Sommaire pour 2024-09-16 de Cape Times

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Gordhan celebrated for developing SA’s fiscal architecture

FORMER Cabinet Minister Pravin Gordhan has been described as a government leader with “deep integrity” who spearheaded legislative reforms of democratic South Africa’s financial and fiscal architecture. Condolences continued to pour in from the government, business sector and civil society over the weekend, following Gordhan’s death on Friday morning after a short battle with cancer. Gordhan leaves behind his widow Vanitha and daughters Anisha and Priyesha. He was 75. However, not all political parties were singing Gordhan’s praises, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the country’s fourth-largest party, said he had left behind a trail of destruction at State institutions. To his detractors, Gordhan was a nemesis who continued to fight against State capture, and they accused him of being responsible for attempting to sell off South African Airways to…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Expansion of BRICS+ could bolster SA auto industry – report

THE AUTOMOTIVE Business Council’s BRICS+ Research Report 2024 has found that South Africa has not substantially be- nefited from its membership of the bloc, but this could change should membership be expanded. A statement released late last week by the council – Naamsa – noted that China and Russia want further BRICS expansion this year to “make the group financially stronger and take on the US and other Western allies”. An additional 30 new countries have asked to join the bloc soon, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria and Nigeria. Consulting firm BCG states on its website that the BRICS+ nations account for one-quarter of global GDP, 40% of global trade in goods and nearly half of the world’s population. “Adding another dozen nations that have applied for membership, including dynamic…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

The A-Z on what it would take for Africa to sustainably manufacture vaccines

Aspen’s Dr Stavros Nicolaou outlines the challenges and solutions for the continent to have security of supply amidst a pandemic and every day supply. TO HELP SOLVE the vast vaccine inequality and vaccine inaccessibility around the world, which is unfolding before our eyes again with mpox, Executive Editor of Business Report Philippa Larkin interviewed Dr Stavros Nicolaou on what it would take for the continent to be able to manufacture its own vaccines. Nicolaou is Aspen Pharmacare Group’s senior executive responsible for Strategic Trade Development and who is also the chairperson of Pharmaceuticals Manufactured in South Africa. In Nicolaou’s words: Africa currently imports 99% of its current vaccines, and produces 1% or less. In 2020/21 when Covid-19 hit, the whole world, and particularly the African continent, was caught off guard.…

5 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

How can foreigners own the SARB with no seat for blacks at the table?

THERE was a debate in the National Assembly last week on a Member’s Bill about the nationalisation of the SA Reserve Bank (SARB). The debate was at the behest of the president of the EFF, Julius Malema. Some argue the debate for nationalisation of the bank is much to do about nothing. In fact, they argue such a matter is inconsequential because the shares and share price is so small. The question begged and unanswered is: If the stake for ownership is so inconsequential, why do those who own it for such a pittance hold it so tight for dear life? In fact, it is this hidden and un- spoken response to its ownership over which light is to be shed. But more fundamentally is that the bank has as…

5 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Kore Potash expects to sign Congolese potash mine development contract next month

KORE POTASH, which completed a $1.2 million (R21.5m) fundraising at the beginning of July, closed the half year to June 2024 with cash and cash equivalents worth nearly $1m, against $1.5m in the contrasting period a year ago, while its exploration and evaluation assets dipped by $3.6m. The company is pursuing the Sintoukola Potash Project, including the Kola and Dougou potash permits in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville. It said on Friday that exploration and evaluation assets, as at June 30, 2024, amounted to $172.7m compared to $176.3m a year ago. This was after capitalising $1.3m in exploration and evaluation expendi- ture. Expenditure had, however, decreased by $4.9m as a result of the strengthening of the US dollar against the Congo-Brazzaville’s currency. This tipped the company into an interim…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

what parents must know about childhood cancer

September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by children and their families affected by this devastating disease. In South Africa, where the burden of childhood cancer remains high, we must come together as a community to raise awareness, advocate for better access to care, and support those on the frontlines of this fight. According to the South African Medical Journal, the overall survival rates for childhood cancer in South Africa remain low compared to international data. This is largely due to the lack of early diagnosis, limited access to specialised treatment, and overburdened healthcare infrastructure. It is estimated that half of the children with cancer in South Africa are never even diagnosed. The five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia,…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Cardi B gives birth and heads for divorce

RAPPER Cardi B has given birth to her third child with her estranged husband Offset. The WAP singer, 31, is reportedly heading for divorce from her fellow rapper, 32, but the pair reunited in the delivery room and Cardi posted pictures of her cradling her newborn alongside her older children daughter Kulture, six, and son Wave, three. Cardi’s baby’s name has not yet been announced, and the birth comes amid reports she and Offset are not planning on saving their marriage – even though they put on a united front at Wave’s recent birthday party. The couple reunited to celebrate their three-year-old boy at DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Cardi announced she was pregnant with her third child a day after she…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Agriculture curtails animal movement amid foot-and-mouth outbreak

THE government has advised all livestock farmers nationwide to limit animal movement as much as possible due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Sara-Lea van Eeden, the Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson on FMD, said on Friday that cloven-hoofed animals should not be moved unless absolutely necessary. Van Eeden said limiting movement provides an opportunity to identify and quarantine further undetected, affected properties, thus preventing any further spread of the disease. She said the significance of the incubation period for FMD cannot be overstated. “During this period, animals may appear healthy while shedding the virus and not yet displaying clinical signs of the disease. “Farmers are again urged to observe stringent biosecurity measures on their farms to protect their herds from infection,” Van Eeden said. “Section 11 of the Animal…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Mandela Children’s Fund says Bela Bill could improve reading comprehension

THE Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill signed into law on Friday could help address the persistent issue of Grade 4 learners struggling with reading comprehension. This is according to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, which yesterday hailed the signing of the bill amid the DA’s threat to challenge it in court. The South African portion of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2021 (PIRLS 2021) conducted by the University of Pretoria (UP) found that 81% of South African Grade 4 learners are struggling to read for comprehension at age 10. The findings, highlighting a drop in South Africa’s score point average since the previous report in 2016, were last year presented to then-Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. South Africa was ranked the…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

All SA teams must be shown on national TV

I MUST thank Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie for giving every South African the chance to watch and enjoy the Springboks beating New Zealand on our local TV channels. Why, in the first instance, was it not possible to watch the second Test against New Zealand on our national broadcaster? Many people cannot afford to pay the exorbitant prices that are charged to go and watch a game, and then of course there are the punters that buy block bookings and sell the tickets at ridiculous prices. Our Proteas cricket side have been doing reasonably well when they get a chance to compete on the ICC calendar, but I cannot recall when last I watched their matches being televised. And then of course we get our national soccer team, who seem…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Snoek cottage pie

For the filling: 1 lightly smoked snoek (about 500g) 100g butter, melted 1 lemon, juiced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 onion, finely chopped 200g brown mushrooms, sliced 100g fresh peas 1 cup cream 1 cup milk 35g flour 1/2 t nutmeg Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the topping: 1kg potatoes 2 T butter 2 T chives, chopped 1/2 cup cream Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste To make the filling, drizzle the snoek with 1 T melted butter and the lemon juice. Grill until done (you can also braai it for an extra-smoky flavour). Set it aside to cool slightly. Flake the snoek and remove the bones and skin. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and onion in the remaining butter…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Police come under fire while chasing two suspected gang members

POLICE had a narrow escape when they came under fire while chasing two suspects following a shooting in Bishop Lavis. The two were among several suspects that police arrested during operations to clamp down on crime. The officers were attending to a shooting at about 11pm on Friday when they spotted two suspects running away from the scene. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “As the suspects ran away towards the flats in Bishop Lavis they opened fire on the members. Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Unit (members)caught up with them and arrested both suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition respectively. “A .38 Special revolver with five rounds and a 9mm Beretta with three 9mm rounds were confiscated and handed in as exhibits.” He said the suspects, aged…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Poverty, crime the thorns in the tourist paradise that is SA

There’s a balance between its charm and challenges, between what there is to love and hate On the exterior, South Africa exudes beauty; its interior, however, includes integral cracks, harming a promising nation. Plagued by crime, unemployment and treacherous living conditions, there’s plenty to blame regarding the country’s in-house demolition – but that hasn’t stopped a record number of tourists from visiting. The South African Government News Agency says 8.5 million international tourists entered the country last year, nearly 50% higher than 2022’s count. A further 6.4 million visitors entered from other African countries, increasing the total to 14.9 million. The figure is forecast to rise this year. It’s hard to argue that the recent pandemic doesn’t elevate the statistics, as 2022 marked the first year free from isolation, a…

5 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Houthi missile strikes Israel

A Yemeni rebel missile triggered a rush to shelters in central Israel yesterday, a rare incident that caused no casualties but again added to regional tensions nearly a year into the Gaza war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the rebels will pay a “heavy price”. Firefighters put out a brush fire near Lod and broken glass at a train station in Modin, about 20km southeast of Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub, after the attack. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed the strike. They are among Iran-backed groups in the Middle East that have been drawn into the conflict after war began in October between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants in Gaza. “The Houthis launched a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen into our territory. We charge a heavy price for any attempt to…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Shanghai shuts down as storm hits

Shanghai halted transportation links, recalled ships and shut tourism spots including Shanghai Disney Resort yesterday as it braced for Typhoon Bebinca, in what could be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the Chinese financial hub since 1949. The Category 1 typhoon, packing maximum sustained wind speeds near its centre of around 144km/h, was about 400km southeast of Shanghai. It was expected to make landfall along China’s eastern coast after midnight today. The China Meteorological Administration issued typhoon red alert on Sunday afternoon, warning of gales and heavy rainfalls in eastern China. The strongest storm to make landfall in Shanghai in recent decades was Typhoon Gloria in 1949, which tore through the city with gusts of 144km/h. Shanghai was last threatened by a direct hit in 2022 by the powerful…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Kenya in power transmission deal

NAIROBI: Kenya has awarded a public-private partnership concession to build power transmission lines to India’s Adani Group and a unit of the African Development Bank. The concession was worth $1.3 billion, said David Ndii, chief economic adviser to President William Ruto. A separate plan by the Kenyan government to lease the country’s main international to the Adani Group has sparked anger among Kenyans and also triggered a strike by the country’s aviation workers. The plan involves leasing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Adani Group for 30 years, in exchange for $1.85 billion of investment by Adani. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Activist shot and killed in Honduras

Tegucigalpa: An environmental activist working to oppose mining in Honduras was shot and killed, President Xiomara Castro said. Juan Lopez was killed as he left church on Saturday in the north-eastern town of Tocoa, his widow Thelma Pena said. Castro condemned the killing in a post on the social media platform X late Saturday and said she had ordered an investigation into it. Lopez, who belonged to the ruling Libre party, worked to oppose open-pit iron ore mining in Tocoa, where he worked in the town hall. Recently he had called for the resignation of Libre officials caught on a video negotiating bribes with drug traffickers in 2013. | AFP…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Piastri wins Azerbaijan GP as late crash costs Red Bull and Ferrari

Oscar Piastri won the Azerbaijan GP and sent McLaren top of the constructors’ standings in a race that finished with a virtual safety car after a penultimate lap collision between Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Ferrari’s pole-sitter Charles Leclerc, who was overtaken by Piastri on the 20th of 51 laps and then battled nose-to-tail before his tyres faded, came second with George Russell inheriting third for Mercedes after the Sainz-Perez collision. Red Bull’s F1 leader Max Verstappen finished fifth, just behind his closest title rival Lando Norris, who started 15th for McLaren and ended up fourth with a bonus point for fastest lap. Triple champion Verstappen’s lead over Norris, who reeled in a 15-second gap and passed the Dutch driver on lap 49 thanks to his fresher…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Proteas view series as ideal World Cup tune-up

Laura Wolvaardt revealed the Proteas Women will use the three-match series against Pakistan to fine-tune their team ahead of the start of the T20 World Cup in just over two weeks in the United Arab Emirates. The Proteas will be locked in battle against Pakistan in the Punjab Province, in the south of Pakistan, with the first clash set to get under way at Multan International Stadium at 4pm today. Pakistan beat the Proteas 3-0 the last time they met last year, and since then Wolvaardt and her South African side haven’t had the best of outings in the T20 format, despite having reached the final of the 2023 World Cup as the hosts. The 25-year-old will go into the tournament leading the way for South Africa, not only as…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Old Mutual appoints group stalwart to head new bank

Nethengwe chosen to spearhead the bank’s entry into South Africa’s competitive market OLD MUTUAL Group’s announcement of the proposed appointment of Clarence Nethengwe as CEO-designate of Old Mutual Bank or “OM Bank”, effective November 1, is an indication the group is on schedule to launch the latest bank in SA before the end of the year, Nethengwe, a long-standing executive of Old Mutual, was suitably quali- fied to lead the bank as it prepares to go live, Old Mutual said in a statement on Friday. As its next growth phase took off, the bank would ramp up more hires, Old Mutual Group CEO Iain Williamson said in a statement. By March the group had spent R1.79 billion on building its bank – the infrastructure and digital platforms were finished…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Mpox vaccine access set to speed up as WHO approves first jab

THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it had for the first time prequalified an mpox vaccine – a move expected to speed up access to the jabs to fight an epidemic raging in Africa. The an- nouncement came on the heels of the arrival of the first MVA-BN vaccines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the epidemic. “This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. “We now need urgent scale-up in procurement, donations and roll-out to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most … to prevent infections, stop transmission…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

South Africans can now look forward to a very possible cut in interest rates

South African consumers will be waiting with bated breath this week, hoping for news of a cut in interest rates when the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets. On Thursday, the nation will find out if they will get some leeway in their monthly budgets as SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces the bank’s decision. The repo rate is currently at a 14-year high of 8.25% and the prime lending rate is at 11.75%. While the SARB has held firm on an 8.5% rate for months on end, there are plenty of whispers across the economic industry that a cut is finally due and may even be bigger than expected. Frank Blackmore, the lead economist at KPMG South Africa, told Business Report that the recent reductions in…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Bela Bill strives to improve education outcomes for learners, says Cosatu

A GREAT deal has been said about the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Tragically, much of it has been false, clouding a necessary debate about how we improve education outcomes for learners and enhance their employment opportunities when they enter the economy. Cosatu and our teachers’ trade unions engaged extensively on the Bill at Nedlac and Parliament. It has been an inclusive and genuine process of public participation. Some have speculated that it will collapse the government, it won’t. Many of the Bill’s critics are not speaking to its common sense and progressive provisions, which will benefit learners, parents and teachers. The act seeks to correct challenges experienced by many in our schools. Cosatu has supported the Act and is looking…

5 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Stronger platinum group metals and gold miners propels the JSE

SOUTH African platinum group metals (PGM) miners soared on the JSE on Friday, with Impala Platinum (Implats), Sibanye-Stillwater, Northam Platinum and Anglo American Platinum (Am- plats) among the top five risers for the day. Implats was the biggest riser, surging by nearly 12% on the JSE on Friday to R86.52 per share and extending its 14.2% surge over the past seven days. PGM and gold producer, Sibanye- Stillwater, which on Thursday reported strong balance sheet improvements, and allayed investor concerns over a potential rights issue, closed the day’s session 11.6% higher at R17.28 per share, while it has been 7.33% stronger in the preceding seven days. World platinum prices strengthened nearly 7% over the past five days to about $1 000 per ounce, while palladium prices have somewhat recovered…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Maxhosa Africa to unveil collection at Paris Fashion Week called the ‘Maxhonassaince’

South African world-renowned fashion brand Maxhosa Africa is returning to Paris Fashion Week this season. Maxhosa, who has showcased on several international platforms, including New York Fashion Week, is back this September as the only African designer on the Paris Fashion Week calendar. This season, Maxhosa will be unveiling its “Maxhonassaince” collection inspired by Renaissance art to explore the rebirth of Africa. “Imbuing the opulence and exuberance of renaissance art with an African perspective, the collection features jewel tones, florals and crowns, as well as excessive adornment while still bearing the patterns iconic to MaXhosa Africa’s house style. “We cannot forget patterns as they are the DNA of MaXhosa, which is what our ancestors left for us,” said MaXhosa Africa chief creative director Laduma Ngxokolo. The designer added that for…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

The many health benefits of drinking green tea

Green tea has long been praised for its potential health benefits. Derived from the same plant as black tea (Camellia sinensis), green tea undergoes a different processing method that preserves more of its beneficial compounds. One of the stand-out features of green tea is its high level of antioxidants, particularly catechins. These powerful compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the impact of free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases and ageing. Green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in the tea may help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood vessel function, and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, green tea may help prevent blood clots, which can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. For those looking to shed a few pounds, green…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

‘No need for MKP to hold an elective conference’

FORMER president and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma said his party had not yet made a decision over holding a national elective conference where it will elect its leaders. Zuma was speaking at the memorial service in Estcourt of six MKP members who died in a taxi crash on their way to Nkandla to celebrate Zuma’s wife's birthday. The memorial service was on Saturday. Speaking to hundreds of MKP supporters, Zuma said holding a conference would pose a threat to the organisation because the party feared that spies linked to the ANC could still seek to infiltrate and sabotage them. Speaking in Zulu, Zuma said the current MKP leadership was strong and formidable and therefore there was no need to hold an elective conference. He added…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

SANDF ACCUSED OF ‘SILENCING’ WIDOWER

Navy commander Romero Hector’s lawyer hits back at ‘ill-conceived, shortsighted’ statements THE lawyer representing Romero Hector, the widower of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, has hit back at the SANDF, accusing it of wanting to silence the Navy commander. This relates to an SANDF statement in which they claimed Romero Hector snubbed them in their efforts to communicate the Board of Inquiry (BOI) into his wife’s death. Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Africa's first female submarine navigator aboard the SAS Manthatisi, along with Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain in training), died during a storm on September 20 last year. The tragedy occurred when high waves affected a vertical transfer exercise involving the SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter and the SA…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Only Trump can end current conflicts

WHILE wannabe US president Kamala Harris pontificates and babbles on about nothing of value at rallies, the world is burning and on the brink of World War III. Her untimely, unsubstantiated and absurd attack on Donald Trump via suggestions that he is the laughing stock of world leaders is disingenuous and fabricated by her spin doctors. Her permanent cheshire cat grin and prancing around on stage like a prom queen is no way for a world leader to act. Would she have the capacity and mental strength to face Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, the IDF war machine ... the Ayatollah? The only person who can put a stop to the wars raging throughout the world is Trump. The unchecked war in Gaza, the assault on Ukraine…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Municipality tackled over misuse of public funds

THE mayor of the embattled Nketoana Local Municipality in the Free State continues to draw heavy criticism over the misuse of taxpayers’ money. This was after the municipality issued an advert to purchase a vehicle for the mayor, Mamiki Mokoena. However, it is alleged that the advert was issued without the required council approval. The advert, which the Sunday Independent has seen, said the bids would be evaluated in terms of prices and bidders would pay a fee of R500. It was issued in Mokoena’s office. The DA in the area said this could result in an unauthorised expenditure as no council resolution permitted such action. Asked for comment, Mokoena said questions should directed to the municipal manager Mokete Nhlapo, who did not respond. DA councillor Diphaphang Mofo- keng said…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

'Big fish' must be targeted to dismantle kidnapping

UNLESS the “big fish” linked to the money in the syndicate involved in kidnapping and extortion type of crimes, is arrested, criminals may continue to take their chances, according to a crime expert. This was in relation to the first court appearance of Sivuyile Mki alias “ Lollo ” who police believe is a kidnapping ring leader. Mki appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday charged with kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, theft, trafficking in person, attempted murder including Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) section 9 (2)(a). Police say he is linked to the kidnapping of two Thai nationals in Mowbray, on December 22, 2022, as they were leaving their workplace. Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk said: “The suspects demanded R800 000 ransom money to secure their release.…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Finding peace: extortion inflames the country

MY APPEAL to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is that they find faith and traditional leaders to mediate between them. Institutions do not decide to go to war or to make peace or who to destroy or kill or who to accuse of involvement in and benefiting from extortion or litigating against the accuser; those actions are the responsibility of individuals sitting in influential positions. To try to understand the root causes of the conflict that led Premier Mabuyane to open a case against King Dalindyebo at the Bhisho police station on September 10 after the king accused him of involvement in extortion incidents only in terms of power politics and resource control, without also understanding the influence of human behaviour, undermines our effectiveness as…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Heavy rains batter central Europe

One person drowned in southwest Poland and thousands were evacuated across the border in the Czech Republic after heavy rain continued to batter central Europe yesterday, causing flooding in several parts of the region. A firefighter tackling flooding in Lower Austria was also killed, Austrian Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler said yesterday on X as authorities declared the province which surrounds Vienna a disaster area. Rivers overflowed from Poland to Romania, where four people were found dead on Saturday, after days of torrential rain in a low-pressure system named Boris. Some parts of the Czech Republic and Poland faced the worst flooding in almost three decades and a bridge collapsed in the historic Polish town of Glucholazy near the Czech border. In the Czech Republic, a quarter of a million homes…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Iran at BRICS summit

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend the summit of the BRICS group of major emerging economies in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, Tehran’s ambassador in Moscow said yesterday, amid tensions with the West over military co-operation between the two countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to use them in Ukraine within weeks. The US, Germany, Britain and France last week imposed new sanctions on Iran, including measures against its national airline Iran Air. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Tehran did not deliver any ballistic missiles to Russia and that sanctions imposed by the US and the three European countries against Iran were not a solution. Iran and Russia are set to…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Migrants barred from rushing border

RABAT: Moroccan authorities yesterday prevented dozens of migrants from storming a border fence to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, after calls on social media for a mass migration attempt. Spain’s two enclaves on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Ceuta and Melilla, share the only land borders of the EU with Africa. Dozens of migrants gathered on top of a hill in Fnideq on the border yesterday and began throwing stones at Moroccan security forces. Police prevented them from approaching the Ceuta fence. Moroccan authorities said they arrested at least 60 people last week for using social media to incite migrants to attempt a mass crossing. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Red-card replacement a good call for Sharks

Sharks coach John Plumtree has candidly admitted that the coaching staff had to “phone a friend” to get the answer to a problem that arose around a red card in the weekend’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Bulls. The Sharks were under severe pressure in the last quarter when they were reduced to 12 players because of yellow and red cards. “There was a fair bit of chat on the sidelines around whether there could be a red-card replacement after 20 minutes,” Plumtree said of the sending off of centre Francois Venter for a head-to-head tackle. “The officials didn’t know what was going on there as well. I think it must be the first time it has happened in the Currie Cup and we only got clarification when we phoned…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Arsenal punish wasteful Spurs in fiery derby

Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header earned Arsenal a crucial 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in a feisty north London derby yesterday to keep pace with early Premier League leaders Manchester City. Spurs started sharper and David Raya was forced into early saves, turning Dejan Kulusevski’s first-time effort behind before clawing away a dangerous cross from the Sweden winger. Record signing Dominic Solanke, making his home debut, squandered a good opening in the 14th minute after Arsenal lost possession deep in their own half, taking too long on the ball and allowing William Saliba to recover. Arsenal were missing captain Martin Odegaard through injury and Declan Rice through suspension, but dug deep impressively despite an under-strength midfield. “It was difficult because we have lost a lot of important players for us,” Arsenal…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Nkosi enjoys the pride as Lions finally make it

There have been disappointments aplenty for the Lions in recent years, but on Saturday they had the opportunity to celebrate a small victory that could catapult them to larger glory. In overcoming the Free State Cheetahs 43-34, the Lions progressed to their first Currie Cup final since 2019, and the first championship match in the famous old stadium since 2015. They finished sixth in the cup last year and last two years in a row – in 2021 and 2022. At the United Rugby Championship (URC) level, they have fallen short twice in their pursuit of a top-eight finish in the past two campaigns – last season only on matches won. Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi, who had to endure those terrible lows with the Currie Cup side, was pleased that…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Bank earnings grow more slowly in the first half of 2024 but balance sheets remain robust – PwC study

SOUTH Africa’s major banks reported a durable financial performance in the first half of 2024 against complex operating conditions and elevated levels of uncertainty and combined headline earnings growth was only 2.5% at R56.8 billion, when compared with the previous year. Headline earnings growth in previous years has been stronger, with for instance, the figure rising 13.8% to R113.2bn for the full 2023 financial year. And in the 2023 half year period combined headline earnings grew by 16.8% to R55.8bn compared with the first half of 2022. “The start of 2024 was characterised by acute levels of uncertainty as nearly half the global population entered an election year. “Globally, inflation remained sticky and slowed the anticipated pace of interest rate cuts. Regionally, several sub-Saharan African countries felt the combined…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Navigating valuations and growth potential in apparel retail sector

DESPITE the re-rating in apparel retail shares following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), valuations remain undemanding, with most apparel retailers trading below their historical average price-to-earnings multiples. Continued outperformance will likely require earnings upgrades, which have proven fairly elusive in the sector to date. Prospects for faster gross domestic product growth, lower inflation, interest rate cuts and the potential benefits to consumption from the two-pot pension system should, however, support retail sales and earnings growth over coming quarters. Truworths’ latest trading statement highlights the challenging trading environment in the near term. Weak South African operating performance is expected for financial year 2024, but likely marks a cyclical turning point. Management is encouraged by early indicators, and they see the macro environment easing most significantly for…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Markets are nervous awaiting the US Fed and SARB’s rate decisions

EQUITY markets across the world traded flat and nervous last week. The release of the US consumer price index inflation rate for August last Wednesday was as expected and enforced market sentiment that the Federal Open Market Commission (FOMC) will increase its bank rate at its news conference on Wednesday. The US mainline inflation rate increased at its slowest rate in more than three years as consumer prices rose by only 2.6% in August, down from 2.9% in July 2024. Year-on-year prices for petrol, used cars and trucks, and some other items fell. Core inflation, the price indicator that the FOMC prefers to use, rose by 3.2% last month, the same margin as in July 2023 and as what was expected. Analysts now expect that these data increased the…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Barloworld investigates possible US sanctions contraventions at its unit in Russia

HEAVY industrial and consumer equipment group Barloworld’s share price slumped 12.47% on Friday after it said it had voluntarily disclosed to US authorities about potential export control violations related to Russia. An initial submission to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) related to sales of certain goods to its Russian subsidiary, which the company was investigating, Barloworld said in a JSE regulatory notice on Friday. Barloworld said it had engaged the services of independent firms with the necessary expertise in connection with the internal investigation and voluntary self disclosure. The share price closed at R81.17 on the JSE on Friday, just below the R83.42 that it was trading at the year before on the same day. It said the precise details of whether there had…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Copper360 directors raked in R12.5 million in remuneration in financial year 2024

COPPER360’s total remuneration to directors surged to R12.5 million in the year to end February 2024, compared to R4.8m last year, with CEO Jan Nelson pocketing R3m in consulting fees, salaries and performance related payments. Prospects have been improving for Copper 360, which said in August that underground mining operations had commenced at its Rietberg mine in the Northern Cape. The company’s CEO, Jan Nelson, described the kick-starting of mining activities at Rietberg as “an exciting moment” for the company. He said this was a “culmination of several years of planning” and signalled “the beginnings of a new era” for the Northern Cape. Nelson has been highly optimistic of the company’s prospects, with his salary, bonus payments and performance-related remuneration amounting to R2.2m over the period to February 2024,…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Chef’s tips on how to keep leftover food fresh

Despite not being intentional, waste can be caused by a lack of planning before buying and cooking, which often leads to excessive leftovers, incorrect storage, and even problems in understanding the recommendations present in product packaging. After all, there has to be a difference between the “expiry date” and the “best before” date. With chef Ross Birkin’s tips, you will never have to waste any leftovers. Executive chef at ANEW Hotel Hilton in Pietermaritzburg, Birkin not only shares his top tips but also an easy chickpea and lentil casserole recipe. Your leftovers shouldn’t be an afterthought When planning a meal, it’s important to consider more than just the immediate dish you’re preparing. Focusing solely on one meal increases the likelihood of wastage. When you plan for the entire week, shift…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Scalabrini Centre granted High Court interdict

THE Western Cape High Court has halted the Department of Home Affairs’ plans to deport asylum seekers pending the outcome of a court application to declare such deportations invalid and unconstitutional. The application was brought by human rights organisation the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town in its “own interest and in the interest of those asylum seekers who are unable to do so”. Scalabrini’s attorney, James Chapman, submitted to the court through an affidavit that asylum seekers who wished to approach a Refugee Reception Office (‘RRO’) to apply for asylum must first obtain a so-called appointment slip to do so. This process is not regulated by law and, according to Chapman, requires the asylum seeker to return in six to eight months. When, eventually, the asylum seeker returns and is…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

UIF commissioner suspended over Thuja Capital involvement

Teboho Maruping, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) commissioner, has been placed on precautionary suspension over his alleged involvement in the irregular R5 billion Thuja Capital jobs scheme. Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth revealed that the decision was taken following a briefing by acting director-general, Viwe Mlenzana, on Maruping’s alleged involvement in the irregular R5bn jobs scheme which the fund entered into with Thuja Capital. “The commissioner has been placed on precautionary suspension, due to the nature of charges he is facing. These emanate, inter alia, from the alleged role he played in the conclusion of the agreement between the UIF and Thuja Holdings led by Mr Mthunzi Mdwaba, amounting to R5 billion,” the statement read. This is the second time that Maruping has been placed on…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Palestinians deserve to live peacefully

WE ARE watching the most horrific war on the people of Palestine, in real time. A stark reminder of the British concentration camps here, where 50% of the children perished. The war against the Palestinians has been going on for about 100 years, when the forerunners of the IDF, together with support from the British, and later, the US, desired to “move the people of Palestine out of Palestine”, in the words of then president Harry Truman. The Palestinians did try peacefully, on numerous occasions. However, their peaceful march in 2018, was greeted with Israeli snipers aiming for the knees of Palestinians, notably, children, aid workers, journalists and the elderly, thereby crippling Palestinians. One Israeli sniper boasted in Haaretz that he got 42 kneecaps that day. There is a 250-page,…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Cogta minister focuses on poor paying to municipalities

THE government departments that owe municipalities could lose a huge chunk from the budget towards settling the R21 billion debt owed to municipalities. That is if the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has its way in attempting to get government departments to pay for municipal services. The plan to recoup from government departments was announced when Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa disclosed during the question and answer session in the National Assembly that the Cabinet committee approved that he write to the departments asking them to pay up. “I will write to all of them and we will give them a period of not more than four months to pay, and if they do not pay, I will visit the Minister of Finance to institute a way to…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Treat alarming metal theft as economic sabotage – City’s safety boss

THE City has recovered stolen metal weighing 1 839.41 kilograms, which translates to 54km or the distance between the Civic Centre in the CBD and Sir Lowry’s Pass in the past year. “The scary thing is that for all the confiscated items, thousands of kilograms more made it to bucket shops and unscrupulous scrap dealers, and so fuelling a number of illicit trades,” said safety and security Mayco member JP Smith. “The Metal Theft Unit has also recorded a marked increase in complaints attended to, compared to the previous year. “It is a sign that the theft and vandalism of infrastructure remains rampant, but also that more people are reporting it,” Smith said. The unit executed 143 arrests between July 2023 and June this year compared to the 184 from…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Big fuel price drop predicted for October

Experts said a fifth consecutive fuel price could be on the cards for October, with the current mid-month data indicating that the price could decrease by more than R1 a litre. This means that motorists will pay less than R21 per litre – the lowest level since early 2022.Economists attribute the predicted drop to the lower international prices of Brent crude oil and a stronger rand. South Africa has faced challenges of increasing fuel prices in the last two years, with the price reaching a high of R25 in October 2023. Old Mutual Group chief economist Johann Els said that the petrol price seems to be headed to a R1.20 to R1.30 decrease in October. “The rand has been strong and stable but more importantly the price of Brent Crude…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Tourism a path to economic renewal in KZN

As South Africa emerges from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial for provinces to reassess their economic strategies. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant communities, stands on the brink of a tourism renaissance. Yet, the reality is that the lion’s share of tourism revenue still flows to Cape Town and Johannesburg. Recent announcements from the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, are promising. With R34 billion earmarked for tourism projects, Zondi’s visionary leadership can bring about a transformative era for the province. The initiative, driven by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, aims to highlight the unique attractions that make KZN special. From the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains to the rich history of the Zulu Kingdom, the…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Spain denies pair held linked to any plot

Two Spanish nationals arrested in Venezuela had no links to the Spanish secret service and Spain was not involved in any plan to politically destabilies the South American country, a Spanish foreign ministry source said yesterday. Two Spaniards, three US citizens and a Czech were arrested in Venezuela on suspicion of links to alleged plans to destabilise the South American country, Venezuela’s interior minister said on Saturday. “Spain denies and absolutely rejects any insinuation of being implicated in an operation of political destabilisation in Venezuela,” the Spanish foreign ministry source said. “The government has confirmed that the (two Spanish citizens) detained do not form part of the Centre for National Intelligence or any state organisation. Spain defends a democratic and peaceful solution to the situation in Venezuela.” The arrests are…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

34 women prisoners on hunger strike

TEHRAN: Thirty-four women prisoners went on a hunger strike in an Iranian prison yesterday to mark two years since protests erupted against clerical authorities over the death of Mahsa Amini, the foundation of Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi said. Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd whose death in custody after her arrest for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women sparked the demonstrations. The prisoners had abstained from food “in solidarity with the protesting people of Iran, against the government’s oppressive policies”. Mohammadi, who has campaigned against the compulsory wearing of hijab and death penalty, has been jailed since November 2021. | AFP…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Harry gets first public birthday wish from royals since 2021

London: Britain’s Prince William wished his estranged younger brother Harry a happy birthday, as the younger son of King Charles III turned 40 yesterday. Harry’s ties with his family have been increasingly fraught since he and wife Meghan Markle quit royal life and moved to California in 2020. According to British media reports, William and Harry have not spoken to each other in two years. “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”, read a post on William and wife Catherine’s official X account. It shared an earlier message on the royal family’s X account which read: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”. It marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Pollard can prove that he’s still the Bok’s flyhalf king

This week Handre Pollard has an excellent opportunity to make ground on the pretender to his Springbok flyhalf throne, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, when the Boks go for Rugby Championship gold against the Pumas. If the Boks win in Santiago del Estero, they will clinch their first Championship since 2019, and it will be with World Cup hero Pollard at the helm. Coach Rassie Erasmus gave Feinberg-Mngomezulu an extended run in the position earlier in the Championship but now it is Pollard’s chance to show that he still has it. Springbok legend Naas Botha says the competition for the No 10 jersey has seldom been so competitive and that the team is the winner. “I am extremely excited about the No 10s in South Africa,” Botha said. “I think we have got…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Royal AM’s ban makes them a threat, says Tinkler

Cape Town City relinquished a one-goal half-time lead to share the spoils with Royal AM thanks to an 85th-minute strike by Royal AM’s Motebang Sera on the opening day of the new Betway Premiership season. The opening 45 minutes was one-way traffic for the Citizens and perhaps they should have had a bigger lead, but an unexpected spirited second-half showing by the home side saw them show their true potential with their backs to the wall. Royal AM approached this season as one of the favourites to possibly be involved in the relegation battle, given their inability to sign players after a Fifa ban. John Maduka, at the helm of the Pietermaritzburg-based side, has had to ransack the club’s academy ranks in search of depth and squad refreshment. However,…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-16

Downs, Bucs hoping to build on continental exploits

THEIR participation in the CAF Champions League group stages essentially guaranteed after good first-leg victories in the second preliminary round, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to the domestic game. The Brazilians – 4-0 victors away to Mbabane Swallows – open the defence of their league title with a tricky Tshwane derby against SuperSport United tomorrow, while the Buccaneers, who beat Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 in Gaborone, host Chippa United on Wednesday. They are arguably the country’s top two clubs and the most likely challengers for the championship – although Sundowns are hot favourites to add an eighth successive title. They will hope to start their campaign with convincing victories. Manqoba Mngqithi and Sundowns would have left Gavin Hunt a little worried given the ease with…

2 min