Tg up their sleeves and restored Wiscus Park, one of the play parks to its former glory recently.
For nearly a year the children’s park was used as an illegal rubbish dump and the Westlake Village Community was fed up about the piling litter, said resident Mea Lashbrooke
If you’ve been doom-scrolling through news about Sars’ fancy new artificial intelligence (AI) tools hunting down tax dodgers, take a deep breath Sure, the South African taxman is getting smarter, but that doesn’t mean you need to panic
Here’s the thing: in a country where only 7,4 million people out of 64 million actually pay personal income tax (while 28 million rely on social grants), Sars is obviously feeling the pressure to collect every rand they can But instead of running for the hills, why not flip the script and make tax season work for you?
“Whether you have an accountant, a tax practitioner or file your own tax return, look out for the following points to legally reduce what you owe Sars, maximise refunds, and combat tax debt in 2025,” says Roxanna Naidoo, Head of Global Strategy at Latita Africa
“It’s true that Sars is increasing scrutiny and ramping up tax collection measures, ” admits Naidoo, who’s been seeing more clients getting those dreaded final demand letters and verification requests lately “But don’t panic Tax season is an annual opportunity to assess your finances – a tool for getting your tax affairs in order ” Her advice? “Go have a look at what you owe Sars; you may be surprised that Sars actually owes you money ”
GETYOURDIGITALHOUSEINORDER
First things first – update your details on Sars’ eFiling system We’re talking email address, phone number, banking details – the works Get this wrong and you’ll be hit with penalties faster than you can say “auto-assessment”
Plus, having accurate details unlocks Sars’ newer tools like the
express filing feature, which basically pre-fills your tax return using data from your employer, bank, and medical aid It’s like having a personal assistant, except it’s free and works for the government
DON’TTRUST,ALWAYSVERIFY
Here’s where things get interesting That shiny auto-assessment might look tempting to just click and submit, but Naidoo has a warning: “Don’t simply accept your auto-assessment without verifying it ”
Why? Because Sars’ AI might miss the nuances of your financial life – like rental income, your side-hustle selling succulents on Facebook Marketplace, or other income streams Even if the mistake isn’t technically your fault, guess who’s liable for penalties later?
(Spoiler: it’s you )
“Check everything carefully,” Naidoo emphasises “If you ’ re unhappy with the auto-assessment, click on ‘request amendment’ and submit the corrections via eFiling ”
Yes, you need to declare every income stream – even that cryptocurrency windfall or your overseas earnings that were already taxed abroad But here’s the kicker: after declaring everything, you can start claiming back through deductions, exemptions, and credits
NAIDOO’SHITLISTINCLUDES:
. Medical expenses
. Retirement annuity contributions
. Charitable donations (with those precious 18A certificates) . Home office and travel expenses
. Tax-free savings accounts
. Capital gains tax benefits
THE PAPER TRAIL CULD SAVE YOU
Remember that shoebox of receipts gathering dust? Time to become best friends with it “It doesn’t matter how and where you file these, as long as you keep them for five years, ” says Naidoo “Sars often requests back-dated documentation, so make sure you have the paperwork to prove your filing was compliant ” Pro tip: go digital Scan everything, back it up, and thank yourself later when Sars comes knocking with questions about your 2022 filing
When you actually owe money If you do end up owing Sars money, don’t sell your kidney to pay them immediately “Taxpayers have legal recourse to avoid sinking further into debt,” Naidoo points out
YOUROPTIONSINCLUDE:
. Negotiating to reduce the amount owed
. Deferring payments to ease cash flow
. Submitting a suspension of payment if you think Sars got it wrong
. Mediation to settle disputes without breaking the bank
THEBOTTOMLINE
“If you ’ re smart about it, you can still turn this tax season from a compliance burden into financial opportunity,” says Naidoo
So while everyone else is complaining about Sars’ new AI overlords, you could be the one laughing all the way to the bank –or at least not crying all the way to the poor house
The choice is yours: stress about tax season or strategise through it We know which one sounds (and is) better
To help learners apply for or collect their identity documents the Department of Home Affairs is extending its operating hours to 18:00
This special extension runs until Monday 21 July To ease pressure on its clients
Home Affairs has also introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows The department also allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as walk-ins
Dr Leon Schreiber, Home Affairs Minister, said: “I would like to encourage all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home
Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience ” . Clients have an option to book an application or collection appointments before visiting offices,using the Branch Appointment Booking Systemon the https://services.dha. gov za/#/authenticate/identity
“Dearly beloved We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life ” These ominous words from the late great artist Prince have eerily become prophetic for capturing the anxiety, confusion and uncertainty of our society we face today Even though these lyrics were birthed in the 80s, some of the same socio-economic issues that plagued the previous generations have either multiplied or remain largely ignored by our government and municipalities, who are so quick to applaud their own projects on social media and advertise the idea that they’re “making a difference” with creating jobs and
helping the poor in these impoverished communities
The great irony that haunts our 30-year old democracy is the fact that our bleeding economy keeps spilling over despite how many times our president shuffles his cabinet or launches projects that promise to solve load shedding, corruption and create more jobs
With raging wars in Ukraine and Gaza compounded with the fact that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 30% tax on South African exports, our pockets face another pinch with the current rising price of goods and petrol
In SA, crime, gender-based violence, homelessness and unemployment still haunt our youth who now have to adapt their career choices in the wake of Artificial Intelligence (Al) Al’s sudden popularity has become inescapable with many
companies now capitalising in its efficiency to streamline and propel their advertising in the hopes of maximising their profits by smothering the market
However, now more than ever our education departments, teachers and tertiary institutions have to swiftly find ways to incorporate this technology into their curriculums for fear of being overtaken by other countries making great strides in training the new generation with Al’s benefits
However, what should remain an essential factor amidst our rush to understand and incorporate Al in our careers to help society, is our critical thinking, which is more crucial than ever in the fast-paced times we live in Today’s students have easier access and methods to plagiarise in their work and essays which are meant to express their unique opinions on important
issues
This also makes the work of lecturers and tutors even harder when it comes to marking and identifying patterns of fraud with Chat GPT improving and updating weekly
Even today when you ’ re doom-scrolling you can discover an amazing animation of a podcast showcasing zoo animals discussing their weekend plans and using South African swear words until you realise this content was Al generated This content has become absurdly popular which begs the question, are we starting to use entertainment to numb ourselves to death and become dopamine addicted sheep? Today more than ever, we need critical thinkers, artists, politicians and readers who will lead our country, so that we may thrive and harness the power of Al for our communities in the age of shrinking attention spans
Despite raising awareness regarding the recent vandalism plaguing the popular Muizenberg Beach huts, the facilities were struck again on Friday 4 July
The popular Muizenberg Beach huts remain plagued by vandalism with patterns indicating that most incidents occur during the heart of winter (“Beach huts vandalised”, People’s Post 7 July)
The beach huts are managed by the Beach Hut Trust (BHT) which was founded by Angela Gorman in 2020 and aims to restore and protect these City assets
This winter alone the BHT have seen 30 break-ins where people have damaged locks
and doors
In the latest incidents, some of the beach huts had some of their side panels removed on Friday 4 July, confirmed one of the Friends of the Muizenberg Beach Huts members, Tony Maneveld
The City’s recreation and parks department says it is aware of the matter The department appealed to residents to report incidents of vandalism and/or theft as soon as possible so that corrective action could be taken .The public can report these incidents to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline
The 1 500 years of the legacy of Prophet Muhammad was launched on Wednesday 9 July at the Ghousia Manzil in Rylands Estate
The event marked the beginning of the yearlong programme titled The Legacy Project 1500, under the theme “A message of mercy, environmental awareness and social justice”
A diverse programme of events for the year is planned that will feature a rich tapestry of local and international events
A new dawn, “Embracing Islam with purpose and peace ” , reflects transformative experience of reverting to Islam
The programme will honour the journey of discovering truth, finding inner peace and integrating into a new spiritual path with clarity, intention and tranquillity
Cultural and artistic celebrations with an exhibition of Islamic art and calligraphy, live and audio-visual presentations portraying the essential aspects of the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, honouring the timeless strength, wisdom and sacrifice of the women who nurtured the roots of Islam, a mass community exhibition on the Muslim world at a venue to be announced, showcasing models of sacred rites and a rare exhibition of the relics of Prophet Muhammad
“The 1 500 Year Legacy Project is not merely a celebration of history,” said Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, “it is an urgent call to reflect on the universal values of Islam and their relevance to contemporary global challenges
“We want this commemoration to be a catalyst for social justice, environmental stewardships and interfaith understanding ”
The launch was attended by scholars, community leaders, activists, artists and media partners who gathered to unveil the vision, events and ambitions of this initiative
This year marks exactly 1 500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad, a towering figure whose teachings continue to shape the lives of over 1,9 billion Muslims worldwide
For Muslim minorities, especially in countries such as South Africa, this commemoration is an opportunity to reaffirm identity, celebrate contributions to society and highlight shared values of peace and justice
Part of the celebrations is a commemorative journal with contributions from internationally-acclaimed scholars and featuring contents from an international academic conference where global scholars explore how the Prophet’s message resonated with issues of civilisation, justice and inclusivity Youth and community programmes include national speech, essay and nasheed competitions, educational-resource development for schools and madrasahs, and a youth-empowerment retreat aimed at inspiring the next generation to live by prophetic values
An open invitation to individuals, institutions
KAILINDANIELS
Police are urging victims of the recent surge in mall violence dubbed “Fight Night” to come forward with information, as concerns grow over a string of youth-related incidents at popular shopping centres
Anroux Marais, provincial minister for police oversight and community safety, joined local ward councillors and crime prevention activists in calling on parents to play a more active role in their children’s lives, especially during the school holidays
This comes after a fight between two teenage girls erupted at Canal Walk recently, prompting mall security to call in police to restore order
The incident drew a large crowd of young onlookers, many of whom cheered the fight on while others attempted to break it up Footage of the altercation quickly spread across social media platforms
Prior to the incident, a poster promoting a so-called “Meet and Greet”
at Canal Walk was widely shared online
A second poster, appearing to incite violence, featured photographs of the two girls involved and branded the confrontation as a “Battle of the Facebook Pictures”, under the provocative title “Fight Night”
The brawl is the latest in a series of similar incidents reported at malls around Cape Town, including the V&A Waterfront, raising alarms about public safety and the influence of social media on youth behaviour
Authorities and community leaders are urging families to take action, while investigations into the events and their organisers continue Canal Walk patron Thandiswa
Mokoena said: “I was there with my 10-year-old daughter when the crowd suddenly rushed toward the fight It was chaotic I’m really worried about the safety of children in public spaces
Parents need to know what their kids are up to it’s getting out of hand ”
SECURITYBOOSTED
In response to recent teen alter-
“ IT WAS CHAOTIC. I’M REALLY WORRIES ABOUT THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN...
- THANDISWA MOKOENA
Marketing Manager Vanessa Herbst urged parents to remain actively involved
During this time of the year, the Western Cape is usually battered by adverse weather conditions, many of which have a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable residents like those living in informal settlements and on the streets In the event of a disaster such as flooding, the provincial government has a multi-departmental and multi-sectoral approach to mitigate and manage the impact on residents
This approach includes the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) which steps in to provide humanitarian relief in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Subject to the finalisation and approval of the allocation process, the department will assign R7,5 million in funding for the 2025-’26 financial year, in response to the growing need for relief efforts
From Wednesday 25 June, flooding in different parts of the province affected over 30 000 residents Various organisations assisted provincial and local government by providing immediate relief to indigent households negatively impacted by these incidents This includes: Warm meals, food parcels, hygiene packs, blankets, clothing and baby items
Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, visited one of the largest DSD-supported organisations, Mustadafin Foundation, on Thursday 10 July He said: “Disaster relief efforts in the province work due to the combined efforts of the
Western Cape Government, municipalities, businesses, kind-hearted volunteers, the South African Social Security Agency and NGOs Organisations like Mustadafin Foundation do exceptional work in providing immediate relief to vulnerable residents, not only when disasters hit, but throughout the year
“We are thankful to work with such incredible organisations that strengthen social services by caring for and supporting those in need ”
He added: “I encourage businesses and residents who can, to please support these organisations by contacting DSD or working through the Cape Care Fund Through the Cape Care Fund, you can make a meaningful contribution this winter by lending support to credible organisations that are a lifeline for many indigent households ”
SUPPORTINGVULNERABLERESIDENTS:
DSD also funds 54 non-profit organisations (NPOs) that manage 102 Community Nutritional Development Centres and 16 Community kitchens
These institutions provide food for over 18 000 beneficiaries per month
Furthermore, for the 2025-’26 financial year, the department allocated R31 million to fund 37 NPO-run shelters for homeless adults across the province Through this funding, DSD subsidises 2 398 shelter bed spaces per year These bed spaces have the capacity to support up to 6 000 individuals annually, as beds are reallocated to new clients when
others exit the shelter system
These shelters provide a range of essential short-term services to homeless adults, which include: Temporary accommodation to ensure immediate safety and protection from the elements; screenings, assessments, and referrals to identify client needs and facilitate appropriate interventions; social work and development services, such as individual counselling, case work, group work, and referral and support services; development of personal development plans for each client to guide their journey towards self-reliance and reintegration; skills development programmes, including gardening, recycling, job readiness initiatives, and other income-generating activities; education and awareness-raising programmes to empower clients with knowledge and life skills; and family reunification and reintegration services to facilitate the reintegration of clients back into their families and communities wherever possible
.In addition,social workers from DSD’s local offices continue to play a vital role by providing psychosocial support to homeless individuals For more information about the Department’s services,call the toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office,or visit https://www.westerncape. gov za/social-development To learn about humanitarian relief organisations or the homeless through the Cape Care Fund,visit: https://capecarefund org za/social-sector-projects/
y g heightened state of alert, with extra personnel and undercover units deployed to curb further disturbances
A new theatre experience is set to tour Cape Town schools this August, equipping learners with emotional tools to better navigate anxiety, bullying and the demands of a fast-paced, digital world
Entitled High Five, the interactive theatre production will run from Monday 4 to Friday 29 August, its first performance at Micklefield School in Rondebosch
Created by Kay Cheytanov, an entrepreneur through her education company 3RC, the show debuted in primary schools earlier this year, reaching more than 6 900 learners, and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from both teachers and learners
“Children engaged on a deep level,” Cheytanov said “Teachers told us their classrooms felt different afterwards Kids had new language to express how they were feeling, and schools immediately asked when we'd be back That confirmed we were doing something important ” High Five uses performance, movement, music and storytelling to help children understand and manage difficult emotions such as fear, stress and peer pressure At its core are five simple yet powerful emotional wellness tools: kindness, safety, resilience, bravery and individuality These themes are woven through each performance in ways children can connect with The idea for High Five was born out of Cheytanov’s own experience as a parent “When my daughter was bullied at school I saw how anxiety and isolation can take hold,” she said
“It broke my heart But I also knew I could do something
“I’ve always believed in the power of theatre to connect and heal So I used my background in education and performance to create something that could speak directly to kids, in their language, on their level ”
The Cape Town leg of the tour will also include a media launch at Micklefield on Thursday 14 August
Guests will hear from Cheytanov about her 25-year journey in education and her work through 3RC, which includes the well-known Rocking Future career expos A screening of the High Five show will run from 11:30 to 12:30, followed by reflections from learners
Cape Town forms part of a national tour “My hope is that this show not only helps children, but also gives teachers and parents new ways to connect with them emotionally,” Cheytanov said
Feedback from teachers and families in Gauteng demonstrates that the show has already had a lasting impact “One teacher told us the show ‘opened a doorway’ to talk about emotions more openly in class A parent shared how her son came home and asked, ‘Do you ever feel wobbly inside too?’ That kind of emotional intelligence, that awareness, is what we want to nurture
“We’re building a generation of children who are not only career-ready but emotionally prepared for life ” 3RC’s future plans include adapting the show for older learners and developing multilingual versions “We’re just getting started,” said Cheytanov
Do you consider yourself bold with an imaginative mind? Then the Red Bull Flugtag might just be the thing for you
The event returns to the V&A Waterfront on Sunday 2 November following a 13-year hiatus
Flight crews made up of up to four teammates will launch their handcrafted flying machines off a more than 7,62 m flight deck in the hopes of soaring and gliding into the harbour
Entries will close on Thursday 31 July The final team line-up will be revealed next month (August)
The event will take place in South Africa for the third time
In 2012 over 200 000 spectators packed the Waterfront to witness “ pure flying madness”
That year, Team Bulls Eye took the crown with a flight distance of 17,09 m, impressing not just with distance but with flair and originality
Red Bull athlete and South African aerobatic pilot Patrick Davidson is just as excited as the fans
“Red Bull Flugtag is unlike anything else,” he said, “it’s aviation, creativity, and chaos all rolled into one “It gives everyday people the chance to test the impossible, entertain the crowd and maybe even fly There’s a saying in aviation, ‘If it looks good it flies good ’ We’ll see if that applies on Flugtag day ”
Up to 40 teams will be judged on the design of their flying craft, the
creativity of their pre-flight skit and the distance of their flight
Winners will take home exclusive Red Bull experiences, meet-andgreets with Red Bull athletes, and more
The judging panel will be made up of local personalities and aviation experts
Globally, Red Bull Flugtag has thrilled fans in over 50 countries, with more than 9 million spectators watching gravity-defying attempts to fly
From Greased Lightning (Portland, 2008) to Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017) and 2023 champions Flite Test (Cincinnati), the event has become a cult favourite
The world record for the longest Flugtag flight is whopping 78,6 m set by The Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, California in 2013
Whether you participate in the flight, experience a mishap or simply want to observe the excitement, this year ’ s event will be a memorable experience
Competing teams from South Africa will be announced later as will the panel of judges and even more surprises
. To enter the Red Bull Flugtag,or know more,visit www redbull com
A powerhouse line-up of local music legends and rising stars will come together for a spectacular celebration of sound and soul on Saturday 19 July at Fairbairn College in Goodwood for the top-tier Music Showcase
Featuring Berry, Fagrie Isaacs, Sasha-Lee Davids, Robin Pieters, Karin Kortje and the Sean de Vries Band, the show is a heartfelt tribute to South African talent and musical excellence
It is designed to uplift, entertain and remind Capetonians of the world-class artistry rooted in their own communities “This is not just a concert,” says Lyle Irwin, founder of LRI Productions, “it’s a celebration of our people, our voices and our stories We’ve curated a line-up that reflects the heart of Cape Town’s music scene and we ’ re bringing it to a stage that feels like home ” The event will blend soul, gospel, R&B, pop and
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Ever wondered what it would be like to join fellow book enthusiasts and just sit back for an hour and read?
Well, that is exactly what the Cape Town Silent Book Club is all about The Cape Town Silent Book Club sees bibliophiles come together three times per month in different spots around the city, with the aim to cultivate a love for reading Organiser Shawn Buck, originally from America, said he was inspired to start the chapter in Cape Town following a visit to the USA last year
“I was back in the US for a visit last year and attended a chapter in my hometown There are 1 700+ Silent Book Club chapters around the world, so I thought why not in Cape
Town I’m a big reader and thought it would be a fun way to spend time with friends, but it has grown way beyond that ” According to Buck there are no assigned books and he added anyone can join
“The main mission is just to be a community of readers who take an intentional time in their week to sit and enjoy good books together It’s intended for everyone
“We have all ages and different types of people We do have lots of introverts who have been looking for a community ” He said this year marks one year since the initiative was launched
“We meet three times a month in different spots around the city You
can always check out our upcoming gatherings in the pinned posts on our Instagram profile ” Buck explained there is no fee involved and encouraged people to join in on the fun
“We encourage reading by making intentional time for it with one another Life is busy with everything else, so having a place where one can read with others in community is really special ” He said each session lasts an hour, after which those attending socialise and interact with one another The next event will take place at Neighbourhood in District Six on Saturday 19 July
.For more information visit instagram com/cptsilentbookclub
heartfelt ballads into a rich, emotionally-charged musical experience
Backed by the versatile Sean de Vries Band, each performer will bring their signature style to a high-energy production that promises both nostalgic moments and fresh surprises
Expect goosebump-inducing harmonies, epic duets, heartfelt tributes and a spirit of community that brings the crowd into every chorus
“This show is about honouring the incredible talent we have right here in the Western Cape,” says Irwin
“It’s also about giving audiences an afternoon they’ll never forget Whether you love gospel, pop, R&B or just great music, you’ll find something that speaks to your heart ”
With tickets expected to sell fast, fans must book early to secure a seat at this musical celebration of community, creativity and connection Tickets available via Webtickets
