A little consideration...
KEANANHARMSE
“We’re not helpless, but infrastructure fails us daily.” Blind safety expert.
Cars parked on pavements, construction boards blocking walkways, and open trenches without warning signs are some of the daily hazards that force blind pedestrians into dangerous situations
This week, People’s Post is shining a light on the lives and daily challenges of the blind and visually impaired whose struggles can often be overlooked in the rush of day Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) awareness officer Sergil January is blind and says they try to empower visually impaired people through training, employment support, mobility, and independent-living skills
CTSB was founded in 1929 by a group of women from Cape Town who identified the need to provide training and employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired persons within a secure and supportive environment The society has remained true to its mission for over 90 years and has become a beacon of hope to individuals who need to navigate the complex world without sight
“Most blind people start the day with structured routines at home This includes preparing meals with tactile markers, organising clothing, and planning movement for the day Independence is very possible at home with proper training and tools,” he says Navigating public spaces still re-
mains a struggle for the blind and visually impaired
“Streets and malls are risky due to obstacles such as vehicles parked on pavements, open trenches, construction boards, and other motorist hazards These hazards are a constant safety concern At home, daily living is largely independent The real limitations occur when interacting with public spaces or workplaces that are not accommodating ”
The essential assistive tools for the blind are: white canes, tactile markers, talking appliances, Braille labels, and mobility training are essential for safety and orientation, January added
Common accessibility barriers in Cape Town are also a challenge when the blind are travelling
“Uneven sidewalks, blocked pathways, poor tactile paving, and obstacles left by motorists create hazards Lack of public awareness and poorly maintained spaces reduce confidence and safety Blocked or uneven pavements force us into the road, increasing risk of traffic accidents Obstacles like construction boards or vehicles compromise mobility and safety,” he says January is appealing to business owners to help implement clear walkways, tactile indicators, trained staff, and respect for personal space
When it comes to public transport some of the biggest challenges are: unreliable schedules and unsafe boarding areas, he adds “Even with announcements, poor
NAVIGATING PUBLIC SPACES REMAINS A STRUGGLE FOR THE BLIND
infrastructure or delays leave us vulnerable People often assume blindness equals helplessness In reality, independence is possible, but society’s attitudes, public infra-
structure, and workplace awareness often limit us ” In the workplace, the misperceptions about blindness limits employment opportunities “Workplaces often underestimate abilities, limiting opportunities more than blindness itself Inclusive employers make a huge difference Fear or ignorance about blindness restricts growth, even when tools and accommodations are available,” he concludes
TakeahikeforacleanerTableMountain
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks), invites Capetonians and visitors to lace up their hiking boots for the annual Take a Hike day on Saturday 15 November
This popular initiative encourages participants to take to the mountain hiking, exploring and cleaning as they go while collecting litter along the trails and helping to “leave it better than you found it”
The event starts at 06:00, with check-in open between 06:00 and 10:00, and activities running at the top station until 17:00
The day celebrates both conservation and community connection to one of the world’s most celebrated natural landmarks
Now in its fifth year, Take a Hike Day has grown into a signature TMACC event, attracting hundreds of nature enthusiasts, families, and community volunteers
Over 300 hikers participated last year, collecting nearly 60 kg of litter from Table Mountain’s trails, a simple but powerful act of care for Cape Town’s beloved natural wonder
This year, participants can take part in hike by choosing one of three scenic routes, each offering a unique experience of the mountain:
.Platteklip Gorge – one of the more popular hiking routes on Table Mountain
.The Contour Path – starting next to the small traffic circle at the Lower Cableway Station, a steep
climb for more experienced hikers
.Kloof Corner – a shorter but steeper climb with breathtaking views over the city and Atlantic Ocean
Each route offers hikers the chance to enjoy Table Mountain at their own pace while helping to keep it pristine for generations to come
Participants will receive a free cable car ride down, along with snack packs and refreshments at the summit, courtesy of TMACC Wahida Parker, Managing Director of TMACC, says: “Take a Hike Day is about more than just a climb - it’s a celebration of community, conservation and care ”
“Each year we ’ re reminded of how powerful it is when people come together to protect the
spaces that make Cape Town so special ”
Megan Taplin, Park Manager: Table Mountain National Park, says as custodians of this unique and biodiverse landscape, they are always encouraged to see the public taking an active role in caring for the park
“Take a Hike Day is a wonderful example of how collaboration between SANParks, TMACC, and the community can make a meaningful difference, reminding us that conservation works best when everyone plays their part ” Taplin encouraged people to exercise caution on the mountain . Pre-registration online is required in order to participate
To register visit https://forms office com/r/aU7J6itQAH
CriminalsinSAnolongerhide,theyactboldly
bery turn into a moral lesson
Late last month, while enjoying a sunset hike on Signal Hill, the tourist was confronted by a self-proclaimed gangster armed with a stick
We live in a country that never fails to leave me either sighing in disbelief or laughing just to avoid crying Because honestly, what else can you do? It’s hard not to feel disheartened when every headline seems to echo the same sad story: violence, corruption, murders, and gang wars tearing through our beautiful nation
One incident that left me both shocked and amused was the story of a German tourist who made headlines for the rather peculiar way he was robbed Only in South Africa could a rob-
The suspect allegedly took R100 in cash, but the encounter didn’t end there As he went through the tourist’s backpack, he stumbled upon a pack of cigarettes and decided to offer some unwanted advice: a stern warning about the dangers of smoking
To me this perfectly summed up the absurdity of crime in this country: brazen, unpredictable, and so common that it feels almost surreal
What stands out is not just the act of robbery itself, but the strange self-awareness of the criminal Here was a man who, in one
breath, declared himself a gangster, and in the next, offered unsolicited health advice
As comical as this sounds, it reveals a chilling truth: Criminals in South Africa no longer hide, they act boldly, guided by a warped sense of morality that excuses their own crimes
To make matters worse these criminals are no longer just found on the streets They are dressed in suits sitting in parliament and walking the corridors of the Union Buildings stealing millions belonging to the poor and taxpayers
How do we hold ordinary criminals to account when some of those in power do the same, on a much larger scale?
This growing brazenness is not an accident It’s the product of years of lack of trust in the police, a lack
of accountability, and a society so desensitised to violence that it often laughs at its own trauma just to cope
When offenders feel empowered enough to toy with their victims to turn a violent encounter into a teachable moment it’s a sign that fear has shifted The fear no longer belongs to the criminals; it belongs to the public
South Africans are forced to navigate this uneasy reality daily From hijackings in traffic to robberies on hiking trails, there’s an ever-present sense that safety is a privilege, not a right
The “philosophical” gangster may grab headlines, but his story points to a bigger problem in a country where crime is so common that even criminals feel comfortable giving moral lessons
A brand new blind-safety road sign was erected on First road near The League of Friends of the Blind in September PHOTO: KEANAN HARMSE
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Irma Stern no longer atThe Firs
o e cou e e a a d be sp ed by e pas sion and curiosity that defined her life’s work,” she said
a d p o o o o e s a d ou s de South Africa”, the Irma Stern Trust said it remains dedicated to ensuring that her bold, vibrant vision continues to inspire future generations
In a written response to media query sent by the People’s Post, SAHRA outlined its obligations under the National Heritage Resources Act, which mandates the body to identify, conserve, promote and protect heritage resources of national significance
This includes ensuring “reasonable access ” to cultural collections while safeguarding their long-term preservation
SAHRA confirmed that it supports the relocation, provided the new facility offers the “ secure and environment-controlled” conditions required for conservation
“We believe it is the intention of the managers of this collection to improve access to the collection in the long run and when circumstances permit,” the agency said
The agency also pointed to international best practices, citing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) as examples of organisations that guide its conservation standards
Nationally, it aligns with principles endorsed by the South African Museum Association (SAMU)
Addressing the importance of The Firs, Stern’s former home and the museum ’ s long-standing site, SAHRA noted that both the building and the collection hold “heritage significance” for Cape Town and South Africa
“The collection in context of The Firs invites an insight into the artist behind the artwork,” the agency said “While there is great educational benefit in keeping the site and collection together, the maintenance of the site can demand for a collection to be moved in order to address facilities challenges that, if ignored, can compromise the conservation of the collection ”
To ensure continued access for students, scholars and the public, SAHRA recommended several measures, including enhanced use of digital platforms, controlled access for educational purposes, and collaborations with national galleries
“Promotion of alternative means of access such as digital platforms can go a long way during this transition,” the agency said, adding that the Irma Stern Collection is already accessible online through the Trust’s website
As the Irma Stern Trust prepares to announce its future plans for the collection early next year, SAHRA’s guidance highlights a broader national challenge: balancing the preservation of heritage
The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Irma Stern Trust have jointly agreed to end their long-standing partnership to manage and operate the Irma Stern Museum
Penguin keepers at the Two Oceans Aquarium feed the African penguins during a scheduled feeding time.
Aquarium celebrates milestone
The Two Oceans Aquarium turns 30 this month (November) and invites the public to join the celebrations
Starting on Thursday 13 November, a range of activities is on the cards
Ticket holders can take a selfie at the legacy photo wall with one of the Aquarium mascots and can also get a limited edition 30th birthday coffee at the I&J Ocean Exhibit Snack Stop, and stand a chance to win a penguin plushie during the penguin feed
THE LITTLE ONES CAN ALSO ENJOY A VARIETY OF OCEANTHEMED ARTS AND CRAFTS
There is also an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Aquarium divers at work as they mark the birthday with
a banner dive during the I&J Ocean Exhibit feeding time
WATCHAPUPPETSHOW
With school holidays looming large in the horizon, the Children’s Play Centre has daily puppet shows at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30
With a charismatic cast of characters, like Sally the Seal and Exo the Crab, these puppet shows are educational and fun
The little ones can also enjoy a variety of ocean-themed arts and crafts,
as well as a fun, birthday-inspired activity sheet
FEEDINGTIMEFUN
Patrons can join their favourite animals at daily feeding times!
. Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit: Saturdays at midday
. I&J Ocean Exhibit: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at noon
. Kelp Forest Exhibit: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 12:00
. Penguin Exhibit: Every day at 11:30 and 14:30
TRASHBASHBEACHCLEANUP
Thursday's fun will be followed by a Trash Bash at Lagoon Beach on Saturday 15 November The Two Oceans Aquarium is teaming up with Save A Fishie for a 30th birthday Trash Bash
“Not only is Trash Bash a way to make a positive impact on our ocean, but it is also an opportunity to get out into nature and breathe some fresh air with your loved ones, ” said Phumza Jongihlathi, Community Relationship Coordinator at the Two Oceans Aquarium
A group of children are captivated by a Puppet Show at the Two Oceans Aquarium I&J Children’s Play Centre
WEEKENDFOOTBALLBONANZA
Sian Africa of Rygersdal FC evades Amina Arendse of Blazing Boots FC during the round robin games of the B-Triggered Football Festival Rygersdal won 2-0 PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Elam Manqaba of Wanderers FC intercepts the ball in mid air away from Onethemba Guza of Cape Town City during a SAFA Cape Town 3rd Division League game played at Malta Park on Sunday 9 November The Langa based club beat the home team 4-2
