Table of contents for 2026-01-09 in Cape Argus

Celebrity drama has kicked off 2026 in full force because celebs are already serving us tea, twists and trends. Explore this week’s celebrity gossip: 1 Musa Mseleku’s remarks on Uthando ne’Sthembu: Uncut leaves viewers stunned A trailer of the upcoming episode of Uthando ne’Sthembu: Uncut has been released and in the clip, Musa Mseleku’s third wife, Thobile “MaKhumalo” Mseleku is seen taking a tour of her new house. However, what can also be seen is the strained relationship between Mseleku and MaKhumalo. A confessional from Mseleku is also shared, in which he implies that his third wife is where she is today because he opened doors for her. These remarks sent fans into a frenzy, with many expressing that he is making it sound like he is the reason behind…

FOLLOWING the shutdown of three spaza shops in Plain earlier this week the City said inspectors found “significant non-compliance” with health regulations during routine inspections. This follows earlier reports that community leaders in Tafelsig had raised alarm over expired food and poor hygiene conditions at several local shops. According to the City’s Health Department, the closures took place on January 6 when the City’s Health Department conducted routine inspections at food premises in the area. They said: “The City’s Health Department routinely inspects premises that sell food as required in terms of national health regulations. During these inspections, significant non-compliance with health standards were observed at three spaza premises in the Mitchells Plain area.” The City added that health regulations allow inspectors to immediately prohibit a business from trading if…

wFormer president Thabo Mbeki is demanding specific questions from the commission investigating Truth and Reconciliation Commission-era crimes that his administration allegedly blocked from being prosecuted. In correspondence with the commission appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, Mbeki informed the inquiry, through his lawyers, that he has been out of government since his ousting in September 2008. Mbeki and several former Cabinet ministers are due to respond to the commission by Monday and insist they are willing to assist the inquiry. “However, for us to meet the evidence leaders’ deadline of January 12, we require specific questions to each of our clients. This is precisely why, from the outset, we requested written statements from the commission together with the relevant documents in…

A Khayelitsha baseball development club is making its mark beyond Cape Town this week, as one of its youngest players competes in the African Rising Stars Women Baseball Series in Uganda. Cape Town continues to lead the way in baseball development in South Africa, with that influence increasingly evident in the women’s game. Much of this progress is driven by development clubs, particularly those based in townships, where limited resources have not dampened ambition. For many clubs, the lack of professional recognition for baseball in South Africa remains a major challenge, with players often required to self-fund their participation. For sides like Khayelitsha Giants, resources remain a constant stumbling block, but that has not stopped the club from creating opportunities for young players to showcase their talent. Instead, the focus…

Nigerian sharpshooters Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will provide a stern test for the flawless record of Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane — son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane — in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Morocco. Zidane is the only first-choice goalkeeper among the eight quarter-finalists to have kept a clean sheet in all of his tournament matches so far, but the task facing him in Marrakesh tomorrow will be formidable. Former African Footballer of the Year winners Osimhen and Lookman have tormented defences throughout the tournament, scoring three goals each. Zidane, 27, kept clean sheets in group matches against Sudan and Burkina Faso, before being rested against Equatorial Guinea. He was recalled for the last-16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo and was again unbeaten…

When Bafana Bafana’s AFCON campaign ended on Sunday, their road to redemption at the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in North America officially began. Bafana were not at their best during the tournament. Much was expected of them following their third-place finish in the previous edition in Ivory Coast, and there were early signs that they could emulate the victorious "Class of ’96". Regardless, they cannot afford to look backwards now; they must ensure they are ready to put on a clinical display at the World Cup. Based on performances in Morocco, we look at the players who have all but secured their tickets to the global showpiece, and those who are likely to miss out on the world’s biggest stage. Tickets Secured Ronwen Williams Williams has been the cornerstone…

The Sharks have sent a squad composed mostly of up-and-coming youngsters to Manchester to face Sale Sharks in the Champions Cup. This presents a golden opportunity for these players to leapfrog senior figures who have failed to produce this season. Arguably the most important position on the field is flyhalf, and the Sharks are crying out for a top-quality number 10 to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and breathe life into a listless, aimless backline. To be frank, the Sharks’ attack is stagnant. It has been for an age. There has been zero growth in this area beyond the return of André Esterhuizen to bash the ball up the middle. While Esterhuizen performs this role exceptionally well, it should not constitute the sum total of their…

Cape Town Jazzathon It’s time to put your jazz shoes on and your mouth trumpet in tune. Cape Town’s iconic Jazzathon is calling all music lovers to celebrate sound, rhythm, and pure Mother City energy. Known as “The People’s Festival”, this three-day extravaganza has become a cultural landmark, proudly holding the title of South Africa’s longest-running music festival. The festival is a feast for the senses, blending the best of Afro jazz, Cape jazz, hip hop, neo soul, R&B, and fusion styles. It’s a stage where established stars share space with rising talent, creating a musical dialogue that reflects the country’s rich diversity and creativity, it’s all about story of heritage, identity, and passion. Jazzathon began nearly three decades ago with a bold vision: to bring the city together through…

AS the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate urges everyone to reduce water consumption due to dam levels dropping to 19%, experts warn that while rainfall is uncontrollable, prioritising the protection of existing water resources is essential. They cited that a lack of water could see disease and sickness outbreak and stressed preparedness. Dr Jo Barnes, Department of Global Health, Health Systems & Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences said: “Some of the important public health concerns include outbreaks of waterborne diseases (diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery etc.), increased risk of viral infections (hepatitis, norovirus) due to poor hygiene, and chemical poisoning from possible pollutants (lead, arsenic, nitrates) in the water system. Those pollutants can lead to acute illness, malnutrition, dehydration, and also long-term health issues. The…

ALCOHOL confiscations in Cape Town surged sharply over December with close to 13 000 units of confiscations, even as police and emergency services recorded fewer assaults, domestic violence cases and road accidents during the festive season. Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) logged 15 931 incidents, down from 17 722 the previous year. Assault-related calls fell from 979 to 698, domestic violence calls from 499 to 390, and road accident calls from 514 to 396. Complaints linked to the illegal sale or discharge of fireworks, however, more than doubled. The City’s Law Enforcement Liquor Pound received 12 595 units of alcohol between December 1 and January 1 – equal to 5 673.83 litres – a steep rise on the same period last year, when just under 3 500 litres were seized.…

The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria has set aside the controversial contract with French tech firm IDEMIA for the printing of the country’s driving licences and ordered the Department of Transport to re-advertise the tender within 30 days. Pending the appointment of a successful service provider under the re-advertised tender, the department has also been allowed by the court to outsource the services of printing and issuing of driving licence (cards) to the Department of Home Affairs. The department announced in September last year that it had appointed biometric security company, IDEMIA, as the preferred bidder for a tender to print new South African driving licence smart cards. IDEMIA is a French multinational technology firm that provides biometric identification and security services. The tender has been advertised and withdrawn repeatedly in…

The US’s decision to withdraw from 66 international organisations has been described as a political signal that rules and institutions matter less than the country’s personal interests. This is according to political analyst Professor Theo Neethling, who said this also reflects another shift away from multilateralism in favour of unilateral power projection under the President Donald Trump administration. This is after Trump announced that his administration has withdrawn from 66 international organisations to prioritise “America First” interests. The organisations include key climate treaties, health bodies and a UN body that promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment. He said these organisations operate contrary to US national interests. The move, which could affect nations from Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, includes United Nations (UN) and non-UN commissions. Those directly impacting Africa…

An early-morning paddle in Three Anchor Bay offered far more than calm waters and scenic views, unfolding instead into a rare and moving encounter that has since captured hearts far beyond the shoreline. Photos and videos of an injured African penguin climbing onto a kayak went viral this week, drawing widespread attention to the extraordinary moment and to the fragile state of one of South Africa’s most endangered seabirds. Yesterday, the Cape Argus joined Kirshia Govendar from Cape Kayak Adventures on the water, following her now widely shared encounter. Govendar, who is also Programme Manager at the International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa, said the experience underscored just how closely human activity and marine conservation are intertwined. While large swells hampered visibility, the ocean was teeming with life, a personal…

Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada are best mates. But the Proteas seamers are also among the fiercest competitors and enjoy a healthy rivalry. So, when Ngidi became the first bowler to claim a Betway SA20 hat-trick on Wednesday evening, he could not wait to get off the field to let Rabada know that he too had joined the exclusive club. Rabada is, of course, already a member after his three-peat at the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup against England in Sharjah. “I definitely didn't know it was the first hat-trick in the Betway SA20. I knew it was my first one, but since you guys have let me know, I think once I get my phone, I'll just send him a little message asking if he saw that,” Ngidi said…

THE Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA) has called on drivers to report crimes against them after footage of another e-hailing driver falling victim to a robbery went viral. The video which has been trending online shows a e-hailing driver as two passengers enter his vehicle. A group of men then surround the car, while one passenger slaps the driver and takes the driver’s phone. Another man can be seen hitting the driver in the face repeatedly as more skelms enter the vehicle. The passenger starts searching the driver and scratches in his pockets and continues hitting the driver. Chairperson of WCEA Siyabonga Hlabisa said that they are aware of the video that is circulating online, but that the driver has not yet reported the incident with them or the South…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the high levels of unemployment in the country, revealing that the issue often keeps him awake at night. Speaking during the ANC’s January 8 celebrations preparations on Wednesday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the country’s ongoing challenges, including crime, state capture, and other socio-economic issues, but stressed that unemployment remains one of his biggest priorities. “The issue of unemployment keeps all of us here on the stage awake,” he said, adding that the gravity of the situation particularly troubles him personally. “It especially keeps me awake at night in terms of trying to find solutions.” His comments come just days after ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe sparked controversy during an interview with SABC. Mantashe criticised the dynamic between government and society, suggesting that many…

As learners are expected to return to classrooms next week, questions are once again being raised about whether the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is adequately prepared for the 2026 school year, especially in poorer communities where placement delays and overcrowding have become a yearly occurrence. COSATU in the Western Cape said it was already hearing from parents whose children have not been placed in schools, warning that the situation echoes challenges that have been raised by parents and learners year after year. “Year after year, we don’t see any plans from the department that work to address the issues faced by learners and parents. Kids are not placed in schools and end up staying at home for a full year, and then the department shifts the blame to parents,”…

Cape Town’s Kaapse Klopse, also known as the Cape Minstrels or Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year) took over the streets again this January. Parents hold toddlers on their shoulders, grandparents wave from the sidelines, and everyone remembers their first time hearing the rhythms of goema or catching that perfect snapshot of a glittering troupe. It’s Cape Town’s way of reminding us of its rich, layered history, and it hits different. This year’s Kaapse Klopse came with a twist that got locals and performers talking. Traditionally held on January 2, the parade was rescheduled to Monday, January 5, because the original date fell on a Friday, which coincided with Jumu’ah, the Islamic holy day. Longstanding agreements dictate that when this happens, the celebrations should move to a more suitable day.…

In the aftermath of Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16, the spotlight has fallen on the effectiveness of the national player development programme. The defeat, marked by frustrating missed chances and a solid Cameroonian defence, prompted a candid response from coach Hugo Broos. He did not hold back, calling out issues within the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and questioning its effectiveness in preparing players for the fierce competition they face on the world stage at major tournaments. Despite enjoying significant possession against the Indomitable Lions, Bafana Bafana consistently struggled in the final third, failing to convert their chances. In contrast, Cameroon capitalised on theirs, converting two of the four shots they managed to direct on target. Broos noted the stark difference between the PSL and…

The Bulls showed plenty of fight against the Stormers in Cape Town, but their inability to seize control during periods when they held the upper hand ultimately came back to haunt them in defeat. As they prepare to face the Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup at Loftus Versfeld, the emphasis will be on delivering a complete performance to halt their losing streak. They enjoyed scrum dominance, brought plenty of physicality, and showed encouraging signs on attack. With the Bears visiting Pretoria tomorrow for a 3pm kick-off, we highlight five areas where the Bulls can assert themselves, claim a vital victory, and spark a turnaround in their season. The scrum The Bulls are generating a solid scrum platform, but too often it goes unused. They need to turn forward…

The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent's heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco) Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. But while the African Footballer of the Year hardly featured in the group stage as he recovered from injury, Diaz wasted no time in becoming their key man. Diaz, 26, has scored in every game, including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. That makes him the tournament's leading marksman with four goals. Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at senior international level in…