City Vision E-edition 26 March 2026

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thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.zaor

unathi.obose@novusmedia.co.za

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Blood stocks running ‘dangerously low’ in WC

Blood stocks in the Western Cape are running dangerously lowahead of the Easter weekend, atraditionally criticalperiod marked by increased emergencies,prompting an urgentcallfor donors to step forward

The Western Cape Blood Service(WCBS) is appealing to all eligible donors to donate blood,assupplies continue to decline across allblood groups.

The service currently hasonly atwo-day supply of O-negative blood, far below the minimumfive days needed to maintain a stable andsustainable supply for commu-

nitiesacrossthe province.

For thepasttwo weeks, O-negative stock has been under severe pressure, with worryingdrops nowseen in other blood groups as well. “O-negative blood is often used in life-threatening emergencies when thereisnotime to determine apatient’s blood type. We arecallingonall blood donors to donateblood this week to help restore our blood stocks to ahealthy level,” says MarikeCarli, Public Relations ManageratWCBS.

If you are between 16 and75, weigh at least 50kg,are in good general health,

and follow asafe sexual lifestyle, you are encouraged to donate.

Ablood donation takes just 30 minutes, and each unit collected plays avitalrole in sustaining the province’s blood supply.

“If you have been thinking about becoming ablood donor, now would be agreat time to start donating,” added Carli.

“Whether you are an existing donor or donating for the first time, your donation could save alife when it matters most.”

To find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS via WhatsAppat060 549 7244.

RobbenIslandgetsaconservationmakeover

On Saturday 21 Marchmorethan200 volunteersrolledtheir sleeves up fora majorcleanup effortonRobben Island,marking Human Rights Daywithaction.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), with partners the Robben Island Museum,Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), The Southern African Foundationfor the ConservationofCoastalBirds (SANCCOB) and Two Oceans AquariumFoundation, led the initiative toprotectthe island’sstatus as a national heritage site

The event formed part of an ongoing

partnership focused on preserving Robben Island, with volunteers collecting many bags of litter during the clean-up drive. Ricardo Mackenzie, Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs andSport, said: “If everypersoncommitstoone small act of service we can makeameaningful impact on preserving the heritage of our province...” Priscilla Urquhart, aCCPB spokesperson, said it hadadrivingforce locally to reducepackagingwaste. André Prinsloo, headofSharedProsperity and Care for FNB,said the bank wasproud to contributetoRobbenIsland’spreservation.

Head of Conservation at SANCCOB Nicky Stander said every piece of waste removed helps create asafer, healthier environment. “Removing marine debris directly reduces threats such as entanglement, ingestion and habitat degradation...” Dr NathalieViljoen, Co-Lead of Ocean Campus at the TwoOceans Aquarium Foundation, said: “. we are privileged to participate in and contribute to removing human-generated waste and debris from Robben Island. Thank you to all partners for supporting the conservation of this incredible heritage site.”

Kindnessisnotjustvirtue,it’saresponsibility

Have youbeenkindtoday?It’sa simple question,but onethatcarries weight.Ina worldthat movesfastand demandsmorefromuseach day, kindness oftenbecomes an afterthought, somethingweassume we’llget to when life feels alittlelessoverwhelming.

Butthe truthis, kindness doesn’trequire time, money, or perfectcircumstances.Itasksonly forintention

Oneonlyneedstoscrollsocialmedia,listento theradio or switch on thetelevisiontosee how unkind we humans have become toward one another.

Murders, rape,gender-basedviolence, bullying. Thelistisendless. Iama Christianand theBible teachesusthatweneed to love our neighbourasweloveourselves.But sadly, we have somehowlostsight of this calling,allowing hatred,anger,and indifference to take over Somewherealong theway,manyofushave become so consumed by ourown struggles, deadlines, finances,stress, anduncertainty that we forget thequiet powerofhow we treat others.Werushpastpeople, avoideye contact, andsometimes respondwithfrustration instead

A journo’s voice

-Kaylynne

Bantom -

of patience.Yet thesmallest gestures canleave thedeepestmarks It costsnothing to offer asmile to someoneat atrafficlight insteadofturning away.Ittakes littleefforttospeak gently,tolistenfully,orto chooseunderstanding over judgment.These momentsmay feel insignificant,but to someone else,theycan mean everything Imaginehow differentour communities would feel if kindness became adaily habitratherthan an occasional act. Kindness builds connection. It softensdifficult days.Itreminds people that they areseen,valued, andnot alone.

Andsometimes,itcan even save alife. Theheartbreaking storyofaneight-year-old girl from theEastern Cape,who reportedly felt that escaping bullyingwas only possiblethrough ending herlife, is adevastating reminder of what happens in theabsence of kindness. No childshouldeverfeel so alone, so unheard, or so hurt that they seenoway out. Herstory forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: ourwords andactions mattermore than we realise. What we say, what we ignore, andhow we treatotherscan shapetheir sense of worth.

Kindness is notweakness. It is notsomething reserved forwhenit’sconvenient. It is adeliberatechoicethatrequiresempathy,awareness, andevenrestraint

So,atthe endofeachday,perhaps we should allpause andask ourselves: Have Ibeen kind? Notjusttothose Iknow, buttostrangers,to colleagues, to thepeoplewhose livesbriefly intersectwithmine.

Becauseina worldwhere so many aresilently struggling, kindness is notjusta virtue.Itisa responsibility

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Ndothuke ndaphants’ ukuwa ukufumanisa ukubakukhoumntu oneminyaka engaphaya kwekhulu leminyaka esidlaamazimba. Umama uNohayilodi Manisi ohlala eMakhazanoyinzalelwane yaseCofimvaba uneminyaka eli 105 wazalwayo Ngomhla we 18 kweyeKhala,usuku lokuzalwa kwesiswenye somzabalazo nowayesakuba nguMongemeliweli utata uNelsonMandela, le nkondekazi izakube ifinca i106 leminyaka. Kwiveki iphelileyo bendityelele lengwevukazi kwikhaya layo ngenjongo yokudlana indlebe nayo nokuqondangemfihleloyayo eyenzaukuba aphile ixesha elidekangaka Uyibekeyacaca ukuba akatyinje nantoni yena Uthe uyayijongainto amakayitye, watsho esithi okona kutya akuthandayokukutya kwesintu, ingakumbi umngqusho nomphokoqo.Kodwa watsho esithi uyazitya nezimuncumuncu ngoba kaloku uziphekelwa ngabazukulwane bakhe. Ndithethanje nawe uNohayilodi une-

sizukulwanasesine. Eneneni ndothukile ndakumbona ngoba bendilindele ukuba ndizakubona umntu okunzima nokuhamba,kanti ndikhe phantsi isityasigcwele Liyinene elithi kubalulekile ukuba uyijongisise into oyityayo.Ndinoloyiko ngoba thina sikrwamza kwanto. Yiyo nangoku lento sithi sidibanisa ama40eminyaka sibesele sinegxaki emizimbeni yethu. Enyanisweni ziyasigqiba ezi ziqholo sizigalelayo ekutyeni. Ewezona zikwenzaukutya kuvakale kamnandi, kodwa ekuhambeni kwethubaziye zibenemiphumela emibi emzimbeni yethu. Akululanga ke nokuyeka into osele uyiqhelile. Uninzi lwezintoesizityayo zinkonkxiwe okanye zenzelelelwe. Nkqu kwa imifuno le siyithengakwezivenkilezinkulu,eminye yayoikhuliswe ngamachiza, ithilonto sihleli njesizibhokisi ezihambayo Uninzi lwethu alusazilimelisesiphila ngokuthenga, ntoleyoisibethayo Yiyo nangoku lento ufike sinemizimba edubhudubhu.Sihleli njesiphila ngamayezaneepilisi Ingathiiyakusinceda into yokuba sibuyelekokwakulima uninzi lwethu lwalukhuliswe ngako. Ela xhegwazana lithi alibikwa hlaba lona into njeelinayo ngamehlo anorhatyazo, amadoloamene ukuqaqamba nokumane elibala. Lithi alinasifo saswekileakanye amathambo.Ndithethanawenje lithi lizihlamba ngokwalo alincediswa. Liyinene elithikubalulekile ukuba uyijonge into oyifaka ngaphakathiemzimbeni wakho.

-Unathi Obose -

Khayelitsha centenarian

UNATHIOBOSE

“The only differencebetweenour generationand thecurrent one is thatweused to listen when the eldersspoke,”said Nohayilodi Manisi who, at 105, is believed to be the oldestperson in Khayelitsha. “The currentgeneration does as theyplease.They don’t care.” This Makhazagrandmother has “seen itall and I’mnow eating abonus in life.”

Shesays she lives as any other person and believes there is nothing particularly special about her longevity.

“The only difference is that Idon’t eat everything the way today’s generation does. Iprefer simple foods, such as samp, beans or pap. My grandchildren make their own meals and sometimes Ieat with thembecause they insist, but Iprefer dryfood.” Manisi, who turns 106onSaturday18 July, shared abirthdaywith“Madiba”,the internationalhuman-rightsand social-justiceicon, the late formerPresident Nelson Mandela.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she said she grewupherdingcattleand walking more than 5kmevery morning to fetch water from the river.

“I never wenttoschoolinmylife.We grew up planting maize and herding cattle in the veld. We did everythingwithour own hands. In thosedays we walkedlong distances.”

Originally from Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, Manisi comes from the AbaThembu royal house. She had eightchildren, of whom only three are stillalive

Thesoft-spoken matriarch saidthe main changes she has experienced with age are blurredvision and knee problems.

“Besides that Idon’t feelanything. Idon’t havehigh blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis. Ibath myself and can stillmove

aroundthe yard.One thing Ihavenoticed issomememory loss.”

Oneofher children, Zoleka Manisi (56), describedher mother as energeticand independent. “My mother is astrict person We grewupplaying indoors because she didn’t want us outside. She loves people.”

Granddaughter Thandokazi Manisi (37) echoesthis, adding her generosity to the mix

“Ifthereisa visitor, my grandmawill sacrifice herplate andgive it to the visitor Sometimes when she sees aperson passing by she callsthatperson in andasks us to givehim food or something to drink.”

Manisi has 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren andthree great-great-grandchildren

Makhazagranny Nohayilodi Manisi (105) withsome of her familymembers. From left:ZolekaManisi (her daughter),Inam Wondo (great-great-grandchild), NohayiloManisi, and Thandokazi Manisi and AzolaGwangqa (both grandchildren).

Launchfor Live Well Challenge

UNATHIOBOSE

Scores of peoplelivingwithdisabilities gathered at Site BCommunityHall, on Wednesday 18 March,for theLive Well Challengeprogramme organised by theCity’sHealth Department in collaboration with othermunicipal departments.

Health-promotionofficer Eleanor Sopili described the initiative as part of an ongoing health-awareness campaign.She explainedthat the programme will run over eight weeks.

“It caters specifically for people living withdisabilities from Site B. Thisisour firstsession. We meet everyWednesday for eight weeks, except during the first weekofthe month due to grant payments and on public holidays.”

Sopili said the programme aimed to educate participants about the importanceof healthy eating.

“We have observed that many people living with disabilitiesdonot sticktoaproper diet. Those who are wheelchair-bound,

in particular, tend to gain weight because theyeat whatever is available. We are noweducating them on the importance of healthyeatingand understanding what they consume.”

Site BlibrarianNomthandazo Makopo saidthe library wasalso playing its part in theprogramme,informing those attending about available services.

“We wanttopromote aculture of readingand encourage them to visit the library regularly. There are many activities we offerthatcan positively change their lives.”

Forone person there, Eric Sotyato from France informal settlement, the event was educationaland inspiring

“Ididn’t realise overeating couldnegatively affectmybody,”hesaid. “I have learnt the importance of portion control andbeing mindful of whatIeat.Weneed to balanceour meals by including starch, protein,and othernutrients.”

Sotyato expressed his gratitudetothe City forincluding people living with disabilitiesinthe programme.

ProgrammesSupport Manager forthe City’s Health Department, Bukelwa Mbalane, addressesthe event.

FROMPAGE1

Theseven schools are Fairdale Primary, Parliament Primary,MfuleniTechnical High School, Bardale Primary, Bardale High School, Fairdale 1HighSchool and Fairdale 2High School.

On Monday 23 March, Task Team members handedover their grievances to officials from the WCED’s Metro North District outside MfuleniHigh School.

Thememorandumwas received by John Matiso, Metro North District SectorManager,who committed to providing aresponse within the 14 days as stipulatedin the document. He undertook to forward the memo to senior officials

Among others the memo calls for the construction of proper brick schools:“Many learners arestilllearning in structures

been operating in temporary structures for 20 years.Parliament PrimarySchool hasbeenintemporarystructures for 12 years,” explainedTyakume, addingthat Bardale High School hasbeenrunningfor 16 years, while Fairdale 1and Fairdale 2 high schools were establishedfiveyears ago.

Thenewestschool, Mfuleni Technical High School, shesaid hasbeenoperating for three years.

According to Tyakume, the area also requires aschool of skills,libraries and social workerstoassist learnerswith social challenges.She furthercalled on the departmenttoemploy security guards to safeguardschools at night, citing ongoing vandalismbycriminals

Regional secretary of the South African

Residentsdividedonthestatusoflocalinfrastructure

UNATHIOBOSE

Residents of SamoraMachel have expressed mixed emotions about thestate of roads in the area, somedescribing them as appallingwhile othershavepraisedthe Cityfor its great work.

Resident Phindile Mdolwana accused the City of neglect and blamed it formisleadingthe community by focusing on the main streets only. “As we speak theCityis maintaining Oliver Tambo Road,but if you look at thesmaller roads thereare alot of potholes and stagnantsewage.”

Another resident Zukiswa Phuthuma, praisedthe City. She said Samora Machel had witnessed alot of road improvements “We can’t run away fromthe fact that

someofour streets are bad. But let’sgive credit where it’s due. The City is trying its best to maintain the streets. Look at Oliver Tamboand other streets, they look better.”

Sheadmitted, though, thatmuchstillneeded to be done.

Phuthuma lambastedresidents fordiscardingforeignobjects in the drains.

Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka saidthe City wasona mission to maintain allthe streetsofthe area,focusing on the main roads before turning to the smaller streets. “There is aproject thatisgoingto startsoonbefore the end of this financial year,when the City willfillall potholes and open stormwater drains.”

She said crime also had an impact on the progress madeinthe area

Seminar held on marriagerights

UNATHIOBOSE

People canlivetogether as longasthey wish, but that does notentitle either partner to the other’sbelongings.This wasakey message that camefromaseminaronmarriagerights andprotection of marital assets heldinthe Site BCommunity Hall on Thursday last week

“Even if youhavelived togetherfor more than10years youmay notinheritanything if your partner passes away, unlessthere is awrittenagreement stating otherwise” wasasobering reminder from Vuyani Xabendlini of the Public Education Office of Parliament during amarriageseminar hosted on Thursday 19 March.

Theseminarwas conductedbythe Public Education Office in partnership with the Western Cape Local Government Department andwas attended mainly by church leaders and various localorganisations.

Xabendlini described the seminarasan initiativeaimed at empowering andeducating the public about marriage lawsand their rights.

He explainedthatSouth Africarecognises different types of marriages, butcautioned against cohabitation

“In the country we have customary, civil andreligious marriages. All marriages are different from oneanother. Traditionally, customary marriages werearrangements between two families, with nothing formally documented.However, the government nowallows these unionstobeformalised andregistered.”

He added thatpolygamyispermitted only if the existing wifeconsented to herhus-

theywish, butthatdoesnot entitleeither partner to the other’s belongings.Evenif you have lived togetherfor more than10 yearsyou maynot inheritanything if your partner passesaway, unlessthere is awritten agreement stating otherwise.”

Xabendlini alsospoke about the Marriage Bill (B43-2023) currently beforeParliament. TheBill proposesaminimum legal marriageage of 18 yearswhile unifyingall marriages regardlessofsexual orientation, religious beliefs or cultural practicesunderasingle legal framework.

“The bill notonlyseeks to address existingdisparities butalsotackles the issueof childmarriages,” he said

Emthonjeni Counsellingand Training Executive DirectorNomfundoMwanda described the seminarasinformative and beneficial. Shesaid herorganisation focusedonequipping young people with life skills,which include preparing themfor marriage.

“Werun programmes for young people in whichweeducate andprepare them for marriage. In many casespeople enter marriage for the wrong reasons, such as for financial gain.Some view ahusband as asource of income. As an organisationwe aimtoempower, especially women,tobe independent.”

Mwandaadded thatmarriageshould be apartnership in whichboth individuals support oneanother,ratherthana burden.

Nomabandla Nqweme (76) from BM Section in Site B, whoattendedthe seminar, described it as revitalising.“Ilostmyhusbandin2007. We were marriedunder customarylaw,but Ihavenow learntI needed

UWCseminar on gang crisis

BRENDENRUITER

With bullets still flying on the Cape Flats, killing young and old aonedayseminaron“Gangsterismand Social Dysfunction”was held at theUniversityofthe Western Cape (UWC) on Wednesday 18 March, bringing stakeholders from civil society, faith-based organisations, government, policing structures, academia and affected communities together TygerBurger, City Vision's sister newspaper, reported on five differenttripple or double murders since thebeginning of March, stretching acrosscommunities suchasMfuleni, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain and Kraaifontein. Almost all the murders are alleged gangland killings, with retaliation attacks beingcommon placed.

Crimestats

The most recent crime statistics (third quarter, covering October to December 2025) show 257 out of 276 murdersdescribed as “gang-related” occurred in the Western Cape. It is also the province with the second highest murder ratio per100 000 (15,2).

The only goodnews is thatthere wasa decline of 3,4% (44 fewer) murders from theprevious quarter.

The top 10 stations for murderinthe countryare Mfuleni, Nyanga,Delft, Gugulethu, Khayelitshaand Kraaifontein.

The seminar, convened byUWC’s Prof Jaap Durand, researchchair in Gender, Transformation and World making inthe Faculty of Law, was held in partnership withthe Cape Crime Crisis Coalition. “As

gang violenceand organised crime continue to gripcommunities across the Western Capethe seminarhostedbythe UWC hascalledfor urgent, coordinated action across society to address whatparticipants describedasadeeplyentrenched socialcrisis,” astatement released afterwardssaid.

“Discussions tracedthe origins of gangs inSouth Africa,notingthatsomeprison gangs date back more thanacentury Overtimethese formations have evolved fromloosely organised street gangs into sophisticatedcriminal syndicates involved in drug andhuman trafficking, racketeering, corruptionand other formsoforganised crime...[G]angsterism is notmerely criminalbut also cultural, governedby internal codes, hierarchies andideological norms. This subculture hasproven resilient, adaptingtochanging socio-economic conditions.”

Spatialinequality

The seminar heard how colonial and apartheid spatialplanning laid the groundwork forgangsterism; the legacyofforced removals, segregated communities and economic marginalisation. Astark picture waspainted of the pervasiveimpact of gangactivity,such as curtailed freedom of movement, association andexpression Gangs are surrogate families where social andfamilyfragmentation, high school drop-outrates and, forgirls, teenagepregnancyand sex exploitation occur,notwithstanding “a growing trust deficit between communities andthe police”. Theseminar concludedthat destroying gangsterism requires comprehensive, holistic approaches.

Muslim marriage officers gain equalrecognition in reform

Muslimmarriageofficers no longerneedto reapplyfor certification every five years.

The new directive from Home Affairs MinisterDrLeonSchreibermeans Muslim religious leaders certifiedasmarriageofficers willnow be recognisedonthe same basis as otherfaith communities,which arecertified foranunlimited period.

Thechange brings the officersinline with otherreligious groups under the Marriage Act25of1961, removing what the ministry called an “administratively burdensome” renewalprocess.

“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subjecttoarenewal requirement thatdid notapply to other religious groups. Thefive-year limitation was originally introduced as atemporarymeasure, while newmarriagelegislation was being developed,” the ministrysaid in arelease lastweek.

Theminister’sdecisionfollows discussionswith relevantstakeholders.This reformcomes afterthe departmentintroduced marriage certificatesthatrecognised Muslim marriages for the firsttimein2024.

Octotel &RSAWEBPartner With ProjectIsizwe andHuddle to PowerConnected Classrooms

In agroundbreaking initiative to bridgethe digital divide and empowereducation, Octotel,South Africa'sbest-ratedfibre network, and one of its internet service providers (ISPs),RSAWEB, in collaboration with Project Isizweand Huddle Education, is transforminglearning environments across the Western Cape.Together, thesefour organisations aretackling thechallenges of educationalinequality by equipping underserved schoolswith freehigh-speed internet access, digital resources, and skills trainingforeducators.

This innovative partnership is currently rolling out at Grassy Park High, Khanyolwethu SecondaryinStrand,andwithEducationAllythe operating partner of Kraaifontein High School. These three schools exemplify the resilienceandpotentialofSouthAfrica'spublic educationsystem.

“Connectivity on its own isn'tenough— it's what you do with it that truly changes lives,” says Carly-BethHaydricks,CSR Team Lead at Octotel. “This partnership works because each organisation bringssomething valuable to thetable. We deliver free,reliable, highspeed fibre that removesaccess barriers; Project Isizwe ensures thatitreaches the communitiesthat need it most; and Huddle and Education Allybring thecurriculum, training, and on-the-ground support that turns technologyintoreallearning.”

Through Octotel's 1GBfibresponsorship, classrooms that were onceofflinenow have seamless, zero-ratedconnectivity.Teachers stream lessons, and learningisnolonger limitedbyinfrastructure —all ofthis powered by possibility.Todate, Octotel hasconnected over 160schools across theWesternCape, benefitingmorethan50,000learners,proving thatfibrecandomorethanconnectdevices itcanconnectfutures.

Thenon-profit organisations, Project Isizwe andHuddle Education, ensure that the free, reliable internet reachesthe classrooms that need itmost. Theirworkguarantees that digital resources complement traditional teaching,making learningfun, engaging, and impactful— and preparinglearners for a digitalworkforceandeconomy

“At Huddle, we bring the educational expertise that transforms connected classrooms into dynamiclearningecosystems.Teachersinthe programmereceive devices, training, and ongoing mentorship, allowing them to integrate digitallearningintoeveryday teaching,” says Mona EweesMkumatela, HeadofImplementationatHuddle

“This is about more than technology —it's about building aculture of growth, engagement, and resilience” added

Mkumatela. “Working together with Octotel and ProjectIsizwe allowsustocreate solutions that are far more impactful than any organisationcouldachievealone.”

“Too many schools sit on the wrongside of the digital divide,”says Shireen Powell, CEO of ProjectIsizwe.“This partnership demonstrates how internet connectivity canunlockmeaningful learningfor teachersandlearnersalike.”

Across these schools, learners now experience ablended-learning routine: lessons introduced via Huddle videos, followed by engaging workbook exercises allpoweredbyOctotelconnectivity

“We're not just connecting schools —we're connecting potential, dreams,and futures,” says Haydricks.“When learnersin

underserved communities can access the same digital tools as anyone else, the possibilitiesareendless.ForusatOctotel,this is what connectivitywith purpose looks like: opening doors,shaping futures,and proving that fibre canbeapowerful forcefor social change.”

Thiscollaboration by Octotel with Project IsizweandHuddleEducationisdemonstrating what is possible in public education in South Africa. It shows that technology, when paired with expertiseand heart,can do more than provideinternet—itcanunlockopportunities, inspire ambition, and create pathwaystoa better lifefor thousandsoflearners in the country

ABOUTOCTOTEL

OctotelisaleadingWesternCape-basedfibre internet provider, proudly rankedasthe number-one fibre network operator (FNO)in SouthAfrica. Witharapidly growing footprint Octotel recently surpassed125,000 active connections on itsstate-of-the-art network, delivering premium, reliable, and affordable fibreconnectivitytohomesandbusinesses Knownfor itscommitmenttoinnovation, customer-centric solutions, and community upliftment,Octotelcontinues to setthe standard forfibre internet service excellence in theregion and beyond. Join thethousands of satisfiedcustomers whotrust Octotel for their fibre needs and experienceconnectivity that'sfast,reliable,anddesignedforyou.Visit www.octotel.co.zatolearnmore

ABOUTRSAWEB

RSAWEB is SouthAfrica's best-rated ISP, providingpremiumconnectivitytohomesand businesses across thecountry.RSAWEB is morethan just aconnectivityprovider, partnering with numerous organisationsto give allSouth Africans access to award winningfibreconnectivity. Visitwww.rsaweb.co.zatolearnmore

Illegaldumping a‘nightmare’

UNATHIOBOSE

Residents of Coline Williams Street, Samora Machel have raised concerns about illegal dumping intheir area, accusingneighbouring communitiesof discarding rubbish and building rubble in theirimmediate vicinity.

They have urgently called on the City of Cape Town to clean the area and impose strict penalties on the perpetrators

Resident Simnikiwe Tolbaat described thesituation as “unbearable”, adding that

the street had becomea dumping site.

“This is beyond ourcontrol. We need the City to intervene.”

She claimedthe rubble had made the area inaccesible.

“Peopleare dumping waste in broaddaylight.Afterrenovating their houses they bring the rubble here. Theworst part is that theydumpitinthe middleofthe road, forcingthe motorists to use alternative routes because the street is blocked.”

Tolbaatadded the rubbish had been pilingup fornearlya month. Themother of

three described their livingconditions as appalling andwarned that residents,especially children, were at riskofcontracting diseases.

“We have children playing outsideinthis rubble. If it’snot illegaldumping thenit’s aburst drain.Nothing is improving here

Our councillor is trying to address the issues, but residents arepart of the problem. We need to change ourmindset andrespect one another.”

Ward 33 councillor LungisaSomdaka acknowledged that illegal dumping remained

amajor challengeinSamora Machel. He said rubbish trucks collectwaste everyThursday butcriticisedresidents and contractors whodispose of building rubble irresponsibly.

“Illegal dumping is awidespread problem in Samora. People renovating their homes dump rubble anywhere.

In some cases, subcontractors working in affluent areasbring waste backand dump it here.” He added thathewas making everyeffort to ensure the area is cleaned regularly.

Cityrampsupfreewaysafetyafterspikeinsmash-and-grabs

UNATHIOBOSE

Following aseries of smash-and-grabincidents on various freeways and secondary routes in the City this year,Mayco member for safety and security,JPSmith, has condemned these incidents, describing them as unacceptable.

In astatement, Smith saidthe City has implemented several measures to curb this criminal behaviour

He explainedthat sinceits implementation in August 2024, the City’s Freeway Management Plan has been activelydeployed to reduce crime-related incidents on

majorfreeways andsecondary routes, improve response times, andassist motorists in need. The initiativeforms part of the City’s broader commitment to enhancing the safety andsecurity of all road users.

Undertheplan:

○ More than 50 officers are deployed per shift,operating daily alongpriority routes, including the N2, N1, R300, N7, Airport Approach,and other key corridors.

○ Officers are stationed at identified crimehotspot locations to deter criminal activity andsupport road users.

○ Priority deployments focus on areas

known foropportunistic crime, such as BorcherdsQuarryand AirportApproach.

○ TheCitycontinuously monitors these routes viaCCTVand Freeway Management System (FMS) cameras, operating 24/7 to detect suspiciousactivity andimproveresponse times.

○ TheCity’sRoadSafety Education Team actively enforces pedestriansafety along freeways to reduce pedestrian-vehicle incidents.

Smith emphasised thatwhile policeremain the leadagency in crimeprevention, the City’s enforcement agenciesplaya supporting role where possible.“Motorists

should remain vigilantand be aware of their surroundings while driving. They are encouragedtoreportincidents by contactingthe City’s Public Emergency Communication Centreon021 480 7700,” he said Meanwhile,provincialpolicespokesperson CaptainFCvan Wykdeclinedto release statisticsonsmash-and-grab incidents recordedthisyear, citing restrictions. “Due to amoratorium,statistics arenot disclosed to the media.Quarterly crimestatisticsare releasedbythe Acting PoliceMinister, FirozCachalia,and previously releasedstatisticsare available on ourwebsite at www.saps.gov.za,” he said

TheSANationalDefenceForcepreparesforCapeanti-gangdeployment

DESIRÉERORKE

The South African NationalDefence Force

(SANDF) and South AfricanPolice Service last week commenced preparatoryoperations in Cape Town ahead of the military's

deployment to tacklegangviolence in identified crime hotspots.

Aselect contingent of policeofficials and SANDF members conducted operational scanning exercises on Wednesday and

CapeGovernment received abriefing from Western Capepolicesenior management on national deployment plans.“The deploymentwillbefocused on numerous high-crime policingprecincts across the

Local schools showcasetalent

UNATHIOBOSE

Learners from several schoolsinNyanga, Gugulethu, New Crossroads and Langa gathered at Ilinge PrimarySchool Hall in Nyanga forthe Showcase Festivalhosted by iHlumelo ArtsinSchoolsOrganisation on Friday 20 March to commemorate HumanRights Day.

Event organiser Nosisana Nama described the eventasaplatformfor learners to showcase their talents.

She saidtheir organisationworks closely with local schools. “At least14of themare primaryschools from Nyanga, Gugulethu and Langa.

“There is also one high school, Oscar Mpetha Secondary Schoolfrom Nyanga, which is involved. Our programmes are aligned with the schoolcurriculum.”

Nama added that the festivalissupported by the National Department ofArtsand Culture.

She explained that learnersare trained in various disciplines, including dance, drama, visualarts,choral music and marimba. Shenoted that not all learners excel academically.

“This programme empowersthem by giving thempractical skills. Somelearners may struggle with academicworkbut are talented when it comes to hands-on activities. The programme also helpsinstil discipline.”

Nama added that since the programmes were introduced more than five years ago at different schools thenumber ofdropouts haddecreased.

Ateacher from Nompumelelo Special School in Gugulethu, Noxolo Planga, described thefestival as beneficialtolearners.

“It is agreat opportunity for our learners because they come from aspecialschool.It is not always easy forthem to graspeverything academically, but they learn better through practical activities,”she said.

Sheagreedwith Nama thatsome learners maynot perform well academically butexcelinother areas.

IECoutlines electionsplanning

ENTERTAINMENT

CarnivallightsupGreen Point

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

The spirit of unity tookover Cape Town as the 16th Cape Town CarnivalturnedHuman Rights Day into avibrant showcase of local talent andcultural pride.

Music, dance and dazzling displays filledthe Green Point Fan Walk on Saturday 21 March as thousands flocked to the event to witness the spectacle.

Tracey Carter, carnival performance director,said over 1200 performers took part in the festivities “Every year we say not again. But thenwedoit. We do this for CapeTown. When they come outtosee the performers, it feels good. We had some challenges with the wind, but it all came together beautifully.”

With this year’s theme of “Follow your heART”, the event featured the artistic energy of 12 “Carnival Champions” from the city’s creative community. The Champions included singer Zolani Mahola who performed on the Uvuyo float, acelebration of joy, culture and the power of voice to unite anation.

Artist Anslin Gysman and actress Natasha van der Merwe wowed the crowd with classic local songs from theTrap vir Trap float.

Activist Nyaniso Tutu-Burris featuredonthe Amandla float atribute to South Africa. While mediapersonality Dylan Majavie wowed the crowd on the float about transformation, Morph

Providing yet another highnote wasCape Town legend DJ Ready Dand graffiti artistRizah Potgieter on the BPM: Beats|Paint | Movefloat.

Blending traditionwith innovation, anew addition this year wasthe processionofmodernised cars,adding anew highlight for the crowd.

JayDouwes, Carnival Chief Executive Officer, said: “Wecalled themour Champions because they have voluntarily and proudly been part ofthe process of telling their stories andinspiring carnival participants to follow their dreams. Theirexcitement to bepartofthe carnival hasbeen inspiring.”

ProfRachelJafta, chair of the CapeTownCarnival Trust, said the performers put their “hearts, soul and bodies”into bringing this spectacle to life. “Weare aboutcommunity, human connection, joyand creatingsomething magnificent…wefeelso honoured to be able to bringthis event to the heart of Cape Town every year.”

JP Smith, Mayco memberfor safety andsecurity, said the carnival wasone ofover30events that took place across thecity this past weekend.

“This is oneofthe most diverse and inclusive events in Cape Town. Alot of planning andlogistics goesinto it. Thankyou to the organisers,and special thank you to the fireman and law enforcement officers who has been going to the gym allyear to be part of the eye candy.”

CTInternationalJazzFestival

The Mother City is set to come alive with world-class music as the Cape TownInternational Jazz Festival (CTIJF) unveils its full, star-studded line-up for thisyear’s highly anticipated event at the Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre(CTICC). This year’s programme, on Friday27and Saturday28March, brings global innovators, legendsand rising starstogether, reaffirming the CTIJF’sreputation as Africa’s grandest gathering and one of the continent’s mostanticipated musicevents. Leading theinternational line-up is Grammy-winning British multi-instrumentalist JacobCollier, whose musical virtuosity has captivatedaudiences worldwide. He is joined by the legendary American jazz-fusion ensembleYellowjackets, bringing decades of innovation and musical mastery to the festivalstage. Modern jazz powerhouseYussef Dayes appearswith The Yussef Dayes Experience, delivering the dynamic rhythmic energythat has earned him global acclaim. The internationalprogramme isfurther enriched by Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, Indian bassvirtuoso Mohini Dey and Indian vocalist and

flautistVarijashree Venugopal,whose blend ofCarnatic classical tradition and jazz introduces aunique cross-cultural dimensiontothe festival

Headlining the Moses Molelekwa stage isRaveena,the Indian American singer-songwriter celebrated forher lush fusionofR&B, jazz and South Asian influences.Known forher etherealvocals andimmersivesoniclandscapes, Raveena has built adevoted international following through emotionally rich songwriting and captivating liveperformances. Further international highlights include Americanpercussionist andbandleader Sheila E. and The E-Train, British jazz collectiveNubiyan Twist, Portuguese jazz icon Maria João,and Russian saxophonist IgorButman performing with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra South Africa willbestrongly represented by legendarypianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim,iconic musicianSipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and acclaimed pianist NduduzoMakhathini performing with An Ongoing Rehearsal Our-Ke(s)tra.

Additional South African highlights include internationally celebrated vocalist

Tutu Puoane, experimental jazz collective BCUC,bassist andcomposerCarlo Mombelliwith Chapter 7and acclaimed pianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane.

Thefestival willalso showcase contemporary voices shaping the future of Africanmusic, including chart-topping amapiano duo ScorpionKings, soulful singer Manana, genre-blendingartist lordkez, vocalist Sio and rising talents Rorisang Sechele and JabulileMajola

Further performances will featureSalomãoSoaresand Vanessa Moreno from Brazil,Seba Kaapstad, Giuliette Price, Camissa Knights, JimmyNevis, Luukhanyo,Jazzwrld &Thukuthela andDJDwson

Theprogramme willalso featurethe CTIJFJazz Orchestra,alongside aspecial Kippie MoeketsiCentenaryTribute,honouring one of South Africa’s most influential jazz pioneers.

Beyond the performances,the festival continues its commitment to community upliftmentand artist development throughyouth workshops,mentorship programmes, andeducationalinitiatives. Tickets are availableonTicketmaster, with Buy Now Pay Later optionsonLoot.

From London on threewheels

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

“This is the worst thing I’ve ever done but the greatest,” saidSeth Scott, aVancouver native who became one of the first men to drive across Africa in athreewheeledcar.

“It was f*cking terrible,” said OllieJenks cheerfully, after the pair finallymade it to Cape Point, themost south-westerly point of the African continent on Wednesday 11 March.

The duo madethe journey in aReliant Robin, acheap fibreclass car that has motorcycling ambitions. The car is considered iconic in Britain where it was produced between 1973 and 2002 and where it can be driven with amotorcycle licence.

According to Scott and Jenks’ Instragram channel, @hold. mygear, the car they drove to achieve the world record, nicknamed Sheila, was thelast of itskind.

Theymet,theyplanned,they drove

The unlikely partnership began during the 2018 Mongol Rally when Scott and Jenks first met at the Iran-Armenia border, both driving “crap cars” from England to Mongolia.

“The idea has been in my head for about seven years, growing,” Scott said as he chatted with fans who graduated from being social media followers to literal followers on the day.

Scott said it tookabout another eight months of extensive planning beforethey chose the notoriously unstable Reliant Robin for their African adventure. “I saw someone driving aReliant Robin on the Mongol Rally, and Ithought, ‘what could be something even crazier to do in aReliant Robin?’” Scott said.

Potholesandperils

The 24 000km journey was plagued with problems including engine failures, multiple brake breakdowns, and countless border delays, all of which they chronicled on social media.Their biggest setback came in Cameroon when their engine suffered complete failure.

Scott enthralled local car enthusiasts with the stories of destruction when they met at Cape Point. He said they had to have areplacement engine shipped to theCongo region, where they rebuilt it themselves.

But engine failure was just the beginning of their mechanical woes. They replaced five wheel cylinders and four sets of brake shoes during thetrip, withbrakes failing every 5000 kilometers due to the weight distribution on the Robin’s drumbrake system.

“It was alot of stress and anxiety, being push mechanics,” Scott said.

An axle failure in Congo presented another challenge, as they needed to find avehicle with approximately 50 horsepower on the rear end —nearly impossible in aregion dominated by heavy-duty trucks.

Borderbattlesandroutereality

Administrativechallenges proved almost as difficult as mechanical ones. What should

have been 30-minute border crossings often stretched to two to three hours, with Morocco’s border control taking six hours due tostrict documentation requirements for theirunusual vehicle andcarnet de passage, essentiallya passport for the car.

“Visaplanning,logistics, also judging conflicts, lookinginto conflicts,coups.Therewere coups while we wereonthe wayhere,” Scottsaid.

Road conditions varieddramatically across the continent.

While Namibia andAngolaoffered “quite goodroads”,most othercountries were“pretty dodgy”, according to Jenks.

Strangerthings

Scottand Jenks also encountered many Samaritans andsponsorsalong the way, including in Cape Town, where astranger promptly handeda bottle of champagne and glasses to them on their arrival.

Several other“crank heads” were also eagerlyawaiting their arrival, including members of theCrankhandle Club, based in Wynberg, who arrived in animpressive collection of vintage cars andmet the adventurersattheir pitstop in Constantia

The entourage followed the cranky Sheila asshe trundled, almost Flintstone’s style —at an average speed that appeared to be about 40km an hour, to the pitstops alongthe Cape Town leg. By the timethey reached Cape Point,hours later than planned, their following had growntoinclude several more fans,including Presley Ofsowitz(18) and Luke Hare (19) of FishHoek. Ofsowitz saidthey werecontemplating a beach outingand had deferred leaving severaltimesand just as theyweregetting out of the car Sheila came cycling by.

“Assoon as we stopped, we were getting out of thecar and saw theChev and thought, ‘ooh that’s nice’,”Presley said referring toone ofthe Crankhandle Club’s cars.“Then we turned around and saw them andwe realised straightaway.”

They immediately joined the entourageintheirbright red Volkswagen Beetle.

On-roadsupport

The pair’s biggest follower however is Jenks’ girlfriend Rachel Garrison.Garrison flew to Cape Townonthe duo’s expected due date, only to find they were severelydelayed.

After spending some time in the city, surfing and meeting friends, Garrisontravelled to Namibia to meet the pair at the country’snorthernmost point

“They’d madeituntil there without asupport vehicle,” Garrisonsaid, adding that this waslikely why it hadtaken themsolong.

“Butthey would have made it one wayoranother,” she said. “They were determined.”

The record-breaking Reliant Robin finally made it to Cape Town after 130 days, amonth later thanplanned.

She will nowlikely find a temporary home at amuseum, withthe Franschhoek Motor Museum being consideredasa displayvenue. The duo hasn’t ruled outfutureadventures, mentioning potential plans for“another onegoinghome but youknow, the east coast,” Scottsaid.

Cape Town explores newmarkets

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The City of Cape Townispreparing anew tourism frameworkaimed at boosting visitor spendingand creating jobs,Mayco member for economic growth

James Vos said, in an interview with City Vision’s sister newspaper, People’sPost

He said the strategy will guide the next phase of growth in the visitoreconomyas global competition between destinations intensifies. Last year, CapeTown welcomedover 2,4 million overnight visitors.

“Those visitorscontributed around R24,5 billion to the local economy and supported more than 106 000 jobs.This represents nearly 7% of total employment in the city,” Vos said

Cape Town International Airport also processed more than 11,2 million passengers during the same period, reflecting strong domestic and internationaltravel demand.

Planningthenextphase

Vos said the city is now focusing onwhat the next phase of tourism growth should look like.

“Tourism does not stand still, and neither can we if we want this sectortokeep delivering jobs, opportunityand growth across our city.”

The upcoming Tourism Framework for Cape Town will aim to increasevisitor numbers,encourage longer stays, and drive higher spending.

According to Vos, the strategy would ensure benefits reach businesses and workers across the sector, including hospitality, retail, guiding, transport,and the creative industries.

Globalmarketingcampaigns

The Mother City has rolledout its “This

Is Cape Town” place marketing campaign acrosssix continents and55cities

The campaign features advertising in internationalmarkets suchasIndia,China, the United States of America(USA), and theUnited Kingdom (UK).

Promotional efforts have included branded taxisinNew York andblack cab advertising in London, both with QR codes linking travellers to Cape Town’s digital tourismplatforms.

Vossaidatargeteddigital campaign in India hasalready generated over330 millionimpressions, while marketing is also underway on China’s WeChat platform.

Expandinginternationalairconnectivity

Strengthening international air connectivity remains akey focus, Vos said, adding that Cape Town is currently connected to32globaldestinations, with up to 230 international flights landing each week during peaktravel periods.

“This markssignificantgrowth compared with adecade ago, when thecity haddirect flights to 16 international destinations,with about 120 weekly flights,” Vossaid.

The expansion is the result of collaborationthroughthe Air Access initiative, which works with airlines to establish new routes

“Each additional flightstrengthens tourism, trade, and investment opportunities,” Vosexplained.

Targetingnewandexistingmarkets

Looking ahead, the city aims to expand tourism flows from Africa, India, and China,while maintaining strong visitor numbers from traditional marketssuch as the UK,Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Vossaidarecently introduced direct

tourism are about service. Technology industry, but people remain experience,”hesaid. dents international and vital for training. drive income, while sustain businesses and learn to present culture professionally to all guests,” for new students, the industry straight must learn fundamenhours, and embrace

“Each challenge is an opnew skills,”hesaid. that global marketing flight routes, and industry provide practical learning opportunities. that sustainable tourism education and finanarticularly for small and to ensure workforce employment.

Allready forBayhillkick-off!

Atotalof32teams,17fromthe WesternCapeand 15 from across South Africa,Africaand theworld will lineup forthe openingceremonyofthe annual BayhillPremier CuponThursday 3April at EricaParkinBelhar, forthe 37th editionofthe u-19 soccer tournament

The draw for the competition wasconducted on Saturday 14 March at the Cape Town Civic Centre.

Teamswill compete in eight groupsof four with two sides from each group making it to the knockout stages, ahead of the quarter-finals and semi-finals, all atErica Park.

Present at the draw were industry dignitaries such as the WesternCape Minister forSports and Culture Ricardo Mackenzie, the head coach of Stellenbosch FC, Gavin Hunt, the Vice President of SAFA National, Bennett Bailey, the City’s Mayco member for communityservices and health, Francine Higham among others.

The contest, which has growntobecome one of the country's top u-19soccer com-

petitions,started at theStephen Reagon Sportsgrounds in Mitchells Plainmore than 36 years ago.

It isthe brainchild of the late Roger Clayton.

As it is now customary thefinal will be played on Monday 6April at Athlone Stadium andabig crowd is expected.

The finals comprises of entertainment, exhibitions and three official matches representative of the Bruyns Plate Section Final, the Pat Connolly Mid-Section Final andthe Roger Clayton CupFinal.

The Local workingcommittee has assured the public that all logistics have been put in place for asmooth andincident free tournament.

This yearwill be no different andthe thousands of excited andknowledgeable fansofthe Bayhill Premier Cup will no doubt expect no less than the exciting sporting eventthey have become accustomedtoinpasteditions.

Through the years this tournament has demonstrated thatSouth African football is alive and well andthatithas many players of high quality,who are able to

RMBUltra-trailentriesopen

One of the world’s most coveted trailrunning events is ready to welcomeits next field of contenders.

Entriesfor the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town (UTCT) are officially open, igniting the build-up to Africa’s flagshipultra-trail showdown Race weekendtakes place fromFriday 20 to Sunday 22 November, when thousands of athletes from around the world will converge on the Mother City to tackle six distances across Table Mountain and theCape Peninsula, from theaccessible 16km through to thegruelling 100-miler (160.9km) UTCT.

As the finale of the World TrailMajors, RMBUTCT has firmly established itself as amust-race destination for both localand international ailr letes athletes part number in the World pionships. event pl

Intr 100’s to

RMBUTCT 100km-or100-mile race

Finishing this distanceis, by anymeasure, asignificantachievement, and the 100’sensures thatevery runner who crosses thatfinish line is recognised in perpetuity.

When arunner finishes either theUT100 (100km) or UTCT (100-mile)race,their name is displayed, along with their finish timeand the year completed. Those completingthis year’s editionwill join the fourteen “Originals” who finished the inaugural RMB UTCT in 2014 in 15 hours orunder, as well as the storied “Honey Badgers” who have completed the UTCT 100-milerunder 30 hours, cementing theirplace in thehistory of the event.

Chasing100 Runnersf nd the world

representour country at the highest level.

Over 30 000 people fromBelhar and all cornersofCape Town come to witnessthe talent of the participating teams and this year won't be different.

TheresultsofthedrawofSaturday14March:

GroupA:

Bayhill UnitedFC

Antalyaspor JPM CT

Bolobathaba United FC

Stanturf FC

GroupB:

Cape Town City FC

CR Vasco da Gama

Everton FC

HoutbayFC

GroupC:

Stellenbosch FC

Virginia Sports Academy

Jomo’s PowerFC

Two For Joy FC

GroupD: Chippa UnitedFC

Randburg AFC

Juventus FC

Matroosfontein FC

GroupE: Elite ProTanzania

Cape TownSpurs FC

Rygersdal FC

Eagles Performance Academy

GroupF:

Mamelodi Sundowns

SAFACPT Academy

Maties FC

Jacaranda Callies FC

GroupG: TUKS University of Pretoria

Hungry Lions FC

Windhoek Gymnasium

Stars of Africa

Group H: UbuntuFootball

Shayamoya Academy

Premier United FC

Aberdeen FC

AllStars edge Royals