Jointhewalk,makethedifference
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Capetonians are called to lace up and do their bit to feed a hungry child with the annual Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) Blisters for Bread charity fun walk on Sunday 31 August
According to the organisers, over 700 people have already entered with this year ’ s target being 8 000 walkers
For the past 57 years proceeds from the event have been making a difference in the lives of thousands of hungry children by providing daily nutritious meals to learners across the Western Cape
The walk will start in Stephan Way, Green Point, and finish at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It offers two scenic route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade A 10km walk which starts at 07:30 and a 5km walk starting at 08:00
Each 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 support of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, complimentary refreshments will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day
Patrons can also look forward to some live music performances from Cape Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grownups alike
Putting an event like this together requires
to feed the less fortunate and especially the children ”
According to Georges, about 120 marshals will safely guide walkers on the day
Georges appealed to people to enter and join the walk and help make a difference
“Every little bit helps The need is great People are suffering because of the cost of living
many hands
One organisation that has willingly put up their hands to assist for the past 10 years is the Lions Club
Allison Georges, secretary of Cape of Goodhope Lions Club in Plumstead, said members from the club have been volunteering as marshals for over 10 years
“Our members volunteer for most organisations that do events We assist at the Cape Town Cycle tour, the Gun Run, and Blisters for Bread
“Hunger is one of our pillars, we have eight pillars which we work on It is important to us to assist other organisations raising funds
A JOURNO’S VOICE
The late great American poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen once said: “If you don’t become the ocean you’ll be seasick every day ” In this uncertain age where the world of work and society are shifting rapidly through the breakneck speed of Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) advances and how it’s morphing our jobs, I find these words are becoming eerily relevant, especially for the youth who feel vulnerable to peer pressure and comparisons
They may start doubting their passions to pursue “cushy jobs” that even aren’t spared the threat of retrenchments It only takes one lonesome evening doom-scrolling and you’ll find yourself drenched in endless clips of influencers, giving advice on relationships, fashion, your diet or offering you financial tips to catapult your salary
This habit can become pernicious as we think we lack fulfilment in our careers, love lives and physique and start to loathe the present
time
Now your algorithm can predict your interests and you may return to this feed as a form of therapy like these TikToks and strangers understand you Now you ’ re swimming in a stream of the latest trends in slang, fashion, music and now your conversations and clothing become singular Now you may hide your unique individuality out of fear of rejection as it drowns in the mass of information you consume You keep hearing people say that they heard a new movie was terrible instead of watching it themselves and offering their own unbiased opinion Instead of freely being ourselves more people seem to latch onto the narrative of pop culture and join the “cool club” I’m guilty of this too and I admit there are gems of handy advice glowing amid the “brain-rot”
There’s dates, delicious recipes and funny cat videos available with the swipe of a finger, but when do we stop, reflect and allow some introspection before we fall prey to instant gratification and hits of dopamine?
It often seems more relaxing to
There are many children that are going to school without a meal ”
Entries are now open, with flexible registration options available for individuals and groups The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry schoolchildren for a day Official event T-shirts are available at R150
Patrons can enter online with registration closing at midnight on Sunday 17 August .To register or learn more,please visit www psfa org za For any enquiries,contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210
enjoy a whole bag of crisps laying inside a warm bed binging Instagram reels or watching the latest series than finishing that new novel or completing our gym goals As a young adult enduring work traffic, deadlines, loneliness and dating disappointments, it’s easy to become irritable and cynical and let our egos wreak havoc and become addicted to pleasing ourselves No pun intended there
It’s uncomfortable to confront our insecurities and shortcomings
When we consider our dreams we may think have become dusty old toys we left on the shelf, but that’s where the personal growth lies
With every push-up you may feel your arms start to shake as you struggle to pick yourself up from the floor We could wonder why are we making our bodies suffer and yet we forget this pain is microscopic tears which allow muscle fibres to increase in size
When we read a book we unshackle our imagination, visit a character’s world and experience their challenges and understand our heartache is a common thread extending from as far as the 1800’s and will always be relatable We’re
quick to forget our progress when scrolling on social media and seeing someone who already has the kind of lifestyle we desire but hardly consider that we ’ re only seeing a mirage someone has carefully curated to reflect their ideal selves to the world
We’re obsessed with aesthetics and living life like celebrities and fear being seen as “cringe” Especially young artists feeling exhausted about the hustle they endure creating their art and feeling upset about the views they receive and the bills that could care less about harmony and cinematography But remember, my friends, today Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks are priceless despite his struggle in selling those beautiful paintings So enjoy the present tense and understand your work and legacy will live after you There’s a beauty in floating in these chaotic seas of modern life, seeing how technology and social media has connected us to form relationships Artist Tyler the Creator also constantly reminds artists and content creators to forget the numbers and publish their art because “ you never know who’s watching”
All City clinics offer youthspecific services to encourage young people to invest in their health and well-being
While services can be accessed at any time, designated hours of 14:00 to 16:00 were introduced some years ago, specifically for adolescents
More recently, seven clinics have established youth zones - offering dedicated waiting and treatment areas These clinics are Lentegeur, Dr Ivan Toms, Delft South, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Langa and Ikhwezi
Youth zone readiness assessments are underway at 11 more clinics, including Adriaanse, St Vincent, Albow Gardens, Elsies
River, Manenberg, Masincedane, Vuyani, Gugulethu, Matthew Goniwe, Wesbank and Sarepta “City Health offers critical services for young people, particularly for sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse treatment and mental health services And, while this group makes up the largest percentage of clients accessing certain services, we can do better Stigma continues to be a stumbling block - hence the efforts to provide safe spaces for our young clients where they can access care without judgment It is a work in progress, but I encourage our young people to please reach out and make full use of the services on offer,” said Mayco member for community services and health,
Francine Higham
The package of services tailored to the needs of young people includes:
· Sexual and reproductive health care
· Access to various contraceptive methods
· TB screening and treatment
· HIV screening and treatment
· Emergency contraceptives
· Provision of Pre exposure prophylaxis and post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
· Substance abuse programme
· Mental health services
“Our clinics also maintain a schedule for regular school outreach visits, where health promotion and screening services are provided In response to a recent
Patrons can also look forward to some live music performances from Cape Town’s top local artists
KEANAN HARMSE
Giving p
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In a year marked by natural disasters and economic strain U-turn, a leading non-profit organisation (NPO) that focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegration of people experiencing homelessness, continued to make profound strides in restoring dignity to those on the margins of society.
According to its 2024-’25 annual report, U-turn served 2 636 individuals across its various programmes, provided 73 846 meals and offered 13 340 emergency safe-space night beds along with 15 825 transitional housing night beds
This holistic support network is anchored in their multi-step process that includes change readiness, rehab support, work readiness and eventual independent reintegration
Despite facing a 52% decline in government funding and a 16% drop in contributions from trusts and foundations U-turn managed to grow its operating income by 5%, thanks in part to a remarkable 119% increase in other private and public donations
Self-generated income made up 45% of its financial inflow, while 55% came from donations
This balance allowed the organisation to invest R4,8 million in stipends for programme participants, referred to as “champs”, who together clocked an impressive 237 832 hours of paid work experience
The organisation responded to Cape Town’s devastating winter floods by doubling shelter capacity through partnerships with Christ Church Kenilworth and the Church of the Holy Spirit
This emergency response housed 70 individuals in Claremont and 27 more at Christ Church, showcasing U-turn’s ability to rapidly mobilise in times of crisis
Jean-Ray Knighton-Fitt, CEO of U-turn, described the organisation’s progress as “driven by the impact of our programmes, which restore dignity and reintegrate individuals as productive members of society Our work is not just about shelter; it’s about dignity, purpose and transformation ”
Stories of personal transformation lie at the heart of the report, none more striking than that of Elecia Rix, a single mother once forced to sleep under staircases and in drug dens Rix joined U-turn’s programme after being referred by a soup kitchen
She embraced the rehabilitation and life-skills training offered and, after graduating in 2019, rose through the ranks within the organisation Today she is the programme administrator of U-turn’s Cape Town CBD operations “With the right support lives can be transformed and hope can be restored,” said Rix
Among the 260 people who participated in the work readiness programme this past year, 49 graduated sober, employed and housed, marking a 158% increase from the previous year
These “champs” are not only building new futures for themselves but also reshaping public perceptions of homelessness through events such as the “Night on the Streets” campaign, hosted in partnership with BMW Constantia, which raised more than R800 000 and challenged participants to spend a night outside to understand homelessness better U-turn also expanded its national footprint, opening new service centres in Strand and Cape Town’s CBD in collaboration with The Hope Exchange as well as launching new charity shops in Gauteng
The November launch of The Table Café, a social enterprise offering job training in a real-world setting, exemplified the creative partnerships U-turn was cultivating to provide employment opportunities for formerly homeless individuals
Recognition of its work extended globally, as U-turn was named a finalist in the 2024 ORG Impact Awards in the Hunger & Poverty category
The organisation also hosted its third annual Homelessness Symposium in Cape Town and a debut event in Johannesburg, platforms that brought sector leaders such as MES and Streetscapes together to discuss collaborative strategies
Alistair Philander, chair of U-turn’s board, said the organisation’s work is evidence that transformation is possible “We are reshaping the narrative of homelessness through consistency, collaboration and compassion ” Even with the backdrop of rising expenses,
Healing begins when men talk
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Mfundo Totana is a 47-year-old father of two boys. Like many men in the city, he carries an invisible weight, one not often spoken about: the silent struggle with his mental health.
“I don’t always feel okay,” Totana admits, his voice steady but sincere “But I’ve learned it’s better to say that out loud than to pretend everything is fine ” June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the silence and encourage open conversations around emotional well-being
In a society that often tells men to be strong, to “ man up ” , or to hold it in, this month’s message is simple but powerful: “it’s okay not to be okay”
For Totana, the struggle isn’t new He has faced long spells of unemployment and the crushing pressure of trying to provide for his family while feeling emotionally drained “People say, ‘Just get a job,’ but they don’t see how hard it is when your mind won’t settle When the stress just piles up, ” he says
Like many others, he admits to bottling things up “Sometimes I stay quiet because I don’t want to be seen as weak But that silence hurts more than anything ”
This silent suffering is widespread According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), men are significantly less likely to seek help due to cultural stigma and expectations “Men make up nearly 80% of suicide deaths in South Africa They’re taught from a young age to hide their emotions and that’s costing lives ”
Mental health professional Yolanda Mhlakela, the 2024 Employee Assistance Practitioner (EAP) Practitioner of the Year, agrees “We need to create safe spaces where men can express themselves without fear or shame,” she
Raisingacyber-smart youngergeneration
South Africa’s youth are fluent in the language of digital, but that fluency can become a dangerous false sense of security Every day, cybercriminals are exploiting the behaviours and habits of young people to steal money, data, dignity, and opportunities
As the country commemorates Youth Month, cybersecurity company Fortinet wants to equip the next generation to be able to protect themselves – and everyone else – from online threats
Why young South Africans are at risk?
Mobile-first Hustle-driven Social-attached
These are the terms that define how South Africa’s youth live, work and interact With most young South Africans relying on smartphones for everything from studying and banking to job-hunting and monetising social media, their attack surface is wider than they think
Doros Hadjizenonos, regional director for Fortinet South Africa, says youths are incredibly digitally savvy, but often also underprepared when it comes to security
“We’re seeing a pattern where the same tools that connect them to opportunity also expose them to cybercriminals Such massive mobile-dependence can make their approach to digital activity more relaxed than it might be on PC’s ”
Common cyber threats targeting youth:
. Scam giveaways and fake scholarships
Popular on Instagram, X, and TikTok, these entice users to “win” or “apply” by sharing sensitive personal or banking info or subtly harvesting seemingly innocuous info that can help bypass login security questions
. Job recruitment fraud
Fake recruiters target graduates with high hopes, requesting “admin fees” for fake interviews or using identity documents for future fraud
. Mobile wallet fraud
SIM swap attacks and fake payment confirmations result in instant financial losses, often
without recovery
What can we do to protect South Africa’s digital generation?
For youths themselves: Build your digital defences
. Use unique passwords for every app and enable two-factor authentication – it doesn’t matter that it’s boring; it’s essential
. Only download apps from official stores –and check reviews first
. Lock down your privacy settings on social media Don’t overshare
Don’t connect with people you don’t know without checking if they are real beforehand and not suspicious
For parents: Don’t just monitor, guide
. Start open conversations early Let kids know they can come to you about online issues, without being talked down to
. Set up parental controls with transparency – explain how and why they’re there
. Teach critical thinking: Not every DM or link is what it seems
For employers: Secure your youngest hires
. Assume BYOD risks are extensive – implement policies and protections accordingly
. Include cybersecurity training during onboarding for interns and junior staff – don’t just mandate secure practices top-down without fostering understanding first
. Don’t underestimate social engineering: Your new employees may, in fact, be more vulnerable than senior ones
Collective responsibility, shared resilience
Hadjizenonos says: “We cannot expect our young people to fend off cybercriminals alone
If we want to build a future-ready workforce and society, we need to embed cybersecurity thinking into our homes, schools and entry-level jobs ” He says by empowering South African youth to defend themselves online, they’re not just protecting individuals – but protecting families, communities, and the future of our economy
Sakh’indoda men join hands as a sign of unity PHOTO SUPPLIED
Sakh’indoda organisation in Hout Bay gather and have monthly group sessions togive men a place to be heard PHOTO SUPPL ED
NPOtacklesyouthunemployment
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMED A CO ZA
With the curtain coming down on Youth Day yesterday (16 June) youth unemployment remains a crisis in the country However, a local youth-based organisation is on a mission to address this by providing young people with skills to prepare them for the work environment.
Initiated in the Western Cape, YearBeyond is a national programme that provides unemployed youth between 18 and 25 years with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while encouraging a culture of community service
YearBeyond is a Youth Service partnership between national government, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Wayde Groep, manager: Knowledge Management, Communications and Training at YearBeyond, said the organisation operates as a social
franchise with over 50 partners, most of them NGOs, who provide the mentorship and support in communities for the youth, leveraging the YearBeyond Programme resources and curriculum
Groep says the biggest challenge young people face is unemployment, limited access to education and networks, as well as the lack of guidance and support
“YearBeyond tackles these challenges by offering youth a year of meaningful work experience, paired with personal and professional development, mentorship, and pathway support for when they graduate from the programme
“Through this, young people gain valuable experience, build critical skills, and access opportunities that set them up for further study, work, or entrepreneurship ”
Groep says participants receive a curated training programme focused on building their professionalism, emotional intelligence and agency
“They also receive pathway support to identify possible career options, compile a winning CV, prepare for
an interview and pitch themselves to recruiters
“This journey is supported by a mentor whom the youth see weekly 70% plus of our alumni each year remain active in the economy as students, workers and entrepreneurs,” says Groep
He explains that young people are trained to deliver a pre-designed programme, to track their work and are supported with observation visits, feedback and access to online learning materials to supplement the face-to-face training
“Youth can also request help with our well-being eco-system, which includes access to trauma support, counselling, social workers, and other wellness professionals ”
Groep adds that the organisation is constantly adapting to the economic or social conditions affecting the youth “Each year the programme adapts to be responsive to the context – for example, we have a focus on entrepreneurship given the economic climate and identity and inclusion issues as many young people grapple with this ”
Youngpeoplespeakout...
On the cusp of Youth Day, celebrated yesterday, People’s Post talked to some of the young people about their thoughts about South Africa
Riyaan Manan says: Being part of the youth of SA is amazing Being surrounded by so many cultures and such a wide variety of awesome people our country truly is such a wonderful place for oiuryour youth
Esethu Zawukana says: Being a youth in South Africa means being the voice of change We are living in a country with so many opportunities, but also many challenges It’s up to us to speak out, stay informed and push for better education, mental health support and job creation Yes, Youth Month reminds me of the sacrifices made in 1976, but now it’s our turn to lead
John Bulani says: For me, being young in South Africa is about
reclaiming power We are not just future leaders, but leaders now Youth Month isn’t just history; it’s a reminder that we can still fight injustice, whether it’s gender-based violence, inequality or corruption It’s a call to action
Dante Perucatti believes being a youth in South Africa means living in a country full of contrasts: As a young person I see the struggles around me, people fighting to make ends meet and some giving up on their dreams because they don’t see a way forward But I believe that even with the hardships there’s always something worth reaching for And then there’s the view, the one I see every day, whether it’s the sunrise on the mountains, the city lights at night or just kids playing in the street That view reminds me to keep moving forward
Rohan Jhilmeet says: As a young
person in South Africa I feel uncertain and frustrated
The job market seems unfair, with qualifications not guaranteeing opportunities, while connections often pave the way for success Safety concerns also weigh heavily on my mind
Simamkele Sono says: Emerging adulthood can be thrilling, characterised by independence, a career, romance and idea exploration Even though it’s exciting and full of possibilities this stage can lead to anxiety, instability and a sense of not quite belonging
Overall emerging adulthood can feel like a mix of emotions and anxiety
It’s a time of great opportunity for personal growth and exploration, but also a period of navigating the complexities of adulthood with a sense of uncertainty and instability The truth is that we are a sad generation smiling online and dying offline
He explains that businesses can get involved as follows:
. Create opportunities for youth to work in their organisations and partner with YearBeyond for a pipeline of talent
. Create opportunities for job shadowing to expose youth to the careers in their industry
. Support youth to prepare for the market by volunteering time to do mock interviews
. Sign up for one of our Opportunity Expos
. Sponsor YearBeyond via the umbrella NGO YeBo Institute
Cadetsreadyto hitthestreets
Hundreds of metro police cadets are putting their best foot forward to tackle crime as they near the end of an 18-month training programme focussed on growing municipal policing resources
Under the “Project 1 000” skills development programme, the cadets have undergone months of gruelling training to equip them with the necessary skills needed to address crime-related concerns
The initiative offers youth the opportunity of an intense 18 month full-time learnership which includes extensive physical training, training on legislation, theory and practical training, among others
The campaign builds on the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) programme, which has already deployed 1 300 new boots on the ground in crime hotspots via a partnership between the City and Western Cape Government
The training commenced in December 2023 and followed an extensive recruitment process
The cadets have now qualified as fully trained metro police and traffic officers after completing a combined total of 35 modules
Dean of the Public Safety College, Deputy Chief Bradley Lakay, says the gruelling physical training completed each day forms an integral part of developing a competent police force fit for the purpose
“Each day the cadets undergo extensive physical training to prepare them for the field They attend the college for eight hours a day and each day they are required to run 2,4km, complete 40 push-ups in under a minute, complete 20-metre sprints known as shuttle runs, complete 40 sit-ups in just one minute and climb a two-metre high wall The training is intensive but is aimed at providing the residents with the best our service has to offer ” The college boasts a main campus in Observatory and six satellite campuses across Cape Town
“This is the biggest intake we have ever seen at the training college and we are excited about the deployment of the cadets later this year This initiative is a new start for the Safety and Security Directorate as this group has received the best training we have to offer The training is comprehensive and we also place a significant focus on ethics training as we aim to build a competent, well-trained and ethical metro police force
“This deployment will see the newly trained cadets being deployed as dedicated ward officers, facility protection officers and a dedicated escort unit I have been on patrol with some of the cadets and I am very impressed with their willingness to learn and their eagerness to serve the residents of Cape Town,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith
Dante Perucatti
Simamkele Sono
Rohan Jhilmeet
Riyaan Manan Esethu Zawukana
John Bulani
Participants receive a curated training programme focused on professionalism
Cadets go through their paces PHOTO: SUPPLIED
