People's post |Constantia| Wynberg E-Edition 02 September 2025

PassporttoNatureissued

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic tourism while promoting conservation awareness across the country.

The “Passport to Nature: Your Year of Discovery” campaign offers South Africans 25% off Individual Annual Membership during September, providing unlimited access to all 11 National Botanical Gardens and two Zoological Gardens for an entire year

Sanbi gardens include Kirstenbosch, Harold Porter, Hantam National Botanical Garden, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Free State Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

The initiative transforms traditional garden visits into an interactive experience Members receive an illustrated passport that collects unique stamps and biodiversity facts from each visited site Completed passport sections unlock rewards including Sanbi merchandise and seed hampers, with fully completed passports eligible for behind-the-scenes experiences

“Tourism Month is about discovering the hidden treasures of our country and how deeply nature is connected to our well-being,” said Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Sanbi’s Director of Marketing Communication and Commercialisation

“With this Passport to Nature, South Africans can turn everyday outings into experiences that nurture both biodiversity and bonds ”

EXPERIENCESTHAT NURTUREBONDS, BIODIVERSITY

The campaign aligns with Tourism Month 2025’s focus on domestic travel as an economic driver Economists and social development experts have highlighted tourism’s role in fostering both economic growth and social cohesion throughout South Africa

Sanbi’s network of gardens and conservation facilities serves a dual purpose: protecting the country’s natural heritage while providing accessible green spaces for communities Recent research indicates that regular access to nature improves mental health and well-being while strengthening community connections

The botanical gardens offer diverse activities from family picnics and birdwatching to sensory garden experiences and music events Each visit with the Sanbi passport becomes part of a year-long discovery journey across South Africa’s botanical diversity

The discounted membership campaign runs throughout September, positioning domestic travel not just as leisure activity but as investment in South Africa’s natural heritage conservation efforts

. For more information about the Passport to Nature membership discount,visit Sanbi’s official website or contact participating botanical gardens directly

BlistersforBreadCharityFunWalkcompleted

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The weather was perfect for an early morning walk and over 9000 walkers did just that as they laced up their shoes for the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun

Walk on Sunday 31 August

The Green Point Common Sport ground was a hive of activity as walkers gathered from early morning to partake in the 5 and 10km walks, all united for a worthy cause

Every step taken help support the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), which provides daily

meals to thousands of learners across the Western Cape Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, said this year 9 720 took part in the 57th edition of the event “Every cent from every entry will go towards feeding children We are looking at almost R1 million in funds that has been raised from this event That can go a long way if you consider that it costs R950 to feed a child for a year We appreciate what that means for so many children ”She expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the event possible “Thank you to Cape Town, to our sponsors, and donors

who make it possible for us to be in existence for 67 years and to host this event for the last 57 years We appreciate all of them because as our motto says: you cannot teach a hungry child ”

Participant Lorraine Pieterse said: “It is fun and the spirit among each other is so nice It allows people to come together and meet new people It would be nice if the schools can come out ”

Another participant, Petro Theunissen said: “I came to support the children and to enjoy the early morning walk ” See more on page 8

In the chaos of our day-today working lives we can often forget how much time we spend inside our offices, let alone the time we spend working from home in hybrid conditions

Global research shows that on average for a typical full-time role, this equates to roughly 2207 hours per year, which can change due to holidays, vacation, and sick leave

In South Africa an average person spends approximately 40 to 45 hours per week at the office, which is also excluding their after-hour duties and study courses and qualifications they’re pursuing to further their careers in their downtime

Let’s not forget how much we spend and endure with

the never-ending slow traffic and unruly drivers, taxis and motorcyclists complicating our safety and blood pressure My heart goes out to those working in Cape Town and the central business districts, rising extra early to ensure they’re not trapped in the traffic jams that plague these areas After work we still have to be emotionally available for our families and partners despite how drained our social batteries are after a typical day

Often the perils of a bad day can cause us to project our frustrations onto our loved ones who played no role in the frustrations we experienced at work Introspection and meditation are crucial during this time to avoid causing unnecessary pain and arguments for those closest to us

In the heat of emotion, one can forget the long-term psychological effects and stress these constant arguments can leave on the minds and emotions of young children

and even our partners, who become accustomed to enduring scolds and an overall hostile home environment

Research shows that children exposed to family violence have brain activity patterns in their threat-detection areas, the anterior insula and amygdala, similar to war veterans, indicating a “hyper-aware” state of danger Furthermore, this neural adaptation may serve as a survival mechanism which also increases the risk for future anxiety disorders, trauma-related issues and impacting the child’s brain development

In the light of these worrying findings, we should be concerned for the overall well-being of our youth who are still navigating an ever-changing world fraught with technological innovation, social media, artificial intelligence, rising crime, they are still trying to find their place and voice in this “ content saturated” world

Therefore, they need the support, the love and patience from their parents to carry them through this turbulent modern age and once they feel that they are heard and seen, a great seed becomes planted that can only grow majestically and bear fruit that not only benefits themselves but their communities as well as we start leading with compassion and understanding instead of resorting to anger and bitterness

With all endless concerning data on the harmful effects that stress and repressed anger and unresolved conflict inflicts upon our immediate selves and families, we ought to know better and do better

We should also bear a thought and prayer for all the women enduring emotional and physical abuse for their partners and their children as we celebrate the end of Women’s Month, into September, the month of spring, a time of restoration, reflection and rejuvenation

School head leads for hockey win

Reddam House Constantia’s Executive Head, Alex Gitlin, has returned from the Western Cape Masters inter-provincial hockey tournament with a gold medal, helping the provincial side achieve an unbeaten run of five consecutive victories at the national tournament in August.

Describing the final as “ more of a challenge than expected,” Gitlin credited the team’s success to “hard work, adaptability, and cohesion on the field,” highlighting the importance of resilience and collaboration in achieving top performance

For Gitlin, this gold medal is more than a personal triumph, it reflects his belief that leadership and sport are deeply interconnected

“Playing hockey is my space, where I can step away from other responsibilities, stay fit and present, and model for my students what it means to show up, stay prepared, and keep learning,” he says Gitlin, originally from the United Kingdom (UK), studied at Nottingham and Cambridge Universities before beginning his teaching career

After moving to South Africa, he held senior leadership roles in schools across Johannesburg and White River before joining Reddam House Constantia His extensive sporting background,ranging from school-level rugby, hockey, and athletics, has shaped his collaborative approach to leadership “Sport has always given me energy and clarity,” he explains “Leadership should be distributed and aligned,just like a good hockey

SPACE FOR ACADEMICS,SPORT,AND ARTS

team, where everyone has a role and a shared game plan ”

Under his guidance, Reddam House

Constantia’s boys’ first hockey team achieved remarkable success this year, culminating a five-year development plan launched in 2020

“Our goals were clear: return to the premier league, build a lasting sporting culture, earn respect in our local community, and create young men of character through sport,” Alex notes

“Our formula is simple: Passion +

Plan + Time ”

With 11 Matrics who have played together since Grade 8, Gitlin says: “I have the privilege of leading a group of young men that I look forward to being led by as they assume their own future leadership roles ”

The school now fields premier league teams across all sporting codes, and Alex believes this holistic excellence enhances both academic and cultural performance He is a vocal advocate of sport as an essential

pillar of education: “It builds physical robustness, psychological wellness, academic performance, and social connections My proudest moments as a coach aren’t the wins, they’re seeing the players grow into the kind of leaders South Africa needs ”

The school itself achieved a 96% bachelor pass rate in the 2024 IEB exams and was the top-performing Inspired Education Group school nationally in mathematics “There is space for excellence in academics, sport, and the arts,” Alex says “Get the right people leading an exciting challenge, and a few good people can change the world ”

Ravi Nadasen, CEO of Inspired Education Group Africa & the Middle East, praises Gitlin’s achievement: “Alex embodies inspired leadership, leading from the front, staying actively involved in (learner) development, and pursuing excellence professionally and personally His gold medal victory is a powerful example of how our schools nurture character, discipline, and teamwork alongside academic achievement ” Gitlin concludes: “My thanks to the Inspired Education Group for allowing me to explore my passion and continue growing both personally and professionally ”

A Inspired by resilience, generosity

Blind wine master triumphs

Blind wine tasting got a whole new meaning when the Institute of Cape Wine Masters celebrated its first blind graduate among four new Cape Wine Masters, three of whom are from the Western Cape and one from Johannesburg.

Jacques Lombard from Cape Town made history by being the first blind candidate to participate in the Cape Wine Masters programme

He was joined by fellow Cape Wine Master graduates Riaan van der Spuy, cellar master at Swartland Winery, Janine van Zyl, a sommelier and international account manager at global wine and spirits social media agency FirstPour, and Bradley Wood from Johannesburg, a specialist urologist in private practice

Since its inception in 1983 120 Cape Wine Masters to date have achieved this elite selfstudy qualification, making this year ’ s achievements all the more remarkable

The new Cape Wine Masters were celebrated at a prestigious awards luncheon hosted by the Institute of Cape Wine Masters on Friday 22 August, together with the Pinotage Association and the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa

Tasting group for visually impaired

After losing his sight in 1996 at the age of 26, Lombard’s introduction to the wine industry came through an invitation by Hermann Kirschbaum, then winemaker at Buitenverwachting, to join Wine Insight, a wine-tasting group for visually-impaired wine enthusiasts

This unique environment, free from influence by labels, brands, or appearance, honed his reliance on aroma, flavour and texture, skills that proved invaluable in his wine career

DISTINCTION

Twenty years later, in 2016, Lombard founded Winebrands, a Cape Town-based wine retail business supported by a dedicated team

A customer’s remark about purchasing only award-winning wines sparked his curiosity about South Africa’s awards system

His research revealed that most judges on leading panels were Cape Wine Masters or Masters of Wine, a discovery that inspired him

A JOURNEY DEFINED BY RESILIENCE,PASSION AND UNWAVERING BELIEF

to enrol with the Cape Wine Academy

Progressing through the certificate and diploma courses with distinction, Lombard earned an invitation to join the demanding five-year Cape Wine Masters programme

Throughout his studies he received guidance from no fewer than 84 industry leaders, whose mentorship and generosity he credited as instrumental to his success

For Lombard the Cape Wine Master title is the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, passion and the unwavering belief that wine

is best judged by the pleasure it brings in the glass

His dissertation examined the formation, health effects and mitigation of biogenic amines in wine, dispelling common myths about sulphites and highlighting the amine compounds as a key cause of wine-related discomfort

The dissertation investigates the complex role of biogenic amines in wine; nitrogen-containing compounds produced and broken down in the human body through normal metabolic processes

While essential for regulating functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, brain activity, digestion and immune response, these compounds can present significant health risks when consumed in excessive amounts from certain foods and beverages, particularly red wine

The research provides an extensive literature review of factors influencing biogenic amine formation in wine, including microorganisms, terroir, grape cultivar as well as viticultural and cellar practices

Central to their formation is the activity of lactic-acid bacteria, naturally present in the winemaking environment An exploratory consumer survey within the study revealed limited public awareness of biogenic amines and their potential effects, underscoring the importance of education in this area

Beyond wine, Lombard maintains an active lifestyle, training weekly on a tandem bicycle and participating annually in the Cape Town Cycle Tour He lives in Welgemoed with his wife, Petro, and their son, Daniel

SaveaFishieinurgentcalltobanplasticlollipopsticks

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Environmentalist group, Save a Fishie is calling for a ban on plastic lollipop sticks after thousands were discovered over the past few months during beach clean-ups

“Plastic pollution continues to plague Cape Town’s beaches, with one small yet persistent item now in the spotlight: plastic lollipop sticks,” says Zoë Prinsloo, founder of Save a Fishie

Save a Fishie has launched a campaign demanding a ban on these products, citing their dangers to marine life, seabirds, and ecosystems

PETITIONFORCHANGE

The environmental organisation has also launched a petition urging urgent action to ban plastic-stemmed lollipops in the country

The campaign emphasises that this small shift could mark a significant victory in reducing coastal pollution

“This is one of the easiest environmental victories we can win,” Prinsloo stresses “If we can’t ban plastic lollipop sticks when safe alternatives are already available how can we expect to address bigger plastic challenges?”

AFAMILIARSIGHTONLOCALBEACHES

From around Cape Town, residents and clean-up volunteers know the scene all too well: after heavy rains or storms, plastic debris litters the shoreline Among bottle caps, polystyrene, and straws, lollipop sticks are a stubborn and recurring find

While unsightly, the danger goes far deeper than appearance posing real threats to ocean health

“Plastic lollipop sticks are one of the most common items we collect during clean-ups,” says Prinsloo “They don’t break down, they end up in the food chain, and they’re completely unnecessary because safer alternatives already exist ”

THEHIDDENDANGERSOFPLASTICSTICKS

These small plastic stems, often overlooked, are far from harmless, Prinsloo says Rigid and sharp, they can injure or choke seabirds and marine animals

Over time, they fragment into microplastics that enter the food web, potentially affecting human health as well

“Every stick we find is another reminder of how deep the plastic crisis has become,”

Prinsloo says “If we cannot phase out such a simple, replaceable product, then what hope do we have for tackling the larger plastic problem?”

Unlike many environmental challenges that require new innovations or major investment, this issue has an immediate fix: paper lollipop sticks

Widely available and just as effective for holding sweets, paper options are biodegradable and far less harmful

“There is absolutely no reason for plastic sticks to still be on our shelves,” Prinsloo explains “Paper sticks work perfectly, they’re affordable, and they don’t destroy the environment ”

SAVEAFISHIE’SCAMPAIGNIDENTIFIESCLEARRESPONSIBILITIESFORCHANGE:

. Manufacturers: Stop producing plastic-stemmed lollipops and commit to paper-based alternatives

. Retailers: Remove plastic versions from shelves and offer only sustainable choices

. Parents, Schools, and Youth Groups: Refuse to buy or distribute plastic-stemmed lollipops at events, fundraisers, or as treats

. Government: Enforce legislation banning the manufacture and sale of plastic sticks, in line with global trends phasing out single-use plastics

“Plastic pollution is choking our oceans If we want to protect our beaches, wildlife, and future generations, we need to cut this problem off at the source, ” Prinsloo says

LESSONSFROMLOCALCLEAN-UPS

Beach cleanup groups often stress that the litter washing up after storms reflects what is flowing into rivers and stormwater systems daily Once in the sea, these plastics circulate indefinitely “Every time it rains, we brace ourselves for the waste that will end up on our beaches,” Prinsloo noted “From Milnerton Lagoon right up to Melkbosstrand, plastic lollipop sticks are always among the first items we pick up ” People’s Post has previously covered how these items, particularly around Sunset Beach and Bloubergstrand, overwhelm volunteers after storm surges evidence of how entrenched the issue has become South Africa’s beaches are a source of pride, recreation, and tourism They are also vital habitats for marine life Campaigners argue that allowing unnecessary plastic to continue polluting these spaces undermines both environmental health and community well-being As Prinsloo concluded: “Together, we can stop this source of litter at its root ” . Go to https://chng it/YFb6hgHgMT to sign the petition

Post is distributed every Tuesday and reach an estimated 419 650 readers

THOUSANDS OF WALKERS TOOK TO THE STREETS ON SUNDAY 31 AUGUST TO RAISE FUNDS AS PART OF THE ANNUAL BLISTERS FOR BREAD CHARITY WALK HOSTED BY THE PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION(PSFA).