Do CT pet-owner survey
Pet owners have only two weeks left to participate in a survey focused on collecting data on Cape Town’s pet population, which aims to help shape future planning and interventions around animal welfare
Over the past four weeks, 13 037 pet owners have completed the City of Cape Town’s domestic-animal survey hosted by AfriPaw Animal Welfare The study seeks to address the number of pets in the metro; vaccinated pets; sterilisation status and the type health-care accessed in times of need
AfriPaw is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that educates low-income communities on their pets’ primary needs and facilitates free sterilisations as well as access to affordable primary healthcare and food, and shelter for township pets
The most recent survey was conducted in Vrygrond on Saturday 12 April, when the City deployed teams of fieldworkers to engage residents
Six weeks have been set aside for the survey “We’re trying very hard to improve the quality of life of everybody in our city,” said Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith “Not having a healthy animal population affects the human population So it’s important that we get better data so we can speak to provincial and national government about proper funding for our animal-welfare organisations, who do great
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EVERYONE IN CITY LIES AT THE HEART OF DOING THE PET SURVEY.
work for all the pet lovers and animal owners across the city So if you haven’t done so already, please go online and help us in this very important cause by completing the survey ” The survey outcomes will help shape future
planning and interventions on animal welfare in Cape Town, and provide an estimate of the domestic animal population Fieldworkers conducting the in-person surveys will carry identification cards when visiting properties Residents can contact the City’s Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to verify a fieldworker ’ s credentials, if need be The survey can be completed online at https://bit ly/4bPScdI
The City has also set up a toll-free number for general queries or concerns about the survey – 0800 212 176, available weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00
WesternCapecracksdownonroadsafety
Following the death of 14 pedestrians over the Easter Weekend, the Western Cape Government has renewed its call for all road users to prioritise safety, whether behind the wheel, walking or cycling
Over this period 181 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol These statistics underscore the urgent need for safer road use, both from drivers and pedestrians
Muneera Allie, the Western Cape Mobility Department’s Head of Communications, said these recent figures are a stark reminder of the real consequences of irresponsible behaviour
She said alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times and puts everyone at risk Pedestrians, in particular, remain vulnerable, especially when visibility is low or road rules are ignored
With increased traffic volumes expected, the Western Cape Mobility Department reminds all residents and visitors to stay vigilant and make
responsible choices on the road
Drivers are reminded that alcohol and driving do not mix If you ’ re planning to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and make alternative travel arrangements
Use a ride-hailing service, taxi, or another form of public transport
Designate a sober driver in your group
If hosting offer safe options for guests to get home or stay over
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users To stay safe:
• Cross only at designated pedestrian crossings
• Avoid walking on highways and busy roads
• Wear visible or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor weather conditions
• Stay alert - avoid distractions like phones or headphones near traffic
KEEPCHILDRENSAFE
With children out of school next week, it is crucial for drivers and parents to take the following extra precautions:
• Always use appropriate car seats or booster seats for young children
• Teach children basic road-safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles or near busy roads
• Reduce speed in residential areas, near malls, playgrounds or parks
“As families take advantage of the break to travel or enjoy leisure time we are calling on every individual to be part of the safety solution,” Allie said “It takes only one poor decision to cause a life-changing incident Let us all make the right choices, whether driving, walking or cycling, and ensure a safe and joyful long weekend for everyone ”
Herewithsigningoutforonelasttime...
hand there was so much more, and so a very clear mission was set in motion
My dream was largely realised in 2014 as an intern, on the newspaper ’ s Lansdowne edition
I had a dream of becoming a journalist from Grade 5, when a teacher helped me recognise my gift of the written word And despite much discouragement of having faith in one’s own career dreams, I went on to realise them
Once realised, soon enough it became abundantly clear that this was the right choice, making a difference through telling the stories of others
I always say we are often the voiceless soldiers behind the published works, rewarded by a simple byline at the top for our efforts No personal opinions, no guided narratives So on these few occasions we give readers insight into the person who is the subject of our newspaper
For those who may not know me, or my story, my name is Samantha (although I never hear my full name unless I’m in trouble, of course)
I had a dream of becoming a journalist at People’s Post newspaper, specifically writing for Mitchells Plain, the area I was born and finished my schooling in, and to which I still a have very deep sense of belonging, even though my family moved out of the area at the start of high-school years
I was inspired to make a difference by telling the positive news from the area, amid continuous front-page articles about all the deepest darkest happenings in the area I knew, first-
But slowly God let the full dream unfold, and in time I wrote for the prized edition for Mitchells Plain What was meant to be a six-month internship ended after three months with a full-time offer It was an opportunity to prove myself
Consequently, I believe I personify the saying “If you love what you do you won’t work a day in your life
”
But in reality life is a constant pursuit of success It becomes easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle without realising how much one has achieved and how far one ’ s determination has brought one It is only in moments of silent reflection that we learn to appreciate the journey along with the end destination
With more than 50 awards, commendations, finalist nominations and recognitions along the more-than-10-year span of my career, and having the privilege of featuring in almost every major journalism competition in the country I never imagined doing anything else And honestly, through all of this I have learnt many valuable lessons
How does that line from Woody Allen go (apparently based on an old Yiddish proverb)?
“If you want to make God laugh tell him about your plans
”
I truly believed this was where I had made my name, and where I would possibly end it too
You know, one cannot tell the future; I mean, if you asked me a few years ago where I’d be at
this point my answer would probably have been the same as it was then Tomorrow (30 April), I will officially close a chapter of my life At 32, I stand at the precipice of major change A huge step into the unknown, leaving all that I have known, all I had once dreamt of, to embark on a whole new journey, is about to unfold I once believed it was too late for me to start over But I now know it is possible to want more and that one ’ s goals and dreams can evolve
I recognise the magnitude of this new career move, an opportunityto make a fresh start, a whole new beginning, which is more than many can do right now So I can count my blessings
In fact, I didn’t want to write this column at all, for fear it would be a tad too emotional My colleagues were quite adamant that I write this, my swansong, and how glad I am that I obliged For the past 10-and-a-half years, People’s Post has become such a huge part of my identity, a publication I have passionately advocated for, and it has been such an incredible ride From the highest of highs to some uncomfortable lows, it has undoubtedly shaped the person I am today
And while it is with a heavy heart that I officially bid farewell to my career as a reporter today I am so immensely grateful for all I have achieved on this most fulfilling of journeys
Thank you for the memories, for the platform, for the opportunity to inform, inspire and entertain you along the way
As I often would say in my videos, “signing out for one more time [although this time final], for People’s Post news I am Samantha Lee-Jacobs ”
SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith at the monthly pet clinic hosted by AfriPaw at Capricorn Primary School
NAMHLAMONAKALI
What started as a personal act of gratitude to his grandmother has grown into a beacon of hope for underprivileged children in Imizamo Yethu and beyond
Raymond Twalick knows what it means to struggle, and now he’s channeling that experience into changing lives
Born in Malawi and raised by his grandmother, Twalick grew up in a household where opportunities were few and far between “I come from a poor family,” he shared “I didn’t have much and dropped out of school early due to financial struggles I became independent at a young age But through it all my grandmother was there, and I took it upon myself to look after her to this day, to show my appreciation ”
That deep sense of compassion and resilience has inspired Kids with Hope, a community-based organisation (CBO) he started in Imizamo Yethu, where he’s lived for the past decade “I know first-hand what it feels like to have nothing That’s why I use what little I have from my own pocket to help children who are growing up in the same circumstances ”
Twalick now works as manager of the DysArt Boutique Hotel in Green Point
But Kids with Hope is not just a local dream, but an international vision “I met a friend who shared the same passion, and together we started building this organisation in hopes of reaching children in both South Africa and Malawi ”
Despite limited resources Twalick and his team have already supported several pupils with school essentials and recently launched a girl-empowerment programme to provide school shoes and stationery Their next goal?
Launching a sanitary-towel drive, starting a soup kitchen and eventually building a school in Malawi for 50 to 60 children “Our mission is to support underprivileged
kids who can’t attend school because of poverty,” said Twalick “We follow-up with these children and their parents really to hear them
out The community here is very happy with what we ’ re doing ” Twalick dreams of opening a centre that can teach basic computer literacy and life skills But funding remains a critical challenge “There’s so much work to be done, but our funds are limited We need volunteers, donors and resources even to address things such as substance abuse in our communities ” He remains undeterred; “ we want to go further with this and won’t stop now ” Twalick hopes his story would inspire others to do the same “It is a miracle that I became a hotel manager Being born poor doesn’t define one Just keep learning and don’t stop dreaming ”
Barkstrippingendemic
NAMHLAMONKALI
Bark stripping in Newlands Forest has reportedly reached its highest levels since 2023, with illegal harvesters stripping trees at night and even lighting campfires near major trails Conservationists warn that if the destruction continues the forest’s delicate ecosystem could face long-term collapse
Tree painting, a preventative measure introduced by the Newlands Forest Conservation Group with support from the Sugarbird Project, has emerged as a highly effective solution Of the 3 000 trees painted to date, less than 0,3% have been stripped, prompting a renewed campaign to paint 3 000 more trees over the next few months At R50 per tree, the group is urgently seeking public donations to hire more painters and scale-up the effort
William Boshoff, who co-founded the conservation group after moving to Newlands in 2019, said the damage from bark harvesting was first visible high up in the forest
“It’s illegal, and when we realised how widespread it had become we knew we had to act
That’s when we started the group and began building a relationship with SANParks (South African National Parks) ”
The most frequently-targeted species are rare indigenous trees including stinkwood, assegaai and Cape holly Recently, even Turkey berry and heart-pear trees, previously untouched, had been stripped, indicating an escalation
“It’s not just about losing trees You getting holes in the canopy and the fire risk increases massively,” Boshoff pointed out “We’re seeing beautiful trees die Over tie, the weakened ones fall in storms putting the entire ecosystem at risk ”
The group ’ s solution, painting tree trunks with a non-toxic deterrent, has made stripping uneconomical for harvesters, who are believed to be collecting bark for traditional medicine and potentially exporting it to other provinces “We focus on painting the largest, oldest trees first,” said Boshoff “If you kill a 100-year-old tree it takes a century to replace it ”
Although bark harvesting has historical roots in the area, said Boshoff, the current methods are unsustainable and destructive “This is no longer low-impact collection It’s extraction on a scale that the forest simply cannot survive ”
Public involvement, through donations and awareness, is critical to the project’s success
Contributions of over R1 000 are eligible for tax certificates through Friends of Table Mountain, a registered public-benefit organisation Payments can be made via SnapScan, with details available at www friendsoftablemountain org/ support-us
“We often get messages from people asking how they can help,” Boshoff said “Financial support is key But just as important is spreading awareness People need to understand what’s happening in their backyard ”
The conservation team believes success means significantly reducing barkstripping
“If we act now we can still save what’s left,” Boshoff said
Debaters spark conversation
Up to 15 learners put their skills to the test during a debating competition which was held at Southfield library last Wednesday April 16
This was the second installment of the debating competition at the library In 2024, Southfield, Meadowridge and Tokai libraries hosted the first debating competition in the area The topics for the debate were only revealed on the day which also added to the challenge of the competition, according to the City's Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham
"We are delighted to see so much enthusiasm from learners who participated in the debating competition Debating not only improves communication skills and confidence, but also provides learners with the ability to think independently and foster an interest in reading and knowledge sharing," said Higham Topics that were debated included: . This house will punish police more harshly
CPOA Avondrust Court
20 Rouwkoop Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town Peace of mind • Rentals Available • Retirement home • Independent Living
Situated in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch, Avondrust court is a warm and friendly court which offers lovely mountain views and two courtyards with rose gardens in which to enjoy quality time with the family Ensuring that retirees can find a solution that suits their needs and budget, different living options are offered which include single rooms, single or double occupancy units as well as a 40 bed on-site CPOA Care Centre.
Contact our Manager today! Michelle Paulse 021 689 8346 MPaulse@cpoa.org.za
than general citizens for crimes committed . This house encourages child labour . This house will change the legal voting age to 16
Participants represented: Wynberg High School, South Peninsula High School and Cultivating Excellence Academy, an independent school The three teams comprised five learners per team South Peninsula were crowned as the winners while Wynberg finished in second place Zayaan Solomons from South Peninsula High School came out tops as the best speaker of the day South Peninsula High School team members: Mihle Sigenu, Naqeeba Boomgaard, Safaah Moses, Zarah Molte and Zayaan Solomons Wynberg High School team members: Elethu Dzila, Emihle Quphe, Inga Sodinga, Ivokuhle Nyingwa and Madrine Chizipi Cultivating Excellence Academy team: Astin Solomon, Bethany February, Lily Conway, Seth van Kersteren and Sophia Hinz
Councillor Carmen Siebritz (middle front row) with library staff, learners and educators
Adjudicator Prakasen Naidoo, Learner Zayaan Solomons(best speaker) and Alderman Eddie Andrews
First prize winners left to right: Educator Nicholas Dagnin, Learners: Mihle Sigenu, Zarah Molte, Zayaan Solomons, Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews, Learners: Naqeeba Boomgaard, Saafaah Moses, Adjudicator Prakasen Naidoo
Barkstripping in Newlands Forest has reached its highest levels since 2023, with illegal harvesters now stripping trees at night
Hedda ‘rebels against everything’
Guns, roses, tilled soil and feathers These are just some of the items to be found scattered throughout Christiaan Olwagen's bold, irreverent and visually-magnificent production of Hedda Gabler, with English and Afrikaans seasons, which runs at the Baxter Theatre.
This award-winning reworking of Henrik Ibsen’s play, with one of theatre’s most enduring femme fatales at its centre, is brought into the 21st century with Rolanda Marais in the distinctly fiery title role Hedda Gabler will be performed in Afrikaans from Thursday 1 until Saturday 10 May and from Monday 12 to Saturday 24 May, with the same ensemble, when it makes its English debut
The formidable cast, led by Marais, also has Afrikaans-theatre bluebloods Albert Pretorius, Martelize Kolver, Ashley de Lange, Ludwig Binge and Stian Bam, with direction and translation by Christiaan Olwagen
Following a sold-out debut at the 2024 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, Hedda Gabler was the big winner at this year ’ s kykNET Fiëstas, with an
IBSEN PLAY HAS NEW SPIN
impressive four awards: best actress for Marais, best achievement in design, ensemble and festival production The play was awarded the first Martie Retief Meiring Award at the Woordtrofees last year, for a new work bringing challenge and excitement to the stage, a talking point Hedda has recently returned from her honeymoon with Jurg (Albert Pretorius), but all is not well in the household Despite Jurg’s success he already bores her and still can’t believe that the beautiful Hedda chose him When her old flame Lovborg (Ludwig Binge) shows up she aims a wrecking ball at her life Why?
Because she can! Marina Griebenouw, in her review for INK, remarked that Ibsen’s most complex female character “beguiles and scorches as spectacularly and fleetingly as a comet through the sky with everyone who crosses her path or stands in her way ”
Elzanne Coetzee wrote that “Olwag ’ s interpretation and handling of this text breathes new life into the
I think there is something incredibly satisfying about a neat set that is completely destroyed by an explosive production ” Hedda rebels against everything in her power with venomous wit and
unapologetic defiance, in a production with an age restriction of 16, a thrilling rebellious tale of power, passion and destruction
Set design is by Rocco Poole, costumes by Mariechen Vosloo,
CapeTownInternationalJazzFestivalhitsalltherightnotes
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Jazz was on the menu this weekend as the 22nd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) Thousands of music enthusiasts came out to get a glimpse of their favourite artists performing live And those who could not make it to the festival had the opportunity to get a taste of some of the entertainment on Thursday 24 April at the Jazz Festival free concert held on Greenmarket Square Over 5 000 people turned out Thursday to catch the likes of local songtress Andrea Fortuin, kwaito music group TKZee and British jazz band Incognito, among others Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, told People’s Post the festival unites people “It has been exciting, the gees was amazing and I loved it The theme of this year ’ s festival was “Legacy Meets Tomorrow” For me this is a legacy show in Cape Town For the two nights I came with my daughters Hopefully one day their children can come And that is what this is about ”
He said the event allows local artists to showcase their talent to the world
“If you are on stages such as these you get spotted It is not just for locals but international audiences too ” Spead across the Kippies, Manen-
berg, Molelekwa and Rosies stages, patrons were treated to performances by about 30 local and international artists
These included Jamaican-American musician and singer Masego, local band The Ploemies, trumpeter Muneeb Hermans, Jazz vocalist and composer Nomfundo Xaluva, multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jiyane and American singer, songwriter Ari Lennox among others
People’s Post spoke to a few of the festivalgoers
Mica Traut from Retreat said she grew up with jazz, so she did not want to miss the festival
Sheila Hlanjwa said she attended annually and enjoyed the music
Making her debut at the festival, South African sensation Lira had the crowd on their feet during her 45-minute set
An emotional songstress said this was her first performance in Cape Town since suffering a stroke three years ago
Speaking to the cheering crowd, the “Believer” hitmaker said her recovery journey was “difficult, but worth it”
“I struggled to talk, and I didn’t focus on singing but on talking In December 2023, I was caught up in the music of the country I sang randomly and noticed I could sing In January 2024, I decided to practise my songs and singing came very easily I got my life back when I wasn’t thinking ”
Jamaican-American musician Masego PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
American songtress Ari Lennox was the headline act on Saturday
Lanielle Hartzenberg, Carmen Prins, Charmaine Slinger-Smith, Danchia Slinger-Smith and Euodia Samson enjoyed the festival.
Rush and Erica Gutu enjoyed all the performances
Riethaa Abrahams, Taahir Adams and Laaiqah Ghadien, from Athlone, had a blast
“Believer” hitmaker Lira made her debut at the festival
wild-woman trope
lighting design by Wolf Britz, music by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and choreography by Natalie Fisher .The play runs at 19:30 with Saturday matinees at 15:30 Booking is through Webtickets online
Rolanda Marais and Albert Pretorious in Hedda Gabler PHOTO: JEREMEO LE CORDEUR
Soccer Budyz readytogo
Girls and boys between the ages of four and seven years are invited to compete in the Soccer Budyz CKC Cup mini-tournament to be held on Saturday 3 May at Sansbury Mall in Eerste River
The event, which is hosted in partnership with Cornelius Schools, involving 14 of its franchise schools, takes place from 08:00 to 13:00
According to Fernando Classen, founder of Soccer Budyz, the development venues where boys and girls can participate in its programmes are in Rylands, Eerste River and Pinelands, at Oude Molen High School
“The event on Saturday in Eerste River is a celebration of youth talent and sportmanship, and the areas our kids come from include Durbanville, Kuils River, Eerste River, Mandalay, Khayelitsha, Maitland, Pinelands, Athlone, Claremont, Ottery, Mitchell’s Plain, Goodwood and Parow Awesome prizes are up for grabs and we promise fun for the whole family on Saturday ” For details WhatsApp Classen on 067 087 7433
DURBELLARECURRENTLYTHELOGLEADERS
YOUNG COLLEGIANS WIN IN LENTEGEUR
Mihlali Mpongo of Vusa Rugby Academy in Langa slips the desperate attempt of Ameer Orderson of Collegians Rugby Football Club during a WPRU School League game played at the refurbished Lentegeur Sports Complex on Saturday 26 March Collegians won the u-13 fixture 28-17
Rugby action heats up
Rugby supporters of clubs in Super League A are in for a stressful time this season as there are no outright favourites at the moment.
With three games completed
Durbell are currently log leaders with 14 points after three matches, and it was obvious on Saturday 26 April against newbie Van der Stel-Evergreens from Stellenbosch that they are on a mission to topple Hamiltons this year
At half-time Durbell led 19-12 and VDE was still in the game
However, when the second half started VDE could not keep up with the experienced Durbell players who romped to a 52-24 victory
Valuable lessons were learnt by the visitors and the spectators in Durbanville cannot complain about the rugby on display
Other teams cannot afford to write VDE off after this loss and everyone is looking forward to the rest of the season to see how they grow after each match against the big guns In their first match they dispatched St Georges by 40-11
But rugby leagues are not won in May and with the tertiary institutions starting to fulfil their league commitments after the Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield, it will be a seesaw-battle on the log
Helderberg is second on the log with
points followed by Villager (11) and False Bay (7)
other matches in Super League
Ikeys beat Kuils River by 23-22,
VDE v Unimil
bloodied Andries Viljoen of Villager RFC trots nonchalantly to the try-line, a split-second before the effects of the dive by Thaaqib Rylands of Schotsche
Mark Kleinschmidt, councillor of Ward