After months of delay due to extortion, the rejuvenation of the Gugulethu cemetery is finally underway. The cemetery, situated between Klipfontein Road and NY 5, has been an eyesore for several years. It was stripped by vandals and has been a grazing field for animals, and a dumping spot for humans. Efforts by the municipality to revamp the
facility came to a grinding halt when extortion threats were made against the workers in June last year (“Extortion halts yard build at Gugulethu cemetery”, City Vision, 27 June 2024).
With police making significant inroads against the extortion scourge, a new contractor returned to the site on Wednesday 19 February.
In a statement, the City stated that its Recreation and Parks Department is working tirelessly to ensure the completion of the project. “Yes, the department can confirm that security guards are on site. The project completion for the three sides is expected to be at the end of April (this year),”
read the statement.
The project is being completed in phases, aligned with available resources, the statement continued. “The final phase, which involves the front section of the cemetery, is scheduled to commence in the new financial year starting 1 July with anticipated completion by September this year. While there were challenges, including attempted extortion that temporarily disrupted work last year, the City remains committed to delivering the project and ensuring its successful completion,” stated the City.
Gugulethu Development Forum secretary Vincent Domingo appealed to the community to protect the contract workers.
He said they are pleased with the new development as it will bring hope and closure, not only to the families of the people who have family members at the cemetery, but to the community at large. He said the suspension of the contract had left an unbearable pain. “In our culture, a cemetery is a very respected place. You can’t do as you please there. You don’t even go there. But because we are living in a broken community, the criminals decided to vandalise not only the yard but the graves as well,” said Domingo, adding that some graves have their tombstones stolen. He urged the City to deploy security guards to protect the cemetery.
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Uhen two bulls fight it’s the grass that suffers. This is an African adage or proverb, meaning the weak suffers when two powerful individuals clash. This is where patriotic South Africans are right now, and things could spiral out of control completely if the raging war of words between Pretoria and Washington is not halted. I do not want to be a doomsayer and suggest SA will become another Zimbabwe. I believe we are a resilient nation. We’ve overcome too many hurdles and this too shall pass.
However, it’s worth remembering that Zimbabwe’s woes started with land redistribution. For many years the country had been thriving until massive-scale land redistribution and land grabs. That was a political strategy used by President Robert Mugabe in the latter stages of his presidency to remain in power. It imploded into an economic nightmare and plunged the nation into chaos. The country has struggled to return to its former glory as most farmers were forced to relinquish their farms. However, there is no such thing in SA. Signing the Expropriation Bill into law doesn’t promote lawlessness. However, it gives the government a wiggle room in instances where owners refuse to sell their land at a reasonable price. South Africa is a constitutional democratic country and last year’s general elections and outcomes were the pinnacle of our democracy.
Suddenly to hear Donald Trump blasting the country for doing all the wrong things against certain groups of the population and subsequently cutting aid to the nation sent shockwaves to many across the globe. Particularly worrisome was that his sentiments were baseless. Somebody whispered something in his ear and he regarded that as gospel. As a leader, and especially a political one, it’s important
Siyathandana, kwaye naye uyayazi lonto. Uthando kukunikeza inkxaso omnye komnye ngalo lonke ixesha, ngamaxesha obumnandi namaxesha obunzima. Kukunikeza ingqinisekiso yokuba izinto zizakulanga xa kunzima. Uthando lingokukhathalelana. Xa uthanda umntu awenzeli isizwe, wenzela wena nalowo uthandana naye. Yiyo lento ndifika
ndibhideke lusuku lwe Valentines. Unkosikazi uyayazi ukuba ndimthanda kangakanani, kwaye akufuneki mali okanye ukuba ndide ndimthengele into ukuze ayazi lonto.
Ndithe xa ndigqitha kwenye yeevenkile kutsha nje ndaqaphela ukuba kuxhonywe izinto ngezinto ze Valentines, kwaye amaxabiso athande ukuxhoma.
to listen and familiarise yourself with the facts. We all know there was nothing factual about Trump’s utterances. We are now a nation at a crossroads. We’re told many individuals and organisations that depend on USA funding to run their HIV/ Aids projects have been forced to close. Not only does this threaten millions of lives, but it goes against the democratic principles the USA claims to stand for. Just over than a month after moving into the Oval office Trump has made sweeping changes with far-reaching consequences for many across the globe. In isiXhosa we can simply say “usuze kwanuka ihlabathi lonke.”
Lonto ithi kuza kufuneka ndithathe imali, nto leyo ethande ukunqongophala, ndiyothenga into ye Valentines.
Particularly painful are his actions against South Africa, fuelled by individuals within our borders and seen as treason by many, myself included. With the Hawks confirming on Monday 3 March that at least four cases of treason had been opened for investigation, the least AfriForum can do is show remorse. Instead, they are hellbent on defending their anti-government stance, opposing the Expropriation Bill especially. Kallie Kriel, AfriForum’s CEO’s justification leaves a bad taste. These guys apparently have criss-crossed the world bad-mouthing our government. Like Trump, Kriel sees no wrong in such action. While this spat continues we on the ground have to suffer the consequences.
When unemployed, the silence can deafen
WowZA to deliver another spectacular show
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
In every family, there are moments that feel like they define you. For some, unemployment is one of those moments. It’s not just a number on a statistic sheet, it’s a reality that shakes the very core of who they are.
APartners find themselves balancing their own stresses while trying to be a support system
Excitement is mounting for the 15th edition of the Cape Town Carnival taking place next week.
The Green Point Fan Walk will come alive on Saturday 15 March with over 1 500 performers and 10 colourful floats set to take to the street.
I know this all too well. Watching my own family members and circle struggle with unemployment has made me realise how little we talk about the emotional toll it takes. We often talk about finding a job, updating CV’s and networking, but what about the silent battles? The feeling of inadequacy, the isolation, and the unspoken fear that things might never return to “normal”?
City Vision's sister newspaper, People’s Post, caught up with Chad Abrahams, head of the costume department, who explained that they were all set for the big day.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that unemployment is just a temporary setback, a phase you’ll work through. But for many, it’s a long and winding road. And in the midst of this journey, there’s so much more than simply searching for a job.
With the theme being WowZA, Abrahams explains that they aimed to encapsulate this through the costumes.
“It has been an enjoyable ride trying to lockdown the designs and sourcing the fabrics to costume over 1 400 performers. We source fabric throughout the country.
“It is rewarding because now we are finding places that we never knew about before. There is a wonderful place in Witbank that we are sourcing fabrics from.”
One of the hardest parts of being unemployed is the waiting game. The constant checking of emails, refreshing job boards, and hoping that this application is the one that will finally yield results. But with each rejection, or worse, each silence, the hope dims a little more.
I’ve seen in my family how the waiting wears on you. It’s not just a matter of getting through the day; it’s about maintaining your self-worth when every attempt seems to be met with rejection. The truth is, it’s not always about qualifications or experience, it’s about timing, about a world that sometimes doesn’t make room for those who are ready and will-
He explains that the designs for each costume are a team effort. “We work with all the different creative departments; we liaise with the float department to find out what the floats are going to look like. Then we try and source fabric to compliment the floats.”
Abrahams says they are paying hom-
whether as a teacher, a healthcare worker, or a tradesperson find themselves lost in a world that doesn’t seem to need them anymore. The silence can be deafening, and it makes you wonder: Am I still valuable?
age to the country’s national flower, the Protea.
“We had the Protea theme a few years ago, but we have now created a newgeneration Protea.
There’s also the guilt feeling that the family tribute. But here’s the truth: Unemployment isn’t a reflection of your worth as a person or
able, competitive, and at times, unkind. So, what can we do to help our loved ones and
First, we need to open up the conversation. Ask questions beyond “Did you find a job yet?” Start with “How are you really doing?”
thy. Acknowledge that it’s not easy to be in the position of feeling rejected time and again. Help them find resources – whether it’s job leads, mental health support, or even just a listening ear. Encouragement is vital, but so tions.
We often think of unemployment as an individual struggle, but in reality, it’s a family affair. It affects the dynamics, the relationships, and the emotional health of everyone involved. Parents feel the weight of providing for their children, even when jobs seem out of reach.
“We are trying to celebrate the ‘wowness’ of Cape Town.
“The Protea is a national flower, but it’s also Cape Town’s pride and joy. For the first time, we also created a male-protea costume.”
Lastly, let’s make sure we don’t forget the importance of human connection. Too often, people in this situation can feel invisible. As a family, as a society, we can do better at showing that we see and care for each other. A simple act of kindness a call, a text, an offer of help can go a long way in making someone feel like they matter.
According to Abrahams, the costumes were distributed to the various groups on Sunday 2 March for them to fit and check sizes.
“We don’t get to measure every participant, so we rely on the group leaders. So we try and hand out the costume two weeks before the carnival, so if there are any issues, we have two weeks to alter and fix it.”
He explains that the exciting task of creating the outfits rests on the shoulders of 11 people.
Unemployment is a hard journey, but it’s not one that has to be walked alone. There is no quick fix, no magic formula for ending the struggle, but there is something powerful in knowing you’re not invisible. That you’re not your job status, and you never will be. For my family members and for anyone reading this who has faced or is facing unemployment know this: You are more than your circumstances. You are worthy, and your time will come. It may take longer than expected, and the road may be rough, but there’s hope in the waiting.
Don’t give up. And remember, we are all in this together.
“We have three seamstresses, a cutter, a designer, and a fabrication department that takes care of headpieces and accessories.”
He encouraged people to attend and see all the magic come to life.
“People can look forward to ‘wow’ costumes. We are going out of our way to make sure this 15th anniversary is celebrated through our costumes.”
Win! City Vision, is giving away a pair of VIP tickets. Send an email to win@cityvision.co.za with the theme for this year’s carnival in the subject line. The winner will also get a double ticket for a one-night stay at the Southern Sun Hotel, valid for the night of the carnival. Remember to add your contact details in the body of the email.
The winner will be notified by phone.
ISAZISO
Performers Shannon Roode and Archy trying their protea outfits out.
Bingo kidnapped!
UNATHI OBOSE
Following the hijacking of a municipal vehicle with the City’s anti-litter mascot Bingo, the Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF) is appealing to residents to “reclaim” their streets and ensure that they squeeze space for criminals.
The vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, was reportedly hijacked at NY1 in Gugulethu on Thursday 27 February.
Mayco member for Urban Waste Management Grant Twigg said the incident occurred while the driver was on his way to pick the team up for their next school visit.
He said the occupants were unharmed and the driver has been offered counselling. He added that the Bingo costume was taken with the vehicle and urged the residents to be aware of possible scams that may involve a fake Bingo. Twigg stated that any Bingo bookings are through the City.
“This latest attack highlights the danger that Urban Waste Management staff and staff from other directorates face on a daily basis while trying to make a positive impact in the communities that need it most. If anyone has information on the incident (for instance, if they see the Bingo costume being discarded) or the people who are targeting City vehicles for theft, we urge you to report it to the nearest police station. Since the launch of the character.
“Bingo has made an invaluable contribution to environmental awareness in Cape Town. His reputation among the City’s young children is growing with each visit and his engagements never fail to generate excitement and inspire the audience to make a difference. It is unacceptable that even such a beloved character as Bingo is a target of crime.”
Twigg said the incident will have some effect on the programme of activities with schools.
Provincial police spokesperson
Sgt Wesley Twigg confirmed Gugulethu police registered a carjacking case for investigation.
He said according to reports the victim was standing at a red traffic light when he was approached by five suspects who pointed him with a firearm and hijacked the vehicle. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.”
Vincent Domingo, GDF secretary, highlighted carjacking, murder, robberies as some of the common cases in the area.
He urged the community to be vigilant and be the eyes and ears of the officers.
“I’m not aware of this incident (hijacking of the Bingo transport), but I know that crime is escalating in Gugulethu. And people are scared to speak out publicly for fear of losing their lives.”
Domingo stated that the crime has a negative impact on the de-
velopment in the area. He stated that the investors will be reluctant to come and invest in Gugulethu if people misbehave. He urged the law to take its course against the perpetrators.
One dead and three injured in taxi rank shooting near Site C
UNATHI OBOSE
The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) has distanced itself from the shooting that occurred at Njabulo Street near Site C Taxi Rank on Friday 28 February.
Codeta chair Nceba Enge didn't deny nor confirm that the incident was connected to the taxi industry, stating instead that an investigation would be conducted into the shooting. He said only one person had died and four were injured during the incident.
“This has nothing to do with our business because we are not fighting. But we are busy investigating the main cause. We are not sure what happened, but will try to track it down.”
Enge reiterated there was no fighting within the organisation and it was business as usual.
However, according to a police statement, one person died and
three were injured during the shooting.
Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said Khayelitsha police registered a murder and three attempted murder cases for investigation, following a shooting incident in which a 55-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded and three adult males shot and wounded on Friday 28 February.
“Officers responded to a complaint of a shooting at Njabulo Street, Site C, Khayelitsha, where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 55-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were taken to a medical facility for medical treatment.”
He stated that the motive for the attack is believed to be taxi related. Twigg said the suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
Some of the taxis at the Site C Taxi Rank. PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Bingo, the City’s anti-litter mascot.
NEWS
On-duty cops rob shop at gunpoint
UNATHI OBOSE
Three police officers of the Nyanga Police Station are languishing in the cells after they were nabbed for business robbery in Mfuleni. The officers, aged 28 and 29, appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 4 March following their arrest a day earlier. They will appear again in court on Tuesday 11 March.
It is alleged the officers robbed a Somali business in October last year and got away with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.
Following a long investigation by members of the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, the trio was arrested on Monday 3 March after reporting for duty.
Provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie confirmed the arrest. “Investigation reveals that the members were on duty at Nyanga police station when at about 21:00 the three members visited a Somalian shop in Mfuleni and requested to search the shop. It is alleged that the officers then demanded access to the room where cash and cigarettes were kept. When the owner refused, they pulled their firearms and forced the owner at gunpoint
to open the safety room from where they took an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. The owner and his two brothers were guarded by accomplices in the backroom,” said Pojie.
He added that the officers then loaded the cigarettes into the police vehicle and drove off.
According to Pojie, the shop owner managed to follow the suspects in his private vehicle and took a video of the police vehicle in question and later reported the matter to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation.
“After thorough investigation by the unit, the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who then decided to charge the members for business robbery and pointing of firearm. Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was issued and executed on the same day,” he explained.
The incident has been condemned by the Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) and appealed for the law to take its course against the three officers.
CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe described the arrest of the officers as a victory to the community.
He said they don't have a place for rotten officers in the local police.
“This is a good example even to other officers who are planning to do the similar thing. They are not tarnishing the Nyanga officers, but nationwide. We need the officers that will lead by an example,” said Qwebe. He applauded the whistleblowers for doing a great job by informing the officers citing that without them the culprits wouldn't be apprehended. He urged the community to keep on working with the officers. “Nyanga is not a jungle. We are saying no to crime. Whoever is doing it must know that his or her days are numbered including the officers,” said Qwebe.
Strand CPF walks against crime
UNATHI OBOSE
Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Lwandle police held a walk against crime on Friday 28 February where they were going around the neighbhourhood engaging with the community and distributing pamphlets on crime.
The walk began at Landle Police Station, went through Vulindlela Street and joined Noxolo Street and went to Nonkqubela via Ralarala streets before they returned to the police station.
Jerry Bobi, Strand CPF public relations officer, said besides being visible in the community the aim was to bring back hope. He described the walk as the new start in the fight against crime.
“Under Lwandle Police Station there are three sectors. Last Friday 28 February, we were in Sector 1 and this coming Friday 7 March (tomorrow) will go to sector 2 and the following Friday 14 March will be in sector 3. As we walk about, we engage with the community telling them about the services that the station has and how they render them. For example, if someone is raped, there’s no need for her to go to the front desk like everyone else. There is an area which specialises with
rape victims and gender-based violence (GBV). This is the information that most people don’t know,” he stated.
Bobi said they also urged the community to be patient with the officers. He said they work under pressure with limited resources, something which makes it difficult to assist everyone.
“Sometimes, as CPF members, we listen to the grievances of the community and take them to the police station. And if that needs a station commander to respond, we go with him to those particular people. Our job as the CPF, is a link between the community and officers. And we appeal to the community that if they see something wrong that is happening, they must inform the CPF members, and they will call the police.
Lwandle police spokesperson Sgt Mthokozisi Gama said the purpose of the march was to encourage the community to claim their streets and to create a safe environment.
He said on Wednesday 26 February the CPF members held a special meeting at Nomzamo Community Hall to introduce the newly elected CPF members and to forge and establish working relationships between the community and the police.
Patekile: ‘Crime figures do remain a concern’
Provincial Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile said police will continue to fight the scourge of gang-related crime in the Western Cape.
He briefed the media on the 2024-’25 third-quarter crime statistics on Tuesday 25 February and said murder was down to 1 198 cases compared to 1 301 cases in the same period the previous year.
From 1 October to 31 December last year, the province also saw a reduction in 15 categories of the 17 community-related reported crimes, but there was a spike in common assault and commercial crimes.
Patekile was joined by Anroux Marais, MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, and Fransina Lukas, chair of the National Community Police Consultative Forum at provincial police headquarters in Green Point.
Statistics show sexual offences also saw a 4,6% reduction from 2 051 to 1 957.
The commissioner pointed out that gang violence “continues to rear its ugly head” in areas such as Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River.
“Weapons of choice for murders and attempted murders are illegal firearms.
“This compels us to be intentional in the execution of operational activities to rid communities of illegal firearms and ammunition.”
He said about 613 illegal fire-
arms and more than 20 000 rounds of ammunition were seized in this period.
Marais concurred with the provincial commissioner, saying crime on the Cape Flats remained a concern.
“I am happy that we did have a decrease, but I am concerned about what is happening with gangsterism on the Cape Flats. We need to do something differently and take a bigger step towards the community. It must be a holistic approach, or else we will never win this war.”
She said the deployment of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers would be relooked.
“In April we will have a re-evaluation of the deployment of the LEAP officers. Currently, whenever there is a hot-spot area they are deployed.”
Patekile dismissed increased calls for the army to be deployed to hot-spot areas, saying there was no need.
“There is no need for the military, we must stamp the authority of the state. They are criminals, but not yet at that level where summoning the army is necessary. We want to believe we are able to deal with it and are indeed doing so.”
He expressed gratitude to community-based safety structures. “The neighbourhood watches, community patrollers and community policing forums are working hard to ensure people are safe in hot-spot areas.”
Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Lwandle Police Station commander Lt-Col Mlamli Voyiya (light blue) and the CPF chair Simphiwe Mqulwana (black T-shirt) leading the walk against crime on Friday 28 February.
Gugs church members need help
UNATHI OBOSE
Leader of St Mary Magdalene Church in Gugulethu is appealing to any Samaritan who can assist the congregation in renovating its building to come forward.
Rev Canon Nobuntu Mageza described the state of the church roof as very bad. She stated that they are requesting funds to revamp the roof. “We are struggling with funds to maintain the church. We used to do maintenance until Covid-19 hit hard. After the Covid-19 pandemic we were never able to do the overall maintenance of
the church,” she explained, adding that the church only manages to fix small things like broken glass windows or change the door handles etc. She said almost the entire roof leaks when it is raining. Mageza said their concern is the looming winter and the accompanying rain. She is worried that their church will turn into a pool. “The roof leakages have damaged the ceiling, including the structure itself and the floor. Since the church was built in 1961, the roof has never been renovated and was made of asbestos. So, our wish is to change the whole roof (asbestos) and put on the zinc,” she said, adding that they can
fundraise the money to build the ceiling, buy furniture and other staff as long as they have a new roof.
Mageza emphasised that the church depends on pledges from the congregants to remain operational.
According to her, the number of congregants has dwindled since the Covid-19 outbreak and that has impacted the pledges.
Mageza described the church, which is known as kwaQabazi, as a community church, with various outreach programmes to uplift the community. “This is a cornerstone of the community. We have programmes where we assist young
people to apply for jobs and other things, visiting vulnerable people and sometimes we provide food parcels where it’s due,” said Mageza, adding that the church has a vast history as it was a hiding place for some of the activists during the apartheid era. She said some of the struggle steward held their meetings in the church. She said it is not necessarily to be a monetary fund, it can be a voucher or buy the donor building material for them. Those who want to contribute can phone Mageza on 076 516 5882 or Maintenance Committee member Dineo Chetsane on 076 653 6266.
St Mary Magdalene Church Rev Canon Nobuntu Mageza standing in front of the church.
Part of the church interior structure which has been damaged by the leaking roof.
Part of the floor that was damaged by the water coming inside the church.
Part of the ceiling which was damaged by the leaking roof. PHOTOS: UNATHI OBOSE
Zabalaza celebrates a milestone
The 15th annual Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, on the theme “Make Your Mark”, will showcase its remarkable success over the years.
It will proudly celebrate this milestone with renewed commitment to the development of artists, theatre makers and communities from Friday 14 and Saturday 22 March.
For 15 years the festival has had a tangible impact on the South African theatre landscape and cultural community.
It has seen numerous productions and artists have shared, developed and showcased their work as participants in this vital event, while it afforded many the chance to experience theatre for the first time.
To honour the festival’s evolution the team has adopted a new approach to com-
memorate the occasion and to shift the festival into the next 15 years and beyond.
This is the first time the Baxter has curated the festival, commissioning 15 productions in honour of the celebration and partnering with highly respected theatre makers as mentors.
This includes captivating performances that engage and entertain, with drama, children’s shows, comedy, poetry and jazz in the garden on Sunday.
Bookings can be made at Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores.
For block or schools bookings, charities or fundraisers contact Carmen Kearns at email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za and Mark Dobson at mark.dobson@uct.ac.za
The Baxter Theatre will be a hive of activity when the Zabalaza Festival makes its return next week.
Isishwankathelo sesigqeba siya kufumaneka kwii-ofisi zamabhungana namathala eencwadi.
Ngemibuzo, thumela i-imeyile kuKapil.Singh@capetown.gov za okanye uqhagamshelane noKapil Singh ku 021 400 9138 ukuze ufumane iinkcukacha ezithe vetshe.
Enter the City Youth StartCT competition for entrepreneurs
Applications for this year’s #YouthStartCT competition, the City of Cape Town’s accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, are open until Sunday 16 March. The City is inviting entrepreneurs with established businesses, as well as those in the concept or planning phase, to apply.
Competition categories this year are: Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.
“The #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would-be entrepreneurs since its launch.
“This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collaboration between participants, coaching and mentoring, and seed funding for the top performers.
“Thriving businesses need employees and resources, which opens doors for others seeking employment, and ultimately helps stimulate our local economy,” said Mayco member for community services
and health, Francine Higham.
The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into ideation phase and existing businesses.
There will be around eight weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down to the top contenders. During June, the top three existing businesses winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event. The competition is open to persons age 18 to 35.
Indicate whether you are entering an existing business or a business idea. All applicants will be required to create and upload a short video to communicate their proposal and why they think it will succeed. The City’s libraries offer SmartCape computer services where participants can submit their entry if need be.
All applications must be submitted online at “YouthStartCT 2025 Entry Form Survey” (research.net).
Three days of spellbinding magical fun and illusions
The Children’s Magic Festival is back at the College of Magic, and this year it’s wilder than ever, with a thrilling jungle theme.
For three days, from Thursday 3 until Saturday 5 April, children and families will be whisked away on an enchanting journey filled with mystical illusions, daring jungle explorers and magical creatures that will captivate and delight.
Hosted at the College of Magic in Claremont, this spellbinding event promises a fun-filled, interactive theatrical experience designed especially for young audiences aged 3 to 8 years old.
Each day will feature four dazzling performances, ensuring plenty of opportunities for little ones to experience the wonder of live magic.
This one-of-a-kind magical festival is designed to ignite children’s imaginations while immersing them in a world of adventure, excitement, and wonder.
From sleight-of-hand tricks to largerthan-life illusions, each show is packed with jaw-dropping moments and laughter.
“The Children’s Magic Festival is one of our most beloved events,” College of Magic Creative Director Chad Findlay said, “creating a space where young minds can be amazed, entertained and inspired by the magic around them.
“This year’s jungle theme promises even more excitement, as our talented young magicians bring the wild to life on stage,” she said.
For details and ticket bookings, visit: https://bit.ly/4hXXs0A.
Magical Meerkats Lulo Stofile and Larochelle Esterhuysen in the College of Magic children’s magic festival.
The Departmentof Social Development Eerste River Officeis requesting Ms. Cokiswa Qebetu lastseen in Mfuleni area,tourgently contact the Social Worker,Mr. TN Nevhari at 021 900 4521/31 during officehours 07H30-16H00.
The Departmentof Social Development Eerste River Officeis requesting Ms. AnelisiweMaramncwa lastseen 2023 at Shukushukuma Informal Settlementin Mfuleni area,tourgently contact the Social Worker,Mr. NS Kutu at 021 900 4521/44 during officehours 07H30-16H00.
The DepartmentofSocial DevelopmentEerste River Officeisrequesting Ms. SinazoSingeni, lastseen in Sphia Town Blackheath. to urgently contact the Social Worker,Ms. AMamatu at 021 900 4521/48 during officehours 07H30-16H00.
The DepartmentofSocial Development, Elsies River Local Office, is requesting Rogers GilchristCarmely LouwinounouGanguissa lastseen in Elsies River to urgently contact the social worker,Ms. JPetersen at 021483 7905 or at 18 Goulburn Street, Goodwood, during officehours (07H30-16H00)
Mon-Fri. She is allegedly aclose relativeofamale child born during 2016.
The Departmentof Social Development, Khayelitsha Officeis requesting Ms. Rugby Elen Willis and Mr.Lyle Charles, Ms. Willis last seen 2023 around Cape Town, Capricon and RetreatAreas,to urgently contact the Social Worker,Ms. S Gusana at 021 0011150 or via Siphokazi.Gusana@westerncape.gov.za during officehours 7H30–16H00. If you would like
donate towards our cause please contact us on info@2ho.co.za
The DepartmentofSocial Development Eerste River Officeis requesting Ms. Siphokazi Lubalo last seen in Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and in Delft areas, to urgently contact the Social Worker, Mr.TN Nevhari at 021 900 4521/31 during office hours 07H30-16H00 The Departmentof Social Development Eerste River Officeis requesting Ms. Nosithembele Stemela lastseen 2024 in Mfuleni Area,tourgently contact the Social Worker, Ms. JVan Rooyen at 021 9004545/21 during officehours 07H30-16H00.
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Sport
Page 8 | Thursday, 6 March 2025
SUPER LEAGUE: NON-UNIVERSITY TEAMS CHASE GOLD
Fight for top rugby
AVRIL FILLIES
False Bay is competing in the very competitive Super League A and none of the 15 clubs in the competition have survival as their goal. The objective of each club is to make the Top Six for playoffs for the President’s Cup and then set their sights on winning the title.
This was how Jon Harris, administrator of the club, described the goal of the team for this year.
The vast majority of the players are from areas such as Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Ottery, Wetton, Plumstead, Wynberg and Claremont.
“Non-university teams aim for Gold Cup qualification,” he said, “which in itself is tough and difficult to navigate to the finals. We played the first of our friendlies on Saturday 1 March against Helderberg, and we lost 43-40 in an absolute try-fest in a fastpaced, high-quality game for this time of the year.
“Helderberg were Gold Cup semi-finalists last season and aim to continue their surge for the title this year.
Harris admitted there was much for False Bay to work on. They had 17 senior squad players unavailable, typical pre-season events getting in the way, for example six players attending a wedding.
“However, some very exciting talent was on display, across the four matches, where the u-20s beat Helderberg 22-17. There is traditionally a high level of rivalry here. We have four pre-season friendlies: Helderberg, Brackenfell, Hamiltons and Durbell.
“On Saturday 8 March we travel to Brackenfell and on Wednesday 19 March we visit Hamiltons.
“Durbell come to us on Saturday 29 March. Because we have so many teams and enjoy a warm relationship with many clubs, we do play other friendlies but not necessarily a full club day, for example Kleinmond have asked to come to us this year. We normally send three invitation teams there, seniors (sort of third, fourth, u20 B and a Crocks team), but I think they would love to taste our hospitality.”
Considering the number of players un-
available for the past Saturday’s match against Helderberg, and the talent that was on display, some fine talent has been recruited.
“It is still early days,” said Newman, “but the players have been hard at work since November as evidence by the pace of the games. Even the accuracy, while far from perfect, was impressive. It is exciting indeed. We have a number of new players and some of the older groups have retired. The teams for Super League A will be finalised in March. The friendlies provide an opportunity to experiment with various players and combinations.
“In the off-season it was a hybrid with fitness, conditioning and skills, all receiving high priority from November. Mainly fitness, crossfit with some field work took place in December and in January and February we saw more field work taking place with various player combinations and drills taking place. 7s is very important to FBRFC, after all, it was our late president, Louis de Waal, who brought the 7s game to South Africa and we are always represented at the Score 7s tournament.”
Sevens is a wonderfully entertaining format of the game and allows clubs the opportunity to use talent across their team spectrum. It is not the domain of the First XV player only and on show is that talented youngster from the 4ths or u-20B.
“In a perfect world travelling overseas or inland as part of pre-season preparation would be wonderful,” Harris said. “In my opinion there is no better spirit-building event than a tour. Despite its location, False Bay remains a working man’s club. You are invited to visit us on match days or practice nights. Come and witness the
‘Bay gees’.
“It’s what we are good at and the reason why young men and women from across the income spectrum choose the Bay as home. We are not a club of silver spoon kids. We are real. We care about the game, about our clubmates, about our club. We do our best to help with employment. Placing expectations and pressure on players to fund a tour is unreasonable and can be divisive.
“We are not financially flush to offer this as a club-sponsored excursion, local or overseas, bur we are a happy bunch.”
Last year they ended in seventh position and are determined to improve on that.
“As stated above, the play-offs, the President’s Cup and Gold Cup participation all form major cornerstones of club goals this season. I have been involved as a player, administrator, whatever role at False Bay for 43 years now.
“False Bay RFC has never been only about the First Team. Yes, they are the flagship team. They determine in which league the whole club competes, but the success and happiness of all teams matters.
Last season: Firsts 7th
Seconds League Champs Thirds Second Fourths Third Women Second
U-20A Second
U-20B Second
“That is the measure of a happy club,” Harris said.
His club is looking forward to the two
newbies in Super League A, Van der Stel-Evergreens and UWC.
“It is exciting, isn’t it? The Super League A just gets stronger and stronger and is the toughest club rugby competition in the country. Van der Stel, a proud club with a rich history, suffered a major slump over the last twenty years or more. They somehow kept going and they amalgamated with Evergreens of Vlottenburg in 2017 and slowly worked their way up from the Zones to Super League A.
“They are determined to succeed and with the rich talent pool in that region, both from the surrounding residential areas and surplus from other areas, they are going to be a major force.
“UWC is always a danger, a threat to the plans of more permanent residents of the SLA. Udubz, on top of their game, are a Top Six team. Our training times are: 1st , 2nd practice on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 3rd and u-20 practice on a Tuesday and Thursday, and the 4th, crocs and women train on Monday and Wednesday. The season kicks off on 5 April and FBRFC’s first-league game is on 12 April.”
Daniel Hayes, wing of False Bay, in action against Helderberg on Saturday 1 March in their first pre-season friendly.
