KENSINGTONPOLICESTAT Cells
KAYLYNNE BANTOM KAYLYNNE BANTOM@ NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Refurbishments of the Kensington police holding cells, which have not been functional for more than three years, are set to start this month (July)
In April, Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg, penned a letter to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, stating hat the cells had not been in service since 2022 (“Cells unusable”, People’s Post, 8 April 2025)
As a result detainees are held at Maitland Police Station, about 5 km from the area
Speaking to People’s Post previ-
Kensington Police Station begins long-delayed refurb ment to holding cells
ously, Mluleki Mbhele, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) provincial secretary, said limited budget was allocated to the police for maintenance of minor defects
“The larger portion of maintenance is located under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI),” he added
However, a press statement from the department mentioned “the Kensington Police Station has been devolved to the South African Police Service”, that it is responsible for the
epa g e oc s o e ga es
“With regard to detainees, they are still kept at Maitland,” he said Steenberg welcomed the upgrades and said it had been a long time coming
“I am pleased to see our pressure has paid off and the Kensington cells will be repaired in the interest of the community this police station serves, especially the officers ”
Steenberg said he hoped “meaningful thought” was considered for the long-term maintenance plans for the cells
“This is so that we don’t fall into the
e ac a ou co u y without adequate services as a and at least two officers were o the precinct for unspecified tim frames ”
Liedeman said this would be for Maitland Police Station
“We are elated that finally th holding cells will be repaired to standards required and this to be a relief for our neighbourin cinct who has been assisting fo more years ”
Stemmit could not specify ex ly when refurbishments would completed
PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Sign up for Blisters now
Lace up your walking shoes, it’s just one month to the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk.
Now in its 57th year, Blisters for Bread is not just a walk it’s a movement
Each year, thousands gather in solidarity to help the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) combat child hunger by raising vital funds to provide daily meals to learners across the Western Cape
This year ’ s event is happening on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It features a 5km and 10km charity fun walk, live entertainment, food stalls, and a warm sense of community spirit
And to top it off, patrons can look forward to some live entertainment post-walk
One of the performers taking to the stage is The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin
BLISTERS FOR BREAD IS NOT JUST A WALK—IT’S A MOVEMENT
Gysman
Born and raised in the close-knit community of Klipfontein Mission Station in Philippi, Anslin is a gifted vocalist and rising South African star whose soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics have inspired thousands With a social media following of over 250 000 and growing, he continues to use his platform to uplift and motivate others, making him the perfect fit for this meaningful event
Petrina Pakoe, Director of PSFA, said: “We’re incredibly excited to
welcome Anslin to the Blisters for Bread stage His personal story, passion for social upliftment, and incredible talent align beautifully with our mission This year ’ s event promises to be our most memorable yet ” Entries are now open, with a R100 entry fee, which will feed a child both breakfast and lunch for a day They close at midnight on Sunday 17 August Official event T-shirts are available at R150 Only online entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers .
I’m not a man, yet every man I’ve known has shaped my world one way or the other I was raised by one Loved by one Supported by one Guided by one From the father who quietly carried burdens, to the uncle whose strength was soft compassion, to the manager who led and the countless male colleagues alongside whom I’ve worked and woven a shared purpose Each has deepened my commitment to honouring men ’ s mental well-being June marks Men’s Mental Health Month globally, and it lands close to my heart
Because behind the men we love, admire, and lean on, are human beings who have for too long been expected to suppress their pain, shrink their feelings, and carry the world without asking for help I practically grew up with my dad I’ve seen him at his lowest, at his messiest and his greatest yet I never flinched once If anything, I leaned in closer I admired, and still admire, his vulnerability He soared on it
There was a certain dignity in how he allowed himself to feel deeply, to be imperfect and real,
without ever letting that diminish his strength Watching him gave me a language for love that includes honesty, not just protection It taught me that masculinity and emotional expression are not opposites, they are allies South Africa is in crisis
Our country ranks among the top ten globally in suicide rates, with approximately 23,5 deaths per 100 000 people annually In 2023 alone, 13 774 people died by suicide Of these, 10 861 were men, nearly 80% That means four out of every five people who take their own lives in South Africa are men
The male suicide rate stands at an alarming 37,6 per 100 000 people, compared to 9,8 for women These are not just numbers, they are brothers, fathers, uncles, sons, partners, colleagues and friends
Yet, despite the magnitude of this crisis, men ’ s mental health remains a whispered subject, one often treated with discomfort, judgment, or outright neglect We cannot begin to address what we refuse to see I believe there are many reasons why men suffer in silence
From boyhood, many are taught to “ man up, ” “indoda ayikhali” to show no weakness and wear resilience like armour even when they are breaking inside
The pressures to perform, to provide, to protect, all while suppressing vulnerability are relent-
less In a country where the youth unemployment rate hovers at 62% among those aged 15–24, many young men carry a crushing sense of failure before they’ve had a fair chance to begin
Others bottle up the pain of trauma, poverty, or unprocessed grief, only to express it later through anger, violence, or self-destruction
Because they are rarely taught the language of emotional literacy We see the consequences not only in suicide statistics, but also in spirals of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and fractured families – these are not excuses but realities unspoken When men are wounded and given no tools to heal, that pain does not stay contained; it ripples outward, hurting everyone And so I return to the men in my life I see you I see the cost of carrying everything, of being expected to never fall I see the tears you never let fall in front of us I see the battles you fight in the quiet of your mind, the dreams you put aside to be what the world told you a “real man ” must be
It is time we build a society where men can be fully human, where they are not defined by how much they earn or how well they perform, but by how deeply they feel, connect, heal, and grow We need homes, churches, schools, and workplaces where emotional honesty is normalised
Where fathers are not just expected to provide, but are supported when they need to be held too
This month is not only a time to remember the pain so many men carry, it is also a time to change the culture that keeps them silent
Conversations about gender must include them
When we speak of gender-based violence, mental illness, poverty, or trauma, we must recognise that men are not just perpetrators or providers They are people They are participants in the human experience They matter We cannot have true gender equity if it favours one gender while forgetting the other Empowering women does not require the neglect of men In fact, healing men is part of healing families, communities, and generations To the men we know and love, you are not alone You are allowed to be vulnerable You are allowed to be unsure You are allowed to cry You are allowed to speak And more than anything, you are allowed to heal To my gal pals –mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, friends, let us not wait until tragedy forces us to pay attention Let us build a culture of care now Let us open our hearts and homes
Let us be the first to listen without judgment, to soften the space, to honour the humanity of the men who have always tried to carry us
Unemployed residents registered on the City’s jobseekers’ database are requested to update their details before Sunday 1 November
Those who have not updated their details over the previous 12 months will be automatically deactivated
This means they will no longer be eligible for Extended Public Works Programmes (EPWP) placements until their information
The EPWP is a national government initiative implemented by the City of Cape Town to provide temporary work opportunities, reduce poverty and offer meaningful workplace experience to residents
To be considered for EPWP opportunities jobseekers must be registered and active on the City’s Jobseeker Database, which ensures
a fair and transparent recruitment process
To maintain fairness and efficiency in this process the City urges all jobseekers to update their details regularly to stay eligible for placement
To register and update, they must visit a subcouncil office or SmartCape Centre at a library
It is open on weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30, except public holidays
. Visit the EPWP Walk-In Centre at 50 Wale Street, which is open weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30
. For more information, contact the EPWP HelpDesk on 021 400 9406 or email epwp help@capetown gov za Registering on the Jobseekers Database as well as receiving any
related EPWP work opportunities from the City are entirely free No payment is required at any stage of the process
Jobseekers must provide the following information to update their details:
. Personal identification–ID document
. Proof of address
. Contact information
. Skills and experience information – Curriculum Vitae Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, said the City remained dedicated to creating pathways to employment and empowering our communities through inclusive, skills-based opportunities “The EPWP provides valuable on-the-job experience and an opportunity to contribute
meaningfully to community development projects By registering on the database residents position themselves to be considered for available EPWP placements as they arise across various departments and initiatives ”
The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin Gysman PHOTO SUPPLIED
Breakout year for Ryley Smith
Two young paddling champs from Camps Bay High School are making waves far beyond the Atlantic shores of their Hout Bay home Ryley Smith, a Grade 11 learner from Camps Bay High School, has achieved what few young athletes ever do earning national selection in two different sporting codes.
Not only will he represent South Africa in a canoe marathon at the 2025 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Hungary, but it has now been officially announced that both Ryley and fellow learner Holly Smith have been selected for the Springbok Lifesaving Team to compete in the Lifesaving World Championships in New Zealand
This dual honour reflects Ryley’s extraordinary talent, versatility, and dedication to all things aquatic
At the recent SA Canoe Marathon Championships in Upington in the Northern Cape, Ryley delivered a performance that confirmed his status among South Africa’s elite young paddlers
He claimed gold in the K2 (Doubles) event with his partner Keagan Vogt from Maritzburg College, powered to a silver medal finish in the Short Course event after a nail-biting sprint, and placed fifth in the K1 (Singles) after a tight and tactical race
His classmate and fellow Hout Bay resident, Jared Shrimpton, also impressed with a strong showing of his own earning bronze in the K2 with Sam Mocke from Fish Hoek High School and another bronze in the K1 (Singles) Both paddlers have now been selected for the South African Junior Men’s Team and will represent the country at the World Cham-
pionships in Győr, Hungary Ryley and Keagan will race together in the Long Course K2, while both Ryley and Jared have been selected for the Short Course event, a high-speed, strategy-heavy race format that often comes down to milliseconds
Adding to his growing list of accolades, Ryley has also been selected for the 2025 Olympic Hopes Canoe Sprint event in Racice, Czech Republic, an elite international showcase for emerging paddlers that underscores his versatility and stamina across both marathon and sprint disciplines
Now, with the official confirmation
SELECTED FOR THE SA JUNIOR MEN’S TEAM FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
of the Springbok Lifesaving Team, Ryley’s international journey continues Together with Holly, also from Camps Bay High, he will head to New Zealand next year as part of the squad
representing South Africa at the Lifesaving World Championships
“We are beyond proud,” said Busi Ngcwama, head of sport at Camps Bay High School
“To have a learner selected for one national team is a huge honour but for Ryley to represent South Africa in both canoeing and lifesaving, and to be joined by Holly on the Springbok team, is phenomenal
“It speaks to the depth of talent and commitment we are nurturing at Camps Bay These are athletes who lead by example gritty, humble, and driven ”
As the school community rallies behind them, Ryley and Jared now face the challenging months ahead with focus and fire Between Hungary, Czech Republic, and New Zealand, they’ll be navigating training schedules, school commitments, and global travelall while carrying the hopes of their school, community, and country
Their story is more than just about medals It’s a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets discipline, and when young South Africans are supported to chase their dreams on the world stage
the prizes on offer
Patric Solomons, managing director of the organisation, told People’s Post proceeds from the event will help cover some of the expenses “The aim of the Quiz Night was to raise funds to help keep Molo Songololo afloat The funds will help cover operational expenses for the work we do with children and impact directly to secure their safety, empowerment and healing ”
are paid less for what it would cost to implement a project ” Solomons took a swipe at the department and said securing funds was a constant battle “DSD pays profit-making companies 100% for supplies, goods and services This is an unfair funding model that jeopardises NGOs’ survival NGOs are expected to get the rest of the funds needed elsewhere ” He explained that they also received
our fundraising activities The quiz night was a success Everyone had fun and went home with a prize ” Solomons said donations in kind are also welcomed “Individual donations, once-off donations or regular monthly contributions are a great help. We call on individuals who want to support the work of Molo Songololo to consider a small monthly contribution Every amount helps ”
In front is Ryley Smith, followed by Keagan Vogt and Jared Shrimpton. PHOTO SUPPLIED
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nity stories to school updates and sporting events,” said Esme Smit, General Manager of Novus Media “The platform emphasises its commitment to delivering authentic reliable news that matters on both local and national levels
Were providing news you can rely on news that is not fake news that matters close to home and diverse true to our rainbow nation and culture ”
Lise Beyers National Digital News Editor for Novus Media, said she was extremely excited about the launch of this groundbreak-
g delivering both hyperlocal storytelling and global perspective to significantly expanded audiences in a way no other digital media site has achieved
Launch competitions
To celebrate the launch, Novus Media is running two exciting competitions for users who subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter and follow NovaNews on Facebook In the Search for the Star competition, participants stand to win one of five R4 000 Pick n Pay vouchers or a luxurious 2-night stay for two people at The Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha,
valid for six months Travel costs are for the winner’s own expense
In the Nou waa is that star competition several stars will be hidden in reports on the novanews co za home page If you find a star, click on it and a form will pop up to enable you to subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter
Then follow NovaNews on Facebook The competitions will run for two weeks
Digital innovation
The launch represents Novus Media’s commitment to accessible digital journalism
through innovative user-experience design The platform allows readers to access trusted news content instantly through its web browsers, with intuitive navigation that seamlessly connects hyperlocal community stories with national and international coverage With fake news increasingly challenging media credibility novanews co za emphasises its dedication to factual, verified reporting The platform is now live at novanews co za with competition details available on the website and associated social media channels
Bluey makes debut in CapeTown
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
As a parent to young kids the names Bluey, Bingo, Mom (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit) might sound all too familiar
You will also be forgiven if you immediately sang or hummed the catchy introduction melody while reading their names
Everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler dog family is live on stage at the Artscape Theatre until Sunday 6 July
Bluey’s Big Play, the Stage Show, is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animated television series and is based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and contains music by Bluey composer Joff Bush
The characters are represented by larger-thanlife puppets operated by talented puppeteers who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage
On Thursday 26 June, People’s Post got a behind-the-scenes look and interacted with the all South-African cast of the much-loved production, a day before the production debut in South Africa
Jacob Williams, puppeteering director, said the show consists of 12 cast and six crew members and an entire production team
According to Williams, it took about four years to put the stage production together He explains that some of the local cast did not have puppeteering experience
“They have learned a completely new craft in three weeks I have been blown away by their hard work and by how much they have grown in the few weeks ” Williams says each puppet is operated by two people due to its weight
“We get each puppeteer to learn both the head-track and the foot-track It is not just a
children’s show It is for the entire family ”
Williams said people can look forward to a fun-filled show
“They can expect familiar characters from the show They will see things like Bluey’s bedroom and the garden It will be Bluey’s world live on stage ”
Johannesburg-born actress Angel Orugbo portrays the role of Chilli (Mom)
“I never had no puppeteering experience before and it’s phenomenal to be able to play such a cool and fun character Chilli is sassy and sarcastic We get to delve into her personality ”
Orugbo says she is elated to be part of the production
“You can feel the love that people have for this production It’s been so much fun and I am proud to be a part of it ”
Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are supporting an initiative, along with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (capespca co za), to make sure that their South African furry friends will make it through winter with their tails wagging, their fur thick and warm and their noses wet and shiny
Audiences coming to watch the show are encouraged to bring along donations of pet food, blankets and pet toys for the dogs and other pets being cared for by the SPCA, as well as any second-hand books they’d like to clear out of their collections, which will be sold to help raise money to cover the society’s expenses
.Tickets are available on showtime co za and ticketmaster.co.za
Bluey’s Big Play the Stage Show is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animat-
television series PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler
Patrons
Look after your schools
As the winter school break is in full swing the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) urges communities to keep an eye on local schools and to report any suspicious activities to the police
The WCED says during the December holiday it saw a surge
Maynier wished teachers and learners a well-deserved break
“As schools close for the winter break, we wish all of our learners, teachers and school staff members a safe and peaceful holiday after a very busy term ” He said teaching and learning
Fosterhomeneeds publicsupport
The harm of excessive screen time
PopularUnrulytorouseaudiences
Unruly, a riveting new production devised by the Empatheatre team, will be performed at the Baxter Studio from Thursday 17 July until Saturday 2 August
The play explores the complexities of human-animal relationships, Cape Peninsula’s shared ecology, and the unpredictable forces of nature Tensions run high as baboon politics divides a community seeking answers Unruly looks at how humans can understand the issue from multiple perspectives - painting in the process a rich picture of the Cape Peninsula’s complex history and shared ecology of mountain, ocean, urban and military environments, prone to wildfires, seas surges and messy human/animal relations
In addition to the obvious theme of the play, secondary threads of narrative are woven into the work's dense texture, such as promoting empathy between divided communities, man ' s destruction of nature, materialism and the liberation that comes from renunciation of all things superfluous to a fulfilling existence
The show has completed two sold-out tours across the Cape Peninsula to wide acclaim last year, playing to baboon-visited neighbourhoods, as well as high schools, baboon rangers, municipal and conservation authorities, NGOs and civic groups It was nominated for three Fleur De Cap Theatre Awards including Best Theatre Production, Best Solo Performance (Andrew Buckland) and Best Sound/Music (Chantal Willie-Petersen)
“With this topic more salient than ever, the return of Unruly at The Baxter as a fully developed theatrical work is important timing,” says director Neil Coppen “We devised this piece following research into residents’ own lived experiences and challenges of coexisting with urban baboons on the Cape Peninsula The feedback at our post-show discussions has been invaluable for interrogating the question, “How should we, as humans, act towards a nature that doesn’t always behave the way we expect it to?” The debate remains ongoing to explore
AN UNIQUE METHODOLOGY FOR STAGING THEATRE IN THE ROUND
solutions and understanding on both sides,” says Coppen Empatheatre has developed a unique method-
‘SwanLake’headsto CTwithjointproduction
For the first time in almost 30 years, South Africa’s leading ballet companies - Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) and Joburg Ballet - will be joining forces to present one of the most iconic and beloved works in the classical ballet repertoire, Swan Lake
Maestro Brandon Phillips will conduct a specially assembled orchestra for the four performances at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July
South African choreographer
Veronica Paeper will oversee the re-staging of this glorious version of Swan Lake that was originally staged in Cape Town in 1971 by French dancer Attilio Labis
Nearly 150 years after its first performance in Moscow in 1877, this saga of love and betrayal remains at the pinnacle of classical ballet, performed by ballet companies around the world with its leading role danced by great ballerinas of every generation
The two companies have a stunning line-up of established stars and exciting newcomers waiting in the wings to dance the leading roles
Alternating with their Joburg Ballet counterparts in both cities as Odette/ Odile and Prince Siegfried will be CTCB principals Kirstél Paterson and Hannah Ward, partnered by Leusson Muniz and guest artist Jerome Barnes who was recently seen opposite Ward in CTCB’s sell-out season of Giselle at Artscape
The role of the evil Von Rothbart will be shared by CTCB’s Axton Green and Joburg Ballet’s Gabriel Fer-
City
and
nandes and David Maluleka Tracy Li, CTCB’s artistic manager, said: “Swan Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful full-length classic and this meaningful collaboration is a celebration of unity within this unique and powerful artform ” Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell added: “Joburg Ballet is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town City Ballet to present a production of one of the great classical ballets on a scale appropriate to the classical tradition ” .Tickets from R200 are available (nationally) through Webtickets
ology for staging theatre in the round, for it to be conducive for public dialogue, conflict transformation and building public tribunals In the previous two tours, post-show dialogues were available for audiences to process the research that underpins the script, to ask questions and give testimony from their own encounters and contexts with Wildlife/human conflict As such we would like to offer this experience to audiences coming to the show Audiences can
join the post show dialogue in selected limited performances on Saturday 19 July at 14:30 and Saturday 26 at 14:00 shows The dialogues will be facilitated by co-author of Unruly, and co-founder of Empatheatre Dr Dylan McGarry The play has an age restriction of 14 and tickets cost R240 at webtickets For discounted block or school bookings, charities or fundraisers email carmen kearns@uct ac za or mark dobson@uct ac za
Step into a realm of wonder with Beyond, a bold new dance production from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) at Theatre on the Bay from Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 July Following the success of Hollywood, Vintage Jukebox, and Come Together, Lamta’s annual dance production takes on an exciting new form Beyond reimagines the stage as a fantastical cirque experience an immersive blend of dance, music,
acrobatics and of course theatrical artistry
The production fuses choreography with elements of clowning, breath-taking visuals and haunting vocal harmonies, inviting audiences to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary Lamta joins creative forces with Followspot Productions to deliver a spellbinding showcase of physical theatre, comedy and high-energy performance
The production features over 40 Lamta students alongside several professional guest performers including Ashley Searle, Jessica Frances, Merlo Hollenbach, Siyabonga Swelindawo and Xolani Sikunana
Expect a kaleidoscope of creativity, where the boundaries of performance go beyond this world and imagination
Cape Town
Ballet’s Sasha Barnes as Odile,
Joburg Ballet’s Monike Cristina as Odette. PHOTO: LAUGE SORENSON
Andrew Buckland in Unruly PHOTO: RETHA FERGUSON
I From campus right to Springbok
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