Dream big about your own life
In a world shaped by systems, one’s mindset is the one thing that can set one free, and set one apart. It’s not your background, your bank account, or even your education that determines your future; it’s the way you think. All these things are useless when the mind is blind. When you dare to think differently, to question what’s around you and craft your own path you step into your power. That’s what truly separates those who succeed from those who settle.
I learnt this early, not from textbooks but from watching people accept the life they never chose. Where I come from in the Boland it’s common to see young people finish school only to end up in predictable jobs on farms, in restaurants, behind counters. Honest work, yes, but not always born from dreams. Too often it’s just what’s available. Just what’s handed to you.
But what if we didn’t accept what’s handed to us?
At the age of 10 I began dreaming of a life beyond what I saw, beyond my colourful essays. I didn’t know where exactly I was going, but I knew I couldn’t allow my environment to shrink my imagination. I crafted a universe in my mind, one where I could break cycles, define my own success and live with purpose. Even at this age I do that.
Life is by no means easy. Life tests you in subtle and serious ways, through finances, health, limited access, just to name a few. It throws you a general dish, a one-size fits all blanket and tells you to be grateful. But
A journo’s voice
-Namhla Monkali -
I refused to accept the idea that this was all there was. And that refusal became my strength.
My father once told me “smooth seas never made skilled sailors, and when you are born into a system your first act of freedom is to question it.” That quote has never left me. It’s guided the way I move through the world.
Systems, political, economic, educational, the media don’t just shape what’s possible for us, but how we think what is possible. And if you don’t break free of the script you were handed you’ll play a role you never auditioned for.
June is Youth Month and this year’s theme, “Skills for the Changing World, Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, points us towards the future. It’s about preparing young people for a world that’s evolving.
Before skills we need to talk about mindset, because if people don’t believe they can build something those tools will sit unused.
Mindset is the hidden engine driving our
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.
Kuse kude engqinibeni kwidabi lengqesho
A journo’s voice
-Unathi Obose -
Xa kanye siphakathi kwinyanga nebizwa nje ngeyolutsha eMzantsi Afrika, nesikhumbula abobafundi ababetoyitoya ngomhla we 16 kwinyanga yeSilimela kunyaka ka1976 kuba bengafuni ukufundiswa ngolwimi lwesibhulu, ndiva kabuhlungu.
Xa kunamhlanje uninzi lwabantu abatsha bazibona bejamelene nemiceli mingeni emininzi, nalapho abanye babo baphele sele besohlulakala. Eminye yaloo mingeni kukungaphangeli, ukusebenzisa utywala
neziyobisi ngokugqithisileyo, amantombazana akhulelwa esematsha, ubundlobongela obugqithisileyo njalo njalo. Umbuzo umile, ingaba konakele phi na? Lwayaphi olwalutsha lwamandulu lwaluzimisela kuyo yonke into elwaliyenza. Olwalutsha lalixolela ukuncama ubomi balo lifele ilizwe lalo. Ingaba iinkokheli zethu ziyibhude phi? Kwindawo esihlala kuzo ulutsha luhamba phambili ngokungalawuleki. Ingathi urhulumente funeka acinge maqhinga wambi ukuzama ukuncedisana nolutsha ukuba likwazi ukuzama indlela yokuphila engcono. Eneneni ayikho nje into enokubhiyozelwa lulutsha kulenyanga ngoba iingxaki zabo zininzi gqithi.
Ngokubona kwam ingathi urhulumente osikhokheleyo uyohluleka ukukhuthaza nokuxhobisa ulutsha ukuba lukwazi ukuzimela, ingakumbi olu luzinze emaphandleni kunye nasezilalini.
Ubugebenga buyagquba ngoba kaloku abantu abaninzi abaphangeli. Ngokwengxelo ekhutshwe Licandelo Lwezibalo
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
UNATHI OBOSE
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: UNATHI OBOSE
Shack fire victims demanding houses
UNATHI OBOSE
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-
FROM PAGE 1
NOUTE KOOP SLEGSR69.90
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.
At the time she was a member of the Shosha Funeral, Scheme & Undertaker in Town Two. She said they reached out to the manager of the scheme to no avail. She claims the calls went unanswered until they decided to phone their mother in Eastern Cape to inform her about their challenge.
She said her mother advised them to contact Amazizi Funerals in Philippi where the deceased was also registered as the beneficiary.
adding that he even took her booklet that she used for payments. “We decided not to open a case with the police because we knew it was not going to be investigated,” she explained.
Kamana said last month she was accompanying her friend to a funeral service in Town Two when she saw the owner of the scheme. She said she asked the bereaved family whether they were paid in full by the scheme and they confirmed everything.
Kamana said she again reached out to the owner after the funeral.
City Vision reached out to Shosha Funeral, Scheme & Undertaker on Tuesday 10 June.
“My sister told me everything about her undertaker while she was alive and who to call if she died. After she passed away we contacted the number but the owner did not answer. Her body was lying there to be collected. We informed our mother who was in Eastern Cape and she told us to call Amazizi Funeral to come and take the body which they did,” explained Kamana.
She said the owner of Shosha Funeral arrived later that day but the body was already taken by Amazizi Funeral. She said they asked him to go and fetch the body from Amazizi but he allegedly refused citing that he was going to pay for the coffin.
He also reportedly promised to give the family R15 000. “We agreed and he even asked for our bank account which we gave before we buried our sister. We waited until the burial. After the funeral we kept on reminding him and he vowed to pay it,” she said,
A man, who confirmed that he is the undertaker’s owner but refused to give us his full name and surname, admitted he knew Kamana, “I know Kamana. I know her sister was in my burial society. When her sister died, I went to her family, and I told them that she was not qualified to be buried by us because she didn’t pay the full tickets. But, because I didn’t want my name to be in the public for the wrong reasons, I agreed that I’m going to pay back the money that she already paid,” he said. When the City Vision asked him how much he was going to pay, he said R3000. He claimed that the deceased was not up to date with her payments. He denied claims that he promised to pay for a coffin and give the family R15 000.
He was also adamant that he nev-
er ran away from the family. “I will pay back the R3 000 at the end of June because I don’t have it now,” he said.
A quick City Vision check on hellopeter.com showed the scheme failed to pay in the past. “My brother passed away last year 18 November 2021 and I handed my claim on the 22nd of November 2021 they have'nt paid my claim until today instead Mr Shosha keeps on giving me excuses,” wrote an unhappy customer Nomvuyiseko G.
Nosive Nyingindwe (wearing a navy jacket) standing on her site which she is struggling to rebuild because she is unemployed.
PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Another conversation between Nolusindiso Kamana and Shosha funeral’s owner.
PHOTO : SUPPLIED
Fire victims pleased with help
UNATHI OBOSE
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 April. Another 16 shacks destroyed, one person died and 45 people were left homeless.
Councillor Melikhaya Gadeni said the material was distributed by the national Department of Human Settlement. He said the aim is to assist those who were affected by the fires in his ward.
“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.
“I didn’t expect anything. I thought they were fooling us when they said we must write down our names. But, since Gadeni came into the office there have been some changes in the ward. Our streets are clean, even streetlights are working,” said Mbekeni, adding that she will extend her shack with the material.
Appeal for winter donations now
As winter continues to cause havoc in and around Cape Town, the City of Cape Town is appealing to the public to consider the less fortunate.
“We have noted a stark increase in fire and flood impacts in recent years. Our disaster relief partners are doing sterling work under very trying circumstances, but they need help and that is why the Disaster Risk Management Centre is asking for donations that will be chanelled directly to affected families, or via our NGO partners.
“Humanitarian relief is challenging, with complexities around mandates and centralisation of funding at a national level that often results in delays. The City is trying to overcome the obstacles, as the need for humanitarian relief during disaster can't be overlooked. Your donation to one of our City drop-off points, or directly to your nearest NGO will make a world of difference,” said Mayco member for safety and
security, JP Smith.
Seven fire stations have been designated as drop-off points: Constantia, Goodwood, Hout Bay, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Strand and Wynberg.
The fire stations are open 24/7 and are always manned by someone in the watch room. Donors can also email Disaster.Donations@capetown.gov.za for collection.
Anyone wishing to assist can donate clothing for all ages, non-perishable food items like rice, maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans and baby formula, as well as personal hygiene items.
“Disaster strikes daily and the impacts last far longer than we can imagine. It's also not limited to the highly publicised severe weather impacts or multi-structure fires. To one person or family losing their home or being displaced is a disaster. So please, we ask that you donate even when it is not headline news,” added Smith.
Another learner shot dead
UNATHI OBOSE
Samora Machel police are investigating a murder case following the shooting incident of a 15-year-old learner yesterday (11 June) at around 08:20.
The Zisukhanyo learner was ambushed on her way to school in Ashley Kriel Street. She is the second learner in over two weeks to be killed in this fashion (“High school girl shot and killed,” City Vision, 29 May).
“According to reports, police members responded to a complaint of a shooting
incident at the mentioned address and on arrival they found a female victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to her body,” confirmed provincial police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana. “The 15-yearold victim was declared dead at the scene by the medical personnel.”
Xolani Joja, spokesperson for the Samora Machel Community Policing Forum (CPF), condemned the incident and described it as shocking. He urged the community to unite against crime. “It is terrifying and our children are not safe.”
Some of the beneficiaries with their new building material. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Total20VLi-ionBrushless Cordless115mmAngleGrinder &ImpactDrillwith1x2Ah Battery&1x4AhBattery
TCKLI20273:1xAnglegrinder115mm(TAGLI21154) •Speed:3000,60000,9000Rpm•Aluminium gearbox•Includessafetyguardandhandle•1x ImpactDrill66Nm(TIDLI206681)•Speed:0-500/0 -2000Rpm•Maximpactrate:30000Bpm•13mm Metalkeylesschuck•2Speedgear•Integrated worklight•Includes47pcaccessories•10x115mm Abrasivemetalcuttingdiscs•Plasticcarrycase •1Yearwarranty
TDLI20453•Brushlessmotor•Speed:0-550/ 0-2000Rpm•Maxtorque:52Nm•Plastic chuck•Chuckcapacity:0.8-10mm•Torque settings:22+1•Mechanical2-speedgearbox •Spindlelockfunction•Integratedworklight •Includes47pcaccessories•1Yearwarranty
Total20VLi-ionBrushless CordlessImpactWrench 300Nmwith2x2AhBatteries
TIWLI2038•Squaredrive:1/2”•Speed:0-1300/ 0-2300Rpm•Impactrate:0-2000/0-3300Bpm •Maxtorque:300Nm•IntegratedLED worklight•Includes:2xsockets(19&21mm) •1Yearwarranty
XG-115K•Heavy-dutymotorwithsoftstart •Safetyslideswitch•115mmGrindingdisc included•8000Rpm•Handle,spannerand safetyguardincluded•XB-3000batteryand XPP-2700chargerincluded•2Yearwarranty
MajorTech Smart16A SwitchModule
Model:MTS16•250V16A•App-drivenmodule •Viewhistoricalandreal-timeenergydataviatheapp •Versatiletimingoptions:countdown,schedule,cycle, random,andinchingtimers•Overchargeprotection: autoshutoffwhenpowerdrawisunder3Wfor40 minutes•NRCSapproved•1Yearwarranty
MajorTech SmartPlug inTimer
Model:MTS22•250V30A•App-driven timercontroller•Viewhistoricaland real-timeenergyusageviatheapp•Timer options:countdown,schedule,circulate, random,andinchingmodes•Precise controlovertimersettings•Dualmode: Wi-Fi&Bluetooth•NRCSapproved •1Yearwarranty
Model:MTS11•250V16A•App-drivensmartadapter •CompatiblewithMajorTechHubSmartApp•Access advancedfeatures,energyconsumptioninsights,and timerfunctions(weekly,daily,hourly,orperminute) viatheapp•NRCSapproved•1Yearwarranty
TCKLI2058• Drill:TDLI204531•Maxtorque:52Nm•Plastic chuck•Torquesettings:22+1•Mechanical2-speedgear •Spindlelockfunction• ImpactWrench: TIWLI20401•Square drive1/2’’•Impactrate:0-2100/0-2500/0-2900Bpm•Fastening torque:400Nm•Nut-bustingtorque:550Nm• Rotary Hammer:TRHLI20228•Impactrate:0-5000Bpm•Impact energy:2.5J•Drillcapacity:26mm•IntegratedLEDworklight •SDSpluschucksystem• AngleGrinder:TAGLI21154 •Discdiameter115mm• TWLI2038:LEDTorch5W •Lumens: 270±10%•Includes3xsockets(17mm,19mm,21mm)•3xDrill bits•1xChisel•25pc115mmAbrasivemetalcuttingdisc •1xTrolleycanvasbag•1Yearwarranty
BLACKHEATH VanRiebeeckRd, Blackheath Tel:0219078200
LANGEBAAN Shopno.1LagunaMall, MykonosCrossing, Langebaan Tel:0227720977
BOSTON 87,12thAve, Boston,Bellville Tel:0219499988
MITCHELLSPLAIN WatergateCentre, WatergateBlvd, MitchellsPlain Tel:0212040580
STONEWOOD CnrofOkavangoRd &StonewoodDr, Pinehurst,Durbanville Tel:0212007900
BRACKENGATE
Brackengate2,CnrofBottelaryRd &CecilMorganDr,Brackenfell Tel:0219448300
PLATTEKLOOF ShopNo.7,Plattekloof Village,No.2Baronetcy Blvd,Plattekloof Tel:0215580502
SUNNINGDALE ShopG63,TableBayMall,
Tel:0212071699
Two decades of healing clubfoot
NAMHLA MONAKALI
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-
Youth called to ‘Flip the Script’
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
ISAZISO ESIBALULEKILEYO
ISIMEMOSAMANGENELO-IIMBASAZOGQWESOLWENKONZO KARHULUMENTEWENTSHONAKOLONIZONYAKAWE10
URhulumenteweNtshonaKoloniumemabonkeabahlalibaseNtshonaKoloninamaqelaoluntu ukubaathatheinxaxhebakulomsithouzukileyowokuwongaabobasebenzangokungadinwayo, abasebenzaiiyureezinde,nabagqithisayokumsebenziwabobesenzelauluntulwethu.
Iindidi:
OwonaMsebenziwoMhlaliuGqwesileyo(uMntungamnye)
OwonaMsebenziwoMhlaliuGqwesileyo(iQela)
KuNgenelwaNjani?
Velanjeufikelelengokululangokufumanaifomuyokungenelaekwiwebhuefumanekayo kwiwebhusayithiyeSEAokanyekwiwebhusayithikaRhulumenteweNtshonaKoloni. Amangeneloazakuhlolelwaimisebenzi/iiprojekthizoluntuezenzekengexeshaelisukelakumhla woku1kuTshazimpuzi2023ukuyakowama31kweyoKwindla2025kwayekufunekaagcwaliswe ngokufanelekileyo.
Ifomuyokungenelaiquka:
•IiNgcombolozoQhagamshelwanozoMtyumbi •IiNgcombolozoQhagamshelwanozoMtyunjwa •IKhrayitheriyayoDidi
•Okufunekayo/ubungqina
•ISibhengezonoTyikityo
Qinisekisaukubauyigcwalisangokuchanekileyoifomuyokungenelakwayeungenise nobungqinaobuxhasaungenelolwakho. Ukungeniswakwamangenelokuzakuvulelekaukusukelangomhlawe15kuCanzibeukuya kowama30kweyeSilimela2025.
NcedaundwendweleiwebhusayithiyeSEAukufumanaiinkcukachaezithevetshemalunga neNkquboyoKhethoneyokuGweba. Ungaphoswalelithubalinik’umdlalokuqaphelanokuwongaugqweso!Ngenisaamagama abatyunjwabakho,ukhuthazeinkonzoebalaseleyo,kwayeuncediseukukhuthazainkcubeko egxilekubahlalieluntwinilwethu!
LomsithouzakuqhubekangenyangayoMsintsi2025kwayengabatyunjwaabakuluhlu olukhethw’ixeshanakuphelaabazakuzimasa. Fumanaokuninziku-seawards.westerncape.gov.za I-imeyili:sea@westerncape.gov.za|Umnxeba:0860142142
Ifeksi:0214837216|SMS“Help”okanyethumelaPleaseCallMeku0797691207
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.
W Cape slams NHI funding, sta plans
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.
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.
Lastnewwater metersgoin ...fornow
Sweet,sweetvictory: The2025editionoftheBayhillPremierCupforunder-19soccerteams,hostedinCapeTowninApril,saw32teams compete–18fromtheWesternCape,and14fromotherSouthAfricanprovincesandabroad.LocalteamUbuntuFootballAcademyfrom MasiphumelelewascrownedaschampionsafterbeatingRandburgAFC2–0atthefinalheldatAthlonestadium.Theknockoutstageswere heldatEricaParkinBelhar.
Callingalltradies
ThroughitsJobsConnectplatform, theCityisactivelyrecruiting professionalsintradessuchas carpentry,mechanicalengineering, construction,plumbing,autoelectricalwork,welding,bricklaying, andelectricalservices.
Theminimumrequirementsare:
•arecognisedtradecertificationin therelevantfield; •relevantworkexperienceinthe trade;
•knowledgeofoccupationalhealth andsafetyregulations; •avaliddrivinglicence(where required);and
•willingnesstoworkinvarious conditions,includingemergencies andstandbyshifts.
Interestedcandidatescan applythroughJobsConnectat https://bit.ly/43FG24W.
Getconnectedtoday
Thedata-freeJobsConnectplatform linksjobseekerswithpotential employers.Toviewotherjoband learnershipopportunities,visit http://jobsconnect.leelyn.co.za. 2
KORTLIKS
NostoppingtheCity’spipereplacers
AsofMarch,theCityhadreachednearly65%ofitstargetsforbothwaterandsewerpipe replacementscitywidein2024/25aspartofaboldpushtoupgradecriticalinfrastructure.
From1July2024toMarch2025, theCityreplacedanastonishing 31626mofwaterpipesand 64136mofsewerpipesacrosstown, andteamscontinuetopushtowards thetargetsof50000mand100000m respectively.MorethanR523millionon the2024/25budgethasbeenallocatedto thisimportanttask. Rehabilitatingandreplacingageing
’nTotaalvan32spannehetinAprildeelgeneem aanvanjaarseBayhill-premierbekertoernooivir onder19-sokker–18spannevandieWes-Kaap, en14vananderprovinsiesendiebuiteland.In dieeindstrydbyAthlone-stadionhetdieUbuntusokkerakademievanMasiphumelelehulle teenstanders,RandburgAFC,met2–0geklop.
DeursyJobsConnect-platformisdieStad aktiefbesigomambagsluisoosskrynwerkers, werktuigkundiges,konstruksiewerkers,loodgieters,outo-elektrisiëns,sweiswerkers, messelaarsenelektrisiënstewerf.
Van1Julie2024totMaart2025hetdie
waterandsanitationinfrastructure proactivelyreducestheriskofservice disruptions,sewerblockagesand overflows.Toprioritiseareasforpipe replacements,theCityidentifiesageing infrastructure,andareasinneedof capacityupgrades.Italsoanalyses publicnotificationsraised,depot reportsofstructuralfailures,aswellas geographicinformationsystems(GIS)
munisipaliteit’nverstommende31626m waterpypeen64136mrioolpypedeurdiehele stadvervang,enspannewerpallesindiestryd omdieteikensvanonderskeidelik50000men 100000mtehaal.MeerasR523miljoenisin diebegrotingvir2024/25aandiébelangrike taaktoegeken.
DiedoelmetdieStadseinisiatiefAdopta Treeisomgemeenskapsgroepeeninwoners aantespooromtenminste500bometeplant. Plantseisoenbegingewoonlikmetdieeerste winterreën.Inwonerskandeurhulleplaaslike wyksraadslidaansoekdoenombometeplant.
mapping,whichcapturesvitaldatasuch aspipesizes,locations,manholesand householdconnections. Withsome9300kmofsewerpipeline and10700kmofwaterpipelineservicing propertiesacrosstheMotherCity, theseinfrastructureinvestmentsare crucialinbuildinglong-termresilience andsecuringreliableservicesforour growingpopulation.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
IBayhillPremierCupka2025yamaqelaebholaekhatywayo abangaphantsikweminyakaeli19,ebibanjelweeKapa ngoEpreli,bekunyathelanaamaqelaangama32–ali18esuka eNtshonaKapaazeali14asukekwamanyeamaphondo nakwezinyeiindawo.IUbuntuFootballAcademyesuka eMasiphumeleleiyeyaphumelelaumlenzewokugqibela2–0 nxamnyeneRandburgAFCkwiBalaleMidlalolaseAthlone. SisebenzisaiqongalasoeliyiJobsConnect,iSixeko siqeshaiingcaphephekwimisebenzienjengokuchwela, iinjineliezilungisayo,ukwakha,imibhobhoyamanzi nelindle,umbanewemoto,ukutshisela,ukubekaisitena, neenkonzozombane. Ukususelangowo1Julayi2024ukuyakutsho
WithitsAdoptaTreeinitiative,the Cityhopestomobilisecommunity organisationsandresidentstoplant atleast500treesacrosstownduring plantingseason,whichstartswith thefirstwinterrains.Residentscan submitapplicationsforgeneral treeplantingtotheirlocalward councillor.Obtainthenecessaryform byentering‘Treeplanting’inthe searchboxontheCity’swebsite. TheCity’sNewlandsnurserywill helpselectappropriatespecies forvarioussitesbasedonspace availability,environmentalimpact, andmaintenancerequirements. EspeciallyforAdoptaTree,the nurserywillhavetreesavailablein smallerbagsizesofupto100litres, ensuringeasierhandlingand planting.Plantingoftheresilient, indigenouswhitemilkwoodtree ( Sideroxyloninerme )willbe encouragedasfaraspossible,being SouthAfrica’snationaltreeof2025.
Toughtimetobeatree
Likeurbanforestsglobally, CapeTown’scanopyfaceschallenges suchasdevelopmentpressure, waterscarcity,andpestssuchas thepolyphagousshotholeborer (PSHB)beetle.Theintentionisfor AdoptaTreetoassistinexpanding theurbancanopyandofferingmore sustainable,greenerspacesforall communitiestoenjoy.Thisalso alignswiththeCity’sbroadervision ofenhancingbiodiversity,building climateresilienceandpromoting greenerurbanspaces.
ngoMatshi2025,iSixekoselesitshintsheimibhobho yamanzieziimithaezingama31626nemibhobhoyelindle eziimithaezingama64136,njengokoamaqelaeleqa ukutshintshaimibhobhoeziimithaeziyi50000kwelinye icandeloneemithaeziyi100000kwelinye.Kubekelwe bucalangaphezukweR523miliyoniyokwenzalomsebenzi kuhlahlolwabiwomaliluka2024/25.
Kwiphulolasolika-AdoptaTree,iSixekosinethemba lokukhuthazaamaqelaoluntunabahlaliukubabatyale ubuncinaneimithiengama500ngexeshalokutyala, ukususelangeemvulazokuqalazasebusika.Abahlali bangabhaliselaukutyalaimithieqhelekileyokooceba beewadizabo.
Ma ingprogresspossible. Together.
Watermeter replacements stillrolling
Since2023,theCityhasinvested R131millioninreplacingand relocating42949watermetersat businessandresidentialproperties toensureeasierreadingandmore accuratebilling.Thefinalstagesof thisprojectfor2024/25arerolling outinGugulethu,NyangaEast, NewCrossroads,Delft(Voorbrug, EindhovenandTheHague), Belhar,HanoverPark,Manenberg, PinatiEstate,Newfields,Athlone, Rylands,SurreyEstate,Heideveld, Bonteheuwel,Kalksteenfontein, BishopLavis,ElsiesRiver, ClarkesEstate,Leonsdaleand Ravensmead.Furtherinvestments intheprogrammeareplannedfor 2025/26.
otsure Sussitout. TheworkisperformedbyCityappointedcontractors. ouwill receiveanofficialCityletter confirmingthatyourmeterneeds tobereplaced.Tocheckthat thecontractoristhereonCity businessbeforeallowingthem accesstoyourproperty,contact uson0600181505(WhatsApp), 31373(SMS,max160characters), water capetown.gov.zaor www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests. Alternatively,phonetheCitycall centreon0860103089.Haveyour accountnumberready.Ifnoone ishome,thecontractorwillleavea seven-daynoticewithdetailsofthe nextscheduledvisit.
SpendingwhereitmatterswillseeCapeTown ourish
ttheendofMarch,wetabled thefourth–andsecondlast–budgetofthistermof office.Wewillsoonconcludepublic participationonthebudgetandthen voteinCounciltoadoptit.Lookingback onthepastthreeandahalfyears,it isencouragingtoseesomanyofour biggestinfrastructureinvestmentsand milestonesbeingrealisedandreached. Initially,theever-increasingtargets ofpipereplacements,roadrepairs, powerprocurementandaffordable housingseemeddaunting.Butwehave stucktoourpromiseofincreasingour infrastructurespendingoneachnew budget,andweare100 ontrackto deliverwhatwepledged.
ThisrecordinvestmentinCapeTown’s infrastructureisnotaluxuryormere nice-to-have. ouonlyneedtolookat everyotherSouthAfricanmetro,where timeousinvestmentshavenotbeen made,toknowthatourbudgetpriorities arecriticalandurgent.Spendingon infrastructureisnon-negotiableif CapeTownistoavoidthefateofthose othercities.
We’rerampingupourwaterand sanitationinvestments,particularly inlower-incomecommunities,where
propersanitationisthebiggestenabler ofalifeofdignity.Inadditiontoour multi-billion-randupgradesofwastewater treatmentworks,theCapeFlatsbulksewer upgradeisthebiggestprojectofitskindin SouthAfrica.
Likewise,ourMyCiTiexpansionintothe metrosoutheast,connectingKhayelitsha, MitchellsPlainandothercommunities withWynbergandClaremont,isthe biggestsuchprojecteverundertakenin ourcountry.Aspartofthepenultimate phaseofthisMyCiTiexpansion,wehave justbrokengroundinClaremont,and
weareseeingwonderfulprogresson our SkyCircle inLansdowne.Once completed,thisroutewillbeatrue gamechangerformanyCapetonians. Perhapsthebiggestnewsfrom the2025/26budget,however,isthe R6,7billionspendonsafetyandsecurity, whichwillsee700newmunicipalpolice officersdeployedacrosstown.These areinadditiontothe400officerswe’ve addedsincethestartoftheterm.We continuetolobbyformorepolicing powersfromNationalGovernment sothatwecaneffectivelyinvestigate crimesandgetcriminalslockedup. etwe’realsoinvestingheavilyinour ownbootsonthegroundtotakeback ourcommunitiesfromgangsters,drug dealersandothercriminals.
Thesearesomeofthebudget highlightsthatwillfuture-proofourcity andprepareitforthepopulationand economicgrowththatisheadedour way.Againstabackdropofmunicipal collapseelsewhere,wearebuckingthe trendinSouthAfricaandshowingthat declineandfailureispreventable.Itis indeedpossibletobuildacityofhope.
Geordin ill-Lewis CapeTownMayor
WesternCapedamle elssimilartothistimelastyear
ThedamlevelsforCapeTownare sittingat59,3 .TheCityisaiming foranoverallusagetargetof 650millionlitresperday–which meansCapetoniansshouldtryto uselessthan105litresperperson perday.
Protectourwaterresourcesby followingwater-wiseguidelines. Residentsandbusinessesare remindedthatthepermanent regulationscontainedintheCity’s WaterBy-lawstillapplyacross CapeTown,regardlessofthe
restrictionlevel. Municipalwatermaybeusedingardens onlybefore09:00orafter18:00,butnever tohosedownpavedareas. • isitwww.capetown.gov. a thinkwateror www.capetown.gov. a waterregulations toaccesstheregulations.
R2, bnsecuredtogearupourelectricitygrid
UpuntilJune2027,theCitywillbespending R39,5billiononinfrastructureinthecountry’slargest everthree-yearinfrastructureinvestmentbyametro. ThisincludesinvestingoverR4billioninelectricity gridupgradesandmaintenance,whichwillbepartly fundedbyaR2,8billionconcessionalloanrecently obtainedfromGermandevelopmentbankKfW.
Gettinggridfuture- t
TheupgradestoCapeTown’sgridformpartofthe City’splannedtransitiontoadynamic,decentralised andsecureenergyfuture.Theimprovementswill
Subscribeto ity ews
Ifyouwouldlike City ews delivered straighttoyourinbox,signupat www.capetown.gov.za/subscribe. City ews nline isdelivered everytwoweeksandincludesrecent highlights,servicedeliverynotices, remindersandalerts.
ity ews isdistributedasaninserttoa numberofcommunitypapers.
ItisalsoavailableatCitywalk-in centres,atCitylibraries,onPressReader, andatsomeMyCiTistations.
Ifyouwantitemailedtoyou, sendyouremailaddressto: citynews capetown.gov.za.
enabletheCitytobeatoutages,diversifysupply, ensurereliableelectricityforagrowingcity,andenable thousandsofsmall-scalesellerstomoveelectricity acrossthegrid.Ensuringastablesupply,inturn,is essentialforeconomicgrowthandsocialdevelopment.
TheKfW’sconcessional15-yearloanoffers favourabletermsforlong-termaffordability,enabling theCitytoinvestsustainablyininfrastructurewithlong operationallifespans.
Gobig goblended
TheCity’sten-yearinfrastructurepipelinerepresents
KORTLIKS
DieStadhetsedert2023altesaam R131miljoenbesteeaandie vervangingenverskuiwingvan42949 watermetersbysake-enresidensiële eiendommeommaklikermeterlesing enakkuraterrekeningeteverseker. Dielaastefasesvandiéprojekvir 2024/25isnouinverskeievoorstede aandiegang. Metdiereënseisoenwatnaderkom, hersteldieStadproaktiefslaggate om’nveiligerpadnetwerkviralmalte helpskep.Doenjoudeeldeurenige slaggateinjouomgewingaantemeld. TotenmetJunie2027saldieStad R39,5miljardininfrastruktuurinvesteer asdeelvandiegrootstedriejaarplan virinfrastruktuurverbeteringedeur
aninvestmentofapproximatelyR120billion,with themajorityofprojectstyinginwiththemetro’s overallClimateChangeStrategy.Tofundthese ambitiousplans,theCityisfollowingablended model,whichincludesfundingfromitsownhealthy balancesheetaswellasfinancefromthelocal andinternationalmarkets.Otherexternalfinance securedinrecentyearsincludeR3,5billionfrom NedbankandR2,8billionfromtheInternational FinanceCorporation(bothinJune2024),aswell as 100millionfromtheAgenceFran aisede Développement(inApril2023).
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Reportpotholesfor pre rainrepairs
Withtherainyseasonapproaching, theCityisproactivelyrepairingas manypotholesaspossibletohelp maintainasaferroadnetworkfor all.Playyourpartbyreportingany potholesinyourarea.Dosoby: •usingtheCityofCapeTownapp; •phoningtheCity’scallcentre on0860103089; •sendinganemailto contact.us capetown.gov.za;or •loggingaservicerequest onwww.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests.
o re ort ere ir: Residents androadusersareencouragedto reportpotholesaspartoftheCity s Fix tBeforeWintercampaign.
’nmetrowatdielandtotnogtoe gesienhet.D tsluitindiebesteding vanmeerasR4miljardomdie kragnetwerkopteknapeninstand tehou,watdeelsgefinansiersalword deur’nkonsession releningvan R2,8miljardwatonlangsvandieDuitse ontwikkelingsbankKfWbekomis. DieStadhetaandieeindevanMaart dievierde–envoorlaaste–begroting virhierdieampstermyntertafelgel . Openbaredeelnamedaaroorsluit binnekortaf,waarnadieRaadsalstem omdiebegrotingteaanvaar.Ditis bemoedigendomtesiendatsoveel grootinfrastruktuurbeleggingsen -mikpuntevandieadministrasienou verwesenlikenbereikword.
Ukususelango2023,iSixekosityaleimali engangeR131ezigidiekutshintsheninasekufuduseniiimithazamanziezingama42949 kwizakhiwozamashishininezokuhlalaukuqinisekisaukufundwaokululanokuhlawulwa ngokuchanekileyo.Amanqanabaokugqibela aleprojekthika2024/25ayaqaliswakwiisabhabhuezininzi. Njengokokusondelaixeshaleemvula,iSixeko sizimiseleukulungisaimingxumaemininzi kangangokokunokwenzekaukuzesincede ekugcineniindlelaekhuselekileyokubobonke abantu.Dlalaindimayakhongokuchazanayiphi naimingxumaekwindawoohlalakuyo. UkuyakuthigakuCancibeka2027,iSixeko sizakuchithaamaR39,5ezigidigidikwiziseko zophuhlisokwilizwe,eyonamaliinkulu yeminyakaemithathuyotyalomalilweziseko
zophuhlisooluqhutywangumasipalaombaxa. OkukuqukautyalomalilweR4yezigidigidi olwenziweekuphuculeninasekulungisweni kweenethiwekhizombane,ezizakuxhotyiswa ngeR2,8yezigidigidizemalimboleko efunyenwekutshanjekwibhankiyophuhliso yaseJamaniiKfW. EkuphelenikweyoKwindla,siyesazisauhlahlo lwabiwomalilwesine–kunyenoluphambi kwelokugqibelalwalenkquboyolawulo. Kungekudalasizakuqukumbelaukuthatha inxaxhebakoluntukuhlahlolwabiwomalisizeke sivotekwiBhungaukuzelamkelwe. asijonga emvakwiminyakaemithathuenesiqingatha edlulileyokuyakhuthazaukubonauninzilolona tyalomalilwethulukhulukwizisekozophuhliso kunyeneziganekoezibalulekileyozifezekisiwe kwazekwafikelelwakuzo.
Ma ingprogresspossible. Together.
Firstmeeting forcatchment management forum
TheEerste/KuilsRiverCatchment ManagementForum(EKRCMF)had itsinauguralmeetinginMarch.The purposeoftheforumistopromote community-driveninitiativesaimed atbreathingnewlifeintothe catchment’spollutedriversandthe areasaroundthem.
Someofthesourcesofpollution includeinformalsettlements, runofffromvehiclewashareas andfarmingactivities,treated effluentfromwastewatertreatment works,sewerspills,polluted industrialeffluent,sewerpump stationfailures,solidwaste,and illegaldumping.
Capetonianswhoreside, workoroperatebusinessesin theareaorconductindustrialor agriculturalactivitiesinandaround thecatchmentareinvitedtojoin theforumandhelpmakethe catchment’sriversandwatercourses moreliveable.
boutthecatchment
OneofthelargestinCapeTown,the Eerste/KuilsrivercatchmentcomprisesnotonlytheEersteandKuils rivers,butalsoanotherfivetributary riversandwatercourses,including Bottelaryriver,Kleinvleicanaland Helderspruitriver.Thecatchment extends over37wardsandeight subcouncils,covering652km in total.TheEersteandKuilsriverspass throughsuburbssuchasMacassar, Sandvlei,KuilsRiver,Brackenfell, Driftsands,Faure,ForestVillage, Mfuleni,BlueDowns,Rotterdam, Wesbank,Kalkfontein,Brackenfell, Durbanvilleandmanymore.
KORTLIKS
DiebestuursforumvandieEerste-/KuilsrivieropvanggebiedhetinMaarthulleeerste vergaderinggehad.Dieforumsalgemeenskapsgedreweinisiatiewebevorderwatnuwelewe indieopvanggebiedsebesoedelderiviereen omliggendegebiedesalblaas.
Omwegtedoenmetdieriooloorstromings waaraaninwonersvandieStranden Gordonsbaaigereeldblootgestelword,isdie noodsaaklikeopknappingvandieTrappiesgrootmaatrioolpypendieoprigtingvandie pompstasieenstygleidingbyGordonsbaai volstoomaandiegang.
Altesaam26jongKapenaarsvanoordie helestadhetStadsbeurseontvangomtersi re kwalifikasiesinskaarsvaardigheidsrigtings soosRekeningkunde,Rekenaarwetenskap, Inligtingstegnologieen-stelsels,
Ma orsewerinfrastructureupgradesta eshape
Twosanitationpro ectsunderwayinAreaEastshouldrelie epressureon infrastructureintheareaandimpro esanitationser ices.
ohelpridStrandandGordon’s Bayresidentsoffrequentsewer overflows,thecriticalupgradeof theTrappiesbulksewerandconstruction oftheGordon’sBaypumpstationand risingmainareinfullswing.
Trappiesgetscured
Byrestoringthe900mm-diameter sectionofthisbulksewerlinein Strand,theCityhopestorestore optimalfunctioningandreducefailures andoverflows,particularlyduring heavywinterrains.Workextends over2,3kmfromtheMainRoadand DeVilliersStreetintersectiontothe Lourensriversewerpumpstation.The Citywillbeusingcured-in-placepipe (CIPP)technology,atrenchlessmethod thatinsertsandcuresalinerinsidethe existingpipe,effectivelyrestoringitto anear-newcondition.
Thecontractorstartedon-siteinearly April,withthesitecamptemporarily setupattheLourensriverpump
i i s it tio c city: TheTrappiesbulksewerrehaband ordon sBaypump stationconstructionarekeyinfrastructureupgradesthatwillhelptacklesewerover ows inStrandand ordon sBay.Thefirsttobedeliveredwillbethe ordon sBaypump stationpro ect,withconstructionoverhalfway picturedtopleft andaboutathirdofthe risingmaininstalled topright .
e i c ss rre t s: TheCity smaintenanceblit campaignreached communityresidentialunits CRUs inMacassarinApril. nthesemaintenance days,dedicatedCityteamscarryoutabroadspectrumofrepairsandupgrades atspecificcomplexestoimprovesafetyanddeliverdignitytoCouncil stenants. verthenextfewyears,R1,2billionwillbespentontheupkeepoftheCity s CRUsmetrowide.Worktypicallyincludesrepairstogutters,stairs,refusehutsand staircaserails,theinstallationofnewcupboards,theadditionofwashinglines, removinggraffiti,replacingwindowpanes,fixingarealighting,plugsocketsand lightswitches, ettingsewerlines,andattendingtodomesticplumbingissues.
Seesomething? Saysomething
Reportvandalism,theftorsuspicious behaviouraroundCityhousing facilitiestoHumanSettlements. Dial0214440333.
Ingenieurswese,RegsgeleerdheidenStadsbeplanningteverwerf.
DieStadsetoegespitsteinstandhoudingsveldtoghetinAprildieRaadsehuureenhede inMacassarbereik.Asdeelvandiéinisiatief besoektoegewydeStadspannespesifieke komplekseom’nwyeverskeidenheidherstelenopknappingstaketeverrig.Diedoelisom veiligheidteverbeterendiemenswaardigheid vandieRaadsehuurdersteverseker.
BladvernuwingvanNtlazanewegtussen Ntsikizi-enLindelastraatinKhayelitshais klaar.PaaieinSarepta,Kalkfontein,Fairdale, Eersterivier-Suid,MfulenienDriftsandsspog nouookmetnuweryvlakke.Daarbenewens steldieStadverkeersmatigingsmaatreëlsin ’naantalgebiedevoor,veralindieomgewing vanskole.
stationuntiltheproposedcampsiteis approved.Theprojecthasbeendivided intofourstaggeredworkpackages,the firstofwhich–alongDeVilliersStreet –issettobecompletedbytheendof January2026.Awindowoftwotothree monthsbetweeneachpackagestartdate willallowforover-pumping.
umpstationrisingfromtheground TheGordon’sBaypumpstationproject, inturn,willreducepressureonthe Trappiesbulksewerbydivertingsewage fromGordon’sBaytotheSirLowry’s Passoutfallsewerviaa7,5kmrising main.Constructionofthepumpstation, comprisingawetwell,drywell,motor controlroom,generatorandablutions,is overhalfwaydone.Installationof2,6km oftherisingmainiscomplete,andthree ofthe13airvalvechambershavebeen built.Moreover,fiveofthesevenmicrotunnellingcrossingsaredone,withthe sixthonenearlyhalfway.Theanticipated completiondateisDecember2025.
rs ry oostto i sc rces i s: AldTheresaUys,Maycomemberfor CorporateServices,withsomeofthe2 youngCapetoniansfromacrosstownwho havebeenawardedCitybursariestopursuestudiesinthefieldsofAccounting, ComputerScience, nformationTechnologyandSystems,Engineering,Law,and UrbanPlanning–allareaswithscarce-skillsgaps.Beneficiariesareexpectedto workbacktheirbursariesaftergraduating.Thecompetitiveselectionprocesstook intoaccountfinancialneed,academicresults,interviewperformance,andthe City sownstrategicworkforceplans.ThisnewcohortraisesthetotalnumberofCity bursarsto43.
ourroadwor s roundup
ResurfacingofNtlazaneRoad betweenNtsikiziandLindelastreets in hayelitsha isdone.Existing stormwatercatchpitsandmanholes havealsobeenrepaired,sectionsofthe pavementsreinstated,andkerbsand channelsreplaced.
Moreresurfacingtookplacein Sarepta (CornelissenandSonneblom crescents,Kannemeyer,Heath,Petunia, Kappertjie,Aandblom,Clarica,Violet, WesandDahliastreets), alkfontein (Magrieta,Verenigde,ChrisHani,
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
IEerste/KuilsRiverCatchmentManagementForum(EKR CMF)iyeyabanentlanganisoyokuyisungulangoMatshi. Injongoyeliqongakukukhuthazaamaphuloaqhutywa luluntuajolisweekuphuculeniimilamboengcolisekileyo yalovimbakunyeneendawoeziyingqongileyo. NgelokuncedaabahlalibaseStrandnaseGordon’sBay ukubabangaphindibaphuphunyelwelilindleukuqhuba ngamandlaukulungiswaokubalulekekakhulukwendawo yokugutyulwakwelindleiTrappiesnokwakhiwakwesitishi sempomponendawoyokuthintelaukuphuphuma yaseGordon’sBay. UlutshalwaseKapaolungama26olusukakwiinkalozonke zaledolophuluyelwajizekwangeebhasariukuzeluqhubeke nezifundokwicandeloleAkhawuntingi,iNzululwazi yeeKhompyutha,uBugcisaneeNkqubozeNkcazelo, ubuNjineli,ezoMthethokunyenokuCetywakweDolophu–misebenzileyoxaiyonkeenqatyelwengabasebenzi.
Sikelela,ReuterandElmariestreets), Fairdale (Parliament,Incoraand Umbhashestreets), Eerste i erSouth (BeaulieuandGorgonroads), fuleni (NkholaCrescent)and Driftsands (Valangentabo, wayi,Duifand Tiwanistreets).
Inaddition,theCityisproposing traf ccalmingmeasures inSomerset West,Khayelitsha,BlueDowns, MitchellsPlain,EersteRiver,Philippi, KuilsRiver,Blackheath,Mandalayand MfuleniCitytoenhancepedestrian safety.Thefocuswouldbeonareas surroundingschools.TheCityis awaitingresidents’comments.
IphuloelikhawulezileyolokulungisaleSixekoliye lafikelelanakwiiyunithizokuhlala(iiCRU)eMacassar ngoEpreli.Ngezintsukuzokulungisa,amaqelaazinikeleyo eSixekoayeenzaumsebenziwokulungisanokuphucula kwiinkaloezahlukeneyokwiindawoezikhethiweyo ngelokuphuculaukhuselekonokuqinisekisaisidima kubahlalibeBhunga. UkulungiswangokutshakoMgaqoiNtlazaneophakathi kwesitratoiNtsikizineLindelaeKhayelitshakugqityiwe. Umsebenziongakumbiwokulungisangokutshawenziwe eSarepta,eKalkfontein,eFairdale,e-EersteRiverSouth, eMfuleninaseDriftsands.Ukongezelela,iSixekosisathetha ngeendlelazokulawulaisantyaseemotokwimimandla eyahlukeneyoingakumbikuleyoikufutshanenezikolo.
Sta eholders weighinon L Mupdate
AtaCity-hostedPlanningIndaba inMarch,officials,private-sector professionals,academics,NGOs, neighbouringmunicipalitiesand state-ownedentitiesbrainstormed keyfactorstobeconsideredinthe City’s2025updateofitslanduse model(LUM).
Stakeholdersdeliberatedonnew spatialandurbanisationtrends, estimatesandassumptionsthathave emergedsince2020,whenthecurrent LUMwasgeneratedinthemidstof theCovid-19pandemic.Theyalso discussedthepossibleimpactofCape Town’slong-termpopulationgrowth onengineeringinfrastructureand communityfacilities.
oroomforerror
GettingtheLUMupdaterightis important.Themodelnotonly guidestheCity’sspatialpolicies, butalsoinformsitslong-term planningforengineeringservices. Engineeringservicesrelatetothe infrastructurerequiredtoprovide essentialbasicservicessuch asroads,waterandsanitation, electricity,publichousing, communityfacilities,schoolsand healthfacilities.
Soon,CapeTownwillhavea populationofoverfivemillion,with growthtosevenmillionanticipated by2050.TheCitymustplanasbest itcanforthisincreaseinpeople andtheirneeds.Atthesametime, theadministrationmustensure thatpreciousnaturalandheritage resourcesareprotected,andthatthe righttypeofdevelopmentoccursin therightplaceandissupportedby adequateservicesinfrastructure.
andnospaceforsecrets
Alldocumentsandpresentations feedingintotheLUMwillbemade availableontheCity’swebsiteto ensuregreatertransparencyin spatialplanning.
KORTLIKS
Deedsdeli eredtoMacassardoors
TheDeed to Doorcampaigncontinuestorollouttitledeedsto ualifyingbene ciaries, pro idingthemwithformalproofofownershipandsecurityoftenure. everalMacassarfamiliesrecently receivedthetitledeedstotheir homesaspartoftheCity’s metro-wideDeed-to-Doorcampaign.A Cityservicesroadshow,heldatthesame time,offeredresidentsanopportunity tospeaktometroofficialsrightthereon theirdoorstep.
Dueforadeed
IfyouorarelativeareabeneficiaryofaCity unit,buthaven’treceivedthetitledeed, visitaCityservicesroadshowinyourarea, orgototheHumanSettlementskioskon thesecondflooroftheCapeTownCivicon weekdays,09:00–12:00.TakealongtheID oftheownerandspouse(ifapplicable),the marriagecertificate(ifapplicable),andin theeventofadeceasedowner,thedeath certificateandaletter ofauthority. Alternatively,sendarequestto housing.db capetown.gov.zaor title.deeds capetown.gov.za.Puttheerf numberandareainthesubjectline,and theregistereddeedholder’snameand surname,IDnumberandaddressinthe bodyoftheemail.
Formoreinformation,phonetheCity on0214440333 weekdays0 30–1 30 . Alsoupdateyourdetailsonthe ousing eedsRegisterathttps web1.capetown. gov. a web1 WL2012 nline
oo yi ee : Macassarresident Susan avids secondfromleft receives hertitledeedfromCllrsCarlPophaim, Peter elfrichandChantalCerfontein.
Roadshowsbring
Cityser icestoyou
Toseewhetherthetitledeed foryourpropertyisonthelistof availabledeeds,dovisitaCity roadshowwheninyourarea. Claimingyourdeedwilloffer yousecurityoftenureaswellas formaliseyourownership.TheCity’s roadshowsareanopportunityfor youtointeractdirectlywithHuman Settlementsofficialsandhave yourquestionsanswered.Allother Cityservicesdepartmentsarealso availableattheseeventstoprovide informationandassistance.
t ewi i tr c : ThephasedrefurbishmentoftheBlue ownsathleticstrackisprogressingwell.Theupgradeincludes resurfacing,andimprovingkeyfeaturessuchasthehammerthrowcage,take-offboardsandsteeplechasearea.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
By’nbeplanningsindabainMaarthetdieprivaat sektor,akademici,nieregeringsorganisasies, naburigemunisipaliteiteenstaatsbeheerde entiteitedieStadseamptenarehelpdinkaan kernfaktoreomingedagtetehouwanneerdie Stadvanjaarsygrondgebruikmodelbywerk. VerskeieMacassar-huishoudingshetonlangs dietitelaktesvirhullehuiseontvangasdeel vandieStadsemetrowyeveldtogDeed-to-Door. VerskillendeStadsdepartementehetterselfdertyd hullediensteinMacassarkombemark,wat inwonerskansgegeehetomdirekmetamptenare tegesels.Omnategaanofdietitelaktevirjou eiendomnie dalkopdielysvanbeskikbareaktes isnie,praatmetamptenarevandiedirektoraat menslikenedersettingswanneerdieStadjoubuurt besoek fbydieKaapstad-burgersentrum.
ccountsandgeneralen uiries Tel............0860103089(option1) Fax.....................0860103090
Email........accounts capetown.gov.za ............contact.us capetown.gov.za lcoholanddrughelpline 2 /7 Tel......0800HELP4U(0800435748)
nti-corruptionandfraudhotline Tel(anonymous,toll-free)..0800323130 Cabletheft All-hourstel.............0800222771 ublictransport toll-free Informationcentre........0800656463 Dial-a-Ride..............0800600895
DieStadhetinMaartmetleedweseverneem vandieafsterwevandramaturgenregisseur AtholFugardenvoormaligeKaapstad-burgemeester PatriciaFine–tweegrootgeestewatsterkbande metdieMoederstadgehadhet.
DieopknappingvandieBlueDowns-atletiekbaan,watinfasesgedoenword,vordergoed. Diebaankryondermeer’nnuweoppervlak, endiehamergooihok,vastrapbordeenareavir hinderniswedrennewordverbeter.
Voortgesettemisbruikvandiestormwaterstelsel, waarondervandalismeenonwettigevullisstorting, veroorsaakoorstromingsgedurendeswaar reën.DieStadmaakstaatopinwonersom stormwaterpype,dreins,kanale,mereenander infrastruktuuronverspertehelphousodatdit oortolligewaternadieriviereenseekanwegvoer.
Kwi-IndabayeziCwangcisoebiqhutywasiSixekongoMatshi, amagosa,iingcalizecandeloloshishino,izifundiswa, iMibuthoeNgekhoNgaphantsikoRhulumente,oomasipala abakufutshanenamazikokarhulumenteayeafakan’ imilomongemibaephambiliezakuqwalaselwaxa kuhlolwaowama2025siSixekongendlelaosetyenziswe ngayoumhlaba(LUM).
IintsaphoeziliqelaeMacassarzisandul’ukufumana iitayitilezemiziyazonjengenxalenyeyephulolawo wonkeumasipalaombaxaweSixekoloku isaiiTayitile eBantwini.UmbonisowendlelaongeenkonzozeSixeko oqhutywengexeshaelifanayo,uyewanikaabahlaliithuba lokuthethanamagosaomaspalaombaxa.
Ukuzeuboneenobaitayitile:yakhoikhonakusinina kuluhlu,yiyakumbonisoobasendlelenixaungakwindawo ohlalakuyo.
NgoMatshi,iSixekosiyesabalusizingokuva
CapeTownsalutes FugardandFine
InMarch,theCitywassaddenedto learnofthepassingoftwostalwarts whoweredeeplyconnectedto theMotherCity.Playwrightand directorAtholFugard’sconnection toCapeTownwasbothpersonal andprofessional.Heattended theUniversityofCapeTown, wherehestudiedPhilosophyand Anthropologybeforededicating himselfentirelytothearts.In2010, hewashonouredwiththeopeningof theFugardTheatreinhistoricDistrict Six.Hereceivedaccoladessuchas theNationalOrderofIkhamanga in Silverin2005andCivicHonours fromtheCityin2023,andwas stronglycommittedtojusticeand equality.Hepassedawayon8March attheageof92.
FormerCapeTownmayor PatriciaFine’stenurecoincided withSouthAfrica’stransitionto democracy,beingelectedtooffice inlate1993andservinguntilthe country’sfirstdemocraticlocal governmentelectionsin1995.She willberememberedforworking tirelesslytobridgepoliticaldivides duringapivotaltimeinSouth Africa’shistory.Shepassedaway on2Marchfollowingacourageous battlewithcancer.
Letthewaterrun
Ongoingabuseofthestormwater system,includingvandalismand illegaldumping,causeslocalised floodingduringheavyrainfall.The Citycountsonresidentstohelpkeep stormwaterpipes,drains,canals, pondsandotherinfrastructureclear todivertwatertotheriversand sea.Thosewhointerferewiththe stormwatersystemputproperties andlivesatrisk,andmustbeheld accountable.Reportvandalismand illegaldumpingto0800656463, transport.info capetown.gov.zaor 31373(SMS).
ngokuswelekakwamagqalaamabiniasebenzekakhulu neSixeko.UmbhaliwemidlalonomalathisiuAtholFugard kunyenowayesakubangusodolophuuPatriciaFine. Ukuphuculwangokwamabakalakwamabalaokubaleka eBlueDownskuqhubakakuhle.Oluphuculoluquka ukwenziwangokutshanokuphuculwakweendawo eziiphambilinjengekheyijiyomdlalowokuphosaiihamile, iibhodizokusukanendawoyokuqubhanokubaleka imigamaemidengaphakathi
Ukusetyenziswakakubingokuqhubekayokweenkqubo zamanziesichotho,okuqukaukonakaliswanokulahla okungekhomthethweni,kudalaukhukulisekoebudeni beemvulaezinkulu.ISixekosithembeabahlaliukuba bazakusincedasigcineimibhobhoyamanziesichotho, iidreyini,imijelo,amaqulanezinyeizisekozophuhliso zivulekileukuzezikwaziukuthumelaamanziemilanjeni naselwandle.
IT O A ETOWNANDAREAEAST ONTA TDETAILS
Droughtandwater www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater eportandtrackfaults www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests e-Ser ices www.capetown.gov.za/eServices ContacttheCity www.capetown.gov.za/contacts Budget www.capetown.gov.za/budget Tariffs www.capetown.gov.za/tariffs oliciesandby-laws www.capetown.gov.za/policies Councilmatters www.capetown.gov.za/council
Tel.....................0214002358
CapeTownCivicCentre,12Hertzog Boulevard,CapeTown
Subcouncil
Tel.....................0218504150
Municipaloffices,cnrFaganStreetand MainRoad,Strand
Subcouncil
Tel.....................0214443715
SiteBKhayelitshaShoppingCentre, Khayelitsha
Subcouncil 0 Tel.....................0214440196
KhayelitshaTrainingCentre,cnrLwandle RoadandPhendulaCrescent,Khayelitsha
Subcouncil
Tel.....................0214002345 Municipaloffices,cnrVanRiebeeckRoad andCarinusStreet,KuilsRiver
It is the beginning of becoming
NAMHLA MONAKALI
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 tra ckers target ‘vulnerable individuals’ for business
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
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 tra cking 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.”
Search for new Children’s Commissioner nears completion
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
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.
UBUNINIBEKHAYA KUWE!
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
Activist shares his story globally
UNATHI OBOSE
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: UNATHI OBOSE
Cape mourns legendary icon
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
“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.
Page 20 | Thursday, 12 June 2025
SUPER AND CITY RUGBY LEAGUES
Following a 21-8 loss against Atlantis last weekend, Busy Bee will be hoping to change their fortunes when they square up against Delft in Langa on Saturday 14 June.
The local boys are in an unfamiliar territory on the 15-team Super Rugby C League log table. They are currently sitting 12 with 11 log points, two clear of basement dwellers, Eersterivier and neighbours Langa who are on standby this weekend. Meanwhile, Langa will have an opportunity to regroup after going down by 20 to 25 against Delft. Langa are in a more precarious position. They are above Eersterivier on the same number of points.
In the City League, Blue Jets will look to make more ground when they lock horns with seventh-placed Blakes. Following a comprehensive 36- 7 victory over Silverleaf over the weekend, Blue Jets will be hoping for maximum points and to close the gap on third-placed Masiphumelele.
In Super League A, Villager is still on a winning streak after beating Hamiltons by
28-24 at Brookside. Hamiltons, last year's winner of Super League A, came back from a bye and have to play catch-up rugby to fulfill their rugby commitments for the season. They still have outstanding matches to play.
UniMil was the team who had the highest score for the weekend by keeping the scoreboard rolling when they only allowed Kuils River a converted try and gave them a rugby lesson by beating them by 64-7.
False Bay was too good for Brackenfell and the latter lost by 28-16, their second loss in as many weeks.
At Florida Park Tygerberg beat Maties by 23-14 making up for their loss last week against Helderberg.
Thoubaan Gabriels of Villager Rugby Football Club disappears in the mud as he is turned in a tackle by team-mate Wynand Maclachlan during a clash against Hamiltons on Saturday 7 June. The slippery underfoot conditions made rugby di cult on the day. Villager won 28-24.
PHOTO: RASHIED ISAACS
Tough times for locals
