City Vision E-edition 12 March 2026

by‘fixes’

elections. Politicians areverygoodatplayingmindgames with us

We arequick to forget. Don’tget me wrong,Iamnot saying there arenot services, butthe amountofdistraction andneglect in ourcommunities is aserious cause for concern. We deserve better,let us not be fooled by shorttermsolutions. We all pay rates andtaxesand deserve services butthathas notalways been the case.I’ve seen overthe lastfew years the immeasurableamountofdecay in ourtownships. Yes, we aretoblame for some of these challenges,but Iamalsoconvinced that more investment anddevelopment can make ourtownshipsalot more better Thereislimitedinvestment into ourcommunity andthe infrastructure is simply crumbling. Streets in many communities arecovered andraw sewageand authorities oftenput the blame on residents for notadheringtothe correctprotocols when disposing their unwanted goods

Theother factisthatour population has increaseddrastically with little to no investment in ourunderground infrastructure. We arenot third-class citizensbut equals with the rest of the country. Proper infrastructure investment is required to overcomesome of ourchallenges.Once again, it is my hope thatweare notbeing fooled aheadofthe elections, butthisisthe start of better things to come.

aziwelaphantsi

iphatha. Ayibukeleki into yokubonaumntu omdala esenza ubutyhakali phambi kwabantwana.Kanti thina sisisizweesinjani?Kuthenilento singacingelaniyo. Enoba ke esisigadla besinengxaki,ayithi lonto abantu mabazidaphele kumthwalowayo. Akwaba abantu bomthetho bangasebenzisa la vido bacholachole bonke abantu ababandakanyekayo. Ngawufaneucingexa unokude ungcolise igamalakhoubanjelwe utywala qha. Hayi nto zakhuthi ayinjeinto xa izakulunga. Makhe sibuyise unyawo siyeke nokucinga ngesisusisebenziseingqondo.

Leyanainto ayibukeki konke- konke. Sisenyeliso njekwindlu emnyama. Ayithi lonto xa ulambile hamb’ uthathaizinto zabantu ungazinikwanga.

Siyindlu emnyama sikhuliswe ngembeko nangentlonipho. Kodwa xa kungoku ingathi zonke ezomfundiso azisasebenzi.

eneurAcademypush

people with skills to turnideasinto income, to breakdowntraditional barriers to business education to support residents in starting or growing their businesses.

Freeone-stopofbusinessinformation

Fullyonlineand self-paced,itoffersan arrayofstructured coursescoveringeverythingfromvalidating business ideas andunderstandingcustomerstomanaging financesand building resilience.

According to Vos, the initiative is central to the City’s broader strategy of creating an inclusive,opportunity-driven economy.

“Thisacademy is about ensuring anyone with driveand determination hasaccessto the tools theyneedtomovefromconcept to commercialactivity. We wantaneconomy filled with participants,not spectators.”

Theacademy is opentoaspiringentrepreneurs,side-hustlers,informaltraders, students,unemployedresidents seeking self-employmentpathwaysand existing small-business ownerswanting to sharpen their skills

Vos encouragedCapetonians to take advantageofthisfreeresource,emphasising the City is committed to creating pathways for residents to participate meaningfully in the economy. By expandingaccessto practicalbusinesseducation he hoped to stimulate enterprise development to supportjob creation across the metro. So enrol andstartlearningimmediately at https:// www.thestartuptribe.org/pages/capetown

ClientsstrandedasCATAmarches

UNATHIOBOSE

Commuters were left stranded on Monday 09 March after members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association(CATA) downed toolsand marched to the Nyanga Police Station to hand overamemorandum of their grievances.

Theirdemands include aspeedy investigation intominibustaxis thatwere set alight on Friday 7 March. Association membersaccusedone of their own of being behind the killings and the torching of vehicles

The memorandumwas accepted by Lt-Col Mzikayise Ndzuzo on behalf of the acting stationcommander,WynandMuller.

Ndzuzo promised that the memorandum would be forwarded to his superiors and vowed response within seven days.

However, he urged the taxiownerstoassist police with relevant information regardingthe torching.

“We are askingyou, the association members, to assist us with information. We went therewhen the taxis were set alight, but no one wanted to talk to us. We opened the caseonour own,” Ndzuzoexplained.

CATA spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi apologised to commuters for the inconvenience caused However, he stressed the importance and relevance of the march.

“We need to prioritise safety That is why we decided to shut down the Nyanga Taxi Rank.

Our taxis arebeing torched.Our taxi driversand executivemembers are beingkilled.InFebruary last year, morethan 15 taxis were torched at the rank,”said Sityebi, adding thatthey opened acase against oneoftheir members accusing him of extortion.

“Weknowthismember -hewas collecting money from other taxi drivers on Sea Water route. He wasdemanding R200 fora taxi,” claimed Sityebi,and called for the killing of their members must come to an end

Commuter Andile Matutu said he wasunabletogotowork. “I didn’t know that the taxis were going to marchtothe policestationtoday.WhenIarrived at Nyanga Terminus, Isaw people standing in long queues waiting forGoldenArrowbuses. Iwas alreadylate, andthe buswould have taken along time to getme to work. Iphonedmyboss and told him that Iwouldn’tbecomingin today,” he said.

Provincial police spokesperson ConstNdakhe Gwalaconfirmed that acase of extortionwas registered at Nyanga Police Station. Shesaiditwas later transferred to ProvincialSerious Violent Crimedetectives for further investigation

“The matterisstill under investigation and the public is urgedto come forward with information that mightassist,”saidGwala.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the new extortion toll free number on 0800 31 44 44, confidentiality is guaranteed.

Above:Lt-Col Mzikayise Ndzuzofrom NyangaPoliceStationsigns amemorandum whileCATA’s spokesperson NkululekoSityebi, wearing ablack and whitecap,lookson.

Acall forPKTTtoprobe Gungxe murder

UNATHIOBOSE

A26-year-old

Crossroa ds man appeared

in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9March, in connection with the murderofLazo-

la Gungxe.The case waspostponed to Tuesday24March. Gungxe was gunned down in

Crossroads on Tuesday 3February after attending a communitymeeting.(“Who willbe

next?”, City Vision, 5February). Thespokesperson forthe National Prosecuting Author-

ity in the Western Cape,EricNtabazalila, confirmed the postponement. “Thecasehas been postponed un-

Lwandle Gr R learnersshine at PLCSportDay

UNATHIOBOSE

Excitement was evident on the faces of young children from Lwandle during the Grade R Parent Learning Community (PLC) Sports Day held at Lwandle Stadium on Friday 6 March.

A total of 11 pre-primary schools attended the event, bringing together learners, teachers and parents for a day of fun and physical activity.

Event organiser Somikazi Mtya de-

scribed the event as a special day for the children, saying its aim is to nurture and develop learners.

“Learners are developing in many ways. They need to develop mentally and physically as well, so we must balance both. They need time to play. We are also creating social cohesion where they interact with other children,” said Mtya.

activities. “Children perform better when they see their parents. They become motivated and their self-esteem improves,” she said.

Mtya said they were pleased with the turnout of parents but highlighted a lack of playing equipment as one of the biggest challenges faced by the schools.

She added that not all children excel academically and encouraged parents to support their children during school

is fantastic. My child was so excited to see me because I didn’t tell her I would come. I appeal to other parents to support their children,” said Mzula.

Teacher Nompumelelo Makapela from Somlandela Pre-School said the objective of the event is to expose children to sport.

Parent Phatheka Mzula described the event as exciting and said it was thefirst time she attended such a gathering.

“It is nice to be here. The atmosphere

“Most of the children don’t have enough time to play because they don’t have playgrounds at their schools. For them, coming here means a lot,” said Makapela.

Schoolwelcomes revamped library

UNATHIOBOSE

Life will never be the same for learners at Masivuke Primary School inBrowns Farm,Philippi, afterthe schoolopened anewly refurbished library on Tuesday10 March.

The renovations were carried out by the Cotton On Foundationinpartnership with The Bookery, non-profitorganisation (NPO) thataimstoprovideevery school in the country with alibrary filled with books, computers and trained staff.

Western CapeMinister of Education, DavidMaynier attended the event.

Cotton On Foundation manager Acanda Jaswa saidthey worked with various organisations to refurbish thefacility,with theFoundation as the primary funder.

“We fund youth projects across the country. We build and refurbishschools. As a foundation,weprioritiseeducation. The Bookeryisworking with many schoolsand has alist of schools that need assistance We raise funds to supportour projects,” saidJaswa.

The Foundation is focused on empowering youth globallythrough the delivery of qualityeducation projects.

Jaswa said the Foundation donated over

4000 books and 16 laptops to the school

The Bookery also trained the school’s librarians.

AccordingtoJaswa, the refurbishment of the librarytooksix months.

Maynier described the facility as an important asset to the school, saying it would improveliteracyamong learners.

“Reading willimprove your values, honesty, confidence and tolerance. When you improveliteracyatprimary schoollevel, youimprove learning outcomesall the way tomatric andbeyond.

“Libraryservicesare adirectinvestment inimproving learning outcomes,”said Maynier. “If we don’t getearly learning right,wewon’t geteducationright. Andif we don’tget educationright, we won’t get South Africa right.”

Healsoexpressed gratitudetothe Cotton On Foundation and its partners forhelping make the dreamofMasivuke learners areality.

Maynier described Masivuke as “the warmest primary school” he has visited in the province.

SchoolprincipalLuyanda Ngcuka said the school is thrilled with the new facility

“We areover the moon. This library is an investment in the future learning of our

learners. It canchange the behaviourand mindset of children and the way theyapproach their studies.I believe ourlearners willimprove in their subjects because they nowhaveenough resources,” said Ngcuka. He added that the library would cater for learners from Grade1toGrade 7. He said before the refurbishment, the librarywas notfullyfunctionaldue to limited resources.

Grade7learner Endinako Mayaya(12) said learnersare excited about the newlibraryand believe it will make their schoolworkeasier.

“Now we will be abletodoresearch for ourschoolwork.Wewillnolongerneedto go to the publiclibrary,and it will be easier to access books,” said Mayaya.She added thattheywillensuretheyuse the new library responsibly.

Exporterstalktrade withbuyers

With theworld’seyesonthe Western Cape theMadeinthe Cape Buyers Programme again proved why it is apowerhouse of global trade connection and opportunity.

The event,the flagship trade event of Wesgro, theofficial Tourism, Tradeand Investment Promotion Agency forthe Western Cape, connectsinternational buyers to theprovince’s exporters of goods and services.

It took place from Monday 2to Wednesday 4March at theCape TownInternational Convention Centre (CTICC).

Playing host to over 30 international buyers, it showcased quality and sustainably produced goods and services, many of them trusted brands, across key sectors.

The event fostered trade and investment opportunities and builtbusiness partnerships through B2B (business to business) facilitation and networking sessions.

To date, theprogramme boasts 1290 verified exporters, 8399 listed productsand services, and 761 registered international buyers across 80 countries.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said in his keynoteaddress, that theprogramme’s purpose is to grow theeconomy and create more jobs.

“For example, if we have a5% increase in agricultural exports, we immediatelygenerate22900 new jobs. This is an opportunity where we bring theworld to Cape Townand our products into therest of theworld.

“This is abuyer’s programme, people come here because they know thequalityofour products and we are readytoexport ourproducts to many parts of the world.”

Meyer said theevent continues to grow.

“We have also established a Cape Trade Portal withthousands of productsand businesses registered on theportal. It is adigital platform forpeople to

showcase theproducts that we can export into therest of the world.”

He explained how beneficial such an event is forlocal producers.

“We have export promotion seminars to prepare local producers for theexport market We know export is atricky business, that it’s not easy to export products, and this is why we prepare people through training, support, technical assistance and financial assistance to showcase their productson trade showsaround theworld.” Meyer said over thepast five years theWestern Capeaccounted for 90% of all jobscreated in South Africa.

“We believe in export-led growth, but for that you need solid infrastructure… If you want to grow theeconomy,you must makesure you havethe best infrastructure, which is what we are trying to do in the Western Cape.”

James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, reaffirmed the City’scommitment to strengthening export growthand supporting local manufacturers in accessing international markets.

He highlighted theimportance of practical platforms that connect producers directly with buyers, noting that sustainable economic growthisbuilt on real transactions and long-term trade relationships.

Vosfurther outlined theCity’s broader effortstostrengthen the business ecosystem, including theadvancement of anew Manufacturing Support Policy and aformalised Business Support Policy.

He said these initiatives focus on improving industrial areas, supporting energy resilience, reducing red tape and equipping businesses withthe tools they need to scale and competeglobally.

“Our objective is clear: to createthe right conditions forbusinesses to grow, expand intonew marketsand createjobs, and to see more Cape productsearning their place on shelves around theworld.”

ZabalazaFestivalbackforexcitingseason

The 16th annual Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival will once again champion local stories and artis-

ing programmeof curated work from artist proposals and productionsthat were first showcased at our vari-

tainKwanda’s FanplasticAdventures, as well as Themba: TheLittle Lion That Lost His Mane The red-hot music

areat10:00 and 13:00. Thedoor takings from eachshow also go back to the

groups or artists, investing in the future of the arts sector.

Tickets to morning shows cost R40 and R50 for the afternoonshows Bookings canbe made at Webtickets online or at Pick n

Pay stores. . For block or schools bookings, charitiesorfundraiserscontact

CarmenKearnson carmen.kearns@ uct.ac.za andMark Dobsononmark. dobson@uct.ac.za

Citya ‘couture runway’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

With the Cape Town Carnivalset to light up the Mother City injust over10days celebrated designer Stephenvan Eeden is ready to turnthe streetsinto amovingrunwayofcouture, culture and creativity

Known for his signature blend of bridal elegance,red-carpet glamour andluxurious resort wear, he will bring bold fashion to oneofCape Town’s biggest celebrations of art, identityand communityonSaturday 21 March.

More than 1000 performersand 10 beautifully-craftedfloats will once again light up the Green PointFan Walk.

Van Eedenisone of 10 local artists selected to be championsofthe 16th editionof the event.

On the theme “Follow your heART” Van Eeden says spectatorscan expect acelebration of theatrical glamour and refined artistry.

“My approach is always rooted in couture craftsmanship,sothere willbemeticulous attention to intricate detailing, textureand

silhouette interpreted throughthe dynamic,high-energy lens of the carnival.”

He saysbeyond the visual spectacle this presentation is also aboutshining aspotlightonfashionasacatalystfor jobcreation in the country, specificallyinCape Town.

“Smallerdesigner studios and localmanufacturersholdextraordinary skilland potential.

“With the right support they have the capacitytoupskill individuals and train theminrefined techniques such as tailoring, cutting,patternmaking, draping, finishing and intricate beading.These are artisanalskills that not onlypreserve craftsmanship but create meaningful employmentopportunities.”

Van Eeden tells City Vision thatbeing part of an event that brings together communities, artists and visionaries in avibrantway is both “humbling anddeeply exciting.

“Itisanincredible honour to be part of the Cape Town Carnival. Thecity is rich in culturaldiversity,creativity and bold expressionand the carnivalencapsulates

that spirit so beautifully.”

He explains whatpeople canlookforward to from his set.

“Our boldly beautiful POD will feature ourmuse, Melissa Nayimuli, whobrings grace, strength and apowerful senseof representation to the platform.Her presence embodies the confidence andmodern Africanelegance that the design narrative celebrates.

VanEeden says he wants people to leave feeling inspired.

“I would love foraudiencestowalkaway feeling inspired reminded thatfashion is notjust clothing,but apowerfulformof storytelling, identity,and economicempowerment.

“I hope they feel pride in local talent, in ourshared culture andinthe knowledge thatsupportinglocaldesign directly impacts communities and livelihoods.”

He believes events such as the carnival areacatalystfor the arts.

“Events like the carnival arevitalbecause they create accessibleplatforms for artists to showcase their work to broad and diverse audiences. They nurturecollabo-

ration, encourage cultural exchange,and stimulate the creative economy.”

According to Van Eeden,the carnival is apowerful reminder thatthe arts arenot a “luxury butessential.

“Theycreatevisibility, opendoors for emerging talent, anddemonstrate how creativity candrive social andeconomic transformation withinour communities.” Novus Media, publishers of CityVision, is aproud sponsor of theevent.

Yourchancetogiveyour businessa‘hand-up’

GrandWestiscalling on localbusinessestoapply for its Enterprise andSupplier Development (ESD)programme, whichaimstogiveSmall, Medium andMacroEnterprises (SMMEs)a hand-up to the next level.

In additiontomentorship and knowledge sharingsmall businessescan access loans,payable over36months.

ESDwas introduced in 2014, but formalisedasa business-incubation hubin2018 andhas granted overR28 million in loansand almostR12 million in grants

Applications close on Monday 16 March andare assessed by a committeeconsistingofheads of all departments at Grand West. Successful applicants agreetosign up for athreeyear programme.

In thefirst year business owners aretaught financial control, governance in business,human resourcesskills andaccounting amongothers.

Second andthird year offer morein-depth training in these

subjects. Event anddécor planners, brandingspecialists,foodand beverage distributors, maintenance specialists,including builders,plumbers andelectricians, arebeneficiaries

Criteria include havinga registeredbusinessthatis51% empowered, some business acumenand it is at least two years old.Start-ups must have takeoff agreements or long-term contracts

Applicants need to submita business proposal thatincludes athree-year financial forecast, certifiedcopiesoftheir South African ID andthatofall shareholders, their business registration documents,tax clearance certificate, B-BBEEcertificate anda minimumoftwo years’ audited financials . Drop all applicationsand supportingdocuments off at GrandWestorcontactChrissy Dyerson021 505 7593 or email chrissy.dyers@suninternational.com or Layla Essopon021 505 7590 or Layla.essop@suninternational.com for more info.

Immunisationbarriersexplored

Poverty, longdistances to clinics,low literacy levels among parents andmisinformation spreading on social media are preventing childrenfromreceiving crucialvaccinations. Thisleaves many vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles andpolio,according to new research

AUniversity of the Western Cape-led (UWC)study has found thatchildrenfrom low-income households aresignificantly less likely to be fully immunised. They remain at riskfromdangerous infections, including pneumococcal diseases thatcan causelife-threatening conditions such as meningitis

Theresearch,led by Dr Bridgette Lockett of UWC’s School of Nursing, identified several barrierspreventing childrenfromcompletingtheir vaccinationschedules.These include negative experiences at clinics,lossofincome from tak-

ingtimeoff work, large family sizesand high transport costs to reachhealth-carefacilities “Caregivers’ knowledge about vaccinesvarieswidely,with much lower awareness in communities with lower levels of education,” thestudy found. Theresearch teamincluded Dr JulianaWillemseofUWC andDrRugira Modeste of Stellenbosch University.

Parts of CapeTown were experiencingflare-ups of preventable childhoodillnesses, including measles anddiphtheriarecently reported by the provincialhealth department Fallingchildhoodimmunisation rates arecitedasa factor. Eleven meningococcal-disease cases(includingone death) were confirmed for the period betweenThursday 1January to Thursday 22 February in the Western Cape.

Eight were recordedinCape Town.Most caseswerebabies under the ageofone

Team Silver crownedchampions

Team Silver, led by captain Collins “It’z Skarrra” Manyame, emerged victorious at theinaugural Red Bull Locked In tournament in Cape Town,claiming the2026 championship title.

The team secured their victory on Saturda 7March during the intense 48-hour endurance competition held at Bellville Velodrome from Friday 6toSunday 8March.

The event marked agroundbreaking moment in South African esports, combining highstakes gaming with real-world challenges.

The Red Bull Locked In format

pushed competitors beyondtraditional gamingboundaries.

Teams battled through Battle Royale,Wildcard, and Mixtape modeswhilstnavigating knockout mechanics and unexpected twists thatcould eliminate or revive teams at anymoment.

The tournament’sunique structure demanded notonly gaming skill but alsostamina, strategy, and adaptability from participants.

Spectators, content creators, and the local gaming community gathered to witness the innovative competition unfold.

Team Silver member Julio Bianchi reflected on the intensity of the experience.

“Preparation can onlytake you so far.After that, you havetotake afew leaps of faith.

“What started out as fun and games quickly became arollercoaster of emotions.”

Bianchi expressed gratitudefor the opportunity:“Ifeel privileged and honoured to havebeen part of this one-in-a-million event. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, specifically Red Bull, and a special shout-out to our team captain Collins ‘It’z Skarrra’.”

Thetournament featured NAG Magazine as itsofficial media partner, highlighting the growing recognition of competitive gaming in South Africa.

With the inaugural championship now complete, Team Silver has set the standard for future Red Bull Locked In competitions, establishing themselves as the first champions of thisunique esports format

TeamCaptainCollinsManyameat RedBullLockedIn.