People’s Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 12 May 2026

ATHLONE|LANSDOWNE

Ex-convict sharespri life experienc

Being in andout of prison from theage of 16 and servingvarious prison sentencesBradwin Daniels from Retreatisnow sharinghis experienceswithyouth at risk at schoolsand youthcentres across theprovince.

Hismotivationalspeechesabout life in juvenile to maximumcentres in Pollsmoor andDrakenstein prisons arenot sugar-coated,but hard facts from someonewho experiencedlife in prison first-hand Daniels, whoworks fordevelopment agency Cafda, recently received an appreciation awardfromthe City of Cape Town forhis work with youthand Cape Flatscommunities, stressing thepitfalls of crimeand gangsterism.

“Weall want to belong to something or other,”hepointed out, “whether a family,friendorgroup,sotargeting recruits into gangsisfairlyeasy. The need amongyouth foracceptance makesschoolsespeciallyideal breedinggrounds forrecruitment.There aremanyunderlyingfactors at play,a

senseofbelonging paramounthere.

“The last time Iwas sentencedwas in 2007,to21years formurderand robbery,which Iservedconcurrently andgot outafter five years. At Pollsmoor Ijoinedthe 26sgang, butwas neverinvolvedwithoutside gangs, knownasFourthCamps.I served eightand sixyears respectively in the maximumsectionsatPollsmoor and Drakenstein, andbased on good behaviourI laterprogressedtomedium andultra-mediuminstitutions.”

Whileincarceratedhepursued education andparticipatedinrehabilitation programmes

“Thishelpedmeachieve good results, becoming apersonofintegrity, respectand make informed decisions.

When Iwas giventhe opportunityto be released on parole Icompleted my requirements.Integration back into societywas very difficult,withmany adjustmentstomake, whereone has to deal with people whocannotsee beyond theex-convictand nothing good cancomefrombeing in prison

“Luckily formethere were peoplesuchasSadrick September, an ex-warden, andPastorRicardo Owies, aCorrectionalServicesofficer, whoguidedand motivatedmeto change my life in prison.Theygave me thecourage to go outintothe worldand speaktoyouth aboutthe

realityofprisonlife. With September Iamtravelling alloverthe province to schoolsand youthcentres to motivate youthtomakebetterchoices than drugsand gangsterism.”

Nowa family man, he helpsuplift variouscommunities as amotivational speaker, particularly forlearners andyouth at risk.“Ishare prison life with theyouth,highlight prevention initiativesand support them in makingthe rightchoices,and notwalking in my shoesofdoing crimeand ending up in prison.I am connecting communities andorganisations with helpful resourcesfor empowerment. I thankand honour Owiesand Septemberfor theirsupport with outreach to learners at risk andmothers whogo throughvarious stages of griefand trauma.They’ve experiencedthe loss of lovedonesthrough gang violence andare oftenforgotten.”

. Fordetails about inviting Danielsto your school or youthcentrephone him on 076688 3281.

Blood supplyrunsshort as cold months set in

The WesternCapeBlood Service(WCBS)iscalling on thepublictoprioritise blood donation during winter, aperiodwhensupplyistraditionally understrain.

AccordingtoWCBS, whilewinter oftenleads to adecline in blood donations, thehospitaldemandfor blood remainsconstant.

“Winterisone of themost difficult periodsfor maintaininga stable blood supply as aresultof coldsand flu, andschool holidays,”

says Marike Carli, Public RelationsManager at WCBS. “When donation levels drop,itplacesa strain on ourstock andultimately affects patients whodependon

blood everyday.Thisiswhy we areencouraging donors to remain consistent throughout winter, rather than delaying or skipping donations.”

Asingleblood donation takes approximately30minutes andcan save up to threelives.However, only asmall percentage of eligible individualsdonateregularly,makingdonor retentionand consistency particularly importantduring high-riskperiods such as winter

In addition to encouragingblood donation,WCBScontinues to drive itsExtra Drop Initiative,which givesdonorsthe opportunityto extend theircontributionbeyond thedonationitself.

Throughthisinitiative, donors

BLOOD DONATION ONLYTAKES 30 MINUTES

maychoosethatWCBSdonateR15 to theselectedcharitableorganisations, therebyamplifyingtheir support forvulnerablecommunities across theWestern Cape Thenew beneficiariesfromMay untilAugustare PhilisaAbafazi BethuWomen’s Centre,supportingvulnerablewomen and children throughempowerment programmesand essentialservices, andStJoseph’sIntermediatePaediatricCare, providingspecialised

medicalcareand rehabilitation forchildrenwithcomplex health conditions

Blood donation centresacrossthe WesternCapeare open

Donors must be between 16 and 75,weigh 50kg or more,beingood generalhealth, andleada safe sexuallifestyle.Donorsare advisedto eata substantialmealwithinthree to four hoursbeforevisitinga clinic andtoincreasetheir fluidintake before,during, andafter donation Blood donation only takes30 minutesofyourtimeand youcan donate blood every56days. .Formoreinformation or to find your closest blood donation clinic, please visitwww.wcbs.org.za,or send aWhatsApp to 060 5497244.

Hundreds of walkersare expected to lace up forthisyear’sBlistersfor BreadCharity Family FunWalkin support of thePeninsula School FeedingAssociation(PSFA), with proceedshelping to feed vulnerable learners across theWestern Cape

Theannualevent will take place on Sunday 16 August,offering participants achoicebetween 5km and10kmroutesstartingfrom StephanWay in GreenPoint and finishingatthe Green PointCommonSportsGround.

Organisers saythe R125 entryfee perpersonwillenablethe PSFA to providemeals to 23 vulnerable learners fora day.

Entriesare limitedto10000 participants across both distances, with theclosing date setfor Sunday2 August

Refreshmentstationsand medicalsupport will be availablealong theroute andatthe finish area to assist participants.Walknumber collectionwilltakeplace on Saturday15August, from 09:00to17:00 at selected Sportsmans Warehouse branches,including V&AWater-

emailaddressand cellphone numberduringregistrationwillreceive confirmationdetails andcollection

informationahead of theevent . Theevent is online entry only.To enter visitwww.psfa.org.za

Classroomsare stillfilled with dreamers

notafford.

Returningtomyold school recently broughtbackmemoriesI hadnot thoughtabout in many years.

Ihad droppedmynephewoff for theday,and as Iwalkedpastthe playground,the classroomsand thefamiliarcorridors,a wave of nostalgiahit me.ItfeltasthoughI hadsteppedbackintomyyounger self’s world, aworld filledwith hope,dreamsand determination.

Irememberedsitting in those smallblueclassroom chairs,staringout thewindows andimagininga futurefar biggerthanthe community Igrewupin. Even as a child, Isomehow knew therewas more to life.I knew educationwas thekey that couldunlockopportunities beyond my circumstances. Icomefroma disadvantaged background wheremoney was oftentight.Myparents worked hard to make ends meet,and there were many things we simply could

Iwas neverthe childwho arrived at school wearingthe latest fashion on civvies day. Irememberdays when paying school fees felt impossiblefor my parents. Yet, despite thestruggles,theynever allowed our financialsituation to become an excuse formissing school

Educationwas non-negotiable in ourhome. My parentsconstantly reminded me that no onecould take knowledgeawayfromme. They believed educationwas the onething that couldchangethe directionofmylife. Lookingback now, Irealise thesacrificesthey made to ensure my sister andI had that opportunity. They maynot have been able to give us material things,but they gave us discipline, encouragementand areasonto strive formore.

My wayofthankingthemwas simple,I worked hard.I studied, respectedmyteachersand made sure Iachievedgood marks becauseI understood what wasat stake. Iknewthatevery test passed andevery report card improved broughtmeone step closer to a betterfuture.

TodayasI watchlearnersmaking theirway to school in themorning, Icannothelpbut feel concerned.

On some days it is already08:30 andsomeare casually strolling to school with no senseofurgency.Somelook disengaged and uninterested.Itmakes me wonder what haschanged.Haveour young people become disconnected from thevalue of education? Or arethey simply overwhelmedbythe realities they face daily?

Today’slearnersare growingup in aworld filledwithdistractions, social pressuresand uncertainty. Many areexposed to unemployment,violence, povertyand social mediainfluences that caneasily make educationfeel less important. Forsome, it maybedifficult to dreamabout thefuturewhen survival feelslikethe priority

This is whymotivationcannot come from schoolsalone.Parents,communities,teachersand mentorsall have aroletoplayin shapingyoung minds. Children need to seeexamplesofperseverance.Theyneed encouragement andguidance. Most importantly, they need hope

We cannotexpectyoung peopletovalue educationifsociety itself appearstoundervaluetheir potential. Sometimesall it takesis oneteacher,one family member or oneopportunitytoinspire achild to believeinthemselves. Iwishthose in powerwould take up that challenge. Howmanyleadershavewalkedthrough thehalls of theirformerschoolsand asked themselves what they coulddoto create lastingchangethere?

Buildmoreschools, more librariesand saferspacesfor learning Invest in thesefutureleaders and give them areasontobeexcited abouteducation

Create opportunitiesthatmake learners eagertoget to school becausetheycan seea futurewaiting forthembeyondthe classroom,a future filledwithpossibility,dignity andmeaningful work

As Ileftthe school groundsthat day, Irealisedthe classroomsare still filledwithdreamers, children with untappedpotential waitingto be nurtured

Thechallengeismakingsurethey do notlosesight of thosedreams before they even begin.

Residents‘gatvol’ofshootings

AVRILFILLIES

Residents of Vlei,Habibia,Rylands, Belgraviaand theVygieskraal informalsettlementinAthlone hadthe opportunityonThursday30April to discuss crimeinthe area with theauthorities at acommunity-engagement imbizo

PresentwereAthlone police,Athlone Spiritual CrimePrevention, TheWomen’s Networkand variouscommunity-policingforums(CPFs)of theMitchells PlainSub-District whichincludes Athlone, Lansdowne, Grassy Park,Strandfontein,Steenberg,Lentegeur,Mitchells Plainand Philippi police stations

“The imbizo washeldafter aweek of shootings andthe frustrationofthe communities was palpable,” said WO Zita Norman,spokesperson

THE SITUATION IS SO BAD PEOPLEDON’TGOOUT,TO SCHOOL OR WORK,THEIR LIVELIHOODSAFFECTED.

forAthlone police,“they have hadenoughofthe shootouts

“Peopleare unable to step outtogotowork andchildrenare scared to go to school.After thetwo-hourdiscussion allparties agreed to form part of aunitedfront againstcrime.”

Residentsspoke directly to theleadership aboutthe ongoingcrime,suchas flare-ups amongrival gangsbetween thehouse andshack sections in theVygieskraal informal settlement.

Thepolicecamethere only to document statistics wasthe view held by many.However, thepolice, appealed to thecommunity to play theirpart, forinstance, by usingtheir phones to record anyshootings

Thesecause constant fear andanxiety among community members, confining them indoors andnot venturingout,eventoattend their religiousplacesofworship,impacting them financially duetojob loss owingtolatecoming or irregularworkattendance

“Rewards will be offered to anybodywith informationabout thewhereabouts of guns andthe badapplesshootingthemwho need to be made an exampleof,”saidCol Junaid Alcock,commander of AthlonePoliceStation “Anybody pointing thedrugdensout will be rewarded.”

Shot spotters andcameras should be installed in thearea, residentsfelt, butthe meetingheard this waspossibleonlyifthe broadercommunity startedbeing pro-active andformedneighbourhood watchestobeprovidedwithnecessary funds.“CCTVcameras canbeallocated, but only wherethere’s clearlya community pulling together andforming,say,a neighbourhood watch,”Alcockpointed out. “I want to urge residentstotakebacktheir community.” Collectiveimplementationstrategieswere endorsed with solutionstobring realignment within theVygieskraal area anda follow-up meeting. Anybodywithinformation cancontact the police anonymouslyon08600 10111. Alcock canalsobecontacted viaWhatsAppon082 469 0853 with anyinformation

Codetaconsiders taxi fare increases

KEANANHARMSE

The Cape Organisation forthe Democratic Taxi Association(Codeta)has raised concerns aboutthe impact of recent fuel pricehikes on commuters andtaxioperators,warning that fare increasesmay become unavoidableas costscontinuetorise.

Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana told People’s Post theassociationwas under growingpressure,operators alreadyfeeling the strain of higher fuel prices

“Weare really worriedabout thepetrolhike andhow it is goingtoaffectcommuters.The people whoare goingtosuffer most arethose in ourcommunities.Evennow,aswespeak,we areina very tightcorner.”

This follows last week’s fuelincreases,where a litreofdieselrosebyR5,27 andpetrolbyR3,27 alitre

TheDepartmentofPetroleum andMineral Resourcesreportedlyattributethe increasesto rising internationalcrude oilpricesdrivenby ongoingtension between theUnitedStatesof Americaand Iran

Thedepartmentsaidthe closureofthe Strait of Hormuz anddamagetocrucial infrastructure hadaffectedcrude-oil supply.

Middledistillateprices, whichinclude diesel andparaffin, increasedmorethanthe petrol prices duetohigherdemandand reducedsupplyfromthe PersianGulf.

Thesefactors contributedR2,04 perlitre to petrol prices,R4,96 perlitre to diesel andR4,21 perlitre to illuminating paraffin. Thegovernment hasextendeda R3 decrease in thegeneral fuel levy forpetroland aR3,93 reductionfor diesel in an efforttocushion consumersfrom thefullimpactofthe increases.

OPERATORSALREADY FEELING THESTRAIN OF HIGHERFUEL PRICES

Whileno finaldecisionhad been made on raisingtaxifares Tumana confirmed discussionsona possible increase to addresssome concerns raised by many operatorswerelikely to take place.

“Weare consideringraising taxi fares, although we don’talwaysthink it is theright solution.The government is notsteppinginto assist us andweare left with very fewoptions.”

People’s Post reachedout to theSouth African National Taxi Councilfor comment butithad notresponded at thetimeofgoing to print.

Cost-of-drivingcrisisdeepens

Thesharp fuelprice hike that took effecton Wednesday, hasdeepened SouthAfrica’s cost-of-living crisis,withmotorists nowfacing record-highpetroland diesel prices driven by globaloil disruptions.

Petrol hasincreased by R3,27per litreand diesel by R5,27, pushingpricestoabout R25,80 for95unleadedand R26,52 for93, whilediesel hassurpassedR30 perlitre forthe firsttime duetothe MiddleEastconflictand theclosure of theStraitofHormuz.

Neil Roets, ChiefExecutive OfficerofDebt Rescue,warnedthatthe increase signals“imminent disaster”for SouthAfrican households alreadyunder financialstrain.

“The realityisthatthe latest petrol pricedisasterexposes theextentofa fardeeper cost-ofliving crisis,drivenbythe fuelprice increases, higher electricityand watertariffsand ongoing food inflation, whichhas pushed people to the very limits of their financialresources.Thisis deeply concerning.”

He said theincreases arealready impacting dailylife, with higher transport, food andliving costs.

THEKNOCK-ONEFFECT

Findings from theSpendTrend26report, whichcombinesdatafromVisaand Discovery Bank,showthatmostfuelpurchases aredriven by thenecessity of dailyroutinessuchascommuting to work,school runs anderrands.

Accordingtonew data from Discovery Insure,South Africanmotorists have already significantly cutbackonpetroland diesel use, following thesharp increasesofApril,buying 35%lessfuelinApril compared to March. Data showsthattrips takenare down 10%, andthe totaldistancetravelleddroppedby9%.

Thecountry’s agricultural industry,which mostly runs on diesel,isamong thehardest hit by thejumpinfuelprices, andthiswillhave devastatingconsequencesfor consumers, especially thoseinthe lower-income range.

“The spiralling oilpriceshavetriggereda severe economic impact in SouthAfrica, creating a‘cost of survival’crisisfor consumersand heavilytaxingthe agricultural sector.Thisis

becausefuelprice hikesare raisingproduction costsand drivingupfood prices,” notesRoets

ALTERNATIVESOLUTIONS

Roetssaidwhile thepetrolprice hikesmay be outofour control, thereare practicalwaysto stretchevery litrea littlefurther:

1. Oneofthe most practicalsolutions is carpoolingwithfriends or colleagues, as this canhavea significant impact on monthlypetrol costs, freeing up much-needed income

2. Useofloyalty cardstocombatrecord-high prices:focussing on “double-swiping” usinga fuelstation’s rewardscardintandemwitha partneredbankorgrocery loyaltyprogramme to earn twolayersofpointsorcashbackona single transaction, cansavea meaningful sum of moneyevery month.

3. Motoristscan adoptefficientdriving habits such as reducing consumptionbymaintaining asteady100km/hhighway speed,avoidingthe heavyfuel-surgeofstop-starttrafficthrough bettermomentummanagement, andgrouping multiple errandsintoa single ‘loop’toensure theengineoperatesatits most efficienttemperature

4. Fuel efficiency canbeimprovedbyremovingempty roof racksorbikecarrierstoreduce wind drag andclearingout unnecessary weight from theboot

Roetsadvised consumerswho cannotbreak free from their financialconstraints to seek help from aregistereddebtcounsellorwho canassist them to manage their financialpredicament

TurningSA high school learners into virtual investors

Coronation is bringing investingintoSouth Africanclassroomswitha national challengethat turnshighschool learners into virtualinvestors, giving them hands-on experience in building financialskills, exploringfuturecareers,and competingfor R120 000 in prizes

Open to allhighschool learners in SA,the Coronation TopInvestorChallenge: Schools Editionisa fun virtualinvesting experience designed to build financialconfidenceata youngage

Running from Monday 1JunetoFriday31 July,the challengeisdesignedto fitaround school schedules. Learners have the flexibility to participatewhenitsuits them during this period andmakeinvestmentdecisions at their ownpace.

This competitiongives learners theopportuni-

ty to step into theroleofaninvestorthrough a virtualsimulationgame, whichtheycan play on aphone,tablet, or computer

Each team receives avirtual potofmoney to invest.Along theway,participantsare showna series of shortvideosimagining howthe world mightchangeinthe future. Basedonthese scenarios, they decide wheretoallocate their money, learning as they go

Theteamwhose portfolioshows thestrongest growth by theend of thechallengeisdeclared thewinner. Thechallengeisfreetoenter,with learners participatinginteams of twoto five members. Thereisnolimit to thenumberof teamsa school canenter

No priorknowledge of investingisrequired.

Thechallenge is designed to meet learners wheretheyare,introducing keyeconomic,

financial, andinvesting concepts in apractical andengagingway.While playing, participants build financialliteracy, developconfidencein managing money, andlearn aboutanindustry they maynot have come across before “Webelieve that understandinghow investingworks is avaluablelifeskill,”saysKirshni Totaram, Global Head of InstitutionalBusiness at Coronation.“This challengeisabout building that foundation,while also openingthe door to possibilities that mayhavepreviouslyfeltout of reach.”

In addition to thelearningexperience, participantscompete forsubstantial rewards. Thetop-performingteamnationally will win R60000 in Coronation investment vouchers, shared equally amongteammembers.These vouchers aredesignedtohelplearnerstake

their firstrealstepintoinvesting,givingthema financialheadstart in life

Thewinning team’s school will also receive R60000.

Beyond theprizes, thechallengeofferslearnersa valuable addition to theirCVs,demonstrating initiative,teamwork, andaninterestin financialdecision-making

“The idea is simple.Wewanttogivemore youngpeopleaccess to thekindofknowledge andopportunitiesthatcan change howthey thinkabout moneyand theirfuture,”says Totaram. “For some,thismay be their firstexposure to investing. Forothers, it couldbethe beginning of acareer in investment management

.To enter registeronwww.coronation.com/enza/institutional/topinvestor/

Constructionsectorplacingincreasedpressureoncompliance

TheWestern Cape’s growingconstruction sector is placingincreased pressure on compliance, with industry leaderswarning that gaps in oversightcould have financial, legal andsafetyconsequences.

Theprovinceadded42000 construction jobs in thethird quarteroflastyear, accordingtothe WesternCapeGovernment.

Afurther 22 000jobswerecreated over the past year,Premier Alan Windesaidinthe recent Stateofthe Province Address.

“Thislevel of activity is translatingintoreal compliance challenges,” says PetraDevereux, ExecutiveDirectorofthe Master Builders AssociationWestern Cape (MBAWC).

“Morecontractors areenteringthe market, includingfromother provinces. Whilethis signalsa strong economy, it also raises the risk of non-compliance withoutconsistent oversight.”

Construction in SouthAfricaoperateswithin amulti-layered regulatory framework.

Contractorsare required to register with the Construction Industry DevelopmentBoard (CIDB),maintaintax compliance with the SouthAfrican RevenueService andmeet

labour andsafetyrequirementsset by the Department of Employment andLabour. Forresidential projects,registrationwith theNationalHomeBuildersRegistration Council(NHBRC) is mandatory.

In theWestern Cape,contractors must also comply with theBuildingIndustryBargaining Council(BIBC), whichregulates wages, benefits andworking conditions

“The BIBC is notjusta regulatory requirement,itisa cornerstoneoffairlabourpracticesand industry stability.

Forcontractors,complianceisessentialto operatelegally,compete fairly,and deliver projects withoutdisruption,”saysDevereux. However, compliance extendsbeyond registration anddocumentation

It requires approved health andsafetyplans, appointedsafetyofficers,regular risk assessments andstrictenforcement of personalprotectiveequipment on site

Contractorsmustalsocomplywiththe Unemployment InsuranceFundand Compensation forOccupational Injuries andDiseases Actrequirements, whilemaintaining accurate financialrecords andtax compliance

Wherethese measures arenot in place, risks escalate

Non-compliantcontractors mayfacedelayedpayments, disputes with subcontractors or projectabandonment

Health andsafetyfailurescan result in injury,fatalitiesorsiteclosuresbyauthorities

Labour violations mayleadtostrikes or legalaction, whiletax non-compliance can result in penaltiesand reputational damage

Theimpactisnot limitedtocontractors

Developers,architects, projectmanagers andprincipal agents mayfaceproject delays, insurancecomplications andincreased costs if compliance is notverified during procurement

Subcontractornon-compliancecan also affectthe main contractor’s liability.

“Complianceisa fundamental safeguard forthe entire construction ecosystem,”says ChandréAbrahams, chairofthe MBAWC MarketingCommittee.

“Wecontinuetosee unrealisticpricing expectations,particularlyaroundlabour, shapingcontractorbehaviour

“Insomecases,thisdrivesnon-compliance in ordertoremaincompetitive

Theindustrymustmoveawayfrompurely cost-drivenprocurement toward compliance-drivenproject delivery,” says Abrahams Industry bodies such as theMBAWC continue to support membersand promote adherencetostandards,while workingwith regulators to strengthen oversight.

“The MBAWCremains firm in itsposition that compliance andprofessionalismare non-negotiable,” says Devereux.“Ourroleis to support membersinupholding thesestandardsand to work with industry stakeholders to ensure that compliance is notonlyexpected butconsistentlyenforced.”

As thesectorexpands,the focusisshifting towardssustainability, with consistent complianceseen as critical to maintaininggrowth andprotectingall stakeholders involved

“Every role in theproject chain, from quantity surveyorstoproject managers andprincipalagents, hasa responsibility to ensure that contractorsare fully compliantbefore appointment.” Procurementpractices remain aconcern in thesector.

C Newschoolonthe cards

Artscape marks another era

The Artscape TheatreCentrecelebrates 55 yearsonTuesday 19 May, markinga powerful journeyfroman apartheid-eravenue reserved fora select fewtoa fully inclusiveculturalspace that nowwelcomesall SouthAfricans.

Originally opened in 1971 as theNicoMalan Theatre, theArtscapehas evolvedintosomethingfar more meaningful

Underthe theme“APlace forAll”,Artscape will mark this anniversarybycelebrating its journeyoftransformationand inclusivity.

Theanniversaryprogramme launches at 11:00 on Tuesdaywiththe unveilingofa memory wall, Becoming Artscape –A PlaceReborn

Theevent will includeanopenpress conference, apublicinvitationtotakepartinan historic groupphotographat12:00, anda free lunchtimeconcert wherepatrons areencouraged to actively participate.

Theconcert also marksthe continuation of Artscape’s commitmenttoaccessibility,with CEOMarlene le Roux having introduced regular lunchtimeperformancesthatgivemany people their firstexperienceoflivetheatre

This moment sets thetonefor ayear-long programme of productions, alongsidefree tours, masterclassesand public engagements, alldesignedtomakethe theatrefeel welcoming andaccessible.

Amongthese is theArtscapeCareersExpoon Saturday 6June, astandoutinitiativeaimed at youngpeople.

MORETHANATHEATRE

In many ways Artscape reflects thespirit of SouthAfrica’sConstitution, affirmingthe rightofall to participateinthe cultural life of thecountry andtoexpress themselves freely

ARTSCAPE AFFIRMS

THE RIGHT OF ALL TO PARTICIPATEINTHE COUNTRY’SCULTURAL LIFE.

throughthe arts

Le Roux said thebuildinghas transformed from onethatexcludedmostSouth Africans to onethatnow welcomes everyone

“Accessibility is notjusta conceptfor us,but a dailycommitment. Whetheritisphysicalaccess forpeoplewithdisabilities, representation on ourstagesorensuringthatpeoplefeel they belong here,thisisthe work we do everyday.”

Sheaddedthe theatreisa meetingplace,a spacewhere difference is notonlyaccepted but celebrated

LOOKINGAHEAD

As Artscape enters itsnextchapter,the focus turnstothe future:

. Advocating forthe arts to be part of education

. Nurturingyoung talent throughaccess and exposure

. Creating pathways into thecreativeeconomy

. Encouragingaudiences to valueand support live performance.

ZakGordon, chairofthe BoardofArtscape, said:“As we mark 55 yearsour focusremains on ensuring Artscape continuestoserve as an inclusiveplatformfor expression,access and opportunityfor all.”

Chairofthe PortfolioCommitteeonSport, Arts andCulture JoeMcGluwa said the Artscape is alivingsymboloftransformation “sprungfromdivisiontounity.”

Endlessdelightfortheatre patronsthiscoldwinter

TheTonyaward-winning Broadway musical AGentleman’s GuidetoLoveand Murder is settodelight Cape Town audiencesthiswinter with alocal production in Muizenberg by The Masque Theatreand MilnertonPlayers

This acclaimedmusical comedy,known for itssharp witand dark humour,runsatThe Masque TheatreinMuizenbergfromFriday22 MaytoSaturday6 June before transferring to theMilnerton PlayhousefromFriday19Juneto Sunday 5July.

TheMasqueTheatre is avibrant,community-drivennon-profitperformingartsvenue establishedin1959byBertieStern

LocatedinMainRoad, it acts as acultural hubfor amateurand professional productions, includingdrama,dance andmusic,while featuringa main auditorium (170 seats) anda smallerfoyer stage(60 seats)

Directed by award-winning theatre-maker Kyla Thorburn,the production features musical directionbyBarendvan derWesthuizen, who performs in theshow. Thecreativeteambrings to life ascriptbyRobertL Freedman, with musicand lyrics by Steven Lutvak.The storyis basedona novelbyRoy Horniman FirststagedonBroadwaytocriticalacclaim, themusical tells thestory of MontyNavarro,a charming butpenniless youngman whodiscovered he waseighthinlinetoinherit thefortune of thewealthy D’Ysquithfamily. Determined to improvehis standing,Monty embarked on adarklycomedic mission to eliminatethose

‘MammaMia!’musicalto returntoArtscapeTheatre

Thepopular musical Mamma Mia! will return to SouthAfricainSeptember,featuring Broadwayveteran Amra-FayeWrightinthe lead role of DonnaSheridan.

aheadofhim in thelineofsuccession,one by one.

Theproductionpromisesa fast-paced theatricalexperience filledwithcleverwordplay, memorable songsand atouch of mischief.Audiences canexpecta blendoffarce,satireand musical brilliance,makingita standout addition to Cape Town’s winter theatrecalendar.

ChristineKaye, vice-chair of TheMasque, said thecollaboration with theMilnerton Players marked an exciting moment forlocal theatre. Shedescribed theshowas“deliciouslyfun”and ahighlight foraudiences seekinghigh-quality live entertainment.

Neal Johnsonofthe MilnertonPlayers added that themusical scoredemandedstrongvocal performances andthatthe cast andcrewembraced thechallengewithenthusiasmduring rehearsals

Performances will take placeat19:30,withselect matineeshows at 14:30. Ticketsstart from R180 andcan be booked online.The production will then move to theMilnerton Playhouse, wheretickets arepricedatR200, with asimilar mixofevening andafternoon performances

Both venues offer parking, wheelchairaccess andback-up power, ensuring performances continue uninterrupted during load shedding With itsaward-winning pedigree,engaging storylineand talented localcast AGentleman’s GuidetoLoveand Murder promises audiences “a murderouslygoodtime” andanunforgettablenight at thetheatre

SUPPLIED

Theproduction, by Showtime Management, will runatArtscapefromThursday3 SeptembertoSunday11October before moving to MontecasinoinJohannesburgfromFriday16 Octoberthrough November Wright,borninSouth Africa,bringsextensive internationalexperiencetothe role.She performed as VelmaKelly in Chicago TheMusical on Broadway for23years,makingher the longest-running actressinthatrole. Hercareer spans30years across multiple continents, includingperformancesinLondon’sWestEnd, Europe,Japan andNew Zealand. Beyond Chicago,Wright’scredits include Follies, AChorusLine, Grease, Footloose and PeterPan Sherecentlycompleted aMasterofFineArts in painting at theNew York AcademyofArt Whilebased in NewYork, Wright maintainsa home in McGregor

STAR-STUDDEDSUPPORTINGCAST

Thecastincludesseveral establishedSouth

Africanmusical-theatre performers.Samantha Peoreturns as Tanya, reunitingwithWrightaftertheir previous collaboration in thelocal productionof Chicago in 2005.Lindy Abromowitz playsRosie,completingthe trio that formsthe 1970sbandDonna &the Dynamos. Paul du Toit,known forhis nine-seasonrun on Binnelanders,takes on theroleofSam Carmichael.Tiaan Rautenbach reprises hisrole as Bill Austin Matt Newman,who hasappeared in international series including TheCrown and Outlander,returns as Harry Bright.LeahMari, recently seen in Pretty Woman: TheMusical,plays Sophie Sheridan Themusical,built on thehitsofthe Swedish popgroup ABBA,follows ayoung woman’s questtodiscoverher father’s identity on a Greek island HazelFeldman of Showtime Management describesthe show as family-friendlyentertainment with broadappeal across agegroups. Regulardiscounts applyonTuesdays, with grouprates availablefor bookings of 20 or more tickets.

. Ticketsare availableatShowtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za

Theshowmustgoon:Lamta bringsKillerQueenthiswinter

Cape Town danceenthusiasts have something to look forwardtothiswinter, as theLuitingh AlexanderMusical TheatreAcademy (Lamta) brings itslatestproduction, KillerQueen,to Theatreonthe BayfromThursday4 to Saturday 20 June

Conceivedand directed by Naledi Award-winning LamtafoundersAnton Luitingh and DuaneAlexander,the show is ahigh-energy celebrationofthe musicofQueen —one of the world’smostenduringrockbands.Weaving together powerful choreography,strikingvisuals andthe unmistakable energy of Queen’s legendarycatalogue,itpromisestobea spectacular winter outing fortheatre anddance enthusiasts alike.

Theannouncement follows theacademy’s recent success with Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat,co-produced with Pieter Toerien, whichearnedmultipleaccolades at theNalediTheatre Awards in Johannesburg. Lamta’sannual productionshavebecomea firm fixtureonthe Cape Town performing arts calendar, with Hollywood (2024) andBeyond(2025) both selling outbeforeopening night. Killer Queen is widely expected to followsuit.

Theproductionfeaturesanimpressive roster of choreographers,including Michelle Reid, JaredSchaedler,Robin vanWyk,Chesney Stanfield, EmilePetersen, BrandonHerbstand Ashley Searle,among others —bringinga fresh anddynamic interpretation to theband’siconic songbook

Luitingh also musically directsa selectionof vocalnumbers,a featurethathas become afan favouriteinrecentLamta productions. Performedovertwo acts,the show showcases Lamtastudentsfrom firsttothird year,taking audiencesthrough Queen’s greatest hits and hiddengems, including“We Will Rock You”, “SomebodytoLove”,“TheShowMustGoOn” and“We Arethe Champions”,all reimagined throughexpressive anddynamic movement Performances runnightly at 20:00, with Saturday matinées at 15:00. . Ticketsare availableatWebtickets.

Legend dies on the field

The football community from theCapeTownTygerberg LocalFootball Association wasshocked on thepassing of MogamatSalie Davids (58) from Holy CrossSoccerClub in Bellville on Friday 8May in May.