With just over amonthtogo, organisers saythe Cape Town Carnival is on track to light up theGreen Point FanWalk on 21 March with10handcrafted floats and a celebration of Cape Town’screativetalent, including 11 local“Champions”.Performers, designersand seamstresses areworking around theclock to complete morethan 1000 costumesand prepareafamilyfriendlyshowthat celebrates diversityand storytelling throughart.Pictured aresome of theperformers whowilltakepart in the event.Readmoreonpage10.
Tbr equipmentfromthe SouthAfricanPoliceService (Saps) and theWestern Cape Department of Police Oversightand Com-
NEWS
Cape Town staff to gethealthier food choices at work-3
ba Theseitems will be used during CPF events,awareness campaignsand safety activationsacrossthe precinct, helpingthe forummaintaina clear
andrecognisablepresenceinthe community PinelandsCPF chairMarietta Hop-
What should SouthAfrica’s budget priorities be? -8
pu
stronger awarenessinthe Pinelands precinct community andpromote a more visible, professional presence forthe CPFand ourcommunity safe-
ng to saferneighbourhoodsfor everyone, especially ouryouth,” said Hopley TOPAGE3
Cityreminds residentsofpossible financial support -9
For nearly sixdecades,the Blisters for BreadCharity Family FunWalkhas broughttogetherfamilies, schools, businessesand community organisationsina shared standagainst child hunger
Nowinits 58th year,thismuch-lovedevent facesanuncertain future.
To deliverthe eventsafelyand professionally andtoensureitremains accessiblefor the community,the PeninsulaSchool Feeding Association(PSFA)requiresR1,5million in sponsorshipfunding
This sponsorshipenables PSFA to coverall operationalcosts.Thismeans walker entry fees remain affordableand 100% of themoney raised is directed to itsschool feedingprogrammes.
Withouturgentsponsorship support, this year’s Blisters forBread walk maynot be able to go ahead, dealinga significant blow notonly to thePSFAbut also to thefamilies, schools, andcommunities whohavemadethisevent an annual tradition.
ThePSFAiscalling on membersofthe corporate sector to partnerwithPSFAfor this year’s event.
Thewalkraisesawareness of childhood hunger andcontributes to vitalfunding forthe PSFA’s school nutritionsupport programme, whichfeedsover30000 learners across the WesternCapeeachschool day.
Sinceits inception, Blisters forBread has grownintoa trustedplatformfor collaboration, combininglarge-scale public participationwith astrongfocus on social impact
BrianBenatar,PSFAchair,saidBlistersfor Breadhas always been builtonpartnership
“Corporate supportplays acriticalrolein helpingusdeliver ahigh-qualityevent,while maximising thefunds that go directly to our core feedingmission
“Without this support,werisklosingnot only
THE PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION REQUIRESR1,5 MILLION IN SPONSORSHIPFUNDING TO ORGANISE THE FAMILYFUN WALK
this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.”
Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecuri-
ty amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades.
“Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.
“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”
PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za
andhousing,macro-economic indicators oftenfeel distantand abstract.Recoveryonlybecomes meaningful when we seeitreflected in secure jobs,stableservices, andsafer streets.
WhilePresident CyrilRamaphosa spokeofa strengtheningrand, fallinginflation, andrenewed investor confidenceduringhis Stateofthe Nation Address(Sona)atCape Town City Hall on Thursday 12 February,manyofuswokeupthe next morningtoa farlessreassuringreality:dry taps,risingliving costs, unemployment queues,and neighbourhoodswhere safety cannotbetaken forgranted
This contrast captures thecentral tensionofthisyear’saddress. On onehand, thePresident painteda pictureofaneconomy gradually stabilisingafter yearsofcrisis.
On theother,weknowfromour owndaily experiencesthatlifefor millionsofSouth Africans remains uncertainand difficult
Hisadmission that “liferemains hard”may have been themost honest andimportant line of the speech. It reflectedsomething we alreadyunderstand: national progress measured in statistics does not always translateintorelieffeltin ourhomes andcommunities
Economic stabilitymatters,and we should acknowledgethat. A stronger currency signalsconfidence, helpsgovernmentmanage debt,and canencourage investment.Lower inflationprotects purchasing powerovertime. These arenecessary foundationsfor longterm growth
Butfor many of us strugglingto affordfood,transport,electricity,
This is wherethe president’s message invitesbothhopeand scrutiny
To hiscredit, thespeechdid not avoidthe country’smostpressing challenges
Organisedcrime,hesaid, remainsone of thegreatestthreats to economic developmentand social stability. This recognitionis importantbecause we know crime is notonlya policing issue, it is an economic barrier that affects how we live andwork.
Communities affectedbygang violence,extortion,and illegal activity struggletoattractbusinessesand opportunities. We see howunsafeenvironmentslimit whereyoung people canmove freely, wheresmall businessescan operate, andhow confident we feel walkinginour ownneighbourhoods.
Yetwehaveheard strong commitments to tackling crimebefore. Tactical plansand enforcement strategies oftensound decisive when announced, butour confidencedepends on consistent implementation andvisible results.
Thesamepattern appliesto corruptionand governance failures.The president’semphasis on strengtheninginstitutionsand restoringaccountability signals an understandingthateconomic reform cannotsucceed without credible leadership andfunctioningsystems
However, we arelikelytojudge progress notbythe number of investigations announcedorpolicies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance,and improved servicedeliverythatwecan experience firsthand.
Perhapsthe most immediate concerns raised in theaddress relate to municipalservices. Water shortages, failinginfrastructure, andinconsistentservice delivery affectour dailylives in ways that national economic indicators cannotcapture
Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance,these issues aretangible. They shapehow we experience ourcommunities dailywhether ourtapsrun,roads remain usable,refuseiscollected, andelectricity supplyisstable.
Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalitiescould lose servicedeliverypowerssuggestsa willingnesstoact more decisively Butitalsoraisesuncomfortable questionsfor allofus. If governmenthas long knownwhich municipalities arestruggling, why hasinterventionoften appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurableimprovements?
Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust Stateofthe Nation addresses traditionally aimtoinspire confidenceand seta national agenda
This year’s speechdid so,offering avisionofrecovery, reform,and unity. It sought to reassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in theright direction.
Butweknowthatpublicexpectations have shifted. Yearsof economic pressure,service delivery failures,and governance challenges have changedhow we evaluate leadership
Today, we measureprogressnot by promises,but by outcomes.We want to seeunemploymentdecline meaningfully,not merely stabilise. We want crimerates to fall in ways that make ourcommunities feel safer. We want municipalities to provideconsistent, reliable basic services
We want visible, sustainedimprovementinour dailylives
Thepresident’s speechoutlined adirection andacknowledged many realities. It highlighted progress whilerecognising ongoing challenges.But thetruetestlies beyond thechamber in whichit wasdelivered
Will economic gainstranslate into broaderemploymentopportunities forour youngpeople? Will governance reformsrestore our confidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabilise in thecommunities wherewelive? Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whether theoptimismexpressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric
BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeeches alone, it is builtondelivery, accountability,and change that we cansee andfeel in ourlives Anduntil that change becomes consistently visible, ouroptimism will remain cautious,shapedas much by ourlived realitiesasby thepromiseswehear.
theirriskofdiabetesand heartdisease.Staff engagement data also showed strong demand forchange, with 91%supportinghealthier food optionsinworkplace andCity-managedsettings. Forthe Cape Town staff,these statistics highlighturgenthealthconsiderations.
“Lastyear, ourclinics screenedmorethan 740000 people fordiabetesand hypertension andtreated over 128000. Treatmentalone is notenough, andwe’re taking anotherstep towardspreventingthese lifestylediseases. It starts with healthyfood,its availabilityand cost,” said Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth.
Sheadded:“Ouraim is to give people the option to choosehealthier food.Ifweget this right, it will help us builda city wherehealthier choicesare theeasierchoices.”
This is especially true forCapeTownstaff who benefitwhenhealthier optionsare made the default.
Theinitiative, launched at theCapeTown
vendorsand Cape Town staff areset to benefit from this food qualityimprovement
PARTNERSHIPSKEYTOSUCCESS
TheresaUys,Mayco member forcorporate services,said: “Wehopethisstartingpoint opensthe door to create healthierfoodenvironments across ourcity. Partnerships work betterthaninstructions, andthe vendorshave eagerlyembracedthisnew journey.”Thisnew journeywillbepositivefor both vendorsand Cape Town staff
Joseph Ngamije, Deputy director forAfrica at thepartnership forhealthy cities,said: “By embedding nutritionstandards into procurement,vending,and workplacesettings, theCity is taking practical, evidence-based stepsthat reduce theriskofhypertension, diabetes,and cardiovascular disease, andsetting an exampleother cities canfollow.”Importantly,Cape Town staff areamong the firsttoexperience thesenew standards.
.Send us your viewsonpeoplespost@ novusmedia.co.za
TheCityofCapeTownsaysemergency repairs on Stanhope Bridge,which caused severe traffic congestion last month, couldallowthe lane to be reopened within amonth
Thelanereduction followsthe partialfailure of aretaining wall on thesouth-eastquadrantof thebridgeonMonday26January
Theincidentforceda lane closure, creating long queues alongImamHaron Road,Main Road and PalmyraRoad, particularly during peak hours. (“Severe congestion ahead”, People’sPost, 10 February,2026)
Maycomemberfor urbanmobilityRob Quintassaidthe contractor is on trackwithemergencyrepairs
“Weunderstandthe greatinconvenience motorists, localresidents andthe generalpublic areexperiencingand empathisewithaffected commuters,” he said
TheCity’sUrban Mobility Directoratebegan work on thebridgeinmid-lastyearaspart of theMyCiTiPhase 2A construction project. Whilethe emergencylanecould reopen within amonth,fullbridgeworks areexpectedtocontinueuntil theend of next year
Ward 59 councillorMikhail Manuel said the
disruption is having asevereimpactonthe local community
“I’vehad residentsand businessesreportto me that it’s taking about40minutes extrafor them to travel in themorningsand in theevenings,”hesaid. “Weare well awareofthe severe impact this is having on everybody.”
Manuel said contractorsare aboutfourweeks away from completing theemergency repairs, afterwhich thebridgewillbeassessedbefore reopeningtonormaltraffic. He explainedthat theproblem wascausedbynecessary piling work forthe plannedbridgeexpansion
“It’sveryimportant to us that we do this carefully andproperlybecause we don’twantthisto happenagain,” he said
To help ease congestion,trafficserviceshave increasedtheir presence during peak hours on surroundingroads andImamHaron Road
Manuel confirmed that trafficofficers aredeployed during morningand eveningpeaks,with community leadersand residentsnotingtheir increasedvisibilityinthe area
Motoristsare stilladvised to usealternative routes wherepossiblewhile repairsare under way.
General Worker Responsibilitiesincludes butnot limited to:
•Follow instructionstosupportdaily operationsacross multiple areas
•Perform general labour tasks such as lifting, carrying, cleaning, and assistingskilled workers
•Keepthe work area clean, organized, and free of hazards.
•Assistwith loadingand unloading trucks,containers, or equipment.
•Sort, pack, andlabel itemsfor storage or delivery
•Ensureproducts arecorrectlyorganized and stored safely.
•Follow instructionstosupport dailyoperations.
What youwill need to
•Matricorequivalent
•Post qualification is preferable
•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.
•A positive andhard-working attitude
•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors
•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.
If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.
Only suitablecandidateswillbecontacted.
If you have notreceived aresponse within 1month,then your application has been unsuccessful
Textiles,based in Diep River, is looking for experienced Plainand
Machinists in the HomeTextile Manufacturing industry
What you will need to
•Provenexperienceworkingona sewingmachine
•2 –4years sewing machine experience on PlainorOverlocker
•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.
•Attention to detail
•Ability to work towards and meet targets.
•A positive andhard-working attitude
•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors.
•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.
If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.
Only suitable candidates willbecontacted. If youhave notreceived aresponse within 1month, then your application has been unsuccessful.
Aresearcher at theUniversityofCape Town (UCT)has secureda major internationalgrant to studywhether artificial intelligence (AI) canhelp improvejob prospectsfor unemployed youthinSouth Africa
Dr TimKöhler, aseniorresearchofficerat UCT’sDevelopment Policy Research Unit,is among19early-career researchersworldwide selected from more than 300applicants for fundingfromSchmidt Sciences’AIatWork programme
Theinitiativeisinvesting more than $3 million (about R48million)inglobalstudies exploringhow generative AI is reshapinglabour markets.
Köhler’s projectisthe only SouthAfrican-led studyinthe cohort andwillgeneratethe first rigorous evidence from adeveloping-country contextonwhether agenerativeAIcareer-guidance tool canimprove job-search outcomes forunemployedyouth.Youth unemployment remainsone of SouthAfrica’smostpressing socio-economic challenges
AccordingtoStatisticsSouth Africa,around 60%ofthe youthlabourforce aged 15 to 24 and 40%ofthose aged 25 to 34 areunemployed, affecting roughly five million youngpeople. Köhler said limitedaccess to reliable information playsa majorrole. “A varietyoffactors explainthese high rates, butfor youngjobseekers, severe informationconstraints canplaya particularly importantrole,”hesaid. “Theymay notknowwhich career pathsare viable given theircircumstances,whatskills employersare lookingfor,orhow to navigate both formal and informal labour markets.”
He said SouthAfricapresentsa critical testing ground.“If AI canhelpyoung people navigate thesecomplexitieshere, thelessons arelikelyto be relevant formanyother countriesacrossthe continentand theGlobalSouth,” said Köhler
of an emerging global conversation aboutAI andwork,”saidKöhler, “one that hassofar been dominatedbyevidencefromhigh-income countries.”
TESTINGANAICAREERTOOL
TheAIatWorkprogramme supports research examininghow AI affects productivity,wages, employment andcareers. AccordingtoSchmidt Sciences,the aimis to generate credible,real-worldevidenceas AI adoption acceleratesfasterthanpolicyand regulation canrespond.“This awardplacesUCT andSouth Africa more broadlyatthe forefront
Thestudy will evaluate an AI-based career-guidancetooldesignedfor unemployed youth. It is beingco-designed with aCapeTown technology firm andinformedbyengagement with non-governmental organisations, researchersand government stakeholders Builtfor low-bandwidthenvironmentsand poweredbylarge language models,the tool will functionasa personalised assistantaccessible viaphonesorcomputers “Through asimpleconversationalinterface,
userscan receiveguidancetailoredtotheir owncircumstances,” Köhler said."That might includeidentifying realisticjob opportunities, improvinga CV,preparing forinterviews, or training or self-employmentpathways.” He said thegoalisnot only to providemore informationbut more relevant guidance “Manyyoung people receivegeneric advice that does notreflectlocal labour market conditionsortheir personal circumstances,”hesaid. “Wewanttosee whethermorepersonalised, dynamicguidancecan improvedecision-makingand well-being.”
Theproject will usea randomised controlled trialtomeasure thetool’s impact on employment outcomes,job-searchbehaviour,confidenceand expectations
Researcherswillalsoassess possibleunintended consequences,including whetherthe technology couldreinforce inequalities or raiseexpectationswithout improvingaccess to opportunities.
Köhler said AI is nota solution on itsown
“Our expectationisnot that AI is asilver bulletfor solvingunemployment,”hesaid. “But if well designed,itmay help ease specific constraintsyoung people face.” If successful,the tool couldoffer ascalable, low-cost addition to existing employment and training programmes.
“For policy makers,the findings canhelpinform whetherand howdigital toolsshouldform part of abroader youthemploymentstrategy,” he said.“Foreducators andtrainingproviders, theresults mayhighlight thevalue of personalised guidance.”
Köhler said thebroader goal is responsibleuse of technology to expand opportunity. “Ultimately,the aimistosupport more grounded approaches to usingtechnologyaspartofa widerefforttoreducepoverty andinequality," he said
TSuddenly, thevesselbegan taking on water.
"I immediatelycontacted theRoyal Cape YachtClubCommodore,David Garrard,who alertedthe Maritime Rescue Coordination CentreSouth Africa (MRCC)," said Sizatu
Following therescue, theRoyal Cape Yacht Club formally requestedassistance from theSA Navy to transfer thethree sailorsfromBryant once thevesselreached SouthAfrican waters
TheSANavycommended theswift coordination between theRoyal Cape YachtClub, MRCC SouthAfrica, andthe crew of Bryant,ensuring thesaferescueofthe sailors, Mabina added. From triumphtorescue
Thedramaticrescuefollows thecrew'shistoricvictory in the2025Cape2Riorace, where AngelWings became the firstyouth team from theCapeFlats to claim firstplace on handicap in theSouthernHemisphere'slongest continent-to-continentyacht race
This forced them to race withoutcritical equipment. Despitethissetback,theyextended theirleadand finished aheadofschedule. Crew membershailfromMasiphumelele, Khayelitshaand Capricorn.
Andthe threewomen on boardhad never crossedthe Atlantic before,makingthis achievementevenmoreremarkable.
Thedecisiontoabandon AngelWings came afterconsultationwithmotor vesselBryant's master,considering thecompletelossofall sparsneeded fora jury rigand deteriorating weatherconditionswith20-25 knot windsand 4-5metre waves.
Upon eira vala he navalbase, es ppers were overjoyedafter beingreunitedwith membersoftheir families andthe RoyalCape YachtClub. Thetriowas broughttosafetywithnoinjuries reported SkipperSizaturecalledthathenoticed the mast collapsing when he beganhis watch. With limitedfuelreservesofapproximately 200litresand worseningconditions, thecrew determined that returningtoRio wasnot feasible, said SA Navy captain, Theo Mabina taking on water
"The distance from safe harbourand thenotoriousunpredictabilityofSouth Atlantic weather ledtothe finalcallofcrewupliftand vessel abandonment,"maritimeauthorities stated AngelWings sank afterthe crew's safe rescue Thefamiliesofall threesailors have been notified of theincidentand successful rescue operation.
Viresh Maharaj, retail CEOatAlexforbes, reflectedonthe bittersweet conclusion:"The crew is elated with thewin andtheir successful campaign despitethe setbacks
"They're lookingforward to theirreunion and thelocal prize-giving at RoyalCapeYacht Club in March."
Maritime authoritiesthanked themaritime rescue coordination centresinSouth Africa and Brazil fortheir prompt assistance,along with motorvesselBryant'smaster, crew,and owners fortheir professional rescue operation.
The City of Cape Town is urging residentswho arestruggling financially to applyfor availablereliefmeasures, includingindigentassistanceand pensionerrebates aimedateasingthe cost of municipalservicesand property rates.
Households earningbelow R7 500per month mayqualify forindigentsupport
Pensioners aged 60 andolder with ahousehold income of R27000 or less areencouraged to apply.
Maycomemberfor financeSisekoMbandezi says theCityhas expanded thequalifying
thresholdfor pensioners andsocialgrant recipients to allowmoreresidents to benefit.
“The City hasincreased thesocialsupport packagetoR5,1billion forthe last year and this years financialyear. Qualifying households couldaccessfreebasic services andmay receive
a100%discountontheir property rates,”says Mbandezi
He says theexpandedsupport aims to assist vulnerable residentsfacingrisinglivingcosts and financialstrain.
AccordingtoMbandezi, officialsatthe City’s Customer InteractionCentres areavailable to assist residentswithapplicationsand provide guidance.“We encourageindigentresidents andpensionersto find outmoreabout the variousforms of supportavailable.The City remainscommittedtoassistingthose in need,” he says Mbandezi reminded thecurrent beneficiaries to reapplyfor anyexistingbenefits after
Tuesday1 July this year,whenthe new financial year begins
Thereapplicationprocess ensuresthat qualifying residentscontinuereceiving support basedonupdated property valuations and income assessments
Mbandezi praisedresidents whocontinueto payfor theirservices, saying theaverage payment ratiofor the12monthsendingDecember last year was97,9%,reflecting strong public participationinmaintaining servicedelivery. “. Residentsseekingassistance areencouragedto visittheir nearestCustomerInteraction Centre formoreinformation on applicationprocesses andavailable support measures
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.
TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.
Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget
AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”
Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”
Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”
Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”
Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”
Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”
Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”
Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Withjustovera monthtogo, organisers of oneofCapeTown’s biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is readytobring the heARTtothe Green PointFan Walk on Saturday 21 March.
On Thursday 12 February,organisersgavethe mediaand otherinterestedparties abehindthe-scenes glimpseofall thepreparationsatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.
JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executiveofficer, said people canlook forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.She said organisers areexcited to bringthe 16th edition of thecarnivaltolife.
Adding to theexcitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions”fromCapeTown’s creative scene, includingsingerAnslinGysman, localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.
Tracey Carter,performance director,said therewillbeentertainment forthe entire family
“Someofour floats arealready completed. Performers aregetting readywithchoreography, andcostumesare almost done.Weare getting readytoput on ashowlikeCapeTown hasnever seen before.”
Shesaidpeoplecan look forwardtoa celebration of diversity.
“Weare telling thedifferentstories of thecreatives from Cape Town.Asdifferentastheyare, that’s howdifferentthe pods aregoing to be This year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”
Daphne Lodewykhas been aseamstressatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop forthe past 10 years.
Shesaidwithlessthana monthtogo, sheand hersmall team of threeare workingaroundthe clocktocompleteover1 000 costumes forthe bigday
“Weworkasa team,and each person knows what to do.Westill have alot to do butthe bulk of theworkis finished.”
Lodewyksaidshe stillgetsexcited despite doingthisfor thepastdecade.
“Every year thecarnivalisdifferent. Different themes anddifferentpeople. Youmeet alot of people andmakefriends.”
Shesaidoncarnivalday,theyworktirelessly behind thescenestomakesureevery performer looksdazzling. “Weare stationedina tent,dressing each performer anddoing alterationsor fixing things.”
Prof Rachel Jaftha,chair of theCapeTown Carnival Trust, said:“We areexcited because it’s just over amonth to go.Thisyearweare following ourhearts. People will seeamazing creativity as always andthe joyonthe facesof thepeopleparticipating.Donot miss theamazingfollow-your-heart journeywithus.”
JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,stressedthe City’s unwavering commitment to theevent
“Thank youfor bringing this eventtoour city each year.Thisevent is aboutsocialcohesion. It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”
TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year
This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant.
It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-
whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.
Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution
This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts
“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT
TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South
Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected
“The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”
Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”
To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha
Lukhanyo Dyani of Everton FootballClub(FC)fromNyangashavesthe face of Onwaba Bovu of Greenpoint Salesians with his mid-air challengeduring around robinplay-off match of the BayhillPremier Cupplayed in WynbergonSaturday14February. Everton won1-0 PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
SomangayeMpalala of JabulaBrothers FC is on thereceiving end of awell-executed tackle by Veron November of Bishop Lavis FC duringa Bayhillpremier cup round robinencounterplayedinWynberg.Lavis won3-1.
Wandisa is URGENTLY seeking anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the following:
Matiwane of Mitchells Plain Eagles CC swings sideways after
ting
match
ball
Teep yt phy cabinet.
School sports in SouthAfricaaren’t just aboutwhathappens on the field—it’s aboutthe entire experience, theculture,the passion that splits townsinhalfand createsheroes overnight.
AndfromThursday19February, NovaNews is abouttorevolutionise howwecelebrate it all.
NovaNews is launchingThe School Sports Zone,a dynamic,
lly ge pe
TheSchool Sports Zone will be the authoritativedestination celebrating emerging talent,preservinglegendary rivalries, andbuildingthe foundation forthe futureofSouth African sport. Becauseevery Springbok, every Protea,every national representative startedsomewhere,and that somewhereisusually aschool fieldona Saturday morning.
NovaNews isn’tstopping at written coverage.Accompanying thelaunch is TheRugby Factory, adedicated
vod- andpodcast that divesdeeper than ever before into theheartbeat of school rugbyinSouth Africa
This is storytelling with substance. It is abouttrackingtomorrow’s Springboks from thegrassrootstothe bigleagues,capturing thejourney, thesacrifice,the rivalry, andthe momentsthatdefine youngathletes before theprofessional contracts.
“School sports is at theheart of so many communitiesinSouth Africa,”
yc e, yd pl e, everyschool making noiseonthe sporting landscape.
“Beyondrugby,ifithas anything to do with school sports,wewant to be talkingabout it,” Wetdewich explains.“Thereare greatstories to tell around school sports.Supporters andschoolcommunities aren’t just engaged; they areemotionally and, in many cases, financially invested Smalltowns splitinhalfwhenderby weekends come around.Heroesare born andsuperstarsare made.All
pa gh generations. It’s aboutthe communities that live andbreathe everyresult. NovaNews is changing thegame by capturingthe atmosphere,the emotion, andthe culture. Thestage is set. Find TheSchool Sports Zone:
Website: https://novanews.co.za/ FollowThe RugbyFactory: TikTok:@therugbyfactoryza X: RugbyFactory_sa
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