Sommaire pour 2023-09-18 de Cape Times

ALTHOUGH public participation meetings were held on September 14 and 15 to discuss the Tubatse pumped storage scheme, Eskom said yesterday at the weekly implementation of the energy action plan briefing that the Tubatse pumped storage scheme was still in the development phase, so questions posed by Business Report could not be answered. To cope with the morning and evening peak demands, Eskom uses pumped storage schemes such as Ingula and expensive-to-run diesel-fueled Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT). Pumped storage uses off-peak power to pump water to an upper dam and then releases this water to a lower dam to generate power during peak periods. OCGT use diesel to power turbines, but this is more than 20 times more expensive than coal-fired power. The commitment to “keep the lights on”…

PRESIDENT of the Muslim Judicial Commission (MJC) Sheik Irafaan Abrahams has sought relief at the Western Cape High Court for an urgent interdict against a special election that could spell his removal from office. The election comes after a commission of inquiry was appointed by the MJC, which found that there were financial irregularities and mismanagement of Covid-19 relief funds that totalled R928 504. The MJC said it intended, with its special elections, to elect new executive members on September 23, in the positions of president, first and second deputy presidents, treasurer and secretary-general. In his application to the high court, Abrahams submitted that “despite no allegations levelled” against him, certain members of executive council of the MJC suggested that he was the “figurehead and the operations behind the alleged…

FOUR long-distance walkers have raised over R60 000 to promote positive fatherhood, after completing over 400km from Piketberg to Springbok on foot. The group consisted of Abbah Smith from Vredenburg, Julie Williams from Cape Town, Caesar Sauls from Worcester and medical sister Hendrien VanZyl from Langebaan. Their walk kicked off on August 19 and they covered 425km over 10 days. The walk was the brainchild of Sauls, who said walking to Springbok was a bucket list item for him. “When I mentioned it to my friend Abbah in October 2022 he indicated that he will definitely join me and we agreed to walk from Piketberg to Springbok. “He too always toyed with the idea of a Camino Walk and this is what the walk to Springbok would constitute. “In prep…

POLICE have dismissed as unfounded and based on hearsay, allegations that they prematurely terminated the search for missing German tourist, Nick Frischke. This, as five men accused of robbing Frischke, appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court via video link from Pollsmoor Prison on Friday. The 23-year-old German, who is still missing, disappeared after setting off on a hike alone in Hangberg in February. Igshaan Fisher, Jason Abrahams, Vanroy Petersen, Carlo Guenantin and Melvin Guenantin were subsequently arrested on charges of aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm after they were found in possession of his belongings. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the matter was postponed for a regional court appearance. “The matter of Igshaan Fisher and others at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court has been postponed until September…

Several grandmothers affected by social services and Postbank non-payment have vowed to march to Minister Lindiwe Zulu’s and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s offices at the Union Buildings. This follows technological glitches in the payment system that have affected more than 100 000 pensioners. One of the disgruntled gogos is 69-year-old Orlando East grandmother, Ntombizodwa Mankosi, who told The Star that she is furious after not receiving her R1 800 pension money, which has put her at the receiving end of her stokvel creditors. “I am prepared to toyi toyi and march against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the minister of social services as I have not received my pension money till today. “Right now I owe my neighbour R700, and she is furious that I have not paid her,” she…

WHEN Eskom ramps up load shedding to stage 6, one wonders whether President Cyril Ramaphosa genuinely intended to tackle the power crisis with urgency, or it was a decision to make him look like he was doing something with the establishment of the Ministry of Electricity. Ramaphosa’s justification was that Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s “primary task will be to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding as a matter of urgency.” Eight months on, we know that Ramokgopa failed in both tasks since his appointment in March. Data released by Load Shedding Notifier shows that South Africa has had more days of stage 6 load shedding in 2023 than in any other year, including days of stage 5 in 2022 and 2023 combined. Just a week…

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un left Russia yesterday after a rare six-day visit that appeared to solidify his country’s ties with President Vladimir Putin, fanning Western fears that Pyongyang could provide Moscow with weapons for its assault on Ukraine. Kim’s tour of Russia’s far eastern region, which began on Tuesday last week, has focused intensely on military co-operation, including a symbolic exchange of rifles with Putin and an inspection of state-of-the-art Russian weapons. Kim’s first official visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic has sparked concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang will defy Western sanctions to secure an arms deal that could help the Kremlin continue its assault against Ukraine. Before departing Vladivostok, Kim was presented with five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone and a bulletproof vest as gifts from the…

GENEVA: The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he was ready to send a new mission of experts to China to investigate the origins of Covid-19. The international community has been unable to determine with certainty the origins of the Covid pandemic. The first cases were reported at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, suggesting two opposing theories: an escape from a laboratory in the city where such viruses were being studied or an intermediate animal that infected people at a local market. A team of specialists led by the WHO and accompanied by Chinese colleagues had investigated in early 2021. | AFP…

WASHINGTON: The United Auto Workers chief warned yesterday that a historic strike at the top three US car manufacturers will expand if the companies do not raise their wage offers in ongoing negotiations. “If we don’t get better offers and … take care of the members’ needs, we’re going to amp this up even more,” UAW president Shawn Fain said, adding that General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have “no excuse” for not resolving salary disputes given their massive profits of recent years. The UAW is demanding improved conditions for its workers, including a 40% pay rise over the next four-year contract. The companies are offering around 20%. | AFP…

DUSSELDORF: Britain’s Prince Harry grew emotional as he thanked a “haunted” bagpipe player for his performance at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, at the weekend. During the closing ceremony, the royal paid tribute to Master Corporal James Gendron as he said how much he loved the sound of the instrument, realising how difficult it was for the soldier because of the memories it brought back of all the military funerals he played for. The prince praised the competitors for inspiring people around the world. | Bang Showbiz…

AS THE family of anti-apartheid activist, Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee finally received closure with the court ruling that the Durban dentist was in fact tortured and murdered by the apartheid police’s Security Branch, the family of Imam Abdullah Haron too were anxiously awaiting an outcome in his inquest, with Judge Daniel Thulare expected to deliver his judgment next month. Haffejee, who was 26 years old, died while in the police cells at Brighton Beach police station, Durban, on August 3, 1977. A 1978 inquest into his death by Magistrate TL Blunden had found that he had committed suicide, but the family were never convinced. In 1997, his mother appealed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to put an end to her two decades of pain and suffering stating: “I…

AT LEAST one person has died and another left with minor injuries from the impact of damaging swells caused by the spring tide at the weekend. The high tide battered several establishments along the Eastern and Western Cape coastline on Saturday, including restaurants and houses. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said yesterday that additional assessments were conducted at Kalk Bay’s Brass Bell restaurant, which was impacted by the damaging swells. Enquiries to the restaurant were not answered by deadline yesterday, but in a social media post Brass Bell said they were open while a few of their venues were closed as mop-up operations were under way. In a social media post, a couple are seen recording themselves in a section of the restaurant seconds before a…

Eastern Cape police top brass have hailed the breakthrough in what has been described as hit murders to claim insurance pay-outs, following the arrest of seven suspects believed to be behind at least 11 murders. The suspects, aged between 40 and 52, were expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court to face charges of at least 11 murder cases, of which two were double murders in Kwanobuhle. They have also been charged with racketeering and fraud relating to several insurance claims that were submitted on deceased persons for 11 deaths, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. A multidisciplinary operation was conducted at about 1am on Friday, where warrants of arrests were executed at the residence of six suspects in Kwanobuhle and Despatch in Gqeberha. During the…

FRIENDS of late musician and lead guitarist of the iconic group “The Invaders”, Joe Moses, have remembered him as a kind human being who was born to play the guitar. The 76-year-old died at the weekend after suffering months of illness, during which his daughter cared for him. The Invaders were known for their hits on the music charts during the 60s and 70s. Executive chairperson of the Dak Netwerk and Moses’ close friend, Dannie van Wyk, said his death was a “hard pill” to swallow. “I have been a fan for many years, since I was in high school. “I am originally from Oudtshoorn. I was impressed with how he played the guitar. I had every CD of The Invaders. “The Dak Netwerk gave a lifetime award to Joe…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana facing a thankless task AS FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares for his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on November 1, 2023, one of his major considerations will be reining in spiralling public debt. The MTBPS traditionally sets government policy goals and priorities, forecasts macroeconomy trajectory, and projects the fiscal framework over the next three years by outlining spending and revenue estimates, among others. That timeline is crucial both in the context of South African sovereign indebtedness and the fact that global debt is returning to its pre-pandemic rising trend, according to the latest blog by Vitor Gaspar, director of the Fiscal Affairs Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Global debt, which remained significantly higher than its pre-pandemic level in 2022, may return to…

A week after a tsunami-sized flash flood devastated the Libyan coastal city of Derna, sweeping thousands to their deaths, the international aid effort to help the grieving survivors slowly gathered pace yesterday. Search-and-rescue teams wearing face masks and protective suits kept up the grim search for bodies or any survivors in the mud-caked wasteland of smashed buildings, crushed cars and uprooted trees. Traumatised residents, 30 000 of whom are now homeless in Derna alone, badly need clean water, food, shelter and basic supplies amid a growing risk of cholera, diarrhoea, dehydration and malnutrition, UN agencies warn. “In this city, every single family has been affected,” said one resident, Mohammad al-Dawali. Another, Mohamed al-Zawi, 25, recounted how he saw “a large mountain of water bringing with it cars, people, belongings... and…

Thousands rallied in Australia yesterday to support recognising the country’s Indigenous people in the constitution, a proposal that is struggling ahead of a referendum next month. If approved on October 14, the measure would enshrine indigenous people in the constitution and set up an advisory body to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people input on policies that affect them. Indigenous Australians, who account for 3.8% of the population, face disadvantages including discrimination, poor health and education outcomes and high incarceration rates. But the “Voice to Parliament” proposal appeared on track for defeat, a poll showed last week, the fifth monthly survey in a row to find voters against the change. Yes23, the group behind “Walk for Yes” events, said around 20 000 people attended in Brisbane, Australia’s third-biggest city,…

NEW YORK: The Group of Seven industrialized nations plans to establish a framework to encourage private-sector investment in health in emerging and developing countries to coincide with the UN General Assembly meeting this week. The Impact Investments Initiative for Global Health framework is aimed at mobilizing private sector funds to provide sustainable support for the health and sanitation sectors, in the wake of an aid shortfall for emerging and developing countries amid the pandemic. The investments are expected to focus on immunisation against infectious diseases and drug-resistant bacteria for which antimicrobials are ineffective. | Reuters…

KHARTOUM: Violent confrontations resumed on Saturday between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in various areas of the capital Khartoum as the clashes in Sudan entered the sixth month. The RSF launched violent attacks targeting the headquarters of the SAF’s General Command in central Khartoum and other military bases in nearby Omdurman and Bahri cities. The military said the SAF repulsed an attack by the RSF on the army’s general command and that the SAF has inflicted heavy losses among the paramilitary forces in lives and equipment. Since April, clashes have resulted in 3 000 deaths. | Xinhua…

Marco Jansen’s maiden five-wicket haul in One-Day International cricket sealed a 3-2 series for South Africa over Australia yesterday and most importantly, ensured that the Proteas head to India with momentum on their side. With the leader of the attack, Kagiso Rabada, missing the series decider due to a precautionary measure following his spectacular catch in Centurion – where the fast bowler landed on his knee, causing slight discomfort – concerns over South Africa’s chances of defending 315/9 made the rounds at the Wanderers. But they did it in style, dismissing Australia for 193 in the 35th over. Defending at The Bullring is never a simple task and history tells the tale of the many records broken batting last at the Wanderers Stadium across all formats. Captain Temba…

WITH no cause for celebration yet regarding Karpowership SA’s energy project, an appeal is under consideration following allegations related to the qualifications and accreditation of the specialist who conducted and prepared the Major Hazard Installation assessment. This as Karpowership SA moved one step closer in August to realising one of its three gas-to-power projects off the coast of South Africa, when the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) issued an interim decision on the company’s appeal challenging the department’s decision to reject the Environmental Authorisation for the Port of Ngqura in the Coega Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Cape. Karpowership is one of the preferred bidders in the national government’s risk mitigation independent power producer procurement programme. The interim decision issued by the DFFE, however, required clarity…

‘He started receiving death threats in 2021’ A VREDENBURG ANC councillor who previously survived two assassination attempts was shot and killed in front of his house at the weekend, nearly two months after the Saldanha Bay Municipality allegedly withdrew his security detail. Councillor Arthur Gqeba had arrived home after visiting a friend on Friday when a gunman approached and shot him in the head and chest. Gqeba had been receiving death threats since 2021, according to his family. A year ago, he and a driver were wounded after a gunman opened fire on them while they were leaving a ward committee meeting in Vredenburg. Before that incident, a man who was visiting Gqeba’s home was shot and killed by a gunman who allegedly thought it was him. Gqeba’s colleague and…

CONSERVATIONISTS who work every day to protect Africa’s natural heritage have been honoured at the 2023 African Conservation Awards, hosted by the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA). Sponsored by CNEI, the awards attracted nominations from 11 countries and took place on Saturday at the Southern African Wildlife College in Greater Kruger. Nkateko Mzimba, Sergeant of the Black Mambas Unit at the Olifants West Nature Reserve in Limpopo won Best Field Ranger, while Amos Gwema, Principle Investigation and Security Officer at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in Zimbabwe won Best Game Ranger. The Best Conservation Team went to the Wildlife Action Group at the Thuma Forest Reserve and the Dedza Salima Escarpment Forest Reserve, Malawi. Rhino Man, South Africa, won the Best Conservation Supporter for their eight-year film…

THE Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court released corruption accused Elizabeth Joan Davids on warning following her arrest for allegedly manipulating the income and expenditure of clients in order to qualify them for finance loans and credit cards. “Davids was employed by Absa Bank in Claremont as a sales consultant. “It is alleged that she manipulated the income and expenditure of clients in order to qualify them for finance loans and credit cards and she in turn received cash from the clients as gratification and because of these corrupt activities Absa was prejudiced of an amount of R460 000,” said Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani. She said Davids appeared in court on Friday following her arrest by the Bellville-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks on Thursday - the same…

AS SOMEONE with an interest in both climate change and biodiversity, I have been trying to better understand the opportunities for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) implementation in South Africa. For instance could EbA have limited the loss of lives and infrastructure from the recent floods that devastated Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape? Globally there is a push to use ecosystems as one of the methods for helping communities adapt to the current and future impacts from climate change. The United Nations Convention on Biodiversity defines EbA as the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. There is good evidence that EbA solutions can be cost effective both on their own…

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is struggling with a surge in migrant arrivals, and promised a 10-point EU action plan to help Italy deal with the situation. Nearly 126 000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year, almost double the figure by the same date in 2022. The small island of Lampedusa has recently seen a sharp rise in the number of people arriving by boat, with more than 7 000 landing this week, more than the island’s permanent population. Von der Leyen was accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the car carrying them to Lampedusa’s migrant reception centre was briefly blocked by locals protesting over the burden facing the island. “We’re working on it ...…

Fourteen people were killed at the weekend when a plane crashed in the Brazilian Amazon while trying to land in stormy weather in the tourist town of Barcelos, leaving no survivors, officials said. The small plane’s pilot was approaching the remote town on Saturday in heavy rain, with low visibility, and appeared to inadvertently start landing halfway down the runway, Amazonas state security secretary Vinicius Almeida told a news conference. The plane ran out of landing strip and crashed, killing all 12 passengers and two crew, he said. Initial investigations indicated the passengers were all Brazilian men traveling to the region for sport fishing, the state government said. The plane was on its way from the state capital, Manaus, to Barcelos, about a 90-minute flight. Officials said two aircraft approaching…

PARIS: French fashion house Balmain has lost dozens of pieces due to be unveiled at a Paris show later this month after a lorry carrying the clothing was hijacked, its creative director Olivier Rousteing said. Rousteing said in an Instagram post that thieves seized the vehicle carrying some 50 items from Balmain’s new collection between a Paris airport and the label’s headquarters in the French capital. The lorry driver was safe, he said. Balmain is due to present its 2024 spring-summer collection on September 27 during the Paris fashion week, which features high end labels including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Hermes. | Reuters…

LONDON: British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse during a seven-year period, according to the results of a media investigation published on Saturday. Four women have alleged sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013 when Brand was at the height of his fame working as a presenter for BBC Radio 2, Channel 4 and acting in Hollywood movies, a newspaper said. According to the investigation, others have made a range of accusations about Brand’s controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour. Brand, 48, denied the “very serious criminal allegations” that he said will be made against him. According to the findings, one woman alleged Brand raped her in his Los Angeles home while another claims he assaulted her during a three-month relationship while she…