Table of contents for 2024-07-04 in Cape Times

Bidvest, which announced yet another offshore acquisition yesterday, plans to sell its bank through a restructuring of its financial services division. The aim was to recycle capital and align the group’s interests in terms of strategy, while setting it up for its next phase of expansion, Bidvest CEO Mpumi Madisa said yesterday. The group announced also that it is acquiring 100% of Canada-based Citron Hygiene from Birch Hill Equity Partners and other investors for an undisclosed sum. Citron serves about 50 000 customer locations from seven branches in Canada, four in the US and 10 in the UK. In March at the release of interim results, Madisa said that the group was on the acquisition trail, this after already spending R3.2 billion on bringing nine new businesses into the fold…

Ngentsasa yangoLwesine, ama- polisa ambonzeleke kumboniso. Sorry, I beg your pardon. Let me restart. On the morning of Thursday, June 20 – the National Arts Festival’s opening day – police, campus protection services and a private security company barged into Mandla Mbothwe’s Izandi Zemilambo Yabo Kuthi / The Sounds of Their Rivers in Us exhibition space at the Rhodes University Studio Gallery. All attendees, including the organisers, were ordered out. Why? Candles and impepho (sage) inside a heritage building, unsecured plasma TVs and allegations of missing pot plants outside were also bandied about. “This incident was the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding. A person who worked at Rhodes (University) was not informed about the production and was alarmed. They called Campus Security without finding out what was happening. The National…

DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says there will be no purging of directors-general (DGs) in ministries led by his party’s ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU). “Where you have DGs that are there on contracts, the contracts will be honoured. Obviously, we are not going in looking to purge anybody. We will be looking for people who are going to work to achieve the goals of departments, where people are willing to work and not play political games. I think there is not going to be any problems,” he said. He made the remarks during an interview with the SABC on the sidelines of the swearing-in of members of the executive yesterday. The contracts of DGs came up in a letter from DA federal council chairperson…

Ingredients 2 tbs cooking oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp ginger, grated 1 onion, finely chopped 500g chicken thighs, sliced 2 tbs Rajah Flavourful and Mild curry powder 270ml coconut milk 375ml chicken stock ½ tsp salt 1 cup frozen peas ¼ cup fresh coriander Method Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook garlic, ginger and onion for 2 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add chicken and cook until it changes colour from pink to white. Add Rajah curry powder and cook for 2 minutes. Add coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir, lower heat to medium and cook, simmering rapidly, for 15 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens. Add peas and salt. Cook for a further minute, then taste to see if it needs…

HEALTH unions have welcomed the reappointment of Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as Minister of Health, saying he was familiar with the challenges facing the ministry and hands-on when it came to problem solving. The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (Haitu) through its general secretary, Lerato Mthunzi, said during his tenure as health minister, Motsoaledi turned the fortunes of the ministry around. “Dr Motsoaledi is no stranger to the health portfolio and when he was minister, conditions in public hospitals and clinics were far better than they are now. Dr Motsoaledi has a reputation for being hands-on when it comes to solving the problems in the department, and we remember him for being a person who engages all labour unions in health, not just those affiliated to Cosatu. “The minister…

The recent Kenyan protests are a warning that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is failing. The public does not think it is helping its member countries manage their economic and financial problems, which are being exacerbated by a rapidly changing global political economy. To be sure, the IMF is not the only cause of Kenya’s problems with raising the funds to meet its substantial debt obligations and deal with its budget deficit. Other causes include the failure of the governing class to deal with corruption,spend public finances responsibly and manage an economy that produces jobs and improves the living standards of Kenya’s young population. The country has also been hammered by drought, floods and locust infestations in recent years. In addition, its creditors are demanding that it continue servicing its…

Survivors of India’s deadliest stampede in more than a decade recalled yesterday the horror of being crushed at a vastly overcrowded Hindu religious gathering where 121 people were killed. A police report said more than 250 000 people attended the event in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, more than triple the 80 000 for whom organisers had permission. Discarded clothing and lost shoes were scattered across the muddy site, an open field alongside a highway, where popular preacher Bhole Baba had held a sermon. People fell on top of each other as they tumbled down a slope into a water-logged ditch, witnesses said. “Everyone, the entire crowd, including women and children, all left from the event site at once,” said police officer Sheela Maurya, 50, who had been on duty…

Kenyan police yesterday said they had arrested over 270 people masquerading as protesters who were suspected of going on a criminal rampage during anti-government rallies on Tuesday. The protests against a finance bill, that contained a raft of new taxes, began in an atmosphere of calm but degenerated into violence, with police firing tear gas at rock-throwing crowds in Nairobi and scenes of looting and property damage in several cities. The protests have underscored discontent with the International Monetary Fund, raising questions about its efficacy in assisting member countries during economic crises. While Kenya’s financial struggles stem from corruption and inadequate economic policies, the IMF’s stringent conditions for financial support have drawn criticism for adding to the cost-of-living crisis. The Kenyan presidency said yesterday that it had ordered a…

Astana: The leaders of Russia and China were in Kazakhstan yesterday for a regional summit, seeking to harden anti-Western alliances and press their influence in the strategic Central Asian region. Russian President Vladimir Putin was in the Kazakh capital of Astana for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – a Beijing-led regional bloc that covers Central Asia, India and Iran. Moscow and Beijing have deepened their ties since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also set to address the two-day summit today. | AFP…

Wellington: New Zealand’s annual cat-killing contest plans to expand next year, the event’s organiser said yesterday, describing feral felines as a grave threat to native wildlife. Feral cats prey on endangered birds, bats and lizards, says the department of conservation. The competition was held at the weekend in rural North Canterbury, with hunters killing 370 feral cats. It attracted 1 500 hunters, including 460 children who had to be accompanied by adults. Conservation groups want feral cats to be added to New Zealand’s plans to eradicate pests like rats, possums and ferrets, by 2050. | AFP…

Strauss & Co’s July online-only ART auction includes a special focus on the Eastern Cape and its strong tradition of landscape painting. The four-part auction, which opened for bidding on Monday, presents collectors with an opportunity to acquire pieces by influential Eastern Cape painters Brian Bradshaw and Robert Brooks, as well as bid on pieces by Hylton Nel and Athi-Patra Ruga, globally renowned artists shaped by the Eastern Cape and recently celebrated by luxury brand Dior. This is the third edition of Strauss & Co’s Eastern Cape-themed auction, highlighting the profound influence of the region on South Africa’s artistic landscape. Spearheaded by Senior Art Specialist Ian Hunter, the auction aims to continue to honour the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions stemming from the historically significant area. “The Eastern Cape…

THE newly appointed members of the executive of the Government of National Unity (GNU) outlined their plans following their swearing-in at the Cape Town International Convention Centre yesterday. Several of the ministers are yet to be briefed by the departments’ directors-general and also receive handover reports from their predecessors. Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau said transformation was important to ensure equitable access to opportunities, ensuring redress in the economy and that broad-based economic empowerment was achieved. Among his priorities was to stabilise the department. “There are a number of acting appointments,” Tau said. He added that he would focus on economic development and growth on the back of industrialisation, and on job creation. “We need to increase our efforts with regards to industrialisation to ensure we grow our…

Two former Absa bank employees have been sentenced in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for multiple counts of fraud, theft and money laundering. NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Florika Shenay Owusu, 31, and Abongile Tyusha, 30, used their access to the bank’s electronic banking system to carry out fraudulent activities between November 2019 and June 2021. “Owusu, initially stationed at the Patensie branch, and Tyusha, transferred to the Dutywa branch … were entrusted with unique user codes, which the bank used to trace all transactions performed by its employees. “They opened Absa accounts in the names of deceased individuals and foreign nationals without their knowledge. “They issued debit cards for these accounts to facilitate the fraudulent transfers and withdrawals. They identified and reactivated 18 dormant accounts, mainly belonging to…

The KwaZulu-Natal National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) service providers’ association has threatened to stop the service over what they claim is a three-month outstanding payment from the KZN Department of Basic Education. According to NSNP KZN spokesperson Thabang Mncwabe, the providers may stop their service, which could lead to thousands of pupils not being fed when schools reopen on Tuesday. Mncwabe said some service providers have not been paid since April with the department only paying 40% of the providers. “There is a possibility that some schools will not receive food because service providers are not being paid. “That is not what we wish for, but if the department does not pay us how we are supposed to work? I am really hoping the department resolves this as soon as…

DR Naledi Pandor embodies the qualities of a true compatriot and deserves all the applause coming her way as she adjusts to a life out of the spotlight. Her sterling leadership at the time the global superpowers turned their backs on human rights violations the people of Palestine were subjected to by the Israeli army is one that all Cabinet ministers should emulate. Dr Pandor’s stance on the Palestinian question has been firm and encouraging despite the pressures and at times insults for standing up for what is just and right. At all times she served South Africa with humility. This is true of other departments she led during her time in government. No corruption scandals, just exemplary leadership. She restored the country’s image as a leader in global issues…

Israeli forces bombed and battled Hamas in Gaza City yesterday as tens of thousands of Palestinians scrambled for a safe haven after the army issued an evacuation order for a vast swathe in the territory’s south. Apache helicopters and Israeli quadcopter drones flew above Gaza City’s Shujaiya district as heavy gunfire echoed through the streets, reports said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US report saying his generals were urging a Gaza truce even with Hamas undefeated. Military chief Herzi Halevi meanwhile said Israel was engaged in “a long campaign” to destroy Hamas over the October 7 attack and to bring home the hostages held by Hamas. The UN warned that the almost nine-month-old war had “unleashed a maelstrom of human misery” and that the latest evacuation order had plunged…

LONDON: Musician and singer-songwriter Roger Waters says he hopes a now free Julian Assange might one day be able to resume his work at WikiLeaks if he wants to, and that he is prepared to help fund the whistleblower media organisation. The Pink Floyd co-founder, who had long called for the release of the Australian publisher from a jail in Britain, said he had exchanged messages of “sighs of relief” with Assange’s wife Stella since he arrived in Canberra last week. Waters also visited Assange in jail last year. Stella has said it was too soon to say what her husband would do next and that he needed time to “get used to freedom”. | Reuters…

Berlin: Two men accused of trying to blackmail relatives of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher had access to private family photos, German prosecutors said yesterday. German authorities announced last month that they had arrested a father and son on suspicion of trying to blackmail the Schumacher family. The suspects contacted family representatives claiming to have access to files which the Schumachers “would not want to have published”, prosecutors said. Michael Schumacher, a seven-time F1 world champion, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious brain injury in a 2013 skiing accident in the French Alps. Prosecutors yesterday said “intensive investigations” were being carried out into the case. | AFP…

Convergence Partners has bought a majority stake in IT company Datacentrix for an undisclosed amount, in a bid to leverage assets across both companies to take advantage of the huge possibilities artificial intelligence (AI) is to offer. As part of a management buyout, which will see existing management remaining to continue leading the company, management and Convergence Partners bought the company out from private equity firm, Alviva. Alviva acquired Datacentrix in 2017, resulting in the company being delisted after 20 years on the bourse. The deal was initially announced on January 17 this year, and yesterday achieved unconditional approval from both the Competition Commission and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Andile Ngcaba is the founder of Convergence Partners and is former director-general of what used to be the Department…

THE ANC in the Dullah Omar region has accused the party’s provincial leadership of being nefarious in overlooking regional chairperson Ndithini Tyhido for a vacant councillor position in the City council. Instead, the provincial leadership wants the post filled by Thando Dedezane, who is next on the reserve candidate list. The vacancy arose after Noluthando Makasi was deployed to become an MP. Regional secretary Mvusi Mdala said the regional executive committee, which was elected in August 2023, resolved that Tyhido serve as a proportional representation (PR) councillor. “The region patiently waited for the vacancy in order to avoid any disruption of the stability of the ANC in the caucus. Now that the vacancy has arisen and in light of comrade Thandi Makasi ascending to the National Assembly, we seek to…

The Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioner called for consequences against national and provincial departments for failing to pay suppliers R35 billion within the legally required period of 30 days. According to a non-compliance National Treasury report, in the 2023/24 financial year the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national and provincial departments amounted to 362 068 invoices with a total value of R35.1bn. The analysis indicates that national departments were responsible for 30% of invoices paid later than the required period and were also responsible for 1% of invoices not paid at the end of March 2024. “The number of invoices paid after 30 days by national departments in the 2023/24 financial year amounted to 108 917 invoices to the value of R4.6bn which represents an improvement of…

THE South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), through its five sites under the HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), has contributed to an international multicentre study that resulted in a 100% efficacy for HIV prevention injectable pre-exposure prophylaxes (PrEP). The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recently recommended that Gilead Sciences, Inc stop the blinded phase of the Purpose 1 trial at interim analysis and offer open-label lenacapavir to all participants with immediate effect. Gilead announced the main results from an interim analysis of the Phase 3 Purpose 1 double-blind, randomised trial indicating that the company’s twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, demonstrated 100% efficacy for the investigational use of HIV prevention in women. The purpose programme comprises five HIV-prevention trials around the world that are focused on innovation…

THE arrest of three Gauteng men in Woodstock brought an end to their alleged catfish operation as they ran rampant, using a popular dating app to allegedly kidnap users across Cape Town. Two more victims from the southern and northern suburbs have come forward against the accused, Mlungisi Mbutu, Bongani Zulu and Zwelakhe Ngwenya. State prosecutor Luzaan Williams told the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court yesterday that the accused faced additional charges. However, the incidents were under other jurisdictions. “The accused do have other charges now, one of the incidents being in Claremont and the matter will be heard in Wynberg, not in this jurisdiction. Your worship, a Zulu interpreter can only make it to court on July 19,” said Williams. The matter was postponed to that date. The court also…

The partners should be commended for rising to the hour of need Whether it is because of the political acumen of his negotiators or sheer kismet, President Cyril Ramaphosa must be laughing all the way to the Bank of GNU (Government of National Unity). Whether the joke turns out to be on his 62.283 million compatriots or on his corrosive critics only time will tell. Whether Ramaphosa’s much-awaited 32-strong cabinet announced on Sunday does signal a new era for the Rainbow Nation, clobbered over the last decade by the extremes of a governance climate marked by dysfunction, failure of delivery on core ANC pledges, rising inequality, corruption, and other metrics of shame, remains to be seen. But let’s give the President and the 11-party GNU the chance and space to…

Tensions are escalating in France as the country approaches a snap election run-off, with fears mounting among its substantial Muslim minority. Fatimata, a 22-year-old French Muslim woman, feels increasingly alienated as the far-right, led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, gains momentum. In the recent parliamentary elections, the far-right secured a leading position in the first round. While it’s uncertain if the National Rally will achieve a majority in Sunday’s run-off, many of France’s six million Muslims, including Fatimata, are deeply anxious. “Knowing that 10.6 million people voted for a party promoting the ban of the veil in public is hurtful,” she shared with Al Jazeera. Fatimata epitomises the French citizens targeted by Le Pen’s party. Wearing the hijab and born to Mauritanian and Senegalese parents, she grew up in…

Hurricane Beryl neared Jamaica as a powerful Category 4 storm yesterday, after flattening homes and devastating agriculture on smaller islands in the eastern Caribbean, killing at least seven people and creating “Armageddon-like” conditions on Grenada. At about 300km east-southeast of the Jamaican capital of Kingston, the hurricane packed maximum sustained winds of 1 230km/h, according to the US National Hurricane Center, Beryl was expected to bring “life-threatening’ winds and storm surge to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands yesterday and today, the hurricane centre said. In Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, residents stocked up on fuel, water and other essential supplies and boarded up shops and houses. The unusually early hurricane is expected to still be a hurricane when it passes near Jamaica and the Cayman Islands later this week. Beryl felled power…

LONDON: Britain’s Conservative Party all-but conceded election defeat to Keir Starmer’s Labour yesterday, ahead of polling stations opening today, and warned that the opposition party was on course for a record-breaking victory. Opinion polls show the centre-left Labour Party is set for a big win in today’s vote that would end 14 years of Conservative government. Both Starmer and Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have warned voters of dire economic consequences if the other man wins. But the Conservatives said they needed to hang on to enough seats to provide an effective opposition to a Labour government. Polling analysis sees Labour winning 484 of the 650 seats in parliament. | Reuters…

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden pulled even with his Republican challenger Donald Trump this week in the race to win the November election, a sign the contest remains close, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. Biden and Trump each had 40% support among registered voters. A poll last month showed Trump with a 2 percentage point lead, 41% to 39%. The two faced off in a televised debate last week, where Biden stammered throughout and failed to challenge Trump’s attacks. The new poll also showed that, following the debate, about one-in-three Democrats think Biden should drop out of the race. | Reuters…