Table of contents for 2023-05-05 in Cape Times

State is trying to shift the blame of South Africa’s escalating cost of food prices to the retailers, says Pick n Pay boss PICK N PAY chairperson Gareth Acker- man has lambasted the government for apparently shifting the blame of escalating cost of food prices to retailers instead of fixing the energy crisis. This comes as food inflation rose to its highest in 14 years in April, driven by rising irrigation costs for farmers and additional expenditure on diesel by retailers amidst rotational power cuts. Load shedding in South Africa has severely disrupted business activity, with retailers having to trade less hours and risk having their stock getting spoiled if they do not have alternative sources of electricity, which come at a great cost. Speaking at the presentation…

CONFIDENCE in South Africa’s manu- facturing industry has dipped to its lowest in 11 months as private sector businesses remain pessimistic due to capacity constraints from load shedding and supply shortages, in spite of an uptick in demand. The S&P Global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) yesterday showed that South Africa’s private sector activity contracted for the second consecutive month in April, falling short of market estimates of a near-stabilisation. The PMI posted at 49.6 points in April, dropping fractionally from 49.7 points in March and below the 50 points neutral mark which separates contraction from expansion for the second month running. This reading affirmed Absa’s PMI released earlier in the week, which remained in the contractionary territory at 49.8 points in April, in spite of the…

WHILE medical costs pile up for former SA Post Office (Sapo) employees and pensioners, the state-owned enterprise has remained tight-lipped over plans on their proposed buy-out options. This comes as Sapo planned to negotiate with pensioners for a once-off payment from the Post Office in lieu of subsidising their pension fund contributions, leaving the pensioners in limbo while the litigation unfolded. Pensioner and former Sapo employee Billy Baatjes, 83, said with no communication from Sapo, they had been left in the dark, while medical claims were rejected. “I now have to make cash payments when collecting my chronic medication every month. I had claims that have been rejected, and we only get this communication from the medical aid once they want to process the claims. “They reinstated the payments a…

RESIDENTS in Hanover Park are calling for the City to suspend DA ward 47 councillor Antonio Van der Rheede who is out on bail on rape and sexual assault charges. This as a disciplinary hearing that took place in February was adjourned within a few hours with no explanation, said residents. Hanover Park community activist, Roberto Stemmet, said they were fed up with the delays in justice being served. “The first disciplinary hearing appearance took place on Monday February 20, 2023, and to our dismay the hearing was abruptly adjourned within two hours of initiation. It's been more than two months now since the adjournment and we are yet to be formally informed why there has been such a long delay. “As a community we feel neglected and brushed aside.…

A DOG owner will have to cough up just under R100 000 for the medical bills of a woman who was bitten by his Siberian husky when she had visited their home in 2014. The Western Cape High Court awarded Micayla Marshall costs for past and future medical bills she had incurred and could still incur as a result of Theo Pillay’s dog attacking her shortly after she arrived at Pillay’s home for a social visit with his son. Marshall was 17 at the time she was bitten on her forearms, and suffered a number of injuries as she tried to protect herself from the dog, which allegedly lunged at her throat. The judgment read: “She testified that on the day in question, she and her sister were invited…

THE City has come under fire from Bonteheuwel residents who say their complaints for several years over the criminal activities taking place at the local tennis courts have fallen on deaf ears, as the situation worsened. The Bonteheuwel Tennis Club belongs to the Western Province League and competes in both singles and doubles matches. However, members feared for their lives as they say gangsters were taking over the space, which represented a beacon of hope in the community. Tennis club member, Donavan Williams, said: “We are trying to build a tennis club to keep our kids off the street and out of gangsterism and drugs and we are getting no support or response from the powers that be. For the past few years, we have been in contact with the…

The Half Burnt House Alex North Loot.co.za (R249) Michael Joseph Katie always looked after her beloved younger brother Chris – until she left him alone for one selfish afternoon, and their picture-perfect family fell apart. Although Chris survived the attack, the scars ran deeper than the ones left across his face. Now they’re adults, and they haven’t spoken in years. Then she gets a call, from Detective Laurence Page. Page is facing an unusually disturbing crime scene. Alan Hobbes, a distinguished and wealthy philosophy professor, has been brutally murdered. Hobbes was living in a sprawling mansion – but one that remains half-ruined by a decades-old fire, wind and rain howling through the gaping, creaking roof. Page only has one suspect: Chris, caught on CCTV at the house. But he has…

The global arena has created a market where we can make new friendships There has been a buzz of discussion in the media around the recent visitors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The landing of their plane in the Eastern Cape became a talking point, creating a divide across the country. Ostensibly, the sequel to the landing of the plane in Bisho got less pomp and hype than Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s trip to the UAE. The journey to the UAE by the Eastern Cape delegation sought to consolidate bilateral relations in which trade would feature significantly. The two events attest to the temperature of the room in the country. On one side, the plane’s landing in Bisho was interpreted by some as sheer disregard for the country’s laws. The…

Russia said yesterday that the US was behind what it says was a drone attack on the Kremlin that aimed to kill President Vladimir Putin, while Moscow’s forces fired more combat drones at Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in The Hague after visiting the International Court of Justice (ICC), said that Putin must be brought to justice over the war and said Kyiv would work to create a new tribunal for this purpose. Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, without providing evidence, said Ukraine had acted on US orders with the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin citadel early on Wednesday. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Peskov was lying. He said it was still unclear what had happened at the Kremlin. Kyiv has…

A Jamaican government minister said the upcoming coronation of Britain’s King Charles III has accelerated her nation’s plans to become a republic, reports said yesterday. The former British colony has been independent since 1962 but like 13 other Commonwealth nations outside the UK has retained the British monarch as its head of state. King Charles III will be crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey tomorrow. Marlene Malahoo Forte, Jamaica’s minister for legal and constitutional affairs, said the Caribbean nation could hold a referendum as soon as next year and would be “saying goodbye to a form of government that is linked to a painful past of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade”. Since ascending the throne, Charles has sought to put the 56-nation Commonwealth which he heads at the heart of…

BELGRADE: Two pupils wounded in Serbia’s first mass school shooting were in a critical condition yesterday, officials said, as the country prepared for three days of national mourning. The suspected shooter, a 13-year-old boy, surrendered yesterday, police said, after taking two handguns belonging to his father and killing eight pupils and a security guard in their school in the capital Belgrade. A teacher and six pupils were wounded. They are being treated in the Tirsova hospital and the city’s University Hospital. The girl underwent an urgent surgery due to head injuries. The condition of a severely wounded boy treated there had improved. | Reuters…

KAL GROUP (KAL), previously known as Kaap Agri, saw its diversification strategy bear further fruit in the six months to March 31, with revenue up sharply and in spite of a knock in recurring earnings from load shedding. “Irrespective of poor economic conditions and unrelenting load shedding, and three years where business has had to face disruptions from Covid-19, looting in KwaZulu-Natal and the impact of SOE (State-owned enterprise) failure on agricultural customers, KAL has managed to achieve sustainable growth in recurring headline earnings,” CEO Sean Walsh said in a telephone interview yesterday. Recurring headline earnings grew 18.1%, but if load shedding costs were excluded, recurring headline earnings increased by 27.2%. An interim dividend of 50 cents per share (46c) was declared. Walsh said there were plans to reduce…

DA MP for Higher Education Chantel King said the party has written to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training to request an urgent parliamentary investigation into allegations of nepotism at two public universities including SU. Law Trust chair in Social Justice and Law, Professor Thuli Mandonsela, took to social media to express her opposition. “Please respect academic freedom and stop meddling in university internal affairs. Please allow internal administrative justice processes to take their course. You’ve done enough in polarising the country for parochial political gains. “Please note that staff and students at Stellenbosch University not only have agency but also know where to go in our polycentric public accountability framework after exhausting internal remedies. They do not need nanny politicians. They may even formally…

PUBLIC Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala said yesterday the government would embark on a programme to install alternative energy solutions in state-owned buildings. “We have issued the request for expression of interest for those who can assist the government in providing alternative energy to our government buildings,” he said. “This is going to take place shortly. This is going to cover all buildings with alternative energy, either solar or any other forms. We will be rolling it out this year.” He made the remarks while responding to oral questions during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Zikalala told delegates they were engaging with the National Treasury to set aside funds. The minister said his department was currently collaborating with the Departments of Defence and Home…

Tensions rise over Vice-Chancellor TENSIONS are brewing at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Convocation, as some executive members have stuck to their guns that Vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers’s resignation would be in the “best interests” of the institution, while others believe there was an agenda to undermine the university. A petition supported by many members of the university’s Convocation opposed to the resignation, claimed there was a witch-hunt and possible political interference, which some claimed was rooted in the SAHRC report that found the university had violated the rights of Afrikaans-speaking students. The turmoil started in April when the Convocation executive decided to call for a motion of no confidence against De Villiers, and Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief. This after nepotism allegations were levelled against De Villiers, that he used his…

A PHAKAMA High School teacher in Philippi has been found not guilty after being accused of sexually assaulting a former Grade 12 pupil, and watching her peers half-naked in their dormitory during a camp last year. The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) found the Grade 8 and 12 teacher not guilty on a balance of probabilities, and as such, no disciplinary sanction was imposed. ELRC commissioner, Gail McEwan, said pupils had contradicting statements. The five-day camp in Hout Bay in June 2022 was funded by the department of education to assist matrics with the final exams. A pupil testified that she was leaving the kitchen with another pupil and the teacher was behind them. That is when she alleged the teacher hit her buttock and she turned to look at…

All I ask Eva Crocker Loot.co.za (R336) House of Anansi Press All I Ask by Eva Crocker is a defining novel of a generation. A little before seven in the morning, Stacey wakes to the police pounding on her door. They search her home and seize her computer and her phone, telling her they’re looking for “illegal digital material”. Left to unravel what’s happened, Stacey must find a way to take back the privacy and freedom she feels she has lost. Luckily, she has her friends. Smart and tough and almost terrifyingly open, Stacey and her circle are uncommonly free of biases and boundaries, but this incident reveals how they are still susceptible to society’s traps. Navigating her way through friendship, love and sex, Stacey strives to restore her self-confidence…

Vantage Point Scott Thornley Loot.co.za (R321) House of Anansi Press The HIGHLY anticipated fourth instalment in the MacNeice Mysteries series finds MacNeice and his team on the hunt for a sophisticated serial killer who draws his inspiration from classic works of art – perfect for fans of Dan Brown’s mysteries, with a historical twist. Two bodies have been found in the master bedroom of a mansion in Dundurn’s old-money neighbourhood under the mountain. Howard Terry and his son Matthew have both been shot twice in the chest. Under Matthew’s body is a doll with blood-red cotton wadding spilling out of its head. Nearby, a mannequin in a nightshirt lies on its back, with two bullet holes in the chest. On the other side of town, a body is discovered below…

Recently, debates on a just energy transition have dominated discussions in different disciplines worldwide. Given the energy crisis in the country, which has led to an unstable electricity grid for more than 15 years, talks on a just transition – ensuring that the shift from coal-based to renewable energy generation is socially equitable – are gaining momentum. As the problem persists, wealthy consumers and businesses are turning to renewable energy as an alternative and reliable source, while poor consumers have to rely on an unreliable power grid. Given that municipalities and local government financing depend largely on electricity supply, many have questioned the ideology of a just transition. How will local governments generate revenue to finance their activities if wealthy consumers turn to solar? A transition to renewable energy can…

A pair of private islands formerly owned by Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and registered sex offender who died in a Manhattan federal prison in 2019, have been sold to a billionaire investor who plans to build a luxury resort on the land where Epstein allegedly trafficked children. The islands, named Great St James and Little St James but dubbed “Pedophile Island” and “Orgy Island” by locals, were sold to billionaire Stephen Deckoff via an investment vehicle, SD Investments LLC, the firm said. Deckoff “plans to develop a state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort” on the land in the US Virgin Islands, a statement said, adding that the resort is expected to open in 2025. The islands sold for a combined total of $60 million, according to Bespoke Real Estate,…

LONDON: Naomi Campbell has praised Britain’s “approachable” and “charming” King Charles III. The supermodel, 52, had met the monarch several times and said she had always been impressed by the 74-year-old king’s passion for looking out of the UK to see how he can help other countries. She said: “Meeting him in Lagos was a highlight. I remember him being at his most charming there. I have respect for the fact that he cares to visit Africa and is passionate about what is happening on the continent. I think he understands the importance of what the African continent is, and will be, in the future.” | Bang Showbiz…

Thabethe also said there were material irregularities in some of the SOEs that were audited by the auditor- general. The annual performance plans of public enterprises must be aligned to their mandate and objectives, he said, but this did not seem to be happening. He added that this was also reflected in how some of the SOEs had been struggling and at times needing financial support from the state. “When we evaluate the DPE performance year in and year out they say they are achieving their targets, but there is a gap. “When you look on the side of the SOEs, you and I will be on the same page that the state of SOEs is not improving, but deteriorating,” said Thabethe. The auditor-general wanted to see the improvement of…

PARLIAMENT plans to start a process that will lead to the appointment of the new public protector to replace the incumbent Busisiwe Mkhwebane when her term comes to an end in October. This emerged yesterday when National Assembly chairperson Cedric Frolick briefed the programme committee about the presentation they made to the chief whips forum on the envisages on Wednesday. Frolick said given the long constituency period that would start in June, it was important that the House decided soon on what should be done. “The proposal on the table is an ad hoc committee consisting of 11 members . There is also a second proposal – 11 members and non-voting members,” he said. Frolick said chief whips had asked for further consultation with their parties on the matter.…

THE children of the Tygerberg Children’s Choir (TCC) who share strong friendships and a passion for music, are beaming with pride following their successful feat at the Hull International Choir Competition in the UK, where they bagged two gold diplomas, securing the position of top children’s choir in the contest. Held in the UK, the competition saw 27 choirs from across the world going up against each other in various categories, with the TCC being the only choir from Africa. With members aged between 10 and 15, the TCC, as an equal voice choir, sang three songs – one unaccompanied and two with piano. Expressing her pride at their performance, choir member, Refoe Mole said: “I am extremely happy with the results and proud with what we have accomplished. We…

Firefighters in the province were hailed for putting their lives on the line on a daily basis, on International Firefighters Day. International Firefighters Day, commemorated on Thursday, recognises the dedication that firefighters show and remembers those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Local government, environmental affairs and development planning MEC Anton Bredell, thanked all firefighters for the important work they do to keep communities safe. “The 4th of May is International Firefighters’ Day, and it is an opportunity for all of us to show our appreciation to these essential frontline men and women.” He said the province has 1 650 professional fire fighters and approximately 450 volunteers who serve at 96 fire stations in the province. “We had a busy fire season this past summer, and…

PARIS – The Memoir Paris Hilton Loot.co.za (R260) HQ Paris Hilton’s website describes her as a businesswoman, influencer, activist, DJ, designer, investor, recording artist, philanthropist, host, actress, chef, model and author. She is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels empire. Growing up in the limelight could not have been easy at all, coupled with Paris having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) She will also be remembered as quite a “naughty girl” in her late teens and twenties. “ADHD is exhausting and exhilarating, and it is how God made me, so it must be right. Most people sigh, drum their fingers, and let me know how insanely frustrating it is to be sucked into the endless spin cycle of my life.” I mention Paris having ADHD right…

My Side of the Ocean Ron Irwin Loot.co.za (R240) Pan MacMillan On the surface, the storyline of this absolutely splendid novel is a simple one: a woman goes out to swim in the ocean opposite her quaint Cape Town cottage. However, on the day that acclaimed American artist Stella Wright decides to take a dip, danger lurks – a shark is too close to shore and a young male surfer and the woman must make their way back to the sandy shoreline with the greatest of speed and agility as the massive finned creature is out to engulf them in its hefty jaws. Ben Hume is the young man who together with Stella frenziedly swims ashore – and their close shave with the man-eater marks the start of their shared…

Gunfire and explosions rocked Sudan’s capital Khartoum for a 20th straight day yesterday, leaving the latest ceasefire effort in tatters as the UN warned of an exodus of 860 000 refugees. As the latest ceasefire expired at midnight, the army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce, but there was no word from its foes in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In Khartoum, witnesses reported loud explosions and exchanges of fire on the streets around dawn and clashes during the day in the city of 5 million people. The foreign ministry accused the RSF of attacking the Indian embassy in Khartoum, the latest in a spate of such incidents which the diplomatic mission did not immediately confirm. Deadly urban combat broke out on…

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains that have killed 130 people in Rwanda this week have also destroyed more than 5 000 homes, and affected an additional 2 500, a government spokesperson said yesterday. The rains that started on Tuesday evening caused floods and landslides in the country’s Western and Northern provinces. The death toll stood at 129. “Additionally, there are 77 injuries, with 36 of those individuals currently in the hospital. We also have five people missing,” Alain Mukuralinda, deputy government spokesperson, said. During a visit to the affected areas in western Rwanda yesterday, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente said search efforts were still under way as there= were some bodies still buried in the mud. “These disasters were caused by floods and erosion, which resulted in houses collapsing…

Damascus: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi yesterday called for “resistance forces” to unite against Israel on his second day in Syria – the first such visit to Tehran’s close ally in over a decade of war. Tehran has long provided logistical and military support to many factions fighting its arch-foe Israel, including some Palestinian groups but also Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah, a major Damascus ally. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria since the conflict erupted. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 500 000 people. While the front lines have mostly quietened in recent years, large parts of the country’s north remain outside government control. | AFP…

Ten years is a lifetime in rugby, and John Plumtree says that the incarnation of himself that returns to Kings Park on July 1 is very different from the 47-year-old that departed in 2013. “I have changed quite a lot,” the 57-year-old New Zealander said from his home in Wellington yesterday. “The way I coach is way different. I have learned so much over the last decade. I have changed the way I coach and manage people … I have changed much of the detail and simplified what I do.” Older, wiser and certainly enriched by coaching stints with Ireland, the All Blacks and the Hurricanes, Plumtree said that he has returned to Durban to win trophies. “These days expectations are high anywhere you go. There is more pressure in…