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LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The danger is in the dye. So said community activist Lynn Philips, of Tafelsig Shewas speakingonthe recent scare in the community alleging that drugs are being put in Chippa Naks packets andsold to children Philips said it was unlikely that drugs were beingput into the chips packets.
UNVERIFIEDVIDEO CAUSES PANIC IN COMMUNITY NO EVIDENCE OF FOOD POISONING
was alsoshared on social media claiming that another child had fallen illfrom eating the chips.
Philips pointed out that if the pill, shown on the images shared with thevideo, had been in thepacket, it should have been stained with dye.
“People are sending outpanic,” shesaid.
‘LILYWHITE’TABLETS
Shepointed out her doubts aboutthe scare whichstarted when awoman posted avideo of achild outside Tafelsig clinic “collapsing” due to allegedly eatingthe popular chips brand.
Thewoman claims the chips were sold to the child by a foreign national.
Over theweekend, avoice note
“Thetablet is still lily white,” Philips said. “If it was found inside the chips, the colour should have changed.”
Philips pointed out that the high dye content of the chips, whichvisibly stains the lips and fingers of people who eat it, should have stained the tablet too.
People in the videos also show thepackets already opened when claiming that they found the tablesinside.
Cautionurged inchipsscare
“I never saw apacket opened on social media to verify the tablet was inside,”she said. However, she did not take issue with the call to not buy the product but not because she believed there were tablets inside.
“Parents need to be assertive. There is too much colouring in thosechips and it has adirect implication on our kids’organs,” she said.
OFFICIALSRESPOND
Police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg could not confirm if foreign substances had been added to the chips but said that police are investigating.
TheCity's health department said that no evidence of food poisoning had been found and that the children returned to school on the same day.
Leathan Croats,the goalie forHope FC.The club wonthe Motsepe Foundation Championship last weekend.Full storyonpage7
Localcommunityheroes honouredwithcivicawards
Subcouncil 17 hosted its civic awards ceremony on Friday29 May,recognising 12 peopleand organisations for their service. The civicawards are certificates of recognition givenfor exceptional achievement or servicetocivil society within the subcouncil's area.
THE12RECIPIENTSARE:
. Bernadette Gelant —chairofthe Northwood Diabetic Seniors Club, Gelant wasdescribed as adedicated community worker who goesbeyond what is expected of her. She exposes seniorresidents to educationaland cultural experiencesand is known for hergenerosity andpassion for hercommunity.
. Blaqpearl Foundation —The foundationmotivatesand supportsyoung people to complete short courses in life skills andtheatre, life skills andmusic, andmultimedia film-making.
. Cornelia Roos Martheza —A volunteer with the Cancer Association of SouthAfrica(Cansa) for 10 years, Martheza facilitates the monthly Cansa support group in Lentegeur for cancer survivors andtheir families. She is described as humble,multi-talentedand committedtoempowering her community . Kosovo Neighbourhood Watch —The neighbourhood watchsafeguards school learners and residents in the Kosovo
FROMPAGE1
“City Health conducted an investigation, including avisit to theshopwhere the learners bought the chips. The owner of theshop was able to provide proof of apending application for aCertificate of Acceptability. Basedonthe available findings, there is no confirmed evidence of foodpoisoning linked to the consumption of thechips. The matter hasbeen escalated to the City’sFood Control Unit forfurther investigation andtoengage withthe manufacturer,” the department saidinanemail.
TheCityalso cautionedagainst spreading unverified stories on social media
“Communities must be mindfulofwhat
COUNCILLORSGIVE CIVIC HONOURSTOTIRELESS COMMUNITYWORKERS
informal settlement.
. Pastor TheoRoman —Roman has servedthe Mitchells Plaincommunity since 1982, giving more than four decades of commitment, leadership and community transformation.
. Wendy Abrahams —Founder of theAdvance Edukos Foundation and a resident of Strandfontein who grew up in Mitchells Plain, Abrahams survived multiple violent incidents in 2019, 2024 and 2025, yet continued her work. Her foundation hascreated employment for more than 300 young people to date. She uses artasa tool for expression, healing and learning.
. 180 Plus Schools Darts Development Programme —The programme uses thesport of darts to improve learners' concentration and mentalskills.Sandy Schuter —Chair of the Strandfontein CommunityPoliceForum(CPF), Schuter has built strong relationships between the police and local residents, contributing to reduced crime and improved safetyinthe area. Shehas alsoentered drug houses and confronted gangs in an effort to reclaimcommunityspaces.
circulates on socialmedia. Noteverything posted online is true or accurate. Before sharing information, take amoment to check that it comesfrom areliable source.
If you havegenuine food safety concerns, pleasereport it promptly and provide accurateinformation andasmany details as possible.
“Responsible reporting enables our EnvironmentalHealth Practitioners (EHPs)toinvestigaterealrisks, prevent foodborne illness, andtake action against unsafe food premises.
“However,false, malicious, or deliberately fabricated complaints— including cases where foodstuffs are sabotaged to create the appearance of contamination seriously undermines the work of ourEHPs.”
. Ivan George —Apensioner from Woodlands, George goes out every day pushing awheelbarrow filled with tools to Lentegeur station, where he cleans and collects waste and offloads it intoaskip bin—without pay.
. Mark Jeneker —Anart teacher at PortlandPrimary, Jeneker runs afterschool art programmes as well as holiday programmes in libraries and community halls.
. AM Desai —Aresident of New Woodlands, Desai was nominated for her work educating Muslim youth and supporting young people through social challenges.
. Ben de Vos —DeVos was recognised for his role in developing, piloting and establishing nodal governance and community policing practices withinthe City of Cape Town.
TWOOUTGOINGCOUNCILLORSHONOURED In addition to the 12 civic award recipients, Subcouncil 17 also paid tribute to two outgoing councillors who each served 20 yearsaspublic representatives.
Councillor Daniel Christians and councillor Goawa Timm both received Certificates of Long Service from the City of Cape Towninrecognition of theirloyal and dedicated service and theirvalued contribution to service delivery in their respective communities.
Subcouncil 17 managerGoodman Rorwana with AdvanceEdukos founder WendyAbrahams and subcouncil chair EltonJansen.
Subcouncil managerGoodman Rorwana with councillors GouwaTimmand DannyChristians with subcouncil chair EltonJansen.
Youthbr
LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY
LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
“How do we stop young people from joining gangs? How do westop young peoplefrom killing each other? Howdowestop young peoplefrom joining dynamics that might not be accepted in the community?”
These questions, asked by Alexandra Abello Colak, were at the heart of apilot research project by the London School of Economics (LSE), conducted recently in Mitchells Plainand Medellín, Colombia.
What set this projectapart from similar programmes was thatit placed youth firmly at thecentre.
“We wanted to create space and opportunities to invite young people into the conversation, and to team up in trying to understand what is happening, taking into account young people's perspectives,” said Colak, the project's lead researcher.
On Monday 8June, the research team shared their findings with youth stakeholders at the Lentegeur Administrative building in aproactive dialogue bringingtogether five civil society organisations: theSafe Line,Amala Development, the YMCA, the Mitchells Plain Safety Development Forum, and the LNC programme. The research team presenting the findings included young people from Mitchells Plain and leaders of Voices of the Plain, acommunity initiative that had been central to the research process. Also present were communityworkers, social workers,and university students fromMitchells Plain. Together, the group workshopped possiblesolutions to the safety challenges identified by the research across five strategic areas: economic security, mental health and wellbeing, belonging and participation, community protection and carefor young people, and relations with civil society and governmental institutions.
The year-long study, which was backed by Swedish institution the ICLD, ran alongside a similar process in Medellín, Colombia's second-biggest city. Bothcommunities have social challenges.
WHATTHERESEARCHFOUND
The pilot survey reached 140 young people in Mitchells Plain. When askedwhat their biggest challenges were, they ranked
unemplo gangsteris
But the safety mea people tha shot or people ac securityi many oft “Everybo insecurity differently, age,depending depending she said. hearpol insecurity they speak areall in The research layers of young peo onfami distrust mentalh shut ou affect thei joining decision.
“It's ap complex Colak. “If people less involved need to factors together
Rivonne youthrepres community project,
Winegurupaysitforwardforyouth
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Anaward-winning wine professional originallyfrom Tafelsig is making his workspace asite of opportunity forothers, giving youngpeople the chances he never had.
Denzel-Jonathan Swarts is aSenior ExecutiveatZoetendal Vineyards in Cape Agulhas,atwo-time South African
Ason of the farm labourer,hewas determined to breakout of thecycle of people of colour onlyworking as labourers on farms.
He has wonseveral awards forhis work in the industryand his outreach projects.
Denzel Swarts has worked in severalpositions in the wineindustry
Creecyupdatesonlogisticsreform
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has told Western Capeexporters that private railoperators are expected to start running onSouth Africa's freight-rail network fromApril next year, as the government speeds-up effortstooverhaulthe country'slogistics system.
The keynotespeaker at an Exporters Western Cape event in CapeTown earlier this month, she addressed apacked room of exporters, logistics professionals and industry leadersongovernment plansto reform the country's freight rail and port systems.
“The lifeblood of any country's economy is its logistics system,” she said. “If we are going to be able to get South Africa's produce out into the world then it is important that we have an efficient and cost-effective logistics system.”
COMPETITIONFROMNEIGHBOURINGPORTS
The minister acknowledged South Africa's logistics networkhad faced seriousproblems in recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic.She also pointed to growing competition from ports elsewhere inthe region.
“Once upon atime South Africa's ports and rail system were the only option available to exporters. Today we have competitors, whether it is Maputo, Walvis Bay or many other ports to the north of us. Complacency is not going to assist us in this context.”
PROGRESSSINCETHE2023
FREIGHTLOGISTICSROADMAP
Creecy said meaningful steps forward had been taken since the National FreightLogistics Roadmap wasadopted in 2023. These include the introduction
GROWING RAIL VOLUMESATOP PRIORITY OF OVERHAUL
of Transnet's first network statement, the opening of rail operationstoprivate operators andthe creationofthe Transnet Infrastructure Manager.
“We have alsoset up the Transport Economic Regulator andare hopingtosee the President promulgate the regulations sothatwecan appointa CEO as soon as possible.”
Growing rail volumes remain atop priority, with the government aiming for 250 milliontons of freight to be moved on theTransnet network in the future.The transportauthority was expected to move around168 million tons by rail this year.
CAPETOWNPORTUPGRADESUNDERWAY
Creecy outlinedplans to establish the Transnet National Ports Authority as an independent state-owned body, which would allowmore port income to be reinvested into building up infrastructure. She highlighted ongoing investment it the Port of Cape Town, what with the expansionofcontainer terminal capacity from 1million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 1,4 million TEUsaswell as the introductionofnew equipment, such as remotely operated ship-to-shore cranesand rubber-tyred gantries.
Noting the impact of severe weather on therecent fruit export season,she said work wasunderwaytoimprove how operations recoverfrom andrespond to such disruptions.
ASHIFTINMINDSET
Creecy said changingattitudes were
among the mostimportant parts of any reform process.
“One of thekey issues in any reform process is theissue of attitude,” she said.
“Over the past two years we have worked to move from abureaucratic mindset to one thatasks how we can better assist our customers. We have put significant effort into improving collaboration with industry and ensuring that customer needs arereflectedinour planning and operations.”
ENGAGEMENTWELCOMED
Exporters Western Cape chairman Terry Galesaid the organisation was honoured to havehosted theMinister and to give members direct access to information aboutgovernment policy andreform plans
affecting the freight and logistics sector.
“Exporters Western Cape has consistently advocated for greater engagement between industry and government. Having Minister Creecy address our members is asignificant opportunity for exporters to better understand the reforms underway and what they mean for the future competitiveness of SouthAfrica's logistics system. Reliable and efficient logistics are critical to growing exports and strengthening SouthAfrica's position in global markets.”
Creecy closed her address with aChinese proverb that she said reflectsthe reform journey currently underway.
“The best time to plant atree was 20 years ago. Thesecond best time is now.”
TerryGale,Chairman ExportersWestern Cape,and Barbara Creecy,Minister of Transport
OliveTreesgivechildrenasafespace
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
What began as asmall Friday afternoongatheringoffive children in Michelle May’s yard has grown, over two years, intoaregisterednon-profit organisation(NPO) with asimple aim: to give children a safe space of loveand acceptance. May launched the programmeonFriday 14 March 2024.
At the time, she had just five children andenough room at home to hold the sessions in her yard. But as word spread, more children wanted to join and the yard was soon not big enough.
Rather than turn anyone away, Maykept finding ways to make it work.
“I don’t want to tell the kids, listen you guys, you can’t come because there’s no space,” she said.
One Friday afternoon, she gathered the group and suggested they try anearby open field instead. They gave it agofor onesession, but May quickly realised that would not last either
“It’s going to get winter, andthen it’s going to be windy and it’s gonna be cold
NON-PROFIT TURNS TO TAFELSIGSCHOOL FORHELP IN CREATINGA PLACEFOR CHILDREN
andit’sgonna rain,” she thought to herself.
ASCHOOLOPENSITSDOORS
With no permanent home for thegrowing group, May approached Yellowwood PrimarySchool.The principal, Donovan Senosi, wasverysupportive of what she wasdoing, and Olive Trees NPO now runs itsFriday afternoon sessions on the school’s grounds, whichgave thechildren astable, shelteredspace.
At first, May held sessions every Friday. Over time, she settled into arhythm of every second Friday, withSunday morningsat11o’clock addedfor Sunday school
FRIDAYS,SUNDAYSANDBIGTOPICS
Fridaysessions covertopics suchasantibullying, inclusiveness, andpositive and
HandsandFeet NGO celebrates 10 yearsofhope
AStrandfontein-based non-profit is marking 10 years of walkingalongside families andbuilding hope in underresourced communities.
HandsandFeet was foundedin2015 to support and strengthen families so that children can grow up safely at home. The organisation works with informal housing communities in Mitchells Plain, including 7de Laan, Plot 9, Oppermans Oord, Masincedane and others.
FROMSIXCHILDRENTOHUNDREDSOFFAMILIES
The organisation began as asmall earlychildhood development and family strengthening programme, runin partnership with HOSANPO, starting with just six children and their families.
Adecade later, Hope Family and ECD Centre supportsmore than149 children, 262 adults, and 215 families,witha dedicated team and long-term volunteers.
Co-founder Tessa Gardenersays the drive behind the workhas always been rooted in communityand faith.
“Wewanted to find community-based solutions that help families staytogether,” shesaid. “We alsowanted to live out our faith in apractical way.”
ABROADAPPROACHTOFAMILYSUPPORT
Over the years, HandsandFeet has builta wide-ranging approach to helping families. Theirprogrammes cover psychosocial support, recovery coaching, skills training andhelping families move towards steady livelihoods.
“We have seen so many lives change,” Gardener said “Homes filled withmore peace and love, families growingstronger andpeople
negative peer pressure.
Calendar events alsoplay abig role.
Child ProtectionWeek, Heritage Day, and Valentine’s Day have all featured on the programme,and Mandela Day on 18 July is coming up next.
Two years in, the bondsformed are clear. “I thinkwe’vebecome asmall little family already, myself and the children,” Maysaid. Sheishelpedbyher mother and by asenior community member.
OUTINGSANDEXCURSIONS
Gettingout is alsopart of what Olive Trees does. In June last year, May took thechildrentoWolfgat Nature Reserve. Between Januaryand March this year, the group attended swimminglessons. Duringthe July school holidays this year, theyplan to visit the Jewish Museumfor the first time.
REGISTEREDANDREADY
Maybelieves the organisation received its official NPO certificateinApril last year.
Her goal, she says, is: “To create asafe space of love and acceptance for children.”
Centre opens newhouse
AVRILFILLIES
The Athlone police celebrated Child Protection Week(marked in the last week of May) withLeliebloem House in Crawford on Wednesday 10 June by talkingtothe 60 children about their rightsand bullying.
Theevent coincided with the renovations at thehome by Heart FM as part of the radio station’s campaign of 16 Days of Activism leading up to Youth Day, today (16 June).
The home celebrates its 158th birthday and is thethird eldest youth care centre that caresfor children from the age of four years to 18 years.
What was alsospecial about the event was the presenceofsome of theirformer children, James Hendricks, Patricia Langenhovenand Jerome Pannel, who grew up in thehome in the 70s. The trio will be at theunveiling of the new Leliebloem House today.
attitude the police in Athlone will apply to protect youth against crime and the children could ask questions to make it an interactive session.
“I explained what it entails by highlighting that we won’t entertain substance abuse and carrying of dangerous weapons to schools. We also won’t tolerate bullying at schools, whether at primary or high school. Another no-no is youth gambling and gangsterism and we’ll have zero tolerance to underage drinking. The rest of the day we enjoyed with the children,”she says.
finding freedom from drugs, gangs,and crime.”
She acknowledges, however, that the roadhas not always been easy.
“When you walk closely with people throughdifficultcircumstances, there arealways crises. But we have learned to adapt, to support oneanother andtokeep going.”
BUILTONPARTNERSHIP
Gardener says the organisation’s growth and reach would not have been possible without strongtiestolocal communities, government departments, other organisations anddonors
“This is astory of partnership, collaboration and building together,” she said. “God hasgrown resilience and perseverance in all of us.”
She adds that thecommunities themselves continuetoinspire the team.
“It is aprivilege to work with communitieswho showsomuchcourage andresilience in the face of ongoing challenges,” Gardener shared.
WHATCOMESNEXT
Looking ahead, HandsandFeet is focused on supporting sustainable livelihoods, deepening family support andequipping otherorganisations to do similar work
“We arestill buildingand we would love morepeople to be part of thatjourney.”
As the milestone is celebrated, the organisation is calling on individuals to get involved through ongoingfinancial support.
“Any amount counts,”Gardener said.
“Together, we can continue to build hope andsee real change.”
“Bullying is rife in ourschools on the Cape Flatsand schools in Athlone are no exception. Child Protection Week focuses on ending violenceagainst children and promotingtheir safety and well-being.
Theweek is alsoanannual campaign in South Africa aimed at raising awareness of children’srights as outlined in the Constitutionand the Children’sAct, and protectingchildren from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The children painted theirown placards andlined Belgravia Road to createawareness to motorists and pedestrians,”WOZita Norman, spokespersonfor Athlone police, explains. Shespoke about thezero tolerance
OliveTrees also take the children on outings.
Staff from HandsandFeet.
Children from Leliebloem HouseinCrawfordlined Belgravia Road with their placards with WO ZitaNorman,spokespersonfor Athlonepolice. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
WO ZitaNorman,spokesperson forAthlone police, talking to thechildren about their rights and bullying as part of ChildProtection Week,
‘Short’goalienevertookeyeo
ALAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
boy’s dream of playing goalie in the PSL was almostderailed after his club kicked himout for being too short.
Despitethis, Leathan Croats(25) of Lentegeur, was still playing when his new club, HopeFC, only 8months old, wonthe Motsepe Foundation Championship.
MITCHELLSPLAINBEGINNINGS
Hope FC sprang from aWestridge-based youth-development organisation, Rlabs. Its manager Marlon Parker explained: “Hope FC was really born from the same philosophy that gave birth to Rlabs, that every young person deserves an opportunity to realise their God-given potential. For years we’ve worked with thousands of young people through education, entrepreneurship and technology, but we also recognised that sportisone of the most powerful vehicles for transformation. Football has the ability to unite communities, build character and create pathways where many young people had previously seen none. The club emerged as an extension of our mission to restore dignity and create opportunity It is not simply afootball club; it isa community movement that uses football as aplatform for leadership, educationand economic participation.”
The club won the Motsepe Foundation Championship and secured promotion through the ABC Motsepe League national play-offsinMthatha, EasternCape on Saturday 7June.
For Croats the win brings his national playing dreams closer.
AGOALKEEPERWHOWOULDNOTGIVEUP
Croats began his football journey atthe age of 6, playingfor Golden United inthe
prize
LENTEGEUR PLAYER HELPS YOUNG TEAM TO NATIONAL GLORYONTHE SOCCER FIELD
LFA. His talent earned him aplace in the AjaxCape Town academy, where he trained for six years.
But Ajax told him he was too short to be agoalkeeper andlet him go.
“I toldmyself I’m notgoingtolet that get to me,”the Mondale High alumnussaid. “Ihaveagoal. Ihave adream, andI’ve always wanted to play professionally, so I’ll just have to keep goingregardless of whatAjaxtold me.”
He went on to playfor Cape Town City andother clubs before signing in the NationalFirst Division. Croats was based in Pretoria butwas unhappy, far from homeand not getting enoughtime on the field.
“I wasnot gonna be living in Pretoria feeling unhappy. I’d rather come back homeand play for ateamwhere Ihave the support of my family aroundmeall the time.”
He joined Hope FC in January this year, oneoffive players from Mitchells Plainon the team
“The goal has always been to become a PSL player,” he said. “This is just one step closer to me workingfor thatgoal.”
THEPLANTHATPAIDOFF
According to SoccerLaduma Hope FC sealed their spotinthe Motsepe Foundation Championship by beatingNC Professionals 4-1 in the nationalplayoffs, having come back from 1-0 down at halftime.They then wonthe nationalplayoffs title by beatingNorthWest University5-3 on penalties after a1-1 draw.
Yellowwood Choir to perform at peace concert
The choir of Yellowwood Primary School in Tafelsig, has been chosen to perform at the annual Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Peace Concert at Artscape Theatre. The concert takes place on Saturday 19 September, at 20:00, and forms part of the WOMAD InternationalFestival Theevent celebrates the legacy of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu —a life devoted to hope, reconciliation, and unity —through music and dance. It brings together performers from across the globe to honour his vision of abetter,more peacefulworld.
SHARINGTHESTAGEWITHTHEWORLD
The Yellowwood Choir will perform alongside artists from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Estonia, Austria, New Zealand,and South African hip-hopartist Jitsvinger.
The school says the choiris“proudly representing Mitchells Plainona world stage”.
TWOPIECESONTHEPROGRAMME
The choir will perform two pieces on the night. Thefirst is OdetoJoy, the official anthemofthe European Union. The secondis Flowers Consume War, a compositionbyProfessor Brian Williams. In the week before the concert, learners will have the chance to take part in afree vocal workshop led by celebrated Maori singersKapowairuaWaitai from New Zealand.
HONOURINGHEROESOFTHECOMMUNITY
The concert will also include a“Prophets of theCity”segment, whichpays tribute tohip-hophuman rights activitsts from Mitchells Plain.
Youth Expo and Showcaseset forPortland
AYouth Expo andShowcase willtakeplace on Saturday27June from 11:00 to 15:00 at 18Wall Street,Portland, at the AllianceFrançaise de Mitchells Plain.
WHAT'SONOFFER
Theevent willfeatureentertainment,stalls, games, and food.
Clubco-founder andformer Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Buchanan told Football Stage thatthe win was no surprise to him.
“I’m overwhelmed. All glory to God. It’s been ajourney, but that’s what we do it for. Theplayers, the supporters, everybody back home. Rlabs, Marlon, Rowan, Rene, job done.”
Promotion had always been the plan, he said.
“I thinkweput together aproject. The team we put together, the structure, the formerprofessionals, the coaching staff, backroom staff. We knew that from the beginning. We were notthere just to be there. We wanted to compete. We had a plan.”
Buchanan credited the squad’s experienced players with helping the team through difficult moments.
“I think if you look at the experience we have in the changing room, that’s all you need to know,” he told Football Stage. “We have the likes of Clayton [Daniels], Ruzaigh [Gamildien], Craig [Martins], and Masilakhe [Phohlongo]. I’mgrateful that the boys showed character and showed the whole of SouthAfrica what they’re about.”
OPENDOORS
Looking ahead, Buchanan said the promotion opens doors for young players.
“There’snow apathway for the young kids to come intoanother professional setup, so we’re happy.”
Thosewishing to take part as vendorscan register or find out morebycalling 069957 8853.
ABOUTTHEORGANISERS
Theevent isbrought to youbythe Mitchells Plain Legacy Project —which marks30years from 1976 to 2026 —the Blaqpearl Foundation ,and the Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain.
Croats in action.
TheYellowwood PrimarySchool Choir.
Mensehet gesterf vir stemreg, dus moet jeugkruisie trek
"As jongmens kies ek doelbewus om niete stem nie dit is my demokratiesereg."
Dié jong man se woorde tydens 'n gesprek oor hoe belangrik dit is om te stem, slaan diep.
Met Suid-Afrikasegeskiedenis,hoe durf hy?
Metdie stand van sake in ons land,hoe durf hy?
Hoeveelmense het niehul lewens verloornet vir die regomte stem nie?
Gister hetons Jeugdag gevier, die dag waarop duisende jongmense in 1976 opgeruk het, en baie hul lewens verloor het, teen 'n onregverdige onderwysstelsel. Die opstand wat gewelddadig geraak het –die bekende foto van Hector Pietersonisinmygeheue gegrif –was hul manier om te veg om gehoorteword.
In 'n erawaar slegs 'n selektiewe handjievol mense die reg gehadhet omte stem, was hierdie hul "stem" vir 'n beter toekoms, een waar hulleselfoor hul lot konbesluit.
Nou, hoe dan kan hierdie jong manweier om sy kruisie by die stembus te trek?
Met 'n tekort aan skole, hoëkoste van onderwys, dienslewering wat agteruitgaan (dalknie so erg in die Kaap sooselders in die landnie), korrupsie en 'n hoë werkloosheidssyfer, hoe kanhynie sy sê wilsêter wille van verbetering nie?
DIEREALITEITISEGTERDAT VERSKEIEJONGMENSE, DALKSELFSDIEGROTER MEERDERHEID,DIESELFDEVOEL
"Hoekom?" word hy gevra.
"Want ek stem nie ooreen met enige van die partye se ideale nie ..."
Die realiteit is egter dat verskeie jongmense, dalk selfs die groter meerderheid, dieselfde voel
Ek het daardie selfde woorde en variasies wat op dieselfdeneerkom, al uit ander jongmense se monde gehoor: "Hulle praat nie my taal nie wegbly is ook'nstem, 'n standpunt."
Hoeveelpolitieke partye praatregtigmet die jeug?
Vra jy die een hoekom, is hul antwoord: "vir 'n beter toekoms". Die ander lê klem op ons land se swaar geskiedenis. Maar uit 'n jongeling se oëisnie een van hierdie geldige antwoorde nie.
Nie een van hulle is tydensapartheid gebore nie. Nie een van hulle hetdaardeur geleef nie. Diegeskiedenis iswel vir baie van hulle belangrik, maar ditwordnie meer gesien as 'n geldige rede om 'n dag op te gee om by die stembus tou te staannie Hul besluite word geneem volgens wat hulle vandag hoor en sien.
Nou, wat dan van 'n beter toekoms?
Die meeste sien deur dieslimpraatjies en leëbeloftes van die politici. Hulle sien die dadeendie stand van sake inons land wat getuig van 31 jaar se leëbeloftes vir 'n beter toekoms.
Op sosiale media, die een plek om vandag die jeug te bereik, word diejongelinge ooknie geflous deur diéwat wel daar partypolitiek speel se slim veldtogte nie. Hulle weet goed die politici spring skielik kort voor 'n verkiesing aan diewerk –luister maar net na ma en pa se gesanik daaroor.
Hulle soek dadebywoorde; hulle wildie veranderingeers met hul eieoësien Diekomendenaweek is registrasienaweekvir die opkomende plaaslike verkiesing.Enterwyl ek die jeug wil aanmoedig om te stem, is ek bevrees daardie woorde gaan op dowe ore val.Soos dieeen gesê het: "wegbly is ook 'n stem". My versoek aandie jeug: gaan registreer ten minste. Net ingeval jy teen November wel van plan verander en togjou kruisie wiltrek. -CECILIA HUME
Kommentaar // Comments
SONSONDERGANGBETOWER: ‘n Asemrowende wintersonsondergang is vroeër vandeesmaand
BRIEWE|LETTERS LEWENSKIEKIE
vasgevang deur‘nleser vanuit Milnerton. Foto:JeannetteBIsschoff
Vermaak // Entertainment
Competitionparticipantsnamed
Atotalof47young musicians have been selected to take part in the 2026 Hubert vander Spuy National Music Competition. Nowinits 37th year andwidely regarded as the most prestigious eventofits kind in Southern Africa, the competitionwillbe held from 22 to 26 September at the Endler andFismer halls at StellenboschUniversity.Cash prizesexceeding R100000 areonoffer
TheWestern Cape leadswith 26 participants, followedbyGauteng (16), KwaZulu-Natal(four) and Namibia(one)
Northern suburbs participants include Learvick Wepner (7,cello)fromKraaifontein; CathyGravell (13, flute), Jehoshua vanZyl (12, cello),Quintin Gravell(12,cello)and Azariah vanZyl (11,violin) from TableView; Josiah Loubser(9, violin) from Parklands;
HUBERTVAN DER SPUY COMPETITION NOWIN37TH YEAR
andDonna Chan (9,violin)fromPanorama. From Durbanville:Gemma Stewart(9, violin), Markusvan derWesthuizen (12, cello),LidaVenter (8,piano), IsoldeVenter(12,piano)and KorneelsVenter(10, oboe).FromBellville:Ruben vanZyl (13, cello), Léa-Michelle Steyn(13,piano), ReinhardtNaudé (13, piano),InekeNaudé (10,piano), BenjaminMonvoisin (12, clarinet) andChristiaanvan der Merwe (13, piano).Etienne Boer(10,cello)represents Kuils River.
Southern suburbsparticipants areCharlotte Alexander (13,piano)fromOranjezicht;Zoë Pitman (12, violin) from Newlands;Maya Bhoola(11, cello) from Penlyn Estate;and HibahLong (10,cello)and Sadie
Owen (12, cello) from Rondebosch. Winelands participants areJohandreConradie (12, cello) from Stellenboschand Junming Lin(10, piano) from Somerset West.All ages areasof22 September 2026
Thecompetition is organisedbythe Tygerberg branchofthe South AfricanSocietyofMusic Teachers (SASMT)and is open to childrenaged13 andyounger. Firstheldin1989, it wasinspired by Prof Hubert vander Spuy,former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerbergbranch) andawidelyhonoured figureinSouth Africanmusic. He remainsactive as an adjudicator andexternal examiner
Severalformer winners have gone on to study
music at tertiary leveland become critically,even internationally,acclaimed performers andteachers.
Thecompetition continues itscollaboration with StellenboschUniversity.ProfMario Nell, themusic department's representative, said:"Opportunities such as theseplayanindispensableroleinnurturing thenextgeneration of South Africanmusicians."
HildaBoonzaaier,chairperson of theSASMT (Tygerbergbranch),praised thestandardofentries. "It wasahugeprivilege to listen to theexcellent work entered by learners andteachers. We acknowledge theprecious role of everyone givingsupport to our young musicians. Keep up thegood work! We are excitedtoexperienceyour progress andhearyour performances in September."
Thefinal willbelivestreamed on YouTube.Tickets to attend in person canbebought at Webtickets.
