Tabla de contenidos para 2026-01-14 en Cape Argus

Rolex Fellows: ListeningTo Walls Wear Off Their Colour Three internationally recognised artists, Maya Zbib (theatre, Lebanon), Lee Serle (dance, Australia), and Mateo López (visual arts, Colombia) and former fellows of the Rolex Mentoring Programme, unite in this rare collaboration. Limited to three performances, the work blends movement, narration and visual performance to explore connection, reflection and resilience in a world shaped by displacement and constant change. Zbib and Serle perform alongside two South African dancers, navigating a shifting stage where personal journeys intersect and unfold. The performance interweaves theatre, dance, and visual storytelling, revealing moments of intimacy, tension and shared experience. Where: The Baxter Theatre. When: Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Teen Beach Production Max, a bold and adventurous surfer, and her upbeat boyfriend Brody are swept into a colourful,…

In a packed school hall in Hout Bay, the atmosphere was thick with nerves, pride and disbelief as the Class of 2025 at Silikamva High School waited for their matric results. In 2019, Silikamva’s matric pass rate stood at just over 40%. and on results day, it became the setting for history: a 100% matric pass rate, the first since the school opened its doors in 2013. For many of the learners, this hall had been a place of pressure just weeks earlier, rows of desks filling the space as final exams loomed. For a Quintile 3 no-fee school serving the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu, the milestone carries weight far beyond percentages. Principal Siphathisiwe Nkahla-Nkohla described the results as a defining moment. “The results are quite an achievement for…

A MURDER case is under investigation after residents of Browns Farm, Philippi allegedly took matters into their own hands and killed a 25-year-old known criminal. It is alleged that the man was in the act of committing a robbery when he was caught and allegedly attacked and then set alight by a group of residents. The man’s body was later found on Monday morning around 7am in Sakhwatsha Street around 7am. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case is under investigation with no arrests made as yet. Twigg confirmed: “Nyanga police registered a murder case for investigation after the body of a 25-year-old male was found on Monday morning, at about 7am, in Sakhwatsha Street, Browns Farm. “Police members attended the crime scene where they found the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal is refusing to remain locked away in the political closet, resurfacing yet again as ActionSA prepares a legal challenge that could force fresh scrutiny of events the state has tried to seal off from public view. In a statement yesterday, ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, said they had begun preparing legal papers to challenge the Independent Police Investigating Directorate’s (IPID) decision to classify its investigation report as “Top Secret”. The party’s action follows an appeal lodged last month, which IPID failed to respond to. ActionSA said the silence forms part of a broader pattern of obstruction that has marked its efforts since April last year to obtain the report. Those efforts were repeatedly delayed, including explanations from IPID that its email systems were down.…

South Africa’s long-term economic competitiveness depends on how effectively it embraces digital transformation. Across the globe, industries are rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation into their operations, with technology changing how people work, how decisions are made, and how businesses compete. For South Africa, the challenge is not only technological adoption but also workforce readiness. Without a deliberate national effort to build digital capability, the gap between technology and people will continue to grow. This gap threatens productivity, innovation, and ultimately, economic growth, and it is reaching a critical point. In a global economy moving at digital speed, failing to adapt is not an option. The human element of AI should not be seen as a threat to jobs but rather as a tool that enhances human performance. When…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a thorough investigation into incidents of misconduct that marred the closing moments of two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final matches. The events unfolded during matches between Cameroon and Morocco and Algeria and Nigeria, prompting concerns about player and official behaviour and the integrity of the tournament. In an official statement, CAF revealed it has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating “potentially unacceptable behaviour” involving players and officials. The football governing body emphasised its commitment to upholding professional conduct at all CAF events and has referred the findings to its Disciplinary Board for a detailed examination, stating it will take swift action if wrongdoing is confirmed. The violation of expected standards became acutely visible after Algeria’s 2-0 loss to…

Fifteen years after his acrimonious departure from Orlando Pirates, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise has revealed how he finally made peace with club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, bringing closure to one of South African football’s most emotive fallouts. Modise left the Buccaneers in 2011 to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns following a breakdown in his relationship with then coach Ruud Krol and growing frustration over limited game time. At the time, the midfielder admitted feeling more like “an asset” than a valued member of the squad, a sentiment that fuelled a bitter exit marked by disciplinary hearings and accusations of going AWOL. Pirates eventually allowed Modise to leave, with Khoza confirming that the club would not stand in his way, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter at the Soweto…

The honeymoon phase is officially over. Three years into South Africa’s northwards migration, the novelty of the United Rugby Championship and the glamour of the Champions Cup have been replaced by a cold, hard reality check. While we’ve seen some incredible highs – the Stormers’ early URC title and the Bulls’ run to various finals – the European experience has been, let’s be honest, a bit of a rollercoaster. Lately, it’s been the kind of ride that leaves you feeling more bruised than exhilarated. Competing with Europe’s elite in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup isn’t just about showing up with Springbok pedigree and a “never-say-die” attitude; it’s a logistical and tactical puzzle that we haven’t quite solved yet. The most glaring issue is the one we can’t change: geography.…

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that they have investigated 35 cases of fraud and misuse of funds for the year of 2025. SAPS and the department has confirmed that a fresh case of fraud was being probed regarding allegations against an employee at Hexvallei Senior Secondary in De Doorns, who is also facing a charge of assault of a learner. The department also confirmed that a case of fraud against a former bursar at JG Meiring School had been finalised after she was found guilty following a disciplinary hearing in 2022, while education watchdogs have challenged this, claiming the woman had been transferred to another school. Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the case against the staff member at Hexvallei SS. The Cape Argus will not…

The City of Cape Town has confirmed that a hazardous chemical reaction, involving nitric acid and phosphorous acid, triggered a major emergency response and mass evacuation in Montague Gardens on Monday. Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse stressed that no explosion occurred, despite early reports suggesting otherwise. “There was no explosion – it was a chemical reaction,” Carelse said in response to media enquiries. “Yes, it was nitric acid and phosphorous acid.” The incident occurred at about 3.30pm on Monday, when Fire and Rescue Services responded to calls of smoke emanating from a facility operated by Ecowize in Montague Gardens. Carelse said the first responding officer immediately identified the incident as chemical-related and initiated emergency protocols. “Apart from evacuating the building, an isolation area was established as well as…

The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) unlawfully hiked levies on service and rest area developers and ordered the entity to go back to the drawing board. The ruling overturned a Gauteng High Court ruling that the increased levy was a commercial negotiation rather than administrative action. The court action followed a dispute between the Kasselman Trust and SANRAL over the operation of a filling station. The Trust turned to court after it lost its high court bid against the road agency. It wanted to construct and operate a filling station and rest facilities on the road between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad. Because SANRAL is the registered servitude holder of the road reserve next to that piece of road, the appellants negotiated with SANRAL during…

AS the country celebrates a historical matric pass rate of 88% and 88.2% provincially, political parties have challenged it, citing that it has lost its grip on clinging the top position following teacher cuts. The Western Cape Class of 2025 delivered the highest matric pass rate and bachelor’s pass rate ever for our province. Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier said the matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, marking the highest pass rate our province has achieved since the NSC was introduced. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced that the country had made history with the national pass rate of 88%, with KwaZulu-Natal achieving 90.6%. Lerati Ngobenim MP, Action SA Parliamentary Chief Whip, challenged the pass rate. “Headline pass rates alone do not…

PLANS to unlock more than 300 housing opportunities in Elands Bay have moved a step closer, with provincial and national ministers outlining a phased infrastructure programme aimed at long-term development in the coastal town. Western Cape MEC of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said progress was being made towards delivering 313 sustainable housing opportunities for Elands Bay residents, following engagements with the local community and stakeholders. The update follows a ministerial visit to the area last week, by Simmers and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, the first visit by a national minister to Elands Bay in 28 years. “Elands Bay matters, and so do its people,” Simmers said, adding that government was committed to working with the municipality and residents to unlock housing opportunities that restore dignity and provide…

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging people to donate blood as stocks sit below optimal levels. The SANBS said there is a usual dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season. While this is expected, rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them. It added that several factors contributing to blood stocks dropping in January, and largely impacting on SANBS’ reliance on organised blood drives, such as: • Holiday travel and movement: Donors are often away from their regular donation centres during December, leading to fewer visits. • Limited workplace and campus drives: Workplaces, schools and universities and key collection points close or operate on reduced schedules…

Public universities will release application outcomes to prospective first-time entering students only after the official release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results to the learners/schools, Universities South Africa (USAf) said. This change arises from USAf being granted access to the 2025 NSC results at 06:00 on Monday, 12 January – 24 hours before their public release yesterday. USAf’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Phethiwe Matutu, said the delay in providing USAf, and by extension, universities, with the 2025 NSC results follows a decision by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to minimise the risk of a leak similar to that which occurred with the 2024 results. Ordinarily, universities would have received the NSC results 72 hours (three days) before their public release. This timeframe enabled institutions to finalise admission decisions…

After 12 years of hard work in the classroom, the Class of 2025 has finally finished their education. The National Senior Certificate pass rate for this cohort was an impressive 88%, compared to 98.31% for their Independent Examinations Board counterparts. Our intention is not to draw comparisons between these two exams, but rather to highlight and celebrate the collective success of these young minds. This well-deserved success was not easily won. Many learners had to overcome significant challenges, ranging from the disruptions of load shedding to the profound social pressures of poverty and health issues. It is only through their remarkable perseverance that they have reached this important milestone. These graduates are fuelled by diverse dreams and ambitions, aspiring to become the next generation of doctors, engineers, educators, and pharmacists.…

MI Cape Town’s Reeza Hendricks has not given up hope that the defending champions can still sneak into the playoffs. Robin Peterson’s side suffered a demoralising 53-run defeat to Pretoria Capitals at Centurion on Monday night which has left MI Cape Town’s campaign in tatters. They currently have 10 points from eight games and are rooted to the bottom of the table. With only two matches remaining - both against Sunrisers Eastern Cape - in the group phase, MI Cape Town virtually need a full house of two bonus point victories to potentially lift them to 20 points if they are to reach the knockout stages. Hendricks, who played a lone hand against the Capitals with 68 not out off 50 balls, steadfastly believes the fight is not over yet.…

As the 2026 academic year starts today, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for a radical change in how school uniforms are provided, urging the introduction of a ward-based cooperative model to tackle unemployment and poverty. ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the initiative would leverage the country’s 13 million students in need of uniforms annually to stimulate local economies. “The ATM emphasises that education is a fundamental right, and affordability in schooling must be prioritised. ‘‘By promoting generic uniform designs and allowing multiple suppliers, we can empower parents to make informed choices that do not compromise their financial stability,” Ntshona said. Ntshona said the current high costs associated with branded uniforms disproportionately affect families, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. He said that the proposal aims to dismantle the…

The Government Employees’ Medical Scheme (GEMS) is facing threats of legal action over its decision to increase member contributions by 9.8% this year. The Public Servants Association (PSA) has indicated that the increase implemented by GEMS was not agreed upon with the unions at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and that the medical aid scheme merely consults and then implements unilaterally. The union has told its members that it has held numerous meetings held to discuss GEMS’ increase, with the last meeting held on December 18. “GEMS had tabled the revised increase from 9.8% to 9.5%, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), which was rejected and sent back for reconsideration. Sadly, during the meeting of December 18, GEMS reported that, upon considering all factors,…

THE province has recorded a noticeable reduction in road deaths, reporting a total of 12 fatalities in a week. The Western Cape Department of Mobility said this was being compared to the previous week. For the period January 5 to 11, the Western Cape Mobility Department recorded a total of 11 fatal crashes resulting in 12 fatalities on Western Cape roads. It said this reflects a significant decrease from the 25 fatalities recorded between December 29 last year and January 4. Of the 12 lives lost during the most recent reporting period, 8 were pedestrians, 2 motorcyclists, and 2 drivers, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of those most exposed on our road network. During 5 to 11 January, Provincial Traffic Services implemented 240 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations…

While success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination is viewed as a gateway to a better life in South Africa, the reality post-matriculation presents numerous challenges. Structural inequalities, economic constraints, and social realities often undermine education’s promise as a solution to poverty. Recent graduates enter a daunting environment where youth unemployment (ages 15-24) reached 58% according to Statistics South Africa. Today’s job market favours those with tertiary qualifications, digital literacy, or work experience. Alarmingly, only one in ten South African school leavers secures employment within a year after graduation. Structural barriers Multiple obstacles face young South Africans after matric. The disconnect between school education and workplace expectations creates a significant gap. Geographic inequalities disadvantage youth from rural areas, where opportunities are scarce and most higher education institutions and employers…

Venezuela’s oil industry is one of the most striking illustrations of how politics can both create and destroy economic prosperity. Endowed with the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela should, in theory, be among the most prosperous energy economies globally. Instead, it has become a case study in how political choices, institutional decay, and misaligned incentives can cripple a strategic sector and, by extension, an entire national economy. At the heart of Venezuela’s political economy lies oil. For nearly a century, petroleum has shaped the country’s fiscal structure, foreign policy, social contract, and political power dynamics. The state’s dominance over oil revenues transformed government into the primary allocator of wealth, embedding rent-seeking behaviour deep within political and economic institutions. Over time, this created an economy heavily dependent on oil rents…

As AFCON 2025 in Morocco unfolds, four of Africa’s top five-ranked teams have reached today’s semi-finals. The distinguished teams that have successfully advanced include Egypt (seven-time champions), Nigeria (2013 champions), Senegal (2021 winners), and the hosts, Morocco, the 1976 winners. Morocco is particularly motivated to secure its first title in 50 years. With such a long wait, the stakes for the host nation are higher than ever, promising an exciting race to the final. Indepedent Media takes a closer look at tonight’s blockbuster semi-finals. Senegal vs Egypt Egypt secured their place with a riveting 3-2 victory over the defending champions, the Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, Senegal advanced to the final four with a disciplined 1-0 win over Mali. Both nations are pinning their hopes on their star players. For Egypt, Mohamed…

While the Stormers will welcome back the majority of their main players for Saturday’s clash against the Leicester Tigers, the team has received a further shot in the arm. Experienced back Ruhan Nel has been declared fit to run out in the Champions Cup match after missing the last month with a calf injury. The outside centre returned to training on Monday and will boost the Cape side’s backline stocks, which have been depleted by injuries. “Ruhan brings a lot, not just defensively but also as a leader. That kind of presence helps settle things when you’re under pressure,” backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman said yesterday. The Stormers, largely made up of fringe players, were hammered 61–10 by Harlequins on Sunday. The players who went to London have returned…

ADRIAAN Wildschutt wants to set the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K alight yet again like he did last year, but this time the America-based athlete from Ceres in the Western Cape needs some help. “It wasn’t ideal running alone for most of the race last year,” Wildschutt says of his stellar solo effort which saw him setting a new South African record of 27:28 having led from the 3km mark. His time has since been improved by Maxime Chaumeton who ran a 26:55 in Romania and Wildschutt is now looking to become the first athlete to clock a sub-27 minute 10km on African soil. The fastest verified 10km time on the continent belongs to Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei who ran a 27:16 at the Absa Run Your City Durban…