People's Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 17 February 2026

Urgent funds neededfor Blistersfor Bread walk

For nearly sixdecades,the Blisters for BreadCharity Family FunWalkhas broughttogetherfamilies, schools, businessesand community organisationsina shared standagainst child hunger

Nowinits 58th year,thismuch-lovedevent facesanuncertain future.

To deliverthe eventsafelyand professionally andtoensureitremains accessiblefor the community,the PeninsulaSchool Feeding Association(PSFA)requiresR1,5million in sponsorshipfunding

This sponsorshipenables PSFA to coverall operationalcosts.Thismeans walker entry fees remain affordableand 100% of themoney raised is directed to itsschool feedingprogrammes.

Withouturgentsponsorship support, this year’s Blisters forBread walk maynot be able to go ahead, dealinga significant blow notonly to thePSFAbut also to thefamilies, schools, andcommunities whohavemadethisevent an annual tradition.

ThePSFAiscalling on membersofthe corporate sector to partnerwithPSFAfor this year’s event.

Thewalkraisesawareness of childhood hunger andcontributes to vitalfunding forthe PSFA’s school nutritionsupport programme, whichfeedsover30000 learners across the WesternCapeeachschool day.

Sinceits inception, Blisters forBread has grownintoa trustedplatformfor collaboration, combininglarge-scale public participationwith astrongfocus on social impact

BrianBenatar,PSFAchair,saidBlistersfor Breadhas always been builtonpartnership

“Corporate supportplays acriticalrolein helpingusdeliver ahigh-qualityevent,while maximising thefunds that go directly to our core feedingmission

“Without this support,werisklosingnot only

THE PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION REQUIRESR1,5 MILLION IN SPONSORSHIPFUNDING TO ORGANISE THE FAMILYFUN WALK

this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.”

Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecuri-

ty amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades.

“Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.

“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”

PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za

WillSonaoptimismtranslatetorealchange?

andhousing,macro-economic indicators oftenfeel distantand abstract.Recoveryonlybecomes meaningful when we seeitreflected in secure jobs,stableservices, andsafer streets.

WhilePresident CyrilRamaphosa spokeofa strengtheningrand, fallinginflation, andrenewed investor confidenceduringhis Stateofthe Nation Address(Sona)atCape Town City Hall on Thursday 12 February,manyofuswokeupthe next morningtoa farlessreassuringreality:dry taps,risingliving costs, unemployment queues,and neighbourhoodswhere safety cannotbetaken forgranted

This contrast captures thecentral tensionofthisyear’saddress. On onehand, thePresident painteda pictureofaneconomy gradually stabilisingafter yearsofcrisis.

On theother,weknowfromour owndaily experiencesthatlifefor millionsofSouth Africans remains uncertainand difficult

Hisadmission that “liferemains hard”may have been themost honest andimportant line of the speech. It reflectedsomething we alreadyunderstand: national progress measured in statistics does not always translateintorelieffeltin ourhomes andcommunities

Economic stabilitymatters,and we should acknowledgethat. A stronger currency signalsconfidence, helpsgovernmentmanage debt,and canencourage investment.Lower inflationprotects purchasing powerovertime. These arenecessary foundationsfor longterm growth

Butfor many of us strugglingto affordfood,transport,electricity,

This is wherethe president’s message invitesbothhopeand scrutiny

To hiscredit, thespeechdid not avoidthe country’smostpressing challenges

Organisedcrime,hesaid, remainsone of thegreatestthreats to economic developmentand social stability. This recognitionis importantbecause we know crime is notonlya policing issue, it is an economic barrier that affects how we live andwork.

Communities affectedbygang violence,extortion,and illegal activity struggletoattractbusinessesand opportunities. We see howunsafeenvironmentslimit whereyoung people canmove freely, wheresmall businessescan operate, andhow confident we feel walkinginour ownneighbourhoods.

Yetwehaveheard strong commitments to tackling crimebefore. Tactical plansand enforcement strategies oftensound decisive when announced, butour confidencedepends on consistent implementation andvisible results.

Thesamepattern appliesto corruptionand governance failures.The president’semphasis on strengtheninginstitutionsand restoringaccountability signals an understandingthateconomic reform cannotsucceed without credible leadership andfunctioningsystems

However, we arelikelytojudge progress notbythe number of investigations announcedorpolicies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance,and improved servicedeliverythatwecan experience firsthand.

Perhapsthe most immediate concerns raised in theaddress relate to municipalservices. Water shortages, failinginfrastructure, andinconsistentservice delivery affectour dailylives in ways that national economic indicators cannotcapture

Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance,these issues aretangible. They shapehow we experience ourcommunities dailywhether ourtapsrun,roads remain usable,refuseiscollected, andelectricity supplyisstable.

Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalitiescould lose servicedeliverypowerssuggestsa willingnesstoact more decisively Butitalsoraisesuncomfortable questionsfor allofus. If governmenthas long knownwhich municipalities arestruggling, why hasinterventionoften appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurableimprovements?

Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust Stateofthe Nation addresses traditionally aimtoinspire confidenceand seta national agenda

This year’s speechdid so,offering avisionofrecovery, reform,and unity. It sought to reassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in theright direction.

Butweknowthatpublicexpectations have shifted. Yearsof economic pressure,service delivery failures,and governance challenges have changedhow we evaluate leadership

Today, we measureprogressnot by promises,but by outcomes.We want to seeunemploymentdecline meaningfully,not merely stabilise. We want crimerates to fall in ways that make ourcommunities feel safer. We want municipalities to provideconsistent, reliable basic services

We want visible, sustainedimprovementinour dailylives

Thepresident’s speechoutlined adirection andacknowledged many realities. It highlighted progress whilerecognising ongoing challenges.But thetruetestlies beyond thechamber in whichit wasdelivered

Will economic gainstranslate into broaderemploymentopportunities forour youngpeople? Will governance reformsrestore our confidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabilise in thecommunities wherewelive? Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whether theoptimismexpressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric

BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeeches alone, it is builtondelivery, accountability,and change that we cansee andfeel in ourlives Anduntil that change becomes consistently visible, ouroptimism will remain cautious,shapedas much by ourlived realitiesasby thepromiseswehear.

Youthfakecell‘thefts’

AVRILFILLIES

Theincreaseinrobberies,theft and domestic violence arebig concerns forthe Manenbergpolicemanagement andcrime combatingteam.

“I’vedonea detailed analysis and foundthe itemsrobbedorstolen from complainants arecellular phones.I am warningcomplainants that they arecriminalising themselves by making false statements,theyface beingcharged with perjury. When detectives downloaded CCTVfootage in ordertocheck forknown suspects, they foundthatthe crimenever took placeatthe said date,timeand location,” says Brig JayceNaidoo, Station Commander at Manenbergpolice. AccordingtoNaidoo, this becomes acriminaloffence trying to defraud insurancecompanies throughmaking falsestatements.

“The ManenbergPolicingPrecinct hasseveral monitoredCCTVs,which aredownloadedbyour detectives to verify claims.Complainantsface seriousrepercussionsthatcould taint theircriminalrecordwhencaught. Throughthese false claims several community membershavefound themselves on thewrong side of the law,”Naidoosays.

Assaultcases seem to be made out of angerand when things quieten down thesecases arewithdrawn “Thiscontributes to theoverloadingofour systemsand officers when resourcesand manpower getwasted. Family disputes should be sorted outand when thereisnoresolve, acriminalcasecan be made.The complainantneeds to seethe case throughfromstart to finish andnot withdraw thesecases aftera settlement hasbeenreached.Wewillcontinuetoserve thecommunity without

fear andprejudice,” he says In casesofdomesticviolence, the chargesare usually withdrawnwithin 24 hoursafter an agreementwas reachedbut thestatistic staysonthe system

“Sometimes chargesofdomestic violence arelaidout of spiteoranger andthe victimsare notaware of the consequences if youlay thecharge anddon’t seeitthrough.Insome caseswelockthe perpetratorupover theweekendorovernight andthe next daythe complainantwithdraws thecase. Ourhands as police officers aretiedwhenthe case is withdrawn, buttothe outsideworld it lookslike Manenbergpoliceare notcapable of solvingdomesticviolencecases duetothe statisticofcharges laid for domestic violence

“I am appealingtocomplainants nottowithdrawcases butallowthe lawtotakeits course,” says Capt Ian Bennet, spokesperson forManenberg police

He also appealstothe youthwho laycharges of cellphone thefttoclaim from insurancecompanies

“Itisnot public knowledgethatwe canpullCCTVfootagefromwhere theso-called crimetookplace and to discover therewas no crimeatall. When youthare involved it usually hasaneffectonthemlater in life, when they applyfor jobs andhavea criminal record.The youthshould refrainfromlayingfalse chargesfor a buck or two. We arefortunate to use CCTVfootagefromprivate residences as well as on theroads to help us in ourinvestigations,”saysBennett.

Anyone with informationabout servicedeliveryshortfalls cancontact Manenbergpoliceon021 699 9400 andspeak to ColHarry Brickles

Detectivebrings justicetoAthlone

Sgt KeithPog detectiveatt

Police Statio skilfuldetective bringjustice to th of Athlone, breaki ruthless gang me

Hisdedicationand made hisfellowpol with prideinhis aw investigationleading sentenceshandedt Thesentences were theWynberg Region separate successful prosecutions andsen

On Thursday 27 No year,37-year-old Bo sentencedto12yea onment of whichfou suspendedfor five ye gation lead that Gu a35-year-old moto road-rageincident. In thesecondincid Hayden Phillips wa double murder in tw dents. He wassente foreachmurderand will runtogether.

On Tuesday9 Dece Phillips wassentenc imprisonment fort murder incidents. Bo brutal andone wasa that stoned thevicti of police officers in

General Worker Responsibilitiesincludes butnot limited to:

•Follow instructionstosupportdaily operationsacross multiple areas

•Perform general labour tasks such as lifting, carrying, cleaning, and assistingskilled workers

•Keepthe work area clean, organized, and free of hazards.

•Assistwith loadingand unloading trucks,containers, or equipment.

•Sort, pack, andlabel itemsfor storage or delivery

•Ensureproducts arecorrectlyorganized and stored safely.

•Follow instructionstosupport dailyoperations.

What youwill need to

•Matricorequivalent

•Post qualification is preferable

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Only suitablecandidateswillbecontacted.

If you have notreceived aresponse within 1month,then your application has been unsuccessful

What you will need to

•Provenexperienceworkingona sewingmachine

•2 –4years sewing machine experience on PlainorOverlocker

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•Attention to detail

•Ability to work towards and meet targets.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors.

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za. Only

Police seizedrugs

Three males, respectively aged 25,33and 41,were arrested forthe possession of substances in twoseparate incidentsduringa high-density operationwithinManenberg on Saturday 7February.

Police officers,including public orderpoliceand ManenbergCrime Prevention Unit,weredeployedwithin theManenberg hotspotareas as part of theoperation.The operation included stop andsearches, high density patrolsand increasedvisibility to combat violentillegalgangactivity. “Witha focusedapproach keeping atight grip on Sector one, twoand threeinthe ManenbergPrecinct, theoperation heeded much success. Whilepatrolling thehotspot areas within SurreyEstate, theofficers noticeda suspicious silver coloured Toyota Corolla,onthe cornersofRuimteand Orionroads in SurreyEstate. Theoccupantsbecamesuspicious when they sawthe police officers,the vehiclewas pulledoverand thetwo

Some

occupantssearched,”saysCaptIan Bennett, spokesperson forManenberg police

Themales,25and 33 yearsold, were searched andtheyhad 44 units of tikeachand twopackets of uncut tikintheir possession,totalling 88 unitsoftik at astreet valueof R500000. Thefourpackets of uncut tikhavethe same street value. The drugswereconfiscated andhandedin as evidence

In aseparateincident, thecrime prevention unit stoppedand searched a41-year-old male in SusanCourt in Heideveldand foundone unit of cocaineinhis possession Brig JayceNaidoo, StationCommander of Manenbergpolice, commended theofficers fortheir diligence ensuring thesafetyofManenberg He encourages everyone to contact Manenbergpoliceon021 699 9400 or CrimeStopon08600 10111.

FROMPAGE1

Theconferencewas avivid reminder that teaching is both localand global

“Conversations with colleagues from differentregions revealed variedclassroom realities, yeta common commitmentemerged:teacherseverywhere aimtoequip learners with theskills andmindsetsneeded for futurechallenges.Diversity at Spark wasnot only celebrated,but used as aresource: diverseperspectives enriched discussionsand sparked newideas forinclusive curricula and leadership development.

“Workshops,breakaway sessions andpanel discussionsweretruly ground-breaking. Presenters showcasedcutting-edgepractices in project-basedlearning, digital collaboration andsomuchmore.

Panels blendedresearchand practice, offeringpractical strategies to cultivate critical thinking,creativityand adaptability

“The conference offered memorable shared experiences, especially our desert adventures.These moments of fun deepened professional bonds andcreated spaces forinformal mentoringand idea exchange and of course loadsoflaughter, amidst sand dunesand camels.Teachersleft with concrete plansfor jointprojects,

ClaremontroadclosuresforMyCiTitoimpacttra

Residentsare advisedofthe temporaryroad closures whichare placeuntil theend of May, if allgoesasplanned.Theystarted yesterday(16 February).

In astatement released by theCityofCape Town’s UrbanMobilityDirectorate,residents andall road usersinthe Claremontareaand thesurrounding communities arecautioned of possibledelaysdue to temporaryroadclosures to allowfor theMyCiTiphase 2A construction

“Weempathise with road usersaffectedby thecurrent ongoingtransport infrastructure improvements in Claremontand thesurroundingareas.However,wepromise youthatthere is lightatthe endofthistunneleventhoughthe inconvenienceisfrustrating rightnow.Wewant to thankyou once againfor your patience and co-operation whileall theseworks areunder way. Please always factor in additional travel time,approachconstructionareas with caution

exchange opportunitiesand co-created resourcesthatspancontinents,” Arendsesays.

Sheadmitsbeing part of theGlobal TeacherCommunity andbeing recognised amongglobalpeerswas humbling andmotivating.

“The conference made clearthat preparinglearnersfor thefutureof work andleadershiprequirescollective effort: innovative practice,deep collaboration andanunwavering belief in thepotential of everylearner.The friendshipsand partnerships formed in Dubaiare theseedsofa stronger global educationecosystem, onethatwillhelplearnersthriveina complex, interconnected world,”she says Arendseisoverwhelmed by allthe love shereceivedfromher family, friends, community,colleagues across SouthAfrica, theWCED, her UCTclassmates andlecturers.“Iwas smilingnostalgically thinking about howproud my late dadwould have been of me:Nelly vannieParkbeing honoured on aglobalstage,” shesays. Thewinnerwas Rouble Nagi from Indiafor hertransformativeeducation throughcommunity learning centresand mural-basedclassrooms in India. Shereceived$1million (about R16million).

andfollowthe temporarysigns andguidance from flag personnel. Wherepossible, please usealternative routes,” says Maycomemberfor urbanmobility, RobQuintas

Residentsare to note thefollowing closures: Closureofthe intersection of 1stAvenue/ Imam HaronRoad

.No access into or outof1st Avenue

.Detour viaWadeRoad Closureofthe intersection of 2ndAvenue/

Imam HaronRoad

.No access into/out of 2ndAvenue

. Detour via3rd Avenue

ClosureofMarkham Road between Chichester Road andImamHaron Road

. No access in/out of MarkhamRoad

.Detour viaBelvedere/ChichesterRoad Formoreinformation andproject updates, visitwww.myciti.org.za/phase2aorfollow MyCiTi Phase2 on Facebook andX

Readersspeak out on budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.

TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.

Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget

AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”

Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”

Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”

Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”

Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”

Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”

Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”

Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”

ResidentsreliveDistrictSixmemories

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Six decadeslater thepainof forced removals from the once thriving community of District Sixstill lingersinthe hearts of families wholosttheir homesand communityafter theareawas declared a“whites only”bythe apartheidregime underthe GroupAreas Act.

More than 60 000 people were forcibly removedtooutlyingareas known as theCapeFlats andtheir homesin District Sixdemolishedbybulldozers.

On Wednesday11February, theanguishwas relivedasformerresidents, families,claimants andmuseum patronsgatheredatthe District Six Museum to mark the60thanniversary of theforcedmassremovalsto many partsofCapeTown.

Chrischené Julius,museumdirector, said acommemorative ceremony is hosted each year,tokeep the stories, struggles andspiritofDistrict Sixalive “Onthisday we trytoremember what it meanttobelongtothat community.It’sa solemn occasion markinga community’s destruction.”

CAIRNOFSTONE

Residentsand families were given theopportunitytowrite messages on stones,a memorialisingritual goingbacktothe 1980s, accordingto Julius “Itstarted in late 1980swhenDistrictSix land wasstill vacant.Each year agroup of activistswould gather andlay astone down on thesiteof what they thoughtwerethe oldSeven Stepsinthe former HanoverStreet “Overthe yearsthe museum has continuedthistradition.”

Julius said thestone is an important symbol of thecommunity,ofthe deep connected to thenow-mainly-vacant land that so many remained deeply connected to,representingtheir bond with it as well as thedestruction of theircommunity

WE ARE GLADTOBE LIVING HERE AGAIN. THE HOUSEISNOT PERFECT,BUT IT’S OURBUCKINGHAM PALACE

At this year’s commemoration families once againgot to sharetheir stories.

Courtney Haas said hergrandparents livedinthe area andwereforced to move to Bonteheuwel. Buther grandfatheralwayskeptDistrictSix aliveinthe family’s collectivememory andimagination

“Heheldontohopethathewould return oneday.Thatiswhatkepthim going, buthediedwaiting.”

Shesaidafter alengthy land-restitution processthe family was finally able to return in 2022.

SusanLewis (82) said herfamily’s land-restitution processtook nine yearsand they movedbackin2004

“Mymotherwas 94 yearsold at the time when we returned

“I am so glad that shewas able to experience that andliveinDistrict Sixfor five yearsbeforeshe died (in 2009). We aregladtobelivinghere again. Thehouse is notperfect,but it’s ourBuckinghamPalace.”

Butfor Sherry Becorney (65) the battletoreturncontinues anditis difficult to remain hopeful

“I wasa teenager when we hadto move.WeusedtoliveinUpperConstitutionStreet.

“Every time Icometothe museum I getemotional.Remaining hopeful is painful,but foraslongasI am aliveI will remain hopeful of returning.”

Residentsand familiesweregiven theopportunitytowritemessages on stones,a memorialising ritual going back to the 1980s

Cityremindsresidentsof possiblefinancialsupport

The City of Cape Town is urging residentswho arestruggling financially to applyfor available relief measures,including indigent assistance andpensioner rebatesaimed at easing thecost of municipalservicesand property rates.

Households earningbelow R7 500per month mayqualify forindigentsupport

Pensioners aged 60 andolder with ahousehold income of R27000 or less areencouraged to apply.

Maycomemberfor financeSisekoMbandezi says theCityhas expanded thequalifying thresholdfor pensioners andsocialgrant recipients toallowmoreresidents to benefit.

“The City hasincreased thesocialsupport packagetoR5,1billion forthe last year and this years financialyear. Qualifying households couldaccess free basicservicesand mayreceive a100%discountontheir property rates,”says Mbandezi

He says theexpandedsupport aims to assist vulnerable residentsfacingrising living costs and financialstrain.

AccordingtoMbandezi, officialsatthe City’s Customer InteractionCentres areavailable to assist residentswithapplications andprovide guidance.“We encourageindigentresidents andpensionersto find outmoreabout the variousforms of support available. TheCity remainscommittedtoassistingthose in need,” he says Mbandezi reminded thecurrent beneficiaries to reapplyfor anyexistingbenefits after Tuesday1 July this year,whenthe new financial year begins Thereapplicationprocess ensuresthat qualifying residentscontinuereceiving support

Pensionersearning R27000 or less canapplyfor rebatesand support from the City.Officialsare available to help residents apply. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

basedonupdated property valuations and income assessments

Mbandezi praisedresidents whocontinueto payfor theirservices, saying theaverage payment ratiofor the12monthsendingDecember last year was97,9%,reflecting strong public participationinmaintaining servicedelivery.

“These payments arevital to maintain service delivery andensurethe City continuestofunction effectively.Wethank residentswho consistently meet theirpayment obligations,”hesays. Residentsseekingassistance areencouragedto visittheir nearestCustomerInteraction Centre formoreinformation on applicationprocesses andavailable support measures .Email your views on thistopeoplespost@novusmedia.co.za

WearfloppiesonFlipFlop Dayandsavethechildren

SouthAfricansare encouraged to puttheir best foot forwardfor children andadolescents diagnosedwithcancerasFlipFlopDay 2026 returnsonFriday20February.

LedbyCHOCChildhood Cancer Foundation SouthAfrica, Flip Flop Dayisa national fundraising andawareness campaign inviting individuals, schoolsand workplaces to purchase aR10 Flip Flop Daysticker andweartheir flip flopsinsolidaritywithfamiliesaffectedby childhood cancer.The daycontinues to highlighthow simple,collectiveactioncan translate into meaningful,life-changing support “Thisfun campaign carries aserious message,thatnofamilyshouldwalkthe childhood cancer journeyalone,” says Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC.“Asmall action,likepurchasinga R10sticker,enables CHOC to providepractical, emotionaland educationalsupport to children, adolescentsand theirfamilieswhentheyneed it most.”

Fundsraisedthrough Flip Flop Dayenable CHOC to continue delivering vitalservices, includingsafeaccommodation near treatment centres, transportassistance,psychosocial support andeducational programmesthathelp children andadolescents to continue learning during treatment.

This year Flip Flop Dayplacesa strong emphasis on friendship andsharedparticipation, encouragingpeopletoget involved together, whetherascolleagues, classmates,familiesor communities

Purchase aFlipFlopDay stickerfor just R10 from CHOC or TekkieTownnationwide. Wear your stickers and flip flopsonFriday20 February

Encouragefriends,colleaguesand communities to join Shareyourphotos, tagCHOC, use#FlipFlopDay26and help spread awareness. Flip Flop Daydemonstrateshow collective participationdirectlytranslatesintopracticalsupport.Whenjust20friends purchase aFlipFlopDay sticker, it canhelpcover the averagemonthly transportcostfor achild to travel to andfromtreatment.When30friends getinvolved, it helpsfunda CHOC Carebag, whichevery newlydiagnosed childorteenager receives.These Carebags containessential items, as well as aparenthandbook designed to help families understand andprepare forthe childhood cancer journeyahead .Forinformation or to getinvolved,visit www choc.org.za

Carnivaltoshowcase ‘diversity’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withjustovera monthtogo, organisers of oneofCapeTown’s biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is readytobring the heARTtothe Green PointFan Walk on Saturday 21 March.

On Thursday 12 February,organisersgavethe mediaand otherinterestedparties abehindthe-scenes glimpseofall thepreparationsatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executiveofficer, said people canlook forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.She said organisers areexcited to bringthe 16th edition of thecarnivaltolife.

Adding to theexcitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions”fromCapeTown’s creative scene, includingsingerAnslinGysman, localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Tracey Carter,performance director,said therewillbeentertainment forthe entire family

“Someofour floats arealready completed. Performers aregetting readywithchoreography, andcostumesare almost done.Weare getting readytoput on ashowlikeCapeTown hasnever seen before.”

Shesaidpeoplecan look forwardtoa celebration of diversity.

“Weare telling thedifferentstories of thecreatives from Cape Town.Asdifferentastheyare, that’s howdifferentthe pods aregoing to be This year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”

Daphne Lodewykhas been aseamstressatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop forthe past 10 years.

Shesaidwithlessthana monthtogo, sheand hersmall team of threeare workingaroundthe clocktocompleteover1 000 costumes forthe bigday

“Weworkasa team,and each person knows what to do.Westill have alot to do butthe bulk of theworkis finished.”

Lodewyksaidshe stillgetsexcited despite doingthisfor thepastdecade.

“Every year thecarnivalisdifferent. Different themes anddifferentpeople. Youmeet alot of people andmakefriends.”

WORKINGAROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE OVER 1000 COSTUMESON TIME

Shesaidoncarnivalday,theyworktirelessly behind thescenestomakesureevery performer looksdazzling. “Weare stationedina tent,dressing each performer anddoing alterationsor fixing things.”

Prof Rachel Jaftha,chair of theCapeTown Carnival Trust, said:“We areexcited because it’s just over amonth to go.Thisyearweare following ourhearts. People will seeamazing creativity as always andthe joyonthe facesof thepeopleparticipating.Donot miss theamazingfollow-your-heart journeywithus.”

JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,stressedthe City’s unwavering commitment to theevent

“Thank youfor bringing this eventtoour city each year.Thisevent is aboutsocialcohesion. It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”

ACTNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeapplicationsopen

TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year

This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant.

It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-

whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.

Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution

This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts

“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT

TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South

Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected

“The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”

Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”

To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha

Teep yt phy cabinet.

School sports in SouthAfricaaren’t just aboutwhathappens on the field—it’s aboutthe entire experience, theculture,the passion that splits townsinhalfand createsheroes overnight.

AndfromThursday19February, NovaNews is abouttorevolutionise howwecelebrate it all.

NovaNews is launchingThe School Sports Zone,a dynamic,

lly ge pe

TheSchool Sports Zone will be the authoritativedestination celebrating emerging talent,preservinglegendary rivalries, andbuildingthe foundation forthe futureofSouth African sport. Becauseevery Springbok, every Protea,every national representative startedsomewhere,and that somewhereisusually aschool fieldona Saturday morning.

NovaNews isn’tstopping at written coverage.Accompanying thelaunch is TheRugby Factory, adedicated

vod- andpodcast that divesdeeper than ever before into theheartbeat of school rugbyinSouth Africa

This is storytelling with substance. It is abouttrackingtomorrow’s Springboks from thegrassrootstothe bigleagues,capturing thejourney, thesacrifice,the rivalry, andthe momentsthatdefine youngathletes before theprofessional contracts.

“School sports is at theheart of so many communitiesinSouth Africa,”

yc e, yd pl e, everyschool making noiseonthe sporting landscape.

“Beyondrugby,ifithas anything to do with school sports,wewant to be talkingabout it,” Wetdewich explains.“Thereare greatstories to tell around school sports.Supporters andschoolcommunities aren’t just engaged; they areemotionally and, in many cases, financially invested Smalltowns splitinhalfwhenderby weekends come around.Heroesare born andsuperstarsare made.All

pa gh generations. It’s aboutthe communities that live andbreathe everyresult. NovaNews is changing thegame by capturingthe atmosphere,the emotion, andthe culture. Thestage is set. Find TheSchool Sports Zone:

Website: https://novanews.co.za/ FollowThe RugbyFactory: TikTok:@therugbyfactoryza X: RugbyFactory_sa

Instagram: therugbyfactory_sa

Facebook:The RugbyFactory