Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-31 i Weekend Argus Saturday

An exclusive industrial property in the highly sought-after area of N’dabeni is now available to discerning investors through an exclusive online auction, closing on June 25 at 12pm. Strategically located at 16 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni, is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious light industrial areas, bordering the residential suburb of Pinelands, positioned just 10 minutes from the Epping Industrial node, 15 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and approximately 12 minutes from the Cape Town CBD. This superb location ensures excellent access to major transport routes, logistics hubs and workforce catchment areas. This industrial unit, legally described as Unit 3, SS 16 Old Mill Road, encompasses approximately 3 322m² under General Industrial 2 zoning. The facility underwent significant upgrades three years ago to meet stringent food manufacturing standards, including…

A little bit of nostalgia can be a sweet escape, but not when it’s served cold and bland. Fear Street: Prom Queen, Netflix’s latest addition to the Fear Street franchise, tries to blend ‘80s camp with teen slasher horror but ends up limping somewhere between laughably corny and painfully dull. Set in 1988, the film follows Lori Granger, played by India Fowler, a shy outsider at Shadyside High with dreams of winning the coveted prom queen title. Haunted by a vicious rumour tied to her family, Lori believes that if she can snag the crown, she’ll finally shake her bad rep and change her destiny. She’s tired of being the town’s punchline, so in a bid to reclaim her narrative, she signs up to compete against the usual suspects: the…

Do you want a dining experience that feels like a gentle brush with luxury and elegance, without it being intimidating? I have found the perfect spot for you in Cape Town. Now hear me out. Yes, it may be in the exclusive, wonderful and newly re-opened and revamped Cape Grace Hotel, yet the elegant restaurant in the hotel - Heirloom - while indeed a classy spot is not a stiff-upper-lip type of place. It is more “put on your favourite silk dress” rather than “borrow your aunt’s inherited pearls". The name Heirloom, when you look up the meaning, means a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations, like those pearls you chose not to wear. So expect a slight sense of "Old Money", a bit of…

A roundup of the most impactful social media discussions from the past week, focusing on the life sentence for human traffickers involved in Joshlin Smith’s case and the tragic murder of Cape Town teacher Kim White Towne. Life in prison for Joshlin Smith human traffickers •Marietjie Vd Walt Engelbrecht: Everyone is only making a noise now regarding the whereabouts of the little girl. The system failed her. The system should have removed her from the care of her incapable mother. And then we should not turn a blind eye to all the other “Joshlins” in our communities. •Veralyn Donn: They’re not even surprised. •Leonie Witbooi: This sentence is a disgrace. Death sentence would have been appropriate. •Rena Bhagwandin: Where’s her smile now? •Clifton Geswin: A massive appreciation to Judge Nathan…

Pastor Mark Burns, an evangelical leader often referred to as Donald Trump’s ‘top pastor’, is currently visiting South Africa. During his visit, he firmly refuted claims of a white genocide occurring in the country, asserting that such allegations are not backed by the realities on the ground. “There is no ‘white genocide’ happening here, “Burns said after meeting with white farmers, business owners, and former apartheid-era leaders. “They were genuinely surprised that this claim even made it to the international stage.” Burns’ comments come in the wake of recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who, during the May 21 Oval Office meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, alleged that white farmers are victims of systematic killings. Trump presented a video purportedly showing mass graves of white farmers, which was later…

Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading auction house, set a new world record for Russia-born South African painter Vladimir Tretchikoff with the sale of his 1955 portrait Lady from the Orient for R31 892 000/US$1 776 017 /£1 314 891. The iconic painting was sold to an anonymous telephone bidder after a dramatic flurry of 89 bids, narrowly beating a determined in-room contender at the live auction in Johannesburg. The final price, inclusive of commission and taxes, comfortably eclipses the previous world record for a Tretchikoff work, set at £982 050 in March 2013 at a London auction for Chinese Girl (1952). “It is always good when there is a murmur before a big lot,” said auctioneer Alastair Meredith as he introduced Lady from the Orient. Bidding opened briskly and quickly…

The 2025 edition of the annual Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) is now open for entries for schools and learners across Southern Africa and this year the legendary business competition offers even more action-packed games, prizes and opportunities for high school learners to pursue their business dreams. “As the Challenge enters its ninth year in 2025, the mission to ignite entrepreneurial thinking among youth across Southern Africa – in more schools, more provinces, and even reaching learners in neighbouring countries like Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana – is getting more critical and more exciting,” said Programme Lead of the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge, Marcel Manikum. AGEC plays a unique role in Southern Africa by focusing on early-stage entrepreneurial exposure - targeting high school learners and sparking curiosity through fun, gamified learning.…

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) proudly unveils the select group of exceptional learners set to represent the nation at two prestigious international mathematics competitions: the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Australia, scheduled for 10–20 July 2025, and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Botswana, taking place from 11–18 June 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone in a decade-long journey that begins as early as Grade 4 with the SAMF's South African Mathematics Challenge. To qualify for these teams, students journey through a rigorous pipeline. Learners achieving 50% or higher in the first round of the Old Mutual South Africa Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) advance to the second round. The top 100 Juniors (Grades 8–10) and top 100 Seniors (Grades 11–12) then proceed to a final round where the top…

Donveno “Don Vino” Prins returns to centre stage with the highly anticipated Saxy Vibes 7, taking place on June 14 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino. The show promises a powerful night of rhythm, soul, and that signature sax appeal audiences have come to love. Now in its seventh year, Saxy Vibes has become a standout event in Cape Town’s live music calendar – a celebration of both high-energy dance hits and moving, heartfelt ballads. “We ease in gently and build as the night goes on,” Don Vino shared. “The real magic lies in taking the audience through all those emotional layers.” This year’s lineup is nothing short of stellar. It brings together South African powerhouses like the soulful Judith Sephuma, Cape Town’s dancefloor queen Salome, the classic R&B group…

In a courtyard at Walt Whitman Middle School in Virginia, a 14-year-old with a purple buzz cut cradled a chicken in her arms. “Her name is Betsy,” Maicy Nealy, an eighth-grader at the Alexandria school. As a young child, Nealy was afraid of chickens. Now she spends hours after school collecting their eggs and cleaning the coop for the school’s five hens. The chicken program at Whitman started about a year ago when after-school program specialist Lee Maguire planned a month-long embryo development program for kids to learn about biology and anatomy. Maguire runs a variety of programs but has an affinity for agriculture. The egg incubator soon became a mainstay at the campus in spring 2024. As the eggs hatched, so did interest among Whitman students, who filed in…

Fiat has introduced a funky electric three-wheeler called the TRIS aimed at urban logistics and last-mile delivery to mobile businesses and it’s coming to South Africa. Think of it as a kind of sophisticated Tuk-Tuk without the exhaust smoke. The name “TRIS” draws its inspiration from the vehicle’s three wheels, its modular design, and its three-light LED arrangement. It ensures easy pronunciation across multiple languages, allowing it to resonate with diverse global audiences. Three configurations It comes in three configurations: Flat Bed, Pick-Up and Chassis Cabin. The Pick-Up version speaks for itself and is the ready-to-work option, while the Flat Bed and Chassis Cabin options can be customised by Fiat Professional’s certified partners or directly by customers. Power The lithium battery, with a capacity of 6.9 kWh powers a 48-volt…

As political, financial and social leaders met this week in Abidjan for the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the continent stands at a crucial turning point. Digitalisation can be the engine of inclusive and resilient development, but only if approached with local leadership and strategic vision. The questions being asked at this year’s meeting – how to mobilise African capital, how to foster transformative partnerships and how to accelerate the shift to greener, more inclusive economies – are not rhetorical. They are urgent. Africa is not short on potential. On the contrary, it is home to 18% of the world’s population, yet holds less than 1% of global data centre capacity. It is a hyper-connected continent – over 600 million Africans use mobile phones today – but…

THE latest findings from the Tax Ombud’s eFiling Profile Hijacking survey paint a stark picture of the vulnerabilities within South Africa’s tax system. The Tax Ombud, Yanga Mputa, presented these findings this week. The numbers alone tell a worrying story: nearly half of the respondents were registered tax practitioners, while 32.7%, were individual taxpayers. The hijacking of tax profiles is not a minor inconvenience; it is a direct assault on the integrity of Sars, the security of taxpayers, and the trust that businesses and individuals place in the tax system. Alarmingly, a significant portion of those surveyed had firsthand experience with eFiling hijacking, with 41% reporting that they encountered this form of fraud. Meanwhile, 38% of tax practitioners had clients who fell victim to it, and 21% had witnessed it…

Real Madrid have signed Trent Alexander-Arnold on a six-year deal, the LaLiga club said on Friday, paying Liverpool a fee to release the England defender from his contract a month early to allow him to join before the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold, who joined Liverpool when he was six and made 354 appearances for the Premier League side since his senior debut in 2016, said earlier this month he would leave the club once his contract expired on June 30. However, Real have signed Alexander-Arnold before his Liverpool contract ended, making him available for the Club World Cup to be played from June 14-July 13 in the United States. "Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1,"…

One in three travellers aged 60 and above plan to use a portion of their retirement savings to fund holidays in 2025, according to Flight Centre’s recent Global PR Survey, which surveyed participants from South Africa, Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. South Africans are closely following this trend, with 32% indicating similar intentions. After decades of hard work, raising families and navigating life’s challenges, mature travellers are eager to fulfil their once-in-a-lifetime travel dreams. There are numerous ways pensioners can travel without dipping into their retirement savings or overspending on experiences. “Travel shouldn’t come with guilt,” says Sue Garrett, general manager of supply, pricing and marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. Garrett shared a few tips on how over-60s can fulfil their travel dreams without breaking…

Two well-positioned industrial properties in Gants Plaza, Strand, will be sold via online auction on June 26, offering a rare opportunity for investors and developers to acquire high-potential assets in a thriving industrial hub. The first property, 20 Crompton Street, is a substantial 7 931m² site that spans an entire block and was previously used for textile manufacturing. With a GLA of approximately 5 150m², it is ideal for warehousing, logistics, or redevelopment into a multi-unit industrial complex. • Zoning: General Industrial 1 • Rates: ±R26 000/month The second, 11 Athlone Street is located directly opposite. This 3 965m² property includes a warehouse/factory and a small retail outlet, making it suitable for customer-facing operations. • GLA: ±3 500m² • Zoning: Industrial • Rates: ±R14 700/month “These properties offer exceptional potential…

Mushrooms pack a punch, in the pot, plate and in your body. But what is the best way to store this powerhouse of vitamins? According to the The Washington Post, mushrooms have a high moisture content of around 90 percent. And their structure is such that they can easily lose that water, which, if trapped on the fungi, can expedite spoilage. So the key to storing mushrooms for longevity is all about moisture control. The National Library of Medicine states that a higher storage temperature accelerates the senescence (ageing), browning, weight loss and textural loss of mushrooms. While you can leave freshly harvested mushrooms on the counter for about a day or so, they are best stored in the fridge. (Since grocery store mushrooms were harvested at least a couple…

A wheelchair-bound Cape Town mother has issued a desperate plea to education authorities, alleging that her daughter has suffered ongoing bullying and public humiliation – both from fellow learners and a teacher – at Atlantis Secondary School. The mother said the emotional toll has become so severe that her daughter, who only recently started high school, has begun expressing suicidal thoughts. She is now calling for urgent intervention from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). “My child is being broken, day by day,” the mother said. “She’s crying in the school office, she’s scared, she’s failing, and she’s telling me she wants to die.” Her daughter’s name has been withheld to protect her identity and prevent further humiliation. The situation reportedly escalated when the teen, who had a stomach bug,…

Residents of Muizenberg and Vrygrond are demanding increased police resources after a police officer and a scholar transport driver were shot dead in separate incidents on Friday morning. In the first incident, a 48-year-old police sergeant stationed at Wynberg SAPS was gunned down in front of his home in Thys Witbooi Street, Vrygrond, just before 5am. He was in uniform and reportedly preparing to leave for duty when he was attacked. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that the officer sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. His family, who were inside the home at the time of the shooting, were unharmed. Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile condemned the attack and said no effort would be spared in tracking down those responsible. “An…

The Human Condition, a solo exhibition by celebrated South African artist Willie Bester, is set to offers art enthisiasts a rare opportunity to engage with a powerful body of work crafted over decades, reflecting the complex social and political realities of South Africa. Classified under the oppressive racial laws of the time and raised in a segregated township, Bester channelled his experiences into art that continues to speak volumes. Known for his distinctive mixed-media approach, Bester combines oil and watercolour paints with photographs, newspaper clippings and various found objects from tins and bones to car parts, musical instruments and military paraphernalia. These materials, often scavenged from local dumps and junkyards, are woven into vividly coloured artworks that tell stories beyond what is seen in broadcast media and newspapers. Born…

The Kultura Festival is set to make a grand entrance into the South African cultural scene with its inaugural edition, featuring a can’t-miss musical showcase on June 22. Titled Symphony and Song, this event guarantees a Sunday afternoon filled with wonder and enchantment for audiences of all ages, as it pairs the symphonic brilliance of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with the powerful vocal talent of Zanne Stapelberg. Curated exclusively for the Kultura Festival, the programme promises to be a vibrant celebration of classical, operatic, and musical theatre pieces. Concert-goers can look forward to a diverse range of compositions. Among the featured works is Rimsky-Korsakov’s captivating Capriccio Espagnol, steeped in Spanish flair, alongside the rhythmic allure of Arthur Feder’s Tango. In a delightful twist, the orchestra has included surprises…

TEARS Animal Rescue found itself battling an unexpected crisis as heavy rains caused severe flooding at their premises on Lekkerwater Road in Sunnydale recently. The impact was devastating, with the animal shelter’s offices and kennels submerged as the drainage infrastructure failed under the torrential downpour. Tinka Shapiro, the spokesperson for TEARS, expressed profound gratitude for the swift intervention from the local community and emergency services. “Thanks to the fast action and support of our community, we were able to prevent a disaster. Our priority is always to take care of our animals and we managed to do that,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for resources to keep the animals safe and warm. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) teams from Simon’s Town, Hout Bay, and Kommetjie stepped in…

For the sixth consecutive year, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden did not exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which manages the iconic garden, confirmed that its decision to step away from the world-renowned event was made in 2019 and remains in place. According to Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI, the decision was based on a combination of practical and strategic considerations. “The Chelsea Flower Show was a costly exercise for the organisation with no clear return on investment,” said Mpulo. “Our displays featured indigenous flowers and materials that were often confiscated at the UK border and not permitted for use. Additionally, our sponsors withdrew their support.” The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic further affected SANBI’s financial stability, and…

With the latest unemployment figures revealing a deepening jobs crisis, partnerships between the education and private sectors are essential to South Africa’s future. According to Statistics South Africa’s Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey, the official unemployment rate has risen to 32.9%, while the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes discouraged job seekers, now sits at a staggering 43.1%. Among young South Africans aged 15–24, 59.4% are unemployed, the highest of any age group. Skills “South Africa’s young people are talented, hungry to learn and eager to work, but they need the opportunity to gain real-world skills that translate into jobs,” said Thembinkosi Pantsi, Vice-Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada). One of the ways to address youth unemployment in the country is through structured work-based learning. Internships and…

Even during the darkest moments of India and Pakistan’s volatile history – through wars, terrorist attacks and diplomatic breakdowns – artists and activists tried to keep the countries connected. Mumbai’s plays found an audience in Karachi. Lahore’s painters held shows in New Delhi. Activists walked across the disputed border, past soldiers marching in elaborate drills, hoping to bridge one of the world’s most intractable divides. “When you travel, and meet the other side, it gives them a human face,” said Suhasini Mulay, an Indian actor and co-founder of the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD). “All that demonisation that you’ve been fed – it just begins to melt away.” But after years of declining relations, punctuated by the latest eruption of violence between the nuclear-armed neighbours, even the…

What contributes to people’s quality of life? The obvious factors include financial security, physical health, education, political freedom, a low crime rate, and trust in government. The World Happiness Report 2025, published in March and powered by Gallup World Poll data, among other sources, found that these factors featured strongly in the world's happiest nations. Country rankings were based on a three-year average of each population’s average assessment of their quality of life. As in past reports, the Nordic countries were rated among the highest on the World Happiness Index. The top five were Finland (for the eighth year in a row), Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Out of 147 countries assessed, South Africa came 95th, down from its position of 83rd in last year’s report. There was a…

In an industry that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Race Coast emerges as a beacon of hope, promising to reshape the future of horse racing in South Africa. The evolving dynamics of this venerable sport, threatened by dwindling interest and economic challenges, find new life in a platform designed to modernise the betting environment and engage new audiences. The Race Coast brand, a revitalised initiative, marries the operations of Gold Circle in KwaZulu-Natal with Cape Racing of the Western Cape under the Hollywoodbets umbrella. It aims to bring a fresh vibrancy to the racing scene and mark a pivotal moment in South Africa's equestrian history. Race Coast will embrace modernisation with an emphasis on integrity, preserving the rich traditions of a sport that has captivated audiences…

Amid the relentless hustle and bustle of our busy lives, a different kind of travel beckons, one that resonates deeply with introverts – quiet destinations. These are places that offer a reprieve from the relentless pace of modern life, characterised by serene landscapes, minimal crowds and an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and introspection. Quiet destinations also offer unique cultural experiences that encourage deeper connections with the local environment and its people. The benefits of quiet travel include enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress levels and the opportunity to engage in meaningful self-reflection. For shy travellers looking for tranquillity, here are some serene havens where you can recharge your spirit, find inspiration and create lasting memories. Morocco: A tapestry of culture and calm Morocco captivates with its remarkable blend of rich cultural…

In an era where travel and music intertwine more than ever, the allure of music tourism is captivating a growing number of globetrotters. Among them is American solo female traveller and content creator Mimi Pinkjested, whose journey to South Africa was fuelled by the euphoric rhythms of Amapiano and Afro-house music. This genre, synonymous with South Africa’s vibrant musical culture, has not only influenced her travel decisions but also transformed her experience while exploring the rainbow nation. Pinkjested took to TikTok to share her compelling story of why she ventured to Mzansi, revealing how Amapiano became the heartbeat of her adventure. “I will say that Amapiano is what really pushed me to visit the country. There is just something about Amapiano, Afro-house and South African music altogether that just makes…

Cape Town has long drawn tourists to its shores, but today, a new type of visitor is reshaping its future. Digital nomads and remote workers, once fleeting Airbnb guests, are now turning short stays into longer-term commitments – transforming the property market and fuelling the city’s economic growth. The global rise of the digital nomad Driven by remote work, better tech, and lifestyle-focused choices, the global digital nomad population has soared to 40 million in 2025*. These workers are drawn to cities where fast Wi-Fi, rich culture, affordability, and adventure combine. “People today are prioritising lifestyle when deciding where to live and work,” says Alexa Horne, Managing Director of DG Properties. “Cape Town ticks every box for global citizens looking for a beautiful, connected, and affordable city to call home.”…

A bitter standoff is brewing between residents of one of Cape Town’s most expensive beachfront addresses and the City of Cape Town, over what residents and contractors call a dangerous and long-ignored safety hazard: a collapsed fence and a steep, unstable slope next to a public walkway. Despite its reputation for exclusivity and multi-million-rand views, the reality for residents at Heron Waters in Clifton is far less glamorous. For nearly a year, the only thing separating pedestrians from a dangerous drop has been a row of temporary concrete blocks – what residents described as a “token gesture” by the City. Jakkie Steyn, portfolio manager at SKPM, explained that the original issue arose in July 2024 when the City’s main water line in Victoria Road in front of the building…

The Western Cape Cabinet has reaffirmed its opposition to the draft regulations of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, warning that the proposed governance arrangements threaten to destabilise the provincial health system. “The provisions of the act, in its current form, undermine the aim of universal healthcare, particularly in the Western Cape,” said Premier Alan Winde. The Cabinet maintains that the regulations are premature, invalid, and would have a “significant and detrimental impact on all provinces and service delivery.” The province’s objections mirror long-standing concerns raised during public participation, which the national Department of Health has allegedly failed to address. In contrast to its resistance on the NHI front, the provincial government is moving forward with key innovations in social services. Cabinet approved the expansion of the Social Work Integrated…

Kim Towne and Alexander Towne met in Dubai, where she worked as a teacher and he served in the military. Their relationship began as a whirlwind romance. However, Kim’s brother, Jason White, of Parklands in Cape Town, noted that there were early signs that all was not as it seemed. Then on May 25, a chilling call was made to US emergency services, 911. “I don’t think she’s with us any longer.” With those haunting words, 32-year-old Alexander Towne requested police assistance at his home in Chantilly, West Virginia. Inside, authorities found the lifeless body of his wife, Kim. She had been strangled, reportedly while their toddler son was in another room. Kim, also 32 and originally from Parklands, had visible upper body trauma and was pronounced dead at the…

Home and Hectare Real Estate are hosting the onsite auction of a spacious industrial building, along with bakery equipment, in Athlone Industrial on June 24 at 11am. The 3348m² property, Biscuits R Us CC – in liquidation – is on a large plot at 2 Carbon Street, on the corner of Carbon Street and Fillies Road with easy access from Jakes Gerwel Drive. The property also features 11 adjacent industrial units, two of which are occupied by the landlord. The other nine are rented out on a month-to-month basis. The bakery equipment comprises: Stainless steel biscuit packaging machine Nine industrial ovens Stainless steel tables Three biscuit cutting machines Six dough trolleys Industrial mixers Mimac melting machine Industrial shelves 45 oven trolleys Three sealers Digital scales Two trolley jacks Manual stacker…

During his imprisonment, Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o decided he would never write in English again, a defiant move that helped put literature in African languages firmly on the map. Ngugi died at the age of 87 on Wednesday, his daughter announced on Facebook. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning,” wrote Wanjiku Wa Ngugi. “He lived a full life, fought a good fight.” Widely regarded as east Africa’s most influential writer, Ngugi sought to forge a body of literature reflecting the land and people from which he came, and not follow in the footsteps of Western tradition. “I believe so much in equality of languages. I am completely horrified by the hierarchy of languages,” he told…

For nearly two decades, the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) has become a beacon for music lovers, attracting some of the world’s most celebrated artists to the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. This year, the festival is set to take the stage once again with a lineup that promises breathtaking performances and exceptional artistry. One of the festival’s founding artists, Xandi van Dijk, first joined the faculty in 2005, offering his expertise as a conductor and violist. Now based in Germany, van Dijk has gone on to establish a remarkable career in the European classical music scene. Following closely in his footsteps, Daniel Rowland made his South African debut at SICMF in 2006. Renowned internationally for his captivating performances, Rowland remains a regular guest the globe's most prestigious chamber music…

In March 2022, Stellenbosch University (SU) student Rohan Barnard was out and about on a farm in the Swartberg Mountains between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, flipping over rocks looking for ants, reptiles and other critters, when he stumbled upon the finding of a lifetime. Buried deep in the moist sand below a pile of leaf litter at the periphery of a small river, he found a slate black velvet worm. Being familiar with how rare velvet worms are, he took a specimen and also posted an image of it to the biodiversity observation app, iNaturalist. “I had a basic knowledge of the Cape velvet worms, having found one for the first time on Table Mountain in 2019. My older brother was under assignment from his zoology lecturer, Prof. Savel Daniels, to…

For decades, Karin Harmse, 64, has stood as a beacon of strength and compassion for children fighting cancer, rare diseases, and life-threatening conditions. As the founder of the non-profit organisation Arms of Mercy, she has given tirelessly – offering not only financial support to families in crisis, but also comfort, encouragement, and hope in the darkest of times. But now, the tables have turned. Karin is facing serious health challenges of her own, and the woman who has helped so many now finds herself in urgent need of help. “She pours her heart and soul into Arms of Mercy,” said her husband, Anton Harmse. “Day after day, she witnesses the pain and suffering of families in crisis and never hesitates to be a source of comfort, hope, and unwavering strength.…

In a world where a life-changing intervention can mean the difference between mobility and limitation, STEPS Clubfoot Care celebrates two decades of service this Tuesday coinciding with World Clubfoot Day. Since its inception, STEPS has touched the lives of over 12 000 children across South Africa. Clubfoot, a congenital condition that affects the positioning of a baby’s foot, twists it downward and inward, making treatment paramount for the child’s future mobility. Every year, at least 2 000 newborns in South Africa are diagnosed with this condition, yet it remains entirely treatable thanks to the Ponseti Method – a non-invasive approach that realigns the foot and provides pain-free mobility for 95% of its patients. STEPS was founded by Karen Moss in response to her son’s clubfoot diagnosis. Struggling with limited treatment…

Launched five years ago, the (Land Rover) Defender has received several upgrades, including finishes, design, and technology enhancements across 90, 110 and 130 body designs as well as the Defender Octa. It gets a new headlight design with signature detailing and fog lights as standard and flush rear lights with smoked lenses. There are new exterior colour options that include Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, enhanced detailing and upgraded materials, as well as a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is available as an option, while the Defender 130 is now available with an optional integrated air compressor. The Octa gets a new Sargasso Blue exterior colour, a Patagonia White exterior with Matte Protective Wrap and tactile textured Graphite accents. The Defender receives optimised surfaces for the…

THE love of money is the root of all evil. And this is what often happens when a family member has a role to play when it comes to devolving assets for a deceased estate when they have been appointed as executors. Several court cases deal with misdeeds or conflicts of interest by family members of someone who has died and are then in a position of power when it comes to wrapping up the dead person’s estate. In one, a gentleman called Ronnie died and appointed his life partner, Susanna, and his tax practitioner as co-executors. Ronnie’s son, Sean, and Susanna were set to inherit his estate in accordance with Ronnie’s will. This is not illegal. Capital Legacy explained that it is possible for someone to both be a…

It is a sad event when a loved one, especially a parent, passes away. Dealing with grief, family members, funeral arrangements, insurance companies, and the retirement fund of your deceased parent can increase the anxiety levels of adult children who must take control of a situation that most of us cannot fully prepare for. Emotions are high, and we try to control everything. One thing we cannot control is the allocation and payment of the death benefits by the retirement fund of our deceased parents. In terms of section 37C of the Pension Funds Act, the trustees of a retirement fund have the obligation and discretion, to: 1. Find the dependants and nominees of the deceased member; 2. Allocate death benefits to qualifying dependants and nominees in a just and…

Whoever branded Roland Garros as “Couture On Clay”, has clearly never been. The French Open is no catwalk, nor cakewalk. It ‘s the most physically grueling and unpredictable of all four Slams, synonymous with bad injuries and major upsets: 16th Seed Grigor Dimitrov, one of the fittest on Tour, retired injured at two sets up, in his opener, versus American, Ethan Quinn. Former No 1, Daniil Medvedev and former Finalists, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karolina Muchova- not to mention Top 10, Alex De Minaur were all exiting turnstiles come Round 2, at the hand of rank outsiders. Tsitsipas’ loss to Italian qualifier, Matteo Gigante, 6-4,5-7,6-2,6-4, being the most significant, in that it shone a spotlight on yet another emerging, aggressive Next Gen. As for leading Next Gen star, teenage…

Travel has an incredible power to bring people together, offering moments that transcend the mundane routines of our everyday lives. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town or relaxing on a sun-drenched beach in Croatia, the connections formed during your journeys can lead to lifelong friendships that enrich your existence. “The banter on a game drive or sightseeing tour, striking up a conversation at the pool or the simple kindness of a stranger offering directions can lead to surprising connections that enrich your entire holiday and beyond,” said Samantha Pillay, chief executive of ekko. Beyond the joy of discovery, friendships formed while travelling contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being. Pillay shares valuable strategies for initiating friendships, no matter where you find yourself. Break the ice at…