Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-18 i Cape Argus

Bonko Khoza is the definition of TV gold. The 33-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of South Africa’s most captivating leading men. Khoza appeared on the small screen early in his career in SABC1’s comedy-drama 13 Weeks to Find Mr Right, but his big break came when he was cast on Showmax’s The Wife as Mqhele Zulu – a role that saw him dubbed “the national husband” by fans hooked by his charm. After his exit in season two, he continued to entertain viewers in a string of popular productions, including Red Ink, Heart of the Hunter, The Woman King, The Drop, and Netflix’s Marked, which is currently making waves around the globe. But Khoza’s latest role promises to capture the public’s imagination even further. Come September 7, Khoza…

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said recent gang violence has led to schools being closed early in the past week and it cautioned the public to be wary of fake news. Last week, schools in the jurisdiction of Lotus River and Grassy Park closed their doors early after one person was shot and killed and four others wounded, including a 72-year-old victim. The WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond confirmed that schools were closed after the shooting but asked parents to be mindful of social media alerts. Days before that, gun violence forced Steenberg High School to also dismiss learners earlier after a 21-year-old man was shot. Hammond told the Cape Argus that protocols were in place to make sure that both learners and staff were safe. “The recent flare-ups…

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has denied claims that it was planning to create a parallel structure to oppose the National Dialogue, a two-day event that concluded on Saturday at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, withdrew from the National Dialogue process a week before it started, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines. Several organisations, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, FW De Klerk Foundation, Solidarity, and Afrikaner Leierskapsnetwerk (Afrikaner Leadership Network, ALN), also withdrew from the National Dialogue, questioning its legitimacy, transparency and effectiveness. The MK Party specifically raised concerns about the financing of the event, while others accused the ANC of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government…

PROVINCIAL Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has 14 days to respond to a memorandum submitted by the Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA) and ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg. Failure to respond may result in legal action as the community demands the removal of stagnant staff and management at the local police station, citing an increase in violence and inadequate policing. Patekile has confirmed he is in receipt of a lawyer’s letter of demand from Maitland ward councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg and the ratepayers and residents association, and has responded to it. Two weeks ago, Steenberg along with the MRRA and community, marched to the police station, handing over a letter of demand. On August 11, Patekile’s office received a lawyer’s letter, which was shared with the Cape Argus. The letter demanded the…

As Women’s Month continues to be commemorated in South Africa with colourful banners and applause, it is worth noting that for many women and girls, the struggle for equal opportunity is a daily lived experience. Efforts to empower women and girls in South Africa have not resulted in an impactful shift in addressing historical disparities. The labour market continues to favour men and shows minimal signs of making real progress towards improving prospects for women. Stats SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2025 reveals ongoing disparities in the labour market. A media statement by Stats SA notes that the unemployment rate for women in this period was 35.9% compared with 31.0% for men, a gap of 4.9 percentage points. “These differences reflect persistent gender imbalances…

Chelsea suffered a Fifa Club World Cup hangover as they were fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Sunday. Palace were denied an early goal when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick was ruled out following a VAR review, with Marc Guehi adjudged to have obstructed the Chelsea wall. New Chelsea signing Estevão came closest to finding a breakthrough for the home side, but the newly-crowned world champions were blunt in attack against a disciplined Palace defence. The Eagles’ key duo of Guehi and Eze started despite mounting speculation that the England internationals are set to join Liverpool and Tottenham, respectively. “As long as they are 100% committed, they will play, as they are so good,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner. “They didn’t…

The All Blacks returned to the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2021 after a 41-24 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina on Saturday, but captain Scott Barrett insisted there was plenty to work on despite the scoreline. “We talked about starting well and I think we did that. We finished the second half quite strong – it was a bit of a statement there,” Barrett said, highlighting the contrast with last year, when the team often faded late in games. New Zealand had raced to a 31-10 half-time lead through tries to Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea and Cortez Ratima, but Argentina fought back to within seven points before Samisoni Taukei’aho’s late double sealed the outcome. Barrett admitted the hosts had been allowed back into the contest.…

South African musician Young Stunna, born Sandile Msimango, is overjoyed after hitting a career milestone he’s long envisioned. The Durban-born rapper recently featured on singer Shekhinah’s track, marking a moment he describes as a dream finally coming true. “Amaphupho ayafezeka (dreams do come true). I’m so speechless, I have been waiting for this moment my whole life, and I wish I could go back and tell my younger self wagwan in ‘25’, man.” “When big sis hit me up for this, I could not believe it because I am a big fan. Thank you so much for trusting me with this one, sis. Ticked another wish on the list,” he shared on Instagram, conveying both gratitude and awe at collaborating with one of his biggest musical inspirations. The track, Spoonky,…

A STEPfather has been sentenced to life imprisonment including 40 years for the rape of his stepdaughter whom he sexually violated for nearly 20 years and claimed they were in a consensual relationship – even convincing his family of it. The Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court was presented with overwhelming evidence – the testimony of the victim, who is now 24 years old, together with physical evidence such as tears and scars – which sealed the man’s fate. The accused, who took the witness stand, claimed that his stepdaughter became his sexual partner from the age of 19 in a consensual relationship, which he convinced his family of. The man, who may not be identified, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his stepdaughter whom he sexually assaulted since…

A 28-year-old suspect is set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court after a Kensington taxi driver was gunned down in his own vehicle, leaving three passengers injured. According to police, the man caught a taxi on Friday, pulled out a gun and shot the driver several times, also injuring three other passengers, before fleeing. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi explained: “Reports suggested that the driver of a minibus taxi with three passengers stopped this morning, Friday August 15 at about 5.50am, near the corners of 16th Avenue and Voortrekker Roads in Kensington when an unidentified man boarded the vehicle. “The man drew a pistol and shot the driver from behind. The driver intended to respond; however, multiple gunshots then followed which resulted in him sustaining fatal…

The Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a reception and photo exhibition at the Castle of Good Hope. More than 100 guests attended, including Cedric Frolick, House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and Public Participation, and Guy Redman, Deputy Director-General of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In his address, Consul General You Wenze emphasised that China had served as the main Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War, making an indelible contribution to victory. He reaffirmed China’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, underscoring its vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind”. Frolick and Redman both…

I’m not sure if Rassie Erasmus is familiar with the poetry of Robbie Burns, but he will grasp the drift of the famous line: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” That is precisely what happened at Ellis Park over the weekend, where the plan the Boks produced from a three-week training camp yielded 22 wonderful points in 20 minutes, only for the scoring spree to give way to 38 unanswered points as the Wallabies roared home in the second half. It appeared that the Boks were lured into Barbarians-style rugby and forgot that Test matches are won by first doing the hard yards. In short, they departed from their DNA of physicality, territorial kicking and set-piece dominance, and instead did an impersonation of the Blitzboks. To…

After their promising start to the Betway Premiership season, which saw Kaizer Chiefs secure two victories in their opening games, the team has enjoyed a few days of tranquillity ahead of Tuesday’s game against winless visitors Richards Bay. Two Premiership rounds in, the team’s triumphs and clean sheets have also fostered a sense of calm within the squad as they gear up for their upcoming encounter. Mzansi’s most beloved football club, Chiefs frequently face sky-high expectations from their devoted fanbase. The weight of these expectations can be burdensome, especially in moments of defeat. However, the recent victories have alleviated some of that pressure, inspiring confidence that could prove pivotal in their next fixture. In the enforced absence of Nasreddine Nabi, assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cédric Kaze have been…

The Betway Premiership spotlight turns to Chatsworth this Tuesday as Golden Arrows host newly promoted Durban City in a clash that promises intensity, drama, and tactical intrigue. Central to the storyline is the renewed rivalry between two of South Africa’s most respected coaches: Gavin Hunt and Manqoba Mngqithi. Hunt, in his first season with Durban City, has hit the ground running. The veteran tactician has guided the newcomers to back-to-back wins to open their campaign, signaling that the club is no longer content with merely surviving in the top flight. Hunt’s structured approach and tactical acumen have been instrumental in giving Durban City an immediate competitive edge. Across the pitch, Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows have experienced mixed fortunes. After a disappointing loss to Siwelele FC, Arrows bounced back with a tough…

Marc Marquez was "super happy" to claim his first ever win at the Red Bull Ring as he raced to victory in the Austrian MotoGP on Sunday. It was his ninth win of the season and extended his lead at the top of the championship standings. The Ducati rider, who started fourth on the grid, swept past pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi on lap 20 and pulled away for his sixth successive victory. Rookie Fermin Aldeguer closed on him in the final laps but had to settle for second, the best result of his fledgling career, with Bezzecchi completing the podium. "Yes, super, super happy to finally take the first victory here in Austria. I'm riding the red bike (Ducati) and it was working super well," said Marquez. Victory in the 1000th…

THE City of Cape Town has defended its amended Hope Budget for 2025/26, after the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) took legal action over the City’s decision to link certain fixed charges to property values. The City’s budget has faced considerable criticism over its fixed charges and SAPOA will now be challenging this in court. In their court documents, SAPOA CEO Nilesh “Neil” Gopal said they are seeking to challenge three items in the Budget, namely the Cleaning Tariff, the Fixed Water Charge, and the Fixed Sanitation Charge. They are hoping to have the budget declared unconstitutional and invalid. SAPOA’s membership currently comprises more than 90% of the country’s commercial and retail property industry, including some of the largest property-owning companies in South Africa. The City of Cape Town…

THIRTEEN years after the Marikana massacre, in which 34 miners in the mining village of Marikana, North West, died, the victims and their widows are said to be still searching for justice for the slain miners. Saturday marked 13 years since police gunned down 34 striking workers, while at least 10 people, including police and security officers, were killed in the weeks leading up to the bloodshed. Scores of residents, including families of the victims and other prominent figures, gathered at the Marikana Koppie with Advocate Dali Mpofu, accusing the government of moving at a snail’s pace in compensating the victims of their tragedy and their families. Mpofu, who represented the miners, also indicated that the government has so far paid more than R300 million in the legal battle after…

AFTER 120 years, Murray & Roberts Limited (MRL), a South African engineering and construction stalwart founded in 1902, faces liquidation. The company, which listed on the JSE in 1951 and merged with Roberts Construction in 1967, did not oppose creditor-initiated proceedings in the Gauteng High Court. This decision follows a prolonged period of financial distress that rendered the holding company insolvent after the sale of its core assets. On Friday, the group informed shareholders that a creditor had initiated liquidation proceedings in the High Court, seeking a final or provisional winding up order. According to reports, MRL stated, “Given the company’s financial position, Murray & Roberts does not intend to oppose the liquidation application.” In November last year, the company was placed on business rescue. The business rescue practitioners said…

“THE mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” This is a quote by American writer, William Arthur Ward, which Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier referred to as the province announced its 15 top teachers at the 2025 Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards on Friday. Kerry Mauchline spokesperson for Maynier said these awards were an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work teachers have done for the year, and to celebrate the teaching profession in the province. The event was held at The Westin Cape Town, where the top three positions for each category were announced. The 2025 Provincial Teaching Award winners are: Charles Mokoena, Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (Eden and Central Karoo), Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel, Domé Swart, Kasselsvlei…

Middlebridge Mysteries Ken Cuperus Performed by a full cast Audible Originals Welcome to a world where the hallways of higher learning blend with thrilling mysteries and the occasionally chaotic life of an eager criminology student. Ken Cuperus’s Middlebridge Mysteries has hit the airwaves, showcasing a brilliant ensemble cast, including the talented Anna Cathcart as witty Violet Wilner. This audiobook, just under four hours long and boasting an impressive 4.7-star rating on Audible, is a delightful treat for avid mystery aficionados. In her first year at Middlebridge University, Violet is living the dream – attending her mother’s alma mater while pursuing a degree in criminology, inspired by a strong family legacy in law enforcement. However, Violet soon unravels the dark secrets of medical negligence. Add to that the unexpected thrill of…

PROTEAS coach Shukri Conrad has backed Aiden Markram to rediscover his form in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Markram endured a lean T20I series, which the Aussies won 2-1 off the penultimate ball of the decider in Cairns on Saturday evening. The skipper’s contribution across the three matches was a paltry 31 runs at an average of 10.30. It would be easy to brush Markram’s poor return by the way side had it been a once-off. But the 30-year-old has been searching for form since before last year’s T20 World Cup when he led the Proteas to a first-ever final. In fact, his last T20I half-century was at the previous T20 World Cup back in October 2022 against India in Perth. He has walked to crease 31 times since…

Thomas Frank enjoyed a perfect introduction as Tottenham manager with a 3-0 win over Burnley in north London, and he was quick to underline the significance of the moment. “Perfect start or dream start,” Frank said afterwards. “A good performance against a difficult opponent. I will just enjoy it and I hope the players, the club and the fans enjoy it because that is important.” Richarlison repaid the faith shown in him by the new boss with two goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick, while Brennan Johnson added the third to round off a confident display. At Molineux, Pep Guardiola unveiled his reshaped Manchester City side in a 4-0 demolition of Wolves. Erling Haaland scored twice, but it was debutant Tijjani Reijnders who caught the eye with a goal and…

Chechen-born MMA superstar Khamzat Chimaev broke South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis’ nine-fight UFC winning streak to become the new Middleweight champion of the world today. "In the last round I went for it... I almost had it... but it didn't happen." said Du Plessis after the fight, apologising to South Africa for "letting you down". Fighting out of the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Chimaev dominated Du Plessis over five rounds with elite grappling and wrestling to which Du Plessis had no answer. From the first round, Chimaev enjoyed early takedowns and top control as he restricted Du Plessis’ movement and breathing with a beautiful crucifix. Chimaev dominates Du Plessis with wrestling prowess and striking For more than two minutes, Chimaev had the South African in that position as he…

Springbok prop Ox Nche was visibly disappointed on Saturday night after the Boks had capitulated in the second half of their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies to lose 28-22. Nche says the Boks must bounce back strongly on Saturday in Cape Town to get their title defence back on track. The Boks could not even muster a losing bonus point at Ellis Park. The Wallabies outscored the Boks six tries to three, overturning a 22-0 lead by the hosts after 20 minutes in the process, and Nche attributed the result to mistakes and a failure to execute their plans in the second half. “We want to win the Rugby Championship,” said Nche. “This coming weekend is a must-win Test (against Australia once more), and we have to get as…