Tabla de contenidos para 2026-01-16 en Cape Times

Global luxury brands group Richemont saw slow sales growth in China in the third quarter to December 31, 2023, despite global sales showing "strong momentum" with an 11% increase. The group said in an update Thursday its overall sales had seen a "very solid calendar year end", especially compared with "demanding double-digit comparatives in the prior-year period." Sales in China, Hong Kong and Macau combined had increased by 2%, mostly led by activity in Hong Kong, the group said. Growth elsewhere in the group's Asia Pacific operations however was "robust", with noteworthy performance in the South Korean and Australian markets, directors said. China has been a critical growth driver for luxury goods companies over the past two decades, but the market slowed sharply in 2024 after years of double digit…

Scammers Target South Africans as New Year Expenses Mount As South Africans return from the festive season with renewed energy, many households face the financial realities of a new year. For thousands of families, January is marked by registration fees, textbook purchases, and accommodation deposits for students entering universities and colleges, according to the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). It says yet, alongside this excitement, fraudsters are seizing the opportunity to exploit vulnerable consumers.“Continuing from Black Friday and the Festive Season, this is one of the busiest times for scammers. The combination of high expenses and the urgent need for cash makes people more susceptible to scams,” says Manie van Schalkwyk, CEO of the SAFPS. Loan Scams The SAFPS says fraudsters lure victims with promises of quick loans and…

ADVOCATE Dali Mpofu has taken his fight with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, saying there was evidence of a well-coordinated and concerted racist or right-wing campaign to tarnish his name and professional standing. In his court papers, Mpofu states that the four professional misconduct charges against him by the LPC were baseless, frivolous, and part of a racist or right-wing campaign. While the LPC has not yet filed its opposing papers, its spokesperson Kabelo Letebele said they were in the process of preparing and filing a response in opposition to Mpofu’s application. “The LPC, through its executive committee, considered the application and resolved to oppose it,” he said. Mpofu’s disciplinary hearing started with seven charges, of which three were withdrawn. The four remaining…

“IT WAS a free for all”. That is how head of Crime Intelligence Dumisani Khumalo described the misuse of Crime Intelligence methodologies and resources when he was appointed to the position in 2022. Khumalo made the statement when giving evidence before the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last year. Mkhwanazi implicated police minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on enforced leave in the ‘unlawful’ disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and the moratorium in the filling of vacancies in the Crime Intelligence Unit. Mkwanazi also detailed alleged corrupt relationships between senior leadership of SAPS and members of the public, as well as political interference in the work of the police service. In his evidence, Khumalo also said yesterday he…

The public university system can only offer about 235 000 first-year places for the 2026 academic year - 10 000 fewer than the number of matric candidates who qualified with a bachelors pass. The scope of this issue was revealed yesterday during a social services cluster media briefing by the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie. “We have 235 000 spaces for first-time entering students at our public universities, whereas basic education produced 245 000 students with bachelor's passes. So, the difference there is 10 000 students. It is not what we desire,” Letsie said. He added that the higher education sector has also increased spaces for first-time entering students this year by 33 000 because last year they had 202 000 spaces. “We're now at…

For years Senuran Muthusamy has been content to sit in the shadows. Initially at the Dolphins, and subsequently with the national team. But over the last period, Muthusamy, who is the ultimate team man and always putting the needs of others ahead of himself, has almost been pushed into the spotlight. The allrounder was a revelation on the two subcontinent tours to Pakistan and India recently, contributing significantly to the Proteas’ Test side’s success. Player of the Series in Pakistan due to his significant feats with bat and ball, Muthusamy went on to score a maiden Test century to help the Proteas complete a historic 2-0 clean sweep in Guwahati. It’s clear that Muthusamy’s confidence is at an all-time high, especially after he was honoured with the ICC Player of…

Hosts Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious from tense semi-finals on Wednesday, as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed. Morocco beat Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a semi-final showdown of few chances in the capital, Rabat, finished 0–0 at the end of extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performed heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out. Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65 000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. As well as joy, there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick — Morocco's second in the shoot-out — was…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says his team is not wasting time calculating Champions Cup permutations, choosing instead to focus their energy on improving “minute by minute” in tonight’s clash against Pau. The Bulls are currently enduring one of the worst slumps in their storied history, having lost seven games on the trot. They sit at the bottom of Pool 4, while their opponents, Pau, are fourth in the group and fly high in second place in the French Top 14. Mathematically, the Bulls could still slip into the Round of 16 with a victory at the Stade du Hameau, provided other results — specifically the Scarlets’ trip to Northampton on Sunday — go their way. However, qualification remains a distant prospect unless they can refine a game plan that has…

Dr François Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Executive Committee, has warned that the world’s emerging “age of competition” must not descend into paralysis, calling for stronger partnerships between governments, business, philanthropy and social innovators to confront escalating global risks. Speaking in response to the WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026, Bonnici said the findings confirm what social innovators and entrepreneurs are already experiencing on the ground: a convergence of geopolitical shocks, climate disruption and an information-integrity crisis. “The age of competition must not become an age of paralysis,” Bonnici said. “We urge governments, business and philanthropy to partner with social innovators to turn risk into resilience at scale. We must back leaders who champion business models that are…

As South African children return to school, parents and caregivers are urged to place road safety at the top of their back-to-school checklist. Road accidents remain one of the most serious threats to children in South Africa, with devastating and often lifelong consequences for families. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for otherwise healthy children in the country, with an estimated three children under the age of 15 losing their lives every day. They are also the second leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14 years. Many of these tragedies are preventable and linked to factors such as failure to wear seatbelts, overcrowded vehicles, unsafe scholar transport, and poorly maintained cars. Beyond fatalities, road accidents frequently result in Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and other serious…

TRANSPORT Minister Barbara Creecy has pinned her hopes of reducing road accidents on amending legislation which will pave the way for a ban on drinking alcohol while driving. She was presenting the preliminary road safety statistics for the 2025/2026 festive season and the 2025 period when she announced plans to tighten road regulations. The country recorded a 5% drop in road fatalities and crashes during the 2025/2026 festive season, which Creecy attributed to the hard work of law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and civil servants. However, reckless driver behaviour on the roads, including speeding and drunk-driving remained major contributors to accidents. Preliminary road safety statistics showed that a total of 1,427 fatalities were recorded from 1,172 crashes during the festive season. According to the data, the festive…

Manenberg residents are bracing for a possible intensifying gang war in their community after a Hard Livings gangster was shot and killed in a hail of bullets yesterday morning. The incident, where an innocent person was also killed, was reported on the corner of Manenberg and Thames Avenue. According to bystanders, the victim was found riddled with bullets behind the driver’s seat in a vehicle while an innocent person was shot and taken to hospital. They added that it is alleged that the man had given the other person, who is known in the community as an electrician, a lift up the road. According to reports, one car had pulled up in front and another behind. Three gunmen allegedly came out and shot them in the vehicle. It is alleged…

While the debate continues to rage around the Proteas’ T20 World Cup squad — specifically the inclusion of Tony de Zorzi ahead of the in-form Ryan Rickelton — South African legend Vernon Philander has come out to bat for the dreadlocked left-hander. Critics of De Zorzi’s inclusion have pointed to SA20 statistics in a head-to-head comparison, highlighting season averages and strike rates where MI Cape Town’s Rickelton clearly holds the edge. De Zorzi, who featured for Durban’s Super Giants and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in his two seasons, has struggled to match those numbers. Rickelton has become the first batter to score multiple centuries in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition, topping this season’s batting chart with 324 runs at an impressive average of 54. Furthermore, De Zorzi hasn't played since…

The firing of Scott Robertson as coach of the All Blacks could have a direct impact on the Springboks, as it may result in the loss of attack coach Tony Brown. Robertson was dramatically sacked yesterday, after a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) review of his performance — fuelled by dissent from leading players such as Ardie Savea — resulted in his exit midway through a four-year term. The early favourite for the All Black reins is Jamie Joseph, whom Robertson beat to the job when Ian Foster exited after the 2023 World Cup. It was a two-horse race then, and Robertson won based on his record of seven straight Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. Crucially, from a South African point of view, Brown was on the Joseph election ticket.…

The All Blacks are standing at a crossroads that should make every New Zealand rugby fan feel a little uneasy sitting on their couch ahead of the new international season. It’s a moment that feels very familiar, because this movie has been on the big screen before — just not in black and white, but in green and gold. In 2017, the Springboks were on their knees under Allister Coetzee, especially after losing 57–0 to the All Blacks. Public trust was almost non-existent, performances were erratic and poor, jerseys were burnt, and the Boks were drifting just two seasons out from the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Then, in 2018, came one ruthless but brave decision by SA Rugby: the firing of Coetzee and the appointment of Rassie Erasmus, alongside Jacques…

Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana says the club’s chances of claiming the league title will hinge on how quickly their new signings adapt to the demands and expectations of the team. Following an intense early-season transfer window that saw more than ten players join the Soweto giants, the Buccaneers have wasted little time further strengthening their squad, particularly after losing key defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. Currently locked in a fierce battle with Mamelodi Sundowns, the resumption of the league in less than a week will test the Buccaneers’ character — the same test they struggled with last season. Despite a strong start in the 2024/25 campaign, they failed to maintain momentum and ultimately fell short in their pursuit to end their league drought. Speaking at…

Closure of BATSA plant seen as damning proof that authorities have failed to curb illicit cigarettes The planned closure of British American Tobacco South Africa's (BATSA) manufacturing plant is damning proof that authorities' failure to curb the illicit cigarette trade is destroying jobs, draining public revenue, and eroding the rule of law, according to Tax Justice SA (TJSA). BATSA announced Thursday it will shut its factory in Heidelberg, Gauteng, after years of plummeting sales caused by the illicit cigarette market, which now accounts for an estimated three out of every four cigarettes sold in the country. The cease factory shut by one of the country's largest tax contributors puts at least 230 jobs at risk, and threatens the livelihoods of employees' families and their wider communities. The illicit cigarette trade,…

Raising any child is costly, but when a child has special needs, the financial planning process takes on an added layer of complexity. Every diagnosis, prognosis, and expectation around life expectancy shapes the plan, and in many cases, the time horizon must extend beyond your own lifetime to include that of your child. Financial planning for a special needs child is therefore both deeply personal and highly specialised. Mapping an expense timeline: Before putting a budget in place, it is useful to plot a timeline of expected expenses unique to your child’s condition. By mapping out anticipated treatments, therapies, medical equipment, and possible hospitalisations, you can identify the large costs that may arise in the short to medium term. This timeline can then be overlaid on your household budget to…

INCREASED security measures were deployed when the disciplinary hearing of National Freedom Party (NFP) member and KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga resumed yesterday following chaotic scenes earlier this week. Shinga, who is also the party’s provincial chairperson, was hauled before a disciplinary hearing over claims that she had violated the party's instruction to vote for a motion of no confidence in KZN Premier Thami Ntuli. However chaotic scenes erupted on Wednesday when Shinga’s supporters stormed the venue and disrupted the meeting, demanding that it be halted. Calm was eventually restored when police intervened. On December 15, Shinga openly defied the party’s instruction and voted with the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) parties to save Ntuli. Yesterday’s proceedings were marred by the heavy security presence at Garden Court hotel,…

THE national police commissioner, not the police minister, appoints and discontinues a task team, according to head of Crime Intelligence Dumisani Khumalo. He made the statement when testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee into police minister Senzo Mchunu’s disbandment of the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT), the moratorium in the filling of vacancies in the Crime Intelligence Unit, and the alleged corrupt relationship between senior leadership of SAPS and members of the public, as well as political interference in the work of the police service. “It is the prerogative of the national commissioner anytime there is a threat that needs a task team approach, different from normal day-day police approach, to establish a task team,” said Khumalo. Mchunu served National police commissioner Fannie Masemola with a directive…

The father of murdered 16-year-old Kwakhanya Hlanganisa said he was confused and deeply disappointed after the case was postponed for a fourth time, and now to May 7, 2026. Family, friends, and supporters of Kwakhanya left the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court yesterday frustrated. This follows the accused’s decision to abandon their bail application. Kwakhanya, a gay teenager, was brutally murdered on December 7, 2025. The case, which had already been postponed three times, returned to court yesterday after earlier postponements due to a missing docket and a change in the investigating officer. Kwakhanya’s father, Sicelo Maki, said he was deeply disappointed by the latest development. “Last week, we met with the station commanders and the NPA, and we were assured that the case would continue no matter what and that the…

A long queue of anxious parents and learners formed outside the Western Cape Education District office yesterday morning as families sought urgent answers about the placement of their children. Just one day after schools reopened for the 2026 academic year, parents with children ranging from Grade 1 to high school level stood outside the gates, many visibly distressed and frustrated. Several declined to speak to the media, citing stress and exhaustion after months of uncertainty. One parent, Sasha Juter from Mitchells Plain, said she has been engaging with the district office since last year in an attempt to secure placement for her child. On the first day of school this week, her 13-year-old daughter stayed at home while her siblings prepared for school, missing the start of her high school…

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of locally based goalkeeping talent in South Africa’s top flight, warning that the lack of exposure for upcoming goalkeepers could pose a long-term problem for the national team. South Africa has traditionally been well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with current Bafana Bafana number one Ronwen Williams regarded as one of the best talents in recent times and widely considered among the continent’s top shot-stoppers. However, despite his presence and the other experienced performers in the Betway Premiership, Baloyi believes the bigger issue lies beneath the surface — the absence of young local goalkeepers coming through the ranks. This season, approximately 50% of goalkeepers who have seen regular action in the Betway Premiership are foreign…

The Stormers will be under pressure to rediscover their trademark attacking flair when they face Leicester Tigers in Cape Town tomorrow, with their Champions Cup survival hinging on a must-win final pool encounter. In their last two matches, the Cape side’s normally potent backline has been kept in check by Harlequins and the Bulls, who gave them little room to work their magic on attack. However, they are ready to address those issues and fire on all cylinders as they face a desperate Tigers side at the DHL Stadium (5.15pm start), looking to clinch a playoff spot in the competition. The Stormers currently sit third in the pool and must win the encounter to progress, while a five-point victory would give them the best possible chance of securing a home…