Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-19 i Cape Argus

AS THE Department of Transport scrambles to clear the driving licence card backlog caused by the breakdown of the sole card-printing machine in April, a call has gone out for Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to waive fines. The department reported a recent backlog of 690 000 cards, down roughly 43 000 from the 733 000 that was announced a week ago. Advocate Stefanie Fick, of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), wrote to Creecy on Tuesday and asked her to consider announcing a moratorium on fines related to expired driver’s licence cards for motorists who have already applied for renewals, and that no temporary licences should be required until all backlogs have been cleared. She also asked the department to consider issuing public communication of this moratorium through all official…

ONE of the two suspects accused of the shooting that claimed the lives of three children at a barbershop in Khayelitsha has been killed, hours after appearing in court. Athule Mtsha was shot dead in Nkanini, Cape Town, three weeks ago. He died alongside another man in Ntlazane Street. Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said: “Police responded to a shooting complaint on May 26 at about 1.15pm in Ntlazane Road, Nkanini. Upon arrival, they found two unknown males with gunshot wounds to their bodies.” The motive for the attack is unknown and no arrests have been made. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said Mtsha had appeared in the Khayelitsha Regional Court last month. “On May 26 Mtsha appeared at Khayelitsha Regional Court B, and the State was later advised…

EVEN though the increase in the cost of living has slowed over the past year, declining by 2.4 percentage points year-on-year, the average monthly bills have still, in theory, increased by 2.6% between last May and now – adding R21 000 to bills over a year. Statistics South Africa’s latest inflation publication, for May 2025, shows that the consumer price index was 2.8% on a yearly basis last month. This compares well with a year ago, when it was 5.2%. However, inflation compounds and items keep going up every month. Based on a basket of goods the average South African may be spending their money on each month, and taking compounding into account against the base price, everyday items cost R1 808 more than a year ago. This is based…

WORKERS of Denel, the state-owned arms manufacturer, picketed outside the company’s head office in Centurion yesterday, demanding a 7% salary increment that was agreed upon almost a year ago. The workers affiliated to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said they grew impatient with the delay in implementing the agreement, prompting them to stage the protest to pressure management into meeting their demand. The picket coincided with a meeting between the workers’ union representatives and the company’s board members to discuss the ongoing dispute over salary increases. Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile-Hlubi Majola, said: “Workers have been denied increases for five financial years. They were promised 7% earlier this year by the executive management, but the board withdrew that proposal and offered an inflation-based increase instead.” Numsa general secretary…

THE City of Cape Town and national government departments are jointly seeking a High Court eviction order for foreign nationals occupying sites in Ysterplaat and Bellville, while housing rights activists Ndifuna Ukwazi have criticised the application, arguing for housing as a human right. The City said they would launch the application for an eviction of the remainder of foreign nationals who were unlawfully occupying sites at Wingfield in Voortrekker Road, and Paint City in Bellville. “While hundreds of foreign nationals have accepted support to relocate from these sites over several years, the remaining unlawful occupants have refused all offers of assistance by the state and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR),” the City said. The foreign nationals were initially relocated to the two sites during the Covid-19 Level 5…

The growing detachment of biological fathers from their children in South Africa has become a worrying factor as 64.5% of children do not live with their biological fathers. This was revealed by the recent State of South African Fathers (Sosaf) 2024 report, which found that more than half of these children are cared for by other men, with 76% living in household with an adult man. These are stepfathers and partners of their mothers, or in extended family households, relatives such as older brothers, grandfathers and uncles. Men outside the family can also serve as social fathers, stepping in to provide guidance and support. “What can be disheartening when we explore the data in this report is that men are struggling, even in roles traditionally associated with being a man…

BRING on Borussia Dortmund, right? Following their 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD in the Fifa Club World Cup opener early Wednesday morning South African time in Orlando, Florida, Mamelodi Sundowns can be excused for being cock-a-hoop ahead of a match they ordinarily would be dreading. When the draw for this extended global spectacle was made and the South African champions were drawn into Group F, the one match that stood out as a toughie was the one against the German giants – Dortmund. Football is, however, pretty fickle at the top, and the opening results of the Club World Cup have not been what many would have predicted. Sundowns are top of the table after beating their South Korean opposition, while Dortmund are joint second with Fluminense of Brazil –…

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend. Arne Slot’s champions have the chance to secure the first points of the new season at Anfield as they launch the 2025/26 campaign, bidding for a record 21st English top-flight crown. Following the Bournemouth game Liverpool have tricky fixtures at Newcastle and at home to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, runners-up for the past three seasons. Thomas Frank’s first match as Tottenham boss will come on August 16 at home against newly promoted Burnley, while Sunderland make their return to the Premier League against West Ham. The third newcomers, Leeds, play Everton on Monday, August 18. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who…

Recently appointed Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi was chuffed with his team’s performance in the Caribbean, after defeating the West Indies 2-1 in an ODI series on Tuesday night. The Proteas thrashed the home side by 166 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after various deluges of rain throughout the evening had interrupted the game. Mashimbyi said the SA team did well to come back after losing the first encounter by four wickets, and had shown real improvement in their bowling, which lacked discipline in some of their games, according to some of the players. “I’m excited for the girls. In the last few months, they’ve put in the work, so to come to the West Indies and win a series is a really good thing for them,” Mashimbyi said.…

Tyler Perry was accused of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Perry for years. In a complaint filed last Friday, Dixon alleges that Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon while they worked on The Oval, a BET drama series produced by Perry. Dixon has sued Perry for quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery, among other claims. He is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial. Representatives for Dixon pointed to the lawsuit when reached for comment. In the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of “initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show,…

THE Gauteng High Court has rejected an application by Standard Bank to authorise the foreclosure of a mortgage bond it granted over the primary residence of South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and his wife Norma. Standard Bank asked for a money judgment and leave to execute it against the residence of the Vavis. Their indebtedness arises from a mortgage bond passed over the property in Sandton, Johannesburg. Judge Stuart Wilson noted that a court asked to authorise the foreclosure against a debtor’s primary residence must be satisfied that to do so would be proportionate. “Foreclosure is generally proportionate when there is little meaningful prospect of the debt secured against the residence being recovered in some other way, and when the interest of the creditor…

A GUARD dog from Bonteheuwel has been named Dog of the Year at the South African Boerboel Breeders Society (Sabbs) International Show 2025. Elton Daniels and his boerboel, Pioneer Magic, born, bred and raised in Bonteheuwel, stole the show in Bloemfontein on Saturday when the sturdy dog was crowned the International Senior Champion Male, International Grand Champion Male and International Dog of the Year. A proud Daniels says his 21-month-old top dog showed pedigree at the competition to finish best in show. “There are many things that the judges look at, such as his temperament, structure, height, bone density, eyes and topline. “Friends of mine always say Magic has the topline of Table Mountain because it is straight and Magic came out tops on Saturday. “Pioneer Magic travelled across the…

Captain Temba Bavuma says the Proteas must “just live in that moment for a little bit longer” after receiving a warm welcome upon their arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The Proteas touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport, returning home from London after being crowned the World Test Championship winners following their five-wicket victory over the No 1-ranked Australia at Lord’s last week. Although Bavuma has his eyes set on the upcoming two-match Test tour to Zimbabwe, which starts on June 28, he emphasised the importance of basking in their WTC triumph in the coming days. Bavuma wants his team to enjoy themselves before heading to Zimbabwe next week, and most importantly, reflect on what they have done to get to where they are as a team at the…

While strikers often steal the spotlight with their goal-scoring heroics, it’s easy to overlook the brilliance at the opposite end of the pitch. A game-saving stop may not ignite the same roar as a goal, but its impact is just as decisive. In a league where consistency is everything, goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes – silently shaping results week in, week out. Ronwen Williams claimed the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award, but this past campaign saw several shot-stoppers rise to the occasion. Here, we take a look at five stand-out performers who made compelling cases for the crown... Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has emerged as one of the most improved players in his position, making significant progress that has elevated…

South Africa’s four sides in the United Rugby Championship achieved mixed results during their season, with only the Bulls and Sharks reaching the final four as the Stormers bowed out in the quarter-finals. While it was a disappointing performance in another heart-breaking final for the Pretoria side, the Lions had a fourth consecutive season where they could not make a challenge for the playoff spots. More and more questions are being raised about whether they have the players and coaching staff to stay competitive in the tournament. Independent Media rated the season of the four SA franchises... Bulls (runners-up) Rating: A It was a case of so close, but yet so far again for the men from Pretoria. After some strong performances to set them up for home playoffs in…

Cape Town City were denied a vital win in dramatic fashion after conceding a last-gasp penalty to Casric Stars, resulting in a 1-1 draw in their Premier Soccer League promotion playoff clash at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga on Wednesday. The Cape side looked set to secure all three points, but in what proved to be virtually the final kick of the game, Casric, through Sphamandla Mlilo, converted from the spot to rescue a point and keep their promotion hopes alive. For City, the late blow keeps their top-flight survival hanging in the balance. The draw leaves all three playoff teams – City, Casric, and Orbit College – level on two points apiece, with Casric now preparing to host the Rustenburg outfit on Saturday at the same venue in what…

EXTORTION is no longer a shadow crime, but a direct threat to development, public services, and lives in the Western Cape. That was the warning from Premier Alan Winde and Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais during an Anti-Extortion Summit held in Cape Town on Tuesday. Hosted by the Western Cape Government, the summit brought together law enforcement, business leaders, civil society, and government departments in a bid to confront what officials described as a “systemic and organised” campaign of criminality. It comes amid growing concern that extortion syndicates are paralysing infrastructure projects, intimidating communities, and undermining job creation. Winde told the gathering that extortion has effectively “strangled economic growth”, with roughly R400 million worth of public infrastructure projects stalled in the province by the end of 2024…

THE National Coloured Congress’s (NCC) Fadiel Adams, who is a member of the Portfolio Committee on Police, has confirmed they are investigating the rental deductions from police officers’ salaries for barracks they no longer live in, leaving some with just R28 to get by for the month. “The NCC is investigating, we do not have all the facts yet, we are still waiting on departmental responses,” Adams told the Cape Argus. “For a police force that is already short-staffed, under pressure and demoralised, this is probably the best way to put people off from doing their duties. “You are giving people strain they do not need, people cannot pay their rent and their school fees. “These people do not have petrol in their cars to get to work and you…

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump snubbed President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G7 Summit in Canada, sparking speculation about the reason. Sources and experts suggest it was due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which started days before the summit. Iran is now part of BRICS, in which South Africa plays a major role. Ramaphosa, who was accompanied by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola, was a guest at the summit as the only African leader. The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. Ramaphosa met with all other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. However, Trump left before meeting Ramaphosa, who…

WITH plans under way to relocate 60 families from Salt River to the Ghost Town informal settlement at Gate 1 of the Maitland Cemetery, families in the settlement living in proximity to the graves say they welcome the move, as it would create access to basic services such as electricity, ablution facilities and proper running water. The City plans to expand the informal settlement, which has existed for many years, with the relocation of the families from Salt River. Mayco member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, confirmed an “upgrade” would be taking place at the site, which would include relocation opportunities and formalised basic services. He said the project would ensure a safe and well managed settlement. Geraldine Josias, a committee member in Ghost Town, said at first they were…

South Africans recently acknowledged and celebrated Father's Day and numerous retail outlets capitalised on the day by advertising and selling appropriate gifts for men. The event has always been traditionally celebrated with the various love languages which include verbal affirmations of love, the purchase and giving of a gift to fathers as well as quality time shared by children and fathers on the day. However, in a society that is fraught with deepening economic gaps, there are sects of our society that still have not been able to enforce lifestyle changes that contribute to improved relationships between fathers and children. Very few children in South Africa live with both their parents and there are far more single female-headed households than male-headed households. Approximately 45% of children live with their mothers…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad feels that that there is more that the Test team have to offer, despite despite their brilliant performance at Lord’s last week to clinch the World Test Championship crown. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets, a team currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC rankings. Fans flocked to OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday to welcome the Proteas Test team after a successful trip to the United Kingdom, where they broke the country’s 27-year trophy drought. However, upon the Test team’s arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday from London, Conrad reiterated his belief that the world is yet to see the full potential of his team. “We won comfortably in the end, and I still don’t think we played as well as we…

The 39-year-old Spanish great Sergio Ramos scored as Monterrey held Inter Milan 1-1 in a hard-fought Fifa Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on Tuesday night. Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez scored a well-worked equaliser to cancel out Ramos’ opener for the Mexican side in front of 40,311 fans at the Rose Bowl. Inter, playing their first game since being thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, were left ruing their failure to turn their dominance of possession and territory into goals. But the draw was a boost for Ramos and Monterrey, who face Argentina’s River Plate in their next game on Saturday. “When you don’t get all three points, you’re never entirely happy,” said Ramos, the former Spain and Real Madrid defender. “But one point…

The Springboks are in high spirits ahead of the first international match of the season against the Barbarians in Cape Town next Saturday. Captain Siya Kolisi said on Wednesday that although they are not looking too far ahead into the international season, the players are happy to be back in camp and the ‘family’ environment of the national set-up. It’s their second week together as the world champions fine-tune their preparations for the friendly against the Barbarians at the Cape Town Stadium, ahead of double Tests against Italy and a once-off encounter versus Georgia in July. According to Kolisi, they have been sweating on the training field as they look to take in as much as possible from their coaches before they shift to the match-day week. “Training is as…