Table of contents for 2024-09-30 in Cape Times

THE SOUTH African Reserve Bank (SARB) has imposed administrative sanctions on Old Mutual Life Assurance Company South Africa (OMLACSA) as a result of its non-compliance with the provisions of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FIC Act), following an FIC Act inspection conducted in 2020. The SARB on Friday said the administrative sanctions imposed on OMLACSA were due to its failure to comply with certain provisions of the FIC Act and consist of four cautions and a financial penalty totalling R15.9 million, of which R5.9m is conditionally suspended for a period of 36 months as from July 23 this year. The administrative sanctions im- posed stem from the following non- compliance: ■ OMLACSA failed to comply with its customer due diligence obligations in terms of sections…

PENSION and provident funds are workers’ hard-earned savings and must be geared to support them during their careers and in retirement. For too long, pension funds have been treated as a feeding trough for fund managers, corrupt politicians and opportunist businesspersons to feast from. The voice of workers for many years has often been ignored. Cosatu has campaigned for comprehensive reforms of our pension laws to ensure the needs of workers are placed first and their savings are protected from abuse. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is the largest investment fund in Africa with R2.3 trillion in assets; 87% of its funds come from the Government Employees’ Pension Fund with the balance from the Unemployment and Workplace Injuries and Diseases Funds. For years the PIC occupied headlines for all…

When most people think about visiting the dentist, they imagine routine cleanings, fillings or the dreaded sound of a drill. However, what many don’t realise is that dental care can play a crucial role in their overall health, particularly in enhancing respiratory health, especially for women. It’s surprising to learn that the mouth is closely linked to our respiratory system. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease, known medically as periodontal disease, can have a direct impact on respiratory health. Bacteria and inflammation in the mouth don’t just stay there; they can travel to the lungs, say health experts. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For women, this connection is even more significant. Due to hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy and menopause, women…

Police put together expert team in hunt for horrific shooting massacre perpetrators REVENGE is suspected to be a possible motive behind the shocking murders of 18 people in a shooting in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape. The death toll rose to 18 after one of the victims died in hospital yesterday. National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said a team of detectives and forensic experts had been deployed to investigate the murders in Ngobozana village on Saturday morning. Police have also confirmed that 15 of the slain were women. The police ministry said the callous attack took place at two homesteads during the early hours of the morning. “In the first homestead, four people were shot and killed, with no survivors. In the second homestead, there were 19 people in…

ELEVEN alleged drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia) over the past two months. In the latest incident yesterday, a 21-year-old South African woman was nabbed for alleged drug trafficking in a joint operation between police and SA Revenue Service (Sars) customs at the airport. “The drug mule was profiled and intercepted as she was arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, yesterday morning, just before 9am,” SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said. The woman was taken to a local hospital where an X-ray confirmed that she had “foreign objects” in her stomach. “She has already released a number of bullets from her body and is in police custody. Police are closely monitoring the release of further drug bullets. This process is still unfolding,” Mathe said.…

FOR decades, the rapid urbanisation and industrial growth experienced by many nations came at a high environmental cost. Landfills overflowed, plastic waste contaminated rivers and oceans, and emissions from improper waste disposal intensified the climate crisis. The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Congress 2024, themed “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” signalled a turning point, with the idea that waste could be transformed into wealth resonating deeply. More importantly, it showcased South Africa’s commitment to turning its waste challenges into economic opportunities. The government’s introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations and the accent of the Climate Change Bill into an act, marked a shift in how the nation approached waste. The EPR Regulations require manufacturers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, from production…

Residents of Nepal’s flood-hit capital returned to their mud-caked homes yesterday to survey the wreckage of devastating floods that have killed at least 151 people with 56 missing, in the Himalayan republic. Deadly rain-related floods and landslides are common across South Asia during the monsoon season from June to September, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. Entire suburbs in Kathmandu were inundated over the weekend with flash floods reported in rivers coursing through the capital and extensive damage to highways connecting the city with the rest of Nepal. Kumar Tamang, 40, who lives in a slum area by a riverbank, said he and his family had to flee after midnight on Saturday as waters rushed into his shack. “This morning we returned and everything looks…

A total of 32 407 cases of mpox, including 6 441 confirmed cases and 840 deaths, have been reported across the African continent since the start of this year, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). During an online media briefing about the multi-country mpox outbreak in Africa on Thursday evening, Africa CDC director-general Jean Kaseya said the continent reported 2 910 new cases in the past week alone, including 436 confirmed cases and 16 deaths, bringing the total number of cases this year to 32 407. Kaseya warned that mpox cases in Africa are steadily increasing across all affected countries, saying that gaps and challenges are hindering the continent’s response efforts, such as limited surveillance, contact tracing, follow-up, and poor…

Auckland: New Zealand yesterday reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka after more than 6 000 people performed the legendary Maori war dance, dethroning France. The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland, where thousands of people combined on the pitch to complete the traditional native challenge involving vigorous movements, stamping feet and rhythmic shouting. An adjudicator confirmed 6 531 participants had performed the Ka Mate haka, a rendition made famous by the All Blacks. The record was held by France from September 2014. | AFP…

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump at the weekend deployed some of his harshest rhetoric against immigrants who have crossed the border illegally and committed crimes, especially against young women, while he also escalated his personal insults against Kamala Harris. In the battleground state of Wisconsin, Trump called Democratic Vice President Harris, who on Friday visited the US-Mexico border for the first time in her 2024 presidential campaign, “mentally impaired” and “mentally disabled”. Trump called undocumented immigrants who had committed violent crime “monsters”, “stone-cold killers” and “vile animals”. Immigration and the southern border are one of the top issues for voters next month, according to polls. | Reuters…

TRELLIDOR Holdings increased headline earnings more than 100% to 36.1 cents a share in the year to June 30, compared with 4.2c the prior year. Notwithstanding the strong increase in earnings, the directors said that because of high debt it was decided not to pay out a dividend. Revenue increased 12.6% to R565.8 million. Earnings a share increased by more than 100% to 36.1c per share, from 3.7c the prior year. The directors said they would revert to paying dividends once borrowings had normalised. Net cash from operations was R51.1m versus R20.2m, excluding a Labour Appeal Court settlement, reducing net debt by R31m, or by 21.1%. Operating profit increased robustly to R62.5m from R21.9m. Finance costs increased to R20.77m from R18.23m. Taxed profit increased to R34.7m from R3.5m.…

Sharing his perspective on beauty from space, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov was in Cape Town for the unveiling of a collection of photographs captured from the International Space Station (ISS), including images of the Mother City. During their six-month space exploration, Kud-Sverchkov, along with fellow cosmonaut Ivan Wagner, captured a collection of stunning images of the Unesco Creative Cities from BRICS nations. The images, which were taken on Earth and from space, are currently showcased at the BRICS Universe exhibition at the Iziko Museum. Kud-Sverchkov said the images portrayed how there is “beauty everywhere”. A total of 48 Russian and 41 foreign photographers are involved in the project. “There are small parts of our planet, such as the cities, and they’re different when you look at them from space ……

THERE was touching brotherly love between Springbok giants Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth on Saturday night after the world champions gave Etzebeth the perfect party to celebrate his record of 128 appearances for South Africa. It was an emotional night for the home side in Mbombela, where they annihilated Argentina 48-7 to win the Rugby Championship. Kolisi paid a touching tribute to his best friend Etzebeth. The euphoric Kolisi said: “I want to say, to my best friend, my eerste beste pel, Eben Etzebeth, yster, my brother, I am so grateful that I have walked this journey with you. “I am grateful that you have been part of my life. Thank you for supporting me from the first day. Coach Rassie named me as captain, you had my back. “We…

Imagine five South African media bigwigs standing over journalism’s cadaver. Blood splattered all over the place like an alleged Hermanus suicide scene in March 2024. The Daily Maverick’s ever-adversarial Styli Charalambous and Branko Brkic solemnly proffer: “This is the government's fault. The business community and policy makers cannot be ruled out as well! They provided no support at all!” “And the public!” sobs outgoing Media24 CEO, Ishmet Davidson. “Google and Meta have starved us of OUR advertising revenue! These two gobble up 81% of this pie alone. Utter anti-competitive behaviour!” pules Pule Molebeledi, senior executive at Arena Holdings. As we observed World News Day on Saturday, September 28 2024 we really needed to reflect, honestly, as media practitioners. The media is said to be in dire straits. As I…

The Information Regulator (IR) has raised concern that the public sector is not submitting their Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) Section 32 Annual Reports, which contain information including the number of requests for access to information received, denied, internal appeals, and more. IR CEO Mosalanyane Mosala highlighted this as a challenge while speaking at the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) Symposium 2024 in Pretoria. “We have more private sector reports than that of the public sector reports submitted, this is a huge challenge and as we celebrate this day the objective is also to hone in on the public sector and the record keeping challenges they face,” Mosala said. IDUAI, commonly known as the Right to Information Day, is observed globally on…

Three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal attack on party-goers at a 21st birthday in Montclair Drive, Mandalay, killing one and injuring seven others. The Mitchells Plain Regional Court on Friday sentenced Moegamat Hartzenberg, 26, Jonathan Witbooi, 33, and Marawaan Safaar, 35, to life imprisonment for murder, five years for attempted murder, 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and two years for the illegal possession of ammunition. “On October 16, 2021, the accused stopped in front of a house in Montclair Drive and started shooting at the people who were celebrating a 21st birthday party, wounding eight people of which an adult female later died in hospital,” police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said. The victims were between 5 and 26 years old. The case was…

As KwaZulu-Natal faces the possibility of more snowfall in the coming days, it is imperative that the provincial authorities act swiftly and decisively to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s chaos. Hundreds of motorists were left stranded in KZN and parts of the Free State after a disastrous response to Arctic-like weather conditions, which left one person dead. While the SA Weather Service has predicted that the inclement weather expected today and tomorrow will not reach the crisis levels of last week, we cannot afford to be complacent. Disaster management teams in the province must be fully prepared for any eventuality. The crisis that unfolded on the N3, where thousands of motorists were trapped by heavy snowfall, is a stark reminder of the devastation that can occur when authorities fail…

Gisele Pelicot enters the courtroom to applause from the public gallery. But the warm welcome sometimes transforms into jeers when defence lawyers for the dozens of suspects in the mass rape trial arrive. The French woman’s former husband, who has admitted to the allegations against him, is accused of enlisting men to rape his drugged wife over nearly a decade, a case that has shocked the country and turned Gisele Pelicot, 71, into an icon. Dominique Pelicot, 71, is not alone in the dock – 49 other men are accused of raping or attempting to rape his wife, and another has admitted to sedating his own spouse so that he and Pelicot could sexually assault her. Lawyers for some accused say efforts to defend their clients are complicated by…

EL HIERRO: Patrol boats and helicopters searched yesterday for about 48 migrants missing since their boat sank near the Spanish island of El Hierro in what threatens to be the deadliest such incident in 30 years of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands. Nine people, one of them a child, have been confirmed dead after their boat sank in the early hours on Saturday, rescue services said. Rescuers were able to pick up 27 of 84 migrants who were trying to reach the Spanish coast on Saturday. Three patrol boats and three helicopters were taking part in the renewed search yesterday, a Spanish coastguard spokesperson said. The migrants were from Mali, Mauritania and Senegal, authorities said. | Reuters…

Cairo: Egyptian authorities have refused to release dissident Alaa Abdel Fattah despite serving out his five-year sentence, his sister said yesterday. Abdel Fattah, 42, was arrested on September 29, 2019. Two years later, he was handed a five-year sentence for “spreading false news” by sharing a Facebook post about police brutality. His family urged the government of Britain, where Abdel Fattah holds citizenship, to ensure his release this weekend. But yesterday, his sister Mona Seif said the authorities “refused a request” to consider the two years of pre-trial detention as time served towards his sentence, setting his release for 2027. | AFP…

Brussels: Pope Francis implored bishops not to cover up the sexual abuse of children at an open-air mass yesterday, capping a three-day visit to Belgium, which is still struggling with the legacy of past scandals. About 40 000 faithful packed the King Baudouin stadium north of the capital to hear the 87-year-old pontiff. He was pressed by Belgian authorities and victims’advocates on the Catholic Church’s handling of child sexual abuse, put back on the front pages by a hard-hitting documentary last year. | AFP…

THE AIR TRAFFIC and Navigation Services (ATNS) has devised a five point in- strument flight procedure plan, ap- proved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa), in response to the surge of concerns about South Africa’s failing airline activities. This follows mishaps ranging from poor maintenance of runway lights to the recent suspension of ATNS, which forced airlines to incur additional expenses in alternative arrangements. The plan comes as Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, under pressure to take action at the height of concerns of the downgrade of the RSA airspace, mandated reforms from the ATNS in early August. ATNS’ five instrument flight procedures for OR Tambo International Airport and Polokwane International Airport includes procedures that are pending approval from Sacaa, that related to airports that are…

THE PAST WEEK saw Chinese stocks rise by 20% to 30% following the Chinese government’s announcement of measures to stimulate the economy. This caused much excitement in the market, although some investors are sceptical about whether this rally will continue and translate to real economic growth or if it is just another flash in the pan. It didn’t take much to boost the stocks; most investors were underweight on Chinese stocks due to an under-performing economy, high interest rates and a housing market slowdown, which was reflecting in Chinese equities as stocks were trading at relatively low margins. It is no surprise that stock prices jumped significantly. Stock of the week: Tencent The PPS Managed Fund has had relatively high exposure to Chinese stocks before the government intervention and was…

THE EXTRADITION and arrest of Michael Lomas is a new eye-piercing layer in the seven-year-long attempt to prove Matshela Koko’s culpability in the Eskom saga. In a long-anticipated turn of events yielding the extradition and arrest of former contractor Lomas, author Paul O’ Sullivan, in his book, provides some evidence that could acquit former senior Eskom executive Koko from any wrong doing. This is because it was Koko’s efforts that revealed to O’Sullivan who the architects of State capture were, and possibly these exclude Koko. In his book, Stop Me If You Can, O’Sullivan reveals how Koko, for his reasons against Kgathatso Tlhakudi, triggered the investigation, arrest and the final stage for Lomas – his successful extradition to face the mighty arm of the law in South Africa. Koko as…

MOMENTUM Group delivered strong normalised headline earnings (NHE) of R4.4 billion for the year to June 30, up 27% on the prior year, with operating profit up 31% to R3.6bn, as the financial services group readies for a new three-year growth strategy, CEO Jeanette Marais said on Friday. NHE a share increased 32% to 309.7 cents, reflecting also the positive impact of the share buyback programme. Headline earnings a share increased 39% to 298.6c. A final dividend of 65c a share was declared, bringing dividends for the year up 4% to 125c a share. A further share buy back of R1bn was approved. “We are pleased that, despite the challenging economic backdrop, our results and earnings are strong. This was the outcome of positive contributions from most business…

While Heart Awareness Month in September draws to a close, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the risk factors of heart disease in South Africa and the significance of living a healthy lifestyle to reduce or prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is one of the actions you can take to combat heart disease. Do your heart a favour and try out some of these heart-healthy cooking tips. Cook with olive oil Healthy eaters try to avoid cooking with oil as much as possible, or make sure to use natural olive oil. This is much healthier than corn oil and all the other popular commercial cooking oils. Olive oil lacks the harmful substances found in cheaply manufactured oils. It also provides valuable omega-3 fatty…

SOCIETAL norms might be constantly evolving but questions around appropriate funeral attire remain. With this in mind, the team at Affordable Urns have shared their take on the shifting standards of funeral attire and how to balance personal expression with the solemnity and respect that these occasions demand. Respecting the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones The main consideration should always be honouring the wishes of the deceased and their family. “If specific guidelines for attire are given, it’s important to follow them,” they suggested. When no clear direction is provided, conservative dress is generally a safe and respectful choice. Cultural and religious considerations The experts said that some traditions, mourners are expected to wear black, while in others white or bright colours are more appropriate as symbols…

THE Constitutional Court must clarify the eligibility criteria for Judicial Service Commission (JSC) membership by parliamentarians to help the seventh administration turn over a new leaf, says policy analyst Nkosikhulule Nyembezi. “Rebuilding public trust in politicians and the judiciary is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa, and it is crucial to blocking the rise of the anti-establishment public sentiment suspicious of the intentions of those opposed to (uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s parliamentary leader) John Hlophe,” Nyembezi said after Hlophe was interdicted on Friday from participating in the processes of the JSC, pending a review of the decision of the National Assembly to designate him as one of its representatives. The Western Cape High Court delivered its judgment in an urgent application brought by the DA, Freedom Under Law…

Stories, particularly those disseminated through literature, have the power to change minds. Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah spread a message of hope and solidarity when he took the podium on Saturday to deliver the 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg. The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture is celebrated worldwide as a platform for global leaders to address and propose solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Leaning on his experience as an award-winning novelist, Gurnah praised “story, song and dance” for their ability to develop empathy between people – important if we are to realise our shared humanity. “(S)tory, song and dance are, and have always been, (vital) to the very existence of a human community, not as ornaments or distraction, but as the acts that enable empathy…

MATRIC candidates have been warned that cheating in the upcoming exams can have serious consequences for their futures. The candidate’s results could be nullified, and they could be barred from writing one to three subsequent exams, delaying their post-school employment or education. “As we count down the days to the start of the matric exams on October 21, we remind all candidates that cheating can have serious consequences,” Education MEC David Maynier said. Twenty-two candidates found in possession of crib notes or cellphones during the exams last year were disqualified. Every year, candidates are asked to sign two documents: a matric pledge and a commitment agreement. “The matric pledge is a document signed by the candidate, in which they promise to dedicate themselves to their studies for their exams…

Deaf Awareness Month, observed in September, has become a traditional celebration locally and worldwide, passed down through generations and celebrated annually. Traditions help create a sense of pride, continuity, community and shared identity. In recent years, our sign languages and Deaf culture have been celebrated during the International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday in September. It is a meaningful tradition that raises awareness, fosters inclusion, and strengthens our community locally and globally. For this year’s Deaf Awareness Month and International Day of the Deaf yesterday, I would like to focus on two issues, namely, how journalists use terms to represent a deaf person and the treatment of Deaf children in schools for the deaf. Terms for deaf persons In many ways, we see or hear what and…

Israel struck more targets in Lebanon yesterday, pressing Hezbollah with new attacks after killing the Iran-backed group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and a string of its other top commanders in an escalating military campaign. The attacks have dealt a stunning succession of blows to Hezbollah after almost a year of cross-border fire, killing much of its leadership. Israel’s defence minister is now discussing widening the offensive. Following the death of Nasrallah – killed in a massive airstrike in Beirut on Friday – Hezbollah launched new fusillades of rockets into Israel, while Iran said his death would be avenged. Israel’s intensifying bombardment has increased fears the conflict could spin out of control, potentially drawing in Iran and the US, Israel’s closest ally. Nasrallah had not only made Hezbollah into a powerful…

European efforts to boost arms production are mired in bureaucracy, bottlenecks, nimbyism, and lack of cash, according to The Wall Street Journal. The continent’s biggest weapons makers have been long on promises to churn out more weapons to restock inventories drained by the Ukraine conflict, yet short in action. “European defence industries have atrophied, factories have been dismantled and the supply of materials for artillery such as chemicals and casing has dwindled,” the publication noted. It offered a litany of cases where defence contractors had faced significant hurdles. After tossing all of its artillery into the Ukraine support sinkhole, Denmark had to buy back a decommissioned ammunition plant to resurrect its production of artillery shells last year. However, the factory remains empty as the formal tendering process is mired in…

Berlin: A Syrian suspect has been arrested after fires broke out at two blocks of flats and a van was rammed into shops in the German city of Essen, police said yesterday. More than 30 people were injured in the fires on Saturday evening, including eight children who were seriously injured, Essen police said. Later, a van was rammed into two shops nearby, causing damage but no injuries, the police said. A 41-year-old Syrian man was arrested. Police said the suspect’s wife had left him and it appeared that he had gone out armed with “knives and fire accelerants” to target homes and shops in Essen connected with people who had supported her, they said. | AFP…

Washington: The Nasa-SpaceX spacecraft, carrying Crew-9 members Nasa astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, was on its way to the International Space Station (ISS) yesterday in a mission that aims to bring stranded Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams back to Earth in February next year. The Nasa SpaceX mission safely reached orbit, after it was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. In June, Nasa astronauts Barry Wilmore and Williams travelled to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner, which was declared unfit for human travel by Nasa and returned safely to Earth, leaving the pair stuck in space. I IANS…