City Vision E-edition 9 July 2026

Extortionstops service–claim

UNATHI OBOSE

unathi.obose@ novusmedia.co.za

esidents in at least two communities, Harare and SamoraMachel, areurging theauthorities to intervene in what they describe as extortionrelated interruption of municipal

services. Theareas have reportedlyexperienced severe interruption of waste removal with rubbish piling up in andaround the communities. Thematter is further

compoundedbyillegal dumping. According to residents,extortionists arehindering waste collection, with certainareas goingfor over two months withoutmunicipalservices TOPAGE3

asubsidiary of Novusmedia.

We needmorepatriots

THULANI MAGAZI Igumbilomhleli /Editor’sCorner

Thumela uluvolwakho. Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuphelaezakuthi ipapashwe.Izinto ezithethwa apha ziphelela kweligumbi

Send us your views. Note,onlytextmessages will be published. What is discussed in thiscorner remains here

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

The shocking informationand video of former president Jacob Zumawith oneofthe Gupta fugitives in India, recently, is but one of many instances where influential people have used their positions to undermine the country’s overeign democracy.

As the nation, we areinthe midst of the Madlanga storm which continues to expose deep-rooted corruption in the country, involving senior politicalleaders and criminal cartels. Since the start of the Madlanga Commission,wehaveheard aboutshocking revelations on how criminalsinfiltrated individuals who occupy senior positionsingovernment, including top police officials,and use their influence to get certain favours.

Theseare revelations the Zondo Commission missedinits probe into the state capture. We canbeglad that Lt Gen Nhlanhla

Mkhwanazi’s bidtogive testimonyduring the Zondo Commissionwas unsuccessful. The Madlangastorm wouldnever have materialised.The MadlangaCommissionis notjust exposing corruption, butdigging deep into the rotinvolving high profile individuals who claim to fightfor ourrights, yet they areinbed with criminals

The danger with these people is thatwe trust them.Inthe meantime, they lookat us as fools.

Foratleast nine years,Zumaoccupied the highest officeinthe land, making important decisionsfor the millions of South Africans. This is someone who ascendedtopower by playingvictim. Following his removal as the deputy presidentbyformer president ThaboMbeki in 2005, over hisalleged corruptrelationship with Schabir Shaik, he immediately made himself avictim

Sadly,manypeople symphatised with him andhecontinued to push this narrative to the 2007 AfricanNationalCongress’s(ANC) Polokwaneconference where he succeeded Mbeki as the president of the ANC, paving the way to the Union Buildingsin2009.

During his tenure, he made many unpopulardecisionsand surrounded himself with many of hisloyalists.Healsoestablishedstrong ties with the Gupta family. In fact, this family wasreportedly in charge of appointing cabinet ministers, many of whomwere questionable characters

Following Zuma’s oustingasthe ANC president in 2017 andCyril Ramaphosa’s risetothe highest officeinthe landand the establishment of the Zondo Commission, the Guptas willingly left South Africa after being implicated in casesofwrongdo-

ingduringZuma’spresidency. In fact, they arestill wanted in the countrytoanswer for some of those crimes. True to hisstyle, Zumamadehimself andthe Guptasvictims when he spoke in India. He claimed the Guptaswere chased away. He alsoclaimed thatsome people didnot like howhedid things as the head of state andwanted him out, vowingtowin electionswith his Umkhonto WesizweParty (MKP).Hemade numerous false statements about South Africa’s political landscape andthe nation Theseare shocking utterances,particularly from someone whoonceled this nation.

Zumaknows well thatthe Guptasare wanted in South Africatoanswerfor their allegedcrimes,yet he is protecting them. This is someone whooncetookanoathof officeand promisedtorespectand uphold the country’s constitution.Yet he is in bed with the allegedcriminals to undermine the very same constitution,effectively givingitamiddle finger. Whilewecannot dictate howpolitical parties choosetheir leaders, it’simperative thatweuse ourvotingpower to putpeople with the country’s interestsatheart in the UnionBuildings We need leaderswho arepatriotic, notpeople whoare just there to settle scores or to fill their backpockets. We need politicians such as Mkhwanazi, notthatother Mkhwanazi butNhlanhla. As the nation,weare indebted to him. We arewaiting anxiously to seeifJulius Malema, the manwho invited Mkhwanazitojoinhis EconomicFreedom Fighters (EFF), will be testifyingat the Madlanga Commissioninlight of this week’srevelations

Damoyinamedactingpolicecommissioner

PremierAlanWinde and WesternCape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety,AnrouxMarais,have welcomed the appointmentofMaj Gen LuyandaDamoyi as acting Western Cape Police Commissioner.

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.zaor

unathi.obose@novusmedia.co.za

shafiek.braaf@novusmedia.co.za

gurshwin.heinze@novusmedia.co.za

alexandra.fortuin@novusmedia.co.za

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za

mediaombud@novusmedia.co.za Novus Media

www.cityvision.co.za

facebook.com/CityVision Live

x.com/Cityvisionlive

067495 2886 (Newstips only) 6530

Damoyipreviouslyserved as Deputy ProvincialCommissionerunder his predecessor,LtGen Thembisile Patekile, a backgroundthatboth the premier and the minister say positionshim well forthe role.“Iamconfident that his leadership, integrity and experience willguide the police in theWestern Cape with excellence. I wish himevery success in strengthening public safety and fostering trust between the police andthe communities it serves by upholding the highest standardsofjustice and accountability,” said Marais.

Winde was candid aboutthe challenges awaiting the new acting commissioner. “I urge the Maj Gen to prioritisethe push forbetter resourcing.The policeinthe Western Cape continues to facesignificant resource constraints, making strongpartnershipswith municipal law enforcement agencies, including the LawEnforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP),moreimportantthanever,”saidWinde The Premieralso signalledthatbroader structural conversations can no longerbe deferred. Both the premier andthe minister urged Damoyitoconsiderimplementing the recommendations outlinedinthe Western Cape Government’sPolicing Needs andPriorities Report, whichthey say would assist in improving the work of the police.

Umntungamnyemakahlaleendaweniyakhe

Suselaoko kwabekwa umthetho kamasilingane kweli loMzantsi Afrika azange kuphindekubekho nto ilungayo.Into ka 50-50 yawamosha amakhaya amaninzi, kwaye neziseko ezazikhona zokumisela ikhaya zonakala Ngoku wonke umntu endlini unamalungelo alinganayo. Lonto ithe yakhokhelela ekubeni inkolisoyabantu abangoomama okanyeababhinqileyo bazilinganise namadoda

Susela kwabekwa lo mthetha izintoezininzi zatshintsha, nditsho nkqu indlela yokunxiba kunyenokwenza izintoebantwini ababhinqileyo Ngokuumntu wasetyhini uyakwazi ukunxiba okwendoda. Akupheleli nje ekunxibeni, ade enze zonke izintoezenziwa ngabantu abangootata kuquka ukusela nokutshaya. Hayi ke kubanzima mpelaxa enalo neqhosha elingenantunja, ulawula mpela,ufike amadodaephithizelaxakukho yena Isinxibo sisodwasithetha lukhulu emntwini obhinqileyo. Inkangeleko nesinxibo zezinye zezinto ezenza isidima emntwini. Kwathi kwakubakho lo makulingwane kwathathwa obesentlawayokubekwaemnyango, kwathathwa obesemnyango wayokubekwa entla, sisiphithiphithinje ngoku amakhaya amaninzi akasaqinanga

ngoba imvano ayikho ncam. Wonke umntu uzibona enelungelo lokuphathaokanye enze nantoni ayifunayo. Kanti ookhokho,nobauninzilwabo lwalungafundanga, babekwaziukuhlela izinto ngendlela Masiyivume into yokuba ukuze kubekho amanyeamalungelokuyanyanzeleka ukuba kunyhashwe amanye. Umzekeloasinakubanazoizindlu okanye ilungelo lokubanendlu ukubaasinakunyhashailungelo lendalo.Ngoba ingcanomhlaba lo sokhakuwo okanye sokha ngawo yindalo. Ukuze sibenezi zithabathaba zemizi siyakhileyokuyanyanzeleka ukuba kunyhashwe ilugelo lendalo(ukutsho oko ilungelo lengca kunye nomhlaba).

Nalapha ke emizini akwaba umntu ngamnye angayaziindawo yakheukuba iphi

na.Amadodaamaninziakhethaukuthula kudekuthiweafe ethweleumnqwazi ngoba kaloku akasazibonienendawo ekhayeni. Izinto ebekufanele ukuba ayazenza sele zisenziwangabafaziokanye ngoodade wabo.

Aphoindibhida khona kuyakuthixakufuneka kusentyenziswe izigalo kubelapho kubizwa khona amadoda. Okanye umntu xa esivainto igoqoza ebusukuakuvuse athihambonjongalento ingxolayo Kulapho ubona khona ke ukuba wenziwa uthonqo apha, ngoba ngamanye amaxesha izigqibo zithathwa endlini ukhona. Kodwa xa kukhoizintoezingaqondakaliyo endlini okanye eyadini kuvuswa wena kuthiwe khawuyokroba. Lonto njeiyodwa iyabonisa ukuba abantu ababhinqileyo abasithandi singamadoda.

Enyanisweniuhlobo umntu ongutata acinga ngalo nenzangalo alufaninohlobo umntu ongumama enza ngalo. Mabayiyeke lento yokusigxagxamisanokusitsala ngeempumlo xa befuna senzeizinto. Futhi ke bonaabonqeni ngoku umntu eze ngokwenda,kodwaafike anilawulenonke kwelo khaya.

Umntu nomntu makakhe abambe indawo yakhe. Noba ubhuti okanye umyeniwakho umbonaeyintoni na kodwangawumnike indawo yakhe.

One of the shackslefthanging afteraburst pipe caused asinkholeatSST informal settlement in Town TwoonMonday, 29 June.The sinkholeis next to aflushingtoilet that wasallegedly installedillegally by membersofthe community. PHOTOS: UNATHIOBOSE

Acry forhelp

UNATHIOBOSE

SST residents in Town Two were forced to evacuate their homes after aburst pipe caused flooding and asinkhole on Monday 29 June.

At least 15 shacks were affected by the incident and residents lambasted the City of Cape Town,accusing it of negligenceafter it allegedly failed to relocate themtoa safe place.

Resident Nolethu Kowa said she returned to her shack on Wednesday, 1Julyafter the incident. “Therewas sewage everywhere. Our shacks were flooded. Ileft myshack on Monday, 29 June,because it wasdamp and it stank. Iwas staying at my friend’s

leastthree years now. TheCityisaware of that. Lastyear, the City relocated only 32 shacks fromhere to an open space along SpineRoad, opposite Embengweni tshisanyama. We want all the people from here to be relocated to asafeplace,” said Msutu.

He also stated thatwhen the City relocated other residents in December last year, it left the sinkholes open, posing adanger to children inthe area.Msutu urged the City to speedupthe process.

Ward 93 councillor ThandoPimpi said he informed City officials about the crisison Tuesday,30June. However,hestated that officials had not yet arrived to assess the damage,citing security concerns.

FROMPAGE1

Harare residentNoludwe Zandile attributed someofthe challenges to adilapidated building used by criminals to torment residents andthose who offer various servicesinthe community.

“We have achallengewith criminals who areusing thatbuilding as asmoking place. They target people passing by and robthem,especially at night. We wantthe City to demolish it because it is no longer serving anypurpose,” said Zandile

She claimed that the main problemisthe illegaldumping also takingplace at the building,with residents discarding their rubbish there at night.

Zandile claimedthat thesituation is made worse by the fact that the City no longer cleansthe area.“Thelasttimethe rubbish wascollectedwas in March, and it hasnot been collectedsince. We heard thatthe cleaningcompany thatwas working here stopped becausethere were peopledemanding money to protect them. The company then decided to stopworking,” she said. She claimed Ward 98 councillor AneleGabuza is aware of thesituation Zandile said allthey need is service delivery.

However,Gabuza refuted the claims, dismissing the suggestion thatthere is no cleaningcompany in the section as a“fat lie.”Hesaidthe area is cleaned everyweek andaccused the community of beingnegligent.

“There is acleaning company working there. TheCityhas employed acompany to clean the area.The community members arethe oneswho do not take responsibility. The company cleanstoday,and the following daythe community dumps rubbish again,” said Gabuza,addingthatPhambo Roadinhis ward faces the same problem. He said he is notaware about the extortionists who demanded the moneyfromthe company.HeundertooktoinformCity officials about the dilapidated building

Meanwhile, acommunity leader in Messiah (Kosovo), who spoke on condition

of anonymity for fear of harassment, said their section is the only partofKosovo whererubbish is notbeing collected —due to extortionists. He said rubbish is piling up in containers andisalsobeing discarded on the streets.

“Inthissection,wehavea problemwith young menwho aredemandingmoney from the cleaningcompanyworking in the area.The companyisnolongercleaning in Messiah, butitisstill operating in other parts of Kosovo.Ithas been more than five months sincethe rubbish was collected here,” he said.Headded thatthe ward councillor is aware of the situation, and thatthe community hadanagreement with the City thatcollectiontrucks would be accompaniedbyLaw Enforcement officers

“The rubbish used to be collected twice aweek. Butthere areinstances wherethe trucks do notcomebecause LawEnforcement officersare unavailable duetoother commitments.Weare livingthrough God’s gracehere,” he said

When CityVision asked whethertheyhad reportedany extortion-relatedincidents to the police, he said theywould notdoso, citing alackoftrust in law enforcement. “The extortion issueisverycomplicated. Youdon’t just talk about it to anyone. “he said Ward 88 councillor Zukisani Sophazi confirmed he is aware of the uncollected waste in Messiah, stating thatCity officials are attending to the matter.

“I was there with the City’s Mayco Memberfor UrbanWaste Management, Grant Twigg,afortnightago to listentotheir grievances. Twigg vowed to lookinto the problemand return to the community with feedback,”said Sophazi .Heemphasised thata cleaningcompanyisoperational in the area,but thatthe Messiahsection is the only partwhere it is notworking. Sophazi stated thatallegationsthatthe cleaningcompany hadstoppedworking in Messiahbecause of extortionists were merely arumour,asnoone hadformally reportedittohim

Bestentrepreneursclaim prizes

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Cape Town’s next generation of entrepreneurs tookcentrestage and claimed top honours at the 10th edition of the #YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge, closingthe programme’sbiggest and most competitive edition yet.

Paul Whitehead, founder of Major John in Woodstock and Candice Shunmoogam of GWIN in Parkwood, claimed the top prizes in the Existing Businessand Business Ideascategories respectively.

The challengeequips youngpeopleaged 18 to 35 and existing smallbusinesses with theskills, networks and resourcesneeded to launch, strengthenand grow sustainable businessesthat address localchallenges and create jobs.

This year attracted more than 700entries for existing businesses or business ideas, 145 of whommet the criteriatoparticipate in thetraining and mentorshiprounds

The participants came from 77 communities across Cape Town,includingKhayelitsha,Langa, Mfuleni, Nyanga, Philippi, Gugulethu, Mitchells Plain, Observatory, Kraaifontein andDelf.

For Whitehead, winning the Existing Businesscategory was more than just a title.

The 33-year-old founderofa premium lighting andfurniture businesssaidthe programme gavehim freshinsights into entrepreneurship, despite already having spent 12 years building his business.

“I havebeen in business for many years, butthrough this programme Ilearnedso much about the basics of running abusiness.

“The training was beneficial.I gotto work with fellow competitors, and thefuture is looking bright,” he said.

Whitehead encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take part in the programme,saying it offers invaluable skillsand learning opportunities for anyone looking to start or grow abusiness.

The Top 10 in bothcategories werefinalised through aseries of pitches.

“Thisyouth upliftment programme has endured because it speaks to something

verypractical: young people need access to opportunity,not only encouragement. Theyneedspaces where they cantest an idea,get honest feedback, learn the basics, and buildthe confidence to keep going “Thatiswhat #YouthStartCThas tried to do over the past decade and this competition matters deeplyinacity like ours. Because when we create an enabling environment andinvest in our young people, we arenot onlyinvesting in individual businesses or ideas.

“We areinvesting in confidence, in economic participation, andinthe future of Cape Town,” said Mayco member for community servicesand Health, Francine Higham.

Other winners in the Existing BusinessCategory, areKylie Andrea Adam of Shanti NaturalCareinGardens andNadia Abdul Wahab of Gymtechfor Weightlossin Kraaifontein.

Pinelands residentMalilimalo Phaswana of WineBehaviour and Izak Liebenberg of Reality Atelier from Thorntonreigned vic-

torious in the Business IdeasCategory Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Higham, said every participanthad contributed to the #YouthStartCT story and encouragedthem to continue building businesses thatcan shape astrongerand more inclusivecity.

“We areproud of you. To those whomay nothavereceived an award, pleasedonot see this as the end of your journey. Cape Town needs your energy, yourideasand your courage.”

“Thank youfor being partofthe #YouthStartCTstory, and here’s to the nextdecade of young entrepreneursbuilding astronger,more inclusive andmore hopeful Cape Town.”

Gugulethufamily seeksburialhelp

UNATHIOBOSE

The Bonga family in Europe informal settlement, Gugulethu,isappealing forfunds to bury afamily member who was burntbeyond recognitionina shack fire on Sunday5 July

The cause of the incident is still unknown.

The deceased’s sister, Phelisa Bonga,said the family is devastated. Shesaidthe fire startedafter 20:00.

“I received acall from mybrother, who wasatwork at the time, informing me that Novangeli’s shack was on fire. Ihurried to the scene, andonmyarrivalher shack was alreadydown. We discovered thebodyafter the flames were extinguished.”

Phelisasaid the family is facing amammoth task in the final disposal of theremains of alovedone. She saidone ofthe immediate challenges was the raising of moneytoconduct aDNA test, thepositive identification of remains alegal necessity.

“The family is going to meet thiscoming weekendtodiscuss thefuneralarrangements. Butwhat we needright nowisR1900 to conduct aDNA test. We will arrange the funeral afterwards. Our aim is to bury her in ancestral landsin Butterworth, Eastern Cape.”

Community leaderBetty Duli-Mkinase saidonly the deceased’s shackwas affected. She said according to the neighbours, a commotion was heardfrom the shackbefore the fire started.

“They said the deceased wasfighting with herboyfriend before the incident. The neighbours were informed by afive-year-

oldchild thatthe shackwas on fire. They managed to extinguish the flames andlater discovered there was someone inside.”The body wasfound on abed. Duli-Mkinase said the deceased’s boyfriend wasnowhere to be foundwhen the community wasputting out the flames.

The City’s Fire andRescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said the incidentwas reported at 20:25 as ashack alight inEurope informalsettlement, Gugulethu onSunday 5July.

“ThecrewsfromGugulethu andLansdowneRoadwere on the scene. One structurewas destroyedand oneperson sustained fatal burn wounds. Thegenderand age of thevictimare unknown.”

Hararepoliceinvestigatefatal shootingonHlolaStreet

UNATHIOBOSE

Police in Harare, Khayelitsha, have registered amurder case following ashooting incident thatoccurred in Hlola Streeton Monday 6July.

Provincialpolice spokesperson CaptFC vanWyk confirmeda38-year-oldwoman wasshot dead.

He said the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation “The motivefor this attackforms partof the police investigation,” Van Wyksaid Amember of the public, whospoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said it was notclear whythe woman waskilled. “We suspectthe motive was robbery. Maybe she refusedtohandover whatever the criminals were demanding.

When criminals arerobbing you you must cooperate. Thefactthatshe is awoman makes me doubt it is extortion-related.”

Thepersonraised concernabout the escalating crimeinthe area,notingthatanything canhappenatany time. They also highlightedthe problemofillegal firearms on the streets.

“Weare dying like ants.The government must imposestrictsentences againstcriminals andmurderers.I feel as if prisoners arelivingagoodlifeinjail, some of them with cellphones, eating three meals aday, while othersoutside arestruggling to geta meal.” He urgedlaw-enforcement officers to leave no stone unturned

Anyonewith information about this fatal shooting was kindly requested to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111.

Woman founddeadinshack

UNATHIOBOSE

Residents of Kanana informalsettlement in Gugulethu are reeling afterthe body of awomanwas discovered in ashackon Wednesday 1July. The cause of herdeath is unknown.

Acommunityleader who spoke on condition of anonymity forfear of reprisal said the deceased was discovered by oneofher neighbours when she went to lookfor her.

“Based on the report that Ireceived,one of the neighbourswent to the deceased’s shack to checkonher after shehadn’tseen the deceasedfor sometime.She knocked on the door, no one respondedand she pushed the door opened.Toher surprise, she saw her body,” he said, addingthathe

is notclear whethershe was lying on the bedorsitting on the couch.

He said theysuspectthatshe died on Monday30June, because some neighbours said theylastsaw heronSunday 29 June. He said herpassing is shocking as she was active anddidn’tshow anysignsof illness

Provincial policespokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident and stated thatGugulethu officersregistered an inquestfor investigation afterthe body of a59-year-oldwoman was found inside an informaldwelling on Wednesday morning, 1July, at about 08:30, in NY111, Kanana.

“A post-mortem will be conductedtodetermine the causeofdeath,” said Twigg

PP says City‘failed’ residents

Afour-yearinvestigation has found that all three spheres of government are not meetingthe basic human rights of residents in townships

The Public Protector’s report, released on Tuesday 7July, foundthat theCityof Cape Town does not deliverbasic services to residentsatthe N2 Gateway Joe Slovo development,known as LangaFlats, and parts of Khayelitsha.

The report, issued in terms of section 182(1)(b)ofthe Constitution and thePublic Protector Act, followsasystemic investigation after complaints at Public Protector roadshowsinMarch 2022 andApril 2023

The investigation used site inspections, residents’ experience, documentation and submissionsfromthe City itself.

What the investigation found

The Public Protector found that residents at Langa Flats pay rent without signed lease agreements, leavingthem without legal security of tenure. Sewage infrastructure at the developmentisbrokenand fire safety equipment andhighmast lighting wasnot working.

At Marikana in Khayelitsha the investigationfound thatresidentswho hadbeen relocateddue to sewer repairs did not have adequate access to water. Lighting in the area did not work. There were no smokedetectors norclosed-circuittelevision cameras at the MatthewGoniwe Community DayCentre andTown Two clinic.

The investigation found that theCity’s functionariesfailedtoprovide basic services,resulting in ongoingprejudice to residents.

The City’sresponse

The City,inapressrelease, said it cooperated fullywiththe investigation andhad alreadybeenaddressing the issues raised.

Regarding Langa Flats,itsaidrefuse is collected four times aweek, fire-safety equipment is maintained by aservice provider, and sewer maintenance has been underwaywith further upgrades planned. Itsaid 547 residents refused to sign lease agreementsand 64 havedeclined to renew theirs.Asa resultthe City says it may needtoapproach thecourts to regularise the situation.

Of the 10 families relocated to Marikana, the City saidthey had access to water and sanitation, and an additionalstandpipe was planned for installationbymid-July to reduce their walking distance to water. Regarding lighting, the site falls within Eskom’ssupplyarea

The powerutility has committed to providing electricity forthe 10 families but has raised concerns about potential unrest from the broader Marikana community. The Citysaidithad facilitated on-site meetings between Eskomand the community, and the PublicProtector’sOffice had been in discussions with community leadership.

Regarding the twoclinics, the Citysaid bothMatthew Goniwe and Town Two clinic had validfire certification and fire-fighting equipment in place and were fully compliant with national standards

Smokedetectorsand CCTV cameras were scheduledfor installationonce planned renovations at bothclinics werecomplete. Renovationbudgets of R8 573 079 for Mathew Goniwe and R2 100 000 for Town Two hadbeenallocated for2026 and 2027 respectively.

The Citysaiditwould submita detailed responsetothe report in duecourse

Twofactual corrections accepted

The Public Protector accepted twonarrow factual corrections made by the City

beforethe reportwas finalised:that the N2 Gateway development falls under the Community Residential UnitsProgramme, rather than adifferent classification, and smoke detectors were notamandatory requirement for the clinics’ fire-safety classification under national standards. The remedial action was adjusted accordingly to require early-warning fire mechanisms generally,rather than smoke detectors specifically

The City formally objected to theoverallfindingsbefore publication.The Public Protector rejected that objection, finding that cooperation with an investigation “does not in itselfnegate afinding of maladministration where the evidence establishes thatconstitutional andstatutory obligations have not been fully discharged.”

Findingsagainstnational government

The reportalso makes remedial action findings againstthe National Treasury and the Department of Human Settlements. The City had noted thedifficulty of providing free services without adequate financial support fromthe national government, and the PublicProtector took cognisance of this.

The Minister of Finance hasbeen directed to assess whether the intergovernmental fiscal framework adequatelysupports municipalities with large informal settlementsand infrastructure backlogs

It must be noted that the Langa Flats rentalflats were built by national and provincial government; the City said it inherited the development under aprevious administration before widespreadunlawfuloccupation had been addressed

What the Cityhas been orderedtodo

The PublicProtectorhas issued binding deadlines to the City Manager:

•Within 30 days: ensure Marikana residentshave access to waterand submitanactionplan for additional taps and sanitation facilities; alsoengage Eskomto restore non-operational high-mast lights andreportback with agreed interventions andtimeframes.

•Within 60 days: develop asustainable long-term cleaning strategy for Langa Flats; andengage Eskom to prioritise electricity supply for the10relocated families, or relocate them to suitably serviced land.

•Within 120 days: carry outlong-term repairs to sewage infrastructure at Langa Flats andKhayelitsha,and submit shortandlong-term rehabilitation strategies.

•Within 6months: provide adetailed action plan on thelease regularisation process, including responsible officials andtimeframesthroughtoconclusion of leaseagreements; andput measures in placetoequip Matthew Goniwe and Town Two clinics with smoke detectorsorother earlyfire-warning mechanisms.

•The City Managermust alsosubmit an implementation plan to thePublic Protector within 30 days of receiving the report.

•The mayor hasbeen directed to table the reporttothe Municipal Council fordiscussionwithin 60 days.

•The MECfor local government in the Western Cape must monitorcompliance quarterlyand may consider asection 139 intervention, which would allow theprovincialgovernment to step in, shouldthe City failtomeet the deadlines

The oppositionparty Good, whichlodged thecomplaint alongsideresidents, said in amedia release that thefindingsconfirmed what residentshad been saying for years. The party said it would monitor every deadline.

Forumcalls forstricterrules

UNATHIOBOSE

Aleader of Site CBusiness Forumin Khayelitsha is calling for the government to be firm and regulate allbusinesses,including foreign-owned stores.

The forum’s secretary Melikhaya Yalwa stated that they do not have aproblem with foreign-owned businesses aslongasthey operate within government regulations.

He claimedthe majority of foreigners are not documented and are not operating their businesses legally.

Yalwa stated that eventhe nationwide March and MarchMovement protests held on Tuesday 30 June didn’t have impactin the area.

“All we need is for them (foreigners) to comply with government regulations. They must be registered and pay taxes like anybody else. There must be no exceptions,” he said.

He added that as the forum, theydon’t encourage violence or lootingof spaza shops.

However, he called on the government to reservesomebusinesses,including spaza shops, salons, barber shops and restaurants,for South Africans.

“Foreign people canonly work if they are needed forscarce skills. As localbusinesspeople, we need to unite and be organised insteadofworking in silos.Foreignshop owners workasgroups. They arevery organised when it comes to business,” he stated.

Yalwa slammed the government fordoing little to equip localbusinesses

Echoingcalls forstronger enforcement, HubertPaulse, chair of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Safety and Security PortfolioCommittee, said the issues that prompted the nationwide campaign remain unresolved.

“Theunderlying drivers of the protests, specifically communitydiscontent over crime, unchecked immigration, and alack of labour law enforcement, remainlargely unaddressed,” said Paulse.

These deep-seated challenges must be funnelled into strict, lawful, andinstitutionalprocesses.

“Forlong-termeconomicstability,government must decisively enforce regulatory compliance across allsectors to secure an even playing field,”concluded Paulse.

Site CBusiness Forumsecretary Melikhaya Yalwa says foreign-ownedbusinesses should operatein compliancewith government regulations

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

KHFurgesparentstovaccinatechildrenduringtheJulydrive

UNATHIOBOSE

Khayelitsha Health Forum (KHF)isencouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their childrenare vaccinatedduring an immunisation drive run bythe Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness throughoutJuly Forum chair Mzanywa Ndibongodescribed the campaign as beingvital to the development of achild. Heurged parents to take thevaccine serious as it prevents significant illnesses in children “It is important to do it. The community

needs tounderstand that there aremany diseasesout there that need to be prevented

“Childrenare sensitiveand their immune systems are stillweak, so it is easy forthem to catch diseases,”hesaid Ndibongoslammed the department for notpromoting the campaign widely, saying therewas limited informationabout it on radiostationsorinthe newspapers.

Provincial Department of Health and Wellnesscommunications officer Abulele Dyasi saidthe Khayelitsha (Site B) Community Health Centre was extending its

immunisation servicestoweekends, and notjust on weekdays.

He said the facility will operate every Saturdayand Sundayfrom 08:00 to 16:00 throughout July,making it easier for working parents andcaregivers to have their childrenvaccinated “Parents areurged to visit their nearest clinic to checktheir child’s Road-to-Health Booklet.Ensure all scheduled vaccinesare up to date.

“Bring children who have missed doses forcatch-up immunisations.”

Dyasi said vaccination protects both in-

dividual childrenand entire communities Thedepartmentcalled on all parents,caregiversand community leaderstoincrease immunisation coverage.

“The immunisation drivegives parents andcaregiversanother opportunity to ensure their childrenare fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases,”said Favour Mbolekwa, operational manager at Khayelitsha CHC

“Byopening Site BClinicoverweekends throughout July, we aremakingour servicesmoreaccessibletofamilieswho may notbeabletovisit during the week.”

‘Blisters’ notjusta walk

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Some of Cape Town’s biggest musical talents will lend their voicestothe fightagainst childhood hunger as Paxton Fielies, Steven Lee Lewis and Sketchy Bongoheadline the entertainment lineup for this year’s Blistersfor Bread CharityFamily Fun Walk.

Blisters for Bread, in association with Lucky Star, will takeplace on Sunday, 16 August, at the Green Point Common Sports Grounds.

The annual event, organised by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), raises much-needed funds and awareness to help combat childhood hunger in the Western Cape.

Annually, thousands of participants lace up their walking shoes in support of the initiative, which helps provide nutritious meals to vulnerable children acrossthe province.

Participants can choose between a10km walk starting at 07:30 and a 5km walk starting at 08:00.

Entry costs R125 per person, an amount that can provide 23 children with anutritious breakfast and lunch for one day.

Entries are limited to 10 000 participants, and registrations close at midnight on Sunday, 2August.

Only online entries will be accepted

In addition to the walk, onecan enjoylive entertainment, food stallsand activities for all ages, making it afun-filled morning out for families whilesupportinga worthy cause.

South African producer and performer Bongo says he is looking forward to bringing the energy to this year’s event, describing

Paxton Fielieswillbeone of the artists takingtothe stageonSunday16August.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

the Blistersfor Breadwalk as a meaningful initiative that promises plenty of funfor participants.

“I’m super honoured to be performing at Blisters For Bread. This is an amazing initiative,and it’s also goingtobeasuper fun day for everyone,” says Bongo.

Paxtonsaysshe is excited to return, encouraging Capetonians to comeout in their numbers and support the long-running initiative

“I am so honoured to be perform-

ingatthe Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walkthis year. This will be my secondtime andIknowthis year will be even better so come out in your numbers andcelebrate this wonderful initiative with us.”

Lewis said performing at Blisters For Bread is always special.

“I love everythingabout it, the initiative,the people andthe good vibes. Ican’t wait to see all the beautiful people andmakeamazing memories andexperiences.”

Financial pressure pushing inflation higher

Consumers battling mounting financial pressure are being urgedtoseek professional debt counselling, with experts warningthat thismonth’s fuel price cut is too small to offset the rising cost of food, electricity and essentials that continue to squeezehousehold budgets.

Despite the reduction at the pumps, motorists are still payingabout R6,18 more per litre for inland 95 unleaded petrol than they wereatthe start of theyear, leaving many with littlefinancial breathing room.

Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets, one of SouthAfrica’s top debt counselling companies, says fuel prices influence far more than what motorists pay at the pumps.

“They filter through the entire economy, affecting transport costs, food prices, logistics, municipal service delivery and ultimately household cash flow. While the July reduction is welcome, it is simply too small to offset the cumulative inflationary pressure consumershave absorbed over recent months.”

Roets says consumers rarely experience inflation as isolated price increases. Instead, financial pressure builds cumulatively as multiple cost increases occur simultaneously, steadily reducing disposable income

He says the ongoing Middle East crisis, volatile global fuel prices, and the looming domestic impact of the El Niño weather pattern on food production, threatens to spike domestic food inflation and strainagricultural input costs, significantly raising the threat of second-round price effects. This is particularly damaging because housholds have little opportunity to adjust their spending.

Uncertainoutlook

According to Roets, the outlook beyond is uncertain with renewed attacks in the Middle Eastrecently raising therisk of higher international oil prices. “Consumers often underestimate how quickly

international eventsreach the household budget. Asustained increase in global oil prices rarely remains confined to fuel. It steadily filters through supply chains intotransport, food production, retail prices and ultimately the cost of almost every essential product consumers purchase,” Roets points out.

He says the scenario is already grim for the man on the street,and thereisgrowing concern about the ability of SouthAfrican households to absorb any further financial shocks.

These concerns are also reflected in Debt Rescue’s ongoing consumer research, which monitors how economic developments influence consumer financial behaviour and household resilience.

According to Roets, the latest findings indicatethat many consumers no longer have sufficient financial flexibility to absorb even relatively modest increases in essential monthly expenses.

Foodpricesdrivinginflation

Food prices are the largest single contributor to inflation, and with multiple threats to food production and affordabilitylooming, thisiseasily the top concern among lower-income households. “Food inflation is fundamentally different from most other forms of inflation because consumers have almost no ability to postpone or avoid it.Asfood consumes an increasingly larger share of household income, financial resilience deteriorates rapidly. This has adisproportionate impact on lower-income households, where food already accounts for alarger share of monthly expenditure. It forces families to make impossible sacrifices in basic nutrition, which ultimately affects health, well-being and long-term financial resilience,”Roets says. He urged consumers with financial distress to find help from aregistered debt counsellor before “debt becomes unmanageable”.

Nominate your hero

Do you knowanindividual, team, or community project making areal difference in the lives of others? TheWestern Cape Governmentinvites residents andcommunity groups across the provincetoenter the ServiceExcellenceAwards (SEA), recognising those who go above andbeyondinservice of theircommunities

The awards celebrateexcellence in governance andservice delivery across the province. They recognise individuals, teams, andcommunity initiatives thatembody the WCG values: caring,competence, accountability,integrity, innovationand responsiveness.

Entries areopentoindividuals, teams,community groups, municipalities andpublic servants across the province. Projects andcommunity work completed betweenTuesday1April last year andTuesday31March this year areeligible for entry. Entries close on Friday 31 July and the awardsevent takes place on Friday 16 October.

Categories

Thereare thirteen categories in total, including two open specifically to residents:Best Resident Performance,respectively for an individual andfor ateam/project. Theseawards recognise aresident (individualaward) anda team/project thathas made an outstandingvoluntarycontribution. Othercategories include:

○ Best Collaborative Programme/Project– For initiatives thatbring togethergovernment, communities, civil society or the private sector.

○ Best Frontline ServiceDeliveryEmployeeand Team –Celebrating public servants whodeliverservices directly

○ Best Public ServiceInnovator –Recognising employees or teams with creative solutions.

○ Best Municipality andBest MunicipalProject –Honouringmunicipalities excelling in leadership,governance and community impact,. Visit https://seawards.westerncape.gov.za/ to nominate

Bylaw tackles illegal buildings

In June last year the City Council approved the revised municipal planning bylaw. The amendment enables the City to impound moveable property, such as machinery and equipment, being used for illegal building workwhen an ordertostop work is ignored. According to the City, this helps clamp down on building contraventions.

Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, said the impoundment provisionwas addedtothe bylaw to give the City immediaterecourse whenowners continue illegal building work despite a stop-work order.

“Some owners ignore the orders and continue their construction work, as they are prepared to pay the fines involved. These matters also often take considerable time to conclude in court, and the surrounding communities are impacted while we seek legal recourse.”

Andrews said the City can now impound the movable property of the developer, the owner, and the contractor involved in the illegal work.

The City has 76 building inspectors who conduct on average 16 000 inspections per month at building sites across the metro.

The most common contraventions are building without an approved plan, or deviating from approved plans. These are mostly by private individuals.

TheCity obtains, on average, two demolition orders per year. Since the start of the year until Friday26June, at total of 3883 complaints have been received, with 502 in the Mitchells Plain/Khayelitsha district. Most complaints related to illegal buildingwork (2 021); boundary walls (256); building after hours (137); and building rubble (121). Atotal of 12 566 inspections were conducted across the city during this period and 1384 notices were served as aresultofillegal building work during this period.

Women Uniteproduction ledbymulti-award-winning musician and community builderThandi Swaartbooi willperform on Friday14August, at 19:00 PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Women’sFest at ArtscapeinJuly

The annual Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival (WHF) willtransform Cape Town into apowerfulplatform for dialogue, healing,activismand artistic expression under the theme APlace For All, with thesub-theme: Women in Action, VroueinAksie and Abafazi Kwintshukumo as part of the Women’s monthcelebration.

Launched last night (8 July), the festival coincides with two significantmilestones; Artscape Theatre Centre’s55th anniversary and the 70th commemoration of the historic 1956 Women’s March.

Running throughout Women’sMonth, the festival brings together theatre productions, dance, music, exhibitions, film, intergenerational conversations, workshops and public discussions that challenge silence,celebrate resilienceand advocatefor asociety where all citizens areequal

Women’sHumanityWalk

The festival will once againhost theAugust 9Women’s Humanity Walkfrom the CivicCentre to the Artscapecomplex

Thisyear’s walk will also honourSophie Williams-De Bruyn, one of the leaders of the historic 1956 Women’sMarch.The shortenedversion,less than 100m, of this iconic walkwill be accessibletoPersons with Disabilities.Followingthe Walk, all participants will gather on the Piazzasteps for amomentofsilence, rip tape from their mouths and shout“stop the silence”, symbolising theneed to break thesilence around women’s voices. This will befollowed by an interfaithblessing.

Woman Zone’s Everywoman Projectis working on two textile artworks to commemorate the 55 years of the Artscape building and 70 years of the Women’s March. “In aworld where exclusion, violence and inequality continuetosilencemanyvoices, the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival remains committed to creating aspace whereevery person feels seen, heard and valued.This festival is about humanity, dignityand collective healing. The March to the Union Buildings made apowerful

statementagainst allodds, thousands of womenrisked theirlives to protest against the Dompas. We must ask ourselves: where arewetoday?Personswith disabilities remain invisible and excluded.Pro-women working environments are yet to become the norm.And the LGBTQ+ communityremains under threat. Augustisour moment to reflect on how farwehavecomeand howfar we stillneed to go in realising the human rights forall thatare embedded in ourConstitution.”The Festival continues to stand asone of South Africa’s leading cultural movements advocating forequality, inclusivityand socialchange says Marlene le Roux, CEOofArtscape Theatre.

Festivalhighlights

Bottelnek Breek Bek, the ground-breakingnovel by award-winning DianneDu Toit Albertze, makes its way from page to stageatArtscape.Joinusfor the official book launch discussion is led by Executive ProducerMarlene Le Roux.

KomFietna Saam is avibrant and heartfelt South Africantheatreproduction that celebrates community, resilience, humour, and the rich spirit of Afrikaansstorytelling. The Divalicious Dames show sees drag-mime artists RamsayDavids and Martin Neethling take audiences on anostalgic tripdownmemorylane.

ABFAB is back by popular demand;its more than aperformance, it’s ashowcase of thebestDragQueens in South Africa Bones isadocumentarythat explores the repatriation of the remains of Sara “Saartjie”Baartman and the fight, fuelled by a poem by the late Diana Ferrus, to return hertoSouth Africa in 2002.

The festival willalso feature acritical paneldiscussion with Sabrina Walter.

Falling Forward is the unfolding documentary of awoman who haslived, loved, learned,fallen and risen againand again. ThandiSwaartbooi, of the all-female ensemble WomenUnite, willhost atraditional marimbaproduction Fordetailscheckwww.artscape.co.za and tickets canbepurchased viaWebtickets.

CT 61st theatreawardsrevealed

Thewinners of the 61st Cape Town Theatre Awards powered by CapeTalk were announced at an intimate, elegant ceremony at TheBaxter TheatreonSunday 5July.

Formerlyknown as the Fleur du Cap TheatreAwards, the Awards have recognised artistic excellence in the performingarts sectorfor more than six decades.

Embarking on the next eraofits existence,the oldest theatreawards in the country have anew name –the CapeTown Theatre Awards. Anew non-profitcompany (NPC) has also been establishedfor convening the Awards in the future.

“We are sincerely grateful to Distell and Heineken Beveragesfor enabling us to honour Cape Town creatives for 60 years,” says Africa Melane, chair of the CapeTown Theatre Awards Panel.

“We extend aheartfelt thankyou to CapeTalkfor supporting the Awards.The station and Primedia Broadcastinghold the view that athriving performingarts sectorisessential to acosmopolitan city like Cape Town,and this resonates with us. Thesupport enables us to navigate the evolution of the Awards goingforward.”

“With the wealth of outstanding talent we have in the Western Cape –anincredible 65 productions were eligible for consideration in 2025 –competition was stiff. We salute our theatremakers andencourage them to keep pushing the boundaries and overcoming obstacles to continuecreating their work. We congratulateall the nominees andwinners,”saysMelane. We also extend aheartfelt thank you to Boschendal who came on boardasa partner this year,” he says.

Theeligibleproductions includedseven operas, three children’s productions(two musicals and oneopera), 24 student productions and 55 othermainproductions, five of which were musicals Multi-award-winning Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater wasthe biggestwinneratthis year’sawards. Since its premiere at the 2022 NationalArts Festival,the production has toured throughoutSouth Africa and Europe to sold-out houses andrave reviewswith performances at the National Arts Festival, Elizabeth SneddonTheatre (Durban), The Market Theatre(Joburg), HiltonArts Festival (KZN),Noordezon Festival of Performing Arts (Groningen Netherlands),The Kampnagel International SummerFestival (Hamburg, Germany) and La Bâtie -Festival de Genève (Switzerland). Theelectrifying one-woman show broughttolifebyMpumeMthombeniand theatre-maker Neil Coppen,scooped Best Production Award,whileCoppen walked away with Best Director. It was alsorecognised as the Best NewSouth African Script, Best Sound Design, Original Music, Soundcape or Live Performanceamong others.Best set design andBestlighting design. Mthombeniwalkedawaywith Best Performance in aRevue,Cabaret or One-Person Show. Picturedare all the winners of this year’s awards

The 2025 LifetimeAchievementAward waspresented to NigelVermaas,who was recognised forhis immensecontribution to the performingarts and broadcasting as an actor, director, and writer for stage and radio dramas.Vermaas is alsoadocumentary maker andhost of an arts andjazzradioshow, all this with his instinctive and dramatic flair

The full listofwinners of the 61st Cape Town Theatre Awards are: Awardfor most promisingstudent: Scar-

Nigel Vermaas wasawarded aLifetime Achievement Awardatthe event

PHOTOS:JEFFREY ABRAHAMS

lett Pay |LAMTA

Best newSouth African script: Isidlamlilo/TheFireEater|NeilCoppen &Mpume Mthombeni

Best newdirector: Samuel Jumat| ‘n Pandok se Liefde

Best theatreproduction for childrenand young people:MoanaJr-Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts (SSIPA) Best performancebyanensemble: Cats | Best performanceinarevue, cabaret or one-person show: Mpume Mthombeni| Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater

Best performancebyasupportingactor in amusical or musictheatreshow: Carlo Daniels |Randall Simons |Colleen TheMusical Best performancebyasupportingactress in amusical or musictheatreshow: Tankiso Mamabolo |MatronMama Morton |Chicago

Best performancebyanactor in amusicalormusic theatreshow: JonathanRoxmouth |Billy Flynn |Chicago Best performancebyanactress in amusicalormusic theatreshow: Cindy Ann Abrahams |Grizabella |Cats

Best puppetrydesign: AdrianKohler and William Kentridge |Faustus in Africa! Best lighting design: Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater|TinaLeRoux

Best setdesign: Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater|GregKing

Best costumedesign: Cats |John Napier Best sounddesign, original music, soundscape or live performance: Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater|Tristan Horton

Best performanceinanopera -male: William Berger |Bluebeard| Bluebeard’s Castle

Best performanceinanopera-female:Siphamandla Moyake |Judith |Bluebeard’s Castle

Best performancebyasupportingactor in aplay: AlbertPretorius |Caliban| The Tempest

Best performancebyasupportingactress in aplay: Carla Smith| Laura| Speelgoed van Glas |The Glass Menagerie

Best performancebyaleadactress in aplay: Rolanda Marais |Hedda |Hedda Gabler

Best performancebya lead actor in a play: BenAlbertyn |Tom |Speelgoedvan Glas |The Glass Menagerie

Best director: Neil Coppen |Isidlamlilo/ TheFireEater

Best production:Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater|Empatheatreinassociation with TheBaxter Theatre Centreand the National Arts Festival Award for innovation in theatre: ShakespeareSchools FestivalSouth Africa

Lifetime achievement award:Nigel Vermaas

20 schools at Africachess event

The inaugural African continental stage of the World SchoolsTeam Chess Championship (WSTC) —a team chess championship for school learners, is currently underway inStellenbosch until Saturday 11 from 6to11July.

The tournamentstartedonMonday6 July and is one of four continentalqualifyingtournamentsinAfrica,Asia, America andEurope held throughoutthis year.

Stellenbosch University is hosting the Africanqualifierofthe championship, marking the first time Africa hosts one ofthe tournament'sofficial qualifyingstages.

The qualifying tournamentinAsiatook place in April in Almaty, Kazakhstan

The qualifying tournaments in the Americas will take place in San José, Costa Rica, in August, and the European qualifying tournament in Tsaghkadzor,Armenia,at the end of September and earlyOctober.

The winners of thesefourcontinental qualifierswill advance to the WSTC Grand Final, which is scheduled to takeplace in December

Thechampionshipwill welcomeschool teamsfrom more than ten African countries and showcase Stellenboschasthe hostcity for amajorinternationalyouth sporting event.

The tournament represents afurther milestone in the development of the international schoolchess system,whichthe InternationalChess Federation(Fide)is implementing with Freedom Holding Corp. as one of the key partners of the event. Timur Turlov, the founder and ownerof the company, serves as president of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF).

'QueenofKatwe'

Among the distinguished guestsof the event is the legendary chess coach Robert

Katende.Hetrained Phiona Mutesi, one of Uganda's first titled femalechess players. As achild, Phiona lived in Katwe, the slums of Kampala,Uganda's capital. Her life took adramaticturn when she met Katende througha missionary programme andbegan learning chess. She went on to represent her country at four Women's Chess Olympiads andattained the title of CandidateMaster.Her inspiring journey served asthe basis forthe Disney film Queen of Katwe

Transforminglives

Atotalof20school teamsfromacross Africa have registered for the tournament, and anadditional 50 school students from SouthAfrica willtake part in associated socialactivities.

The WSTC aimsnot onlytoidentifythe winning team but also to demonstratehow chesscreates opportunities forpersonal development andleadership skills.

During the WorldSchools TeamChess Championship, Katende willconduct an interactivesession with the tournament participants and share real-life stories illustrating howchess canact as asocial elevatorfor children and teenagersinAfrica.

Thissession is part of abroader social programme led by Fideand the ISCF, whichpositions chessasapowerfuleducationaland social development toolcapable of transforming lives.

Amongthe guests willalso be Arkady Dvorkovich, currently president of Fide, andTimur Turlov,president of the ISCF and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Theywillengagewith the tournament participants during an interactivechess session.

FreedomHolding Corp andFide signed amemorandum of cooperation to promote children'sand school chess programmes.