Table of contents for 2025-10-30 in Cape Argus

After working on several hit documentaries, including Tracking Thabo Bester and Devilsdorp, South African film-maker Nikki Comninos is thrilled for the nation to delve into her latest project, Unspoken War. The local documentary, which will premiere on Showmax on November 12, reopens some of the nation’s deepest wounds. The six-part show chronicles the nation’s covert war across Angola, Namibia, and within its own borders between 1966 and 1989. Often referred to as the South African Border War, the Angolan Bush War or the Namibian War of Independence, the production aims to give a voice to those who could not speak for themselves at this time. Comninos explained that one of the reasons she decided to helm this series was because no formal declaration of war was ever made. In addition,…

THE Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed a violent incident that occurred yesterday at the Pollsmoor Prison during which officials were attacked and two inmates lost their lives. According to the DCS, the disturbance began when a group of inmates launched a stabbing attack on Correctional officials. In response, force was used to restore order. Calm has since been restored at the facility, and all those injured have been transported to hospital for medical treatment. Police were called to the scene, and both SAPS and the department will conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the DCS said. National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, condemned the attack and expressed his deep concern over the violence. “Attacks of this nature are unwarranted and deeply saddening, especially when…

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said South Africa’s presidency has worked tirelessly to ensure that culture, heritage, and the creative economy are recognised as engines of inclusion and development. Speaking at the G20 Ministers of Culture Meeting in Zimbali, McKenzie articulated a bold vision for the future of culture, framing it as an essential, integrative force in global dialogue and development. “Throughout our Presidency, South Africa has championed culture’s multifaceted role in building a fairer world. We have prioritised cultural heritage in the face of climate change – protecting irreplaceable sites from rising seas and wildfires, ensuring that the voices of our ancestors are not silenced by environmental catastrophe. “We have harnessed digital technology to democratise culture, making museums virtual and art accessible to billions,” McKenzie said. “Equally…

The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a meeting yesterday, whittled down the number of witnesses set to appear before its public hearings. This after it was agreed that some of the witnesses could just submit affidavits while others will be deferred, pending another round of hearings as the inquiry will only run until November 28. Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Norman Arendse, SC, said they had to select witnesses where necessary in order to address the terms of reference of the committee. Arendse said some of the witnesses were relevant but they can be asked questions and respond in an affidavit. “There are other witnesses who are not necessary or there is no need for them to give us information. The committee has…

AN angler has been arrested at Strandfontein pavilion after he was caught using a drone to cast his bait behind the surf zone. This has been welcomed by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, as swift and co-ordinated efforts by the department’s fishery control officers, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, led to the arrest. During a sting operation, law enforcement officers apprehended a recreational angler at the Strandfontein pavilion who was caught making use of a drone to cast his bait behind the surf zone. “It is encouraging to note that the arrest followed reports from concerned members of the public regarding the illegal drone fishing activities in False Bay,” said George. “This is the kind of zero-tolerance approach that…

The 2025 graduation ceremony of the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) was a celebration not only of academic success, but of intellect, faith, and human purpose. Families, scholars, and leaders gathered under one roof to honour those who came to witness the beginning of a new generation’s journey into a world demanding wisdom, integrity, and innovation. Professor Muhammad Haron, a respected scholar and long-standing academic mentor at IPSA, reminded graduates that education carries a sacred responsibility. He urged them to “let knowledge serve as light, not pride and to anchor learning in humility and community”. His words echoed the central theme of the day: that intellectual achievement is most meaningful when joined with moral purpose. The graduation ceremony’s commencement speech and keynote address was delivered by Dr Iqbal Survé.…

Wales captain Jac Morgan declared his love for the Ospreys on Tuesday after his regional side was left with an uncertain future by a Welsh Rugby Union plan to cut one of their four professional teams. An initial WRU proposal in August had suggested reducing the four existing professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - to two teams. But last week the WRU confirmed its plans to grant three licences for men's clubs - one for Cardiff, one in the east of Wales and one in the west. That would appear to mean Swansea-based Ospreys and Llanelli's Scarlets are in a battle for funding, with the WRU's announcement also reviving talk of a merger between the two clubs. Morgan, a 25-year-old British and Irish Lions flanker, has made…

There should be no love lost between Durban City coach Gavin Hunt and his former employers, Kaizer Chiefs, when they meet in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow night (7.30pm kick-off). When Hunt took over the reins at Chiefs in 2019, it must have felt like a career-defining moment. Except his three-year stint didn’t even last a full season, as he was sacked in the lead-up to the CAF Champions League final, which his successor, Stuart Baxter, only took charge of it in the fianl which he went on to fumble and lose to Al Ahly. Hunt, whose illustrious career includes four league titles - with the now-defunct sides SuperSport United (three) and Bidvest Wits (one) - has admitted that being sacked by Chiefs remains one of…

With the spooky season here, it’s the perfect time to dive into some spine-tingling classics and new horror hits. Monster: The Ed Gein Story This is the third instalment of Ryan Murphy’s Monsters series, as it delves into the life of Ed Gein, who murdered at least two people and stole the bodies of many more from their graves. Gein was an object of intense fascination in the middle of the 20th century, his crimes serving as inspiration for Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. * Streaming on Netflix. Get Out This is a classic psychological horror film about Chris, a young African-American man, who visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend. He is uneasy about this visit as he is worried about how his girlfriend’s family will…

FOUR Vredehoek residents are opposing a City of Cape Town proposal to replace a historic dry-packed stone wall at Yeoville sportsfield with artificial materials, fearing it will erase the area’s legacy. Speaking at a public meeting recently, they said it would change the aesthetics, history, and legacy of the area. The concept proposes repair by replacing the dry-packed stone section with reinforced concrete and cladding it with simulated stone. A resident who did not want to be identified was concerned about the proposed fake stone, advocating for natural stone or simply leaving the existing stone. He also highlighted critical drainage issues in the sports field behind the wall, which he believes is the root cause of the collapses. “The reason that wall is collapsing is not because it’s stone. It’s…

MONTE Vista is in mourning after a horrific discovery in a home in Baracouta Street following a double murder on Tuesday. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) are investigating a double murder, which apparently took place the night before, after finding the bodies of a policeman and his girlfriend in their bedroom. While details of exactly what happened are scarce, it is confirmed that an officer attached to the Bellville Crime Prevention Unit shot his girlfriend six times before turning the gun on himself. It has been reported that both of the deceased were in their 40s. Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed the allegation that the cop shot his girlfriend six times in the upper body and then shot himself in the head. Shuping said neighbours apparently heard shots fired…

Western Cape magistrates took to the streets of Cape Town yesterday, marching to Parliament in an unprecedented demonstration that highlighted growing tensions within South Africa’s judicial system. The Judicial Officer’s Association of South Africa (Joasa) delivered a strongly-worded memorandum to the Presidency, demanding recognition as part of a ‘single judiciary,’ significant salary reforms, and better working conditions. The magistrates marched to parliament to hold a Section 17 demonstration to highlight the plight of the lower court judiciary - the memorandum was received by Charles Ford, an official and representative of the Presidency. Joasa Western Cape secretary, Rohan Roopnarian, said the South African Constitution enshrines the principles of a single, independent and impartial judiciary. “However, judges of the lower court (magistrates), who form a crucial part of the judicial system, face…

SINCE the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, issued an order, by agreement, that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) may publish the matric results in newspapers across the country, only stating the learners’ exam number alongside the results, the department has diligently abided by this, without any complaints from the learners. This is according to AfriForum, to obtain clarity on the way forward as to whether the results may once again be published when they are released early next year. This has been an ongoing issue since 2022, when Judge Anthony Millar agreed to an order that the results may be published, as long as the candidates are not identified. The Information Regulator (IR), however, prohibited the department in November last year from publishing the results. It maintains that the Protection…

ICC WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL South Africa: 319/7 (Wolvaardt 169, Brits 45, Kapp 42, Ecclestone 4/44) England: 194 all out (Sciver-Brunt 64, Capsey 50, Kapp 5/20, De Klerk 2/24) w South Africa win by 125 runs These really are amazing times for South African cricket. On the back of the men’s team lifting the World Test Championship crown earlier this year, the Laura Wolvaardt-led team have now become the first senior Proteas Women’s side to forge ahead to a 50-over ICC World Cup final. In beating, nay dismantling previous tormentors England last night in Guwahati, the Mandla Mshimbyi-coached team brought to an end decades of disappointment and semi-final trauma. The final margin of a 125 runs was an accurate reflection of their dominance from the moment Wolvaardt creamed Lauren Bell’s first…

The Sharks will conduct a forensic analysis of their business as they come to grips with a disappointing start to their United Rugby Championship campaign, with coach John Plumtree and Director of Rugby Neil Powell hardly the only ones going under the spotlight. Plumtree would have every right to feel hard done by if he were the only one held responsible — apart from Powell, who is to take up a new position further down the ladder — and it is significant that a coach of his experience is to be kept on in a “mentoring and advisory role” at the union he has served so loyally. It has been confirmed that Plumtree will step down as head coach at the end of the season. The Sharks said in a…

Barcelona midfielder Pedri will be sidelined for several weeks with the torn bicep leg injury he picked up in a 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid this weekend, his club announced. The 22-year-old Canary Islander was sent off in Sunday's game and would have missed next Sunday's league match against Elche, but will likely also miss a match away at Celta Vigo before the international break. "The approximate recovery time will be determined by the evolution of the injury," Barcelona said. Barcelona face Club Brugge in the Champions League on November 5. Pedri joins Joan García, Marc Ter Stegen, Gavi and Raphinha in the Barca sickbay while Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training. Barcelona are second in La Liga, five points behind leaders Madrid. Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Vinicius…

South Africa is now the first country to officially robe court interpreters - a step taken to recognise the important role interpreters play in the justice system. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, this week launched the court interpreters robing programme at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria. Kubayi said this launch is a historic milestone in the development of our justice system. She described it as a pioneering effort that positions South Africa as a leader in global attempts to professionalise court interpreting. “This is the first robing of court interpreters in the world, and it is happening here, in our country - a testament to our commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusion.” Kubayi stressed that court interpreters are not merely linguistic facilitators. They are guardians of…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has launched the South African Construction Action Plan (SACAP) to address delayed construction projects and enhance accountability, stating that underperforming contractors will face consequences. During the announcement, Macpherson was joined by Sifiso Mdakane, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and Batho Mokhothu, Deputy Director-General for Construction Project Management. “That plan, which we are unveiling today, is called the South African Construction Action Plan, or SACAP. It is a framework of collective and individual accountability, a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines, and enforceable consequences,” Macpherson said. SACAP aims to turn the department, both nationally and provincially, into economic delivery units, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget while restoring public trust through transparency, performance monitoring, and quarterly…

WHAT was meant to be a routine election meeting for the Milnerton Community Policing Forum (CPF) turned tense with disputes, objections, and walkouts disrupting proceedings at the Milnerton police station. The meeting held last week aimed to fill three vacant positions – chairperson, secretary, and deputy secretary – but instead became a contentious gathering marked by procedural disputes and questions over legitimacy. Police oversight and community safety spokesperson Fagrodien Johnson, chaired the session but arrived late. Frustrated by the wait, several residents and civic representatives left before the meeting started. This gathering followed a postponed session on October 7. Gabriel Verhoef was nominated as chairperson but left the meeting due to delays. Although there were no objections to his nomination, some civic representatives questioned which organisation he represented. As a…

George Linde could not hide his satisfaction after a somewhat experimental South African side brushed aside Pakistan in the first T20 International in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The Proteas were missing a number of first-choice players like openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, but posted a commanding 194/9. Pakistan never got going in their chase as they were all out for 139 as the visitors romped to a 55-run win. Spinner Linde, who returned figures of 3/31, said it was good to see the Proteas have the confidence to field a number of fringe players. South Africa’s Exciting Depth and Quinton de Kock’s Return “Obviously, we’ve got a lot of depth in South Africa, and all the players here are very exciting,” said Linde after the match. “I think about the…

The Springboks are well aware of the tougher challenges that await them during their five-match November tour, but for now, all their attention is fixed on Japan this Saturday — and on laying a solid platform for the weeks ahead. Head coach Rassie Erasmus explained that the decision to open the tour with a Test at Wembley Stadium (6.10pm kick-off) was deliberate, allowing their available foreign-based players to get a proper hit-out before facing France next weekend. While the duel at the Stade de France will be one of the season’s most important fixtures as the Boks aim to complete another unbeaten year-end tour, Saturday’s replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams stressed that they cannot look too far ahead just yet. It will be the nippy No 9’s first match at Wembley…

So often, Mamelodi Sundowns have been the hunter— the ruthless predator that has feasted on its prey with the utmost brutality. Their reign as kings of the jungle, that is the Premiership, has been challenged countless times, yet rarely with substance, as all comers have been wiped out in their tracks. It has been an era of dominance, with the past eight consecutive seasons built on precision, power, and an unrelenting desire to remain at the top. The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season has already brought back that familiar storyline. 15 challengers have once again lined up to stake their claim, but few have truly looked the part. Many have shown flashes of potential, but not quite like the familiar foe from Soweto, who last season threatened but never quite had…

Sydney Cricket Ground, 2015. AB de Villiers goes berserk. He had done something similar a month earlier at the Wanderers when sporting a pink ensemble smashed his way to 149 from 44 balls. But here on the World Cup stage, he went even one better, bludgeoning 162 not out off only 66 balls against the West Indies. It included the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI history at the time. Kolkata, Eden Gardens, 2023. With the Proteas reeling at 24/4 in the World Cup semi-final, David Miller delivered under pressure with a superb century to lift the Proteas to a competitive 212. It was not enough to keep the mighty Australia at bay, but Miller showed the BMT (Big Match Temperament) that many of his teammates lacked. I was…