City Vision E-edition 02 April 2026

asubsidiary of Novusmedia.

GNU working forall of us

THULANI MAGAZI

Igumbilomhleli /Editor’sCorner

uvolwakho. Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuthi ipapashwe.Izinto ezithethwa apha ziphelelakweli gumbi

views.Note, onlytextmessages will ed.What is discussed in thiscorner remains here

i.magazi@novusmedia.co.za atsApp on 083 7217648

rnment of NationalUnity (GNU), conceptthatresurfaced after 24 general elections, is proving lessing forordinary South Afrioncepthas not only stabilised ybut also ensured thatthose our highest offices are ac-

tgovernment decisionsare ken with the Guptasorwith ith personalvendetta. Almost rnment decision is made in conwith otherGNU partners, not just organisation, the AfricanNagress (ANC),asithas been the than20years of democracy. itical parties who arerepresent-

ed in the NationalAssembly have asay on someormostgovernment decisions. This is helping the nation,especially those of us who livebelow the poverty line

Whether the South AfricanCommunist Party(SACP), the EconomicFreedom Fighters (EFF) or UMkhontoweSizwe Party (MKP) sees or regardsANC’s decision to form GNUasputting interestofthe “West” first or selling the nation’s soul, ordinary South Africans should be happy.

In fact, without someofthese GNU partners the ANCwouldhave never been able to govern the country afterthe 2024 elections. They needed other political organisations to form agovernment, hence the GNU concept, somethingwelastexperienced in 1994. While the ANCwon the electionsthen, leaders at the time under the stewardshipofuTat’ uNelsonMandela opted to include other political parties, including the National Party (NP), which later merged with Democratic Party (DP) to form the DemocraticAlliance (DA) Thedecision worked well as the nation transitioned from an oppressivestate to a democratic one. Investor confidence grew andthousands of jobs were created in the following years until around 2009. We all knowwhat happened.

We nowhaveanother GNU,thistimenot by choice but by force and is working well forus.

With fuel prices going up yesterday(1 April),government hasbeenabletomitigate the severity of the pain by reducing fuel levy.The NationalTreasuryintro-

duced atemporaryfuellevyreduction of R3.00 perlitreuntil Tuesday5May this year to mitigate theimpactonconsumers Leading up to the latest increasesfor petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin andgas, the Central Energy Fund predictedanincrease of nearly R10 alitrefor diesel and about R7 for petrol.These figures would have hada devastating impactonthe country’s economy andpushthe inflation high, making life difficult for the poorest of the poor. However, alast-minute government intervention cushioned the pain. As we all knowdieselincreasedbyR7.37 perlitrefor 0.05% sulphur diesel andR7.51 perlitrefor 0.005% sulphur diesel, while petrolraisedbyR3.06 perlitre. Inland pump pricenow stands at R23.25 perlitre for 93 octane petrol andR23.36 perlitrefor 95 octane petrol.Incoast prices nowstand at R22.46 perlitrefor 93 octane petrol and R22.53 perlitrefor 95 octane petrol

This is just butone of benefits of acollective government.

Last year, GNU partnerssaved us from another autocratic decision when theyopposed the decision to increase the Value Added Tax(VAT) by 2%, instead forced the NationalTreasurytoimplementa 0.5 percentage point VAT increase overtwo financialterms (2025/2026 and2026/2027). A 2% VAT increase would have hada devastating impactonordinarySouth Africans andsent foodpricesrocketing

To all the GNU partnersthank you,we value yourcontribution. Togetherwecan make South Africaabetternation.

nformityismistakenforrighteousness

ory on aGender-based violence before aboutThandokazi (not ame)who reached out, had her rested andleft an abusive partmeet someonewho mirrored controllingbehaviour. schanged, but the story felt

rtner! Life hasa way of repeathat is thelens throughwhich the world, the idea of “same rentcast”. maplacewhere stories are they are told. Where laughak,survival, andlossshare stage.Where life does notmove linesbut in loops. The scenes faces change.But the patterns

A journo’s voice

-Namhla

Monakali -

universal instructions.

Lessons are meanttolightthe path, not dictate thejourney.

Faithbetweenhealingandharm

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thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za or unathi.obose@novusmedia.co.za

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gurshwin.heinze@novusmedia.co.za

alexandra.fortuin@novusmedia.co.za

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za

Novus Media www.cityvision.co.za

mediaombud@novusmedia.co.za

uthAfrica, stories of women their homes, survivors seeking grievingfamiliesdominate with painful regularity. perpetrators are different. The grief These cycles are notrandom. rom patriarchy, inequality, rain, andaculture that still confrontabuse directly.

ommunity, conversations with amily echo the same national omeone always knows someone. A .Acousin. Acolleague. gthe pattern is uncomfortessary. We cannotinterrupt use to name.Throughmy to holdupamirror not to epain,but to makerepetition ten findthemselves drawn to ds of partners emotionally controlling, unpredictable,or st lessonsabout love come esee at home,whatweare amilies, and what culture quiet.Who to love. When to marry. erate. What to forgive. not only repetition; it is also Each new relationship offers frecognition, achancetosay: ain.” Achancetoset boundaretochoosedifferently. swhat turns experience into truth matters: whatworks for nmay notwork for another. trategiesare personal. Healing .Our experiences can guide ,but they should notbecome

Churchesand faith communities hold complicated roles in ourlives. Theyofferprayer, counselling, food support, belonging, andspaces where people search for meaning. They help people survive grief, addiction, and hardship. For manyfamilies, faith is alifeline. Butfaithspaces canalso echo society’s rigid scripts.

Gender roles are reinforced. Harmful relationships are sometimes preserved underthe language of forgiveness. People are urged to endure suffering quietly. Conformity is mistaken for righteousness. These messages are rarely loud, but they are powerful.

Yetfaithspaces are alsocapable of transformation. Support groups, trauma counselling, community activism, and open conversationsabout abuse are reshaping what care looks like. Where awareness grows, choicesexpand. This is where my reflection becomesurgent.

Paincan teach. Survival can inspire. Testimonycan strengthen others.

Butnoone person’s lived experience should become doctrine. We are not the standard. Peoplecan learn. People can be moved. Peoplecan aspire to change.

Butlivesare too complex for one-size-fitsall answers.

Whensocietyrecyclesstruggle

The same scriptsappear beyond our personal lives.

Poverty passes from onegeneration to thenext.

Under-resourced schools limit opportunity. Youngpeople inherit barriers they did not create. Workplacesreproduce cultures of harassment and marginalisation. Political speeches recycleold promises in new

language.

Theactors change, new leaders, new managers, new policies. But the storyline feels familiar What looks like individual failure is often structural repetition. Systems shape behaviour. Environments shape choices. History lingers in the present. Writing about thesecycles is my way of tracing the threads. If we see the pattern clearly, we can begin to challenge it deliberately.

Awarenesschangestheending

Thandokazi’s story did not end whereit began. At first, she felt trapped in afamiliar loop. But with support and guidance, she learned to recognise early warning signs. She named controlling behaviour She set boundaries. She chose differently. Theactors changed. Her awareness changed the script

Notevery story offers neat closure. However recognition creates possibility. Reflection creates distance. Choice creates change. Life’sreruns are not always signs of failure. Sometimes they are lessons waiting to be understood.

WhyIkeepwriting

Iwritebecause it pains me to watch the same stories unfold.

Iwritebecause it unsettles me how often we recognise patterns only after they hurt us again.

Iwritebecause Iamconcerned about how culture quietly, persistently scripts lives before people realise they have options.

“Same script, different cast” is more than an observation. It is ameditation on human behaviour, culture, power,and choice. My pen is my witness. My reflection. My quiet form of resistance. People can learn from these stories. They can find comfort, warning, or courage in them. They can feel seen. They can feel inspired.

But thisisnot arulebook.

Life may hand us familiar plots, but the endings are not fixed. Each new face, each new moment, is an invitation to respond differently to interrupt harm, to question norms, to break cycles.

Awareness gives us language. Courage gives us movement. Reflection gives us direction. Even when the actors change, we still hold the power to rewritethe narrative.

‘Stayalert’-authoritiescaution

UNATHIOBOSE

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, together with Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku,launchedthe 2026 Easter Road Safety Plan campaign on Friday 27 March, in Khayelitsha, to curbroadfatalities. And at least two people were arrested fordrunk driving.

Accordingtothe officials, the planis to keep residents and visitors safe by deployingmore officers on the roads, using advanced traffic-monitoring technology, and targeting high-risk routes.

Sileku emphasised that there will be zero tolerance for drinkingand driving, with

thegoalofless crashesand saving lives.

“Easter isatimefor joyand making memories, and thatstarts with getting theresafely. Our mission is simple: every resident and visitormust reach their destination safely. This Easter, let’schange the story on our roadsand look outfor oneanother. We are committed to halving road deathsand injuries, but we cannot do it alone. We need every road user to play theirpart,”saidSileku.

Windeurged road userstobehave responsibly. He added thatroad usershave an obligation to respect the rules of the road, not only over the long Easter weekendbut throughout the year.

“Let us allarrivesafelyatour destinations. Letusshow respectfor each other on ourroads,” said Winde.

Sileku said between Thursday 1January andSunday 15 March 238 people losttheir lives on the provincialroads He said of these, 134 were pedestrians,40 were passengers, and39weredrivers.He said this represents a1,25% decreasecompared to the same period lastyear, which remains concerning and shows thatroad safety is stilla serious issue.

Sileku added that pedestrians account for more thanhalfofthese deaths,highlighting the urgentneed forvigilance,especially in areaswith poor visibility or risky conditions.

“Everylifelostisa tragedy thatcould oftenbeprevented. This Easter, Iurgeall road userstoplantheir journeys,take regular breaks,stay alert,and never drink anddrive or walkwhile intoxicated. Please alsolookout for the most vulnerable on ourroads —our pedestrians,”hesaid Motorist David NingizafromMfuleni describedthe campaign as agreat initiative andurged motorists to obeythe rulesof the road.

“Ourproblemisthatwedon’t follow the rules. They arethere for oursafety.Let’s stopdrinkingand driving, andspeeding,” said Ningiza.

Fivedead,several hurtinshootings

UNATHIOBOSE

Community leaders from New Crossroads and Philippi East have condemned the shootingsthatoccurred in theirareas on Saturday 28 Marchand hopethe rapiddeployment ofthe South African National Defence Force(SANDF) members would assist in rooting outthe scourge of crimeintheir areas.

Theirremarks followtwo separate shooting incidents in which five people were killed and several others injured

In New Crossroads,three people were shot dead while one wasinjured. In Philippi East,two people were killed andtwo others injured.

Acommunity leader from New Crossroads, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment,saidresidents are living in fear.

He saidnoone is safe. “According toreports Ireceived, thevictims weresocialising in abackyard, playing music,when the perpetrators entered and randomly opened fire. Two people were killed onthe spotand another one died on hisarrivalat the hospital. That shows the level of crime in our communities. We are terrified,”explained the leader.

He called on the government to amend laws to betterprotect communities, arguing that criminals continue committing violent acts without fear of consequences. “Enoughisenough.The government mustbring back the death penalty. We need to change our laws. Criminals, especially murderers, should not enjoy rights in prison,” he said.

Another community leader from the Marikana informal settlementinPhilippi East, who also requested anonymi-

ty for fear of reprisal, said crime in the Philippi East policeprecinct is spiralling outofcontrol

“The level of crime in Lower Crossroads is getting worseevery day. Extortionists aredictatingwhat happens in ourcommunities.People aretoo afraid to report them. Sometimes these gangs fight among themselves,”hesaid.

Western Cape policespokesperson Col Andrè Traut confirmed thatpolice are investigatingthe two separate incidents, whichoccurred in the early hoursofSaturday28 March.

“Gugulethu policehaveregistered three counts ofmurder andone count of attempted murder following ashooting incident at approximately 03:35 in JNontulaStreet.

According to preliminary reports, agroup of individuals were socialising in abackyard when unknown suspects gained access to the premises and opened fire before fleeing the scene,”saidTraut.

Hesaidthree victims, aged between 24 and40, succumbedtotheir injuries, while a24-year-old manisreceiving medical treatment.

“Two victims were declared deadatthe scene, while athird later died in hospital. Themotive is not yet confirmed, but investigators areexploring the possibility that this may have been atargeted attack,” he said.

In aseparate incident in Philippi East, in the Marikana informal settlement, a 43-year-old manand a41-year-oldwoman were shot and killed at about 04:00. “Two additional male victims, aged 37 and46, sustainedgunshotwoundsand were transportedto hospitalfor treatment. Thecircumstances suggest thatrobberymay have been the motive,”headded

Police‘shootandkill’fourinSiteC

UNATHIOBOSE

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating ashooting incident thatoccurred in Site ConWednesday 25 March, in whichfour men were allegedlyshot and killed by policeofficers Theincidenttook place around20:00, afew metres away from aKFC outlet inJaphta KMasemola Road.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwasaid the officer’sreport indicates members of the ProvincialCombat Teamreceived information aboutsuspects engagedinthe extortionof businesses in the areaand spottedavehicle matching the description. “Thevehicle wasfollowed and members attemptedtopullitover.

The occupants allegedlydrewfirearms andpointedthem at the officers. Theteam responded and, as aresult, four yet-to-beidentified males were fatally wounded.”

Headdedthree firearms, believed to belong tothe deceased, were confiscated Aleader of the South AfricanNational CivicOrganisation (Sanco)inthe area, said the incident maybelinked to extortion, ahuge source of distress in the area.

“Weare living in fear. We’ve seen these kindsofincidents occur before our eyes. We’veseen ourlocalshops closed by extortionists. There are many things happening thatare linked to these people.”

The community leader urged authorities to deploy more officers in the area,warningSite Cwas becoming acrimehotspot.

Ward86councillorrecognised forcommunitydevelopment

UNATHIOBOSE

“It feels so good to be recognisedbythe people Iworkwith on adaily basis.It shows thatthey value my work,” said Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso from Lwandleafter being honoured during the annual Look At GodMusic Academy (Lagma)Awards on Saturday 28 March.

This year’s ceremony washeldatStrand Town Hall and honoured 26 individuals who have made apositivecontribution in the community.

Theawards, founded by Yandisa Magagana, shine the spotlightonlocal artists whileencouraging them to continuetheir work.

Diniso wasacknowledgedfor hisefforts in the development of Ward 86.

In an interview with City Vision,hesaid it is everyone’s dreamtoberecognisedfor the work they do in their community.

“It came as asurprise to me.Ididn’texpectit. I’ve been serving my community for almost five years. Iact as alinkbetween the communityand the City. Receiving this awardshows thatthere is something Iamdoing right,” said Diniso,addingthat his work is done in collaborationwith other community stakeholders.

He identified housing backlog andunemploymentasthe main challenges in his ward.

He also believes there is astronglinkbetween unemployment and crime.

“There is stilla lotthatneeds to be done here. Themajority of youngpeople areunemployed.Someare sitting at home with

FROMPAGE1

This represents an increase of 2,3%, from the 1151 casesreported during the same period in 2024.

Community leader ManyanoGaxa said it washightimeMfulenihad its own police station.Heclaimed the area never hada fully-fledged policestation in over20years

“All the former ministers promised us they would builda policestation for Mfuleni, but nothing happened. Ourconcern is that there is ahighcrimerate here In recent statistics Mfuleni was leading on murder nationally.And we have aproblem of carjacking and gender-based violence.”

Gaxa said the station in Blue Downs, didn’t have the capacity to cater for such awidespreadcommunityand lacks manpower. “There is ashortage of manpower andresources, which usually translates into poor service delivery.”

The South AfricanNational CivicOrganisation(Sanco)leader in the area,Vuyani Fotoyi, said two years ago Western Cape policecommissioner Lt-GenThembisile Patekilehosted an imbizo with the community, when he promised to reportback but never did. He described Mfuleni as a red zone.

“It is hilarious that the policestation in Blue Downsisnamed Mfuleni Police Station, even though it is not in Mfuleni.We want our own policestation,one thatwill be named Mfuleniofcourse, andthe one in Blue Downs willbenamed afterits own area.”

To addinsult to injury, Fotoyi said,the

degrees,which canleadtofrustration and, in some cases, substance abuse,” he explained.

When asked whetherhewould stand for a second term as councillor,Diniso said the decision lies with the community.

“I cannot nominate myself. If community members wantmetostand again,who am Itorefuse?Iamaservantofthe people and Ifollow the will of the community,” he said with alaugh

satellitepoliceisclosedatnight, so there’s no properrecourse when crimetakesplace locally andthere’s hardly anypolicevisibility at all

“All we wantisfor the policetospeedup the processes,”hesaid.“We wantour own fully-fledged policestation.The satellite policestation is there to do an affidavitor to certify... Theofficersclose the satellite policestation at night. We arenot safe at all.”

Mfuleni PoliceStation commanderLtCol SiphokaziMbambo decriedthe impression created of astation thatceasesoperatingatnight, addingthatthe gate is closed for security reasons. “The station works 24 hours,”hedeclared.“It is just thatwe close the gate. We have an intercomwhich people canpress,and it will be openedfor them. Butthe station is always open.”

Patekile said Mfuleni PoliceStation would soon open, butthere were small glitches thatneededironing out.

“The City gave us abuilding to useasour policestation,which is oppositeShoprite near the Mfuleni Taxi Rank,”hesaid.“We arewaiting for the Department of Public Worksand the City to sign the lease agreement, andthenwewillmovein.”

He said half the staff currently working in Blue Downs would move to Mfuleni,but the administration would remain there. Mayco memberfor safety andsecurity JP Smith said the City is committed to supporting the police. “Currently the City and national Department of Public Worksare finalisingthe lease.”

Cape Town employment at all-time high

Jobseekers urgedto update

TheCity encourages jobseekers to update their information on the City’s database. This will ensure thatthey remain eligible for work opportunities.

Here’show

Updating is easy:Simply visit a subcouncil office, SmartCape facility in aCity library or the Expanded Public WorksProgramme (EPWP) walk-in centre at 50 Wale Street –all available on weekdays, 08:00–15:30. Alternatively,email EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za.

Youwill need aclear copy of your ID,proof of address(or an affidavit signed by acommissioner of oaths or wardcouncillor), yourhousehold andcontactdetails, and an updated CV,including any previous EPWP work.

*For moreinformation, call the EPWP helpdesk at 021 400 9406.

KORTLIKS

Miniemnandikuwe,Mfuleni! MayorGeordin Hill-Lewisjoined the peopleofMfuleni for the community’s50th anniversary celebration on31January.Residentscame out in theirnumbers to enjoy the open-airevent, whichfeatured local performing artists and funactivities.

Recent City investments inMfuleni include anew sports field, sporting facilityupgrades in the broaderarea,anupgraded firestation, a housingpipelineofover2 000 opportunities acrossfour projects, and major public transportinterchangeupgrades to the tune of R100million over threeyears.

Valuation roll check-and-objectwindow open

The 2025 generalvaluation roll (GV2025) of Cape Town’s approximately 930 000 registered propertiesisavailablefor inspection and, if need be, objectionbeforeitwillbe implemented on 1July2026.

Residents will find GV2025 on theCity’s website, www.capetown.gov.za (enter “General valuationroll2025” in thesearch box), as wellasat20venuesacrosstown (enter “Propertyvaluationobjection venues list”for aschedule). In-person GV2025 inspectionand objectionwillbeopen until theend of March, asindicated on thevenue schedule. Thewindowfor online inspection andobjection runs until 30 April.

No thumb-suckvalues

TheCity’s valuation methods areaccurate, fair andinlinewith international best practice. Adedicated team of professional valuersusedstatistical models to value registeredpropertiesintown. Theroll wassubjected to data verification, statistical accuracy checks and extensive auditreviews

Burgemeester Geordin Hill-Lewis het op 31 Januarie saam met die mense van Mfuleni diégemeenskap se 50ste bestaansjaar gevier.Inwoners het diebuiteluggeleentheid in grootgetalle bygewoonendie plaaslikekunstenaars en prettige aktiwiteiteterdeë geniet.

Diejongste algemene waardasielysvan Kaapstad sesowat 930000 geregistreerde eiendomme is noubeskikbaarvir inspeksie en enige moontlike besware voordat dit op 1Julie2026 inwerkingtree. Inwoners kandit op die Stad se webtuistekry:Gaan na www.capetown.gov.za en soekonder “General valuation roll 2025”.Boonop is die waardasielys by20lokaledeur diehele stad te kry (soek onder “Property valuation objectionvenues”)

If youdecidetodispute

To dispute yourvaluation, complete the objection form available on theCity’s e-Servicesplatform or provided against your property on GV2025, and submit it before30April –either via e-Services or theemail addressstatedonthe form.Alternatively,submitanin-person objection beforethe end of Marchat any of theidentified venues.

Keep in mind:

•Toobjectvia e-Services, you must be registered on theplatform.Allow for ashort activation period. Fora videoone-Servicesregistration, go to https://youtu.be/7fR2IXOp2zo

•Yourobjection must be motivated and supported with market-related information as at thevaluation date of 1July 2025. Foryourconvenience, theCity supplies verified sales information on its website.

Friendlier rates formula

Your property valueisused to determine

Die Stad moedig werksoekers aan om hulle besonderhedeopdie databasis op enige van dievolgende manierebytewerk:Besoek ’n subraadskantoor,’nSmartCape-biblioteek-fasiliteit, of die EPWP-instapsentrum by Waalstraat 50,Kaapstad (ál drie is weeksdae van 08:00 tot15:30 oop), of stuur ’n e-pos na EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za. Die pasvoltooide Wallacedene-mark,waarvoor skeepsvraghouersinstalletjies omskepis, is daagliks van06:00 tot 18:00 oop. Diemark is op die hoek van Botfontein- en Boesakweg geleë. Bykans 400 huise is aan die elektrisiteitsnetwerk verbind in die Stad se jongste kragaansluitingsprojek in NewVillage, Nomzamo

Nearly 400 homes have been connected to the power grid in the City’slatest informal settlement electrification project in New Village, Nomzamo. Moreconnections areplanned

TheNomzamo electrification driveisone of the municipality’s largest in recent years. The R4,9 millionproject brings the City’s total investment in electrification to overR35,6 millionoverthe pastfew years, having completed 2629 homeconnections.

In addition to the grid connections, beneficiariesalso receive up to 60 units of free basic electricity on the City’ssubsidised Lifelinetariff.

TheCity’s2025 general valuationrollisready andwilltakeeffecton1 July 2026. Should youwishtodispute your property valuation, please do so before theend of April.

yourmonthly propertyrates. To assist the Mother City’spropertyowners, the City is proposinga10,2% lower propertyrates formula under GV2025. An indicative residential rate-in-the-rand of 0,006428 (downfrom0,007159) has been set as an interim estimate –comparing very well with other metros. This will depend on draftbudget finalisation and confirmationofnationalfunding streams. Thefinal rate-in-the-rand will be determined in May 2026 when Council approves thebudget, tariffsand rates afterpublicparticipation.

Along with other proposed measures, thelower rate-in-the-rand will ensurethat 60% of Cape Town’sresidential properties will experience either aratesdecrease, or no changeinrates, even though their property value has likely risen.

To get an idea of what youmight be payinginratesunder the new valuation roll, use the City’shandy indicative interim rates calculator.Accessitby clickingonthe GV2025 trending box on theCity’shomepage.

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

USodolophu Geordin Hill-Lewis uzimanye nabantu baseMfuleni kumsitho wokubhiyozelaiminyakaengama50ngomhla wama31kweyoMqungu. Abahlali baphuma ngobuninzi babo bezokonwabelaumsitho obikwindawo evulekileyo,obuquka amagcisaasekuhlalenikunye nezintoezonwabisayo. Uluhlu loqingqomaxabisoluka2025 (GV2025) lweepropati ezibhalisiweyo zaseKapa ezimalunga nama930 000 luya fumanekaukuze luhlolwe kwayeukuba kukhoimfuneko, inkcaso phambi kokuba luphunyezwe ngomhla woku1kweyeKhala 2026. Abahlali baya kufumana i-GV2025 kwiwebhusayithi yeSixeko, www.capetown.gov.za (cofa ““General valuation roll 2025” kwibhokisi yokukhangela) ngokunjalonakwiindawo ezingama20 kwidolophu yonke(cofa “Property valuation objection venues”).

Out-the-boxtrading spaces: Thenewly completed Wallacedene container market, located at the cornerofBotfontein and Boesak roadsinWallacedene, Kraaifontein, is up and running. Operating daily from 06:00 to 18:00, the market offers purpose-built 15 m2 container trading units with water,electricity and ablutions, and an inviting public environment. Local tradersand vendors wereinvited to applyfor stall space.The permanent market promises to strengthen the local informal economy

ISixekosikhuthaza abantu abafuna umsebenzi ukubabahlaziye iinkcukachazabo ngazo naziphi na kwezindlela zilandelayo: Ukundwendwela i-ofisi yebhungana okanyeiziko leSmartCape kwithala leencwadilikawonkewonke(phakathi evekini, 08:00–15:30),okanye izikoloncedo leEPWP kwa50 eWaleStreet, eKapa (phakathi evekini, 08:00–15:30), okanyei-imeyile EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za. Imarikeyeekhonteyinaesanda kugqitywa eWallacedene, ekwikona yeendlela iBotfonteinkunye neBoesak iyasebenza kwaye isebenzayonkeimihla ukusukango06:00 ukuya ku18:00. Phantse amakhayaangama400 aqhagamshelwe kwiziko lombanekwiprojekthi yeSixeko yamva njeyofakelo lombane kumatyotyombeaseNew Village, eNomzamo

Budget boost for pre-winter stormwater

fix-up

TheCity has allocated an additional R39million to ramp up maintenance and repairs of stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Thework will takeplace over the next few months to preparefor high rainfall events in winter

With the added budget, the City can deploy moreteams and increase its stormwater system cleaning cycles. Theareasfor focused intervention wereidentified using data from last year,public reports of flooding, and site visits andinvestigations by City teams. Stormwater systemsinand around informal areasare included.

Help us fend offflooding

Sadly,many cases of winter flooding are the result of blockages due to the illegal dumpingofwaste into the stormwater system. Here’swhat youcan do to help:

•Report blocked drains and illegal dumpingonthe City app,tothe customer call centre on 0860 103 089,to contact.us@capetown.gov.za, or by loggingaservice request on www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests

•Help keep the stormwaterinlets in your street free from debris and waste. Do not sweep waste into drains.

•Regularly trim trees overhanging drains.

youwouldlike CityNews

GV2025 showsCape Town worksand is future-fit

Everythree years, the City undertakes afullvaluation of allproperties to reflect theirmarket value.The latest general valuation(GV2025)confirms what many of you have already experienced firsthand: Propertyvalues in Cape Town continue to grow steadily Forhomeowners, this is good news.Itmeans that your property is increasing in value, contributing to your family’s long-term financial security and personal wealth. In fact, Cape Town remains the oneSouth African metro where property assets consistently growinvalue.

At the sametime, we offerthe lowest rate-in-the-rand property ratesformula of any city in the country.Simply put, it generallycosts lesstoown property herethan anywhere elseinSouth Africa,eventhough propertyvalues are higher.Thisispartofwhatmakes Cape Town not only agreat place to live, but alsoa smart place to invest. Followingthis valuation,weare proposing a10,2%reduction in the residential rate-in-the-rand. This will soften the impactofhighervaluations

AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR

andkeep rates as affordable as possible. As aresult, around60% of residential properties will eithersee adecrease in their rates,ornoincrease at all, despite their propertyvalues rising We arealso expandingrelief measures to supportmorehouseholds.The ‘rates-free’ benefit will nowapply to the first R500 000ofyour property’svalue

(upfromR450 000).Inaddition, this benefit is being extendedto properties valued up to R8 million (upfromR7million), meaning more middle-classfamilieswill qualify for relief.

This forms part of our commitment to runacitythat worksand is geared forthe future, with reliable services, continuedinfrastructureinvestment, andproperty valuesthat grow over time. It’s acombination that sets Cape Town apart

Iencourage everypropertyowner to takea few minutes to review their updated valuation on the City’swebsite or at designated venues across town

If you believe that your valuation does not reflect the correct market value as at 1July 2025, youmay lodgean objection untilthe end of April.

Cape Town’s strength liesinits people, and in our shared commitment to building acity of hope for allwho live here. Thank youfor being partof that journey

GeordinHill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor

Rebate recipients to reapply

After the implementation of GV2025, both pensioners and indigent residents will need to reapply for ratesrebatesand otherbenefits. Do so by visiting your nearest municipal customer careoffice. Alternatively, pensioners may visit https://bit.ly/47ecgFH or email rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za, and indigent residents canreapply viahttps://bit.ly/4bCqzVI or email indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za.

Cape Town’s hardatwork

Jobs in Cape Town have grown by 113 000 year on year,with employment in the Mother City now at an all-time high of 1,895 million people. According to Stats SA’s fourth-quarter labour force survey for 2025, Cape Town has the country’s lowest unemployment rate, at 19,8%. This is the firsttime since2009 that unemployment has fallenbelow 20%.

TheCity’sstrategy to focus on high-growth sectorssuchas manufacturing, tourism,hospitality, construction, technology and financial services is clearly paying off.

Let’swork smartwith ourwater supply

Dam levels are20% lower compared tothis time last year,sobeing watersavvy is crucial to manage our supply until winter.The City counts on every Capetoniantohelpbring water usage downagain to the target of 975 million litres per day.

Every dropcounts

•Find and fix waterleaks on your property.Dripping taps, leaking

KORTLIKS

Die Stad het’nbykomende R39miljoen toegeken vir instandhouding en herstelwerk aan stormwaterinfrastruktuur in gebiede watgeneig is tot oorstroming. Die werk sal oor dievolgende paar maande plaasvind. Werksgeleenthede in Kaapstad het die afgelope jaar met113 000 toegeneem

Met 1,895 miljoen mensewat werk, is indiensnemingindie Moederstad nou hoër as ooitvantevore

Damvlakke is 20% laer as dié tyd verlede jaar.Dit is noodsaaklik datons nou verstandigmet ons waterwerk om ons voorraad tot en metdie winter te bestuur

Die Stad maak staat op elke Kapenaar om waterverbruik weer totdie teiken van 975 miljoen liter per dag te verlaag

toilets andfaultyplumbingcan cause huge water losses over time

•Water your garden at night to prevent evaporation, andavoid toppingupswimming pools unnecessarily

•Switch to treated effluentfor industrial irrigation or construction purposes. TheCitysupplies treated effluenttolarge water users such as industry,sports clubs, golf clubs,

Pensioenarisseeninwoners wat deernisbystand ontvang, moet ná dieinwerkingstelling vandie nuwe waardasielys weer om belastingkortings en ander voordele aansoek doen. Helpdie Stad om afpersers vastetrek watopbeskermingsgeld vir Stadsprojekte aandring.Skakel021 4807700. Die jongste waardasielys bevestig dat eiendomswaardesinKaapstadaanhou toeneem.Vir huiseienaars is dít goeie nuus: ’n Stygende eiendomswaardehelp verseker immers jou gesin se langtermynfinansiële sekuriteit.Terselfdertyd bied die Stad ook die laagste koers in die rand vir eiendomsbelasting van enigemetro in Suid- Afrika.

large newdevelopments and schools.

•Report burstpipes by dialling 086 010 3089 (select option 2), sending an SMSto31373, aWhatsApp to 060 018 1505, or an email to water@capetown.gov.za.

Provide an exactlocation and take down areference number.

*For morewater-savingtips, go to www.capetown.gov.za/savewater

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

ISixekosiye sabekelabucala iR39yezigidi ukongeza ekulondolozweni nokulungiswa kwezisekozophuhliso zamanzi esichotho kwiindawoezithandwazizikhukula. Lo msebenzi uzakwenziwa kwezi nyangazimbalwa zizayo Imisebenzi eKapa inyukange113 000 minyakale, ngokueSixekwenikuqeshwaabantu ngomthamo ophakame kakhulu wezigidi ezi1.895. Umthamo wamadama ukumlinganiselo wama20% xa uthelekiswa nelixesha kunyaka ophelileyo,ngokokubaluleke kakhulu ukonga amanziukuze silawule oovimbabethu de kube sebusika. ISixekosithembe bonkeabahlali baseKapa ukubabaza kuphinda bakwehlise ukusetyenziswa kwamanziukuya kutsho kusukelo lweelitha ezingama975 ezigidi ngosuku. Emva kokuphunyezwakweGV2025, abo badla umhlalaphantsi kunye nabahlali abangathathi ntweni kuza kufunekabafakeizicelo

zokubuyiselwa imali ehlawulelwa iinkonzo kwakunye nezinye iinzuzo Sincediseekubambeni izaphulimthetho ezifuna ngenkani imaliyokhuselekokwiiprojekthi ozenzayo.Fowunela 24/7: Ku021480 7700 Uhlolooluqhelekileyo lwakutshanje (GV2025) luqinisekisa ukubaamaxabiso epropati eKapa ayaqhubeka ethe ngcembeukunyuka. Kwabo banezindlu,ziindaba ezimnandi ezi. Loonto ithetha ukubaipropatiyakho –esolokoiyeyonaaseti yakho ibalulekileyo –liyakhula ixabiso layo,nto leyo enegalelokukhuselekolwezoqoqosho lwentsapho yakho kangangethuba elide.Kwangaxeshanye, siyazidlangokunikezela ngowona “milinganiselo kwirandi” uphantsi –ubalo olusetyenziselwa ukubala amaxabiso epropati –kunaso nasiphi na isixekosaseMzantsi Afrika.

Making progresspossible. Together.

Giving first-time buyers afoot in the door

TwoCity tenderstothe value ofR36,3 million present

an opportunityfor housing development on fully serviced sites in Bardale and Robinvale, targeted at first-time buyers.

Thedevelopment mix is a combination of FirstHome Finance (FHF) housing and affordable ownership opportunities

TheBardaleproject in Blue Downs involves the proposed development of 140 housing opportunities,and the Robinvale project in Wesfleur,Atlantis, envisages116 opportunities being created

Households qualifyingfor the City’saffordable housing programme typically earn less thanthe market-aligned inflationadjusted income of R34 400 permonth.Inboth Bardale and Robinvale, the land is investmentready,packaged and rezoned, enhancingits appeal to privatesector developers.

Fight against ‘thieves of light’ continues

TheCity maintains anetworkof over 245 000 streetlights. In the Helderbergarea,2 339 streetlightrelatedrequests were attended to inJanuaryalone.

Theftand vandalism arethe main causes of streetlight issues. TheCity’slaw enforcement officers continue to be visible in all hotspots, while solutionsto makefittings lessaccessible and appealing to criminals arealso being explored.

Don’t letthem steal your light Report suspicious behaviour around streetlightsand other electricalinstallations. Phone the Public Emergency Communication Centreon021 480 7700. For anonymous tip-offsabout illegal scrap yards, contactthe City’s Copperheads on their all-hours toll-freeline, 0800 222 771.

Tonnesofwaste removed from Kleinvlei canal

Improved interceptor capacity helpstacklewater pollution challenge

Waste interceptorsare proving their worth in riddingthe Kleinvlei canal of rubbish.

A firstinterceptor was installed in the 2024/25 financial year.InOctober2025, this interceptor was upgraded to improve capacity,while an additional one was installedfurther upstream. Regular cleanup operations arealso held.

Asolid shame

As aresult,the City was abletoremove some150 tonnes of solid waste from the canal in Novemberand December lastyear. Thewaste,including builder’s rubble, plastic bottles and household refuse, would have endedupinthe Kuils riverand ultimately in FalseBay if

Macassarwastewater worksinfor atreat

Theextensive R1,3 billion upgrade of the Macassar wastewater treatment workswill morethan double the plant’s current treatment capacityfrom 34 to 80 million litres per day

Theprojectcomprises acivil and amechanical/electrical phase. Civil workscommencedinJanuary and includeupgrading the existing

processtrainstooptimise treatment processes, improveeffluent quality andensurecompliance with environmental licencestandards.

Energy-efficientinfrastructurewill reduce consumption, while optimised plantoperationsshould alsoresultin improved inland water qualityofthe Eersteriver

Die vullisonderskeppers in Kleinvleikanaal werk goed om rommeluit diéwaterloopteverwyder ’n Eerste onderskepperisin2024/25 geïnstalleer Dit is in Oktober 2025 opgeknap om kapasiteitte verhoog, en ’n tweedeonderskepperisboonop verder stroomopgeïnstalleer. Gevolglikkon die Stad in November en Desember verlede jaar sowat 150ton vaste afval uit diekanaal verwyder Twee Stadstenders ter waarde van R36,3 miljoen bied ’n geleentheid vir behuisingsontwikkelingin Bardale en Robinvale. Die beoogde ontwikkelings op dieaangewese persele, wat reeds allediensaansluitingshet, is vir nuwelinghuiskopersbedoel Die omvattende opknapping van dieafvalwatersuiweringsaanleg in Macassar sal huidige suiweringskapasiteit van 34 tot80miljoen liter per dag verhoog. Die projek kosR1,3 miljard.

Lwandlelibrarywill be twice as nice

TheHectorPetersonmemorial libraryinLwandle will undergo a six-month renovation, doubling its size to accommodate the growing community.Project elements include anew façade and entrance, dedicated study space, an expandedchildren’s library area, and improved SmartCape spaces. Theexistingcommunity hall will remain unchanged.

Thelibrary will remain open while workiscarriedout, exceptfor the final phase, when patrons will be requested to makeuse of neighbouringfacilities.

Keep them coming Also in Area East, the construction of the Khayelitsha library is nearing completion, while the rebuilding of the Suider-Strand facility is in the planning phase.

Burgemeester Geordin Hill-Lewis het in Januarie die opgeknapte Blue Downs-atletiekstadion amptelikgeopen. Die projekvan R30miljoen sluit in ’n splinternuwe atletiekbaan, beterpaviljoeneen kleedkamers, nuweskadubome, en verbeteringe aan die hindernisbaan, driesprong-enverspringfasiliteite, hamergooihok en spiesgooiarea

Die verkeersbestuursplanvir fase 2van die Strand-seemuurprojek bly vankragtot en met dieverwagte voltooiingsdatum aan die einde vandie jaar.

DieHector Peterson-gedenkbiblioteek in Lwandle sal’nses maande langevernuwing ondergaan, watdie grootte van diebiblioteek salverdubbel om indie gemeenskapsebehoeftestevoorsien.

Projek-elemente sluit in ’n nuwe voorkant en ingang toegewydestudieruimtes,’ngroterkinderarea,en beterSmartCape-fasiliteite.

not intercepted. Thecanal sections running through Eerste River South, Kleinvleiand Dreamworld are particularly prone to illegal dumping.

About theKleinvlei canal

TheKleinvleicanal is an artificial watercourse that was built in 1990 to drain the eastern parts of the Blue Downs development area and Blackheath. Thecanal discharges into the Kuils river just upstreamof Baden Powell Drive. In 1992, runoff from Polkadraai Hill was also diverted into the canal viaasubsidiary channel. Thecanal passes through Kleinvlei, Blue Downs, Eerste River, Forest Heights and Dreamworld.

Onlythe best for Blue Downs: In January, MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis officially opened theupgraded Blue Downs athleticsstadium.Upgrades to thetune of R30 million include afully replaced tartan running track,refurbished grandstands and changerooms, new shade trees, and revamps to thesteeplechasearena, triple and long-jump sections, hammer throwcageand javelin area

Bear with us on Beach Road

Thetrafficmanagement plan to allow for completion of phase 2 of the Strand seawall will remain in placeuntil theanticipated completion date at the endofthe year.However,some blocked road sections on the western side of the worksshould reopenbyJune,ifall goes as planned.

Beach Road will be closedduring

construction material deliveries and crane operations. Traffic will be diverted to the HaarlemStreet intersection, and pedestrians will be redirected to the opposite walkway Foradded safety,beach-side netting will be installedwhere worksare taking place. Pedestrian beachaccesswill be providedand properly indicatedwhere applicable

Traffic won’t hit awall: Thetrafficmanagement plan to allow for thecompletion of thesecondphase of the

Izithinteli zenkunkumazingqinaukubaluleka kwazo ekukhupheniinkunkuma kumjelo waseKleinvlei. Kwafakelwa isithinteli sokuqalakunyakamali ka2024/2025. KweyeDwarha 2025, esi sithinteli saphuculwa ukuze siphucule umthamo, ngelixa esinye esongezelelweyo safakelwa ngaphezulu komsinga.Ngenxayoko, iSixekosibe nakoukususa malunga neetoniezili150 zenkunkumaeqinileyo kweyeNkanga nakweyoMnga kunyakaophelileyo Iithenda ezimbini zeSixekoezixabisa amaR36,3ezigidi zeerandi zinikaithubalophuhliso lwezindlu kwiziza ezinenkonzo epheleleyo eBardale naseRobinvale,ezijoliswe kubantuabaqala ukuthenga Ukuphuculwa okubanzikweebhiliyonizeerandi eziR1,3zemisebenziyokucocwa kwamanziamdakaeMacassar kuza kwandisa umthamo wangokuwokucocwa kwalamaziko ukusukakuma34ukuya kuma80ezigidi zeelitha ngosuku.

KweyoMqungu, uSodolophu uGeordinHill-Lewis wavula ngokusesikweniibala leembaleki eliphuculiweyo eBlueDowns. Olu phuculolwezigidi ezingamaR30zeerandi lubandakanya umzila wokubaleka wetartan ohlaziyiweyo ngokupheleleyo, iigrandstandezihlaziyiweyo kunye namagumbi okutshintsha, imithi emitsha yomthunzi, kunye nohlaziyo lwebala leembaleki elinemiqobo,iindawo zokutsiba ilong jampu netriple jampu, ikheji yokuphosa ihamile kunye nendawo yokuphosa ijavelin Isicwangciso solawulo lwezithuthi esivumela ukugqitywa kwesigaba 2sodongalolwandle lwaseStrand siya kuhlala sisebenza kude kube ngumhlaoqikelelweyo wokugqitywa ekupheleni konyaka Ithala leencwadilesikhumbuzo sikaHector Peterson eLwandle lizakulungiswa iinyanga ezintandathu liphindeke kabini ubukhulubalo ukuze likwaziukujongana noluntuolukhulayo Izintozeprojekthi ziqukaumphambili omtsha kunye nendawo yokungena,indawo ebekelwe ukufunda, indawo eyandisiweyo yethala leencwadi labantwanakunye neendawo eziphuculiweyo zeSmartCape

Work on Vuyani PTI presses ahead

Work on the new Vuyani public transportinterchange (PTI) is well under way.The facility, locatedatthe corner of Spine and JeffMasemola roads in Khayelitsha, will serve commuters travelling to Mfuleni, Eerste River,Blackheath, Kuils River and Lwandle.

Take your pick

ThePTI will offer residents a number of transport options, all in oneplace. It will provide dedicated facilities for minibustaxi operators, allow accessto Golden Arrowbuses,while a MyCiTistop is also being planned amere200 maway at Spine and Govan Mbeki roads

Theinterchange will include covered waiting areas, safe loadinglanes, improvedlighting, ablution facilities and an administrative building

Helderberggetshuge sewer upgrades

The rehabilitation of the Trappies bulk sewer,construction of the Gordon’sBay sewer pump station and rising main, replacement of sewer pipes and maintenance of coastalsewer pump stationsare all aimed at relieving the pressureon thenetwork in the Helderberg and lowering the risk of overflows.

TheDeVilliersStreetsection of the R146 million Trappies sewer upgradeis substantially complete and wasopened in December 2025.The Joubert Street and furtherworkphasesare scheduled for2026, including worktoaddressproblems near the Lourens river. As working space is confined, and site conditions arechallenging dueto priorincorrect installations, the City is using cured-in-placepipe lining to avoid large excavations. This trenchless method involves creating asealed lining within the current sewer,restoring it to near-new condition.

Theconstruction of the Gordon’s Bay sewer pump station and rising main will further strengthen regional

Gordon’sBay pump station’sgettingthere: Constructionofthe Gordon’sBay sewer pump stationand rising main is roughly80% complete. TheCity is aiming for full completion by June.

sewer capacity.Itisexpectedtoimprove reliability acrossthe broader network that serves Strand and surrounds. TheCity is spending R117 million on the project in 2025/26, withthe total cost estimated at R279 million.

Therehabilitation of 2kmofsewer pipesinSomerset West is on track.The R3,9 million project forms part of the City’s

Buttskopcrossingsolution

annual pipe replacements acrosstown. Additionally,morethan R1 million will be spentonmaintenanceatthe Gordon’s Bay Road, Sarel Cilliers and Da Gama coastal sewer pumpstations. Theaim is to reduce the risk of overflows and ensure ongoing optimal operations. Among others, Sarel Cilliers and Da Gama will receive new sparepumps.

being discussed

carriageway (Zevenwacht link road nsion) between Albert Philander VanRiebeeck roads, withnew nalised intersections at both roads, the construction of abridgeover the line. This will requirethe permanent re of the portion of Buttskop Road between Traffordand VanRiebeeck ads, as well as the partial mid-block

KORTLIKS

Werk aan dienuwe openbarevervoerwisselaar by Vuyaniisgoed aandie gang. Die fasiliteit is bedoel vir pendelaars wat na Mfuleni,Eersterivier, Blackheath, Kuilsrivier en Lwandle reis

Die rehabilitasie van die Trappies-grootmaatrioolpyp,oprigting van dieGordonsbaai-rioolpompstasie en -stygleiding, vervanging vanrioolpype en instandhouding van rioolpompstasies langs die kusisalles bedoel om druk op dienetwerk indie Helderbergteverlig en diegevaar van oorstromings te verlaag. Die De Villiersstraatgedeelte van die Trappies-projek van R146 miljoen is in Desember 2025 voltooi. Die Joubertstraat- en verdere werksfases komvanjaaraan diebeurt

DieStadhet sy watermoniteringswerk langsdie Strandkuslyn die afgelope 18 maandeverskerp Altesaam 96% van die sowat245 monsters watvan Oktober tot Desember 2025 geneem is, het aan watergehaltestandaarde voldoen. Inwonerskan tot die einde vanMaart kommentaar lewer opdie Stad se voorstel om die Buttskopspooroorgang inBlackheathpermanent te sluit. ’n Nuwe, gerekenariseerde leerlinglisensietoets word tans by ál 18 rybewystoetssentrums vandie Stad in werkinggestel.

INTERSECTION:

closure of Meadow Road. TheButtskopcrossing has been the site of anumberoffatal crashes. The proposed changesshould substantially increase overall safetyfor all road users in the area

*For technical queries, email urbanmobility.CT@capetown.gov.za

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

Umsebenzi kwirenkienkuluentsha yezothutho lukawonkewonke iVuyani (PTI)sisendlelenikwaye siza kuncedaabakhweliabaya eMfuleni, eEersteRiver,eBlackheath, eKuils River naseLwandle. Ukulingiswa kombhobho ophantsikomhlabaohambisa amanzi amdaka eTrappies, ukwakhiwa kwesikhululosokumpompa amanzi amdaka eGordon’s Bay kunyenesingundoqoesinyukayo, ukutshintshwa kwemibhobho yogutyulo nokugcinwa kweempompo zogutyulo oluselunxwemenizonke zijolise ekudambiseni uxinzelelo kuthungelwanolwaseHelderberg kunye nokunciphisaumngcipheko wokuphuphuma kwamanzi. Icala leDe Villiers Street lophuculolomjelo welindle iTrappies oluxabisaiR146 lezigidi zeerandi ligqityiwe kwaye livulwe kweyoMnga 2025. IJoubert Street kunye nezinye izigaba zomsebenzi zicwangciselwe u2026.

Strand’scoastal water is safe

Despite recent incidents of sewer spills at Strand beach, the City assures residents that coastal water quality herehas been consistently good.

Forthe past 18 months, the City has intensified its monitoring along the Strand coastline to daily testing from Monday to Friday, including at the main surfing and swimming areas. From October to December 2025, for instance, 96% of theapproximately 245 samples collected complied with water quality standards. The nine samplesthat failed were taken in the first week of October, when rainfall and sporadic sewer overflows wereexperienced.

pthroughyour arner’s test

omputerisedlearner’s sting systemisbeing mented at all 18 of the driving licence testing

Replacing the manual, booklet-based test, the system igital screenstoassess knowledge. ts include faster,more results, alowerrisk rruption, and amodern, friendly experience. Tests are in all official South African s, including support for aring-impaired applicants. help you preparefor your test, download the free studyguide(rules of the ad traffic signs, and vehicle from www.natis.gov.za more information, enter ralearner’s licence” in the xonwww.capetown.gov.za.

Kwezi nyangazili18zidlulileyo iSixekosiye saqinisa ukubailiso kunxweme lwaseStrand.UkusukelakweyeDwarha ukuya kweyoMnga2025, ama96% eesampuliezimalunga nama245 eziqokelelweyo ziye zathobela imiqangatho yomgangatho wamanzi

Abahlali banikwe kude kube kukuphela kwenyanga yoKwindla ukubabavakalise izimvo zabo malunganesindululo seSixekosokuvala ngokusisigxina umgaqo kaloliwe waseButttskop eBlackheath.

KweyoKwindla, kulindeleke ukubaiBhungaliphumeze isivumelwanosengqesho neSebeleMicimbi yezeKhaya kuZwelonke sokuseka iofisi yokuqesha kuphela kumgangatho wesibiniweOfisi ZoluntueKapa.I-ofisi elungiselelweoku iza kubonelelaabemi baseKapa ngendlela yofikeleloolulula kwiinkonzo eziphambili zikarhulumentekazwelonke.

Jazz fest offered avariety

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Jazz filled the air as thousandsof jazz enthusiasts moved fromone stage to the next, spoilt for choicebyanimpressive line-up of bothlocaland international artists over two nights during this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).

The Festival, held on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, offered something for both younger audiences andsoulful old soulsalike.

The build up to the festivalsaw various master classes by artistsincluding the popularfree jazz concert held onGreen Market Square on Wednesday 25 March.

On Friday,the Rosies Stage auditorium filled up quicklyasspectators seized the rare opportunitytosee 91-year-old legendary pianist Abdullah Ibrahimperform. Wheeled onto the stage in awheelchair, Ibrahim took the audience on amoving journey, evokingnostalgia and deep emotion as he played some of his belovedand timeless compositions.

At the Moses Molelekwa stageaudience were captivated by thesoulful soundsof Rorisang Sechele, aSouth African vocalist and songwriter from Pretoria.

Later that evening Jacob Collier, an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist lit up the stage with his innova-

tive approach to music, blending jazz, pop, classical, and more

Sipho “Hotsix” Mabuse took the audience straightback in time with his timeless hits, getting the crowdontheir feet as they sangand dancedalong.

Other performers included modern jazz powerhouseYussef Dayes who appeared withThe YussefDayesExperience, Malian singer-songwriter FatoumataDiawara and theCTIJF Jazz Orchestra

Local artists who made their debuts at thefestival included KeziahMeyers, whose stage name is Lordkez andGugulethu star Sive Marasha, popularly knows as Luukhanyo.

Speaking to City Vision,Luukhanyosaid:

“This wasexciting not only for me but for everyone thathas beeninvolvedinmy journey. This is abig opportunity. Three years ago, this wasone of ourgoals… Having the luxury to be on the stage is nothing short of ablessing.”

Percussionist, singer, andperformer

Sheila Ereturned to the festival stageafter fewyears.GeorgiaJones, director of the festival, described the event as afestival forthe people.“This year we wanted to create anew experiencesonically. We looked at nostalgia bringing in theold and the new. Andcreatinga platformfor artists that areyet to jump to other international festivals.”

Breakthrough in fight againstTB

Nearly 40 000 people were tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Februarythis year,the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellnesssays.

This is the highest monthly figure ever recorded in the province, marking amajor breakthrough in the fight against the disease.

The increase signals an intensified push to findand treat TB early. Between 2023 and last year, annual testingspiked from 207 496 to 356 331, an increase of nearly150 000 tests in justtwo years, as efforts ramp up around World TB Day commemorated on 24 March.

TB remainsone of South Africa’s most serious public health challenges.

According to Statistics SouthAfrica, TB is the fifth leadingunderlying natural causeofdeath in thecountry.

Mireille Wenger, provincial healthand wellnessminister, emphasised theimportance of putting the needs of the most vulnerable first in the fight against TB. She said TB is preventable andcurable, andnoone should be left behindbecause of where they live or their circumstances.

Celebrating World TB Day with aflagshipevent in Caledon the department in partnershipwith theNational Department of Healthand theSouth African National AIDS Council, marked the day by bringing together residents andservicepartners, drawing over3000 people.

Inthe build up to this event andunder

thetheme “Yes, you andI can beat TB”, healthcare teams,partners and communitiesacrossthe province hosted arange of outreach events, taking screening, health education and support directly intocommunities.

These included TB screenings in Khayelitshaand Eerste River, and educationsessions at schools and in Kraaifontein

BetweenApril last year and February this year, more than48000 people were diagnosedwith TB in the Western Cape.

Nearly half of these cases were among young adultsaged25to44, thoseinthe mosteconomically active yearsoftheir lives.

According to the department, only 90%

(approximately 43 200) of thosediagnosed with TB during this period started treatment, despite treatment being free and effective.

Wenger said clinics offer combined TB and HIV services because these diseases are “deeply interconnected”.

Through initiatives such as the Close the Gap and End TB campaigns, the department continues to expand testing, strengthen linkage to care, and support patients to remain on treatment.

These efforts are grounded in partnership, bringing together government, civil society, the private sector and communities in ashared response.

Wenger encouraged residentstoseek care early and remain on treatment.

Kung Fu team rakesinmedals

The South African ChinWoo Kung Fu team,led by Shifu MuhammadJunaid (MJ Li) Chafeker, managedtorake in atotal of 13 medals at this year’s21st Hong Kong InternationalWushu Championship.

The eventwas held in the Far Eastfrom Saturday 21 to Monday 23 March. The team, #BlitzFus, won atotal of nine gold medals, and four silver medals

“They came, they saw, theyconquered,” theteam management said ina statement following theirtriumpant return to SA.

MJ Li, aLegendofKung Fu World Champion andWorld Action MartialArts Hall of Fame inductee,said the team did South Africa proudfinishing in the top 5out of22 countries who hadcompeted. MJhimself managed to winthree gold medals competing in the Professional AdultDivision. He alsoclaimed the highest scores by any foreign athlete at the championship

The rest of the team wereLuqmaan Slarmieand Saifullah Chafeker.Saifullah also wonthree gold medals and twosilver medals, while Luqmaan wonthree gold and two silver medals as well.MJsaid

both athletes didexceptionally well under immensepressure.

MJ,theircoach, wasalso officially appointedasInternational Wushu KungFu ambassador in Hong Kong forGlobalPromotion of Kung Fu.

TeammanagerSalma Natalie Dora won theaward forBest Foreign TeamManager

“The team didtheir finalpreparation for the championship whileobserving Fast in theHolyMonth of Ramadan, andthen travelled under strenuous circumstances as a result of theturmoil in the Middle East, so massivesalute to the South Africanteam,” the statement reads.

The event washeld at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre in Hong Kong.

MJ is set to host the 4th Africa International Youth KungFuChampionship in Cape Town on Saturday25and Sunday26 Aprilat the Fairbairn Collegemultipurpose hall in Goodwood

The eventwillfeature seven African teams with the South AfricanChin Woo Kung Fu team being the defending champions.