Jointhewalk,makethedifference
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Capetonians are called to lace up and do their bit to feed a hungry child with the annual Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) Blisters for Bread charity fun walk on Sunday 31 August
According to the organisers, over 700 people have already entered with this year ’ s target being 8 000 walkers
For the past 57 years proceeds from the event have been making a difference in the lives of thousands of hungry children by providing daily nutritious meals to learners across the Western Cape
The walk will start in Stephan Way, Green Point, and finish at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It offers two scenic route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade A 10km walk which starts at 07:30 and a 5km walk starting at 08:00
Each participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation for taking part in this meaningful cause
In addition, thanks to the support of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, complimentary refreshments will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day
Patrons can also look forward to some live music performances from Cape Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grownups alike
Putting an event like this together requires
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. THE NEED IS GREAT.PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THE COST OF LIVING
many hands
One organisation that has willingly put up their hands to assist for the past 10 years is the Lions Club
Allison Georges, secretary of Cape of Goodhope Lions Club in Plumstead, said members from the club have been volunteering as marshals for over 10 years
“Our members volunteer for most organisations that do events We assist at the Cape Town Cycle tour, the Gun Run, and Blisters for Bread
“Hunger is one of our pillars, we have eight pillars which we work on It is important to us to assist other organisations raising funds
to feed the less fortunate and especially the children ”
According to Georges, about 120 marshals will safely guide walkers on the day Georges appealed to people to enter and join the walk and help make a difference
“Every little bit helps The need is great People are suffering because of the cost of living
There are many children that are going to school without a meal ”
Entries are now open, with flexible registration options available for individuals and groups The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry schoolchildren for a day Official event T-shirts are available at R150
Patrons can enter online with registration closing at midnight on Sunday 17 August .To register or learn more,please visit www psfa org za For any enquiries,contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210
There’sbeautyinthischaoticmodernlife
A JOURNO’S VOICE
The late great American poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen once said: “If you don’t become the ocean you’ll be seasick every day ”
In this uncertain age where the world of work and society are shifting rapidly through the breakneck speed of Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) advances and how it’s morphing our jobs, I find these words are becoming eerily relevant, especially for the youth who feel vulnerable to peer pressure and comparisons They may start doubting their passions to pursue “cushy jobs” that even aren’t spared the threat of retrenchments It only takes one lonesome evening doom-scrolling and you’ll find yourself drenched in endless clips of influencers, giving advice on relationships, fashion, your diet or offering you financial tips to catapult your salary This habit can become pernicious as we think we lack fulfilment in our careers, love lives and physique and start to loathe the present
time
Now your algorithm can predict your interests and you may return to this feed as a form of therapy like these TikToks and strangers understand you Now you ’ re swimming in a stream of the latest trends in slang, fashion, music and now your conversations and clothing become singular Now you may hide your unique individuality out of fear of rejection as it drowns in the mass of information you consume You keep hearing people say that they heard a new movie was terrible instead of watching it themselves and offering their own unbiased opinion Instead of freely being ourselves more people seem to latch onto the narrative of pop culture and join the “cool club” I’m guilty of this too and I admit there are gems of handy advice glowing amid the “brain-rot”
There’s dates, delicious recipes and funny cat videos available with the swipe of a finger, but when do we stop, reflect and allow some introspection before we fall prey to instant gratification and hits of dopamine?
It often seems more relaxing to
enjoy a whole bag of crisps laying inside a warm bed binging Instagram reels or watching the latest series than finishing that new novel or completing our gym goals As a young adult enduring work traffic, deadlines, loneliness and dating disappointments, it’s easy to become irritable and cynical and let our egos wreak havoc and become addicted to pleasing ourselves No pun intended there
It’s uncomfortable to confront our insecurities and shortcomings
When we consider our dreams we may think have become dusty old toys we left on the shelf, but that’s where the personal growth lies
With every push-up you may feel your arms start to shake as you struggle to pick yourself up from the floor We could wonder why are we making our bodies suffer and yet we forget this pain is microscopic tears which allow muscle fibres to increase in size
When we read a book we unshackle our imagination, visit a character’s world and experience their challenges and understand our heartache is a common thread extending from as far as the 1800’s and will always be relatable We’re
quick to forget our progress when scrolling on social media and seeing someone who already has the kind of lifestyle we desire but hardly consider that we ’ re only seeing a mirage someone has carefully curated to reflect their ideal selves to the world
We’re obsessed with aesthetics and living life like celebrities and fear being seen as “cringe” Especially young artists feeling exhausted about the hustle they endure creating their art and feeling upset about the views they receive and the bills that could care less about harmony and cinematography But remember, my friends, today Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks are priceless despite his struggle in selling those beautiful paintings So enjoy the present tense and understand your work and legacy will live after you There’s a beauty in floating in these chaotic seas of modern life, seeing how technology and social media has connected us to form relationships Artist Tyler the Creator also constantly reminds artists and content creators to forget the numbers and publish their art because “ you never know who’s watching”
All City clinics offer youthspecific services to encourage young people to invest in their health and well-being
While services can be accessed at any time, designated hours of 14:00 to 16:00 were introduced some years ago, specifically for adolescents
More recently, seven clinics have established youth zones - offering dedicated waiting and treatment areas These clinics are Lentegeur, Dr Ivan Toms, Delft South, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Langa and Ikhwezi
Youth zone readiness assessments are underway at 11 more clinics, including Adriaanse, St Vincent, Albow Gardens, Elsies
River, Manenberg, Masincedane, Vuyani, Gugulethu, Matthew Goniwe, Wesbank and Sarepta
“City Health offers critical services for young people, particularly for sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse treatment and mental health services And, while this group makes up the largest percentage of clients accessing certain services, we can do better Stigma continues to be a stumbling block - hence the efforts to provide safe spaces for our young clients where they can access care without judgment It is a work in progress, but I encourage our young people to please reach out and make full use of the services on offer,” said Mayco member for community services and health,
Francine Higham
The package of services tailored to the needs of young people includes:
· Sexual and reproductive health care
· Access to various contraceptive methods
· TB screening and treatment
· HIV screening and treatment
· Emergency contraceptives
· Provision of Pre exposure prophylaxis and post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
· Substance abuse programme
· Mental health services
“Our clinics also maintain a schedule for regular school outreach visits, where health promotion and screening services are provided In response to a recent
Patrons can also look forward to some live music performances from Cape Town’s top local artists
KEANAN HARMSE
Ocean For All Alliance is a global network
dedicated to increasing ocean access for underserved youth
“It empowers grassroots organisations to deliver safe, engaging ocean education experiences in their local communities
“Since 2019 alone, I AM WATER has reached more than 48 900 beneficiaries through immersive, ocean-based education,” said IAW spokesperson, Victoria Smith
People’s Post spoke with Prinsloo who walked us through their humble beginnings
“I grew up on a horse farm outside Pretoria, where my early years were shaped by a deep connection to nature and water After studying documentary filmmaking in Sweden, I discovered freediving, and it changed the course of my life It was the profound and transformative encounters with marine wildlife that sparked something even deeper in me, ” she recalled In 2010, she launched IAW with the vision of making the ocean accessible to all
“I was especially focused on the children from disadvantaged coastal communities who live close to the sea but have never had the chance to experience it I’ve always believed that true conservation begins with connection That’s why our work is grounded in ocean education, and immersive experiences that create a sense of belonging and care in the next generation,” she explained
One of the goals of the NPO is to empower the youth to become advocates for ocean protection IAW works with non-fee-paying schools across all eight districts of the Western Cape
Their main programme, the Ocean Guardians Workshops, is a two-day experience that combines mindfulness, ocean education and snorkelling to help learners connect with the sea and build confidence in the water
For inland schools, they offer River Guardians Workshops, which explore local freshwater ecosystems and the importance of water conservation
Among the greatest challenges they face is funding
“We need to secure consistent funding to sustain and expand programmes As a mis-
Young donorssave morelives
Young South Africans aged 16 to 39 face some of the worst survival odds when diagnosed with blood cancer, worse even than children and older adults with the same illness And yet, the key to saving these lives lies with the youth themselves
Patients have the best chance of survival when their stem cell donor is young, but far too few are stepping up
“Defeating blood cancer often comes down to receiving a stem cell transplant from a compatible donor But what many don’t know is that the age of that donor is critical,” says Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to fighting blood cancer and life-threatening blood disorders
The NPO recruits lifesaving stem cell donors and helps diagnosed patients find matching donors from a global registry of potential matches for transplants Through education, awareness, and easy donor registration, they give patients a second chance at life
“Younger donors, aged 17 to 25, give patients the best shot at survival And yet, only 30% of registered donors in South Africa fall within this medically desirable age bracket,” explains Mokomele
She adds that as people age, their stem cells lose potency
“They regenerate poorly, become more inflamed, produce fewer immune-boosting lymphocytes and may even carry harmful mutations linked to cancer We urgently need more young donors who not only register but understand the life-saving difference they can make by following through ”
DKMS Africa is calling on South Africans aged 17 to 25 to take action this Youth Month and register as blood stem cell donors “Too many young lives are hanging in the balance A successful transplant starts with a match, but it ends with a donor who steps up and stays committed,” concludes Mokomele
Cheerleaders bring silver home
KEANANHARMSE
Ateam of cheerleaders from Kommetjie were crowned as the second best cheerleading squad during the Western Province Majorettes and Cheerleading Association’s (WPMCA) annual prizegiving held at Fish Hoek High School on Saturday 7 June.
The cheerleaders, dubbed the Generation Griffins, walked away with silver at the WPMCA’s Western Province Championships which feature the best cheerleading squads across the province
The WPMCA was established in 1981 and is affiliated to the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA)
The Griffins represent both Generation Schools Imhoff as well as a cheerleading club in Sunnydale, Cheer & Tumbling Stars (CTS)
“The competition showcased talent from primary schools, high schools, and tertiary institutions with outstanding performances across every level,” said CTS coach, Samantha Higgins
People’s Post spoke with a pair of cheerleaders, Ruby Farquar and Addison-Jane Barker-Goldie, who helped their team secure the accolade during this year ’ s season
Farquar (Grade 9) and Goldie (Grade 7) both attend Generation Schools Imhoff
Farquar says she also enjoys horse-riding and swimming when she’s not tumbling in the air
“I am the first one in my family to practise cheerleading One of my friends introduced me to cheerleading
“We really enjoyed it and then the coach, Higgins, asked if we wanted to try out for the SA team,” she shares The Griffins practise on Mondays
for an hour but to prepare for the national competitions they rehearsed every weekend
“We’d train for four hours per day all across Cape Town so that all team members could attend So far the highlight of my cheerleading career was going to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the World Championships We came fourth in the world,” she adds Goldie says she loves tumbling and shares this passion with her two sisters
“I saw cheerleading on TV and the next day I saw it was at our school
THATWEHAVESTUDENTSWHOHAVE REPRESENTEDSAONANINTERNATIONAL STAGEASPROTEASISASTOUNDING
and joined the team We also train for 90 minutes every Friday with the Griffins team and we have been competing most Saturdays for the season, which has just finished in time for nationals in the school holidays,” she explains Goldie’s role in the team is as a flyer where she is instructed to complete acrobatic flips
“It is such fun for me to do all the tricks – it can be scary but is exciting
once I have learnt them and feel confident So far my best achievement was competing in Florida with the SA Youth Co-ed Team Anyone can do cheerleading as there are different roles depending on your body type and your skills,” Goldie said The Griffins also achieved fourth place overall as the best cheerleading high school during the WPMCA’s prizegiving, added coach, Higgins School principal Brett Garner says
he is beaming with pride for their cheerleading teams
“The Imhoff community is very proud of the exceptional achievements of the members of our cheerleading teams
“Cheerleading and tumbling were introduced to allow (learners) of every age to engage in a fun but physically challenging activity The fact that we now have (learners) who have represented our country on an international stage as Proteas is astounding Farquar and Goldie’s hard work reflects the effort of every member of the cheerleading and tumbling fraternity, and we celebrate their achievements,” Garner said
Roadrepairsgainpace
Residents can expect road reinstatements in the coming weeks after the City announced it is making steady progress in clearing road repair backlogs after water pipe bursts
More than 1 820 road and pavement reinstatements have been completed since December last year as part of a renewed effort to tackle the growing backlog following water infrastructure repairs across Cape Town A new strategy, designed to fast-track reinstatements through multiple work packages, is showing results, with thousands of square metres of roadways currently under repair
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate acknowledges that the demand for reinstatements continues to exceed available capacity
“To address this, the City has implemented a multi-pronged strategy, increasing the average work package size from 4 000m² to 7 000m²
Based on current demand forecasts, optimal output per package should reach approximately 16 000m² to ensure the backlog remains within a
three-month turnaround time, with critical reinstatements prioritised
The City’s goal is to have zero reinstatements older than three months by the end of June (next year),”” said Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien
The road reinstatements will affect the following areas this month: Grassy Park, Wetton, Zeekoevlei, Fish Hoek, Froggy Farm, Glencairn, Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Ocean View, Scarborough and St James among others
As Cape Town enters winter, the City is aware that unreinstated sites can quickly become deep potholes or road hazards, especially after heavy rains Residents are encouraged to escalate such cases for temporary refilling, which helps prevent vehicle damage and improves road safety
The escalation can be done by emailing: water@capetown gov za with the reference number for a service request/C3 notification that was previously created for that reinstatement
Ruby Farquar (Grade 9) Photos: supplied
Addison-Jane Barker-Goldie (Grade 7)
Generation Schools Imhoff’s cheerleading squad, the Generation Griffins.
I Giving people the tools...
Treasure Island on at the Masque
KEANANHARMSE
Atheatre and dance teacher
from Fish Hoek hopes she can empower the youth to express themselves freely on stage and inspire the next generation of young actors to become leaders in their communities
The Amy Leigh Acting and Singing (ALAS) Academy was launched in 2010 by founder Amy Leigh
Their theatre ensemble performed an adaption of the classic play Treasure Island at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg last week
Since a child she has always found herself singing and performing, she recalls
“I grew up in Fish Hoek and was schooled through the local Fish Hoek Primary School all the way through to High School I would have friends tell me that I was like a walking musical I have been singing since I can remember and playing the piano for the majority of my life I started piano at seven years old, singing at nine and drama at nine too It was my happy place, the place that let me be me and discover my true passion and talents,” she says
After she matriculated in 2006 she carried on with her studies through the Cape Academy of Dramatic Arts
She says her main goal for establishing the arts academy was to guide students along the track of inspiration and become teachers that could uplift someone by imparting knowledge and guidance
“When I started ALAS Academy in 2010, I had little expectations, but was hopeful that ALAS would turn out positively I had no idea that it would snowball to a place were we housed over 180 students weekly and have had some amazing performances and shared the stage with South African talents,” she explains
The academy offers vocals, speech and drama, piano and guitar training
“We enrich the community through arts and culture, live stage exposure and engaging with the community to provide entertainment Not only do we do that, but we coach and mentor the youth, the young performer, the passionate young muso, the young actor to be the best they can be at their craft and to be good at it,” Leigh elaborates
They’ve also performed for the Girl Guides, Retirement Villages and local markets
“We have had the honour of working with Living Hope, Desmond Tutu
WE HOUSE OVER 180 STUDENTS WEEKLY AND HAVE AMAZING PERFORMANCES
HIV Youth Foundation, Open Door Foundation, Ukama, Rotary, Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy and namely United Nations,” she says Their students hail from all over Cape Town, but primarily from Strandfontein, Muizenburg, Tokai, Steenberg, Lakeside, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Ocean View, Noordhoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough, Sunvalley and Glencairn
People's Post spoke with some of the young actors who performed at their production of Treasure Island
Arun Bothma says he loves all kinds of art and dabbles in producing and DJ’ing
“I never realised how deep my interest in the arts was until I was a lot older I only started acting two years ago and discovered my love for music around the same time ALAS academy has really been an amazing outlet for me to discover my creative side where I have deepened my passion for performing and for music I have learnt so much about myself and made many friends while doing it,” he said
He played the role of Ben Gunn, a former cabin boy and pirate
RUTHLESSKILLER
“To prepare for this role I spent most of my time perfecting the physicality of the character and trying to figure out how this character would walk and do simple actions What I find so interesting about the character is how he has adapted to survive on the island, which resulted in him walking on all fours and learning to fend for himself,” he said
Fellow actor Peter Campbell-Watts says playing Long John was quite a challenging character to act and understand
“His demeanor switches from a charming sailor and cook who could do no wrong, to a narcissistic, ruthless killer looking only to benefit himself, no matter who he had to use or step on He was also one legged, which was quite a challenge for me to act with, and was also logistically difficult to create believably on stage," he explained
For more information contact AmyLeigh at 084 244 5476
ALAS Academy’s actors during their Treasure Island performance. Back: Toby Flood, Kian Mortlock, Peter Campbell-Watts Middle: Joseph Younes, Erin Haylle-Dick, Mira Mperdempes, Amari van Neiwenhuizen, Kate Elario PHOTOS CANDICE DOUGLAS
Matthew Leck, Twyla Van Reenan and Tygo Wijsenbeek
Matthew Leck, Twyla Van Reenan and Tygo Wijsenbeek
Liam Strydom and Twyla Van Reenan.
The Amy Leigh Acting and Singing (ALAS) Academy pose for a photo after their performance of Treasure Island held at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg last week
NPOtacklesyouthunemployment
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMED A CO ZA
With the curtain coming down on Youth Day yesterday (16 June) youth unemployment remains a crisis in the country However, a local youth-based organisation is on a mission to address this by providing young people with skills to prepare them for the work environment.
Initiated in the Western Cape, YearBeyond is a national programme that provides unemployed youth between 18 and 25 years with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while encouraging a culture of community service
YearBeyond is a Youth Service partnership between national government, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Wayde Groep, manager: Knowledge Management, Communications and Training at YearBeyond, said the organisation operates as a social
franchise with over 50 partners, most of them NGOs, who provide the mentorship and support in communities for the youth, leveraging the YearBeyond Programme resources and curriculum
Groep says the biggest challenge young people face is unemployment, limited access to education and networks, as well as the lack of guidance and support
“YearBeyond tackles these challenges by offering youth a year of meaningful work experience, paired with personal and professional development, mentorship, and pathway support for when they graduate from the programme
“Through this, young people gain valuable experience, build critical skills, and access opportunities that set them up for further study, work, or entrepreneurship ”
Groep says participants receive a curated training programme focused on building their professionalism, emotional intelligence and agency
“They also receive pathway support to identify possible career options, compile a winning CV, prepare for
an interview and pitch themselves to recruiters
“This journey is supported by a mentor whom the youth see weekly 70% plus of our alumni each year remain active in the economy as students, workers and entrepreneurs,” says Groep
He explains that young people are trained to deliver a pre-designed programme, to track their work and are supported with observation visits, feedback and access to online learning materials to supplement the face-to-face training
“Youth can also request help with our well-being eco-system, which includes access to trauma support, counselling, social workers, and other wellness professionals ”
Groep adds that the organisation is constantly adapting to the economic or social conditions affecting the youth “Each year the programme adapts to be responsive to the context – for example, we have a focus on entrepreneurship given the economic climate and identity and inclusion issues as many young people grapple with this ”
Youngpeoplespeakout...
On the cusp of Youth Day, celebrated yesterday, People’s Post talked to some of the young people about their thoughts about South Africa
Riyaan Manan says: “Being part of the youth of SA is amazing Being surrounded by so many cultures and such a wide variety of awesome people our country truly is such a wonderful place for our youth ”
Esethu Zawukana says: “Being a youth in South Africa means being the voice of change We are living in a country with so many opportunities, but also many challenges It’s up to us to speak out, stay informed and push for better education, mental health support and job creation Yes, Youth Month reminds me of the sacrifices made in 1976, but now it’s our turn to lead ”
John Bulani says: “For me, being young in South Africa is about
reclaiming power We are not just future leaders, but leaders now Youth Month isn’t just history; it’s a reminder that we can still fight injustice, whether it’s gender-based violence, inequality or corruption It’s a call to action ”
Dante Perucatti believes being a youth in South Africa means living in a country full of contrasts: “As a young person I see the struggles around me, people fighting to make ends meet and some giving up on their dreams because they don’t see a way forward But I believe that even with the hardships there’s always something worth reaching for And then there’s the view, the one I see every day, whether it’s the sunrise on the mountains, the city lights at night or just kids playing in the street That view reminds me to keep moving forward ”
Rohan Jhilmeet says: “As a young person in South Africa I feel uncertain and frustrated The job market seems unfair, with qualifications not guaranteeing opportunities, while connections often pave the way for success Safety concerns also weigh heavily on my mind ”
Simamkele Sono says: “Emerging adulthood can be thrilling, characterised by independence, a career, romance and idea exploration Even though it’s exciting and full of possibilities this stage can lead to anxiety, instability and a sense of not quite belonging Overall emerging adulthood can feel like a mix of emotions and anxiety It’s a time of great opportunity for personal growth and exploration, but also a period of navigating the complexities of adulthood with a sense of uncertainty and instability The truth is that we are a sad generation smiling online and dying offline ”
He explains that businesses can get involved as follows:
. Create opportunities for youth to work in their organisations and partner with YearBeyond for a pipeline of talent
. Create opportunities for job shadowing to expose youth to the careers in their industry
. Support youth to prepare for the market by volunteering time to do mock interviews
. Sign up for one of our Opportunity Expos
. Sponsor YearBeyond via the umbrella NGO YeBo Institute
Cadetsreadyto hitthestreets
Hundreds of metro police cadets are putting their best foot forward to tackle crime as they near the end of an 18-month training programme focussed on growing municipal policing resources
Under the “Project 1 000” skills development programme, the cadets have undergone months of gruelling training to equip them with the necessary skills needed to address crime-related concerns
The initiative offers youth the opportunity of an intense 18 month full-time learnership which includes extensive physical training, training on legislation, theory and practical training, among others
The campaign builds on the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) programme, which has already deployed 1 300 new boots on the ground in crime hotspots via a partnership between the City and Western Cape Government
The training commenced in December 2023 and followed an extensive recruitment process
The cadets have now qualified as fully trained metro police and traffic officers after completing a combined total of 35 modules
Dean of the Public Safety College, Deputy Chief Bradley Lakay, says the gruelling physical training completed each day forms an integral part of developing a competent police force fit for the purpose
“Each day the cadets undergo extensive physical training to prepare them for the field They attend the college for eight hours a day and each day they are required to run 2,4km, complete 40 push-ups in under a minute, complete 20-metre sprints known as shuttle runs, complete 40 sit-ups in just one minute and climb a two-metre high wall The training is intensive but is aimed at providing the residents with the best our service has to offer ”
The college boasts a main campus in Observatory and six satellite campuses across Cape Town
“This is the biggest intake we have ever seen at the training college and we are excited about the deployment of the cadets later this year This initiative is a new start for the Safety and Security Directorate as this group has received the best training we have to offer The training is comprehensive and we also place a significant focus on ethics training as we aim to build a competent, well-trained and ethical metro police force
“This deployment will see the newly trained cadets being deployed as dedicated ward officers, facility protection officers and a dedicated escort unit I have been on patrol with some of the cadets and I am very impressed with their willingness to learn and their eagerness to serve the residents of Cape Town,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith
Dante Perucatti Simamkele Sono
Rohan Jhilmeet
Riyaan Manan
Esethu Zawukana
John Bulani
Participants receive a curated training programme focused on professionalism
Cadets go through their paces PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Healing begins when men talk
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Mfundo Totana is a 47-year-old father of two boys. Like many men in the city, he carries an invisible weight, one not often spoken about: the silent struggle with his mental health.
“I don’t always feel okay,” Totana admits, his voice steady but sincere “But I’ve learned it’s better to say that out loud than to pretend everything is fine ” June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the silence and encourage open conversations around emotional well-being
In a society that often tells men to be strong, to “ man up ” , or to hold it in, this month’s message is simple but powerful: “it’s okay not to be okay”
For Totana, the struggle isn’t new He has faced long spells of unemployment and the crushing pressure of trying to provide for his family while feeling emotionally drained “People say, ‘Just get a job,’ but they don’t see how hard it is when your mind won’t settle When the stress just piles up, ” he says
Like many others, he admits to bottling things up “Sometimes I stay quiet because I don’t want to be seen as weak But that silence hurts more than anything ”
This silent suffering is widespread According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), men are significantly less likely to seek help due to cultural stigma and expectations “Men make up nearly 80% of suicide deaths in South Africa They’re taught from a young age to hide their emotions and that’s costing lives ”
Mental health professional Yolanda Mhlakela, the 2024 Employee Assistance Practitioner (EAP) Practitioner of the Year, agrees “We need to create safe spaces where men can express themselves without fear or shame,” she says “Real strength lies in vulnerability When men talk about their struggles, healing begins ” She adds that recognising the signs, withdraw-
Raisingacyber-smart youngergeneration
South Africa’s youth are fluent in the language of digital, but that fluency can become a dangerous false sense of security Every day, cybercriminals are exploiting the behaviours and habits of young people to steal money, data, dignity and opportunities
As the country commemorates Youth Month, cybersecurity company Fortinet plans to equip the next generation to be able to protect themselves – and everyone else – from online threats
Why young South Africans are at risk?
Mobile-first Hustle-driven Social-attached
These are the terms that define how South Africa ’ s youth live, work and interact
With most young South Africans relying on smartphones for everything from studying and banking to job-hunting and monetising social media, their attack surface is wider than they think
Doros Hadjizenonos, regional director for Fortinet South Africa, says young people are incredibly digitally savvy, but often also underprepared when it comes to security
“We’re seeing a pattern where the same tools that connect them to opportunity also expose them to cybercriminals Such massive mobile-dependence can make their approach to digital activity more relaxed than it might be on PC’s ”
Common cyber threats targeting youth:
. Scam giveaways and fake scholarships
Popular on Instagram, X, and TikTok, these entice users to “win” or “apply” by sharing sensitive personal or banking info or subtly harvesting seemingly innocuous info that can help bypass login security questions
. Job recruitment fraud
Fake recruiters target graduates with high hopes, requesting “admin fees” for fake interviews or using identity documents for future fraud
. Mobile wallet fraud
SIM swap attacks and fake payment confir-
mations result in instant financial losses, often without recovery
What can we do to protect South Africa’s digital generation?
For youths themselves: Build your digital defences
. Use unique passwords for every app and enable two-factor authentication – it doesn’t matter that it’s boring; it’s essential
. Only download apps from official stores –and check reviews first
. Lock down your privacy settings on social media Don’t overshare Don’t connect with people you don’t know without checking if they are real beforehand and not suspicious
For parents: Don’t just monitor, guide
. Start open conversations early Let kids know they can come to you about online issues, without being talked down to
. Set up parental controls with transparency – explain how and why they’re there
. Teach critical thinking: Not every DM or link is what it seems
For employers: Secure your youngest hires
. Assume BYOD risks are extensive – implement policies and protections accordingly
. Include cybersecurity training during onboarding for interns and junior staff – don’t just mandate secure practices top-down without fostering understanding first
. Don’t underestimate social engineering: Your new employees may, in fact, be more vulnerable than senior ones
Collective responsibility, shared resilience
Hadjizenonos says: “We cannot expect our young people to fend off cybercriminals alone If we want to build a future-ready workforce and society, we need to embed cybersecurity thinking into our homes, schools and entry-level jobs ”
He says by empowering South African youth to defend themselves online, they’re not just protecting individuals – but protecting families, communities, and the future of our economy
j g y
Sakh’indoda organisation in Hout Bay gather and have monthly group sessions togive men a place to be heard PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Tour pays tribute to community
