People's Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 17 February 2026

neededfor ead walk

“Without this support,werisklosingnot only this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.” Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecurity amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades.

“Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.

“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”

PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za

orealchange?

accountability signalsanunderstanding that economic reform cannotsucceed withoutcredibleleadershipand functioning systems. However, we arelikelytojudge progress not by thenumberofinvestigationsannounced or policies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance, andimprovedservice delivery that we canexperience firsthand.

Perhapsthe most immediateconcernsraised in theaddressrelatetomunicipal services Watershortages,failing infrastructure,and inconsistent servicedeliveryaffectour daily livesinwaysthatnationaleconomicindicators cannotcapture Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance, theseissues aretangible. They shape howweexperienceour communities daily whetherour taps run, roadsremainusable, refuseiscollected,and electricitysupplyisstable. Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalities couldloseservice delivery powers suggests awillingness to actmoredecisively. Butitalso raises uncomfortablequestions forall of us.If government haslongknown whichmunicipalitiesare struggling, whyhas intervention often appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurable improvements?

Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust Stateofthe Nation addressestraditionally aim to inspireconfidenceand seta national agenda This year’s speechdid so,offeringa vision of recovery,reform, andunity.Itsoughttoreassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in the rightdirection

Butweknowthatpublicexpectationshave shifted.

Thepresident’s speechoutlineda direction andacknowledgedmanyrealities.Ithighlighted progress whilerecognising ongoingchallenges Butthe true test lies beyond thechamber in whichitwas delivered.

Will economic gainstranslate into broader employment opportunitiesfor ouryoung people?

Will governance reformsrestore ourconfidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabiliseinthe communities wherewe live?

Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whetherthe optimism expressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeechesalone,itisbuilt on delivery,accountability,and change that we can seeand feel in ourlives

Anduntil that change becomesconsistently visible, ouroptimismwillremaincautious, shaped as much by ourlived realitiesasbythe promises we hear

Hangbergcyclist seekssupport

NAMHLAMONAKALI

NAMHLA.MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

InHangberg, Hout Bay, one youngman’s love forcycling hasbecomea symbol of hope, resilience andcommunity spirit.Overthe past severalyears, residentshavewatched Ricardo Snellpedal hisway from humble beginningstobecoming afamiliarand admired figure amonglocal cyclists

Snell(26)lives with attentiondeficit hyperactivitydisorder(ADHD), a conditionhemanages with medication,but whichhas neverdimmedhis enthusiasm or drive.

Instead, he founddirection and purposeontwo wheels. “I love cycling becauseitisfun andmakes me feel free,”Snell says.“When Iamonthe bike,I forget abouteverythingelse. It keepsmebusyand keepsmeout of trouble.”

Hiscycling journeybegan in his teenageyears when friendsinvited himtoridewitha localgroup

What startedasweekend ridessoon became apassion.In2022, Snell achieved amilestone by taking part in theCapeTownCycle Tour,the iconic SouthAfrican race that sees thousandsofriderstakeona 109km routearoundthe Cape Peninsula.

Riders entering thefulldistancethis year paybetween R700 formembers andR940for generalentries,with othercategoriescosting more

“Hejustneeded achance, and cyclinggavehim one,”Snell’sfather, Alex explains.“It hashelpedhim stay focusedand givenhim something positive to look forwardto.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF BICYCLE,CYCLING EQUIPMENT OR FUNDSNEEDED

Snelltrainsregularly with agroup of community cyclists whoridetogether most Saturdays. Theirshared commitmentand encouragement have givenhim notonly fitnessbut friendship andsupport

“Ricardo is special,”sayscommunity supporter NavadlyKoopman. “Peoplelovehim andlovebeing around him. Supportinghim is not just abouta bike ,it’sabout helping himstaymotivated andconnected.”

Buta majorobstaclethreatens his participationinthisyear’stour.

Snelldoesnot have asuitablebicycleofhis own. Last year,a borrowed bike brokenearNoordhoek,forcing himtostopbeforethe finish line

This year,heneedsa roadworthy bike,cycling shoes(size 7),transport to getthe bike andhimself to thestart line,and funds to secure hisentry andtimingchip. Atimingchip, which recordsa rider’sofficial time,typically costsaroundR250.

Theestimated cost of adecentbike canbearoundR8000, andwithout community support,thatamountis outofreach forSnell’sfamily.

TheappealtoassistSnell began when he reachedout to aneighbour forhelp. Amessage on alocal community chat sparkedconversations andoffersofsupport.Somehave offered bikesthatneed servicing,

whileothershavestarted fundraising contributions.

Koopmansaysthe outpouring of encouragementalready reflects how much Snellmeans to hiscommunity “Whenhesees everyone cheering, he feelsproud,” shesays. “Itshows himthatheisvaluedand that the community believes in him.”

Residentsare alreadyplanning to line theroute in Hout Bayonrace day, postersinhand, to cheer Snell as he passes. FormanyinHangberg, helpinghim represents notonly support foranathlete buta reminder of thepower of community and belonging.

Forthose whowanttoassist Snell, contributionsofbicycles, cycling equipmentorfunds to support his CycleTourjourney areencouraged. Everybit of help will bringhim closer to crossing that finish line againand feelingthe roar of hiscommunity cheeringhim on

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“The biggestproblem is thearrivaltimeofthe truck, whichislatemorning or earlyafternoon andunpredictable,” shesaid. “Manyresidents puttheir bags outwhenleaving forwork, but theseare oftentaken or torn open by binpickers, leavinglitteronpavements.The safest time to putbagsout is after10:00, when most people arealready away.”

VanZyl addedthatbettercoordination with informal wastepickers couldhelpprevent recyclingbagsfrombeing openedand contents scattered. Collection timesmay vary during the initialphase whileroutesare beingoptimised Anotherresident, KathyThorne, said early collectiontimes andthe presence of informal wastepickers made participationdifficult

“I find it difficult becauseI leavefor work before 08:00and at that time thereare always binpickers outside,”she said “I also feel sorryfor them becausetheycan make some moneyfromaluminium cans,but it is averysad situation.”

“A keyconcern raised wasthe impact of informal wastepickers,who oftensortthrough carefully separatedrecyclables anddiscard unwanted itemsintogeneral refusebins. This undermines residents’ efforts andhas been a source of ongoingfrustration,” Langenhoven said

He addedthatresidents also raised concerns aboutcollectionschedules andthe need for clearerguidanceonrecyclablematerials

“The discussion explored possible solutions such as centraliseddrop-off points,integrating micro-collectorsintothe recyclingeconomy, andthe developmentofa recyclingtruck trackingapp,”hesaid.

LangenhovenwarnedthatCapeTownwas rapidlyrunning outoflandfill space.

“Establishingnew landfill sitesisnolonger aviableoption. It is critical that we divert as much wasteaspossibleawayfromlandfill,”he said “Recycling technologies have advanced significantly,and much of what waspreviously treatedasgeneral wastecan nowberecycled. I encourageresidents to continue workingwith theCityand oneanother to find practical, community-drivensolutions.”

Readersspeak out on budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.

TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.

Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget

AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”

Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”

Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”

Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”

Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”

Athene Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”

Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”

Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”

Residentsrelive DistrictSixmemories

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Six decadeslater thepainofforced removals from theoncethriving community of District Sixstill lingersinthe hearts of families wholost theirhomes andcommunity afterthe area wasdeclareda “whitesonly” by the apartheidregimeunder theGroup Areas Act.

More than 60 000 people were forcibly removedtooutlyingareas knownasthe Cape Flatsand theirhomes in District Sixdemolishedbybulldozers.

On Wednesday11February, theanguish was relivedasformerresidents,families, claimants andmuseumpatrons gathered at theDistrict SixMuseumtomarkthe 60th anniversaryof theforcedmassremovalstomanyparts of Cape Town

Chrischené Julius,museumdirector, said acommemorative ceremony is hosted each year,tokeep thestories,struggles andspiritof District Sixalive

“Onthisday we trytorememberwhatit meanttobelongtothatcommunity.It’sa solemnoccasion markinga community’s destruction.”

CAIRNOFSTONE

Residentsand families were giventhe opportunity to writemessagesonstones, amemorialisingritualgoing back to the1980s,according to Julius

“Itstarted in late 1980swhenDistrictSix land wasstill vacant.Eachyeara groupofactivists wouldgatherand laya stonedownonthe site of what they thoughtwerethe oldSeven Stepsin theformerHanover Street

“Overthe yearsthe museum hascontinued this tradition.”

WEARE GLAD TO BE LIVING HERE AGAIN.THE HOUSEIS NOTPERFECT,BUT IT’S OUR BUCKINGHAM PALACE

now-mainly-vacantlandthatsomanyremained deeply connected to,representingtheir bond with it as well as thedestruction of theircommunity

At this year’s commemorationfamiliesonce againgot to sharetheir stories.

Courtney Haas said hergrandparentslived in theareaand were forced to move to Bonteheuwel. Buther grandfatheralwayskeptDistrict Sixalive in thefamily’scollectivememoryand imagination.

“Heheldontohopethathewould return one day. That is what kept himgoing,but he died waiting.”

Shesaidafter alengthy land-restitution processthe family was finally able to return in 2022.

SusanLewis (82) said herfamily’sland-restitution processtooknineyears andtheymoved back in 2004

“Mymotherwas 94 yearsold at thetimewhen we returned

“I am so glad that shewas able to experience that andliveinDistrictSix for five yearsbefore shedied(in 2009). We aregladtobeliving here again. Thehouse is notperfect,but it’s our Buckingham Palace.”

Butfor Sherry Becorney (65) thebattleto return continuesand it is difficult to remain hopeful

“I wasa teenager when we hadtomove. We used to live in UpperConstitutionStreet

“Every time Icometothe museum Iget emotional. Remaininghopeful is painful,but

Newhealthyfoodguidelines

Cape2Riochampssafelyhome

Cityremindsresidentsof

Emotional scenes after the trio of sailors on board the tugboat which brought the crew ashore at the Naval BaseinSimon’s Town.

possiblefinancialsupport

The City of Cape Town is urging residentswho arestruggling financially to applyfor available relief measures,including indigent assistance andpensioner rebatesaimed at easing thecost of municipalservicesand property rates.

Households earningbelow R7 500per month mayqualify forindigentsupport

Pensioners aged 60 andolder with ahousehold income of R27000 or less areencouraged to apply.

Maycomemberfor financeSisekoMbandezi says theCityhas expanded thequalifying thresholdfor pensioners andsocialgrant recipients to allowmoreresidents to benefit. “The City hasincreased thesocialsupport packagetoR5,1billion forthe last year and this years financialyear. Qualifying households couldaccess free basicservicesand mayreceive a100%discountontheir property rates,”says Mbandezi

He says theexpandedsupport aims to assist vulnerable residentsfacingrisinglivingcosts and financialstrain.

AccordingtoMbandezi, officialsatthe City’s Customer InteractionCentres areavailable to assist residentswithapplications andprovide guidance.“We encourageindigentresidents

andpensionersto find outmoreabout the variousforms of supportavailable.The City remainscommittedtoassistingthose in need,” he says

Mbandezi reminded thecurrent beneficiaries to reapplyfor anyexistingbenefits after Tuesday1 July this year,whenthe new financial year begins Thereapplication processensures that qualifying residentscontinuereceiving support basedonupdated property valuations and income assessments

Mbandezi praisedresidents whocontinueto payfor theirservices, saying theaverage payment ratiofor the12monthsendingDecember last year was97,9%,reflecting strong public participationinmaintaining servicedelivery.

“These payments arevital to maintain service delivery andensurethe City continuestofunction effectively.Wethank residentswho consistently meet theirpayment obligations,”hesays.

Residentsseekingassistance areencouragedto visittheir nearestCustomerInteraction Centre formoreinformation on applicationprocesses andavailable support measures

.Email your views on thistopeoplespost@novusmedia.co.za

GENERALWORKERS TEXTILEMANUFACTURING

Sheraton Textiles,based in Diep River, is looking for General Workers in ourHomeTextiles Production

General Worker Responsibilitiesincludes butnot limited to:

•Follow instructionstosupportdaily operationsacross multiple areas

•Perform general labour tasks such as lifting, carrying, cleaning, and assistingskilled workers

•Keepthe work area clean, organized, and free of hazards.

•Assistwith loadingand unloading trucks,containers, or equipment.

•Sort, pack, andlabel itemsfor storage or delivery

•Ensureproducts arecorrectlyorganized and stored safely.

•Follow instructionstosupport dailyoperations.

What youwill need to

•Matricorequivalent

•Post qualification is preferable

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Only suitablecandidateswillbecontacted.

If you have notreceived aresponse within 1month,then your application has been unsuccessful

EXPERIENCEDMACHINISTS TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

What you will need to

•Provenexperienceworkingona sewingmachine

•2 –4years sewing machine experience on PlainorOverlocker

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•Attention to detail

•Ability to work towards and meet targets.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors.

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Only suitable candidates willbecontacted. If youhave notreceived aresponse within 1month, then your application has been unsuccessful.

Carnivaltoshowcase ‘diversity’

WThis year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”

each year seve is aboutsocialcohesio It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”

ACTNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeapplicationsopen

TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year

This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant.

It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-

whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.

Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution

This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts

“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT

TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South

Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected “The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”

Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”

To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha

PREMIERCUPBATTLECONTINUES

Lukhanyo Dyani of Everton FootballClub(FC)fromNyangashavesthe face of Onwaba Bovu of Greenpoint Salesians with his mid-air challengeduring around robinplay-off match of the BayhillPremier Cupplayed in WynbergonSaturday14February. Everton won1-0 PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS

SomangayeMpalala of JabulaBrothers FC is on thereceiving end of awell-executed tackle by Veron November of Bishop Lavis FC duringa Bayhillpremier cup round robinencounterplayedinWynberg.Lavis won3-1.

Wandisa is URGENTLY seeking anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the following:

Matiwane of Mitchells Plain Eagles CC swings

ting

match