2 December
‘I can dream once again’
Your disability does not define you. This was the key message at the Cape Town Society for the Blind’s (CTSB) annual graduation ceremony on Thursday 27 November.
The aim of the Salt River based organisation is to equip blind and visually impaired persons with relevant skills to enjoy full economic and social independence
About 60 visually impaired students graduated after completing a yearlong course in various study fields
The fields include, among others, cane weaving, fabric weaving, computer courses, and international computer driver’s licence (ICDL), an internationally recognised course that permits students to learn basic computer skills
Judith Coetzee, CTSB’s chief executive officer said: “Some students were with us for 18-months completing the longer courses and the graduation is to celebrate them and their achievements ”
One of the graduates, Franklin Simmer said that the organisation has helped him find purpose again
Simmer explained that he lost his sight a few years due to Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited eye condition that slowly damages the retina’s light-sensing cells, causing gradual vision loss
He says by 2017 he went permanently blind And soon became depressed as he could no longer work
Simmer said a friend recommended him to CTSB and he joined in February this year
“The work that the CTSB is doing is brilliant Thanks to the smart digital class I now know how to work on my smart phone I can respond to emails and perform tasks I can dream once again ”
Jolene Kriel from Table View received the top student award
Kriel successfully completed and achieved top scores in Softskills (life skills training) Smart-
see you pote t a t s ce to o t at e have this community that pushes us to our limits I am trying find a job and with the courses that I have completed the process will be much easier
”
She said the idea of being independent and earning a salary is empowering
“It feels empowering knowing that I will now be able to apply for a job
“Sometimes you feel like a disability is a disad-
vantage but here they make you feel empowered and help you bridge that disconnect that you have to opportunities ”
Joy Dlele received the most improved certificate She believes hard work pays off
“It feels exciting, these are things that I love doing I completed the cane weaving course I came to CTSB because cane weaving is
what I wanted to do I was at Athlone School for the Blind before and that is where I learned When I came here, I knew I would be able to reach the goals I want to reach She encouraged other blind people to pursue their dreams
“Keep dreaming and doing what you love By doing what you love, the passion comes freely ”
Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) held its annual graduation ceremony. Pictured are top students in various categories Jolene Kriel, top achiever; Joy Dlele, most improved; Teresa Mutizira, smart tech top achiever; and Sandre Dreyer, HOD of training, education and development department at CTSB
PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Sandre Dreyer (HOD of training, education and development department at CTSB), Jolene Kriel (top achiever), and Judith Coetzee, CTSB chief executive officer
‘Teacher-exodus crisis’
More than 30 000 teachers resigned from South Africa’s public schools between 2020 and 2024, sparking concern over growing workloads and staff shortages.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube confirmed the figures in a written parliamentary reply, saying 30 992 teachers resigned and 1 245 were dismissed during the five-year period Gauteng recorded the highest number of resignations, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape, while Limpopo and Mpumalanga reported the lowest figures
“Resignations are driven by
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: 30 992 TEACHERS RESIGNED BETWEEN 2020 TO 2024
retirement, career changes, migration and workload pressures, ” Gwarube said, emphasising the complexity of the teacher-exodus crisis Dismissals, she added, follow disciplinary proceedings under the Employment of Educators Act, and all serious cases are reported to the South African Council for Educators to prevent re-employment in schools
Gwarube explained that while
provincial education departments are responsible for hiring, managing and disciplining teachers the Department of Basic Education continues to provide oversight, monitor supply and demand, and support efficient human-resource management
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to address the shortage
“The department is working with provinces to strengthen human-resource systems, ensure timely disciplinary processes and develop retention and recruitment strategies ” Gwarube added that priority areas included foundation-phase teaching, mathematics, science and technology, and posts in rural and under-resourced schools
SANParksdetailsfestiveseasonreadiness
NAMHLAMONAKAL
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is fully prepared to manage increased visitor numbers over the festive season, with strengthened safety measures, enhanced firefighting capacity and expanded environmental protection teams in place
According to SANParks, between April and October this year, they recorded 1,7 million entries across their access points This reflects an almost 20% rise compared with the same period last year, and SANParks expects the upward trend to continue into the festive season as flight and cruise arrivals increase
Visitors can expect access to some of SANParks’ popular attractions, including Boulders penguin colony, Cape Point lighthouse, Signal Hill, TMNP, Silvermine dam and Oudekraal
A combined 850 kilometres of
hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails remain available across the park
SANParks says a total of 157 rangers are currently deployed and supported by the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit
The unit was strengthened earlier this year with 24 additional elite rangers, six new operational vehicles and the introduction of drone technology for safety patrols and firefighting support Specialist teams continue to assist with visitor protection and environmental crime prevention
The TMNP canine unit will receive additional contracted dogs and handlers over the festive period while the unit undergoes a review
A senior manager for visitor safety and resource protection is expected to take up duties before mid-December to oversee safety coordination and guide volunteer involvement
Volunteers already contribute to joint safety campaigns targeting illegal activities such as unauthorised overnighting and unsafe fire use
Joint operations will continue with the South African Police Service, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, neighbourhood watches, City Improvement Districts and volunteer safety groups through the Table Mountain Safety Forum
Statistics from the TMNP Ops Room show a decrease in reported incidents Robberies dropped from a spike of 15 cases in March this year to single-digit figures between June and November Following the expansion of the SEAM Unit, 17 robbery cases were recorded between June and November, compared with 37 in the same period last year Attempted robberies declined to eight cases, down from 12
Visitors are urged to prepare
Megan Taplin, TMNP Park Manager, adressing the media on its festive season preparedness for Table Mountain National Park
adequately by planning routes in advance, hiking in groups, sharing itineraries, carrying sufficient water, using tracking apps where possible and ensuring that mobile phones are fully charged
MOUNTAINVOLUNTEERSRAISEFUNDS
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) hosted its second annual Charity Golf Day at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate on Friday 21 November, uniting partners, corporates and mountain lovers for a day of sport, shared spirit, and impactful fundraising This year’s event welcomed 25 fourball entries and 13 waterhole sponsorships A total of R380 000 has been raised and all proceeds will support two critical organisations that protect the natural heritage of Table Mountain and the greater Table Mountain National Park: Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Their lifesaving work, from emergency mountain rescues to frontline firefighting, is essential to keeping the mountain and its visitors safe throughout the year Pictured are Neil Arbous, Executive Manager: IT, TMACC; Selma Hercules, Executive Director, TMACC; David Nel, Volunteer and Media Manager, WSAR; Collette van Aswegen, Executive Manager: Marketing & Sales, TMACC; and Wahida Parker, Managing Director, TMACC PHOTO: SUPPLIED
I can’t believe this will be my last opinion piece for the year.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I feel like the year just flew by It’s as if we blinked in January and somehow opened our eyes in December, wondering how the months managed to slip through our fingers without so much as a warning
Maybe it’s because the world feels like it’s spinning faster these days news cycles shrinking, attention spans tightening, and expectations rising with each passing week
Or maybe it’s simply that we ’ re busier, more connected, and more overwhelmed
Yet, as the year winds down, I’m reminded that time doesn’t actually speed up; we just forget to pause We forget to sit with the moments that deserve more than a passing glance
We rush through the ordinary days in pursuit of the next milestone, the next achievement, or the next crisis And then December arrives, and suddenly we ’ re left trying to make sense of everything we lived but didn’t fully absorb
This year, like all years, had its mix of noise and clarity There were moments marked by uncertainty times when the world felt heavy on our shoulders
So much has happened On a personal level we lost a dear aunt to cancer earlier this year Her absence will surely be felt at the Christmas table I cannot help but think of all the
families that have lost loved ones due to the senseless killings on the Cape Flats
But there were also sparks of joy, connection, and quiet resilience that carried us through We learned, again, that humans have a remarkable ability to adapt
We changed routines, embraced new challenges, and found new meaning we might have overlooked before
A week ago, Women for Change, a non-profit committed to protecting the constitutional rights of women and children across the country, played a pivotal role in securing the classification of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a “nationalcrisis”
I hope this classification will amount to more than just rhetoric, and will be followed by meaningful government action
As I reflect, I realise that the real significance of the year isn’t measured by how fast it went but by what it left behind The conversations that shifted our thinking
The small victories that reminded us that we ’ re capable The setbacks that taught us more than success ever could
With the new year approaching, I’m choosing to carry forward not the rush, but the quiet, hidden lessons I hope others do the same
Because perhaps the best way to honour another year gone by is to slow down just enough to appreciate the one ahead
As we enter the time for festivities and family, may we remember those who have less Let us practise patience; we have all had a rough year, and find moments to rest as we prepare for 2026 with renewed strength and hope
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube confirmed the figures in a written parliamentary reply, saying 30 992 teachers resigned and 1 245 were dismissed during the five-year period PHOTO SUPPLIED
C Good Hope Centre up for auction
Call for unity to dismantle stigma
NAMHLAMONAKALI
MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
NAMHLA
As South Africa marked World AIDS Day yesterday (1 December), HIV advocate, storyteller, author, wife and mother Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba called on communities to confront stigma, support people living with HIV, and embrace transformative approaches to the virus.
This year ’ s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response ” , reflects the challenges facing the global HIV response
According to UNAIDS (a joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ Aids), funding cuts from international donors are threatening decades of progress
Community-led services are being deprioritised, HIV prevention is disrupted, and punitive laws targeting same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use are making services less accessible
Despite these challenges, Qamngana-Mayaba emphasises that hope, honesty, and compassion remain central “My story is proof that healing is possible and that HIV does not define who you are, ” she says “On this World AIDS Day, I want people to know that compassion, education, and honest conversations can transform lives ”
HERJOURNEYANDADVOCACY
Qamngana-Mayaba publicly shared her HIV story in 2019 after years of silence “I shared my HIV story publicly because silence was suffocating me, ” she says “One day, I realised that the shame I was carrying wasn’t mine It was something society taught me to hold Recording that first video was both terrifying and liberating ” The real turning point came when a young woman messaged her, saying that hearing her story stopped her from ending her life “That moment changed the trajectory of everything,” she recalls “I realised my healing wasn’t just for me; it was meant to open doors for others ”
MY FAITH HELPED ME SHIFT FROM HIDING TO HELPING,FROM SHAME TO PURPOSE
Her faith has played a central role “When I was diagnosed, I battled fear, confusion, and disappointment But God met me in my lowest moments with a love that didn’t flinch,” she says “Living openly with HIV has been an act of obedience My faith helped me shift from hiding to helping, from shame to purpose ”
FAMILYANDBALANCE
As a wife and mother, Qamngana-Mayaba balances her family with advocacy and ministry “Balance is not something I’ve mastered, it’s something I practise Being present for my husband and my children grounds me They remind me that I am more than my work, more than my voice online,” she says She includes her family in prayers about her work and maintains honest conversations about the demands of advocacy
AUTHORINGHOPE
Qamngana-Mayaba is now a four-time published author, with works reflecting her journey and advocacy:
I Am Still Me exploring personal experiences with HIV and self-acceptance
I Am Still Zuri, a children’s book aimed at teaching young readers about identity and resilience
Positively Me sharing lessons from her life, faith, and journey living with HIV
Let Me Tell You Something, her latest devotional, guiding readers through reflection, prayer, and personal growth
“I want people to feel held, challenged, and seen, ” she explains “I want them to leave each page reminded that God is still speaking, and their story is still unfolding ”
HIVINSOUTHAFRICA
About eight million people in South Africa are living with HIV, roughly 12,8% of the population Approximately 6,2 million are on antiretroviral treatment (ART), leaving roughly 1,8 million people without treatment
Recent reports indicate 178 000 new infections and 105 000 HIV-related deaths in the last year “These numbers show how far we ’ ve come, but they also remind us that we have more work to do,” Qamngana-Mayaba says
OVERCOMINGDISRUPTION
UNAIDS notes that the HIV response is disrupted by funding cuts and rising inequalities Qamngana-Mayaba says advocacy, storytelling, and community solidarity are critical to sustaining progress
“To the newly diagnosed: breathe Your life is not over You are not dirty, cursed, or unworthy You are still loved You are still capable You are still called,” she says She also speaks directly to faith communities: “Faith spaces should be hospitals, not courtrooms We need leaders who speak openly, sermons that address stigma, and congregations that reflect compassion and dignity ”
She stresses that transformation requires collective effort “We cannot keep responding to HIV the same way we did 20 years ago We need innovation, honesty, and leadership that reflects the realities of people on the ground ”
VISIONFORTHEFUTURE
Her hope for World AIDS Day is bold: “I pray for healing, emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical I pray that shame loses its grip on our communities and that people living with HIV walk boldly in their identity and purpose I pray for a generation free from misinformation and fear
“HIV is manageable With support, treatment, and community, everyone living with HIV can lead a full, beautiful life World AIDS Day is a call to transform our approach, with courage, compassion, and commitment,” she says
HIV advocate, storyteller, author, wife and mother Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is calling on communities to confront stigma, support people living with HIV PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Howtolivelonger,betterwithHIV
A normal, healthy life with HIV:
What you need to know
With effective treatment and early diagnosis, more people with HIV are living to an older age than ever before
A pharmacist at South Africa’s original national courier pharmacy breaks down why each of us should want to know our HIV status, and why diagnosis today does not have to limit a person ’ s life expectancy
“You can and will live a healthy and normal life with HIV for as long as you stick to your treatment The life expectancy of someone living with HIV who is taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) has increased substantially over the past 25 years and is now predicted to be similar to the average life expectancy of someone who is HIV negative,” says Medipost
Pharmacy pharmacist Vukona Baloyi
She dispenses and delivers chronic medications to support better treatment adherence nationwide
Baloyi points out that testing regularly is key to early detection, which allows people living with HIV to start ART immediately, which can significantly reduce the virus multiplication in their body to undetectable levels and help prevent transmission
“If you do test positive, the first thing to remember is that you have the right to your privacy, and no one else will know of your condition unless you decide to share this information Secondly, we understand HIV so much better, and the medication available has improved to such a degree that if you are diagnosed early, adhere to your treatment and have your regular checkups HIV is a high-
ly manageable chronic condition,” she says “If a person does not know that they are living with HIV, the virus keeps growing in their body Without treatment, over time, HIV infection progresses to AIDS, and from there on, the average survival is tragically only about three years Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore essential for preserving life and increasing life expectancy,” she adds
LIVINGLONGERWITHHIV
Accessing HIV treatment starts with testing: If you test positive for HIV, effective ARV therapy and quality medical care are crucial for improving life expectancy
Medipost dispenses and delivers chronic medication nationwide for greater accessibility
MEDICATIONADHERENCE:
Taking your ARVs as prescribed is vital for supporting life expectancy, to make sure you get the best benefits from your medication, and reduce the risks of non-adherence Convenient, confidential delivery of chronic medication parcels helps make it easier to stick to your treatment plan
MONITORINGYOURCONDITION:
Regular check-ups with your doctor or clinic are effective for monitoring how your body is coping with the virus and updating your medication if needed A high CD4 count and undetectable viral load significantly increase life expectancy
“Remember, maintaining these levels is more clinically important than your past counts or viral loads,” Baloyi says
SEEKTREATMENTEARLYFORANYNEW SYMPTOMS:
Illnesses or infections that develop either before or after your HIV diagnosis could become serious if your immune system is weakened Consult your healthcare practitioner for treatment early if you notice anything unusual, such as swelling or skin rashes
DON’TFORGETTOSCREENFOROTHER HEALTHCONDITIONS:
Manage your risk and test for other diseases like heart disease, liver disease, and cancers, as these are often more likely to affect life expectancy than HIV itself
LIFESTYLECHOICES:
Although certain factors influencing life expectancy are beyond a person ’ s control, modifiable factors such as not smoking, managing stress levels, eating a healthy diet, and staying physically fit are essential for anyone ’ s well-being and healthy longevity
“We understand that no one chooses to get HIV, and as South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy, we strive to support ART adherence to help make it easier to manage and get the best out of treatment,” Baloyi says “Disrupted ARV treatment can lead to a drop in the person ’ s CD4 count, leaving them more vulnerable to opportunistic infections and a higher risk of falling seriously ill Another serious risk of non-adherence is that it can lead to drug resistance, where the virus adapts itself so that the treatment is no longer effective Then the person ’ s ART regimen would need to change to include more pills This, in turn, can sometimes make it even harder for people to stick to their treatment, but pharmacists are here to help,” she says
Telephonic pharmacy support is available in all official languages for patients who receive their medication through Medipost Pharmacy
For any questions about medication or if someone cannot cope, Baloyi urges patients to speak to their pharmacist and, if necessary, consult their doctor to find a solution
“When starting first-line ART, some people initially experience side-effects such as weird dreams, nausea or headache; however, the good news is that these often resolve within a few months It is important to report severe skin reactions, as there could be an underlying allergy or adverse reaction that might need to be medically managed,” Baloyi advises
“Even though HIV management has progressed greatly, preventing HIV must remain a priority for all This includes knowing your status, practising safe sex using condoms, and remaining faithful to one partner For people who may be at higher risk, talk to your medical practitioner about the options for preventing HIV transmission, such as prescription pre-exposure prophylaxis, more commonly known as PrEP,” she says
“There are millions of people living with HIV who live completely normal lives We are fortunate to live in a time and a country where HIV treatment is readily available We all have an interest in knowing our status and looking after our health, and a responsibility to reduce the spread of HIV,” Baloyi concludes Easily manage your medication with Medipost Pharmacy by sending a WhatsApp message to 012 426 4655 to register as a patient
This allows you to request medication dispensing, arrange free courier delivery, and even redirect deliveries to your holiday destination if needed
Tributes are pouring in for world-renowned aviator Jean-Jacques Wallis, who tragically died after a parakiting accident on Lion’s Head on Tuesday 25 November
Louis Stanford, a spokesperson for the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA), said Wallis (36), a licensed wingsuit pilot, was flying a Flare Moustache parakite
This is a new, highly responsive hybrid wing designed for strong-wind coastal soaring and speed-focused flying
Wallis, a defining figure in the world of extreme aerial sports, was a skydiver, BASE jumper, and an internationally recognised wingsuit pilot; he was celebrated as one of the fastest humans to ever fly the planet’s surface
His family said in a press statement: “He was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of human possibility, transforming the landscapes above Cape Town into his personal cathedral of flight His record-breaking achievements and mesmerising flights over Table Mountain captured the imagination of the world and brought immense pride to South Africa ”
Wallis dedicated over two decades to mastering the art of human flight
Sunette van der Berg, a close friend, said in a statement that Wallis’ life was a testament to courage, discipline, and the pursuit of a lifelong passion for the skies
“Beyond the headlines and the adrenaline, Jean-Jacques was a man of remarkable discipline, humility, and passion His commitment to safety, mentorship within the aviation community, and his unwavering adventurous spirit inspired thousands ”
She said he approached life with infectious enthusiasm and a kind heart, and was deeply cherished by his family, friends, and the global network of aviators he considered his second family
“He leaves an indelible legacy of courage and
passion for life JJ will be sorely missed by his devoted wife Katie, parents, Jacques and Lise, his brother Peter, aunts, uncles, cousins, the air sport communities, and thousands of friends around the world ”
Stanford urged eyewitnesses who may have video, photographic, or other evidence relevant to the event to come forward
“Reports can be made in accordance with Part 140 02 1 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, which requires anyone with knowledge of an aviation accident, incident, or safety hazard to notify the Authority ”
He said all information submitted will be handled confidentially and used solely to improve aviation safety
The family will be holding a private burial service
Tributes are pouring in for world-renowned aviator
Jean-Jacques Wallis, who tragically died after a parakiting accident on Lion’s Head PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Festive lights kick-start holidays
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Thousands of Capetonians gathered on the Grand Parade for the annual Festive Lights Switch-On event on Sunday 30 November.
Over 95 000 people attended what has become the biggest free-concert on Cape Town’s event calendar
The event is one of Cape Town’s most meaningful traditions and marks the official start of the festive season This year ’ s theme is United in Hope Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis donned his brand-new community designed garment Hill-Lewis said the event unites communities “The event has been running for nearly 60 years It is special when city’s have these
long-standing traditions This event really is where Capetonians come together from right across the city and turn the Grand Parade and Adderley Street into one big celebration of lights, music, friendship and everything that makes Cape Town the best city in the world perfectly captured in this year ’ s theme, ‘United in Hope’ ”
Hill-Lewis said the city is ready to welcome visitors
“We will pull out all the stops to make sure that Cape Town is a great place to spend your festive holidays and we want say welcome to everyone who is coming here Have a great time in our city ”
Ricardo MacKenzi, provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport, encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly this holiday
“Be safe There are so many events happening around the City, look after yourself Please get some rest This was a difficult year Mental health around the world is a problem, loneliness is a problem, please spend time with your family whatever you do, just relax It is good for your mental health ”
Local rapper Early B wished Capetonians a safe festive season “Take it easy and be safe on the roads Enjoy it and be blessed ”
Provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport Ricardo MacKenzi, local singer Alistair Izobell, Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis and music legend, Terry Fortune
PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Adderley Street lit up PHOTO:SUPPLIED
This year’s theme is United in Hope.
