Wet weather a possible damper for mourners
With winter in full swing bringing heavy downpours the City cautions residents that this might necessitate changes to regular cemetery operations
The City’s recreation and parks department says in the past consistent rainfall and/or periods of heavy downpours caused the water table level to rise, which then had the potential to impact operations, like digging graves, or reopening family graves for second burials and access in general
However, the department says it has winter readiness plans and contingencies in place to mitigate the risk of inclement weather
The plans include clearing alien vegetation to maximise burial space, servicing water pumps, repairing potholes on internal cemetery roads and clearing storm water channels to promote drainage
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, says saturated water tables or flooding pose challenges that are not always easily resolved
“The recreation and parks department asks that undertakers and families planning burials please
be mindful that these conditions might require shallower graves or alternative burial sites ” She appeals to undertakers and officiants to try and expedite burials for a better and effective traffic management system in and out of the cemeteries
CEMETERYOPERATIONSDURING
INCLEMENTWEATHER:
. Cemetery staff might need to prepare shallower graves, depending on water table levels at a particular cemetery
. This will limit the opportunity to bury a second coffin in the same private grave
. The City also reserves the right to advise against requests for reopening of a family grave if it is in an area of the cemetery where it is very waterlogged and/or recommend an alternate grave or an alternate cemetery
. Parking, roads and pathways might be unusually flooded, or slippery, and the public is advised to exercise extreme caution
. Wear suitable weatherproof clothing and waterproof nonslip shoes to avoid slipping and puddles
. Arrive timeously at the burial and do not exceed the 30-minute
STAFF MIGHT NEED TO PREPARE SHALLOWER GRAVES
timeslot so as to alleviate parking congestion
. Consider a smaller number of people attending burials, particularly during episodes of inclement weather
. Exercise caution when carry-
ing coffins and avoid standing too close to open graves
. Consider weekday burials to reduce overcrowding in cemeteries on weekends . Undertakers should exercise caution with gazebos which are prone to injuring mourners if swept away in the wind
. The City also reminds undertakers to abide by the specifications for gazebos as outlined in the Cemetery by-law, and to refrain from the use of stretch tents and marquees
SignupforBlistersnow,whileyoustillcan
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Imagine trying to learn while your stomach is growling that’s the daily reality for thousands of learners across the country That’s why the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is not just important; it’s essential in helping schools fight hunger and fuel young minds
PSFA is a 67-year-old non-profit organisation (NPO) that addresses hunger among learners attending primary, secondary and special needs schools, OVC Safe Parks, ECDs, and TVET colleges in the Western Cape
It provides daily nutritious meals to learners in over 100 schools
One such school is Kenmere Primary School in Kensington
The school has been a beneficiary for the past 30 years
Richard Page, principal at the school, expressed gratitude to
PSFA He said over 1 000 learners from his school receive a nutritious meal daily in the morning and afternoon “We have learners from Maitland, Kensington and Factreton, but we also do have learners travelling from other areas as well Many of the learners come from impoverished backgrounds,” said Page
He said the learners receive a bowl of porridge before 08:00, followed by a wholesome lunch in the afternoon
“On some days they also receive a fruit,” explained the principal In July last year, the PSFA revitalised its nutritional menu for the first time in 16 years
“It is a nice and wholesome meal, and the learners enjoy it Peninsula School Feeding Association is doing an amazing job We are grateful to be part of the programme, ” he said
In order to render this essential service, the PSFA relies on the generosity of the public and donors
The Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk is one of the organisation’s annual fundraising events and it has been running for 57 years
This year the event returns to the Green Point Common Sports Ground on Sunday 31 August
Online entries are now open, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August
Every participant will be presented with a commemorative medal In addition complimentary refreshments will be available
Green Point will come alive with live music performances from top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and activities for kids and grown-ups alike
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 that no child has to learn on an empty stomach ”
The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry learners for a day Official event T-shirts are available at R150
Starting in Stephan Way, Green Point, and finishing at the Green Point Common Sports Ground, the event 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
To register or learn more, visit www psfa org za Contact Top Events at info@topevents co za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210 for any enquiries
After witnessing a simple act of kindness, my hope in humanity has been restored
In a country often clouded by violence, murders and negativity it’s moments like these that remind us of the goodness still alive in people’s hearts
Most of us must have seen or read the article about a Riebeek West resident named Johan Kotze who had an extra ticket to watch the Springbok take on the Barbarians live at Cape Town Stadium Kotze showed the true spirit of ubuntu when he gave his extra ticket to a man living on the street,
known as Luigi, whom he met a few hours before the game
Awh, was my immediate response when I first heard of the story And I wasn’t the only one
Kotze stole the hearts of Capetonians But more than that he gave his new best friend an experience of a lifetime Made his year Made him forget his circumstances and who knows, maybe even restored hope for Luigi
This experience, though small, carried immense weight reigniting my belief in compassion, connection, and the quiet strength of everyday human decency
It once again showed the unifying power of sport
For a few hours two men from completely different backgrounds and circumstances shared beers, talked, cheered as they both have
an equal love for the game
It can be done There is the proof
We don’t have to live in silos
Hundreds of soup kitchens were birthed during the Covid-19 pandemic and are still active today
Dare I say it’s even more needed today than it was five years ago
It’s always heartwarming to see how ordinary South Africans show up for each other
This while our political landscape seems to be crumbling as leaders
fight for power at our expense
As we approach Mandela Day, let us be reminded that it is the small acts of kindness that can brighten someone ’ s day The high cost of living affects all of us
From fuel and electricity hikes to soaring food prices and rental costs, the pressure on households, especially low-income and vulner-
able communities has never been greater
You need only to drive through the traffic lights or enter a supermarket to see the number of people asking for a rand or two to get some food Basic needs that were once manageable are now becoming unaffordable for many, forcing people to make impossible choices between shelter, food, healthcare, and dignity
This economic reality has had a particularly harsh impact on those already living on the margins, including those living on the street As a nation, we face many challenges but when it comes to showing up for one another, we stand united
This is what makes us unique
This is what binds us May we never lose sight of that
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department warns mourners of possible flooding and associated risks at local cemeteries PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Cityentitiescollaborate
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
As the cold winter days set in those living on the streets are among the hardest hit Fortunately, thanks to a blanket drive launched by three local businesses, some may now sleep a little more warmly
The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has partnered with City Sightseeing (the “Red Bus” company) and Kamili Coffee for a blanket drive as part of a Mandela Day initiative
Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, CCID social-development manager, said the initiative is the brainchild of the City Sightseeing They invited the CCID to join the project
“Madiba Day is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can bring lasting change, and we are proud to join forces with City Sightseeing on this initiative ”
Gerardy-Bissolati said they are relying on the generosity of the public to make the project a success
“Any donation is welcome, even one blanket will make a difference The blanket collection point is in the heart of the CBD, in our footprint, and the CCID’s social-development department works tirelessly to assist homeless individuals in our footprint We are therefore able to distribute the blankets to those in need ”
She said that the blankets will be donated to the CCID’s partner organisations, The Haven Night Shelter WO Cape Town and Youth Solutions Africa
Gerardy-Bissolati said the handover will take place on Monday 21 July
“The Haven Night Shelter and Youth Solutions Africa are two valuable partner NGOs of the CCID’s social-development department Through these two institutions we can expand our ability to offer transitional-housing options and shelter capacity for the homeless, providing crucial support as they work towards stable living conditions ”
She added that the blankets will be used at these institutions on CCID-funded beds
“While this is mainly a blanket drive, if they
drive
(people) would like to donate other items, CCID Social Development will assist in their distribution to homeless clients on the streets of the CBD ”
When dropping a blanket patrons will get a free cup of coffee from Kamili Coffee
“They can collect blankets among friends and family and do a collective drop-off, in that way spreading the Madiba love ”
Gerardy-Bissolati said Mandela Day provides a much-needed opportunity for people to stepup and help those in need
“Issues surrounding homelessness are complex and everyone is a human being and deserves to be treated like they would like to be treated themselves – with kindness, compassion and respect We are extremely grateful for the public’s generosity This drive is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can bring lasting change ”
Blankets can be dropped off at City Sightseeing Stop 5, 81 Long Street, which is also home to the coffee shop
People who would like to make a monetary donation to the CCID Show You Care fundraising arm can SMS “Give” to 38088 Each SMS costs R10, of which an average R8 goes to Show You Care
‘We don’t need dialogue’ - Bell
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Twenty people killed One week One province And one side of the mountain.
As a string of mass shootings continue to rock Cape Town, particularly the Cape Flats and the townships, residents are running out of words and patience
In the latest incident, seven men were gunned down in yet another brazen act of violence that has pushed the week’s death toll to over 20 across Cape Town’s gang-ravaged communities
While government leaders scramble for statements and police plead for public assistance, one resident’s voice has captured national attention, cutting through the official responses with raw and urgent truth
Tarryn Bell, a community activist from Hanover Park, took to social media on Monday 30 June with a public letter expressing deep frustration at what she describes as the state’s ongoing failure to protect its most vulnerable citizens
“This isn’t a war zone, it’s our communities Our Cape Flats Our sons and daughters,” she wrote “Yet politicians are too busy fighting each other They have an actual budget for it ”
In the post, which has since been widely circulated, Bell criticises both national and provincial leadership for what she describes as “ performance over protection” and “conversation over intervention” Her comments are directed in part at the government’s R700 million allocation for a National Dialogue on social cohesion
“We don’t need another dialogue,” she wrote “We need leadership with a conscience We need action, justice, and protection ” Her words echo the despair and anger felt across a number of communities including
WE NEED LEADERSHIP WITH A CONSCIENCE.WE NEED ACTION,JUSTICE, AND PROTECTION.
“One thing that is crystal clear is that murderers are out there to kill,” Mchunu said “The situation demands a targeted approach before these murderers intensify their terror ” But for residents like Bell, these statements sound all too familiar
“We bury children weekly under the shadow of our mountain,” she said “How can we talk about democracy when the people aren’t governing and promises lie broken in pools of blood?”
DIVIDEDBYTHERAILWAYLINE
Bell’s statement draws a sharp contrast between life on the Cape Flats and life elsewhere in the city, highlighting how unity and celebration in one part of Cape Town with fans who geared up for the weekend’s Springbok rugby matches is matched by mourning and fear in another
“Today, the rugby awaits many on this side of the railway line; cheers, beers, and Green-andGold,” she wrote
“But on the other side in silver hokkies and backyard pandokkies we are crying out for a reckoning ”
“NOTNORMAL”
While the police minister called for the mobilisation of all available law enforcement resources, many residents remain sceptical
“Communities cannot be abandoned to live in
The blanket
of the CCID and its partner organisations form part of a Mandela Day initiative.
Muizenberg Beach huts vandalised
KEANANHARMSE
The popular Muizenberg Beach huts remain plagued by vandalism with patterns indicating that most incidents occur during the heart of winter
In 2022, People’s Post reported that merely months after the refurbishment of the Muizenberg Beach huts there were already signs of vandalism with beachgoers noticing scribbling at the side of one of the newly built huts
The beach huts are managed by the Beach Hut Trust (BHT) which was founded by Angela Gorman in 2020 and aims to restore and protect these City assets
BHT is a partnership between local residents, private companies and City representatives People’s Post spoke with Friends of the Muizenberg Beach Huts members, Gorman and Tony Maneveld They expressed their ongoing efforts to clamp down on acts of vandalism and safeguard the huts
The most recent break-in happened on Saturday morning 28 June
“One of our employees, who cleans the huts every morning, discovered this couple in the beach hut, they had broken in and tried entering one of the other huts but were unsuccessful
So we had two huts vandalised and we have to repair,” Gorman said
The couple had items that were not meant to be in their possession and were taken to Muizenberg Police Station where they were charged and released the same day
“This is not the first time these kinds of breakins have happened This winter alone we ’ ve seen 30 break-ins where people have damaged locks, doors just to see what’s inside the huts but we ’ ve placed signs which says the huts are empty so its sheer vandalism ”
Gorman claims police and law enforcement take a long to respond to their calls
“Since there are cameras in the area, we’d like to access this footage so we could instantly see
who’s trying to break in these huts and see what they’re stealing,” she said
Maneveld says of the 76 beach huts that they look after, they closed 45 and left a few huts for people to use free of charge “All the huts are screwed down with double doors The damage to the huts is substantial
“We are volunteers and rely on donations which is not forthcoming, we have no sponsors to help us and try to best to make money by selling merchandise which also costs money to produce,” he said
People’s Post reached out to the Muizenberg Police Station for comment but they could respond before the time of publication
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department says it is aware of the matter
“These kinds of occurrences have taken place
in the past, particularly during the winter period
“As an interim measure, a decision was made to remove the doors of the huts to avoid vandals breaking in and damaging the structures around the doors Security has since ensured that these structures are not used illegally until the matter is resolved,” the City explained in statement
Report these incidents to the City at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline
The Beach Hut door which was found damaged after a couple had allegedly broken into the hut last Saturday morning Photo: supplied
There are 76 beach huts that the Beach Hut Trust (BHT) are managing The first beach hut repair was completed in 2020
Vandalists stripped apart the wooden planks
A Animals left out in winter cold
The public are advised of planned roadworks in the centre median of the Wetton Road intersection providing access to the racecourse in Wynberg. Work is planned from mid-July 2025 for approximately one month, weather permitting.
A portion of one lane on the eastbound lane approaching the racecourse will be closed. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction, but motorists are advised to follow the safety signage in place and expect delays.
This forms part of ongoing road improvements in the vicinity of Wetton Road in preparation for a future MyCiTi bus facility It includes:
• Widening a portion of Wetton Road for exclusive left- and right-turning lanes into the planned bus facility
• Upgrading and formalising the existing racecourse access
• Formalising sidewalks along Wetton Road
• Making improvements to the stormwater system
• Installing the required sewer connections and water mains
• Road resurfacing with new road signs and markings
The City appreciates your patience and understanding.
When arts and education connect
Young people from across the city had the opportunity to showcase their creativity at the Arts Aweh programme.
The City’s community, arts and culture development department (CACD) hosted various classes and exhibitions for aspiring young artists over the past seven months
The final event took place on Monday 30
June
The Arts Aweh! programme provided young people, aged six to 18, with creative learning experiences and an opportunity to participate in various art forms
The programme started in November and attracted 3 173 students
The Arts Aweh is an after-school programme designed to create opportunities for young people to explore and experience arts and cultural activities that are constructive, educational and fun It was hosted at 13 City-owned spaces throughout the City
Activities included drawing, painting, photography, hip hop, dance, performance, poetry, clay work and beading
The programme also created job opportunities for young creatives, through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
As part of the initiative the department held eight exhibitions during May and June in Ocean View, Athlone, Bonteheuwel, Rocklands, Bel-
Mzibacktolaunchnewalbum withoneshowinCapeTown
Lumanyano Mzi, one of South Africa’s most exciting jazz exports, is back on home soil this July to launch his new solo album, Ithemba Elitsha – A New Hope
This body of work is deeply rooted in his Cape Town beginnings but shaped by his global journey and training at Berklee in the United States of America (USA)
The album is a bold, genre-fluid, deeply layered and spiritually charged new album that feels both timeless and urgent It was released on Friday 4 July, the American Independence Day
“Ithemba Elitsha” translates to “A New Hope”, and the music delivers exactly that - not just sonically, but emotionally and spiritually
This is Mzi’s first solo album and third as a bandleader, and it cements his place among the new vanguard of global jazz artists fusing heritage with modernity, complexity with clarity
Two singles released in the lead-up to the full album have already set a high bar
“Lioness” was released on Friday 6 June It’s a sultry, defiant tribute to feminine power Anchored by a hypnotic groove and luminous horn arrangements, the track roars softly, speaking to the quiet strength of those who carry entire world with grace
“Youth of ’76”, which was released on Friday 13 June, is a sonic reflection on South Africa’s Youth Day This track pulses with raw energy, resilience and memory
There’s pain here, but also power - a nod to the student uprisings, and a reminder of how far we ’ ve come, and how far we still have to go
Both singles offer a glimpse into the full body of work, which blends Afro-jazz, soul, reggae and gospel into a rich, genre-fluid soundscape Mzi’s signature is everywhere - in the intuitive
drumming, in the reverent storytelling, and in the understated but purposeful arrangements
The Ensemble of Unity True to the meaning of his name, “Lumanyano” - unity, Mzi has assembled a stellar multinational band for this album, with the upcoming South Africa tour featuring: Simon Manana (alto sax, RSA/USA) Jean Strauss (tenor sax, RSA/USA) Ciara Moser (bass, AUT/USA), Kevin Harris (piano, USA) Isaac Romagosa (guitar, ESP/USA) Together, this ensemble delivers a shared vision of global harmony rooted in African identity The show will be at Youngblood Gallery on Thursday 10 July Thandeka Dladla and Sipha Mdlalose will be the guests It starts at 19:00 Tickets cost R250
JosephwillreturninOctober
The smash-hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has sold out its initial run at Theatre on the Bay in record time This prompted producers Pieter Toerien and the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) to announce its return on Saturday 4 October due to overwhelming public demand The current season ends on Sunday 13 July
Since its opening on Friday 9 May, the production has captivated audiences with eight shows a week, garnering rave reviews and playing to capacity houses nightly Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, created by the legendary duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a global musical phenomenon Performed hundreds of thousands of times across over 80 countries, with
notable runs on Broadway and the West End, the musical features beloved hits such as “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph ” This vibrant production boasts an all-star cast led by Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator, and Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh Under the direction of Luitingh and Alexander, with musical supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and musical direction by Amy Campbell, the show delivers a fresh and exhilarating interpretation of the classic tale
Tickets for the October return are priced from R175 . Book at Webtickets or Theatre on the Bay’s box office at 021 438 3300
with Joseph’s
Lumanyano Mzi in town for a show PHOTO ANDILE BHALA
The initiative is an after-school programme designed to create opportunities for young people to explore and experience arts and cultural activities
Young people from across Cape Town had the opportunity to showcase their creativity
FIGHTFORPOSSESSION
Juventus’ Niyaaz Hart and Pioneers’ Lukho Veli tussle for the ball during the u-16 Bayview Youth Cup. Read more on the back page.
PHOTO: LAUREN O CONNOR-MAY
Avuyila Dayimani gets a goal past Juventus goalie Lamar Scott, who dived but missed, during
shoot-out kick in the Bayview u-16 Youth Tournament Wagiet Cup semi-final match
PHOTO: LAUREN O CONNOR-MAY
