Each step feeds a child
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
“No child should have to choose between learning and hunger.” So said Cheraldine Vanacore, a Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun
Walk participant for over 10 years The annual Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun
Walk is an initiative by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), 67-yearold non-profit organisation that aims to address hunger among learners
It provides daily nutritious meals to learners in over 100 schools in the province
For Vanacore child hunger is a topic that lies close to her heart as she comes from a disadvantaged background
For her, taking part in the event is a way of giving back
“This is personal to me I come from a background where I didn’t have much It was exciting for me to go to school and to get a meal Taking part in the walk is a reminder to me that I can make a difference in a small way ”
Vanacore said she cannot wait for this year ' s Blisters for Bread, which
NO CHILD HAS TO LEARN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH
returns to the Green Point Common Sports Ground on Sunday 31 August
“I am looking forward to completing the walk again this year I wish there were more organisations doing initiatives like this It’s a reminder that hunger is real I know how it feels to have nothing ” Online entries are now open, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August
Every participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation for taking part in this meaningful cause
In addition, thanks to the generous support of its hydration partner, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, complimentary refreshments will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day
The Green Point Common Sports Ground will come alive with live music performances from Cape
Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grown-ups alike
Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, said Blisters for Bread is more than just an event but a “heartfelt movement”
Measlesthreatlooms—getvaccinatednow
As measles cases surge in parts of the country, health experts are urging residents to check their vaccination status and ensure their children are protected
Although the outbreak is currently concentrated in Gauteng, where 181 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported between January and mid-June, public health professionals warn that under-vaccinated communities in the Western Cape remain vulnerable
VACCINATIONKEYTOSTOPPING
MEASLES
Professor Talitha Crowley, a public health expert and head of the academic division at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Nursing, says the best way to prevent measles from spreading is through high vaccination coverage
“To stop a measles outbreak, we need 95% of the community vacci-
nated,” she explained
“Right now, too many children in some parts of the country are going unvaccinated, and that’s dangerous ”
UNDERSTANDINGMEASLES
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours
The disease starts with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body
By the time the rash appears, the person is already in the most contagious stage
“Measles can cause serious complications, especially in babies, malnourished children, and people with weak immune systems,” said Crowley
“These include pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, brain inflammation, and even death ”
The good news, according to Crowley, is that the Cape Metropole increased its under-five immunisation coverage to 90% early this year This was achieved through targeted catch-up campaigns in clinics and schools
However, she cautioned that no community is completely safe until everyone is covered
“Even one unvaccinated child in a class can lead to an outbreak,” she said
“We need to keep those numbers up and reach the last 5 to 10% of families who might have missed a dose ”
Vaccination against measles is free at all public clinics and hospitals in Cape Town as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Routine measles vaccines are given at 6 months
A JOURNO’S VOICE
Every year on 18 July we celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy with what has come to be known as “67 minutes of service” We’re encouraged to do something good for someone else whether that means handing out sandwiches, planting vegetables, or reading to children
Across Cape Town, schools, NGOs, churches, and companies show up with paint brushes, black bags, and donated goods
It’s beautiful in many ways, the spirit of generosity, the momentary unity, the desire to do good
But it’s also fleeting
Because the very next day, life goes back to normal Those who were hungry are hungry again
That over-crowded shelter remains underfunded The crèche with fresh coats of paint still has too few teachers And many of us who gave
our 67 minutes feel like we ’ ve done enough, until next year
But what Madiba stood for cannot be captured in one symbolic act a year He gave 67 years of his life to building a more just, equal and democratic South Africa He went to prison, endured unimaginable sacrifice, and still emerged with a commitment to peace, dignity, and inclusion If we really want to honour him, we have to live his values the other 364 days of the year, too Ubuntu, the African philosophy that reminds us I am because you are, is not about charity It’s not about dropping off pre-loved clothes or taking a selfie at a soup kitchen It’s a way of life Ubuntu calls us to see the humanity in others It asks us to act with compassion, but also with responsibility, to build communities where no one is left behind, and where justice is more than just a word on a wall
The truth is, many of us are struggling Some of us live in backyards or shacks where the rain leaks through the roof Others are unem-
ployed, or work long hours for little pay Some are raising children on their own Others are trying to rebuild after losing everything to gang violence, addiction, or crime In this country, most people live close to the edge And that makes it even more important that we don’t turn Mandela Day into a performance for the privileged We need to be asking harder questions: Why do people still queue for water in 2025? Why are libraries closing in places where children desperately need safe spaces to read? Why do government clinics run out of medication, and why is GBV still an everyday reality for so many women and girls? Madiba did not fight for a South Africa where injustice is normalised He believed in dignity, and dignity means access, fairness, and care, for everyone, not just a few
If we really want to honour his legacy, we have to treat each other with dignity every day, not just on Mandela Day That means greeting
and 12 months Public vaccination sites include City health clinics and district hospitals like Khayelitsha District Hospital, Mitchell's Plain, and Karl Bremer
VACCINESWORKANDSAVELIVES
“Just one dose of the measles vaccine gives around 93% protection
Two doses increase this to about 97%,” Crowley said
While rare, vaccinated individuals can still get measles, but their symptoms are usually mild and far less contagious
With school holidays and winter illnesses on the rise, the public is being urged to stay alert
“Measles is preventable If we all do our part, Cape Town can avoid the suffering we ’ re seeing elsewhere,” said Crowley . For information on your nearest clinic, call 0800 923 922 or visit www westerncape gov za/ facilities
the people we walk past on the street It means treating the person who collects our bins or cleans our children’s schools with the same respect as we do a manager It means checking in on an elderly neighbour It means challenging corruption when we see it, whether in government or in our own communities Mandela’s legacy isn’t just a history lesson It’s a living challenge to all of us
So yes, let’s keep Mandela Day Let’s keep the 67 minutes But let’s not stop there Let’s make kindness a habit, not an event Let’s make justice part of our daily thinking, not just our yearly branding Let’s teach our children not only to give, but to ask why some people always need to receive Because the truth is, 67 minutes is just the beginning South Africa needs 365 days of Ubuntu
That’s how we honour Madiba, not with moments, but with movement Not with charity, but with change
Cheraldene Vanacore (front left) has been doing the Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk for over 10 years PHOTO: PRO ALLIANCE PHOTOGRAPH C
NAMHLA MONAKALI
Police share kindness with youth
AVRILFILLIES
Manenberg police celebrated Mandela Day on Thursday 17 July with learners from Phoenix Secondary High and Chrysalis, who are interns at the police station, by showing them kindness. They weren't able to celebrate Mandela Day on Friday 18 July, as the police officers were busy with crime prevention in the Manenberg Precinct.
The theme for the 67 Minutes for Mandela is "It is still in our hands"
"This powerful theme reminds us that every random act of kindness, no matter how small, holds the potential to change lives We are trying to uplift the youth in Manenberg by not only offering programmes but also help them make a mind shift between right and wrong and showing kindness When they commit crimes they always think nobody sees them, but God is not only watching over them, but sees what they are doing," says Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson of Manenberg Police Station
"With the theme in mind our initiative for Mandela Day was planting a seed of kindness, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of compassion and service We are reminded that true change starts with how we choose to act, speak, and serve our people, especially the youth
He said as police officers they recognise their responsibilty to lead by example
“With the 67 Minutes for Madiba, we pause to show care, to share, and to love in a moment in time, not through speeches, but through action
“It is a minute for every year Nelson Mandela spent in service of South Africa, totaling 67 years, " he says
He said this year the Manenberg Police Station decided "charity begins at home"
"We dug deep into our own resources, bringing together gifts and ideas to serve the very community that supports us One of the
Feedingwith apurpose
NAMHLAMONAKALI
As part of its annual Muharram outreach, humanitarian organisation Nakhlistan cooked and distributed thousands of meals to vulnerable communities on Sunday 6 July, marking the 10th of Muharram, which also coincided with the beginning of the Islamic New Year
In total, 45 pots of Aknie, each 130 litres, were cooked and distributed across the Cape Flats and surrounding areas, continuing a tradition that began 42 years ago with just two pots of food on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr in 1984
What started as a small group of friends wanting to ensure no-one went hungry on a day of celebration had grown into one of the Western Cape’s most recognised community-based feeding initiatives Today Nakhlistan is known for its large-scale food distributions, emergency response work and social-assistance programmes across the province
“The food was collected and is being distributed in areas where it is most needed,” said Nakhlistan in a statement “We are grateful for the continued support from donors and volunteers ”
The word Nakhlistan, which means “oasis” in Persian, reflects the organisation’s core purpose, to provide relief where it is needed most In addition to its well-known feeding schemes during Ramadaan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and Muharram, the organisation also provides soup kitchens, monthly food parcels and essentials to struggling households
To celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr last year, Nakhlistan distributed more than 95 000 cooked meals, a significant increase from its modest beginnings Its work also extends beyond religious holidays During times of crisis, such as floods, fires or periods of social unrest, Nakhlistan has often stepped in to provide emergency relief to those displaced or affected The organisation also facilitates affordable and dignified burial services, assists with the upkeep of prayer spaces and supports community-building events
As Nakhlistan celebrates 42 years of service this year its mission remains rooted in one guiding principle: showing up for those who need it most
Each box carries not just useful items, but a message A message that says you are specially made and have been born with purpose
highlights is our Santa Shoe gift box, a creative idea by a lady and her daughter, who remains anonymous ” The pair created and delivered care packages tailored for both boys and girls
“You are an important part of the Manenberg community and are valued and loved," Bennett says Cries went out for donations of sanitary towels for girls at schools, but the Manenberg police officers replaced the sanitary towels with a facecloth
"In our encounters with girls at schools the girls asked for a facecloth instead of sanitary
towels, as the household shares one facecloth
He explains that the Santa Shoe box contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, a facecloth and something sweet
"Madiba’s legacy is not only one of leadership, but of lifting others up As police officers it is our responsibility to pass that torch of legacy and hope to the next generation to show our youth what kindness looks like in action Kindness is Nelson Mandela Let Mandela Day 2025 be a reminder: it is in our hands to make a difference and bring about change," says Bennett
Learners from Phoenix Secondary School in Athlone and Chrysalis in Tokai who are all interns at the Manenberg Police Station helped with filling the Santa Shoe Boxes as part of celebrating Mandela Day with the Manenberg police. In front from left are Capt David Solomons, Shamieg Fredericks, principal at Phoenix Secondary School, and Brig Jayce Naidoo, station commander, with the interns.
Cultivate healthy financial habits
NAG BUILDS DIGNITY, NS AND FREEDOM CRISIS LIVING.
ngs rates make the country more n foreign investment and vulnerashocks s and financial-literacy organiused National Savings Month as ity to host workshops in schools, d community centres These n teach budgeting basics, underdit and how to open low-fee bank wandiambira encouraged housee open conversations about money ur children, your spouse, even your need to normalise conversations ting, debt and planning Financial urvival skill ” avings Month is also a reminder l empowerment is tied to broader sues
say more needs to be done by govd private institutions to create jobs, uality and offer better consumer he challenges are many the call to ns the same: start where you are, ou have out how much you save, but about ing, even in small ways, is a form of ” Mwandiambira concluded
incourt
roperties, regardless of whether the ner actually receives such services rty or in the area of his property," 9(1) of the Constitution says a may impose rates on property and n fees for services provided by the , and submits that the cleaning t been adopted as a property rate in licable rates legislation ng tariff is not a consumpharge for a service nor can it be any charge levied in exchange for a is linked to property value " re, Sapoa states a surcharge is an ercentage "profit" on the consumpd not a tariff linked to property
WATERANDSANITATION
Crosscut Road in Lansdowne will be temporarily closed from Monday 28 July 2025 until December 2025, weather permitting. This is to accommodate ongoing transport infrastructure improvements in the area.
Prince Arthur Road will temporarily operate as a dual carriageway during this time to accommodate traffic in the direction of Racecourse Road.
Residents are also reminded about the temporary closure at the intersection of Chukker and Racecourse Roads. One lane will remain open for traffic into Chukker Road only Motorists wishing to exit Chukker Road onto Racecourse Road are advised of the following detours:
• Via Woodbury Road onto Racecourse Road towards the M5 Kromboom Parkway
• Via Leafmore Road to Prince Arthur Road to access Racecourse Road towards Jan Smuts Drive
The works will regrettably add to congestion, and motorists are advised to:
• Plan for longer journey times
• Make use of lift clubs, ride-sharing or public transport
• Avoid peak traffic times
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
sation further holds that fixed es are also irrational, arbitrary and he rule of law Until now the fixed e was based on the pipe-connection d the fixed sanitation charge was usage The new system breaks this l consumption es that property owners who lternative water systems to reduce n after the Day Zero crisis are now sed rovements raise property values r the new tariff system, results ter charges, a move Sapoa calls aditional methods, calculating percentage of the relevant property's mption charges meant there was ation between the property's water anitation use, ” Gopal said “There no rational connection between the ering sanitation services to resioperty value ”
POAPROTECTSPROFITSOVERPEOPLE’ e to the High Court application, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said mpt to stop Cape Town's pro-poor put profits ahead of people resents the country's wealthiest and erty owners, mainly shopping-mall e City simply cannot agree that perty owners should be charged the er-income or middle-class housewould be regressive, placing a diste burden on ordinary families ” id, is why fixed charges apply, must contribute, not just those who n alternative water and electricity sources
A Women’s Humanity fest returns
People's Post is distributed every Tuesday and reach an estimated 419 650 readers
