Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-08 i Cape Argus

There’s no disputing that Stranger Things is an incredible series, which helped establish Netflix as a streaming juggernaut. As memorable as the series was in its run since 2016 though, the finale was just about as forgettable. I’m not even talking about the major plot points though, as it was simply too long. At 128 minutes long, the final 40 minutes came after Vecna was defeated and the gates to the Upside Down were destroyed. Those final 40 minutes could have easily been made into a montage of a couple of minutes, but instead drew it out with some really cheesy endings and dialogues for what once was an epic tale. In fact, it reminded me of the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King climax. After that bloody…

While the legal battle over the publication of the matric results continues, matriculants awaiting their results will be able to access them via their local newspapers. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona yesterday confirmed that this will be the case. “There was a decision on this matter and yes, the results will be available in the newspapers,” Mabona said. The Information Regulator (IR), however, maintained that the information cannot be published in light of the pending appeal. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in December turned down an application by the IR for an order barring the publication of the results. Three judges ruled that the results may be published, but that this had to be done by only using the candidate’s exam number. The IR, however, maintains that this…

Power utility Eskom has announced it is now looking to reduce the cost of electricity while maintaining a reliable supply as the system stabilises despite challenges from ageing power stations. IOL previously reported that Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has conceded that rising electricity prices are placing a heavy burden on households and businesses across the country. Ramokgopa also said that the government was taking a range of measures to address rising electricity costs and energy poverty. "The Department of Electricity and Energy acknowledges that the rising cost of electricity presents a serious challenge to households, businesses, and the broader economy," he said earlier this month. Eskom Senior Manager Eric Shunmugam said that after years of severe breakdowns and widespread load shedding, the utility has made major strides…

PARLIAMENT'S Ad Hoc Committee is set to begin its investigation into allegations against SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, with a deadline of February 20, 2026. The committee met virtually oyesterday, where they discussed its public participation process, the programme relating to the resumption of oral hearings, as well as received a report on cases against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan. The testimonies of controversial ANC-aligned North West businessman Brown Mogotsi and O’Sullivan were significant talking points during the meeting. In regard to O’Sullivan, the committee decided they would have Parliament’s legal team give them a presentation on the status of the various charges against him and those withdrawn. O’Sullivan’s name arose during the testimony of Mkhwanazi and when suspended police minister’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, claimed O’Sullivan…

Firefighting operations remain active in Aalwyndal and surrounding areas in Mossel Bay as crews continue to monitor and manage flare-ups following a devastating vegetation fire that broke out on Tuesday. The Garden Route SPCA has taken in three dogs, eight birds, and one tortoise for safety and medical care. In an update yesterday, Mossel Bay Municipality confirmed the fire’s earlier spread to the Num Num area on the north-eastern flank has been contained. Other flanks of the fire are also contained, although active firefighting continues on the north-western flank at the top of Aalwyndal. Fire crews remain deployed across the affected areas, attending to flare-ups and monitoring conditions. Aerial firefighting resources have been deployed, with authorities saying the resulting firefighting efforts have been effective. “At present, no structures are in…

LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot insists his reigning English champions can still do “special things” this season as they prepare to face Premier League leaders Arsenal following a faltering start to their title defence. Slot’s men head to the Emirates for tonight’s clash in fourth place in the table, but 14 points adrift of the Gunners. However, following a run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine — although that sequence includes four draws. Those draws include a goalless stalemate against Leeds and a 2-2 share of the spoils with Fulham in their first two Premier League fixtures of 2026. “It is nine games unbeaten but we have definitely had two draws too many,” Slot told a pre-match press conference yesterday. Slot,…

THE departure of Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior to take over as Chelsea manager has exposed the harsh realities of multi-club ownership, which is gaining ground across the world but causing discord between supporters and teams. The relatively inexperienced Rosenior, 41, has achieved a remarkable elevation from the modest French Ligue 1 side to the World Club Cup champions, who are both owned by American Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium. Worldwide, between 200 and 300 clubs are part of a multi-ownership group. Manchester City, who sit at the top of City Football Group, and Manchester United (Ineos) are some of the other big names. A clear hierarchy exists within such a structure and not being at the top of an ownership group can mean being reduced to the role of feeder club.…

THE Lions are far from throwing in the towel in the EPCR Challenge Cup, stressing that matches like Saturday’s visit of French side Lyon to Ellis Park (5.15pm kick-off) are key to building momentum in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and improving squad depth. Despite back-to-back defeats in their opening two Challenge Cup pool matches, the Lions remain mathematically alive in the competition, knowing that victories in their final two fixtures could still secure a play-off berth. More importantly, the coaching staff believe the competition provides a platform to sharpen performance levels and prepare a wider group of players for the demands of the URC, where they are in the play-off spots in seventh place, basking in the afterglow of the weekend’s derby win against the Sharks. The weekend’s victory…

Whether they confirm it or deny it, it is quite clear that Rachel John and Siya Kolisi are indeed in a relationship. Following some digital detective work, the evidence suggests that the Springbok captain and the Dutch model celebrated her birthday together in Jeffreys Bay. The most telling clue? His unmistakable reflection in the window as he played photographer during the celebration. The second clue lies in the wardrobe. On his Instagram Stories, Kolisi was seen sporting a white T-shirt, light blue jeans, and his unmistakable signature yellow wristwatch. Sharp-eyed followers quickly connected the dots when the 25-year-old model shared a video featuring a man dancing in the background, wearing that exact same outfit and distinctive timepiece. The plot thickened when both of them checked into the same lodge at…

AS South Africa’s unified school calendar gets underway on Wednesday, January 14, parents say the cost of sending a child to school has reached breaking point — driven not only by uniforms and fees, but by increasingly long and expensive stationery lists. New analysis by Teneo Online School estimates that the minimum “entry fee” for a Grade 8 learner at a public, fee-paying high school has risen to R5 015.78 in 2026. This covers compulsory uniforms, stationery and specialist tools, but excludes school fees, transport and food. Uniform essentials including a blazer, shirts, jersey and trousers or skirt make up the biggest share at R2 714.90, followed by stationery packs costing R1 336.90. Footwear, a school bag and items such as a scientific calculator push the total beyond R5…

NO arrests have been made a month after a 29-year-old musician and mother from Kraaifontein was allegedly being raped by a colleague aboard the MSC Musica. The woman said she feels victimised by people she had trusted in the workspace for support and also reported the matter to her contractor. Last month, police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the case had been opened with the saps: “Kindly be advised that the mentioned case number is a rape case registered at Strandfontein SAPS for investigation. This case will be transferred to Mitchells Plain FCS for further investigation. Investigations continue.” This week, Constable Ndakhe Gwala said there were no arrests: “The matter you are referring to is still under investigation; no arrest has been made yet.” In response to the fact…

Outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi has thrown her support behind Advocate Andy Mothibi, whom President Cyril Ramaphosa has named as the new head of the NDPP. Batohi welcomed and congratulated Advocate Andy Mothibi on his appointment as her successor, saying she has full confidence in his leadership. Ramaphosa on Tuesday appointed Mothibi as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The move surprised many after he was selected despite not being among the candidates interviewed during the formal selection process. Mothibi will take over from Batohi when her term ends in January. While the appointment has drawn criticism, Batohi said she welcomed the decision, describing it as timely as the NPA continues its efforts to rebuild, strengthen institutional integrity and advance justice. “Adv…

Authorities have confirmed that the recent mass fish mortality in the Hartenbos Estuary was not caused by a red tide and was not linked to a sewage spill, but resulted from severe oxygen depletion triggered by eutrophication and an algal bloom. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said investigations conducted in consultation with the Mossel Bay Municipality found that the incident was caused by a combination of interacting environmental factors rather than a single pollution event. According to the department, elevated nutrient inputs from multiple sources led to eutrophication, while reduced freshwater inflow — linked to water abstraction and dam development within catchments — slowed water movement in the estuary. This created conditions favourable for harmful algal blooms and high phytoplankton biomass, ultimately resulting in critically low…

BAFANA Bafana midfielder Bathusi Aubaas believes the hard lessons of their early Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exit will forge a stronger team, shaping their journey in tournaments yet to come. The team’s campaign at this edition of AFCON ended in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the round of 16, extinguishing hopes of a long-awaited second title. South Africa had entered the tournament with high expectations, aiming to build on their third-place finish in the previous edition and, perhaps, go all the way. Heading into the competition, the current squad drew frequent comparisons with the iconic class of 1996, but with some below-par performances in the group stages and ultimately the knockouts, that title-winning side remains the only South African team to have lifted the…

FOUR-TIME wheelchair tennis Grand Slam doubles champion Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is eager to put the heartache of 2025 behind her as she resumes her pursuit of a fifth major title at the Australian Open later this month. South Africa’s most decorated tennis player experienced a year of sharp contrasts in 2025. On court, Montjane continued to cement her status among the elite of women’s wheelchair tennis, lifting the French Open doubles title alongside her longtime Japanese partner Yui Kamiji and reaching the Wimbledon singles semi-finals in another reminder of her enduring class. Off court, however, she endured profound personal loss that tested her resilience more than any opponent ever could. "Last year was my toughest year, where I was dealing with the loss of my mom and still I’m grieving,…

SHARKS owner Marco Masotti’s chirp that the Sale Sharks should rebrand themselves as the “Sale Tuna” could come back to bite him when the teams meet in a Champions Cup fixture on Saturday in Manchester. Masotti said on social media that one of his New Year’s wishes was for Sale to undergo a name change to leave the Durban team as world rugby’s sole “Sharks” team. Masotti said: “I will be there in person. I hope the Sale fans show up to see the real @SharksRugby. There can be only one. Good luck to the Sale Tuna.” While Masotti is known for his tongue-in-cheek jibes on social media, he may, in this case, have shot himself in the foot for two reasons: one, the Sharks are resting their Springboks for…

MILNERTON residents are outraged that the Millview development on Erf 38599 in Table View is proceeding despite widespread opposition, citing increased traffic, environmental risks, and strained services. They claimed the project would contribute R5.9 million in development fees. According to the City, the development consists of 377 flats not exceeding 100m², nine group houses and 16 Single Residential 1 erven, spanning over nearly four years ago’s approval. Community group Cape of Good Hope NPC spokesperson Des Palm accused the City of Cape Town of ignoring formal petitions and objections. Residents also noted that units are being marketed and sold (starting at R1 950 000) for the 377-flat, 9-group house, and 16-single residential unit project, yet they are unaware of approved building plans. City of Cape Town Spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo,…

A RAVENSMEAD man has been arrested for arson after an alleged family feud left 40 homeless on Monday. Uitsig residents were left without a roof over their heads after a raging fire tore through backyard dwellings, destroying 10 structures and leaving families with nothing but the clothes on their backs. One of the victims, Esmeralda Higgins, told the Cape Argus' sister newspaper, the Daily Voice that the blaze was allegedly started by the son of one of the residents, who threatened to burn his father’s house down. Higgins explained: “I got a call to say that our house is on fire. According to my brother, the fire started at the back of our house by the people at the back street. “We are all backyarders who lost everything. “This guy…

ANC Secretary General (SG) Fikile Mbalula has delivered a stern message to councillors in the North West, urging them to prioritise tangible service delivery over "speaking big English" to communities. This strong message by the ANC SG was delivered during a community meeting held at the Mamakato Community Hall in Rustenburg on Tuesday. "ANC councillors have a responsibility to ensure that services are delivered to our people at all times. They should go into our communities and ensure they deliver on what they promise and not speak big English, but rather be on the ground and resolve all service delivery challenges faced by our people," Mbalula charged. The SG pointedly noted that councillors who are disconnected from the communities they serve cannot effectively advocate for their needs. "We cannot have…

THIS season, 227 children were separated and safely reunited, while five were handed over to the Department of Social Development after caregivers could not be located by the end of the beach day. This marks an improvement on last year, which recorded 256 reunions and 11 DSD handovers. In the water, lifeguards and emergency services remained busy, but outcomes point to improved safety. Since October last year, 23 non-fatal drownings were recorded at Cape Town beaches, all of which could have ended tragically without swift rescues. During the same period, five fatal drownings were recorded along the city’s coastline. All fatalities occurred outside designated bathing areas, underscoring the risks of swimming away from lifeguarded zones. Beaches along the False Bay coastline recorded the highest number of Identikidz registrations, particularly Strand,…

PROTEAS batting coach Ashwell Prince has reiterated the importance of getting game time in the SA20 for the T20 World Cup-bound players, especially those returning from injury, including Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and David Miller. On paper, the Proteas T20 World Cup squad is filled with seasoned professionals, with Aiden Markram set to lead the side in his second ICC event after steering the team to the final in the previous edition of the showpiece. However, a deeper dive into the squad reveals that several key players are set to head into the World Cup with little to no recent international game time. Fast bowlers Rabada and Kwena Maphaka missed the Proteas T20I series in India due to injuries, while Nortje and Miller only returned during that series. At least…

BROTHERS Msawenkosi and Sandile Mtolo have announced themselves as contenders for the Dusi Canoe Marathon K2 title, despite pairing up for a shot at the crown for the first time in the 75th edition of the iconic river race. Both brothers have impressive Dusi pedigrees. Msawenkosi holds a runner-up medal from 2024, when he and Sbonelo Khwela finished second in the K2 race. However, the upcoming journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, taking place from February 19 to 21, will mark their first time competing together in the same boat. They fired a warning shot at their rivals with a victory in the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin in November. As the first Dusi qualifying event, it incorporates flat water, portages, and rapids, providing a comprehensive test of a crew’s readiness. The…

“I LOVE to hit sixes.” The simplicity of the statement says all there is to know about Nicholas Pooran. The West Indies T20 superstar is not one to overcomplicate things. Perhaps it stems from his island upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago, but for Pooran, things are almost always simply black and white. When asked why MI Cape Town have not performed well in this year’s Betway SA20, Pooran responded frankly after the four-wicket victory over JSK: “I haven’t scored any runs. That’s one of the reasons why we’re in this situation, if I’m being really honest. We’re in this position today because we haven’t taken that responsibility as individual players. And that’s the truth.” But is it not a case of the wickets in South Africa being tricky for batting?…

WILLIE Le Roux has always been a player that the fans tend to either love or hate, and it was the former emotion that pervaded Bulls supporters at the conclusion of last week’s enthralling north-south derby in Cape Town. In the last movement of the game, with the Stormers leading 13-8 but with the Bulls in possession, the Springbok full-back chose not to keep the ball in hand. Instead, he sent a speculative kick to the open-side touchline, but it sailed over the head of chasing Bulls wing Stravino Jacobs and into touch. The final whistle went, that was that for the Bulls, and a groan erupted out of Pretoria, followed by the collective refrain, ”Why the heck did he kick it?!” Why indeed … After the match, Bulls coach…