Table of contents for 2024-03-20 in Cape Times

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the R10.5 million paid in salaries to directors-general who were on suspension with full pay over the past three years. Ramaphosa said the payment of the salaries in full to the suspended officials was in line with labour laws. He was responding to DA MP Mimmy Gondwe, who asked for the number of heads of department and directors-general who were on suspension with full pay from 2020/21 until 2022/23. Gondwe also queried the reasons for suspension in each case and the total amount paid in salaries for the duration of suspension. In his reply, Ramaphosa said three directors-general were placed on suspension with full pay in the 2020/21 financial year within the Public Service Commission (August 2020 to December 2020), Public Works and Infrastructure (July…

The Black Lawyers Association (BLA) has called for any opinions given to the Constitutional Court by retired Justices Zak Yacoob and Johan Froneman to be discarded and for the sitting justices to reconsider these matters. Last week, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said he had decided to discontinue the use of retired justices to help consider new applications to the Constitutional Court after legal non-governmental organisations and other concerned bodies challenged the chief justice’s explanation that they were providing an administrative support service. The Council for the Advancement of the Constitution (Casac) twice wrote to Justice Zondo, with concerns also being raised by BLA, Freedom Under Law and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Nadel). Casac in its letter said that deciding whether to grant or dismiss applications was a core…

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is probing an incident in which 16-year-old Althea Adams died and four other Elsies River residents were injured during police action. Chaos erupted in the De Range community on Sunday when police who allegedly responded to a drug tip-off and residents clashed after a woman was arrested where the substance was found. A large group of residents who believed the woman was innocent allegedly pelted police with stones, bricks and bottles. Shots were allegedly fired and the crowd dispersed. Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said a contingent deployed in the community led to a 50-year-old suspect being apprehended and officers confiscated 50 rounds of ammunition and more than 400 mandrax tablets. “In that operation the arresting officers came under attack from community members and shots…

MOST public holidays in South Africa hold great historical significance as they serve as remembrances of a painful history as well as reminders of the long road ahead. Human Rights Day is one such day that serves as a moment of reflection and commemoration for those who lost their lives in the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. The events of March 21, 1960, which started as a peaceful march against the apartheid pass laws, turned into one of the most tragic human massacres when the police killed 69 people including 29 children and injured over 180 people. This day marked a major turning point in South African history as it resulted in an intensified armed Struggle for liberation from the brutality and inhumanity of apartheid. In 2024, South Africa marks the…

Efforts to hammer out a temporary truce in Gaza intensified yesterday after months of war that have devastated the Palestinian territory and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine. While a UN-backed assessment said 300 000 people in Gaza’s north would face famine by May without a surge of aid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said everyone in Gaza was now in need of humanitarian aid. UN human rights chief Volker Turk blamed Israel for the hunger crisis, telling reporters in Geneva they were blocking aid and conducting the conflict in a way that “may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war”. Israeli troops yesterday pressed an assault on Gaza’s biggest hospital, which they allege is being used for military purposes. The military…

Amnesty International criticised a leaked draft of Saudi Arabia’s first penal code yesterday, saying it would codify practices ranging from flogging to gender discrimination and urging changes to align it with international standards. In a report, Amnesty said the draft penal code “shatters the illusion” that de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman “is pursuing a truly reformist agenda” – a reference to social and economic changes he has introduced to modernise Saudi Arabia, and attract investment and tourism. Amnesty said the draft was first leaked in 2022 and its authenticity had been confirmed by Saudi legal experts. Amnesty said the Saudi Human Rights Commission had denied the document’s authenticity after it wrote to the commission and the Saudi government to share its analysis. The commission told Amnesty a…

Canberra: Hundreds of residents of remote northern Australia have been left stranded after Tropical Cyclone Megan forced the suspension of evacuation efforts. Megan made landfall in the northeast of Australia’s Northern Territory on Monday as a category 3 storm hit, with wind speeds up to 200km/h and heavy rainfall. Evacuations from nearby towns being led by the Australian Defence Force and Royal Australian Air Force were suspended due to deteriorating weather. This left 700 people trapped in the region as the cyclone approaches, with power cut off and residents urged to conserve batteries. Flood warnings have been issued across the north-east with up to 300mm of rain expected. | IANS…

WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court yesterday was set to consider a California woman’s bid to overturn her conviction for smuggling drugs across the US Mexican border in a legal dispute over her defence that she acted as a “blind” drug mule. The justices will hear arguments in Delilah Guadalupe Diaz’s appeal after a lower court refused to exclude testimony by an expert witness who cast doubt on her claim that she did not know methamphetamine valued at $368 550 (R6.9 million) was hidden in the door of the car she was driving. The case tests how far law enforcement agents testifying can go in telling a jury that defendants in certain drug trafficking cases have a “guilty mind”. | Reuters…

The Titans will be hoping for a return to winning ways when they host the Dolphins in their CSA T20 Challenge match at SuperSport Park today. The Sky Blues have suffered consecutive narrow defeats to the Warriors and Lions. The defending champions fell two runs short against the Warriors andlost by just one run to their cross-town rivals, the Lions, in the Jukskei Derby. The competitive nature of the CSA T20 Challenge means that due to these two reversals, the Titans now find themselves in a lowly fifth place. They will also have to find a way to navigate the remainder of the competition without their national stars that all left for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Senior bowlers such as Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams and Junior Dala will, therefore,…

A few days ago, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) hosted a dialogue on Mobilising Finance for a Just Transition, covering a broad range of issues relating to climate finance tagging, project design and matchmaking, financial structuring and implementation support, among others. What was interesting through the dialogue was the convergence of views to address the fundamental question on what constitutes a “just transition” project, and what are the criteria that should inform the tagging of climate finance as well as the institutional and policy alignment needed to support the financing of the just transition. The current PCC draft “Just transition Finance Mechanism Recommendations Report” tabled for public participation and comments, acknowledges that “just transition projects are less commercial by nature, necessitate a higher proportion of grant finance and risk mitigation…

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) said yesterday it would not hesitate to approach the Electoral Court when it had evidence of conduct that was prohibited in the electoral code. “Our approach to the Electoral Court must be based on evidence that can withstand rigour and scrutiny of the court. Only they can impose sanctions. “Where we have evidence … the commission will not waiver to act in the interest of free and fair elections,” deputy electoral officer Masego Sheburi said. He responded to questions from MPs when the IEC briefed the home affairs portfolio committee on its readiness to conduct the May 29 elections. The MPs wanted to know what the IEC was planning to do regarding the threats made by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party against…

Investigators swoop on Speaker’s home over allegations of corruption ANC MPs once again closed ranks and blocked attempts by opposition parties to get answers from President Cyril Ramaphosa about whether he expected National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to step down following a raid at her home yesterday. The search and seizure operation at her Johannesburg home relates to an investigation against her, according to the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate (ID). Parliament confirmed the raid was linked to reports about a “widely publicised investigation” into alleged corruption reportedly involving Mapisa-Nqakula while she was defence minister. It was reported earlier this month that Mapisa-Nqakula was being investigated by the ID over allegations that she was paid R2.3 million in cash bribes by defence industry businesswomen Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Parliament said Mapisa-Nqakula “steadfastly”…

Collaboration between governments is needed for Africa’s ports, which attract billions in private funding, to realise their full potential for the benefit of the continent’s people. This is according to experts at the Maritime Business Chamber-hosted “Ports as Essential Instruments for Sustaining and Improving Diverse Growth in African Economies” webinar yesterday. Speakers included Port Management Association of East and Southern Africa (PMAESA) secretary-general Col. Andre Didace Ciseau, founder of Shipping and Freight Resource Hariesh Manaadiar and FICS chairperson for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers East Africa Elijah Mbaru, during the session moderated by Maritime Hub Network managing director Nonqaba Bengu. Africa’s port sector continues to attract private funding with $15 billion invested between 2005 and 2019. Despite these numbers, the financial needs of the continent remain significant. During the webinar…

Rights flourish where there are responsible citizens and leaders in all walks of life DEAR Grandchildren. I told you a while ago that you will receive many communications from me during this historic year in South Africa. This year we celebrate 30 years of democracy. On the 21st of March every year, we celebrate Human Rights Day. On this day in 1960, police of the apartheid government of South Africa killed people in Sharpville who were protesting against the regime. The day was since then called Sharpeville Day but was renamed to Human Rights Day to emphasise that the tragic incident in Sharpeville should never happen again - anywhere. Human rights are a crucial instrument that on the one hand, protect and, on the other hand, advance dignity, healing, justice,…

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday hailed a recent strengthening of defence ties with the Philippines as “extraordinary”, saying they would only grow further, though Washington’s expanding alliances were not aimed at China. Speaking during a visit to the Philippines, Blinken said China’s actions in the South China Sea had triggered a wider international reaction, and the US was engaged in intense diplomacy to reaffirm international law. “We have a shared concern about (China’s) actions that threaten our common vision for a free open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea and in the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Blinken told a press conference alongside his Philippine counterpart. Ties between the Philippines and China have soured amid repeated spats over disputed features in the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone, and…

India’s main reservoirs have hit their lowest March levels in five years, government data showed, indicating a possible squeeze on drinking water and power availability this summer. In major centres such as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ Bengaluru, home to firms like Google, water supply is already being curtailed. The 150 reservoirs monitored by the federal government – which supply water for drinking and irrigation and are the country’s key source of hydro-electricity – were filled to just 40% of capacity last week, government data showed. Water reserves are the lowest for March since 2019, when reservoir capacity fell to 35% and saw southern cities such as Chennai run out of water. The situation could escalate the crisis in central and southern cities which face extreme heatwaves in April and May. India’s…

HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s Legislative Council yesterday unanimously passed a new national security bill within a fortnight of it first being tabled, fast-tracking a major piece of legislation that critics say further threatens the China-ruled city’s freedoms. The package, known as Article 23, updates or creates new laws and penalties to prohibit treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets and espionage, with up to life imprisonment. The 90-seat council stacked with pro-Beijing loyalists was first presented with the bill on March 8, following a month-long public consultation. It will come into effect on Saturday. | Reuters…

LONDON: Britain yesterday said it would refer the UAE-led takeover of the Telegraph for a lengthy review, a move that would likely kill the deal because a law banning foreign governments owning newspapers is due to come into force in the coming months. Media Secretary Lucy Frazer made the decision to refer the acquisition by RedBird IMI to the Competition and Markets Authority after receiving advice from the media regulator Ofcom. Separate to the review process, the government is amending legislation to ban foreign states from owning newspapers in response to MP’ concerns about RedBird IMI’s bid to buy the Telegraph. | Reuters…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been left fuming as uncertainty surrounds the fitness of Mamelodi Sundowns players selected for two friendlies. The South African national football side arrived in Algeria and began their preparations for matches against Andorra and the Foxes. In his final 23-man squad, Broos named seven Sundowns players, who were given permission to join the squad late because of their Nedbank Cup commitments on Sunday. However, national team captain Ronwen Williams as well as midfielder Tebogo Mokoena, who were part of Bafana’s squad, were pronounced injured by Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena after their Nedbank Cup clash with Maritzburg United. Both Williams and Mokoena were absent from the team on the day. Bafana kick off their north African tour tomorrow, when they face Andorra…

South Africa’s URC teams return to action this weekend and there is plenty at stake for the Bulls, Lions and Stormers. There are play-off positions at stake while for the fourth local franchise, the Sharks, it is all about finding form as they switch their focus to winning the Challenge Cup. Here, Independent Newspapers looks at four forwards with everything to play for. Asenathi Ntlabakanye of the Lions The big fellow would have been disappointed to be left out of the recent Bok alignment camp. He certainly has the form and has been a massive presence for the Lions and is difficult to ignore. At one point Ntlabakanye weighed 153kg but his ability to shift the opposition in the scrum is only part of his repertoire. It is his hunger…

The beauty industry is buzzing with excitement as cosmetic doctors and plastic surgeons report a surge in bookings for surgical and non-surgical treatments. People are eager to refresh their appearance after spending so much time at home, and they’re turning to a variety of treatments to achieve their desired look. Injectables like Botox and fillers are leading the pack, followed by more involved procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction, mommy makeovers and Brazilian butt lifts. Skincare treatments, like oxygen facials and microneedling, are also gaining popularity, with Vitamin C and Retinol being the go-to options for a rejuvenated, smoother and brighter facial appearance. Amid the beauty rush, there’s a figure who stands out in this field of surgery: Dr Nombulelo Metuse, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She says: “My…

Family, friends and members of the public have banded together to search for KwaZulu-Natal North Coast skipper John Matambu. Matambu has been missing since March 16. His burnt charter fishing ski-boat Magnum Too was found wrecked in the vicinity of Dobela on the Mozambique coastline on Sunday, with no sign of the skipper or his unidentified passenger. It is believed the boat departed from Sodwana Bay early on March 16. Candice Eilertsen, the wife of Matambu’s nephew Michael, said they had been managing and dealing with people offering to help and leads coming in. She said Michael was dealing specifically with the investigators and people who wanted to lead search parties. Eilertsen said the first search party was initiated by a friend of Matambu who became worried when he failed…

1.5 kg snoek / yellow tail or any firm fish of choice cut into large slices ¼ cup sunflower oil 1 cup brown vinegar, you can use more ½ cup water ¼ cup sugar 3 large onions, sliced Few slices of lemon (optional) 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp turmeric 2 tsp fish masala 1 tsp crushed chillies 1 tsp chilli powder (optional) 3 bay leaves 3 cloves 3 allspice /pimento Wash and drain the fish. Wipe the fish dry with a clean kitchen towel. Salt and pepper the fish slices. Heat a large saucepan over medium to high heat. Add ¼ cup of oil. When the oil is warm, fry the fish a few minutes on each side…

At least 10 more pupils from Freedom Park, Ottery, have been placed into nearby schools following an outcry from community activists. The Cape Times previously reported on a group of youth in the area who had been left idle in the community, with parents saying they were at risk of falling prey to social ills. Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed 34 pupils still needed to be placed in schools in the province. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “There are four Grade 1s and one Grade 8 that requires placement. All of these are 2024 requests for placement. At any given time, the WCED will be in the process of assisting learners with transfer requests – these are learners that have either dropped out of school or have moved…

The City has confirmed the latest results for sampling points immediately upstream and downstream of the discharge point of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works (AWWTW) showed “non-compliance of un-ionised ammonia and dissolved oxygen”. This comes as Athlone residents raised health-related concerns following allegations of sewage being pumped into the Black River. Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien said routine monthly samples are taken at various points in the Black River. “These points are located upstream and downstream of the discharge point of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works. The last sampling run was on March 5. The samples are tested in accordance with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Water Quality Guidelines for Rivers and Vleis. “The last results for sampling points immediately upstream and downstream of the…

ON May 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, 69 people were killed when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the pass laws of the then apartheid regime. About 7 000 protesters had gathered at the police station for the mass action. The police then opened fire on the crowd which had started advancing towards the fence around the police station. Of those who were killed, 29 were children. Another 180 people were injured. Some were shot in the back as they fled. In present-day South Africa, March 21 is commemorated as a public holiday in honour of human rights and to commemorate the Sharpeville massacre. With the May 29 general election looming, politicians will again use the occasion to score political points. The 1960 protest was…

US President Joe Biden headed to the battleground states of Nevada and Arizona yesterday to shore up flagging support among Latino voters as his election battle with Donald Trump heats up. The historically Democratic Latino community is increasingly leaning towards Republican Trump, spelling trouble for Biden in two states that he narrowly won in 2020 and must win again in November. Biden, 81, will be selling his economic record and highlighting issues such as abortion and immigration on the trip, the latest in a series of visits to swing states. “The Latino vote was critical to the president’s victory in 2020, and 2024 will be no different,” Biden’s campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said. “Our community has deep roots in organising, and we are excited to harness that skillset to…

BRASILIA: Brazil’s federal police indicted the country’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for suspected fraud on his vaccination records, sources related to the matter said yesterday. An investigation had already shown that Bolsonaro’s vaccination records were false. One of his former aides, Mauro Cid, who was arrested in May last year, was also indicted. The sources said Bolsonaro was indicted on charges of entering false data into the country’s health system and forming a criminal organisation. Contacted by Reuters, he said he had not taken the Covid-19 vaccine. Bolsonaro downplayed the importance of immunisation during the pandemic, which killed more than 700 000 people in Brazil. | Reuters…

Paris: A Paris criminal court handed jail terms yesterday to 28 people who joined an online harassment campaign launched by rapper Booba against France’s “queen of influencers”. In the country’s largest cyberbullying case, the defendants, aged between 20 and 49, were given sentences of between four and 18 months, half of them suspended, for sending hateful or insulting messages to social media star Magali Berdah. In 2022, Booba launched a campaign against “influencers” whom he accused of scamming ordinary internet users. He has been charged with aggravated harassment but was not among those sentenced Tuesday. | AFP…