Bright futures paraded
The fourth careers exhibition held at Phoenix High in Manenberg on Tuesday 29 July not only informed learners from Manenberg about career choices, but they will now be able to make informed decisions about their future, away from gangsterism, drug abuse and other daily social ills
Grade 11 and 12 learners from five local high schools, Cathkin, Phoenix, Manenberg, Heideveld and Silverstream School of Skills in Manenberg, attended the exhibition organised by Manenberg Police Station
Exhibitors included tertiary institutions and different units within the police service Learners received firsthand information about the requirements to enrol as students or aspiring police officers
Co-hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Police office, the Western Cape Education Department and Safer Schools, the exhibition introduced learners to a vast range of career options and opportunities
The Richfield College of Cape Town, Regent Business School, Maties, Tsiba Business School, the University of Cape Town, Western Cape College of Nursing, AAA School of Advertising, IStudent Academy and Travel Practitioner Training Tours Academy
The Anti-Gang Unit and Forensic Science and Crime-scene Management stalls were very popular
Said Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for Manenberg Police Station:
“The representatives of the various units within the police service showcased the diverse and impactful careers that exist in the service
“Besides the Anti-Gang, Forensic
AVRIL FILLIES
Daunte Baartman, Lauren-Lee September and Shivandre Pienaar, Grade 11 learners at Phoenix High School at the Anti Gang Unit exhibit
Red Cross grows bigger
ANAMHLAMONAKALI
significant healthcare milestone was reached this week with the official opening of the Cape Winelands’ first dedicated paediatric Burns Unit at Ceres Hospital, bringing the worldclass care of Cape Town’s Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) closer to rural communities
The newly established one-bed unit was unveiled on Thursday 31 July, marking a major step forward for the province in decentralising access to specialist burns treatment The project forms part of a broader R18 million investment led by the Children’s Hospital Trust, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, to improve burns care across the region Alongside the Ceres facility, similar units have also been launched at Worcester Hospital and the Worcester Community Day Centre
Until now, Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch, the only dedicated paediatric burns service in the Western Cape, carried the full weight of caring for thousands of burn-injured children annually
On average, Red Cross treats over 1 000 inpatients and between 4 000 and 5 000 outpatients annually
But for families in outlying towns like, access often meant long, costly journeys to the Mother City, posing delays in treatment and further trauma for children and caregivers alike
That burden was powerfully illustrated by one local woman who shared her story at the launch
Her daughter, who sustained serious burns, was initially treated at Ceres Hospital but required onoing follow-up care at Red Cross
The return trip from Ceres to Cape Town cost the family R1 400 Today, she says, a trip to the new unit from their nearby farm costs only R17
“I’m elated,” she said “Not only because of the money we ’ re saving, but because my child now gets the care she needs without leaving home for days It brings comfort and dignity during a painful journey ”
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, praised the unit’s opening as a triumph of collaboration
“This new Burns Unit in Ceres is bringing life-saving care closer to rural communities and ensuring that children can receive specialised support without having to travel far away from home and family,” Wenger said “It shows what’s possible when government, civil society and donors unite with a shared purpose ”
The Children’s Hospital Trust, based at Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch, was instrumental in raising the funds for the initiative
The Trust’s CEO, Chantel Cooper, emphasised that donor partnerships were central to the success of the project, from construction and equipment to specialist staff training Nurses and allied health workers from across the Cape Winelands were trained to respond quickly and confidently to burns emergencies in local facilities, easing the pressure on Cape Town’s central hospitals
Dr Elton Titus, medical manager at the new facility, called the unit “ a welcome and long-overdue addition” to rural healthcare in the Witzenberg region With the training we ’ ve received and the new equipment in place, we can
DONORS WERE ESSENTIAL
now offer holistic, high-quality care to children with burn wounds right here in Ceres,” he said Family physician Dr Jani Fouché echoed that view, adding that the dedicated space allows for focused treatment with equipment such as a point-of-care ultrasound, ventilator, and wash bay
“This unit is designed specifically for burns It gives our team the resources we need to act fast and effectively, especially during the critical early stages of treatment,” said Fouché
For Red Cross, the project extends its legacy of excellence in child-centred care far beyond Cape Town’s borders
Dr Anita Parbhoo, CEO of Red Cross, attended the event and praised the initiative as an important decentralisation of expertise rooted in the hospital’s longstanding mission
The launch was a celebration of shared effort, and a reminder that every child, whether in Ceres or Cape Town, deserves access to specialist care, close to home . For more information,contact Sandra Maritz at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness at 071 589 1337 or Sandra Maritz@ westerncape gov za
2026schooltransferapplicationsnowopen
Parents who wish to apply for a school transfer for the 2026 school year can do so until Monday 18 August
The applications opened yesterday (4 August) This applies to school-transfer requests for Grades 2-7 learners and Grades 9-12
Applications can also be done at the relevant school in which the parent/caregiver wishes to transfer to or the relevant district office
SUPPORTINGDOCUMENTS
. The last school report card, ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit, and . Proof of address or police affidavit
Parents who have not registered on the online system yet will first need to register on the site
Once registration is complete, they can then proceed to the application
Online video tutorials and step-
is mothers who have been at the centre of these tragic and brutal crimes
by-step guidelines are available on the website: https://wcedonline westerncape gov za/admissions
Schools can capture applications only for their own institution, but the system can capture applications for multiple schools
Parents or caregivers will be required to fill in the WCED application form, which can also be downloaded from the WCED website, but can be submitted only to schools or the district office until deadline
Visit wcedonline westerncape gov za/admissions
Parents can drop the form and supporting documents off at the school They can also contact it for details of electronic (e-mail) submissions Schools are finalising their Grade R, 1 and Grade 8 school admission lists and confirming placements . Applications can be done online at: https://www.westerncape.gov. za/education/service/learner-admissions
I’m sure most mothers remember the moment they first discovered they were expecting – the joy, the excitement, the nerves All those emotions at once
And then, of course, going for that first ultrasound and hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time
I’m not a mother, but I’ve walked this journey alongside my sister as well as many friends and relatives
Children truly are a gift
As society we are quick to point a finger at men, and rightfully so, because in most cases some men are the perpetrators of crime against women and children
However, in recent court cases it
Amber-Lee Hughes is currently standing trial after admitting to killing her ex ’ s four-year-old daughter in 2023
Kelly Smith is serving life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping
She, together with two others were convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping for the disappearance of her six-year-old daughter
Tiffany Nicole Dunn Meek was arrested and charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son
A Johannesburg mother was arrested after a video was circulated on social media showing her allegedly encouraging her son to smoke drugs
I am in no position to judge any
of these women; I don’t think any of us is They, like everyone else, will have receive their just deserts on judgement day, when we all leave this earth
But if we, as women, can no longer be trusted to care for our children what hope is there for the future of our society?
What possible crime could these children have committed that was so heinous that they needed to be killed?
A four-year-old, who should be nurtured and loved, now knows a life of drugs
This is not what those brave women marched for when they went to the Union Buildings in 1956
I’m sure they are crying wherever they may be beyond the grave, speaking to us from eternity, from history, urging us to do better, to
honour their legacy with courage, unity and integrity
This may be precisely what we need; the wise words and voices of our grandmothers, mothers, aunts speaking to us
Perhaps in our pursuit of freedom and independence as young women we ’ ve stopped listening, stopped listening to the wisdom of those who came before us, to the hardwon lessons of struggle
As we live and walk through each day of this month may we take one another’s hands again
Too often, we women are quick to cast aspersions, pass judgement, throw insults and tear one another down, and forget the strength we have when we stand together
Let’s make news headlines, but for the right reasons, lift one another up, break barriers, lead with grace and stand united
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Dr Anita Parbhoo, CEO of Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital; Chantel Cooper, CEO Children’s Hospital Trust; Mireille Wenger, provincial minister of health; and Dr Elton Titus, Medical Manager; cut the ribbon at the newly established Burns Unit PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Film on NSRI work well-received
A scene from the film showing the boy being rescued
Local d awarde
Detective Sgt Masixole
James of Manenberg Police Station received an award from his Station Commander, Brig Jayce Naidoo, on Friday 25 July, after Lee Stuurman (23) from Manenberg was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment
Stuurman, (19) at the time of his arrest, was sentenced on Tuesday 23 July in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and James was successful in his prosecution, conviction and sentencing
On 20 September 2021 at 19:30, officers of the Anti Gang Unit followed up on information of illegal firearms and ammunition at 43 Gonubie Street in Manenberg The officers searched the premises and found two 9mm pistols and 22 rounds of ammunition hidden in the house
During this time Manenberg was at the height of gang violence, keeping residents hostage in their own homes Stuurman faced multiple charges
James presented a watertight case for prosecution in the court, which found Stuurman guilty and sentenced him He was found guilty of possession of two firearms, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment to four years suspended for a period of five years
He was also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the possession of p p p
The famous City Hall clock is ticking in perfect time and its beautiful bells are chiming once again after being fully restored
The clock, which is over a century old, was removed in March this year for repairs to restore its bells and chime mechanisms The mechanism was manufactured by the United Kingdom (UK) clockmaker JB Joyce & Co The clock was installed in 1905
Surmounting the Cape Town City Hall, its apex, against Table Mountain as backdrop, the clock is an iconic city landmark overlooking significant historical events on the Grand Parade opposite over the past century
The process of fixing the clock included restoring worn drum bushings and ensuring the sound mechanism met heritage-preservation standards
The turret clock features a threetrain movement with separate mechanisms controlling the timekeeping, chimes and strikes The Westminster chimes, once heard every quarter-hour, are similar to those of London’s Big Ben
The original parts make it a rare example of historical horology, requiring special expertise to restore it
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said great cities are built on small details and strong principles
“From clock maintenance to permanent lighting of the historic front façade and restoring the carillon bells, we are taking care of Cape Town’s precious City Hall and the surrounding precinct in our flourishing Inner City, ensuring the Mother City does not walk the path of decline sadly visible in other municipalities ”
Hill-Lewis said the City Hall is one of the municipality’s strategic assets and its facilities have undergone
several upgrades including to its CCTV system, wayfinding signage and lighting
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said the ongoing improvements had seen City Hall booked to near capacity, hosting events such as the State of the Nation Address, concerts of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and various choir competitions
“It is also host to the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town Legacy Exhibition, the Cape Town Civic Collection’s Attic Exhibition and Cape Town Tourism’s City Hall Visitor Experience Centre ” Vos said the facility is an important feature of Cape Town’s heritage and has been the location or backdrop to many of the most important moments in South Africa’s history
“We will continue to do work that maintains its facilities and honours its legacy We encourage the use of the City’s strategic assets for hosting events and other activities ”
The Mayco member for economic growth, James Vos, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis at the City Hall turret clock
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Rangers celebrated globally
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Rangers were honoured as “custodians of South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage” during national World Ranger Day celebrations held at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) on Thursday 31 July
The event was led by Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dr Dion George, who paid tribute to the frontline role rangers play in protecting South Africa’s rich biodiversity “Rangers are the heartbeat of our protected areas, ” said George “Their commitment goes beyond patrolling They are also researchers, educators, community liaisons, and defenders of our shared heritage ” World Ranger Day, observed globally on 31 July, is a moment to recognise the essential work of rangers and remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty This year ’ s theme, “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation”, highlighted the increasingly dynamic role of rangers in shaping a more inclusive, community-based conservation model
The celebrations come just months after SANParks unveiled its longterm strategy, Vision 2040, which aims to reimagine conservation in a way that promotes ecological sustainability, social justice and economic development
Vision 2040 outlines a future where people and nature thrive together
At its core is the belief that conservation must benefit all South Africans, particularly the marginal-
WORLD RANGER DAY,OBSERVED GLOBALLY ON 31 JULY,IS A MOMENT TO RECOGNISE THE ESSENTIAL WORK OF RANGERS
ised and that local communities must play a central role in managing and protecting natural spaces
“This long-term plan envisions a nation where nature and people thrive together,” SANParks said at the time of the launch
On World Ranger Day, SANParks chair Pam Yako echoed that vision and emphasised the role of rangers in bringing it to life
“Rangers embody our collective values of stewardship, courage and transformation,” said Yako “Vision 2040 relies on their leadership in building a conservation model that puts people and the planet first ”
The Mega Living Landscapes (MLL) approach central to Vision 2040 seeks to break down the notion of conservation areas as isolated spaces Instead, it connects national parks with surrounding communities, inviting ordinary South Africans, especially the youth, to find their place in conservation Numerous celebrations were also hosted at various SANParks regions
In the Garden Route National Park, a ceremony at Knysna High Sports Field recognised the contribution of
retired rangers with certificates of appreciation
In the Arid Region, Mokala National Park hosted drill practises, a ranger imbizo, a shooting competition and sports activities that concluded with a celebratory dinner
The Frontier Region marked the day with a simulated anti-poaching operation involving rangers from Camdeboo, Addo Elephant, Karoo
and Mountain Zebra national parks, supported by air and ground teams
At Kruger National Park, rangers held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Paul Kruger Gate Monument in memory of colleagues who died in the line of duty
JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications, said the day was a reminder of both the risks and the importance of the ranger profession
“As threats to biodiversity grow, so does the pressure on rangers, ” said Louw
“Today we honour their resilience, their adaptability, and their unwavering commitment to the protection of South Africa’s wild spaces ” World Ranger Day was also a call to invest in the people who guard the country’s natural and cultural legacy with courage and care
The SEAM Team and K9 Unit showcase their skills and strength in protecting South Africa’s wild spaces PHOTO SUPPLIED
To advertise contact Zulfah Newman
0714519218 /zulfah.newman@novusmedia.co.za
NM10022950-QK050825
10U-16BOYS’,TWOGIRLS’
Gearin up for u-16 fi
Excitement is mounting ahead of this year’s u-16 Bayview Youth Cup finals at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 16 August
Ten u-16 boys’ teams and two girls’ teams will fight for honours in what has been dubbed “ a display of youth football” for the Mother City
In the Bronze Section Southampton will lock horns with Lentegeur, while Heath Athletico will square-up against Woodlands United FC in the Silver Section Wagiet Cup will see D6 Mitchells Plain taking on Pioneer Sports Club and the Gold Section will feature Norway Park and PPG Langa
In the Platinum Section, which is the main event, Cape Town Spurs will come up against Antalyaspor JMP
CT In the ladies’ section Rygate Invitation Ladies will battle it out against Mitchells Plain LFA Ladies
A jubilant Mark Rodrigues, chair of Bayview Football Club and tournament organiser, said all the clubs were looking forward to the competi-
tion and excitement
“There is definitely a lot of excitement from the clubs and everyone, including the parents,” he said “This is something new for the youngsters It is not an easy thing to play in a place like Athlone Stadium ”
According to Rodrigues, gates will open at 08:00 with the first game getting underway at 10:00 and the final match between Spurs and Antalyaspor drawing down the curtain at 18:30
The day will also feature entertainment for the entire family, with food stalls offering a range of delicacies and beverages “A gymnastics team will entertain the crowd before the final kick-off,” Rodrigues said “We are very excited and we want everyone to come out and have fun Come out! Come out and see what football is all about ” He said this year ’ s tournament had an added layer of excitement with the so-called “small teams” featuring prominently Tickets are available at Ticket Pro and Spar for R50
THULANI MAGAZI
THULANI MAGAZI@NOVUSMEDIA CO.ZA