Table of contents for 2024-01-11 in Cape Times

HOSKEN Consolidated Investments (HCI) said yesterday that its associate investment Impact Oil and Gas had entered into a farmout agreement with TotalEnergies in two Namibian offshore oil and gas exploration blocks, which are being brought into production. HCI is a 49% shareholder in UK-based oil and gas prospecting private company, Impact Oil and Gas. Impact is a 20% and 18.89% participant in Blocks 2913B and 2912, offshore Namibia, respectively. “This is a pivotal transaction for Impact that paves the way for its transition from an exploration company to a hydrocarbon producing company, through its participation in the development of the world-class Venus discovery,” Impact CEO Siraj Ahmed said in a statement on its website yesterday. The agreement provides Impact with a carry loan for all of Impact’s remaining development, appraisal…

WHILE a shotgun marriage is easy to achieve, a shotgun divorce, especially where there are financial disputes, is not that easy to obtain, a man who is suffering from stage four liver cancer found out . He approached the court on an urgent basis for a quick divorce as he wanted the “stress and shame” of being married to his wife out of his way as soon as possible. The man approached the Western Cape High Court via an urgent application and said if he did not obtain a decree of divorce imminently, he would continue to be under undue strain in his day-to-day life. He wanted to move on with his life and have closure with the respondent, his wife. According to him the stress and shame of being…

More than 150 000 South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries did not receive their grants this month due to submitting erroneous banking information. National Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said following numerous calls from beneficiaries, it was discovered that many recipients were affected. Letsatsi confirmed that the number of affected beneficiaries was at just above 150 000. He said this was due to incorrect banking details provided when beneficiaries applied for grants or changed their methods of payment. This included the spelling of names or a change of surname following a marriage. “Sassa urges recipients to provide correct banking details when they apply for their social grants for the first time or when they amend their details,” he said, adding that incorrect banking details may delay payments. Letsatsi said bank…

More than 900 organisations, including several countries and prominent individuals, are backing South Africa’s monumental genocide case against Israel. Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Clayson Monyela, has confirmed that the country’s legal proceeding at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), scheduled for today in The Hague, has garnered global attention. “Add #Venezuela, #Maldives & over 900 global movements, unions, political parties & organisations to the list. Senior leaders & politicians in Spain, Israel, Belgium etc have also publicly declared their support for South Africa's case at the ICJ against Israel. “Over 900 movements, unions, political parties and other organisations calling on states to support South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel,” Monyela tweeted. The ICJ will today and tomorrow host public hearings at its Peace…

SOUTH Africa’s draft Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) 2023 makes the case for a fossil-heavy electricity generation system on the basis of undisclosed and unsupported assumptions that are not replicable, according to wildlife conservation organisation WWF. WWF claimed the IRP also did not take into account the “uncompetitive future” to which the plan would bind the South African economy. “This is not only a step back for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in terms of consultation and clarity of work, it is a high-risk pitch for special interests at the cost of the citizens’ futures. We can and must do better,” said James Reeler, senior manager for Climate Action with WWF South Africa. The draft IRP was released by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy last week.…

THAT the ANC, on its 112 anniversary, is more preoccupied with party internal squabbles than how it plans to fix the mounting challenges – some of them historical – confronting the country should be enough reason for South Africans to look elsewhere insofar as who governs the country after this year’s elections. The divisions playing out in public suggest that the party which once carried the hopes and aspirations of the majority of this country, as demonstrated in the first democratic elections in 1994, no longer has a good story to tell. Nor does it have a clue about how to fix the challenges that South Africans long to have resolved. Perhaps it’s asking too much or being naive to think that the same people who have created the problems…

Ecuador’s president gave orders this week to “neutralise” criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio, as bandits threatened random executions on a second day of terror in the country. Gangs declared war on the government when President Daniel Noboa announced a state of emergency following the prison escape on Sunday of one of Ecuador’s most powerful narco bosses. Noboa ordered military operations to “neutralise” criminal gangs, as the country exploded into what he called an “internal armed conflict.” Long a peaceful haven sandwiched between top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years as rival gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. In the port city of Guayaquil, men wearing balaclavas and waving weapons stormed a…

BRITISH Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a law to quash the convictions and speed up compensation to 980 UK Post Office workers wrongfully convicted of theft and false accounting as he seeks to draw a line under a long-running scandal that’s risen to the top of the political agenda. The government will introduce primary legislation that would overturn the convictions of so-called sub-postmasters who were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015, Sunak said yesterday. Sunak has been under pressure to respond since an ITV drama, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which aired last week drew broader attention to the plight of those wrongly accused. Politicians have faced criticism for the injustice. The scandal was triggered by faults in a computer system that was used by UK post offices and inaccurately…

London: Misinformation and disinformation driven by artificial intelligence ahead of elections in major economies are the biggest global risks this year and next, the World Economic Forum warned yesterday. The organisation’s Global Risks Report 2024, released ahead of its annual meeting of political and business elites in Davos next week, also warns of the threats posed by climate change, the cost-of-living crisis and war. The report noted that close to 3 billion people were expected to vote in national elections over the next 24 months, including in major economies India, Indonesia, Mexico, the UK and US. | AFP…

Kathmandu: Nepal police said yesterday they had arrested a spiritual leader whose followers believe him to be a reincarnation of Buddha over allegations of disappearances and rape at his ashrams. Ram Bahadur Bomjan, 33, known as “Buddha Boy” among devotees, became famous as a teenager after followers said he could meditate motionless for months without water, food or sleep. The guru has a devout following but has long been accused of physically and sexually assaulting his followers, and had been hiding from authorities for several years. “He was arrested after absconding for several years,” police said. | AFP…

from page 1 further legal actions to defend its rights and reputation against any baseless allegations,” said Ally. Outa’s CEO Wayne Duvenage said they took exception to the minister’s claims that they were engaging with disgruntled service providers. “We are not taking any service providers’ side in this matter, and we do our investigation without fear or favour. Outa gets its information from whistleblowers who want to help expose corruption in the Department of Higher Education. We also have no benefit in disrupting the start of the new academic year.” Meanwhile, former NSFAS CEO Andile Nongogo has lost his bid at the Johannesburg Labour Court where he was challenging the board’s decision to terminate his contract without a disciplinary process. He was fired after the Werksmans Attorneys investigation of allegations…

More than three years after a fire halted the operation of the largest conveyor belt at the Richards Bay Bulk Terminal, it is back to working order and will help alleviate truck congestion to the northern KwaZulu-Natal port. Last year, it was reported that the significant truck traffic to the port had led to Transnet Port Terminals suspending the processing of trucks carrying coal. The conveyor belt has been out of operation since a major fire damaged three conveyor belts in 2021. Managing executive at the Richards Bay Terminals, Thulasizwe Dlamini, said that 400 coal trucks will be off the road due to the conveyor belt returning to operation. “The 2.2km conveyor belt has an output of more than three million tons per year. The conveyor belt is able to…

No arrests despite internal investigations finding against some Correctional Services members SANDF and Correctional Services officials have been implicated in the theft of missing of firearms including assault rifles, and ammunition, which has alarmed anti-crime activists. More than 40 guns went missing from the SANDF, while 18 handguns and 295 rounds of ammunition were either stolen or lost from prisons across the country in the last four years. At least 20 Correctional Services officials and at least 22 SANDF members have been implicated in the incidents. This emerged from two parliamentary responses following questions by the FF Plus. The party’s leader, Dr Pieter Groenewald, had asked ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Police as well as Justice and Correctional Services about, among other things, state firearms that had been…

Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, together with international partners have presented their annual pick of the top 10 plants and fungi described as new to science in 2023. From threatened plants that owe their survival to a protected species of bird, to bizarre palms that fruit and flower almost exclusively underground, the list published by RBG Kew is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, but also a stark warning that biodiversity loss and climate change are threatening to disrupt that beauty as well as the many vital roles they play in supporting ecosystems. Approximately 74 plants and 15 fungi were named by RBG Kew scientists and partners in 2023, with species coming in from virtually every corner of the globe. These include the…

Severe organisational challenges and poor working conditions pose a constant roadblock for traffic police in their work, compromising the safety of South Africa’s roads. Traffic departments have disorganised operational structures, preventing traffic officials from having a strategic, co-ordinated approach to policing our roads, and limiting their efficiency and impact. Additionally, they face unacceptable working conditions and con- ditions of service as they serve on the front lines to protect our communities and save lives. In response, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has proposed recommendations for the government to implement with urgency, beginning with nationalising the various traffic police and standardising their benefits and conditions of service. Popcru has identified the following issues and possible solutions to improve traffic officers’ efficiency and provide them with the support they…

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels yesterday said they had fired drones and missiles at an American ship, after US and UK forces reported foiling a large attack in the Red Sea. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree said a “large number” of missiles and drones targeted a US ship that was “providing support” to Israel during its war against Hamas. US and UK forces shot down more than 20 drones and missiles over the Red Sea launched by Yemen’s Houthis, in what London branded yesterday the “largest attack” yet by the Iran-backed rebels. The Western allies’ warships and planes took out 18 drones and three missiles in their latest Red Sea military intervention on Tuesday, the US military said. HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, intervened with “her guns and Sea Viper missiles” after…

TOP US diplomat Antony Blinken told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas yesterday that Washington supported “tangible steps” towards the creation of a Palestinian state. Blinken reiterated Washington’s position that a Palestinian state must stand alongside Israel, “with both living in peace and security”, the State Department said. Palestinian statehood was anticipated following the Oslo Accords of the 1990s but talks have stalled. The Israeli government has shown no interest in reviving negotiations and the Palestinian leadership remains split between the Palestinian Authority, headed by Abbas, and Hamas, which rules Gaza. Abbas described the Gaza Strip as “an integral part of the Palestinian state”. Discussions have been under way over post-war governance of Gaza, though Israel has warned the fighting is likely to continue for months. The Palestinian president also raised “efforts…

Berlin: Nationwide strikes brought German transport to a near standstill yesterday, with railway workers on a three-day stoppage and farmers on tractors blocking autobahns in a bitter protest over subsidy cuts. The ill-tempered sector disputes mark the start of what is expected to be a challenging year for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-way government as it struggles with a weak economy and sinking popularity. The GDL train drivers union called the strike on cargo as well as passenger routes after talks with public rail operator Deutsche Bahn hit an impasse. Deutsche Bahn warned of “massive” disruptions to service until tomorrow evening. The German farmers also threatened further protests. | AFP…

Gaborone: Botswana and global diamond giant De Beers have approved a $1 billion (about R18bn) investment to dig under the world’s richest diamond mine by volume, their joint venture said yesterday. The Debswana Diamond Company’s board said it has given the go ahead to works that are to extend the life of the Jwaneng mine, turning it from an open-pit site to an underground operation. The mine accounts for about 70% of profits for Debswana – a 50-50 joint venture between the government and De Beers, which auctions most of the gemstones. The move, amid a global drop in demand for the precious gems, will extend its life span by 20 years. | AFP…

Looking to spice up your gastronomic life? Well, look no further than chutneys. Besides being easy to prepare, these healthy accompaniments perk up the simplest of meals. Chutney is versatile and goes with loads of meals. It is used to provide balance to an array of other dishes or to highlight a specific flavour profile. Part of the condiment family, chutneys originated in South Asian cuisine but grew in popularity across the globe. Made from a blend of fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables that are either cooked down or blitzed together in their raw form. The ingredients are seasoned with spices that uplift every element for a sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to savoury dishes. The roots of chutney date back as far as 500 BC in India. Bottling…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that he is not bothered by the ActionSA probe into the settlement the ANC made with KZN-based printing company Ezulweni Investments. Last year, the governing party announced that it had finally agreed to terms with the owner of the company, Renash Ramdas, over the ANC’s unpaid 2019 election campaign bill amounting to more than R102 million. ActionSA wants the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to investigate how the ANC would pay the R102m settlement to Ezulweni Investments, using the Political Party Funding Act in its probe. This week, ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont revealed that the party had written to the IEC chief executive for party funding seeking an investigation into the ANC’s recent out-of-court settlement with the company following a 4-year legal battle…

A South African African Defence Force (SANDF) member, accused of killing his wife in their Pinetown home this month, has appeared in court. Lwanda Mxolisi Zungu made his first appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court this week. He is due back in court next week. On January 3, it was reported that Tania Msane Zungu was shot dead in her home in Padfield Park in Pinetown. ALS Paramedics’ Garrith Jamieson said paramedics arrived on the scene to find SA Police Service and private security companies already parked outside the home. “Paramedics were shown inside the house, where a female was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” Jamieson said. He said she died at the scene. The couple’s children, aged 15 and 13, and Tania’s mother were in the house…

2-3 large aubergines, cut lengthways into thin slices, 5-8mm thick Olive oil Salt and pepper 1 cup ricotta cheese ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated 15ml lemon zest, finely grated About 8-12 thin slices of prosciutto A small bunch of baby spinach leaves About 12 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced 60g butter, for frying 15-30ml capers A handful of Italian parsley, roughly chopped, for serving Prepare the aubergines: Preheat the oven to 220ºC. On a large oiled tray, arrange the sliced aubergines, drizzle with more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes or until soft but not too dark. Remove and set aside to cool. Prepare the stuffing: In a small mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper…

THE National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) turned to the Labour Court in Johannesburg after hundreds of workers at Dis-Chem were fired after a violent strike in 2019. About 800 workers lost their jobs at the time after they were found guilty of misconduct. This case concerned the fairness of the dismissal of 285 of those employees, all Nupsaw members. Between November 2018 and April 2019, approximately 2 500 Dis-Chem workers went on strike, which was marred by widespread violence. The union asked the Labour Court to review and set aside the arbitration award issued by a commissioner which earlier found the dismissals to be fair. It asked the court to remit the matter back to the CCMA for a re-hearing before a different arbitrator. Nupsaw took…

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says despite the blow of budget cuts it will expand the number of places available for learners at schools in the province. Teachers are set to return for the 2024 academic year on Monday and thousands of learners will follow on Wednesday. Every year there are scenes of protest action and parents scrambling to enrol their children on the first day of school. A total of 120 778 places had been allocated to learners for Grades 1 and 8 by December while 688 children still needed to be placed. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said while the department has managed to place 99.4% of learners, it was not yet clear how many late applications they would receive and where they will be required. “The WCED…

The Global South gains momentum as the world moves faster towards multipolarity From December 27 to 28 last year, the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs was held in China. It was pointed out at the conference that given the series of major issues and challenges facing the world today, China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. What is an equal and orderly multipolar world? Multipolarity is a fundamental trend in today’s world. Changes unseen in a century are accelerating, the dynamics of international forces are being profoundly adjusted, the Global South is gaining momentum, and the world is moving faster towards multipolarity. The accession of the AU to the Group of 20 (G20) is a vivid example…

The fifth and final batch of court documents from a lawsuit connected to the late disgraced American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released, a week after thousands of pages of files were made public which contained the names of former US President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, and the late theoretical physicist Steven Hawking, among other noted celebrities. This week’s batch of 1 400 pages of records contained depositions with Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year jail term for crimes she committed with the disgraced financier, the BBC reported The files also revealed that during these depositions, Epstein refused to answer lawyers’ questions over 500 times, including about the alleged blackmail of famous men. The documents are part of a 2015…

WASHINGTON: Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis were limbering yesterday for the final debate before voting begins in the Republican presidential primary, as they seek to pitch themselves as the best alternative to front-runner Donald Trump. The showdown comes five days before the pivotal first nominating contest in Iowa, considered crucial for winnowing the field and giving those left standing a springboard. Trump has a commanding lead despite the multiple legal challenges he faces, but has skipped the televised debates. Haley hit out at Trump ahead of the event at Drake University in Des Moines: “With only three candidates qualifying, it’s time for Donald Trump to show up,” she said. According to polls, Trump leads in Iowa with 52.3%, with Haley at 16.3% and DeSantis at 16%. | AFP…

Tokyo: Three-metre tsunami waves were recorded at, but did not damage, an offline nuclear plant in Japan after the January 1 earthquake, its operator said yesterday. The 7.5-magnitude jolt on New Year’s Day and its powerful aftershocks killed at least 203 people in the Ishikawa region, flattening houses, wrecking infrastructure and leaving thousands without power. A tsunami as high as 1m was registered near the Shika plant on January 1, about 20 minutes after the original quake, followed by 3m ones, Hokuriku Electric Power said. The plant is 11m above sea level. Minor damage was reported at other nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan shoreline after the quake. | AFP…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has issued a caution to his side on the level of quality they should expect in the coming Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. Broos is a previous winner of the competition with Cameroon back in 2017, and will now look to repeat that feat with the South African national team. Much has been made in recent weeks of the advantage of having Mamelodi Sundowns players form a huge chunk of Broos’ squad ahead of the competition commencing on Saturday, and which continues until February 11. The Brazilians have been consistent contenders in the CAF Champions League for over seven years, winning the 2016 edition, and most recently claimed the first edition of the African Football League in September. Various Bafana legends…