Table of contents for 2025-12-04 in Cape Argus

Following South African sporting and music successes on the global stage, the team behind David are hoping that the new biblical animated musical will be one of Mzansi’s biggest breakout films internationally to date. Produced in Cape Town, the production features the character of David from the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament. The movie is also a follow-up to the five-part television miniseries Young David, which tells the story of a young shepherd, poet and warrior who is predestined to become the new King of Israel. David’s voice cast includes Grammy nominee Phil Wickham as young David, with Brandon Engman and Young Artist Award winner Sloan Lucas Muldown reprising their roles from Young David. The cast also features two-time Grammy winner Lauren Daigle, award-winning Israeli singer Miri Mesika…

THE ANC in the Western Cape has formally approached the Public Protector over Premier Alan Winde’s disclosure of a R51 000 travel donation linked to his trip to New York for Climate Week in September last year. Leader of the Opposition Khalid Sayed handed over the complaint at the Public Protector’s Western Cape office in Wale Street yesterday, acting on behalf of the ANC caucus. Sayed said the caucus believes Winde failed to properly declare that the Under2Coalition funded his flights. “Evidence shows that the premier has failed to disclose a R51 000 donation that he received from the Under2Coalition, an external non-governmental entity to attend the climate week in New York in September last year. That R51 000 was for his flights,” he said. He stressed that the issue…

Two men were shot dead within minutes of each other near the Athlone Magistrates’ Court yesterday. A chilling witness account has revealed that the men were targeted by gunmen after leaving the courthouse. Crime scene experts moved between two cordoned-off locations as Athlone police opened two separate murder dockets. Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk said: “Preliminary report: Crime scene experts are currently on two scenes near Athlone Magistrates’ Court combing the areas for clues.” The first attack unfolded at 1.45pm, when a 32-year-old man was shot and killed while sitting in a car about 50 metres from the court. Five minutes later, gunfire erupted again, this time in Kewtown, roughly 300 metres away from where a 31-year-old man was shot dead. “The suspect/s fled the scene in an unknown…

Deputy Minister for Defence Bantu Holomisa addressed critical concerns raised by Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, the Chief of the South African Navy, regarding the navy’s status and defence capabilities. Holomisa, responding to questions posed by ANC MP Dakota Legoete in the National Assembly, confirmed that various governance structures have been established to ensure the effective management and expression of these concerns. Holomisa mentioned the Military Command, the Military Command Council and the Secretariat Council and Defence Staff Council. “Recently, the department has reiterated to all services and divisions the importance of utilising these platforms fully, both to maintain institutional integrity and also to ensure that funding and state of readiness of our defence force is attended to,” he said in response. EFF MP Carl Niehaus asked why Defence Minister Angie Motshekga,…

The long-derelict Dawood building in Simon’s Town – described by residents as an eyesore in the heart of the town – was demolished last week, after the City issued an order declaring the structure unsafe. Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, confirmed that the City had received an engineer’s structural stability report recommending that the building be demolished “to remove the risk of collapse.” A Section 12 Notice, issued under the National Building Regulations, then compelled the full demolition to protect surrounding properties and members of the public. The status of the building’s heritage protection has long been a point of public interest. Andrews said that according to a Heritage Western Cape (HWC) permit issued on September 7, 2022, the resource was classified as “not conservation…

Southern Africa’s beloved mopane worm – a nutritional powerhouse and a lifeline for many rural communities – may be far more vulnerable than previously understood. A new study led by Stellenbosch University (SU) has found striking gaps in the species’ genetic diversity across the region, raising red flags for its long-term survival. Researchers from SU, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Botswana International University of Science & Technology and Namibia’s Ongava Research Centre analysed DNA from mopane worms in Namibia and the Limpopo River Basin. Their findings, published in Conservation Genetics, show that despite the worm’s cultural and economic significance, “not enough information” exists on how populations are distributed or how resilient they are to environmental change. “We offer the first look at how mopane worm populations are related…

In the age of generative artificial intelligence, creators, lawyers and companies are asking, “If I prompt an AI system to write an article or generate a picture, is it still my work?” Can that same AI system generate identical content for two different users and leave us both none the wiser? And what rights do I, as a South African creator, have to protect so-called AI-protected work”? These questions are central to authorship, ownership and the future of our cultural economy. Copyright in South Africa is governed by the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 (“the Copyright Act”), which grants the owner of original works the right to reproduce, adapt and distribute them. The Act defines an “author” as a natural person and in limited instances, acknowledges “computer-generated works” where the…

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis revelaed the team’s focus remains firmly on their objective, stressing that they will not take Marumo Gallants lightly when they contest the Carling Knockout Cup final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Fresh from lifting the MTN8 earlier this season, Pirates are eyeing a second piece of silverware as they look to recreate the type of dominance they last enjoyed during their treble-winning 2012/13 campaign. The team has demonstrated impressive consistency in recent months, showing measured dominance throughout their cup run. They secured their spot in the final with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the semi-finals. Although widely considered favourites, Pirates understand that cup finals carry their own unpredictability and pressure. Their earlier 2–1 league defeat to Gallants in…

When Fifa president Gianni Infantino first paid a visit to Donald Trump at the White House in 2018, he won over the US president with a gift: an oversized red card, which he jokingly suggested Trump could brandish “whenever you want to kick someone out.” Trump, delighted, wasted no time in flashing the card to the assembled press corps — a gesture that neatly captured his often combative relationship with the media. What seemed a playful exchange between the head of world football and the US leader would prove to be the opening act in one of the most contentious alliances in sport. Tomorrow, Trump and Infantino’s burgeoning bromance will be back on display when they take centre stage at the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in Washington.…

Popular podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho recently confirmed that he is willing to undergo gender sensitisation sessions. His decision comes after presenter, TV producer and actress Minnie Dlamini filed a complaint at the Johannesburg Equality Court about hate speech and discrimination. The case began after MacG made misogynistic remarks during an episode of Podcast and Chill in April. MacG, along with his co-host Sol Phenduka, discussed Dlamini’s breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa. MacG made comments suggesting Dlamini was only interested in relationships for money, saying things like “she just wanted to secure the bag”. He also commented that the split might be due to Dlamini’s hygiene, making a crude remark about her private parts. Many viewers saw these remarks as slut-shaming. After the episode aired, the comments went viral and many…

PROCEEDINGS at the Western Cape High Court were dramatically suspended yesterday when murder accused Zurenah Smit broke down while testifying about the night of her husband’s death. The emotional collapse brought the high-profile case to a temporary standstill. Smit was being led by her defence attorney Susan Kuun about the murder charge she faces. It was Smit’s testimony that she and husband Stefan Smit were having supper with a friend on the evening of the murder when she said they heard “a huge noise”. Smit told the court: “I heard… I saw this dark side of someone rushing… screaming ‘money where is the money?’. And I screamed. “Later in my nightmares, I remember being strangled (and) being lifted off my feet. I remember being pulled up from the floor and…

The Department of Basic Education has reported a marked increase in the number of former Afrikaans Model C schools adopting English as a medium of instruction. The move, aimed at accommodating a more diverse learner population across the country, was highlighted on Tuesday during a briefing to the Basic Education Portfolio Committee by Deputy Director-General Simone Geyer. The department was briefing the committee on the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act’s sections dealing with language, admissions, and Grade R. Geyer said the shift aligns with a trend where Afrikaans-medium schools are beginning to embrace English. “The data indicates a nationwide trend of Afrikaans-medium schools introducing English instruction, which is a good thing to accommodate as a movement of learners from different parts of the country who are…

The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has admitted that the rollout of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF) has been slowed by operational, compliance, and structural challenges. This comes as spaza shop owners across townships and rural areas continue to struggle with meeting the fund’s compliance requirements, including obtaining trading permits, business licences, and Certificates of Acceptability. The fund was established to help township and rural spaza shop owners improve, expand, and sustain their businesses by providing financial and non-financial support. In a parliamentary reply to questions posed by uMkhonto weSizwe MP Delisile Ntshaba, Ndabeni-Abrahams said the slow uptake of applications was largely due to many spaza shop owners lacking the required permits and licences. “The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency continue to experience difficulties…

Zander Reynders returns to the SVNS Cape Town a very different player from the wide-eyed rookie who was drafted in at the last minute a year ago. Back then, he was simply trying to keep up. Now, the 24-year-old arrives as a forward whose physical presence and consistency have become central to the Blitzboks’ approach. Twelve months ago, Reynders was still a fringe name, a UP-Tuks standout who had impressed at the International Invitational tournament in Dubai before earning a call-up for the Cape Town leg when Ryan Oosthuizen suffered a concussion and withdrew. Thrown in at the deep end, he helped South Africa win their home event for the first time since 2015. What followed was a whirlwind year for Reynders. Between completing his Computer Science exams and adjusting…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis expressed her satisfaction after her team secured a major confidence boost with a resounding 2-0 friendly victory over the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosts Morocco at the Stade D’Agadir on Tuesday evening. Second-half goals from Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Noxolo Cesane ensured Ellis and her squad ended the year on a strong note, delivering a significant blow to one of the continent’s top sides. The result also served as an important statement ahead of the tournament, which will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The match marked Ellis’ return to the bench after missing the two qualifiers against DR Congo due to delays in her contract extension. Her comeback was made more noteworthy as Banyana were without key players Thembi Kgatlana,…

As the Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC) begins at the Gary Player Country Club (GPCC) at Sun City, it will come with a host of new challengers for players. As one of the marquee courses in South Africa, GPCC is continually striving to provide a sterner test for the top golfers in the world. The 2025 edition will be no different, with a number of changes to some of the most well-known holes that may just prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the tournament. In an exclusive interview with Independent Online, NGC tournament director Ken Payet spoke about the changes to the famed layout made alongside Gary Player. “When it comes to the NGC, we’re synonymous with providing both a great spectacle and challenge for the players,” said Payet. “Player…

After nearly 80 years of waiting, Enid Blyton’s popular children’s novel, The Magic Faraway Tree, is set to be transformed into a big-screen adventure. The adaptation will follow the magical escapades of three children and is slated for release in March 2026. Originally published in 1939, the Faraway Tree series has enchanted generations of people with its tales of whimsy. BAFTA winner Simon Farnaby, known for his work on Paddington 2, is leading the adaptation, while Ben Gregor, who has directed shows like Cuckoo and Doc Martin, will take the helm as director. The story will centre on three siblings, Joe, Beth and Frannie, who discover a magical tree after their family moves to the English countryside. As they climb this extraordinary tree, they meet delightful characters like Moonface, Silky,…

A FISHERMAN is recovering in hospital after being shot during a violent hijacking at Monwabisi Beach. The victim and his friend were targeted by armed criminals who fled with the vehicle Jody Rademeyer and his friend were at the beach between 1am and 2am on Tuesday when the incident occurred. According to reports, the friend was sitting in a Toyota Corolla waiting for Rademeyer when a black VW Polo pulled up next to the vehicle. Four suspects got out of the vehicle and robbed him. While running for help and attempting to fight off the suspects, Rademeyer, who had also arrived at the scene, sustained wounds in the head, neck and chest. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that Muizenberg police are investigating an attempted murder and hijacking case…

Proceedings in the fight over the City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) fixed tariffs and their decision to link certain fixed charges to property values grew increasingly intricate yesterday, where not only did Sapoa and AfriForum respond to the City’s assertion of having “unconstrained power”, but the City also argued its counter-application. The City’s counter-application sets out that, should the court rule in favour of AfriForum and Sapoa, they seek to have Section 75A of the Systems Act declared inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid, as it impedes their ability to exercise their full municipal powers and deliver services to communities. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is the respondent in this case. At the centre of the dispute, being heard by Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana, as well…

Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre team released four rehabilitated subadult turtles into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA). The significant moment took place last week when Nori, Stella, and Pebbles (green turtles) and Cinnamon (hawksbill turtle) were vital ambassadors for their species during their rehabilitation journey at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of Morukuru Family and partnership with the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, Nori has been fitted with a satellite tag. This allows us to continue following Nori’s journey in the wild, growing our understanding on the movements of green turtles in the wild. Founder of the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, Anka Zeeman said: “To witness these turtles returning to the wild at De Hoop Nature Reserve is profoundly moving. Being present for this…

PARLIAMENT has voted to retain South Africa’s 30% school pass threshold, closing the door on a proposal to abolish it after a heated debate in the National Assembly. Mmusi Maimane confirmed the outcome on Tuesday evening. “We lost the vote to end 30% as a pass mark at any level in our public education system.” He criticised the parties that opposed the change. “The following parties voted to keep Bantu education standards – ANC, DA, Freedom Front Plus, PA and Al Jama-ah. They hugged incompetence and embraced mediocrity. Now SA knows.” Maimane had introduced the debate recently, arguing that the 30% threshold entrenches low expectations and harms learners’ long-term prospects. BOSA also handed a petition with more than 20 000 signatures to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on the day…

Proteas opening batter Aiden Markram brought up his fourth ODI century in Raipur to lead South Africa to a series-levelling four-wicket victory against India on Wednesday as the visitors recorded their third-biggest run chase in ODI cricket. Markram (106), after being under a bit of pressure as an opening batter, responded with a statement century in Raipur as he smashed India’s bowlers all around the park to bring up his fourth ODI ton. The 31-year-old struck ten boundaries and four sixes during his 30-over stay at the crease and put South Africa in a good position to chase the 359-run target. The Proteas’ victory wasn’t without a bit of adversity, as they lost Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi due to injury, leaving the visitors with only eight wickets to…

There is a simple recipe behind Orlando Pirates’ current impressive form, which sees them topping the Betway Premiership table on a 10-match unbeaten run — including nine victories — having already secured the MTN8 trophy for a fourth season running and heading into the Carling Black Label Knockout final this weekend: selflessness. The Buccaneers’ squad is made up of talented individuals, stars in their own right. But when they put on the famous black and white jersey adorned with the revered crossbones and skull insignia, they transform into team players who think only of success for the badge. This much was revealed by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine during a pre-Carling Knockout Cup final media engagement at the Rand Stadium. “This season we have a bunch of selfless individuals who want Pirates…

In a year that will be remembered as a turning point for South African women’s rugby, the Springbok Women have done more than make history — they have captured the imagination of a nation. Their run to the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in England, the first in the team’s history, was not just a sporting milestone but a testament to years of belief and determination. For a side that has often battled for resources, attention, and respect, 2025 has become the year in which everything clicked. At the heart of this rise is a coaching trio who refused to accept the constraints they had to perform under: Swys de Bruin, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, and Franzel September. Their combined influence has reshaped not only the team’s rugby identity but also the…

There was high drama during Eben Etzebeth’s disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night when the panel could not agree on a length-of-ban verdict, meaning the Bok bruiser will reportedly have to wait until Sunday to hear his fate. After five hours of deliberation on the eye-gouging allegation — the hearing began at 7pm on Tuesday and called it a day at midnight — the panel asked for more time to reach a consensus. This amounted to a hung jury of sorts, which could be good news for the 34-year-old, as there was clearly an argument from some quarters of the panel for a less severe suspension. According to an online news site, there was a major disagreement over the severity of the sanction. Etzebeth was sent off in the seventy-ninth minute…