our own life
choices, fuelling our creativity and expanding our vision It’s that small spark that says “there must be more than this.”
Thoughts are powerful. They come from what we consume in our conversations, our culture, our environment.
If we’re surrounded by defeatist thinking, by people who don’t dream, we may start to believe that dreaming is foolish, that success is reserved for “others”, that we are meant only to survive, and never thrive
But when you start thinking independently everything changes
You stop chasing appearances and start building substance. You stop measuring your worth by what you wear, where you live or what you drive and start defining success on your own terms
After all, one of the greatest traps of our time is an obsession with looking successful.
What sets you apart, really, is how deeply you think, how courageously you act, and how consistently you build, what you’re planting when no-one is watching That’s the difference maker. You know, “be the change you want to see.”
If there’s one thing I want young people (like myself) to take from this Youth Month, it’s this:
Don’t be afraid to be different; it’s often your greatest strength
The world doesn’t need more copies It needs more creators, people bold enough to question, think and build on their own terms.
I’d love to hear from you
engqesho
eMzantsi Afrika (Department of Stats SA) kwisiqingatha sokuqala sonyaka, inani lolutsha olungaphangeliyo phakathi kweminyaka eli 15 ukuya kuma kuma 34 lonyukile laya kuma kumyinge wama 46,1%. Lonto ibonisa mhlophe ukuba kusekude engqinibeni kwidabi le ntswelangqesho Enye yezinto urhulumente ebenokuyenza kukuqinisekisa wonke umntu unesakhona Umsebenzi wezandla ubaluleke kakhulu kweli ixesha sikulo ngoba awulindi ude uqeshwe uyaziphangelela. Inye nje urhulumente into anokuthi ayenze kukubanika inkxaso ngemali.
Kwaye aqinisekise ukuba uyazithengisa izikolo ezenza umsebenzi wezandla ukuze abantu bazazi. Eneneni asikho isidingo sokuba ulutsha lubhiyozele olu suku. Uzakubhiyoza njani ulambile? Into esiyibonayo zinkokheli zopolitiko kunye nabantwnaa babo bexhamla bodwa. Thina sizileli zabo nalapho baye banyuke ngathi baze bathi bakungena ezi ofisini basilibale.
Donate blood and give hope
June is National Blood Donor Month, marked by the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), and globally World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on Saturday 14 June
The theme is “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives”, which highlights the profound impact blood donors have on those in need.
“It shines a light on the collective strength of community and the spirit of unity that comes from the simple yet powerful act of donating blood,” said WCBS spokesperson Marike Carli.
To donate you should be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good health and lead a safe lifestyle
“Let’s celebrate not only World Blood Donor Day on the 14th, but the entire month Thank you to every blood donor who selflessly gives to save others,” Carli said “We salute you, our local heroes.”
Visit: www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244 to find your closest blood donation clinic
Police probe killings at taxi rank
UNATHIOBOSE
Operations are back to normal at the Mfuleni taxi rank after a deadly shooting on Friday last week during what is believed to be a taxi-violence-related incident. Four taxi operators were gunned down and two were injured. A passenger was also injured.
Four murder and three attempted murder cases have been opened.
In a statement on Friday 6 June, the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) expressed shock and outrage at the brutal murder of four of its members. The organisation regarded the incident as a senseless act of violence. It further stated that the incident highlighted the urgent need for an effective regulatory framework to ensure the safety and security of taxi operators and commuters.
“As you may be aware Codeta Regional Taxi Council had written to the Western Cape Department of Transport and the MEC of Transport on 28 August last year to advise of the partial service of the M18 route (from Mfuleni to Somerset West) due to prohibitions on our operators returning with passengers.
Despite a notice sent on Tuesday 3 June to resume operations, operators of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) prohibited legal operation from resuming operations which resulted in a meeting being called for this
week (the date is not confirmed yet),” it stated, adding that unfortunately the dispute escalated into violence resulting in the tragic loss of life
The statement said the organisation’s engagement with the provincial government and the City of Cape of Cape Town, and the lack of appropriate regulatory provisions have put the operators at risk.
It urged the Western Cape Government to take immediate action to address the regulatory gaps that have led to this tragic incident. “The safety of our operators and commuters is paramount and it is the responsibility of the regulatory authorities to ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent incidents. The association made a call of action to the provincial government to strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure that regulatory provisions are in place to protect taxi operators and commuters from harm Provide safety and security by implementing security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future,” it concluded.
Mandla Hermanus, chair of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape, said the council is deeply disturbed by the incident.
“We condemn this brutal and criminal act in the strongest possible terms We call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to identify and arrest those responsible. There can be no tolerance for violence
in our industry or communities,” said Hermanus.
He said SANTACO would be meeting with the relevant taxi association for talks and to restore stability in the industry. He said they urge all operators to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint.
“This incident must not be allowed to derail the efforts underway to build peace and unity within the taxi industry across the province,” said Hermanus. Provincial police spokesper-
son Brig Novela Potelwa said the Western Cape Taxi Violence Unit detectives are investigating four murders and three attempted murder cases She said of the seven victims, one injured is believed to be a commuter.
“Reports indicate that the shooting occurred at approximately 06:00 when two gunmen fired shots. The incident is believed to be taxi related. Western Cape officers have since bolstered deployment at identified taxi ranks in Cape Town Meanwhile pro-
vincial detectives are offering a R100 000 reward for anyone with information on the shooting. No arrests have been made yet with investigators pursuing several leads,” said Potelwa She appealed to anyone with valuable information that can assist in expediting the police investigation to contact Capt Lukhanyo Magadla on 0824113245. All information received will be handled with the necessary care and the identities of those who share information protected
Mfuleni Taxi Rank where four taxi operators were shot and killed and three injured during the incident
PHOTO:UNATHIOBOSE
Shack fire victims demanding houses
UNATHIOBOSE
Blowi informal settlement residents in Town Two have been left licking their wounds after a devastating inferno destroyed 46 shacks on Friday last week.
A total of 156 people are now without homes and looking for assistance They are now appealing to the City of Cape Town to provide them with houses, claiming to have been neglected for over three decades.
Resident Nosive Nyingindwe said the fire broke out just after 20:00 on Friday 6 June. She said she was busy cooking at the time. “I was busy stirring the pot when my son mentioned he was smelling something. I went to investigate through the back window and saw flames in the shack behind mine,” said Nyingindwe.
Immediately, she went outside and screamed for help.
She then returned to the shack and instructed her 13-year-old son to move out.
She swiftly aided her bedridden husband to safety
According to Nyingindwe, everything that was inside her shack caught fire. “My shack and the one where the fire started were so close in a sense that when I went out to call the community the smoke started to come into my shack. When I came back, I was unable to take out my belongings because the flames were starting to spread to the whole shack,” she explained Nyingindwe now faces a monumental task rebuild her shack. “I’m unemployed. No one is working. We survive through government grant. For now, we are squatting with the family members,” she said Local SANCO chair Lubabalo Msutu said they suspect candlelight as the cause of the incident. He said for nearly two weeks the area had no electricity He stated that they don’t think they will ever get houses. “We have been staying in this area for more than 30 years. The ma-
jority of people have been here since the establishment of the area. When the area was developed some of us had to move away for the houses to be built. We’ve been here for so long and we are still waiting,” said Msutu.
The majority of the victims are struggling to rebuild their homes as they do not have money to buy new building material, added Msutu. He said they rebuilt their structures with the old material just to mark their plots.
Ward 93 councillor Thando Pimpi described the situation as bad. He urged the community to contribute with whatever to help the victims.
“The City officials, including the Gift of the Givers and other organisations, were here to assess the situation and provide food to the victims. We are appealing to the community to donate with whatever they can,” said Pimpi, adding that the issue of houses in the area is not clear
Nosive Nyingindwe (wearing a navy jacket) standing on her site which she is struggling to rebuild because she is unemployed
PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
FROMPAGE1
Fire victims pleased with help
UNATHIOBOSE
Ward 34 shack fire victims were delighted after they received new building material on Monday 9 June after their shacks were destroyed a few months ago.
At least 78 people gathered at Browns Farm Community Hall to collect their building material.
The fires occurred in two separate areas. The first broke out at Siyahlala informal settlement on Thursday 6 February. A total of 16 shacks were affected and 33 people displaced.
The second incident occurred at Ezihagwini informal settlement on Wednesday 23
“According to our constitution, everyone has a right to a shelter. This is what we are doing by trying to bring back the dignity of our people. As leaders, we can’t fold our arms when some of us are in trouble. We know this is not enough, but this is a starter pack for them to extend or rebuild their shacks,” said Gadeni and urged the community to stay alert during the cold weather. He appealed to them to ensure that they switch off all the electricity appliances and not to go stop with burning braziers at night.
One of the beneficiaries Nosabelo Mbekeni from praised the councillor, saying she didn’t expect that she would receive the material
Some of the beneficiaries with their new building material PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Two decades of healing clubfoot
NAMHLAMONAKALI
In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, healing and advocacy Red Cross War Memorial
Children’s Hospital became a beacon of hope last week as World Clubfoot Day was commemorated alongside the 20th anniversary of STEPS Clubfoot Care, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that has transformed thousands of young lives across Southern Africa.
Children dressed in casts and braces, symbols of their journey through the Ponseti method of treatment, were the centre of attention as families, health-care professionals and STEPS representatives gathered to celebrate the visible progress of those living with clubfoot, a congenital condition that causes one or both feet to turn inwards or downward.
“Clubfoot is not a life sentence, it’s a treatable condition,” said Karen Mara Moss, the founder and CEO of STEPS Clubfoot Care
“With early care, children born with clubfoot can walk, run, and live full lives.”
Since its inception in 2005 STEPS has helped more than 20 000 children gain access to life-changing treatment, mostly through public health-care clinics. The organisation has also played a pivotal role in introducing and expanding the use of the Ponseti Method in South Africa, a non-surgical, lowcost treatment that, when started early, yields excellent results.
“Our biggest achievement over the past 20 years has been driving change in the way clubfoot is treated in this region,” Moss reflected. “We’ve enabled access to treatment for children who otherwise would have been missed due to backlogs in surgery or financial constraints.”
The shift has been significant.
“When we started the Ponseti Method wasn’t widely known in South Africa,” said Moss. “Now, thanks to our partnerships with
public clinics and the South African Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, there are 48 specialist public-sector clubfoot clinics.”
One of the many success stories shared at the event was that of twin girls Odirile and Ofentse, both born with bilateral clubfoot. “Their parents were initially shocked by the diagnosis,” Moss shared, “but they followed every step of the treatment process. Today, the girls walk and play like any other child. Their story shows the power of early intervention and supportive families.”
For clinic staff, the transformation of each child is personal.
“Most parents come in scared, overwhelmed and uncertain of their baby’s future,” said Jane Mackinnon, STEPS clinic coordinator at Red Cross Children’s Hospital “They always leave with a sense of renewed hope after we counsel them about clubfoot and the treatment journey ahead. Through the Ponseti method chil-
Youthcalledto‘FliptheScript’
A total of 20 youth in Cape Town are invited to apply to Flip the Script for youth during Youth Month as change-makers under the auspices of the Thrive Initiative.
Led by transformation facilitator and founder Brian Segal and co-founder, Aphiwe Nqevu, the Thrive Initiative is launching its Cape Town pilot with a bold call to action and will be training the youth from the ground up. The applicants will be trained
to tackle the root causes of issues tearing our communities apart, like gender-based violence, addiction, gangsterism, isolation and broken communication. From this crew 10 successful will be selected for a six to nine month internship, where they’ll be equipped to become Thrive Facilitators - skilled facilitators, community leaders and entrepreneurs with the power to shift the story of Cape Town’s youth.
dren are walk into their checkups. You would never know they had clubfoot.”
But challenges remain, especially in rural and underserved areas
“There is still a lack of awareness, late diagnoses and high transport costs that keep families from accessing consistent treatment,” Moss explained. “Some families travel hundreds of kilometres to clinics and often miss appointments due to affordability. Budget cuts in health care also affect the reliable supply of braces at our partner clinics.” To combat these obstacles STEPS provides a Family Resource Toolkit aimed at empowering caregivers and ensuring continuity of care
The commemoration on 3 June, World Clubfoot Day, also paid tribute to Dr Ignacio Ponseti, the pioneer of the globally recognised treatment method STEPS’s work continues to be deeply inspired by his legacy of patient-centred care and innovation
Candidates will attend a threemonth workshop on personal growth and empowerment, with an option to become a Thrive Facilitator and helping to facilitate real change in your society. To be considered for this life-changing opportunity, interested participants age 18 to 35 years from Cape Town who want to make a social change, should contact the team by Friday 20 June via info@ thrive-initiative.com
Towards the end Moss reflected on the road ahead: “We’re here because of 20 years of belief, from parents, from doctors and every supporter who has helped make treatment possible And we look forward to walking the next 20 years alongside even more families.’’
For more information, visit www.steps.org.za
WCapeslamsNHI funding,staffplans
The Western Cape cabinet has approved comments from the provincial health department expressing strong objections to the draft governance regulations relating to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Fund, published for public comment by the national health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi
ISAZISO ESIBALULEKILEYO
ISIMEMO SAMANGENELO - IIMBASA ZOGQWESO LWENKONZO KARHULUMENTE WENTSHONA KOLONI ZONYAKA WE10
URhulumente weNtshona Koloni umema bonke abahlali baseNtshona Koloni namaqela oluntu ukuba athathe inxaxheba kulo msitho uzukileyo wokuwonga abo basebenza ngokungadinwayo abasebenza iiyure ezinde, nabagqithisayo kumsebenzi wabo besenzela uluntu lwethu
Iindidi:
Owona Msebenzi woMhlali uGqwesileyo (uMntu ngamnye)
Owona Msebenzi woMhlali uGqwesileyo (iQela)
KuNgenelwa Njani?
Vela nje ufikelele ngokulula ngokufumana ifomu yokungenela ekwiwebhu efumanekayo kwiwebhusayithi yeSEA okanye kwiwebhusayithi kaRhulumente weNtshona Koloni Amangenelo aza kuhlolelwa imisebenzi/iiprojekthi zoluntu ezenzeke ngexesha elisukela kumhla woku1 kuTshazimpuzi 2023 ukuya kowama31 kweyoKwindla 2025 kwaye kufuneka agcwaliswe ngokufanelekileyo
Ifomu yokungenela iquka:
• IiNgcombolo zoQhagamshelwano zoMtyumbi
• IiNgcombolo zoQhagamshelwano zoMtyunjwa
• IKhrayitheriya yoDidi
• Okufunekayo/ubungqina
• ISibhengezo noTyikityo Qinisekisa ukuba uyigcwalisa ngokuchanekileyo ifomu yokungenela kwaye ungenise nobungqina obuxhasa ungenelo lwakho Ukungeniswa kwamangenelo kuza kuvuleleka ukusukela ngomhla we15 kuCanzibe ukuya kowama30 kweyeSilimela 2025 Nceda undwendwele iwebhusayithi yeSEA ukufumana iinkcukacha ezithe vetshe malunga neNkqubo yoKhetho neyokuGweba
Ungaphoswa leli thuba linik umdla lokuqaphela nokuwonga ugqweso! Ngenisa amagama abatyunjwa bakho, ukhuthaze inkonzo ebalaseleyo, kwaye uncedise ukukhuthaza inkcubeko egxile kubahlali eluntwini lwethu!
Lo msitho uza kuqhubeka ngenyanga yoMsintsi 2025 kwaye ngabatyunjwa abakuluhlu olukhethw ixeshana kuphela abaza kuzimasa
Fumana okuninzi ku-seawards westerncape gov za
I-imeyili: sea@westerncape gov za | Umnxeba: 0860 142 142
Ifeksi: 021 483 7216 | SMS Help okanye thumela Please
The draft regulations represent the attempted first formal step towards establishing the NHI Fund, effectively centralising all healthcare funding under the national government
While the Western Cape Government supports the constitutional imperative to realise the provision of universal healthcare, it remains concerned that the NHI model in its current form will weaken existing healthcare systems and reduce the ability of provinces to deliver responsive and accountable services to residents
Checks and balances
The draft governance regulations provide for detailed matters pertaining to, among other things, the appointment of a board and CEO for the NHI fund
In terms of Section 55 of the NHI Act, the national minister may only make regulations after consulting both the National Health Council, which includes all nine provincial health departments and the national department as well as the NHI Fund
Should the minister make regulations without consulting the fund, the regulations will be invalid
Should the minister wish to proceed to issue the draft regulations without consulting the fund, it will first be necessary to amend the act to remove the requirement for consultation with the fund, according to a media statement by Mireille Wenger, provincial minister of health and wellness
The act, the minister says, specifies the matters on which the minister is empowered to
make regulations, however these do not specifically include “governance” and hence could be ultra vires to the act and invalid
“The draft regulations grant the national minister vast powers with regard to the appointment and removal of key role players, without sufficient checks and balances to prevent maladministration with potentially severe consequences for the South African healthcare system and fiscus
“It is deeply concerning that, despite the far-reaching implications of the NHI for every South African, the very first set of regulations has been published without following the clear procedural requirements outlined in the act itself,” said Wenger
“The draft regulations also serve to confirm our worst fears about the NHI, that it will be a centralised fund lacking sufficient accountability mechanisms which will make it vulnerable to interference and lacking the necessary safeguards ”
Concerns
The Western Cape Government has consistently raised concerns about the implications of the NHI
“A rigid, one-size-fits-all system risks undermining already functional healthcare structures
“In contrast, a more flexible model that actually addresses deficiencies in our healthcare system will deliver better outcomes ”
But despite ongoing procedural flaws, substantial objections, and several pending court challenges, the national health department appears intent on proceeding with the implementation of the NHI
The Western Cape Government will submit its formal written comments on the draft regulations in due course Members of the public and stakeholders who wished to comment on the draft regulations had until Friday 16:00 on 6 June
Intervene early for treatment success
Last new water meters go in ... for now
Calling all tradies
Through its Jobs Connect platform, the City is actively recruiting professionals in trades such as carpentry, mechanical engineering, construction, plumbing, autoelectrical work, welding, bricklaying, and electrical services
The minimum requirements are:
• a recognised trade certification in the relevant field;
• relevant work experience in the trade;
• knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations;
• a valid driving licence (where required); and
• willingness to work in various conditions, including emergencies and standby shifts.
Interested candidates can apply through Jobs Connect at https://bit.ly/43FG24W
Get connected today
The data-free Jobs Connect platform links job seekers with potential employers. To view other job and learnership opportunities, visit http://jobsconnect.leelyn.co.za.
KORTLIKS
No stopping the City’s pipe replacers
As of March, the City had reached nearly 65% of its targets for both water and sewer pipe replacements citywide in 2024/25 as part of a bold push to upgrade critical infrastructure
From 1 July 2024 to March 2025, the City replaced an astonishing 31 626 m of water pipes and 64 136 m of sewer pipes across town and teams continue to push towards the targets of 50 000 m and 100 000 m respectively More than R523 million on the 2024/25 budget has been allocated to this important task.
Rehabilitating and replacing ageing
’n Totaal van 32 spanne het in April deelgeneem aan vanjaar se Bayhill-premierbekertoernooi vir onder 19-sokker – 18 spanne van die Wes-Kaap, en 14 van ander provinsies en die buiteland. In die eindstryd by Athlone-stadion het die Ubuntusokkerakademie van Masiphumelele hulle teenstanders, Randburg AFC, met 2–0 geklop
Deur sy Jobs Connect-platform is die Stad aktief besig om ambagslui soos skrynwerkers, werktuigkundiges, konstruksiewerkers, loodgieters, outo-elektrisiëns, sweiswerkers, messelaars en elektrisiëns te werf
Van 1 Julie 2024 tot Maart 2025 het die
water and sanitation infrastructure proactively reduces the risk of service disruptions, sewer blockages and overflows To prioritise areas for pipe replacements, the City identifies ageing infrastructure, and areas in need of capacity upgrades It also analyses public notifications raised, depot reports of structural failures, as well as geographic information systems (GIS)
munisipaliteit ’n verstommende 31 626 m waterpype en 64 136 m rioolpype deur die hele stad vervang, en spanne werp alles in die stryd om die teikens van onderskeidelik 50 000 m en 100 000 m te haal Meer as R523 miljoen is in die begroting vir 2024/25 aan dié belangrike taak toegeken
Die doel met die Stad se inisiatief Adopt a Tree is om gemeenskapsgroepe en inwoners aan te spoor om ten minste 500 bome te plant
Plantseisoen begin gewoonlik met die eerste winterreën Inwoners kan deur hulle plaaslike wyksraadslid aansoek doen om bome te plant
mapping, which captures vital data such as pipe sizes, locations, manholes and household connections
With some 9 300 km of sewer pipeline and 10 700 km of water pipeline servicing properties across the Mother City, these infrastructure investments are crucial in building long-term resilience and securing reliable services for our growing population
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
IBayhill Premier Cup ka2025 yamaqela ebhola ekhatywayo abangaphantsi kweminyaka eli19, ebibanjelwe eKapa ngoEpreli, bekunyathelana amaqela angama32 – ali18 esuka eNtshona Kapa aze ali14 asuke kwamanye amaphondo nakwezinye iindawo IUbuntu Football Academy esuka eMasiphumelele iye yaphumelela umlenze wokugqibela 2–0 nxamnye neRandburg AFC kwiBala leMidlalo laseAthlone. Sisebenzisa iqonga laso eliyiJobs Connect, iSixeko siqesha iingcaphephe kwimisebenzi enjengokuchwela, iinjineli ezilungisayo, ukwakha, imibhobho yamanzi nelindle, umbane wemoto, ukutshisela, ukubeka isitena, neenkonzo zombane Ukususela ngowo1 Julayi 2024 ukuya kutsho
With its Adopt a Tree initiative, the City hopes to mobilise community organisations and residents to plant at least 500 trees across town during planting season, which starts with the first winter rains Residents can submit applications for general tree planting to their local ward councillor Obtain the necessary form by entering ‘Tree planting’ in the search box on the City’s website The City’s Newlands nursery will help select appropriate species for various sites based on space availability, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements Especially for Adopt a Tree the nursery will have trees available in smaller bag sizes of up to 100 litres, ensuring easier handling and planting Planting of the resilient, indigenous white milkwood tree (Sideroxylon inerme) will be encouraged as far as possible, being South Africa’s national tree of 2025
Tough time to be a tree Like urban forests globally Cape Town’s canopy faces challenges such as development pressure, water scarcity, and pests such as the polyphagous shothole borer (PSHB) beetle The intention is for Adopt a Tree to assist in expanding the urban canopy and offering more sustainable, greener spaces for all communities to enjoy This also aligns with the City’s broader vision of enhancing biodiversity building climate resilience and promoting greener urban spaces
ngoMatshi 2025, iSixeko sele sitshintshe imibhobho yamanzi eziimitha ezingama31 626 nemibhobho yelindle eziimitha ezingama64 136, njengoko amaqela eleqa ukutshintsha imibhobho eziimitha eziyi50 000 kwelinye icandelo neemitha eziyi100 000 kwelinye Kubekelwe bucala ngaphezu kweR523 miliyoni yokwenza lo msebenzi kuhlahlo lwabiwo mali luka2024/25 Kwiphulo laso lika-Adopt a Tree, iSixeko sinethemba lokukhuthaza amaqela oluntu nabahlali ukuba batyale ubuncinane imithi engama500 ngexesha lokutyala, ukususela ngeemvula zokuqala zasebusika Abahlali bangabhalisela ukutyala imithi eqhelekileyo kooceba beewadi zabo
2 CITYNEWS Area East, June 2025
Water meter replacements still rolling
Since 2023, the City has invested R131 million in replacing and relocating 42 949 water meters at business and residential properties to ensure easier reading and more accurate billing. The final stages of this project for 2024/25 are rolling out in Gugulethu, Nyanga East, New Crossroads, Delft (Voorbrug, Eindhoven and The Hague), Belhar, Hanover Park, Manenberg, Pinati Estate, Newfields, Athlone, Rylands, Surrey Estate, Heideveld, Bonteheuwel, Kalksteenfontein, Bishop Lavis, Elsies River Clarkes Estate, Leonsdale and Ravensmead. Further investments in the programme are planned for 2025/26.
Not sure? Suss it out.
The work is performed by Cityappointed contractors You will receive an official City letter confirming that your meter needs to be replaced To check that the contractor is there on City business before allowing them access to your property, contact us on 060 018 1505 (WhatsApp), 31373 (SMS, max 160 characters), water@capetown gov za or www capetown gov za/servicerequests Alternatively phone the City call centre on 0860 103 089 Have your account number ready If no one is home, the contractor will leave a seven-day notice with details of the next scheduled visit.
Making progress possible. Together.
Spending where it matters will see Cape Town flourish
At the end of March, we tabled the fourth – and secondlast – budget of this term of office We will soon conclude public participation on the budget and then vote in Council to adopt it Looking back on the past three and a half years, it is encouraging to see so many of our biggest infrastructure investments and milestones being realised and reached Initially, the ever-increasing targets of pipe replacements, road repairs, power procurement and affordable housing seemed daunting But we have stuck to our promise of increasing our infrastructure spending on each new budget, and we are 100% on track to deliver what we pledged
This record investment in Cape Town’s infrastructure is not a luxury or mere nice-to-have You only need to look at every other South African metro, where timeous investments have not been made, to know that our budget priorities are critical and urgent Spending on infrastructure is non-negotiable if Cape Town is to avoid the fate of those other cities
We’re ramping up our water and sanitation investments particularly in lower-income communities, where
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
proper sanitation is the biggest enabler of a life of dignity In addition to our multi-billion-rand upgrades of wastewater treatment works, the Cape Flats bulk sewer upgrade is the biggest project of its kind in South Africa
Likewise, our MyCiTi expansion into the metro southeast, connecting Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and other communities with Wynberg and Claremont, is the biggest such project ever undertaken in our country As part of the penultimate phase of this MyCiTi expansion we have just broken ground in Claremont, and
we are seeing wonderful progress on our Sky Circle in Lansdowne Once completed, this route will be a true gamechanger for many Capetonians.
Perhaps the biggest news from the 2025/26 budget, however, is the R6,7 billion spend on safety and security, which will see 700 new municipal police officers deployed across town. These are in addition to the 400 officers we’ve added since the start of the term. We continue to lobby for more policing powers from National Government so that we can effectively investigate crimes and get criminals locked up Yet we’re also investing heavily in our own boots on the ground to take back our communities from gangsters, drug dealers and other criminals. These are some of the budget highlights that will future-proof our city and prepare it for the population and economic growth that is headed our way Against a backdrop of municipal collapse elsewhere, we are bucking the trend in South Africa and showing that decline and failure is preventable It is indeed possible to build a city of hope
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Western Cape dam levels similar to this time last year
The dam levels for Cape Town are sitting at 59,3% The City is aiming for an overall usage target of 650 million litres per
Residents and businesses are reminded that the permanent regulations contained in the City’s Water By-law still apply across Cape Town, regardless of the
level Municipal water may be used in gardens only before 09:00 or after 18:00 but never to hose down paved areas
• Visit www capetown gov za/thinkwater or www capetown gov za/waterregulations to access the regulations
Report potholes for pre-rain repairs
With the rainy season approaching, the City is proactively repairing as many potholes as possible to help maintain a safer road network for all Play your part by reporting any potholes in your area Do so by: • using the City of Cape Town app; • phoning the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089; • sending an email to contact.us@capetown.gov.za; or • logging a service request on www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests.
You report. We repair: Residents and road users are encouraged to report potholes as part of the City s Fix It Before Winter campaign.
KfW
Getting grid future-fit
The upgrades to Cape Town’s grid form part of the City’s planned transition to a dynamic, decentralised and secure energy future. The improvements will
to gear up our electricity grid
enable the City to beat outages, diversify supply, ensure reliable electricity for a growing city, and enable thousands of small-scale sellers to move electricity across the grid. Ensuring a stable supply, in turn, is essential for economic growth and social development.
The KfW’s concessional 15-year loan offers favourable terms for long-term affordability, enabling the City to invest sustainably in infrastructure with long operational lifespans
Go big go blended
The City’s ten-year infrastructure pipeline represents
an investment of approximately R120 billion, with the majority of projects tying in with the metro’s overall Climate Change Strategy To fund these ambitious plans, the City is following a blended model, which includes funding from its own healthy balance sheet as well as finance from the local and international markets Other external finance secured in recent years include R3,5 billion from Nedbank and R2,8 billion from the International Finance Corporation (both in June 2024), as well as €100 million from the Agence Française de Développement (in April 2023)
KORTLIKS
Die bestuursforum van die Eerste-/Kuilsrivieropvanggebied het in Maart hulle eerste vergadering gehad Die forum sal gemeenskapsgedrewe inisiatiewe bevorder wat nuwe lewe in die opvanggebied se besoedelde riviere en omliggende gebiede sal blaas
Om weg te doen met die riooloorstromings waaraan inwoners van die Strand en Gordonsbaai gereeld blootgestel word, is die noodsaaklike opknapping van die Trappiesgrootmaatrioolpyp en die oprigting van die pompstasie en stygleiding by Gordonsbaai volstoom aan die gang
Altesaam 26 jong Kapenaars van oor die hele stad het Stadsbeurse ontvang om tersiêre kwalifikasies in skaarsvaardigheidsrigtings soos Rekeningkunde, Rekenaarwetenskap, Inligtingstegnologie en -stelsels,
Ingenieurswese, Regsgeleerdheid en Stadsbeplanning te verwerf
Die Stad se toegespitste instandhoudingsveldtog het in April die Raad se huureenhede in Macassar bereik As deel van dié inisiatief besoek toegewyde Stadspanne spesifieke komplekse om ’n wye verskeidenheid herstelen opknappingstake te verrig Die doel is om veiligheid te verbeter en die menswaardigheid van die Raad se huurders te verseker Bladvernuwing van Ntlazaneweg tussen Ntsikizi- en Lindelastraat in Khayelitsha is klaar Paaie in Sarepta, Kalkfontein, Fairdale, Eersterivier-Suid, Mfuleni en Driftsands spog nou ook met nuwe ryvlakke Daarbenewens stel die Stad verkeersmatigingsmaatreëls in ’n aantal gebiede voor, veral in die omgewing van skole
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
IEerste/Kuils River Catchment Management Forum (EKR CMF) iye yaba nentlanganiso yokuyisungula ngoMatshi Injongo yeli qonga kukukhuthaza amaphulo aqhutywa luluntu ajoliswe ekuphuculeni imilambo engcolisekileyo yalo vimba kunye neendawo eziyingqongileyo Ngelokunceda abahlali baseStrand naseGordon’s Bay ukuba bangaphindi baphuphunyelwe lilindle ukuqhuba ngamandla ukulungiswa okubaluleke kakhulu kwendawo yokugutyulwa kwelindle iTrappies nokwakhiwa kwesitishi sempompo nendawo yokuthintela ukuphuphuma yaseGordon’s Bay Ulutsha lwaseKapa olungama26 olusuka kwiinkalo zonke zale dolophu luye lwajizekwa ngeebhasari ukuze luqhubeke nezifundo kwicandelo leAkhawuntingi, iNzululwazi yeeKhompyutha, uBugcisa neeNkqubo zeNkcazelo, ubuNjineli, ezoMthetho kunye nokuCetywa kweDolophu –misebenzi leyo xa iyonke enqatyelwe ngabasebenzi
Iphulo elikhawulezileyo lokulungisa leSixeko liye lafikelela nakwiiyunithi zokuhlala (iiCRU) eMacassar ngoEpreli Ngezi ntsuku zokulungisa, amaqela azinikeleyo eSixeko aye enza umsebenzi wokulungisa nokuphucula kwiinkalo ezahlukeneyo kwiindawo ezikhethiweyo ngelokuphucula ukhuseleko nokuqinisekisa isidima kubahlali beBhunga Ukulungiswa ngokutsha koMgaqo iNtlazane ophakathi kwesitrato iNtsikizi neLindela eKhayelitsha kugqityiwe Umsebenzi ongakumbi wokulungisa ngokutsha wenziwe eSarepta, eKalkfontein, eFairdale, e-Eerste River South, eMfuleni naseDriftsands Ukongezelela, iSixeko sisathetha ngeendlela zokulawula isantya seemoto kwimimandla eyahlukeneyo ingakumbi kuleyo ikufutshane nezikolo
Stakeholders weigh in on LUM update
At a City-hosted Planning Indaba in March, officials, private-sector professionals, academics, NGOs, neighbouring municipalities and state-owned entities brainstormed key factors to be considered in the City’s 2025 update of its land use model (LUM)
Stakeholders deliberated on new spatial and urbanisation trends, estimates and assumptions that have emerged since 2020, when the current LUM was generated in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic They also discussed the possible impact of Cape Town’s long-term population growth on engineering infrastructure and community facilities
No room for error
Getting the LUM update right is important The model not only guides the City’s spatial policies but also informs its long-term planning for engineering services
Engineering services relate to the infrastructure required to provide essential basic services such as roads water and sanitation electricity, public housing, community facilities, schools and health facilities
Soon, Cape Town will have a population of over five million, with growth to seven million anticipated by 2050 The City must plan as best it can for this increase in people and their needs At the same time, the administration must ensure that precious natural and heritage resources are protected, and that the right type of development occurs in the right place and is supported by adequate services infrastructure
and no space for secrets
All documents and presentations feeding into the LUM will be made available on the City’s website to ensure greater transparency in spatial planning.
KORTLIKS
Deeds delivered to Macassar doors
The Deed-to-Door campaign continues to roll out title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries, providing them with formal proof of ownership and security of tenure.
Several Macassar families recently received the title deeds to their homes as part of the City’s metro-wide Deed-to-Door campaign A City services roadshow, held at the same time, offered residents an opportunity to speak to metro officials right there on their doorstep
Due for a deed?
If you or a relative are a beneficiary of a City unit, but haven t received the title deed, visit a City services roadshow in your area, or go to the Human Settlements kiosk on the second floor of the Cape Town Civic on weekdays, 09:00–12:00 Take along the ID of the owner and spouse (if applicable), the marriage certificate (if applicable), and in the event of a deceased owner, the death certificate and a letter of authority
Alternatively, send a request to housing db@capetown gov za or title deeds@capetown gov za Put the erf number and area in the subject line, and the registered deed holder’s name and surname, ID number and address in the body of the email
* For more information, phone the City on 021 444 0333 (weekdays 07:30–16:30). Also update your details on the Housing Needs Register at https://web1.capetown. gov.za/web1/HWL2012Online/
A good day in-deed: Macassar resident Susan Davids (second from left) receives her title deed from Cllrs Carl Pophaim, Peter
and
Roadshows bring
City services to you
To see whether the title deed for your property is on the list of available deeds do visit a City roadshow when in your area Claiming your deed will offer you security of tenure as well as formalise your ownership The City’s roadshows are an opportunity for you to interact directly with Human Settlements officials and have your questions answered All other City services departments are also available at these events to provide information and assistance.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
By ’n beplanningsindaba in Maart het die privaat sektor, akademici, nieregeringsorganisasies, naburige munisipaliteite en staatsbeheerde entiteite die Stad se amptenare help dink aan kernfaktore om in gedagte te hou wanneer die Stad vanjaar sy grondgebruikmodel bywerk Verskeie Macassar-huishoudings het onlangs die titelaktes vir hulle huise ontvang as deel van die Stad se metrowye veldtog Deed-to-Door Verskillende Stadsdepartemente het terselfdertyd hulle dienste in Macassar kom bemark, wat inwoners kans gegee het om direk met amptenare te gesels Om na te gaan of die titelakte vir jou eiendom nie dalk op die lys van beskikbare aktes is nie, praat met amptenare van die direktoraat menslike nedersettings wanneer die Stad jou buurt besoek óf by die Kaapstad-burgersentrum
Die Stad het in Maart met leedwese verneem van die afsterwe van dramaturg en regisseur Athol Fugard en voormalige Kaapstad-burgemeester Patricia Fine – twee groot geeste wat sterk bande met die Moederstad gehad het
Die opknapping van die Blue Downs-atletiekbaan, wat in fases gedoen word, vorder goed
Die baan kry onder meer ’n nuwe oppervlak, en die hamergooihok vastrapborde en area vir hinderniswedrenne word verbeter
Voortgesette misbruik van die stormwaterstelsel, waaronder vandalisme en onwettige vullisstorting, veroorsaak oorstromings gedurende swaar reën Die Stad maak staat op inwoners om stormwaterpype, dreins, kanale, mere en ander infrastruktuur onversper te help hou sodat dit oortollige water na die riviere en see kan wegvoer
Kwi-Indaba yeziCwangciso ebiqhutywa siSixeko ngoMatshi, amagosa, iingcali zecandelo loshishino, izifundiswa, iMibutho eNgekho Ngaphantsi koRhulumente, oomasipala abakufutshane namaziko karhulumente aye afakan’ imilomo ngemiba ephambili eza kuqwalaselwa xa kuhlolwa owama2025 siSixeko ngendlela osetyenziswe ngayo umhlaba (LUM)
Iintsapho eziliqela eMacassar zisandul’ ukufumana iitayitile zemizi yazo njengenxalenye yephulo lawo wonke umasipala ombaxa weSixeko lokuZisa iiTayitile eBantwini Umboniso wendlela ongeenkonzo zeSixeko oqhutywe ngexesha elifanayo, uye wanika abahlali ithuba lokuthetha namagosa omaspala ombaxa Ukuze ubone enoba itayitile:yakho ikhona kusini na kuluhlu, yiya kumboniso oba sendleleni xa ungakwindawo ohlala kuyo
NgoMatshi iSixeko siye saba lusizi ngokuva
Cape Town salutes Fugard and Fine
In March, the City was saddened to learn of the passing of two stalwarts who were deeply connected to the Mother City Playwright and director Athol Fugard’s connection to Cape Town was both personal and professional He attended the University of Cape Town, where he studied Philosophy and Anthropology before dedicating himself entirely to the arts. In 2010, he was honoured with the opening of the Fugard Theatre in historic District Six He received accolades such as the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2005 and Civic Honours from the City in 2023, and was strongly committed to justice and equality He passed away on 8 March at the age of 92 Former Cape Town mayor Patricia Fine’s tenure coincided with South Africa s transition to democracy, being elected to office in late 1993 and serving until the country’s first democratic local government elections in 1995 She will be remembered for working tirelessly to bridge political divides during a pivotal time in South Africa’s history She passed away on 2 March following a courageous battle with cancer
Let the water run
Ongoing abuse of the stormwater system, including vandalism and illegal dumping, causes localised flooding during heavy rainfall The City counts on residents to help keep stormwater pipes, drains, canals, ponds and other infrastructure clear to divert water to the rivers and sea Those who interfere with the stormwater system put properties and lives at risk, and must be held accountable Report vandalism and illegal dumping to 0800 65 64 63, transport.info@capetown.gov.za or 31373 (SMS).
ngokusweleka kwamagqala amabini asebenze kakhulu neSixeko Umbhali wemidlalo nomalathisi uAthol Fugard kunye nowayesakuba ngusodolophu uPatricia Fine Ukuphuculwa ngokwamabakala kwamabala okubaleka eBlue Downs kuqhuba kakuhle Olu phuculo luquka ukwenziwa ngokutsha nokuphuculwa kweendawo eziiphambili njengekheyiji yomdlalo wokuphosa iihamile, iibhodi zokusuka nendawo yokuqubha nokubaleka imigama emide ngaphakathi
Ukusetyenziswa kakubi ngokuqhubekayo kweenkqubo zamanzi esichotho, okuquka ukonakaliswa nokulahla okungekho mthethweni, kudala ukhukuliseko ebudeni beemvula ezinkulu ISixeko sithembe abahlali ukuba baza kusinceda sigcine imibhobho yamanzi esichotho, iidreyini, imijelo, amaqula nezinye iziseko zophuhliso zivulekile ukuze zikwazi ukuthumela amanzi emilanjeni naselwandle
Helfrich
Chantal Cerfontein
On the winning track: The phased refurbishment of the Blue Downs athletics track is progressing well The upgrade includes resurfacing, and improving key features such as the hammer throw cage, take-off boards and steeplechase area
It is the beginning of becoming
NAMHLAMONAKALI
On Saturday 7 June, the walls of Bertha House pulsed with hope, healing, and honesty as ‘Women Talk with Liqhame’ unfolded into an unforgettable experience.
Hosted by VuLi Media, the event brought together women from all walks of life to engage in raw, real, and relevant dialogue about ‘‘becoming”, personally, financially, and emotionally.
Centred around the theme “Becoming Her,” the conversation focused on mindset transformation, financial literacy, and the journey of stepping into the woman one was always meant to be.
“The most powerful takeaway for me was realising that becoming the woman I want to be is not a distant dream, but a decision I can make daily,” said Thandeka Kulati, one of those attending. “The conversations gave me clarity and courage to start showing up for myself.”
For many, the event was not just a talk, it was a mirror.
Nombulelo Sinani shared how she saw herself in the speakers’ journeys. “One speaker spoke about feeling stuck in a fixed mindset. I’ve been there. Hearing how she shifted her thinking inspired me to believe that growth is possible for me too.”
Leading the dialogue was Liqhame Ras-
meni, whose own story set the tone for vulnerability and courage “To stand in front of women and share parts of my story, some of which I’ve never voiced publicly, was a healing experience,” she said. “It reminded me of the strength in vulnerability.”
Panelist Priscilla Kohli emphasised that healing starts with self-belief.
“I hoped they’d walk away knowing they are not alone, and that growth begins with a decision to believe in yourself Your story matters, and you can rewrite the ending,” said Kohli Babalwa Jama added that spaces like this are vital for communal healing “Platforms like Liqhame create safe spaces where women are seen, heard, and empowered These conversations ripple outwards, to families, workplaces, and entire communities.”
According to VuLi Media House, the vision behind this edition was to tackle the core areas where women often feel stuck, mindset and money.
“We wanted to speak to the process of becoming. Pairing that with financial literacy and mindset was intentional because those are areas where real transformation begins.”
Despite the challenges of coordinating speakers and managing limited resources, the organisers say the results made it all worth it. “When a woman walks away feel-
ing seen, empowered, and ready to take the next step in her journey, that’s our definition of success.” And the journey doesn't stop here.
“We’re growing this into a movement,” the team shared. “Future editions will feature deeper conversations, mentorship opportunities, expert collaborations, and broader outreach, especially to women in underserved communities.”
When asked how the community can support, the answer was simple: Show up Whether by attending, volunteering, sharing stories, or simply spreading the word, every voice matters
As the curtains closed at Bertha House on that crisp winter afternoon, one thing was clear, Women Talk with Liqhame is not just an event. It’s a catalyst. And for many women, it was the beginning of becoming.
Human traffickers target ‘vulnerable individuals’ for business
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Is human trafficking fast becoming the biggest threat to vulnerable communities? A Cape Town-based organisation advocating against human trafficking believed this was the case and described it as a pandemic.
The organisation called S-Cape aims to create a safe space, restore dignity and nurture hope for women survivors and their children.
The non-profit organisation (NPO) describes human trafficking as a crime that exploits people for profit involving the use of force, fraud or coercion to control and exploit victims in various forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation or domestic servitude.
Traffickers target vulnerable individuals, often lured by false promises of jobs or better lives, only to be subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
According to the United Nations (UN), traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and attract their victims.
The recent three life-imprisonment sentences of people accused of trafficking and kidnapping six-year-old Joshlin Smith has put the spotlight on human trafficking. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually in July.
Babalwa Sindapi, a social worker at S-Cape, said sexual exploitation is one of the most common forms the organisation encounters. “The traffickers exploit the
survivors mostly through deception or they use the lover-boy method. Those are the common tactics they have used to manipulate the survivors.”
She warned social media had become a hub for perpetrators.
“They are now targeting people on social media and groom them before they act. Once they see the community is becoming aware of human trafficking they change cities.
“For example, most of our clients were from Johannesburg, but now we are receiving people from KwaZulu-Natal.”
Sindapi pointed out that there are still far too many lingering misconceptions about this crime
“People often say ‘they had already been prostituting, a fact that does not make them victims’ or human trafficking takes place abroad.”
According to Sindapi, the organisation provides therapeutic sessions, groups, horse therapy, aquatherapy and art therapy.
“We also schedule daily devotions as we are a faith-based organisation. We used to make use of outpatient rehabilitation, which we recently stopped because we now have a psychiatric sister on our team.”
Sindapi said S-Cape partnered with different organisations that provide skills-development training to the survivors.
“We also make use of a psychologist when they arrive in our safe house We attend to their medical conditions, provide skills training so that they can look for jobs when they go back into their communities.”
The social worker said the recovery journey for victims is often challenging.
“They have trust issues, cravings as they were forced to use drugs, low self-motivation based on the treatment they received from their traffickers. All of them start to switch addiction from substances to unhealthy snack or binge eating.”
She said there are various gaps in the system that make their work more challenging, particularly when putting survivors at risk
“Unfortunately, the police are not fully involved in the work we do. We had survivors who complained of being returned to the traffickers. They are accused of being on the traffickers’ pay roll. Other stakeholders are also not involved as they should be. There is an immense gap unfortunately, and once they come to our safe house it seems as if they become our responsibility only.”
Sindapi said the justice system is also failing survivors.
“The justice system is also not playing its
Human trafficking as a crime that exploits people for profit involving the use of force, fraud or coercion to control and exploit victims in various forms
part because it seems to focus mainly on its own cases and convinces survivors to open cases
“When they want to leave the safe house the system does not provide any housing for them as they await the trial.”
She said not all survivors are South African citizens.
Sindapi believes more awareness should be spread on social-media platforms
“All the social-media platforms should perhaps normalise having these conversations so that people can be informed. We believe that knowledge is power and to also be informed about hot spots.”
She cautioned people who are searching for jobs to be vigilant
“Vulnerable individuals are their target. When people are applying for jobs they must do their background checks of the company advertising. They must rather have someone who can accompany them when they go for interviews so that they can act faster when they suspect something.”
SearchfornewChildren’sCommissionernearscompletion
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The recruitment process in the search for an eligible successor to the Western Cape’s first Children’s Commissioner is well underway.
Christina Nomdo’s tenure as commissioner concluded last month following her announcement late last year that she would not pursue a second term for “personal reasons.”
According to the Western Cape Commissioner for Children Act, the incumbent holds the position for a five-year term and is eligible for only one additional term.
As the curtain comes down on Child Protection Week, and in the run-up to Youth Day, all eyes will be on the new commissioner.
The commissioner’s key role is to protect and promote the rights, needs and interests of children in the province by working with the departments of Education, Health and Social Development as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Standing Committee on Premier and Constitutional Matters in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said the committee had completed the nomination, shortlisting and interview stages.
She said 61 nominations were received Of these 44 nominees accepted the nomination 16 did not respond and one declined.
“Nine candidates were shortlisted and interviewed on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 April
“The committee evaluated the candidates
based on interview scores and cross-member consensus.”
Vetting results-outcome pending, the final recommendation for the appointment will be discussed at a meeting once the process has been concluded, according to Van Minnen.
“The Premier must either appoint the recommended candidate within 21 days of receiving the committee’s report or refer the matter back to Parliament if there are concerns.”
She said the position will remain vacant temporarily until a new commissioner is appointed.
“After conducting interviews in midApril the committee is nearing the final stages. Once the vetting report is received the committee will consider and adopt the final report.”
Van Minnen pointed out that following the adoption of the report it will be tabled in the Provincial Parliament for approval.
“If approved, the recommendation will be submitted to the Premier, who has 21 days to appoint the recommended candidate or refer the matter back with reasons.” She said the recruitment process had been thorough and inclusive, involving public participation, child monitors’ input and transparent interviews.
“Background checks (criminal, credit, and qualification verifications) were conducted on shortlisted candidates The committee updated the scoring framework to align with the Act, emphasising competencies, professional experience and academic record.”
On Saturday, 7 June, the walls of Bertha House pulsed with hope, healing, and honesty as Women Talk with Liqhame unfolded into an unforgettable experience PHOTO: SUPPLIED
PHOTO: PEXELS
A budget healthy diet is doable
Healthy eating on a budget, local dieticians share practical advice. While the rising cost of living continues to affect households across Cape Town, local dieticians say eating healthily is more affordable and accessible than many realise.
Not only is a healthy diet essential in preventing and treating chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, but it is also a powerful act of self-care.
During Dieticians Week, which ran from Monday 2 to Sunday 7 June under the theme “Your health, our mission: Talk to a dietitian”, health-care professionals across the province were working to dispel the myth that nutritious food is out of reach for the average household,” said Kristi Overmeyer, a dietician based at Heideveld Community Day Clinic.
“Healthy eating is perceived to be expensive. We have noticed that the communities we serve have financial constraints and this leads to food insecurity.”
Quanita Salaam, a dietician at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, echoed the concern. She said limited income, reliance on spaza shops that often lack fresh produce and a general lack of knowledge about nutrition are major obstacles to healthier living.
“Many people are unaware of how to read food labels, balance meals or make healthier swaps. For example, people often believe fruit juice is always healthy, even though many are filled with added sugar.”
Despite these challenges residents across the Cape have access to free nutritional consultations through public-health-care facilities. Dieticians hope more people will take advantage of these services to improve their eating habits.
“Choosing healthy meals is a powerful act of self-care in today’s fast-paced life,” Salaam said. “Eating a balanced diet along with regular exercise decreases the risk of chronic diseases. It also supports mental health, boosts mood and concentration, and helps children grow, learn, and thrive ”
Cost remains a common concern. Fresh produce and lean proteins are often more expensive than processed staples such as white bread and rice. But knowing how to make substitutions and control portion sizes can stretch a small budget a long way Dieticians also point out that acceptance of vegetables, especially among children, is often shaped by family habits and exposure.
The lack of vegetables in daily meals contributes to preferences for sweeter and saltier foods, including fast food and fried meals.
Zenande Xaluva, a dietician at Nyanga Community Day Clinic, offers a simple, visual method to help families build balanced meals using their hands.
A healthy plate should have starch about the size of a closed fist, protein the size of
the inside of your palm, and non-starchy vegetables filling the space of two cupped hands Fats, Xaluva said, should be kept to the size of the tip of your thumb.
Practical, cost-saving strategies are available to every household.
Dietician Margaux Doe from Mitchells Plain District Hospital suggests adding beans and lentils to mince-based meals like spaghetti bolognaise to stretch the dish without compromising on nutrition. Replacing meat with plant-based proteins and buying fruit and vegetables that are in season also helps make meals more affordable.
“To make vegetables more appealing, especially for children, look for options such as
butternut,” said Doe. “You can stuff a butternut with savoury mince, top it with a bit of cheese and bake it; two halves can feed four people. Stuffed peppers and squash work just as well and can be paired with simple sides to bulk-up the meal. Even with less meat these meals are rich in colour, fibre, vitamins and minerals.”
Additional advice from local dieticians includes buying seasonal and locally sourced produce from vendors, who often sell at lower prices Buying pantry staples such as rice, pasta and legumes in bulk, especially on special, and sharing these among friends and family can lead to significant savings. Freezing vegetables for later use
in soups and stews, starting a small home garden and making traditional meals healthier by reducing oil and salt are also practical ways to improve nutrition without breaking the bank.
For beverages, dieticians recommend swapping sugary cooldrinks for water with a slice of lemon or homemade iced rooibos tea Cutting down on processed meats such as viennas, and avoiding chips and pies can also go a long way towards improving health outcomes
The message from local dieticians is clear, eating well on a budget is possible with the right support and knowledge and public clinics are ready to help.
Margaux Doe dietician at the Mitchells Plain District Hospital PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Protect your home this winter
The winter months in South Africa are commonly associated with a heightened risk of fire-related incidents in various communities.
This increase is due mainly to the significant drop in temperatures, prompting many households to consider various heating methods to keep their families warm. At the same time, the cold, dry conditions create an environment conducive to wildfires due to a lack of rain during the season.
The impact of these fires can lead to devastating outcomes, ranging from loss of life, human displacement, health risks (from burns and smoke inhalation) and business interruptions caused by home or business fires
Open-air or veld fires may also destroy vegetation, livestock, and damage infrastructure.
In light of this, the African Insurance Association (Saia) would like to remind South Africans of both the personal and financial impact that the incidents can have. SAIA encourages individuals and businesses to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to reduce fire hazards and protect their families, property, and livelihoods.
For many households, the significant threats that cause residential fires include using unmonitored heating devices such as home open fires, gas and electrical heaters and electrical blankets. These risks are often exacerbated by electrical faults resulting from poor maintenance or overloading systems and appliances.
On the other hand, wildfires and veldfires are caused mainly by human error, either through efforts to stay warm or burning dry, overgrown vegetation for visibility or safety reasons.
Themba Palagangwe, General Manager:
Governance and Transformation at Saia, states: “Recent reports have shown increases in fire-related incidents and insurance claims. This underscores the urgent need for South African households, communities, and businesses to unite and collaborate to prevent winter fire incidents. This is essential for preserving the quality of life and reducing financial strain for individuals and businesses.”
In the fight to reduce and prevent fire incidents this winter, Saia urges households and businesses to take these simple and practical steps to safeguard themselves against unforeseen fire incidents, many of which are preventable.
Keeping your home/business fireproof during winter:
• Monitor your use of electrical devices such as heaters and electrical blankets, always including their placements around the home.
• Regularly inspect and service heating appliances for optimal safety and efficiency
• Always switch off heaters before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Avoid leaving your electrical blanket switched on for extended periods.
• Also, switch it off and keep it unplugged when not in use.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets; always use a qualified electrician for your electrical work and installations.
• Regularly inspect and maintain electrical wiring using qualified electricians.
• Address signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, or burning smells from outlets or appliances.
• If possible, install smoke detectors and keep fire extinguishers for fire alerts.
Taking due care: Preventing wildfire
and veldfire hazards in our surroundings:
• Clear dry vegetation around properties to create defensible spaces.
• Adhere to local fire bans and regulations, avoiding open flame or spark-causing activities.
• Stay informed and prepared, including developing community emergency action plans.
• Always monitor your fire activities and ensure all flames are out before leaving the area with fire.
• Always report unmonitored open fires to local authorities and community emergency forums.
For added peace of mind, Saia encourages households and businesses to contact their insurer or broker for suitable non-life insurance products that cover fire
This can serve as a good risk transfer mechanism in the event of a fire-related incident that leads to damage and/or loss of valuable assets such as your home, home contents, vehicle, or business property.
Always review your insurance cover for appropriateness and advise your insurers of any changes that may impact your insurance cover.
Lastly, keep your insurance premiums up to date to maintain uninterrupted protection.
“Winter should be a season of warmth and comfort, not one marked by tragedy and loss. We encourage all South Africans to take the necessary steps to prevent fire outbreaks in their homes, businesses, and environments,” says Palagangwe.
“By staying informed, implementing safety measures, and ensuring that insurance cover is up to date, we can avoid the devastating financial and emotional consequences of fire-related incidents. Together, we can protect our homes, families, and future this winter.”
Open fires will be the main threat to homes as the winter season sweeps across the country PHOTO: PEXELS
Activistshareshisstoryglobally
UNATHIOBOSE
It is high time for people to unite and stand up for themselves and stop relying on the government to do things for them. These were the remarks uttered by the renowned HIV and human rights activist Mandla Majola during his launch of his new book titled ‘Post Apartheid Community Based Activism’.
The event was held at Movement for Change Social Justice (MCSJ) offices at NY 3A in Gugulethu on Friday 6 June.
Majola, who dedicated almost all his life fighting for human rights, said the book was written by both Prof Louise Penner and Prof Rajini Srikanth from the University of Massachusetts Boston in the United States of America (USA). The book is about his life as an activist.
“I started to be an activist at a young age in 1999 when I joined a club called Young Romans FC in Gugulethu. We started by forming an association called the South African Mobile Library Association (SAMLA). The aim was to have a mobile library in Gugulethu using a truck where the children could easily access books in the area In 2000 I joined the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) as a volunteer because I could see that many people were dying with Aids related diseases So, I wanted to be involved. In 2008 I joined the Social Justice Coalition (SJC),” he explained.
The 54-year-old man said he became a provincial coordinator for TAC in 2001 before he was promoted as a national organiser in 2003.
“The same year (2003), I was elected during the national congress to be a general secretary I was so much involved in HIV struggle working with different people and some of them died with HIV/Aids-related illnesses,” he stated, adding that because he was working with people suffering with HIV related illness, he developed depression in 2004 and he decided to resign in April.
He said he stayed for two months before he joined TAC again and he became the national adviser. “I worked as a district coordinator, because in 2004 there were already ideas of implementing ARVs and wanted to monitor the government if it was committed to implementing ARVs roll out. At that time, I was based in Khayelitsha and there were many socio-economic problems, which included rapes, tuberculosis, HIV etc,” he recalled.
Majola said he was instrumental in the formation of the SJC in 2008.
He said in 2010 the TAC founder Zackie Achmat asked him to cross the floor to join him in the JSC to assist him.“JSC was formed by TAC during the xenophobic attacks in 2008, but in 2009 it changed and focused on the problem of criminal and justice systems and water and sanitation. In 2012 I went back to TAC again until 2015. In 2016 I completed my master’s in philosophy at Stellenbosch University,” he explained,adding that he was hired at the University of Cape Town as community engagement manager in the Department of Division for Social and Behavioural Science under school of Public Health.
Majola said he worked in the uni-
versity for five years. He said he went as far as doing his second master’s in Public Health at the University of Cape Town this year. He stated that he first met with the professors who wrote his book in 2006 while he was working for TAC in Khayelitsha “I met with Prof Penner and Srikanth through Prof Padraig O’Malley from the University of Massachusetts Boston when they visited our offices. They brought their students here. Since then these professors kept on coming to our offices every two years. All along they were collecting data about what I’m doing (my role as an activist) without me knowing In 2022 they told me that they want to write a book about me which I resisted and told them that they can’t write about me alone, there were other people that I was working with,” explained Majola, adding that he later accepted it as they told him that they wanted him to be the main focus. Mojala described the book as the voice of the voiceless. He said the book is enlightening people about the socio-economic challenges that they are currently facing “People mustn’t think that the socio-economic problems that they are facing are made by God No, they are man made and it’s us who can change. Not even the government or politicians can change them We need to unite and fight,” said Majola, adding that the politicians are fighting for their stomach.
The book is available online and at the MJSC offices in NY3A in Gugulethu. The professors are intending to make it available in all the universities in the USA.
Well-known activist Mandla Majola at the launch of his the new book in Gugulethu last week
PHOTO:UNATHIOBOSE
Cape mourns legendary icon
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
“Behind closed doors he was a quiet, humble person Always the same, always sharing knowledge and helping people,” this is how Bennie Gool, journalist and family spokesperson will remember the late Rashid Lombard.
Rashid Lombard, acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz visionary died on Wednesday 4 June at the age of 74. He was laid to rest on Thursday 5 June according to Muslim rites.
Gool said as an as young journalist just starting his career years ago, Lombard was his hero.
“I was a young photographer just starting out and Rashid was a hero. He was more than just a photographer, he was a musician, and an artist.”
Gool explained that Lombard lived a simple life.
“One just needs to look at his house, the car he drove. He was very simple. Rashid should have been the minister of arts and culture in South Africa. He had that kind of wisdom to do a thorough job of that.”
Tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life’s work bridged the worlds of political resistance and artistic expression.
Lombard and his parents moved to Cape Town in 1962.
Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial pho-
tographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts.
His political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM).
Lombard went on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle.
His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC.
Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa's journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. With democracy came the opportunity to fully embrace his other great passion—jazz. He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio.
In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events management company behind one of his most enduring legacies: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014.
After stepping away from the festival, he took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen.
He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. His daughter will now
Blisters for Bread to return with loads of fun
The annual Blisters for Bread Fun Walk takes place on Sunday 31 August.
Organised by The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) the event, now in its 57th year, aims to alleviate child hunger.
Blisters for Bread offers two scenic-route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade. It will begin at Stephan Way in Green Point and finish at the Green Point Common Sports Grounds. The 10 km walk starts at 07:30 while the 5 km walk start at 08:00.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line!
The Green Point Common Sports Ground will be buzzing with live music performances, including a set by Natasha van der Merwe – acclaimed singer, actress, and media presenter, best known for her role as Suzie Naude in Suidooster – alongside some of Cape Town’s top local artists.
She is a versatile and accomplished performer whose talents span acting, singing, dancing, voice artistry and choreography. With a solid foundation in the performing arts Van der Merwe has earned distinctions in drama and musical theatre from Trinity College London and in dance from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) at the Waterfront Theatre School She is also a certified Tap and Modern teacher, reflecting her comprehensive expertise in the field.
In addition to her theatrical achievements, Van der Merwe has made significant contributions to television and radio. She has presented on 101.9 CHAI FM, 2 Oceans Vibe, and MIX 93.8FM Radio, demonstrating her skill as an engaging MC and presenter.
Van der Merwe on-screen presence is also well-regarded, with notable roles in nation-
al and international TV commercials as well as TV series and films such as Inconceivable (M-net), Woke (KykNet) and Blood and Water (Gambit Films).
In February 2023 she launched her music career with the release of her debut single, “Hou my Vas”, and has released two more singles throughout the year.
Entries for the walk, which can take place only online, are now open with flexible registration options available for individuals and groups.
The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry schoolchildren for a day Official event T-shirts are available at R150. Participation is limited to 8 000 walkers.
• Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August. To register for Blisters for Bread or learn more about it, please visit www psfa.org.za
carry this work forward.
Marlene le Roux, chief executive officer of the Artscape, described Lombard as an “unwavering activist and a promoter of the arts”
“He was one of the most unassuming, humble, modest advocates for the arts. Whether it was through his photography, his involvement in music, jazz in particular, or whether it was through his development and creation of work opportunities.”
Le Roux said they would be lighting a candle on stage in his memory.
“The arts world is definitely poorer now that he is gone. But his legacy lives on in people whose lives he touched, the work he created and in the immaculate images only he could see through his lenses.”
espAfrika and the Sekunjalo Group said in a press statement Lombar’s passing is a “profound loss” to South Africa and the global arts community.
“Rashid’s legacy is etched across multiple spheres—from his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world,” read the statement.
Lombard who is survived by his wife Colleen Lombard, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his grandchildren
Bansuri flute has centre stage
A one-night-only transcendent experience is on the cards as the world premiere of Symphony of Bansuri takes centre stage at the Artscape Opera House on Saturday 2 August.
Starring Grammy Award-winning flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), this boundary-defying concert will showcase the expressive power of the bansuri – the traditional Indian bamboo flute – in an orchestral setting.
Symphony of Bansuri is a unique musical creation that brings together the rich melodic traditions of Indian classical music with the grandeur of Western symphonic expression.
This is the latest in a series of acclaimed world premieres staged by Inner Circle, whose productions have previously played to sold-out local as well as international audiences.
Chaurasia, the nephew and foremost disciple of flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, is known for his ability to blend strength and serenity, innovation and tradition. His dual Grammy win last year solidified his position as one of the world’s leading classical crossover artists
“This project has been years in the making and reflects our continued commitment to world-class musical innovation in South Africa,” said Nisaar Pangarker, founder
and creative force behind Inner Circle Entertainment.
“To hear the bansuri in dialogue with a full orchestra is not only a sonic revelation, but also a symbolic gesture; a meeting of cultures, histories and traditions
“We are proud to host this global premiere in Cape Town
“This forthcoming tour is bittersweet, because Zakirji has encouraged me for many years to create a concert accompanied by orchestra Symphony of Bansuri is the culmination of that support and love.
“Sadly, he is not physically here to witness this, but it will be my very humble tribute to him, and I am sure his soul will be listening and blessing us.”
The production is a double bill, the first part traditional Indian classical music featuring the bansuri accompanied by Tabla This is followed, in the second part, by specially-reimagined arrangements of Indian classical ragas, folk tunes, film melodies and light classical works from the bansuri as the solo voice, accompanied by the full symphony orchestra under the baton of Damian Philander.
The performance is crafted to elevate the bansuri as a complete instrument capable of transcending genres and captivating audiences across musical traditions • Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Artscape Box Office
Rashid Lombard, acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz visionary died on Wednesday 4 June at the age of 74
Patrons can expect live-music performances, including a set by Natasha van der Merwe, acclaimed singer, actress and media presenter
