For manypeopleliving with disabilities, accessing opportunities, support servicesand equalparticipationinsociety remains adaily challenge.
However, MasizakheDisability Forumin Site B, Khayelitsha, is working tirelessly to change that reality by empowering those withdisabilities.
Established morethan threeyearsago
2023, the non-governmental organisation, and advocates fora more inclusivecommunity
Babalwa Tabata, the co-founder of the forum, describeditas“avoice of the voiceless.”
According to Tabata, the forum serves as avoicefor people living with disabilities.It ensures that their rights are protected and their needs are heard by government, businesses and the broader community. She saidthatthroughtheir programmes and advocacy work,they continues to create opportunities thatpromote independence,
dignity andequalparticipation
“The organisation assists members by providing informationondisabilityrights, helping them access government services, and referring them to organisationsthat offer healthcare, rehabilitation andsocial support.Italso helps individuals apply for disability grants, identity documents and otheressential serviceswhere necessary,” said Tabata,adding the convene the meetingsatthe Site BCommunity Hall.
She said the forum focusesonskills development and empowerment. Tabata, who is blind, said members areencouragedto
participate in workshops, leadership programmes andincome-generating initiatives thathelpbuild confidence andimprove their chances of finding employment or starting small businesses.
Tabata said the NGO was started to addressthe social andeconomicchallenges faced by people with disabilities.
“Weare working with the local church (ChurchofJesus Christ)inSiteB,where some of ourmembers aretrained to fix wheelchairs, as well as baking,sewing, beading andmore.
TOPAGE3
Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis,reads astory to childrenduring the reopeningofKhayelitshaLibrary on Wednesday,
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HuntshuBafana Bafana
be published.What is discussed in thiscorner remains here
thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za WhatsApp on 083 7217648
Afewyears ago, my beloved Moroka Swallows wasrelegated to the first division or second tier of South Africanfootball, joining alistofnumerous big teamstolose their premier status in this unfortunatefashion.
In its heydays, Moroka Swallows,Dube Birds orIzinyoniasitwas affectionately known, wasone of Mzantsi’s finest teams Iwatched and supported it with pride and my entire heart from my primary school days. Iwatched it evolve from the days Thomas “Who’s fooling who”Hlongwane, Noel “Phindamzala”Cousins, Calvin Petersen, Les Grobler, Owen “Rubberdoll” Da Gama,Andries “Chaka Chaka” Mpondo,Steve “Bone crusher”Sekano,Marcus Mphafudi, Roger de Sa to mention just a fewtothe days of Gary McNab, Goodman Hlongwane,Greg Etafia,Edward“Magents” Motale, Lungisani Ndlela among others.
Iwas there at Cape Town Stadium when the teamwas eventually condemned to the firstdivision after losing to Ajax Cape Town, something thatleft agaping wound inmyheart. Iremain loyaltothe brand although the team is no longer there.
My entire Swallows regalia is intactin my wardrobe. Iwear my replica jersey nowand then.
Therelegation of the Dube Birdsinthe 2014/2015 season, came ayearafterthe teamwon the MTN8 competition.Wetravelled as agroup of supporters in abus from Cape Town to Orlando Stadiumtowatch oursidedefeat Supersport Unitedtoclinch the trophy. Theclub’sdemisedid alot of damage to my love forlocalsoccer
However, my loyalty was never the same when Panyaza Lesufi andDavid Mogashoa revived the team,but Istill supported it While my interest in SA football is very limited, my bloodwillalwaysbemaroon andwhite. Iamalso passionate about Bafana Bafana
As ourrecovery from thatpainful loss against Canada on Sunday continues,I want to salute our boys for the greatjob at this year’s FIFAWorld Cup. Youmadeus proud. Yousilenced all thecritics.There were many doubters and you responded to them in aspectacularfashion. Youraised the Bafana Bafana brandfromthe ashes. I am glad Iwoke up to watchthe teambeat South Korea in that finalgroup match. I sacrificed my sleep becauseI believed in the team’s fighting spirit. Youwereyour worst enemyinthe loss againstMexico, youredeemed yourselves againstCzechia andshowed everyonewhatyou aremade of against South Koreabeforebowingout
with prideagainst Canada
My fear is what would happen to thisnationalpride movingforward. Whilequestions remain around Hugo Broos’ future, the reality is thathewillnot be around forever
TheSouth African Football Association (SAFA)mustensurecontinuityand elevation of the teamtothe newheights. We have the talent andresourcesbut there are some seriousquestion marksabout those whoare runningour football?
South African hasproducedmanygreat soccer stars such as Jomo Sono,Kaizer Motaung, Augustine Makalakalane, Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Mark Williams, ShaunBartlett, the list is endless.These arethe guys whohave played the game andcan contribute positively to Bafana’s future. Ilike what Broosdid when he tookover, picking HelmanMkhalele to be hisassistant. The old guardatSAFA must go anda newblood my come in to ensure we do notlosethe gainsmadeunder Broos. Afew yearsago, BafanaBafanaplayed in empty stadiums andwecannotallow this to happenagain, at most something similartomybeloved Moroka Swallows
Just like the Springboks andthe Proteas, BafanaBafanamustbewatchedbyspectators andnot the empty seats.That will only happen if theycontinueintheir current formorimprove
WCED extendswintersecurityto453 schools
The Western Cape Education Department has expanded its holiday security support from 424 schools last winter to 453 high-riskschoolsfor this year’sJune-July holidays, allocatingR11,99 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
Duringthe first term break, 25 schools reported28incidents of burglary and vandalism, causing nearly R400 000 in damages.
schools.
Expenditure on holiday securityhas increased steadily, rising from R57,3 million in 2024/25 to R70,26 million in 2025/26.
Thetotal allocation for 2026/27 stands at R72,68 million.
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The move comesasschoolsacrossthe province face agrowing threat of vandalismand burglariesduring school breaks, placing increasingpressure on departmental resources even as crime prevention remains the responsibility of the police Schools across the country closed for the winter holiday on Friday 26 June and will reopen on Tuesday 21 July.
Stolenand damaged items included computers, electrical wiring, plumbing fixturesand security infrastructure, divertingresources away from teaching and learning.
The department’sinterventions have yieldedresults.
Incidentsdeclined overthe 2025/26 summer holidays, droppingfrom 47 incidents affecting 34 schoolsduring the previous holiday period to 36 incidents affecting 32
Schools identified through district risk assessments receive support for 12-hour or 24-hour guarding, as well as cluster patrols.
Thedepartment provides target- hardening measures, including alarms linked to armed response, burglar bars, stone guards, securitygates, automated access gate, and fencing repairs.
Former Moroka Swallows players, Dennis‘Tshisampama’Lota, Innocent Chikoya, Maimane Phiri, Lungisani Ndlela and GoodmanMazibuko and myself during their visit to Cape Town
Resettingconsensus withprayer
UNATHIOBOSE
Inaneffort to curb crime and strengthen relationships amonglaw-enforcement officers, theCommunity Policing Forum (CPF) and Spiritual Crime PreventionForum (SCPF) held aspecialprayerservice at SSection, Site BonFriday 26 June.
Khayelitsha police spokesperson Sgt Asanda Daweti described the prayer as part of acrime-awareness campaign. She said theaim is to bringcomfortand hope to the community. She highlighted the area as one of thehotspotsin the precinct.
Daweti said there had recently been a shooting incident in which three people were gunned down while relaxingintheir home. (“Triple murder sparks callfor increasedlaw enforcement”, City Vision,25 June).
“Murder and attemptedmurderare the most common casesthat occurhere. The community needs to be vigilantall the time.”
Daweti urgedresidents not to remain silent when criminal activities occur in their neighbourhoods.
She stressed thatreducing crime requires acollective effort among the officers, residents andcommunitystructures.
Resident NosisiMbelwa welcomed the initiative, saying regularengagements involvingofficers andthe community help build trust andimprove communication Shesaidincreasing policevisibility and strongerpartnerships would contribute to reducing crime in Site B.
Khayelitsha SCPF secretary Pastor Thembakazi Sam said it was importantfor Godto intervene. “What is not happening to usGod canmakehappen. We have faith. He never failsus. So we need to appealfor hisdivineintervention.” She said allthe community wants is to bring ubuntu back.
Ward 91 councillor ThandoMpengezi describedthe prayerservice as muchneeded inthe area.
Hedescribed his ward as problematic.
“Prayerisone of the strongestweapons in the fight against badspirits. We need such servicesinour communities to heal
oursouls.Many people arescared to report their ordeals to the policebecause they don't trust the officers.”
Policeprobe thekilling of three peopleinKanana,Gugulethu
UNATHIOBOSE
Gugulethu police are investigating atriple murder case after ashooting incidentatthe Kanana informal settlement onSaturday 27 June.Two women and aman were shot and in the incident.
Provincial police spokesperson Col André Trautsaid detectives attached to the Provincial Serious ViolentCrimeUnit were investigating the murders.
“Accordingtoreports, at approximately 19:00, three armed suspects arrivedata
FR We skills Tabata. pai events, and abi challen re spite skills, work bl clu es wor quires bu nity whe mobi engages
shackinNY111, Kanana,looking for the ownerofthe dwelling, who wasnot at home at thetime. The suspects reportedly waitedfor her return and,onher arrival, opened fireonher and otheroccupants.”
Hesaidtwo women, aged 41 and 46, and a21-year-old mansustained fatalgunshot woundsand were declared dead on the scene. Traut saidseveral other occupants managedto flee during the attack and escaped unharmed.Hesaidthe motivefor the murders hadyet to be determined, although
preliminary informationsuggested the incident mayhavebeen atargeted attack. “Noarrests have been made yetand the investigation is ongoing.”
Acommunity leader whorefusedtobe named forfear of reprisals expressed shock over the incident, saying it looked as if the shooting was orchestrated andall the dead were related.
“Oneofthe deceased was ashebeen owner, another the nephew of theshebeen owner. Iamnot sure aboutthe third person, but it seems she wasalso arelative.Isus-
pect the perpetratorsknewwhattheywere lookingfor.That theyevidently waited for themtokillthemissignificant.”
At the same time, he said,heactually didnot wish to speculate andpreferred to leave everything to law enforcement to establish, andappealed for more police visibility in the area
Anyonewith information thatcould assist the investigation is requested to contactCrime Stopon08600 10111 or submit information anonymously viathe MySAPS mobileapplication.
KhayelitshaCommunity Policing Forum(CPF) secretary PastorThembakazi Sam(in awhiteskirt) sings alongside CPF and community membersduring the crime-awareness event in Site B.
PHOTO:UNATHIOBOSE
Healthforum slams hijacking of medics
UNATHIOBOSE
The Khayelitsha HealthForum(KHF) hascondemned the hijacking of an EmergencyMedicalServices (EMS) driver in Khayelitsha on Monday22 June, sayingthe attack painteda badpicture of the neighbourhood.
KHF chair Mzanywa Ndibongo rebuked theincidentinthe strongest termsand appealed to the community to stand up againstcriminals.
He said the forum plans to convene a specialmeeting, involving allcommunity stakeholders,includingthe EMSmanagement, to discuss the matter Hesaidthefemaledriverescapedunharmed. “Later the car was recovered in Khayelitsha. As the local community we need to come up with asolutionfor these kinds of incidents.
“We cannot allow service providers to be robbedevery time they come to Khayelitsha. We need the community to ensure they look after the ambulances when they come to our areas.”
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness EMS spokespersonShimoney Regter confirmed that one oftheir EMS personnel was targeted in ahijackingin Khayelitsha.
She said the incident occurred around 15:00 when the driver was heading to the EMS base in the area.
“While our staff member wasnot physically harmed she was traumatised and has received counselling and support through our employee wellnessprogramme.Followingthe incident acase was opened with theofficers and we are working closely with them to ensure the perpetratorsare
broughttobook,” she said.
Regter said the vehicle, an EMS double-cabresponse vehicle, wasrecovered just after 16:00 on the sameday.Itwas founddamaged with the dashboard ripped open, scratches on the exterior, andthe canopy missing.
Western Cape MinisterofHealth and Wellness Mireille Wenger said: “These attacks on our health-care servicesnot only impactour staff andtheir well-being,but also their families and entire communities.
“Weurge allpeople to take astand against thisviolence andtoprotect those who serve them. We also appeal to anyone with information related to this incident to come forwardand report it to the nearest police station.
“Our message is clear: enough is enough. We mustworktogether to ensure our EMS personnel can carrytheir duties outsafely. Their safety is essential to the well-being of every communitythey serve.”
Meanwhile, provincialpolice spokesperson Const Ndakhe Gwala confirmed Lingelethu West Police hadopened cases of hijackingand kidnapping following an incidentatashopping mall in Khayelitsha on Monday 22 June.
“Accordingtoreports a56-year-oldwoman waswalking towards her work vehicle when approached by gunmen who forced herinto it anddrove offwith her. The officers were informed by abystander who had witnessed the incident andasearch ensued.
“Thevictim wasfound unharmed and the vehicle wasalso recovered with damage to the interior.”
She addedthe suspects were stillatlarge andthe investigation wasongoing
‘Extortion attack’: Man shot dead in Nyangabarbershop
UNATHIOBOSE
Nyanga policeregistered amurdercasefor investigation following ashooting incident on Monday 29 June, at Emms Drive, where a35-year-oldman wasshot andfatally wounded.
Provincial policespokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said officers attendedthe crime scene where they found the victim with gunshot wounds to hisbody.
“The victim wasdeclared deceasedonthe scene by medical personnel. According to reports, unknown suspectsentered the barber shop and demandedmoney from the victim before he wasshot. Thesuspects fled the scene and areyet to be arrested,” said Twigg,adding that the motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related.
Acommunityleader whorefusedtobe named forfear of harassment reiterated Twigg’s sentiment thattheysuspectthat incident wasmotivated by extortion.He
stated thatthe Marchand MarchMovement hashad no impactinthe township
“AccordingtowhatI have heard, it seems agroup of mencameinto hisbarbershop anddemanded money. Idon’t knowwhether he refusedtogivethemmoney or he didn’t have it -either way,theyshot him. He died on the spot,” said the leader,addingthe deceased was aforeignnational.
He said theyare concerned by the escalation of crimeintheir communities, especially extortion.Heurged the governmenttotightenits policiesagainst criminals
“Ifthe government canremove the rights of criminals anddealwith themdecisively, thenwewillsee change. We need astrong government. This extortion will never end, it will only becomeworse,” he stated.
Anyonewith information about this incident cancontactCrime Stopon08600 10111 or usethe MySAPS mobileapplication anonymously
Nyangapoliceregisteredamurder case forinvestigation following ashooting incidentonMonday 29 June,atEmms DriveinNyanga.
Cape Town’s Law EnforcementAdvancement Plan(Leap) hasrecorded a41% increase in drug confiscations and removed 148 firearms from the city’s most violent neighbourhoods inthe 11 months since last July. ButMayco member for safety and security JP Smith warns that arrests alone will notturn the tide withoutfaster prosecutions from national government.
Since September 2024 the Leap deployments have centred on Khayelitsha, Delft, Philippi East, Nyanga, MitchellsPlainand Gugulethu, all areas with the highest murder rates, according to the latestcrimestatistics.
Aspecialised Reaction Unit of 120 members was launched to respondswiftly to sudden violent flare-ups in other ar-
eas such as Hanover Park,Manenberg, Atlantis,Kraaifontein andElsies River.
In addition to the firearm andcontraband confiscations between July2025 and April this year Leap officers have also recorded increases in overall arrests andseveralother categories, including proactive inspectionsofpremises like scrap yards and liquor outlets.
Theyare also increasingly being requested to assist with safeguarding City officialsinhigh-crimeareastoensureservice deliverycontinues amid ongoing threats of extortionand crime.
Statistics comparing the periodsJuly 2024 to Maylast yearand July last yearto Maythisyear reflectagenerallyupward trend inlaw-enforcement activity.Arrests increased from7 812 to 8537, whileescorts rose sharply from 419 to 758.
Inspections also climbed from 2458 to
2717. Firearms recovered increasedfrom 125 to 148, anddrugseizures rose significantlyfrom18797 to 26 546 units.However, notall figures have trended upwards.
Ammunitionrecoveries droppedconsiderably from 4812 to 1443, andimitation firearmsdeclined marginallyfrom30to27.
Moreworkstilltobedone
Mayco member forsafety andsecurity JP Smith notedthe statistics areencouraging, particularly the increase in confiscations.
“Officers are taking,onaverage,more thana dozen firearmsoff the streetevery month, andthe near50% increase in drug confiscationstoo is somethingtobeproud of,particularly with the commemoration of WorldDrug Dayon26June.
Drug abuse notonly tearsour social fabric apart, but the trade fuels organised crime andmuchofthe gang violence that
continues to plague parts of ourcity.”
He noted thatLeapofficersare increasingly beingrequested to assist with safeguarding City officials in high-crime areastoensureservicedelivery continuesamidongoing threats of extortion and crime.
Areview of the most recent crimestatistics, he added, showeda reduction in the numberofmurders in all butone of the areaswhere Leap deployment is active
“While encouraging,weare under no illusionthata lot more workneeds to be done,”said Smith.
“And, it bears repeating, removingfirearms andcriminals from the streets means little if it’snot backed up by speedy and thorough investigationsand prosecutions. TheCity hasexpressed its willingnessand ability to assist, so the ballreallyisinthe courtofnational government.”
Penguin numbers at the Boulderscolonyare growing again
African penguin numbers at the Boulders colony in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) have shown encouraging growth, according to the latest annual African penguin census.
This year’s survey, conducted early this month (June), recorded 790 breeding pairs of African penguins, an increase of 92 pairs from the 698breeding pairs counted last year. The BouldersPenguin Colony located in Simon’s Town is hometo a thriving, protected group of endangered African penguins.
Acollaborativeteam comprising South African National Parks(SANParks) along with partners from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the City of CapeTown, Cumic Rangers, the SouthernAfrican Founda-
tionfor theConservationofCoastal Birds (Sanccob),and dedicated volunteers,conducted the annualsurvey of the African penguincolony, whichtakes placeinJune each year.
Sanccob supports 10 Penguin andSeabird Rangersatfive vital seabird colonies (Simon’s Town, RobbenIsland, Stony Point, Dassen Island and Bird Island in Algoa Bay). These rangers play acritical role in seabird conservation by identifyingand rescuing injured, oiled, or abandoned seabirds and eggs.
Basedonstandardpopulation estimates, theBoulders colonycurrently supports approximately 2528 individualpenguins, accounting for roughly 8% to 9% of South Africa’s totalAfrican penguin population,
The collaborativeteamconsistingofSouth AfricanNational Parks, theDepartmentofForestry,Fisheries and the Environment,the CityofCape Town, CumicRangers, the SouthernAfrican Foundation forthe Conservation of CoastalBirds and volunteers conductedthe annual survey of the African penguin colony,which takesplace in June each year
accordingtoSANParks spokesperson JP Louw.
Theincreasecomes at acritical time when fewerthan 10 000 breeding pairs remain in the wild globally, Louw added.
This highlights the colony’s importance as akey breedingsite for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
“Boulders remainsone of the most significant African penguin colonies in South Africa andhas demonstrated notable resilience compared to manyother colonies that continue to decline. While asingle year’s increasedoesnot indicate full population recovery, the results provide awelcome sign of stability,” he said. The African penguins’ long-term population declines arelinked to reduced availability of their key preyspecies, such as sardines
and anchovies, as well as environmental variability, habitat changes, predation, disease, and other human-related pressures.
“SANParks continues to workclosely with the City of Cape Town, Sanccob, NatureConnect, researchers, volunteers, and other stakeholders on initiatives that include habitat management, rehabilitation of sick and injured birds, disease monitoring, ongoing scientific research, and environmental education,” Louw added.
Long-term, standardised monitoring remains essential in understanding how penguin colonies respond to environmental changes and conservation interventions. “While thisyear’sincrease is encouraging, sustained and coordinated conservation action remains critical for the future of African penguins,” Louw said.
The BouldersPenguin
Lions return forBlistersfor Bread
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
While thousands of Capetonians will lace up their walkingshoes forthis year’s Blisters for Breadfun walk, adedicated group of volunteers will be hard at work behindthe scenesensuring the event runs smoothly.
For over 40 years, members ofthe Lions Club have generously given their timeto serve as marshalsatthe annual fundraisingevent, whichraises money for the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA). Blisters for Bread, one of Cape Town’s most iconic charitywalks, has been fighting childhood hunger for 58 years through the PSFA.
This year the event will take place on Sunday 16 August and withonly 10 000 entries available, participants can choose between a5km or 10km route along the Sea PointPromenade.
Entries cost R125, enough to provide breakfast and lunch to 23 children for a day.
The 10km walk starts at 07:30 and the 5km route at 08:00, with medals and refreshments provided to all participants. Each year around 130 Lions Club members take up positions alongthe route
guiding participants, ensuring theirsafety andhanding out medals to those whosuccessfully complete the race.
Former LionsClub president John Houston,who has personally volunteeredatthe event for30years, said supportingBlisters forBread aligns perfectly with oneofthe organisation’s core missions.
“Oneofthe Lions Club’s pillars is hunger relief, andBlisters for Bread falls perfectly intothat category,” he said.
Houstonsaid members willingly volunteer theirtime because they understand the impact the event hasonchildren facing food insecurity.
“Every cent raised goes directly to feeding schoolchildren. Ienjoy attendingthe event and assistingpeople. Ibelieve it’s fora worthy cause,” he said.
Despite the early starts andlonghours on their feet, Houstonsaid the atmosphere makesthe experienceworthwhile.
“We do it voluntarily anditisfun. There is agreat sense of camaraderie andsatisfaction in knowingyou’re helping to make adifference.”
The Lion’sClub is alsoencouraging community members who would like to get involved andserve as marshals in future events to contact the organisation.
Young designers settoshine at Khayelitsha Fashion Week
UNATHIOBOSE
It is that time of year again when young designers show offwhat they are capable of, with theKhayelitshaFashionWeek (KFW) expected to kick off on Saturday 18 Julyat Artscape Theatre.
The founder and organiser of festival, BonganiMathenjwa, describedthe event as aplatform for young designers to showcase their talent.
“We have 12 young designerswho are expected to takethe stage this year. One from Durban, another from the EasternCape and the restare from the provinceinthe metro.Our theme is ‘Trash to Trend’, and the garments are expectedtobemadefrom discardedand recycled material,” he said. Mathenjwa said before the event amasterclass will be heldatUvu Afrika in Woodstock,whereyoungdesigners will be educated about the fashion industry The masterclass takesplace tomorrow (3 July).
“We will have people who areexpertsin this industry sharing theirexperiences. Alsointhe lead-up to the main event KFW will be aflash-mob campaignconducted at shopping mallsplugging the KFW,”he said. The participatingmalls include Riverlands MallinObservatory,Tygervalley
Khayelitsha Fashion Week co-founder and organiser,Bongani Mathenjwa, urgedpeopletocomeout in largenumberstosupportthe event
PHOTO:UNATHI OBOSE
Mall, and Cape Quarter,among others Mathenjwa said the KFWwillfeature tributes to Khayelitsha hip-hop artists who died thisyear– Sinesipho “Bravo Le Roux” Peterand Liyema“Brie Lee” Ndibi. He encouragedthe public to support the event.
Jubilation as libraryreopens
UNATHIOBOSE
Khayelitsha Library was reopenedon Wednesday 24 June, after it was closedfor nearlytwo years following afirethathad gutted the building
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, accompanied by Maycomember forcommunity services andhealthFrancineHigham,learnersand residents attendedthe opening.
Lilitha Sohuma(17), aGrade 11 learner from Matthew GoniweMemorial High School, said the reopening of the library came at the right time. She said shehad to go to otherlibraries in the neighbouring areasoruse her cellphone to do research. “I’msoexcited now that it is openagain We willbeable to do ourschoolwork here There is no need to go to Site Clibrary to getbooks. It willmakeour lives easier now.”
ResidentLumka Buka from the BM section of Site Bsaidlifewould never be the same againafter the library was closed, andsuffered as aresult. “I like reading alot. Iwas struggling to getbooks because Ihad to walk or take ataxi to Site C Library if Iwanted books. Iamthe kind of personwho likes to empowermyselfwith knowledge.”
Hill-Lewissaiditwas such apleasureto reopen Khayelitsha Library. He said it is bigger andbetter. “We encourage everybody in Khayelitsha to use it wisely. This is atestament to whatwedoinevery part of Cape Town. EverywhereinCapeTown,
Cape Town MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis,together with Maycomember forcommunityservices and health, Francine Higham, cut the ribbon during the reopening of Khayelitsha Librarylastweek, while Ward 91 councillorThando Mpengezi lookson.
PHOTO: UNATHI OBOSE.
no matter whereyou live, you should have access to excellentand dignified facilities,” said Hill-Lewis andurged community members to treasure andprotect the facility Ward 91 councillor Thando Mpengezi said the reopening of the facilitywas long overdue.Hesaid thatbyreopening the librarylate formerPresident Nelson Mandela’s statement “Education is the most powerful weapon whichyou canuse to change the world” was beingfulfilled. “Wewanttomakeeducation fashionable in ourcommunities.Wewantour children to empowerthemselveswith knowledge. By reopening it ourchildrenwillnolonger have to walklongdistances to access information,” said Mpengezi
Capetonians areencouraged to lace up forthe annual Blisters forBread funwalk on Sunday 16 August
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
LFAelectsnew committee
UNATHIOBOSE
The newly electedKhayelitshaLocal Football Association(LFA) committee members have vowed to revivethe footballstructure to be one of the topLFAs in themetro. The five executive members were elected in an Annual GeneralMeeting (AGM)held at the offices in Khayelitsha RugbyStadiumonSunday 28 June
The newly electedcommittee will serve a two-yearterm until 2028.
Speaking on behalf of the new committee, treasurer Thulani Javu, saidtheir priority is to unite the association. He said they want to bring back the glorydayswhere the associationwas one of the best in Khayelitshaasawhole.
“We wanttoensurethat there istransparency in the association whereby all our membersare always informed.Alsotrying to getsponsors for our association and ensure that our playing groundsare up to standard,” said Javu.
He complained aboutthe number of playing grounds, citing that theyare not
enough.
He stated that the LFAhas 34 teams and only two playing grounds.
“Wehaveu-10, 12, 14, 16 andthe seniors. All ofthemare depending on these two grounds. We want the fieldtobemaintainedregularly. We need the City also to come on board to assist us with the maintenance,” he urged.
Javusaidthey intend to introduce new tournaments where they willeducate mainly theyoung players about the history of football in Khayelitsha.
“Weare planningtohaveatribute tournament where we willremember allour fallen football stars from Khayelitsha.Our aim istokeep the children away from the streets. We want them to be more positive than roaming around on the streets,” he explained
The newly elected committee members areVusumzi Yiba(president), Themba Zitasi (vicepresident), Xolani Sinyanya (second vicepresident), Thulani Javu (treasurer)and Ntuthuzelo Vika (secretary).
BOOSTFOR WOMEN’SRUN
With this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race taking placeonSunday9 August,organisersrecentlyannounced athree-yeardeal with aleading clothing retailer.Entriesfor Cape Town and Johannesburgare already sold out. Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports,described the event as“more than crossing afinish line -it’sabout celebrating women, fostering connection and creating an experiencethatleaves participantsfeeling inspired andempowered.... We areexcited to continuethis journeytogether foranother three years and look forwardtodelivering even more exciting experiences and surprises forour entrantsacrossall three host cities.”
Some of the newlyelected Khayelitsha LFAcommitteememberstogetherwithward91councillor
of KuilsRiver RugbyFootballClub(RFC) holds ontoapowerful drivebyAndries Viljoen of Villagerwho is eventuallystopped by former springbok player Earl Rose during aWestern Province RugbyUnion(WPRU) Super League AgameplayedatBrookside in Claremont on Saturday27 June.The defending champions Villager won48-10 to cement the topposition on theleaguetable. Kuils Riverremains in 11th positionwith 17 points.
