City Vision E-edition 20 November 2025

Sewageisstillflowing

UNATHI OBOSE

unathi.obose@novusmedia co.za

Learners and teachers at ACJ Phakade Primary School and the surrounding community are facing a health hazard, blocked drainage with a continuous unbearable stench!

A section of Mxolisi Street, outside the school premises, is filled with stagnant water, making it extremely difficult for learners and teachers to access the school and

for some residents to enter their homes.

According to residents, the problem has been ongoing for nearly three years. When City Vision visited the area at least two drains were blocked and a section of the street was covered with raw sewage. Residents lined-up against the school fence to cross the road, avoiding contact with the sewage.

Michael Sikuni, the School Governing Body (SGB) chair, described the street as a mess. He said the situation had been this way for over three years. “This is uncalled for. The City needs to do something about the dirt. Our children’s lives are in danger.

We have children as young as six years old, in Grade R, who must jump over human waste daily To show the sewage has been here for a while here, the street has grass.”

Sikuni said it is suspected the establishment of the Robben Island informal settlement in the pond has contributed immensely to the blockage. “Robben Island was built in the pond. When it is raining the water gets stuck on the road because people have blocked the pond and have even put sand down to block or redirect the flow of the water. Sometimes the drain bursts here in the street and the sewage

also gets stuck here

The City is aware of the situation in the street but we don’t know what its plans are.”

He added that the City had relocated some of the shacks last year and that it would re-open the pond, yet so far nothing had happened

Sikuni said early last year two learners of the school were electrocuted while trying to cross the sewage-strewn effluents

“Robben Island doesn’t have electricity because it is in the pond. So residents there are using illegal electricity connections

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To hell with Black Friday

Thumela uluvo lwakho Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuphela ezakuthi ipapashwe.Izinto ezithethwa apha ziphelela kweli gumbi

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Thulani.Magazi@novusmedia.co za WhatsApp on 083 721 7648.

BTHULANI MAGAZI Igumbi lomhleli /Editor’s Corner

lack Friday is probably something that is on everyone’s mind or lips at this stage.

In fact, most retailers are already running campaigns, creating an expectation and excitement among consumers. And most South Africans are licking their lips at the prospect of some of these bargains, which are extremely beneficial if the goods are bought in cash and disastrous when bought on credit.

Credit purchases are usually easy and

convenient, yet a burden when conducted recklessly and can be a credit cog for consumers.

According to Debt Busters’ third-quarter debt index, many South Africans are already struggling with debt and are under severe financial strain despite some positive economic news.

Benay Sager, Executive head of DebtBusters, said successive interest-rate and petrol-price reductions have helped consumers deal better with debt, however, finances are still seriously strained. He further explained that over the past nine years income growth had not kept up with significant cost increases, and consumers were using short-term unsecured credit and personal loans to make up the shortfall. “Of those who apply for debt counselling 95% have a personal loan and 57% have a payday loan.

“A further 22% use overdraft facilities regularly. Vehicle debt also seems to be increasing and is now making up a substantial portion of the incoming client cohort debt.”

These are worrying figures as we approach the busiest time of the year.

As you go through this column the writer is between a rock and a hard place.

Last December I took a long trip to the Eastern Cape and parted with more than

R7 000 in fuel spend alone With fuel prices currently sitting at about R20 a litre I will need another R7 000 to go home and return to Cape Town, all this in a space of about 12 days This is the amount that covers a lot of expenses in my household monthly. In preparation for the trip the car must be serviced, and that will probably cost about R6 000.

Earlier this week I had a tyre puncture and was informed that my wheels were too old and needed to be changed To replace these tyres I need R12 800.

As a father of six I will need to buy groceries in the Eastern Cape.

These expenses are beyond my means and I simply do not have all this money. When schools open in January it will be my obligation to buy new school uniforms and stationery for my kids

This is a scenario faced by many families; realities we have to face and deal with daily.

So the Black Friday marketing gimmick is the last thing on my agenda. I am thinking about it and, like everyone else, I will go out to check the bargains However, I cannot and will not spend money I do not have in the name of bargains I have more important things to worry about and these are considerations we should all make in our quest to grab the bargains

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

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Nyanga tackles its water issues

UNATHIOBOSE

Ongoing water squabbles with the City of Cape Town could soon be a thing of the past for thousands of Nyanga residents after the establishment of the Nyanga Water Action Committee (NWAC).

The structure was launched on Friday 14 November at the Nyanga Arts Development Centre and it works with African Water Commons Collective (AWCC), a collective of water campaigners mobilising against water privatisation and cut-offs, and supporting self-organising for water access and water justice in and beyond South African activism structures. AWCC mostly work in the so-called disadvantaged communities.

NWAC is designed to educate people about the importance of water in life and its preservation.

Dumisani Makhanya, NWAC chair, described the committee and the gathering as part of their efforts to equip residents and to raise water awareness campaign in the community.

With many households grappling to keep up with the rising water costs and leaks in the infrastructure, Makhanya said they saw a need to establish the water action committee to represent the community.

“Our aim is to have a formal structure where people will report their complaints pertaining to water. Currently, we have people who can’t afford to pay their water bills because they are unemployed and those people need assistance. Other people are on the verge of having their water cut off by the City because they don’t pay. Also, there is an issue where the City deducts water bills from the prepaid electricity purchases, we also need to look at that,” said Makhanya.

He highlighted the significance of their partnership with AWCC.

“As the community, we need to take responsibility as well We are intending to have community sessions with people from different areas within Nyanga where we want to tell them to stop wasting water. They must report or close any water leakages from their water pipes,” he stated.

Faeza Meyer, speaking on behalf of AWCC, said their role is to assist the communities to establish their water action

committees. She stated that they also train the committee members to deal with social issues.

“We have representatives of water action committees from various areas who are here today to support the launch of Nyanga WAC

“Some of them are coming from Makhaza, Hillview, Elsies etc. Water is life. Without water we can die You can live on the street, but you can’t survive without wa-

ter,” said Meyer Resident Mlandeli Mbiko described the event as informative. He stated that their voices will be easy to hear.

“Almost everyone here is complaining about water or electricity. But, the problem is that we are not united and no one is listening to our voice Now, we will report to this committee, and they will refer our complaints to the relevant stakeholders,” said Mbiko

CPF worried about taxi violence

UNATHIOBOSE

Following a shooting incident on Wednesday 12 November, in which two women died and eight people were wounded, the Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) has expressed doubts over whether taxi-related violence will ever end without government intervention, urging the deployment of more law-enforcement officers on the ground.

The shooting occurred when Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) members were attacked at Nyanga Taxi Rank. It isbelieved they were on their way to a meeting at Airport Industria.

Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said the community was devastated by the incident, describing it as a tragedy. He said unknown men got out of a bakkie and opened fire on a chartered Virgo bus with Cata members on board.

“This incident has left us with many questions now,” Qwebe said. “We are wondering if this taxi-related violence in the province will ever end. It is important for government officials, when mediating between the taxi associations, to involve community members because we are the ones affected by it.”

He said the CPF will continue its efforts to mobilise other stakeholders to come on board to find a solution to these deadly

conflicts within the taxi industry. This is especially so because the taxi industry has a positive impact on the economy, Qwebe said.

“The government must come up with a permanent solution to this (taxi) industry because it has a big role on local economy. There are many other businesses that are indirectly affected by these taxi-related wars. Think of the informal traders, carwash businesses, restaurants at taxi ranks and so on are affected.”

Qwebe urged taxi bosses to sit down and resolve their differences.

Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, saying Nyanga officers had registered two counts of murder and eight attempted murders for investigation.

“According to reports, several unidentified suspects randomly shot at a taxi injuring several people,” he said. “Nyanga officers were dispatched to the shooting incident immediately.

“There are currently 10 people shot, of whom two females were declared dead on the scene from wounds sustained. Seven other females and one male were treated for gunshot wounds by the emergency services and taken to nearby medical facilities."

Van Wyk added that the motive for the shooting was still under investigation.

Residentsunitetocreatea cleanerneighbourhood

UNATHIOBOSE

Concerned Ward 86 residents rolled up their sleeves and cleaned the corner of Michael and Onvernwacht streets on Saturday 15 November.

The campaign was organised by the office of ward councillor Xolani Diniso partly to educate people about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

Diniso said the clean-up was one of many to come.

He said it is time for residents to stand up and unite against all the wrongdoings in the area.

“We have this problem of illegal dumping in our ward. A group of residents approached me and proposed cleaning up the corners of Michael and Overnwacht streets. This is one of the dirtiest areas in my ward.

“We mobilised more people and some community stakeholders to join us,” said Diniso, adding that there were over 100 volunteers who joined the initiative

He cited they will go around the ward and clean all the dumping sites

Diniso described illegal dumping and

crime as some of the major challenges in his ward

He urged the community to take care of their neighbourhood

Resident Noludwe August described the cleaning campaign as a great initiative.

She said the aim is to reclaim their streets.

“We felt we could not fold our arms while we see our area becoming a dumping site.

We are appealing to the community to stop discarding rubbish on public spaces. We need to change and take the ownership of our areas,” said August.

She urged the City to impose a harsh punishment against those found guilty of discarding rubbish in public.

Covidresidentstoberelocated

UNATHIOBOSE

A first batch of 200 residents from Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni is expected to be relocated to new structures within the area this month. The City had identified at least 2 000 people residing along the lake in the area for relocation to safe structures

Ward 114 councillor Ernest Madikane said the project will be rolled out in three phases.

“We are still in the first phase The construction of the structures started in September. We are expecting the first 200 of 400 temporary structures in Phase 1 to be completed soon and the beneficiaries will move in immediately.

“My wish is to move the first 200 beneficiaries before the December holidays.”

He added the other 200 structures would be built next year. He said the second phase would comprise 1 000 temporary structures and the third 600.

“I’m worried if we can leave these structures empty and go on our December holidays the criminals will vandalise them. We want all the completed structures to be handed over to their owners immediately I see no reason for not doing that.”

Explaining the project, Madikane said only people who had built their shacks along the river in Covid would benefit from the project, for their shacks were affected the most during the rainy season Earlier this month, about 100 Covid residents

FROMPAGE1

“It was after school, and the learners were on their way home when some of them, in trying to jump over the dirty water, touched one of the shacks that had electric wires against it and they died on the spot, right there and then.”

Carl Pophaim, Mayco member for human settlements, said the City’s Informal Settlement Management (ISM) Department was aware of the challenges affecting residents in parts of Nomzamo.

He said the core issue is that two structures were erected on top of the sewer line, preventing City teams from accessing the infrastructure to carry out essential work and repairs

“This has resulted in significant difficulties for many residents of the area The priority now is to relocate the structures obstructing the repair work.

“The City’s ISM Department is currently identifying a suitable relocation area so that the necessary interventions can

marched through the city centre to protest ongoing lack of services in the area, which sprang up in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height.

One beneficiary Siphelele Novoyi said he couldn’t wait to be relocated to a new structure

He said since moving to Covid he could never rest, especially during the rainy season.

“Some of us didn’t come here because we wanted to; we were forced by circumstances. In May 2020, I lost my job at a restaurant in Wynberg during Covid-19.

“I had to move out from where I was renting in Site B (Khayelitsha) because I had no money When I came here it was the only space (along the river) that was available.”

begin.”

Mayco member for water and sanitation

Zahid Badroodien said illegal dumping of foreign objects had been identified as the primary cause of recurring blockages in the vicinity of the school.

He cited the encroachment of informal structures over sewer services and illegal disposal of building rubble into municipal manholes.

“Informal settlements have been constructed directly over the sewer infrastructure, severely limiting access for maintenance and emergency interventions. Based on trends observed across similar encroachments citywide, it’s likely that foreign objects are being disposed of into the sewer network by occupants of these structures, resulting in frequent upstream obstructions

“Operational teams have confirmed that substantial quantities of building rubble are dumped into the sewer manhole adjacent to ACJ Phakade School.”

‘Mabathobe amaxhala abazali...’

UNATHIOBOSE

Nguphantsi phezulu amalungu emibutho ejongene nolwaluko kweli le Ntshona Kapa amaxhaphetshu ayaququzela afaka amakhwenkwe nangena kwezi holide zehlobo.

Sele eliqela amakhwenkwe asele engenile susela oko urhulumente evulile ukuqala ngoMgqibelo umhla wokuqala kweyeNkanga, nalapho kulindeleke ukuba kuvalwe ngoMgqibelo umhla wama 31 kweyoMqungu kunyaka ozayo.

Usihlalo wombutho i-Embo kwaLanga uMandla Mlambo uthe babile bamanzi bafaka amakhwenkwe Uqhube wathi angaphaya kwama 70 amakhwenkwe asele engenile kwihlathi lakwaLanga.

“Yonke into isahamba ngendlela asikabinangxaki. Kwaye silindele uthotho lwamakhwenkwe azakungena ukusukela kuleveki sikuyo ukuya phambili ngoba uninzi lwawo ayagqiba ukubhala. Kwaye nentsebenziswano phakathi kwethu nabazali isentle kakhulu,” uthethe watsho Mlambo.

Woleke ngelithi kulindeleke ukuba bafake amakhwenke angapha kwama 300, watsho ebongoza ootata babantwana kwakunye namadoda okuhlala ngokubanzi ukuba bathi gqolo ukuhambela oonyana babo ehlathini.

Ukwabongoze amadoda amele amakhaya athile, nalapho kungekho madoda, ukuba awahoye amakhwenkwe kwaye anyaniseke. “Sinengxaki yabanye babatata bathi bamele iintsapho ezithile nezo ezingenabo abantu abangootata okanye amadoda ngokungazimiseli okanye anyaniseke xa enika ingxelo kwiintsapho azimeleyo Siye sifumanise ngamanye amaxesha ukuba akathethi lento bekufanele ukuba ayayithetha bona bafika bathethe eyabo,” utshilo uMlambo.

U-Sikelela Zokufa, ongumseki weSomagwaza Institute eGugulethu, uthe sele behlabele mgama bengumbutho, watsho esithi umkhulu umsebenzi abajongene nawo Uqhube wathi sele engaphaya kwekhulu amakhwenkwe afakwe nguSomagwaza kwiindawo ezahlukeneyo “Kweziholide zehlobo silindele ukufaka amakhwenkwe angaphezulu kwama 300 asele ebhalisile apha kuthi. Ukanti bakhona nabo bathi babhalise ngemizuzu yokugqibela. Kodwa okwangoku yonke into isahamba ngendlela asikabinangxaki nabazali basasebenzisana kakuhle nathi,” uthethe watsho uZokufa Ephawula ngezokhuseleko kwihlathi iJoe Gqabi uthe umgangatho uxhome kakhulu

Woleke ngelithi basebenzisana namapolisa ase Philippi-East. “Ihlathi lase Joe Gqabi libiyelwe kwaye kukho oonogada xa ungena esangweni. Awungeni nje nakanjani phaya. Ukanti sikwasebenzisana namapolisa asePhilippi nalapho siye sawacela ukuba ahlala-hlale ajikile phaya ngasehlathini ukuzama ukugcina ucwangco,” utshilo uZokufa Ethetha ngephulo abaliqhubayo minyaka le nalapho bolusa oxholovane nenkoliso yabo iphuma kumakhaya angathathi ntweni, uZokufa uthe ngama 46 amakhwenkwe abawafakileyo kulo nyaka nangene ngoMgqibelo umhla wesibhozo kule imiyo nekulindeleke aphume ngoMvulo umhla

we-15 kweyoMnga

“Inkwenkwe encinci kula makhwenkwe ineminyaka engama 23, ukanti endala kuwo inama 48, asuka kwiingigqi ezahlukeneyo kweli le Ntshona Kapa Sicela amalizo singumbutho kumntu wonke okwaziyo abinze ngalonto anayo Ingayimpahla, ukutya noba yintoni,” uthethe watsho

Wongeze ngelithi injongo yabo kukwakha amadoda nokugcina isidima sobudoda siluqilima. Ugxininisile ukuba utywala bomlungu nabantu abanxilileyo abavumelekanga ehlathini Uye wavalelisa ngelithi abazali mabangaxhalabi ngoba yonke into isahamba ngendlela

New catalyst for change festival

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The energy was palpable at Newlands Cricket Ground on Thursday 13 November as hundreds of women from across South Africa converged for the Women in Festival 2025, transforming the venue into both a celebration of empowerment and a launching pad for coordinated action against gender-based violence (GBV).

Under the theme “Limitless: No labels, no limits, no apologies”, the festival delivered on its promise to move beyond inspirational rhetoric towards actionable change, with the Women for Change initiative taking centre stage as the organisers announced plans for a shutdown and coordinated social media campaign on Friday 21 November.

WomenforChange:Fromfestivaltoaction

The festival’s partnership with Women for Change represents more than symbolic support; it’s driving concrete action against what organisers term “gender-based violation”.

As part of the initiative launched at Thursday’s gathering participants are being mobilised for an upcoming shutdown designed to draw national attention to the crisis of violence against women.

The campaign includes a coordinated social media push encouraging supporters to change their profile pictures to purple, the internationally recognised colour for anti-violence activism, as a visible show of solidarity and demand for change.

Acentraltheme:Leadingwithoutpermission

Leigh-Anne Williams, who served as MC for the festival, set the tone early by defining what authentic leadership means in the current context of fighting for women’s safety and rights.

“Leading without permission for me, first and foremost begins with authenticity,” Williams told the gathering. “When you are showing up as your most authentic self, you believe in who you are.

“When you settle in the growth and the journey that you have walked as an individual you are able to step up to the table and say, I deserve to be here.

“I have put in the work. I have put in the time. I have made my mark, and I can now lead without needing permission because I am who I say I am.”

This message of self-authorisation resonated powerfully in the context of the Women for Change campaign, where traditional approaches to addressing GBVare being challenged through direct action.

Industryleaderschampionchange

Raksha Naidoo, chair of Women in Mining South Africa and Chief excutive officer (CEO) of the Particle Group, brought her own perspective on transformative leadership that extends beyond boardrooms to social activism.

“For me, leading without permission

means actually making a change. The day we stop actually trying to ask permission to do something and actually start doing is the day we start turning our industries around and transforming for its true meaning of what the word actually represents.”

Her words carried particular weight given the mining industry’s role in South Africa’s economy and the potential impact of industry leaders supporting initiatives like the planned shutdown.

Thepurplecampaign:Digitalactvismmeets realaction

The festival’s digital component represents a sophisticated approach to modern activism The purple-profile picture campaign, launched at Thursday’s gathering, aims to create visible solidarity across social media platforms while building momentum for the physical shutdown.

Organisers are encouraging participants to maintain their purple profile pictures as a sustained show of support for the Women for Change initiative, creating an ongoing digital reminder of the movement’s presence and goals.

Embracinglimitlesspossibilitiesinactivism

Naidoo’s interpretation of the festival’s “limitless” theme connected directly to the potential for transformative social change.

“To be limitless is to have endless dreams. There are endless options, endless possibilities, and it means that I can do whatever I want to do, and I will achieve whatever I set my mind to.” This was a sentiment organisers hoped would translate into unprecedented participation in the upcoming shutdown.

Cross-industrycoalitionbuilding

The festival’s success in attracting diverse industry participation strengthened the Women for Change initiative’s potential impact. Nolu Mnini, chair of Women in Tourism Western Cape, exemplified how the campaign is building cross-sector sup-

port.

“I’m also representing Women in Tourism as the chair of Women in Tourism Western Cape,” Mnini explained, highlighting how industry organisations are leveraging their networks to amplify the campaign’s reach.

The tourism industry’s participation is particularly significant given its economic importance and visibility in the Western Cape region.

Fromwellnesstoresistance

The festival’s holistic approach, including wellness spaces and stress relief programmes, serves a dual purpose, supporting women’s immediate well-being while preparing them for sustained activism.

“We’re treating the ladies to anticipate and control in the garden because we understand the pressure that people actually go through,” Mnini noted, recognising that effective activism requires both emotional and physical support systems

Buildingmomentumfortheshutdown

Deborah Brinkworth, a festival participant who came “to meet those bold, brilliant, and brave people”, represented grassroots energy organisers hoped would drive participation in the planned shutdown.

The festival served as both recruitment and preparation for the coordinated action, with organisers using the gathering to brief participants on shutdown logistics and goals.

Digitalsolidarity,physicalaction

The combination of the purple profile picture campaign and planned shutdown represents a multi-faceted approach to activism that acknowledges both the power of digital organising and the necessity of physical demonstration.

Participants leaving Thursday’s festival carried clear instructions for both digital and physical participation, creating a coor-

dinated campaign that bridges online and offline activism.

Beyond13November:Sustainedresistance

The Women for Change initiative extends far beyond Thursday’s gathering.

The planned shutdown this coming Friday and the ongoing purple campaign represents sustained pressure tactics designed to maintain momentum beyond the festival’s conclusion.

Organisers are positioning the initiative as a long-term commitment rather than a moment of protest, with the festival serving as a catalyst for ongoing resistance to gender-based violence

As the purple profile pictures begin appearing across social media and participants prepare for the shutdown, Thursday’s festival has proven its value as more than an empowerment event, it’s become a mobilisation platform for coordinated social action.

The Women in Festival 2025’s legacy may ultimately be measured not in attendance numbers or speaker quality, but in its success at transforming individual empowerment into collective resistance against the systemic violence that continues to threaten women across South Africa.

DrakensteinareacommisionertransferredtoPollsmoor

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has entered a new era of leadership with the appointment of Ntomboxolo Kungune, as the Area Commissioner for the Pollsmoor Management Area.

National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale formally introduced Kungune and presided over her insignia pinning ceremony on Tuesday 4 November

The event, held at Pollsmoor, was attended by Regional Commissioner Advocate Chantelle Williams-Paulse, regional heads, and members of the Pollsmoor management team

This appointment fills a long-standing vacancy and to bring renewed stability, focus, and direction to the management area

According to DCS, the appointment also underscores the Department’s ongoing commitment to promoting capable women leaders within its ranks

“Kungune brings over 30 years of experience and a proven record of excellence

in correctional leadership She previously served as Area Commissioner for Drakenstein Management Area since 2021 and, before that, as Area Commissioner for Allandale from 2014,” reads a DCS statement

“Her journey with the Department began in 1995 as a professional nurse in Mthatha Since then, she has held several key positions, including Manager: Health Care at Drakenstein, Area Coordinator: Human Resources, and Director at Pollsmoor Management Area, roles that have shaped her into a seasoned and well-rounded leader

“Kungune’s operational acumen is complemented by an impressive academic background, which includes a BCur degree from the University of Fort Hare, a Diploma in Human Resources, and an honours degree in Public Administration from the University of Stellenbosch

“Her appointment marks a milestone in a career defined by dedication, service, and the pursuit of excellence,” according to DCS

ChristelHousehonoursachievers

KEANANHARMSE

Christel House South Africa (CHSA) held a special assembly honouring their top learners featuring inspirational success stories from their alumni at their school hall on Wednesday 12 November.

The school celebrated its milestone achievements for the year while looking forward to the future and highlighting plans to expand the reach of their school and incorporate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a constructive tool for their learners

Christel House South Africa is a no-fee, non-profit school based in Ottery and supports learners from disadvantaged communities, starting from Grade RR until age 18 and five years post matric Chief academic officer at the school Dr

Ronald Fortune had the honours of highlighting and handing out the awards to the learners and staff who excelled during the year

Teacher and coach Roscoe Hendricks won the teacher award; he coached a team of junior school teachers

“He led through his leadership and outstanding commitment to coaching of our junior school athletics team; he coached them to first place,” said junior school

principal Carol Kriel

The winner of the Christel award was Katlego Dunjana for setting examples in kindness, commitment and leadership

Darren van Wyk was crowned the winner of the Lord Anthony Singen award

“This award honours a young athlete who embodies resilience, patience and a steadfast commitment to go all the way and complete the race, one hour, 49

minutes for 21 km,” said principal Nasar Harris

On the day learners also entertained with thrilling choir performances and a Hip Hop act

“Our slogan, ‘From Classrooms to Life’, was beautifully woven throughout the event, capturing exactly what Christel House stands for Every lesson, every performance, every story shared reflected our goal to prepare (learners) not just for exams, but for life, confident, capable, and ready to make a difference

“We’re filled with gratitude for our donors, sponsors, and supporters To our staff for your passion and dedication, our learners for shining so brightly, and our service providers and partners for your support, thank you for helping us create a truly extraordinary day,” school’s Instagram page

KEANANHARMSE

The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) urges the public to be cautious and avoid petting seals.

This follows an incident in Kalk Bay when a child was reportedly bitten by one On Saturday afternoon 1 November, at 15:40, the City said it was alerted to a seal reportedly acting aggressively on Kalk Bay Beach

A video of the incident went viral on Facebook with many speculating and commenting on it However, the City of Cape Town could not confirm the attack but cautioned against rabies in some of the seals

Rabies transmission, which is now considered endemic to the Cape, occurs through direct contact, including licking, scratching, nipping and biting, with infections proving fatal once clinical signs appear

The City said it conducted regular surveillance at seal colonies and responded to all reports about seals behaving abnormally with its partners

“Members of the public are reminded to respect marine and coastal wildlife,” Andrews said “Animals, including seals, should be observed from a safe distance, not disturbed or harassed, and dogs should be kept away These precautions apply to all wildlife and are essential for the safety of both people and animals

“If someone is bitten by a seal, they should see a doctor immedi-

ately and let them know it was a seal bite Rabies can take a long time to show symptoms, and there are no early warning signs

“Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal

That’s why getting prompt medical care and receiving rabies treatment right away is so important ” Cape Town authorities have also issued an urgent warning to holiday visitors about rabies in local seal populations, which has become endemic since first being detected in Cape Fur Seals last year

“Rabies was first detected in our Cape Fur Seal populations in 2024 and is now considered endemic in our colonies,” said SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abrahams “As the holiday season approaches we are concerned for the many travellers to Cape Town’s shores Given that rabies infections are fatal once clinical signs start showing, and there is no treatment, a precautionary approach is being taken ”

Behaviours exhibited by potentially rabid seals include highly aggressive behaviour towards other seals, inanimate objects, boats or people, unprovoked aggressive behaviour such as charging at or rushing at people and snapping at imaginary objects, head bashing, twitching, and uncontrollable shaking Report

Budget to ‘strengthen stability’

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on Wednesday 12 November, confirming that government debt will stabilise at 77,9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025-’26.

These details were crucial in laying out the plans for the Medium-Term Budget for 2025 – South Africa’s first such milestone since the 2008 financial crisis

Godongwana said the fiscal turnaround follows stronger tax collection, improved efficiency worth R6,7 billion, and better-than-expected economic growth

“This is the first time since 2008 that public debt will not grow as a percentage of GDP,” said Godongwana “We have achieved this without resorting to harsh austerity ”

Monetarypolicyoverhaul

The finance minister announced a major policy shift, setting a new 3% inflation target with a 1% tolerance band, replacing the previous 3% to 6% range This policy aligns with the strategic plans laid out in the Medium-Term Budget 2025 “South Africa will move towards international best practice,” he explained

The new target will be implemented gradually over two years in partnership with the South African Reserve Bank

The tighter band aims to strengthen price stability and help consumers and businesses plan long-term investments with greater confidence

Infrastructure-ledgrowthstrategy

Godongwana outlined a R1 trillion infrastructure investment programme

over three years Capital expenditure will grow by 7,5% annually, making it the fastest-growing budget item This is a significant part of the Medium-Term Budget

“We are leveraging public resources to attract private finance and expertise to drive growth,” he said

A new R15 billion infrastructure bond will support projects in energy, logistics and water, key sectors that underpin economic recovery

Keynumbersataglance

.Indicator Value 77,9% of GDP (2025-’26)

.Inflation target 3% ± 1% (from 3%–6%)

.Growth forecast 1,2% (2025), 1,8% avg (2026–2028)

.Infrastructure investment R1 trillion (3 years)

.Primary surplus R68,5 billion (2025)R224 billion (2028/29)

Godongwana said government continues to tackle energy and logistics bottlenecks

About 2 220 MW of renewable energy projects are underway, and private participation in ports and freight rail could unlock R200 billion in new investment

A national water resource infrastructure agency will begin operations by April next year, following amendments to the Water Services Act – reforms all part of the broader Medium-Term Budget 2025 strategy

Fiscalefficiencyandsavings

National Treasury plans to save R6,7 billion by scrapping underperforming programmes and introducing an early-retirement scheme worth R3,5 billion in annual savings

Authorities will also intensify enforcement against illicit trade, which has cost about R40 billion in excise revenue since

2020 These measures are aligned with the goals set out for Medium-Term Budget 2025

Budgetbalanceandallocations

The overall deficit will narrow from 4,5% of GDP in 2025-’26 to 2,7% by 2028-’29

Debt-service costs will grow more slowly at 3,8% annually, compared with earlier projections of 7,%

Newallocationsinclude

.R2 billion to rebuild Parliament;

.R1 billion for the 2026 municipal elections; and

.R4,1 billion for disaster relief in

flood-affected provinces

Politicalandmarketresponse

Godongwana said the statement “sends a clear message, South Africa is choosing growth, stability, and reform”

The announcement follows the country’s exit from the FATF grey list and comes ahead of its African G20 presidency, reflecting stronger international confidence in the plans laid out by the Medium-Term Budget 2025

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement will now undergo parliamentary review and public consultation before the February 2026 national budget

HavenNightShelter’sDignityinMotionshowrestoresdignity

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

After five months of training and rehearsal, clients from The Haven Night Shelter led audiences on a two-night emotional and metaphorical journey, using ballroom dance as a powerful storytelling tool in their Dignity in Motion show

Playing at the Star Theatre in District Six on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November, the show helped participants heal, feel empowered, and regain their dignity, using the performing arts to grow and express themselves

Shadrick Valayadum, chief executive officer of the Shelter, said the production was performed with arts director Jaco Maree and choreographed by artist Alvina Menigo “Each scene used ballroom dance as a

storytelling tool, reflecting stages of life and emotions such as loneliness, struggle, connection, and trust ”

The Heaven Night Shelter provides temporary shelter, physical care, social welfare and family re-unification services to adult homeless persons in the province The show was partially funded by the City of Cape Town, the Haven and various other donors “We started with 80 people but at the end only 20 clients from shelters in Retreat, Green Point, District Six and Kalk Bay participated ”

Valayadum said participants expressed themselves through dance genres like the tango, quick step and the waltz “Ballroom teaches composure and trust Homeless people struggle with trust because of the disappointments and rejections that they had to go through in life ”

They got an opportunity to tell their story through ballroom dancing “We are saying to clients you are not invisible There is this idea that all homeless people are on drugs, but there are some decent people on the street ”

Valayadum said one of her clients was once an avid ballroom dancer, but life took an unfortunate turn and she ended up on the street She also suffered five strokes that left her confined to a wheelchair

He said when they approached her for the show she immediately agreed Juan Barnard, based at the Napier shelter always wanted to do the waltz but never got the opportunity

He described the show as a “life-changing experience ”

“It was a humbling experience We didn’t do this for anyone but for ourselves

Seeing the reaction from the audience brough tears to my eyes I have made a lot of friends I’ve learned that through hard work and determination you can achieve anything ”

He also shared that “Those faces that you see on the street are people with potential They just need opportunities ”

Barnard expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped to bring the show to life

Valayadum said watching the clients perform on stage after months of preparation was a heartwarming moment

“I was crying They were giving testimonies through dance, and it was a professional production

“Some of their families came to watch the show as well and it was so emotional to see how they hugged each other after the show ”

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