Indice dei contenuti per 2024-09-20 in Cape Times

GLOBAL speciality paper, pulp and packaging group Sappi has announced that Graeme Wild (52) has been appointed as CEO of Sappi Southern Africa from December 1, succeeding Alex Thiel, who has been CEO of Sappi Southern Africa for 14 years. Wild, who is currently the vice president sales and marketing at Sappi Southern Africa, will take over the reins from Thiel, who will now assume new strategic project duties until his retirement at the end of December next year. Wild joins the top leadership team of Sappi, which has a market value of R28.6 billion, with its share price up 21.95% in the past five years. In August, Sappi reported a whopping 80% increase in earnings to 9 US cents (R1.57) for the third quarter to June 30,…

The high-riding Springboks will win yet another trophy if they beat Argentina in tomorrow night’s Rugby Championship match in the northern city of Santiago del Estero. The World Cup winners nailed the Freedom Cup earlier this month when they won back-to-back matches against the All Blacks, and they now have a golden opportunity to win their first Championship title since 2019. The Boks have twice beaten Australia and New Zealand, and are unbeaten at the top of the Championship log. But they can be overhauled by Los Pumas if the latter beat the Boks at home, and in the return match at Mbombela Stadium next week. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has said that his team are determined to snuff out the threat of the Pumas and use next week’s game…

CONSERVATION groups have hailed the mass dehorning of rhinos in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal as being responsible for an 80% drop in poaching in the park in just six months. The emergency dehorning operation in HiP was a response to the extremely high poaching incident recorded in this iconic park, known as the birthplace of white and black rhinos in South Africa. In 2023, 307 rhinos were killed in HiP alone, representing more than 10% of the park’s population and some 60% of the national poaching loss in South Africa. In June, only four animals were lost, in July eight and in August four. When the operation first started in April, around 30 animals a month were being killed. To date, more than 1 000 rhinos have been…

Apartheid Spies and The Revolutionary Underground: The assassination Of Jeanette Schoon Billy Keniston Loot.co.za (R279) Wits University Press The in-depth study of the assassination of Jeanette and Katryn Schoon at the hand of apartheid spy Craig Williamson explores how the lives of a group of white radicals intersected with and were impacted by the undercover security police and their operations within and outside South Africa. On June 28, 1984, a parcel bomb sent by the apartheid security police exploded in a block of flats in Lubango, Angola, killing 36-year-old Jeanette Curtis Schoon and her six-year-old daughter, Katryn. The Schoons were members of the revolutionary underground, exiled from South Africa and committed to the ANC and socialism. What many political activists had feared or suspected at the time was confirmed…

Summer passed slowly. Autumn would soon bring winter. There were days when the household chores weighed heavily on Charlotte. Through all of this her greatest pleasure was joining choir practice at recess. Not all her classmates joined, but for Charlotte it was the one constant that flowed through her week like a sweet stream linking the days of the week to church on Sundays. It somehow made all her difficulties bearable. “Silence!” commanded Paul Xiniwe, the headmaster and choir director. Charlotte hushed, her breath forming a faint mist in the cooling air, while she waited for some of her chatty classmates to quiet down. When Mr Xiniwe raised his arms, she drew in a deep breath and began to sing. As she sang, she felt the warmth of the midday…

She led the charge against Israel at the ICJ and much more I HAVE known and worked with cadre Naledi Pandor for much of my life as a political activist, colleague and comrade. I have admired her temperament, remorseless logic and her ceaseless quest for justice in matters of the state and party. The purpose of this (edited) contribution is to look back and trace, in some detail, cadre Naledi’s enormous contribution to many facets of South African political social and economic life; each showing a tenacity, a resolve and a vision that has made our country a better place to live in. The first part is introductory and dwells on her role in Parliament from the inception of our democracy and the second part (to be published on…

A second deadly wave of unprecedented explosions in the strongholds of Lebanon’s Hezbollah left it in disarray yesterday, hours before a major speech by its beleaguered leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The latest batch of device explosions killed 20 people and wounded more than 450 others on Wednesday, officials said, stoking fears of a full-blown war with Israel. The blasts came a day after the simultaneous detonation of pagers used by Hezbollah killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded up to 2 800 others across Lebanon, in an unprecedented attack blamed on Israel. Walkie-talkies used by its members exploded in the latest blasts at Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold, a source close to the group said, with state media reporting similar detonations in south and east Lebanon. AFPTV footage showed people running for…

Security forces in New Caledonia killed two men during an overnight operation, the public prosecutor said yesterday, taking the death toll to 13 after months of unrest in the French Pacific territory. An AFP journalist witnessed clashes erupt between French police and civilians in Saint Louis, a heartland of the independence movement just south of the capital Noumea. Public prosecutor Yves Dupas said security forces on an observation mission fired two shots after being “directly threatened by a group of armed individuals”. The first “hit a man, aged 30, positioned as a lone gunman, in the right side of the abdomen”, Dupas said. “The second shot hit a man, aged 29, in the chest.” Police were looking for around a dozen people suspected of involvement in attacks on security forces.…

LISBON: Deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal have pushed emergency services to the limit and much-needed reinforcements arrived on Wednesday from Spain and Morocco, the civil protection authority said. At least seven people have died due to the blazes in the Aveiro and Viseu districts, with dozens of houses destroyed and tens of thousands of hectares of forest and scrubland consumed. Authorities have mobilised more than 5 000 firefighters. Morocco was sending heavy water-bombing aircraft, authorities said. Spain, Italy and France have already sent two water-bombing aircraft | Reuters…

ACCRA: Ghana’s economy grew by 6.9% in quarter two this year, the fastest growth in five years. The country’s industrial sector demonstrated 9.3% growth year-on-year, driven by the expansion in mining and quarrying, while the gold sector expanded for the third consecutive quarter, growing 23.6% year-on-year in the quarter. The services sector grew by 5.8% and agriculture by 5.4%. However, the second-world’s leader in cocoa production has suffered a consecutive decline for the fourth quarter in this sector and showed a contraction of 26.2% year-on-year due to disease and bad weather, the agency pointed out. Economic recovery is helping the nation restructure its debt. It has invited holders of $13 billion (R227bn) of its international bonds to swop them for new ones. | Sputnik…

“It sucks!” That was Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder’s frank assessment of the historic defeat to Afghanistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on Wednesday night. The Proteas were pitiful with the bat, apart from Mulder’s maiden ODI half-century, as they were bowled out for just 106 in 33.3 overs, which led to the six-wicket thrashing. While Afghanistan may no longer be counted among the minnows of the world game, having claimed some major scalps in white-ball cricket already this year, the manner of the defeat remained embarrassing for the tourists. Mulder, who scored 52 off 84 balls, felt the shame of losing to a team that had never previously beaten the South Africans. “They’ve got very high skills and they put us under pressure, and they’ve put so many teams…

THE National Treasury would not interfere with the work of independent financial regulators in the suspension of the banking licence of KwaZulu- Natal-based Ithala Bank. Instead, Ithala Bank should comply with all directives and regulations that applied to all regulated banks, said Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo when responding to questions in the National Assembly this week. The bank had its licence suspended by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority after it failed to meet financial soundness requirements. The MK Party’s Des van Rooyen enquired about the role the National Treasury was playing to resolve Ithala Bank’s problems. In his response, Masondo said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and the National Treasury’s role as far as regulation of banks was concerned was limited to the formulation of financial regulatory policies. “As Ithala…

Despite being notified twice that default judgment was looming against it in a case where the Road Accident Fund simply did not defend the matter earlier, the RAF suddenly turned to court to rescind the judgment that it is liable to pay compensation to a road accident victim. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, had stern words for the conduct of the fund, with Judge Annali Basson commenting: “The thinking of the RAF on finality of its claims through judicial pronouncements is very worrisome. It simply wants to have the last word, even after a court order.” The fund, among others, blamed a bona fide oversight on the part of its employees and being short-staffed for them “not knowing” that the matter was in court and that judgment was obtained in…

THE MK Party (MKP) was the lone voice in opposing Parliament’s approval of a recommendation allowing President Cyril Ramaphosa to adjust the remuneration of the commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). However, they gained support from the EFF in their objection to the proposed pay increase for Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, whom they accused of clearing Ramaphosa during her investigation into the Phala Phala scandal. This happened when the National Assembly considered reports from portfolio committees for the salary adjustment of independent institutions supporting democracy and members of the judiciary. Speaking during the declarations by parties, MKP chief whip Mzwanele Manyi said the IEC was no longer the same as it dismissed legitimate complaints of vote rigging and characterised them as immaterial. The MKP took the IEC…

THE investigating officer assigned to probe a foiled cash-in-transit (CIT) heist, in which eight suspects were killed in a shoot-out with police, has detailed how a tip-off from their Gauteng counterparts led them to a house in Khayelitsha. Five suspects were arrested and police seized seven AK47 rifles, two R5 rifles, four other firearms, three improvised explosive chargers and numerous magazines filled with rounds of ammunition after the shoot-out last month. Among the arrested suspects was Avuyile Mjongwana, who this week was denied bail by the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court. In his affidavit opposing Mjongwana’s bail application, investigating officer Simon Zaliseka Hlatshaneni detailed how they pounced on the suspects allegedly planning a CIT heist on August 5. “The DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) has been investigating a spate of CIT…

Atmosfire Jan Braai Loot.co.za (R425) Penguin AN ALL-encompassing guide to everything Jan Braai knows about braaing. It is a celebration of this wonderful South African tradition, in which 15 to 20 million South Africans take part each year on National Braai Day, September 24. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this cultural event, Jan Braai has put together more than 200 recipes that can be cooked over and enjoyed alongside a wood fire. Divided into 20 chapters, the book includes recipes for traditional favourites such as classic potjies, steaks, burgers and ribs to less conventional dishes prepared on the braai, including pasta, pizza, salads and desserts. Every dish is delectable and the accompanying photography will have your mouth watering and your family and friends clamouring for a get-together around the…

OUR love for cooking and baking often begins with what we observe, whether it is stolen glances from cooking shows or learning from the matriarchs who hold family traditions together. Somewhere in the kitchen drawer, tucked between old magazines, lies a stained piece of paper with a time-worn recipe, the ink faded but its value immeasurable – it holds a reminder of our shared past. Cookbooks are more than just a collection of recipes; they are cultural diaries. This week, I flipped through the pages of two cookbooks that offer more than just great meals. From hearty boere trooskos and learning how to make umqombothi to the intricate balance of spices in our favourite dishes, the cookbooks hold stories that connect us all. Take Modern Cape Malay Cooking, by Cariema…

It was a day to forget for South African cricket on Wednesday. The Proteas Women went down by 13 runs to Pakistan in their second T20 International in Multan, while their male counterparts produced a horror show with the bat to record their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in their first ODI in Sharjah. To add insult to injury, the South Africa A men’s team – essentially the next-best players – lost by five wickets to Sri Lanka in Benoni in a four-day match to surrender the series 2-0. The Proteas Men outfit are missing a number of stars who are being rested – such as Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Quinton de Kock, to name just a few – and will hope to bounce back in the second…

The success of far-right parties in elections in key European countries is prompting even centrist and left-wing governments to tighten policies on migration, creating cracks in unity and sparking concern among activists. With the German far right coming out on top in two state elections earlier this month, the socialist-led national Berlin government has reimposed border controls on Western frontiers that are supposed to see freedom of movement in the EU’s Schengen zone. The Netherlands government, which includes the party of Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, announced on Wednesday that it had requested from Brussels an opt-out from EU rules on asylum, with Prime Minister Dick Schoof declaring that there was an asylum “crisis”. Meanwhile, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the left-wing Labour Party paid a visit to…

Five months after its launch, Zimbabwe’s new currency is under pressure as increased grain imports eat away at foreign reserves, putting at risk the government’s plan to make it the only currency in the market by 2026. The gold-backed ZiG, which stands for Zimbabwe Gold, is the country’s sixth attempt at a stable currency in 15 years. It was introduced in April at a rate of 13.6 ZiG per US dollar and has since lost almost 80% of its value on the black market. Independent economist Prosper Chitambara said the devaluation pointed to a lack of confidence in the new currency, that locals have been reluctant to embrace. Maynard Maketo, a street hawker selling candy and recharge cards, said: “The ZiG has been getting weaker so it does not make…

WARSAW: Polish soldiers were deployed in south-western Poland this week as towns devastated by flooding began to pick up the pieces. Video shared by the Defence Ministry showed soldiers from Poland’s Territorial Defence Force assisting locals in the hard-hit towns of Stronie Slaskie and Klodzko. As the waters recede, locals face the prospect of rebuilding and cleaning up after a wave swept through the town over the weekend. While water was receding in some areas, others, including Wroclaw, a Polish city of some 600 000 people, were shoring up defences for floodwaters heading their way. | Reuters…

DODOMA: Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has sharply criticised several Western nations, including the US, for their comments on the country’s handling of internal affairs. “We’re not here to be told how to run our country,” she said, addressing recent criticism regarding the government’s handling of murder and kidnapping cases. Hassan referred to statements by the EU diplomatic mission and several Western embassies, including the US, UK, Canadian, Norwegian and Swiss embassies, expressing concern about violence and disappearances of activists in Tanzania. Hassan countered by pointing to the US’s own issues with gun violence. She said that such incidents happened in every country. | Sputnik…

ENERGY and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa yesterday made a commitment that the poor and South African population will be cushioned as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) considers a 36% electricity tariff hike for Eskom. Speaking during an urgent debate on Nersa’s decision to grant Eskom’s application to retrospectively recover R8 billion for the 2021-22 financial year, Ramokgopa said he was confident that they would arrive at a dispensation to cushion the poor and the rest of the population. “These increases are untenable, unaffordable and the country can't afford this situation. We will do everything possible to address this. I am confident and this is the assurance I give to South Africans,” he said. The rising cost of energy, the impact of inflation and the cost of…

THE seven-year wait for justice finally came to end yesterday for the families of the women serial killer Johan Williams had raped before taking their lives. Relief echoed through the corridors of the Western Cape High Court when Williams was handed eight life sentences which will run concurrently. This was met with joy from the families of Natalie Jonkers, Maria Isaacs and Chantell Matthyssen who all have longed for closure. Judge Rosheni Allies described the 52-year-old father of nine children from different women as one who had a flagrant disregard for the law, authority of the courts and who had used his victims as objects. At conviction earlier this year, Judge Allie said Williams’s section 220 admissions and the fact that he had pointed out the burial sites of his…

Start with why Simon Sinek Loot.co.za (R231) Penguin I’ll be upfront: I’m still figuring it out my why – that elusive, central purpose we’re all supposedly striving to uncover. In a world that places so much value on clarity, direction, and unwavering passion, the reality is that not everyone wakes up every day feeling like they’re laser-focused on their true calling. I’ve often wondered if my “why” has become blurred by the pressures of life or worse, if I’ve lost it entirely. That’s where Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why comes in, and if I’m being brutally honest, it’s been a bit of a challenge for me. Sinek's core message is resonant with strength: Only when you understand your why can you gain enduring success and genuine fulfilment. That seems…

Mexico In Mzansi Aiden Pienaar Loot.co.za (R281) Penguin In Mexico in Mzansi, chef Aiden Pienaar brings local flair to some traditional Mexican favourites. Like the ubiquitous taco, this cookbook is filled with a surprising array of flavours and influences to excite even the most experienced chefs and exhausted home cooks. By thinking a little outside the box, and using South African ingredients and cooking techniques – boerie tacos and braaied corn, anyone? – Chef Aiden gives Mexican cuisine a Mzansi-style facelift. From classics such as mole, refried beans and nachos, to innovations including Mexican chakalaka, chilli con carne vetkoek and sosatie tacos, these are recipes to inspire and delight. All are easy to follow and require minimal prep. In addition, Chef Aiden will teach you to make your own tortillas…

I want to thank the editors of Independent and IOL for offering me the platform to share this crucial message. As Chairman of Independent Media and IOL, I believe this editorial comes at a critical time, with media freedom and South Africa’s democracy under serious threat. Media serves as the cornerstone of any democracy. It holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices. Without it, we risk allowing unchecked corruption and mismanagement to shape our future. South Africa has the potential to be a global success story, but only if we safeguard media freedom and create an environment that supports transparency and accountability. The Survé Family and Sekunjalo have invested approximately R1.4 billion in South African media businesses, spanning newspapers, radio, online platforms, magazines, and digital marketing. These investments have provided…

West African bloc Ecowas on Wednesday strongly condemned jihadist attacks which a day earlier hit the Malian capital where locals voiced concern and questions remained about the rare and deadly strike. An al-Qaeda-linked group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the attack in Bamako against highly sensitive targets, including a military police training centre and the military airport. The operation was the first of its kind in years and was a forceful blow to the ruling junta, experts say. The Malian capital is normally spared the sort of attacks that occur almost daily in some parts of the country. Rokia Sanogo came as usual on Wednesday to sell bananas at a junction near the police training centre targeted in the attack. “We just don’t have a choice, we have to go…

Sydney: Australian police said yesterday that they had busted a drug trafficking ring dubbed “The Commission” that brought more than a tonne of cocaine into the country in just a few months. Six men aged between 25 and 34 were arrested in raids that turned up more than 30kg of cocaine, including 20kg stuffed in a bag and tossed over a fence. Police alleged this was a mere fraction of the total supply, alleging the group had shifted 1.2 tons of cocaine between February and July this year. Police claimed the street value of the drugs was about $1 billion (about R17bn). Detective Peter Faux said the group had “played the role of government, bank and economy to Sydney’s criminal underworld”. | AFP…

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested that the Federal Reserve was playing politics this week, after the US central bank announced a long-awaited interest rate cut of half a percentage point. “I guess it shows the economy is very bad to cut it by that much, assuming they’re not just playing politics,” Trump said in televised comments from a bitcoin bar in New York. “The economy would be very bad or they’re playing politics, one or the other. But it was a big cut.” | AFP…

Springbok loosehead prop Ox Nche knows that if is he going to enjoy celebratory chocolate cake tomorrow night in Santiago del Estero (11pm kick-off, SA time), he is going to have to go “blow for blow” with some of the best scrummagers in the Rugby Championship. The Boks are in the northern Argentinian city on a mission to land their first Championship title since 2019. Coach Rassie Erasmus has revamped his team for the match, and Nche forms a front row with Malcolm Marx and tighthead prop Thomas du Toit. “We’ve mentioned during the week in our team meetings that if you come to Argentina, it’s pretty similar to South Africa in terms of crowd noise,” Nche said. “The only difference is probably the language. Otherwise, it feels like home.”…