People's Post| Claremont | Rondebosch | E-Edition 16 September 2025

Kites take to the sky again

The Cape Town International Kite Festival will return this year with renewed spirit and a powerful theme, #CourageToFly

Now in its 31st year, the festival has become a symbol of hope, resilience and unity, and this year it celebrates the bravery it takes to face life’s challenges, particularly in relation to mental health

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival will take place over two full days – on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26

October

It will also be hosted at a new venue, the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery

Since 1994, the Festival has been organised annually by Cape Mental Health as part of its mission to raise awareness of mental health and promote resilience

Each kite that rises into the air serves as a reminder of freedom, creativity and the courage it takes to seek help, speak openly, and support those on their mental health journeys

This year ’ s theme was chosen against the backdrop of recent global challenges – from political and social instability to the lingering effects of the pandemic – all of which have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression and

other mental health conditions

In South Africa, an estimated 16,5% of the population lives with a mental disorder, and the stigma attached to these conditions remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery

Cape Mental Health CEO Prof Ingrid Daniels, emphasises that it takes remarkable courage to live with a mental health condition, to rise above stigma, and to continue along a recovery journey despite the inevitable challenges

“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere, ” says Daniels

For Daniels, the return of the full two-day festival is not only an opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration, but also a way to honour that resilience

This year ’ s festival will feature a spectacular showcase of kites from both local and international participants, alongside entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food vendors and an amusement park for children It is designed to be a safe and joyful family outing, while also carrying a deeper message about the importance of mental health in building

WITH RENEWED SPIRIT AND A POWERFUL THEME, #COURAGETOFLY

a resilient society

The festival continues to expand its reach beyond the two-day celebration through initiatives such as the EduKite competition for schools, community fly events and a variety of inclusive activities that ensure children and adults of all

abilities can participate

For those unable to attend, Cape Mental Health encourages support through its BackaBuddy campaign, with all funds raised going directly to its essential free services across the Western Cape These services enable individuals and families affected by mental health conditions to access the care and assistance they need, ensuring that the festival’s impact extends far beyond the colourful skies of October . For more information,follow @ CTKiteFest on social media.

‘ThinkyourHealth,ThinkyourPharmacy’

NAMHLAMONAKALI

As blossoms return and the air warms, many in the community are shaking off winter’s chill and embracing spring Along with sunshine and flowers come seasonal health challenges, particularly for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitive immune systems September marks Pharmacy Month, a time to acknowledge the pivotal role pharmacists play in the healthcare system This year ’ s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacy , One Profession, Many Roles”, underscores the diverse contributions of pharmacists beyond dispensing medications

The theme aligns with the global campaign by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), highlighting pharmacists as accessible healthcare professionals integral to achieving Universal Health Coverage Olwethu Mbulawa, a University of the Western Cape (UWC) Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate and practising pharmacist, embodies this multifaceted role From managing chronic conditions like asthma and sinusitis to promoting spring health awareness, Mbulawa is committed to making healthcare more accessible, especially in underserved communities

AVISIONROOTEDINCOMMUNITY

Mbulawa’s aspiration to establish a pharmacy in the townships stems from a deep-seated passion for community service She believes that accessibility to healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege “Pharmacy is not just about dispensing medicine; it’s about being a trusted healthcare partner in the community,” she asserts Her vision includes providing comprehensive care, from medication management to health education, ensuring that individuals have the resources they need to lead healthier lives

ADDRESSINGSEASONALHEALTHCHALLENGES

As spring ushers in seasonal changes, Mbulawa emphasises the importance of managing conditions like asthma and sinusitis She advises individuals to monitor pollen levels and adjust their medications accordingly “Spring can be a challenging time for those with respiratory conditions,” she notes “It’s crucial to stay informed and proactive in managing these conditions to maintain well-being ”

BRIDGINGTHEACCESSIBILITYGAP

Accessibility remains a central theme in

Mbulawa’s work She highlights the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural and township areas, and advocates for mobile clinics and telehealth services to bridge these gaps “We need to bring healthcare to the people, not wait for them to come to us, ” she emphasises Her commitment to this cause is evident in her active participation in community outreach programmes and health education initiatives

THEROLEOFPHARMACISTSINCOMMUNITYHEALTH Pharmacy Month serves as a reminder of the critical role pharmacists play in community health Beyond medication dispensing, pharmacists are educators, counsellors, and advocates for health equity As Mbulawa’s work demonstrates, their impact extends far beyond the pharmacy counter, influencing public health outcomes and fostering healthier communities As we observe Pharmacy Month, it’s essential to recognise and support the diverse roles pharmacists undertake in enhancing healthcare accessibility

Individuals like Mbulawa inspire a collective effort towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, where everyone has access to the care they deserve

hich Xhosa men are loyal?”, “Xhosa men ayabheda” and “Xhosa men will show you flames”, these are just some of the remarks that still reverberate through my mind from a recent Big Breakfast Show on Radio R2000.

As I drove to work recently, I laughed my lungs out as some listeners berated Xhosa men for perceived dishonesty I did not laugh because I agreed with them I laughed at how they vented over very dangerous and false perceptions about Xhosa men Labelling

someone or a certain group of people due to a previous encounter or limited knowledge is rather reckless, quite frankly, misguided We cannot paint the entire nation as something because of one or two people There is also another prominent Xhosa phrase among women: “amadoda zizinja” (all men are dogs) I am yet to understand why this has been allowed to spread like wildfire Men seem to have no issue with this statement Yes, many guys fit this description or even something worse than a dog Any man who rapes a woman is, without a doubt, a dog A man who commits gender-based violence (GBV) is also a dog and he does not deserve to live among people South Africa has a population of over 64million Recent data by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA)

indicates that men make up 49% of the population (approximately 31,1 million people) Out of this number there are many good men The percentage for murderers and rapists probably is less than a percent I know of many men, Xhosas to be exact, who are opposed to any form of violence against women Without blowing my own horn, I can safely say I am in that group I hate any form of violence against women or females I often tell my sons that they must respect women and rebuke any action or comment that borders on GBV I want them to become better men when they grow up, hence I drill this into their minds I also show a lot of respect to their mother and demand more from them

I am now glaring at my grave and I can safely say I never raised a hand to any woman I hate men

who exploit women ’ s vulnerability

Women are there to be loved and cherished As men, we are meant to support and offer them comfort

Yet, we are the first to harm them

However, this does not mean all men go out there to harm women

Equally, someone cannot bash every Xhosa man because of their past I generally take offense when someone makes baseless claims against another person

In every situation, you have good and bad individuals In this day of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when non-existing things can be turned into existence, we ought to be careful about what we do and say, not to polarise further an already fragile society Not all men are dogs and not all Xhosa men ayabheda There are many good men out there, people need to look at the right places

RGHS makes impact with art

RGatheringdelvesinto ‘inherited’conditions

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Retina South Africa (Retina SA) hosted a fullday member session on Saturday 13 September, at the University of Cape Town Medical Campus, bringing together members for a mix of learning, engagement, and community connection

The event provided attendees with insights into inherited retinal conditions, practical ways to protect their vision, and opportunities to engage with fellow members

Retina SA is a national organisation dedicated to supporting people living with inherited retinal conditions, raising awareness about vision health, and connecting its members to information, resources, and each other

The session exemplified this mission by combining scientific knowledge with practical guidance and community involvement

The programme featured a presentation by Prof Raj Ramasar of UCT’s Human genetics team, who spoke on the genetics journey, explaining inherited retinal conditions and ongoing research

“Members gained a clearer understanding of how genetics research informs clinical care and the potential for emerging treatments” added Ramasar

In addition, participants received updates on clinical trials, lifestyle strategies to preserve vision, and Retina SA activities

The session explored ways members can participate in fundraising, para-sport programmes, and support groups, highlighting the organisation’s focus on empowering individuals to be active in both their personal health and the broader vision community

A lively Q and A session allowed attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and interact with experts, creating an atmosphere of engagement and learning

The day also featured exhibitions from Edit

Microsystems, Nurture Vision, and C-U-R-Able, who showcased assistive devices, low-vision aids, and other resources

Attendees could try products and learn how technology can enhance daily living and independence, further reinforcing Retina SA’s commitment to practical support

Manny Moodley, CEO of Retina SA, emphasised the importance of such gatherings

“This session was about bringing our community together, to share knowledge, provide practical guidance, and strengthen our support network,” he said

The event demonstrated Retina SA’s broader purpose to educate, connect, and empower people living with inherited retinal conditions, bridging scientific research, practical assistance, and community engagement

Members left the session more informed, supported, and motivated to contribute to a stronger, connected Retina SA community

New hop on, hop off bus

KAYLYNNE

City gears up for 1st hill climb

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Imagine a car driving at a speed of over 200km/h, its engine roaring like thunder as it blurs past in a streak of colour, hugging the curves of the track with precision and power

Well, that is exactly what spectators will experience when the Mother City plays host to the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October

Framed by the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain along Phillip Kgosana Drive, the event blends the adrenaline of hill climb racing with a premium lifestyle experience

From sleek supercars to vintage icons, Speed Classic brings together 150 remarkable machines worth over R600 million for a weekend of automotive indulgence

Garth Mackintosh, event co-founder, says it took about five years to plan the show

“The inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town also marks the revival of Cape Town’s hill climb legacy, bringing back a motorsport tradition that started in 1912, which saw drivers test their skills on Camps Bay Drive, Signal Hill Road and Kloof Road ”

He believes Phillip Kgosana Drive is the perfect location as they need a road to bring the cars back

“It is a unique road It is fast at the start, then it has some spectacular curves It is a beautiful piece of road to drive And it is at the foot of Table Mountain,” explains Mackintosh

Enzo Kuun, Speed Classic race director and driver, shares more details about the spectacle

“This event is driven by speed We got entries from across the world, from Switzerland, Poland, Sweden People can expect to see cars like the Ferrari 308 and cars from the 1930s,” he explains Kuun says on the first day of the event patrons

can get up close and personal with the jewels of the motoring world The spotlight will shift to speed on Sunday in the King of the Mountain showdown

“A classic car is like art, you cannot replace it Those vehicles were built in an era The people who designed and built them have died and it becomes collection items

“What makes the classic day so special is that we bring those vehicles out into a safe environment and ask the collectors to come and showcase their cars

“We will make this an international event from the first year and we are confident that it will grow into one of the biggest events in the world ”

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the City is geared up to host this “world-class event”

“This event has the potential to grow into a real mainstay event for the city and one that will bring visitors from around the world and showcase our city globally ”

Steyn Momberg, project director, adds that spectators can look forward to seeing modern supercars and high-performance racing machines compete across 2,1km of twisting tarmac and a 150-metre vertical climb

He says the event has been approved by Motor Sport South Africa

“The racecourse is built with Formula 1 approved concrete barriers, our marshalling team is from Western Province Racing, so we believe that we have a safe event On Phillip Kgosana the outbound road will be the racing track, and people will be able to stand right on top and watch the cars race ”

Gaiden of Rygersdal Football Club (FC) leans on the back of Ryan Adams of Ashford FC to control the ball during a SAFA Cape Town Coke Cup quarter-final match played at the Bishop Lavis Sports Ground on Sunday 14 September The game ended 5-5 after regulation time with Ashford keeping their composure to master the penalty shootout 6-4 to advance to the semi-final of the competition

PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS

is distributed every Tuesday and reach an estimated 419 650 readers

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Reagues e e co tested

Villager sent SK-Walmers packing by 44-31 in the first semi-final of Super League A and Hamiltons limped to a 35-34 victory over Durbell in the other match

However, all eyes were on the match between Primrose and Belhar in Super League B, which Primrose won by 46-34

In the other match, Franschhoek eventually progressed to Super League A after six attempts to gain promotion when they beat Kraaifontein 33-18

In Super League C, it was one-way traffic in the match between Young Peoples and Violets with the team from Paarl winning by 56-13, while All Saints were too strong for Gardens, winning their contest by 45-19

The finals and play-offs will be held on Saturday 20 September at City Park

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All the losing semi-finalists will play against each other and the team that finished 13th on the log

In Super League A, it is Helderberg and in Super League B Hamediehs who will await the winner of SK-Walmers vs Durbell and the winner of Belhar vs Kraaifontein, respectively

With the results of the semis Franschhoek and Primrose are promoted to Super League A next year, All Saints and St Georges in Super League B and Hands & Heart and Kylemore in Super League C The three teams at the bottom of Super League C - Eersterivier, Strand United and Caledonian Roses, drop to the Zonal Sections, which are Northerns, Southern and City Leagues Rugby fans can be assured of another treat on Saturday and must come early for a good spot at City Park