People's Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 24 February 2026

Tuesday, 24 February2026

Tel:021 910 6500 |Email: peoplespost@novusmedia.co.za |Website: www.Peoplespost.co.za

MONTHOFLOVEANDVALENTINE’SDAY

Seniors celeb

Atotalof200 senior femalesfrom old-agehomes andclubs in Athlone attended aValentinescelebration on Saturday 14 February in thehall of NedDoman High School andwere advisedtosendtheir grandchildrento attend theyouth programmesatthe Athlone Police Station.

Theevent wasorganised by theyouth desk of theAthlone Police Stationincollaboration with thePakistanAssociationofSouthernAfrica (Pasa) MalikSaeed AnwarKhokhar,president of the Pasa Cape Town Unit,attended theevent In herspeechtothe elders YolandaYabo, City

of Cape Town District YouthPreventionCrime chair, appealed to thegrannies to send their grandkidstoempower them to make informed decisionsthatwillimpacttheir future.

“The youthprogramme is abouteducating otheryouth to be role models,assistingthe police in anti-bullyingcampaigns,tonot do drugs, computer literacy andaccountability hikes.

Debate sessionsare also held enlightening the police what theyouth needsand lacksand we sharethe positive impact on policing strategies.I am appealingtoall thegrandmothersto encouragetheir grandchildrentojointhe youth desk as theprogramme will empowerthemto make informed decisionsdue to thefactthat they areequippedwiththe righttoolsfor a betterfuture,”Yaboexplained to thegrandmothers.

WO Zita Norman,spokespersonfor Athlone police,praised localbusinessesfor theirwillingness to invest in localcommunity

@peoplespostnewspaper@ThePeoplesPostPeople’s Post

“Asweare celebratingthe MonthofLove andValentine’s Day, we were surprisedbythe willingness of variousprominent businesses andpublic figureswho were on boardtooffer theirservicestomakethe dayspecial forour seniors,”saysNorman.

Khokhar, whosesupport played avital role in ensuring theprogramme wassuccessful,saidhe wasgladtospreadthe love amongstthe guests by chatting to them at theirtablesand sharing theafternoon with them

“Withthe help of theother sponsors this

ry ep ,” On behalf of Pasa he reaffirmed theorganisation’scommitmenttocommunity service andhumanitarianefforts,pledgingtocontinue playinganactiveand meaningful role in social welfareactivitiesinthe future.

“Webelieve in supportingour community and arehappy to help wherever we can. We usually help Norman when shehas an eventand is carryingonthe legacy of my late father Mukhtar Karbary, whowas a firm supporter of thecommunity andthe work done by thepolice,”says Junaid Karbary, whodonated thetables, chairs anddecorationonthe tables

Artist readytoinspire

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Followyourheart.That’s thetheme of the16thCape Town Carnival andit’s exactlywhatmakeupartist Jemma Fourie poursintoher craft.

Fourie hasbeen chosen as oneof the“champions” forCapeTown’s biggest event, taking placeonSaturday21March at theGreen Point FanWalk.

Fourie will join othercreatives whichinclude singer Anslin Gysman,local actorNatasha van derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Carnival organisers saypeople canlook forwardtoa celebrationof diversityasover1 000performers and10colourful handcrafted floats areset to dazzle spectators

Fourie said thetheme resonates deeply with herlovefor creativity andself-expression

“I sharemylovefor allthings self-expression,beautyand life, especially in regard to makeup artistry.Mycreativityand love for thearts, whetheronpaper or on faces, is what drives me.Thisfrom ayoung agetranslatedinto finding that same community online and sharingeachstepofmyjourney there.”

Fourie,who is also asocialmedia contentcreator,saidshe feels honoured to take part in this year’s event.

“Itfeelsinspiring.Italwaysdoes. Everytimeyou walk into aroom that is connected to Cape Town Carnival,you arewalking into a room fullofpassionatecreatives

“Everyoneloves what they create,and thecollaboration only strengthensthat. It is thedream

setupfor anycreativefromany field, whereyou cannotonlyrun wild,but uplift oneanother.”

Shesaidworking with the“FollowYourHeart”theme hasshaped herapproachtousing makeup to complete andenhance each look

“I designed amakeuplook for oneofthe lead performers,taking alookatthe costumingand float creation to make somethingcohesive.I believemakeup, especially in itsextravagant,genderbending,

charactercreatingformallows dancersand performers to step into theircharacter (oreventhemselves)and embody thepassion they feel.”

Fourie said shewants people to leavethe eventfeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto feel seen andinspired. Ithink the carnival is so rich in festivitiesand theartsthatitreminds theviewer of what they arecapable of notonly in theirown capacity,but when we

collaborate with oneanother as well.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post,isa proudprint mediapartner of theevent

THISYEAR’S THEME FORGREEN POINT IS:FOLLOW YOUR HEART

SANParkssuspendsindemnityatTMNP

TheSouth AfricanNationalParks (SANParks) announcedonFriday 13 February that it hassuspended theindemnity andverification form requirementatTable Mountain National Park (TMNP) with immediateeffect.

This announcement came just days afterSANParksstatedthatit

will be implementing theindemnity andverification form requirement process.

“The measurewas introduced to strengthen verification andgovernanceprocesses.

“However,SANParksacknowledgesthatits implementation led to operationaldelaysand visitor frustration. “Wehavelistenedto theconcernsraisedbyvisitorsand tourismpartnersand have acted decisively,” theentityexplained in itsstatement

“Overthe next twelve months, SANParks will implementa fully digitisedidentification document (ID) andpassportverification system at park gates, including high-speed scanning technology to ensure accurate compliance while delivering aseamlessvisitor experience,” thestatement read During this transition,gate operations will continue without theindemnity form requirement, SANParks concluded.

Adecadeago,which seeminglyfeels like alifetimeago, Ican recall an indescribable senseofwonderand curiosity Ihad as achild Thesimplesensation of allowing my paintbrush to slideand slowly danceacrossa blankcanvas, was so therapeuticand always remains apowerfultool to expressmyself andthe weight of theworld forme. At theage of four,surroundedby action figures, crayonsand blank sheetsofpaper,I discovered that soon as Icould sketch ahouse,a garden anda fewstick figures, I knew Ihad founda passion that felt rewardingand soothing Despitethe breathless rush of earlymornings, trafficjamsand tightschedules at school wherewe would flocktoour classroomslike obedient farm animals, shifting from economicsclass to biology, Ifound drawingtobeanendless

escape from thechaos that parades outsidethose homesaswellasthe stress that haunts ourconscience. WhetherI wasdoodlingonmy exam pad, reimaginingfamous Dragonball Zcharactersand occasionally catching thewrath of some of my teachers whowould ripapart adrawing Iwas obsessing over and chuckitinthe bin, IknewI hada gift,a refugefroma pollutedworld that no-one couldtouch or defile Howeversad Imay have felt at seeing my artworkbeing rippedto shreds in frontofmyclassmates as an angsty adolescent,I quickly understood thebeautyofart still eludes some whomay be navigating thecurrentsofwealthand work andthe stress of theirown tumultuous personal lives. Often, creativesare misunderstood,labeled as “uncompromising” or “unfiltered”withattimes littlecaretounderstanding the depthofthe waywethink and feel andhow it enriches ourart At timesI wouldstruggletofocus on subjects such as accounting or mathematicswhich Ifound uninterestingand woulddaydreamand

doodle,creatinga colourful world before my eyes that gave my young life ameaning,a purposeonmy ownterms.Often theyoung aren’t allowedmanyliberties to pursue their“hobbies”ascareersand thus fall back into safercareer choices, hencetheyhushtheir inner-child in ordertogrowupand to find a jobthatcan sustaina living anda roof over theirheads.The fears, responsibilities andburdens our parentscarry to providefor us as theirchildrenisunderstandable, butsometimes theirfears forus canslowlyswallowus, leavinglittle confidenceinour dreams they can’tenvisionaswedo.

Therefore, themereact of pursuingour goalsisa silent andat timesloudprotest againstthe cold reality, innerdoubtsand critics in ourfamiliesand friends. And yetI foundthata resilientspirit, adedicationand passion to your craftcan open doorsovertimeyou mayhavethought wouldn’t open foryou

In this ever-shiftingworld where Artificial Intelligence(AI)isspeedingupour livesdespite beingsold

us as tool to lightenour loads, it’s becoming evidentit’sa shortcut to boosting profitby floodingthe market with content. Whether it’s photographs, musicor film,I find AI generatedart toopolished, radio-readyand commercial. It’s nauseating with littlecarefor tasteordeeper curiosity. Ilovethe word saccharine, an expression forwhensomething is excessively sweet or when someoneis“too-polite”, as ametaphorfor exploring this golden ageoftechnology wherewecan “prompt” ourideas andsatisfy ourego’s with aclick of abutton. Eating toomanysweet treats cannotonlydecay your teeth andcause headaches, butcan lead to diabetes anddeath

In this case,it’scrucial we protect that childlikewonderwhenone coloursbeyondthe borders, when “those mistakes”becomea signature of beinghuman before we ignore ourindividuality,our brand, in thepursuit of profitand before we know it,becomingpartofthe AI-slopinthe fear of missing out on thelatestgoldrushofthe 21st century.

Rugbylegends transform lives

Localofficer concerned aboutPTSD

AVRILFILLIES

The trauma of themurders whichoccurredthe past monthinAthlone is abig concernfor WO Zita Norman, spokesperson forAthlone police,not only forthe police officers butalsothe impact these killingshaveonthe families wholostloved ones

“Inthe latest incident on Tuesday 17 February twofemales were fatally woundedand anine-year-old baby wasshotatSunbird CourtinBridgetown andlater died on arrivalatthe medicalfacility. My heartgoesout to thefamiliesaffected. Some of us are fathers, mothersand grandparents andwecan relate to thedevastation thefamiliesendurewhentheylosea lovedone

“Aspoliceofficers we also have to do ourwork, whetherinforming afamily of thefamilymemberwho passed on or visiting acrime scene, we trytodo it with sympathy andempathy to try andlessenthe trauma goinghand-inhand with thevisit,” shesays.

Thetwo victims, whohad been shot multiple times, were takentohospital. No arrestshavebeen made yet. Earlierinthe month, twoother murderstook place.

On Thursday 4Februaryat22:10

SYMPATHY AND EMPATHY TO TRY AND LESSEN THE TRAUMA

police officers arrivedatthe corner of Voël andBelgravia road in Belgravia andfound twovictims whohad been shot

Themalehad been shot several timesand thefemaleinher leg. She wastaken to anearbymedical facility by ambulance, butthe male wasdeclared deceased on thescene.Eleven cartridges were foundonthe scene.

Theinvestigation continues.

In asecondincident, on thesame dayat06:10,policeofficers attended to acomplaint at St Athens Road in Athlonewhere an unknownfemale pointedout thevictimwho hadbeen shot severaltimes

Thevictimwas takentohospital.

Sixcartridgeswerefound on the scene. Thevictimwas laterdeclared deceased at thehospital. Themotive is gang relatedand acaseofmurder hasbeenopenedatAthlone Police Station.

Anyone with informationcan contactAthlone Police Stationon021 697 9238/39.

Promotedofficersurgedtoshine

AVRILFILLIES

Promotionisone of theproudest momentsfor anyanyoneand the ManenbergPoliceStation shared in themomentwhenoftheir officers were promoted

“Promotion is just notanacknowledgement of hard,dedicated commitment forthe individual,itisalsothe proudest moment fortheir families It is themomenta mother,wifeand even theirchildrensee theirfamily

member receivingtheir next rank,all becauseofsilentprayers andsupport

It is also theacknowledgement of sacrificesand long hoursofworking away from theirfamilies,”saysCapt IanBennett, spokesperson forManenbergpolice.

Forthe recipients it is more than wordscan describe andfamiliesalso reap thebenefitastheycan also progress in life,Bennett says Brig JayceNaidoo, StationCom-

mander,encouragedthe recipients to standtalland nottoforgetwhere they come from “Alwaysbeproud andcarry your rank with renewedcommitmentand dedication

“Takeupyourpositionwithnew zest andservice delivery.Continueto make thepolicestation andthe community of Manenbergproud,” Naidoo said when he congratulatedthemat thepolicestation

A Prompt Muslimburialsatrisk?

Young artists from Lalela’s Hout Bayprogramme drew strong interest at the Cape Town Art Fair on Friday 20 February, where their work explored themes of generosity, identityand personal storytelling. The non-profit organisation (NPO) showcased acurated selection of learner artworksatBooth I3 during the three-dayevent,givingvisitors aglimpse intothe creative journeys of young people from under-resourced communities. Among those featured were JoyceNyamana, Nyasha Dzamara, DealmaxNyatsapfuand Leticia Zidana, whose pieces formed part of Lalela’s “Selfless Stories” curriculum. Thecurriculum encourages learners to reflect on giving andreceiving both towardsthemselvesand others and howthese experiences shape their senseofbelongingand worldview.Manyfairgoers paused to read the personal stories accompanying the artworks, engaging with themessagesbehind each piece.

Violin students turnto teachers

KEANAN HARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Two former learners turned music teachers from Masi Violin Outreach aremakinghistory as they begininternationally recognised Suzuki Teacher Training this year,marking asignificant milestonefor theMasiphumelele-based community musicprogramme.

Ayabonga Tshemese andOnkeMbopha, whoeachstarted learning violin throughthe outreach programme over adecadeago,left forJohannesburgonFriday20Februaryto undertakeSuzukiLevel 1teacher training,an internationally respectedqualification focusing on musicpedagogy, childdevelopment,and the renowned Suzuki philosophy Masi Violin is aCapeTown-basednon-profit organisation (NPO)thatprovidesfree, twice-weekly groupviolinlessons to children (agessix+) in theMasiphumeleletownship.

FROMLEARNERSTOEDUCATORS

Both teachershavededicated yearsaslearners, performers,and assistantteachersbefore reaching this pivotalmomentintheir careers. Theirjourney exemplifies theorganisation’s commitmenttocreatingsustainable pathways from studenttoteacher within thecommunity Thecomprehensive training programme spansfourintensive in-personmodules throughout theyear, includingtraveltoJohannesburg– markingbothteachers’ firstopportunity to participateinlarge-scale national training outsideCapeTown.

Mbopha (24) said he is excitedtostart his training “Tostudy underthe Suzuki method and beingabletolearn howtopassitontothe next generation is just surreal.I am grateful for

STRUCTURED TEACHING METHODS,TONE DEVELOPMENT,AND ENSEMBLELEADERSHIP

theopportunity. Noteveryonefroma similar background as us ever really gets thesekindof opportunitiessofor us to getitfor free, without stressing aboutthe financialsideofit, I’mforever grateful,” he said, Tshemese (26) said he is excitedtolearn new techniques andimpartthese lessons to his learners

“Thiswillenablethemtoengagewitheducators from across SouthAfricaand learnfrom experiencedSuzukiteacher trainers.Thisisthe firstmoduleand there’ll be four throughout the year andtheywillbeinternationally accredited,” said Masi Violin founderNadiahMony. This is also the firsttimethatbothviolinists will be boarding aplane

STRENGTHENINGCOMMUNITYIMPACT

Thetrainingextends farbeyondindividual development, with skills gained throughstructuredteachingmethods,tonedevelopment,and ensemble leadership beingintegrateddirectly into Masi Violin Outreach’s weekly lessons.This investment strengthensteachingquality and ensureslong-term programme sustainability whilecreatingmeaningful employment opportunities within theMasiphumelele community

PHILOSOPHYOFMUSICALDEVELOPMENT

Nicolette Solomon-vanWyk,a SouthAfrican Violinistand Suzuki Teachernow living in Texas,sponsored Tshemese andMbopha’straining valued at R40000.

Theprogramme drawsinspiration from Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy that earlymusic educationdevelopsnot only musicalability,but also discipline,sensitivity,and confidencein younglearners.

COMMUNITYSUPPORTNEEDED

Masi Violin Outreach hasexpressedgratitude to generous sponsors making this opportunity possible, whilealsoappealing forcommunity support toward travel andaccommodation costsfor theJohannesburgtrainingsessions. Thosewishing to supportTshemeseand Mbopha’s journeycan find more informationat www.masiviolinoutreach.co.za or emailmasiviolinoutreach@gmail.com

PROGRAMMEEXPANSION

Theorganisationwillalsowelcome 35 new violin learners this year andactivelyseeksinstrument donationsfromcommunity members with unused violins. “Instrumentdonations play avital role in making access to musiceducation possible,”Monynoted . Formoreinformation,contact Nadiah Monyat masiviolinoutreach@gmail.com.

CrabeatersealvisitsCape

An unusualvisitor from Antarctica hasbeen spottedalong theCape’scoastline this week Afemalecrabeater seal,a speciesseldomseen in SouthAfrican waters,was initially sighted at BadenPowellDrive andlater in theStrand area

Following areportedsightingofa crabeater seal alongthe coastline, Helderberg Ocean Awarenessand theCityofCapeTownofficials were prompted to respond. This remarkable animal hastravelledanestimated 4500 km from herAntarctic home,journeyingevenfurther than thesouthernelephantseals that have visitedour shores in recent years.

“Weare so luckytohavethese amazing animalsvisit ourshoreline.Weappeal to all membersofthe public to please leavethem alone, respecttheir space, andviewthemfrom adistance. They don’tneed help,food,orwater –the best we candofor them is give them peaceand space,”saysGregg Oelofse, Coastal andEnvironmental Managerfor theCity.

Subsequently,a coordinatedmarinewildlife response team comprising MartineViljoen (MarineWildlifeTeamManager,Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation), Yinhla Shihlomule (Top predator coordinator),and ZafarMonier (MarionIslandsealer) respondedto flippertag andvaccinate theseal.

With Crabeaterseals,there is always heightened concernwhentheyare observedingesting sand.Asa speciesnot naturally adaptedto SouthAfrican coastalconditions, such behaviourmay reflectstressordisorientation. Tragically,sandingestion canleadtoserious gastrointestinal complicationsand hasbeen recognised as acause of mortalityinindividualvagrant seal species. Thereisnoimmediateconcern forthisindividualseal, however expertswillcontinuetomonitor herfor any change in behaviourorcondition

ARAREOPPORTUNITYFORLEARNING

Vagrantseals appearingalong theCape coastlineunderscorethe importance of public awarenessand establishedsafetyprotocols for thebenefitofbothwildlifeand people

This sighting serves as apowerful reminder:

Crabeaterseals arenot just distantAntarctic curiosities. On rare occasions, they appear along ourshores, offeringa unique opportunityto observeand learnabout aspecies very different from ourfamiliarCapefur seals.

CONSERVATIONINACTION

As aprecautionary measure, theteamadministereda rabies vaccination to theseal. This formspartofa broadersealvaccination study currently beingimplemented forCapefur seals andother vagrantsealspecies

Giventhatcrabeater sealstravelvastdistances andinteractwithnumerousmarinespecies in theSouthernOcean,vaccination is aproactive step to reduce potentialdisease transmission risks.

Theteamalso flippertaggedthe seal foridentification purposes.“Flippertagging provides a unique visual identification,allowing individual sealstoberecognisedovertime. This helps confirm whetherrepeatedsightings involve thesamesealratherthandifferentanimals, particularly when asealhauls outatmultiple locationsalong thecoastline,” said Viljoen, Marine Wildlife Team Manageratthe TwoOceans Aquarium As this rare Antarctictravellerrests alongour coastline, themessage is clear: Admiration from adistanceisthe greatest kindness we canoffer By respecting herspace,weensurethatthis extraordinaryvisitor’s journeyremains astory of wonder,not harm

SAFETYFIRST:GUIDELINESFORVIEWINGWILDLIFE Membersofthe public areurged to followthese importantsafetyrules when encountering marine wildlife:

. Respecttheir spacebystaying at least20 metres away;

. Observebarriers– remain behind any cordoned-off areas; . Do notpourwater over theseal, as this causes unnecessary stress; . Minimise noiseand movement to keep the environmentcalm; . Keep dogs on leashestoprevent unexpected animal interactions

TCurre ly clubsare entangledi endlies locally as well as interprovincialahead of the league start.

Thecurrent league structurefor Super LeaguesA to Cremains with theinclusion of an extrateamineachSuper league as the16th team,based on rankings afterlastyear’sclub rugbyseason.

Thethree teamsfromSuper Cwho were relegatedtothe regionsfor this year will remain in SuperC with theinclusion of thewinner, runners up andplay-off winnerofthe Promotion League of last year

At theend of the15round-robin matches, teamswillberankedaccordingtotheir position,and this will determinethe structurefor next year’s competition.

Thetop team in each SuperLeaguewillbethe league winner. Therewillbea separate competition made up of topeight (President Cup) andbottomeight play-offs(Challenger Cup) foreachSuper League.Thiscompetition will be played on aknockoutbasis with no bearingon theseedingfor next year

At theend of this season thebottomthree clubsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to the Regional Leagues(Paarl, City,Northernand Southern).

Thetop team in each Regional League will be promoted to theSuper League C.

Allclubs ranked from 1to48, basedonresults in this year’s club rugbyseason, will be seeded in four newleagues next year,consistingof12 teamseach(SuperLeagueA,B, Cand D)

At regional level, thereare four leagues: Southern,Central,Paarland Northern Regional competitions will be played on a double round, home-and-awaybasis,withthe topteamineachregioncrowned league winners andpromotedtoSuper League D. Regional leagueswillcommenceonSaturday21March 2026,and clubsare required to fieldatleast a firstand second team,withthird teamsoptional.

At theend of thecurrent season,the bottom four teamsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to theregionalleagues.However,shouldthe PaarlRegionwinnerdecline promotiontothe newSuper League D, only thebottomthree teamswillberelegated

Teamsplaying in thedifferentleagues are: SuperLeagueA: Villager, Hamiltons, FalseBay,Helderberg, SK-Walmers,Van derStel-Evergreens,Durbell, Tygerberg, Ikeys,Maties, Uni-Mil, KuilsRiver, Brackenfell, UWC, Franschhoek andPrimrose SuperLeagueB: AllSaints, Belhar,Bellville,Collegians, CPUT, Goodwood,Hamediehs,Hamlets,Hands & Heart, Kraaifontein, Macassar, NTK, St.Georges,Vineyards,Violets andYoung Peoples SuperLeagueC: Atlantis,BusyBee, Caledonian Roses, Delft, Eersterivier,Gardens,Kylemore, Langa, Pniel-Villagers,Raithby-Universals, Rangers, Scottsdene Central, SirLowrians, Strand, Strand United andWatsonia