People's Post Constantia | Wynberg E-edition 21 October 2025
The City of Cape Town has completed a major electrification project in Imizamo Yethu informal settlement, Hout Bay The initiative has reconnected over 1150 homes to the grid after a devastating fire displaced hundreds of people
The R25 million multi-year initiative was led by the City’s Electrification Programme Management Unit under the Energy Directorate The project involved partnerships with the Informal Settlement Management Department and other internal stakeholders
Tokai Lions Club
scoops multiple awards - 3
Despite challenging site conditions and the scale of devastation, the project was completed successfully
The local community provided strong support
SETTINGBENCHMARKFORFUTURE WORK
“This project serves as a benchmark for future electrification work across the metro,” said Xanthea Limberg, Mayco member for energy “It demonstrates that our service delivery goes beyond infrastructure It’s about restoring dignity and building safer communities ”
PROJECTGAINSRECOGNITION
The Imizamo Yethu electrification project has earned national recognition and is set to compete internationally The project was assessed using the International Project Management Association Project Excellence model This evaluates people and purpose, processes and resources, project results and lessons learned
“This project stands as a testament to what is possible when teams work together for meaningful community change,” said Maurisha Hammer, the project leader “It is inspiring to see the positive impact and to be
Global Awards
HONOURSFORENERGYDIRECTORATE
In addition to the Imizamo Yethu success, the City’s Energy Directorate also earned the following accolades: . IPMA Global Project Excellence Awards 2025 Silver Winner in the Small to Medium Projects category for the Paardevlei Switching Station
. PM Summit and Prestige Awards 2025: First runner-up, Paardevlei Switching Station
. Emerging Project Manager of the Year: Wesley Barthus, Helderberg Electricity Depot Manager
. Young Project Manager of the
at the City’s Annual EPCM ds: Wesley Barthus, who will ompete in the upcoming Ipma h African awards
BRINGINGPOWERANDHOPE
The Imizamo Yethu project is an example of how the City is advancing service delivery in vulnerable communities Informal settlements are often exposed to fire, flooding and underdevelopment Officials say electrification not only improves safety and quality of life It also affirms the City’s commitment to inclusive urban development “Our teams in informal settlements face extremely challenging and often heartbreaking conditions,” said Limberg “Their dedication to Cape Town’s most vulnerable residents is commendable ”
The City of Cape Town has completed a major electrification project in Imizamo Yethu,.
Energy official Chrizano Jagers, energy official Neo Zwane, Ben Peters, Director: Corporate Project, Programme and Portfolio Management, energy official Samantha Matthews, Project Lead for the Imizamo Yethu electrification project Maurisha Hammer, and energy official Alupheli Dinwayo. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Cableway forWTA again
Table Mountain and the Cableway are once again in the spotlight as they compete for top honours at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA).
These world-famous attractions are nominees in their categories, but bringing the prestigious titles home depends on public votes
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has been nominated in the World’s Leading Cable Car Ride category, while Table Mountain has been nominated as World’s Leading Tourist Attraction
These are the only South African nominees in the world categories this year
TMACC boasts an impressive track record at the World Travel Awards, having secured the title of Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction five times, in 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Now celebrating its 96th year of operation, the cableway remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s tourism industry, having safely carried over 32 million visitors to the top of one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature since opening on 4 October 1929
The attraction continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Cape Town and South Africa as leading global destinations, contributing significantly to the visitor economy while promoting sustainable tourism and local employment
Wahida Parker, Managing Director of TMACC, says being recognised again at the World Travel Awards is an “incredible honour”
“This competition is our industry’s version of the Oscars and is widely respected as a contest that recognises commitment to excellence ”
She says the nominations reaffirm their
commitment to being a responsible operator that prioritises safety, honours the mountain’s unique flora and fauna, and delivers world-class service to both local and international visitors Parker encourages South Africans to get behind the Cableway and Table Mountain by casting their WTA votes in the two categories
SUPPORTERS CAN
“Every visitor, every team member and every partner has played a role in this success We’re calling on South Africans to help us bring these awards home ” TMACC has consistently earned nominations for World’s Leading Tourist Attraction and World’s Leading Cable Car Ride, reflecting its commitment to creating positive experiences and driving innovation on the international stage
Parker says the company is proud to fly the South African flag and hopes to make the country proud once again
“These nominations reflect our journey, from the very first trip in October 1929 to the millions who continue to make memories atop
Table Mountain We have never won in the world categories before, and it would be incredibly special if we could make it happen this time around ”
Members of the tourism and hospitality sector can also cast their votes, and they are given double the weighting to votes cast by members of the public
Voting for the 2025 World Travel Awards closes on Sunday 26 October
Supporters can cast their votes at www worldtravelawards com/vote
SANParkshitsR4billionrevenuemarkforthefirsttime
South African National Parks (SANParks) reported strong financial and operational results for the 2024-'25 financial year, marking the first time revenue exceeded R4 billion
Addressing the Portfolio Committee on Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment,
SANParks Chief Executive Officer Hapiloe Sello said revenue increased by 11%, from R3,67 billion to R4,1 billion
She highlighted that 75% of revenue came from commercial activities, including tourism and park-related services, reflecting the effectiveness of the organisation’s commercial strategies
SANParks maintains a net cash balance of R2,7 billion and a positive solvency position, with total assets exceeding total liabilities by R3,7 billion, underscoring its strong financial health The organisation also received an unqualified audit outcome for the past year, confirming the robustness of its financial governance and management practices
“The positive results reflect our ongoing efforts to strengthen internal controls and improve governance, ” Sello said The auditor-general’s report highlighted improvements in the quality of the annual financial statements and in supply chain management, with no material findings identified, an improvement from the previous year She noted that continued work to strengthen internal controls is expected to deliver further improvements in the coming
period
On the operational front, SANParks achieved 86% of its performance targets, meeting 24 out of 28 goals Notably, 18 of these targets were exceeded, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to efficiency and operational excellence These results reflect SANParks’ focus on conservation, sustainable development and community empowerment
Sello said the landmark revenue milestone and robust financial position enable SANParks to continue delivering high-quality conservation initiatives and improve the visitor experience across its parks nationwide She said the results also show the organisation’s dedication to sup-
porting local communities through tourism-related employment and development projects
“These accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of our team and stakeholders’ efforts to manage our national parks sustainably for future generations while promoting inclusive growth and transformation,” Sello said SANParks’ achievements position it as a cornerstone of South Africa’s environmental and socio-economic landscape By combining financial stability, operational efficiency and community engagement, SANParks continues to strengthen its role in preserving biodiversity, fostering sustainable tourism, and the country’s development objectives
Even blocking spammers does not help
an urgent call
It feels like there’s no escape Blocking one number doesn’t help I’ve tried that They just use another
What’s more frustrating is that spam callers are breaking the rules by using mobile numbers for call centres that operate from fixed locations, making it increasingly difficult to spot and avoid these calls
The result? More unsuspecting people are picking up, only to be met with unwanted sales pitches or robocalls
This goes against the Numbering Plan Regulations of 2016 and is also seen as unfair competition
As I typed this, I declined three consecutive calls Two popped up as spam the other didn’t But I knew it was
This is incredibly frustrating when you ’ re on deadline, in an important meeting or expecting
Downloading “ spam alert” Apps seems pointless when enforcement is weak or non-existent
The lines between legal telemarketing and outright harassment are becoming dangerously blurred
What’s needed is stronger regulation and actual consequences for the companies violating the rules not just the agents who are often just trying to get by
There should be more transparency, proper identification, and respect for our time We shouldn’t have to live in fear of our own phones ringing
For now, we ’ re left managing issues as they pop up, one after another, with our peace and productivity paying the price
Table Mountain and the Cableway are once again in the spotlight as they compete for top honours at the 2025 World Travel Awards PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
A JOURNO’S VOICE
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
South African National Parks reported strong financial and operational results for the 2024-’25 financial year, marking the first time revenue exceeded R4 billion PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Tokai Lions scoop several awards
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The Lions Club of Tokai received several accolades at the Lions District 410W Mid-Year Conference held in Paarl on Monday 13 October, recognising the club’s dedication to community service and volunteerism.
The club was named among the Top Six Clubs in the district and received awards for Top Six President, Top Six Treasurer, and International Relations These honours highlight both administrative excellence and engagement with global initiatives Individual members were also celebrated for their contributions
Club Treasurer Jules Flanagan received an International Award from Past International President Dr Patti Hill for her work supporting the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which funds humanitarian projects around the world
Lion Lynette Davids was presented with an International President’s Pin by District Governor Bevil Lakay for sponsoring a new member, reflecting the club’s focus on membership growth Mark Roussow, spokesperson for the Tokai Lions, said: “We are honoured to have our efforts acknowledged at the district level These awards reflect the dedication of every member and our commitment to serving the Tokai community It is a privilege to work alongside volunteers who consistently put service above self “The annual district conference brought together Lions members from across District 410W to share successes, exchange ideas and plan upcoming projects
Discussions covered a wide range of initiatives, including health drives, educational support programmes, environmental projects, and community outreach activities
The Tokai Lions have a long-standing presence in the local community, with initiatives spanning support for schools, assistance to vulnerable groups, and participation in human-
EVERY MEMBER AND OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVING
itarian relief efforts
Roussow highlighted that each award recognises not just individual achievements but the collective effort of the club “From organising events to hands-on community service, each member contributes to the overall mission of making Tokai a better place,” he said The club has established strong relationships with clubs in Germany and Norway, fostering cultural exchange and collaborative humanitarian projects
These partnerships complement its local
b gg , j Competition, and run a Diabetes Awareness and Screening at Blue Route Mall on Saturday 15 November
In December, the club will host its annual Children’s Christmas Party for 80 children from orphanages and places of safety on Saturday 6 December, followed by the distribution of Christmas gift bags to old age homes in Lavender Hill and Hanover Park on Saturday 13 December “These awards are a morale boost, but more importantly, they serve as a reminder of why we serve, ” Roussow said “We will continue to work closely with our community, supporting those in need and encouraging residents to get involved in our volunteer initiatives Service is at the heart of everything we do, and these recognitions motivate us to maintain that commitment ” The Club continues to embody the motto “We Serve,” demonstrating that volunteerism, dedication, and teamwork can create a lasting impact in the Cape Town community The recent awards, both district and international, underscore the club’s ongoing role in improving lives and fostering a culture of service above self
The Lions Club of Tokai received multiple awards at the Lions District 410W Mid-Year Conference held in Paarl on Monday 13 October, highlighting the club’s commitment to community service and volunteerism
Knifemakersshowtheir prideatTygervalley
If you love craftsmanship, creativity, and things made with real skill, then make sure to visit the Cape Knife Show at Tygervalley’s Arena on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October Hosted by the Cape Knife Club (CKC), this annual event promises to be a showcase of some of the finest handcrafted knives South Africa has to offer CKC was founded in 1991 by a group of local knife-making enthusiasts who wanted to share ideas, improve their craft and host exhibitions Some of the club’s members, such as Des Horn, Ettore Geoferrarie and Philip Dunn, have
achieved international recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship But even newcomers and hobbyists find a place in this welcoming community where skills are freely shared
This year ’ s show will feature around 45 knife makers from across South Africa, as well as suppliers selling everything from steel and handle materials to tools and machinery for anyone wanting to start making their own knives Prices range from R600 to R20 000, with each blade a unique piece of art forged by hand A club spokesperspon says the growing popularity of television programmes like Forged
Huntforassailants
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Three men were found dead, with gunshot wounds, in a vehicle in Imizamo Yethu informal settlement, Hout Bay, last week, prompting a murder investigation by police
Officers discovered the bodies in a silver Hyundai i20 at Holomisa Square at approximately 23:45 on Tuesday 14 October Also being investigated is the motive for the killings, which officially remained unclear, and police sources said extortion-related activity had not been ruled out The case has been assigned to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit for investigation
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile condemned the violence, calling the incident “deeply concerning” He urged the community to provide information to assist the investigation
Loyiso Skoti, chair of the Hout Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF), said the murders highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the area “People in Hout Bay are always in fear for their lives, and when it comes to connecting these crimes with broader criminal activities we must depend on police investigations ” The CPF works with the police through monthly meetings and patrols to address crime .Contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS 32211 to report crime anonymously
Night School is changing lives
Plans on track for car showdown
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Organisers of the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town say preparations are on track for next week’s event.
For two days, Philip Kgosana Drive will transform into a high-octane racetrack as modern supercars and vintage icons go head-to-head, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October
The event brings together 150 incredible cars worth over R600 million for a weekend of motoring excitement
Patrons can look forward to motoring heritage on Saturday when 70 Classic Cars – including some of the rarest vehicles on earth – take to the tarmac Some of the standout cars that will be showcased include:
. Stuart Mackay-Davidson: 1980 Ferrari 308 GTB, one of only five in South Africa
. Harry Tayler: 1930 Bentley 4 5L Le Mans, the sole known example in the country
. Charles Arton: 1979 March 79A, a bespoke build race car for Formula Atlantic in South Africa
On Sunday the attention shifts to spectacular supercars and speed machines that will battle it out in the King of the Mountain showdown
According to event co-founder Garth Mackintosh, the Speed Classic event is the result of five years of planning and preparation
“The inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town also marks the revival of Cape Town’s hill climb legacy, bringing back a motorsport tradition that started in 1912, which saw drivers test their skills on Camps Bay Drive, Signal Hill Road and Kloof Road ” Mackintosh believes Philip Kgosana Drive is the ideal location, as it allows for a return route to bring the cars back after each run
The construction of the temporary tarmac and placement of safety barriers started on Sunday 19 October
Steyn Momberg, project director, says the barriers have been approved by the FIA, the
THERE WILL BE ACCESS TO RESIDENTS OR BUSINESSES AND ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO PHILIP KGOSANA
governing body of motorsport “We are very much on track and will be using FIA approved road barriers and catch fencing that were constructed for the recently held Formula E in Cape Town ”
The racecourse will be signed off by Motorsport South Africa Clerk of the Course on Thursday 23 October
According to Momberg, contingency plans for weather-related disruptions are in place “We
Sanlamwillsponsorrunners
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Following the cancellation of the 32nd edition of the Cape Town Marathon key sponsor Sanlam has extended a gesture of goodwill to support disappointed runners
All registered entrants will receive a sponsored entry for either the May 2026 or the 2027 marathon
This offer stands regardless of whether the event secures its bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors race, or not Due to severe wind conditions, organisers announced early on Sunday 19 October that much anticipated race had to be cancelled shortly before the starting time
The route was deemed unsafe due to constant wind gusts in the Woodstock area, and the infrastructure at both the start and finish venues had been compromised Conditions posed a safety risk to runners and pedestrians throughout the area
Clark Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, expressed the organisation’s disappointment
“We are devastated,” Gardner said “We have worked for months planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a
bigger force had the final say ”
Gardner thanked participants, sponsors, and stakeholders for their “ongoing support and understanding”
Ashwin Maggot was one of 24 000 runners who were left disappointed
“I’m honestly gutted
“Sixteen weeks of intense training, early mornings, late nights, and sacrificing precious time with my wife and kids all for this one moment
“It was supposed to be my first marathon I pushed through injury, spent hours with the biokineticist, and physio and gave everything to be ready ”
“To hear it was cancelled at the eleventh hour it’s devastating It was a symbol of everything I’ve overcome ”
Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport, said: “As someone who was preparing to run this year I understand the frustration and sadness that many are feeling, but the spirit of this marathon has never been just about one day
“It’s about the journey, the training, the community and the shared commitment to healthier more active”
have our world class emergency and deviation plans in place that could accommodate delays in case of extreme weather We will not extend the event into additional days in case of cancellation, but so far, no extreme conditions are in the forecasts ”
He adds that a traffic deviation plan will be made available to residents and road users in the coming days “This will also be for the broader Cape Town Community who access Philip Kgosana daily It is also important to note that we are not closing access to any residents or businesses and alternative routes to avoid Philip Kgosana will be published shortly ” Momberg says their marshalling team will complete safety drills on the course soon to ensure everything runs smoothly “Our full marshal compliment will be out
of the motorsport community and have vast experience in the sport Course familiarity and training will happen throughout next week under our Clerk of the Course This will as always meet Motorsport South Africa’s standards and regulations ”
He says that safety is their key priority
“We have an extensive emergency services plan and roll-out for the event This will include the South African Police, City of Cape Town Fire Services, Cape Town Disaster Management, law enforcement, Cape Town Traffic and Metro Police
“On the medical side we have Western Cape Medical managing the race and competition Our private medical services will provide an additional four ambulances and vehicles with EMT staff throughout the event ”
Final matric exams underway
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Nerves and excitement fill the air as thousands of learners across the country sit down to write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams starting today (21 October).
In the Western Cape, 77 442 candidates are registered to write the exam; these include 67 606 full-time matric learners and 9 836 part-time or repeat candidates
The tests start with 12 736 candidates writing the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) practical According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the subject with the largest number of candidates is mathematical literacy, with 53 206 candidates writing paper one on Friday 31 October, and paper two on Monday 3 November
David Maynier, provincial education minister, said the implementation of the exam is a mammoth administrative exercise with candidates writing at over 400 exam centres across the province
“Candidates will write at 473 exam centres, with 2 046 trained invigilators appointed to keep a close eye on proceedings Marking will take place at the beginning of December, with 954 000 examination scripts being marked by 4 190 markers ” People’s Post caught up Rayyan Ebrahim, the top matric learner in the country last year to share some helpful tips with the matriculants
“My advice to the Matric class of 2025 is to work smartly during the exam period You would have already
studied most of the content already, so use this time to brush up on those topics that you found the most difficult in the trial exams The exam period is also quite long, so make sure to look after yourself physically and mentally by eating well, sleeping well and exercising Try not to isolate yourself during this time - you may not be attending classes at school anymore but you will still need the support from your peers Forming study groups with them is a really effective way to study ”
He advised them to practice selfcare
“Be kind to yourself throughout the exams You may be feeling a lot of pressure to do well, but seek contentment in doing your best, rather than in getting good marks
Ebrahim said that during the final stretch of exams, fine-tuning his knowledge proved to be the most effective way to study
“For the final stretch of exams, I found that fine-tuning my knowledge was the most effective way to study The main method I used to study was to teach myself and my friends the content I was learning Putting the content in your own words really helps you retain the information better and builds a deeper understanding of the material
“I also made sure to go into each exam with a clear strategy of which questions I would start answering
first, based on the topics I was the most comfortable with I planned the amount of time I would spend on each question and timed myself when doing past papers This allowed me to walk into the exam room with confidence ”
Nicholas Schreiber was one of the top quintile-five learners in the province last year
The former Rondebosch Boys’ High School learner encouraged learners to stay focused
“You’ve put in all the hard work and now you ’ re so close to the finish line, but it’s important to not take your foot off the pedal now and really make sure to give these exams your all ”
He urged them to prioritise subjects in which they want to boost their results
“You should know roughly where your strengths and weaknesses are after prelims, so really focus on the areas of subjects where you can have a good improvement to get the most out of your finals marks ” Schreiber said learners should remember that marks alone don’t define them or the year they’ve had and encourages them not to put too much pressure on themselves
“Try to make consistent time for every subject and try to revise cleverly, being time and energy efficient Take regular breaks and make sure to get enough sleep every night, have a good
general diet and get plenty of fresh air and sunlight in between study sessions ”
He also shared some helpful study tips
“I was always a fan of flashcards for memorising definitions or key topics, as well as doing as many past papers as possible to see how topics get asked in papers, and to see where the gaps in my knowledge lie
“There are plenty of resources online for matrics to use (study guides, past papers, YouTube explanations etc), so make the most of all the resources you have available ” Schreiber is currently a first-year student studying a BCom in Chartered Accountancy at the University of Cape Town Maynier wished learners well for their exams and expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped prepare
the learners
“We appreciate the incredible work that our examination officials do each year to ensure that the exam runs smoothly Our matrics and their teachers have also put in a tremendous amount of work to prepare for this exam ”
Maynier urged the public to ensure the exams proceed without disruptions
“We appeal to everyone in our province to put the best interests of our candidates first during the exam period We look forward to celebrating with them when the results are released ”
The national education minister will announce the national and provincial pass rates on Monday 12 January 2026, and candidates will receive their individual results the following day
David Maynier, provincial education minister, wished learners well for their exams. PHOTO KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Final chapter for matric class
As the Class of 2025 reaches the final chapter of their school journey, emotions run high a mix of pride, excitement, and reflection.
After years of hard work, growth, and countless memories, these learners now stand at the threshold of a new beginning They’ve faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and
Nieschen Adams said: “I’m very nervous about what’s before me – my national exams as this is my last chance to give my best and make the most of it I’m also nervous about the adult world because everyone always warns that it’s hard and we have no experience. I’m also excited and looking forward to the new normal I’ll do my best for the last time!”
formed friendships that will last a lifetime This milestone marks not just the end of a school career, but the beginning of endless possibilities As they prepare to step into the next phase of their lives, the Class of 2025 carries with them the lessons, values, and resilience shaped by their school years People's Post caught up with a few learners to hear how they’re feeling about the upcoming exams and what lies ahead
Shunique Demingo said: “Now that we have reached the end of our school career, there is a mix of excitement and tension. On one hand, we are proud of how far we have come and look forward to the future and the new opportunities after matric On the other hand, there is a lot of pressure and uncertainty about the national exams, as they determine our future and whether we will gain access to university or work The workload is heavy, but it also motivates us to give our best. It is therefore a time of emotions joy, stress, hope, and pride all at once.”
Mary-Ann Kleindsmidt said: “I’m feeling very happy and sad at the same time. I met wonderful people at high school, like my teachers and fellow learners, who inspired me. And now, when I walk away, I feel very empty because they meant a lot to me. Just not every day would go smoothly I will miss the motivational pieces that they gave me. The national exam that is now staring me in the face makes me a little bit nervous Because everyone says it’s hard, but if you’ve worked hard all year then it’s not really hard Because I work through old papers, I get extra resources, I watch YouTube, and this makes me a little happy because I’m no longer nervous
THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE EXAMS,AS THEY DETERMINE OUR FUTURE
feeling bittersweet about leaving school, but I’m excited for the new opportunities and experiences ahead I’m optimistic about the future and ready to take on new challenges with confidence and determination Bring it on ”
Ashton Jantjies said: “I’m hella excited to be done with school, tbh! (to be honest) I’m optimistic about the future because I’ve got
Embo Magengelele said it’s a bit surreal to think it’s all coming to an end “School has
Keysha Ockers
Qaaid Carelse I feel mostly nervous but optimistic
A group of children took part in the outreach programme hosted in partnership with Cape Town City Ballet. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Outreachopensballetdoors
An outreach initiative, funded through the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department’s Grants-In-Aid programme, aims to make ballet more accessible to the public through inclusive dance experiences
During the recent school holidays, four two-day workshops were held at Claremont Civic Centre, Mowbray Town Hall, Edgemead Community Hall, and the Hillcrest Community Hall
A total of 80 participants were invited to each workshop, from communities including Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain, Delft, Philippi, Athlone, Belhar, Elsies River and Eerste River
The programme included structured workshops, and a participant showcase on the final day
“It’s incredible what’s possible through partnership In recent years, we ’ ve seen an increase in community outreaches by the Cape Town Opera, Philharmonic and the Cape Town City Ballet The City is incredibly proud to be part of this, particularly because of the positive impact it has on communities and our youth Based on the feedback we ’ ve seen from
participants, they were thrilled about the exposure to this art form, and the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
This was the second outreach initiative hosted by Cape Town City Ballet
The workshops allowed participants to connect with the art form in a meaningful way, beyond theory, through lived experience Designed to cater for all skill levels, the sessions were made accessible to everyone, ensuring broad community participation
“We believe in the power of dance to uplift, unite, and transform These workshops were more than just an opportunity to share our love for ballet, they were a chance to connect meaningfully with communities across Cape Town, to nurture emerging talent and to celebrate the rich diversity of our city
“Through engagements like these, we are honouring our commitment to making ballet accessible and relevant, and to investing in the future of this beautiful art form,” said Cape Town City Ballet Operations Manager, Tasneem Allie
Bowls leader sets the tone
HERMANJANSEN
Newly elected Western Province Bowls (WPB) president, Tony Harland, recently “rolled out” his executive’s battle plan to combat challenges facing the sport
Harland’s speech started the traditional celebratory official opening – the first since the 2020 epidemic - of the WPB 2025-26 season in the Durbanville clubhouse on Sunday, 12 October
Key among these issues are dwindling membership numbers and financial pressures
Harland is a former president of Durbanville Bowling Club (DBC), the biggest club in the Western Province and arguably the most successful, financially and with achievements, on the greens
He took over from Bellville’s Gerrit van Milligen (stet) who had a four-year stint
Harland’s two-year appointment in August is a historic one: As far as can be established, he is the first member of DBC (established in 1948) to be elected as Western Province president The opening day is traditionally hosted by the home club of the incoming WPB president Harland said: “I am excited about today It brings back part of an old tradition of the official season opening which fell away during covid ”
Delegates from 22 of the 32 WPB clubs (three not active) attended the ceremony
“We have received apologies from many clubs, who had other commitments It is impossible to accommodate everybody ” Addressing financial challenges, Harland said the WPB executive have started with an overall review and redrawing of the budget
“I attended the Bowling South Africa (BSA) AGM the week after our AGM The overall
financial position was the main area of discussion Concern was raised over the depletion of reserves and immediate cost-cutting action has been taken ”
He said WPB was in the same predicament with dwindling reserves the last three years
“This trend cannot continue, hence the review of finances This exercise will be completed by the end of November ”
Harland then addressed the sometimes tetchy issue of interrelations within WPB
“The harder part of the goals set is that of relationships As an executive we need to ensure that everybody was on board to bring success both on and off the bowling green
“Many gaps were identified across the full spectrum of the bowling chain from executive level to standing committees to clubs and bowlers ”
Harland said membership numbers had been flat the last three years
“The issue with most clubs is not attracting new members but rather retaining members
“Are we getting close enough to our new members to make them feel part of the club?
Walking into a strange environment can be very intimidating
“The perception of an ‘ us and them’ must also be done away with ”
Delegates from 22 of the 32 WPB clubs (three not active) attended the ceremony
Western Province Bowls (WPB) president, Tony Harland PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Advertise your Services, Products, Promotions and build your Brand in the greater Constantia/Wynberg area
michael.roberts@novusmedia.co.za
michael.roberts@novu edia.co.
NM10033267-QK211025
When Jason Poleman, coach of Just Planting Seeds in Manenberg, undertook to use sport to better the lives of girls in the community, he set his sights on participating in tournaments to empower them to make better choices than gangsterism and drug abuse
From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October, the team took part in the Knysna 7s Tournament at the Loerie Park Sports Grounds and was crowned the champions
“For the past three years, we wanted to participate in the inaugural George Tens Tournament, but it was unfortunately cancelled this year and
rescheduled for 2026 This setback could have easily dampened the spirits of our u-16 girls, but rather than allowing disappointment to take over, we worked hard and be disciplined throughout our preparation We discovered the opportunity to compete in Knysna and came home victorious, ” says Poleman For many learners the trip was their first-ever visit to Knysna, and the journey along the scenic Garden Route was an unforgettable experience
“What made the weekend truly special was the unity and emotional strength displayed by the team The girls dedicated this tournament to one of their teammates who had tragically lost her father before departure With heavy hearts but unwavering
p , y The weekend was more than rugby It was about resilience, teamwork and pride to represent Manenberg, a community that continues to rise above the odds
“Our learners once again demonstrated that they are not defined by circumstance but by their courage, character and commitment to rise above from where they come from They played four matches - beat Titans Academy 56-0, Amazonians B 68-0, Motherwell 56-0 and Amazonians A 31-5 (final) The girls emerged as champions of their division, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament,” he says A heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who played a role in making the tour possible
“This achievement stands as a tes-
y to make their dreams a reality Our girls did their part by showing gratitude, appreciation and unity during
g g Planting Seeds is nurturing hope, builds character and growing dreams in Manenberg,” Poleman says
Jason Poleman, coach of Just Planting Seeds, the u-16 Girls team from Manenberg, with the trophy they won at the Knysna 7s tournament PHOTO: SUPPLIED
