People's Post | Claremont | Rondebosch | E-Edition 9 September 2025

9 September

Tgy p Diocesan College was electric this past weekend as hundreds of cyclists came together for the 24-Hour Cycle Challenge, raising more than R930 000 for the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa.

Now in its fifth year, the event has grown into Cape Town’s biggest stationary cycling fundraiser, bringing together schools, corporates, families, and even DHL Stormers players

From Saturday morning, 6 September, through to the early hours of Sunday 7 September, participants kept the wheels turning non-stop in support of VUSA’s work with over 1400 children

The academy, founded more than 20 years ago by Bishops Prep teacher Brendan Fogarty, provides after-school education, tutoring, nutrition, structured sport, arts, and mentoring to children in Langa

The aim is to create safe spaces for

rners to grow and thrive

Every child deserves a safe space, ot meal, and the chance to shine rough English, Maths, Coding, ort, art, and music, VUSA helps ldren reach their potential The ycle Challenge makes this possible,” said Nikki Matthews, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of VUSA “As a participant, I experienced first-hand the camaraderie and determination that fuelled the event Parents cheered on their children, corporate teams competed in friendly rivalry, and pupils showed grit as they pedalled into the night The sense of gees never wavered, even as the hours stretched past midnight ” Greg Brown, Head of Bishops PrePrep, said the ride captures the heart of the school

“Riding alongside the community reflects the heart of Bishops and what we can achieve together,” he said One of the youngest riders, 11-yearold William Hatt, cycled for an astonishing five hours “It was tough, but I knew I was helping other kids That made me keep going,” he said proudly

With Investec once again as title sponsor, joined by Checkers, Virgin Active, Technogym, and countless community donors via BackaBuddy, the event has raised more than R3 million in five years Jerome Passmore, Western Cape Regional Head for Investec Private Bank, said their involvement goes beyond just sponsorship “This is more than a fundraising event, it’s a chance to stand alongside VUSA in creating

safe spaces, opening access to quality education, and giving young people in Langa the opportunities they deserve Our belief in building enduring worth for communities is what makes this partnership so meaningful ”

Funds raised this year will support the expansion of VUSA’s literacy programme, upgrades to its feeding centre, and the launch of a community-run deli aimed at creating both income and skills opportunities in Langa

What began as a school initiative has grown into a citywide movement of support for township education and empowerment With the wheels of the 24-Hour Cycle Challenge still spinning strong after five years, the event continues to change lives far beyond the Bishops campus

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

A healthier future for children

NAMHLAMONAKALI

At the World health Expo (WHX)

Cape Town Conference held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), on Tuesday 2 September, Western Cape Minister for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, and Children’s Hospital Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chantel Cooper, delivered a joint presentation on strengthening health systems through innovation and collaboration

The session highlighted the transformative impact of partnerships in healthcare, particularly in improving pediatric care South Africa continues to face pressing challenges in healthcare delivery, from resource shortages to high rates of preventable childhood illnesses, making collaboration between government and non-profit organisations (NPOs) critical to bridging gaps

Wenger and Cooper reflected on a 30-year collaboration between the Department and the Trust

Over three decades, the partnership of State Health and Wellness and Children’s Hospital Trust has funded life-saving equipment, supported training for healthcare professionals, and improved access to specialised care for sick and injured children

“This partnership shows the difference government and non-profit organisations can make when working together,” said Wenger Cooper added, “Together, we ’ re creating a healthier future for children in need ”

The presentation was part of WHX’s broader mission to connect stakeholders across the global health industry

“We believe in coming together to make real progress in the ever-changing world of human health

“Whether it’s connecting manufacturers with the right distributors or empowering prac-

titioners to deliver better patient outcomes, WHX is committed to driving deeper learning, relationships, and decision-making across the industry,” said WHX in a statement

The conference, which brought together policymakers, innovators, and practitioners, aimed to spark dialogue and action to lasting improvements in healthcare systems

Rustenburggirlsdobusiness

For the first time, Rustenburg Junior Girls’ School hosted a dedicated entrepreneurship conference for its Grade 7 learners on Saturday 6 September, ahead of the school’s annual Market Day

The conference, held from 09:00 to 11:00, formed part of the Grade 7 entrepreneurship programme, offering learners a platform to explore business ideas while engaging with established entrepreneurs and professionals South African women ’ s-wear designer Leigh Schuber, who has been in the fashion industry for 21 years, urged learners to work hard for their goals

“To get opportunities is hard work from the beginning; it doesn’t fall on your lap I always looked for opportunities to get involved and worked on my brand while listening to the customer,” she said Other speakers included Esethu Cenga, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rewoven; Emma Arogundade, writer, researcher, editor, lecturer and facilitator; Lucien de Voux, CEO and co-founder of health-tech company Palindrome Data; and Rebecca Gray, now in Grade 9 and a high achiever in the school’s 2023 programme

Deputy principal Neil Ryklieff said the initiative was designed to mirror a professional

conference “Hosting this conference gives our Grade 7 learners the space to sharpen their skills, learn from real-world entrepreneurs and experience what a professional conference is really about,” he said Learners dressed in formal attire, received goodie bags, and were immersed in the atmosphere of professional learning The day also gave learners a chance to reflect on what entrepreneurship means to them “I learned that we must make the most with what we are given and that we must apply our skills in what we can do for the world in terms of being an entrepreneur, ” said Julia Cocks, a Grade 7 learner Learners from Molo Mhlaba Primary School in Khayelitsha also attended the conference Lithemba Boya shared her thoughts: “As a person who wants to become a businesswoman you must be willing to take risks, be of service and have fun while doing so ” The conference not only inspired learners but also prepared them for the culminating event of the programme, Entrepreneurs Day, which is scheduled for Friday 25 September By blending experiential learning with real-world role models, Rustenburg Junior Girls’ hopes to equip learners , both from its own classrooms and beyond , with the confidence and practical skills to thrive on their entrepreneurial journeys

At the World health Expo (WHX) Cape Town Conference held at the CTICC, Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, and Children’s Hospital Trust CEO, Chantel Cooper, delivered a joint presentation on strengthening health systems through innovation and collaboration PHOTO: SUPPLIED

For the first time, Rustenburg Junior Girls’ School hosted a dedicated

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Thousands tackle challenge

The annual Tekkie Challenge took place on Saturday 6 September in Kuils River A record number of approximately 3 000 participants took on the 5km fun run, the 10km “Battle of the Sexes,” or the 16km challenge for the running enthusiasts Carina Roux took these photos

A RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S TEKKIE CHALLENGE

The start of the 10 miler/16km

From left: Annatjie Berntzen (Goodwood), Helen du Plessis (Brackenfell), Dawn Saunders (Helderberg Harriers), and Sonia Harlock (Fish Hoek) ready to take on 10km

The men set off for the 10km race, chasing the women who started seven minutes earlier

This couple from Celtic Harriers completed the 16km

Top ladies 70+ in the 16km, Nancy Will (Pinelands AC, first) and Sue Rymer (Team Vitality)