Índice para 2023-10-30 em Cape Times

EASTERN Cape police have opened an inquiry, after several children from four different schools fell ill in the Chris Hani District, following the alleged consumption of expired goods. According to the Eastern Cape health department the number of learners presenting with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, high temperature and shortness of breath, in Komani, Eastern Cape health facilities currently sits at 143. This after the learners all reported to have bought snacks and food from local hawkers or local shops last week. On Thursday 120 learners were treated in hospital and local clinics respectively, while a further 23 learners from a school in Mlungisi township in Komani were rushed to Frontier Hospital on Friday morning. Police spokesperson, Majola Nkohli said: “An inquiry docket was opened for the purposes…

THE people shall govern, in all of the post-1994 South Africa, has been realised in the sector of education through the development and promulgation of School Governing Bodies alone. Or so it seemed at first glance. Fast forward to 2023 and today there are almost as many schools operating without SGBs in place as there are those without these legislated structures as part of their operations. That is actually the least of the challenges faced by SGBs in existence. The majority out of 10 school principals to be asked will choose to operate without an SGB in place. This is entirely because educators take their lead from the administrators who take their lead from the political principals who oversee the sector. I once suggested that, to counter the high turnover…

HOUSING activist group Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU) has called on the City to speed up progress on the Pickwick site in Salt River for the development of mixed-income housing, as the proposal for the site to be used for affordable housing has been in the works for over a decade. The Pickwick site, located in Salt River, is 3.2 hectares in size, and is expected to deliver roughly 1 800 homes, including 840 social housing apartments and 960 market rate apartments, the City said. The City had announced the release of the land for a development council meeting on Wednesday, stating that it would include 840 social rental units for families earning under R22 000 per month and on-site amenities including a crèche, playgrounds, clubhouse, and swimming pool. NU said that…

EXPERTS have predicted a big drop in fuel prices on Wednesday, but were quick to caution consumers that this is unlikely to cause a reduction in food prices. Economist Dawie Roodt said he expected the petrol price to come down by at least R2 a litre, while the diesel price will decrease by more than R1 a litre. “This will help to reduce some of the upward pressure on inflation which was at 5.4% for September. Unfortunately, the fuel price decrease is unlikely to result in any food price decreases. However it can help to slow down the rate at which food prices are increasing.” Professor Bonke Dumisa, an independent economic analyst, agreed that the fuel prices would decrease. “I wouldn’t want to speculate on the amount of the fuel…

SOUTH Africans are worthy of all the high praise they are being showered with for cheering on our Springboks in defending their Rugby World Cup title and becoming the first team to win the Webb Ellis Cup four times. No one acknowledges the important boost Boks fans at home provided other than Captain Siya Kolisi in all his interviews. That was no different on Saturday night in France after the Springboks defeated their old foes New Zealand to defend the title they won against England in Japan four years ago. The South Africans would be the first to admit that the road to the final was a bumpy one especially against hosts France in the quarter-finals and England in the semis. The intensity of the England game landed 44-year-old Bok…

Indian police were questioning a man who surrendered after at least one homemade bomb exploded at a convention centre in Kerala state yesterday where a Christian group was holding a prayer meeting, killing a woman and wounding dozens of others. After initial questioning, the native of the city of Kochi, who surrendered in the southern state’s Thrissur district, will be interrogated in detail by a senior police official, Asianet News reported, citing sources. The situation was under control and the police and other agencies were investigating it, Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh told Reuters. “Investigation is taking its course, and we ensuring that everyone is getting the best medical treatment.” The incident took place during a Jehovah’s Witnesses convention in Kalamassery, about 10km northeast of Kochi, and local media said…

LOS ANGELES: American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry from the US TV sitcom Friends has died at the age of 54 after an apparent drowning, TMZ reported, citing law enforcement sources. He was found on Saturday at his LA home after first-responders were called out for cardiac arrest. Perry was found in a hot tub. No drugs were found at the scene, and there was no foul play, the sources said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Perry’s classmate in Ottawa, wrote on X: “Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew … you will be missed.” | Sputnik…

RABAT: Four explosions in the city of Smara in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara late on Saturday killed one man and injured three others, Moroccan local authorities said. The blasts damaged two houses, authorities said. The judicial police was investigating the source of the projectiles that hit the residential area, authorities said. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front wants an independent state there. Morocco has said autonomy is the most it can offer to the territory as a political solution. In November 2020, Polisario said it had resumed its armed struggle. | Reuters…

AFPTokyo: Mouse embryos have been grown on the International Space Station (ISS) and developed normally in the first study indicating it could be possible for humans to reproduce in space, a group of Japanese scientists said. The researchers, including Teruhiko Wakayama, professor of University of Yamanashi’s Advanced Biotechnology Centre, and a team from the Japan Aerospace Space Agency (JAXA), sent frozen mouse embryos on board a rocket to the ISS in August 2021. Astronauts thawed the early-stage embryos using a special device designed for this purpose and grew them on the station for four days. | AFP…

At the ripe age of 37-years-old Deon Fourie never pictured himself playing a Rugby World Cup final for almost the full 80 minutes against New Zealand. But the evergreen Springbok had to last just over 75 minutes on Saturday evening in the Stade France and played his best Test in the Green and Gold to help the team claim a record fourth World Cup title while defending their crown won in 2019. South Africa outlasted the All Blacks to claim a third one-point win in three knockout games, winning 12-11 in Paris. Fourie, who became the oldest Springbok to make his debut in 2021, played with heart and put in a warrior-like performance despite not having the best of games throwing in at the line-out. But he will be excused…

Bidvest delivered a “hat-trick“ of 20% growth for three years in succession and created 6 000 jobs in 2023, chief executive Mpumi Madisa said in the group’s 2023 annual report, posted last week. Bidvest, valued at R88.5 billion, is a leading South African services, trading and distribution group. Madisa said that for three years in succession, Bidvest had delivered growth in headline earnings per share in excess of 20%, which, when considering the current market environment, was an exemplary achievement. Over the past year, each of the group’s seven divisions delivered double-digit percentage growth in trading profit. Six of the seven divisions generated a return on funds employed in excess of 30%, again demonstrating the group’s focus on maximising shareholder returns, she said. “Our strategic focus on…

TRELLIDOR Holdings, a manufacturer of custom-made barrier security pro-ducts, has to satisfy its lenders that breaching its debt covenants this year is not material, and how it plans to degear debt. This is according to chief financial officer Damian Judge, in the firm’s 2023 annual report released on Friday. As at June 30 this year, driven primarily by the decrease in financial performance during the second half of 2023, the group’s debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) ratio (excluding IFRS 16) of 5.1x, breached the 2.0x debt to Ebitda covenant set by the group’s primary lender. In addition, total senior debt service cover of 0.8 breached the covenant of 1.2. Its debt is at R121.5 million, from R96.4m the prior year, excluding lease liabilities. He…

‘Boks embrace the fact that they could put smiles on the faces of struggling South Africans’ THIS one is for you South Africa. That is the refrain from the Springbok team that has put smiles on faces this Monday morning following a 12-11 defeat of the All Blacks that left nerves jangling before an eruption of joy across the country. Captain Siya Kolisi and his merry men touch down at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg at 11am tomorrow where thousands are expected to meet the warriors who have made the Boks the most successful team in World Cup history by winning an unprecedented four titles. Outgoing Bok coach Jacques Nienaber encapsulated the sentiment of players and fans alike when he said: “Relief is probably the first word that comes to…

REFERRING to the conflict between Israel and Hamas – Israel is told that they are entitled to defend themselves; however, only up to a point as prescribed by international war law, whatever that means. Who is the brave person who defines the rules of war, and on what basis are these rules or laws made? Who approved them? Was destroying the city of Dresden during World War II considered a war crime? Was the destruction of the Twin Towers considered a war crime? Was the kidnapping of 400 schoolgirls in Nigeria by Islamic State a war crime? Israel has been condemned for breaking the rules of war by a large assortment of groups. Why was Israel not protected by the same international war rules? There has been very little condemnation…

In a poignant moment for the real estate industry, the passing of Chris MacLeod this past February has left a void that is felt deeply by all who knew him. A distinguished figure, mentor, and visionary, MacLeod's life and contributions continue to resonate in the hearts of those he inspired and guided. A stalwart of the Constantia real estate scene, MacLeod will be remembered for his pioneering work in subdividing Constantia, which was predominantly farmland in 1964 when his father Roderick MacLeod established the firm of Roderick MacLeod and Son, in the original Constantia Shopping Centre. Chris MacLeod was not just a real estate professional; he was a mentor, a visionary, and a cherished friend to many, including myself. His dedication, innovative thinking, and tireless work ethic have left an…

THE family of slain activist Loyiso Nkohla says the arrest of his suspected killer has reignited hope that more would be held accountable for his murder. This after the Hawks on Friday confirmed that they had arrested a 38-year-old over the slaying of Nkohla. The 40-year-old former Ses'khona People’s Movement leader and former ANC Youth League member was shot and killed at a satellite police station near the Philippi railway station by gunmen who stormed inside. This as he was about to conduct a meeting concerning the relocation of shack dwellers who built their structures on the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) central railway line. Nkohla’s widow, Nyameka, said that the arrest was a relief for the family as she did not want her husband’s murder case to go…

Tension especially relating to Russia, China and the West could be potential downside THIS Friday President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the 20th Africa Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) Forum at Nasrec in Joburg which is destined to attract the participation of a large number of official trade delegations from AU member states. The fact that South Africa was invited by US President Joe Biden to host the forum on his behalf suggests a welcome realpolitik rapprochement between Washington and Pretoria. This is largely due to the bridge-building visit by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to South Africa last January and by other US officials subsequently, and a seemingly more pragmatic policy approach by the Ramaphosa government towards boosting economic relations with the US in the face of entrenched economic challenges at home…

Israeli forces are expanding ground operations in Gaza while their fighter jets have struck hundreds more Hamas targets, the Israeli military said yesterday, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the second phase of a three-week-old war. Telephone and internet communications were partially restored in Gaza yesterday after a more than day-long blackout that had badly impacted rescue operations as Israel pounded targets of the militant Hamas group that controls the territory. “Israel cut us off from the world in order to wipe us out, but we are hearing the sounds of explosions and we are proud the resistance fighters have stopped them at metres distance,” said Shaban Ahmed, a public servant who stayed in Gaza City despite an Israeli warning to evacuate south. Ahmed said he only learnt…

The mother of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz was rescued from kidnappers on Saturday but a search remains ongoing for his father, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said. Petro posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Diaz’s mother was rescued in Barrancas, in the north of Colombia. “We continue in the search for the father,” he added. Colombia’s attorney general’s office said it had been working intensively on the case. “From the moment the attorney general’s office learnt of the kidnapping of the parents of Luis Diaz, in the Barrancas sector of La Guajira, a specialised team have been working to find the location of these people and find those responsible,” the office said on X. Local media reports said that Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda were at a service…

Nairobi: King Charles III must offer an “unequivocal public apology” for abuses during colonial rule, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) said yesterday, two days before the British monarch visits. King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, embark tomorrow on a four-day trip to the East African nation, his first visit as king to a Commonwealth member. “We call upon the King, on behalf of the British government, to issue an unconditional and unequivocal public apology … for the brutal and inhuman treatment inflicted on Kenyan citizens,” the non-government KHRC said. According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles was expected to tackle “the more painful aspects” of the UK’s historic relationship with Kenya. In Nairobi, he will meet entrepreneurs, young Kenyans, and participate in a state banquet. |…

Athens: Some 400 migrants and refugees protested at the port of Rhodes island yesterday, demanding to be transferred elsewhere in Greece and obstructing port traffic to press their demands, the Greek coastguard said. Most of migrants and refugees who protested their conditions had been rescued after making the perilous Mediterranean crossing after which they were transported to Rhodes for processing. The migrants obstructed the launch of the “Nissos Chios” vessel, preventing it from leaving the island, meaning an incoming ship was unable to dock. Negotiations were underway between port police and the migrants.| AFP…

THE strength of the Proteas will be put to test this week as they get set to play New Zealand and India at the 50-over World Cup. The Proteas have recorded five victories in their first six group matches. It is already an improvement from how the 2019 campaign turned out for South Africa, a campaign that saw then captain Faf du Plessis’ team crash out of the tournament well before the round-robin stage finished. This time around, the Proteas have managed to string together big victories, including a win against Australia, a team that always does well at World Cups. This week, the Proteas are set to take on their toughest challenge as they face the Black Caps on Wednesday followed by the hosts on Sunday. A lot has…

WHILE Karpowership SA has welcomed the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s (DFFE) decision to grant environmental authorisation for its Richards Bay Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application, the Good party has called on Minister Barbara Creecy to explain her decision. Karpowership said the granting of the EIA represented a critical milestone in its participation in the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) “that will lead up to reaching financial close”. “The decision not only vindicates Karpowership SA’s thorough EIA methodology and process that included comprehensive and inclusive public participation processes in Richards Bay, but also demonstrates the department’s willingness to objectively evaluate the information at hand. “The outcome represents a meaningful turning point in this extensive process as all parties involved including our stakeholders and various other interested…

NOT much of the school remained. The buildings and playing fields were given a revamp at the turn of the century, and the synthetic grass of the sports field was guaranteed for 1 000 000 tournaments or the year 3023, whichever came first. With the most popular subject, gaming, the fields were used for droning competitions and an activity that never disappeared throughout the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & and 8th industrial revolutions. This activity is still known by its original name – *ATHLETICS*. Freddie Mann, better known to the school community by his Cemis number 561019, ambled along the ghostly corridors towards his classroom. All students were known by the Cemis number only, and it was said that all these changes came about when a principled principal acted to…

THE leadership of the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) party have terminated the memberships of four individuals, citing their alleged establishment of a new political party as a violation of its rules. According to a letter addressed to the four party members in question – Vlancio Donson, Nigel Everts, Gregory Gosling and Damian Esau – they had breached the party’s constitution. “It has come to our attention that you have established another political organisation and have been involved with this organisation since June 2, 2023. This letter is a formal notice of your termination as a member of Icosa due to your association with another political organisation which is in breach of our constitution. “You are hereby advised to cease immediately with all activities in Icosa,” the…

OBSERVED annually on October 30, Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security is an opportunity to reflect on the persistent challenges and tremendous opportunities that define the continent’s food landscape. It also serves as a reminder of what we must do to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry on this vast and diverse continent. Africa is a place of incredible diversity, from its sites and cultures to its agricultural potential. This diversity is both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to ensuring food and nutrition security for the continent’s rapidly growing population. In celebration of this year’s Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, I would like to explore the importance of indigenous and underutilised crops in transforming Africa’s food systems and, in turn, boosting the…

THERE was nationwide mourning in Kazakhstan yesterday after 42 people died in a blaze at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst accident in the Central Asian country’s post-Soviet history. The tragedy, which struck at the Kostenko coal mine in the Karaganda region Saturday, came after a series of deadly incidents at ArcelorMittal mines and has prompted the nationalisation of the company’s local affiliate. “The bodies of 42 people were found,” Kazakhstan’s emergency services said on social media. “The search for four miners continues.” Rescuers earlier warned that finding the remaining miners alive were “very low”, due to the lack of ventilation and the force of Saturday’s explosion, which spread over 2km. The death toll overtook a 2006 accident that killed 41 miners at another ArcelorMittal site. It also came just…

The Group of Seven industrial countries will today agree a code of conduct for companies developing advanced artificial intelligence systems, a G7 document showed, as governments seek to mitigate the risks and potential misuse of the technology. The voluntary code of conduct will set a landmark for how major countries govern AI, amid privacy concerns and security risks, the document said. Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) economies made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US, as well as the EU, kicked off the process in May at a ministerial forum dubbed the “Hiroshima AI process”. The 11-point code “aims to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI worldwide and will provide voluntary guidance for organisations developing the most advanced AI systems”. The code urges companies…

Riyadh: Negotiations in Jeddah between Sudan’s warring parties will focus on a ceasefire deal and the delivery of humanitarian aid, but not on broader political issues, Saudi Arabia said yesterday. The talks aim “to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, establish ceasefires and other confidence-building measures, and build towards a permanent cessation of hostilities”, the foreign ministry said. The talks are being held in partnership with a representative of the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the East African regional bloc led by Kenya. The US State Department said “Sudan’s civilians must be the ones to define Sudan’s path going forward”. | AFP…

Tripoli: Four people were killed and several wounded when armed groups clashed yesterday in the western Libyan city of Gharyan, several sources said. “Fighting broke out suddenly in the early hours between armed groups in the city, resulting in four deaths and several injuries,” a security source in the city 100km south of Tripoli said. The source said the fighting has continued “intermittently” in different areas of Gharyan, forcing authorities to cut access to the city to “protect the lives of pedestrians and travellers”. A medical source at the Gharyan hospital confirmed that four people were dead and 10 had been wounded. | AFP…