T Man arrested
Easter-weekenddeath
figuresdropinWesternCape
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE RORKE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The Western Cape Government has reported a slight drop in road-related fatalities over the Easter weekend, with 22 lives lost between Thursday 17 and Monday 21 April, down from 26 during the same period last year
While the decline is widely welcomed, officials continue to emphasise the importance of responsible road behaviour
The provincial government’s mobility and health departments deployed teams across the region during the peak-travel period to enforce safety measures and provide emergency assistance
According to official data, 22 fatal crashes occurred over the Easter weekend, resulting in the deaths
The Cape metro region recorded the highest number of incidents The breakdown of fatalities includes 14 pedestrians, five passengers, two drivers and one motorcyclist
According to officials, 14 of the deaths oc-
curred on municipal roads, while eight were on provincial routes
The provincial traffic services were active throughout the Easter period, conducting 784 integrated operations, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed-enforcement activities, a spokesperson for the Western Cape Mobility Department said
Over 30 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and 8 714 speeding violations recorded, while more than 19 000 traffic fines were issued
A total of 226 arrests were made, with 181 being for drunk driving “We are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities, but our message remains clear: road safety is a shared responsibility,” the spokesperson said “We urge all road users to prioritise safety, plan ahead, and never drive under the influence ”
The Western Cape Government plans to maintain high visibility and continue road-safety operations throughout the upcoming public-holiday period
WC Archives marks awareness week with digitalfocused events
To commemorate Archives Awareness Week, the Western Cape Archives and Records Service (WCARS) will host a range of online sessions Archives Awareness Week kicked off yesterday (5 May) and will run until Friday 9 May with the theme “Digital Footprints: Archives and Records Management in the Digital Era”
The WCARS collects, manages, digitises and preserves records that have research or historical value, related to the Western Cape We have more than 45kms of records in all formats - from documents to maps to photographs and oral history recordings
The Western Cape government records span a 400-year period - from 1651 onwards
“We continue to receive records as, by law, after 20 years, all Western Cape government departments must send their records of historical value to the Archives We also accept donations from private individuals and organisations that tell the story of our province We are proud to hold the memory of our province ”
Millionswastedwhiletalentstruggles
If you ask me, that’s just another term for corruption
The well-known saying "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" by 19th-century historian Lord Acton suggesting that those with power are more likely to misuse it, especially when their authority is unchecked, still proves true today
I recently watched, as did many South Africans, a parliamentary session before the portfolio committee on sports, arts and culture where heads of certain sporting codes had to brief the committee and give account of their annual financial reports among others
Netball South Africa was grilled on its expenditure during the 2023 Netball World Cup
It was disgraceful to watch how high-ranking Netball South African officials could not give account for certain financial expenditures
It came to light that over R100000 was spent on a social media influencer
The term consulting fees was thrown around left, right and centre
And call me stupid, but I still don’t understand what it means and why millions are spent on it
And who bears the brunt of this incompetence? Ordinary South Africans, the taxpayer That young boy or girl from the rural area or the Cape Flats whose dream to become a professional athlete unfortunately depends on those in power
And by the look of things those in power do not care about the future generation
Last week, I spoke to a passionate and skillful group of dancers from Kensington Their talent scored them an opportunity to represent the country at a global dance championship in Dubai
This is an incredible achievement, yet they might have to pass the opportunity if they do not manage to raise enough funds to get there
And the sad part is that there are hundreds of other athletes, dancers, artists in the same boat
They must fend for themselves, yet millions are wasted on things like “consulting fees”
We need leaders in charge that carry the concerns of the citizens in their heart
Build more schools Invest in our young people
Offer support to artists and athletes who represent our country
We can no longer accept and sit and watch how our earned money go to waste on insignificant things
WCARS is a free public service, and anyone is welcome to do any kind of historical or family research or, find documents needed for legal matters No appointment is required
To join the online sessions: Today (6 May) from 13:00 to 14:00: Online talk: Dr Eleanor Damon: Nine in Line: Tracing women across generations
Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms gle/ S96HZFcwGbMeLsoq9
Tomorrow (7 May) from 13:00 to 14:00: Online talk: Donnae Strydom: Let us all be the change: Embracing Electronic Records Management
Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms gle/ DDLocFri4AM3L2NB6
Thursday 8 May, 13:00-14:00: Online talk: Niklas Zimmer: Beyond paper: Digital transformation in archives and records management
Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms gle/ zzQLnYcpFeQq3Gw86
Friday 9 May from 10:00 to 12:30: In-person Family History Workshop for beginners, at 72 Roeland Street, Cape Town
Sign up here to book: https://forms gle/KY9sYa8ZM4AF5EX48
To sign up, fill in the forms above for each event you would like to attend or contact: Helen Joannides, 021 483 0456 or email Helen Joannides@westerncape gov za
The facility is open to the public at 72 Roeland Street, Cape Town from 08:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday, and from 08:00 to 14:00 on the first and third Saturday of the month .For more information on research and opening times contact 021 483 4000 or email archives clientservices@westerncape gov za
A JOURNO’S VOICE
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
FROMPAGE1
Wildlife impact has been relatively minimal due to the fire adaptability of local species
Most animals, like baboons, antelope, and wild cats, are mobile and flee from fire, but slow-moving species such as tortoises and chameleons may have suffered
SANParks is working with the SPCA, who were on site during the incident, to determine the extent of wildlife casualties
Ecological recovery in Tokai will likely take months to years, depending on invasive management, public cooperation, and policy changes
“Climate change is expected to increase wildfire risks,” Johnston warned “Cape Town is already experiencing hotter, drier summers and more extremely hot days, which dry out vegetation and increase ignition risk Changes in conditions also favour the growth of invasive species, which in turn heighten fire risk ”
Looking forward, experts are calling for a shift in land management strategy
“SANParks must realise that Table Mountain National Park, as an urban park, needs a different approach from remote parks,” Johnston said “More prescribed burns are necessary to manage old fynbos
“Slash from invasive plant clearing must be removed to reduce fuel loads Urban-edge buffer zones, which protect both biodiversity and human settlements, must be restored and enforced ”
Public involvement in restoration is encouraged but must be coordinated through official Friends groups and volunteer initiatives
Phahlane stressed that “sensitive areas must be protected from trampling” and recovery should follow ecologically sound practices
Groups like Friends of Tokai Park, Friends of Silvermine, and SANParks Honorary Rangers are working directly with the park to ensure recovery is both effective and sustainable
As the smoke clears over Tokai, attention now turns to resilience, not just of nature, but of the systems and communities that protect it
SANParks still assessing
Last night of the Proms a symbol
‘Earlystart’toflu season
DESIRÉERORKE
South Africa’s influenza season has arrived earlier than expected this year, having started on Monday 24 March This is four weeks earlier than last year and marks the earliest start to the flu season since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals
“This early start doesn’t mean that this year ’ s flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it does mean that now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine,” said spokesperson Vuyo Sabani in a statement to the media last week
“Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts, it is not too late to get vaccinated Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination, and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next ”
For most people, flu symptoms are mild and resolve in a few days
But for some, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death Those most at risk include pregnant women, those with
chronic illnesses or suppressed immune systems, people over 60 and children under two
A general practitioner at Netcare
Medicross, Dr Michael de Villiers, describes the influenza virus as “ particularly fast, clever and savvy at adapting”, causing it to constantly evolve new strains to evade our immunity, which means you can become sick every flu season
“Every year, a new vaccination is typically developed for new and particularly bad flu strains There are many cold and flu viruses to target, and scientists work hard to protect against the most threatening variations
However, it is not yet possible to include protection for all strains in the annual flu vaccine
“Explained in simple terms, vaccines act as ‘coaches’ that help to prepare the immune system to quickly defend itself from future invasions of a particular virus before it grows in the body and becomes overwhelming
“Remember that even if you do not get sick with the flu yourself, you can still carry it and pass the infection on ”
Citygettingready
NAMHLAMONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
As winter sets in across Cape Town, the City’s departments and local wards have swung into action to prevent and manage the seasonal challenges of flooding, cold weather, and increased demand on shelters.
At the heart of these efforts is the City’s Winter Readiness Task Team, coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), which began preparations as early as February Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the DRMC, confirmed that the task team includes several departments, all working together to mitigate winter-related risks “Each year, the City constitutes a winter readiness task team coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Centre,” said Powell The programme includes clearing stormwater channels, identifying highrisk informal areas, resettling communities where necessary, and supporting shelters dealing with higher demand during the cold months In Ward 74, which includes parts of Hout Bay and surrounds, Councillor Rob Quintas affirmed that preparations are underway and aligned with the broader city strategy “All wards across Cape Town are included in the City’s Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) Department’s annual winter preparation programme, ” he said Quintas explained that the programme includes both proactive and reactive maintenance of stormwater infrastructure “This includes stormwater drains and inlets We are hard at work addressing high-risk and hotspot areas as part of winter preparation,” he said However, he cautioned that one of the biggest challenges is illegal dumping “Unfortunately, we cannot control external factors such as illegal dumping into the stormwater system , this is a huge challenge Once a stormwater system is blocked, the surrounding area will flood because runoff from rainfall cannot enter or flow through the system,” Quintas warned
In some cases, illegal structures built
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES BOTH PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE MAINTENANCE OF STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
over stormwater infrastructure further complicate the City’s maintenance work “We find that people often build illegal structures over stormwater infrastructure, blocking these off Then the City cannot access the system to clear or maintain it,” he added Quintas appealed to residents to do their part in keeping the ward safe and dry
“First off, do not dump waste or anything else into stormwater drains As explained, litter and waste block the system, and the surrounding roads and neighbourhoods will flood during rainfall,” he urged He encouraged residents to keep an eye on open channels and drains near their homes “Ensure that the stormwater drains and open channel systems near your homes are kept clear of debris Report any blocked drains to the City so we can take swift action,” he said Powell noted that while the DRMC coordinates relief efforts, it no longer provides humanitarian aid directly “Since 2018, the South African Social
Security Agency (Sassa) has been responsible for direct humanitarian relief The DRMC continues to do all it can by assessing incidents and submitting requests for aid to Sassa when necessary, ” she said
The City also relies on its network of NGO partners “While the City doesn’t fund these NGOs, they can apply for assistance from the Provincial Department of Social Development We are very grateful to our humanitarian partners who step in when help is needed,” Powell said
The City facilitates donation drives during times of crisis to support the work of these organisations and ensure urgent needs are met as quickly as possible
Both Powell and Quintas emphasised that community participation is essential While the City provides resources, education, and emergency responses, preventing flooding and winter hardships is a shared responsibility “Cape Town is more resilient when government and residents work together, ” said Powell
As winter sets in across Cape Town, the City’s departments and local wards have swung into action to prevent and manage the seasonal challenges of flooding, cold weather, and increased demand on shelters PHOTO:SUPPLIED
WSarah Pearson debuts with nostalgia, vulnerability Entertainmentfor theentirefamily
Beloved South African theatre company KickstArt Theatre, in association with the Baxter Theatre, is bringing its award-winning pantomime magic to Cape Town for the first time this winter, with Jack and the Beanstalk - a delightful production for the whole family
With shows scheduled for Tuesdays to Sundays during the school holidays, this spectacular theatrical adventure invites families, friends and fans of all ages to swap screen time for story time - and enjoy one of Cape Town’s most magical family activities this winter
After enchanting Durban audiences for nearly three decades, KickstArt Theatre is ready to spark a new family tradition in the Mother City
From the award-winning creative team behind South Africa’s productions of My Fair Lady and Beauty and the Beast, and the director of The Sound of Music, this year ’ s production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by three-
time Fleur du Cap winner Greg King
The Cape Town cast stars Waterfront Theatre School graduate William Young as the plucky Jack, with Roshanda Lewis as the golden-voiced Princess Jill, and Blessing Xaba of Spud fame, as Jack’s long-suffering mother, Dame Flora Flatbroke
They’re joined by a stellar ensemble, including Bryan Hiles, Brent Palmer, Liesl Coppin, Lyle Buxton and Samantha Landers
In a rare treat for Baxter audiences, Jack and the Beanstalk will include Sunday shows - giving busy families more flexibility Blending classic storytelling with toe-tapping music, comedy, romance, masses of audience participation, outrageous costumes and magical sets, this theatre show is a giant adventure for all ages, on stage at The Baxter for just 24 days, from Thursday 3 to Sunday 27 July
Book online via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores .For schools' bookings,fundraisers or charities: carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.
Scene from Jack and the Beanstalk PHOTO VAL ADAMSON