Switch-On 30 November
Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On on Sunday 30 November
This free, family-friendly celebration takes place this year under the theme “United in Hope”
More than just a seasonal celebration, the Festive Lights Switch-On has grown into one of Cape Town’s most beloved tradi-
tions and a symbol of Cape Town’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit
Building on the success of recent hope-themed editions, this year ’ s event recognises hope not simply as an emotion, but as a unifying value that connects us all
This year ’ s campaign and main event will feature not only a line-up of entertainers and the much-anticipated light switch moment, but also two community-driven initiatives:
The FLSO “Move and Melody” Competition: a cross-discipline
dance and vocal showcase that will see emerging local talent compete for a chance to perform live on the Festive Lights stage in front of thousands – this goes live on Wednesday 1 October Capetonians are advised to keep an eye on the news about the latest events
Wear the Hope - Share the Light: a new creative project inviting Capetonians of all ages to design and
create a festive top for the mayor
The Festive Lights Switch-On offers something rare and vital in this digital-driven world – the chance to connect face to face, to dance, to laugh, with one another and to celebrate Cape Town’s unique culture
The concert programme builds up to the switch-on moment of the festive lights, a lighting display of lasers, lights and pyrotechnics
Followed by a highlight of a colourful video mapping display on the façade of the City Hall, a oncein-a-lifetime experience
Temporarylibraryclosurestobetterservices
Several City libraries are temporarily closed, or planning to close soon, for maintenance and stocktaking
Patrons are advised to use neighbouring libraries in the interim or the City’s new digital services
Four libraries in People’s Post distribution areas are affected by the current schedule of works
These include: Colin Eglin Library (Sea Point) which is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday 30 September
Kloof Street due to reopen on Monday 6 October Lotus River scheduled to reopen
Saturday 8 November
Rondebosch will close Monday 27 and reopen Friday 31 October
The closures range from a few days to one to two months, depending on the nature of the work that is being done at the respective facilities
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said stocktaking is essential as it ensures accurate inventory records, optimises storage space and helps them provide the items their patrons want
“These closures will only be for three to four days and thee librar-
ies will communicate directly with patrons in the lead up to the break in service, and which alternative facilities they can access during the period
“The time allocated in these instances is significantly longer, so we appeal to patrons to please bear with us while this critical proactive work takes place ” Maintenance includes the replacement of carpets, work on wooden floor and more
The electrical maintenance will entail the rewiring of the entire library, ensuring that all electrical work meets compliance require-
ments
Patrons can return library books to their nearest library
Alternatively, registered library members are asked to access the digital offerings by visiting e-resources (capetown gov za) eBooks and audio books are available to access or download via the Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App on smart devices Access to more than 7 000 local and international newspapers and magazines is available to download via the PressReader platform OR app . Access the online catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za
Scoopofcomfortonatoughdaygoesfar
wouldn’t go as planned “Yes, sure, ” I replied, and carried on with my day
Sometimes all we need is ice cream to make a bad day a bit sweeter I am an aunt to two lively little boys.
The eldest is in Grade R, and the youngest (with his old-soul mannerisms) is off to crèche next year
If it were up to me, I would send the youngest straight to high school, but it’s not legally allowed I recently had a busy day driving from one area to the next conducting interviews etc Next minute my phone vibrates, I check and see it’s a text message from my sister checking whether I would have a gap to go and get my nephew from school
I took a deep breath, knowing it was one of those days that just
I had to shift into lightning speed, knowing his school day ended at 15:00 and I still had a fair distance to drive to get there
I stopped outside the school at 15:05 chuffed with myself because at least I made it in time
Being a Virgo, I naturally run on checklists (there’s nothing more satisfying than ticking boxes) The plan was simple: pick him up from school, then rush home to make it in time for a scheduled telephone interview
I got inside and asked one of the teachers to call him He took about ten minutes and then came out teary-eyed
Now, as an aunt (a little obsessed with her nephews), I was instantly on high alert ready to confront whoever made my boy cry I decided to pause first and asked
him what the problem was
He apparently had a verbal fight with one of his classmates and got so upset that he started crying
I asked to speak to his teacher, because he had come home complaining about this classmate before
The teacher intervened and the two boys apologised to each other
I asked him whether he was satisfied with how the matter was handled and he nodded, still seemingly upset, but ready to let the issue go
Keep in mind, in the back of my mind, I was still running through the list of tasks I had planned for after the school run
But in that moment, I was reminded of the importance of slowing down, taking a breath, and accepting that it’s okay to veer off the checklist sometimes
We got to the car, and I asked him whether he would like some
ice cream
His face lit up and immediately he started blabbing about how ice is his “favourite food” (any kind of luxury is his favourite actually)
We went to the shop, then sat in the car to enjoy it
And just there in that moment, we bonded over ice cream Neither of us had a good day, but somehow, between shared silences and melting scoops, it felt like things might be okay
We’ve reached the last quarter of the year The list of tasks seems to be piling up as we approach the final stretch, and it can feel overwhelming, but this is also the moment that counts the most
If you needed a reminder here it is: You've got what it takes take a deep breath, refocus, and power through The best chapters are often written at the end And if it all feels like too much, just have an ice cream
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Long Beach microplastic cleared
KEANAN HARMSE
OFROM PAGE 1
“All the dogs will be sheltered in available structures to make sure that they are safe and sound,” she said
The estimated cost to repair the facility is unknown at this stage
At least three wendy houses and 51 metres of vibracrete wall were damaged Several kennels, plastic dog beds, blankets and toys were also destryoyed “The firefighters arrived on the scene very quickly We were moving the dogs out of the burning kennels We had to find space in the kennels for seven dogs from three enclosures,” Shapiro said
The organisation is busy clearing the rubble and disposing damaged material “Donated items can be dropped off at the kennels at 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale (just off Kommetjie Road), or one of the charity shops in Retreat (281 Main Road, Retreat) or Fish Hoek (Corner of Recreation Road and Main Road, Fish Hoek),” she said .For more information or to make a contribution contact Tinka Shapiro at 021 785 4482 or email tinka@tears org za
A fire that ravaged the Tears Animal Rescue has displaced several dogs and left them without kennels.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and helped move the dogs to safety, added Tears Animal Rescue spokesperson Tinka Shapiro
The animal shelter lost three wendy houses and 51 metres of vibracrete wall in the fire.
Swimmers brave ice cold waters
KEANAN HARMSE
KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Over 200 swimmers braved Fish Hoek’s icy waters for this year’s Fish Hoek Mile Swim to help shelters in the Southern Peninsula.
The annual fundraiser started on Sunday morning 14 September with 250 participants shattering last year ’ s record, said race organiser and lifeguard at the Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club, Scott Tait
In this event, the swimmers were tasked with starting the race from Clovelly Beach and finishing on the beach in front of Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club
The swim was originally planned for Saturday 13 September but the organising team decided to move it to the reserve day this year due to strong South East winds
“We had a strong field comprising previous Fish Hoek mile winners, national lifesavers and many up and coming juniors from Fish Hoek Surf lined up for the Racing batch start at Clovelly at 08:30 that morning,”
FROM CLOVELLY BEACH TO FISH HOEK SURF LIFESAVING CLUB
he said “The ‘Adventure batch’ of non-racing swimmers started five minutes later This year Simon Haddon was crowned as the victor of the swim ”
Haddon, a former national swimmer, led the way after the first buoy, with a large chasing pack that included defending champion Amica de Jager and 16-year-old Sam Mocke
“Haddon maintained the blistering pace across the Bay and managed to hold off a hard charging Mocke to win the event in a time of 19 56,” he said,
Last year ’ s Open Men and Open Women Winners were Jarryd Cole and De Jager
“De Jager was the first lady on the day and 4th Overall in 20 11 whilst 13-year-old Sarah Mocke claimed the Junior Ladies title and finished 9th overall Fish Hoek Surf retained The Top Lifesaving Club award over Clifton Surf Club,” Tait said The swimmers also held a blanket
and hygiene product drive for the Haven Shelter in Kalk Bay and the Happy Valley Home in Simon’s Town
The hygienic products included a toothbrush, soap, toothpaste and deodorant, Tait added
The club held the fundraiser to assist their voluntary lifeguarding and youth programmes for up to 700 children
This year ’ s champion Haddon told People’s Post the weather conditions were perfect and the fundraiser well supported
“It was my first time competing and I’m already looking forward to next year I’d like to thank Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club and hopefully we get more simmers to join the fun next time,” Haddon said Tait commended the City for being supportive and approving their permit for the event . For more information contact Scott Tait at 076 156 2619
Library values women
In commemoration of Women’s Month, Simon’s Town Library hosted a sip and paint called Healing through art on Thursday 28 August and celebrated womanhood in all forms bold, soft, complex, and beautiful through creative expression and community This programme was made possible through a partnership with the Simon’s Town Art Group, who played a pivotal role in shaping its success, offering creative guidance and meaningful engagement that deeply resonated with the ladies from Red Hill informal settlement
As part of their commitment to nurturing the physical and emotional well-being of each woman, they were gifted a care pack as a reminder that they are seen, cared for and valued
Women
Generation Schools Imhoff Grade 6 learners hosted their annual Senior’s Spring Tea on Tuesday 2 September The school invited guests from their local church groups and senior’s homes to join them for a morning of tea, treats and fun-filled learner performances in the school sports hall, said school spokesperson, Caronne Vermaak “We had seniors from six
church groups and old-age homes Our senior primary (learners) served our guests and our choir, dancers, cheerleaders, silk acrobats, musicians, drama group and one of our high school singers entertained them with a full programme of activities It was a wonderful morning of giving back to our community and sharing in the joy of Spring celebrations,” she said
Over 200 swimmers took part in this year’s annual Fish Hoek Mile Swim PHOTO: JOHN HISHIN
This year’s winners Amica de Jager and Simon Haddon Junior champion, Samuel Mocke.
Memorial to make sensei proud
KEANANHARMSE
Local karate athletes made their late sensei proud after they scooped two gold medals at a memorial tournament The tournament was organised by the False Bay Karate Club to honour the memory of their late founder, William Jordaan, on Saturday 13 September, explains chair Hilton Jordaan
The False Bay Karate Academy was founded in 1999 This year the club scored two gold, five silver and two bronze medals at the full-contact tournament The club also scored silverware at the Kyokushin Budokan National Tournament held at DF Malan High School on Saturday 23 August This year several clubs across the province proved their mettle including Khayelitsha Kyokushin Karate, UWC Dojo and Hennie Bosman School of Karate
“We brought dojos from Welgemoed, Delft and Mitchells Plain We also introduced new technology to eliminate referee bias and display scores live to the crowd This marks the first time such technology was used in any full-contact karate tournament to allow spectators to follow the scoring in real time,” Jordaan said On the day, Shihan Gavin’s Dojo scooped nine gold medals, which was the most on the day as well while Hennie Bosman School of Karate held the most silver medals which was five Khayelitsha Kyokushin Karate said they found the tournament to be well organised and professional
“As an academy rooted in the Cape Flats, we are proud to honour not only the legacy of our sensei but also the barriers he broke between different full-contact styles that provided unity and respect, overcoming division,” Jordan said False Bay Karate academy credits Dentsu South Africa for helping to cover some of the costs of the tournament “We also hope to qualify to compete at the Karate World Championships in Japan next year, ” Jordaan said
CapeTowninvests R208milinfleet upgrades
The City of Cape Town is strengthening its service delivery capabilities with a R208 million investment in vehicles and specialised equipment for the 2025-'26 financial year The upgrades are designed to equip line departments with the tools they need to meet the growing demands of communities across Cape Town Theresa Uys, Mayco member for corporate services, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the City operates efficiently and professionally “The City’s investment in its Fleet Replacement Programme not only enhances safety across Cape Town but also guarantees a dependable, secure, and readily available fleet for all departments serving the community,” said Uys
Of the total budget, R133 m has been dedicated to replacing critical vehicles, R30 m to plant equipment, and R45 m to specialised equipment
Around R60 m of the R133m has been ringfenced for the Safety and Security directorate, with the remaining funds supporting community services, parks and recreation, urban mobility, and other essential City operations
The Fleet Management Department also procures vehicles for key projects
Recently, over 200 vehicles were acquired for the Metro Police, enabling new officers to be deployed across communities, including Ndabeni These vehicles, ranging from patrol sedans and light delivery vehicles to specialised fire trucks and aerial platforms, arrive at a crucial time to bolster the City’s capacity to serve residents effectively
This means faster response times from the Metro Police and improved operational support for community services
The upgrades are expected to directly impact safety, maintenance, and day-to-day City operations in the area
“The new fleet will allow departments to respond more quickly to emergencies and service requests, ensuring residents see real improvements on the ground,” said Uys
False Bay Karate Club were the hosts of the memorial tournament
False Bay Karate Club athlete Daniel Jordaan blowing out a candle honouring their late founder, William Jordaan
TAlzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder
Alzheimer’s:Beyourown brainhealthactivist
Alzheimer’s may still hold many mysteries, but one thing is clear: taking a proactive approach to memory care can significantly reduce your risk of developing this disease the most common form of dementia, accounting for 70% of all cases
Dr Ryan Fuller, a psychiatrist specialising in geriatric mental health and practising at the Memory Care units at Netcare Akeso, emphasises that committing to healthy ageing and addressing concerns early on are key to lowering the risk of Alzheimer ’ s disease
SUPPORTINGMENTALHEALTH
Fuller explains that Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder involving a naturally occurring protein, amyloid, that builds up and affects brain function
It has multiple effects on mental and physical health and can be characterised as the disease of the A’s – amnesia (memory loss), aphasia (difficulty with words), apraxia (loss of coordinated movement) and abulia (diminished motivation)
COPINGWITHTHEREALITY
According to Fuller, many conditions can present with impaired memory function and assessing for Alzheimer’s requires a medically trained doctor
“Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment begins immediately and may include medication such as cognitive enhancers and mood stabilisers, as well as suggested lifestyle changes to support health as the disease progresses
“Ask about the pros and cons of experimental therapies, which can have side effects, and always consult your doctor before including any herbal supplements in your regimen ” Fuller recommends a complete, multidisciplinary approach to care planning and management, which also includes a clinical psychologist to help transition to this new reality and a social worker to provide a professional, unbiased perspective on protecting the best interests of the person
“An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a life-changing event and there is no way to sugar coat it, but with the right blend of support and a proactive approach, individuals can empower themselves, stay connected and continue to experience joy,” Fuller cautions
CARINGFORTHECARERS
Fuller points out that the needs of primary caregivers and loved ones can be overlooked, but support is equally crucial for those who are putting in the daily energy to care for someone with Alzheimer’s “Caregiver burnout is real, and it is vital that primary caregivers have
sufficient time to recharge their own batteries, physically and mentally
If a professional caregiver is forming part of the mix, it is advisable to ensure that they are a good match in terms of personality type and cultural background ”
The doctor says sharing meaningful family details, preferences, and dreams or achievements between caregiver and patient can help to establish common ground and highlight the human in one another
He said caregivers can also find further resources and support communities online – the Alzheimer’s Association of South Africa, and Dementia SA
TAKEACTIONEARLYON
While it is normal to experience moments of forgetfulness from time to time, Fuller encourages a proactive approach rather than passive acceptance of memory decline for longterm healthy brain function
“Memory problems can arise from many different causes Mild cognitive impairment that is persistent, pervasive and not accounted for by a medical condition often precedes Alzheimer’s
“This may include being forgetful, missing appointments, losing train of thought, trouble finding the right word, poor judgement, depression, anxiety, irritability and other symptoms
“However, with early treatment, mild cognitive impairment can be reversed ”
He said stress brought on by retirement is another common problem, particularly among men, which can have devastating effects on brain health
Fuller emphasises that in addition to seeking care early on, it is never too late to start making lifestyle decisions that support healthy ageing and brain function:
. Stress management – exercise, breathing techniques and journaling can be effective;
. Heart-healthy diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lean protein;
. Physical activity – a daily 20-minute walk and regular social sports;
. Sleep hygiene – ensuring that your routine and environment support sufficient quality sleep;
. Social activity – reach out to friends and family, join community initiatives, stay connected;
. A sense of purpose – daily practices that bring you joy, regular expressions of kindness
“The key to addressing dementia concerns is to practise healthy habits, ask questions and take action by seeking professional help
“It’s never too late, but sooner is always better,” concludes Fuller
PHOTO: PEXELS
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Villager crowned Super A champs
The winners of the Super Leagues of Western Province Rugby Union received their respective trophies on Saturday 20 September at City Park in thrilling matches.
In Super League A, Villager dethroned Hamiltons, the defending champions, by 30-14 and it seemed as if the one week lay-off had an influence on the performance of Hamiltons Both teams will be in action in the 2026 season in Super League A, and will be joined by Franschhoek and Primrose
In the Super League B final, it was one-way traffic between Primrose and Franschhoek, when Primrose under the coaching of Ricky Petersen, won 46-24 It was evident last week already in the semis that Primrose were on a mission and only a miracle could stop them from taking the title against Franschhoek
The latter have been trying for the past six years to progress from Super B to Super A and eventually managed this year to progress, together with Primrose as both finished first and second respectively on the log after winning their semis last week
Belhar and Kraaifontein were in action in the play-off in Super B to determine
Villager Rugby Football Club players and coaching staff lifting the Super A trophy PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
