Sexual claims probed
UNATHI
OBOSE unathi.obose@cityvision.co.za
The Western Cape EducationDepartment (WCED) has confirmed it is probing some of the allegations made by parents of children at the Khayelitsha Special School.
The first week of teaching at the school, which works with children with learning difficulties, was interrupted on Friday 17 January as a group of disgruntled parents picketed outside the gates, calling for the school principal to leave the premises.
The school was in the news towards the end of last year with numerous claims levelled against the school principal (“Parents demanding that principal leave” City Vision, 10 October 2024).
As the doors of learning opened for the current academic year, parents continued from where they left off on Friday.
They accused the principal of incompetency and failure to execute her duties.
Xoliswa Mnqanqeni, a member of the school governing body (SGB) and parent, claimed there was a lot of wrong doing at the school. “The principal does as she pleases. She doesn’t inform the SGB and parents about the things we are meant to know at the school. Last year, we discovered there were buses that were transporting our children while they were unroadworthy. We found out the buses were registered in Mpumalanga while they were operating here. We stood up as parents and all those buses rectified,” explained Mnqanqeni, adding that they also discovered that there was a learner who was allegedly raped by another learner in the school toilets and they were not informed as parents.
She said they wanted the principal to be discharged of her duties.
Mnqanqeni also bemoaned the treatment muted to parents by the police. “While we were standing outside the school yard, we
saw officers coming in and locked us outside. We don’t know why we are not allowed tocomeinsidebecauseweareheretoengage with the school principal and also find out how she came back,” said Mnqanqeni, addingthatsinceSeptemberlastyeartheprincipal went on leave until December. She said they were surprised when they saw her at school at the beginning of the new term.
Sibongiseni Faku, from Freedom to the Forgotten in Khayelitsha, said the department knew their grievances but opted to choose sides.
Freedom to the Forgotten is a non-profit organisation that promotes rights for people with disabilities and restores their dignity through education, employment and skills transferbymakingsuretherightsofthepeople living with disability are protected.
Faku said they felt the learners were not safe under the principal’s administration.
Faku stated that the alleged rape case was never reported to the police and accused the principal of playing mind games with the
parents and his organisation.
Another parent Ntombikayise Maku stated that all they wanted was for the school principaltoresign.“Wewon’tstoppicketing outside the school until the principal leaves,” she said.
Bronagh Hammond, director of communication for the WCED, said the department was aware of some of the allegations.
“Manyofwhichhavealreadybeeninvestigated. The WCED is engaged with the SGB. A meeting was held on Monday 20 January and another meeting on Wednesday 22 January.Theissuewithregardstotheschoolbuses was resolved last year,” said Hammond. Shesaidthedistrictwillfollowuponthesexual assault allegations.
“The parents, however, cannot disrupt teaching and learning. There are processes that need to be followed in dealing with complaintsofthisnature.Wewillcontinuetoaddress these matters accordingly. We ask that this process continue without further disruption,” said Hammond.
Some of the parents are standing under the shade while others wait outside the school. PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
City Vision is published by WP Media, a subsidiary of Media24.
KHAYELITSHA
Khayelitsha 1 Bongweni, Harare Ikwezi Park (Washington Square), Khayelitsha T1-V4 (Makhaya) / Village V4 North, Tembani, Khayelitsha 1 bulk & trading outlets
Khayelitsha 2 Khayelitsha T1-V2 (Section), Khayelitsha T2-V4 (Graceland Ekupuleni Luzoko), Mfuleni, Site B Above T1 - V3, Site B Above T1V3 (P - R), Khayelitsha 2 bulk & trading outlets
Khayelitsha 3 Joe Slovo Park Sp / Village V1 North, Khayelitsha Site C (Brick Houses) (Ikwezi Park)
Khayelitsha 4 Gri_ths Mthenge Khayelitsha T3 (Kuyasa) / Khayelitsha T3-V4, Khayelitsha T3-V3 (Makaza Informal Settlement & New), Khayelitsha T3-V5 (Makaza), Khayelitsha 4 bulk & trading outlets
Khayelitsha 5 Khayelitsha T1-V1 & Kulani Park (A-E Section), Khayelitsha T2 V3 South (Makhaya Mandela Park), Khayelitsha T2-V1, Khayelitsha 5 bulk & trading outlets
GUGULETHU I LAGUNYA
Guguletu Sp, Guguletu/Hazeldean, Langa, Langa Sp, Lower Cross Roads, New Crossroads (Boys Town), Nyanga - Millers Camp/Old Loc, Old Cross Roads, Philippi.
LWANDLE I NOMZAMO
Asanda, Ezimbacwini, Lwandle Nomzamo SP Bulk drops
WHOM TO CONTACT
EDITOR: Thulani Magazi
Tel: 021 910 6500/6517
Email: Thulani@cityvision.co.za or news@cityvision.co.za
JOURNALIST: Unathi Obose
Tel: 021 910 6519
Unathi.Obose@cityvision.co.za
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PRESS CODE, CORRECTIONS
City Vision subscribes to the South African Press Code and we are committed to journalism that is honest accurate fair and balanced. Under our editorial policy we invite readers to comment on the newspaper's content and we correct significant errors as soon as possible Please send information to the news editor at Thulani@cityvision.co.za or phone 021 910 6500 Alternately, please contact the Ombudsman of Media24's Community Press, George Claassen at george claassen@media24.com Complaints can also be sent to the SA Press Ombudsman on telephone 021 851 3232 or via email khanyim@ombudsman.org.za or johanr@ombudsman.org.za Find us online
Do not forget your roots
THULANI MAGAZI Igumbi lomhleli / Editor’s corner
Thumela uluvo lwakho. Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuphela ezakuthi ipapashwe. Izinto ezithethwa apha ziphelela kweli gumbi
Send us your views. Note, only text messages will be published. What is discussed in this corner remains here.
Thulani.magazi@media24.com WhatsApp on 083 721 7648.
Ndim lo! I am the son of the soil. I grew up on the dusty roads, valleys, filthy damsandsunnyskiesofeNgcele,kuTsolo, in the Eastern Cape. As a child, I endured insurmountable challenges. None of those could break me down. Instead, they made me value small
but important things in life. I walked and crossed many rivers and valleys to school to attain my education. My weekends were no less busy. I would wake up every Saturday and walk more than six kilometres to purchase a 5 litre milk from a local milk farm. At times, this would be a futile exercise as I jostled with emerging businesses for the produce. The milk would run out before I could get my share. On occasions, I would work with my cousins to prepare umngqusho from isingqusho. We would also be required to collect wood from a neighbouring Mtshezi or amalongwe from the veld. All these wonderful memories were triggered over the festive season as my household prepared for my nephew’s initiation ceremony. I took my two sons (14 and 11) through memory lane and by the end of their December interval at home, they were determined never to return to the “trenches” again. They did not do anything nearer or closer to what I did as a child but they had a taste of what I experienced as a child.
This was only when we had to collect wood fromanearbybush.Thiswasdoneusingmy vehiclebutitwashardenoughtoscarethem not to return to eNgcele again. These are possible challenges most parents, whose roots are in other parts of the country, have to deal with. These are excellent life lessons. Children need to be exposed toconditionsthatarenotfavourabletothem to learn some life lessons.
In the urban areas, kids are exposed to a soft and luxurious life. As parents, we do not teach them the value of life and that nothing comes on a silver platter. Our kids have this sense of entitlement and believe our hardearned assets belong to them. They do not know that someone has to toil for almost everything. I recently asked one child where milk and eggs come from.
“Pick n Pay or Checkers,” he responded. Takingchildrentothevillagesexposesthem to the realities of life. For this reason, I urge you all to love and be proud of your heritage for a better future and South Africa.
ANC 113th anniversary rang hollow
The African National Congress (ANC) recently celebrated its 113th anniversary in Khayelitsha. In the build-up to the event we as stakeholders of the business sector were invited through the KDF (Khayelitsha Development Forum). The event was touted as an opportunity for the ANC to engage with the sector’s stakeholders, particularly small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). However, as attendees we observed that
the event fell woefully short of expectations. Instead of a meaningful engagement, SMME representatives were met with dismissive attitudes from the ANC leaders, who dominated the conversation and failed to listen thoroughly to the challenges faced by our enterprises.
One of the most striking aspects of the event was the lack of representation from local, black-owned businesses as service providers at Saturday’s event.
When questioned about this, ANC leaders cited elitist and liberal security concerns related to presidential security. This response is not only tone-deaf, but also highlights the ANC’s continued failure to prioritise the needs and concerns of its constituents.
As SMME representatives we were eager to raise several key issues.
Icekwa lishiyeke nabazali bamakrwala ngoku
Nanjengoko uninzi lwamakhwenkwe ebeye ehlathini kweziholide zohlobo sele lubuyile, icekwa ngoku lishiyeke nabazali kunye nabahlali ukuba baqhubeke baqeqeshe oonyana babo.
Ubudoda abuqali buphinde buphelele ehlathini. Ukuya ehlathini sisiqalo sendlela eya ebudodeni. Indlela esinga empumelelweni nokuba umntu abeyindoda eqotho inde.
Umntu owakhe walikrwala uyakundingqinela xa ndisithi xa ungubhuti omtsha ibangathi ukrelekrele ukogqitha umntu wonke.
Ngamanyeamaxeshaudeuziboneingathi nguwe wedwa umntu onolwazi oluninzi ukogqitha abanye abantu, ulibale ukuba olu lwazi unalo ulifumene kwabanye abantu.
Kubalulekile singabazali siwathathele ingqalelo amakrwala singawayeki nje. Kuyafuneka ukuba siwasondeze kufutshane kwaye siwaxelele ukuba nesi isigaba bakuso sisezakudlula.
Sonke sasinxiba kakuhle nje ngabo sit-
A journo’s voice
–UnathiObose–
hawuza xa sihamba. Kodwa uthi uphela unyaka uyindoda ube sele ubona nawe ukuba izinto azisafani.
Kulapho kanye abafana abaninzi baye baqalise ukuthatha izigqibo ezigwengxa ngenxa yendlela okanye uxinezelelo abalifumayo ekhaya kunye nasekuhlaleni.
Abazali mababenendlela yokuthetha nabantwana babo bayeke ukuthi xa becela into babaxelele ukuba abazukusoloko besondlana nendoda mayiyokuphangele. Xa kusithiwa ubudoda ayikokoluka ingca akuxokwa.
Ubudoda ngamahlandenyuka, kwaye abuyondlwana iyanetha. Yanga la makrwala angayazi lento azifake kuyo azakuyimela. Xa uyindoda awupheleli nje ekukhuseleni ikhaya lakho kufuneka ubekwanguye nomzekelo ekuhlaleni.
Yiyo lento kubalulekile ukuba xa uyindoda ubeneliso kwizinto ezenzekayo phambi kwakho, ubenendlebe yokumamela kwaye ubenengqondo yokuqiqa. Awenzi nje xa ungumntu ongutata.
Yeka nje uninzi lwamadoda lingena laphelela kwibhelu lomsele nelibaphembelela ekubeni benze izinto ezigwenxa. Akwaba lamakrwala angayazi ukuba lentoayenzayoyokulandelelanaenzeumngcelele xa ehamba ayibobudoda ngumdlalo nje lowa, liyeza ixesha indoda kufuneka itye ukubila kwebunzi layo.
Ukuba yindoda akuphelelanga nje ekuthetheni, into ebalulekileyo zizenzo zakho. Akwaba abafana banokubamamela abazali babo babahloniphe bayazi ukuba umzali uyakuhlala ingumzali nokuba kunjani.
ungaba nebango ngokuchasene nomqhubi
MELIKHAYA YALWA Site C
Jali thrilled with the matric results
UNATHI OBOSE
As the nation continues to digest the 2024 matric results, City Vision sat down with Masixole Jali, a Technical Mathematics teacher at Joe Slovo High School.
The Khayelitsha school made history by obtaining a 99,3% pass rass and was also named the top performer in the Metro East District.
For the first time in history the school obtained 41 distinctions and 18 of them were Technical Mathematics learners.
While his subject contributed immensely to the school’s success, Jali was modest in his response. He attributed the positive results to discipline and hard work. “It is the first time the school has such a number of distinctions in Technical Mathematics. I’m happy as the teacher. It means a lot to me. We worked so hard to get those distinctions. Being a teacher is not just about teaching, sometimes you need to create a relationship with the learners so that they can be open to you. You need to understand them and vice versa,” said Jali.
Delving into his secret, Jali said he identi-
Learners praise teachers, family for their support
UNATHI OBOSE
Joe Slovo Secondary School in Khayelitsha made history by becoming the top school in the Metro East District with a 99,3% pass rate in the matric results 2024. For the moment the school was being talked about for good reason. The City Vision spoke to some of the top learners at the school to find out how they feel.
. Kagisho Mgwazeni (18) the top learner at the school with five distinctions said his dream came true. He said he works very hard to be where he is.
“I focused more on my studies. I didn’t have time to play. I would only go out to buy something at the spaza shop,” he explained. Mgwazeni said he ensured that he was always ahead of the teacher and other learners. “When the teacher focussed on a certain chapter and left it halfway, I would continue when I got home to complete the chapter and when the teacher continued with the chapter the following day I would have an idea of what he or she was talking about. Sometimes I would have already formulated questions that I needed to ask. I also used previous question papers,” he said. Mgwazenireceived91%forMaths,Physical Science (87%), English Additional Language (82%), Life Orientation (88%) and Engineering Graphic and Design (81%).
. LethuMatyipu(17)praisedtheteachers for being there for them. He said he had to stop roaming the streets and focus on his studies. “I used to wake up at night and study. But what helped me the most was at-
tending the afternoon and weekend classes. I also used the previous question papers,” he said. Matyipu said he also utilised social media to his advantage. He learnt some of the things from YouTube. He praised their teachers for being patient with them and there when they needed them the most.
“I’m planning to do a Mechatronics Engineering course at the University of Cape Town,” he said.
Matyipu obtained three distinctions – in Maths (94%), Physical Science (89%) and Electrical Technology (93%).
. Lwando Mtsolongo (18) said what helped him the most was to stay away from badhabitsandfocusonhisbooks.“Itwasn’t easy. I worked tirelessly, but with the support I received from home and at school. I managed to pull through. Our teachers were so supportive and they were there for us. They were always motivating us and willing to go the extra mile,” he said. Mtsolongo got two distinctions, in Maths (87%) andEngineeringGraphicandDesign(81%).
. Olothando Peteni (17) said she was assisted by the Kutlwanong programme held at Luhlaza High School on weekends. She also thanked the teachers for their guidance.
“I had a formidable support system at home. Even at school, we were like a family. We were assisted each other as learners and the teachers were there to encourage us”. She advised the learners not to allow pressure to dictate them.
Peteni got two distinctions on Xhosa (84%) and Maths (87%).
fied some of the top performing learners in class and used them to help others.
“Before anything, I created a conducive environment for all the learners so that they can be free. I created groups with a maximum of five learners and I identified some of the best learners in the school to assist others.Wehadmorningandafternoonclasses. We also had weekend classes,” he explained.
Jali urged this year’s learners to start studying now citing that the year has ended already. He vowed to maintain the 2024 momentum.
Joe Slovo High School Technical Mathematics teacher Masixole Jali is thrilled after 18 of his learners got distinctions.
PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
Kagisho Mgwazeni (18).
PHOTOS: UNATHI OBOSE
Lethu Matyipu (17). Lwando Mtsolongo (18).
Olothando Peteni (17).
Fire victims appeal for help
UNATHI OBOSE
Fire victims from Special Quarters in Langa are picking up the pieces following a devastating inferno that ravaged the neighbourhood over the weekend.
At least 25 shacks and eight hostel rooms were gutted by the fire, and more than 100 people left homeless when the blaze broke out on Friday 17 January.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Amanda Sithunda, one of the victims, said the incident occurred around 01:00. She said she heard people shouting outside kuyatshaaa! On going outside she saw flames approaching her shack. “The fire started in a shack next to mine,” narrated Sithunda. “When I saw the flames I immediately turned back and instructed my children to move out, and I pulled my husband (who lives with stroke) and ran with him. I managed to take only my cellphone. All my other belongings were burnt inside.”
The mother of four said the incident was the first in the area in more than 20 years.
Another victim, Bulelwa May, also lost everything in the fire. “I have nothing; everything, including my documents, were burnt in the fire. I came out of the shack wearing a night dress. The clothes I have came from one of the community members. I don’t know where I’m going to sleep.”
Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Pakade said development for the area remained a mystery. “All the affected shacks were backyard dwellers from the hostels (Special Quarters),” vowed Pakade. “We had a project that relocated people from the hostels to the Nkandla area within Langa. That develop-
ment occurred between 2014 to 2016 and it disappeared. When I took over as councillor the development had already stopped. But I will do a follow-up and try to ascertain what happened.
When the City Vision reached out to Pakade on Monday 20 January he said some of the victims had already started to rebuild their shacks while others moved in with their friends and families.
Jermaine Carelse, the spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, said the unit received an emergency call at approximately 01:20 of informal structures alight. The incident was verified by CCTV camera, he said.
“The officer in charge at nearby Epping Fire Station called for additional resources on route to the fire, based on the density of the area and prevailing wind conditions. We had 10 front-line fire resources on scene and more than 40 staff battling the blaze. An Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 4 was established to coordinate operations.” He said by 03:30 the firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze.” Carelse said no injuries or fatalities were reported and the cause is still unclear.
Makhaza safety patroller gunned down while on duty
Makhaza police are investigating a murder case following the death of a 51year-old neighbourhood watch member, Monwabisi Mkhutshulwa.
He was gunned down while on duty on Saturday 18 January at about 23:00.
Western Cape police commissioner, LtGen Thembisile Patekile condemned the killing. He described the incident as a callousandselflessactagainstthecommunity and those who serve their community with pride.
“OnSaturday18Januaryatabout23:00, a group of neighbourhood watch members were patrolling at Ezimfeneni area inNkaniniinformalsettlement,Makhaza when they came across a group of men who were standing on the corner of the street. It was reported that gunshots were heard. The deceased was hit in the shoulder and leg. He fell to the ground and succumbed to the wounds,” said Patekile.
Khayelitsha Sub-District CPF acting chair Funeka Soldaat condemned the incident. He labelled the perpetrators as heartless people.
Soldaat described Mkhutshulwa as a dedicated member who devoted his life to protecting the community. She described him as a soldier who died wearing his boots.
“Mkhutshulwa was wearing a CPF uniform when he was gunned down. His death is a stark reminder of how our patrollers risk their lives in trying to keep our communities safe from the criminals. We are reminded that while safety structures are trying their level best to reduce crime in our communities with limited
resources, the criminals on the other hand are working tirelessly to undermine the efforts of crime fighters,” she said.
Soldaat said one death is one too many. She called the law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned.
“We are appealing to anyone who has information regarding the killing of Mkhutshulwa to come forward or report it to the nearest police,” said Soldaat.
Some of the shack-fire victims left stranded after the incident. PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE
UNATHI OBOSE
Makhaza neighbourhood watch member Monwabisi Mkhutshulwa (51) was gunned down while on duty at Ezimfeneni informal settlement in Nkanini, Makhaza on Saturday 18 January.
Carnival to wow Cape Town again
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Over the past decade the Cape Town Carnival team has performed in front of more than 500 000 spectators, created 150 floats and designed and created about 30 000 dazzling costumes and accessories.
This year the glamorous street parade celebrates 15 years and will once again enchant spectators when it returns to the Green Point Fan Walk on Saturday 15 March.
Announcing “WowZA!”
(Meaning Wow South Africa) as this year’s theme at the media launch on Thursday 16 January, Prof Rachel Jafta, carnival chair, said she still has fond memories of the initial carnival 15 years ago.
The event is about bringing people from different backgrounds together, she shared.
“When you to come to the Cape Town Carnival you see what South Africa can be. You see people from all over coming together to have fun and to tell and create stories through different formats like dance, music, performances, art and beautiful costumes. For me, that is worth celebrating as it is a moment that makes you say ‘Wow, South Africa’.”
Thisyearwillsee10colourfulhandcrafted floats,about2 000performersand50community groups taking to the street.
JayDouwes,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofthe carnival, said spectators can look forward to some new faces parading including the DHL Stormersteam,TheDragCartelandRioCarnival’s Queen of the Drums, Erika Januza, a Brazilian actress and performer among others.
“We are so lucky to be South African and to live in this beautiful city. This is an oppor-
tunity for people to come together. They will see the incredible art and performances.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City is a proud supporter of the event.
“This is an important event on the cultural calendar for the City. We love events that bring people out of their homes.
“It is great to give a platform and spotlight to the incredible talent in Cape Town. Images of our carnival go all over the world; it is attracting people and putting Cape Town on the map.”
Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said: “We love this city, and we love this province, and we will continue to proudly support events that promote the world’s greatest city.”
Local artist Paxton Fielies said she is excited to be part of the carnival.
Douwes encouraged people to attend the event.
“We have come a long way, and we have achieved a lot and I hope people will see that in this year’s carnival.
“You have to experience it to know how amazing it is.”
Comedy gold at ‘Despicable Hehe’with Chester Missing
Capetonians are in for a treat as Conrad Koch and Chester Missing bring the laughs with Despicable Hehe to Theatre on the Bay next month, marking the final leg of their wildly successful tour.
With over 130 million TikTok views, two International Emmy nominations, and a trail of sold-out shows around the globe, Koch is no stranger to creating comedy gold. And Despicable Hehe is his latestmasterpiece–ariotofpuppets,punchlines, and pure fun that’s as smart as it is silly.
“This show is a roller coaster of hilarity,” says Koch.
“It’s packed with wild characters like Vladimir Putin the Vampire, Gunter the German mosquito, and even a DJ puppet made out of a hoodie. Of course, Chester Missing is there too, with his signature political wit.”
Koch describes the show, which runs from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 February, as a mix of light-hearted social commentary and family-friendly humour designed for everyone 12 and up.
“South Africans love to laugh, and this show delivers exactly that. It’s a playful
nod to Despicable Me, with an evil super villain like Vladimir Putin the Vampire, it felt fitting. But it’s mostly about bringing audiences monstrous laughs and good vibes,” Koch explains.
Chester Missing opens the show with his cheeky take on everything from local politics to international absurdities. From there, the stage transforms into a playground for Koch’s zany creations:
. Mr Dixon: The no-nonsense high school teacher who’s taken social media by storm.
. Hilton: A party-loving ostrich who doubles as a relationship guru.
. Gunter: A recently divorced German mosquito who’s hilariously bitter about love.
. DJ Hoodie: A musical maniac who gets the crowd grooving. Vladimir Putin the Vampire: Equal parts political satire and pure comedy chaos.
Koch even turns a member of the audience into a puppet, adding a layer of unpredictability that has everyone rolling in the aisles.
Known for using comedy to tackle serious topics, Koch says Despicable Hehe shifts gears toward a lighter tone. “In recent years, I’ve leaned into the ‘politics of joy’ – creating a space where people can laugh together without feeling alienated. This show is driven by love more than anger,” he says.
While Chester’s biting political commentary makes an appearance, the show’s primary goal is to entertain. “This is my funniest, most accessible work to date. My previous shows have often had a political edge, but this show is far lighter. My experience is that South Africans want to laugh more than anything else, and this show really delivers on that front. Vladimir Putin the Vampire has some political edge, but the goal is entertainment rather than making any sort of point.”
Tickets are available via webtickets.
Chester Missing and Conrad Koch.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Over 1 800 performers will take to the streets on Saturday 15 March. PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Pictured are some of the performers that will be taking to the street.
Conductor Carl Louw of the Orients by Faa (Athlone-based) minstrel troupe rounds off the combined English song at the KKKA competition in style.
‘Klopse’ a kaleidoscope of colour
Hundreds of people gathered at the Athlone Stadium for this year’s Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) annual competition over the weekend. The contest gives different groups an opportunity to showcase minstrel culture and heritage.
Monde Mdingi of Gugulethu, representing the Philadelphian Minstrels, sings “Bring it home” from the musical Les Miserables in the men’s solo category at the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competition held at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday 18 January.
PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Rafiek Davids of the Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons leads his troupe during the “Klopse Jol”.
SA20 LEAGUE
Cricketers involve children
MI Cape Town continued their stellar start in the SA20 League, making waves both on and off the field.
OnThursday16January,playersswapped stadium lights for the golden sands of Camps Bay, engaging in a memorable beach-cricket session with young learners from WPCA Hubs across Cape Town.
AmongtheplayersattendingwereDewald Brevis, George Linde, Dane Piedt, Christopher Benjamin, Connor Esterhuizen and Thomas Kaber as well as batting coach and Proteas legend Hashim Amla.
Sharing his thoughts on the experience, Hashim Amla, the club’s batting coach, said: “Today has been very special.
“If you want to start young, it has to be at the age at which these kids are. So this is a great initiative.
“It is important to get the children to play, not just cricket but any sport of their choice. I’m glad to have been able to share their happiness.”
Brevis, who was a huge favourite among the kids, said: “I had a wonderful time and almost felt like a kid again. Their enthusiasm and love for sport are absolutely infec-
tious. I would like to thank MI Cape Town for this initiative and making me a part of it and hopefully we can continue this in the years to come.”
The learners from hubs such as Ottoman, Gugulethu and Langa were thrilled to meet their idols and share the beach with them.
The event included interactive drills in batting, bowling and fielding, followed by matches divided by age groups.
Each group faced off against their peers, with MI Cape Town players cheering them on and even stepping in as teammates.
The initiative aimed to strengthen ties
with the Cape Town community, offering children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside MI Cape Town’s stars.
More than 50 children participated, leaving with wide smiles, treasured memories and renewed inspiration to chase their cricketing dreams.
MI Cape Town players with children at Camps Bay.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED