Table of contents for 2024-10-10 in Cape Times

Gareth Ackerman, Pick n Pay chairperson and co-chairperson of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), has called for enhanced co-operation between the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the private sector to tackle the country’s persistent economic stagnation and infrastructure deficiencies. Speaking at the CGCSA’s annual summit yesterday, Ackerman emphasised that achieving economic growth – hovering at a dismal average of 2% over the past decade – required a fundamental shift in governmental approach. “We have a long way to go and for the last decade or more we have regressed economically and growth has averaged about 2%, yet we actually need growth of 7%,” Ackerman said. He urged that South Africa should learn from countries such as India on how to delineate the roles of government and…

TRANSNET was dealt a major blow when a Durban High Court halted its planned upgrade of Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 (DCT2). The upgrade involved the appointment of a private-sector equity partner to handle the expansion and manage the operations of DCT2. Transnet had awarded the contract to Philippines-based company International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI). APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish shipping giant Maersk and one of the losing bidders for the contract, took the matter to court and an interim interdict was granted yesterday in its favour. The interdict prevents Transnet from proceeding with any actions related to the awarded tender, effectively pausing negotiations or the conclusion of any contracts with ICTSI or other parties, until a hearing of Part B of the court challenge…

EIGHT extortion-accused police members and a former cop allegedly demanded R28 000 from a shopkeeper when they had burst into the store wanting to conduct a search of the premises without a search warrant. These details emerged at the first court appearance of the suspects at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Jerome Davids, 41, Nomampondomise Mvane, 24, Peter September, 43, Dylon Loodder, 28, Thandolwethu Pendu, 37, Akhona Silo, 29, Phakamani Mtheli, 34, and Unathi Mlilwana, 33, face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, extortion, use of a vehicle without consent of the owner and defeating the administration of justice. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the ninth accused, Mthandazo Gqalaqha, a former officer, was added to the matter after his co-accused appeared. “(The State) added former police officer,…

IT SADDENS and continues to confound me (I am a retired Anglican priest) that the church’s law making body can forbid the blessing of same-sex couples who are experiencing the mystery and wonder of love. Genuine love between any two persons of whatever religion or none, of whatever race or nationality or gender, is for me part of the manifestation of God who is the very source of all love. I admire the courage of those same-sex couples whose faith leads them to seek the blessing of God's church as they commit their lives and love to each other. And I admire the love and courage that cannot stop such couples being blessed within the context of a loving faith community.…

Each year, October 10 marks World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”, places an important focus on the mental health of the global workforce. But what about the future of the global workforce? What about adolescents? How can we support adolescents to remain in school and ultimately contribute meaningfully to society? Well, we could start by prioritising their mental health and well-being, and working with them to solve the problems they face. The workforce in South Africa faces increasing burnout, and poor mental health. Researchers from UCT have recently shown that health-care workers are facing considerable work-related psychological distress contributing to a myriad factors impacting on their mental health and well-being. The UN says more than 70% of the world’s youth…

AUDITOR-GENERAL (A-G) Tsakani Maluleke has flagged civil claims against the SAPS and the failure of the police to provide evidence to support the achievements recorded in the 2023-24 financial year. In her report, Maluleke said SAPS was a defendant in a number of lawsuits. “The ultimate outcome of the matters could not be determined and no provision for any liability that may result was made in the financial statement,” she said. The SAPS’ annual report stated that 15 139 new civil claims valued at R21 541 152 857 were registered during the period under review. Briefing the police portfolio committee, Auditor-General South Africa official Thabelo Musisinyani said they found a number of targets set for the medium-term strategic framework were not met. Another auditor, Nelisiwe Mhlongo, said they found that…

dugan brown and YONELA TOSHE-MLAMBO In his iconic 1982 address, former US President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that “democracy will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history”. He was speaking at a time when the rigid, authoritarian systems propped up by Marxist ideologies were beginning to show cracks under the weight of their inefficiencies, corruption, and disregard for human rights. Today, a similar fate awaits the EFF, which positions itself as the revolutionary vanguard of the proletariat. However, beneath its revolutionary rhetoric and populist posturing, it is doomed to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions, internal authoritarian tendencies, and unsustainable policies. From its inception, the EFF has presented itself as the champion of economic freedom, with fiery leader Julius Malema at the helm, railing against South Africa’s economic…

Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy would visit China next week, sources familiar with the plan said, as the new Labour government seeks less confrontational ties with the world’s second-largest economy and to resume trade and investment talks. British officials have said they wanted to recalibrate many of the previous Conservative Party-led government’s positions on China, which it described as an “epoch-defining challenge”, particularly around accepting Chinese job-creating investment. But Britain is unlikely to budge on issues such as Chinese firms’ involvement in providing key infrastructure, human rights and restoring the licence of state broadcaster CGTN, as it is controlled by China’s ruling Communist Party. Lammy, who has vowed to overhaul Britain’s ties with China, would meet Chinese officials in Beijing and representatives of British firms in Shanghai, two of the…

The US this week imposed sanctions on the younger brother of the head of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing him of leading the paramilitary group’s procurement of weapons and extending the country’s civil war. Fighting that broke out between the RSF and Sudan’s army in April 2023 has displaced millions and led to the spread of famine and disease among Sudan’s people. Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, hit with the latest US Treasury Department sanctions on Sudanese actors, is the younger brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. Washington has so far resisted calls to sanction Hemedti directly over allegations that the RSF has committed human rights violations, including in the Darfur region. The Treasury said in a statement that Algoney’s actions supplying the RSF had contributed…

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved parliament yesterday ahead of snap elections on October 27, banking on his popularity and a fragmented opposition to lead his scandal-tainted party to victory. Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has governed Japan for decades and is likely to be re-elected. He aims to strengthen his mandate to implement policies on defence spending and support for poorer regions. However, his decision faced criticism for contradicting vows to engage with the opposition in parliament. Ishiba’s government also plans to address Japan’s demographic crisis and support families through various measures. | AFP…

MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expounded on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russia’s continued commitment to a politico-diplomatic settlement aimed at removing the root causes of the crisis, and the overall shift towards a multi-polar world order in a recent interview with the US magazine, Newsweek. Restoring peace was not part of Ukraine’s plan, while its Western patrons continue “playing with fire”, oblivious to the dangerous consequences, Lavrov said. “Washington and its Nato allies provide political, military and financial support to Kyiv so that the war would go on. “We have no choice but to continue our special military operation until the threats posed by Ukraine are removed,” Lavrov said. | Sputnik…

In the 1990s, as South Africa broke free from apartheid, Sekunjalo Investment Holdings emerged—not from privilege or wealth, but from determination and visionary leadership—becoming a transformative force in the nation’s economy. Founded by Dr Iqbal Survé in 1997, Sekunjalo began with humble roots. At a time when black entrepreneurs faced insurmountable barriers to entry into the mainstream economy, where access to capital and opportunities were reserved for a privileged few, Dr Survé saw a different path. Inspired by discussions with President Nelson Mandela and Professor Jakes Gerwel, Dr Survé left his medical career to embark on a journey that would reshape South Africa’s economy. Listening to Mandela’s call for black professionals to enter the mainstream economy, Dr Survé created Sekunjalo with a purpose-driven ethos rooted in social justice and broad-based…

Niël Pretorius, the CEO of DRDGold, which recently raised a R500 million financing facility, yesterday said conditions to access capital in South Africa have eased although banks were being rigorous in their due diligence processes. DRDGold’s cash balances reduced from R2.4 billion in June 2023 to R521.5m as the company utilised “cash savings to finance the capital expenditure, the bulk of which paid for the solar power plant and battery energy storage system” at the Ergo operation. In June, the bullion producer secured the R500m facility from Nedbank while in June it entered into a 5-year R1bn revolving credit facility, with a R500 million accordion option, with the same bank. Pretorius said that conditions for accessing capital in SA were easing, allowing mining firms to expand operations, build infrastructure such…

THE inaugural head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and former judge Willem Hendrik Heath, who was internationally recognised for his expertise in combating corruption and fraud, has died at the age of 79. An impeccable source confirmed his passing to Independent Media yesterday afternoon. Heath, a University of Pretoria law graduate, became a judge of the then Transvaal provincial division of the Supreme Court of SA in 1988 until his resignation in 2001 following then president Thabo Mbeki’s refusal to discharge him from active service, which would have meant keeping his judge’s salary and other benefits for life. Almost a year after the 1994 elections that ushered in democratic South Africa, Heath was appointed by late former Eastern Cape premier Raymond Mhlaba to establish a commission of inquiry to…

Allegations of misconduct involving a former pupil and other young people A DA councillor in George continues to serve as a deputy mayor despite his party suspending him from all organisational activities over allegations of misconduct involving a matric pupil and other young people. The George council had resolved not to haul deputy mayor, Raybin Figland before a disciplinary hearing after an internal investigation apparently found that the evidence presented was inconclusive. However, the GOOD Party has revived calls for mayor Jackie Von Brandis to suspend her deputy pending a fresh investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct. The party claims that Figland was allegedly involved in a relationship with a matric pupil and other young people, an allegation the deputy mayor has denied. “It has now come to GOOD’s attention…

COLIN Bosman’s article “Understanding the root of Palestinian-Israeli tensions”, 8 Oct 2024 is dangerously ahistorical and problematic. “Palestinian” as a national identity is a 20th century construct, with the people who lived in the area of Israel identifying at the time as Arabic, Levantine, Jewish, Christian, Egyptian and a host of other national identities. Palestinian nationalism was invented after 1948 as a violent response to Israeli self-determination. Additionally, it is incorrect to say that Palestinians, presuming Muslim Arabs, occupied the area alongside Jews and Christians for 5 000 years. Judaism is the oldest of the faiths, and it is only 3 500 years old. The Jews are the most ancient of the people to have a claim over the land of Israel, with Christians seizing the territory under Rome (and…

The South African premiere production of the Tony Award-Winning Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, features a superb local cast with a mix of exciting new talent and established stars. The role of Evan Hansen will be played by Fleur du Cap Theatre Award- winner Stuart Brown (We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia!, Defending The Gay Man), a 2021 graduate of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town, who joins the ranks of Ben Platt and Sam Tutty in filling Evan’s shoes. “This show is an incredibly special story that speaks to so many of us about the impact of social media, mental health and what it means to truly belong,” Brown said. Heidi Hansen is played by actress, singer and voice artist Lucy Tops (The Rocky Horror…

China’s recent economic decisions highlight its proactive response to challenges which includes strategies that South Africa could potentially mirror. In a series of high-level meetings, the Chinese leadership led by President Xi Jinping, emphasised policies to stimulate consumer demand, support private businesses and stabilise the housing market. There are lessons that South Africa could take from China’s policy adjustments. Economic approach China’s latest policies are notable for their breadth and focus on both immediate and long-term goals. According to reports from the CPC leadership meeting, China's focus is on creating a stable economic environment, with key priorities being job creation, bolstering the private sector, and expanding domestic demand. This includes providing significant support to small and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital for innovation and employment. The Chinese government is also…

North Korea’s army said yesterday that it was moving to “permanently shut off and block the southern border” with the South and had informed the US military to prevent an accidental clash. Pyongyang said that it would “cut off roads and railways” that might have made travel between the two Koreas possible. However, it was largely a symbolic gesture because cross-border exchanges and travel between North and South Korea have been halted for years. Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang closing agencies dedicated to reunification and declaring South Korea its “principal enemy”. Some analysts thought the announcement could be a potential first step towards more serious action, such as amending the North’s constitution to declare a new maritime border south of the current…

MOSCOW: The Russian army said yesterday that it had shot down 47 Ukrainian drones overnight, nearly half of them over the Bryansk border region. About 13 drones were destroyed over the Azov Sea and the rest over regions either bordering or near Ukraine, it said. Russia has reported shooting down Ukrainian drones over its territory on a nearly daily basis. Kyiv said it was carrying out the strikes, which often target energy sites, in response to Russian bombardments of its territory. Kyiv has ramped up strikes targeting Russia’s energy sector in recent months, aiming to dent revenues used by Moscow to fund the conflict in Ukraine. | AFP…

BOGOTA: Colombia’s electoral authority is investigating President Gustavo Petro for allegedly exceeding spending limits by nearly $1 million during his 2022 campaign. CNE president Cesar Lorduy revealed that Petro and key campaign members are suspected of overspending by $880 000. Should the CNE find evidence of financial violations, it may impose penalties or refer the case to Congress, potentially leading to impeachment. Petro’s lawyer said the president did not recognise the CNE’s decisions, amid suspicions raised by his son’s admission of receiving illicit funds for campaign events. | AFP…

It would be absurd for an employer to be expected to pay a gratuity – which is a token of appreciation – to an employee who left office in disgrace, the Gauteng High Court has said as it dismissed former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s application, in which she sought payment of a R10 million gratuity. Judge Omphemetse Mooki also slapped Mkhwebane with the costs of the legal proceedings which were brought before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, against her former employer and the current Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka. Both Gcaleka and Mkhwebane asked the court to issue a punitive costs order against the other, which the judge declined to do. Mkhwebane wanted Gcaleka to foot a punitive costs order from her private purse, as she claimed the decision to deny…

THE DA has been warned to do some self-introspection after losing control of Tshwane yesterday. The party previously governed Joburg and Ekurhuleni, but was sent packing by the alliance of ANC, ActionSA, EFF and other smaller parties, the same scenario that played out in Tshwane yesterday. Former deputy mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya of ActionSA came out tops against ousted mayor Cilliers Brink. She got 122 votes against Brink’s 86. Sharing 117 seats, ActionSA, EFF and ANC were supported by the GOOD Party, African Transformation Movement and Defenders of the People. In her acceptance speech, Moya said the anxiety and political instability that had plagued the metro was not lost on her. “But, my vow today is to put the politics of the past behind us and bring stability to the…

AS THE race for the Whitehouse draws to a close in November so it becomes clear that the Republican Party under Donald Trump are once again going to dip out. Trump’s buddy-buddy relationship with Vladimir Putin will sink him faster than the Titanic. Trump brags about a quick settlement in Ukraine under his watch ….Trump’s “solution” will involve Ukraine giving up hundreds of kilometres of Ukrainian land to Russia and possibly an undertaking to not join NATO. Trump’s dreaming if he thinks this will help his crusade. Furthermore, Trump’s suggestion that Iran's nuclear facilities should be the first line of retaliatory attack by Israel indicates the sheer stupidity of the man. Finally Trumps continued poking fun at an ageing Joe Biden by mimicking his speech defect is…

THE suspect linked to the deadly Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape shooting that claimed 18 lives has been out on parole since last year, following his convictions for murder and escaping custody. Forty-five year old Siphosoxolo Myekethe was arrested on Monday at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini area. Eastern Cape police commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene said this was a breakthrough for police which will lead to the successful arrest of more people. “As the police management in the province we are pleased that we were able to arrest a suspect that we could positively link to the Ngobozana village incident where 18 people were killed. The investigation is still ongoing, we are looking for additional suspects, about three, but there might be more,” said Mene. Myekethe made his first appearance in…

The Addams Family Musical is set to open to great excitement in December at the Homecoming Centre, formerly The Fugard, not only for its pure entertainment value for families but for the Addams Family’s iconic status for so many viewers. This marks the first time this worldwide hit musical will be performed professionally in South Africa, with its run beginning on December 14, 2024. The Addams Family Musical by Andrew Lippa, Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice is based on the beloved characters created by Charles Addams. The musical centres around the eccentric, macabre, and ghoulish Addams family, led by Gomez and Morticia Addams. Presented by Mother City Theatre Productions, the heart-warming and hilarious story celebrates love, family, and the search for identity, while offering audiences a memorable blend of quirky…

SPARE a thought for the honest and hardworking police officers who risk their lives in exchanges of gunfire with ruthless extortionists, only for their colleagues to be arrested for crimes they are valiantly trying to eradicate. The recent arrests of police officers on allegations that they were involved in collecting “protection fees” means that the fight against extortion-related crimes will have to start from within. This is vital when one considers the risks associated with reporting extortion-related crimes at police stations. A case in point is Western High Court Judge Daniel Thulare’s scathing judgment on the links between police officers and extortion gangs. “There were members of the police who he (state witness) knew as close to the Guptas (extortion gang), who asked him why he was at the police…

Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces exchanged fire along the Lebanon-Israel border yesterday, before expected talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden. Hezbollah said its fighters were locked in clashes with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, using rocket-propelled weapons to repel Israeli attempts to breach the border. Israel said its air defences intercepted two projectiles fired towards Caesarea and reported the destruction of more than “100 Hezbollah terror targets” in the past 24 hours. As fighting raged, with Netanyahu warning Lebanon could face “a long war … like we see in Gaza”, Biden sought to prevent further escalation, particularly involving Iran. Biden was set to speak to Netanyahu for the first time in seven weeks yesterday, with the Israeli offensive in Lebanon, as well as its…

Voters in Mozambique cast their ballots yesterday for a new president and parliament, with the Frelimo party that has been ruling for 49 years expected to hold on to power. The election comes amid political tension in the southern African nation which struggles with high levels of poverty and inequality, while jihadist violence in the north is holding back major gas projects. Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, 65, who steps down after a two-term limit, was among the first to vote. “I would also ask that no group of citizens agitates or threatens others, that everything happens in peace and tranquillity and that we avoid announcing the results ahead of time,” Nyusi said. After municipal elections in 2023 were seen as fraudulent, protests erupted in major cities in which police killed…

N’Djamena: Chad’s government has called for public assistance to address deadly flooding caused by torrential rains and rising waters in the river Chari. Since July, floods have claimed 576 lives and affected over 1.9 million people, more than 10% of the population, the UN said. Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina said that the waters reached a record 8.18m. Soldiers have been deployed to build dams and barriers, while Halina urged businesses to construct embankments. All 23 provinces of Chad have been affected, with over 217 000 homes destroyed, 432 000ha of fields ravaged and 72 000 livestock killed, the UN said. | AFP…

TEHRAN: Tehran rejected the “accusations” by a British security official, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said yesterday, a day after UK’s MI5 spy chief said 20 Iran-backed potentially lethal plots had been disrupted in Britain since January 2022. Security Service (MI5) Director-General Ken McCallum accused Iran of being behind “plot after plot” on British soil. He said state threat investigations were up 48% in the past year as Russia and Iran turned to criminals to carry out their “dirty work”. Baghaei accused the British of hosting “terrorist” groups, and asked London to reconsider its policies towards “the nation of Iran and West Asia”. | Reuters…