Indice dei contenuti per 2024-09-04 in Cape Times

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Sasol intensifies pursuit of 30% emissions reduction by 2030

SASOL said yesterday that it was intensifying its pursuit and commitment to cut its carbon emissions by 30% over the next six years, although that would probably see the company review its pathway towards attainment of the target. In January this year, shareholders approved Sasol’s controversial climate- change commitment to a decarbonisation pathway towards achieving its 2030 target and 2050 net zero ambition. However, over the past few weeks, there have been reports that Sasol was reneging on its 30% carbon emissions cut target for 2030. The company responded by saying this was “only an example of an approach addressing the complexity” of its transition. “Sasol remains committed to a sustainable energy transition and work continues to refine our strategic direction, which includes our GHG emission roadmap to 2030 and…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Shoprite sells its furniture operations to Pepkor for R3.2bn Landmark transaction comes after year of strong grocery sales

Shoprite Holdings, which reported its fifth consecutive year of outrunning the grocery market, said yesterday it would sell its furniture businesses to Pepkor Holdings for R3.2 billion, increasing the number of furniture stores in Pepkor’s stable by nearly half. Shoprite reported 12% growth in revenue to R246.1 billion for the 52 weeks to June 30 and increased its full year dividend by 7.4% to 712 cents. CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said in a presentation they had seen 64 months of consecutive market share gains, a performance that outstrips that of any other major retailers in South Africa. Notwithstanding the deal to sell the furniture business and the strong, market beating results, Shoprite’s share price declined 5% to R297.82 on the JSE yesterday afternoon, a large decline considering the All Share Index…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

FSCA approves JSE listing requirements dealing with market segmentation

THE FINANCIAL Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has approved the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) amendments to the listing requirements dealing with market segmentation which come into effect on September 23, 2024. The Market Segmentation Project repositions the JSE’s Main Board into two segments: Prime and General. The JSE yesterday said the new structure aims to offer a suitable and efficient level of regulation tailored to the size and liquidity of issuers on the Main Board, while continuing to uphold investor confidence in the market. The General Segment affords issuers on the Main Board listing with different application of certain provisions of the listing requirements. Issuers seeking to apply for the General Segment can submit an application to the JSE from September 23, 2024, with the effective launch date of the General…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Eskom is not out of the woods yet until S Africa rectifies state of dysfunctional municipalities

South Africans are furious with the government, especially Eskom, on two fronts. Firstly, due to the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour and, secondly, as load reduction measures that have overnight taken the place of load shedding. Eskom needs to explain to the public how electricity went from being affordable a few months ago to being totally unaffordable today. The varying tariff unit structures charged to households defies transparency. Load reduction is the new buzz word while load shedding has been arrested and safely detained over the last 155 days, which equals to about five months of no load shedding. But while load shedding has been suspended indefinitely communities still suffer power cuts due to load reduction. Eskom and municipalities are running an almost similar load shedding schedule around various…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Everything you need to know about LED face masks

In the world of skincare, innovation continuously unfolds, and one of the latest advancements gaining popularity is the LED (light-emitting diode) face mask. These high-tech devices, which look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, harness the power of light therapy to address various skin concerns and enhance overall complexion. But what exactly is an LED face mask, and what benefit does it offer? LED masks are typically made from flexible materials and are worn on the face for a designated period. They come equipped with different coloured lights, each corresponding to a particular skin issue. Common colours include red, blue, green, and yellow, each serving distinct functions in the treatment of skin conditions. The science behind LED face masks lies in the concept of photobiomodulation. When the…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Manamela’s no show leaves MPs fuming

DEPUTY Minister for Higher Education Buti Manamela’s failure to appear before the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) left MPs fuming. They were forced to cancel the meeting despite him being delegated to address the committee. Manamela had to step in for Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who is on a State visit with President Cyril Ramaphosa in China. The cancellation of yesterday’s meeting meant that the more than 20 officials from the National Skills Fund (NSF), the Special Investigating Unit and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), many of whom flew in from Pretoria, returned without making presentations to the committee. They were to brief the committee on the investigations conducted by the SIU into NSFAS and the NSF, among other things. Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi said the absence of…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Political shift looms in Tshwane as new coalition talks unravel

Residents of Tshwane could witness significant political changes in their region as tensions within the current coalition government, led by the DA and ActionSA, threaten to unravel. This potential shift may pave the way for an ANC and EFF coalition to take control of the city. The conflict within the coalition deepened after ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba accused the DA of secretly negotiating an alliance with the ANC behind ActionSA’s back. Mashaba described these alleged talks as a “betrayal,” according to an article by Eyewitness News. Both ActionSA and the ANC have also accused the DA of neglecting black townships, fuelling further tensions. Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink has voiced his strong opposition to a potential ANC-EFF coalition, describing it as a “terrible” outcome for residents. “I am not obsessed with…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Staggering size of containerships – and drydock correction

Denied extra funding by the Treasury to pay the teacher-cohort in the Western Cape where thousands of additional children arrive from elsewhere and need schooling, education folks need to prune teacher numbers. That means larger classes, less effective teaching, more under-achieving pupils and more drop-outs. Rather, let’s see major cuts in the bloated civil service – we probably wouldn’t notice fewer there – and a salary cut for the overpaid parliamentarians. Some are really dodgy, yet taxpayers pay their generous packages, each equivalent to more than five teachers’ pay. But teachers are in the firing line, and schoolchildren will suffer. Having got that off my chest, I appreciated an email from one of shipping’s highly respected gentlemen to get something off his chest in responding to last week’s column. As…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Frikkadels with tomato sauce

15ml butter 30ml olive or canola oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 x 25g Ina Paarman’s Liquid Beef Stock 500g best quality lean beef mince 60ml water 15ml Roast Onion Soup & Gravy Powder 400g Ina Paarman’s Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce Adjust oven rack to the middle position. Preheat oven to 180°C. Warm a frying pan. Add the butter, when it foams and starts to brown, add the oil and onion. Stir-fry over medium heat until the onion starts to brown. Add the sachet of Liquid Beef Stock and cook for another few seconds. Leave the onion mixture to cool to room temperature. Place the meat in a mixing bowl, add the water. Add the Roast Onion Gravy Powder and the cooked onion mixture and mix in lightly…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Bogus ‘top Prasa engineer’ slapped with 15-year jail term

Hawks national head General Godfrey Lebeya hopes former Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (Prasa) employee, Daniel Mthimkhulu’s 15-year imprisonment for misrepresenting his qualifications serves as a lesson to would-be fraudsters that crime doesn’t pay. Mthimkhulu, 49, was sentenced yesterday having been on trial facing nine counts, including fraud, uttering and forgery. This was for allegedly misrepresenting his qualifications to Prasa, claiming among others, to have acquired a Master’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the Technische Universität München (Munich Technical University) in Germany upon his arrest in July 2015. Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said: “As a result of the misrepresentation and fabricated CV, Prasa suffered prejudice in that his annual salary was unduly hiked from R1.6 million, as executive manager,…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Celebrating SA’s first woman chief justice

One of the first priorities of the democratically elected government in 1994 was to transform our country, and to increase the representation of women in positions of power and authority in all spheres of life. This commitment to make fundamental changes was inspired by a desire to bring to fruition the dreams and aspirations of generations of fearless women who fought for equality. This includes the women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, in defiance of an illegitimate regime and demanded that their voices be heard. They, along with many others in our history, paved the way for women to have equal opportunities and to participate in all spheres of life. Inspired by these women, South Africa has implemented polices and enacted legislation to ensure that women are…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Pay problems hit police in Haiti

Pay issues and shortages of equipment and manpower have sapped morale among Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti and hampered their ability to confront heavily armed gangs, four officers told Reuters. After three years of rampant killing, rape and extortion by gangs that control most of the capital Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s transitional government and its international allies are counting on the Kenyan-led mission to restore enough security to hold elections by February 2026. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was authorised by the UN Security Council last October, but the initial deployment was delayed by political turmoil in Haiti, court challenges in Kenya, and difficulties mobilising funds. The first nearly 200 Kenyan officers arrived in Port-au-Prince in late June and were joined by a similar-sized contingent three weeks later. The force…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Pope Francis gets warm welcome

Dozens of excited Indonesians waved yesterday as a motorcade carried Pope Francis through the capital as he began the first leg of an ambitious Asia-Pacific tour expected to urge global action on climate change as part of his longest trip yet. The pontiff, 87, who will also visit East Timor, Singapore and Papua New Guinea over the next 10 days, was seated in a wheelchair as a lift disembarked him from a chartered aircraft at Jakarta airport. The pope was greeted by Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, its Vatican envoy and several of its bishops on a red carpet. The ageing pope was not set to attend any public events yesterday, to allow him time for rest after the 13-hour flight. But after arriving at the embassy, Francis held an informal…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Gaza vaccinations go on in Israeli attack

RAFAH: Israeli forces killed 33 Palestinians across Gaza in the past 24 hours as they battled Hamas-led militants, Palestinian officials said yesterday, but brief pauses in fighting allowed medics to conduct a third day of polio vaccinations for children. Among those killed were four women in the southern city of Rafah and eight people near a hospital in Gaza City in the north, officials said. Others were killed in separate air strikes across the territory, it said. The Israeli military said it killed eight Palestinian gunmen, including a senior Hamas commander, at a command centre in Gaza City. The World Health Organization said it was ahead of its targets for polio vaccinations in Gaza. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Drought: Namibia begins wildlife cull

Windhoek: A Namibian government cull of more than 700 wildlife to cope with its worst drought in decades is under way, the environment ministry said yesterday. The cull, announced last week, aims to relieve pressure on grazing and water supplies and provide meat for programmes supporting the thousands of people going hungry because of the drought. Carried out by professional hunters, it targets 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 83 elephants, 100 blue wildebeest, 100 elands and 300 zebras. At least 157 of the 723 animals designated for culling have been killed so far, the environment ministry said.…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

SA hopes rest on spin queen Mlaba’s shoulders

THE PROTEAS Women have some of the world’s most lethal spinners in white-ball cricket. The current ICC T20 bowlers’ rankings do not reflect this as none of the South African bowlers feature in the list led by Sophie Ecclestone, but every team in the world knows not to take the South Africans lightly. Ecclestone sits at the top of the rankings with 772 points, only two points ahead of South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba’s career-best rankings points, meaning Mlaba – on her day – can be just as good as any of the best spin bowlers in the world. The 15-player Proteas Women’s squad for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was announced yesterday. The country’s hopes of a maiden World Cup trophy rest…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Barker backs Stellies to have another strong run

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker maintains that winning the Betway Premiership remains the ultimate prize for any football club. Barker has achieved unprecedented success with the Winelands-based club over the past couple of seasons, steering the side to the Nedbank Cup final before tasting glory in last season’s Carling Cup. The excellent run in cup competitions has continued this season with Stellies defeating perennial league champions Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs to book a place in the MTN8 final for the first time. Barker, though, feels that his side has the capacity to deliver a competitive league campaign after finishing third last season. “Cup competitions are nice, but the bread and butter is the league. Growing up as a footballer, and as a coach, the ultimate glory is winning league…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Red Devils’ belief in Ten Hag absolute, club boss insists

Manchester United chief executive officer Omar Berrada says struggling manager Erik ten Hag has the full backing of the club despite a poor start to the Premier League season. United finished eighth in the league last season ‒ their worst finish since 1990 ‒ but Ten Hag led his men to an unexpected FA Cup final win against Manchester City. The Dutchman was handed a one-year contract extension in July but only after club bosses considered alternatives. Now Ten Hag is under pressure again after Sunday’s miserable 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, United’s second loss from three games this season, which left them 14th in the table. Speaking alongside new sporting director Dan Ashworth shortly before kick-off against Liverpool, Berrada said it would take more than a couple of bad…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

SA to export dairy, wool to China after signing key market access instruments post-Focac

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen signed three key market access instruments with China on Monday, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and two protocols for the export of greasy wool and dairy products from South Africa to China. Steenhuisen told Business Report yesterday that the dairy protocol would allow access to the Chinese market for South African dairy products, while the greasy wool protocol would keep the trade in greasy wool open after an agreed treatment method. “The foot-and-mouth MoU will mean that, for the first time, the Chinese will accept a compartmentalisation of the import of South African beef products. In the past, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth anywhere in the country would have led to a shutdown of the entire beef export market,” Steenhuisen said. “Under…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Motus Holdings share price falls in spite of resilient results

Motus Holdings’ share price fell 4.2% yesterday on the JSE after it reported a 26.7% lower dividend of 520 cents a share for the year to June 30, notwithstanding a resilient financial performance in tough vehicle market conditions. Revenue was up 7% to R113.76 billion. Operating profit fell 4% to R5.5bn. Headline earnings per share was down 28% to 1 479c per share. Cash flows from operating activities increased sharply to R3.53bn compared with last year’s outflow of R1.19bn. The share price traded at R118.97 yesterday afternoon, 4.2% below the opening price, but nevertheless 13.8% higher than the R104.52 that it traded at a year ago. Motus’s directors said yesterday that their business had been supported by strategies of international expansion and diversification, beyond vehicle sales in…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Africa faces massive poverty and economic hardship in the name of fighting climate change

ORGANISATIONS ranging from the World Bank to the European Investment Bank have dropped support for African fossil fuel production in hopes of encouraging a transition from oil, gas and coal to sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power. Now, there are legitimate concerns that investor support for oil and gas production will dwindle as well. Blackrock, which controls $7 trillion (R125 trillion) in investments, and the Royal Bank of Scotland have said they would be moving away from investments that support fossil fuel production. The anti-fossil fuel fervour is being demonstrated in what might seem like surprising ways: the Bank of England was criticised for having an oil company executive on its board of directors. Pressure is coming from within Africa, as well. Western funded NGOs from Kenya and…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

How to prevent and treat mosquito bites

Malaria has continued to be a serious global issue, with over 240 million infections recorded in 2022. Nearly half of the world’s population remains at risk of contracting this disease. Despite ongoing efforts to control it, the data suggests that malaria is far from being eradicated. In 2023, International SOS reported a worrying 15% increase in malaria-related assistance requests compared to the previous year. According to their global assistance data, 57% of these cases were concentrated in Asia, with the mining industry being the most affected. Meanwhile, 40% of cases occurred in Africa, where the oil and gas, mining, and NGO sectors were hit the hardest. These figures are consistent with the World Health Organization’s findings, which indicate that the African and South-East Asia regions bear the highest malaria burden…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

What is Taiwan’s signature boba tea?

If Instagram or TikTok or whatever ever created a drink it would surely be beautiful boba tea. Bright, exciting and charming to look at, we cannot get enough of this deliciously sweet tea dotted with tapioca balls. And it seems we aren’t alone! Recently, you may have noticed more and more boba cafés popping up across your neighbourhood. The drink has continued to gain popularity not only in the US but in many other parts of the world, including South Africa. And it is not just because of the big, colourful straws you get to pop into the drink’s plastic-sealed top but because it’s supremely yummy. It comes in all different colours, tea flavours and endless toppings. But what exactly is boba tea? And is it good for you? Well,…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Creecy narrows down Transnet’s recovery plan after widening losses

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has urged the board of Transnet to prioritise the recovery of freight logistics and indicated that the government might “interrogate” the State-owned logistics firm’s Recovery Plan after its losses widened. Transnet on Monday reported a loss that widened from R5.1 billion last year to R7.3bn in the year to March. This was mainly due to the high court ruling that it must pay Total SA and Sasol about R6bn after the petroleum companies accused it of breaching a 1991 pricing contract. Creecy attended the Transnet Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday in her capacity as the new shareholder representative for the government. She underscored the urgent need for Transnet to intensify its efforts to revitalise the country’s freight logistics sector. To drive inclusive growth, Creecy…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Capacitated crime intelligence the answer to extortion, says minister

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu believes the fight against extortion rackets will only be won with a strengthened SAPS intelligence capacity. His remarks when he delivered his executive statement in the National Assembly on actions taken by the police to deal with threats posed by those committing extortion, came hours after six suspected extortionists were killed in a shoot-out with the police in the South Beach, Point area of Durban just before midnight on Monday. Police were tracing suspects who shot five people and killed four of them execution style on Siyaphambili Road in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, on Sunday night, according to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda. “Police followed information that the suspects were in hiding in Newlands East and upon arrival, further intelligence was collected that the suspects were at a…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya ushers-in era of hope

THE article “Justice Maya inspires hope for young women” (Cape Times, Monday) refers. Doctor Iqbal Survé is absolutely correct in extending heartfelt congratulations to Justice Maya. We are all looking forward to her term of office and certainly await her continuation of “speaking truth to power”. Our judiciary in South Africa, during the democratic era over the past 30 years, has had to do an enormous amount of work by keeping the government in check. This work has to a large degree irritated many of the politicians from the governing party. Now, under a government of national unity, we have a strong belief that the judges will carry on this fine tradition and ensure that our Constitution is held as the supreme document in South Africa and respected. As…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

10 construction workers killed in bus crash

LOCAL government officials have offered support to the families of 10 workers killed during a bus crash on Vanrhynspas between Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville. It has since been confirmed that the bus passengers were construction workers, contrary to initial reports that they were agriworkers en route to a wind farm project in Ceres, when tragedy struck at about 5.20pm and the bus veered off the road on Monday. Twelve other seriously injured passengers will also be supported. The provincial government has extended condolences to the families of the workers, and confirmed that the incident was now under investigation by the police to determine the cause. MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said: “Our team is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities to offer assistance to the families of the deceased and to those…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Diving student drowns at Blue Rock Dam

Western Cape police and the provincial Department of Employment and Labour have launched an investigation into the drowning of a 38-year-old student at the Blue Rock dam, following an alleged diving accident. This is at least the fifth drowning incident at the Blue Rock Adventure Park facility in Somerset West since 2016. The person is believed to have drowned during commercial diving training with the Jacks Dive Chest academy, which uses a section of Blue Rock for its specialised training. In a statement, the diving school said: “The dives were done following the training standards at 40m depth. An incident happened where a student diver was entangled under the water at 40m depth. All efforts were made to untie the diver, and several standby divers were deployed to assist with…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Strengthening China-Africa relations through Focac

Ushering in a new era of mutual prosperity, creating jobs and economic growth The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) has become a cornerstone in the partnership between China and Africa, symbolising a relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future. As the Chinese Consul General in Cape Town, I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand the transformative power of this alliance, which is set to reach new heights during the upcoming Focac summit in Beijing. A New Chapter in China- Africa Relations This year’s Focac summit, which will be held from today to Friday in Beijing, is not just another diplomatic event; it represents the largest diplomatic gathering hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of African leaders. The…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Mongolia gives Putin red carpet

Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed by honour guards and red carpets in the Mongolian capital yesterday on his first visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member since it issued a warrant for his arrest last year. Putin landed in Ulaanbaatar on Monday night at the start of a high-profile trip seen as a show of defiance against the court, Kyiv, the West and rights groups that have all called for him to be detained. He met Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh yesterday at Ulaanbaatar’s imposing Genghis Khan Square, also known as Sukhbaatar Square, where a band played martial tunes and the two national anthems. The Russian leader praised Mongolia’s “respectful attitude” and told Khurelsukh the two nations had “close positions” on “many current international issues”. Putin is wanted by…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Killed for her baby

A German couple were charged yesterday with the murder of a Ukrainian woman and the kidnap of her newborn daughter, who they allegedly planned to pass off as their own. The German woman, 44, and her husband, 43, were accused of killing the 27-year-old Ukrainian refugee, as well as her 51-year-old mother. The woman is said to have come into contact with the couple through a group chat on Telegram intended to organise support for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. During a meal with the woman and her mother at a restaurant in March, the couple are alleged to have slipped sedatives to the victims. When the older woman became unwell, they offered to take her to the hospital. The husband allegedly killed her and they told the Ukrainian her mother…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Olympian set alight by partner in ICU

KAMPALA: A Ugandan Olympian is in intensive care in a Kenyan hospital after being doused with petrol and set on fire allegedly by her partner, officials said yesterday, the latest incident of gender-based violence in the East African country. Long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33 – who came 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics – was assaulted after her Kenyan partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach reportedly sneaked into her home in Endebess in the western county of Trans-Nzoia on Sunday while she and her children were at church, police said. He poured petrol, on Rebecca before he set her ablaze. The athlete sustained burns over 75% of her body. | AFP…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

No 10’s top cat faces challenge from cute Siberian kitten

London: Larry the Downing Street cat is facing a challenge to his position as the British government’s chief mouser by a cute “Russian” kitten. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his family, who moved into Number 10 after the Labour leader’s general election win in July, brought their family cat, JoJo, with them. Now after “negotiations” with the Starmer children, who had wanted a German Shepherd dog, it has been agreed that Jojo will also be joined by a “Siberian kitten”. Larry has been top cat at the British prime ministerial residence for the last 13 years. Yesterday, on X, Larry said via the human running his social media account.: “The kitten will report to Larry the Cat.” | AFP…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Fresh Springboks can bash All Blacks

When it comes to selecting a Springbok team these days, there is little to choose between the supposed first choices and second choices. But at the moment, coach Rassie Erasmus is not dealing with a Rugby World Cup final. Instead, it is about building for the 2027 edition in Australia, and exposing a wide array of players to the utmost pressure so that they are fully prepared for any eventuality. That is why Erasmus has been confident about chopping and changing his team almost every game since the second Test against Ireland in Durban, where he opted to keep almost the same group intact. That is not necessarily the reason they lost 25-24 at Kings Park, as you have to give Irish replacement Ciaran Frawley real credit for two excellent…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Tigers celebrate historic mauling of Pakistan

Bangladesh celebrated a historic first Test series win over Pakistan and a 2-0 clean sweep with a tense six-wicket victory in Rawalpindi yesterday. Shakib Al Hasan hit the winning boundary 25 minutes before the tea break on the fifth and final day to spark jubilation in the away dressing room. A handful of Bangladesh supporters waving the nation’s flag were also there to see their country win only a third away series in 33 attempts. Shakib remained unbeaten on 21 and Mushfiqur Rahim was on 22 as the visitors painstakingly overhauled the tricky 185-run target. Openers Zakir Hasan (40) and Shadman Islam (24), plus skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) and Mominul Haque (34) all put runs on the board to help Bangladesh inch their way to a famous win. Pakistan…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

TV’s Ted Lasso helps Swiatek ‘Believe’ on court

Top seed Iga Swiatek got a boost for her fourth-round match against Liudmila Samsonova at the US Open as the star of one of her favourite TV shows Ted Lasso showed up to watch her at Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev have set up a blockbuster clash today. The annual celebrity invasion is in full swing at the year’s final major, where Vogue editor Anna Wintour and comedic actor Ben Stiller are regulars, and Swiatek was thrilled to see Ted Lasso lead Jason Sudeikis in the stands for her 6-4 6-1 win. “I actually tried to avoid looking at the screens, but I saw him when I was looking at the chair umpire,” said Swiatek. “I wanted to stay focused and I hope he appreciates my…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Sundowns won’t give up crown without a fight

DISCARD ANY thoughts you might have that Mamelodi Sundowns’ defeat by Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final is a sign the Brazilians are vulnerable to being deposed as champions of South Africa’s elite football league. League winners for the past seven seasons, Sundowns lost 2-0 on aggregate to Stellies following 1-0 defeats at home and away in the season-opening tournament and the local football fraternity suddenly got excited, believing their reign could well be over. Manqoba Mngqithi, the new man at the helm at Chloorkop, has since been roundly described as probably not good enough for the job of head coach as many criticised him for changing the way Sundowns play. He was calmness personified at the launch of the new Betway Premiership season and confidently predicted that he will…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

SA economy rebounds in 2nd quarter with modest growth

South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by an unsurprising yet welcome 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, as it avoided a technical recession following no growth in the first quarter. The first quarter’s figure has been revised from an initial print of negative 0.1% and followed a 0.3% increase in the fourth quarter of 2023. North West University Business School economist, Professor Raymond Parsons, said the gain “could represent a turning point in South Africa’s business cycle, as our growth performance has clearly been too low for too long”. Yet, Casey Sprake, investment analyst of fixed income at Anchor Capital, pointed out that the “economy is simply not growing at an adequate rate to sustainably boost long-term employment prospects for South Africans”. The ideal rate, she said, was…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Orion says new drilling results allows a speedy expansion of Okiep’s life

Orion Minerals managing director, Errol Smart, said yesterday that completion of the drilling at the company’s Okiep Copper Project allows the company to speedily expand the operation’s life of mine and initial production profile. Earlier this month, Orion Minerals secured two high priority prospecting rights that enable it to progress the Okiep copper project in the Northern Cape. The company yesterday said it had received positive results from diamond drill holes completed at Flat Mine North and from Flat Mine South. “Importantly, now that the Flat Mines Project is fully permitted for mining and that we have secured all the surrounding prospecting rights, this high-quality drilling data is expected to provide a pathway for Orion to fast track the expansion of the initial production profile and mine life outlined…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Four essential insights from China on financing the global energy transition

This could be a pivotal year for China. Its CO2 emissions could fall for the first time since the country relaxed its pandemic restrictions in late 2022. The news follows a marked rebound in 2023 when emissions rose by almost 5% year-on-year, a new report from Carbon Brief finds. The anticipated decline in CO2 emissions in 2024 will be the result of record increases in the deployment of new low-carbon energy capacity, especially wind and solar. Other factors include a rebound in hydroelectric power generation, and a decrease in emissions from power generation and heavy industry. At its Annual Meeting of the New Champions, the World Economic Forum spoke to Dr Ma Jun, founder and president of China’s Institute of Finance and Sustainability and chairman of the Green Finance Committee…

4 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

How to get the soap nails manicure look

In the ever-evolving world of nail art, new trends emerge faster than you can say “manicure”. One of the hottest styles making waves in 2024 is the soap nail trend. This innovative look combines creativity with a sense of fun, allowing you to express your personality through your nails while keeping an air of sophistication. Soap nails, inspired by the soft, translucent appearance of soap bubbles, are characterised by their milky, glossy finish and subtle colour variations. This style brings a fresh and ethereal vibe to your manicure, making it perfect for any occasion. Unlike traditional nail designs, which often rely on bold colours and intricate patterns, soap nails offer a more understated elegance. They can be worn alone for a minimalist aesthetic, or serve as a backdrop for delicate…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

National Kidney Awareness Week: Vital tips for your health

National Kidney Awareness Week, celebrated from September 2 to 6, is a time to celebrate the unsung heroes of our bodies: our kidneys. These bean-shaped organs, nestled deep within our lower ribcage, may be small in size, but they play a colossal role in our health and well-being. They also play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and maintaining the health of our bones. Yet, despite their vital importance, many of us take these remarkable organs for granted, often neglecting their care until it's too late. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and smoking can gradually damage the delicate blood vessels within the kidneys, leading to the development of chronic kidney disease. Dr Chevon Clark, the CEO of National Renal Care (NRC), highlighted the critical…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

ANC’s Mtolo is feeling the heat – analysts

ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary-general Bheki Mtolo is under pressure to turn around the fortunes of the party in the province after it suffered a drubbing in the May national and general election, political analysts said. Mtolo had to issue an apology, at the behest of Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula,to the party’s alliance partner, the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) this week after the union had threatened to haul him to court for alleged defamatory statements. He is also under pressure after the recently axed KwaDukuza Mayor Lindiwe Nhaca wrote to Mbalula and complained that Mtolo had a vendetta against her. Political experts said Mtolo was under pressure to resurrect the image of the party in KwaZulu-Natal in eThekwini, especially after the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party made significant inroads…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

2 400 TEACHER POST CUTS SPARK BLAME-GAME

Unions say decision will compromise future of education system and up unemployment A BLAME-GAME has ensued over the looming teacher post cuts in the Western Cape, with the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) saying the situation could have been avoided if the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) did not “drag its feet” in converting contract teacher posts to permanent positions. Pressure has been mounting on the WCED to review its decision to cut more than 2 400 teaching jobs from January 1. This means some contract teachers will not be reappointed after their contracts end on December 31, and some permanent teachers will be asked to move to another school where there is a suitable vacancy. The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing thousands of educators employed by…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

UCT was right in stance against apartheid Israel over atrocities

IT IS unbelievable that there are professors at UCT who object to the decision to break ties with Israel. Just the threat against organisations that boycott Israel alone should raise questions, because entities elsewhere are being boycotted. What makes Israel so special? UCT, and rightly so, supported boycotts against the apartheid governance here, but now some academics want to cuddle up with the apartheid government there. The Israeli/Jewish academics who stand for the truth, like Ilan Pappe and Antony Loewenstein, would be available for discourse. One of Pappe’s books, The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, has been reprinted 24 times since 2006, and Loewenstein received the 2023 Walkley Book Award (the Australian equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize) for his book The Palestine Laboratory, which shows how Israel markets weapons and spyware…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

SAHRC condemns deadly violations of rights on farms

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the recent incidents in Sebayeng, Limpopo and Laersdrift, Mpumalanga, where lives were violently taken, underscoring the urgent need for justice and the protection of human rights, it said. In Sebayeng, Limpopo, two women, Maria Makgato, 45, and Locadia Ndlovu, 35, were allegedly shot and killed on a farm. Their remains, partly eaten by pigs, were found inside the pigsty after a man, who had been shot and injured, alerted the police. On August 17, Makgato, Zimbabwean national Ndlovu, and her husband had reportedly gone to the Onvervaght farm to collect rotten products dumped by a dairy merchant. The suspects, farm owner Zachariah Olivier, 60, Andrian de Wet, 19, and William Musoro, 40, were arrested and are facing charges of murder, attempted…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Wife shot after being accused of having affair

A Free State man has appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court for the attempted murder of his wife. Thabo Sipho, 43, is alleged to have shot his wife on Saturday, August 31, at about 8.30pm in U-Section, Botshabelo. The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane said the wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her body. “On Saturday, police received a shooting complaint at a certain house in U-Section in Botshabelo. On arrival, they found a woman lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to Botshabelo Hospital, where a doctor confirmed that she sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper part of her body. She is stable now. She was identified as the 43-year-old Motshewa Sipko,” Mpakane said. According to the police, the woman reported that…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

SA doesn’t belong to politicians to sell to highest bidder

SOUTH Africa is not a banana republic; neither does it belong to politicians to toss around as they wish. And the ANC, with its diminishing majority, does not have the right to determine on its own which direction the country should take. So, for ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to say the Government of National Unity (GNU) is not a permanent arrangement, and will change over time, smacks of the same arrogance that has resulted in his party losing votes in the first place. Recently, the SACP criticised its tripartite alliance partner, the ANC, for getting into bed with organisations at odds with its ideologies, as if the former sole governing party had a choice. In response, Mbalula said this arrangement was forced on the party by the electoral results. But…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Horrifying wife rape trial shocks France

Harrowing details emerged yesterday at the trial of a Frenchman charged with enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his drugged wife, with her daughter temporarily leaving the courtroom as she became overwhelmed by emotion. The case against 71-year-old Dominique P has horrified France, after the allegations were only exposed by chance when he was caught filming up women’s skirts in a local supermarket. The trial in the southern city of Avignon, due to conclude in December, is weighing rape and sexual abuse charges against him and 50 other men aged 26 to 74 who he allegedly recruited online to abuse his wife. Dominique P yesterday said “yes” when asked if he was guilty of the accusations against him. The trial going forward will eventually determine his sentencing, as well a…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

At least 12 dead as migrant boat sinks

PARIS: At least 12 migrants died yesterday after the vessel they were in capsized on its way across the Channel from France to Britain, La Voix du Nord newspaper reported, with a major operation under way to rescue over 50 people. In a sign of the severity of the situation, CNews television said outgoing French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin was expected on site, near the town of Boulogne- sur-Mer, later in the afternoon. Tackling illegal immigration has been a priority for the British and French governments. More than 2 000 people have arrived in Britain on small boats over the past seven days, by UK government figures. The Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Bangladesh floods death toll rises to 71

DHAKA: The death toll from floods in Bangladesh rose to 71 yesterday with millions of people still stranded in devastated areas and increasing concern about outbreaks of waterborne disease. The floods, triggered by monsoon rains and run-off from upstream waterways, have wreaked havoc over the past two weeks, causing widespread destruction and affecting around 5 million people. More than 580 000 families are still marooned in 11 flood-hit districts, and in urgent need of food, clean water, medicine and dry clothing. Nearly 500 medical teams were helping provide treatment, with the army, air force and navy assisting in relief efforts. | Reuters…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Warrant issued for Maduro rival

Caracas: Venezuela’s Attorney-General’s Office sought an arrest warrant against former Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia for conspiracy, usurpation of authority and sabotage. Gonzalez ignored three summonses to appear before prosecutors investigating him. After losing the July 28 presidential elections, Gonzalez and another opposition candidate, Maria Corina Machado, refused to recognise President Nicolas Maduro’s win, claiming the result was fraught with irregularities. | IANS…

1 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Teen sprint sensation Walaza turns down US offers

South African teenage sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza is not planning to join his Olympic relay teammate Shaun Maswanganyi in the US to further his career next year. Walaza received a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International yesterday upon his return after winning the sprint double at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru. The 18-year-old is currently preparing to complete his matric preliminary exams at Curro Hazeldean High School, but has already received plenty of bursary offers from the US. Maswanganyi, who won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay with Walaza at the Paris Olympics, is at Houston State University where he is coached by American track and field legend Carl Lewis. But Walaza feels that he will be better served staying in South Africa where he will study…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

All Blacks tread ‘fine line’ in their need to be brave

The All Blacks are feeling the effects of a “big contest” at Ellis Park, but are keen to avoid another last-quarter blow-out against the Springboks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash at Cape Town Stadium. New Zealand were leading 27-17 at one stage in the second half in Johannesburg last weekend, but allowed South Africa to get back into the game in the last 20 minutes. Replacement loose forward Kwagga Smith scored a crucial try after a series of mauls, and then scrumhalf Grant Williams secured the Bok victory with another late five-pointer. The result has left the All Blacks licking their wounds, and contemplating the kind of approach that they would need to triumph at the Cape Town Stadium (5pm start). They enjoyed the sunshine on a warm Monday, and…

3 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Broos targeting a flying start for Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has placed a huge emphasis on his side flying out of the blocks as they bid to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations. Next year’s Afcon will be held in Morocco and Broos and his team are seeking to ride their previous tournament energy as they kick off their qualifying campaign. Bafana will battle Uganda at home at Orlando Stadium on Friday (kick-off 6pm) before they jet off to South Sudan to play their second match in the group on Tuesday. The South African national team has had a very positive past 12 months in terms of performance as well as achievements. Their third-place finish in the last Afcon came as a huge surprise to many, and Broos looks set to build…

2 min

Cape Times|2024-09-04

Cross and Blom will add quality to Chiefs, says Nabi

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has welcomed the signing of duo Bradley Cross and Njabulo Blom, saying they’ll add more depth to their squad. Cross and Blom were unveiled by the club yesterday, the duo putting pen to paper on a four-year deal and season-long loan deal, respectively. Cross is expected to beef up competition at left-back after an impressive stint with Golden Arrows that earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up. However, the hype has been around Blom, who’s rejoining the club from Major League Soccer (MLS) side St Louis City, who signed him from Amakhosi 18 months ago. The duo are expected to add more depth to Chiefs’ squad, joining five other new signings: Gaston Sirino, Rushwin Dortley, Bongani Sam, Inacio Miguel and Fiacre Ntwari. Speaking on the sidelines…

3 min