Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Proact policin deman
Acommunity-led petition calling on the Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) to convene an urgent public meeting with the police is gaining traction
At the time of going to print the petition, launched by Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson on Thursday 14 August, had garnered 500 signatures
The petition was launched in response to shooting incidents in Overcome Heights and Lotus River last week
At least nine people were shot, five of them killed
A 20-year-old man was shot dead in Lotus River on Thursday 14 August and four other men sustained gunshot wounds
A murder and attempted-murder cases were registered for investigation
Grassy Park police responded to a complaint of a shooting in Fifth Avenue, Lotus River and on their arrival on the scene found the body of a young man He was declared dead by medical personnel
“Four other men between ages 20 and 72 years sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a medical facility,” said police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg “The circumstances surrounding the incident were under investiga-
tion and arrests are yet to be made ”
Earlier, the police’s Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) confirmed its members were investigating the deaths of four men who were gunned down in Overcome Heights, Muizenberg
Nelson told People’s Post that urgent intervention is required to clamp down on the shootings and violence plaguing the area
“This brazen act of violence, carried out in broad daylight, has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to address gang-related shootings in the Grassy Park precinct,” he said “As ward councillor I am deeply concerned about the safety of our residents, workers and especially our children Communities such as Lotus River, Parkwood, Ottery and Pelican Park are living under constant threat from criminal elements that show no regard for human life ”
Regarding the petition, Nelson said police visibility remained a major challenge in his ward “The goal is clear; we need the police to present a transparent and detailed plan for increasing resources, improving visible policing and restoring public confidence
TOPAGE3
With entries for this year’s Blisters for Bread closing on Sunday 17 August the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) said it had successfully reached the 8 000 mark. This annual event will take place on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground Charles Grey, fundraising manager of PSFA, said this “remarkable milestone” would not have been possible without the dedication and support of everyone involved “Each registration represents more than just a commitment to join the walk; it is a step towards ensuring that thousands of hungry schoolchildren receive the daily nourishment they need ” He expressed his gratitude to each entrant. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this achievement Your commitment has helped us build momentum for what promises to be a memorable event, while also making a real and lasting impact in the fight against child hunger ”
Wemustmoveonfromjustcommemoration
more women in boardrooms and more breaking into industries once closed to us The names and faces of women leaders are no longer rare in the public arena
Every August, South Africa wraps itself in purple ribbons and vibrant sashes, echoing the courage of 9 August 1956, when over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws It is a month of remembrance, pride and public tributes
Speeches are made,hashtags trend, and the bravery of those who came before us is celebrated This month has always carried extra meaning for me Not only is it Women’s Month, but it is also my birth month
I turned a year older on the 4th, and in the days since, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply on what it means to grow older as a woman in this country, not just in years, but in experience There’s something about a birthday that invites both celebration and introspection You measure not only your milestones, but also the progress, and the gaps in the world around you
As I mark this new age (nine and twenty), I feel both proud and restless, proud because we come from a lineage of women who refused to be silenced Restless, because I know that too many women still carry a quiet weight that history books rarely capture,the daily negotiations of safety, dignity and equality
Our victories are real We have
Yet, alongside these gains, the cracks remain visible The wage gap persists Gender-based violence continues to cast a long shadow over our freedom We are celebrated for breaking glass ceilings, yet expected to sweep up the shards with our bare hands
The weight of womanhood is not only in public battles, but in the small, exhausting calculations of everyday life, the moments when we show up at our best, and meet every expectation, even when battling ovulation pains, menstrual cycles, or the fatigue that comes with our bodies’ monthly rhythms
Choosing where to park at night
Sending a quick “home safe” message to friends after a late meeting
Checking over your shoulder while walking, keys clenched between your fingers
Rehearsing the tone of an email to ensure you are taken seriously but not branded “emotional” or “difficult” These are not quirks of habit; they are survival strategies They form part of the invisible cost of being a woman, a cost rarely mentioned during the speeches of Women’s Month
This is why the 9th of August must be more than a ceremonial nod to the past
The question is not whether we will remember the courage of the 1956 marchers, but whether we will honour their
courage by creating conditions that make it easier for the next generation of women to live without fear or limitation
In my work, the answer lies in storytelling My role is not only to report what happens but to interrogate why it happens, and to amplify the voices that are too often sidelined I carry the stories of the women I meet into every newsroom I enter Some of these women will never see their names in print, yet their resilience is profound: a single mother holding her household together on a minimum wage; a community health worker who walks kilometres daily to reach patients; a survivor who refuses to be defined by what she has endured
These women remind me that heroism is not confined to grand gestures It is also in the daily acts of persistence and care, often invisible to the world They are proof that the narrative of women ’ s month must include ordinary women whose strength is no less remarkable because it is unseen
We must move from commemoration to commitment That means advocating for policies that do more than look good on paper It means holding institutions accountable for the promises they make It means ensuring that when a woman rises, she leaves the door open for others to walk through It also means listening to women whose experiences are shaped not only by gender but by race, class, disability and geography The chal-
lenges facing a rural farmworker are not the same as those facing an urban professional, yet both are valid and urgent Intersectionality is not an academic buzzword; it is a lens through which we can better understand and address inequality Women’s Month, then, should not be a pause for reflection before life returns to “normal” It should be a launchpad for sustained action The legacy of the women of 1956 is not just in the march they undertook, but in the way they imagined a future in which their daughters would walk freely That future is not yet here Their example shows us that it is worth fighting for
As I step into this new age, I am reminded that time is both a gift and a responsibility My birthday was a quiet recommitment to the causes I care about, the stories I will tell, and the women whose journeys deserve to be seen and heard
Our foremothers marched so we could stand here The least we can do is ensure that the ground we stand on is solid enough for the next woman to run, when she runs, may she do so without the weight of keys between her fingers, without the fear of being called “too much” or “not enough”, without needing to calculate her safety before her dreams
That, for me, is what Women’s Month should be about, not just remembering the past, but reshaping the present so the future looks different
NAMHLA MONAKALI
Christel House glistens asWP #1
KEANANHARMSE
Christel House SA learners were named number 1 in the Western Cape in the Maths Olympiad.
The Grade 2, 3, 6 and 7 learners of the school, a non-profit organisation based in Ottery, took part in this year ’ s Standard Bank Matific Maths Olympiad, which ran from Monday 4 to Friday 8 August and delivered outstanding results
This is a free online maths competition for primary schools
The winners were announced on Saturday 16 August
The first place prize is R20 000 Christel House South Africa supports learners from disadvantaged communities, starting from Grade RR to Grade 12 and up to five years ’ post-matric
“We secured first place in the Western Cape and placed seventh nationally,” said school spokesperson Megan Losper “The dynamic five-day competition is designed to spark a lifelong love for mathematics in young (learners) across South Africa
“What makes this Olympiad truly unique is its focus on participation, fun and building strong learning habits, rather than just chasing perfect scores
“It offers our (teachers) invaluable insights, highlighting strengths, pinpointing learning gaps and helping us enhance maths performance across the board
This year ’ s winner, Grade 2 learner Ziarah Bosch, is described as a talented and determined learner from Manenberg who lives with her mom, aunty and grandparents
She scored 97,86% on the learner leaderboard
“She is passionate about understanding the human mind and hopes one day to study criminal psychology,” said Losper “Her goal in the competition was to tackle every problem to the best of her ability and earn a full five-star score on each math problem ”
FROMPAGE1
This must happen with urgency and full community involvement Our residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and at their places of work I will continue to push for immediate action and will work with all stakeholders to ensure safety and order are restored ” Lotus River resident and Ottery Neighbourhood Watch member Stanford James (65) said the community was in an uproar about the recent shootings
“The community is sick and tired We have people on our neighbourhood watch that constantly tell the police to be present especially when the school starts in the morning or when people are going or coming from work in the evening
“This is a constant issue Now it’s happening in Fifth Avenue, Lotus River It’s a war zone and one doesn’t know where to walk or sit; the police are not coming to the party so the petition is a great idea ” Asked about new developments in the Overcome Heights shooting investigation, police spokesperson Col André Traut said there were “ no new developments to share at this stage ” As gun violence continues to grip the Cape Flats, the Nyanga Sub-District Community Police Forum (CPF) Board launched the #SilenceTheGuns campaign at Phoenix High School to raise awareness about the devastating impact of illegal firearms in the communities
The launch, on Saturday 9 August, was attended by about 300 people, including various neighbourhood watches, police and law enforcement Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously .To sign the petition visit https://www.ipetitions com/petition/stop-the-shootings-grassypark-police-station
Christel House principal and Chief Academic Officer Dr Ronald Fortune said he was immensely proud of his learners
“Despite obstacles, including WiFi connectivity issues, they still delivered outstanding results,” he said
“This is a true reflection of their resilience and determination to excel, no matter the circumstances My heartfelt thanks go to our Mathematics and Coding teachers for the dedication and preparation that helped our (learners) shine in this competition ”
STANDARD BANK MATIFIC MATHS ONLINE OLYMPIAD FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Christel House South Africa learner Qobolwethu Sijila with his certificate after completing his exercises in the Standard Bank Matific Maths Olympiad PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Christel House South Africa learner Emily Jade achieved the Ruby qualification after competing in this year’s Standard Bank Matific Maths Olympiad
Christel House South Africa’s Grade 2, 3, 6 and 7 learners took part in this year’s Standard Bank Matific Maths Olympiad, which ran from Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August and delivered outstanding results
Cape Flats gun violence targeted
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
While gun violence continues to grip the Cape Flats a new #SilenceTheGuns campaign aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of illegal firearms in the communities.
Between Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August five people were shot dead and four injured in separate shootings in Muizenberg and Lotus River On Friday a taxi driver was shot and killed while two passengers sustained gunshot wounds in Maitland
The launch, organised by the Nyanga Sub-District Community Police Forum Board, was attended by about 300 people including various neighbourhood watches, police and law enforcement at Phoenix High School in Manenberg, on Saturday 9 August
THECOMMUNITY-DRIVENSAFETYINITIATIVEAIMS TO:
. Raise awareness of the devastating impact of illegal firearms in our communities
. Encourage public reporting and tip-offs to law enforcement agencies
. Build a visible, unified front among the police, City departments, and communities in the fight against gun violence
. Mobilise collective action against gun-related crime, particularly in gang-afflicted precincts
Reginald Maart, Nyanga Sub District Public Relations Officer, said the launch was held on Women's Day to draw attention to the challenges many women face due to gender-based violence (GBV)
"The campaign's launch date also speaks to the vulnerability of women and children in gun-affected households and communities, further reinforcing the urgency of the intervention While we celebrate Women's Month, how many
ScienceWeekhelpslearners
KEANANHARMSE
Ocean View Public Library celebrated Science Week by hosting fun and educational experiments last week
For the Week the City highlighted thirty-three libraries that hosted a series of events to celebrate National Science Week between Saturday 2 and Friday 8 August
The theme for this year ’ s National Science Week focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM)
The programme was designed to spark curiosity, foster learning, and open doors to innovation for participants, said the City Science week is an annual event created to increase awareness and understanding of science, technology, and innovation, and their impact on daily lives
The learners who attended workshops hailed from: Marine Primary School, Jupiter Street Primary, and Kleinberg Primary, librarian Ulfah Davids explained
“Eighteen primary school children joined us on Thursday 7 August for an afternoon of science fun that sparked plenty of ‘Wow!’ moments! They watched drawings float right off plates, discovered why ice melts differently in saltwater and plain water, created swirling patterns with colour-changing milk, and even got messy with the magic of Oobleck The library was filled with laughter and amazement as kids discovered that science is not just in books but is all around us The programme truly sparked their curiosity, and they cannot wait to try some of the experiments at home as most of them need simple materials,” Davids said Fellow library staff, Sihle Kulu and Musheerah Philander, who are also part of the YeBoneer programme, assisted on the day with the experiments
“For many of the children it was their very first time participating in any kind of experiment While fun was the main focus, it was rewarding to see the kids genuinely learning as they engaged with the activities,” she said The learners had plenty of fun interacting with the following experiments: Dry erase marker and Water Floating Ink Experiment 2 Saltwater vs Plain Water Experiment: How Ice Behaves 3 Colour-changing Milk Experiment: using milk, dish soap, and food colouring 4 Oobleck:
the Dr Seuss Science Experiment
A special focus of this year ’ s programme is encouraging female learners to explore STEAM subjects and careers As August also marks Women’s Month, libraries will be using this opportunity to showcase female role models in STEAM fields and to foster inclusive spaces where young women feel supported in their pursuit of science and technology, the City said “Looking at the many well-attended programmes that our libraries offer throughout the year, it is clear that libraries remain popular community facilities We are excited to be part of National Science Week and the opportunities for collaboration that it presents The launch event, hosted at Amazon’s Cape Town offices, marks a powerful beginning to what we hope will become an annual celebration of innovation, learning and partnerships We invite all learners, parents, educators and community members to visit their nearest participating library during Science Week and to be part of this exciting journey,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
Ocean View Library hosted various experiments which included the dry erase marker and Water “Floating Ink” Experiment. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Law student dares fire challenge
KEANANHARMSE
Afire-station platoon commander from Simon’s Town, Amesha Bachan, hopes to be a beacon of hope within her community
The 35-year-old platoon commander of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services at the Ottery Fire Station, recently proved her mettle when she led a crew of seven during an emergency birth of a healthy baby boy at the fire station on Thursday morning, 24 July (“Firemen save baby”, People’s Post, 29 July 2025)
In an interview with People’s Post, Bachan shared her journey and unpacked the early challenges she encountered as a young firefighter and how she climbed the ranks
Born in Durban, Bachan relocated to Cape Town at a young age “I was raised in a naval community in Simon ’ s Town I then attended Simon’s Town School from Grade 1 to matric ” After matriculating she began studying law until one fateful holiday led her on a path to firefighting In 2008, she joined the City’s Fire and Rescue Department “I found the
field of law incredibly fascinating
During one of my holiday breaks I joined the fire service as a seasonal firefighter, thinking it would just be something temporary But to my surprise I completely fell in love with the job The sense of purpose, teamwork and physical challenge drew me in immediately ”
She then applied to be a permanent firefighter and was accepted “I continued studying law for another two years before deciding to commit myself to a career in firefighting I was inspired by the adrenaline, the structure, the unity among the team and, most importantly, the opportunity to serve and protect people The more I immersed myself in the work the more I knew this was where I was meant to be Each year brought new challenges, new lessons and a deeper passion for the job ”
Initially, the transition from law student to firefighter was not easy
“Being a woman in a very male-dominated field I had to learn to be both mentally and physically resilient Earning my place and gaining respect meant showing up consistently, working hard and prov-
THE TRANSITION FROM LAW STUDENT TO FIREFIGHTER WAS NOT EASY
ing my capabilities on and off the fire ground ”
Among the greatest challenges she faced at this time was balancing further studies, the physical demands and, later on, motherhood, when she started raising her now 19-month-old baby boy
“But the rewards have been just as great Being able to mentor younger firefighters, represent women in uniform and be part of critical emergency responses; those moments have made it all worthwhile
“And, of course, coming home to my son at the end of a 24-hour shift reminds me who I’m doing it all for ”
Since then she’s pursued several fire-related qualifications, certifications and short courses to keep growing in the field
Outside work she enjoys caring for her son and exercising
In this month of taking stock of the indispensable role they play in society, by both themselves and others, women are reminded to reflect on one of the most crucial aspects of their well-being that is often overlooked –health-care financial planning
While such planning is important for everyone women face unique challenges and circumstances that make strategic health financing not just beneficial, but essential
Martin Rimmer, chief executive officer of Sirago Underwriting Managers, a gap-cover provider underwritten by Genric Insurance, says women generally navigate a complex landscape in health care and finances
UNIQUEHEALTHRISKS
He says women face specific health risks that require targeted financial preparation
Breast, ovarian and cervical cancers disproportionately affect women and can incur significant medical expense and potential loss of income as a result of long lay-offs during treatment Additionally, women are more susceptible to certain chronic conditions,
including autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal conditions and cardiovascular disease, all of which come with significant treatment costs
He says these health realities underscore the importance of having the right health-care coverage that addresses women ’ s specific needs
YOURPRIMARYDEFENCE
Rimmer says given South Africa’s challenging and deteriorating public health-care landscape and the high costs of private medical care medical-scheme coverage isn’t optional; it’s non-negotiable
“Working with an accredited healthcare broker who can analyse your current health-care expenditure, family medical history and any pre-existing conditions can go far in ensuring the correct balance in making a personal choice Remember, the cheapest option is hardly ever the most cost-effective or benefit-specific if it leaves you exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses or exclusions when you need care most ”
PROTECTIONAGAINSTTHEUNEXPECTED
“Some of my favourite ways to unwind include cooking and baking, especially healthy meals and snacks for my son I also enjoy going for walks and gymming to stay strong and centred ”
She feels there is more work to be done to even the playing fields when it comes to equal representation in the workplace
“There are still significant challenges, such as unequal representation in leadership, work-life balance pressures and societal expectations around motherhood and career In fields such as emergency services the physical standards and cultural biases can discourage women from even applying
“In my own community we still need more visibility and support for women in uniformed services
Programmes that encourage girls to explore careers in fire and rescue services or law enforcement could open so many doors And in workplaces we need policies that support moms better, from flexible schedules to parental leave that doesn’t stall career growth ” Asked what words of advice she
had for young women pursuing careers in this fast-paced sphere in an ever-changing society, she replied: “Your aspirations Trust your instincts Don’t be afraid to pivot when you hear a call, the way I did when choosing firefighting over law
Be bold enough to enter spaces where you may well be the only woman working hard enough to make it easier for the next one
“Invest in your learning, your fitness and mindset; they’re your greatest tools Personally I hope to continue growing in this field, both technically and in leadership, while still being a present and loving mom
“I want to create space for more women to thrive in this profession and show it’s possible to wear both the uniform and title of ‘ mom ’ with pride ’’
She reiterates that Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, grace and resilience that women bring to every space they occupy
“I’m proud to be part of a generation of women who are changing what leadership, motherhood and service look like; one day, one call and one courageous choice at a time ”
Gap cover serves as a financial safety net, covering the shortfall between what medical schemes pay and what specialists actually charge, primarily for in-hospital events
“If your medical scheme pays 200% of tariff, but your specialist charges 500% you ’ re personally liable for that 300% difference,” explains Rimmer “Sirago’s recent gap claims data show average “large gap claims” now sits between R40 000 and R60 000 These amounts could seriously impact your cashflow and financial stability without proper gap cover protection ”
COMPREHENSIVECRISISPLANNING
He explains that for stay-at-home mothers the financial impact extends beyond lost income
“If you become unable to fulfil these roles the cost of replacement care and support can be substantial Explore insurance solutions, including income protection insurance, disability and critical illness insurance, which can provide financial breathing room when you need to focus on recovery rather than financial survival ”
PREVENTION
Regular preventative care is a drum that simply cannot be beaten loudly enough; medical schemes often make these benefits available to members Rimmer encourages women to commit to annual preventative health screenings because early detection can drastically reduce both the health and financial consequences of serious conditions
MATERNITYPLANNING
“Look for coverage that includes comprehensive prenatal care, delivery and hospitalisation, and postnatal care for both mother and baby Medical-scheme maternity programmes, when adhered to, can really help you manage your health and additional finances during these periods ”
LIFESTYLEASFINANCIALSTRATEGY
According to Rimmer small, consistent lifestyle changes can yield significant health and financial returns
“Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet, exercise regularly, even if just for a few minutes daily; limit alcohol consumption; eliminate smoking/
vaping; prioritise stress management and mental well-being and get adequate sleep ”
MAXIMISEAVAILABLERESOURCES
“If you have access to group employee benefits, leverage them,” sys Rimmer “Group plans typically offer better rates due to collective buying power However, ensure your individual and employer-provided benefits work together cohesively without unnecessary gaps or duplications ”
PROFESSIONALADVICE
Rimmer says the complexity of healthcare financial planning makes professional guidance invaluable
“As we celebrate Women’s Month, make healthcare financial planning your priority Don’t let financial constraints force you into choosing between immediate needs and future health security
He says with proper planning, professional guidance, and the right insurance portfolio, women can build a robust financial foundation that supports both their current wellbeing and long-term health security
Amesha Bachan PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Amesha Bachan at Ottery Fire Station in November 2024 when she was newly appointed as platoon commander
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Spurs clinchYouth Cup
More people in the province than ever before saw young talent on display.
In the only ladies’ match of the day, Rygate Invitational Ladies locked orns with Mitchells Plain LFA adies The two sides played a 1-1 talemate
An elated tournament organiser and ayview FC chair Mark Rodrigues ailed the event He thanked all the ponsors, teams and supporters for heir commitment and support in making the tournament one of Cape own ’ s top sporting events “This was a very special year for us, not nly because the finals were played at he Athlone Stadium, but it is also a uge milestone for the team We are elebrating our 20th anniversary,” aid Rodrigues He said this year ’ s venue elevated
the tournament to new heights and gave people from across the province an opportunity to witness young soccer talent on display The tournament also gave the players a chance to play on a proffessional pitch
“This means if you dream it you can do it Playing at Athlone Stadium is not something many of our young footballers get to do in their lifetime This gives them an opportunity to be part of something special,” he said Rodrigues described the occasion as “ very special” and an the journey to Athlone Stadium as “emotional”
“It was not an easy journey There were too many obstacles but the support from everyone has been amazing This is not about people It is about giving the younsters an opportunity to showcase their talent ” He added that preparations were already underway for next year ' s tournament “We’ve launched a platform for a great tournament moving forward We have started with plans for next year and hope to make it even better
Lihle Somana of PPG Langa beats a sliding tackle by Reyaan Manuel of Norway Parks during the Bayview U-16
PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Player of the Tournament Emile Dortley of CT Spurs
Cape Town Spurs lifting the Bayview FC U-16 tournament trophy after a 2-1 victory over Antalyaspor JPM in the platinum final at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 16 August
Woodlands united from Mitchells Plain the winners of the Silver division
Norway Parks the Gold Cup winners