George to light up stage
Participants taking part in this year’s Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk will not only be doing it for a worthy cause, but they can also look forward to exciting post-walk live performances.
The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is thrilled to announce that acclaimed entertainer Mujahid George will light up the stage at this year ’ s event taking place on Sunday 31 August, at the Green Point Common Sports Ground
This well-loved annual fundraising event, now in its 57th year, continues to inspire thousands of Capetonians to walk for a purpose, raising funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province
Starting on Stephan Way in Green Point, participants can choose between a 10 km walk (starting at 07:30) and a 5 km walk (starting at 08:00) along the scenic Sea Point Promenade
George, who has shared the stage with the likes of Celine Dion, Tevin Campbell, George Benson and All-4-One, is a prolific performer and producer known for using his
and complimentary refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Peninsula
All walkers will also receive a commemorative medal for their
“Blisters for Bread is more than just an event – it’s a heartfelt movement,” said Petrina Pakoe,
“Every rand raised and every kilometre walked helps us ensure no child has to learn on an empty
“We invite everyone – young
Beyond the entertainment, the event will feature delicious food stalls, family-friendly activities,
line entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to
Registration closes at mid-
To register or learn more visit
p g . For enquiries,contact Top Events at info@topevents co za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210.
Mdzanandaneedshelplookingafterpets
As icy winds and heavy rains sweep through Cape Town, pets are als0 feeling the full force of winter
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive - a simple and heartwarming way to help township animals stay warm and well cared for
“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at the clinic
“With this campaign, you can directly support a pet in need by packing a box of essentials to help them through the cold season ”
The clinic sees a surge in patients every winter From hypothermia cases to injuries caused by reckless driving in wet weather, the challenges increase as the temperatures drop
“Most township pets live outdoors While many have kennels,
there are still too many without adequate shelter Keeping them warm is crucial to their health and survival,” explains du Plessis
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining
“We’ve seen a growing number of Khayelitsha residents actively caring for their pets - buying kennels, leads, collars and better food,” says Du Plessis
“Our clinic and shelter is bursting at the seams, which shows how much more people are prioritising their animals’ well-being It’s a testament to the impact of our education efforts ”
To take part in the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, pack a box full of essentials and drop it off at one of the allocated drop spots listed on https://mdzananda co za/ make-a-donation/
Goods to pack in the box include Hills A/D tinned food (for recovering pets), Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies), food, blankets, hot water bottles, cat
In a country with sluggish economic growth, more and more people remain outside the labour market
This will only get worse if urgent steps are not taken to curb this ticking time bomb
This is particularly painful when one looks at the country’s youth South Africa simply does not have enough jobs for everyone Yet, annually, we produce graduates who cannot get jobs
Youth unemployment currently stands at more than 40% and it surged to 46,1% in the first quarter of this year These figures will continue to grow as long as our economy remains stagnant
What is extremely worrying is the failure by our political principals
to act decisively in this regard or make much noise about it Every politician in this country knows unemployment is our biggest challenge and threatens the very freedom many before us fought so hard to achieve
A drive or walk through our communities gives a clear indication of the severity of this challenge
On a weekday when everyone should be at work thousands of young people roam the streets without hope
Yet we continuously hear politicians making false promises about the need to eradicate this problem The fact is we can never eradicate unemployment, but with the right people and economically viable policies the country can make a massive dent towards these figures We need solutions and we need them now Whoever has an answer to our challenge must come together under one roof to discuss
a plan of action that will ultimately free our youth
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced the establishment of a National Dialogue This will bring government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, women, youth and other community voices to talk about some of the deep-rotted societal challenges
Could this be an answer to the unemployment problem? Only time will tell However, the projected cost of this exercise is a big concern
In my view young people do not need the national dialogue They require skills to make them compatible with the labour market or equip them to start their own businesses Starting their businesses will lead to further opportunities
The projected R700million for the dialogue could be used to fund start-ups for some of our youth
under the guidance of some of the country's top financial brains
Many young people are thriving by embarking on this path The majority did so without any form of guidance but based on the knowledge they acquired at certain tertiary institutions or just based on wisdom and grace
Constructive solutions are needed to address unemployment, especially among young people
This money can, instead, be invested in some of our youth with a passion for business Aspiring business owners should be invited to apply for funding for start-ups
This must be followed by a rigorous nationwide process, spearheaded by some of the country's top businesspeople to screen and select individuals with business interest They must then be mentored to ensure their businesses thrive and opportunities are created for a prospering economy
litter, automatic washing powder (for blanket washing), black bags (for cage cleaning), leads, collars
and dog jackets .If you can’t pack a box visit www mdzananda co za
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive.
THULANI MAGAZI
Mujahid George will be the headline performer at this year’s Blisters for Bread.
‘Congregants’ in an inferno brawl
KEANANHARMSE
Afire that erupted on the lower reaches of the mountain above Muizenberg on Sunday 15 June scorched about 28 hectares of veld that’s at least 10-year-old
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted on Sunday morning at 08:00 of mountain slopes alight above Boyes Drive, said the City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse
“Several resources were dispatched to the scene as well as the Incident Management Team type four to coordinate operational functions Fire crews used water from the various fire engines and bush beaters and spades where the terrain was inaccessible ”
South African National Parks (SANParks) sent two fire crews with four tankers and two skid units to assist the City’s firefighters battling the blaze, SANParks head of communications JP Louw confirmed
“Volunteer Wildfire Services were brought in as the fire spread, and the City of Cape Town’s fire tankers and crew assisted throughout the day The fire was driven by strong and variable ‘berg’ winds, which made conditions difficult for the ground crews to fight the fire ”
The following day the fire was extinguished and further assistance was no longer required at 16:20
Boyes Drive was closed and re-opened to the public on Sunday evening
According to Louw, the cause of the fire remains under investigation but early indications revealed it was started by a religious group “Park rangers found several religious groups illegally starting fires in the area on Sunday 15 June They were removed from the site and fined for violating fire safety regulations Investigations will commence into the cause of the fire ”
RELIGIOUS GROUPS THAT MAKE FIRES IN THE FOREST WERE LIKELY TO HAVE STARTED IT.
The group was issued a R2 000 fine SANParks rangers have previously encountered religious groups starting fires
“However, these fires were usually extinguished before they could escalate into wildfires Our rangers conduct patrols in areas that are high-risk for this type of activity,” said SANParks spokesperson, Charles Phahlane There were one or two smaller pockets of older vegetation that were destroyed during the fire “Ecologically the damage is the same as the Tokai burn in April and within an acceptable threshold for mountain Fynbos,” Louw said No infrastructure or residential properties were
damaged “No major injuries were sustained by firefighters, but a Volunteer Wildfire Services firefighter received medical assistance for smoke inhalation ” SANParks sent a special thanks to a top eatery for the donation of hot meals and the public who dropped off bottles of water to assist the firefighters “Fynbos is a fire-adapted and fire-driven system, and this area will benefit from the fire as the vegetation age is within an acceptable ecological threshold,” Louw said
A fire ravaged the lower reaches of the mountains above Muizenberg on Sunday 15 June. Firefighters contained the blaze, which has been linked to “religious groups”, according to the South African National Parks. PHOTO BYRON LOKER
NPO keeps young people engaged
KEANAN HARMSE
KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMED A CO ZA
Agroup of young musicians came together in the spirit of Youth Day and performed at Jupiter Primary School in Ocean View on Friday 13 June
This year, the Izivunguvungu Mediterranean Ship Company (MSC) Music Groups honoured the theme of “Skills for the changing world”, said founder Commander Mike Oldham Youth Day is a South African national holiday that falls on June 16 and honours the contribution of young people to the struggle against apartheid
Izivunguvungu, which in Isizulu means “sudden strong wind”, is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Simon’s Town It provides educational and musical programmes for disadvantaged youth
Oldham is a former Navy Director of Music
He teaches music groups in the areas around Simon’s Town and the new Dido Valley community
He says skills development through reading, practising and performing music is highly beneficial for young people and supports their focus with their career choices
“Music and STEM fields, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) have a strong connection that will benefit the learners’ university studies and beyond Our projects over many years have produced examples which include a Stellenbosch University student developing a top medical career after being taught the flute at school; a student who went on to a Technical and Vocational Education and Training college (TVET) and has been an accountant for several years; as well as a recent student who gained a place at the University of Cape Town (UCT) All these former students continued involvement in music, as a stimulating and relaxing hobby, while undertaking intense studies,” he explained
MUSIC AND STEM, (SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS) HAVE STRONG CONNECTION
Celeste Abrahams, principal at Jupiter, says they celebrate Youth Day to showcase the potential, energy and leadership of their young people
“It is vital that learners know their voices matter; both within the school and in the wider community Our youth face real challenges, particularly the ongoing risks of gangsterism and substance abuse in the community Mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and trauma are also on the rise, linked to the stresses of daily life in under-resourced environments
“As a school, we are committed to providing structure, support and positive role models through programmes like mentorship and leadership development,” she explained
Abrahams says the school also hosted a Students vs Teachers Sports Day, which included netball matches
“The event was a huge success, filled with energy, fun and friendly competition Much to the learners’ surprise, the teachers won We also created a special Youth Day video, featuring interviews with some of our student leaders, where they shared their thoughts on leadership, youth empowerment, and making a positive difference in their school and community,” she says Head Girl Georgia Maree (Grade 7) says Youth Day is a reminder for young people about their power, voice and future they are building together
“The youth should embrace their potential and pursue excellence,” says Deputy Head Boy Graydon Herman (Grade 7)
When asked why she thought Youth Day was important, Deputy Head Girl – Melokuhle Ndabeni (Grade 7) - said: “It honours the bravery of students who fought against apartheid ” Head Boy – Likhona Mpahleni (Grade 7)hopes that young people will have access to equal education opportunities
The Izivunguvungu MSC junior music group at Kleinberg School were also gifted new musical instruments for Youth Month “These included cornets and various coloured
trumpets The latter were specially donated by the British Embassy, with finance also from Bowmans They are made from plastic and are ideal for smaller students as they are not as heavy as the metal trumpets This group is part of over two hundred (students) in the music division who are training for concerts, while there is also a sailing division who compete in regattas, as they will do in Durban during Youth Month,” he said For details email mike@iafrica com
FROMPAGE1
“This section is very poor urban design, it is counter intuitive as well as hard for trucks to turn right down Vlei and Albertyn roads than to go left to the waiting jaws of Bridgette The drivers have a lot of pressure with their GPS nagging them to go left,” he said
More recently, he has noted a reduction in truck collisions near Bridget through the safety awareness campaigns done by the community and the City but feels more could be done to avoid more accidents and traffic congestion
“There has been a drastic reduction in the number of trucks hitting the bridge There are times where there were four hits in a week
The Facebook group has been phenomenal in raising the awareness of the problem embarrassing the City into action The City engineers were brilliant, it did take a lot of coming back and forth and back again, to reduce the number of strikes with height sensors, signage and flashing lights The problem then was the traffic congestion in getting the stopped truck around, however after a radio interview we asked Google to adjust their maps, ” he said
Quintas added the Urban Mobility Directorate has commissioned a report to investigate introducing an overhead gong and plan how this would work operationally
The results of this study will be available in the coming weeks
“Further, as part of the current congestion alleviation project in Muizenberg, the technical team investigated the feasibility of eliminating the Albertyn Road rail level crossing by means
of a grade separated structure (Henley Overpass) The outcome of the study revealed that the overpass was geometrically achievable The overpass was not continued through to preliminary design and the associated statutory approvals (environmental and heritage), but it was recommended that a new project be commissioned to explore the options of eliminating the Albertyn Road rail level crossing This Level Crossing Elimination (LCE) project should, at least, include raising the rail bridge/lowering Atlantic Road and the Henley Overpass as options to provide safe overhead clearance for heavy vehicles,” he said
All of the above-mentioned options remain at a very early stage and once a final decision is made, the implementation will be subject to budget availability
“Incidents at this location typically involve drivers who are either unaware of their vehicle’s height or disregard the clearly marked signage Professional drivers, in particular, have a responsibility to know the dimensions of their vehicles and to operate them safely to avoid collisions that cause significant delays and disruptions for other road users, ” Quintas said
Zinobulali Mihi, Prasa spokesperson, said the bridge is “in accordance with the correct structural specifications for bridges
“The road is also marked with the correct signage, including the one on the bridge PRASA Western Cape advises motorists to take the necessary precautions whilst using the bridge and to adhere to the road signage ”
An aerial view highlighting Albertyn Road which the City is considering as a guide to steer trucks towards alternative routes
Young musicians from the Izivunguvungu MSC music group performed at Jupiter Primary School in Ocean View on Friday June 13 to celebrate Youth Day PHOTO SUPPL ED
Beachfront upgrade almost ready
The public can expect Muizenberg’s beachfront upgrades to be completed by Friday 1 August this year.
The City says the refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront is progressing well
The construction of the coastal revetment at the start of the St James walkway is underway, the stormwater pipeline at Surfer’s Corner has been realigned and is now being installed, and the contractor has commenced with the layer work at the western parking area
If all goes as planned the parking area on the beach side, in front of the Muizenberg Civic Centre, will be open to the public by Friday 1 August
The refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront entails major upgrades to public amenities and replacing the aged seawalls
This forms part of the City’s investment in popular beachfront areas to mitigate the impact of climate change on the beachfront and improve the quality of infrastructure in the area
The project is being implemented in phases over a two-year period
The first phase commenced in February this year on the western side of Surfer’s Corner, next to the railway line
“The casting of concrete components for the main promenade has started This is happening off-site to ensure the highest quality work, as is the manufacturing of the stepped revetment panels Next, removal of portions of the old concrete seawalls will start and the new stormwater infrastructure and piling work in Surfer’s Corner will be completed The armour rock for the revetment at the start of the St James Walkway has been placed and soon the new walkway will be constructed
“Working in the tidal and wave run-up zone adds to the complexity of this project, especially during winter when we often experience storm events, high winds and strong wave action This requires meticulous planning and flexibility to
BEACH PARKING AREA PROBABLY OPEN BY SUMMER
adapt accordingly
“We will use large sand bags to provide temporary protection to the immediate surroundings in the corner because the area will be exposed once we have demolished the old
step structure,” said the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews
As for the parking area on the eastern side, in front of the Muizenberg Civic Centre, work is progressing well despite a minor setback
“We discovered during the excavations that the old retaining wall had no foundation A new retaining wall will have to be constructed, but on the plus side: this one will be lower and provide additional seating The stormwater infra-
structure has been installed and the contractor will start with the new paving soon We are still aiming to open the parking area by 1 August,” said Andrews
The most recent community liaison meeting for the Muizenberg Beachfront Refurbishment Project took place at The Lookout, Promenade Road on Tuesday 17 June
For regular updates visit the following link: https://forms office com/r/8rARD9z8SM or email muizenberg@chand co za
The refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront started in February and will be completed in phases over two years Currently, the construction of the coastal revetment at the start of the St James walkway is underway (left and far right); and, if all goes as planned the parking area on the beach side, in front of the Muizenberg Civic Centre (centre), will be open to the public by Friday 1 August PHOTO:
Children’s lives transformed
NAMHAMONAKALI
In a heartwarming demonstration of what community collaboration can achieve, the Lions Club of Tokai, in partnership with Vision Works Optometrists, has been changing the lives, and vision, of learners at Westlake Primary School since March last year.
Through the Lions BrightSight initiative 70 learners have already received professional eye tests, with 65 of them fitted with much-needed spectacles, all at no cost to the school or parents The remaining five were treated with eye drops
This life-changing programme is more than just an act of charity It’s an ongoing commitment to the Lions International core pillar of Vision, a global drive to fight preventable blindness and improve access to eye care
“This partnership is doing far more
Through BrightSight 70 learners so far have been given a new lease, a fighting chance at success.
than just improving eyesight,” said Tracey Petersen-Brown, principal of Westlake Primary School “It is restoring confidence, transforming learning experiences and changing lives With clearer vision our learners can read more easily, engage more confidently in class, and feel a renewed sense of pride and possibility ”
Every week, after school, small groups of learners are transported to Vision Works, where they undergo thorough eye testing, many for the first time in their lives
Lions Club volunteers handle ap-
pointment scheduling and transport, while Vision Works staff provide care with professionalism and compassion
Mark Roussouw, a long-time advocate for child development in the Western Cape, praised the initiative:
“When learners can’t see clearly, they often fall behind, not through lack of effort, but lack of access The Tokai Lions and Vision Works are not just giving spectacles; they’re giving these children a fighting chance at success ” Lions BrightSight, launched in 1978, supports communities across South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini
Using both new and pre-owned frames in excellent condition, each pair of spectacles is custom-fitted with new prescription lenses
As the Tokai Lions Club eyes five more placements by the end of the year, this project stands as a testament to the power of local partnerships in delivering a global impact
CHSAjazzbandatfest
KEANANHARMSE
The Christel House South Africa’s (CHSA) jazz band thrilled the audience with their talent when they performed at Artscape Theatre on Saturday 14 June
CHSA’s 14-member student band was among eleven ensembles selected from across the Western Cape who took part in the Artscape Youth Jazz Series, marking the second consecutive year the school’s musicians took part, according to school spokesperson Jade Page
The non-profit, no-fee school in Ottery provides about 1 000 students from under-resourced communities in Cape Town with high-quality, high-impact and rounded education
People’s Post reported that four of Christel House’s girls would take part in the Intercoiffure Mondial Hamburg 25 World Congress in Germany (“Stylists to learn from world’s best”, People’s Post Tuesday 10 June)
About the jazz series Page said “there was a highly competitive audition process The series, which began in 2003 as the Youth Jazz Festival, has grown into a celebrated platform showcasing South Africa’s most promising young jazz talent In preparation for the performance, Christel House SA students participated in a series of jazz masterclasses led by established professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and exposure to the industry The two-day Artscape programme opened on Friday 13 June with standout youth jazz solo performances, followed by school bands on Saturday ” The spirit of Youth Day and
South Africa’s rich jazz heritage were celebrated by all the bands who took part on the day “Each group was tasked with interpreting music rooted in local tradition,” Page said “One of the standout moments of the school’s performance was a rousing rendition of ‘Pata Pata’ from legendary South African singer, songwriter and activist Miriam Makeba ” CHSA’s band was led by music coach and proud alumnus Kyle Daniels “We chose a repertoire that reflected both cultural pride and contemporary relevance a mix of South African songs and one by Billie Eilish The idea was to connect the learners with music that speaks to their roots while also engaging with the music they hear around them today,” he said Junior School principal Carol Kriel said she was beaming with pride over the young band “The staff and learners of CHSA are filled with pride We were the only school to feature junior-school children at the festival It was nothing short of extraordinary to witness our learners take the stage with such confidence, poise and passion, true budding artists in every sense
“Their journey was paved with dedication and perseverance, supported tirelessly by excellent music teachers and inspirational visits from Hugo Smuts, a music specialist from the Western Cape Education Department A special moment for us was their final dress rehearsal, where they shared their music with our Foundation Phase learners, which was a source of joy and inspiration ”
Man nabbed with drugs
A 28-year old man was arrested for dealing in drugs after police searched premises in Grasryk Court, Ottery on Monday 16 June
The result of Operation Shanela, an ongoing multi-pronged approach to fighting crime nationally, whether through conducting blitzes or roadblocks collaboratively, and which was underway, officers had followed-up on information about drugs on the premises They confiscated 99 Mandrax tablets, 111 plastic packets containing crystal meth, four packets of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash, probable proceeds of crime The man was set to appear in Wynberg court once he had been charged
Lions Club of Tokai, in partnership with Vision Works Optometrists, has been changing the lives and vision of learners.
Christel House South Africa’s Jazz Band made their second appearance at this year’s Artscape Youth Jazz Series PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Hospital staff feel helpless, tired
Acommentary piece in the South African Journal of Science by Professor Jacqueline Hoare of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has ignited urgent national debate around the emotional toll of South Africa’s public healthcare crisis, and the leadership response it demands
Hoare, head of the Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital
system battles severe financial strain following the 2024-’25 budget cuts, the withdrawal of funding from international partners such as USAID, PEPFAR and the NIH, and an ever-increasing disease burden The result: fewer staff,
Hoare urges institutions to formally recognise emotional labour as a leadership skill, to integrate emotional intelligence into medical training, and to create psychologically safe environments where speaking up and seeking help is encouraged
“We can’t keep relying on a few heroic individuals while the system erodes beneath them,” she writes “Caring for the carers must be a core
institutional value ”
She concludes with a call to leaders in health and academia to embrace emotional leadership not merely as a soft skill, but as an ethical and strategic priority
“Making medicine about people, both patients and providers, begins with how we lead,” Hoare writes “It starts with one conversation, one colleague, and one moment of empathy at time ”
Help St Joseph’s reach their goal
BRENDENRUITER
He is not just speaking to the media about fires, but Jermaine Carelse’s fire also burns for those who cannot fend for themselves
Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services, and his friend Regan Bagley will tackle the Wines2Wales cycling race to raise funds for St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care, an organisation that cares for sick children that can’t yet go home According to him, the cause is the easiest decision he ever made “It was one of the easiest decisions I ever made We first went to St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care about a year and a half ago The place really captures your heart, and you have to put on a brave face to keep the tears away The professional staff, the patients, the general workers, each one plays a vital role in the management of the facility As an NPO (non-profit organisation) they are solely reliant on donor funding, and if you see the services they provide you will be gobsmacked, because it is world class
“Regan and I took part in our first endurance race about three weeks ago in Elgin - GravDuro - and what an experience it was From those steep punchy hills, steep and treacherous decent, and getting lost, it all just strengthened our beliefs in taking on W2W from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November,” he said The duo recently took on the advanced route in Lourensford “Our challenge is that every pedal strike we take is a step in the right direction W2W is a three-day stage race, and we have about five months to get into top condition This year, it starts off in Hermanus and ends in Lourensford The idea is to have some of the kids from St Joseph’s at the finish line It
try to raise R25 000.
CARE FOR RECUPERATING YOUTH THEIR MISSION
will be mentally and physically tiring, but those patients will be our motivation to complete the race, ” says Carelse
Men, getyourprostate testednow
With the curtain coming down on Men’s Health Month, men are urged to prioritise prostate cancer screening
Dr Hannes Brummer, Urologist at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, says prostate cancer is a major risk to men ’ s health, with South African men facing a one in eight chance of developing this most common of male cancers
Fellow Urologist Dr Johan Coetzee adds that men usually do not feel any symptoms until prostate cancer has progressed significantly “Which is why they need to be proactive about booking their routine prostate cancer screenings
“With the advanced prostate specific antigen [PSA] screening blood test available from GPs these days, there is so much more opportunity for prostate cancer to be detected earlier when it is still at a highly treatable stage ” Brummer adds that there are various treatment options available
“For men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer following a needle biopsy, the treatment options available have improved to such an extent that there is more hope than ever before Even where surgery is needed, prostate cancer does not necessarily pose a significant disruption to your life,” he says
Over 1 000 robotic assisted procedures have been performed at the hospital since the introduction of this technology in August 2017
This is done with the use the da Vinci X robotic assisted surgical system to operate through tiny punctures in the skin using slender instruments more dexterous than the human hand
Brummer says: “A prostate cancer diagnosis can be daunting We have walked this path with so many men, and robotic assisted surgery offers some important advantages for the removal of cancerous tissue in the prostate gland, in particular the precision of this minimally invasive option ”
Coetzee emphasises that the surgeon remains in control of the robotic system at all times With magnified 3D imaging capabilities, including a large fixed-focus area at the highest resolution, the nerves, blood vessels and tumour are visible with great clarity for the intricate procedure
“This robotic system is especially useful for operating on the prostate, as we can more clearly distinguish the nerves controlling erec-
Urologists Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee encourage men to go for regular health screenings. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
tile function and urinary continence In most cases, there is less need for blood transfusion and reduced risk of complications,” explained Brummer
Another advantage of this robotic technology for prostate tumours is that there is much less tissue damage in this sensitive area
Brummer says compared with traditional surgery, this means men usually experience much less downtime with less discomfort after the procedure This translates into shorter hospital stays and faster recovery with robotic assisted prostatectomies overall
“This Men’s Health Month, let’s pledge to be decisive about booking those routine health checks Making the time now and every year could help to save your life in future,” Coetzee concludes
Their target is to raise R25 000 “I think it’s a modest target and hopefully the public will get onboard and we surpass that amount by far They, the public, have until the afternoon of 9 November to donate - that’s when we will cross the finish line in Lourensford All that the public has to do is get onto their website and navigate to the donations It’s set up for most
countries - the flag is the indication of which country you are in to facilitate the donations easier This is such a worthy cause - and we are honoured to represent each and every one at St Joseph’s Intermediate Paedeatric Care,” says Carelse . To support Carelse and Bagley or to make a donation visit www giveandgain com
Renewedeffortstoendextortion
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Establishing ways to fight the scourge of extortion, which is fast becoming the new currency of control, crippling communities through fear and financial ruin, topped the agenda at a Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit held recently
Convened by the Western Cape Government the summit, held in Century City on Tuesday 17 June, aimed to assess the impact of extortion on the province’s economy as well as identify gaps in how law-enforcement authorities are addressing it
Stakeholders attending the discussion included officials from several provincial government departments, the City of Cape Town, South African Police Service (Saps), representatives of the business community and civil society
In a press statement Premier Alan Winde highlighted that late last year about R400 million in infrastructure projects in the province were halted due to extortion
“This is intolerable,” he declared “We must recommit to working closer together to hit back at these criminals One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the police in our province – with crime intelligence significantly bolstered - and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ”
Winde said in recent years extortion has evolved from isolated incidents into an organised systemic pattern of criminality
He added that construction sites were among the main targets of “extortion mafias” with the public-transport sector and hospitality industry also under attack
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, said extortion posed a direct threat to livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development and public services
“It undermines the rule of law, instils fear in communities and leaves many of our residents despondent When gangs and syndicates impose ‘protection fees’ on residents, business owners and contractors they are not just stealing money but opportunities that hamper our collective job-creation efforts ”
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger collaborative approach, integrating law enforcement, community organisations and businesses to dismantle extortion networks
Marais said provincial government remained steadfast in its commitment to eradicate extor-
tion
“The valuable contributions made during the summit will feed directly into our collective strategic interventions to follow ” Col André Traut, provincial commander, said to ensure a focused and coordinated response to extortion police have established two key enforcement units These include a provincial extortion task team, comprising provincial detectives specialising in investigating extortion-related crimes
“This unit’s primary role is to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance and build strong cases for prosecution, and they are hard at work with their task ”
The second unit is an Integrated Extortion Team: Comprising police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other key role-players
“This team meets to devise strategic interventions, share intelligence and execute joint operations to tackle criminal syndicates,” explained Traut
He added that to secure convictions police have boosted their collaboration with the NPA, which led to the Director of Public Prosecutions assigning a dedicated State Advocate to provide police with legal guidance during investigations
According to Traut, police have bolstered visibility in crime hotspots, such as business districts, transportation hubs and schools
Traut said in the 2024-’25 financial year 115 suspects involved in extortion were arrested
“Continued investigations are expected to lead to further arrests that will result in a dent in organised crime ”
He added that some schools in hotspot areas have also been targeted by extortionists and several safety measures have been put in place These include police escorts for learners
“Particularly in areas where criminal elements have attempted to extort protection money Community policing initiatives to involve parents, teachers, and local law enforcement in ensuring school safety ”
Traut reiterated that public cooperation is crucial in the fight against extortion and encouraged the community to get involved
He said through robust law enforcement, legal action, and community collaboration, the province is actively working to dismantle extortion networks and restore public confidence in security and justice
. If you have any information about extortion, report it anonymously via the toll-free hotline: 0800 31 44 44
Jermaine Carelse en Regan Bagley practise for the Wines2Wales race where they will
Donation brings joy to residents
AVRILFILLIES
Approximately 450 residents from areas such as Ottery, Parkwood, Philippi, Wetton, Freedom Park informal settlement and Strandfontein benefitted from the Chinatown Winter Outreach Programme on Saturday 14 June
This venture was done in partnership with Keith Blake, a retired police officer from Ottery and former operational commander at Table Bay Harbour, Shuwing Lieu, CEO of Chinatowns and the Tzu Chi Foundation “Over the past ten years, I received requests from Lieu to nominate disadvantaged communities to receive winter parcels as that they are handing out food parcels every year The inclement weather we have experienced over the past month forced me to ask Lieu to move the winter outreach forward by a month I spoke to residents in the informal settlement and they said they are freezing from the wet and cold and chopped up all the trees in Woodlands Road in Ottery for firewood to keep warm, ” Blake says “I phoned Lieu, my friend since 1982, and relayed the messages from the residents and after discussing this with his managers he said the winter programme will be on Saturday June 14 at the Ottery branch Tina and I were summoned to his office on Friday 13 June for a meeting and reaffirmed that each person nominated by me will receive a 25-litre bucket filled with some groceries, a blanket and 10kg rice donated by the Tzu Chi Foundation to life With the support of Tzu Chi
Joan Wu and William Wu from the Tzu Chi Foundation with the former mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, at the winter programme of China Town in Ottery
IlTrovatoreonenightinCityHall
Opera has often been blamed of gatekeeping, and not without reason. For too long, the art form has suffered under the weight of its own perceived exclusivity
But that’s changing - not just globally, but right here in South Africa Institutions like Opera UCT are dismantling that myth by making opera accessible, relevant and proudly rooted in the African experience
And performances like their upcoming concert staging of Il Trovatore taking place on Thursday 26 June at Cape Town City Hall show that opera doesn’t need fancy costumes or sets to be powerful When the music is honest, the setting becomes secondary
There’s a reason opera has lasted over 400 years It speaks to something universal in us - a need to feel, to connect, to reckon with beauty and pain in a single breath And far from being the relic some imagine it to be, opera today is not only surviving - it’s quietly staging one of the most remarkable cultural comebacks of our time
Younger audiences across the globe are rediscovering opera - not because
OPERA REMINDS US WHAT IT MEANS TO FEEL - RAW, UNFILTERED,AND UNASHAMED.
it’s trendy, but because it’s timeless It has something the world is desperately short on: emotional honesty
Though opera is often associated with chandeliers, gowns and imported European elitism, its roots are deeply populist
The earliest operas, especially those of Verdi and Puccini, were the Netflix and Tele Novellas of their timewildly emotional, thrilling, unapologetically dramatic They were made for working people, sung in the street, staged in makeshift theatres, telling stories of injustice, love, war, betrayal and redemption
Opera was never designed to be a luxury It was always meant to be an experience - total immersion in voice, music, and human feeling That remains true today
No algorithm can replicate the feeling of sitting in a room with a living, breathing voice trained to move your
soul without a microphone
In a world of scrolling and skipping, opera forces you to pause, witness, and feel - deeply and without distraction
Seeing a South African singer like Nontobeko Bhengu, just awarded a Fleur du Cap and soon heading to the Bavarian State Opera, perform on home soil is a cultural moment
Hearing Mkhanyiseli Dyantyi, bound for the National Opera Studio in London, bring Verdi’s Il Trovatore to life at Cape Town City Hall is not only powerful - it’s historic Opera is often in a foreign language But heartbreak is universal So is desire So is the sound of someone putting everything they have into a single note
To say that opera is “coming back” suggests it went somewhere But it’s always been here - quietly waiting for us to listen again
In this age of curated perfection and attention fatigue, opera reminds us what it means to feel - raw, unfiltered, and unashamed It asks us to sit still and be moved To be human Tickets for the one night only concert performance of Il Trovatore are on Webtickets and start at R175 per person
YoungmusiciansshineatArtscape youthjazzsoloists1976concert
Artscape’s Youth Jazz Series reached a spectacular high point with the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert on Friday 13 June at the Artscape Theatre, featuring 14 outstanding young musicians aged 15 to 23
The concert showcased eight original compositions, the result of a month-long mentorship programme that empowers young jazz artists and honours the legacy of the 1976 youth uprising
The initiative, which began in 2003, is one of Artscape’s flagship programmes and has grown into a vital platform for emerging musicians from diverse backgrounds
This year ’ s concert marked a significant tribute to both the youth of 1976 and the memory of struggle photographer Rashid Lombard and renowned jazz guitarist Alvin Dyers, both of whom were instrumental in shaping South Africa’s jazz and cul-
tural landscape “Youth Day is more than just a slogan for us at Artscape and our partners,” said Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape “We work all year to ensure young people are mentored, seen, and supported, not just for performance but for personal and community transformation ”
Just 14 soloists were chosen by a panel of top South African jazz mentors These mentors guided the soloists through composition, collaborative songwriting and jazz repertoire workshops leading up to the concert The soloists included vocalists, guitarists, bass guitarists, drummers, tenor saxophonist, trombonist and trumpeter
Under the leadership of Prof Tiffin, AYJ director since 2017, the young musicians delivered a moving and technically impressive performance
“The programme provides the participants with an insider’s experience
of a professional production,” said Tiffin
“It has become a launchpad for many young artists who go on to become performers, recording artists, and educators ”
The soloists performed work from iconic South African jazz artists such as Sibongile Khumalo, Alvin Dyers, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva and Chadleigh Gowar
The concert highlighted the depth of talent and professionalism nurtured within the programme
Made possible through support from the Western Cape Education Department, the Artscape Youth Jazz Series is not only a developmental opportunity but also a powerful act of remembrance and resistance “We owe it to the youth of 1976 who died for a cause, that we continue to transfer skills to today’s youth,” said Le Roux
The ‘Il Trovatore’ will take place at Cape Town City Hall
Franco von Wielligh (saxophone), Zakhiel Davids (trumpet) Aviwe Macutwana (trombone) with vocalists Andrea Martinez, Caleb Meyer and Sarah Pengilly PHOTO: SUPPLIED
