People's Post Athlone | Lansdowne E-Edition 17 June 2025

CHILDRENVISITROBBE

Before the start of Youth Month (June), 30 young people representing Ward 60 were treated by Ward councillor Mark Kleinschmid as Lansdowne, Kenwyn, Rondebosch East, Garlandale and Sybrand Park Here the group is in front of the entrance

learning about our struggle heroes who fought for our democracy

Local sleuth rec

Detective Sergeant Darryl van Noie is one of Manenberg Police’s seasoned detectives and had many successful investigations that led to prosecution and conviction On Wednesday 28 May, the 36-year-old Chadwin Adams was convicted in the Wynberg Regional Court after a successful prosecution and sentenced tot 12 years imprisonment of which four were suspended for two years Adams will be serving eight years direct imprisonment for attempted murder which happened on 12 October 2023 when he shot a 38-year-old male and wounded him

in broad daylight People’s Post spoke to Van Noie to learn more about the person behind the detective

Being a police officer is a calling, but being a detective brings hope to a nation, is how he describes his career

“As a child, the world was a grand, unfolding mystery for me While other kids played cops and robbers, I was the one trying to piece together

the ‘why’, the motives, the hidden clues and the elusive answers that lay beneath the surface My heroes weren’t superheroes, but the sharp

Jointhewalk,makethedifference

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Capetonians are called to lace up and do their bit to feed a hungry child with the annual Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) Blisters for Bread charity fun walk on Sunday 31 August

According to the organisers, over 700 people have already entered with this year ’ s target being 8 000 walkers

For the past 57 years proceeds from the event have been making a difference in the lives of thousands of hungry children by providing daily nutritious meals to learners across the Western Cape

The walk will start in Stephan Way, Green Point, and finish at the Green Point Common Sports Ground It offers two scenic route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade A 10km walk which starts at 07:30 and a 5km walk starting at 08:00

Each participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation for taking part in this meaningful cause

In addition, thanks to the support of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, complimentary refreshments will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day

Patrons can also look forward to some live music performances from Cape Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grownups alike

Putting an event like this together requires

to feed the less fortunate and especially the children ”

According to Georges, about 120 marshals will safely guide walkers on the day

Georges appealed to people to enter and join the walk and help make a difference

“Every little bit helps The need is great People are suffering because of the cost of living

many hands

One organisation that has willingly put up their hands to assist for the past 10 years is the Lions Club

Allison Georges, secretary of Cape of Goodhope Lions Club in Plumstead, said members from the club have been volunteering as marshals for over 10 years

“Our members volunteer for most organisations that do events We assist at the Cape Town Cycle tour, the Gun Run, and Blisters for Bread

“Hunger is one of our pillars, we have eight pillars which we work on It is important to us to assist other organisations raising funds

A JOURNO’S VOICE

The late great American poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen once said: “If you don’t become the ocean you’ll be seasick every day ” In this uncertain age where the world of work and society are shifting rapidly through the breakneck speed of Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) advances and how it’s morphing our jobs, I find these words are becoming eerily relevant, especially for the youth who feel vulnerable to peer pressure and comparisons

They may start doubting their passions to pursue “cushy jobs” that even aren’t spared the threat of retrenchments It only takes one lonesome evening doom-scrolling and you’ll find yourself drenched in endless clips of influencers, giving advice on relationships, fashion, your diet or offering you financial tips to catapult your salary

This habit can become pernicious as we think we lack fulfilment in our careers, love lives and physique and start to loathe the present

time

Now your algorithm can predict your interests and you may return to this feed as a form of therapy like these TikToks and strangers understand you Now you ’ re swimming in a stream of the latest trends in slang, fashion, music and now your conversations and clothing become singular Now you may hide your unique individuality out of fear of rejection as it drowns in the mass of information you consume You keep hearing people say that they heard a new movie was terrible instead of watching it themselves and offering their own unbiased opinion Instead of freely being ourselves more people seem to latch onto the narrative of pop culture and join the “cool club” I’m guilty of this too and I admit there are gems of handy advice glowing amid the “brain-rot”

There’s dates, delicious recipes and funny cat videos available with the swipe of a finger, but when do we stop, reflect and allow some introspection before we fall prey to instant gratification and hits of dopamine?

It often seems more relaxing to

There are many children that are going to school without a meal ”

Entries are now open, with flexible registration options available for individuals and groups The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry schoolchildren for a day Official event T-shirts are available at R150

Patrons can enter online with registration closing at midnight on Sunday 17 August .To register or learn more,please visit www psfa org za For any enquiries,contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or via WhatsApp on 066 139 4210

enjoy a whole bag of crisps laying inside a warm bed binging Instagram reels or watching the latest series than finishing that new novel or completing our gym goals As a young adult enduring work traffic, deadlines, loneliness and dating disappointments, it’s easy to become irritable and cynical and let our egos wreak havoc and become addicted to pleasing ourselves No pun intended there

It’s uncomfortable to confront our insecurities and shortcomings

When we consider our dreams we may think have become dusty old toys we left on the shelf, but that’s where the personal growth lies

With every push-up you may feel your arms start to shake as you struggle to pick yourself up from the floor We could wonder why are we making our bodies suffer and yet we forget this pain is microscopic tears which allow muscle fibres to increase in size

When we read a book we unshackle our imagination, visit a character’s world and experience their challenges and understand our heartache is a common thread extending from as far as the 1800’s and will always be relatable We’re

quick to forget our progress when scrolling on social media and seeing someone who already has the kind of lifestyle we desire but hardly consider that we ’ re only seeing a mirage someone has carefully curated to reflect their ideal selves to the world

We’re obsessed with aesthetics and living life like celebrities and fear being seen as “cringe” Especially young artists feeling exhausted about the hustle they endure creating their art and feeling upset about the views they receive and the bills that could care less about harmony and cinematography But remember, my friends, today Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks are priceless despite his struggle in selling those beautiful paintings So enjoy the present tense and understand your work and legacy will live after you There’s a beauty in floating in these chaotic seas of modern life, seeing how technology and social media has connected us to form relationships Artist Tyler the Creator also constantly reminds artists and content creators to forget the numbers and publish their art because “ you never know who’s watching”

All City clinics offer youthspecific services to encourage young people to invest in their health and well-being

While services can be accessed at any time, designated hours of 14:00 to 16:00 were introduced some years ago, specifically for adolescents

More recently, seven clinics have established youth zones - offering dedicated waiting and treatment areas These clinics are Lentegeur, Dr Ivan Toms, Delft South, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Langa and Ikhwezi

Youth zone readiness assessments are underway at 11 more clinics, including Adriaanse, St Vincent, Albow Gardens, Elsies

River, Manenberg, Masincedane, Vuyani, Gugulethu, Matthew Goniwe, Wesbank and Sarepta “City Health offers critical services for young people, particularly for sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse treatment and mental health services And, while this group makes up the largest percentage of clients accessing certain services, we can do better Stigma continues to be a stumbling block - hence the efforts to provide safe spaces for our young clients where they can access care without judgment It is a work in progress, but I encourage our young people to please reach out and make full use of the services on offer,” said Mayco member for community services and health,

Francine Higham

The package of services tailored to the needs of young people includes:

· Sexual and reproductive health care

· Access to various contraceptive methods

· TB screening and treatment

· HIV screening and treatment

· Emergency contraceptives

· Provision of Pre exposure prophylaxis and post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)

· Substance abuse programme

· Mental health services

“Our clinics also maintain a schedule for regular school outreach visits, where health promotion and screening services are provided In response to a recent

NPOtacklesyouthunemployment

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMED A CO ZA

With the curtain coming down on Youth Day yesterday (16 June) youth unemployment remains a crisis in the country However, a local youth-based organisation is on a mission to address this by providing young people with skills to prepare them for the work environment.

Initiated in the Western Cape, YearBeyond is a national programme that provides unemployed youth between 18 and 25 years with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while encouraging a culture of community service

YearBeyond is a Youth Service partnership between national government, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Wayde Groep, manager: Knowledge Management, Communications and Training at YearBeyond, said the organisation operates as a social

franchise with over 50 partners, most of them NGOs, who provide the mentorship and support in communities for the youth, leveraging the YearBeyond Programme resources and curriculum

Groep says the biggest challenge young people face is unemployment, limited access to education and networks, as well as the lack of guidance and support

“YearBeyond tackles these challenges by offering youth a year of meaningful work experience, paired with personal and professional development, mentorship, and pathway support for when they graduate from the programme

“Through this, young people gain valuable experience, build critical skills, and access opportunities that set them up for further study, work, or entrepreneurship ”

Groep says participants receive a curated training programme focused on building their professionalism, emotional intelligence and agency

“They also receive pathway support to identify possible career options, compile a winning CV, prepare for

an interview and pitch themselves to recruiters

“This journey is supported by a mentor whom the youth see weekly 70% plus of our alumni each year remain active in the economy as students, workers and entrepreneurs,” says Groep

He explains that young people are trained to deliver a pre-designed programme, to track their work and are supported with observation visits, feedback and access to online learning materials to supplement the face-to-face training

“Youth can also request help with our well-being eco-system, which includes access to trauma support, counselling, social workers, and other wellness professionals ”

Groep adds that the organisation is constantly adapting to the economic or social conditions affecting the youth “Each year the programme adapts to be responsive to the context – for example, we have a focus on entrepreneurship given the economic climate and identity and inclusion issues as many young people grapple with this ”

Youngpeoplespeakout...

On the cusp of Youth Day, celebrated yesterday, People’s Post talked to some of the young people about their thoughts about South Africa

Riyaan Manan says: Being part of the youth of SA is amazing Being surrounded by so many cultures and such a wide variety of awesome people our country truly is such a wonderful place for oiuryour youth

Esethu Zawukana says: Being a youth in South Africa means being the voice of change We are living in a country with so many opportunities, but also many challenges It’s up to us to speak out, stay informed and push for better education, mental health support and job creation Yes, Youth Month reminds me of the sacrifices made in 1976, but now it’s our turn to lead

John Bulani says: For me, being young in South Africa is about

reclaiming power We are not just future leaders, but leaders now Youth Month isn’t just history; it’s a reminder that we can still fight injustice, whether it’s gender-based violence, inequality or corruption It’s a call to action

Dante Perucatti believes being a youth in South Africa means living in a country full of contrasts: As a young person I see the struggles around me, people fighting to make ends meet and some giving up on their dreams because they don’t see a way forward But I believe that even with the hardships there’s always something worth reaching for And then there’s the view, the one I see every day, whether it’s the sunrise on the mountains, the city lights at night or just kids playing in the street That view reminds me to keep moving forward

Rohan Jhilmeet says: As a young

person in South Africa I feel uncertain and frustrated

The job market seems unfair, with qualifications not guaranteeing opportunities, while connections often pave the way for success Safety concerns also weigh heavily on my mind

Simamkele Sono says: Emerging adulthood can be thrilling, characterised by independence, a career, romance and idea exploration Even though it’s exciting and full of possibilities this stage can lead to anxiety, instability and a sense of not quite belonging

Overall emerging adulthood can feel like a mix of emotions and anxiety

It’s a time of great opportunity for personal growth and exploration, but also a period of navigating the complexities of adulthood with a sense of uncertainty and instability The truth is that we are a sad generation smiling online and dying offline

He explains that businesses can get involved as follows:

. Create opportunities for youth to work in their organisations and partner with YearBeyond for a pipeline of talent

. Create opportunities for job shadowing to expose youth to the careers in their industry

. Support youth to prepare for the market by volunteering time to do mock interviews

. Sign up for one of our Opportunity Expos

. Sponsor YearBeyond via the umbrella NGO YeBo Institute

Cadetsreadyto hitthestreets

Hundreds of metro police cadets are putting their best foot forward to tackle crime as they near the end of an 18-month training programme focussed on growing municipal policing resources

Under the “Project 1 000” skills development programme, the cadets have undergone months of gruelling training to equip them with the necessary skills needed to address crime-related concerns

The initiative offers youth the opportunity of an intense 18 month full-time learnership which includes extensive physical training, training on legislation, theory and practical training, among others

The campaign builds on the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) programme, which has already deployed 1 300 new boots on the ground in crime hotspots via a partnership between the City and Western Cape Government

The training commenced in December 2023 and followed an extensive recruitment process

The cadets have now qualified as fully trained metro police and traffic officers after completing a combined total of 35 modules

Dean of the Public Safety College, Deputy Chief Bradley Lakay, says the gruelling physical training completed each day forms an integral part of developing a competent police force fit for the purpose

“Each day the cadets undergo extensive physical training to prepare them for the field They attend the college for eight hours a day and each day they are required to run 2,4km, complete 40 push-ups in under a minute, complete 20-metre sprints known as shuttle runs, complete 40 sit-ups in just one minute and climb a two-metre high wall The training is intensive but is aimed at providing the residents with the best our service has to offer ” The college boasts a main campus in Observatory and six satellite campuses across Cape Town

“This is the biggest intake we have ever seen at the training college and we are excited about the deployment of the cadets later this year This initiative is a new start for the Safety and Security Directorate as this group has received the best training we have to offer The training is comprehensive and we also place a significant focus on ethics training as we aim to build a competent, well-trained and ethical metro police force

“This deployment will see the newly trained cadets being deployed as dedicated ward officers, facility protection officers and a dedicated escort unit I have been on patrol with some of the cadets and I am very impressed with their willingness to learn and their eagerness to serve the residents of Cape Town,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith

Tour pays tribute to community