People's Post Athlone - 9 February 2021

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TUESDAY 9 February 2021 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

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People’s Post

OTTERY

Children’s shelter a target SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA

The damage done to the Heaven’s Nest shelter in Ottery on New Year’s Day.

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T

he new year started on a sour note for local children’s shelter Heaven’s Nest as not even the festivities kept the thieves and vandals at bay.

On New Year’s Day, officials at the shelter woke up to find their facility’s electric fence vandalised, the gate moved off its rail and major damage done to the security system.

Despite not having anything valuable on the property, the facility has been plagued with regular break-in attempts.

“Our home is situated in a very awkward area. There is a high flow of people walking up and down the street which makes us vulnerable to break-ins. This is not the first time that our facility has been targeted. The gate motor itself has been stolen three times and this was the fourth attempt,” says facility manager Zama Phirie-Mbele.

The home was established in 2004 and is an emergency placement facility for children between the ages of six months and eight years.

The shelter can accommodate 18 children at a time with around 1 500 children having been through its doors since inception.

“Whatever we are getting from the government is not enough to sustain us, not even to pay one month’s salaries let alone food, petrol and schooling necessities for the children.

“We need fundraising and everyday operation volunteers. However, it is so difficult to get volunteers at this time because they need to have police clearance to gain access or interact with our children. That is according to the Children’s Act,” says PhirieMbele.

This has made it even more challenging to maintain the facility after the countless vandalism and thefts.

“We have been trying to reach out to the surrounding communities. We initially thought this was going to safeguard our home in a way because people will know and be able to access our services. This was the first measure that was put in place. However, at this point we have no other option but to reach out to the community to help us upgrade our security system,” she says.

“The fence was fixed, but we need to do

new wiring as the criminals already know how to break the energy circulation of the existing fence. We also need cameras in and around the facility.

“Currently, we are relying on our neighbour over the road whose camera is facing our facility.”

The facility would also like to those who

already reached out to them, including their immediate neighbours.

“The public should understand that facilities like ours are reliant on them for protection. Our facility does not have anything valuable besides the wards of the state. It is our duty, as well as the community’s responsibility, to ensure that children who are in

need of care are protected.

We are available to guide the community and assist wherever we can at no cost at all.

We do this as a form of community outreach.

Our social worker goes out of her way to ensure that children in our surrounding communities get the assistance needed,” says Phirie-Mbele.

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2 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

COVID-19

‘Cures’ – what expert says

People's Post is published by WP Media, a subsidiary of Media24.

WHOM TO CONTACT

RACINE EDWARDES racine.edwardes@media24.com

EDITOR: Thulani Magazi Tel: 021 910 6500 / 6530 Email: Thulani@media24.com

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SALES MANAGER: Shafiek Braaf Tel: 021 910 6500 / 6615 Email: Shafiek.Braaf@peoplespost.co.za> CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 087 353 1328 Email: classifieds@peoplespost.co.za PRESS CODE, CORRECTIONS People's Post subscribes to the South African Press Code and we are committed to journalism that is honest, accurate, fair and balanced. Under our editorial policy, we invite readers to comment on the newspaper's content and we correct significant errors as soon as possible. Please send information to the news editor at cecilia@peoplespost.co.za or phone 021 910 6500. Alternately, please contact the Ombudsman of Media24's Community Press, George Claassen at george.claassen@media24.com or 083 543 2471.

Complaints can also be sent to the SA Press Ombudsman on telephone 021 851 3232 or via email khanyim@ombudsman.org.za or johanr@ombudsman.org.za

icks, herbal teas, steaming and a mixture of spices – by now you’ve probably heard of all these techniques and methods to “prevent” contracting the coronavirus.

To get to the bottom of these claims, People’s Post reached out to the Western Cape Department of Health to debunk the myths circulating on social media.

Dr Andrea Mendelsohn, senior medical officer at the Retreat Community Health Centre, says spices, teas and steam will not prevent you from getting Covid-19. When asked about a message doing the rounds which claims you most likely do not have the virus if you can hold your breath for a certain time, Mendelsohn says: “Checking oxygen levels or holding your breath will not tell you if you have Covid-19. Many with mild Covid-19 have normal oxygen levels.”

The only time oxygen is needed for a patient, she explains, is if their oxygen levels are low, which is not always the case. And by the same token, checking how long they can hold their breath will not be an accurate measure.

“When we see a Covid-19 positive patient, we check their oxygen level with a pulse oximeter to decide whether they are safe to isolate at home or if the patient needs to be referred to hospital for further treatment.”

Patients with a mild case of the virus often only need to isolate at home and, in this instance, Vicks and other eucalyptus rubs can be used to treat the symptoms – but not cure the virus.

Mendelsohn explains: “Using eucalyptus rubs and drinking tea should be safe if it makes them feel better. However, it is not medically prescribed and if a patient has an underlying health condition or is taking any other medication, they should check

Online campaign to safeguard kids begins Today, Tuesday 9 February, is Safer Internet Day and the start of a worldwide campaign to gather more than 50 000 anonymous photos of children between the ages of seven and 13 in order to increase the accuracy of groundbreaking age estimation technology.

United Kingdom (UK) based identity verification platform, Yoti, is partnering with the South African digital wellness company, Be in Touch, in an appeal to parents and legal guardians to submit digital photos with the ages of their children.

Be in Touch co-founder and digital wellness advocate Josh Ramsey says it takes a digital village to raise a digital child.

“Right now, a whole generation of children are being raised by a lawless, uncaring and age-inappropriate digital world.

We need your help to build digital fences to keep our kids safe. Nine-year-olds shouldn’t be socialising with 49-year-old

Find us online www.peoplespost.co.za facebook.com/PeoplesPostNewsPaper twitter.com/ThePeoplesPost peoplespostnewspaper

Disclaimer: People’s Post and Media 24 have not verified whether any of the services or products advertised in this publication are safe to use or will have the desired effect or outcome. Readers are warned that they should carefully consider and verify the advertiser’s credentials.

People’s Post and Media24 do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any of the services or goods advertised.

strangers, especially ones pretending to be 10-year-olds behind online personas,” Ramsey says.

Supported by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s office, the photo-based age estimation technology is a welcomed alternative to the most common means of access control. Once complete, games and social media apps will feel the pressure to put stricter controls in place, especially if they pose a high risk due to predators, sexual content, violence, self-harm and suicide, cyberbullying, drugs and alcohol.

Debbie Matthee, media spokesperson for Be in Touch and a concerned Claremont parent, shares that a recent United States of America’s (USA) study found that 70.9% of children under 13 encounter nudity or sexual content online, whilst 88.5% experience violent subject matter.

The campaign, #sharetoprotect, urges parents to get involved by following an

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easy three step process: . Submit their own photo to prove that they are an adult; . Confirm that they are the guardian of their child; . Submit a photo of their child to the Yoti, with the date of birth.

Ramsey explains that the AI system will use these facial characteristics and age details to crunch data and improve its learnings. “This is age estimation technology, not identity verification technology so Yoti will never know your child’s identity.”

After submission of their child’s photo, parents and guardians will receive a unique reference code which they can use to request immediate deletion if they change their mind.

V To view the findings of the US study, visit https:// www.bark.us/annual-report. For more information on Yoti and Be in Touch, go to www.yoti.com and www.beintouch.org.za, respectively.

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with their health worker first before using natural products.”

She adds: “All treatments, such as Allergex or Panado, manage Covid-19 symptoms to make people feel better.”

The long and short of it, Mendelsohn says, is that the best way to avoid catching the virus is to follow Covid-19 protocols.

“Always wear a mask when in public spaces. Avoid indoor crowded areas, especially those with poor ventilation. Space out in public; make sure you are two arms’ length away from other people. If you do socialise with a few family or friends, meet people outside rather than inside. Wash your hands.”

In the face of the pandemic, the final advice she offers is to get vaccinated “as soon as it is available to you” and if any person feels short of breath or experience chest pain they should seek medical care urgently.

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NEWS 3

PEOPLE'S POST | ATHLONE Tuesday, 9 February 2021

Learn about telecoms Lux Mundi Training Centre is offering bursaries for their Telecommunications Network Operations course.The bursary is worth R27 000 and offered at their Grassy Park Campus.

There is also training available in Enduser Computing levels one and two for beginners.

Call Raldon van Wyk on 076 457 1424 or 021 706 2353 for more information.

Police investigate double murder Police have said the motive for the recent murders of Leon Titus and Patrick de Kock cannot yet be confirmed.

“Please be advised that Philippi police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a double murder that occurred Tuesday 26 January at about 19:30 at Weltevrede Road, Philippi,” said Sgt Noloyiso Rwexana, police spokesperson.

“According to reports, two men aged 50 and 51 were shot and fatally wounded inside a Toyota bakkie by unidentified suspects who are yet to be arrested. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and forms part of police investigation.

“Police detectives are following up on leads in order to bring the perpetrators to book,” Rwexana concludes.

An anonymous source, however, claims Titus was a known abalone smuggler, often seen with various boats and state-owned police vehicles outside his place of residence. It is believed the murder was a hit on the alleged “known gangster” who was alleged to be affiliated with the 28s gang. Titus was also a former reservist at a nearby police station.

The source alleges that the motive for the killing was related to Titus’s suspected illegal activities.

Anyone with any information on the murder is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Invasive plants swiftly dealt with The discovery of water hyacinth plants growing in the upstream portion of the Groot Lotus River saw teams from the City of Cape Town’s biodiversity management unit jump into action.

The water hyacinth is an aggressive plant invader. If left untreated, the population numbers soar, eventually choking river systems. In this case, the species also pose the risk of invasion of the 256ha openwater recreational water body at Zeekoevlei which forms part of the False Bay Nature Reserve.

Fortunately, the discovery of the pockets of water hyacinth allowed the False Bay Nature Reserve staff to treat the plants with a species-specific herbicide.

“Our team at the reserve had to act fast.

This was the quickest method to curb the reproduction of the plants and to minimise the threat of invasion. We are happy to report that this treatment was successful in killing off the water hyacinth in the river.

Our teams will continue regular followups over the next two weeks until no new plants are found,” said the City’s Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Marian Nieuwoudt.

Before 2009, most of the Zeekoevlei catchment was infested with the invasive species. The City managed to eradicate the plant from the system at the time and it remained a hyacinth-free catchment until it was rediscovered in 2017. Efforts to eradicate this invasive species from nutrient-rich rivers and vleis remain a priority, but it is not easy work.

The City said this required the lowering of the water level at Rondevlei and a contracted team to physically remove any water hyacinth they come across.

Clearing was tricky as the staff who removed water hyacinth from reed beds had to be on the lookout for the reserve’s hippos.

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Help to empower through book sale SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121

B

uying and donating secondhand books is vital in keeping this literacy initiative active.

Supporting all grades at several local schools across the province, Reading and Writing Solutions is hosting regular book sales to raise funds for their charitable projects.

Many of the training initiatives are offered free to unemployed residents to assist as literacy aids at schools.

Founder and former school principal, Jeff Paulse started the organisation as a way to assist parents who needed support for their children. Paulse has 48 years of teaching experience. “(The aim of the book sale is) to raise much needed funds for our non-profit organisation. We are not funded by any corporate body, trust or any government institution. We rely solely on fundraising and donations,” says Paulse.

Recently they also trained reading aids in Bonteheuwel, bringing the number of volunteers who completed training to more than 1 400.

The Reading and Writing Solutions training initiatives are supported by other organisations.

Their next book sale will take place on Saturday 13 February from 10:00 to 15:00 on the corner of Westbrook and Boeschoten roads, in Gleemoor, Athlone.

A variety of children’s and adult books will be available for sale at good prices.

All Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

The organisation is also accepting donations of good second-hand books.

V For more information, contact Jeff Paulse on 082 216 2460 or paulsejeff@gmail.com.

Jeff Paulse and ward 49 councillor Rashid Adams

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4 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

Talking Birds The Cape Bird Club will host its next virtual meeting on Thursday 11 February at 19:30 via Zoom. Trevor Hardaker will be

talking about his experience of a Cape Town 150km Birding Challenge – an accidental Big Year. Visit the Cape Bird Club Facebook page for the link, or email Pbeeton@mweb.co.za.

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he City of Cape Town is still battling to keep local sewer systems clean and blockage-free as residents continue to dump unsuitable items – an activity which is illegal.

According to the City, dumping is one of the biggest problems in and around Cape Town. Last year, People’s Post reported on the illegal dumping in Cape Town (“Illegal dumping remains a problem”, 2 February 2020).

At the time Gerry Gordon, the councillor for ward 67, said: “What comes out of the drains are cloths, spoons, forks and rags, which cause blockages. In one area, we removed a whole lot of rice. We don’t have a system that moves food this way and other things that way. These things cause blockages down the line.”

Now the City has revealed that tyres, old clothes, shoes, building rubble, rags, newspapers, nappies, feminine hygiene products, condoms, wet wipes, animal carcasses, food waste and hardened cooking fats are among the items that have been illegally dumped and found making their way – slowly, or not at all – through the sewerage system.

This type of dumping – into the draining and sewer systems – falls under the premise of illegal dumping and costs the City roughly R350 million annually.

Last year, the City’s water and sanitation department cleared approximately 122 000 sewer blockages across Cape Town; 75% of which were the result of misuse of the sewerage system.

The City’s Mayco member for water and waste Xanthea Limberg says this puts a strain on essential frontline water and sanitation teams who work tirelessly to keep things moving (literally), but it has not always been easy.

“There were times when protest action prevented maintenance teams from accessing areas or illegally erected structures were built over the City’s infrastructure, preventing them from attending to sewer blockages. Sometimes our staff are also targeted by opportunistic criminals while on site, carrying out the work,” she says.

Illegal dumping and the habit of disposing of waste in toilets, drains and sinks rather than bins and refuse bags are the major contributors to blockages.

Illegal discharge of stormwater (for example, from rain gutters) into sewers also contributes to overflows by overloading the ca-

pacity of the pipes, particularly during heavy rainfall. Residents should instead ensure that rain gutters or downpipes and surface run-offs on their property flow into storm drains, not into the sewers.

Limberg says teams will continue to tend to blockages but to effect an improvement and reduction in overflows, a shift in behaviour and habits in society is necessary. “We all need to be much more conscious of what we flush down the toilets.”

Do-not-flush items include: . Rags; . newspapers; . feminine hygiene products; . nappies; . cooking fats and oils . wet wipes; and . building materials/rubble.

“When fats/oils are poured or flushed down the sink and drain, they harden and build up on the inside of the sewer pipes and act like glue, attracting rags, hair, paper, plastics and other debris. The hardness of these blockages can also make them very difficult to clean. We encourage residents to please dispose of these items appropriately using the refuse removal services and City drop-off sites, where applicable,” Limberg says.

She reminds the public that flushing anything apart from human waste and toilet paper is illegal in terms of the Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law.

The City provides these tips for proper waste disposal: . Put a strainer in the sink to catch food or other waste before it goes down the drain and creates blockages. . Wipe cooking fats, oil or grease off the pan and don’t pour it down the drain. . Don’t flush nappies and sanitary products, they absorb water and expand, which causes blockages. . Check that rainwater gutters don’t flow into the sewer system as it overloads. . Visit the City’s drop-off facilities to dispose of recyclables, electronics, garage waste and builder’s rubble.

Residents can log a service request through various channels. Make sure to provide the street address, and get a reference number when logging a request.

V Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests; email: water@capetown.gov.za; SMS: 31373 (maximum 160 characters and standard rates apply); call: 0860 103 089; visit a City walk-in centre (www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one).

Dumping certain products into drains is illegal.

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NEWS 5

PEOPLE'S POST | ATHLONE Tuesday, 9 February 2021

HANOVER PARK

Community’s crowning glory SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121

W

ith her sights set on making a difference, her recent award has come as no surprise.

For beauty queen Keegan Lee Croy from Hanover Park, giving back to her community has been part of her motivation to host a recent pageant. This was in a bid to bring the glitz and glam of pageants closer to the community.

Apple, as she is known, started hosting the Miss Hanover Park pageant with her grandmother in 2017.

“The pageant is to teach young girls like herself to have self-esteem, self confidence and self worth, knowing who you are, and helping others so that they too become the best version of themselves,” says her mother, Daphne. “It does not matter where you come from, but what you chose to be.”

She has been modelling since the age of four and has featured in several TV advertisements and shows, as well as print ad campaigns. While she has been competing locally for a number of years, her first national pageant took place in 2015.

“She only had four weeks training with her coach. (She had) no formal experience, only a vision to change the world and a dream to one day wear the Miss SA and Miss Universe crowns,” she says.

Apple was crowned Miss Pre-Teen South Africa 2018 and Miss Pre-Teen Universe SA 2018, with the opportunity to represent South Africa in Turkey. She is currently also fundraising to attend the 2021 Junior Miss South Africa pageant.

Keegan has been nominated and won several awards at the African Child of the Year Awards. In 2020 she won the category of Com-

munity Safety and also won Child of the Year at the inaugural South African Child of the Year Awards.

This 13-year-old may have big dreams, but she is rooted in charity and a love for giving back to her community, encouraging other

teens to rise above the negativity they are surrounded by.

Lockdown also did not stop her, with various community organisation partnerships, sanitary drives and sandwich distribution drives to the less fortunate still running.

Keegan Lee Croy with some of her crowns and trophies

Apple, as she is known on the stage.

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

ANIMAL WELFARE

Trails4Tails on the right track E

ight Capetonian trail guides and mountain hikers will embark on a gruelling journey in March, all for the benefit of the animals.

On Sunday 14 March, the Trails4Tails group – Binny Ridgway, Sally Petersen, Sue Parker-Smith, Amanda Twyman, James Twyman, Jeremy Schreiner, Bevan-Hope Baillie and Darsha Pershina – will cycle and hike 70km from Cape Point to Table Mountain Cable Station to raise awareness and funds for the SPCA. The first 35km leg from Cape Point to Kalk Bay will be completed on a bicycle, and the second 35km will be completed by hiking up onto the mountains to pick up the trails leading to Table Mountain. Then they will descend Platteklip to finish at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The journey is expected to take up to 15 hours.

“We are doing this mainly to fundraise for the SPCA, which has been extremely hard hit by the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Ridgway, the organiser and an experienced trail guide.

“Another industry that has also been particularly hard hit by the pandemic is tourism. The majority of the Trails4Tails group are adventure tour guides who now find themselves with a lot of free time on their hands, and they want to do something meaningful to help.”

The SPCA has welcomed the initiative.

Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, hopes it will be a significant fundraiser for the organisation in a difficult period. “There has been a flood

The SPCA Cape of Good Hope inspectorate unit deals with challenging scenarios daily. The Trails4Tails campaign hopes to alleviate the burden of fundraising on the SPCA, and allow staff to focus on assisting animals. of pets being surrendered or abandoned to the streets as their owners can no longer afford to care for them, and the SPCA is the catch net.

“We are experiencing a 24% increase in the number of animals in need of our help,” she said.

The SPCA also faces the difficult task of removing pets from owners who are ill-treating them.

A recent case involved a severely injured dog, which was later named “Bali”, who suffered a badly fractured femur to one limb,

a deep abrasion that left cartilage exposed on another and several old and new abrasions.

When offered veterinary assistance, the owner of the dog refused and claimed not to know where she was. “Her owner was arrested for the obstruction of justice and is also facing charges in respect of contraventions of the Animals Protection Act. Fortunately, Bali was recovered at 22:00 on the night of her “disappearance” and is now recovering at the SPCA where she first had to be treated for ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne dis-

ease that affected the clotting capacity of her blood, before her fractured hind leg could be surgically repaired,” Abraham explained.

Some of the funds raised by the Trails4Tails group will go towards Bali’s treatment.

Supporters of the campaign can contribute directly to the SPCA fundraiser through Given Gain: https://www.givengain.com/ cc/trails-4-tails/.

V For more information, contact Natasha Johannes on awareness@spca-ct.co.za or 021 700 4155 or follow the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on social media.

Remote workers’ love for city brings opportunities close Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sights and sounds of the ocean, the moderate weather and the view of Table Mountain every day?

These are just some of the reasons Cape Town has made the list of best cities for remote working on the Big 7 Travel’s 50 Best Places for Remote Working in 2021.

The city, which has long been a favourite with digital nomads, was recently listed number 42 on the “Best cities for remote working” list.

This seating comes alongside countries such as Indonesia, Germany and Argentina, curated by the travel website Big 7 Travel.

The City of Cape Town says targeting digital nomads as part of its overall destination marketing strategy will become part of its new international campaign “when the time is right and when it is safe to do so”.

According to the City, with Covid-19 changing the way we work, more people now have the opportunity to make their favourite holiday destination their new permanent residence. This puts Cape Town in a prime position to cater to the changing needs of a global workforce.

The City’s enterprise and investment team has incorporated this position into its strategic marketing approach known as the six pillars: visit, live, work, study, play and invest in Cape Town.

It encourages the hospitality sector to take advantage of Cape Town’s desirability as a remote-working destination.

The City’s Mayco member for economic opportunities and asset management James Vos says: “Some of the things that we encourage the hospitality sector to consider implementing will be finding ways to attract Capetonians as well as others in our country who usually work from home offices, to change their environment when it is safe to do so with Covid-19 protocols in place.”

He continues: “These remote workers could work in spaces where there is access to a day-room, a pool, breakfast, lunch, parking and wi-fi. For the long-stay digital nomads, the sector could consider revised rates and ‘home away from home’ type packaging.”

A promising aspect for foreigners is the exchange rate, which makes Cape Town an affordable luxury destination for interna-

tional workers (without displacing local jobs) for up to 90 days as permitted by South African immigration regulations.

Visa free countries, currently, include key source markets such as Germany, United Kingdom (UK), France, the United States of America (USA) and more.

“Long-stays can help to support local economies that have been decimated due to the

impact of Covid-19,” Vos adds. “Through the City’s tourism task team that I convened last year to address recovery measures, we will engage industry on this new opportunity.

Workers have realised that they can work from anywhere. With so much space and natural beauty, why not Cape Town?”

V Visit https://destination.investcapetown.com/ for more information.

REGISTER TODAY !

Join us for a part time accredited course in Early Childhood Development .

Register today to get a Higher Certificate or Diploma.

Contact us on whatsapp/call Denice on 060 521 9027 or 031 206 2000 Please follow and like our page on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website: cavershaminstitute.co.za to stay up to date with everything ECD.

The Cape of Good Hope at Cape Point is just one of many desirable tourist destinations that one could visit, should they make Cape Town their new remote working destination. PHOTO: RACINE EDWARDES

Table Mountain’s cableway hours have changed As the festive season draws to a close, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has changed its operating hours.

The cableway now operates between 09:00 and 16:00, seven days a week. The last car down from the top of the mountain will be at 17:00.

To provide a safe descent for hikers on

Table Mountain, the cableway will be operational from 08:00 from its top station.

Visitors are encouraged to go cashless by booking their tickets online via Webtickets.

V Visit https://www.tablemountain.net/ for information on TMACC’s strict Covid-19 health and safety protocols to protect the health safety of its staff and visitors.

NEWS 7

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

RELIEF

Vulnerable ECD centres suffer most NETTALIE VILJOEN

T

he Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector is waiting anxiously to hear from the government on how, and when, it plans to roll out the stimulus relief package set aside last year for the besieged industry.

A press statement sent out last week by the ECD and Basic Education Working Group of the C-19 People Coalition states that nothing has been heard from the Department of Social Development (DSD) since minister Lindiwe Zulu’s announcement on Friday 11 December. She announced that the department was working with the sector through the Intersectoral Forum to address the challenges confronting ECD centres.

This, Zulu said, would include the allocation of a stimulus relief package of over R5.8 million by the National Treasury for unemployment risk support to the 108 833 ECD-related workforce.

Zulu’s statement followed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s assurance made in October last year that “support will be provided to early childhood development practitioners, mainly self-employed women”.

Mmatsetshuweu Ruby Motaung, a member of the Save Our ECD Workforce Campaign which operates under the banner of the C-19 People’s Coalition, says they are concerned about the lack of information, and that the relief package will

not be rolled out in this financial year.

“This led to many centres closing down “Resulting in the funds disappearing and to others only opening later this and causing more job losses and closure year,” he says. of ECD sites,” Motaung says.

Atmore adds that the overwhelming After closing their majority of centres that doors at the end of March closed are located in Early learning and health vulnerable areas of the last year – at the start of the national lockdown – care are critical for child province where poverty ECDs were given the gois greatest. development. The global ahead to reopen on MonEvidence sourced day 6 July when the North through CECD’s fieldevidence is clear that Gauteng High Court, in work – speaking with children who attend a Pretoria, ruled all private ECD principals – preschools and ECDs quality ECD programme do showed that around one should open with immedibetter academically, are million children across ate effect if they could do South Africa do not less likely to need expen- have an ECD centre to so safely. According to a rapid survey done in sive remedial education return to. In the Westgreater Cape Town by the ern Cape, this number are more likely to be Centre for Early Childis estimated at 80 000 employeed... hood Development children.

(CECD), when ECDs cen“Early learning and tres were finally allowed health care are critical to reopen they had to carry substantial for child development. The global evipersonal protection equipment (PPE) dence is clear that children who attend a costs which “they could not afford”. quality ECD programme do better aca“Fortunately, the Western Cape Depart- demically, are less likely to need expenment of Social Development made about sive remedial education, are more likely R4 000 available to qualifying ECD centres to be employed as an adult, and for young to purchases PPE,” says Prof Eric Atmore, girls, are less likely to become pregnant director of the CECD. whilst a teenager. These are huge social, “At the same time, parents were experi- educational and economic benefits to sociencing great difficulty in paying ECD fees, ety,” he says. with many withdrawing their children Besides being denied access to an essenfrom the centres. tial academic foundation, children in vul-

nerable communities are often also put at risk when a local ECD centre is forced to close.

“Children not in ECD centres are left in dangerous communities where they are not safe. For many children who had attended an ECD centre prior to lockdown, their main meal of the day was received at the centre. With centres closing, this is no longer the case and children are going hungry, with all the negative effects of this,” Atmore explains.

ECD centres registered with the DSD receive R17 per day per qualifying child. In the Western Cape, there are about 4 200 ECD centres. Of these about 2 300 (55%) are not registered, which means more than half of them do not get any support from the government.

“Note that every prisoner in South Africa has about R400 spent on him or her every day by the government,” Atmore says.

When lockdown began, the DSD withdrew the ECD subsidies. It is only in the Western Cape that the provincial government continued to pay the ECD subsidy throughout lockdown. For the sector to have hope for recovery, he says, the government must pay out the withdrawn ECD subsidies.

“This is taxpayers money and the ECD subsidy must be paid.”

Atmore also calls for the immediate payment of the stimulus relief package promised to ECD teachers in October.

Teach children how to avoid danger as schools reopen How to keep their children safe is top of mind for many parents as they prepare to send them back to school during this time of Covid-19.

On Friday 15 January, the deputy minister of basic education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, announced that the Council of Education Ministers in conjunction with the National Coronavirus Command Council and cabinet, had taken the decision to delay the reopening of both public and private schools by two weeks.

Public schools were initially meant to open on Wednesday 27 January, but that decision was changed to Monday 15 February to curb and monitor the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s head of marketing and communications, says, while at school, children will follow the regulated PPE processes, but there are per-

sonal security tips that parents can follow to make a difference in the safety of their children.

“It boils down to making sure your children know exactly how to avoid possible danger, and also what they must do in case something bad happens to them,” says Hattingh.

She recommends: . Children must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. If your child walks alone, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher or other parents if they know of other children from the area who do the same. Some towns have started “walking buses”, where local parents volunteer to walk to and from school with a group of school children to assure their safety. . Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.

. If you get picked up at school, always wait inside the grounds for your lift to arrive; do not leave the premises to go and look for them in the street. . Remember, your parents would never send someone you don’t know to fetch you.

Never get into a stranger’s car even if they claim someone you love is hurt and that they are supposed to pick you up. It is a good idea to consider using a password system to ensure the person collecting you is in fact a friend of your parents or someone you can trust. . If a stranger approaches you, do not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab you, fight, kick and scream that they are not your mom or dad.

In some cases, children have to see themselves to and from school and keep occupied until mom and dad return home in the

evening.

“It is extremely important that children know not to let anyone into the house without your permission. If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home,” says Hattingh.

She suggested drawing up a list of important telephone numbers.

“This list must include emergency services and mom and dad’s work and cellphone numbers.

“Save it on your child’s cellphone and stick it on or near the landline. It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used,” she said.

Hattingh adds that everyone in the household should also know how to use your home security system, children included, and when and how to use the panic buttons.

8 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

MENTAL HEALTH

Understanding grief to cope better “Y

ou are not alone.”

This is the message of community psychologist Zanele Ludziya to people who are grieving the loss of loved ones and more during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Losing a loved one to death is never easy, and it can trigger a range of emotions. There are many signs you can look out for when a loved one is grieving and may need support, but an absence of symptoms does not mean that the person is not grieving, says Zanele.

“Grief has been defined as the multifaceted response to loss which impacts the emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural responses to death. It’s imperative to understand that the spectrum of disruption in a person’s life is broad and can vary from barely noticeable changes to profound and intense changes,” she says.

Some emotions a person may experience after someone’s death may include anger and sadness.

“A person may show signs of anger, irritability, sadness, or apathy after losing a loved one. Secondly, the person’s cognitive functioning may be affected, as the person may be preoccupied with thoughts and memories of the deceased or experience difficulty with concentrating or may appear confused,” she says. “Lastly, be aware of behavioural changes, for example, being tearful, or increased alcohol and substance use. They may smoke more than they usually do, they may withdraw or isolate or they may avoid

people and places. They may want silence or increased noise; they could also be more aggressive or ‘snappy’.”

When supporting a loved one, it is also helpful to understand the grieving process and that everyone experiences it differently.

The common stages of grief include: . Denial/isolation – experiencing numbness or shock . Anger – for example, getting angry with others when the other person hasn’t done anything wrong or anger that is out of proportion. . Bargaining – experiencing feelings of guilt over things not done or said. . Depression – the sadness that is felt is not like a major depressive episode or disorder, but sadness that comes when realising that life will continue without their loved one, and . Acceptance – finding a way to live a fulfilled life without the person.

One way of coping or showing support is to understand the stage of grief you are in or that a loved one is experiencing.

“In understanding the stages of grief, it can reassure the person who is grieving that what they are experiencing is normal. It’s important to treat the person going through grief or yourself with kindness, patience and understanding, keeping in mind what you are experiencing will eventually pass,” she says.

“If you are supporting someone going through the process of grief don’t try and

Community psychologist Zanele Ludziya. push that person out of a stage or compare them to someone who may have completed their grieving process. Each person will experience the stages of grief differently. Don’t feel guilty or make someone feel guilty if a person may be stuck in a stage or find themselves going back to a particular stage.”

While adults deal with grief amid the pandemic, Zanele says we should not forget that children, too, are affected and need support.

“According to grief experts it’s best to talk to children about death and the meaning of grief. Help children identify and name the

emotions that they may be feeling. Normalize their experience. Tell them what to expect during this process. Answer any questions they may have, even if they have asked you before. Explain things in an age appropriate manner. To do this you can use pictures, or books or music. Don’t assume they understand concepts and don’t assume that they are too young to understand. Remember children, even infants, are highly perceptive and will pick up on the emotions displayed in the house,” she says.

Zanele suggests finding counselling support for those in need of it.

There are several other life events that may have triggered grief during the pandemic that we should be aware of.

“Other situations that can trigger grief is losing a relationship, for example, experiencing a breakup or the end of a friendship.

Losing material possessions, like a home or a car, can trigger grief. Also relocating from one area to another can be a trigger. Losing independence can also be a trigger. During this pandemic isolation can trigger grief as it can feel like a loss of freedom.”

Zanele says grief is a personal process and reminds the public that they don’t need to walk the journey alone.

“You are not alone. Be kind and patient with yourself.”

V For help, call The Mental Health Information Centre on 021 938 9229, Lifeline on 0861 322 322, the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 011 234 4837.

Staff prep for vaccine rollout The first group of 1 995 vaccinators from all corners of the health system in the Western Cape have started training towards administering the Covid-19 vaccine.

The training will equip them with adequate knowledge and skills to ensure safe and efficient vaccine administration. The number of vaccinators will grow daily as more health workers are added to the registration database to receive training.

Vaccine training will take place online and is an accredited course.

The training programme includes a virtual online training package and is geared towards self-directed learning followed by weekly virtual update sessions which are accredited by the national Department of Health.

Once they have completed the training, their accreditation will be confirmed, and they will be added to the central vaccinator register to administer the vaccine.

The number of vaccinators that need to be trained is determined by the health department – one vaccinator can vaccinate between 40 to 50 people per day. It is estimated that 414 vaccinators are required for phase one. As the number of people needing to be vaccinated increases in phases two and three, the number of vaccinators will also increase. Healthcare workers have years of training, experience, and knowledge on administering vaccines.

Therefore, the focus of this training will be on specific information related to the Covid-19 vaccine – including the handling, storage, research, product information, data management and reporting aspects of this vaccine.

COLUMN: Samantha Lee-Jacobs

There is life after death Death teaches us a lot. It shows us who we can rely on, how well we can cope and organise, how important it is to set your affairs in order, but mostly how finite life can be.

When it touches your own home, it can be overwhelming and difficult to discern who is genuine in their support and who is a vulture circling.

“Be strong” was probably the most common phrase spoken, but in the face of said strength, you are questioned. “We are so worried about you,” because they think – by their standards and expectations – you are coping too well. So that leads to conversations behind your back about how the coping must be a facade, because its “impossible to be okay”.

Even in death, you just can’t win.

I don’t think people realise how damaging their “care” can be. Constant phone

calls, texts and bombardment, while a family is dealing with the loss of a loved one – often just for their own conscience – is extremely insensitive. Further to that, questioning someone’s grieving process is equally damaging.

Everyone deals with death and grief in their own way.

The smile on their face, the lack of tears in their eyes and the “I am doing well” response to your constant “how are you?” should not be met with “you don’t have to hide your feelings”, “we are so worried”, or a “okay, but how are you really feeling” as responses.

Losing a parent or someone you were particularly close to, does not mean the grief that follows will be a cookie-cutter, text book case.

No one is ever “ready” to lose a parent.

Maria-Lagrimas Botha, Theresa Johnson, Tercia Jacobs, Elrien Joubert, Natalie Nel, Mica Jackson, Thanya Petersen and Alta Davids are among the vaccinator trainees.

Some are lucky enough to share 50 or 60 years with their parents before needing to think about funerals. Others, as in my case, need to bury a parent in their 20s or even younger.

My mother was 55. She often said to us “Well, I only have around 20 years left.”

We always took it as a passing joke, even though realistically we knew it could verywell be the case.

But, it was not to be. It very quickly turned into 20 days.

I suppose to the general public, all these factors are meant to contribute to a total break down. And for a few days, I actually felt, because I was not conforming to their definition, that something was wrong with me.

“I am not supposed to be okay”, “do I even miss her”, “were we really that close”, “am I really not broken about this, should I be? Can I be? Will I be?”

I actually felt guilty for not feeling the way people expected. I don’t think people realise this support is toxic.

Sometimes, families just need their space and freedom to deal with grief in

their own way.

Of course, I am heartbroken. A huge part of my life has been taken away from me.

But life must go on. Our loved ones would not want us to put everything on hold indefinitely. You take as much time as you need, follow your own process and then get up and dust yourself off.

In times like these, no household can deny death, or the possibility that today may be the last time you see your loved one.

Beside the fact that Covid-19 has seen alarming death rates – in people of all ages 30, 20, 50 – we have violent crime, terminal illness and road accidents that have not taken a back seat because of the pandemic.

We are consoled by the fact that we got to say “goodbye”, but not everyone is so lucky.

Never did I think I would need to bury a parent this young, and I am sure many are in the same boat with their loved ones as you read this, so make sure that everyday you live right, say, “I love you” and live with no regrets. Live today as if it is your last, because every day we open our eyes is a day of grace.

PROPERTY 9

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

RENTALS

Tips for landlords during pandemic T

he tightening of the lockdown restrictions amid the second wave of the Covid19 pandemic once again highlighted the risks of rental property ownership.

Pressure on employment and household finances naturally impacts the ability of tenants to pay their monthly rents, says Antoinette McClean, rental administrator for Seeff False Bay and South Eastern Suburbs.

“A rental property investment is significant and the risks to the ability to earn sustained rental returns and keep costs contained, especially around maintenance and damage, is substantial,” she says.

McClean continues that we have seen over the last year that landlords are facing an increase in late payments, reduced payments, and non-payments. Although this should improve, McClean says landlords should take important action to mitigate the risks associated with their investment.

Below is some advice:

Open a separate account for the monthly rental Open a separate account for receipt of the rental income and do not operate debit or stop orders off it. The risk is that should a tenant pay late or default and the debit and stop orders are rejected, there is a cost to the landlord.

Create a reserve fund Put a reserve aside to create a financial buffer should there be a default on the monthly rent. Remember, you cannot use the tenant’s deposit until the lease terminates. Ensure you are able to cover the property related expenses such as the mortgage bond payment in the event that the tenant defaults or pays late so that your credit standing is not impacted.

Ongoing maintenance is vital Set aside at least one month’s rental to do maintenance on your property annually.

There is a wide misconception that the deposit held by the landlord, on behalf of the tenant, will cover all and every damage to the property. Only damage over and above the ingoing inspection report can be claimed. The landlord remains liable for fair wear and tear which all property owners experience in maintaining the condition of their property.

Take immediate action when a tenant defaults As soon as a tenant breaches the lease in any form they must immediately be informed through the required process of such breach. Many landlords run their properties with their “hearts” and then get frustrated when verbal agreements with the tenant are not met. Remember that multiple breaches allow for cancellation of the lease agreement.

Ingoing and outgoing inspections are vital A professional in-going inspection is vital, and it could be a risk for the landlord to do their own inspection to save costs. The law is clear. If the in-going inspection was not done, then the landlord must prove that the damages did not exist at commencement of the lease. The cost of a professional inspection is like an insurance premium to protect the landlord’s property for damages and to claim for such.

Ensure all compliance certificates for the property are valid In terms of the tenant’s safety, under law, the landlord has an obligation to ensure the property remains compliant with all regula-

the end of the lease term.

Pro-active management of the property by both landlord and the tenant are critical. Landlords should not rely solely on the ingoing and outgoing inspections.

Landlords should have an annual maintenance plan to keep the value of the property and ensure that they can achieve the maximum rental for the property.

The landlord may, with reasonable notice, inspect the property to ensure that all is in order. The lease agreement usually states that the tenant must keep the property in the condition they received it at all times and that the landlord can insist, on discovery of an issue, that such issue is remedied immediately.

McClean also suggests personal liability insurRental properties have been affected as a result of the ongoing ance to cover any evenpandemic. tuality that might arise tions. An obvious one is the electrical com- out of the tenancy. “Should something happliance certificate which often results in is- pen to a tenant that is a direct result of the sues. In case of a claim, the landlord must landlord not ensuring that the property was prove that all the necessary was in place to compliant in terms of regulations, then the prevent claims arising against the landlord. landlord will be liable for damages that arise out of such a claim. As a landlord you should ensure that you always have the necessary Proactively manage the property Ensure that you do regular interim in- Personal Liability insurance in place when spections to ensure there are no surprises at renting out your property,” she says.

10 CLASSIFIEDS

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

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NEWS 11

PEOPLE'S POST Tuesday, 9 February 2021

ANIMAL WELFARE

Squirrel rescue a hard nut to crack NETTALIE VILJOEN

January 2011, after raising her first squirrel. In April 2016, with the help of Dr Steve Smit and Dee Hazel, a more formal group on Facebook and WhatsApp was started.

The organisation is currently in the process of registering as a non-profit organisation.

“Eastern Grey squirrels are found all over the greater Cape Town area. A huge number of our squirrels is found in the southern suburbs. At Rondebosch Boys’ we have an albino squirrel colony,” Starke adds.

Squirrels are mostly limited to the South West Cape. This is because grey squirrels are unable to utilise fynbos vegetation and because most of the indigenous trees in South Africa don’t bear berries or fruit suitable for their food requirements, the organisation’s website explains.

With January to March being the breeding season for squirrels, many residents tend to come across abandoned babies (called kits or kittens) at this time of the year.

Testa explains that if it has not been a good year – for example during the recent drought – and the mother finds she does not have enough food to feed her kits she stops taking care of them.

“Or if the mom has been caught by something, a cat or a falcon, you will find the kits climbing out of their nest in search of food,” she adds.

Kits come to the group in various ways – from tree fellers to farmworkers, school children and Facebook users.

Testa says most finders have the best intentions when they find a squirrel and decide to raise it, but it often ends in heartache and tears.

“Squirrels aspirate very easily and need the

D

id you know that squirrels and peanuts do not go together like a horse and carriage? Not only do peanuts hold low nutritional value, but the raw and salted ones can be harmful to the furry little critters’ health.

A quick internet search confirmed this snippet of information shared by Lize Testa, a volunteer for the Squirrel Rescue and Rehab Western Cape. Raw peanuts can harbour toxic mold while salted peanuts can damage their kidneys, affect their hearts, raise their blood pressure and increase their pulse, shortening their lifespan.

“The misconception that peanuts are good for the squirrels is something that we have to fight hard against,” says Testa.

This is the kind of guidance that the people behind the establishment of the Squirrel Rescue and Rehab Western Cape have been providing squirrel lovers in the Western Cape and further afield (think Botswana and Sri Lanka) for years.

The founder, Tracy Starke, says she has always been passionate about animals. When Starke is not rescuing and rehabilitating squirrels, she can be found at Rondebosch Boys’ High School where she is the head of counselling and learner support.

She started her squirrel journey in

Raising abandoned kits to release in the wild is difficult and costly, says Squirrel Rescue and Rehab Western Cape.

right formula at the right times to grow into healthy squirrels that can be rehabilitated,” she says.

Rescues also come in the form of pets that can no longer be handled. Testa says squirrels make terrible pets.

“As they grow up, they become extremely possessive, and you’ll probably be the only person who can handle your squirrel. You won’t be able to spend time with family or friends or go away for a weekend when you’re owned by a squirrel.

“When I am raising a few squirrels at home, my husband, Michael, is too scared to come close to them. They have this mindset of wanting to protect their mom because she brings food,” she says.

The number of squirrels rescued and re-

leased per year fluctuates. Last year, the organisation rescued between 160 to 190 squirrels. And raising them is costly. The group relies on donations from volunteers and the public to pay the bills.

“To raise a healthy four-week-old squirrel to release costs approximately R1 000. A tin of milk ranges between R250 and R350. Once they start to eat, squirrels need special rat pellets, fresh fruit and veggies and a few nuts for treats. Very few vets can assist with squirrels, and when a squirrel requires medical attention, they end up at vets who specialise in exotic animals,” Testa says.

V To support or for more information on the organisation, call Starke on 082 960 4859, email infor@squirrelrescue.co.za, visit the website www.squirrelrescue.co.za or follow the group on Facebook.

Sasha-Lee shares ‘A Little Love’ Former Idols winner Sasha-Lee Davids is back in the spotlight with her latest song, A Little Love.

After spending the past few years working on a number of successful music projects, Davids recently released the track on all major digital platforms.

“I wrote the song years ago and was inspired by my own life and journey at the time. I was trying to inspire myself to live my life with a little more love in every way I could.

“I was in a place where I discovered myself through the process of writing and making music and it led me to write this song,” she shares.

Davids describes the single as a

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“It has a great message that reminds us how important life is. If we do one simple thing and share some love, I believe that facing this tumultuous and harrowing pandemic we can be reminded that love does assist to conquer what we face as human beings,” she says.

She recorded the track at the home studio of her brother, Laurenzo Davids, and has surrounded herself with a new creative team – Edward George King and her manager, Alistair Izobell (a gifted and celebrated industry veteran) – with whom she feels “inspired to work with”.

This release is also a precursor

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W

ith the Covid-19 pandemic heading to its first anniversary, certain sporting facilities have gone an entire season without any activity.

One of these facilities is the Turfhall Softball Stadium.

Usually teeming with activity every weekend between October and March, the facility has been inactive due to no amateur team sports activity being allowed to practice under the revised level three lockdown regulations.

This has meant that the new softball season, which ended shortly before the national state of disaster in March last year, could not begin (“Softball mothballed for now”, People’s Post, 29 September 2020).

With the precinct predominantly inactive and with the weather being hot, dry and windy, a fire broke out on Tuesday 2 February which razed much of the surrounding vegetation, including on the main diamond.

“The call was received at 13:51 of vegetation alight at Turfhall Stadium. The fire crew from Wynberg responded with two fire appliances and a total of six staff members. It seems most of the vegetation around the pitches were burnt. The fire was extinguished at 15:53 and no damages to the facility were sustained,” says Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services.

According to the City’s Mayco member for community services and health, Zahid Badroodien, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the City’s recreation and parks department is investigating while also determining the extent of the damage caused by the

fire.

“The Turfhall Stadium precinct was not in use at the time of the fire as a result of the lockdown; however, maintenance staff are on-site on an ad hoc basis, and there is also a security presence at the precinct,” he says.

Badroodien adds that despite the extended period of inactivity at City-run sports facilities, maintenance is still taking place such as irrigation, mowing and upkeep of vegetation.

However, the fire at Turfhall may beg the question of whether other facilities in Cape Town are now sitting ducks to would-be opportunistic criminals.

Badroodien says that there are security measures in place to safeguard facilities, and it is those responsible for security who will raise the alarm as soon as a fire breaks out, to ensure the facility’s safety.

He also reminds the public to report suspicious activity at any recreational facility, in addition to inactive sports grounds.

“While the fire at Turfhall is unfortunate, it is an isolated incident and the community services and health directorate struggles far more with issues of vandalism and theft of infrastructure.

Cape Town softball mourns losses While Cape Town Softball Association decided against restarting due to the new variant of Covid-19, the virus continued to rear its ugly head, with the association losing members as a result of Covid-19 complications in recent weeks.

The most recent was on Sunday 31 January when Nigel Pastor (44) succumbed to the virus.

Pastor played for Albertons Softball Club and played a leading role in the establishing and coaching of the youth at the club.

He performed similar tasks at the

According to the City of Cape Town, a vegetation fire broke out at Turfhall Softball Stadium on Tuesday 2 February.

PHOTOS: NOORE NACERODIEN Stephanians Football Club.

Lester Koopman, Albertons stalwart, paid tribute to Pastor: “In those early days, we probably had more fun before and after a game than playing itself,” he says.

“You had such a passion for coaching and juniors – but most of all we will miss your love for this game. While most of us were just down for the banter and the beer after the game, you still really loved to compete. Leadoff batter, the centre field general, shortstop maverick and wannabee pitcher. You did it all and loved it all. What we would give to hear you say one last time... three cheers for Albertons.”

V Anyone who notices anything that appears suspicious or out of place at a sporting or recreational facility is asked to please report it to the City of Cape Town’s public emergency communication centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

The main diamond at Turfhall Softball Stadium after a vegetation fire broke out on Tuesday 2 February.

PHOTO: NOORE NACERODIEN

Swim squad membership transforms lives of youth Any parent would rejoice at the idea of their child finding a positive outlet for the burden of performing well academically. Sport, especially in a team, has been a vehicle for success for many throughout the world.

From a socio-economic perspective, sport is a powerful catalyst for change.

Five years after the Springbok’s euphoric 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph, Nelson Mandela mentioned the power of sport during a speech in Monaco.

“Sport has the power to change the world . . . It speaks to youth in a language they understand.

Sport can create hope where there was only despair,” he said.

Water-based activities, like swimming, are a popular option for both children and adults alike.

Swimming can boost the immune system, improve stamina and strength, plus maintain a healthy heart and lungs. Endurance and flexibility are also significant benefits. Being part of a swimming squad is usually a life-

changing experience.

Over the last three years, the AquAzzurra Foundation, based in Bergvliet, spent more than R5 million in private funds to secure higher (international) education for its coaches and instructors. These funds also went to swimming pool maintenance and to facilitate the Aqua Dolphin Swimming Club’s Learn to Swim, plus Occupational Therapy classes. The foundation enables the swimming club to sustain affordable fees and subsidise children whose families cannot afford for them to be involved in sport.

Mina Manoussakis, the foundation’s founder and director, is firm in her belief that the sport has the ability to transform lives.

Squads are a safe space for children to gain confidence and learn how to remain motivated and persevere.

There is still, however, an aspect of being in the water that is very much a solitary, personal pursuit. Competitive swimmers must stay in their lanes and focus,

Ethan George. nimbly moving their bodies as fast as possible, in a set time.

“Having the headspace to remain committed to training schedules is something many youngsters have, unfortunately, been struggling with since the beginning of the pandemic,” explains Manoussakis. “While a good number made it back when we were able to train again last year, it was a struggle to get back after the festive season – which is why we also hosted our swim camp. It was like a reset session.

“As life has become increasingly demanding for children, with school and social pressures, and now Covid-19, understanding that discipline and the right attitude will get you through just about anything has never been more important,” she continues.

Ethan George from Strandfontein, who matriculated from Norman Henshilwood High School last year, has been swimming with the club since Grade 9.

Winning medals at qualifying galas, travelling and meeting new friends are noteworthy highlights for the squad swimmer. But the cherry on top is the stress relief that comes from water activities.

“Swimming takes away the stress, keeps the boredom at bay and helps psychologically. The biggest challenge for me was starting at a later age than some of my peers. That meant I had to work harder to improve my time,” he explains.

Aside from the social aspect of sport, putting in the work and achieving goals can raise self-con-

fidence levels. These aspects provide the necessary drive to compete, show resilience in the face of loss, and can assist children in becoming capable in many facets of their lives.

Ethan’s mother, Wendy George, knew it was a good idea for her son to join the swimming club from the word go. “Ethan always performed well academically, but he joined the club as a way to get rid of any tension in his life. Socially he’s more outspoken, and it’s a plus that he’s more active with all of the training. The only time spent on his devices is at night,” she says.

The 18-year-old aspires to use his skills to give back via the Aqua Dolphin Swimming Club.

While the club aims to achieve its goal of providing children with essential water safety skills, more resources are required to make this a reality. “In the future, I’m looking forward to giving back to the community through the Learn to Swim programme,” he concludes.