Table of contents for 2026-04-08 in Cape Argus

Actress Starring Talia Kodesh, co-written with Bruce Dennill and directed by Daniel Geddes, this is a heartfelt, funny, and moving musical exploring the many roles women navigate in life – actress, wife, mother, daughter, teacher – while balancing personal ambition and expectation. Featuring eight original songs by Dennill, the show takes audiences on a journey from New York to South Africa, tracing the highs and lows of career, creativity, and identity. Kodesh’s character experiences stress, triumph, tears and dance, ultimately finding a form of peace, even if it isn’t what she imagined. Stephen van Niekerk, as Random Props Guy, adds storytelling, humour and stagecraft, highlighting the unsung work of technicians. The music moves from introspective, reflective numbers to bold, belted showstoppers, colouring every scene. Ultimately, Actress is about finding peace…

FlySafair and Airports Company SA (Acsa) said they are investigating a collision of an airstairs vehicle with FlySafair flight FA112, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (registration ZS-FGF) on Monday. The ground vehicle used for boarding (passenger stairs) made contact with the aircraft while it was parked at stand A9 at Cape Town International Airport. FlySafair said the ground handling incident occurred at 11.15am on Monday, when the airstairs vehicle made contact with the aircraft’s right wing. “The contact with the wing caused a minor fuel leak and, as a precautionary measure, airport fire and rescue services were activated. Firefighting foam was applied to the affected area as a standard safety precaution. “No passengers were on board at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. A standby aircraft…

THE Malmesbury Regional Court has sentenced Denico Leander and Adriaan Pietersen to six life sentences for the rape of a 32-year-old mother in 2023. Acting Regional Court prosecutor Kayline Andréa Nel proved that the victim and others were socialising and playing cards at the Old Scrapyard informal settlement, in Malmesbury, on the evening of June 17, 2023, when they received a warning about an approaching gang. While others fled or hid, the 32-year-old victim remained in the shack due to shock and confusion. After entering the shack, the accused repeatedly raped her and then fled. The woman described her attackers to the police, and they were arrested early the next morning. They pleaded not guilty. As part of strengthening the State’s case, Nel called six witnesses and one of them,…

Law enforcement agencies across the City of Cape Town ramped up operations during the Easter long weekend, seizing illegal firearms and ammunition, recovering stolen vehicles and arresting hundreds of suspects in a wide-ranging safety crackdown. Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officers confiscated a cache of weapons in Crossroads on Sunday night after a suspect fled and dropped a bag. Inside, officers found three firearms, multiple empty magazines and a large quantity of ammunition, which were handed over to Philippi East police. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said removing illegal firearms from communities remains critical in reducing violence. “Every firearm and bullet is potentially a life saved and a crime prevented. While our officers should be lauded for taking guns off our streets on a near daily basis,…

THE National Treasury has explained the mystery around the more than R9.59 billion invested by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), while the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probes the matter. The Treasury stated that the National Lotteries Act regulates the treatment of funds not immediately required, as well as unexpected balances of the NLC. “In this regard, the National Lotteries Act requires that any unspent funds of the NLC be transferred back to the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). “Furthermore, Section 25 of the National Lotteries Act prescribes that ‘any money of the fund or the board which is not required for immediate allocation, may be invested with the Public Investment Commission or with a financial institution approved by the Minister of Finance and may be withdrawn when required’,” the…

Motorists, reeling from record fuel price increases in April, could be facing even more damaging fuel price increases in May if the tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are not resolved this week. Early month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to diesel price increases of more than R10 per litre, over and above the price hikes of between R7.37 and R7.51 that were implemented on April 1. The petrol price outlook is less severe, but significant nonetheless, with CEF data pointing to likely increases in the region of R3 per litre. Although the month average under-recovery is currently between R4.29 (for 93 Unleaded) and R4.69 (for 95 Unleaded), the latest daily data is R2 to R2.52 in the red, suggesting that the former figures could be…

The persistent governance crisis in South Africa’s public sector has long been seen as a political problem, with elected officials typically cast as the main agents of corruption and maladministration. However, recent findings in the Auditor-General’s Consolidated General Report on National and Provincial Audit Outcomes for 2024–25 point to a broader, systemic failure rooted in the state’s administrative machinery. This requires greater attention to the role of technocrats – especially accounting officers and senior officials responsible for financial oversight and compliance – in discussions of accountability. The Auditor-General’s report presents a sobering picture of stagnation and regression in public financial management. Only 151 clean audits were recorded among 417 auditees, with 266 entities responsible for 88% of the R2.21 trillion expenditure budget and continuing to lack the institutional capability to…

Klaasen and Rickelton lead Proteas surge Former Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen leads the South African charge at the ongoing Indian Premier League. Despite Sunrisers Hyderabad losing two of their three matches, Klaasen is the second-leading run-scorer in the competition with 145 runs at an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 147.95, which includes two half-centuries. Proteas No 3 Ryan Rickelton exploded in Mumbai Indians’ opening game with a 43-ball 81, while captain Aiden Markram also struck a fluent 45 for Lucknow Super Giants in their victory over Klaasen’s Sunrisers Hyderabad. Tristan Stubbs has once again been playing his finisher role to perfection, with his unbeaten 39 leading the Delhi Capitals over the line against Lucknow Super Giants. “I wasn't fully padded up, had to go straight in. Was…

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table. Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed. The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless. “What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old…

A CYCLIST who was critically injured in a crash involving a taxi and a group of riders on Victoria Road in Bakoven has died, prompting renewed calls for improved cyclist safety on Cape Town’s roads. The cyclist, identified as Landon la Grange, 61, died yesterday morning after sustaining severe injuries in the collision on Monday. Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg confirmed the death. Police did not indicate whether charges would be amended following La Grange’s death, nor whether any arrests had been made. La Grange had been airlifted to hospital following the crash on Monday. The incident occurred at about 8.30am on Monday as a group of about 20 cyclists were travelling from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay, while a taxi was travelling in the opposite direction. National Assembly chairperson of…

More than 200 housing projects across the country are currently stalled, Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane has disclosed. Asked by MK Party MP Jeffrey Bhekumndeni Mtolo about the current number of incomplete and abandoned housing projects, Simelane said a total of 212 projects with a funding of R37.9 million were categorised as blocked, nationally. While the Eastern Cape appears to be unaffected, other provinces are grappling with significant numbers of incomplete projects. A breakdown shows that the Free State is the hardest hit, with 154 blocked projects, followed by 21 in the North West. There were two stalled projects in Mpumalanga, three in the Northern Cape, 21 in the North West, and seven in the Western Cape. Simelane outlined the collaborative efforts between the national and provincial governments to…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has ratified the Public Service Amendment Bill, which came into effect on April 1. The new legislation prohibits heads of departments and employees directly reporting to them from holding any political office within political parties, whether permanently, temporarily, or in an acting capacity. “A person who has been appointed as a head of department or as an employee, who directly reports to the head of department, before subsection takes effect, shall comply with subsection within one year of the commencement of subsection,” reads the now-enacted amendment bill. The summary of the bill states that the purpose of the prohibition is to ensure that there is a clear delineation between the political and administrative roles and responsibilities for heads of department and the influence employees reporting to them…

Things that most people take for granted, such as switching on a light or cooking a meal, have become prohibitively expensive for South Africa’s poorest households following severe paraffin price announcements that came into effect last week. While motorists and transport operators benefited from a R3 per litre temporary tax reprieve that softened the blow of this month’s petrol and diesel price hikes, customers of illuminating paraffin bore the full brunt of an R11.67 per litre increase on April 1, pushing the national maximum retail price to R31.47 per litre. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) said that paraffin did not receive any relief measures, as, unlike petrol and diesel, it is not subject to the General Fuel Levy (GFL). However, there have been widespread calls for government…

South Africa’s financial sector has become highly skilled at something that looks like competence but often is not. It has learned how to comply with rules, generate documentation, and satisfy audit requirements and still fail the people those systems are meant to protect. Forms are completed.Disclosures are issued. Audit trails are clean. On paper, everything works. In practice, customers often experience something very different. When people claim insurance policies, they wait. When families try to access funeral benefits, they are asked for documents they may not have at the worst possible moment. When borrowers take on credit life cover, they frequently do not understand what is covered, what is excluded, or what will actually happen when they die, lose income, or become ill. This is not a series of isolated…

The Springboks are about three months from their 2026 season kick-off, against England on July 4 in Johannesburg. But interest is slowly building, and we look at some of the positive developments from the last week or so. Rassie’s latest recruit a masterstroke, says Proudfoot: Former Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot believes performance analyst Joe Lewis is a “brilliant addition” to Rassie Erasmus’s Springbok staff. Welshman Lewis has been poached from under the nose of England coach Steve Borthwick. Proudfoot worked alongside Lewis when Eddie Jones coached England. “Joe worked closely with the defensive and forward sections of the game,” Proudfoot said. “He spent a lot of time with Steve Borthwick (the then forwards coach). Joe understood lineouts and rolling mauls exceptionally well. “In the time he was there, England…

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Uefa Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the English Premier League title and were described as “an almost perfect team” by the French club’s coach Luis Enrique. Fast-forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris today. PSG’s triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first Champions League title. They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since. Arne Slot’s side somewhat ran…

THE abuse of ad hoc security services meant for emergency security needs came under the spotlight as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard that at some point, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) had 43 sites requiring the ad hoc services. Ad hoc security services are designed to tackle immediate threats and unexpected events while addressing short-term capacity gaps in municipal infrastructure security, employee safety, or public event protection. Commissioner Yolande Faro, TMPD police chief, said she became aware of the ad hoc security services in the city after an email from suspended Deputy Commissioner for Support and Administrative Services, Umashi Dhlamini, informing her that TMPD has 37 additional sites that require ad hoc security services. Faro said that she only became aware of the request for additional funding or…

Users of a public toilet project in the Cape Town CBD have surpassed one million people since the initiative’s launch in 2022. Supported by the City of Cape Town and facilitated by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) the project is implemented operationally by its NGO partner Streetscapes, and provides clean, safe and accessible ablution facilities in the CBD. “The project aimed to address a long‑standing shortage of public sanitation in the city centre,” said CCID CEO, Tasso Evangelinos. “It has evolved into a reliable service that supports the daily functioning of a busy and diverse CBD, while also ensuing stable employment for community members who manage and service the toilets.” In February, eight mobile toilets – placed in Adderley, Longmarket, Canterbury and Barrack streets – recorded 1…

Outdoor education is far more than adventure or recreation – it is a transformative approach to learning that drives holistic student development beyond the classroom. As schools increasingly seek ways to prepare learners for a fast-changing world, it stands out as a powerful catalyst for building resilience, leadership, and lifelong skills. Through activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, bushcraft, and multi-day expeditions, learners are challenged to step outside their comfort zones. These experiences foster perseverance, enhance problem-solving abilities, and strengthen decision-making under real-world conditions. Achieving difficult goals in nature builds authentic confidence grounded in experience. Outdoor environments provide natural opportunities for learners to practice leadership and collaboration. Group expeditions and shared challenges cultivate trust, communication, and accountability. Unlike classroom simulations, these settings require genuine teamwork, where success depends on mutual…

The world in 2026 faces crises with devastating consequences. Children are being killed in military strikes, governments are under attack, and senior religious and political leaders are being threatened. Much of this chaos can be traced back to the leadership and global actions of US President Donald Trump. His aggressive rhetoric, unilateral decisions, and disregard for diplomacy have created instability from the Middle East to Latin America and beyond. Iran is one of the most alarming examples. Senior religious leaders known as ayatollahs hold both spiritual and political authority. An ayatollah is a high-ranking Shia Muslim scholar respected for knowledge of Islamic law and theology. Targeting or threatening these figures makes diplomatic solutions far more difficult and increases the risk of widespread conflict. Civilians, including children, are the first to…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach laments injury crisis Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes his side’s injury struggles have gone largely unnoticed this season, despite the significant impact they have had on performances and consistency. Amakhosi underlined their resilience on Monday afternoon, coming from behind to defeat Orbit College 3-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The victory marked a third consecutive league win and lifted Chiefs into a CAF Confederation Cup position on the Betway Premiership standings. However, behind the recent resurgence lies what Youssef describes as an overlooked challenge – a relentless injury list that has disrupted rhythm and selection throughout the campaign. At various stages of the season, Chiefs have been without key figures including Khanyisa Mayo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Etiosa Ighodaro and most recently captain Brandon Peterson, all…

In September 2020, SA Rugby withdrew their provincial teams from Super Rugby, blaming New Zealand for the exit. SA Rugby felt that the Kiwis were selfishly looking after themselves as Covid-19 rocked the world and preferred a trans-Tasman competition with Australia. The Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers packed their Super Rugby bags and went north to Europe, where the PRO14 competition – featuring the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, plus Italy and two South African “rejects” in the Cheetahs and Southern Kings – welcomed the top SA teams with open arms. The Cheetahs and Kings were replaced by the four Super Rugby teams, and the competition was renamed the United Rugby Championship (URC). There was the added bonus that the SA teams could also qualify for the prestigious…