Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-02 i Cape Argus

THE City of Cape Town has defended itself against sharp criticism that it announces properties for development without having anything to show for it, after comments made by the GOOD Party’s Brett Herron, saying they announced the redevelopment of the “Fruit & Veg” site in the CBD three times. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, in a Council speech last month, said: “The property is close to schools, it is mere blocks away from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and you have the entire city centre with all its economic opportunities right on your doorstep. This is the kind of address that can change people’s lives and open up entire new avenues of opportunity for them.” However, Herron, called out the City for announcing the same property thrice. “On August 21 the…

THE Samane family and the community of Orlando East, Soweto, have welcomed the sentencing of convicted rapist and murderer, 25-year-old Phethe Simiao, to two life terms by the Gauteng South High Court sitting in Johannesburg. Simiao was convicted of kidnapping, rape, and the murder of 6-year-old Amantle Samane in October 2024. Speaking after the judgment yesterday, Amantle's mother, Ntombizodwa Samane, welcomed the sentence, saying her child will now rest in peace. “This well-received sentence will deter other men from killing and raping our children. Maybe then they will stop,” she said. Samane said the family is still reeling from the death of their child. “We are still mourning our child and are yet to find closure, even though he has been found guilty. He is yet to tell us what…

The SA Post Office (SAPO) has announced the immediate suspension of all outbound parcel deliveries to the US. This comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month removing the longstanding $800 duty-free threshold for international parcels. According to the new policy, foreign postal operators are required to collect and remit US customs duties before shipping goods into the country. According to reports national postal services in France, Spain, Germany, and the UK have said they would suspend their shipment services to the US to prepare for the new measures. The Post Office said it has temporarily suspended all parcel services to the US due to new US regulations. “Given the complex processes required to comply with the new regulation, we have no choice but to temporarily…

THE reopening of Silvermine Gate 1 and its trails yesterday was an apt moment for Spring following a devastating fire in April, which affected 2 800 hectares in the area. The SA National Parks (SANParks) announced the closure of the Tokai and Silvermine trails following three separate fires in April, which impacted the lower and upper Tokai areas of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The fires saw the TMNP conduct post-fire hazard removal, clean-up sessions and rehabilitation, which saw the destruction of boardwalks and other support structures that resulted in the exposure of dangerous objects such as nails and metal. The reopening took place yesterday where the media were invited alongside the Mapula Trust Fund, whose donations supported the rehabilitation of affected trails. SANParks confirmed the work was not…

THE life of an international cricketer often revolves solely around airports, buses, hotels, cricket stadiums and back again. That’s particularly evident on the subcontinent where players are viewed as demi-gods causing them not to venture out in the public domain - particularly not without state-like security in tow. It is for this reason that England tours are cherished, where cricketers revel in their obscurity by roaming the high streets, attending theatre productions and even get to go watch their favourite football teams, like Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and a couple of his teammates did on Sunday with a visit to Anfield. “The boys enjoy a UK tour. And we’ll try to make it as fun as it can be,” Bavuma quipped ahead of the first ODI against England at Headingley…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has his sights firmly on the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, viewing it as a chance to revive their season after a sluggish start to the Betway Premiership. Coming off a third defeat of the campaign — a 1-0 home loss to Mamelodi Sundowns — Stellies sit on just four points from their opening five games, a challenging start for a season that carried high hopes. It hasn’t helped that their early fixtures included tough contests against Orlando Pirates (1-0) and Kaizer Chiefs (2-0). Despite these league struggles, Stellenbosch have shown stronger form in the MTN8, where they now prepare for the final against Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on September 13. As the season pauses for the Fifa international break, Barker believes the cup run…

Liverpool’s British-record capture of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak brought an end to a transfer saga that had dragged on for far too long, as the headline signing of a dramatic deadline day when a number of puzzle pieces fell into place for English Premier League sides. The Swedish forward completed his medical at the Premier League champions on Monday afternoon, after the conclusion of a deal worth about £125m (about R2.92 billion), according to Sky Sports. The lanky sharpshooter divided opinion among football fans, and incurred the wrath of supporters of the Magpies, after insisting he would never play for the club again amid claims of broken promises. He was banished from the Newcastle first-team squad as he forced through a move away. Liverpool had failed with an opening…

A FATHER of four who was shot at close range by police with rubber bullets in the aftermath of a service delivery protest, which he did not participate in, is set to receive R250 000 in damages. The SAPS also has to pay him a further R104 700 towards his future psychological treatment following his ordeal. Tebogo Gasetingwe was shot in the thigh and arm while he was standing outside his car after the protest, to ensure that his family inside the car was safe. He turned to the high court in North West, where he claimed R500 000 in damages from the police. The 38-year-old plaintiff broke down in tears during his testimony. The police, meanwhile, opted to call no witnesses to refute his version, and they conceded liability.…

AS DRUGS continue to plague communities across South Africa, Cape Town has seen a surge of cough syrup abuse, especially among minors. In a recent operation on the Cape Flats, Safety and Security mayco member, JP Smith, said they were alerted of the increase in cough syrup being sold to children across the metro. During crime prevention operations in Lavender Hill on Friday, Smith said residents were explaining how cough syrup is being bought and mixed with fizzy drinks by children. Many users claim the mixture, known as “lean”, gives them a high. During the operation, Smith said they found cough syrup bottles strewn all over the place, especially at job corners. During stop-and-search operations, officers pulled over a motorist who was found with a significant number of cough syrup…

THE National Union of Mineworkers of SA (NUMSA) has called on Ford to halt its planned retrenchments and engage in meaningful consultations to find alternatives. This comes after the company issued a Section 189 notice announcing it plans to cut 474 permanent jobs at its Silverton and Struandale plants as part of a “manufacturing realignment”. Numsa General Secretary Irvin Jim warned yesterday that the retrenchments will contribute to further deindustrialisation and job losses in the sector. “Numsa has witnessed a painful pattern that as soon as employers’ profits are under threat, the first thing they do is to target what they regard as the weakest link in the chain, which is workers,” Jim said. The union also emphasised the need for government intervention to support manufacturing and prevent large-scale job…

WHILE welcoming efforts to curb fraud in the social grant system, Black Sash raised concerns about the SA Social Security Agency’s (Sassa) readiness to roll out mandatory biometric enrolment, which came into effect yesterday. “Black Sash welcomes any medium that would help reduce fraud and ensure the integrity of the social grant payment system. However, we are concerned as to whether Sassa has the necessary infrastructure and capacity to take on this mammoth task,” said Black Sash national advocacy manager, Evashnee Naidu. She warned that the measures could burden beneficiaries if not properly planned. “The announcement that this could also impact beneficiaries who have already been approved but have not completed biometric verification is another cause for concern, as we have witnessed the challenges Sassa is currently experiencing with the…

The taxi industry plays a critical role in the South African economy. As the government struggles to provide reliable public transport like other countries do, the taxi industry has filled that void diligently. It ferries learners to school, students to tertiary institutions, and employees to their workplaces. This is commendable. However, while this industry is the country’s lifeline when it comes to transportation of the people, it is gradually becoming a liability to the country and a threat to people’s lives. The question is: what is the political leadership doing about that? If little or nothing is being done, what are the reasons? Firstly, it should be noted that the increased number of taxis in the country has resulted in two developments. On the one hand, this increase means that…

RG Snyman is looking forward to his reunion with Jordie Barrett, but this time around the duo will face each other on Saturday when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in the first of two Rugby Championship Tests in Auckland. The Bok lock and Barrett were instrumental in Leinster winning the United Rugby Championship (URC) this past season, but there will be no friendly exchanges between the two should they face each other. It’s a crucial clash at Eden Park, where the Springboks will look to win for the first time since 1937. The hosts will look to keep their unbeaten record at the Test stadium that they’ve held since 1994. “Much is made about the records at Eden Park,” Snyman said on Monday. “However, it is always tough to…

The Springbok Women, still celebrating their first-ever World Cup quarter-final qualification following a stunning win over Italy, face a formidable challenge on Sunday. Fourth-ranked France await at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton (kick-off 5.45pm), a side boasting the experience and firepower to punish any lapse. While the victory over Italy was historic, de Bruin’s side know they will need to raise their game even further to beat one of the tournament's dark horses. Sunday’s thrilling 29-24 victory over the higher-ranked Italy in York, resulted in the Bok Women climbing two places to 10th. Should they pull off the victory over the fourth-ranked France at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, coach Swys de Bruin's side would top the group. De Bruin had a word of warning for those who would write…

Western Province will look to unleash more United Rugby Championship (URC) players in the Currie Cup on Saturday but will not overload their team with stars, as they aim to end a disappointing domestic season on a high note. Still winless after six games and anchored at the bottom of the points log, the Western Cape derby at the DHL Stadium will offer them a final chance to regain some lost pride as they aim to claim the scalp of the Cavaliers. The Bolanders, currently second, are chasing a home semi-final and can seal it with a victory. They have been the surprise package of the competition after returning to South Africa’s premier domestic rugby tournament for the first time since 2016. The men from Wellington will head to the…

Taylor Swift has built a career on songs that reflect personal experiences of love, heartbreak and growth. Over nearly two decades, she has transformed these intimate themes into a billion-dollar enterprise, with lyrics that deeply resonate with listeners. Building on her well-known storytelling, Swift announced a major personal milestone last week: her engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce. She shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of the proposal that have already drawn millions of likes. Swift and Kelce began dating two years ago. Their story started when Kelce expressed interest in the singer on his football podcast and later tried to meet her backstage at the Eras Tour. At the time he was turned away, but the gesture eventually led to a relationship. Speaking on Kelce’s podcast earlier this…

ACTIVIST and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, has expressed pride in being part of the largest civilian flotilla to date to break Israel’s siege on Gaza, along with nine other South Africans. The first boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla officially set sail on Sunday and will bring together more than 50 vessels from at least 44 nations in the Mediterranean by Thursday. From there, the flotilla will be bound for Gaza to break the siege and deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians. “Comrades, we are proud to say that we have over 40 boats that we have been able to mobilise with 44 countries that have come together. Ours (mission) is to end the blockade and break the siege on Gaza,” Mandela told the Middle East Eye. He went…

SUSPENDED deputy police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, has used the tensions between acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and police commissioner Fannie Masemola to strengthen and support a fight for his reinstatement. Masemola suspended Sibiya for intentionally disobeying his instructions on the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team investigating high-profile murders. The task team is at the centre of the claims of political interference within the criminal justice system – claims that were made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya filed a supplementary affidavit following Cachalia’s remarks regarding the decision to return 121 dockets to the task team. This was after Masemola reportedly told the media last week that the dockets were being returned from Sibiya’s office back to the task team. Cachalia said the matter will be dealt…

THE Jenna Lowe Trust has officially handed over its work to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of SA (PHA SA), marking a new chapter in advocacy and care for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). “The time has now come for the work of the organisation to evolve under the leadership of PHA SA, which is a natural home for the Trust’s programmes,” said Gabi Lowe, Jenna’s mother and co-founder of the Trust. Looking back, Lowe believes her daughter would be proud of what the Trust has achieved. “I know with all my heart that Jen would be proud of what we have achieved so far and that she would not have stopped advocating for better access to care for all patients. She would have continued to lobby for increased organ donation…

The death of Neil de Beer, leader of the UIM (United Independent Movement), has gripped many of us with a deep sense of shock. As we grieve, we thank Almighty God for the memorable years that He gave to this beloved purveyor of justice and humility. His death gives us cause to ponder how he touched our lives. His commitment to accountability and the dignity of the human person will be gratefully remembered. The political world pays tribute to his immense and unique contribution to peace and justice and his emphasis on the dignity and worth of every individual from conception to the grave. His courage in denouncing maladministration and his relentless fight against corruption over the years will be remembered by many generations to come. We are devastated to…

On August 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s latest military proposal, a plan to seize what remains of Gaza City under the pretext of bringing the war to an end. The United Nations immediately warned that the plan would produce “another calamity of starvation and destruction” in a territory already on the brink of total collapse. For nearly a year, Gaza has been subjected to one of the most devastating military campaigns of the 21st century. What Netanyahu calls “the best and fastest way to end the war” is, in truth, the final phase of a genocide, a deliberate and systematic attempt to destroy a people’s ability to exist. What is unfolding in Gaza is not a conventional war between equal forces. It is the dismantling of…

Liverpool boast the only perfect Premier League record three games into the new season after Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant free-kick secured a 1-0 win over title rivals Arsenal at Anfield. Manchester City's title challenge is already faltering after a second defeat in three games for Pep Guardiola’s men at Brighton, while Tottenham’s promising start under Thomas Frank was derailed in a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth. Manchester United claimed their first win of the season against Burnley on Saturday, needing a dramatic 97th-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty to ease scrutiny on Ruben Amorim ahead of the two-week international break. Here, we look at three talking points from the Premier League weekend. Reds show Gunners the reward of taking risks Szoboszlai said he took a “risk” with the power behind his free-kick to become…

Hugo Broos’ nonchalance in the face of a situation that should have him pulling out strands of his silver hair is further indication of just how good a coach Bafana Bafana have got. The Belgian septuagenarian, who has restored South Africa to the top table of continental football, is on the verge of guiding the country back to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010. But ahead of the penultimate round of qualifying, which sees African countries playing two matches each month, Broos finds himself forced to improvise, with injuries hampering his preparations. Having already announced the squad to face both Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Friday and next Tuesday respectively, the Africa Cup of Nations winner has had to make adjustments. At the mandatory arrivals…