People’s Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 28 April 2026

Declining vaccination aworry

Arise in measlescases across the WesternCapehas raised fresh concerns aboutdeclining childhood-vaccination ratesand growinggaps in community immunity.

Health officialswarnthatthe spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella anddiphtheriaposes aserious public-health risk,withefforts intensified to protect children andprevent further outbreaks.

An increase in measlesoutbreaks hasbeen reported in theBelharand Delftareas,withover 20 casesreportedsince thestart of this year

TheWestern Cape Department of Health and Wellnesssaidthe increase in measlescases wasnot unique to theprovince, as SouthAfrica faceda declineinchildhood-vaccination uptake, whichposes aserious risk forpublichealth andthreatens thecountry’s efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases

Thedepartmentfurther said thedecline contributedtomultipleoutbreaks of measles, rubella anddiphtheriaacrossthe province,signalling seriousgapsinpopulationimmunity

SinceOctober 2024,the department has ramped up itsimmunisation efforts to protect children from seriousand life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases

It hasimplemented an early-warningand -responsesystemtothese outbreaks, which includes strengtheningcoordination of the response,intensifyingdisease surveillance, clinical management of casesand community engagement “Targetedvaccination outreaches will be prioritisedinthe areaswhere we seea rapidincrease in measlescases,” thedepartmentwrote

in astatement

PROTECTCHILDRENFROMMEASLES

Measlesisa highly contagious diseasethat infectsthe respiratorytract.Symptomsinclude high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing

Health-carepractitioners candiagnose measlesonsigns andsymptoms, anda blood sample collected forlaboratorytesting

Parentsare urgedtolook outfor measles symptoms andkeep theirchildrenhomewhen they have oneormoreofthese symptoms to curb thespreadofthishighlycontagious disease.

Should achild runa fever, feel sleepyorstruggletoeat parentsare urgedtotakethemtothe nearestclinicimmediately. Potentialcomplicationsofmeasles includepneumonia,diarrhoea, braininfection andblindness.

Complicationsare more seriousinthose who catchmeasles as younginfants (under 2years of age) andinchildrenwho aremalnourished. Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilities, andcatch-updoses can be givenifa childhas misseda vaccination Vaccinesare also availablethrough private-sectorfacilitiesand private-public partnerships.

Applicationsforfellowshipclosethisweek

Grade12learnerswho displayacademicexcellenceand entrepreneurialpotential have until Thursday 30 Apriltoapplyfor TheAllan Gray OrbisFoundationFellowshipProgramme Theprogramme givesmatriculantswho have always dreamt of making adifference in their community or wanted to explorea career as business owners.Successful candidates gain access to needs-baseduniversityfunding, entrepreneurialmindset developmentand the support of personal industry mentors. Throughthese combinations of resources, networks anddevelopment opportunities,

CandidateAllanGrayFellows areempowered to generate ideas, launch ventures andgrow purpose-driven businessesthatmakea tangible impact

Requirements:

. SouthAfrican citizenship

. Currently in Grade12inthe year of application

. Aminimum of 60%inpuremathematics or 80%inmathematicalliteracyfor finalGrade 11 results

. Aminimum averageof70% for finalGrade 11 results(excludinglifeorientation)

. An intentiontostudy towardsa commerce, science, engineering, law, humanities,arts, or health sciences degree (excluding medicine, veterinary science, anddentistry)atone of the following partneruniversities: University of theWestern Cape,UniversityofCapeTown, Stellenbosch University,UniversityofKwaZulu Natal, University of theFreeState,University of Pretoria,RhodesUniversity, Nelson Mandela University,UniversityofJohannesburg, Wits University or TSiBA. .Visitwww.allangrayorbis.org to downloadan application form,ortoapplyonline

LateapplicationsforGrR,1and8to17May

Following theclosure of applications forGrade R, 1and 8learnersfor the2027academic year,the WesternCapeEducation Department (WCED) says parentswho missedthe deadline will have untilSunday17May to applyaspart of itslateapplicationprocess.

Accordingtothe WCED,a totalof166 144 parentsapplied fortheir children before the Tuesday14April deadline

However, alllateapplications will only be considered by schoolsafter theapplications received during theon-time window have been considered

Schoolswillnow applytheir admissionspolicies to allthe applications they received during

theon-time window

Theoutcomesofthese applications will become availableonlinefromThursday28May, andparents must confirm theirchoiceofplace by Monday 15 June

Parentswho receivemultipleoffersofacceptancebut do notselectone of thoseoffersby Monday 15 June will be automatically confirmed to theirtop-rankedchoice.

Parentswho wish to transfer theirchild to a differentschoolfor Grades 2– 7or9 –12next year duetorelocationwillhavethe opportunity to submit atransferrequest between Monday 3 August andMonday17August.

TheWCEDurges parentswho have appliedto

inform thedepartmentiftheir contactdetails changed, to ensure thecorrect detailswhenthe outcomes of applications aremadeavailable Provincial educationministerDavid Maynier said parentsare responsiblefor applying fora placeata school fortheir child.

“There arestill 1441 current Grade7 learners in theWestern Cape whoseparents have not yetappliedfor aplace in Grade8 next year.We urge parentstoapplyimmediately, to help us plan fora placeina school fortheir childnext year

“Wehavemadehelpavailable forparents so therereally is no reason nottoapply,”said Maynier.

Techno-savs,don’tgazetoolongintoabyss

Theconsequence of toomuch convenienceseemstobea topic that mayholdanominous future fornot only thecurrent butfuture generationsifleftunchecked Thesedaystechnologyand our cellphoneshavestreamlined the activities that used be laborious andtime-consuming. Thereare countlessapps, with some newonesbeing createdas we speak, that caneasilyoffer us shortcutstopurchasegroceries, clothing or offer us opportunities to date newpeopleorprovide us alifttoworkoranevening outon thetown.

Thebreakneck speedsofinternet access at shopping malls,cafes andplazashavealsoprovidedus so much opportunitytoanswer emails,conduct Zoom meetings or

provideusa spot to download and stream an albumorserieswe’re binging. Sure theseinnovations wouldsound like autopiatomost whogrewupinthe ’60s with their ears closetotheir radiosetsfor the latest instalment of theirserialor to hear what wasonthe hitparade, or theircounterpartsa decade later whowould trytowatch asitcom from aneighbour’s window

Thosedaysthe TV sets were tiny compared to today’s, with their 4K ultra-realisticresolutions

Thescary part of ourfast-paced modern ageisthe length of time we spendstaring at ourcellphone screensand promptingour tasks andstaying productive,thatwe neglectour physical well-being, not to mentionour spirituallives

Late-night doom-scrolling in ourcomfy beds watching endless streamsofbite-sizedcontent are strainingour eyes andmakingus insomniac, as we entertainourselves to funny videos andother sourcesofdopaminehitsthatform

ourpersonaluseralgorithms. What is importanttoknowhere is that we arespoonfedcurated content, news andentertainment that couldalsoalign with ourbeliefs andideologies, which couldbecomeproblematic if one becomestrappedinloop content that strokesour egos withoutalso challengingustothink Hating andtrolling remain as popularasever, andinthe commentssectionsusers canbeseen trying to competefor thewittiest comment or thenastiestremark, lambasting someonefor theirhaircutoroutfitchoice. Thesad realityisthatCEOsof thesesocial-mediaplatforms care more forprofitthanbullying, as more commentsmeanmoretraction as engagement helpsa post to keep appearingonpeople’stimelinesdespite howthe insultshave hurt thevictim’smentalhealth. It appearswecan become so numb lookingatall thechaotic news,especially with theendless

updatesofdestroyed hospitals, schoolsand destructionand bloodshed plaguing theMiddleEast, site of theholiest places associated with ourmonotheisticfaiths. Theirony of allthisisthatpeople arekilling oneanother in His name,ofdoing God’swork, andwe remain astonished at howcontent creators usethese tragic wars to fueltheir politicalagendas and endlessmudslinging.All thewhile thelateJohnLennon’santhemof peace, “Imagine”, springstomind, afamiliartunethatseemstofallon deaf areas. So Ipraythatwestart usingthese toolstoreflectonourselves more closely, insteadofbecomingmore andmoreabsorbedinthe endless dramaand oceanofcontent informingushow to live andwhat to like

As theGermanphilosopher FriedrichNietzsche famously said: “And if yougazelongintothe abyss, theabyss also gazesinto you. ”

Topcopinrapecasegetsbail

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Asenior Western Cape policeofficerisdue to return to the WynbergMagistrates’Court on Wednesday 27 Mayafter he wasgranted R5 000bail withstrict conditions.

The45-year-old colonel attached to the Western Cape protection andsecurityservicesunit facesrape and sexual assault charges.

According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate(Ipid), the officerallegedlyraped and sexually assaulted a44-year-oldfemalesubordinate in Maylast year

tions imposedbythe court.Ipid said the case was postponed to allowconsultationbetween the accused and his legalrepresentative. Thedirectorateinvestigates criminal offences allegedlycommittedbymembers of the policeservice. In its latest statistics, Ipid reported 116 rape cases had been registered nationally by the end of March this year.Thesecases form part of awider category of serious offences under investigation. TheEastern Cape recorded the highest number of caseswith 22 Gauteng and the Western Cape each recorded 21 cases.

FROMPAGE1

“There is aneed forthemtosocialise with their peers. Most elderlyare left at home alonewith littleornostimulation forthe mind andbody,” Meyersaid.

Rather than functioning as an oldage home, thecentreoperatesduringthe dayasa safe, home-likespace whereroutine,careand connectionformpartofeverydaylife.

Meyerdescribes it as a“home away from home”.

Inside thecentre, theday is builtaround shared meals, conversation andsimpleactivities that keep residentsengaged andconnected Thefocus is on dignity, presence andsocial well-beingratherthanclinicalcare. “Weprovide them with safety,somewarmmeals and greatcompany,” Meyersaid.

Sevenelderly people attend thecentredaily Allare mobile,using walkersorcrutches whereneeded, andare able to manage their ownpersonalcare.

Thecentrealso accommodatesclients living

with dementia,offeringa stable andsupervised environment.

Meyersaidsomestruggletoleave at theend of theday “Theyenjoy each other, andsomeofthemare reluctanttoleave in theafternoon.Theyalways saytimegoestoo quick,”she said Families,she added, have noticedpositive changesinmood andoverall well-being.

Behind thedaily routine, however, thecentre facesongoing financialpressure

As anon-governmentalorganisation(NGO), thecentrereliesoncommunity supportand at timesprovidescarewithout payment.

“The main challengeislackoffunds to pay fortheir fees.AsI am an NGO, Idotreat some clientsinthe communityfor free,” Meyersaid.

Thecentrecontinues to operatethrough donationsand sponsorships,which help sustainit andallow more elderlyresidents to attend

Meyersaidevensmall contributionsmake ameaningfuldifference in keepingthe centre open to thosewho rely on it

Leap of Faith ElderlyDay Care offersolder residents astructured andwelcoming environmentwhere theyreceive daily support,shared mealsand companionship,without the institutional setting of aresidential facility.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Thedaymustremindusofthe manychallengesandrights

Prior to yesterday’sFreedom Day celebrations, People’s Post took to the streetstoget asense of what Capetoniansthink aboutthe day.

Theday marksthe country’s firstdemocratic electionsin1994,a historic turningpoint that endedapartheid andushered in hopesof freedom,equalityand abetterlifefor all. More than threedecades later, theday remainsa commemoration anda moment of reflection on howfar thecountry hascome—andhow far it stillhas to go.Tocapture theseviews on the ground,wespoke to ourreaders andasked: HasFreedom Daybrought real change to your community,ordoyou feel thereisstill along waytogo?

. Patric Solomons said:“Freedom Daycelebratesour non-racial democracywhere every childand adultisequal before thelaw andhave theirrightsprotected.The daymustremindus of themanychallenges andrightsviolations ourchildrenand vulnerable groups stillface. It must inspireustoend thesystemicproblems that hamper transformation to endpoverty, inequality,and improvethe advancementof theblack childand family:prevent andreduce crimeand corruptionand improvesecurityfor all.

Ourcurrent challengefor children is rooted in thesocialeconomicsystems of exploitation anddispossession of thepoorand enrichment of multinationaloperationsand business, and maintainingwhite wealth andlandamassed during thecolonialand apartheidexploits. freedomsgainedare easily lost if notprotected, implementedand enjoyed.

. Graham Daniels said Freedom Daymust be both acelebration anda call to action.“In ourcommunity,there hasbeen progress. More people have access to services,and residentsare more awareoftheir rights andresponsibilities. Thereisa stronger senseofcommunity voice andparticipation.However,the realityisthat many stillfacedaily struggles,unemployment, crime, housingshortages andinconsistentser-

vice delivery.For some,the promiseoffreedom hasnot yettranslatedintomeaningful change in theireverydaylives.”

. KevinAlexander said:“We stillhavea long waytogo, although we cannow celebrate ourmanygreat constitutional rights that we neverhad before.Weare stilleconomically oppressedand stillexperiencemanyhardships andchallenges of violentcrimes, drug abuse, gender-based violence,gangsterism,joblessness andchild abuse. Theabove conditions are nothingtocelebrate.”

. PeterHarmse said:“In communities it changedfor theworse kids dropping outof schoolsand gangsterismincreased with no control.”

. KhodaniMafadza said:“Freedom Day hasbrought some change,but formanyrural communities thejourney is not finished.People nowhavethe righttovote, to speakfreely, and to be treatedequally underthe law. That is real progress compared to thepast. Butinmany villages, problems like poverty, poor roads, lack of jobs,and weak schoolsstill remain.Soyes, Freedom Dayopenedthe door forchange, but thecommunity stillwalks alongroadtosee thosepromisesfully in dailylife.”

. LuciaEarl said:“We have come along waysince democracy, butthere is stillmoreto be done.Itwillnot change overnight. Communities must do more to support people in need, especially thoseexperiencinghomelessness.”

. QaqambaFalithenjwa said:“Freedom Dayhas broughtopportunities, especially for youngpeople, butunemploymentremains a bigchallenge. We arefree, butmanyare still strugglingtoaccess thoseopportunities.”

. Leon Wildschut: “There’s stilla long waytogo! Therehas been change to access to basicservices. We have made bigstrides in addressing thewrongsofapartheid,but Ithink we have stagnatedunder ourcurrent government.Our underprivilegedcommunities are stillfacingeconomicstruggles.Unemployment, biginequalitygap,poor spatialplanning,safety, educationremains aissue.”

SunnySeville in theArtscape

CapeTownOpera returnstothe grandeur of theclassicrepertoirewitha dazzlingnew production of Georges Bizet’sbeloved opera Carmen from Tuesday19toSunday31May at theArtscape.

Oneofthe most popularand electrifying worksinthe operatic canon, Carmen promises an unforgettabletheatricalexperienceasCape Town Opera(CTO) brings together astellar cast,brilliantorchestration andvivid staging that re-imaginesBizet’s timeless tale of passion, freedom andfate.

Directed by acclaimedtheatre-maker StevenStead this newproductionset in 1931/’32 transports audiencestoSeville,Spain,where desire,jealousyand destinycollide with tragic inevitability.

From theopening bustle of thecigarette factory to theexhilaratingspectacle of thebullring, Bizet’smusic pulseswithSpanish colour and dramatic intensity. Aficionados will recognise of a’ ti ni elodie fr th

Thetitlerolewillbe sungbythe magnetic CTOhousesoloist NonhlanhlaYende

PHOTO:MARK DOBSON

Animalsheltermarks30years withgaladinnerfundraiser

MdzanandaAnimalClinicand Shelterwill host itsthird annual gala dinnerand auction on Saturday 9May at 18:30atthe TwoOceans Aquarium,celebrating threedecades of service to Khayelitsha’sanimals andcommunity.The milestoneevent comesasthe organisation reflects on 30 yearsofproviding veterinary care,animal-rescue services andcommunity educationprogrammesinone of Cape Town’s largesttownships

STAR-STUDDEDEVENINGPLANNED

Thefundraising eventwillfeature renowned broadcasterPippa Hudson as host,withrespectedauctioneer GuyMcDonaldleading alive auctionofexclusive itemsand experiences.

Entertainmentwillinclude aperformance by theIsibane Se Afrika Choirduringthe predrinks reception.

DESIRE,JEALOUSY AND DESTINY COLLIDE WITH TRAGIC INEVITABILITY

of thedevoted Micaëla, whilebaritoneConroy Sc ti he ch is ticbullfigh rE illo

Guests will enjoya two-course dinnerwith complimentarywineand dessert.

Eventorganiser andfundraiserKelly Arendse said theannual gatheringbringsanimallovers andsupporterstogetherfor ameaningful cause.

“The funds raised on thenight enable us to

continue theveryimportant work we do in the community of Khayelitshaand beyond,” she said

THREEDECADESOFIMPACT

Sinceits establishmentMdzananda hasprovidedessentialveterinaryservicestoa community whereaccess to animal health care is oftenlimited.The organisation’s work includes emergencyanimalrescue, preventative care and educational-outreach programmes.

Allproceedsfromthe gala will directly support theseservices, ensuring continuedcarefor animalsinneed across Khayelitsha.

Ticketsare availableatQuicket at https:// www.quicket.co.za/events/369665-mdzananda-gala-dinner-auction/ or by contacting fund@mdzananda.co.za.

Theorganisationisalsoseekingcorporate sponsors andpartnersfor themilestone event.

“Joinusfor an eveningofcelebration,connectionand compassion as we honour 30 years of impact,” Arendsesaid, “and we look ahead to afutureofcontinued care forthe animalsof Khayelitsha.”

og ya gbyc ,”

says.“Whilethiswas auseful opportunityto buildstrongerbonds with ourusergroups, we understand that thereare existing challenges andworktobedone. As aCity, we’recommitted to walkingthisjourney with theclubs andall usersofCityfacilities.”

Maintenanceworkatfacilitiesalsoimpacts theincomegenerated at thegates as home gameshavetobemoved to opponents’ home groundsand thetwo clubshavetoshare the spoils at thegate.

Theweather also impactsthe clubs’ preparaon.Thisseminar ties in with theundertaking theprovincialministerofculturalaffairs and sport, RicardoMackenzie,earlier this month when he handed over twocheques to thevalue R7,5 meachtoWPCricket andBoland Cricketfor developmentatthe twostadiums preparationfor the2027Cricket WorldCup held in SouthAfrica.