matches to go, the spotlight has shifted to promoted teams’ struggle to survive in the elite league. Fellow promoted sides Leicester and Ipswich look set to follow suit, with a quick return to the Championship. Leicester’s Foxes set an unwanted record of their own with Monday night’s loss to Newcastle. They have gone eight home league games in a row without scoring a goal. Ipswich are closest to survival of the bottom three, but are a whopping 12 points adrift of Wolves with seven games to go in the season. The promoted trio’s relegation struggles are a worrying repeat of last season, when Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United also lasted just…

You may have expected a Springbok ‘changing of the guard’ at the end of 2025, but it could happen before that. Through form, injury and other circumstances, the team Rassie Erasmus selects for the first massive Test of the year against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on August 16 – the Rugby Championship opener – could look very different from the first-choice group of the last two years. With all due respect to Italy and Georgia, it would make little sense for the strongest possible Bok side to run out on July 5, 12 and 19 in Pretoria, Gqeberha and Mbombela respectively. The main goals for 2025 should be winning the two Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand on September 6 and 13 in Auckland and Wellington, as…

The 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL) was launched to much fanfare in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday, with the exciting addition of the Proteas Under-21 team promising to spice up the competition. The Free State Crinums are the defending champions after seeing off the Gauteng Jaguars in last season’s decider. They will be joined by the U21s and Zimbabwe when the tournament tips off later this month in an 18-team spectacle. Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane was particularly excited about the presence of the Baby Proteas in the top division of this year’s edition. Molokwane explained TNL 2025’s biggest role will be in preparing coach Precious Mthembu’s junior national team for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar later this year. “To me, the more court time, the more…

l Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater This one-woman show created by Neil Coppen and Mpume Mthombeni tells the story of Zenzile Maseko, a grandmother who’s been falsely declared dead by the state. Once a feared political assassin, Zenzile now finds herself caught between a corrupt system and a past that refuses to stay buried. Set in a Durban women’s hostel, the show blends humour, mythology and emotional depth as Zenzile, portrayed by Mpume Mthombeni, confronts the haunting spirit of Impundulu, the Lightning Bird. The show, which explores identity, memory and the quiet strength of women, has received multiple Naledi Award nominations and critical acclaim in South Africa and internationally. Where: The Flipside Theatre at the Baxter Theatre. When: From today until Saturday. Show times differ, depending on the day. l My Children!…

A SUSPECT in the plot of a hit on a gang boss outside the Brackenfell SAPS earlier this year was shot dead inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Dramatic scenes unfolded in the court building as people scrambled to find a safe place to hide as word spread that a shooter was on the loose in the government building. According to an eye witness, he watched as the gunman boldly removed a glock pistol from his sling bag and fired four shots in the head of his target. The source said he was left traumatised after seeing the victim fall to the ground as panic spread across the courtroom. “I was leaving Regional B and walking towards the staircase when the killer arrived. He was a black guy wearing a…

TENSIONS rose in the Western Cape High Court yesterday as the defence continued to question a police detective over the handling of an interview with accused Steveno van Rhyn in the aftermath of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith’s disappearance. The Saldanha Bay girl went missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024. Her mom Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Van Rhyn were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. Sergeant Dawid Johannes Fortuin yesterday admitted that his top priority was locating the missing child. “My priority was to find Joshlin,” he said. “I asked him if he knew about Joshlin’s whereabouts.” Van Rhyn’s lawyer, Nobahle Mkabayi, noted that her client had answered that he did not know where the child was. Fortuin claimed he still found…

SEVERAL political parties that contested last week’s by-elections in Ward 82 in the City of Johannesburg have called for improved systems from the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) ahead of the 2026 local government polls. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) won the hotly-contested ward, which includes areas such as Claremont, Bosmont, Newlands, Westbury, and Newclare, after it became vacant following the death of a DA councillor in January. PA candidate Beverley Smouse won by 41.71% while the African Christian Democratic Party managed just below 21%, the DA obtained 12.76% and the ANC 12.6%. Several political parties including Al Jama-ah, Amalgamated Rainbow Movement, DA, EFF, National Coloured Congress, Indigenous Democratic Revolution, and the ANC initially raised objections to the IEC’s alleged conduct. Among the complaints is that there were voters who used…

THE Oosterschelde, a tall Dutch ship retracing the voyage of the HMS Beagle, where naturalist, geologist and scientist Charles Darwin spent some years on, will soon dock in Cape Town to celebrate his life and legacy. The legacy of Darwin, who is widely known as the “father of evolution”, and the impact of his visit to the Cape Colony, will be commemorated with a range of events during April. The events form part of the Darwin200 project, which is celebrating Darwin’s legacy and promoting biodiversity conservation worldwide. The Oosterschelde, will dock in Cape Town for 22 days, with a range of activities coinciding with her visit, including the unveiling of the Darwin bust on Simon’s Town Jetty by the great, great granddaughter of Charles Darwin, Dr Sarah Darwin, on Sunday…

Does the ANC remember that 60% of South Africa’s voters voted against it at the election? Now, it is a minority party, albeit the largest minority party, but without help, it could be the Official Opposition of SA. Does the president recall that he was elected president with the support of DA MPs? These are vital questions. The ANC, in the Government of National Unity (GNU), despite its written agreement with the DA, has from the outset failed to properly consult its partners. It has carried on, now and for the past three decades, acting as though only its insights, policies, and grossly outdated ideological beliefs are of concern. It often barely listened to its coalition partners before thumping the table. This is not the way to manage and maintain…

The great pyramids of Giza have inspired many a legendary tale. From blockbuster movies to fascinating novels. With the stupendous mythical Sphinx statue – half human, half lion – casting its eye over it all, it has been the birthplace of fantasy. Stellenbosch FC’s players will be hoping to take some of this magic that is settled in the desert sand they purveyed on Monday, whilst riding on camelback, with them to the Cairo Stadium on Wednesday where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second leg CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final (kick-off 6pm). With the tie deadlocked after the goalless draw at DHL Stadium in Cape Town last week, Steve Barker’s team are looking to make history by extending their maiden continental adventure. The magnitude of Stellies’ ambition is…

The Bulls were far from home and dry early in the second half against Bayonne in last weekend’s Challenge Cup playoff. Jake White’s team needed to get a score after halftime to take the game away from their French hosts, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels decided to do something about that. Channelling his inner Warrick Gelant, the 23-year-old Bulls front-rower raced up to pick up a grubber from Bayonne just before his own 10-metre line – and then beautiful chaos ensued. Wessels first threw a dummy pass to flyhalf Keagan Johannes while facing his own tryline. Then he proceeded to do his own version of a three-point turn, in really impressive fashion for the 1.90m, 120kg human wrecking ball. But instead of charging straight into the nearest Bayonne defender – like any…

BOTHASIG police are investigating intimidation involving Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who would not be drawn over allegations of abuse of power in a neighbourhood dispute in Edgemead – a community where his mother-in-law resides. According to a statement by the Good Party’s Suzette Little, a resident lodged a formal accusation against Hill-Lewis, alleging that the mayor has abused his position of power and engaged in harassment due a land use violation. “According to the complainant, who resides in the same suburb as Hill-Lewis’s mother-in-law, what began as a simple neighbourhood disagreement has escalated into a legal matter. “Good has seen an email sent by Hill-Lewis to the complainant stating he has a ‘strong suspicion’ the resident is operating an illegal car repair workshop at a private residence, a…

FIVE state-owned buildings in Waterkloof, Pretoria, officially handed over by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson to the Gauteng Social Development Department, will provide a haven and support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Macpherson said the handover yesterday demonstated another step in the government’s mission to ensure that public assets are used for the public good. “For far too long, state-owned buildings such as these properties behind me have stood empty while there was a real need for shelters for women and children who are caught in very difficult circumstances. “At a time of a gender-based violence crisis facing South Africa, we must use these properties to provide a safe space for our women and children,” he said. He said only two properties were transferred in 2019 and…

A GROUP of activists staged a march in the Pretoria CBD yesterday, bringing traffic to a standstill as they demanded justice for 7-year-old Cwecwe, who was allegedly raped at an Eastern Cape school last October. Spokesperson Sepheka Ramatema said the march aimed to demand answers from authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Correctional Services and Justice, regarding the sexual assault of Cwecwe. “We are aiming to get answers because one thing that we notice is that since we started marching the past weeks, we haven’t received answers from either the government or anyone. So, that begs the question of whether we are being taken seriously or whether we are being listened to. So, all we seek is justice and answers and nothing else.” Participants…

FIVE days after the Table View pump station failed, leaving five families affected by the mass of sewage water, four of whom had to be evacuated, the City of Cape Town confirmed that it was finally repaired and operational again. Mayco member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, yesterday said they determined the first pump’s bearing was worn out. Residents of Table View had to be evacuated from their homes on Monday night via rubber duck boats by the City’s Fire and Rescue and found refuge at the homes of relatives. The residents were also issued with third-party claim forms and an ambulance team was on standy-by. It followed the failure of two pumps at the Table View pump station that started on April 4 which damaged homes and properties.…

When citizens cast their votes for a government, they do so with hopes that their lives will improve, particularly when it comes to essential services like healthcare. However, there is a disheartening legal battle going on between the Cancer Alliance, Section27, and more than 10 other advocacy organisations versus the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH). The GDoH had abruptly ceased the provision of oncology services to around 3 000 cancer patients, many of whom possibly lack the luxury of medical aid. These vulnerable individuals have already endured the pain of being on waiting lists for over three years. Alarmingly, the situation persists despite the Gauteng Treasury’s allocation of R784 million in 2023, intended to alleviate the treatment backlog. A recent ruling by Acting Judge Stephen van Nieuwenhuizen corroborated that “the…

Marcus Rashford returns to Paris Saint-Germain with Aston Villa on Wednesday seeking a hat-trick of wins at the home of the French champions while Marco Asensio can hurt his parent club. The two players have impressed since signing on loan for Unai Emery's men in the winter transfer window, scoring a combined 11 goals in all competitions. Villa head to Paris in buoyant mood on the back of seven straight wins in all competitions - they are sixth in the Premier League and face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month. Rashford will have a spring in his step after twice playing a pivotal role in securing victories for boyhood club Manchester United at PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. In 2019, in a Champions League last-16 second-leg…

Orlando Pirates are 90 minutes away from rewriting history. With one foot already in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, the Sea Robbers return to the Orlando Stadium tonight looking to finish the job against MC Alger – and take another giant stride towards continental glory. (6pm kick-off). Coach Jose Riveiro and his charges secured what was arguably their most impressive win of the tournament so far during the first leg tie against El Mouloudia, having had to absorb significant pressure, particularly in the first half, with the home side attacking from all angles in front of a packed July 5 1962 Stadium last Tuesday. Having gained a crucial 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to an all-important away goal from the boot of Mohau Nkota, they are now one step…

It’s the ‘favourite week’ of the year for professional golfers as the Masters tournament takes centre stage from Thursday at Augusta National in Georgia. South African and former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is one of the international golfers, alongside US star Bryson DeChambeau, who describes the week at Augusta as the one they look forward to the most on the golfing calendar. As the excitement builds for the first major golf tournament of the year, the 40-year-old Schwartzel alongside fellow South Africans Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Thriston Lawrence will fly the Mzansi flag at Augusta National, looking to bag another Green Jacket for the country. Schwartzel comes fresh off a brilliant round at the LIV Miami tournament where he claimed second place and a cool just over R43 000 000 (…