People's Post Claremont/Rondebosch 25 November 2025 Edition

Happy endin

Atwo-month search for two sisters from Namibia ended in relief on Monday 30 September when Linda and Fransina Ndemushakena were reunited at U-turn’s Claremont Homeless Service Centre.

Linda (25) arrived in Cape Town in early July to visit her sister, who had been living in Hout Bay

The pair planned to return home a week later but were separated while looking for transport in Bellville.

Linda panicked when she saw a police vehicle and ran Minutes later she was chased by a white car and lost sight of her sister

Two days later, Mowbray police officers found Linda exhausted and hungry She was taken to U-turn’s Powerhouse safe space in Claremont

“She was physically and emotionally drained,” social auxiliary worker Noxolo Mandukwini says “She had not eaten or bathed in two days I gave her a shower, clean clothes, food and new shoes ”

While Linda recovered, Mandukwini began searching for Fransina She contacted several police stations, the Namibian consulate and shared photographs online A friend in Hout Bay helped her trace the sisters’ former landlord, who provided contact details for their family in Namibia

The search eventually led back to Bellville Police had admitted a woman matching Fransina’s description to Stikland Hospital

“After two months of searching, we finally found her,” Mandukwini says With assistance from WO Lutchmee Chetty of Claremont police, U-turn arranged her discharge and transport to the Claremont service centre, where the sisters embraced in tears They stayed at Powerhouse for several weeks while staff worked with their family in Namibia to arrange their return

On Monday 30 September their older sister Veronica arrived in Cape Town to take them home

Peer worker and U-turn graduate Tarryn Addinal says she remembers their final day clearly “Fransina told me she was grateful for U-turn She said she had not known a place like this existed, where people would care when she was struggling,” Addinal says “She said, ‘Now I know that God loves me ’”

Before leaving, the sisters returned their MiChange vouchers, but staff encouraged them to keep one each as a reminder of their time in Cape Town Staff and police joined them in prayer, thanking God for protection and new beginnings

Centre manager Raymond Bowman says the reunion shows the impact of simple persistence and compassion TO PAGE 3

Chief Heat Officer will help to Beat the Heat

ANAMHLAMONAKALI

s the world grapples with rising temperatures and extreme heat events linked to climate change, the City of Cape Town has announced the appointment of Albert Ferreira, as its first Chief Heat Officer

Ferreira, who is also the City’s Manager for Resilience and Climate Change, will lead initiatives to raise public awareness and strengthen the City’s heat response measures as part of its Beat the Heat programme and broader Heat Action Plan

“Cape Town’s Climate Change Action Plan addresses various climate hazards including droughts, fires, floods, and storms The specific focus on extreme heat as a growing public health and urban planning challenge highlights the need to treat it with the same urgency as other climate hazards,” said Ferreira

In the hottest months, some parts of the city experience temperatures above 35°C The highest temperature on record for last year was

44,6°C, recorded at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in the Foreshore, the hottest yet for Cape Town

The Beat the Heat programme, introduced during the summer of last year, focuses on communities most affected by high temperatures, including Atlantis, Mamre, Dunoon, Joe Slovo and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village

The initiative is implemented by multiple City departments, including Environmental Management, Risk and Resilience, and Disaster Risk Management

Cape Town joined the international City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) network last year, making it one of only three African cities, alongside Freetown and Kisumu County, to be part of the global partnership

“Albert’s appointment forms part of this international collaboration Chief Heat Officers across the world aim to unify city responses to extreme heat, accelerate protection measures, and reduce the risks and impacts of heat, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Gareth Morgan, the City’s Executive Director for Future Planning and

HIGHEST TEMP IN CITY LAST YEAR WAS 44.6°C

Resilience

The United Nations (UN) issued a Call to Action on Extreme Heat in July last year, urging governments to prioritise protecting vulnerable groups, workers, and communities while strengthening economic and social resilience

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined other CCHA mayors in endorsing the call

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions expected over the Bergrivier and Matzikama municipalities, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach the 40s Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses

TIPSTOBEATTHEHEAT:

. Drink plenty of water, spray bottle or damp cloth to cool down

. Seek shade or visit air-conditioned public spaces such as

libraries or shopping centres

of

. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a wide-brim hat

. Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon

. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting, and seek medical help immediately

. Check on family, neighbours, and friends, especially those at higher risk

. For details and downloadable tools on heat safety,visit capetown gov za or access the City’s Beat the Heat educational materials site.

MyCiTiupdatestomodernvalidationtech

The City of Cape Town has announced plans to replace its current validators in its buses and at the stations from the beginning of December until the end of January next year

According to the City, these devices will be able to support modern and convenient payment methods in future The replacements will be done in phases, starting on Tuesday 2 December until Friday 30 January next year, if all goes as planned

“Our validators at the MyCiTi stations and on the buses are reaching their end of life and much like a mobile phone that needs to be replaced after a certain period, we now need to replace these validators with the modern version For now, the new single validators are only replacing the old separate “IN” and “OUT” machines on the buses and streamlining the boarding process for commuters,” said the City’s Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas

All work is planned for after hours and during off-peak times to minimise the disruption for commuters

As of Tuesday 2 December, commuters will notice replacement validators are activated at one station gate in the Stadium; Granger Bay; Refinery; Sandown and Janssens stations Around Thursday 4 December replacement validators will be activated on the first ten buses

Customers may encounter a mix

of old and new validators while the installations are still under way and commuters are encouraged to use the old separate IN and OUT validators At stations, customers should continue to tap in and tap out on any old validator or replacement validator in order to enter or exit These devices are also being used to replace info terminals at all stations where commuters view their card balance and transaction history

I am trying to be gentler with myself...

We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce I have come to realise that I’m married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up

and wonders who one is outside of one ’ s job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life

That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are

My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle We internalised those messages until slowing down began to feel like failure It has become normal to answer emails at midnight, to skip rest days and equate exhaustion with success

But what happens when the career slows down, when the children grow up or when the titles fade? What happens when the thing that

once defined one becomes partly redundant, has partly outlived its use value?

That question haunts me sometimes Because I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be

Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines

There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later

Except “later” always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one ’ s body reminds one it has limits even when one ’ s will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks “Who are you now?”

I am learning that belonging comes from connection, to ourselves, to others and to moments that have nothing to do with ambition Sometimes that looks

like a quiet walk after a long day

Sometimes it is laughing with friends without checking one ’ s phone Sometimes it is doing absolutely nothing and realising one is still enough

That recognition takes practice For me it has meant setting boundaries that once felt impossible, saying no to late-night deadlines, taking weekends to reconnect with family and picking hobbies up that do not have outcomes or evaluations It means making peace with stillness, an uncomfortable task for those of us conditioned to measure our days in productivity I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do There has to be more There has to be room to breathe, to grow, to change

So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Trying to build a life that is full, not just busy

Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming

“We see hardship every day, but this story shows what can happen when people care enough to get involved,”

Bowman says “I commend my staff who go above and beyond to serve

our clients, affirm their dignity and provide hope ” U-turn says the sisters’ journey is a reminder that safety, dignity and family can be restored when support systems work together

Nightwalkexcites

NAMHLAMONAKALI

A CO ZA

MONAKALI@NOVUSMED

NAMHLA

The Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch (PNW) hosted its popular Moonlight Walk on Saturday 8 November, offering residents a chance to explore parts of Pinelands after dark in a safe and festive setting.

The Moonlight Walk, a longstanding favourite on the PNW calendar, aims to bring neighbours together while encouraging community visibility and awareness

PNW said the evening delivered “fun in the sun, followed by nighttime shenanigans”, with many firsttime walkers joining this year With several new faces in attendance, the route proved slightly more

BRINGNEIGHBOURSTOGETHERWHILE ENCOURAGINGCOMMUNITYVISIBILITY

challenging for some participants

However, the promise of marshmallows at the halfway point, along with refreshments at the finish, helped keep spirits high

PNW said the addition of small incentives added a sense of adventure and motivation for younger walkers and newcomers

Safety remained a key focus throughout the event

PNW thanked its partners for assisting with visibility, route support and traffic control

These included Clyde Pinelands Association Football Club (CPAFC), Pinelands police, Fidelity ADT, Exec-

utive Decisions, Pinelands CID and Zonewatch Security

In a statement PNW said: “A big thank you to all our partners for watching over our walkers and helping ensure a smooth and enjoyable evening

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Pinelands community Events like these remind us why community cohesion matters ”

Residents were also encouraged to attend PNW’s upcoming Community and Safety Day on Friday 6 December, which will focus on crime awareness, safety demonstrations and community engagement

Newmixuseplanin forCityapproval

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has sent the proposed City-enabled mix use, residentially led development in Rondebosch East for in-principle Council approval

Thereafter, a competitive procurement process will be undertaken inviting proposals from developers to purchase, develop and manage the property

“This development proposal boosts the local area and offers a beautiful, modern and environmentally-sensitive development in one of the urban hearts of Cape Town

“It proposes wide-ranging uses in line with the area including various residential types, retail space, the upgrading of transport and road facilities and importantly an envisioned upgrade to the natural assets of this site incorporating walkways, boardwalks and indigenous vegetation,” says Carl Pophaim, Mayco member for human settlements

The Kromboom site forms part of an extensive pipeline of municipal owned properties being released for affordable housing

These are well located sites which play a critical role in accelerating housing delivery, redressing apartheid spatial planning and ensuring equal access to economic opportunities

“This remains a core priority of my directorate

“We thank our communities for the largely positive and constructive inputs received throughout the public processes including a recent open day

“This development vision is one of spatial integration, housing opportunities in a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing development and local area economic injection as we build a City of Hope, one neighbourhood at a time,” says Pophaim

The public participation for the land release process took place between 13 September and 13 October last year

The intent to dispose of the subject property was advertised in local newspapers on 13 September last year and a community Open Day was held on Saturday 11 October this year

The Council in-principle report will serve before Council to determine the Section 14 Municipal Finance Management Act principle, that the subject property is not required for basic minimum municipal services

Thereafter, a competitive procurement process under the guidance of Supply Chain Management will be undertaken inviting proposals from developers to purchase, develop and manage the property

The new development will enhance the green corridor along the Kromboon River, upgrade of the roadways and transport facilities in the area creating a vibrant, mixed-use development with accommodation options and retail and a boost for safety

The development will also provide access to rental and ownership accommodation in Cape Town on well-located urban centres

Furthermore, it will give access to a potential investment opportunity providing long-term sustainable financial returns, says Pophaim

‘Let’s keep going’ for change

ARondebosch Park was transformed into a lively open-air gallery on Saturday 15 November as over 100 emerging and established artists showcased their work at a free community art fair

The event, held from 10:00 to 15:00, drew steady crowds who explored a wide range of artworks from multiple art societies

Young artists from the Peter Clarke Art Centre were among the exhibitors and invited visitors to paint alongside them, offering an interactive experience for families and aspiring creatives

Food stalls, beverages and live music added to the festive atmosphere DJ Brian Oxley kept audiences entertained throughout the day and also facilitated regular art giveaways

Visitors could enter by placing their names in a box and waiting for the scheduled draws at intervals

Organisers said the turnout exceeded

CT launches season’s safety plan

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Muizenberg Beach had the honour of being the site of the launch of the City of Cape Town’s Festive Season Safety Plan, on Tuesday 18 November

The City outlined its plans for its overall festive safety deployment, beach safety and drowning prevention and traffic enforcement at the

THE PUBLIC CAN EXPECT ENHANCED DEPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL TO ENSURE A SAFE,SECURE SEASON

Muizenberg Civic Centre

The launch also highlighted lifeguarding and other proactive measures to prevent drownings as well as enhanced road-safety operations along major routes and in the vicinity of beaches and tourism hotspots

Hill-Lewis

“The public can further expect enhanced deployments on the City’s roads, at busy beaches, braai areas and tourism hotspots, including Table Mountain Vehicle checkpoints will be in place across the metro, and

Impulsive spending a threat to consumers

As South Africans gear-up for Black Friday on 28 November, the National Financial Ombud (NFO) urges consumers to think twice before swiping their way into a financial hangover

While seasonal discounts may offer short-term appeal, the long-term consequences of overspending on credit, including high-interest debt and depleted savings, can undermine essential financial goals and lead to post-holiday hardship

The NFO has also cautioned that digital fraud tends to spike during the year-end holiday season

Nerosha Maseti, Credit and Banking Division Lead Ombud at the NFO, said Black Friday, known for massive sales and long lines, is a shopper’s adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers and the thrill of snagging the perfect deal

“But beneath the buzz lies a financial minefield

Swipe-happy spending can spiral into credit-card chaos and lurking digital scams are ready to pounce when vigilance slips To win the day truly, smart shoppers arm themselves with a plan, stay sharp online and keep their budgets on lockdown After all, the best deal is one that doesn’t cost your peace of mind ”

IMPULSIVESPENDING

Many South Africans use credit to fund Black Friday purchases, but impulsive spending can lead to unmanageable debt Maseti said the risks of such expenditure include high-interest credit card balances or short-term loans, depletion of savings intended for essential goals like home ownership, education or emergencies and financial strain after the holiday

season, when unexpected credit card or loan repayments become due, leaving consumers with limited funds for essential living expenses

She advised consumers to set a spending budget and stick to it; prioritise long-term financial goals over seasonal bargains; and keep credit balances low

CREDITCARDFRAUD

The NFO also sounded the alarm on a surge in credit-card scams Fraudsters tend to zero in on Black Friday shoppers using non-bank and store-branded credit cards, especially those tied to big-name retailers

“These criminals contact cardholders by phone,” Maseti warned, “impersonating representatives from these companies, and deceive unsuspecting consumers into revealing their confidential One-Time Pins (OTPs) to make unauthorised purchases at large merchants, leaving victims responsible for fraudulent charges

“While this scam has been known in traditional banking circles for many years its rising prevalence in the nonbank credit card market is deeply concerning The NFO is worried such fraud will escalate over Black Friday with high transaction volumes and increased consumer activity

“It is crucial for cardholders to remember that no legitimate company will ever ask them to share confidential information such as card numbers, passwords, or OTPs ”

DISCOUNTEDAIRLINETICKETS

A recent case investigated by the NFO revealed a new trend, with the consumer losing R120 000 after

responding to a social media advert

offering discounted airline tickets

After submitting her phone number and email via a link she was contacted through WhatsApp and instructed to download an app from the Google Play Store to access promo codes

Though the link appeared secure the app was fraudulent and embedded with malware

Soon after installation the consumer ’ s phone began overheating and behaving erratically The unexpected activation of the camera ’ s green light raised immediate concerns On checking her banking app the consumer discovered two unauthorised transactions and swiftly reported the incident to both her bank and the police

Despite her prompt action within just 27 minutes after the transactions,the bank denied liability, citing that the payments had been authorised via selfie-authentication on her trusted device The consumer escalated the matter to the National Financial Ombud (NFO), seeking a full refund Following investigation the NFO found that the funds had already been utilised before the fraud was reported, leaving no opportunity for recovery Also, the bank provided evidence that biometric authentication was used to approve the transactions

Based on the specific facts of the complaint, it was evident that the compromise originated from the consumer ’ s interaction with a fraudulent third-party app, which contained malware capable of remote access and biometric simulation

Maseti said no proof was provided that the transactionshad taken place

as a result of maladministration or safety and security failures on the part of the bank “By downloading the fraudulent app, the consumer essentially handed over her phone,” she said, “including all the information stored on her phone, to the criminals and this resulted in the fraud The NFO accordingly could not conclude that the bank was liable for the consumer ’ s loss ”

ANTI-FRAUDTIPS:

. Never share your OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be from your credit provider . End suspicious calls immediately and contact your credit provider directly using an official phone number and not the number provided by the scammers

BESCEPTICALOFSOCIALMEDIAPROMOTIONS.

THINKTWICEBEFOREDOWNLOADING APPS

. Use trusted sources – only download apps from verified developers with strong reviews and a high download count

MONITORYOURBANKACCOUNTS CLOSELY

. Check transactions daily, especially after suspicious activity . Report fraud immediately to your bank and file a

. Verify legitimacy: Check official airline websites or verified social media accounts before engaging . Avoid sharing personal info: Never post your phone number or sensitive details publicly

Readersabout ‘BlackFriday’

As the nation gears for another Black Friday spending, People’s Post reached out to Capetonians to get their take, plans and preparations for the day.

. Jamie Adams believes Black Friday is out of touch with the realities of the society “Even the country and its economic deficiencies I am most certainly not shopping on Black Friday, because firstly, the cost of living is so high I can’t even think about buying anything but food and bare essentials, and most of the items in sale at the Black Friday specials are not even some of the basic essentials So instead of hyping up one day of the year retailers should try and make goods more affordable and accessible throughout the year ”

. Ruwayda Thomas said Black Friday is not worth the hype “Many ‘deals’ aren’t actually deals, stores often advertise small discounts as if they’re massive Black Friday deals, which creates pressure and one spends more to ‘ save ’ Black Friday makes people forget the December holidays, food, gifts, travel, January school fees or budgeting stress You feel the ‘saving’ now, but get the financial stress later ”

. Esther Julius: “I don’t go with the hype pertaining to ‘Balck Friday’ because I feel it may be just a strategy to draw customers However, if you plan well you cannot go wrong Stick to a budget and create a list of what you actually need to avoid overspending Research items beforehand to confirm they are a good deal and use secure, reputable retailers for online or in-store shopping Don’t make impulsive purchases or fall for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals without verifying them first Avoid making emotional purchases or using a personal loan to finance your shopping spree ”

. Avumile Dywili: “For me Black Friday is mostly hype Every year you see people rushing, but the discounts are not that impressive I do not think it is worth stressing over I am

skipping it completely this year because I would rather save for December ”

. Luvo Totana: “I think Black Friday can be worth it, but only if you go in with a plan

Sometimes the specials look big, but when you compare prices it is not always a real saving I am only buying small things I actually need, such as toiletries I am not planning to overspend this year ”

. Gloria van Niekerk: “Black Friday depends on your shopping habits If you have a bit of extra cash available all good and well If not, don’t borrow to spend

“To get the most value from this shopping experience research the prices ahead of time Do concentrate on items you really need and be strategic about such

“For me personally, it’s a no, no Shop with your head, not your heart ”

. Camiellah Petersen: “I believe it is worth it because you safe alot of money and can buy your holiday shopping for less I will be in the line when open this year ”

. Cathy Stevens: “People get so excited when they hear there’s Black Friday sales My view on this is that it’s just a money-making story; the prices are no different from normal prices If it’s half price then I would say yes, it’s worth running for But for me it’s a ‘ no story’ People go mad shopping for Christmas and spending money on unnecessary things Life is so difficult nowadays where money is concerned ”

. Nicole Jacobus: “Black Friday is upon us as is festivity As the Grassy Park Community Policing Forum we want to urge our community to be extra cautious at shopping malls, at the shops

“To our older folk: go with someone who can assist you and do not ask any strangers to do so at the tellers, the banks and so on As we know, this is the crazy season As a precautionary measure it’s best to take a relative when going shopping I also know shopping centres have long queues ”

cock mantis shrimps ub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass.

s Aquarium today.

Mobility gives you wings to soar!

Having lost her first leg at just one year old, prosthetics have given her a second chance at a full life.

Nokuthula Yonke (24) from Lansdowne faced a difficult upbringing Raised in foster care, and born with spina bifida, Princess Nonny, as she is affectionately known, has overcome much adversity in her short two decades “I was born with level four spina bifida I was born with both legs, but due to my disability my health had been going up and down I lost my first leg when I was a year and six months, and now I am a double below-the-knee amputee,” she says She has been a patient of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre (OPC) Pinelands for almost 20 years, having received her first prosthetic leg at the age of five through an outreach clinic to Maitland Cottage Hospital in the early 90s

With the help of these prostheses, the Lansdowne local has gone on to compete in pageantry earning 1st Princess of Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021 and playing professional international sport in provincial and national colours in wheelchair basketball, shotput, discuss and adaptive surfing, among other achievements

She is also a full-time student

“Prosthetics has improved my life so much as an athlete and a part of society I can do so many things I never imagined I could do, such as hiking and walking more than 10-

THE CENTRE WORKS ON REFERRALS

20km from one place to another I am able to ride the bike in the gym, pick up weights These are all the things I used to see on Instagram reels growing up and never imagined I would be able to do,” she says She receives ongoing care, with pin lock prostheses made to fit her active lifestyle

On Wednesday 5 November, we observed International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, aimed at creating awareness and celebrating the role played in empowering those with disabilities November is also Disability Awareness Month

Mr Bongani Mlambo, Facility Manager at OPC Pinelands, says they treat a variety of ailments in the management of disability, pain and injury

“The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre in Pinelands is the only Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness centre that services the province with orthotic, prosthetic and footwear services, excluding the Eden region where these services are outsourced to a private service provider The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre currently operates 122 outreach clinics across 21 different locations,” he says The centre works on referrals from a number of hospitals and facilities across the province and treat patients

with ailments and injuries including scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, athletes with injuries such as ankle sprain or shin splint, diabetic foot, arthritis, amputations, trauma, chronic pain management and other foot deformities

The facility manufactures aides from scratch, specially customised to the need and body of the patient They also offer ready to purchase aides procured from a local supplier

The centre treats both adults and children from eight weeks old

OPC Pinelands treats patients on referrals only For orthotic services, patients are referred from community health care centres, primary health care centres, community organisations, geriatric services, insurance providers, government organisations, pediatric services, private and non-profit organisations For prosthetic services you need a referral from the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre Amputation clinic or Groote Schuur Hospital Amputation clinic

Withgrowingdiabetesrisk,healthychoicesstartyoung

Diabetes is a group of diseases characterised by high blood sugar levels

With more residents getting tested for diabetes, the City’s Health department has welcomed the trend but cautions that screening must go hand in hand with healthier choices, especially among younger people World Diabetes Day is commemorated annually on 14 November

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of South Africans and is the second leading cause of death

in the country, behind tuberculosis

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, 14% of adults aged 18 years and older were living with diabetes, an increase from 7% in 1990

More than half (59%) of adults aged 30 years and over living with diabetes were not taking medication for their diabetes in 2022

Historically, diabetes is associated

with older persons, but recent trends show that Type 2 Diabetes is starting to affect younger persons Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said more people in their 20s are diagnosed with diabetes and the cause is often the choices they made as teenagers “Healthy food choices and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type

2 diabetes You’re not too young to start making better choices for your health ” In the past financial year, the number of diabetes screenings at City clinics in the 18 to 44 age group rose by just more than 4% to 132 518, with 425 new diabetes clients . For more information visit your nearest City Health clinic: https:// www capetown gov za/Departments/ City%20Health%20Department

‘Ou Ses’ short film hits big screen

South Africa’s big-screen scene is about to get a jolt of raw authenticity with ‘Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel ‘ the latest short film from writer, actor and filmmaker Enrico Hartzenberg.

The film introduces two new actors, Wayde Solomons (21) and Yulbritte Smith (33), whose performances bring a fresh dimension to a story that blends grit, heart and humanity

“Forget the usual crime stories,” said Hartzenberg, founder of Hartzenberg Films “Ou Ses tells a story of courage, legacy and the redemptive power of love I wanted to show that there’s so much more to our communities than the headlines there’s resilience, laughter and dreams that refuse to die ”

The film will premiere nationwide on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November as part of the “Heart & Hustle Anthology” alongside three other Hartzenberg Film short films at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas

Hartzenberg described the agreement with Ster-Kinekor as a landmark collaboration and one of his most ambitious undertakings yet much more than a personal milestone

“This exhibition agreement isn’t just a win for Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel or ‘Heart & Hustle’,” he said “It’s a powerful affirmation that our stories

– urgent, emotional, and deeply rooted in the South African experience –deserve to be seen on the big screen ”

Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer of Ster-Kinekor, said they are thrilled to support emerging talent

“Screening local films in cinema is vital to keep the culture of cinema-going alive in South Africa We’re proud to play a role in showcasing stories

HEART & HUSTLE FILMS SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT

that reflect the richness and complexity of our communities ”

RISINGSTARS

Ou Ses marks an important breakthrough for both Solomons and Smith

Solomons, a young actor, voice-over artist, and broadcaster from Eerste River, already has early credits on Skemergrond, Suidooster, Wyfie and Coby Phoenix Rise

The 21-year-old said joining Ou Ses felt “like stepping into my purpose ” Smith, a performer from Belhar’s Chestnut Place, turned personal setbacks into fuel for her craft

After a dance injury paused her career, she completed a master’s-level theatre programme at Jacomus, actor Dann-Jacques Mouton’s drama school

Soon after, Hartzenberg invited her to join Ou Ses without an audition

“After years of trying, this felt like God making a way, ” said Smith

To Hartzenberg Films, Ou Ses isn’t just a short film, it’s a statement

“By investing in under-represented and emerging voices, Hartzenberg Films wants to expand the lens of South African storytelling and make space for new perspectives,” said Hartzenberg “I’m thrilled to give audiences a fresh perspective on our stories, and even more excited to showcase the raw talent bubbling up from our communities ”

Set on the Cape Flats, the film follows Charles, a man returning home after serving time for a crime

he didn’t commit only to find his family home taken over by the very man who betrayed him

The “Heart & Hustle Anthology” also includes the screening of: Sister Dinges a grief-fuelled revenge story told through a queer lens; After Quiet a reflective exploration of silence, memory, and healing; and Mr Isaacs a powerful narrative

examining masculinity and generational trauma

Collectively, the films embody the dual spirit of “Heart & Hustle”

“Heart reflects the emotional depth and humanity that ground each story, ” said Hartzenberg, “while hustle shows the resilience, drive, and determination to rise above adversity ” The anthology will be screened at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide from Thursday 27 November until Sunday 7 December Hartzenberg will host a meet-andgreet session at the screening at the V&A Waterfront on Thursday 27 November .Book at www sterkinekor com or the SK App Call Ticketline on 086 166 8437 for queries.

‘PrettyWoman’musicalset todazzleSAaudiences

Get ready to step back into the late ‘80s as one of Hollywood’s most beloved love stories comes alive on stage next year

Pretty Woman: The Musical will make its South African debut at Artscape Theatre from Wednesday 18 March to Sunday 19 April, before heading to Johannesburg’s Montecasino Teatro Brimming with warmth, humour and romance, this dazzling stage adaptation of the 1990 film, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, promises a feel-good evening packed with laughter and nostalgia

With music and lyrics by pop-rock legend Bryan Adams and his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the show blends Hollywood glamour with Broadway sparkle

BOXOFFICERECORDS

When fate brings together the unlikely pairing of Vivian and Edward, they take a leap of faith on each other, and on love The result is a

joyous, uplifting celebration that captures all the charm of the original film while giving it new life through music and movement Since its Broadway premiere in 2018, Pretty Woman: The Musical has broken box office records and wowed audiences in the West End, North America and across Europe

Produced by Showtime Management in association with Crossroads Live North America, this production will feature an all-South African cast, crew and band working under a combined local and international creative team

The production carries a PG 12+ age restriction due to mature themes

Tickets start from R250 (or R200 on Terrific Tuesdays)

Book before Sunday 30 November to enjoy a 20% early-bird discount valid for Wednesday and Thursday performances only (maximum six tickets per customer, limited availability)

. Book at www.ticketmaster.co.za

It’s ‘Swingtime’

in January, ‘Nutcracker’ in December

Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) has unveiled an exciting and diverse programme for its 2026 season, promising a blend of timeless classics, innovative re-imaginings and collaborative productions that highlight the company ’ s artistic excellence

The season spans vintage charm, gothic drama, whimsical fantasy and youth-focused performance, offering something for audiences of all ages

The year opens in January with Swingtime, choreographed by Sean Bovim, a nostalgic journey through the Big Band Era

Featuring the charismatic club owner Bojangles, this ballet fuses Broadway energy with classical ballet flair, celebrating rhythm, romance and retro glamour

At the Maynardville Open-Air Festival on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 January

In March, audiences will step into the dark, atmospheric world of Dracula, choreographed by David Nixon CBE and based on Bram Stoker’s iconic novel This dramatic ballet follows Jonathan Harker’s harrowing encounter with Count Dracula, resulting in a tense tale of seduction, terror and the battle between good and evil

At Artscape Theatre from Friday 13 to Sunday 29 March June brings Veronica Paeper’s dazzling Orpheus in the Underworld, a lively 1920s-themed adaptation of Jacques Offenbach’s operetta Complete with flapper girls, mobsters and even a penthouse pool for the gods, the ballet combines humour, spectacle and musical charm Performances take place at the Artscape Opera House from 12 to 21 June

On Youth Day (16 June), the company will also host Centre Stage, a large-scale fundraising gala featuring over 300 dancers from 21 studios across seven dance genres Led by former CTCB principal Laura Bosenberg and Sanette van der Mescht, the event will raise funds for the company ’ s artistic and community initiatives

In August, CTCB travels to Durban’s Play-

house Company for Alice in Wonderland, choreographed by Gerard Charles This colourful and imaginative production – set to debut in Cape Town next month – features playful choreography and enchanting storytelling accompanied by recorded music

September offers two special performances: Coppélia – A Celebration of Youth and Ballet, showcasing emerging dancers alongside CTCB professionals as part of a youth development programme; and Velvet Feathers, an intimate tribute to classical ballet inspired by Swan Lake and other masterpieces

The season concludes in December with The Nutcracker, choreographed by Veronica Paeper with designs by Peter Cazalet, running from Friday 11 to Wednesday 30 December at Artscape Artistic Manager Tracy Li says the season blends heritage, innovation and community engagement