The fire seasoncontinues to wreakhavoc on theprovince, with another 56 people were left homeless on Monday 19 January after 16 shacks weredestroyed in the BM informal settlement.
Now they were appealing for help.
According to residents, the firestarted after 15:00 and was reportedly triggered by a gas cylinder that had been left open.
“According to the information we received, the fire wasstarted by ayoung girl whowas trying to cook. It wasreported she hadturned the gastankonand left it open when fetching matches from acupboard.
The gashad already spreadwhen she lit amatch.”
He said it wasthe first time such an incident hadoccurred in the area
“Weare appealing to the community to
“I wasatworkand my childrenwereat school when the fire started.I workasa cleaner in the area.I wasa fewmetres away when Isaw the smoke,eventhough it hadn’t yet occurredtomethatitwas coming from the direction of my home. I received aWhatsApp messagefromone of my neighbours telling me my shackwas on fire. Irushed home only to seemyshack engulfed in flames!”
“Several fire crewswereonthe sceneand by 18:00 the blaze was extinguished.Our initial estimate is that14structures and more than50people were displaced. No injuries have been reportedand the causeis yettobedetermined officially.”
Community members andleaderssaid the numberofshacks destroyedand people affectedwereslightly more thanthe official estimates.
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Astaggering 7450 children in the WesternCapealone remainedathomeon the first day of the current academic year dueto“inadequate”space at local schools.
This trend is likelytoprevail or worsen in thecoming years as more people relocate to CapeTownand the ever-increasing population.
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This puts alot of strain on children and their families. We mightnot allhavethe means to put our children at some of the best schoolsinthe land or universities, butnoparent wants achild to stay at home. When children are sent to school a seed ofa better future is planted. In some instances, families who liveinabjectpoverty send their kids to school hoping that
one daythey willliftthemout of their misery. Achild that does notattend school simplyloses hope andhas less prospects of success in the future, which is whyevery parent sends achild to school. Thisgetsworrisomewhengovernment fails to provide this basic right. Education is oneofthe fundamental rights enshrined in our constitution and the government has the obligation to make resources available so that no child stays at home Thecountry’s challenges arefurther compounded by man-made obstacles.Since the advent of democracy,South Africahas seen asurge in the number of migrants from the neighbouring countriessuch as Zimbabwe. They are joined by many foreignersfromother African countrieswho come here forvarious reasons,some legally or illegally so.Most of thesepeople come here with their families andtheyultimately requirethe samegovernmentservices thatwefight so hard to receive. Theseincludeeducation andhealth.Ahandful of them rely on private institutionfor their education andhealth. This means the large majority of our people have to fight or line up with them forthese services.Thisis by no means asuggestion that theydonot deservegovernment services. Theseare allguaranteed in the constitution for all those who liveinthis country. South Africantaxpayers andtheir families should be first in line when it comestogovernment services. Yet, it seems we areall treated the sameway andinsome instances worse thanthese immigrants, particularly when
we talk about education.Weought to pour more into ourpeople’s future for abrighter tomorrow.However, we useour resourcestohelppeople with no interest in this country, buttoachieve greater things for their nations. No South African child should stayathomewhile foreign kids take up places at ourschools.Thismight soundcontroversial, butthe factisvery fewforeignerspay taxesinthiscountry. It is the very same taxesthatkeepour servicesrunning. Howare we goingtokeep the services runningiffew South Africans areworking?
Theadmission policyatour schools needs to be closely scrutinised.Online applicationsfor the 2027 academicyearwill openinMarchand in Januarynextyear more childrenwillbeathomeonceagain Whilethe system hasbeenpraised by its developers, it remainsproblematic My neighbourhoodhas three schools, two primary schools anda high school. My lastbornisdoing Grade7and getting himinto the high school, whichisbehind my house, should be anobrainer.Come June or July Iwillsharemyapplication experience. Whilethisissubjecttodiscussion, more than90% of childrenwho attends this high school arenot in the immediate vicinity. Yet, it was astruggle to geta place for my sonwho is nowin Grade10. Iexpectthe same this year.However,year-in,year-outtheyacceptscores of childrenwho arenot South Africans. In the meantime we arealways told children must apply to schoolsnearest to them
Citysaysnowaterrestrictionsforresidents
DESIRÉERORKE
Cape Town residents canbreathe easy this summer as there willbenowater restrictions during the coming months.
The announcement comes after many people questioned why the City didn’t put waterlimits in placebefore the busy Decemberholidayswhilst there wassevere pressure on water supply.
Maycomember forwater andsanitation, Zahid Badroodiensaidthe decision isn’t actuallymadebyCapeTown’s city council. Instead, the NationalDepartment of Water and Sanitation(DWS) has the power to decide when water restrictions are needed
LastNovember, government experts took acloselookatthe city’s water situation andconcluded that Cape Town has enough watertoget throughthe 2025/2026 hydrological yearwithout any restrictions, says Badroodien.
Thisdecisionwas based on adetailed analysisthat weighed several important factors.
Officialsexaminedhow full the dams are rightnow compared to the sametimelast year,lookedatcurrent rainfall patterns, andcalculated how much water peo-
pletypically use during the hotsummer months when demand peaks.
After crunchingall the numbers,DWS gave Cape Town the green light to continue without restrictions.
Looking ahead to the newyear, no restrictions areplanned forthese months either.
Staywater-wise
However,residents arereminded that permanent water by-law regulationsdoapplyand arecompulsory even when water restrictions have not been implemented
“While there is no immediate reason for concern around Cape Town’s dam levels, everyoneneeds to please managetheir water use over the coming monthstoensure thatwewillnot need to implementwater restrictions in future. Water restrictions arethe last option and donetoconserve water, but the likelihoodofimplementing them canbepreventedifweall usewater wisely,”saysBadroodien.
“The City is monitoring the wateruse anddam levelsvery closely, anddecisions willdependonthis comingwinter’srainfall. Restrictions willonly be considered if there is ahighlikelihood thatthe dam levelswillfallbelow 80% on 1November 2026.
“Weneedtoreiterate thatearly proactive measures arefar more effective than emergency restrictions. Thecity’s daily usagetargetoflessthan975 million litres perday was determined to mitigate the risk associated with below-average or unpredictable rainfallduring2026, whilst alsomaintaining areliable watersupply.”
etheyasubaimiphefumlo yezintsana. Ngaxeshanye ndifuna ukuthi abaphathi bezithuthi ezizikhwela abantwana mabawuyeke la mkhuba woku tshintshatshintsha abaqhubi Lento yokungabikho komqhubi osisigxina ibangela ukuba uphelakwawena mzali ungayithembikwa imoto le ithathaumntanawakho. Andifunikuyicinga ke le yabazali abaphulukene nabantwanababobesiyaesikolweni.Linxeba elingasoze liphole Imbi into yokubhujelwa ngumntu engagulanga akukhathaliseki nokuba ungakananina. Xa egulile wadewamsa nakoogqirha uthi na xa ethewayikhaba ibhekile ukhawuleze uxole ngoba uyeuthiebenento ethile, hayi noko ndizamile.Kwimeko enje ngesisehlo esehleleaba bantwanaandiqondikwa abazali ukuba bayakukhawulezabamxolele umqhubi,ingakumbiloude waphulukana nabantwana ababini
Zahid Badroodien says waterrestrictions will only be considered laterthis year
CDCimpresses SamoraMachel residents
UNATHIOBOSE
Samora Machel residents areoptimistic withthe constructionofa new Community Day Centre(CDC), with many believingthe contractor may finish thework ahead of schedule.
The constructionofthe Weltevreden CDC, which began in 2024, represents a significant development forthe community and surrounding areas,and is meant for completion in September.
Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka told City Vision that the project remains on track. “We arehappy with theprogress for now.Everything is going smoothly.Our community is patiently waitingfor the clinic to be completed,” he said.
The councillor described theconstruction as “a breath of fresh air” for residents, who currently must traveltothe neighbouring areasfor medical care.
The new facility will serve not only Samora Machel but also surroundingcommunities. Currently,residentsmust travel to Hanover Park and Philippi formedical treatment.
“Theclinic is huge. It is adoublestorey building that will accommodate not just SamoraMachel, but neighbouring areasas well,” Somdaka explained. “Sometimes residents default on their treatment because
they don’t have money forpublic transport to access healthcare.”
LocalresidentLwaziMaki highlighted the need for nearbymedicalfacilities. He spoke about arecent incident where his friend wasstabbed during arobbery.
“A friend of mine wasrobbed andstabbed in the stomachwhilegoinghomefrom work in the evening,” Maki recounted.
“Fortunately, aneighboursaw himand alerted us. We hadtohire transport to take him to MitchellsPlain hospital.”
Maki believes the facility willsignificantly improvethe area’s prospectsand emergencyresponse capabilities
MeltBotes, spokesperson forthe WesternCapeDepartment of Infrastructure, said the projecthas reached 60% completion, withacontractual completion date of Tuesday 8September. TheR180,3 million project includes the two-story CDC with all site improvements and utility services. Botes saidthe new facility willoffer clinical services on both levels, featuring the rapid assessment and support care unit, acute care,radiography, pharmacy, family care, rehabilitation, dentalcare, chroniccare
The department is currently working with the City of Cape Town and the ward councillor to resolve sewer reticulation challenges that couldimpact the CDC’s operationsand underground services.
UNATHIOBOSE
Themurder case of two accusedhas been postponed to Thursday 7May for further investigation in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 15 January Aphelele Holoshe and Lona Awuwa are accused of the brutal murder of Kwakhanya Ntlanganiso.The16-year-oldwas killed in December last year.
The body of Ntlanganiso, whowas a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual (LGBTQI) +community, was discovered betweenthe shacks at BT informalsettlementinSiteC on Thursday 4December,his eyes gouged out. Bricks were found next to hisseverely injured headand his abdomen was partially burnt. (“Bludgeonedtodeath”, City Vision,11December 2025).
Magistrate Brendale Abrahams stated
thatboth accuseddon’t wantbail.
“Their next appearance will be on Thursday 7May andtheir case will be held on television.Theywon’t be in the courtroom as usual,” said Abrahams Lesbian activist anda founder of Free Gender Funeka Soldaat said theyare pleased with the factthatthe accusedare still in jail.FreeGender is anon-profit organisation(NPO) that fights for the rights andlives of black lesbiansinthe townships.
Shevowed to continuecomingtocourt untilthe lastday of the case.“We will monitorall the courtproceedings. This might be the tactics of the courtfor us to lose interest in the case.And once the magistrate perceives thatweare no longercomingin numbers to courtthentheystartwith the verdict. We need to be smartand think ahead,” said Soldaat.
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Province’s toppolicehonoured
KAILINDANIELS
The Western Cape PoliceExcellence Awards took place on Saturday17 January at the Century City Conference Centre, bringingtogetherpolice officers, partners and stakeholders to recognise outstanding service during the 2024’25 financial year.
Heldunder the theme “Elevating Standards, CelebratingSuccess”, theawards celebratepolice officials, teams, partners and communitystructures who continue to demonstrate professionalism, consistency and commitment while working in demanding and often unpredictableenvironments.
Recognisingcommitment
The awards were officially opened by the Western Cape Police Commissioner,Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, who reflected on the realitiesofpolicingover the past year. He acknowledged the pressures faced by the officers, commended their dedication to professional and accountable service. He alsopaid tribute to police officerswho lost theirlife in the line of duty Patekile emphasised that recognising steady and reliable performanceplaysa critical role in building safer communities throughout the province.
Acting National CommissionerLtGen TebelloMosikili commendedpolice officers fortheirresilience and dedication,noting thathard work and commitmentacrossall levels of policing are recognised andvalued.She highlighted the shared responsibility between leadership and operational staff in strengthening policing outcomes, stressing the importance of discipline, consistency and sustained professionalism in daily operations. She also emphasised the need for adequately resourced frontline po-
licing to ensure officers are empoweredto servecommunities effectively.
The keynote addresswas delivered by Anroux Marais, the Minister forPolice Oversight andCommunity Safety. She highlighted the importanceofeffective oversight, strong partnershipsand community involvement in supporting policing outcomes. She reiterated the province’songoing support forpolice initiatives
Thosehonoured
The following officers were crowned nationalwinners in their respectivecategories:
○AdminEmployeeofthe year(levels2 to 4): AP Hala(cleaner)
○Admin Employee of the year (levels5 to 7): WO AMuller
○Admin Employee of the year (levels8 to 12): Capt GJJoubert
○ Admin Group of the year: Provincial Flight Desk Team
○ VisiblePolicing Employeeofthe year
(level 5to7): Const HV Jantjies(anti-gang unit)
○ Visible Policing Employeeofthe year (level 8to12): ColWMuller (Nyanga)
○ Visible Policing Groupofthe year:ProvincialOperationalCoordination Centre (POCC) –combatteam
○ Detective Employeeofthe year (level5 to 7): WO JCCRoux
○ Detective Employeeofthe year (level8 to 12): Col PP Ntsethe
○ Detective Group of the year:POOCI kidnappings
○ Family, Children, Sexual Offences (FCS) Employeeofthe year (level5 to 7): WO AMSvan Zyl
○ Family,Children, Sexual Offences(FCS) Employeeofthe year(level 8to12): CaptL Chetty
○ Family, Children, Sexual Offences(FCS) Groupofthe year: Kraaifontein FCS unit
○ Woman of the year: Wo WLee (George)
○ Man of the year: Const MManyebesi (Delft)
○ Sports Woman of the year: SgtLVIsaacs (Atlantis)
○ Sportsmanofthe year: SgtCBotha (George)
○ Person with Disability of the year:Chief Administration Clerk FBrown
○ SportPersonwith Disability of the year: Wo LJ van Wyk
○ Reservistofthe year:Const NF Luiters
○ Community Police Forum of the year: Khayelitsha CPF
○ Catchofthe year:Stillbay PoliceStation
○ Station of the year (Capt):PrinceAlbert PoliceStation
○ Station of the year (LtCol): Kirstenhof PoliceStation
○ Station of the year (Col):GrabouwPolice Station
○ Station of the year (Brig):Wynberg Police Station
○ Senior Administration manager of the year:BrigMawela
○ Senior Operational Manager of the year: Brig Masakala
Some of the winners at theWestern Cape Police ExcellenceAwards. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Policeofficershotdead inBrown’sFarmonMonday
UNATHIOBOSE
The Western Cape Police Servicehas condemned, in thestrongest terms,the killing of apolice officer in Brown’sFarmon Monday 19 January.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwasaid theofficer’sreport indicated the member, attached to the rapid railunit in Pinelands, was off duty at the time of his death
“It is alleged two yet-to-be identified suspects shot the 48-year-old victiminthe upper body and later fled.Hediedonthe scene. DPCI [Directorate forPriority Crime Investigation] detectives have institutedan investigation after amurderdocketwas opened. The motive for the incident is the subject of the police investigationcurrently underway.”
She added no arrests had been been yet. WesternCape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen ThembisilePatekileexpressedthe police’scondolences to the deceased police officer’s family and colleagues.
Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF)secretary Dumisani Qwebesaidattacking alaw-enforcementofficerislike attacking the state. He called for stricter sentences for the criminals “The officers mustn’t leaveany stone unturned.The culpritsdeserve torot in jail. We can’t have acountry where the criminals do as they please.”
He described Brown’s Farm as oneofthe mostdangerous areasofNyangapolice precinct.The identity of thedeceased had beenwithheld until his nextofkin had been informed
NyangaCPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe says the culpritsdeservetorot in jail.
Callsfor army to restorepeace
UNATHIOBOSE
Aleader of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco)inPhilippi-Eastiscalling forthe government to deploysoldiersinthe area after10peoplewere shot and killed in two separate shooting incidents on Saturday 17 January.
Twopeople were injured in the shooting
Thefirst incident occurred at Marikana informal settlement at 00:15 whereeight people were shotand killed in ashebeen and two injured
Thesecond incident occurred at Phola Park,where two people were shot and killed. In both incidents no arrests have been made yet.
The Sanco leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity forfear of reprisal, said they areterrified by the incidents.Heurged the officers nottoleave anystoneunturnedin bringing perpetrators to book. Theleader believes thatboth incidents areextortion related.
“The issue of extortion in the townships is getting out of hand. It seems the officers arefailing to curb it. We need the government to deploysoldiersinour areasto maintain peace.The extortionists areat warwith the community now,” he said, adding that both attacks seemedtobewere well orchestrated.Hestated hisconcern is thatsometimes these incidents areaffecting innocent people.
Provincialpolice spokesperson CaptFC
van Wykconfirmed thateight people died during the shooting incident in Marikana. He said eightcountsofmurderand two counts of attemptedmurderare under investigation
“Withinvestigationsunfoldinginto the murder of sevenmen anda woman at ashebeen in Marikana, Philippi East, serious violent crimes detectiveshavetheir sights setonthree known suspects whoare still at large.The shooting incident occurred in the early hoursofSaturday morning(17 January) andisbelieved to be linkedtothe crimeofextortion.Six victims died on the scene, oneonthe way to hospital andthe other afterarriving at amedical facility,” explainedVan Wyk, addingthattwo other victims sustained seriousinjuries. He said of the eightdeceasedpersons,one is a43-year-oldwoman,the owner of an illegal liquoroutlet.
In the Philippi-East incident, Van Wyk said policeregisteredtwo counts of murderfor investigation,following ashooting incident on Saturday 17 Januaryat14:00 at Marcus Garvey, in whichtwo males aged 32 and44wereshotand fatally wounded.
“Accordingtoreports, members of the Philippi East Police Station were informed about ashooting incident at the mentioned address
“Upon arrival, theyfound the two victims layinginthe footpath with several gunshot wounds to the upper body. Thevictims were declared deceased.”
Covidreliefgrantnotcancelled
TheNationalDepartment of Social Development(DSD) has dismissed false claims circulating on socialmediathatthe Covid-19 SocialRelief of Distressgrant is set to end.
Videos and graphics spreading across various social-media platformshaveincorrectly stated that the government plans to terminate the cSRD programme,prompting the department to issueanurgent clarification.
“These claims arecategorically false,” DSD stated. “There is no such decision,announcement or directive from the department or government regarding the termination of the cSRD.” It slammed unauthorisedand illegal use
of the minister’sofficialimageand the department’slogointhe misleading posts Officials have cautionedthe public against creating andsharingfake news thatcauses unnecessarypanic among grantbeneficiaries,urgingthemtorely solelyonverified announcements from officialgovernment channels. It mentioned fourofficialsources for accurateinformation particularly on social grants,including DSD'sofficial website andWhatsApp group, social-grant agencySassaand NationalDevelopment Agencyofficialplatforms,verifiedgovernment social-mediapages.
Millionsofvulnerable people continueto rely on the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grantfor financialsupport
The shebeen wherethe shooting incident occurredinMarikana on Saturday17January
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
One of the couches with ablood stain.
FanWalkwill come alive on 21/3
TDiana Ocholla is looking forwardtothe event.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
FORM 3A -NOTICE OF APPLICATIONSFOR LIQUOR LICENCES IN TERMSOFSECTION 37(1) OF THEWESTERN CAPE LIQUOR ACT,2008 –[REG. 10(1)]
Notice is hereby giventhatthe following applications forliquorlicenceshavebeenlodgedwiththe WesternCapeLiquorAuthority (the Authority)and with the designated liquor officers at theindicated SouthAfrican PoliceService offices. Theapplications concernedmay,uptoand includingthe 28thday from thedate of publicationofthe application, upon requestand free of charge,beinspected by anyperson, at theofficesofthe Authority or thedesignatedliquorofficer listedhereunder. Copies of an applicationcan be obtained from theAuthority afterpayment of theprescribedfee.Objections andrepresentations must be lodged in writingwiththe Authorityand thedesignatedliquorofficerinaccordance with section39ofthe Act.
VORM 3A -KENNISGEWINGVAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGEARTIKEL 37(1)
VANDIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET,2008 –[REG. 10(1)] Hiermeewordkennisgegee datdie volgende aansoekeomdranklisensies ingedien is by dieWes-Kaapse Drankowerheid(dieOwerheid) en]bydie aangewese drankbeamptesbydie aangeduideSuid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantore.Die betrokke aansoekekan,tot en metdie 28ste dagvanaf diedatum vanpublikasievan dieaansoek,opversoek engratisdeurenige persoonbesigtigwordbydie kantorevan dieOwerheidofdie aangewese drankbeampte hierondergelys.Afskrifte van’naansoek kanbydie Owerheid verkry word na betalingvan dievoorgeskrewe fooi.Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstigartikel 39 vandie Wetskriftelik by dieOwerheidendie aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word
Volle naam vanaansoeker Igamaelipheleleyo lomfaki-sicelo
Name underwhich business will be conducted
Naam waaronder besigheidbedryfsal word Igamaishishini eza kushishina phantsikwalo
Addressofthe proposed premises
Adresvan dievoorgenome perseel
Idilesi yesakhiwo
Kind of licence appliedfor Tipe lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word Uhlobo lwephepha mvumeolucelayo
SouthAfrican Police Services designated liquor officeroffice wherethe applicationhas been lodged
Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor vandie aangewese drankbeampte waar dieaansoek ingedien is i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzozamaPolisa eMzantsi Afrika apho isicelosifakwe khona
Over 1000 performers will be taking to the streets.
Carnivalrestoresyouth’s hope
THULANIMAGAZI
“I’drather walk the streets of Crossroads naked than seeing thisgroup dying down,”this is howLoyiso
Casiwe summed up his loveand passion for Imbumba Cross Dancers
Casiwe, whoisone of thelead dancers at the annual CapeTown Carnivalendured manyyears of heartache and hatred before his elevation to thetop of this yearlyspectacle. And he attributes his resilience and risetohis former teacher and mentor NolufefeRacula.
Casiwe (22) joined agroup of young dancers while he was alearner atQingqa Mntwana Primary School at OldCrossroads underthe guidance of Racula who honed his dance moves and skills.Little did he know that this would drawthe ire ofcertaincommunity members.
“People hated me and Iwas evencalleda ‘moffie’,” he tells City Vision
These did not deterhis focusashe tirelessly strived to be the bestatdancing. Today he is the beaconof hope to many youngpeople in his community. “Now everyone loves me. Most peoplewanttobe part of the group,” he says, explaining that he works with 60 young peoplebetween the agesof11and 18. Theyare nowpreparingfor this year’s festival on Saturday 21 March.
“We encourage the children,especially the boys to remain humble and be confident in themselves. For instance, at my age Istill wash dishesathome andmost of themthink Iamlying when Itellthem that. Crime will alwaysbethere,but there is certainly change in our community” explains Casiwe who sharesa housewith hismother, grandmother and five siblings.
“There is also unityamong allour membersand you can see that theychoose their
Casiwe sayswhiletheir focus is always on theCapeTownCarnival, they also perform at community events. “Most of the children do nothavemeans to buy clothes forour performances and Ihavetobuy for themfrom the littlemoney Imakefrommy part-time jobs.
“Last year,Ibought them T-shirts to participate in localevents,”hesays, expressing gratitude to the carnivalorganisers for supporting the group annually to participate in theevent.
“They support us with the clothesand that is where we gettosee people from other nations,” he explains but callsfor “supporters”toensure the groupcontinues its work in society.
Explaining the motivebehind the group, Racula tells City Vision that she grew up ina familythatloved music. She also pays homagetoher mother who instructed her to remain loyaltoall the children.
“I loved singing from ayoung ageand I wasinspiredbymymother who wasamusicconductor. Before she died (in 2009), she instructedmetotake care of the children andhelpthem in music,”she says.
Racula has been part of the Cape Town Carnival sinceinception andhas witnessed its evolutionover the years. “I oncedanced with them,but my attire wasdifferent and abit longer,”she says.
Shepraises the groupfor transforming children inCrossroads.
“I alwaysavail my class to the group andI have no fears. Idonot worry about anything,even if Iforget my laptopinthe classroom IknowI willget it back the next day,”she said, expressing gratitudeto Casiwefor the role he playsinnarturing the dancers.
“Now Iknow even if Iretire this group willnever die. IknowI’vebuilt alegacy. My childrenhavereally changed andinfluencedothers.”
Loyiso Casiwe,Jay Douwes,Cape Town Carnival chiefexecutiveofficer; andNolufefeRacula.
PHOTO:KAYLYNNE BANTOM
LoyisoCasiwedressed in acarnival costume during the previousevent
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Thousandsoflearners miss first day
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
Asparents proudly posted pictures on social media of their children going to school forthe first time on Wednesday 14 January, thousands of others joined the long queues outside education department district offices to seek placement for theirkids.
At the MetroSouth EducationDistrict in Lentegeur, angry parents scolded an education department official when he announced that the queue wouldbeclosed at around08:45.
The official told parents thatthe office could only accommodate 300people for the day. The more than ahundred parents who did not make the cut-off were referred to the department’s satellite office afew kilometresaway.
Parents complained that they hadbeen standing in the line for hours and for many it was not their first timewaiting. Fruitlesshoursinthesun
KhumisaTunzi from Khayelitsha was amongthe number that were referred. She saidthe process was unfair.
Tunziwas tryingtofind aplacefor her Grade 5daughter closer to home because theschool she attends in Zonnebloem is too far.The schools nearher home are too full, she said.
“She leaves the house at 05:00 andthen only gets home at 18:00 or 19:00,”Tunzi said.
She saidshe hasbeen trying to get her daughter transferred since Decemberlast yearbut has hadnofeedback from the department.
Chante Joubert of Rocklands was also amongthe number who were referred. She saidshe was trying to find aplace for her brother and cousin in Grades7and 8.
“We didn’tknow aboutthe online application,” Joubert said, explaining that she is the main caregiver for the boys because theirparentsare “roamingaround”
Joubert claimed she first appliedatthe department in August. “I’ve hadnoresponse since then.”
The Western CapeEducation Department (WCED) says it is currentlyprocessing a significantnumber of late school applications for the new academic year.
As of Wednesday 7January, the WCED hassuccessfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications werereceivedfor Grade R, 1, and 8for this year. Placement is still in progress for7540 learners in thesegrades.
Since Saturday 1November last year, the department has received10666 late applications. The department sayslate applicationsdisrupt planning forplacement, resourceallocation, and staffing, and place additional strainonthe department.
According to the department, essential items were procured and delivered in advance to ensureimmediate teaching and learning across schools.
Schools were able to ordertop-up textbooks in Maylastyear,with full delivery by October, amounting to R58,7 million. Stationery for non-section 21 schools valuedatR25,3 million was delivered by Novemberlast year,and an additional R31,6 million worth of goodswere delivered by December last year
The departmentsays it is ready to respond to new requirements that may arise due to lateapplications or demand.
The WCED is currently conductingits 10daysnapsurvey. It provides accuratedata on learner numbers in each grade.
The WCED hasbuilt 175 new classrooms through the buildingofnew schools and theexpansion of existing schools. No-feeschools receive norms andstandards funding to provide stationery to theirlearners. Schoolsmay request that parents contribute to their children’s stationerylist or other expenses, but at no-fee schoolsthis must be voluntary.
“If parents are concerned aboutany contribution they are being asked to make at ano-fee school, we urgethem to have adiscussionwiththe school or report the matter to their districtoffice. “Inmost of thecases raisedwith us, we find that it is amisunderstanding or miscommunication,” explained WCED.
Parents whoare in limbo are encouraged to visit their education districtoffices.
District officedetails are available at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/ admissions-officials
Thousandsstillneedspaceatschools
The groupwas among 7200 in the WesternCape, accordingtothe Good Party, whostill needed placement when schools reopened for the current academic year on Wednesdaylastweek(14 January).
“That is 7400 pupils left in limbo, uncertain about their future, not because of alack of effort or ability, but because the system hasfailedtoprovide enough space for them to continue their education,”
Brett Herron,GOOD’s memberofthe Western Cape Parliament, said.
“The Western Cape government is quick to branditself as the‘best-run’ province in thecountry.
“But agovernmentthatleaves thousands of childrenwithoutaccess to schooling at thestart of theacademic year cannot credibly claimsuccess. This now raises thequestion: When will these children be placed in classrooms?How long will they havetodelay their future for?”
Lateapplications
When City Vision sisternewspaper,
TygerBurger, posed these questions to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), spokesperson Millicent Merton said that since November, the department had received over 10000 late applications. “As of 7January thisyear, placement was still underway for 7540 learners,” Merton said, adding that updated figures would be made available soon. Shesaid that since Saturday 1November last year, the WCED received 10666 late Grade R, 1and 8applications. Most of thesewere received in November and December but by Wednesday 7January, the department had received 758 new “extremely late applications.
“Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further,” she explained.
Anewchapterintheirlives
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Parentsacrossthe province were filled with emotions as they hadtolet go of theirlittle one’s hands to mark the start of their academic year on Wednesday 14 January.
About 73000 Grade Rs and 102000 Grade 1s started their school career while 97000 Grade 8learners begam their high school journey.
In total, 1,2million learners are registeredatWestern Cape schools this year.
ParentSharnelle Cader said she was proudofher sonKaydenwho had no tears and walked proudly to his new classroom.
“I was so proud of him.Myson was diagnosed with high functioningautism when he was younger. Iwasn’tsure last year whetherhewould makeittoGrade 1. But hisschool is very supportive, and he will get thesupport he needs.”
Anotherparent, Claudia Woods, said she was emotional. “Whathelpedwas seeing my sonMicah being so calm. When Isaw him walking to class, it dawned on me that he is now in big school.”
Meanwhile Tamboerskloof Primary School was abuzz as eagerlearners arrived early, parents exchanged goodbyes, and teachers preparedtowelcome anew year of learning.
They were joined by David Maynier, provincial education minister,and Premier Alan Winde Winde wished the learners well for the year ahead.
“Whatever challengeslie ahead, we
Western Cape Education MinisterDavid Maynier shares alight moment with learnersatTamboerskloofPrimary School. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
will overcome them together.Wewill be behind you every step of your education journey.
“These young people will go on to be SouthAfrica’s doctors, traffic police, retail professionals, technicians, tradespeople, accountants, farmers, engineers and businesspeople. School is acritical first step towards independence and we are delighted to see the future in such good hands.” Winde expressed his gratitude to teachers and school staff. He described the teachers as the “backbone” of the education system.
“Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice never goes unnoticed. Thank you for all you do in preparing young people for their careers, ensuring they are adequately equipped to become an active part of our economy.”
WesternCapefatherandson buildrecord-breakingdrone
AWestern Cape father andson team hasmade SouthAfrican engineeringhistory by creating theworld’s fastestbattery-powered drone, reaching speeds that wouldmakemostcars jealous.
Luke Bell andhis father Mike Bell have officially earned theirplace in theGuinness World Recordsafter theircustom-builtquadcopter, namedPeregreen 2, achieved an averagetop speed of 480,23 km/h –fastenoughtotravel 142metresina second
Theachievement comesafter months of meticulous design,testing,and overcoming significant technicalchallenges
Thepathtosuccess wasn’t smooth, with several malfunctions during testing, includingwires andbatteries overheating.
To meet Guinness WorldRecords’strictcriteria, Peregreen 2had to complete twosuccessful flightsinopposite directions to eliminatethe effects of wind conditions During theseofficial runs,the droneactually
peaked at an extraordinary510 km/h,though theofficial record reflects theaverage speed across both flights.
Thedrone features alightweight carbon fibre shellthatwas 3D printedata localworkshop. TheBells worked alongsideaerothermal engineer ChrisRossertoperfect thedrone’s aerodynamics andcontrol systems, combining high-techmotorsand batteries with acompletely redesigned,streamlined shape.
Mike Bell, an accomplished architect, designed theiconicMbombelaStadium in Nelspruit,which hosted four matchesduringthe 2010 FIFA WorldCup Luke Bell hasestablished himselfasa content creator, regularlyreviewing drones andcameras on hisYouTube andInstagram channels.He also serves as an ambassadorfor Sony,bringing histechnical expertisetoa wideraudience.
To followLukeBell’sfutureprojects, hiscontent canbefound on YouTubeand Instagram whereheshowcases cutting-edgetechnology.
LANSDOWNEYOUNGSTERSHINESIN THEINVESTECCHALLENGE
Lansdowne resident and StormersplayerImaad Khan beatsthe attention of George Pearson, left;and Gabriel Hamer-Web of LeicesterTigersto scorehis team’sfifthtry of the match to win 39- 26 during the Investec ChampionsCup match played at the Cape Town StadiumonSaturday17 January
Socceractionthrills
TheDepartment of Social Development, Langalocal office is requesting Saphokazi Maqabela lastseenin Langa to urgently contact socialworker, MS. R. Lucas at (021) 8158431oratC Harlem& Bennie Street,Nomzamo Building,Langa during office hours (07H30– 16H00) Mon –Fri. She is allegedly acloserelative of afemale child born during2007.
MbalentleMagidi of Geelbooi sportingclubfromSiteC stamped hisauthority in the midfieldbystoppingKholosa Manzebe of LangaUnitedinhis tracksduring the Bayhillu-19 Premier Cupplay-off match played at in Manenbergon Sunday 18 January.Geelbooi sportingclubwon 8-0 to book their placeinthe next round of the competition.
