






















my imagination I crafted a universe in my mind, one where I could break cycles, define my own success and live with purpose Even at this age I do that
The National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) got a major cash boost from a R3,5 million donation by Clicks stores to its 2024 Casual Day campaign. The handover ceremony took place at Clicks’ head office in Woodstock on (will add date) Bongiwe Ntuli, Managing Executive at Clicks, said: “We’re incredibly thankful for the compassion shown by our customers and proud of our staff’s efforts in driving this campaign Our continued collaboration with the NCPD reinforces our commitment to building a healthier future for all South Africans Every sticker sold contributes directly to making a meaningful difference.” Therina Wentzel, National Director of the NCPD, said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Clicks, its staff and customers for their unwavering generosity and support in making Casual Day such an unprecedented success.” This year’s Casual Day takes place on Friday 5 September Stickers can be bought from stores and online from July Dhevan Pillay, Clicks Head of Store and Pharmacy Ops (SA); Adri Visser, Casual Day Coordinator; Abel, Casual Day Mascot; Bongiwe Ntuli, Clicks Managing Executive; and Louis Botha, Casual Day Manager PHOTO: CHANDRE FORTUIN
In a world shaped by systems one ’ s mindset is the one thing that can set one free, and set one apart It’s not your background, your bank account, or even your education that determines your future; it’s the way you think All these things are useless when the mind is blind
When you dare to think differently, to question what’s around you and craft your own path you step into your power That’s what truly separates those who succeed from those who settle I learnt this early, not from textbooks but from watching people accept the life they never chose Where I come from in the Boland it’s common to see young people finish school only to end up in predictable jobs on farms, in restaurants, behind counters Honest work, yes, but not always born from dreams Too often it’s just what’s available Just what’s handed to you But what if we didn’t accept what’s handed to us?
At the age of 10 I began dreaming of a life beyond what I saw, beyond my colourful essays I didn’t know where exactly I was going, but I knew I couldn’t allow my environment to shrink
Life is by no means easy Life tests you in subtle and serious ways, through finances, health, limited access, just to name a few It throws you a general dish, a one-size fits all blanket and tells you to be grateful But I refused to accept the idea that this was all there was And that refusal became my strength
My father once told me “smooth seas never made skilled sailors, and when you are born into a system your first act of freedom is to question it ” That quote has never left me It’s guided the way I move through the world
Systems, political, economic, educational, the media don’t just shape what’s possible for us, but how we think what is possible And if you don’t break free of the script you were handed you’ll play a role you never auditioned for June is Youth Month and this year ’ s theme, “Skills for the Changing World, Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, points us towards the future It’s about preparing young people for a world that’s evolving Before skills we need to talk about mindset, because if people don’t believe they can build something those tools will sit unused Mindset is the hidden engine driving our
choices, fuelling our creativity and expanding our vision It’s that small spark that says “there must be more than this ”
Thoughts are powerful They come from what we consume in our conversations, our culture, our environment If we ’ re surrounded by defeatist thinking, by people who don’t dream, we may start to believe that dreaming is foolish, that success is reserved for “others”, that we are meant only to survive, and never thrive
But when you start thinking independently everything changes You stop chasing appearances and start building substance You stop measuring your worth by what you wear, where you live or what you drive and start defining success on your own terms After all, one of the greatest traps of our time is an obsession with looking successful
What sets you apart, really, is how deeply you think, how courageously you act, and how consistently you build, what you ’ re planting when no-one is watching That’s the difference maker You know, “be the change you want to see ” If there’s one thing I want young people (like myself) to take from this Youth Month, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to be different; it’s often your greatest strength The world doesn’t need more copies It needs more creators, people bold enough to question, think and build on their own terms I’d love to hear from you
KEANANHARMSE
Shielding children from drug abuse and falling into gangsterism were among the key themes addressed during a child protection awareness programme hosted by the City in Tafelsig and Wynberg last week.
The workshop also marked Child Protection Week with more than 100 young children and early childhood development practitioners participating in a child protection awareness campaign
The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department said the aim of the programme was to create awareness of child protection through learn and play
The participants came from City owned Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres as well as centres in: Lotus River, Retreat, Masiphumelele, Lower Crossroads, Mitchells Plain and Crossroads
It also aimed to build capacity in ECD practitioners and focused on their roles and responsibilities in their workspace in respect of child protection
“Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities and often bear the brunt of any social ills such as drug abuse or criminal activity The main aim of the programme is to prevent the abuse and neglect of our children It is an education and awareness process which engages both the little ones and their ECD teachers,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
Angela Adams, spokesperson for Parkwood ECD, called Busy Bees Educare, said she found the workshop to be very informative and stated that the last time she attended a similar seminar was in 2007
“One thing that stood out was that I can make a difference by reporting any form of abuse we encounter, especially in the field as ECD
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People’s Post spoke with a Coniston Park resident who unpacked her grievances regarding the crime she sees near Muritz Way She wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation “A lot of people use this road as a throughfare and a lot of criminal activity sometimes happens here where they do robberies early in the morning, especially when it’s dark Recently, there was a lady who was stabbed and robbed in this road and had to seek medical treatment,” she said
The woman says that the opening at Muritz Way offers criminals an easy escape route “This criminals can run escape through here and run towards the M5 road, into the bushes and then end up in Seawinds We’re very vigilant in the area and I think its mostly people coming from the other side of the road who come and rob people who are on their way to work,” she explained Another resident, who also wanted to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, said in the latest inciden they stole a refuse bin early hours of the morning “I normally put our streets bin together at 18:00 (serving community Conwatch), but this incident happened prior and Somebody saw two guys exit via the barriers of Muritz Way Linking to Prince George Drive
Last week, an incident occurred, when the caretaker’s son exited their driveway and a guy slip in trying to rob the concern, but wasn’t aware that there were several staff members around, and they sorted him out good
KEANAN HARMSE
KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
A group of environmental activists are hard at work restoring Muizenberg Park stream and wetlands to their former glory and making sure the ecosystem thrives People’s Post spoke with spokesperson for the Friends of Muizenberg Park (FMP), John Venn, who has been spearheading the revamp since the beginning of last month The park is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town FMP is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote environmental awareness “Muizenberg Park is a meeting place of no less than four different types of fynbos,” Venn said “One of these, the Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands, is classified by botanists as being critically endangered, as a result of urban development
“A few hundred years ago, much of Muizenberg Park would have been wetlands The main goal of the restoration is to remove alien vegetation and introduce wetland fynbos in selected areas of the park,” Venn said
“Not only is this improving the attractiveness of the area, but it also has meaningful conservation and biodiversity impact
“Following the completion of Phase one in May (last year), we have seen a big increase in the number of visitors to the park, with numerous events, such as wedding photographs, picnics and even yoga classes ” The FMP team is currently busy with Phase two of their cleaning operations at the park
“For Phase two we will restore the pond at the lower level of the stream before it goes under the Main Road, with wetland fynbos planted on either side of the pond
“This phase also includes removing the aloes along the path between the bridge over the stream and the clubhouse,” says Venn
“This will eliminate the currently unusable swampy lawn area as well as open a significant area for conservation and recreation ”
People’s Post reached out to the City for comment, but it could not respond before the time of publication
NAMHLA MONAKALI
NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, healing, and advocacy, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital became a beacon of hope last week as World Clubfoot Day was commemorated alongside the 20th anniversary of STEPS Clubfoot Care, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that has transformed thousands of young lives across Southern Africa.
Children dressed in casts and braces, symbols of their journey through the Ponseti method of treatment, were the centre of attention as families, healthcare professionals, and STEPS representatives gathered to celebrate the visible progress of those living with clubfoot, a congenital condition that causes one or both feet to turn inward or downward
“Clubfoot is not a life sentence, it’s a treatable condition,” said Karen Mara Moss, the founder and CEO of STEPS Clubfoot Care “With early care, children born with clubfoot can walk, run, and live full lives ”
Since inception in 2005, STEPS has helped over 20 000 children gain access to life-changing treatment, mostly through public healthcare clinics
The organisation has also played a pivotal role in introducing and expanding the use of the Ponseti Method in South Africa, a non-surgical, low-cost treatment that, when started early, yields excellent results
“Our biggest achievement over the past 20 years has been driving change in the way clubfoot is treated in this region,” Moss reflected
“We’ve enabled access to treatment for children who otherwise would have been missed due to backlogs in surgery or financial constraints ”
The shift has been significant “When we started, the Ponseti Method wasn’t widely known in South Africa Now, thanks to our partnerships with public clinics and the South African Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, there are 48 specialist clubfoot clinics supported in the public sector,” Moss said
One of the many success stories shared during the event was that of twin girls Odirile and Ofentse, both born with bilateral clubfoot
“Their parents were initially shocked by the diagnosis,” Moss shared, “but they followed every step of the treatment process Today, the girls walk and play like any other child Their story shows the power of early intervention and the role of supportive families ”
For clinic staff, the transformation of each child is personal “Most parents come in scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain for their baby’s future,” said Jane Mackinnon, STEPS clinic coordinator at Red Cross Children’s Hospital
“They always leave with a sense of renewed hope after we counsel them about clubfoot and the treatment journey ahead The Ponseti method works , I love seeing children walk into their check-ups after seeing them as newborns You would never know they had clubfoot ”
But challenges remain, especially in rural and underserved areas
“There is still a lack of awareness, late diagnoses, and high transport costs that keep families from accessing consistent treatment,” Moss explained “Some families travel hundreds of kilometres to clinics and often miss appointments due to affordability Budget cuts in healthcare also affect the reliable supply of braces at our partner clinics ”
To combat these obstacles, STEPS provides a Family Resource Toolkit aimed at empowering caregivers and ensuring continuity of care
The commemoration on 3 June, World
Clubfoot Day, also paid tribute to Dr Ignacio Ponseti, the pioneer of the globally recognised treatment method STEPS’ work continues to be deeply inspired by his legacy of patient-centred care and innovation
As the celebration came to a close, Moss reflected on the road ahead: “We’re here because of 20 years of belief, from parents, from doctors, and from every supporter who has helped make treatment possible And we look forward to walking the next 20 years alongside even more families ” . For more information or support,visit www. steps org za
Tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life’s work bridged the worlds of political resistance and artistic expression
Rashid Lombard, acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz visionary died on Wednesday 4 June
at the age of 74
He was laid to rest on Thursday 5 June according to Muslim rites Lombard and his parents moved to Cape Town in 1962 from Gqeberha
Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts
His political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)
Lombard went on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist at the height of the anti-apartheid struggle
His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets, including Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC
He documented pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of late former President Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994
With democracy came the opportunity for Lombard to embrace his other great passion, jazz, fully He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio
In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events-management company behind one of his most enduring legacies: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014
After stepping away from the festival he took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen Lombard later partnered with the
National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource
His daughter will now carry this work on
A gifted visual storyteller, Lombard published Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by the late George Hallett
The book is a journey looking through the eye of his camera, capturing music, people, and places that defined his life and work across the globe
It offers a richly textured window into the vibrant world of jazz, reflecting not only the performances, but the deep, spiritual connection between Lombard and the musicians he photographed
His work received widespread acclaim and he was honoured with numerous awards for both his contributions to news photography and his impact on music and tourism
In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver “for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many
jazz enthusiasts around the world ”
Marlene le Roux, Chief Executive Officer of the Artscape, described Lombard as an “unwavering activist and a promoter of the arts”
“He was one of the most unassuming, humble, modest advocates for the arts
“Whether it was through his photography, his involvement in music, jazz in particular, or whether it was through his development and creation of work opportunities,” she explained
Le Roux said they would be lighting a candle on stage in his memory
“The arts world is definitely poorer now that he is gone but his legacy lives on in people whose lives he touched, the work he created and in the immaculate images only he could see through his lenses ” espAfrika and the Sekunjalo Group, in a press statement, described Lombard’s passing as a “profound loss” to South Africa and the global arts community
“Rashid’s legacy is etched across multiple spheres – from his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world,” read the statement
Lombard is survived by his wife, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his five children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach and Daniel, and grandchildren
Healthy eating on a budget, local dieticians share practical advice.
While the rising cost of living continues to affect households across Cape Town, local dieticians say eating healthily is more affordable and accessible than many realise
Not only is a healthy diet essential in preventing and treating chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, but it is also a powerful act of self-care
During Dieticians Week, which ran from Monday 2 to Sunday 7 June under the theme “Your health, our mission: Talk to a dietitian”, healthcare professionals across the province were working to dispel the myth that nutritious food is out of reach for the average household,” said Kristi Overmeyer, a dietician based at Heideveld Community Day Clinic “Healthy eating is perceived to be expensive We have noticed that the communities we serve have financial constraints and this leads to food insecurity ”
Quanita Salaam, a dietician at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, echoed the concern She said limited income, reliance on spaza shops that often lack fresh produce and a general lack of knowledge about nutrition are major obstacles to healthier living
“Many people are unaware of how to read food labels, balance meals or make healthier swaps For example, people often believe fruit juice is always healthy, even though many are filled with added sugar ”
Despite these challenges residents across the Cape have access to free nutritional consultations through public-health-care facilities Dieticians hope more people will take advantage of these services to improve their eating habits
“Choosing healthy meals is a powerful act of self-care in today's fast-paced life,” Salaam said “Eating a balanced diet along with regular exercise decreases the risk of chronic diseases It also supports mental health, boosts mood and concentration, and helps children grow, learn, and thrive ”
Cost remains a common concern Fresh produce and lean proteins are often more expensive than processed staples such as white bread and rice But knowing how to make substitutions and control portion sizes can stretch a small budget a long way Dieticians also point out that acceptance of vegetables, especially among children, is often shaped by family habits and exposure The lack of vegetables in daily meals contributes to preferences for sweeter and saltier foods, including fast food and fried meals
Zenande Xaluva, a dietician at Nyanga Community Day Clinic, offers a simple, visual method to help families build balanced meals using their hands A healthy plate should have starch about the size of a closed fist, protein the size of the inside of your palm, and non-starchy vegetables filling the space of two cupped hands Fats, Xaluva said, should be kept to the size of the tip of your thumb
Practical, cost-saving strategies are available to every household
Dietician Margaux Doe from Mitchells Plain District Hospital suggests adding beans and
Tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life’s work bridged the worlds of political resistance and artistic expression
Rashid Lombard, acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz visionary died on Wednesday 4 June at the age of 74
He was laid to rest on Thursday 5 June according to Muslim rites Lombard and his parents moved to Cape Town in 1962 from Gqeberha
Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts
His political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)
Lombard went on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist at the height of the anti-apartheid struggle
His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets, including Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC
He documented pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of late former President Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994
With democracy came the opportunity for Lombard to embrace his other great passion, jazz, fully He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio
In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events-management company behind one of his most enduring legacies: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014
After stepping away from the festival he took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen Lombard later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource
His daughter will now carry this work on
A gifted visual storyteller, Lombard published Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by the late George Hallett
The book is a journey looking through the eye of his camera, capturing music, people, and places that defined his life and work across the globe
It offers a richly textured window into the vibrant world of jazz, reflecting not only the performances, but the deep, spiritual connection between Lombard and the musicians he photographed
His work received widespread acclaim and he was honoured with numerous awards for both his contributions to news photography and his impact on music and tourism
In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver “for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world ”
Marlene le Roux, Chief Executive Officer of the Artscape, described Lombard as an “unwavering activist and a promoter of the arts”
“He was one of the most unassuming, humble, modest advocates for the arts
“Whether it was through his photography, his involvement in music, jazz in particular, or whether it was through his development and creation of work opportunities,” she explained Le Roux said they would be lighting a candle on stage in his memory
“The arts world is definitely poorer now that he is gone but his legacy lives on in people whose lives he touched, the work he created and in the immaculate images only he could see through his lenses ”
espAfrika and the Sekunjalo Group, in a press statement, described Lombard’s passing as a “profound loss” to South Africa and the global arts community
“Rashid’s legacy is etched across multiple spheres – from his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world,” read the statement Lombard is survived by his wife, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his five children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach and Daniel, and grandchildren