Table of contents for 2024-10-29 in Cape Times

Southern Palladium has announced the completion of a pre-feasibility study for its 70% owned Bengwenyama platinum group metals (PGM) project and has outlined its viability centred on an estimated 29 years life of mine and total mine production of 45 million tons. As at the end of last month, Southern Palladium - which appointed Roger Baxter as executive chairman - had about A$5.43 million (R63.6 million) in cash, excluding funds held by its other 70% subsidiary, Miracle Upon Miracle Investments. Yesterday, Southern Palladium said pre-feasibility studies for Bengwenyama “indicate very attractive economics justifying development” of the project. “The life of mine from the UG2 reef alone is estimated at 29 years with a total of approximately 45 million tons mined for an average annual steady state saleable product of 400…

INCREASED police deployments are resulting in the arrests of suspects linked to the recent mass shootings across the country, says police commissioner Fannie Masemola. Since May 2023, police have arrested over 900 000 individuals through Operation Shanela, which focuses on combating crime in high-density areas. “The ongoing mass shootings in provinces like the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape are a concern and requires us as the police to ramp up our efforts to put a stop to these shootings that are often perpetuated with illegal, unlicensed and high-calibre firearms,” he said. He said police were improving their methods for fighting crime as a result of these recent instances and that it is encouraging that most, if not all, mass shootings have resulted in arrests. “For example, in…

The recent release of the Volt Typhoon III report has unveiled troubling truths about the United States’ cyber operations, casting a long shadow over its claims of moral superiority in cybersecurity. This report exposes the US not only as a participant but also as an orchestrator, effectively weaponising its cyber capabilities to frame other nations for its espionage activities. The implications of these revelations are profound, demanding accountability, and a re-evaluation of the US’s role in the global cyber landscape. At the heart of the Volt Typhoon III report is the assertion that US cyber forces engage in deceptive practices that undermine international stability. By conducting operations designed to blame other countries for cyber intrusions, the US not only diverts attention from its actions but also contributes to escalating tensions.…

Oil prices tumbled yesterday with markets relieved that Israel’s strikes on Iran had avoided the country’s energy infrastructure while the yen fell to a three-month low after Japan’s ruling party suffered an election drubbing. Israel carried out air strikes on military sites in Iran on Saturday in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile barrage, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander. Iran has downplayed the attack, saying it caused “limited damage” to a few radar systems, signalling what analysts say is the Islamic republic’s reluctance to escalate further. Oil prices fell as much as five percent in early trade before paring some of their losses. “Israel’s strike, carefully avoiding energy sites, has softened fears of a full-scale conflict with Iran,” said Stephen Innes,…

Lithuania’s incoming Social Democratic government will target defence spending of at least 3.5% of its gross domestic product, the party’s leader said yesterday. The Baltic country of 2.9 million people, which neighbours Russia, will spend about 3% of GDP on its armed forces this year, according to Nato estimates, making it the military alliance’s sixth-biggest spender as a share of its economy. Three-quarters of Lithuanians think Russia could attack their country in the near future, a Baltijos Tyrimai/ELTA opinion poll found in May, following its attack on Ukraine in 2022. “Our election manifesto says that it should be not less than 3.5%, and this is unavoidable ... security and defence will receive as much money as needed,” Social Democrat leader Vilija Blinkeviciute said after her party’s landslide election victory on…

ISLAMABAD: Four terrorists were killed in two military operations in Pakistan’s north-west Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said that personnel of security forces engaged with terrorists in two separate locations in the province. The ISPR said that the first engagement occurred in North Waziristan district of the province, and after intense exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed. In another operation, two terrorists were killed, and three others were injured in the Khyber district of the province. | Xinhua…

Tokyo: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed yesterday to stay in office despite his gamble of snap elections backfiring, with his party’s ruling coalition falling short of a majority for the first time since 2009. Ishiba called Sunday’s election days after taking office on October 1, but voters angry at a slush fund scandal punished his Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan since 1955. Ishiba, 67, said he would not allow a “political vacuum” in the world’s fourth-biggest economy. He said the biggest election factor was “people’s suspicion” after the party scandal, which helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida. “I will enact fundamental reform regarding the issue of money and politics,” Ishiba said. | AFP…

The T20 Challenge drew to a close with the Lions successfully defending their title against their neighbours and rivals, the Titans. Set to be a blockbuster final, showcasing 12 titles between two of the best sides not only in the competition but also in the history of this tournament, the 2022/23 champions were simply outplayed in every department and rightfully suffered an eight-wicket hiding. While the tournament was shorter in comparison to last season, the mix of Proteas and domestic talent led to standout performances throughout. Here are the key players who shone during the competition. Kwena Maphaka is maturing with more game time The former SA Under-19 sensation has been on an upward curve in his young career. At the tender age of 18, he is already a two-time…

Orlando Pirates fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see 19-year-old teenage sensation Mohau Nkota in action against hosts TS Galaxy in today's Betway Premiership clash at the Mbombela Stadium. Nkota, who has quickly become a fan favourite, helped Pirates maintain their perfect Premiership win record with a stunning performance that included both goals in the 2-1 victory over AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Friday. Nkota's impressive performance would have been good enough to earn him another starting berth for tonight's encounter. With their perfect record on the line, the stakes are combined with the challenge from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who recently suffered a shock loss. This has kept the pressure firmly on Jose Riveiro and his team, reminding them that they have the capability to halt Sundowns' ambitions of…

AMID a bank overdraft of R3 billion, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is owed about R14 billion by clients including R4 million by current and former parliamentarians. This was revealed by Minister Dean Macpherson in written response to parliamentary questions from ANC MP Carol Mokgadi Phiri. Macpherson said the department was faced with significant and structural weaknesses. “We should not underestimate the scale of the problem we face in bringing this department into financial and operational viability. “This is also not something that is going to be done quickly, but given a term in government, I believe we can bring the department and its entities into a full clean audit, coupled with a healthy financial outlook,” he said. Macpherson stated that the financial problems faced by the…

While the Minister of Health says the cause of death of the children in Naledi has been identified as organophosphate poisoning, it is still not known how the children came into contact with the chemical. The six children in Soweto – Karabo Rampou, 9, Njabulo Msimanga, 7, Ida Maama, 7, Monica Sebetwana, 6, and Isago Mabote, 8, died allegedly after consuming snacks from a spaza shop. While it was initially suspected that the food they consumed was contaminated, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi yesterday said the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) had concluded that the children died as a result of ingesting organophosphate. “Organophosphate is not one substance but a group of substances, which are usually used in agriculture or as pesticides. The organophosphate identified in this instance…

WITH its sights firmly on providing proof and evidence of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, South Africa returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) situated at The Hague in Netherlands to file its memorial in the ongoing case against Israel. The Presidency said the case will continue until the international court makes a finding. “While the case is in progress, we hope that Israel will abide by the court’s provisional orders issued to date,” Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated last month. He added that the case represents a growing global effort towards ensuring peace in the Middle East, and several countries, namely, Nicaragua, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia have joined South Africa’s case against Israel. Yesterday, Dr Atilla Kisla, the international justice cluster lead at Southern Africa Litigation…

Stellenbosch University will convene a council meeting on Friday over allegations that the report which influenced Council’s decision to close the controversial Wilgenhof residence, was tampered with. This comes after retired Constitutional Court Justice and current Chancellor at Stellenbosch University, Edwin Cameron alleged that the redacted version of the report had changed the panel’s recommendation of a dialogue which they preferred, over closure of the building. Secrets at the Wilgenhof residence came to light following the discovery of two rooms by university staff in January this year during an audit of the space. This led to initiation-like allegations concerning the “Nagligte” (Nighties) in light of “disturbing items” found in the rooms. The Nagligte were formed in 1914 as part of Wilgenhof’s interdisciplinary committee. In the investigation report into the “Nagligte”,…

A pivotal figure who challenged both apartheid and homophobia IT HAS been an eventful year, with historical highlights in our country. This year marks 30 years since we were declared a democratic state and the same year we held our 7th general elections, the results of which produced a Government of National Unity (GNU). October 2024 also marks 34 years since Africa’s first Gay Pride march, which took place on October 13, 1990 in Johannesburg. The march was organised by Simon Tseko Nkoli, together with Beverly Ditsie, Edwin Cameron, and other activists who were part of the GLOW (Gay and Lesbian Organisation of the Witwatersrand) collective. On this day, about 800 members of the LGBTQA+ community gathered to celebrate their queer identities and speak against the discrimination they continued to…

A nail-biting US presidential campaign heads into its final week, with polls showing little daylight between the two candidates as they ramp up appeals to their respective bases to turn out and vote. More than 41 million Americans have already cast early ballots ahead of Election Day on November 5, in what is expected to be one of the tightest elections of modern times. Outgoing president Joe Biden was to join them in casting his own vote yesterday, the White House said. On the campaign trail, both candidates return to key battleground states, with Democrat Kamala Harris heading to Michigan, where she faces opposition from Arab Americans outraged over US support for Israel. Republican Donald Trump, 78, will head to Georgia, where he will address a gathering of pastors and…

MOSCOW: US entrepreneur Elon Musk has promised to cut US budget spending by at least $2 trillion (about R35.4 trillion) if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November. Musk was one of the headliners of Trump’s campaign rally held at the Madison Square Garden arena in New York. Fellow billionaire entrepreneur Howard Lutnick, who delivered a speech just before Musk, asked him how much the country’s budget spending, which amounts to $6.5 trillion, could be cut. “I think we can do at least $2 trillion,” Musk replied. Musk’s critics point out that this position is contrary to the interests of the companies owned by the entrepreneur. | Xinhua…

NEW YORK: New York City saw a big turnout in early voting for the 2024 general election, following the general trend. By the time polls were closed on Sunday, a total of 257 860 New Yorkers voted in the first two days of early voting for 2024, which started on Saturday, according to data issued by NYC Board of Elections. The first day of early voting logged 140 145 votes, nearly 50 000 more than that the votes logged on the first day in 2020. In some voting sites, voters waited up to 40 to 50 minutes to take their turn to vote. Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, Cayuga and Cortland Counties of New York State all saw a big increase in early votes on Saturday. | Xinhua…

The box office Springbok squad currently in Jersey is hard at work, preparing for their upcoming tour opener against Scotland. The ensemble features the same cast that delivered a stunning 48-7 victory over Argentina, and it is unlikely that coach Rassie Erasmus will change the script ahead of a crucial clash. In the emphatic Rugby Championship clincher held in Mbombela, the Boks showcased their prowess, and now Erasmus has opted for the same match 23 for the three-match tour, supported by an additional 12 players. The team, having last played on 28 September, will face Scotland on November 10, prompting Erasmus to take them to an exclusive training resort on the largest island in the English Channel. He aims to shake off any rust and prepare for what is essentially…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana has been urged to prioritise economic growth and increase infrastructure funding for cities when he tables the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement tomorrow. Godongwana has also been called on to prioritise the provision of the Basic Income Grant. GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron said Godongwana must prove he was prioritising rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “Although the ‘mini-budget’ is not a policy-setting event we expect to see indications that we are heading to credible fiscal reforms discussed in the Government of National Unity statement of intent,” Herron said. He noted that each year’s budget speech and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement deliver sets of commitments that have not changed a thing. “We must revise the budgeting template we roll over each year, eliminate unnecessary and wasteful expenditure,…

Visa-free announcement sends mixed signals to the international community “DOUBLE SPEAK” by GNU members the ANC and DA concerning the country’s relationship with Russia and Ukraine poses distinct risks and challenges which could complicate South Africa’s influence and aspirations within BRICS+. This is the view of at least one international relations expert after Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that he had signed a “historic” agreement granting visa-free access to South Africa for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports and vice versa. He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to add his signature to this agreement in the coming week. Schreiber’s announcement comes days after Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen were at odds over the president’s comments that "Russia is a valuable ally and friend" during…

LOOKING ahead to COP29, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George says the country is approaching another decisive milestone. The conference presents one of the final opportunities for countries to signal their intentions for new and enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the 2025 deadline for the second NDC cycle, George said. “These plans will determine whether we collectively fulfil the ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement. Therefore, COP29 must build consensus, drive momentum, and ensure that every nation is on a sustainable path toward a net-zero economy.” He was speaking at the National Stakeholder Consultations on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22. “COP28 marked a pivotal moment in international climate…

As the festive season draws near, a time filled with joy, celebration, and giving, it is also an unfortunate period when the shadows of deceit loom larger than ever. This festive cheer attracts not just the spirit of goodwill but also fraudsters intent on taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. The recent warnings from the Banking Ombudsman revealing a concerning increase in complaints about tap-and-go transactions involving lost or stolen cards should serve as a crucial wake-up call for all shoppers. The holiday season typically witnesses a surge in consumer spending as people reach for their wallets to purchase gifts, decorations, food, and other seasonal delights. However, it is vital for consumers to be extra vigilant during this time. Fraudsters are waiting to pounce on those who may let their guard…

Distrust of the US has been growing across sub-Saharan Africa for decades, with recent developments widening the country’s credibility gap and offering little hope for improvement. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden postponed a trip abroad scheduled for October13-15, which included stops in Germany and Angola, opting instead to focus on preparations for Hurricane Milton’s arrival in Florida. Biden briefly visited Germany on October 17-18, but his first trip to Africa as president has been postponed until December after the US elections. For some African observers, the delay underscores the low priority of African affairs within US political strategy. Meanwhile, signs of dissatisfaction among African nations regarding US involvement are growing. In August, Niger shut down the last US military base in the country, declaring its military co-operation agreement…

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin faced growing pressure yesterday to quit from leaders of the revolution that toppled autocratic ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August, who argue he was her appointee. Shahabuddin, 74, widely known as “Chuppu”, was elected by parliament in 2023 by Hasina’s now ousted Awami League, but while the post is largely ceremonial, his potential removal from the role has sparked fears of a constitutional vacuum. The interim government is led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus as its “chief adviser”. Government spokesperson Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a minister in Yunus’s cabinet, said there was “an ongoing discussion regarding the removal” of Shahabuddin. “The demand for his removal stems from claims that he does not align with the spirit of the movement,” said Hasan. Earlier this month, Shahabuddin…

SEOUL: The South Korean military has been proved to be the “principal” of the drone incursion into the capital city of North Korea, reports said yesterday. The act was aimed at scattering anti-North Korea leaflets, according to the final investigation results released a day earlier by the Ministry of National Defence. The KCNA report offered a record showing that after taking off at Paekryong Island at on October 8, the drone flew over Jangyon County of South Hwanghae Province and the waters around the Cho Islet and then to the waters around Namjoap Islet, before it flew over Chollima District. | Xinhua…

GABORONE: Botswana has officially launched its latest innovation in electric transportation, the Electric Boat (eBoat), marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to achieving e-mobility. This initiative adds to a series of green transport products unveiled by the government recently, as highlighted by President Mokgweetsi Masisi in a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice-President Slumber Tsogwane on Sunday. Tsogwane said that Botswana was aligning with the goals that aim to increase the use of renewable energy sources across various sectors, including the production and distribution of goods and services. | Xinhua…

Hildah Magaia is back in the Banyana Banyana fold, and she’s ready to embody her nickname, ‘The Breadwinner’, when they face England tonight at 9.45pm. Banyana will visit the reigning European champions in an international friendly in Coventry on the back of losing 5-0 to Denmark last Friday. Coach Desiree Ellis’ troops were put to the sword by the Danes after the relatively inexperienced side put their feet off the gas in the second half, conceding all five goals. As Banyana gears up for what promises to be a formidable challenge against England, Ellis will take comfort in the availability of four international players for the clash. US-based duo Magaia and Linda Motlhalo arrived in the UK on Saturday, and they were joined by Mexico-based pair Thembi Kgatlana and Sinoxolo…