Process draws to an end
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The Western Cape is one step closer to welcoming a new Commissioner for Children.
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Standing Committee on Premier and Constitutional Matters in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said the vetting process for candidates has now been completed “The vetting is now complete, and the committee will meet shortly to finalise the short list to be submitted to the premier ”
The post became vacant in May this year when the Western Cape’s first Commissioner for Children, Christina Nomdo, who had held the position since June 2020, stepped down citing “personal reasons ” (“Search for new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner nears completion,” People’s Post, 10 June)
In terms of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children Act, the role carries a five-year term, with the possibility of one additional term
Van Minnen told People’s Post that 61 nominations were received She said of these, 44 nominees accepted the nomination, while 16 did not respond and one declined
Van Minnen added that nine candidates were shortlisted and interviewed in April She outlined the recruitment process
“The Child Monitors gave input into the process, but the appointment is regulated by provincial legislation and the interview and recommendation process falls into the purview of the Standing Committee who set the questions and performed the interviews ” She said despite the position being vacant operations continue “The office of the Commissioner for Children continues to operate and perform its mandate, and the new Commissioner will be setting their priorities once they are appointed ”
Van Minnen emphasised that the office operated independently “They operate as an independent entity and thus although they report to the Provincial Parliament, their agenda is set
Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, convenor of the Legacy 1500 Commission, and Sheikh Sadullah Khan were identified as Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton
An article that appeared two weeks ago on The Legacy Project 1500 (“Islam marks milestone”, People’s Post, 15 July) refers The newspaper mistakenly swapped the captions It regrets the error
by themselves ”
Patric Solomons, managing director for child right’s organisation Molo Songololo, said the appointment is “long overdue”
“Molo Songololo hopes that the new Western Cape Commissioner for Children will be accessible to children and children’s organisations And have the authority and commitment to engage the provincial government and legislature in the best interest of children as guided by the function and duties of the commissioner ”
According to Solomons, the commissioner should develop a clear five-year action plan in consultation with children, children’s organisation, key stakeholders in government and civil society “Engage the provincial legislature to improve its monitoring, financing and independence of the commissioner and commissioner’s office, and child participation policies and practices in the legislature He said the commissioner should focus on advocating for an independent National Commissioner for Children and to expand same to other provinces
Death is certain! It does not matter who you are Whether you are a sinner or a saint, rich or poor, your time will come The least we can do is to live life to the fullest and show love We can also rejoice that we do not know the date and time of our death Otherwise, we would do many stupid things prior to our demise Needless to mention the panic among family members and relatives Death is an unpleasant experience It cuts through our strongest organs Sadly, it’s inevitable We’ve all experienced it
It’s the value of the departed that defines the severity of the pain and the circumstances that led to their death I’ve lost many people over the years and the pain has never been the same In some cases, it would be a matter of shock, while in some instances, I would break down and weep
My first real encounter with death was in 1994, with the death of my grandmother May her soul rest in eternal peace She was our pillar of strength and her demise tore the family apart Yet, we regrouped and continued with our lives, knowing that she would never live forever Today, I am grateful for all the lessons she taught me
Since then, I’ve lost many other people In 2014, I lost my two uncles in a space of four months This year has been another horrendous
year I lost two very important people in three months (February and April) and this month I lost my wife’s brother
The former had a deep-rooted bond with me and we chatted regularly through WhatsApp For over 20 years, we shared many exciting times The latter was one of those people who made you feel welcome in the presence of strangers He was a gentle giant, a bond that held the family together One thing in common with all three is that we had plans to meet However, they died while we tried to figure out dates and times It has been a real struggle to come to terms with all these incidents They left me with lots of resentment They have made me feel like a failure While I understand that it is the will of God, I regret the fact that we had pending matters At the heart of all is procrastination
The fact is, time does not belong to anyone We are on earth for a limited period It’s vital that we use every second we have to the fullest We must live life without regrets so that when the time comes, we are not filled with unnecessary anguish
Show love today and do not be afraid to reach out to the next person before it is too late There is no time to hold grudges You do not want someone to die while you have differences I am glad that none of these departed compatriots had differences with me Yes, I failed to answer a call before one of them died This is something that continues to haunt me
Bravingstormstorescueseabirdchicks
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In the aftermath of severe winter storms battering the Western Cape coastline the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds’ (Sanccob) dedicated seabird rangers have again stepped-up to rescue vulnerable seabird chicks from flooded nests and harsh weather conditions
More than 30 storm-battered seabird chicks, among them critically endangered African Penguins and endangered Bank Cormorants, are now recovering in the local nursery
“Our rangers know every corner of their colonies,” said Romy Klusener, Conservation Impact Manager at Sanccob They dig drainage lines, pile brush around nest sites and monitor incoming storms, so we avoid disturbing nests unless it’s absolutely necessary Recent severe swells necessitated intervention ”
Between Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 26 June back-to-back cold fronts lashed the colonies at Stony Point and Simon’s Town Waves surged over shoreline ledges, sweeping three species of cormorant chicks – Crowned, White-breasted and Bank –clean from their nests At the same time torrential rain flooded dozens of African Penguin burrows, leaving chicks soaked, chilled and at risk of drowning Rangers first stabilised the most fragile on site under heat lamps before transferring those in poor body condition to Sanccob’s clinic Two penguin chicks perked-up enough to be returned to their nests when the weather calmed and their parents came back The rest were too compromised to stay in the colony
ATALLYOFTINYSURVIVORS
In Stony Point: .Four Bank Cormorant chicks (endangered);
. Three White-breasted Cormorant chicks; . Three Crowned Cormorant chicks;
. Nine African Penguin chicks (critically endangered);
. Two additional African Penguin chicks rescued and successfully reunited with parents
Simon’s Town:
. 11 African Penguin chicks; . 10 African Penguin eggs Inside Sanccob’s nursery the chicks receive four feeds a day of specially-formulated fish smoothies and whole fish Each is weighed daily and staff run health checks to catch any signs of infection or dehydration early
“The goal is always to release them back to the wild once they hit the right weight, waterproofing and fitness,” Klusener said Visit www sanccob co za to donate or learn more about Sanccob's life-saving work
THULANI MAGAZI
We referred to Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, with Sheikh Ismail Gqamane, Sheikh Sadullah Khan and Shafiq Morton, pictured above, as Sheikh Zaid Fataar, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie.
STRUCTURE LY BEING D TO DECIDE ETHOD
Eddie Andrews, who mber for spatial environment, said: assessment of the to determine the gy will be done ”
He said this was set to start next month and they will keep residents updated on the project’s progress
“A contractor will be appointed on a framework tender to undertake the repairs The plan is to finish the repairs by the end of the calendar year ” Andrews recently announced the completion of upgrades of the Sea Point Promenade and Granger Bay parking area
He said the cost, including the rock revetment and staircases, was about R16 million
“This is great news, seeing the proj-
ect has been delayed due to the poor performance of the previous contractor Residents and visitors will now benefit from the improvements ” He expressed his gratitude to residents for their patience during the construction of the parking area
“We thank residents for their patience while the works were underway and apologise for the prolonged construction period
Residents from across Cape Town can now enjoy the newly-upgraded Granger Bay parking area and landscaping ”
The upgraded landscaping
Wheels of change: New rides for children
The vehicles will make it easier to transport learners with disabilities. Ten minibuses were handed over. PHOTOS KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith on patrol with officers PHOTO SUPPLIED
Hawks looking into tragedy
KEANANHARMSE
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Kommetjie submarine tragedy, in which three submariners lost their lives, the Hawks confirmed they were investigating the incident.
On Wednesday 20 September 2023, Lieutenant-Commander
Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Warrant
Officer (Class One) Mmokwapa
Lucas Mojela and Master Warrant
Officer William Masela Mathipa died during a naval exercise in which a freak wave swept them off a submarine near Kommetjie
The Chief of the SA Navy, Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, subsequently convened an Inquiry into the incident It recommended safety upgrades, which include stronger harnesses, more current life jackets and protective headgear for naval exercises
This month the SA Navy handed a copy of the report of the Inquiry’s findings to the Hawks at a meeting held on Tuesday 8 July at naval headquarters in Pretoria
“The engagements were meant to assist the Hawks in their ongoing investigations into the tragic incident, in which the SA Navy lost three of its submariners following a vertical transfer (Vertrep) exercise between the SAS Manthatsi and a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter in September 2023,” said SA Navy acting senior staff officer, naval public relations Commander
Theo Mabina
Responding to People’s Post’ s request for an update on the Hawks’ investigation, its spokesperson
Col Siyabulela Vukubi said: “The investigation into this matter is
IT WAS A BAD DECISION THAT COST LIVES - DA
still in its infancy, hence we cannot give any further details ”
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Defence and Military
Veterans Chris Hattingh said the handover of the Kommetjie investigation report to the Hawks was long overdue and an essential first step towards justice “For months secrecy has smothered this tragedy, fuelling suspicion and outrage,” he pointed out
“Choosing to push ahead with a high-risk vertical transfer exercise despite clear weather warnings and a blatant disregard for critical safety protocols was more than reckless It was a decision that cost lives
“The evidence now confirms what many feared: catastrophic failures in planning, risk management and operational oversight directly led to the deaths of Lieutenant-Commander Gillian Hector and her two colleagues ”
The SA Navy said it would communicate the outcomes of the inquiry once the investigation was finalised
“This meeting and engagement with the Hawks underscores the Navy’s commitment to transparency, cooperation and accountability,” Mabina said, “ as the Chief of the SA Navy has always maintained the organisation will, within the confines of laws and regulations, communicate the outcomes of the Board whenever the need arose ”
FallenSafetyandSecuritystaff membershonoured
To honour the lives of safety and security staff members who died in the line of duty, the Remembrance Day event was held at the Cape Town Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco members for safety and security JP Smith led the service and wreath-laying ceremony, attended by relatives of the fallen members
The memorial wall on the Concourse Level in the Civic Centre holds the names of 53 staff members who died while on duty, dating back to 1907
Hill-Lewis said the men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice in performing their duty to the people of Cape Town
“This day is our chance to reflect not only on the lives of these brave members of Team Cape Town, but also on why their jobs are so important to our city and what it will take to
make Cape Town a safer and more hopeful place for all who live here
“May their souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength ”
Smith said the day is about paying homage to officers for their bravery
“We remembered and honoured those who lost their lives in the line of duty to protect and serve our communities
“The day is also about showing respect and appreciation for the work done by our officers and to support the families of those who passed away
“The day provided time to reflect on the many sacrifices made and to remember with pride - together with the families – our officers for protecting our communities ”
The Remembrance Day event was held at the Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July
Families and friends paid homage to fallen officers
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis laying a wreath during the ceremony PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Addressing the audience Hill-Lewis said the officers paid the ultimate price while performing their duties
Art exhibit marries all the senses
NAMHLAMONAKALI
An upcoming art and dining event on the Atlantic seaboard is putting new focus on the power of quiet storytelling, community connection and creative inheritance.
On Friday 15 and Saturdat 16 August, The Quiet Gift, a collaboration among Chefs Warehouse, Tintswalo Atlantic and the SA Art Fair, will transform the luxury lodge on Chapman ’ s Peak into a temporary space for artistic reflection and culinary narrative
The exhibition and dining experience will include the work of over 20 artists and offer four ticketed lunch and dinner sessions
But behind the elegant setting lies a deeper question: what does it mean to pass something on, and who gets to take part in shaping cultural memory?
Curator Samantha Whittaker said the concept of The Quiet Gift rejected showmanship in favour of what she called “the slow, intimate work of care, the kind of legacy that lives in shared meals, creative mentorship, and the spaces we make for others ”
This theme is echoed in the inclusion of Lalela, a Hout Bay-based non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides arts education to youth in under-resourced areas
As part of the event Lalela learners’ artworks will be printed on scarves and pyjamas for display and sale, with proceeds supporting classroom funding “For our learners, many of whom come from communities where opportunities can feel out of
EXPERIENCE WILL TAKE IN 20 ARTISTS’ WORKS AND MEALS
reach, being included in something like this affirms that their ideas and talents have a place in spaces that are beautiful, intentional and celebrated,” said Firdous Hendricks, Executive Director of Lalela
“It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being valued Initiatives such as this don’t just showcase young artists; they give them momentum ”
Sales of 24 Lalela scarves will fund an art classroom for a year, a tangible link between luxury and access
Featured artists in the exhibition include photographer Chris Minihane, whose work has been published by National Geographic and exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution, digital artist Gavin Goodman and Cape Town-based Imraan Christian, whose contribution of two caracal paintings evokes the ancestral wildness of the Cape
Sculptor Robbie Rorich and photographer Susanna Neunast contribute work rooted in nature, while a special selection of pieces by the late Paul du Toit speaks to the emotional and personal dimensions of legacy
The venue, situated between the mountain and the sea, has been deliberately chosen to deepen the connection between land, memory and inheritance
“There’s a kind of honesty that happens when you ’ re surrounded by wildness,” said Whittaker “It allows for reflection that’s
Schoolhonoursthepast
NAMHLAMONAKALI
A once-forgotten school building in the heart of Wynberg East has officially been recognised as a Provincial Heritage Site, a triumph for local residents who fought for four years to honour its profound historical legacy
The Old Palmerston School, located at 18 Hayes Road, was gazetted by Heritage Western Cape on Mandela Day (18 July), securing its place in the province’s protected heritage landscape
The site, formerly a beacon of education for children classified as “coloured” under apartheid, has been acknowledged for its outstanding social, historical and associational significance Spearheaded by the Wynberg East Civic Association (Weca), the campaign to protect the school began in April 2021 and culminated this week in an emotional victory for the community
“This declaration is a victory for our community, our heritage, and our future,” said Yunus Karriem, chair of Weca “The Old Palmerston School is more than just a building, it is a living monument to the dignity, resilience and aspirations of generations who refused to be defined by the oppressive systems of their time ”
The school’s legacy is deeply tied to Rev Dr Isaiah Palmerston Samuel and the Moravian Church, both instrumental in advancing education for marginalised communities in the past Its official protection under Section 27(2) of the National Heritage Resources Act ensures it will be preserved not just as a structure, but as a site of memory and empowerment
The declaration coincided with Mandela Day,
grounded, not performative ”
The menu, designed by Head Chef Cameron Smith, will mirror these ideas through a multi-course tapas experience, using sustainable and
a symbolic nod to the school’s historic role in resisting racial oppression through education
Residents and supporters, including former learners and descendants of founders, welcomed the announcement as a “gift to future generations”
Mogamat Ganief Kamedien, a heritage activist and one of the local champions of the campaign, said the recognition restored pride and truth to a community whose histories have too often been sidelined
“This milestone affirms that stories of ordinary people, our grandparents, our teachers, our churches are worthy of preservation It’s a moment of healing and honour ”
Weca also acknowledged key contributors such as Advocate Norman Arendse SC, a former pupil as well as historians, community elders and officials who supported the nomination through to the tribunal process
Heritage Western Cape noted in the official gazette that the school’s significance lies not only in its past but in the values it represents today: education as resistance, community upliftment, and cultural continuity
The move comes at a time of increasing calls for the protection of under-recognised heritage sites, especially in communities affected by forced removals and systemic neglect
Weca said plans were underway to convert the school into a community heritage and learning centre, where the public can engage with local history, oral storytelling and education initiatives “This is about reclaiming our place in history,” said Karriem, “using it to inspire a better future ”
Invitation to join SPE briefing
The public is invited to attend an online briefing about budget priorities for cleaner vleis, a resilient coastline and the upgrade of public places today (29 July) from 17:00 to 18:30
The City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, is inviting residents, stakeholders and interested parties to a session about the directorate’s budget priorities for the current financial year Participants will also have the opportunity to engage City officials and ask questions
locally sourced ingredients
With only four sittings scheduled,
The Quiet Gift is small in scale but ambitious in intention
At a time when art is often commod-
ified and access remains uneven, the event poses a quieter but more lasting question: how do we honour creative work, not just with money, but with space, attention and continuity?
The budget was approved by Council last month The Spatial Planning and Environment (SPE) Directorate’s budget in particular encapsulates the City’s response to climate change, population growth, in-migration, surge in informality, and the need to protect our finite natural resources The budget priorities include the following: improving the water quality of our vleis Join the online meeting at Meeting ID: 352 711 271 454 and Passcode: vZqHmj For info email Jason Love@capetown gov za Shops: cstewart@romatex.co.za
Bulk orders: tbenton@romatex.co.za 122 Epping Ave, Elsies River, Cape Town
On-line: www.roomservicehomeware co.za
Co-founders of the SA Art Fair (from left) Bianca Said, Samantha Whittaker and Georgina Vintin. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Big contraband haul at Pollsmoor
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Amajor joint operation at Pollsmoor Prison has revealed just how entrenched criminal activity remained within the country’s correctional facilities.
Law Enforcement officers uncovered a staggering haul of contraband during the raid, including 305 packets of dagga, 35 Mandrax tablets, quantities of tik, 119 cellphones and 34 sim cards
The discovery has once again placed
the spotlight on the influence gang leaders continue to exert from behind bars and the challenges faced by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)in curbing illicit activity inside prisons
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith has called for urgent intervention
“This bust is further evidence gang bosses are still calling the shots from prison,” he said “We cannot allow prisons to be turned into criminal headquarters The state needs to take control back ”
R45millionbudgetfor city’scemeteries
The Community Services and Health Directorate is planning a range of projects over the next 12 months
The top 25 account for approximately 60% of the available budget, with cemetery upgrades leading the charge
“This City of Cape Town’s Budget of Hope will enhance access to critical services like homelessness support, recreational spaces, and community libraries, while also ensuring that our parks and public spaces are welcoming and functional for all Cape Town residents,” said Mayco member for community services and health Francine Higham
The R45 million cemeteries upgrade project is the single biggest capital project
Cemeteries planned for expansion of burial capacity include: Kuils River, Welmoed and Rusthof In addition, more detailed technical studies are planned for the development and expansion of Klip Road, Hout Bay, Stikland, Vaalfontein and Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain
The planned capital spend is part of a five-year plan to increase burial capacity in Cape Town by 100 000 (double burials/reopening of family graves) through the development of new cemeteries and the expansion of existing ones
An additional R10,7 million will be spent at Maitland Crematorium on the installation of an additional oversized cremator, minor aesthetic improvements to the existing crematorium, mausoleum, parking and other ancillary building elements
Additional key projects for the Community Services and Health Directorate included in the 2025-’26 budget are as follows: Recreation and Parks, Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment: A R6,8 million upgrade to one of Cape Town’s iconic recreational spaces, Strandfontein Clubhouse Development: R3 million, Princess Vlei: Construction of Circular Trail: R10,2 million in 2025-’26, Active Road and Lower Cross Road Parks: Walking Track: R400 000 and R500 000 respectively, Lupin Crescent Park Upgrade: R1,5 million, Beaches and Pools, R6 million to restore swim-
ming pools ensuring that public pools are operationally functional, Mnandi Beach Upgrade: R4,4 million to improve beach facilities to ensure that Cape Town’s coastal spaces remain safe, clean, and accessible Sea Point
Pool Upgrade: R2,4 million, ensuring it remains a top-tier facility for local and international visitors Vulindlela
Pool Upgrade – R2 million allocated for the first phase is focused on conceptual planning, which will identify the best design options for the facility, Sports Facilities Site C Stadium Upgrade: R500 000 R2 million for the installation of synthetic pitches to increase sports participation and provide high-quality facilities for community use Ocean View Baseball Pitch: R1,3 million; Enhancing Active Road Park with a new walking track to promote health and fitness in the community
Libraries too will receive a healthy injection, with more than R12,7 million to be spent on new and replacement books Other major allocations include: R11,8 million on improvements to the department’s IS&T infrastructure and equipment
This includes the replacement of 200 public use computers at libraries Lwandle Community Library:
Nearly R12 million is earmarked for the upgrade of the Lwandle Community Library Suiderstrand Library: R2,6 million has been allocated to complete the redesign and start the tender process for the reconstruction of the Suiderstrand Library
City Health’s flagship projects for this financial year are upgrades to the Matthew Goniwe and Tafelsig clinics, totalling R21,4 million, while the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department will invest just over R4 million a piece on the development of a new Safe Space in Kuils River, and the upgrades at Culemborg One Safe Space
“There are so many exciting projects on the cards, and we will highlight progress as we go along We want to continue to provide facilities that boost community pride and I encourage everyone to help protect these investments by using them responsibly,” added Higham
THEFINDSHIGHLIGHT LONG-STANDING SYSTEMIC ISSUES.
Smith urged the DCS to make use of existing technology, including cellphone signal jamming and advanced screening tools, to limit communication between inmates and their networks outside “We’ve seen jamming technology deployed in Parliament during the State of the Nation
Address in 2015 If it was possible there, why not in correctional centres where it’s critically needed?”
Civil-society organisations and community-safety activists are also sounding the alarm, arguing that the frequency of such finds suggests long-standing systemic issues, including possible staff collusion
Community-based activist Clive Jacobs said the scale of the bust indicates the operation of a “well-oiled network” within the prison “These are not random smuggles These are established systems with ongoing
external communication If we want to protect communities we must start by dismantling the power structures that exist within our prisons ” Correctional Services had yet to confirm whether disciplinary or criminal action would be taken against any employee following the raid Community members had expressed frustration over what they describe as a “revolving door” of criminal activity They say more transparency and accountability were needed within prison administration, which community safety depends on
All the graduates from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders training programme
celebrations for World Librarians Day, Thursday 10 July.
LibrarianscertifiedSILLyonWLD
Twenty-three City of Cape Town librarians are the latest to graduate from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme on World Librarians Day (WLD), celebrated on Thursday 10 July
The group was the fourth to complete the SILL programme - the theme this year was “Learning to play the game ” SILL is a foundational leadership training curriculum designed to build leadership and innovation skills for librarians and was developed at the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programmes in partnership with librarians around the world
The training is divided into interactive modules focusing on leadership, innovation, planning, and communication
The participants spent five weeks sharpening their leadership and
innovation skills on matters linked to youth culture: gamified learning, creative problem-solving and community building These graduates will go on to champion pop-up creative spaces, graphic novel clubs and engaging workshops that equip young residents to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy Because of their energy, libraries have become launch pads where Cape Town’s youth explore ideas, connect with mentors and dream big
“Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication
The graduation is made all the more significant by its timing on World Librarians Day, when we acknowledge the contribution and vital role of librarians
“They do more than just catalogue thousands of items and also advise, troubleshoot and help patrons learn new skills and reach their goals
“The City’s librarians at our 102 service points are making an impact on their communities by providing access to information, supporting education and fostering a love of reading,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
South Africa’s theme for World Librarians Day is “Twelve Languages, One Nation, One Wikipedia”
The City has recently appointed 32 librarians aged between 24 and 35, which brings the total number of librarians in this age group to 68 The younger generation of librarians are guided by the wisdom of their more experienced colleagues and can draw on their established knowledge while contributing their own youth energy, technological savvy, innovation and eagerness to learn
City librarians hold a collective 4 057 years of service experience
who were honoured during the City s
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
“Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication
timing on World Librarians Day,” said Higham
WP cricketers ‘pay
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Players from the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) stepped off the pitch and into the wards of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital last week to mark Mandela Day with a gesture of care and connection.
On Thursday 18 July, WPCA players, coaches and staff, along with representatives from title sponsor World Sports Betting and beverage partner Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, spent the morning handing gifts out and chatting with young patients
Their visit forms part of a growing relationship between the hospital and WPCA, now in its second year
“Visiting the Red Cross Hospital around Mandela Day is very close to our hearts,” said Adrian de Souza, WPCA’s Commercial and Marketing Manager
“This isn’t just about donations, it’s about creating real connections with the children and uplifting their spirits ”
A donation cheque of R20 000 was also handed over by De Souza and World Sports Betting’s Leigh Hasson
Taryn Rubenstein, Donor Relations Manager:
Corporate at the Children’s Hospital Trust, said the experience had a meaningful effect on the children
“The visit gave our young patients a break from boredom and the loneliness of being in hospital They got to meet some amazing cricket players and human beings We love having them over ” Red Cross Children’s Hospital, established in 1956, remains the only stand-alone specialist paediatric facility in sub-Saharan Africa and a leader in paediatric research and training Men’s team players included Beuran Hendricks, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Jiveshan Pillay and Tshepo Moreki, while the women ’ s team was represented by Lara Goodall, Faye Tunnicliffe,
Jemma Botha, among others Hasson said sport offers an important platform for connection
“This is about more than cricket It’s about standing alongside communities and bringing hope, even in small ways ” Marc Odendal, representing Peninsula Beverages, said the company saw Mandela Day as an opportunity to walk its talk on community
engagement
“Partnering with WP Cricket deepens our ability to support local communities through shared values, especially unity, compassion, and development ”
As the players left, waving children behind them, the mood was light and hopeful, a reminder that Mandela Day is not just about giving, but being present where it matters most
THE WP CRICKET TEAM’S VISIT TO RED CROSS FORMED PART OF A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOSPITAL.
Some of the Western Province cricket players during their visit to Red Cross on Mandela Day PHOTO: SUPPLIED
‘We are the Best City in theWorld’
Cape Town has officially secured its position as the Best City in the World after winning the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking the seventh time the South African coastal metropole has claimed this coveted title
This latest accolade comes just six months after Time Out magazine also crowned Cape Town as the world’s best city in January
More than 20 000 United Kingdom (UK) travellers cast their votes in The Telegraph’s annual travel survey, with Cape Town outshining global tourism powerhouses including Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo
This back-to-back international recognition confirms what locals have long known – Cape Town offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and worldclass hospitality
The Telegraph’s assessment highlights the city’s extraordinary visual appeal: “Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the
flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope ”
This unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders – from the iconic Table Mountain cable car experience to the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay – continues to draw international visitors year after year
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, attributes this consistent international recognition to strategic tourism initiatives and community involvement
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” Vos explains
“From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people ”
The City’s focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, have successfully positioned the Mother City’s unique experiences on the global stage, driving tourism demand while ensuring benefits for local communities
The Western Cape’s tourism industry continues to be a powerful economic driver
Recent statistics show the 2023-'24 cruise season alone contributed over R1,32 billion to
FEW PLACES CAN MATCH THE FETED METROPOLIS FOR PHOTOGENIC POWER
the regional economy while supporting more than 2 000 jobs
Cape Town International Airport reported a record-breaking 3,08 million passenger arrivals during the same period
Briony Brookes, chief marketing officer for Cape Town Tourism, celebrates the significance of this repeated recognition “Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world ”
With two global “Best City” titles already secured in 2025, Cape Town’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down Cape Town continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the authentic experiences and natural beauty
Barber of Seville at Theatre on the Bay during August
Cape Town Opera (CTO) brings Rossini’s beloved comic masterpiece The Barber of Seville to Theatre on the Bay from Tuesday 5 to Sunday 17 August in a vibrant new production directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Sylvaine Strike (The Tempest, Spring Awakening, The Promise)
Renowned for her inventive, physically expressive storytelling, Strike draws on her deep background in theatre and commedia dell’arte to deliver a production rich in charm, movement, and vivid characterisation
Her direction heightens the comedy through expressive gesture and physical humour, allowing Rossini’s sparkling score and vocal fireworks to shine atop a visually dynamic, character-driven foundation
The Barber of Seville marks Strike’s first time directing an opera
Leading the multi-award-winning cast is William Berger (Bluebeard’s Castle, The Sound of Music), who stars as the irrepressible, scheming Figaro, with Thando Zwane sharing the lead role Following his debut as Count Almaviva with the English National Opera at the London Coliseum last year, Innocent Masuku will reprise his role in the upcoming CTO production and will share the part with Dumisa Masoka
A former CTO Judith Neilson Young Artist, Masuku made international headlines last year when he placed fourth in Britain’s Got Talent
As the crafty and captivating Rosina, adding comedic flair and vocal brilliance to this fastpaced tale of love, disguise and playful rebellion will be Vienna-based guest artist Megan Kahts and CTO House Soloist Brittany Smith Other
artists include Lonwabo Mose and Conroy Scott as Bartolo; Monde Masimini as Don Basilio; Garth Delport as Fiorello, Luvo Rasemeni as Ambrogio, Lusibalwethu Sesanti as Berta, and a male voice ensemble from the Cape Town Opera Chorus
Composed in 1816, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville remains one of the most enduring and beloved works of Italian opera buffa
The production is musically directed and accompanied on piano by CTO Head Vocal Coach Jan Hugo, with a focus on bringing the rapid-fire Italian recitatives to life and showcasing the expressive range and vocal virtuosity of bel canto singing to charm Cape Town audiences
Staged at the intimate Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay, the production channels the spirit of 18th-century Italian opera houses
The venue ’ s smaller scale becomes a creative advantage what Strike calls “grand opera in bonsai form” giving audiences an up-close and emotionally resonant experience
“If you ’ ve never watched opera, you should try this production,” says Strike - “it’s delightfully funny, filled with physical humour, love, intrigue and plot twists ”
With elegant, period-inflected costumes by Allegra Bernacchioni and a visual aesthetic inspired by classics like Les Enfants du Paradis and Bridgerton, this Barber of Seville is an opera with heart, humour and a healthy dose of theatrical mischief
The Barber of Seville runs at Theatre on the Bay . Bookings are via Webtickets or the Theatre on the Bay box office on 021 438 3300
Following the successful debut season of Letters of Reflection by WGRUV Dance company earlier this year and the overwhelming demand for a repeat season, the performance returns to Homecoming Centre
Patrons can expect performances on Friday 15 August at 19:30 and Sunday 16 August at 15:00 and 19:30
The show highlights seven original works created by Holly and Lex Gruver, as well as highlighting a much-loved piece by American choreographer Tyler Gilstrap called “Unsquared”
Each letter communicates an aspect of different, thought-provoking themes through the technical and free movement the company ’ s contemporary ballet-trained dancers excel at The dancers emote a clean, fresh, hopeful look, bringing a moving, soulful quality to the stage
Each of the seven pieces in the production unfold like a letter – deeply personal yet universally resonant – exploring themes that challenge, inspire and move through a seamless blend of technical precision and expressive freedom From neoclassical to contemporary artistry,
each “letter” awakens our senses – all of us, both young and old – to observe the world with fresh eyes
This stirring performance delves into the impact of love, loss, work and relationships, examining the lies we may believe, the doubts they create and the power of community to redirect our vision toward a hopeful future
The mesmerising original choreography showcases the versatility of the company, creating both a visually stunning and spiritually enriching experience
Holly Gruver, Creative Artistic Director of WGRUV Dance Company, said they are grateful for the overwhelming response
“It’s a joy to know that our work resonated so deeply with audiences We’re thrilled to bring the show back with a return season, bringing even more magic, movement, and emotion to the stage We are so looking forward to taking Letters of Reflection to Cape Town ”
As movement speaks, reflections unfold and dance becomes a powerful conversation, making Letters of Reflection a captivating encounter . Tickets are available from Quicket
The Mother City has been named Best City in the World in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards PHOTO: SUPPLIED
From left: Brittany Smith as Rosina, Lonwabo Mose as Bartolo, Dumisa Masoka as Count Almaviva, and William Berger as the Barber
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Aseza Hele of South Africa powers forward a to grab the ball during an international frien on Saturday 26 July. The Springboks fought half cost them the match PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
BLACKFERNSCOMEOUTA
An exciting second test is on the cards on Saturday 2 August when the Springbok Women take on the Black Ferns in Athlone Stadium
After dominating the first half in chilly conditions, the Black Ferns led 20-11 in the first half but as is customary in Springbok rugby, the hosts sent the bomb squad on in the second half
The reserves made a huge difference and the Black Ferns had to defend as if their lives depended on it The final score was 34-27 in favour of the 5 minutes before the final whistle was the difference The penalties conceded by the Black Ferns played into the hands of the hosts, but they could not put the score beyond doubt and walk victorious from the pitch Coach Swys de Bruin was proud of
g g, g for hanging in and taking their chances when the opportunity arose We are on the right track for the Women ’ s World Cup in England and I am looking forward to Saturday’s second test,” he says Willie Walker, coach of the Black
y y p half and we had to pull out all the stops to prevent them from scoring tries We have our work cut out this week at training in case we are in for a surprise,” Walker says Kick off is Saturday at 17:00 Tickets are R20 per person on Quicket
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Kelsey Teneti of the Blacks Ferns evades a desperate dive by Eloise Webb of the springbok ladies