Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-26 i Cape Argus

BULLYING continues to grow at schools across the Western Cape with more parents coming forward. In the latest incident reported at Belgravia High School in Athlone, the parents of a Grade 9 learner opened a case of assault after their daughter was slapped in the face by two other children. This is just the tip of the iceberg. According to research done by the University of Cambridge and the South African Research Council in August with 5 000 children in the 11–14 age group at 72 public schools in Cape Town and Durban, over a third (36.3%) of learners were involved in bullying behaviour. A total of 8.2% were bullies, 19.3% victims and 8.7% as bully-victims. Male learners were most at risk of both perpetration and victimisation and younger…

The City of Cape Town has condemned the attack on a clinic after angry Khayelitsha residents attempted to set the building on fire. The Town Two residents, who were protesting for electricity, brought their frustration to the community clinic as they burned down a room. According to ward councillor Thando Pimpi, the shack dwellers had illegally connected electricity from a transformer, which later blew up. “They wanted to go to the clinic where there is another transformer. We managed to speak to them on Wednesday, and we asked them to stop, and we warned them not to seek service delivery in that manner. “We also set up an appointment with the relevant stakeholders to discuss how we can help the community members.“I couldn’t sleep on Tuesday night because the people…

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of international aid vessels sailing toward Gaza, came under attack by drones on Tuesday night, drawing widespread outrage and urgent calls for an international investigation. Activist Mandla Mandela, who is accompanying the flotilla, condemned the assault. “Last night we had over 17 drones hovering above the flotilla boats and stun grenades were dropped on several of our boats,” he said. “We will not be intimidated by apartheid Israel. This only unites us and ensures that we continue to set sail as we focus on our mission of breaking the blockade and ending the siege.” Mandela stressed that the mission remains peaceful despite the attack. “Ours is to bring the much-needed aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. We continue to be a non-violent mission,” he…

Bergvliet residents are raising concerns over proposed plans to develop a new school in their community. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has made plans for a new school, Tokai High School, that would be located in Ruskin Road, Bergvliet, on 3.8 hectares of land owned by the provincial government. The WCED, said the cost of the proposed school is estimated at R125 million, and it will be able to accommodate more than 1 100 pupils, have around 30 classrooms, a sports field, and a school hall. According to the planning document, it is part of the WCED’s rapid school project. Bergvliet resident Ingrid van den Berg said the community did not receive prior notification of these plans. “Indeed, we have subsequently heard that the project has already gone…

Since Dr Samantha Cairncross was a child, she had a fascination with science and the microscopic bugs lurking underneath the lens of her microscope. This included seeing the distant planets and galaxies through her telescope, with her late uncle, who encouraged her love for discovery. According to UWC, that fascination with science has now culminated in a revolutionary PhD thesis. The thesis sheds light on the genetic factors that predict severe side effects from radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients, particularly within sub-Saharan African populations. “Her discoveries will help to develop personalised radiotherapy tailored to the unique genetic diversity of African populations,” the university said. Dr Cairncross’ father, a retired teacher, brought home science books that first got her hooked on the subject. “Growing up in Bishop Lavis and…

Stellenbosch FC have earned a reputation as a refreshing presence in South African football, but this season the ruthless side of the game has set in, forcing the Cape Winelands outfit to confront one of their sternest battles yet. Winless in their last five outings, Stellies find themselves in an unfamiliar 14th place on the league table, with just five points from eight matches. Their most recent 0-0 stalemate against Durban City may have provided coach Steve Barker with a point to cling to, but it did little to ease their struggles in the standings. For Barker, though, the result represents a potential turning point and something to build on in the weeks ahead. It has been a difficult start to the campaign for the Lesotho-born coach, who has long…

WARRIORS wicket-keeper batter Sinethemba Qeshile is having one of the best weeks of his life. The 26-year-old received his maiden One-Day International call-up for the tour of Pakistan on Monday, and yesterday backed up the selection with 129 off 211 deliveries against Western Province in the first CSA Four-Day fixture of the season. Qeshile’s knock helped the Warriors set 281 all out on Day One at St George’s Park in Gqeberha as Dane Paterson (3/42), Beuran Hendricks (3/42) and Tshepo Moreki (2/67) led Province’s attack brilliantly. However, Qeshile was just too good on Day One, as he displayed patience and discipline on his way to securing his fifth First-Class century. Just a week ago, the right-handed batter had blasted 186 against New Zealand ‘A’ in Benoni, his career-best, and put…

“We are coming for you. There is no hiding place.” This was the message Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile sent out to gangs and organised crime groups in the Western Cape after 92 firearms were confiscated and 92 arrests made. The police’s Operation Shanela II targeted illegal guns and gang violence. Most of the weapons, including homemade firearms, handguns, rifles, and semi-automatics, were seized in the Cape Metropole, a hotspot for gang activity. This week alone, operations in Delft, Mfuleni, Muizenberg, Nyanga, Mitchell’s Plain, and Swellendam recovered 19 firearms. Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut said the operation involved co-ordinated stop-and-searches, roadblocks, and the execution of targeted search warrants. “Each firearm recovered represents not only a disruption to criminal operations but also the prevention of potential bloodshed in vulnerable…

A coalition of activists has announced a march demanding that South Africa take concrete legal and political action against Israel, accusing the country of committing apartheid and genocide, and calling for immediate economic and cultural sanctions. Yesterday, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC-SA), Al-Quds Foundation South Africa (AQF-SA), the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC), and other civil society and faith-based organisations held a media briefing to highlight the main issues behind the protest. Speaking ahead of the demonstration, PSC co-ordinator Professor Usuf Chikte said the march will push for the domestication of international conventions into South African law so that alleged crimes can be prosecuted locally. “We have signed the Geneva Convention, we have signed the Apartheid Convention,” he said. “All legal scholars say that Israel is doing apartheid, and we want…

FOR Mamela Nontshakaza, a mother, netball coach, and entrepreneur from Nyanga, Cape Town, business was never part of a grand plan. Alongside her co-founder, Thembakazi Miller, she built Ezamaswazi Nonzaba Projects out of necessity – the need to support her family and create opportunities in a community where unemployment and poverty are daily challenges. What began as a modest home-baking venture soon grew into a multi-service business, shaped by resilience, passion, and a determination to uplift others. Every step of the way, the duo learned and adapted, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Today, Ezamaswazi Nonzaba Projects offers far more than cakes, it also provides event décor hire, transport services, and bespoke packaging. The business is onboarding with Mr D to reach more communities, and recent product launches, including mini…

Cape Town is my home. I was born here, raised and live here, and have spent three decades working in and with municipalities across South Africa, from Chief Director at the Western Cape Department of Provincial and Local Government during Project Consolidate, to Director of HRD at SALGA, to programme manager at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. I have sat in council chambers, walked flooded alleys in Khayelitsha, convened ward committees in Mitchells Plain, and trained councillors. So I speak as both a son of this city and a professional who knows what good local government looks like. And I say this without hesitation: the DA’s “best-run city” slogan is a lie. The DA has perfected a myth that its governance in Cape Town is efficient, clean, and pro-poor.…

Just over two years since moving to Bayern Munich, in-form striker Harry Kane can set yet another record in Friday's home clash with Werder Bremen. Playing his 104th game for Bayern, Kane needs two goals to become the fastest man to 100 goals with a club in Europe's top-five leagues, breaking the record of 105 matches jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland. Kane is already the fastest to 50 Bundesliga goals, bringing that mark up in 43 matches, a record he also took from the Norway striker. Kane made his Bundesliga debut in August 2023 against Bremen, scoring a goal and setting up another in a 4-0 win, just days after arriving from boyhood club Tottenham. In four matches against Bremen, Kane has four goals and three assists.…

Mamelodi Sundowns have always set themselves apart with an unforgiving culture. This is not a club that rewards comfort — in recent times even success has rarely been enough to guarantee job security. Rulani Mokwena found that out in July 2024. His record included back-to-back Premiership titles and the historic African Football League. But that counted for little when the hierarchy decided his time was up. Manqoba Mngqithi’s story is equally telling. He was part of the most successful period in Sundowns’ modern history, working alongside Pitso Mosimane and later with Mokwena. That brains trust delivered not only league dominance but also numerous other trophies, cementing the club’s reputation as South Africa’s silverware machine. Yet when Mngqithi finally got the reins on his own in July 2024, he lasted just…

The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment after hearing oral evidence from parties who seek to have parts of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Act, 32 of 2007, concerning consent, declared unconstitutional. The applicants, in their pursuit of law reform, have requested the court to declare certain sections of the Act unconstitutional and invalid, focusing specifically on provisions related to sexual offences where the absence of consent is a key element, particularly in cases of rape. Embrace Project, a non-profit organisation which aims to combat gender-based violence, and rape survivor Inge Holzträger have filed an application challenging the constitutionality of the Act. In their persistence for law reform, the applicants have sought from the court to declare sections of the Act unconstitutional and invalid where the challenge hinges…

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the R147.8 million to be spent on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is necessary to uphold the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies. Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Lorato Tito, Ramaphosa said the allegations that led to the establishment of the commission of inquiry raised serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security. “They therefore require an urgent, independent and comprehensive investigation. The expense associated with the commission is necessary to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies,” he said. It was reported recently that out of the R147.8m allocated for the Madlanga Commission, R64m will be spent on the commissioners, evidence leaders and legal researchers, R4.9m on support…

Major General Patronella Van Rooyen told the Madlanga Commission that Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, did not have the powers to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) – a decision, she said, “fell outside his mandate”. Testifying at the commission yesterday, Rooyen stated unequivocally that the Mchunu did not have the legal authority to make operational decisions such as dissolving a crime investigation unit. According to her, the minister was responsible for policy and overseeing, and the National Commissioner, General Fannie is responsible for operations. Van Rooyen who serves as the Component Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy at the Legal Services Division in the SAPS, with 42 years of experience, said the disbandment move was unlawful. “The decision of the minister to close a political task team that was…

In an open letter to the mayor and City, Camps Bay ratepayers said the character of their once treasured village was being transformed into an international tourist hub, stripping it of its last identity. This, as they continue to object to the proposed sale of their library and its adjacent parking area which is earmarked for economic development. The open letter to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the City was shared with the Cape Argus. Two weeks ago, the City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate confirmed the proposed selling of public land. In its response, the City explained that the properties aren’t needed for basic municipal services and it aims to optimise the space for retail and commercial use. A new library is planned near the existing one, with details…

A massive part of the Springboks’ success against the All Blacks in their historic Rugby Championship win in Wellington was their contestable kicks. The New Zealanders were all at sea when scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and flyhalves Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok peppered their back three with high bombs. The accuracy of those efforts helped the likes of wings Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker regain possession, from which the Boks launched further attacks. It essentially set the platform for their 43-10 victory, as it gave the Boks the momentum they needed to get their big forwards into the game, which in turn provided the backs with quick ball to punish the All Blacks out wide. Not being able to field contestable kicks is an absolute nightmare for a Test team, because…

With the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season getting underway this weekend, all eyes will be fixed on the South African franchises — the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, and Lions — to see where they will end up in the competition. This is shaping up to be the most competitive edition of the tournament yet, with the teams more familiar with each other and the local sides better adapted to the demands of European conditions. With improved player depth, overseas experience, and a point to prove, the four local sides carry their own expectations. We look at where they might finish in the 2025/26 tournament. Bulls: Title contenders (Predicted finish: 2nd to 4th) The Bulls enter the season as South Africa’s top URC hope after flying the flag last season. With…

PROTEAS Women lost vital time in the park yesterday as their first ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh Women was abandoned due to rain. The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up matches got underway yesterday, ahead of the tournament opener between India Women and Sri Lanka Women in Guwahati on September 30. With the showpiece event set to get underway in less than a week, South Africa needed to get as much time as possible out in the middle, honing their skills and executing their game plans. However, their warm-up match against Bangladesh was cut short after only nine overs of play before the heavens opened, leaving South Africa on 45/3 in Colombo. The side found themselves in hot waters very early in the match, with opening batter…