People’s Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 21 April 2026

The City of Cape Town hasproposed aR87,79billion 2026-’27 budget that reducespropertyrates while increasing servicetariffsand boosting infrastructure andjob-creationspending.

TheCityexplained that thebudgetwilldeliverrelieftomanypropertyownersthrough a10,21%reduction in property ratesand an increase in therates-freethreshold from R450 000 to R500 000. It estimatesabout 60%ofresidential property owners will either seea reductionornochange by 6,67%, n, removaland city-widecleaningserviceswill each rise by 3,75%.

City officialssay thechanges arelinkedtothe GeneralValuation (GV2025) property revaluation processand adjustmentstothe rate-in-therand,which hasbeen reducedfrom0,007159 to 0,006428. ThebudgetallocatesR12,6 billion

Nominated againforWTA

Table Mountain hasonceagain been nominatedasAfrica’sLeading TouristAttraction at theprestigious WorldTravelAwards, andvotershave untilFriday17Julytocasttheir votes andhelpthe iconic landmark secure anothertitle.

Oftendescribed as thetravelindustry’s versionofthe Oscars,the WorldTravelAwards recogniseexcellenceacrossthe global travel, tourismand hospitalitysectors andhavedone so forthe past 33 years.

TheiconicCapeTownlandmarkhas already claimedthe title five timesin2014, 2019,2020, 2021 and2022and is nowhopingtoadd another wintoits record this year

Wahida Parker,ManagingDirectorofTable Mountain Aerial Cableway,saidthisnomination is aproud moment forCapeTownand SouthAfrica.

“Table Mountain is more than alandmark. It is asymbolofour naturalheritageand aworldclassattractionthatcontinues to inspirevisitors from across theglobe.Every vote is an opportunity to show theworld what this destination meanstous.”

.To vote visit www.worldtravelawards.com/ vote.Selectthe Africaregion and choose Table Mountain as Africa’sLeading Tourist Attraction.

Lifeguardstakingawell-deservedbreather

TheCityofCapeTownhas endedits seasonal lifeguarddeployment, reportinga drop in drowning fatalities during the2025-’26summerseason.

TheCityhas confirmed that seasonal lifeguard contractsended on Tuesday7 April, with beach andpool safety operations nowshiftinginto winter readinessand maintenance.

Community swimming poolshaveclosedfor thewinterseason. However, indoor facilities at Retreat, Blue Downs, Long Street,Strand, and theSea Pointswimming pool remain open yearroundfor public use.

TheCitysaidthe past summerrecordedthe lowest number of fataldrownings in seven years.

Therewerenofatal or non-fataldrownings at municipalswimming poolsduringthe season

Alongdesignatedbathing areasalong the coast, therewerenofatal drownings, while38 non-fatalincidents were recorded

TheCitysaidthese outcomes were significantly reduceddue to swiftinterventions by lifeguards,bystanders, andrescuepartners.

However, nine fataldrownings were recorded alongCapeTown’scoastline

Allweremale, with twoteenagersamong the victimsand theremainder youths andadults over theage of 18

“CapeTownexperienced yetanother bumper

There’ssomething quietly confrontingabout realising we’renearly five months into theyear.

Time hasa wayofslippingpast whilewe’re busy managing theeveryday challenges like stayingupto date with emails,jugglingresponsibilities,and thoseunexpected setbacks

Andsomewhere in between, thosegoals we setwithclarity and intentionatthe startofthe year begintofadeintothe background

I’ve neverbeen afan of New Year’s resolutions. They oftenfeel toorigid,too performative.But

summer, with hundreds of thousandsofvisitors to ourbeaches andswimming pools,”saidMayco member forcommunity services andhealth, Francine Higham

“Wewould like to extend oursincerest gratitude to thelifeguardswho worked tirelesslyto keep everyone safe,inspite of thechallenges that come with watersafety,”she said

TheCitysaidfocus nowshiftstomaintenance andupgradesoffacilitiesahead of thenext

goals? That’s different. Goalsare personal.They’re deliberate.They come from aplace of wantingmore growth,morediscipline, more meaning.

Andassomeone whothrives on structure, I’ve always found comfortinlists.There’s aunique satisfaction in writingsomething down,working toward it,and eventually tickingitoff.It’sa small butpowerful acknowledgment of progress.

Buthere’sthe uncomfortable question:are we actually making time forthose goals?

It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’llget to them “whenthings calm down”. Afterthisbusyweek Afterthisstressful project. After life feelsa bitmoremanageable. Theproblem is that life rarely slowsdownonits own. Therewill

summerseason. It is midway througha fiveyear programme to improve37publicswimming pools, with further upgrades planned.

AproposedR20 million investment forthe 2026-’27 financialyearhas also been tabled to ensure facilities remain safe,accessible, and readyfor peak season.The City’s recreation and parksdepartmenturged thepublictoremain vigilant at beaches, obey warningsignage,and understand waterrisks when swimming

always be anotherdemand, another distraction, anotherreasonto postpone what matters to us Dailychallenges arepersistent. They don’tpolitelystepaside to make room forour ambitions. If anything,theyexpandto fill everyavailable gap. So,ifwedon’t intentionally carveout time forour goals, they simply don’thappen. Andthat’swhere many of us,me included,get stucknot because we lack motivation,but because we underestimatehow easily our priorities getreshuffled

We startthe year focused, but withoutconsistentaction, even themostmeaningful goalslose momentum

This isn’tabout guilt. It’s about awareness. If anything,thispoint in theyear is an opportunity. Amomentto

pausenot to criticiseourselves, buttoreassess. What stillmatters? What have we neglected? And more importantly, what arewe willing to do differentlymoving forward?

Becausethe truthis, tickingoff a goal doesn’tcomefromwaiting for theperfect moment.Itcomes from choosing, repeatedly,toshowup foritevenwhenit’sinconvenient. Even when theday feelstoo full. Thelists we make aren’t just collections of tasks. They’rereflectionsofwhatwevalue.And if somethingistruly importanttous, it deserves more than leftover time So maybethe question isn’t whetherwe’ve been toobusy. Maybeit’swhether we’vebeen intentionalenough. There’sstill time.Eight months to be exact. But only if we decide to useit.

Festival givesfirst-hand insight

The SouthAfrican Navy pulledout allthe stopsand hosted an unforgettable displayofmilitaryprowess anddisciplinewhenitopened itsdoorstothe public forthis year’s SA Navy Festival,which took placefromFriday17to Sunday 19 Aprilatthe East Dockyard in Simon’sTown.

Despitethe wetweather,the much-anticipated annual eventdrew thousandsofvisitorsand offeredan engaging andeducational experience, providinga rare glimpseintothe innerworkingsofthe Navy

Theevent showcasedthe Navy’s fleet,personneland heritage,while strengtheningpublicunderstanding of itsrole.

Thefestivalaimed to bridge this gap by giving thepublic first-hand insight into navaloperations, capabilities andcareer opportunities.

Theprogramme wasexpandedto appeal to awideaudience, including families,maritimeenthusiasts and youngpeopleconsidering afuturein

theNavy.

Highlights included guided fleet tours, wherevisitorsboarded selected navalvessels andexploreda Type 209submarine underthe guidance of trainedpersonnel.

Military precisiondisplaysdrew crowds,withperformancesbydrill teams, Officers’Sword Drillunits and SeaCadetsshowcasingdisciplineand skill. Thenight-shoot firing display offered adramaticspectacle under theevening sky. Entertainmentalso played akey role,withliveperformances by theSANavyBandadding to thefestive atmosphere

Visitors enjoyedcapabilityexhibitions, includingsearchand rescue demonstrations and firefighting displays

Families were cateredfor with food stalls,artsand crafts,and dedicated children’s entertainmentareas,ensuring alivelyand inclusiveenvironment forall ages

Thefestivalran daily, encouraging thepublictolearn more aboutthe Navy’s contribution to national security andprosperity.

ARARE GLIMPSE INTOTHE INNER WORKINGSOFOUR NAVY

StoryofaCapewineestatetold

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Groot Constantia hasreleaseda short film, Rooted.Preserved.Shared ,which focuseson thepeopleand dailypractices behind South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate

The film wasscreened on Thursday 9April andreflects on theestate’shistory andongoing role in thecountry’s wine industry Jean Naudé, ChiefExecutive Officerofthe establishment, said theproductionisintended to show theestateasmorethana historic site “The screeningmarkedmorethanthe release of ashort film;itwas amomentofreflection,” said Naudé. “Asthe oldest wine-producing farm in SouthAfrica, GrootConstantiastandsasa symbol of endurance, authenticity andprovenance. ” He said theestate’sworkisshapedbywhat he describedas“humanterroir”, referring to theskills andknowledge developedand passed down throughvineyardand cellarwork.

The film,directedand produced by Rory Appleton andRubertFitchet of SledgehammerStudio, highlights dailyoperationsonthe estate,including work in thevineyards,cellars

andconservationareas

Appleton said theintention wastoshowthe relationship between staff andthe estate

“Groot Constantia functions like ahuge family,” he said.“As much as theplace is apart of thepeopleworking there, thepeopleare a crucialpartofthe place.”

Theestatesaysits wine production is guided by long-termfarming practices, with an emphasisonsoilhealth, wateruse andbiodiversity. It is also recognised as aWorld Wildlife Fund (WWF)ConservationChampion. TheWWF is aglobalconservationorganisationdedicated to protecting wildlife,preservingecosystems, and promotingsustainable developmentworldwide Fitchetsaidthe film aimedtoreflectthatapproach.“Groot Constantia is abeautiful estate andpartofSouth Africa’s story,”hesaid. “This film wasour wayofshowing thecarethatgoes into maintainingit.”

The film places theestatewithina broader historical andculturalcontext,framing it as a workingfarmaswellasa heritage site

Visitors areencouragedtoengagewiththe estate andits historythrough toursand tastings

NGOofferslifelinefor teen moms

THULANIMAGAZI

Astaggering 5269 teenagepregnancies were recorded at healthcare facilities ownedbythe WesternCape Department of Health andWellness across theCapemetropole between April last year andFebruarythisyear.

This is significantly higher than the1 230cases recorded at theCityofCapeTownfacilities last year.These figuresrevealworryingtrend as theprovinceand thecountry continue to battle thescourge of teenagepregnancy

Howeverone organisation,Intyatyambo YesizweTeenMom Organisation,isworking tirelesslytohelpthe youngmothers in various communities to builda brighter futurefor themselves andtheir children whiletryingto reverseanadolescenttrend that is on therise.

City’s Maycomemberfor community services andhealthFrancineHighamsaidthe City’s figuresshowa 1,2% increase from theprevious year

“Thisincreaseinteenage pregnanciesforms part of atrend that hasbeen observed over the past fewyears,” explainedHighamrecently. “These pregnanciescan be at higher risk for medicalcomplications andhavea significant socioeconomicimpactfor both themothers and theirfamilies.”

Establishedin2019, IntyatyamboYesizwe workswithteenage mothers, aged 13 to 22 by equipping them with essentiallifeskills,confidencebuildingand support so they canthrive independentlyand raisehappy andhealthy childre. Amongother services,the organisation offersstressmanagementand emotional support,career guidance,life-skills training as well as telephoneand in-personcounselling to theyoung mothers. IntyatyamboYesizwe works andconductssessionsinvarious communities, includingKhayelitsha,Philippi,Delft,Mfuleni andMitchells Plainand recently startedworkinginGqeberha. NtombesizweBasso,founder of theorganisation, said many younggirls continued to suffer at home andinsociety whenever they fell pregnant.She said they areoften ridiculedbytheir ownparents andrelatives, whichbreaksthememotionally andmentally Most of theseyoung mothersoften find themselves between arockand ahardplace as they trytorebuild theirlives,Basso said

5269 TEENAGE PREGNANCIESINMETRO LAST YEAR

In an interviewwith People’s Post Basso said shecouldn’tjustfoldher arms andwatch as many youngpeoplefellpregnant, in some instanceswithnosupport or meanstoraise their newborns.Asa volunteer counselloratFamilies SouthAfrica(Famsa) anda Social Sciences Graduate with Majors in Psychology andCommunication,Basso witnessedyoung mothers sitting with theirchildrenonstreetcorners and pavementsinher immediatecommunities of Mandalay,Khweziand Bongweni.She decided to take action whilevisitinga clinic in Mitchells Plainasa Famsavolunteer

During thevisit Basso sawteen moms who had“lost hope”and requestedtotalktothem, sheexplained.While shehad asession with thegroup sherealisedmostofthemweretoo embarrassedand shytospeak.“Iexplained my purposetothem, andasI gotdeeper into their storiesI realised some of them hadnofamily support.” Bassolearned this trendprevailed on visiting variousclinics around Cape Town, whichinduced herto find an organisation geared towardsarrestingthe trend, butalso to give thenecessary supportwhereveritwas needed.She establishedvarious clubsindifferentcommunities.The clubsoffer teen mothers an opportunitytospeak openly abouttheir challenges anda chance to rebuildtheir lives. Withoutany financialsupport Basso uses her ownmoney to fundthe programme.She also relies heavilyonvarious community facilities “Weuse resourcesaroundustoequip these youngmoms. Iidentified thelibrary as asafe spacefor them.Ithas resourcesand there they have access to books. So we liaisedwith thelibraries.Theyalsohaveinternetfacilities andother useful resources. We invitedpeople, includingcouncillors,tomotivatethese young women. “Weteach them to be independentand notbeashamed of theirbackground. We also focusonmentalhealthand invitedclinicians to work with them.The vision is to help ensure theirlifechances andspirits do notdiffer from thoseoftheir contemporaries.Weenvision

afuturefor them andwantthemtocontinue dreaming.”

Shepointed outthatvarious factors, including poverty, arefactors in most of thepregnancy cases. Theyoungestchild Basso worked with was12years old. “These arerapecases and oftenwelet thelaw take is course.” Sheencouraged parentstobeopenwiththeir children “Weasparents must be friendswithour children.Wemustbeparents whotalkfreelywith them.Wemusteducate them aboutsex andthe risksassociated with it.” ChumaMakhala (20), ayoung momfromMfuleni, joined Intyatyambo Yesizwewhenshe was five-monthspregnant andgavebirth on Thursday 26 March. She praisedthe organisation forthe crucialroleit played.She initially wanted to abortthe foetus However, numerous sessionswiththe organisation changedher mind.“Irealisedthere were othergirls with more seriousproblemsthan mine.” Makhalasaidthe organisation boosted herconfidencefor shehad people to turn to “I wasemotionally drained, my relationship with my mother wasnon-existent. Iwantedto abort, butthe organisation encouraged me to keep thechild.I wasalsopreparedtoleave my baby at thehospital.”Thankstothe support shereceivedfromIntyatyambo Yesizwetoday sheisa happymotherbuildinga strong bond with hernewborn child. Milisa Masiso (23), anotheryoung mother andanalumnaofthe organisation,praised Teen Moms forchangingher life.She is onewho oftenmotivates

theyoung mothers. Shesaidshe facedmany challenges,including lack of support from those from whom sheneeded it most.Thingsbegan to change afterMasisojoinedthe organisation

“Besides thesense of belongingfrombeing part of thegroup andother nice packsthatcomes with it themainfocus is to promoistobeable to promotepersonalgrowthand independence as well as empowerfor theyoung motherstobe able to providefor themselves as well as their littleonesthrough employment of furthering theirstudies or starting theirown businesses.”

MoniqueJohnstone,spokespersonfor the WesternCapeDepartmentofHealthand Wellness, said they welcomeany form of intervention to root outteenagepregnancy

“Weappreciate thevital role played by community organisations, families,and educators in raisingawareness andempoweringteenagers to make informed decisionsabout theirsexual andreproductivehealth. Thedepartment continuestostrengthenpreventionand support efforts throughaccessiblesexualhealth, contraception, andfamilyplanning services,including dedicatedYouth Zonesatour clinics. These spaces provideconfidential, youth-friendly care,offeringsexualhealth, mental health,and broaderwellnesssupport to ensure teenagers arenot left behind andare supported to thrive,” shesaid.

. Formoreinformation,or to help,contact Bassoon063 0074609 or emailher at ntombile. basso@gmail.com.

FCRCCentreaimstotransformyounglives

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Drivenbya mission to make thecommunity saferand provideyoung people with an alternativetodrugs and gangsterismthe FirstCommunity Resource Centre (FCRC) was birthedovertwo decadesago

FounderpastorCravenEngel believes theHanover Park faithbased non-profitorganisation(NPO) is even more needed todaythanitwas then EngelsaidFCRCwas startedin 2002 with theintention of poverty alleviationand to providecounselling targeted at residents, youth influenced by gangsterismand drugs as well as abused andneglected children

He said thecentrerunsa rangeof community programmesaimed at supportingvulnerableresidents

CONNECTINNGCHILDREN

Amongthese is an Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC)programme forchildrenaged0 to 17 years, whichconnectsyoung people with safe houses andfosterparents when needed

He said asocialworkprogramme also provides counselling andsupport services to families andindividuals in distress.

Engelexplained that olderresidents aresupported througha senior programme,which operates threetimes aweek andoffersactivitiesand social support

“Food security formsa keypartof thecentre’sworkthrough itssustain-

able livelihood programme,which provides around 1000 people with a warm meal each day.

“Unemployedresidents canaccess assistance throughthe jobdesk, wheretheycan create CVs, usecomputers andtakepartina job-readiness programme runinpartnership with Beulah Africa.”

RECOVERYSERVICES

AccordingtoEngel,the centre also offersa substanceabuse support programme,linking participants to recovery services includingCampJoy,a halfwayhouse forpeopleundergoing rehabilitation

He said violence prevention is addressedthrough theCeaseFire Cure Violence programme, whichfocuses on reducing violence in thecommunity by workingwithindividuals considered to be at high risk

“Young people arefurther supported throughaninterventionprogramme that offersart,culture,dance anddrama activities forparticipants aged five to 36.The programme worksclosely with Artscape Theatre, whereparticipantsstage annual productions. Allchildreninvolvedin theseproductions arefromHanover Park.”

AccordingtoEngel,mostofthe programmesare offered free of charge, however, some programmes require afee.

He explainedthattheyhaveclients from as farasthe Easternand NorthernCape.

“Our programmes do nothaveborderlines.There arenolimitsonwho

canaccess theprogrammes. Butwe target theHanover Park community andsurrounding areas.

“There is abig need in ourcommunity regardingthe social ills plaguing thecommunity.Wehavea data-drivenand scientifically proven programme so we canmeasure the impact in real time.Wehavequalitative data.”

DATADRIVENSUPPORT

Engelsaidabout 350000 people pass throughthe centre annually

“Wemeasure ourqualitative data by lookingathow many people are processedintojob opportunities, reunited with theirfamilies, their communities

“Wemeasure that data in real time andthatgives us credibility. Thedata proves that theworkwedoisadding value.”

Engelsaidwhenthe organisation wasfounded,itwas designed and structured to remain relevant even 20 yearsintothe future.

“Wegrewwiththe timesand today we areone of themostrelevant entities.The organisation ranthe flattening thecurve programme during Covid19onbehalfofthe provincial department of social development.”

He explainedthatthe organisation’s approach is rooted in apublichealth modelthataimstotacklecomplex social challenges in ameasurableand structured way.

“Mostofour programmesare based on epidemiology –how to stop the epidemic of violence,substance, poverty, unemployment.Wehavethe

public health approach towardsall ourprojects. So,wecan measureand make an actual impact.”

He calledonorganisations andreligiousinstitutionstoprovide funding andsupport fortheir work,whether by sponsoring achild or assisting someonebattlingsubstance abuse.

He said they do receivesupport from partners andcivic organisations, butstressedthatadditional funding is always needed

Albert Matthews, whoservesonthe management team at thefacility, said he sought help from thecentreasa youngboy addicted to drugs.

“I went therefor help becauseI hada drug problem. Throughthe programme my parents, whowere

addicted to drugsand alcohol, also gotthe help they needed.”

Matthewsexplained that aftercompletingthe rehabilitation programme, he stayed on at theorganisationand beganvolunteering.

“WhenI arrivedthere as ayoung person Iwas treatedwithrespect They neverspoke to my conditionbut to my potential. Ijustneeded somebody to recognisemypotential.The centre wasthatplatformfor me.”

Today, Matthewsisa staff member, usinghis experience to support andinspire others on theirrecovery journey.

. Formoreinformation or to support the organisation emailcontact@fcrc. org.za

JUNIORVIOLETS GRABSHONOURS

Abduragmaan Bassier of Violets RFCcuts throughanattempted tackle by Marcelino Cloete (right) of ManenbergRangers during aWPRUjunior u-9leaguegame played in Primrose Park on Saturday18April. Violets wonby3tries to 2.

Anewspaper that passes through hands.