People's Post | Grassy Park / Retreat | E-Edition 22 July 2025
rustrated residents from Retreat and Lotus River said they are fed-up after being turned away despite waiting several hours in the cold for their Sassa grants at the Retreat Civic Centre.
Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate indicated to People’s Post that since the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) decentralised its grant disbursement points, particularly to Retreat and Lotus River civic centres, he noted how these facilities were struggling to accommodate all the beneficiaries
“We find that the demand cannot be met by the supply Sassa clearly has People are desperate so they bear the Winter weather ” He said on Thursday 10 July people queued from Retreat Civic Centre
Each step feeds a child
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
“No child should have to choose between learning and hunger.” So said Cheraldine Vanacore, a Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun
Walk participant for over 10 years The annual Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun
Walk is an initiative by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), 67-yearold non-profit organisation that aims to address hunger among learners
It provides daily nutritious meals to learners in over 100 schools in the province
For Vanacore child hunger is a topic that lies close to her heart as she comes from a disadvantaged background
For her, taking part in the event is a way of giving back
“This is personal to me I come from a background where I didn’t have much It was exciting for me to go to school and to get a meal Taking part in the walk is a reminder to me that I can make a difference in a small way ”
Vanacore said she cannot wait for this year ' s Blisters for Bread, which
NO CHILD HAS TO LEARN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH
returns to the Green Point Common Sports Ground on Sunday 31 August
“I am looking forward to completing the walk again this year I wish there were more organisations doing initiatives like this It’s a reminder that hunger is real I know how it feels to have nothing ” Online entries are now open, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August
Every participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation for taking part in this meaningful cause
In addition, thanks to the generous support of its hydration partner, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, complimentary refreshments will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day
The Green Point Common Sports Ground will come alive with live music performances from Cape
Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grown-ups alike
Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, said Blisters for Bread is more than just an event but a “heartfelt movement”
Rand
Measlesthreatlooms—getvaccinatednow
As measles cases surge in parts of the country, health experts are urging residents to check their vaccination status and ensure their children are protected
Although the outbreak is currently concentrated in Gauteng, where 181 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported between January and mid-June, public health professionals warn that under-vaccinated communities in the Western Cape remain vulnerable
VACCINATIONKEYTOSTOPPING
MEASLES
Professor Talitha Crowley, a public health expert and head of the academic division at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Nursing, says the best way to prevent measles from spreading is through high vaccination coverage
“To stop a measles outbreak, we need 95% of the community vacci-
nated,” she explained
“Right now, too many children in some parts of the country are going unvaccinated, and that’s dangerous ”
UNDERSTANDINGMEASLES
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours
The disease starts with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body
By the time the rash appears, the person is already in the most contagious stage
“Measles can cause serious complications, especially in babies, malnourished children, and people with weak immune systems,” said Crowley
“These include pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, brain inflammation, and even death ”
The good news, according to Crowley, is that the Cape Metropole increased its under-five immunisation coverage to 90% early this year This was achieved through targeted catch-up campaigns in clinics and schools
However, she cautioned that no community is completely safe until everyone is covered
“Even one unvaccinated child in a class can lead to an outbreak,” she said
“We need to keep those numbers up and reach the last 5 to 10% of families who might have missed a dose ”
Vaccination against measles is free at all public clinics and hospitals in Cape Town as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Routine measles vaccines are given at 6 months
A JOURNO’S VOICE
Every year on 18 July we celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy with what has come to be known as “67 minutes of service” We’re encouraged to do something good for someone else whether that means handing out sandwiches, planting vegetables, or reading to children
Across Cape Town, schools, NGOs, churches, and companies show up with paint brushes, black bags, and donated goods
It’s beautiful in many ways, the spirit of generosity, the momentary unity, the desire to do good
But it’s also fleeting
Because the very next day, life goes back to normal Those who were hungry are hungry again
That over-crowded shelter remains underfunded The crèche with fresh coats of paint still has too few teachers And many of us who gave
our 67 minutes feel like we ’ ve done enough, until next year
But what Madiba stood for cannot be captured in one symbolic act a year He gave 67 years of his life to building a more just, equal and democratic South Africa He went to prison, endured unimaginable sacrifice, and still emerged with a commitment to peace, dignity, and inclusion If we really want to honour him, we have to live his values the other 364 days of the year, too Ubuntu, the African philosophy that reminds us I am because you are, is not about charity It’s not about dropping off pre-loved clothes or taking a selfie at a soup kitchen It’s a way of life Ubuntu calls us to see the humanity in others It asks us to act with compassion, but also with responsibility, to build communities where no one is left behind, and where justice is more than just a word on a wall
The truth is, many of us are struggling Some of us live in backyards or shacks where the rain leaks through the roof Others are unem-
ployed, or work long hours for little pay Some are raising children on their own Others are trying to rebuild after losing everything to gang violence, addiction, or crime In this country, most people live close to the edge And that makes it even more important that we don’t turn Mandela Day into a performance for the privileged We need to be asking harder questions: Why do people still queue for water in 2025? Why are libraries closing in places where children desperately need safe spaces to read? Why do government clinics run out of medication, and why is GBV still an everyday reality for so many women and girls? Madiba did not fight for a South Africa where injustice is normalised He believed in dignity, and dignity means access, fairness, and care, for everyone, not just a few
If we really want to honour his legacy, we have to treat each other with dignity every day, not just on Mandela Day That means greeting
and 12 months Public vaccination sites include City health clinics and district hospitals like Khayelitsha District Hospital, Mitchell's Plain, and Karl Bremer
VACCINESWORKANDSAVELIVES
“Just one dose of the measles vaccine gives around 93% protection
Two doses increase this to about 97%,” Crowley said
While rare, vaccinated individuals can still get measles, but their symptoms are usually mild and far less contagious
With school holidays and winter illnesses on the rise, the public is being urged to stay alert
“Measles is preventable If we all do our part, Cape Town can avoid the suffering we ’ re seeing elsewhere,” said Crowley
. For information on your nearest clinic, call 0800 923 922 or visit www westerncape gov za/ facilities
the people we walk past on the street It means treating the person who collects our bins or cleans our children’s schools with the same respect as we do a manager It means checking in on an elderly neighbour It means challenging corruption when we see it, whether in government or in our own communities Mandela’s legacy isn’t just a history lesson It’s a living challenge to all of us
So yes, let’s keep Mandela Day Let’s keep the 67 minutes But let’s not stop there Let’s make kindness a habit, not an event Let’s make justice part of our daily thinking, not just our yearly branding Let’s teach our children not only to give, but to ask why some people always need to receive Because the truth is, 67 minutes is just the beginning South Africa needs 365 days of Ubuntu
That’s how we honour Madiba, not with moments, but with movement Not with charity, but with change
Cheraldene Vanacore (front left) has been doing the Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk for over 10 years PHOTO: PRO ALLIANCE PHOTOGRAPH C
NAMHLA MONAKALI
Mobile clinic needs funds
KEANANHARMSE
An Ottery-based animal rescue organisation is appealing for funds to help cover their costs to build another clinic.
Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) recently launched a fundraising drive to help fund a brand-new ARO Mobile Vet Clinic, their third one so far ARO, originally known as the Voluntary Animal Rescue Organisation (VAR), was established in 1986 to combat the neglect and abuse of animals in the Old Crossroads area
Founder Lindsey Concer hopes the new clinic can expand their services and allow them to support more communities where animals need vaccinations and sterilisations
"A third clinic is an urgent need that we identified during our recent outreach efforts in communities like Jim se Bos, Lekkerwater, Egoli, Phumlani, Siqalo, and most recently, Smallville," said Concer
The animal rescue organisation recently welcomed a new veterinarian as the new leader of the hospital team, Dr Esté Spies
So far they have received some donations from some loyal supporters, but their financial target goal they hope to reach is around R1 million
"With the cost of the vehicle, the conversion into a working mobile clinic, as well as medications and running costs our budget sits well over R1 million," Concer said
The new mobile clinic will offer various services or sickly animals which include: vaccinations, parasite treatment, basic consultations, and sterilisation referrals
"The animals are collected by the mobile clinic and brought back to our hospital for sterilisation or any further treatment that may need to be performed by a vet Mobile Clinics are run by Animal Welfare Assistants (AWA's) Our goal is to bring essential veterinary care directly
Southfieldstor
KEANANHARMSE
A canal in Southfield that sustained severe damage during the stormy weather is undergoing repairs
Last month several homes in Southfield, Heathfield and Steenberg located near a canal were flooded after the waterway was severely battered during a storm on Thursday June 26
A contractor was appointed to commence with repairs on the canal on Tuesday 17 June, Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate confirmed "The canal is about 2km in length It starts beyond the M5 and discharges in Princess Vlei," Southgate said
The repairwork on the canal is still far from completion, said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation
"Progress was delayed due to inclement weather and work has been suspended until the rainy season has passed Temporary measures have been implemented to safeguard nearby properties The canal walls and some private
Ottery-based
THE NEW MOBILE CLINIC WILL OFFER VACCINATIONS,PARASITE TREATMENT AND BASIC CONSULTATIONS
to under-resourced communities many of which have no access to vet services at all," she explained
When asked why she thought the third clinic was a critical need for ARO, Concer said:
"We’ve found that many pet owners in nearby informal settlements struggle to reach us or
don’t even know we exist
“The response during our sterilisation drives has been overwhelming, proving there's an enormous need The new unit will allow us to expand our reach, respond faster to urgent cases, and prevent suffering "
"Demand often outweighs our resources
Many of the animals we see are in need of urgent care, and while we do everything we can, resources and manpower are always stretched
Ideally, we would love to have the clinic active in August, so we can have the clinic operational before the end of the year
“However, the running costs will continue, so we ask the public to continue to support," she said
. For more information about ARO,visit their website at https://www animalrescue org za
FROMPAGE1
Lotus River resident Mariam Hamze said she had experienced similar frustrations trying to obtain her 85-year old aunt’s social grant at the Lotus River Civic Centre
“When we waited there we had to turn around as there were more than 75 people already, and my aunt struggles with chest problems I really don’t know what to do for my aunty anymore if we keep getting turned down ” The Retreat Civic Centre is a City owned facility
Asked if it was aware of complaints from residents saying they were being turned away, the City referred People’s Post’s queries to Sassa “My office has engaged Sassa on the matter, and we were informed it was receiving attention,” Southgate said “While I understand the frustration I want to appeal to residents to respect the staff as they are doing their best to assist ”
People’s Post sent several queries to SASSA, but no response had been received at the time of going to print
Residents queue for their South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants last week at the Retreat Civic Centre PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Christel House cohort certified
An Ottery-based school awarded their most recent batch of graduates with certificates to support their career pursuits
Christel House South Africa (CHSA) rewarded 40 young adults who completed their Youth Bridge course recently
The non-profit, no-fee school provides about 1 000 students from under-resourced communities in Cape Town with high-quality, high-impact and rounded education
The Youth Bridge course was inspired by the organisation’s efforts to address youth unemployment, said school spokesperson Megan Losper
“This ambitious group of young people from Langa have completed the character-based, career-focused readiness programme and are now equipped with the skills, confidence, and support to step boldly into the world of work and opportunity,” said Losper
Liqhawe Dlokweni, a graduate from the Langa 2 cohort, said: “Youth Bridge helped me a lot in CV writing and interviewing skills not only that, but also in terms of changing my mindset and taking full responsibility for my future
“For that, I’m very grateful Thank you ”
The Youth Bridge initiative supports unemployed youth aged 18 to 35, helping them bridge the gap between their untapped ambitions and the opportunities that await them
The programme builds on securing employment by addressing key barriers to employment through a character-based, career-readiness approach
Participants receive 18 weeks of structured support, including mentorship and placement assistance
Through meaningful connections with mentors in industry, Youth Bridge ensures young people are set on a path to stable employment and upward economic mobility
Looking ahead, the next three Youth Bridge cohorts for 2025 will take place in Khayelitsha
. For more information about the
Youth Bridge Langa Graduates with their certificates
Youth Bridge programme,please contact Louise de Marillac St Julien,Career Development Manager at Christel House SA,on ldmsjulien@sa christelhouse.org or 021 704 9400.
Busisiwe Govane, Youth Bridge Assistant and Trainee Facilitator; Liqhawe Dlokweni, Youth Bridge Langa 2 graduate and Adri Marais, Christel House SA CEO PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
A group of Rondebosch Boys’ High School learners braved the cold and wet weather to join forces with the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) in cleaning the city centre on Monday 14 July The boys spent the day with the CCID’s Urban Management Department as part of a life-orientation community service project. Despite the weather they rolled their sleeves up and swept walkways, picked litter up and emptied City of Cape Town green bins They were also introduced to the challenges of illegal dumping in the CBD and learnt to separate organic waste, gaining insight into the essential but often-overlooked work of keeping the city clean CCID Urban Management precinct manager, Carlisle Marankey said the day “went well” and commended the boys for their enthusiasm and hard work. “The learners worked hard and appreciated how important even the smallest job is in maintaining a clean city centre, as everyone has a part to play ” The CCID extended its thanks to the school and learners for contributing to the upkeep of the CBD during the winter season. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
NewCitypropertytariffs challengedincourt
DESIRÉERORKE
Bringing an urgent application to the Western Cape High Court, the South African Property Owners’ Association (Sapoa) is taking a stand against what it views as an unfair burden on ratepayers, challenging three property-linked tariffs recently introduced by the City of Cape Town in its 2025-’26 budget
These include a new cleaning levy and fixed charges for water and sanitation services, all calculated based on the value of a property rather than actual usage Sapoa argues this approach disproportionately affects certain property owners as well as the public at large and could set a troubling precedent In approaching the court the organisation is encouraging other concerned parties to join the case as friends of the court
Sapoa has requested an early court date to ensure clarity before the City begins preparing its 2026-’27 budget on 1 September The case is backed by influential property owners in Cape Town, among them owners of TygerValley, CapeGate and Canal Walk shopping centres as well as Table Bay Mall and V&A Waterfront
Other Sapoa members consist of smaller businesses with only a handful of properties in their portfolio In its supporting affidavit the non-profit contends its members’ property rights were being infringed on under Section 25 of the Constitution It was bringing the challenge on behalf of its members and in the public interest
“It would not be reasonable and effective for affected ratepayers to bring the challenge on their own, ” said Nilesh Ambaram Gopal of Sapoa “The City has vast resources to defend the three items of its budget, something that is far beyond the financial capabilities of the thousands of ratepayers who objected to the budget to bring multiple legal challenges
“Some of the people affected by the three items are vulnerable, in the sense that the effect of the budget may be that they may have to sell their properties as they cannot afford to pay the three items ”
The first draft budget was published for comment on 27 March, introducing the three fixed charges, which caused a public outcry Sapoa objected on several grounds, along with a protesting petition of more than 10 000 signatures that was submitted to the City No fewer than 14 000 comments were made in the public-participation period Virtually all commentators strongly objected to the first draft budget, mostly against the fixed charges
Changes were made to the first draft budget in May by the City, resulting in the publication for comment on the revised draft budget
In the revised draft budget passed on 26 June the City stated it sought to alleviate the impact on lower- and middle-income households by the introduction of rebates
However, Sapoa holds that these reductions and rebates do not detract from the fact that the fixed charges are unlawful and should not have been introduced in the first place
Sapoa says a continued rise in municipal costs has a significant detrimental effect on the costs of occupancy faced by tenants in commercial retail properties If municipal costs push charges past a certain limit, tenants struggle and landlords must help, but their options are limited Leases can become unaffordable, leading tenants not to renew According to its Operating Costs Report, by June last year, electricity made up 29% of total operating costs, while municipal charges accounted for a staggering 60%
According to Sapoa, the tariffs linked to property values do not comply with the Property Rates Act
It points out that the three tariffs are not based on consumption It is not a surcharge based on a basic charge nor a municipal tax Sapoa considers the tariffs a form of property rates as they are linked to property value, but points out that they do not comply with the Property Rates Act
SAPOACHALLENGESLEGALITYOFVALUE-BASED CLEANINGLEVY
The cleaning levy will be funding general cleaning on council property, litter picking and providing other services such as illegal dumping removal and informal settlements
“The question to be answered is whether it is legally permissible to levy tariffs against property owners for cleaning services based on the value of their properties, regardless of whether the property owner actually receives such services at the property or in the area of his property," states Gopal
Section 229(1) of the Constitution says a municipality may impose rates on property and surcharges on fees for services provided by the municipality, and submits that the cleaning tariff has not been adopted as a property rate in terms of applicable rates legislation
“The cleaning tariff is not a consumption-based charge for a service nor can it be any other type of charge levied in exchange for a service as it is linked to property value "
Furthermore, Sapoa states a surcharge is an additional percentage "profit" on the consumption tariff and not a tariff linked to property value
WATERANDSANITATION
The organisation further holds that fixed water charges are also irrational, arbitrary and contrary to the rule of law Until now the fixed water charge was based on the pipe-connection diameter, and the fixed sanitation charge was tied to water usage The new system breaks this link to actual consumption
Sapoa argues that property owners who invested in alternative water systems to reduce consumption after the Day Zero crisis are now being penalised These improvements raise property values which, under the new tariff system, results in higher water charges, a move Sapoa calls irrational The old, traditional methods, calculating usage “ as a percentage of the relevant property's water consumption charges meant there was some correlation between the property's water use and its sanitation use, ” Gopal said “There is, however, no rational connection between the cost of delivering sanitation services to residents and property value ”
MAYOR:‘SAPOAPROTECTSPROFITSOVERPEOPLE’
In response to the High Court application, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said Sapoa’s attempt to stop Cape Town's pro-poor budget is to put profits ahead of people “Sapoa represents the country's wealthiest and largest property owners, mainly shopping-mall owners The City simply cannot agree that wealthy property owners should be charged the same as lower-income or middle-class households This would be regressive, placing a disproportionate burden on ordinary families ” This, he said, is why fixed charges apply, because all must contribute, not just those who can't invest in alternative water and electricity sources
Cultivate healthy
financial habits
NAMHLAMONAKALI
As the cost of living continues to climb South Africans are being urged to take stock of their financial habits, particularly during July, National Savings Month
Run annually by the South African Savings Institute (Sasi), the campaign aims to promote a culture of saving and long-term financial planning, particularly in lower- and middle-income communities where debt and unemployment remain high
This year focuses on small but consistent actions that can improve household financial resilience
Experts say that even modest savings can protect families during emergencies, reduce reliance on credit and help break intergenerational cycles of poverty
According to recent data from Statistics South Africa the personal savings rate in the country remains worryingly low, with many people spending more than they earn and struggling with high levels of consumer debt
Speaking to People’s Post, Gerald Mwandiambira, interim chief executive officer of Sasi and a financial wellness coach, said the message of National Savings Month is especially urgent this year
“People are under pressure, especially with food prices, petrol costs and electricity bills going up, ” he said “ But it’s still possible to save, even if it’s just R20 a week The principle is about starting small and staying consistent ”
Mwandiambira said saving is not only about money, but about mindset
“We need to change the narrative that saving is only for the wealthy It’s about building dignity, options and freedom from crisis living Saving R10 a day is better than nothing at all ”
SAVING BUILDS DIGNITY, OPTIONS AND FREEDOM FROM CRISIS LIVING.
Many South Africans, however, say the current economic climate makes saving feel impossible
“I’m a single mother and don’t always have extra money after rent, food and school fees,” said Sinazo Klaas from Newlands
“But I’ve started putting coins in a bottle at the end of the day It helped me cover taxi fare last month when my child was sick ”
The South African Reserve Bank has also acknowledged the importance of household savings for long-term economic growth, noting that low savings rates make the country more dependent on foreign investment and vulnerable to global shocks
Local NGOs and financial-literacy organisations have used National Savings Month as an opportunity to host workshops in schools, churches and community centres These sessions often teach budgeting basics, understanding credit and how to open low-fee bank accounts Mwandiambira encouraged households to have open conversations about money
“Talk to your children, your spouse, even your friends We need to normalise conversations about budgeting, debt and planning Financial literacy is a survival skill ”
National Savings Month is also a reminder that financial empowerment is tied to broader structural issues Advocates say more needs to be done by government and private institutions to create jobs, reduce inequality and offer better consumer protection
“It’s not about how much you save, but about starting Saving, even in small ways, is a form of self-respect,” Mwandiambira concluded
A Women’s Humanity fest returns
DAVISCUPPLAYERLEOMA
At just 18-years-old Leo Matthysen is the youngest Davis Cup tennis player in South Africa In January this year he played his fourth Davis Cup tie for South Africa, against Nigeria, at the Groenkloof Tennis Stadium in Pretoria Whatever the prestige, for him Mitchell’s Plain is home
Before him Nik Scholtz, son of WP fullback Calla Scholtz, was the youngest when he made his debut at 19 years old “I never played any other sport and focused only on ten-
