Walk for a worthy cause
Are you ready to step up and say no to childhood hunger? Then the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk is just the thing for you
Amid high unemployment rate and alarming poverty in the country, the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) in association with Lucky Star is thrilled to announce the return of Blisters for Bread
PSFA is a 67-year-old registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that addresses hunger among young learners attending primary, secondary and special-needs schools, OVC Safe Parks, ECDs and TVET colleges in the Western Cape Now celebrating 57 years of walking with purpose, the Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk has grown into one of the Mother City’s most beloved fundraising events It raises vital funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province
This year ’ s event will be on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground Online entries are now open, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers
BLISTERS FOR BREAD IS A MOST BELOVED EVENT IN THE MOTHER CITY.
Flexible registration options are available for individuals and groups Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August
Every participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation Complimentary refreshments from Peninsula Beverages will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day
There will also be live music
performances from Cape Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grown-ups alike
Whether you ’ re walking with your school, workplace, friends or family, this event is the ultimate combo of purpose and play
Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, says Blisters for Bread is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt movement
“Every rand raised and every kilometre walked helps us ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach We invite everyone –young and old – to walk with pur-
pose and be part of this extraordinary cause ”
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
Starting in Stephan Way, the event offers two scenic route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade
The 10km walk starts at 07:30, while the 5km walk kicks of at 08:00 . To register, visit www psfa org za For enquiries, Top Events: info@topevents co za, or WhatsApp 066 139 4210
Drivetocollectmorethan1milsouppackets
With the winter cold and chilly days fast approaching vulnerable people will be most affected In light of this Pick n Pay Hypermarket is partnering with Feed the Nation to collect over 1 million packets of soup for vulnerable communities
The Soup for SA initiative, launched across all the retailer’s Hypermarkets nationwide, encourages customers to donate a packet of soup costing just R5
Seventy-five percent of the donated soup will be distributed to 2 675 Pick n Pay School Club-registered primary schools, while the remaining soup will be allocated to local civil-society organisations surrounding each Hypermarket
The schools run feeding schemes for learners who often rely on
these meals as their main source of nutrition
Customers can purchase any quantity of soup packets, swipe their Smart Shopper card and donate the packets at the designated vehicle trailer parked near the store entrance before Sunday 29 June As an incentive for customers 21 winners will be selected to win a trailer (one from each hypermarket)
Deirdre Mullins, National CSI Manager at Pick n Pay, said every contribution, no matter how small, can bring some relief through a warm, nourishing meal
“As winter sets in and temperatures drop more feeding schemes seek to prepare soup for those in need, placing increased strain on food supplies and heightening the
Pick n Pay Hypermarket is partnering with Feed the Nation in a drive to collect more than 1 million packets of soup for vulnerable communities
need for food support Feed the Nation has always stood alongside customers and partners to help meet this increased demand
“This year we ’ re rallying our customers, once again, to support us in providing essential nutrition to those who need it most ”
A JOURNO’S VOICE
“Senzeni na? What have we done?” This is a song I often find myself singing in the office, much to the amusement of my colleagues Here I am, a woman in South Africa today, writing this and find myself singing it yet again
But this time these lyrics hold so much pain and heartache I am singing this song on behalf of yet another woman who was murdered in our beloved country
According to police, Olorato Mongale left her home in Athol, Johannesburg on Sunday 25 May with a man she had planned to go out on a date with
“The man collected Olorato from her residential complex around 15:00,” read the police report “He drove the victim to the township
of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew afterwards, and between Alexandra and Lombardy West allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body ”
She was picked up from her home Just two hours later, she was dumped somewhere as if her life meant nothing Her only crime was trusting the person she got into the vehicle with
This incident, as horrific as it is, is not an isolated case
Olorato isn’t the first Her name unfortunately joins a long-bloodied list So many others have been killed, some raped, then killed and others burnt to death, all at the hands of someone they knew and trusted
Some went to school, some went to the post office, some never even left their homes, some were lured outside Some were asked out on a date Once-vibrant and -bubbling personalities have been silenced To the perpetrators of these hei-
nous crimes I ask, “Senzeni na?”
What have we (women) done?”
Why can’t we trust you? Why do we have to wear certain attire so we don’t look as if we want to be sexually assaulted? Why can’t we drive or walk the street alone not only at night, but at any time of the day?
Women for Change (WFC), an organisation advocating against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), says the rate of femicide in South Africa is six times higher than the global average At least 15 women are murdered daily, with 5 578 women murdered in 2023-’24, a 33,8% increase from the year before
As women we are being brutalised and our constitutional rights violated, yet not much is being done to mitigate this
Women brave enough to report such crimes committed towards them at police stations have, in many instances, been treated like
the perpetrator
Mounting calls for the names of sexual offenders and murderers to be released should be adhered to
Name and shame them It should be their names up on a flyer, not the face of a missing woman or child
To the thousands of women and girls who have brutally lost their lives I am sorry Sorry your lives were cut short by these callous monsters Sorry your school, home, the post office, the street, even the police station was not safe
Your voices have been silenced, but may your cries from six feet under echo through the corridors of the Union Buildings and Parliament I pray our political leaders refrain from making lengthy speeches about how they are making strides in the fight against GBV and femicide and do the work Until then my question remains: “Senzeni na?” What have we (women) done?”
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Blisters for Bread returns on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground
A cry fo
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In a society increasingly defined by its scars, the Children’s Hospital Trust has chosen to focus not only on the wounds we can see, but also the ones that remain buried deep within
As South Africa marks Child Protection Week 29 May – 5 June, the Trust is urging communities and institutions to pivot from mere reactive responses to a proactive commitment to safeguarding children’s rights
In the 22 months since the launch of the Child Protection Project at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital , 566 child protection cases have been reported, a figure that tells only part of the story Behind each statistic is a child, a family, a future hanging in the balance
“We are seeing just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr Fatima Khan, project coordinator of the Child Protection Improvement initiative “We don’t see the children who are fatally injured, or those grazed by a bullet, or who have seen a family member killed and must live with the psychological impact of that ” Khan’s words are a sobering reminder that some wounds aren’t visible on X-rays Children arrive at the hospital with physical injuries, but many are also bearing the weight of trauma, neglect, and emotional loss,stories that play out silently in the hallways of the province’s only dedicated paediatric hospital
“Treating the medical cases and healing the physical wounds is the easy part,” she adds “It’s all about what happens after that ” And what happens after is exactly what the Child Protection Project is designed to address The Trust, through donor-funded efforts, is equipping healthcare workers with the training and tools to spot signs of abuse and neglect early and respond comprehensively The aim? To
FROMPAGE1
The ceremony took place in a lively part of Newlands, home to boutique stores, coffee shops and walkways It’s a space shaped by the presence of trees, now threatened by age, disease, and invasive species like the PSHB
Finding the right location to plant new trees, Manuel explained, wasn’t as straightforward as it might seem
“One of our biggest challenges was identifying the right spots, balancing infrastructure, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability,” he said “But we ’ re committed The vision is to plant consistently and intentionally We’re not just replacing trees, we ’ re future-proofing our neighbourhoods ” Looking ahead, plans are in motion to expand the campaign, with 20 more trees expected to be planted in Rondebosch Park and more across Ward 59
“The old trees are dying and falling, we just need to keep planting,” Manuel added
As the battle against the PSHB continues, the City of Cape Town remains committed to protecting and restoring its urban trees, reinforcing the resilience of its neighbourhoods through both community and municipal action
Francine Higham, Mikhail Manuel and Eddie Andrews share a moment during the tree-planting ceremony PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A Bam aims to inspire young people
Styliststolearnfromworld’sbest
Four young women from Christel House, a non-profit school in Ottery, are taking part in the Intercoiffure Mondial Hamburg 25 World Congress in Germany
The four-day event kicked off on Saturday 31 May and concludes today (3 June) and involves some of the world's best cosmetologists The showcase was first founded in 1925 in Hamburg and is run in partnership with Intercoiffure Mondial’s Education for Life initiative It was introduced to Christel House SA in 2016 by Ezra Isaacs (Coiffure Ezra Hair and Beauty Salon) and Rolf Losken
Megan Losper, spokesperson for the school, said as part of the congress guests can network and learn different skills
“This marks the first international trip for these students,” she said, “and they are beyond excited and deeply grateful to Wella Professionals, Goldwell, Schwarzkopf, Intercoiffure Mondial and all the sponsors and supporters who have made this journey possible The students will also have the opportunity to tour Hamburg ” The group going abroad includes matric students Christaylior Booysen
(Mitchell’s Plain) and Chelsea Petersen (Lotus River) as well as alumni Amy-Lee Adams (Manenberg) and Marychan October (Strandfontein) Christel House South Africa is a no-fee, non-profit school based in Ottery and supports learners from disadvantaged communities, starting from Grade RR until age 18 and up to five years post-matric
Adams said hairdressing allowed her not only to improve someone ’ s outward appearance, but strengthen their confidence too
“This opportunity is the result of hard work, talent and incredible
support,” said Louise de Marillac St Julien, Career Development Manager at Christel House SA “Through our hairdressing programme the students have gained valuable practical and entrepreneurial skills that will help them thrive in their careers ” For Adams hairstyling goes beyond simply improving someone ’ s outward appearance
“As hairdressers we have the privilege of transforming not just someone ’ s hair but their confidence and outlook We are artists, creatives and entrepreneurs For me hairdressing is more than just creating beautiful
hairstyles; it’s about people It’s about making them feel good, look good and giving them an unforgettable experience ”
Adams recalled how her love affair with hairdressing started four years ago
“My journey began when I joined the Education for Life (EFL) programme Through hard work and dedication I became Hairdressing Captain, and that opportunity helped me realise my true passion
“Ezra Isaacs, someone I deeply admire, recognised my potential and talent Because of her belief in me she invited me to work at Coiffure Ezra, where I have been for the past three years ”
Chelsea started practising hairstyling at home “I started doing my family’s hair and soon realised it was my passion My journey started when I was in Grade 7 Two years ago, when we were chosen to present upstyles at the art studio in Cape Town, the audience was very shocked at the hairstyles we presented
“The president of the Education For Life association then walked up to the stage and personally invited us to the 100-year congress celebration in Hamburg ”
The team will present hairstyles that come from Africa and it’s called “Africanacity”
“Our stay is only for five five days,” Chelsea said, “but we will make the most of it I want to study hairdressing further and obtain a qualification, which will enable me to open my own salon one day ” October told People’s Post that doing upstyles unlocked her creativity and she also hoped to own her own salon one day
Four young women from Christel House, a non-profit school in Ottery, are taking part in the Intercoiffure Mondial Hamburg 25 World Congress in Germany The ladies representing Christel House are: Marychan October (Strandfontein), Chrystalior Booysen (Mitchells Plain), Chelsea Petersen (Lotus River) and Amy-Lee Adams (Manenberg)
Seal continues Cape tour
The popular roaming elephant seal was an astonishing sight for visitors when the sea mammal stopped by at Kalk Bay Harbour on Wednesday morning 28 May
Previously the adult male was also spotted wandering on Sir Lowry’s Pass Road in Gordon’s Bay on Tuesday 27 May
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA received a call at 06:00 that morning and their staff members arrived to assess the situation The timeframe to ensure that the seal was safely returned became a nine-hour rescue operation involving a well-coordinated effort across multiple agencies to ensure the sub-adult male’s safety and eventual return to a more suitable coastal environment
Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are the world’s largest seal species and are usually found in sub-Antarctic regions
"While sightings in South Africa are rare, occasional lone individuals, typically young males, do haul out along our coastline during moulting or rest phases But making it inland and into a neighbourhood is, by all accounts, highly unusual," the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said on their website
The seal was barricaded by vehicles at the corner of Avondrust Street and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, the City confirmed
Officials placed a wildlife trailer and attempted to "walk" the animal to the trailer, but after several attempts, it became clear that this was not going to work Two attending wildlife veterinarians successfully sedated the animal
Once given the go-ahead by the vets, the animal was carefully rolled onto a stretcher and with a combination of many hands and a well-coordinated effort the almost 1,2 ton animal was carefully and quickly loaded into the trailer without a hitch The animal's welfare was checked by the vets before travelling to the selected release site at the Steenbras Nature
Various services including: Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, SAPS, Gordon’s Bay Security and Gordon’s Bay Medical Ambulance Services, SPCA, City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management and Marine Unit, SANParks, Two Oceans Aquarium, Shark Spotters and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) stepped in to assist the seal
Reserve coastal area along Clarens Drive
“Wild animals don’t always follow the script, and this seal’s unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern, ” said Belinda Abraham, Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA “With so many moving parts traffic, onlookers, and a massive marine mammal in distress it took rapid coordination and clear focus to keep everyone safe," she said
Upon arrival at the release location, the animal was checked and found to be wide awake and alert The vets then gave the go ahead to open the trailer for release The elephant seal made his way out the trailer and onto the beach with no trouble, proceeded across the beach and swam off strongly into the sea We have just heard that the seal has made his way to the Kalk Bay Harbour and arrived on Wednesday
morning 28 May
"The City would like to thank all the role players who were involved with bringing the seal to safety yesterday The close collaboration between the City, SPCA and all the parties while dealing with the emergency management of this heavy weight seal ensured a smooth transition into the ocean at Kogel Bay Resort," said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews
"The City would like to give a special thanks to coastal management and biodiversity management staff, the Steenbras Nature Reserve and the Conservation Services Unit who played a huge role in the capturing and releasing of the animal The City’s law enforcement and traffic services officials also assisted enormously This operation would not have been possible without
The seal was transported to Koggel Bay and led back to the ocean on Wednesday
The Elephant seal that was spotted exploring Kalk Bay Harbour on Wednesday
Spaza up-charges anger residents
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Spaza shops have long been a vital part of communities, providing affordable and convenient access to everyday goods But recent reports from consumers reveal a troubling trend: many spaza shops are allegedly charging excessive card-payment surcharges, in some cases as high as R5 per item, a practice that is unlawful under South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
At the heart of this issue is Section 23 of the Act, which clearly states all prices must be displayed and honoured at checkout Importantly, it prohibits suppliers and merchants from charging any additional surcharges at the point of sale
Liaquat (Lee) Soobrathi, ombudsman for Consumer Goods and Services, emphasises: “As a supplier or merchant one is not allowed to charge a surcharge This is not allowed in South Africa ”
He urged consumers to report such violations, adding “the more complaints we receive the easier it is to identify a pattern Once trends emerge we investigate the practices behind
them ”
For many South Africans spaza shops are more than just shops; they are often family-run and deeply embedded in the local economy Yet the introduction of these unlawful fees has left many feeling exploited
A resident of Samora Machel voiced a common frustration: “It’s not about the R5 It’s the principle We’re already struggling to put food on the table, and now we ’ re being penalised just for using a card ”
To understand how spaza shops are regulated, People’s Post contacted the City of Cape Town’s Media Office Since November last year, the City has issued Certificates of Acceptability under health legislation to 1 269 spaza-shop premises Applicants must register via the City’s e-Services platform, with no fees involved, and certificates do not require renewal
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, explained: “The City of Cape Town is committed to ensuring public-health compliance, especially where food retail is concerned
“These certificates help ensure businesses, including informal spaza shops, meet minimum health standards Residents who have concerns
PAYMENT ABUSES DON’T SIT WELL WITH THE CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES OMBUDSMAN.
are encouraged to report them to their local Environmental Health Office ” However, when it comes to enforcing compliance on payment methods and pricing transparency the City clarifies that this responsibility does not fall within its mandate This leaves a regulatory gap that really frustrates many consumers
Soobrathi highlighted the importance of public participation “Consumers need to be aware of their rights and exercise them Reporting unlawful surcharges is key; that’s how we create accountability and protect vulnerable consumers ”
People who have been charged an unlawful card payment surcharge ,or suspect unfair practices in any spaza shop, are urged to complain to the National Consumer Commission or the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud via www
cgso org za
Community members across Cape Town have taken to social media and consumer platforms alleging they are being charged as much as R5 per item when paying with a debit or credit card These fees, they say, are often not disclosed beforehand and add up quickly for households already grappling with rising food prices and high unemployment
According to Soobrathi, these charges violate the CPA, and specifically Section 23, which governs product pricing and transparency
“Suppliers are required to display the price of goods clearly and charge the consumer that price Merchants are not allowed to impose surcharges on card payments It’s simply not permitted under South African law ” He urged consumers to report such practices to the National Consumer Commission (NCC)
“Every complaint counts The more people speak up the better the commission can identify national trends and take action against exploitative retailers ”
The NCC can be reached on 012 428 7000 Complaints should include the shop’s name, location, the amount charged and any proof of payment, if possible
‘Protecting children starts at home’
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
“The protection of children starts at home and in the community.” This is the view of Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, a non-profit organisation (NPO) working with abused women and vulnerable children in Steenberg
Evans spoke to People’s Post at the start of Child Protection Week which started on Thursday 29 May and concludes on Thursday 5 June
The week is commemorated annually to raise awareness on the rights of children with this year ’ s theme being “Working together in ending violence against children”
Evans says protecting children is everyone ’ s responsibility
“At home and in the communities is where the abuse happens and where it’s kept a secret We don’t deal with the uncle, brother or grandfather that has been molesting the children ”
Evans believes all forms of child abuse and neglect should be reported
“A first perpetrator is an angry parent who takes his or her anger out on the child We must keep the parents responsible that refuse to get any help for a child that’s bullying That child can be helped ” She lambasted the government for its alleged failure to protect children
“Many cases of child sexual abuse are thrown out by the court because of the DNA backlog, and inadequate investigation
“We need to report social workers to the Medical Health Professions Council and to the Council of Social Workers Some social workers are not doing their work and because of this a child is in harms way ”
According to Evans, organisations for children should also be held accountable
“I want residents to walk into organisations that work with children and ask them whether everyone is vetted and screened against the
CALL 0800 220 250
CONTACT YOUR NEAREST
DSD OFFICE
sexual offenders register
“We should not be reactive when something bad happens to children We should continue to be proactive and do our collective bit to protect them ”
Patric Solomons, director at Molo Songololo, an Observatory-based organisation advocating for the rights of children, appeals for more support for organisations
“We can do better to protect the rights of children We still have far too many who live in poverty, many children go hungry Statutory rape is a massive problem Adults believe they can have sex with children and there will be no consequences We are not taking good care of our children, especially those in disadvantaged communities ”
He said continued budget cuts deprive children of much-needed services
“It affects us and our abilities to sustain our programmes and children accessing services Over the last couple of months, we had to reduce some of our services that we provide We had to cut down on providing children with meals ”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) kicked off the week by hosting a 10-kilometre relay in the Breede Valley Municipality
The department funds 108 designated child protection organisations across the province that play a crucial role in protecting children’s welfare and providing support services for vulnerable children
Elarna Siljeur, DSD social work supervisor, said children have the right to be protected
from exploitation and harm
“We marched to highlight this and to call on communities to protect children, and for them to see who they can go to for help ‘Each one serves one ’ , so if someone in the community sees something, they know who to go to for assistance
“We need people to report cases of abuse, to either the police or DSD, so that we can assist the child immediately ”
Jaco Londt, provincial minister for the department of social development, said in a press statement: “Children represent the promise of tomorrow, they are the architects of a better South Africa Yet, many of them are confronted daily with circumstances beyond their control such as poverty and family instability ”
He said government alone cannot protect all
the vulnerable children in the province
“It is simply impossible Our department needs its NGO partners, municipalities, communities, our residents, and the private sector in this great and important task ” Londt encouraged businesses and society to support organisations either through donations or by volunteering their time
“There are also many children who are removed from harmful situations by social workers and are then in need of temporary safe care If you have a heart for helping them, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent ”
Contact your nearest DSD local office, or call 0800 220 250 tollfree
You can also find information here: https:// www westerncape gov za/social-development/ service/fostering-child
NewforumtotacklepollutionintheSaltRivercatchment
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Reducing pollution and flooding across key parts of the Salt River catchment including, Maitland, Pinelands, Athlone, Mowbray, Observatory, Thornton and Paarden Eiland will be high on the agenda for the new Lower Salt River Catchment Management Forum (LSR-CMF) launched late last month
The current LSR-CMF was launched on Tuesday 13 May and is the seventh catchment management forum operating within the city
The inaugural meeting saw robust participation from residents and other stakeholders
This saw the election of the forum’s executive committee Roland Postma was elected as Chairperson and Jessleena Suri as Vice-Chairperson, both of whom are members of the Friends of the Liesbeek
The aim of the Friends of the Liesbeek is to create an awareness of the importance of the Liesbeek as a green corridor in an urban setting
The Salt River catchment is one of the city’s three largest catchments, covering an area of 214km² It includes several rivers and tributaries, from the Liesbeek to the Vygekraal
The quality of these watercourses is influenced by residential development, treated effluent discharges, stormwater drains and canalised sections
Due to the size and complexity of the catchment, the City’s Catchment, Stormwater and River Management Branch divided the catchment into three smaller sub-catchments, which consists of the Lower Salt River catchment, Jakkelsvlei catchment and Vygekraal catchment forum
areas Roland Postma, Chair of the Lower Salt River Catchment Management Forum, said the forum’s aim will be on reducing solid waste, sewage overflows, and illegal dumping, especially
in areas like Paarden Eiland and Maitland
“At the same time, we ’ re supporting nature-based flood resilience through projects like the Liesbeek SUDS pilot and wetland rehabilitation project, aligned with the City’s Liveable Urban Waterways programme and their Green Infrastructure Programme from Spatial Planning and Environment ”
Postma said while they are still reviewing the findings of the City’s Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan, the key issues already identified include sewer pump station failures, greywater discharge from informal areas, and polluted stormwater entering canals
“These are being mapped and prioritised We want to work closely with City officials to unblock long-standing challenges especially around coordination, lack of enforcement, and limited funding for infrastructure upgrades ”
Postma explained that they are looking at strategies to mitigate flood risks, especially in areas like Maitland, Athlone and Paarden Eiland
“We’re identifying flood-prone low points and advocating for nature-based solutions over traditional grey infrastructure The Liesbeek SUDS pilot hasn’t been built yet, but it represents the kind of intervention we need bioretention, swales, and infiltration systems that reduce and filter runoff, and recharge groundwater
He adds that their bigger aim is to shift how roads and developments are designed citywide
Postma said they will work closely with the City’s Catchment, Stormwater and River Management (CSRM) and Water and Sanitation teams to co-develop project scopes and fasttrack interventions aligned with the Liveable Urban Waterways (LUW) programme
“Our goal is to shift investment and planning toward more green infra-
structure like SUDS rather than outdated grey systems that worsen flooding and pollution We’ll also support enforcement actions around illegal dumping and greywater discharges, and push for these priorities to be embedded into everyday operational decisions ”
Postma said residents also have a role to play “They can help maintain green infrastructure, avoid dumping, and support efforts like verge planting or installing rain gardens Businesses near the river are encouraged to join maintenance partnerships or adopt segments of green infrastructure
“We will also lean on residents and businesses to help identify and connect us with key stakeholders and community champions ” Jessleena Suri, Liesbeek Maintenance Project Coordinator, said the forum will ensure continued community participation through regular clean-ups, citizen science programmes, ward-level engagement, seasonal planting days, and guided river walks
“We’re also rolling out youth education and school partnerships that move beyond awareness into real stewardship Beyond this, we aim to align the work of all the Catchment Forums and create a stronger platform for civil society, the public, and the private sector to play an active role in restoring and managing our urban waterways ”
“Outreach includes water testing and biodiversity surveys with learners, public walks, and joint events with partners like Friends of the Liesbeek and the Litterboom Project - the first of which is happening next week on June 5th to mark World Environment Day ” Suri said they will monitor the progress in improving water quality by using indicators like E coli levels, litter volumes, stormwater flow reduction, and biodiversity return
“Monitoring will be tied into LUW goals and tracked via baseline data from restoration sites like the SUDS pilot and water testing points across the catchment, and also informed by data collected by organisations like the Litterboom Project who do vital work in diverting solid waste from waterways in the catchment ” Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation, said the establishment of this forum marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to preserve and enhance Cape Town’s watercourses Badroodien said last year, the city compiled a comprehensive Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan (PASAP)
This provides an overview of the entire Salt River catchment and the ambient water quality
Clean up of the Salt River catchment PHOTOS: FRIENDS OF LIESBEEK
Salt River catchment
A placard at a protest sending a clear message to perpetrators PHOTO KAYLYNNE BANTOM
GDHA launches digital hub
KEANAN HARMSE
KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Visitors who always wanted to envision what it was like exploring ancient rock art and dark caves can now look forward to testing Fish Hoek Valley Museum’s new digital museum room
The museum is currently experimenting with virtual and augmented reality to provide visitors with a new outlook of their artefacts said curator
Sue Maude
Maude has lived in Fish Hoek for 15 years and has served the museum for a year now
She has also published a coffee-table book on Llandudno and was
ghost writer for long time Fish Hoek resident Neoklis Pneumaticatos for his second book of memoirs called South of Ithaca
“I have an interest in contributing to my local community As a Fish Hoek resident, I used to walk past the museum
“The homeless were sleeping outside and I wondered if anyone felt comfortable visiting
“Then in 2023 the museum had a renovation and fencing was put up I attended the re-opening function and volunteered
“I have since become the curator after Sally Britten, curator for 10 long years, stepped back,” Maude says
The inspiration that birthed the digital museum occurred through a visit from the archaeology team at Global Digital Heritage Afrika (GDHA) - a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to documenting global cultural and natural heritage It was launched in March last year
“In May last year when the team from Global Heritage Afrika visited the museum to do 3D scans of our stone tools, the whale bones and some of the other displays, they also did a scan of the museum building itself and of the inside of Peers Cave It is these scans that we are now trying to develop into the digital museum
“We have set up a virtual walkthrough of the museum and are now busy putting ‘hotspots’ on some of the displays so that the visitor can explore the rooms of the museum and learn more when they click on the hotspot We are still adding to these hotspots,” explains Maude
Volunteer Brian Martin has been scanning all the Museum’s photographs and documents to create a digital archive for several years
Unwantedhouseholdgoods getanewlease
AVRILFILLIES
Unwanted or obsolete household goods in storage in other people's garages or rooms are getting a “ second chance in life” after Sue Vorster from Wetton opened up her home to help needy non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Southern Suburbs
She is well-known for her soup kitchens in Ottery and Wetton and has expanded the initiative to Hanover Park and Kampies informal
settlement in Philippi
“The struggle is real out there, and before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-’21 I fed 87 families I then registered my NPO Caring Unicorns in 2020 and besides giving a meal I also handed food parcels out During the pandemic nobody could move around and soup kitchens could not operate After the pandemic the numbers increased and I am now feeding approximately 600 people in the different areas ”
With the inclement weather the Cape experienced these past two years the need for household goods and clothing were brought to her attention by the NGOs
“I built two Wendy houses in my yard as storage space for the household goods , ” Vorster said “and whenever someone is in need of a refrigerator, stove or bed they can pick it up from my home ”
This year she and her two helpers, Bonita Jacobs and Rachel, who are in charge of the soup kitchens in Philippi and Hanover Park, not only dish soup but also akni with baked bread and the donated rolls
“The biggest hurdle on Wednesdays is that the food is never enough and, with winter on our doorsteps and the few rainy days we experienced the last two weeks, the numbers have increased I deliver the soup and food to Philippi and Hanover Park and rush back to my soup kitchen in Wetton, not to let people queue for long
“Most of the ingredients for the
soup and akni I have to buy myself, and I would appreciate help from businesses and individuals in the areas to help with donations
“Pre-loved clothing can also be delivered at my home to hand out to the needy With the additional household goods at the disposal of someone in need, it is heart warming to see how thankful people are for getting a second-hand kettle, bed or stove They see this donation as giving the goods ‘ a second chance’ at life ” For more information contact Vorster on 066 071 3164
He also made contact with Bruce McDonald, a Deputy Chief Scientist for GDHA and a Fish Hoek local, with his vision for a complete digital archive of the Museum’s collection
There was much excitement amongst the museum volunteers watching this cutting-edge digitisation process underway
Curator Sally Britten said: “This is an opportunity not to be missed, opening our collection to the world Peers Cave is a remarkable site with a fascinating history and we are pleased that it will be freely available for anyone to view ”
The team will also digitise a selection of the other historical artefacts housed in the museum and will also go out and scan Peers Cave itself
Martin says: “We are still working on more ideas of mine for taking the museum into the future ” The museum has also acquired a Google Cardboard VR headset which turns visitors smartphones into a cheap VR viewing device This device can be used for viewing
the 3D stone tools and artefacts in the museum
“The Peers Cave walkthrough is also being set up and we hope to have this ready later in the year I am excited for this launch as people will be able to visit Peers Cave from their computer or smartphone The Cave is a very significant historical place in the valley as it has been used by the ancestors of early humans for many thousands of years Once the virtual museums are working, the next step is to ‘add’ new rooms to the display
For this we will involve the community to fill in the gaps that are missing from the existing physical museum ”
“The Fish Hoek Valley Museum coverage is supposed to extend right across the valley Most of the focus has been on Fish Hoek itself and I am keen to extend our focus to represent the entire valley
The museum is also calling on volunteers to assist with testing their augmented virtual reality devices
For details contact Maude at 062 576 6166
Museum assistant Andrew Bouwker testing out the 3D Virtual Reality goggles at the Fish Hoek Valley Museum PHOTO: SUPPL ED
Assistant, Ralph Schroeder scanning a whale bone at the Fish Hoek Valley Museum
Sue Vorster runs a soup kitchen in Ottery and Wetton PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Unwanted items are getting a second chance as Sue Vorster looks to help the needy
ACT calls for visionary talent
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is inviting proposals from dynamic individuals to join the upcoming ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) in the roles of Artistic Director and Stage Manager
The deadline for applications is Friday 13 June at at 16:30
The ACT seeks these programme personnel to support the NSP Only South African citizens who are available from August – October are eligible to make application
The Production Artistic Director will be responsible for facilitating the Performing Arts segment of the programme through the curation of rehearsals from Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October
The selected candidate will work with an assistant choreographer and assistant vocal coach
ONLY SA CITIZENS WHO ARE AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST – OCTOBER ARE ELIGIBLE
Overall, the Artistic Director will be responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing an artistic vision and focus, according to this year ’ s theme, for the Gala Event on Saturday 11 October
The Stage Manager will be responsible for coordinating the ACT NSP production from rehearsals to performances, working alongside the Artistic Director to ensure the production’s success
The Stage Manager will also be working with the Artistic Director during finals week from Sunday 5 October to Monday 12 October and execute the technical support for the artistic vision and focus for the ACT NSP Gala Event
In partnership with Nedbank, Sun
International, the MTN Foundation SA, and Business and Arts South Africa (Basa) the ACT NSP is an undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to empower qualifying youth with opportunities to pursue tertiary education in visual and performing arts
Simultaneously, the programme aims to equip practising artists with career-accelerating skills, ensuring sustainable careers in the contemporary job market of the cultural and creative industries
Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT, says they are committed to nurturing the next generation of creative talent
The selected candidates will engage in a three-month bi-weekly mentorship and training programme,
conducted online on Saturdays
The programme includes online training, mentorship with industry experts with a focus on discipline specific knowledge and information
The 2025 iteration of the programme encompasses a strong focus on the inclusion of immersive technologies in the visual and performing arts
The culmination of the ACT NSP will see a selection of 15 finalists that will move ahead post-training phase to participate in an intensive week of master classes, and rehearsals, resulting in a final performing arts showcase and exhibition to win one of two scholarships to the value of three hundred thousand rand each Participants collaborate with industry professionals, gaining valuable experience and the opportunity to connect with emerging artists from diverse backgrounds . Further details regarding the job specifications of each position and the application process are available in the ACT Nyoloha RFP document which can be found when applying at www.act. org za/nyoloharfp
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
From a bold vision to a cultural landmark, the building that houses Artscape turned 54 this year, standing tall not just in bricks, but in creativity, community and remaining a beacon of hope for artists The building, known for many years as the Nico Malan Theatre, officially opened its doors to the public in spectacular fashion showcasing the ballet Sylvia with Phyllis Spira as prima ballerina on 19 May 1971
After 1994, the advent of a new dispensation saw the transformation of arts institutions, along with other institutions, which saw the doing away with of the old performing-arts councils that ran the country’s state theatres, which became autonomous entities with their own governing bodies The facility was renamed Artscape, after the entity that officially replaced the Cape Performing Arts Board (Capab) on 27 March 2001
Today it remains an agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts
and Culture, while the building itself is the property of the Western Cape Government
People’s Post spoke to Marlene le Roux, chief executive officer of Artscape Theatre, to find out how the institution has evolved over the past five decades
“We truly embraced everyone ’ s culture, tradition and language and made sure we leave no-one behind We have a room of devotion that is used as a salaah room for Muslim staff, stakeholders and patrons The theatre has become a home for all ”
She said Artscape is not just a theatre space; it has contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and social landscape “People come to meet other people from different cultural backgrounds and are introduced to one another’s stories We have associated companies such as Woman Zone, a safe space for women, to tell their stories to be published Artscape has become a cultural hub of note ” Le Roux said managing the theatre
is a 24-hour job “It takes 24 hours of work and madness We need to account for all the compliance rules, to the Auditor General, Treasury and Department of Sports, Arts and Culture [DCAS], which gives money for operational aspects, but not for Artscape productions and events
“We need to fundraise for every single one We have successfully formed partnerships over the years And we have in-house and community-based associations who assist Artscape to programme the stages ”
She says ensuring the building is safe is Artscape’s main priority “The building is all about health and safety The provincial government is great in helping Artscape to maintain a worldclass complex The City of Cape Town assists with our programme to help emerging artists to have a stage to become professional
“Then it is security, cleaning staff, front of house, theatre management, technical teams on various levels, a finance team and HR Patrons come
to see a production and have no idea that there is an entire backstage staff that is there to support the event/production and make the building look good and be safe ”
The building has played host to some of the most iconic productions over the past 54 years
“The Annual Woman Humanity Festival over the years became the platform for Artscape to highlight the challenges persons with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community and women still have, but also showcases determination and positivity
“One of my first productions was BeautiFUL, a production showcasing the determination of people with disabilities We have become the home of iconic theatre, musicals and dance in all its forms ”
According to Le Roux, the facility has transformed many times “We’ve had several upgrades over the years, including the Opera House upgraded with a more mechanised stage, additional seating, front of house foyer
upgrades as well as an expansion of mechanised lighting with a lighting board that can transpose up to 1000 colour differentiations and up to date sound technology
“One of our innovative new additions is the Loop System for the hardof-hearing people that carries the sound directly from the stage to their cochlear implant or audio device ”
She said the facility remained a beacon for the arts “The footprint attests to this fact that those who love and enjoy the performing arts prefer the live experience Over the recent period of the Suidoosterfees over five days up to 3 000 people per day frequented Artscape daily Our festive season total over six weeks were 85 000 people
Looking to the future, Le Roux said: “We are definitely trying our level best to make this year/next year an iconic year We don’t wish to let the cat out of the bag yet, but we’ll keep stakeholders and patrons informed timeously ”
TwoOceansAquariumcelebratesturtleconservation
Plans for the construction of a new state-of-the-art Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) in the Waterfront’s Granger Bay precinct got a much-needed impetus on Thursday 29 May during the annual One Blue Heart event at the One&Only in Cape Town
A first of this scale in Africa, the new stand-alone TCC will include a turtle rehabilitation hospital, education facilities, ample space for exhibition displays, a restaurant, and a shop
Construction on the TCC is set to start around the middle of next year
The current facility at the Two Oceans Aquarium rescues, rehabilitates and releases various species of turtles found along South Africa’s coastline This is critical work given that all seven species of turtles are either endangered or critically endangered
During Thursday’s event, now in its third year, the spotlight shone on the Two Oceans Aquarium’s Foundation Turtle Conservation Centre team as they shared their personal turtle stories and experiences of “turtle-geddon” as last year ’ s hatchling stranding season, which experienced an unprecendented turtle hatchling stranding season with over 600 hatchlings washing ashore and needing care
Each team member captivated the audience with their deep care and
new TCC which was announced by David Green, CEO of the Waterfront, at last year ’ s event
passion for the ancient ocean travellers, inspiring hope for the future of our ocean
As he addressed the guests Siyolise Bezo, Sea Turtle Aquarist at the Turtle Conservation Centre, shared his experience “Mangaliso, a hawksbill turtle who had a long recovery journey at the Centre, taught me about dedication, passion, love, but most importantly, Mangaliso taught me that miracles do exist,” he said “The turtle team is also a source of inspiration I don’t look at my team as volunteers, interns, seniors and coworkers, I look at them as my family ”
Ann Lamont, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Executive Chair, and the turtle team then hinted at some exciting developments on the
“We are excited to be on the next stage of the new TCC as we have been working with customer experience experts to create the conceptual visitor journey This work is as important as the medical and rehabilitation facilities of the Centre, as creating a space which is accessible to the public is essential to the turtle conservation work that we do We believe that as people know more about the threats facing our marine environment, the more we can come together to make a difference to the health of our ocean and the animals that live in it,” said Lamont “Over the last 20 years, the Two Ocean’s Aquarium has released over 1000 turtles back into the Ocean To ensure successful rehabilitation and eventual release, expensive rehabilitation techniques are needed including life support, expert medical care and around the clock monitoring Ranging in size from 20g to 80kg, each turtle’s rehabilitation journey is unique and can take from a couple of months to many years, depending on individual needs,” said Talitha Noble-Trull, Turtle Conservation Centre Manager “We are incredible excited about the opportunities which the new TCC will provide us While extraordinary, last
The Turtle Conservation Centre at the Two Oceans Aquarium experienced what they affectionately refer to as “turtle-geddon” as they were inundated with an unprecendented turtle hatchling stranding season with over 600 hatchlings washing ashore and needing care last year
year ’ s turtle-geddon showed us that we need to be prepared for an influx of stranded turtles, and the new Centre will allow us to provide the best care possible for our turtle patients” said Noble-Trull Through storytelling, art and music this year ’ s One Blue Heart reignited the collective responsibility to safeguard marine life for future generations “Each layer of One Blue Heart this year was carefully considered to match the integrity of the Foundation’s work from the musicians’ meaningful offerings to guests’ names written on mussel shells that the
Aquarium animals ate last week, to the calm, relaxed environment The glam was unplugged in favour of simplicity and meaning, with each detail inviting deeper connection and care for each other and for the one blue ocean, ” said Rachel Smith, One Blue Heart event curator “We wanted to return to the heart of what One Blue Heart stands for - a movement rooted in deep connection with the ocean and ourselves,” said Lamont “We are grateful to everyone who supports our turtle conservation work and who has joined the movement to to protect the ocean for future generations ”
Mpumelelo Dlamini leads a performance at the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme last year
Mangaliso, a Hawksbill turtle, getting back to strength and ready for release at the end of their recovery and rehabilitation at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre.
Junior teams battle for honours
Bothasig AFC hosted the Back 2 Basics Soccer Tournament for u-7 to u-11 teams from across the metro this past weekend (Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June) at the Abe Sher Stadium.
More than 100 teams participated across the five age groups
The cup winners and runners up are: u-7: Meadowridge A; Runners upWestridge FC u-8: Rygersdal; Runners up - We-
stridge Red u8
u-9: Vasco Da Gama A, Runners up -Wynberg St Johns u-10: Wynberg St Johns, Runners up - Nexus FC u-11:Vasco Da Gama Red, Runners up - Rygersdal
