Table of contents for 2023-09-13 in Cape Times

An estimated 820 million people (or 11% of the current world population) are undernourished in terms of energy intake, and 1.3 billion people (17%) suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Rapid increases in food prices are arguably to blame for the affected livelihoods of millions of people. The Sustainable Shifts to Healthy Diets and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa study claims increased urbanisation and rising disposable incomes support a quick transformation in lifestyle and economy in sub-Saharan Africa. The sub-Saharan African population is consequently becoming more and more susceptible to the dual burden of malnutrition and obesity. Whole grains play an important role in health and nutrition, and many countries’ food-based dietary guidelines recommend that individuals should increase their wholegrain intake. But do South Africans know how to choose products with whole…

WHILE the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has come under immense pressure and criticism over the years for failing to execute its mandate, an amended bill is in the pipeline. The Department of Transport last month gazetted the draft RAF Amendment Bill, 2023 for public comment. The draft bill contains proposed changes to how the RAF will operate in South Africa. The Department of Transport has called for public comment on the bill by October 8. The proposed amendments include a complete restructure of the RAF, moving away from a “compensation” to a “social benefits” structure. Head of a law firm which specialises in RAF matters, Gert Nel, said the proposed amendments were simply a watered-down version of the erstwhile Road Accident Benefit Scheme. One of the proposals is replacing compensation…

THE mother of a 10-year-old Grade 4 learner at Rondebosch East Primary School is outraged at the alleged repeated bullying her son has had to suffer, coming home with a swollen face on two separate occasions. Now the child, who suffers from depression and anxiety, does not want to return to school. She said they found him hiding in the toilet every day after school. Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that a case of assault concerning an incident in July was under investigation. “The circumstances surrounding the incident cited in your enquiry are still under investigation. Reports suggest that a minor informed his mom that the suspect in the matter pushed the victim and hit him in his face while on the premises of an institute of learning. In the…

With a north-westerly to westerly wind around 45 knots, at times, off the southern coast last weekend, sea conditions were really rough, causing ships westbound off the Cape to reduce speed as they battled into head seas and wind. When the wind goes to the south-west, heavy seas often extend up the coast, exacerbated by the fast-flowing contrary Agulhas Current and contributing to the occasional development of huge abnormal waves that several ships have encountered over the years between East London and Port St Johns. The downcoast mailship Edinburgh Castle hit one of those huge swells one night in 1964, with dancers flung to the deck and the piano trundling into the forward bulkhead of the dance and sports deck. Empty horse boxes on the foredeck were smashed, and large…

THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is assessing requests from students to investigate the impact of service providers’ alleged failure to disburse allowances. According to SAHRC education commissioner Andre Gaum, the complaints against the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) came from different provinces, with the latest being at one institution in the Western Cape. “The office of the SAHRC received a complaint from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) on Friday after some students in other provinces also sent requests for intervention. In the past we have been aware of NSFAS challenges, but this time around this relates to late payments of allowances through the new system, and this has resulted in students not being able to buy food, pay rent and other important things. “Also they had…

The instantaneous nature of social media makes it possible for people to have access to an abundance of information at their fingertips, however the information available online is not always reliable. Inaccurate information has the potential to create unnecessary panic, threaten public safety and erode trust in our institutions. It also hampers people’s ability to make informed decisions. To establish what information is credible online, social media users can utilise various fact-checking websites and online tools. These assist in discerning factual information from fake content. This includes fact-checking platforms such as Africa Check, which is an independent resource. Africa Check classifies certain messages as false, partly false and scams, to help people identify misleading information. Inaccurate information has the potential to create unnecessary panic, threaten public safety and erode trust…

At least 10 000 people were feared missing in Libya yesterday in floods caused by a huge storm that burst dams, swept away buildings and wiped out as much as a quarter of the city of Derna. More than 1 000 bodies have already been recovered in Derna alone and officials expected the death toll would be much higher, after Storm Daniel barrelled across the Mediterranean into a country divided and crumbling after more than a decade of conflict. A journalist on the way to Derna, a coastal city of around 125 000 inhabitants, saw vehicles overturned on the edges of roads, trees knocked down, and abandoned, flooded houses. Videos showed a wide torrent running through the city centre after dams burst, wrecking buildings that stood on either side. “Bodies…

The US argued yesterday that Google did not play by the rules in its efforts to keep its dominance in online search, paying billions of dollars to ensure that smaller rivals never got traction. “This case is about the future of the internet,” said Kenneth Dintzer, arguing for the Justice Department that Google began in 2010 to illegally maintain its monopoly. The US Justice Department accuses Google of paying billions of dollars annually to device makers like Apple Inc, wireless companies like AT&T and browser makers like Mozilla to keep Google’s search engine on top. Without serious competition, Google innovated less and paid less attention to other concerns like privacy, said Dintzer. Google argues that its overwhelmingly high market share is not because it broke the law, but because it…

WASHINGTON: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returned to the White House yesterday to speak at an arts event in her first public appearance at the US presidential residence and workplace since her 2016 election loss to Donald Trump. Clinton attended the event with first lady Jill Biden to celebrate Praemium Imperiale Laureates, recipients of a global arts prize by the Japan Art Association for lifetime achievement in the arts. Clinton could be called upon to help Biden, 80, in his re-election bid. | Reuters…

New York: Schools near Philadelphia were closed and residents told to lock their doors yesterday after an escaped Brazilian murderer dodged gunfire to steal a rifle from a home and was declared “extremely dangerous”. Danelo Cavalcante, who made a daring escape from Chester County Prison nearly two weeks ago, has managed to avoid police dogs, drones, helicopters and special armed units in the suburbs of Philadelphia. But he has popped up on residential security footage. Since climbing over his prison wall on August 31, the 34-year-old has managed to steal clothing, food, a van which he later abandoned, and managed to get a shave. | AFP…

Maybe it is their Western Cape roots that are responsible for Schalk Brits (in 2019) and Deon Fourie ageing like fine wines for the Springboks. Brits was 38 when he played hooker for the Boks against Canada at the last World Cup. Fourie is 36 and while he can play hooker, it is more likely he will cover flank (and hooker) in the Boks’ match against Romania in Bordeaux on Sunday (3pm). Perhaps the secret to their longevity is that both are fun-loving characters. Fourie – nicknamed ‘Brannas’ (slang for brandy in Afrikaans) – said he can’t put his finger on why he still feels good and can run with the young guys. “I did gymnastics for nine years and I’m not the biggest guy for doing weights in the…

Spring is here and with it comes a fresh burst of green. As we bid farewell to winter, it’s time to embrace the optimism, health and luck that green symbolises. And what better way to do that than by incorporating vibrant microgreens into your diet for a nutrient-packed season? Did you know that certain greens can even help you get a better night’s sleep? Take kiwis, for example. The bright tropical fruits are rich in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our sleep mechanisms. A study found that eating two kiwis one hour before bed helped participants fall asleep faster and enjoy improved overall sleep. Kiwis are also loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for optimal sleep. Another essential nutrient for a good night’s rest is magnesium.…

THE Department of Home Affairs said it had noted a growing number of arranged marriages between undocumented nationals and South African women for transactional purposes. Foreign nationals and the local women allegedly enter into these form of unions as part of a business arrangement. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that his department recorded more than 2 000 such cases every year. These marriages, often referred to as “paper marriages”, are common, usually for transactional purposes and the women can be paid as little as R300, according to immigration and refugee lawyer Ashraf Essop. “It’s called ‘paper marriages’, people usually go that route because they enter the republic illegally and need to obtain immigration status. Some of the Home Affairs officials do play a role in some cases, by colluding…

‘You cannot trade without a bank account’: Rights to employees’ livelihoods also at risk THE “calamity” that could be caused by Standard Bank’s closure of accounts belonging to Sekunjalo Group related companies including Independent Media was laid bare in court yesterday, with lawyers arguing that it would give rise to a number of constitutional contraventions. Above the impact the bank’s decision will have on media freedom, the rights to freedom of speech and employees’ livelihoods were also at great risk, the court was told. Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane SC said making such a decision was “callous insensitivity” to the Sekunjalo Group as its client who they had “proved no fraud or any wrongdoing” against. “We are not being dramatic or engaged in hyperbole when we submit that the applicants and thousands…

LAWYERS for Human Rights will turn to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria later this month to challenge the conduct of Home Affairs in blocking certain people’s IDs, leaving them in the cold. The organisation represents more than 100 clients whose IDs are blocked. In May 2012, the department initiated a campaign to address the issue of “duplicate IDs” on the National Population Register. Initially, about 29 000 IDs were identified. The figure escalated to about 500 000 IDs within a year. The department reported to Parliament that the issues originated during the consolidation of apartheid-era population registers into the National Population Register before the 1994 elections. The department distinguished between duplicate ID cases (one person sharing an ID number with multiple people) and multiple ID cases (one person assigned multiple…

The antidote to suicidality is connection, and us listening to someone who is struggling IF YOU are reading this you may be interested in better understanding why there is a need for a World Suicide Prevention Day. For some, September 10 may seem morbid, while for others it is just another awareness initiative. But for too many, suicide is personal. You may have lost someone you love in this manner. Or you yourself may be struggling with thoughts of ending your life. If you fall into the latter group you may want to skip over to the very last paragraph, because I know your attention may be waning and your energy may be low. Everybody else, please join me in better understanding the need for awareness of thoughts of self-harm…

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Russia yesterday ahead of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin that the US has warned could see an arms deal to support Moscow’s assault on Ukraine. Making a rare foreign trip and his first since the pandemic, an unsmiling Kim waved from the doorway of his heavily armoured private train as it departed Pyongyang on Sunday evening, according to images published by North Korean state media. Kim will meet Putin at an unspecified location in Russia’s Far East region later this week, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Putin is attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, the Far East city closest to the North Korean border, though there has been no indication that the internationally isolated pair would hold their talks there.…

A Chinese city has launched an operation to find a large number of crocodiles that escaped when floods hit the region in recent days. A typhoon brought sustained heavy rains to southern China last week, triggering inundations in Hong Kong and other areas. Deluges around the city of Maoming in Guangdong province caused a lake at a commercial crocodile farm to overflow, with over 70 animals escaping. A person who answered the phone at the local emergency management office said that officials were “working to deal with” the reptilian runaways. A video showed responders in red uniforms searching flooded fields in rescue boats. Images showed several 2m-long scaly beasts lying on the road, their fearsome jaws bound tight. “Crocodiles are still in the water, and several government departments are working…

Bamako: Armed groups from northern Mali yesterday claimed to have captured the key town of Bourem, between the ancient cities of Gao and Timbuktu, after fighting against the national army. Authorities in Mali made no comment about the operation, which would confirm fears of the end of a peace deal. Rare reports from the remote region have drawn a confused overall picture, with witnesses talking of the army taking over backed by the air force. The CSP framework said yesterday it had acted in “legitimate defence in the face of provocations by terrorists from the Malian army accompanied by the Wagner militia.” | AFP…

ROME: A highly invasive ant species notorious in the Americas for their persistent swarms and stinging bites, red fire ants have been detected in Europe. Scientists say they knew that in our increasingly globalised world, it would happen sooner or later, but they’re fighting back tooth and nail. Several red fire ant colonies have been found in northern Sicily, and according to a study published in Current Biology, 88 nests have already been found spread across 5ha in the Syracuse suburbs, on Sicily’s south-eastern corner. DNA analysis revealed the ants had come from either the US or from China, where they have already established themselves as an invasive species. | Sputnik…

Real Housewives of Durban star and businesswoman, Nonku Williams recently went on Instagram to share her glow-up journey with her followers. The star recently posted pictures of herself in hospital post-operation with friends and family by her side. Williams revealed that she went in for liposuction after taking weekly weight-loss injections as well. Most celebrities are shy to admit the work and procedures they have done but Williams has posted a series of videos on the work she is getting done. “I want to be real, open and authentic with you guys, so I’m sharing my surgery journey. As part of my ‘Glow Up Journey’, I’m all about improving my health and I want to get body-beautiful too,” said Williams. She said a weight loss programme has helped her with…

DOCTORS who operated on 9-year-old Lelitha Jantjies to give her a new look after the family’s pit bull tore her face to pieces in Friemersheim outside of Mossel Bay, said it was a privilege to make a difference. Jantjies was attacked in September last year, leaving scar tissue across her face. The driving force behind the free surgery to remove the appearance of her scarring was Dr Ansua Steyn-Ahlstrom, an aesthetic practitioner in George. She said the surgical procedure at Advanced Health in Knysna went well and lasted three hours. “We operated on Lelitha on Monday afternoon. I was fortunate enough to be helped by Dr Marshall Murdoch, a plastic surgeon, and Dr Catharine Knights who is an anaesthetist,” she said. Dr Steyn-Ahlstrom said she was introduced to Jantjies by…

MOST people don’t have wills because they believe this crucial document is only important if you have a lot of money or property, and there’s a belief that they are long, complicated and an expensive process. Statistics obtained in 2022 from the Master of the High Court show that fewer than 15% of South Africans have a will when they die, causing significant delays in settling the estate and family turmoil in the months and, oftentimes, years after one’s death. Having a well-considered will makes practical sense for honouring your wishes after you die, as well as helping your family through that difficult time and allowing you to leave a legacy that will live on through the lives of others. Leaving a legacy gift in your will to a…

THE ANC in the province has labelled the handover of 31 BMW vehicles to the Provincial Traffic Department as “no cause for celebration”. This after Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie officially handed over the specialised high-performance vehicles yesterday. Mackenzie said the remaining vehicles would be rolled out across the province over the coming weeks. ANC provincial mobility spokesperson Lulama Mvimbi said the delay in the handover, while other vehicles remained idle in government garages, raised concerns. “The presence of 100 vehicles lying dormant in government garages not only constitutes wasteful and fruitless expenditure by the provincial government, but also signifies a substantial failure on the part of the DA in their commitment to enhancing road safety within our communities,” he said. GOOD Party MPL Peter de Villiers labelled the handover as…

POLICE in the Western Cape say they have set their sights on rooting out “the elements” who taint the name of the organisation as 257 criminal charges have been lodged against officers in the province from 2020 for crimes including corruption, assault, drunk driving, rape, and murder. The figure came to light following a response to DA parliamentary questions on the matter. The party’s provincial spokesperson on community safety, Gillion Bosman, said 100 cases were opened in 2020; 76 in 2021; 66 in 2022; and 15 have been opened to date in 2023. "While I firmly believe that the majority of police officers remain upstanding and honourable guardians of the law, these revelations are deeply troubling. “They indicate that senior SAPS management has created a culture of impunity in the…

THE inevitable has happened, and MPs have voted to impeach advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane as head of the public protector’s office for incompetence and misconduct. One cannot help but get a sense that the now former public protector was wrongly advised, is a gutsy individual, or both. Mkhwebane may resort to the legal route to fight her removal, but history will record that she is the first head of the public protector South Africa to be removed from office. Just the other day, and while still suspended, Mkhwebane and her husband, David Skosana, declared war against anyone they believed was standing in her way back to the office. A week ago, she famously took on President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding what she perceived to be her day of returning to work. She…

MANY survivors of Morocco’s earthquake were struggling in makeshift shelters yesterday after a fourth night outside, while villagers in devastated mountain areas voiced frustration at having received no help from the authorities. The death toll from the 6.8 magnitude quake that struck in the High Atlas Mountains late on Friday rose to 2 901, while the number of people injured more than doubled to 5 530, state television reported. It was Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960 and its most powerful in more than a century. Rescuers from Spain, Britain and Qatar were helping Morocco’s search teams, while Italy, Belgium, France and Germany said their offers of assistance had yet to be approved. The situation was most desperate for people in remote areas cut off by landslides triggered by the earthquake…

LONDON: The son of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s detained former leader, said he was “extremely worried” about his mother’s health, saying she was struggling to eat and was being refused permission to see an outside doctor. The 78-year-old Nobel laureate, who has been detained for more than two years, has experienced bouts of dizziness and vomiting, and is suffering from serious gum disease, her son, Kim Aris, who lives in Britain, said. Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021, when the military overthrew Suu Kyi’s elected government and cracked down on opponents of military rule, with thousands jailed or killed. Suu Kyi is facing 27 years of detention related to 14 criminal offences. She denies all the charges and is appealing against them. Aris, 45, has had no…

London: The head of UK anti-monarchy group Republic said yesterday that he was suing police for wrongful arrest before King Charles III’s coronation. Graham Smith and five other members of the group were detained by London’s Metropolitan Police before the ceremony on May 6, leaving them unable to join planned protests. Police said the six were arrested “on suspicion of going equipped for locking on”, referring to items used by demonstrators to attach themselves to one another, an object or the ground. Smith wants a judicial review of the decision to hold him, damages and costs. He and his colleagues were released more than 16 hours after they were arrested. | AFP…

LONDON: Britain is seeing an “epidemic” of shoplifting, the boss of retailer John Lewis said yesterday, as the owner of the Primark fashion chain joined industry calls for the authorities to crack down on the problem, saying its profit margins were suffering. “It’s become an epidemic. Sadly, in the last year we’ve seen twice as many offences,” said Sharon White, chairperson of the John Lewis Partnership that owns department stores and Waitrose supermarkets. White said town centres risked becoming “a looting ground for emboldened shoplifters and organised gangs.” Store theft is also a growing problem in the US. | Reuters…