Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-03 i Cape Argus

A 13-year-old girl died after allegedly being assaulted by her friend’s mother during a sleepover in Khayelitsha, leaving her family reeling as police continue to investigate. Zukhanye Nkabeni was attacked last Friday night in Harare and later rushed to Khayelitsha District Hospital, where she died shortly after midnight on Saturday. Her grandmother, Portia Nkabeni, said the family is devastated. “My daughter, Unathi, called me and said she was at Zukhanye’s friend’s place. She said she was not in good condition, she was sitting on a couch and she had no energy. She even thought she was sleeping, and woke her up and she was unable to walk. The friend’s mother told Unathi that they assaulted Zukhanye because she was trying to break into their home.” The family was also told…

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) commissioner Teboho Maruping has pocketed R1.4 million in salaries while on precautionary suspension in connection with the unlawful awarding of the R5 billion Thuja Capital contract. Maruping’s disciplinary hearing is still under way. The hearing was instituted last year after he was placed on precautionary suspension in September 2023 with full pay. Maruping was suspended for his role in the conclusion of the unlawful job creation scheme contract between the UIF and Thuja Holdings. The contract was declared invalid and set aside by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria in May 2024 and an appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal in August 2024. Replying to parliamentary questions from DA MP Michael Bagraim, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said Maruping was still in the…

The City of Cape Town has revealed that contacts to the value of R1.6 billion as cited by the police was not money lost but forms part of the ongoing investigation following the major intelligence-driven seizure operation of 26 addresses across the Cape Town metropolitan. City spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo said: “The amounts cited by the SAPS does not pertain to money that has been lost. “This is the total value of contracts which SAPS stated are under investigation, and not the quantum of alleged fraud.” Following the search and seizure operation, whistleblowers and politicians called for an independent audit and an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The investigation is believed to have been initiated by a whistleblower. The police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, on Wednesday detailed that the…

Co-founded by chartered accountant and social entrepreneur Aditi Radhakrishna and Tamara Rose, Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA is reshaping the way menstrual health is experienced in South Africa. In a country where millions still lack access to safe, affordable menstrual products, Ruby Rose is tackling two pressing challenges: period poverty and environmental impact. The company manufactures and distributes eco-friendly, SABS-approved sanitary pads made from biodegradable materials and sustainable packaging. Unlike traditional pads that contribute to landfill waste, these products are designed with women’s health and the planet in mind. As single-use pads, they are practical in communities with limited access to clean water, while still being environmentally responsible. Beyond manufacturing, Ruby Rose partners with corporates, NGOs, and community-based organisations to ensure products reach vulnerable communities. This approach has delivered measurable…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos addressed the unsettling blunder that has cast a shadow over South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. At yesterday’s squad announcement in Johannesburg, Broos spoke about FIFA’s controversial decision to dock the team three vital points after fielding an ineligible player. However, Broos said he is keen to shift the focus onto the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. He is calling for unity and determination from players and fans alike as they navigate through this turbulent period. Bafana’s first match is at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, against Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10, 2025. The team must secure a vital win to keep their World Cup hopes on track. Following this encounter, Bafana will return home to Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, where…

The Springboks are on the cusp of history as they aim to secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time when they face Argentina in the second Test at Twickenham tomorrow afternoon. A bonus-point victory in London (3pm kick-off) will be enough for the world champions to clinch the title. Importantly, they will know at kick-off exactly what is required from them in this decisive clash. Here are five players who could be crucial to the Boks’ cause as they chase a second consecutive Championship crown. Backing Up His Statement Performance The Boks’ young star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stole the show in Durban, scoring a record-breaking 37 points in the 67-30 victory. He delivered a commanding performance to steer the team to victory — but now comes a sterner…

The big changes to the Sharks team for their second-round United Rugby Championship clash against the Dragons tonight night are the shift of Edwill van der Merwe from wing to full-back, and the promotion of Junior Springbok Jean Smith to flyhalf. Speaking from Newport, coach John Plumtree said he had long identified Springbok Van der Merwe as a potential full-back, despite the 29-year-old never having played there before. “We lost Yaw Penxe to injury last week and I immediately thought about Edwill at full-back, because I believed he was one in the making even before he came to us from the Lions,” Plumtree said. “Edwill is a smart player; he can kick long and is excellent in the air. He’s 29 and has been around the track, so he understands…

Cedric Kaze knows that, like animals, football teams can be most dangerous when wounded. And so, while all Kaizer Chiefs fans anticipate a smooth passage to the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup, the Amakhosi co-coach preaches caution. “It’s unfortunate that the history of the last fixtures that Kaizer Chiefs won against Stellenbosch (FC) is not going to be of any help in this game,” Kaze said ahead of Sunday’s first-round clash against the inaugural winners of the domestic league cup. Temporarily in charge of Chiefs alongside Youssef Ben Khalil while the club continues to resolve issues with coach Nasredinne Nabi, Kaze says the team is intent on winning the Carling Knockout. But he knows just how tricky the clash with a Stellenbosch side that has seemingly forgotten how…

The Western Cape has cemented its place as South Africa’s fastest-growing provincial economy, with its real Gross Domestic Product by Region (GDPR) reaching R666.8 billion in 2024. This milestone means the province now accounts for 14.3% of the country’s total GDP, according to new estimates from Statistics South Africa. Between 2014 and 2024, the province’s economy expanded by 8.7%, outpacing Gauteng (7.7%) and KwaZulu-Natal (7.5%). Despite South Africa’s broader economic challenges, including sluggish investment and high unemployment, the Western Cape recorded a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.83%, ahead of the national average of 0.67%. Finance MEC Ivan Meyer said, “This report confirms that the Western Cape is the engine of economic growth in South Africa. Our focus on good governance, infrastructure investment, and sectoral development is yielding results.”…

The City has announced an increase in safety operations along the N2 freeway, deploying 44 additional Metro Police officers in a move aimed at protecting commuters and visitors along one of the city’s busiest routes. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the new officers would operate around the airport approach and other high-risk stretches, working in shifts around the clock. “We are now deploying 44 staff, day and night, working in shifts along this highway, particularly focused on this stretch and around the airport approach. They will be deployed with immediate effect, and I think it will make a huge positive difference for all the hundreds of thousands of people who use the N2 every day,” said Hill-Lewis. “Sanral controls a very important aspect of the safety on this road through their…

Legal heavyweight Advocate Terry Motau SC broke his silence on his surprise resignation as chief evidence leader from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Police Corruption and Criminal Cartels. Motau’s exit, shrouded in speculation, comes just days after the commission announced a temporary pause in proceedings due to the ill health of key witness Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. Dispelling rumours of an abrupt departure, Motau revealed that he had tendered his resignation on September 11, after what he described as “prolonged to-ing and fro-ing” with commission leadership. His decision, he stressed, was neither sudden nor emotional – but rooted in deep structural and administrative misgivings. “Things did not go according to plan. There were unforeseen issues on my part that made it impossible for me to add value to the…

Grassy Park residents have called for a moratorium on the sale or disposal of land at the Gilray Scouts campsite, located opposite Klip Road Cemetery. This comes despite the fact that the location has fallen victim to a number of vandalism incidents and is dilapidated and overgrown. According to residents, the City of Cape Town had made a decision to dispose of the pocket of land without a public participation process. Last week, residents picketed along Klip Road, near Prince George Drive, to “save Gilray”. A memorandum was handed over to the ward councillor which called for a moratorium on the disposal of the pocket of land that holds historic significance for its residents, having been used since the 1950s as a scouts campsite. The recently established Grassy Park Residents…

The staggering revelation from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that R2 billion was siphoned out of Tembisa Hospital is not just another corruption headline. It is a post-mortem on the moral collapse of our governance system. It reveals a cancer that has metastasised fed not only by corrupt officials and politicians but by a banking sector that profits from the proceeds of crime while pretending not to see, while closing the accounts of black entrepreneurs, professionals, and organisations under the guise of reputational concerns, while they themselves being complicit in aiding criminal syndicates. Under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), financial institutions are legally obliged to detect and report suspicious transactions. Yet billions flowed from a public hospital to a web of front companies and into luxury assets, without raising…

Considering their poor run in the Premiership, Stellenbosch FC will need their most impactful players to be at the top of their game against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday in Cape Town. This Carling Knockout round of 16 clash has the potential to turn their fortunes around and redefine their season. With both teams vying for a spot in the next stage of the tournament, Stellenbosch knows that an extraordinary performance will be vital for their success. In the past, encounters against Chiefs have presented a daunting challenge, and the Mother City fans inspire them to show off their flair and tactical prowess. Stellenbosch FC needs stronger performances from Devin Titus, Andre de Jong, Ibraheem Jabaar, Sanele Barns, and Sage Stephens to reach the quarter-finals. These players could play a pivotal…

Erling Haaland said Manchester City must show more energy to end their miserable run on the road in the Uefa Champions League, after twice blowing the lead in a 2-2 draw at Monaco. Haaland scored both the visitors’ goals at the Stade Louis II to take his tally for the season to 17 in just 10 appearances for club and country. Monaco rallied to level through a wonder strike by Jordan Teze, and Eric Dier’s late penalty secured a point for the Ligue 1 side. “I’m pissed off, I think everyone should be,” Haaland told the BBC. “It’s not good enough.” City have failed to win away from home in Europe for a year, although a point did at least snap a run of four consecutive Champions League defeats on…

A suspected drunk driver who has gone viral on social media for resisting arrest and racially taunting a traffic officer has been charged with assault. The driver is seen in the video telling the traffic officer not to touch him after the officer instructed him to turn around so he could make an arrest. According to officials, the man was stopped after being seen driving recklessly on N1 outbound on to the Durban Road bridge. After he is pulled over by the traffic officer, the man become involved in an altercation with the officer. As the officer calls for backup, the drunk driver shouts at the officer, saying “hy’s f*kken swart man” and “give my keys” before assaulting the officer. Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said: “The driver became aggressive…

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security head, JP Smith, said 35 newly graduated Metro Police officers have been dismissed after failing an internal driving assessment. Smith said the officers, party of the City Project 1 000 learners intake, had been given multiple opportunities to improve their driving skills, but ultimately failed to meet the required standards. However, the National Coloured Congress’s (NCC) councillor Nasmi Jacobs disputed the City’s version of events. “If you are not going to tell the truth, then I will. There was a celebration, a launch, and an introduction to cadets. They were fired via text messages without calls. The messages instructed those who didn’t sign permanent contracts to come in civvies and bring their uniforms,” Jacobs said. Jacobs attached a copy of the text…

The family of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who was found dead after allegedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris, says preparations to repatriate his body are underway. ANC leaders visited the family at their KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal home yesterday to offer their condolences, family spokesperson Khulekani Mthethwa said. He said the family was in contact with relatives who travelled to France following the news, and “by Monday or Tuesday, everything should be finalised”. French prosecutor Laure Beccuau said Mthethwa’s wife had received a worrying message from him, “in which he apologised and expressed his intention to take his own life”. The family has refuted suicide claims. “We are not accepting this,” Khulekani said. He said the ambassador had shown no signs…

South African National Parks (SANParks) hosted its annual Cancer Awareness Walk in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park this week, drawing over 200 participants. This collaborative event with the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) aimed to honour cancer survivors and emphasise the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment. Held on the last day of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the timing was significant. While October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SANParks opted for September to align with ongoing awareness efforts and ensure participants had access to health screenings. JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications, explained the importance of the event: “For SANParks staff living and working within remote park environments, access to health facilities is often limited. Initiatives such as the…

Amid a climate crisis, rising energy costs and political finger-pointing, a convenient narrative is being pushed; that environmental activists are anti-development idealists whose opposition to fossil fuels is the root cause of the current energy crisis. But this oversimplified framing not only misrepresents their goals, it distracts from the deeper structural and governance issues in our energy systems. When energy executives or government officials blame environmental activists for South Africa’s energy crisis and accuse them of being anti-development, it is not just lazy, it is dangerous. When proponents of oil and gas claim that opposition to fossil fuel development is sabotaging our economy and worsening energy poverty, the narrative is both false and conveniently forgetful. What it does is shift responsibility away from decades of corruption, mismanagement, and profiteering in…

It seems absurd to think now that the Proteas Women’s team travelled on economy flights, juggled full-time jobs whilst playing for the national team, and arrived at World Cups simply excited to return home with some free memorabilia. But in truth, that wasn’t too long ago, as former captain Mignon du Preez recollects in an exclusive interview with Independent Media ahead of the Proteas’ opening World Cup showdown with England in Guwahati today. “Yeah, I made my debut in 2007 for South Africa, my matric year, and I was listening to (Proteas allrounder) Marizanne Kapp speaking about her first World Cup and I remember like, we got to the World Cup, there were no photo shoots, there was no television,” said Du Preez, who played played 269 matches and scored…

When youngster Canan Moodie runs out at Twickenham in the No 13 jersey against Argentina, he will have another opportunity to stake a serious claim for one of the Springboks’ hotly contested jerseys. At just 22-years old, he already displays the game intelligence and positional awareness that mark him as a long-term option in the midfield. He’s been thriving in that outside centre role, and it doesn’t matter who he plays next to. He’s had success with veteran Damian de Allende on his inside and utility-back Damian Willemse, while his combination with André Esterhuizen brought one of the biggest Bok victories over the All Blacks in 2023 at Twickenham. So, whoever he is partnered with for a certain Test, he has been grabbing his opportunities. Tomorrow, in the deciding Rugby…

The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix will see a significant adjustment that could alter the complexion of Sunday’s race, with the FIA confirming an increase to the pitlane speed limit at Marina Bay. After years of operating at 60 km/h, drivers will now be allowed to run through the pitlane at 80 km/h, provided the safety trial during Friday practice sessions proves successful. The change may seem minor, but in a race where track position and pit stop timing can make or break a strategy, the implications are potentially game-changing. At roughly 400 metres long, the Marina Bay pitlane has always been one of the most punishing in Formula 1. Under the old 60 km/h restriction, the time loss for a stop was substantial, making teams reluctant to commit to two-stop…

The Carling Knockout Cup returns to the Premier Soccer League calendar with its newfound reputation for giving smaller teams within the Premiership a realistic shot at silverware. This reputation is well deserved, thanks to the recent triumphs of Stellenbosch FC and Magesi FC. After winning the inaugural Carling Knockout in 2023, Stellenbosch, coached by Steve Barker, were from then on a club on the rise as they went on to register the “Beer Cup” as their first top-flight silverware – what a way to open their trophy account, after all, they are from the Winelands. They defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final. This victory was a significant milestone for the Capetonians and they capitalised on this success to later qualify for their first-ever…