People's Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 24 February 2026

Artist readytoinspire

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Followyourheart.That’s thetheme of the16thCape Town Carnival andit’s exactlywhatmakeupartist Jemma Fourie poursintoher craft.

Fourie hasbeen chosen as oneof the“champions” forCapeTown’s biggest event, taking placeonSaturday21March at theGreen Point FanWalk.

Fourie will join othercreatives whichinclude singer Anslin Gysman,local actorNatasha van derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Carnival organisers saypeople canlook forwardtoa celebrationof diversityasover1 000performers and10colourful handcrafted floats areset to dazzle spectators

Fourie said thetheme resonates deeply with herlovefor creativity andself-expression

“I sharemylovefor allthings self-expression,beautyand life, especially in regard to makeup artistry.Mycreativityand love for thearts, whetheronpaper or on faces, is what drives me.Thisfrom ayoung agetranslatedinto finding that same community online and sharingeachstepofmyjourney there.”

Fourie,who is also asocialmedia contentcreator,saidshe feels honoured to take part in this year’s event.

“Itfeelsinspiring.Italwaysdoes. Everytimeyou walk into aroom that is connected to Cape Town Carnival,you arewalking into a room fullofpassionatecreatives

“Everyoneloves what they create,and thecollaboration only strengthensthat. It is thedream

setupfor anycreativefromany field, whereyou cannotonlyrun wild,but uplift oneanother.”

Shesaidworking with the“FollowYourHeart”theme hasshaped herapproachtousing makeup to complete andenhance each look

“I designed amakeuplook for oneofthe lead performers,taking alookatthe costumingand float creation to make somethingcohesive.I believemakeup, especially in itsextravagant,genderbending,

charactercreatingformallows dancersand performers to step into theircharacter (oreventhemselves)and embody thepassion they feel.”

Fourie said shewants people to leavethe eventfeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto feel seen andinspired. Ithink the carnival is so rich in festivitiesand theartsthatitreminds theviewer of what they arecapable of notonly in theirown capacity,but when we

collaborate with oneanother as well.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post,isa proudprint mediapartner of theevent

THISYEAR’S THEME FORGREEN POINT IS:FOLLOW YOUR HEART

SANParkssuspendsindemnityatTMNP

TheSouth AfricanNationalParks (SANParks) announcedonFriday 13 February that it hassuspended theindemnity andverification form requirementatTable Mountain National Park (TMNP) with immediateeffect.

This announcement came just days afterSANParksstatedthatit

will be implementing theindemnity andverification form requirement process.

“The measurewas introduced to strengthen verification andgovernanceprocesses.

“However,SANParksacknowledgesthatits implementation led to operationaldelaysand visitor frustration. “Wehavelistenedto theconcernsraisedbyvisitorsand tourismpartnersand have acted decisively,” theentityexplained in itsstatement

“Overthe next twelve months, SANParks will implementa fully digitisedidentification document (ID) andpassportverification system at park gates, including high-speed scanning technology to ensure accurate compliance while delivering aseamlessvisitor experience,” thestatement read During this transition,gate operations will continue without theindemnity form requirement, SANParks concluded.

Adecadeago,which seeminglyfeels like alifetimeago, Ican recall an indescribable senseofwonderand curiosity Ihad as achild Thesimplesensation of allowing my paintbrush to slideand slowly danceacrossa blankcanvas, was so therapeuticand always remains apowerfultool to expressmyself andthe weight of theworld forme. At theage of four,surroundedby action figures, crayonsand blank sheetsofpaper,I discovered that soon as Icould sketch ahouse,a garden anda fewstick figures, I knew Ihad founda passion that felt rewardingand soothing Despitethe breathless rush of earlymornings, trafficjamsand tightschedules at school wherewe would flocktoour classroomslike obedient farm animals, shifting from economicsclass to biology, Ifound drawingtobeanendless

escape from thechaos that parades outsidethose homesaswellasthe stress that haunts ourconscience. WhetherI wasdoodlingonmy exam pad, reimaginingfamous Dragonball Zcharactersand occasionally catching thewrath of some of my teachers whowould ripapart adrawing Iwas obsessing over and chuckitinthe bin, IknewI hada gift,a refugefroma pollutedworld that no-one couldtouch or defile Howeversad Imay have felt at seeing my artworkbeing rippedto shreds in frontofmyclassmates as an angsty adolescent,I quickly understood thebeautyofart still eludes some whomay be navigating thecurrentsofwealthand work andthe stress of theirown tumultuous personal lives. Often, creativesare misunderstood,labeled as “uncompromising” or “unfiltered”withattimes littlecaretounderstanding the depthofthe waywethink and feel andhow it enriches ourart At timesI wouldstruggletofocus on subjects such as accounting or mathematicswhich Ifound uninterestingand woulddaydreamand

doodle,creatinga colourful world before my eyes that gave my young life ameaning,a purposeonmy ownterms.Often theyoung aren’t allowedmanyliberties to pursue their“hobbies”ascareersand thus fall back into safercareer choices, hencetheyhushtheir inner-child in ordertogrowupand to find a jobthatcan sustaina living anda roof over theirheads.The fears, responsibilities andburdens our parentscarry to providefor us as theirchildrenisunderstandable, butsometimes theirfears forus canslowlyswallowus, leavinglittle confidenceinour dreams they can’tenvisionaswedo.

Therefore, themereact of pursuingour goalsisa silent andat timesloudprotest againstthe cold reality, innerdoubtsand critics in ourfamiliesand friends. And yetI foundthata resilientspirit, adedicationand passion to your craftcan open doorsovertimeyou mayhavethought wouldn’t open foryou

In this ever-shiftingworld where Artificial Intelligence(AI)isspeedingupour livesdespite beingsold

us as tool to lightenour loads, it’s becoming evidentit’sa shortcut to boosting profitby floodingthe market with content. Whether it’s photographs, musicor film,I find AI generatedart toopolished, radio-readyand commercial. It’s nauseating with littlecarefor tasteordeeper curiosity. Ilovethe word saccharine, an expression forwhensomething is excessively sweet or when someoneis“too-polite”, as ametaphorfor exploring this golden ageoftechnology wherewecan “prompt” ourideas andsatisfy ourego’s with aclick of abutton. Eating toomanysweet treats cannotonlydecay your teeth andcause headaches, butcan lead to diabetes anddeath

In this case,it’scrucial we protect that childlikewonderwhenone coloursbeyondthe borders, when “those mistakes”becomea signature of beinghuman before we ignore ourindividuality,our brand, in thepursuit of profitand before we know it,becomingpartofthe AI-slopinthe fear of missing out on thelatestgoldrushofthe 21st century.

RockingFutureopensstudypaths

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Learnersattwo southern suburbs schoolsreceivedcareer guidance andstudy informationduringrecent visits by theRocking Future programme, anationalinitiativeaimed at preparing school leaversfor life aftermatric.

RockingFuturevisited Norman Henshilwood High School in WynbergonThursday12 February andSansSouci Girls’ High School in Newlands on Monday 16 February,connecting learners with tertiary institutions,training providersand career resources.

Organisedby3RC,a programme within RockingFuturethathas been running for26years, focusesonhelping SouthAfrican learners make informed decisionsabout theirfuturestudies andemploymentoptions

Accordingtoorganisers, many learners feel uncertainabout career choicesdue to limited exposure to opportunitiesand thecountry’s high youthunemploymentrate.

Thecareer exposaim to addressthisbyproviding direct access to information, guidance andsupport

RockingFuturefounder KayCheytanov said theinitiativecontinues to have astrongimpact in schools.

“Thisjourney hasbeen nothingshort of spectacular. Thelevel of engagement from (learners) and(teachers)exceeds ourexpectationsyearafter year,” shesaid. “The feedback is overwhelmingly positive,affirmingthe expo’s role in shapingfuturecareers.”

Cheytanovsaidlearnersoften arrive at the exposunsureabout theiroptions.“Choosinga career path canbedaunting, especially forthose whodonot know what opportunitiesexist,” she said “Weaim to give them clarity, confidence andpractical informationsotheycan make informed choices.”

At theexpos,learnersengaged with repre-

Students turn teachers

KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Two former learners turned music teachers from Masi Violin Outreach aremakinghistory as they begininternationally recognised Suzuki Teacher Training this year,marking asignificant milestonefor theMasiphumelele-based community musicprogramme

Ayabonga Tshemese andOnkeMbopha, whoeachstarted learning violin throughthe outreach programme over adecadeago,left forJohannesburgonFriday20Februaryto undertakeSuzukiLevel 1teacher training,an

internationallyrespected qualification focusing on musicpedagogy, childdevelopment,and the renowned Suzuki philosophy Masi Violin is aCapeTown-basednon-profit organisation (NPO)thatprovidesfree, twice-weekly groupviolinlessons to children (agessix+) in theMasiphumelele township

FROMLEARNERSTOEDUCATORS

Both teachers have dedicatedyears as learners, performers,and assistantteachersbefore reaching this pivotalmomentintheir careers. Theirjourney exemplifies theorganisation’s commitmenttocreatingsustainable pathways from studenttoteacher within thecommunity Thecomprehensive training programme spansfourintensive in-personmodules throughout theyear, includingtraveltoJohannesburg– markingbothteachers’ firstopportunity to participateinlarge-scale national training outsideCapeTown. Mbopha (24) said he is excitedtostart his training “Tostudy underthe Suzuki method and beingabletolearn howtopassitontothe next generation is just surreal. Iamgrateful for theopportunity. Noteveryonefroma similar background as us ever really gets thesekindof opportunitiessofor us to getitfor free, without stressing aboutthe financialsideofit, I’mforever grateful,” he said, Tshemese (26) said he is excitedtolearn new techniques andimpartthese lessons to his learners

“Thiswillenablethemtoengagewitheducators from across SouthAfricaand learnfrom experiencedSuzukiteacher trainers.Thisisthe firstmoduleand there’ll be four throughout the year andtheywillbeinternationally accredited,” said Masi Violin founderNadiahMony. This is also the firsttimethatbothviolinists will be boarding aplane

STRENGTHENINGCOMMUNITYIMPACT

Thetrainingextends farbeyondindividual development, with skills gained throughstructuredteachingmethods,tonedevelopment,and ensemble leadership beingintegrateddirectly into Masi Violin Outreach’s weekly lessons.This investment strengthensteachingquality and ensureslong-term programme sustainability whilecreatingmeaningful employment oppor-

tunities within theMasiphumelele community

PHILOSOPHYOFMUSICALDEVELOPMENT

Nicolette Solomon-vanWyk,a SouthAfrican Violinistand Suzuki Teachernow living in Texas,sponsored Tshemese andMbopha’straining valued at R40000.

Theprogramme drawsinspiration from Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy that earlymusic educationdevelopsnot only musicalability,but also discipline,sensitivity,and confidencein younglearners.

COMMUNITYSUPPORTNEEDED

Masi Violin Outreach hasexpressedgratitude to generous sponsors making this opportunity possible, whilealsoappealingfor community support toward travel andaccommodation costsfor theJohannesburgtrainingsessions. Thosewishing to support Tshemese and Mbopha’s journeycan find more informationat www.masiviolinoutreach.co.za or emailmasiviolinoutreach@gmail.com

PROGRAMMEEXPANSION

Theorganisationwillalsowelcome 35 new violin learners this year andactivelyseeksinstrument donationsfromcommunity members with unused violins. “Instrumentdonations play avital role in making access to musiceducation possible,”Monynoted . Formoreinformation,contact Nadiah Monyat masiviolinoutreach@gmail.com.

Supportavailablefor wintercampaigns

Winter is approachingand formanyvulnerableresidents,shelter canmeanthe difference between safety andhardship.

Registered non-profitorganisations (NPOs) that provideaccommodation to vulnerable residents have untilTuesday 31 Marchtoapplyfor support aimedatincreasingbed capacity and sustaining operations throughout thewinter months

TheCity’sWinterReadiness Programmehelps shelters meet thesurge in demand by offering practicalassistance,including bedding and blankets,hygiene items, food supplies, and essentialcleaningmaterials, ensuring facilities cancontinueproviding dignified care when it’s needed most

Theprogramme is open to qualifying shelters that areabletotemporarily increase theirbed capacity to deal with theincreased demand for theservice during winter

TheCitywillalsomakestaff availablethrough theExpandedPublicWorks Programme (EPWP) andwillassist with generaland administrativetasks to increase capacity at non-governmentalorganisation(NGO) partners to accommodate additional clients.

TheWinterReadiness Programme is acore part of theCity’sbroader approach to reducing roughsleeping, whichalso includes access to Safe Spaces,a dedicatedStreetPeopleUnit (SPU)and public awarenesscampaigns

In thesix months,between July andDecemberlastyear, theSPU:

. Received 6103 servicerequestsand enquiries;

. Completedover5 400screeningsand 9500 follow-up visits,and

. Facilitated1 075placementsatsheltersor City Safe Spaces

Some roughsleepersengaged in this period have gone on to find employment,including jobs as an e-hailingdriverand chef

TheWinterReadiness Programme will be implementedfromMonday4 Mayuntil Friday 30 October.

Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth, said:“Iencourage alleligibleshelterstoapplysothat, together,we canhelpmoreresidents come in from thecold andaccessthe support they need.”

Applicants must be registered as anon-profit organisation or apublicbenefitorganisation. They must also:

. Have existing facilities to accommodate clientsand addresstheir needsthrough support programmes;

. Be compliantwithrequirementsofthe Population Certificate (whenapplying forincreasein bedcapacity);

. Comply with allhealthand safety regulations;

. Have an approved building plan;

. Submit adraft floorplanfor theadditional temporarybed spaces;

. Have aCertificate of Acceptabilityfor Food Premises

. Application forms areavailablebyemailing Chantal.Krull@capetown.gov.zaoratwww.capetown.gov.za/readyforwinter

Prompt Muslim burials at risk?

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Aproposed digitaldeath-certificate system by theDepartmentofHome Affairs hasraisedfears it coulddelayMuslimburials andinfringeconstitutional religiousrights.

Theproposalmay requireanelectronicdeath certificate to be issued before burial cantake place. Religiousleaders warn this couldcause delays afterhours,onweekends andduring public holidays

In Islamburialmusttakeplace as soon as reasonably possible,often within 24 hoursof death. Thepracticeisrooted in religiousteachings that emphasisehonouring thedeceased, preserving dignityand allowing families to beginthe mourning processwithout unnecessary delay. Traditionally,the body is washed, shrouded andburiedpromptlytorespect these obligations

TheMuslimJudicialCouncil of SouthAfrica (MJC-SA) hasraisedserious constitutional concerns,sayingadministrativerequirements must notinterfere with religiousobligations.It said delays caused by office closures,technical failures or processing backlogs couldforce grieving families to postpone burialsorrisk beingtreated as lawbreakers. “Thisraises concerns relating to religiousfreedom,human dignityand therightsofreligious communities to practise theirfaith.” thecouncil stated

TheMJC-SAsaidany blanketadministrative rule that prevents timely burial mayconflict with constitutional protections, includingSection 15 on freedom of religion andSection 31 on cultural andreligious practice

Religiousleaders arecalling forsafeguards, includingafter-hours processesoremergency

HOME AFFAIRSSAYSNEW SYSTEM WON’TIMPEDE CURRENT PRACTICES

exemptions,toensureburials canproceed withoutdelay

Home Affairs spokesperson ThulaniMavuso said:“Currently,where immediateburialis required forculturalorreligious reasonsand a Home Affairs office is notopenoravailable,a notice of deathform(DHA1663)iscompleted by amedical professional.Thisallows theburial to proceed,withformalregistrationdoneonce thedepartment’sreopen.”

He said this accommodation wouldcontinue. “Thisprinciple of accommodating theneed for immediateburialwillbefully retained andwill extend to digitalchannels underdevelopment.”

Thedepartmentsaidthe proposed changes areintendedtoimprove compliance with death-registration laws andprevent fraud.

Mavuso said inaccurate recordsoccurwhen deaths arenot registered before burial,leaving deceased people recorded as beingalive.“This opensthe door to acts of fraud, identity theft andunderminesthe integrityofthe country’s civilregistry.”Hesaidthe reformswould not limitreligious practices.

Mavuso said futurepractices wouldbeimplemented in amannerthatfully upholdsthe religiouspracticeofburying immediatelyorburial shortlyafter death. Wordingwould be clarified in the finalpolicy, Home Affairs said TheMJC-SAsaiditmay oppose anyprovisionsimpedingpromptburial, whichburial societiessay presents logistical challenges

CrabeatersealvisitsCapewaters

Anunusual visitorfromAntarctica wasspottedalong theCape’scoastline last week.A female crabeater seal,a speciesseldomseen in South Africanwaters, wasinitially sighted at BadenPowellDrive andlater in the Strand area.

Following areportedsightingofa crabeater seal alongthe coastline, Helderberg Ocean Awarenessand theCityofficialswereprompted to respond.

Theareawas cordoned off to protectboththe seal andthe public,ensuringthe animal had adequate spacetorestundisturbed

Subsequently,a coordinatedmarinewildlife response team comprising MartineViljoen, Marine Wildlife Team Manager, TwoOceans Aquarium Foundation;YinhlaShihlomule, Top predator coordinator; andZafarMonier, MarionIslandsealer; respondedto flippertag and vaccinate theseal.

This remarkable animal hastravelledan estimated4 500kmfromher Antarctichome, journeying even further than thesouthernelephantseals that have visitedCapeTownshores in recent years.

“Weare so luckytohavethese amazing animalsvisit ourshoreline.Weappeal to all membersofthe public to please leavethem alone, respecttheir space, andviewthemfrom adistance. They don’tneed help,food,orwater –the best we candofor them is give them peaceand space,”saysGregg Oelofse, Coastal andEnvironmental Managerfor theCityof Cape Town With Crabeaterseals, thereisalwaysheightened concernwhentheyare observed ingesting sand.Asa speciesnot naturally adaptedto SouthAfrican coastalconditions, such behaviourmay reflectstressordisorientation. Tragically,sandingestion canleadtoserious gastrointestinal complicationsand hasbeen

recognised as acause of mortalityinindividual vagrantsealspecies

Thereisnoimmediateconcern forthis individual seal,however expertswillcontinue to monitorher forany change in behaviouror condition.

ARAREOPPORTUNITYFORLEARNING

Vagrantseals appearingalong theCape coastlineunderscorethe importance of public awarenessand establishedsafetyprotocols for thebenefitofbothwildlifeand people

This sighting serves as apowerfulreminder: Crabeaterseals arenot just distantAntarctic curiosities.

On rare occasions, they appear alongour shores,offeringa unique opportunitytoobserve andlearn abouta speciesverydifferentfrom ourfamiliarCapefur seals.

CONSERVATIONINACTION

As aprecautionary measure, theteam administered arabiesvaccination to theseal. This formspartofa broadersealvaccination studycurrently beingimplemented forCapefur sealsand othervagrant seal species, including elephant seals.

Giventhatcrabeater sealstravelvastdistances andinteractwithnumerousmarinespecies in theSouthernOcean,vaccination is aproactive step to reduce potentialdisease transmission risks.

Theteamalso flippertaggedthe seal foridentification purposes

“Flippertagging provides auniquevisual identification,allowing individual sealstobe recognised over time.Thishelps confirm whether repeated sightingsinvolve thesameseal rather than differentanimals,particularlywhen asealhauls outatmultiplelocations alongthe coastline,”saidViljoen,MarineWildlifeTeam Manageratthe TwoOceansAquarium.

As this rare Antarctictravellerrests alongour

RESPECTTHEIR SPACE BY STAYING AT LEAST20 METRESAWAY

coastline, themessage is clear: Admiration from adistanceisthe greatest kindness we canoffer By respecting herspace,weensurethatthis extraordinaryvisitor’s journeyremains astory of wonder,not harm

SAFETYFIRST:GUIDELINESFORVIEWINGWILDLIFE

Thepublicare urgedtofollowthese important

safety ruleswhenencounteringseals or other marine wildlife:

. Respecttheir spacebystaying at least20 metres away;

. Observebarriers– remain behind any cordoned-off areas;

. Do notpourwater over theseal, as this causes unnecessary stress;

. Minimise noiseand movement to keep the environmentcalm;

. Keep dogs on leashestoprevent unexpected animal interactions.Safety first: Guidelines for viewingwildlife.

TCurre ly clubsare entangledi endlies locally as well as interprovincialahead of the league start.

Thecurrent league structurefor Super LeaguesA to Cremains with theinclusion of an extrateamineachSuper league as the16th team,based on rankings afterlastyear’sclub rugbyseason.

Thethree teamsfromSuper Cwho were relegatedtothe regionsfor this year will remain in SuperC with theinclusion of thewinner, runners up andplay-off winnerofthe Promotion League of last year

At theend of the15round-robin matches, teamswillberankedaccordingtotheir position,and this will determinethe structurefor next year’s competition.

Thetop team in each SuperLeaguewillbethe league winner. Therewillbea separate competition made up of topeight (President Cup) andbottomeight play-offs(Challenger Cup) foreachSuper League.Thiscompetition will be played on aknockoutbasis with no bearingon theseedingfor next year

At theend of this season thebottomthree clubsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to the Regional Leagues(Paarl, City,Northernand Southern).

Thetop team in each Regional League will be promoted to theSuper League C.

Allclubs ranked from 1to48, basedonresults in this year’s club rugbyseason, will be seeded in four newleagues next year,consistingof12 teamseach(SuperLeagueA,B, Cand D)

At regional level, thereare four leagues: Southern,Central,Paarland Northern Regional competitions will be played on a double round, home-and-awaybasis,withthe topteamineachregioncrowned league winners andpromotedtoSuper League D. Regional leagueswillcommenceonSaturday21March 2026,and clubsare required to fieldatleast a firstand second team,withthird teamsoptional.

At theend of thecurrent season,the bottom four teamsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to theregionalleagues.However,shouldthe PaarlRegionwinnerdecline promotiontothe newSuper League D, only thebottomthree teamswillberelegated

Teamsplaying in thedifferentleagues are: SuperLeagueA: Villager, Hamiltons, FalseBay,Helderberg, SK-Walmers,Van derStel-Evergreens,Durbell, Tygerberg, Ikeys,Maties, Uni-Mil, KuilsRiver, Brackenfell, UWC, Franschhoek andPrimrose SuperLeagueB: AllSaints, Belhar,Bellville,Collegians, CPUT, Goodwood,Hamediehs,Hamlets,Hands & Heart, Kraaifontein, Macassar, NTK, St.Georges,Vineyards,Violets andYoung Peoples SuperLeagueC: Atlantis,BusyBee, Caledonian Roses, Delft, Eersterivier,Gardens,Kylemore, Langa, Pniel-Villagers,Raithby-Universals, Rangers, Scottsdene Central, SirLowrians, Strand, Strand United andWatsonia