emakhaya
fundi banekamva eliqhakazileyo Abazali mabaqeqeshe abantwana babo, ootitshala babanike izixhobo zekamva elihle. Ukuba abazali ababaqeqeshi abantwana babo ingxaki ejongene namaziko ezemfundo asoze inyamalale, endaweni yoko sizakuthi gqolo siphulukana nemiphefumlo kwimida yala maziko. Maxa wambi unyana ukhe afike ekhalaza ngendlela abanye boogxa bakhe abaziphethe ngayo esikolweni, nendlela abathetha ngayo nabafundisintsapho. Elam linye kunye, wena uyele uyokufunda esikolweni, andifuni kubizwa esikolweni ngelithi wenze into egwenxa, kwaye ukuba kukho umntu ongaziphethanga kakuhle ziqelelanise naye. Lento ndiyithetha kubo bonke abantwana bam Ukuza kuthi ga ngoku azange nakanye ndabizelwa esikolweni ngomntwana ongaziphethanga ngendlela Ndiyibeka icace kubo bonke ukuba asoze ndithalalise mhla ndabizwa kusithiwa umntu wonile. Iyandibhida into yokuba yenzeka njani ukuba umzali abizwe esikolweni ngesimo somntwana wakhe angayi kusabela. Le yingxaki ezinye zezikolo ezijongene nayo, kwaye ukuba le meko isathe gqolo isenzeka kuse kude engqinibeni. Asoze kubekho sisombululo kule meko nokuba kungathathwa awaphi amanyathelo ngabasemagunyeni Ingxaki yezikolo iqala emakhaya nasekuhlaleni.
ionsaboutmen
bility are relentless. In a country where the youth unemployment rate hovers at 62% among those aged 15–24, many young men carry a crushing sense of failure before they’ve had a fair chance to begin Others bottle up the pain of trauma, poverty, or unprocessed grief, only to express it later through anger, violence, or self-destruction. Because they are rarely taught the language of emotional literacy We see the consequences not only in suicide statistics, but also in spirals of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and fractured families - these are not excuses but realities unspoken When men are wounded and given no tools to heal, that pain does not stay contained; it ripples outward, hurting everyone And so I return to the men in my life. I see you I see the cost of carrying everything, of being expected to never fall. I see the tears you never let fall in front of us. I see the battles you fight in the quiet of your mind, the dreams you put aside to be what the world told you a “real man” must be It is time we build a society where men can be fully human, where they are not defined by how much they earn or how well they perform, but by how deeply they feel, connect, heal, and grow. We need homes, churches, schools, and workplaces where emotional honesty is normalised. Where fathers are not just expected to provide, but are supported when they need to be held too This month is not only a time to remember the pain so many men carry, it is also a time to change the culture that keeps them silent. Conversations about gender must include them. When we speak of gender-based violence, mental illness, poverty, or trauma, we must recognise that men are not just perpetrators or providers. They are people They are participants in the human experience. They matter. We cannot have true gender equity if it favours one gender while forgetting the other. Empowering women does not require the neglect of men. In fact, healing men is part of healing families, communities, and generations To the men we know and love you are not alone You are allowed to be vulnerable. You are allowed to be unsure You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to speak. And more than anything, you are allowed to heal. To my gal pals - mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, friends, let us not wait until tragedy forces us to pay attention Let us build a culture of care now. Let us open our hearts and homes
Let us be the first to listen without judgment, to soften the space, to honour the humanity of the men who have always tried to carry us.
Activists praised for their work
UNATHIOBOSE
In an attempt to motivate and encourage activism Subcouncil 13 at Fezeka Municipal office in Gugulethu held an Subcouncil Excellence Awards to honour the best community activists for their contribution to society.
The ceremony was held at Gugulethu Civil Hall at NY50 on Wednesday 18 June.
A total of 18 people from different wards within the subcouncil were acknowledged
during the ceremony.
Subcouncil 13 chair Daliwonga Badela described the occasion as an annual event. He said the purpose was to award and motivate those with positive influence in society
“In our Subcouncil 13 we have eight wards. And in each ward, we nominated the top three people or organisations who have excelled to be acknowledged for their role in our communities. We also want to motivate others to do more on whatever
they are doing,” he explained.
Badela said their areas were regarded as danger zones He cited crime and unemployment as some of the challenges
“We want to change the narrative that people have about our areas We want them to see that even in these areas there are good people that are dedicated their lives trying to change the communities,” said Badela.
Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe, who was
S
is among the recipients, said the recognition meant a lot to him. He expressed his gratitude to the Subcouncil 13 for the great initiative
“It is good to see that there are people in higher positions who recognise our work. Some of us do what we do because of passion We do not expect any payment or recognition. But when you see people who appreciate and value what you do, it really touches you I didn’t expect it. I can’t even explain how I feel,” explained Qwebe.
Sanco leader gunned down
UNATHIOBOSE
Makhaza officers are investigating a murder case following the killing of a 48-year-old male in Makhaza on Monday 23 June.
Myolisi Magibisela, who was a leader of the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) in Khayelitsha, was shot dead in his house at Hlanga Street in Makhaza.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said according to reports gunshots were heard and when community members looked out, they saw a white VW Jetta speeding away and found the deceased shot several times.
“They immediately informed the officers who attended the crime scene The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
“The motive for this shooting incident forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested,” said Van Wyk.
Sanco Peninsula Region secretary Melikhaya Gadeni said in a statement they are saddened by the death of the beloved
Lisukakwikhasilokuqala
“Ukanti ke kukwafuna umntu ochubekileyo. Xa kuthethwa nala makrwala kuthethwa nabantu abalindeleke ukuba bavuse amakhaya abo. Awukwazi ukuyala inkwenkwe uthi ize yakhe ikhaya layo ube wena ungenamzi. Awukwazi ukuthi mababenentsebenzo ube ungasebenzi wena kuqala,” uthethe watsho uZikhali. Woleke ngelithi xa uyindoda kulindeleke ukuba nengqondo itshintshe.
Uqhubeke ngelithi impilo yalamakrwala isezandleni zawo, watsho wayigxininisa into yokuba inkoliso yawo awanabazali
Omnye wabazali uMthetheleli Mpoyiya waseGugulethu ebengawuvali umlomo, watsho esithi indima edlalwe ngumbutho Isibane inkulu kakhulu. “Ngumtshana wam lo woluke apha, udadewethu wasweleka ngo2015. Ebengenamntu wokumolusa ngoba nam andiphangeli “Kodwa namhlanje ndiyavuya ngoba naye uyindoda. Noba ndingasweleka kusasa ndakulala ndixolile ngoba ndimshiye umntana kadadewethu eyindoda,” uthethe watsho.
Uceba kaWadi 38 nobeyinxalenye yalo msitho uSuzanne Zumana uchaze lo msebenzi nanje ngesiqalo sendlela entsha kula-
convenor of the Khayelitsha Zone.
He said Magibisela was brutally shot and killed in his home.
“Our deepest condolences extend to Magibisela’s family, friends, and comrades who worked closely with him.
“We cannot begin to fathom the pain they are experiencing, and we keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time We wish them strength and comfort as they navigate this immense loss,” said Gadeni
He stated Magibisela’s death marks the second brutal killing of a Sanco leader in a short period. (“Prominent Sanco exco member fatally shot”, City Vision, 3 April).
“We must not accept this as a norm We demand that law enforcement officials take immediate and decisive action to address the violence and ensure that justice prevails.
“We also call upon the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, to take these matters seriously, deploy more resources and work diligently with communities to end the cycle of gun violence that has become all too common in our communities,” he appealed
Iqela lamadoda elizimase umgidi wamakhwenkwe ali 11 nobubanjelwe kwiholo loluntu iKTC: UMFANEKISO:UNATHIOBOSE
makrwala.
Uchaze ukwaluka nanje ngesiko elihlonitshwayo nelibalulekileyo kakhulu kwaNtu
“Siyakholelwa ukuba umntu xa olukile ingqondo nezenzo zakhe ziyatshintsha ngoba uzelwe ngokutsha.
“Ngoku silindele ukubona abantu abazakusebenzela amakhaya abo.
“Abanye babo bashiywa ngabazali abasenawo nalo makhaya, ngoku luxanduva lwabo ukuba bazeke mzekweni bavuse lo makhaya ngoba bangamadoda,” uthethe watsho uZumana.
Uye wabongoza abahlali ukuba bawaxhase amaphulo akumila kunje, ngelithi aphuhlisa uluntu.
Shotsclaimtwopeopleintwodays
UNATHIOBOSE
A Samora Machel Community Policing Forum (CPF) leader declared that a lot needs to be done to fight against crime in the area following two separate shooting incidents that occurred in the area in a space of two days.
Samora Machel CPF spokesperson Xolani Joja said shootings are becoming a norm in the area as the people are killed daily
Joja said this after a young man was shot and killed near Yonela Spaza Shop at Oliver Tambo Drive on Sunday 22.
In a similar incident, a man suspected to be a taxi driver was shot dead at the Corner Pocket area on Monday 23 June.
“We are really saddened by these incidents. As CPF members, our hearts are with the deceased families during the bereavement moment. We are appealing to all the law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned,” said Joja
He urged all the relevant community stakeholders to have a special meeting to look at this
matter.
Joja requested anyone with information to come forward.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC Van Wyk said the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Monday at about 05:10 in Oliver Tambo Street, Samora Machel, are under investigation.
He said Samora Machel officers registered a murder case for investigation.
“According to reports, the officers attended to the complaint of
a shooting incident and on their arrival of the crime scene at the mentioned address they saw a white Quantum taxi and found the body of the 40 year old male laying on the pavement next to the driver side of the vehicle He had multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body,” said Van Wyk. He said the victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel Van Wyk said the motive for the shooting forms part of the investigation He said the suspect/s are yet to be arrested.
Forensic and police vans on the scene during the incident PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Samora Machel residents including children were left stunned when an unknown man was gunned down at Oliver Tambo Drive opposite Yonela Spaza Shop on Sunday 22 June PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Samora patient’s patience urged
UNATHIOBOSE
ASamora Machel leader is pleased with the progress of the construction of a local clinic, citing that everything is going as planned.
Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka described the new clinic as a breath of fresh air.
He urged the community to be patient as the clinic will be completed in 2028. (“Samora clinic build is underway”, City Vision, 27 February).
“The construction of the clinic is long overdue. Its completion will change the perception that people have about the area and elevate its standard.
“I understand the community is in a hur-
ry. They want to see their clinic operating so they can stop going to other areas,” said Somdaka.
He stated that the residents either go to Mzamomhle Clinic in Philippi or Hanover Park Day Clinic in Hanover Park for medical checkups.
Somdaka added that the new health facility will alleviate the burden when residents have to visit the doctors.
“Going to the clinic is a burden on its own because some of them have to hire transport or must have transport fare, which cause some of them not go to the clinic because they don’t have money. This impacts on their treatment because if they do not go to the clinic to fetch the treatment it means they will default on it,” ex-
LwandleTechnicalSchool constructionisalmostthere
UNATHIOBOSE
The construction of Lwandle Technical High School is nearing completion as the facility is expected to be open early next year. Most of the classrooms and offices are nearly complete.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso stated everything is proceeding smoothly according to plan. He mentioned the school was built at the right time as some of the learners in the area struggled to access schools in the previous years. He noted that the population in Lwandle
is increasing annually due to people moving from the neighbouring communities and other provinces.
“We want every child in Lwandle to go to school This is a special school. It is designed for specific children Not all the children excel in academics. So, we aim to empower those who face challenges by providing them with skills,” said Diniso He described the school as one of the top schools in the area and said it would prioritise children from Lwandle. “Even the teachers who will be hired here will be the best teachers.”
plained Somdaka
Samantha Lee-Jacobs, communications officer: Klipfontein Mitchells Plain substructure, said the facility would open in the later part of next year. He said it would run only on weekdays.
“The project has been met with some contextual challenges including high levels of crime and unemployment in the community.
“However, strong community involvement and ownership of the project, along with the close proximity to the Samora Machel Police station has been an advantage in mitigating impact on the project.
The project has also benefitted the community through job creation for locals,” she said.
Samora Machel clinic is under construction PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Some of the classrooms are almost done PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Construction workers are in the race against the clock to complete the work
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso in one of the classrooms PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Renewed efforts to end extortion
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Establishing ways to fight the scourge of extortion, which is fast becoming the new currency of control, crippling communities through fear and financial ruin, topped the agenda at a Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit held recently.
Convened by the Western Cape Government the summit, held in Century City on Tuesday 17 June, aimed to assess the impact of extortion on the province’s economy as well as identify gaps in how law-enforcement authorities are addressing it. Stakeholders attending the discussion included officials from several provincial government departments, the City of Cape Town, South African Police Service, representatives of the business community and civil society.
In a press statement Premier Alan Winde highlighted that late last year about R400 million in infrastructure projects in the province were halted due to extortion “This is intolerable,” he declared “Wemustrecommittoworkingclosertogether to hit back at these criminals. One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the police in our province – with crime intelligence significantly bolstered - and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).”
Winde said in recent years extortion has evolved from isolated incidents into an organised systemic pattern of criminality He added that construction sites were among the main targets of “extortion mafias” with the public-transport sector and hospitality industry also under attack.
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safe-
ty, said extortion posed a direct threat to livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development and public services.
“It undermines the rule of law, instils fear in communities and leaves many of our residents despondent.
“When gangs and syndicates impose ‘protection fees’ on residents, business owners and contractors they are not just stealing money but opportunities that hamper our collective job-creation efforts.”
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger collaborative approach, integrating law enforcement, community organisations and businesses to dismantle extortion networks.
Marais said provincial government remained steadfast in its commitment to eradicate extortion. “The valuable contributions made during the summit will feed directly into our collective strategic interventions to follow.”
Col André Traut, provincial commander, said to ensure a focused and coordinated response to extortion police have established two key enforcement units.
These include a provincial extortion task team, comprising provincial detectives specialising in investigating extortion-related crimes.
“This unit’s primary role is to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance and build strong cases for prosecution, and they are hard at work with their task.” The second unit is an Integrated Extortion Team: Comprising police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other key role-players.
“This team meets to devise strategic interventions, share intelligence and execute joint operations to tackle criminal syndicates,” explained Traut.
He added that to secure convictions po-
lice have boosted their collaboration with the NPA, which led to the Director of Public Prosecutions assigning a dedicated State Advocate to provide police with legal guidance during investigations
According to Traut, police have bolstered visibility in crime hotspots, such as business districts, transportation hubs and schools.
Traut said in the 2024-’25 financial year 115 suspects involved in extortion were arrested. “Continued investigations are expected to lead to further arrests that will result in a dent in organised crime.”
He added that some schools in hotspot areas have also been targeted by extortionists and several safety measures have been put in place.
EPWP JOBSEEKERS
These include police escorts for learners. “Particularly in areas where criminals have attempted to extort protection money. Community policing initiatives to involve parents, teachers, and local law enforcement in ensuring school safety.” Traut reiterated that public cooperation is crucial in the fight against extortion and encouraged the community to get involved.
He said through robust law enforcement, legal action, and community collaboration, the province is actively working to dismantle extortion networks and restore public confidence in security and justice If you have any information about extortion, report it anonymously via the tollfree hotline: 0800 31 44 44.
All registered jobseekers must update their details every year to stay active on the Jobseeker Database, and qualify for possible EPWP work opportunities.
From 1 November 2025, the Jobseeker Database system will automatically deactivate Jobseekers who have not updated their details within 12 months from the date they first registered, or the latest update
Jobseekers can register / update their details in one of these ways:
Jobseekers must provide the following for update every year:
Community leader praises ruling
UNATHIOBOSE
AMfuleni community leader has applauded the sentencing of serial rapist Lungile Buhlungu to six life sentences in jail and 50 years’ direct imprisonment.
He was sentenced in the Cape Town High Court on Wednesday 18 June for various crimes, including a spate of rapes and robberies between 2014 and 2019 in and around Mfuleni and Delft. He was arrested in 2020 and linked to the rapes through DNA. Af-
ter more than five years the curtain finally came down on the marathon trial last week. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for each rape count, five years for each count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, five years’ imprisonment for each count of kidnapping, 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of a firearm
Community leader Mkhululi Zuke praised the prosecutors for doing a great job. “We are happy with the judgment, hop-
ing the victim’s families will be relieved about the outcome Mfuleni is becoming a Sodom The criminals are doing as they please here. There were times where we felt as if our justice system was failing us because some of the perpetrators were released by the court even though they committed heinous crimes.”
He stated that Buhlungu’s case would send a strong message to other criminals and warned the net was closing in on them.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt Frederick C van Wyk said the investiga-
tion revealed the 40-year-old committed his crimes in July 2014, October 2017 and May 2018, in which six women aged 21 to 31 years were lured by him, robbed and violated. He threatened, robbed and raped them at gunpoint after giving them lifts mainly from taverns
Buhlungu was arrested in November 2020 on several non-related charges, including rape, kidnapping and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. This enabled positive identification with rapes he was accused of committing.
IrateCovidresidentssetalight‘suspect’andhisvehicle
UNATHIOBOSE
Mfuleni police have registered a murder case docket following the discovery of the body of an unknown man on an open field in Covid informal settlement, on Saturday 21 June. Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said the incident occurred at about 09:30.
“Officers attended the crime scene where they found the victim who was burnt lying on his stomach next to a vehicle. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested,” said Twigg.
One of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the community is tired of crime.
He said there were four people in the vehicle and three of them managed to escape unharmed.
He claimed there were many unknown vehicles that drove around the area rob-
bing people of their belongings and demanding money from the Somali-owned shops.
“Covid has changed now A lot of things are happening here, especially crime. We heard about the cars that go around robbing people of their phones. They also demand money from the Somalis shops.
“This morning (Saturday 21 June) the community saw one of the vehicles and stopped it. While they were busy asking them where they came from some of the residents spotted the vehicle citing that it was just robbing them of their phones,” he explained.
He added that the vehicle and the driver were set alight by the community.
The resident highlighted robbery and extortion as some of the most common cases in the community.
“Covid is dangerous. People are robbed of their phones in the daylight. That is why the community takes the law into their own hands,” he said, adding that there is no police visibility.
Enranged Covid shack dwellers set alight the driver together with his vehicle PHOTO: SUPPLIED
‘Lend a paw, please’
As icy winds and heavy rains sweep through Cape Town, pets are also feeling the full force of winter
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive - a simple and heartwarming way to help township animals stay warm and well cared for.
“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at the clinic.
“With this campaign, you can directly support a pet in need by packing a box of essentials to help them through the cold season.”
The clinic sees a surge in patients every winter. From hypothermia cases to injuries caused by reckless driving in wet weather, the challenges increase as the temperatures drop.
“Most township pets live outdoors While many have kennels, there are still too many without adequate shelter Keeping them warm is crucial to their health and
survival,” explains Du Plessis.
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining.
“We've seen a growing number of Khayelitsha residents actively caring for their pets - buying kennels, leads, collars and better food,” says Du Plessis.
“Our clinic and shelter is bursting at the seams, which shows how much more people are prioritising their animals’ well-being. It’s a testament to the impact of our education efforts.”
To take part in the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, pack a box full of essentials and drop it off at one of the allocated drop spots listed on https://mdzananda.co.za/ make-a-donation/
Goods to pack in the box include Hills A/D tinned food (for recovering pets), Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies), food, blankets, hot-water bottles, cat litter, automatic washing powder (for blanket washing), black bags (for cage cleaning), leads, collars and dog jackets.
If you can’t pack a box visit www.mdzananda.co.za
Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public
its annual Wagging
Thievingtriotrippedup intensepolicechase
Metro police officers arrested 75 suspects in the past week - 23 of them for driving under the influence of alcohol – and issued 2 623 notices for traffic and by-law offences.
Sunday afternoon 22 June, just before 15:00, members of the K9 unit arrested three suspects after a pursuit in the Philippi area, according to a City media release
Officers were driving on Varkensvlei Road when they spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in Mitchells Plain.
They made a U-turn and gave chase after the driver, who, instead of stopping when prompted, sped off, drove erratically causing danger to other road users
The suspects drove past the Siqalo Informal Settlement, onto Jakes Gerwel Drive and then towards Govan Mbeki
During this time, they pointed a firearm at the officers, who then opened fire in return. The vehicle then came to a standstill on Old Lansdowne Road and the chase continued on foot. The officers managed to apprehend all three suspects, aged 33, 41 and 45. They also recovered two 9mm pistols sans serial numbers, a number of blank and live rounds of ammunition, and an imitation firearm.
While on the scene, two complainants positively identified the suspects as having robbed them of their belongings earlier in the day.
“These suspects were incredibly brazen in their actions, but our officers had the last word. Only one of the two complainants filed criminal charges, which is a pity.
“While the reluctance is understandable, these suspects will face fewer charges and likely shorter jail terms if convicted, says Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
Sunday 22 June
“So far in this financial year, we’ve also seen an increase in the number of stolen vehicles recovered by our metro police department.
“In this case, the vehicle was recovered just hours after the alert was issued.
“I want to appeal to motorists to report incidents of stolen vehicles as soon as possible, to improve the chances of recovery and prevent even more criminal acts,” Smith says.
The
to lend a paw by joining
Winter Shoebox drive
The vehicle recovered by metro police in Philippi on
George to light up stage
Participants taking part in this year’s Blisters for Bread Charity Family
Fun Walk will not only be doing it for a worthy cause, but they can also look forward to exciting post-walk live performances.
The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is thrilled to announce that acclaimed entertainer Mujahid George will light up the stage at this year’s event taking place on Sunday 31 August, at the Green Point Common Sports Ground
This well-loved annual fundraising event, now in its 57th year, continues to inspire thousands of Capetonians to walk for a purpose, raising funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province.
Starting on Stephan Way in Green Point, participants can choose between a 10 km walk (starting at 07:30) and a 5 km walk (starting at 08:00) along the scenic Sea Point Promenade
George, who has shared the stage with the likes of Celine Dion, Tevin Campbell, George Benson and All-4-One, is a prolific performer and producer known for using his platform to spotlight organisations such as Gift of the Givers and The Children’s Hospital Trust and now the PSFA.
“As an ambassador my role is to bring awareness to the brands that make impactful differences and create a sense of dignity to human beings around the world ” George’s involvement is not only a show of support for PSFA’s mission, but a celebration of unity, compassion and Cape Town’s vibrant spirit.
Joining him on stage is the sensational Natasha van der Merwe, celebrated singer, actress and TV personality, best known for her role as Suzie Naudé in Suidooster With her electrifying presence and extensive musical theatre experience, Van der
Merwe promises to bring magic to the day.
Beyond the entertainment, the event will feature delicious food stalls, family-friendly activities, and complimentary refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.
All walkers will also receive a commemorative medal for their participation.
“Blisters for Bread is more than just an event – it’s a heartfelt movement,” said Petrina Pakoe, Director of PSFA
“Every rand raised and every kilometre walked helps us ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach.
“We invite everyone – young and old – to walk with purpose and be part of this extraordinary cause.”
Entries are now open, with a R100 entry fee, which will feed a child both breakfast and lunch for a day.
Official event T-shirts are available at R150. Only online entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers.
Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August.
To register or learn more visit www psfa. org.za For enquiries, contact Top Events at info@topevents co.za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210.
Mujahid George will be the headline performer at this year’s Blisters for Bread
Hospital staff feel helpless, tired
Acommentary piece in the South African Journal of Science by Prof Jacqueline Hoare of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has ignited urgent national debate around the emotional toll of South Africa’s public healthcare crisis and the leadership response it demands.
Hoare, head of the Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT, argues that “emotional leadership” is no longer optional but a critical tool to support healthcare workers facing burnout, moral distress and deteriorating working conditions amid national budget cuts.
“Emotional leadership is not a luxury. It is a necessity,” Hoare writes.
Her call comes as South Africa’s healthcare system battles severe financial strain following the 2024-’25 budget cuts, the withdrawal of funding from international partners such as USAID, PEPFAR and the NIH, and an ever-increasing disease burden. The result: fewer staff, diminished research capacity, fewer training opportunities and worsening mental health among professionals in already under-resourced facilities.
A 2023 survey by the Medical Protection Society found that 35% of healthcare workers reported feeling worse now than during the Covid-19 pandemic Staff shortages were cited by 59% of respondents as a key stressor and nearly 40% said burnout is directly affecting patient safety
Hoare’s commentary focuses particularly on moral distress, the emotional and ethical injury health professionals suffer when they are unable to act in patients’ best interests due to systemic constraints. Delayed surgeries, collapsed infrastructure and suspended health science projects leave workers feeling helpless, disillusioned and depleted, she explains
“This is not the way medicine is meant to be practiced, with clinicians detached, isolated and drained. We’re not just losing energy, but our sense of purpose,” she writes.
Hoare defines emotional leadership as the capacity to lead with empathy, humility and clear communication, fostering safe, supportive team environments It is built on four key competencies: self-awareness, empathy, social skills and relationship management.
While acknowledging that emotional leadership will not fix broken systems, she argues that it can help shift workplace culture and retain staff who might otherwise leave the profession
Research cited in the article suggests that emotionally intelligent leadership leads to reduced bullying, stronger team performance and better outcomes for patients. It also helps to restore joy and meaning in medicine, particularly among students and young professionals entering the field during a time of deep uncertainty
Hoare urges institutions to formally recognise emotional labour as a leadership skill, to integrate emotional intelligence into medical training, and to create psychologically safe environments where speaking up and seeking help is encouraged
“We can’t keep relying on a few heroic individuals while the system erodes beneath them,” she writes
“Caring for the carers must be a core institutional value.”
She concludes with a call to leaders in health and academia to embrace emotional leadership not merely as a soft skill, but as an ethical and strategic priority.
“Making medicine about people, both patients and providers, begins with how we lead,” Hoare writes. “It starts with one conversation, one colleague, and one moment of empathy at a time.”
Getyourprostatetestednow
With the curtain coming down on Men’s Health Month, men are urged to prioritise prostate cancer screening.
Dr Hannes Brummer, Urologist at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, says prostate cancer is a major risk to men’s health, with South African men facing a one in eight chance of developing this most common of male cancers.
Fellow Urologist Dr Johan Coetzee adds that men usually do not feel any symptoms until prostate cancer has progressed significantly
“Which is why they need to be proactive about booking their routine prostate cancer screenings. With the advanced prostate specific antigen [PSA] screening blood test available from GPs these days, there is so much more opportunity for prostate cancer to be detected earlier when it is still at a highly treatable stage.”
Brummer adds that there are various treatment options available. “For men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer following a needle biopsy, the treatment options available have improved to such an extent that there is more hope than ever before. Even where surgery is needed, prostate cancer does not necessarily pose a significant disruption to your life,” he says
Over 1 000 robotic assisted procedures have been performed at the hospital since the introduction of this technology in August 2017.
This is done with the use the da Vinci X robotic assisted surgical system to operate through tiny punctures in the skin using slender instruments more dexterous than the human hand
Brummer says: “A prostate cancer diagnosis can be daunting We have walked this path with so many men, and robotic assisted surgery offers some important advantages for the removal of cancerous tissue in the prostate gland, in particular the precision of this minimally invasive option.”
Coetzee emphasises that the surgeon remains in control of the robotic system at all times. With magnified 3D imaging capabilities, including a large fixed-focus area at the highest resolution, the nerves, blood
Urologists Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee encourage men to go for regular health screenings PHOTO: SUPPLIED
vessels and tumour are visible with great clarity for the intricate procedure.
“This robotic system is especially useful for operating on the prostate, as we can more clearly distinguish the nerves controlling erectile function and urinary continence In most cases, there is less need for blood transfusion and reduced risk of complications,” explained Brummer Another advantage of this robotic technology for prostate tumours is that there is much less tissue damage in this sensitive area
Brummer says compared with traditional surgery, this means men usually experience much less downtime with less discomfort after the procedure This translates into shorter hospital stays and faster recovery with robotic assisted prostatectomies overall.
“This Men’s Health Month, let’s pledge to be decisive about booking those routine health checks Making the time now and every year could help to save your life in future,” Coetzee concludes
Healthcare workers are under severe strain due to reduced resources PHOTO: PEXELS
Young musicians shine at concert
Artscape’s Youth Jazz Series reached a spectacular high point with the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert on Friday 13
June at the Artscape Theatre, featuring 14 outstanding young musicians aged 15 to 23
The concert showcased eight original compositions, the result of a month-long mentorship programme that empowers young jazz artists and honours the legacy of the 1976 youth uprising
The initiative, which began in 2003, is one of Artscape’s flagship programmes and has grown into a vital platform for emerging musicians from diverse backgrounds
This year’s concert marked a significant tribute to both the youth of 1976 and the memory of struggle photographer Rashid Lombard and renowned jazz guitarist Alvin Dyers, both of whom were instrumental in shaping South Africa’s jazz and cultural landscape “Youth Day is more than just a slogan for us at Artscape and our partners,” said Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape “We work all year to ensure young people are mentored, seen, and supported, not just for performance but for personal and community transformation ”
Just 14 soloists were chosen by a panel of top South African jazz mentors These mentors guided the soloists through composi-
tion, collaborative songwriting and jazz repertoire workshops leading up to the concert
The soloists included vocalists, guitarists, bass guitarists, drummers, tenor saxophonists, trombonists and trumpeters
Under the leadership of Prof Nicki Tiffin, AYJ director since 2017, the young musicians delivered a moving and technically impressive performance “The programme provides the participants with an insider’s experience of a professional production,” said Tiffin
“It has become a launchpad for many young artists who go on to become performers, recording artists, and educators ”
The soloists performed work from iconic South African jazz artists such as Sibongile Khumalo, Alvin Dyers, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva and Chadleigh Gowar The concert highlighted the depth of talent and professionalism nurtured within the programme Made possible through support from the Western Cape Education Department, the Artscape Youth Jazz Series is not only a developmental opportunity but also a powerful act of remembrance and resistance
“We owe it to the youth of 1976 who died for a cause, that we continue to transfer skills to today’s youth,” said Le Roux
IlTrovatoreonenightinCityHall
Opera has often been blamed of gatekeeping, and not without reason. For too long, the art form has suffered under the weight of its own perceived exclusivity.
But that’s changing – not just globally, but right here in South Africa. Institutions like Opera UCT are dismantling that myth by making opera accessible, relevant and proudly rooted in the African experience. And performances like their upcoming concert staging of Il Trovatore taking place today (26 June) at Cape Town City Hall, show that opera doesn’t need fancy costumes or sets to be powerful When the music is honest, the setting becomes secondary.
There’s a reason opera has lasted over 400 years. It speaks to something universal in us – a need to feel, to connect, to reckon with beauty and pain in a single breath. And far from being the relic some imagine it to be, opera today is not only surviving –it’s quietly staging one of the most remarkable cultural comebacks of our time
Younger audiences across the globe are rediscovering opera – not because it’s trendy, but because it’s timeless It has something the world is desperately short on: emotional honesty.
Though opera is often associated with chandeliers, gowns and imported European elitism, its roots are deeply populist. The earliest operas, especially those of Verdi and Puccini, were the Netflix and tele novellas of their time – wildly emotional, thrilling, unapologetically dramatic
They were made for working people, sung in the street, staged in makeshift theatres, telling stories of injustice, love, war, be-
Bollywood meets the bard in magical dance production
Taare, Cape Town’s renowned Bollywood dance troupe, brings Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to life with a vibrant twist in their latest production, Kismet This bold adaptation fuses classical storytelling with the colourful energy of Bollywood, promising an unforgettable experience Kismet will run at the Artscape Opera House on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, with performances at 19:00 and 16:00, respectively.
Now in its 13th year, Taare is celebrated for its original productions such as Bollywood Enchanted, Anjali in Wonderland, and The Bollywood Bazaar Kismet, its 11th production, is set to be its most extravagant yet, supported by Artscape and featuring a cast of Taare dancers alongside
exceptional guest performers
Audiences can expect expressive storytelling, dynamic choreography, and a soundtrack filled with beloved Bollywood hits. “Kismet blends the emotional depth of Shakespeare’s story with the rhythmic soul of Bollywood,” said artistic director Ahneesh Valodia “We wanted to create something that feels both familiar and new, something audiences will carry with them for years to come.”
Reflecting on themes of love, fate and division, Kismet stays true to the heart of Romeo and Juliet while celebrating the vibrancy and spirit of Indian dance culture No children under five are allowed. Tickets range from R190 to R250 and are available at Webtickets.
trayal and redemption.
Opera was never designed to be a luxury
It was always meant to be an experience – total immersion in voice, music, and human feeling.
That remains true today.
No algorithm can replicate the feeling of sitting in a room with a living, breathing voice trained to move your soul without a microphone.
In a world of scrolling and skipping, opera forces you to pause, witness, and feel – deeply and without distraction.
Seeing a South African singer like Nontobeko Bhengu, just awarded a Fleur du Cap and soon heading to the Bavarian State Opera, perform on home soil is a cultural moment.
Hearing Mkhanyiseli Dyantyi, bound for the National Opera Studio in London, bring Verdi’s Il Trovatore to life at Cape Town City Hall is not only powerful – it’s historic.
Opera is often in a foreign language. But heartbreak is universal. So is desire. So is the sound of someone putting everything they have into a single note
To say that opera is “coming back” suggests it went somewhere. But it’s always been here – quietly waiting for us to listen again.
In this age of curated perfection and attention fatigue, opera reminds us what it means to feel – raw, unfiltered, and unashamed. It asks us to sit still and be moved To be human.
Tickets for the one night only concert performance of Il Trovatore are on Webtickets and start at R175 per person.
Franco von Wielligh (saxophone), Zakhiel Davids (trumpet) Aviwe Macutwana (trombone) with vocalists Andrea Martinez, Caleb Meyer and Sarah Pengilly PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Il Trovatore will take place at Cape Town City Hall
Kismet is Taare’s dance adaptation of Romeo and Juliet PHOTO: BIPIN PRAG
Help St Joseph’s reach their goal
BRENDENRUITER
He is not just speaking to the media about fires, but Jermaine Carelse’s fire also burns for those who cannot fend for themselves.
Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services, and his friend Regan Bagley will tackle the Wines2Wales cycling race to raise funds for St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care, an organisation that cares for sick children that can’t yet go home.
According to him, “It was one of the easiest decisions I ever made We first went to St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care about a year and a half ago The place really captures your heart, and you have to put on a brave face to keep the tears away. The professional staff, the patients, the general workers, each one plays a vital role in the management of the facility. As an NPO (non-profit organisation) they are solely reliant on donor funding, and if you see the services they provide you will be gobsmacked, because it is world class.
“Regan and I took part in our first endurance race about three weeks ago in ElginGravDuro - and what an experience it was. From those steep punchy hills, steep and treacherous decent, and getting lost, it all just strengthened our beliefs in taking on W2W from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November,” he said.
The duo recently took on the advanced route in Lourensford. “W2W is a three-day stage race, and we have about five months to get into top condition. This year, it starts off in Hermanus and ends in Lourensford. The idea is to have some of the kids from St Joseph’s at the finish line,” says Carelse. Their target is to raise R25 000. “Hopefully the public will get onboard. They, the public, have until the afternoon of 9 November
to donate - that’s when we will cross the finish line in Lourensford All that the public has to do is get onto their website and navigate to the donations. It’s set up for
most countries - the flag is the indication of which country you are in to facilitate the donations easier. This is such a worthy cause - and we are honoured to represent
each and every one at St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care,” says Carelse To support Carelse and Bagley or to make a donation visit www.giveandgain.com
Jermaine Carelse en Regan Bagley practise for the Wines2Wales race where they will try to raise R25 000
Michal Hofmeyer of False Bay braces himself for an awkward landing as he is turned upside down in a tackle by Anges Green of Tygerberg Rugby Football Club during
league match played
