Table of contents for 2025-10-31 in Cape Argus

Dalin Oliver: 90 Day Comedian Cape Town’s own Dalin Oliver is making his way back to the stage with his hit solo comedy show 90 Day Comedian, which has toured across the world and scooped multiple awards. This run is particularly meaningful, as Oliver will perform alongside his wife, R&B sensation Maxine, who recently dropped her debut EP It’s Complicated. Joining her on guitar is acclaimed musician Keanu Harker. Together, the pair deliver an intimate, laughter-filled evening celebrating comedy, music, and love in their hometown. Where: The Baxter Theatre. When: Runs until tomorrow, with show times at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Zombie Walk Cape Town After years away, South Africa’s biggest Halloween bash is back in Cape Town. The annual Zombie Walk sees thousands take over the streets in a spooky,…

EVERY day patients at the Western Cape public health services face long queues, overcrowding and even becoming a victim of crime during their wait as opportunistic thieves seize the moment. As the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness celebrates another clean audit, its seventh in a row, its financial success is overshadowed by the reality patients face. The department admitted the healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, including extended waiting times and strain on facilities. It said the demand for healthcare is outstripping government capacity, exacerbated by budget constraints and new regulations that hinder the swift filling of crucial posts. Despite these obstacles, it said it had successfully stabilised staffing, unfrozen previously held posts, and prioritised the recruitment of front-line staff alongside strategic redeployment. The department’s 2024/25…

A GRADE 7 learner from Leonsdale in Elsies River had to undergo emergency surgery after he was hit by a stray bullet in the stomach while on his way to school on Tuesday morning. The 14-year-old boy is in hospital after he undergoing stoma surgery, which involves creating an opening in the abdomen that allows faeces or urine to exit the body, as his vital organs were damaged during the shooting. When the Cape Argus' sister newspaper, the Daily Voice spoke to his father, he said he and his wife were on their way back to the hospital after spending the night at their son's bedside. The father explained: “I believe he is out of danger. “The incident took place after 7am when he was on his way to school.…

THE National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is calling on all water users in the Western Cape to step up their water-saving efforts as dam levels across the province have seen a slight decline. According to the hydrological report released on Monday, the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), comprising the province’s six largest dams, is currently at 87.79%. This represents a 1.27% decrease from last week’s 89.06%. Notably, at the same time last year, the WCWSS stood significantly higher at 98.75%. The Gouritz River Catchment, which encompasses the Little and Greater Karoo and parts of the coastal belt, has experienced a more substantial decline, now at 50.19% compared to 88.77% a year ago. Individual dams show similar trends, with Theewaterskloof Dam, the province’s largest and responsible for over…

The City of Cape Town has moved to dispel growing public concern over claims that a “congestion charge” is being introduced for motorists, saying recent media reports have been misleading and that no such policy is being implemented now or in the near future. The City said it had “noted with concern recent media reports causing unnecessary alarm about a ‘congestion charge’ for Cape Town,” and sought to “set the record straight: this is not something the City is introducing.” The City emphasised that the idea of a congestion charge had merely been referenced in its Revised Travel Demand Management Strategy (TDMS), a long-term planning document aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility options. “A congestion charge is not being implemented now or in the near future. Sensationalist reports…

As the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) approaches, industry experts convened at the Athletic Club and Social this week to discuss the evolution of jazz within an increasingly global and commercial music landscape. The latest installment of the CTIJF Conversation Series, hosted by espAfrika, focused on “Redefining Jazz in the Global Festival Era”. Mariana del Carmen, espAfrika’s talent co-ordinator, led the discussion, exploring how jazz can innovate while staying true to its cultural heritage. She reflected on the festival’s enduring impact, stating, “The CTIJF has always been about expanding the conversation around jazz. It’s not just a genre; it’s a platform for cultural dialogue and creativity. Our role is to ensure that jazz evolves while remaining connected to its roots and to the communities that sustain it.” Attendees sharing…

The Democratic Alliance is a sly fox. While positing itself as a “non-racial party”, it seems hell-bent on reminding everyone about how important race is, while preying on the sub-conscious racism every member of our fractured society harbours. The apartheid government in those dark years of oppression sowed the fear of the swart-gevaar (the Black danger), and the DA has subtly and subliminally been playing that card for years. Why else would it be pushing for the scrapping of B-BBEE, pushing an agenda of meritocracy over existing laws that seek to address the gross imbalance of power, land ownership and wealth? You see, for many South Africans, white is still right. It may not come out in polite conversations or in public fora, but around the braai, after a few…

Proteas wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock opened up to the media yesterday about his reasons to reverse his retirement in white-ball cricket, citing that he missed the camaraderie of being a part of the Proteas team. De Kock made a surprising U-turn on his retirement from white-ball cricket last month, making himself available for the Proteas in both ODIs and T20Is with immediate effect. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad brought him back into the squad for the first time during the one-off T20I against Namibia earlier this month. De Kock is currently with the Proteas T20I squad in Pakistan, competing in the three-match series - the Proteas are leading 1-0 after their 55-run victory in the first T20I in Rawalpindi earlier this week. For someone who is usually shy in front…

Three suspects accused in the brutal Philippi mass murder – where seven people were shot, killed, and set alight – abandoned their bail applications at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The two remaining accused – both juveniles aged 16 and 17 who cannot be named – will return to court on November 6 for their bail applications. Sinothando Songca, 18, Kuhle Webu, 22, and Asavela Tshaya, 21, and their juvenile co-accused each face nine criminal charges. They were arrested on October 23, days after the mass shooting occurred on October 17. The seven men were shot and killed at a home on Road 53, Better Life. Afterwards, the suspects allegedly picked up bullet casings, poured paraffin in the home, and set the property alight. The local community policing forum…

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities and unexplained “natural deaths” at Goodwood Correctional Centre following an unannounced oversight visit on Wednesday. Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng led the inspection, accompanied by committee member Janho Engelbrecht, to probe recent incidents at the facility, including the death of an inmate said to have died of natural causes. The visit included stops at the hospital section, firearms and ammunition stores, and the cell where the inmate had been housed prior to his death. During the visit, Ramolobeng said inmates had provided disturbing accounts of the night the deceased inmate fell ill before dying. “It came to light that three other inmates have fallen ill with stomach-related conditions since this inmate succumbed,” she said. The…

Stellenbosch University has acknowledged that students in its Department of Animal Sciences blocked a sheep’s nostrils and mouth with their hands during a feed experiment – an act now confirmed to have violated the institution’s approved animal research protocols. The incident, which came to light following a report in the Farmer’s Weekly magazine, prompted an investigation by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA). The magazine alleged that students at the university’s experimental farm had nearly suffocated sheep using plastic bags to make them urinate and defecate as part of studies analysing their feed intake. A whistleblower also claimed that some animals had, at times, been left without food or water. In a recent statement, Stellenbosch University (SU) confirmed that its internal probe had…

The SAPS has embarked on a massive campaign to select 5 500 new police trainees, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are chosen to uphold public safety and maintain law and order. Thousands of applicants are engaged in the first stage of assessment, which includes psychometric evaluations and integrity tests designed to gauge their mental suitability for the demanding role of a police officer. They will also undergo physical fitness evaluations, vetting procedures, and medical examinations. While all eligible individuals were invited to apply, SAPS indicated a preference for those who possess tertiary qualifications at the level of National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 6 or higher. Applicants with a valid driver’s licence are also prioritised, marking a significant advantage. Since the closing date for applications in July, SAPS has received an…

In the wake of a stinging 4-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants, Stellenbosch FC’s head coach, Steve Barker, has emphasised the urgent need for his squad to move on from their heaviest defeat of the season. Wednesday evening’s Carling Knockout quarter-final in Bloemfontein, marred by torrential rain, proved a challenging affair for the Winelands side. Still, Barker remains adamant that re-energising quickly is essential as they gear up for a crucial away fixture against TS Galaxy, in Mbombela, on Sunday. “The important part is to get over this game as quickly as possible, learn from it and take the positives out of the previous two matches,” said Barker, adding: “There were some positives, while in some areas we weren’t good enough. “We are going to get challenges. We’re going to get…

Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits are among the most senior members of the Proteas side. Just one year separates them at 35 and 34 years old respectively. It would be fair to suggest that this on-going ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka would be the veterans last shot at the holy grail. After their embarrassing defeat in the opening game, when England routed the Proteas for 69 before strolling to a 10-wicket victory, the pair called an urgent meeting. “Kappie and I actually had this conversation, funny enough, in the bathroom straight after that England game. We both had this conversation and we were like, yes, we definitely don't want to go out like this,” Brits said. “I think in general, not just because it might be,…

South African rugby and the United Rugby Championship have enjoyed a protracted honeymoon over the last three years or so, but the disgraceful handling of the Jan-Hendrik Wessels affair has ended that. It is time for the heavyweight administrators of the game in this country to roll up their sleeves and demand justice after a disgraceful initial hearing into the allegation of genital grabbing was followed up by an appeal hearing that was emasculated — if you will pardon the expression — of any purpose to find the truth. They more or less covered up the findings of the first hearing. SA Rugby, the Bulls, and their financiers Patrice Motsepe and Johann Rupert, must take this farce to the Council for Arbitration in Sport, because a few simple facts remain…

The River star Ontshiametse Molekoa has suffered burns on his face following a cooking accident at home. Molekoa shared a series of close-up images of his injuries on Instagram recently, revealing visible burns on his upper lip, cheeks, nose and hand. The actor, best known for playing Pharaoh in the award-winning 1Magic telenovela The River and on BET’s Isono in 2021, described the experience as both physically and emotionally painful. Opening up about the incident, Molekoa said the burns were caused by hot cooking oil and that the aftermath has been difficult to process. “I’ve been through a traumatic experience that has left me scarred physically and emotionally. It’s been hard coming to terms with how this might affect my career,” he wrote. He went on to share how deeply…

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public not to jump to conclusions following an alleged assault at Wynberg High School that has set social media ablaze. An image circulating widely on social media shows a dishevelled learner, in school uniform, with a bloody nose. The author of the post asks how such an assault could have taken place while a teacher was present. The post drew outrage, with parents, teachers, and former pupils expressing anger and concern about school safety and discipline. This incident comes as public concern over school violence grows. Last week a video of an alleged incident of bullying at Milnerton High School went viral, sparking an outcry and renewed calls for stricter action against learner aggression. Eight learners faced precautionary suspension and charges.…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that the Madlanga Commission and the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will shed more light on what needed to be done to strengthen the criminal justice system as a whole. Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Mashatile refrained from commenting about the commission and parliamentary inquiry, but said the government will continue to strengthen the Crime Intelligence division to counter organised crime, terrorism and violent criminality in hotspot areas. Mashatile said some of the revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission revealed how much was needed to do to clean up policing. “It is important that we, as Cabinet, should ensure that the leadership of the police and other structures of our security cluster are able to utilise the…

BAKKIES the elephant seal, has made a return. Southern elephant seals have been spotted on Cape Town’s shores, once again. These fascinating, and rather large, marine visitors (or vagrant visitors) from the South Atlantic Ocean, make an appearance seasonally to haul out of the water for their moulting period, one of which is fondly known as Bakkies. Gregg Oelofse, Coastal and Environmental manager for the City of Cape Town, said another popular seal was Buffel, which became a familiar sight around Cape Town. “I am sure he (Bakkies) will grab a level of attention matching that of our beloved ‘celebrity’ vagrant elephant seal, Buffel. This favourite marine giant has made regular appearances along Cape Town’s coast for many years, an exciting experience for the public. “Had the individual not been…

Few know Japanese club rugby better than Damian de Allende, and the seasoned Springbok centre has warned that the Boks should not expect a walk in the park when they face Japan at Wembley Stadium tomorrow. The 33-year-old midfielder, currently in his third stint in Japan, has built an intimate understanding of the country’s rugby culture. After his first spell with the Kintetsu Liners between 2015 and 2017, De Allende joined the Wild Knights in 2019 before moving to Ireland to play for Munster. He returned to Japan in 2022 to rejoin the Wild Knights, where he remains a key figure. Speaking from London ahead of the Boks’ November tour opener, De Allende said he is looking forward to facing some familiar faces — including several of his Wild Knights…

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca blasted Liam Delap for a "stupid" and "embarrassing" red card in Wednesday's 4-3 win at Wolves in the League Cup fourth round. Delap was dismissed after earning two yellow cards in the space of just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute for his first appearance since August. The first booking was for wrestling Yerson Mosquera to the ground and his second came after a reckless aerial challenge on Emmanuel Agbadou. It was Chelsea's sixth red card in nine games this season and Maresca was furious with his striker, who will now miss tomorrow's vital London derby at Tottenham after only just returning from a lengthy hamstring injury absence. "For today (Wednesday) we have a very a stupid red card, that was completely unnecessary, absolute…