Do CT pet-owner survey
Pet owners have only two weeks left to participate in a survey focused on collecting data on Cape Town’s pet population, which aims to help shape future planning and interventions around animal welfare
Over the past four weeks, 13 037 pet owners have completed the City of Cape Town’s domestic-animal survey hosted by AfriPaw Animal Welfare The study seeks to address the number of pets in the metro; vaccinated pets; sterilisation status and the type health-care accessed in times of need
AfriPaw is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that educates low-income communities on their pets’ primary needs and facilitates free sterilisations as well as access to affordable primary healthcare and food, and shelter for township pets
The most recent survey was conducted in Vrygrond on Saturday 12 April, when the City deployed teams of fieldworkers to engage residents
Six weeks have been set aside for the survey “We’re trying very hard to improve the quality of life of everybody in our city,” said Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith “Not having a healthy animal population affects the human population So it’s important that we get better data so we can speak to provincial and national government about proper funding for our animal-welfare organisations, who do great
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EVERYONE IN CITY LIES AT THE HEART OF DOING THE PET SURVEY.
work for all the pet lovers and animal owners across the city So if you haven’t done so already, please go online and help us in this very important cause by completing the survey ” The survey outcomes will help shape future
planning and interventions on animal welfare in Cape Town, and provide an estimate of the domestic animal population Fieldworkers conducting the in-person surveys will carry identification cards when visiting properties
Residents can contact the City’s Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to verify a fieldworker ’ s credentials, if need be The survey can be completed online at https://bit ly/4bPScdI The City has also set up a toll-free number for general queries or concerns about the survey – 0800 212 176, available weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00
WesternCapecracksdownonroadsafety
Following the death of 14 pedestrians over the Easter Weekend, the Western Cape Government has renewed its call for all road users to prioritise safety, whether behind the wheel, walking or cycling
Over this period 181 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol These statistics underscore the urgent need for safer road use, both from drivers and pedestrians
Muneera Allie, the Western Cape Mobility Department’s Head of Communications, said these recent figures are a stark reminder of the real consequences of irresponsible behaviour
She said alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times and puts everyone at risk Pedestrians, in particular, remain vulnerable, especially when visibility is low or road rules are ignored
With increased traffic volumes expected, the Western Cape Mobility Department reminds all residents and visitors to stay vigilant and make
responsible choices on the road
Drivers are reminded that alcohol and driving do not mix If you ’ re planning to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and make alternative travel arrangements
Use a ride-hailing service, taxi, or another form of public transport
Designate a sober driver in your group
If hosting offer safe options for guests to get home or stay over
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users To stay safe:
• Cross only at designated pedestrian crossings
• Avoid walking on highways and busy roads
• Wear visible or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor weather conditions
• Stay alert - avoid distractions like phones or headphones near traffic
KEEPCHILDRENSAFE
With children out of school next week, it is crucial for drivers and parents to take the following extra precautions:
• Always use appropriate car seats or booster seats for young children
• Teach children basic road-safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles or near busy roads
• Reduce speed in residential areas, near malls, playgrounds or parks
“As families take advantage of the break to travel or enjoy leisure time we are calling on every individual to be part of the safety solution,” Allie said “It takes only one poor decision to cause a life-changing incident Let us all make the right choices, whether driving, walking or cycling, and ensure a safe and joyful long weekend for everyone ”
Herewithsigningoutforonelasttime...
hand there was so much more, and so a very clear mission was set in motion
My dream was largely realised in 2014 as an intern, on the newspaper ’ s Lansdowne edition
I had a dream of becoming a journalist from Grade 5, when a teacher helped me recognise my gift of the written word And despite much discouragement of having faith in one’s own career dreams, I went on to realise them
Once realised, soon enough it became abundantly clear that this was the right choice, making a difference through telling the stories of others
I always say we are often the voiceless soldiers behind the published works, rewarded by a simple byline at the top for our efforts No personal opinions, no guided narratives So on these few occasions we give readers insight into the person who is the subject of our newspaper
For those who may not know me, or my story, my name is Samantha (although I never hear my full name unless I’m in trouble, of course)
I had a dream of becoming a journalist at People’s Post newspaper, specifically writing for Mitchells Plain, the area I was born and finished my schooling in, and to which I still a have very deep sense of belonging, even though my family moved out of the area at the start of high-school years
I was inspired to make a difference by telling the positive news from the area, amid continuous front-page articles about all the deepest darkest happenings in the area I knew, first-
But slowly God let the full dream unfold, and in time I wrote for the prized edition for Mitchells Plain What was meant to be a six-month internship ended after three months with a full-time offer It was an opportunity to prove myself
Consequently, I believe I personify the saying “If you love what you do you won’t work a day in your life
”
But in reality life is a constant pursuit of success It becomes easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle without realising how much one has achieved and how far one ’ s determination has brought one It is only in moments of silent reflection that we learn to appreciate the journey along with the end destination
With more than 50 awards, commendations, finalist nominations and recognitions along the more-than-10-year span of my career, and having the privilege of featuring in almost every major journalism competition in the country I never imagined doing anything else And honestly, through all of this I have learnt many valuable lessons
How does that line from Woody Allen go (apparently based on an old Yiddish proverb)?
“If you want to make God laugh tell him about your plans
”
I truly believed this was where I had made my name, and where I would possibly end it too You know, one cannot tell the future; I mean, if you asked me a few years ago where I’d be at
this point my answer would probably have been the same as it was then Tomorrow (30 April), I will officially close a chapter of my life At 32, I stand at the precipice of major change A huge step into the unknown, leaving all that I have known, all I had once dreamt of, to embark on a whole new journey, is about to unfold I once believed it was too late for me to start over But I now know it is possible to want more and that one ’ s goals and dreams can evolve
I recognise the magnitude of this new career move, an opportunityto make a fresh start, a whole new beginning, which is more than many can do right now So I can count my blessings In fact, I didn’t want to write this column at all, for fear it would be a tad too emotional My colleagues were quite adamant that I write this, my swansong, and how glad I am that I obliged For the past 10-and-a-half years, People’s Post has become such a huge part of my identity, a publication I have passionately advocated for, and it has been such an incredible ride From the highest of highs to some uncomfortable lows, it has undoubtedly shaped the person I am today
And while it is with a heavy heart that I officially bid farewell to my career as a reporter today I am so immensely grateful for all I have achieved on this most fulfilling of journeys
Thank you for the memories, for the platform, for the opportunity to inform, inspire and entertain you along the way
As I often would say in my videos, “signing out for one more time [although this time final], for People’s Post news I am Samantha Lee-Jacobs ”
SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith at the monthly pet clinic hosted by AfriPaw at Capricorn Primary School
Business forum aims to empower local enterprises
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Businesses in Woodstock will soon have access to the Woodstock Business Forum, which will enable them to discuss areas of common concern and interest, and for tackling common challenges as they occur
The project will be spearheaded by the Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF) Rob Marshall, member of the Woodstock CPF, said the purpose of the business forum is to give businesspeople operating in the area peace of mind He said joining it will be free of charge “Businesses play a crucial role in the success of our community, providing goods, services and employment We have residents’, ratepayers ’ or civic associations to ensure residents have representation in decisions that impact our community We believe business owners, even if they live outside our precinct, should be represented in the same way ” Marshall said residents’ and business owners ’ working together create a powerful united voice to drive positive change, but also to support one another through knowledge sharing or mentorship He said the forum is aimed at any business owner who operates in the Woodstock precinct “This includes Salt River, Observatory, Woodstock, Walmer Estate and University Estate No matter how big or small, let’s come together to discuss what is needed to support more employment and a better environment for business to be successful ” Marshall said the project will be launched soon and businesses are encouraged to join “We are right at the start of the launch There’s a lot still to be figured out along the way, but we are driven to ensure any business
feels heard when decisions are made Businesses can follow us on Facebook or Instagram, and in the near future we will launch a website and mailing list We are also very excited that both of our ward councillors have offered to meet local business owners face to face to introduce themselves and support the forum ”
He said joining the forum will be an easy process
“It’s important for us that we don’t create any administrative effort or cost to business It should be easy to find your voice through the forum As such there is no registration requirement and no cost either ”
Marshall appealed to people to become volunteers
“So any business owners wishing to give some of their time to supporting this effort can contact us via social media As with any other community initiative it relies on volunteers We would be happy to have individuals come forward who are vested in businesses being successful Together we can do great things ”
Yusef Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, said:
“With the incredible growth in economic activity in the area the time has come for such a forum For every 10 million jobs we dream of creating we need a million new businesses ”
He believes the forum will help businesses learn from one another and support and grow one another
“We'll cut red tape, invest in infrastructure and entrepreneurial catalysts so business owners can employ and grow on theirs ”
Two arrested for possession
Two Kensington men are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today (29 April) on charges of being in possession of a large amount of cash, dangerous weapon, house-breaking implements and presumed stolen
Anelisiwe Manyana, provincial police spokesperson said officers were on patrol along Voortrekker Road, towards 18th Avenue, Kensington on Friday 25 April when they spotted two suspicious-looking men carrying backpacks “The members approached the suspects and searched them
FROMPAGE1
“It was extremely exciting,” Pande pointed out “It was load shedding at the time We were all nervous, and most of us did not know one another We just all had one thing in common, to feel the joy of walking at night without fearing the night ” Fast-forward to today; the group has expanded and now has more than 2 000 followers on its social-media platforms and covers many areas “We walked in areas such as the city centre, Sea Point, Khayelitsha, Langa, Muizenberg, Salt River, Woodstock and Bo-Kaap and covered most areas in the Southern Suburbs,” said Pande
On Thursday 24 April, the group took to the streets in Milnerton “This is not a fixed group of women, but women from various neighbourhoods,” Pande pointed out “So women would contact me and say that they want to walk their communities at night This group is always open to women and non-binary people Each month new women join ”
She emphasised this was not a protest “It’s very different to walk in Khayelitsha at night and very different to walk in Sea Point at night Men have shown a lot of interest in our walk and we have been so glad for their camaraderie They always want to join the walk, and we
always said that we cannot expect them to walk with us because that would defeat the point ” She said the group hoped each walk brought awareness “The point is to be able to take our space back and be able to walk without any kind of male protection We thank them for their support and solidarity
“We want them to take an interest in this walk and speak to other men and figure out why women need to walk in groups to feel safe We also want them to spread the word to women in their families ”
Pande appeals to more communities to take up the challenge “This doesn’t have to be an event It can happen in all communities simultaneously in smaller groups It’s just about normalising the presence of women in public spaces at night ” She said she was willing to meet with any government official to discuss women ’ s safety
“Government needs to take this seriously and ask themselves why is it that women have to take things into their hands And why they have to organise something like this to feel safe What makes us feel safe is having public transport, buses and street lights
“This is not a march, we do not seek permission, nor will we seek police protection because it’s a walk by a group of women ”
A group of women took to the streets in Milnerton on Thursday 24 April PHOTO: SUPPL ED
The Woodstock Business Forum will be open to
Quarry upgrade impasse lingers
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Bo-Kaap residents and interested parties have until Friday 30 May to submit their comments on the land use application for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry site
The Quarry, a National Heritage Site, is one of three quarries in the area and borders the historic Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant
The proposal is to transform the site into a multi-use community precinct that integrates sports, culture, economic activities and tourism in a unique setting
In 2023, the City initiated a due-diligence investigation and concept-design process for the Strand Street Quarry, in collaboration with a collective of community representatives (“BoKaap association optimistic about redevelopment plans for Strand Street Quarry”, People’s Post, 14 November 2023)
Speaking to the newspaper at the time, Osman Shabodien, outgoing chair of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association, said the site should be preserved for its rich history
“It was the first quarry in South Africa Those stones built the Castle of Good Hope The respect we must show in our heritage and history is to recognise the history of that quarry without any reservation
“The stones there are bloodied from slaves and everybody else ”
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and mayco member for spatial planning and the environment, said once fully developed the site must benefit the local communities and Capetonians generally
“We have been collaborating with the local community and stakeholders since 2023 on a shared vision for this important site I am elated to say we have now reached a pivotal moment where the land-use application for the proposed redevelopment is advertised in terms of the City’s municipal planning bylaw ”
oped to meet these needs and how the collaboration will uplift the wider area and give hope ”
Andrews said the application makes provision for phased implementation over time, and by different role-players
He said the City and the other role-players were eager to receive input as part of this statutory process
“When we started with the concept-design process for the Strand Street Quarry in March 2023 we made the commitment to build partnerships with the impacted communities, and to be inclusive
“City officials asked these representatives what they need, how the Quarry site can be devel-
Andrews said the land-use application was based on the vision that was crafted in collaboration with the directly-affected communities, with the intention to deliver a fully-developed site that will benefit Capetonians for generations to come
“I want to thank the civic associations, sports groups, community organisations and residents for the time set aside for the collaboration, and for the trust they put in us and this ongoing process
“Obtaining public comment on the planning application is a crucial step in ongoing engagements to make this facility a reality ”
Zaki Harris, chair of the Bo-Kaap Tourism Association, said they did not feel that a tourism hub would protect or promote the history and heritage of the site
“In fact, we feel it will undermine it For 100 years or more, this has been a field used by the kids and youth of Bo-Kaap to play sports
“With the lack of dedicated rugby or cricket fields in the area, the Quarry has always been the field that we go and play on when the game gets too big for the road
“Developing this site to accommodate sports and be home for the community’s sporting culture is a much more respectful use of this heritage site ”
Harris said the association has been in numerous engagement meetings with the City regarding the proposed tourism hub at site
“In each meeting we expressed our rejection of the plans citing reasons for our rejection and offering suggestions We have also written emails to state our official case however this falls on deaf ears and seldom garners any type of feedback ”
Baxter stages ‘Hedda’
Guns, roses, tilled soil and feathers These are just some of the items to be found scattered throughout Christiaan Olwagen's bold, irreverent and visually-magnificent production of Hedda Gabler, with English and Afrikaans seasons, which runs at the Baxter Theatre.
This award-winning reworking of Henrik Ibsen's play, with one of theatre's most enduring femme fatales at its centre, is brought into the 21st century with Rolanda Marais in the distinctly fiery title role Hedda Gabler will be performed in Afrikaans from Thursday 1 until Saturday 10 May and from Monday 12 to Saturday 24 May, with the same ensemble, when it makes its English debut
The formidable cast, led by Marais, also has Afrikaans-theatre bluebloods Albert Pretorius, Martelize Kolver, Ashley de Lange, Ludwig Binge and Stian Bam, with direction and translation by Christiaan Olwagen
Following a sold-out debut at the 2024 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, Hedda Gabler was the big winner at this year ' s kykNET Fiëstas, with an
IBSEN PLAY HAS NEW SPIN
impressive four awards: best actress for Marais, best achievement in design, ensemble and festival production The play was awarded the first Martie Retief Meiring Award at the Woordtrofees last year, for a new work bringing challenge and excitement to the stage, a talking point Hedda has recently returned from her honeymoon with Jurg (Albert Pretorius), but all is not well in the household Despite Jurg's success he already bores her and still can't believe that the beautiful Hedda chose him When her old flame Lovborg (Ludwig Binge) shows up she aims a wrecking ball at her life Why?
Because she can! Marina Griebenouw, in her review for INK, remarked that Ibsen's most complex female character "beguiles and scorches as spectacularly and fleetingly as a comet through the sky with everyone who crosses her path or stands in her way " Elzanne Coetzee wrote that "Olwagen ' s interpretation and handling of this text breathes new life into the wild-woman trope I think there is
something incredibly satisfying about a neat set that is completely destroyed by an explosive production " Hedda rebels against everything in her power with venomous wit and unapologetic defiance, in a produc-
tion with an age restriction of 16, a thrilling rebellious tale of power, passion and destruction
Set design is by Rocco Poole, costumes by Mariechen Vosloo, lighting design by Wolf Britz, music
.The production runs at 19:30
Saturday matinees at 15:30
is through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores
CapeTownInternationalJazzFestivalhitsalltherightnotes
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Jazz was on the menu this weekend as the 22nd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Thousands of music enthusiasts came out to get a glimpse of their favourite artists performing live And those who could not make it to the festival had the opportunity to get a taste of some of the entertainment on Thursday 24 April at the Jazz Festival free concert held on Greenmarket Square
Over 5 000 people turned out Thursday to catch the likes of local songtress Andrea Fortuin, kwaito music group TKZee and British jazz band Incognito, among others Ricardo Mackenzie, MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, told People’s Post the festival unites people “It has been exciting, the gees was amazing and I loved it The theme of this year ’ s festival was “Legacy Meets Tomorrow ” For me this is a legacy show in Cape Town For the two nights I came with my daughters Hopefully one day their children can come And that is what this is about ”
He said the event allows local artists to showcase their talent to the world
“If you are on stages such as these you get spotted It is not just for locals but international audiences too ” Spead across the Kippies, Manen-
berg, Molelekwa and Rosies stages, patrons were treated to performances by about 30 local and international artists
These included Jamaican-American musician and singer Masego, local band The Ploemies, trumpeter Muneeb Hermans, Jazz vocalist and composer Nomfundo Xaluva, multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jiyane and American singer, songwriter Ari Lennox among others
People’s Post spoke to a few of the festivalgoers
Mica Traut from Retreat said she grew up with jazz, so she did not want to miss the festival
Sheila Hlanjwa said she attends annually and enjoys the music Making her debut at the festival, South African singing sensation Lira had the crowd on their feet during her 45-minute set
An emotional Lira said this was her first performance in Cape Town since she suffered a stroke three years ago
Speaking to the cheering crowd, the Believer hitmaker said her recovery journey was “difficult but worth it ”
“I struggled to talk, and I didn’t focus on signing I was focusing on talking In December 2023 I was caught up in the music of country I sang randomly and I noticed I could sing In January 2024 I decided to practice my songs and singing came very easily I got my life back when I wasn’t thinking ”
Jamaican-American musician, Masego PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
American songtress Ari Lennox was the headline act on Saturday
Lanielle Hartzenberg, Carmen Prins, Charmaine Slinger-Smith, Danchia Slinger-Smith and Euodia Samson enjoyed the festival.
Rush and Erica Gutu enjoyed all the performances
Athlone residents, Riethaa Abrahams, Taahirah Adams and Laaiqah Ghadien had a blast
Believer hitmaker Lira made her debut at the festival
by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and choreography by Natalie Fisher
with
Booking
Rolanda Marais and Albert Pretorious in Hedda Gabler PHOTO: JEREMEO LE CORDEUR
Soccer Budyz readytogo
Girls and boys between the ages of four and seven years are invited to compete in the Soccer Budyz CKC Cup mini-tournament to be held on Saturday 3 May at Sansbury Mall in Eerste River
The event, which is hosted in partnership with Cornelius Schools, involving 14 of its franchise schools, takes place from 08:00 to 13:00
According to Fernando Classen, founder of Soccer Budyz, the development venues where boys and girls can participate in its programmes are in Rylands, Eerste River and Pinelands, at Oude Molen High School
“The event on Saturday in Eerste River is a celebration of youth talent and sportmanship, and the areas our kids come from include Durbanville, Kuils River, Eerste River, Mandalay, Khayelitsha, Maitland, Pinelands, Athlone, Claremont, Ottery, Mitchell’s Plain, Goodwood and Parow Awesome prizes are up for grabs and we promise fun for the
DURBELLARECURRENTLYTHELOGLEADERS
YOUNG COLLEGIANS WIN IN LENTEGEUR
Mihlali Mpongo of Vusa Rugby Academy in Langa slips the desperate attempt of Ameer Orderson of Collegians Rugby Football Club during a WPRU School League game played at the refurbished Lentegeur Sports Complex on Saturday 26 March Collegians won the u-13 fixture 28-17
Rugby action heats up
Rugby supporters of clubs in Super League A are in for a stressful time this season as there are no outright favourites at the moment.
With three games completed
Durbell are currently log leaders with 14 points after three matches, and it was obvious on Saturday 26 April against newbie Van der Stel-Evergreens from Stellenbosch that they are on a mission to topple Hamiltons this year
At half-time Durbell led 19-12 and VDE was still in the game
However, when the second half started VDE could not keep up with the experienced Durbell players who romped to a 52-24 victory
Valuable lessons were learnt by the visitors and the spectators in Durbanville cannot complain about the rugby on display
Other teams cannot afford to write VDE off after this loss and everyone is looking forward to the rest of the season to see how they grow after each match against the big guns In their first match they dispatched St Georges by 40-11
But rugby leagues are not won in May and with the tertiary institutions starting to fulfil their league commitments after the Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield, it will be a seesaw-battle on the log Helderberg is second on the log with
points followed by Villager (11) and False Bay (7)
VDE v Unimil False Bay v Maties Villager v UWC Kuils River and Helderberg have byes
A bloodied Andries Viljoen of Villager RFC trots nonchalantly to the try-line, a split-second
Mark Kleinschmidt, councillor of Ward