Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-12 i Cape Argus

In a climate of rising economic uncertainty, building true financial resilience means going beyond traditional savings. The most forward-thinking executives build true corporate resilience by looking beyond quarterly earnings to secure long-term stability. It’s about preparing for pivotal moments that could disrupt the company's trajectory. Strategic life insurance provides a critical layer of protection, offering immediate liquidity to maintain stability, protect shareholder value, and ensure business continuity in the event of unforeseen leadership changes. Properly structured business insurance ensures that leadership transitions are seamless, allowing the company to move forward with confidence. It provides the resources to avoid rushed decisions, protect the interests of stakeholders, and preserve the company's hard-won legacy. It’s a tool that protects not just profit, but people and livelihoods. The value of proactive planning The most…

There are concerts, and then there are moments – moments that feel suspended in time, where music becomes more than melody and lyrics, and turns into an atmosphere. Last week, the Durban International Convention Centre became that kind of space, as gospel powerhouse Xolly Mncwango staged day two of her The Unusual Encounter concert. The buzz had been building for weeks. Fans arrived draped in their Sunday best, voices ready, hearts expectant. The stage was lit in blue and red colours. And when Mncwango stepped into the spotlight – elegant, poised, every inch the queen she is – the room erupted. “These shows are unusual because they are not just concerts,” she told the crowd early in the evening. “They are encounters with God. It is worship, it is testimony,…

AS A SOUTH Peninsula High School teacher and his brother, who is now retired, were acquitted of sexual assault charges relating to a learner more than 20 years ago, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is encouraging victims of abuse to report cases to their Safer Schools Call Centre. Just weeks ago, the current teacher’s lawyer, John Riley, successfully brought a Section 174 application to have the matter discharged. A parallel case was opened against the teacher’s brother, who was also a teacher at the same school, now retired, to which the court also discharged the matter. The cases were brought by a former learner of the brothers, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by them between 2000 to 2003, while she was between the ages of 15 and 19…

FORMER SA teacher, Iain Wares, who is wanted by UK authorities on 76 counts of sexual assault of young boys, must prove his innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. This, after the State closed its case and following a failed Section 174 application last week to have a Cape Town case against him discharged. It is unclear whether Wares will be taking the witness stand in October in his own defence or how many witnesses are expected to be called. Last week, Wares heard that his application for a discharge, arguing that the State did not have enough evidence for a successful prosecution, was unsuccessful in the Wynberg Regional Court. Magistrate Vanessa Miki said the State had enough evidence to proceed with the matter and the evidence could not be rejected.…

CONVICTED former Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) chairperson Rubben Mohlaloga will have to serve his 20-year jail sentence for his role in defrauding the Agri-Broad-Base Black Economic Empowerment Fund (AgriBBBEE), which was established to assist previously disadvantaged farmers. The Supreme Court of Appeal turned down his appeal against his conviction and sentence, and Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane, who wrote the judgment, had strong words regarding the conduct of Mohlaloga. Mohlaloga, formerly ANC Youth League deputy president, turned to the SCA after the high court rejected his appeal bid. He was earlier convicted in the regional court of fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The regional court sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count and ordered that he serve an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.…

ECONOMIC experts have called for a balanced view on possible changes to the country's Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies, and other pro-black South African laws, which must balance the needs of everyone, especially those who stand to benefit from these laws. This comes as the DA through its leader, John Steenhuisen, proposed “sweeping” changes to some of the country's pro-black policies. During a media briefing yesterday, Steenhuisen launched the party's six-point plan to turbocharge the economy, which includes changes to the BBBEE, Land Expropriation and Employment Equity Act. Steenhuisen slammed South Africa’s BBBEE policies, saying they failed to uplift disadvantaged citizens and have instead promoted elite enrichment of politicians and their affiliates. As a result, Steenhuisen put forward what he called an inclusive alternative to the current framework of…

BRAVE Manenberg girls shared their inspiring stories of overcoming gangsterism, substance abuse, and personal struggles, showcasing their resilience and desire to live purposefully. They spoke to professional, business, and successful women at a Women's Day programme at a hotel, at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday. Tamia Hendricks, 18, who at the age of 10 joined the non-profit group BRAVE, based in Manenberg, said: "I wasn't the girl who had everything together. I was very naughty." She spoke about the hardships of being a teenager, when people expected her to think like an adult but treated her like a child. Hendricks said: "BRAVE taught me to see my inspiration, my talent, and who I am becoming. There were times when I had to deal with family problems. I was stuck with…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker could not help but feel a sense of “déjà vu” after a fifth consecutive Betway Premiership defeat to Kaizer Chiefs. It was, however, not without incident yet again after Stellenbosch FC debutant Siviwe Nkwali was shown a straight red card by referee Eugene Mdluli within the first 15 minutes. Muduli also awarded Chiefs a penalty in the 90th minute after former Stellies winger Ashley du Preez was brought down in the box. The Amakhosi were in ruthless mood at the Athlone Stadium as the visitors converted both set-pieces to claim a comfortable 2-0 victory to get their season off to a winning start. “Obviously, the red card so early in the game will always make it difficult for us,” Barker said. “That’s one thing we…

There’s something familiar and comforting in the way we care for our hair. From weekend routines to daily enhancements, the process is often thoughtful, personal, and built around what helps us to feel our best. While hair care may look different for everyone, from sleek blowouts, soft waves, braids, a quick, neat cut, curls, coils, or colour touch-ups, the intention is the same. It’s care. It’s an effort. And it’s often a quiet investment in ourselves. What many don’t realise is how closely this mirrors the way we manage our money. Like hair, our finances respond to routine, patience, and consistent attention. When we care for both with intention, we build confidence, strength, and growth. Strong roots build resilience Healthy hair begins at the root, the part that isn’t always…

FORMER South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, says President Cyril Ramaphosa is correct to be cautious in appointing a new ambassador after he was expelled. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media at the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) yesterday in Cape Town, Rasool said the question the country must ask itself is whether it wants to go through the embarrassment of nominating an ambassador, and then having them wait, which was the original plan by the Republicans with him. Rasool said he was fortunate to have been credentialed by former US President Joe Biden in his last week of office. “The question is, do we want to go through that embarrassment of the US making our ambassador stay in limbo for a few months, and then because we…

TWO police officers are set to make their first court appearance today after they were arrested for corruption for allegedly selling commissioned blank affidavit forms to the public for R100. The men in blue - a 41-year-old sergeant and a 31-year-old constable, were stationed at the Table View SAPS station and were arrested on Sunday. They now face charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Western Cape police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, issued a warning following the arrest. “Corruption within our ranks will not be tolerated, and every effort will be made to remove any police officer found on the wrong side of the law from the Service,” Patekile said. Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said the matter first surfaced last year when a signed and commissioned statement was discovered…

SA REVENUE Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has entered discussions regarding his departure from the organisation, with preparations now under way for a leadership transition as his current term approaches its conclusion. Kieswetter was first appointed to head the revenue service in 2019, and President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his tenure by an additional two years in 2023. Kieswetter’s appointment came at a crucial time when SARS was reeling from a turbulent period characterised by severe institutional decline under his predecessor, Tom Moyane, who had overseen an era fraught with challenges linked to state capture. Under Kieswetter’s stewardship, SARS has embarked on a journey of recovery, marked by noteworthy improvements in both revenue collection and governance. His tenure has been defined by a steadfast commitment to restoring efficiency, transparency, and public…

TO PAY maintenance to a divorcing spouse - even if it is only interim payments as per a court order pending a final divorce, is a legal obligation, the court reminded a husband based in Switzerland, who blamed a skiing accident for his non-payment. The Western Cape High Court did not accept his excuses and ordered the man to pay R277 000 in arrear maintenance to his wife. This must be done within 15 days and if he failed, his wife was granted permission to immediately launch contempt of court proceedings against him. The wife, who lives in Cape Town, turned to court as she wants her husband, from whom she is not yet divorced, to honour his maintenance obligations as per a previous court order. The husband was earlier…

MAKE a start. Get out of your comfort zone. Have a clear vision and mission, and be intentional as well as consistent. But most importantly, back it all up with hard work. These are the words of Andrika Petlele, who heads up the Engen One Stop in Plettenberg Bay. She is also the only female petrol station owner in the Southern Cape Region. Now, she wants to mentor young women in the region and share what she has learned. Andrika describes her leadership style as empathetic, disciplined and community-focused. She is also very hands-on and believes in leading by example and imparting knowledge wherever she can. “I am passionate about teaching, and that helps me stay resilient even when staff don’t perform as expected,” Petlele says. She said the…

There was a time when Rassie Erasmus took orders from Joe Schmidt, and the Springbok coach admits he is nervous going up against his old master when the Springboks host the Wallabies on Saturday at Ellis Park. Schmidt is the man respected for building the Ireland rugby dynasty, and Erasmus says he learned from him when he and Jacques Nienaber were coaching Munster in 2016 and 2017. “I’m not one to suck up other coaches because it doesn’t help your team perform better on match day, but Joe is a great coach,” Erasmus said, after naming his team for the opening Test of the Rugby Championship. Schmidt has picked the Wallabies up off the scrapheap — they could not get out of their pool at the last World Cup —…

South Africa's Bafana Bafana came good with a 2-1 win over Guinea in their Chan Group C clash at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday. After their hard-fought 1-1 draw against group favourites Algeria on Friday, Bafana managed a win in their second group clash by scoring a goal in each half. Bafana Bafana aimed to end Guinea's unbeaten record against South Africa, which had lasted through five matches since their first encounter in March 2001. The Elephants, as Guinea are nicknamed, have a record of two wins and three draws and had yet to concede a goal against South African opposition. The scoring jinx was finally broken, 24-years later, by captain Neo Maema with a ninth-minute goal after an innocuous upfield kick from deep…

The way you pay your financial adviser can have a direct impact on the quality of the advice you receive. While commission-based models remain common in South Africa, more investors are considering fee-based advice, where you pay a clearly disclosed fee for ongoing services. Here’s what to know about fee-based advice: Your success and your adviser’s success are linked: In a commission-based model, advisers are paid by product providers, which can create a conflict of interest. With fee-based advice – especially where fees are linked to assets under management (AUM) – your adviser’s income grows only when your portfolio grows. This creates a natural alignment of interests: advisers are incentivised to protect and grow your wealth, avoid unnecessary risk, and make decisions that serve your long-term goals. You get support…

FIVE Al Jazeera journalists have been killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike on their tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, drawing condemnation and raising serious concerns about press freedom in the war zone. The attack also claimed the lives of Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military confirmed that it “deliberately killed” al-Sharif and four other staff in the strike. It is believed that the journalists had been threatened for months before the incident. In what is believed to be a direct attack on press freedom, a total of at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Other reports indicate more than 230…

RAILWAY services on the Central Line were expected to resume on July 1, but security threats have stalled the process, said Zinobulali Mihi, spokesperson for the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa). Mihi said work between Kapteinsklip and Lentegeur has largely been completed, with contractors having finalised overhead traction equipment, perway, and station work up to the R300 bridge. However, the final 2km stretch between the bridge and Philippi station remains incomplete due to safety threats in the Philippi and Stock Road area. “The area is currently unsafe for teams to continue with recovery work. This is the only outstanding section before testing and the rollout of services on the Kapteinsklip line can begin,” she said. Prasa is currently engaging with affected communities to resolve safety concerns and resume…

THE convenors of the National Dialogue say the withdrawal of several foundations - including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, will not discredit the purpose of the event. The committee added that the national convention is not about the foundations, but South African citizens. This was after the organisations, including the Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, and Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundations last week withdrew from the dialogue event set to take place on Friday. The foundations released a joint statement stating that they will no longer be part of the National Dialogue preparatory team, citing concerns over the rushed timeline, inadequate preparation and shift towards government control as reasons for their withdrawal. The withdrawal sparked concerns and questions about the credibility of the event, which…

ARCHBISHOP Thabo Makgoba said “Ubuntu is broken” when he delivered the keynote address at the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) Cape Town yesterday, which saw several global voices committed to shaping inclusive and ethical policy coming together. The IF20 forum convenes religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to global challenges. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The Cape Town event is intended as a catalyst for action, fostering partnerships that transcend borders, beliefs, and sectors. Makgoba, during his address, appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government to take action on the five G20 action areas. This included food security and poverty, economic and financial action, social cohesion as a foundation…

In South Africa, a new generation of children is growing up in a world where the digital and physical are inseparable. From smartphones in their pockets to online classrooms, social media, and biometric data collection at school gates, children’s lives are increasingly shaped by technology. Yet our laws and policies are glaringly out of sync with this reality, a dangerous oversight that puts their safety, privacy, and access to education at risk. The digital world The digital revolution is not on the horizon, it is here. Globally, internet usage has surged past five billion people. In Africa, over 590 million people are online, and children make up nearly a third of all internet users. South Africa mirrors this trend, with growing access to smartphones and online platforms reshaping childhood experiences.…

Liverpool have splashed out to defend their English Premier League crown but face stiff competition from an Arsenal side desperate to shed their “nearly men” tag and a rejuvenated Manchester City. After storming to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, Liverpool have looked to build from a position of strength during a summer marked by tragedy. Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother last month, plunging the club into mourning. Tributes to Jota will continue throughout the season, with “Forever 20” — his shirt number, now retired — printed on Liverpool’s jerseys. The Reds have already spent £260 million (about R6.2bn) on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. However, after the departures of Luis…

While much of the speculation ahead of this weekend’s kick-off of the English Premier League has focused on champions Liverpool’s title defence and their massive spending spree, there has been little attention on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Most analysts seem to have written off the Citizens as title contenders, but given their recent history, that would be premature. City have won six Premier League titles since the Spaniard took over, including four successive wins from 2020 to 2024 — a first in the history of the EPL. The last time they surrendered the championship to the Reds, in the 2019/20 season, they bounced back emphatically to reclaim the title. It seems strange, then, that last season’s runners-up Arsenal and Chelsea, who finished fourth, are more frequently listed among Liverpool’s strongest…