Catering units for mental patients
The two Fountain House catering units in Observatory and Mitchells Plain feed more than its customers. These small enterprises nurture the confidence and abilities of people living with a psychosocial disorder.
This is the only programme of its kind in South Africa and it plays a vital role in the lives of people living with psychosocial disability, especially if they have been recently diagnosed
It also creates opportunities for them to begin the journey of recovery, find meaning in life, and actively contribute to the social and economic well-being of their families and communities
The units are an initiative of Cape Mental Health’s psychosocial reha-
bilitation programme (PSR) They offer members support through peer interaction and psychoeducation to help them reintegrate into society and the workplace
Among others, they equip members with basic cooking and baking skills to apply in their homes and communities Service users can also use their catering skills as a kitchen hand or a chef’s assistant The unit also generates income for the centre and its services
Psychosocial rehabilitation worker Irma Mitchell works with the members at the centre in Observatory “Every month, we sit down with the catering team and plan the monthly meals The kitchen serves a variety of
nutritious meals, including roti and curry, macaroni and cheese, pies with salads or vegetables, soup and baked bread, Vienna sausages and chips, burgers, and chicken wraps The meal prices are budget-friendly and are available to everyone, ” she says One of the members spoke about being part of the catering unit “It changes the atmosphere towards people It brings us closer together, and it motivates people I think it's so important that people with a mental health diagnosis surround themselves with friends and family It is so rewarding when people work together to create the food and enjoy it later,” she says
TOPAGE4
Tasneema Davids and Nondibane Mdyidwa, staff members dishing up at the Fountain House unit. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Enter Blisters for Bread
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 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
The National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) got a major cash boost from a R3,5 million donation by Clicks stores to its 2024 Casual Day campaign. The handover ceremony took place at Clicks’ head office in Woodstock on (will add date) Bongiwe Ntuli, Managing Executive at Clicks, said: “We’re incredibly thankful for the compassion shown by our customers and proud of our staff’s efforts in driving this campaign Our continued collaboration with the NCPD reinforces our commitment to building a healthier future for all South Africans Every sticker sold contributes directly to making a meaningful difference.” Therina Wentzel, National Director of the NCPD, said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Clicks, its staff and customers for their unwavering generosity and support in making Casual Day such an unprecedented success.” This year’s Casual Day takes place on Friday 5 September Stickers can be bought from stores and online from July Dhevan Pillay, Clicks Head of Store and Pharmacy Ops (SA); Adri Visser, Casual Day Coordinator; Abel, Casual Day Mascot; Bongiwe Ntuli, Clicks Managing Executive; and Louis Botha, Casual Day Manager PHOTO: CHANDRE FORTUIN
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
Youth trained to make the difference
AVRILFILLIES
Twenty youth in Cape Town are invited to apply to Flip the Script for youth during Youth Month (June) 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 youth from the ground up
A national roadshow was packed with powerful, free workshops that gave young people practical tools to handle stress and level up their communication
The boot camp for personal and community transformation will be a free three-month journey
The 20 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 candidates 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
“The Thrive Initiative’s pilot is more than a project - it’s a regeneration strategy for a fractured generation
“If you have a burning desire to change both yourself as well as your society and to step up out of surviving and start thriving, this is your shot,” says Segal
EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH TOOLS TO THRIVE NOT MERELY SURVIVE
If you join the selected applicants will attend a free programme, a threemonth workshop on personal growth and empowerment that will transform your life and those around you You will have an option to become a
Thrive Facilitator and helping to facilitate real change in your society
“Thrive Facilitators will form a team and work with local schools, community centres and adults to build stronger community relationships, provide one-on-one support and enroll residents into Thrive’s self-awareness programmes, ” says Segal
“The Thrive Initiative believes that we change the world through connection, not disconnection
“In a society stuck in survival mode, we ’ ve lost our ability to connect, to feel, to relate
“The Thrive approach restores this connection - empowering people with the inner tools to THRIVE rather than merely survive
“We don’t want to produce 100 painters doing the same job - we want to cultivate entrepreneurs with vision and originality, who can create true wealth and transformation in their communities,” he says Participants who complete the course will have their enrolment fee returned - plus a bonus
Those who do not complete the course will forfeit the fee, reinforcing
accountability and commitment Graduates will be positioned as leaders and changemakers in their community, trained to teach, counsel and enroll others into a cycle of thriving
To be considered for this life-changing opportunity, interested participants aged 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-ini-
h as administration, shop, and the employies for vocational opment, learning and es, and help members he open labour market people with psychosocial e into society and the e highest possible level Minnies
tiative com or WhatsApp 067 966
1771
The Thrive team will be hosting a live information session webinar on Thursday 19 June at 18:00
"Cape Mental Health is an award-winning organisation, recognised at national and international levels for our innovative mental health services to persons with emotional adjustment problems, and those with mental disability (intellectual and or psychosocial) " . For more information,please visit https:// capementalhealth.co.za/ or contact Barbara Meyer,PR & Communications Officer,at 082 897 8176 or by emailing barbara meyer@cmh org za
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 the attendees “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 Rasmeni, 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 ” 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 ”
Brian Segal, transformation facilitator and founder of Thrive Initiative, and Aphiwe Nqevu, co-founder PHOTO: SUPPL ED
I Human trafficking: hidden crisis
Budget healthy diet 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”, healthcare 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
Margaux Doe Dietician at the Mitchells Plain District Hospital PHOTO SUPPLIED
Lensman and jazz impresario dies
Tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life’s work bridged the worlds of political resistance and artistic expression.
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
Lombard and his parents moved to Cape Town in 1962 from Gqeberha
Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, 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 at 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
He documented pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of late former President Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994
With democracy came the opportunity for Lombard to embrace his other great passion, jazz, fully
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 (CTIJF), 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 Lombard 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 carry this work on
A gifted visual storyteller, Lombard published Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by the late George Hallett
The book is a journey looking through the eye of his camera, capturing music, people, and places that defined his life and work across the globe
HE DOCUMENTED PIVOTAL MOMENTS OF SA’S JOURNEY TO DEMOCRACY.
It offers a richly textured window into the vibrant world of jazz, reflecting not only the performances, but the deep, spiritual connection between Lombard and the musicians he photographed
His work received widespread acclaim and he was honoured with numerous awards for both his contributions to news photography and his impact on music and tourism
In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver “for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world ”
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,” she explained
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, in a press statement, described Lombard’s passing as 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 is survived by his wife, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his five children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach and Daniel, and grandchildren
ListentoBansuri-flute
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 recent dual Grammy win last year further 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 worldclass 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 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.
Rakesh Chaurasia
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