People's Post Claremont | Rondebosch - 24 March 2020

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People’s Post

A heart for dance

The Out of Africa Dance Academy presented Heartbeat of a Dancer, a dance and drama production, at the Artscape theatre on Saturday 14 March. The aim of the show was to raise funds for 12 of the dance school’s members to attend an international hip hop dance competition in July. According to audience members’ accounts, the production was a huge success. See full story on page 11.

PHOTO: JASON JACOBS

CLAREMONT

Police puts lid on fraud NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

A

scam to bamboozle Claremont residents out of money has gone to pot.

Claremont police arrested two men, aged 23 and 43, on charges of fraud on Friday 13 March.

Lt Col Marnus Fourie of Claremont police station says in the past month they have received reports of five cases where residents bought “high-quality” pots and kitchen utensils from two men only to later discover that the goods were of inferior quality.

Fourie says although the modus operandi varied, there were quite a few similarities in the suspects’ approach. One or two men with a European accent would engage with residents living in affluent areas. They would initiate a conversation and explain that they had stock left over from a recent expo which they wanted to offload at a cheaper price to avoid paying taxes should they be returned. “These males produced

EL ED

business cards, pamphlets, and brochures to back up their claims. On more than one occasion, they mentioned ‘AMC’ or ‘1963’ (the year AMC was founded). They even showed samples to their clients,” Fourie claims.

A transaction would then occur, using a credit card machine that the suspects carried with them. Transactions varied from R2 000 to R30 000.

According to findings, the money was transferred directly to a foreign account.

Once the men issued the purchaser with an invoice and proof of payment, the “client” would take possession of the goods. They would only notice that the goods were a cheap knock-off when they arrived home.

Clients’ attempts to contact these men, either by calling their cellphone numbers or through logging a complaint on the websites listed on the pamphlets, were unsuccessful.

Fourie says the scam was picked up when several residents connected the dots and communicated with each other.

“One of the complainants was able to take a photo of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving.”

This photo was sent to Fourie who traced the suspects to a hotel at Century City.

When arresting officers Fourie, Sgt Wayne Botha and Cst Siyabonga Nobatana of Claremont police station entered the hotel on Friday night, they noticed the suspect sitting in the dining room. Another man was in his company. Officers took both men aside, confirmed their identities and arrested them.

At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found to be in the possession of two Toyota Fortuner keys. Police officers discovered a key on each of the suspects when they were searched.

One of the two vehicles was found parked in the hotel’s basement. Many pots and sets of cutlery were discovered in the vehicle’s boot. The second vehicle was also tracked down. It also contained several goods.

Fourie says there were invoices, business cards and other documents found in the hotel room.

“Both men were taken to Claremont police station, together with the goods and the vehicles seized. Cash, passports, credit card

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Both suspects are of Dutch origin and residing in Germany. They appeared in Wynberg magistrate’s court on three counts of fraud on Monday 16 March. They have been remanded to Pollsmoor Prison to await their formal bail application which was scheduled for yesterday, Monday 23 March.

It has been determined that the younger suspect is the older one’s son-in-law.

Fourie says the two suspects do not have any family or business roots in South Africa which makes them a flight risk.

Subsequently, two more cases have been opened at Claremont police station. Complainants from Diep River, Bellville, and Somerset West have also reported cases involving the two men.

Residents who might have been victims of this scam are urged to report cases of fraud or theft by false pretences at their local police station.

Detective Sgt DM Mafilika of Claremont police is the investigative officer.

V Call Claremont police station on 021 657 2250.

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2 COMMENTS

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Getting the conversation on germline editing started The article “Mapping human genome ethics” (People’s Post, 3 March) refers.

In addition to being an academic at the University of Cape Town, I am president of the International Science Council (ISC).

This is a global body with headquarters in Paris, and whose vision is of science as a global public good (see https://council.science).

One of the ISC’s priorities lies in the domain of public engagement in science, and the responsibilities of scientists to promote such engagement.

I was extremely pleased to see People’s Post article, which brings to the attention of the public in a highly accessible way the dramatic developments around genetic and germline editing, the major ethical issues associated with these developments, and the importance of

Share your thoughts with us Join the conversation by sending us your letters on topical matters or in response to any of our stories. Email letters@peoplespost.co.za on Thursdays.

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

CLAREMONT / RONDEBOSCH 27 756 copies distributed Tuesdays to the following areas: Bishopscourt, Claremont, Kenilworth, Newlands, Mowbray, Rondebosch, Rosebank, Ndabeni, Pinelands.

OTHER EDITIONS People's Post also has the following nine standalone editions: Woodstock / Maitland (14 825) Mitchell's Plain (69 503) Retreat (19 493) Grassy Park (18 418) Lansdowne (18 225) False Bay (24 824) Constantia / Wynberg (25 142) Atlantic Seaboard / City (20 454) Athlone (29 825) Total print order: 268 465 WHOM TO CONTACT EDITOR: Thulani Magazi Email: Thulani@media24.com REPORTER: Nettalie Viljoen Email: Nettalie.Viljoen@media24.com SALES MANAGER: Shafiek Braaf Tel: 021 910 6615 Email: Shafiek.braaf@peoplespost.co.za MAIN BODY ADVERTISING: Silvana Hendricks Tel: 021 910 6576 Email: Silvana.Hendricks@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 Thulani@media24.com 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 X1PUFENW-QK160118

taking account of cultural and religious views.

As a council we wrestle with the practicalities of engaging with the general public, also with policymakers, on scientific topics that can be quite technical, yet which have a direct bearing on society.

A further example would be artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Then, it is so important also that there be a good understanding of topics in which pseudo- or anti-scientific views, unfortunately, find space in social and other media, for example, climate change and vaccination.

I hope to see further articles of relevance at the science-society interface in various media.

DAYA REDDY Email

Respect patient’s privacy Western Cape government health has a people-centric approach in providing healthcare, including managing people under investigation for Covid-19 (Coronavirus). As per protocol, upon presenting to a health facility, patients are managed and taken to a dedicated space for management. We note this cannot happen immediately and does draw the attention of other patients. Please note that we cannot divulge any information on any of the

people coming to our facilities for health services and screenings. We appeal to the public to refrain from speculating about the status of these patients and afford them the necessary privacy. We also appeal to people who are not sure if they have Covid-19 to call the public hotline on 0800 029 999 as they will be guided on the correct channels to follow.

PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, Email

Thank you for interesting read on gangs I would like to thank People’s Post for the very interesting read on the gangs and gang culture in Cape Town.

I showed it to my young sons hoping the ex-gangsters’ stories would help them realise how dangerous this is and keep them further away from that life. As parents, we try so hard to teach them to do the right thing but we have very little

control over them when they leave our homes. I would like to request more articles that really help our youth, as you have in the past.

Again, thank you People’s Post for being the mouthpiece to our community, we enjoy reading it every week.

NATASHA PRINCE, Westridge

The safeguarding of City’s tree canopy a growing concern “I want to compliment Nettalie Viljoen for “Standing up for trees” (People’s Post, 17 March). It is indeed correct that we are losing our tree canopy for the sake of densification. This, at a time when scientists are gaining support that trees can counter global warming. Cape Town should be increasing the tree canopy.

This is what other leading cities are doing. We are losing out. Singapore has the largest tree canopy cover in the world and they are still intent on growing it, because it is healthy for its residents and improves their quality of life.

People claim to love trees, but it suits them to ignore the obvious. They see the canopy, but don’t consider the root structure. The roots feed the tree and keep it healthy. The larger the tree the bigger the root structure and its extent virtually matches the width of the canopy. Logical.

Furthermore the absorption of water

takes place at the ends of the roots.

Taking logic one step further, cutting off the ends, one deprives the tree of sustenance. The roots, trunk and branches are part of its distribution system.

If an experienced arborist was consulted, he either did not make this point or the developer chose to ignore it. Hence, I don’t buy that there was no telling how far or deep the root system spreads.

I also differ with the comment about the root system interfering with the foundations. It is the other way around.

The trees had been there for decades.

It was a case of the building interfering with the roots.

Whatever trees are kept, allow for this in the design of the structures. Trees are a living entity.

A Tree Plan is a requirement.

The arborists should be involved before the design started, to establish which trees were significant and worthy of keeping. These trees would then

become part of the aesthetics of the building. TreeKeepers Cape Town has also been consulted for this purpose. Let developers use this expertise. Let us keep Cape Town green.

A final point I would like to make.

Planting young trees to replace 60- to 80-year-old trees is no solution. It will take at least 20 to 30 years for the young tree(s) to grow to a size that it will start contributing the same benefits as the old tree and it will take many weeks of deep watering. An expensive exercise for the new owners considering Cape Town’s water shortage.

A final compliment is due to the journalist and People’s Post editor. They included the opinions of Francois Krige, an experienced arborist, (“Getting to the root of the problem”, People’s Post, 17 March). It reinforced the points made in the main article.

HENK EGBERINK Email

PENNED BY A JOURNO

Collaboration gets results AVRIL FILLIES

W

e are all familiar with the saying “nothing can replace experience” and this is exactly what was on display at the Over-50s Cricket World Cup from 11 March to 15 March in Cape Town.

Cricketers from yesteryear representing their countries showed they still have the skills that made them household names in their playing days.

The tendency among young players nowadays is that they know everything and don’t need advice from senior players who played in an era when there were no specialised training, academies or personal trainers – something the young players do have.

When Alan Dawson played for Western Province and the Proteas in his youth, he was a bowler who could swing a match in his team’s favour. And he did it again for the SA team during the Over-50s World Cup in two consecutive matches against Wales and England.

My experience as a journalist spans 38

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.

years. Being back in the workforce, I like to share my knowledge with the newbies.

But not everyone is open to advice.

When I again put on my journalist hat at WP Media in 2017, it was an adjustment just to get tech-savvy – something I lacked, big time.

Luckily, I could ask a colleague to assist me and, for the past three years, I have tried not to pester anyone with small things.

However, despite my best intentions, every now and then, I do have to ask for help.

There is also a saying in the office that I go out for one interview and come back with three or more stories. This really baffles my colleagues but that is where the 38 years of experience come in.

For example, you attend a function or launch and by just looking at who are there, you can generate stories. I also don’t take a press release at face value. As we say in print, “read between the lines” to get a new spin on a story; as long as it is hyper-local.

Why am I mentioning all of this?

To show that even I am not too old to

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learn.

When I started out in journalism in 1982, I was taught that if you don’t know what a story’s angle should be, ask.

Sometimes, without thinking, my mouth runs away with me, suggesting angles for stories that is no business of mine.

But do I feel guilty about sharing my “opinion” with whomever is listening?

Nope, because we all work for one newspaper and if I can contribute by being “meddlesome”, so be it.

All I ask is that everyone should be open to criticism and advice and not to take it personally.

As a journalist, you learn to grow a thick skin over the years. But your resolve, especially if you also have to contend with the challenges that come with being a parent, is tested daily.

Don’t let anyone tell you experience and youth cannot be a dynamic combination.

But for this to work, egos have to be put aside!

-Avril Fillies

NEWS 3

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

ENVIRONMENT

(Tree) brush with the law NETTALIE VILJOEN

B

esides the odd “crack”, trees (and their plight) are rarely heard.

That was until recently.

Since July last year, 13 cases have been investigated by the compliance unit in the City of Cape Town’s recreation and parks department. Of these, one criminal case was lodged with Durbanville police (regarding gum trees poisoned in Race Course Road), one has been referred to the police for further investigation, and another to the municipal court for prosecution.

Zahid Badroodien, the Mayco member for community services and health, says most of these cases include illegal removal of trees and malicious damage to trees, irrespective of species.

“Trees in our urban areas and our historical neighbourhoods contribute greatly to the future stability and well-being of these places,” he says.

Badroodien explains the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (Daff) is the custodian of the National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998 (NFA) which declares certain indigenous tree species as protected trees.

“Daff is responsible for the enforcement of the act, irrespective of where these trees occur. If, however, a protected tree grows on City-owned land, then recreation and parks will take action. The department will involve Daff if the tree being destroyed is protected under the NFA,” he says.

Act(ion) plan . In addition to guarding over all live trees in natural forests, the NFA provides for 47 specific protected tree species. This means that no-one may: cut, disturb, damage or destroy these protected trees; or possess,

collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire any product derived from them; unless Daff has granted a licence or exemption.

Should private development impact on protected trees then the NFA states a licence needs to be obtained.

Pruning does not require a permit, provided it does not exceed 25% of the canopy.

The same restrictions apply to any tree or groups of trees listed as champion trees (individual trees which are exceptional examples of their species) in terms of the NFA. . The National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA), which seeks to ensure that national heritage is conserved and protected, doesn’t specifically protect trees older than 60 years, but rather identifies trees as one of the features that contribute to the character of the area. The removal or destruction of trees is included in the described activities which fall under the NHRA’s definition of “development”.

S38 (heritage resources management) requires approval from Heritage Western Cape for any developments that change the character of a site and for the developer to submit a notification of intent to develop at the earliest stages of initiating such a development. . The City’s Heritage Protection Overlay zoning (HPOZ), which forms part of the Municipal Planning Bylaw, manages heritage resources in the previous urban conservation areas. No trees (including hedges or plantings) may be removed or damaged within the areas protected under the HPOZ without City consent. Trees within the historic urban environment are often alien species, but not necessarily invasive. Trees planted as part of historical urban expansion include Oak trees, Stone pines, Norfolk

pines and flowering gums. . Trees on City land, including all street verges, public places and parks, are protected and may not be pruned or removed without written permission from the City’s recreation and parks department. This prohibition is contained in three City documents: the Public Parks By-law, the Tree Management Policy (under review) and the By-law relating to Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances.

Eyewitness report Badroodien says successful prosecution of cases where these laws have been transgressed requires certain elements, for example, detailed witness testimony.

“The public must try to gather and document as much information as possible as many cases are not processed or taken to court due to limited information, witness statements and evidence,” he says.

Badroodien says developers and property owners can be held accountable even after the fact. “The recreation and parks has a compliance unit that will take the necessary action,” he says.

Residents are advised to first check with their local recreation and parks head if the removal is illegal before reporting it.

Guilty as charged With regards to transgressions relating to protected trees, Daff has a “spot-fine system” in place. It can also lay a criminal charge in terms of the NFA depending on the merits of the illegal action.

In terms of the Public Parks Bylaw, anyone found guilty is liable for a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both.

A court can also order any person convict-

Early this year, the City of Cape Town’s horticulturalists carried out a site inspection at Wessels Road in Kenilworth and confirmed that the gum tree had been poisoned. ed of an offence under this by-law to remedy the harm caused or to pay damages for harm caused to another person or to property.

In terms of the bylaw relating to Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances, anyone found guilty is liable for a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both. A court convicting a person of an offence under this by-law may impose alternative sentencing in place of a fine or imprisonment.

V Call recreation and parks on 021 400 4688 or 0860 103 089. To lodge a report, call 021 480 7700.

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4 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Continue to support Choc Covid-19 is having a global impact, affecting each and every one of us.

Of concern to Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation is the health and safety of all personnel involved with Choc, especially the children and teenagers with cancer who are undergoing treatment, many of whom have compromised immune systems as a result.

“In addition, the restrictions placed on all of us, as outlined by president Cyril Ramaphosa in his speech (on Sunday 15 March), has complicated our operations and is placing limits on what we can do,” says Lynette Muthuray, Western Cape regional manager for Choc.

“At the same time our priority is that the children and teens we serve must continue to get the vital services, support and care they need from us.”

Because of these restrictions, she says, all Choc fundraising events (both internal and external) and Choc Cow sporting activities have been cancelled, which is go-

ing to result in a significant loss of income in the foreseeable future.

“Without a steady flow of income, we will struggle to continue to provide our beneficiaries with the care and support they need which will have a significant impact on their overall well-being,” Muthuray explains.

In a plea to the public, she asks the all who can afford to give generously to continue to support their efforts to save young people affected by cancer.

“We would like to appeal to all of our loyal supporters to open their hearts and help us to continue to walk the journey with the children and their families by making a donation to Choc during this difficult time.

“This would be highly appreciated and it would help us to continue in keeping more than hope alive.”

V For more information or enquiries, contact the Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation on 021 531 0052 or email wcape@choc.org.za.

HEALTH INITIATIVE

Spare a thought for homeless U-

turn has sent out an emergency appeal to Capetonians to help ramp up its capacity to support the homeless in the face of the Covid-19 crisis.

Jon Hopkins, acting director and chief operations officers of U-turn, says the homeless are particularly vulnerable to the virus because they have both compromised immune systems and a shortage of facilities to wash their hands. “We all face this threat, the greatest being that our healthcare facilities might be overwhelmed. By facing this together and looking after the most vulnerable, we will have a stronger and more caring city during this national emergency and afterwards.”

The registered Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Claremont assists up to 1 000 people who face homelessness every year and with the current economic downturn, the number of people needing assistance is likely to rise sharply.

Hopkins says when faced with a personal crisis, there is a risk that we lose empathy for others. “This is a time of uncertainty for us all, and while the work that U-turn was doing before the outbreak was important, it is increasingly so today. In this difficult time, it is only by pulling together that we can reduce the suffering for all.”

Here are some ways that you can help: . Donate soap. Soap is a scarce commodity for those on the streets and can save lives.

Donated soap can be dropped off in any U-turn clothing bin, store or at the head office on the corner of Stegman Road, Hawthorne Road and Claremont Boulevard. . Ask your counsellor for public water points. During the 2018 water crisis, public taps were removed and never replaced. Ask ward counsellors to establish water points with access to soap for the homeless to wash their hands.

V To donate or drop off, go to Homeless.org.za/coronavirus-response or Homeless.org.za/contact-us.

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NEWS 5

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

PAWS OUT: Dog lovers flocked to the Sea Point promenade on Sunday 15 March for the fifth annual Paws on the Promenade dog walk hosted by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha. More than 300 people and 220 dogs joined in on the walk. The morning’s 5km walk started at the Mouille Point lighthouse and extended to the Sea Point swimming pool. Mdzananda Animal Clinic treats up to 700 sick and injured pets from Khayelitsha every month. PHOTO: NATALI VARNEY-SCHUTTE

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED: The IIE’s Varsity College Cape Town hosted a Let’s Talk session with guest speakers Dorian Basson (founder of the Red Ribbon Foundation), Regina Malan (owner of Mish Mash Productions) and Keith Robson (interim HR executive) during “Pride Week”.

This year’s session which shares unique individual perspectives in the LGBTQ+ community – was held at Varsity College’s Rondebosch campus on Wednesday 26 February. Pictured are students Rafael Graça, Concilia Kankolongo and Raymond Geldenhuys, with guest speakers Basson, Malan and Robson alongside students, Zandile Nyamza Kokesto Kau and Zulfa Siu. PHOTO: SABEEN KADER

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

HEALTH

Sanitiser or bust NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

“W

aar’s my sanitiser?”

That, says Mikhail Manuel, must be passengers’ first words when the guardjie slides open the minibus taxi’s door.

“Before you get on board, stick out your hand and ask for it. And if the guardjie doesn’t have any, wait for the next one who will.”

Manuel, a doctoral researcher at the University of Cape Town’ Centre for Transport Studies, says, considering that the risk of contact among passengers is high in minibus-taxis because of the proximity in which people sit next to each other, this is a very reasonable request.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster (in terms of the Disaster Management Act) on Sunday 15 March.

In his address, he said: “We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis and bus.”

The reality, however, is that a large number of Cape Town residents, particularly commuters from disadvantaged communities, rely heavily on minibus-taxis for their daily commute to and from their jobs.

Recognising this, the City of Cape Town will be implementing several measures at public transport interchanges (PTIs), minibus-taxi facilities, MyCiTi stations and on MyCiTi buses.

However, while Manuel commends the City for its efforts, he says commuters must also take responsibility for their own health and demand that health and safety precautions are taken by minibus-taxi owners and

drivers.

“There is this misconception that the minibus-taxi industry is a public good. In other words, something owned, operated and managed by the government. But unlike MyCiti, it isn’t. Although the operation of MyCiTi buses is open to tender to private companies, the City retains complete authority in setting sanitation standards and enforcing them.

“When it comes to minibus-taxis, the government has little authority over them because, whatever regulations the government might set, it is difficult to enforce them,” he explains.

And here is where passengers should come in. Manuel says what most passengers don’t realise is that the taxi industry is oversupplied. Now is a good time to realise you can make demands. He says there are enough taxis to allow the passenger to choose which one they want to use, you don’t have to get into the first one that arrives.

“Chances are, if you stand at a minibustaxi transit point, there will be a taxi stopping there every two minutes. It is quite easy to say, ‘I am not going to get into your taxi’, and wait for the next one.”

He says he realises passengers might feel scared to voice what is a very justified request.

“We view taxi drivers as being these gangsters because of how some of them speed or use violence to protect their routes. But the only reason they act like this is because of the way the industry is structured.”

How it works, says Manuel, is that the taxi owner leases his vehicle to a driver at a daily set fee. The driver then has to recoup this fee, the petrol and the guardjie’s salary from passengers’ fees paid. It is the desire to protect their earning potential which motivates reckless behaviour.

Taxi commuters are urged to demand hygiene measures be implemented.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA

LEE-JACOBS

“But taxi drivers are service providers. It is in the owners’ and drivers’ best interest to ensure their passengers are happy.

Manuel feels that while we are in crisis mode, the City could be expected to provide taxi drivers with some kind of assistance, for example, the supply of sanitiser and disinfectant sprays. However, when this situation returns to normal the onus should again primarily fall on the taxi owner.

“Taxi associations also have a role to play.

For example in Durban last week, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) was handing out hand sanitisers to taxi drivers and passengers. Our local associations also need to step up and get involved.”

The City’s Mayco member for transport, Felicity Purchase, says the City will, together with the provincial and national government, engage with the minibus-taxi associations through their provincial and regional structures on the way forward, and voluntary precautionary measures. It will also discuss with industry the provision of hand sanitiser at PTIs. “The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, is engaging with Santaco. We will take the lead from the national government in this regard. However, we appeal to minibus-taxi op-

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erators to keep their safety and the safety of their customers in mind during this time, and to adapt their business practices accordingly,” says Purchase.

The City is also in the process of implementing more regular deep cleansing operations at the PTIs and minibus-taxi facilities and requests all bus and minibus-taxi passengers to practise the following hygiene and travel guidelines: . Ensure windows are open. . Avoid using public transport if you are elderly or have underlying health issues. . Make use of hand sanitiser and avoid touching your face especially around the eye and mouth area. . Do not travel if you have a sore throat or fever. . Wear a protective mask, scarf or buff. . Consider travelling outside of peak hours when buses are less crowded. . Taxi passengers must ensure they have the correct taxi fare amount to minimise contact with the taxi conductor. . Wait for the next taxi if you are concerned about your social distance being compromised. . Ensure surface hygiene as far as possible during the commute.

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NEWS 7

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Acsa beefs up health measures at the airports Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has intensified its coordinated response to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 at all its airports, including the Cape Town International.

From Wednesday 18 March, the government has placed a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries, including Italy, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), China and Iran.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also advised all South African citizens to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, USA, UK and other identified high-risk countries.

Since the outbreak started in China earlier this year, the South African government

has put in place measures to screen visitors entering the country.

Officials use thermal screening on all passengers entering South Africa, with those passengers identified as potentially infected at the airport then channelled to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NCID) for further testing.

These screening measures detect elevated temperatures, one of the signs and symptoms of the Covid-19 disease.

All screening activities are carried out by Port Health, a division of the department of health.

Since the president’s declaration of a national state of disaster on Sunday 15 March, Acsa has taken the following additional steps:

. Additional screening measures have been updated to ensure that all passengers will have to go through a minimum of two Port Health screening points before reaching immigration. . All passengers are also asked to complete a questionnaire before landing to assist with detection and tracing of potential infections from high-risk areas. . Strict disinfection and hygiene control procedures have been implemented, particularly at arrival gates, buses and all passenger facilitation areas. . The number of hand sanitising stations has been increased and the cleaning schedules of high contact surfaces updated for more frequent sterilisation with ammonia and chlorine-based cleaning compounds.

COVID-19

Bus service on safety first route G

olden Arrow Bus Services’ (Gabs) interdisciplinary internal Covid-19 task team will meet daily to assess and formulate strategies based on global best practices and the specific needs of its passengers and staff.

It will be instituting a number of additional hygiene-related measures, assessing the situation continuously and issuing regular updates.

Derick Meyer, the general manager of Gabs, says: “We ask that our passengers follow the prescribed hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and covering mouths with hands or elbows when sneezing or coughing. Please keep your windows open.”

Golden Arrow has introduced the following measures: . Daily application of specialised 24-hour germ and virus-killing surface cleaner to its 1 200 buses with additional applications at terminals where possible. . Load reduction strategies, where possible. . Providing drivers with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. . On-going passenger and staff education in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works.

V If you suspect you or someone you know is ill, call the National Coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999.

Fourth case at UCT A fourth positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as of Monday 23 March.

The university’s first case was confirmed on Sunday 15 March, the second on Thursday 19 March and the third on Saturday 21 March.

A statement sent out by UCT said the first case was a UCT staff member, the second a UCT-based visiting researcher, and the third a UCT project manager who worked in the same department as the second case.

The latest case is a postgraduate student.

The three staff members and the postgraduate student are in isolation. The department of health al-

. All front-line staff members have been supplied with protective respiratory masks and gloves to minimise the risk of infection. . Acsa has implemented a digital and social media communications campaign, including terminal building announcements to create awareness around prevention measures.

These include regular hand-washing and use of sanitiser stations, keeping a social distance of at least two metres between other people as well as avoiding contact with surfaces and handshaking.

V Passengers who have questions with regards to the screening process can contact the national tollfree hotline on 0800 029 999. To check on the status of incoming and outbound flights, go to https://www.airports.co.za/utilities/live-flight-info.

MyCiTi gears up health The City of Cape Town has issued a statement imploring all public transport commuters, drivers and owners, to work with them in finding ways to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

“We cannot achieve this on our own.

Commuters have a major role to play and we appeal that everybody avoid touching surfaces whether at PTIs, in the taxi, at the MyCiTi stations or on the MyCiTi bus.

Commuters should also wash their hands once they have reached their destinations,” says Mayco member for transport, Felicity Purchase.

The following measures will be implemented on the MyCiTi bus service in response to Covid-19: . The City is investigating the provision of hand sanitiser to commuters. Given the shortage, this may take some time.

In the meantime, the City urges residents

to travel with their personal hand sanitisers at all times and to make use of it during and after their travels. . The City is increasing the frequency of the MyCiTi bus fumigation and cleaning practices – this will apply to the interior and exterior of the buses – to curb the spread of the virus.

The buses will also be wiped down on the inside after both the morning and afternoon peak-hour periods, which will take place on a daily basis. . MyCiTi station personnel will seek to limit the number of standing passengers on the bus to half of the standing capacity.

This is to allow for social distancing between passengers as far as possible. . The City will be monitoring the demand for the service, and if required, it will adjust the frequency of services accordingly.

Tourist sites closed

so has immediately begun contact tracing in the respective cases and those identified as close contacts have been informed and asked to quarantine themselves for two weeks,” said prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, vice-chancellor of UCT. In the statement, Phakeng said UCT is committed to maintain confidentiality in relation to the medical conditions of staff.

“Breaking that confidentiality is not acceptable and for healthcare professionals (who include health scientists) is against all moral codes.

“Naming people in emails or over social media platforms, or releasing information about them that could identify them, must be avoided,” Phakeng said.

In a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, many public facilities and tourist attractions have temporarily closed their doors. The number of cases reported in the country has surpassed the 200 mark and is increasing daily.

The following facilities are closed with immediate effect: . The Two Oceans Aquarium will be closed until Tuesday 14 April. This temporary closure extends to activities planned by the aquarium including members’ sleepover, Trash Bash and holiday workshops. . Robben Island Museum tours are suspended until such a time that conditions allow to lift the suspension. . Iziko Museums of South Africa says the closure will last for 21 days until 7 April, after which the situation will be reassessed.

V For more information, the official websites of these facilities can be visited.

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8 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

RONDEBOSCH

Initiative to support elderly NETTALIE VILJOEN

K

ate Charter, a first-year Business Science student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), says the response to her online campaign to organise students and other volunteers to assist the elderly with grocery shopping and deliveries has been “crazy positive”.

Within one day of posting her call to action on social media and WhatsApp groups, the 19-year-old had already received hundreds of messages from people wanting to help.

Kate says the idea came to her when she heard the university would be closed in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

“I was planning to fly home to my parents in the UK, but that was no longer possible. I thought, well, I could spend the next three weeks watching Netflix or I could do something that would help others,” she says.

She says she had seen a post on Instagram describing how people were helping the elderly in the United States of America (USA) who had been placed in isolation.

“I realised that South Africans would have the same problem, so I got up on Tuesday (17 March), called a few people and posted the idea on Facebook as well as on the UCT’s scuba diving and tennis WhatsApp groups. The response was overwhelming.”

Kate says since then it has become somewhat of a movement.

“We just need to spread the word, to get in contact with the elderly who would like to receive services, as well as gather volunteers to deliver food packages with us or to go purchase the groceries they need,” she says.

Besides grocery shopping, people have also come forward saying they would be glad to take elderly people’s dogs for walks or to the vet if needs be.

Offers to take the elderly to clinics for check-ups, or to donate money for petrol have also come in.

“I hope that this project will become a channel to unite Capetonians – a quick, easy and reliable way to connect an elderly person with a volunteer living close to them.

“Eventually, this could even evolve into a caring relationship to help combat the loneliness that comes with being isolated.”

Kate is currently in the process of coordinating how it is all going to work; to build a trustworthy group of volunteers.

When People’s Post checked in with Kate on Friday, 20 March, she said the initiative had progressed well.

V To get involved, join the Facebook group at https://fb.me/volunteerelderlyCT or the WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/ KBl6WEtYzwWCvI31iIi4sH.

City’s refuse collection set to return to normal soon SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

If you are among the residents frustrated with sporadic refuse collection, this should soon be resolved.

The City of Cape Town’s refuse collection services should see steady, progressive improvement over the next three weeks following disruptions to refuse removal times and subsequent backlogs.

The backlogs were caused by revised procedures to audit and governance processes that came into effect from Friday 24 January affecting repairs to vehicles and infrastructure throughout the municipality.

“This is primarily being felt in the solid waste collections service due to the high demands placed on vehicles in the service and the associated intensive maintenance programmes that are required to keep the service working normally,” says Mayco member for water and waste, Xanthea Limberg.

“The entire city is affected in varying degrees from day to day. The situation is dependent on the availability of refuse compactor vehicles.”

The finalisation of 709 purchase orders for the servicing of its 211 refuse vehicles in line with the new audit requirements should see that matter resolved.

“Suppliers are also being requested to speed up repairs and maintenance of vehicles to get them back on the road again.

Where applicable, senior staff in the solid waste service has also been recalled from leave to ensure contingencies, such as redistribution of vehicles to worse-affected areas, are in place to minimise the impact on residents while the backlog of vehicle repairs is being tackled,” says Limberg.

“We have worked hard to ensure that the revised procedures do not have an indefinite negative impact on service delivery.

City financial experts have developed ways to speed up the procurement process in a manner that is compliant with the new audit and governance requirements while at the same time, together with our solid waste department, everyone has done their utmost to ensure that the impact on services is minimised wherever humanly possible.

We know that our residents are proud of our reliable refuse collection services and of the City’s sound governance.

“Our commitment to top service delivery remains strong,” says Mayco member for fi-

nance, Ian Neilson.

From Monday 16 March, a new service schedule was implemented which will mean that refuse collection should not be delayed by more than one day.

“Residents throughout the city should please bring their bins out by 07:00 in the morning, and leave them outside until 21:00 until collected. Residents are also implored not to resort to illegal dumping if collection delays cause refuse to build-up to the point where it cannot fit in the wheelie bins,” says Limberg.

With residents needing to leave their bins out for extended periods of time, the risk of theft also increases.

Limberg says: “It is unfortunately necessary for our staff to work overtime to ensure that residents continue to receive the collection service. We understand that bins are at risk of theft, and stolen bins are replaced free of charge. In order to have a stolen bin replaced, the resident must report the matter to police and make a sworn affidavit.

Thereafter they may call the call centre on 086 010 3089 or visit a municipal cash office, and have on hand their municipal account number and the affidavit. A request (C3) will be created for the bin to be replaced.

The replacement bin will be delivered within seven working days.”

While in some instances refuse has not been collected, the City says they are unable to rebate refuse collection tariffs charged.

“The current tariff charged for refuse removal is a monthly tariff. As such, we are not able to apportion into weekly instalments. The service is being provided but in some cases is delayed. We assure residents that all beats are being completed. If refuse has not been collected within a day of the scheduled collection this should be reported to the call centre,” says Limberg.

The risk of illegal dumping has also increased.

“Illegal dumping occurs in all areas across the city and it is not possible to identify the motivation behind it. Excess refuse that cannot fit in the wheelie bins will also be collected until this problem is resolved.”

Residents are also implored not to resort to illegal dumping if collection delays cause refuse to build up to the point where it cannot fit in the wheelie bins.

“The City apologises for this inconvenience. We want to thank our residents for their patience during this time while every effort is being made to restore normal service,” says Limberg.

Bins are left outside as a result of delayed refuse collection.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

NEWS 9

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

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Competitors are judged on five manoeuvres and each counts 100 points.

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total of 170 drivers of the City of Cape Town were put through their paces at the annual Driver of the Year competition held at the Turfhall Stadium in Lansdowne on Thursday 12 March.

According to the Mayco member for corporate services, Sharon Cottle, the participants are City employees whose core function is to drive City vehicles every day.

“The criteria was to obtain the highest score from five driving manoeuvres. The total score is 500 and each manoeuvre weighs 100 points,” she says.

Prior to the competition, the drivers had a practice session.

“The competition comprises of three categories namely Code B, C1, C, EC1 and EC and the winners are selected from each category. The competition was hosted by the City’s occupational health and safety fleet risk control division and staff members from different City departments took part,” Cottle says.

The annual competition was first held in 1995. The objective of the competition is to enhance the drivers’ road-safety knowledge, to prevent and reduce crashes and to reduce fleet maintenance costs. The competition also gives recognition to all good drivers who use the City’s vehicles daily.

The first, second and third place winners will receive a trophy, a certificate and a gift at a separate awards ceremony.

“I want to commend all staff who willingly put their driving skills under the spotlight in this competition. This shows their commitment to being proud City ambassadors by displaying high levels of competency in meeting the challenges of the competition. We acknowledge also that these driving skills play a big part in ensuring that key components of the City’s operations function effectively,” Cottle says.

The winners of the competition will be announced later in the year.

10 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

HEALTH

Clinics, hospitals prepared for Covid-19 SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

W

ith the number of Covid-19 infections rising by the day, Western Cape health facilities are preparing for all eventualities.

With the announcement made by president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 15 March in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus, a ban on gatherings of more than 100 people was implemented, with further measures expected to be announced on Sunday 22 March.

The address was postponed to last night (Monday 23 March) and People’s Post had already gone to print by the time of his address.

For anyone who has visited a local public health facility for appointments or medication, long waits see thousands of patients gather at facilities, posing greater risk for spread.

However, the hundreds of medical facilities run by the Western Cape government and City of Cape Town have already started implementing measures to mitigate these risks.

Maret Lesch, Western Cape department of health spokesperson, says the province runs 457 primary health care service points and 33 district hospitals, five regional hospitals, six tuberculosis hospitals, four psychiatric hospitals, two central hospitals, and one tertiary hospital.

The City of Cape Town runs 104 facilities with close to 250 000 patients expected to visit its facilities over the winter and autumn periods.

Mayco member for health, Zahid Badroodien says the daily services includes immunisation, treatments of reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, mental health, tuberculosis, mental health, maternal health and chronic care among others.

Lesch says: “The average number of people per facility depends on the type of facility and how many hours it operate per day. Our day clinics are open for eight hours per day, we also have 12-hour and 24-hour facilities.

Most of our facilities offer a comprehensive service package, ranging from chronic care to acute medical care. In 2018/2019 we saw 14.1 million patients in our primary health care (clinic) facilities,” she says.

To ensure that long queues are avoided at the provincial facilities, Lesch says the de-

Hand washing and good hygiene is key to protecting yourself from contracting the virus. partment is calling on patients to arrive on time for their appointments.

“We ask that patients do not arrive hours before their appointment times so that we can limit the number of people in the waiting area. Chronic medication can be collected at our off-site (clinical decision unit) CDU, which also reduces the number of people waiting at the clinic. We ask that people waiting to be seen follow proper hygiene protocol by washing their hands and covering their cough or sneeze with the bend of their arm or a tissue. Discard the tissue immediately after use and wash hands,” says Lesch.

City clinics have further implemented a contingency measure that will decongest the facilities.

“These will include providing medication for two months or more, appointment systems and staggering clinic visits. Each clinic will have a different approach, based on their specific client load,” says Badroodien.

Some of the other measures being put in place include postponements of elective surgeries, discharging of patients in stable condition for further management at home.

“All clinics are following strict hand hy-

Summer Sunsets postponed The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts season’s three remaining shows have been postponed.

The decision to postpone the Summer Sunset Concerts, which are presented in association with Old Mutual, was made in

PHOTO:

SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

alignment with the recent declaration of the Covid-19 outbreak as a national disaster.

The three concerts affected are: . Pumeza Matshikiza and Cape Town Opera (postponed from Sunday 22 March

giene protocol. Patients are also screened via a questionnaire before entering the facility to ensure they do not match the case definition for Covid-19. We have also adjusted our visitation policy at all government hospitals to limit the number of visitors per patient in line with social distancing guidelines as a measure to reduce the possible risk of spreading Covid-19,” says Lesch.

Badroodien adds: “Clinics already have very strict hygiene procedures in place called ‘infection control procedures’ as we are used to dealing with infectious diseases such as TB. These include excellent hand hygiene, sterilisation of equipment and correct removal of hazardous waste. Simple actions such as good ventilation and positioning of

patients in waiting rooms are also key.”

Anyone infected by Covid-19 has flu-like symptoms and those most at risk have travelled to an area where the virus is spreading from person-to-person in the community or if someone has had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19.

“If you suspect you meet the description and case definition for Covid-19 you should isolate yourself at home for 14 days. Call the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline on 0800 029 999, Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102, or your doctor and explain your symptoms. They will advise you on the next steps. Should you be referred to go for testing, do not go directly to a health facility – call ahead and alert them that you are coming so they can prepare for your arrival to prevent further spread of the virus. Only people matching the case definition for Covid-19 will be tested,” says Lesch.

Currently, primary care clinics are not testing clients for Covid-19, says Badroodien. “Training is under way to increase this capacity. Anyone who presents at a facility is screened and appropriately referred if need be. In the meantime, however, we ask that residents first call one of the hotlines that have been established to assist persons who have reason to believe that they may have contracted the virus,” he says.

City health has also implemented the identification of rapid response teams, in association with the metro district health service, to do contact tracing and collect samples, ensuring facilities are prepared to deal with the outbreak, if required, ensuring all staff members are trained to respond to any patient in the event of a suspected case, acquiring personal protective equipment for staff and information posters to display in waiting rooms and other public facilities “The City’s environmental health practitioners have also ramped up their health promotion awareness and education sessions, around good hygiene practices to avoid contracting and or spreading the virus,” says Badroodien.

Send us your feedback on working from home As the Covid-19 infection rate increases, many companies have adopted a work from home policy that sees thousands of employees moving their operations to the comfort of their own homes. Share your pictures and thoughts on the challenges and how you are

to Summer 2021 – a date is yet to be confirmed.) . Jeremy Loops (postponed from Sunday 29 March to 29 November). . Andrew Young and Don Vino (postponed from Sunday 5 April to Summer 2021 – date to be confirmed).

Webtickets will contact ticket-holders regarding the new dates as well as their refund options.

finding this transition. What is your company doing and what are your thoughts on measures announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 15 March.

V Email your letters, comments and pictures to letters@peoplespost.co.za.

At the time of going to print, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was still open to the public.

A statement released said Kirstenbosch would continue to monitor the Covid-19 outbreak and would act in accordance with best practice recommendations.

Their priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests, staff and stakeholders.

NEWS 11

PEOPLE'S POST | CLAREMONT | RONDEBOSCH Tuesday, 24 March 2020

DANCE

Production shows its heart NETTALIE VILJOEN

did themselves, credit should also go to the stage crew. “It’s always chaos backstage.

The audience doesn’t always realise what goes on behind the scenes. They see the brilliant end-result. The quick costume changes, from drama to dancing, was unbelievable. For the dancers, the experience was nerve-wracking yet exciting, but with the help of the backstage crew, they mastered it.”

Joshua Talmarkes designed the show’s programme and poster, and Gadija Davids was the dressmaker.

The event was held to raise funds for 12 of the Out of Africa’s members to attend the Hip Hop International Competition Arizona Phoenix in the US from Friday 31 July to Saturday 8 August in Phoenix, Arizona.

A statement by Hip Hop International says it is closely monitoring the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the US Centre for Disease Control for information and updates on Covid-19 and how it might impact the competition, but at the moment it is committed to organising all events as scheduled.

Two of the dance school’s crews – Fusion X Trio (adult category, 18 to 30) and Boogie Bouncers (cadet category, nine to 12) qualified to compete in the competition. Unfortunately, Boogie Bouncers had to withdraw due to financial reasons.

The dance school’s senior crew (40 to 62), Funky Culture, was invited to be the guest performer at this prestigious event.

The crew, comprising nine dancers, together with the three from Fusion X Trio, need to raise R45 000 per person to attend and compete. The Out of Africa Dance Academy operates from the St Augustine Primary School in Clare Road, Wynberg. Since its establishment in 1995, the academy and its

H

eartbeat of a Dancer, a dance and drama production presented by the Out of Africa Dance Academy at the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 14 March, received rave reviews from the 350 people in the audience.

One of the accolades sent to the show’s director, Ivy Meyer, says: “I took my 10-yearold daughter to watch your show. Huge congrats on an outstanding show. We were captivated from start to finish!” Another WhatsApp message reads: “Oh my word, it was mind-blowing. I had front-row seats. Bonus! Thank you for a fantabulous show.”

The production, written by Ivy and her son Jason, tells the story of Anati who is forced to abandon her dream of becoming a professional dancer when her sister, 15, runs away from home. Her passion for dance is once again ignited when her friends take her to one of their dance studio’s performances.

Ivy, who also designed the costumes and helped choreograph the show, says the audience loved the storyline.

“They said it is what we experience daily, especially the home scenes of which there are three. First, where the dad doesn’t want his child to have friends; second, where the dad abuses the mother; and third, a peaceful home where both parents support their child.”

Performing on stage were dancers from the Out of Africa Dance Academy and guest performers PJ Twins and the Spartans crew.

One of the crowd favourites was the Thriller set where Michael Jackson was portrayed

by Jason (who “tripled-up” as co-choreographer, stage manager and lighting designer).

The five- to seven-year-olds, who felt and looked like little angels, also stole the show.

Ivy says although every cast member out-

Jason Meyer as Michael Jackson with dancers from the Out of Africa Dance Academy on stage in the production Heartbeat of a Dancer.

PHOTO: JASON JACOBS dancers have won numerous awards.

At present, the dance school has four instructors – Ivy, Jason, Joshua and Raeven Weir. It teaches all dance genres (including hip hop, African and contemporary) as well as drama to youth, both male and female, of whom 95% derives from previously disadvantaged communities across the Cape Peninsula, for example, Lavender Hill, Grassy Park, Retreat, Athlone, Mitchell’s Plain and Strandfontein. Its 40 students are divided in-

to three age groups: five to 13, 14 to 30 and 35 to 65. Ivy says, in response to audience members’ requests, and to raise more funds for the competition, Out of Africa plans to host Heartbeat of a Dancer again.

“We will also be hosting dance workshops open to the public,” says Ivy. Dates will be announced as soon as president Cyril Ramaphosa’s national state of disaster is lifted.

V To stay updated, follow Ivy Meyer on Facebook.

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TUESDAY 24 March 2020 | People's Post | Page 12 | 0021 910 6500

Newlands hosts mini-cricket O

ver 1 000 kids attended the Western Province KFC mini-cricket provincial festival at the Newlands cricket ground on Friday 13 March.

The programme brings youngsters from across the country together and not only introduces them to the wonderful game of cricket, but also allows them to play and have fun.

The festival was hosted by the Cape Cobras, with players Simon Khomari, Isaac Dikgale and Rory Kleinveldt all there to assist in coaching the kids and looking for talent.

The Western Province women’s team came out in full force including their coach Claire Terblanche as well as Proteas players and Western Province players Sinalo Jafta, Andrie Steyn and Laura Wolvaardt.

Wolvaardt has just returned from the Women’s T20 World Cup and where she was picked in the combined World XI. “I started playing cricket by playing mini-cricket and it started with me just playing to do

something to keep me busy but I see that things have changed considerably since I played. I can see that there are a lot more kids playing mini-cricket, they know a lot more about cricket than what I used to and they really have a lot of fun. As players we don’t always know the impact that we have on the players. My brother plays rugby and when his mates come back from a mini-cricket festival they tell him about all the professional players that they have met and how the players have inspired them. Who knows, one of the kids that I spoke to today could be the next Laura Wolvaardt.” said Jafta.

“We had 1 000 kids and over 200 coaches that come from schools from all five regions in the Western Cape. These youngsters and their teachers get excited to play on a big stage like the Newlands Cricket ground where they get to see their heroes play. It was special for the kids to get to see (Simon) Khomari, (Isaac) Dikgale, (Laura) Wolvaardt, (Andrie) Steyn and (Sinalo) Jafta at the fes-

tival, but the big surprise for me was when retired Proteas player Rory Kleinveldt actually asked me if he could attend the festival to coach the kids. It just shows how special the programme is for the players for them to ask to be part of it,” said Mark Khoabane, Western Province mini-cricket coordinator.

The attending children from the various schools across the province are a part of the 124 000 kids from 6 495 schools that take part in over 44 000 mini-cricket matches around the country over the cricket season.

The mini-cricket programme remains one of the most significant development programmes in the South African sporting landscape and goes far beyond the game of cricket.

Children from all walks of life will continue to have a platform that will help them grow, develop and shine in hopes of reaching their full potential and realise their dreams and possibly become the future stars of this country, like their Protea heroes.

Sonwabile Tingeni of John Pama Primary School and Rory Kleinveldt of the Cobras during the KFC Mini-Cricket Western Province Festival at Newlands cricket ground on Friday March 13.

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