People's Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 17 March 2026
One of SouthAfrica’soldest andmosticonicrugby venues ,remains unused andvisibly deteriorating five yearsafter WesternProvince RugbyFootballUnion (WPRFU)
professional teamsmoved away in 2021,and itsfutureisstill unresolved amid ongoinglegal andpropertyprocesses.
Thestadium, firstopenedin1888
andlonga mainstay of Cape Town’s rugbyheritage, is no longer certified to host matches, having been replaced as aprofessional venueby theCapeTownStadium when the Stormers andWestern Province sides
relocatedin2021.
Whilethe structures stillstand,the facility showsclear signsofneglect that have fuelledpublicconcern Localresidents,supportersand observers note overgrown fields and ip rugbysupportersreflecting on the sadnessatthe dismantlingofmatch–daylifeatthe ground anduncertainty over what couldhappennext.
Allroads lead to carnival
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Excitementismountingfor oneofthe biggest street events on Cape Town’s eventcalendartakingplace on Saturday21March.
Colour,music andmovementwilltakeover theGreen PointFan Walk when over 1000 performersand 10 stunning floats parade through the16thCapeTownCarnival.
With just afew days to go,carnivalorganisers sayits allsystems go to bringspectatorsan unforgettableevent
JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chiefexecutive officer, says theday promises to be funfilled andsuitablefor theentirefamily.
“The carnival hassomething foreveryone. It is somethingthatbringspeopletogether. We have dancersfromacrossthe WesternCapetaking part.Wedecided to move theevent to abit later in themonth becausewewould like ourMuslim supporterstojoinusaswell.”
Douwes says that there’ll be pre-entertainment andfoodvendors to keep carnival watchershappy from 15:00to18:00.
Theinaugural 1kmFun Runstartsat16:30 with threeraces –and have some prizes on offer
“The Carnival opensat18:00 when the pre-parade starts,featuring crowdfavourites like theHarleyDavidsons andthe Fire Fightersand LawEnforcement Officers showingoff theirmoves.After themainparadeiscomplete,
there’ll be theafter partytoenjoy untilmidnightfeaturing carnival supporter YoungstaCPT andother greatDJs.”
This year,the eventwillfeature 10 “Champions” drawnfromthe city’s creative community Whilethese championswon’t appear on the floats themselves,their artistry andstories have shaped thelook,energyand spirit of thepod spectators will see.
Amongthe 10 chosen championsisartist andperformer Terry Fortune, whopromisesa
COLOUR,MUSIC AND MOVEMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE GREEN POINT FANWALK
dazzlingdisplay of theatrical magicunder the themeFollowYourHeART Fortunesayshefeelshonouredtoformpart of this year’s carnival.“Iwas thrilledwhen they askedmetobepartofthe carnival.Tobe part of somethinglikethe floats is something different.”
Fortunesaysthe eventaimstoupliftcommunities andoffer amomentofjoy during challengingtimes
“Weare living in uncertaintimes,and the intentionofthe carnival is to create joy, bring back memories andcreatedelight.”
Fortunesaysbeyondthe spectacleand celebration, thecarnivalalsocreates opportunities foremploymentand tourismwhile promoting theimportanceofthe arts.“Thecarnivalcreates jobopportunitiesand opportunitiesfor people to gain experience.The carnival is importantto celebratethe relevanceofCapeTownand how it canboosttourism.Itisimportant that we use everyopportunitytomakethe public awarethat theartsisstill alive.”
Novusmedia,which publishes People’s Post, is aproud printmedia sponsorofthe event.
LocalisLekkeratTableMountainCableway
With theschool holidays on thecards,the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company(TMACC) invitesSouth Africans to take advantageofits popularLocal is Lekkerspecial,currently available untilThursday30April
Thepromotion offersSouth Africans discounted return ticketsatR250per adultand R100 perchild,makingone of thecity’smosticonic outingsfar more accessiblefor families over the Easter break.
Thespecial is availableonlineonly(SA ID required), andtickets must be purchasedahead of thevisit,assame–dayonlinesales arenot permitted.
With theEasterlongweekendand school holidaysfastapproaching, TMACCsaysthe offer is expected to give localtourism awelcome boost whileallowingmoreresidents to enjoyone of theNew7Wonders of Nature withoutstretching theholiday budget
Adding to theseasonalfun,TMACC is again hostingits belovedEasterEgg Hunt,thisyear with adigital twist.
pletechallenges fora chance to wina chocolate-filledhamperand aCablewayexperience.
Theapp,available on both theAppleApp Storeand Google Play,offersseveral helpful toolstoensurea smoothand enjoyablevisit Guests cancheck theoperational status of the Cableway,viewqueue timesand monitorreal–time summitweather conditions
Theplatformalsoincludesplanning features designed to help visitors avoidpeakperiods and navigate themountain’sfamouslyunpredictable weather.
With affordableticketprices, afun digitalEasteractivity, andsmart planning toolsathand, this holidayseasonofferslocalsthe perfect chance to rediscover TableMountain.
“School holidays provideanopportunityfor families to exploreCapeTowntogether, and making theCablewaymoreaffordableensures that more locals canshare in theexperience,” says TMACCmanagingdirectorWahidaParker.
“Weare pleasedtooffer valuethatencourages people to reconnect with TableMountain.”
TableMountain Aerial Cableway Companyhas extendedits popular LocalisLekkerspecial until Thursday30April. PHOTO:KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Theyouth canleadusout of the darkness
andsolving some of theproblems ourselves.
On theprecipice of theVietnam war, famous folk singer BobDylan once sung:“Well youbetterstart swimming or you’ll sink like a stonecause thetimes they are-achangin”
Thesetimelesswords seem so prescientand ominousinthe uncertaintimes we find ourselvestoday, in thewakeofthe bloodywar in theMiddle-East,inflation, the Ukraineinvasion, Trump’spresidency andArtificial Intelligence (AI) modifyingand “streamlining” theway we work.Sadly,the skills more people aredevelopinglately arerelated to howto“perfect” their AI promptstovisualise aconcept insteadofstrugglingtounderstand photographyorlearn an instrument anduse critical thinking
Idread thelong-term effects on ourbrain processing powerafter decadesofrelying on producing promptsinstead of pondering
It is oftensaidthateachgenerationassumestheyare living in the“endtimes”, whilethe onepreceding it feelsthattoday’s youth are“doomed,spoilt, entitled”and frying theirbrainswithTikTokand Instagram.
Whetherit’sthe baby boomers emerging from WorldWar 2, millennialswitnessing changes in music, movies andcomputers reshapingour dailylives.Today we find Gen-Zcaughtinthe throes of social media, politicalturmoil between theleftand theright and survivinga pandemic that shackled theworld to slow down
However, I find Gen-Z’s social consciousnessand urge to call out injusticewhenitcomes to racism anddiscriminationsoimportant andsoinspiring when it comesto unitinginthe name of love,peace andunderstanding,especially with thefar-right so eagertomockand belittletheir voices andstake in the world.
We arebut onespecies who alldependoneachother forour
survival andyet politicalideologies andreligious extremists continue to divide us andevenleadto wars anddeath wherehospitals andschools filledwithchildren, arereduced to ashesand become “collateraldamage” Sadly, some of us lack thecuriosityand empathytoimagine what itslikegrowing up in adifferent background,culture,way of eating andcelebrating life
It’s such ajoy to travel andmeet someoneand theirfamilyfroma differentbackgroundand sharea homecooked meal around atable andsee howsimilar we arewhenit comestoproviding afulfilling life we canbeproud of Each of us is swimming in adark, mysterious current that candrown us or inspireustoswim.
As ordinary citizens we have to navigate,survive thechallenges that meet us in each revolvingera, Godforbidwe find ourselvesin WorldWar 3.
We oweittoour children andthe next generation whoare hungry to help theworld andlivea life that is unique to them,tosupport them
andguide them on theirmission to make theirmarkinsociety
Ourparents always speakfondly of thegoldenoldiestheylistened to growinguplikethe BeeGee’s, BobMarleyand WhitneyHouston andsimpler times, so tooare the next wave of youtheager to see howtoday’s artistswillprovide the soundtracktotheir lives. There’sa reason whythe 80s soundeddifferenttothe 90s, anew dawn haddescended with new exciting ideas. Thus Iremainoptimisticthat theyouth canleadusout of the darkness that breedsdivision, hatred,warfare anddeliver us to amomentintimewhere we can speaktoeachother around atable insteadofshoutingand justifying ouropinions. Amidst thesocialupheavalofthe 60sanother inspiringtunebyThe Beatlesechoedonthe airwaves andstill soothestothisday with thesimplemessage whichsaid, “all youneed is love”. This simple mantracan heal theworld forthose whowishtolistenand thosewho choosetocare.
Among the 10 chosenchampions is artist and performer TerryFortune. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
City’s‘robustrecycling’
KEANANHARMSE
TheCityofCapeTownhas invested R434 million into theexpansion of theCoastal Park Material Recovery Facility whichwas officially launched in Muizenberg by Cape Town Mayor GeordinHill-LewisonTuesday last week 10 March.
This state-of-the-art facility aims to divert recyclable materialsfromlandfills by reselling thesebacktomanufacturerstoproduce new products andboostjob creation
Thefacilityhandles thedisposalofgeneral wastethatcannotbere-used or recycled.Italso hasanonsitedrop-off facility forrecyclables
Thefacilitycurrently processes25tonsof recyclablesdaily andwilleventually expand to handle 65 tons perday at fullcapacity, significantly increasing wastediversion from landfills Advanced processing capabilities
Thesematerials areseparated andprepared forresaletomanufacturing industries where they become newproducts.
ECONOMICANDENVIRONMENTALBENEFITS
Theplant hasalready created60jobs forCapetonians, with employment expected to reach approximately160 positionsatfulloperation, plus additional downstream manufacturing opportunities.
“ThisCoastal Park facility is amajor step forward in theCity’sjourney towardsbetterwaste management anda robust recyclingeconomy,” said Hill-Lewis.
“Byrecoveringrecyclablematerials before they reachlandfill we areextending thelifeof landfills andsavingpublicmoney whilehelping theenvironment andcreating160 jobs.”
Residentscan usethe City’s WasteRecyclers Maptodetermine if they live in areasservedby recyclingcollectionservices, connect with private collectorsorlocateCitydrop-off facilities
“The success of facilities such as theCoastal Park MRFdepends on residentscontinuing to separate theirrecyclables,” Twiggnoted “Every householdthatparticipatesplays arole in helpingCapeTownbecomea cleaner, more sustainablecity.”
Thefacilityforms part of Cape Town’s long-termstrategytobuild arobust recycling economywhile extendinglandfill life spansand recovering valuable materialsthatwould otherwise be permanentlylosttowaste disposal
ClaremontCBD gets injection
Coastal Park FacilityManagerMauricevan Blommestein explaining the machinery processes to Cape Town MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis.
PHOTO:KEANANHARMSE
Ward62‘deliversservices’ Bayhillsupports
Cansarelayforlife
TheBayhill PremierCup 2026,a premieryouth football tournament over theEasterweekend, announceda formal pledge of support to the Cancer AssociationofSouth Africa (Cansa)and their flagship initiative CansaRelay forlife. “Canceraffects thousandsofSouth Africanfamiliesevery year,cutting across alldemographics. Cansahas been at theforefront of this battle since1931, providingvital research,publiceducation andsupport services,” says Rayaan Alie, tournament director of theBayhill PremierCup TheCansa Relayfor life is taking placeonFriday27and Saturday 28 MarchatVygieskraal Stadiumfrom18:00 to 06:00. Emedia@premiercup-bayhill.co.zafor details.
WNAMHLAMONAKALI
ard62councillorEmile Langenhovensaysservice delivery in the area remainssolid,withelectricity, refuse collectionand waterservices performing well, butrisinghomelessness anddelayed infrastructure projects continue to challengeresidents.
“Ona scaleofone to ten, Iwould give service delivery in my ward an eight,”Langenhoven says.“Ourroads areinverygood shape, except wherereinstatementsare required.”
Theward’s2025/26 budget of just over R1 million supports libraries, parks, youth programmes andcommunity services,while initiativessuchasWaterlooGreen Park aimto providesaferecreationalspace forlearners.
TheCape’sfuturein‘goodhands’
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Cape Town’s next generation of leadershas officially takentheir seat at thetable
TheCityofCapeTownwelcomed50newly selected junior city councillors (JCC) on Saturday7 March, chosen from arecord-breaking 929applications forthe unique leadership programme
TheJCC is aone-yearleadershipprogramme developedtogiveyoung people insightintohow localgovernmentworks andthe keyfunctions of amunicipality.
It provides participants with an opportunity to grow in theirknowledge,learn more about themselves,and developtheir leadership skills
Theprogramme also seekstoinspire young people to play an active role in theircommunities andtobethe change they want to seein theirimmediateenvironment
Thelearnershailfromschoolsacrossthe city includingJan vanRiebeeckHighSchool,Sea PointHighSchool,Herzlia High School,South PeninsulaHighSchool,ReddamHouse Constantia, Star College Cape Town andWynberg Boys’HighSchool
People’s Post reachedout to some of the bright mindstohearwhattheyexpectfromthe initiative
MiaBraun,a Herzlialearner,saidwhenshe heardabout theprogramme shewas immediatelymotivated to “stepupand be avoice for theyouth”inher community
“I am passionateabout addressing issues affectingyoung people becausewe arethe future of ourcountry andgivingyouth apathway and astrongfoundationhelpbuild abetterfuture. Iamalsoexcited to learnmoreabout government from experiencedleaders andfrommy peers, andtouse this opportunitytomakea positive impact.”
Braunhopes to developleadershipskills,publicspeakingand problem-solvingskillsthrough theprogramme
“I am excitedtolearn practicalskills such as writingspeeches, brainstormingideas and communicating confidently.I hope to apply
theseskills in my school andcommunity life anduse them to make apositivedifference in my community.”
LaylaYaghya, from SouthPeninsula High, hopesto“amplifythe voices”ofyoung people in hercommunity
“I believeeveryonehas valuable opinions,and Iwanttoencourage my peerstospeak up and valuetheir thoughts
“I’d also like to help improvelearningcircumstancesfor youngstudentsand find ways to encouragethemtochase theirdreams- to find that thingthatdrivesthemand runwithit,”she said
Determined to make adifference in thelives of underprivilegedyouth,Yaghyasaysthe programmewillhelpequip herwiththe toolsto inspirechange.
Motivatedtobring aboutpositivechange, Albert GriesselfromJan vanRiebeeckbelieves theprogramme will help “turncommunity concerns into action”.
“The JCCisthe firststeppingstone towards making arealchangeinthe livesofrealpeople andI look forwardtoworking with my ward councillorinorder to resolveour civicproblems.”
Forthe past five yearsthe programme has been spearheadedbyDonovan Nelson,Ward65 councillorwho played akey role in building the curriculumand expandingthe programme
This year also sees twonewly appointed co-custodiansofthe programme,NicoleSukers, PR councillorfor subcouncil 11, andNicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor.
Sukers said:“Ilookforward to beinginvolved in aprogramme that will notonlyinspire but will allowmetoassist andengagewithCape Town’s futureleaders.”
Jowell believes Cape Town’s futureisin“very good hands”
“Whatstood outduringthe orientationwas theenthusiasmand willingness of theseyoung people to step forwardand getinvolved. She said theJCC is apowerful exampleofactive citizenship.
Cityurgescaution as heatwave grips
NAMHLAMONAKALI
NAMHLA.MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
CapeTownresidents enduredextremelyhot conditions last week as a heatwave pushed temperatures well aboveseasonalnorms across partsofthe WesternCape.
Accordingtothe SouthAfrican Weather Service(SAWS), heatwave conditions affected partsofthe province from Sunday 9toFriday 13 March.
AccordingtoSAWS, thewestern and south-westernparts of SouthAfricaexperienced very hottoextremely hottemperatureswiththe mercuryreaching42,1°Cinsomeareas
Heatwave conditions aredefinedastemperaturesremaining at least5 °C abovethe average of thehottest monthfor threeormoreconsecutivedays.
SAWS forecasterssaidthe heatwave developeddue to astrongand slow-moving high-pressure system in theupperatmosphere, whichcausedsinking airtowarmasitdescended This system wasaccompaniedbyoffshore wind flow alongthe westerncoastline
TheSAWShad warned that temperatures between 36 °C and42°Cwereexpectedinparts of theregion, with thehottest conditions recorded on Tuesday11and Wednesday12March
“Inareas with less greeneryand more built-up infrastructure,temperaturescan rise significantly,” he said
Ferreiraurged residentstotakeprecautions during extremeheat.
“Drink plenty of waterand stay hydrated.Residents should limitstrenuous outdoor activity between 11:00 and17:00, whichisusually the hottest part of theday,” he warned He encouraged residentstoseek shadewhere possibleand make useofcooler public spaces such as libraries, parks, shopping centresand public swimming pools.
Ferreiraalsowarnedresidents to be alertto signsofheat-relatedillness.
“Symptomssuchasmusclecramps, heavy sweating,nausea, dizziness, fainting or confusion canindicateheat-relatedillness. Residents should seek medicalhelpimmediatelyasheatstroke is amedical emergency. ”
Ferreiraurged residentsnever to leavechildren or pets in parked vehicles andtocheck on vulnerable individualssuchasthe elderly, youngchildrenand thosewithchronic illnesses.
He addedthathot anddry weatheralsoincreaseswildfire risks.
“Residents should ensure braaisorcooking firesare properly extinguished as theriskof wildfiresincreases during heatwaves,”hesaid.
MAPPINGHEATRISKS
Ferreirasaidthe City conducts research to identify communitiesthatmay be more vulnerable to extremeheat.
Acommunity-based heat mapping project conductedinpartnership with theWorld Bank
foundthatneighbourhoodswithdensely packed buildingsand limitedtreecover canexperience temperatures up to 15 °C higher than cooler areas.
“Thisresearchhelps us understand whereresidents aremostvulnerablesothatwecan plan andrespond appropriately,”hesaid.
Ferreirasaidclimate projectionsindicate global temperatures couldrisebetween 1°Cand 3°Cbymid-century
“CapeTownisalready experiencing theeffects of rising temperatures,” he said He notedthatthe city recorded itshighest temperatureonrecordlastyearwhenthe Foreshorereached 44,6°C.
AccordingtoFerreira, extremeheathas also contributedtomorefrequenturban and wildfiresand formed part of thebroader climate conditions linked to thedrought that brought Cape Town closetoDay Zero in 2017
COOLINGNEIGHBOURHOODS
Ferreirasaidtrees andgreen spaces play an importantroleincoolingneighbourhoodsby providingshade andreducingheatbuild-up. However, he said Cape Town’s climatecan make tree planting challenginginsomeareas “Our climateisnot always tree-friendly,with hotdry summers andstrongwinds,” he said Some informal settlements arelocated in areaswhere tree planting is difficult
TheCitycontinues to support greening initiativesbut relies on communities to help maintain trees so they cansurvive andprovide shade. In areaswhere trees maynot be viable, artificial shadingand improved public facilities mayprovide practicalcoolingalternatives.
COOLSPACES
Ferreirasaidthe City recently launched its first“Cool Space” pilotproject at theSir Lowry’s Pass Library. Thefacilityprovidesaccess to shaded areas, drinking waterand information aboutheat-relatedhealthrisks
“The pilotdemonstrateshow existing public facilities canbeadapted to providesafeand accessiblecoolingspacesduringhot days and heatwaves,”hesaid.
PREPARINGFORHOTTERSUMMERS
Ferreirasaidlong-term planning is critical as extremeheateventsbecomemorecommon.
“The City’s Heat Action Plan provides aframework forcoordinatedactionacrossdepartments,”hesaid.
Officialsare also mapping potentialcooling spaces across themetro andimproving early warningsystems to alertresidents before extremelyhot weatheroccurs.Ferreiraencouraged residentstoplaya role in helpingcommunities adapt.
“Residents canhelpbyplantingand caring for trees andbycheckingonvulnerableneighbours during extremeheat,”hesaid.
“Community support will be essentialinhelpingCapeTownprepare forhotterconditionsin thefuture.”
Heatwave alert Cape Town residents urgedtotakeprecautions. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
AsSouth Africa marksHuman Rights Monthunder thetheme “Billof Rights at 30:MakingHuman Dignity Real”
Refugees rebuilding theirlives in Cape Town saydignity andequalityremaincentral to their journeys
HumanRightsMonth is observed every March, culminatinginHuman Rights Dayon 21 March. Thecommemoration is rooted in the Sharpeville Massacre, when apartheidpolice opened fire on peaceful protestors,killing 69 people andexposingthe brutalityofthe pass lawsystem.
More than sixdecades later, theobservance encourages reflection on thecountry’s progress sincethe adoption of theConstitutionof theRepublicofSouth Africa,which enshrines equality,dignity andfreedom throughthe Bill of Rights.Thisyear’stheme highlights 30 years sincethe Constitution came into effectand calls on SouthAfricanstoreflectonhow therightsit guarantees arerealisedineverydaylife.
Organisationsworking with displacedcommunities saythe themeisparticularlyrelevant forrefugees andasylumseekersrebuildingtheir livesinthe country.
At theScalabriniCentreofCapeTown, programmessupport refugees andmigrants throughlegal assistance,employmentsupport andintegration initiativesaimed at helping newcomersnavigatelifeinSouth Africa
“Rebuildinglifeafter displacement often involves overcoming significant structural bar-
FACE CHALLENGESSUCHASDOCUMENTATION,SECURING EMPLOYMENT AND FINDING STABLEHOUSING
riers,”saysJames Chapman, Head of Advocacy andLegal Advisoratthe centre
Many refugees arrive in Cape Town after fleeingconflict, persecutionoreconomichardship in theirhomecountries
Once in SouthAfrica, they face challenges such as accessing documentation, securing employment and findingstablehousing
People whodonot have asylum transitvisas issued at aportofentry arebarredfromapplyingfor asylum unless they canestablish good causefor notobtaining thevisa.
“The provisions barring access to asylum make it virtually impossiblefor people with genuinerefugee claims to access andapplyfor asylum in SouthAfrica,”headds
Substantialdelaysinprocessing asylum and refugee documents, as well as delays in theasylumappealprocess, further complicate matters
Thesedocumentation challenges have aripple effectonaccessing services forrefugees and theirfamilies.
Whilethe Cape Town refugee receptionOffice wassubstantially upgraded andofficially reopened in 2023,policyand legislativebarriers mean asylum seekersremainundocumentedfor extended periods, leavingthemvulnerableto exploitation,discriminationand,insomecases, arrest,detention or deportation.
Chapmansayshuman dignityfor refugees
involves “livingina spacewithfreedom of movement,agencyand opportunitytointegrate andliveinpeace andharmony with thehost population forthe growth anddevelopment of therefugee, theirfamilyand thecommunity around them
“Human dignityincludesbeing able to study or work andput food on thetable foryourself andyourchildren.”
Chapmanalsohighlightscommonmisconceptions aboutrefugees.Manyinthe public do notrealise refugees areinSouth Africa notby choice butbecause they were forced to flee violence, persecutionorwar-torncircumstances
Refugees positively contribute to societyand oftenholdroles that arefundamental to thefabricofthe community.
“Wewould encouragethe public to take cognisance of thecircumstances that caused refugees to flee, andtoliveand work with refugee communities to thebenefitofall living in thecommunity,” he says
As SouthAfricareflects on threedecades of constitutional democracy, advocatessay the focusremains on ensuring dignityand equality arenot only constitutional principles butlived realities.
HumanRightsmonth provides an opportunity forcommunities to reflectonthe country’spast whileworking towardsa futureinwhich the protectionscontained in theBillofRightsare experiencedbyall.
HUMANRIGHTSARE NOTPRIVILEGES
Iwas bornduring one of the darkest periods in SouthAfrica’s history. Forpeopleofmygeneration, Human RightsDay is not just apublic holiday. It is areminder of fear,struggle and courage. This dayisobservedon21March to remember those killedduring the Sharpeville Massacrein1960. Masses protestedpeacefully againstthe pass laws,which reduced human beingstodocuments and permissions Police opened fire, and many liveswerelost. Although I wasbornlater,the stories of Sharpeville were always present in our communities.Theyreminded us thatapartheid wasnot onlyapolitical systembut asocialorder builtto control movement, opportunityand dignity. Istillremember amoment from my childhood. Iwas about 11 and had abig afro thatcouldeasilymakemelook like agirl. During atenseperiod in our homeinNew Brighton, my mother dressedmelikeagirl, placed a doek over my head,and told me to lieinbed as if Iweresick.
At the time,I did not understand.TodayIknowitwas her wayofprotecting me,quietlyresisting asystemthat sought to strip us of safety and dignity.
Colonialism and apartheid took land, freedom and opportunity, buttheycould nevertakeour humanity, resilienceorbeliefinjustice.
Human rights arenot privileges, theyare the foundation of what it means to be human.
Everyperson deservesdignitysimplybecausetheyare human, and that shouldnever be up fordebate. When South Africabecameademocracyin1994, it represented hope and amoral commitment to equality and dignity.
To the next generation, Ihope,willrealise the freedoms theyenjoycameata greatcost.
Protect them. Upholdthem. Defend the humanityof everySouth African, everyday Freedom washardwon. Protecting dignityisnow the responsibilityofevery generation.
-EMAIL
-ANDILE MONAKALI
Readersexpresstheir viewsonhuman rights
As SouthAfricareflects on thelegacy of theSharpeville Massacreon21 March1966 andthe sacrificesmade by thosewho fought forfreedom andjustice,the conversation around humanrightsremains as important todayasitwas decadesago
Theeventsofthatday serveasa powerful reminder of thecostofinequality andthe ongoingresponsibilitytoprotect andpromote therights of everypersoninthe country. While significant progress hasbeen made sincethe dawn of democracy, many communities stillfacechallenges that affecttheir basicrightsand quality of life.Withthisinmind, People’s Post askedreaders whichhuman righttheybelieve deserves themost attentioninSouth Africa today, and whytheyfeel it is an issuethatneeds urgent focus.
Alaric Jacob says:“Theright to food:there aresomanyinour countrywho arehungryand don’t have food.The unemployment levels aresohighand if we canhaveless restrictions forpeopletoactually do work forthemselves. So,let us help more people to getworksothatwe canfeed more people andmakethat difference.”
AlishiaDaniels believes theright to freedomand security needsurgent attention. “Itneedsattentionbecause criminalsare beinglet free even though they areguiltyoftrespassing andcompromisingthe safety of other individuals.”
Kgomotso Mhlakazi says:“It’s very difficult to just chooseone becausemostofthese humanrights need immediateattention. However,I’d go with protection services
becausethe levelofviolenceinthis countryiscrazy.GBV is aserious crisis in this country. We arenot safe in ourown houses,childrenare not safe at schools, thereare gangseverywhere,drugs everywhere.It’sjust violence andthe lawand ourjustice system aretoo lenientonthe perpetrators. We hear of scholartransport accidentsdue to reckless drivingand children dyingbecause there’snoone to enforceroadrules andthere are no harshconsequences, people do as they wish,pay abribe andmoveon. We hear of shootoutsevery day, rape casesand domestic abuse. Thereare killingsofwhistle-blowers,there are politicalkillings. Idon’t feel safe as a SouthAfrican andI stress aboutmy children’s safety everyday.Prisoners live agoodlifebecause they getfree meals, shelter, electricity, education andhealthcare.
MbuyiseloSibambane says womenand children’s rights must be prioritised. “Itissad to hear thereisa one-year-old childraped by heruncle or awoman killedbyher partner, and youask yourself wherethiscountry is going. Thegovernmentmustmake sure that it protects them andthatthe perpetrators stay behind bars.”
Nandipha Gxowa says women andchildren’srightsneed to be given attention.
Shesaysshe wantsthe government to impose astringent sentence on people whoare abusingwomen andchildren. “I don’tthink people whoare raping children andkilling womendeserve bail.Theyneed to rot in jail.Every dayweare complaining aboutthe same thing.”
Gary Adams says:“Thetwo most
pressing issues,inmyhumbleview, facing SouthAfrica, is housingfor our people andsafer communities (police areunderfundedand understaffed). Ourgovernmenthas failed our citizens on both theseconstitutional humanrights.”
MpumiSomlota says:“Housing andcrime.The people arestill living in informal settlements aftersomany years. Thehighcrime rate is butone of themanysideeffects of theinformalsettlements.Withwinteraround thecorner, my heartbleedsfor our people.”
SamkeloNonkumbi says:“The crimeisatanall-time high andpolice visibility needstobemore. Our people aredying andthe poor are sufferingthe most.”
Shiela Ndileka says:“Ireally want thefaultydrainstoget more attention in ourarea. It’s notonlydangerous forroadusers butalsoour children Thepotholesare very badand it damages thecars.”
LindseyJantjies says:“My favourite humanright is theright to privacy becauseitprotectsmypersonal freedom anddignity.Privacy allows people to keep theirpersonalinformation,thoughts, andconversations safe from others unless they choose to sharethem. It also givesindividuals thefreedom to make decisions withoutbeing constantly watchedor judged.For thesereasons,I believe theright to privacyisone of themost importanthuman rights,especially in my line of work,everyoneisall of asuddentracing agents.I hadto lock my Facebook accountand usea separate number becausemineisall over Cape Town.”
Alaric Jacobs
KgomotsoMhlakazi
Alishia Daniels
Nandipha Gxowa
MbuyiseloSibambane
GaryAdams
Mpumi Somlota
SamkeloNonkumbi
Shiela Ndileka Lindsey Jantjies
Legendary Ibrahim at Jazz Festival
The renowned SouthAfrican jazz maestroAbdullahIbrahim is set to gracethe stageonceagain at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)takingplace from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)
Knownfor hisprofoundinfluenceonthe jazz scenebothlocally andglobally,Ibrahim’s performancesare nothingshort of transformative Hisuniqueblend of traditionalAfrican sounds with jazz harmonieshas made himan iconic figure,cherished by generationsoffans. Ibrahim’sperformance will notjustbea concertbut aheartfelt celebrationofresilience, culture, andthe enduring powerofmusic
Widely celebrated as oneofthe world’sgreatestpianistsand composers, Ibrahim’scareer spansmorethansix decadesand is rooted in therichculturaltapestryofDistrictSix,where he wasbornand firstdeveloped hisdistinctive sound.
As apioneering figure in SouthAfrican music, Ibrahimformedthe Dollar BrandTrioin1958 and, in 1959,co-foundedThe Jazz Epistles alongsideHughMasekela, KippieMoeketsi, JonasGwangwa,Johnny Gertze andMakaya Ntshoko.
Theirrecording became the firstjazzalbum by SouthAfrican musicians.
HISWORK BLENDS AFRICANIDIOMS,GOSPEL INFLUENCESAND CAPE JAZZ
That same year,hebegan alifelongpartnership with vocalist SathimaBea Benjamin Hiscompositions, includingthe iconic “Manenberg(Is WhereIt’sHappening)”,became cultural touchstonesand contributedtothe soundtrack of theanti-apartheidmovement.
Following the1960 Sharpeville massacreand intensifying apartheidrepression,Ibrahim went into exile.
In Zürich,Sathima introduced himtoDuke Ellington, leadingtorecordingsand major European appearances.
AfterMandela’s release, he returned home in 1990 andlater performedatthe presidential inauguration in 1994,marking ahistoric homecoming
Having spentmanyyears living,recording, andtouring internationally,Ibrahim’s artistry hasbeenshapedbycollaborationswithglobal legendsand exposure to diversemusical traditions.
Ticketsfor thefestivalare availableonTicketmaster with BuyNow PayLater optionson Loot
Renowned South African jazz maestro,Abdullah Ibrahim, is settograce thestage again at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). PHOTO:SUPPLIED
