Cape Times 2024-01-05

THE KWAZULU-NATAL parents association has warned that some of the changes proposed in the Basic Education Law Amendment (Bela) Bill would be impossible to implement and could be detrimental to pupils’ welfare. The Bill is currently out for public comment, a process expected to be completed in the coming weeks. It has proposed a raft of measures dedicated to ensure the children’s right to education are protected. Changes include that Grade R will be made compulsory and it also amends the penalty provision in the case where the parent of a pupil, or any other person, without just cause, prevents a pupil who is subject to compulsory attendance from attending school. It also provides that the governing body of a public school must submit the admission and language policies of…

As the festive season left many with a dent in their pockets, experts have urged consumers to tighten their belts to avoid the January blues. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, said consumers should prioritise and review their spending in January. “This will help to prevent a situation of 'Januworry' with all its financial challenges. Firstly, set up a budget and look for opportunities for living expenses to be revised. This can include forgotten debit orders for services no longer used or needed.” Roets added that consumers need to review habits that might have gone unnoticed, such as eating out. “Next, tackle debts to avoid extra interest charges and costs. Planning your finances is of utmost importance, now more than ever, with the financial difficulties consumers are facing due…

from page 1 rest after every two hours or 200km of driving because fatigue is also another silent killer,” said Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi. He said the overall statistics would be released by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga later this month once they are done with the consolidation of numbers from the provinces and municipalities. Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said officers continue to have a strong presence on all major routes, with high-visibility patrols and operations targeting dangerous and illegal behaviour. “I must commend our provincial traffic officers, who have worked incredibly over the last few weeks to keep residents and visitors safe in our province. The weekly operational results show that there are serious consequences for those who ignore the rules of the road. Last week alone, provincial traffic…

from page 1 payment. They are the ones that have really lost here.” Newlands head curator Braam Mong has come under fierce criticism for the pitch that was provided for the marquee Test of the summer. Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince claimed he has “never seen a Newlands pitch like this before”, while head coach Shukri Conrad stated it is a “sad state when you need more luck than skill. All the ethics and values of Test cricket goes out the window.” Newlands’ food vendors were less diplomatic, laying the blame squarely at the door of Mong as they suffered heavy financial losses. “We prepare for at least three days of Test cricket. I buy in stock beforehand and I don’t have another outlet that I can send the stock…

Two farmworkers were struck down and killed by lightning while another 50 were injured in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. In a statement the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said provincial Disaster Management teams responded to a tragic incident in Bergville on Wednesday afternoon. “According to our preliminary reports, lightning struck around 2pm on Wednesday while people were still working on the farm. About 50 people were affected by the lightning and received on-site medical attention, while four were transported to the hospital, where they are currently in recovery.” KZN MEC for Cogta, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, conveyed condolences to the grieving families. “It is saddening that these disasters continue to claim lives in our province, despite our efforts to mitigate the risk. Our disaster teams are collaborating with the affected…

The nearly R4 billion economic boost as a result of a jam-packed events calender last year affirms Cape Town as a “world-class host city”. These were the sentiments of Cape Town Tourism chief executive Enver Duminy after the City said 2023 had been a prolific year for events in Cape Town. The City had hosted Africa’s first Netball World Cup, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the first Formula E race in Sub-Saharan Africa, Loeries Creative Week, the return of Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Street Parade and many more - its Events Permit Office gave the green light to over 1 200 events in the calendar year. Over 1.3 million people attended or participated in the top 40 events in 2023. “Through its Events Support Process, the City supported more…