Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-07 i Cape Argus

In South Africa, stokvels are celebrated as crucial lifelines for many individuals, particularly women, yet they remain shrouded in misconception. Busi Skenjana, a seasoned marketer and stokvel expert, dives deep into this often misunderstood financial institution in her new book, Stokvel Voices: The Truth, the Illusions, and the Opportunities. Armed with over five decades of firsthand experience, Skenjana not only dismantles myths surrounding stokvels but also illuminates their role as catalysts for economic empowerment within black communities. Stokvel Voices: The Truth, the Illusions, and the Opportunities delves into the dynamics of how stokvels have adapted to modern challenges. With contributions from both seasoned stokvel members and digitally savvy newcomers, the narrative offers a multi-faceted look at how these groups are changing in a digital age, while still retaining their core…

A SUSPECT in a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery reportedly lost his leg during a failed heist in the early hours of yesterday in Thokoza on the East Rand, Gauteng. According to reports, the incident occurred when the group of armed suspects attempted to bomb the cash van in Phola Park Extension 5. According to police, at least 10 suspects were involved in the failed heist. The vehicle was allegedly rammed by a silver BMW at the intersection of Khumalo and Murubisi streets. One of the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle with live explosives and attempted to detonate them near the cash van. The bomb exploded, allegedly causing the suspect to suffer a severe injury that included the loss of a leg. Images showing the aftermath, including a dislocated leg near the…

HOME Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber is under pressure to provide a comprehensive report to Parliament on the immigration status of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group leader Phil Craig. This comes after the home affairs portfolio committee met yesterday to consider Craig’s citizenship amidst his advocacy for the secession of the Western Cape to form an independent republic. Committee chairperson Musa Chabane expressed dissatisfaction with Schreiber’s report, labeling it a “by the way response” to all the issues that have been raised. “We must refer back this matter to the minister to give us a comprehensive detail on all matters involved on this individual,” Chabane said. Craig has been subject of parliamentary questions with MPs wanting to know the details of his citizenship, especially whether he was naturalised person or permanent…

MUSGRAVE residents in Durban are concerned about their health after their water pipe lines were contaminated with sewer water when adjacent pipelines were damaged. eThekwini ward 31 councillor Remona Mckenzie said that on April 25, the burst water pipe occurred in the Musgrave area and while plumbers were excavating the road to expose the pipe, they accidentally struck a sewer pipeline adjacent to it. Mckenzie said this allowed sewage to enter the water network. Mckenzie said the city was informed and then issued a formal boil water alert on May 1, which she believes was far too late. McKenzie said residents raised urgent concerns about a foul smell in their tap water and washing machines. Residents of Vause Road, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were waiting for…

As the countdown to the national budget speech on 21 May begins, Build One South Africa (BOSA) makes its first and urgent appeal to the Minister of Finance: Do not cut a single cent from school feeding schemes. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a vital lifeline for over 9 million poor learners across the country. In many cases, the meal provided at school is the only guaranteed meal a child receives in a day. We call on Minister Enoch Godongwana to ring-fence and look to increase funding for school feeding schemes. In addition, we must ensure that red tape, corruption, and fiscal pressure do not rob children of their basic right to nutrition, as has been the case in at least three provinces. Across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Northern…

The cost of living in South Africa continues to escalate, leaving many households grappling with day-to-day expenses. While the nation has seen some easing in other economic sectors, the food market tells a different story. Recent findings from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group reveal concerning statistics: the price of a basic food basket has climbed nearly R100 in just one month alone. The average Household Food Basket has now reached an alarming R5 420.30, marking a 1.7% increase since last month and 1.6% since the same time last year. This is pushing many families into hardship. The situation grows bleaker as we delve deeper. Specific food items have shown staggering price hikes: the price of potatoes has surged by 6%, tomatoes have rocketed up to a staggering 26%,…

Inácio Miguel is an honest footballer, and that’s why he feels the players, himself included, haven’t done enough to help Kaizer Chiefs this season. Miguel arrived at Chiefs last winter and quickly demonstrated leadership qualities, which led to him being appointed one of the club’s vice-captains. His season, however, has been inconsistent, contributing to Chiefs missing out on the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Betway Premiership titles. They could still claim silverware if they beat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (kick-off 3.30pm). Miguel and his teammates will head into that game on a low note after losing to Pirates in the league last Saturday — a result that further dented their morale. A win for Chiefs in the final would…

Did you know that the last South African to be chosen as the world’s best Under-20 player was Juarno Augustus? Yes, the same big No 8 that starred for the Northampton Saints in last weekend’s epic Champions Cup semi-final triumph over Leinster in Dublin. The former Junior Springbok stalwart was the player of the tournament at the Under-20 Championship in 2017, which took place in Georgia. So good was Augustus that he won his award despite the Junior Boks going down 24-22 to England in the semi-final. They at least won the third-place playoff 37-15 against a French side including current Test stars such as hooker Peato Mauvaka, utility forward Alexandre Roumat, flyhalf Romain Ntamack and utility back Mathieu Jalibert. South Africa were captained by Ernst van Rhyn, and several…

Hamlet gets a makeover in this fresh new take. This time, the prince is a woman and the royal drama plays out in a film studio. Directed by Yuri Behari-Leak, the production sticks to Shakespeare’s text while exploring identity, gender-based violence, and justice. With a tighter run time and fresh perspective, it brings real-world relevance to one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Where: The Masque Theatre. When: From May 9 to May 17. Times vary depending on the date. The 15th Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa showcases abridged performances of Shakespeare’s plays by 48 youth drama groups. Audiences can expect everything from Macbeth to Twelfth Night, brought to life with fresh energy. This year also features a special performance by School 1306 from Moscow, with original music and international flair.…

EMOJI interpretations and sexual connotations in message exchanges came under the spotlight as forensic and legal linguist and researcher Dr Zakeera Docrat took the stand at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing into sexual harassment complaints against Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Docrat yesterday testified on conversations between complainant Andiswa Mengo and Mbenenge, which she described as starting courteously and professionally but “slowly degenerated” as emojis used in the message exchanges became sexual and flirtatious. Docrat prefaced her evidence concerning knowledge of interpreting emojis after Griffits Madonsela SC, counsel for Mbenenge, said they did not dispute her qualifications and expertise; however, they disputed “her expertise in emojis”. Docrat submitted that she had, since 2018, researched how emojis are used and related this to the South African context, which is multicultural and multilingual.…

THE DA’s legal challenge of the Employment Equity Amendment Act started in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, yesterday, with Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth as the first respondent. In its court papers as the applicant, the DA contends the amendments replace a context-sensitive approach, where employers set their numerical targets for employment equity with a rigid, one-size-fits-all system of minister-determined targets. Non-compliance could result in severe penalties. The DA argues this violates Section 9 of the Constitution, which governs equality and affirmative action. While Section 9(2) permits affirmative action, it must be approached cautiously and not unduly infringe on dignity or establish absolute barriers. The DA asserts the Amendment Act’s mandatory targets are blunt and rigid, potentially amounting to unconstitutional quotas. Furthermore, the DA claims the Amendment Act…

CIVIL rights group AfriForum has rejected the City of Tshwane’s proposed cleansing levy, calling it unlawful due to double taxation and arguing it would unfairly burden the city’s already overtaxed residents. The proposal is part of a draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year set to take effect on July 1. The proposal targets gated communities and shopping malls without existing city waste accounts but using private waste collection services, with a proposed monthly tariff of R194. Environment and Agriculture Management mayco member, Obakeng Ramabodu, recently explained that some shopping malls are being targeted because they often have multiple bins but only pay for one. He cited that areas like Wonderpark Estate and malls such as Menlyn Mall are among those targeted, as they use private waste collection services that…

THE Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in Cape Town has condemned the bomb threat made against Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six, describing it as part of a disturbing trend aimed at silencing pro-Palestinian voices. According to police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, the threat was delivered via a cellphone message. “Cape Town Central police registered an intimidation case for investigation following an incident on Sunday, May 4, in which a message was sent via cellular telephone about a bomb threat,” he said. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made.” Baadier Gamieldien, an executive committee member of Al-Azhar Masjied, confirmed the mosque received a threatening message warning of a bombing and intent to kill worshippers. “It goes without saying that the safety of all musalees…

As South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) charts its course despite challenges, the spotlight remains on delivery, and few areas are as urgent or promising as infrastructure. The stark reality is undeniable: despite years of investment and policy reform, much of South Africa’s economic infrastructure continues to underperform. As President Cyril Ramaphosa candidly acknowledged in his State of the Nation address this year, “In many cities and towns across the country, roads are not maintained, water and electricity supply is often disrupted, refuse is not collected and sewage runs in the streets.” These challenges are evident in three key sectors: Energy infrastructure Eskom has shown modest improvements but continues to grapple with significant operational challenges. A recent report by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research shows that load…

Martin Odegaard has urged Arsenal to "stick together" after their recent failures as they aim to defy the odds in tonight's decisive Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners head to the Parc des Princes faced with the daunting task of having to beat the French champions to reach the Champions League final for the second time in their history. Mikel Arteta's side trail 1-0 from the first leg after Ousmane Dembele's winner in north London. PSG have already eliminated Premier League champions Liverpool in the last 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, after beating Manchester City in the group phase. Arsenal, who have never won the Champions League, are on the brink of becoming PSG's latest English scalp this season after a disappointing first leg that…

Mamelodi Sundowns have once again proven their dominance this season and are now on the brink of making history. They turn their attention to Chippa United as they look to take another step towards yet another league title when the two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off at 7.30pm). With the title race firmly under their control, the Brazilians are closing in on a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership crown. They have managed to hold off a determined challenge from Orlando Pirates throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Pirates’ 1-0 defeat to Eric Tinkler’s Sekhukhune United last week further complicated their pursuit of the title. That result means their fate now hinges entirely on Sundowns dropping points — a scenario that looks increasingly unlikely given their current form.…

AT AN EMOTIONAL one-year commemoration of the George building collapse, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson vowed that justice will be pursued for the victims, survivors, and families devastated by the tragedy that claimed 34 lives and injured 28 others. Speaking at the George Town Hall yesterday, Macpherson honoured those who perished when the five-storey residential building under construction at 75 Victoria Street collapsed on May 6, 2024. He paid tribute to the emergency responders and police officers who led a gruelling 11-day rescue effort, calling them “heroes” who worked through “the most difficult circumstances”. “We remember every life lost. We mourn every dream of a future that was cut short that day. This tragedy should never have happened – and because it was preventable, it must never happen…

A FATHER and daughter have been arrested for theft after they crashed into a security response vehicle while trying to escape from the pursuit. The pair, aged 63 and 37 years, are suspected of stealing a generator in a house robbery during the early hours of yesterday in Strand and were caught in the chase where they sustained injuries and were later arrested. Police and emergency services were on the scene in Hassan Khan Avenue, Gustrouw yesterday morning, when the alleged thieves’ white bakkie overturned and was found lying on its back while members from the community looked on. Chairperson of the Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF), Niklaas Thysen, said theft is a huge concern in the Strand community. “As per reports gathered on the crime scene. The alleged suspects…

THE ANC has started internal deliberations on its proposed revisions to the national budget, following the National Treasury's decision to rework its fiscal plans. This will be the third attempt to table a budget in as many months, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana expected to present it later this month. The previous two budget drafts were unsuccessful due to political party objections regarding a proposed increase in the standard VAT rate. This latest effort by the National Treasury to create an acceptable budget is anticipated to involve significant input from various political parties, both within and outside the Government of National Unity (GNU), as they submit their fiscal recommendations. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula indicated that, aside from the VAT issue, the party believes the current budget framework is largely suitable.…

FORMER Prasa CEO Lucky Montana has publicly challenged the SA Revenue Service’s (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated. The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority’s application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent. SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS’s claims. Montana, the former CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), vehemently denies owing SARS any money. In a detailed statement issued before yesterday’s court hearing, Montana described the…

JOE Slovo residents continue to pick up the pieces after a fire killed two people and destroyed 45 shacks in the informal settlement a week ago. Ward 4 community activist, Steve Mdunyelwa, said the fire started just before midnight last Tuesday and the cause was still unknown. “We woke up to people shouting ‘fire, fire’ and it was chaotic. “We couldn’t determine where exactly the fire started. “And when firefighters arrived here they couldn’t reach the fire as there were so many cars parked on the street,” said Mdunyelwa. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, said numerous distress calls were received of shacks alight in Freedom Way. “The first arriving officer assessed the situation and called on additional resources to combat the blaze. “In total, we…

CONSTRUCTION is a physically challenging and demanding industry requiring much physical work in the elements, long working hours and often more than a five-day week, employment on a “contract” or even “trade on a contract” basis. Furthermore, it is often transient in nature, which adds to the challenges due to working away from home and family. In terms of construction, regardless of how menial an activity or task may be, it is an integral part of a project. In terms of cost, over-excavation for column bases can result in excessive concrete wastage and financial loss. In terms of quality, placing of concrete requires proper compaction to avert segregation and “honeycombing”, and the compromising of quality and schedule requirements. In terms of client and principal agent satisfaction upon “handover”, clean floors…

Every year on May 2, World Tuna Day draws attention to one of the ocean’s most ecologically and economically vital fish species. Tuna fish are more than just a prized catch – they are apex predators that maintain marine ecosystem balance, support global food security and drive coastal economies. Yet overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation threaten their survival. As we observe this day, we must recognise the urgent need for sustainable management to ensure that tuna remain a thriving part of our oceans. Globally, tuna fisheries generate billions of dollars annually, making them a critical resource. However, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and bycatch (such as sharks and sea turtles) exacerbate population decline. There are 15 species of tuna, and their conservation status varies. Many face significant pressures;…

The Stormers scored 56 terrific points in their last game against Benetton. But a week is a long time in rugby – and they know it won’t just be a case of continuing where they left off in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Dragons at Cape Town Stadium (6.15pm kick-off). Coach John Dobson would have been delighted with the seven-try rout of the Italian outfit, and it provided the Capetonians with the ideal momentum at just the right time in their playoff race. The Stormers are now sixth on the URC log with 45 points, and could still mathematically end fourth and secure a home quarter-final. You would expect the Stormers to get the bonus-point job done against bottom-placed Dragons, but assistant coach Dawie Snyman is wary…

Who would have thought an educated athlete such as Kagiso Rabada would be involved in a drug-related issue? Yes, on the field, the 29-year-old has found himself in hot water that has seen him sit in a six-hour hearing in 2018 for physical contact with Steve Smith and was banned in England a year prior for a rather violent send-off of Ben Stokes. However, both those cases boiled down to the traditional fast bowler's passion after toiling for hours to get a wicket. On the other hand, the one-month ban for recreational drug use is, however, a different case altogether. Those who are intricately involved in the sport at the highest level would have heard of the many 'bad boy' stories about the fast bowler. Could this have been one…

Gus Parker was all smiles following his stunning win at the prestigious Erinvale Golf Club in Somerset West recently — a victory that not only secured him the title but also an all-expenses-paid trip to Antalya, Türkiye, for the World Golf Cup Amateur Series final, courtesy of Turkish Airlines. “You know, it was such an experience for me to win this thing,” Parker said at the time. "I’m looking forward to it (the trip to Türkiye).” Parker showcased his skills at Erinvale in April, which had hosted the South African Women's Open just a week prior, closing with a winning score of 42. Commenting on the condition of the greens then, he was clearly impressed: “I think the course was in really good nick. The greens were the fastest I’ve…