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National team players represent thecountry
THULANI MAGAZI
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Desiree Ellis remains oneofthe most influential and recognised former Banyana Banyana players. During herplaying days she wore the Banyana jersey with pride andmustsurely have inspireda lotofyoung soccer players,both male andfemale.
Sheled and captainedthe team with dignity. There have been many other Banyana captains, but she arguably remains the mostrevered of them all, in the same league as the likes of Lucas Radebe who captained Bafana Bafana for several years. Followingher retirement from the game manythought she would forever be gone fromour television screens.
In fact, her departure from the team somehow negativelyinfluenced Banyana's performance. Coaches came andleft, things happened until the departureof VeraPauw in 2016, opening the doors for Ellis.The decisionbythe South African FootballAssociation(Safa)toappoint her
as the teamcoach wasamasterstroke. That move brought the best outofthe team andcontinues to paydividends.She guided the sidetothe first FIFAWomen's World Cup in 2019 and againin2023.
In 2018, she guided theladiestoa second-place finish at the Women's African Cup of Nations. Under her leadership,the teamhas been on an upward trajectory They are probablyone of themostwatched national teams in South Africabased on their performanceonthe field andtheir general conduct.
Foramember of this teamtocriticise South Africans forspeaking outagainst their loss to Tanzania is ratherdisturbing Bambanani Mbane (36) is asenior member of this current crop of playersand should knowbetter, or ask thosewho came before her.
Janine vanWyk playednearly200 games forBanyanaand remained atrueprofessionaluntil she retired from the sport. There have been many Banyanaplayers before Mbane, but noneeverdisplayedthis kind of behaviour. Her utterances were rather unfortunate andchildish, to saythe least. Those utterances arecertainly nota reflection on the rest of the team. Theteam is made up of many womenofintegrity, women who understand what it meansto wearthe Banyanajersey.
Just like the Springboks, BafanaBafana or anyother national team, those whodon ournational colours do so with pride. They arealso equally aware of the pressurethat comes with wearing these colours.South Africans arevery enthusiasticand want nothing else but victoryfromtheir teams It does notmatter whether you playfor Banyana,Bafana,Springboks,Proteas (cricket), SPARProteas (netball), Mamelodi Sundowns, OrlandoPirates, Stormers,
CobrasorTornados, South Africanswant to seevictory. We do notwanttowatch losers. This is nota personal attack on individualsorplayers, buta collective frustration from the supporters. Anyonewho plays sportshould knowthatthe moment theyweartheir kit the pressureisonand theywillbewatchedbymillions of ruthless South Africans. When ateamloses, playersmustunderstand thatitispartof the game andsadly theywillbecriticised for the loss. Mbane's behaviourand language in thatinfamousrecording arecompletely unacceptable.She is anational assetand cannot vent for overaminute and accuse all South Africansofnot supporting the teamand insult ourintelligence. There aremanySouth Africanswho sacrifice their time to support ournational teams, especially when theydowell. Banyana Banyana hasalot of support andthishas grown overthe years, especially afterthey won the Women's African CupofNations in 2022. Support for the teamwillalways be there buttheymustalsodeliveronthe field of play. We knowwhathappened to the Springboks beforeRassie Erasmus tookoverfromAllister Coetzee in 2018. We alsoknowwhathappened to Bafana BafanabeforeHugoBroostookoverfrom MolefiNtsekiin2021. Thesame would happentoBanyana if theydonot deliver.Mbane never spoke outwhenBafana were riduled andlabelledasworse than Banyana.She cannot nowtelluswhatto sayand what nottosay. Players come and go;these teams will always be there and opinionswillalways be shared about their performance. Mbane canhangupher boots if shecannottake criticism.Wecannotsettle for mediocrity. Herapologydoesnot hold andlacks the bite containedinher initialverbalambushofthe nation
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Heritage Western Cape (HWC) has confirmed the declarationofthe historic buildings of thenow-defunct Athlone PowerStation(APS) as aProvincialHeritage Site, following anominationbyDocomomo,an internationalorganisation dedicated to the conservation of modern architecture. After athoroughpublic-participation process,including extensive engagement with theCity of Cape Town, the HWCCouncil resolved to declare the historic buildings andtheir immediate surroundings aprotected site.This does not encompass the entirepower-station site, however; its extent is determined in consultation with the
City to balance heritageconservation and future development potential. Commissionedin1962 anddecommissioned in 2003, the APSisrecognisedfor its striking red-facebrick modernistdesign, its now-demolishedchimneys andcooling towers andtechnical significance
DesignedbyarchitectWilliam John Henry Gregory, it is notableasanearly exampleofsustainable industrialdesignin South Africa,particularly for its pioneering use of recycled wastewaterfor cooling. Thefamous coolingtowers were demolished viacontrolled implosionon22August 2010. Following the declaration the City lodged an appealwith the Heritage Appeals Tribunal (Hat), an independent
bodyappointed by the Western CapeMinisterofCultural Affairsand Sport. Hatdismissed the City’s appeal and placed the entire site under provisional protection for two yearsunder Section 29 of the NationalHeritage Resources Act. This allowed time for furthernegotiation betweenthe City andHWC regarding site boundaries anda management plan. HWC said heritageprotection didnot prohibit development of the site,but ensuresitappropriately considers andrespects the heritage value of thehistoricbuildings Adaptivesustainablereuseremainsentirelypossible,and the declaration need notimpede the City’s broader plans for green-energy initiativesonthe site.
Siyintoniisonosabantuababhinqileyokootata?
Kodwasingamadoda singumthwalo noxanduvaekuhlaleni. Andiyazi ukuba siva xakuthwani. Ngelixesha kusekho amadoda asabulala abantu ababhinqileyo. Ithi lonto asoze sitshintshe. Ndibhalandinyembezanaemvakokubandiboneenye yevido kumakhasi ezonxibelelwanongoLwesibini umhlawesine kweyeThupha, nalapho amapolisaebebonakala ebamba indoda etyholwa ngokubulala isinqanda mathe sayo, yaze yasifaka emgqomeni wenkunkuma kwingingqi yakooHeKhayelitsha Kanti isono samabhinqa yintoni emadodeni? Kutheni lento kulula kuthi ukuwabulala? La mandlasinawo kuthenilento singakhe siwasebenzise ekonyuseni umnotho welizwe ukuze siphile ngcono endaweni yokubulala.
Ingaba uye azive njani umntu emva kokuba ebulele? Okanyemakube isazela abasenaso.Ezinye zezinto esizenzayo singamadoda aziginyisi mathe. Kuyabonakalaukubaabanye bethu bayalwa kukho
A journo’s voice
-Unathi Obose -
umoya. Ezo ziyalo azange zihlale okanye zivakale.
Akwabalamapolisaebekhe amnikela koomamalamfana bakhe bathiukuxoxa naye kancinci. Singamadodamakhe siyeke usoloko sasebenzisa amandla kwinto yonke esiyenzayo. Xa waliweokanye uthando luphelile yaleka. Eneneni andiqinisekanga okanye andisazi isizathu sokuba lamfana abulale la ntombazana.Kodwa nokuba bekuyintoni
na bekungafanelekanga ukuba umbulale. Lanto yenziwe ngulamfanasisanyeliso kumadoda onke, ngoba xa kuthethwa kuqukwa wonke umntu oyindoda. Kwaye singamadoda asikwazi ukuliqumainyala elinje koko bekufanele ukuba siphakame singenelele sithihayingegama lethu. Amadoda ke ngabantu aphaabathatha kade nahamba kancinci. Akukho namnye umntu ozokusilandelela esasiganeko, into azakuyenza kukumane bethethaecaleni Asikho isizathu sokuba silibale kukurhuqaiinyawo endaweni yokuba singenelele Okanye kungcono silikhululele elilizwe koomamasikhokhelwe ngabo ngoba kuyabonakala ukuba ukukhokhela kuyasehlula thina madoda Kucacile ukuba singalamadoda afe ethweleumnqwazi.Yintoni le ingaka ayenzayo amabhinqa. Okanye siko lini eli sishota ngalo singamadoda?Makhe sizithande sizifundise ukuphila nabantu
UbomiBethu asourceof hope to thevulnerable
UNATHIOBOSE
Inaneffort to create asafespace for vulnerable people,where their rights wouldbeupheld, respected andactively fostered, Amelia Mfiki from Makhaza, Khayelitsha, has establishedUbomi Bethu
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) alsoaims to empowercommunities who needitthrough advocacy,education, health promotion and socialsupport.
Established in 2019, the NGOhas aparticularfocus on the LGBTQI+community and peopleaffected by HIV/Aids.
Mfiki saidUbomi Bethuworks to create safeand inclusive spaces wherepeople can access information,counselling, support services and opportunities to improve their quality of life.
The aim is to empower individualsand communities by promoting humanrights, improving access to health careand social services, and providing supportthrough education,advocacyand community-developmentinitiatives.
“Ubomi Bethu promotes equality, dignity andhuman rights while addressing stigma, discrimination and social exclusion experienced by many membersof the community. We are working mostlywith youngpeopleand LGBTQI+ community members,” she said.
Mfiki added thatthe organisation works in Khayelitsha and the Klipfonteindistrict. It wasalso operating on azerobudget.
“The last time we were fundedwas in March 2025, and since then Ihavehad to dig intomyown pocket to keep theorgani-
Mfiki said the overarching objective is to create asociety where allpeople,regardless of their sexual orientation,gender identity or HIVstatus canlivewith dignity, equality andwith equal access to opportunities andessential services.
“We focus mainlyoneducating people about HIV/Aids prevention, testingand treatment support
“We also support LGBTQI+rights through advocacy andawareness,promote gender equality,preventionofgender-basedviolence (GBV), healtheducation andconduct community outreach, providepsychosocial support and referralstorelevant services, skills development and empowerment initiatives, andcommunity mobilisation and awareness campaigns on humanrights andsocial justice.”
Mfiki said often accomplishing much of this involves forming partnerships with healthfacilities, othercommunity-based organisations as well as government stakeholders. In this wayUbomi Bethu contributes to improving access to health care, reducing HIV-related stigma, promoting human rights andstrengtheningcommunity resilience.
Its programmes encouragepeople to know their HIVstatus, remainontreatment where necessary, andadvocate for safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.
Burstpipe closesstreet
UNATHIOBOSE
Cekeca Road, in Makhaza,has been temporarily closedafterasewerpipeburst andmotorisitsare urgedtouse alternative routes.
Theburst happened two weeks agoand according to residents repairs to the street were longoverdue.Theysay the damage is affecting their daily lives.
Resident Simamnkele Nyalambisa urged the City to speedupthe repairs.She said the problemcausedsevere toilet blockages
“There is aproblemwith the underground infrastructure.The sewerpipewas leaking, whichcauseda mess on the street, so the City hadtoclose the streetand fixit. Butthe problemnow is thatsometimesour toilets overflow when we flush.”
Nyalambisa said the entire streethad to be resurfaceddue to damage andmotorists could no longerdrive there
Ward 96 councillor Lucky Mbizaconfirmed the projecthad begun three weeks ago, butwasn’t sure when it would be completed. He explainedthatthe main sewer pipe had“collapsed”
“Wehavea problemofold underground infrastructure thatneeds to be replaced,” he said,urgingthe community to be patient with the City.
sation going. We areasmall team of six in total. Five of them arevolunteers”. She saidthey have abranch in Engcobo, EasternCape.
Mfiki stressed thatall UbomiBethu needs is funds forthe organisationtotobeable to accomplish allits goals.
To donate and/orsupportthe organisation contact Mfiki on 078 916 3119.
Ubomi Bethu founderand directorAmelia Mfiki has appealed to donorsfor financial supportto help the organisation continue itswork.
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Cekeca Street in Makhaza is temporarilyclosed afterasewer pipe burst PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Firewipes out entirefamily
UNATHIOBOSE
Shack dwellers from the Gushindoda informal settlement, Kuyasa,were left devastated after three familymembersburnedbeyond recognitiononSunday, 2August.
One shack wasaffected and the cause of the incident is still unknown. According to residents, the firebroke outaround01:00
Nomnikelo Nyakavula,one ofthe residents, said: “I heardpeoplemakingnoise outsideand went out to see. Isaw big flames andpeople were trying to extinguish the flamesusing buckets and sand. Theymanaged to stop the flames before they spread to other shacks,”she said.
Nyakavula said aman andhis wife together with their child died in the fire. According to her, the familyhad visiting relativeswho survived the tragedy
“Accordingtothe report Ireceived, there weretwo otherpeople related to the deceased who were also sleeping there.The relatives were sleeping in front,and the family was in the bedroom. When the rel-
atives woke up, the flames hadalready engulfed the bedroom, but they managed to escape unharmed. Even the wifemanagedtoescape, but she went back to rescue thechild and never came back,”explained Nyakavula,adding that two bodies,the husband andchild were discoveredinside the bedroom, whilethe wife’sbodywas foundinthe dinning room
Shedescribed the incident as terrible and traumatic.
Nyakavula stated thatthey tried to stop the wife before she went back into the fire, butshe overpowered them
The City’sFire &Rescue Servicesspokesperson,Michael Abrahams, said the service received acallat01:03 reporting a structurealight in Ntlazane Road, on Sunday, 2August.
“Crews from Khayelitsha,Mitchells Plain andMfuleniresponded.One wood andiron structure wasextinguished. There were threefatalities: oneadult male,one adult female anda male minor,”saidAbrahams, adding thatthe cause of the fire is not yet known
Three family membersburned beyond recognition in ashackfire at the Gushindoda informal settlementin Kuyasa on Sunday, 2August.
Shackfireclaimslivesofthree childreninPholileinStrand
UNATHIOBOSE
Adark pall hangs over the Strandcommunity after three pre-teens wereburntbeyondrecognition in ashackfire on Saturday 1August.
Thefire, which occurredatPholile informal settlement affected three shacks andleftover 10 peoplewithout any means
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso saidthe fire started after 23:00.
“Asacommunity we are mourning the deaths of childreninthe shack fire.Their ages are10, 11 and 12, from different families. We don’t know yetwhat had started the flames.”
On behalf of them Diniso appealed forany kind of donation.
“The families of the deceasedare goingto have meetings soon to discuss funeralarrangements. But for now they are waitingfor postmortem results.
“However, we areasking fordonations for they are leftwith nothing. It canalsobethe essentials – clothes,blankets, food andsoon.”
Diniso said those who would like to do so were welcome to bring their goods or monetary contributions to his office.
He didnot know when the families were due to have their meetings.
City Fireand Rescue spokesperson Michael Abrahams confirmed only one shackhad been affected
He said the service received acallat23:50 of astructurealight in the Pholile informalsettlement in Nomzamo, Strand.
“Crews from Strand and SirLowry’s Pass Fire Station responded and extinguished the fire.Three male minorssustained fatal burns. Thecause of the fire is not yet known.”
PTI-upgrade meeting today
1 1 6
PHOTO: UNATHIOBOSE
Some of the debris left afterthe shack fireatthe Pholileinformal settlement in Strand. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
CPF condemns massshooting
UNATHIOBOSE
The Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) has condemned the killing of four people on KlipfonteinRoad, in Lusaka,onSaturday, 1August, and urged law enforcement agenciesto leavenostone unturned in bringingperpetrators to book. The quartert was shotand killedwhile changingacar tyre at about21:00.
Nyanga CPF secretaryDumisani Qwebe describedthe shooting as barbaric He calledonthe community to work with lawenforcement to find the culprits. “This is asad incident. I’m thinking of the families of the deceasedand howthey feelnow. We don’t know whether itwas arobbery or the assailants were following them. But all we’re asking is for the officers to do their job,” saidQwebe. He said Nyangahas beeninthe mediafor the wrong reasons for alongtimeand they are trying to correct the past. Hestressed that the community deservestolive withoutfear.
The incident followed another shooting on Monday, 27 July, whichclaimedfive livesand injured one person at NY 50 in Gugulethu.
Provincial police spokesperson Col AndreTraut saidSeriousViolent Crime detectives have launchedan investigation followingamass shooting in Nyanga on
NyangaCPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe condemned the shootingincidentthat occurred on Klipfontein Road andurged officers to leave no stone unturned. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
adding thatthe unknown suspects fled the sceneand are yet to be arrested. He stated thatthe motivefor the attack is believedtobetaxi-related; however, this will form part of the ongoing policeinves-
Community leadersembrace newpolicecommissioner
UNATHIOBOSE
Leaders of the Khayelitsha and Nyanga Community Policing Forums (CPFs) have welcomedthe appointmentofthe new provincial policecommissioner, Maj Gen Sizakhele Dyantyi. Dyantyi, who previously worked as acluster commander in the Nyagaarea, wasunveiled as the province’s topcop on Wednesday29July.
He replaced Gen ThembisilePatekile, whose tenure came to an end in June after five years at the helm.
Newprovicial policecommissioner Maj Gen Sizakhele Dyantyi. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
TheCPFs described Dyantyi as adedicated professional in the law enforcement sector. He has been in the police service forover 30 years Mzolisi Malungisa, Khayelitsha CPF spokesperson,saidthey welcomedDyantyi and trusted that he would bring change to Khayelitsha as awhole.
He said all they want is stability in the community.
"Aslong as he brings change to Khayelitsha, we welcome him.Khayelitshaisbecoming one of the hotspots now. Ourmain challengeisillegal firearmsthatare in the wrong hands.Wewanthim to minimise crime like murders andother serious crimes like rape, hijacking, gender-based
violence andsoon,” said Malungisa He stated thattheyare willing to work with Dyantyi.
NyangaCPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe,described Dyantyiasa disciplined officerand aman of hisword. He said nowthatthere is anew kid on the block, change is certain.
“I knowDyantyipersonally. I’ve worked with him in Nyanga before. He was aclustercommander. He knows what to do. We were patrollingwith him. He keeps hispromises. Ibelieve under hisleadership there will be changes in the Western Cape, in the townshipsinparticular.”
Qwebecitedextortion andmurderasmajorproblems in the Nyangaprecinct. He urgedDyantyi to ensure thatpolicevans aremaintained andtofillall the vacancies at the station
“Sometimes the policevehiclestake time to come backwhentheyare takenfor maintenance, whichleaves the station vulnerable because of ashortageofresources. We wantDyantyi to bring backall the officers whoare working in the provincialtask teamtofilltheir positionsatthe station.
“All these challenges areaffecting stability at the station," said Qwebe.
PSFA beneficiaries scorevouchers
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The countdown to one of Cape Town’s biggest charity walksisunderway, with just 11 days to go before thousands of participants lace up for theannual Blisters for BreadCharityFamily Fun Walk in Green Point
The fundraiser,organised by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) in association with Lucky Star,takesplace on Sunday 16 August at theGreen Point Common Sports Grounds.
Entries to the walk closedonSunday2 August.
On Tuesday last week, 28July, People’s Postvisited two long-standing beneficiary schools to witness how thePSFA’s feeding programmecontinues to make adifference in thelives of their learners.
The two beneficiaries, Spurwing Primary Schooland Forest Heights PrimarySchool, both in EersterRiver, also receiveda R1000 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift vouchereach, to buy sport equipment.
Spurwinghas benefitedfromthe programme for 33 years. PrincipalHadley Wentzel said the programme plays apivotal role. “We can say with pride that we appreciate what the PSFA does for the school It is not just about giving them food, itis about restoring their dignity. Somuch thoughtgoes intothe menus thatare chosen for the children. The feeding scheme also has abig impact on the children’sacademics.”
Grade 2teacherBronwyn Kaysaidmany learners relyonthe meals they receive at school.“The feeding schemehas ahuge impact on our children. We don’t always know their circumstances so the food they
receiveisimportant. It allows their brains to open up.When the kidsreturn from the feeding scheme, they arealways hyped up and happybecause they just hadfood,you cansee the change in their personality.”
Kitchen staff memberAngeline de Vos, whohas workedatthe school for15years, said preparing meals forthe learners is rewarding.
“I love howthe kids’face light up when they receivetheir food.And when they are done,theywouldcomplement us forthe nice food. It makes my heart happy knowing youare feeding achild who perhaps hadnothingtoeat the nightbefore.”
Forest Heights has also been aPSFA beneficiary for33years.
Francine Julius, who has worked in the school’skitchen for16years, said serving the learnersismore than just ajob.
“The childrenare important to me. Ifeel happythatI canprepare food forthem Many ofthem come from homes where there’snothing to eat.”
PrincipalChrisduPlessis said the feedingscheme provides avital safety net for manyfamilies.
“Our learners come from diverse backgrounds where some parents are struggling. The school is the onlyplace where someofthemcan receive awarmand nutritiousmeal.”
Participants canalso collect their race numbersatselected Sportsman’sWarehouse stores across the city
Forest HeightsPrimary School, Chris du Plessis receives the gift voucherfromCharles Grey,PSFA Fundraising manager.Pictured with them as learnersLingomsoMayilwe,Thorn Jumat,MiyenaPama and the school’s sports coordinator,Tanya Juries
CTOpera’s‘Carmen’
onsomeS-Kscreens
Cape Town Opera’s sold-out production of Carmen is making the leap from stage to screen,givingcinemaaudiences across South Africathe chance to experience Bizet’s timeless masterpiece from Sunday 23 August.
Buildingonthe resoundingsuccessoflastyear’snationwide cinema screenings of CapeTown Opera’s Aida, this latest collaboration offers audiencesanotheropportunity to experienceworld-class South African opera in spectacularcinematicstyle
BasedonProsper Mérimée’s 1845 novellaand setin1930s Seville, Spain, Carmenisa gripping story of passion,freedom, desire andjealousy. At its heartisCarmen, afiercely independentwoman who wouldratherdie thanbetray her own nature.
With its unforgettable music, explosive drama andiconic characters,Bizet’s masterpieceremainsone of the most performed andcelebrated operas in the world.
Its irresistible Spanish-inspired score, emotionalintensity andcompelling storytellingmakeCarmenasthrilling forfirst-time operagoers as it is for devotedfans.
Filmed during aliveperfor-
mance at Artscape,thisvisuallystunningproduction stars Nonhlanhla Yendeinthe title role, alongsideLukhanyo Moyake as DonJosé, Vuvu Mpofu as Micaëla andConroy Scott as Escamillo. They arejoined by the Cape Town OperaVocal Ensemble, the CapeTown Opera Children’s Chorus andthe Cape Town PhilharmonicOrchestra under the batonofTim Murray, capturingall the power, intimacyand excitement of live theatreonthe bigscreen. DirectedbyStevenStead, the production features setdesign by Greg King,costumes by Maritha Visagie, lighting by Faheem Bardienand choreography by Naoline Quinzin. Screenings take place at various Ster-Kinekor cinemason Sunday 23, Tuesday25, Saturday 29, Sunday 30 Augustand Tuesday1 Septemberatthe following venues: V&A Waterfront, Blue Route andSomersetMall (Cape Town), Garden Route Mall (George),RosebankNouveau,and Cresta (Johannesburg),Brooklyn (Pretoria),Watercrest(Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal) andBaywest (Gqeberha) Bookings at the cinemas or onlinevia:https://www.sterkinekor.com/f/cape-town-operapresents-carmen/678
Spurwing Primary School Principal,HadleyWentzel, receives the gift voucher from CharlesGrey, PSFA Fundraisingmanager and‘People’sPost’editor Thulani Magazi. Pictured with them arelearners, Zariah Phillips, Inzolo Yapi, MattheoMatroos,ReneciaMarch and YandagoNdozo
PHOTOS:KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Cape Town Opera’sacclaimed production of GeorgesBizet’s Carmen comestothe big screen at Ster-Kinekor from next month.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Disability shown as adynamic source in women
The internationally acclaimed Bold Beauty Project (BBP), whichoriginated in the United Statesof America (USA)and has becomeaglobal movement promoting visibility, dignity and inclusion,will be presentedinSouth Africafor the veryfirst time througha month-long exhibition at 33BREE in collaboration with The Artists Gallery
The exhibition opened yesterday(5August) as part of the HEAT Arts Festival, with TheArtists Gallery participating as an officialvenue in thefestivalprogramme. It willrun until Saturday29August.
For its African debut the project hasbeen reimagined through auniquely locallens. Seventeen womenfrom across the Western Cape havebeen newly photographedbya group of acclaimedSouthAfricanphotographers, creating an entirely newbodyof work that celebrates theirindividuality, resilience and personal journeys. Accompanied by their own stories, these strikinglarge-scale portraits offeranintimate and deeply moving explorationofidentity, beautyand representation.
Rather than focus on disability, the exhibition invites visitors to see thewomen first, their personalities, theirstrength, their confidence and their humanity. Together the portraits challenge long-held perceptions of beauty and encourage a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be seen.
Originally founded by Shelly Baer and Dr Eva Ritvo from the USA, the BBP has received widespread international recognition for its uniqueability to spark meaningful conversations on disability, inclusion andrepresentation through the language of photography.
The project’s mostrecentinternational milestone was its presentationatthe 61st Venice Biennale, where it formed part of the prestigious Personal Structures –Confluences exhibition at Palazzo Mora, organised by the EuropeanCulturalCentre.
Displayed alongside more than 150artists from over 40 countries,the exhibitionattracted significant international attention.
Following previous international exhibitions in Panama, the WesternCapechapter representsthe BBP’s firstAfricanexhibition and demonstrateshow theuniversal language of photography can connect communities across cultures whilegiving voices to humanswho too often remainunseen.
“Arthas theunique ability to challenge perceptions without raisingits voice,” said Jaret Loggenberg, ManagingDirector,The ArtistsGallery &33BREE.“TheBoldBeauty Project is not about disability; itisabout visibility, dignity,and celebrating remarkable women exactly as they are.
“We are honoured to bring thisinternationally acclaimed project to South Africa for the first time and to present the powerful stories of seventeen extraordinary women from the Western Cape through the
Marlene le Roux is oneofthe localwomen who will featureinthe play PHOTO:FAHEEM BARDIEN
eyes of some respected photographers.
“This exhibitionhas been shaped from the groundupthroughgenuine collaboration; Marlene le Roux served as co-curator and mentorthroughoutthe entire process, working closely with the stylists, photographers andmodelstobring each story to life with authenticity and purpose. Herinsight asadisability activist and her deep advocacy forvisibility and dignity have been absolutely foundationaltoeverythingthe Western Cape chapter of the Bold Beauty Project stands for.
“Together, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations thatcontinuelong after visitorsleaveour gallery space.”
“Peoplewith disabilities must never be reduced to problemstobefixed or hidden fromview,”added Le Roux, awoman with adisability. “This projectisabout sensuality, strength andthe radicalact of acceptingoneselffullywith every challenge, everyscar, every story. To be aperson with disabilities is to navigatea world notbuilt foryou,and yet here we are. This exhibition gives voicetothattruth throughArt. It says: Look at her.See who she is. As she is.”
The exhibition seeks to inspire dialogue, encourage inclusion andpromote greater awareness throughthe power of visual storytelling. It celebrates diversity notas an exception but an essential part of society, reminding visitors thatbeauty exists incountless formsand deserves to be recognised without limitation.
Presentedunder the exhibition title As SheIs,the projectisultimatelyaninvitation to move beyondassumptions,tosee each woman not throughlabelsorstereotypes, butthrough her individuality,courage andauthentic presence.
Admissionisfreeand the entrance is in Waterkant Street. Visitwww.33bree.com fordetails.
Nikita Scottwillalso featureinthe show. PHOTO:MAX BOSANQUET
