Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-23 i Cape Times

The holidays are often painted as a time of togetherness, with the warm glow of twinkling lights, laughter through shared meals and the pull of family traditions. For many, especially those experiencing an empty nest, the season brings a complex reality where feelings of loneliness and change deepen against the backdrop of festive celebration. This is the often-unspoken side of the holidays that deserves more attention. In South Africa, it hums with expectation. The clatter of pots for Christmas preps, the WhatsApp voice notes about travel plans, the soft insistence that this is the season of togetherness. And yet, behind the fairy lights and grocery queues, there is another story unfolding quieter, more tender and often unspoken. For those with an empty nest, especially during the holidays, loneliness and transition…

Traffic stops and hallways clear as the diva arrives, her attendants escorting her backstage ahead of her rendition of the role she's perfected over years of delighting audiences. “You've got this, Wanda,” one opera manager says as she heads inside. Before the show, she gets a quick pedicure touch-up - her hooves tend to pick up hay and debris. Wanda is, after all, a donkey. She's played roles in classic New York Metropolitan Opera productions including “La Boheme” and “The Barber of Seville” since 2022. In Act II of “La Boheme” - Puccini's popular if heartbreaking portrayal of 19th-century Paris - Wanda joins hundreds of performers including diners, shoppers and vendors. The donkey pulls the colorful cart of Parpignol, who peddles toys to children in the spectacular street market scene…

THE NSPCA says the conviction of a Boerboel breeder for “tail docking” sets an important precedent, affirming that the physical alteration of animals for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes is unlawful and unacceptable. Carlene Coetzee was convicted for the illegal maiming of animals in contravention of the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962 and sentenced to a fine of R20 000 or, failing payment, ten months’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition that she does not re-offend. The NSPCA explained that in October 2023, Coetzee was issued with a warning regarding the maiming of animals at a dog show, after admitting to using rubber bands to remove the tails of puppies in her care. “The removal of an animal’s tail, commonly referred…

HIKERS have been urged take extra caution as trails become increasingly busy over the festive period, following several incidents on Lion’s Head, including the death of a German hiker. Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) said the visiting German man fell while descending from the summit on Thursday. “Despite the efforts of all involved, the hiker was sadly declared deceased at the scene.” His body was flown to a nearby landing zone and handed over to authorities. On Friday, a 65-year-old visiting British hiker reported sudden headaches and dizziness while ascending near the summit. She was treated by a paramedic and flown in a rescue helicopter to a nearby landing zone for further care. Later that day, while teams were hiking down the popular trail after the earlier incident, rescuers encountered…

ON JANUARY 1, Cuba marks its National Day - 67 years since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Few revolutions of the 20th century have so profoundly reshaped a nation’s destiny while simultaneously imprinting themselves on global struggles for justice, sovereignty and human dignity. Sixty-seven years on, Cuba’s story is of defiance, solidarity and an unbroken commitment to principles that continue to resonate deeply with South Africa and much of the Global South. Cuba’s revolution was born in a world defined by colonial hierarchies, Cold War rivalries and stark inequalities. From the outset, it challenged the prevailing global order by asserting that sovereignty, social justice, and human development were not privileges reserved for wealthy or powerful nations. Despite relentless external pressure, most notably decades of economic…

As families across South Africa prepare for the festive season, many parents are finalising holiday plans, juggling year-end responsibilities and (where they can afford it) deciding whether a tablet, smartphone or gaming device will make the perfect gift for their child or children. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, these devices have become synonymous with opportunities to access education, entertainment, connection, and creativity. But for millions of children, especially girls, the digital world is also where harm quietly lives. It is thus fitting that this year’s recent United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign focused on the theme ‘Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls’. Children are not only present in the digital world; they are among its largest user groups. Global data…

El Salvador announced at the weekend prison sentences for hundreds of convicted gang members, with some of them receiving centuries-long terms. A campaign against crime gangs spearheaded by President Nayib Bukele in recent years has reduced homicide rates in the Central American country to historic lows, but human rights groups accuse the authorities of committing abuses. The attorney general’s office said in a post on X that 248 members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) street gang had received “exemplary sentences” for crimes including 43 homicides and 42 disappearances. It did not specify the date of each sentencing or whether the accused had been tried altogether. One individual was sentenced to 1 335 years in prison, while 10 others received prison terms ranging from 463 to 958 years, the post…

MOGADISHU: Somalia will deploy more than 10 000 security personnel in the capital, Mogadishu, ahead of next week’s local elections – the first direct polls in nearly 60 years – the security minister said at the weekend. The east African country is struggling to emerge from decades of conflict and chaos, battling a bloody Islamist insurgency and frequent natural disasters. In April, the country launched voter registration for the first time in decades, a step towards universal suffrage and end to the complex clan-based indirect voting system in place since 1969. The December 25 polls – which the opposition has boycotted, accusing the federal government of “unilateral election processes” – will see more than 1 600 candidates contest 390 local seats in the southeastern Banadir region. Nearly 400 000 people…

Given the club's precarious position in the Betway Premiership, coach Steve Barker's resignation may ultimately prove a blessing in disguise. This startling development has raised eyebrows, but it could redefine Stellenbosch FC's trajectory, which has been hovering perilously above the relegation zone for some time. After a particularly dismal run towards the end of 2025, the team plummeted to 14th place in the 16-team league. Under Barker's leadership, Stellenbosch earned only 12 points from 14 matches, reflecting three wins, many draws, and eight losses. The numbers seldom lie; the situation was dire, and it takes no great leap of faith to see how this must have weighed heavily on Barker's shoulders. This state of affairs likely prompted him to say: "I feel the time is right for Stellenbosch to enter…

The void that Steve Barker has left at Stellenbosch is huge, which is why it will take someone with tactical acumen, charisma, and energy to fill it. Barker not only transformed the team, but also built a solid structure, which has been beneficial to the club, its rivals, and the national team. The club has reportedly already been in talks with veteran coach Gavin Hunt to fill Barker’s shoes - an appointment that could certainly divide opinion, given all that Hunt has endured in recent years. Without involving Hunt, we look at three other candidates who could potentially replace Barker and steer the club into calmer waters while building on the outgoing coach's foundation. Alexandre Lafitte Lafitte is the youngest coach in the PSL top flight. In just half a…

Bowlers win matches and it will not be different in the upcoming fourth season of the SA20. Independent Media’s Ongama Gcwabe selects six bowlers to watch in this year’s edition of the tournament. Kagiso Rabada - MI Cape Town South Africa’s premier bowler is set to return to play in the SA20, having not taken part in the recently concluded India tour due to injury. He will want to get back on the horse with a bang, and help MI Cape Town match Sunrisers’ record of winning back-to-back SA20 titles. With the ball, bat , and his on and off the field leadership, Rabada will be crucial for the Cape Town-based side. Marco Jansen - Sunrisers Eastern Cape Marco Jansen has been in really fine form both in international cricket…

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve dinner or a traditional Christmas lunch, you know there’s going to be a whole lot of cooking involved. All the plates on the stove are finally getting a turn, the oven is permanently set to 180, and the air fryer you bought on Black Friday is working overtime. But even with Boney M blasting and a glass of wine in hand, your “clean as you go” system is failing. You’ve lost track of how long the leg of lamb has been in the oven, and you slowly start to unravel, having those fleeting thoughts of “We should have booked a restaurant.” Sometimes you just want to wake up on Christmas morning and have everything done. To be fair, many grocery stores are going out of…

UNDER-FIRE Bitou Municipality deputy mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi has accused the ANC and “bogus” local community leaders of using the video showing her discharging a firearm to score political points. Kolwapi, who is also the leader of a political party Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM) was celebrating the return of her son from ulwaluko - a sacred Xhosa initiation ceremony that marks the transition into manhood, when the video was taken. Police have since confirmed an investigation was under way into the incident while Kolwapi has maintained that there was no firearm present, and that the item in her hand is a toy-gun. Kolwapi believes that the fact that this video was captured during her son's return from ulwaluko, and that the act being performed by a woman “has unsettled some, and…

As South Africans prepare to welcome the New Year, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS calls on communities to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of animals when it comes to fireworks. “Fireworks may be a thrill for some, but for animals, they’re a source of panic and trauma. “Every year, we see pets go missing, injure themselves, or suffer severe anxiety due to the noise and chaos. It’s time we prioritise compassion over spectacle,” said FOUR PAWS South Africa director Fiona Miles. Why fireworks harm animals: ● Extreme stress: Dogs and cats hear sounds up to four times more acutely than humans. Loud, unpredictable explosions trigger fear responses similar to thunderstorms—but far more intense. ● Escape and injury: Many pets flee in panic, risking traffic accidents or getting lost. Wildlife…

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has found no causal link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This is based on the organisation’s recently released global expert committee analysis on vaccine safety, which reaffirmed WHO’s position that childhood vaccines do not cause autism. The latest analysis, discussed by the Committee on November 27 2025, focused first on the relationship between thiomersal-containing vaccines and ASD, and the association between vaccines in general and ASD. “Evidence based on 31 primary research studies, published between January 2010 and August 2025, including data from multiple countries, strongly supports the positive safety profile of vaccines used during childhood and pregnancy, and confirms the absence of a causal link with ASD,” said the WHO. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), established in 1999, also…

The recent recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers to hike politicians’ salaries by 4.1% is a profound act of national insensitivity. In a country where millions grapple with the grinding reality of poverty, unemployment, and soaring food prices, this decision is a stark reminder of the ever-widening chasm between the ruling elite and the citizens they are sworn to serve. It is a direct affront to the suffering majority and a move that perpetuates the very essence of what plagues South Africa: a grotesque and unsustainable inequality. Let us be unequivocal about what these percentages mean in real terms. For the president, a 4.1% increase translates to an extra R137 000, boosting his annual salary to approximately R3.4 million. The deputy president would pocket…

Iranians of all religions and walks of life mark the ancient Persian festival of Yalda at the weekend, though many say economic hardships fanned by international sanctions will put a damper on this year’s celebrations. Yalda falls on the winter solstice and is characterised by family gatherings and the eating of nuts, sweets and fruits. “We mostly spend time with our families, our grandparents, aunts, cousins,” Maral Bagherpour, a smiling 16-year-old student, said in northern Tehran’s Tajrish Bazaar. “We take fal-e Hafez, we drink tea or coffee. My grandma sings for us sometimes,” she said. “Taking fal-e Hafez” is a popular tradition that entails using the works of renowned 14th century Persian poet Hafez, an all-time favourite in Iran, to try to divine the future and deal with difficult situations.…

PYONGYANG: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said that Japan’s attempt to go nuclear must be prevented, the official Korean Central News Agency reported at the weekend. Japan has revealed its ambition to seek nuclear weapons, crossing a red line for a war criminal state, the news agency said, citing a press statement by the director of the Institute for Japan Studies under DPRK’s foreign ministry. The ministry said Japan is revising its military security policies, as evidenced by the strengthening of its preemptive-attack capability, the easing of arms export restrictions, and the re-examination of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. “This is not a misstatement, but clearly reflects Japan’s long-cherished ambition for nuclear armament,” said the press statement. “It added that this constitutes an open challenge to Japan’s Constitution as…

Grief is not neat. It does not arrive with cue cards or a dress code. It spills, it stutters, and it sometimes laughs at the wrong moment. And when grief unfolds in public, amplified by social media, celebrity culture and collective trauma, it becomes something else entirely: a spectacle we feel entitled to edit. That is the quiet storm behind the viral backlash facing media personality and actress Pearl Thusi following her tribute at the memorial of Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras, who was shot and killed in Johannesburg’s CBD on December 16. Stock’s death sent shockwaves through South Africa’s entertainment industry, another name added to our growing list of violent losses. At his memorial on Friday, Thusi shared a personal anecdote meant to honour their bond: a…

THE Robben Island Museum (RIM) and its now former chief executive Abigail Thulare have remained tight-lipped about details of their “mutual separation of employment” following her suspension amid an investigation into management practices. This investigation was prompted by internal issues, including allegations of bullying in the workplace. Amid the investigation, in February 2025, Thulare, was redeployed to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) as the acting CEO. The move was temporary, with a final decision pending the outcome of the investigation. In a letter seen by the Cape Times, dated December 5, the RIM council confirmed that as from December 1, 2025, the parties had agreed on a “mutual separation of employment”. “Council wishes to thank you for your cooperation during this period,” said the letter attributed to RIM…

There is one death every 11 hours and 40 minutes on average on Cape Town’s roads, with 68% of the fatalities being pedestrians. This is according to the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate latest Traffic Crash Report which provides statistics on all reported road traffic crashes in Cape Town from 2021 to 2024. The report shows a total of 3 007 people were killed in 262 225 traffic crashes over this four-year period; that is on average, one death every 11 hours and 40 minutes. The Traffic Crash Report is based on the data that has been extracted from Accident Report forms provided by the 79 South African Police Stations and Traffic Centres based in Cape Town. “It is absolutely shocking to see how many people are killed and injured on…

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal recently honoured renowned African spiritualist, author and scholar, Prof Bhedlindaba “VVO” Mkhize, one of this year’s 30 top researchers in the institution. In a show of affirming the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in South African higher education curricula, UKZN has praised Prof Mkhize (68) for his distinguished peer-reviewed publications written in Zulu and focused mainly on themes pertaining to indigenous African health and religion. Mkhize, who is an honorary professor in African Healing, Religion and Ancestral Studies in the School of Religion at UKZN, is the author of close to 20 titles in his long-running popular umsamo book series. A practicing inyanga (traditional healer), he runs a successful consultancy at Albert Falls in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, also home to Umsamo Africa Institute dedicated to ethnographic…

Evidence, urgency and what to do next Climate change is increasingly destabilising the planetary systems and environmental conditions on which human health and life depend. The recently published 2025 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report shows that increasing global temperatures and the growing size of vulnerable populations – infants younger than one year and adults older than 65 years – have led to a 63% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Between 2012 and 2021, heat-related fatalities reached an average of 546 000 deaths a year, most of which occurred in Africa. This is the reality for millions who live and work in the hottest regions on the continent. The indicators in the report tell the story of a growing danger in households, workplaces and broader communities.…

Even as the US is embarked on a bitter rivalry with China over the deployment of artificial intelligence, Chinese technology is quietly making inroads into the US market. Despite considerable geopolitical tensions, Chinese open-source AI models are winning over a growing number of programmers and companies in the US. These are different from the closed generative AI models that have become household names – ChatGPT-maker OpenAI or Google’s Gemini – whose inner workings are fiercely protected. In contrast, “open” models offered by many Chinese rivals, from Alibaba to DeepSeek, allow programmers to customize parts of the software to suit their needs. Globally, use of Chinese-developed open models has surged from just 1.2% in late 2024 to nearly 30% in August, according to a report published this month by the developers’…

Southeast Asian foreign ministers met yesterday in Malaysia for crisis talks aimed at halting deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which pressed on despite regional and international diplomacy. Renewed fighting this month has killed at least 22 people in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia, and displaced more than 900 000 on both sides, officials said. Malaysia, which chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), expressed hope the talks in Kuala Lumpur would help achieve a lasting ceasefire between the two countries, both bloc members. Speaking at the start of yesterday’s meeting, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged the feuding neighbours and other Asean representatives to “give this matter our most urgent attention.” “We must consider the wider ramifications of the continued escalation of the situation for the people…

CAIRO: A three-day cultural event marking World Arabic Language Day kicked off at the weekend in Egypt’s capital Cairo. Held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with the theme of “A Renewed Heritage in a Radiant Script,” the event features exhibitions, live music performances with traditional Arabic instruments, seminars, and interactive workshops that highlight the enduring legacy and evolving art of the Arabic alphabet, according to Nancy Ammar, the museum’s events coordinator. El Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the NMEC, said the event underscored how the museum’s collections reflect Egypt’s deep historical ties to the Arabic language, with artifacts bearing inscriptions and calligraphy illustrating its role in documenting the country’s journey. “The Arabic alphabet is essential for preserving the language and our cultural identity,” said Amany Abdel-Fattah, an Arabic…

BAFANA BAFANA(2) Appollis 21’, Foster ANGOLA (1) Show 35’ Bafana Bafana ensured that they got their AFCON group-stage campaign off to a flying start after beating Angola 2–1 at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Monday night. It wasn’t the prettiest of games from Bafana, but that won’t matter as they claimed a vital win to boost their bid to reach the knockout stage and live up to their dark-horses tag in the tournament. This victory also ensured that coach Hugo Broos celebrated his 50th cap in charge of Bafana in style, while ending a winless start to the AFCON group stage that had lasted 21 years. Bafana will now be eager to beat Egypt in their next group match on Boxing Day to all but seal their place…

Mamelodi Sundowns had a disappointing first half of the season by their standards, and they were largely to blame for that. A serial championship-winning team, having claimed the last eight titles, Sundowns are expected to dominate in every passing season. However, their title hopes have already been put in serious jeopardy by rivals Orlando Pirates. Sundowns finished the year second on the log standings with 26 points, two behind the Sea Robbers, who are cruising in calm waters and also have a game in hand. The Brazilians struggled to find consistency in domestic football as coach Miguel Cardoso failed to establish a clear structure and approach, resulting in individual brilliance shining through instead of a collective effort. Nuno Santos has adapted seamlessly at the club, carrying the team through individual…