People's Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 25 November 2025

The well-loved Veldt restaurant in Hout Bay was left severely damaged after a fire broke out on Friday 14 November, forcing the popular eatery to halt operations while the owners assess the extent of the destruction No injuries were reported

In a statement shared on their Facebook page shortly after the incident, the Veldt team described the moment as one of deep shock and sadness, saying they were “devastated, still in shock, still taking in the reality of what has happened but profoundly grateful that no one was hurt ”

The fire, which broke out during the afternoon trading period, brought an abrupt halt to activity at the establishment Staff and management were still trying to process the loss as they communicated with customers, neighbours and supporters

The team said they had been overwhelmed by the response from residents across Hout Bay, noting the volume of messages and offers of assistance that poured in within hours “In the midst of this heartbreak, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, con-

Ve dt as beco e a ecog sab e a e t e area, known for its fire-focused menu, deli-style offerings and its emphasis on South African flavours Its approach to cooking over open flame, slow-smoking meats and promoting locally inspired dishes has cemented its place in Hout Bay’s growing culinary landscape For residents, it has been more than a restaurant, it has served as a lively meeting point for families, friends and visitors, with a reputation for warm hospitality and a relaxed, communal atmosphere

The damage caused by the fire has forced the business to cancel all existing bookings The owners said they were unable to provide a firm indication of when trading might resume

“Over the next few days, we will take time to assess the situation and figure out our next steps,” they said

The statement ended with a message of gratitude to their customers and supporters, reflecting the emotional toll of the incident

“Thank you for holding us up, ” the team wrote “With love, The Veldt Team ”

At the time of publication, no information had been released regarding the possible cause of the fire, and the owners had not yet confirmed the timeline for repairs or reopening

Further updates are expected once formal assessments have taken place

at Officer will help to Heat in the city

test months, some parts experience temperatures

The highest temperaord for last year was orded at the Royal Cape in the Foreshore, the for Cape Town the Heat programme, during the summer of ocuses on communities ed by high temperading Atlantis, Mamre, oe Slovo and Sir Lowry’s e tive is implemented by ty departments, includnmental Management, esilience, and Disaster gement n joined the internaChampions for Heat HA) network last year, ne of only three African gside Freetown and unty, to be part of the nership appointment forms part rnational collaboration

HIGHEST TEMP IN CITY LAST YEAR WAS 44.6°C

Chief Heat Officers across the world aim to unify city responses to extreme heat, accelerate protection measures, and reduce the risks and impacts of heat, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Gareth Morgan, the City’s Executive Director for Future Planning and Resilience

The United Nations (UN) issued a Call to Action on Extreme Heat in July last year, urging governments to prioritise protecting vulnerable groups, workers, and communities while strengthening economic and social resilience

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined other CCHA mayors in endorsing the call The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of extremely hot and uncomfortable

conditions expected over the Bergrivier and Matzikama municipalities, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach the 40s Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses

TIPSTOBEATTHEHEAT:

. Drink plenty of water, spray bottle or damp cloth to cool down

. Seek shade or visit air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries or shopping centres

. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a wide-brim hat

. Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon

. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting, and seek medical help immediately

. Check on family, neighbours, and friends, especially those at higher risk

. For details and downloadable tools on heat safety,visit capetown gov za or access the City’s Beat the Heat educational materials site.

estomodernvalidationtech

dators at the MyCiTi d on the buses are eir end of life and much le phone that needs to d after a certain period, ed to replace these valh the modern version he new single validators placing the old separate OUT” machines on the streamlining the boardfor commuters,” said Mayco member for urban ob Quintas

All work is planned for after hours and during off-peak times to minimise the disruption for commuters

As of Tuesday 2 December, commuters will notice replacement validators are activated at one station gate in the Stadium; Granger Bay; Refinery; Sandown and Janssens stations Around Thursday 4 December replacement validators will be activated on the first ten buses

Customers may encounter a mix

of old and new validators while the installations are still under way and commuters are encouraged to use the old separate IN and OUT validators

At stations, customers should continue to tap in and tap out on any old validator or replacement validator in order to enter or exit These devices are also being used to replace info terminals at all stations where commuters view their card balance and transaction history

be gentler with myself...

I have come to realise that I’m married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up and wonders who one is outside of one ’ s job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years

I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life

That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are

My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle We internalised those messages until slowing down began to feel like failure It has become normal to answer emails at midnight, to skip rest days and equate exhaustion with success

But what happens when the career slows down, when the children grow up or when the titles fade? What happens when the thing that once defined one becomes partly redundant, has partly outlived its use value? That question haunts me sometimes Because

I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be

Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later

Except “later” always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one ’ s body reminds one it has limits even when one ’ s will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks “Who are you now?”

I am learning that belonging comes from connection, to ourselves, to others and to moments that have nothing to do with ambition

Sometimes that looks like a quiet walk after a long day Sometimes it is laughing with friends without checking one ’ s phone Sometimes it is doing absolutely nothing and realising one is still enough

That recognition takes practice For me it has meant setting boundaries that once felt impossible, saying no to late-night deadlines, taking weekends to reconnect with family and picking hobbies up that do not have outcomes or evaluations It means making peace with stillness, an uncomfortable task for those of us conditioned to measure our days in productivity I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do

There has to be more There has to be room to breathe, to grow, to change

So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am

Buy cake, support palliative care

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Wynberg East residents have once again shown their support for the Festive Fruit Cakes with Care fundraising drive, which raises funds for Victoria Hospital’s Abundant Life Palliative Care (ALPC) programme. The fifth annual campaign aims to sustain palliative care services for patients across the community.

One of the season ’ s most notable supporters, Lynn Samuels, purchased a total of 120 cakes, equivalent to 10 cases of 12 each Her contribution helps ALPC reach more homes and provide care and comfort to patients during the festive season

Speaking to People’s Post, Rashmi Kooverjee said he first became involved with the initiative after learning about ALPC from Dr Clint Cupido, who started the Abundant Life programme He added: “Victoria Palliative Care is 16 years old and has grown to support plenty more patients There is a wonderful team doing incredible work, and it inspired me to help in any

EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY,REGARDLESS OF FAITH OR BELIEFS,CAN SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN.

the cakes are non-alcoholic, halal and kosher, which allows them to cut across interfaith boundaries “Everyone in the community, regardless of faith or beliefs, can support the drive and share the cakes with family and friends ” Over the past four years, the campaign has raised R750 000, starting with R150 000 in the first year This year, the target is R1 million, with a current goal to raise R500 000 for this season alone

Kooverjee said the continued community support demonstrates loyalty to the campaign beyond the fundraising aspect “It is not just about the money, but the organic support for all visitors who come to Victoria Hospital facilities,” he explained

CT launches season’s safety plan

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Muizenberg Beach had the honour of being the site of the launch of the City of Cape Town’s Festive Season Safety Plan, on Tuesday 18 November

The City outlined its plans for its overall festive safety deployment, beach safety and drowning prevention and traffic enforcement at the

Muizenberg Civic Centre

The launch also highlighted lifeguarding and other proactive measures to prevent drownings as well as enhanced road-safety operations along major routes and in the vicinity of beaches and tourism hotspots

Hill-Lewis

“The public can further expect enhanced deployments on the City’s roads, at busy beaches, braai areas and tourism hotspots, including Table Mountain Vehicle checkpoints will be in place across the metro, and

Impulsive spending a threat to consumers

As South Africans gear-up for Black Friday on 28 November, the National Financial Ombud (NFO) urges consumers to think twice before swiping their way into a financial hangover

While seasonal discounts may offer short-term appeal, the long-term consequences of overspending on credit, including high-interest debt and depleted savings, can undermine essential financial goals and lead to post-holiday hardship

The NFO has also cautioned that digital fraud tends to spike during the year-end holiday season

Nerosha Maseti, Credit and Banking Division Lead Ombud at the NFO, said Black Friday, known for massive sales and long lines, is a shopper’s adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers and the thrill of snagging the perfect deal

“But beneath the buzz lies a financial minefield

Swipe-happy spending can spiral into credit-card chaos and lurking digital scams are ready to pounce when vigilance slips To win the day truly, smart shoppers arm themselves with a plan, stay sharp online and keep their budgets on lockdown After all, the best deal is one that doesn’t cost your peace of mind ”

IMPULSIVESPENDING

Many South Africans use credit to fund Black Friday purchases, but impulsive spending can lead to unmanageable debt Maseti said the risks of such expenditure include high-interest credit card balances or short-term loans, depletion of savings intended for essential goals like home ownership, education or emergencies and financial strain after the holiday

season, when unexpected credit card or loan repayments become due, leaving consumers with limited funds for essential living expenses

She advised consumers to set a spending budget and stick to it; prioritise long-term financial goals over seasonal bargains; and keep credit balances low

CREDITCARDFRAUD

The NFO also sounded the alarm on a surge in credit-card scams Fraudsters tend to zero in on Black Friday shoppers using non-bank and store-branded credit cards, especially those tied to big-name retailers

“These criminals contact cardholders by phone,” Maseti warned, “impersonating representatives from these companies, and deceive unsuspecting consumers into revealing their confidential One-Time Pins (OTPs) to make unauthorised purchases at large merchants, leaving victims responsible for fraudulent charges

“While this scam has been known in traditional banking circles for many years its rising prevalence in the nonbank credit card market is deeply concerning The NFO is worried such fraud will escalate over Black Friday with high transaction volumes and increased consumer activity

“It is crucial for cardholders to remember that no legitimate company will ever ask them to share confidential information such as card numbers, passwords, or OTPs ”

DISCOUNTEDAIRLINETICKETS

A recent case investigated by the NFO revealed a new trend, with the consumer losing R120 000 after

responding to a social media advert offering discounted airline tickets

After submitting her phone number and email via a link she was contacted through WhatsApp and instructed to download an app from the Google Play Store to access promo codes

Though the link appeared secure the app was fraudulent and embedded with malware

Soon after installation the consumer ’ s phone began overheating and behaving erratically The unexpected activation of the camera ’ s green light raised immediate concerns On checking her banking app the consumer discovered two unauthorised transactions and swiftly reported the incident to both her bank and the police

Despite her prompt action within just 27 minutes after the transactions,the bank denied liability, citing that the payments had been authorised via selfie-authentication on her trusted device The consumer escalated the matter to the National Financial Ombud (NFO), seeking a full refund Following investigation the NFO found that the funds had already been utilised before the fraud was reported, leaving no opportunity for recovery Also, the bank provided evidence that biometric authentication was used to approve the transactions

Based on the specific facts of the complaint, it was evident that the compromise originated from the consumer ’ s interaction with a fraudulent third-party app, which contained malware capable of remote access and biometric simulation

Maseti said no proof was provided that the transactionshad taken place

as a result of maladministration or safety and security failures on the part of the bank “By downloading the fraudulent app, the consumer essentially handed over her phone,” she said, “including all the information stored on her phone, to the criminals and this resulted in the fraud The NFO accordingly could not conclude that the bank was liable for the consumer ’ s loss ”

ANTI-FRAUDTIPS:

. Never share your OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be from your credit provider . End suspicious calls immediately and contact your credit provider directly using an official phone number and not the number provided by the scammers

BESCEPTICALOFSOCIALMEDIAPROMOTIONS.

. Verify legitimacy: Check official airline websites or verified social media accounts before engaging . Avoid sharing personal info: Never post your phone number or sensitive details publicly

THINKTWICEBEFOREDOWNLOADING APPS

. Use trusted sources – only download apps from verified developers with strong reviews and a high download count

MONITORYOURBANKACCOUNTS CLOSELY

. Check transactions daily, especially after suspicious activity . Report fraud immediately to your bank and file a police affidavit if needed . Consumers facing challenges are encouraged to contact the NFO on

cock mantis shrimps lub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass

Oceans Aquarium today.

Mobility gives you wings to soar!

Having lost her first leg at just one year old, prosthetics have given her a second chance at a full life.

Nokuthula Yonke (24) from Lansdowne faced a difficult upbringing Raised in foster care, and born with spina bifida, Princess Nonny, as she is affectionately known, has overcome much adversity in her short two decades “I was born with level four spina bifida I was born with both legs, but due to my disability my health had been going up and down I lost my first leg when I was a year and six months, and now I am a double below-the-knee amputee,” she says She has been a patient of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre (OPC) Pinelands for almost 20 years, having received her first prosthetic leg at the age of five through an outreach clinic to Maitland Cottage Hospital in the early 90s

With the help of these prostheses, the Lansdowne local has gone on to compete in pageantry earning 1st Princess of Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021 and playing professional international sport in provincial and national colours in wheelchair basketball, shotput, discuss and adaptive surfing, among other achievements

She is also a full-time student

“Prosthetics has improved my life so much as an athlete and a part of society I can do so many things I never imagined I could do, such as hiking and walking more than 10-

THE CENTRE WORKS ON REFERRALS

20km from one place to another I am able to ride the bike in the gym, pick up weights These are all the things I used to see on Instagram reels growing up and never imagined I would be able to do,” she says She receives ongoing care, with pin lock prostheses made to fit her active lifestyle

On Wednesday 5 November, we observed International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, aimed at creating awareness and celebrating the role played in empowering those with disabilities November is also Disability Awareness Month

Mr Bongani Mlambo, Facility Manager at OPC Pinelands, says they treat a variety of ailments in the management of disability, pain and injury

“The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre in Pinelands is the only Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness centre that services the province with orthotic, prosthetic and footwear services, excluding the Eden region where these services are outsourced to a private service provider The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre currently operates 122 outreach clinics across 21 different locations,” he says The centre works on referrals from a number of hospitals and facilities across the province and treat patients

with ailments and injuries including scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, athletes with injuries such as ankle sprain or shin splint, diabetic foot, arthritis, amputations, trauma, chronic pain management and other foot deformities

The facility manufactures aides from scratch, specially customised to the need and body of the patient They also offer ready to purchase aides procured from a local supplier

The centre treats both adults and children from eight weeks old OPC Pinelands treats patients on referrals only For orthotic services, patients are referred from community health care centres, primary health care centres, community organisations, geriatric services, insurance providers, government organisations, pediatric services, private and non-profit organisations For prosthetic services you need a referral from the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre Amputation clinic or Groote Schuur Hospital Amputation clinic

Withgrowingdiabetesrisk,healthychoicesstartyoung

Diabetes is a group of diseases characterised by high blood sugar levels

With more residents getting tested for diabetes, the City’s Health department has welcomed the trend but cautions that screening must go hand in hand with healthier choices, especially among younger people World Diabetes Day is commemorated annually on 14 November

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of South Africans and is the second leading cause of death

in the country, behind tuberculosis

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, 14% of adults aged 18 years and older were living with diabetes, an increase from 7% in 1990

More than half (59%) of adults aged 30 years and over living with diabetes were not taking medication for their diabetes in 2022

Historically, diabetes is associated

with older persons, but recent trends show that Type 2 Diabetes is starting to affect younger persons Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said more people in their 20s are diagnosed with diabetes and the cause is often the choices they made as teenagers “Healthy food choices and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type

2 diabetes You’re not too young to start making better choices for your health ” In the past financial year, the number of diabetes screenings at City clinics in the 18 to 44 age group rose by just more than 4% to 132 518, with 425 new diabetes clients . For more information visit your nearest City Health clinic: https:// www capetown gov za/Departments/ City%20Health%20Department

‘Ou Ses’ short film hits big screen

South Africa’s big-screen scene is about to get a jolt of raw authenticity with ‘Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel ‘ the latest short film from writer, actor and filmmaker Enrico Hartzenberg.

The film introduces two new actors, Wayde Solomons (21) and Yulbritte Smith (33), whose performances bring a fresh dimension to a story that blends grit, heart and humanity

“Forget the usual crime stories,” said Hartzenberg, founder of Hartzenberg Films “Ou Ses tells a story of courage, legacy and the redemptive power of love I wanted to show that there’s so much more to our communities than the headlines there’s resilience, laughter and dreams that refuse to die ”

The film will premiere nationwide on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November as part of the “Heart & Hustle Anthology” alongside three other Hartzenberg Film short films at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas

Hartzenberg described the agreement with Ster-Kinekor as a landmark collaboration and one of his most ambitious undertakings yet much more than a personal milestone

“This exhibition agreement isn’t just a win for Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel

HEART & HUSTLE FILMS SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT

or ‘Heart & Hustle’,” he said “It’s a powerful affirmation that our stories – urgent, emotional, and deeply rooted in the South African experience –deserve to be seen on the big screen ”

Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer of Ster-Kinekor, said they are thrilled to support emerging talent

“Screening local films in cinema is vital to keep the culture of cinema-going alive in South Africa We’re proud to play a role in showcasing stories that reflect the richness and complexity of our communities ”

RISINGSTARS

Ou Ses marks an important breakthrough for both Solomons and Smith

Solomons, a young actor, voice-over artist, and broadcaster from Eerste River, already has early credits on Skemergrond, Suidooster, Wyfie and Coby Phoenix Rise

The 21-year-old said joining Ou Ses felt “like stepping into my purpose ” Smith, a performer from Belhar’s Chestnut Place, turned personal setbacks into fuel for her craft

After a dance injury paused her career, she completed a master’s-level theatre programme at Jacomus, actor Dann-Jacques Mouton’s drama school

Soon after, Hartzenberg invited her to join Ou Ses without an audition

“After years of trying, this felt like God making a way, ” said Smith To Hartzenberg Films, Ou Ses isn’t just a short film, it’s a statement

“By investing in under-represented and emerging voices, Hartzenberg Films wants to expand the lens of South African storytelling and make space for new perspectives,” said Hartzenberg “I’m thrilled to give audiences a fresh perspective on our stories, and even more excited to showcase the raw talent bubbling up from our communities ”

Set on the Cape Flats, the film follows Charles, a man returning home after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit only to find his family home taken over by the very man who betrayed him

The “Heart & Hustle Anthology” also includes the screening of: Sister Dinges a grief-fuelled revenge story told through a queer lens; After Quiet a reflective exploration of silence, memory, and healing; and Mr Isaacs a powerful narrative examining masculinity and generational trauma

Collectively, the films embody the dual spirit of “Heart & Hustle” “Heart reflects the emotional depth and humanity that ground each story, ” said Hartzenberg, “while hustle shows the resilience, drive, and determination to rise above adversity ” The anthology will be screened at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas

nationwide from Thursday 27 November until Sunday 7 December Hartzenberg will host a meet-andgreet session at the screening at the V&A Waterfront on Thursday 27 November .Book at www sterkinekor com or the SK App.Call Ticketline on 086 166 8437 for queries