Indice dei contenuti per 2023-11-09 in Cape Times

SIU secures order blocking payment of their pension benefits THE lawyer representing two former Transnet executives linked to alleged corrupt procurement processes involving disposable breathalyser straws remained tightlipped yesterday after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the state-owned entity blocked their pension benefits. In a joint statement, the SIU and Transnet said they had received an order from the Special Tribunal to interdict the pension payouts due to two former Transnet executives who had been linked to fruitless and wasteful expenditure of about R33.5 million. In terms of the Special Tribunal order dated October 23, Judge Lebogang Modiba ruled that the Transnet Retirement Fund was interdicted from paying out the pension benefits of former executive manager responsible for group business continuity and disaster management Lerato Mary Theresa Makenete, and former…

PONTIFICATING and finger-pointing over the Middle East crisis serves no purpose as right and wrong plays no role. There are two distinct sides and opinions are based on whose side you are on. Certain things are, however, crystal clear. First, the indiscriminate destruction of Gaza infrastructure and the killing of innocent Palestinians by the Israel Defence Forces must cease immediately. Second, all hostages must be released by Hamas. The two points are not negotiable and history will judge transgressors on both sides harshly. The underlying issue and the salient point is the absence of a free Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel. The Gaza border needs to be removed and the blockade lifted. Palestinians should have free access to Israel to work and live side-by-side with Israeli…

The Auditor-General has identified skyrocketing medical claims as an emerging risk that posed a future problem for health departments. The departments have paid R1.42 billion in medical claims in 2022-23 and current claims stand at R68.01 billion. Briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), business executive at the A-G’s Office, Andries Sekgetho, said they had conducted audits and identified pressure points to spur government institutions to focus on elements that went wrong in their sectors. “We identified an emerging risk and possible problem for the sector in that continuation of payment of these medico-legal claims could pose a significant future problem. “Money that is being expended could be spent elsewhere and implement delivery of services,” Sekgetho said. In 2015, the health department identified key initiatives to deal with medical…

Provincial police have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests as an investigation into an alleged romance scam continues. Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said detectives attached to the Provincial Commercial Crimes Unit arrested a 49-year-old suspect on charges of fraud relating to a romance scam and theft. “The members received information of a romance scam whereby the accused is targeting women in their sixties (on) a social media platform. According to reports the accused would present himself as a pilot and promise love and visits to the victims. It is alleged that he would request a fee for the release of the goods he purchased for them,” Manyana said. “The possibility of more arrests is not excluded as the investigation is still ongoing.” The suspect is expected to appear…

As we approach World Children’s Day on November 20, we look at the 2023 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in terms of how it fosters caring for children and how it supports caregivers in all their diversity. It is worth noting that the responsibility of caring for children is shared between the government and care- givers. Caregivers can be biological or non-biological parents, extended families or formal institutions that have the mandate to protect children. The UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) welcomes the MTBPS announcement of an extension of the Social Relief of Distress Grant. The grant, while small in value, does make a difference in the lives of those who are unable to find meaningful employment. We also know, from evidence published in the National Income Dynamic Survey in 2021…

The EU’s executive yesterday recommended opening formal membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, in a major show of support for Kyiv as it battles Russia. Ukraine launched its bid to become part of the EU right after Moscow’s all-out invasion in February 2022, and was officially named a candidate to join in June of the same year. “Today is a historic day,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. “Ukraine continues to face tremendous hardship and tragedy provoked by Russia’s war of aggression and yet the Ukrainians are deeply reforming their country.” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the move as the “right step” for Europe. “Our country must be in the European Union. Ukrainians deserve it both for their defence of European values and for the fact that even…

Inhaled monoclonal antibodies against Sars-CoV-2 significantly reduced Covid-19 disease in non- human primates, according to research that will enable another at-home treatment option for flu and other respiratory illnesses to become a reality. Monoclonal antibodies can help to clear invading pathogens like viruses before the body’s natural immune responses, including antibodies, have time to develop. During much of the global pandemic, this treatment was only available through an intravenous infusion that had to be administered at a hospital or clinic. Inhalable treatments can arrive at the lungs within seconds and get to work more quickly. “This gives me hope that one day we might be able to buy a monoclonal antibody nebuliser at the pharmacy to treat and even prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu,” said Nancy Haigwood, Professor at…

ADDIS ABABA: Fighting broke out yesterday between the army and a regional militia in Ethiopia’s mediaeval holy city of Lalibela, a World Heritage site, four residents said, but the government said the area was peaceful. Fano, a part-time militia in the northern Amhara region, has been battling the army since late July. It captured Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches, and Gondar, the second-biggest city in Amhara, for several days in August before being repulsed. The fighting, which has killed hundreds of people, is the biggest security challenge faced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since the Tigray war ended a year ago. | Reuters…

DHAKA: One woman was killed as police in Bangladesh used tear gas and rubber bullets and protesters threw stones, as a demonstration by garment workers for more pay turned violent yesterday. The latest death was the third since protests erupted in the past week. On Tuesday, the government said that the minimum wage would rise by 56.25% to 12 500 taka (R2 107) a month from December 1, the first increase in five years, but the workers are demanding almost twice the amount offered. Police said workers blocked roads and vandalised several vehicles. The worker injured in the clash died on the way to hospital, police said. | Reuters…

ACCLAIMED South African actor, author, director and playwright John Kani has been awarded a UK honour in recognition for his services to drama. On behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner in South Africa this week announced that Kani has been made an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). Kani said he was deeply moved by the honour. “I started working in the UK and Ireland in 1972. I have always been amazed and delighted by how my work has been received by critics and audiences. In 2021 I was awarded the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award for making Shakespeare accessible to many communities and when the Royal Shakespeare Council celebrated their 60th Anniversary, my latest play, ‘Kunene and the…

AUCTION house Strauss & Co has announced the sale of Chinese masterpieces that boast a remarkable breadth of historical significance. The sale showcases an impressive collection of Chinese ceramics that span a wide chronological spectrum from the Neolithic period to the 20th century. These noteworthy treasures come to the market from a single owner private collection of a European man who embarked on a lifelong journey of exploration, which took him to numerous corners of the globe, the auction house said. The collector’s story begins in 1949 when, travelling on the historic de Havilland Comet, he established offices in Port Elizabeth, Spain, Italy, London and Cape Town, working as a commodity broker. Over the years, he passionately collected Chinese and continental artefacts amassing an exceptional collection that reflects his discerning…

CIVIL society groups have forecast a grim festive season for most families, especially poorer households, amid sky-high prices of foods including chicken, eggs, potatoes and onions. The October 2023 Household Affordability Index, by the Pietermaritz- burg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, which tracks food price data from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries in several cities, said South African consumers had to fork out R141.81, or 2.8%, more for the average cost of the household food basket at R5 297.58 in October, from R5 155.77 in September. Notable price increases were recorded for potatoes, rising by 40%, and eggs, which rose 19%. Dick Forslund, from the Alternative Information and Development Centre, said that higher food prices are worrying for those in the middle class and those who are struggling to get…

Ingredients 250ml milk 1 slice bread 30ml olive oil 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 large carrot, grated 800g vegan mince 15ml curry powder 10ml turmeric 10ml cumin 5ml garam masala 3 bay leaves, plus extra to garnish 15ml chopped thyme 60ml chutney 30ml lemon juice 125ml seedless raisins For the custard layer 250ml chickpea flour 5ml baking powder 2.5ml turmeric 2.5ml kala namak (Himalayan black salt) 250ml milk Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Spray a 32 x 20cm baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or grease with a little oil. Make the bobotie: Pour the milk into a flat container, place the bread in the milk to soak. In a pan, heat the oil over high heat. Add the onion and fry. Add the garlic and…

YOUR October 30 issue, “Take four bows world champions”, refers. The positive psychological effect of a World Cup win stretches right through to the employment of individuals in small businesses. On Monday morning, October 30, I, as a labour lawyer, received no less than five calls from small businesses who are in the tourism industry. All of them expect the World Cup victory to be good for their businesses.They are looking to try to recruit more people for the holiday season, expected to be kick-started within weeks from now. Each of the business owners spoke with excitement and were energised by the win. This speaks volumes for what our rugby team has done for every South African. I have a strong belief that the positive energy will flow into…

A MINING company is liable for the damages claimed by a mother after her son, aged 9 at the time, was injured when he fell into an open-cast mine at Ga-Malepe village in Limpopo while fetching cattle. The mother, who cannot be identified as her child is a minor, turned to the high court in Polokwane following the incident. She blamed the mine, which has ceased to operate, for the accident. The child slipped and fell into one of the open pits where Refractory Minerals used to mine. Cattle from the area used a path to access water and people used the same path to fetch the cattle. The company defended the claim. It denied that the child had suffered the damages the mother alleged. The child testified that in…

A West Coast man has been sentenced to 76 years behind bars following his conviction on a number of charges including murder, attempted murder and attempted rape at the Western Cape High Court. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said Duran Constable started committing crime in 2005 at the age of 17 when he was found guilty for theft. This week, Constable, 35, was sentenced to nearly eight decades imprisonment for crimes committed in Laaiplek and Moorreesburg during 2022. “During January 2022 Constable continued with his violent and disturbing crimes, on January 23, 2022 he entered a house in Noordhoek in Velddrif and tried to rape the 29-year-old victim. “The victim grabbed a knife to scare (Constable) but he took the knife forcefully and stabbed the victim twice in her right…

Water is life and sanitation is dignity. Access to water is a basic human right and proper sanitation gives people dignity and ensures the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being and the protection of the environment from degradation. But how can we ensure that people have access to reliable water supply and dignified sanitation services that are not detrimental to the environment when vandalism is rife and destroying the infrastructure meant to provide the key services? The vandalism of infrastructure is a serious challenge in our country, as it negatively affects service delivery and socio-economic development. It affects all facets of life and socio-economic development as it negatively impacts, among other things, electricity supply, rail transport and, worst of all, the basic necessities of…

Lloyd’s of London will invest £40 million (about R907m) in regions affected by the transatlantic slave trade, it said yesterday, after a report showed the commercial insurance market had strong links to the trade. Lloyd’s also said it would spend around £12m on a programme to improve recruitment and progression for black and other ethnic minority employees in the commercial insurance market, including bursaries for black university students. Lloyd’s formed part of a sophisticated network of financial interests that made the slave trade possible, according to research published by Black Beyond Data, based at Johns Hopkins University. The research was funded by the Mellon Foundation, and Lloyd’s said it had no editorial control over the findings. The 335-year old insurance market apologised in 2020 for its role in the 18th-…

LONDON: Prince William wants to take royal duties “a step further” with his approach to social leadership. The royal says that he wants to bring change to important causes as he reflected on his first year as heir to the throne. He said: “I’ve been in the homelessness sector for a long time now, and so rather than just being patron I want to … actually build the homes, I want to provide them with the mental support, all the employment and the education they might need.” | Bang Showbiz…

GENEVA: The ongoing El Niño weather pattern is set to last until at least April 2024, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said yesterday, pushing up temperatures in a year already on track to be the warmest on record. The WMO said there was a 90% likelihood that the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific, will continue through the northern hemisphere winter. El Nino can provoke extreme weather phenomena from wildfires to tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts. The stakes are expected to be higher for emerging markets more exposed to swings in food and energy prices. | Reuters…

Canberra: Life expectancy in Australia has declined for the first time in almost 30 years due to deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic, the national statistics bureau said yesterday. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), life expectancy for all Australians fell by 0.1 years between 2020 and 2022. As a result, an Australian female born in 2022 was expected to live 85.3 years, down from 85.4 in 2021, and a male 81.2 years, down from 81.3 in 2021. It marks the first time that Australia’s life expectancy has declined since 1995 when newborn females were expected to live 80.8 years and males 75 years. | IANS…

“The key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted.” That could easily have been Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad’s mantra when he sat down to select the South Africa A squad to face West Indies A later this month. While this would normally be a routine exercise, Conrad was faced with an altogether different challenge this time around because of circumstances surrounding next January’s Test tour to New Zealand, which coincides with the Betway SA20 at home. With the majority of the country’s players unavailable for the tour – including Test captain Temba Bavuma – because of SA20 contractual obligations, Conrad has been left with slim pickings. But instead of moping around, Conrad has cast his net far and wide in…

IN A collaboration between the Spier Arts Trust and the Keiskamma Art Project, In Search of the Birds of the Sea, has brought together fine artists and embroiderers to co-create unique embroidered tapestries. For more than 20 years, the Keiskamma Art Project based in Hamburg in the Eastern Cape has been telling the stories of the communities living alongside the Keiskamma River, providing dignity, inspiration and income. The embroidered artworks have toured the country and beyond, winning praise and awards across the world. The new collaboration between Spier Arts and Keiskamma Art Project began when Tamlin Blake, Chief Curator at Spier Arts Trust and also a mixed media artist, visited Keiskamma to work with embroiderers to produce an embroidered tapestry. Laying the foundations of what has become an artistic partnership,…

INTERNATIONAL Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor yesterday said she had not yet tabled a proposal to the cabinet for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotsercovsky. “The cabinet decided that we should recall all our officials from Israel for consultation. Should there be further action taken by the government, we obviously will make the necessary statement,” Pandor said. She was responding to a question from the EFF during a question and answer session in the National Assembly. Pressed on what it would take to cut diplomatic ties with Israel before the Red Berets tabled their motion next week, Pandor said the EFF has a role in Parliament to present any motion it wished to present. “We have expressed our views with respect to the current…

HAVING watched two episodes on Carte Blanche about the disgusting neglect at the special needs school Ikhwezi Lokusa, I am disgusted that the Eastern Cape Education Department allowed a facility that was state-of-the-art to fall into such disrepair and has left 200 children living with disabilities in dreadful conditions. This used to be a private school, well run by nuns. It was beautiful, with tennis courts and a swimming pool for the children, lovely grounds, good infrastructure and good teaching. When our esteemed education department took over, it fell into disrepair, with no maintenance done and no care given. It has become a cesspit, with nothing working and neglect all over, especially the children. Carte Blanche found that the children were often left to their own devices as staff hadn’t…

IT’S GENERALLY difficult to get into the mind of another person but, sometimes, I wish I had such capabilities. This is, in the main, because we are living in such desperate times. Nowhere is this reality ever more present than in politics. I recently noticed that the EFF’s Julius Malema went off on his latest tangent and now has the only unifying symbol, the springbok, in his crosshairs. You and I can continue to mind our own business, but it is, in the case of the EFF, the likes of Malema who have to be called to order. I am convinced that the EFF leader does not appreciate the fragile relationship between the public and politicians, and, worse, between voters and political parties. We don’t talk back and so they…

CHAOS erupted at Heathfield High School after fights broke out between pupils while authorities were pictured carrying shotguns on the premises. Two separate brawls were captured on cell phone video footage at the school on Tuesday. Western Cape Education (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said they were aware of the fight that took place on the premises and the officials who responded to the incidents. “The WCED had arranged for School Resource Officers to be stationed at the school. “School resource officers are stationed at 45 schools around the province. This is in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) Law Enforcement Unit. They were first deployed to Heathfield HS last year. The fight was contained and classes resumed. The school has instituted disciplinary action and the parents (were) informed,”…

DA senior MP Ghaleb Cachalia learnt this lesson the hard way when party leader John Steenhuisen fired him from his so-called shadow cabinet for speaking out against Israel’s atrocities on Palestinians. Cachalia, a controversial figure himself, will now find himself as a backbencher in Parliament. His firing may please DA funders, but certainly, the party’s reputation will take a hard knock, especially among its Western Cape voters during next year’s much-anticipated national elections. In the immediate term, this decision points to a worrying trend within the second largest party represented in Parliament – that is, it polices what its members can and cannot publicly say. But it also confirms that action is only taken when it is convenient for the party to do so. Steenhuisen, who claims that by tweeting…

Thousands of Palestinian civilians trudged in a procession out of the north of the Gaza Strip yesterday seeking refuge from Israeli air strikes and fierce ground fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants. The exodus took place in a four-hour window of opportunity announced by Israel, which has told residents to evacuate the area or risk being trapped in the violence. However, the central and southern parts of the small, besieged Palestinian enclave were also under fire as the war between its Islamist Hamas rulers and Israel entered its second month. Palestinian health officials said an air strike that hit houses in Nusseirat refugee camp killed 18 people yesterday. In Khan Younis, six people, including a young girl, were killed. “We were sitting in peace when all of a sudden…

The worst flooding to hit Somalia in decades has killed 29 people and forced more than 300 000 to flee their homes, the National Disaster Management Agency said yesterday, following heavy rains that have inundated towns across East Africa. Authorities have scrambled to rescue thousands of stranded people from the floodwater, which comes on the heels of the region’s worst drought in 40 years. “What is going on today is the worst for decades. It is worse than even the 1997 floods,” said Hassan Isse, managing director of the Somali Disaster Management Agency. The death toll and numbers of people displaced were likely to rise further, Isse said, because many people were trapped by floodwaters. At least 2 400 people have been cut off in Luuq town, where the Jubba…

Washington: A distant cousin of Elvis Presley failed to shake up the race for governor in the US state of Mississippi this week, conceding the election to his Republican rival. Democrat Brandon Presley had spent six years as mayor of Nettleton – a small town in northeastern Mississippi just a few kilometres from the birthplace of the “king” – before running for governor. His prospects for victory in the state, ranked the poorest of America’s 50 states, were seen as limited given that Republicans control both chambers of the state legislature. But the gap between Presley and the Republican Tate Reeves had narrowed in recent weeks. On the campaign trail, Presley held up a photo of Elvis and said: “My cousin grew up just down the road in…

Beirut: Islamic State group attacks killed at least 30 pro-government forces and soldiers in the Syrian desert, a war monitor said yesterday, in one of the deadliest such assaults this year. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there had been “30 dead, four of them soldiers and 26 from the National Defence Forces, in simultaneous attacks carried out by the Islamic State group yesterday on checkpoints and military positions” in Raqa, Homs and Deir Ezzor, it said. The war monitor said Russian warplanes launched strikes on IS positions in the desert, reporting casualties among the jihadists. | AFP…