Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-22 i Cape Argus

South African acting sensation Albert Pretorius, the lead star of Die Kantoor, the South African spin-off of The Office, is thrilled to have stepped into a character type that is instantly recognisable across the globe. After Ricky Gervais starred as David Brent in the UK edition of the original version of the series, and Steve Carell earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Michael Scott in the American iteration, the Afrikaans actor will now take the lead in the upcoming Mzansi mockumentary series. The 2025 Fleur du Cap and Woordfees winner plays Flip, the manager of Deluxe Processed Meats, a polony factory where the stakes, at least in Flip’s mind, feel nothing short of monumental. “I know he will be compared to David Brent and Michael Scott – I can’t…

The Western Cape Health Department has reported a surge in emergencies between December 14 and January 15. During this period, emergency centres recorded 423 gunshot wounds, 4 450 stabbing injuries, 497 sexual offences, and 1 163 vehicle crashes. Memory Booysen, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, said a written parliamentary reply revealed that from June to November last year, 3 111 patients were admitted to provincial hospitals due to gunshot wounds, while a staggering 23 711 individuals required medical care for stabbing-related injuries. The department said overall visits declined compared to the previous festive season – including fewer accidental injuries, blunt assaults, and falls, while serious violence-related cases such as stabbings and gunshot wounds continued to place pressure on services. The department said emergency centres recorded a…

Dunoon Primary School has been forced to deal with the broader impact of criminal activity in the community, opening the new academic year without electricity or wi‑fi. Acting principal Thelisa Siyo reported that the school discovered the issue on January 12, the first day teachers arrived. “When we arrived, there was no electricity anywhere in the school. The next day, we realised that the wires and electricity cables had been stolen,” Siyo explained. She said the theft has also disrupted access to water, as the school’s toilets rely on an electric water pump. “Without electricity, we don’t have water. Our computers and projectors are also affected. We can’t make photocopies of learning materials, and teaching with projectors has become impossible.” Siyo said the school depends on an inverter as a…

Imran Tahir may be approaching his 47th birthday in a couple of months’ time, but the veteran leg-spinner has lost none of his passion for success. Having only had limited game time during the group stages of Betway SA20 Season 4, Tahir burst into action in Joburg Super Kings’ final match against Paarl Royals. Tahir claimed 2/17 to out spin the Royals on their own patch and drive the Super Kings to the qualifiers where they will face the self-same opposition at Centurion on Thursday (5:30pm start). “Yeah, look it's been a tough season personally for me,” Tahir said. “I haven't had an opportunity. It's a sad thing, because obviously it's our own league, SA20, and when you come here and have done what you've done for the country in…

Never mind Rassie Erasmus getting into people’s heads with the help of The Cranberries, Stormers centre Wandisile Simelane says he takes to the field with defence coach Norman Laker present between his ears. Simelane knows he will be asked questions on defence by the strong-running Sharks midfield of Andre Esterhuizen at the Cape Town Stadium, but he is confident he will do the job. “Defence has more to it than meets the eye, especially when you are tasked with running the show from 13,” said Simelane. “Ruhan Nel helped me a lot, and Norman prides himself on our defence — trust me, when you put on that Stormers jersey, Norm is in your head. “Norm and I worked very hard on my defence, and I am grateful to be in…

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz fended off a series of “bombs” before surging into the Australian Open third round yesterday, where he was joined by Aryna Sabalenka and a near-flawless Coco Gauff. Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev needed four sets to keep his Grand Slam dream on track at a cooler Melbourne Park after days of hot weather. Alexander Zverev, the third seed well beaten in last year’s final by Jannik Sinner, also went through in four sets. Spanish superstar Alcaraz came through 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena against hard-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann to take another step towards a career Grand Slam. But the 22-year-old was put through his paces by a player 12 years older before setting up a showdown with France’s Corentin Moutet. “To be honest, it was…

Dewald Brevis has scored 194 runs for Pretoria Capitals thus far in Betway SA20 Season 4. With his auction purchase price having been a record R16.5 million, it equates to just over R850 000 per run. Even without the credentials of an investment banker, that does not seem like a strong return on expenditure. Personally, the price tag doesn’t make the player for me. Franchise auctions are a lottery at the best of times, and fortunately for Brevis the numbers fell right for him. My concern is more about how Brevis goes about his business. Is he learning after every innings, or is he guilty of the same mistakes? It has become clear that Brevis will be targeted by the short ball, and that orthodox spin will take a backseat…

The new year may come with new music from one of South Africa’s most popular exported artists, Tyla. The 23-year-old singer had a standout run with her 2024 self-titled debut album, which helped her build a global fan base and delivered some of her strongest visuals to date. She followed that with a mixtape in July 2025, which also performed well on the charts, and later released her hit single Chanel, which continues her winning streak. Now, the Grammy Award-winning musician is giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from her highly anticipated sophomore album. According to Tyla, the project will lean more into fun with a touch of the feels, but “nothing too deep”, as she put it. The Shake Ah singer shared a clip of herself getting…

WHILE the Southern Cape faces a dangerous convergence of crises, with dwindling water reserves and escalating wildfires placing mounting strain on municipalities and emergency services, the Western Cape Government is seeking a provincial disaster classification. Premier Alan Winde is expected to outline the province’s response at a media briefing today, along with Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell and Chief Director of Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services Colin Deiner. Water security has emerged as a critical concern across the region, with Knysna, Langeberg and Bitou among the municipalities under severe pressure as dam levels continue to decline amid persistently dry conditions and sustained demand. Following a site visit to the Akkerkloof Dam this week, Winde warned that Knysna’s primary water source was nearing critically low levels,…

Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride said yesterday he never requested anything from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan. Testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, McBride said O’Sullivan always called when he has information. “I never sought information from him,” he said. McBride told the Ad Hoc Committee that some of the information O’Sullivan provided was irrelevant to the police watchdog body, however, it gave an insight into understanding syndicates and drug distribution. Witnesses appearing before the parliamentary inquiry had claimed that O’Sullivan was in control of IPID and conducted some of its investigations. McBride said O’Sullivan was one of the sources of information. Earlier, McBride said he had known O’Sullivan since 2014 when he was appointed as IPID head.…

The recent approval of salary increases for top politicians including ministers and their deputies, as well as parliamentarians has raised eyebrows, with many arguing that it reflects a government disconnected from the realities faced by citizens. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he approved a 3.8% pay increase for ministers, deputy ministers, and parliamentarians. The increases are set to take effect on April 1. These increases are slightly lower than the 4.1% suggested by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers. However, provincial legislators will still receive the full 4.1%. This also applies to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and independent constitutional institutions. Under the new changes, the deputy president now earns R3.28 million, an increase of R120 000. Ministers now earn R2.79m, which is R102…

A worker caught with a roll of toilet paper allegedly belonging to his employer in his bag and subsequently fired received good news from the Labour Court when it not only confirmed that he must be reinstated, but he must be paid R120000 in backpay. The Labour Court in Cape Town turned down an application by Mpact Operations, where Theodore April worked as a winder operator since 2009 until he was fired, to review an arbitration ruling that he must be reinstated. Acting Judge M Mkhatshwa ordered that apart from the backpay, which he must receive by the end of February, he must report for work on February 2. April was fired after he was found guilty at an internal disciplinary hearing after security found a roll of toilet paper…

Cedric Kaze is finally standing up for the under-fire Kaizer Chiefs technical team, knowing they are not everyone’s cup of tea and that Rome wasn’t built in a day, while insisting they will bask in the glory of their success at the end of the season. Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have been steering Chiefs’ ship since the early part of the season. Their appointment was bizarre, given that the club decided to retain them after sacking their superior and head coach, Nasreddine Nabi. They have done their bit to show that they are the right men for the job, guiding Amakhosi to third place in the Betway Premiership with 16 games to go, as well as qualification for the Caf Confederation Cup group stage. Still, they have attracted more…

Dear Minister, Gayton McKenzie, I hope this letter finds you well. Let me start by saying that I am writing not only as a football scribe but also as a concerned and discerning supporter of the game, who is watching a leech — poor refereeing — slowly suck the life out of one of the brands that has become the pride of African football. So, here we go! As the main custodian of sport in this country — not just football — I am sure you have been following the Premier Soccer League (PSL) closely this season, especially since you took office. As such, you have not been immune to the league’s thrills, spills, and shortcomings. When reports emerged last year that the PSL had a significant 9% increase in…

One of the more popular sights in rugby is a big fellow in the pack running with the ball like a back, something that Lions prop SJ Kotze often does. The young buck has been dubbed “the flyhalf trapped in a prop’s body” because of silky passing skills that have put teammates away for tries or, as was the case when the Lions beat Ulster earlier this season, bursting through the defence like a centre to score under the crossbar. Kotze, who turned 23 on January 2, is a strapping 110kg of muscle, with little puppy fat, hence his athleticism. The young man from Paarl Boys' High is one of a crop of brilliant youngsters who played in the 2023 Junior Springboks side. Kotze rubbed sweaty shoulders with current United…

The ton is buzzing with news of a new arrival, and it is time to officially meet the woman who has captured the heart of our favourite bohemian Bridgerton brother. Yerin Ha has been cast as the leading lady for the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, where she will step into the role of Sophie Baek. While the character is known to book fans as Sophie Beckett, the series has updated her name to honour Ha’s own heritage, adding a layer of personal connection to this much-anticipated debut. Ha is a talented 27-year-old actress who was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She comes from a family with roots in the performing arts, as her grandmother is a well-known actress in South Korea, and her parents met while attending drama…

The mother of a 12-year-old boy placed on a waiting list for a Special Needs School (LSEN) has expressed frustration, saying that while being at a mainstream school in Delft, he continues to battle academically and socially. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) revealed it had a waiting list and applications are reviewed monthly. Millicent Merton of the WCED explained the process of placement: “The learner enrolments in Special Needs schools are still to be determined. To expand access and reduce barriers to placement, the WCED is systematically transforming public ordinary schools into inclusive schools, enabling learners to receive support closer to where they live.” She said in 2025, the WCED accommodated approximately 17 300 learners with special educational needs in 1 326 public ordinary schools across the province through…

MONTHS have passed since Mishaadien Stemmet went missing, and her mother shares the unbearable weight of uncertainty and longing for her daughter’s safe return Shamielah McConnie said that the past few months of not hearing any news about her teenage daughter’s disappearance have been heartbreaking for her. The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her aunt’s home in Old Woodlands, Mitchells Plain, on May 7 last year. McConnie said: “I asked my mother and sister-in-law and they said as per normal she got dressed and she went out. “My brother’s daughter asked her, ‘where are you going, why are you looking so nice’. And Mishaadien said, ‘no, it’s only rich people that wear nice stuff and that can go out’. She likes to make jokes like that.” She said that detectives…

Motorists found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol could face a lifetime ban from holding a driving licence under severe new sanctions proposed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport. After the release of the 2025/26 festive season road safety statistics, the committee has called for urgent legislative intervention to curb road fatalities. While Transport Minister Barbara Creecy led the move to amend the National Road Traffic Act to prohibit any alcohol consumption for drivers, the Portfolio Committee has gone a step further regarding punishment. Committee chairperson Donald Selamolela said current deterrents are insufficient and “transgressing drivers should face stiff sanctions, including being banned from ever having a licence to drive”. The call for lifetime bans follows alarming data released by the Department of Transport. Creecy reported a…

Doctors at Melomed Gatesville, inspired by the bravery of a young boy who was burned by hot water while protecting his grandmother, arranged for him to receive a bicycle, thanks to Cycle Lab. Lorenzo Bawuti, 12, from Eerste River was admitted to the hospital during the December school holidays and had to undergo five surgeries. Bawuti suffered burns to his right leg and arm. According to Melomed, doctors who had formed a bond with him and were touched by his bravery, decided to reach out to Cycle Lab to surprise him with a bike. “After caring for Lorenzo Bawuti, a brave young boy who spent two months at Melomed undergoing five surgical procedures after being burned while protecting his grandmother from hot water, Dr Johan Buys, anaesthetist and Dr Adam…

GAVIN Hunt has used the refrains ‘we should have won the match’ or ‘we should have scored more goals’ so much in his post match media addresses that to hear him say anything else gets one doing a second take. It has become somewhat of a cliché really, an expected statement from a coach even when the reality of proceedings had been different. It was thus somewhat of a shock when 'Huntie’s' maiden post-match address as coach of Stellenbosch FC did not include those lines. Perhaps most surprising was to hear the multiple championship-winner admitting his team were lucky to win their Betway Premiership tie at Sekhukhune United 1-0. Tsheogatso Mabasa scored on debut for the Cape Winelands outfit he joined this week on loan from Orlando Pirates to help…

“Champions League football starts in the knockout stage!” Those were the sentiments of legendary South African coach Pitso Mosimane a few seasons ago. Mosimane was suggesting that while teams may excel in the group stages of the Caf competition, their true character is only tested when the “real” contenders are separated from the pretenders in the knockout rounds. As it turns out, Mosimane was right. Many teams that dominate their groups often struggle against continental heavyweights later on, resulting in the usual “favourites” reaching the semi-finals. However, it seems Mosimane’s former employers, Mamelodi Sundowns, did not entirely heed his message. They sacked Manqoba Mngqithi early last season following a series of struggles, including a below-par start to their continental campaign after drawing their opening two matches. Enter his successor, Miguel…

The Bulls deserve a pat on the back for grinding out a gutsy Champions Cup win over classy Pau, who are second on the French Top 14 points table, but fans are not getting carried away just yet. Seven painful losses preceded the 26-24 win at Pau; the sentiment is that one swallow doesn’t make a summer, and only a win tomorrow night in Edinburgh will convince fans and critics alike that the Bulls have turned the corner under Johan Ackermann. Encouragingly, the Bulls tightened up their defence last week. Until that match and excluding their tight, 13-8 tussle with the Stormers, the Bulls were conceding an average of almost six tries per game in their pursuit of a more attacking, adventurous style of rugby. The Bulls have, in fact,…

The old cliche “never meet your heroes” has not come about without reason because often we are left disappointed when our real-life experience does not match the expectations we had built up from afar. So, having previously heard that Eoin Morgan, former England World Cup-winning captain, could be a bit testy at times, I was apprehensive when approaching him earlier this week in the commentary box at Boland Park. I had nothing to worry about. In fact, the interaction was pleasant with Morgan coming across as humble, engaging and quite funny in fact. Okay, the former England World Cup-winning captain is not exactly a “hero” of mine, but he was responsible for giving me the best quote of my entire 20-year journalistic career. It was in the bowels of Lord’s…