People’s Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-edition 26 May 2026

A(NGO)established in 2015,works to addressdeeply interconnected social challenges,including gang violence, od insecurity,GBV andsocialfragmentation.

AccordingtoSeanSampson, spokesperson forthe foundation, AAF wasfounded by AvrilAndrews wholosther sontogangviolence, an experience that inspired hercommitmenttocreatingsafer andmore compassionatecommunities

Sampsonsaidthe firstevent took aceatthe GreenPasturesChurchof theNazareneinHanover Park,where 78 guests attended “Guestsincludedmothers,activists andrepresentatives from organisationssuchasHanover Park First SeniorsClub, theHanover Park Civic Organisation,ValleyofPlenty, the rstCommunity Resource Centre, theHanover Park Neighbourhood Watch, WomeninAction, Assembly God, Church of theNazareneand theRauda TulILM Muktab Madrassa,” Sampsonsaid MembersofAAF’s Moms Move for Justiceprogramme also attended the event. “Theyare asupport network rmothers whohavelostchildrento gang violence,” Sampsonpointed out, “providing emotionalsupport,workshopsand advocacy opportunitiesfor womennavigatinggrief andtrauma. Guests were served athree-course meal whileengagingindiscussions around gang violence,GBV and peacebuildingwithincommunities.”

During heraddress Andrewspaid tributetowomen andactivists who pavedthe wayfor communityresistanceagainst violence andinjustice Sheencouragedmothers to speak

openly aboutviolenceaffecting women andchildrenand urgedcommunities nottoremainsilentinthe face of abuseand violence

Hermessage focusedonthe importance of “breakingthe silenceon gender-based violence andensuring womenand children areprotected andsupported.” JamesFernie, director of Uthando SouthAfrica, also addressedguests aboutthe Pitchesfor Peaceinitiative. Theproject,spearheaded by Uthando SouthAfricaand itspartnersincludingAAF,aimstoinstall five-a-side soccerpitches at schoolsthroughoutHanover Park usingrecycled materials. It also seekstocreatesafe recreational spaces forchildrenin communities affectedbygangsterism whilealsoproviding opportunities forlocal employment throughthe construction process.

Fernie encouraged mothersto participateinthe peace-building initiativesconnected to theproject, includingcommunity peacewalks andmusic festivalsheldduringeach pitchlaunch. Pitcheshavealready been launched at Athwood andBlom-

vlei PrimarySchools, with another launch scheduledfor Belmor Primary School on Tuesday16June. Teachers Lynette Hearnand DeborahRinquestfromAthwood andBlomvleirespectivelyalsospoke during theevent,emphasising the importance of educationincreating pathways away from povertyand gangsterism. Rinquest reflectedonthe influence of hermotherand encouraged womentodrawstrengthfromone anotherand continue leadingwithin theircommunities despiteongoing challenges

During thesecondevent AAF hosted mothersand womenfromthe organisation’s community kitchen programme AAF’s community kitchenoperates from Monday to Friday andprovides mealstovulnerablemembers of the community

Guests attendingthe gatheringwere treatedtolunch andparticipatedin conversationsfocused on GBV, support systemsand theimportanceof seekinghelpand speaking outagainst abuse.

AccordingtoAAF,the events demonstrated theimportanceof partnerships andcollectiveactionin addressing thesocialchallenges facingcommunities on theCapeFlats

Theorganisationbelievesthat meaningful change is possiblewhen residents, activists, schools, andcommunity organisationsworktogether.

TheMother’sDay engagements form part of AAF’s ongoingworkin HanoverPark.

Theorganisationregularly facilitatesworkshops andprogrammes addressing GBV, positive masculinity, youthempowerment,and community healingthrough initiativessuchas Moms Move forJustice,its Fatherhood Programme,and school-based interventions.

ThroughprogrammeslikePitches forPeace andcommunity peace walksAAF formspartofa networkof organisationscreatingspaceswhere residentscan come together to advocate forsafer,healthier,and more united communities

AAF wouldliketothank Heinrich Böll formakingthisMother’sDay engagement possible, Andrewssaid.

WithChild Safety Week beingcelebratednextweek from Monday 1until Sunday 8June, 90 girlsat Edendale PrimarySchool in Manenberg were encouraged by theformerJunior MayorofCapeTown, Michael-Daniel Bam, on Wednesday20May,todream big.

Hispresenceatthe school wastohandout care packstothe girlsand explainwhatthe week entails.

Histheme forthe youthofManenberg as part of ChildSafetyWeek was: if youlook good,you will feel good andyou will do good Each girl received acarepackfromhis foundation.Thiscompliments themessage the Manenbergpolicegaveatthe same eventto theyouth in theirquest to change thefaceof Manenberg.

In hisspeechBam said thegirls should really feel specialabout themselves andthrough

hisnon-profitorganisation(NPO) theMichael-Daniel BamFoundation, he wantstohelp thegirls experience that feeling. During ChildSafetyWeek,which also falls in theYouth Month, thefocus is on raising awarenessand promotingmeasurestoprotect children from harm

Theweekisanannual campaign dedicated to educatingparents,caregivers, teachers and communities aboutthe riskschildrenfaceand thepreventivemeasures. It focussesoncreating saferenvironmentsfor children to prosper.

Theinitiativeencouragescollectiveactionto reduce accidents, injuries,and otherhazards Sgts NatashaLanders,Percy Keysterand ZakkieJulius, Sector Managers of Manenberg police,werealsoinattendance andtheyreiterated that they wouldpartner with theFoundation to plantseedsofchangeinthe localyouth to protectthemfromharm.

In herpresentationtothe children,Landers said everyadult owes it to youngpeopletolook amazinglybeautiful.“Theirminds andhearts should be filled with beautiful littlethoughts andChild Safety Week is just avehicle we needed to startthisjourney with theyouth.The youthcan become thebeaconoflight whichis

needed in thecommunity,” sheexplained WorkinginManenberg,Landers is familiar with thecircumstances andchallenges the youthfaceand knowsthatthe children have hadtobearthe scarsofthe community’s turmoil forfar toolong.

Shesaidchildrenpay theultimateprice by dyinginthe handsthatdon’t care andthisface must change.Withthe help of thefoundation shewillendeavour to change thenarrative

“The communityneedstoreplace this scourge of darkness with thelight andlovethatevery childhas in theirhearts. Hope livesinevery childwetouch andbyjoining handswith community organisationsand otherNPOsto tryand betterthe children’s lives, then so be it,” said Landers. “The daywas filledwithlaughter, sharing, giggles,singing andenergythatcould

ga

same,look thesameand have thesamedreams andhopes to move outoftheir current circumstancesand be thenextgenerationthatwill bringchangeorbecometrailblazers, notonlyin Manenbergbut globally,” shesaid, adding that this is thedream thesectormanagershavefor thechildrenwho attended theevent

Thepartnership between Manenbergpolice andthe foundation will be aconstantinthe futureand is here to stay to ensure theproject makeschildren’ssmilestakeroot, flourish and spread into ourcommunity

Theplanistohelpthe teenagersofManenberg to dreambig so that they canregisterto be part of greaterthings, andbecomethe next generation of leaders.

. Contact Sgts NatashaLanders on 082379 1535,PercyKeyster on 082379 1636 or Manenberg police on 021 6999400 to getassist

Kangaroo care promoted

Hospitals across theWesternCapeare promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), asimplebut effective method that helpsimprove outcomes forpremature and lowbirthweight babies.KMC involves prolongedskin-toskin contactbetween aparent andbaby.

Thepracticehelps stabilisea newborn’stemperature,breathing andheart rate,while supporting weight gain,breastfeedingand braindevelopment

“KMC reducesmortality and infectionrates whileimproving temperatureregulation, weight gain,and cognitivedevelopment,” said Sister MelanieHolland,NursingManager at MowbrayMaternity Hospital

“Skin-to-skincontact and breastfeedingserve as powerful formsofpainrelief, providing importantneuroprotective benefits during this vulnerable stageof development. Importantly, KMC is notonlyfor mothers, fathers areencouragedtoparticipate,as closecontact with alovingparent helpsregulatea baby’s heart rate,breathing andtemperature, strengthensbonding,and supports healthybrain development.”

Prematurityremains oneofthe leadingcausesofinfantcomplicationsworldwide,and healthcare workersare placingrenewed emphasis on earlyinterventions such as KMC.

Prof Gugu Kali,headofthe ClinicalUnit: NeonatologyatTygerberg

KMC IS NOTONLY FORMOTHERS,AS FATHERSCAN ALSO HELP BOND

Hospital,described KMCasa cornerstoneofneonatalcare.

“KMC is an essentialpartofour neonatal care package, whichhas been showntoimprove outcomes forpreterm andlow birthweight babies.Wepractisebothintermittent andfull-time KMC, and we encourageparents to do it as soon andasoften as possibleafter birth.”

At RedCross WarMemorialChildren’s Hospital,KMC is embraced as both aclinicalinterventionand afamily-centredphilosophyof care.“KMCisnot just aclinical model; it is aphilosophyofcare that places dignity, compassion, andfamilypartnership at the centre of everything we do,” said MitziFranken,HeadofNursing at RedCross Formanyfamilies, KMCoffersa waytoplayanactiveroleincaring fortheir baby during an emotional andoverwhelmingtime.

Louise Galant,a mother of twins from Villiersdorp, born on Saturda 14 March, said theexperiencewas meaningful.The twinswereborn weighing just 870g and950 g. “I love bondingwiththem. It makesour bond stronger andalso helpsthemgrowquicker,” shesaid.

GrooteSchuur Hospital hasalso strengthened itsKMC services,

offeringparents emotionaland psychologicalsupport.“KMC formspartofa holistic care model that supportsboththe medicaland

emotionalneedsoffamilies,”said CindyLouw, OperationalManager of thehospital’sNeonataland KMCUnit.

BravethecoldforNSRIWinterSolsticeSwim

As thewintersolsticeapproaches,the National SeaRescueInstitute (NSRI) is calling on South Africans to bravethe cold andtakepartinits annual Winter Solstice Swim,a nationwide fundraising initiative aimedatsupporting lifesaving rescue operations andwater safety programmes

Theswimwilltakeplace on Sunday 21 June, markingthe longestnight of theyear.

Theinitiativeencouragesindividuals,teams, andcommunities to host theirown plunge events andraise funds forthe rescue organisation

Participants areinvited to take theplungein thesea,tidal pools, swimming pools, dams,or even throughanice bucket challenge, joining agrowing traditionthatunitescommunities across thecountry in supportofthe NSRI

VOLUNTEERSONDUTY

NSRI volunteersremainondutythroughout theyear, readytorespond at amoment’snotice, even in theharshestwinterconditions.

AccordingtoNSRIspokespersonCraig Lambinon,the initiative reflects both thededicationofrescuecrews andthe importance of public supportinsustainingtheir work

“NSRIvolunteersare on duty year-round, readytospringintoactionata moment’s notice,evenonthe coldestday of theyear,” Lambinon said

He addedthatthe Winter Solstice Swim gives thepublica meaningful waytocontributetothe organisation’s mission

“Eachyear, teamsofNSRIvolunteersfrom ourrescuebases bravethe plunge to raisefunds fortheir station. This year we challengeyou to organise awintersolsticeplungeand help

support ourlifesavingwork,”hesaid. Participants areencouragedtocreatefundraisingcampaigns andrally friends, family,and colleaguestoget involved.Every contribution helpsensureNSRIcrews remain equipped, trained, andready to save lives.

SAFETYFIRST

. Neverswimalone

. Avoidrough or unsafe conditions

. Always have a flotationdevicenearby . Know whotocallinanemergency

.Moreinformation is availablevia the NSRI official websiteand fundraising platform GivenGain. Formoreinformation on organising your Solstice Plungeand the taxbreaksyou’ll getfromyourdonation,contact Renee on 021 4344011 or renee@ searescue.org.za

Empathymattersintimesofbloodshed

fold helplessly, thecynical amongst us in societywould just sigh and say“well that’s just life nowadays in SA”under thegovernanceofthe ANC.

OftenI find myself dreading to hear thedevastating detail of family membersrecalling harrowing momentsoftheir children,brothers, sisters or motherswho were either senselesslymurdered, missingorwereviciously injured in an attack or hijacking.

It’s even worsehearing afather saya courtsentenceof100 years couldnever bringbackhis 10-yearold-daughter that waskilledtragically whileshe wasplaying outside with herfriends in thestreetafter school.Whenthese sadaccounts arereadonlineorwhenvideosare circulatingonsocialmedia where citizens arewatchingrobberies un-

This oceanof“content” we witnessevery minute canquickly drainone of anycrumb of optimism in aworld wheremore people prefer to commentand complain insteadofcontributing andcollaborating in ahealthy way. Some mightsay what’s theuse of even voting when it seemsour localpoliticians andparties arelike walkingthrough arevolving door whereone only encounters corruption andfalse promises Themereact of caring is as precious as an endangered species in atimewhere conversationsand discourseonnewsstories feel like amud-slingingmatch where“narratives” areconstantlyshiftingand argumentsare centredonfascist viewsonreligion, race,geopolitics

andthe list keepsgrowing.This week Ifelta personal call to action listeningtoa mother from Ottery tearfully remember what thelast telephonic conversation with her daughter aboard theGlobalSumud Flotilla soundedlikebeforeshe wasdetainedbythe Israelinavy. Igaspedatthe horrorofseeing armedofficers capturingand detainingsomeone’s daughter on alivestreamvideo.The sadness, angerand exhaustion in hervoice resonatedwithmeand Ifelther pain.I canonlyimagine how terrified andupset Iwould be not knowingifmysisterorbrother wasalive,starvingorworse,being tortured

Theirony is,weare more connected than ever with technology andsocialmedia that thethought of notbeing able to message or call ourloved ones,isoften ablessing we take forgranted.The fact that instantcommunication is always

availablewiththe push of abutton canseem like ahellish nightmare when this convenienceisrobbed from us in acrucial time when we need to know amissing person’s whereabouts.

It’s dreadfully sad, andeven more so when thesebrave souls bringing baby formula, food and toiletries,enduringthe merciesof theocean,are captured,taunted, tortured,scapegoated andpainted as “terrorists” andtroublemakers To hear amother’sdesperate cry to hear anywordorconfirmation of herdaughter’ssafetywas such acoldblooded reminder of how cruel, violentand unforgivingthe worldoutside canbe.

Empathyfor ourfellowbrothers andsisters matters more than ever in an agewhere bloodshed andthe threat of bombskeep clouding us in adarknessthatappearsinvisible, butitisa sickness we need to cure andsee before it’s toolate.

Learning boosted by foundation

AVRILFILLIES

Hanover Park andsurrounding areas arebenefitting from community upliftment programmesafter the passing of AlcardoAndrews duetogang violence

Hismother, AvrilAndrews,established the AlcardoAndrews Foundation (AAF)in2015 to honour hiscommitmenttocreatepositive change in hiscommunity,bycarryingforward hisvisiontothe needs, hopesand aspirationsof families in andaroundHanover Park

Theoverlapping challenges of gang violence, food insecurity,gender-basedviolence(GBV) andcommunity fragmentationare describedby theAAF as “polycrises” becausetheyreinforce oneanother andcollectivelyimpactthe well-beingofindividuals, families andcommunities

AAF is agrassroot-drivenorganisationwho throughholisticinterventionaimstocreate safer, healthierand more resilientcommunities

Sean Sampson, spokesperson forthe Foundation,saysthe programmesoffered includea community kitchen, hydroponic gardens, Moms move forJustice,a Fatherhood programme, children andyouth development, earlychildhood developmentand community events and fundraising.

Thecommunity kitchenprovidesfreehot mealsfromMondaytoFridaytovulnerablemembers of thecommunity.Theyserve between 800and 1000 portions dailyand also distributessandwichesweekly to supportfamilies facing food insecurity

AAF’s feedinginitiatives have become an essentialsupport system formanyhouseholds in HanoverPark, with more than twomillion mealsand over 170000 sandwiches distributed sincethe organisation’s inception.

Thehydroponicgardens usenutrient-rich watersystems to grow freshvegetables.Produce from thesegardens aredistributed within the community andtoa localschooltosupport learners’nutritional needs.

Theinitiativealso equips community members with practicalskills andknowledge to establishtheir ownhydroponicgardens at home,

AAFISAGRASSROOTS

NPO WHICH AIMS TO CREATESAFER,HEALTHIER, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

helpingtostrengthenlocal food systemsand encouragelong-term self-sufficiency

TheMomsMovefor Justiceprogramme is a compassionatesupport networkfor mothers whohavelostchildrentogangviolenceand GBV.

Theprogramme provides emotionalsupport workshopsthatcreatehealing spaces where motherscan sharetheir experiencesand find solidarity.The initiative also offerscourt support,including transportand guidance on navigating thelegal system formothers seeking justicefor theirchildren.

In addition,mothers receivetrainingasGBV responders so that they areempowered to support others in crisis within theircommunities

Thefatherhoodprogramme createssafe andsupportivespacesfor menand fathersto strengthen theirmentaland emotionalwell-beingbuildinghealthy mentoringrelationships

Theworkshopencouragesparticipantsto challengeharmful formsofmasculinity,break cycles of GBVand become positive role models within theirfamiliesand communities.The Foundation also hostsanannual Father’s Day celebrationfor fathersinvolvedinthe programme andthe widercommunity.The holiday programmes andyouth campsare designed to providechildrenand youngpeoplewithpsychosocial support andopportunitiesfor personal growth

Throughthese programmes, participants learn aboutGBV prevention,anti-gang strategies and ways to co-createsafer communities.The spaces also encouragehealthy peer relationships, resilience,leadershipdevelopment anda stronger senseofbelonging foryouth considered at risk

Sinceits establishment, theorganisationhas impacted over 400young people throughholiday programmes andmorethan250 through

youthcamps

TheAAF EducareCentreprovidesearly childhood learning andcarefor children from birthtosix yearsold,layinga strong education foundation forfuturelearning.

Theeducare supportsbothneurotypicaland neurodivergent learners andkeepscosts as low as possible to remain accessibletofamiliesin low-income communities.

Children benefitfromquality classroom teachingaswellaseducational excursions that enrich theirlearningexperiences

Throughsupport from theKym Rapier Foundation,AAF hasbeen able to subsidisethe educationof14learners. Many of themothers of theselearnershavesince become volunteers at thefoundation, allowing AAF to work with families in amoreholisticand community-centred way.

In addition to itssocialprogramme AAF organisescommunity events that both celebrate localresilienceand help sustainthe organisa-

tion’s operations

Itsannual Jazz Events showcase localmusicianswhile creating aspace fordonors, community members, family andfriends to gather in celebrationofHanover Park’s resilience and spirit

Guests arealsoinvited to support theinitiative throughthe purchase of platters prepared by thefoundation, whilefreesandwichesare served to thechildrenofvolunteers.

“Weneed support to installhigh-security fencingaroundits kitchen, workshopsand office spaces to improvethe safety of staff andequipment.Wehopetorefurbish andexpandour community kitchentoimprove storagecapacity andupgrade cookingand cleaning facilities

“Wewelcome donationsofbread,sandwich fillings, non-perishable foodsand preloved clothing,aswellasseekingfunding fora used vehicletotransport staff,” Sampsonsays. . Formoreinformation or donations emailSean Sampsononadmin@aaf27.org.za.

Newcampaign offersyouth hope

KEANANHARMSE

The official launch of the45Futures Initiative on Saturday 16 Mayin Schaapkraal,exactly onemonth before YouthDay,highlighted theimportance of empowering youngpeople beyond YouthMonth celebrations.

Hosted at OasisReach forYourDreams, theevent focusedonuplifting youththrough discussionsaroundmentalhealth, education, artificial intelligence(AI)and personal development

Theprogramme aimedtoequip youngpeople with knowledge, encouragementand access to opportunitiesthatcould positively influence theirfutures

Founderofthe initiative andGrassy Park resident Simone Borez, said theproject was inspired by herdecisiontocelebrate apersonal milestonedifferently.

“I recently turned 45,and insteadofcelebratingmyself, Ichose to invest in thenextgeneration,” shesaid.

Borezexplained that community upliftment hadalwaysbeenclose to herheart andthatthe initiative wasbornfroma desire to create hope andopportunitiesfor youngpeopleinlocal communities

Shesaidhosting theevent at OasisReach for Your Dreams wasintentional becauseofthe work theorganisationcontinued to do within communities andits involvement as thehome of theSouth AfricanHomelessFootballTeam.

Borezalsosharedthather involvementwith theMotor Industry Staff Association(Misa)had strengthened herpassion foryouth empowerment.Through servingonthe organisation’s YoungWorkers Forumand Women’sForums, shehad gained greaterinsight into thestruggles facing many youngpeople.

Theprogramme coveredseveral issues affectingyouth,including mental health awareness,

Winter relief raises R150kfor families

KEANANHARMSE

Christel HouseSouth Africa (CHSA) hasrecently raised more than R150 000 throughits EmergencyFlood andWinterReliefCampaign, surpassing itsoriginalfundraising target as support continuestoreach vulnerable families affectedbystormsand floodingacrossCape Town.The school launched theemergency campaignearlier this winter in response to severe weatherconditionsthatleftmanylearnersand theirfamiliesfacing flooded homes, damaged structures andongoing hardship on Monday May11. ("Christel Houseemergency flood winterrelieflaunched", People's Post,19May). CHSA is anon-profit, no-fee school in Ottery; it wasestablished in 2001 to transformthe livesofvulnerablechildrenfromdisadvantaged communities.Hostedthrough GivenGain, the initiative initiallyaimed to raiseR100000 to provideurgentreliefand winter supportto families living in high-riskcommunities

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE FACING SILENT BATTLES MENTALLY,EMOTIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY,MANY AFRAIDTOSPEAK ABOUT IT

educationpathwaysand thegrowing influence of AI in theworkplace andsociety

AccordingtoBorez,manyyoung people were silently battlingemotional,mentaland financial challenges whilefeelingunabletospeak openly becauseofstigma.

“Young people arefacingsilentbattles mentally,emotionally and financially,and many are afraid to speakabout it becauseofstigma,”she said Mental health advocate Tashwill Welcome addressedattendees on theimportanceofseekinghelpand speaking openly aboutemotional well-being, Borezadded.

AI also formed part of thediscussionstohelp attendees betterunderstandthe futureoftechnology andinnovation.

Educationpathwaysthrough Communiversity were also highlightedasanimportant tool to breakthe cycleofpoverty andcreateopportunities foryouth

Borezsaidshe hopedthe eventwould have a lastingimpactonattendees beyond thelaunch dayitself.

“I want youngpeopletoleave feelingseen, encouraged andempowered.Evenone opportunity,one conversation or onemomentofbelief canchangesomeone’s future,”she said Sheaddedthatthe initiative aimedtoremind youngpeoplethattheyhad purposeand value regardless of theircircumstances Borezacknowledgedthatmanyyoung people in communities continuedtostrugglewith

unemployment, financialhardship, mental pressure andlimited opportunities. Some were also forced to grow up quicklybecause of difficult home environments

“Thisinitiativeaimstouplift, empowerand remind them nottogiveup, that theirbackground does notdefine theirfuture,”she said

Sheconfirmed planstoexpandthe project throughworkshops,mentorshipprogrammes andfuturecommunity developmentprojects.

“Definitely.Thisisonlythe beginning,” Borez said.“Thevisionistogrowthe 45 FuturesInitiativetocontinuecreatingopportunitiesand hope foryoung people.”

Animalactiviststaketotheroad

KEANANHARMSE

Two determined animal activists tackledthe 42,2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday 24 May dressedinanunusual costume, an SPCA rescue vehiclesuit, allinaneffortto keep real rescue vehicles on theroad.

Theactivists MuhammedAsgar Dalvie and Muhammad Sanglaylaunchedthe “Put some Petrol in OurTank” campaign to raiseR42 000 forthe Cape of Good Hope SPCA,the amount needed to fuelone SPCA Inspectorate vehicle fora fullyear.

Dalvie hailsfromLansdowne whileSanglay is from Rondebosch East

Thecampaignhighlighted thecriticalrole SPCA Inspectorate vehicles played in respondingtocases of animal cruelty, neglectand emergenciesacrosscommunities,accordingto SPCA spokesperson BelindaAbraham

Thepairare no strangerstotacklingmarathonstosupport neglectedanimals

“Dalvieand Sanglayare twoCapeTown friendswitha habitofrunning theSanlamCape Town Marathon in costumes forthe Cape of Good Hope SPCA,” said Abraham. “Since 2018 they have racedasa five-personsausage dog (Worsie),a rooster(CaptainCrow-a-lot),seals, squirrels,and – in 2026 – atwo-personfoam SPCA rescue vehiclenamed Bokkie.”

Last year,theytrained to run42,2kminthe Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in theirBokkie costume, a2 mfoamreplica of an SPCA vehicle, however, this venturewas cutshort dueto harshwindconditions.

“ThenCapeTown’swindarrivedwithother plans,”Abraham said.“The2025marathonwas cancelledbeforethe race even began, leaving thepairwithunfinished kilometres andfunds stilllefttoraise forthe SPCA Inspectorate fuel fund. Now, they arebackto finish themarathon they nevergot to start.”

This time thepairattempteda Guinness Recordstitle forthe fastestmarathoncompleted in atwo-man carcostume whileraising the remainingR19 000 needed to fundone SPCA Inspectorate vehicles

“Weweren’t willing to give up,” said Dalvie “Wespent months training forthe marathon Therewas sweat. Therewas chafing.There was

alot of gasbeing passed, andunfortunately none of it wasthe kind that gets SPCA Inspectors to arescue. So we figuredwe’dbetteractually finish themarathonand raisethe real fuel.

Muhammadran at thebackofBokkie.”

“Asgar’s in front, so he’s technically thedriver,” said Sanglay. “HedrivesBokkiethe way Capetonianshandlea four-way stop;confidently,incorrectly,and with fulleye contact.

“Meanwhile I’minthe back getting allthe sweat, none of thefresh air, andI canonly hope that aman that once gotlostinPickn Pay is goinginthe rightdirection.But everyrand we raisebecomes fuelfor an SPCA Inspector, andthankfully,those inspectors actually know wherethey’re going.”

This year thepairfound themarathon“harder than expected,” said Sanglay.

“Wewereforcedtodropthe costumeatthe halfwaymark. Theweightofthe costumestarted to take aheavy toll on ourshoulders which affectedour running pace.”

Thepairmadea calculationatthe halfway mark andrealisedtheycould not finish therace undercut-off time basedontheir pace at the time

“Weweresuccessful in reaching ourfundraisingtargetwhich wasour main objectivefrom

thestart,” Sanglayexplained

“The Cape of Good Hope SPCA investigates more than 10 000 animal crueltycomplaints annually across aservice area spanning approximately3 200km²,” said Abraham.

Tree honours police officers

AVRILFILLIES

BrigJayce Naidoo, stationcommander of Manenbergpolice, andhis staff were humbledonThursday21May when KhumbudzoNtshavheni, Minister in thePresidency, plantedanever-green tree at thestation

On this historic dayina symbolic gestureof renewaland unity, Ntshavenivisited thestation bringing encouragementand hope to both the officers andlocal community Ntshavheni is responsiblefor Government Communication andInformation System (GCIS),Brand SouthAfrica, StateSecurity, StatisticsSouth Africa andthe MediaDevelopment andDiversity Agency

Thetreeatthe police stationisa living symbol of peace, resilience andgrowth. Thespotwhere theever-green tree wasplanted wasnamed the PeaceGarden.

“The eventmarkeda historic dayfor the ManenbergPolicingPrecinctand thepolicestation.The minister hitthe ground on acleaning mission,beautifying an area that is riddled with social ills.InTambo Village,her presence was warmly welcomed.Armed with blue garbage bags sheand herteamvisibly picked up every pieceofpaper laying on theground. Herpatience andsincerity stood outwhenshe made time to listen to people,madenopromises, but herpresencewas overwhelmingly calming,” shared Capt IanBennett, spokesperson for Manenbergpolice.

“Managementatthe stationstood in aweas shegreeted staff andtheyexpressedtheir humblegratitude.Thisgesture is amoral booster anda reminder of thegovernment’scommit-

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Ministerinthe Presidency, planted an ever-greentreeatManenberg Police Station. With herisBrig JayceNaidoo,Station Commander. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

HER MESSAGE OF LOVE AND SOLIDARITY RESONATED

ment in supporting lawenforcement officers andthe communities they serve.

“She is atruepeople’sperson. Heract of planting atreehonours ourofficers and management staff andinspiresustocontinue workingtirelesslytorestore safety anddignity in Manenberg,”saidNaidoo.

Theminister’svisit broughtrenewed hope to thearea, reinforcingefforts to cleanand uplift thecommunity.Her message of humanlove andsolidarityresonated in theplantingofthe tree forpeace

“Thisgesture remindsusthatpositivechange is possibleinanall-government andall-societyapproach. Government andcommunities must work hand in hand.The tree of peace nowstandsasa lastingsymbolofcommitment to building safer, stronger anda more united Manenberg, andhopefor communities across SouthAfrica,”Naidooconcluded

Officersvowtorootoutcrime

A27-year-old male wasarrested forthe possession of an unlicenced firearmand illegalammunition on Sunday 17 Mayina swiftoperation in Freedom Park informal settlementinWoodlandsRoadinOttery

WO NkululekoMnyaka, spokesperson for Lansdownepolice, said theLansdowne crime prevention unit lead by WO ElsieLucas was busy with astopand search operationand spotteda suspicious male attempting to getaway, buthewas unsuccessful Police officers recovereda firearmand ammunition in hispossession andhecould notshow alicence

Themale, believed to be aMongrel gang member,was arrested anddetainedat LansdownePoliceStation

The firearmand ammunition were booked into thepolice’spropertyregisterfor evidence

Thepistol and ammunition whichwas found in possession of the27-year-oldmale. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

to be presentedincourt

ColAlroy vander Berg,the Lansdownestation commander,welcomedthe arrest andcommended theofficers forgood work done He further stated that thepolicewillleave no stoneunturnedtocurbcrime andcriminal activities in theLansdowne Policing Precinct . Anyone with information about crime in the precinct cancontact WO NkululekoMnyakaon 082499 3870.

No needfor poliopanic

Detection of twodifferent poliovirus strains in wastewater samples in Cape Town has prompted a public health response, butthe national Department of Health says there is no need forpanic as no human caseshavebeen identified

TheNational Institutefor CommunicableDiseases (NICD)informed the department that the strains, identified as VDPV3 and nOPV2-L, were detected duringroutine environmental and wastewater surveillanceinthe WesternCaperecently

Thedepartmentsaid in astatement the testing forms part of proactivedisease monitoring aimed at detecting emerging outbreaks and viralvariants before clinical casesappear.

Officialsstressed that the detections areclassified as “vaccine events” becausethe viruses were not found in anyperson. “No outbreak has been declared and no additional vaccinationcampaign is required,” read the statement

Polioisavaccine-preventabledisease,and South Africawas officially declaredpolio-free by the World

Health Organisation’sAfrican Regional Certification Commission in September 2019

According to the department,the virusesdetected arelikelylinked to imported casesinvolving people vaccinated withdifferent vaccines from those used in SouthAfrica. Thedepartment said it is working with the NICD and has sincestrengthened surveillance measures and increased the frequencyofwastewatersampling as part of ongoing monitoring and outbreakpreparedness. It further said the detections do not translateintoanoutbreakand reassured the public that there is no need forpanic Residents areencouraged to remain vigilant and report anysuspected symptoms to healthcare providers.

Symptoms associated withpolio caninclude progressivemuscleorjoint weakness and pain, fatigue, musclewasting, breathing or swallowing difficulties, and sleep-related breathing disorders, although these symptoms mayalsobelinked to other medical conditions.

Artscape marks bigmilestone

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Music,colourand celebration filled theArtscapeashundredsgathered to mark the55thanniversaryofthe artfacilityonTuesday 19 May.

Thecelebration also featured theunveiling of Becoming Artscape –A PlaceReborn, a memory wall honouringthe people whoshaped itslegacy.

Speaking at theevent,Marlene le Roux, chiefexecutive officerofthe Artscape,said: “A countrywithout theheartbeat of artisa country withouta soul.Thisbuildingisvibrating with thecolourful diversityofour country.”

Le Roux said sheisoverwhelmed by thesupport of everyone whocametocelebrate “I am overwhelmedand emotionalbecause people came from fartocomeand be part of this.Wethought we wouldonlyhave500 people,but thousandscameout.Thiscelebration is about30years of ourdemocracy andour constitution andthe Artscape is builtonthose pillars.”

Reflecting on theartscentre’stransformation sinceapartheid,the Le Roux highlightedhow theonce-segregated spacenow embraces diversevoicesand community-drivenstorytelling Le Roux describedartsasa powerful vehicle fortelling thestories of people,while also makinga significant contribution to theeconomy, with artistscontributing4%tothe country’s GrossDomesticProduct (GDP).

“The narrative should change.Artists are professional people andthe countryishungry forliveperformances. Forthe next 55 yearswe want to seethatartists have theirplace notjust at Artscape butatevery institution.”

Sheexpressedher gratitudetoher staff and said each member played apivotal role

Thecelebration marksa series of events that

ACOUNTRY WITHOUT THEHEARTBEAT OF ART IS ACOUNTRY WITHOUTA SOUL

will take placeatthe facility over thenextfew months.These will includea career expo on Saturday 6June.

Le Roux encouraged youngpeopletoattend “Wewanttodemystify theartsand sayitis possibletohavea career in thearts.”

Le Roux thankedgovernmentpartners, staff andthe public fortheir continuedsupport of Artscape andits programmes.

Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth, congratulatedthe team on 55 “remarkableyears.”

“Whatstandsout aboutthismilestone is notonlylongevity,but transformation.From beginningsthatreflectedexclusion,Artscape hasbecomea placewhere people from allbackgroundscan gather,connect andtellstories and experience therichnessofsharedhumanity.”

Shenoted that athrivingcityneeds“thriving cultural spaces”.

“Spacesthatinspire youngpeople, bringcommunities together andhelpusimagine somethingbiggerthanourselves.”

RicardoMackenzie,Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs andSport,calledonthe private sector to support thearts.

“Weneed more organisationstoplaytheir part.Pleaseinvestinthe arts so that in thenext 55 yearsweprotect more than just theArtscape. Thereare many of ourcommunity artfacilities that need support, particularly in our film industry.But we cannotdoitonour own. ”

BigBandJazzFestivalat Baxteropenstomorrow

Forthe 26th consecutiveyear, theBaxter TheatreConcert Hall in Rondebosch will ring with thesound of jazz when theBig Band Jazz Festival openstomorrow(27 May) andruns untilSaturday30May

Performances beginat19:00 each evening.

“It’sa celebration! TheCapeTownBig Band Jazz Festival is back andcelebrating its26thanniversary,”saidAnn Barr, festival organiser.

Twenty-six bigbands will take to thestage over thefournights, with ensemblesdrawn from junior schools, high schools, universities andcommunity bandsacrossCapeTown. Ticketsrange from R100 forlearners, students and senior citizens,toR180for adults.The festival wasfounded by thelateDennisBarr, andinthe yearssince hispassing it hasgrown into one of SouthAfrica’smostrespected platformsfor

youngmusical talent

This year’s programme includes an all-star alumni band ledbyProfMikeCampbell, featuringguest trumpeterGordonVernick from the United States of America. “Wealsowelcome the Bavarian YouthJazzEnsemblefromGermany whowillbejoining us,” Annsaid.

Thefestivalispresented in collaboration with theUniversityofCapeTown, theSouth African College of Musicand theBaxterTheatre

Ticketsare availablethrough Webtickets, at Pick nPay ticket outletsand at theBaxter BookingOffice

. Formoreinformation,visitwww.ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za or follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeatctbigbandjazzfest. Emailctbigbandjazzfest@gmail.comorphone Barr on 082451 3696

Musicians perform at the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival, which celebrates its26thanniversaryatthe Baxter TheatreConcert HallinRondeboschfromtomorrow (27May)toSaturday30May.

WGRUVDanceCompany’snew production “Highlights”willtour Johannesburgbeforeconcluding its runin Cape Town at the Homecoming Centre from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August.The programmepresents acurated selection of contemporaryand classical worksbyinternationally acclaimed choreographers alongside newcreations by the company’sown artisticteam.

VIOLETSSNEAK HOME

Joan Davids of KraaifonteinRugby FootballClubloseshis grip on Qhawe Soji of Violets as he powers his waytothe line duringaWestern ProvinceRugby Union (WPRU) Super League Bgameplayedin Lansdowne on Saturday23May Violets sneaked home 24-21.