People’s Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 5 May 2026

Bouldersclaimpodium in travel rankings

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town’s Boulders Beachrecentlyclinched theworld’s topspotas oneofCapeTown’sbestknowncoastal destinations during aglobalbeach ranking, placingthe city firmly on theinternational tourism map.

Accordingto Forbes magazine, long-haultravelspecialistTravelbaghas identified theworld’s most popular, highest-ratedand visually striking beaches, with Boulders Beachranked firstand Cape of Good Hope second

The findings arebased on a combinationofuserreviews,social mediaactivityand online search trends

Travelbaganalysedseveral key metrics, includingthe number of Google reviews, averagereview ratings, monthlyGoogle search volumesand Instagramhashtag activity.These were then scored andcombinedtodetermine an overallranking Boulders Beachiswidelyrecognisedfor itsresidentcolonyof endangered AfricanPenguin,offeringvisitorsanopportunitytoview thebirds up closefromelevated wooden boardwalks.The sheltered coves, framed by largegranite boulders,provide calmer waters compared to many of Cape Town’s more exposedbeaches

Thebeach remainsa popular destinationfor both tourists and

135000.

locals

Boulders Beachsecured the number onepositionwithmore than 27 700Googlereviews andan averagemonthly search volume of around 110 000.

TheCapeofGoodHopefollowed in second place, recording12941 reviewsand an even higher monthly search volume of approximately

Whilethe studyfocused on English-language search data –meaningsomedestinationsin non-Englishspeakingcountries maybeunderrepresented– the resultshighlight theglobalappeal of SouthAfrica’scoastline Travelbag’sSouth Africa destination expert,Susan Horton,saidthe countryoffersa diverserange of coastalexperiences “South Africa hasanincredible arrayofpristinebeaches.Fromthe dramatic,penguin-filledshoresof Boulders Beachtothe surf-friendly wavesofJeffreys Bay, SouthAfrica

offersworld-class coastalexperiencesfor everytypeoftraveller,” shesaid.

Sheaddedthatthe best time to visitthe country’ssouthern coastlineisduringthe summer months between December and March, when conditions areideal forswimming,surfing andother beachactivities.

In contrast,the Cape of Good Hope offersa more ruggedand dramatic coastalenvironment Situated within TableMountain National Park,the area is known forits powerful waves, steep cliffs andsweepingocean views.

Beyond theballot: Areyoung voters aware?

dissolves into humour

DEFLECTIONOR DISENGAGEMENT

Politics becomessomething to joke about, avoid, or reducedtopersonalitiesratherthanpolicy.

Hello partner! Take amoment andpause with me today.

Irecentlystumbledupona Facebook memory that took me back sevenyears,toanelectionyear, to ayounger versionofmyself, andto amomentI have notquite letgoof.

Iwas ajournalismstudent then, on theeNCA election bus, andlive on television when Iwas askeda simple question:“Areyou voting?”

Isaidno. Around me,the answer wasalmostunanimously yes. My response landed awkwardly, as I expected it would. It wasnot becauseI didnot understand theimportanceofvoting. Idid.Political awarenesswas not foreigninmyhome.

ButI also understood something else:the framingtheory. This is a theory in communication of understanding howmeaning is shaped notonlybywhatissaid, butby howitispresented,interpreted andsociallyreceived.

At itssimplest, framingisthe processofselecting certainaspects of realityand making them more prominentincommunication,so that aparticularinterpretationis encouraged.The same issuecan thereforeproduce entirely different reactionsdepending on theframe attached to it

Conversationsabout politics amongyoung people were,and oftenstill are, uncomfortableterrain Speaktoo earnestlyand you risk beinglabelled“tooserious”. Push toofar andthe conversation

So Ianswereddeliberately. Not to reject democracy, buttodisrupt thescript.

Iwantedtosee if anyone would pauselongenoughtoask why.

Very fewdid

That moment hasstayedwithme, notbecause of theanswerI gave, butbecause of thegapsitrevealed.

Youngpeopleare consistently encouraged to vote,but notalways equipped to understand what that participationdemands

We aretoldour voices matter, but seldom guided on howtointerrogate manifestos,unpackideology, or position ourselveswithina complexpolitical landscape.

Participationispromoted. Politicalliteracy, farlessso.

At thetime, my answer frustrated people closetome. Iwas accused of making myself appear uninformed in apublicspace

Howcould Isay that,onlive television,duringanelection cycle? ButI understood thepower of framing.

Iwas willing to sitwiththatdiscomfortbecause themomentwas neverabout appearingclever.

It wasabout forcinga conversation that toooften remainsavoided,eveninspacesthatare meant to encourageengagement.

In many ways,I wasnot standing as an individual in that moment, butasa reflection of abroader reality, youngSouth Africans navigating politics with adegree of awareness, butwithout consis-

tent spaces that nurture, challenge anddeepen that understanding. Thereiscuriosity,but notalways guidance

Thereisexposure, butnot always explanation.

Politics is notanimage.Itisnot public relations.

It shapes thecostofliving, the safety of ourcommunities,the qualityofeducation andthe opportunities availabletoyoung people

It requires more than following personalitiesorslogans.Itrequires lookingatleaders andparties critically,weighingtheir positions, manifestos andgovernance records, andmakingdecisions grounded in understandingrather than allegiance

Now, sevenyears later, as the countryapproaches anotherlocal government election,I find myself returningtothatsamequestion.

Notwhether youngpeoplewill vote,but whethertheyare being prepared to decide

Becausevoting, on itsown,isnot theendpointofdemocracy

It is only meaningful when it is informed.A ballotcastwithout clarityisparticipation in form,but notalwaysinsubstance

We cannotcontinuetomeasure civicengagementpurelyby turnout, whileignoringthe uneven foundation on whichthatparticipation rests.

Politicalunderstanding remains fragmented.Insomespacesitis actively discouraged, treatedas divisive or unnecessary

In others,itisreduced to slogans,party loyalty, or surface-level debatesthatdolittletobuild critical thinking

Theresultisa generation expect-

ed to participateina system they arenot always fully equippedto navigate

This is notanargumentagainst voting.Itisanargumentagainst shallowengagement.

If we areserious aboutstrengtheningdemocracy,thenpolitical educationcannotbetreated as optional or incidental

It must be intentional, accessible andongoing.Itmustcreateroom forquestioning,for disagreement, foruncertainty

It must allowyoung people to wrestlewithideas,tomake mistakes,and to refine theirunderstandingwithout fear of being dismissedorridiculed

Importantly, theseconversations cannotbeconfinedtoformalspaces alone. They must existinhomes, schools, campuses,communities andmedia platforms. They must be normalised among peers, notavoided

Politicalliteracyshouldnot requirea specialisedinterestor professional background

It should be part of howweunderstand theworld we live in Thechallengeisnot apathy.Itis access, to knowledge, to dialogue, to spaces wherepolitical understanding is developedratherthan discouraged.

As localelections draw closer,the question should notonlybehow many youngpeoplewillshowupat thepolls

It should be whethertheyare arriving therewithclarity,confidence anda senseofurgency

Whethertheyunderstandnot just whotheyare voting for, butwhy Becauseparticipation without understandingisnot enough

R70million forchild

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The Children’s Hospital Trusthas launched aR70 million fundraising campaign to support services at theRed CrossWar Memorial Children’s Hospital as it marks70years of operation

Thehospital, basedinRondebosch, opened on 18 June 1956 followinga public fundraising effort ledbythe SouthAfrican RedCross Society afterWorld WarII.

It nowtreatsabout 250000 children each year

Over sevendecades,anestimated 17,5 million children have received care at thefacility.

Chiefexecutive officerDrAnita Parbhoosaid thehospitalcontinues to providecaretochildren from differentbackgrounds

“Our commitmenttoevery childwho walks throughthese doors, regardless of wherethey come from or what theirfamilycan afford, is unchanged,”she said

Fundsraisedthrough thecampaignwillbe used forequipment,additional surgical theatre time to reduce waitinglists andimprovements to short-stay care

Thecampaignwillalsosupport theextension of specialist services to otherhospitals in theprovince, includingfacilitiesinthe Cape Winelands.

Chiefexecutive officerofthe Trust, Chantel Cooper,saidthe campaign builds on thehospital’slonghistory of public support

“Thishospitalwas builtbya community that supported access to healthcare forchildren. The campaign continuesthateffort,”she said

Thehospitalalso trains healthcare profession-

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“Young people respondtocreativityand expression.Itallows us to speakintotheir realities whilealsobuildingconfidenceand positive identity,” he said

Recent outreach includes school visits where facilitators runmentorshipsessionsfocused on resilience,decision-making andpersonal development.

TheNGO also runs enterprise andleadership programmesaimed at building economic pathways,particularlyfor youngpeoplewithlimited access to formal employment

Afurther focusisrehabilitationand reintegration,including support forindividuals with a historyofoffending

“Wecannotignorethe realitythatsomeyoung people have alreadycomeintocontact with the justicesystem,”Pretorius said.“Ourresponsibility is to help create opportunitiesfor change andreintegration.”

Initiativessuchasthe Run100 Give100 campaign arealso beingusedtoraise funds for youthprogrammeswhile encouragingwider community involvement.

Pretoriussaidthe organisation’s long-term vision is to developwhatitcalls “urban heroes”, youngpeoplewho positively influencetheir communities andhelpbreak cycles of poverty andviolence.

“Transformationdoesnot happenovernight,” he said “But we areseeing that when youngpeople areconsistentlysupported,given skills and surroundedbypositiverolemodels, change is possible.”

With youthunemploymentand crimecontinuingtoaffectmanycommunities across Cape Town,the organisation says itsprogrammes aimtooffer stability, opportunityand renewed hope

Newwalk improves

KAYLYNNEBANTON

Reachingthe topofTable Mountain is nowa more inclusiveexperience, thanks to anewly launched UniversalAccess Walkwaydesignedfor every visitor.

Thewalkway enablesvisitorsusing wheelchairs,aswellasthose with pramsormobility challenges,toexperiencethe summitsafelyand comfortably.

Thedevelopment,which is apartnership between theSouth AfricanNationalParks (SANParks),and theTable Mountain Aerial Cableway Company(TMACC),marks asignificantstepinadvancing inclusivetourism and universaldesignatone of SouthAfrica’smost iconic landmarks.

Wahida Parker,managingdirectorofTMACC, explainedhow thecompany will ensure theongoingmaintenance andsafetyofthe walkway, particularly in response to changing weather conditions at thesummit.

“The walkwayhas been carefully designed and engineered with thesummit’suniqueand often changing weatherconditionsinmind.

“There areother structures andwalkways on topofthe mountain,and thesehavebeen impeccablymaintainedovermanyyears.”

ShesaidTMACC worksclosely with SANParks to ensure it is well maintained andcontinues to providea safe andcomfortable experience for allthe visitors

Parker said theUniversal Access Walkway formspartofa broaderapproach to improving accessibility at TableMountain.

“Itbuildsonexistingfeaturesthatsupport more independentmovementacrossthe site “Wewillcontinuetolookatwaystoenhance

Mounta outbar ers,”expla ed Pa er Cape Town hasbeen namedthe world’stop mountain destinationfor this year,beating well-knownspots in Europe like Chamonix, Zakopane andBergen.

Theranking,conducted by international connectivityproviderHolafly, gave thecitythe highestoverall scoreof76,9after lookingat factorssuchashikingoptions,affordability, places to stay,accessibility,outdoor activities, airquality andoverall qualityoflife.

TheresulthighlightsCapeTown’sstrong global appeal andisa majorboostfor tourism in SouthAfrica.

JP Louw,SANParksheadofcommunications, said SANParks approaches accessibility as a built-in standard rather than an add-on,which

TheUniversalAccess Walkwayismaking Table Mountain moreinclusivefor wheelchair users and visitors with mobilitychallenges PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

is keytokeepingimprovementsbothaffordable andbroadly inclusive.

“SANParkshas prioritiseduniversal access for over 20 years, steadily integratinginclusive design into itsinfrastructurerollout across parks.

“Asa result,accessibility features,suchas step-freeaccess, appropriategradients,and user-friendlyamenities aretreated as standard components of developmentratherthanspecialised or costly additions.”

He said SANParks also focusesonscalable andcontext-sensitive solutions.

Designed forsafetyand comfort,the newwalkway ensures morepeoplecan experiencethe views from TableMountain.

“Designs areadapted to theenvironmental andoperational realitiesofeachpark, ensuring that accessibility interventionsremainpractical, cost-effective,and environmentally responsible, whilestill meetingthe needsofa diversevisitor base,including personswithdisabilities, the elderly, andfamilieswithyoung children He explainedthatthrough early-stageintegration, andlong-term planning,SANParks ensuresthataccessibility improvements remain financially sustainablewhile promoting“equitableaccess” forall visitors

Dragon team is now20yearsold

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Acancer diagnosiscan be overwhelming andlife changing.Thatiswhy the amaBeleBelles, Africa’s only breast-cancersurvivordragon boat team,was founded20 yearsago

AmaBeleBellesaimstocreatea spacefor support,friendship, exercise andhealing,helping survivors improvetheir qualityoflife.

Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) dragon boatingisa global movement initiatedbythe research of Canadian Sports Medicine specialist Don McKenzie Survivorsofbreastcancerjointo paddledragonboats forthe benefit of theirphysicalhealthand social well-being.

Adragonboatseats 20 people and is steered by a“helm”.

Maureen Robinson,chair of the amaBeleBelles, said amaBelemeans “breast” in isiXhosa.She addedthat thegroup celebrated its20thanniversary on Saturday 11 April.

Theteamwas proudtorepresent an

BREAST-CANCER SURVIVORSWHO WISH TO JOIN CAN DO SO AT THE V&A WATERFRONT ON SATURDAY 23 MAYAT 10:00.

thereisa bigcommunity outthere of womenwho survived is amazing.”

AccordingtoRobinsonthe team will host arecruitment drivefor breast cancer survivorswho wish to join at V&AWaterfrontonSaturday23May at 10:00.

Shesaidthe groupisopentoboth menand women.

“Weare hoping to getmorepeople involved andtotrain more people as helm whocan steer theboat. We encourageanyonewho wantstobuild up theirstrengthand staminaand enjoythe open sea. ”

AccordingtoRobinsonparticipation in thesport hasopenedmany

ortstopreserveAfricanpenguins

The City of Cape Town marked World PenguinDay on Saturday 25 April with astark warning: thebeloved Africanpenguin is facing a fightfor survival.

Whilethe global eventcelebratesall 18 penguin species, localauthorities saythe African penguin, theonlyspecies native to SouthAfrica andNamibia,isnow amongthe most at-risk populationsworldwide

Following its2024uplisting to critically endangered on theInternational Unionfor Conservation of Nature RedList, thespecies hasseen adramaticdecline

AccordingtoDeputyMayor andMayco memberfor spatialplanning andthe environment EddieAndrews fewerthan10000 breeding pairsremain. “Without drasticintervention scientists predictthischarismatic speciescould be extinctinthe wild by 2035.”

ASPECIESVITALTOECOLOGYANDTOURISM

TheAfrican penguinisconsidereda keystone species, playinga critical role in maintaining thebalance of marine ecosystems

It is also amajor drawcard fortourism,with colonies at Boulders BeachPenguin Colony and RobbenIslandattracting visitors from around theworld

Theirpresencesupportslocal businesses, tour operatorsand thebroader hospitality sector,reinforcing Cape Town’s reputation as a nature-based tourismdestination

Officialssay thespecies is underpressure from acombination of environmentaland human-relatedchallenges

Climatechangeisdisruptingbreedingand moulting patterns, with extremeweather events causingnestabandonment

Food scarcity,drivenbycommercial fishingof

FOLLOWING ITS2024 LISTING AS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED THE SPECIESHAS SEEN A DRAMATIC DECLINE

sardines andanchovies,isforcing penguins to travel further forfood, leavingchicksvulnerable to predators.

Urbanpressures arealsotakinga toll, particularlyinSimon’s Town,where penguins face threatsfromdomesticanimals,trafficand humandisturbance

RANGERSONTHEFRONTLINE

In response,the City hasinvestedina dedicated PenguinRangerTeaminpartnership with TheSouthernAfrican Foundation forthe Conservation of CoastalBirds (Sanccob) and SouthAfrican NationaParks (SANParks)

Theserangers monitornests,collect data on breedingsuccess andrespond to injuredor distressedbirds.Rescued penguins aretaken to Sanccob, whichhas an 80%rehabilitation andrelease success rate.Their work includes managing thedelicatebalance between humans andwildlifeinurban coastalareas

Despitethe challenges officialssay extinction is notinevitable. “The 2035 extinction predictiondoesnot have to be ourreality,” says Andrews. “Byworking together we canprotect theseiconicbirds andpreserveour coastlinefor futuregenerations.”

As Cape Town marked WorldPenguin Daythe message wasclear:savingthe Africanpenguin will requireurgentactionand collectiveresponsibility

HOWRESIDENTSCANHELP

Residentsand visitors areurged to play an active role in protecting penguins by reporting injuredordistressedbirds to authoritiesrather than interveningdirectly.

TheCityencouragesthe public to send a WhatsApp message with aphoto,description

Helptheseabandonedanimalsgetnewhomes Helpthesea

To shinethe spotlightonthousands of pets that areabandoned or in need of newhomes, People’s Post hasteamedupwithTEARS Animal Rescue to help some of thesefour-legged pets getnew homes. Once amonth we will publishseveral dogs andcatsupfor adoption TEARSisa pro-life non-profitorganisation (NPO)established in 1999 to rescue,treat,rehabilitate,reunite andre-home lost,abandoned, abused andneglected companionanimals and to educatepet owners andthe youthlivingin thefourunder-resourced communities. The NPOremains theonlyfacilityinthe Cape Peninsula’s farSouth availablesevendaysper week, includinganafter-hours mobile clinic service from 16:30to19:00 with limitedveterinary care.TEARS treats hundreds of animalsfor variousconditions, illnessesand injuries

DOGS: .Nikolai: abig,goofyBoxer-Pitty-Africanis mixwitha resilientheart.Rescued in terrible

condition—starvedand battlingtick-bornedisease—he’stransformed into agentle, easy-going companion. Toy-obsessedand water-loving, he walkswellonleadand hasbasic obedience training.Dog-socialoutside butselective at home,nocats. Afterthree yearswaiting,he needsanexperienced ownertoshowhim lastinglove.

.Demi:a sweet,intelligent Pibblecross balancingcuddlyaffection with high energy Toy-loving andbeach-obsessed, shethrives in an active home andmakes agreat hiking companion. Sheprefers beingthe centre of attentionbut canlivewiththe rightdog.Independentand strong-willed, she’salsogentleat heart—andnow even helpsbuild confidencein otherdogs.

.Britney: ayoung Boerboel–Pitbull mixwith agentlespiritand soulful eyes.Rescued in poor condition, she’sblossoming into aloving, playful companion. Shyat first, shequickly becomes affectionateand cuddly. Toy-loving andgreat

with dogs,she’d thrive with patientowners. Just undera year old, Britneyisready to grow into adevoted,joyful best friend

.Bruno: astriking, sweet-natured dogwho’s shyat firstbut deeply affectionateoncehe knowsyou.After 200+ weekswaiting,he’s readyfor ahome. Strong,energetic andadventure-loving, he needsanexperienced ownerfor guidance andexercise. Dog-selectiveand devoted,Bruno wouldthriveasyourone-and-only, loyalcompanion with endlesslovetogive.

CATS:

.Gracie:a playful ginger catwho’s traded her calm mama days fora life of funand mischief Energeticand cheeky, sheturns everything into agameand keepsyou entertainedwithher bold personality. Beneaththe chaosisa loving companion.Graciewould thrive in ahomeready for laughter,play, anda littleadventure

.Lexy:a shybut striking calico with beautiful markings anda gentle,curious nature.Found

in Muizenberg,she’s lookingfor apatient home that understandsher need forquiet,cosyhiding spots. Beneathher timidexteriorisa playful soul readytobonddeeply.Withtimeand love, Lexy will grow into aloyal,affectionatecompanion

.Merlot:a striking black-and-whitetuxedo catwitha rich,affectionatepersonality.A true people’s cat, sheloves attentionand thriveson laptimeand closecompanionship.While she toleratesother cats,she prefersbeing thecentre of attention. Loyaland devoted, Merlot is ready to become aconstant, cuddlypresenceina home that’s allhers.

.Paprika: asassy calico with aplayful,mysteriouspersonality.Initially reserved,she needs time andpatiencetobuild trust, butonceshe does,she becomesaffectionate, playful,and full of charm. This “calicoqueen”enjoysinteraction on herterms andrewards patience with cuddles andfun.Paprika is lookingfor acalm, understanding home to help hershine

Jose Mark of FadakFootballClub(FC)puts hisbodyon theline to stop Musa Ntlantsana of GroveSoccer Academyduring aSAFACape Town preliminaryCokeCup game played at the TurfhallSports Complex on Sunday3May.Academywon the encounter 9-2onpenalties after the scores were tied at 2-2during regulation time. PHOTOS: