People's Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 10 March 2026

City a‘couturerunway’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe Cape Town Carnival settolight up theMotherCityinjust over 10 days celebrated designer Stephenvan Eedenis readytoturnthe streetsinto amovingrunwayofcouture, cultureand creativity.

Knownfor hissignature blend of bridal elegance,red-carpet glamourand luxuriousresortwear, he will bringboldfashion to oneof Cape Town’s biggest celebrations of art, identity andcommunity on Saturday 21 March.

More than 1000 performers and 10 beautifully-crafted floats will once againlight up theGreen Point FanWalk.

VanEeden is oneof10local artists selected to be championsofthe 16th editionofthe event.

On thetheme “Followyour heART” VanEeden says spectators canexpecta celebrationoftheatricalglamour andrefinedartistry.

“Myapproachisalwaysrooted in couturecraftsmanship,sothere will be meticulous attentionto intricatedetailing,texture and silhouette interpretedthrough the dynamic, high-energylensofthe

carnival.”

He says beyond thevisualspectaclethispresentationisalsoabout shininga spotlightonfashion as acatalystfor jobcreationinthe country, specifically in Cape Town

“Smallerdesignerstudios and localmanufacturersholdextraordinary skilland potential.

“Withthe rightsupport they have thecapacitytoupskill individuals andtrain them in refinedtechniques such as tailoring, cutting, patternmaking,draping, finishingand intricatebeading.These areartisanal skills that notonly preserve craftsmanshipbut create meaningful employment opportunities.”

VanEeden tells People’s Post that beingpartofanevent that brings together communities, artistsand visionariesina vibrantway is both “humblingand deeply exciting “Itisanincrediblehonourtobe part of theCapeTownCarnival. Thecityisrichinculturaldiversity,creativityand bold expression andthe carnival encapsulates that spirit so beautifully.”

He explains what people canlook forwardtofromhis set.

“Our boldly beautiful PODwill featureour muse,Melissa Nayimuli, whobringsgrace,strengthand

CARNIVAL SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALFASHION

apowerful senseofrepresentation to theplatform. Herpresenceembodies theconfidenceand modern Africanelegancethatthe design narrative celebrates VanEeden says he wantspeople to leavefeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto walk away feelinginspiredreminded that fashionisnot just clothing, buta powerful form of storytelling, identity,and economic empowerment

“I hope they feel prideinlocal talent,inour shared cultureand in theknowledge that supporting localdesigndirectlyimpacts communities andlivelihoods.”

He believes events such as the carnival area catalyst forthe arts

“Eventslikethe carnival arevital becausetheycreateaccessibleplatformsfor artiststoshowcasetheir work to broadand diverseaudiences. They nurturecollaboration, encourageculturalexchange, and stimulatethe creative economy. ”

AccordingtoVan Eeden, the

carnival is apowerful reminder that theartsare nota “luxurybut essential.

“Theycreatevisibility, open doors foremergingtalent, anddemonstrate howcreativitycan drivesocial andeconomictransformation within ourcommunities.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post, is aproud sponsorof theevent

Yourchancetogiveyourbusinessa‘hand-up’

GrandWestiscalling on local businessestoapplyfor itsEnterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD)programme,which aims to give Small, Medium andMacro Enterprises(SMMEs) ahand-up to thenextlevel

In addition to mentorship and knowledgesharing smallbusinesses canaccess loans, payableover 36 months ESDwas introduced in 2014,but formalised as abusiness-incubation hubin2018and hasgranted

over R28million in loansand almost R12million in grants Applications closeonMonday 16 Marchand areassessedbya committeeconsistingofheads of alldepartments at GrandWest. Successful applicants agreetosign up fora three-year programme In the firstyearbusinessowners aretaught financialcontrol,governanceinbusiness, humanresources skills andaccounting among others

Second andthird year offer more

in-depth training in thesesubjects. Eventand décorplanners,brandingspecialists,food andbeverage distributors,maintenance specialists,including builders,plumbers andelectricians, arebeneficiaries. Criteria includehavinga registeredbusinessthatis51% empowered,somebusinessacumenand it is at leasttwo yearsold.Start-ups must have take-off agreements or long-termcontracts Applicants need to submit abusiness proposal that includes athreeyear financialforecast, certified copies of theirSouth AfricanID andthatofall shareholders,their business registration documents, taxclearance certificate,B-BBEE certificate anda minimumoftwo years’ audited financials .Drop allapplications and supporting documents off at GrandWest or contact ChrissyDyers on 021 505 7593 or emailchrissy.dyers@ suninternational.comorLayla Essop on 021 505 7590 or Layla.essop@ suninternational.comfor moreinfo.

Wemustholdinstitutionsaccountable

tional law, lack of humanitarian access to basicneeds, shelterand protectionswereparaded before us by theworld’s mediaevery day.

Hello partner!

TodayisTuesday 10 March, and maybeyou woke up to thehum of traffic, thecalls of street vendors andthe rhythm of everyday life

Formethe daybeginsquietly.But forothersitbeginswithworry, struggleoruncertainty.March is HumanRightsMonth in South Africa

Laterthismonth,on21March, thecountry will mark Human Rights Day, rememberingthe Sharpeville Massacreof1960, when police opened fire on unarmedprotestersdemanding dignityand freedom.Sixty-nine people were killed. Theirdeaths remind us that humanrights arenot abstract ideals;theyare protectionsbetween dignityand oppression

However, what do humanrights look like today?

Look farawayand thepicture is grim.The three-year warbetween Israel andGazasaw homes, schools, hospitals, nottomention lives, destroyed. It left us with the spectreoffamilies fleeing under relentless fire,childrengoing hungry, traumatisedcivilians living in constant fear

Wholesaleviolationsofinterna-

This is astark reminder that rights arefragile.Theyare neither automaticnor guaranteed.And here at home rights arejustas vulnerable though thethreats may seem quieter.

Last week,Finance Minister EnochGodongwanadelivered the national Budget Speech. Numbers, projections, allocations, it allsounded distant. However, each rand hasconsequences.

Fundingdecisions determine whetherclinics have enough medicine, whetherpolicepatrols reach ourstreets, whetherfamilies finally geta roof over theirheads Everylineofa budget affects whetherrightsare realised or remain promises on paper.

Isee it.A nurseinKhayelitsha attendstopatientsina clinic with long queues andlimited resources.

Ateenager in Mitchells Plain takesovercrowded public transport to school,where textbooksand suppliesare oftenscarce.

AfamilyinMarikana, Philippi, awaits housing, whileinformal settlements expand

On astreet corner in Wynberg, a homeless manreads alibrary book, findinga quietmomentamidthe noiseoftrafficand passersby Adeliveryrider navigatesbusy

roads, earninga living while hoping forbasic protection from accidentsortheft.These arenot statistics.These arehuman rights in practice or,sometimes,inperil Humanrightsare notabstract. They arelived andare universal. Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable.The righttoprotest exists even when it disrupts traffic.

Dignityappliestoeveryone, even thosesociety wouldratherignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect.

Cape Town reflects thecontradictions of SouthAfricaitself.

Breathtaking beauty co-existswith entrenched inequality.Pristine suburbssit alongsideinformal settlements. Modern infrastructure contrastswithcommunities strugglingfor basicservices.

Opportunityoften dependson wheresomeone is born.Safety, educationand health care remain privileges forsome, whileothers aredeniedtheir rights

HumanRightsMonth should challengeustoconfrontthese contradictions.Are we building asociety wheredignity is real for everyone,oronlyfor thosewith means?

Arewewilling to askuncomfortable questionsabout inequality, neglect, andgovernmentaccountability? Canweprotect therightsof themostvulnerableevenwhenitis

inconvenient?And here Isit with an uncomfortabletruth;rightsare meaninglessifwedonot live them in ourcommunities

They aredefendedinthe decisionswemake, in howwetreat our neighbours,and in theactions we take when we seeinjustice.Human rights aretestedbothinthe streets of Cape Town andinthe bombedoutbuildings of Gaza

Whetherthe threat is war, poverty, or neglect, theprinciple is thesame: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity.

As we walk toward 21 March partner, thechallengeisclear.We cannotsimplyrememberSharpeville.Wemustact.Wemustspeak to ourneighbours, question our leaders, andholdinstitutions accountable.

We must walk thestreetswith empathy, witnessthe struggles around us andchallengepolicies that leavepeoplebehind. Human rights arenot inherited; they are defended,lived andchosen, again andagain

Andthatresponsibilitybegins wherewestand.Human rights begininour streets, ourclinics, schoolsand homes, in thequiet cornerswhere people strugglefor dignitythatmanytakefor granted. Andaswemovethrough this month, partner, letuswalk together in memory of thepast, butincommitmenttothe present. Dignitybeginswhere we stand.

CelebrateFranco-cusine,culture

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Newlandswillcomealive when the Francophonie Food andCulture Festival takesplace at theBelgian Residence.

Nowinits fifthyear, thefreeevent showcases theculturesofFrench-speaking countries throughfood,music,and arts.The festival provides residentswithanopportunity to engage with theculturaldiversity of Francophone nationsand learnabout theirtraditions.

Thefestivalisorganised by theConsulates GeneralofBelgium andFrance, with support from Switzerland, Greece, Romania, Mauritius, theWalloniaExportInvestmentAgency, and theBelgian ChamberofCommerceinSouth Africa

Participants includerepresentatives from Lebanon, Luxembourg,Madagascar, Vietnam, Greece, andthe Democratic Republic of Congo. AccordingtoMarineDurand, Consul and Communication Officeratthe BelgianConsulate, visitors will be able to exploreover60stalls presenting food,crafts, andculturalexhibits.

“The festival allows visitors to experience awide rangeofFrancophone cultures in onelocation,” shesaid.

Entertainmentwilltakeplace on themain stage, whereCan-Can dancersand traditional acts from Madagascar will performalongside live French music.

TheSwiss Consulatewillhosta live raclette station, allowing patronstosee theclassicdish prepared on site,while French dogbreedswill make appearancesthroughoutthe day.

Thefestivalforms part of Francophonie Month, whichcelebratesthe French language andthe cultures of French-speakingcommunities across theworld

In Africa,24countries have French as an official language,withmorethan120 million French speakers on thecontinent.The month highlights thecultural, social,and econom-

FROMPAGE1

CITYACKNOWLEDGESPOLICYGAP

Ward 59 councillorand urbanmobilitychair MikhailManuelsaidthe City does notyet have asinglecoordinatedapproachtomanaging delivery riders in public spaces

“There areatleast threedirectoratesthathave aresponsibilityhere,”Manuelsaid. “But no one hasone comprehensivesolutionthatlooksat thedignity of thedrivers whilealso maintaining public space. ”

Manuel said thepilot provides an opportunity to test practicalsolutions whilethe City workson broaderupgradesinthe Rondebosch precinct Untilnow,interventions have included convertingvehicle parkingbaysintomotorcyclebays andincreasingimpoundmentsofillegally parked motorcycles.

However, Manuel acknowledged that these measures have notresolvedtensionsaround congestion,safetyrisks andinformalgathering points

“Thispilot allows us to trysomething andlearn from it,” he said

RIDERSFACEDIFFICULTCONDITIONS

Research conductedbystudentsunder the supervisionofProfRoger Behrensfromthe UniversityofCapeTown’sdepartnment of transport studiessurveyed60deliveryridersworking in the area

The findings highlightthe challengingconditionsmanyridersface. Eighty percentof respondentssaidtheyhad been involved in aroad collision

On average, riders reported working13hours a dayand completing around 16 deliveries daily.

“The averageage of riders in oursurveywas 29,and almost allwereforeign nationals,”said Behrens. “Manyare operatinginvulnerable conditions with limitedformaltrainingand very littlejob security.”

Theresearchalsofound that 75%ofridersrent theirmotorcycles andmustpay dailyrentaland fuelcosts

Although grossmonthly earnings averagejust underR15 000, more than half of riders whorent motorcyclessaidtheyare unable to save money.

“For many,thisisessentially asurvivalincome,” theprofessorsaid.

ProjectleadfromThe LocalSouth Marcela Guerrerro said thelocationofsuchhubsiscritical becausedeliveryplatforms rely on algorithm-driven systemstoassign orders

“Ridersneed to be rightthere,” shesaid. “Ifthey areperceived to be toofar from demand areas, they risk missing outonjobs.”

Asimilar hubtestedinObservatory sawlower usagepartlybecause it waslocated further from LowerMainRoad, wheremanyriderstypically gather

“Wehavelearned that infrastructure must alignwithexistingrider behaviour,”she added. “You cannotsimplyplace afacilityanywhereand expect it to work.”

Whilethe food delivery sector hasexpanded rapidly, questionsremainabout whoshould payfor infrastructure supportingthe workforce behind it

ColinLeemanofthe FCDO said thepilot forms part of broaderefforts to explorepractical urban mobility solutions.

“Thisisabout testingideas andgathering insights that caninformfuturepolicy,”Leeman said

However, delivery platformsand retailershave notyet committed financialsupport

Manuel said that whilethe City canregulateaspectsofpublicspace,broader change will require cooperationfrompropertyowners, tenantsand platform companies.

“The real levers sitwiththose stakeholders,” he said

Thepilot will rununtil theend of April, after whichstakeholderswillreviewthe findings to determinewhether themodel couldbeexpanded. “There is acceptance across stakeholders that thereisa problem,”Behrens said.“Thequestion nowiswho takesownership of it.”

Communityunites behind teen

KEANAN HARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Justovera year after fighting forhis life,14-year-old JasonKeymerfrom CapriVillage hasachievedhis dream–standing on Antarctica’s vast whiteexpanserecently, completely cancer-free.

In 2024,Keymerwas diagnosedwitha germinoma braintumour, markingwhathis family describesasthe line between “before” and “after”. Theaggressive radiationtreatment that followedbrought crushing fatigue, hormonal disruption,sleeplessnessand severe appetite loss that made simply eating adaily struggle. However, todayKeymeriscancer-free after undergoing yearsofmedical treatment, radiation andtherapy

Keymer is aGrade 8learner at Fish Hoek High School andlives at home with hismom, dad, andolder sister,Erinn.

He also enjoys mountain biking,swimming andpreviouslyparticipatedininterschool events.Heisslowlytryingtoget back into cyclingassomedayshestruggles to do any normal tasks.

DREAMBECOMESREALITY

Antarctica hadbeen Keymer’s dreamdestination sincechildhood.“He hasalwaysbeen

fascinated by Antarctica andhad long dreamed of visiting theicy continent,”saidhis mother, Lee-Anne

Earlierthisyear, when WhiteDesertAntarctica, an adventuretourism companythat operates in theinteriorofAntarctica, sponsored alife-changing journeyfor Keymer andhis mother,thatbrought hisdream to reality.

On Thursday 29 January, Keymer left Cape Town in a five hour flight to theAntarctica, a firstevertraveloutside of thecountry forthe teenager

Upon arrival, he said it was“less cold than he hadimagined, andhefound it farmorebeautiful than he expected.”

During hisshort stay,Keymerexploredthe vast open spaces of ice, theice crevassesthat resembledice cavesand even abseiled down an icecliff.“To seehim standing there, healthy andstrongafter everything he’s endured, was overwhelming.Itremindedusthatevenafter theharshestseasons,lifecan stillbebeautiful It wasone of thegreatestdayshehad ever experienced,”she said

COMMUNITYHEALINGNETWORK

TheKeymers describe theSouthernPeninsula as their“healingmecca”, whereanentirecommunity ralliedaroundthem.

“Duringthistime, we experienced firsthand howthe community in Noordhoekand the Deep Southhas so much to offer andcame together to heal Keymer.Peoplewerechecking in,makingmeals,sending messages, offering

is tand strong enough to de smountai bike in competitions againand go on more adventures,” Lee-Anne said

g, aTokai onsmembercurre ly ng abroad,and Wolfi Schellingfromthe LionsClub of Schorndorf.Also attendingwereUli Schellingfromthe LionsClubofWaiblingenand his partnerMonaSuwanna Rachai At themeetingclubpresident CharlieFinglan presentedlong-serviceawardstoSchelling for

tanceo eep gthe neighbou oodsclean Theclub’sBabyProject will also continue, with pamper packscontainingessentialbaby itemsdistributed to mothersofnewbornsat Retreat, HanoverParkand Vanguard maternity units. Rossouw said theexchangereflectedthe spirit of internationalcooperationthatunder-

Recovery is not linear. Thereare setbacks. Thereare harddays. Energyfluctuates. Healing is possible.

Child immunisation saveslives

Meningococcalmeningitishas claimeda life in theWestern Cape, promptingheightenedsurveillance from health authorities.

TheWestern Cape Department of Health andWellnesssad it’s closelymonitoringcases across theprovinceaspartofits ongoingpublic-health surveillanceefforts

Atotal of 11 confirmed meningococcaldisease cases, includingone death, were recorded between Thursday 1January andSunday22 February

Eightcases were recorded in theCapeTown Metrodistrict, twocases in Cape Winelands, andone case in theOverbergDistrict.

Meningococcalmeningitisiscausedbythe bacterium Neisseriameningitidis.The disease is severe butuncommon. It spreadsthrough fine droplets released during speaking,coughingorsneezing.

Themajorityofreportedcases were belowthe ageofone year

Accordingtothe department,these casesare sporadic anddonot constitute an outbreak

Thedepartmentisalsomanaginga measles anddiphtheriaoutbreakbecause of declining childhood immunisation ratesand population immunity gaps in theprovince.

Meningococcalmeningitissigns and symptoms include:

. Suddenonset of fever

. Intenseheadache

. Nausea andvomiting

. Stiff neck

. Irritability

. Sensitivitytolight

. Arashwithsmall, dark reddiscolourations

on thebody

Meningitis is adangerous diseaseand canbe fatal. Parentsshouldseek immediatemedical attentioniftheyortheir childdevelop these symptoms

Meningococcaldisease is endemictoSouth Africa,occurringall year round, with apeak from June to October.

Infantsare themostaffected, followedbythe 15-24-year agecategory.

Anyone whohas hadclose contactwitha person diagnosedwithmeningococcalmeningitiswillbeidentified andsupported by health authoritiestoensuretheyreceive thenecessary preventive treatmentand information.

Certainstrains of meningococcaldisease can be preventedthrough vaccination.South Africa hasregisteredmeningococcalvaccines.

MEASLES

Measlesinfectionsare climbing sharplyin theWestern Cape,withthe Cape Town Metro emerging as theepicentre of thesurge

Between Monday 29 December last year and Sunday 15 February this year,the metrorecorded 203laboratory-confirmed measlescases, raisingconcern amonghealthofficialsasthey trackthe growingoutbreak.

Targeted measlesvaccination beganin

Dunoon on Wednesday18Februaryand continueswhere clusters or outbreaksare identified, includingthe Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern andTygerberg sub-districts.

Measlesisa highly contagious viralillnessthat affects therespiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing

Parentsare urgedtolook outfor symptoms

Timelydiagnosisandproper treatmentareessential

Chronicpelvicpainaffects thousandsofwomen in Cape Town,yet endometriosis, acondition affecting an estimatedone in tenwomen of reproductive ageworldwide,isoften underdiagnosed. March, recognised globally as EndometriosisAwareness Month, highlights the long-termimpactofthe conditiononwomen’s personal,professional andphysicallives Endometriosisoccurs when tissuesimilar to theliningofthe uterus growsoutside the womb,often causingpainful periods, discomfort during intercourse, reducedmobility,and chronicpelvicpain.

Thecondition canalsoaffectmentalhealth andoverall qualityoflifeaccordingtoDrAnita Naidoo, agynaecologist

“Manywomen wait yearsfor adiagnosis.In SouthAfrica, it cantakeuptoten years, and Africanwomen oftenfaceevenlongerdelays,” Naidoo said.“Symptoms arefrequently normalised,and access to specialisedcareis inconsistent.”

Whilethere is no cure,managementtypically includes medication,surgery,physiotherapy, andlifestyle adjustments. Some womeninCape Town arenow exploringnon-invasiveoptions such as Pelvic Chairtherapy,available in Tokai andRondebosch.

Danielle Ross,a women’shealthand female pelvic physiotherapistatPelvicCare, said the therapyuseselectromagnetic technology to stimulatethe pelvic floor muscles, supporting mobility andcirculation in thepelvicregion.

“Evidenceshows that physical activity assists pain management in womendiagnosed with endometriosis. ThePelvicChair is amethod that activatespelvicmuscles withoutstraining them,” Ross said

Thetherapy involves 30-minutesessionson achair,activatingmorethan11000 targeted muscle contractions persession.Initially developedfor urinaryincontinenceand pelvic organprolapse, it is increasingly used to addressmenstrual pain andendometriosis-related symptoms

Naidoo cautionedthatsuchtherapy should be considered part of amultidisciplinary approach

“Pelvic floor dysfunctioncan contribute to chronicpain. Strengtheningand relaxing these musclesmay help,but it should complement standard medicalcare, notreplace it,” shesaid.

PATIENTEXPERIENCES

Patients report varyingdegrees of improvement.One woman, whopreferredtoremain anonymous, said shenoted pain almost daily before starting therapy, butnow experiencesfar fewersymptoms.

Anotherlong-term patient, whohas livedwith endometriosisfor more than 20 yearsand undergonetwo surgical procedures,said: “I do feel therehas been some improvement. Iencourage youngerpatientstoseek treatmentearly.”

ChrismarideKock, founderofPelvicCare, said herteamlistens to womenwho have managed thecondition foryears

“Evensmall improvements canmakea significantdifference.Feelingheard andsupported matters,” De Kock said

KEEPINGEXPECTATIONSREALISTIC

Expertsemphasise that non-invasive therapies arenot acure.

“While Pelvic Chairtherapy mayprovide relief forsomepatients, it does notreplace medical treatment. Womenshouldconsult agynaecologist to developanindividualisedplan,”Naidoo cautioned. As awarenessgrows,women have more optionstomanageendometriosis symptoms,fromstandardmedical care to non-invasive therapies.

diagnosisand appropriatetreatment areessentialtoimproving qualityoflife.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS,MEASLESAND DIPHTHERIA ON THERISE.

andkeep children at home if they show any signsofillness. If achild hasa fever, becomes unusually sleepy, or struggles to eat, they should be takentotheir nearestclinicimmediately.

DIPHTHERIA

Diphtheria is aserious bacterialinfection caused by atoxin that leadstoa thickcoating at thebackofthe throat,makingitdifficult to breatheorswallow. It begins with asorethroat, mild feverand chills,followedbyswelling of theneckand formationofthe thickgrey-white coating. Thedisease spreadswhenaninfected person coughs or sneezes,and individualscan remain infectious foruptotwo weeksafter symptoms begin. Prolongedclose contactincreasesthe risk of transmission

Immunisation is themosteffective wayto preventdiphtheria. Children should receivethe diphtheria-containing(Hexavalent)vaccine at six, 10 and14weeks, 18 months,and booster doses(Tdap)atsix and12years.Anyonewho is notvaccinatedisatrisk, regardless of age. If symptoms appear,visit thenearest health facility urgently forassessmentand testing.

IMMUNISETOPROTECTYOURCHILD

Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilitiesand catch-up dosescan be administered if achild hasmisseda sched-

uled immunisation.Immunisationsare also availablethrough privatehealth-care providers andpublic–privatepartnerships.

Parentsare encouraged to sign theimmunisation consentformand return it to theirchild’s school,and attend clinic appointments for immunisation

Free days at Kirstenbosch

SouthAfricansare invitedtostepintonature as theSouth AfricanNationalBiodiversity Institute(Sanbi) opensits doorsfor National GardensWeek running untilFriday13March

During this time visitors canenjoy free weekdayentry to Kirstenbosch BotanicalGardens, with guided activities andhands-onconservation experiences, allunder thetheme “Your free passporttonature: celebrate, restore, and protectall life.”

This year Sanbioffersfreeaccess to allthe SouthAfricanstoits national botanicaland zoological gardenstoshowcasesomeofthe lesser-knowngardens

National GardensWeek is acalltoactionfor allvisitors.

By stepping into agarden, SouthAfricansare invitedtoreflectontheir role in celebratinglife, restoringecosystemsand protecting biodiversity forthe future.

This year’s National GardensWeek builds on themomentumoflastyear’sdebut,which saw over 126000 SouthAfricansstepintoSanbi’s 11 national botanicaland twozoological gardens to reconnectwithnature, families andlocal communities

As thethird most biodiverse countryinthe worldSouth Africa is home to more than 95 000 knownspecies,manyofwhich are foundnowhere else.NationalGardens Week offersanopportunityfor SouthAfricansofall ages andbackgrounds to experience this natural wealth first-hand,while learning whybiodiversity conservation matters forour well-being, livelihoodsand futuregenerations

ACOUNTRYWIDECELEBRATIONOFBIODIVERSITY

Across Sanbi’sgardens visitors canlook forwardtoa rich programme of activities that blendlearning, relaxation,and discovery. Theseinclude guided walks, bird andinsect observation,plant sales, wellnessactivitiesand hands-on conservation education. From floweringdisplaystoopportunitiestolearn about medicinalplantsand water-wise gardening, everygardenoffersa unique window into South Africa’s living landscapes

Visitors arealsoencouragedtoconnect more deeply with indigenous plants throughHappy by Nature,anindigenousnursery andbotanical studio basedatKirstenbosch.

As part of National GardensWeek Happy by Nature is offering5%off allindigenousplants untilFriday13March (not validinconjunction with otheroffers)

Secondly,there will be afree five-minutetalk on indigenous plants tomorrow (11March), Thursday andFridayat11:00 and14:00, offer-

ingpractical guidance on choosing, growingand caring forplantsthatsupport localbiodiversity.

In addition,the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range andseasonalclearance sale with discountsofupto50%,while the Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15%off selected books, availablein-storeonly. To claimthe free or discounted entryfee, SouthAfrican citizens andresidents must show proof of SouthAfrican residency, eg theirID, acertified papercopyoftheir ID,anelectronic copy of theirIDortheir driver’s licence. . Forfulldetails on participating gardens, activitiesand access timesvisit the Sanbi website at www.sanbi.org/

Exporterstalk tradewith buyers

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe world’seyesonthe WesternCapethe Made in theCape Buyers Programme againproved whyitisa powerhouse of global trade connectionand opportunity.

Theevent,the flagship tradeevent of Wesgro, theofficial Tourism, Tradeand Investment Promotion Agency forthe WesternCape, connects internationalbuyerstothe province’s exporters of goodsand services

It took placefromMonday2 to Wednesday4 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)

Playinghosttoover30international buyers, it showcasedquality andsustainably produced goodsand services,manyofthemtrusted brands,acrosskey sectors.

Theevent fostered tradeand investment opportunitiesand builtbusinesspartnerships throughB2B (businesstobusiness) facilitation andnetworkingsessions.

To date,the programme boasts 1290 verified exporters, 8399 listed products andservices, and761 registered internationalbuyersacross 80 countries.

Ivan Meyer, WesternCapeMinisterofAgriculture, Economic Developmentand Tourism, said in hiskeynote address, that theprogramme’s purposeistogrowthe economyand create more jobs

“For example, if we have a5%increaseinagricultural exports, we immediatelygenerate22 900new jobs.Thisisanopportunitywhere we bringthe worldtoCapeTownand ourproducts into therestofthe world.

“Thisisa buyer’sprogramme,peoplecome here becausetheyknowthe qualityofour products andweare readytoexportour products to many partsofthe world.”

Meyersaidthe eventcontinues to grow

“Wehavealsoestablished aCapeTrade Portal with thousands of products andbusinesses

registered on theportal. It is adigital platform forpeopletoshowcasethe products that we can export into therestofthe world.”

He explainedhow beneficial such an eventis forlocal producers.

“Wehaveexportpromotion seminars to preparelocal producersfor theexportmarket. We know export is atrickybusiness, that it’s noteasytoexportproducts, andthisiswhy we preparepeoplethrough training,support, technicalassistance and financialassistance to showcase theirproductsontrade showsaround theworld.”

Meyersaidoverthe past five yearsthe WesternCapeaccounted for90% of alljobscreated in SouthAfrica.

“Webelieve in export-led growth,but forthat youneed solidinfrastructure… If youwantto grow theeconomy,you must make sure you have thebestinfrastructure, whichiswhatwe aretryingtodointhe WesternCape.”

JamesVos,Mayco member foreconomic growth,reaffirmed theCity’scommitmentto strengtheningexportgrowthand supporting localmanufacturersinaccessing international markets.

He highlightedthe importance of practical platformsthatconnect producersdirectly with buyers,notingthatsustainable economic growth is builtonrealtransactionsand longterm traderelationships

Vosfurther outlined theCity’sbroader efforts to strengthen thebusinessecosystem,including theadvancement of anew ManufacturingSupport Policy anda formalised Business Support Policy

He said theseinitiatives focusonimproving industrial areas, supportingenergyresilience, reducing redtapeand equipping businesses with thetoolstheyneed to scaleand compete globally

“Our objectiveisclear:tocreatethe rightconditionsfor businessestogrow, expand into new marketsand create jobs,and to seemoreCape products earningtheir placeonshelves around theworld.”

Bo Ba

AYouthCup on Sunday 8March after beatingCapeTownCityonpenalties in Lentegeur.

Thetournament, whichisSAFAaccredited, wasorganised by Beacon Spursand Catalysts forChangeunder theauspicesofthe Mitchells PlainLFA Atotal of 24 teamstook part andweredivided in sixgroupsoffour. Gameswereplayedona round-robin-basis.

“The tournament startedinOctober 2024 and LentegeurFCwas the firsthostclub. Afterthe round-robinthe teamsmoved on to achampionship roundofwhich thetop twoteams in each groupwas placed andthe twoteams who finished thebestoverall, were in action,” says

ye ey sp pby inviting teamsacrossCapeTowntoenter

“Our youthneedsthe exposure andtocompete at thehighest levels.Theydoget exposure in competitions againstlocal LFAs or other youthcompetitions.

“But aweekendtournamentbringseveryone together andwetry to putupa decent one wherethere is an explosionoftalentright here in Mitchells Plain,”Adams says minute goal by AntalyasporJPM Cape Town to equalise before headingintoextra time,where they wononpenalties,bringingthe tournament to athrilling end.

“Congratulations to allthe teamswho participated. Friday nightwehad rain,Saturday thewindnearlyblewusawayand on Sunday theteams fought in theknockoutroundsinthe heat,but it wasworthwile,” Adamssays.

SCHOOLSCONTINUETOFIGHTITOUTONATHLETICSTRACK

<<Azrah Ismail of Bergvliet High School maintains herfocus during the long-jumpevent at the champsof champscontest heldatthe Vygieskraal Stadium in AthloneonSaturday7February. PHOTOS: RASHIEDISAACS