People’s Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 5 May 2026

Bouldersclaimpodium in travel rankings

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town’s Boulders Beachrecentlyclinched theworld’s topspotas oneofCapeTown’sbestknowncoastal destinations during aglobalbeach ranking, placingthe city firmly on theinternational tourism map.

Accordingto Forbes magazine, long-haultravelspecialistTravelbaghas identified theworld’s most popular, highest-ratedand visually striking beaches, with Boulders Beachranked firstand Cape of Good Hope second

The findings arebased on a combinationofuserreviews,social mediaactivityand online search trends

Travelbaganalysedseveral key metrics, includingthe number of Google reviews, averagereview ratings, monthlyGoogle search volumesand Instagramhashtag activity.These were then scored andcombinedtodetermine an overallranking Boulders Beachiswidelyrecognisedfor itsresidentcolonyof endangered AfricanPenguin,offeringvisitorsanopportunitytoview thebirds up closefromelevated wooden boardwalks.The sheltered coves, framed by largegranite boulders,provide calmer waters compared to many of Cape Town’s more exposedbeaches

135000.

Thebeach remainsa popular destinationfor both tourists and locals

Boulders Beachsecured the number onepositionwithmore than 27 700Googlereviews andan averagemonthly search volume of around 110 000.

TheCapeofGoodHopefollowed in second place, recording12941 reviewsand an even higher monthly search volume of approximately

Whilethe studyfocused on English-language search data –meaningsomedestinationsin non-Englishspeakingcountries maybeunderrepresented– the resultshighlight theglobalappeal of SouthAfrica’scoastline Travelbag’sSouth Africa destination expert,Susan Horton,saidthe countryoffersa diverserange of coastalexperiences “South Africa hasanincredible arrayofpristinebeaches.Fromthe dramatic,penguin-filledshoresof Boulders Beachtothe surf-friendly wavesofJeffreys Bay, SouthAfrica

offersworld-class coastalexperiencesfor everytypeoftraveller,” shesaid.

Sheaddedthatthe best time to visitthe country’ssouthern coastlineisduringthe summer months between December and March, when conditions areideal forswimming,surfing andother beachactivities.

In contrast,the Cape of Good Hope offersa more ruggedand dramatic coastalenvironment Situated within TableMountain National Park,the area is known forits powerful waves, steep cliffs andsweepingocean views.

Beyond theballot: Areyoung voters aware?

dissolves into humour

DEFLECTIONOR DISENGAGEMENT

Politics becomessomething to joke about, avoid, or reducedtopersonalitiesratherthanpolicy.

Hello partner! Take amoment andpause with me today.

Irecentlystumbledupona Facebook memory that took me back sevenyears,toanelectionyear, to ayounger versionofmyself, andto amomentI have notquite letgoof.

Iwas ajournalismstudent then, on theeNCA election bus, andlive on television when Iwas askeda simple question:“Areyou voting?”

Isaidno. Around me,the answer wasalmostunanimously yes. My response landed awkwardly, as I expected it would. It wasnot becauseI didnot understand theimportanceofvoting.

Idid.Political awarenesswas not foreigninmyhome.

ButI also understood something else:the framingtheory. This is a theory in communication of understanding howmeaning is shaped notonlybywhatissaid, butby howitispresented,interpreted andsociallyreceived.

At itssimplest, framingisthe processofselecting certainaspects of realityand making them more prominentincommunication,so that aparticularinterpretationis encouraged.The same issuecan thereforeproduce entirely different reactionsdepending on theframe attached to it

Conversationsabout politics amongyoung people were,and oftenstill are, uncomfortableterrain Speaktoo earnestlyand you risk beinglabelled“tooserious”. Push toofar andthe conversation

So Ianswereddeliberately. Not to reject democracy, buttodisrupt thescript.

Iwantedtosee if anyone would pauselongenoughtoask why.

Very fewdid

That moment hasstayedwithme, notbecause of theanswerI gave, butbecause of thegapsitrevealed.

Youngpeopleare consistently encouraged to vote,but notalways equipped to understand what that participationdemands

We aretoldour voices matter, but seldom guided on howtointerrogate manifestos,unpackideology, or position ourselveswithina complexpolitical landscape.

Participationispromoted. Politicalliteracy, farlessso.

At thetime, my answer frustrated people closetome. Iwas accused of making myself appear uninformed in apublicspace

Howcould Isay that,onlive television,duringanelection cycle? ButI understood thepower of framing.

Iwas willing to sitwiththatdiscomfortbecause themomentwas neverabout appearingclever.

It wasabout forcinga conversation that toooften remainsavoided,eveninspacesthatare meant to encourageengagement.

In many ways,I wasnot standing as an individual in that moment, butasa reflection of abroader reality, youngSouth Africans navigating politics with adegree of awareness, butwithout consis-

tent spaces that nurture, challenge anddeepen that understanding. Thereiscuriosity,but notalways guidance

Thereisexposure, butnot always explanation.

Politics is notanimage.Itisnot public relations.

It shapes thecostofliving, the safety of ourcommunities,the qualityofeducation andthe opportunities availabletoyoung people

It requires more than following personalitiesorslogans.Itrequires lookingatleaders andparties critically,weighingtheir positions, manifestos andgovernance records, andmakingdecisions grounded in understandingrather than allegiance

Now, sevenyears later, as the countryapproaches anotherlocal government election,I find myself returningtothatsamequestion.

Notwhether youngpeoplewill vote,but whethertheyare being prepared to decide

Becausevoting, on itsown,isnot theendpointofdemocracy

It is only meaningful when it is informed.A ballotcastwithout clarityisparticipation in form,but notalwaysinsubstance

We cannotcontinuetomeasure civicengagementpurelyby turnout, whileignoringthe uneven foundation on whichthatparticipation rests.

Politicalunderstanding remains fragmented.Insomespacesitis actively discouraged, treatedas divisive or unnecessary

In others,itisreduced to slogans,party loyalty, or surface-level debatesthatdolittletobuild critical thinking

Theresultisa generation expect-

ed to participateina system they arenot always fully equippedto navigate

This is notanargumentagainst voting.Itisanargumentagainst shallowengagement.

If we areserious aboutstrengtheningdemocracy,thenpolitical educationcannotbetreated as optional or incidental

It must be intentional, accessible andongoing.Itmustcreateroom forquestioning,for disagreement, foruncertainty

It must allowyoung people to wrestlewithideas,tomake mistakes,and to refine theirunderstandingwithout fear of being dismissedorridiculed

Importantly, theseconversations cannotbeconfinedtoformalspaces alone. They must existinhomes, schools, campuses,communities andmedia platforms. They must be normalised among peers, notavoided

Politicalliteracyshouldnot requirea specialisedinterestor professional background

It should be part of howweunderstand theworld we live in Thechallengeisnot apathy.Itis access, to knowledge, to dialogue, to spaces wherepolitical understanding is developedratherthan discouraged. As localelections draw closer,the question should notonlybehow many youngpeoplewillshowupat thepolls It should be whethertheyare arriving therewithclarity,confidence anda senseofurgency

Whethertheyunderstandnot just whotheyare voting for, butwhy Becauseparticipation without understandingisnot enough

Westlakes

NAMHLAMONAKALI

AFreedom Daysoccertournament in Ward 71,Westlake, drew strong community supportas10teams competed in cold andwet conditions on Monday 27 April.

OrganiserBrendon Kindosaidthe turnout exceeded expectations,withadditionalteams requesting to join afterthe tournament had alreadystarted

“Wehad alot of community membersand outsidersonthe field, watching thegames throughthe cold,wet weather,”hesaid.

Theinitiativeaimed to steer youngpeople away from gangsterismand towardssport Kindosaidthe response showed theproject washavinganimpact.

“WeachievedwhatI wasplanning to do,to attractyoungsters, keep them busy andshow them thereisanother positive waytolife.”

He said feedback from participants and supporterswas overwhelmingly positive,many asking when thenextevent wouldtakeplace “Thattells me we’reonthe righttrack to keepingyoungstersoff thestreets.”

Westlake Starswerecrowned champions aftercomingfrombehindtowin 2-1inthe final againstBloemvlei Rising Stars. “Theywere down 1-0and then somethingchanged,maybe they drankRed Bulls, buttheycameback strong,” Kindosaid.

He said thecommunity atmosphere stood outmostonthe day. “The vibe wastotally cool, very positive,and people were respectful of one another.”

Whilemostteams embraced theevent,Kindo said onegroup initiallyshowedfrustration after beingknocked outearly,but laterchanged their attitude andsupported othermatches

“Inthe beginning they were negative,but later they became like cheerleaders. That wasa nice shifttosee.”

Despitethe success Kindosaidlogisticalchal-

FROMPAGE1

On concerns aboutcongestionand spillover trafficintoresidential streets, Andrewssaidthe assessmentfound thesurrounding road network hadsufficientcapacitytoaccommodate expected trafficvolumes withoutsignificant or sustainedcongestion.

He addedthatnofurther trafficstudies were required,asthe TIA’s findings hadbeen accepted andits recommendations incorporated into theapproval process.

Regardingpedestriansafety, Andrewssaidthe assessmentfound existing infrastructure adequateand recommended localisedtraffic-calmingupgrades, with theCityset to monitor operations andimplement further measures if necessary

CALLFORINDEPENDENTREVIEW

Thecommunity is nowcalling forgreater scrutiny of theplanning processand thetraffic assessment.

They arerequestingfulldisclosureofthe TIA methodology, assumptionsand outputs, as well as an independentpeerreviewofthe findings Residentsare also callingfor areassessment of whetherthe proposed school size is appropriatefor thesiteand surrounding infrastructure

Acommunity representative said residents support educationdevelopment butwantdecisionstobebased on transparentand reliable information.

“Residents arenot opposedtodevelopment,” therepresentativesaid.

“But decisionsofthismagnitude must be basedonclear,transparent andrigorously tested information.”

WCEDMAINTAINSPLANNINGISONGOING

TheWCEDsaidthe document released to residents wasthe finalTrafficImpactAssessment.

Thedepartmentsaiditconsiders thetraffic data andmethodology sufficienttosupport planning decisions, adding that theassessment covers both peak andother trafficconditions. Accordingtothe department,noindependent review or updatedtrafficassessment is planned, as theprocess hasbeen concludedand involved allrelevantauthorities,including theCityof Cape Town On community engagement,the WCED said twoconsultations have alreadytaken placewith Bergvlietresidents,withfurther engagement possibleifrequired.

Dragon team is now20yearsold

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Acancer diagnosiscan be overwhelming andlife changing.Thatiswhy the amaBeleBelles, Africa’s only breast-cancersurvivordragon boat team,was founded20 yearsago

AmaBeleBellesaimstocreatea spacefor support,friendship, exercise andhealing,helping survivors improvetheir qualityoflife.

Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) dragon boatingisa global movement initiatedbythe research of Canadian Sports Medicine specialist Don McKenzie

Survivorsofbreastcancerjointo paddledragonboats forthe benefit of theirphysicalhealthand social well-being.

Adragonboatseats 20 people and is steered by a“helm”.

Maureen Robinson,chair of the amaBeleBelles, said amaBelemeans “breast” in isiXhosa.She addedthat thegroup celebrated its20thanniversary on Saturday 11 April.

Theteamwas proudtorepresent an

BREAST-CANCER SURVIVORSWHO WISH TO JOIN CAN DO SO AT THE V&A WATERFRONT ON SATURDAY 23 MAYAT 10:00.

thereisa bigcommunity outthere of womenwho survived is amazing.”

AccordingtoRobinsonthe team will host arecruitment drivefor breast cancer survivorswho wish to join at V&AWaterfrontonSaturday23May at 10:00.

Shesaidthe groupisopentoboth menand women.

“Weare hoping to getmorepeople involved andtotrain more people as helm whocan steer theboat. We encourageanyonewho wantstobuild up theirstrengthand staminaand enjoythe open sea. ”

AccordingtoRobinsonparticipation in thesport hasopenedmany

Toshine thespotlight on thousandsofpetsthatare abandonedorinneed of newhomes, People’s Post has teamed up with TEARSAnimal Rescue to help some of these four-leggedpetsget newhomes. Once amonth we will publish severaldogsand cats up for adoption.

TEARSisa pro-life non-profit organisation (NPO)established in 1999 to rescue,treat,rehabilitate, reuniteand re-homelost, abandoned, abused andneglected companion animalsand to educatepet ownersand theyouth living in thefour under-resourcedcommunities.The NPOremains theonlyfacilityinthe Cape Peninsula’sfar Southavailable sevendaysper week,including an after-hoursmobileclinicservice from 16:30to19:00 with limitedveterinary care.TEARS treats hundreds of animals forvarious conditions,illnesses andinjuries.

DOGS:

.Nikolai: abig,goofyBoxer-Pitty-Africanis mixwitha resilient heart. Rescuedinterriblecondition

starvedand battlingtick-bornedisease—he’stransformed into agentle, easy-going companion. Toy-obsessed andwater-loving, he walkswellon lead andhas basicobedience training Dog-social outsidebut selectiveat home,nocats. Afterthree yearswaiting, he needsanexperienced owner to show himlasting love

.Demi:a sweet,intelligent Pibble crossbalancing cuddlyaffection with high energy.Toy-lovingand beach-obsessed, shethrives in an active home andmakes agreat hiking companion. Sheprefers being thecentreofattention butcan live with theright dog. Independent andstrong-willed, she’salsogentle at heart—andnow even helpsbuild confidenceinother dogs

.Britney: ayoung Boerboel–Pitbull mixwitha gentle spirit andsoulful eyes.Rescued in poor condition, she’s blossoming into aloving, playful companion. Shyat first, shequickly becomesaffectionateand cuddly. Toy-loving andgreat with dogs,she’d thrive with patientowners. Just undera year old, Britneyisready to grow into adevoted,joyful best friend

.Bruno: astriking, sweet-natured

dogwho’s shyat firstbut deeply affectionateonceheknows you. After 200+ weekswaiting,he’sready fora home.Strong, energeticand adventure-loving, he needsanexperienced ownerfor guidance andexercise. Dog-selectiveand devoted, Bruno wouldthriveasyourone-and-only, loyalcompanion with endlessloveto give

CATS:

.Gracie:a playful ginger catwho’s traded hercalmmamadaysfor alife of fun andmischief. Energeticand cheeky, sheturns everything into a game andkeepsyou entertainedwith

herboldpersonality.Beneath the chaosisa loving companion. Gracie wouldthriveina home readyfor laughter,play, anda littleadventure

.Lexy:a shybut striking calico with beautiful markings anda gentle, curiousnature. FoundinMuizenberg, she’slookingfor apatient home that understandsher need forquiet,cosy hiding spots. Beneathher timidexterior is aplayful soul readytobond deeply.Withtimeand love,Lexy will grow into aloyal,affectionate companion.

.Merlot:a striking black-and-white tuxedo catwitha rich,affectionate personality. Atruepeople’scat,she

lovesattentionand thrivesonlap time andclose companionship. While shetolerates othercats, sheprefers beingthe centre of attention. Loyal anddevoted,Merlotisready to become aconstant, cuddlypresenceina home that’s allhers.

.Paprika: asassy calico with aplayful,mysteriouspersonality.Initially reserved,she needstimeand patience to buildtrust,but once shedoes, she becomesaffectionate, playful,and full of charm. This “calicoqueen”enjoys interactiononher termsand rewards patience with cuddles andfun.Paprika is lookingfor acalm, understandinghometohelpher shine.