Table of contents for 2024-07-17 in Cape Times

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister (dtic) Parks Tau’s budget vote for the 2024/25 financial year came under an onslaught of criticism yesterday on its lack of detailed attention to reviewing the entire tariff structure, the ocean economy with its 58% contribution to the economy, industrialisation and the lack of sustained strategies to sustain growth targets and job creation. The ANC, DA, EFF and MK said the budget was lofty and called on Tau to come up with more concrete plans to address industrialisation, and job creation in particular. “We have a 51% expanded definition of unemployment … There is need for a revolutionary approach but instead the government, in creating an incentive assembly scheme where multinationals will come with no downstream impact, no jobs that come out of…

Petra Diamonds, which mines for the precious stones in South Africa and Tanzania, yesterday reported that it lowered its net debt by $11 million (over R199m) during the half-year period to the end of June, while carats sold for the full year rose by 36%. The company is gearing up to deliver an annual cost-savings of as much as $30m. This would help to generate net free cash from the current financial year onwards and allow the company to “continue to deleverage and provide flexibility with regard to refinancing” its 2026 notes. Petra Diamonds CEO Richard Duffy said yesterday that the company’s “net debt decreased by $11m to $201m at June 30, 2024 compared to $212m” at December 31, 2023. This reflected Petra Diamonds’s “agility in exceeding the cost…

We love beautiful clothes and often it’s the designer who gets all the praise because they are the brains behind the specific garment. However, for it to come to life from the sketch to being an actual wearable garment, there are many hands involved, and these are the most important people in the industry who are somehow underrated. While some brands are still growing and the designer has to do most of the work themselves, other brands have invested in the following people for effective production, although they are still part of slow fashion. Creative director This is the person responsible for coming up with the designs. Most designers do it themselves, while others (mostly franchise brands) hire people to be creative directors. For example, South African designer Thebe Magugu…

Alliance partners blast the party for entering into ‘government of elite pack’ with DA SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has labelled the ANC sell-outs for forming a coalition with the DA under the guise of a Government of National Unity (GNU). “We never stopped the ANC from speaking to anyone. The day after the elections were announced, we met as the alliance secretariat (and) said at this moment the critical point is that the liberation forces must secure political power. We anchored this on the basis not with the neo-liberal forces of the DA and not with the counter-revolutionary forces of MK. “In that process we were then left with engaging possibly (with) the forces of the EFF and others to set up a minority government. “I took the initiative,…

For the Avocado Sauce: 1 ripe avocado 125ml sour cream 1 small garlic clove, crushed Zest and juice of 1 lime Handful coriander 15ml olive oil 60ml water Salt and pepper, to taste For the Corn Fritter Bites: 125ml milk 1 large egg 180ml flour 7.5ml baking powder 500ml frozen mealie kernels, defrosted 180ml Cheddar Cheese, grated Zest of 1 lime 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 spring onion, thinly sliced Salt and pepper, to taste Oil for frying For the Avocado Sauce: Put all the ingredients in a blender jug and blend until smooth. For the Corn Fritter Bites: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the milk and egg together, then add the flour and baking powder and whisk again until smooth. Add the mealies, cheese, lime zest, garlic,…

A NURSE who was verbally abused for years by a doctor who used vulgar language towards her is due to get R300 000 in damages from the hospital which failed to act against the medic despite her complaints. In 2016, Tilana Louw, now a theatre manager at a private hospital in Bloemfontein, instituted a claim in the Bloemfontein High Court against Dr SP Grobler, who had made her life hell with his vicious words towards her. Grobler died and Louw reached a confidential settlement with his estate. She, however, also claimed damages from the Netcare Universitas Hospital where both she and Grobler had worked. Louw’s claim against the hospital was based on the submission that she had laid numerous complaints against Grobler, without getting an appropriate response. While Louw was…

SA’s future depends on its united ability to defy these regressive forces With its dominant ideological apparatus, the global liberal order has significantly normalised and legitimised the recolonisation of South Africa. It is the foreign-funded media outlets like the Daily Maverick and News24 that have been most instrumental in this process. These platforms seek to portray themselves as progressive voices. Yet their mandate is to shift the narrative to portray neoliberalism/recolonisation as a necessary and even benevolent step. Under the guise of balanced reporting, these media outlets have downplayed the sovereignty implications and highlighted the supposed benefits of foreign intervention. By framing the discourse in terms of economic pragmatism and political necessity, they have obscured the profound ethical and political compromises involved. This media complicity is an ideological betrayal that…

Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome this week as he entered the Republican National Convention arena with a bandaged right ear in his first public appearance since being wounded in a weekend assassination attempt. Hours after winning the formal nomination to be the Republican presidential candidate on Monday and announcing right-wing Senator JD Vance as his running mate, Trump marched into Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum flanked by aides and waved at supporters on the opening day of what is expected to be a triumphalist gathering. Trump, who is due to give a formal acceptance speech tomorrow, took his seat to the sound of country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic hit God Bless the USA without delivering any remarks but appeared markedly moved by the rapt ovation he received from a packed venue.…

At least one person was killed in renewed anti-government protests across Kenya yesterday, as police clashed with demonstrators demanding President William Ruto step down. Youth-led nationwide protests that broke out a month ago against proposed tax hikes have continued even after Ruto withdrew the legislation and fired almost all of his cabinet. Activists say they want Ruto to resign and are calling for systemic changes to clean up graft and address poor governance. At least 50 people have been killed in the protests to date, the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said yesterday. In Kitengela, a town on the southern outskirts of the capital Nairobi, police fired repeatedly in the direction of hundreds of protesters, some of whom were throwing rocks, TV footage showed. The protesters also burnt…

PESHAWAR: Islamabad: Eight Pakistani troops were killed when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-packed vehicle into an army enclave, the military said yesterday, as the country battles a rise in militant activity. A group of 10 militants launched the attack on Monday in the western city of Bannu but were prevented from breaching military facilities, armed forces staff and their families, the army said. The attackers rammed an “explosive laden vehicle” into a wall on the perimeter of the area, killing eight soldiers and paramilitary troops. All 10 militants were killed in the ensuing battle in the city near the border with Afghanistan | AFP…

BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered an urgent probe into the deaths of six foreigners at a luxury hotel in Bangkok yesterday, as authorities rushed to contain any fallout on the nation’s key tourism industry. The bodies of the victims were found at the hotel located in Ratchaprasong, an area popular with foreign tourists, officials said. The victims were all Vietnamese with US citizenships and died of suspected cyanide poisoning. Tourism is one of Thailand’s key industries accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% of the nation’s $500 billion economy. Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. | The Washington Post…

Many will not take him seriously but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says Portugal will seriously test his team in Bloemfontein on Saturday. It is a leveller of sorts that Erasmus is fielding a second-string side and it has to be said that Portugal were the surprise package of the last World Cup and provided rich entertainment with their cavalier approach. The Portuguese have risen from 27th in the world rankings at the start of 2019 to their present ranking of 15th. “Portugal are a good team, as we saw with their victory against Fiji in the World Cup, while they also drew their clash against Georgia 18-18,” he said. “They proved that they could compete successfully against some of the top teams in the world and they will lift their…

We all should be knowing that the climate transition is going to be very disruptive to our economy; some sectors will grow while others will decline. This is the clarion call which inspired the National Treasury and the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) to collaborate in hosting a Climate Resilience Symposium, which was officially opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria yesterday. On the back of this symposium, the PCC released its Recommendations Report for a Just Transition Financing Mechanism (JTFM) to address the financial barriers and mobilise and allocate finance effectively, ensuring that projects which deliver community empowerment, alternative livelihoods, aid in diversifying local economies, and skills development are adequately structured and financed. Multiple market failures and complex challenges The JTFM provides an evolutionary roadmap on how we can finance…

University students who use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT to complete assignments need to be careful not to cross the line between cheating and enhancing their academic work or they may face disciplinary action. This follows a recent report that hundreds of Unisa students were allegedly caught using AI tools during an exam. The report was refuted by the university, which stated that it has a balanced and reasonable approach to the use of AI tools like ChatGPT by students. Professor Irrshad Kaseeram, from the University of Zululand’s Economics Department, said the issue of students using AI tools to complete assignments and passing it off as their own work is problematic. He said the university had identified this as a problem early last year. “We have trained staff to…

NEARLY nine years after UK stuntwoman Olivia Jackson was badly injured while filming a movie in South Africa, she is struggling to receive compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF). Jackson suffered devastating injuries, which led to the amputation of her arm, during the filming of the world-renowned sci-fi action film Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, shot outside Pretoria in 2015. She instituted a claim for more than R40 million in damages against various stakeholders in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, which included a claim against the fund. In 2019, the RAF disputed that the claim fell under its ambit as the injuries were sustained during a stunt scene in the film, but the court ruled it did fall under the RAF Act. A year later, the issue regarding liability…

A 19-year-old man from Kraaifontein who was caught on video assaulting his grandmother has been released on warning with conditions, including that he must attend his trial. Luvo Ngqaza, who was also served with a domestic violence protection order, faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravention of the Older Persons Act. He was arrested on July 3 after a cellphone recording of the assault trended on social media and caused public uproar. Police later revealed that the incident happened in June and the grandmother had initially refused to open a case. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed a protection order was issued under the Domestic Violence Act. “The Kuilsriver Magistrate’s Court granted the elderly Kraaifontein woman, Sindiwe Ngqaza, a protection (order) and released…

Imagine an organisation where every decision is made transparently, impartially and inclusively. This utopian vision isn’t just a fantasy – it’s a cornerstone of effective governance and stakeholder relationship management. Welcome to the world where fairness in administrative justice reigns supreme, transforming stakeholder interactions and catapulting organisations to new heights of trust and success. Fairness in administrative justice isn’t a nebulous concept; it’s a concrete principle that demands equitable treatment for all individuals and groups by administration transparently, impartially and inclusively. This means decisions are transparent, unbiased and respectful of all parties involved. Fairness encompasses clear processes and open communication, decisions free from favouritism or prejudice, accountability for actions and decisions, and ensuring stakeholders can voice their views and concerns. Fairness isn’t just a legal necessity – it’s a strategic…

Israeli forces battled Hamas-led fighters in several parts of the Gaza Strip yesterday, and Palestinian health officials said at least 50 people were killed in Israeli bombardments of southern and central areas. The Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas has accused Israel of stepping up attacks in Gaza to try to derail efforts by Arab mediators and the US to reach a ceasefire deal. Israel says it is trying to root out Hamas fighters. In Rafah, a southern border city where Israeli forces have been operating since May, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a house, the Gaza health officials said. In nearby Khan Younis, a man, his wife, and two children were killed, they said. Later yesterday, an Israeli airstrike on a car killed at least 17 Palestinians…

WASHINGTON: Billionaire Elon Musk has plans to commit around $45 million (R814 million) a month to a new pro-Trump super political-action committee (PAC). Musk had indicated that he planned to start his donations this month to the America PAC, backing Donald Trump’s presidential run, it was reported. However, Musk was not listed on a filing by the group, which shows that it has raised more than $8 million. Lonsdale Enterprises and the Winklevoss twins were among the donors to America PAC. Lonsdale donated $1m, and Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss each contributed $250 000. This move gives Trump a high-profile backer in the November 5 election. | Reuters…

Rome: A French tourist has been taken to hospital after being attacked yesterday by a bear in northern Italy. The victim, 43, had been out running. His life was reportedly not in danger. The man was helped by medics and airlifted to the Santa Chiara hospital in Trento with injuries to his limbs. Forestry officials are investigating. There are about 100 bears in Trentino, officials said. Last year, a jogger in Trentino was killed in a bear attack on a woodland path, launching a debate on the dangers posed by the animals reintroduced in the region between 1996 and 2004. Just 50 bears were to be introduced, but their numbers have grown in recent years. | AFP…

Tiger Woods said his decision against serving as captain of the 2025 US Ryder Cup team was a result of having too many other commitments. Keegan Bradley will be the captain when the Americans face the European team at the Bethpage Black Course in September next year in Farmingdale, New York. “Well, the decision was very difficult for me to make,” Woods said yesterday, two days before he will compete in the Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland. “My time has been so loaded with the tour and everything and what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day, and I’m always on calls.” Woods, 48, wears many hats when he doesn’t have a golf club in…

South African Fashion Week is preparing for another season towards the end of the year, and they have just announced the Mr Price Scouting Menswear Competition finalists who will be part of the showcase. Every year, SA Fashion Week invites menswear designers to enter the competition, and the finalists get to showcase their sustainable collections at a fashion showcase that usually takes place in October. Since its inception in 2012, the Scouting Menswear Competition has set out to select the best of the best within a large pool of young menswear design talent. Besides allowing them to showcase on a larger platform, the Scouting Menswear Competition introduces emerging designers to the media and buyers and helps them break into the retail market. After receiving many applications, the SA Fashion Week…

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga says National Treasury will allocate more funding to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for its external missions to bring peace and security on the continent. Speaking during the budget vote debate, Motshekga said her department was involved in peace and security missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. “I am pleased, chair, to report that in terms of external deployments, I was told yesterday by the Minister of Finance that we will also be getting additional funding. I will report it to you,” Motshekga said. The department has been allocated R51.8 billion for the 2024-25 financial year. A huge chunk of the budget – 66% – is allocated for costs of employees. “We have to acknowledge and we are…

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has expressed confidence that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) will extend the operating licence of Unit 2 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station for a further 20 years after granting the same to Unit 1. The NNR on Monday granted Eskom a licence to continue operating Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1, which provides 930MW to the grid, for another 20 years until July 21, 2044. Necsa said it welcomed the NRR’s finalisation of the Long Term Operation (LTO) assessment and recommendation giving the green light for Eskom to extend operations at Unit 1. Necsa group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe commended the NNR for ensuring nuclear safety oversight to all licensed nuclear operators and for taking time and effort in an extensive public participation process,…

It is critical that skills training and development keep pace with the speed of technological evolution in the maritime sector, or the sector will be handicapped. This was the message from several speakers during a dedicated Maritime Session at the Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), being held in Tshwane this week. “There is a risk of focusing on technology and forgetting that seafarers are critical in the movement of ships and cargo,” said Tebogo Mojafi, senior manager for maritime research at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). “Without seafarers, world trade will be negatively impacted. We must develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed in the current and the future seafarers’ profession.” Mojafi delivered a presentation outlining how the role of seafarers is changing due to technology impacts on…

CONVICTED murderer and rapist Luyanda Botha’s application to have a case of attempted rape against him struck off the court roll was denied at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Botha, who is serving three life sentences for the rape and murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana, brought a section 174 application before court as he faces a charge of attempted rape of a 21-year-old nursing student in 2014 in Athlone. Magistrate Anthea Ramos declined his application and said she was “not of the belief that there is no evidence (against Botha)”. The matter was postponed to August 2 and 6 when Botha is expected to testify in court. Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act provides that: “If, at the close of the case for the prosecution at any trial,…

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said the parole system was being reviewed by his department. “Parole is a mechanism that provides for conditional release of inmates to continue serving their sentences in society to better facilitate their reintegration. The department is working on reviewing the parole system,” Groenewald said when he tabled the department’s medium-term budget of R87 billion in the National Assembly. “Reforming our parole system is not just a policy issue, but a moral imperative.” Groenewald said people have been asking for a fairer and more transparent system. “The current criteria seem not to be appreciated. Though victims of crime are allowed to participate in the parole process, how far do their voices go? “This calls for a relook in the review and oversight mechanisms. It is critical…

We will have to move away from being a reactionary nation if we are to stop the road carnage, like that which claimed the lives of 11 children and their school transport driver in Carletonville last week. The vehicle in which they were travelling overturned and caught fire after being hit by a bakkie from behind. The driver of the bakkie remains under police guard in hospital and will be charged as soon as he is discharged. As has been the case in the past following these kind of tragedies, politicians and activists have been making all the right utterances regarding scholar transport. However, this debate should be ongoing and not just erupt in the wake of yet another tragedy. The responsibility of ensuring that children reach school and home…

The INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) held its global growth expectations for 2024 steady in a report yesterday even as it cut forecasts for the US and Japan, while warning of inflation risks and trade tensions ahead. The IMF expects the world economy to grow 3.2% this year, unchanged from its April forecast, according to its World Economic Outlook update. “Global activity and world trade firmed up at the turn of the year, with trade spurred by strong exports from Asia, particularly in the technology sector,” said the fund. For 2025, it expects global growth of 3.3%. But even as many countries saw better growth than anticipated in the first three months of this year, the IMF flagged what it called notable surprises in Japan and the US. The Washington-based lender…

LONDON: A UK judge said yesterday that he would ask prosecutors to consider perjury and forgery charges against an Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be “Satoshi Nakamoto”, the pseudonym used by the creator of the cryptocurrency bitcoin. James Mellor ruled at the High Court in London in March that Craig Wright, 53, was not the mythical figure credited with first launching the cryptocurrency in 2008, following a five-week trial. The Crypto Open Patent Alliance had sued Wright. He has claimed since 2016 that he was Nakamoto and insisted he was the author of a white paper that unveiled what would grow to be the world’s most popular cryptocurrency. | AFP…

PYONGYANG: North Korea has maintained an “extensive and multilayered” system of forced labour in a bid to use it as a means of controlling and monitoring its people for the interest of the state, a UN report showed yesterday. The UN Human Rights Office released a new report on North Korea’s use of forced labour, conducted between 2015 and 2023 with victims and witnesses. It highlighted “the widespread use of violence and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment” by officials to discipline workers who fail to meet work quotas. Victims included individuals forbidden to leave their worksites and a female worker who was sexually abused. | IANS…

Orlando Pirates’ pre-season preparations have been smooth sailing so far, boosting their hopes of finally dethroning DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have endured some choppy waters lately. Spaniard Jose Riveiro has done well in his first two seasons as Pirates coach, winning the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup back to back, while finishing as runners-up to champions Sundowns in both campaigns. But with chaos at Sundowns in recent weeks with the sacking of coach Rulani Mokwena – allegedly due to not seeing eye-to-eye with sporting director Flemming Berg – Pirates could be the team to beat next season based on continuity. Pirates last won the league title more than a decade ago. Sundowns have made the title race a one-team show in the past seven seasons, finishing last season…

AN Olympic year should bring beautiful, nostalgic memories to anyone who has experienced the global sporting showpiece live. It is, after all, the ultimate stage for every aspiring sportsman or woman to showcase their talent – a stage reached only by a few. One of those few is Lebo Phalula. Yet, instead of the Soweto runner getting excited in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Games, the event triggers a sense of bitterness in the famous twin. “I got nothing out of going to the Olympics. It was a waste for me,” the accomplished runner said – the tinge of regret palpable in her voice. Phalula remains the only black woman to represent South Africa in the marathon at the Olympics. The 40-year-old was part of Team South Africa for the…