Learnerscreatehist
Agroup of talented learners made their school proud after hearing they will represent the Western Cape in a business competition at Gold Reef City tomorrow (8 October)
This year Heathfield High School announced that 50 of their Grade 10 and 11 learners were selected to take part in the Junior Achievement South Africa (Jasa) programme
“This is an initiative that offers learners the opportunity to explore innovative business ideas with a strong focus on sustainability, financial literacy, and leadership The programme aims to equip learners with the skills needed to become successful and responsible future leaders,” said school principal, Nadia Anhuizen
The learners were grouped into four companies of 15 members each, namely: Erthwize, Aquavita, Nutri-Life and Grade Boost
“As part of the school’s pre-competition process, each company pitched their business ideas in front of a panel, competing against one another From this round, Nutri-Life and Grade Boost emerged as the winning companies
“We are proud to announce that these two companies are among the Western Cape winners who will represent the province in Johannesburg,” she said
Grade 11 learner, Tayquin Leigh Dearham, says she learnt about the power of creativity while her group planned their strategies
“Making this fertiliser product through the anaerobic process has been a really fulfilling experience
“My eyes were opened to the power of creativity when I discovered how something as basic as waste might be turned into something worthwhile ”
The challenges that they faced leading up to their showcase were maintaining belief and improving their patience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills
“The Jasa programme made the experience even more meaningful It gave me the chance to work with others, share ideas and actually
Heathfield High School
SUPPL ED
see how something small can grow into a real project The Jasa programme, especially, was powerful and unforgettable, honestly, it’s an experience I’m truly proud of I didn’t just learn about business or science; I learnt how to work with people and how to believe in myself
This journey opened my eyes in so many ways, and it’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward ”
The learners will compete in the final round of the competition which will take place in Johannesburg later this year
Anhuizen says that the success of this pro-
gramme would not have been possible without the dedication of the teachers involved
“Celeste Hector and Stacey Maarman committed their time beyond school hours, including weekends, to mentor and guide the learners
Their support ensured that learners were effective in their planning and well-prepared for the practical and theoretical components of running a successful business ”
The school extends its sincere gratitude to Zaida Julius for offering Heathfield High School the opportunity to be part of this valuable programme
point from your house
. Make an escape plan that the whole family knows about and can follow
Fires on properties and in buildings
There are a number of procedures in place to ensure that all business operations are both lawful and compliant with important safety regulations so that:
. everyone inside, including those with disabilities, can be evacuated safely;
. the spread of fire between buildings is minimised;
. the structure, especially double-storey buildings, can withstand the intensity of fire without collapsing;
. smoke is minimised and can be controlled
Property owners also need to ensure that:
. entrances to buildings are secure against unauthorised access;
. fire breaks are established and maintained around the property;
. internal fire-resistant doors are kept closed at all times
. For more tips, visit www.capetown gov za/ firesafety
practice
of a state that failed to protect them
While the Commission shines a light on these abuses, history warns that commissions alone rarely translate into justice unless accompanied by political will and public pressure
Yet corruption is only one layer of our constrained freedom Economic dependency compounds the problem
South Africa’s sovereignty, and our ability to implement progressive policies, is tethered to the dollar, global investors and international credit ratings
Bold redistributive policies that could empower marginalised communities, improve social services, or address inequality are constrained by fears of capital flight and market backlash
We are politically free on paper, but economically tethered, our choices limited by forces far beyond our borders
The irony is palpable Like the enslaved souls on Carolina plantations back in the day, who longed for liberty promised by nature but denied by law, we too are confined by greed, political interference, and economic pressures that define the boundaries of our democracy
Freedom, it seems, is both a birthright and a daily struggle, always threatened by those in power and by the global structures within which our country must operate Our liberation is not only a fight against corruption but against the allure of power itself Power, in its most seductive form, has the capacity to twist ideals and erode integrity In our country, we see this in the way political interference compromises law enforcement, how institutions meant to safeguard justice are manipulated, and how opportunities meant to uplift the many are redirected to serve the few
This Commission is significant not because it guarantees justice, but because it exposes the mechanisms that have allowed corruption and interference to persist It reminds us that accountability is a process, not an event Yet exposure without action is insufficient
We must demand that its findings lead to prosecutions, reforms, and strengthened institutions Otherwise, we risk being spectators to our own continued disenfranchisement
Progressive economic and social policies must be pursued not in the abstract, but as part of a broader struggle to reclaim our democracy from corruption elements
Being “born free” is not enough
Thirty years into democracy, the question remains, have we truly seen freedom? Or are we still navigating the gilded cage of a state constrained by corruption and economic dependence?
This Commission is a crucial step toward answering that question, but it is not the last We were promised a future built on hope and equality That future is still possible But it requires courage, not just from those who testify in commissions, but from all of us who refuse to accept the gap between the freedom we inherit and the freedom we deserve Only then can being “born free” mean something real
NPCunearthsconcealedtalents
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Tern Agency, a Bo-Kaap-based non-profit company (NPC) founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, is making a meaningful impact on youth unemployment by opening doors for young people in the film and creative industries
Established by Tasneem Isaacs and Ryan Swartz, both film industry veterans, the NPC connects youth, many from disadvantaged communities on the Cape Flats, including Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain, to paid opportunities as background actors, popularly referred to as extras, in local television shows and films Isaacs, a Bo-Kaap resident, says what began as a passion project has now grown into a platform for empowerment, with a database of over 3000 young people who have gained valuable work experience, often for the first time
“For many, these roles serve as stepping stones into the broader workforce or creative careers in production, set design, wardrobe and more, ” she explains
In addition to job placement, the NPC offers guidance on professional behaviour, set etiquette and film industry navigation
Through its work, the NPC is not only creating employment but also inspiring a generation to see the creative sector as a space of opportunity and growth
Isaacs says: “I treat my talents as family and build a bond with them They can come and speak to me about anything Many of them were shy to act, I would always encourage them to try They just need to believe in themselves ”
She adds that while her initial focus was solely on young people, she now also has older people included in her database
“I have people in the late 30s and even 60s joining the agency I just want to help them For me, it’s not about money, I just want to make people happy I am trying to create jobs for people from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds They get paid on the day and that means a lot to them ”
Isaacs explains that she has contracts with local productions which include Skemergrond, Kelders van Geheime, Kings of Joburg and Spinners to name a few
She is also on a few projects, yet to be released “I also have an agency in Johannesburg There too I have over 3000 talents on my database ”
She explains that people are welcome to contact her and that there is no fee involved to join the agency “All they need to send me is a photo of themselves and also have different outfits available to take along on production day
Tohier Isaacs (39) began his journey as a background artist and was recently invited by one of the film directors to join the cast
He appeared in the local production Kings of Joburg Season 3 “It was amazing I was always working in the background This was my first time as a cast member Having cameras all over my face was something different It was easier being behind the scenes but being in front of the camera was great ”
Tohier encourages others to reach for their dreams “Just go out there and do it Don’t be afraid, just be yourself ” .To join the agency contact Tasneem on 063 830 2998
Concert parades learners’ talents
KEANANHARMSE
The learners at Perivale Primary School had fun reliving the days of District Six during their annual concert evening
The school held their play on Saturday 27 September at their assembly hall, said spokesperson Nicky du Plooy
“For decades, our school has been a beloved institution in the surrounding community, thriving on its commitment to nurturing local talent and academics The school’s annual concerts were legendary, with parents beaming with pride as their children took centre stage These events became an integral part of the school’s tradition, fostering a sense of community and celebration that defined the Perivale spirit,” she said
This year ’ s theme was “Learners in the spotlight” and it allowed the various classes to showcase their talents with a diverse range of dance performances set to energetic tracks, Du Plooy added
“Parents could enjoy a fun and engaging experience with regard to the concert The learners have been working hard during practises It was a celebration of the learners’ talents, their
IT WAS THRILLING TO PERFORM IN THE CONCERT DESPITE HAVING LITTLE TIME TO REHEARSE
teamwork, and the confidence they have built throughout the term It also gave parents the opportunity to see the effort and dedication that has gone into preparing for the concert ”
Grade 4 learner Chleo Rudolf said it was thrilling to perform in the concert
“It’s nice even through we did not have a lot of time to practise We managed to get our dance routine in order We were practising even though we were writing term-three exams, but I am sure we did well in both the exams and the concert ”
Fellow learners Fatiemah Taliep and Rachel Makuvire said they were both very excited for their concert performance and couldn’t wait to show off their dancing skills in front of their parents and the rest of the school
Grade 2 learner Zahnia Barghus said: “I felt excited, brave, quite shy to dance in front of my parents but I felt calm too ”
The learners were excited to showcase their dancing moves during their concert
The Kick drum and bass dancing squad
Perivale Primary School invoked the spirit of the Klopse during their concert.
Commissioner to build relations
“WKAYLYNNEBANTOM
e as adults, government and civil society are raising the next generation of adults, and we only get one chance to do this We should not mess this up ” With those powerful words, Sarah Roberts steps into her new role as the Western Cape’s Commissioner for Children
Roberts officially stepped into her new role as the province’s second Commissioner for Children on Wednesday 1 October, bringing with her over 30 years of experience
For the past 14 years, she served as Acting Magistrate in the Family and Children’s Court at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court
Roberts succeeds Christina Nomdo, the inaugural Commissioner, and will serve a five-year term
The Western Cape Commissioner for Children is an independent governance institution mandated to protect and promote the rights, needs and interests of children in the province
The commissioner works closely with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development, as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport and reports to the Western Cape Legislature on activities, functions and progress on objectives
The institution plays a vital role in amplifying children’s perspectives, influencing policy decisions, and holding the government accountable for the services provided to children in the Western Cape
In an interview with People’s Post, Roberts said her first day in office felt like starting high school
“I was very stressed, felt like a Grade 8 going to high school for the first time But after settling in and meeting the staff I am really excited for this new chapter in my life
“I know that it will take me some time to find my feet and to want to be able to use this platform to better the lives of the children of the
Western Cape So, I am ready ”
Roberts expressed her readiness to take on the role and make a meaningful impact
“A huge problem facing children is legal documents, or the lack thereof Children without birth certificates are such a problem in the Western Cape I do understand that it does not fall directly under the mandate of the Children’s Commissioner, but I want to try and help by cultivating and strengthening strategic relationships with these additional departments and other organisations providing services to children to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to child welfare ”
She believes more children should be out on the sports field, not the streets
“Sport is also very important to me and if we can get children away from the streets onto sports fields, maybe then we can give them alternatives to getting into gangs or getting into trouble with the law ”
Roberts said the office of the Children’s Commissioner is currently under-resourced with only two permanent employees and two additional staff members on contract
Roberts emphasised the importance of the office to be fully and appropriately resourced to “make an impact and fulfil its mandate”
“This means not only an increase in the number of personnel but also ensuring that these positions are filled with individuals possessing the necessary expertise and experience to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding children’s rights and well-being ”
She said her immediate priority will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the “staffing needs of the office”
“This will involve identifying crucial positions that are currently vacant and then working to secure the necessary funding and approvals to recruit qualified professionals ”
Roberts believes her legal background will be beneficial to her “In the Children’s Court I dealt directly with families and a child has a voice in
a Children’s Court So, listening to what a child has to say, is what defines a Children’s Court from other Courts
“I believe that I therefore have an understanding as to the issues parents and children struggle with
‘‘I also have some insight into what hampers services delivery by government departments to families and children ”
The commissioner believes protecting children is a collective responsibility
“Children are so precious and need to be
protected But we all need to work together to give a child a future Children themselves must also remember that they have age appropriate responsibilities ”
Sarah Roberts the Western Cape’s new Commissioner for Children. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
