People's Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 10 March 2026

City a‘couturerunway’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe Cape Town Carnival settolight up theMotherCityinjust over 10 days celebrated designer Stephenvan Eedenis readytoturnthe streetsinto amovingrunwayofcouture, cultureand creativity.

Knownfor hissignature blend of bridal elegance,red-carpet glamourand luxuriousresortwear, he will bringboldfashion to oneof Cape Town’s biggest celebrations of art, identity andcommunity on Saturday 21 March.

More than 1000 performers and 10 beautifully-crafted floats will once againlight up theGreen Point FanWalk.

VanEeden is oneof10local artists selected to be championsofthe 16th editionofthe event.

On thetheme “Followyour heART” VanEeden says spectators canexpecta celebrationoftheatricalglamour andrefinedartistry.

“Myapproachisalwaysrooted in couturecraftsmanship,sothere will be meticulous attentionto intricatedetailing,texture and silhouette interpretedthrough the dynamic, high-energylensofthe

carnival.”

He says beyond thevisualspectaclethispresentationisalsoabout shininga spotlightonfashion as acatalystfor jobcreationinthe country, specifically in Cape Town

“Smallerdesignerstudios and localmanufacturersholdextraordinary skilland potential.

“Withthe rightsupport they have thecapacitytoupskill individuals andtrain them in refinedtechniques such as tailoring, cutting, patternmaking,draping, finishingand intricatebeading.These areartisanal skills that notonly preserve craftsmanshipbut create meaningful employment opportunities.”

VanEeden tells People’s Post that beingpartofanevent that brings together communities, artistsand visionariesina vibrantway is both “humblingand deeply exciting “Itisanincrediblehonourtobe part of theCapeTownCarnival. Thecityisrichinculturaldiversity,creativityand bold expression andthe carnival encapsulates that spirit so beautifully.”

He explains what people canlook forwardtofromhis set.

“Our boldly beautiful PODwill featureour muse,Melissa Nayimuli, whobringsgrace,strengthand

CARNIVAL SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALFASHION

apowerful senseofrepresentation to theplatform. Herpresenceembodies theconfidenceand modern Africanelegancethatthe design narrative celebrates VanEeden says he wantspeople to leavefeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto walk away feelinginspiredreminded that fashionisnot just clothing, buta powerful form of storytelling, identity,and economic empowerment

“I hope they feel prideinlocal talent,inour shared cultureand in theknowledge that supporting localdesigndirectlyimpacts communities andlivelihoods.”

He believes events such as the carnival area catalyst forthe arts

“Eventslikethe carnival arevital becausetheycreateaccessibleplatformsfor artiststoshowcasetheir work to broadand diverseaudiences. They nurturecollaboration, encourageculturalexchange, and stimulatethe creative economy. ”

AccordingtoVan Eeden, the

carnival is apowerful reminder that theartsare nota “luxurybut essential.

“Theycreatevisibility, open doors foremergingtalent, anddemonstrate howcreativitycan drivesocial andeconomictransformation within ourcommunities.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post, is aproud sponsorof theevent

Yourchancetogiveyourbusinessa‘hand-up’

GrandWestiscalling on local businessestoapplyfor itsEnterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD)programme,which aims to give Small, Medium andMacro Enterprises(SMMEs) ahand-up to thenextlevel

In addition to mentorship and knowledgesharing smallbusinesses canaccess loans, payableover 36 months ESDwas introduced in 2014,but formalised as abusiness-incubation hubin2018and hasgranted

over R28million in loansand almost R12million in grants

Applications closeonMonday 16 Marchand areassessedbya committeeconsistingofheads of alldepartments at GrandWest. Successful applicants agreetosign up fora three-year programme In the firstyearbusinessowners aretaught financialcontrol,governanceinbusiness, humanresources skills andaccounting among others

Second andthird year offer more

in-depth training in thesesubjects. Eventand décorplanners,brandingspecialists,food andbeverage distributors,maintenance specialists,including builders,plumbers andelectricians, arebeneficiaries. Criteria includehavinga registeredbusinessthatis51% empowered,somebusinessacumenand it is at leasttwo yearsold.Start-ups must have take-off agreements or long-termcontracts Applicants need to submit abusiness proposal that includes athree-

year financialforecast, certified copies of theirSouth AfricanID andthatofall shareholders,their business registration documents, taxclearance certificate,B-BBEE certificate anda minimumoftwo years’ audited financials .Drop allapplications and supporting documents off at GrandWest or contact ChrissyDyers on 021 505 7593 or emailchrissy.dyers@ suninternational.comorLayla Essop on 021 505 7590 or Layla.essop@ suninternational.comfor moreinfo.

Wemustholdinstitutionsaccountable

tional law, lack of humanitarian access to basicneeds, shelterand protectionswereparaded before us by theworld’s mediaevery day.

Hello partner!

TodayisTuesday 10 March, and maybeyou woke up to thehum of traffic, thecalls of street vendors andthe rhythm of everyday life

Formethe daybeginsquietly.But forothersitbeginswithworry, struggleoruncertainty.March is HumanRightsMonth in South Africa

Laterthismonth,on21March, thecountry will mark Human Rights Day, rememberingthe Sharpeville Massacreof1960, when police opened fire on unarmedprotestersdemanding dignityand freedom.Sixty-nine people were killed. Theirdeaths remind us that humanrights arenot abstract ideals;theyare protectionsbetween dignityand oppression

However, what do humanrights look like today?

Look farawayand thepicture is grim.The three-year warbetween Israel andGazasaw homes, schools, hospitals, nottomention lives, destroyed. It left us with the spectreoffamilies fleeing under relentless fire,childrengoing hungry, traumatisedcivilians living in constant fear Wholesaleviolationsofinterna-

This is astark reminder that rights arefragile.Theyare neither automaticnor guaranteed.And here at home rights arejustas vulnerable though thethreats may seem quieter.

Last week,Finance Minister EnochGodongwanadelivered the national Budget Speech. Numbers, projections, allocations, it allsounded distant. However, each rand hasconsequences.

Fundingdecisions determine whetherclinics have enough medicine, whetherpolicepatrols reach ourstreets, whetherfamilies finally geta roof over theirheads Everylineofa budget affects whetherrightsare realised or remain promises on paper.

Isee it.A nurseinKhayelitsha attendstopatientsina clinic with long queues andlimited resources.

Ateenager in Mitchells Plain takesovercrowded public transport to school,where textbooksand suppliesare oftenscarce.

AfamilyinMarikana, Philippi, awaits housing, whileinformal settlements expand

On astreet corner in Wynberg, a homeless manreads alibrary book, findinga quietmomentamidthe noiseoftrafficand passersby Adeliveryrider navigatesbusy

roads, earninga living while hoping forbasic protection from accidentsortheft.These arenot statistics.These arehuman rights in practice or,sometimes,inperil Humanrightsare notabstract. They arelived andare universal. Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable.The righttoprotest exists even when it disrupts traffic.

Dignityappliestoeveryone, even thosesociety wouldratherignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect.

Cape Town reflects thecontradictions of SouthAfricaitself.

Breathtaking beauty co-existswith entrenched inequality.Pristine suburbssit alongsideinformal settlements. Modern infrastructure contrastswithcommunities strugglingfor basicservices.

Opportunityoften dependson wheresomeone is born.Safety, educationand health care remain privileges forsome, whileothers aredeniedtheir rights

HumanRightsMonth should challengeustoconfrontthese contradictions.Are we building asociety wheredignity is real for everyone,oronlyfor thosewith means?

Arewewilling to askuncomfortable questionsabout inequality, neglect, andgovernmentaccountability? Canweprotect therightsof themostvulnerableevenwhenitis

inconvenient?And here Isit with an uncomfortabletruth;rightsare meaninglessifwedonot live them in ourcommunities

They aredefendedinthe decisionswemake, in howwetreat our neighbours,and in theactions we take when we seeinjustice.Human rights aretestedbothinthe streets of Cape Town andinthe bombedoutbuildings of Gaza

Whetherthe threat is war, poverty, or neglect, theprinciple is thesame: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity.

As we walk toward 21 March partner, thechallengeisclear.We cannotsimplyrememberSharpeville.Wemustact.Wemustspeak to ourneighbours, question our leaders, andholdinstitutions accountable.

We must walk thestreetswith empathy, witnessthe struggles around us andchallengepolicies that leavepeoplebehind. Human rights arenot inherited; they are defended,lived andchosen, again andagain

Andthatresponsibilitybegins wherewestand.Human rights begininour streets, ourclinics, schoolsand homes, in thequiet cornerswhere people strugglefor dignitythatmanytakefor granted. Andaswemovethrough this month, partner, letuswalk together in memory of thepast, butincommitmenttothe present. Dignitybeginswhere we stand.

Tokaicommemorative walk

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Residents gathered in LowerTokai on Saturday 7March to mark 10 yearssince themurderof16-yearoldFranziska Blöchliger,who wasfound rapedand killedinthe fynbos near the edge of theplantationin2016.

Thecommemorative walk beganat09:00 at theRibbonGate, whereparticipantsreceived ribbons before walkingtothe murder site

Thegroup then walked theperimeter of Lower Tokaibeforereturning throughthe forest

Theevent wasorganised by Parkscape, avoluntary advocacy non-profitorganisation(NPO), ensuring safety,and protecting theurban forest, cultural landscapes andbiodiversityinthe buffer zonesand wildland-urban interfaces and supported by community partners Parkscapesaidina statementthe anniversary

remained deeply significant forresidents who usethe forest regularly. “The community has notforgottenwhathappenedhere. Thewalk wasa waytohonourFranziska’s life while remindingourselves whysafepublicspaces matter,”the organisation said Franziska’smurdershocked thecommunity andsparked concernabout safety in theLower Tokaiarea.

On theday of hermurder, residentsarriving fora walk encounteredemergency vehicles gathered near thecornerofDennendal West Avenue andOrpen Road

Membersofthe Kirstenhof CrimeWatch later confirmed thetragedy to residentsnearby.

In theaftermath,local residentsbegan organisingmoreactivelyaroundthe safety andfuture useofthe forest

Parkscapewas formed shortlyafter the incident,advocatingfor safe,biodiverseand

HONOUR FRANZISKA’SLIFE -WHY SAFE PUBLIC SPACES MATTER

shaded urbanparks in thebuffer zonesofTable Mountain National Park

Accordingtothe organisation,itcontinues to push forspaceswhere families,childrenand womencan move safely.“Ouraim hasalways been to create urbanparks wherepeoplefeel safe to walk,run,ridebicyclesand spendtime outdoors,”itsaid.

NickySchmidt,founder of Parkscape, said the 10-yearanniversarywas an importantmoment forreflection andrecommitmenttosafer public spaces

“WerememberFranziska Blöchliger,Sinoxolo

Mafevuka andother victimsofgender-based violence each year.Marking 10 yearssince Franziska’smurderwas away forthe community to honour hermemorywhile renewing our commitmenttosafe, shaded spaces in Lower Tokai, particularly forwomen andchildren. About60to80peoplejoinedthe commemorative walk.Since 2016 we have developeda community safety modelthatfocuses on visible presence throughregular patrolswithpartners includingSANParks, LawEnforcement, SAPS reservists andneighbourhood watches. Increasedpresenceremains oneofthe strongest deterrentstoopportunisticcrime,and we continue workingwithauthorities to improve safety in thearea.”

Parkscapesaidthe annual walk formspart of broaderefforts to keep attentiononsafety in public spaces andtoencourage community involvementinprotectinglocal parks.

BodyfoundinHangbergfoundtobemissingteenager’s

TheHangbergcommunity is reelingafter the decomposed body discovered on Tuesday17 February,around18:40,nearthe SeaView

Flatswas formally identified as that of 17-yearoldAmienaSwano

Theidentification followed DNAprocesses conductedbythe police

Threesuspectshavebeen arrested and chargedwithmurderand remain in custody whilelegal proceedings continue

“Today’s confirmationisheartbreaking,” said Roscoe Jacobs,deputychair of theHoutBay CPF, on Tuesday3 March.

“Our focusnow must be on supportingAmiena’sfamily, standing united as acommunity andensuringjustice takesits course

“AsCPF we remain committedtoworking

closelywiththe police andall stakeholders to ensure accountability,calmand healingin

Hangberg

Theforum also urgedresidents andthe public to respectthe family’s privacyand refrainfrom speculationorsharing unverified information online

“Itiscrucial that thelegal processproceeds withoutinterference, andthatwehonourAmiena’s memory with dignity,”Jacobsadded

Residentsdescribed thediscovery as deeply shocking

“It’shardtobelieve this happened so close to home.Everyoneinthe neighbourhoodfeels unsafe,” said alocal resident whoasked notto be named.

“Wehopethe authoritiescan preventsomethinglikethisfromhappening again.”

Theincidenthas highlightedongoing concernsabout abandonedbuildings andsafetyin

Hangberg

Police andCPF representativessaidcommunity engagement initiativeswillcontinueinthe coming days to addresssecurityconcernsand providesupport to residents.

Authoritiesappealtoanyonewithinformation to contactdetectives.

“Anyonewithinformation is kindly requested to contactCrime Stop on 0860010111 or use theMySAPSapp to report anonymously,”the CPFstatement said TheHangbergCPF andpolicehavepledged to continue workingtogethertoensureaccountability, safety,and healinginthe area,while also supporting theSwano family throughthis difficult time

Thedecomposed body discovered on Tuesday17 Februaryabout 18:40nearthe SeaViewFlats wasformally identified as that of 17-year-old Amiena Swano

Overseas LionsvisitTokaiLions

Members of theLions Club of Tokai welcomed internationalvisitors anddiscussedupcomingcommunity projects at theirMarch generalbusiness meetingonTuesday 3March

Themeetingfocused on club initiatives, includingpreparationsfor theWalkInHeels awareness-raisingevent andthe Bag-a-Burger fundraisingproject

Club spokesperson Mark Rossouwsaidthe gatheringhighlighted both theclub’sservice work andits long-standinginternational connections

“WewerehonouredtohostLions from around theworld andtoshare fellowship whilecontinuingtoplanprojectsthatsupport communities in need.”

Visitors included Bjarte Bjorndal andMaritLise Bjorndal of theLions Club of Eiksmarka-Hosle in Norway,who have maintained ties with theclubsince 2009

Guests from GermanyincludedBärbelSchelling, aTokai Lionsmembercurrently living abroad,and Wolfi Schellingfromthe LionsClub of Schorndorf.Also attendingwereUli Schell-

UPCOMING PROJECTS

DISCUSSED AT MARCH TOKAILIONS MEETING

ingfromthe LionsClubofWaiblingenand his partnerMonaSuwanna Rachai

At themeetingclubpresident CharlieFinglan presentedlong-serviceawardstoSchelling for 10 yearsofservice Carmen Smithfor 15 years andChris Eksteen for35years

Marit-Lise Bjorndal also handed knitteditems over to be included in theclub’sBabyProject Pamper Packsfor newborns in need

Rossouw said theexchangereflectedthe spirit of internationalcooperation that underpins LionsClubs worldwide.

“These connections strengthen ourability to serveand remind us that community service extendsfar beyond borders,”hesaid.

Rossouw said discussionsalsocovered preparationsfor theannual Walk In Heelsevent that took placeonSaturday7 March, wheremen walked at least50metresinhighheelstoraise

Membersofthe Lions Club of Tokaiwelcomed international visitorsand discussedupcoming community projects at their March generalbusinessmeeting on Tuesday3 March. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

awarenessand funds forgender-basedviolence initiatives.

He said theclubisalsopreparing forits Baga-Burger projectinWestlake, where50children will take part in acommunity clean-up before receivinga meal andlearningabout theimportanceofkeepingtheir neighbourhoodsclean Theclub’sBabyProject will also continue, with pamper packscontainingessentialbaby itemsdistributed to mothersofnewbornsat

Retreat, HanoverParkand Vanguard maternity units.

Rossouw said theexchangereflectedthe spirit of internationalcooperationthatunderpins LionsClubs worldwide.

“These connections strengthen ourability to serveand remind us that community service extendsfar beyond borders,”hesaid.

Theday concludedwithfellowshipbetween membersand guests

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The University of Cape Town (UCT) hasbeen ranked thetop university in Sub-SaharanAfricainthe inauguralQuacquarelli Symonds(QS)World University Rankings Sub-SaharanAfrica.

Thenew regional rankingevaluates 69 institutionsacross21African countriesonresearch impact,academicand employer reputation, sustainability,learningexperience, andinternational engagement

In last year’s QS WorldUniversityRankings theuniversitywas placed 150thglobally andled in categories such as academic reputation and

sustainability

Theinstitution’s consistent performancein theseareas demonstrates itscommitmentto high-quality teaching,impactful research and socially-responsible practices.

At theformallaunchofthe Sub-Saharan Africa rankings in Accra, Ghana, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Vice Presidentfor Strategicand InternationalEngagementatQS, highlightedthe importance of aregionally tailored framework.

“The goal wastocreatea system that is rigorous, transparentand regionally meaningful,” he said

Fernandessaidthe rankingwas developed throughconsultationwithuniversitiesand

higher-education stakeholders across thecontinent to ensure relevancetoAfrican contexts whilemaintaining internationalcomparability

Forprospective students consideringhigher educationlocally andinternationally UCT’stop placementsignals strong research impact,graduate employability, andglobalengagement.

Theranking drawsonsurveys of academics andemployers as well as bibliometric research indicators,providing acomprehensive picture of auniversity’sperformance across multiple dimensions

Thenew tablealsohighlightsuniversitiesfrom Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia andother countries,

reflecting agrowing ecosystemofquality higher educationacrossAfrica.

QS notedthatthe rankings capturefactors such as research productivity,collaboration andsustainability, whichalign with regional developmentgoals

CommentingonUCT’s achievement, Deputy Vice-Chancellorfor Research andInternationalisationProfThokozani Majozi said the rankingrecognisedthe university’s scholarship andthe global recognitionofits graduates.

“Asa public university rooted on this continent,our work must servecurrent needswhile preparingfutureleaders andinnovators.”

Child immunisation saveslives

Meningococcalmeningitishas claimeda life in theWestern Cape, promptingheightenedsurveillance from health authorities.

TheWestern Cape Department of Health andWellnesssad it’s closelymonitoringcases across theprovinceaspartofits ongoingpublic-health surveillanceefforts

Atotal of 11 confirmed meningococcaldisease cases, includingone death, were recorded between Thursday 1January andSunday22 February

Eightcases were recorded in theCapeTown Metrodistrict, twocases in Cape Winelands, andone case in theOverbergDistrict.

Meningococcalmeningitisiscausedbythe bacterium Neisseriameningitidis.The disease is severe butuncommon. It spreadsthrough fine droplets released during speaking,coughingorsneezing.

Themajorityofreportedcases were belowthe ageofone year

Accordingtothe department,these casesare sporadic anddonot constitute an outbreak Thedepartmentisalsomanaginga measles anddiphtheriaoutbreakbecause of declining childhood immunisation ratesand population immunity gaps in theprovince.

Meningococcalmeningitissigns and symptoms include:

. Suddenonset of fever

. Intenseheadache

. Nausea andvomiting

. Stiff neck

. Irritability

. Sensitivitytolight

. Arashwithsmall, dark reddiscolourations

on thebody

Meningitis is adangerous diseaseand canbe fatal. Parentsshouldseek immediatemedical attentioniftheyortheir childdevelop these symptoms

Meningococcaldisease is endemictoSouth Africa,occurringall year round, with apeak from June to October.

Infantsare themostaffected, followedbythe 15-24-year agecategory.

Anyone whohas hadclose contactwitha person diagnosedwithmeningococcalmeningitiswillbeidentified andsupported by health authoritiestoensuretheyreceive thenecessary preventive treatmentand information.

Certainstrains of meningococcaldisease can be preventedthrough vaccination.South Africa hasregisteredmeningococcalvaccines.

MEASLES

Measlesinfectionsare climbing sharplyin

theWestern Cape,withthe Cape Town Metro emerging as theepicentre of thesurge

Between Monday 29 December last year and Sunday 15 February this year,the metrorecorded 203laboratory-confirmed measlescases, raisingconcern amonghealthofficialsasthey trackthe growingoutbreak.

Targeted measlesvaccination beganin

Dunoon on Wednesday18Februaryand continueswhere clusters or outbreaksare identified, includingthe Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern andTygerberg sub-districts.

Measlesisa highly contagious viralillnessthat affects therespiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing

Parentsare urgedtolook outfor symptoms

Timelydiagnosisandproper treatmentareessential

Chronicpelvicpainaffects thousandsofwomen in Cape Town,yet endometriosis, acondition affecting an estimatedone in tenwomen of reproductive ageworldwide,isoften underdiagnosed. March, recognised globally as EndometriosisAwareness Month, highlights the long-termimpactofthe conditiononwomen’s personal,professional andphysicallives Endometriosisoccurs when tissuesimilar to theliningofthe uterus growsoutside the womb,often causingpainful periods, discomfort during intercourse, reducedmobility,and chronicpelvicpain.

Thecondition canalsoaffectmentalhealth andoverall qualityoflifeaccordingtoDrAnita Naidoo, agynaecologist

“Manywomen wait yearsfor adiagnosis.In SouthAfrica, it cantakeuptoten years, and Africanwomen oftenfaceevenlongerdelays,” Naidoo said.“Symptoms arefrequently normalised,and access to specialisedcareis inconsistent.”

Whilethere is no cure,managementtypically includes medication,surgery,physiotherapy, andlifestyle adjustments. Some womeninCape Town arenow exploringnon-invasiveoptions such as Pelvic Chairtherapy,available in Tokai andRondebosch.

Danielle Ross,a women’shealthand female pelvic physiotherapistatPelvicCare, said the therapyuseselectromagnetic technology to stimulatethe pelvic floor muscles, supporting mobility andcirculation in thepelvicregion.

“Evidenceshows that physical activity assists pain management in womendiagnosed with endometriosis. ThePelvicChair is amethod that activatespelvicmuscles withoutstraining them,” Ross said

Thetherapy involves 30-minutesessionson achair,activatingmorethan11000 targeted muscle contractions persession.Initially developedfor urinaryincontinenceand pelvic organprolapse, it is increasingly used to addressmenstrual pain andendometriosis-related symptoms

Naidoo cautionedthatsuchtherapy should be considered part of amultidisciplinary approach

“Pelvic floor dysfunctioncan contribute to chronicpain. Strengtheningand relaxing these musclesmay help,but it should complement standard medicalcare, notreplace it,” shesaid.

PATIENTEXPERIENCES

Patients report varyingdegrees of improvement.One woman, whopreferredtoremain anonymous, said shenoted pain almost daily before starting therapy, butnow experiencesfar fewersymptoms.

Anotherlong-term patient, whohas livedwith endometriosisfor more than 20 yearsand undergonetwo surgical procedures,said: “I do feel therehas been some improvement. Iencourage youngerpatientstoseek treatmentearly.”

ChrismarideKock, founderofPelvicCare, said herteamlistens to womenwho have managed thecondition foryears

“Evensmall improvements canmakea significantdifference.Feelingheard andsupported matters,” De Kock said

KEEPINGEXPECTATIONSREALISTIC

Expertsemphasise that non-invasive therapies arenot acure.

“While Pelvic Chairtherapy mayprovide relief forsomepatients, it does notreplace medical treatment. Womenshouldconsult agynaecologist to developanindividualisedplan,”Naidoo cautioned. As awarenessgrows,women have more optionstomanageendometriosis symptoms,fromstandardmedical care to non-invasive therapies.

diagnosisand appropriatetreatment areessentialtoimproving qualityoflife.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS,MEASLESAND DIPHTHERIA ON THERISE.

andkeep children at home if they show any signsofillness. If achild hasa fever, becomes unusually sleepy, or struggles to eat, they should be takentotheir nearestclinicimmediately.

DIPHTHERIA

Diphtheria is aserious bacterialinfection caused by atoxin that leadstoa thickcoating at thebackofthe throat,makingitdifficult to breatheorswallow. It begins with asorethroat, mild feverand chills,followedbyswelling of theneckand formationofthe thickgrey-white coating. Thedisease spreadswhenaninfected person coughs or sneezes,and individualscan remain infectious foruptotwo weeksafter symptoms begin. Prolongedclose contactincreasesthe risk of transmission

Immunisation is themosteffective wayto preventdiphtheria. Children should receivethe diphtheria-containing(Hexavalent)vaccine at six, 10 and14weeks, 18 months,and booster doses(Tdap)atsix and12years.Anyonewho is notvaccinatedisatrisk, regardless of age. If symptoms appear,visit thenearest health facility urgently forassessmentand testing.

IMMUNISETOPROTECTYOURCHILD

Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilitiesand catch-up dosescan be administered if achild hasmisseda sched-

uled immunisation.Immunisationsare also availablethrough privatehealth-care providers andpublic–privatepartnerships.

Parentsare encouraged to sign theimmunisation consentformand return it to theirchild’s school,and attend clinic appointments for immunisation

Free days at Kirstenbosch

SouthAfricansare invitedtostepintonature as theSouth AfricanNationalBiodiversity Institute(Sanbi) opensits doorsfor National GardensWeek running untilFriday13March

During this time visitors canenjoy free weekdayentry to Kirstenbosch BotanicalGardens, with guided activities andhands-onconservation experiences, allunder thetheme “Your free passporttonature: celebrate, restore, and protectall life.”

This year Sanbioffersfreeaccess to allthe SouthAfricanstoits national botanicaland zoological gardenstoshowcasesomeofthe lesser-knowngardens

National GardensWeek is acalltoactionfor allvisitors.

By stepping into agarden, SouthAfricansare invitedtoreflectontheir role in celebratinglife, restoringecosystemsand protecting biodiversity forthe future.

This year’s National GardensWeek builds on themomentumoflastyear’sdebut,which saw over 126000 SouthAfricansstepintoSanbi’s 11 national botanicaland twozoological gardens to reconnectwithnature, families andlocal communities

As thethird most biodiverse countryinthe worldSouth Africa is home to more than 95 000 knownspecies,manyofwhich are foundnowhere else.NationalGardens Week offersanopportunityfor SouthAfricansofall ages andbackgrounds to experience this natural wealth first-hand,while learning whybiodiversity conservation matters forour well-being, livelihoodsand futuregenerations

ACOUNTRYWIDECELEBRATIONOFBIODIVERSITY

Across Sanbi’sgardens visitors canlook forwardtoa rich programme of activities that blendlearning, relaxation,and discovery. Theseinclude guided walks, bird andinsect observation,plant sales, wellnessactivitiesand hands-on conservation education. From floweringdisplaystoopportunitiestolearn about medicinalplantsand water-wise gardening, everygardenoffersa unique window into South Africa’s living landscapes

Visitors arealsoencouragedtoconnect more deeply with indigenous plants throughHappy by Nature,anindigenousnursery andbotanical studio basedatKirstenbosch.

As part of National GardensWeek Happy by Nature is offering5%off allindigenousplants untilFriday13March (not validinconjunction with otheroffers)

Secondly,there will be afree five-minutetalk on indigenous plants tomorrow (11March), Thursday andFridayat11:00 and14:00, offer-

ingpractical guidance on choosing, growingand caring forplantsthatsupport localbiodiversity.

In addition,the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range andseasonalclearance sale with discountsofupto50%,while the Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15%off selected books, availablein-storeonly. To claimthe free or discounted entryfee, SouthAfrican citizens andresidents must show proof of SouthAfrican residency, eg theirID, acertified papercopyoftheir ID,anelectronic copy of theirIDortheir driver’s licence. . Forfulldetails on participating gardens, activitiesand access timesvisit the Sanbi website at www.sanbi.org/

Wan Meyer, WesternCapeM istero gr culture, Economic Developmentand Tourism, said in hiskeynote address, that theprogramme’s purposeistogrowthe economyand create more jobs

“For example, if we have a5%increaseinagricultural exports, we immediatelygenerate22 900new jobs.Thisisanopportunitywhere we bringthe worldtoCapeTownand ourproducts into therestofthe world.

“Thisisa buyer’sprogramme,peoplecome here becausetheyknowthe qualityofour products andweare readytoexportour products to

Sout ica.

“Webelieve in export-led growth,but forthat youneed solidinfrastructure… If youwantto grow theeconomy,you must make sure you have thebestinfrastructure, whichiswhatwe aretryingtodointhe WesternCape.”

JamesVos,Mayco member foreconomic growth,reaffirmed theCity’scommitmentto strengtheningexportgrowthand supporting localmanufacturersinaccessing international markets.

He highlightedthe importance of practical platformsthatconnect producersdirectly

with buyers,notingthatsustainable economic growth is builtonrealtransactionsand longterm traderelationships

Vosfurther outlined theCity’sbroader efforts to strengthen thebusinessecosystem,including theadvancement of anew ManufacturingSupport Policy anda formalised Business Support Policy

He said theseinitiatives focusonimproving

industrial areas, supportingenergyresilience, reducing redtapeand equipping businesses with thetoolstheyneed to scaleand compete globally

“Our objectiveisclear:tocreatethe rightconditionsfor businessestogrow, expand into new marketsand create jobs,and to seemoreCape products earningtheir placeonshelves around theworld.”

Booksonthe Bayreturns

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town will be abuzzwith activity as it prepares to welcome some of SouthAfrica’smostcelebrated writersfor thefourthedition of theBooks on theBay Literary Festival, whichtakes placefromFriday13toSunday15March.

Building on therunaway success of previous years, this year’s festival features 28 diverse events showcasing over 30 SouthAfrican and internationalwriters,including majorliterary prizewinners

STELLARSPEAKERLINE-UP

This year’s programme includes Judges Edwin Cameronand DennisDavis reflecting on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classicnovel Crimeand punishment followedbyMooiplaas wine tastings AnwarMcKay will sharehis journeyofhealing andlifewithhusband comedian Marc Lottering, whilePopinaKhumandadiscussesescaping rebels in theDemocraticRepublicofCongo Otherhighlightsfeature MicheleMagwood on creating award-winning gardens, Pieter du Toit exposing Paul Mashatile’srisetopower, andHloniphaMokoena examiningcolonial representationsofblack men.

SeraiDowling andVeruska de Vita explore wild swimming in theWestern Cape,while Pauli vanWyk presents herJuliusMalemaexposé. Internationally renowned author Prof Antjie

28 DIVERSE EVENTS,OVER 30SA AND INTERNATIONAL WRITERSSHOWCASED

Krog will discussmortality andSouth Africa’s bittersweet histories, complemented by legendarymusicianRoger Lucey’sperformance combiningstorytelling,memoirand song about building hismountainhome.

COMMUNITYANDEDUCATIONALFOCUS

Thefestivalproudly maintainsstrongUniversity of theWestern Cape (UWC)connections, with allthree organisers linked to UWC’sFaculty of Education.

Adedicated Children’s Literature Festival features writersresidinginthe Simon’sTown area,visitinglocal schoolsexclusively within the community

Localrestaurants andcoffee shopsare preparing specialmenus,while expanded tuk-tuk services will transportfestival-goersbetween venues free of charge

STRONGSUPPORTBASE

Majorsponsorsinclude Standard Bank,UWC, Simon’sTownCivic Association, TheHardy Boys,JonathanBallPublishers, Simonstown com, andMooiplaas Wine Estate . Formoreinformation visitwww.booksonthebay.co.zaoremail info@booksonthebay.co.za

Friday13toSunday15March.

as Frank-N-Furter.

‘RockHorrorShow’at

TheatreontheBayinApril

Thelegendary cult musical TheRocky Horror Show opensatTheatre on theBay in Camps BayonTuesday 7April andrunsuntil Sunday 31 May.

PresentedbyPieterToerien Productionsin associationwiththe Luitingh AlexanderMusicalTheatre Academy(Lamta),thiselectrifying stagingbydirectorStevenStead promises to unleashall thewildenergy, wicked humour and rock ’n roll rebellion that hasmadethe show a globalphenomenonfor over 50 years.

Theshowstars an award-winning South Africancastled by CraigUrbani(We Will Rock You, My Fair Lady), whorepriseshis role as Frank-N-Furter,withLéa Blerk(Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, Dear Evan Hansen)asJanet,RobertEverson (Noises Off, Tony Awards)asBrad, SchoemannSmit(Black Coffee, TheSound of Music)asRiff,Jasmine Minter (Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, TheAddams Family)asMagenta,AnnaOlivier (Joseph andthe Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat)asColumbia, Natasha Sutherland (TwelfthNight)asthe Narrator, MicahStokajovic(My Fair Lady,Peter Pan)as Rockyand ZakHendrikz(Sewe,A Christmas Carol)asEddie/Dr Scott. Miguel de Sampaio, Tjaartvan derWalt, Cleo Wesley,Alessia Gironi,TayaPearson,GabiKnightand Sasha Duffymakeupthe stellarensemble.

Stead’sproduction, firstperformed last year in Durban,bringsa fresh, fearless edge to Richard O’Brien’siconicmusical whilestaying true to its anarchic heart.

Audiencescan expect aslick,high-voltage

theatrical experience packed with unforgettable songs, outrageous characters anda wholelot of liberatedfun

Firstperformed in 1973, TheRocky Horror Show hasbecomeone of themostcelebrated musicals of alltime, shattering conventionsand gleefully celebratingindividuality,freedom of expression andunapologeticself-discovery. From themomentsweethearts Brad and Janetexperiencea stormy night, a flat tyre and adetourtoa mysterious castle,audiences are sweptintoa worldwhere nothingisquite what it seemsand everything is possible. Inside thecastle, they encounterthe charismatic, corset-clad“sweet transvestite”Dr Frank-N-Furter hiseccentrichousehold andthe muscle-bound creation Rocky, broughttolifein ariotofglitter, glam andguitarriffs. What unfoldsisa deliciouslysubversivejourneyoftransformation, temptation andself-realisationfuelledbyrockanthems,including “TimeWarp”,“Sweet Transvestite”and “Hot Patootie -Bless My Soul”. Stead, whorecentlydirectedhitssuchas TwelfthNight,MyFairLadyand Metamorphoses,isknown forhis bold,actor-driven storytelling andtheatrical flair. Audiencescan expect avisually striking andmusically explosive take on thebeloved classicthatgarnered rave reviewswhenitpremiered in Durban last year

SetdesignisbyGregKingand KevinKraak is themusical director . Ticketsavailablevia Webticketsand the Theatre on the Baybox office on 021 4383300

ZabalazaFestivalreturnsforanotherexcitingseason

The16thannual Baxter Zabalaza TheatreFestivalwillonceagain champion localstories andartistic excellence, whilegivinga platform to thenextgenerationoftheatre makers from Friday 13 untilSunday 22 March.

Theprogramme will featuredrama, comedy,theatre forchildren, jazz, live music, workshops, paneldiscussions, andanexhibition. Thefestivalhas nurtured numerous artistsand writers, making asignificant contribution to thetheatre landscape. Simultaneously, newaudiencemembers have hadthe chance to experience theatre forthe firsttime.

Thefestivalisa celebrationof identity,community,creativityand resilience throughinspiring theatre anddynamic storytelling

Zabalaza is made possible by the WesternCapeDepartmentofCultural Affairs andSports, theOppenheimer Memorial TrustFund, theMakwande EmpowermentTrust,the City of Cape Town andthe HCIFoundation.

“Thisyear, we arepresentingan exciting programme of curatedwork from artist proposalsand productionsthatwere firstshowcased at our variousminifestivals held during the year,” says Zabalaza Artistic Directorand Curator, MduKweyama

“Indoing so,weare thrilledtobe returningtoour roots, findingstories andtheatre makers in theheart of ourcommunities,bringingthemalive on stageasfullproductions through mentorship andskills development.” Festival goerswillbeabletoengage in severalworkshops andpanel discussions. Theseinclude Womenin TheatreSpacesfacilitated by Tiisetso

Mashifaneand apanel discussion honouringsix decadesof English Alive on Wednesday18March

“RobinMalan wasthe editor of EnglishAlive formanyyears andthe founderatJunkets,which publishes thescripts of theZabalazaTheatre Awards winners,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, Zabalaza coordinator andco-curator. “Wewillbehosting a

specialtribute in hismemory, featuringa week-longexhibitionof English Alive book covers

Thelaunchevent on Wednesday 18 Marchat17:30 will be hosted by EnglishAlive editor KirstenDeane.”

“Our programme is bursting with entertainmentfor everyone,” says Mabutyana.

“Wehavethree greatshows for youngervisitorsincluding ourinvited productions, BOUNCED and Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures,as well as Themba:The LittleLionThat Lost HisMane

Thered-hot musicline-up includes thepopular Sunday jazz session,the RAWExperience,all-female band Mfazwe Ya Mweziand on 18 March in theConcert Hall, Joliza BhacaSoul in Ushuni WeBhaca,a celebrationof traditionalsounds, thehonouring of cultural roots, Africanheritageand stories.

Theproductions are:

. TheBatteredHousewives’ Club English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. EgameniEnglish,Xhosa Ages 14+

. Behind theFrame English, Xhosa, SothoAges14+

. Becoming EnglishAges14+

. Themba:The LittleLionThatLost HisManeXhosa Ages 6+

. HowToTrain Your Thoughts En-

glish, Xhosa, Setswana Ages 14+

. In Kinnesvan Somers English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. When BlackMen Disappear Xhosa andEnglish Ages 15+

. BringLight Englishand Xhosa Ages 12+

. It’s My Baby English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. IncindiYedlaka Englishand Xhosa Ages 13+

. Isibeleko, Es’belekweni English andXhosa Ages 13+

. BOUNCEDPhysicaltheatre Ages 3-6

. CaptainKwanda’sFanplastic Adventures English, Afrikaans, Xhosa Ages 6+

Performances areat14:30,16:00 and19:00 andfor theschoolsprogramme areat10:00 and13:00. Thedoor takingsfromeachshow also go straight back to thegroupsor artists, investinginthe futureofthe arts sector Ticketstomorning showscostR40 andR50 forthe afternoon shows. Bookings canbemadeatWebtickets online or at Pick nPay stores

. Forblock or schoolsbookings, charities or fundraisers canontact CarmenKearns on emailcarmen.kearns@ uct.ac.zaand Mark Dobsononmark. dobson@uct.ac.za

AYouthCup on Sunday 8March after beatingCapeTownCityonpenalties in Lentegeur.

Thetournament, whichisSAFAaccredited, wasorganised by Beacon Spursand Catalysts forChangeunder theauspicesofthe Mitchells PlainLFA Atotal of 24 teamstook part andweredivided in sixgroupsoffour. Gameswereplayedona round-robin-basis.

“The tournament startedinOctober 2024 and LentegeurFCwas the firsthostclub. Afterthe round-robinthe teamsmoved on to achampionship roundofwhich thetop twoteams in each groupwas placed andthe twoteams who finished thebestoverall, were in action,” says

ye ey sp pby inviting teamsacrossCapeTowntoenter

“Our youthneedsthe exposure andtocompete at thehighest levels.Theydoget exposure in competitions againstlocal LFAs or other youthcompetitions.

“Congratulations to allthe teamswho participated. Friday nightwehad rain,Saturday thewindnearlyblewusawayand on Sunday theteams fought in theknockoutroundsinthe heat,but it wasworthwile,” Adamssays.

SCHOOLSCONTINUETOFIGHTITOUTONATHLETICSTRACK

<<Azrah Ismail of Bergvliet High School maintains herfocus during the long-jumpevent at the champsof champscontest heldatthe Vygieskraal Stadium in AthloneonSaturday7February. PHOTOS: RASHIEDISAACS

“But aweekendtournamentbringseveryone together andwetry to putupa decent one wherethere is an explosionoftalentright here in Mitchells Plain,”Adams says minute goal by AntalyasporJPM Cape Town to equalise before headingintoextra time,where they wononpenalties,bringingthe tournament to athrilling end.