City Vision E-edition 23 July 2026

asubsidiary of Novusmedia.

6530

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

shafiek.braaf@novusmedia.co.za

gurshwin.heinze@novusmedia.co.za

alexandra.fortuin@novusmedia.co.za

Everyfacilityhas irritants

THULANI MAGAZI

Igumbilomhleli /Editor’sCorner

Thumelauluvo lwakho.Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuphelaezakuthi ipapashwe.Izintoezithethwa apha ziphelelakweli gumbi

Send us your views. Note,onlytextmessageswill bepublished.What is discussedinthis corner remains here.

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

Trainingisboth alifestyle and amedical intervention.Wehavegym junkiesand those who signupfor medical reasons.

With no offence to anyone, it is important to understand why someone signs up for agym membership. Thereality is that if someone signsupwithout apurpose, they couldend up becoming anuisancetoother members.

At most, their money could be wasted or,asweoften say, it couldbea scenario where“themoney trains” instead of the member. There are many instanceswhere people take up long-term gymcontracts and, within amonth or two, they realise that is not whatthey want or that the gym is just not forthem.The sad reality is that once you’ve signed along-termcontract, you cannot just go andcancel it. If youare

lucky, you’ll be required to pay acancellationfee, depending on yourcontract or gymclub. Thisiswhy it’s importantto make an informed decision beforesigning acontract. If you arenot joiningonmedicalgrounds,please do notbepersuaded by friends or join because of apersonyou know. Join the gymbecause you aredriven by something or youhavegoals.It’s those goalsthatwillkeep yougoing

From training in amakeshift gym with makeshiftequipment around 1999, Ihave maintained training as alifestyle. Yes, I’ve grownand developed from thattime, butI have remainedconsistentinmytraining. Imight notlooklike isigora,but Iknow whatIamdoing when it comes to training. Thenice thing aboutmostgyms, if notall, is that their machines areclearly marked in termsofhow to utilisethem. However, youstillgotoagym andfindmoronswho simply have no comprehension of what they aredoing or how to usesome of the equipment when they go to the gym

Agym is ashared resourcewithlimited equipment, yet so often we find people who clog the machines, in some instances whilegoingthroughtheir mobile phones, thus making the entire training session awkward.

In fact, there arepeople whogotothe gymnot to train but forreasons known to them.There are those whogofor content. Then, there are those who take ownership of certain machines or equipment. If you arrivelater thanthem,you cannever use certain equipment and you must thenperform another exercise. These areannoying thingsand they occur in everygym.At

times theyare embarrassing, particularly when someone undulyoccupiesa machine Training facilitieshavenumerousmachines designedfor particular exercisesor certainbodyparts

Yet, we seepeople convertingsome of these machinesinto equipment thatalreadyexists in the gym,thuspreventing other members from usingthemfor their intendedpurpose.The question is:why reinvent the wheel when it is already in motion?Itbecomes worse when someone clogs amachine for aprolongedperiod with little to no benefit to them. Andifby chance you asktouse amachine,theyget up in arms.These arematters thatgym facilitiesshould handle,but most of them aresoconcerned about the bottomline. Members behave so irresponsibly without consequences or at least guidancefrom the staff. Ilovemysquats andI am yetto seeagym thathas more squatting racks or machinesthanbench pressmachines. However, members regularly useortarget this rack for many other thingsdespite all the alternative machines.

Yes, there arealsoalternative machines for squats,but the impactisnot the same Gyms areveryimportantand beneficial, butcan be anightmarewhentheyare not properly utilisedand managed. Most importantly, there is limited time to spend there,and howI wish members could understandthatweall have other commitments,and thattheycannotown or clog machineswhile,insome instances,they scroll their phones. Every memberpays asubscription anddeservestobetreated with respect.

Tour the SAAO optical and infraredobservatory

Scienceenthusiasts andcurious minds will have the chance to go behind the scenes atAfrica’sleading optical and infraredobservatorylater this month, as the National ResearchFoundation–South AfricanAstronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) hosts a series of free guided tours to mark the inaugural NationalScience Month

TheScience Month is aflagship initiative ledbythe Department of Science and Innovationand the themethis yearis“Science, Technology and Innovationare foreveryone”.

The Month replaces the department’sNationalScience Week, which has been held since 2000.

Blade Nzimande, the MinisterofScience, Technology and Innovation, said the initiative followsrecommendations for broader, more inclusive scienceengagement. Hesaidthe aimistostrengthenpublic understandingofscience whilehelping the country respond to emerging technologies suchasartificialintelligence,quantum computing, green energyand biotechnology

Visitors willhavethe opportunity to explore the science, history, andinnovation behind Africa’s leading opticaland infrared observatoryatthe SAAO.

Fiveexclusivetour sessions will take placefromMonday 27 to Friday 31 July with eachtourstarting at 11:00 andending at 13:00.

Thesessions willincludevisits to the Main Building,VisitorCentre, andMc-

Town’s SAAO offer visitorsarare chancetoexplore Africa’sleading optical and infraredobservatory

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za

Novus Media

mediaombud@novusmedia.co.za

www.cityvision.co.za

Clean Telescope.Weather permitting, guests will alsoenjoysolar viewing through the solar telescopes Tickets arelimited, so early bookingis recommended. Gates will open30minutes beforethe event begins.

For more information about National ScienceMonth visit: https://www.saasta. ac.za/national-science-month or emailcptbookings@saao.ac.zaorcall021 447 0025.

Masizifundiseukuhloniphana ndlu emnyama

Akwaba singabantu singahloniphana, sihloniphe nemisebenzi eyenziwa ngabanye abantu. Akukho nto endiphathe kabuhlungu nje ngobona ivido ebithe saaakumakhasi ezonxibelelwano kwiveki ephelileyo, nalapho umqhubi wemoto kanokutsho yakwa BMW, eMidrandeGoli,ebonisa ukungahloniphi nokudelela unogada. Kule moto bekukhwele umqhubi kunye nomnyeumkhweli.

Isonosalonogadaibe kukubuza ukuba baya ndawoni na apha ngaphakathi kwinkampani leyo,ngoko nangoko umqhubi wakhwela kuye emxelela ukuba bayazazikwaye abanakuvangaye.Kwaye yena ungusozigidi angamqesha lanogadaahlambe imito zakhe. Kuyo yonke lonto,wazithoba unogada akanyukelanawaqhubeka ebacacisela isizathusokubaababuze ukuba bayaphi. Enyanisweni ndiyigqibe nzimaukuyibukela le vido, kwaye sele ndibila ngumsindo, ngoba asikho isizathu sokuba aba bafana bathethe ngolwahlobo naye. Enye into eye yandicaphukisa ngulo uhleli ecaleni komqhubi,nobefota yonke

lento,uphelileyintsini ngokungathi uyayonwabela lento yenziwangugxa wakhe. Andiyazi noba yilento ndikhule nditsala nzima,andimthandi umntu odelelayo okanyeojongela phantsi omnye.Kwaye kwamnanje andidibani nomntu ondidelelayo,ndisuke ndibeligeza,futhi ke andinaxesha lokuba umdala kangakanani. Ubekhe njendakubona ukuba unayo indawo erhuqisaumrhaji ndikhwela kuwe ngoko nangoko Ingathi singazifundisa ukubahlonipha abantu emisebenzini yabo singajongi ukuba benza umsebenzi onjani na

Inyanisoyeyokuba abantu bazamangendlela ezahlukeneyo. Awukwaziukudelela umntu kubaesenzaumsebenzi othile ngokungathiungampha lamali ayirholayo. Abanye abantu abayenzi eminye imisebenzi kubabeyithanda, babethwa zimeko. Umntu ngamnye makagxile endaweni yakheahlukane nokugxeka okanye ukunyemba abanye abantu. Naye nawuphinaumsebenzi kubalulekile ukuba ahlonitshwe Oonogada, abantu abacoca eziofisini, ezindlini,ezitalatweni nkquabathutha amathobhi mabahlonitshwe,ngoba xa benoyeka ukusebenza kungakubi.Angekhe siphinde sonwabe. Emvakwentsuku ezimbalwakwenzeke esosehlo ndiye ndaphindandabonaenye ividoyomqhubi lowoecela uxolo, kodwa kwa uxolo eloebelucelaluvakala lungaqinanga ncam, ngokungathiunyanzelwe ukuba alucele. Makhe sizifundiseukuhlonipha ngamanye amaxesha. Lento yokudelela nokujongela phantsiabanye abantu kunye nemisebenzi abayenzayo ayilunganga

Sinethembaholds MandelaDay event

UNATHIOBOSE

Hundreds of people gathered at the Sinethemba Community Organisation in Harare, Khayelitsha,on Friday 17 July, to celebrate MandelaDay The event was attended by various stakeholders, includingthe EnlightenedChristian Gathering(ECG): TheJesusNation Church, Harare police andForAfrica, an African-ledhumanitarian anddevelopmentorganisation.

Sinethemba founder and director Nolitha

equality.

“Heloved everyone regardless of skin colour.This is whatSinethembastands for: Ahome for everyone,”she said Ndalasi added thatthe organisation was nothing without the community.

Speakingonbehalf of the Harare police, Capt Shirley Nkohla described the event as meaningful. She said the police were there to raise awareness aboutdomesticand gender-based violence(GBV).

“Weare here to educate eldersabout domestic andgender-based violence. We want

Fundraising walk in Langa

UNATHIOBOSE

Inaneffort to raisefundsfor needy children Zenazi Ndinani, an organisationbased in Langa,willhost its Third Annual FundraisingWalk in the area,6,7 km, on Monday 10 August.

The walk will start in MakanaStreetand proceed via Xolile MosieStreet through Brinton and Back Stage, Larotholi Avenue, Mendi Street, past Mosheshe Streetvia Sigacwu, joining JungleWalkStreetvia Dr Langalibalele, andback into Makana Street.

The walkwill take placefrom07:00 to 12:00.

The non-profit organisation (NPO) supports childrenfrom disadvantagedcommunities with school shoes anduniforms.

Its founder Heidi Ngumbelasaidthe event willmarkthe 50thanniversaryofthe shooting andkilling of XolileMosie,hero of the 1976 student uprisings, inLanga.

“We usedtoalignour fundraising with MandelaDay. But this year we decidedto commemorate Xolile,who died in the Langa massacre of 1976. We callit50Years of GraceFootprint.

“We also invited local early-childhood development centres [ECDs] to participate in thewalk.”

She said this year more than 150 people are expected to participate, including children aged three upwards, andthe first three people to win the racewillreceive personalised medals featuring Mosie, even though all participants will receive medals “The firstchildtoreach thedestination will get ascooter. The tickets areR76, in commemorationofthe 1976student upris-

Langacommunityproject clears 200+ bags

STAFFREPORTER

ings, butthe numbers arealso an inversion of 67, thenumberofminutesofservice peoplededicateinmemory of Madibaonwhat wouldhavebeen his birthday, 18 July.

“All monies raised willbeused to buy school shoes and uniformsfor learners of the Noluthando School forthe Deafand Autism aswell as somechildren who were born in prison.”

Ngumbelasaidthe first 50 people to buy tickets will receive T-shirts and the event will also feature music.

More than200 bags of waste have been removed,over 20 stormwaterdrains cleared,and hundreds of residents reached througha City-funded communityproject thatishelping keep Langa cleaner, reduce localised flooding andencourage water-wise living.

The Abahlobo Ekuhlaleni, anon-profit organisation (NPO), is one of 22 organisations that received grantfunding from the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate during the 2025-’26 financial year,tosupport community-led waterconservation initiatives.

Throughits Langa Drain Restoration and Water-Saving Community Campaign, the organisation addressedlitter-clogged stormwater drains, stagnant waterand

of waste

waterdrains.

○ Training 30 community volunteers as “WaterGuardians” to championenvironmental stewardship

○ Reaching 500 households through awater-savingawareness campaign.

○ Presenting sixwater-saving andhygieneworkshops.

○ Distributing 500 educational resource packs on responsible wateruse anddrain care

○ Demonstrating practicalgrey-water reusemethodstohouseholds.

An estimated2 000 people benefitedindirectlyasa result of cleaner public spaces andreduced flood risks.“Blocked drains, littering andillegal dumping canincrease flooding. Throughour partnership with Abahlobo Ekuhlaleni NPO,residents are helping protect their neighbourhoodwhile

Rooibos seedsblastintospace

KAILINDANIELS

South Africa’s world-famous Rooibos is about to embark on its mostextraordinary journeyyet – to space

In afirst for the country, Rooibos seeds will be launched to the InternationalSpace Station(ISS) later this year, wherethey willbeexposed to the harsh conditions of space before returningtoEarth in ascientificexperiment that couldshape future agriculture.

The programme was officially launched on Thursdaylast weekatParklands College’s InnovationCentre,bringingtogether leaders from government,education, agriculture, academia and South Africa's growing space sector.

The initiative, conceived by the South African Rooibos Council (SARC),isbeing delivered in partnership with MaxIQ Space andsupportedbythe South AfricanNational Space Agency (Sansa).

The experiment combinesspace science withagricultural innovation whileinspiring the next generation of scientists through hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM)education.

In October, Rooibos seedswillbe launched to the ISS, where theywillspend several weeks exposedtomicrogravityand space radiation

Oncethey return to Earth scientists and learners will plant the space-travelled seedsalongside identical seedsthatremained on Earth

Researchers will compare germination rates,growth, resilience andcropyield to determinehow exposuretospace conditionsaffects the indigenous South African plant.

Theproject places Rooibos alongside agrowing list of plants being studied in

space asscientists search forsustainable ways to grow cropsduring future long-duration missions beyondEarth.

Learnersbecomespacescientists

The scientificinvestigation willbeled by learners from seven schools in the Cederberg, the birthplace of Rooibos.

Working alongsidelocalRooibos farms, learners willcollect data,monitorplant development andanalyse the results as part of astructured scientificstudy

Aparallelexperiment at ParklandsCollege will provide additional comparative data

Beyond the research itself,participating schoolswilltake part in an extended STEM educationprogramme designed to connect classroomlearning with real-world scientific investigation

LearnersfromacrossSouth Africa will also have the opportunity to designthe officialRooibosinSpace mission patch during July and August.

According to DawiedeVilliers, director of theSouth AfricanRooibos Council, the project demonstrates howone of the country’s mosticonic indigenousplants can contribute to international scientificresearch.

“Rooibos has long been part of South Africa's agricultural heritage. This project placesitwithin abroader scientificcontext, where plantbiology,space research andeducationintersect. It also reflects the importanceofinvesting in scientificliteracyand skills development forthe next generationofresearchers andinnovators.”

JudiSandrock of MaxIQ Spacesaidexposinglearners to genuine scientificresearch is one of the programme'sgreatest strengths. “The value of this projectlies in givinglearners exposure to realresearch processes linked to space science. It pro-

Representatives from theorganisations behind South Africa’spioneering RooibosinSpace initiative gathered to mark thelaunch of this landmark STEM and space-sciencecollaboration.

vides astructured opportunity to develop scientificthinking,data analysisskills and an understanding of how experimentation works in practice.”

Theproject also highlights South Africa’s expanding role in space scienceand innovation.

Sansa’s Science EngagementUnithead, Thandile Vuntu,saidinitiativessuch as Rooibos in Spacehelp develop the scien-

tificskills neededfor future careerswhile strengtheningcollaboration betweengovernment, industry,education andresearch institutions.

Organisers said the publicwillbeableto follow the missionthrough regular updates as the countdown beginsfor the October launch, when South Africa’s signature Rooibos will make history by taking its place among the stars

The mother of thedeceased, SiziweMnyande (in an orange tracksuit) is pictured with herelder sister, Lolo Mlonyeni,standing outside the yard wherethe incident occurred.

PHOTO:UNATHI OBOSE

Mandead,womaninjuredinshackfire

UNATHIOBOSE

A21-year-old man was burntbeyond recognition and awoman seriouslyinjured in ashack fire at Main Road,Mfuleni,recently

The deceased’s mother,Siziwe Mnyande,who was sleeping over at afriend’s place when the fire occurred,said shewas informed by neighbours She said the fire broke outafter 06:00onFriday10July.

“My friend’splace was just afew streets away and my neighbours came to tell me my shack wason fire. When Iarrivedcommunity members were already trying to extinguish the flames. Mydad

managedtoescape unharmed. My niece, who wasatthe back, sustained burnsand my child wasstill inside.”

According to Mnyande, the community wasunabletorescue him and hisbodywas discovered after the flames had been extinguished.

She said she needed assistancein buryingher son andshe had lost everything in the fire, including herdocuments.

“I don’t know where to start. Iam left with only the clothesI’m wearing. I’munemployed anddon’t even have funeral cover. I’mappealing toanyone whocan assist me to burymychild ina dignified manner.”

TheCity’sFire &Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said around 06:10 on Friday 10 July the service was alerted to informal structures alight in Main Road, Mfuleni.

He said crews from Mfuleniand Lansdownewere on the scene.

“Firefighters extinguished the blazeby07:40. Twoinformalstructures and acontainer were destroyed. Afemale sustained burn wounds and wastaken to anearby medical facility. At approximately 06:35 the body of an adultmalewas located beneath the debris. He had sustained fatal burn wounds.”

Thecause of the incident was unknown.

Four killed in Lwandle shooting

UNATHIOBOSE

Lwandle residents arereelingafterfourpeople were shot dead in two separate shooting incidents in the area on Saturday 18 July. Both incidents occurred at Asanda Village. In the firstincident, three people —two menand a woman— were gunned down in NombulaStreet.

Afew hourslater, another incidentoccurredinNtlanga Street, wherea manwas fatally wounded

Aresident whoidentified herself as Mirandasaid the incidents occurred afew streets apart.

She said shedoesnot knowif they arerelated.

“It’s concerning because the way theyoccurredisraising eyebrows. We firstheard gunshots in Nombula Street, and within an hour,there were more gunshots again. The

ingincidents in Asanda Village, Lwandle,duringthe early hoursofSaturday 18 July. He said Lwandle policehave openedthree counts of murder andanadditionalmurdercase following the fatalshootingsat Nombula andNtlanga streets, whichare situated less thana kilometreapart

“Accordingtoreports, three victims, aged between29and 33, including awoman,were fatally woundedinNombula Street.

“Ina separate incident, a 36-year-oldman was shot and killed in Ntlanga Street

“Preliminary information indicatesthatbetweenthree and fourarmed suspects allegedly openedfireonthe victims followingbrief arguments before fleeing the scenes,” Damoyiexplained.

He described the incidents as ablatant disregardfor human life andreiterated the commit-

Mentalhealthtakes centrestage

July is psychosocial disability awareness month and Cape Mental Health, together with the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH), are calling on communitiesfor greater investmentincommunity-based mental health services. These serviceshelppeople with psychosocial disabilities recover,live with dignity, exercise their rights,and participate fullyinsociety.

Thisyear’s campaign highlightsthe importance of moving away from approaches that isolate people with mental health conditions. Instead, it encourages communities to create opportunities for people to live, learn, work, and be includedineveryday community life.

Stigmaanddiscrimination

According to Barbara Meyer, spokesperson for Cape Mental Health, theyare appealing for investment in community-based mental health services that promote recovery, dignity, human rights, and social inclusion for people living with psychosocialdisabilities.

This year’s theme, “FromInstitutionto Inclusion: The ImportanceofCommunity-Based Mental Health Care”, highlights the need to move beyond approaches that isolate people with mental health conditions and instead create opportunities for them to live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities.

The campaign aims to raiseawareness aboutpsychosocial disability, challenge stigma and discrimination, and advocate for the rights of people livingwithsevere and long-term mental health conditions.

Apsychosocialdisabilityoccurs when aperson living with along-term mental health condition experiencesbarriers that limittheir ability to participate equally in society. These barriers mayinclude stig-

ma,discrimination, lack of support services, unemployment,poverty,orlimited access to healthcareand education

Supportnetworks

According to the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO), community-based mental healthcare is oneofthe most effective waystosupport recovery andsocial inclusion.Unlike long-term institutional care, community-based servicesallowpeople to remain connected to their families, friends, workplaces, schools andsupport networks whilereceiving the care they need.

“Thelongest part of mental healthrecoveryjourneys happens outside of hospital walls,” says Santie Terreblanche, Cape MentalHealth’sDeputy ExecutiveOfficer. “True healing takes placewithinour communities and families, among people whoaccept and embraceus. Why, then, arecommunity-based mental healthservicesstillunderfunded and out of reach formost? Everycommunitydeserves easy accesstomentalhealthcarethatrestores hope and dignity.”

Rehabilitationservices

The organisationprovides arangeof community-based mental healthservices designedtoempower individuals andsupport theirrecovery journey. These services include counselling,psychosocialrehabilitationand support,family education, support groups, community outreach programmes, treatment adherence support, skillsdevelopment, and public education initiatives.

Akey component of Cape Mental Health’s community-based approach is its Fountain HouseProgrammes in Observatoryand MitchellsPlain. These programmes form part of Clubhouse International and offer psychosocial rehabilitationservicesthat

help members buildconfidence,develop work and lifeskills, accesssupported employment opportunities, andstrengthen social connections.

Kimber House, aCapeMentalHealth residential facility in Observatory, provides supported independent livingfor adults with psychosocial disabilities. Residents receive psychosocial rehabilitation, life skills development, social worksupport, andassistancetoparticipate actively in community life.

Community-basedmental-healthcare

Peer support programmesfurther contribute to recovery by creating safe spaces where people with lived experience of mental-health conditions cansupport oneanother, share experiences, reduce isolation andfoster hope

Despite growing recognition of the value of community-based mentalhealth care,significant challenges remain. Mental-health servicescontinuetobeunder-funded, there areshortages of trained mental-health professionals, and stigma continuestoprevent many people from accessingeducation,em-

Kitesflownat aCape Mental Health event.July marksPsychosocial DisabilityAwareness Month, with Cape Mental Health and the South African Federation forMentalHealthcalling for greaterinvestment in community-based mental health services PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ployment, housingand community participation opportunities

During Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month,CapeMentalHealth encourages government, employers,health-care providers, teachers, community organisations, families, andthe public to playan active role in creating more inclusive communities

Theorganisation is calling for increased investment in community-basedmental health services,greater access to psychosocial rehabilitationprogrammes,stronger support networks,and the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities.

Untilthe endofJuly CapeMentalHealth will be raisingawareness through social media campaigns, community education initiatives, media engagement, peer supportactivities, andopendaysatits Fountain Houseprogrammes in Observatory andMitchells Plain

For more information about CapeMental Health’s services andPsychosocial Disability contactBarbaraMeyeron082 897 8176 or info@cmh.org.za.

Some of the Mr and MissWard86BeautyPageant 2026 contestantswith bags of rubbish collectedduring the communityclean-up campaignatthe Wag-’n-Bietjie informalsettlement in Lwandle. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Pageant contestants give back

UNATHIOBOSE

Aspartofthe build-up to the Mr andMiss Ward 86 Beauty Pageant contestants tookpartin acommunity clean-upinitiative at the Wag-’n-Bietjie informalsettlementinLwandleonThursday 16 July.

Thecampaign aimedtogive back to thecommunity while educating residents about the importance of hygiene and keeping their surroundings clean.

Ward 86 Youth Committee memberAsive Tofu described the clean-upaspartofthe community-awareness programme in thecommunity. He said the competition will be the firstof its kind in the ward andorganisers hope to host it annually.

“Thereare 22 contestants taking part in the competition of which12are menand 10 are women, with ages rangingfrom 15 to 22 years.

“We arecreatinga platform foraspiringmodels andbeauty pageantcontestants to showcase their talents.

Tofu said the organisers had introduced severalprogrammes aligned with the objectives of the competition to empowerthe contestants

“Wehosteda three-day workshop from Wednesday 1toFriday 3July, when contestants received training in public speaking,careerguidanceand self-esteemdevelopment. We alsohelda clean-upcampaign in Asanda Village on Monday 13 July.”

Contestants alsoparticipated in Mandela Dayactivities on Saturday 18 July. They helped to paint NomzamoHighSchool. Siphosihle Nodada (17),one of the contestants,said it was hisfirst time participating in abeauty pageantand was a dreamcometrue.

“I enjoymodelling.Itissomething Ihavealways wanted to do. My role model is Avuyile Mantshingilani.Igrewuplookinguptohim.”

Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso praisedthe youth for their vision andcommitment to making apositive impacton the community.

“I support anything thatcontributes to the development of ouryoung people andhelps change their lives for the better.

“WhatI wanttosee is positive change in ourcommunity. This is agreat initiative anditdeserves the support of the entire community,” said Diniso.

NGOfaces ongoing challenges

AVRILFILLIES

When Murray Ingram started the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Connect in Khayelitsha in 2014 he never envisage the impactthe it would haveonyoung talentedsportsmen. Connect is now at NTK Rugby Club in ParowNorth and until Friday17July, 19 localschools, clubsand community institutions competed in netball, hockey and rugby in the Festival of Unity at three venues across Cape Town against 14 of theposhest schoolsfrom the United Kingdom (UK) Ingram saw the immense potential in the youngpeoplebut verylimited access to quality coaching, facilities and opportunities and founded the NGO inKhayelitsha

Powertotransformlives

“Sport has the power to transformlives, butonly if young people are given consistent support and positive role models.We wanted to create aprogramme that used sport as avehicle to give young people consistentaccess to opportunities, mentorship and the resources they needto fulfil their potential. We areincredibly proud of the number of players who progressedthrough the Connect ecosystem. Theseinclude Junior Springbok and currentLions scrumhalfHaashim Pead, Women’s Springbok Sesethu Mtshazi, JuniorSpringbok loosehead prop Lamhla Nunu, Stormershooker Lukhanyo Vokozela,Bulls player Riyaad Bam and Montpellier player RidhauBey, along with manyothers whohaverepresented Western Province,Bolandand other provincial unions,” saysIngram. Their success showsyoung people that whereyou start does not determine where you can finish.Heisalso luckyenough to be Ruhan Nel, Stormers captainand former Blitzbok,and SeabeloSenatla’sstrength and conditioning coach, and helpedSenatla recover from acar accidentsothathe could Wo st tor pl gramme. and fro high

every youngperson developsasanindividual, regardless of whether they pursue aprofessional sporting career.Wealso takeplayers overseas to compete. In 2023, we tooka girls’ sevens teamtothe Global Schools Challenge in Thailand.

“This December we areplanning to take a boys’ u-18 rugby teamtothe Global Schools Challenge in Chiang MaiinThailand, whichwere selected during last week’s tournamentatthe JanBurger SportsComplex in Parow. Our long-term visionisto select a‘Team of the Festival’ each year fromthe FestivalofUnity, in both rugby

much the same. Their new home is nowin ParowNorth. Thebiggestchallengeissecuring sustainable funding.Many talented young people stillface barrierssuch as transport costs, equipment shortages and limited access to quality facilities.Long-term funding allows them to employ coaches,provide equipment andcreate safe environments where young people canthrive. They arealways lookingtopartner with businesses that share their vision.

“Supportfromlocal businesses cancome in many forms,including financial sponsorship, equipment, transport, bursaries, internships andemploymentopportunities for ourgraduates. Strongcommunity partnerships areessential if we aretocreate lasting impact.

“Our goal hasnever been simply to produce rugby players. We wanttodevelop confident, disciplined andemployable young people whobecomeleadersintheir communities. Successismeasurednot only by those whoplayprofessionally, butalso by those whobecomegraduates, coaches, teachers, mentors andpositive role models. Ultimately,weant to create opportunities thatchangethe trajectory of young people's lives,” Ingram says

Everychilddeservesaccess

TheConnect model hasprovensuccessful, andtheyare nowworking with schools andcommunities across CapeTown

“Ourambitionistocontinuegrowing our network of partner schools andcommunity programmes so thatevenmoreyoung people canbenefit from the opportunities that sportcreates

“I have spentalmostthree decadesworkinginsport. My backgroundisinhigh-performancecoaching, strength andconditioning, andlong-termathlete development, but through the yearsmypassion hasevolved into building systemsthatcreateopportunities for young people,” he says.

Ingram founded Connect because he believesevery childdeservesaccesstoquality coaching, mentorship anda pathway to fulfil their potential, regardlessoftheir circumstances.

“Seeingformerparticipants return as coaches,mentors andprofessionalswithin the Connect ecosysteminone of the achievements Iammostproud of,” he says

Walk thetalkinBlistersfor Bread

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

When a10-year-old RobertKnutsen first tookpart in Blisters forBread in 1969,hetackled theroute in his school shoes and finishedwiththe blisters to prove it.

Morethan five decades later, Knutsen (67) will return to the event that has grown from asmall schoolinitiativeinto one of the WesternCape’s biggestfundraisersin the fight against childhood hunger.

Organised annually by the Peninsula School FeedingAssociation(PSFA), the Blistersfor Bread in association with Lucky Star will take place on Sunday 16 August in Green Point. The event aims to raise much-neededfunds and awareness to helpfeed vulnerablechildrenacross the province.

The charity walk began in 1968 when staff and learners of SavioCollege in Lansdowne launched the initiative to support school feeding programmes

Looking back on his firstBlisters for Breadwalk from Simon’s Townto Lansdowne, Knutsensaid the event left him withlasting memories.

“When Ifirst participated, Iwas alearner at the school. Backthen,wewereyoung and had alot of energy, so we raninstead of walking.

“I remember my firstrun becauseI did it while wearingschoolshoes because we didn’t have fancy shoes. Ihad real blisters after that run.”

He recalled how learnerspersonally raised fundsfor the walk by visiting homes in their communities and asking residents to support the cause.

“Backinthosedays, it was safetowalk the streets at night and knockonpeople’s doors asking for sponsorships.”

Commentingonthe upcoming event,

Knutsen said he wasdetermined to help after reading a People’s Post article,City Vision’ssisternewspaper earlier this year warningthat this year’sBlisters forBread couldbecancelled due to financial constraints.

“I took aphotographofthe article and posted itonour friends’WhatsApp group

andasked how we canrescue the initiative. Ithought it would be sadifthisinitiative would come to an end.”

He explained thatone of hisfriends is Jonathan Procter,group ChiefExecutive OfficerofPrimedia, who decided to come on boardasa radio partner.

Procter said Blisters for Breadholds

“deep personal andcorporate significance” as he attendedSavioCollege.Hesaid Kfm 94.5’s partnership with the charityaligns with Primedia’s commitment to community upliftment.

Procterhighlighted the record-breaking 2022 radiothon, whichraised R20 million for the PSFA

He added thatthrough Primedia Cares andKfm’s community initiatives, the organisationcontinues to support education, disaster relief andyouth development across South Africa, with afocus on creatinglasting hope andopportunity.

“SupportingBlistersfor Breadisthereforenot only an honour rootedinmypersonalhistory,but alsoa strategicand ethicalimperativefor Primedia.Itexemplifies the spirit of Ubuntu,our shared humanity, whichcompels us to take action against inequality andhunger.

Participation in such initiativesinvigoratescommunities,nourishes children, andstrengthensthe social fabricthat binds us all.”

Knutsenbelieves Blisters for Breadisa lasting reminder of the values thatdefined SavioCollege andits commitment to servingthe community

Aftermorethanfivedecades, Knutsenis preparing to laceuphis shoesonceagain for this year’s event.

“I am lookingforward to take part but Iamlooking most forward to notgetting blisters,” he said jokingly

Participants canchoosebetweena 10km walkstarting at 07:30 anda 5km walkstartingat08:00. Entrycosts R125 perperson, whichcan provide 23 childrenwith anutritiousbreakfastand lunch for oneday Entries arelimitedto10000 participants, andregistrationsclose at midnightonSunday 2August. Only onlineentries will be accepted.

Unprecedented SA darts event

The 2026 Darts South Africa(DSA) NationalChampionships, held at the Bellville Velodrome from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 July, will foreverberemembered as one of the greatestachievements in thehistory of Western Cape darts.

Playing on home soil, the WesternCape Darts Federation (WCDF)answered the challenge laid down by its executive committee in emphatic fashion by capturing every Inter-Provincial team title on offer. In an unprecedenteddisplay of dominance Western Cape completed aclean sweepbywinningthe Men’s Championship, Ladies’ Championship, Men’s Masters Championship, Ladies’ Masters Championship,Youth Boys’ Championshipand Youth Girls’ Championship. Never before has aprovince so comprehensively dominated the NationalChampionships across every teamcategory.

Meticulousplanning,disciplinedpreparation

Lennie Thomas, of the WesternCape team, saidmonths of meticulous planning, disciplined preparation and unwavering commitment culminated in one of the finestweeks in Western Cape sporting history.

“Every provincial team embracedthe responsibility of competing onhome soil and delivered performancesofthe highest standard. The Senior Men’sand SeniorLadies’ particula ly i essi

with his parents proudlycelebrating the reward foryears of dedicationand sacrifice.There washardly adry eye when his mother witnessed her son’sdream becomingreality. SeveralWestern Cape players receivedthe ultimate recognitionbybeing awarded Protea Colours.

Amongthemwere Gary Dammert, followingamagnificenttournament in which he finished runner-up in both the Open and Closed Singles, and Vossie Oosthuizen, who producedone of the performances of the championshipsbywinning both the OpenSingles andClosed Singles titles. In alight-hearted family rivalry Cheri-Ann May reached the Protea ranks ahead of her husband,Garth May, giving their household plenty to celebrate.

Adults’masters

Leading the Ladies’ Master from the front wasDianneClaassen, whose outstanding performances were complemented by victoryinthe Closed Ladies’ Pairsalongside partner Melanie Davids. The Men’sMasters produced afitting finale by defeating KwaZulu-Natal12-4 in the championship decider

Thomassaid: “Special recognitionmust be afforded to the Provincial Team Leads Priscilla Pieters,EbenOlivier, Pieter Groenewald, Monique Allies, Vanessa Adams, andPercy Higgo. TheWestern Cape Da Federation also deserv nition

SipheleleGamalitshoyo of BusyBee Football RugbyClubwrestlesHayden Samuels of Pniel Villagers to the ground during aWestern Province RugbyUnion (WPRU) Super League Cgame played in LangaonSaturday 18 July.The home team squandered numerous chances to scoreand at the endhad to bowthe kneetothe team from Stellenboschwitha33-22 defeat PHOTO: RASHIED