Probereapsr
The stone-throwing incident on Thursday 21 November last year, where a 42-year-old mother lost her life while trying to pull her son from the stone-throwing youth of Manenberg, has led to the sentencing of Ashley Fisher (31) to 25 years imprisonment.
He was sentenced on Monday 29 September in the Wynberg Regional Court and will be imprisoned for the full duration of 20 years, with five years suspended
Fisher settled for a plea agreement on murder and attempted murder
“Stone-throwing among learners and youth is part of gang recruiting and this violent be-
haviour has been entertained by gangs, causing serious and violent clashes between youth in Manenberg These violent clashes have been orchestrated by larger gang groupings as part of territorial status To add insult to injury adults have fueled this behaviour by becoming lookouts for perpetrators of the stone-throwing,” says Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for Manenberg police Fisher was found guilty of murder and attempted murder after detective Sgt Craig Keating from Manenberg police presented a “watertight case ”
Commenting on the sentence Bennett told People’s Post that stone-throwing between the Manenberg youth erupted in broad daylight causing panic among parents
“The deceased mother rushed between the stone-throwers trying to pull her son out from participating in this violent behaviour Gunshots were heard and when everyone ran for
safet in M uppe his le tal fo , p
The involvement of adults poses another concern for Manenberg police and that was the reason they rallied behind this case
“The detectives put 100% into investigating this brutal murder of the innocent woman and mother The finalisation of this case is not only a success for Manenberg’s serious violent crimes unit but it also brings closure to the family and her children ” Bennett said
With his ‘‘watertight case ’’ Keating ensured that the family remembered their mother as a hero “She was a mother willing to stand up and fight for the safety of her children Parents should not allow this mother’s passing to be in vain and should stand together in turning the tide against violent behaviour amongst our
youth,” pleaded Brig Jayce Naidoo, Station Commander of Manenberg police
“Parents should become more involved in their children’s lives and must support initiatives that drive positive growth instead of criminalising themselves Parents should also not allow their daughters to fall pregnant by young men ’ s promiscuous behaviour that is leading to rape of out young girls The teenage pregnancies in our schools speak for itself and parents should try to stop this behaviour of not being part of their children’s lives,” Naidoo said He commended Keating for his dedication, loyalty and tenacity in gaining the trust of the community in solving this brutal murder
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, visited local Early Childhood Development ce
Be fire safety conscious
Fire poses a serious threat to both residents and businesses, often resulting in the loss of life, livelihoods, and extensive property damage.
Thousands of people are affected by fires in homes, businesses, and informal settlements across the country annually
Understanding how fires start and knowing the steps to prevent them is crucial to keeping families, community and assets safe
Last week, firefighters battled to contain two separate wildfires which broke out on the mountain slopes of Camps Bay and Deer Park
With the warmer months setting in the City’s fire and rescue service urges people to take precautions
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the fire and rescue, said: “As we head into the warmer months, we appeal to everyone to do their bit for fire safety, whether vegetation or structural ”
To help keep communities safe, fire and rescue services offers practical advice on what to do during a fire
Smoking cigarettes or using matches, lighters, candles, heating appliances and equipment such as electric blankets can all cause fires if not carefully monitored Many fires are easily preventable
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
. Cut candles in half to prevent them falling over – and use a candle holder
. Do not smoke in bed
WE APPEAL TO EVERYONE TO DO THEIR BIT FOR FIRE SAFETY,VEGETATION OR STRUCTURAL
. If you can afford it, keep a fire extinguisher in your home; maintain it annually and learn how to use it
. Keep a bucket of sand in the kitchen if you don’t have an extinguisher; throwing sand over a small fire, especially oil, can help contain it before it gets out of control
. Keep a garden hose rolled up and ready in case of fire
. Where possible, have more than one exit point from your house
. Make an escape plan that the whole family knows about and can follow
Fires on properties and in buildings
There are a number of procedures in place to ensure that all business operations are both lawful and compliant with important safety regulations so that:
. everyone inside, including those with disabilities, can be evacuated safely;
. the spread of fire between buildings is minimised;
. the structure, especially double-storey buildings, can withstand the intensity of fire
without collapsing;
. smoke is minimised and can be controlled
Property owners also need to ensure that:
. entrances to buildings are secure against unauthorised access; . fire breaks are established and maintained around the property;
. internal fire-resistant doors are kept closed at all times
. For more tips,visit www capetown gov za/ firesafety
14daystogo:matricsreadyforNSCexams
The matric class of 2025 are just 14 days away from this year ’ s National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams
From Tuesday 21 October to Wednesday 26 November about 67 000 in the Western Cape will be writing their final school exam
According to the Western Cape Education Department, about 22 000 matric learners attended the #BackOnTrack Winter School during the mid-year holidays, which took place in all the education districts in the province Revision classes will also take place during the ongoing Spring school holidays
David Maynier, provincial education minister, said: “Our annual Matric Support booklet has been delivered to schools, which contains past matric papers, administrative details like the
exam timetable and pass requirements, study tips and advice for post-school studies ”
“We have collected a wide variety of eLearning resources to support our matrics, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries and study guides ”
Maynier said learners who experience exam stress are encouraged to seek support
“We encourage all learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner ’ s mental health, to reach out to us for help School staff can seek guidance from our district support teams, and our Safe Schools Hotline [0800 45 46 47 toll free] can connect learners with help from our partner government departments and NGOs ”
The minister appealed to the public for a
peaceful examination period
“They do not need the added stress of protests and disruptions in and around schools Please put the best interests of our children first, so that they are in the best possible mindset for the exams ” He wished the class of 2025 well for their final exam
“This is the home stretch and the time for complete focus and commitment The hours you invest over the next 40 days will be of great benefit to you during the exams
“We are here to support you, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you when the results are released in 2026 ” .To access the study guides visit https://www. westerncape gov za/education/matric-support
Born free... yet shackled in practice
nomic dependency compounds the problem
I was born free At least, that is what the constitution says However, thirty years into democracy, as I follow the Madlanga Commission and Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations, I am forced to confront a harsh truth, we are born free in words, yet shackled in practice
Mkhwanazi, the KZN province’s top police officer, testified that Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) tasked with probing politically linked murders was disbanded, allegedly to protect influential interests and allow criminal networks to operate unchecked while other crucial police units have been infiltrated by criminals
High-ranking officials allegedly manipulated the justice system to serve private interests, while ordinary citizens bore the consequences of a state that failed to protect them
While the Commission shines a light on these abuses, history warns that commissions alone rarely translate into justice unless accompanied by political will and public pressure
Yet corruption is only one layer of our constrained freedom Eco-
South Africa’s sovereignty, and our ability to implement progressive policies, is tethered to the dollar, global investors and international credit ratings
Bold redistributive policies that could empower marginalised communities, improve social services, or address inequality are constrained by fears of capital flight and market backlash
We are politically free on paper, but economically tethered, our choices limited by forces far beyond our borders
The irony is palpable Like the enslaved souls on Carolina plantations back in the day, who longed for liberty promised by nature but denied by law, we too are confined by greed, political interference, and economic pressures that define the boundaries of our democracy
Freedom, it seems, is both a birthright and a daily struggle, always threatened by those in power and by the global structures within which our country must operate George Orwell’s Animal Farm captures this truth perfectly
The leaders who once fought for liberation can become indistinguishable from the tyrants they replaced, absolute power corrupts absolutely, greed and hunger, whether for wealth, influence, or survival, permeate every corner of
our institutions
Our liberation, then, is not only a fight against corruption but against the allure of power itself Power, in its most seductive form, has the capacity to twist ideals and erode integrity
It transforms those who once dreamed of equality into actors who protect privilege and self-interest
The allure of power is about control, influence, and the ability to shape society according to one ’ s own desires
In our country, we see this in the way political interference compromises law enforcement, how institutions meant to safeguard justice are manipulated, and how opportunities meant to uplift the many are redirected to serve the few
This Commission is significant not because it guarantees justice, but because it exposes the mechanisms that have allowed corruption and interference to persist It reminds us that accountability is a process, not an event Yet exposure without action is insufficient
We must demand that its findings lead to prosecutions, reforms, and strengthened institutions Otherwise, we risk being spectators to our own continued disenfranchisement
Hope, however, persists, freedom is not merely a legal declaration, it
is a lived reality, claimed through vigilance, courage, and civic engagement It requires holding leaders accountable, demanding transparency, and pushing for systemic reforms
Progressive economic and social policies must be pursued not in the abstract, but as part of a broader struggle to reclaim our democracy from corruption elements
Being “born free” is not enough
Thirty years into democracy, the question remains, have we truly seen freedom? Or are we still navigating the gilded cage of a state constrained by corruption and economic dependence?
This Commission is a crucial step toward answering that question, but it is not the last
Our collective resolve, our willingness to insist on justice, transparency, and true economic sovereignty, will determine whether being born free is ever more than a promise, whether freedom becomes a reality lived by all South Africans
We were promised a future built on hope and equality That future is still possible But it requires courage, not just from those who testify in commissions, but from all of us who refuse to accept the gap between the freedom we inherit and the freedom we deserve Only then can being “born free” mean something real
Firefighters battled to contain a wildfire which broke out in Deer Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A JOURNO’S VOICE
NAMHLA MONAKALI
Diego overcomes adversity
AVRILFILLIES
Diego May, previously from Athlone and now residing in Oudtshoorn, is one good-news story Children of Light Educare (Colt) in Lansdowne is very proud of
Due to his mother not being able to take care of him he fell into the trap of gangsterism and that was when the Educare stepped in “The teachings and activities at Children of Light Educare are centred around the needs of the child based on the principles of integral yoga - serve, love, focus, learn, be good and do good Diego enrolled at the Educare in 2018 and we initiated the process of securing vital documents, starting with his mother’s identity document and her maternity records,” says Mala Maitri Makan, owner and trustee of Colt Children of Light Educare provides free, quality education, health care and welfare services to children who are three to six years of age, and their families who live in impoverished communities around Athlone and Lansdowne
At Colt the class teacher understands each child, their moods, tantrums, family environment and birth history
They also have to be creative and work from a place of love to draw out the full potential of each child, and this is exactly what happened with Diego
He was enrolled at Heatherdale Primary School in Belgravia and with the help of Colt he was assessed by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Following the assessment he was placed at Mary Harding School in Belgravia
“Mary Harding caters for children with cognitive impairments and being born in 2012 they found his developmental level comparable to that of a three-year-old Despite the challenges he was enrolled at Mary Harding in 2019 His mother struggled with alcoholism and later contracted TB, causing Diego to miss school
frequently Upon learning that he had become involved with gangsters Colt sprang into action recognising the urgency, ” says Makan
Through a team effort with Colt, Mary Harding and Child Welfare, they were able to make contact with family members in Oudtshoorn, and secured his aunt Rachel Avontuur’s guardianship
Arrangements were set in place to retrieve Diego from a dangerous environment unharmed along with providing travelling with him from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn Together with his mother and aunty they travelled safely back to Oudtshoorn and the family finally re-united after eight years
“His aunt holds full guardianship and Diego has found a sense of safety and stability in his
NPCunearthsconcealedtalents
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Tern Agency, a Bo-Kaap-based non-profit company (NPC) founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, is making a meaningful impact on youth unemployment by opening doors for young people in the film and creative industries
Established by Tasneem Isaacs and Ryan Swartz, both film industry veterans, the NPC connects youth, many from disadvantaged communities on the Cape Flats, including Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain, to paid opportunities as background actors, popularly referred to as extras, in local television shows and films Isaacs, a Bo-Kaap resident, says what began as a passion project has now grown into a platform for empowerment, with a database of over 3000 young people who have gained valuable work experience, often for the first time
“For many, these roles serve as stepping stones into the broader workforce or creative careers in production, set design, wardrobe and more, ” she explains
In addition to job placement, the NPC offers guidance on professional behaviour, set etiquette and film industry navigation
Through its work, the NPC is not only creating employment but also inspiring a generation to see the creative sector as a space of opportunity and growth
Isaacs says: “I treat my talents as family and build a bond with them They can come and speak to me about anything Many of them were shy to act, I would always encourage them to try They just need to believe in themselves ”
She adds that while her initial focus was solely on young people, she now also has older people included in her database
“I have people in the late 30s and even 60s joining the agency I just want to help them For me, it’s not about money, I just want to make people happy I am trying to create jobs for people from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds They get paid on the day and that means a lot to them ”
Isaacs explains that she has contracts with local productions which include Skemergrond, Kelders van Geheime, Kings of Joburg and Spinners to name a few
She is also on a few projects, yet to be released “I also have an agency in Johannesburg
There too I have over 3000 talents on my database ”
She explains that people are welcome to contact her and that there is no fee involved to join the agency
“All they need to send me is a photo of themselves and also have different outfits available to take along on production day
Tohier Isaacs (39) began his journey as a background artist and was recently invited by one of the film directors to join the cast
He appeared in the local production Kings of Joburg Season 3, an experience he describes as “unforgettable” “It was amazing I was always working in the background This was my first time as a cast
Having cameras all over my face was something different It was easier being behind the
but being in front of the
” Tohier encourages others to reach for their
new school in Oudtshoorn With a fresh start, Diego is now embracing his childhood, free to thrive and enjoy life’s simple pleasures This remarkable turnaround underscores the transformative impact of community collaboration and support in helping individuals overcome adversity,” says Makan She appreciates the help she receives from the community and her sponsors . For more information you can send an email to info@colt.org.za.
FREE,QUALITY EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND WELFARE SERVICES
14YEAROLDARRESTED
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on Wednesday 1 October at 11:30 at Johanna Court in Manenberg for alleged possession of drugs. Metro Police deployed in the hot spot area of Manenberg Policing Precinct doing high density patrols, stopped and spotted suspicious behaviour at Johanna Court and came across a 14-year-old boy allegedly doing drugs. “When the officers searched him, they found an assortment of drugs stashed next to him with a street value of R20 000. They found:(201) x Packet of Tik(156) x Whole Mandrax Tablets(36) x Half Mandrax Tablets(20) x Cocaine(19) x Ecstacy The boy was taken into police custody and was due to appear in court. Anyone with information can contact Manenberg police on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 0860010111 PHOTO: SUPPL ED
Diego May, is flanked by his mother Cheryldene and aunt Rachel Avontuur as he prepares to leave Mary Harding for Oudtshoorn PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Tennisactiontolight upswimmingpool
AVRILFILLIES
Alec Dublin, talented u-18 tennis player from Athlone, will be in action at the Mitchells Plain Junior Development Tournament on Saturday 11 October at the Westridge Swimming pool He is currently ranked at number 78 of Tennis SA and is a junior at the Athlone Tennis Club
The junior tournament is sponsored by Aburaouf Bapoo, father of 12-year-old Yusuf, also a local on the junior circuit, and retailer of Astron Energy in Beacon Valley Bapoo decided to sponsor the tournament to plow back into the community He explained that his son has a real love for the sport Coach Kgotso Matshego, who heads the Tennis Development Programme in Cape Town on behalf of Cape Town Tennis, set the ball in motion working with Andrew Japhta, head coach at Mitchells Plain Tennis Club, home of the Tigers, as well as head of umpires, Peter May to turn this inaugural event into a major success “May’s heart is very close to Mitchells Plain 18 talented players from development hubs across the Cape Flats have been invited to compete on Saturday These hubs include Bishop Lavis,
Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Athlone, Langa and Bellville South
“Besides Dublin, Indiphile Dubase, Sibusiso Dubase, Endinako Funani, Zariya Joubert and Sergio Bruce are familiar names on the CTT junior tennis circuit and will also all be competing for coveted spots on the provincial high schools teams for 2026 at the end of October,” said Japhta
The event is free to participants and the public A food truck will provide free refreshments to the participants
This event is geared at showcasing some of the best talent coming from previously disadvantaged areas, often kids who have honed their skills while dealing with an extreme lack of resources, but still manage to compete with the best players from more affluent origins
The tournament will be live-streamed to make the wider tennis fraternity in South Africa aware that coaches in the black communities are still working tirelessly without remuneration and proper resources to grow tennis among kids and adults, with Mitchells Plain as one of the forerunners
ECDs get a welcome facelift
Hazendal Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Bokmakierie is one of five centres that underwent upgrades, which included a range of repairs, security fencing and painting by the City of Cape Town
In her speech, Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said early childhood development is a cornerstone of lifelong learning and growth
“Children who attend these facilities, not only go into the foundation phase with stronger language and numeracy skills, they are more confident and able to adapt to formal schooling It is important that we give our children opportunities to learn and develop, and in safe environments Early childhood education helps them learn, make friends and develop independence,” she said
The other ECDs that underwent upgrades are Leonsdale, Nantes, Avonwood and Smurf Bubbles in Bellville
Three more City facilities, where there are ECDs, will be upgraded this year at a cost of just more than R2,3 million collectively These are the Little Lillies ECD in Manenberg, Siyazama ECD in Hout Bay and the Understanding Hope and Care ECD in Khayelitsha
“By investing in these centres, we can impact our children’s school readiness, as well as their future academic achievement and success These centres not only keep young children active and give them and educational head start, but they also learn social skills and grow emotionally, ensuring holistic investment in their well-being,” Higham said
In August, the City hosted an ECD Indaba to share updates on changes to the municipal planning by-law that will aid ECD compliance, as well as information on how the City is sup-
porting service providers to make it easier for them to operate and meet registration requirements
The community arts and culture development (CACD) department works to provide a seamless registration experience for ECD operators, especially those trying to formalise or register for the first time
. Supports the registration process with the Western Cape Department of Education, including help with documentation and coordinating through the City’s ECD modernisation tool
. Delivers training to ECD staff, operators and caregivers
. Engages external partners, NGOs, and Support Service Organisations, and facilitates lease agreements, and other property-related matters with ECDs operating from City-owned sites
“In this financial year, the Community Services and Health Directorate will invest almost R4 million into supporting and enabling ECDs across all our departments Our focus is on creating a more enabling environment for ECDs,” said Higham
Following a visit to upgraded ECDs, Portfolio chair Ronel Viljoen said it is clear that the Community, Services and Health Directorate’s services aims to give the “little ones in our community the best possible start in life ” . ECDs can request more information and support from their local CACD regional offices,or email cacd ecd@capetown gov za
Francine Higham, the chair and members of the Community Services and Health Portfolio Committee, visited several ECDs. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Avonwood ECD received a new coat of paint
Alec Dublin from Athlone Tennis Club
dismith Unsal do
Commissioner to build relations
“WKAYLYNNEBANTOM
e as adults, government and civil society are raising the next generation of adults, and we only get one chance to do this We should not mess this up ” With those powerful words, Sarah Roberts steps into her new role as the Western Cape’s Commissioner for Children
Roberts officially stepped into her new role as the province’s second Commissioner for Children on Wednesday 1 October, bringing with her over 30 years of experience
For the past 14 years, she served as Acting Magistrate in the Family and Children’s Court at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court
Roberts succeeds Christina Nomdo, the inaugural Commissioner, and will serve a five-year term
The Western Cape Commissioner for Children is an independent governance institution mandated to protect and promote the rights, needs and interests of children in the province
The commissioner works closely with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development, as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport and reports to the Western Cape Legislature on activities, functions and progress on objectives
The institution plays a vital role in amplifying children’s perspectives, influencing policy decisions, and holding the government accountable for the services provided to children in the Western Cape
In an interview with People’s Post, Roberts said her first day in office felt like starting high school
“I was very stressed, felt like a Grade 8 going to high school for the first time But after settling in and meeting the staff I am really excited for this new chapter in my life
“I know that it will take me some time to find my feet and to want to be able to use this platform to better the lives of the children of the
Western Cape So, I am ready ”
Roberts expressed her readiness to take on the role and make a meaningful impact
“A huge problem facing children is legal documents, or the lack thereof Children without birth certificates are such a problem in the Western Cape I do understand that it does not fall directly under the mandate of the Children’s Commissioner, but I want to try and help by cultivating and strengthening strategic relationships with these additional departments and other organisations providing services to children to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to child welfare ”
She believes more children should be out on the sports field, not the streets
“Sport is also very important to me and if we can get children away from the streets onto sports fields, maybe then we can give them alternatives to getting into gangs or getting into trouble with the law ”
Roberts said the office of the Children’s Commissioner is currently under-resourced with only two permanent employees and two additional staff members on contract
Roberts emphasised the importance of the office to be fully and appropriately resourced to “make an impact and fulfil its mandate”
“This means not only an increase in the number of personnel but also ensuring that these positions are filled with individuals possessing the necessary expertise and experience to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding children’s rights and well-being ”
She said her immediate priority will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the “staffing needs of the office”
“This will involve identifying crucial positions that are currently vacant and then working to secure the necessary funding and approvals to recruit qualified professionals ”
Roberts believes her legal background will be beneficial to her “In the Children’s Court I dealt directly with families and a child has a voice in
a Children’s Court So, listening to what a child has to say, is what defines a Children’s Court from other Courts
“I believe that I therefore have an understanding as to the issues parents and children struggle with
‘‘I also have some insight into what hampers services delivery by government departments to families and children ”
The commissioner believes protecting children is a collective responsibility
“Children are so precious and need to be
protected But we all need to work together to give a child a future Children themselves must also remember that they have age appropriate responsibilities ”
Sarah Roberts the Western Cape’s new Commissioner for Children. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
