People's Post | Grassy Park / Retreat | E-Edition 1 July 2025
A total of 21 entries were received nd judged not just on creativity, ut on sustainability and long-term mpact, ideas that could truly make a ifference in school communities
The winning proposal came from Linge Primary School in Nyanga Judges described it as a thoughtful plan to enhance the classroom experience Learners proposed the purchase of new whiteboards, additional stationery supplies for under-resourced learners, and improved lighting in classrooms
The school received R20 000 in funding to bring the proposal to life Lourier Primary aimed to rehabilitate the school’s sports field and purchase new sports and recreational
equipment to promote physical activity and holistic learner development
Its project report said the school’s sports field was in a poor condition, with uneven terrain, holes and scattered stones, making it unsafe for students to participate in sports activities
The projected cost to repair the sports field went up to R10 000
Lourier Primary School’s Grade 7 learners with their prize They are: Phylis Nkhoma, Nokutenda Chindanya, Tinashe Ncube, Blessing Mabhanda, Faith Unyolo and
Gloria Mphuka Back: Je-Deny Cacupa
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Sign up for Blisters now
Lace up your walking shoes, it’s just one month to the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk.
Now in its 57th year, Blisters for Bread is not just a walk it’s a movement
Each year, thousands gather in solidarity to help the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) combat child hunger by raising vital funds to provide daily meals to learners across the Western Cape
This year ’ s event is happening on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It features a 5km and 10km charity fun walk, live entertainment, food stalls, and a warm sense of community spirit
And to top it off, patrons can look forward to some live entertainment post-walk
One of the performers taking to the stage is The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin
BLISTERS FOR BREAD IS NOT JUST A WALK—IT’S A MOVEMENT
Gysman
Born and raised in the close-knit community of Klipfontein Mission Station in Philippi, Anslin is a gifted vocalist and rising South African star whose soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics have inspired thousands With a social media following of over 250 000 and growing, he continues to use his platform to uplift and motivate others, making him the perfect fit for this meaningful event
Petrina Pakoe, Director of PSFA, said: “We’re incredibly excited to
welcome Anslin to the Blisters for Bread stage His personal story, passion for social upliftment, and incredible talent align beautifully with our mission This year ’ s event promises to be our most memorable yet ” Entries are now open, with a R100 entry fee, which will feed a child both breakfast and lunch for a day They close at midnight on Sunday 17 August Official event T-shirts are available at R150 Only online entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers .
I’m not a man, yet every man I’ve known has shaped my world one way or the other I was raised by one Loved by one Supported by one Guided by one From the father who quietly carried burdens, to the uncle whose strength was soft compassion, to the manager who led and the countless male colleagues alongside whom I’ve worked and woven a shared purpose Each has deepened my commitment to honouring men ’ s mental well-being June marks Men’s Mental Health Month globally, and it lands close to my heart
Because behind the men we love, admire, and lean on, are human beings who have for too long been expected to suppress their pain, shrink their feelings, and carry the world without asking for help I practically grew up with my dad I’ve seen him at his lowest, at his messiest and his greatest yet I never flinched once If anything, I leaned in closer I admired, and still admire, his vulnerability He soared on it
There was a certain dignity in how he allowed himself to feel deeply, to be imperfect and real,
without ever letting that diminish his strength Watching him gave me a language for love that includes honesty, not just protection It taught me that masculinity and emotional expression are not opposites, they are allies South Africa is in crisis
Our country ranks among the top ten globally in suicide rates, with approximately 23,5 deaths per 100 000 people annually In 2023 alone, 13 774 people died by suicide Of these, 10 861 were men, nearly 80% That means four out of every five people who take their own lives in South Africa are men
The male suicide rate stands at an alarming 37,6 per 100 000 people, compared to 9,8 for women These are not just numbers, they are brothers, fathers, uncles, sons, partners, colleagues and friends
Yet, despite the magnitude of this crisis, men ’ s mental health remains a whispered subject, one often treated with discomfort, judgment, or outright neglect We cannot begin to address what we refuse to see I believe there are many reasons why men suffer in silence
From boyhood, many are taught to “ man up, ” “indoda ayikhali” to show no weakness and wear resilience like armour even when they are breaking inside
The pressures to perform, to provide, to protect, all while suppressing vulnerability are relent-
less In a country where the youth unemployment rate hovers at 62% among those aged 15–24, many young men carry a crushing sense of failure before they’ve had a fair chance to begin
Others bottle up the pain of trauma, poverty, or unprocessed grief, only to express it later through anger, violence, or self-destruction
Because they are rarely taught the language of emotional literacy
We see the consequences not only in suicide statistics, but also in spirals of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and fractured families – these are not excuses but realities unspoken When men are wounded and given no tools to heal, that pain does not stay contained; it ripples outward, hurting everyone And so I return to the men in my life I see you I see the cost of carrying everything, of being expected to never fall I see the tears you never let fall in front of us I see the battles you fight in the quiet of your mind, the dreams you put aside to be what the world told you a “real man ” must be
It is time we build a society where men can be fully human, where they are not defined by how much they earn or how well they perform, but by how deeply they feel, connect, heal, and grow We need homes, churches, schools, and workplaces where emotional honesty is normalised
Where fathers are not just expected to provide, but are supported when they need to be held too
This month is not only a time to remember the pain so many men carry, it is also a time to change the culture that keeps them silent Conversations about gender must include them
When we speak of gender-based violence, mental illness, poverty, or trauma, we must recognise that men are not just perpetrators or providers They are people They are participants in the human experience They matter We cannot have true gender equity if it favours one gender while forgetting the other Empowering women does not require the neglect of men In fact, healing men is part of healing families, communities, and generations To the men we know and love, you are not alone You are allowed to be vulnerable You are allowed to be unsure You are allowed to cry You are allowed to speak And more than anything, you are allowed to heal To my gal pals –mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, friends, let us not wait until tragedy forces us to pay attention Let us build a culture of care now Let us open our hearts and homes
Let us be the first to listen without judgment, to soften the space, to honour the humanity of the men who have always tried to carry us
Unemployed residents registered on the City’s jobseekers’ database are requested to update their details before Sunday 1 November
Those who have not updated their details over the previous 12 months will be automatically deactivated
This means they will no longer be eligible for Extended Public Works Programmes (EPWP) placements until their information
The EPWP is a national government initiative implemented by the City of Cape Town to provide temporary work opportunities, reduce poverty and offer meaningful workplace experience to residents
To be considered for EPWP opportunities jobseekers must be registered and active on the City’s Jobseeker Database, which ensures
a fair and transparent recruitment process
To maintain fairness and efficiency in this process the City urges all jobseekers to update their details regularly to stay eligible for placement
To register and update, they must visit a subcouncil office or SmartCape Centre at a library
It is open on weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30, except public holidays
. Visit the EPWP Walk-In Centre at 50 Wale Street, which is open weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30
. For more information, contact the EPWP HelpDesk on 021 400 9406 or email epwp help@capetown gov za Registering on the Jobseekers Database as well as receiving any
related EPWP work opportunities from the City are entirely free No payment is required at any stage of the process
Jobseekers must provide the following information to update their details:
. Personal identification–ID document
. Proof of address
. Contact information
. Skills and experience information – Curriculum Vitae
Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, said the City remained dedicated to creating pathways to employment and empowering our communities through inclusive, skills-based opportunities “The EPWP provides valuable on-the-job experience and an opportunity to contribute
meaningfully to community development projects By registering on the database residents position themselves to be considered for available EPWP placements as they arise across various departments and initiatives ”
The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin Gysman PHOTO SUPPLIED
Stormwater canal bursts its bank
KEANANHARMSE
Several homes in Southfield, Heathfield and Steenberg located near a canal were flooded after the waterway was severely battered during last week’s storm.
Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate told People’s Post the canal sustained severe damage and has been in a state of disrepair for months
“Several homes were affected The damage initially started with the flash floods about a month ago and has been compounded by the current rain,” he explained
A contactor was appointed to commence with repairs on the canal on Tuesday 17 June, Southgate confirmed The canal ends at Princess Vlei As the storm raged on, one of the canal’s walls broke down last week, Southgate confirmed
People’s Post spoke to resident Peter Pappis and deputy chair of Southfield Civic Association who gave his opinion on the canal’s issues He stays in Banier Street which is half a block up from the canal
He says the canal is in dire need of repairs and that homes nearby and have been plagued for years
“The canal has overflowed from the heavy rains last week causing damage to residents’ properties and their houses as well as causing many toilets to overflow Southgate has inspected the situation and has offered to bring sandbags for the houses where people’s homes were severely battered Since last year, two of the houses in Prince Charles Street had one of their boundary walls, including the canal
Schooltransport drivers’eyes tested
NAMHLAMONAKALI
A CONTACTOR WAS APPOINTED TO DO REPAIRS ON THE CANAL ON JUNE 17
wall, washed away The boundary walls of houses near the canal are sagging but now that the contactor was appointed hopefully all these cracks will be repaired but unfortunately with the stormy weather they can’t do much repair work and have to wait for better days to complete this work,” he said
Prince Charles resident Ryan
Williams Risseeuw said one of their walls fell over into the canal during the storm
“The council should have fixed these issues before the rain started There is no foundation to support the structure of the wall, that’s why the wall fell over as the people jack hammered the old foundation out
“They started to repair in the heart of winter,” he said
Concord resident Jason Allison said they have no back wall at their home to stop the flooding
“At this point the property value is dropping as we speak, so we can’t even get the value it was a year and a half ago, so selling isn’t an option,” he said
The City of Cape Town said it is aware that Overcome Heights behind Capricorn and Parkwood were affected by flooding but could not confirm the extent of the damage the canal sustained or if any humanitarian relief was activated for the homes that
were flooded near the canal
DRMC spokesperson Sonica Lategan added: “The DRMC received reports of flooding in Wolmarans Street in Southfield where eight houses were affected The Roads and Infrastructure Management Services (RIMS) provided 200 sandbags Flood kits were requested from Informal Settlements Management for 370 affected structures/houses in the Lavender Hill area While reports were received of impacts in Parkwood, the assessments have yet to be finalised
Scholar transport drivers in the Western Cape are receiving more than just a check-up they’re gaining peace of mind, renewed vision and the confidence to safely carry the future of South Africa
In May, over 80 scholar transport drivers gathered at Noluthando School for the Deaf in Khayelitsha and Glenbridge Special School in Diep River to take part in free health and eye screenings offered through the Discovery Safe Journeys to School (DSJTS) programme, in collaboration with GUUD Drivers
Since December 2023, a total of 193 drivers in the the province and Gauteng have undergone similar screenings
The programme, launched in 2013 in response to a tragic school transport accident, aims to protect learners by supporting the people who get them to school each day It does this through a three-pronged approach: skills development, health and well-being support, and technology
Drivers enrolled in the programme receive regular training, tracking devices to monitor driving behaviour and access to services like these screenings “We do this because the health of our drivers directly impacts the safety of the children in their care, ” said Quinlyn Johnston, a representative from the DSJTS programme “If a driver’s vision is impaired, or they’re unknowingly living with high-blood pressure it compromises their ability to stay alert, make quick decisions and drive safely ” At the May sessions drivers were tested for hypertension and underwent eye exams Many were unaware they had elevated or dangerously high blood pressure, a condition often called “the silent killer ”
The programme provides a model for what’s possible when safety and dignity are placed at the centre of school transport
A resident who lives near the canal says the backyard was damaged last week. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
A contactor has been appointed to commence with repairs on the canal which has reportedly lost some of its boundary walls during the floods
FROMPAGE1
The proposal also outlined future ambitions to improve the school’s science lab and establish a career-guidance club
People’s Post spoke with Tinashe Ncube, in Grade 7, who was one of the team members and presenters that led their project
“As an athlete I frequently used the school’s field for training and recognised the need for its improvement I served as the presenter of the proposal and contributed to creating a song to support the initiative ”
She hoped to become a doctor in future Lourier school’s principal, Janice Brown, said: “We as the staff are super-proud of all their achievements and especially if they take on such a venture as they did Well done to our learners for winning
the third prize, as their efforts are truly original ” Zwaanswyk Academy proposed a schoolwide recycling and upcycling campaign, with colour-coded bins, awareness drives and upcycling workshops to instil environmental responsibility while sustaining their Eco Club
The school also planned to educate the school community through posters, assemblies and awareness drives about sorting and recycling waste
Its other projects included a therapeutic vegetable garden and science lab upgrades
School principal Anthony Adams said: “Zwaanswyk Academy presented a proposal on how to run a recycling campaign We are very proud of our leaders and look forward to seeing the proposal take flight ”
Dumps being upgraded
The City of Cape Town says it will be conducting repairs and upgrades at several City drop-off sites during July and August this year
Upgrades and repairs will take place at the following locations: Kommetjie between Monday 11 and Friday 15 August, Prince George Drive, currently underway until Tuesday 12 July Wynberg from Friday 15 until Saturday 26 July, Woodstock from Monday 28 July until Saturday 9 August and Hout Bay from Monday 11 until Saturday 16 August
All sites, except Wynberg, will remain open for all accepted waste types for the duration of the repairs however residents could experience some delays when making drop-offs
Residents of the Wynberg area and surrounds should take note that the garden greens chipping area will need to close to facilitate work on site
Residents can use any alternative site for garden greens disposal, however the City would recommend the following larger sites in order to reduce the possibility of queues/delays: Mitchells Plain, Woodstock, Prince George Drive
The Wynberg site will remain open for other accepted waste types for the duration of the repair The completion of work is weather-dependent, and delays are possible in the event of inclement weather The City regrets any inconvenience caused
Perivale Primary honours teachers
KEANANHARMSE
Agroup of teachers including one principal from Lotus River were honoured for being shining examples in the education field during an awards prizegiving last week.
The staff that earned prizes all hail from Perivale Primary School after they entered the National Teaching Awards (NTA) held at at Zwaanswyk Academy in Retreat on Friday 20 June
The awards are currently celebrating 24 years of existence
The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions
Perivale had three teachers that participated namely: Cheryl Alexander (Grade R teacher), Nicolene Langner (Primary School teacher), Jamaeelah Salie (Primary School teacher) and principal: Nomabisa Ndidi, popularly known as Lewo among her peers
“Lewo (Ndidi) won the category Excellence in Primary School Leadership in our District This means she will now participate in the Provisional category taking place in July We as a school are extremely proud of her and would like to celebrate and acknowledge her achievement,” said fellow winner, Langner
Ndidi told People’s Post that she’s been dedicated to teaching for 30 years, starting as a class teacher and progressively moving into leadership roles as a department head, deputy principal, and now as principal She pursued her studies at Good Hope College in Khayelitsha and completed her Primary Teachers Diploma in 1994
“My passion for teaching sparked at a very young age I remember clearly always playing the role of a teacher, and in primary school, I loved reading aloud to others It felt like my natural calling to guide and inspire young minds
“My journey began and blossomed at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek, where I served for 20 years This was a transformative period for me and for the school I
HELP BUILD A GENERATION OF CONFIDENT,CAPABLE YOUNG PEOPLE
arrived in 1995 when the school was just starting with minimal facilities, and I was fortunate to be involved in its foundational development and incredible growth During my time at Ukhanyo, I was deeply involved in numerous projects that made a significant impact to the school and the community,” she recalled In 2022, she says, she encountered her most challenging leadership role during her time as Principal at Khanya Primary in Philippi Samora Machel “Here I learnt to work remotely from the district office due to safety concerns Despite these challenges I remained fully operative emphasizing the importance of resilience My journey then led me to my current role, starting in 2023, as Curator Principal at Perivale Primary School
“Stepping into a new community with a different cultural and linguistic background alongside diverse religions – presented another unique challenge,” she said This year marked Ndidi’s first time
entering the teaching awards
“I honestly doubted myself at first
However, Circuit Manager Mrs Jafta, nominated and really motivated me to give it a try I decided to trust her judgment, believing she saw potential in me that I might not have fully recognized myself I’m so glad I did,” she said Her future goals during her current tenure as principal is: “to help build a generation of confident, capable, and compassionate young people from Lotus River who will not only succeed personally but also positively contribute to their community and beyond regardless of their backgrounds ”
Kidsliveunder‘shadowofviolence’
A non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Lavender Hill hosted a march to honour Youth Month and raise awareness about the safety and well-being of local youth
The NPO New World Foundation, in collaboration with other community stakeholders, hosted a child-protection event on Thursday 5 June
The initiative brought local primary schools Zerelda Park, Hillwood, Levana and Prince George and community-based service providers New World Foundation (NWF), Rise Above Development (RAD), Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Childline together
Driven by the NWF Drop-in Centre, it provided an opportunity for children and youth to amplify their safety concerns and how vulnerable they felt living in a context punctuated by violence and fear
The National Child Protection commemorative week, themed “Working together in ending violence against children”, was a fitting platform for children to take centre stage and, through their poetry, dance and drummies, voice their concerns, supported by stakeholders, parents, carers and other members of the community
Schools and organisations serve as sanctuaries in an unsafe context With ever-growing safety concerns children fear going to and from school They and their caregivers often cannot access services because of the unpredictable nature of crime and violence, risking being caught in crossfire, leaving them in a constant state of trauma
This constitutes a direct violation of a child’s right to access spaces for education and safety, and ultimately has a poor educational outcome for the community In the context of heightened community-wide trauma, violence in the home, bullying and other forms
of abuse become normalised
On the day of the event children’s voices and those of the community were heard, with such slogans as “Jou kind is my kind” , “Children matter”, “Keep our children safe from harm” and “No more silence, stop the violence” expressed
The children handed a memorandum to government, calling on provincial and local government to hear their plight and take action
It was received by Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt and Steenberg Police Station Commander Lt-Col
Zwaanswyk Academy’s Grade 7 learners who presented their ideas standing with their prize. They are: Zachary Bull, Imange Tafeni, Jessie Gamaldien, Kelvin Kalala, Imtiyaaz Marcus, Alex Christians, Nahum Canny
Perivale Primary School’s staff members with their awards They are: Jamaeelah Salie, Cheryl Alexander (Grade R teacher), principal: Nomabisa Ndidi and Nicolene Langner
Perivale Primary School principal Nomabisa Ndidi with her award
Delmore Manuel
More than 40 people attended this year’s child-protection march in Lavender Hill. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Youth plant lilies at PrincessVlei
To celebrate Youth Day, a group of young people rolled up their sleeves and planted water lilies at the Princess Vlei Park on Monday June 16
Up to 20 teens joined the Princess Vlei Forum for a planting session, which took place at their heartshaped seasonal pond, said Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate Princess Vlei is a wetland on the
Cape Flats In 2014, a five-year community campaign successfully prevented the development of a shopping mall on its banks The Princess Vlei Forum is now
Youthexplorepossiblefutures
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Youth empowerment took centre stage at the annual Youth in Action held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
As Youth Month came to an end hundreds of young people had the opportunity to explore various career paths and programmes over the two-day event from Wednesday 25 to Thursday 26 June
Organised by the CTICC in partnership with various other partners, including humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, the expo aimed to empower young people with innovative and inspiring programmes Among others, the attendees had access to counsellors, bursary options, networking sessions and information on further education and training
Speaking to People’s Post Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers founder, said the aim of the programme was to give young people options to see what study opportunities were available to them
“It’s not just limited to science and medicine There are options We brought in a specialist to deal with substance abuse, so we had four workshops for teachers and learners on substance abuse ”
Over 1 000 young people attended, he added
“It was phenomenal Many of the young people has never been to the CTICC The minstrels opened the expo, and the kids went crazy they were dancing We had kids from many different schools, and they were provided with meals ”
He said it was encouraging to see the optimism shown by the youth
“We were thrilled by the number of questions that were asked by the kids They were interested and wanted to learn They saw that there are so many different careers that they can choose The stands were busy, and the exhibitors took their time to talk
and engage with the young people ” Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, attended the event
“Initiatives such as this youth expo instil a sense of hope and faith in one ’ s own abilities, regardless of circumstances or where they were born I also want to thank (teachers) who play an important role and function in building our society Let’s make sure no opportunities are wasted ”
Andrews urged young people to invest in their future “I encourage the youth to dream big, choose careers they are passionate about and help us build our city and country in general ” Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, dubbed the expo a “powerful initiative” opening doors to education, skills development and career opportunities
“We are all well aware of the plight of youth from our communities Our peers are unemployed, some drowning in depression, susceptible to negative influences and finding themselves in drugs and crime
“We are working across all sectors of government to strengthen the economy, drive skills development and connect young people with real opportunities ”
working with the community and the City to restore the biodiversity and transform the 110 ha into a worldclass heritage site celebrating its rich natural, social and cultural heritage
“But the struggle is not over; the site has been badly neglected and we are still working to ensure the City invests the resources the Princess Vlei needs,” wrote the Forum in its website ” All the plants, spades and gardening equipment were provided for the participants at the event “It was an
THE FORUM,WITH THE CITY,WANTS TO RESTORE THE VLEI’S BIODIVERSITY.
honour spending Youth Day with the community for the planting session as its part of our ongoing rehabilitation programme at Princess Vlei park I would like to thank all the youth who took part in this exercise ”
Child-rightsgroup holdsafundraiser
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Despite the cold and gloomy weather dozens of people showed up to support the Molo Songololo Quiz Night on Thursday 26 June at the Jagger Hall at the Bishops Preparatory School in Rondebosch
The Observatory-based organisation, which has been advocating for the protection and rights of children for over four decades, said the event was a fundraising initiative for its numerous programmes
The hall was abuzz on Thursday as sharp minds eagerly answered the questions to lay their hands on some of the prizes on offer
Patric Solomons, managing director of the organisation, told People’s Post proceeds from the event will help cover some of the expenses “The aim of the Quiz Night was to raise funds to help keep Molo Songololo afloat
The funds will help cover operational expenses for the work we do with children and impact directly to secure their safety, empowerment and healing ” People’s Post previously reported that the organisation had a R300 000 shortfall and is urgently in need of support (“Molo Songololo seeks urgent donations to support children’s rights and services,” People’s Post 4 March 2025)
Solomons said the organisation has since received its annual funding from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) for the 2025-’26 financial year
But he added that this was a drop in the ocean “Unfortunately this fund-
ing does not cover all the expenses NGOs are contracted with DSD funding and are paid less for what it would cost to implement a project ” Solomons took a swipe at the department and said securing funds was a constant battle “DSD pays profit-making companies 100% for supplies, goods and services This is an unfair funding model that jeopardises NGOs’ survival NGOs are expected to get the rest of the funds needed elsewhere ”
He explained that they also received funding from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Solomons said each contribution helped them to continue their work
“Molo Songololo, like so many organisations, struggle to complete the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) registration and funding application The process presented many challenges Even the NLC technical assistance was problematic We are waiting for a response to finalise the application ”
He expressed his gratitude to people who continue to support them
“We are grateful to the public and our friends and supporters who support our fundraising activities The quiz night was a success Everyone had fun and went home with a prize ” Solomons said donations in kind are also welcomed “Individual donations, once-off donations or regular monthly contributions are a great help We call on individuals who want to support the work of Molo Songololo to consider a small monthly contribution Every amount helps ”
The group of teens who spent their public holiday planting lilies at Princess Vlei Park on Monday
SUPPLIED
Up to 20 teens joined the Princess Vlei Forum during the planting session at Princess Vlei Park.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers founder, addressed the young people. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Chief Operations Officer for the CTICC Tracy Mkhize, Ismael Teladia from the WCED, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Eddie Andrews and Nonceba Mhlauli from the Presidency
Molo Songololo held a Quiz Night on Thursday 26 June. PHOTO: SUPPL ED
g yp
nity stories to school updates and sporting events,” said Esme Smit, General Manager of Novus Media “The platform emphasises its commitment to delivering authentic reliable news that matters on both local and national levels
Were providing news you can rely on news that is not fake news that matters close to home and diverse true to our rainbow nation and culture ”
Lise Beyers National Digital News Editor for Novus Media, said she was extremely excited about the launch of this groundbreak-
g
delivering both hyperlocal storytelling and global perspective to significantly expanded audiences in a way no other digital media site has achieved
Launch competitions
To celebrate the launch, Novus Media is running two exciting competitions for users who subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter and follow NovaNews on Facebook In the Search for the Star competition, participants stand to win one of five R4 000 Pick n Pay vouchers or a luxurious 2-night stay for two people at The Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha,
valid for six months Travel costs are for the winner’s own expense
In the Nou waa is that star competition several stars will be hidden in reports on the novanews co za home page If you find a star, click on it and a form will pop up to enable you to subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter
Then follow NovaNews on Facebook The competitions will run for two weeks
Digital innovation
The launch represents Novus Media’s commitment to accessible digital journalism
through innovative user-experience design The platform allows readers to access trusted news content instantly through its web browsers, with intuitive navigation that seamlessly connects hyperlocal community stories with national and international coverage With fake news increasingly challenging media credibility novanews co za emphasises its dedication to factual, verified reporting
The platform is now live at novanews co za with competition details available on the website and associated social media channels
Bluey makes debut in CapeTown
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
As a parent to young kids the names Bluey, Bingo, Mom (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit) might sound all too familiar
You will also be forgiven if you immediately sang or hummed the catchy introduction melody while reading their names
Everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler dog family is live on stage at the Artscape Theatre until Sunday 6 July
Bluey’s Big Play, the Stage Show, is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animated television series and is based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and contains music by Bluey composer Joff Bush
The characters are represented by larger-thanlife puppets operated by talented puppeteers who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage
On Thursday 26 June, People’s Post got a behind-the-scenes look and interacted with the all South-African cast of the much-loved production, a day before the production debut in South Africa
Jacob Williams, puppeteering director, said the show consists of 12 cast and six crew members and an entire production team
According to Williams, it took about four years to put the stage production together
He explains that some of the local cast did not have puppeteering experience
“They have learned a completely new craft in three weeks I have been blown away by their hard work and by how much they have grown in the few weeks ” Williams says each puppet is operated by two people due to its weight
“We get each puppeteer to learn both the head-track and the foot-track It is not just a children’s show It is for the entire family ” Williams said people can look forward to a fun-filled show
“They can expect familiar characters from the show They will see things like Bluey’s bedroom and the garden It will be Bluey’s world live on stage ”
Johannesburg-born actress Angel Orugbo portrays the role of Chilli (Mom)
“I never had no puppeteering experience before and it’s phenomenal to be able to play such a cool and fun character Chilli is sassy and sarcastic We get to delve into her personality ”
Orugbo says she is elated to be part of the production
“You can feel the love that people have for this production It’s been so much fun and I am proud to be a part of it ” Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are supporting an initiative, along with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (capespca co za), to make sure that their South African furry friends will make it through winter with their tails wagging, their fur thick and warm and their noses wet and shiny
Audiences coming to watch the show are encouraged to bring along donations of pet food, blankets and pet toys for the dogs and other pets being cared for by the SPCA, as well as any second-hand books they’d like to clear out of
BRING ALONG DONATIONS OF PET FOOD,BLANKETS AND PET TOYS FOR DOGS AND CATS
their collections, which will be sold to help raise money to cover the society’s expenses .Tickets are available on showtime co za and ticketmaster.co.za
Ensuring safer learning environments across the country is the key objective of the Safe Schools Protocol (SSP), a joint framework between the South African Police Service and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) SSP was launched by ministers
Senzo Mchunu and Siviwe Gwarube in Cape Town today It aims to tackle the “alarming rates” of violence, crime and insecurity in schools
According to the 2023-’24 crime statistics, 28 murders were reported within basic education institutions, with nearly half occurring in KwaZulu-Natal, with 46% involving learner-on-learner violence
Additionally, two thirds of reported rapes in schools involved learner-on-learner violence and more than 11 000 burglaries were recorded
An accompanying work plan has
been developed, outlining practical, measurable and time-sensitive actions
These include joint school-safety audits, the revision of standard operating procedures and measures to ensure compliance with legislation regulating liquor outlets near schools
Gwarube said the SSP encourages shared responsibility, integrating various stakeholders into the safety ecosystem “This is not just a piece of paper but an instrument to ensure the safety of learners and teachers in schools ”
According to Gwarube, 283 schools have been identified in hot-spot areas
Gen Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner, said the objective of the SSP is to ensure improved learning environments for children
He said children’s safety is a collective responsibility and appeals to parents not to transfer this to the police
“We will ensure that a police officer is dedicated to each school across the country ”
According to Mchunu, Western Cape is one of four provinces with the highest crime rate
He says between Thursday 22 May and Wednesday 11 June this year four learners were killed in separate incidents in Samora Machel
“As the police, we are committed to playing our part in reversing these trends As part of our strategy, we are increasing visibility throughout the country We have identified a number of enablers, which will be implemented to fight and deter crime before it happens ”
Look after your schools
As the winter school break is in full swing the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) urges communities to keep an eye on local schools and to report any suspicious activities to the police
The WCED says during the December holiday it saw a surge in cases of burglary and vandalism despite increasing the number of schools where the Western Cape Government subsidised holiday security
Over this period, 47 incidents of burglary or vandalism were reported by 34 schools
David Maynier, provincial education minister, says while most incidents were minor, they were costly to schools, both in terms of the cost of replacement and the impact on school functionality
Items damaged or stolen included electrical fixtures, appliances, food for learners, bathroom fixtures, fencing and security equipment and windows
among others
Maynier wished teachers and learners a well-deserved break
“As schools close for the winter break, we wish all of our learners, teachers and school staff members a safe and peaceful holiday after a very busy term ”
He said teaching and learning would continue for matriculants
“A special thank you to our matrics and the teachers who will be sacrificing part of their holiday to attend #BackOnTrack lessons and training, in order to improve learning outcomes and prepare for the final exams at the end of the year ” He urged residents to be their eyes and ears over the holiday
“If you see anything suspicious occurring in and around our schools, please contact the police immediately Your quick reporting can make all the difference in apprehending perpetrators and retrieving stolen goods ”
Bluey’s Big Play the Stage Show is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animated television series PHOTOS KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler dog family is live on stage at the Artscape Theatre until Sunday 6 July. Bingo
Patrons can expect familiar characters from the show
Johannesburg-born actress Angel Orugbo portrays the role of Chilli (Mom)
The harm of excessive screen time
PopularUnrulytorouseaudiences
Unruly, a riveting new production devised by the Empatheatre team, will be performed at the Baxter Studio from Thursday 17 July until Saturday 2 August
The play explores the complexities of human-animal relationships, Cape Peninsula’s shared ecology, and the unpredictable forces of nature Tensions run high as baboon politics divides a community seeking answers Unruly looks at how humans can understand the issue from multiple perspectives - painting in the process a rich picture of the Cape Peninsula’s complex history and shared ecology of mountain, ocean, urban and military environments, prone to wildfires, seas surges and messy human/animal relations
In addition to the obvious theme of the play, secondary threads of narrative are woven into the work's dense texture, such as promoting empathy between divided communities, man ' s destruction of nature, materialism and the liberation that comes from renunciation of all things superfluous to a fulfilling existence
The show has completed two sold-out tours across the Cape Peninsula to wide acclaim last year, playing to baboon-visited neighbourhoods, as well as high schools, baboon rangers, municipal and conservation authorities, NGOs and civic groups It was nominated for three Fleur De Cap Theatre Awards including Best Theatre Production, Best Solo Performance (Andrew Buckland) and Best Sound/Music (Chantal Willie-Petersen)
“With this topic more salient than ever, the return of Unruly at The Baxter as a fully developed theatrical work is important timing,” says director Neil Coppen “We devised this piece following research into residents’ own lived experiences and challenges of coexisting with urban baboons on the Cape Peninsula The feedback at our post-show discussions has been invaluable for interrogating the question, “How should we, as humans, act towards a nature that doesn’t always behave the way we expect it to?” The debate remains ongoing to explore
AN UNIQUE METHODOLOGY FOR STAGING THEATRE IN THE ROUND
solutions and understanding on both sides,” says Coppen Empatheatre has developed a unique method-
‘SwanLake’headsto CTwithjointproduction
For the first time in almost 30 years, South Africa’s leading ballet companies - Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) and Joburg Ballet - will be joining forces to present one of the most iconic and beloved works in the classical ballet repertoire, Swan Lake
Maestro Brandon Phillips will conduct a specially assembled orchestra for the four performances at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July
South African choreographer Veronica Paeper will oversee the re-staging of this glorious version of Swan Lake that was originally staged in Cape Town in 1971 by French dancer Attilio Labis
Nearly 150 years after its first performance in Moscow in 1877, this saga of love and betrayal remains at the pinnacle of classical ballet, performed by ballet companies around the world with its leading role danced by great ballerinas of every generation
The two companies have a stunning line-up of established stars and exciting newcomers waiting in the wings to dance the leading roles
Alternating with their Joburg Ballet counterparts in both cities as Odette/ Odile and Prince Siegfried will be CTCB principals Kirstél Paterson and Hannah Ward, partnered by Leusson Muniz and guest artist Jerome Barnes who was recently seen opposite Ward in CTCB’s sell-out season of Giselle at Artscape
The role of the evil Von Rothbart will be shared by CTCB’s Axton Green and Joburg Ballet’s Gabriel Fer-
City
and
nandes and David Maluleka Tracy Li, CTCB’s artistic manager, said: “Swan Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful full-length classic and this meaningful collaboration is a celebration of unity within this unique and powerful artform ” Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell added: “Joburg Ballet is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town City Ballet to present a production of one of the great classical ballets on a scale appropriate to the classical tradition ” .Tickets from R200 are available (nationally) through Webtickets
ology for staging theatre in the round, for it to be conducive for public dialogue, conflict transformation and building public tribunals In the previous two tours, post-show dialogues were available for audiences to process the research that underpins the script, to ask questions and give testimony from their own encounters and contexts with Wildlife/human conflict As such we would like to offer this experience to audiences coming to the show Audiences can
join the post show dialogue in selected limited performances on Saturday 19 July at 14:30 and Saturday 26 at 14:00 shows The dialogues will be facilitated by co-author of Unruly, and co-founder of Empatheatre Dr Dylan McGarry The play has an age restriction of 14 and tickets cost R240 at webtickets For discounted block or school bookings, charities or fundraisers email carmen kearns@uct ac za or mark dobson@uct ac za
Step into a realm of wonder with Beyond, a bold new dance production from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) at Theatre on the Bay from Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 July Following the success of Hollywood, Vintage Jukebox, and Come Together, Lamta’s annual dance production takes on an exciting new form Beyond reimagines the stage as a fantastical cirque experience an immersive blend of dance, music,
acrobatics and of course theatrical artistry
The production fuses choreography with elements of clowning, breath-taking visuals and haunting vocal harmonies, inviting audiences to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary Lamta joins creative forces with Followspot Productions to deliver a spellbinding showcase of physical theatre, comedy and high-energy performance
The production features over 40 Lamta students alongside several professional guest performers including Ashley Searle, Jessica Frances, Merlo Hollenbach, Siyabonga Swelindawo and Xolani Sikunana
Expect a kaleidoscope of creativity, where the boundaries of performance go beyond this world and imagination
Cape Town
Ballet’s Sasha Barnes as Odile,
Joburg Ballet’s Monike Cristina as Odette. PHOTO: LAUGE SORENSON
Please send your CV to eugene.williams@novusmedia co.za or apply online https://novus.holdings/careers/
We offer a competitive and flexible remuneration package. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged persons in accordance with the Employment Equity po cy of the Group If you meet the above requirements, please visit us at www.Novus.Holdings and follow the CareerslinktoregisteryourCVandtoapplyonline.
