People’s Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 7 July 2026
CLAREMONT |RONDEBOSCH
ISIDLAMLILOCLAIMSTOPHONOURSATTHEATREAWARDS
Multi-award-winning Isidlamlilo/TheFireEater wasthe biggestwinner at this year’s Cape Town Theatreawardspowered by CapeTalk, held at theBaxter TheatreonSunday 5July. Sinceits premiereatthe 2022 National Arts Festival,the productionhas toured throughout SouthAfrica and Europe to sold-out houses andravereviews with performances at the National Arts Festival, Elizabeth SneddonTheatre(Durban), The Market Theatre(Joburg), HiltonArts Festival (KZN), NoordezonFestival of Performing Arts (Groningen Netherlands), TheKampnagelInternational Summer Festival (Hamburg,Germany) and La Bâtie -Festivalde Genève (Switzerland).The electrifyingone-woman showbrought to life by MpumeMthombeniand theatre-maker Neil Coppen, scooped Best Production Award, whileCoppen walked awaywithBestDirector.Itwas also recognised as the Best NewSouth AfricanScript, BestSound Design, Original Music, Soundcape or LivePerformanceamongothers. Betset designand Best lighting design. Mthombeni walked away with Best PerformanceinaRevue,Cabaret or One-Person Show. Read more on page 7.
SomeofCapeTown’sbiggest musicaltalents will lend theirvoicesto the fightagainst childhood hunger as Paxton Fielies, Steven LeeLewis and SketchyBongo headline theentertainment lineup forthisyear’sBlistersfor BreadCharity Family FunWalk.
Blisters forBread,inassociationwithLucky Star,willtakeplace on Sunday,16August, at theGreen PointCommonSportsGrounds
Theannualevent,organised by thePeninsula School FeedingAssociation (PSFA),raises much-needed funds andawareness to help combat childhoodhungerinthe WesternCape.
Annually,thousands of participants lace up theirwalking shoesinsupport of theinitiative, whichhelps providenutritiousmeals to vulnerable children across theprovince.
Participants canchoosebetween a10kmwalk starting at 07:30and a5km walk starting at 08:00.
Entrycosts R125 perperson, an amount that canprovide 23 children with anutritiousbreakfast andlunch forone day.
Entriesare limitedto10000 participants,and registrationsclose at midnight on Sunday,2 August
Only online entrieswillbeaccepted In addition to thewalk, onecan enjoylive entertainment, food stalls andactivitiesfor all ages,makingita fun-filledmorning outfor families whilesupportinga worthy cause. SouthAfrican producer andperformer Bongo says he is lookingforward to bringing theenergy to this year’s event, describing theBlisters
PAXTON FIELIES,STEVEN LEE LEWIS AND SKETCHY BONGO HEADLINE THE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
forBread walk as ameaningful initiative that promises plenty of fun forparticipants.
“I’m superhonouredtobeperformingat Blisters ForBread.Thisisanamazing initiative, andit’salsogoing to be asuper fun dayfor everyone,” says Bongo.
Paxton says sheisexcited to return,encouragingCapetonians to come outintheir numbers andsupport thelong-running initiative
“I am so honoured to be performing at the Blisters forBread CharityFun Walk this year This will be my second time andI know this year will be even bettersocomeout in your numbersand celebratethiswonderful initiative with us.”
“I love everything aboutit, theinitiative, the people andthe good vibes. Ican’t wait to seeall thebeautiful people in Cape Town andmake more amazingmemoriesand experiences.”
Financialpressurepushinginflationhigher
Consumersbattlingmounting financialpressure arebeing urgedtoseek professional debt counselling,withexperts warningthatthis month’sfuelprice cutistoo smalltooffsetthe rising cost of food,electricity andessentials that continue to squeezehousehold budgets.
Despitethe reductionatthe pumps, motorists arestill paying aboutR6,18 more perlitre for inland 95 unleaded petrol than they were at the startofthe year,leaving many with little financial breathingroom Debt Rescue CEONeilRoets,one of SouthAfrica’s topdebtcounselling companies, says fuel prices influencefar more than what motorists payatthe pumps.
“They filter throughthe entire economy, affecting transportcosts,food prices,logistics,municipal servicedeliveryand ultimately householdcash flow.While theJulyreduction is welcome, it is simply toosmall to offsetthe cumulative inflationary pressure consumers have absorbed over recent months.”
Roetssaysconsumers rarely experience inflationasisolatedprice increases. Instead, financialpressure builds cumulatively as multiplecostincreases occursimultaneously, steadily reducing disposable income
He says theongoing MiddleEastcrisis, volatile global fuelprices, andthe loomingdomestic impact of theElNiñoweather pattern on food production,threatens to spikedomesticfood inflationand strain agricultural inputcosts, significantly raisingthe threat of second-round
Consumers areurged to seek debt counselling.
priceeffects
This is particularly damaging becausehousholds have littleopportunitytoadjusttheir spending
UNCERTAINOUTLOOK
AccordingtoRoets,the outlook beyond is uncertainwithrenewed attacksinthe MiddleEast recently raisingthe risk of higher international oilprices. “Consumers oftenunderestimate how quicklyinternational events reachthe household budget.A sustainedincreaseinglobaloil prices rarely remainsconfinedtofuel. It steadily filtersthrough supplychainsintotransport, food production,retailpricesand ultimately the cost of almost everyessentialproduct consumerspurchase,”Roets points out.
He says thescenarioisalready grim forthe manonthe street,and thereisgrowing concern
AccordingtoRoets,the latest findings indicate that many consumersnolongerhavesufficient financial flexibilitytoabsorbevenrelatively modest increasesinessentialmonthly expenses
FOODPRICESDRIVINGINFLATION
Food prices arethe largestsinglecontributor to inflation, andwithmultiplethreats to food production andaffordability looming, this is easily thetop concernamong lower-income households.“Food inflationisfundamentally differentfrommostother formsofinflation becauseconsumers have almost no abilityto postpone or avoidit. As food consumes an increasingly larger shareofhousehold income, financialresiliencedeterioratesrapidly This hasa disproportionate impact on lower-income households,where food already accounts fora larger shareofmonthly expenditure.Itforcesfamiliestomakeimpossible sacrificesinbasic nutrition, whichultimatelyaffectshealth, well-beingand long-term financial resilience,” Roetspointsout He urgedconsumers with financialdistress to find help from aregistereddebtcounsellor before “debtbecomes unmanageable”.
Sportisasourceofhope,pride,identity,unity
Canada in thelast32ofthe competition,which sawthembowing outofthe tournament,servesasa perfectexample.Asthe finalwhistleblew, millionsofSouth Africans experiencedthe same feelingof heartbreak
Sportisoften describedasa game,but formillionsofpeopleitismuchmorethanthat. It is asourceofhope, pride, identity andunity In SouthAfrica, whereour historyismarkedbydivisionand inequality,sport hasrepeatedly proven itsability to bringpeople together in ways that politics and social programmesoften cannot. It remindsusthatdespite our differences, we sharecommon dreams andemotions.
Just afew weeksago,the nation celebrated when Bafana Bafana made SouthAfrican football history by reaching theFifaWorld Cup knockout stages forthe firsttime when they defeated SouthKorea 1-0intheir finalgroup game
Theirdisappointing defeat to
In that moment,wewerenot dividedbylanguage, religion or social status.WeweresimplySouth Africans supporting ourteam. This is theuniquepower of sport. It createsmoments where differencesdisappear,evenifonly fora while. It allows strangersto celebratetogether, comfortone anotherand believeinsomething biggerthanthemselves. Whetherit is football, rugby, cricket, athletics or netball, sporthas theability to unitecommunities around acommonpurpose SouthAfricahas witnessedthis powerbefore. The1995 Rugby WorldCup remainsone of the greatest examples of sportpromoting national unity. When the Springboks lifted theWebbEllis
Cup, it wasmorethana sporting victory. It became asymbolof reconciliation Former PresidentNelsonMandela understood that sportcould heal wounds andbuild bridgeswhere wordsalone couldnot Sportalsoinspiresthe next generation.Young athletes learn valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork,perseveranceand respect. Many children growingup in disadvantagedcommunities see successful sportsmenand women as proof that hard work anddetermination canovercomedifficult circumstances. Forsome, thesports fieldbecomesa placeofopportunityand hope rather than despair. However, thepower of sport should notonlybecelebrated during victories. Defeat also teachesimportant lessons.Losing remindsusthatsuccess requires resilience,patienceand continuous improvement. Bafana Bafana’s recent loss mayhaveended the
dreamoflifting atrophy, butitalso showed howdeeply SouthAfricans care abouttheir national team
Thepainofdefeatisevidenceof thepassion andunity that football continuestoinspire
As anation, we should continue investinginschool sport, community facilities andathlete development.Sportingsuccess does nothappenbychance. It requires proper planning,funding andsupport from government,businesses andcommunities.Itrequiresusto recognisesport as an investment in social cohesion rather than merely entertainment.
Thetruevalue of sportcannot be measured by trophies alone. Itsgreatestachievement lies in its abilitytounite people,inspire hope andremindusthatweare stronger together than apart.
Sportmay notsolve everyproblemSouth Africa faces, butitcontinues to give us reasonstobelieve in oneanother andinthe nation we arebuildingtogether.
Paxton Fielieswillbeone of the artists taking to the stageonSunday16August PHOTO: SUPPLIED
PHOTO:PEXELS
AJOURNO’S VOICE
KAYLYNNE BANTOM
PRRA object
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The PinelandsRatepayers’ and Residents’ Association(PRRA)has submitteddetailedtechnical objectionstothe King DavidMowbray Golf Course redevelopmentproposal, coveringhousing,transport,sportingclubs andalternative land
ThePRRA’sprimary housingobjection is stark: theproposaloffersonly“affordable” units thosepricedwithinreach of themarket, not social housing. That meansthe percentage of genuinesocialhousing in thedevelopment is,in effect, zero
“The outcomewillmostprobablybethe worst of allworldsinsufficientsocialreturnand the permanentlossofhigh-functioning public assets,” says Desray Britz, chairofPRRA Britzsaysthe primarybeneficiariesare likely to be privatedevelopers, notthe public.The associationdoesnot accept thepremise that all well-locatedlandmustbeusedfor housing.
TRANSPORT
ThePRRAhas scrutinisedthe May2026 transportreportpreparedbyITS Engineers. AccordingtoPRRA,the document contains only a“TransportBaselineAssessment” nota full impact studyand flagsonly five intersectionsfor upgrades,including JanSmuts Drive just northofthe N2 bridge
TheCityofCapeTown’sWater andSanitation Directoratewillcarry outa test shut-off to determinewhich valves areoperational andto assess theimpactareafor anyfutureshut-offs in thearea. Thetwo-hourwindowforms part of awider week of plannedmaintenance across Cape Town running from todayuntil Sunday 12 July.Someresidents in surrounding roads mayexperiencelow waterpressure or no water during this period.Thiscan sometimestake longer than anticipated.
TheCFRF is aCape-based non-profitorganisation dedicated to genealogyand familyhistory research. Its monthlygeneral meetingsbringtogether researchersand enthusiasts with ashared interest in tracingtheir familyroots.
Allmembers of the publicare welcome to attend . Admission costs R20.For enquiries,call Mogamat Kamedien,PRO of the CFRF,on 082827 6180
Meals,con and spor
The Michael-Daniel BamFoundation says it hasservedmorethan450 Cape Town residentsbetween April andJunethrough meals, hygienesupport,sportskitsand communitycare.
Thefoundation'ssecond-quarterreportshows it distributedmorethan2 160sanitarypads, raised R40000 in in-kinddonations andfed 250peoplethrough its flagship programme, ProjectEudaimonia.
Director MichaelBam said thenumbers reflecthow farthe foundation hascomesince itsearly days
"Westarted by servingjust25peopleand have nowbeen able to reachmorethan450 in just threemonths,"Bam said."That number represents over 450individuals,eachwiththeir ownstory and450 smiles that we'vehad the privilegeofcontributingto."
ProjectEudaimoniapairs hotmeals with conversation.Volunteerssit with residents, many of them homeless, andlisten."Wedon't just want to hand someonea meal andwalk away," Bamsaid. "Wewanttosit down,have aconversation, learntheir name,hearpartof theirstory,and remind them that they areseen, valued,and worthy of dignity. Sometimes, that conversation canbejustasmeaningfulasthe meal itself."
Volunteer DiyanahChristian said theexperience haschanged theway shesees theworld "Handing someonea meal is adeeply humblingexperience,"Christian said."It hastaught me to look beyond appearances, to valuecompassion,and to nevertakethe simple things in life forgranted."
"Being part of agroup that shares such gen-
FROMPAGE1
Residentswho witnessorexperience intimidation or vigilantismcan contacttheir localpolicestation on 021680 9681orthe national emergencynumber10111. TheMowbray andRosebankCAN wasformed during theCovid-19pandemicaspartofthe Cape Town Together network, ahyperlocal structurethatbrought together more than 120 networks across Cape Town andthe Western Cape.Built on thevaluesofsocialjustice,the CANcontinued itsworkbeyondthe pandemic In 2022, it organiseda solidarity marchafter OperationDudulamarched to GrooteSchuur Hospital Thememoryof2008 runs deep here.During thexenophobicattacksofthatyear, violent incidentstook placeinthese streets.
‘MANYMOREBELIEVEINHUMANRIGHTS’
Richterwas clearabout what thegathering represented. “There aremany, many more peopleinSouth Africa whobelieve in humanrights, community andkindnessthana small, vocal groupofvigilantes,”she said Hermessage to politicalleaders wasdirect. “Stopscapegoatingmigrantsand focusonservice-provision,accountability androotingout of corruption. Andtakestrongactionagainst the ring leadersofvigilantism.” TheCAN,she said, wouldnot step back
“The CANwillcontinueits work on community building,celebrating diversityand making people whowereborninother countriesfeel part of theneighbourhood.”
Thewardcouncillorhad notresponded to a requestfor comment at thetimeofprinting.
Residents of Mowbray and Rosebank took astand against xenophobia and vigilantism at apeak-hour demonstration on Tuesday30June PHOTO: SUPPLIED
UCTtops inworldr
The University of Cape Town has retained itspositionasAfrica’s topuniversity, placing184th in the worldinthe latest QS WorldUniversity Rankings.
Therankingsplace UCTamong thetop 12%of more than 1500 institutions assessedglobally by Quacquarelli Symonds(QS).
Vice-ChancellorProfMosaMoshabela said theresultreflectedthe hard work of staff and students
“Our research mission remainsrooted in generatinghigh-quality, relevant knowledgethat matters to ourpeoplefor Africa andthe world,” Moshabelasaid.
UCT’sstrongest performancewas in International Research Networks,where it placed 31st globally an indicatormeasuring therichness anddiversity of an institution’sinternational research partnerships
Theuniversityalso improved itsranking in twokey areas. ItsEmploymentOutcomesindicatorclimbed to 40th in theworld,reflecting
Swimmingtosurvive
KEANANHARMSE
Ateamoften localvolunteersare ensuring that youngboysand girlsinMuizenbergare equipped with theswimming andsurvival skills they need andtohelpcurbthe number of drowningstakingplace on Cape Town's beaches.
This initiative is knownasthe National Sea Rescue Institute's(NSRI)SurvivalSwimming Programme andiscurrently taking placeatthe Muizenberg MunicipalSwimming Pool
Children andadultsare taught four essential skills whichinclude:breathcontrol,orienting in water, floating,and moving at least five metres to safety,all in ashort 20-minutesession at no charge to theparticipants.
Thegoalistoequip vulnerable individuals, especially children under"14,withthe skills needed to surviveiftheyfallintodeep water.
At thebeginning of 2020,the NSRI launched itsSurvivalSwimming Programme,which was inspired by severalstories involvingchildren drowning ametre or twofromsafety.
During the2025-'26festive season,the City of Cape Town recorded five fataland 23 non-fatal drowningsalong itscoastline
Allfatal incidentsoccurredoutside of designatedbathing zones, with zero fataldrownings reported at municipalswimmingpoolsor
"That'swhy it's calledsurvivalswimming.It's notreally competitivestrokeswimming,but we teachthemhow to hold theirbreath, howto float, howtoget to theside, becausemostofthe littlekidswho drownare within five metres of theside,"hesays.
Guiney says boys areparticularlyvulnerable.
"Ona hotday,the boys just jump inandthey endupdrowning,"heexplains.
Theprogramme is open to children from the ageofsix,althoughadultsare also welcometo participate.
Families only paythe R5 entrance feeto access Muizenberg Pool,while thesurvival swimming lessons themselves areoffered free of charge
Around 10 adultvolunteerscurrently assist with coaching,alongside severalyounger volunteers, includinghighschool learners
Youngpeoplecan become volunteer coaches from theage of 16 afterreceiving thenecessary training
Prospectivecoaches do notneed to be expert swimmers,ascoachingtakes placeinshallow water.
.Formoreinformation and to getinvolvedinthe programme phone Guineyat083 408 5932.
Woodland caper at Joseph Stone
She’s bold,she’s clever andshe’s coming to Cape Town TheCunning LittleVixen,CapeTownOpera’s (CTO)latestfamily-friendly production, promises athrilling woodland adventure packed with stunning costumes,physical theatreand unforgettablecharacters when it opensatthe Joseph StoneAuditorium in Athlonethismonth
Performances will take placefromTuesday 21 to Friday 24 July at 11:00, with two dailyshows on Saturday 25 andSunday26Julyat11:00 and14:00. Aimedatfamilies, learners and firsttime operagoers,thisquirkyand fun production blends engaging storytelling,physicaltheatre, striking animal costumes andimaginative visualstooffer an accessibleand memorable introduction to opera. TheEnglish adaptation by theCTO’s recently appointedLibrettist in Residence, Alan Olejniczak,bringsfresh clarity to this much-loved tale,while JanHugoserves as musicaldirector.
TheCunning LittleVixen marksthe operatic directorialdebut of FionaduPlooy,whose work as movement director hascontributed to acclaimedproductions like Tosca, Suor Angelica and Le nozze di Figaro
Theaward-winning creative team includes Tara Notcutt(AssociateDirector),Maritha Visagie(costumedesign),Clanelle Burger (masks andmake-up), Kieran McGregor (set andlightingdesign),and Cleo Notcutt-Williams(choreography). Audiencescan also
THE MUSICAL IS ABOUT ASPIRITED YOUNG FOX DETERMINED TO LIVE FREELYINTHE
Joiningthemare membersofthe Cape Town OperaChildren’sChorusasdragonflies, fox cubs,crickets, hedgehogsand frogs, bringing additional colour anddelight to this woodland adventure. At itsheart TheCunning LittleVixen follows aspiritedyoung foxwho is determined to live freelyinthe forest.Onher journeyshe encounters an arrayofanimals andhumans, learning aboutfriendship, courage, love andthe wondersofnature.
Filledwithhumour, warmth andadventure, thestory celebrates theideathatkindnessand braverycan be just as powerful as craftiness. With memorablecharactersand universal themes this is atheatrically thrilling experience forchildrenand adults alike, servingasa welcoming gatewaytoopera fora newgeneration of theatregoers .Tickets cost R80 per personand areavailable through Webtickets.
Singer-songwriter Magé Troskieperformed at
Saturday4July. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
SpierWineFarmisturning apopular one-weekendmusic experience into a three-weekendwinterseries, with over 40 localmusicians settoperform at TheRoutesof Sound untilAugust.
Following thesuccess of theintimatemusicevent over thepasttwo years, thefarmis hostingperformancesonthree weekends until Saturday 22 August.The performances started on Saturday 3July.
PresentedbyBrett Bailey andThird World Bunfight, theevent offersaudiences aunique journeythrough diversemusical performances in cosy,atmospheric settingsacrossthe estate Guests will experience differentperformances paired with Spier’saward-winning Creative Blockwines in some of thefarm’smostdistinctive spaces,beforegathering fora vibrant finale concert.
Each weekendfeaturesa completely different line-upofestablished andemergingtalent. The firstweekendfeaturedJohannesburg-based folk singersTubatsi andChosi, Afrikaanssinger-songwriter Magé Troskie, blues-rock musician Cheyenne Hill, Mickey Struwick (Likethe Mouse) andFreddy Lalendle (Ntu2ko)
TheRoutesofSound conceptplays on the ideasofboth“routes”and “roots”,the pathways to musicaldiscovery andthe pleasure of experiencing musicinits most elemental form:unplugged, intimate andupclose.Music hasalwaysbeen at theheart of Spier, andthe farm haslonginvestedinthe careersofSouth Africanartists
Guests areencouragedtoarrive earlyand enjoya meal before theperformancesbegin at 19:30. Warm clothing andcomfortable walking shoesare recommended
Performances take placeatthe Yellowwoods Lounge from 19:30to22:00 on Fridaysand Saturdaysacrossthe threeweekends
TicketscostR300per person andinclude wine tastings alongthe route. Theevent is strictly forguestsaged18and older. ContactSpier on reservations@spier.co.za for accommodation enquiries. . Forthe detailedline-up,visit www.spier co.za/blog/routes-of-sound-2026 or book tickets through Webtickets.
ArtscapelaunchesWomen’sHumanityFestivalon8July
Theannual Artscape Women’sHumanity Festival (WHF)willtransform Cape Town into apowerful platform fordialogue, healing, activism andartisticexpression underthe theme APlace ForAll,withthe sub-theme: Women in Action,Vroue in Aksieand AbafaziKwintshukumo, starting with thelaunchtomorrow evening(8July)
Thefestivalcoincides with twosignificant milestones;ArtscapeTheatre Centre’s 55th anniversaryand the70thcommemoration of thehistoric1956Women’s March.
Running throughout Women’sMonth,the festival brings together theatreproductions, dance, music, exhibitions, film,intergenerational conversations, workshopsand public discussionsthatchallengesilence,celebrate resilience andadvocatefor asociety whereall citizens areequal
This year’s walk will also honour Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, oneofthe leadersofthe historic 1956 Women’sMarch.The shortened version, less than 100m,ofthisiconicwalk will be accessibletoPersons with Disabilities Following theWalk, allparticipantswillgather on thePiazza stepsfor amomentofsilence, riptapefromtheir mouths andshout “stop thesilence”, symbolisingthe need to breakthe silencearoundwomen’s voices.Thiswillbe followedbyaninterfaithblessing WomanZone’sEverywomanProject is workingontwo textileartworkstocommemorate the55years of theArtscapebuildingand 70 yearsofthe Women’sMarch.“In aworld where exclusion, violence andinequalitycontinue to silencemanyvoices, theArtscapeWomen’s Humanity Festival remainscommitted to creating aspace whereevery person feels seen,heard andvalued. This festival is about humanity,dignity andcollectivehealing.The Marchtothe UnionBuildings made apowerful
statementagainst allodds,thousands of women risked theirlives to protestagainst theDompas. We must askourselves:where arewetoday? Personswithdisabilitiesremaininvisible and excluded.Pro-women workingenvironments areyet to become thenorm. Andthe LGBTQ+ community remainsunder threat.Augustis ourmomenttoreflectonhow farwehavecome andhow farwestill need to go in realising thehuman rights forall that areembeddedin ourConstitution.”The Festival continuesto standasone of SouthAfrica’sleading cultural movementsadvocatingfor equality,inclusivity andsocialchangesaysMarlene le Roux,CEO of Artscape Theatre.
FESTIVALHIGHLIGHTS
Bottelnek Breek Bek,the ground-breaking novelbyaward-winning Dianne Du Toit Albertze,makes itsway from page to stageat Artscape.Joinusfor theofficial book launch,. Discussion is ledbyExecutive Producer MarleneLeRoux.
KomFietnaSaam is avibrant andheartfelt SouthAfrican theatreproductionthatcelebrates community,resilience, humour,and therichspiritofAfrikaansstorytelling.The DivaliciousDames show sees drag-mimeartists Ramsay Davids andMartinNeethlingtakeaudiencesona nostalgictripdownmemorylane. ABFABisbackbypopular demand;its more than aperformance,it’sa showcase of thebest Drag QueensinSouth Africa.Bones is adocumentarythatexploresthe repatriation of theremainsofSara“Saartjie”Baartman andthe fight, fuelledbya poem by thelateDiana Ferrus, to return hertoSouth Africa in 2002 Thefestivalwillalsofeature acriticalpanel discussion with SabrinaWalter. Falling Forwardisthe unfoldingdocumentary of awoman whohas lived, loved, learned, fallen andrisen againand again. Thandi Swaartbooi, of theall-female ensemble WomenUnite,will host atraditional marimbaproduction. . Formoreinformation check www.artscape co.zaand ticketscan be purchased viaWebtickets.
Cape Town Operapresents the family-friendly TheCunning Little Vixen.Fromleftare Thabo Mabuse(Badger),SiphamandlaMoyake(Sharp Ears,the Vixen), Dumisa Masoka(Hen) NicaReinke(GoldStripe)and RethabileKhaile(Dog). PHOTO:ROHAN CLOETE
TheRoutesofSound at Spier Wine Farm on Friday3 and
CT 61st theatreawardsrevealed
The winners of the61stCapeTown TheatreAwardspowered by CapeTalk were announcedatan intimate,elegant ceremony at TheBaxter TheatreonSunday(5July)
Formerly knownasthe FleurduCap Theatre Awards,the Awards have recognised artistic excellenceinthe performing arts sector formore than sixdecades
Embarkingonthe next eraofits existence, the oldest theatreawardsinthe countryhavea new name –the Cape Town TheatreAwards. Anew non-profitcompany (NPC)has also been established forconvening theAwardsinthe future.
“Weare sincerelygrateful to Distelland Heineken Beveragesfor enabling us to honour Cape Town creativesfor 60 years,”saysAfrica Melane,chair of theCapeTownTheatre Awards Panel.
“Weextenda heartfeltthank youtoCapeTalk forsupportingthe Awards.The stationand Primedia Broadcasting hold theviewthata thriving performing arts sector is essentialto acosmopolitancitylikeCapeTown, andthis resonateswithus. Thesupport enablesusto navigate theevolution of theAwardsgoing forward.”
“Withthe wealth of outstandingtalentwe have in theWestern Cape –anincredible65 productionswereeligiblefor considerationin 2025 –competition wasstiff.Wesaluteour theatre makers andencourage them to keep pushingthe boundaries andovercomingobstacles to continue creating theirwork. We congratulate allthe nominees andwinners,” says Melane.We
FORMERLYKNOWN,FOR SIXDECADES,AS THE FLEUR DU CAPTHEATRE AWARDS
also extend aheartfelt thankyou to Boschendal whocameonboard as apartner this year,” he says
Theeligibleproductions included sevenoperas,three children’s productions(twomusicals andone opera),24student productionsand 55 othermainproductions, five of whichwere musicals
The2025LifetimeAchievement Awardwas presentedtoNigel Vermaas,who wasrecognisedfor hisimmensecontributiontothe performing arts andbroadcastingasanactor, director,and writer forstage andradio dramas Vermaas is also adocumentary makerand host of an arts andjazzradio show,all this with his instinctiveand dramatic flair.
Thefulllistofwinners of the61stCapeTown TheatreAwardsare: Awardfor most promisingstudent:Scarlett Pay| LAMTA
Best newSouth Africanscript: Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater| Neil Coppen& MpumeMthombeni Best newdirector: Samuel Jumat| ’n Pandok se Liefde
Best theatreproductionfor children and youngpeople: MoanaJr- SonwaSakubaInstitute forthe Performing Arts (SSIPA)
Best performancebyanensemble: Cats |
Nigel Vermaas wasawarded aLifetime AchievementAward at the 61st Cape Town TheatreAwards, poweredbyCapeTalk. PHOTO:JEFFREY ABRAHAMS
Best performanceina revue, cabaretor one-person show:Mpume Mthombeni| Isidlamlilo/TheFireEater
Best performancebya supportingactor in a musicalormusic theatreshow: CarloDaniels | RandallSimons| Colleen TheMusical Best performancebya supportingactress in a musicalormusic theatreshow: TankisoMamabolo| Matron Mama Morton |Chicago
Best performancebyanactor in amusical or musictheatre show:JonathanRoxmouth| Billy
Flynn| Chicago
Best performancebyanactress in amusical or musictheatre show:Cindy AnnAbrahams| Grizabella |Cats
Best puppetrydesign: Adrian Kohler and William Kentridge| FaustusinAfrica! Best lighting design:Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater| Tina Le Roux
Best setdesign: Isidlamlilo/TheFireEater | Greg King
Best costumedesign: Cats |JohnNapier
Best sounddesign, original music, soundscape or live performance: Isidlamlilo/TheFireEater |Tristan Horton
Best performanceinanopera -male: William Berger |Bluebeard |Bluebeard's Castle Best performanceinanopera-female: Siphamandla Moyake |Judith| Bluebeard'sCastle Best performancebya supportingactor in a play:AlbertPretorius |Caliban |The Tempest Best performancebya supportingactress in a play:Carla Smith| Laura| Speelgoed vanGlas| TheGlass Menagerie
Best performancebya lead actressina play: RolandaMarais| Hedda |Hedda Gabler
Best performancebya lead actorina play: BenAlbertyn| Tom| Speelgoed vanGlas| The GlassMenagerie
Best director:NeilCoppen| Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater
Best production:Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater |Empatheatre in associationwithThe Baxter TheatreCentreand theNationalArtsFestival Awardfor innovation in theatre: Shakespeare SchoolsFestivalSouth Africa
