People's Post | Constantia | Wynberg | E-Edition 9 September 2025
Clergy from the different denominations in and around Athlone and the Athlone Spiritua
The Athlone Ministers Forum and the Athlone Spiritual Crime Prevention Unit got together on Sunday 7 September to pray for the gun violence on the Cape Flats which has reportedly been out of control for a while now
“This get-together by the ministers follows the shooting on Friday 5 September at the entrance of the Athlone Magistrate’s Court where a male was shot dead
“In two other separate incidents, a 53-year-old female was shot in front of the Dr Abduragman Hospital in Kewtown and another male was knocked over in Koodoo Street Both were taken to Groote Schuur Hospital for medical treatment and a large police presence was visible in Athlone over the weekend,” says Sgt Zita Norman, spokesperson for Athlone
Police station
The call for clergy of all denominations to attend the prayers at the court, was the initiative of Rev Steven John Bam of the Calvyn Protestant Church of South Africa and Namibia He sent out his request via email
and
the
p b g and prayer time was between 15 and 20 minutes Other initiatives can follow but as a faith community we have an immediate response to the shooting and killing on the Cape Flats All clergy wore their clerical clothing and joined in prayer, ” says Bam Norman appealed to society to go g b o
sheep,” Norman says Norman says faith communities are much needed to work hand in hand with the Police to ensure that the spiritual and natural warfare that the Cape Flats are experiencing as communities, comes to a halt
ARO aims for GunRun
KEANANHARMSE
Agroup of animal activists are gearing up to tackle the GunRun pet walk to help raise funds for their third mobile clinic
The group will take part in the 5km Pet Walk category in this year ’ s OUTsurance Gun Run at Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point on Saturday 13 September
The walk will start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point, and finish on the Green Point Common, opposite the Green Point Cricket Club
All races finish on the Green Point Common, opposite the Green Point Cricket Club
The runners represent the Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) and are raising funds for their brand-new mobile clinic, said head of fundraising, Lindsey Concer
“This service is a lifeline for pets in need, and as a team, we ’ re ready to put in the miles (and the sore feet!) to help make Mobile Clinic number three a reality
“Help us help the doggies and kitties who need us most,” she said
The ARO team is making its debut in this year ’ s Pet Walk with 25 team members, including their families
The animal rescue organisation has been appealing for funds to
APPEALING FOR FUNDS TO BUILD ANOTHER MOBILE CLINIC
help cover their costs to build another mobile clinic since July and launched a fundraising drive Concer hopes the new clinic can expand their services and
allow them to support more communities where animals need vaccinations and sterilisations
“A third clinic is an urgent need that we identified during our recent outreach efforts in communities like Jim se Bos, Lekkerwater, Egoli, Phumlani, Siqalo, and most recently, Smallville,” said Concer
So far they have received some donations from some loyal supporters, but their financial target goal they hope to reach is around R1 million
“With the cost of the vehicle, the conversion into a working mobile clinic, as well as medications and running costs our budget sits at well over R1 million,” Concer said The new mobile clinic will offer various services for sickly animals which include: vaccinations, parasite treatment, basic consultations, and sterilisation referrals
. For more information about ARO, visit their website at https://www.animalrescue.org.za
DIYawardsforwomenatlocalhardwarestore
One of South Africa’s leading hardware stores has announced the return of the Women in DIY Excellence Awards, honouring the creativity, determination, and impact of women who are transforming homes, businesses, and communities across the country
The awards were launched last year and following their success, Brights Hardware is proud to announce the return of the awards, which shine a spotlight on the creativity, determination, and talent of women who are transforming homes, commercial properties, communities, and industries through DIY, renovations, sustainability, and social impact projects
Entries are now open, and Brights is calling on women to share their stories and projects or to nominate someone whose work deserves the spotlight “Whether you ’ re a home makeover maestro, a fearless furniture builder, a queen of upcycling, a sustainability trailblazer, or a community DIY champion if crafting, restoring, reimagining and transforming are your thing, it’s time to shine Last year ’ s response blew us away, ” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights “We received powerful and inspiring stories from women who are doing everything from building furniture and restoring heirlooms to uplifting communities through
creative projects We’re proud to continue celebrating and empowering women in DIY ”
This year ’ s awards celebrate women whose ongoing work, creativity, and commitment are making a real impact whether in their homes, communities, or the wider world of DIY Projects of all kinds are encouraged
To help guide and inspire entries, Brights highlights three key themes that reflect the heart of the movement: DIY, Home Décor and Renovation Projects – recognising women who consistently use their hands-on skills and creativity to reimagine and improve their spaces
Sustainability, Upcycling and
Restoration Efforts – celebrating those who are committed to green practices, breathing new life into old materials and promoting conscious living Community and Social Impact Projects – honouring women who are using their DIY talents as a force for good beautifying shared spaces, empowering others, or uplifting their communities in lasting ways
Entries should take the form of a short letter or written submission, sharing the story behind the work
All submissions must be sent via email to brights@brights co za by Tuesday 30 September Three winners will be selected
Mylifequakeshowedmehealthiswealth
I was fine one day. The next, I was struggling to breathe, fighting for every inhalation and placed on oxygen in the ICU Two weeks ago, I experienced what I now call a life quake. If you’ve never heard the term, it’s a powerful disruption that shakes your life, shifts your direction, and demands transformation. It doesn’t arrive politely, and it rarely feels convenient, but it comes with purpose. Your life is calling for change
For me, that quake lasted seven days In those ICU hours, time slowed Even a glimpse of an airplane outside my hospital window, its roar and motion from the seventh floor, gave me hope That small sight became a beacon, I waited for it, letting it remind me that I would get out In that space, I wasn’t just Namhla Monakali I was “ a slip-and-fall risk”, a clinical
classification meant to protect fragile patients At first, the label felt cold and impersonal, but it forced me to confront my vulnerability and reflect on how easily life can shift Every breath felt monumental Every heartbeat reminded me how fragile life truly is
It forced me to face how I had been living, long hours at work, skipped meals, skipped workouts, stress carried like a badge of honour, rest ignored I had been investing in everything but my most precious asset, my health That’s when it hit me, health is wealth
No promotion, no car, no social accolade can replace the value of being alive and well Health is the foundation of everything else Yet, we often wait for a crisis to force us to notice I don’t want to wait anymore
Since that life quake, I’ve committed to caring for myself differently, physically, mentally, and emotionally I’ve learned to listen to my body, to prioritise well-being and to make conscious choices each day that protect and nurture my health
Last week was Kidney Aware-
ness Week, and I couldn’t help but think of Asanda Hlamandana, a young skilled, passionate and dedicated teacher with a Master’s degree (yes, she would want me to mention that she has Masters), whose passion for teaching has always inspired her learners I’ve watched her create an inclusive learner-focused learning environment, celebrate their journeys, and helping them reach not only their academic goals
Watching the relationships she builds with her learners has always been beautiful Recently, she shared that she had been diagnosed with Stage V renal impairment and is receiving medical attention She hasn’t updated in a while, and I sincerely hope she is doing well Her strength, care, and dedication remind me and all of us that health is precious and must never be taken for granted
Life quakes are painful, but they are clarifying They strip away distractions, forcing us to confront what we ’ ve ignored They challenge us to grow, to change, and to emerge stronger My ICU stay was not just a brush with mortality, it
was a chance to redefine priorities, appreciate the little things, and embrace life fully Health is freedom For me? It’s freedom to breathe without struggle, to move without pain, to pursue dreams, to nurture relationships, and to experience joy
So, take this as my reminder to you, and to myself, cherish your health Protect it Honour it Don’t wait for a life quake to shake you awake Make time for rest Eat mindfully Move your body Reflect on your emotions And above all, prioritise your mental and emotional well-being Invest in your health as you would any treasure, because it is the truest form of wealth we will ever know
If you ’ re in the middle of a life quake, whether through illness, loss, transition, relocation, grief, new opportunities, or the unpredictable road of entrepreneurship, I see you I pray you move through the shock and embrace the beauty trying to break through I hope, and I live, to reap the rewards of allowing growth to visit, shake me, and usher me into one of the most beautiful seasons of my life
The Animal Rescue Organisation members tackling the 5km Pet Walk category in this year’s OUTsurance Gun Run at Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point on Saturday 13 September PHOTO: SUPPL ED
‘This is not about titles’
deafawarenessandunity
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Newlands fell into a rare and powerful silence on Saturday 6 August as residents, families, and volunteers joined the 11th Annual Silent Walk, hosted by DeafSA Newlands
The event was created to give participants a glimpse into the experiences of deaf individuals and to strengthen community awareness around inclusion
Armed with earplugs, walkers of all ages navigated the route without speaking, reflecting on how communication barriers shape daily life
“This year ’ s walk showed us just how strong and united the community can be,” said coordinator Jabaar Mohamed “As a deaf person, it gives me hope to see people embracing silence in solidarity with us ” The event also carried added significance as September marks Deaf Awareness Month in South Africa
For many, the experience was eye-opening “It was my first Silent Walk, and I was surprised by how challenging it was not to talk,” said Zama Dlamini (32), a first-time walker “It really gave me empathy for the quiet resilience of the deaf community ”
Children also found meaning in the experience
“I liked using the earplugs It felt strange at first but fun to be quiet together,” said Liam Petersen (10)
Publiccommentson theproposedchanges
The City of Cape Town calls for comments on the proposed one-way conversion of Buckley Road between St Athans Road towards Thornton Road in Athlone
This is in an effort to assist the educational and religious institutions located along this road and the high number of vulnerable road users frequenting these sites during peak times
The City is calling all residents and all road users to submit their comments or recommendations by Wednesday 1 October
“Apart from efforts to make this road safer, the implementation of the proposed one-way conversion of a section of Buckley Road in Athlone will assist with improving traffic flow during peak periods and there will be more onstreet parking available,” said Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas “We ask that residents and all interested parties attend the information days and comment before Wednesday 1 October ”
Residents can attend the public information day on Saturday 13 September from 17:00 to
20:00 at the Masjid-us-Salaam at 34 St Athans Road, Athlone
Residents can submit comments via email to RIM PTI Communication@capetown gov za (quote reference 210252601; online www capetown gov za/haveyoursay, at Subcouncil 11, Dulcie September Civic Centre, corner of Protea and Klipfontein Road in Athlone or at the Athlone Public Library, corner of Old Klipfontein Road and Dobson Road in Athlone
Special assistance will be given to people who cannot read or write, people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments to have their inputs or comments recorded and submitted to the municipality Contact the Public Participation Unit’s Zandile Mahlasela on 021 400 5501 or Zandile Mahlasela@capetown gov za For technical queries or more information contact Thabo Ngcuka on 021 444 3102 or RIM PTI Communication@capetown gov za
. Affected parties can view the relevant streets or roads on www capetown gov za/haveyoursay
Writer addresses sports memory
AVRILFILLIES
Awriter from Athlone who was dismayed by the lack of a complete picture of the annals of athletics and sport in South Africa has set out to put the record straight Glaring omissions from the collective memory have prompted Clement du Plessis to write a book, Other Side of the Track, on athletics
Such omissions do not show sport as being the historically contested terrain that it is, nor is it the ongoing consensus it is presented as being This was a source of heated deliberation at a sports conference at Stellenbosch University a few years ago, in 2017
One key point made was the noticeable absence from official sports memory of the role played by non-racial sport, such as at the Springbok Rugby Museum at the Waterfront The role of the former South African Rugby Union (Saru), affiliated to the South African Council on Sport (Sacos), is conspicuously absent from any of the displays
Said Du Plessis: “I berated the speakers at the conference about moaning about the situation, telling them they should, instead, write their history if no-one else will This inadvertently put me under pressure to write a book on non-racial athletics I was fortunate, though; at the time of the conference my Facebook page had enough material for a book on athletics, a subject I know well I had started the Facebook page “Athletics Clipboard” in 2015
“I did not have a time period or deadline I wrote daily on my Athletics Clipboard, which led to the accumulation of decent copy for the book, which was self-published, with a few edits and additional information But the urgency of the book and its adapted Athletics Clipboard content could not be understated, and I added the introduction to the chapters on the history of various athletics events as well as a conclusion, bibliography and so on ”
He said producing the book required extra checking of details and facts, adding a whole new layer to the research
“This knowledge of mine of athletics had been built up since childhood, from, say, 1975 Learners at Alexander Sinton High and Hewat Teachers Training College, both in Athlone, were encouraged to have a broad general knowledge, from world politics to domestic policy and sport That’s just how it was when I was growing up, coupled with an enquiring mind
I was in Std 9 (Grade 11) when I first started writing on athletics in the Sunday Times Extra I was an athlete at a top athletics school in the country, Alexander Sinton, whether at its old Athlone location and subsequently in Thornton Road, Crawford, opposite Hewat, which is now The College of Cape Town ”
Du Plessis’ time at Hewat was an extension of his athletics, confronted now with sprinters who were older and better than he was
“That was rectified almost immediately after losing to all of them at first, but I quickly caught up and never looked back It was only Nazeem Smith I couldn’t beat I captained the Western Province Colleges team on two occasions, in 1985 and 1987 In 1986, I was selected to the South African Teachers’ Training Colleges’ (SATTCSA) athletics team, a highlight in my athletics career I did not get the opportunity to represent the SA Board because schools and colleges got first preference, and the Sacos athletics team selections arrived in 1988, by which time I was a full-time teacher, concentrating on the athletics squad at Mondale High School, Mitchells Plain and getting them to win the A section and Champ of Champs on a run since 1987 until the National Sports Congress broke sport up in 1991 It’s anybody’s guess how much longer Smith and I would have continued winning the A section and Champs Memorable and great days, indeed ” In 2005, he became a lecturer at Peninsula Technikon, now the Bellville campus of Cape
Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), after serving as Acting Director of Communications at the Department of Minerals and Energy in 2004 in Pretoria
“I had always had an active career in journalism and education so I could see first-hand how print media had been affected – advertising, the number of pages and so on Supplements on school sports were discontinued Schools rugby, for which I was responsible as a sports sub-editor at Weekend Argus, the Saturday and Sunday editions, was discontinued We had reported on Sacs, Wynberg, Rondebosch, Bishops, and this was around the time Percy Montgomery left school Even the main body lost pages, and print media was in a downward spiral from then on, with the explosion of social media as we know it today
“Athletics was not seen in the same light as rugby or cricket where coverage in newspapers was concerned Coverage of schools and club sport was discontinued in mainstream newspapers Knock-and-drops and community newspapers, and little newspaper entities, lent partial coverage to schools and club sport ”
Du Plessis believes two things can still be done to preserve the history of athletics, a documentary and a museum His hobbies include following world politics and sport
“I am fond of gardening and walking my sausage dogs, but I can see writing and documenting occupying my time I have a few book ideas in the pipeline, outlined already in chapter and some verse ”
Of the journalism of both his time and nowadays he said: “In conventional practice
a journalist is full-time and office-based with regular employee benefits Also, a correspondent is someone who writes on a specific area
politics, sport, entertainment and sport But these days the correspondent is an all-rounder, something I consider myself to be, writing on various topics – crime, court, hard news, features and so on The duties of a correspondent have evolved due to pressing economic times ” Du Plessis has reason to be unhappy too
“Before going to a press conference do your research and be prepared for any contingency Don’t ask what every journalist asks Go beyond Mainstream journalism has become poor, due mainly to financial constraints It’s so bad journalists are compelled to write remotely, filling boxes with aggregated text and plagiarising ” His book is one of three discussed by Prof Jonathan Jansen at a joint launch, Sport Apartheid and its Afterlives, at the Stellenbosch University Museum on Thursday 4 September
Clement du Plessis.
Best of Zabalaza fest at Baxter
The plays by two winners of the 15th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Awards are returning to The Baxter Studio Theatre this month, starting from today (9 September).
Lwanda Sindaphi’s Purpose and ‘ n Pandok se Liefde by Lauren Snyders won theBest Production/Finest of the Fest Award at the Festival which was held in March
The productions enjoy the space and resources to be further developed and presented in a full run at The Baxter Sindaphi and Snyders will also have the opportunity to work with respected industry figures Mwenya Kabwe and Lee-Ann van Rooi, respectively, to bring their productions to the stage
The annual Festival, which this year had the theme, “Make Your Mark”,will be performed until Saturday 20 September
‘ n Pandok se Liefde will be performed until Saturday13September.Purposewill be performed fromTuesday 16 until Saturday 20 September Written and performed by Snyders, directed bySamuel Jumat and also featuring Dealan Fredericks, ‘ n Pandok se Liefdeis a compelling drama about a married couple who have to come to terms with their wounds after a traumatic event This gripping play delves into the aftermath of trauma, exploring the profound impact of a dramatic night on their relationship and identities It vividly portrays the fragility of manhood and womanhood when faced with unimaginable circumstances, inviting audiences to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of despair Purpose, written and
‘‘N PANDOK SE LIEFDE‘AND ‘PURPOSE’WILL BE STAGED AGAIN
performed by Sindaphi and directed by Thando Doni, is a witty and romantically hypnotising production, accompanied by the density of a peripherally ancestral world The play explores sacredness and spirituality from the lens of a young man who has engaged with his traditional forms of practice Set in the community of Delft, Lidinga Aba pursues a girl he sees as his soulmate He wakes up every day to sit in a circle, on windy, rainy and sunny days, to just wait for this beautiful girl His pursuit is disrupted by ancestral visions His unfathomable love for this girl turns him blind to the messages he receives from his haunting dreams He becomes emotionally tormented when he realises that the metaphysical overpowers the romantic Whilst spending an intimate moment with his soulmate, he sees the red-smeared face of his late grandmother The circle turns to time, unlimited time It turns to a sacred place, a river It becomes a liminal place His life changes drastically Sound designfor the production is byMangaliso Ntekiso Sindaphi worked with mentor Monageng Motshabi for the play at the Festival in March . The productions have an age restriction of 14. Tickets cost R20 at Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores Senior citizens and students will pay R65 Visit https://baxter uct ac za/ for more information.
Spiegelpaleis for Countess
After a decade-long pause, the Royal Countess Zingara is returning to dazzle audiences with a new production, La Dolce Royal, set to premiere on Saturday 11 October at Century City
The show will unfold inside a lavish, handcarved mirrored tent, a spiegelpaleis, where guests will be treated to an immersive cirquestyle dinner theatre experience Audiences can expect a fusion of acrobatics, live music, choreography and fine dining in a setting designed to
After a decade-long pause, the Royal Countess Zingara is returning to dazzle audiences with a new production, La Dolce Royal, to premiere on 11 October at Century City PHOTO:SUPPLIED
TricksgaloreattheMagicana homecomingcelebration
Cape Town’s Homecoming Centre will be alive with wonder and astonishment on Saturday 4
October as the College of Magic hosts the highly anticipated Magicana Junior Magic Championships
This annual celebration of magical skill and showmanship brings together the city’s most exceptional young magicians, each vying for the coveted title of Junior Magic Champion
Close-up Magic Championships, an intimate contest where sleight of hand reigns supreme, will be at the Avalon Auditorium from 15:00
Patrons can watch as coins disappear, cards transform, and impossible predictions unfold right before your eyes
Stage Magic Championships, a thrilling evening of theatrical magic and captivating storytelling, will take the audience on a remarkable journey at Star Theatre from 19:00 Each competitor will deliver a polished, professional-level act designed to amaze and inspire This year ’ s
event will also feature a special guest performance by One Crazy China - Li Lau, whose daring stunts, razor-sharp wit, and unmatched showmanship have wowed audiences nationwide
While audiences transition between the main events, the youngest and most promising magicians will take to the foyer for the Street Magic Contest Here, guests can enjoy up-close encounters with astonishing tricks and sleight-ofhand artistry, as these rising stars compete for their own special title The championships are a showcase of dedication, creativity, and skill, with performers ranging from beginners to advanced young magicians Every act is uniquely crafted to entertain audiences of all ages - from wide-eyed first-time magic fans to seasoned theatre-goers Expect a blend of jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud magical comedy, and heart-stopping moments of mystery . Tickets cost R120 at Quicket.
Recyclingtakescentrestage
Recycling has taken centre stage in Mitchell's Plain classrooms with the launch of a new school competition that mixes education with music and dance
Producer responsibility organisation Petco has teamed up with legendary DJ GrandMaster Ready D and his youth development organisation G-CAP to bring the message of recycling to learners in a fun and authentic way
The campaign officially started on Monday 25 August at Duneside Primary School, where Ready D and his energetic crew used performance and music to demonstrate how everyday packaging can be recycled Over the next three months, schools across Mitchell's Plain will compete to collect the most PET plastic bottles, jars and Liquid Board Packaging, with the winning school set to receive a grand prize to improve its facilities
Each participating school receives a live performance by Ready D and G-CAP, along with practical recycling infrastructure supplied by Petco, including colour-coded bins, signage and bulk bags A collection company has been appointed to manage the recyclables
Club, which has worked with Petco for five years to produce CAPS-aligned sustainability content for Grades 1 to 12 Wavecrest Primary, already part of the club, is among the schools that will now be able to turn classroom lessons into action
transport them into a world of fantasy and wonder The production promises to be a “feast for the senses ” , combining theatrical spectacle with indulgent cuisine Acrobatics, aerial artistry, balance acts and song will form part of the lineup, alongside a curated dinner service designed to match the show’s flair and extravagance
La Dolce Royal is the brainchild of Richard Griffin, who has brought together an award-winning creative team that includes co-directors Craig Leo and Valentina Love, lighting designers Mannie Manim and Joshua Cutts, and choreographer Samantha Kotze
The cast will feature both international and South African performers such as aerial cradle duo Juan Palacios and Victoria Perez, balance artist Tatiana Babiy, hand-strap twins Mykola and Andrii Pysiura, and vocal trio The Clorettes
Tickets are available at www zingara co za and include a welcome drink and a five-course dinner
In addition, Petco has provided educational posters created with the Pick n Pay Schools
“As artists and mentors, we have the responsibility to use our influence positively We’re showing young people that recycling doesn’t have to be boring; it’s about taking pride in your community, protecting the planet and using creativity as a force for change,” said Ready D Petco CEO Telly Chauke said the project supports the organisation’s broader mission of enabling a circular economy in South Africa “Our mission is to divert recyclable packaging from landfill and keep it in the circular economy because it creates value and income opportunities for many South Africans We want the youth to understand what the circular economy is, how they can contribute to it today, and lead it in the future,” she said By blending music, dance and hands-on learning, the initiative hopes to turn learners into recycling champions who will carry sustainable habits from the classroom back into their homes and communities
Lwanda Sindaphi in Purpose.
PHOTO: XOLANI TULUMANI
Finalists this year include Colt Miles, Lithemba Mti, Sinalo Mtwana and Vuyo Kwatsha PHOTO SUPPLIED
