Índice para 2023-04-03 em Cape Times

ABSA GROUP is planning a massive BEE transaction to increase black ownership to over 25% and benefit communities and staff, the lender said yesterday. Absa said Friday the details of the new deal had been finalised and would be implemented later this year, subject to shareholder approval. The transaction would strengthen the group’s BEE credentials in South Africa and provide communities and staff with an opportunity to benefit from the value generated by the group. Through the transaction 7% of the group’s shareholding would be allocated to structures to benefit ordinary black South Africans through a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) trust, and employees through a staff trust. The 7% stake equates to about R11.2 billion based on Absa’s recent share prices, making the deal one of the largest…

SET to unleash Africa’s tech giants and be the bridge that connects growing companies to the learnings they need as a prefix for improved innovation, the Sentech Africa Tech Week will be returning to Cape Town from May 2-5. “Sentech Africa Tech Week resonates with our culture of innovative value creation, and commitment to ensuring access to content and connectivity,” says Sentech chief executive, Mlamli Booi. “As we evolve into ‘A global leader in digital infrastructure, enabling connectivity and content delivery’, we want the continent to be part of and benefit from that transformation. We look forward to this gathering of tech minds and showcasing Sentech’s capability, in creating digitally connected communities,” said Booi. This year, Sentech Africa Tech Week attendees will be spoiled with keynote addresses and panel discussions…

Party to fight ‘EFF doomsday coalition’ THE EFF has shrugged off the DA’s swipe at the party, saying it was unfazed by re-elected DA leader John Steenhuisen’s statement that they were “enemy number one”. This came as the DA’s national congress concluded with the re-election of Steenhuisen as party leader yesterday, beating his opponent, former Johannesburg mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse. Speaking at the congress, Steenhuisen said the party would take a shot to “defeat the ANC and keep the EFF out”. “The cold, hard truth is that the ‘doomsday coalition’ between the ANC and EFF has already taken over Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, with the help of its little proxies ... “This is a fact that should send shivers down the spines of every patriot and freedom loving person in this…

Politically a shutdown means bringing the country to a standstill. Julius Malema said the EFF were going to do that. It did not happen. The best way to prove that is what the media showed. For example, nothing was at a standstill in the Western Cape. When Malema left the ANC, the situation was conducive because the party was blundering, and he raised genuine issues. Within a short space of time, he formed a political party that grew using ANC blunders as its stepladder. But in Parliament the EFF always engages in violence and expects no retaliation. When action is taken against it, it cries foul. It is against that background that security was beefed up for its “shutdown”. The EFF, through its leader Malema, said the country would come…

SEOUL: A forest fire raged in central Seoul yesterday, forcing the evacuation of at least 120 homes in the densely populated capital, authorities said. The fire, which started on a mountain in the middle of Seoul at about 11.53am local time, razed forests the size of some 30 soccer fields before it was nearly extinguished as of 5pm local time, according to officials. No casualties were reported. Smoke billowing from forests was seen across the city as firefighters battled to put out the fire with water-bombing aircraft. Multiple helicopters were seen flying over the Han River in an apparent effort to supply water to extinguish the fire, a Reuters witness said. | Reuters…

Two people have died after a hot-air balloon flying near Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan archeological site caught fire. “The passengers jumped from the balloon,” the government of the state of Mexico said, adding that a child suffered burns. It identified the victims as a woman, 39, and a man, 50. It said the minor had suffered second-degree burns to the face as well as a fracture of the right femur. It did not say whether the balloon had any other passengers. A video posted on social media shows the balloon’s gondola on fire. Balloon flights over Teotihuacan offer views of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and its Avenue of the Dead. | AFP…

Burkina Faso has expelled two French journalists working for newspapers Le Monde and Liberation, the two newspapers said yesterday, accusing the authorities of seeking to stifle freedom of speech with an escalating crackdown on foreign media. Liberation said its correspondent Agnès Faivre and Le Monde’s Sophie Douce arrived in Paris early yesterday after they were summoned separately for questioning by the military authorities on Friday and later notified of their expulsion. The two are “journalists of perfect integrity, who worked in Burkina Faso legally, with valid visas and accreditations … We strongly protest against these absolutely unjustified expulsions,” Liberation said in an editorial statement on its website. There was no statement from the authorities in Burkina Faso and it was not immediately possible to reach them for comment. Relations between…

Finns began voting yesterday in legislative elections that could see the country take a dramatic turn to the right, as centre-right and anti-immigration parties vie to unseat Social Democratic Prime Minister Sanna Marin. After the breakthrough by nationalists in neighbouring Sweden and the far right’s victory in Italy last year, Finland could become the latest country to join the nationalist wave in Europe. The vote comes just days before Finland’s formal accession to the Nato defence alliance, made possible after Turkey ratified the country’s membership bid last week. “The polls show that the more right-wing political trend in Finland is gaining strength,” said Juho Rahkonen from the E2 research institute. The latest survey showed the centre-right National Coalition holding a thin lead at 19.8%, with the nationalist eurosceptic Finns…

World champion Max Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez were among drivers to criticise the officiating at a chaotic Formula One Australian Grand Prix yesterday, which finished under a safety car after the race was restarted three times. Verstappen won his second race of the season at Albert Park, ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso third, following a series of incidents that led to only 12 cars finishing. Red Bull’s Verstappen said afterwards the decision to restart the race from the grid a second time, for what should have been a two-lap sprint to the finish, led to multiple collisions that took four cars out of the race. “I think if we would have had a safety car and then just have a normal rolling start, we…

RENERGEN has completed geological surveys showing potentially larger reservoirs than originally anticipated, the owner of South Africa’s first onshore gas production site said in a quarterly update Friday. A due diligence was being completed for Phase 2 funding with US DFC and Standard Bank, finalising credit submissions. On the geological surveys, the group said full 3D modelling and inversions of gas bearing features have been completed, the results of which were being incorporated into an updated 3D geological block model. In addition to magnetic data collected, the gravity gradient data had indicated further areas of interest within the field, specifically a series of low-density areas. “These low-density features, mainly attributable to previously undiscovered faults that are potentially gas bearing, are more numerous than previously thought and of significant extent, which…

from page 1 for October to December 2022, showed that over 200 people were arrested in the province daily. Nqatha urged communities to be resilient, saying the statistics were painting a “gloomy picture” for the province. During that same period contact crimes increased by 13.1%, and property crimes by 3.7%. This while crimes such as rape and attempted sexual offences increased by 9.3% and 42.4% respectively. For the same period, a total of 18 639 people were arrested in the province for various crimes, and this meant on average, more than 6 000 people were arrested in a month. “Statistics are painting a gloomy picture for our province, but let us not despair and be discouraged by this outcome instead let us join hands to wage a war against…

TO AVOID another crippling locust outbreak in coming months, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has boosted safety measures,including appointing locust control officers. The officers, who Didiza said were on standby, have been appointed in efforts to minimise the aftermath of locust outbreaks, after more than 23 million hectares of land in some regions including Western Cape were affected in the 2021/2022 season. Didiza revealed the plan after Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Russell Cebekhulu enquired whether Didiza’s department had taken any urgent steps to deal with the matter, after agricultural industry body Agri SA noted that 2021/2022 locust outbreak the worst in 25 years. The Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape were among the affected areas. Cebekhulu said above-average rainfall, which heightens the risk of…

THE Police Ministry will have to cough up just over R1.9 million in damages to the children and father of a Correctional Services employee who was shot and killed by SAPS in 2009. The two children of Mazizandile Ncate argued that their father was the breadwinner before his death. Ncate’s father said SAPS owed him for funeral expenses. According to the Western Cape High Court judgment, on March 15, 2009 Ncate was earning a salary of R79 287 per annum when he was shot and killed. Ncate’s children each claimed for damages in respect of past and future loss of support, worth R958 350 respectively. Ncate’s father was awarded R12 450 in respect of funeral costs. “The experts (industrial psychologists) agreed that the deceased would have continued earning as such…

THE time has come for the South African government to take a decisive decision and withdraw its membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is the second time that South Africa has found itself in the spotlight regarding inconsistent decisions taken by the ICC that compel the government to arrest leaders who are visiting our shores. The first time the government found itself in this predicament was in 2015 when it was expected to arrest former Sudan president Omar al-Bashir for war crimes. Recently, the ICC issued a warrant of arrest against Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. He is accused of involvement in the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. The Russian president is an invited guest of the South African government to the 15th BRICS Summit to…

Caracas: More than 40 people have been arrested in Venezuela in an anti-corruption sweep of state oil company PDVSA and other related government bodies, the prosecutor’s office said. The crackdown began on March 17. This followed a communique issued by the anti-corruption police. They called for the prosecution of officials who “could be involved in serious acts of corruption and embezzlement”. So far, the country’s powerful oil minister, Tareck El Aissami, has resigned over the graft probe. This, while the anti-corruption drive has targeted officials in PDVSA as well as other public entities. | AFP…

The death toll from a major storm system that has lashed the south-central and eastern US with devastating winds and powerful tornadoes has risen to 22, with dozens of others injured, officials said. A spokesperson for the emergency management agency in Tennessee, one of the states hardest hit since the storms began on Friday, confirmed seven weather-related fatalities. That came on top of 15 deaths reported in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama in the south, Indiana and Illinois in the Midwest, and Delaware in the mid-Atlantic. The storm system was bearing down on the US east coast, with thunderstorms, hail and powerful winds predicted. The storm had sent multiple tornadoes – some of exceptional size and power – sweeping through Arkansas, where they killed at least five people, the state’s governor…

Pope Francis led a Palm Sunday service the day after he was discharged from hospital following a bout of bronchitis, and urged the world to take better care of the poor, the lonely and the infirm. Thousands of people waved palm and olive branches as Francis was driven into St Peter’s Square sitting in the back of a white, open-topped vehicle before descending and starting the service from beneath an ancient Egyptian obelisk. The pope, 86, was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday after complaining of breathing difficulties. However, he recovered quickly following an infusion of antibiotics and returned to his Vatican residence on Saturday. Looking to allay concerns about his health, the Vatican has said he would take part a full array of Easter events this week, the…

Rassie Erasmus says he would “like to have another go somewhere” else before he hangs up his coaching whistle. Erasmus is currently the SA director of rugby, where his main priority is ensuring that the Springboks are successful and defend their World Cup crown in France later this year. With Jacques Nienaber being the Bok coach, Erasmus has many other responsibilities as the director, where he oversees the various programmes such as the women’s game, Sevens, youth teams and referees. He was initially contracted until the end of 2023 along with Nienaber, but his lawyer Frikkie Erasmus told Rapport earlier this year that his deal is now until 2025, “but in terms of the contract, he has the right to end his contract earlier”. In interviews with UK newspapers…

HOUSEHOLD finances in South Africa are expected to deteriorate as pressure from rising interest rates and elevated inflation could shrink personal disposable income, after real consumption expenditure rose modestly in the last three months of 2022. Data from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Friday showed that real final consumption expenditure by households reverted to an increase in the fourth quarter of 2022, following a small decrease in the third quarter. According to the SARB’s Quarterly Bulletin, household consumption expenditure grew by a subdued rate of 0.9% quarter-on-quarter, and 1.9% year-on-year, in the fourth quarter. Consumption was partly lifted by higher tourist arrivals during the festive season and Black Friday sales. Real personal disposable income also grew by a seasonally adjusted 0.8% quarter-on-quarter, following a 0.3% contraction in the…

FIVE years ago, geopolitical relationships were relatively stable, technology evolved at a manageable and predict- able pace, and the economic growth of countries showed steady improvement following the 2008 financial crisis. In 2023, record inflation levels are threatening global recession, simmering conflicts may spill over into full scale war in eastern Europe, and technology has rapidly accelerated – catalysed and precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital technologies are transforming markets and creating novel economic opportunities pervasively across all sectors. According to the World Bank, strengthening digital inclusion is of paramount importance for any nation’s competitiveness and social stability. ChatGPT, launched towards the latter part of 2022, caused a step change in the impact that technology has in its potential to redefine all sectors, including education. It has had the fastest…

THE inquiry into Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office could be in jeopardy after she terminated instructions to her lawyers following the Public Protector South Africa’s (PPSA) decision to stop paying her legal costs this month. The turn of events was a sequel to a letter acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka wrote. In the letter it was confirmed that PPSA was unable to commit any further funding towards Mkhwebane’s legal costs for the inquiry beyond March 1. Gcaleka said the expenditure for legal services for the institution in 2022-23 already exceeded the allocated budget by R12 024 178 as at February. Mkhwebane’s legal costs billed for the legal challenges involved in the inquiry exceeded R6.1m. “The processing of the latest batch of invoices, which still excludes the legal…

DRUG abuse remains the biggest threat to pupils’ safety while schools reported incidents of stabbings and physical assault. This is according to Equal Education’s (EE) latest research report on school safety in the Western Cape, called “iSafety Ngoku: Seeking Sanctuary in Western Cape Schools”. The report details a series of school inspections done in August and September 2019, to assess safety conditions at 40 schools across four school districts in Cape Town. “At the school level, some of the key problems identified include inadequate perimeter security infrastructure; a lack of safety training and support for school officials to enable them to develop and implement safety strategies; and inadequate access to psychosocial support,” the report stated. “Schools reported receiving significant reports on incidents of physical assault resulting in serious injury to…

FROM this month, the Department of Human Settlements is taking over the implementation of the emergency housing programme, which will result in the end of provincial and municipal emergency housing grants. The move was announced by Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, during a media briefing at the weekend, announcing policy changes to accelerate performance in the housing sector. As part of implementing the emergency housing programme from the new financial year, an Emergency Housing Command Centre has been established, with linkages to the South African Weather Service and the National Disaster Centre. The reasons for the decision, Kubayi said, included the “underwhelming and slow” response when disaster struck, which could result in disaster victims finding themselves without homes for two to three years. “The increase in the frequency of these…

MILNERTON residents who have been living with an unbearable stench emitting from the lagoon have applauded the City Council for approving R5 billion towards the upgrade of Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) plant. A report by two contracts linked to the recommended budget was shared for final support in Council last week, before awards to the successful bidders. This is after Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the mayco committee also gave a greenlight to the project. Hazardous, high levels of pollution in the lagoon have been a continuous issue, with the City resorting to closing the area for public and recreational use. At the heart of the problem is the Potsdam WWTW apparently not having sufficient capacity, resulting in an overflow of effluent and sewage spills into stormwater drains that…

‘Bottom up’ financial plan equates to Mickey Mouse economics THE history of economic policy in South Africa over the past two centuries shifted from white colonial robber baron laissez faire imperialism to neo-liberal economic orthodoxy with minimal state intervention – both of which marginalised and brutally dehumanised the majority black population. This was true during British colonial rule and the nefarious apartheid capture of the South African state based on a curious mix of race-based supremacist policies and a neo-Keynesian dispensation whose very ethos was to promote and preserve white privilege and control over political and economic governance. Almost 30 years into the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, President Cyril Ramaphosa is now championing a new “bottom-up” economic vision for the country. The ethos seems to be unsustainable welfare spending to stimulate…

A second Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps member who served as a military adviser in Syria has died following an Israeli air strike near Damascus. “Meqdad Mehghani Jafarabadi was wounded in a criminal attack of the Zionist regime on Friday and martyred due to the severity of his injuries,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement published yesterday. “The Zionist regime will pay for this.” Israel has for years carried out attacks against Iran-linked targets in Syria, where Tehran’s influence has grown since it began supporting President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war. The air strike also killed another Revolutionary Guards officer and military adviser, Milad Haydari. | Reuters…

Can posing for Playboy be a feminist statement? A French government minister thinks so and has defended her decision to appear – clothed – on the front cover of the magazine. Marlene Schiappa, 40, a feminist author who was plucked from obscurity by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017, is no stranger to controversy. But even the prime minister and critics feel the minister for the social economy has made a mistake: posing for Playboy to accompany a 12-page interview on women’s and gay rights, and abortion. The decision has irritated some colleagues in the government battling strikes and increasingly violent demonstrations against plans to raise the retirement age. Some thought it was an April Fool’s joke. | AFP…

Britain’s interior minister Suella Braverman said yesterday that the UK government was “in negotiations” after three British men were detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Media reports have identified the men as charity medic Kevin Cornwell, 53, the unnamed manager of a hotel for aid workers and YouTube star Miles Routledge. “The government is in negotiations and working hard to ensure people’s safety is upheld,” Braverman told Sky News. The non-profit group the Presidium Network said on Twitter that it had been “working closely with two of the families”. “We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting families,” the UK’s foreign ministry added in a statement. Scott Richards of the Presidium Network told Sky News: “We believe they are in…

The patch of irregular vertical lines that revolutionised checking out at the supermarket and facilitated the globalisation of retail is turning 50. But as the barcode celebrates its birthday today, its days might be numbered as it faces competition from the younger QR code, the information- filled squares used in smartphones. The trademark beep as a product is scanned is heard about 6 billion times per day across the world as around 70 000 items are sold each second. The technology revolutionised retail by speeding up checkout and giving retailers the ability to trace products and better manage inventory. The barcode not only identifies a product, but “gives professionals in stores access to other functionalities”. Barcodes were initially patented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the US…

South Africa 370/8 Markram 175, Miller 91; F Klaasen 2/43, Van Meekeren 2/79 The Netherlands 224 all out Ahmed 61, O’Dowd 47; Magala 5/43, Markram 2/40 South Africa win third ODI by 146 runs to win three-match series 2-0 This has been Aiden Markram and Sisanda Magala’s summer. Markram’s 50th one-day international for South Africa in the final match of an unforgettable season was simply an extension of the time of his life he has been having these past couple of months. After leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural SA20 title, to rubber-stamping his return to the Test squad with a century, and then being elevated to the national T20 captaincy, Markram added the one last missing element to his golden season. He had never struck an…