Latest from IOL News
IOL News
21 minutes ago
- Business
- IOL News
Wynberg faces ongoing urban decay issues following problem building declaration
263 Main Road in Wynberg has officially been declared a problem building under the City of Cape Town's by-laws and Law Enforcement has initiated eviction proceedings for current unlawful occupants. Image: supplied The derelict building at 263 Main Road in Wynberg has officially been declared a problem building under the City of Cape Town's by-laws — a significant step in addressing long-standing concerns about safety and misuse, said ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven. However, some residents argue the area is steadily sliding into chronic urban decay. 'The Wynberg precinct is no different from Yeoville or Hillbrow,' said property owner Andrew Charman. 'If Capetonians believe the City has the ability or political will to tackle complex urban management challenges, they are mistaken.' Charman, who owns property in the precinct, described the City's approach as rudderless. 'For over a decade, City officials and political leaders have promised stern action against problem buildings. A high court case against the Uli Heydt building was said to be imminent. Nothing happened.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said socio-economic issues also need addressing, including medical support for homeless people with severe mental illness and the open sale of drugs. Langenhoven confirmed that while 263 Main Road was earmarked for the list in 2023, formal declaration only happened recently. 'The process involves inspections, compliance notices, and allowing time for objections or remedial action. 263 Main Road has now been formally declared a problem building. Law Enforcement is now empowered to proceed with evictions of unlawful occupants and to secure the premises.' Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said LEAP is deployed to crime-affected precincts to assist SAPS and is not assigned to Wynberg for by-law enforcement. In response to claims that the City's crime-fighting efforts fail to address the root causes of chronic urban decay, City spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo said, the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP) had deployed 12 Wynberg Ambassadors for patrols, focusing on crime prevention and reporting service faults. 'Community Safety ambassadors have been consistently present for the past six months and during peak seasons over the last three years,' he said. 'Additionally, MURP deployed two-armed response vehicles during the day and night with armed guards providing a visible security presence that directly addresses social challenges contributing to crime in the CBD area. These interventions had reduced crime within the CBD and Public Transport Interchange areas over the last few months.' Responding to complaints about grey water runoff, illegal dumping, potholes, and by-law violations, the City's Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said teams rely on logged service requests to identify faults like burst pipes and overflowing sewers. He further urged residents to always report such service requests to help teams to attend to these matters as quickly as possible. Cape Argus
IOL News
22 minutes ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Champion Proteas will burst straight through every ceiling, insists Ashwell Prince
Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince has worked his magic with the SA unit. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media THROUGHOUT the Proteas' two-year cycle, including heading into the World Test Championship final, the batting unit came under intense criticism and comparison. Many looked at Australia's batting unit and identified their experience, including that of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head – who are some of the best in the world – and compared that to South Africa's young line-up. There were questions and doubts on the unit's ability to hold their ground against a strong Australia attack, forgetting the centuries that the batters have scored throughout the cycle, be it here at home in South Africa or away from home. Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince commented on the batters' potential upon arriving in South Africa this week, and told the media that they are yet to reach their ceiling and that the comparison should stop. 'I think as South Africans, we obviously had a generation where you had a batting line-up consisting of Smith, Gibbs, Kallis, AB, Amla, and out of all those names, there are about four or five of them in this Hall of Fame,' Prince stated. 'The dangerous thing from a South African point of view is to compare every young player who comes up in the system to Hall of Famers, because not every batsman can be a Hall of Famer. 'It's really important for people who are working with the young batters to understand that this is actually a good batsman, because if you compare them to Hall of Famers, then everybody is not going to be good enough. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Then you're just going to say, well, 'This guy is not good enough because AB used to do this', or whoever. 'You just got to take one person at a time, identify what they're good at, and like every other player, we all have limitations, and we try and brush up on those limitations.' Mzansi, you showed UP! 🫵🇿🇦💚 Thank you to every South African who came out to OR Tambo this morning to welcome our ICC World Test Championship winners home! Your love, your flags, your voices echoed through the halls. This victory is for YOU!#WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal… — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 18, 2025 With such a youthful batting group, as a batting coach, Prince had a job to do, and that entailed being able to show the batters their true potential and encouraging them to push through the ceiling many fans around the world have placed on them. 'Something that I shared with the team beforehand, we spoke about the youthful nature of this batting line-up, which means that because they're youthful... They haven't reached their ceiling yet,' said Prince. 'Their ceiling is still coming. 'On top of that, everybody from media, spectators in the ground, people watching the game around the world, any person who watches games from an advantage point will have an opinion about every individual's ceiling and the team's ceiling. 'And the message is simple from our side: let them believe what they want to believe. 'We burst straight through the ceiling. That was the message. 'We'll burst through whatever they feel the ceiling is, and that's exactly what they did. 'Aiden Markram played an innings any person never thought he was capable of; he burst straight through the top of that.
IOL News
22 minutes ago
- Business
- IOL News
Two winners share R78. 9 million Lotto jackpot
iol Two people have bagged the R78,977,677.80 Lotto jackpot from the June 18, 2025, draw. Two people have bagged the R78,977,677.80 Lotto jackpot from the June 18, 2025, draw. According to the National Lottery, each person will walk away with R39,488,838.90. The first winning ticket was purchased through a banking app with a R200 wager using the quick pick selection method. The second winning ticket was purchased at a Day and Night Superstore in Johannesburg, with a R30 wager using the quick pick selection method. Ithuba said the the winner who played via a banking platform has been notified of their winnings by their bank and the operator urges in-store participants to check their tickets. Ithba CEO Charmaine Mabuza said:"This draw not only produced one multi-millionaire, but two. "Both winners will walk away with significant amounts of money that will undoubtedly change their lives." She said the winner service team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of these winners and is ready to help and support them every step of the way. Ithuba said to help winners enjoy lasting benefits from their winnings, Ithuba offers access to certified financial experts who provide valuable financial insights for winners of R50,000 and above. "Our objective is to empower winners tomake informed decisions and secure their financial future, ultimately changing their lives forever through their winnings." All winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their winnings. IOL News
IOL News
22 minutes ago
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town father challenges R172,000 maintenance order, citing financial strain despite over R1 million bonus
A Cape Town father who receives over R1 million in bonuses challenged a ruling which ordered him to pay over R172,000 maintenance. Image: Pexels A Cape Town father who reportedly receives over R1 million in annual bonuses, has challenged the mother of his children and refused to produce his proof of income. The parents, who divorced in August 2010, have been at odds over financial responsibilities, as the mother continues to care for their children, aged 15 and 19. In February 2025, the maintenance court ordered the father to pay R172,188.63, which, amongst other things, will go towards the tuition cost of their older child. The money had to be paid before the end of March 2025. He was further ordered to pay over R20,000 towards the annual school fees of their second child. The total amount he had to pay was over R222,000. However, following the court's ruling, the father swiftly filed an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court to suspend the maintenance order. He argued that the amount was nearly double his net salary, asserting his financial inability to honour such payments. The high court granted a temporary suspension of the order, while simultaneously requiring the mother to demonstrate why this suspension should not become permanent pending the appeal hearing. The mother took further legal action, serving both the father and his employer with a subpoena duces tecum. A subpoena duces tecum is a court order requiring a person to appear in court and produce specific documents or other physical evidence relevant to a legal case. According to the mother, the father misled the court in his application to suspend the maintenance order. She argued that the maintenance court granted the order in line with what was provided by the father in terms of his monthly salary as well as his annual bonus which amounts to over R1 million. She further argued that the father did not provide proof to support his claim that he cannot afford to pay maintenance. He also didn't provide any evidence to support that his financial position had changed for the worse since the order was made. Furthermore, she said the father lied in his affidavit as his IRP5 showed that he had received more than R1 million in March 2025. With this information, she sought to have the interim order suspending the maintenance order to be dismissed. Furthermore, the mother highlighted discrepancies in the father's affidavit, alleging that his IRP5 tax document, which revealed earnings exceeding R1 million as of March 2025, illustrates his capacity to pay the mandated maintenance while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In response, the father approached the high court again, seeking to have the subpoena set aside. He claimed the documents requested by the mother were irrelevant and warned that such disclosures would cause irreparable harm. Presiding over the matter, Judge James Lekhuleni said the previous maintenance court order revealed that the mother battled to coerce the father to honour his maintenance obligations. He only provided financial support to the children when it suited him. He commented on the mother's diligent efforts, recognising that she was an unrepresented litigant trying to safeguard her children's welfare. The judge made it clear that the mother's attempts to compel the father to meet his obligations should not be viewed as an abuse of the legal system. Moreover, judge Lekhuleni emphasised that denying the subpoena would unduly harm the mother and the children, while the father would not suffer significant prejudice from its continuation. "As I see it, there is no prejudice that the applicant (father) will suffer if the subpoena is not set aside. While on the other hand, setting aside the subpoena will have deleterious effects on the first respondent (mother) and the children," he said. The father's application was dismissed. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
36 minutes ago
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking the future of African tourism
As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Image: Supplied Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is perfectly poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress – and cruise tourism is one of the most promising ways to do just that. As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Together, through strategic collaboration and forward-thinking investment, I believe we can unlock the full value of cruise tourism across Africa. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships with some offering advanced facilities that allow servicing of the vessels too. These destinations are proving just how much potential exists, and they provide an inspiring foundation for future growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ We're particularly excited about MSC Cruises' upcoming 2025/26 season, which includes MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending her reach to stunning destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries are a testament to the growing appeal of African coastal cruising, and to what's possible when we embrace a shared vision for tourism growth. Laying the groundwork for growth To ensure this industry flourishes, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships like MSC's World America can carry nearly 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a bigger economic opportunity. However, many African cities will need to gear themselves up to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a truly world-class cruise experience depends on the entire journey, from seamless airport connections and modern roadways to efficient services and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, guests would be thrilled to be able to easily access highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg. Equally important are the enriching leisure activities that make each destination unforgettable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to savouring local cuisine and enjoying traditional music and dance, these experiences create lasting memories for guests while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a guided township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, curated excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination, transforming a port stop into a meaningful cultural journey. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism. At MSC Cruises, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and leisure activity providers to align our efforts with broader development goals and help build a vibrant, sustainable tourism economy. By co-creating cruise-ready cities where ports act as welcoming gateways to rich inland adventures and cultural experiences, we can generate lasting value for both local communities and international visitors. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth lies at the heart of MSC Cruises' approach. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to designing efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is embedded in everything we do. Just as importantly, we believe cruise tourism should uplift the people and communities it touches. That's why we prioritise partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs, ensuring that every stop on a cruise route contributes to local job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With the right training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success One of the most exciting aspects of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Around the world, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From shared marketing to joint infrastructure projects, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this even further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create a world-class, interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already proven its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, there's no reason Africa can't chart its own bold course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP – and it is poised to grow. We have only to look at the success of South African peers like Morocco or Greece to understand the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private collaboration have transformed coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. In Morocco, ports like Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to rich cultural experiences, while Greece has leveraged its islands to offer seamless itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These countries show that with the right infrastructure and partnerships, cruise tourism can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, job creation and global visibility, an inspiring blueprint for South Africa and the wider African continent. This is a moment filled with promise. With aligned policies, smart investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can emerge as a leading cruise destination, one that blends innovation, sustainability and authentic cultural connection. We believe this transformation is not only possible, but already underway. By working together with purpose and positivity, we can unlock the future of African tourism and shape it for generations to come. Ross Volk is Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa. He champions sustainable and inclusive tourism as a key driver of economic opportunity across the continent. Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
