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

City a‘couturerunway’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe Cape Town Carnival settolight up theMotherCityinjust over 10 days celebrated designer Stephenvan Eedenis readytoturnthe streetsinto amovingrunwayofcouture, cultureand creativity.

Knownfor hissignature blend of bridal elegance,red-carpet glamourand luxuriousresortwear, he will bringboldfashion to oneof Cape Town’s biggest celebrations of art, identity andcommunity on Saturday 21 March.

More than 1000 performers and 10 beautifully-crafted floats will once againlight up theGreen Point FanWalk.

VanEeden is oneof10local artists selected to be championsofthe 16th editionofthe event.

On thetheme “Followyour heART” VanEeden says spectators canexpecta celebrationoftheatricalglamour andrefinedartistry.

“Myapproachisalwaysrooted in couturecraftsmanship,sothere will be meticulous attentionto intricatedetailing,texture and silhouette interpretedthrough the dynamic, high-energylensofthe

carnival.”

He says beyond thevisualspectaclethispresentationisalsoabout shininga spotlightonfashion as acatalystfor jobcreationinthe country, specifically in Cape Town

“Smallerdesignerstudios and localmanufacturersholdextraordinary skilland potential.

“Withthe rightsupport they have thecapacitytoupskill individuals andtrain them in refinedtechniques such as tailoring, cutting, patternmaking,draping, finishingand intricatebeading.These areartisanal skills that notonly preserve craftsmanshipbut create meaningful employment opportunities.”

VanEeden tells People’s Post that beingpartofanevent that brings together communities, artistsand visionariesina vibrantway is both “humblingand deeply exciting “Itisanincrediblehonourtobe part of theCapeTownCarnival. Thecityisrichinculturaldiversity,creativityand bold expression andthe carnival encapsulates that spirit so beautifully.”

He explains what people canlook forwardtofromhis set.

“Our boldly beautiful PODwill featureour muse,Melissa Nayimuli, whobringsgrace,strengthand

CARNIVAL SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALFASHION

apowerful senseofrepresentation to theplatform. Herpresenceembodies theconfidenceand modern Africanelegancethatthe design narrative celebrates VanEeden says he wantspeople to leavefeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto walk away feelinginspiredreminded that fashionisnot just clothing, buta powerful form of storytelling, identity,and economic empowerment

“I hope they feel prideinlocal talent,inour shared cultureand in theknowledge that supporting localdesigndirectlyimpacts communities andlivelihoods.”

He believes events such as the carnival area catalyst forthe arts

“Eventslikethe carnival arevital becausetheycreateaccessibleplatformsfor artiststoshowcasetheir work to broadand diverseaudiences. They nurturecollaboration, encourageculturalexchange, and stimulatethe creative economy. ”

AccordingtoVan Eeden, the

carnival is apowerful reminder that theartsare nota “luxurybut essential.

“Theycreatevisibility, open doors foremergingtalent, anddemonstrate howcreativitycan drivesocial andeconomictransformation within ourcommunities.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post, is aproud sponsorof theevent

Yourchancetogiveyourbusinessa‘hand-up’

GrandWestiscalling on local businessestoapplyfor itsEnterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD)programme,which aims to give Small, Medium andMacro Enterprises(SMMEs) ahand-up to thenextlevel

In addition to mentorship and knowledgesharing smallbusinesses canaccess loans, payableover 36 months ESDwas introduced in 2014,but formalised as abusiness-incubation hubin2018and hasgranted

over R28million in loansand almost R12million in grants Applications closeonMonday 16 Marchand areassessedbya committeeconsistingofheads of alldepartments at GrandWest. Successful applicants agreetosign up fora three-year programme In the firstyearbusinessowners aretaught financialcontrol,governanceinbusiness, humanresources skills andaccounting among others

Second andthird year offer more

in-depth training in thesesubjects. Eventand décorplanners,brandingspecialists,food andbeverage distributors,maintenance specialists,including builders,plumbers andelectricians, arebeneficiaries. Criteria includehavinga registeredbusinessthatis51% empowered,somebusinessacumenand it is at leasttwo yearsold.Start-ups must have take-off agreements or long-termcontracts Applicants need to submit abusiness proposal that includes athreeyear financialforecast, certified copies of theirSouth AfricanID andthatofall shareholders,their business registration documents, taxclearance certificate,B-BBEE certificate anda minimumoftwo years’ audited financials .Drop allapplications and supporting documents off at GrandWest or contact ChrissyDyers on 021 505 7593 or emailchrissy.dyers@ suninternational.comorLayla Essop on 021 505 7590 or Layla.essop@ suninternational.comfor moreinfo.

Wemustholdinstitutionsaccountable

tional law, lack of humanitarian access to basicneeds, shelterand protectionswereparaded before us by theworld’s mediaevery day.

Hello partner!

TodayisTuesday 10 March, and maybeyou woke up to thehum of traffic, thecalls of street vendors andthe rhythm of everyday life

Formethe daybeginsquietly.But forothersitbeginswithworry, struggleoruncertainty.March is HumanRightsMonth in South Africa

Laterthismonth,on21March, thecountry will mark Human Rights Day, rememberingthe Sharpeville Massacreof1960, when police opened fire on unarmedprotestersdemanding dignityand freedom.Sixty-nine people were killed. Theirdeaths remind us that humanrights arenot abstract ideals;theyare protectionsbetween dignityand oppression

However, what do humanrights look like today?

Look farawayand thepicture is grim.The three-year warbetween Israel andGazasaw homes, schools, hospitals, nottomention lives, destroyed. It left us with the spectreoffamilies fleeing under relentless fire,childrengoing hungry, traumatisedcivilians living in constant fear

Wholesaleviolationsofinterna-

This is astark reminder that rights arefragile.Theyare neither automaticnor guaranteed.And here at home rights arejustas vulnerable though thethreats may seem quieter.

Last week,Finance Minister EnochGodongwanadelivered the national Budget Speech. Numbers, projections, allocations, it allsounded distant. However, each rand hasconsequences.

Fundingdecisions determine whetherclinics have enough medicine, whetherpolicepatrols reach ourstreets, whetherfamilies finally geta roof over theirheads Everylineofa budget affects whetherrightsare realised or remain promises on paper.

Isee it.A nurseinKhayelitsha attendstopatientsina clinic with long queues andlimited resources.

Ateenager in Mitchells Plain takesovercrowded public transport to school,where textbooksand suppliesare oftenscarce.

AfamilyinMarikana, Philippi, awaits housing, whileinformal settlements expand

On astreet corner in Wynberg, a homeless manreads alibrary book, findinga quietmomentamidthe noiseoftrafficand passersby Adeliveryrider navigatesbusy

roads, earninga living while hoping forbasic protection from accidentsortheft.These arenot statistics.These arehuman rights in practice or,sometimes,inperil Humanrightsare notabstract. They arelived andare universal. Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable.The righttoprotest exists even when it disrupts traffic.

Dignityappliestoeveryone, even thosesociety wouldratherignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect.

Cape Town reflects thecontradictions of SouthAfricaitself.

Breathtaking beauty co-existswith entrenched inequality.Pristine suburbssit alongsideinformal settlements. Modern infrastructure contrastswithcommunities strugglingfor basicservices.

Opportunityoften dependson wheresomeone is born.Safety, educationand health care remain privileges forsome, whileothers aredeniedtheir rights

HumanRightsMonth should challengeustoconfrontthese contradictions.Are we building asociety wheredignity is real for everyone,oronlyfor thosewith means?

Arewewilling to askuncomfortable questionsabout inequality, neglect, andgovernmentaccountability? Canweprotect therightsof themostvulnerableevenwhenitis

inconvenient?And here Isit with an uncomfortabletruth;rightsare meaninglessifwedonot live them in ourcommunities

They aredefendedinthe decisionswemake, in howwetreat our neighbours,and in theactions we take when we seeinjustice.Human rights aretestedbothinthe streets of Cape Town andinthe bombedoutbuildings of Gaza

Whetherthe threat is war, poverty, or neglect, theprinciple is thesame: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity.

As we walk toward 21 March partner, thechallengeisclear.We cannotsimplyrememberSharpeville.Wemustact.Wemustspeak to ourneighbours, question our leaders, andholdinstitutions accountable.

We must walk thestreetswith empathy, witnessthe struggles around us andchallengepolicies that leavepeoplebehind. Human rights arenot inherited; they are defended,lived andchosen, again andagain

Andthatresponsibilitybegins wherewestand.Human rights begininour streets, ourclinics, schoolsand homes, in thequiet cornerswhere people strugglefor dignitythatmanytakefor granted. Andaswemovethrough this month, partner, letuswalk together in memory of thepast, butincommitmenttothe present. Dignitybeginswhere we stand.

1000 food hampersfor theneedy

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Close to 4000 residentsinvulnerablecommunities across Cape Town will receiveessentialgroceries this Ramadanthrough nearly 1000 food hampersdistributed by AwqafSAin partnershipwiththe TürkiyeDiyanet Foundation

Thehampers will be distributedinHanover Park,Parkwood,LavenderHilland Khayelitsha, targetinghouseholdsaffectedbyunemployment andlimited access to food

Theinitiativeforms part of theorganisations’ annual “Share theCare” campaign during the Muslim holy monthofRamadan Food insecurity remainsa significant challengeacrossthe country.

Accordingtothe Statistics SouthAfrica GeneralHousehold Survey,about 22,2% of households nationwide reported inadequate or severely inadequate access to food Organisers sayinitiatives like theRamadan hamper distribution areintendedtoprovide immediatereliefwhile strengtheningcommunity support networks

ADECADEOFPARTNERSHIP

This year marksthe tenthconsecutive year of collaboration between AwqafSAand the Foundation AwqafSA, formally knownasthe National AwqaffoundationofSouth Africa,isa community developmentorganisationthatmobilises waqf,orcharitableendowment funds,tosupport long-termprojectsineducation,healthcare andpoverty alleviation.

Theseinitiatives includeinfrastructuredevelopment,education programmes, waterprojects andhealthservicesaimed at empowering disadvantaged communities

Hasanain Abdullah, projectmanager of Awqaf SA,saidthe organisation provides food relief mainly during Ramadanand the Qurbani (sac-

AwqafSA’sRameezAdam,AhmetAslantas, DiyanetFoundation hands agrocery hamper to ShahiedaAbrahamsfromParkwood as part of theShare theCare drive.

INITIATIVESINCLUDE INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION,WATER,HEALTH

rifice)period, alongsideits broaderdevelopment programmes.

Thecurrent distribution will reachapproximately 4000 people throughnearly1 000 gro-

Officerretiresafter39years

AVRIL

Thepathasa police officerwas notalwayseasy butevery challengewas metwithcourage and purpose. This is howCaptLionelLouis (60) describedhis 39 yearsofservice in thepolice serviceonhis retirement on Friday 27 February.

Hisjourney beganin1986whenhejoinedthe police serviceand completedhis basictraining.

“I’vebeen posted to Nyanga,Philippi and thepast13yearatManenberg Police Station. Lookingback, it wasworth it “Perfect in everyway,encapsulating the fulfillmentofa career devotedtosafeguarding livesand fosteringhope. Iwouldn’thaveitany otherway

“I served thenationwithhonour,dignity and unwavering commitmentand hopefully Imade an impact on someone’slife,”Louis says Acting StationCommander ColPapamaRolo-

bile labelledLouis as aservant of thepeople, embodyingthe values of integrity, discipline andcompassion.

“Heisknown forhis dedication to justiceand hisability to connectwithcommunities andhe played apivotal role in strengtheningtrust between thepoliceand thepublic,”Rolobilesaid.

Hislegacyisone of service, mentorship and inspiration, areminderthattruepolicingis notonlyabout enforcingthe lawbut also about upliftingcommunities andprotectingthe vulnerable, shesaid.

Capt IanBennett, spokesperson forManenberg Police,praised Louisfor hiscontribution in the fightagainst crime. He said hiscommitment to community policing will continue to inspirefutureofficers

“His retirement is notanend buta continuation of hislife’smission,heservedwithgrace, wisdom andhumanity,”Bennett said

cery hampersacrossthe targeted communities

Amongthe beneficiariesisShahiedaAbrahams,anelderly resident whousesa wheelchair.

Organisers sayelderly residentsare often amongthe most vulnerable,particularlythose living on limitedincomeorrelying on family support

ENCOURAGINGCOMMUNITYSOLIDARITY

Thedecade-long partnershipbetween Awqaf SA andthe TürkiyeDiyanet Foundation reflects

abroader commitmenttohumanitariancooperationand charitable support during themonth of Ramadan.

Organisers saythe campaign is designed not only to providefood relief butalsotoreinforce thespiritofcompassion andsolidarityassociated with thesacredmonth Distributionsare expected to continue over thecomingdaysasvolunteersand staff deliver hamperstoselectedhouseholdsinthe participating communities

Cancer fight gets aboost

AVRILFILLIES

Cancersurvivors andthe broader community of Athloneare invited to participateinthe CansaRelay forLifeAthlone eventonFriday27and Saturday 28 MarchatVygieskraal Stadium from 18:00to06:00.The eventis organisedbythe Cancer Associaton of theWestern Cape to unitethe localcommunity in the fightagainst cancer.

“The CansaRelay forLifeAthlone is an impactful overnightteamexperiencethatmobilises cancer survivorsand thecommunity.Atthe heartofthe relayisthe opportunitytocelebrate cancer survivors, remember lovedoneswho have passedonand create awareness about cancer prevention andearly detection,”says FadwaWalker, staff partnerofCansa Western Cape Theevent consists of threeceremonies,namely theLuminaria Ceremony,The FightBack Ceremony andthe Survivors’ LapCeremony. It brings together individuals, families,friends, schools, churches andcorporate teamstocamp outovernight.Throughoutthe night, at least onememberofeachteamremains on thetrack –symbolising that cancer neversleepsand neitherdoesthe fightagainst it

“The LuminariaCeremonyisthe emotional highlightofthe evening. During this moving tribute, candlesare litinremembranceofthose whohavelosttheir battletocancer, in honour of survivors, andinsupport of thosewho are still fighting thedisease.Itisa powerful moment of reflection,unity andhope,”she says Participants also engage in Cansa’shealth awarenessinitiativeduringthe event, learning more aboutcancereducation andprevention, advocacy efforts,cancerscreeningservices, care andsupport programmesavailable to those affectedbycancer.

During theFight Back Ceremony,relayers take apledgetotakeactionintheir ownlives

andcommunities by spreadingawareness about cancer education, advocacy,screening andsupport services –all contributing toward building aworld withoutcancer.

“Cansa invitescancersurvivors to attend and be honoured during theSurvivors’Lap,and encourages communitymembers to register teams, support theevent,orpurchaseLuminariabagsinmemoryorhonourofloved ones,” shesays.

. Formoreabout CansaRelay forLifeAthlone or to register,contact Nadia Gamieldien on 082747 8095 or FadwaWalker on 064183 7515 or Cansa

Cape Metro Care Centreon021 6895347orwww relayforlife.org.za

THREE CEREMONIES,THE LUMINARIA,THE FIGHT BACK ANDTHE SURVIVORS’ LAP CEREMONIES

FROMPAGE1

Thetopicsincludedyouth andreligion, youth andpolice, youthand teenagepregnancies versusstatutory rape,youth andeducation,youth andemployment, youthand mental health and youthand gangs.

Malgas opened theprogramme by motivatingthe learners on howtheycan play arolein changing thefaceofManenberg “Togetherwemust find solutionsfor an ever-changingvibrant community andchangingthe face of perception of thecommunity of Manenberginthe outsideworld.Wecannot excludethe youthfromdecision-making of their needsinthe countryand acommunity,suchas Manenberg,”saysMalgas.

Thediscussion raised seriousconcernsfrom theyouth like what to do when beingemployed, thelackofsocialopportunity, whichhas been describedasthe reason forincreased gang activity,the importance of youthmentalwellness andwhy everyyoung person should be morally securedand spiritually committed.

“Being morally securedand spiritually committedbuildsconsciencewhich will ensure betterchoices.The importance of theyouth’s mental wellnesswillcontributetobetterreason andvision. They also seek acknowledgement andoften turn to oldermen andabusive peers to seek that acknowledgement,”saysKeyster “God hasgiven each oneofthempurpose to contribute to building agreat community No matterwhattheyfacetoday they canand will achievea lotmorewhenstaying focused, concentrateontheir educationand they are alldestinedtobecomethe greatest people of a greatnation.

“Youth developmentand upliftment starts with listeningtoour youngpeopleand allthey need is achanceinlifetoset themselves goals that will raisea proudAfrican Nation.Weas management at Manenbergpolicebelieve in everyyoung person within theManenberg Policing Precinct,wejustneed them to believe in themselves," shesays.

AccordingtoKeyster,success is notmeasured by what is achieved in life butwho we surroundedourselves with.Hestood in frontofa groupofyoung people that will become part of agreat nation thepoliceserves.

Exporters talk tradewith buyers

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe world’seyesonthe WesternCapethe Made in theCape Buyers Programme againproved whyitisa powerhouse of global trade connectionand opportunity.

Theevent,the flagship tradeevent of Wesgro, theofficial Tourism, Tradeand Investment Promotion Agency forthe WesternCape, connects internationalbuyerstothe province’s exporters of goodsand services

It took placefromMonday2 to Wednesday4 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)

Playinghosttoover30international buyers, it showcasedquality andsustainably produced goodsand services,manyofthemtrusted brands,acrosskey sectors.

Theevent fostered tradeand investment opportunitiesand builtbusinesspartnerships throughB2B (businesstobusiness) facilitation andnetworkingsessions.

To date,the programme boasts 1290 verified exporters, 8399 listed products andservices, and761 registered internationalbuyersacross 80 countries.

Ivan Meyer, WesternCapeMinisterofAgriculture, Economic Developmentand Tourism, said in hiskeynote address, that theprogramme’s purposeistogrowthe economyand create more jobs

“For example, if we have a5%increaseinagricultural exports, we immediatelygenerate22 900new jobs.Thisisanopportunitywhere we bringthe worldtoCapeTownand ourproducts into therestofthe world.

“Thisisa buyer’sprogramme,peoplecome here becausetheyknowthe qualityofour products andweare readytoexportour products to many partsofthe world.”

Meyersaidthe eventcontinues to grow

“Wehavealsoestablished aCapeTrade Portal with thousandsofproductsand businesses

registered on theportal. It is adigital platform forpeopletoshowcasethe products that we can export into therestofthe world.”

He explainedhow beneficial such an eventis forlocal producers.

“Wehaveexportpromotion seminars to preparelocal producersfor theexportmarket. We know export is atrickybusiness, that it’s noteasytoexportproducts, andthisiswhy we preparepeoplethrough training,support, technicalassistanceand financialassistance to showcase theirproductsontrade showsaround theworld.”

Meyersaidoverthe past five yearsthe WesternCapeaccountedfor 90%ofall jobs created in SouthAfrica.

“Webelieve in export-led growth,but forthat youneed solidinfrastructure… If youwantto grow theeconomy,you must make sure you have thebestinfrastructure, whichiswhatwe aretryingtodointhe WesternCape.”

JamesVos,Mayco member foreconomic growth,reaffirmed theCity’scommitmentto strengtheningexportgrowthand supporting localmanufacturersinaccessing international markets.

He highlightedthe importance of practical platformsthatconnect producersdirectly with buyers,notingthatsustainable economic growth is builtonrealtransactionsand longterm traderelationships

Vosfurther outlined theCity’sbroader efforts to strengthen thebusinessecosystem,including theadvancement of anew ManufacturingSupport Policy anda formalised Business Support Policy

He said theseinitiatives focusonimproving industrial areas, supportingenergyresilience, reducing redtapeand equipping businesses with thetoolstheyneed to scaleand compete globally

“Our objectiveisclear:tocreatethe rightconditionsfor businessestogrow, expand into new marketsand create jobs,and to seemoreCape products earningtheir placeonshelves around theworld.”

Booksonthe Bayreturns

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town will be abuzzwith activity as it prepares to welcome some of SouthAfrica’smostcelebrated writersfor thefourthedition of theBooks on theBay Literary Festival, whichtakes placefromFriday13toSunday15March.

Building on therunaway success of previous years, this year’s festival features 28 diverse events showcasing over 30 SouthAfrican and internationalwriters,including majorliterary prizewinners

STELLARSPEAKERLINE-UP

This year’s programme includes Judges Edwin Cameronand DennisDavis reflecting on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classicnovel Crimeand punishment followedbyMooiplaas wine tastings AnwarMcKay will sharehis journeyofhealing andlifewithhusband comedian Marc Lottering, whilePopinaKhumandadiscussesescaping rebels in theDemocraticRepublicofCongo Otherhighlightsfeature MicheleMagwood on creating award-winning gardens, Pieter du Toit exposing Paul Mashatile’srisetopower, andHloniphaMokoena examiningcolonial representationsofblack men.

SeraiDowling andVeruska de Vita explore wild swimming in theWestern Cape,while Pauli vanWyk presents herJuliusMalemaexposé.

Internationally renowned author Prof Antjie

28 DIVERSE EVENTS,OVER 30SA AND INTERNATIONAL WRITERSSHOWCASED

Krog will discussmortality andSouth Africa’s bittersweet histories, complemented by legendarymusicianRoger Lucey’sperformance combiningstorytelling,memoirand song about building hismountainhome.

COMMUNITYANDEDUCATIONALFOCUS

Thefestivalproudly maintainsstrongUniversity of theWestern Cape (UWC)connections, with allthree organisers linked to UWC’sFaculty of Education.

Adedicated Children’s Literature Festival features writersresidinginthe Simon’sTown area,visitinglocal schoolsexclusively within the community

Localrestaurants andcoffee shopsare preparing specialmenus,while expanded tuk-tuk services will transportfestival-goersbetween venues free of charge

STRONGSUPPORTBASE

Majorsponsorsinclude Standard Bank,UWC, Simon’sTownCivic Association, TheHardy Boys,JonathanBallPublishers, Simonstown com, andMooiplaas Wine Estate . Formoreinformation visitwww.booksonthebay.co.zaoremail info@booksonthebay.co.za

Friday13toSunday15March.

‘RockHorrorShow’at

TheatreontheBayinApril

Thelegendary cult musical TheRocky Horror Show opensatTheatre on theBay in Camps BayonTuesday 7April andrunsuntil Sunday 31 May.

PresentedbyPieterToerien Productionsin associationwiththe Luitingh AlexanderMusicalTheatre Academy(Lamta),thiselectrifying stagingbydirectorStevenStead promises to unleashall thewildenergy, wicked humour and rock ’n roll rebellion that hasmadethe show a globalphenomenonfor over 50 years.

Theshowstars an award-winning South Africancastled by CraigUrbani(We Will Rock You, My Fair Lady), whorepriseshis role as Frank-N-Furter,withLéa Blerk(Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, Dear Evan Hansen)asJanet,RobertEverson (Noises Off, Tony Awards)asBrad, SchoemannSmit(Black Coffee, TheSound of Music)asRiff,Jasmine Minter (Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, TheAddams Family)asMagenta,AnnaOlivier (Joseph andthe Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat)asColumbia, Natasha Sutherland (TwelfthNight)asthe Narrator, MicahStokajovic(My Fair Lady,Peter Pan)as Rockyand ZakHendrikz(Sewe,A Christmas Carol)asEddie/Dr Scott. Miguel de Sampaio, Tjaartvan derWalt, Cleo Wesley,Alessia Gironi,TayaPearson,GabiKnightand Sasha Duffymakeupthe stellarensemble.

Stead’sproduction, firstperformed last year in Durban,bringsa fresh, fearless edge to Richard O’Brien’siconicmusical whilestaying true to its anarchic heart.

Audiencescan expect aslick,high-voltage

theatrical experience packed with unforgettable songs, outrageous characters anda wholelot of liberatedfun

Firstperformed in 1973, TheRocky Horror Show hasbecomeone of themostcelebrated musicals of alltime, shattering conventionsand gleefully celebratingindividuality,freedom of expression andunapologeticself-discovery. From themomentsweethearts Brad and Janetexperiencea stormy night, a flat tyre and adetourtoa mysterious castle,audiences are sweptintoa worldwhere nothingisquite what it seemsand everything is possible. Inside thecastle, they encounterthe charismatic, corset-clad“sweet transvestite”Dr Frank-N-Furter hiseccentrichousehold andthe muscle-bound creation Rocky, broughttolifein ariotofglitter, glam andguitarriffs. What unfoldsisa deliciouslysubversivejourneyoftransformation, temptation andself-realisationfuelledbyrockanthems,including “TimeWarp”,“Sweet Transvestite”and “Hot Patootie -Bless My Soul”. Stead, whorecentlydirectedhitssuchas TwelfthNight,MyFairLadyand Metamorphoses,isknown forhis bold,actor-driven storytelling andtheatrical flair. Audiencescan expect avisually striking andmusically explosive take on thebeloved classicthatgarnered rave reviewswhenitpremiered in Durban last year

SetdesignisbyGregKingand KevinKraak is themusical director . Ticketsavailablevia Webticketsand the Theatre on the Baybox office on 021 4383300

ZabalazaFestivalreturnsforanotherexcitingseason

The 16th annual Baxter Zabalaza TheatreFestivalwillonceagain champion localstories andartistic excellence, whilegivinga platform to thenextgenerationoftheatre makers from Friday 13 untilSunday 22 March.

Theprogramme will featuredrama, comedy,theatre forchildren, jazz, live music, workshops, paneldiscussions, andanexhibition. Thefestivalhas nurtured numerous artistsand writers, making asignificant contribution to thetheatre landscape. Simultaneously, newaudiencemembers have hadthe chance to experience theatre forthe firsttime.

Thefestivalisa celebrationof identity,community,creativityand resilience throughinspiring theatre anddynamic storytelling

Zabalaza is made possible by the WesternCapeDepartmentofCultural Affairs andSports, theOppenheimer Memorial TrustFund, theMakwande EmpowermentTrust,the City of Cape Town andthe HCIFoundation.

“Thisyear, we arepresentingan exciting programme of curatedwork from artist proposalsand productionsthatwere firstshowcased at our variousminifestivals held during the year,” says Zabalaza Artistic Directorand Curator, MduKweyama

“Indoing so,weare thrilledtobe returningtoour roots, findingstories andtheatre makers in theheart of ourcommunities,bringingthemalive on stageasfullproductions through mentorship andskills development.”

Festival goerswillbeabletoengage in severalworkshops andpanel discussions. Theseinclude Womenin TheatreSpacesfacilitated by Tiisetso

Mashifaneand apanel discussion honouringsix decadesof English Alive on Wednesday18March

“RobinMalan wasthe editor of EnglishAlive formanyyears andthe founderatJunkets,which publishes thescripts of theZabalazaTheatre Awards winners,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, Zabalaza coordinator andco-curator. “Wewillbehosting a

specialtribute in hismemory, featuringa week-longexhibitionof English Alive book covers Thelaunchevent on Wednesday 18 Marchat17:30 will be hosted by EnglishAlive editor KirstenDeane.”

“Our programme is bursting with entertainmentfor everyone,” says Mabutyana.

“Wehavethree greatshows for youngervisitorsincluding ourinvited productions, BOUNCED and Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures,as well as Themba:The LittleLionThat Lost HisMane Thered-hot musicline-up includes thepopular Sunday jazz session,the RAWExperience,all-female band Mfazwe Ya Mweziand on 18 March in theConcert Hall, Joliza BhacaSoul in Ushuni WeBhaca,a celebrationof traditionalsounds, thehonouring of cultural roots, Africanheritageand stories.

Theproductions are:

. TheBatteredHousewives’ Club English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. EgameniEnglish,Xhosa Ages 14+

. Behind theFrame English, Xhosa, SothoAges14+

. Becoming EnglishAges14+

. Themba:The LittleLionThatLost HisManeXhosa Ages 6+

. HowToTrain Your Thoughts En-

glish, Xhosa, Setswana Ages 14+

. In Kinnesvan Somers English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. When BlackMen Disappear Xhosa andEnglish Ages 15+

. BringLight Englishand Xhosa Ages 12+

. It’s My Baby English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. IncindiYedlaka Englishand Xhosa Ages 13+

. Isibeleko, Es’belekweni English andXhosa Ages 13+

. BOUNCEDPhysicaltheatre Ages 3-6

. CaptainKwanda’sFanplastic Adventures English, Afrikaans, Xhosa Ages 6+

Performances areat14:30,16:00 and19:00 andfor theschoolsprogramme areat10:00 and13:00. Thedoor takingsfromeachshow also go straight back to thegroupsor artists, investinginthe futureofthe arts sector

Ticketstomorning showscostR40 andR50 forthe afternoon shows. Bookings canbemadeatWebtickets online or at Pick nPay stores

. Forblock or schoolsbookings,charitiesorfundraisers canontact Carmen Kearns on emailcarmen.kearns@uct. ac.za and Mark Dobsononmark.dobson@uct.ac.za

AYouthCup on Sunday 8March after beatingCapeTownCityonpenalties in Lentegeur.

Thetournament, whichisSAFAaccredited, wasorganised by Beacon Spursand Catalysts forChangeunder theauspicesofthe Mitchells PlainLFA Atotal of 24 teamstook part andweredivided in sixgroupsoffour. Gameswereplayedona round-robin-basis.

“The tournament startedinOctober 2024 and LentegeurFCwas the firsthostclub. Afterthe round-robinthe teamsmoved on to achampionship roundofwhich thetop twoteams in each groupwas placed andthe twoteams who finished thebestoverall, were in action,” says

ye ey sp pby inviting teamsacrossCapeTowntoenter

“Our youthneedsthe exposure andtocompete at thehighest levels.Theydoget exposure in competitions againstlocal LFAs or other youthcompetitions.

“Congratulations to allthe teamswho participated. Friday nightwehad rain,Saturday thewindnearlyblewusawayand on Sunday theteams fought in theknockoutroundsinthe heat,but it wasworthwile,” Adamssays.

SCHOOLSCONTINUETOFIGHTITOUTONATHLETICSTRACK

<<Azrah Ismail of Bergvliet High School maintains herfocus during the long-jumpevent at the champsof champscontest heldatthe Vygieskraal Stadium in AthloneonSaturday7February. PHOTOS: RASHIEDISAACS

“But aweekendtournamentbringseveryone together andwetry to putupa decent one wherethere is an explosionoftalentright here in Mitchells Plain,”Adams says minute goal by AntalyasporJPM Cape Town to equalise before headingintoextra time,where they wononpenalties,bringingthe tournament to athrilling end.