Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Sharer respon
The City of Cape Town launched transport month under the theme
“Share the road responsibly.” City Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said it was fitting to start the campaign with children when they hosted an event at Wavecrest Primary School in Mitchells Plain “Learners are among the most vulnerable road users in Cape Town. By engaging them early, we instil safe practices that will last a lifetime,” he said
The traffic learner centre, opened last year, allows children to practise road safety in a controlled, real-world environment
“By bringing learners into a real-life road environment like the learner centre, our road safety officers can demonstrate in a hands-on way how to cross roads safely, the importance of wearing helmets and staying visible,” said Regan Melody, City Executive Director for urban mobility While road safety remains the central theme of Transport Month, broader questions around Cape Town’s transport system are also on the table
Quintas explained the City’s plan for a more seamless network “The Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan, or CITP, aligns with our integrated development plan priorities It connects MyCiTi, Golden Arrow buses, e-hailing platforms, and minibus taxis, reducing congestion and promoting accessibility,” he said Over the next three years, the City plans to invest in key initiatives The roll-out of MyCiTi services will connect Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha with Wynberg and Claremont, while the current MyCiTi fleet will be refurbished Existing bus stops will be formalised
and public transport interchanges across the city will undergo major upgrades
Construction for the Metro-South East Corridor (MSEC) of the MyCiTi service is ongoing, including major projects such as the elevated freestanding traffic circle in Hanover Park, a grade separator bridge in Manenberg, and the Spine bus depot in Khayelitsha
The first route is expected to become operational by mid-2027, assuming construction and funding proceed as planned
Commuter safety and accessibility remain central to the City’s approach The Transport Enforcement Unit works alongside other government departments to improve visibility, technology and enforcement at public transport facilities and hubs, while public education campaigns aim to equip commuters with practical knowledge to travel safely
Sustainability and equitable access also guide the City’s strategy The City’s Walking and Cycling Strategy, approved earlier this year, and the updated travel demand management strategy aim to reduce private vehicle dependency, particularly single-occupancy trips during peak periods, and encourage a shift to public transport, walking, and cycling
Throughout Transport Month, the City will host school demonstrations, cycling safety events, and pedestrian and motorist awareness initiatives to instil practical knowledge and encourage behaviour change
Quintas emphasised the collective responsibility of all road users “Transport Month reminds every resident, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers alike that road safety and mobility is a shared responsibility ”
The learners left with reflective vests, helmets, and first-hand lessons A safer, integrated
Rob Quintas and the Executive Director of urban mobility, Regan Melody
Be fire safety conscious
Fire poses a serious threat to both residents and businesses, often resulting in the loss of life, livelihoods, and extensive property damage.
Thousands of people are affected by fires in homes, businesses, and informal settlements across the country annually
Understanding how fires start and knowing the steps to prevent them is crucial to keeping families, community and assets safe
Last week, firefighters battled to contain two separate wildfires which broke out on the mountain slopes of Camps Bay and Deer Park
With the warmer months setting in the City’s fire and rescue service urges people to take precautions
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the fire and rescue, said: “As we head into the warmer months, we appeal to everyone to do their bit for fire safety, whether vegetation or structural ”
To help keep communities safe, fire and rescue services offers practical advice on what to do during a fire
Smoking cigarettes or using matches, lighters, candles, heating appliances and equipment such as electric blankets can all cause fires if not carefully monitored Many fires are easily preventable
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
. Cut candles in half to prevent them falling over – and use a candle holder
. Do not smoke in bed
WE APPEAL TO EVERYONE TO DO THEIR BIT FOR FIRE SAFETY,VEGETATION OR STRUCTURAL
. If you can afford it, keep a fire extinguisher in your home; maintain it annually and learn how to use it
. Keep a bucket of sand in the kitchen if you don’t have an extinguisher; throwing sand over a small fire, especially oil, can help contain it before it gets out of control
. Keep a garden hose rolled up and ready in case of fire
. Where possible, have more than one exit point from your house
. Make an escape plan that the whole family knows about and can follow
Fires on properties and in buildings
There are a number of procedures in place to ensure that all business operations are both lawful and compliant with important safety regulations so that:
. everyone inside, including those with disabilities, can be evacuated safely;
. the spread of fire between buildings is minimised;
. the structure, especially double-storey buildings, can withstand the intensity of fire
without collapsing;
. smoke is minimised and can be controlled
Property owners also need to ensure that:
. entrances to buildings are secure against unauthorised access; . fire breaks are established and maintained around the property;
. internal fire-resistant doors are kept closed at all times
. For more tips,visit www capetown gov za/ firesafety
14daystogo:matricsreadyforNSCexams
The matric class of 2025 are just 14 days away from this year ’ s National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams
From Tuesday 21 October to Wednesday 26 November about 67 000 in the Western Cape will be writing their final school exam
According to the Western Cape Education Department, about 22 000 matric learners attended the #BackOnTrack Winter School during the mid-year holidays, which took place in all the education districts in the province Revision classes will also take place during the ongoing Spring school holidays
David Maynier, provincial education minister, said: “Our annual Matric Support booklet has been delivered to schools, which contains past matric papers, administrative details like the
exam timetable and pass requirements, study tips and advice for post-school studies ”
“We have collected a wide variety of eLearning resources to support our matrics, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries and study guides ” Maynier said learners who experience exam stress are encouraged to seek support
“We encourage all learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner ’ s mental health, to reach out to us for help School staff can seek guidance from our district support teams, and our Safe Schools Hotline [0800 45 46 47 toll free] can connect learners with help from our partner government departments and NGOs ”
The minister appealed to the public for a
peaceful examination period
“They do not need the added stress of protests and disruptions in and around schools Please put the best interests of our children first, so that they are in the best possible mindset for the exams ”
He wished the class of 2025 well for their final exam
“This is the home stretch and the time for complete focus and commitment The hours you invest over the next 40 days will be of great benefit to you during the exams
“We are here to support you, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you when the results are released in 2026 ” .To access the study guides visit https://www. westerncape gov za/education/matric-support
Born free... yet shackled in practice
nomic dependency compounds the problem
I was born free At least, that is what the constitution says However, thirty years into democracy, as I follow the Madlanga Commission and Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations, I am forced to confront a harsh truth, we are born free in words, yet shackled in practice
Mkhwanazi, the KZN province’s top police officer, testified that Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) tasked with probing politically linked murders was disbanded, allegedly to protect influential interests and allow criminal networks to operate unchecked while other crucial police units have been infiltrated by criminals
High-ranking officials allegedly manipulated the justice system to serve private interests, while ordinary citizens bore the consequences of a state that failed to protect them
While the Commission shines a light on these abuses, history warns that commissions alone rarely translate into justice unless accompanied by political will and public pressure
Yet corruption is only one layer of our constrained freedom Eco-
South Africa’s sovereignty, and our ability to implement progressive policies, is tethered to the dollar, global investors and international credit ratings
Bold redistributive policies that could empower marginalised communities, improve social services, or address inequality are constrained by fears of capital flight and market backlash
We are politically free on paper, but economically tethered, our choices limited by forces far beyond our borders
The irony is palpable Like the enslaved souls on Carolina plantations back in the day, who longed for liberty promised by nature but denied by law, we too are confined by greed, political interference, and economic pressures that define the boundaries of our democracy
Freedom, it seems, is both a birthright and a daily struggle, always threatened by those in power and by the global structures within which our country must operate George Orwell’s Animal Farm captures this truth perfectly
The leaders who once fought for liberation can become indistinguishable from the tyrants they replaced, absolute power corrupts absolutely, greed and hunger, whether for wealth, influence, or survival, permeate every corner of
our institutions
Our liberation, then, is not only a fight against corruption but against the allure of power itself Power, in its most seductive form, has the capacity to twist ideals and erode integrity
It transforms those who once dreamed of equality into actors who protect privilege and self-interest
The allure of power is about control, influence, and the ability to shape society according to one ’ s own desires
In our country, we see this in the way political interference compromises law enforcement, how institutions meant to safeguard justice are manipulated, and how opportunities meant to uplift the many are redirected to serve the few
This Commission is significant not because it guarantees justice, but because it exposes the mechanisms that have allowed corruption and interference to persist It reminds us that accountability is a process, not an event Yet exposure without action is insufficient
We must demand that its findings lead to prosecutions, reforms, and strengthened institutions Otherwise, we risk being spectators to our own continued disenfranchisement
Hope, however, persists, freedom is not merely a legal declaration, it
is a lived reality, claimed through vigilance, courage, and civic engagement It requires holding leaders accountable, demanding transparency, and pushing for systemic reforms
Progressive economic and social policies must be pursued not in the abstract, but as part of a broader struggle to reclaim our democracy from corruption elements
Being “born free” is not enough
Thirty years into democracy, the question remains, have we truly seen freedom? Or are we still navigating the gilded cage of a state constrained by corruption and economic dependence?
This Commission is a crucial step toward answering that question, but it is not the last
Our collective resolve, our willingness to insist on justice, transparency, and true economic sovereignty, will determine whether being born free is ever more than a promise, whether freedom becomes a reality lived by all South Africans
We were promised a future built on hope and equality That future is still possible But it requires courage, not just from those who testify in commissions, but from all of us who refuse to accept the gap between the freedom we inherit and the freedom we deserve Only then can being “born free” mean something real
Firefighters battled to contain a wildfire which broke out in Deer Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A JOURNO’S VOICE
NAMHLA MONAKALI
BergvlietHighexhibitsmatricart
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Blue Route Mall has once again opened its doors to creativity, hosting Bergvliet High School’s fourth annual Matric Visual Arts Expo from Monday 29 September to Thursday 2 October.
The exhibition, which showcases the exceptional talents of matric art learners, extends beyond the school walls to give the broader community a chance to engage with and celebrate young artistry
School principals and teachers say the expo reflects not only talent but also resilience
Saroj Shukla, Bergvliet High’s dedicated art teacher, has been instrumental in guiding learners to explore new techniques and refine their styles
“Every brushstroke tells a story of courage, discipline, and imagination,” said Shukla “I am immensely proud of how our learners push creative boundaries and support one another on this journey ”
While the spotlight is on matriculants, the expo also features works from learners in Grades 8 to 11 This inclusive approach encourages mentorship among peers and inspires younger artists to strive for excellence
The school has a strong artistic legacy Renowned impressionist Derric van Rensburg, a Bergvliet High alumnus, stands as proof of what can be achieved Building on this tradition, learners have exhibited at prestigious venues, including the UCT Irma Stern Museum Last year Bergvliet’s matric art learners placed in the top five schools in the Western Cape
This year, works by Mia Zutphen, Adam Ceto, Kioko Wiener, and Hannah Walter continue that momentum, with their art already receiving wider recognition
Blue Route Mall spokespersons say they are proud to support initiatives that bring the community together “By providing a platform for
Jada Damon at the mall
One of the learners Chantel Mulanda with her work
NPC unearths concealed talents
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Tern Agency, a Bo-Kaap-based non-profit company (NPC) founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, is making a meaningful impact on youth unemployment by opening doors for young people in the film and creative industries.
Established by Tasneem Isaacs and Ryan Swartz, both film industry veterans, the NPC connects youth, many from disadvantaged communities on the Cape Flats, including Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain, to paid opportunities as background actors, popularly referred to as extras, in local television shows and films
ROLES CAN SERVE AS STEPPING STONES INTO THE BROADER WORKFORCE OR CREATIVE CAREERS IN PRODUCTION
Isaacs, a Bo-Kaap resident, says what began as a passion project has now grown into a platform for empowerment, with a database of over 3000 young people who have gained valuable work experience, often for the first time “For many, these roles serve as stepping stones into the broader workforce or creative careers in production, set design, wardrobe and more, ” she explains
In addition to job placement, the NPC offers guidance on professional behaviour, set etiquette and film industry navigation Through its work, the NPC is not only creating employment but also inspiring a generation to see the creative sector as a space of opportunity and growth
Isaacs says: “I treat my talents as family and build a bond with them They can come and speak to me about anything Many of them were shy to act I would always encourage them to
trying to create jobs for people from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds They get paid on the day and that means a lot to them ”
Isaacs explains that she has contracts with local productions which include Skemergrond, Kelders van Geheime, Kings of Joburg and Spinners to name a few
She explains that people are welcome to contact her and that there is no fee involved to join the agency “All they need to send me is a photo of themselves and also have different outfits available to take along on production day
Tohier Isaacs (39) began his journey as a background artist and was recently invited by one of the film directors to join the cast
He appeared in the local production Kings of Joburg Season 3 “It was amazing I was always working in the background This was my first
Commissioner to build relations
“WKAYLYNNEBANTOM
e as adults, government and civil society are raising the next generation of adults, and we only get one chance to do this We should not mess this up ” With those powerful words, Sarah Roberts steps into her new role as the Western Cape’s Commissioner for Children
Roberts officially stepped into her new role as the province’s second Commissioner for Children on Wednesday 1 October, bringing with her over 30 years of experience
For the past 14 years, she served as Acting Magistrate in the Family and Children’s Court at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court
Roberts succeeds Christina Nomdo, the inaugural Commissioner, and will serve a five-year term
The Western Cape Commissioner for Children is an independent governance institution mandated to protect and promote the rights, needs and interests of children in the province
The commissioner works closely with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development, as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport and reports to the Western Cape Legislature on activities, functions and progress on objectives
The institution plays a vital role in amplifying children’s perspectives, influencing policy decisions, and holding the government accountable for the services provided to children in the Western Cape
In an interview with People’s Post, Roberts said her first day in office felt like starting high school
“I was very stressed, felt like a Grade 8 going to high school for the first time But after settling in and meeting the staff I am really excited for this new chapter in my life
“I know that it will take me some time to find my feet and to want to be able to use this platform to better the lives of the children of the
Western Cape So, I am ready ”
Roberts expressed her readiness to take on the role and make a meaningful impact
“A huge problem facing children is legal documents, or the lack thereof Children without birth certificates are such a problem in the Western Cape I do understand that it does not fall directly under the mandate of the Children’s Commissioner, but I want to try and help by cultivating and strengthening strategic relationships with these additional departments and other organisations providing services to children to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to child welfare ”
She believes more children should be out on the sports field, not the streets
“Sport is also very important to me and if we can get children away from the streets onto sports fields, maybe then we can give them alternatives to getting into gangs or getting into trouble with the law ”
Roberts said the office of the Children’s Commissioner is currently under-resourced with only two permanent employees and two additional staff members on contract
Roberts emphasised the importance of the office to be fully and appropriately resourced to “make an impact and fulfil its mandate”
“This means not only an increase in the number of personnel but also ensuring that these positions are filled with individuals possessing the necessary expertise and experience to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding children’s rights and well-being ”
She said her immediate priority will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the “staffing needs of the office”
“This will involve identifying crucial positions that are currently vacant and then working to secure the necessary funding and approvals to recruit qualified professionals ”
Roberts believes her legal background will be beneficial to her “In the Children’s Court I dealt directly with families and a child has a voice in
Post is distributed every Tuesday and reach an estimated 419 650 readers
Villager down Hamiltons
RUN-OUTFORSAMUELS
MEADOWRIDGE'S VERY OWN ANTIQUE R
with more t
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