Latest news with #CapePeninsulaUniversityofTechnology
IOL News
26-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana evolved under Desiree Ellis but it it seems her time is up
So, enter Ellis. In a space of five years she changed all that - won Wafcon and qualified for back-to-back global showpieces in France and Australasia. Before she took over the reins, Banyana had never qualified for the World Cup - let alone win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Her journey has been fulfilling and rewarding in a personal and collective capacity as she defied the odds and led Banyana to improbable achievements. Ellis has given her all for the national team, transforming Banyana from being 'the other team' to becoming powerhouses of continental football. The ol' adage 'a good dancer knows when to leave the stage' couldn't have been more befitting for Banyana Banyana's coach Desiree Ellis at the moment. The success story of the national team made every 'girl child' to dare to dream, with the semi-pro Hollywoodbets Super League also becoming the springboard of women's football. People started to take interest in women's football, while the number of exported players increased rapidly as well. Ellis didn't walk in the shadows during the transform - she basked in its glory as well, getting deserved recognition from all and sundry. Apart from her four CAF Coach of the Year awards, she was conferred with Order of Ikhamanga and Honorary Doctorate by Cape Peninsula University of Technology. These are things that the little girl who was born in Kuilsrivier more than six decades ago mustn't have dreamt of when she started playing football with boys. After all, her football career didn't tell that she'd gone on to get the highest recognition from the No 1 civilian, having earned 32 caps for Banyana. But she changed that. So, such have been the change of fortunes in Ellis' career, she's now one of the most decorated coaches in continental football - male and female. While her coaching prowess and abilities to overcome adversities are undisputed, Ellis' team has lost bite in the last few years. And that's worrisome - to say the least. You see, I am not saying take your eyes off the inevitables such as squad revamps, injuries, form or external challenges caused by Safa, but the team itself doesn't look the same. And so, sadly for Ellis, since the buck stops with her in making sure that the team performs on the pitch, she has to shoulder the responsibility and blame. We have to be honest that the game continues to evolve, and the majority of players who play abroad are exposed to the highest level of performance-based coaching. And without criticising Ellis' ability to blend the local-based and overseas-based players, but the gulf in quality, across board, will always be there. Take for instance what happened at Wafcon - the absence of Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons, was evident.
Daily Maverick
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Fire every GNU Minister who is not doing their job! How citizens would channel their inner Madiba
For Mandela Day, we asked ordinary South Africans for their views on how the late, great former president might tackle the many problems facing the country today. Sphesihle H on, a fourth-year student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). 'If I was Nelson Mandela today, I would call GNU leaders for a hard talk, draft a new national plan, launch a truth commission to expose corruption and push community policing,' 'In essence, I would take action to tackle and resolve internal conflicts, dishonest practices by those in authority and a high incidence of crime.' — Lisakhanya Venna Entle Mcasi, a student at CPUT 'I would call for unity among GNU parties to prioritise the nation's welfare over political differences. Act decisively against corruption in politics and policing. To combat crime, I'd strengthen community partnerships and ensure justice is fair and swift. I'd make sure that we invest in rebuilding our cities for all citizens.' — Lisakhanya Venna Lerato Bashing, Cape Town 'The best way to fix South Africa is not by having lots of conversations about what's wrong, or lots of meetings, or court cases back and forth — we need the people who are in the roles in government to do their jobs. In the same way [as] corporate, [where] you have your five metrics that you need to meet to get promoted — we need the same thing for government.' 'For example, Minister X would need to do tasks A, B, C and D to stay as Minister X for the next year. And those performance metrics need to be available to the public, so that we can track them.' 'There needs to be decisive action … for those who are underperforming, so that the people can trust them again — so that when we vote, we vote for a government that cares, because right now it doesn't feel like they care.' — Victoria O'Regan Megan Bobotyane, leader of the community living in Ahmed Kathrada House, an occupied building in Green Point, Cape Town On the GNU 'I think I would take a completely different direction. I think I would remove every single minister, especially ministers that have served more than one term, and based on [their] performance, I would look at what they've done. '[For example], has the crime rate gone down? Has it gone up? What has happened in terms of their portfolio? And if nothing significant has come about, then I would remove them,' Bobotyane said. 'Clear out that Cabinet completely. Let's start afresh. Change the culture within government to one of 'excellence'. 'What is the point of promoting a culture of sloth?' 'Hold people accountable. I think that would sort out corruption.' On Crime 'The bottom people [are] just the end part, but the real problem lies in the heads of power. Hold everybody accountable. The law should treat everybody equally.' On Unemployment 'Change the schooling are teaching kids things that are irrelevant to them.' 'Start classes in entrepreneurship and coding from an early age.' 'Financial literacy should be one of the biggest modules in school – you shouldn't have to wait until you get to university to be introduced to such a thing.' — Victoria O'Regan Angelina Siphalali, Midrand GNU infighting 'If I was Nelson Mandela I would sort out the infighting in the government of national unity (GNU) by not having a GNU at all. The problem is that there are too many parties in government right now that don't see eye to eye. If I was Mandela I would hold a meeting with all the parties and make an arrangement that they all become one party because it's clear all these different parties cannot work together.' Ministers not doing their jobs 'In terms of ministers not doing their work, I would just fire them all. If they cannot do the job they are hired to do, then why must they be earning a salary? You know, we actually have too many ministers, so after I fire them, I won't even replace them because some of them are just there to have a title.' Corruption 'Corrupt police and ministers must be fired and sent to jail. Simple as that.' Unemployment 'The problem with unemployment is that there are a lot of people from outside working for little money, which means South Africans don't get jobs. I will make a policy where South Africans are hired first before anyone else.' — Lerato Mutsila Ipeleng Tlholoe 35, Midrand GNU infighting 'It's a difficult question because the GNU was formed to create stability within government. But because there is no unity, I would revert back to the old system of having one party or even change the Constitution so that you vote for the president and not the party.' Ministers not doing their jobs 'Performance management is important to make sure ministers are doing their jobs. People must be held accountable and there must be regular reviews like we have in corporate. In government, people are just not doing their work and they are not held accountable for their actions.' GNU infighting 'I'd tell the GNU leaders: stop the circus. Mandela would've demanded focus.' 'I'd establish a national coalition charter that all parties must sign – stick to the mandate or leave. You can't govern a country while fighting among yourselves. That's not leadership.' Ministers not doing their jobs 'Back when I was a cop, if you didn't perform, you were out. Ministers should sign clear performance contracts with timelines. If there's no progress in six months, show them the door. Mandela didn't tolerate dead weight.' Corruption of politicians and police 'I'd strengthen the Hawks and make an example of one high-profile case — a true arrest with consequences. I'd also overhaul the police recruitment system and bring back community-based policing. We don't need more cops; we need better ones, with discipline and honour.' Crime out of control 'We need joint operations between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and communities. I'd also fund and train neighbourhood watches again – properly. Mandela would promote a shared responsibility. Tackling crime can't just be the job of the SAPS. Families, schools, the justice system – all must work together.' Cities falling apart 'I'd bring in skilled retirees like engineers, project managers and contractors to advise municipalities. Mandela valued wisdom. We have the knowledge – we're just not using it. Maintenance teams must be deployed daily. Clean cities bring dignity and reduce crime too.' Unemployment 'We must get practical. I'd revive public works programmes – not temporary ones, but sustainable, skills-based ones. Mandela believed in dignity through work. Fixing roads, housing, parks – those are jobs. Also, get local businesses to commit to hiring from their own communities.' – Nkosazana Ngwadla GNU infighting 'Mandela would say: enough!' 'I'd bring party leaders to a mediation process led by civil society elders – respected people, not politicians. If they continue fighting, I'd dissolve positions and invite fresh elections. The nation must come before party politics.' Ministers not doing their jobs 'As a teacher, I know what it means to be held accountable. I'd introduce monthly community scorecards for ministers. If they're not delivering, they must step down. Mandela would lead by example — and expect others to do the same.' Corruption of politicians and police 'This is where we've lost our way. Mandela would be heartbroken. I'd launch a 'Justice for All' campaign — zero tolerance, lifetime bans from public office for the corrupt. 'I'd start with cleaning up the police. Teachers and police are the heart of a community – both must have integrity.' Crime out of control 'It starts at home and school. I'd build after-school programmes in every area – sports, reading, arts. Young people need structure and hope. Mandela was all about prevention. I'd also hold community policing forums monthly and ensure neighbourhoods are empowered to help keep themselves safe.' Cities falling apart 'I'd mobilise schools, NGOs and businesses to 'adopt' parts of the city – parks, libraries, clinics. Everyone must play a role. Mandela inspired civic pride. Let's rekindle that. And yes, let's fire the municipal officials who don't deliver basic services.' Unemployment 'Mandela would double down on education. I'd link every school leaver to a skill programme and mentorship pipeline. I'd work with businesses to ensure training leads to actual jobs. We must stop giving young people theory and give them opportunity.' — Nkosazana Ngwadla DM
Bloomberg
22-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Tariffs, Trump, and the Stakes for Lesotho
Lesotho was hit with the highest U.S. tariffs on the African continent, a 50% levy on its exports, before President Donald Trump paused the move for 90 days. The kingdom's trade minister is warning that if those duties go ahead, Lesotho could face a liquidity crisis. Trump announced this month that tariffs of at least 10% will apply to most imports, with even steeper rates targeting goods from around 60 countries, all in a push to curb what he calls unfair trade imbalances. Lesotho is now hoping to launch high-level talks with Washington. On today's episode, Jennifer Zabasajja speaks with Maarten Van Doesburg, Head of Economics at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, about what could be at stake in those negotiations — and what Trump might really want in the long run.
