SaveaFishie publishesabook
vedsharing tSAFi,about ttlefish asticpacket
ething much pecially kids, ated by this right to put it
Got Saved tells a Fishie, tracing al journey from e to building ronmental ook not only s to SAFi, the
organisation’s beloved fishie mascot, but also carries a larger message about kindness, resilience and the power of small actions to make meaningful change
BOOKFORALLAGES
While designed as a children’s storybook, its author said the book is for anyone who wants to learn about the origins of SAFi, support ocean conservation or simply find a dose of inspiration “It’s for all ages – young readers, families and even adults who want to know more about what drives our mission ”
The Fishie That Got Saved is priced at R120 and is available for purchase online via the Save a Fishie website (https:// saveafishie co za/product/thefishie-that-got-saved/) Supporters can also buy copies at any of the organisation’s beach clean-up events or from its eco-shop in Paarden Eiland, which is open on Tuesdays
Founder of Save a Fishie (SAFi),Zoë Prinsloo officially launched her debut children’s book, The Fishie That Got Saved
Prinsloo hints that this is only the beginning “This is the first in a series of SAFi’s oceanadventure stories, each focusing on different environmental challenges We also have an exciting eco-themed activity book coming soon, so there’s lots to look forward to ” Save a Fishie educates, inspire
A moment of pride for the Table View Lions as its members handed a R1 500 donation to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob), raised by its recent Quiz Night.Every rand contributed will go towards the vital rescue, rehabilitation and release of South Africa’s vulnerable seabirds The evening was filled with fun,teamwork and community spirit,all in support of Sanccob’s ongoing mission to protect marine wildlife and coastal ecosystems.“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported,”the Lions stated,“your participation is making a meaningful difference beyond the shoreline ”
Fostering a culture of kindness, love
Tender Love and Care (TLC), based in Table View, has officially launched its Junior GBV Workshops 2025, aiming to empower hundreds of children through creative and engaging activities Using tools such as LegoToyTherapy arts and crafts, story time, journalling, anti-bullying sessions and body-safety education, the workshops are designed to equip young children with knowledge, confidence and emotional awareness
“Our vision is to integrate these workshops into schools develop a Junior GBV toll-free helpline and publish resource materials to support children and educators alike,” TLC said By fostering a culture of kindness, love and forgiveness from a young age, TLC believes lasting positive change is possible
“Our vision is to integrate these workshops into schools, develop a Junior GBV toll-free helpline and publish resource materials to support children and educators alike,” TLC said By fostering a culture of kindness, love and forgiveness from a young age, TLC believes lasting positive change is possible . For more, call 021 204 4575.
ThreeFountainsEstateturnsgreen
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region) This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
CapeNature facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA)
The reserve was declared on 11 April this year
Situated within the Three Fountains Estate in the Klein Dassenberg smallholdings area, the land is privately owned and spans over 20 hectares The Franco Property Trust owns and manages the reserve through trustees, Tony and Jodie Franco, whose vision and commitment made this conservation milestone possible
The reserve is home to a mosaic of Endangered and Critically Endangered habitats and species, including Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Swartland Shale Renosterveld
It also protects seasonal
THE RESERVE IS HOME TO A MOSAIC OF ENDANGERED AND CRITICALLY ENDANGERED HABITATS AND SPECIES
wetlands, vernal pools and ephemeral streams that feed into the Donkergat River system and ultimately drain through Blaauwberg Nature Reserve into the Atlantic Ocean at Melkbosstrand
A botanical survey of the site has recorded 156 plant species, including 22 species of conservation concern
A few of these are recognised as being Critically Endangered, while several more are listed as Endangered
CONSERVINGBIODIVERSITY
Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, welcomed the proclamation
“The establishment of this Provincial Nature Reserve is yet another positive step in conserving the irreplaceable biodiversity of the Western Cape
This reserve protects unique ecosystems and threatened species, while demonstrating what can be achieved through
responsible stewardship and long-term commitment to conservation ”
Trustee Jodie Franco said she was proud to see the land formally recognised for its ecological importance
“What began as an effort to clear invasive plants has grown into a long-term commitment to restoring rare and threatened habitats
“The declaration is an example of what is possible when private landowners embrace
conservation as a shared responsibility ”
REHABILITATION
Successfully declaring the reserve comes after decades of environmental pressure
In 2022, a significant clearing operation began, after more than 60 years of invasive alien plant infestation, mainly from Rooikrans and Port Jackson
Although a major wildfire that same year destroyed infrastructure and impacted recovering plant populations, rehabilitation efforts were quickly restarted
By 2024, the site had entered a maintenance phase, with reinstalled fencing and signage and an ambitious replanting programme
To date, more than 3 000 Cape thatching reed (Elegia tectorum) seedlings and nearly 1 000 translocated wetland and fynbos plants, rescued from nearby developments, have been introduced to restore ecological balance and habitat resilience
The addition of the Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve to the province’s protected area network demonstrates the impact of private land stewardship in addressing conservation gaps . Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature’s Antia Wheeler on awheeler@capenature. co.za and Kaylin Reid on kreid@ capenature co.za
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve now secures the largest protected expanse of Cape Vernal Pools,feeding critical water systems that flow through Blaauwberg into Melkbosstrand
GamersbattlefortitleatTableBayMall
Table Bay Mall turns up the competition in next leg of MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience
The action moved to the Western Cape last weekend as players battled for prizes, pride and a place at the national finals Gamers from across the region showed up in full force for the next leg of the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience at Table Bay Mall With top scores in EAFC 25™, Beat Saber, Rocket League and more, local players secured Table Bay Mall gift cards and punched their ticket to the National Finals taking place at Canal Walk this September
EAFC25™NATIONAL
FOOTBALLTOURNAMENT
.1st place: Athenkosi Duva (27) won a R2 500 Table Bay Mall Gift Card and a place in the grand final at Canal Walk; .2nd place: Ridhaa April (15)
won R1 500 Table Bay Mall Gift Card;
.3rd place: Imran Vallie (21)
won R1 000 Table Bay Mall Gift Card
SCHOOLSTOURNAMENTS
.EAFC 25™ – Ridhaa April (15) from Think Digital won a R1 000 Table Bay Mall Gift Card; .Rocket League – Ryan Sacks (12) from Milnerton Primary won a R1 000 Table Bay Mall Gift Card; .Minecraft – Grayson O’Brien (7) won a R500 Table Bay Mall Gift Card
TICKETS PUNCHED FOR NATIONALS IN SEPTEMBER
TOYOTAGAMINGENGINE FASTESTLAP|SUPERSPRINT
.18 July - 1st place – Taariq Adam (24) R1 000 Table Bay Mall Gift Card; .20 July - 1st place – Deaqon Petersen (22) Table Bay Mall Gift Card
TRUCKRACERS
.1st place – Axel Addison (18)
KEYBOARDREBUILD
.18 July - 1st place – Kristen Taim (15);
.19 July - 1st place - Kyle Taim (12);
.20 July - 1st place - Shaymaa Abdel Salam (26) The MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience continues at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg, from 8 to 10 August
. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift to enter online or sign up in-mall.
REMAININGTOURNAMENT DATESANDVENUES
.Clearwater – Online qualifier: 3 August | In-centre event: 8 – 10 August; .Capegate – Online qualifier: 31 August | In-centre event: 5 – 7 September;
.Canal Walk – Online qualifier: 7 September | In-centre event: 17 – 21 September
1st place EA FC winner,Athenkosi Duva. 1st place Schools EA FC winner,Ridhaa April.
Brawlhalla 1st place winner,Tahir Toefy Rocket League 1st place winner,Ryan Sacks
Street Fighter 1st place winner,Tashreeq Malick
Tekken 1st place winner,Zubair Manuel
School transfer requests open
Parents and caregivers wishing to apply for school transfers for the 2026 academic year will be able to do so until Monday 18 August
This application period opened on Monday 4 August and applies to learners currently enrolled in Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12 Applications can be submitted online via the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) website
DOCUMENTS
Provincial education department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said transfer applications can also be submitted directly at the school the learner is seeking to transfer to, or at the relevant district office
Parents applying will need the following supporting documents:
The learner’s most recent school report; A copy of their ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit, proof of application for documentation, or a sworn police affidavit; and
Proof of address or a police affidavit
Parents who have not used the online admissions system before must first register on the platform Once registered, they can proceed with the application Video tutorials and step-by-step guides are available to assist on the WCED admissions website
Take note that schools can only capture applications for their own institution, but the online system can capture applications for multiple schools Parents or caregivers must fill out the WCED application form, which can also be downloaded from the website Applications and supporting documents may be handed in at schools, or parents can enquire with the school about submission via e-mail (on the WCED form only)
GRADER,1AND8APPLICATIONS
Schools are currently finalising placements for Grades R, 1 and 8 by confirming placements for children on their waiting lists This process is ongoing Parents who have not yet applied for these grades for the 2026 school year are urged to contact their district office as soon as possible Although the online portal is closed for late applications, support is available via the department’s call centre . Contact the WCED call centre on 0861 819 919 Visit https://wcedonline westerncape gov za/admissions for more information.
City billing going digital as of 31 December
As the City of Cape Town's eBill deadline approaches, residents are urged to send their account numbers and contact details to the City sooner rather than later
The looming 31 December deadline marks a major shift in the City's billing system, from traditional postal deliveries to a fully digital platform From this date onwards all municipal accounts will be sent exclusively via email, ensuring quicker, more efficient communication with residents
In a statement to the media Mayco member for Finance Siseko Mbandezi today said the City is on a mission to reduce the number of accounts, both residential and commercial which are printed and sent via the South African Postal Service
"All residents need to do is send an email or SMS with both their account number and email address to request an emailed account before 31 December 2025," he said
"It's quick and easy, and residents can enjoy the convenience of their account being sent directly to their inbox
“And if residents don't have an email address there's no need to worry The City will ensure that all account holders with no email access will still receive their account They, or a loved one, are advised to contact the City's Call Centre so we can assist them " Mbandezi said more than 475 000 Capetonians had already made the move to eBilling . For emailed bills simply send an email with your account number and email address to Revenue.Eservices@capetown gov za or an SMS to 31223. Customers without email accounts are requested to contact the City's Call Centre at 0860 103 089 or visit its nearest Customer Interaction Centre
Newfilmexposesoff
Anew South African short film Spoiled has premiered at a high-level workshop in Cape Town this week This marine-focused event unpacked the findings of the Wildtrust driven project highlighting the environmental, social and economic risks of offshore oil and gas in South Africa.
The film carries an urgent call to protect South Africa’s rich and irreplaceable marine heritage from the growing threat of offshore oil and gas exploration It weaves together the stories of coastal communities, activists, scientists, and traditional fishers who are standing up to one of the greatest environmental and social threats facing the country’s oceans today
Presented by non-profit organisations Wildtrust and The Green Connection, and produced by Love Africa Marketing, the film takes viewers along the rugged coastline of the Northern Cape and the culturally rich Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape
At the heart of the film lies a simple truth: around 90% of South Africa’s oceans are at risk
The film uncovers the cracks in the system that allow international oil and gas giants to exploit these waters, including flawed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), a lack of meaningful public consultation, and the leasing of the ocean without community consent
“There’s not enough effort being made to explain to people what the advantages and disadvantages of, or the impact of offshore oil and gas will be on coastal community livelihoods and on the ocean,” says Neville van Rooy, community outreach coordinator for The Green Connection "All they usually do, is paint a beautiful picture by telling people about jobs, which they know will get peopleespecially when they hear it from government officials ”
ABLEAKPICTURE
Featuring deeply personal interviews with local fishers, activists, youth and community leaders, the film explores themes of justice, environmental degradation, and resistance “It’s almost as though my heart has been called to it That is why I can say with pride that I love the ocean and will do anything in my power to protect it,” says Chanel Jaar, who started the Environmental Traits Youth Organisation in Port Nolloth - a small town along the coastline of the Northern Cape
Their testimonies paint a picture of what is at stake: biodiversity, food security, coastal heritage, and ultimately the survival of future generations
“Look at Mexico, for five years now they’ve been struggling to get that oil spill cleaned That community is suffering Look at Nigeria; their fishermen are suffering Their boats are lying high and dry, never touching the water because there’s no more water, it's oil,” adds Walter Steenkamp, chair of the Fishing Co-operative for Aukotowa Fishers in Port Nolloth
“However, this isn’t just a story of destruction,” says Lauren van Nijkerk, Wildtrust campaign s director “It’s a story of hope Spoiled is a tribute to the everyday heroes who are defending their livelihoods, their heritage and the sea itself ”
CRITICALTIMEFORSA
The film goes a step further by encouraging greater public involvement in pushing back on the offshore oil and gas application processes As part of its call to action, viewers are directed to an interactive platform available at www stopthespoil co za, where several active offshore oil and gas applications - their status in process, public participation process information - across
p g platform, giving the public an opportunity to have a ‘one-stopshop’ to make informed decisions and get involved in stakeholder consultation that ensures every South African has a say in how our oceans are utilised ”
The launch of the film comes at a critical time for South Africa, as environmental and climate justice organisations wait in anticipation for the release of our country’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) The IEP is a national roadmap that aims to shape how South Africa produces, distributes, and consumes energy in the coming decades It seeks to balance the country’s energy needs with environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social justice
“Operation Pakhisa, which means ‘hurry up’, was South Africa’s idea of pushing for a Blue Economy, but the system is just wrong because it assumes that the ocean is just there to exploit for economic gain,” says van Rooy
“It doesn’t take into account
‘Spoiled’short film highlights ocean threats.
the inherent value that an ocean would have in terms of ecosystem services, in terms of heritage, culture and that such an ocean feeds thousands of families around the coast of South Africa ” Van Rooy adds that “all alternative energy solutions have their pros and cons, and we need to make sure that people are not worse off when the Integrated Energy Plan is implemented ”
In February 2023, Wildtrust unveiled a groundbreaking oil spill model for South Africa, a first-of-its-kind aimed at showing the real-world risks of offshore oil operations, using a proposed ultra-deep drill site off Durban, KZN Developed with partners from the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, and international experts in ocean modelling, the model reveals that shoreline contamination could occur in as little as three days along the east coast The fast-flowing Agulhas
Current would transport oil large distances, hindering predictions of where oil would reach the shoreline, complicating clean-up efforts The model indicates that a blow-out spill on the East coast could result in the need for beach clean-up operations as far away as the West coast The minimum time for oil to shoreline impact could be as little as three days for the East coast of South Africa, and within about 10 days for the South coast and 30 days for the West coast The results highlight what civil society has long feared, the risks of oil and gas exploration in South African waters are not theoretical, but rather they are imminent and potentially catastrophic “If we remain complacent, we risk losing not only our coastline, but our ability to shape a future that values life over profit,” adds Jaar
. Spoiled is available to watch online: https://www youtube com/ watch?v=7IHo RPkl2M
Vermaak // Entertainment
‘Empower her resilience’ with Robin Pieters
Hosted by Robin Pieters, Empower Her Resilience celebrates women with musical entertainment and uplifting storytelling from a number of artists and speakers who will share their stories and wisdom
The annual event takes place in the Grand Arena at GrandWest on Saturday 9 August from 20:00
“This is a tribute to you – the women who embody strength, grace, and unwavering resilience,” says Pieters, a 34-year-old entertainer from Plumstead who started his career as a back-up singer for stars such as Alistair Izobell, Claire Phillips, Sasha-Lee Davids Karin Kortje and more . Tickets are available between R135 and R300 from Webtickets.
Anafternoonof
DAGBOEK/DIARY
. Rossini's The Barber of Seville runs at Theatre on the Bay from 5 to 17 August Tickets from R190 to R375 available at Webtickets.
. Een vir my Baby, 'n mystery noir-kabaret, is op Woensdag 6 en Donderdag 7 Augustus om 20:30 in Die Boer-teater op die planke Kaartjies kos R200 Bespreek by www dieboer com.
. I Want to Call You Daddy is at Artscape from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 August at 19:00 A one-woman performance that fuses poetry, storytelling, song, and movement to explore single motherhood in post-apartheid South Africa. Tickets cost R100 at Webtickets.
. Nadine - My Favourite Rock 2 Songs is op Vrydag 8 Augustus om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R180 tot R200 by www.heroesbrackenfell.net
. Speelgoed van glas is by die Baxter Flipside van 8 tot 16 Augustus Anna-Mart van der Merwe speel in Nico Scheepers se verwerking van Tennessee Williams se tydlose meesterstuk, The Glass Menagerie Kaartjies kos R160 tot R250 by Webtickets . Feedback runs at The Baxter from 8 to 30 August A murder mystery and satirical comedy by Andrew Buckland. Tickets from R160 to R230 at Webtickets .
Robin Pieters
THINKING
..
IFWE,ASWOMEN,CANNO LONGERBETRUSTEDTOCARE FOROURCHILDREN,WHAT HOPEISTHEREFORTHE FUTUREOFOURSOCIETY?
11-year-old son
A Johannesburg mother was arrested after a video was circulated on social media showing her allegedly encouraging her son to smoke drugs
I am in no position to judge any of these women; I don't think any of us is They, like everyone else, will have receive their just deserts on judgement day, when we all leave this earth
But if we, as women, can no longer be trusted to care for our children what hope is there for the future of our society? What possible crime could these children have committed that was so heinous that they needed to be killed?
A four-year-old, who should be nurtured and loved, now knows a life of drugs
This is not what those brave women marched for when they went to the Union Buildings in 1956
I'm sure they are crying wherever they may be beyond the grave, speaking to us from eternity, from history, urging us to do better, to honour their legacy with courage, unity and integrity
This may be precisely what we need; the wise words and voices of our grandmothers, mothers, aunts speaking to us
Perhaps in our pursuit of freedom and independence as young women we've stopped listening, stopped listening to the wisdom of those who came before us, to the hard-won lessons of struggle
As we live and walk through each day of this month may we take one another s hands again
Too often, we women are quick to cast aspersions, pass judgement, throw insults and tear one another down, and forget the strength we have when we stand together
Let's make news headlines, but for the right reasons, lift one another up, break barriers, lead with grace and stand united -KAYLYNNEBANTOM
BRIEWE / LETTERS
Selfgeskepte gemors
Dit is onverstaanbaar dat die bestuur van Jack Mullerpark so min konstruksie-kennis het dat hulle al 10 jaar sukkel om die waterprobleem by die noordpaadjie op te los Vir enige probleem behandel jy nie die gevolge nie, maar die oorsaak Baie duisende werksure en rande is oor die jare gespandeer om die paadjie te "herstel", terwyl die probleem lê by die verstopte waterafvoerpype wat die water deur dreine moet weglei Hulle vererger dit selfs deur syferwater wat van die N1-kant af vloei, na die pa-
adjie toe te herlei, alhoewel water altyd afwaarts loop
In hulle jongste, langdurige poging, maak hulle weer die paadjie reg sonder om die wegvoerpype en dreine van onder af oop te maak (met bv 'n toiletpypontstopper)
Met al die geld wat hulle sover gemors het, kon hulle al die paadjie en die hele stelsel vervang het met groter pype Hulle kon ook die breë wespaadjies gesement het, want dit bly ongelyke koffieklip, terwyl die binnepaadjies (wat minder gebruik word) sement is WAARNEMER,BELLVILLE
Gaan rente op belastingstaat na
Beide my eggenote en ek het minimale vastetermynbeleggings by dieselfde bank wat ons sedert 2017 opgebou het
Op die vervaldatum van ons beleggings - onderskeidelik in vroeg April en Mei vanjaar - het ons die kapitaalbedrae plus rentes vir n verdere vastetermyn van twaalf maande teen ` n sekere rentekoers per jaar herbelê
By ontvangs van ons beleggingsertifikate is vasgestel dat die jaarlikse rentebedrae, soos getoon op die beleggingsertikate oor slegs n tydperk van 364 dae bereken is Ons is steeds via e-poskommunikasie met die bank
besig om die foutiewe rentebedrae reggestel te kry
Verstommende redes vir die foutiewe berekeninge word voorgelê, maar dit is nie vir ons aanvaarbaar nie
Dis geringe verliese aan rentes wat betrokke is, maar die beginsel van die saak is dat foute gemaak is wat reggestel moet word Voorgaande is bedoel as waarskuwing aan beleggers om te verseker dat die rentebedrae op hul beleggings soos verstrek op hul beleggingsertifikate wel korrek bereken is Indien nie, besoek dringend die plaaslike tak van u bank
GERTBRAND,MELKBOSSTRAND
A cashier who cares
I'd like to compliment Likho a cashier at Checkers Hyper in Fairbridge Mall, Brackenfell I recently moved to Brackenfell from Zeekoevlei in the southern suburbs I felt very "homesick" not knowing the northern suburbs at all and missing my family Checkers Plumstead was my shop and then I went to Checkers in Fairbridge for the first time, feeling low I got to the till and this guy was so friendly making jokes and making me feel somewhat accepted into a "new" I left the shop feeling better than when I entered Every time I go to this Checkers I'd specifically look for him Saturday, at a family function, I was sharing this story with friends and family Today I once again got that joyous laughing and jokey interaction with Likho I would love for Checkers to acknowledge this young man He's not just a staff member or cashier or worker for him to make me a customer feel so uplifted and happy in a time I really needed it
He's going way over what's expected of him I told him today that he is an asset to the company I pray that God bless him abundantly and grant him success and a bright future in Jesus name MELISSALAW,BRACKENFELL
City plan lacks detail
My comments on the 2050 Cape Town Long Term Plan (LTP) A "plan" it is not, a wish list at best
A plan contains details, such as projects by name and location, time frame, budget details
It is a document drawn up by someone with a low education level and certainly without project planning training and experience
Ek wens ouers (ja, klem op ouers) wil leer bestuur Dit voel deesdae asof ek die meeste padvarke rondom skole teëkom Ouers wat nie weet kinders te voet kry voorkeur by 'n zebrastreep nie Nog minder weet hulle om nie op die zebrastreep, of die zigzag-strepe voor en ná dié padkruising vir voetgangers, te parkeer nie En 'n toegeeteken mense, dit
beteken nie sit voet in die hoek nie! Parkeer op rooi lyne, en huise rondom die skool se opritte Die lys gaan aan Het die samelewing regtig só ongeduldig en selfsugtig geraak? Herhaalde versoeke van die skool en dreigemente om die verkeersdepartement in te roep, help ook niksESTHER,DURBANVILLE
It does not address one of the worst conditions that Cape Town’s commuting residents live under: the ever worsening traffic without any meaningful control in sight To think that a bit by bit improved rail system and cycling will substantially correct the current conditions is wishful thinking
Come 2050 and this administration will produce another such wish list unless meaningful serious thinking is applied now by well qualified, knowledgeable and experienced people Otherwise this whole "plan" is greenwashing at best PETERSMULIK,RUGBY
PARKS RANGERS HONOURED: Rangers were honoured as“custodians of South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage”during national World Ranger Day celebrations held at Table Mountain National Park on Thursday 31 July In the picture the SEAM Team and K9 Unit showcase their skills and strength in protecting South Africa’s wild spaces.
KAAP VAN BLOED
Bendes het ook invloed op skole
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RU TER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Die skoolgemeenskap word op verskillende maniere geraak deur die voortslepende bendegeweld op die Kaapse Vlakte Skole het onlangs hul deure geopen vir die derde kwartaal te midde van 'n bendeoorlog wat fel woed TygerBurger het gaan kers opsteek by 'n onderwyskundige en voormalige skoolhoof in Kleinvlei, een van die gemeenskappe wat veral deur geweld geraak word en haar gepols oor die invloed wat die geweld op 'n skool het Net verlede week is 'n matrikulant aan die Hoêrskool Kleinvlei tien drieë van sy ouerhuis doodgeskiet Alison February was destyds hoof van die Laerskool Melton Daar het sy eerstehands ervaar hoe ontwrigtend geweld kan wees
SKOOLGEMEENSKAPLEEFINVREES
" n Skool is die hart van 'n gemeenskap en alles wat die gemeenskap raak, het 'n
“Bendegeweldis‘nkanker wat‘nheleskoolgemeenskapkan verteer.”
- Alison February
invloed op die skool," sê February Volgens haar word skole op verskeie maniere geraak, waarvan een die gevoel van vrees is "Wanneer iemand in die gemeenskap rondom die skool geskiet is, word die ouers van leerders angsbevange en stuur hulle dan nie hul kinders skool toe nie Dit is n menslike reaksie en 'n mens kan dit verstaan, maar die invloed wat dit op die leerder se akademiese prestasie het, is enorm Skole se kurrikulum is deesdae so gelaai dat dit moeilik is vir daardie kind om weer op te vang Opvangklasse moet saans en oor naweke aangebied word en watter ouer sal 'n kind oor 'n naweek of saans stuur
CCCC praat oor redes vir
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
In die tweede afdeling van 'n reeks oor bendes gesels TygerBurger met ds Llewellyn MacMaster, die voorsitter van die Cape Crime Crisis Coalition (CCCC) oor die oorsake van bendegeweld en wat gedoen kan word om dit hok te slaan MacMaster sê die CCCC is diep bekommerd oor die aanhoudende toename in geweldsmisdaad, veral die patroon van groep- of massamoorde en bendeverwante skietvoorvalle in gemeenskappe soos Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Bishop Lavis en Philippi en ander woonbuurte op die Kaapse Vlakte, maar ook in ander dele van die provinsie, sowel as in ander dele van die land "Hierdie is nie geïsoleerde voorvalle nie; dit is simptome van 'n dieper, stelselmatige krisis,” sê hy
ONDERLIGGENDEOORSAKE
Die volgende onderliggende oorsake word deur navorsing en gemeenskapsorganisasies uitgewys, wat nie onbekend aan die staat is nie Daar word gereeld verwys na die sogenaamde "whole of government, whole of society"benadering, wat aandui dat ons nie eng of simplisties na die komplekse uitdagings van geweldsmisdaad moet kyk nie
"Diepgaande en historiese sosio-ekonomiese ongelykhede soos werkloosheid, armoede en beperkte toegang tot onderwys en vaardigheidsontwikkeling dryf jongmense na misdaadnetwerke as 'n vorm van oorlewing
Die afwesigheid van en swak dienslewering deur die staat, soos 'n gebrek aan behoorlike behuising, infrastruktuur, gesondheid, jeugontwikkeling en polisiëring, skep 'n omgewing waarin misdaad floreer," sê hy
MORELEVERVAL
Volgens hom is die verval van morele waardes ook 'n bydraende faktor in die groeiende bendeprobleem
"Gemeenskappe is onder druk, gesinne is verskeur en daar is 'n gebrek aan rolmodelle en
as hulle reeds in die week bang is?" vra February Sy sê die feit dat leerders agter raak, het 'n invloed op hul selfvertroue en sommige verlaat die skool "Dit is die begin van 'n bose kringloop, want skoolverlaters is geneig om by bendes aan te sluit," sê sy Afwesigheid is ook nie tot leerders beperk nie "Onderwysers begin ook met sieksertifikate vorendag te kom Dit is 'n Catch 22-situasie, want dit raak ook moeilik om onderwysers vir die skole te werf "
In baie gevalle is die sibbe van bendelede ook in die skole "Hulle begin ook later soos hul ouer sibbe optree en begin ander kinders aanval Bendegeweld is 'n kanker wat 'n hele skoolgemeenskap kan verteer, terwyl skole eintlik die gom moet wees wat gemeenskappe saamsnoer en die vertrekpunt moet wees van waar gemeenskappe hul omstandighede verander," sê sy Wat kan gedoen word om skole teen
misdaad
DIE HELE GEMEENSKAP MOET SAAMWERK OM
BENDEVERWANTE MISDAAD TE PAK
morele leiding vir die jeug
Die geskiedkundige en 'intergenerational' trauma loop baie diep in mense en gemeenskappe
Die morele vesel van ons samelewing is aan flarde “Bendes floreer waar korrupsie en onbetroubare wetstoepassing hulle beskerm Bendes werk binne georganiseerde misdaadnetwerke met internasionale bande, wat byna elke faset van ons samelewing infiltreer het, met die gevolg dat die sogenaamde 'criminal economy' uiters sterk gevestig is "Hierby dra die lae vervolgingsyfer en gebrek aan beskerming vir informante, fluitjieblasers en getuies by tot 'n gevoel van magteloosheid
Mense het nie vertroue in die strafregstelsel nie
“Die onlangse opspraakwekkende onthullings deur die polisie se provinsiale kommissaris in KwaZulu Natal, het - te verstane en te verwagtedie kwik in die land geweldig laat styg Mense is moeg, gefrustreerd en kwaad oor die kultuur van strafloosheid en eis ingrypende stappe en transformasie van die hele stelsel," sê hy MacMaster sê die CCCC het verskeie voorstelle om die bendebedrywighede te bekamp
"Die polisie moet gefokusde, taktiese teenbende-optredes van stapel stuur met ondersteuning van nasionale eenhede en onafhanklike toesig
“'n Interdepartementele beraad van die polisie, provinsiale regering, munisipaliteite, burgerlike samelewing en geloofsinstellings moet belê word en veilige en anonieme meganismes moet in werking gestel word om die vrees van informante die hoof te bied
KOMMISSIEVANONDERSOEK
“'n Kommissie van ondersoek na bendes en georganiseerde misdaad moet in die mediumtermyn gestig word
“Die CCCC het reeds 'n maand gelede so 'n versoek gerig Dit
moet nie net op die Kaapse Vlakte en in die Wes-Kaap fokus nie, maar moet ook op ander dele van die land Die president self moet hierdie kommissie aanstel en met die nodige magte toerus, wat dan met duidelike aanbevelings kom
“Daar moet gekyk word waarom die goeie werk en aanbevelings van vorige kommissies van ondersoek nie ingestel is nie, wat tot die huidige skeptisisme oor sulke kommissies bygedra het
NASORG
"Daar moet investering wees in nasorgprogramme, vakleerlingskappe en gemeenskapsprojekte, wat jongmense aan hoop en vaardighede bind
“Plaaslike polisiekantore moet proaktief met gemeenskapsveiligheidsforums saamwerk en aanspreeklik wees teenoor die publiek Die skuif en naamsverandering van 'n polisiemag na 'n polisiediens moet hierdeur sterker beklemtoon en getoon word “Groter konsultasie en insluiting van gemeenskappe by die aanstelling en evaluering van stasiebevelvoerders is ook broodnodig Meer speurders moet aangestel word, sodat ondersoeke tot skuldigbevinding en gevangenisstraf kan lei," sê hy MacMaster sê nie een organisasie kan n ommeswaai bewerkstellig nie "Kerke, moskees en ander geloofsgemeenskappe, skole en gemeenskapsorganisasies moet morele waardes aktief herstel deur opvoeding, mentorskap en geestelike vorming Hierdie morele opbou kan nie weer alleen net in die hande van die staat gelaat word nie Dit behoort ook alle staatsaanstellings in te sluit
Almal van ons moet ons deel bydra tot die morele heropbou van ons land Uiteindelik is die misdaadkrisis nie net 'n polisiëringsprobleem nie; dit is 'n staats- en samelewingskrisis,” sê MacMaster
bendegeweld te beskerm? "Dit sal 'n spanpoging van verskillende vlakke van die samelewing verg, maar uiteindelik moet gemeenskappe weer eienaarskap van skole neem Hulle moet saamstaan om ten minste seker te maak dat kinders veilig is wanneer hulle skool toe kom of huis toe gaan Sonder gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid is ons kinders blootgestel aan die wrede werklikheid van bendes en moord en doodslag," sê sy
Almal moet in een rigting teen bendes trek
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RU TER@NOVUSMED A CO ZA
Solank die wil nie bestaan om misdaad in verarmde gemeenskappe te stuit nie, sal die Kaap se strate aanhou bloei
Ivan Waldeck, ‘n voormalige bendeleier en nou pastoor, dat solank daar nie politieke wil is om die grondliggende redes vir bendes te pak nie, sal dinge nooit verander nie
Waldeck, wie se lewensverhaal onlangs in 'n boek, The gates of hell, vertel is, weet waarvan hy praat, omdat dieselfde omstandighede wat vir hom tot 'n lewe van misdaad gelei het, steeds bestaan Hy het arm grootgeword in die destydse Tiervlei (nou Ravensmead) en was van jongs af blootgestel aan geweld en dwelms
Deur ongenaakbaar te lewe, het hy hom uiteindelik opgewerk tot een van die mees gevreesde bendeleiers in die Wes-Kaap
TWEEDEKANS
Ná jare in die tronk het Waldeck sy lewe reggeruk en deesdae probeer hy jongmense help met sy nie-winsgewende organisasie, Cape Transformation Centre By die sentrum probeer hulle jongmense wat die pad byster geraak het, 'n tweede kans gee "Kinders raak sonder waardigheid in armoede groot en hulle voel niemand kom om hulle te help nie Wat doen hulle? Hulle sluit by bendes aan, want daar kry jy 'n reputasie en 'n soort respek Jy deel ook in die winste uit misdaad," sê Waldeck
Hy reken nie alle arm mense raak by bendes betrokke nie, maar armoede en die afwesigheid van waardigheid skep 'n teelaarde vir bendebedrywighede "Daar is so baie gebroke huise met afwesige gesinstrukture As daar nie 'n pa is nie, neem die bendeleier daardie rol oor “Ouers en veral mans moet hul rol in die opvoeding van hul kinders ernstiger opneem Leierlose jongmense raak roekelose en onverantwoordelike volwassenes en jammerlik herhaal hierdie bose siklus homself elke jaar," sê Waldeck Wat kan gedoen word om die euwel van bendes nek om te draai?
"In die korttermyn moet daar met bendeleiers in gesprek getree word Ons kan doen wat ons wil, maar bendeleiers moet deel wees van die oplossing net soos hulle deel is van die probleem
“Die gemeenskap moet as 'n gesamentlike span opruk en met die leiers gaan praat Dit help nie almal wil hul eie ding doen nie Bendeleiers is ook mense en al wil ons ook glo dat hulle so magtig is, kan geen mens opstaan teen 'n gemeenskap wat saamstaan nie
“Die regering, op alle vlakke, moet ook saam met gemeenskappe werk om die probleem te pak Sonder politieke wil is ons kinders soos lammers ter slagting
“In my boek gee ek praktiese maniere van hoe alle sfere van die samelewing kan saamwerk om bendegeweld op te los, maar daar moet net 'n wil wees," sê hy
