I(MBT) industry South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape, in partnership with the Western Cape Mobility Department, launched the MBT Executive Leadership Development Programme at the Uni-
versity of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) on Thursday 23 October .
The six-month programme brings academic rigour, systems thinking
y ( ), p g the first of its kind to introduce taxi leaders formally into a structured business-school environment Participants will complete seven modules blending theory with practical application, with a focus on self-leadership, collaboration and innovation
g development of our people so that the taxi industry can stand tall as a professional, respected, and forward-looking sector,” he said Western Cape Mobility minister Isaac Sileku said the sector is about more than moving people it is about p The programme positions leadership, learning and collaboration at the heart of the taxi industry’s transformation, sending a strong message that professional development can underpin a more sustainable and respected sector
NGOsdemandMSGforpoor
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Acoalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and researchers is urging the South African government to approve a Maternal Support Grant (MSG) to help poor pregnant women, as child poverty and malnutrition continue to rise
The MSG advocacy coalition says the grant would cost R2 billion annually, just 0,1% of government spending but could save about R13,8 billion by preventing low-birth-weight births and stunting, according to new policy proposals by Hold My Hand, Change Ideas and Grow Great (DG Murray Trust)
“This grant is a realisable opportunity to support pregnant women with a financial lifeline and economic agency when they need it most,” says Julie Mentor, Project Lead at Embrace
The grant would support roughly 800 000 women for nine months, starting in the second trimester and continuing three months after birth
It would provide a bridge to the Child Support Grant (CSG), ensuring infants receive nutrition during their first months, a critical period for healthy growth and brain development
“Income support during pregnancy improves maternal and child nutrition, lowers maternal
stress and reduces the incidence of low-birthweight babies, a key predictor of stunting,” says Liezel Engelbrecht, Nutrition Lead at DG Murray Trust
Nearly 70% of children in South Africa live in poverty, with almost 40% in households unable to meet basic nutritional needs (“NGOs urge South African government to approve maternal support grant” People’s Post, 4 February 2025)
Chronic malnutrition begins in the womb and can lead to stunting, which affects learning, cognitive development and future economic productivity
“Children who do not receive proper nutrition in the womb and early months are more likely to face stunting, poor cognitive development and lower educational outcomes,” warns Nicola Eley, deputy director of Grow great
The coalition says the MSG is not charity but justice It would reach women in informal work who are excluded from maternity benefits, helping to reduce inequality and break intergenera-
tional cycles of poverty
Advocates highlight that nearly half of eligible infants do not access the CSG in their first year, leaving a gap in crucial early nutrition Introducing the MSG would ensure financial support reaches families during this critical period, improving health and long-term educational outcomes
The coalition is calling on the Department of Social Development to table the MSG policy before Cabinet without delay, ensuring pregnant women and their unborn children receive the support they need
NHWnominationscloseinafewdaystime
Entries for this year ’ s Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Awards will close on Friday 31 October
The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in community safety and neighbourhood support
Organisers are urging the public to submit their nominations urgently
The nominations can be done across a number of categories, for individual NHW members or teams/organisations
Nomination forms are available in English, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans – each nomination must be accompanied by supporting evidence, like social media or news clippings, affidavits and photographs among others
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said: “Our Neighbourhood Watches provide a visible presence and offer a sense
of security and peace of mind to many of our residents The awards shine a light on their commitment and hard work They amplify the reach of the safety and security directorate, and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude ” Smith said that people could nominate the same person or neighbourhood watch group for more than one category, but that a separate form should be submitted for each nomination
The awards ceremony will take place at the Cape Town Civic Centre on Saturday 22 November
THECATEGORIESFORINDIVIDUAL
MEMBERSINCLUDE:
. Neighbourhood Watch
Member of the Year – outstanding achievement in safeguarding members and property
. Organisational Excellence –
exceptional Neighbourhood Watch management
. Mobiliser of the Year – extraordinary efforts to unite and mobilise the community
. Inspiration of the Year – a leader who inspires across multiple Watches
. Crime Fighter of the Year –selfless commitment in the fight against crime
. Courage in Action – sustained service under challenging safety conditions
FORNEIGHBOURHOODWATCHES
. Neighbourhood Watch of the Year – exceptional service in community protection
. Situational Crime Prevention Award – efforts to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment
. Social Responsibility Award –commitment to healing social ills and strengthening unity
. Courage in Action Award – continued operations despite serious community safety risks
. Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year – outstanding contribution during the City’s Disaster Management Donation Drive . Best Utilisation of Technology Award – innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety Nominees must be accredited with the Provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety or have formal accreditation applications pending Entries for the newly added categories, Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year and Best Utilisation of Technology Award, can be submitted via email: nwawards@ capetown org za, together with the required body of evidence . For details email can be sent to: nw awards@capetown gov za
Whattheworldisreallymadeofthesedays
2025
Learning to embrace the speed of modern life
“I remembered reading that they were making sausages out of fish, and fish, no doubt, out of something different It gave me the feeling that I’d bitten into the modern world and discovered what it was really made of That’s the way we ’ re going nowadays Everything slick and streamlined, everything made out of something else ”
This passage from George Orwell’s novel Coming up for air has become a haunting metaphor to describe this glittery age we find ourselves racing to embrace and understand
First published in 1939 just before World War 2 and the birth of the atomic bomb, two terrifying phenomena that would alter life and our idea of safety and security
forever
And yet I find the novel still captures the unease and paranoia that technological and industrial innovation presents our society in
A few years ago, we survived and emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, where we witnessed hybrid work environments, government distrust, the rise of podcasts and dying theatres and record stores closing down
During this time the political world became more divided, with content creators sharing their ideologies towards their fanbases on social media and deepening the divide between liberals and conservatives to boost their followers
We saw YouTube become the new television and now we are bombarded with unskippable ads and more spam calls than ever before Cooped up in our homes while being forced to quarantine and social distance, these videos or “content” we consumed became an escape from a gloomy reality we were struggling to accept
You often hear people say they weren’t the same person that entered the pandemic
All the while our cellphones, our apps, kept updating and improving
Now these devices are operating at unprecedented speeds, effortlessly processing oceans of
data and completing tasks more efficiently
We are basking in the golden age of technology and witnessing the breakneck speed of information and ever increasing popularity of social media
Particularly, Instagram and the obsession of appearing cool and having an “aesthetic” and style that sets you apart from the rest and pretending to live as a celebrity
Now a photograph that would organically capture a moment has become exploited, filtered or polished to satisfy some personal idea
In the past, reporters and the radio were the main source of information for the public who had to verify facts before they were published Now we are seeing accidents, traumatic videos of violence being shared at the push of a button and spreading like wildfire online
These videos are being shared and seen seemingly without consequence or any care to fact-check if this news truly occurred on this day nor if the contents are disturbing for viewers
God forbid the graphic material enters the TikTok feed of a young person, reshaping their algorithm
to ensure they’ll see similar content because they haven’t skipped the video in five seconds
It’s as if social media has become a colourful zoo where visitors are gasping at graphic and upsetting material whilst being unable to peel their eyes from the screen like numb and overstimulated zombies
Now reporters must adapt to a world where research and patience are becoming relics of the past and they’re competing with endless videos being posted without being checked or edited for credibility
Like the word “fast food” means a quick, cheap and tasty meal, people can become irritated and impatient when this convenience doesn’t fulfil its promise and they waited 20 minutes for their hamburger
And yet after they’ve exhausted their lungs, once they’ve received their meal they’ll bite into the meat like some rabid hyaena, with little care to consider if the meat they’re chewing is truly the “100% pure bred beef’’ they paid for I think this is an apt way to describe why we should remember the importance of staying vigilant and distinguish between the truth and the lies being sold and packaged to us with colourful gift wrapping
A coalition of NGOs and researchers is urging the South African government to approve a Maternal Support Grant (MSG) to help poor pregnant women, as child poverty and malnutrition continue to rise. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Restorationecologist tospeakatinfoevening
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The Friends of Rondebosch Common will host their annual Info Evening today (28 October) at the Guide Hall on Alma Road, Rosebank
The event starts at 18:00, with snacks and drinks available from 17:30
Guest speaker Dr Stuart Hall is a restoration ecologist and conservation biologist He holds a PhD in Conservation Ecology and is affiliated with Stellenbosch University's Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, as well as the Department of Science and Innovation (DST) – National Research Foundation (NRF) centre of excellence for Invasion Biology
His research focuses on the restoration of critically endangered ecosystems, particularly within the Cape floristic region
"Rondebosch Common is more than just a park and recreation space, " said Tim Jobson, member for the Friends of Rondebosch Common "It is a vital conservation site at the heart of the city With ongoing care from volunteers and strategic restoration work, it can continue to protect Cape Town's extraordinary lowland flora for generations "
The 38-hectare Common is home to two critically endangered habitats, Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Peninsula Shale Renosterveld, and over 230 indigenous plant species, 34 of which are considered threatened These habitats are among the most endangered in the world, making conservation efforts on the Common particularly important
The evening will also include a fundraiser and lucky draw for the newly published book Birds on the Brink by Alan Lee and Shamiso Banda, generously donated by Struik Nature Members and visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase books, cards, birthday calendars, and new items featuring artwork by the late Betty Bowker, a local artist whose paintings have long celebrated the Common's unique flora
community to engage directly with the work we do, and every contribution helps sustain this vital conservation area "
Members can also renew their annual membership at the event The Friends of Rondebosch Common currently have around 250 paid-up members, over 30 active supporters, and more than 4 200 followers on Facebook
The Info Evening is part of a broader programme of activities that encourages public involvement in conservation The next scheduled event is the Spring Walk on Sunday 16 November, offering the community a chance to experience the Common's unique ecosystems firsthand and learn about the ongoing restoration work
Rondebosch Common remains one of Cape Town's most important natural areas Its combination of endangered habitats, rich plant diversity, and accessible green space makes it a
Mentalhealth care is poor
With World Mental Health Awareness Month ending on Thursday 30 October, Cape Mental Health highlighted violence as a significant challenge and driving force behind South Africa’s surge in mental health cases
“The persistent violence in Cape Town, through ongoing gang and gender-based violence, alcohol and drug-related incidents, and taxi wars, acts as a catastrophe with several mental health consequences
Despite over 30 years of democracy, violent crime remains high, leaving communities in constant fear,” says Barbara Meyer, spokesperson for Cape Mental Health
Exposure to violence erodes mental health, causing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, PTSD, and strained relationships
Children and youth exposed to trauma face heightened emotional and behavioural challenges
“The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) notes that one in five people exposed to catastrophes develop a diagnosable mental health condition, yet access to quality mental health services remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries
South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) recognises violence as a national emergency and a public health crisis
“Poverty, inequality, rigid gender norms, easy access to firearms, alcohol and drug addictions
intensify the crisis, with devastating mental health consequences
Violence in SA is both a social and mental health crisis, but is preventable Coordinated prevention, crime interventions, support and investment in mental health services can foster safer, healthier communities,” she says Cape Mental health addresses the psychological efforts of violence through several programmes, including:
The SAVE (Sexual Abuse Victim Empowerment) programme provides psycho-legal assessments, expert court testimony and psychosocial support for survivors with mental disabilities
Their social work services supports high-crime communities with trauma debriefing, trauma informed counselling, statutory services, awareness campaigns and reintegration support
The YouthMatters programme - a schoolbased programme in five Cape Town high schools addressing bullying, gang violence, child abuse and substance abuse, helping schools develop mental health strategies
. Email barbara meyer@cmh org za or call 021 447 9040 for more information
Guest speaker Dr Stuart Hall is a restoration ecologist and conservation biologist PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Cape Town International Kite Festival brought bursts of colour to the skies above Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg this past weekend In this, its 31st year, it paid tribute to the qualities of creativity, courage and mental-health awareness Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 21 October, kites were flown at Dolphin Beach, Bloubergstrand PHOTO: NAMHLA MONAKALI
Mentalhealth‘ajourney’
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The skies above Youngsfield Military Base came alive with bursts of colour over the weekend as the Cape Town International Kite Festival returned for its full two-day format, celebrating creativity, courage and mental health awareness
Organised by Cape Mental Health since 1994, the festival was held on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October
The event featured international kites, family-friendly entertainment, kite-making workshops and food stalls
This year ' s theme, #CourageToFly, highlighted the bravery it takes to face life's challenges and encouraged open conversations about mental health
Ingrid Daniel, chief executive officer (CEO) of Cape Mental Health, said the festival carries a deeper message “Five and a half years ago was the last festival that we had, and since then we have seen un-
precedented challenges in everyone ’ s neighbourhood,” she said
“More than 1 billion people globally live with a mental-health condition, and we are seeing an exponential increase in prevalence, particularly among young people ” Daniel added that the kite symbolised resilience and hope “The kite spreads its wings and dances in the sky It encourages us to fly and reminds us that when life feels overwhelming, there is hope and assistance for people facing challenges Cape Mental Health provides free services so no one is left behind ”
Deputy CEO Santie Terreblanche said mental health is about coping with daily life while protecting your well-being “Mental health, for me, is to be able to show up and do what’s expected of me, and to deal with what comes my way in a way that does not cause undue anxiety or pressure It’s also knowing that today I will give my best ”
Among the visitors, Zimkhita Citi, a resident, shared her wish for increased support “I'd like i tit ti t b i t d d i th t hi
Drugs, liquor blitz pays off
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Unlicensed liquor sales and the circulation of drugs continue to harm communities across the Cape Flats, fuelling crime, addiction and instability. Despite regular police interventions, the illegal trade remains widespread in communities
Provincial police say ongoing operations under operation Shanela II continue to target illegal alcohol and drug trading in hotspot areas Western Cape police spokesperson Col Wesley Twigg says officers conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Valhalla Park on Wednesday and conducted a search at some premises "Officers seized a large amount of Mandrax tablets and crystal meth, and arrested a 25-year-old male for possession of drugs " In a separate incident in Delft's Freedom Farm informal settlement, members confiscated 497 Mandrax tablets, 52 packets containing crystal meth and an undisclosed amount of cash "They arrested an adult male for possession of drugs," Twigg says
In Grassy Park, officers searched a property in Harrier Street, Phumlani Village, and confiscated an assortment of liquor "The person on the premises couldn't produce a valid liquor licence and was subsequently arrested," Twigg adds The 21-year-old suspect faced a charge of dealing in liquor without a licence Illegal alcohol trading, often in the form of unlicensed taverns or backyard shebeens, continues to undermine safety and social stability
Many of these outlets operate beyond regulated hours, sell to minors and function as spaces for excessive drinking, gambling and drug use
For some residents illegal liquor sales provide a much-needed income in areas marked by unemployment and poverty Yet the absence of regulation increases community risk Alcohol abuse is linked to violent behaviour, domestic disputes and road accidents, while unlicensed operations often become spaces for other crimes such as drug dealing and assault
The presence of Mandrax and crystal meth in th h li d liq i ld
CHILDREN IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES EXPOSED FROM YOUNG TO SUBSTANCE USE,VIOLENCE AND POLICE ACTIVITY
enforcement, the persistence of illegal trade points to deeper socio-economic challenges
Many individuals return to selling liquor or drugs shortly after release, driven by the lack of formal employment opportunities
Experts argue that meaningful change requires tackling root causes, poverty, unemployment and limited access to support services, rather than relying solely on policing Community-based efforts, education and h bilit ti it l f l ti l ti P
Col Marie Louw conducted shebeen raids with collegues in the streets of Kirstenhof and Westlake earlier this month PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Bullies ‘have low self-esteem’
Softball gives learners wings
Lt the tone for a vibrant mpetition and developt, this initiative is about ortunity, teaching iscipline and confidence rt, while providing a young players to dream m higher,” she says lice Youth Desk has tremendous assistance ng this league as they built relationships with hlone which allowed the tner with some of them em on board on this ve formation you can contact 244 0731 or email centralnion@gmail.com
Learners from Bokmakierie who came to the launch of the Summer Softbal League are from left: Abdul Baree, Eli Carelse, Reece Williams, Jaydon Quickfall, Moses Molaba, Dante Armstrong, Tyrese Groenewald, Joshua Groenewald and Ishtiyaaq Salie They attend different high and primary schools in the area. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Learners representing different primary schools in Athlone and surrounding areas all kitted up and ready for their first softball match in the Summer Softball League for schools They represented Norma Road Primary, Blossom Primary, Kewtown Primary and Athlone North Primary.
