People's Post | Athlone / Lansdowne | E-Edition 29 July 2025
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
His desire to help others live a clean life without substance abuse or drugs was the reason Emlyn Lottering (40) from Newton in Athlone approached the Athlone Police to offer his help After speaking to Sgt Zita Norman, spokesperson for Athlone Police Station, they decided to start the accountability programme to help and uplift the youth of Athlone to live a drugfree life.
“Through the grace of God and the assistance of others, I’ve been in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse the past four years I started a hiking group three years ago for others like myself in recovery of addiction The hiking group has played a huge role in my life as well as others, as one recovering addict can best help another
“I had a discussion with Norman after many years and told her about the changes I’ve made in my life and how passionate I am about helping others She then asked me if I’d be keen to assist with the accountability programme through Athlone Police’s Youth Desk to try and make an impact in the community with social upliftment events and programmes for kids “I jumped at the opportunity and
Western Province cricketers ‘pay it forward’ -5
it’s been an absolute blessing to be able to do talks and spread the message of hope in the community
Some of the kids have never been to the mountains in and around Cape Town and experienced the beauty of the fauna and flora that surrounds us in Cape Town,” Lottering says The programme has touched many lives and can continue to do so with the much-needed support and assistance it requires “Sometimes we use our own vehicles and also try to provide food and snacks for the kids, however, that isn’t always easy to do, but with the help of others through donations or sponsors the programme will make a positive impact in their lives,” he says Norman is responsible for addressing all the social ills in the communities falling under the Athlone Precinct and gave him a hearing and this is how the accountability programme started
“In my daily dealings with communities, especially the youth, it is heartbreaking to hear that parents or grandparents don’t know which way to go with the substance abuse Youth are referred to us by parents to assist with helping their children to go for rehabilitation Some have medical aid
and others not, but we help everyone who asks for help,” says Norman “The aim is for the young and old to be accountable after experiencing hard experiences of the social ills of
the community Hurting people hurt people but people who have healed and stand to help others are the true game-changers and trailblazers of the community We will continue to serve
with empathy and compassion and heal a community by never giving up on them because that’s what accountability is, to be my brothers keeper,” she says
FILLIES
Emlyn Lottering is working with young people in his community. PHOTO: SUPLIED
Process draws to an end
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The Western Cape is one step closer to welcoming a new Commissioner for Children.
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Standing Committee on Premier and Constitutional Matters in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said the vetting process for candidates has now been completed “The vetting is now complete, and the committee will meet shortly to finalise the short list to be submitted to the premier ”
The post became vacant in May this year when the Western Cape’s first Commissioner for Children, Christina Nomdo, who had held the position since June 2020, stepped down citing “personal reasons ” (“Search for new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner nears completion,” People’s Post, 10 June)
In terms of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children Act, the role carries a five-year term, with the possibility of one additional term
Van Minnen told People’s Post that 61 nominations were received She said of these, 44 nominees accepted the nomination, while 16 did not respond and one declined
Van Minnen added that nine candidates were shortlisted and interviewed in April She outlined the recruitment process
“The Child Monitors gave input into the process, but the appointment is regulated by provincial legislation and the interview and recommendation process falls into the purview of the Standing Committee who set the questions and performed the interviews ” She said despite the position being vacant operations continue “The office of the Commissioner for Children continues to operate and perform its mandate, and the new Commissioner will be setting their priorities once they are appointed ”
Van Minnen emphasised that the office operated independently “They operate as an independent entity and thus although they report to the Provincial Parliament, their agenda is set
Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, convenor of the Legacy 1500 Commission, and Sheikh Sadullah Khan were identified as Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton
An article that appeared two weeks ago on The Legacy Project 1500 (“Islam marks milestone”, People’s Post, 15 July) refers The newspaper mistakenly swapped the captions It regrets the error
by themselves ”
Patric Solomons, managing director for child right’s organisation Molo Songololo, said the appointment is “long overdue”
“Molo Songololo hopes that the new Western Cape Commissioner for Children will be accessible to children and children’s organisations And have the authority and commitment to engage the provincial government and legislature in the best interest of children as guided by the function and duties of the commissioner ”
According to Solomons, the commissioner should develop a clear five-year action plan in consultation with children, children’s organisation, key stakeholders in government and civil society “Engage the provincial legislature to improve its monitoring, financing and independence of the commissioner and commissioner’s office, and child participation policies and practices in the legislature He said the commissioner should focus on advocating for an independent National Commissioner for Children and to expand same to other provinces
Death is certain! It does not matter who you are Whether you are a sinner or a saint, rich or poor, your time will come The least we can do is to live life to the fullest and show love We can also rejoice that we do not know the date and time of our death Otherwise, we would do many stupid things prior to our demise Needless to mention the panic among family members and relatives Death is an unpleasant experience It cuts through our strongest organs Sadly, it’s inevitable We’ve all experienced it
It’s the value of the departed that defines the severity of the pain and the circumstances that led to their death I’ve lost many people over the years and the pain has never been the same In some cases, it would be a matter of shock, while in some instances, I would break down and weep
My first real encounter with death was in 1994, with the death of my grandmother May her soul rest in eternal peace She was our pillar of strength and her demise tore the family apart Yet, we regrouped and continued with our lives, knowing that she would never live forever Today, I am grateful for all the lessons she taught me
Since then, I’ve lost many other people In 2014, I lost my two uncles in a space of four months This year has been another horrendous
year I lost two very important people in three months (February and April) and this month I lost my wife’s brother
The former had a deep-rooted bond with me and we chatted regularly through WhatsApp For over 20 years, we shared many exciting times The latter was one of those people who made you feel welcome in the presence of strangers He was a gentle giant, a bond that held the family together One thing in common with all three is that we had plans to meet However, they died while we tried to figure out dates and times It has been a real struggle to come to terms with all these incidents They left me with lots of resentment They have made me feel like a failure While I understand that it is the will of God, I regret the fact that we had pending matters At the heart of all is procrastination
The fact is, time does not belong to anyone We are on earth for a limited period It’s vital that we use every second we have to the fullest We must live life without regrets so that when the time comes, we are not filled with unnecessary anguish
Show love today and do not be afraid to reach out to the next person before it is too late There is no time to hold grudges You do not want someone to die while you have differences I am glad that none of these departed compatriots had differences with me Yes, I failed to answer a call before one of them died This is something that continues to haunt me
Bravingstormstorescueseabirdchicks
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In the aftermath of severe winter storms battering the Western Cape coastline the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds’ (Sanccob) dedicated seabird rangers have again stepped-up to rescue vulnerable seabird chicks from flooded nests and harsh weather conditions
More than 30 storm-battered seabird chicks, among them critically endangered African Penguins and endangered Bank Cormorants, are now recovering in the local nursery
“Our rangers know every corner of their colonies,” said Romy Klusener, Conservation Impact Manager at Sanccob They dig drainage lines, pile brush around nest sites and monitor incoming storms, so we avoid disturbing nests unless it’s absolutely necessary Recent severe swells necessitated intervention ”
Between Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 26 June back-to-back cold fronts lashed the colonies at Stony Point and Simon’s Town Waves surged over shoreline ledges, sweeping three species of cormorant chicks – Crowned, White-breasted and Bank –clean from their nests At the same time torrential rain flooded dozens of African Penguin burrows, leaving chicks soaked, chilled and at risk of drowning Rangers first stabilised the most fragile on site under heat lamps before transferring those in poor body condition to Sanccob’s clinic Two penguin chicks perked-up enough to be returned to their nests when the weather calmed and their parents came back The rest were too compromised to stay in the colony
ATALLYOFTINYSURVIVORS
In Stony Point: .Four Bank Cormorant chicks (endangered);
. Three White-breasted Cormorant chicks; . Three Crowned Cormorant chicks;
. Nine African Penguin chicks (critically endangered);
. Two additional African Penguin chicks rescued and successfully reunited with parents
Simon’s Town:
. 11 African Penguin chicks; . 10 African Penguin eggs Inside Sanccob’s nursery the chicks receive four feeds a day of specially-formulated fish smoothies and whole fish Each is weighed daily and staff run health checks to catch any signs of infection or dehydration early
“The goal is always to release them back to the wild once they hit the right weight, waterproofing and fitness,” Klusener said Visit www sanccob co za to donate or learn more about Sanccob's life-saving work
THULANI MAGAZI
We referred to Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton, pictured above, as Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie.
FallenSafetyandSecurity
staffmembershonoured
To honour the lives of safety and security staff members who died in the line of duty, the Remembrance Day event was held at the Cape Town Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco members for safety and security JP Smith led the service and wreath-laying ceremony, attended by relatives of the fallen members
The memorial wall on the Concourse Level in the Civic Centre holds the names of 53 staff members who died while on duty, dating back to 1907
Hill-Lewis said the men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice in performing their duty to the people of Cape Town
“This day is our chance to reflect not only on the lives of these brave members of Team Cape Town, but also on why their jobs are so import-
ant to our city and what it will take to make Cape Town a safer and more hopeful place for all who live here
“May their souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength ”
Smith said the day is about paying homage to officers for their bravery
“We remembered and honoured those who lost their lives in the line of duty to protect and serve our communities
“The day is also about showing respect and appreciation for the work done by our officers and to support the families of those who passed away
“The day provided time to reflect on the many sacrifices made and to remember with pride - together with the families – our officers for protecting our communities ”
Rising rugby star
AVRILFILLIES
Asive Gaqa from Langa, a Grade 10 learner at Ned Doman High in Athlone, did not want to roam the streets in her community and decided to play rugby
She currently plays as a flanker for the WP u-18 team “At 15, I first joined the Mbombo Leopards and was the only girl who joined them In the first week, it felt strange to be on the field with the boys, but in the second week they accepted my presence My first match was against SACS and I was the first girl to play in a boys team as well When the boys realised I was a girl they were tough and tackled me hard,” she says
Then she joined Zimasa Jack, which is a girls team, after they asked her to join and from there she was selected for the WP u-16 team and played many games at City Park during the festivals
“This year I did not play many matches because the WP trials for u-18’s were early I managed to do well in the trials and those extra games helped me a lot I was then selected for WP u-18 Girls Week, although I am only 16 years old
“My hero is Sizophila Solontsi, who plays flank and number eight for the Springbok Women and is also from the Eastern Cape like Siya Kolisi I like her attacking and defence structure and how she tackles her opponents,” she says After school she hopes to go to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) because of their team’s success in the Varsity Cup
“I would like to play professional rugby, preferably at the Blue Bulls, although the WP team did well in the league and only lost in the final against the Bulls Many coaches play a role in my rugby career I am very grateful to Mbombo Leopards for giving me the opportunity when there was no other girls in their team Many coaches taught me little things, like how to
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL RUGBY
tackle your opponents hard and to be prepared to get the same treatment
“The coaches are organised and teach the girls to think like rugby players At WP the coaches are professional and we train to play structured and strategy rugby I was fortunate enough to be awarded in one match as the player of the match,” Gaqa says
Her parents are her biggest supporters and her father teases her a lot about rugby
“My aunt Cwenga Gaqa played for WP Senior Ladies and she gives me lots of advice At school the teachers are always enquiring about my rugby progress and they watch my games on television,” she says
Gwynne Philander, principal of Ned Doman High in Athlone, with Asive Gaqa, Grade 11 learner and WP u-18 rugby player, with Sgt Zita Norman, spokesperson for Athlone Police station PHOTO: TABAH PARKER
Families
Operation targets public transport
The public transport sector across key routes within the Manenberg Policing Precinct was targeted on Friday 25 July at 03:00 in an integrated operation involving the South African Police Service and the City of Cape Town Traffic Services
“The proactive operation was an integrated effort aimed at enhancing road safety, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and addressing public concerns regarding taxi driver behaviour This approach allowed the City and the Police to pool resources and expertise, ensuring a comprehensive enforcement strategy,” says Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for the Manenberg Police Station
The primary objective was to make the roads safer for all commuters and road users, addressing extortion and illegal gangs who use the transport industry for illegal activity
The operation was also to ensure that public transport operators adhere to the highest standards of road safety and legality, he added
“The crime prevention team focussed on various aspects, including vehicle roadworthiness, inspections to identify unroadworthy vehicles, worn tyres, checking for valid driver’s licenses, professional driving permits (PDPs) and adherence to speed limits and transgressions of other traffic laws
“Verifying the validity and operating licences for public transport vehicles, addressing the dangerous practice of overloading with passengers, especially focussing on scholar transport, were also under scrutiny,” he says
Random testing of drivers for impairment, vigilance for any other criminal activity which may be linked to public transport operations and the safety of commuters, was paramount during this joint initiative
The o
FINES WERE ISSUED, TOTALLING R80 600
“We understand the vital role taxis play in our public transport system and this operation is not punitive but rather a commitment to ensuring responsible and lawful conduct Brig Jayce
Naidoo, station commander, wants to urge all taxi operators to ensure their vehicles and documentation are in order, as these operations will continue to address criminality and ensure safety of our community,” Bennett says The public is encouraged to report any instances of reckless driving or non-compliant public transport vehicles to their nearest police station or relevant authorities
Newridestobridgedisabilitygap
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Transporting children with disabilities to school just got easier, thanks to specially adapted minibuses handed over to 10 disability support organisations in the province
The handover took place at Alexandra Hospital in Maitland on Friday 25 July These vehicles will ensure that children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities have affordable access to quality basic education Each minibus cost about R1,2 million and can accommodate about 15 people, including one wheelchair
The initiative is a partnership between the provincial departments of social development, mobility and health and wellness
Speaking at the event Jaco Londt, Minister for the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape, said the beneficiaries included organisations based in Mitchells Plain, Strand, Robertson, Oudtshoorn and Vredenburg, among others
“Quite often, we hear of the difficulties that organisations have in transporting people with disabilities And now we start bridging that gap We are excited that we can take the hands of these 10 organisations so they can service the most vulnerable better ” He said they hope to roll out to more organisations in the future
“The children is our future and often they are the one ’ s who cannot fend for themselves These organisations are their voices, and they are caring and looking after them ”
Corne Engelbrecht, a representative from the department of mobility, said: “The vehicle can accommodate one wheelchair, and it has a ramp It’s all hydraulic It can transport 15 people and that includes the driver
He explained that safety is a key component
A total of 108 fines were issued, totalling R80600 Two males were arrested, one driver with 19 warrants totalling R71 800 and the other male with 11 warrants totalling R58 000 62 outstanding warrant warnings were issued, totalling R215 000 The early morning operation has been lauded as a success . Anyone with information can call 08600 10111.
“If the teachers or drivers experience any problems and the electrical compartment does not work, it can also be used manually It works like
Hawks looking into submarine tragedy
KEANANHARMSE
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Kommetjie submarine tragedy, in which three submariners lost their lives, the Hawks confirmed they were investigating the incident
On Wednesday 20 September 2023, Lieutenant-Commander Gillian
Elizabeth Hector, Warrant Officer (Class One) Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela and Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa died during a naval exercise in which a freak wave swept them off a submarine near Kommetjie
The Chief of the SA Navy, Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, subsequently convened an Inquiry into the incident It recommended safety upgrades, which include stronger harnesses, more current life jackets and protective headgear for naval exercises
This month the SA Navy handed a copy of the report of the Inquiry’s findings to the Hawks at a meeting held on Tuesday 8 July at naval headquarters in Pretoria
“The engagements were meant to assist the Hawks in their ongoing
IT WAS A BAD DECISION THAT COST LIVES - DA
investigations into the tragic incident, in which the SA Navy lost three of its submariners following a vertical transfer (Vertrep) exercise between the SAS Manthatsi and a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter in September 2023,” said SA Navy acting senior staff officer, naval public relations
Commander Theo Mabina
Responding to People’s Post’ s request for an update on the Hawks’ investigation, its spokesperson Col Siyabulela Vukubi said: “The investigation into this matter is still in its infancy, hence we cannot give any further details ”
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh said the handover of the Kommetjie investigation report to the Hawks was long overdue and an essential first step towards justice “For months secrecy has smothered this tragedy, fuelling suspicion and outrage,” he pointed out “Choosing to push ahead with a high-
Invitation to join SPE briefing
The public is invited to attend an online briefing about budget priorities for cleaner vleis a resilient coastline and the upgrade of public places today (29 July) from 17:00 to 18:30
The City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, is inviting residents, stakeholders and interested parties to a session about the directorate’s budget priorities for the current financial year Participants will also have the opportunity to engage City officials and ask questions
The budget was approved by Council last month The Spatial Planning and Environment (SPE) Directorate’s budget, in particular, encapsulates
the City’s response to climate change, population growth, in-migration, surge in informality and the need to protect our finite natural resources The budget priorities include the following: improving the water quality of our vleis, strengthening the resilience of our 307km long coastline, upgrades to our nature reserves, curbing the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shothole Borer Beetle, urban regeneration projects in vulnerable communities, finalising development plans, managing rapid urbanisation and implementing the revised municipal planning by-law that regulates land use Join the online meeting at Meeting ID: 352 711 271 454 and Passcode: vZqHmj For info email Jason Love@capetown gov za
risk vertical transfer exercise despite clear weather warnings and a blatant disregard for critical safety protocols was more than reckless It was a decision that cost lives The evidence now confirms what many feared: catastrophic failures in planning, risk management and operational
oversight directly led to the deaths of Lieutenant-Commander Gillian Hector and her two colleagues ”
The SA Navy said it would communicate the outcomes of the inquiry once the investigation was finalised
“This meeting and engagement with the Hawks underscores the Navy’s
commitment to transparency, cooperation and accountability,” Mabina said, “ as the Chief of the SA Navy has always maintained the organisation will, within the confines of laws and regulations, communicate the outcomes of the Board whenever the need arose ”
Twenty-three City of Cape Town librarians are the latest to graduate from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme on World Librarians Day (WLD), celebrated on Thursday 10 July
The group was the fourth to complete the SILL programme - the theme this year was “Learning to play the game ” SILL is a foundational leadership training curriculum designed to build leadership and innovation skills for librarians and was developed at the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programmes in partnership with librarians around the world The training is divided into interactive modules focusing on leadership, innovation, planning, and communication The participants spent five weeks sharpening their leadership and innovation skills on matters linked to youth cul-
ture: gamified learning, creative problem-solving and community building
These graduates will go on to champion pop-up creative spaces, graphic novel clubs and engaging workshops that equip young residents to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy Because of their energy, libraries have become launch pads where Cape Town’s youth explore ideas, connect with mentors and dream big
“Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication The graduation is made all the more significant by its timing on World Librarians Day, when we acknowledge the contribution and vital role of librarians They do more than just catalogue thousands of items and also advise, troubleshoot and help patrons learn new skills and reach their goals
“The City’s librarians at our 102
service points are making an impact on their communities by providing access to information, supporting education and fostering a love of reading,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham South Africa’s theme for World Librarians Day is “Twelve Languages, One Nation, One Wikipedia” The City has recently appointed 32 librarians aged between 24 and 35, which brings the total number of librarians in this age group to 68 The younger generation of librarians are guided by the wisdom of their more experienced colleagues and can draw on their established knowledge while contributing their own youth energy, technological savvy, innovation and eagerness to learn City librarians hold a collective 4 057 years of service experience
“Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication. The graduation is made all the more significant by its timing on World Librarians Day,” said Higham
Three submariners tragically died during a SA Navy exercise conducted near Kommetjie on Wednesday 20 September 2023
PHOTO: NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
Big contraband haul at Pollsmoor
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Amajor joint operation at Pollsmoor Prison has revealed just how entrenched criminal activity remained within the country’s correctional facilities.
Law Enforcement officers uncovered a staggering haul of contraband during the raid, including 305 packets of dagga, 35 Mandrax tablets, quantities of tik, 119 cellphones and 34 sim cards
The discovery has once again placed
Wthe spotlight on the influence gang leaders continue to exert from behind bars and the challenges faced by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)in curbing illicit activity inside prisons
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith has called for urgent intervention
“This bust is further evidence gang bosses are still calling the shots from prison,” he said “We cannot allow prisons to be turned into criminal headquarters The state needs to take control back ”
THEFINDSHIGHLIGHT LONG-STANDING SYSTEMIC ISSUES.
Smith urged the DCS to make use of existing technology, including cellphone signal jamming and advanced screening tools, to limit communication between inmates and their networks outside “We’ve seen jamming technology deployed in Parliament during the State of the Nation
Address in 2015 If it was possible there, why not in correctional centres where it’s critically needed?”
Civil-society organisations and community-safety activists are also sounding the alarm, arguing that the frequency of such finds suggests long-standing systemic issues, including possible staff collusion
Community-based activist Clive Jacobs said the scale of the bust indicates the operation of a “well-oiled network” within the prison “These are not random smuggles These are established systems with ongoing
external communication If we want to protect communities we must start by dismantling the power structures that exist within our prisons ” Correctional Services had yet to confirm whether disciplinary or criminal action would be taken against any employee following the raid
Community members had expressed frustration over what they describe as a “revolving door” of criminal activity They say more transparency and accountability were needed within prison administration, which community safety depends on
Newofficersgearedtodeploy
“They will working in that ward and help tend to the 2 200 complaints we receive per day They will be on the ground so they can respond to complaints more quickly ”
Hill-Lewis said the officers are a key investment in a safer Cape Town as part of the City’s new Invested in Hope Budget, alongside its SA record R40 billion infrastructure programmes
“By this spring we are on track to deliver a historic first in Cape Town, with every single ward set to receive dedicated neighbourhood police officers ”
The Mayor said these officers will work closer with residents
“These officers will get to know the neighbourhood challenges, the goings-on, the problem buildings and the residents themselves
“This kind of personal policing, where relationships and trust are built, can only lead to more positive outcomes ”
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said that knowing more officers will be on the ground brings a sense of security and reassurance
“I feel good about it Safety is a big issue here, so they will help ensure safety ”
Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, shared the resident’s sentiments:
“I am excited to see them being deployed to every Ward in the City I am proud that they were trained here in the ward I think it’s a much-needed boost for safety and security and will be welcomed by residents ”
Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis and Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith on patrol with officers PHOTO SUPPLIED
Officers on patrol checking a vehicle licence discs
PHOTO KAYLYNNE BANTOM
R45 million budget for cemeteries
The Community Services and Health Directorate is planning a range of projects over the next 12 months.
The top 25 account for approximately 60% of the available budget, with cemetery upgrades leading the charge
“This City of Cape Town’s Budget of Hope will enhance access to critical services like homelessness support, recreational spaces, and community libraries, while also ensuring that our parks and public spaces are welcoming and functional for all Cape Town residents,” said Mayco member for community services and health Francine Higham
The R45 million cemeteries upgrade project is the single biggest capital project
Cemeteries planned for expansion of burial capacity include: Kuils River, Welmoed and Rusthof In addition, more detailed technical studies are planned for the development and expansion of Klip Road, Hout Bay, Stikland, Vaalfontein and Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain
The planned capital spend is part of a five-year plan to increase burial capacity in Cape Town by 100 000 (double burials/reopening of family graves) through the development of new cemeteries and the expansion of existing ones
An additional R10,7 million will be spent at Maitland Crematorium on the installation of an additional oversized cremator, minor aesthetic improvements to the existing crematorium, mausoleum, parking and other ancillary building elements
The Strandfontein Pavilion refurbishment
‘We are the Best City in theWorld’
Cape Town has officially secured its position as the Best City in the World after winning the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking the seventh time the South African coastal metropole has claimed this coveted title
This latest accolade comes just six months after Time Out magazine also crowned Cape Town as the world’s best city in January
More than 20 000 United Kingdom (UK) travellers cast their votes in The Telegraph’s annual travel survey, with Cape Town outshining global tourism powerhouses including Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo
This back-to-back international recognition confirms what locals have long known – Cape Town offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and worldclass hospitality
The Telegraph’s assessment highlights the city’s extraordinary visual appeal: “Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the
flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope ”
This unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders – from the iconic Table Mountain cable car experience to the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay – continues to draw international visitors year after year
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, attributes this consistent international recognition to strategic tourism initiatives and community involvement
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” Vos explains
“From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people ”
The City’s focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, have successfully positioned the Mother City’s unique experiences on the global stage, driving tourism demand while ensuring benefits for local communities
The Western Cape’s tourism industry continues to be a powerful economic driver
Recent statistics show the 2023-'24 cruise season alone contributed over R1,32 billion to
FEW PLACES CAN MATCH THE FETED METROPOLIS FOR PHOTOGENIC POWER
the regional economy while supporting more than 2 000 jobs
Cape Town International Airport reported a record-breaking 3,08 million passenger arrivals during the same period
Briony Brookes, chief marketing officer for Cape Town Tourism, celebrates the significance of this repeated recognition “Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world ”
With two global “Best City” titles already secured in 2025, Cape Town’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down Cape Town continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the authentic experiences and natural beauty
Barber of Seville at Theatre on the Bay during August
Cape Town Opera (CTO) brings Rossini’s beloved comic masterpiece The Barber of Seville to Theatre on the Bay from Tuesday 5 to Sunday 17 August in a vibrant new production directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Sylvaine Strike (The Tempest, Spring Awakening, The Promise)
Renowned for her inventive, physically expressive storytelling, Strike draws on her deep background in theatre and commedia dell’arte to deliver a production rich in charm, movement, and vivid characterisation
Her direction heightens the comedy through expressive gesture and physical humour, allowing Rossini’s sparkling score and vocal fireworks to shine atop a visually dynamic, character-driven foundation
The Barber of Seville marks Strike’s first time directing an opera
Leading the multi-award-winning cast is William Berger (Bluebeard’s Castle, The Sound of Music), who stars as the irrepressible, scheming Figaro, with Thando Zwane sharing the lead role Following his debut as Count Almaviva with the English National Opera at the London Coliseum last year, Innocent Masuku will reprise his role in the upcoming CTO production and will share the part with Dumisa Masoka
A former CTO Judith Neilson Young Artist, Masuku made international headlines last year when he placed fourth in Britain’s Got Talent
As the crafty and captivating Rosina, adding comedic flair and vocal brilliance to this fastpaced tale of love, disguise and playful rebellion will be Vienna-based guest artist Megan Kahts and CTO House Soloist Brittany Smith Other
artists include Lonwabo Mose and Conroy Scott as Bartolo; Monde Masimini as Don Basilio; Garth Delport as Fiorello, Luvo Rasemeni as Ambrogio, Lusibalwethu Sesanti as Berta, and a male voice ensemble from the Cape Town Opera Chorus
Composed in 1816, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville remains one of the most enduring and beloved works of Italian opera buffa
The production is musically directed and accompanied on piano by CTO Head Vocal Coach Jan Hugo, with a focus on bringing the rapid-fire Italian recitatives to life and showcasing the expressive range and vocal virtuosity of bel canto singing to charm Cape Town audiences
Staged at the intimate Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay, the production channels the spirit of 18th-century Italian opera houses
The venue ’ s smaller scale becomes a creative advantage what Strike calls “grand opera in bonsai form” giving audiences an up-close and emotionally resonant experience
“If you ’ ve never watched opera, you should try this production,” says Strike - “it’s delightfully funny, filled with physical humour, love, intrigue and plot twists ” With elegant, period-inflected costumes by Allegra Bernacchioni and a visual aesthetic inspired by classics like Les Enfants du Paradis and Bridgerton, this Barber of Seville is an opera with heart, humour and a healthy dose of theatrical mischief
The Barber of Seville runs at Theatre on the Bay . Bookings are via Webtickets or the Theatre on the Bay box office on 021 438 3300.
Following the successful debut season of Letters of Reflection by WGRUV Dance company earlier this year and the overwhelming demand for a repeat season, the performance returns to Homecoming Centre
Patrons can expect performances on Friday 15 August at 19:30 and Sunday 16 August at 15:00 and 19:30
The show highlights seven original works created by Holly and Lex Gruver, as well as highlighting a much-loved piece by American choreographer Tyler Gilstrap called “Unsquared”
Each letter communicates an aspect of different, thought-provoking themes through the technical and free movement the company ’ s contemporary ballet-trained dancers excel at The dancers emote a clean, fresh, hopeful look, bringing a moving, soulful quality to the stage
Each of the seven pieces in the production unfold like a letter – deeply personal yet universally resonant – exploring themes that challenge, inspire and move through a seamless blend of technical precision and expressive freedom From neoclassical to contemporary artistry,
each “letter” awakens our senses – all of us, both young and old – to observe the world with fresh eyes
This stirring performance delves into the impact of love, loss, work and relationships, examining the lies we may believe, the doubts they create and the power of community to redirect our vision toward a hopeful future
The mesmerising original choreography showcases the versatility of the company, creating both a visually stunning and spiritually enriching experience
Holly Gruver, Creative Artistic Director of WGRUV Dance Company, said they are grateful for the overwhelming response
“It’s a joy to know that our work resonated so deeply with audiences We’re thrilled to bring the show back with a return season, bringing even more magic, movement, and emotion to the stage We are so looking forward to taking Letters of Reflection to Cape Town ”
As movement speaks, reflections unfold and dance becomes a powerful conversation, making Letters of Reflection a captivating encounter . Tickets are available from Quicket
The Mother City has been named Best City in the World in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards PHOTO: SUPPLIED
From left: Brittany Smith as Rosina, Lonwabo Mose as Bartolo, Dumisa Masoka as Count Almaviva, and William Berger as the Barber
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