Process draws to an end
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The Western Cape is one step closer to welcoming a new Commissioner for Children.
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Standing Committee on Premier and Constitutional Matters in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said the vetting process for candidates has now been completed “The vetting is now complete, and the committee will meet shortly to finalise the short list to be submitted to the premier ”
The post became vacant in May this year when the Western Cape’s first Commissioner for Children, Christina Nomdo, who had held the position since June 2020, stepped down citing “personal reasons ” (“Search for new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner nears completion,” People’s Post, 10 June)
In terms of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children Act, the role carries a five-year term, with the possibility of one additional term
Van Minnen told People’s Post that 61 nominations were received She said of these, 44 nominees accepted the nomination, while 16 did not respond and one declined
Van Minnen added that nine candidates were shortlisted and interviewed in April She outlined the recruitment process
“The Child Monitors gave input into the process, but the appointment is regulated by provincial legislation and the interview and recommendation process falls into the purview of the Standing Committee who set the questions and performed the interviews ” She said despite the position being vacant operations continue “The office of the Commissioner for Children continues to operate and perform its mandate, and the new Commissioner will be setting their priorities once they are appointed ”
Van Minnen emphasised that the office operated independently “They operate as an independent entity and thus although they report to the Provincial Parliament, their agenda is set
Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, convenor of the Legacy 1500 Commission, and Sheikh Sadullah Khan were identified as Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton
An article that appeared two weeks ago on The Legacy Project 1500 (“Islam marks milestone”, People’s Post, 15 July) refers The newspaper mistakenly swapped the captions It regrets the error
by themselves ”
Patric Solomons, managing director for child right’s organisation Molo Songololo, said the appointment is “long overdue”
“Molo Songololo hopes that the new Western Cape Commissioner for Children will be accessible to children and children’s organisations And have the authority and commitment to engage the provincial government and legislature in the best interest of children as guided by the function and duties of the commissioner ”
According to Solomons, the commissioner should develop a clear five-year action plan in consultation with children, children’s organisation, key stakeholders in government and civil society “Engage the provincial legislature to improve its monitoring, financing and independence of the commissioner and commissioner’s office, and child participation policies and practices in the legislature He said the commissioner should focus on advocating for an independent National Commissioner for Children and to expand same to other provinces
Death is certain! It does not matter who you are Whether you are a sinner or a saint, rich or poor, your time will come The least we can do is to live life to the fullest and show love We can also rejoice that we do not know the date and time of our death Otherwise, we would do many stupid things prior to our demise Needless to mention the panic among family members and relatives Death is an unpleasant experience It cuts through our strongest organs Sadly, it’s inevitable We’ve all experienced it
It’s the value of the departed that defines the severity of the pain and the circumstances that led to their death I’ve lost many people over the years and the pain has never been the same In some cases, it would be a matter of shock, while in some instances, I would break down and weep
My first real encounter with death was in 1994, with the death of my grandmother May her soul rest in eternal peace She was our pillar of strength and her demise tore the family apart Yet, we regrouped and continued with our lives, knowing that she would never live forever Today, I am grateful for all the lessons she taught me
Since then, I’ve lost many other people In 2014, I lost my two uncles in a space of four months This year has been another horrendous
year I lost two very important people in three months (February and April) and this month I lost my wife’s brother
The former had a deep-rooted bond with me and we chatted regularly through WhatsApp For over 20 years, we shared many exciting times The latter was one of those people who made you feel welcome in the presence of strangers He was a gentle giant, a bond that held the family together One thing in common with all three is that we had plans to meet However, they died while we tried to figure out dates and times It has been a real struggle to come to terms with all these incidents They left me with lots of resentment They have made me feel like a failure While I understand that it is the will of God, I regret the fact that we had pending matters At the heart of all is procrastination
The fact is, time does not belong to anyone We are on earth for a limited period It’s vital that we use every second we have to the fullest We must live life without regrets so that when the time comes, we are not filled with unnecessary anguish
Show love today and do not be afraid to reach out to the next person before it is too late There is no time to hold grudges You do not want someone to die while you have differences I am glad that none of these departed compatriots had differences with me Yes, I failed to answer a call before one of them died This is something that continues to haunt me
Bravingstormstorescueseabirdchicks
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In the aftermath of severe winter storms battering the Western Cape coastline the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds’ (Sanccob) dedicated seabird rangers have again stepped-up to rescue vulnerable seabird chicks from flooded nests and harsh weather conditions
More than 30 storm-battered seabird chicks, among them critically endangered African Penguins and endangered Bank Cormorants, are now recovering in the local nursery
“Our rangers know every corner of their colonies,” said Romy Klusener, Conservation Impact Manager at Sanccob They dig drainage lines, pile brush around nest sites and monitor incoming storms, so we avoid disturbing nests unless it’s absolutely necessary Recent severe swells necessitated intervention ”
Between Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 26 June back-to-back cold fronts lashed the colonies at Stony Point and Simon’s Town Waves surged over shoreline ledges, sweeping three species of cormorant chicks – Crowned, White-breasted and Bank –clean from their nests At the same time torrential rain flooded dozens of African Penguin burrows, leaving chicks soaked, chilled and at risk of drowning Rangers first stabilised the most fragile on site under heat lamps before transferring those in poor body condition to Sanccob’s clinic Two penguin chicks perked-up enough to be returned to their nests when the weather calmed and their parents came back The rest were too compromised to stay in the colony
ATALLYOFTINYSURVIVORS
In Stony Point: .Four Bank Cormorant chicks (endangered);
. Three White-breasted Cormorant chicks;
. Three Crowned Cormorant chicks; . Nine African Penguin chicks (critically endangered);
. Two additional African Penguin chicks rescued and successfully reunited with parents
Simon’s Town:
. 11 African Penguin chicks; . 10 African Penguin eggs Inside Sanccob’s nursery the chicks receive four feeds a day of specially-formulated fish smoothies and whole fish Each is weighed daily and staff run health checks to catch any signs of infection or dehydration early
“The goal is always to release them back to the wild once they hit the right weight, waterproofing and fitness,” Klusener said Visit www sanccob co za to donate or learn more about Sanccob's life-saving work
THULANI MAGAZI
We referred to Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton, pictured above, as Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie.
Angryanimalactivistsupinarms
KEANANHARMSE
Activists marched in Simon’s Town to save Cape Peninsula baboons from forced removal
“This campaign demands accountability, not just for baboons, but for how we treat the wild spaces and beings who share this land with us, ” said activist Chad Cupido, who marched with over 50 other protesters They stood in solidarity for the safety of the baboon troops in the Southern peninsula in Simon’s Town on Friday 18 July
At the peaceful protest, Cupido, Executive Officer at Beauty Without Cruelty, handed over a memorandum of demands advocating for the safety of some baboon troops to some of the City’s law makers and stakeholders, who reportedly plan to re-home these primates in the near future
The campaign was led by Beauty Without Cruelty and Baboon Matters, with support from Baboon Watch and the Green Group in Simon’s Town, Cupido added
“The purpose of the march was to demand an immediate halt to the proposed removal of five baboon troops and to urge the City of Cape Town and its partners to implement long-promised non-lethal mitigation measures
“We marched not just for baboons, but for the values of justice, coexistence, and ethical governance The City and its partners have failed to implement basic mitigation measures, yet they’re prepared to kill entire troops,” he said
The activists are also calling on
the City to implement proper waste management, baboon-proof fencing, enforcement of by-laws, and prosecution of known offenders who attract or harm baboons
“If these demands are not met, we will continue to apply pressure through legal channels, public mobilisation, and media engagement,” he said
Last month, the City confirmed that the planned removal of the baboon troops will be carried out by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), which includes the City, Cape Nature, Table Mountain National Park and the South African National (SAN) Parks
Some of the baboon troops roam around Constantia Nek, Kirstenbosch, Murdoch Valley, Welcome Glen and Glencairn
CPBMJTT previously said that their intention was to: “ ensure the Cape Peninsula has a baboon population that is well-managed, healthy and free ranging in the natural areas ” and remove five splinter troops
The troops could be removed in the following methods: translocation for rewilding, capture and removal to an existing sanctuary or to a newly established sanctuary, humane euthanasia, or a combination of these options, the City confirmed in June
People’s Post received a copy
of the memorandum of concerns which highlighted the activists’ main demands
The memorandum states the activists’ concerns stem from a media statement issued by the JTT in May declaring their intention to remove five baboons troops from the Cape Peninsula
“We call upon the JTT to implement: area specific strategic baboon proof electric fences and investigate and prosecute repeat offenders who are suspected of shooting baboons with air rifles,” the memorandum reads
Fellow activist and spokesperson at the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation Lynda Silk said, “The march was a clear sign that people care deeply about the future of the Cape Peninsula’s baboons Right now, decisions are being made that could result in the killing of a quarter of Cape Town’s managed baboon population Instead of removals, the new working partnership could be investing in buffer zones and ecological corridors that facilitate wildlife and people to coexist
“These baboons are not alien intruders but residents of a rapidly shrinking wild world who were here long before our cityscape,” she said The memorandum demands a formal response to their concerns within ten days and prior to a final decision to remove the five troops
The CPBMJTT told People’s Post that they received the organisers’ memorandum on Saturday 19 July but said that they had no further comment at this stage
SAN Parks could not provide a response before going to print
The Cape Baboon Partnership confirmed that a popular baboon known as ‘Blondie’ was found with an air rifle pellet in his chest Here he was pictured in Elsie’s Park on Saturday 29 March this year
Art exhibit marries all the senses
NAMHLAMONAKALI
An upcoming art and dining event on the Atlantic seaboard is putting new focus on the power of quiet storytelling, community connection and creative inheritance.
On Friday 15 and Saturdat 16 August, The Quiet Gift, a collaboration among Chefs Warehouse, Tintswalo Atlantic and the SA Art Fair, will transform the luxury lodge on Chapman ’ s Peak into a temporary space for artistic reflection and culinary narrative
The exhibition and dining experience will include the work of over 20 artists and offer four ticketed lunch and dinner sessions
But behind the elegant setting lies a deeper question: what does it mean to pass something on, and who gets to take part in shaping cultural memory?
Curator Samantha Whittaker said the concept of The Quiet Gift rejected showmanship in favour of what she called “the slow, intimate work of care, the kind of legacy that lives in shared meals, creative mentorship, and the spaces we make for others ”
This theme is echoed in the inclusion of Lalela, a Hout Bay-based non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides arts education to youth in under-resourced areas
As part of the event Lalela learners’ artworks will be printed on scarves and pyjamas for display and sale, with proceeds supporting classroom funding “For our learners, many of whom come from communities where opportunities can feel out of
reach, being included in something like this affirms that their ideas and talents have a place in spaces that are beautiful, intentional and celebrated,” said Firdous Hendricks, Executive Director of Lalela
“It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being valued Initiatives such as this don’t just showcase young artists; they give them momentum ”
Sales of 24 Lalela scarves will fund an art classroom for a year, a tangible link between luxury and access
Featured artists in the exhibition include photographer Chris Minihane, whose work has been published by National Geographic and exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution, digital artist Gavin Goodman and Cape Town-based Imraan Christian, whose contribution of two caracal paintings evokes the ancestral wildness of the Cape
Sculptor Robbie Rorich and photographer Susanna Neunast contribute work rooted in nature, while a special selection of pieces by the late Paul du Toit speaks to the emotional and personal dimensions of legacy
The venue, situated between the mountain and the sea, has been deliberately chosen to deepen the connection between land, memory and inheritance
“There’s a kind of honesty that happens when you ’ re surrounded by wildness,” said Whittaker “It allows for reflection that’s
grounded, not performative ”
The menu, designed by Head Chef Cameron Smith, will mirror these ideas through a multi-course tapas experience, using sustainable and
locally sourced ingredients
With only four sittings scheduled, The Quiet Gift is small in scale but ambitious in intention
At a time when art is often commod-
ified and access remains uneven, the event poses a quieter but more lasting question: how do we honour creative work, not just with money, but with space, attention and continuity?
Co-founders of the SA Art Fair (from left) Bianca Said, Samantha Whittaker and Georgina Vintin. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Big contraband haul at Pollsmoor
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Amajor joint operation at Pollsmoor Prison has revealed just how entrenched criminal activity remained within the country’s correctional facilities.
Law Enforcement officers uncovered a staggering haul of contraband during the raid, including 305 packets of dagga, 35 Mandrax tablets, quantities of tik, 119 cellphones and 34 sim cards
The discovery has once again placed
the spotlight on the influence gang leaders continue to exert from behind bars and the challenges faced by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)in curbing illicit activity inside prisons
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith has called for urgent intervention
“This bust is further evidence gang bosses are still calling the shots from prison,” he said “We cannot allow prisons to be turned into criminal headquarters The state needs to take control back ”
THEFINDSHIGHLIGHT LONG-STANDING SYSTEMIC ISSUES.
Smith urged the DCS to make use of existing technology, including cellphone signal jamming and advanced screening tools, to limit communication between inmates and their networks outside “We’ve seen jamming technology deployed in Parliament during the State of the Nation
Address in 2015 If it was possible there, why not in correctional centres where it’s critically needed?”
Civil-society organisations and community-safety activists are also sounding the alarm, arguing that the frequency of such finds suggests long-standing systemic issues, including possible staff collusion
Community-based activist Clive Jacobs said the scale of the bust indicates the operation of a “well-oiled network” within the prison “These are not random smuggles These are established systems with ongoing
external communication If we want to protect communities we must start by dismantling the power structures that exist within our prisons ” Correctional Services had yet to confirm whether disciplinary or criminal action would be taken against any employee following the raid Community members had expressed frustration over what they describe as a “revolving door” of criminal activity They say more transparency and accountability were needed within prison administration, which community safety depends on
CPOA Avondrust Court
20 Rouwkoop Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
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on-site CPOA Care Centre.
‘We are the Best City in theWorld’
Cape Town has officially secured its position as the Best City in the World after winning the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking the seventh time the South African coastal metropole has claimed this coveted title
This latest accolade comes just six months after Time Out magazine also crowned Cape Town as the world’s best city in January
More than 20 000 United Kingdom (UK) travellers cast their votes in The Telegraph’s annual travel survey, with Cape Town outshining global tourism powerhouses including Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo
This back-to-back international recognition confirms what locals have long known – Cape Town offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and worldclass hospitality
The Telegraph’s assessment highlights the city’s extraordinary visual appeal: “Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the
flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope ”
This unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders – from the iconic Table Mountain cable car experience to the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay – continues to draw international visitors year after year
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, attributes this consistent international recognition to strategic tourism initiatives and community involvement
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” Vos explains
“From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people ”
The City’s focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, have successfully positioned the Mother City’s unique experiences on the global stage, driving tourism demand while ensuring benefits for local communities
The Western Cape’s tourism industry continues to be a powerful economic driver
Recent statistics show the 2023-'24 cruise season alone contributed over R1,32 billion to
FEW PLACES CAN MATCH THE FETED METROPOLIS FOR PHOTOGENIC POWER
the regional economy while supporting more than 2 000 jobs
Cape Town International Airport reported a record-breaking 3,08 million passenger arrivals during the same period
Briony Brookes, chief marketing officer for Cape Town Tourism, celebrates the significance of this repeated recognition “Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world ”
With two global “Best City” titles already secured in 2025, Cape Town’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down Cape Town continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the authentic experiences and natural beauty
Barber of Seville at Theatre on the Bay during August
Cape Town Opera (CTO) brings Rossini’s beloved comic masterpiece
The Barber of Seville to Theatre on the Bay from Tuesday 5 to Sunday 17 August in a vibrant new production directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Sylvaine Strike (The Tempest, Spring Awakening, The Promise) Renowned for her inventive, physically expressive storytelling, Strike draws on her deep background in theatre and commedia dell’arte to deliver a production rich in charm, movement, and vivid characterisation
Her direction heightens the comedy through expressive gesture and physical humour, allowing Rossini’s sparkling score and vocal fireworks to shine atop a visually dynamic, character-driven foundation
The Barber of Seville marks Strike’s first time directing an opera
Leading the multi-award-winning cast is William Berger (Bluebeard’s Castle, The Sound of Music), who
stars as the irrepressible, scheming Figaro, with Thando Zwane sharing the lead role Following his debut as Count Almaviva with the English National Opera at the London Coliseum last year, Innocent Masuku will reprise his role in the upcoming CTO production and will share the part with Dumisa Masoka
A former CTO Judith Neilson Young Artist, Masuku made international headlines last year when he placed fourth in Britain’s Got Talent As the crafty and captivating Rosina, adding comedic flair and vocal brilliance to this fast-paced tale of love, disguise and playful rebellion will be Vienna-based guest artist Megan Kahts and CTO House Soloist Brittany Smith Other artists include Lonwabo Mose and Conroy Scott as Bartolo; Monde Masimini as Don Basilio; Garth Delport as Fiorello, Luvo Rasemeni as Ambrogio, Lusibalwethu Sesanti as Berta, and a male voice
ensemble from the Cape Town Opera Chorus Composed in 1816, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville remains one of the most enduring and beloved works of Italian opera buffa
The production is musically directed and accompanied on piano by CTO
Following the successful debut season of Letters of Reflection by WGRUV
Dance company earlier this year and the overwhelming demand for a repeat season, the performance returns to Homecoming Centre
Patrons can expect performances on Friday 15 August at 19:30 and Sunday 16 August at 15:00 and 19:30
The show highlights seven original works created by Holly and Lex Gruver, as well as highlighting a much-loved piece by American choreographer Tyler Gilstrap called “Unsquared”
Each letter communicates an aspect of different, thought-provoking themes through the technical and free movement the company ’ s contemporary ballet-trained dancers excel at
The dancers emote a clean, fresh, hopeful look, bringing a moving, soulful quality to the stage
Each of the seven pieces in the production unfold like a letter – deeply personal yet universally resonant – exploring themes that challenge, inspire and move through a seamless blend of technical precision and expressive freedom
From neoclassical to contemporary artistry, each “letter” awakens our senses – all of us, both young and old – to observe the world with fresh eyes
This stirring performance delves into the impact of love, loss, work and relationships, examining the lies we may
Head Vocal Coach Jan Hugo, with a focus on bringing the rapid-fire Italian recitatives to life and showcasing the expressive range and vocal virtuosity of bel canto singing to charm Cape Town audiences
Staged at the intimate Theatre on
the Bay in Camps Bay, the production channels the spirit of 18th-century Italian opera houses The venue ’ s smaller scale becomes a creative advantage what Strike calls “grand opera in bonsai form” giving audiences an up-close and emotionally resonant experience
“If you ’ ve never watched opera, you should try this production,” says Strike - “it’s delightfully funny, filled with physical humour, love, intrigue and plot twists ” With elegant, period-inflected costumes by Allegra Bernacchioni and a visual aesthetic inspired by classics like Les Enfants du Paradis and Bridgerton, this Barber of Seville is an opera with heart, humour and a healthy dose of theatrical mischief
The Barber of Seville runs at Theatre on the Bay . Bookings are via Webtickets or the Theatre on the Bay box office on 021 438 3300
believe, the doubts they create and the power of community to redirect our vision toward a hopeful future
The mesmerising original choreography showcases the versatility of the company, creating both a visually stunning and spiritually enriching experience
Holly Gruver, Creative Artistic Director of WGRUV Dance Company, said they are grateful for the overwhelming response “It’s a joy to know that our work
resonated so deeply with audiences
We’re thrilled to bring the show back with a return season, bringing even more magic, movement, and emotion to the stage We are so looking forward to taking Letters of Reflection to Cape Town ” As movement speaks, reflections unfold and dance becomes a powerful conversation, making Letters of Reflection a captivating encounter . Tickets are available from Quicket
The Mother City has been named Best City in the World in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards PHOTO: SUPPLIED
From left: Brittany Smith as Rosina, Lonwabo Mose as Bartolo, Dumisa Masoka as Count Almaviva, and William Berger as the Barber
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