City Vision E-edition 4 June 2026

ChildProtectionDaycelebrated

UNATHI OBOSE

unathi.obose@ novusmedia.co.za

The Khayelitsha Education Forum (KEF) has lambasted the actions of teachers who allegedly beat learners at Luhlaza High School in Khayelitsha, saying those responsible shouldface the full mightofthe law. The remarks comeafter learners from Luhlaza postedpictures

on socialmediashowing bruises on their hands, claiming they had been beatenonThursday 22 May.

KEFexecutive member Zinzi

Dyantyi said she was notaware of theincident butvowed to follow-up on the matter to establish the root cause.

“According to my understanding corporal punishment was abolishedinschoolsa long time ago. Teachershavenoright to beat learners.This is aserious matter thatneeds to be investi-

gated.”

Western Cape Education Department(WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the district was engaging with the school to verify the claims, to provide support and take further action if required

She said the alleged assaultshad never been reported to the school or districtbythe learners concerned or their parents.

“The school first becameaware of the allegations through social

LiBee, the City’s library mascot, engages with children during the Child Protection Day event held at KTC Community Hall on Friday 29 May. Read more on page 5

media. If learnerscomeforward, the relevantsupport will be provided. TheWCEDtakesall allegations of assault againstlearners extremely seriously.

“Corporal punishmentisillegaland strictly prohibited at all schools, andthe departmenthas azero-toleranceapproach to any form of physicaloremotional abuse of learners.”

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Ibuhlungu into esiyibona kwiKomishoni kaMadlanga. Ngamafutshane ilizwe nokhuseleko lwethu lusezinjeni. Ingathi kungcononezinjakunale siyibonayo into Noko zona zinaso isazela

Kususela yaqalayo le Komishoni ndizame ngandlela zonke ukungaphawuli ngezinto ezenzeka phaya nesizivayo, kuquka amanyundululu ka Sibiya, uNkosi, uMkhwanazi,uMashazi nabanyeabaninzi. Yonke nje into evela kula komishoni lihlazo,kwaye ibhentsisa elubala ukubola kwenkonzoyesipolisa yeli loMzantsi Afrika kunyenamanyeamacandelo ezokhuseleko kuquka naquka amapolisa kamasipala ekurhuleni (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan

Police Division)

Njengommi weli ushiyeka uzibuzaengenampendulo xa umamele okwenzeka kweli kule Komishoni, phofukusenziwa ngabantu esilindele ukuba basikhusele. Ushiyeka uzibuza ukubamangaphi amatyalaaphelele emoyeningenxa yorhwaphilizo kwinkonzoyesipolisa okanyekula maziko Emva kweeveki ithe xhalekomishoni, intliziyo yamishiyeke ilihlwili ngoLwesibini emva kokuphulaphula ubungqina bomphandi wooKhetshe uKarlSanders Ayonto iqhelekileyo ukubona umntu oyindoda ekhala, ingakumbi esidlangalaleni, ingakumbi kumabonakude AmaXhosa athiindoda ayikhali ikhalela embilinini Manditsho ukuba ayikho lonto. Indoda iyakhala. Ukulila yindlela yokuphungula umthwalo okanyeintlungu yakho. U-Sanders ulilendayivaisaphukaintliziyo yam, kwaye ndiyaqonda baninzi abantu abafunyenwe yile indifumeneyo Yenzeka njani into yokubaabantu abangcolileyo baphathe izikhundla eziphezulu? U-Sanders, nongumphandiominyaka ingaphaya kwama 30kwinkonzo yesipolisa, uyibeke yacaca into eyenzekakwinkonzo yesipolisa kweli,nobuzaza bamanyundululu enziwa kule nkonzo ngabobakwizikhundlazolawulo. Eyonanto ibuhlungu kukuba awonamapolisa okanyemagosaasebenza ngokuzinikelaemsebenziniwawoaphela eba ngamaxhoba ezigila mikhuba ezichophe kwizikhundlazolawulo, nathi ase-

benziseamagunya awo ukurhuqela oogxa baboeludakeni Ngenxeniyokuba abantu beqashiwe bayahlala basebenze kweziimeko, nokuba imeko ayivumi U-Sanders, nobonakala njengendoda ewuthandayo umsebenzi wayo, uphile ubomi bentshontsho iminyaka ngenxa yabantu abasebenzisana nezaphuli mthetho. Eyona nto ibebuhlungu kukuva ukuba wenziswa ipolygraphy (uvavanyo lobuxoki)yokuxoki,nalaphoimiphumela yathiakaluphumelelanga olu vavanyo. Inyanisomayela nolu vavanyouyive okokuqala kuleKomishoni, nethe yadiza ukubalwalungamampunge, nanto leyo ekhokelele ekubeniangakwazi ukuzibamba iinyembezi. Olu vavanyolwenziwa njengephulo lokwenzaimeko yakheyokusebenza ibembi kubawayesenzaumsebenzi omhle nangempumelelo.Uchazelelekomishoni ukubainkoliso yenzinto ezenziwa kuye zenziwakubawayengumqobo kwabobasebenzisananezaphuli mthethokwinkonzo yesipolisa yeli. Yinto enjani leyo? Yenzeka njaniinto yokuba abona bantu basebenza ngokuzinikela baphathwe ngale ndlela zizikrelemnqa? Yangazingabolela ejele zonke ezizinja zenzaukungcola kwinkonzo yesipolisa yeli. Singabemi belizwe sifuna ukhuseleko, hayi amagosa asebenzisana nezaphuli mthetho. Ndiyathemba ukuba ekuphelenikwalekomishoni onke lamazambane abolileyo kwinkonzo yesipolisa yeli azakulala eqamele ngenqindi emjiva, ithinalenkonzoifumane ugutyulo.

Abahambeorabahlale?AfricaDayexposesus

On socialmedia timelines andinstreet conversations, aphrase hasbecome shorthandfor South Africa’s current tension: “Abahambe? Abahlale?”

Should they leave,orshould they stay?It is aquestion that hasgained momentum alongside the “Marchand March” protests in recent weeks in Gauteng and now in Cape Town the past weekend, where demonstrators have called for stricter immigrationenforcement, tighter border controland,insome cases, the removal of undocumented migrants. At the same time, itsitsuncomfortably against Africa Day, marked on 25 May, whichwas meant to affirm unity, solidarity andsharedbelonging across the continent. Thecontradiction is difficult to ignore.

Translated from Zulu “Abahambe?” means “Should they leave?” and “Abahlale?” means “Should they stay?”

A journo’s

voice

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.zaor

unathi.obose@novusmedia.co.za

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On the surface,itisa binary question. In reality, it reflectsa more layered struggle over belonging, legality, economic pressureand identity in acountry still shaped by inequality andhistorical displacement.

This year’s AfricaDay theme, focused on water securityand sustainable sanitation under the AfricanUnion’sAgenda 2063, speaks to along-term vision of sharedinfrastructureand collective survival across borders.

However onlineand offline, the dominant mood is often shaped less by continental unity and more by scarcity, frustration and fear.

The “March andMarch”protests have been framed by organisers andsupporters as aresponsetounemployment, strained public servicesand competitionfor limited opportunities. In communities where jobs arescarce and servicedelivery inconsistent, frustration hasfound avisible target. Migrants,particularly thosewithoutdocumentation,are often placed at the centre of thatanger. Yet even within that anger, distinctions are frequently lost. Concerns about immigration policy are not automatically thesame as hostility toward foreign nationals. But in thespeed andheatofpublic discourse, thoselines blur easily. That is where “Abahambe or abahlale”becomes morethana phrase. It becomes afilterthroughwhichpeople sortothersinto categoriesofbelonging or exclusion.

South Africa’s unemployment crisis, inequalityand uneven access to housing andhealthcare are real pressures. They shape howpeople interpret every additional strainonpublic systems. However,

Idonot think migration is the root cause of these structuralproblems. It is one visible expression of awider regional realityshaped by disparity, conflict and uneven development across the continent. Arecent conversationwith my father on Africa Daybroughtthis intosharper focus. He wished me a“Happy Africa Day, ntombam,” before unpacking itsmeaning. He remindedmethat this day emerged from theliberation era, when African statessupported oneanother in struggles againstcolonialism andapartheid. That history is notsymbolic alone; it shaped theideathatAfrican futures are interconnected,not isolated.

Former president Thabo Mbekihas repeatedly warned that poverty across the continent remains deeply entrenched, areminder thatthe promise of African unity still exists alongside persistent economic hardship. His reflection echoes the gap between Africa Day’s ideals and the lived realities that continue to define much of the continent.Thatconversation made clear that present-day realities now sit alongside that legacyinuncomfortable ways.

In South Africa, the government is often experienced notasa stabilising force but as asourceoffrustration. Service delivery protests, rising living costs and persistent unemploymentshape howcommunities respond to anything perceived as additional pressure.Migration becomes one of thosepressure points because it is visible, immediate and politically charged. The question, then, is notonly who belongs, butwhatbelonging meansinasociety wheremanyalready feel excludedfrom economicparticipation.Ifmyobservations serve me right“Abahambe or abahlale” captures that tension in away official language often cannot.Itisraw, direct and emotionally loaded. But it is also reductive. It flattens acomplex mix of documented migrants, undocumented migrants, refugees,long-term residentsand citizens into asingle forced choice. It also raisesa deeperquestionabout governance

whether enforcement can address what is fundamentally an economic and structural challenge. Border control may respond to legality, but it does not create jobs. Deportation may signal political action, but it does not resolve failing services or economic stagnation. At the same time, dismissing public frustration would miss the point. These concerns are rooted in lived experience. The risk lies not in recognising that frustration, but in how easily it can be redirected into exclusionary narratives that harden over time. There is another layer to this conversation that lives almost entirely online. More than just creating content, as aMillennial Igoonto social media to engage. That is aworld on itsown; aworld full of voices, opinions, threads, clips, counter arguments and outrage cycles that move faster than my reflections. In that space, you are constantly pulled intopositions. You are expected to declare where you stand, to pick aside and respond quickly and visibly. But if you do not know who you are, and if you do not stand your ground, you can easily get lost in the discourse itself. It is not just about being informed. It is about being anchored. Without that grounding, every trend becomes persuasive, every argument feels urgent and every comment section starts to feel like truth rather than noise. Thedanger is not only misinformation, but fragmentation, the loss of personal clarity in asea of competing certainty. That dynamic matters here because “Abahambe or abahlale”isnot only a street-level question. It is also adigital one. It circulates, sharpens and polarises in real time. Social media does not merely reflect public opinion; it intensifies it, often stripping away nuance in the process. Africa Day, in contrast, asks for something slower. It asks for memory, context and an awareness of shared histories that are not always visible in ascrolling feed. SouthAfrica now sits between these two worlds: the immediatepressure of economic hardship and the longer arc of continental connection. Theprotests represent urgency. Africa Day representsintention. Social media amplifies both, often without distinction. And in the middle sits the question Abahambe or abahlale? There are no simple answers. But thereisawarning embedded in how the question is asked. When societyreduces complex realities intobinaries, it may feel like clarity. But it often comes at the cost of understanding.

Browns Farm killing probed

UNATHIOBOSE

The South African National TaxiCouncil (Santaco), Western Cape,has condemned thefatal shooting at ataxi rankinBrowns Farm, Philippi, on Tuesday 2June, where six people were ambushed

Fourpeople died on the sceneand two wereinjured in whatSantaco describedas intimidation and lawlessness

The taxi mother body condemnedthe atack.

Makhosandile Tumana, Santaco Western Cape spokesperson, said theyare calling on lawenforcement agencies to actswiftly anddecisively to bring those responsible to justice.

“We alsourge anyonewithinformation to contact lawenforcementagencies. The full circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of an ongoing investigation.

“It would therefore be inappropriate to speculate on the motive, the individuals involved or theevents that may have led to the shooting,” said Tumana.

He said the organisationremainscommittedtopromotingpeace,stability and responsible conflict resolution withinthe taxiindustry

Tumana stressed that Santaco will continue engaging operatorsand associations to ensure disputes are addressed through appropriatestructures and never through violence.

Amicably

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish those who were injured aspeedy recovery.

“Santaco WesternCape appeals forcalm and remains committed to workingwith allrelevant stakeholders to prevent further violenceand restore public confidence.”

Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe called for peace within the taxi industry.

He urged taxi operators to resolve their disputes amicably instead of resorting to violence.

“As one of the community stakeholders, we need to meet with taxi bosses andlisten to what their problems are. We are appealingtothemtosit down and discuss whatever differences they mayhave.

“The problem with these fights is that theyaffect innocent people,”saidQwebe.

He saidthe incident came as ashock because both Cape AmalgamatedTaxiAssociation(Cata)and Cape Organisation of DemocraticTaxiAssociation (Codeta) had recentlysigned apeace agreement.

Openedfire

Provincial police spokespersonCol Andre Traut saidofficers are investigating afatal shooting incident believed to be taxi-related after four men were shotand killed in Nyanga onTuesday morning.

He saidpreliminary reports indicate that at approximately 08:30, unknown suspects opened fireonagroup of individuals at the corner of MoonwoodDriveand Sheffield Road.

“Four adult males, whose ages areyet to be determined, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared deadatthe scene.

“Two other men were injured during the attackand were admitted to hospitalina criticalcondition,”saidTraut, adding that the suspects fled the scene and have notyet been identified.

Hesaidprovincialdetectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Taxi Unitare pursuing all available leads toidentify andapprehend thoseresponsible, while forensic experts are processing the crimescene andgathering evidence as part of theongoing investigation.

Additional police deployments have been dispatchedtothe area to heighten security and maintain stability.

Traut said the motivefor the attack forms part of thepolice investigation

Anyonewho mayhavewitnessed the incident or has information thatcould assist the investigationisurged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously viathe MySAPSmobile application

Khayelitshataxisgodigitalas CodetalaunchesPAYSA

UNATHIOBOSE

TheCapeOrganisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) is expected to introduce its new electronic paymentsystem, known as SA PAY, in its taxissoon

On Monday 1June, theorganisation launched the projectatthe Kuwait Taxi Rank in Site C. Nceba Enge, Codeta chair, described the initiativeasapilot project. He said the system hadinitiallybeen introduced in four taxis.

“On Monday 1June, we launchedthis new electronic payment system.Wewanted ourcommuters to knowwhatiscoming. We tested it in four taxis,but the system willbefullyoperationalbymid-June.We willbefocusing on two routes: Khayelitsha to Killarney and MfulenitoKillarney for now,”explained Enge.

He stressed thatthe aimistoimprove financialcontrol and ensure the safety of commuters.Heurged people to remain calm and trust the process, addingthat they areupgrading the taxi industry.

“People have mixed feelings about the new system. We need to move with the times. Trainsand localbuses areusingthe same system, and people arenot complaining.Weunderstand thatmostcommuters arenot familiarwith it, andweexpect some challenges, which we will address as they arise,”hesaid.

He added that cameras hadalready been installed in some taxis to monitor movementinsidethe vehicles.

Engehighlighted that cameras would also be installed at taxi ranks to monitor activity on everyroute. He said each route would have adesignatedpersonresponsiblefor monitoring the cameras.

NewSAPAY cardsusedfor taxi payments.

SUPPLIED

“Even taxi ownerswillhaveanapp on their phoneswhere theycan monitor their taxis. Thecameras will countthe number of passengersenteringthe taxi. By the time the driverhands overthe money,the owner will already knowhow much income should be generated because theywillbe abletomonitorthe numberofpassengers inside the taxi,” he said Commuter UnathiSobopha (28) from BM Section in Site Bdescribed the initiative as agreat idea,saying it is importanttomove with the times

“Itshows thatthe taxi association is changingand readytoadapt to anew era. We will no longerargue with drivers over change in the morning. We need to accept change. Isee nothing wrong with what Codeta is doing,” saidSobopha.

MoremaybeaddedtoCata leaderKiva’smurdercharge

Cityencourages children’ssafety

UNATHIOBOSE

Hundreds of children and their parents, gathered at KTC Community Hall on Friday29May,tocelebrate Child Protection Day organised by the City of Cape Town

The aim of the event was to create asafe space forchildren. City’s health promoter in the Area Central, Klipfonteinsub-district, Vuyelwa Khobo, describedthe gathering as partofanawareness campaign to educate parents about the importance of raising childrenina safe environment

Shesaid the City wantedparents to actively participate in and take responsibility for their children’s growth and development

Khobo said many parents neglecttheir childrenfor various reasons, which negatively affects them. “We aretrying to create asafe space for children. Wealso want to encourage parentstounderstand the importance of taking care oftheir children and spendingquality time with them

Some parents neglect their children becauseofmental health or other health-related challenges.”

Khobo alsourgedparents to stop fighting in frontoftheirkids, saying children often imitatewhat they see at home.

Ward 38 councillor Suzanne Zumana described the event as both entertaining and educational

She echoed Khobo’s remarksabout the importanceofcreatingasafeenvironment for children. “We are heretoday to show children love.Wealso encourageparents, particularly fathers, to spend time with

their children. They must stop neglecting them. The fact thata father is no longer in arelationship with the mother does not mean he should neglect the child.Parents must notinvolve children in their personal problems.”

Shealsocriticised somemothers forpreventingmen from being involved in their children’slives.

Vathiswa Mendela, aparent, said raising achild alone is difficult. “I’ma single parent. My boyfriendleft me when my child wassevenmonths old. Nowmychild is nearly four years old. The father doesn’t want to support his child. When Isee children walking or playing with their fathers Ifeelsad.Iwant himtobethere forhis child.”

LokshinPioneersleadsGugs driveagainstillegaldumping

UNATHIOBOSE

Gugulethu residents rolledtheir sleeves up andgot their hands dirtyduringthe Khuseleka cleaningcampaign hostedby non-governmentalorganisation (NGO) Lokshin Pioneers in partnership with the City of Cape Town on Friday29May.

Joined by Mayco memberfor waterand sanitation Zahid Badroodien, community members came outinlarge numbers to clean the canal nearNY5,which hasbeen identified as oneofthe dumpinghotstops in the neighbourhood

Sithembele Ntaba,founderofLokshin Pioneers,described the campaign as partof educating the community about the importanceofpreserving nature

“Peopletend to dumprubbish illegally in the canal, which causes flooding when it rains. Even the stormwater drains become blocked because people dump foreign objects in them. Thisisone of the many projects thatLokshin Pioneers hasconducted together with the City’s Waterand Sanitation Department.”

Lokshin Pioneers, basedinGugulethu, works closely with disadvantagedcommunities in the provincetoassist themwith their needs.

Ntaba said thatthey alsoinstalleda “No Littering” sign to conscientise society.

“We are saying no to illegal dumping. We have also placed bins forpeople to dispose of their rubbish properly. We areappealing to the communitytoheedthe call to keep Gugulethu safe andclean.”

Badroodien described thecanal,which runs from nearCapeTown International Airport to Zeekoevlei, as oneofthe hot spots for illegal dumping.

“Oneofthe problemshereissolidwaste.

Bakkies andtrucks come here to dump rubbish,which thentravels through the canal all the way to Zeekoevlei. Themesscauses pollution.But what Ilike is thattoday the community is taking backits space,so childrendonot have to playaroundsewageand be exposed to dirt.”

He added thatthe City is working with 22 organisations from differentareas across the metro. “Itwas encouraging to seepeople willing to stand up for their community andurged residents to take ownership of their neighbourhoods,” Badroodien said Resident Pam Ngqumshe described the event as agreat initiative.She urgedthe community to support the campaign by ensuring Gugulethu remainsclean

“Sometimes it is notthatthe City is failingtoclean or take care of ourcommunities. We,ourselves,donot wanttotake responsibilityfor lookingafterour area.Let us stopwaiting for the government to do everything for us.Weneedtostand up and take care of ourown communities.”

Newbuilding forCHSAopened

Citysheltersgear-up forwinter

AsCape Town’s icy winter nights begin to bite those living on the streetsface someofthe harshest conditions.

Buta new 60-bed Safe Sleeping Zone in the CBD aims to offer warmth,dignity and protection to the city’smost vulnerable residents

The initiative, acollaboration by Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and the Haven Night Shelter, is launching in District Sixtoday(2 June)

Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, CCID SocialDevelopment manager, says the Safe Sleeping Zone is a four-month pilot project forming part of the CCID’s Winter Readiness Programme that will provide temporary shelter and support for chronically homeless people, who are often excluded from existingfacilities due to eligibility criteria.

“Winter is very harsh for people living on the streets as they are exposed to freezing temperatures, wetand unsafeconditions.

“They often have limitedaccess to suitableshelter.Our aim with this project is to improve quality of life andfosteramore inclusive CBD.”

Shaddie Valayadum, chief executive officer of theHavenNight Shelter, says the organisation hopes tocreatea “meaningful impact”.

“The shelter has been designed as low-threshold sleeping space or overnight emergency accommodationratherthanlong-term housing, providing vulnerable individuals with protection during winter.”

Significantreliefduringwinter

According to the Haven, there areanestimated14000 people living on thestreets inthe city, but only around3800 shelter beds areavailable.

At its District Six facility the organisation has 90 bedsavailable.

“Winter places significantstrain on sheltersasdemand for warm beds and basic care increases,” saysValayadum, “particularly

during stormsand periods of severe weather.

“Bymid-June, whichisonly thebeginningofwinter, we often seeour capacityalready exceeding 80%. TheSafe Sleeping Zonewill provide significantand much-needed relief by helping to easecapacityconstraints.”

Tasso Evangelinos, CCID chief executive officer, says the project has strong potentialfor growth.

“While it is atargeted response to immediatewinterneeds, our hope is that its success will pave theway for expansioninto other parts of the CBD andbeyond.”

Evangelinos says while CCID Social Development sponsors 43 beds at shelters throughout the year, during winteritincreases this by 45 more beds,helping to meet the heightened demand for safe overnight shelter.

Theemergency shelter will increase the totalbed space sponsored by the CCIDduring winter to 148.

Controlledreferral

Evangelinos says access to the site will be managed through acontrolled referral and ticket-based system, with people referred directly by the CCID from within its1,6 km² footprint

The shelter will open at 19:00 at night,withfinal entry at 21:30, and residents exiting the siteat 06:30 thefollowing morning.

According to Evangelinos, the facility will be equipped with a maximum of 60 fold-up stretchers, emergency blankets and pillows. Basic nourishment, including

ahot drink, will be provide. He says residentswill also receive off-site meal tokens for The Service Dining Rooms, an organisation feeding homeless people. Theshelter will offer secure onsitefacilities, including ablutions, storage, CCTV monitoring and dedicated securitypersonnel. Evangelinos says couples will also be accommodated, while trained CCID peer fieldworkers will provide support services focused on safety, mental health and harm reduction.

Childneglect and lack of safetycontinuessaysMoloSongololo

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Far too many children in SouthAfricacontinue to be exposed to abuse,crimeand violence, saysPatric Solomons, directorof child-rights organisation Molo Songololo. His comments come as NationalChild Protection week concludes onFriday 5 June. The week is observed annually to shine aspotlight on children’srightsand the urgent need to protect every child from abuse, neglect and exploitation, as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the Children’s Act.

This year’s theme is “Working together in ending violence against children”.

The campaign is spearheaded by the National Department of SocialDevelopment in partnership with keygovernment departments and civilsocietyorganisations providing child protection services

Solomons tells CityVision’s sister newspaper, People’s Post:“We need everyone to invest in child safety and protection becausethat investment canhelp their survival. And can increase their future prospects. We need to take careofchildren andprotect them.”

He says that while attempts have been made to strengthen child protectioninterventions at national level, the turnaround time for addressing cases at local communitylevel remains unclear for many children.

Solomons saysMolo Songololo continues to work with key role-playersand is constantly exploring ways to improve its impact and better securethe safety of children

Children-rights activist Lucinda Evans implorescommunities, parents and government to do more to guardchildren.

The founder of Philisa Young Minds Academy, an early-childhood development (ECD) centre dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children in Lavender Hill and surrounds,believes there are notenough safespaces for kids.

“I want the community to be more vigilant andtoreport abuse. There is still a reluctance to report abuse.” Evans, whoisalso thefounder of Philisa Abafazi BethuWomenand Family Centre in Retreat,explainsthatabuseofall forms, notjustphysical, should be reported.

“Neglect isalso aform of abuse. Too often we see children at traffic lights or shopping centresbeggingfor food while

Safe Sportdiscussed by World’stop 500

More than 500delegates from 87 countriesgatheredatthe University of Cape Town from Monday 25 to Wednesday27May forthe Safe Sport2026conference,the firsttimethe globally significant eventhas been held on Africansoil. Cape Town’s uppercampus became thebeating heartofthe global safe sportmovement, as researchers, policymakers,athletes, coachesand safeguarding practitionersdescended on UCT’sNew

LectureTheatre forthree days of frank, oftendifficult,but urgently needed conversation Safe Sport2026was held in partnershipwiththe AfricanUnion andsupported by continentaland global sportorganisations Sportcan become aplace of harm,warns Safe SportInternational CEOchief executiveofficer Neal Anderson He wasblunt in hisassessment: good intentions aloneare not enough to protectathletes.

theparents sit andwait for them.

“Thoseparents must be reported. We see children roaminginthe street and begging. That should be reported.”

According to theWestern Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), more than 43 000 children are in foster care in theprovinceand 2800 more children in NPO-run child andyouthcare centres.

Between October last year and March this year, the department says it received 1957 reports of abuse.

ActingWestern Cape Minister of Social Development Deidré Baartman says everyone hasanobligation to protect children.

“When areportofabuse is received a social worker conducts arisk and safety

assessment. If thereisanimmediate risk to the child’ssafety, they are removed from theirhome and the matter is presented to the Children’sCourt.”

Baartman adds that while the child-protection investigation is underway the child may be temporarily placed with safety parents.

“We urge thosewho meet the qualifying criteria to sign up to become asafety parent. This is just one way of making ahuge impact on the life of achild when they need it the most.”

Formore information on becoming a safety parent visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/get-involved-and-become-safety-parent

ENTERTAINMENT

YouthJazz 23 yearscelebrated

Artscape’s Youth JazzSeries is set to mark its 23rd edition with atwo-dayshowcase at the Artscape Theatre, featuring youth jazz soloists on Friday 12 June and school jazz bands on Saturday13June

The series, launched in 2003, has grown into one of Artscape’s flagship annual projects, providing young musicians with a platform to perform on amajor stagewhile receiving mentorship from seasoned professionals in the industry. This year’s school jazz bands were selected by Keith Tabisher and Hugo Smutsof the Western Cape Education Department.

The programmeisdirectedby Amanda Tiffin, associateprofessor,vocalist, pianist and head of jazz studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She has been involved with the project for12 years andhas directed theyouth soloists’showcase since 2017. This year’s programme included masterclass sessions where young musicians learned from experienced industry figures.

Disney Africa day bringing acrobati Cape Mic

Meettheclassof2026

Fifteen young musicians were auditioned to take part: Connor Johnson (piano)from Parow, Ethan Herman(drums) from Strandfontein, Eyo Nzazi (bass) fromBelhar, Cole Krieling (guitar) from Maitland, Franco vonWieligh(saxophone) from Parklands,Henco Bester(saxophone)fromStellenbosch,Ryan Jacobs (bass) fromGrassy Park, Sibabalwe Gobe-Gysman (vocals) fromStellenbosch,Hlelo Zungu (vocals) fromMowbray, Liam Petersen (drums) fromParow, Mackenzie Hendricks (vocals) fromParow, Michael de Goede (saxophone)fromRondebosch, Talicia Mariti (vocals) from Cape Town, Zakhiel Davids(trumpet) from Hout Bayand Kyle Damons (piano)fromStellenbosch.

The programme also recorded a significant surge in applications, withmorethan 90% more applicants compared to theprevious year.

To markthe 23-year milestone Tiffin has invited six mentors, amix of returning alumni and

first-timers, all of whom have goneontobecome award-winning recordingartists, touring performers, musical directors and dedicated educators Theyare Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis (vocals), Bradley Prince

(guitar), Marc de Kock(brass/ saxophone), Brathew van Schalkwyk (piano), Damian Kamineth (drums)and Chadleigh Gowar (bass).

Thementors will also perform together as aband, promising

what organisers describe as a “sparkling” edition of the series. Contact ArtscapeDial-a-seat on 021 421 7695 or visit www.artscape. co.za for tickets and information, including wheelchair and disability access requirements.

Some of the youngmusicianswho auditionedtotakepart.

112 junior teams at tournament

Bothasig AFC hosted the Minis’ Back-2Basics Tournament over theweekend, Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May atAbe Sher Stadium. Atotal of 112 teams from across themetrocompeted in age groups u-7 to u-11aswellasgirls’ u-12.

Cup section winners were: u-7, Sunningdale FC A(runner-up: Green Point Salesians);u-8, FC Ballers (runner-up: Cape Town Galaxy); u-9, VascodaGama A (runner-up:SunningdaleFC A); u-10, Cape Town Galaxy (runner-up: Ubuntu); u-11, Ubuntu (runner-up:VascodaGama Red); andu-12 Girls, Ubuntu Girls(runner-up: Meadowridge Girls).

Plate section winnerswere:u-7, Wynberg St John’s (runner-up: Meadowridge); u-8, Newman’s(runner-up: Bothasig Green); u-9, Bothasig Green (runner-up: Sunningdale FC B); u-10, Nexus (runner-up:Meadowridge A); u-11, Vasco da Gama A(runner-up:Sunningdale FC A); andu-12 Girls, Bothasig Girls(runner-up: WSJ).

Visit www.novanews.co.za/cityvision/ formore photos.

Ballers SoccerSchool (Sea Point) on defencein the u-8 match againstNewman’sFC(Kuils River) Goalkeeper CruzeCanterbury is assistedbyJordan Liam(midfielder)and Micah Kamies(defender, obscured) to fend off the attacker Fayyaz“Yazzi” Canfield from Newman’s.Ballers wonthe u-8 cup afterdefeating Cape Town Galaxy2-0 in the final.

JusticeMbachufends off

Maddison Peskin(WynbergStJohn’s) takesashot at goal in the girls’u-12match againstBellville CityFC. The otherWynberg playersare Austin Arendse (left) and Alex Steed.

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TWOU-17TEAMSTOREPRESENTWP

Capeside aimsforgold

AVRIL FILLIES

Atotal of 13 talented basketball players who represented WesternProvince (WP) andSouthAfrican(SA)invariousBasketball competitions in the past will be in action as SA ElitefromFriday12 to Sunday 14 June at the Soweto Uprising BasketballTournament in Gauteng.

Lead by the dedicated coach Shafiek Allie, who has more than 30 years experienceinbasketball, the teamislooking forward to show the other teams what Capetoniansare made of.

The group previously represented WP in 2023 in u-15 and in 2024 in u-17 at the same venue in Gauteng, and at the SA Championship in Cape Town last year.

Allie witnessed first-hand the profound impact basketballcan haveonyounglives andheestablished the SA Elite Basketball Teamatthe American International School in Constantia. He spent more than adecade coaching kids and is currently the head coach of the WP u-17 team.

HotShotsBasketball

The SA Elite team is one of two teams from Cape Town, the other team being HotShots Basketball team. “Basketball has been alifelong passion for me.Growing up,Ifaced my own challenges, but the game provided me with opportunities I never thought possible. It taught me discipline, teamworkand resilience, values Istrive to instil in my players everyday. This personal journeyfuelled mydesire to create apositive space for young athletes, leading to the founding of SA Elite,” he says.

At SA Elite their mission is clearand heartfelt. Keep kids off the streets and engaged in sports, providing them with aconstructive outlet. They supportthe education of the athletes, ensuring they

achieve the gradesnecessary for university admission. They alsomold the basketball playersinto remarkable young men who can contribute positively to society andachieve their dreams.

“Since our official launchonSunday29 March we have proudly welcomed over 60 members from various backgrounds, including Gugulethu, Langa andThornton. We believe in inclusivity andhave created asafeand supportive environment where every player can thrive at ourhome in Constantia. Theschool allows us to offer high-qualitycoaching andfacilities, fostering bothathletic andpersonalgrowth,”he says.

Allie is excitedtoparticipateinthe SowetoUprisingtournament for the third time.

Historicvictory

At hisprevious club Montana Vikings Basketball Club, the teamachievedahistoric victory in 2024 by being the firstside fromCapeTown to win gold.

“Whileweaim for successiononthe court, our greatergoal is to provide our players with exposure to universitycoaches, helping them secure opportunitiesfor higher education.

“Forthe upcomingtournament I'llbe taking 13 talented players with me,many of whomhave already represented Western Province teams andsome even at national level. Their dedication and hard work inspire me to continue pushingfor excellence, both in basketball andacademics,” Alliesays At SA Elite, they alsorecognise the importance of community. They engage with their players andtheir families to ensure thatthey are notjust developing athletes, but responsible citizens who can make a difference in their communities.

He truly believes in the power of basketball to change lives andhope to repeat the success of 2024 in bringingthe gold backto Cape Town.

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