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.
Monthly church market
Bethany Fellowship Church at 225 Imam Haron Rd Claremont will be having their monthly market on Saturday 2 August from 07:00 until 13:00 There will be a tea garden, jam, bric-a-brac, books, crafts, jewellery, clothing, plants and more Stalls are available at R30 . Call on 021 671 9400/061 709 2533
Newofficersgearedtodeploy
Fresh out of college and firedup with purpose, more than 800 new City police officers will hit the ground running as they deploy among all 116 wards across the city to serve and safeguard communities
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, together with JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, visited the officers, who are currently in their final stages of training, at the Public Safety Training College
A total of 809 officers will take to the streets next month Known as Neighbourhood Safety Officers, they will work closely with ward councillors and community-based structures such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums (CPF)
Deputy Chief Bradley Lackay, dean of the college, said it had received about 22 000 applications and, following a rigorous shortlisting process, 939 were selected But, he added, some dropped out and currently only 809 successfully completed the course and would graduate in September, 277 women and 532 men
It is an 18-month programme
• 12-month Traffic Officer course
• Metro police officer training which included firearm competency training (three months)
• Specialised training which included Neighbourhood Safety Officer training, evidence-based policing
Additional Tactical training, EPIC training
• This group of cadets also received Civic Academy training
“This group is getting [comprehensive, rigorous] in-service training before their deployment,” Lackay pointed out
“We walk in the area, interacting with the community so people can get to know them ”
In this way we want to build the trust of the community
Smith said: “It’s rare to have the opportunity to deploy additional members on the ground It is a big financial expenditure and in this new budget a portion of it goes towards the deployment of additional officers ” He said the shortage of police officers was a national concern
“Across he country we have too few police officers in our neighbourhoods As a result, crime peaks We have LEAP officers already deployed in 23 wards across the city ” Smith added that the deployment of five officers per area would help ease the burden of crime and make communities feel safer
“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 ”
The prospective cohort of City officers-in-training on parade PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
WP cricketers ‘pay it
‘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 fast-paced 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
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
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
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
Aseza Hele of South Africa powers forward a to grab the ball during an international frien on Saturday 26 July. The Springboks fought half cost them the match PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
BLACKFERNSCOMEOUTA
An exciting second test is on the cards on Saturday 2 August when the Springbok Women take on the Black Ferns in Athlone Stadium
After dominating the first half in chilly conditions, the Black Ferns led 20-11 in the first half but as is customary in Springbok rugby, the hosts sent the bomb squad on in the second half
The reserves made a huge difference and the Black Ferns had to defend as if their lives depended on it The final score was 34-27 in favour of the
minutes before the fi the difference The p ed by the Black Fern hands of the hosts, b put the score beyond victorious from the p Coach Swys de Bru
AVRIL FILLIES)
Kelsey Teneti of the B