Top performer at Blisters
Participants taking part in this year’s Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk will not only be doing it for a worthy cause, but they can also look forward to exciting post-walk live performances.
The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is thrilled to announce that acclaimed entertainer Mujahid George will light up the stage at this year ’ s event taking place on Sunday 31 August, at the Green Point Common Sports Ground
This well-loved annual fundraising event, now in its 57th year, continues to inspire thousands of Capetonians to walk for a purpose, raising funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province
Starting on Stephan Way in Green Point, participants can choose between a 10 km walk (starting at 07:30) and a 5 km walk (starting at 08:00) along the scenic Sea Point Promenade
George, who has shared the stage with the likes of Celine Dion, Tevin Campbell, George Benson and All-4-One, is a prolific performer and producer known for using his
and complimentary refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Peninsula
All walkers will also receive a commemorative medal for their
“Blisters for Bread is more than just an event – it’s a heartfelt movement,” said Petrina Pakoe,
“Every rand raised and every kilometre walked helps us ensure no child has to learn on an empty
“We invite everyone – young
line entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to Registration closes at mid-
To register or learn more visit
b g g y
Beyond the entertainment, the event will feature delicious food stalls, family-friendly activities,
p g . For enquiries,contact Top Events at info@topevents co za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210.
Donateandhelpneedypetsandowners
As icy winds and heavy rains sweep through Cape Town, pets are also feeling the full force of winter
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive - a simple and heartwarming way to help township animals stay warm and well cared for
“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at the clinic “With this campaign, you can directly support a pet in need by packing a box of essentials to help them through the cold season ”
The clinic sees a surge in patients every winter From hypothermia cases to injuries caused by reckless driving in wet weather, the challenges increase as the temperatures drop
“Most township pets live outdoors While many have kennels,
there are still too many without adequate shelter Keeping them warm is crucial to their health and survival,” explains du Plessis Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining
“We’ve seen a growing number of Khayelitsha residents actively caring for their pets - buying kennels, leads, collars and better food,” says Du Plessis “Our clinic and shelter is bursting at the seams, which shows how much more people are prioritising their animals’ well-being It’s a testament to the impact of our education efforts ”
To take part in the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, pack a box full of essentials and drop it off at one of the allocated drop spots listed on https://mdzananda co za/ make-a-donation/
Goods to pack in the box include Hills A/D tinned food (for recovering pets), Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies), food, blankets, hot water bottles, cat litter, automatic washing powder
Urgentinterventionrequiredforouryouth
In a country with sluggish economic growth, more and more people remain outside the labour market
This will only get worse if urgent steps are not taken to curb this ticking time bomb
This is particularly painful when one looks at the country's youth South Africa simply does not have enough jobs for everyone In addition, annually we produce graduates who cannot get jobs
Youth unemployment currently stands at over 40% and it surged to 46,1% in the first quarter of this year These figures will continue to grow as long as our economy remains stagnant
What is extremely worrying, is the failure by our political princi-
pals to decisively act in this regard without making noise Every politician in this country knows unemployment is our biggest challenge and threatens the very freedom many before us fought so hard for us to achieve
A drive or walk through our communities gives a clear indication of the severity of this challenge
On a weekday, when everyone should be at work, thousands of young people roam the streets without hope
Yet, we continuously hear politicians making false promises about the need to eradicate this problem
The fact is we can never eradicate unemployment but with the right people and economically viable policies, the country can make a massive dent toward these figures
We need solutions and we need them now Whoever has an answer to our challenge must come together under one roof to discuss a plan
of action that will ultimately free our youth
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced the establishment of a National Dialogue This will bring together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, women, youth and other community voices to talk about some of the deep-rotted societal challenges
Could this be an answer to the unemployment problem? Only time will tell However, the projected cost of this exercise is a big concern
In my view, young people do not need the national dialogue They require skills to make them compatible in the labour market or to start their own businesses
When they start their businesses more opportunities will become available The projected R700million for the dialogue could be used to fund start-ups for some of
our youth under the guidance of some of the country's top financial brains Many young people are thriving by embarking on this path
The majority did so without any form of guidance but based on the knowledge they acquired at certain tertiary institutions or just based on wisdom and grace
Constructive solutions are needed to address unemployment, especially among young people This money can be invested in some of our youth with a passion for business
Aspiring business owners should be invited to apply for funding for start-ups This must be followed by a rigorous nation-wide process, spearheaded by some of the country's top business people to screen and select individuals with business interest They must then be mentored to ensure their businesses thrive and create opportunities for a prospering economy
(for blanket washing), black bags (for cage cleaning), leads, collars and dog jackets . If you can’t pack a box but wish to sponsor one visit www mdzanan-
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive.
THULANI MAGAZI
Mujahid George will be the headline performer at this year’s Blisters for Bread.
Hospital staff feel helpless, tired
Acommentary piece in the South African Journal of Science by Prof Jacqueline Hoare of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has ignited urgent national debate around the emotional toll of South Africa’s public healthcare crisis and the leadership response it demands
Hoare, head of the Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT, argues that “emotional leadership” is no longer optional but a critical tool to support healthcare workers facing burnout, moral distress and deteriorating working conditions amid national budget cuts “Emotional leadership is not a luxury It is a
“EMOTIONAL LEADERSHIP IS NOT A LUXURY.IT IS A NECESSITY.”
reduced bullying, stronger team performance and better outcomes for patients It also helps to restore joy and meaning in medicine, particularly among students and young professionals entering the field during a time of deep uncertainty
Hoare urges institutions to formally recognise emotional labour as a leadership skill, to integrate emotional intelligence into medical
training, and to create psychologically safe environments where speaking up and seeking help is encouraged
“We can’t keep relying on a few heroic individuals while the system erodes beneath them,” she writes “Caring for the carers must be a core institutional value ”
She concludes with a call to leaders in health and academia to embrace emotional leadership not merely as a soft skill, but as an ethical and strategic priority
“Making medicine about people, both patients and providers, begins with how we lead,” Hoare writes “It starts with one conversation, one colleague, and one moment of empathy at a time ”
Healthcare workers are under severe strain due to
Youngreporter winsglobalprize
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Apowerful environmental article by 13-year-old Alexandra de Roo from Pinelands High School has won first prize in the international Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition, a global youth journalism programme spanning more than 30 countries.
YRE is a global programme that challenges youth to engage with environmental issues in their communities through investigative journalism and storytelling
Participants choose topics relevant to their environment, research them in depth, and produce reports in the form of articles, photos or videos
The programme helps build critical thinking, research, media and communication skills, while fostering global citizenship and sustainable thinking
De Roo’s winning piece, “The regrowth after a fire on Rondebosch Common”, explores the devastating impact of climate change and alien invasive species on Cape Town’s urban ecosystems, while celebrating community-led restoration efforts after local fires
The article was praised for its insight and relevance, as well as its strong environmental message
“Allowing indigenous species to thrive on Rondebosch Common helps the ecosystem to grow and make it a beautiful space for all organisms to flourish, including humans,” Alexandra wrote, describing how residents step in to replant endemic species and remove invasive ones after seasonal wildfires
The Young Reporters for the Environment programme, coordinated in South Africa by the
Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), empowers youth aged 11 to 25 to investigate environmental issues and report on them using journalistic methods
The initiative forms part of the Foundation for Environmental Education’s global network, with the goal of fostering environmental stewardship and media literacy in young people
Since its local launch in 2018, the YRE programme has supported hundreds of learners in using photography, video and writing to raise awareness and spark action around pressing environmental concerns
Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of Wessa and founder of YRE South Africa, celebrated De Roo’s award as a watershed moment for youth environmental journalism on the continent
“I had tears in my eyes knowing that a dream of mine has come true and that we can showcase African youth doing great environmental work,” Cloete said “Since 2018, I’ve dreamed about a Wessa Young Reporter getting first prize in the international YRE competition That day is here ”
She credited the ongoing work of Wessa’s Education and Sustainability team, including Kelly Grace Alcock, for nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious storytellers
De Roo’s success not only puts South Africa on the global map for youth environmental advocacy , it also highlights the importance of empowering young voices to report on local climate realities
Children’slivestransformed
NAMHLAMONAKALI
In a heartwarming demonstration of what community collaboration can achieve, the Lions Club of Tokai, in partnership with Vision Works Optometrists, has been changing the lives, and vision, of learners at Westlake Primary School since March last year
Through the Lions BrightSight initiative 70 learners have already received professional eye tests, with 65 of them fitted with much-needed spectacles, all at no cost to the school or parents The remaining five were treated with eye drops
This life-changing programme is more than just an act of charity It’s an ongoing commitment to the Lions International core pillar of Vision, a global drive to fight preventable blindness and improve access to eye care
“This partnership is doing far more than just improving eyesight,” said Tracey Petersen-Brown, principal of Westlake Primary School “It is restoring confidence, transforming learning experiences and changing lives With clearer vision our learners can read more easily, engage more confidently in class, and feel a renewed sense of pride and possibility ”
Every week, after school, small groups of learners are transported to Vision Works, where they undergo thorough eye testing, many for the first time in their lives Lions Club volunteers handle appointment scheduling and transport, while Vision Works staff provide care with professionalism and compassion Mark Roussouw, a long-time advocate for child development in the Western Cape, praised the initiative:
“When learners can’t see clearly, they often fall behind, not through lack of effort, but lack of access The Tokai Lions and Vision Works are not just giving spectacles; they’re giving these children a fighting chance at success ” Lions BrightSight, launched in 1978, supports communities across South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini
Using both new and pre-owned frames in excellent condition, each pair of spectacles is custom-fitted with new prescription lenses
As the Tokai Lions Club eyes five more placements by the end of the year, this project stands as a testament to the power of local partnerships in delivering a global impact
Lions Club of Tokai, in partnership with Vision Works Optometrists, has been changing the lives and vision of learners PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Alexandra de Roo
Donation brings joy to residents
AVRILFILLIES
Approximately 450 residents from areas such as Ottery, Parkwood, Philippi, Wetton, Freedom Park informal settlement and Strandfontein benefitted from the Chinatown Winter Outreach Programme on Saturday 14 June
This venture was done in partnership with Keith Blake, a retired police officer from Ottery and former operational commander at Table Bay Harbour, Shuwing Lieu, CEO of Chinatowns and the Tzu Chi Foundation “Over the past ten years, I received requests from Lieu to nominate disadvantaged communities to receive winter parcels as that they are handing out food parcels every year The inclement weather we have experienced over the past month forced me to ask Lieu to move the winter outreach forward by a month I spoke to residents in the informal settlement and they said they are freezing from the wet and cold and chopped up all the trees in Woodlands Road in Ottery for firewood to keep warm, ” Blake says “I phoned Lieu, my friend since 1982, and relayed the messages from the residents and after discussing this with his managers he said the winter programme will be on Saturday June 14 at the Ottery branch Tina and I were summoned to his office on Friday 13 June for a meeting and reaffirmed that each person nominated by me will receive a 25-litre bucket filled with some groceries, a blanket and 10kg rice donated by the Tzu Chi Foundation to life With
orts to end extortion
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Establishing ways to fight the scourge of extortion, which is fast becoming the new currency of control, crippling communities through fear and financial ruin, topped the agenda at a Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit held recently
Convened by the Western Cape Government the summit, held in Century City on Tuesday 17 June, aimed to assess the impact of extortion on the province’s economy as well as identify gaps in how law-enforcement authorities are addressing it
Stakeholders attending the discussion included officials from several provincial government departments, the City of Cape Town, South African Police Service (Saps), representatives of the business community and civil society
In a press statement Premier Alan Winde highlighted that late last year about R400 million in infrastructure projects in the province were halted due to extortion
“This is intolerable,” he declared “We must recommit to working closer together to hit back at these criminals One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the police in our province – with crime intelligence significantly bolstered - and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ”
Winde said in recent years extortion has evolved from isolated incidents into an organised systemic pattern of criminality
THE DELIBERATIONS
AT THE SUMMIT WILL FEED DIRECTLY INTO STRATEGIES TO COMBAT EXTORTION.
He added that construction sites were among the main targets of “ extortion mafias” with the public-transport sector and hospitality industry also under attack
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, said extortion posed a direct threat to livelihoods, small
businesses, infrastructure development and public services
“It undermines the rule of law, instils fear in communities and leaves many of our residents despondent When gangs and syndicates impose ‘protection fees’ on residents, business owners and contractors they are not just stealing money but opportunities that hamper our collective job-creation efforts ”
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger collaborative approach, integrating law enforcement, community organisations and businesses to dismantle extortion networks
Marais said provincial government remained steadfast in its commitment to eradicate extortion
“The valuable contributions made during the summit will feed directly into our collective strategic interventions to follow ”
Col André Traut, provincial commander, said to ensure a focused and coordinated response to extortion police have established two key enforcement units These include a provincial extortion task team, comprising provincial detectives specialising in investigating extortion-related crimes
“This unit’s primary role is to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance and build strong cases for prosecution, and they are hard at work with their task ”
The second unit is an Integrated Extortion Team: Comprising police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other key role-players
“This team meets to devise strategic interventions, share intelligence and
execute joint operations to tackle criminal syndicates,” explained Traut
He added that to secure convictions police have boosted their collaboration with the NPA, which led to the Director of Public Prosecutions assigning a dedicated State Advocate to provide police with legal guidance during investigations
According to Traut, police have bolstered visibility in crime hotspots, such as business districts, transportation hubs and schools Traut said in the 2024-’25 financial year 115 suspects involved in extortion were arrested “Continued investigations are expected to lead to further arrests that will result in a dent in organised crime ”
He added that some schools in hotspot areas have also been targeted by extortionists and several safety measures have been put in place These include police escorts for learners
“Particularly in areas where criminal elements have attempted to extort protection money Community policing initiatives to involve parents, teachers, and local law enforcement in ensuring school safety ”
Traut reiterated that public cooperation is crucial in the fight against extortion and encouraged the community to get involved
He said through robust law enforcement, legal action, and community collaboration, the province is actively working to dismantle extortion networks and restore public confidence in security and justice
. If you have any information about extortion,report it anonymously via the toll-free hotline: 0800 31 44 44
Man nabbed with drugs
A 28-year old man was arrested for dealing in drugs after police searched premises in Grasryk Court, Ottery on Monday 16 June
The result of Operation Shanela, an ongoing multi-pronged approach to fighting crime nationally, whether through conducting blitzes or roadblocks collaboratively, and which was underway, officers had followed-up on information about drugs on the premises They confiscated 99 Mandrax tablets, 111 plastic packets containing crystal meth, four packets of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash, probable proceeds of crime
The man was set to appear in Wynberg court once he had been charged
Police confiscated 99 Mandrax tablets, 111 plastic packets containing crystal meth, four packets of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash after searching a flat in Grasryk Court, Ottery on Monday 16 June. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Western Cape Government the summit held in Century City on Tuesday 17 June.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Bridget eats another truck again
KEANANHARMSE
The City of Cape Town says it is considering implementing changes to Muizenberg’s railway bridge, popularly known as the truck-eating bridge, to curb the number of trucks sustaining damages after failing to heed the signs
This follows a recent incident on Tuesday 17 June when the infamous railway bridge dubbed “Bridget” claimed another victim The delivery truck sustained significant damage after the driver allegedly failed to heed the 2,5 metre height warning sign
The City says it has exhausted its current options when it comes to alleviating the number of over-height vehicles sustaining damages when trying to cross Bridget on Atlantic Road
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, says: “Our strategies included: the implementation of various signage and other safety measures on all approaches to the bridge to alert drivers to the height restriction and guide them toward alternative routes via Albertyn Road, which can safely accommodate overheight vehicles safely over the railway line As well as technology-based warning systems which have been installed on both sides of the bridge to further assist in alerting drivers of the approaching height restriction ”
People’s Post spoke with Muizenberg resident Kevin Rack, who says he lives close to the bridge with a window that faces directly towards it
“One day I saw a truck driver reverse a double articulated truck down Atlantic Road after breaking just before the bridge It takes great
truck down such a narrow road I interviewed 95 drivers who either hit or nearly missed the bridge causing traffic congestion
“This section is very poor urban design, it is counter intuitive as well as hard for trucks to turn right down Vlei and Albertyn roads than to go left to the waiting jaws of Bridgette
The drivers have a lot of pressure with their GPS nagging them to go
More recently, he has noted a reduction in truck collisions near Bridget through the safety awareness campaigns done by the community and the City but feels more could be done to avoid more accidents and traffic congestion
“There has been a drastic reduction in the number of trucks hitting the bridge There are times where there were four hits in a week The Facebook group has been phenomenal in raising the awareness of the problem embarrassing the City into action The City engineers were brilliant, it did take a lot of coming back and forth and back again, to reduce the number of strikes with height sensors, signage and flashing lights
The problem then was the traffic congestion in getting the stopped truck around, however after a radio interview we asked Google to adjust their maps, ” he said
Quintas added the Urban Mobility Directorate has commissioned a report to investigate introducing an overhead gong and plan how this would work operationally
The results of this study will be
THERE HAS BEEN A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF TRUCKS HITTING THE BRIDGE
available in the coming weeks
“Further, as part of the current congestion alleviation project in Muizenberg, the technical team investigated the feasibility of eliminating the Albertyn Road rail level crossing by means of a grade separated structure (Henley Overpass) The outcome of the study revealed that the overpass was geometrically achievable The overpass was not continued through to preliminary design and the associated statutory approvals (environmental and heritage), but it was recommended that a new project be commissioned to explore the options of eliminating the Albertyn Road rail level crossing This Level Crossing Elimination (LCE) project should, at least, include raising the rail bridge/
lowering Atlantic Road and the Henley Overpass as options to provide safe overhead clearance for heavy vehicles,” he said
All of the above-mentioned options remain at a very early stage and once a final decision is made, the implementation will be subject to budget availability
“Incidents at this location typically involve drivers who are either unaware of their vehicle’s height or disregard the clearly marked signage Professional drivers, in particular, have a responsibility to know the dimensions of their vehicles and to operate them safely to avoid collisions that cause significant delays and disruptions for other road users, ” Quintas said Zinobulali Mihi, Prasa spokesperson, said the bridge is “in accordance with the correct structural specifications for bridges
“The road is also marked with the correct signage, including the one on the bridge PRASA Western Cape advises motorists to take the necessary precautions whilst using the bridge and to adhere to the road signage ”
he said
A truck sustained significant damage to its cargo area after failing to heed the 2,5 metre height warning on the affectionately named “Bridget” railway bridge in Muizenberg on Tuesday 17 June. PHOTOS: BYRON LOCKER
An aerial view highlighting Albertyn Road which the City is considering as a guide to steer trucks towards alternative routes
Help St Joseph’s reach their goal
Cannons Creek learners reach out
NAMHLAMO
On Friday 13 June
filled the air at Pi elderly residents pected but deeply-app Day surprise from the Independent Primary team In a touching ac care they spent the da the visit preparing han appreciation, thought the intention of honou who often go unnotice drawn cards to person item reflected the chil and heartfelt effort
“It was important to us t understood the value of g to the older generation wh us, ” said Deidre McCrindl coordinators at Cannons C tive wasn’t just about Fath respect, gratitude and hum Residents at Pinelands P are seldom visited, were v gesture What began as a into a morning of heartfel laughter and even a few te
“I didn’t expect anything said one elderly gentlema clutching his handmade c my whole month, thank y children ”
The school has been com learners the importance o and this project is one of m its growing outreach portf
The Father’s Day initiati smiles to the faces of Pine dents, but also gave the yo
Young musicians shine at Artscape
Artscape’s Youth Jazz Series reached a spectacular high point with the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert on Friday 13 June at the Artscape Theatre, featuring 14 outstanding young musicians aged 15 to 23
The concert showcased eight original compositions, the result of a month-long mentorship programme that empowers young jazz artists and honours the legacy of the 1976 youth uprising
The initiative, which began in 2003, is one of Artscape’s flagship programmes and has grown into a vital platform for emerging musicians from diverse backgrounds
This year ’ s concert marked a significant tribute to both the youth of 1976 and the memory of struggle photographer Rashid Lombard and renowned jazz guitarist Alvin Dyers, both of whom were instrumental in shaping South Africa’s jazz and cultural landscape “Youth Day is more than just a slogan for us at Artscape and our partners,” said Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape “We work all year to ensure young people are mentored, seen, and supported , not just for performance but for personal and community transformation ”
From 30 entries, 14 soloists were chosen by a panel of top South African jazz mentors, including Prof Amanda Tiffin, Brathew van Schalkwyk , Chadleigh Gowar, Damian Kamineth, Marc de Kock, Bradley Prince, and Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis These mentors guided the soloists through composition, collaborative songwriting, and jazz repertoire workshops leading up to the concert The soloists included vocalists, guitarists, bass guitarists, drummers, tenor saxophonist, trombonist and trumpeter
Under the leadership of Prof Tiffin, head of Jazz Studies at UCT and AYJ director since 2017, the young musicians delivered a moving and technically impressive performance “The programme provides the participants with an insider’s experience of a professional production,” said Tiffin “It has become a launchpad
for many young artists who go on to become performers, recording artists, and educators ”
The soloists performed work from iconic South African jazz artists such as Sibongile Khumalo, Alvin Dyers, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva and Chadleigh Gowar The concert highlighted the depth of talent and professionalism nurtured within the
programme
Made possible through support from the Western Cape Education Department, the Artscape Youth Jazz Series is not only a developmental opportunity but also a powerful act of remembrance and resistance
“We owe it to the youth of 1976 who died for a cause, that we continue to open doors and
transfer relevant skills to today’s youth,” said Le Roux
In a show of collective effort, Artscape’s technical staff, publicists, and project managers also gave up their long weekend to ensure the success of the event, a gesture that echoes the commitment of the 1976 generation to a more equitable future
Onenightofoperamusic
Opera has often been blamed of gatekeeping, and not without reason For too long, the art form has suffered under the weight of its own perceived exclusivity
But that’s changing - not just globally, but right here in South Africa Institutions like Opera UCT are dismantling that myth by making opera accessible, relevant, and proudly rooted in the African experience
And performances like their upcoming concert staging of Il Trovatore taking place on Thursday 26 June at Cape Town City Hall show that opera doesn't need fancy costumes or sets to be powerful When the music is honest, the setting becomes secondary
There’s a reason opera has lasted over 400 years It speaks to something universal in us - a need to feel, to connect, to reckon with beauty and pain in a single breath And far from being the relic some imagine it to be, opera today is not only surviving - it’s quietly staging one of the most remarkable cultural comebacks of our time
Younger audiences across the globe are rediscovering opera - not because it’s trendy, but because it’s timeless It has something the world is desperately short on: emotional honesty
Though opera is often associated with chandeliers, gowns and imported European elitism, its roots are deeply populist The earliest operas, especially those of Verdi and Puccini, were the Netflix and Tele Novellas of their time - wildly emotional, thrilling, unapologetically dramatic
They were made for working people, sung in the street, staged in makeshift theatres, telling stories of injustice, love, war, betrayal and redemption
Opera was never designed to be a luxury It was always meant to be an experience - total immersion in voice, music, and human feeling
That remains true today
No algorithm can replicate the feeling of sitting in a room with a living, breathing voice trained to move your soul without a microphone
In a world of scrolling and skipping, opera forces you to pause, witness, and feel - deeply and without distraction
Seeing a South African singer like Nontobeko
Bhengu, just awarded a Fleur du Cap and soon heading to the Bavarian State Opera, perform on home soil is a cultural moment
Hearing Mkhanyiseli Dyantyi, bound for the National Opera Studio in London, bring Verdi’s Il Trovatore to life at Cape Town City Hall is not only powerful - it’s historic Opera is often in a foreign language But heartbreak is universal So is desire So is the sound of someone putting everything they have into a single note
To say that opera is “coming back” suggests it went somewhere But it’s always been herequietly waiting for us to listen again
In this age of curated perfection and attention fatigue, opera reminds us what it means to feelraw, unfiltered, and unashamed It asks us to sit still and be moved To be human
.Tickets for the one night only concert performance of Il Trovatore are on Webtickets and start at R175 per person
The Il Trovatore will take place on Thursday 26 June at Cape Town City Hall
Franco von Wielligh (saxophone), Zakhiel Davids (trumpet) Aviwe Macutwana (trombone) with vocalists Andrea Martinez, Caleb Meyer and Sarah Pengilly. PHOTO: IAN LANDSBERG
Bayviewgetsunderwaythisweek
AVRILFILLIES
The 64 teams competing in the 10th Bayview u-16 Youth Cup know exactly in which group and against who they are playing, after the draw on Monday 16 June at Mondale High School in Portland, Mitchells Plain.
The teams were divided into 16 groups of four teams each and most of the teams are from Cape Town besides Beaufort West and a team from Namibia
The guest speaker was Duncan Crowie, a retired striker of Santos and Bafana Bafana
When asked where the team fell short last year, he had the following to say
“Reaching the final is already a positive for the team Playing in a tournament of this magnitude is difficult and anything can happen
“The important thing is what we took away
as positives in last year ’ s tournament,’’ says Crowie
The tournament starts on Sunday 29 June and ends with the final on Saturday 16 August at Athlone Stadium
‘‘Our goal is the same as in any other tournament or game The goal is to play to the best of our ability, as individuals and as a collective and to improve on the previous game
“Tournaments for age groups are important for the players to test their strength against better opposition Tournaments like the Bayview Youth Cup gives us that opportunity It is an
important part of their development and to play against their peers under intense situations,” he says It is a known fact that Luke Baartman and Faiz Abrahams, now at Stellenbosch FC, started at the Youth Academy at Ikamva in Parow Crowie says there is always one player putting up his hand as the next big player at Spurs and this time there are so many around If you want to know who they are you ’ ll have to wait and see what the Bayview tournament brings to the fore
“If you look at the players in the squads of PSL teams you’ll see familiar faces/names of Ajax/ Cape Town Spurs donning other colours Our Academy produces more First team players than any other academy
“At Spurs we only have trials for the u-12 division In all other division the players need to be scouted or recommended We don’t have bad
players in our academy but their attitude will determine how long they stay at the academy,” he says
All the youth coaches at CT Spurs must have qualifications to coach in their specific age group
“We are encouraging them to attend more coaching courses on a regular basis to stay in touch with the modern trends of the game The game evolves all the time and we need to stay on top of it
“My message to all the teams who are competing, remember there will only be one winner All 64 teams can be winners if they go away from the tournament and improve on their shortcomings and reinforce their strengths as observed and experienced during the tournament But the most important thing is to enjoy the event and play to the best of your ability,” Crowie concludes
