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Lace up your walking shoes, it’s just one month to the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk.
Now in its 57th year, Blisters for Bread is not just a walk it’s a movement
Each year, thousands gather in solidarity to help the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) combat child hunger by raising vital funds to provide daily meals to learners across the Western Cape
This year ’ s event is happening on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It features a 5km and 10km charity fun walk, live entertainment, food stalls, and a warm sense of community spirit
And to top it off, patrons can look forward to some live entertainment post-walk
One of the performers taking to the stage is The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin
BLISTERS FOR BREAD IS NOT JUST A WALK—IT’S A MOVEMENT
Gysman
Born and raised in the close-knit community of Klipfontein Mission Station in Philippi, Anslin is a gifted vocalist and rising South African star whose soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics have inspired thousands With a social media following of over 250 000 and growing, he continues to use his platform to uplift and motivate others, making him the perfect fit for this meaningful event
Petrina Pakoe, Director of PSFA, said: “We’re incredibly excited to
welcome Anslin to the Blisters for Bread stage His personal story, passion for social upliftment, and incredible talent align beautifully with our mission This year ’ s event promises to be our most memorable yet ” Entries are now open, with a R100 entry fee, which will feed a child both breakfast and lunch for a day They close at midnight on Sunday 17 August Official event T-shirts are available at R150 Only online entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers .
I’m not a man, yet every man I’ve known has shaped my world one way or the other I was raised by one Loved by one Supported by one Guided by one From the father who quietly carried burdens, to the uncle whose strength was soft compassion, to the manager who led and the countless male colleagues alongside whom I’ve worked and woven a shared purpose Each has deepened my commitment to honouring men ’ s mental well-being June marks Men’s Mental Health Month globally, and it lands close to my heart
Because behind the men we love, admire, and lean on, are human beings who have for too long been expected to suppress their pain, shrink their feelings, and carry the world without asking for help I practically grew up with my dad I’ve seen him at his lowest, at his messiest and his greatest yet I never flinched once If anything, I leaned in closer I admired, and still admire, his vulnerability He soared on it
There was a certain dignity in how he allowed himself to feel deeply, to be imperfect and real,
without ever letting that diminish his strength Watching him gave me a language for love that includes honesty, not just protection It taught me that masculinity and emotional expression are not opposites, they are allies South Africa is in crisis
Our country ranks among the top ten globally in suicide rates, with approximately 23,5 deaths per 100 000 people annually In 2023 alone, 13 774 people died by suicide Of these, 10 861 were men, nearly 80% That means four out of every five people who take their own lives in South Africa are men
The male suicide rate stands at an alarming 37,6 per 100 000 people, compared to 9,8 for women These are not just numbers, they are brothers, fathers, uncles, sons, partners, colleagues and friends
Yet, despite the magnitude of this crisis, men ’ s mental health remains a whispered subject, one often treated with discomfort, judgment, or outright neglect We cannot begin to address what we refuse to see I believe there are many reasons why men suffer in silence
From boyhood, many are taught to “ man up, ” “indoda ayikhali” to show no weakness and wear resilience like armour even when they are breaking inside
The pressures to perform, to provide, to protect, all while suppressing vulnerability are relent-
less In a country where the youth unemployment rate hovers at 62% among those aged 15–24, many young men carry a crushing sense of failure before they’ve had a fair chance to begin
Others bottle up the pain of trauma, poverty, or unprocessed grief, only to express it later through anger, violence, or self-destruction
Because they are rarely taught the language of emotional literacy We see the consequences not only in suicide statistics, but also in spirals of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and fractured families – these are not excuses but realities unspoken When men are wounded and given no tools to heal, that pain does not stay contained; it ripples outward, hurting everyone And so I return to the men in my life I see you I see the cost of carrying everything, of being expected to never fall I see the tears you never let fall in front of us I see the battles you fight in the quiet of your mind, the dreams you put aside to be what the world told you a “real man ” must be
It is time we build a society where men can be fully human, where they are not defined by how much they earn or how well they perform, but by how deeply they feel, connect, heal, and grow We need homes, churches, schools, and workplaces where emotional honesty is normalised
Where fathers are not just expected to provide, but are supported when they need to be held too
This month is not only a time to remember the pain so many men carry, it is also a time to change the culture that keeps them silent
Conversations about gender must include them
When we speak of gender-based violence, mental illness, poverty, or trauma, we must recognise that men are not just perpetrators or providers They are people They are participants in the human experience They matter We cannot have true gender equity if it favours one gender while forgetting the other Empowering women does not require the neglect of men In fact, healing men is part of healing families, communities, and generations To the men we know and love, you are not alone You are allowed to be vulnerable You are allowed to be unsure You are allowed to cry You are allowed to speak And more than anything, you are allowed to heal To my gal pals –mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, friends, let us not wait until tragedy forces us to pay attention Let us build a culture of care now Let us open our hearts and homes
Let us be the first to listen without judgment, to soften the space, to honour the humanity of the men who have always tried to carry us
Unemployed residents registered on the City’s jobseekers’ database are requested to update their details before Sunday 1 November
Those who have not updated their details over the previous 12 months will be automatically deactivated
This means they will no longer be eligible for Extended Public Works Programmes (EPWP) placements until their information
The EPWP is a national government initiative implemented by the City of Cape Town to provide temporary work opportunities, reduce poverty and offer meaningful workplace experience to residents
To be considered for EPWP opportunities jobseekers must be registered and active on the City’s Jobseeker Database, which ensures
a fair and transparent recruitment process
To maintain fairness and efficiency in this process the City urges all jobseekers to update their details regularly to stay eligible for placement
To register and update, they must visit a subcouncil office or SmartCape Centre at a library
It is open on weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30, except public holidays
. Visit the EPWP Walk-In Centre at 50 Wale Street, which is open weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30
. For more information, contact the EPWP HelpDesk on 021 400 9406 or email epwp help@capetown gov za Registering on the Jobseekers Database as well as receiving any
related EPWP work opportunities from the City are entirely free No payment is required at any stage of the process
Jobseekers must provide the following information to update their details:
. Personal identification–ID document
. Proof of address
. Contact information
. Skills and experience information – Curriculum Vitae Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, said the City remained dedicated to creating pathways to employment and empowering our communities through inclusive, skills-based opportunities “The EPWP provides valuable on-the-job experience and an opportunity to contribute
meaningfully to community development projects By registering on the database residents position themselves to be considered for available EPWP placements as they arise across various departments and initiatives ”
The Voice South Africa season three finalist, Anslin Gysman PHOTO SUPPLIED
Bethany churchmarket
Bethany Fellowship Church, located in 225 Imam Haron Road, Claremont will host its monthly market on Saturday 5 July, from 07:00 to 13:00 Expect a vibrant variety of stalls featuring a tea garden, home-made konfyt, brica-brac, books, crafts, jewellery, clothing, plants and more
Stall space is available at just R30 For bookings or more information contact the Bethany office at 021 671 9400 or 061 709 2533.
Birdstalk
The next meeting of the Cape Bird Club is on Thursday 10 July at 19:30 at the Nassau Centre, Groote Schuur High School, Palmyra Road, Newlands
Trevor Hardaker will talk about the incredible birds he saw on his recent trip to Ecuador
Visitors are welcome and the cost is R40. Contact Sharon on 072 633 3379 for details
Sites to be upgraded
The City of Cape Town says it will be conducting repairs and upgrades at several City drop-off sites during July and August this year Upgrades and repairs will take place at the following locations: Kommetjie between Monday 11 and Friday 15 August, Prince George Drive, currently underway until Tuesday 12 July, Wynberg from Friday 15 until Saturday 26 July, Woodstock from Monday 28 July until Saturday 9 August and Hout Bay from Monday 11 until Saturday 16 August
Residents can use any alternative site for garden greens disposal
Help homeless fight cold
NAMHLAMONAKALI
As one of the harshest winters in recent years continues to tighten its grip on Cape Town U-turn Homeless Ministries has intensified its emergency response efforts to provide critical relief to individuals on the street left exposed to the city’s torrential downpours and icy winds
Relentless cold fronts sweeping across the metro have driven an alarming number of people to seek shelter, warmth and food at U-turn’s service centres
In response, the organisation, known for its long-term rehabilitation work, has rapidly redirected some of its core resources towards emergency-relief interventions
“When the weather turns severe the need on the streets grows rapidly,” Jean-Ray Knighton-Fitt, CEO of U-turn, pointed out “We want to respond, and with the public’s help we can ”
The sharp uptick in demand has prompted U-turn to activate additional accommodation spaces, increase food provisions and provide emergency winter supplies such as blankets, hot meals and warm clothing
While U-turn’s core mission remained focused on long-term support such as skills training, job readiness and addiction recovery, the organisation said the scale and severity of the current crisis demanded a dual approach “This emergency effort is possible only through media coverage, faith-based partnerships, and public generosity,” said Knighton-Fitt “It’s a team effort We need all hands on deck ” U-turn is appealing to Cape Town residents, churches, businesses and community groups to donate urgently-needed items or make financial contributions to bolster the emergency initiative The most pressing needs include warm clothing, especially small to medium men ’ s sizes, blankets, yoga mats, non-perishable foods, stewing meat, long-life milk, tea, coffee, sugar
and toiletries such as toilet paper
THE COLD SPELL IS TESTING U-TURN’S ABILITY TO MEET BOTH SHORT- AND LONGTERM SURVIVAL NEEDS.
Goods can be delivered to the U-turn Head Office at 155 Second Avenue, Kenilworth, where a drop-off zone will operate daily from 08:30 to 21:00 Monetary donations,which support both
immediate relief and sustainable programmes, can be made online at homeless org za/donate With the weather service predicting further rain and freezing temperatures in the days ahead, the city’s most vulnerable remain at high risk For people living on the streets a wet blanket or a missed meal can be life-threatening And for organisations such as U-turn, the coming weeks will test their ability to meet both short-term survival needs and the long-term vision of dignity and independence for every person they serve
“We are doing everything we can, ” said Knighton-Fitt “But we can’t do it alone ”
As torrential rains continue to batter Cape Town, U-turn Homeless Ministries has ramped-up emergency efforts to assist the growing number of homeless individuals seeking urgent shelter and relief from the cold.
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Molo Songololo held a Quiz Night on Thursday 26 June. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Child-rightsgroup holdsafundraiser
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Despite the cold and gloomy weather dozens of people showed up to support the Molo Songololo Quiz Night on Thursday 26 June at the Jagger Hall at the Bishops Preparatory School in Rondebosch
The Observatory-based organisation, which has been advocating for the protection and rights of children for over four decades, said the event was a fundraising initiative for its numerous programmes
The hall was abuzz on Thursday as sharp minds eagerly answered the questions to lay their hands on some of the prizes on offer
Patric Solomons, managing director of the organisation, told People’s Post proceeds from the event will help cover some of the expenses “The aim of the Quiz Night was to raise funds to help keep Molo Songololo afloat The funds will help cover operational expenses for the work we do with children and impact directly to secure their safety, empowerment and healing ”
People’s Post previously reported that the organisation had a R300 000 shortfall and is urgently in need of support (“Molo Songololo seeks urgent donations to support children’s rights and services,” People’s Post 4 March 2025)
Solomons said the organisation has since received its annual funding from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) for the 2025-’26 financial year
But he added that this was a drop in the ocean “Unfortunately this funding does not cover all the expenses NGOs are contracted with
DSD funding and are paid less for what it would cost to implement a project ”
Solomons took a swipe at the department and said securing funds was a constant battle “DSD pays profit-making companies 100% for supplies, goods and services This is an unfair funding model that jeopardises NGOs’ survival NGOs are expected to get the rest of the funds needed elsewhere ”
He explained that they also received funding from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Solomons said each contribution helped them to continue their work
“Molo Songololo, like so many organisations, struggle to complete the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) registration and funding application The process presented many challenges Even the NLC technical assistance was problematic We are waiting for a response to finalise the application ”
He expressed his gratitude to people who continue to support them
“We are grateful to the public and our friends and supporters who support our fundraising activities The quiz night was a success Everyone had fun and went home with a prize ”
Solomons said donations in kind are also welcomed “Individual donations, once-off donations or regular monthly contributions are a great help We call on individuals who want to support the work of Molo Songololo to consider a small monthly contribution Every amount helps ”
S The harm of excessive screen time
ProvincerethinksHIV/TBstrategy afterfundingblow
NAMHLAMONAKALI
After a funding lifeline was abruptly withdrawn earlier this year, the Western Cape is rethinking its response to two of its most pressing public health challenges, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) But instead of despair, a quiet determination is growing
The province’s battle against HIV and TB faces a critical turning point after the loss of key international donor support earlier this year
In response, provincial leaders are accelerating efforts to build a more sustainable, targeted response using data and technology to ensure no one is left behind
On 24 June, the Western Cape Provincial Council on AIDS and TB convened to address the fallout from the withdrawal of USAID funding in January, which had supported a wide network of community health programmes The funding cut has severely impacted several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profits organisations (NPOs) that delivered HIV and TB services to some of the province’s most vulnerable communities
Premier Alan Winde, speaking at the council meeting, called the situation a “devastating setback” but emphasised the province’s commitment to adapt “It has led to a major setback in the critical work done by our government and the non-governmental and non-profit sector in addressing HIV-AIDS and TB in our province But as we have shown in the past, we are confronting this challenge together ”
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has already begun scenario planning to stabilise the health system, laying out a multipronged strategy to stretch limited resources
This includes digitising HIV and TB patient registers to improve service tracking, expanding e-scripting and medication access points, and refocusing attention on high-burden areas where infection rates are highest Amelia Mfiki, co-chair of the council, said the current challenge is also an opportunity to rebuild stronger, smarter systems
“Access to healthcare facilities remains one of the biggest barriers in our community response, particularly
for those who want to re-engage with the health system,” she said “If we can reach people in ways that reflect their realities, by bringing services closer and cutting red tape, we can do more with less ”
The USAID withdrawal has left many NGOs in limbo, with some scaling back outreach activities or closing community clinics This threatens to reverse gains made over the past decade in testing, treatment adherence, and public awareness
Community health workers and local clinics, often the first point of contact for marginalised people, are stretched thin
In townships and rural areas, patients who previously relied on these networks now face long travel distances or treatment interruptions
Despite these challenges, provincial health officials say the crisis has galvanised a new focus on efficiency, sustainability, and local innovation Officials stress that rebuilding efforts will be rooted in evidence and community engagement, with a drive to integrate HIV and TB services more seamlessly into primary care
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nity stories to school updates and sporting events,” said Esme Smit, General Manager of Novus Media “The platform emphasises its commitment to delivering authentic reliable news that matters on both local and national levels
Were providing news you can rely on news that is not fake news that matters close to home and diverse true to our rainbow nation and culture ”
Lise Beyers National Digital News Editor for Novus Media, said she was extremely excited about the launch of this groundbreak-
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delivering both hyperlocal storytelling and global perspective to significantly expanded audiences in a way no other digital media site has achieved
Launch competitions
To celebrate the launch, Novus Media is running two exciting competitions for users who subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter and follow NovaNews on Facebook In the Search for the Star competition, participants stand to win one of five R4 000 Pick n Pay vouchers or a luxurious 2-night stay for two people at The Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha,
valid for six months Travel costs are for the winner’s own expense
In the Nou waa is that star competition several stars will be hidden in reports on the novanews co za home page If you find a star, click on it and a form will pop up to enable you to subscribe to the NovaNews newsletter
Then follow NovaNews on Facebook The competitions will run for two weeks
Digital innovation
The launch represents Novus Media’s commitment to accessible digital journalism
through innovative user-experience design The platform allows readers to access trusted news content instantly through its web browsers, with intuitive navigation that seamlessly connects hyperlocal community stories with national and international coverage With fake news increasingly challenging media credibility novanews co za emphasises its dedication to factual, verified reporting
The platform is now live at novanews co za with competition details available on the website and associated social media channels
Bluey makes debut in CapeTown
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
As a parent to young kids the names Bluey, Bingo, Mom (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit) might sound all too familiar
You will also be forgiven if you immediately sang or hummed the catchy introduction melody while reading their names
Everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler dog family is live on stage at the Artscape Theatre until Sunday 6 July
Bluey’s Big Play, the Stage Show, is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animated television series and is based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and contains music by Bluey composer Joff Bush
The characters are represented by larger-thanlife puppets operated by talented puppeteers who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage
On Thursday 26 June, People’s Post got a behind-the-scenes look and interacted with the all South-African cast of the much-loved production, a day before the production debut in South Africa
t b t h t h t p h c
fun-filled show
“They can expect familiar characters from the show They will see things like Bluey’s bedroom and the garden It will be Bluey’s world live on stage ”
Johannesburg-born actress Angel Orugbo portrays the role of Chilli (Mom)
“I never had no puppeteering experience before and it’s phenomenal to be able to play such a cool and fun character Chilli is sassy and sarcastic We get to delve into her personality ”
Orugbo says she is elated to be part of the production
“You can feel the love that people have for
Bluey’s Big Play the Stage Show is a theatrical adaptation of the Bafta and Emmy Award-winning animated television series PHOTOS KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Bingo
I From campus right to Springbok
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Jesse Kriel of South Africa topples Melvin Jaminet of the Barbarians