Table of contents for 2026-03-27 in Cape Argus

Cape Town is buzzing, and it’s not just the usual city energy. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is back, turning the city into a non-stop music playground this weekend. Known as one of the biggest jazz festivals on the continent and one of the best in the world, it’s bringing together a mix of international heavyweights and South African favourites for a weekend full of soul, rhythm, and sheer talent. The line-up is as exciting as it is diverse. From seasoned jazz legends to rising stars, there’s something for everyone. And if you thought jazz was just smooth tunes in a corner, think again. Afro-fusion, soul, and contemporary beats are all part of the mix, giving the festival a vibe that’s both classic and fresh. Before the main events…

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is expected to deliver a significant boost to the Western Cape economy, with its impact estimated in the hundreds of millions of rand. According to Bobby Jordan of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce, estimates from Accelerate Cape Town place the festival’s contribution to the Western Cape’s gross domestic product at approximately R522 million, with a broader national impact of around R900m, as reported. “The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is far more than a world-class music event, it is a powerful economic driver for our city,” said Mayoral Committee member for Economic Growth, James Vos. The estimate positions the event among the most economically impactful cultural gatherings in the province, highlighting the growing role of major events in driving tourism activity, business growth…

The uncle of a nine-year-old girl, described as a dangerous man and who is currently serving a life term for the rape of his niece, will continue serving his sentence after his appeal against the sentence failed in the Mahikeng High Court this week. Acting Deputy Judge President of the High Court, Andre Petersen, criticised the actions of the man who cannot be named to protect the identity of the complainant. “A 26-year-old man who, in his sound and sober senses, deliberately undresses his nine-year-old niece and rapes her in the supposed sanctuary of her own family home, in gross breach of the trust that an uncle occupies in our cultural context, and who maintained a not guilty plea until the complainant appeared at court, is – as the magistrate…

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the current free basic electricity allocation for indigent households will be reviewed. Ramokgopa said the review of the 50 kilowatts per hour per household free basic electricity will form part of the electricity pricing policy that will soon be released for public comment. Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said free basic electricity was introduced in 2003. He said the free basic electricity allocation was determined based on the consumption profile. “Twenty-three years later, that number is no more relevant because the profile of consumption has changed, and the average poor household now has a television. Some of them have bought electric kettles, they have got refrigerators, so the consumption has changed,” he said. “So, as part…

Volunteerism in the Western Cape is declining, even as demand for social support continues to rise, placing increasing pressure on non-profit organisations across the province. Statistics South Africa’s 2024 Volunteer Activities Survey, released last week, shows that while volunteer numbers nationally have increased to 3.1 million, the Western Cape is one of only three provinces where participation has declined since 2014. At about 3.6%, the province now has one of the lowest volunteer rates in the country, well below provinces such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where participation exceeds 11%. The findings come as organisations on the ground face growing pressure, with fewer people available to support essential services, including feeding schemes, homelessness outreach and child protection programmes. At community feeding initiatives in Cape Town, fewer volunteers are available to help…

Proteas stand-in T20 captain Keshav Maharaj has praised fast bowler Gerald Coetzee for seizing the role of spearhead on the attack on the New Zealand tour. In the absence of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, Coetzee was the most senior bowler in an inexperienced Proteas attack. The 25-year-old would have been tentative coming into the series, having only just recovered from another long-term injury, but the extra responsibility seemed to bring out the best in him. Coetzee charged in throughout the series, delivering thunderbolts in excess of 145km/h with a great degree of control. It reaped the rewards with the Durban’s Super Giants express finishing as the leading wicket-taker for the Proteas with eight scalps at an average of 14.62. “Gerald’s been around the system for…

Every motivational factor seems to be aligning perfectly for South Africa’s Asiashu Tshitamba, who says he is “so excited” to compete in his backyard at next month’s PFL Africa fight card. On April 10, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) will launch their 2026 campaign at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. The event is set to build on last year’s inaugural season, which marked the debut of the promotion’s African franchise. For the athletes involved, the stakes are life-changing. Tshitamba (6–5) returns to familiar territory, having previously fought at the venue three times under the EFC banner. This time, he faces fellow South African Shannon van Tonder (7-3) in a PFL Africa Bantamweight Showcase bout. “I am so motivated for this fight card,” Tshitamba says. Recent…

A call for justice has been made in the case relating to the death of Bonteheuwel LEAP officer Lyle Thomas, as delays continue to stall progress, months after he died. Local ward councillor Angus McKenzie, who attended proceedings at the Philippi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, said the matter was postponed to June 24, with the accused’s bail extended. McKenzie urged the National Prosecuting Authority to expedite outstanding processes. “Justice delayed is justice denied. This family has already endured immense pain, and every delay only deepens that trauma,” he said. He said delays in finalising the post-mortem report remain a key issue in the case, raising concerns about the pace of the investigation. “It is unacceptable that nearly six months later, key forensic processes are still outstanding. The system must…

Eight people have been shot in Site C, Khayelitsha, within 24 hours. Four people travelling in a seven-seater vehicle on Japhta K Masemola Road were shot and killed after a confrontation with the provincial combat team on Wednesday. Police said they had received information that the vehicle was allegedly involved in extortion activities. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the occupants opened fire. “The team responded, and four men were fatally wounded,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa. She said three firearms were confiscated at the scene. In a separate incident, four men were shot in Site C, in the Taiwan informal settlement, on Tuesday night. Provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said two men, aged 20 and 23, were declared dead at the scene, and the other two,…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday announced that Cabinet has established a committee to evaluate the ramifications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding rising fuel costs. This decision follows inquiries from EFF MP Sam Matiase, who expressed concerns about the country’s economic vulnerability amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. During a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, Matiase challenged Godongwana on whether he would reconsider his position on the controversial fuel levy increase, especially after a Western Cape High Court ruling that barred a VAT hike. “How does your government intend to shield poor households and the economy from potentially severe consequences?” he asked. Godongwana assured the assembly that the newly formed committee would present recommendations regarding fuel pricing. “This is not a decision that will be made…

I was maybe 8 or 9 years old when Abdullah Ibrahim played in our living room. I cannot tell you everything about that afternoon, but I can tell you what it felt like. Family and friends had crowded into every available space: people sat cross-legged on the carpet, lined the staircase shoulder to shoulder, and peered in through the kitchen entrance as though a doorframe could be a front-row seat. And then he struck the first note. The room went still. Not the polite quiet of a concert hall, but the sacred silence of people who understood, without being told, that something important was happening. Last night, once again, I sat across from Uncle Abdullah as we had dinner at Rooi, the restaurant inside the One & Only hotel in…

Stormers inside centre Dan du Plessis says he is impressed by midfield partner and current captain Ruhan Nel, and how decisively he is leading the Stormers on the field. In the matches Nel has taken on the leadership duties this season, the Cape side hasn’t lost a single game. While they remain unbeaten under his guidance, they have lost three matches to South African sides in the United Rugby Championship (URC) while he was out injured. Since his return against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, they have gone on a two-match winning streak once again, and will look to extend that run when they face Edinburgh tomorrow in Cape Town (7pm kick-off). It is not the only streak Nel will want to extend. The captain and Du Plessis are second…

It’s another make-or-break United Rugby Championship (URC) clash for the Bulls tomorrow at Loftus Versfeld as they take on Munster. They have the perfect opportunity to secure back-to-back victories; however, a loss would see them head into their European tour with little momentum and a mountain to climb in their bid to secure a Top 8 spot. If the Bulls allow their visitors to settle, the Irish side have the players to control territory, dictate the tempo of the game and ultimately the scoreboard. That means the hosts must be precise in the key battles that define Munster’s game. We look at five areas where the Bulls will look to curb Munster to secure a much-needed win in Pretoria (2pm kick-off). Shutting down the set-piece early Munster’s DNA runs through…

Call it unshakable faith, manifest destiny, or an irrepressible dream, but Henco van Wyk holds a singular belief: one day, if chosen by the powers that be, he will become a Springbok. The powerful Lions centre, who has long carried the moniker of “Weapon-X,” has been hailed by many as a future Bok in waiting. These are not mere whispers in polite company or murmurs in shadowed conversations; they are outright proclamations that it is only a matter of time before the 24-year-old displays his explosive skills in green and gold. Many would argue that it should have happened already, were it not for the devastating injuries that have hampered his ascent. It seems, however, that every time the Hoërskool Monument-alum has begun to build a noteworthy “purple patch,” ill…

Members of the Ton, a most delightful announcement has graced our ears – season five of the beloved Netflix series Bridgerton is underway, and South Africa’s very own, Masali Baduza, has been unveiled as one of the leads. Baduza, who portrays the role of Michaela Stirling, takes on the lead role alongside Hannah Dodd, who plays the role of widowed Lady Francesca. Taking to social media this week, Netflix revealed the first trailer of the fifth season, revealing our leads and announcing that production is currently in motion. “Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again… Bridgerton Season 5 is now in production,” the streaming platform captioned the post. In the fourth season, we saw how the passing of husband John Stirling, the Earl of…

The Western Cape has tabled a record R35.1 billion education budget, but overcrowded classrooms and mounting admissions pressure continue to strain the system. Delivering his 2026/27 budget speech in the provincial parliament, Education MEC David Maynier said the province is focused on improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education, despite mounting fiscal and operational challenges. “We have a vision of delivering quality education for every learner, in every classroom, in every school in the Western Cape,” Maynier said. The education allocation is the largest departmental budget in the province, with billions earmarked for infrastructure, teacher expansion, and targeted academic interventions. However, Maynier acknowledged that the system remains under “severe fiscal pressure,” with key risks including admissions demand, overcrowding, unfunded mandates, and the winding down of infrastructure funding support.…

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is playing a key role in a continent-wide scientific effort aimed at tackling biodiversity loss while ensuring fair access to genetic resources. Through its involvement in the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP), UCT researchers contribute to large-scale genomic and bioinformatics work aligned with global conservation targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This initiative combines cutting-edge science with ethical, legal, and social considerations, focusing on building data systems and policy frameworks that support conservation and promote equitable benefit sharing across Africa. A recent paper in Nature Reviews Biodiversity outlines the opportunities and challenges of applying these frameworks, proposing a “theory of change” centred on five priority areas, including stronger legal frameworks and improved genomic data infrastructure. Dr Hawwa Gabier, a UCT postdoctoral fellow and co-author…

Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya believes Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s recent move to Major League Soccer (MLS) could play a significant role in elevating the profile of South African players competing in the league. The MLS has, at times, been dismissed as a destination for players nearing the twilight of their careers, but with players such as Makhanya at the other end of their careers, it remains one of the most demanding and well-structured leagues in world football. Its increasing intensity and quality have never been in question, with more young and ambitious players now viewing it as a platform to develop and showcase their abilities, using it as a stepping stone to other major leagues. South Africa’s connection with the MLS is not new. Football icons such as Doctor Khumalo and…

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has embraced the pressure that comes with juggling club football during a critical phase of the season and preparation for the biggest football event, the Fifa World Cup, insisting the challenge is simply part of their jobs. Bafana will return to the World Cup in North America this winter for the first time since they hosted the event 16 years ago, and the first time they have automatically qualified in more than two decades. Given that excitement, which is heightened by the fact that they will face co-hosts Mexico in the opening game at Banorte Stadium on 11 June — a repeat of the 2010 event — Bafana are pulling out all the stops to be at their best. They will begin their preparation for…

Mumbai Indians batter Ryan Rickelton, having had a good start in T20 cricket this year, looks to make an early impact in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This year, both in the SA20 and in the green and gold of the Proteas T20I team, Rickelton has looked in good nick. The left-handed batter has scored big runs and did so at a healthy rate, a combination that is highly sought after in franchise T20 cricket. The 29-year-old has been able to stand up and perform in big games, as he played a key role in getting the Proteas to the semi-final of the recently concluded 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Rickelton says he looks to carry that form into the IPL. “I’m obviously looking forward to the…

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has kept faith in young fullback Luan Giliomee by retaining him for tonight’s United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff in Durban. Giliomee had an outstanding debut in the black jersey during their 45-0 win over Munster last weekend, getting on the scoresheet and putting in an assured performance at the back. Such was his impact that Pietersen decided to leave Springboks wing Edwill van der Merwe out of the matchday squad, opting for the same back-three combination of Giliomee and wings Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi. Pietersen explained that the decision to continue with the youngster in the number 15 jersey was influenced by the short turnaround, as the team had one less day to prepare for the Welsh outfit. There was no confirmation as to…