City Vision E-edition 16 July 2026

Journeyofredemption

“GUNATHI OBOSE

unathi.obose@novusmedia.co.za

rowing up in the blackcommunityinthe olden dayswas not easy. Inequality wasevident, and thatwas what forced me to turnto crime.” Thosewere the words of MncedisiMdingi,aformer offender and now aborn-again Christian.

Likeany child who grew up inthe townships, Mdingihad amission, and hisambition was to change his life and his family’s circumstances for the better. He said he started committing crime at

an early age, going with his peers to do shoplifting, anditescalated with time.

“My mother used to work as adomestic workerinTokai. Iused to see the white areasand compare them with ourcommunities. Even when we were in the shop, white people used to queue alone, andblack and coloured people queued together. Ididn’t likethat,”explainedMdingi, adding that he grew up with anger and wanted to fight the system.

Startedat12

He saidwhen he was12years old, he started shoplifting in areaslike Athlone and Mowbray.

Mdingistated thatatthe time crimi-

nals operated outside their own communities. He said due to his conduct, his parents sent him to Port Elizabeth (currently knownasGqeberha) in the Eastern Cape in 1982. But he continued with his criminality there. He lived in Port Elizabeth fortwo years andreturnedto Cape Town at the end of 1984.

At the time he had started with house break-ins.

In 1985, his parents tookhim to East London(known as kuGompoCity), wherehe stayed for one yearbeforereturning to Cape Town.Hesaidthatin1986 he dropped outofschool because he was more deeply involved in crime. That waswhenhegot arrested forthe first time.

Arrestedin1986

“I was firstarrestedin1986 for houserobbery, andI was 17 years old.Istayed in jail for two months. Andsince thenI never looked back, Iwas arrestedrepeatedly,” he said,addingthathebegan serving aserioussentencein1987 when he was arrested andreceived five yearsfor various cases of housebreakingcommitted in different areas.

However, he stressedthatinthose five years he only served three years duetoremission. He said he was releasedin1990 from Bien DonnePrisoninFranschoek. He said when he came out, he hadalready escalatedincrime.

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Allmustpay forwater

THULANI MAGAZI Igumbilomhleli /Editor’sCorner

Thumela uluvolwakho. Yimiyalezoebhaliweyo kuphelaezakuthi ipapashwe.Izinto ezithethwa apha ziphelela kweligumbi

Send us your views.Note, onlytextmessageswill be published. What is discussed in thiscorner remains here

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za WhatsApp on 083 7217648

Imvotho,ivati,amanzi or water, no matter howyou describeit, it’s one of the most important compounds. We simplycan never survive without it, yet thousands of people continously take water forgranted. Those whohavebeen to other parts of the countrywill probablybethe first ones to agree with the abovenotion

Gauteng regularly encounters water challenges. The sameorsimilarobstacles persist in the East Cape, particularly in rural communities, where people rely on water tanks andrivers.

As aproductofthe Eastern Cape, Iam alltoo familiarwith struggles associated with water. Thiscontinues to haunt me al-

though Ihavelived almost my entire life in the Western Cape. Thechallenges of water arealived reality andmoremustbedone to preserve it and tacklethese obstacles. This is something most people in this province take forgranted, especiallythose who resideinthe townships, particularly informalsettlements

Themunicipality is probably losingmillions of rands in aquest to keep thetaps running in these areas. Thereisnot aday I go into these areaswithout seeing an unattended running tap. Also, there is generally littleregard forthis precious compound Residents use water without anyconcern

Yet, when threats of thingssuchasday zero come, we areall affected. Notsolong ago, the Western Cape was staring at possible water restrictions. However, that quickly changed when the provinceexperienced heavy downpours in May, pushing the provincialdam levelstoway over70%. We arestillnot out of the woods yet.

According to provincialauthorities,our damlevelsstoodat77,3% as of Friday last week (10 July). This might soundpromising,but the reality is we do notknowhow much rain willthe province getinthe coming weeks. If we do nothit the 100% capacity in the coming weeks or untilthe end of winter, we mightfindourselves with a bigger crisis.

This is where the municipality needs to act. We simply cannot have onegroup of people ignoring allthe water restrictions or warning signs and anotherbearing the

bruntfor high waterconsumption.Measuresmustbeintroduced to curb water wastageininformalsettlements or anyother communities wherewaterissimply not highly regarded. Themunicipality must invest in campaignseducate people about waterimportance andthe consequences for notheeding the call.

Irecently hadtofoota waterbillclose to R20 000 because of some idiots Ientrusted with my property. TheCity of CapeTown didnot smileatme. They demanded their moneyand threatened me with all sortsof legal actions.

Rightnow,I owe less thanR10 000 and continuetopay monthly untilI owe nothing. This is nota pleasant experience, but Iunderstand the City’s obligation to renderservices to millionsofCapeTown residents.Whatispainful is to seesome people livingand usingwaterwithoutany punitive measures

This defeats the very purpose of preservingwaterwhile milking alot of money from the law-abidingcitizenswho honour their monthlymunicipal obligations. Whilethere is no direct watersupply to most shacks,there is electricity.Why can’t the municipality introduce watertokens to recoup some of the moneytheyspendin the informalsettlements.The reality is if people do notpay for something, theyoften abuse the system.That is exactly what is happening in these communities

People have free servicewhile some of us continuetotoil.

Mdzananda to distribute kennels forMadiba

TheMdzanandaAnimalClinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha willdistribute 134 kennels to community dogs this Mandela Dayin partnershipwith Four Paws South Africa andthe Signature of Hope Foundation.

On 18 July South Africans areencouraged to dedicate 67 minutestodoing good in honourofNelsonMandela’slegacy. Mdzananda is inviting individuals, families and corporate groups to spend those 67 minutes at the clinic and shelter during its Mandela Day open days.

Guided tours willtake placetomorrow (17 July),and Saturday18July, giving visitors thechance to see the organisation’s work first-hand and learn more about animalwelfare in Khayelitsha

As part of the Mandela Day celebrations

Mdzanandahas partnered with Four Paws South Africa to distribute 67 kennels and more than670 care packs to community dogs.

“Manyofthese dogs have been on our waiting listfor months,” said Marcelledu Plessis, fundraising andcommunications executive at Mdzananda.

“ThisMandelaDay they will finally receivethe gift of warmth, protection and comfort.”

An additional67kennels have been sponsored by the Signature of Hope Foundation, bringing the total to 134.

“We are proudthat, through Signature of Hope,wecan help providesafe shelter for animalsinthe care of this remarkable organisation,”saysCraig Featherby, trustee

of the Signature of Hope.

“Thiscampaign is apowerful reminder of what we canachieve when compassion turns into action,” says FionaMiles, directorofFourPaws.“Together with our supportersand partnerswehavenot only reachedour goal butgonebeyond it, deliveringmeaningful, lasting change.

“Weknowsome people feel hesitant about visiting Khayelitsha,but we would lovetowelcomethemtoexperienceour workfirst-hand.”

For 30 years the Mdzananda Animal Clinic andShelter hasbeenthe only veterinary clinic andanimalshelter servingKhayelitsha.

Go to info@mdzananda.co.za Book aMandela Daytouratfund@mdzananda.co.za.

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Prideandprejudiceseemstocloudoursociety

“Imagine allthe people,livinglifeinpeace.”

Perhapsthese lyrics have sparkeda familiar melody forwhoever’s reading.

This evergreen seventiestune, “Imagine”,fromformerBeatles band leader John Lennon, hasbecomeananti-waranthemfor peace, justice, equality andmostimportantly empathy, awordwhich seemstobedeafened andbludgeonedinthis“ageofoutrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.

He wasshotfourtimes in thebackbya “fan” afterheautographed hisalbum anddieda fewmetresfromhis hotelinManhattan on December 8, 1980

Thesong“Imagine”,releasedduringthe Vietnamwar,which killedoverthree million youngmen,children, mothersand fathers, is accompaniedbya soft pianoand gentle melody andsoundslikea prayer or plea forunderstanding in atimeofsenseless bloodshed

During thewar,despite thenewsreports commentingonthe latest batchofdeathsand destruction, many youngmen were drafted andsentindroveslikebullets in an assembly line

Tragically thesonghas become an idyllic lament fora societywhere we canall respect andcarefor each otherregardlessofskin colour,culture or creed

Civilrightsactivists Martin Luther King Jnr, whopreachedpeace andnon-violenceinhis questto fightracesegregation andinequality, wasassassinatedalong with MalcolmX

As if thecallfor basicdignity andequal rights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath Ironically theauthorof Utopia,Sir Thomas

More,also lost hisheadfor hisvisions fora futuresociety

He wasbeheadedin1535for treason, after he refused to accept King HenryVIII as the SupremeHeadofthe Church of England. Thenovel criticised greed,power andsupported women’srightsand religiousfreedom, during aconservativetimeinthe 16th-century underthe king’s reign.

Even musicallegendBob Marley whose protestsongs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshotbut survived apolitically motivatedassassination attemptahead of the 1976 generalelectioninJamaica

This acthowever only fueledhis desire to continue singingabout thestruggletolovein an unsympatheticworld

Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become apopular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate,violence, intoleranceand propa- gandainfiltrating ourpsyches wherever we go

Whetherdoom-scrolling on ourcellphones, listeningtothe news on ourcar-radiosor

even stopping fora quickcatch-upatwork, we’re flooded with thelatesttragicnews. Once againwe’ll hear aboutthe latest air missile strike in theMiddleEast, theprice of petrol andgoodsskyrocketingagain,the unrestricted plagiarism of AI models regurgitating artworks andvoices, allfor thesakeof profit.

Thesedaysthe integrityofthe newsroom hasalsobeen more importantinthe wake of variousinfluencersreporting on news and publishing theirpieces, oftenwiththeir own agendas, withoutmuchconsideration forverifying informationinthe hopesofincreasing followers andmonetisingtheir content.

Lately,the popularity of “rage-baiting” is also sadtowitness too, you’ve probablyseen many videos of people manipulating each other untilanargumentorviolent fightoccurs Research showsalgorithms financially reward angerwhich createscognitive urgency,compellingusers to comment,correct,or shareinreal-time,which allboosts engagement andvirality.

Ireadthatthe primitiveparts of ourbrain, theamygdala, scan theenvironment for threatsand processnegativeinformation significantly faster than positive experiences. Prideand prejudiceseemstocloud our societyevenmoresothese days,while these algorithms,these heartlesssystems capitalise andadvertise on anycontent that canshackle theviewers in an endlessloopthatkeepstheir profits high andour attentionspans low. Andso“Imagine”,a song of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026

Leaderspraise PP’sfindings on servicefailures

UNATHIOBOSE

Community leaders from Khayelitsha and Langa welcomed PublicProtector Kholeka Gcaleka’sreport, releasedon Tuesday 7July,describingitasabreath of freshair. The report found that the City of Cape Town had failed to provide basic services to parts of Khayelitsha and Langa Residents complained about problems withsewer infrastructure, poor refuse collection, delays in repairing roadsand water leaks, andthe absence of lease agreements for residents paying rentinCity-owned housing.

In astatement accompanying thereport, Gcalekasaid the investigationhad emanated fromcomplaints received by heroffice from residentsofN2Gateway projectand Langa Flats, and Khayelitsha townships regarding allegations that theCityhad failed to providebasic services and infrastructure.

Residents of SST-Marikana complained of poor sewerinfrastructure, inadequate refuse removal and insufficient access to basic services.

Residents in Old Flats raised severalconcerns relating to service delivery,infrastructure maintenance and housing administration within their community.

Public ProtectorKholekaGcaleka’s reportfound that the Cityhas failed to provide basic servicesto partsofthe Khayelitshaand Langa communities.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) chair Mawande Jara said the forum was The City maintained thatbasicservices were provided at the N2 Gateway develop-

FROMPAGE1

He wasarrested againthe following year forbusiness robberyinAtlantis.

“We were sentenced to 10 years in connection with business robbery andattempted murder. Istayed in jail forsix years.I met my current wifeinprisonin1995. Shewas accompanying her friendwho came to visit her boyfriend in jail,who happened to be my friend.

“My friendcalled me over andintroduced me to my wife. We dated from thenon,” he explained,adding thathewas held at Victor Verster Prison. Mdingi said he stayed outside fora few months andwas arrested again foranother business robbery in Ceres in January 1997. He said theywere arrested whileattempting to robabank.

“There were only three of us.While we were inside, oneofthe employeespressed apanicbutton. We hadtofight with the officers. We even held someofthe employees hostage. It waslike amovie. It tookabout two hours,” he said.

Escape

He continued,saying that theywerekept in asmall prison in Ceres while theywere on trial. He said they stayed there for afew months before they escaped.

“I grabbed one of the warders,tookhis jacket, wore it, andcontinued patrolling, pretending to be an officer. Iwenttothe officeand found two otherofficersthere We told them to lie down andthenweran away,” he said.

He wasjoined by four other inmates. He added thatthe incident occurred at about 03:00. He said they tooka vehiclebelonging to one of the officers and drove off

He said they were involved in acar accident as they were approaching Huguenot. They had to walk from theretoMbekweni He said he was the last person in thatcrew to be re-arrested, in October1998. Mdingisaidhewas sent to Brandvlei CorrectionalCentre in Worcester,and that was when his lifebegantochange. He was

placed in asingle cell.

“Mygirlfriendatthe time used to come andvisit me.She brought me asmall radiotolistento. That is when Istarteddoingmyown introspection.Iusedtolisten to the American evangelist Billy Graham from the UnitedStates. He is the onewho changed me through hissermons.

“On1January1999, IgavemyselftoGod. Iwas alone,cryinginside the cell. My life changed,”said Mdingi,addingthathenever struggledwith the change. He said he spentfouryears there while on trial.

Releasedonparole

Mdingi said thatin1999 he was sentencedto42years in jail.However, he said he served 19 yearsinside beforehewas releasedonparolein2016. I’mstill signing for paroleatMitchells Plain PoliceStation. Igothere twice amonth.WhenI came out of prison,I was achanged person.Iwas a choirmasterand even went backtoschool while inside,” he explained, addingthatin all the caseshewas involved in,henever killed anyone. He said he went to various prisons,including Malmesbury CorrectionalServices,where he completed his matric in 2006.

He said he came outofprisonin2016 from Worcester. All those years in prison, hisgirlfriendcontinuedtovisit him.

Now, Mdingi is afullmemberofLanga Baptist Church. He started writinghis book, titled BeyondPrison Bars,in2023 andpublisheditlastyear. Thebooknarrates hisjourney.

Mdingi’s wife, Nomonde Mdingi,praised God for what He hasdonefor herhusband Shedescribed herhusband as aGod-fearingperson. “Itwasn’t easy, because some of my friends were questioningmeabout lovinghim.Theywanted me to leave him, butIchose to staywith him. Evenmyfamilywas very supportive. My mother used to accompanymewhenI visited himin prison.”

Mdingi said anyonewants to orderhis bookcan contacthim on 065 9270153.

SevenshotinMarcusGarvey

UNATHIOBOSE

Philippi East police registered four murder and three attempted-murder cases after unknown men ‘randomly’ shot people in Marcus Garvey on Wednesday 8July.The incident occurred at20:30.

Provincial police spokespersonCol André Trautsaid the officers responded to ashooting incident at aresidenceinthe area

“Four victims, agedbetween17and 20 years, succumbed to their injuries, while

three others were admitted to hospitalfor medical treatment. Thecircumstances surrounding theincident are the subjectofongoing investigations.

“Detectives arepursuing all available leadstoidentify andapprehend those responsible,”saidTraut.

Hesaidthe motivefor the shootings had yettobe determined and formed part of the police investigation.

“To preventany further violenceand enhance public safety officer deployments in the affected area hadbeen heightened.

Members willmaintain avisible presence andcontinuetoconduct crime-prevention operationsaimed at stabilising the communities andensuring the safety of residents.”

Acommunityleader who spoke on condition of anonymity forfear of reprisals said they suspect that the incidentisextortion related.

He alleged that someofthe deceasedwere well known in the community for their wrongdoings.

“According to the information Ireceived

it seemstheyweresitting in the house when theywereattacked.Weare not sure wherethe attackerscamefrom. But, withouta doubt, their killingswereextortion-related."

Community members were traumatised by the incident, he said Anyonewith information is urgedtocontactCrime Stopon08600 10111 or submit information anonymously viathe MySAPS mobileapplication.

All information will be treatedwith the strictest confidence.

ThreetaxissetalightatNyanga

UNATHIOBOSE

Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) is mum after several taxis were set alight at Nyanga Taxi Rank on Saturday11 July,saying the matter is under policeinvestigation

At least three taxis were torched by unknown people at the terminus.

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi refused to comment regarding the incident, stating that it is under investigation

“All Ican say is the taxis affectedare

on the NyangatoBellville route.Wedon’t knowwhathappened because the incident occurred at nightand there was no one there.So, we arewaiting for the officersto do their investigation andinform us about the findings,”said Sityebi.

Provincial policespokesperson CaptFC van Wykconfirmed thatthree taxis were setalightatNyanga Taxi Rank.

“Accordingtoreports, at about 22:30, officers on patrol were informedbyCYCLOPS operators (theCity’s strategicsurveillance unit)ofafireatNyanga Taxi Rank. On arrival, officerssaw thatthree taxis were burning. Thetaxiswereparkedatthe Bellville side of the rank,”hesaid,addingthat amalicious damage to propertycasewas registeredfor investigation

Van Wyksaid the circumstancessurrounding the incident areunder investigation.

‘Affordable’houses on She

LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

The City of Cape Town wantstobuild up to 184 small-scale rental homes on land along the SheffieldRoadroadreserve in Philippi, but Subcouncil 12 chair Solomon Philander is urgingofficials to consult the community before the process goes anyfurther.

The plans were presented to aSubcouncil 12 meeting last month by the City’s urban designer and project manager onthe scheme, and the City’s UrbanRegeneration Department, which launched the projectin 2020.

Howroadlandbecameavailableforhousing

Sheffield Road was originallyplanned as adual carriageway. Because that plan has since been dropped, astrip of landwithin theroad reserve can now be used for other purposes. The City wants to build smallscale rental housing on that land,with spacefor shops and small businesseson the ground floors, but no parking spaces. The proposal suggests that theunit’s

residents can use off-street parking in the neighbouring Marikana settlement.

“It is really aiming at creating formal, good-qualityrental units,” the official told the meeting

Whatisplanned

Five possible building sites alongSheffieldRoadwere identified. Theproject is currently focusing on sites four and five, both eastofStock Roadand bordering the Marikanaarea.

Site 4isthe first to go throughthe landuse applicationprocess. It includes space for10separate development plotsand can hold amaximum of 184 units if allare built as bachelorflats. Each blockcould also be arranged as three one-bedroomunits or two two-bedroomunits. Theground floors will includealmost10002 mofspace for shopsand other small businesses

There will be no dedicated parking for residents. Because Sheffield Road is amajor road, vehicle access directlyontoitis notpermitted

The site is close to atrain station, exist-

ing public transport routes, andplanned non-motorised transport (NMT) facilities

Theproject falls under the City’s SmallScale Infill Units (SSIU) programme, which aims to tacklethe housing crisis by providing affordablerental accommodation and creating amix of uses in an area thathas so far been largely single-purpose

Land-useapplicationontheway

Theproject is stillatthe planning stage Aland-use applicationfor site fourwillbe submitted to the City, with the approval process expected to take betweeneight and 12 months. Theapplicationfor site five will followlater,sothatlessons from the first canbeapplied to the second. Thelandis City-owned

'Besensitive'—Philander'spleatoofficials

Philander welcomedthe proposal butwas firm thatcommunityconsultation must happen first.

“We do welcome small-scale housing— it is the waytogo, and it will maximiseopportunities forour people,” he said.“But

sharingthisinformation with the community should be doneproperly.Weneed to take theminto account andexplainto themthe purpose.”

Philander noted thatmanyresidents have lived in the area for yearsand may notimmediately understand what the proposal means for them or their homes.

“People have settledatthisplace. They have been livingthere for many years and nowa proposal is coming. Noteveryone will understand,” he said He recommendedthatthe projectteam firstengagewith community committees in Philippi beforethe land-useapplication becomes public,toavoid confusion or unrest. He alsopointed outthatparts of the site lie on wetland,meaning some informal structures will need to be moved andreorganisedbeforeany building canbegin

“Wehavemanaged ourconsultationwith the committeesinPhilippi well andwe would like to continuestickingwith that process,” Philander said.“If you do notfollow what we recommend, it is goingtobe in yourown hands.”

Departmentwarnsofdangersofcarbonmonoxidepoisoning

As temperatures drop across the Western Cape, many families are doing everything theycan to stay warm. Windows areshut againstthe cold, gas heaters and charcoal braziers are lit, and generatorsare used during power outages.

Whilethese measures mayprovidecomfort, theycan also create adeadlyriskinside the home

The Western Cape DepartmentofHealth and Wellness is urging residents to take precautionsagainst carbon monoxide poisoning, known as the “silent killer”because it is impossible to see, smell or taste

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as charcoal, wood, paraffin,petrol, or gasdonot burncompletely. When fuel-burning appliances areusedinenclosed or poorlyventilated spaces, the gascan quickly build up to dangerouslevelswithout anyone realising it.

Resemblescommonillnesses

Carine Marks, director of the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre, said carbon monoxide poisoning is often overlooked because its symptomsresemble common winterillnesses.

“Carbon monoxide poisoningisone ofthe mosteasily missed medical emergencies during winter.

“Early symptoms, including headache, dizziness,nausea, tirednessand confusion, are often mistakenfor flu, fatigue, ora viral illness. By thetime peoplerealise something is wrong, the consequencescan be severe.”

Over thepast year,the NationalPoison Information Helpline recorded25reported casesofcarbonmonoxidepoisoning, in-

cluding eight children under the age of 12.

However,Marks cautioned thatthese figures represent only afraction of the true burden.

“Carbonmonoxidepoisoning is significantlyunder-reported. Many casesare never recognised, are misdiagnosed or never reach poisoninformation centres. We suspect the true numberofpoisonings is muchhigher.”

Warningsigns

Oneimportant warning signiswhen severalpeopleinthe samehousehold develop similar symptoms at the sametime.

“If more than one personexperiences headaches,nausea, dizziness or unusual drowsiness whileindoors, carbon monoxideexposure should be considered immediately.

“Leave the building,get into freshair andseek urgent medicalattention,even if symptoms begin to improve.”

Preventing carbon monoxidepoisoning is simple butrequires vigilance.

Never use charcoal braziers(imbawula/ mbawula), gasheaters,orother open-flame appliances in completelyenclosedrooms. Keepa window or door slightly open to ensure adequate ventilation, even during very cold weather.

Alwaysplace generators outdoors, well away fromwindows, doors, and airvents. Never sleep in aroomwhere charcoal,gas, paraffin,orother fuel-burning appliances are inuse.

Childrenmostvulnerable

Dr Bradley Browne of the Red CrossPoisons Information Centre said young chil-

dren areparticularly vulnerable because they breathe faster than adults,resulting in greater carbon monoxide exposurerelative to their body weight.

In addition, the symptoms of carbon monoxidepoisoning in childrenare often non-specific, making the condition more difficult to recognise.

Pregnant womenshould alsotake particular care,asthe developingfetus is especially vulnerabletothe effects of carbon monoxidepoisoning.

“Everywinter we see childrenrequiring emergency care forpreventable injuries andillnesses linked to unsafe heating

practices. Carbonmonoxide poisoning can progressrapidly and, withouttimely treatment, canhavedevastating consequences It is all of ourresponsibilitytoensurethat we arekeeping warmina safe way.”

Browne encouragedfamiliestomake ventilation partoftheir wintersafety routine.

“A small gapinawindowmay seem insignificant, butitcan save lives.Weencourage everyhousehold to useheaters safely, ensure adequate ventilation, even when it is cold, andrecognise the warning signsofcarbonmonoxide poisoning before it is too late.”

Foreign tourism recordsbroken

Cape Town’s tourism sector has recorded alandmark year,witha new reportrevealing record visitor numbers, revenue and job creationacross the city

Cape Town Tourism’s 2025 Economic Value of Tourism report shows the sector generated approximately R24,5billion in direct tourismspend last year, with R19 billion of that comingfrom international visitors.

Tourism accounted for 6,3% of the city’s total grossvalue added and sustained more than 106 000 jobs. “Tourism isone of the most powerful tools we have for creating jobsand driving economicgrowth in Cape Town,” said Mayco member for economic growth and tourism James Vos. “These results show that ourstrategy is working. By focusing on the right markets andcampaigns that convert interest into bookings, we are seeing stronger growth in international visitor numbers and spending.”

Data from the AirportsCompany of SouthAfrica (ACSA) showedarecord 11,1 million two-way passengers travelled through CapeTown International Airport last year, with approximately 3,3 million being international passengers, a7%year-on-year increase.

Foreign overnight visitors reached 1,44 million, staying an average of 9,5 nights and spending around R1 390 per day. Top source markets included the United Kingdom (UK), which alone accounted for over

210000 visitors, followed by the United StatesofAmerica(USA), Germany, the Netherlands, France andAustralia.

Vossaidthe City’s new Tourism Framework 2030 aims to increase visitorspending toR34 billion anddouble tourismjobs to over200 000 by theend of the decade

“Cape Town doesnot stand still. We invest, innovate and compete. My ambition is tosee tourism create opportunitiesin every community andsupport more jobs across our city.”

However,the report highlighted asharp contrast in domestic tourism performance

Local tourism spend fell approximately 32% fromR8billion in 2024 to R5,5 billion lastyear, despite domestic overnightvisitor numbers remaining closetointernationalfigures at around 1,42 million. The average stay for domestic visitors dropped from 5,2nights to 4,4 nights, with daily spend decliningtoR882.

To counter thedecline in domestic spend, Cape Town Tourism haslaunched three initiatives, according to Cape Town TourismCEO Enver Duminy.

Adomestic campaign encouraginglocal travelunder thetagline“Youdon’t need aholiday, you need My Cape Town”; a regional partnership with Zimbabwe and Namibia that has already grown arrivalsby 17%; and the “One Small World” international brandtargeting high-value long-haul travellers.”

“We do not wait for conditions to change, we go out andcreate them,” he concluded.

OperationsreturntonormalatHomeAffairsasrepatriationends

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Foreign nationals seeking assistance have beenurged to contact theirembassies or consulates after the Department of Home Affairs ended itstemporary voluntary repatriation programmeand reopenedthe Epping Refugee Reception Officeto the public.

At the heightofthe operation, over 2 000 Zimbabweans relocated fromoutside the Zimbabwean Consulate in DistrictSix andwere housedatthe Epping facility, as authorities processedvoluntary repatriation requests ahead of anti-immigration protests on Tuesday 30 June.

The officereopened for its regular Home Affairsservices on Monday 6July after

over 3200 Zimbabwean and Malawian nationalswere processed and transferred to the Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo.

The department said in apress statement approximately1800 Zimbabweans, including women andchildren,arrived at the Epping Refugee Reception Office on Sunday21 June.

Theywere later joined by Malawians whoalsorequested voluntary repatriation.

“Following coordinated effortsbythe Department of Home Affairs, the City of Cape Town,civilsociety and faith-based organisations to facilitate the transfer of those requesting voluntary repatriation, the temporary operation at the Epping

Foreshorefreewaybridge

Cape Town’s famously incomplete Foreshore Freeway Bridge, popularly known as the “bridge to nowhere”, could finally move closer to completion after construction was abandoned 50 years ago, according to CapeTown Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

In an interview on Kfmradio station on Wednesday 1July, he said theCity of Cape Town was preparing to unveilits first proposed designs for completing the unfinished structure in September, marking what could become asignificant milestone in one of the city’s longest-running infrastructuresagas.

The Foreshore Freeway Bridge, or “Cape Town’s Unfinished Bridge”, was begunas an end section of then-named Eastern Boulevard highway, now renamed Nelson Mandela Drive, in the Cape Town CBD, towards Green Point.

That section and its connecting turns were reconstructed down towardsthe docks.

Conceptualised in the 1960s

to alleviate traffic congestion, constructionbeganinthe 1970s andabruptly halted in 1977, andsources aredivided on the reasons.

One wasthatthe roads authority hadrun out ofmoney, another– the GardenApartment website –saysconstruction and engineering teams had made acalculation error, meaning thatthe two sides wouldn’t line up. It says another reasonisa shopkeeper refusing tosellhis shop and construction had to bestopped. The structure consistsofmassive, elevated reinforced concrete rampsthatend abruptly, leaving severalbridgestubs hanging in mid-air.

“We are well onour way to completing the famous incomplete highways in Cape Town,” Hill-Lewis announced.

“In September we will release our first designs,soit still hasalongway to go when it comes toconstruction. We still have tofund this very expensive operation.”

Refugee Reception Office concluded,” read the statement.

Thedepartment urgedforeignnationals requiring assistance to engagedirectly with their respectiveembassiesorconsulates and to utilisenormal immigration processes administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

Premier AlanWinde expressed hisgratitude to everyoneinvolved in the operation, saying their efforts helpedprevent unrest in the province.

“We are deeplygrateful to everyindividualand organisation that played arole in ensuring asafe, dignified andorderlyprocess. Ialso want to thankour mediators who worked hard to defuse tensions.

“You playedanimportantpartinensur-

ingunrestdid noterupt in ourprovince.

“I am alsodeeply grateful for theengagements ourInternational Relations Directorate initiated with affected foreign missions,” he said Ali Sablay, Gift of theGivers spokesperson, said the organisationprovideddaily hotmeals,bottled water, toiletries,baby care packs andother items the foreigners required.

“Weconstructedshelters for the inclementweather, especially for the women and childrenand teams assisted until the last people were putonthe busand takento Musina Repatriation Centre.

“The organisationalsoprovided them with snackpacks…we neverleftuntil the last person was on the bus.”

Charitywalkfeedsneedylearners

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

For some children, the first meal they eat after the weekendisthe breakfast waitingfor them at school on Monday morning.

As preparations get under way forthis year’s Blisters for Bread charity walk, schools benefiting from the Peninsula School Feeding Association’s feeding programme say the initiative is improving attendance, academic performance and the lives of vulnerable children Blisters for Bread in associationwith Lucky Star will take placeonSunday16 August at the Green Point Common Sports Grounds.

The annual event, organised by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), raises funds and awareness to combat childhood hunger in theWestern Cape Samantha Williams, secretary and feeding co-ordinatoratHJKronebergPrimary School in Maitland, says theschoolhas been abeneficiary for about 18 years.

“Over the years, we have seen an improvement in academics because the learners are being fed. We also hadaproblem with learnerattendance, especially on Fridays and Mondays.

“But we have found withthe inceptionof

the feeding programme those are now our ‘bigger’days because the children come to school on aFriday because thatistheir last mealand then on aMonday it is their firstmeal since Friday.”

She sayswhile thefeeding programme only caters for needy learners, theydonot exclude those whose families facetemporary financial hardship.

“We have amotto at ourschool that we don’t turnahungry child away.”

Williams says theschool hasabout200 learners on theprogramme but sometimes theyfeed up to 590children. “Many of our learners travel from areas like Makhaza, Khayelitsha, Philippi andJoe Slovo (Milnerton).Theytake the bus or taxi early in the morning so when they arrive at school thereisatleast warm porridge for them.”

Having witnessed the impactofthe feeding programme firsthand, Williams encourages thecommunity to take part in the annual fundraiser.

“I share every Blisters for Bread poster, andIencourage my family to enter.We promote theevent in ournewsletters. We want people to come along andsupport the event because thefeeding programme makesahugedifference for ourkids.”

Williamschallengedother schools to enter and ensure the event is asuccess.

“We alsoencourage the learners and theirparentstotakepart.Wecall on the community to support Blistersfor Bread, it’s afun event andthe benefit is the satisfaction of knowingyou have done something worthwhile.”

Participants can choosebetween a10km walk starting at 07:30 anda5km walk

starting at 08:00.

Entrycosts R125 per person, which can provide 23 children with anutritious breakfast and lunch for one day.

Entries are limited to 10 000 participants, and registrations close at midnight on Sunday 2August.

Only online entries will be accepted.

Women’shumanityfestlauncheswithaprocessionatArtscape

Artscape Theatre lit up for the launchof the 20th edition of the Women’sHumanity Festival on Wednesday 8Julyasguests gathered at the Chandelier Foyer,marking 70 years since the historic1956 Women’s March and celebrating Artscape’s own55th anniversary.

The evening opened with avibrant arrival procession by WomenUnite, ledby Thandi Swaartbooi, followedbyamoving welcome performance, whileIngrid Jones, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief ofMikateko Media, reminded theaudiencethat change is not created by one heroicindividual but by communitiesthat refuse to stopcaring, that act togetherand keepwalking together.

NancyRichards andthe womenofWoman Zoneunveiled their beautiful Everywoman textileartwork, apoignant tribute to 55 yearsofArtscape’sstory.

Guests were treated to excerpts from two brand-new Artscape productions premieringthisFestival season– KomFietna Saam and BottelnekBreek Bek

Under this years theme, “Women in Action| VroueinAksie |AbafaziKwintshukumo,”the Festival callsoneveryoneto move beyondremembrance into meaningfulaction on gender-based violence (GBV), disability inclusion,LGBTQIA+ rights and women’sleadership

The Festival willcontinuethroughout August featuring arangeofactivities in-

excerptofKom FietnaSaam,one

cluding dance, music, exhibitions, public dialogue,workshops andcommunity activism under the theme “A Place For All”. Artscape CEOMarlene le Roux welcomed singer, songwriter andproducer Jimmy Neviswho announced the performance of his anthem “Prey”, arallying cryagainst South Africa’s GBV crisis, following the annual Women’sHumanityWalkfromthe Cape Town Civic Centre to Artscape on Women’sDay,9August.

Le Roux said the Festival is about transforming remembrance intoresponsibility.

“Gender-based violence continues to devastate our communities andpersons with disabilities remainmarginalised. The LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing

threats andwomen’s leadership is still the exception ratherthanthe norm.These are notabstract concerns butare the daily realities of people we knowand people who deserve better.“The arts give us the language to tellthese stories honestly, to hold up amirrortoour society andtosparkthe conversationsthatleadtoreal change

“Thisiswhy Artscape,asa home for the arts,carries aresponsibilitythatgoesbeyondentertainment; we useour stagesand ourplatforms to confrontthese realities andtoamplifythe voicesofthose whoare so oftensilenced.”

For more information checkwww.artscape.co.za andtickets canbepurchased via Webtickets

the festival. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED