Table of contents for 2023-12-18 in Cape Times

The world of food is constantly evolving, as new trends emerge and new ingredients are placed in the spotlight. But 2023 has also seen a shortage of basic food items, forcing consumers, as well as the industry as a whole, to adapt to an unpredictable and constantly changing market. But this hasn't stopped the dynamic and adaptable sector from finding food innovations. To highlight all of this, we have unpacked the biggest South African food stories for 2023. Egg and poultry meat shortage These two food items are a staple in many South African households, while also being a vital part of restaurants and the hospitality industry at large. And while experts believe that the egg and poultry shortages, which the nation experienced over the past few months, are currently…

When actor and entrepreneur Thapelo Mokoena announced his new venture into the restaurant business, it was greeted with applause from his fellow celebs. The joint project was the brainchild of Mokoena and his close friends Milan Cerimaj, The Kambulas and Mix FM. Molitva Orthodox Mediterranean opened its doors in 2021, and the producer wanted it to be an oasis for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s probably the reason for them choosing the Cradle of Humankind as the setting for their restaurant. “The idea for Moltiva was birthed out of creating experiences for people travelling in and around Joburg,” Mokoena told Drum Magazine during a previous interview. In the years that followed, the eatery appeared to be the “in-spot” for local celebrities.…

THE Hawks have rescued women allegedly trafficked to South Africa from West Africa in a shipping container. A 34-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday for her alleged involvement in trafficking in persons. She is expected to make her first appearance at the George Magistrate’s Court. According to Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi, a tip-off led to the arrest and rescue mission. “The Hawks received information on Wednesday that three young girls had been trafficked from West Africa into South Africa a few months ago inside a shipping container. “They were allegedly given fake passports. Information was that the girls were advertised on an escort website and were kept in a residential complex in George,” said Vukubi. He said the serious organised crime investigation team operationalised the information and a search was…

ONE sometimes reads articles in the paper that stop you in your tracks. The neglect by nurses at the Gqeberha, Eastern Cape clinic was disgusting to say the least. Even if they didn’t apply what they had learnt in line with the adult primary care guideline, where was their empathy and sympathy for a teenager who had been raped and was in obvious distress and had come to the clinic for help? The poor girl got no assistance at the clinic by these unfeeling stupid nurses and she and the elderly woman who was with her, were sent off to the Motherwell police station – a walk of approximately 2km as they had no money for a taxi. How must she have felt? Well we know now she got to…

THE discharge of David Teeger, the Proteas under-19 captain, by advocate Wim Trengove was a travesty of justice. I wonder, if Teeger awarded his prize to Islamic State, would Trengove agree with Teeger’s choice? The good fight for human rights, social justice and freedom from the brutal apartheid Israeli occupation of Palestinian land cries out for true justice for the indigenous people of the Holy land – the Palestinians. The violation of human rights and all forms of discrimination, that cannot be allowed in South Africa or in any democracy or civilised nation, cannot continue in occupied Palestine. Across the world, people are protesting against the brutal occupation of Palestinian land by the settler-colonial Israeli regime, and sadly, Trengrove exonerates Teeger. Although he was not tried in a court of…

A GROUP of us recently attended a UCT graduation ceremony which included celebrating UCT students who had graduated 50 or more years before. We formed a spritely bunch of septuagenarians who greatly appreciated the warm welcome of the vice- chancellor, Professor Daya Reddy and his wife. The gracious hospitality of the senior lady executives of UCT’s alumni office made such an impression on us all. They looked after us, the so-called “Golden Graduates”, in every possible way. It was great to be back in “Jammie”, now the Sarah Baartman Memorial Hall, where once we had danced, written exams and attended raucous student meetings. The removal from the hall of four paintings of luminaries formerly associated with the university has, however, left untidy vacant spaces on its panelled…

Social solidarity, where citizens lead and the government follows, is what we need last week my Great Governance ZA podcast reached the 100-episode milestone. About a year ago I interviewed Professor Jaap de Visser on the platform and he argued that coalition governments are a natural consequence of our South African electoral system and that we must get used to this reality. On December 5 we marked the passing of Nelson Mandela who led the first coalition government in South Africa, called the government of national unity. That coalition did not last beyond two years, with the National Party walking out in 1996 because the ANC would not agree to extend the government of national unity beyond 1999, as well as a failure to reach consensus on key economic choices…

Glaciologist Andrew Hodson used to collaborate with his Russian colleagues in the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic, but snowmobile excursions to see them have come to a halt since the war in Ukraine. “We used to work with Russian permafrost scientists and hydrologists in the Barentsburg region. This doesn’t happen now,” the British scientist said. “We’re sad that we can’t use this basis for collaboration, but we’re not at all happy with the actions of the Russian government, obviously,” he said at his office at Longyearbyen University in the archipelago’s capital. Although a part of Norway, the islands have long had a strong Russian presence. But the frequently-cited diplomatic mantra of cohabitation there – “High North, low tensions” – no longer applies. In the Arctic, as in the rest of…

Paris: The family of Gerard Depardieu , 74, has denounced a “conspiracy” against the French film star, charged with rape and facing new a scandal over his sexist comments against women. Sexual harassment claims are mounting amid newly released footage of Depardieu making obscene comments. Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak said he might be stripped of the Legion of Honour, France’s top award. A Belgian municipality recently stripped him of the title of honorary citizen, and Quebec in Canada revoked its top honour.…

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic expressed immense pride in his side’s Carling Knockout Cup journey, despite losing in the final to Stellenbosch. The Rockets relinquished a first-half lead given to them by striker Lehlohonolo Mojela and were eventually edged by Stellies on penalties. The Mpumalanga-based outfit was left distraught at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as bodies fell to the ground after Stellenbosh midfielder Darrel Matsheke converted the decisive penalty. Despite their heartbreaking loss, Ramovic applauded the efforts of his players. Galaxy beat Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu on their way to the final of the competition. He said that although the results did not go their way on the day, their entire tournament was a remarkable story. “It was a beautiful ride, to reach a final is a…

Netball South Africa (NSA) closed the year with the news that Australian-born Norma Plummer will step down as coach of the national team. Plummer was reappointed in November last year, eight months before South Africa would become Netball World Cup hosts for the first time in July and August. It was a bright move by NSA to recruit the vastly experienced Plummer after she enjoyed tremendous success in her previous stint. She steered the Proteas to fourth place at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England. Sadly, on home soil at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Proteas finished a disappointing sixth even though the target was a podium finish. The Proteas finished the year in fifth place on the world rankings. South African netball was in the international…

Put on your apron and prepare your kitchen, because it is time to get busy. Every year, an abundance of new cookbooks is published, and it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one to add to your collection. The good news is that below we have some of the best of the latest cookbooks. Be sure to check them out. Bringing It Home by The Chilli Chocolate Chefs This was the fourth cookbook by “The Chilli Chocolate Chefs” Faatimah and Zainab Paruk, and it was popular in the year 2023. Bringing It Home came about when the sisters decided to go on holiday to get their creative energies flowing, giving themselves space to dream, and visualising a recipe book that they would be proud of. The buzzwords during…

THE SA Legal Practice Council’s attempt to have a candidate attorney’s name struck from the roll – for misconduct – was unsuccessful at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) while the finalisation of the attorney’s disciplinary inquiry is still pending. The matter was dismissed and struck from the court roll due to it being moot. The disciplinary inquiry against attorney Lebohang Mokhele had established prima facie evidence of trust fund shortages in Mokhele’s trust account following complaints from the public. Investigations by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) so far have established alleged serious misconduct and evidence of a trust shortage in at least two matters. Investigations continue. Mokhele has been suspended from legal practice, and the LPC sought from the Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein, to have…

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers says it is awaiting the next steps in terms of the health of South African Gerco van Deventer, who was held hostage in Mali for just over six years, and arrangements to bring him home to be reunited with his wife and son. Gift of the Givers said Van Deventer was taken to hospital for a “health review” following his release on Saturday. According to the organisation’s founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, a trusted intermediary called the organisation to say that Van Deventer had been released into Algeria. “He could not be released through Mali, apparently because of the current new war between the Mali military and the Tuaregs. The man from Mauritania had requested a release via the Mauritania State Security, but they refused.…

YOUR December 14 story, “Coloured, Indians here to ‘stay’ for now – Nxesi”, refers. In a rather disastrous and very hurtful statement, the minister (of Labour and Employment) responded to a parliamentary question by stating that the definition of one’s race would not be removed from the labour legislation. In essence, the minister has undertaken to keep the definition of coloured and Indians, clearly showing that he is quite happy and hell-bent on discriminating against coloured and Indian workers in South Africa. The warning signs have been there all along, but now we see it absolutely directly from the minister, who is quite clear in that the legislation will discriminate against coloured and Indian workers now and in the future.…

A Dr Nelson Mandela High School teacher in Crossroads, Nyanga, has been dismissed with immediate effect after being found guilty of misconduct for the alleged sexual assault of a former pupil. Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) arbitrator Arthi Singh-Bhoopchand declared the teacher unsuitable to work with children and ordered the Department of Social Development be notified in writing. She further instructed that the SA Council for Educators (Sace) revoke his certificate. It was alleged that in September 2022 the teacher allegedly kissed the learner near her mouth and placed her hand on his genitals. The teacher maintained his innocence. The learner testified that the teacher who had been like a parent to her, changed when she was in Grade 12. At the time of the incident, a maths test…

AS 2023 draws to a close, it is with immense pride that we reflect on the incredible journey navigated by the South African International Maritime Institute (Saimi), led by the Board throughout this pivotal year, and as such, capture the essence of the collective efforts in a concise review of 2023. This theme not only invites all of us to revisit the significant milestones, accomplishments and challenges that have been encountered, but also serves as an acknowledgement of our invaluable stakeholders, collaborations and partnerships. The past 12 months witnessed Saimi’s unwavering commitment to maximising the potential of South Africa’s maritime economy. The programmes, workshops and conferences, conducted in collaboration with esteemed stakeholders, underscored the influential role South Africa plays in shaping the African maritime sector. Simultaneously, they have highlighted the…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gears up for elections on Wednesday that could consolidate its democracy or unleash fresh violence as political tensions threaten to boil over. As many as 44 million registered voters are set to cast their ballots in the vast central African nation of about 100 million people on Wednesday in presidential, parliamentary, provincial and municipal polls. About 100 000 people are standing in the four votes, with President Felix Tshisekedi seeking another term after winning a disputed election in 2018. The sheer size of the DRC, which is roughly the size of continental western Europe, means staging elections is a logistical nightmare. The country is also one of the world’s poorest and has little high-quality infrastructure, with the Ceni electoral commission still struggling to distribute…

MOSCOW: US President Joe Biden’s remarks about a possible Russian attack on Nato countries are “nonsense”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday, adding that Biden himself probably understands this. “This is nonsense. I think President Biden realises this as well. This is just a figure of speech to justify his erroneous policy on the Russian direction,” Putin told state-owned Rossiya 1 channel reporter Pavel Zarubin. Russia was interested in developing relations with Nato countries and did not want to spoil these relations, Putin said. Currently Russia and these countries did not have any territorial claims against each other, he added.…

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, whose six-decade career in public service primarily focused on domestic issues, was buried yesterday following a prayer service. His successor, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, was seen shedding a tear at the prayer service attended by members of the ruling Al Sabah family and speaker of Kuwait’s parliament. Sheikh Meshal had been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since late 2021, when a frail Sheikh Nawaf handed over most of his duties. As he formally takes the helm of the Opec member with the world’s seventh-largest oil reserves from his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances and good ties to Riyadh. Sheikh Nawaf’s three-year reign as emir, relatively short by Kuwait standards, was…

ANTANANARIVO: At the invitation of Madagascar president Andry Nirina Rajoelina, Hu Chunhua, special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, attended Rajoelina's inauguration on Saturday and met Rajoelina yesterday. China attaches great importance to the development of China-Madagascar relations and is willing to work with Madagascar to deepen co-operation, Hu said. Madagascar stands ready to expand co-operation with China in key areas, such as agriculture, industry, energy and human resources, to push bilateral relations to a higher level.…

THE ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has said the future of former president Jacob Zuma in the party will be decided by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The party, which had been hoping to have Zuma lead its campaign in the province for the 2024 national government elections, was stunned on Saturday after Zuma announced that he will not be voting for the ANC and instead associated himself with a new party called uMkhonto weSizwe. Zuma said he was disillusioned with the ANC and he would not vote for it but said he is not leaving the party. The leaders of uMkhonto weSizwe told a broadcast channel that they have engaged Zuma and he has indicated that he was willing to stand as a presidential candidate, but added that those have…

Hawks gunning for more after an employee and ex-worker were caught recently WHILE the Hawks have set their sights on arresting more suspects linked to an ongoing cyber extortion-related probe, experts have warned businesses and consumers to be on high alert as the festive season comes with increased cybersecurity risks. This follows the arrest of a current and an ex-employee of an omni channel payment solution company, who allegedly loaded software on to the firm’s system, opening the floodgates for cyber-extortion. The two suspects are due in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today, with more arrests expected to follow. A multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks based in Bellville, Crime Intelligence and the Tactical Response Team in the Western Cape on Thursday apprehended the two, aged 34 and 42, for contravention…

I WONDER how many of your readers are aware of the fact that Home Affairs is in meltdown? Probably not many, unless, like me, they have had regular dealings with them. I have been coming to this country as a tourist for more than 20 years. I normally apply for a renewal of my Retired Person Visa 60 days before expiry and on November 16, 2022 I did so again. Since that time, despite repeated attempts to establish the state of my application, I have heard nothing. It seems that Home Affairs can’t cope! Technically, I am illegally in South Africa. I have religiously followed the prescribed rules, there is nothing further I can do. I left the country at the end of April 2023 – as I usually do,…

I CANNOT help but be plagued by the question: “Are the ongoing wars, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, pandering to the profitable and proliferating arms trade at the expense of thousands of innocent lives – lives, in many cases, whose very payment of taxes to the state are supportive of this overwhelmingly destructive industry? It seems to me in order to make room for stock-piling the latest developments in destructive armaments and weaponry, the existing stocks must first be used up, and in order to do so a war becomes necessary. It is absolutely mind-boggling to think of the cost of the amount of ammunition already used in these two conflicts. And sickening to realise that the peace-loving taxpayers in the main have been paying the price. And, no…

The George Municipality has expressed concern about numerous attempts to bring in alcohol to beaches, including hiding bottles in nappies, in-between meat, and in the sand. Law enforcement and beach monitors confiscated alcohol and removed intoxicated individuals, who the municipality said, was disturbing the peace of other beachgoers on Saturday. One person was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. “Our officers, authorised by municipal by-laws, will continue rigorous searches of cars and beachgoers,” the municipality said, reiterating its commitment to strictly enforcing its no alcohol policy on beaches,” said the municipality. Beach areas under the control of George Municipality include Wilderness Main Beach, Wilderness Lagoon, Wilderness Steps, Wilderness Leentjiesklip, Victoria Bay Beach, Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp, and Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal Pool. “The…

A GRUELLING search for a Kensington toddler Skyler Salie who reportedly fell into a manhole has ended with her tiny body being found. According to ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg, the toddler was with her mother walking home near the corners of Voortrekker Road and 18th Avenue where the manhole is located. “The circumstances around her untimely passing are being investigated by the police. I call upon the community to practise patience in this regard. “Avoid speculation, rather wait for the authorities to convey the facts. The details are still sketchy at this stage but the mother said they were coming from the bushes in the early hours of the morning and while walking on the road going home in the dark, the child fell. We sincerely offer condolences to…

As the proposed Expropriation Bill returns to Parliament in February, there is a collective nod of approval for its earnest attempt to address the lingering scars of apartheid. The bill, in its pursuit of rectify historical injustices and level the socio-economic playing field, has commendable aspects that warrant acknowledgement. The glaring inequalities spawned by the apartheid era necessitate bold legislative measures, and the Expropriation Bill does take a step in the right direction. However, amid the applause, there emerges a chorus of concerns from civil society, academics and political parties, echoing the need for clarity in the definition of property, particularly concerning intellectual property. The proponents of the bill argue that a broad interpretation of property is essential to ensure comprehensive redress. However, the devil lies in the detail, and…

At least 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off Libya’s coast, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Saturday, in the latest such tragedy off the North Africa. The migrants are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel after it left from Zuwara, on Libya’s northwest coast, the IOM’s Libya office said. Citing survivors, it said there were about 86 migrants aboard, including women and children, from Nigeria, The Gambia and other African states. Twenty-five people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM. It said the survivors were all in good condition and had received medical support from IOM staff. Libya and Tunisia are principal departure points for migrants risking dangerous sea voyages in…

YAOUNDE: Chad has declared four Sudanese diplomats personae non- gratae, giving them 72 hours to leave the country. “This measure follows serious and unfounded remarks by Sudanese army deputy chief of staff Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta accusing Chad of interfering in the inter-Sudanese conflict,” Chad’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the Sudanese ambassador to Chad had been summoned and informed of the decision. Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas since the fighting commenced on April 15.…

MUMBAI: At least nine workers were killed and several injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Nagpur, a central district in Maharashtra state yesterday, a local police officer said. The blast occurred at about 8.30am (local time) at a factory run by Solar Industries India. The factory manufactures industrial and military explosives, as well as propellants and warheads for India’s defence sector, Solar Industries’ website said. The injured were taken to hospitals. The number of casualties could increase. Police are still investigating the cause of the blast in the factory’s packing area. Calls to a contact number on the company website were not answered.…