CityVision E-edition 04 September 2025

Helpingdisabledkids

Disability among children took centre stage last week as scores of parents whose children live with disabilities gathered at Lingelethu Training Centre on Friday 29 August to unpack their challenges and learn valuable lessons from each other.

The event was organised by the Metro East Disability Forum (MEDF), a forum for all the centres that accommodate disabled children in the eastern Metro area.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Lindelwa Madikane described the gathering as a platform for parents to speak openly about the challenges they face at home.

She said they also share ideas and advise each other.

“We want to know how the parents with children with disabilities cope at home. Are they getting the necessary support that they need? We want them to be open and not feel ashamed about their children We encourage them to speak out about all the challenges that they encounter,” said Madikane.

She said they also encourage them to have a support group within the forum in their communities. She said they want them to work together with professional health workers to get professional advisors.

“We appeal to the parents to register their children with the Department of Education. We have a good working relationship with the department.

“They mustn’t keep their children at home or lock them indoors because they

don’t want to be seen by the community. There are centres for them,” cautioned Madikane.

Social auxiliary for Heads Up organisation Nosipho Mngxosha urged parents to take care of their disabled children. Heads Up is an non-profit organisation that empowers and equips young people to look after their mental health

She stated that there are different kinds of disabilities and that people need to understand.

“When people talk about the disability they think of physical disability. But there is a mental health problem where a person is physically fit, but pyschological is not. In most cases some of them got injured.

“As the organisation that is where we intervene and try to assist them. Because after they are discharged from hospitals they are left unattended,” she stated.

Parent Nokubonga Kose, from Site B, labelled the workshop as educational. She said she felt motivated by other parents and the speakers during the event.

“I have my son who is eight years old and is living with a disability. At the beginning, I felt so embarrassed with him because I was the first person to have a disabled child at home.

“I had mixed emotions and even wanted to dump him at the hospital But with the support that I got from my family, I developed a lot of love for him,” said Kose She said having a support group helped her a lot. She met other parents with similar challenges and spoke openly about everything.

The 36-year-old mother urged other parents, who are facing similar challenges, to associate themselves with forums such as MEDF.

Customer care is vital

Thumela

THULANI MAGAZI Igumbi lomhleli /Editor’s Corner

Send us your views Note, only text messages will be published. What is discussed in this corner remains here

Thulani.magazi@media24.com WhatsApp on 083 721 7648.

For every item on the market there are two or more other retailers with the same product. Consumers are spoilt for choice and retailers have to do everything to win customers. There is no such thing as customer loyalty.

When we grab loyalty cards from the shops, that is by no means our commitment to them It’s rather a fishing expedition What’s in it for me?

My wallet is full of these loyalty cards because every store has one. They are also free. We keep or use them to score on special offers. Retailers have to be on top of their game to remain relevant or to lure customers. This is where customer service

plays a part. When we go to the shops, we part ways with our hard-earned cash and we require some level of satisfaction or customer care. This is where certain retailers have excelled and others failed. Cheap prices are not always the solution and do not guarantee eternity. Many of the so-called cheap stores have closed down because of poor service When selling goods at reduced prices, retailers must be mindful that they are not doing us a favour. If their service is appalling there are other retailers out there with improved service

As a motorist there is one fuel station I do not use in South Africa. The same applies to the big retailers.

I made a conscious decision not to use these retailers because of how they treated me in the past.

The nice thing about the fueling stations is that petrol is regulated. It does not matter where I fill up in Cape Town, the prices are all the same. The same cannot be said about the diesel I did not know this until I bought a diesel vehicle in 2019.

Depending on where you fill-up, you could save or pay more than R2 per litre

The challenge though with some of these cheap fueling stations is that they get too busy and the service is not always the best. However, when one looks at the R2 difference, it makes a huge difference, especially when you fill-up your tank.

These cheap stations have limited branches. There is one close to my house. They sell a litre of diesel for less than R20

and the garage is used a lot by the long-distance drivers While their diesel is below most fuelling stations, their customer care is appalling to say the least. Seemingly, I have been driving a vehicle without a fuel cap.

On Saturday, I went to put in some diesel and an argument started when the petrol attendant reminded me to put back the cap. He was adamant that I removed the diesel cap, while I maintained I never came anywhere nearer the fuel tank. The answer to our debate was on the CCTV footage To my bewilderment, that footage could only be accessed on Monday as the person responsible was off duty. Upon my return to the filling station on Monday, I still could not view the footage It was eventually sent to me via WhatsApp after a series of interactions. The footage revealed that my car did not have the cap and I now need to buy a new cap. Clearly someone at some garage did not put it back.

The major concern for me though was the lack of poor customer care As mentioned, this establishment is used by long-distance drivers What if I was a long-distance driver from another province? I still do not understand why it is so difficult to access CCTV footage in a case of emergency

Last year, it took me less than five minutes to access CCTV footage at CapeGate Mall and to locate a missing person

Isn’t that what these closed-circuit television cameras are all about?

Help in a time of need.

BlistersforBreadCharityFunWalkcompleted

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

The weather was perfect for an early morning walk and over 9000 walkers did just that as they laced up their shoes for the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk on Sunday 31 August.

The Green Point Common Sport ground was a hive of activity as walkers gathered from early morning for the 5 and 10km walks, all united for a worthy cause.

Every step taken help support the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), which provides daily meals to thousands of learners across the Western Cape.

Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, said this year 9720 took part in the 57th edition. “Every cent from every entry will go towards feeding children. We are looking at almost R1 million in funds that has been raised from this event. That can go a long way if you consider that it costs R950 to feed a child for a year.” She expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the event possible. “Thank you to Cape Town, to our sponsors, and donors who make it possible for us to exist for 67 years and to host this event for 57 years. We appreciate them as

Bongi Khanzi and Nosie Frans from Gugulethu took part in the 5km walk in this year’s Blisters for Bread Charity Walk PHOTO: RASHIED ISAACS

“you cannot teach a hungry child.”

Participant Lorraine Pieterse said: “It is fun and the spirit among each other is so nice. It allows people to come together and meet new people. It would be nice if the

schools can come out.”

Another participant, Petro Theunissen said: “I came to support the children and to enjoy the early morning walk.” See more on page 8

As South Africans we need to have a serious discussion about our leaders, particularly political leaders.

I mention political leaders because they have the power to influence most things in the country. They are our lawmakers and they can amend them whenever the need arises.

These are our brothers and sisters As South Africans, we elect and put them in power because we see their potential. We believe they can stand up for us and fight our battles.

Sadly, most of them swiftly move away from those who voted them into power as soon as they ascend to the nice offices. They relocate to affluent neighbourhoods and lose touch with the people on the ground. One would bet they never stayed in the townships. They then come to our areas flanked by bodyguards to protect them against the very same people who voted for them

It becomes difficult to talk to them We must suddenly make appointments or fol-

A journo’s voice

Unathi Obose -

low certain procedures like talking to a personal assistant (PA) in order to access them They drift away from the community and do not develop our communities

I am of the view that if all the public servants were staying in their communities there would be far more development in our communities. We wouldn’t have all the problems we have such as the lack of service delivery.

Imagine if the president stayed in Tembisa in Gauteng. The community of Tembisa and the surrounding areas would

have all the necessary services

As long as our public servants are residing in the suburbs and they go to private hospitals, and their children go to private schools we will continue to suffer These leaders are where they are because of our votes. Why must they move to other areas after we voted for them? I believe if they were staying with us in the townships there would be more development and crime would be manageable. Our leaders care less about us and only focus on their stomachs. They were supposed to stay in their communities instead of parliamentary villages. You could swear that our leaders are there to manage poverty, not to eradicate it. The expanded public works programme (EPWP) is one of the government programmes that are designed to manage or control poverty in our societies.

Most of the people who are working in that programme are working on contract basis The EPWP programme is not creating jobs, instead it is maintaining poverty.

Security camera at Brown’s Farm activated

UNATHIOBOSE

Community leaders in Philippi have praised the installation of a closedcircuit television (CCTV) camera in the neighbourhood and hope it will drastically reduce crime.

The installation of the camera at the Nzame Zabantu Clinic was completed on Friday 29 August and the leaders believe criminals will have to think twice before committing crime nearby.

The CCTV cameras have worked as a crime deterrent in many communities around Cape Town They work 24 hours a day and are constantly monitored at the City of Cape Town’s control room in Goodwood.

In a case of emergency officers can be deployed to the crime scene immediately. They can also be used to collect evidence for criminal cases.

BREATHOFFRESHAIR

Anele Madondile, who is a South African National Civic Organisation’s (SANCO) Philippi Zonal chair, described the installation of the camera as a breath of fresh air. He said they’ve been crying out loud for the City to install the cameras

“Crime is rife in the area. We have all sorts of crime here, including murder, carjacking, robberies, extortion, smash and grab everything.

“We believe now that there is a camera, it will make it easy for law enforcement to execute their job because they will look at the footage,” said Madondile.

He stated that they are expecting that the criminals will be arrested at any given time

NEWTREND

Madondile mentioned that there is a new trend in Philippi of criminals kicking down house doors at night robbing people.

“We are not safe here. But we are happy with the installation of cameras, hoping that there will be some changes. The crime will decrease,” he stated.

Ward 34 councillor Melikhaya Gadeni said the installation of a camera has been long overdue.

He said the Philippi community has been demanding it because of the number of crime incidents that are happening in the area

“The camera is situated in my ward because it is one of the hotspots areas

“People are getting robbed of their belongings in the daylight. And there is smash and grab particularly at Govan Mbeki Road near Junxion Mall and at the corners of Sheffield and New Eisleben Roads,” said Gadeni

He said they embrace the installation of the new technology as it will make the job of the officers easy. He stated that the objective is to squeeze the space for the criminals.

A new CCTV camera installed at Nzame Zabantu Clinic in Brown Farm, Philippi PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Illegaldumping stillabigproblem

The City of Cape Town’s by-laws make provision for the impoundment of vehicles used in the act of dumping and, in the last financial year, 106 vehicles were impounded

Illegal dumping remains a persistent environmental and public health issue across the city. In the last three years, vehicle impoundings linked to illegal dumping have remained in triple digit territory, from just 47 in the 2021-’22 financial year In the most recent 12-month period, the law enforcement department impounded 106 vehicles

One team’s efforts in particular have stood out - the anti-land invasion unit’s B shift impounded 25 trucks along Old Faure Road in Mfuleni and Malibongwe Drive in Dunoon. “This team has had particular success because they conducted consistent patrols and monitoring of known and emerging illegal dumping hotspots in their areas,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith

Fines issued in terms of the integrated waste by-law increased by nearly 60% from 12 825 in 2023-’24 to 20 356.

According to Smith, builders’ rubble and general waste are common items that are dumped. “Residents relying on scrap collectors to dispose of garden refuse and builders’ rubble, only for it to be dumped in the area in which the waste generator lives. Hotspot areas are found across the metropole

The fine for illegal dumping is R2 500 and the vehicle impoundment release fee is R8700. The second time, the release fee is R11 700 and R17 400 for a third offence Illegal dumping can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700. Tips for potential reward can be submitted via the City’s 24hour tip-off line on 0800 110 077.

Bathiwe jize ngeengubo abadala

UNATHIOBOSE

Ngama 50 amaxhengwazana athe awelwa ngumqa esandleni eLwandle ngethuba isigqeba esijongene nokhuseleko loluntu, iCPF ngolwasemzini, kula ngingqi sinikezala ngeengubo ngoMgqibelo umhla wama 30 kweyeThupha, kumsitho obubanjelwe kwicawe iWorshipers in Christ Ministries.

Ephawula ngalo msitho, oligosa lezonxibelelwano lwesigqeba kwezokhuseleko ekuhlaleni, uJerry Bobi uchaze le ndibano nanje ngendlela yokubonisa uthando kubantu abadala, ingakumbi abangomama. Uthe ezinkonde zichongwe kwiingingqi ezahlukeneyo kuquka iNomzamo, Asanda Village kunye neLwandle “Besifuna nje ukubothusa nokubabulela ngegalelo abalenzileyo ekuhlaleni nasezimpilweni zethu jikelele. Uninzi lwabo luze nje lungalindelanga nto ngoba kudala kusenziwa imisitho apha ekuhlaleni emalungana noomama kule nyanga yabo,” uthethe watsho Bobi. Uqhube wathi abantu abangoomama banje ngezikhukukazi ngenkathalo Uthe alikho ilizwe ngaphandle kwabo “Abantu abangoomama ngabona abanendima enkulu abayidlalayo kunathi thina singamadoda. Aboneli nje ukusithwala inyanga ezilithoba esiswini, baye baphinde basikhulise. Ngabo abaqinisekisa ukuba umntana unxibile okanye utyile. Nangexesha lengcinezelo abantu abangoomama badlala indima enkulu ukulwa nocalucalulo ngokwebala Babehamba phambili ekulweni ukupheliswa kwamapasi,” uthethe watsho Bobi.

Omnye woomama abathe baxhamla uNomazizi Zazini (onama 73 eminyaka) uvakalise uchulumanco ngento eyenziwe yi CPF kula ngingqi watsho esithi makwande apho bathatha khona.

amaxhegwazana aphethe

ububanjelwe kwiholo loluntu eAsanda Village UMFANEKISO:

Uchaze lo msitho nanje ngento angasoze ayilibale ebomini bakhe. “Sibulela kwa ukucingwa oku singamaxhegwazana xa kukho into. Ithi lonto noko sisabalulekile asilityelwanga. Ndibulela nalengubo ndiyifumeneyo. Singabanye besingazifumani ezi zinto ngaphambili besisiva nje ukuba bezikhona. Noko ngoku akufani nathi siyaxhamla,” uthethe watsho uZazini.

Uceba kaWadi 86 uXolani Diniso ubulele isigqeba sokhuseleko saseLwandle ngendima esiyidlalayo ekuhlaleni ukuqinisekisa

ukuba abantu bakhuselekile ngalo lonke ixesha.

Uchaze umsebenzi wabo nanje ngongalulanga, kwaye uqulethe ingozi.

“Ndibulela amalungu esigqeba sezokhuseleko apha eLwandle ngokunikela ngobomi bawo beqinisekisa ukuba wonke umntu wale ngingqi ukhuselekile Babeka imiphefumlo yabo esichengeni kuba befuna abantu balapha bakhuseleke ngalo lonke ixesha,” uthethe watsho Diniso.

Uqhube wathi abantu abadala basoloko besentliziyweni yakhe ngalo lonke ixesha,

watsho ebongoza bonke abantu abadala ukuba bangakuvumeli ukuxhatshazwa ngabantwana babo.

“Siyayazi ukuba inkoliso yabantu abadala abonwabanga ngenxa yenzala yabo. Abanye babantwana babo baboxokuthela imali zabo zendodla, abanye babashiya nabantwana bona baye ebumnandini Sithi kwabo bachaphazelekayo i-ofisi kaceba ivuliwe bandixelele mna ndizakubadibanisa noonontlalontle. Okanye bayomangala emapoliseni,” uvalelise ngelitshoyo uDiniso.

AcelaintsebenziswanoamaninaezokhuselekoeKhayelitsha

UNATHIOBOSE

Amalungu esigqeba ajongene nezokhuseleko ekuhlaleni angamanina, nasuka kwiingingqi ezahlukeneyo eKhayelitsha, avale inyanga yoomama ngendlela eyahlukileyo ngokuthi aqhube uhlolo kwiingingqi zaseKhayelitsha ngoLwesihlanu umhla wama 29 kweyeThupha

Eli phulo, nebeliququzelelwe sisigqeba sephondo leNtshona Kapa, ibilelokuqala elikumila kunje.

Umququzeleli wesigqeba ephondweni uFuneka Soldaat uchaze eli phulo nanje ngendlela yokuvala inyanga yamanina kunye nokubonisa ubunganga babantu abangoomama.

Lo msebenzi uqale ngentsimbi yesine malanga kwingingqi yakooSST eTown Two waya kuma kumatyotyombe ase Island, eMakhaza, ngentsimbi yesithandathu “Bebengaphaya kwama 60 oomama abathabathe inxaxheba kweliphulo, bephuma phantsi kwezikhululo zonke zamapolisa ezilapha eKhayelitsha Besifuna ukubonisa amandla omama abanawo, ukanti sikwafuna nokubonisa ukuba into eyenziwa ngabantu abangootata nathi singamanina singayenza ngaphandle kwenkxaso yabo,” uthethe watsho

Utyatyadule wathi ibuhlungu into yokuba kuthi kubhiyozelwa inyanga yoomama kodwa kugxilwe kakhulu ekuxhatshazweni kwabo kunye nabantwana. Woleke ngelithi bekufanele ukuba ku-

vuyelwa indima eyadlalwa ngamanina ngexesha lengcinezelo “Apha eMzantsi Afrika inyanga yoomama iyafana nje nelaphulo leentsuku ezili 16 kusiliwa ukuxhatshazwa kwabantu abangamanina neqala ngomhla wama 25 kweyeNkanga ukuya kuma ngomhla we 10 kweyoMnga Thina apha eMzantsi asizohluli ngenxa yendlela abantu abangootata abasiphatha ngayo,” ucacise watsho uSoldaat.

Uye wayibethelela into yokuba ngexesha bebesenza oluhlolo bebekwahamba bexhobisa abantu ukuba bayeke ukuthenga izinto ezibiweyo.

Ubongoze abazali ukuba bayeke ukukhusela abantwana babo abamoshayo. “Nanje ngoko besihamba sithetha nabahlali sibabongoza ukuba bathethe phandle ngobundlobongela Siye sabacela ukuba mabangabafihli okanye babathethelele abantwana abamoshayo. Xa umntana emoshile mabamse emapoliseni,” utshilo.

Uceba kaWadi 93 uThando Pimpi, nequka ingingqi yakoo SST, uye waliqhwabela izandla eli phulo watsho esithi inga bangathi gqolo ukuliqhuba nyanga zonke Uvakalise ukuba ubundlobongela buninzi kwi Khayelitsha iphela. “Nezikoli xa zibona amapolisa okanye amalungu esigqeba esijongene nokhuseleko ekuhlaleni ziyothuka zibaleke Inkulu indima abayidlalayo ekuhlaleni kwaye iyabonakala. Akwaba bangaxhotyiswa ngezinto zokusebenza ukwenzela basebenze bekhuselekile,” uthethe watsho uPimpi.

Amanye amalungu esigqeba esijongene nezokhuseleko ekuhlaleni eKhayelitsha nangamanina ngexesha bebehambe behlola ngoLwesihlanu umhla wama 29 kweyeThupha UMFANEKISO:

ChoirsbattleforfunatInjongo

UNATHIOBOSE

Joe Slovo High School Hall was packed to the rafters during the Injongo Primary School Choir Annual Concert on Friday 29 August.

Three Khayelitsha schools, including Injongo Primary School, Joe Slovo Engineering School and Harry Gwala Secondary School and Mzamomhle Primary School from Philippi, competed in the intense music competition Mandla Kala, event organiser and choir conductor at Injongo, said the concert started last year to revive choral music at local schools.

“This is our second annual event. Our aim is to revive the choral music in our school townships. All the schools that we invited have a great record in music They won several competitions in the province and some of them even represented the province at the national competitions,” said Kala.

Injongo recently won the Music category during the provincial leg of the Baswa Le Meetse competition, an initiative of the

Department of Water and Sanitation that seeks to promote responsible water usage.

Kala stated that the concert was part of the social cohesion. “It was all about fun and enjoyment because there were no trophies at stake. We invited the parents and community at large to watch. We want to motivate other schools to take choral music seriously,” said Kala

A conductor from Mzamomhle, Andile Dinginto, described the concert as a platform for learners to showcase their talent.

“Our learners are used to singing in a competition where there are judges and it’s tense During the concert they were relaxed and had time to mingle with other learners. Even choir conductors had fun. The purpose is to nurture our learners,” said Dinginto. “Not all the learners are good at academics and choral prepares certain learners for the future.”

Harry Gwala Secondary School on the stage singing during the event PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Healthenemyno1oftenhidden inhome’screvices–mould

Fungal spores are all around us, and mould can quickly develop in damp areas of the home, often unnoticed and out of sight.

Dr Raisa Bhikoo, a pulmonologist and specialist physician practising at Netcare N1 City Hospital, says awareness and prevention should be a priority for all, as prolonged exposure to mould can potentially lead to long-term health effects.

Bhikoo warns that mould exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments, can lead to a variety of health symptoms.

"It's noteworthy that while mould can trigger symptoms in many people, the severity and type of reaction can vary widely depending on an individual's health status and level of exposure."

The doctor says even without a formal diagnosis, constant low-grade symptoms such as fatigue, coughing or sinus pressure can take a toll on daily functioning and mental well-being.

Commonmould-relatedsymptomsinclude:

○ Upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and sinus pressure.

○ Lower respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, are especially common in people with asthma or chronic lung disease.

○ Eye, skin, and throat irritation, which may feel like a burning or itching sensation.

○ Exacerbation of asthma or allergic rhinitis: Individuals with pre-existing respiratory allergies or asthma may experience worsened symptoms or more frequent attacks.

○ Fatigue and general malaise have also been reported in individuals with prolonged mould exposure, albeit difficult to attribute directly.

Bhikoo says ongoing mould exposure can lead to persistent sinus or airway inflammation, resulting in chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or new-onset allergic rhinitis. She says people with certain underlying health conditions – particularly asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems –are at higher risk of experiencing health issues related to mould exposure

Mouldexposurecanbeworseforpeoplewith:

○ Asthma: Mould spores can be a trigger, causing increased wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or asthma attacks. Often chronic exposure makes asthma uncontrollable.

○ Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis: People with allergies, especially to airborne particles like dust mites or pollen, are more likely to develop symptoms such as nasal

Womenurgedtobeindependent

UNATHIOBOSE

congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip and itchy eyes.

○ Weakened immune systems: This includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV, transplant recipients or people on long-term immune-suppressing medications.

○ Chronic lung conditions: Individuals with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis may also be more susceptible, as mould can exacerbate inflammation and infection susceptibility She says early intervention can prevent complications from mould exposure and significantly improve quality of life.

Tipsfortacklingmouldinthehome

Limityourexposure:

○ Stay out of the affected area, if possible, especially if you have asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system.

○ If you must enter the area, wear a well-fitted N95 mask and gloves to avoid inhaling mould spores or touching contaminated surfaces.

Improveventilation:

○ Mould thrives in damp, stagnant environments, so improving ventilation can help slow its growth. Open windows and use fans.

○ Use a dehumidifier if the air feels damp, ideally keeping indoor humidity below 50%.

Identifyandstopthesourceofmoisture:

○ Mould cannot grow without moisture. Check for leaks in roofs, pipes, windows or walls, and address them immediately

○ If there's flooding or water damage, dry the affected areas within 24 to 48 hours.

Cleansmallareassafely:

○ Small mould patches on hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water or diluted bleach (1 cup bleach to 3,7 litres of water).

○ Avoid cleaning porous materials, such as carpets or ceiling tiles, which one can replace.

Consultprofessionals:

○ If the mould covers more than about 1m² or if it returns contact a mouldremediation specialist, who can remove it and identify hidden sources of moisture or growth (eg behind walls or under floors).

"If you develop respiratory symptoms, skin irritation or worsening asthma see a doctor," Bhikoo says.

"Early treatment and removal from exposure can prevent long-term effects."

In an effort to empower women the Department of Social Development (DSD) in Khayelitsha hosted an awareness drive on Friday 29 August to inform local organisations about a range of its services. The event was held at the Site B community Hall under the theme ‘Let’s empower them’.

Social worker Thandeka Molose said that she mostly worked with people affected by domestic violence. “Not everyone who is not working wants to be hired for a job. Some of them want to be self-employed. Today we invited some of the organisations who can empower them with skills so that they can be able to start their businesses,” explained Molose. Some organisations do beadwork and sewing Molose stated that some women are stuck in toxic relationships because they depend on the perpetrators. “Many women are stuck in an abusive relationship because they don’t know where to go We want them to be independent and to be able to do things on their own. These organisations that are here can help them to regroup their lives,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emthonjeni Counselling and Training, Nomfundo Eland-Mwanda reiterated Molose’s sentiments and implored women to leave the toxic relationships Emthonjeni is a non-governmental organisation that advocates for women and girls to live freely without fear of abuse or infringement of their human rights Eland-Mwanda said they provide counselling and training to the victims of gender-based violence (GBV) “We are dealing with people who are saying they are ready to leave the relationship, but I don’t know how because I’m financially dependent on the perpetrator. Most of the victims are women,” she said She added that theywork with primary and high schools in Khayelitsha where they empower learners about the dangers of GBV. Ward 89 councillor Khayalethu Gxasheka described the event as a great initiative citing that they need more of it to empower the community. “The 90% of Ward 89 is made up of informal settlements and the crime rate is high We have other challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, GBV etc We need such events to happen on a daily basis,” said Gxasheka.

Citytocreate130000 jobsinnextthreeyears

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Cape Town’s economy is on the rise, adding 86000 jobs over the past year. While South Africa’s national unemployment climbed to 32,9% in the first quarter of this year, Cape Town’s growth shows how jobs, innovation, and social impact can go hand in hand.

James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, says these figures reflect the City’s “steady, service-driven approach to economic development”.

“The city continues to create meaningful work and economic opportunities for residents,” Vos says. Job growth has been strongest in business process outsourcing, technology, clothing and textile manufacturing, and marine industries. Cape Town also plans R39,7 billion in infrastructure projects over the next three years, aiming to create 130 000 additional jobs.

Labour market overview

According to economic performance indicators for Cape Town, the city has a working-age population of 3,25 million Its broad labour force is 2,43 million The labour force participation rate stands at 71,8%, while the labour absorption rate is 56,1%. Of the employed, 239731 work informally. The number of people actively searching for work is 511 186. Another 88 947 are discouraged or non-searching job seekers. Strict unemployment, which counts only active job seekers, remains lower than the national rate. Broad unemployment, which also includes discouraged job seekers, shows a similar trend.

Economic snapshot

The Western Cape contributed R669 billion to South Africa’s R4,68 trillion GDP in the first quarter. Cape Town is estimated to provide roughly 72% of the province’s GDP, about R481 billion. GDP per capita in the city is R152 093, above the provincial R139 337 and national R114 472. Tourism remains a bright spot. In Q1, 983 568 international tourists visited six of Cape Town’s

major attractions. Cape Town International Airport handled 2,87 million passengers in the same period. Inflation in the Western Cape was 3,8%, slightly higher than the national 2,7%, while the city’s Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, was 0,59, below the national 0,61.

Digitisd empowers teachers

Innovation is also reshaping education. Cape Town-based start-up Digitisd, founded by teacher-turned-entrepreneur

Cherith Wareley, trains teachers to integrate technology into classrooms. The company provides digital resources and practical tools designed for teachers, not just learners.

“Digitisd empowers teachers to use digital tools meaningfully, not just know them,” Wareley says.

The start-up has focused on underserved communities through partnerships, grants, and affordable training solutions. Its work has earned recognition from several notable innovation platforms. Innovation Accelerator Week supports early-stage startups with mentorship, networking, and guidance to scale their ideas. The WomHub/Standard Chartered Top 12 highlights the top women-led start-ups in South Africa, providing exposure and resources to grow their businesses. Stellenbosch University’s Lion’s Den Top 3 is a competitive pitch platform where entrepreneurs present innovative ideas to investors, with the top three receiving funding and support to expand

Operating from Cape Town gives Digitisd access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and supportive stakeholders. The company plans to expand through online courses, deeper institutional partnerships, and an AI-driven platform for personalised teacher training.

With strong job growth, rising GDP, thriving tourism, and start-ups transforming education, Cape Town demonstrates its potential as a hub for economic development and social impact.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Women share their struggles at retreat

NAMHLAMONAKALI

For many families, the eldest daughter is the “second mother” , the one who shoulders responsibility, sets the example, and often sacrifices her own needs for the wellbeing of others. Yet the weight of this role is seldom acknowledged.

It was this unspoken truth that inspired Vulimedia House to host the inaugural First-Born Daughters Healing Retreat at Berth House in Mowbray on Saturday 30 August, closing Women’s Month with a day dedicated to renewal and restoration

Burden of responsibility

Organiser Liqhame Rasmeni said the vision behind the gathering came from seeing how firstborn daughters often carry silent struggles.

“Hosting the First-Born Daughters Healing Retreat was a profound honour and blessing

“To witness women step into a safe space, open their hearts, and allow God to bring healing and restoration was nothing short of

miraculous,” she shared.

“This retreat was more than an event , it was a move of God, a reminder that first-born daughters are not burdened, but chosen.”

The retreat invited women to dress in denim and white, colours chosen to represent strength and purity. The day’s programme included prayer, faith-based reflection, and open sharing.

Themesofhealing

The sessions explored themes such as “The Unseen Child”, “Mothered Before I Was Ready”, “The Daughter’s Emotional Debt”, and “Reclaiming Your Own Story ”

These spoke to the reality of many first-born daughters who grow up protecting siblings, carrying parental expectations, and suppressing their own needs.

Experts call this the “eldest daughter syndrome”, where cultural and family norms place invisible weight on first-born daughters, shaping them into caregivers long before their time.

Testimoniesofrenewal

For participant Thembisa Mekuto, the retreat was transformative

“For the first time, I felt seen, understood, and embraced in my unique journey as a first-born daughter. The sessions were powerful, the atmosphere was filled with God’s presence, and the sisterhood I experienced was beyond words,” she said

“I left feeling lighter, restored, and renewed, carrying not only healing but also a deeper sense of purpose ”

Building a sisterhood

The event highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for spiritual and emotional renewal

Women’s Month is not only about celebration, but about confronting deep-seated challenges women carry in silence.

Rasmeni said this was just the beginning

“We are building a community of healing and empowerment where first-born daughters can gather, release, and be restored. The vision is to ensure no eldest daughter walks this journey alone ”

1. The Department of Social Development, Khayelitsha office, is requesting Ms Amanda Maphumulo last seen in January 2025 around Cape Town to urgently contact the social worker Ms P Mpahleni, at 021 001 1143 or at Phumla.Mpahleni@westerncape gov.za during office hours, 07:30-16:00

2. The Department of Social Development, Khayelitsha office is requesting Mr Mkhuseli Mdaka, last seen in 2023 in SST 101 Town Two Khayelitsha, to urgently contact the social worker Ms N Ndongeni at 021 833 5247 or at Ntombovuyo.Ndongeni@westerncape gov.za during office hours 07:30-16:00

3. The Department of Social Development, Khayelitsha office is requesting Ms Emmah Felicia Sam last seen in 2021 at No 19810 Ruth First Crescent, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha to urgently contact the social worker Ms F Sonandi, at 021 812 1034 or at Fezeka.Sonandi@westerncape gov.za during office hours, 07:30-16:00

4. The Department of Social Development, Khayelitsha office is requesting Mr Anele Koti who resides in Ndlovini Township Cape Town to urgently contact the social worker Mr N Sogaxa, at 021 001 1145/55 during office hours, 07:30-16:00

5. The Department of Social Development, Eerste River office is requesting Ms Khululwa Sithole, last seen in the Mfuleni area, to urgently contact the social worker Ms Z Mfinyongo at 021 900 4545/21 during office hours, 07:30-16:00

6. The Department of Social Development, Eerste River office is requesting Ms Patricia Johanna Geyser last seen in the Driftsands and Paarl areas, to urgently contact the social worker, Ms Dunduru, at 021 900 4521/09 or at Magadalene.Dunduru@westerncape gov.za during office hours, 07:30-16:00

7 The Department of Social Development, Eerste River office is requesting Mr Musa Chikumba last seen in the Mfuleni area, to urgently contact the social worker Mrs J van Rooyen, at 021 900 4521/45 during office hours, 07:30-16:00

Thousands of people walk for those in need in Cape Town

Thousands of walkers took to the streets on Sunday 31 August to raise funds as part of the annual Blisters for Bread Charity walk hosted by the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA).

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde joined over 9000 walkers at this year’s Blisters for Bread Charity walk He is

SUPER LEAGUE A, B AND C QUARTER FINALS 6 SEPTEMBER

Club rugby final push

The quarter-finals of Super League A, B and C of Western Province Rugby Union will be contested on Saturday 6 September before the semis on Saturday 13 September at City Park.

In Super League A, Villager and Durbell are in the semis due to finishing in positions one and two on the log

They will wait for the results of the quarter-finals between False Bay against SK-Walmers in Constantia and Hamiltons against Ikeys in Green Point.

The finals will be played on Saturday 20 September In Super League B, Primrose and Kraaifontein are waiting the outcomes of the

quarter final matches between Franschhoek and Collegians in Groendal, and Belhar up against Goodwood at Erica Park in Belhar.

In Super League C, Young Peoples and All Saints are the log leaders and are in the semis.

They will come up against winners in the matches between Gardens versus Pniel-Villagers and Violets versus Rangers

The bottom two teams in Super League A

- Kuils River and St Georges - automatically dropped to Super League B, and in Super League B Hands and Heart and Kylemore dropped to Super League C.

Strand United and Eerste River dropped from Super League C to the Zonal League, a tough league where teams usually stay for two or three seasons

The Zonal Leagues - Northern, Southern and City - are also known as the graveyard of teams.