en or females I often tell my sons that they must respect women and rebuke any action or comment that borders on GBV. I want them to become better men when they grow up, hence I drill this into their minds I also show a lot of respect to their mother and demand more from them. I am now glaring at my grave and I can safely say I never raised a hand to any woman I hate men who exploit women’s vulnerability. Women are there to be loved and cherished. As men, we are meant to support them and offer comfort. Yet, we are the first to harm them.
However, this does not mean all men go out there to harm women Equally, someone cannot bash every Xhosa man because of their past. As a Xhosa man, I often take serious offense when someone accuses us of being the bad guys In every situation, you have good and bad individuals The bad ones are often the minority. In this day of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when non-existing things can be turned into existence, we ought to be careful about what we do and say, not to polarise further an already fragile society. Not all Xhosa men are dogs and certainly not all Xhosa men ayabheda There are many good Xho-
CPF demands end to violence
UNATHIOBOSE
Nyanga officers registered two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident at the Nyanga taxi rank at about 18:15 on Friday 5 September Provincial police spokeperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie said preliminary investigation revealed that a disciplinary officer and bodyguards were leaving the rank when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen.
“Two men sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack forms part of ongoing investigation. The assailants are yet to be arrested,” said Pojie.
Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe urged the local taxi associations to resolve their differences before further escalation of the tension.
He said many innocent people died or were injured during shootings.
“We urged the Department of Mobility to intervene and talk to the taxi associations before it gets worse.
“We don’t know the motivation behind the incident, but all we know is there is a tension between members of Cata and Codeta. We are worried as their fighting continues,” said Qwebe.
He said as the CPF they are saying “enough is enough”.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku met directly with the leadership of Codeta and Cata to address tensions on Friday 5 September.
He said several contentious issues were
discussed and both parties agreed to ensure peace and stability.
Sileku said a joint session between the two mother bodies and his department will be convened urgently to consolidate everything and work towards lasting solutions.
“Violence and lawlessness have no place in our communities or our transport system. The safety of commuters and residents is our first priority, and we will use every legal and regulatory mechanism at our disposal to restore stability. We have made it clear to all parties that disputes must be resolved through lawful processes,” said Sileku, adding that they are acting to ensure safety and to protect the resident’s rights to a safe reliable transport. He said the department remains committed to prioritising safety of residents in the province.
Ward97residentswelcome remarkingoflocalroads
UNATHIOBOSE
Residents from Ward 97 welcomed the remarking of the roads in the ward citing that it is helpful for the pedestrians They accused the motorists of speeding and not obeying the rules of the road
Resident Phakama Falo from Level Two informal settlement in Town Two said she is pleased with the new initiative. She said they are struggling to cross the road when there is no pedestrian crossing.
“I think the remarking of the road will help us because our children are struggling to cross because the motorist do not stop or yield for them to pass. Every morning, I must accompany my eight-year child to school to ensure she is safe,” said Falo Ncumisa Luvalo whose child is studying at Chuma Primary School described Govan Mbeki Street as a busy road. She said there are many accidents caused by speeding motorists.
“Early this year, there was a group of children who were hit by a car on this road (Govan Mbeki Street). Every morning as parents, we accompany our children and come and fetch them after school. I applaud what the City is doing by remarking the roads,” she said.
When City Vision asked the Ward 97 councillor Mthwalo Mkutswana about the project he said he knows nothing about it.
“I know nothing about it. I just see people who are remarking the roads I think the City is doing it because the mayor will be in Khayelitsha (Thusong Centre) on Thursday 11 September, the City’s mobile offices will be here,” said Mkutswana.
The City’s Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas said the road remarking started last week.
“Khayelitsha Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) depot did some road marking work last week within the specified area Faded line markings and traffic calming measures were repainted as per requests from Traffic Services and from residents who logged notifications,” said Quintas
He said RIM’s roadworks schedule was shared with the local subcouncil offices as well as the councillor. He said the work forms part of the planned work for the area
The following areas will be covered in due course Kuyasa, Mandela Park (Sections A, B), Harare (Sections A–E), Ilitha Park (Sections A–C), Griffiths Mxenge, Silvertown, Nonqubela (Sections K–Q), Victoria Mxenge (Sections S–Z), Sabata Dalindyebo Square, Mxolisi Phetani (Sections A–D) and Thembokwezi (Sections A–C)
Quintas stated that the City does not publish road project costs for safety and operational reasons associated with ongoing extortion challenges and threats
Officers kept an eye at the Nyanga Taxi Rank after two people were shot and injured on Friday 5 September PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The City’s contract workers are busy remarking Govan Mbeki Road in front of Chuma Primary in Town Two PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Makhaza shack dwellers protest
UNATHIOBOSE
Irate shack dwellers of Thembeni and Mpolweni informal settlements in Makhaza, Khayelitsha (ward 95) took to the streets again on Monday 8 September, barricading Baden Powell Drive with stones and burning tyres demanding service delivery
Last month the same resident held a protest on the same spot, the corner of Japhta K Masemola Road and Baden Powell Drive, demanding the same services. (“Makhaza shack dwellers accuse City of playing ‘hide and seek’”, City Vision, 21 August) They said they were on a mission to bring the city to a standstill.
Resident Fire Phekwa said they wanted electricity. He said for him it had been almost five years of living in an area without proper services.
“We tried to engage with the City and Eskom, but our grievances fell on deaf ears. There is little development in the area. We are not going to stop protesting as long as we are not getting what we want.”
Another resident, Luthando April, said the ward councillor was supportive because he had tried by all means to provide what he could.
He lambasted the City for playing political games and marginalising informal set-
tlements
April said it was just the beginning, and more protests were coming. “We are testing the waters. We will mobilise all the informal settlements in Khayelitsha and other neighbouring areas and go to the N2 and R300. We are not playing here. We will do that in the daytime.”
The City, in response to an email about the protests from City Vision, said Eskom supplied the power so it should comment.
The provincial spokesperson for the power utility, Zanele Bukani, said it required a locality map of the indicated areas
“Residents are advised to contact their local municipal official first to request electrification of new areas,” she said, “as Eskom requires municipal approvals for electrification of any informal area.”
Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said Public Order Police had been deployed to monitor and stabilise a service-delivery protest this morning (Tuesday 9 September) in Baden Powell Drive, between Walter Sisulu Drive and the N2 highway.
“According to reports, approximately 80 community members are staging the protest and throwing stones The road has been closed in both directions. Offers deployment will stay in the affected area until the situation has normalised.”
Baden Powell Drive is barricaded with stones and burning tyres by irate residents who demanded service delivery
A tyre is burning at Baden Powell Drive PHOTOS: UNATHI OBOSE
One of the police nyala standing at Baden Powell while the officers stand at a distance monitoring the situation
Lwandle stadium to open soon
UNATHIOBOSE
Lwandle Sports Ground is expected to be open soon after all the refurbishment has been completed. The contractor is currently revamping the boys and girls change rooms at the stadium. The project started early last year and is in phases (“City of Cape Town boots Lwandle sports with massive upgrade to local sports ground”, City Vision, 20 February 2024).
Currently we are installing pipes for both change rooms. In the boys changing rooms, we have already started putting tiles on the floor and on the wall,” she said.
Mvukelwa said a lot needs to be done, with new doors, windows, ceiling and burglar bars all on the list. They will also paint the walls.
“If everything goes according to plan, we are hoping to finish everything this month end Since we started, we have not had any
“The stadium was in a bad state. The criminals vandalised it to the state that there was no fence and people were crossing here. We started by fencing it with vobracrete walls last year. Then we regrassed the rugby field and now we are revamping the changing rooms,” said Diniso. He said they could not open the stadium without the players’ dressing rooms, add-
ing that the aim is to provide a safe playing environment for the players “Some of the players are females They can’t change outside. For the sake of preserving their dignity we decided to renovate the changing rooms As soon as the changing rooms are completed, we will open the stadium,” said Diniso, adding that the total cost was about R700000.
Best of Zabalaza fest at Baxter
The plays by two winners of the 15th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Awards are returning to The Baxter Studio Theatre this month, starting from 9 September.
Lwanda Sindaphi's Purpose and 'n Pandok se Liefde by Lauren Snyders won theBest Production/Finest of the Fest Award at the Festival which was held in March.
The productions enjoy the space and resources to be further developed and presented in a full run at The Baxter Sindaphi and Snyders will also have the opportunity to work with respected industry figures Mwenya Kabwe and Lee-Ann van Rooi, respectively, to bring their productions to the stage.
The annual Festival, which this year had the theme, "Make Your Mark", will be performed until Saturday 20 September 'n Pandok se Liefde will be performed until Saturday 13 September. Purposewill be performed fromTuesday 16 until Saturday 20 September.
Written and performed by Snyders, directed by Samuel Jumat and also featuring Dealan Fredericks, 'n Pandok se Liefde is a compelling drama about a married couple who have to come to terms with their wounds after a traumatic event. This gripping play delves into the aftermath of trauma, exploring the profound impact of a dramatic night on their relationship and identities. It vividly portrays the fragility of manhood and womanhood when faced with unimaginable circumstances, inviting audiences to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of despair Purpose, written and performed by Sindaphi and directed by Thando Doni, is a witty and romantically hypnotising production, accompanied by the density of a peripherally ancestral world. The play explores sacredness and spirituality from the lens of a young man who has engaged with his traditional forms of practice.
Set in the community of Delft, Lidinga Aba pursues a girl he sees as his soulmate He wakes up every day to sit in a circle, on windy, rainy and sunny days, to just wait for this beautiful girl. His pursuit is disrupted by ancestral visions His unfathomable love for this girl turns him blind to the messages he receives from his haunting dreams. He becomes emotionally tormented when he realises that the metaphysical overpowers the romantic. Whilst spending an intimate moment with his soulmate, he sees the red-smeared face of his late grandmother. The circle turns to time, unlimited time. It turns to a sacred place, a river. It becomes a liminal place. His life changes drastically.
Sindaphi worked with mentor Monageng Motshabi for the play at the Festival in March.
The productions have an age restriction of 14. Tickets cost R120 at Webtickets. Senior citizens and learners will pay R65.
DIYExcellenceawardsfor womenatlocalhardwarestore
One of South Africa’s leading hardware stores has announced the return of the Women in DIY Excellence Awards, honouring the creativity, determination, and impact of women who are transforming homes, businesses, and communities across the country
Launched last year and following their success, Brights Hardware is proud to announce the return of the awards, which shine a spotlight on the creativity, determination, and talent of women who are transforming homes, commercial properties, communities, and industries through DIY, renovations, sustainability, and social impact projects.
Entries are now open, and Brights is calling on women to share their stories and projects—or to nominate someone “Whether you’re a home makeover maestro, a fearless furniture builder, a queen of upcycling, a sustainability trailblazer, or a community DIY champion—if crafting, restoring, reimagining and transforming are your thing, it’s time to shine. Last year’s response blew us away,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights
This year’s awards celebrate women whose ongoing work, creativity, and commitment are making a real impact—whether in their homes, communities, or the wider world of DIY
To help guide and inspire entries, Brights highlights three key themes that reflect the heart of the movement: DIY, Home Décor and Renovation Projects – recognising women who consistently use their handson skills and creativity to reimagine and improve their spaces
Sustainability, Upcycling and Restoration Efforts – celebrating those who are committed to green practices, breathing new life into old materials and promoting conscious living.
Community and Social Impact Projects –honouring women who are using their DIY talents as a force for good beautifying shared spaces, empowering others, or uplifting their communities in lasting ways
Entries should take the form of a short letter or written submission, sharing the story behind the work.
Entries must be sent to brights@brights co.za by Tuesday 30 September.
Vos urges Capetonians to explore
To kick off Tourism Month this year James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, visited the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, one of Cape Town’s most spectacular vantage points.
The reserve is also home to some of the last remnants of critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, making it a treasure for both visitors and residents, he says.
“I chose Tygerberg for a very special personal reason – it is right in my own backyard in the northern suburbs where I live By starting here, my message to Capetonians is simple, explore your own backyard. Discover what is close to you, support the local businesses and homegrown enterprises in your community and experience the gems that are often right around the corner That is how we keep tourism alive, inclusive, and accessible, while ensuring that the benefits flow through every circle of influence in our city,” says Vos. He says the month is not just about celebrating the
‘backyard’
bocharge our visitor economy Vos says.
This framework, he explains, is the result of extensive research and consultation and will serve as our roadmap to grow both visitor volumes and value
“This Tourism Month, I will visit a range of exciting and affordable attractions across the metro, including free and affordable activities listed on Cape Town’s website (www CapeTown.Travel) to show that you do not need to break the bank to enjoy our city,” Vos says.
Get a view of Cape Town and Table Mountain from one of the iconic landmarks frames at Tygerberg Nature Reserve James Vos, Mayco member for
Lwanda Sindaphi in Purpose
PHOTO: XOLANI TULUMANI
‘Bishops’ raises R930k for Vusa
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The energy at Diocesan College (“Bishops”) in Rondebosch was electric this past weekend, with hundreds of cyclists coming together for the 24-Hour Cycle Challenge, raising more than R930 000 for the Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa.
Now in its fifth year, the event has grown into Cape Town’s biggest stationary cycling fundraiser, bringing together schools, corporates, families and even DHL Stormers players.
From Saturday morning, 6 September, right through the early hours of Sunday the 7th participants kept the wheels turning non-stop in support of Vusa’s work with more than 1400 children
The academy, founded more than 20 years ago by Bishops Prep teacher Brendan Fogarty, provides after-school education, tutoring, nutrition, structured sport, arts and mentoring to children in Langa The aim is to create safe spaces for learners to grow and thrive.
“Every child deserves a safe space, hot meal and the chance to shine,” said Nikki Matthews, Chief Operations Officer of Vusa. “Through English, maths, coding, sport, art and music Vusa helps children reach their potential. The Cycle Challenge makes this possible
“As a participant I experienced first-hand the camaraderie and determination that fuelled the event. Parents cheered their children on, corporate teams competed in friendly rivalry and pupils showed grit as they pedalled into the night. The sense of gees never wavered, even as the hours stretched past midnight.”
Greg Brown, head of Bishops Pre-Prep, said the ride captures the heart of the school.
“Riding alongside the community reflects the heart of Bishops and what we can achieve together.”
One of the youngest riders, 11-year-old
William Hatt, cycled for an astonishing five hours.
With Investec once again as title sponsor, joined by Checkers, Virgin Active, Technogym and countless community donors via BackaBuddy, the event has raised more than R3 million in five years.
Jerome Passmore, Western Cape Regional Head for Investec Private Bank, said
their involvement goes beyond just sponsorship. “This is more than a fundraising event; it’s a chance to stand alongside Vusa in creating safe spaces, opening access to quality education and giving young people in Langa the opportunities they deserve.”
Funds raised this year will support the expansion of Vusa’s literacy programme, upgrades to its feeding centre and the
launch of a community-run deli aimed at creating both income and skills opportunities in Langa
What began as a school initiative has grown into a city-wide movement of support for township education and empowerment. With the wheels of the 24-Hour Cycle Challenge still spinning strong it still changes lives beyond the Bishops campus
The cycling challenge raised just under R1 million for the youth PHOTO: SUPPLIED
