People’s Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 24 March 2026

Principal stepsdown

ment Now, 40 yearsafter firststepping into aclassroom as ateacher,heputs hiscareerinperspective

Retiringafter 40 yearsasa teacherand principalwas somethingheknewwould happen oneday,and nowthat time hascome, Friday 27 March, what RosdienDesai,outgoing principalofHeideveld Primary School will trulymissisengaging with staff,teachingand drivingtoschool

Thereisnobook with guidelines for post-retirement, buthewilldefinitely miss theformalteachingenviron-

“For 40 yearseducation wasmy only career choice becauseI loved teaching anditgratified me.After HewatTrainingCollege in Crawford, whereI wasfrom1983to1985, I went to theUniversityofthe Western Cape to do aBAand BEd(Hons)before taking up my firstteachingpost in 1986 at MountviewHigh, Hanover Park.ThenI wasatSurreyPrimary from in 1998 to 2015,duringwhich I wassecondedtoAthlone Primaryin 2013

TOPAGE3

TBloodstocksarerunning‘dangerouslylow’

Blood stocks in theWestern Cape arerunning dangerouslylow aheadofthe Easter weekend, a traditionally critical period marked by increasedemergencies,prompting an urgent call fordonorstostepforward

TheWestern Cape Blood Service(WCBS)is appealingtoall eligible donors to donate blood, as suppliescontinuetodecline across allblood groups

Theservice currently hasonlya two-day supplyofO-negativeblood,far belowthe minimum five days needed to maintain astableand sustainablesupplyfor communities across the province

Forthe past twoweeks, O-negative stockhas been underseverepressure,withworrying dropsnow seen in otherblood groups as well.

on allblood donors to donate blood this week to help restoreour blood stocks to ahealthy level,”

says Marike Carli, Public RelationsManager at WCBS

If youare between 16 and75, weighatleast 50kg,are in good generalhealth, andfollow asafesexuallifestyle,you areencouragedto donate

Ablood donation takesjust30minutes,and each unit collected playsa vitalroleinsustainingthe province’s blood supply.

“Ifyou have been thinking aboutbecominga blood donor, nowwould be agreat time to start donating,” addedCarli

“Whether youare an existing donorordonatingfor the firsttime, your donation couldsavea life when it matters most.”

O-negative stock has been under severe pressure.

“O-negativeblood is oftenusedinlife-threateningemergencies when thereisnotimeto determinea patient’sblood type.Weare calling

.To find your closest blood donation clinic,visit www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS viaWhatsApp at 060 5497244.

Kindnessisnotjustvirtue,it’saresponsibility

Have youbeen kind today? It’s a simple question,but onethatcarries weight.Ina worldthatmoves fast anddemands more from us each day, kindness oftenbecomes an afterthought,something we assume we’llget to when life feelsa littlelessoverwhelming.

Butthe truthis, kindness doesn’t requiretime, money, or perfect circumstances. It asks only for intention.

Oneonlyneeds to scroll social media, listen to theradio or switch on thetelevisiontosee howunkind we humans have become toward oneanother

Murders, rape,gender-based violence,bullying. Thelistisendless. Iama Christianand theBible teachesusthatweneed to love our neighbourasweloveourselves Butsadly,wehavesomehow lost sightofthiscalling,allowing hatred,anger,and indifference to take over

Somewherealong theway,many of us have become so consumed by ourown struggles,deadlines, finances,stress, anduncertainty that we forget thequiet powerof howwetreat others.Werushpast people,avoid eyecontact,and sometimesrespond with frustration insteadofpatience. Yetthe smallest gestures canleave the deepestmarks It costsnothing to offer asmile to someoneata trafficlight insteadof turningaway. It takeslittleeffort

to speakgently, to listen fully,orto chooseunderstanding over judgment.These momentsmay feel insignificant,but to someoneelse, they canmeaneverything. Imaginehow differentour communities wouldfeel if kindness became adaily habitratherthan an occasional act. Kindness builds connection.Itsoftens difficult days.Itreminds people that they areseen,valued, andnot alone. Andsometimes,itcan even save alife.

Theheartbreaking storyofan eight-year-old girl from theEasternCape, whoreportedlyfeltthat escaping bullyingwas only possible throughendingher life,isa devastating reminder of what happens in theabsence of kindness. No childshouldeverfeel so alone, so unheard, or so hurt that they see

no wayout

Herstory forces us to confront an uncomfortabletruth:our words andactions mattermorethanwe realise. What we say, what we ignore,and howwetreat others can shapetheir senseofworth Kindness is notweakness. It is notsomething reserved forwhen it’s convenient.Itisa deliberate choice that requires empathy, awareness, andevenrestraint So,atthe endofeachday, perhapsweshouldall pauseand askourselves:HaveI been kind? Notjusttothose Iknow, butto strangers, to colleagues, to the people whoselives brieflyintersect with mine

Becauseina worldwhere so many aresilentlystruggling, kindness is notjusta virtue.Itisa responsibility

FROMPAGE1

“In2015I became theprincipal of Heideveld Primary.”

Fortyyears sawhim pour heartand soul into education, andfor himthe beauty of beingin educationwas seeing learners progress, seeing howwelltheyweredoing in life,which served to justifyeducation as hischoiceofcareer.

“Whether a(teacher) on theCapeFlats or in theleafy suburbsone must have aloveand passion forthe vocation anddealing with children.Theydiffer,and thosefrompoorer areas experience alot of trauma,violenceand gangsterism, so onehas to buildresilienceinthem. Many need good role-modelswiththe right aspirations. Therole-models they currently have arenot associated with positive advancement.Asa teacheronthe Cape Flatsone has to expose children to alternativewaysoflifeto what they areusedtoona dailybasis

“Toteach on theCapeFlats onemustknow learners face adversityona dailybasis,sothe teacher’sroleistransformative, involvingthe inculcationofvalues, apathtoa betterway of life,one that canserve them well. What we’ve done at HeideveldPrimary is create leadership at thefoundationphase;prefects, mini-prefects andinthe senior phasejuniorprefects, with theideathattheybecomeleaders nowand in

Tiais of utmost importance,because withouttheir involvementthere is goingtobea downfall in your school

“The collaborationwiththe police is importantbecause they bringcertain skills viaworkshops to ourschool andall therole players– police,governmentstructuresand NGOs –inthe community have aroletoplay. When Istarted at HeideveldPrimary 10 years agowedid an assessmentasthe school wasa ‘first-worldbuilding’ andwehad to think‘first world’.Wecannotthink ‘third world’ andasa staff andcommunity we collaboratedtodraw up avision.

“Thisvisionwas that ourlearnerscan excel, be thebesttheycan be anddevelop thelearners holistically.Thingsweset in placeincluded punctualityfor teachers andlearners, instilling prideindressing in theirschooluniform,which broughtabout asense of uniformity andhelped with ourcodeofconduct.Wealsochanged the cultureofthe school to what it is today, and thecommunity hasboughtintothe positive changes. We focusona values-driveneducation th chool.”

“Weare currently busy developing ourschool library, whichiswhere I’ll spendmytimeafter retirement.Learnerswillbeabletoholdhard copies in theirhands insteadofbeing on their phones allthe time.Theywillalsobeableto listen to music, rhymes andpoetryinthe media room to gettheminvolvedand caterfor their differentinterests

“Mymessage to theincomingprincipal is that thereisa base andfoundationonwhich he/ shecan work.Weset theculture of theschool, continue doingand improvingonit, andtake theschool to greaterheights.There aresystems in placeand Iknewthe daywould come when Iwould have to saygoodbyedue to ageand retirement,soitiseasyfor thenextpersonto walk in andcontinue.

“Every teacheratthe school knowsexactly what they must do,which augurs well forthe newprincipal,for whom thewell-beingofboth (teachers) andlearnersshouldbeparamount Firstwin theheartsand mindsofyour(teachers) andthe rest will follow. To thelearners, do your best,for youhavethe ability, which wi ic lt whichh ei

Disability awareness in sharp focus

AVRILFILLIES

March is IntellectualDisability

AwarenessMonth (Idam) and Cape Mental Health is highlighting therights, safety andinclusion of people with intellectualdisability.

“Withthiscampaignwefocus this year on protecting people with intellectual disability from violence,abuse andneglect.The themeis: ‘Blowthe whistletoprotect andend violence againstpeoplewithintellectualdisability’

Thecampaignraisedawareness aboutthe vulnerabilities of people with intellectualdisability exposedtocrime,domesticviolenceand sexual abuse. At thesametimeweare highlighting practicaltools, such as safety whistles,that canhelpthemalert caregivers andcommunity membersindangerous situations

ThecampaignendsonTuesday 31 Marchand during themonth workshopswereheldtoteach youngpeopleabout personal safety,consent andhow to report abusesafely.

Thecampaignrunsalongside thenational Idam themeset by theSouth AfricanFederation forMentalHealth(SAFMH):“My Safety,My Right, My Grant: understandingthe vulnerabilitiesofyoung people with intellectual disabilityand theirexperiences in accessing social assistance.”

AccordingtoCarol Bosch, Deputy Executive Director at Cape Mental Health,itisimportant to emphasisethatabuse is neverpartofcare, andviolenceagainst personswithintellectual disability is acrime,not amisunderstandingor an accident

“Every youngpersonhas theright to live safely andwithdignity.Through this campaign we aimtoempower youngpeople, support caregiversand encouragecommunities to take action to preventabuse andensureaccess to justicefor this marginalised group.

“CapeMentalHealth’sAccess to JusticeProgramme (ATJ)plays acriticalroleinsupport-

ingsurvivors of sexual abuse, ensuring that a person with intellectualdisabilitycan safely participateinthe legalprocess.

“The programme provides psycho-legal assistance,guidancefor caregivers,and practical support foryoung survivorsnavigatingthe justicesystem.”

Community participationisa keyfocus of thecampaign. Cape Mental Health encourages families,caregivers, andneighbourstolisten, checkonyoung people,and supportwhistle useasa simple buteffective tool forsafety. “By workingtogether, we canhelpbuild safer, more inclusivecommunities whereevery person is protected, respected, andempowered,” says BarbaraMeyer,spokespersonfor Cape Mental Health

Activities throughout Marchinclude:

·Apodcast aboutthe Access to JusticeProgramme to amplifyits work

· Social mediaposts to raiseawareness about protection andpreventionofviolence.

·Radiointerviewsand pressreleasestoraise public awareness

· Workshopsonwhistle safety,consent and reportingabuse

· Distribution of educationalmaterials and safety whistles to youngpeopleand caregivers

· Celebratingthe TrolleyRace, theannual fun andsportsday forthe trainees at Training WorkshopsUnlimited

Formoreinformation aboutthe Idam 2026 campaign or Cape Mental Health’s Access to JusticeProgramme please emailinfo@cmh.org. za or call 021447 9040

Presentatthe report-back meeting at Manenberg Police Station were (behind,fromleft):Estwynn Malgasfromthe Youth Desk, Abduragman Govind,Michael-Daniel

Brigadier JayceNaidoo,commander of ManenbergPoliceStation,

Tamaryn Petersen.Seatedare SiyamthandaBeleand ShamilaSchalk, District CPF chair

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

JuniorMayorreportsback

AVRILFILLIES

Thedocumentcompiledbythe youthofManenberg on Wednesday25Februaryatthe Youth Dialogue must notbeseen as aonce-off-dialogueevent.Itneedstohaverealoutcomesand, together with thepoliceleadershipinManenberg,these insights should be translated into a structured operationalsocialcrime plan

This is thevisionofMichael-Daniel Bamfrom CedarHouse High School in Kenilworth,Junior MayorofCapeTown, when he handed the document compiled on Wednesday25February back to Brig JayceNaidoo, stationcommander at ManenbergonTuesday 16 March.

Sincereceiving thedocumentafter theYouth Dialogue in February he familiarised himself with theplights andstruggles of theyouth and came forwardwithsuggestions.Michael-Daniel wasaccompaniedtothe handover by theJunior Deputy MayorMatthew KrielfromDiocesan College (Bishops)inRondebosch.

“Today (Monday16March)the YouthDialogue became adecisivesteptowards community transformation in changing thefaceof Manenberg,”Michael-Daniel said “Its youthare notjustvictims of theirown circumstancesbut theprimary architects of theircommunity’s renewal. Todaywas about ensuring theirvoicesare backed by theweight of localgovernmentand lawenforcement.The fundamental goal is to mentor theyouth of Manenberg, establishing adirectconnection amongthe Junior Mayorcouncil caucus,the police andlaw leadership to developanactive dialogue skill.”

Manenbergpolicewillbecomethe springboardfor change andthislong-term partnershipwillbecomea legacy of change.This engagement is part of ensuring everychild’s humanrightsand is in line with celebrating InternationalHuman Rights Day, whichwas celebrated on Saturday 21 March.

“Thisintegratedpartnership will strengthen partnerships between theCommunity Policing Forum(CPF) at alocal anddistrictlevel,” said Naidoo.

“Changingthe face of Manenbergisnot just aone-sided approach butneedsall facets to attractyoung people,inspiring them to make bettercareer andlifechoices.Thiswilleliminate povertyatevery leveland make acommunity like Manenberggreat again.”

He addedthe purposeofMonday’smeeting

wastoformalise andhandthe document back to thepolicesothe voiceofthe youthcan be heardthrough an official youthdialogue.

“Thisengagementservesasa direct follow-up to thelandmarkYouth Dialogue held on 25 February,where theyouth of Manenbergdrafted andpresented acomprehensive document, detailingthe struggles,shortcomingsand grassrootssolutions forManenberg.Its police want to turn thedialoguedocumentintoactionto pursue asustainable solution.The core reason fortoday’s meetingistofocus on thedocument prepared by Manenberg’syouth anda candid assessmentofthe socio-economic andsafety hurdlesfaced by ouryouth daily.”

Shamiela Schalk,DistrictCPF chairofthe WesternCape, supportsthisinitiative. She wantstosee an outcomethatbenefits theyouth of Manenbergand they need to rise abovetheir circumstances.

EstwynnMalgas, YouthDeskrepresentative, said theYouth Desk of thepoliceshouldbe empoweredtoact as aprimary bridge between youngcommunity membersand lawenforcement,ensuringsafetyinitiatives areyouthledand culturally relevant throughspiritual strengtheningand guidance Sector managers of Manenbergpolicewill remain focusedand decisive in creating awareness andwillcontinueliaisingonthe outcome on thedialogueaswellasbuildingtrust “The primaryobjectivesofthiscollaboration is to facilitate changing thefaceofManenberg whichhas become apriorityand we will deal with it througheducation,” said Naidoo. “We will make theyouth awareoftheir abilityby replacingcyclesofviolence, substanceabuse andgender-basedviolence, with cycles of opportunity.”

Michael-Daniel committedhimself to alongterm partnership, taking it beyond hisofficial capacity.Hewantedtoassist theyouth at a personal leveland inspireyoung people particularlyfromunderprivileged communities Matthew echoed thesesentiments, that mathsliteracyshouldbeilluminatedand not entertainedasnot beinganimportant subject becausenot beingmaths literate is to the detrimentoflearnersand hasnever benefited educationinany way.

They agreed mathsand sciencewould become adiscussion pointattheir Junior Councilcaucusmeetings

A Nakhlistanfeeds amultitude

NewECDa gamechanger

AVRILFILLIES

It is communities such as Heideveld, Lavender Hill andHanover Park that need hope,and a developmentofthisnaturehas thepotential to change thetrajectory. Notjustthe building,but theeducators as well,because theentireecosystemisimportant as we know thedatareminds us oftenthata childlearnsall that they would need forthe rest of theirlives at thefoundation phase.

This wasthe message of Deputy MayorEddie Andrewsatthe official openingofGoal50Educare,a pioneeringearly-childhood development centre in HeideveldonSaturday9 March.

Community members, civicleaders andpartners gathered at theopening,and Goal50 Educare wasbuilt throughUthando SouthAfrica’s WastetoWondercampaign.

TheEduhub, builtfromwaste,was constructed usingrecycledtyres andplastic bottles filled with waste, demonstrates howsustainable building methodscan create beautiful,worldclassspacesinunderserved communities

Theopening ceremony featured performances from localartists andspeechesfromcommunity leaders. Goal50 Educarewillprovide Montessori-based earlylearningfor children in Heideveld, addressing acriticalnational challenge, as more than 1,3million children in SA arenot currentlywithany early-childhood developmentprogramme

“Phase 2iscurrently underway andfundraisinghas begunfor Phase3,” said Roshan Naidoo, projectmanager of UthandoSA, “and will introducea double-storeystructure visible from theN2highway,expanding access to qualityearly learning formanychildren. Goal50 stands as apowerful exampleofwhatispossible when community,sustainabilityand education come together to builda betterfuture.”

AVRILFILLIES

“Write your ownstories.” This wasthe message of Dr Alicia English, acclaimedchildren’s-book author,a guestspeaker at LansdowneLibrary on Monday 16 March.

Thelibrary hosted theevent in celebrationof SA LibraryWeek,which startedonSunday15 Marchand endedonSunday22March

This year SA LibraryWeek celebrated community literacy on thetheme “Reclaim Knowledge, Empowering Futures”

“Itisanannualcelebration highlighting thevaluableroleoflibraries andthe library workersplaya vitalroleintransforminglives andstrengthening ourcommunities,” said Mark Kleinschmidt,Ward60councillor.

“LearnersfromChristelHouse,aged10to 13 yearsold,found theevent most inspiring, displaying ahungerand thirst forreading.The learners surpriseduswiththeir insightand knowledge.”

Addressing theaudience, Kleinschmidt recalledhow,duringhis yearsasa teacher, some of hislearnershad optedtobecomejournalists “One learner, Kennethea Jackson, recent-

ly publishedher firstbook,” he pointedout “Learnersmustbeguidedand encouraged to writetheir ownstories,about theirsurroundings andfamilylife. LansdowneLibrary,under theguidanceofseniorlibrarian Rowayda Ahmedand herstaff,mustbeapplaudedfor this greatinitiative.”

Englishreadfromone of hersix books, Imiss Daddy, andsharedthather publishedworks were writtentogetherwithher threesons.

City librarians took to thestreetsofCentral Cape Town in avibrant celebrationofreading, signalling theircommitmenttoliteracyon Friday 13 March.

Theirninth annual marchthrough thestreets of Cape Town hasbecomea fixtureonthe calendar Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth, andRonel Viljoen, portfoliochair,led themarch throughCentral Cape Town

This year’s themefocussedondigital inclusion,preservingindigenousknowledge and fosteringcommunity innovation What beganasa single library’spassion proj-

ecthas blossomedintoa city-widecelebration In 2014 CentralLibrary launched an annual road marchasa solo team andby2017the Libraryand InformationServicesDepartment officially joined themovement, transforming themarch into afull-scaledepartmentevent This year themarch continueda legacy of visibility,literacyand community prideacross thecity.

Theweek wasalsoa fine-freeweek and patronscould return anyoverdue itemstothe libraryand payzero fines. In addition,lost librarycards provided theperfect opportunity to receivea replacementcardfreeofcharge. City librarians from across Cape Town joined thepublicdemonstration of theirfacilities’ relevanceand promotingtheir services,including: Digitalaccess: showcasing theirdiverse range of digitalresources andmodernapplications, such as PressReaderand Libby access to information:libraries providebooks, free internet access andlearningresources forresidents Social cohesion:buildingonthe momentum of recent city-wideactivations to sparkcuriosity andsharedexperiences

Popular flowersellers up in arms

KAYLYNNEBANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Aproposed tradingplanbythe City of Cape Town hassparked concern amongthe popularTrafalgar flower sellers on Adderley Street

Accordingtothe City,the proposal aims to formalisethe site,protect long-standing traders, andbring it in line with the City’s governance modelunder theInformalTrading By-Law

TheCitysaysall registered tradersand markets in Cape Town operateunder tradingplans that ensure fair andsafeconditions.

Thekey proposed improvements include: . 20 secure stalls, includinglockablestorage andanexternaldisplay area

. Anew lightweightcanopytoreplace the damagedroof andprovide proper shelterand naturallight

. Aformalloading anddeliveryareavia Parliament Street

. Better sanitation andwaste management

WHENTOURISTS COME TO OURMARKET THEY WALK THROUGH (LIVING) HISTORY

Tradinghours will also be limited, andthe flower sellers will also be required to obtain permits.

Apublicparticipation processonthe draft

TradingPlanfor theTrafalgar PlaceFlower Market concludedThursday12March

AccordingtoJames Vos, Maycomemberfor economic growth,the number of secure stalls hasbeendeterminedinthe City’s consultation with the flower sellers,who advisedthatstalls should be increasedtoaccommodate thosewho operateintermittently

People’s Post spoketoa few flower sellers to gettheir input.

Daniel Williamsbelievesthe move is to accommodate foreigninvestors whom he claims are“taking over thecity”

“The Standard Bank building (right next to the flower market)was sold afew yearsago and then underwentrenovations.Wesuspect that theowner of that building wantstoexpand, nowall of asudden, they want to getrid of us.”

AccordingtoWilliams, themarketwas upgraded afew yearsago,but he says that wasnot sufficient.

“Where will they move us to once they start therenovations here at themarket? They renovatedthe market afew yearsago,but we stilldon’t have access to thetoiletthatwas built here.The gate is locked.”

FellowsellerGlendaBowmanbelievesthe proposal will negatively impact theirbusiness.

“Informaltraders aresometimes told that they need to closetheir stalls when thereare bigeventswithinthe vicinity of thetraders.We don’twantthat. Currentlywedon’t have trading hours, when we have abig order, we work until late at night.”

Bowman said “big tradingdays” includeValentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Eidand Christmas. ClaudiaMenyachosaidas flower sellers they arenot informal tradersbut form part of heritage.“TheCitydid notdiscuss theirplans with us.Thismarkethas been here foryears everyonecomes here becausetheyknowthe market Tourists come here andtheywalkthrough history. Ilovetalking to tourists andhearing theirstories,” sheexplained Faldiela Williamstook over thebusinessfrom hermotherover40years ago.

Shesaid: “The City must firstmoveTable Mountain then they canmoveus. We areone with TableMountaintouristscometosee us andTable Mountain.”

Shesaid flower selling is alegacybusiness whichshe hopestopassontoher children and grandchildren.

“IfI diemychildrenand grandchildrencan carry on.For thepast40years,noone tells me what time Imustworkand what time Imust pack up.”

Shesaidtheir business struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic andhas been trying to recovereversince

“WhatI earn here goes towardsfood.I can’t even buymyselfa pair of shoes. They thinkwe make millions. Ijustlove flowersthat’swhy I am stillhere. It’s apleasuretomake flowersfor differentoccasions.”

TheCitysaidcommentsfromthe public participationprocess arebeing reviewed to refine theproposedtrading plan.The finalplan, together with public feedback,willthenbesubmittedtothe City Councilfor approval If approved,implementationwillberolledout gradually in consultation with the flower sellers

CarnivallightsupGreen Point

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The spirit of unitytook over Cape Town as the16thCape Town Carnival turned HumanRightsDay into avibrant showcase of localtalentand cultural pride.

Music, danceand dazzlingdisplays

filledthe GreenPoint FanWalkon Saturday 21 Marchasthousands flockedtothe eventtowitness the spectacle.

Tracey Carter,carnivalperformance director,saidover1200performers took part in thefestivities “Every year we saynot again. But then we do it.Wedothisfor Cape Town.Whentheycomeout to see theperformers, it feelsgood.Wehad some challenges with thewind, butit allcametogetherbeautifully.”

With this year’s themeof“Follow your heART”,the eventfeatured theartisticenergyof12“Carnival Champions” from thecity’screative community.The Championsincluded singer Zolani Mahola whoperformed on theUvuyo float, acelebration of joy, cultureand thepower of voiceto unitea nation

Artist Anslin Gysman andactress Natashavan derMerwe wowedthe crowdwithclassiclocal songsfrom theTrapvir Trap float.

Activist NyanisoTutu-Burris featured on theAmandla floata

tributetoSouth Africa.While media personalityDylan Majaviewowed the crowdonthe floatabout transformation,Morph

Providingyet anotherhighnotewas Cape Town legend DJ ReadyD and graffiti artist RizahPotgieter on the

ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE EVENTSIN CAPE TOWN

BPM: Beats| Paint| Move float. Blending traditionwithinnovation, anew addition this year wasthe procession of modernised cars,adding a newhighlight forthe crowd.

JayDouwes, Carnival ChiefExecutiveOfficer, said:“We calledthem ourChampions becausetheyhave voluntarilyand proudlybeen part of theprocess of telling theirstories andinspiring carnival participants to followtheir dreams.Their excitement to be part of thecarnivalhas been inspiring.”

Prof Rachel Jafta, chairofthe Cape Town Carnival Trust, said the performers puttheir “hearts, soul and bodies”intobringingthisspectacle to life.“We areabout community, humanconnection, joyand creating somethingmagnificent…wefeel so honoured to be able to bringthis eventtothe heartofCapeTownevery year.”

JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity, said thecarnivalwas oneofover30eventsthattook place across thecitythispastweekend.

“Thisisone of themostdiverse and inclusiveeventsinCapeTown. Alot of planning andlogistics goes into it Thankyou to theorganisers, andspecial thankyou to the firemanand law enforcementofficers whohas been goingtothe gymall year to be part of theeye candy.”

CTInternationalJazzFestival 2026willbegenre-defying

The Mother City is settocomealive with world-classmusic as theCapeTownInternational Jazz Festival (CTIJF)unveils itsfull, star-studdedline-up forthisyear’shighlyanticipatedevent at theCapeTownInternational Convention Centre (CTICC)

This year’s programme,onFriday27and Saturday 28 March, brings global innovators, SouthAfrican legendsand rising starstogether, reaffirmingthe CTIJF’sreputationasAfrica’s grandest gatheringand oneofthe continent’s most anticipatedmusic events

Leadingthe internationalline-up is Grammy-winning Britishmulti-instrumentalist JacobCollier,whose genre-defyingperformances andmusical virtuosity have captivated audiencesworldwide

He is joined by thelegendary American jazz-fusionensembleYellowjackets,bringing decadesofinnovation andmusical masteryto thefestivalstage Modern jazz powerhouse Yussef Dayes appearswithThe YussefDayes Experience, delivering thedynamic rhythmic energy that hasearnedhim global acclaim.

Theinternational programme is further enriched by Malian singer-songwriterFatoumata

Diawara, Indian bass virtuoso Mohini Deyand Indian vocalist and flautist VarijashreeVenugopal, whoseblend of Carnatic classicaltradition andjazzintroducesa unique cross-cultural dimensiontothe festival

Headlining theMoses Molelekwastage is Raveena, theIndianAmericansinger-songwriter celebrated forher lush fusionofR&B,jazz andSouth Asianinfluences

Knownfor heretherealvocalsand immersive soniclandscapes, Raveenahas builta devoted internationalfollowing throughemotionally rich songwritingand captivatingliveperformances

Furtherinternational highlights include American percussionistand bandleader Sheila E. andThe E-Train, Britishjazzcollective NubiyanTwist,PortuguesejazziconMaria João,and Russian saxophonistIgorButman performing with theMoscowJazzOrchestra SouthAfrica’srichmusical heritage will be strongly representedbylegendary pianistand composer AbdullahIbrahim,iconicmusician Sipho“Hotstix” Mabuse andacclaimedpianist NduduzoMakhathiniperformingwithAn OngoingRehearsal Our-Ke(s)tra

Additional SouthAfrican highlights in-

cludeinternationally celebrated vocalist Tutu Puoane,experimentaljazzcollectiveBCUC, bassist andcomposerCarlo Mombelli with Chapter7 andacclaimedpianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane

Thefestivalwillalsoshowcasecontemporary voices shapingthe futureofAfrican music, includingchart-topping amapiano duoScorpion Kings, soulful singer Manana,genre-blending artist lordkez, vocalist Sioand rising talents Rorisang Secheleand Jabulile Majola

Furtherperformanceswillfeature Salomão Soares andVanessa Moreno from Brazil,Seba Kaapstad,Giuliette Price, Camissa Knights, Jimmy Nevis, Luukhanyo, Jazzwrld& Thukuthelaand DJ Dwson.

Theprogramme will also featurethe CTIJF Jazz Orchestra, alongsidea specialKippie Moeketsi CentenaryTribute,honouring oneof SouthAfrica’smostinfluentialjazzpioneers. Beyond theperformances, thefestivalcontinuesits commitmenttocommunity upliftment andartistdevelopment throughyouth workshops, mentorship programmes, andeducational initiatives.

.Tickets areavailableonTicketmaster,withBuy NowPay Lateroptions on Loot

CapeTown explores newmarkets

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The City of Cape Town is preparing anew tourismframework aimedat boosting visitorspendingand creatingjobs, Maycomemberfor economic growth JamesVos said,inaninterview with People’s Post.

Vossaidthe strategy will guidethe next phase of growth in thevisitor economyasglobalcompetition between destinations intensifies.Last year,CapeTownwelcomedover2,4 million overnightvisitors.

“Those visitors contributedaroundR24,5 billion to thelocal economyand supported more than 106000 jobs.Thisrepresentsnearly7%of totalemploymentinthe city,” Vossaid.

Cape Town InternationalAirport also processedmorethan11,2million passengers during thesameperiod, reflecting strong domestic andinternational travel demand

PLANNINGTHENEXTPHASE

Vossaidthe city is nowfocusingonwhatthe next phaseoftourism growth should look like “Tourism does notstand still, andneither can we if we want this sector to keep delivering jobs, opportunityand growth across ourcity.”

TheupcomingTourism Frameworkfor Cape Town willaim to increase visitornumbers, encouragelongerstays,and drivehigherspending.

AccordingtoVos,the strategy wouldensure benefits reachbusinessesand workersacross thesector, includinghospitality,retail, guiding, transport, andthe creative industries

GLOBALMARKETINGCAMPAIGNS

TheMotherCityhas rolledout its“This Is Cape Town”place marketingcampaignacross sixcontinentsand 55 cities

Thecampaignfeaturesadvertising in international marketssuchasIndia,China,the United States of America(USA),and theUnited

Kingdom(UK).

Promotionalefforts have included branded taxisinNew York andblack cabadvertising in London,bothwithQRcodes linkingtravellers to Cape Town’s digitaltourism platforms.

Vossaida targeted digitalcampaigninIndia hasalready generatedover330 million impressions, whilemarketing is also underway on China’sWeChatplatform.

EXPANDINGINTERNATIONALAIRCONNECTIVITY

Strengtheninginternational airconnectivity remainsa keyfocus,Vos said,adding that Cape Town is currentlyconnected to 32 global destinations, with up to 230international flights landingeachweek during peak travel periods.

“Thismarks significant growth compared with adecadeago,whenthe city haddirect flightsto 16 internationaldestinations, with about120 weekly flights,”Vos said

Theexpansion is theresultofcollaboration throughthe AirAccess initiative,which works with airlines to establishnew routes

“Eachadditional flight strengthenstourism, trade, andinvestmentopportunities,” Vos explained.

TARGETINGNEWANDEXISTINGMARKETS

Lookingahead,the city aims to expand tourism flowsfromAfrica, India, andChina, whilemaintaining strong visitornumbers from traditionalmarkets such as theUK, Europe,the MiddleEast, andNorth America.

Vossaida recently introduced direct flight between Brazil andCapeTownisexpectedto support growth from SouthAmerica

SUSTAINABLEANDCOMPETITIVETOURISM

Thenew tourismframework will outlinehow Cape Town planstogrowthe visitoreconomy whilekeepingthe sector sustainableand competitive

Vossaidfurther detailswillbesharedatthe upcoming WorldTravelMarketAfrica, held at theCapeTownInternational Convention Centre(CTICC) next month(April)

“Tourism supports livelihoodsacrossour city, andwhenmanaged well, it becomesone of the most powerful enginesofeconomicopportunity we have,” Vossaid.

Growth in Cape Town’s tourismsectoris creating newtrainingand employment opportunities forhospitality students,saysWork-Integrated Learning (WIL)Co-ordinatorBongani Tyhali of theInternational HotelSchool

Tyhali said rising visitornumbers allowstudentstodevelop newskills,including in areas like artificial intelligence(AI), whilemaintainingthe humantouch centraltohospitality “Hospitality andtourism areabout personalisationand service. Technology supportsthe industry,but people remain at thecentreofthe

experience,” he said

NEWCHALLENGESFORSTUDENTS

He addedthatbothinternational anddomestictourism arevital fortraining. International visitors driveincome, whiledomestictourists sustainbusinessesand preserve jobs “Studentsmustlearn to presentculture and cuisineprofessionally to allguests,”Tyhali added.

Challenges remain fornew students,manyof whom enterthe industry straight from school They must learnfundamentals, adapttolong hours, andembrace emerging trends.“Each challengeisanopportunitytodevelop new skills,” he said

Tyhali highlightedthatglobalmarketing campaigns, new flight routes,and industry collaborationsprovide practicallearningand employment opportunities.

He also stressedthatsustainable tourism growth relies on educationand financial support,particularlyfor smalland medium enterprises, to ensure workforcestability and youthemployment.

AGOONARAMPAGE

yknown

adyfor kick-off!

Localteams will compete with

ca,A icaand theworld lineup forthe openingceremonyofthe annual BayhillPremier CuponThursday 3April at EricaParkinBelhar, forthe 37th editionofthe u-19 soccer tournament.

Thedrawfor thecompetition wasconducted on Saturday 14 Marchatthe Cape Town Civic Centre Teamswillcompete in eightgroupsoffour with two sidesfromeachgroup making it to the knockout stages,ahead of thequarter-finals and semi-finals,all at EricaPark. Presentatthe draw were industry dignitaries such as theWestern Cape Minister forSports andCulture RicardoMackenzie,the head coachofStellenbosch FC,Gavin Hunt,the Vice PresidentofSAFANational, Bennett Bailey,the City’s Maycomemberfor communityservices andhealth, Francine Higham among others Thecontest,which hasgrown to become one

of thecountry's topu-19soccercompetitions, startedatthe StephenReagonSportsgrounds in Mitchells Plainmorethan36years ago. It is thebrainchildofthe late RogerClayton As it is nowcustomary the finalwillbeplayed on Monday 6April at AthloneStadium anda bigcrowd is expected

The finals comprisesofentertainment,exhibitionsand threeofficial matchesrepresentative of theBruynsPlate SectionFinal,the PatConnolly Mid-SectionFinal andthe RogerClayton CupFinal

TheLocal workingcommitteehas assuredthe public that alllogistics have been putinplace fora smoothand incident free tournament

This year will be no differentand thethousandsofexcited andknowledgeable fans of the BayhillPremier Cupwillnodoubt expect no less than theexcitingsportingevent they have become accustomed to in past editions

Throughthe yearsthistournamenthas demonstrated that SouthAfrican football is aliveand well andthatithas many players of high quality,whoare able to representour countryatthe highestlevel

Over 30 000 people from Belhar andall corners of Cape Town come to witnessthe talent of theparticipating teamsand this year won'tbe different.

Theresults of thedrawofSaturday14

March:

GroupA: BayhillUnitedFC AntalyasporJPM CT BolobathabaUnitedFC Stanturf FC

GroupB: Cape Town City FC CR VascodaGama EvertonFC HoutbayFC

GroupC: Stellenbosch FC Virginia Sports Academy Jomo’s PowerFC TwoFor JoyFC

GroupD: Chippa United FC Randburg AFC Juventus FC MatroosfonteinFC

GroupE: ElitePro Tanzania Cape Town SpursFC RygersdalFC Eagles PerformanceAcademy

GroupF: Mamelodi Sundowns SAFA CPTAcademy Maties FC JacarandaCallies FC

GroupG: TUKS University of Pretoria Hungry LionsFC Windhoek Gymnasium StarsofAfrica

GroupH: Ubuntu Football ShayamoyaAcademy PremierUnitedFC Aberdeen FC