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

ATHLONE|LANSDOWNE

Allroads lead to carnival

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Excitementismountingfor oneofthe biggest street events on Cape Town’s eventcalendartakingplace on Saturday21March.

Colour,music andmovementwilltakeover theGreen PointFan Walk when over 1000 performersand 10 stunning floats parade through the16thCapeTownCarnival.

With just afew days to go,carnivalorganisers sayits allsystems go to bringspectatorsan unforgettableevent

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chiefexecutive officer, says theday promises to be funfilled andsuitablefor theentirefamily.

“The carnival hassomething foreveryone. It is somethingthatbringspeopletogether. We have dancersfromacrossthe WesternCapetaking part.Wedecided to move theevent to abit later in themonth becausewewould like ourMuslim supporterstojoinusaswell.”

Douwes says that there’ll be pre-entertainment andfoodvendors to keep carnival watchershappy from 15:00to18:00.

Theinaugural 1kmFun Runstartsat16:30 with threeraces –and have some prizes on offer

“The Carnival opensat18:00 when the pre-parade starts,featuring crowdfavourites like theHarleyDavidsons andthe Fire Fightersand LawEnforcement Officers showingoff theirmoves.After themainparadeiscomplete,

there’ll be theafter partytoenjoy untilmidnightfeaturing carnival supporter YoungstaCPT andother greatDJs.”

This year,the eventwillfeature 10 “Champions” drawnfromthe city’s creative community Whilethese championswon’t appear on the floats themselves,their artistry andstories have shaped thelook,energyand spirit of thepod spectators will see.

Amongthe 10 chosen championsisartist andperformer Terry Fortune, whopromisesa

COLOUR,MUSIC AND MOVEMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE GREEN POINT FANWALK

dazzlingdisplay of theatrical magicunder the themeFollowYourHeART Fortunesayshefeelshonouredtoformpart of this year’s carnival.“Iwas thrilledwhen they askedmetobepartofthe carnival.Tobe part of somethinglikethe floats is something different.”

Fortunesaysthe eventaimstoupliftcommunities andoffer amomentofjoy during challengingtimes

“Weare living in uncertaintimes,and the intentionofthe carnival is to create joy, bring back memories andcreatedelight.”

Fortunesaysbeyondthe spectacleand celebration, thecarnivalalsocreates opportunities foremploymentand tourismwhile promoting theimportanceofthe arts.“Thecarnivalcreates jobopportunitiesand opportunitiesfor people to gain experience.The carnival is importantto celebratethe relevanceofCapeTownand how it canboosttourism.Itisimportant that we use everyopportunitytomakethe public awarethat theartsisstill alive.”

Novusmedia,which publishes People’s Post, is aproud printmedia sponsorofthe event.

LocalisLekkeratTableMountainCableway

With theschool holidays on thecards,the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company(TMACC) invitesSouth Africans to take advantageofits popularLocal is Lekkerspecial,currently available untilThursday30April

Thepromotion offersSouth Africans discounted return ticketsatR250per adultand R100 perchild,makingone of thecity’smosticonic outingsfar more accessiblefor families over the Easter break.

Thespecial is availableonlineonly(SA ID required), andtickets must be purchasedahead of thevisit,assame–dayonlinesales arenot permitted.

With theEasterlongweekendand school holidaysfastapproaching, TMACCsaysthe offer is expected to give localtourism awelcome boost whileallowingmoreresidents to enjoyone of theNew7Wonders of Nature withoutstretching theholiday budget

Adding to theseasonalfun,TMACC is again hostingits belovedEasterEgg Hunt,thisyear with adigital twist.

LaunchingonFriday20March,the interactive experience takesplace entirely throughthe official TableMountainAerialCablewayapp, whereparticipantscan followclues andcom-

pletechallenges fora chance to wina chocolate-filledhamperand aCablewayexperience.

Theapp,available on both theAppleApp Storeand Google Play,offersseveral helpful toolstoensurea smoothand enjoyablevisit Guests cancheck theoperational status of the Cableway,viewqueue timesand monitorreal–time summitweather conditions

Theplatformalsoincludesplanning features designed to help visitors avoidpeakperiods and navigate themountain’sfamouslyunpredictable weather.

With affordableticketprices, afun digitalEasteractivity, andsmart planning toolsathand, this holidayseasonofferslocalsthe perfect chance to rediscover TableMountain.

“School holidays provideanopportunityfor families to exploreCapeTowntogether, and making theCablewaymoreaffordableensures that more locals canshare in theexperience,” says TMACCmanagingdirectorWahidaParker.

“Weare pleasedtooffer valuethatencourages people to reconnect with TableMountain.”

TableMountain Aerial Cableway Companyhas extendedits popular LocalisLekkerspecial until Thursday30April. PHOTO:KAYLYNNE BANTOM

Theyouth canleadusout of the darkness

andsolving some of theproblems ourselves.

On theprecipice of theVietnam war, famous folk singer BobDylan once sung:“Well youbetterstart swimming or you’ll sink like a stonecause thetimes they are-achangin”

Thesetimelesswords seem so prescientand ominousinthe uncertaintimes we find ourselvestoday, in thewakeofthe bloodywar in theMiddle-East,inflation, the Ukraineinvasion, Trump’spresidency andArtificial Intelligence (AI) modifyingand “streamlining” theway we work.Sadly,the skills more people aredevelopinglately arerelated to howto“perfect” their AI promptstovisualise aconcept insteadofstrugglingtounderstand photographyorlearn an instrument anduse critical thinking

Idread thelong-term effects on ourbrain processing powerafter decadesofrelying on producing promptsinstead of pondering

It is oftensaidthateachgenerationassumestheyare living in the“endtimes”, whilethe onepreceding it feelsthattoday’s youth are“doomed,spoilt, entitled”and frying theirbrainswithTikTokand Instagram.

Whetherit’sthe baby boomers emerging from WorldWar 2, millennialswitnessing changes in music, movies andcomputers reshapingour dailylives.Today we find Gen-Zcaughtinthe throes of social media, politicalturmoil between theleftand theright and survivinga pandemic that shackled theworld to slow down

However, I find Gen-Z’s social consciousnessand urge to call out injusticewhenitcomes to racism anddiscriminationsoimportant andsoinspiring when it comesto unitinginthe name of love,peace andunderstanding,especially with thefar-right so eagertomockand belittletheir voices andstake in the world.

We arebut onespecies who alldependoneachother forour

survival andyet politicalideologies andreligious extremists continue to divide us andevenleadto wars anddeath wherehospitals andschools filledwithchildren, arereduced to ashesand become “collateraldamage” Sadly, some of us lack thecuriosityand empathytoimagine what itslikegrowing up in adifferent background,culture,way of eating andcelebrating life

It’s such ajoy to travel andmeet someoneand theirfamilyfroma differentbackgroundand sharea homecooked meal around atable andsee howsimilar we arewhenit comestoproviding afulfilling life we canbeproud of Each of us is swimming in adark, mysterious current that candrown us or inspireustoswim.

As ordinary citizens we have to navigate,survive thechallenges that meet us in each revolvingera, Godforbidwe find ourselvesin WorldWar 3.

We oweittoour children andthe next generation whoare hungry to help theworld andlivea life that is unique to them,tosupport them

andguide them on theirmission to make theirmarkinsociety

Ourparents always speakfondly of thegoldenoldiestheylistened to growinguplikethe BeeGee’s, BobMarleyand WhitneyHouston andsimpler times, so tooare the next wave of youtheager to see howtoday’s artistswillprovide the soundtracktotheir lives. There’sa reason whythe 80s soundeddifferenttothe 90s, anew dawn haddescended with new exciting ideas. Thus Iremainoptimisticthat theyouth canleadusout of the darkness that breedsdivision, hatred,warfare anddeliver us to amomentintimewhere we can speaktoeachother around atable insteadofshoutingand justifying ouropinions. Amidst thesocialupheavalofthe 60sanother inspiringtunebyThe Beatlesechoedonthe airwaves andstill soothestothisday with thesimplemessage whichsaid, “all youneed is love”. This simple mantracan heal theworld forthose whowishtolistenand thosewho choosetocare.

Venture addressesunemployment

AVRILFILLIES

Thehighunemploymentrate amongyouth is beingaddressedin ajoint venturebetween JamesVos, Maycomemberfor economic growth, andFoundever,a call centre in the V&AWaterfront.

Avisit andmeetingwas held yesterday(16 March) at thesitetodiscuss theway forwardfor this partnership. Forthree years, youngprofessionals have been benefiting from thelearnership programmesofFoundever and with the support of theCity’sDepartment of Economic Growth.Youth will gain valuable work experience, developprofessional skills andbuild sustainablecareers.

SUCCESSISMEASURED IN CREATING OPPORTUNITIESFOR NEXTGENERATION

“Wealready createdhundredsof newjobsand thecompany’s commitment to hiring locally andinvesting in skills developmentishelping to addressSouth Africa’s high unemployment rate,” says Benedita Miranda, ChiefOperationsofficerofthe company. “For ourcompany success is measured notjustinbusinessmetrics,but in theopportunitiescreated forthe next generation.The company partners with localeducational institutions andcommunity organi-

sationstoensurethatits recruitment andtrainingefforts reachthose who need them most.One of ourpartners is Isilumko whoworkwithdifferently abledindividuals that we employ andupskill within thebusinessin Mowbray.

“Lookingahead Foundever’sambitionsfor SouthAfricaare bold and inspiring. Of course,a vision this big needsall thehelpitcan get. In partnershipwithCapeBusinessProcess Outsourcing(BPO) we arepleased

aboutthe visitofVos to thesiteinthe Waterfront

“His visitpresentsand enablesa valuable opportunitytostrengthen ourtiesand relationswithprovincial government andtoexplore robust partnerships that will support the delivery of thecompany’s growth plans. We look forwardtoengaging with Vosand histeamtofurther our shared commitmenttoeconomic developmentand sustainablegrowth in theregion.”

Thecompany will open twoadditional sitesthisyearand grow its SouthAfrican workforceto3 000 employees,creatingthousands of new jobs butalsofurther position SA as a

Missiontorestoredignityforgirlsandwomen

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Grassy Park resident ChantelleGoliath’s journeytoend period povertyinher communityis deeply personal androoted in herown experiencesgrowing up in poverty.

As afounder of NewHeritageFoundation (NHF)Goliath helpstoprovide sanitary pads andworkshops foryoung girlsindisadvantaged communities wholackaccess to these products andknowledge of howtocopewithmenstruation NHFisanaward-winning,women-led non-profitorganisation(NPO) basedinCape Town,dedicated to ending period poverty. They focusonperiodimpactinitiatives,aimingto ensure no younggirlorwoman is left behind duetomenstruation.

Goliathspoke with People’s Post andhighlightedher mission to restoringdignity in the livesofyoung andolder womeninher community.She’s amothertothree daughters.

As ayoung girl,she oftenlackedaccess to sanitary pads

“Myfamilystruggled with poverty, andsanitary pads were notsomething we couldalways afford. Ioften hadtouse toilet paper, newspaper, or wear pads much longer than what was healthybecause we simply didnot have access to basicmenstrual products,” sherecalled. Thesehardships forced hertoleave school at theage of 16 to support herfamily.

“Evenwhile working, therewerestill times when Icould notaffordpropersanitaryprotection.Those experiencesshapedhow Iunderstood menstruation —not as somethingnatural andempowering, butassomething filledwith stress, shame, andlimitation,”she said It wasonlymuchlater in hertwenties, after getting married,thatshe experiencedwhat it felt like to menstruate “withsecurityand dignity.”

“Atthe ageof32I completedmymatric, and at theage of 34 Iwas diagnosedwithcervical cancer,which further deepenedmyunderstandingofhow critical reproductive health awareness andsupport is forwomen,” shesaid.

Goliathsaiditpains herknowing howmany youngwomen stillstrugglewithhavingaccess to sanitary pads whilst statingthatanestimated sevenmillion girlsand womeninSouth Africa menstruate withoutaccess to proper sanitary products

“Thismeans many younggirls miss school, feel ashamed, or areforcedtomanagetheir periodsinunsafeand undignified ways.Whena girl cannot manage herperiodsafely, it directly affects hereducation,her confidence, andher futureopportunities. Somethingasnatural as menstruation should neverprevent agirlfrom attendingschoolordreamingabout herfuture,” shesaid.

Thus throughthe work of NHFshe is impactingchangebyproviding sanitary pads to girlsinunderserved communities andoffer comprehensivesexualand reproductive health educationinschools.

Theprogrammesare meantfor both girlsand boys because“educationand understanding must existonbothsides,” shesays.

“Wefocus on dialogue rather than traditional classroom teaching

“Wecreatesafespaceswhere youngpeople canask questions, sharetheir fears, andtalk openly aboutbodychanges,menstruation, and reproductive health

“Boysare included in theseconversations so that they grow into menwho understand,respect, andsupport thewomen andgirls in their lives,”she says

Throughthese programmesshe says she noticedthatitreduces absenteeism,helps prevent teenagepregnancy,and empowers young people to make informed decisionsabouttheir bodies

In May, during InternationalMenstrual Health Month, NHFwillbelaunching a campaign to partnerwithcorporationsand community leaderstosupport 21 schoolsin underservedcommunities

“Our goal is to ensure that theseschoolshave access to sanitary pads foranentireyearsothat girlscan attend school withoutinterruption. Ending period povertycannotbethe responsi-

ing to provide moreyoungwomen with sanitary pads. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

bility of oneorganisationalone

“Itrequirescollaboration from communities, businesses, andleaders whoare willing to recognise thedignity andpotential of everygirl,” shesaid.

To date,NHF have educated andprovided sanitary pads forover10thousandgirls in and around Cape Town primaryand high schools, includingwomen in communities,since 2018 Thegroup is stilllooking forvolunteersto assist theircampaigns . Formoreinformation contact Chantelle Goliath at newheritagesa@gmail.com.

leadingpipelinefor global customer experience talent

“The site in theWaterfrontisthe firstand only call centre in theWaterfrontand thecompany believes that when people feel valued andsupported,theyare empoweredtodeliver theirbestwork, aprinciple that has guided thecompany from thevery beginning,” Mirandasaid.

“Bycombining innovation,a people-firstapproach,and sustainable growth we aresetting an newstandard forthe BPOindustryinSA.”

. Formoreinformation youcan contact NatashaBekker on 084 7179195 or emailNatasha.Bekker@foundever. com.

Cyclingfora goodcause

KEANANHARMSE

Ateamoflearnersand teachers from FairmountSecondary School celebrated amajor achievementafter everyrider in theirgroup completedinthisyear’sCapeTownCycle Tour

The24-member team cycled fora good cause, representing theAri Cancer Foundation,for the48thedition of theiconiccycling eventon Sunday 8March

Wearingtheir charitycycling kit, thegroup included 14 female and10maleridersdetermined to crossthe finish line

Theschool also thanked10-year-old Lotus Riverbookworm Cassidy Hendrickswho helped organise adonationdrive forthe cyclists Formanyofthe learners theracemarkedtheir firstexperienceofthe internationally renowned event. Severalridersopted forthe shorter42 km routewhile others took on thefulland more demanding109 km challenge.

Despitehavingonlytwo months to prepare theteamrosetothe occasion andsuccessfully completedtheir respective races.

Theirparticipation highlightednot only their determinationbut also thestrongsense of teamwork within theschool’s cyclingclub. Fairmountteacher Mark Abrahams,who is involved with theschool’s cyclinginitiative, said theteamwas proudofwhatthe groupachieved. “All ourlearnersand teachers finished the race,” he said Abrahams expresseda specialthanksfor their community support.“We areextremely proud of theentiregroup fortheir dedication and commitment,”headded.

Theschool also thankedall thesponsorswho supported theinitiativeand contributedtothe team’s participationinthe event, includingthe provisionofcycling kitahead of race day. Forthe Fairmountcyclistscompletingthe race together wasnot only asportingmilestone butalsoa moment of pridefor theirschool community

Young minds learn aboutwaste

Cge andreducingthe environmentalimpact of wastedisposal,”she says Read more on page 6

Bayhillsupports Cansarelayforlife

TheBayhill PremierCup 2026,a premieryouth football tournament over theEasterweekend, announceda formal pledge towardstothe Cancer AssociationofSouth Africa (Cansa)and their flagship initiative CansaRelay forlife.

“The BayhillPremier Cuphas long stood for more than just excellenceonthe pitch, it stands forthe developmentand well-beingofour communities.Canceraffects thousandsofSouth Africanfamiliesevery year,cutting across all demographics.Cansa hasbeen at theforefront of this battlesince 1931,providing vitalresearch,publiceducation andsupport services,” says Rayaan Alie,tournamentdirector.

TheCansa Relayfor life is taking placeonFriday27and Saturday 28 MarchatVygieskraal Stadiumfrom18:00 to 06:00. Theprogramme is aunique, overnightcommunity eventthat honourscancersurvivors andremembers those lost,symbolising thereality that “cancernever sleeps”

“The BayhillPremier Cupischeeringonthose whoare in thebattle fighting cancer.Our tournament is builtonthe spirit of teamwork and resilience –valuesthatare mirroredevery day by thoseundergoingtreatment andthe families supportingthem. To kickstartthisinitiative, theBayhill PremierCup 2026 hereby pledges R5 000 toward Cansa’scareand support programmes. However, we believethatthe collectivepower of theWestern Cape business community cantakethiscontributionmuch further,” Alie says.“We areofficially calling on allbusinesses, clubs, corporatepartners, and entrepreneursacrossCapeTownand theWesternCapetojoinus. We challengeyou to equal or betterour pledge of R5 000,”hesays. Everyrandraisedhelps Cansaprovide: . Essentialscreenings andearly detection programmes.

. Medicalequipment hire andwigsfor patients . Home-based care andemotional support for affectedfamilies.

. Businesses interested in joining the pledgeor partnering in this causeare encouraged to contact the Bayhillmediaoffice directlybysending an emailtomedia@premiercup-bayhill.co.zafor donation details

TheCape’sfuturein‘good hands’

CCape Town MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis officially launched the newR434million Coastal Park Material Recovery Facility(MRF)inMuizenberg on Tuesday10March, together with Grant Twigg, mayco member forurban wastemanagement. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Courtconstruction gets underway

CUTOR OPPORTUNITY

WESTERNCAPE

WESTERNCAPE

�edistributorship will coverthe automotive &agriculturalsectors pplications forexclusive lubricantdistributorships:

&Safetystandards

ed andbased in SouthAfrica ts distributor– no dual/multi brands th an active footprintinthe automotive sector.Fueldistributionbusinesses

ingofthe market andsupportingactivities geting selected segments gand logisticscapability conducted d(no adversejudgements) ndividuals areencouragedtoapply

Business owners must be SouthAfrican citizen

Applicationshouldprovide theinformation below:

Business Profile

SalesStaffing Plan –Demonstrate howwill youresourcethe business to optimize salesgrowth Market Knowledge– Demonstrateunderstanding of thelocal market that youare applying for Finances -Demonstrate current financial capabilitytorun adistributorship 5-year business case,which includes annual volume and5-yeargrowthplan

Submit your applicationonorbefore31March 2026 to:lubestender@bp.com Formoreinformation contact SiyasangaMbolekwa– 072377 6877

Activistcallsfordignity,equality

NAMHLAMONAKALI

NAMHLA.MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

AsSouth Africa marksHuman Rights Monthunder thetheme “Billof Rights at 30:MakingHuman Dignity Real”

Refugees rebuilding theirlives in Cape Town saydignity andequalityremaincentral to their journeys

HumanRightsMonth is observed every March, culminatinginHuman Rights Dayon 21 March. Thecommemoration is rooted in the Sharpeville Massacre, when apartheidpolice opened fire on peaceful protestors,killing 69 people andexposingthe brutalityofthe pass lawsystem.

More than sixdecades later, theobservance encourages reflection on thecountry’s progress sincethe adoption of theConstitutionof theRepublicofSouth Africa,which enshrines equality,dignity andfreedom throughthe Bill of Rights

This year’s themehighlights30years sincethe Constitution came into effectand calls on South Africans to reflectonhow therightsitguarantees arerealisedineverydaylife.

Organisationsworking with displacedcommunities saythe themeisparticularlyrelevant forrefugees andasylumseekersrebuildingtheir livesinthe country.

At theScalabriniCentreofCapeTown, programmessupport refugees andmigrants throughlegal assistance,employmentsupport andintegration initiativesaimed at helping newcomersnavigatelifeinSouth Africa

“Rebuildinglifeafter displacement often involves overcoming significant structural bar-

FACE CHALLENGESSUCHASDOCUMENTATION,SECURING EMPLOYMENT AND FINDING STABLEHOUSING

riers,”saysJames Chapman, Head of Advocacy andLegal Advisoratthe centre

Many refugees arrive in Cape Town after fleeingconflict, persecutionoreconomichardship in theirhomecountries

Once in SouthAfrica, they face challenges such as accessing documentation, securing employment and findingstablehousing

Accessing asylum documentationisthe biggest challenge, Chapmansays.

People whodonot have asylum transitvisas issued at aportofentry arebarredfromapplyingfor asylum unless they canestablish good causefor notobtaining thevisa.

“The provisions barring access to asylum make it virtually impossiblefor people with genuinerefugee claims to access andapplyfor asylum in SouthAfrica,”headds

Substantialdelaysinprocessing asylum and refugee documents, as well as delays in theasylumappealprocess, further complicate matters

Thesedocumentation challenges have aripple effectonaccessing services forrefugees and theirfamilies.

Whilethe Cape Town refugee receptionOffice wassubstantially upgraded andofficially reopened in 2023,policyand legislativebarriers mean asylum seekersremainundocumentedfor extended periods, leavingthemvulnerableto exploitation,discriminationand,insomecases, arrest,detention or deportation.

Chapmansayshuman dignityfor refugees

involves “livingina spacewithfreedom of movement,agencyand opportunitytointegrate andliveinpeace andharmony with thehost population forthe growth anddevelopment of therefugee, theirfamilyand thecommunity around them

“Human dignityincludesbeing able to study or work andput food on thetable foryourself andyourchildren.”

Chapmanalsohighlightscommonmisconceptions aboutrefugees.Manyinthe public do notrealise refugees areinSouth Africa notby choice butbecause they were forced to flee violence, persecutionorwar-torncircumstances

Refugees positively contribute to societyand oftenholdroles that arefundamental to thefabricofthe community.

“Wewould encouragethe public to take cognisance of thecircumstances that caused refugees to flee, andtoliveand work with refugee communities to thebenefitofall living in thecommunity,” he says

As SouthAfricareflects on threedecades of constitutional democracy, advocatessay the focusremains on ensuring dignityand equality arenot only constitutional principles butlived realities.

HumanRightsmonth provides an opportunity forcommunities to reflectonthe country’spast whileworking towardsa futureinwhich the protectionscontained in theBillofRightsare experiencedbyall.

HUMANRIGHTSARE NOTPRIVILEGES

Iwas bornduring one of the darkest periods in SouthAfrica’s history. Forpeopleofmygeneration, Human RightsDay is not just apublic holiday. It is areminder of fear,struggle and courage.

This dayisobservedon21March to remember those killedduring the Sharpeville Massacrein1960. Masses protestedpeacefully againstthe pass laws,which reduced human beingstodocuments and permissions Police opened fire, and many liveswerelost. Although I wasbornlater,the stories of Sharpeville were always present in our communities.Theyreminded us thatapartheid wasnot onlyapolitical systembut asocialorder builtto control movement, opportunityand dignity. Istillremember amoment from my childhood. Iwas about 11 and had abig afro thatcouldeasilymakemelook like agirl. During atenseperiod in our homeinNew Brighton, my mother dressedmelikeagirl, placed a doek over my head,and told me to lieinbed as if Iweresick.

At the time,I did not understand.TodayIknowitwas her wayofprotecting me,quietlyresisting asystemthat sought to strip us of safety and dignity.

Colonialism and apartheid took land, freedom and opportunity, buttheycould nevertakeour humanity, resilienceorbeliefinjustice.

Human rights arenot privileges, theyare the foundation of what it means to be human.

Everyperson deservesdignitysimplybecausetheyare human, and that shouldnever be up fordebate. When South Africabecameademocracyin1994, it represented hope and amoral commitment to equality and dignity.

To the next generation, Ihope,willrealise the freedoms theyenjoycameata greatcost.

Protect them. Upholdthem. Defend the humanityof everySouth African, everyday Freedom washardwon. Protecting dignityisnow the responsibilityofevery generation.

-ANDILE MONAKALI -EMAIL

Readersexpresstheir viewsonhuman rights

As SouthAfricareflects on thelegacy of theSharpeville Massacreon21 March1966 andthe sacrificesmade by thosewho fought forfreedom andjustice,the conversation around humanrightsremains as important todayasitwas decadesago

Theeventsofthatday serveasa powerful reminder of thecostofinequality andthe ongoingresponsibilitytoprotect andpromote therights of everypersoninthe country. While significant progress hasbeen made sincethe dawn of democracy, many communities stillfacechallenges that affecttheir basicrightsand quality of life.Withthisinmind, People’s Post askedreaders whichhuman righttheybelieve deserves themost attentioninSouth Africa today, and whytheyfeel it is an issuethatneeds urgent focus.

Alaric Jacob says:“Theright to food:there aresomanyinour countrywho arehungryand don’t have food.The unemployment levels aresohighand if we canhaveless restrictions forpeopletoactually do work forthemselves. So,let us help more people to getworksothatwe canfeed more people andmakethat difference.”

AlishiaDaniels believes theright to freedomand security needsurgent attention. “Itneedsattentionbecause criminalsare beinglet free even though they areguiltyoftrespassing andcompromisingthe safety of other individuals.”

Kgomotso Mhlakazi says:“It’s very difficult to just chooseone becausemostofthese humanrights need immediateattention. However,I’d go with protection services

becausethe levelofviolenceinthis countryiscrazy.GBV is aserious crisis in this country. We arenot safe in ourown houses,childrenare not safe at schools, thereare gangseverywhere,drugs everywhere.It’sjust violence andthe lawand ourjustice system aretoo lenientonthe perpetrators. We hear of scholartransport accidentsdue to reckless drivingand children dyingbecause there’snoone to enforceroadrules andthere are no harshconsequences, people do as they wish,pay abribe andmoveon. We hear of shootoutsevery day, rape casesand domestic abuse. Thereare killingsofwhistle-blowers,there are politicalkillings. Idon’t feel safe as a SouthAfrican andI stress aboutmy children’s safety everyday.Prisoners live agoodlifebecause they getfree meals, shelter, electricity, education andhealthcare.

MbuyiseloSibambane says womenand children’s rights must be prioritised. “Itissad to hear thereisa one-year-old childraped by heruncle or awoman killedbyher partner, and youask yourself wherethiscountry is going. Thegovernmentmustmake sure that it protects them andthatthe perpetrators stay behind bars.”

Nandipha Gxowa says women andchildren’srightsneed to be given attention.

Shesaysshe wantsthe government to impose astringent sentence on people whoare abusingwomen andchildren. “I don’tthink people whoare raping children andkilling womendeserve bail.Theyneed to rot in jail.Every dayweare complaining aboutthe same thing.”

Gary Adams says:“Thetwo most

pressing issues,inmyhumbleview, facing SouthAfrica, is housingfor our people andsafer communities (police areunderfundedand understaffed). Ourgovernmenthas failed our citizens on both theseconstitutional humanrights.”

MpumiSomlota says:“Housing andcrime.The people arestill living in informal settlements aftersomany years. Thehighcrime rate is butone of themanysideeffects of theinformalsettlements.Withwinteraround thecorner, my heartbleedsfor our people.”

SamkeloNonkumbi says:“The crimeisatanall-time high andpolice visibility needstobemore. Our people aredying andthe poor are sufferingthe most.”

Shiela Ndileka says:“Ireally want thefaultydrainstoget more attention in ourarea. It’s notonlydangerous forroadusers butalsoour children Thepotholesare very badand it damages thecars.”

LindseyJantjies says:“My favourite humanright is theright to privacy becauseitprotectsmypersonal freedom anddignity.Privacy allows people to keep theirpersonalinformation,thoughts, andconversations safe from others unless they choose to sharethem. It also givesindividuals thefreedom to make decisions withoutbeing constantly watchedor judged.For thesereasons,I believe theright to privacyisone of themost importanthuman rights,especially in my line of work,everyoneisall of asuddentracing agents.I hadto lock my Facebook accountand usea separate number becausemineisall over Cape Town.”

Legendary Ibrahim at Jazz Festival

The renowned SouthAfrican jazz maestroAbdullahIbrahim is set to gracethe stageonceagain at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)takingplace from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)

Knownfor hisprofoundinfluenceonthe jazz scenebothlocally andglobally,Ibrahim’s performancesare nothingshort of transformative Hisuniqueblend of traditionalAfrican sounds with jazz harmonieshas made himan iconic figure,cherished by generationsoffans. Ibrahim’sperformance will notjustbea concertbut aheartfelt celebrationofresilience, culture, andthe enduring powerofmusic

Widely celebrated as oneofthe world’sgreatestpianistsand composers, Ibrahim’scareer spansmorethansix decadesand is rooted in therichculturaltapestryofDistrictSix,where he wasbornand firstdeveloped hisdistinctive sound.

Hisworkblendstraditional Africanmusical idioms,gospelinfluences,Capejazztraditions, andthe improvisationallanguageofglobaljazz.

As apioneering figure in SouthAfrican music, Ibrahimformedthe Dollar BrandTrioin1958 and, in 1959,co-foundedThe Jazz Epistles alongsideHughMasekela, KippieMoeketsi, JonasGwangwa,Johnny Gertze andMakaya Ntshoko.

Theirrecording became the firstjazzalbum by SouthAfrican musicians.

HISWORK BLENDS AFRICANIDIOMS,GOSPEL INFLUENCESAND CAPE JAZZ

That same year,hebegan alifelongpartnership with vocalist SathimaBea Benjamin Hiscompositions, includingthe iconic “Manenberg(Is WhereIt’sHappening)”,became cultural touchstonesand contributedtothe soundtrack of theanti-apartheidmovement.

Following the1960 Sharpeville massacreand intensifying apartheidrepression,Ibrahim went into exile.

In Zürich,Sathima introduced himtoDuke Ellington, leadingtorecordingsand major European appearances.

AfterMandela’s release, he returned home in 1990 andlater performedatthe presidential inauguration in 1994,marking ahistoric homecoming

Having spentmanyyears living,recording, andtouring internationally,Ibrahim’s artistry hasbeenshapedbycollaborationswithglobal legendsand exposure to diversemusical traditions.

Hisperformancesare knownfor theirquiet intensity, spiritualdepth,and emotionalclarity, offeringaudiences aprofoundand often meditative musicalexperience.

Ticketsfor thefestivalare availableonTicketmaster with BuyNow PayLater optionson Loot