Table of contents for 2025-11-13 in Cape Argus

I love the holiday season and, as cringy as they can be, I enjoy getting into the festivities by watching holiday movies. From Home Alone to Love Actually and local favourites like How to Ruin Christmas and Yoh! Christmas, these films bring the nostalgia, comfort, and festive cheer that the season calls for. But Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy, the brand-new Amazon Prime Video release, evoked nothing more than boredom. The holiday romance, written and directed by the renowned American film-maker, is packed with worn-out clichés and a lacklustre cast that spends most of the film being completely forgettable. It fails miserably at captivating with its opposites-attract storyline. The film introduces us to Joy (played by Shannon Thornton) during a New York fashion show. Through her friends Ashley (Brittany S. Hall)…

Police have launched a major investigation after the bodies of three people were found in a silver VW Polo on the corner of Hillcrest Road and Park Way in Montclair, Lentegeur, at approximately 6am yesterday. Residents woke up to the shock discovery of two men and one woman dead inside a parked car in the middle of the street. One of the bodies was found in the boot. The incident is believed to be gang related. Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut said that the victims were in their twenties. Traut said: “Preliminary information suggests that the incident is gang related. Detectives have been assigned to the case and are pursuing several leads in a bid to track down those responsible.” Lentegeur Community Police Forum chairperson Michael Jacobs said they believe…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced that he will again extend the Covid-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant for another year, now extended to run until March 2027. The minister made the announcement during the 2025 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBS) yesterday. The SRD grant, introduced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, was previously extended until 2026 during his Budget speech in May. Godongwana said: “The Covid-19 social relief of distress grant will be extended for another year, to March 2027, while proposals are finalised to link the working-age population to skills development and employment programmes.” President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address, described the SRD as an essential mechanism for alleviating extreme poverty. In May, Godongwana said that government is actively exploring various…

Economists are cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s labour market, even as unemployment remains stubbornly high. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), the national unemployment rate fell slightly to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025. Cape Town added 40 000 jobs during the same period – the highest quarterly gain among South African metros. Economist, Dawie Roodt warned that the numbers don’t tell the full story. “There was an increase in employment but there was also an increase in people who are just not looking for jobs anymore,” he told the Cape Argus. “People have lost hope. Officially, unemployment numbers came down a little bit, but that doesn’t really say much. It is technically an improvement, but unemployment of close to 32% is just a horrible number.”…

As the festive season approaches, Cape Town is gearing up for one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year: the Festive Lights Switch-On. This year, the event will feature a special one-night-only musical tribute bringing together some of the city’s most popular performers. Emo Adams, Loukmaan Adams, Alistair Izobell, Jody Abrahams, and Fancy Galada, along with the Street Stylers dancers, will perform a live set celebrating the music and memories that have shaped Cape Town. The performances will tie into this year’s theme, “United in Hope”, which organisers say reflects a sense of resilience and community among Capetonians. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis described the tribute as a reflection of the city’s spirit. “This is a reminder that, no matter our backgrounds or challenges, we share a common future,” he…

I would like to convey my profound gratitude to my family who inspired and encouraged me during the development of my book, Xi Jinping and The Global South. It is dedicated to the memory of my late brother, Mashudu Eddie Edward Monyae. I'm also grateful to my colleagues at the Centre for Africa–China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg. My thanks also goes to the Chinese Embassy for its facilitation of scholarly collaboration with colleagues in China. This book invites us all to rethink international relations from the critical perspective of the Global South, a lens that reveals both the challenges and opportunities shaping our shared world. Understanding international relations is far more than an academic pursuit; it is essential for grappling with the complex dynamics, from conflicts…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad believes his inexperienced Test side will not be overawed by the occasion of facing India at the cauldron of Eden Gardens in the first Test tomorrow due to their involvement in the IPL. Eight members of the Proteas Test squad – just over half – have never played a Test in India before. However, five of the aforementioned lot, namely Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Dewald Brevis and Corbin Bosch, have all sampled the IPL with their respective franchises over the last few years. Conrad, who has only been to India once previously with the Cape Cobras for the inaugural T20 Champions League back in 2009, believes the IPL experience will benefit his players both on and off the field. “I think previously you come…

The Springbok midfield set to take the field against Italy on Saturday offers an exciting glimpse into the future – and don’t discount the man tasked with directing play at flyhalf in Turin. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed in a television interview ahead of the clash with France that he intended to recall Handre Pollard at flyhalf, while testing a youthful midfield pairing of Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie. Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg will also get an opportunity to showcase his skills. With Erasmus able to plan without recourse to panic selections following the positive result in Paris, Pollard will marshal a backline featuring Hooker and Moodie in the midfield, and a daring back three of Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse. For rugby fans, this…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has lowered the inflation target to 3% with a one percentage point tolerance band. Tabling the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBS), Godongwana said the revised inflation target followed an agreement between South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago and his consultations with both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet. The new inflation target, down from between 3% and 6%, will be implemented over the next two years. “Over time, the lower target will decrease inflation expectations and inflation, creating room for lower interest rates. This supports household spending and business investment, boosting economic growth and job creation,” Godongwana said. Addressing journalists at a media lock-up briefing before Godongwana tabled his MTBPS, Kganyago said that he and the finance minister agreed on the new inflation target…

The spokesperson for suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied suggestions that Mchunu’s decision to take special leave from ANC duties is a strategic move to clear his name ahead of a potential bid for the ANC presidency in 2027. Sthembiso Mshengu, appointed recently as Mchunu’s personal spokesperson to handle media queries related to his legal woes, insisted that the former minister’s current focus is solely on preparing for his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. This comes as speculation mounts within the ANC’s ranks, with internal sources suggesting Mchunu’s request for special leave serves a dual purpose, saying he has been freeing up time to prepare his defence against corruption allegations and simultaneously allowing him to quietly launch a campaign for the party’s top job in 2027. Mshengu…

THE Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) has refuted claims that it has engineered a smear campaign against the station commander, Brigadier Brian Muller, while residents have begun an online petition in his support. The petition, begun by national movement Fight Against Crime SA (Facsa), is also calling for the CPF to be dissolved. The CPF executive responded via a statement when approached by Cape Argus, saying the claims were untrue: “The MPCPF maintains that the claims are completely false, inaccurate, totally devoid of any truth and is borderline defamatory of the good name and reputation of the MPCPF and it’s members. We have always been willing to work closely with Brigadier Brian Muller, like we have worked with all the previous station commanders, including Brigadier Goolam, Brigadier Dyantyi, Brigadier…

South Africa prides itself on having world-class data on schools, matric results, and university enrolments. Yet for children under five, the country’s youngest learners, the state is effectively flying blind. An estimated six million children, roughly 10% of the population, are growing up in a “data desert”, invisible to government systems responsible for education, health, and social protection. Experts warn that this lack of information threatens both children’s development and South Africa’s long-term economic potential as the first five years of a child’s life lay the foundation for all future learning, health, and productivity. Yet this critical stage remains one of the most neglected areas in South Africa’s education system. “Quality early childhood education provides persistent, life-long benefits to the child and society long after they have left preschool,” said…

The Premier League is never short of drama, and 11 games into the 2025/26 season, early predictions have already been blown out of the water, with new narratives emerging almost weekly. After a quarter of the campaign, the title race is shaping into a two-horse affair, while surprise performers continue to make waves in the tight scramble for European places, and promoted teams stubbornly refuse to follow the familiar up-and-down script. Tight at the top Arsenal have grabbed the headlines, capitalising on a meltdown by early pacesetters Liverpool to surge four points clear. Eight wins, two draws, and a single loss leave Mikel Arteta’s side top of the table with 26 points and a healthy +15 goal difference, propelled by their unmatched defensive record and depth of quality. With the…

Almost two months into the new 2025/26 domestic season and having played eight matches across two different formats, the Titans will be looking to save what is shaping up to be the team’s most dismal campaign yet. In the South African domestic cricket scene, Titans cricket – and Northerns cricket at large – are synonymous with excellence. Over the years, the Centurion-based side has been the dominant force, winning multiple trophies across all three formats. As a result, the team has produced and continues to produce numerous Proteas players. However, this season, the Titans have looked a shadow of the powerhouse the country has grown accustomed to. The new era under coach Rivash Gobind has yet to spark into life. Since taking charge, Gobind’s team has managed just one victory…

India is home to one of the largest film industries in the world. Bollywood yields figures in the region of $1.5 billion (about R25.7bn) – second only to Hollywood and China. It produces close to 2 000 movies annually. But tomorrow, the biggest showstopper in the land will feature at Eden Gardens in Kolkata when the world Test champion Proteas face up against their hosts India in the series premiere. It’s the hottest ticket in town with reports emanating from India that the 65 000-seater stadium is already sold out. There may be multiple languages spoken in India, but cricket is the universal mother tongue. The thousands waiting outside the iconic Eden Gardens – despite the presence of heavily armed security – just for a glimpse of their heroes arriving…

Michael Jackson fans have shown up in the millions online to support the late King of Pop. Lionsgate recently released the trailer of Jackson’s biopic, Michael, and within the first 24 hours, it had shattered records, amassing over 116.2 million views worldwide. The film stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who takes on the iconic role. The teaser showcases Jaafar performing some of Michael’s legendary dance moves, including the famous moonwalk. It also offers a sneak peek into the unforgettable Thriller music video. “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world,”…

Accused husband killer and slain Stellenbosch farmer’s widow, Zurenah Smit, and her co-accused, charged with the 2019 murder of 62-year-old wine farmer Stefan Smit, have made another desperate attempt to evade prosecution by applying for Judge Derek Wille’s recusal from their Western Cape High Court trial. The latest legal manoeuvre comes days after Judge Wille dismissed the duo’s Section 174 applications to be discharged on murder charges and a count of intimidation. Yesterday, State prosecutor Renee Uys opposed what she described as yet another unnecessary delay in the six-year-old case. Despite this, Judge Wille granted the application. Uys submitted to the court that the application, which will be argued today, was “disturbing to say the least”. Uys further submitted that the State could see no legal basis for such an…

The Nyanga community is reeling after a shooting at the Nyanga taxi terminus which left two women dead, and eight others injured. According to police reports, the 10 victims, all members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), were travelling in a Sprinter minibus taxi en route to a Cata meeting scheduled to take place near Cape Town International Airport when unknown gunmen opened fire on them. Deputy provincial SAPS commissioner Major-General Luyanda Damoyi, who visited the scene, said that police suspect the shooting may be linked to internal conflicts within Cata. Investigations are under way. Damoyi confirmed that two women died at the scene, while seven other women and one man sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. He said three suspects emerged from…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has allocated an additional R590.4 million to support health services affected by the withdrawal of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding. PEPFAR-funded HIV organisations receiving grants from the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, had received letters in February alerting them that their grants had been terminated. In May, the Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said that the country has 5.9 million people on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy), and that mother-to-child transmission has reduced dramatically. “We have reduced death from HIV and concomitantly reduced the deaths from TB. When we started this programme, we needed R3.5 billion; today we spent R46.8 billion, of which R7.9 billion was from PEPFAR,” he said. In July, he announced that the National Treasury released R753 million,…

TOURISTS are being warned to be vigilant before tapping their credit cards. This comes after a tourist was swindled out of €2 000, almost R40 000, for an e-hailing ride from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Town CBD. This was discussed during the monthly Cape Town Central police station’s Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting last week. CPF chairperson Marc Truss said tourists were being overcharged and that they needed to look at the pay point before swiping. “Tourists are arriving in Cape Town, our beautiful city, one of the top in the world, and you arrive here, and you get a quote for transport to town,” said Truss. “They don’t take cash, only credit cards. When you arrive at your destination, the driver hits you with a…

The Chinese Embassy in South Africa offers warm congratulations on the publication of the book, Xi Jinping and the Global South, and express my sincere thanks to everyone from different sectors who have long cared about and supported China–South Africa relations. In few days, the G20 Summit will open in Johannesburg. This will be the first G20 Summit held on the African continent. China firmly supports South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and we look forward to this Summit sending out a strong voice of the Global South on global governance. Today, we are gathered with friends from South Africa’s policy, academic and media communities to discuss a major question: Where is the Global South headed, and how can China and the Global South move forward together? This is a timely topic.…

Last week, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus signalled that he would freshen up his side for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin. After the pressure-cooker encounter against France in Paris, he will be doubly keen to give sore bodies a rest. It is not about underestimating the Italians – far from it. The Azzurri impressed in their win over Australia last week, a team that had earlier beaten the Boks at Ellis Park this year. Two factors are expected to guide Erasmus when he names his match-day 23 this afternoon: the need to rest key players ahead of next week’s crunch clash with Ireland in Dublin, and the desire to reward the wider Springbok squad on tour. Trust in his back-up players has been a hallmark of Erasmus’ tenure. When given…

KEVIN Lerena’s boxing career is still very much alive and looks set to reach even greater heights, yet South Africa’s fistic darling is already making a seamless transition into the promotional space. The WBC bridgerweight champion and his Aquilla Boxing Promotions (ABP) have enjoyed a stellar rookie year, hosting four hugely successful tournaments. In a world where athletes often face uncertainty at the end of their careers, Lerena has already taken steps to ensure he will not join those statistics. Fondly referred to as ‘Two Guns’ for his explosive punching power, Lerena is not only securing his own future but providing a platform for both established and rising fighters, increasing opportunities for competition through regular events. He has spoken openly about his ambition to raise the standard of boxing…

Former Proteas Test captain and opening batter Dean Elgar has emphasised the importance of meticulous preparation ahead of what is often a gruelling Test series in India. For the Proteas, touring India can be a brutal experience. Many players have arrived on Indian shores brimming with hope for a long Test career, only to have their ambitions crushed by India’s ruthlessness at home – returning with their tails between their legs. In some cases, those players have struggled to see a future for themselves in Test cricket afterwards. Simon Harmer is one such example. After the 2015 tour, during which South Africa were whitewashed, Harmer was dropped from the squad. Senuran Muthusamy knows that experience all too well, having been omitted from the Test side after his maiden tour to…