Table of contents for 2026-04-14 in Cape Argus

The term ‘voetstoots’ is familiar to many South Africans, especially when buying or selling property or second-hand goods. It essentially means that an item is sold “as is”, placing most of the responsibility on the buyer once the deal is concluded. While this may sound straightforward, the practical implications, and what both buyers and sellers need to check before signing, are often more complex than they first appear. According to Statistics South Africa, property transactions remain a significant part of household investment, making it important that buyers and sellers understand the terms they are agreeing to. Clientèle Legal explains what buyers and sellers should consider before concluding a voetstoots agreement: 1. Check whether a contract is actually voetstoots Not all buy-and-sell contracts are automatically concluded on a voetstoots basis; the…

Get ready for a deep dive into the life of one of history’s most polarising figures. Netflix has officially released the trailer for The Trials of Winnie Mandela, a seven-part documentary series set to premiere on April 23. Timed to the eighth anniversary of her passing, the series promises to look past the icon status to find the real woman behind the headlines, the good, the bad and the controversial. This isn’t your typical history lesson. The story is told through the eyes of Winnie’s granddaughters, Princess Zaziwe Manaway and Princess Swati Mandela-Dlamini. Together, they go on a journey to find the essence of the woman they called “Big Mommy”. The series uses never-before-seen footage from Winnie’s later years, featuring the activist in her own words. You’ll hear her reflect…

THE election of Geordin Hill-Lewis as Federal Leader of the DA has drawn sharply divided reactions, as he confirmed he will seek re-election as Cape Town mayor while taking on the party’s top national role. Hill-Lewis emerged as the new Federal Leader at the weekend, taking over from John Steenhuisen. Hill-Lewis yesterday confirmed he intends to seek another term as mayor. “I absolutely do intend to seek re-election in the upcoming local elections,” he said. “The job as mayor of Cape Town is incredibly meaningful to me, along with our mission of growing the economy to lift more people out of poverty and into employment.” Hill-Lewis said his party will actively oppose policies within the Government of National Unity (GNU) that undermine growth, fairness, and constitutional freedoms. Delivering his acceptance…

SEA Point police have welcomed back a familiar face, Lieutenant Colonel Johan Pentz, as the new acting station commander. After a year and three-month stint at Woodstock Police Station, Penz returned to Sea Point on March 23, where he served for 32 years. On April 9, Sea Point Community Policing Forum (CPF) hosted its first meeting for the year, which coincided with his first meeting. He outlined his vision, emphasising a commitment to structure, positivity, and robust community involvement to bring about change in the precinct. “I like things to be in order,” he said and highlighted his commitment to doing things correctly and according to structure, while maintaining an open-door policy for the community. A priority for the new commander is the full activation and restructuring of the three…

A LEGAL matter 13 years in the making was again in the courts after the executor of an estate instituted a R750 000 claim against the City of Ekhuruleni when a motorcyclist hit a pothole “and sustained serious injuries”. In the ruling, the judge said, “the municipality had a legal duty towards all members of the public to attend to the proper upkeep and maintenance of public roads within its area and that it was negligent for failing to repair the pothole”. Even though Marius Botes died a year after the pothole incident, the court noted that “the party who would have been liable for the general damages had the plaintiff not died remains liable”. In another matter, however, a motorist who was speeding was held 20% liable even though…

A DURBANVILLE man has taken matters into his own hands after growing fed-up with South African men dropping the ball when it comes to their underwear. Rudi Kriel, 28, said too many men were walking around in boring, hole-ridden pairs that should have met the bin years ago – with a fresh pair only ever showing up once a year, stuffed inside a birthday bag. “My fellow gents deserve better than that,” Kriel said. After a night out with friends about two years ago, during which the sorry state of men’s underwear came up over beers, Kriel decided to do something about it and create quality underwear himself. He flew all the way to China to find the right material for the job. “I returned home with two big suitcases…

There is a sombre atmosphere in the Stormers camp following the passing of their long-term manager, Chippie Solomon, this past Saturday. Director of rugby John Dobson also admitted they are behind where they should be in terms of planning for what awaits against Connacht this coming Saturday (1.45pm start). They have yet to select the squad for the clash and will likely only do so today. That is understandable, though, when you’ve lost one of the biggest and most experienced figures in your team — someone the players looked up to as a second father figure, a mentor, an ever-listening ear and a shoulder to lean on in tough times. It will be a difficult week for the team, even beyond this crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) match. However, they…

Midway through Manchester City’s game against Chelsea, a City fan pulled out a water bottle embellished with the Arsenal logo and drank from it in exaggerated fashion. The message was clear: their title rivals are “bottling” the championship race, having once looked a sure bet to win their first league crown in more than a decade. And it is getting harder to argue otherwise as a gap that once seemed insurmountable has now been reduced to six points, with the huge match-up between the leading contenders at the Etihad still to come. Should Pep Guardiola’s high-flying, former champions win at home on Sunday, the gap will be cut to three – with a game in hand. The Gunners aren't quite panicking, but there's an edginess to their make-up that could…

Only around 51% of South African adults are considered financially literate. This means that nearly half may struggle to fully understand everyday financial products and decisions, placing their financial security and resilience at risk. For many households, insurance remains one of the most misunderstood areas of personal finance. Many people only examine their insurance policies closely when they need to claim. At that point, uncertainty can create unnecessary frustration during an already stressful time. Insurance plays a vital role in protecting the things we work hard for, but a policy can only do this effectively if you understand what it covers and how it works. When we understand our insurance, we are better equipped to make decisions that match our risks. We are more likely to choose cover suited to…

American singer K. Michelle revealed insights about her relationship with R. Kelly, admitting, for the first time, that she was in love with him. In a recent interview on The Jason Lee Show, the singer shared that what started as professional guidance for her in the music industry turned into something more personal and romantic. “I might have loved him, but he didn’t see me as anything more than motivation for writing. I wasn’t the woman he wanted, even though I wanted him,” the Make This Song Cry singer revealed. She went to credit him for helping navigate and knowing everything about the music industry. “If it wasn’t for Robert Kelly, I would not know the business,” she said. “I would not understand the skills of songwriting.” She then followed…

Sekunjalo Investment Holdings has instituted legal proceedings against the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu), claiming R628 million over what it describes as the union’s failure to honour financial commitments linked to a media venture. According to a media statement released yesterday, the dispute centres on funding commitments tied to the establishment of the World of Work (WoW), a labour-focused newspaper initiative that formed part of the broader acquisition of Independent Media. Court papers filed in the Western Cape High Court show that Sekunjalo has issued a combined summons citing both Sactwu and its investment arm as defendants. Sekunjalo alleges that Sactwu initially proposed contributing R250m to the consortium acquiring Independent Media, with a specific focus on developing a union-aligned publication. The company said it proceeded to fund…

NEWLY elected DA Federal Executive chairperson, Solly Msimanga, said his leadership mandate reflects ideas he first presented to the party years ago, but which have only now gained broader support. “Well, I’m glad that something that I spoke to the party about in 2018 – and unfortunately at that point I didn’t get the mandate to, you know, be in that leadership so that I can implement (it), is now something that has been accepted now in 2026. “I’m excited that we can now go and make sure that we grow the party in areas that we haven’t been growing. And we are now going to be representing, or presenting, a South Africa that the people of South Africa can look at and say they can see themselves in there,”…

THE Western Cape Government has taken over the Sheffield Road housing project to accelerate delivery, as concerns grow over delays across Cape Town’s housing pipeline. According to earlier City statements, the R135 million joint City and Western Cape Government housing project was expected to be completed in 2023. However, the latest provincial timelines now place completion in 2027. “Construction of top structures is under way as part of the broader housing delivery programme,” the Provincial Department of Infrastructure said. It added that the first 100 housing units are expected to be completed by June this year, with full handover of all 384 units anticipated by June 2027 and overall completion scheduled for August 2027. “The appointed contractor is active on site and responsible for delivering all 384 housing units,” it…

Marcus Rashford had his chance against Atletico Madrid but failed to take it — or any of the next five that came along on a frustrating European night. Tonight, the England international has another opportunity to try and inspire Barcelona to an Uefa Champions League comeback in the Spanish capital. Rashford fired blanks as Barca suffered a 2-0 quarter-final first-leg defeat, but the forward was also his team’s brightest spark against the Rojiblancos, even though the killer finish eluded him. The 28-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, has a point to prove in the second leg, particularly with his future at the club on the line — as well as a potential World Cup spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Barcelona have not yet made a decision on whether to…

It must have been 2016. I recall the setting: Ellis Park, perched above the lower south stand in the then-Touchdown restaurant. It was a Super Rugby clash — likely against the Sunwolves or one of the less-than-impressive Australian outfits — judging by the cavernous stands and the sparse crowd sharing the space with my cohorts and me. Save, of course, for one questionable character in an deceptively-looking expensive-fitting grey suit, entertaining equally questionable company. A “hairdresser”, she claimed to be, and that is the story we’ll be sticking to. He identified himself, quite proudly, as De Klerk’s agent, raving about the then-23-24-25-year-old. His dubious credentials only invited raised eyebrows, but who could blame him for wanting to be close to the source? It was clear even then that De Klerk…

Garth Brown steps into the spotlight with his debut EP Let There Be Light, marking a shift from years of industry work and collaboration into a solo body of work shaped by reflection, discipline and personal truth. Speaking to Independent Media Lifestyle, he said, “Being an artist requires a level of vulnerability that can be both beautiful and terrifying.” He added, “This EP is the first time that I am sharing a full body of work that truly reflects my own story and spiritual journey. For years, I stood behind the scenes, working in the corporate side of the music industry while quietly carrying these songs inside me.” Brown is best known as the voice behind Jaguar Paw’s house track Inhliziyo Yam, a song that introduced him to a wide…

THE national Ministry of Police says it was not aware of US Marines’ training Cape Town Metro Police cadets in Muizenberg, while concerns have been raised over the authorisation and legal basis of the training. Spokesperson for the Minister of Police, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said: “The Ministry is not aware of this,” in response to media enquiries about the drills which took place in Muizenberg over the weekend. Videos and images of uniformed US Marines putting cadets through drills on the beach circulated widely, drawing public attention. The GOOD Party’s Jonathan Cupido said the presence of US Marines training Metro Police cadets “is not something that can be brushed off as a simple ‘fitness session’”. “It raises serious legal, governance and accountability concerns,” he said. “Municipal policing in South Africa is…

INTERNAL instability within gangs is driving conflict across the Western Cape, the latest Western Cape Gang Monitor report has shown. Released in March, the report describes a criminal landscape increasingly shaped by fragmentation, leadership battles and shifting alliances, rather than traditional rivalries. Areas such as Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, Manenberg, Kensington and Factreton remain hotspot areas where conflict linked to territorial expansion and defections has been observed. A key trend identified is so-called “floor-crossing”, where gang members switch allegiances. The report notes that, in some cases, individuals move between groups with access to weapons and sensitive information, contributing to cycles of retaliation and mistrust. “Guns and secrets crossed the floor,” a former 28s gang general said. The report also highlights internal leadership struggles as a driver of violence, pointing to…

A 50-YEAR-OLD man is facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs, following his arrest at his home in Rooi Els Street, Bonteheuwel, where police found cash, two bags of dagga, tik and mandrax tablets. Police spokesperson, Ndakhe Gwala, said members of Public Order Police were patrolling around the area on Sunday when they received intelligence about drug sales at the suspect’s home. They arrived at the address at around 3.15pm and combed the area. “The members found one bag of dagga in his bedroom and proceeded to his vehicle that was parked in the yard. “A second bag of dagga, tik, mandrax tablets and cash amounting to R11 507 were recovered inside the vehicle. “The suspect was arrested for possession of drugs and dealing in drugs. “He will make…

SOUTH Africa’s agricultural sector faced a turbulent start to 2026, with a combination of animal disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and global geopolitical tensions offsetting pockets of resilience, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). In its first-quarter review, Agbiz described the sector’s performance as mixed, highlighting both encouraging developments and significant challenges that continue to strain farmers and agribusinesses. A major concern remains the ongoing spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has disrupted livestock farming and export markets. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said the situation has been building for some time but escalated sharply following the government’s decision late last year, to vaccinate the entire national herd. Sihlobo added that at the start of the year South Africa had received vaccines, but the cost to farming businesses…

FOR years, Vredekloof resident Mark Randall made sure his children never felt how little he had. Now, as the 63-year-old faces an aggressive cancer diagnosis, the man his family describes as selfless and dependable is being supported by the very community he spent decades helping. Randall, a father of three and long-serving member of Volunteer Wildfire Services, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has already spread beyond the prostate, according to his daughter, Corné Randall-Strydom. A Backabuddy campaign, launched without his knowledge by his children, friends and fellow firefighters, raised more than R102 000 in four days. Randall-Strydom said her father had always prioritised others. “He has spent his life working tirelessly to support his family, often sacrificing his own comfort so that his children would never feel the…

Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi has yet to convince veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail to rescind her international retirement, but admits “the door will always be open for her.” The Proteas' bowling attack has lacked a pace spearhead since Ismail’s decision to play only franchise and domestic cricket after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final back in 2023. This was particularly evident during the tour to New Zealand last month with the White Ferns claiming a dominant 4-1 victory in the T20Is and also clinching the ODI series 2-1. The ODIs were particularly galling with the Kiwis chasing down a record 350/8 in the second match before recovering from 3/3 to post 306/7 in the series decider. Mashimbyi has been frank about his team’s bowling limitations, especially in the…

Fresh off a statement-making performance on the international stage, backstroke sensation Pieter Coetzé will arrive in Gqeberha this week as the man to watch when South Africa’s elite swimmers battle for Commonwealth Games qualification at the Bombela Concession Company SA National Swimming Championships. The five-day meet, taking place at the Newton Park Swimming Pool from April 14-18, is the country’s premier domestic event and the primary selection opportunity for Team SA ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. While national titles are on the line, the bigger prize is a place on the plane – and few come in with more momentum than Coetzé. The University of Pretoria star is riding high after a dominant showing at the recent China Open, where he completed a clean sweep of the…