People’s Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 21 April 2026

ATHLONE|LANSDOWNE

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

SPESBONAHIGHINATHLONE

Activis warn swind

LearnersatSpesBonaHighinAthlone attended an intervention programme aboutthe consequences of gangsterismand drug abusebya representative from theJudicialInspectoratefor CorrectionalServices(JICS), theAthlone police,DrugConcernsCapeand River Church Cape Town on Thursday 16 April in theschoolhall.

“The purposeofthe campaign wastowarn learners aboutthe consequences of gangsterism anddrugaddiction, whileencouraging them to remain focusedontheir educationand strive to become law-abidingcitizens. With theincrease in gang violence across theCapeFlats andthe growingrecruitment of youth, thecampaign also aimedtomakelearnersaware that gangs actively target youngpeopletoexploit them for illegalactivities,”sharedDanianWicombfrom JICS

As part of theprogramme,representatives from participatingorganisations were joined by rehabilitatedformergangmembers whoshared theirpersonalexperiences.Their testimonies served as apowerful warningagainst idolising gang life andhighlighted theharsh realitiesand long-termconsequencesassociated with it SadrickSeptember,a retiredprisonwarden, spokeabout drug abuseand prison awareness

at schoolsand youthgroups.

“I wasinCorrectionalServicesfor almost 40 yearsand retiredinFebruarylastyearbut decidedtocontinuewiththisawareness campaign aboutdrugs andprisonawareness, acampaign

Istarted in 2020 at Cape Town Community Corrections Office in Cape Town with two DCS(Department of Correctional Services) officers,LeonieOdendaal andPastorRicardo Owies. Sincelastyear, Iamdoing this awareness campaign with ayoung manfromDelft, Shewaan Jumat, acontent creatoronTikTok, an ex-gangsterwho is motivating youngsters to notbecomegangsters.Wetraveltoschoolsand youthcentres in theWestern Cape,engaging theyouth in chessgames to give them apositive mindset,”saidSeptember

In thepastlearnersvisited prisonstosee what happenedinsideprisons.Hefeltthatapproach wasuseless anddecided to bringthe prison to schoolsand youthgroups. “Withbringingthe prison to theschools they cansee what they will experience if they areonthe othersideofthe lawbydoing wrongthings, like drugsorgangsterismand endupinprison,”hesaid.

TOPAGE3

Nominated againforWTA

Table Mountain hasonceagain been nominatedasAfrica’sLeading TouristAttraction at theprestigious WorldTravelAwards, andvotershave untilFriday17Julytocasttheir votes andhelpthe iconic landmark secure anothertitle.

Oftendescribed as thetravelindustry’s versionofthe Oscars,the WorldTravelAwards recogniseexcellenceacrossthe global travel, tourismand hospitalitysectors andhavedone so forthe past 33 years.

TheiconicCapeTownlandmarkhas already claimedthe title five timesin2014, 2019,2020, 2021 and2022and is nowhopingtoadd another wintoits record this year

Wahida Parker,ManagingDirectorofTable Mountain Aerial Cableway,saidthisnomination is aproud moment forCapeTownand SouthAfrica.

“Table Mountain is more than alandmark. It is asymbolofour naturalheritageand aworldclassattractionthatcontinues to inspirevisitors from across theglobe.Every vote is an opportunity to show theworld what this destination meanstous.”

.To vote visit www.worldtravelawards.com/ vote.Selectthe Africaregion and choose Table Mountain as Africa’sLeading Tourist Attraction.

Lifeguardstakingawell-deservedbreather

TheCityofCapeTownhas endedits seasonal lifeguarddeployment, reportinga drop in drowning fatalities during the2025-’26summerseason.

TheCityhas confirmed that seasonal lifeguard contractsended on Tuesday7 April, with beach andpool safety operations nowshiftinginto winter readinessand maintenance.

Community swimming poolshaveclosedfor thewinterseason. However, indoor facilities at Retreat, Blue Downs, Long Street,Strand, and theSea Pointswimming pool remain open yearroundfor public use.

TheCitysaidthe past summerrecordedthe lowest number of fataldrownings in seven years.

Therewerenofatal or non-fataldrownings at municipalswimming poolsduringthe season

Alongdesignatedbathing areasalong the coast, therewerenofatal drownings, while38 non-fatalincidents were recorded

TheCitysaidthese outcomes were significantly reduceddue to swiftinterventions by lifeguards,bystanders, andrescuepartners.

However, nine fataldrownings were recorded alongCapeTown’scoastline

Allweremale, with twoteenagersamong the victimsand theremainder youths andadults over theage of 18

“CapeTownexperienced yetanother bumper

There’ssomething quietly confrontingabout realising we’renearly five months into theyear.

Time hasa wayofslippingpast whilewe’re busy managing theeveryday challenges like stayingupto date with emails,jugglingresponsibilities,and thoseunexpected setbacks

Andsomewhere in between, thosegoals we setwithclarity and intentionatthe startofthe year begintofadeintothe background

I’ve neverbeen afan of New Year’s resolutions. They oftenfeel toorigid,too performative.But

summer, with hundreds of thousandsofvisitors to ourbeaches andswimming pools,”saidMayco member forcommunity services andhealth, Francine Higham

“Wewould like to extend oursincerest gratitude to thelifeguardswho worked tirelesslyto keep everyone safe,inspite of thechallenges that come with watersafety,”she said

TheCitysaidfocus nowshiftstomaintenance andupgradesoffacilitiesahead of thenext

goals? That’s different. Goalsare personal.They’re deliberate.They come from aplace of wantingmore growth,morediscipline, more meaning.

Andassomeone whothrives on structure, I’ve always found comfortinlists.There’s aunique satisfaction in writingsomething down,working toward it,and eventually tickingitoff.It’sa small butpowerful acknowledgment of progress.

Buthere’sthe uncomfortable question:are we actually making time forthose goals?

It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’llget to them “whenthings calm down”. Afterthisbusyweek Afterthisstressful project. After life feelsa bitmoremanageable. Theproblem is that life rarely slowsdownonits own. Therewill

summerseason. It is midway througha fiveyear programme to improve37publicswimming pools, with further upgrades planned.

AproposedR20 million investment forthe 2026-’27 financialyearhas also been tabled to ensure facilities remain safe,accessible, and readyfor peak season.The City’s recreation and parksdepartmenturged thepublictoremain vigilant at beaches, obey warningsignage,and understand waterrisks when swimming

always be anotherdemand, another distraction, anotherreasonto postpone what matters to us Dailychallenges arepersistent. They don’tpolitelystepaside to make room forour ambitions. If anything,theyexpandto fill everyavailable gap. So,ifwedon’t intentionally carveout time forour goals, they simply don’thappen. Andthat’swhere many of us,me included,get stucknot because we lack motivation,but because we underestimatehow easily our priorities getreshuffled

We startthe year focused, but withoutconsistentaction, even themostmeaningful goalslose momentum

This isn’tabout guilt. It’s about awareness. If anything,thispoint in theyear is an opportunity. Amomentto

pausenot to criticiseourselves, buttoreassess. What stillmatters? What have we neglected? And more importantly, what arewe willing to do differentlymoving forward?

Becausethe truthis, tickingoff a goal doesn’tcomefromwaiting for theperfect moment.Itcomes from choosing, repeatedly,toshowup foritevenwhenit’sinconvenient. Even when theday feelstoo full. Thelists we make aren’t just collections of tasks. They’rereflectionsofwhatwevalue.And if somethingistruly importanttous, it deserves more than leftover time So maybethe question isn’t whetherwe’ve been toobusy. Maybeit’swhether we’vebeen intentionalenough. There’sstill time.Eight months to be exact. But only if we decide to useit.

FROMPAGE1

WO Zita Norman,spokespersonfor Athlone police,explained to thelearnersthe ramification of getting involved in crimeand ending up in thesystemfromarriving at thepolicestation, courtand goingtothe differentfacilities.

“I explainedifyou land at Pollsmoor Prison, thereare differentsections, juveniles, maximumetc.I also explainedthe importance of notjoining gangs, doinggangtimeand the implications of becoming agangmember. That is whyI decidedonbehalfofAthlone police to coordinate asocialcrime preventionoperation programme within theschools in theAthlone

Precinct.Wepartnered with theDepartment of Correctional Services,Pollsmoor andother organisationsand Spes Bona High wasour first stop on this journeywithschools,”Norman said.“Septemberwasn’tmincing wordswhen he explainedwhatlifeinprisonislike, as well as howprisoners changedtheir liveswhenthey were converted.

An ex-learner,who droppedout to become a gang member,sharedher story. Norman highlightedthe behaviouralpatterns teachers should look outfor to preventchildren from involvementinwrong-doing before they land in prison

Therepresentatives of the differentorganisations who attendedthe interventionprogramme at Spes Bona High arehere with WO Zita Norman,spokesperson forAthlonePolice, and the principal, NazleyMarthinus.

Dancemovementofferskids freedancelessons

AVRILFILLIES

Children in Bridgetown areinvited to free dance classesatthe Bridgetown CommunityCentrein an efforttoupliftand empoweryoung people in thecommunity.021 Movement DanceCrew, an non-profitorganisation(NPO) basedinCape Town,ishosting theclasses.

Dedicatedtoyouth developmentthrough dance, fitnessand creative expression theNPO provides asafeand structured environment whereyoung people canbuild confidence, discipline, teamwork andself-expression

“The Saturday classesrespond to thegrowing need forsafe, positive activities foryouth in Bridgetown,offeringaninspiring alternative to negative influences.The NPOhas already made astrongimpactthrough community programmes, performances andcompetitions, recently placingsecondoverall at the021 Battle DanceCompetition.Theyhavealsoqualified to representSouth Africa at theGlobalDance Supremecompetition held from Wednesday15 untilFriday17JulyinBangkok,Thailand.

“The programmeisabout giving children a safe spacetoexpress themselves,build confidenceand stay focusedonsomething positive,” says JasmineZiervogel,spokespersonofthe NPO.

Caylem Philander, director of 021Movement, says they want everychild to feel seen,support-

ed andpartofsomething meaningful andgiving children asafespace to expressthemselves.

“Dance keepsour youthactive, disciplined andmotivated.Itcreates asense of belonging andgives them somethingtolook forwardto everyweek,” says Damian Cornelius, chairof theNPO Aguardianofseveral children in theprogramme,who wantstostayanonymous,says sheisgrateful that theseworkshops areavailable in thecommunity.The programme gives thekidssomething positive to focusonand keepsthemina safe space, away from trouble, shesays.

Thefreeclassesare open to allchildrenand aredivided by agegroups:

. 10:00to11:00 beginners forages five to eight . 11:00 to 12:00intermediatefor ages nine to twelve 12:00to13:00 advanced forages13and older.

Theclasses take placeevery Saturday at the Bridgetown CommunityCentreand thereis no admission fee, making theprogramme accessibletoall. TheNPO is workingtowards providinguniformsfor learners andwelcomes community supportand sponsorships

. Formoreinformation contact Jasmine Ziervogelon079 165 0960 or emailjasmineziervogel9@ gmail.com.

DetectivevanNoiedoesitagain

DetectiveSgt Darylvan Noie,one of the outstanding detectivesatManenbergPoliceStation, presented anothermurder case before theWynbergRegional Court A24-year-oldAbubaker Hendricks wassentenced to 25 years formurder, plus possession of an illegal firearm andammunition on Wednesday15 April. During gang conflict in April 2024 the then 22-year-oldHendricks, amember of the Clever Kid gang, fired severalshots at an 18-year-oldmale, a member of an opposing HardLiving gang inPlate Street in Manenberg, killing him instantly. VanNoie worked tirelesslytoensurejustice

prevailedand the community's senseofpeace is restored.

BrigJayce Naidoo, StationCommander, has commended his staff fortheir dedication andloyal serviceinmaking surethat the communityfeel the change in Manenberg.

“WeatManenbergpolicewillcontinue to strive beyond the call of duty in serving the communityat itsvarious levels of development

“Anyone with informationthat couldleadto the positivechange of the face of Manenbergcan contactManenbergpoliceon021 6999400 or Crime Stop on 0860010111," Naidoo says

Careersexpo exposes learners

AVRILFILLIES

Heideveld PrimarySchool is hosting aSuccess Builders Career Launch on Thursday 29 April to introduce learners to career awarenessatanearly stage.

Thelaunchisaninitiativeofthe Success Builders Career Club of theWestern Cape Education Department

“The launch is primarilyfor ourlearnersand will featureguest speakers andprofessionals from keysectors,including fire andlifesafety anddisastermanagement. At this launch the focusismorecareer inspirationand exposure rather than afullexhibitionsetup,” says Abigail Medell, spokesperson forthe school

Medell adds that thepurpose of thelaunchis to inspireand guidelearnersbyexposingthem to variouscareer paths, helpingthemunderstandthe worldofwork, andencouraging them to startthinkingoftheir futuregoals

“The launch marksthe beginning of theprogramme.Weare hopeful that it will grow into larger exposand engagementsinthe future, potentially involvingmoreschoolsand exhibi-

ACAREER

EXPOMAKES IT POSSIBLE FORTHE YOUNG MIND TO SEE,FEEL,TOUCH AND TASTESUCCESS

tors,” shesays.

In thepasttwo yearscareer exposwereheld at PhoenixHighSchool in Manenbergfor high school learners from surrounding areas.

Capt IanBennett, spokesperson forManenberg police,saysthisisa brilliantinitiativefrom theWCED.

“Career exhibitionsare importantaspartof developing theminds of youngpeople. It gives thelearner afairideaofmakingtheir dreams a reality. Allsuccessesare builtand startedbya dream.

“A career exhibition makesitpossiblefor the youngmindtosee, feel,touch andeventaste success. This drives inspirationtobepartofa greatnationensuringa workforceand studying what thecountry needs,”hesays.

Policeurgeresidentstobreak silenceagainstgangsters

AVRILFILLIES

Thebrutalkilling of four meninthree different shootings andretaliation incidentsbetween rivalgangs during theweekendof11April was thereasonwhy ColHarry Brickles,commander of thecrime prevention unit,took to thestreets of ManenbergonWednesday 15 April.

“I took my Vispol supportteam, includingsectormanagers, with to addressthe issues of the gang conflictand thespike in murdersoverthat weekend. We held an open airstreet imbizo on thecornerofSabie Road andThamesAvenue, just behind theManenberg Library,”hesays. Othermembers whojoinedwerecommunity members, NHWs,Education andJuniorYouth CommissionersofManenberg

“The youngpeopleaddressedthe effects gang violence have on theirmentalhealthand their lack of abilitytoachieve in schoolsbecause of theviolenceand theirdirectsafetyimpactedby

theconflictbetween gangs, oftenmakingthem targets. They spokeonbehalfofthe youthof Manenberg,”Bricklessays. He calledonthe community to standtogether in the fightagainst crime.

“Gangs area minority buthavethe greatest influence; this needstochange. Thegangs cannot hold thecommunity hostageand thecommunity refuses to speakout againstthe violence and killingsinbroad daylight

“Wehaveseen so many youngpeopledying, community marcheswhenchildrenare killed, then nothing. Thesilence needstobebroken. Thesolutiontostopgangs andviolenceinManenbergliesinthe handsofevery community member.Every houseand home hasa mother, we need to seeour mothersstand together to preventthe murder of theirchildren. The community needstostopblaming andpointing fingers,”hesays.

ColHarryBrickles,

and spikeinmurders theweekend of

Seniors of the Neighbourhood OldAge Home (Noah) in Athlone enjoyedsome Easter cheer thankstopersonnel from the Athlone Police Station YouthDesk, who visitedthem at thehome recently. From left:WO Zita Norman, spokespersonfor Athlone police,Katrina Oosthuizen, Sonja Ruiters, Charmaine Roman,Ann Colby, MaryTruter,MaryTitus, KerendaGrass and JamieLakay PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Police’sYouthDeskprovide Eastercheerforseniors

AVRILFILLIES

Police personnelfromthe YouthDeskatthe AthlonePoliceStation visitedthe Neighbourhood OldAge Home (Noah) in Athlonerecently to spread Easter love andcheer to seniorswho hadnowhere to go that weekend.

Theseniors were showered with giftsand Easterhampers, filling agap left by notbeing with family.“We believeEastereggs arenot only for children butfor everyone,” said JamieLakay, aspokespersonfor theAthlone Police Youth Desk group. “I wasapproached by thechildren of WO Zita Norman,spokespersonfor Athlone police,thattheywishedtomakea difference in ourseniors’lives by giftingthemwitha hamper, agesture Isaw as arealopportunitytospread love.”

Workingwithoutreachprogrammesat

schoolsorincommunities areprojectsshe enjoys with othermembers of theYouth Desk

“Weare notall fortunateenoughtohaveour grandparents living with us or stillaroundand thoselivinginold agehomes welcomeany affection,a visitorjustspendingtime.

“I sawthe appreciation in theireyeswhenwe arrivedwiththe hamper,consistingofEaster eggs andtoiletries, whichtheyweren’t expecting. “WONormanwas quitetaken with ourinvitation to hertoshare in thejoy of thesurprise at theseniors’home, andwas surprisedherself by thegesture of herchildren, also finding outtheyhad used theirpocketmoney to pull resourcestogethertomakeupthe hamper,” said Lakay.

Acommunity stalwart dies

AVRILFILLIES

The community of Manenberg, especially in Druiwevlei Road,badefarewell to oneofits stalwarts, Gwendoline Jacobs,affectionatelyknown as “Aunty Gwen”, on Friday 10 April.She haddiedsomedaysbefore, Wednesday 1April.

Farmorethana community leader,Jacobs wasknown forher kindness, love anddevotion, believinginevery childshe encountered, a Coke anda cigarette nevertoo farawaywhen expressing herspecial brandofcaring.

“I remember herasa womanwho wasthe unwavering voiceoffaith andtransformation,” said Capt IanBennett, spokesperson for Manenbergpolice. “Whenyou walked into the Druiwevlei CommunityCentreitwas more than stepping into abuilding. Formanyitwas a placewhere childhood dreams firsttook shape, andI stoodonthe stagein1970for my very first concert.

“She devotedherelifetothe centre anddared to dreambygivinghopetothe youth, partneringwithanyonewilling to join herinher efforts to uplift thecommunity.She opened doors, not just to thecentre, buttoopportunity, healing andgrowth.

Jacobs wasthe facility’s managerand organised many of itsprogrammesthrough theyears, with everypassing generation

Others describedher as amothertothe motherless, amentortothe lost anda friend to the forgotten.

“She organisedmother-and-baby workshops that nurtured herearliestbonds of life,seniors’ programmesthathonouredwisdomand digni-

‘AUNTYGWEN’ SOWEDSEEDSOF TRANSFORMATION THAT BORE

SIGNIFICANT FRUIT.

ty,radio workshopsthatgaveyouth avoice and aplatform, this onewinning severalyouth-journalism awards,” Bennett said.“Sheadvocated forbetterresources andfairtreatment forall. Herleadershipradiatedthrough everyhug, everywordofencouragement andshe chose compassion over convenience.”

Forthe community of ManenbergJacobs’ legacy is notconfinedtothe walls of Druiwevlei Centre,but also thelives shetouched over the years. Shesowed seedsoftransformationthat took root in theheartsofchildren, parentsand seniorsand grew into trees of strength,bearing fruitinthe form of resilience,unity andpride

Taare, aCape Town–based Indian danceperformance troupe will bring their dance production TheBollywood Times to the Suidoosterfees on Saturday2May.

BollywoodTimesat ArtscapeTheatre

TYouthShakespeareatBaxter

The2026Shakespeare SchoolsFestivalSouth Africa (SSFSA)isbackfor its16thseason, once againbringinga bold,youth-driventake on Shakespearetothe Baxter Theatrefrom Wednesday6 to Saturday 23 May.

What makesthisfestivalstand outisits fresh approach to Shakespeare, wherelearners, many of them performing on aprofessional stage forthe firsttime, take on full-length playsand rework them into sharp, high-energy30to 45-minuteproductions

This year’s Cape Town legwillfeature 42 schools, each bringing theirown interpretation, styleand voicetothe stage.

join avibrant community of schoolsincluding De La BatSchool,Pioneer School,and Vista Nova,all contributing to afestivalthatcelebrates awiderange of talents, perspectives and experiences. Patronscan expect bold choices, unexpected twists andplentyofcreativerisk-taking.Whether it’s amodernspinon Romeoand Juliet or avisually striking take on Macbeth, these productionsprove that Shakespeareisanything butoutdated.

Beyond thestage,the festival also supports schoolsthrough Master Classesand workshops, andbyproviding resourcesand guidance from

NGOofferslifelinefor teen moms

THULANIMAGAZI

Astaggering 5269 teenagepregnancies were recorded at healthcare facilities ownedbythe WesternCape Department of Health andWellness across theCapemetropole between April last year andFebruarythisyear.

This is significantly higher than the1 230cases recorded at theCityofCapeTownfacilities last year.These figuresrevealworryingtrend as theprovinceand thecountry continue to battle thescourge of teenagepregnancy

Howeverone organisation,Intyatyambo YesizweTeenMom Organisation,isworking tirelesslytohelpthe youngmothers in various communities to builda brighter futurefor themselves andtheir children whiletryingto reverseanadolescenttrend that is on therise.

City’s Maycomemberfor community services andhealthFrancineHighamsaidthe City’s figuresshowa 1,2% increase from theprevious year

“Thisincreaseinteenage pregnanciesforms part of atrend that hasbeen observed over the past fewyears,” explainedHighamrecently. “These pregnanciescan be at higher risk for medicalcomplications andhavea significant socioeconomicimpactfor both themothers and theirfamilies.”

Establishedin2019, IntyatyamboYesizwe workswithteenage mothers, aged 13 to 22 by equipping them with essentiallifeskills,confidencebuildingand support so they canthrive independentlyand raisehappy andhealthy childre.

Amongother services,the organisation offers stress management andemotional support, career guidance,life-skills training as well as telephoneand in-personcounselling to the youngmothers IntyatyamboYesizwe worksand conducts sessions in variouscommunities,including Khayelitsha, Philippi,Delft,Mfuleniand Mitchells Plainand recently startedworking in Gqeberha

NtombesizweBasso,founder of theorganisation, said many younggirls continuedto suffer at home andinsociety whenever they fell pregnant.She said they areoften ridiculedby theirown parentsand relatives, whichbreaks them emotionallyand mentally.Mostofthese youngmothers often find themselves between a rock anda hard placeastheytry to rebuildtheir lives, Basso said

5269 TEENAGE PREGNANCIESINMETRO LAST YEAR

In an interviewwith People’s Post Basso said shecouldn’tjustfoldher arms andwatch as many youngpeoplefellpregnant, in some instanceswithnosupport or meanstoraise their newborns

As avolunteer counselloratFamiliesSouth Africa (Famsa)and aSocialSciencesGraduate with Majors in Psychology andCommunication, Basso witnessedyoung motherssitting with theirchildrenonstreetcorners andpavements in herimmediatecommunities of Mandalay, Khwezi andBongweni. Shedecided to take action whilevisitinga clinic in Mitchells Plain as aFamsa volunteer

During thevisit Basso sawteen moms who had“lost hope”and requestedtotalktothem, sheexplained

Whileshe hada session with thegroup sherealised most of them were tooembarrassedand shytospeak.“Iexplained my purposetothem, andasI gotdeeper into theirstories Irealised some of them hadnofamilysupport.”

Basso learnedthistrend prevailedonvisitingvarious clinicsaroundCapeTown, which inducedher to find an organisation geared towardsarrestingthe trend, butalsotogivethe necessary supportwhereveritwas needed.She establishedvarious clubsindifferentcommunities.The clubsoffer teen mothersanopportunity to speakopenlyabout theirchallenges anda chance to rebuildtheir lives.

Withoutany financialsupport Basso uses her ownmoney to fundthe programme.She also relies heavilyonvarious community facilities

“Weuse resourcesaroundustoequip these youngmoms. Iidentified thelibrary as asafe spacefor them.Ithas resourcesand there they have access to books. So we liaisedwith thelibraries.Theyalsohaveinternetfacilities andother useful resources. We invitedpeople, includingcouncillors,tomotivatethese young women.

“Weteach them to be independentand not be ashamedoftheir background.Wealsofocus on mental health andinvited clinicians to work with them.The vision is to help ensure theirlife chancesand spiritsdonot differ from thoseof theircontemporaries. We envision afuturefor

them andwantthemtocontinuedreaming.”

Shepointed outthatvarious factors, including poverty, arefactors in most of thepregnancy cases. Theyoungestchild Basso worked with was12years old.

“These arerapecases andoften we letthe lawtakeiscourse.”She encouraged parents to be open with theirchildren. “Weasparents must be friendswithour children.Wemustbe parentswho talk freely with them.Wemust educatethemabout sexand therisks associated with it.”

ChumaMakhala (20),a youngmom from Mfuleni, joined IntyatyamboYesizwe when she was five-monthspregnantand gave birthon Thursday 26 March. Shepraised theorganisation forthe crucialroleitplayed. Sheinitially wanted to abortthe foetus.However,numeroussessionswiththe organisation changedher mind

“I realised therewereother girlswithmore seriousproblemsthanmine.”

Makhalasaidthe organisation boostedher confidencefor shehad people to turn to.“Iwas emotionally drained, my relationship with my mother wasnon-existent. Iwantedtoabort, butthe organisation encouraged me to keep the child. Iwas also prepared to leavemybabyat thehospital.”

Thanks to thesupport shereceivedfromIntyatyamboYesizwe todayshe is ahappy mother building astrongbondwithher newbornchild

Milisa Masiso (23),another youngmother andanalumnaofthe organisation,praised Teen Moms forchangingher life.She is one

Centretransformsyounglivesdaily

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Driven by amission to make the community saferand provideyoung people with an alternativetodrugs andgangsterism theFirst Community Resource Centre (FCRC) was birthedovertwo decadesago FounderpastorCravenEngel believes theHanover Park faithbased non-profitorganisation(NPO) is even more needed todaythanitwas then EngelsaidFCRCwas startedin 2002 with theintention of poverty alleviationand to providecounselling targeted at residents, youth influenced by gangsterismand drugs as well as abused andneglected children

He said thecentrerunsa rangeof community programmesaimed at supportingvulnerableresidents

CONNECTINNGCHILDREN

Amongthese is an Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC)programme forchildrenaged0 to 17 years, whichconnectsyoung people with safe houses andfosterparents when needed

He said asocialworkprogramme also provides counselling andsupport services to families andindividuals in distress.

Engelexplained that olderresidents aresupported througha senior programme,which operates threetimes aweekand offersactivitiesand social support

“Food security formsa keypartof thecentre’sworkthrough itssustain-

able livelihood programme, which provides around 1000 people with a warm meal each day.

“Unemployedresidents canaccess assistance throughthe jobdesk, wheretheycan create CVs, usecomputers andtakepartina job-readiness programme runinpartnership with Beulah Africa.”

RECOVERYSERVICES

AccordingtoEngel,the centre also offersa substanceabuse support programme,linking participants to recovery services includingCampJoy,a halfwayhouse forpeopleundergoing rehabilitation

He said violence prevention is addressedthrough theCeaseFire Cure Violence programme, whichfocuses on reducing violence in thecommunity by workingwithindividuals considered to be at high risk

“Young people arefurther supported throughaninterventionprogramme that offersart,culture,dance anddrama activities forparticipants aged five to 36.The programme worksclosely with Artscape Theatre, whereparticipantsstage annual productions. Allchildreninvolvedin theseproductions arefromHanover Park.”

AccordingtoEngel,mostofthe programmesare offered free of charge, however, some programmesrequire afee.

He explainedthattheyhaveclients from as farasthe Easternand NorthernCape.

“Our programmesdonot have borderlines.There arenolimitsonwho canaccess theprogrammes. Butwe target theHanover Park community andsurrounding areas.

“There is abig need in ourcommunity regardingthe social ills plaguing thecommunity.Wehavea data-drivenand scientifically proven programme so we canmeasure the impact in real time.Wehavequalitative data.”

DATADRIVENSUPPORT

Engelsaidabout 350000 people pass throughthe centre annually

“Wemeasure ourqualitative data by lookingathow many people are processedintojob opportunities, reunited with theirfamilies, their communities

“Wemeasure that data in real time andthatgives us credibility. Thedata proves that theworkwedoisadding value.”

Engelsaidwhenthe organisation wasfounded,itwas designed and structured to remain relevant even 20 yearsintothe future.

“Wegrewwiththe timesand today we areone of themostrelevant entities

“The organisation ranthe flattening thecurve programme during Covid19 on behalf of theprovincialdepartment of social development.”

He explainedthatthe organisation’s approach is rooted in apublichealth modelthataimstotacklecomplex social challenges in ameasurableand

whooften motivatesthe youngmothers.She said shefaced many challenges,including lack of support from thosefromwhomshe needed it most

Things begantochangeafter Masiso joined theorganisation. “Besides thesense of belongingfrombeing part of thegroup andother nice packsthatcomes with it themainfocus is to promoistobeabletopromote personal growth andindependenceaswellasempower forthe youngmothers to be able to providefor themselves as well as theirlittleonesthrough employment of furtheringtheir studiesorstartingtheir ownbusinesses.”

MoniqueJohnstone,spokespersonfor the WesternCapeDepartmentofHealthand Wellness, said they welcomeany form of intervention to root outteenagepregnancy

“Weappreciate thevital role played by community organisations, families,and educators in raisingawareness andempoweringteenagers to make informed decisionsabout theirsexual andreproductivehealth. Thedepartment continuestostrengthenpreventionand support efforts throughaccessiblesexualhealth, contraception, andfamilyplanning services,including dedicatedYouth Zonesatour clinics. These spaces provideconfidential, youth-friendly care,offeringsexualhealth, mental health,and broaderwellnesssupport to ensure teenagers arenot left behind andare supported to thrive,” shesaid.

. Formoreinformation,or to help,contact Bassoon063 0074609 or emailher at ntombile. basso@gmail.com.

structured way.

“Mostofour programmesare based on epidemiology –how to stop the epidemic of violence,substance, poverty, unemployment.Wehavethe public health approach towardsall ourprojects. So,wecan measureand make an actual impact.”

He calledonorganisations andreligiousinstitutionstoprovide funding andsupport fortheir work,whether by sponsoring achild or assisting someonebattlingsubstance abuse.

He said they do receivesupport from partners andcivic organisations, butstressedthatadditional funding is always needed

Albert Matthews, whoservesonthe management team at thefacility, said he sought help from thecentreasa youngboy addicted to drugs.

“I went therefor help becauseI had

adrugproblem

“Through theprogramme my parents, whowereaddicted to drugs andalcohol,alsogot thehelpthey needed.”

Matthewsexplained that aftercompletingthe rehabilitation programme, he stayed on at theorganisationand beganvolunteering.

“WhenI arrivedthere as ayoung person Iwas treatedwithrespect They neverspoke to my conditionbut to my potential. Ijustneeded somebody to recognisemypotential.The centre wasthatplatformfor me.” Today, Matthewsisa staff member, usinghis experience to support andinspire others on theirrecovery journey.

. Formoreinformation or to support the organisation emailcontact@fcrc. org.za

that passes through hands.