People’s Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 23 June 2026
Wyn rg
plant15new trees in Maynardville Park on Tuesday, 16 June,in response to theongoing environmental threat posedbythe PolyphagousShot Hole Borer(PSHB)Bettle.
In thepastfew months,the park hasencountereda PSHB Bettle infestation. Twelve of its historic EnglishOakshavehad to be removed afterfalling victim to thePSHBBeetle,aninvasive speciesthathas been spreadingthrough theWestern Cape’s tree population with devastating effect. Thereisnotreatment.Oncea tree
dp pa Workingthrough theCity’sAdopt-a-TreeProgramme,volunteershelpedplant 15 indigenous replacementtrees underthe guidance of trained parksstaff NatashaFranchitti,foundingmemberof FOMP,saidthe turnouthad exceeded expectations. “Itwas lovely to seesomanyfamilies coming together,young andold,tohelpplant trees,” shesaid. “Itwas areally fun morning filledwithlaughterasweall worked together to plantfor thefutureofour park.”
Children worked alongsideparents andgrandparents, many of them long-timeparkusers
pa ep gh t, guidingvolunteers.
TheWynberg Rotary Club,Four& Twenty Café andBOS Teakeptvolunteersgoing with refreshments
That theevent fell on YouthDay was, for Franchitti,entirelyappropriate.
“The trees plantedonTuesday will take decades to reachfullheight; thechildrenwho dugthem in will grow up alongsidethem” shesaid.
Maynardville Park hasmoreworkahead of it
FOMP is fundraising to repair andupgrade the park’s ablution facilities,which areinpoor condition,and is developing plansfor heritage and
educationalinformation boards.Regular community clean-up days arealsobeing planned. Thegroup will continue to work with theCity on improvingthe park’s accessibility,safety andlong-term sustainability and, if Saturday’s turnoutisany indication,itwillnot be short of willing handswhenthe next projectcomes around . Residents who want to getinvolved, volunteer or makeadonation cane-mail friends@friendsofmaynardvillepark.org.za or follow FOMP on Instagram.
Wynbergresidents answeredthe callfromthe Friends of MaynardvillePark to help restorethe park’surban canopy on Youth Day.
Mayorjoins Blisters call
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Withthe annual Blisters forBread less than two months away,organisersare appealingtoCapetonianstosignupbeforethe deadline on Sunday 2August.
Theiconiccharity fun walk which is organisedbyPeninsula School FeedingAssociation(PSFA)will take placeonSunday, 16 August,at theSea PointPromenade With only 10000 spotsavailable, walkersare encouraged to enter forjustR125, whichwillhelpfeed 23 children with breakfastand lunchfor aday.The fundraising eventhas been fighting childhood
hunger for58years.Itoffersa 5km or 10km route, with medals and refreshments forall participants
The10kmwalkwillstart at 07:30while the5 km walk starts at 08:00.
Entertainmentincludestop artists Paxton,StevenLee Lewis, and SketchyBongo,plusfood stalls and family activities
PetrinaPakoe,directorofPSFA, says theevent is atestament to theassociation’ssharedcommitment to ensuring that everychild receives nutritious mealsdaily “Hundred percentofthe entryfee that entrants paygoestowards the feedingofthe children within our schools. Iwould like to encourage
FUNWALK IS A FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE FOR FEEDING CHILDREN
each andeveryonetocomeout, bringthe family andfriends.It’s nota race;it’sa fun walk.Let us uniteagainst childhood hunger.”
MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis, who will be joiningthe walk,urged Capetonianstosupport thewalkand feed theneedychildren.
“Itishardtothink of amoredeservingcause than feedinghungry school children in ourcity, andI
look forwardtojoining thousands of Capetoniansinthe Blisters for Breadwalk.” Hill-Lewisencouragedfamilies andschoolstolaceupand support “thisworthycause”.
“There hasnever been abetter reason to lace up your running shoesfor a5 or 10km walk that will have aprofoundeffectonthe livesofmanyyoung Capetonians. TheCityofCapeTownisproud to support Blisters forBread,and we areverygrateful forthe wonderful work thePSFAdoesinour city and hasbeen doingfor many decades.” .To enter visitwww.psfa.org.za. Forenquiries,get in touch with Top Eventsatinfo@topevents.co.za
Cablewaytoshutdownforroutineservice
TheTable Mountain Aerial Cableway Company(TMACC) will temporarilysuspend operations at theiconicTable Mountain for an annual maintenanceperiod, from Monday 27 July to Sunday 9 August
Thetwo-week shutdown forms part of thecompany’s longstanding commitmenttosafety, reliabilityand world-classoperational standards.
TMACCsaidina statementthe closurewillallowits skilledtechnicalteamtocarry outa comprehensiveprogramme of scheduled inspections, mechanical upgrades, andessentialmaintenance work on therotarycable carsystem.
This annual processisa critical componentonthe company’s operationalcalendar, ensuring that allequipment,infrastructure, andsafetysystems arethoroughly assessedand serviced before abusy summerseasonlater in theyear.
TMACCsaidalternative ways to experience TableMountain, includingseveral well-maintained hiking trails,willremainaccessibletothe public throughout themaintenance period,weather permitting Forthose celebratingbirthdays in July or August,the TMACC hasconfirmed that thetimingof theclosure will stillallowsufficienttimewithinbothmonthsto redeem acomplimentary birthday return ticket
Visitors areadvised to check theofficial websitefor termsand conditions relating to thebirthday ticket offer
Book ticketsinadvance through theofficial TableMountainAerial Cableway websitetosecureyour spot
FeesMustFall:Manywereborn-free.Nonefeltit
ingfor acommunity newspaper, readingnewsfor acommunity radiostation when Fees Must Fall arrivedatits peak
In 20 years’ time,the same memorandum we carried to the apartheidgovernmentwillbe carried to us.”
On 16 June 1976 twelve-yearoldHectorPieterson was shot by apartheidpoliceon thestreetsofOrlando West, Soweto.
SamNzima’s photograph captured what followed: Hector’s body cradledinthe arms of Mbuyisa Makhubo, hissisterAntoinette Sitholerunning alongside, her mouthopenina scream that has neverreally stopped. Approximately 566learnerswerekilled. Notyet oldenoughtovote, to ownproperty, to move freely throughthe countryoftheir birth. Buttheyunderstood,withextraordinary clarity, that thesystem shapingtheir liveswas wrong, and that silencewas no longer aform of survival
Politics were notforeign in my home.I grew up sitting at my grandmother’sfeet,listening to her describe an eraI hadnot livedbut somehowalready felt.She sang the strugglesongs andI wouldchant along, understandingthe weight Historywas nothandedtomeina classroom.Itlived in hervoice Icarried that into journalism, arriving at Cape PeninsulaUniversity of Technology (CPUT) doinga shortcourseatthe time,freelanc-
Idocumentedand interviewed studentactivists thesameage as thechildrenof1976. Many were born-free. None felt it
This YouthDay,watchingNetflix’s documentary TheTrialsof WinnieMandela,which airedin April, Ifound myself pulledback into that conversation
Born-freecarries both promise andparadox
We were supposedtobethe dividend of sacrifice made flesh. Instead, many of us inheritedthe debt of unfinished business.
Thedocumentary streamsinto over 190countries on an American platform
SouthAfrican memory now reachessubscribers whohave neverheard of Brandfort. Who tells thestory andfor whom is notseparatefromthe story. But beneaththe production,publisher Palesa Morodu raises thequestion threadingthe series:how do we hold political figuresaccountable whileacknowledging theviolence andpressure of thesystems they operated within?
Onemomentstoppedme. Winnie recalls telling Tata Nelson Mandela during thetransition: “I begged tata andtoldhim this is adummy freedom we aregivingtothe people
Thestudentsof1976alsocarried amemorandum. Shot at for demandingdignity in theirown language,their ownschools, their owncountry
Half acentury later, youngSouth Africans arestill marching.Still writingmemorandums.Still being told to wait
Before shebecamethe symbol the documentaryexamines, Winnie Madikizela wasa social worker,the firstqualified Blackmedical social worker at BaragwanathHospitalin Soweto.She encounteredapartheid notasideologybut as case files. As mothers. As children shaped by a system that haddecided what they were worth.
Thedocumentary holdsher resilience andher ruptureinthe same frame, anddoesnot look away from theTruth andReconciliation Commission (TRC)hearings of 1997
ThelateArchbishopDesmond Tutu addressedher:“Ibeg you, Ibeg you, Ibeg youplease. You area greatpersonand youdon’t know howyourgreatness wouldbe enhanced if youweretosay sorry, things went wrong, forgiveme.”
Herresponsewas partial: “I am saying it is true,thingswenthorriblywrong.” Yearslater shesaid: “Tothisday Iask Godtoforgive
me fornot forgivinghim.I wasn’t goingtosay sorry as if Ihad been responsiblefor apartheid.”
Thedocumentary does notresolvethis. It exposesthe question underneath what does accountabilitylook like fora person shaped by extraordinaryviolence, inside systems designed to breakher?That does notexcuse. It contextualises Thereisa difference ourpublic discourserarelymakes room for. Shewas notwithout flaws. But shewas notreducible to them.She was, in herown words, “a product of themassesofmycountry and theproduct of my enemy”.Not a villain.Not asaint.A productof environmentshapedbyapartheid violence,liberationstruggleand gendered scrutiny On YouthDay,thisiswhatwe owethe generation of 1976.Not candlelightvigils. Honestyabout whetherthe countrytheygave theirlives to buildhas been built, andrealreckoning with whyso many youngSouth Africans remain locked outofthe economy, the politicalprocess anda dignified future.
What happens to thewarnings carried by theyoung?
What happens to womenwho refusetobesoftened?
Andwhatdoesitsay aboutour democracyifitstill struggles to answer thechildrenwho marched into bullets,askingsimplytobe free?
TableMountain AerialCableway will close forannual maintenancefrom Monday 27 July to Sunday 9August PHOTO:KAYLYNNE BANTOM
TokaiLions
knit comfortfor cancer survivors Caring andsharing session
TFamilySupportfor Schizophrenia willhostits upcoming supportgroup meeting on Monday29June at 19:00,offeringfamiliesand carers of peopleliving with schizophrenia asafeand supportivespace to connect,share, and seek guidance. Thesession,themed “Caring and Sharing”,is designedtogiveparticipantsthe opportunitytoask questions, sharetheir personal experiences, and gain
perspectivefromothers navigating similar challenges. Themeeting willbefacilitated by Leigh Haselau and Wasima Fisher Caring foraloved one withschizophrenia canbe an isolating and emotionally demanding experience. Themeeting willbeheldonline . Getthe link at www.familysupport.org.za/ meetingsorbyemail mail@familysupport.org.za
Young recycler shines
NAMHLAMONAKALI
AHangberg youngsterwho recently featured in amusic videoisamong themanychildrenbenefiting from a Hout Bayrecycling initiative that rewardscommunity membersfor helping keep theirneighbourhoodsclean.
Adam Daniels(10), aregular participantat JunkSTARS’ Swop Shop,was recently celebrated by theorganisationafter appearinginthe official musicvideo forGangsta a2024release by American neo-soul groupFreeNationals, featuringrappers A$AP Rockyand Anderson .Paak.The video, directed by François Rousselet, hasamassedmorethan4,7 million viewson YouTube.
JunkSTARS, whichstandsfor Support,Trash, Alter, Refashion, Swop Shop, is anon-profit organisation (NPO)founded in 2020 by Jessie Chester. It encourages recyclingwhile helping families access essentialitems througha pointsbasedrewards system
Themilestone washighlighted during the organisation’s YouthDay activities on Tuesday 16 June,where children gatheredatthe Swop Shop in Hout BayHarbour
Theinitiativeacceptsplastic,cansand paper, whichare weighedwhenrecyclers bringthem to thesite. Participants receivepointsbased on theamountcollected,which canthenbe exchangedfor non-perishable food,toiletries, clothing,toys, books, gamesand baby products
TheSwopShopishousedina shipping container near theentranceofHoutBay Harbour, situated opposite theLook OutRestaurant. It wasdonated by theCityofCapeTownin2021 anddecorated by community artproject Intle Art.
CommitteememberDebbieSollsaidbetween 15 and20childrenand adults visitthe Swop Shop everyTuesday,withthe shop open from 14:00until 16:00, whileover300 people participateinthe programme at varioustimes
landfills
“Thatisa lotofplastic that is beingchannelled into theformalrecycling sector andnot finding itsway into theocean,” Soll said Adam hasbeen involved with JunkSTARSfor approximatelysix years.
Hisfather, Mervyn Daniels, also assisted the organisation with sortingrecycling during its earlyyears
TEARSAnimalRescuerecentlyannouncedthe openingofa newTEARS (The Emma Rescue Society) WhatsApp VetShop, making it easier than ever forpet owners across Cape Town to shop for theirpetswhile supportinganimals in need Whilethe newTEARS physical Vetshopand Clinic is in the finalstagesofdevelopment, customerscan alreadyenjoy theconvenience of shopping throughthe newWhatsAppVet Shop.
TEARSOperationsManager,Mandy Store, says:“We’vebeen workinghardtobring avet shop to ourcommunity andwedidn’twantto keep people waiting. TheWhatsAppVet Shop meanswecan getstarted straight away.”
Theshopstocksa wide rangeoftrusted pet brands,including Rogz,Hills, Montegoand Lekkerbarkey.
Customerscan shop fordry food,treats, accessories,collars,leads etcand ordering is simple
throughout theyear.
“Wehavemanyregular recyclerswho cleanup in theircommunity andcollect thePET andare then able to shop foritems that canhelptheir families,” shesaid.
Most participants come from theHangberg community,althoughthe programme is open to anyone
JunkSTARSsaysitcollectsbetween 600 kg and1 000 kg of plasticeachmonth.The sorted recyclable material is handed over to the ImizamoYethu RecyclingCo-operative, which channels it into theformalrecycling sector.This work is further supported throughJunkSTARS’ partnershipwiththe Blue Bay2030campaign, an initiative aimedatachieving Blue Flag Marina status forHoutBay Harbourby2030, while keepingplastic outofthe oceanand away from
Soll describedAdamasone of theprogramme’s familiar faceswho brings enthusiasm andenergytothe Swop Shop “Adamisalwaysenthusiastic, very persuasive andchatty.Heisa real character.”
ForJunkSTARS,Adam’sachievement reflects thepotential of theyoung people whoparticipate in theprogramme.The organisation says itsgoalextends beyond recyclingcreating opportunitiesfor children andfamilieswhile encouragingenvironmental responsibility within thecommunity
Residentsinterestedinjoining theinitiative canvisit JunkSTARSinHoutBay Harbour, whererecycling is accepted throughout the week
. Formoreinformation,contact the organisation viaemail at info@junkstars.org.
Patronscan browse thecatalogue,place their ordervia WhatsApp, andcollect from thenearest TEARScollectionpoint,including thekennels, cattery or anyTEARS thrift store. TEARSisa registered non-profitorganisationbased in Cape Town,dedicated to therescue, treating,rehabilitation, andrehomingofabandoned andabused animals
Collections areavailable Monday to Sunday from 09:00to16:30
Acourier option is also availablefor customers locatedfurther afieldatanadditional cost
“Every purchase made throughthe TEARS VetShophelps support ouranimalrescueand welfareprogrammes,”adds Store. “Whenyou shop with TEARS, you’re notonlyproviding for your ownpets, you’re helpingvulnerableanimals receivethe care they deserve.”
The City of Cape Town andthe Schotsche Kloof Body Corporatehelda meetingonWednesday,17June, to resolvethe growingwater woes at the SchotscheKloof flats, betterknown as the191-unitsectional titlescheme.
Accordingtoreports,someresidents have reportedly been withoutrunning waterfor the last monthafter themunicipalityrestricted supplytothe building’s bulk watermetersdue to unpaid debts.
Accordingtothe City,the SchotscheKloof Body Corporate’soverdue debt currently stands at R17million,withanaverage R170000 monthlybilland only R50000 totalpaidtodate this year
In apress statement, theCityannouncedthat watersupplyhad been restricted in lightofthe “unsustainable accumulating debt,non-payment”and thebodycorporate “not honouring paymentagreements”.
Standpipes,inclose proximityto fire hydrants andresidential unitshavebeeninstalled to ensure each blockhas access to water, theCity stated
“The body corporatehas repeatedly made falseundertakingstothe City andhas not collected or paid over monthlywater bills from unit-holders forunclear reasons.
“The body corporatefurther neglectedto providepromisedinformation to register pensionerand indigent beneficiaries, with the City proceedingtogodoor-to-door to ensure all were registered,” read thestatement
ButaccordingtoAboebakar Diedericks,one of thetrustees of thebodycorporate,theyhave been in back-and-forth meetings with theCity forseveral years.
Diedericks claimedthatthe City hadsoldthe unitstoresidents on abulkwater metering system
He said the191 flatsonlyhave16water meters “Itisdifficult fora body corporatetoswitchoff thewater of defaulters,because they make use of abulkwater metering system.And themajority of tenants, of whichmostare pensioners, arepayingtheir waterand levies.”
Diedericks claimedthe debt hasballooned to R17million largelydue to accumulatedinterest.
Standpipes in closeproximity to firehydrants and residential units have beeninstalled.
