People’s Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 26 April 2026

Kangaroo care promoted

Hospitals across theWesternCapeare promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), asimplebut effective method that helpsimprove outcomes forpremature and lowbirthweight babies.KMC involves prolongedskin-toskin contactbetween aparent andbaby.

Thepracticehelps stabilisea newborn’stemperature,breathing andheart rate,while supporting weight gain,breastfeedingand braindevelopment

“KMC reducesmortality and infectionrates whileimproving temperatureregulation, weight gain,and cognitivedevelopment,” said Sister MelanieHolland,NursingManager at MowbrayMaternity Hospital

“Skin-to-skincontact and breastfeedingserve as powerful formsofpainrelief, providing importantneuroprotective benefits during this vulnerable stageof development. Importantly, KMC is notonlyfor mothers, fathers areencouragedtoparticipate,as closecontact with alovingparent helpsregulatea baby’s heart rate,breathing andtemperature, strengthensbonding,and supports healthybrain development.”

Prematurityremains oneofthe leadingcausesofinfantcomplicationsworldwide,and healthcare workersare placingrenewed emphasis on earlyinterventions such as KMC.

Prof Gugu Kali,headofthe ClinicalUnit: NeonatologyatTygerberg

KMC IS NOTONLY FORMOTHERS,AS FATHERSCAN ALSO HELP BOND

Hospital,described KMCasa cornerstoneofneonatalcare.

“KMC is an essentialpartofour neonatal care package, whichhas been showntoimprove outcomes forpreterm andlow birthweight babies.Wepractisebothintermittent andfull-time KMC, and we encourageparents to do it as soon andasoften as possibleafter birth.”

At RedCross WarMemorialChildren’s Hospital,KMC is embraced as both aclinicalinterventionand afamily-centredphilosophyof care.“KMCisnot just aclinical model; it is aphilosophyofcare that places dignity, compassion, andfamilypartnership at the centre of everything we do,” said MitziFranken,HeadofNursing at RedCross Formanyfamilies, KMCoffersa waytoplayanactiveroleincaring fortheir baby during an emotional andoverwhelmingtime.

Louise Galant,a mother of twins from Villiersdorp, born on Saturda 14 March, said theexperiencewas meaningful.The twinswereborn weighing just 870g and950 g. “I love bondingwiththem. It makesour bond stronger andalso helpsthemgrowquicker,” shesaid.

GrooteSchuur Hospital hasalso strengthened itsKMC services,

offeringparents emotionaland psychologicalsupport.“KMC formspartofa holistic care model that supportsboththe medicaland

emotionalneedsoffamilies,”said CindyLouw, OperationalManager of thehospital’sNeonataland KMCUnit.

BravethecoldforNSRIWinterSolsticeSwim

As thewintersolsticeapproaches,the National SeaRescueInstitute (NSRI) is calling on South Africans to bravethe cold andtakepartinits annual Winter Solstice Swim,a nationwide fundraising initiative aimedatsupporting lifesaving rescue operations andwater safety programmes

Theswimwilltakeplace on Sunday 21 June, markingthe longestnight of theyear.

Theinitiativeencouragesindividuals,teams, andcommunities to host theirown plunge events andraise funds forthe rescue organisation

Participants areinvited to take theplungein thesea,tidal pools, swimming pools, dams,or even throughanice bucket challenge, joining agrowing traditionthatunitescommunities across thecountry in supportofthe NSRI

VOLUNTEERSONDUTY

NSRI volunteersremainondutythroughout theyear, readytorespond at amoment’snotice, even in theharshestwinterconditions.

AccordingtoNSRIspokespersonCraig Lambinon,the initiative reflects both thededicationofrescuecrews andthe importance of public supportinsustainingtheir work

“NSRIvolunteersare on duty year-round, readytospringintoactionata moment’s notice,evenonthe coldestday of theyear,” Lambinon said

He addedthatthe Winter Solstice Swim gives thepublica meaningful waytocontributetothe organisation’s mission

“Eachyear, teamsofNSRIvolunteersfrom ourrescuebases bravethe plunge to raisefunds fortheir station. This year we challengeyou to organise awintersolsticeplungeand help

support ourlifesavingwork,”hesaid. Participants areencouragedtocreatefundraisingcampaigns andrally friends, family,and colleaguestoget involved.Every contribution helpsensureNSRIcrews remain equipped, trained, andready to save lives.

SAFETYFIRST

. Neverswimalone

. Avoidrough or unsafe conditions

. Always have a flotationdevicenearby . Know whotocallinanemergency

.Moreinformation is availablevia the NSRI official websiteand fundraising platform GivenGain. Formoreinformation on organising your Solstice Plungeand the taxbreaksyou’ll getfromyourdonation,contact Renee on 021 4344011 or renee@ searescue.org.za

Empathymattersintimesofbloodshed

fold helplessly, thecynical amongst us in societywould just sigh and say“well that’s just life nowadays in SA”under thegovernanceofthe ANC.

OftenI find myself dreading to hear thedevastating detail of family membersrecalling harrowing momentsoftheir children,brothers, sisters or motherswho were either senselesslymurdered, missingorwereviciously injured in an attack or hijacking.

It’s even worsehearing afather saya courtsentenceof100 years couldnever bringbackhis 10-yearold-daughter that waskilledtragically whileshe wasplaying outside with herfriends in thestreetafter school.Whenthese sadaccounts arereadonlineorwhenvideosare circulatingonsocialmedia where citizens arewatchingrobberies un-

This oceanof“content” we witnessevery minute canquickly drainone of anycrumb of optimism in aworld wheremore people prefer to commentand complain insteadofcontributing andcollaborating in ahealthy way. Some mightsay what’s theuse of even voting when it seemsour localpoliticians andparties arelike walkingthrough arevolving door whereone only encounters corruption andfalse promises Themereact of caring is as precious as an endangered species in atimewhere conversationsand discourseonnewsstories feel like amud-slingingmatch where“narratives” areconstantlyshiftingand argumentsare centredonfascist viewsonreligion, race,geopolitics

andthe list keepsgrowing.This week Ifelta personal call to action listeningtoa mother from Ottery tearfully remember what thelast telephonic conversation with her daughter aboard theGlobalSumud Flotilla soundedlikebeforeshe wasdetainedbythe Israelinavy. Igaspedatthe horrorofseeing armedofficers capturingand detainingsomeone’s daughter on alivestreamvideo.The sadness, angerand exhaustion in hervoice resonatedwithmeand Ifelther pain.I canonlyimagine how terrified andupset Iwould be not knowingifmysisterorbrother wasalive,starvingorworse,being tortured

Theirony is,weare more connected than ever with technology andsocialmedia that thethought of notbeing able to message or call ourloved ones,isoften ablessing we take forgranted.The fact that instantcommunication is always

availablewiththe push of abutton canseem like ahellish nightmare when this convenienceisrobbed from us in acrucial time when we need to know amissing person’s whereabouts.

It’s dreadfully sad, andeven more so when thesebrave souls bringing baby formula, food and toiletries,enduringthe merciesof theocean,are captured,taunted, tortured,scapegoated andpainted as “terrorists” andtroublemakers To hear amother’sdesperate cry to hear anywordorconfirmation of herdaughter’ssafetywas such acoldblooded reminder of how cruel, violentand unforgivingthe worldoutside canbe.

Empathyfor ourfellowbrothers andsisters matters more than ever in an agewhere bloodshed andthe threat of bombskeep clouding us in adarknessthatappearsinvisible, butitisa sickness we need to cure andsee before it’s toolate.

Your voic

NAMHLAMONAKALI

At28, LondekaPhakathihas already beaten theodds,orphanedyoung, graduatedagainst theodds, and nowputting hersocialworkdegreeto work fordeafcommunities at DeafSA in Newlands.

Everyweekday, theyoung social worker walks into theDeafSAWestern Cape officesonthe corner of Thicketand HemlockRoads in Newlandsand does theworkshe once only dreamnt of Phakathi wasbornand raised in Pietermaritzburg,KwaZulu-Natal,and lost both herparents at ayoung age. Sheisdeaf. By most measures, theoddswerestacked againsther Yetshe graduatedfromthe University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with aBachelorofSocial Work degree andnow advocatesfor thecivil, humanand linguistic rights of deaf,hard-ofhearingand deafblindSouth Africans at oneof theSouthernSuburbs’lesser-knownbut vital community organisations.

“I have experiencedmanychallenges in my ownlifeand have seen howpeoplecan struggle withoutsupport,” said Phakathi.“Growingup withoutparents taught me resilience andgave me adeep understandingofthe difficulties many people face.”

Rather than letgrief define her, Phakathi channelleditintopurpose enrolling at UKZN andpushing throughyears of financial, emotionaland academic pressure to earn her degree.

“Itwas an emotionaland rewardingexperience becauseitrepresented yearsofhardwork, sacrifice andperseverance,”she said “There were timeswhenI felt overwhelmed, butreceiving my degree reminded me that determinationand persistencecan overcome many obstacles.”

On campus,the challenges went beyond coursework.Limited interpretersupport,

No need for poliopanic

Detection of twodifferent polio virus strains in wastewater samples in Cape Town has prompted a public health response, but the national Department of Health says there is no need forpanic as no human caseshavebeen identified.

TheNational Institutefor CommunicableDiseases (NICD)informed the department that the strains, identified as VDPV3 and nOPV2-L,weredetected during routine environmental and wastewater surveillanceinthe Western Cape recently.

Thedepartment said in astatement the testing forms part of proactivedisease monitoring aimed at detecting emerging outbreaks and viralvariants before clinical casesappear

Officialsstressed that the detections areclassified as “vaccine events” becausethe viruses were not found in anyperson. “No outbreakhas been declared and no additional vaccination campaign is required,” read the statement

Polioisavaccine-preventabledisease,and South Africawas officially declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation’sAfrican Regional Certification Commission in September 2019

According to the department,the virusesdetected arelikelylinked to imported casesinvolving people vaccinated withdifferent vaccines from those used in SouthAfrica. Thedepartment said it is working with the NICD and has sincestrengthened surveillance measures and increased the frequencyofwastewatersampling as part of ongoing monitoring and outbreakpreparedness. It further said the detections do not translateintoanoutbreakand reassured the public that there is no need forpanic

Residents areencouraged to remain vigilant and report anysuspected symptoms to healthcare providers.

Symptoms associated withpolio caninclude progressivemuscleorjoint weakness and pain, fatigue, musclewasting, breathing or swallowing difficulties, and sleep-related breathing disorders, although these symptoms mayalsobelinked to other medical conditions.

UCT grad wins

$40 000 global leadershipaward

NAMHLAMONAKALI

WhenMuhammedCoker received news of his$40,000 (about R680 000) McCall MacBainScholarship,one of theworld’s most prestigious leadership awards,his firstthought was notofpersonaltriumph.Itwas of everyonewho hadwalkedthe road with him.

“Receiving this awardisdeeply emotionalfor me becauseitrepresentsmorethanpersonal success,”hesaid. “Itsymbolisespossibility for everyyoung person from an underrepresented background whohas ever wondered whether theirdreamsare valid.”

Coker’spathhas been oneofquiet determination andpurposeful growth.A former Mandela Rhodes Foundation scholaratthe University of Cape Town (UCT), he completeda Postgraduate DiplomainManagementand Entrepreneurship before beingselectedthrough ahighlycompetitiveinternational processtojoina small, elite cohort of emerging global leadersrecognised fortheir commitmenttomeaningful change

Laterthisyear, he will take hisplace at McGill University in Montréal,Canada, wherehewill pursue aMasterofScience in Agricultural Economics fully fundedthrough thescholarship

TheMcCallMacBain Scholarship, established by Canadian philanthropist John McCall MacBainand hiswifeMarcy,isawarded to outstandingindividuals whodemonstrate exceptionalcharacter andthe drivetoserve their communities andthe world.

ForCoker,itisanhonourthatcarries the weight of many hopesbeyondhis own. He arrivedatUCT with afamiliarnotionofwhat leadership meant, individual excellence, hard work andpersonalachievement

“UCT taught me thepower of diverseperspectives, difficult conversationsand learning from people whoseexperiences areverydifferent from my own,”hereflected.

Theturning pointcamethrough astudent-led initiative calledUnipay, aproject that connected students to short-term jobopportunitiesto help ease financialpressure.Whatbegan as a practicalsolutionbecamea profound lessonin what leadership trulylooks like at ground level. “Whatmadethe experience so powerful for me wasrealising howmanystudentsquietly carry theburdenof financialstresswhile trying to pursue theireducation,” he said “Through this project, Ibegan to seeleadership differentlynot as apositionortitle,but as theability to identify real challenges affecting people andworkcollaboratively to create practicalsolutions.”

That shiftinperspective carriedbeyondthe classroom Cokerwentonto find theAgroIncubation

UCTTAUGHT ME THE POWER OF DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES,DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

Hub, an initiative throughwhich he hasworked with youthand womensmallholderfarmers to adoptsustainable agricultural practicesand strengthen their financialliteracy. It is work that is deeply personal anddeeply intentional.

At McGill, he planstocontinuethismission throughresearchexamining howsmallholder farmersengagewithagriculturaltechnologies andfood security programmesinthe face of resource constraintsand thegrowing pressures of climatechange. “I carry this opportunitynot only formyself, butfor many people whose hopesare tied to my journey,”hesaid.

Foryoung people whosee themselves in his storythose whohavequestionedwhether they belong,whether theirdreamsare toolarge, whetherthe odds aretoo steep Cokerhas a straightforwardmessage

“You don’tneed everything figuredout Courageisoften more importantthanconfidence. Youjustneed to believethatyourvoice, your work andyourdreamsmatter.”

He speaks from experience.“Icomefrom ahumblefamilybackgroundand therewere many momentswhere Iquestionedwhether I trulybelongedinthese spaces.Sometimes,the very experiencesthatmakeyou doubtyourself arethe same experiencesthatmakeyourstory powerful.”

Winter relief raises R150k forfamilies

KEANANHARMSE

Christel HouseSouth Africa (CHSA) hasrecently raised more than R150 000 throughits EmergencyFlood andWinterReliefCampaign, surpassing itsoriginalfundraising target as support continuestoreach vulnerable families affectedbystormsand floodingacrossCape Town Theschool launched theemergency campaign earlierthiswinterinresponsetosevereweather conditions that left many learners andtheir families facing floodedhomes,damaged structuresand ongoinghardshiponMondayMay 11. ("Christel Houseemergency flood winter relief launched", People's Post,19May).

CHSA is anon-profit, no-fee school in Ottery; it wasestablished in 2001 to transformthe livesofvulnerablechildrenfromdisadvantaged communities

Hosted throughGivenGain,the initiative initially aimedtoraise R100 000 to provideurgent relief andwintersupport to families living in high-riskcommunities

FROMPAGE1

Forpeoplewho hadrebuilt theirlives through Zimele,reachinga starting blockcarried a weight that hadnothing to do with race-day jitters

“Itmeans more than Ican say,”Whitehead said.“Ihavebeen extremelyinvolvedinbuildingZimeleupfromnothing andtohavethis very real visual that thevisionand mission of Zimele is bearingfruit is incredibly rewarding.”

Theteamwas easy to spot on thecourse bright yellowT-shirtsmovingthrough the fieldwithquiet,unmistakablepurpose.The response from spectators left even Whitehead andMoffat takenaback

“Onbothdaysthe crowdresponded phenomenally to Zimele,” Whiteheadsaid.

“Lee andI were both quiteblown away by the cheeringand support from thecrowd andeven from so many of therunners alongthe way. ”

FUNDRAISINGTHEGAPISCLOSING

Theraceweekenddoubled as afundraisingdrive,withZimeletargeting R100 000 to support itsongoing rehabilitation andadvocacy work

By race day, theteamhad alreadyraisedR70 000. That figure hassince grown.

“WehaveraisedR78 342and although that’s alot of moneyand we aresograteful forthe support,wewould love to reachthe target,” Whiteheadsaid.

With just underR22 000 stillneeded to reach R100 000, donationsremainopenvia GivenGain

“Wewould be extremelygrateful fordonationsofany amount.Noamountistoo small. Afterthe races, youcan stilldonateand continue to shareour story,”she said

WHATCOMESNEXT

“Sportingeventsare traditionally seen as events only forable-bodied athletes so they area fantasticdisabilityadvocacyplatformto educatesociety aboutwhat’spossiblefor people with disabilities whohavethe rightsupport,” Whiteheadsaid. In theshorter term,the organisation’snextevent is itsannual end-of-year Zumbafundraiseropentoeveryone, regardless of ability.

“Nomatteryourability,wedoa Zumbaclass together.It’sgreat fun andlovelyand inclusive, with allour beneficiariesthere,” Whitehead said TheyellowT-shirtshavecrossedthe finish line.But theraceZimeleisrunning forindependence,dignity anda worldthatsees ability before disability hasno finish line

“Disabilitydoesnot automatically mean inability,”Whitehead said.“When yougivepeoplewithdisabilitiesthe rightsupport through rehabilitation andbycreatinganinclusive environment, there’sa wealth of abilitythatcan be broughttothe surface.”

Businessesuniteagainstcrime

NAMHLAMONAKALI

TheWynberg Business Forum(WBF),launched last month(‘BusinessForum Launch’, People’s Post,7 April)to tackle safety andurban decayin thearea, held its firstannual generalmeeting (AGM)onMonday18May at Church on Main Road,with20businessownersinattendance Themeetingalsohad supportfromthe Cape Town ChamberofCommerceand Ward 62 councillorEmile Langenhoven.

ACOMMITTEETAKESTHEHELM

Memberselected NatashaFranschitti as chair of thenewly formed forum, LindaHarrisserves as deputy chairwhile Thilda Jack wasnamed secretary. UzairBemat is treasurer. In addition, Mary-JeanThomas-Johnsonwas electedas Protection of Personal InformationAct (POPIA) compliance officer.

Franschitti said theforum’s establishment marked aturning pointfor thearea. “The WBF aims to strengthen andrevitalisethe Wynberg business environmentthrough collaboration, coordinatedactionand constructive engagement with both public andprivate stakeholders,”she explained.

SAFETYTOPSTHEAGENDA

Franschitti said membersrankedsafetyand lawenforcement as theirsinglebiggest concern. Drug dealingand drug useonWynberg Main Road andsurrounding streets, includingEbor andEgglestone roads, took placeinfullviewof businessesduringtrading hours.

Shesaidmembers reported this during the AGM. Shesaidmembers also raised concerns abouta justicesystemtheyfeltwas failingthe community.“Thereisa generalconcern that the justicesystemisunabletoprosecute drug dealerswho areregularly arrested andreleasedthe very next daywithout bail.Thisalsocontributes to agrowing unhoused population in Wynberg,” Franschitti said Membersalsoraisedconcernsabout illegally occupied buildingsinthe area Franschitti said thesebuildings hadbecome

sitesfor illegalactivitiesand that theWBF intended to hold landlordsaccountable.

TOPSIXPRIORITIES

Membersrankedtheir topconcernsinthe following order:

. Safety andlaw enforcement

. Urbanmanagement

. CBDupgrades

. Investment anddevelopment

. Mobility andtrafficmanagement, andproperty ownercollaboration

. Getting theCitytothe table Franschitti said theforum wouldworkclosely with theWynberg ImprovementDistrictand theCommunity Policing Forum(CPF).They aimtoidentifyareas needingimprovement and support.“Throughcollaborative efforts anda united frontfrombusinessesand landlords, we aimtodrive agreater focusonsafetyand security,aswellasimprovedurban management,” shesaid.

Future WBFmeetings will includea panelof relevant stakeholders,including representatives from theCitydepartments,she said Franschitti said this wouldopendirect channels of communication between business owners andresponsible parties. Sheclaimed many businesseshad struggled to getassistance from theCityand otherorganisations

“Bycomingtogetherasnot only acollective voice, butalsoworking together to putpressure on problemareas andshine lightonthese issues,wehopetodrive positive change and encourageall landlordsand business owners to followthe City’s bylaws andethical obligations,” Franschitti said

TheWBF currently operates on avoluntary basisand chargesnomembershipfee, Franschitti said

Theforum is also registeringasa non-profit organisation (NPO), whichwould make qualifyingdonations taxdeductible.

. Formembershipinformation,email wynbergbusinessforum@gmail.com.

Animala take to the

KEANANHARMSE

Two determined animal activists tackledthe 42,2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday 24 May dressedinanunusual costume, an SPCA rescue vehiclesuit, allinan effortto keep real rescue vehicles on theroad.

Theactivists MuhammedAsgar Dalvie and MuhammadSanglay launched the“Putsome Petrol in OurTank” campaign to raiseR42 000 forthe Cape of Good Hope SPCA,the amount

Artscape marks bigmilestone

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Music,colourand celebration filled theArtscapeashundredsgathered to mark the55thanniversary of the artfacilityonTuesday 19 May.

Thecelebration also featured theunveiling of Becoming Artscape –A PlaceReborn, a memory wall honouringthe people whoshaped itslegacy.

Speaking at theevent,Marlene le Roux, chiefexecutive officerofthe Artscape,said: “A countrywithout theheartbeat of artisa country withouta soul.Thisbuildingisvibrating with thecolourful diversityofour country.”

Le Roux said sheisoverwhelmed by thesupport of everyone whocametocelebrate “I am overwhelmedand emotionalbecause people came from fartocomeand be part of this.Wethought we wouldonlyhave500 people,but thousandscameout.Thiscelebration is about30years of ourdemocracy andour constitution andthe Artscape is builtonthose pillars.”

Reflecting on theartscentre’stransformation sinceapartheid,the Le Roux highlightedhow theonce-segregated spacenow embraces diversevoicesand community-drivenstorytelling Le Roux describedartsasa powerful vehicle fortelling thestories of people,while also makinga significant contribution to the economy, with artistscontributing4%tothe country’s GrossDomesticProduct (GDP).

“The narrative should change.Artists are professional people andthe countryishungry forliveperformances. Forthe next 55 yearswe want to seethatartists have theirplace notjust at Artscape butatevery institution.”

Sheexpressedher gratitudetoher staff and said each member played apivotal role

Thecelebration marksa series of events that

ACOUNTRY WITHOUT THEHEARTBEAT OF ART IS ACOUNTRY WITHOUTA SOUL

will take placeatthe facility over thenextfew months.These will includea career expo on Saturday 6June.

Le Roux encouraged youngpeopletoattend “Wewanttodemystify theartsand sayitis possibletohavea career in thearts.”

Le Roux thankedgovernmentpartners, staff andthe public fortheir continuedsupport of Artscape andits programmes.

Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth, congratulatedthe team on 55 “remarkableyears.”

“Whatstandsout aboutthismilestone is notonlylongevity,but transformation.From beginningsthatreflectedexclusion,Artscape hasbecomea placewhere people from allbackgroundscan gather,connect andtellstories and experience therichnessofsharedhumanity.”

Shenoted that athrivingcityneeds“thriving cultural spaces”.

“Spacesthatinspire youngpeople, bringcommunities together andhelpusimagine somethingbiggerthanourselves.”

RicardoMackenzie,Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs andSport,calledonthe private sector to support thearts.

“Weneed more organisationstoplaytheir part.Pleaseinvestinthe arts so that in thenext 55 yearsweprotect more than just theArtscape. Thereare many of ourcommunity artfacilities that need support, particularly in our film industry.But we cannotdoitonour own. ”

BigBandJazzFestivalat Baxteropenstomorrow

Forthe 26th consecutiveyear, theBaxter TheatreConcert Hall in Rondebosch will ring with thesound of jazz when theBig Band Jazz Festival openstomorrow(27 May) andruns untilSaturday30May

Performances beginat19:00 each evening.

“It’sa celebration! TheCapeTownBig Band Jazz Festival is back andcelebrating its26thanniversary,”saidAnn Barr, festival organiser.

Twenty-six bigbands will take to thestage over thefournights, with ensemblesdrawn from junior schools, high schools, universities andcommunity bandsacrossCapeTown. Ticketsrange from R100 forlearners, students and senior citizens,toR180for adults.The festival wasfounded by thelateDennisBarr, andinthe yearssince hispassing it hasgrown into one of SouthAfrica’smostrespected platformsfor

youngmusical talent

This year’s programme includes an all-star alumni band ledbyProfMikeCampbell, featuringguest trumpeterGordonVernick from the United States of America. “Wealsowelcome the Bavarian YouthJazzEnsemblefromGermany whowillbejoining us,” Annsaid.

Thefestivalispresented in collaboration with theUniversityofCapeTown, theSouth African College of Musicand theBaxterTheatre

Ticketsare availablethrough Webtickets, at Pick nPay ticket outletsand at theBaxter BookingOffice

. Formoreinformation,visitwww.ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za or follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeatctbigbandjazzfest. Emailctbigbandjazzfest@gmail.comorphone Barr on 082451 3696

Musicians perform at the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival, which celebrates its26thanniversaryatthe Baxter TheatreConcert HallinRondeboschfromtomorrow (27May)toSaturday30May.

WGRUVDanceCompany’snew production “Highlights”willtour Johannesburgbeforeconcluding its runin Cape Town at the Homecoming Centre from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August.The programmepresents acurated selection of contemporaryand classical worksbyinternationally acclaimed choreographers alongside newcreations by the company’sown

Two Ethiopianathleteswerecrowned thewinners of theCapeTown Marathon on Sunday 24 Maywhen they wonthe men’sand women’stitles respectively in aracewhere threeofthe four course recordswereshattered.

MohamedEsa wonthe men’selite race in a time of 2:04:55and he shatteredthe course record of 2:08:16makingthe marathon the fastestonthe Africancontinent

Esa’scompatriotDeraDidaclaimed thewomen’s titlein2:23:18

In thewheelchairdivisionDavid Weir of GreatBritain dominatedthe men’sraceashe poweredtoa 1:30:20win,loweringthe course record from 1:32:09. Whilethatrecordwas still sinkingin, thewomen’s wheelchairrecordwas absolutely obliterated, with Switzerland’sManuela Schartakingthe record down from 1:52:58

to 1:43:25. This bodeswellfor theevent,which is nearing thecompletionofPhase 2ofthe candidacy processtobecomeanAbbott WorldMarathon Majors (AbbottWMM) event.

Therace, whichisalready considered Africa’s premiermarathon, will then bringAfricaits firstMajor

Theracealsofeaturedits biggest international contingent to date,withsome8 500international entries.

Thestacked men’selite fieldincludedEliud Kipchoge,the former two-time WorldRecord-holder, two-time OlympicMarathon Champion andwinnerof11Majors. He chose Cape Town as his firstofficial marathon race on Africansoil, andthe firststopfor hisEliud’s Running Worldtour, whichwillsee himtackle aseriesofseven marathonsacrossall thecontinentsoverthe next twoyears,toinspire people

THREE OF THE FOUR COURSE RECORDSWERE SHATTERED IN ABOUNCE BACK EVENT AFTER LAST YEAR’S DISASTER

to lead healthierlives whileuniting theworld throughrunning

He finished 16th in 2:13:29, greeted by adoringfansfromstart to finish

“I have runall theMajorsinthe world, but Sunday 24 May2026isthe daythatI believe theCapeTownMarathonwillbecomeand Abbott WorldMarathonMajorsevent.I believe that allAfricansshouldbeproud of this race, andthatweare creating areallegacyfor Africa by making theCapeTownMarathona World

Major,”hesaid.

ClarkGardener, CEOofthe Marathon, describedthe race as very importantfor the organisers following last year’s cancelledevent “I thinkitwas really greattobouncebackwith an eventona perfectday,withgreat organisation,and an incredible eliteresult, with so many newrecords.Itwas nota perfectevent,and we’vealready learnt some valuable lessons,but overall, we’resuper proudthatwehavesomany happy participants andsupporters.

“Thatincludesall ourinternational participants,and theoverall feedback from them hasbeen impressive -theyloveCapeTown, they love SouthAfrica, they love amarathon in Africa -sowecan be supperchuffed as a team aboutthe delivery of this event. We look forwardtojustsoaking it allin, andseeing what that meansfor us in twotothree weeks’ time,” Gardnersaid.