People's Post Constantia Wynberg - 24 March 2020

CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG

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Various law, municipal and government departments banded together to show their solidarity in the fight against crime on Friday 13 March.

WYNBERG

Forces unite to fight crime NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

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ust under 200 law, municipal and government officials descended on the Wynberg public transport interchange (PTI) area during a multi-disciplinary operation held on Friday 13 March.

Among the men and women “walking the beat” were 12 from Vispol (visible policing), 23 from the Western Cape traffic department, 12 from law enforcement, 47 from Metro police, eight from the criminal investigation department, 50 from the public order policing unit (POP), 14 from crime intelligence (CI), 12 from Sars and customs, seven from the department of home affairs (DHA), one from the

department of health as well as four from the department of transport.

The operation, which began at 08:00 and ended at 13:00, focused on the PTI area, as well as a part of Main Road stretching from Church Street to Benjamin Road. Actions taken included stop, search and compliance inspections at roaming vehicle checkpoints in the vicinity. Second-hand dealers and shops, drug outlets and known drug-dealing hotspots were also policed.

Wynberg police station spokesperson Capt Silvino Davids says all the various departments banded together to show their solidarity in the fight against crime.

“We won’t allow crime to take over. We will be on it and we will fight it with every agency at our disposal.”

Davids says this was an opportunity to

build bridges and to share knowledge between the various forces and agencies.

“It is good that we had the chance to work together like this. There was good communication all-round and we could assist each other when we came across a transgression that usually falls within another department’s field of expertise, for example, home affairs.”

Davids says the operation was in response to public complaints and information received on the goings-on in these areas. Traffic and law enforcement officers clamped down on parking and driving offences. While a general vehicle search was conducted, a majority of the focus fell on taxis. Second-hand dealers and shops were checked to see if they were compliant with the Second-hand Goods Act and areas where there is lots of drug activity, especially Main Road and within the inter-

change and subways, were patrolled and monitored. Arrests made on the day included one for the possession of crystal meth (tik), one for a stolen motorcycle, one for robbery, two made under the Medication Act, 10 for being undocumented persons. In addition, 29 fines were issued for by-law offences, 363 traffic fines (amounting to about R403 822) were issued and seven taxis were impounded.

Davids says the operation was highly successful and residents can expect to see more of this kind of exercises in the future.

“We realise the check-points caused disruptions in the traffic but we ask residents to please be understanding of the steps we take to enforce the law and to increase police visibility,” he says.

V The Wynberg police station can be contacted on 021 799 1300.

2 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Getting the conversation on genetic and Respect patient’s privacy germline editing started in public domain Western Cape government health has a people coming to our facilities for health 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 pleased to see People’s Post’s 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 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

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

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

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

The safeguarding of City’s tree canopy a growing concern

CONSTANTIA / WYNBERG 25 142 copies distributed Tuesdays to the following areas: Wynberg, Diep River, Plumstead, Southfield, Constantia, Hout Bay, Llandudno, Tierboskloof, Bergvliet, Dennendal, Dreyersdal, Heathfield, Kirstenhof, Meadowridge, Mountainview and Tokai.

“I want to compliment Nettalie Viljoen for “Standing up for trees” (People’s Post, 17 March). It is 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. 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 matches the width of the canopy.

Logical.

Furthermore the absorption of water

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) Claremont / Rondebosch (27 756) 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: Michael Roberts Tel: 021 910 6526 E-mail: michael.roberts@media24.com 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

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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.

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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 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 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, 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 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

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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 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 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 | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

CLAREMONT

Local police puts lid on fraud NETTALIE VILJOEN

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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 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 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 machines and documentation were al-

so seized and handed in as exhibits.”

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.

City’s drivers shift up a gear AVRIL FILLIES AVRIL.FILLIES@MEDIA24.COM

A 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 competen-

cy 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.

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

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4 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

DANCE

Production shows its heart NETTALIE VILJOEN

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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 frontrow 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 outdid 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 nervewracking 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 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 into 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.

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

NEWS 5

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

MENTAL HEALTH

Recognise suicide warning signs . feelings of hopelessness or desperation.

He emphasises that teenagers who have attempted to take their own lives previously are at higher risk for suicide and should be carefully monitored.

It would be dangerous to assume that any attempt at suicide, whether “serious” injury is sustained or not, is simply attention-seeking behaviour that does not require intervention, he says. “Any form of suicidal acting out would indicate that there are deep underlying distress and an inability to cope with current life circumstances, whether this is attributa-

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eenage years can be a stressful and anxious time for many young people, and suicide remains one of the more common causes of unnatural death among this age group.

While teenagers or others who take their own lives may not necessarily display warning signs, several behaviours may be closely associated with suicide risk.

“Parents, teachers, peers and friends may observe changes in a teenager’s demeanour without realising what these signs could potentially mean,” says Mark de la Ray, a psychologist practising at Akeso Kenilworth adolescents and young adults (Kaya) and Akeso Kenilworth mental health facilities, in Claremont, Cape Town.

“While people struggling with depression do not necessarily become suicidal, the majority who attempt suicide do have a history of depression. Among teenagers, there is often a strong correlation between mental health challenges – most commonly depression, conduct or behavioural disorders and substance abuse – and suicide risk,” De la Ray notes.

The following signs in a teenager’s behaviour may indicate that he or she is having trouble coping and needs help: . Depression symptoms; . changes in sleeping patterns; . change in appetite or weight; . social withdrawal; . speaking or moving with uncharacteristic speed or slowness; . fatigue or loss of energy; . feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach and/or guilt; . preoccupation with death or suicide; . extreme anxiety, agitation and/or rage; . excessive use of drugs or alcohol; . history of physical illness or emotional difficulties; and

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ble to depression or another type of mental health problem.”

De la Ray adds that in some cases, suicidal thoughts may be associated with adjustment to certain medications. Teenagers who have recently started taking a new medication, including antidepressants, or have had a change in their prescribed dosage, may experience difficulties initially. In such instances, the treating doctor or psychiatrist should be consulted without delay.

“Where cause for concern has been identified, remove items that could potentially be

used for self-harm from the teenager’s environment,” he says, adding that the temptation to act on impulse can allow someone to cause serious harm to themselves.

Akeso Kenilworth’s Kaya mental health facility offers in-patient care for young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties or grappling with suicidal thoughts.

All suicide threats or indications should be taken seriously and acted upon, De la Ray says. “There is no shame in seeking assistance and it is certainly better to be safe than sorry in such cases,” he concludes.

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

ENVIRONMENT

(Tree) brush with the law NETTALIE VILJOEN

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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-

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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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NEWS 7

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

City to restore refuse collection SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

I

f 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 finance, 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,

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

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

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.

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8 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

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 over-

whelmed. 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 NGO’s head office

located 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 to the emergency appeal, go to Homeless.org.za/coronavirus-response. To find the closest soap drop-off point to you, go to Homeless.org.za/contact-us.

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 also has immediately be-

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 VARNEYSCHUTTE

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

The decision to postpone the concerts, which are presented in association with Old Mutual, was made in 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 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 (post-

poned 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.

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.

Initiative to support elderly during pandemic NETTALIE VILJOEN

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gun 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.

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Kate 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.

NEWS 9

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

HEALTH

tional state of disaster (in terms of the Disaster Management Act) on Sunday 15 March. aar’s my sanitiser?”

In his address, he said: “We further discourThat, says Mikhail Manuel, must age all non-essential domestic travel, particbe passengers’ first words when the guardjie ularly by air, rail, taxis and bus.” slides open the minibus taxi’s door.

The reality, however, is that a large num“Before you get on board, stick out your ber of Cape Town residents, particularly hand and ask for it. And if the guardjie commuters from disadvantaged communidoesn’t have any, wait for the next one who ties, rely heavily on minibus-taxis for their will.” daily commute to and from their jobs.

Manuel, a doctoral researcher at the UniRecognising this, the City of Cape Town versity of Cape Town’s Centre for Transport will be implementing several measures at Studies, says, considering that the risk of public transport interchanges (PTIs), minicontact among passengers is high in mini- bus-taxi facilities, MyCiTi stations and on bus-taxis because of the proximity in which MyCiTi buses. people sit next to each other, this is a very While Manuel commends the City for its reasonable request. efforts, he says commuters must also take reIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic, sponsibility for their own health and depresident Cyril Ramaphosa declared a na- mand that health and safety precautions are taken by minibus-taxi owners and drivers.

“There is this misconception that the minibustaxi industry is a public good – 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.

Taxi commuters are urged to demand hygiene measures be “When it comes to minimplemented.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

ibus-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 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.

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

Manuel says 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.”

Felicity Purchase, City’s Mayco member for transport, says the City will, together with the provincial and national government, engage with the minibus-taxi associa-

Bus makes clean sweep

MyCiTi gears up health move

Golden 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 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.

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,” says Mayco member for transport, Felicity Purchase.

The following measures will be implemented on the MyCiTi bus service:

Sanitiser or bust NETTALIE VILJOEN

“W

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, if 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 Call the Coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999.

tions 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. “We appeal to minibus-taxi operators 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.

People’s Post contacted Prasa, asking for the measures the rail agency would implement in wake of the declaration.

Riana Scott, spokesperson for Prasa in the province, said the region had completed and submitted to Prasa its preparedness assessment to limit and/or prevent the spread of Covid-19. “It is anticipated that a national statement will follow. In the interim the region has commenced with awareness communication among commuters and employees,” says Scott.

. The City is investigating the provision of hand sanitiser to commuters. . 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. . 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. . The City will be monitoring the demand for the service, and if required, it will adjust the frequency of services accordingly.

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10 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG 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 giene protocol. hours it operate Patients are alper day. Our day so screened via clinics are open a questionnaire for eight hours before entering per day, we also the facility to have 12-hour ensure they do and 24-hour fanot match the cilities. Most of case definition our facilities offor Covid-19. fer a compreWe have also hensive service adjusted our package, ranvisitation poliging from chron- Hand washing and good hygiene is key to protecting cy at all governic care to acute yourself from contracting the virus. PHOTO: SAMANTHA ment hospitals medical care. In LEE-JACOBS to limit the 2018/2019 we number of visisaw 14.1 million patients in our primary tors per patient in line with social distanchealth care (clinic) facilities,” she says. ing guidelines as a measure to reduce the To ensure that long queues are avoided at possible risk of spreading Covid-19,” says the provincial facilities, Lesch says the de- Lesch. partment is calling on patients to arrive on Badroodien adds: “Clinics already have time for their appointments. very strict hygiene procedures in place “We ask that patients do not arrive hours called ‘infection control procedures’ as we before their appointment times so that we are used to dealing with infectious diseases can limit the number of people in the waiting such as TB. These include excellent hand hyarea. Chronic medication can be collected at giene, sterilisation of equipment and correct our off-site (clinical decision unit) CDU, removal of hazardous waste. Simple actions which also reduces the number of people such as good ventilation and positioning of waiting at the clinic. We ask that people patients in waiting rooms are also key.” waiting to be seen follow proper hygiene proAnyone infected by Covid-19 has flu-like tocol by washing their hands and covering symptoms and those most at risk have travtheir cough or sneeze with the bend of their elled to an area where the virus is spreading arm or a tissue. Discard the tissue immedi- from person-to-person in the community or ately after use and wash hands,” says Lesch. if someone has had close contact with a conCity clinics have further implemented a firmed or suspected case of Covid-19. contingency measure that will decongest the “If you suspect you meet the description facilities. and case definition for Covid-19 you should “These will include providing medication isolate yourself at home for 14 days. Call the 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. As the Covid-19 infection rate increases, Some of the other measures being put in many companies have adopted a work from place include postponements of elective sur- home policy that sees thousands of employgeries, discharging of patients in stable con- ees moving their operations to the comfort dition for further management at home. of their own homes. Share your pictures and “All clinics are following strict hand hy- thoughts on the challenges and how you are

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 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.

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.

. 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.

SPORT 11

PEOPLE'S POST | CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Fans lap up final event at Killarney T

he highlight of Bragging Rights at Killarney International Raceway in partnership with the City of Cape Town, RaceSA, Razor Customs and Airvengers on Saturday 14 March wasn’t Ralph Kumbier’s fastest run of the day in his new Pro Gas class Camaro SS. That only lasted 8.962 seconds.

The real highlight was the vibe – the camaraderie between the competitors, who came

from all around South Africa and beyond to be part of this invitation-only event, and the roars of delight from the huge crowd every time somebody pulled a big burnout on the drag racing start line, threw it sideways into G Energy corner in the drifting arena, or stepped up to collect a trophy in the Show ‘n Shine competition.

In his opening speech Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith hinted that this

Zuheir Mowlana’s Toyota Quantum pick-up was the deserved winner of Best in Show.

might be the last major event in Cape Town for some time, and petrolheads certainly made the most of it.

Kumbier’s thundering Camaro posted the fastest time of the day but the highest speed at the end of the quarter mile (402 metres) was recorded by Zanil Satar of Team Maputo in a Nissan GTR R33, who tripped the lights at 254.45km/h, significantly faster than Kumbier’s 224.35km/h.

Satar’s 9.485 second run topped Class 6AWD for sixcylinder all-wheel drive vehicles, ahead of Waghied Jappie and Nivan Maistry, each in a GTR R35. Class 6B for six-cylinder rear-wheel drive vehicles, usually the preserve of the BMW E30s, went to Jonathan Facrie’s Toyota Corolla (10.324 seconds at 183.58km/h), from BMW pilots Mansoor Parker (11.333 seconds at 212.78km/h) and Stoil Michaylov (12.024 seconds at 212.63km/h).

Rameez Ebrahim aced Class 5AWD in his Audi TTRS at 9.702 seconds and 241.45km/h, well ahead of Julian van der Watt (Unitronics TTRS) on 11.309 PHOTO: DAVE ABRAHAMS seconds and

196.88km/h. Class 4 AWD was dominated as always by Golf R models, led by Preshen Naicker with a 10.386 second run at 215.81km/h, Naeem Logday (10.620 seconds at 210.66km/h) and Faris Manan (10.890 seconds at 213.76km/ h).

Willie Nel and his legendary Chev Can-Am came out of retirement to win Class 8EX for modified eight-cylinder vehicles with a 10.172 second pass at 212.58, followed at a respectful distance by the Mercedes C63 AMGs of Rohan Munien (10.913 seconds at 208.88km/h) and Paresh Williams (11.127 seconds at 203.40km/ h).

Hermann Mostert and his Toyota Corolla took no prisoners in Class 6EX, posting a 9.012 second run at 231.82km/h to beat the Nissan GTRs of Viswa Williams (9.540 seconds at 253.08km/h) and Terance Naidoo (10.069 seconds at 224.33km/h), and the Kwiklee TTRS of tiny Yurisa Naidoo, the fastest lady on the day with a best effort of 10.220 seconds at 225.09km/h.

Finally, Shaun Zurich and his beautifully prepared Honda Civic ripped the roof off everything in Class 4AX for naturally aspirated four-cylinder cars with a 9.427 second pass at 238.69km/h. The drifting competition on the tar oval came down to a one-on-one final between Christopher Long in the 2JZ VVti powered Mikes Place Toyota Supra and the Lexus V8-engined Toyota Corolla of Izak van Zyl. In the end, however, bragging rights for the day went to Long after a superb final run.

The Airvengers Show ‘n Shine competition in the new pits pulled together some of the finest modified, custom and stance cars in the Western Cape. For sheer inventiveness, thinking out of the box and breathtaking attention to detail, Zuheir Mowlana’s Toyota Quantum pick-up was the deserved winner of Best in Show.

Yes, we know there is no such thing as a Quantum pick-up; that’s the point.

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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 come back 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 minicricket, they know a lot more about cricket than what I used to and they really have a lot of fun. As a player 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 festival, 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 minicricket 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 they could possibly become the future stars of this country, like their Protea heroes.

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

Goldhill juniors shine at Bellville Netball Club tournament EARL HAUPT EARL@MEDIA24.COM @EARLHAUPT

Bellville Netball Club hosted its first tournament of the year on Saturday 14 March at the Bellville netball premises in Mark Street, Bellville.

According to Bellville Netball Club’s president, Helena “Lientjie” Laubscher, clubs from around the Peninsula competed. These included Spoiltbratz (Kraaifontein), Goldhill Legends (Mitchell’s Plain), Bellville Netball Club, Scottsville High (Kraaifontein), Curro Durbanville, Scottsdene Angels (Kraaifontein), Golden Queens, Red Ants, Leipoldt, Popstars, Kraaifontein netball club and Brackenfell.

“Wow! What a great enjoyable day we had.

We started at 08:00 with our junior tournament. We had eight clubs and 10 junior

teams from all over the Peninsula participating. The little ones played their hearts out and the winners in each category were u.9 Bellville, u.11 Goldhill Legends from Mitchell’s Plain and u.13 again Goldhill Legends,” says Laubscher.

In the seniors tournament, 11 clubs with 21 teams took part, with the games played on a goal average. The first place went to Bellville’s first team and the second to Goldhill Legends u.17 from Mitchell’s Plain.

The Bellville Netball Club had three junior teams and five senior teams participating in the tournament and Laubscher says the pride and potential that was shown throughout the day shows that the club is not only growing in numbers but also playing excellent netball.

“What also made this day very special was the fact that the sponsor Bart Saayman of Triangle Consultants and his entire staff came out to support the day. They won the

hearts of every kid and player by handing out cooldrinks and chips and also by involving themselves with the game and all the players,” she says.

Laubscher adds that she was blown away by the response from those who supported the event.

“For me, the little ones are very important. Seeing the parents support their kids at a tournament like this... It is such an honour to be part of and to know that we, as a club, did something for the community to help keep our young ones off the street and to help invest in their future. As chairperson of the Bellville Netball Club, it is a huge honour to say that, with the support of every member of this club, the day was worth every effort and we will do it again soon,” she says.

Concerning the Covid-19 outbreak, Laubscher warns against spreading unnecessary panic among the club members.

“I correspond with them on our Bellville WhatsApp group, telling them to stay calm and that the executive committee (exco) will meet and take the necessary steps. Because we, as the exco, highly value the health and safety of our members. After our meeting and president Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech (on 15 March), we decided to respect the restrictions laid out by the president. From Monday 16 March, all activities for the Bellville netball players were put on hold till further notice,” she says.

Laubscher urges all players and club members to stay home, be careful and to take the necessary precautions.

“We are also part of the Cape Town Netball Federation Western Province, Western Cape Netball Federation and Netball South Africa. All these bodies have decided to put a hold on their activities throughout South Africa till further notice and we will also abide by their decisions.”

CONSTANTIA | WYNBERG

TUESDAY 24 March 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

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