Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2026-04-20 in Cape Argus

For years, producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan of PD Production have been the architects of our collective real estate envy. Through hit franchises like Listing Jozi and Listing Cape Town, they invited viewers into South Africa’s most opulent corridors. But starting on May 6, the duo is trading floor plans for flight paths with the launch of Hidden Gems: South Africa on BBC Lifestyle. This isn’t your typical travel show about safaris and beaches. It combines the high-quality look of a professional TV production with the fast-paced, real-life feel of social media storytelling. Moving from luxury real estate to travel felt like a natural progression for the team, though the focus has shifted from brick-and-mortar to the soul of a stay. “We’ve been fortunate to work on shows like…

THERE have been mixed reactions following Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) announcement of a fuel neutrality charge in May following fuel price increases. TPT said recent fuel price increases, driven by ongoing global supply chain disruptions, have impacted TPT’s diesel-dependent cargo handling operations. “As such, TPT will from May 1 effect the fuel neutrality charge based on the coastal diesel index thresholds. “The fuel neutrality charge will be reviewed in accordance with the pronouncements of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. “The fuel neutrality charge is being implemented as a transparent, cost-recovery mechanism to ensure the continued delivery of efficient, reliable, and sustainable terminal operations, while minimising disruption to customers and the broader logistics value chain.” TPT said they remain committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective cargo handling services…

NEW regulations have been established which introduces a formal National Consumer Commission (NCC) opt-out registry for South Africans who are tired of spam calls. The Consumer Protection Act Amendment Regulations delivered the long-awaited operational framework, which administers the opt-out registry, mandating direct marketer registration and annual renewal, imposing monthly “cleansing” of marketing databases against the registry, and prohibiting marketing to consumers who have registered a pre-emptive block, with immediate effect. NCC welcomed the amendment of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), as gazetted by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, last week. The amended regulations establish the opt-out registry system while providing mechanisms for consumers to opt-out from unwanted direct marketing. The amended regulations oblige direct marketers in South Africa to update their direct marketing lists to remove…

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has set Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge on a path toward possible removal from office after overturning key findings of its own tribunal and finding him guilty of gross misconduct. In a decision on Thursday with far-reaching implications, the JSC rejected the tribunal’s earlier finding that Mbenenge was not guilty of sexual harassment, instead concluding that his conduct, when properly assessed in context, meets the threshold for impeachment under section 177 of the Constitution. The tribunal had found that Mbenenge engaged in a “flirtatious” WhatsApp relationship with court secretary Andiswa Mengo, but ruled that the exchanges were not unwelcome and therefore did not constitute sexual harassment. It instead found him guilty of misconduct. The JSC has now sharply departed from that conclusion, finding that…

THE Watergate Centre in Mitchells Plain has been acquired for R442 million, at an initial yield of 8.37%. The acquisition aligns with the company’s investment approach, said Quintin Rossi, CEO of Spear REIT Limited, commenting on the transaction. “Watergate Centre is a well-established, high-performing asset with a strong national tenant base and consistent trading fundamentals. “We are particularly attracted to the centre’s defensive income profile, underpinned by essential retail and daily-needs shopping, as well as its location within a densely populated and economically active catchment area,” said Rossi. The Watergate Centre is located along the R300 and comprises approximately 19 642m² of gross lettable area and is fully let. The centre is anchored by national brands including Shoprite and Brights Hardware, supported by a mix of retailers such as Clicks,…

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson will have a couple of tough selection decisions to make this week ahead of their final United Rugby Championship (URC) home league match against the Glasgow Warriors. After a 33–24 loss to Connacht, it’s desperation time for the Cape side as they go in search of five points to keep them in the top two on the log this weekend. There is even a chance to go top if they can prevent Glasgow from earning any points at the DHL Stadium. Given that the Lions managed that, it is something the Stormers can aim for, but with another emotional and disruptive week ahead, it could be a tough ask. The funeral of long-time team manager Chippie Solomon takes place on Tuesday, which will cost…

Team SA will be hoping that 13 is the lucky number that unlocks a Commonwealth medals bounty in the pool in Glasgow later this year, after the SA Nationals revealed the swimmers that will carry the nation’s hopes in Scotland. The Mbombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships at the Newton Park Pool in Gqeberha wrapped up on a high on Saturday, with Hannah Pearse providing the final piece of the puzzle. The 23-year-old broke down in tears after winning the 200m backstroke in 2:10.92 to secure her maiden Commonwealth Games qualification. “It’s surreal … a big dream,” said Pearse, reflecting on a season that tested her belief before delivering a breakthrough when it mattered most. While Pearse’s emotional triumph stood out, the championships ultimately belonged to Pieter Coetzé. The 21-year-old…

For Mamelodi Sundowns, reaching the final of the CAF Champions League is more than just another milestone – it is an opportunity for redemption for both the club and key individuals within the squad. Sundowns reached the final after beating Espérance 2-0 on aggregate, following narrow 1-0 wins in Tunis last Sunday and in Pretoria on Saturday night. By reaching the final, Sundowns are eager to make up for lost ground after falling short at the same stage of the competition last season, extending their trophy drought to 10 years. Their triumph 10 years ago was memorable, but for Thapelo Morena, it remains bittersweet. The right wing-back joined the club in August 2016 but missed out on the continental campaign due to registration deadlines, denying him a winners’ medal. That…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has made it clear that his side’s recent progress will count for little if they fail to finish the season strongly, particularly with the Soweto Derby fast approaching. Kaze was speaking after Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium — a result that halted their five-match winning streak but did little to derail their broader upward trajectory. Chiefs remain well placed on 46 points after 24 matches, sitting comfortably in third position and within touching distance of securing CAF Confederation Cup football for next season. They hold a seven-point cushion over AmaZulu FC, making the final continental spot theirs to lose. But for Kaze, there is no room for complacency — especially with a high-stakes…

South African true-crime storytelling has exploded in recent years, unpacking everything from serial killers to billion-rand financial scandals. Viewers are drawn into understanding the “why” behind the crimes. Through police investigations, court footage, interviews with victims’ families, and expert analysis, these true-crime documentaries slowly piece together puzzles that were once unsolved or misunderstood. 1. Catch Me a Killer (2024) Charlotte Hope stars in Catch Me a Killer as Micki Pistorius, South Africa’s first-ever serial-killer profiler. Adapted from Pistorius’ memoir, each episode looks at another of her cases, from the Station Strangler to the Cleveland Killer to Stewart “Boetie Boer” Wilken. Based on the real-life work of forensic psychologist Pistorius, this gripping series follows her as she tracks down some of the country’s most dangerous offenders. Where to watch: DStv Stream/…

UPDATED limits on sewage discharge at Hout Bay, Camps Bay and Green Point could come into effect as soon as next month. This, as sewage discharge into the ocean continues without updated effluent limits currently in force, according to a written reply to parliamentary questions. Responding to questions from ActionSA MP Dereleen James, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said certain effluent discharge limits linked to the City’s coastal permits had been suspended pending the outcome of an appeals process. A final decision on the appeals could be made by the end of May following input from experts. James said the suspension of limits has resulted in continued discharge without enforceable caps. “This effectively means that, for nearly two years, sewage discharge has continued without enforceable…

HUNDREDS of young jobseekers were left frustrated, angry and empty-handed after the City of Cape Town’s “A Day of 1 000 Opportunities” event descended into chaos at Athlone Stadium on Thursday. The much-hyped initiative, aimed at connecting unemployed youth to jobs in the contact centre industry, drew a massive crowd, with around 25 000 people pitching up, far exceeding capacity. Many hopefuls had been queuing from as early as 4am, only to be turned away when gates were closed. A visibly upset Zara Gamieldien said: “I have been here since 4am and got this s*** service. It is disappointing to say the least.” For Kagiso Monametsi, the day meant wasted money after paying for transport just to be turned away. Others described scenes of panic as crowds surged outside the…

EFF LEADER Julius Malema’s five-year prison sentence for a 2018 incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane has been described by legal experts as excessive. Malema was sentenced on Thursday by Magistrate Twanet Olivier in the East London Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City. He was, however, released on warning after filing an immediate appeal. The charges relate to a 2018 EFF rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where he was seen on video firing what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle into the air before a crowd of about 20 000 supporters. The firearm belonged to a security company linked to his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. The court heard that Snyman handed the weapon to Malema during the event. Malema…

THE Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, has ordered the release of confidential medical records to the legal team in the listeriosis class action following the outbreak linked to Tiger Brands Enterprise Foods facility in Polokwane in 2017. The outbreak resulted in the loss of about 218 lives, including babies. The class action, headed by prominent lawyer Richard Spoor against Tiger Brands, has been lingering for several years, with Tiger Brands presenting settlement offers to some of the affected claimants. In the latest chapter of the legal proceedings involving hundreds of people who claimed they fell ill or lost loved ones due to contaminated food, 16 claimants turned to court in a bid to obtain medical records linked to the case. The application was aimed against the National Health Laboratory Service, the…

SMALL-scale fishers on the West Coast have been left without meaningful income after delays and discrepancies in crayfish quota allocations, which Masifundise Development Trust said effectively cost them the season. The concerns come as political leaders gathered in St Helena Bay at the weekend to mark the restoration of nearly 300 small-scale fishing vessel permits in the traditional linefish sector. Masifundise said issues around crayfish allocations had been raised months before the start of the season, but were not resolved in time. “The concerns around crayfish allocations were raised as early as November, particularly by small-scale fishers on the West Coast and the Legal Resources Centre, and have been consistently brought to the department’s attention since then,” said Nobathembu Ndzengu. “On at least two occasions, the response has been that…

Any generalisation is unfair. It’s often a suspension of reason and an oversimplification of experience in an attempt to establish fact. That makes that ‘fact’ a lie. “The war in Iran is over. We won.” “Everyone in the ANC is corrupt. Don’t vote for them.” “The DA is racist. Don’t vote for them.” All lies. The voting public seeks a trustworthy political leadership that brings integrity and an inspirational political vision, baptised in frankness and honesty, to the work of building a lean, high-functioning State. Political parties, however, seem to be dumbing down on a failed past: government bloatedness, soundbites filled with inane stabs at the opposition, and the tired offering of a single party that will solve all our problems. South Africa’s political future lay within a Government of…

The Springbok Sevens arrived calm and composed, and with a mature display of skill and prowess, secured their first-ever Hong Kong SVNS title yesterday to claim the opening HSBC SVSN World Championship tournament victory. With two more legs to go, the Blitzboks are now in pole position to become the first side to win the revamped regular season and the World Championship in a single campaign, after defeating defending Hong Kong champions Argentina 35-7 in the final. It was arguably the Blitzboks’ most clinical performance in a Cup final as they finally broke a long-standing curse to seal the title. They had come close on several occasions over the years, even when head coach Philip Snyman was still a player, but ended their drought in the tournament’s milestone 50th edition.…

Manchester City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after Erling Haaland’s clinical second-half strike beat the Gunners 2-1 yesterday to land a potentially decisive blow in the English Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s men have closed to within three points of the leaders and possess a crucial game in hand, with momentum firmly in their favour as Arsenal’s quest for a first league title in 22-years begins to unravel at the worst possible moment. The psychological weight of the race is telling. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month sparked a dismal run of just one win in six games across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s men. Victory over relegation-bound Burnley on Wednesday will take City top for the first time this year, and for an Arsenal…

Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith was full of praise for the Lions players who walloped his charges 54-12 at Ellis Park and believes some of them are knocking on the Springboks door. “What makes the Lions so good is that they have Springbok-like players, but they are not Springboks,” Smith said, after their week 15 United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter. “The most valuable players are the guys who are good enough to be Springboks, but they are not Springboks. They make the difference at the club level. “The strength in the Lions is that they have so many good players who are ready to play for South Africa, but they are not playing for South Africa,” the former Springbok reiterated. “Francke Horn is playing very good rugby, Morne van den…

The Proteas Women secured back-to-back victories against India in the second T20I of the five-match series at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon, with a batting onslaught from openers Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus laying the platform for a comfortable eight-wicket win in the 18th over. Earlier, spinner Chloe Tryon and seamer Nonkululeko Sekhukune claimed three wickets apiece as India collapsed from 78/2 to 147 all out after being asked to bat first. Wolvaardt and Luus ensured the hosts capitalised on that momentum, taking control from the outset with a dominant powerplay to lead the charge towards an eight wicket victory. Their opening stand yielded 66 runs, featuring nine boundaries and a six from Luus, as they equalled South Africa’s highest powerplay score in T20 Internationals. Wolvaardt accelerated…

Multi-award-winning band Freshlyground have returned with their first album since 2018, with Take Me Home marking a new phase after a seven-year recording break. The eight-track collection sees the group reunite with Grammy-winning producer JB Arthur, who worked on their earlier albums Nomvula and Ma’Cheri. At the end of 2019, the band reached a pause as lead vocalist Zolani Mahola stepped into a solo path. The future of the group was uncertain, but the connection between members remained. They continued to meet and play, reconnecting with the sound that shaped their identity. Audience demand remained strong during this period. “People kept asking when we would be back,” they said. “That told us that the music still mattered.” A key part of this chapter is the introduction of Mbali Makhoba as…

South Africa's plan to implement body-worn cameras for police officers is delayed by a year, according to the DA. The party argues that this setback undermines accountability in law enforcement. DA MP Mzamo Billy noted that the SAPS had promised to roll out the technology by April last year. “A year later, this deadline has passed without implementation or explanation,” Billy said, placing responsibility on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. Billy argued that the absence of body-worn cameras weakens oversight mechanisms within policing. Billy said their concerns are supported by parliamentary data showing a widening accountability gap. According to replies to questions submitted in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), nearly 1 000 suspects have been killed during police operations over the past two years. In the same period, only…

BULGARIAN national, Stanislav Stamenov, is due back in court today as his extradition case continues, after the Western Cape High Court ordered his release from custody. Stamenov, 40, who is wanted in Romania to serve a 16-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, had been in custody for about six weeks following his arrest in Cape Town at the end of February. The high court ruled on April 15 that his continued detention beyond 40 days was unlawful and set aside a lower court directive that had extended his custody. The high court ruling relates to provisions of the European Convention on Extradition, which generally limit detention to 40 days if a formal extradition request and supporting documents have not been received. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the court…

ANC SECRETARY-General Fikile Mbalula has launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, following his latest unsubstantiated remarks about a “white genocide” in South Africa. Trump used a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday night to update supporters on his controversial refugee programme that serves South African Afrikaners. “We stopped third-world migration. We suspended all refugee resettlement except for persecuted South Africans. “They’re being persecuted in South Africa,” Trump told supporters. “There’s a very horrible thing going on in South Africa. It’s a genocide. It’s a horrible thing. And we made it possible for these people to come into our country. “They kill people if they’re white. If you’re a white person.” In response, Mbalula slammed Trump’s racist framing of black people. “The subtle message that Trump is saying…

“OUR children are falling behind and losing motivation,” said concerned parent Cecilia Masocha, as frustration mounts over the prolonged absence of a Grade 7 teacher at Ridgeville Primary School, Mitchells Plain. A group of parents picketed outside the school last week, saying their children in Grade 7A have been without a reliable teacher since the start of the year, severely disrupting learning. “Despite raising this issue with the school and the Department of Education, there has been no lasting solution. Our children’s education is being neglected, and we felt we had no other option but to take action,” Masocha said. “This inconsistency is affecting discipline, learning continuity, and overall academic development.” The impact on learners, particularly those preparing to transition to high school, has been significant. “As Grade 7 learners…

The Baby Group Jade Lee Wright Narrated by Tamaryn Payne Audible studios Listening to The Baby Group, a gripping psychological thriller by Jade Lee Wright, narrated by the talented Tamaryn Payne, is like stepping into a dark world of suspense, guilt, and the unravelling of hopes and dreams. Released in March, this audiobook spans just over eight hours, but it feels like mere minutes as the tension digs its claws into you and doesn’t let go. The story opens with an adrenaline-pumping premise: a frantic mother, whose baby has gone missing amid chaos and bloodshed. The distress is palpable as the protagonist cries into the phone, revealing a nightmarish scene where her fiancé, Alex, lies injured in a pool of blood. That single encapsulating moment sets the tone for the…

If the Madlanga Commission has revealed anything, it is not simply that South Africa struggles with corruption. That diagnosis is too easy. Corruption is a symptom. The deeper problem is that the state is losing its grip on something much more basic. That thing is a sequence. And when the sequence collapses, governance does not bend. It gives way. At the centre of (Gareth) Mnisi’s testimony sits a question so basic that it should never need to be asked inside a functioning system. What comes first? A quotation, a purchase order, or an invoice? That sounds trivial. It is not. It is a test of whether a system is governing itself or merely documenting what has already happened. In public procurement, sequence is not administration. It is authority. A need…

Former Cape Town Spurs captain Chumani Butsaka’s star continues to rise at Stellenbosch FC, according to coach Gavin Hunt. Butsaka, 24, signed from local rivals Spurs 18 months ago, was eased into the Stellies set-up by former coach Steve Barker, but has fast developed into one of Hunt’s mainstays since the veteran coach returned to Cape Town at the end of last year. The winger, who was initially pursued by Kaizer Chiefs before his move to Stellies, was influential in the victory over the Amakhosi a month ago, and has now taken his game to the next level with his first goal for his new club. After combining neatly with Devin Titus, Butsaka netted the all-important third goal in Stellies’ 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United at Athlone Stadium on Friday…

Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was elated after his side defeated Atletico Madrid to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, making him the first American coach to claim a major trophy with a club from Europe’s top five leagues. The Royal One triumphed 4-3 in the shoot-out following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time, to win the trophy for only the fourth time in the club’s history. When Matarazzo was appointed in December, the Basque team were hovering above the relegation zone, but he has driven them up the table and now to cup glory. “It’s probably the first (major trophy) for an Italian-American,” said Matarazzo, a New Jersey native born to Italian immigrant parents. Matarazzo said it was not until Pablo Marin’s decisive penalty in the shoot-out…

Sharks coach JP Pietersen cut a frustrated figure after his side’s narrow 21-17 defeat to the Ospreys in round 15 of the United Rugby Championship, pointing to a lack of ruthlessness in key moments as the difference in a match they largely controlled. The visitors enjoyed significant territory and possession at the Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend and, at times, produced passages of play that underlined their attacking potential. But for Pietersen, the inability to turn pressure into points ultimately proved decisive. “We got a lot of territory and possession and played some great rugby, which was positive to see,” he said. “It showed that we can be good when we stick to the plan. But we were not clinical or ruthless enough when opportunities came.” That failure to convert…