People's Post Claremont / Rondebosch 18 November 2025

Cityswitchesfromposttoelectronicsystem MEETINGOURREADERS

From Thursday 1 January next year the City of Cape Town will no longer post municipal bills All the statements will be issued electronically via email

Clients are encouraged to send their account numbers, contact details, including cellphone numbers, and email addresses to the City by email or SMS

Residents who do not have an email address, can contact the

A JOURNO’S VOICE

The colour purple is bright, powerful and demands to be seen.

In the past few weeks, it has become an ever-increasing sight on social media with many individuals changing their profile pictures to resemble the now iconic colour and echo the sentiment of solidarity with our sisters facing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)

This call to action highlights Women for Change’s unprecedented demonstration of solidarity for women through a national shutdown on Friday 21 November, just before the start of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg

The campaign aims to force the government to declare GBVF a national disaster

Sadly, it’s become increasingly clear that the threat of violence and abuse remains a constant threat in the daily lives of our women, many of whom suffer in silence, out of fear that they or their children could be killed or that they would be unable to feed themselves

So many women had and still have to endure pain, hardship

City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for assistance

Siseko Mbandezi, Mayco member for finance, said about 517 000 Capetonians have already switched to emailed accounts and that 200000 must still make the switch

“The City is sending direct communication to those who we still need to assist to make the switch

We’re urging all customers to register as soon as possible, as the City

will stop sending accounts by post after Wednesday 31 December ” He urged residents to adhere to the deadline “It’s a quick and easy process that ensures your account is delivered straight to your inbox

For those without email addresses, assistance is available Please contact the City’s Call Centre ”

The People’s Post team went out on Tuesday 11 November, to hand out the latest edition of the newspapers and interact with the readers and advertisers at the corner of Kromboom Road and Jan Smuts Drive. The initiative forms part of the team’s campaign to obtain firsthand information from residents and advertisers about a range of issues affecting our business and to seek ways to improve our operations in line with our loyal supporters . Staff, including sales representatives and reporters engaged with the community, answering questions and sharing stories PHOTO KEANAN

. Email: Revenue Eservices@ capetown.gov.za . SMS: 31223

and death for the benefit of their children and families, developing trauma from staying in toxic relationships rewiring their neural network and the way they process pain and love

Despite the monumental progress of the feminist movement and the women who had to fight for the right to vote and work twice as hard to earn their place in the workplace, ironically, it appears the more things change the more they stay the same

Back in 1956, history was made by the brave women who marched to Parliament and Pretoria protesting against the pass laws, despite the threats of police brutality, tear gas or incarceration

The women also contributed to the Freedom Charter with a document called “What Women Demand”, addressing needs such as: child care provisions, housing, education, equal pay, and equal rights with men in regard to property, marriage and guardianship of children

This is one of many historic examples where women had to defend and fight for their rights to be treated equally

And yet, in 2025 the nation’s crime statistics still paint a grim picture of the violence, abuse and harassment plaguing our women

HOWTOMAKETHESWITCH: For emailed bills, simply send an email or SMS with your account number, contact number and email address

According to the South African Police Service’s quarterly data for 2024-’25, between July and September last year, 957 women were murdered, 1 567 survived attempted murders, and 14 366 experienced assaults resulting in grievous bodily harm During the same period, 10 191 sexual assault cases were reported to the police

SA’s femicide rate is approximately five times higher than the global average and one in three South African women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence in their lifetime, said a study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

As a man, I could only imagine the terror our women face when going for a walk at night or climbing into an Uber, hoping and praying that they are safe

We’ve become numb as a society to hearing about the news of all the young women and recent graduates who have died at the hands of their partners

As men, we should and ought to do much better at calling individuals out who perpetrate these crimes, belittle women ’ s rights as jokes and we must hold ourselves to a better standard and be the gentlemen our mothers raised us to be It has to start at home with

. Customers without email accounts are requested to contact the City’s Call centre: 0860 103 089 or visit their nearest Customer Interaction Centre

changing the narrative and the way we speak to our friends and understanding that sexism should never be minimised and no-one should be mocking the rights of women

As men, we have to cultivate a culture of listening, protecting and upholding the rights and safety of not just the women in our daily lives but our fellow sisters

The novel The Colour Purple by Alice Walker also tells the eerily relevant story of traumatised women suffering in silence, lacking basic education, crippled from living their truth and chasing the dreams they wish to pursue

However, as the book nears its conclusion we see our main protagonist, Nettie, find empowerment and improve her education and complete her character arc in the best version of herself

There is hope and there is a brighter future awaiting all our sisters and society despite this dark cloud of violence and abuse we ’ re navigating, but we and the government need to call the senseless violence out and stand together with our women, our mothers, our sisters

As the late great artist and civil rights activist Nina Simone so eloquently put it: “You know what freedom means to me? No fear No fear!”

Budget to ‘strengthen stability’

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on Wednesday 12 November, confirming that government debt will stabilise at 77,9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025-'26

These details were crucial in laying out the plans for the Medium-Term Budget for 2025 – South Africa’s first such milestone since the 2008 financial crisis

Godongwana said the fiscal turnaround follows stronger tax collection, improved efficiency worth R6,7 billion, and better-than-expected economic growth

“This is the first time since 2008 that public debt will not grow as a percentage of GDP,” said Godongwana “We have achieved this without resorting to harsh austerity ”

MONETARYPOLICYOVERHAUL

The finance minister announced a major policy shift, setting a new 3% inflation target with a 1% tolerance band, replacing the previous 3% to 6% range This policy aligns with the strategic plans laid out in the Medium-Term Budget 2025 “South Africa will move towards international best practice,” he explained

The new target will be implemented gradually over two years in partnership with the South African Reserve Bank

The tighter band aims to strengthen price stability and help consumers and businesses plan long-term investments with greater confidence

Infrastructure-led growth strategy

Godongwana outlined a R1 trillion infrastructure investment programme over three years

Capital expenditure will grow by 7,5% annually, making it the fastest-growing budget item

This is a significant part of the Medium-Term

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008 THAT PUBLIC DEBT WILL NOT GROW AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP

Budget “We are leveraging public resources to attract private finance and expertise to drive growth,” he said

A new R15 billion infrastructure bond will support projects in energy, logistics and water, key sectors that underpin economic recovery

KEYNUMBERSATAGLANCE

.Indicator Value 77,9% of GDP (2025-'26)

.Inflation target 3% ± 1% (from 3%–6%)

.Growth forecast 1,2% (2025), 1,8% avg (2026–2028)

.Infrastructure investment R1 trillion (3 years)

.Primary surplus R68,5 billion (2025) - R224 billion (2028/29)

Godongwana said government continues to tackle energy and logistics bottlenecks About 2 220 MW of renewable energy projects are underway, and private participation in ports and freight rail could unlock R200 billion in new investment

A national water resource infrastructure agency will begin operations by April next year, following amendments to the Water Services Act – reforms all part of the broader Medium-Term Budget 2025 strategy

FISCALEFFICIENCYANDSAVINGS

National Treasury plans to save R6,7 billion by scrapping underperforming programmes and introducing an early-retirement scheme worth R3,5 billion in annual savings

Showrestoresdignity

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

After five months of training and rehearsal, clients from The Haven Night Shelter led audiences on a two-night emotional and metaphorical journey, using ballroom dance as a powerful storytelling tool in their Dignity in Motion show Playing at the Star Theatre in District Six on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November, the show has helped participants heal, feel empowered, and regain their dignity, using the performing arts to grow and express themselves Shadrick Valayadum, chief executive officer of the Shelter, said the production was performed with arts director Jaco Maree and choreographed by artist Alvina Menigo “Each scene used ballroom dance as a storytelling tool, reflecting stages of life and emotions such as loneliness, struggle, connection, and trust ” The Heaven Night Shelter is a Welfare Organisation that provides temporary shelter, physical care, social welfare and family re-unification services to adult homeless persons in the province Valayadum explained that the show was partially funded by the City of Cape Town, the Haven and various other donors “The project was spearheaded by our operations manager We started with 80 people but at the end only 20 clients from shelters in Retreat, Green Point, District Six and Kalk Bay participated ” Valayadum said participants expressed themselves through dance genres like the tango, quick step and the waltz “Ballroom teaches composure and trust Homeless people struggle with trust because of the disappointments and rejections that they had to go through in life ”

He explained that the show gave clients an opportunity to tell their life story through ballroom dancing “We are saying to clients you are not invisible There is this idea that all homeless people are on drugs, but there are some decent people on the street and we need to give them a second chance ” Valayadum said one of her clients was once an avid ballroom dancer, but life took an unfortunate turn and she ended up on the street She also suffered five strokes that left her confined to a wheelchair He said when they approached her for the Dignity in Motion show she immediately agreed +Juan Barnard, one of the participants based at the Napier shelter in Green Point, he always wanted to do the waltz but never got the opportunity He described the show as a “life-changing experience ” “It was a humbling experience We didn’t do this for anyone but for ourselves Seeing the reaction from the audience brough tears to my eyes I have made a lot of friends I’ve learned that through hard work and determination you can achieve anything ” He also shared a message with the broader public “Those faces that you see on the street are people with potential They just need opportunities ” Barnard expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped to bring the show to life Valayadum said watching the clients perform on stage after months of preparation was a heartwarming moment “I was crying They were giving testimonies through dance, and it was a professional production “Some of their families came to watch the show as well and it was so emotional to see how they hugged each other after the show ”

Authorities will also intensify enforcement against illicit trade, which has cost about R40 billion in excise revenue since 2020 These measures are aligned with the goals set out for Medium-Term Budget 2025

BUDGETBALANCEANDALLOCATIONS

The overall deficit will narrow from 4,5% of GDP in 2025-’26 to 2,7% by 2028-’29

Debt-service costs will grow more slowly at 3,8% annually, compared with earlier projections of 7,%

NEWALLOCATIONSINCLUDE

.R2 billion to rebuild Parliament; .R1 billion for the 2026 municipal elections; and .R4,1 billion for disaster relief in

ed provinces

POLITICALANDMARKETRESPONSE

Godongwana said the statement “sends a clear message, South Africa is choosing growth, stability, and reform”

The announcement follows the country’s exit from the FATF grey list and comes ahead of its African G20 presidency, reflecting stronger international confidence in the plans laid out by the Medium-Term Budget 2025

The MTBPS will now undergo parliamentary review and public consultation before the February 2026 national budget

School unites behind secretary

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

You have cancer A phrase that can single-handedly change everything in an instant.

René de Wet (51), secretary at Camps Bay Primary School, got the unfortunate news that she has HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in September this year

HER2-positive (HER2+) is a fast-growing breast cancer that may affect people with invasive breast cancer

“I was diagnosed on Friday 26 September I was distraught You never think that it could happen to you, ” explained De Wet

Her treatment had to begin immediately She started chemotherapy on Wednesday 15 October and will undergo eight rounds, every 21 days, followed by surgery and radiation

But without medical aid, the financial strain is overwhelming, and so is the emotional shock of suddenly becoming a cancer fighter

But De Wet is not facing this battle alone the community is standing firmly behind her De Wet tells People’s Post that a close friend started a crowdfunding campaign hoping to raise R180000

Within a few days they managed to reach a few thousands

Currently with the help of learners, parents, private donors and the broader public, they have exceeded the target and reached R192000

De Wet explains that she is overwhelmed by the outpour of love and support from everyone

“I have been at the school for 11 years When you ’ re a school secretary you do more than just answering phones, you are a safe space when kids go through a difficult time

“At Camps Bay schools we are like a little village When the kids heard, the crowdfunding campaign just went viral I am still in shock and blown away ”

De Wet says a few years ago she walked this journey supporting her dad when he was diag-

SHE STARTED CHEMOTHERAPY ON WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER AND WILL UNDERGO EIGHT ROUNDS

nosed with cancer

She says knowing she isn’t facing this journey alone gives her the courage to fight

“Last month, the high school learners came to the primary school and I received about 80

FROMPAGE1

WOMENFORCHANGE:FROMFESTIVALTOACTION

The festival’s partnership with Women for Change represents more than symbolic support, it’s driving concrete action against what organisers term “gender-based violation ”

As part of the initiative launched at Thursday’s gathering, participants are being mobilised for an upcoming shutdown designed to draw national attention to the crisis of violence against women

The campaign includes a coordinated social media push encouraging supporters to change their profile pictures to purple, the internationally recognised colour for anti-violence activism, as a visible show of solidarity and demand for change

ACENTRALTHEME:LEADINGWITHOUTPERMISSION

Leigh Anne Williams, who served as MC for the festival, set the tone early by defining what authentic leadership means in the current context of fighting for women ’ s safety and rights

“Leading without permission for me, first and foremost begins with authenticity When you are showing up as your most authentic self, you believe in who you are, ” Williams told attendees

“When you settle in the growth and the journey that you have walked as an individual, you are able to step up to the table and say, I deserve to be here

“I have put in the work I have put in the time I have made my mark, and I can now lead without needing permission because I am who I say I am ”

This message of self-authorisation resonated powerfully in the context of the Women for Change campaign, where traditional approaches to addressing GBVare being challenged through direct action

INDUSTRYLEADERSCHAMPIONCHANGE

Raksha Naidoo, chair of Women in Mining South Africa and Chief excutive officer (CEO) of the Particle Group, brought her own perspective on transformative leadership that extends beyond boardrooms to social activism

“For me, leading without permission means actually making a change The day we stop actually trying to ask for permission to do anything and actually start doing is the day that we start turning our industries around and transforming for its true meaning of what the word actually represents,” Naidoo declared

cards The outpour of love just touched me Kids wrote about memories they have at primary school It was an incredible heart-wrenching moment ”

She expresses her gratitude to everyone for their support

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind and generous and for checking in on me all the time Even if I can’t always respond to the messages, just know that I am genuinely grateful and keep praying ”

She encourages people to continue to donate

“I am not sure the exact amount of the medical bills I am receiving treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital We are beyond the target now

Her words carried particular weight given the mining industry’s role in South Africa’s economy and the potential impact of industry leaders supporting initiatives like the planned shutdown

THEPURPLECAMPAIGN:DIGITALACTIVISMMEETS REALACTION

The festival’s digital component represents a sophisticated approach to modern activism

The purple profile picture campaign, launched from Thursday’s gathering, aims to create visible solidarity across social media platforms while building momentum for the physical shutdown

Organisers are encouraging participants to maintain their purple profile pictures as a sustained show of support for the Women for Change initiative, creating an ongoing digital reminder of the movement’s presence and goals

EMBRACINGLIMITLESSPOSSIBILITIESINACTIVISM

Naidoo’s interpretation of the festival’s “limitless” theme connected directly to the potential for transformative social change

“To be limitless is to have endless dreams There are endless options, endless possibilities, and it means that I can do whatever I want to do, and I will achieve whatever I set my mind to,” she said, a sentiment that organisers hope will translate into unprecedented participation in the upcoming shutdown

CROSS-INDUSTRYCOALITIONBUILDING

The festival’s success in attracting diverse industry participation strengthens the Women for Change initiative’s potential impact Nolu Mnini, chair of Women in Tourism Western Cape, exemplified how the campaign is building cross-sector support

“I’m also representing Women in Tourism as the chair of Women in Tourism Western Cape,” Mnini explained, highlighting how industry organisations are leveraging their networks to amplify the campaign’s reach

The tourism industry’s participation is particularly significant given its economic importance and visibility in the Western Cape region

FROMWELLNESSTORESISTANCE

The festival’s holistic approach, including wellness spaces and stress relief programmes, serves a dual purpose, supporting women ’ s immediate well-being while preparing them for sustained activism

Which is fantastic because there’ll be continued expenses There are people that I don’t even know who have contributed, it’s incredible ” Laura Perry, De Wet’s close friend, says she started the crowdfunding campaign, emphasising that money should be the last thing on De Wet’s mind She added that they did not expect the overwhelming response “We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated ”

“We’re treating the ladies to anticipate and control in the garden because we understand the pressure that people actually go through,” Mnini noted, recognising that effective activism requires both emotional and physical support systems

BUILDINGMOMENTUMFORTHESHUTDOWN

Deborah Brinkworth, a festival participant who came “to meet those bold, brilliant, and brave people,” represents the grassroots energy that organisers hope will drive participation in the planned shutdown

The festival served as both recruitment and preparation for the coordinated action, with organisers using the gathering to brief participants on shutdown logistics and goals

DIGITALSOLIDARITY,PHYSICALACTION

The combination of the purple profile picture campaign and planned shutdown represents a multi-faceted approach to activism that acknowledges both the power of digital organising and the necessity of physical demonstration

Participants leaving Thursday’s festival carried clear instructions for both digital and physical participation, creating a coordinated campaign that bridges online and offline activism

BEYONDNOVEMBER13:SUSTAINEDRESISTANCE

The Women for Change initiative extends far beyond Thursday’s gathering

The planned shutdown this coming Friday and the ongoing purple campaign represents sustained pressure tactics designed to maintain momentum beyond the festival’s conclusion

Organisers are positioning the initiative as a long-term commitment rather than a moment of protest, with the festival serving as a catalyst for ongoing resistance to gender-based violence

As the purple profile pictures begin appearing across social media and participants prepare for the shutdown, Thursday’s festival has proven its value as more than an empowerment event, it’s become a mobilisation platform for coordinated social action

The Women in Festival 2025’s legacy may ultimately be measured not in attendance numbers or speaker quality, but in its success at transforming individual empowerment into collective resistance against the systemic violence that continues to threaten women across South Africa

Swimming

KEANAN HARMSE

KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

World-record swimmer Howard Warrington is looking forward to conquering False Bay’s freezing shark-infested waters to help the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) with their sterilisation campaigns

The athlete will tackle the 14-hour False Bay challenge, which is a 34 km crossing, on Thursday 20 and Wednesday 26 November, depending on weather conditions The swim will help the SPCA in Grassy Park reach a 10 000-sterilisation goal

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the founding society of the SPCA movement in South Africa, the oldest animal-welfare organisation in the country Warrington, from Somerset West, holds a Guinness world record and has completed more than 200 Robben Island crossings

“My wife Elmarie and friend Charl are my skippers, and our border collie, Lily, joins us on our boat as a shark spotter Every swim tests my limits, but it’s nothing compared to the struggles faced by animals every day This is my way of helping them I hope to raise as much money as possible ”

Besides swimming his hobbies include marathons, mountain biking, road riding and marathon swimming

Asked what inspired his 14-hour swim for the SPCA, Warrington said: “I believe that animal sterilisation is the only way to stop or slow the cycle of unwanted animals I hate any form of animal abuse "

The False Bay crossing matches the English Channel’s distance – which Warrington conquered in 2018 after 16 hours and 55 km – but is considered even more dangerous due to unpredictable currents, cold temperatures and Great White sharks

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer No. T99715/2005 passed by CARROL CLOETE, Identity number: 450224 0043 084, Unmarried in favour of 1. ABUBAKAR HENDRICKS, Identity number: 721115 5154 087, Married according to Muslim rites 2.