People's Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 10 February 2026

Carnivaltouplift spirits

AKAYLYNNEBANTOM

ll roadsleadtothe Green PointFan Walk next monthasthe Cape Town Carnival makesits dazzling return on Saturday 21 March.

Nowinits 16th year,the carnivalwillbring together over 1500 performers in avibrant celebration themed “FollowYourHeART.”

Adding to theexcitement, this year’s eventspotlights12“Champions” from Cape Town’s creative sceneincluding singer Anslin Gysmanand localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Speaking to People’s Post,Van derMerwe said beingpartofthe Cape Town Carnival is an honour

“Tobeseen,recognisedasa performer, andfor my storytobe acknowledged in this wayissomethingI neverimagined. I’mbeyond grateful andcannotwaittobepart of this incredible celebration.”

Shesaidspectatorscan look forwardtoa bold,vibrant performance.

“I’llbechampioning a floatwith Anslin Gysman,sothe twoofus will be doinga medley mix, of some SouthAfrican Music, hits from across theglobe,and you mightevenhearone of my own singlestoget thecrowd going. It’s a lekker upliftinghigh-energy vibe andI’m excitedtobesharing the specialday with Anslin,the supporters, andfriends of Cape Town Carnival.”

Vander Merwesaidshe hopes audienceswilltakeawayexactly what this year’s themeembodies: to followyourHeART

“Thatgoesfor your dreams, goals, ambitionsorthingsyou want to achieveinyourlife. It

MORE THAN 1500 PERFORMERS

doesn’tjusthavetobesomething creative.Whatisyourdream? Followit, don’tgiveupand Ihope people feel inspired andentertained.” Shesaidinspiring even onepersontopursuetheir dream or follow theirHeART wouldmake it allworthwhile.

Vander Merwebelievesevents like thecarnivalare importantfor theartsbecause they make creativityvisible,accessible, andalive “Theytakeart outoftheatres andgalleries andplace it into the streets, whereeveryonecan experience it.Dance,music,costume, storytelling,and culturebecome somethingshared, notexclusive Artstops beingsomething youobservefroma distance andbecomes somethingyou feel.”

Sheaddedthatcarnivals create platformsfor artiststobe“seen andcelebrated”

“Theyvalidatethe work,the discipline,and thestories behind performers,often openingdoorsto newopportunitiesand reminding artiststhattheir voices matter. On abroader level, they preserve culture whileallowing it to evolve.”

AccordingtoVan derMerwe,a carnival remindspeoplethatart is “not extra, butessential”

“Theyhonourwhere we come from whilegivingartists thefreedomtoreinterpret,collaborate, andinnovate.Ina worldthatoften feelsfastand divided, events like this bringpeopletogetherthrough joy, colour,rhythm, andshared experience.”

NovusMedia publishes People’s Post, aproud printmedia sponsor of theevent

Bursariesavailablefordeservingstudents

TheShopriteGroup,one of South Africa’s leadingretailer, has opened applications forits 2026 bursaryprogramme,offering financialsupport anda guaranteed pathwayintoemploymentfor ambitiousstudentsinretailbusiness management,accounting,supply chainand logistics, andbiological andagriculturalsciences.

Thebursary covers tuition, accommodation anda monthly groceryallowance.Italsoprovides well-beingsupport services and

incorporates awork-back agreement ensuring adirecttransition from graduation into employment within thecompany “Access to educationalone is not enough.Thisbursary programme is aboutconvertingpotential into long-termcareers,”saysLindsey Joseph,HeadofGroup Talent Solutions. “Bylinking funding directly to employment,weare strengtheningour talent pipeline anddeliveringmeasurableimpact whereitmatters most –jobs, skills

andeconomicparticipation.”

ThorisoSethosa,a bursarygraduate,joinedthe Groupafter theretailer fundedher BAcc (CAstream) degree. Sheiscurrently completing herchartered accountant training programme,rotatingacrosskey business unitstodevelop theskills required to qualifyasa CA(SA) and progress within theorganisation.

“The Shoprite bursarydidn’t just fundmystudies –itgaveme access to theindustryand aclear pathwayintoa career Ican grow

in,” says Sethosa. “Itplacedmein adata-driven environmentthat’s equipping me with theskills Ineed formyfuture, notjustmy firstjob.”

TheShopriteGroup bursaryprogramme is helpingtoupliftlives by supportingeducation,building workplace-readyskills,and creatinglong-term career opportunities forthe youth.

Applications closeonSunday31 May.

. Visitwww.shopriteholdings.co.za formoreinformation.

Yourwalletdeterminesyourmedicalcare

thosewhose medicalaid opens doors, andthose whosesuffering must firstbeassessedagainst a balancesheet

Irecentlyfound myself in asituation wherelifehung in thebalance.Someone I caredabout needed immediatemedical attention. In a moment,drivenbyfearand desperation, we rushed to the nearesthospital, aprivate institution.

We hadnomedical aid. We knew theoddswereagainst us.Still, when deathfeelsclose,logic takes abackseat. Walkingintothe receptionarea, Iexplained that this wasa medical emergency.

In that moment,I became acutely awareofaninvisible line that dividespeopleinmedical crises:

Thereceptionistcalmlyexplained that aconsultationwitha doctorand an electrocardiogram, a non-invasive,painlesstesttomeasure theheart’s electrical activity, wouldcostapproximatelyR10000 This amount,I wastold, hadtobe paid upfront, before anyone would even assess thepatient

We left andwenttoa private generalpractitioner(GP), who then assessedand referredustoa statehospital. Butthe divide becomeseven clearerina statehospital. Time stretchesendlessly. Hourspass whilepaindeepens. Wardsare so overcrowdedthatpatientslie on floors, bodies againstwalls and hardened benches. Doctorsmovefrombed to bed,

visiblyexhausted,somehaving missedlunch,othersnearing the endofimpossiblylongshifts.

They treateveryone: stab wounds,psychiatric patients,the chronically illunder onestrained roof,all hoping theirnames will be callednext.

Here,“non–code red” patients wait more than twelve hours, sometimeslonger, learning the hard waythaturgency is relative when resourcesare scarce

Security guards,hardenedby constant chaos, enforceorder with littlepatienceorcompassion,as though authorityisthe only thing keepingthe system from collapse.

This is nota storyabout individual failure. It is aboutsystemic inequality

In theory,healthcareisa human right. In practice,itisa privilege. Onethatmirrors oureconomic divides.

Privatehospitals boastefficiency, comfort, andimmediacy, butonly forthose whocan affordit. Public hospitalscarry theweight of themajority, underfundedand overwhelmed, relyingonoverworked staff to hold together a system that is quietlyfailing Themostdisturbingtruth is hownormalisedthishas become We expect statehospitals to be chaotic. We excuse thelongwaits We accept that sufferingwillbe prolongedifyou cannotaffordit. Untilweconfrontthe realitythat access to timely,dignified medical care dependslargely on financial status,these divideswillcontinue to widen.

Thesad truthisthatinmoments of emergenciesand desperation, survival in ourhealthcaresystem oftencomes down to what youcan afford, nothow urgently youneed help

Learnersgotochur

AVRILFILLIES

Morethan100 children representing over 30 schoolsand pre-schools in Manenbergattended achurch serviceinthe Anglican Church of ReconciliationinManenberg on Sunday 1 February.

Thetheme of theservice wasthe importance of parentsina child’slifeand it wasconducted by Father Ronald Muller

Otherguest speakers included Dr Randall Ortel, alocal registered family physicianand a former learnerfromManenberg Ortelspoke aboutparenthoodand emphasisedthe role they played in society. He said many children in Manenberggrowupwithsingleparents or grandparents,and theirinfluence should notbediscarded

“Childrenlearn more throughwhattheysee andthe children need to seemoreoftheir parents as part of theirlives.Parents should be the kids’ firstrolemodelsbyreading with them and studying with them.A healthybodyand mind is needed fora successful career anda futurethat will change theworld,” he said He encouraged children to neverstart smokingasthiskindofbehaviour oftenled to unhealthychoices,including substanceabuse “Anoka pipe hasbecomethe biggest gateway to chemical drugsand is themostdangerous form of smoking. Everyone of ouryouth hasthe abilitytobecomethe greatest they oughttobe andwithunhealthy choice youcan jeopardise your future,”Ortel says

Thechurchcamealive with the love of the children andteachershad theirhands fullin organising them so that everyone could fitin frontofthe pulpit

Thechurchplays apivotal role in guidingthe youthinmakingbetterdecisions andencouragingthemtorealise educationisthe keytotheir success.

Ashley Samuels, amotivationalspeaker,gave

AN OKA PIPE HASBECOME THE BIGGEST GATEWAY TO CHEMICAL DRUGS

themessage of support Brig JayceNaidoo, StationCommander of Manenbergpolice, sent amessage encouraging theyouth to obtain thecorrect educationtools.

CongenitalHeartDefect

awarenesstakescentrestage

AVRILFILLIES

To mark Congenital HeartDefect (CHD)Week, whichstarted on Saturday 7Februaryand concludes on Saturday 14 February,the Children’s HeartDisease Research Unit (CHDRU)atthe RedCross WarMemorialChildren’sHospitalin Rondebosch is hostinga small, patient-focused celebrationfor children andfamiliesintheir care

Theevent aims to bringmoments of joyand normalityintothe hospital environment, with activities such as colouring-in foryoung patients andthe distribution of healthyapples to promoteheart-healthy habits

“Congenitalheart disease(CHD) meansthat achild is born with aproblem in thestructure of theirheart.Thiscan happenwhenthe heart does notforminthe usualway during pregnancy. CHDisthe most commontypeofbirth defect andaffects babies from allbackgrounds,” says LaylaRyklief,spokespersonfor theCHDRU

CHDisnot caused by anything amotherdid or didnot do during pregnancy. It happens randomly andthere is no clearreasonwhy one childisaffectedand anotherisnot “SomechildrenwithCHD mayshowsymp-

toms such as difficultyfeeding, poor weight gain,fastorheavy breathing, sweating during feeds, getting tiredeasily, or abluishcolour around thelipsor fingers. Otherchildrenmay look well at firstand only be diagnosedlater, whichiswhy specialisedheart care anda follow-up aresoimportant,” shesays.

Whilefood choicescannotprevent congenital heartdisease,theyencourage heart-healthy habits from ayoung age. “Thisincludeseating fruits andvegetables, limiting highly processed foods, andencouraging appropriatephysical activity as children grow.CHD Week is about raisingawareness, supporting families,and recognisingthe healthcare workerswho care for thechildren,”Ryklief says CHDRUwillbepreparing care packages for thenursing staff whoworkwithchildrenliving with congenital heartdisease

“These nurses play avital role notonlyin medicalcare, butalsoinsupportingpatients andfamiliesthrough long andoften challenging journeys.Thisgesture is away of recognisingtheir education, compassion andongoing commitmenttochildrenwithheart disease. The CHDWeek is to celebratethe healthcare teams whomakea difference everyday,” shesays.

Apatient at the Red CrossWar Memorial Children’s Hospital in Rondeboschwith acongenital heart defect

Major road worksinAthlone

The City of Cape Town’s UrbanMobilityDirectorate hascommenced with road resurfacingofaroundeight kilometres in variousparts of Belgravia. Theworkstarted on Tuesday3 Februaryand will continue untilTuesday 31 March, conductedbetween 08:30and 16:00MondaytoFriday, weatherpermitting andprovidedthere arenodelays.

“Overthe next fewweeksthe roadsbeing resurfaced will make dailytravelsafer andmore comfortablefor residentsand road users. These improvements will help extend thelifespanof theroads andkeep Cape Town moving.The work involves removing theexistingroadsurface andreplacing it with newasphalt.Where necessary,additionalutility work will be carried outinadvance to repair or replacedamaged manholes,catchpits,framesand chambers, ensuring asmootherand longer-lasting result,” says RobQuintas,Mayco member forurban mobility

THEFOLLOWINGBELGRAVIAROADSWILLBERESURFACED:

. Denchworth Road –fromBelgravia Road to 4thAvenue

. Veld Road –fromBelgravia Road to Canal Road

. PearlCrescent– from CanalRoad(HN11) to PearlCrescent

. 1stAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 2ndAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 3rdAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein

THE WORK INVOLVES REMOVING THE EXISTING ROAD SURFACE

ServiceRoad

. 4thAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 5thAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 6thAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 7thAvenue– from Veld Road to Klipfontein ServiceRoad

. 8thAvenue– from Voel Street to Adventist Street

. Ruby Crescent –fromCanal Road to Canal Road

. Voël Street –fromBelgravia Road to HN 62 Voël Street

. Salaam Street –from7th Avenue to 8th Avenue

. WilkshireStreet –from2nd Avenue to 7th Avenue

. AdventistStreet –from7th Avenue to 8th Avenue

. DunsterStreet –from4th Avenue to 7th Avenue

. East Avenue –fromKlipfontein ServiceRoad to SouthAvenue

. Ruby Street –from7th Avenue to 8thAve

. VersterStreet –fromBelgravia Road to 7th Avenue

. LowerBoeschotenRoad– from Belgravia Road to 2ndAvenue

Kolisibuildingcommunityspirit

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Anew partnershipbetween theKolisiFoundation andone of thecountry’s leadingretailers is placingrenewed focusoncommunity upliftment andfood security initiatives.

Thecollaboration,announcedonThursday05 February,highlightsongoing efforts to address hunger,inequalityand social development throughcommunity-drivenprogrammessupported by Springboks CaptainSiyaKolisiand hisfoundation.

TheKolisiFoundationhas become aprominent forceincommunity outreach,focusingon food security,education,gender-basedviolence (GBV)support andyouth development.

Thefoundationworks in under-resourced communities across SouthAfrica, aiming to create sustainablesupport systemsfor vulnerablefamilies.

Kolisi said partnerships linked to community initiativesare importantinstrengthening grassrootsprogrammes.

“Thispartnership is aboutmorethanrugby It is aboutpeople, community,and thesmall momentsthatmakefamiliesfeel supportedand connected,” he said

Thefoundationhas collaborated with several organisationsoverthe past sixyears to expand itsreach,helping deliverover19million meals throughvarious hunger relief initiatives.

Much of this work hasbeen driven through coordinatedfeedingschemes,disasterrelief responsesand support forcommunity kitchens

Theretailers’chief executiveofficerSean Summers said thecollaboration focuseson shared values andlong-term impact rather than symbolic association.

“Siyarepresentsleadershipwithintegrity,humility,and heart, qualitiesthatresonatedeeply with whoweare as abusiness.

“Thispartnership is aboutsharedvaluesand showingupfor SouthAfricansinwaysthatare real,consistent, andmeaningful,” said Summers

Kolisi’s influenceextends beyond sport, with hisleadershipoften linked to social change and nation-buildingefforts

SincebecomingSouth Africa’s firstblack Springboks captainin2018, he has used his platform to advocate forsocialcohesionand equalopportunity.

Thefoundation’sprogrammesare largely community-led,working with localorgani-

sationsand volunteerstoensureassistance reacheshouseholdsmostinneed.Initiatives includefood parcel distribution,early childhood support programmesand educational developmentprojects.

Thepartnership is expected to further amplify thevisibilityofcommunity membersand volunteerswho form part of thefoundation’ssupport network.

Organisers saystorytelling around everyday SouthAfrican experiences, particularly therole of food in cultureand family life,willformpart of futureawareness campaigns.

TheKolisiFoundationhas previously respondedtonationalcrises, includingCovid-19 relief efforts anddisasterresponseinitiatives following floodinginparts of thecountry

Theorganisationcontinues to prioritise longterm sustainability andempowerment rather than short-term relief alone.

Kolisi said strengtheningcommunity partnershipsremains centraltothe foundation “Realchangehappens when communities aresupported in ways that respectdignity and create lastingopportunities,”hesaid.

TheBridgetownTheatre Company(BTC) and film companyGeminiTwins Films(GTF) will screen TheOpenRelationship film on television andstreaming on Saturday 14 February at 22:30 on DSTV Channel263;Freevision Channel331 andonlineFreeVisionmobileapp Freevisionplay.co.zaand Cape Town TV

The film waspartofthe capacity-buildingand empowermentcomponent of thehighlysuccessful Cape FlatsFilmFestival(CFFF) in 2024

Oneofits aims wastobridgecultures, nurture talent andcelebrate therevolutionary forceof independentcinema.

TheCFFF notonlyshowcased remarkable films, butalsoempowered aspiring youth filmmakers

“The film raises awarenessofthe positive and negative effects of love andits direct relation to gender-based violence,” said ZeldaHintsaofthe BTC. “Ithighlightsissues andencouragesaction to endviolenceagainst womenand men. That love manifest itself over time.Itisa doingword, in howwetreat thosewelove.”

Priortothe production of the film,BTC and GTFinvited marginalised first-time filmmakers, enthusiasts, andcreatives alikefromsub economic Cape Flatstownships to be part of an inclusivecommunity,where storiesare shared During this exhilarating cinematicjourney,we helped shapethe futureofindependent cinema by affording creativesanopportunitytodisplay theirGod giventalents through film

Over aperiodofsix months thesecreatives were mentored throughinteractive film acting rehearsals;workshops in writinga screenplay, producingand directing.

They were provided with essentialskills and guidance,serving as adriving forcethatturns theircreativevisions into captivatingrealities TheOpenRelationship film wasone of threebornfromthese empowering workshops broughttofruitionbymembers from Cape Flats township communities.

TheOpenRelationship story: When destinies intertwine,eight livescollide throughthe many shades of love

It starsZoeyDaniels;Nontyatambo Ngobo; MiskaBrown,Nontyatambo "Kai-Kai”Ngobo; Vinola Presence;Msingathi Njimbinja; Imtiyaaz Benjamin,Sebastian Petersen,SuadHermans; DeeLykert

Producer:JoelRuiters.Writer-Director:Theo E. Davids SebastianPetersen, actor: “Thisroleforced

me to look at thereality of love andgender-basedviolencebeyondthe headlines. The Open Relationship showshow abusecan hide behind love andtrust.It’sa powerful reminder that awarenessisthe firststeptowardchange.” DeeLykert, actress: “Meplaying arolein The Open Relationship wasa long overdue, but disguisedvehicle,for me to face twopastGBV incidentswhich took placeinmyown life more than 30 yearsago.Itgavemethe platform and couragetoface, processand overcome an old demon. Andthenthe braverytoboldlymarch forward, even encouragingotherstodothe same.”

MsingathiNjimbinja,actor:“My experience of portraying acharacter of questionable traits wasnot an easy thingtodobecause playinghim remindsmeofwhenI wasyoung living under theroof of abuseevery dayatanearly age. But also thereiseducation in it tooand we need to fightittogether, this crazinessmuststop.”

Theo EDavids, writer-director: “The realisation of our film is aclassiccasestudy on how onecan transformreality into fiction, wherewe use fictionaslie so we cantellthe truth. It gives aglimpse into thelives of people living alie that parade as love “Weproduceda film in theCapeFlats townshipswithno filmmaking facilities and infrastructure.Wehad nothingexceptthe idea, lots of passion,enthusiasmand then theCape Flatscommunities came aboard.The situation dramatically changedand resulted in therealisation of TheOpenRelationship film.A film we allcan be proudof, causeteamworkmakes the dreamwork.”

Joel Ruiters, producer:“We trustand believe that in making local film storieslike TheOpen Relationship,withtalentedhome-grownactors from theCapeFlats we helped increase the number of SouthAfrica filmsthatare produced by previously disadvantagedpersons.Aswellas developnew audiences; andupthe number of marginalised people trainedinthe film industry, in areasofscaresskills.”

The film is made possiblethrough thefunding andgenerosityofthe National Film andVideo foundation (NFVF),HCI Foundation,Golden ArrowFoundation, City of Cape Town,College of Cape Town (CrawfordCampus) andCape Flatscommunities

. Formoreinformation,check out the Bridgetown TheatreCompanyFacebook page or contact 082536 3651.

Aproposalcurrently before theCitycould see an appointment-only Home Affairs Office established at theCapeTownCivic Centre,improvingaccess to essentialservicesfor residents.

Theproposedfacilitywillbelocated on the second floorofthe CivicCentre. If theplanis approved theDepartmentofHomeAffairs will enterintoa formal leaseagreement with the City to secure thespace.Uponconclusionof thelease,the Department will be grantedearly occupation in ordertocommenceinternalconstructionand operationalreadiness activities

Theitemisscheduled to be submittedto Councilfor considerationand approval in March.

TheresaUys,Mayco member forcorporate services,saidonceestablished,thisoffice will enhanceservice delivery by providingresidents

with streamlined, appointmentbased access to keynationalgovernmentserviceswithina centrally locatedCityfacility. Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreibersaid theestablishment of anew office demonstrates theircommitmenttodeliveringfor thepeople of Cape Town

“Italsorepresentsyet anothersignificant milestoneinthe implementation of theHome Affairs @homereforms,which arefocused on bringing essentialservicesclosertowhere people live.Bylocatingour services in an accessibleand well-connected public facility,weare making it easier forresidents to access critical documentationina safe,efficientand respectful environment. Detailswillbeavailable once this item has served before council.

TAFELBERG NASIONALE PARK EN TAFELBERG NASIONALE PARK MARIENE

BEWARINGSAREA: KENNISGEWINGAAN BELANGHEBBENDE PARTYE

Neem asseblief kennis dat SANParke tans besig is met die hersiening van die Tafelberg Nasionale Park (TNP) bestuursplan, asook die ontwikkeling vanTafelberg Nasionale Park Mariene Bewaringsarea (TNP MBA)bestuursplan,intermevanartikels39,40en41vandieNasionaleOmgewingsbewaringWet:Wetop BeskermdeGebiede(WetNo.57van2003).Hierdiebestuursplannesalasbasisdienvirdiebestuurvan diebogenoemdeparkenmarienebewaringsgebiedgedurendedieperiodevanaf2027tot2036.

DieWetvereisdatallebelanghebbendesdiegeleentheidgegeemoetwordomkommentaarteleweropdie inhoudvanhierdiedokumente.ElektronieseweergawesvanhierdiebestuursplannesalopSANParkese webtuistewww.sanparks.org/conservation/park_man/draft_plans_public_comment.phpbeskikbaarwees vanaf09Februarie2026.

Hierdiedokumentekanookbydievolgendelokalebesigtigwordvanaf09Februarie2026.

Belanghebbendes is welkom om enige van die ondergenoemde publieke informasie sessies by te woon, waarmeerinformasiebekomeninsettegegeekanword.

Belanghebbendeskan ook geskrewe kommentaar elektronies stuur aan:

AndréSpies Eposadres:andre.spies@sanparks.org

Tel:012-4265212

Die sperdatum vir insette is 03April 2026.

NOTICE TO TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONALPARKAND TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONALPARK MARINE PROTECTEDAREASTAKEHOLDERS

NoticeisherebygiventoallinterestedandaffectedpartiesthatSANParksisdevelopingthemanagement plan for the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (TMNP MPA) and reviewing the management plan for Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in terms of sections 39, 40 and 41 of the National Environmental Management: ProtectedAreasAct, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEM: PAA). The purpose of these management plans is to guide the management of the national park and MPAfor the period2027–2036.

The NEM: PAArequire that interested or affected persons be given the opportunity to comment on these management plans.To facilitate participation, electronic versions of these draft documents will be available from 09 February 2026 on the SANParks website www.sanparks.org/conservation/park_man/draft_plans_public_comment.php.

Therespectivedocumentsmayalsobeviewedatthefollowinglocationsfrom09February2026:

Stakeholdersarefurtherinvitedtoattendanyofthepublicinformationsessionslistbelowwhereinputson thedraftdocumentsareencouragedandmaybesubmitted.Themeetingdetailsare:

Stakeholdersarewelcometosubmitwrittencommentselectronicallyto:

AndréSpies

Email:andre.spies@sanparks.org

Tel:012-4265212

Theduedateforcommentsis03April2026.