People's Post Constantial/Wynberg E-edition - 01 April 2025
The Lions Club of Tokai hosted its fifth annual “Walk In Heels” event at the Blue Route M Tonder
The Lions Club of Tokai hosted its fifth annual “Walk In Heels” event at the Blue Route Mall shopping centre on Saturday 22 March , raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and collecting funds for charity.
Timed to align with International Women’s Day on 8 March, the event saw men stepping into high heels to show support for GBV victims Participants were sponsored to
walk, with all proceeds going to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), a global disaster relief fund Backed by club members and the
SealRescueneedslifeline
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) is in a critical funding crisis, putting its vital work of rehabilitating injured and stranded seals at risk Without immediate financial support, the centre may be forced to close, leaving vulnerable marine animals without care
Operations manager, Kim Krynauw has made an urgent appeal for donations, stressing the dire situation “We simply cannot bear the thought of abandoning the seals who depend on us for survival,” she said “They come to us sick, starving, and injured, and without funding, we won’t be able to provide them with the care they need ”
One of the centre’s most pressing needs is funding for food Rising costs have made it increasingly difficult to provide enough fish to sustain the rescued seals during their rehabilitation
“These incredible creatures rely on us for nourishment, and we cannot let them down Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference,” Krynauw emphasised
The centre is also appealing for help in replacing its ageing bakkie, which has long been used to transport rescued seals along the coast
The vehicle is now unreliable, making rescues increasingly difficult “It’s a big ask, we know,
BACK A BAKKIE - HBSRC URGENTLY NEEDS TO REPLACE THEIR OLD BANTAM BAKKIE
but if anyone can sponsor a vehicle or connect us with a dealership that can assist, it would be a game-changer for our rescue operations,”
Krynauw said
To encourage sponsorships, the HBSRC has released a Funding Proposal outlining its work, goals, and financial needs
Three tiers of support - Platinum, Gold, and Silver - are available, with businesses given public recognition for their contributions “By partnering with us, companies will not only support a vital conservation effort but also gain valuable exposure, ” Krynauw explained
“We’re fighting for these animals every single day,” Krynauw said
“But without the community’s support, we won’t be able to continue this mission Please, if you can help, now is the time ”
The HBSRC is urging conservationists, animal lovers, and corporate sponsors to step forward
Donations towards food, transport, or sponsorships are all crucial in securing the centre’s future To help contact Krynauw directly on 072 988 5193 or on HBSRC@compute co za
Theyear2020wastrulyawatershedyear
were deployed to assist with implementing lockdown measures
Sounds like a warzone, right? Yet that was our reality And if we ’ re honest, Covid-19 was a battle A battle that claimed so many of our loved ones
I could hardly believe it when I saw the news headlines last week reporting that it’s been five years since the country went into hard lockdown
Or maybe it is not so much that I was in disbelief, but rather it is a time I’d much rather forget
We all sat glued to our TV screens on 23 March 2020 when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the country would go into a 21-day lockdown beginning on 27 March
At the time, South Africa’s number of confirmed Covid-19 cases was reported at more than 400
The unprecedented step imposed strict regulations and restrictions on the country for the first time since the dawn of democracy
No-one, except essential workers, was allowed to leave their homes unless under strictly controlled measures to acquire essential products and services
The National Defence Force and the police
A memory forever ingrained in my mind is of me driving alone on the N1 highway from Bellville As journalists, we were frontline workers, so I was on my way to cover a story
I remember how nervous and anxious I felt each time I left home Fearing I may contract the virus and infect my family
Looking back now, I can say it is only by the grace of God that we are still here today So many people did not make it
Despite this being a gut-wrenching time there are certain aspects I’d like to see return
Safety and security in this period were at their peak
Crime saw a significant drop According to the crime figures released in the first quarter of 2020, between 1 April and 30 June, murders fell by 35%, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm dropped by 41%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances declined by 39% The police minister at the time called it a
“crime holiday”
Due to Ramaphosa’s national state of disaster declaration the police and members of the National Defence Force were seen around every corner, policing and ensuring people abided by lockdown regulations
Fast forward to today, how many more women and children must still be brutally killed before the same extreme safety measures are implemented? How many more innocent people must senselessly lose their lives while gangsters run amok in communities?
Currently we are still at war, though not against a virus, but one equally potent Yet this time it seems the powers are simply leaving us to fend for ourselves Criminals are now putting some communities under lockdown
Oh, how we now long for that “crime holiday”
The year 2020 was one of significant loss and turmoil, but it also taught us valuable lessonsthe importance of family, time and an appreciation for what one has
We saw how as a nation we can pull together and step up I remember the various feeding schemes and organisations born during lockdown These are the beautiful memories I cling to and prefer to remember of five years ago
The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) is in a critical funding crisis, putting its vital work of rehabilitating injured and stranded seals at risk Without immediate financial support, the centre may be forced to close, leaving vulnerable marine animals without care.
A JOURNO’S VOICE
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Giving kids nourishing meals
NAMHLAMONAKALI
On Human Rights Day (Friday 21 March), the Blue Route Mall partnered with Rise Against Hunger Africa to tackle food insecurity by packing 40 926 meals to support vulnerable children The initiative ensures 178 children at an early-childhood development centre will receive nutritious meals for an entire year
The event invited individuals, families and corporate groups to participate in one-hour meal-packing shifts Volunteers played an active role in the fight against hunger while fostering a sense of community through teamwork and engagement “Hunger and food insecurity remain
EVERY MEAL PACKED MAKESADIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES
critical challenges in South Africa, especially for young children,” said Bronwyn Rabie of Rise Against Hunger Africa “By hosting this event at the Blue Route Mall we not only provided essential meals, but also reinforced our role as a true community hub where people come together to create meaningful exchange ”
The hands-on initiative allowed volunteers to experience the direct impact of their contribution, reinforcing the importance of community-driven solutions to pressing social issues Those attending described the
event as a rewarding and fulfilling experience Rise Against Hunger Africa, a non-profit dedicated to eradicating hunger, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing food insecurity “We are grateful for the support from Blue Route Mall and the local community,” Rabie said “Every meal packed makes a difference in the lives of children who rely on these meals for nourishment and development ” The Blue Route Mall encouraged continued participation in similar initiatives, urging the public to volunteer, spread awareness, and support the fight against hunger “Whether through hands-on involvement or advocacy, every effort helps build a brighter future for children in need,” added Rabie
A recent spike in robberies along Kloof Nek Road, Lion's Head and Signal Hill has prompted a group of concerned Camps Bay residents to unite and seek ways to reduce the trend The concerned group recently held a meeting to discuss possible solutions The meeting was attended by residents and some community safety structures It was organised by Chris von Ulmenstein, who is also a tour guide She expressed a concern about the surge in crime incidents
"As a Tour Guide, I am concerned about the number of armed hold-ups that are occurring of locals and tourists It is a dreadful threat to all of us with tourist businesses in our suburb Two German tourists were attacked at gunpoint in Camps Bay I went to assist them The woman was so frightened, she gave her phone and bank card She was shaken up I don't think we will see them in South Africa again "
Regarding incidents along Kloof Nek Road, residents want warning signs to be put up "We want crime-hotspot warning signs because people walking there are vulnerable Once you are approached by a criminal there is no one that can come to your rescue "
Von Ulmenstein said they also want to start an awareness campaign on all the hiking and walking social media groups to educate people about safety
A woman was robbed of her iPhone, specialised S-Works bicycle among other things following a robbery at Rhodes Memorial on Sunday 9 March
On Saturday 22 March a man was attacked with a knife close to Plum Pudding on Table Mountain
The attacker allegedly pushed the cyclist off his bicycle and threatened him with a knife The following day (Sunday) two women were held at gunpoint near the bottom of the Kloof Corner trail The perpetrator allegedly demanded one of the women to unlock her cellphone and threatened to shoot if they did not comply
Take Back Our Mountains, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to fostering safety, environmental preservation, and community engagement on Table Mountain and its surroundings, expressed a concern about increased robberies "Our daily users are feeling scared, angry, and disheartened as they can no longer safely enjoy their activities on the mountain Recently, we received numerous messages from both men and women, including victims of these robberies, expressing their frustration and fear The situation is especially troubling because Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, continues to operate with inadequate security "
The NPC called for the implementation of a robust safety plan designed specifically to address and combat crime
"Many people are willing to contribute their ideas and support, but we are all frustrated by the lack of action and constructive solutions being implemented
"It is the same trails and parking areas that are targeted year after year, leaving the community feeling helpless "
The NPC urges mountain users to be vigilant and take extra care while out on the trails
JP Louw, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson, they, the police and
the Camps Bay CID have launched individual and joint operations to improve safety around the Lion's Head, Signal Hill, Pipe Track and The Glen area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP)
"Over the past few weeks, we have noted an increase in armed robbery incidents reported in the Lion's Head and Signal Hill precinct of TMNP and have coordinated information gathered from these incidents and eyewitnesses
"We understand the concern these incidents have caused among visitors and residents and want to assure the public that we are taking these matters seriously "
According to Louw, they are conducting both joint and individual operations "These opera-
tions include increased patrols, intelligence-led interventions, and coordinated efforts to apprehend suspects
The safety and security of park visitors remain our top priority, and we are committed to taking proactive measures to curb criminal activities in these areas "
He shared some safety tips:
1 Hike or cycle in groups of four or more, as there is safety in numbers
2 Access the park between sunrise and sunset and avoid evening hikes
3 Wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and protection for all weather conditions
4 Make sure someone knows your departure time, planned route, and expected time of return
5 Use freely available mobile applications that can track your movements for safety purposes
6 Record emergency contact numbers displayed on park signboards in case of an emergency
7 Ensure your phone is fully charged before your visit to make emergency calls if necessary
8 Regularly check SANParks' social media pages for updates on route closures, maintenance work, or areas to avoid due to fires or other hazards
People are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or safety concerns to law enforcement authorities on 086 110 6417
CPOA Avondrust Court
20 Rouwkoop Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Peace of mind • Rentals Available • Retirement home • Independent Living
Situated in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch, Avondrust court is a warm and friendly court which offers lovely mountain views and two courtyards with rose gardens in which to enjoy quality time with the family Ensuring that retirees can find a solution that suits their needs and budget, different living options are offered which include single rooms, single or double occupancy units as well as a 40 bed on-site CPOA Care Centre.
At the Blue Route Mall volunteers played an active part in the fight against hunger
The proposed redevelopment of the Good Hope Centre seeks to maxmise its potential as a public venue.
Public’sviewsoncentre
welcome
Capetonians have until Monday 21 April to give their comments and recommendations on the future of the Good Hope Centre
The proposed redevelopment seeks to maximise the site's potential through its sale or transfer for further development, ensuring lasting benefits for Cape Town's economy, heritage, and communities
Sandra van der Merwe, co-chair of the Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement (Docomomo SA), said the centre is an iconic landmark feature of the Mother City Docomomo SA is a conservation body interested in the conservation and documentation of modern movement buildings, sites and neighbourhoods in the South African context
Van der Merwe said the building, designed by the studio of Italian modernist architect and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi is a technical and architectural achievement of global relevance
The main hall, he said, has a reinforced concrete cross-vault supported by massive concrete piers at its corners, with precast concrete panels forming the shell of each quarter to create the 78 m wide by 23 m-high main hall space
"Beyond its architectural value, the Good Hope Centre has high historical and social significance as a public-events facility accessible to all communities of Cape Town during a time of displacement "
It was built in 1976 as an exhibition hall and conference centre at the time of the District Six forced removals
Van der Merwe elaborated further on the structure: "The ribs of the vault and the triangular precast concrete panels are exposed on the inside of the main hall At the time of the Good H t v f s m
secondary spaces
"Isostatic slabs comprise a structural system patented by Nervi's office in which the ribs in the concrete follow the bending moments and stresses on the concrete slab, resulting in a concrete soffit that is structurally efficient but also aesthetically interesting "
Van der Merwe said it's vital to conserve historic buildings
"It is important that iconic buildings such as these, especially public buildings like the Good Hope Centre, are conserved for their architectural and landmark value, but also their public use and social value, to continue to tell the story of their historic context, evolution and place in people's memory
"Conservation may require that some aspects of the Good Hope Centre be changed, re-imagined or improved, for the building to stay relevant and sustainable "
She encouraged the public to have their say in the proposed redevelopment of the centre
The City says it is committed to conserving its heritage while ensuring its transformation into a space that serves present and future generations
James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Growth, encouraged Capetonians to share their views on this proposal, adding that by redeveloping the site the City will create a vibrant, inclusive, and economically viable precinct
According to the City benefits of the proposed redevelopment include attracting investment, driving local business growth, aside from heritage preservation and adaptive reuse
Submit your comments (Ref: 110242505):
Online: Have your say (capetown gov za)
Email (written submissions): Development
Digital space a ‘double-edged’ Christian sword
NAMHLA MONAKALI
As Passover approaches the role of faith in the lives of young people continues to evolve.
While some embrace traditional religious practices, others explore spirituality in new and unconventional ways From digital platforms to personal spiritual journeys, the ways young people connect with faith are changing, reflecting both modern lifestyles and deeper existential searches
Spiritual leader Tsepo Monaheng, of the Blessed Saints Church of Christ, believes young people are not necessarily turning away from faith, but are instead redefining their relationship with it “Many young people seek a personal and experiential connection with faith,” he said “They are drawn to spaces that allow for open dialogue, inclusivity and a deeper understanding of spirituality beyond formal religious structures Yet this shift has led to a passive form of participation for some where they are physically present in religious spaces but not actively engaged
“When church programmes focus too much on the older generation young people feel out of place because they can’t relate to the discussions or issues being addressed We need to ask ourselves, are we truly making room for young people in our faith communities, or are we merely expecting them to conform to traditions that don’t resonate with their reality?”
The rise of digital faith communities has been both a blessing and a challenge Many young believers turn to online sermons, podcasts and virtual prayer groups as a way to stay connected to their faith
For Liso Leteba, a young churchgoer, faith remains an important anchor, but she approaches it differently “Attending church gives me a sense of belonging, but I also explore my spirituality through podcasts, online discussions, and even meditation,” she explained “I think young people want to feel faith is relevant to their everyday lives, not just something they observe on religious holidays ”
Monaheng acknowledges the significance of digital spaces but warns against their potential drawbacks “The digital space is a double-edged sword,” he said “It offers accessibility and engagement, but at the same time it can dilute the depth of traditional religious experiences ”
He also pointed out that reliance on online
WE NEED TO EVOLVE WAYS IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGE WITH FAITH.
faith content without a strong biblical foundation can lead to misinformation “Many young people who consume spiritual content online end up blending Christianity with unbiblical beliefs “Astrology, manifesting and other trends are creeping into their Christian faith, sometimes without them realising it
“They will still identify as Christians in this case, but their beliefs will contain a lot of external influences, some of which are even contrary to scripture As young people redefine spirituality, the question arises is the institutional church keeping up with this shift?
Monaheng believes religious institutions must adapt if they want to remain relevant Young people value authenticity “If religious institutions do not provide spaces where they feel heard and understood, they will seek spirituality elsewhere ”
One major challenge is the church’s reluctance to engage with issues that require more than just prayer “The church is often afraid to address things that can’t be solved quickly Mental-health struggles, addiction and personal crises need long-term support, yet seeking professional help is still viewed as taboo in many churches Instead of creating support groups and accountability partnerships, we would rather pray for people and send them away, without any follow-ups ”
As Passover calls for reflection and renewal, the evolving ways in which young people engage with faith suggest a transformation rather than a decline
Whether through traditional services, digital platforms, or personal spiritual journeys, their search for meaning continues to shape the future of religious expression The challenge now lies with religious institutions: will they adapt to this new reality, or risk losing the engagement of a generation seeking deeper, more personal connections to their faith?
Monaheng’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action “We can’t assume that just because young people aren’t engaging with faith the way previous generations did, they are lost They are searching The question is, are we willing to meet them where they are?” he says
Painter tell through br
AVRILFILLIES
Since his childhood, Tyrone Appollis has been painting and romanticising about the poor fisher folk's struggle along the coasts of the Western Cape for survival.
He painted scenes from harbours from Kalk Bay to Gansbaai to showcase the struggle through the years of the fishermen over the draconian quota system and how their worldfamous sea cottages were taken over by rich people as their replacements
"For years the fishermen fished the holy, sweet waters running alongside their world famous sea cottages on our coasts and in my paintings I am depicting these scenes to show how they were so cruelly moved to other areas while the rich folk's taste for gentrification took over their sea cottages," he says
He still believes the quota system is terrible and fishermen struggle to make ends meet with the quota allocated to them
"Besides painting, I also draw sketches and write poems about the working class, the vessels in Kalk Bay and other harbours, which is my happy hunting grounds In my childhood I used to call it my throw-away paintings, drawings and poems and recently I added songs of Kalk Bay and Gansbaai, but Kalk Bay is the lovely thorn in my little car ' s front tyres As I always say 'tank you ' but my little car isn't 'tank full', which meant I scored mileage from or for Kalk Bay," Appollis says who resides in Vanguard Estate
He has entered a few art competitions without any success and in hindsight he was a good loser
Tourismdriveoff
Dr Jonathan Butler, recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Stellenbosch University, headlined the launch of a new initiative to promote tourism and its economic and social benefits in less-resourced communities on Saturday 29 March at Athlone High School
Down Klipfontein is the brainchild of Joey Fourie, a matriculant of the school, who has been engaged in tourism initiatives for more than 20 years
"I'm excited about this tourism project, which will be a learning and discovery tourism programme that integrates history, education, culture, local food and wine, music and other art forms into one immersive, memorable experience," he said
Expanding on the elements of the curated experience, Fourie explained that it would combine his experience of home-hosted dinners, where tourists are hosted by local families serving dishes understood as being traditional Cape Malay cuisine Also, they will experience the Daily Music Show, a cultural hub located in Long Street in the city centre that provides platforms for musicians and poets to build international markets as well as a new tour route, Down Klipfontein
Starting at the District Six Museum, the tour will take participants on a route past the Groote Schuur Hospital, Mostert's Mill and Red Cross War Memorial Hospital on the formerly "white" side of town, to apartheid-era memorials of the Trojan Horse massacre, Coline Williams/Robert Waterwitch Memorial, the Gugulethu Seven and Amy Biehl memorials as well as other sites of local significance ranging from the Joseph
Tyrone Appollis of Vanguard Estate putting more detail PANORAMA.
Awards entries now open
Entries are now open for this year’s Eco-Logic Awards. Now in its 14th year, the awards is South Africa’s premier platform celebrating and promoting our eco-champions that make tangible impact in environmental conservation, sustainability, and eco-innovation
The entries are open for all eco-logical leaders to be recognised for their contributions across 12 categories, including Climate Change, Nature Conservation, Water Conservation, Circular Economy and Waste Innovation, Eco-Fashion and Lifestyle, Eco-health and Wellness, Eco-Hospitality and Tourism, Eco-Innovation, Eco-Friendly Products, Eco-Communities and Schools, Eco-Angel, and Eco-Warrior
The event will honour gold, silver, and bronze winners across 12 categories
“With South Africa ranking among the top 15 largest carbon emitters globally and facing critical environmental challenges, including extreme droughts, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the need for effective action is urgent,” says David Parry-Davies, founder of the awards and Editor of The Enviropaedia
“The Eco-Logic awards provide a platform to spotlight the organisations, individuals and initiatives, who are thinking outside of the box and taking positive steps toward what is so desperately needed to safeguard the future security of ‘People and Planet’ ”
“Climate action is not just a responsibility; it is a moral imperative The urgency of our environmental crisis demands bold, innovative solutions and unwavering commitment from all Climate action sectors of society The Eco-Logic
CLIMATE ACTION IS A MORAL IMPERATIVE DEMANDING BOLD INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Awards play a crucial role in accelerating the sustainability agenda by shining a spotlight on the eco-champions who are leading the way These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to take action, proving that every effort - no matter how small - contributes to the collective fight for a greener, more just future,” says Kumi Naidoo, climate activist and winner of the 2024 Eco-Warrior award
Winners will be honoured at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 29 October at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Renowned comedian
Themba Robin will return as the MC
“Winning an Eco-Logic Award is more than just a recognition - it’s a powerful endorsement of an individual’s or organisation’s commitment to sustainability
“These sought-after awards provide winners with industry credibility, opening doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and increased public support
“With extensive media exposure, the winners gain a national spotlight, amplifying their impact while inspiring others to follow their lead,” says Parry-Davies
Entries will close on Monday 30 June
• Visit www.eco-logicawards.com to submit your entry and for more information
Award-winningplayto enthralpatronsatBaxter
The highly-anticipated Tony award-winning A Doll's House, Part 2, with Bianca Amato and Zane Meas, is set for an exciting spell at the Baxter Studio The critically acclaimed play by Lucas Hnath returns after successful runs on Broadway and at the Donmar Warehouse in London Directed by Barbara Rubin, it runs from Wednesday 16 April to Saturday 10 May It will be at 20:00, week nights, with Saturday matinees at 15:00 Amato, perhaps best known as Philippa de Villiers in the TV soap Isidingo, returns to the SA stage to play Nora, after garnering a wealth of experience and recognition in New York, on and off Broadway SA's beloved star of stage and screen Meas plays Torvald Seasoned NY-based Rubin ( Kindertransport, How I learnt to Drive) returns to her home country to direct the play It also features stage veteran Charlotte Butler (TV's Isidingo, Home Affairs, Green Man Flashing) and Simone
Neethling (Arendsvlei, Romeo and Juliet, Maynardville 2024) Set design is by Greg King (My Fair Lady, The Beauty Queen of Leenane) and costume design by Maritha Visagie (My Fair Lady, Tosca) Hnath's plays include Dana H , The Thin Place, Hillary and Clinton, Red Speedo, The Christians, Isaac's Eye and Death Tax He has been produced on Broadway at the John Golden and Lyceum theatres, off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop, The Vineyard, Playwrights Horizons, Soho Rep and Ensemble Studio Theatre Awards: Whiting Award, Guggenheim Fellowship, Kesselring Prize, Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Play, Obie Award for Playwriting, Steinberg Playwright Award, Windham-Campbell Literary Prize, Lucille Lortel Award, and a Tony Nomination for Best Play Booking is through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores
Celebrating25yearsonstage
The Western Cape Government congratulates all the winners of the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards
The winners were announced at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday 23 March Among this year ’ s exceptional honourees, one cultural phenomenon stood out for its enduring impact on the people of the Cape: Joe Barber
In recognition of its 25th anniversary, the dynamic creative duo behind the production, David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen, were presented with the Encore Award
This accolade celebrates their remarkable achievement in creating a theatrical experience that has become an institution in Cape Town’s performing arts scene
“Joe Barber has become more than just a show – it’s a mirror to the everyday humour, resilience, and warmth of our communities,” said Western Cape Minister for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Ricardo Mackenzie
“For 25 years, Isaacs and Petersen have brought laughter to generations of audiences Through Boeta Joe and Boeta Gamat, they’ve given us characters who are both timeless and deeply rooted in the heart of the Cape Flats ”
The awards also honoured My Fair Lady with five awards, including Best Production, while the production of Metamorphoses received praise for Best Ensemble Performance as well as Lighting Design
Emily Child and Albert Pretorius walked away with lead acting honours for their standout performances in A Streetcar Named Desire and Othello, respectively
The Innovation in Theatre Award was presented to SoapBoxing, which continues to cultivate new talent and diverse storytelling The Lifetime Achievement Award was be-
stowed on Prof Temple Hauptfleisch for his unparalleled contribution to archiving and researching South African theatre
A deeply moving moment during the evening was the tribute to legendary playwright Athol Fugard, who passed away earlier this year
His long-time collaborator and friend, theatre maker Mannie Manim, delivered a heartfelt speech in his honour, reminding all present of Fugard’s indelible legacy and the global impact of his storytelling
“These awards remind us of the rich artistic talent we have in the Western Cape and South Africa,” Mackenzie added
“From iconic productions like Joe Barber to innovative platforms like SoapBoxing, and trailblazers like Prof Hauptfleisch – we salute the artists, directors, designers, and creatives who keep our stages alive And we pause to honour the great Athol Fugard, whose work will echo through the ages ”
Zane Meas and Bianca Amato will be on at the Baxter for a limited period
‘Joe Barber’ actors Oscar Petersen and David Isaacs with provincial minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie
CPUT reached the play-offs of the Varsity Shield on Friday 28 March although they lost by 45-27 to the Madibaz
They are joined by UWC, Madibaz and Varsity College in the semi-finals
The results of the final round-robin matches of Friday 4 April will determine the semi-finals and venues
In a seesaw Varsity Shield derby between the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on Friday 21 March, the encounter went down to the wire with CPUT prevailing as 28-27 winners
q g on a specific team but will take it game-by-game
“After Friday’s match we are lying in third position with 23 points, one point above UWC,” Alastair Theys, coach of CPUT, shared with People’s Post after the nailbiting encounter
The neighbours are also involved in the Super League competitions of Western Province Rugby Union after the completion of the Varsity Shield in Super A and Super B respectively
“In both competitions, Varsity Shield and Super League B, our goals are to do better than last year and try to make the play-offs
“By improving game-by-game we will be able to reach our goals in
Defending series champion Glenrose Xaba had to dig deep on Sunday morning 30 March, but she managed to hold off a challenge from Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre to win the opening leg of the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix in Green Point
Following overnight rain the skies cleared just before the start of the 10 km contest, offering near-perfect conditions for the elite field aside from a bit of wind
Pushing the pace hard at the start, Xaba (Boxer Athletics Club) pulled two athletes with her in the early stages - Gebre and another Ethiopian, Meseret Fita (both representing Nedbank Running Club) - as they opened a gap on a larger chasing group
Approaching halfway, however, 41-year-old Lebo Phalula (Boxer) put in an incredible surge to drag some of the chase group with her as they closed the gap on the leaders
The pace eventually took its toll, and the athletes dropped off one by one until only Gebre was left hanging on to Xaba’s shoulder in the closing stages Having led from the gun, Xaba kicked with less
- Alastair Theys
both competitions We were in Super League A last year but dropped to Super League B
“It is tough to stay in Super League A and when the club rugby season kicks off in April, our work is cut out for us in Super League B Valuable lessons were learnt in Super League A by the players, coaches and management and we are going to implement the lessons in the club competition
Our focus is now on the Varsity Shield and we still have to play two more matches,” Theys narrated He attributed the current form of
than a kilometre to go and finally managed to shake off Gebre as she drew clear for a hard-fought win in 33:13
Gebre finished five seconds off the pace in 33:18, while Xaba’s training partner Karabo Mailula (Tuks Athletics) stepped on the podium at a SPAR Grand Prix race for the first time in her career, crossing the finish line in third place in 33:35 Phalula finished in an impressive fifth position behind fourth placed Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) Russian born Australian Ola Firsova, who now lives in Stellenbosch, finished eighth
The race, which attracted a massive field of 16 000 participants, started 30 minutes late after the race safety committee took a decision to ensure all possible safety issues had been solved on the route
Xaba admitted the late start had affected her performance, but she was pleased to have opened the defence of her series title with a victory
“I’m happy with the race but I’m a little disappointed with my time,” she said
p aye s o be e s a g e up for each game, is fierce By performing in each game and good timing we are delivering top performances because everything we practice is coming together
“Our players come from all over the country, from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape, and is a mixed multicultural group
“They learn from each other, come from different cultures, experiences and backgrounds By winning each game we give our CPUT student community some confidence
“The multicultural mix adds value to the team dynamics and what we stand for The CPUT community is
Xaba holds the South African 10 km record of 31:12
“We stood too long at the start and my muscles were stiff and my body didn’t respond very well, but I’m glad I was able to run a good race and stay focused until the end ” Gebre was also satisfied with her result, just two weeks after she finished second at the Rome Marathon in Italy in 2:28:22
“To be honest, I need a little more time to recover from the marathon, and I felt the wind was a bit harsh, but I did my best and I’m happy with the result,” Gebre said Phalula went on to finish fifth overall, winning the Over-40 category in 34:14, just 13 seconds outside her own South African veteran’s record Caster Semenya running in her second official 10 km race finished in a credible 14th position
capta e a a doo o eads by example and the contributions in each game by flyhalf Honour Maseti
“When we were promoted to Super League A in 2024 we weren’t ready for that league. We saw players mature because you have to bring your A game in each match We were shown what it takes to be in Super League A and to stay there, I can assure you it is no picnic
“Playing in Super League B is going to be tough as teams across the board set goals to be in the play-offs
“Some clubs have more experienced players, have financial support and have the same fanatic supporters as our student community, which brings a certain vibe,” he said
