People's Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 03 February 2026

ReadyDturning tables

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

The name ReadyD brings to mind legendaryturntables, packed dance floorsand nearly four decadesof influenceinthe musicindustry.

Deon Daniels, betterknown as GrandMaster ReadyD,has been entertaining forthe past 39 yearsand wasformerlypartofgroupslike Prophets of Da City andBrasse VannieKaap. ReadyD wasselectedasone of 12 champions forthe 16th editionofthe Cape Town Carnival taking placeinGreen PointonSaturday21 March.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival Chief ExecutiveOfficer, says theinitiativecelebrates individualswho arealready making adifference andusing theirstories to inspireothersthrough thecarnival’ssub-themes.

This year over 1500 performers will showcase theirtalentunder thetheme “FollowYour HeART.”

Danielssaysbeing raised in amusic-filled home ignitedhis passion forthe art.

“Wewerelucky to have ahi-fi with arecord player andthat’show Icould relate to thevinyl When Isaw aHip Hopmusic videofor the first time Iwas blownawaybythe fact that someone wasscratchingrecords.Inthatsamevideo there were kids breakdancing anddoing graffiti art.”

He says that whilehis career hashad many highlights,startinga non-profitorganisation (NPO), sharinghis knowledgewithyoung peopleand travelling theworld standout as some of hisproudestachievements.

Danielssayshehas also been actively involved in theradio industry forover17years

“I have produced musicfor TV andmovies. When Istarted,I didn’t know on what journey this role wasgoing to take me.All Iknewwas that Iwantedtoshare this skillofmakingmusic

OVER 1500 PERFORMERS WILL SHOWCASETHEIR TALENT UNDER THETHEME

‘FOLLOW YOUR HEART’

with as many people as possible.”

He believes hiscraft cannever be fully replaced by artificial intelligence(AI).

“WhenI speakabout scratching Imeanyou arebringingmoreofa humanelement into the music. Howyou executethe scratching techniquehas gottodowithyourexpression.AIcan also scratchbut youare able to tell if it’s human or artificial.”

Danielssaysbeing aDJisa skill.

“You must be able to read thecrowd andthe energy andcreatethe energy as well andtake people on ajourney.”

AccordingtoDaniels,staying eagertolearn andexperimenting with musicare what keep himmotivated

Danielssayshefeelshonouredtobepartof thethisyear’sCapeTownCarnival. He made aguest appearance with localrapperYoungsta CPTinlastyear’sevent

“I am excited. It givesmeanopportunityto participateinsomething that Ifeel is specialfor Cape Town.Being giventhe freedom to do what Idoand representthe cultureand bringsome additional elements to thecarnival. We will be bringing custom cars to theevent –torepresent theroadsafetyprogrammesour organisation does.”

He says audiencescan look forwardtobeing takenona hip-hopjourney Danielsencouragesaspiringcreatives to believeinthemselvesand to be committedtotheir craft. “Build your ownpresence. Youngpeople arebeing exploitedbecause they arehappy to play at acluband getpaidverylittlefor value.

“Don’t undervalue yourself.Bepreparedfor late nights andremembernotwo events arethe same.”

Novusmedia,which publishes People’s Post, is aproud printmedia sponsorofthe carnival

ArtsandCulturefundingopportunitiesavailable

TheDepartmentofCulturalAffairs andSport in theWestern Cape invitesapplicationsfor its annual arts andculture funding Fundingisavailable across keyareas,includingculturaltourism,literature, film,language promotionand preservation,and theperformingarts. Applications will closeonMonday9 Marchat 23:59.

RicardoMackenzie,the WesternCapeMinisterofCulturalAffairs andSport,says: “The arts andculture sector playsa crucialrolein theWestern Cape in creating jobopportunities, bringing visitors to ourprovinceand growing ourlocal economy. We have awealthoftalent in ourprovinceand we arecommittedto supportingour localartists andorganisations in this sphere to ensure they cancontinuetheir work.”

Applicants areencouragedtosubmittheir requests at least24– 48 hoursbeforethe deadline Late applications will notbeconsidered. .Thecriteriaand categories forfunding,as well as application forms,areavailableonline at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/cas/service/ arts-and-culture-funding

Toagewithgracethroughseasonsofchange

expect from someonewho just turned 100. Shesat in hercouch whilst herwalkerstood at her knees

“Whenyou look up,say thank you. Youmay notknowwhat youreceive.Every dayyou arecovered,inyourcar and anything canhappenonthe way, butGod makesyourpath clear.”

Theseare wordsfromFreda Naidoo, agreat-grandmother from Fairways that Irecentlyinterviewed fora storyuponreaching 100years of age.

Aweek later, I find herwords of advice forthose wishingto live ahealthy andprosperouslife stillechoand intrigue my mind whetherI’m drivingtothe office or daydreamingonthe balconyofmy apartment.

During theinterview,I found myself dumbstruck at thesheer optimism andinfectioussense of humour Naidoo displayedasshe shared herstory

As Iapproached herhome, Isaw herexoticallydecorated porchwith shrubs whilst agroup of cats layon herstoep in theafternoon sun. Upon introducingmyself, she greeted me with theutmostrespect andenthusiasmone wouldnot

Once Iswitchedonmyvoice recorder andthe interviewunfolded, Ifelttransported to asimpler time wherethe flow of life wasallowed to move at amoremoderate, yet oppressive pace,considering it was theheightofapartheid

Isaw hereyesgleamed as she recalledher fond childhood memories of aforgottenversion of Piketberg, whereshe wasborn. Sheenthusedwithchildlike delightasshe told me abouther mother’s love forbakingcakes At theage of 23 shegot married, as most of ourgrandparentsand parentsdid at that time,and started herlifeasa furrier when she movedtoDiepRiver

However, notlongafter their move,tragedy struck when she, her husbandand 12-year-olddaughter, were forcibly removedand ordered to move to Fairways duetothe GroupAreas Act.

Hervoice wasstirring and filled herloungewitha haunting wisdom. Shewas theyoungestoffour siblings,all of whom have passed, andasI listened to her, Iwondered what theweightofher life felt like To comprehend thethought of witnessing so much change,trag-

edy, aWorld Warand countless advancements in technology

From theradio,tothe television, thefax machines,computers, cellphones, theInternetand now Artificial Intelligence(AI).

Andyet as Irelived themisty momentsofher life with her, I couldnot detect an ounceofworry, regret,spite or bitternessofeither thepastorpresent ageinher voice.

Of course,she felt hurt being disrespected andoverlooked as an upcoming andyoung female evangelist by some of herpeersinthe 70’s,but shetook this criticismas fueltofeed herdedication, to live alifehonouring JesusChristand remainingperseverant

She is amotherto five children; hereldestdaughtersadly died when shewas forty. She experiencednochronic illnessesnor anyaddictiontoalcohol or smoking.

Hersharp andinfectioussense of humour wasevident as shetold me whyshe neversmoked. “I’lltell youexactly whyI neversmoked! Iboughta pack of cigarettesand told myself,‘todayI’llsmoke them!’ andthatnight thestrangestthing happened,”she told this storywithOscar-worthygestures andpassion.“As soon as Iput the cigarette to my lips,it flew outof my mouthand landed on the floor

andfromthatday on,I said I’ll neversmoke again,”she laughedas sheclappedher handsand closed hereyesgleefully

In herninetiesshe wasstruck by aQuantum taxi whiletrying to crossthe road, flungoverthe vehicle, crackedher skulltwice and suffered abrokenhip

Sherecovered in hospital forten months only to endure aruptured vein

Andyet she’sstill standing,still laughing andbakingtrifles for Christmasand taking Ubersfor a weekly shopping When theinterview ended, Ifelt atremendoussense of gratitudeto be alive.

Hergrit, determinationand never-say-dieattitude will always remain with me wherever Igo. Before Ireached my car, sheheld my hand andlooked me in theeye andsaidshe sees aprosperous futurefor me

Theinspiration,the lessons we need to help us mature andappreciatethe present, cancomefrom theelders.

They arethe ones whohavesufferedand enduredlikegreat toweringtrees with deep rootsanchoring themselves throughthe seasons of rain,heatand uncertaintylife throws us as we tackle 2026 and theyears beyond

Shopoff

AVRILFILLIES

Nawaal Sadien,originally from FernessEstateinOtteryand now residing in Simon’sTown, always dreamt as ateenager to go into fashion designing, butitnever happened. After threeyears of marriageand leavingthe corporateworld afterover20years,she nowownsher ownthriftshop, Bluecherry Thrift,inSimon’s Town.

“Besides dreaming of studying fashiondesign at atertiaryinstitution Ialsodreamtofhaving my ownclothingshop. As astudent in the90s IthriftedmostofmyclothinginObservatory andthatiswhere theloveand passion grew.I loved findinggemsand vintageclothingwas my favourite,”she says Sadien opened herthriftshopinJanuary 2023 in Wickboom Lane on thepremisesofthe AmlayHeritageMuseumafter getting married at theage of 47

Theestablishment wasowned by herhusband’s grandfatherbeforetheywereforcibly removedfromSimon’s Town However, througha land claims processthe family wasfortunate to gettheir property back “Withmyhusband’s help andsupport we decideditwas time formetopursuemydream andresignfrommycorporate job.

“Hefound thepremisesand Iusedsomeof my pensionpayouttohelpfundthe shop and we arestill goingstrong. Tourists visiting the Deep Southare notaware of theshoporthe traditional Malaycookingand spices at SpiceEtc by Mishkaah Saal on thesamepremises. Tour guides don’talwaysallow them to walk around thetownand shop.However,the tourists that visithereontheir ownwillalwayssupport us,” shesays.

Nothavingchildren, only afur baby,means shedoesn’t need to balancethe rolesofwife, mother andbusinesswoman

Marketgives cookwings

AVRILFILLIES

Cookingtraditional Malay andIndiancuisine for locals of Simon’sTown startedata weekend market at AmlayHouse Heritage Museum for Mishkaah Saal

“Initially Ionlysold my rangeofspicesatthe weekendmarket. The organisers then encouraged me to bringakhni or biryani– traditionaldishes enjoyedatfunctions andSundaylunches in many Cape Malayand Indian homes. Isoldout in record time

Simon’sTownresidentMishkaah Saal withKim Bagley at the weekend market. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

“After that,I introduced Indian street food such as PavB,a type of chickenroll. Afew months laterSpice EtcopenedinWickboom Lane andafter threeyears we movedbackto AmlayHouse Heritage Museum,right whereit allstarted,” shesays.

Saal lovessharing thespace with Nawaal Sadien from Bluecherry Thrift andtheyhavea wonderful workingsynergy

“Weusedtocallourselves Simon’sTown’s best-keptsecret– butwe’dlovefor that to change.The localcommunity supportsusdaily andregularly chooses us forfunctioncatering. My love forcooking comesfrombothmymaternal andpaternalgrandmothers. They were excellent cooks, andthatlovenaturally filtered down to my momand aunts. My dadwas a baker, so Iguess it’s in thegenes. My cookingis afusionoftraditional Cape Malayand Indian cuisine,”Saal says GrowingupinWoodstockand then moving to theSouthernSuburbs,Sundays arekoesister days andshe is keepingthistradition alive.

“Our shop hasbecomea meetingand connectingplace fora wonderfully diversegroup of people

“I want to thankthe community of Simon’s Town fortheir continuedsupport.Welook forward to making many more beautiful memories together,” shesays.

Toplocal officergetsrecognition

AVRILFILLIES

Manenberg police reaped therewardsatthe WesternCapepolice awardceremonyatthe Fish Hoek CivicCentreonSaturday24January Brig JayceNaidoo, StationCommander, wonthe WesternCapeCityofCapeTown Community Policing ForumAward for thebestlaw enforcementofficerinmanagement.

He wasacknowledgedasa living embodiment of service, sacrifice andspiritual leadership.He is apoliceveteran with over 40 yearsofexperience andwas appointedasStation Commander of Manenbergpoliceon1 December 2024.He once steppedawayfromthe police service, but hiscalling neverlefthim.Hewas re-enlistedin 2017 andreturnedwithrenewedpurpose,his blood foreverblue, hisheart forevercommitted to the fightagainst crimeand theupliftmentof communities

“WhenI attended thecareer exhibitioninJuly last year at PhoenixHighSchool Iwas shaken to thecorewhenitwas revealed that nota singlechild from within theManenberg Policing Precinct qualifies fora career in thepoliceorfor university entry. This revelation wasmorethan astatistic,itwas acry forhelp. Upon further investigationI discovered nota single high school in theprecinctoffered mathematicsorscience subjects,which is critical forhighereducation andcareer advancement.

“I didnot stay silent.I raised thealarm,asking thehardquestions:Was this an oversight, or a deliberate acttokeepManenberg’s youthfrom thriving?Withinthree months acircularwas issued mandatingthatmathematics andscience be taught in allhighschoolswithinthe precinct with immediateeffect. WhetherthischangeextendsbeyondManenberg remainsunclear,but forthiscommunity,itisa totalgamechanger,” Naidoo says

In just oneyearatManenberg police Naidoo

Celebrating

hasredefinedwhatitmeans to lead from the front. Hisapproach to crime fighting is unapologetically hard-core. He does not flinch in the face of criminality. Instead, he mobilisesevery availableresource, everypartner,and every ounceofenergytodismantle thestrongholds of crime, confrontinggang-leadership head on

“I have a five-yearvisionfor Manenbergand to some it mayseem bold.Thisisnot adream, it is aplaninmotion. This plan is rooted in safety,dignity,opportunityand unityofthe people of Manenberg. Iwanttotransform theprecinctwithits police officers andevery community member into themostbeautiful city in theworld.I am part of everymarch in theprecinct, nottobeseen,but to engage with residentsona one-on-one contactsothatthey cansee me as someonetheycan approach with

aproblem andI am trying to show empathyand sympathy if andwhena family lost amemberthrough gang violence or othercrimes. I don’twantmylegacyatthe police stationtobe measured only in arrestsorstatistics, butinthe liveschanged,the futures reclaimedand the hope restored,” he says Naidoo is describedasa crimefighterby instinct,a gentlemanbynatureand aspiritual guidebycalling.Heisknown notonlyfor his commandingpresencebut also forhis infectioushumor andability to connect with people from allwalks of life.Whether cracking ajoke to ease tensionorofferinga prayer to uplift a wearysoul, he leadswithcourage andcompassion

Capt IanBennett, spokesperson forManenberg police,describes himasa stationcommander whostandstall, notinarrogance, but in hisunwaveringcommitmenttoensurethe safety of everychild andevery family in every corner of theprecinct.

“His leadership styleissimpleyet profound, he acknowledges everyofficerunder hiscom-

District Commander.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

mand,every contribution by everysinglestaff member andholds everycommander accountable.Heacknowledgesevery actofservice,big or small, andcelebratesall achievements andis bold enough to correct mistakes with integrity.

“But what trulysetshim apartishis heartfor thecommunity.Heisanopenbook,transparent,approachable andintunewiththe suffering, hardship andneedsofthe people in theprecinct. He launched amentorshipprogramme earlierthisyearthatbrought back the successful learners of Manenberg, thosewho walked thestreetsand rose aboveits challenges

“PeoplelikePastorWalterMay,ProfIrvine Kinnes, Dr RandallOrtel,BrigDonovan Heilbron andBrigNeville Malila aresomeof therolemodelswho returned to theirformer schoolsand stood before thelearner andsaid‘I wasoncewhere youare andyou canbewhere Iam,’thisisprofoundhopethatled to aChild Care WellnessCentrethatwas launched at SonderendPrimary School,offeringsupport for theemotional andpsychological wounds that so many children carry in silence,”Bennett says

Ndlovu begins the year on aCThigh

Music lovers will be treatedtoa hit-ladenset list when theNdlovuYouth Choirstartsthe year at Artscape on Thursday 5and Friday 6 February

Four more showswillbeheldonSaturday7 andSunday8 February.Thursdayand Friday's eventwillbothstart at 19:30.

Saturday will featuretwo showsat15:00 and 19:30beforeclosing therun with twoadditional showsonSundayat14:00 and18:00.

Since2021the choir, whichoriginatedinLimpopo in 2009,has performedatsold-outshows Oneofthe highlights will be theNdlovuYouth Choir’sinterpretationofQueen’s eternaltourde force“Bohemian Rhapsody”.

Thesongwas addedtotheir repertoire in 2024,featuring an arrangementthatsomehow gave even asongthispopular aboost in popularity.The storyofhow thechoir wasabletoget therightstorecordand performthe song is an unconventional one.

ChoirDirectorRalfSchmitt knew it would be difficult,particularlyoncethe lyrics were translated into Zulu andthe arrangement wasupdated to includeAfrican rhythmsand stylings.Sohetook achance, recordinga fully produced studio versionofthe trackand creatinga spectacularmusic videobeforesending theresults to Queen’spublishersSonyMusic in London,who in turn forwardedthemtothe surviving band membersand theMercury Phoenix Foundation,representingthe late FreddieMercury.The band loveditand gave theirblessing to aNdlovuYouth Choirrelease,anincredible encouragementfor theChoir’s youngsingers

THE NDLOVUYOUTH CHOIR IS SETTOSHOWCASETHEIR

“Weare incredibly proudtoshare our uniquely African, Zulu renditionof‘Bohemian Rhapsody’,”saysSchmitt. “Widelyregardedas oneofthe greatest songsofall time,ithas been atrueprivilege to reimaginewhatitmight have soundedlikehad FreddieMercury’s musical journeynever left ourbeautiful continentof Africa.Weare deeply grateful to Queen for granting us permission to create the first-ever commercially released translationofthisiconic masterpiece. We hope we have done thesong justiceand that uBabaFreddieMercury is smilingdownonus.”

The2026set list combines some of thebiggest namesininternational musicfromacrosseras andgenres, includingElton John (“Circle of Life”);ArethaFranklin(“Respect”);Giacomo Puccini (“Nessun Dorma”,sungmostfamously by LucianoPavarotti); Dolly Parton (“Jolene”) andToto(“Africa”)among many others Powerful local flavourcomes from twomedleys –a newSouth Africanmedley, an Amapiano medley,Ghoemamusic –aswellasclassics from VickySampson (“AfricanDream”);Mango Groove(“Hellfire”);Solomon Linda(“Mbube”); andMamaAfricaherself,MiriamMakeba(“The ClickSong” and“Pata Pata”) .Tickets availableatwww.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za #NdlovuLIVE

Searchforgospelsingerson

TheCapeTownGospelChoir invitesenthusiasticvocalists to join oneofthe city’s most vibrant anduplifting choral ensembles. Thechoir welcomes singersaged16and over from allbackgrounds andexperiencelevels whoshare alovefor gospel,soul, contemporary Christianmusic,and rich four-partharmony Allvoice parts(soprano, alto,tenor,and bass) areencouragedtoapply. Auditionsare now open Prospectivemembers areasked to preparea shorta cappella song andtobookanaudition by emailing choir@ctgc.org.za, includingtheir fullnameand abrief explanationofwhy they wouldliketojointhe choir. Rehearsals take placeevery Monday evening from 19:00to21:00 in Mowbray.

Thechoir offersa supportiveand welcoming environment, professional musicaldirection, sectionalcoaching, andopportunities forsoloists andsmall ensemble work.Itperformsregularly at prominentvenues, includingthe Cape Town City Hall andthe V&AWaterfront, and presents concerts andperformancesthroughout theyear. Artistic Director ColinPeckham expressedenthusiasm aboutthe upcoming auditions. “We’re excitedtowelcome newvoicestothe Cape Town Gospel Choirfamily. Whetheryou’rean experiencedchorister or newtogospelsinging, you’ll find aplace with us to grow,share joy, andmakemusic that movespeople,”hesays. . Fordetailsemailchoir@ctgc.org.zaorcall021 8259903,alternatively visitwww.ctgc.org.za

BalletofBramStoker’s ‘Dracula’atArtscapesoon

Cape Town City Balletwillpresent DavidNixon’s electrifying full-length adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula at Artscape from Friday 13 to Sunday 29 March.

Settomusic by Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt, Sergei Rachmaninoff andMichael Daugherty, Dracula was firstcreated by Nixonin1999 for BalletMet

Over theyears theworkhas become oneof hismostcelebratednarrative ballets,widely praisedfor itscinematic Gothic atmosphere, theatrical flairand physically daring choreography.

Nixonwilldirectthisnew production,created specifically forCapeTownCityBallet, andwill also overseethe set, stageand costumedesign, ensuring acohesiveand highly personal vision He will be supportedbya strong creative team,including hislong-time collaboratorand SA lighting designer,Faheem Bardien.

Firstpublished in 1897,BramStoker’s Dracula introduced theiconicvampire CountDracula andhelpeddefine many of thegenre’s enduring themes.Set in VictorianEngland,boththe noveland balletfollowJonathanHarker, a youngsolicitor whotravels to Transylvania to assist CountDracula with property transactions in England. What follows is agripping storyof suspense,horrorand thesupernatural, as Draculamakes hisway to London,accompaniedby dark intrigue,femalevampiresand adramatic strugglebetween good andevil.

Powerful orchestrations heighten thedrama,creatinga richly Gothic soundscape that complementsthe vividstaging andNixon’s choreography,which theBritish TheatreGuide describedas“exquisite… powerfully capturing theburgeoningromanticfascination between thetwo characters.” Theballetgainedrenewed internationalattentionfollowing Northern Ballet’s2019re-staging, whichwas filmed and screened in cinemasacrossEuropebeforebeing broadcastonBBC Four andBBC iPlayer, introducing theworktoa widerglobalaudience.

TracyLi, Artistic ManagerofCapeTownCity Ballet, said:“We’rethrilledtobring David’s Dracula to Cape Town,a balletthatallows our dancerstoexplore both rawphysicality and intensestorytelling.”

. Ticketsare pricedfromR180 to R450 and are availablethrough Webtickets.

PuppetPowerinCampsBay

Multi-award-winning comedian andSouth Africa’s leadingventriloquist,ConradKoch, along with hisoutspoken puppet alterego Chester Missing,willbring theirboldest andfunniest show yettoTheatre on theBay from Tuesday10 to Saturday 14 February Cape Town hasbeen selected as the finalstop on thenationalPuppetPower tour,a fitting choice giventhe city’s reputation forsharp wit, fearless laughter andanappetitefor clever, satiricalcomedy. “CapeTowncrowdsare different,”saysKoch. “They’re quick, they’repolitically aware, andtheylovecharactersthatpush boundaries.EndingPuppetPower here feels like bringing theshowhometoanaudiencethat really gets it.”

At thecentreofthe production is Chester Missing,South Africa’s most unapologetic puppet, whoseunfiltered commentary anchorsa cast of wildly entertaining characters, each adding theirown dose of chaostothe stage.“Chester is thevoice we allhaveinour headsbut wouldnever sayout loud,” Koch explains.“He says thewrong thingatexactly theright time.” Audiencescan also expect appearancesfroma mixoffan favourites and newcharacters, includingHiltonthe Ostrich, a party-loving bird with questionable life choices; DJ Hoodie,a puppetwho DJsliveonstage; Gordon Ratsy, acelebrity chef ratwithstrong opinions andnoregardfor hygiene; anda talkingdinosaurpowered –unexpectedly– by an audience member.“Thesecharacterslet us talk aboutserious things withoutitfeeling heavy,”saysKoch. “You canlaugh at arat or adinosaurand suddenlyrealise you’re also laughing at yourself.” Chester, however, has hisown take on theensemble. “These characters areheretosupport me,” he says.“I’m thestar. Hilton is comicrelief. Thedinosauris therebecause Conrad ranout of ideas.”While packed with humour,PuppetPower also taps into themood of this year,offeringaudiences a chance to connect,laugh and find relief through comedy.“People don’twanttobepreached to,” Koch adds.“They want to laugh, to feel seen,and to walk outlighter than they walked in.That’swhatthisshowdoes.”WithPuppet Powerofficially closingafter itsCapeTownrun, fans areencouragedtocatch theshowbeforeit wrapsup. Koch confirmsthatnew material and futureproductions arealready in development forlater this year,makingthisseasona true end-of-an-eramoment.