Inhoudsopgave van 2024-10-16 - Cape Times

South African designer Thebe Magugu is venturing into home- ware after having partnered with Anna Weylandt. Originating from Windhoek, Namibia, Weylandt is a Cape Town interior designer who is also fond of floral arranging, ceramics, photography and writing. In this collaboration, the two creatives merge their talents to produce high-end furniture, including a sofa. “It’s very special when you think of the amounts of hands it has taken to create that one very beautiful piece,” said Magugu. “The Makhoni sofa, we now make ourselves. We really invested in all the things you cannot see. You cannot compromise on quality, comfort and design,” added Weylandt. Both designers added their touch to the stitching, attaching more detailing to the sofa. “The final touches are being added and the unveiling is fast approaching.…

THE National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) yesterday blamed incomplete reconciliation data between the entity and tertiary institutions for the delays in submitting its financial statements for auditing by the Auditor-General. Briefing the standing committee on public accounts, NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo said the entity had failed to submit its financial statements for a number of years. “(In) 2021-22, there was a bit of drama that has now been resolved,” Nomvalo said. He also said the audit of the 2022-23 financial statements have been finalised and the A-G has since provided a report at the end of September. “We are now undergoing quality control so that we can submit to the minister for tabling at the end of the month. That is tabled a year later than when it ought…

ROBBERY-accused policeman, Jacobus Groenewald, admitted yesterday he had changed the licence plates of the SAPS vehicle he had driven to a Llandudno home to allegedly carry out a raid. Groenewald said this was because he did not want to become a “target” after the raid. Groenewald had submitted to the court in his bail application proceedings that a group of officers were acting on information about two suspects linked to cybercrimes when they carried out the alleged bust in the luxury neighbourhood last month. Groenewald, 44, appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court alongside three co-accused, Bradley Minnaar, 28, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, 33 and Bathanwa Soldati, 38, who were arrested on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and theft. Groenewald and his co-accused allegedly took items to the value of R28 million…

3 onions, diced 3 carrots, diced 2 tsp rosemary 2 tsp parsley 2 tsp thyme 1 bulb garlic, chopped 500g lentils soaked for 2-3 hours 2 tsp ground paprika 2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp salt 1 vegetable stock cube 1 vegan chicken stock cube 1 cup sugar 1.5l water Combine the diced onions, carrot, parsley, thyme, rosemary and chopped garlic in a large pot. Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot. Add the ground paprika, cayenne pepper and salt to the mixture. Crumble the vegetable and vegan chicken stock cubes into the pot. Pour in 1.5l of water and add the cup of sugar. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed. Cook the mixture on low heat for about 1 hour, allowing…

THE State says it is looking to add money laundering to the list of charges facing three Gauteng men accused of luring men via a dating app before robbing them. Mlungisi Vincent Mbutu, Bongani Zulu and Zwelakhe Ngwenya returned to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court nearly three months after their last appearance, facing kidnapping, extortion, robbery with aggravating circumstances and cybercrime-related charges. They were arrested by the Hawks in Woodstock at a rental home where a hostage was found tied up. This led to more alleged victims coming forward, with three incidents reported in the CBD including Camps Bay, one in Durbanville and one in Brackenfell. According to authorities, the same modus operandi has been used. State prosecutor Luzaan Williams told the court yesterday they were working towards additional charges…

In the fabric of any organisation, stakeholders weave a crucial thread, often steering the direction of projects and policies. However, dynamics can shift dramatically when stakeholder relationships become strained, particularly when confronted with recalcitrant stakeholders. These individuals stand out as persistent resistors of change. A recalcitrant stakeholder is not merely someone with a difference of opinion; they are often entrenched in their opposition, characterised by a profound distrust of leadership, a rigid refusal to adapt, and a tendency to influence others negatively. Their reluctance to engage in constructive dialogue highlights a deeper issue within stakeholder engagement – one that can severely threaten organisational stability and growth. So, why do stakeholders dig in their heels? Many may have endured negative experiences with an organisation, fostering an atmosphere of distrust. Others feel…

Chinese and European automakers went head-to-head at the Paris car show this week, with tensions running high as the EU gears up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and the industry struggles with weak demand. This year’s event – the largest car show in Europe – comes at a pivotal time. Struggling European automakers need to prove they are still in the game, while Chinese rivals are aiming to get a foothold in a competitive market. There was some common ground, though, with executives from both regions warning about the dangers of EU tariffs. “Who pays the bill? Consumers. So this makes people very concerned. It will stop poorer people from buying,” Stella Li, executive vice president of Chinese EV giant BYD said. Stellantis CEO Carlos…

Rwandan authorities were perpetrating serious human rights abuses in detention facilities, including torturing inmates, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday, denouncing a lack of accountability for those responsible. Under President Paul Kagame’s three-decade rule, political dissent and free speech have been crushed, with international campaigners long decrying the shrinking civil rights space in the small east African country. HRW’s report is based on interviews between 2019 and 2024 with almost 30 people, including former inmates, as well as court documents and interviews shared online. It described how “serious human rights abuses, including torture, are pervasive in many of Rwanda’s detention facilities”, saying it believed only one senior prison official, Innocent Kayumba, had been held accountable. HRW said it had contacted the government in September over the report’s findings, but had…

Doha: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani yesterday accused Israel of choosing to expand the conflict in the Middle East to implement “pre-existing plans” for the occupied West Bank and Lebanon. Qatar has played a key role in efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and has called for a truce in Lebanon, where Israel last month intensified operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Sheikh Tamim said yesterday that Israel had “begun to expand its aggression to Lebanon”. The Qatari ruler said Israel was “exploiting the opportunity of the international community’s inaction... to implement dangerous settlement plans in the West Bank”. | AFP…

SHENZHEN: With the flourishing of the fourth technological revolution, intelligent construction has become the theme of change in the construction industry. The 2024 International (Shenzhen) Intelligent Construction Industry Expo will be held on October 20 and 21 at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre (Futian). Themed forums will be held with academics, cross-border experts, entrepreneurs and industry, academia and research to gain insight into industry trends and lead the development of the industry. Organisers will establish green channels for new products to enter the supply chain, and promote innovation in development. | AFP…

Karooooo, the JSE and Nasdaq listed owner of Cartrack and 74.8% of Karooooo Logistics, is raising its subscriber forecast for its 2025 year after lifting year-on-year adjusted earnings a share 31% to R7.35 for the second quarter to August 31. The company, which through its subsidiaries provides insights, real time data analytics and business intelligence predominantly on mobility assets, said yesterday that Cartrack's number of subscribers was now expected to be between 2.3 million and 2.4m, while previously the forecast was between R2.2m and R2.4m. Cartrack's subscription revenue was expected to be between R3.95bn and R4.15bn - previously the forecast was between R3.9bn and R4.15bn. CEO and founder Zak Calisto said in an interview they were already more than 50 000 subscribers higher than the end of August, and he…

In a culinary controversy that has taken social media by storm, a kota sandwich priced at an astonishing R450 has provoked a mix of outrage and curiosity among South African food lovers. Traditionally a beloved street food, the kota – a quarter loaf of bread filled with a variety of ingredients – has never been associated with such an extravagant price tag, leading to passionate discussions surrounding affordability, culinary creativity and consumerism. This eye-popping meal, showcased by the @KasiEconomy account on X, is far from the simple street food many know and love. It is crafted from two loaves of bread and generously filled with an assortment of toppings, including three burgers, served alongside crispy fried chips and Viennas, thus changing the kota into a towering feast rather than a…

KEY ANC leaders from KwaZulu-Natal are expected to feature prominently in the political discussions over who will likely succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa when the party will hold its National General Council (NGC) next year. While the competition for the party’s highest position is expected to be between Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, ANC sources said Senzo Mchunu, Zweli Mkhize, Sihle Zikalala and Mdumiseni Ntuli are being seen as crucial in swinging support for whoever wants to become the next president. The ANC will hold its next elective conference in 2027, but the NGC is expected to be the platform where the prospective leaders of the party will emerge. Mbalula, sources say, has already started the campaign as a potential replacement to Ramaphosa, with his public support of…

Highly recommended SCA judge could occupy Western Cape High Court’s top post THE recommendation of Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana for Judge President of the Western Cape High Court has been widely supported by professional bodies with some saying her possible appointment from outside the troubled division would bring much-needed stability and unity. Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s name was put forward to become the next Western Cape Judge President after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) resolved on Monday night, following 12-hours of interviews with seven judges, to recommend her for the position left vacant by impeached judge John Hlophe. Despite the two objections against her nomination that were dismissed, the interviews heard that all professional bodies support her candidature and spoke highly of her. The General Council of the…

Scientists in Brazil announced the discovery of one of the world's oldest fossils believed to belong to an ancient reptile dating back some 237 million years that could help explain the rise of the dinosaurs. Named Gondwanax paraisensis, the four-legged reptile species was roughly the size of a small dog with a long tail, or about 1 metre long and weighing between 3 and 6kg, the scientists said in a statement this week. The small reptile would have likely roamed the land of what is today southern Brazil, when the world was much hotter. The fossil has been identified as a new silesaurid, an extinct group of reptiles. Paleontologists debate whether silesaurids were true dinosaurs or possibly a precursor to the creatures that once dominated the Earth. "Understanding the characteristics…

North Korea blew up sections of inter-Korean roads and rail lines on its side of the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas yesterday, prompting South Korea’s military to fire warning shots. Tension has been rising on the Korean peninsula, with Pyongyang saying last week that it would cut off the inter-Korean roads and railways entirely and further fortify the areas on its side of the border as part of its push for a “two-state” system scrapping its long-standing goal of unification. At around noon yesterday, some northern parts of road and rail lines connected to the South were destroyed, the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. Seoul’s unification ministry, which handles cross-border affairs, condemned the incident as a clear violation of past inter-Korean agreements, calling it “highly…

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) sees Ivory Coast’s cocoa production reaching 2 million metric tons in the 2024/25 season compared with 1.8 million tons last season, an ICCO expert said. West African neighbours Ivory Coast and Ghana are the world’s top two cocoa producers, but adverse weather conditions and plant diseases hit output in 2023/24. “We believe that Ivory Coast’s production will return to an acceptable level of 2 million tons, even if it will still be below the usual average,” said the expert, referring to the average seasonal production of 2.2 million tons over the three seasons preceding the 2023/24 drop. For Ghana, the ICCO does not expect production to exceed 500 000 tons in 2024/25 due to issues related to artisanal gold-mining and the prevalence of swollen shoot…

Jerusalem: Israel will consider the US’s opinion but will act against an Iranian missile attack based on its own “national interests”, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said yesterday. US President Joe Biden has cautioned Israel against striking Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities to avoid a further regional escalation and amid concerns over global energy prices. Netanyahu’s statement followed a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, that Netanyahu had reassured the White House any counterstrike would be limited to military sites. Iran launched about 200 missiles at Israel on October 1. | AFP…

SEOUL: K-pop star Hanni, a member of the group NewJeans, made an emotional appeal yesterday for young artists to be treated better in the multibillion-dollar industry, as she relayed her experience of workplace bullying during a parliamentary hearing. For years, the K-pop industry has been dogged by complaints of high pressure and bullying, sparking calls for companies to protect their artists better. “I hope trainees don’t suffer these incidents and that’s why I decided to appear,” the 20-year-old Vietnamese Australian singer said during a parliamentary audit. The group has been caught in the middle of a clash between executives of its parent label HYBE and the former CEO of its subsidiary Ador, which manages NewJeans. | Reuters…

Tissue oil has long been known for its numerous benefits for the skin and hair. But what exactly is tissue oil, and why should you consider incorporating it into your daily routine? Let’s uncover its secrets and explore how it can enhance your beauty regimen. Tissue oil is a specialised blend of oils, typically including ingredients like vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and sometimes botanical extracts. These oils are chosen for their moisturising, nourishing and rejuvenating properties, making tissue oil a versatile product for skin care. We turned to Bramley Cosmetics, whose extensive range of Tissue Oils is the number one selling tissue oil in SA, to highlight some of the benefits you can expect. Here are five tissue oil benefits that showcase its versatility: Minimises scars and stretch marks…

Independent Media photojournalist Ayanda Ndamane was once again recognised for telling stories through the lens of his camera, taking home a 2024 Vodacom Journalist Of the Year (VJOY) regional award yesterday. Ndamane was honoured with the photography award for his body of work “Pro-Palestine crowd clash with police” submission, published on the Cape Times front page. The images showed police clashing with pro-Palestinian supporters in November 2023 during a protest against Israeli supporters at the Sea Point Promenade. Ndamane walked away with the top honour in the “news photographs” category at the Standard Bank Sikuvile Award for the same body of work in July. Ndamane said he appreciated the recognition and contribution he could make. “I am overwhelmed with emotions, it is bittersweet because when I look at South African…

A TOTAL OF 66 988 candidates will write English Home Language, First Additional Language, or Second Additional Language papers on the first day of matric exams on Monday. More than 75 600 candidates will write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in the province this year. Of these, 64 375 are full-time candidates, and 11 272 are part-time candidates. There are 270 more full-time candidates writing this year compared to the November matric exams in 2023, Education MEC David Maynier said. As is the case every year, the subject with the most candidates writing is Mathematical Literacy, with 51 932 candidates writing Paper 1 on November 1, and Paper 2 on November 4. In contrast, five subjects have a single candidate writing: Zulu Home Language, Sepedi Home Language, Sepedi First…

The Automobile Association and economists expect the petrol price to increase slightly for the first time in six months in November. The predicted price hike is attributed to a weaker Rand and higher Brent crude oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. Layton Beard, spokesperson for the Automobile Association, said that the five-month trend of fuel decreases was set to end in November according to unaudited mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF). “According to the CEF’s figures, ULP95 is expected to be slightly higher by around 14 cents a litre, while ULP93 is set for an increase of around three cents/litre. Diesel is expected to increase by between 14 cents and 13 cents/litre while illuminating paraffin will increase by around seven cents a litre.” Beard…

As South Africa embarks on a new chapter in its political landscape, the Government of National Unity (GNU) has endured its first 100 days against predictions of imminent collapse. When the GNU was established, many critics and political analysts predicted that the divergent ideologies of the ANC and DA would lead to an implosion within the first few months. Yet here we are – 100 days in, and South Africa still has a functioning government. Internally, however, the tranquillity of the GNU is not universally accepted. Cosatu and the SACP expressed their discontent by boycotting the ANC’s celebratory event marking the 100-day milestone, highlighting fractures within the ANC’s traditional ally group. During the celebrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the gathering, stating that the GNU was focused on building upon the…

As Israel continues its war against Hamas in Gaza, it has repeatedly carried out deadly strikes on medical facilities and refugee camps, leading to a staggering civilian death toll, with reports of thousands of Palestinians being held in custody indefinitely in inhumane conditions. Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents have been using Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as a human shield during their war on Hamas that broke out last October, an investigation by The New York Times has revealed. Captured Gazans have been forced to carry out life-threatening reconnaissance missions to avoid putting Israeli soldiers at risk, the publication cited Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers and former Palestinian detainees as saying. At least 11 squads in five cities in Gaza have reportedly resorted to this illegal practice. The use of…

Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government sought yesterday to defend a proposed tax on credit cards that is designed to fund the defence industry, after cardholders scrambled to avoid the new levy. “Our country has no choice but to increase its deterrent power. There’s war in our region right now,” Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said. The ruling party submitted a bill to parliament stipulating that people with a credit card limit of at least 100 000 liras (about R51 000) will have to pay an annual 750 lira in tax from January next year to bolster the defence industry. | AFP…

KINSHASA: More than 14 000 people have been vaccinated against mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the vaccination campaign launched in early October, the country’s health ministry said. Since the beginning of the campaign, about 14 180 people have been vaccinated in three provinces, the ministry said on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. On October 5, the DRC kicked off its vaccination campaign against mpox in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. The country plans to vaccinate a total of 2.5 million people with 3 500 000 doses of vaccine, said DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba. | Xinhua…

CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE (1) 1 Bassouamina 45+2 SOUTH AFRICA (1) 1 Mokwana 31’ Bafana Bafana missed out on an opportunity to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 finals with two games to spare after drawing with Congo-Brazzaville in Brazzaville last night. The result at Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium meant that Bafana dropped two points. Bafana didn’t pitch up last night, and were nowhere near as good as their performance in the first leg of this back-to-back qualifier, having won 5-0 in Gqeberha last Friday. Coach Hugo Broos will hope that his troops will seal their qualification in their next qualifier away to the table-topping Uganda early next month. Failure to do that, and they’ll have to wait for the very last qualifier against South Sudan at home, also next month, to…