Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-09 i Cape Argus

KHAYELITSHA residents have given the City and the province seven days to respond to their memorandum after they clashed with police as they attempted to hand over a memorandum to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis yesterday. Hundreds of marchers, led by councillors Lonwabo Mqina, Khayalethu Kama, Thando Mpengezi and Ndithini Thyido, arrived at the Civic Centre singing struggle songs. Moments later, tension flared when a few protesters were pepper-sprayed as they tried to walk up the stairs to demand that the mayor receive their memorandum in person. Noliza Nkampula said: “The police sprayed pepper spray at us as we were singing while walking up the stairs after hearing the mayor didn’t want to come out to us. And we were not trying to access the building.” Thyido criticised the mayor’s…

Former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) CEO Lucky Montana has taken the extraordinary step of laying criminal charges against the South African Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, accusing him and other Sars officials of fraudulently doctoring a fake court judgment to justify a hefty tax bill. Montana, who is also a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in Parliament, formally opened the case at the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria on Monday. He alleges that Sars fabricated a court order to justify a tax debt he disputes. Speaking outside the police station, Montana outlined the origins of the dispute and the reasons for pursuing legal action against Sars. “I’m here to open a case of fraud against the commissioner of Sars, Mr Edward Kieswetter, as well as…

IN a move bringing relief to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) to May 28, 2027. The announcement was formalised through the Minister’s Immigration Directive No 21 of 2025, and affects approximately 180 000 ZEP holders living in South Africa. The ZEP programme, first introduced in 2017, was designed to regularise the status of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa under the previous Zimbabwean Dispensation Permit. However, in December 2021, the Department of Home Affairs announced the discontinuation of ZEP, giving holders until December 31, 2022, to transition to other visa categories. That decision faced legal challenges, and in 2023, the Johannesburg High Court ruled that the termination of ZEP had been unlawful, directing…

The Western Cape’s healthcare system is getting a major shot in the arm, with 45 new construction projects under way. Provincial health MEC Mireille Wenger said 30 of the projects were set to be completed in the 2025/26 financial year. “Behind every brick and every beam is a bigger purpose: to deliver safe, dignified and world-class healthcare to the people of our province,” said Wenger. “Having 45 health infrastructure projects underway, the most ever in a single year, shows our commitment to building for the future.” Over the next three years, the health and wellness department will pump R1.8 billion into health infrastructure to expand access, improve safety, and ensure that residents receive care in modern, well-equipped facilities. The projects spanned all levels of care, from local clinics to major…

Bafana Bafana's 1998 FIFA World Cup squad member Willem Jackson has drawn some similarities between his generation and the current crop of players vying for a spot at the 2026 global showpiece. Bafana first qualified for the global event 27 years ago in France, followed by the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. Since then, they returned to the world stage in 2010 when they hosted the tournament. Now, the current generation is in the running to top Group C in the qualifiers and secure their ticket to the World Cup via the qualification route for the first time since 2002. While Bafana haven’t been perfect — having recently been docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat by FIFA for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier…

“IND-YAAA, IND-YAAA!” This is the chant that will reverberate around Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VCDA Cricket Stadium whenever Smriti Mandhana elegantly strokes the ball through the covers. Drums will beat, trumpets and whistles blown, flags waved, and grown men fully painted in the tri-colours will create a cacophony of noise that the Proteas Women have yet to encounter. Facing India, in a World Cup, at home, is simply a different beast to any other challenge, but one the Proteas are looking to embrace. “It’s always a challenge, but I think it’s also nice,” Proteas allrounder Nadine de Klerk said on the eve of this mouth-watering World Cup clash. “I think we were here last year, and it was also quite a big crowd. So, I think it’s a nice thing…

Lions flyhalf Chris Smith has enjoyed linking up with former Springbok star Morné Steyn after returning to South Africa this season. Former Bulls flyhalf Smith joined the Lions in the off-season for their United Rugby Championship campaign and started his first match in the narrow 22-20 defeat against Zebre Parma on Sunday. Smith, who left the Bulls two seasons ago for French club Oyonnax, missed their opening match against Cardiff after suffering a head knock in the Currie Cup final against Griquas. But he was back in the No 10 jersey against Zebre, who won the match late on after a much-improved performance from the Joburg side. Smith has been working closely with Bok legend Steyn, who, as an assistant coach for the Lions, has been far more open in…

The clear and present danger facing the Proteas on their upcoming Test tour of Pakistan may be the prospect of raging turning pitches and dual spin threat of the hosts, but the return of star left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is ominous. Afridi, who is also commonly known as “The Eagle”, was left behind when Pakistan visited South Africa last year. The 25-year-old, though, seemed to be reaching peak form again in the recent Asia Cup in the UAE and has now earned a recall to the Test squad. “I can't particularly say one thing has happened, but he bowled very, very well in the Asia Cup. And the pace was up,” former Pakistan Test cricketer and renowned commentator Bazid Khan exclusively told Independent Media from Lahore on Wednesday.…

If you’ve been hearing the term “slay queen” tossed around on TikTok, Instagram, or local chat shows, here’s the lowdown. The term originally emerged in popular culture to describe women who use fashion, social media and charm to navigate the social and economic landscape, often flaunting designer clothes, hairstyles and lifestyles to make an impact. You know, slaying! Now, Showmax brings this phenomenon to the screen. The original series Slay Queens, premiering on October 31 with new episodes every Friday, dives deep into the lives behind the label. It explores the glamour, ambition and grit of slay queens themselves, alongside the men who orbit this world. Ballers, as they’re sassy-ly known, give audiences a full picture of the social, cultural and economic ecosystem that fuels this lifestyle. DJ and influencer…

Three men were gunned down in Gugulethu’s Lotus informal settlement on Tuesday evening, marking the latest in a series of attacks that have left the community living in fear. Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that authorities have launched a manhunt following the fatal shooting, which occurred at approximately 6.30pm on Tuesday. The incident has traumatised residents already struggling to cope with relentless violence in the area. “According to reports, the victims were attacked by unknown gunmen who opened fire before fleeing. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined, and detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit are pursuing all leads to trace and apprehend those responsible,” said Traut. He added that the Western Cape police management “strongly condemns the senseless act of…

A Four-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in Hanover Park yesterday. Four children have been shot in less than a week in three different communities. Two of the victims died. Police increased visibility following yesterday’s shooting in Moray Court. Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said: “Philippi police have increased visibility in and around Moray Court, Hanover Park following a shooting incident (yesterday) at 2.30pm at the mentioned address, where a four-year-old boy was shot and injured. “Philippi police registered an attempted murder for investigation. “The unknown suspect/s fled the scene. The motive for this attack is yet to be determined. “We appeal to anyone with information to please contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Xolani Baso on 082 469 6534 or 021…

As Mandla Mandela and five other activists who were abducted by Israeli forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) landed at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday, he said they were called “terrorists and baby killers.” Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, Carrie Shelver, Zaheera Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks, and Reaz Moola received a rapturous welcome. They appeared emotional as they hugged loved ones. A teary-eyed Mandela acknowledged those whose work was behind ensuring that the activists boarded the GSF. “With the assistance of our donors, we were able to procure a €150 000 (R2 997 915) boat. It was important as South Africans to be part of this mission because we are a country born of resistance,” Mandela said. He said the activists anticipated two scenarios: entering Gaza or being…

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted its annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, in Cape Town, with Ministerial Commendations given to Cape Town musician, Loukmaan Adams, Ministerial Legacy awards to photographer, Fanie Jason and many others in various fields. The department said the event celebrates the contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province. Winners were crowned in various categories across the sector on Tuesday. Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie, received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field. This also included Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, who was also recognised for her pioneering work…

Kaizer Chiefs, the newly crowned champions of the DStv Diski Challenge, are set to take on English giants Manchester United next month. Having clinched the DDC title for the first time in the tournament’s history, amassing an impressive 70 points, Chiefs will embark on an 11-day tour of the United Kingdom, scheduled from November 25 to December 7, 2025. The team will test their skills against international competition, including matches against Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) U21. Chiefs’ UK tour will kick off with a highly anticipated fixture against the Red Devils on Friday, November 28. Following the clash with United, the team will face Leeds United on December 2, before concluding their UK adventure with a showdown against QPR U21 in London on December 6. Chiefs will…

The national rugby unions of eight of the sport's major nations released a statement on Tuesday warning players and support staff against joining the rebel R360 competition. The R360 competition has backing from private investors, with former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall serving as the public face of the project, which remains shrouded in secrecy. Few details are known about the plans, but reports suggest it would involve six to eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, with ambitions to attract top players from around the world to compete for its franchises. However, there are growing concerns about where the competition would fit into an already congested calendar. In response, the national rugby unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and…

The Bulls have never beaten Ulster in Belfast, and they will face the tricky task of trying to change that statistic on Saturday as they aim to kick off their first United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on a winning note. After two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, the Bulls sit at the top of the URC log, but they know how quickly things can change if they don’t start well away from home. They had some relative success in Europe last season; however, winning in northern conditions remains a major challenge for South African teams. Following the clash with Ulster, the Bulls will also face fellow Irish side Connacht and former Scottish champions, the Glasgow Warriors — a demanding start to their tour. The Loftus-based side has travelled to Belfast…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly accorded an official funeral to South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa. Mthethwa died after falling from a 22nd-floor hotel room in Paris last week. French authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Mthethwa, 58, was found at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in western Paris. His body is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport tomorrow. He will be buried on Sunday in his home town of KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed that the team of investigators that was supposed to travel to France to assist in probing Mthethwa’s death has been reduced from five to just one officer. The top cop clarified that the officer’s role is not to conduct a…

The plight of thousands of young educators in South Africa took a significant step towards resolution as Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently announced the resumption of September stipend payments to school assistants. The initiative comes in the wake of considerable distress caused by delays in disbursements that have kept these essential workers in a prolonged state of financial uncertainty. Gwarube collaborated with the departments of Employment and Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to facilitate prompt payment processing. Funds began flowing to beneficiaries yesterday. Gwarube has also directed that accountability processes be implemented against officials whose inaction contributed to the delay. Meanwhile, the labour department refuted claims of not releasing the September payments. Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, blamed Gwarube on X for delayed…

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has officially signed a 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) with FFS Tank Terminals which will inject R195.7 million into the terminal. This agreement grants FFS Tank Terminals the right to operate and maintain a Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town, representing a significant investment and a boost for the region's economy. Over the first three years, FFS Tank Terminals will inject R195.7m into the terminal. This investment will be used to refurbish infrastructure and implement upgrades aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a reliable supply for local industries. Once operational, the terminal's diesel storage capacity will double by 100% to 29 200m³, significantly increasing diesel volume throughput at the port. Additionally, bitumen storage capacity will increase by 47%, from 4…

Springbok and Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am isn’t being too hard on himself as he works to regain top form as quickly as possible in the United Rugby Championship (URC). He’s only been back for a couple of matches following a lengthy knee injury and is still finding his rhythm in the side. However, when the Sharks meet Leinster in Dublin on Saturday (6.30pm, the experienced centre will be one of the key players for the Durban outfit in their clash against the defending champions. While he’ll test himself against some of Ireland’s top talent, the World Cup winner is more focused on getting back to his best than worrying about selection for the Springboks' end-of-year Tests in November. He’ll have just a handful of matches over the coming weeks to…

England and Portugal are in pole position to win their respective 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying groups with two games to spare, with several other European nations also hoping to secure berths at the finals in the upcoming matches. Norway may also be only one victory away from reaching the tournament for the first time since 1998, which would leave Italy staring at a third successive World Cup watching from the sidelines. Thomas Tuchel's England laid down a marker last month with an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade and are yet to concede a goal in five qualifiers. They are not in Group K action until Tuesday when a victory over Latvia in Riga would secure a place at next year's finals in the US, Mexico and Canada,…

Valtteri Bottas has spent the past year observing Formula One from the sidelines, officially as Mercedes’ reserve, attending briefings, analysing data, and staying fit in case he was needed. Unofficially, he has been waiting for another chance — a chance that comes in 2026 with Cadillac’s first F1 team. “Getting this seat has been my target for a while,” Bottas says. “This opportunity opened up, and I feel 100% good about it.” Bottas joined the Silver Arrows in 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg and quickly learned the scale of the task. For five seasons, he played the perfect lieutenant: scoring points, podiums, and occasional wins, while never threatening Lewis Hamilton’s authority. Together, they secured multiple constructors’ titles. Bottas won 10 Grands Prix but always in Hamilton’s shadow. When Mercedes chose…

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos is a forthright man. It’s a characteristic that has earned him the respect of both his players and the often-fickle South African media during his time in the country. Earlier this week, Broos issued a public warning to Sundowns duo Jayden Adams and Fawaaz Basadien that their lack of gametime at the Betway Premiership champions will negatively affect their chances of making the trip to Morocco for AFCON at the end of the year. Broos has already shown his hand by not including the pair in recent Bafana squads competing in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Belgian-born coach stressed: “For players, it’s important that you play, and not directly where you play. But you have to play, and this is not the case…