People’s Post Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 9 June 2026

Entriesopen forbusiness competition

Learnersfromacross

Southern Africa are invitedtoenter the10th birthday editionofthe annual AllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challenge(AGEC)– the region’s most celebrated business competitionfor young people.

This milestoneyearbringsa bigger, bolder experience:morefun, more relevanceand more of the action-packedactivitiesthathas shaped adecadeofinspiring and sparking entrepreneurialspirit across theregion.

“Asthe Challengecelebratesits 10th year this year,it’samazing to seehow this competitioncontinuestospark interest andignitea passion forentrepreneurshipinso many youngpeoplefromall over Southern Africa,” says Charleen Duncan,HeadofPublicAffairs andCommunicationsatthe Allan Gray OrbisFoundation. “We’re proudofthe cultural movement theAllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challengehas spearheadedover thepastdecadeand theway it is reshapingthe entrepreneurialaspirations within Southern Africanyouth.Thiscompetition’s mission is to getmoreyoung peopleinterestedinstartingontheir entrepreneurialjourneysasearly as possibleinlife, becauseentrepreneurshipistransformativefor youngpeople, theircommunities, andtheir economies.”

Topstudentsget theopportunity to pitchtheir business ideas live at theAGECSummittoturn business plansintorealventures.

“Through fun,relevantand accessiblemeans,AGECexposes the foundational concepts of entrepreneurship,shiftingperceptions and creating aculture that excitesand inspires futureentrepreneurs,” says Duncan

HOWTHECOMPETITIONWORKS

AGEC startedasanonlinegame to getstudentsexcited about

GETYOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEYS

business, andsince inception, has grownintoa full-on entrepreneurialmovement.

Thegameisopentostudents from SouthAfrica, Namibia, Botswana andEswatini.

Thecompetition features ahigh school game basedona deep, scenario-based simulation that puts learners in thedriver’sseatof real-world business decisions. Participants canpickfrom five differentshoptypes to starttheir “retailempire”.The game is free to play butrequires14MBofdata to play,onlineordownloaded forofflineplay. Thegamecan be played year-round,althoughprizes canonlybeearnedinthe competition timeframe. No priorbusiness, accounting or financeknowledge is required.The fast,smart and mobile-friendlyAGECdigital platform is designed to feel relevant,excitingand easy to use. The competitionalsoincludeshandson toolsfor teachers,physicalcard gameslikeStartup Shuffleand in real life (IRL)pitchingevents.

Participants standa chance to winexcitingprizes, includingcash andAllan Gray Unit Trusts

The finalBusinessPitch Challengewillrewardthe topthree students with incredible prizes, whilethe AllanGrayHighSchool Game features agenerousoverall prizepool.Schools canalsowin a specialprize forenteringthe most participants

More than 21 000 learners from four countries, andmorethan800 teachers,who participatethrough partnerships with teacherunions participate.

.Formoreinformation about the competition,visittheentrepreneurshipchallenge.com.

ELUSIVEJELLYFISHATTHEAQUARIUM

Visitorstothe TwoOceans Aquarium at the V&A Watefronthavearareopportunitytosee one of SouthAfrica’smostelusive jellyfishspecies up close.A thriving pink meanie jelly (Drymonema sp.) is currentlyonexhibit in theAquarium’s Jelly Gallery,captivating visitorswith its striking appearanceand impressive size PHOTO:SUPPLIED Arewelookingafterourchildrenproperly?

Thenames Kelly-Amber Koopman(12), Zahnia Woodward (6 months), Uthmaan Taliep (2), Alnika Mitchell (14),Qadir Boer (4)and Machiano Geswind(4) andmanyothersshouldnever be forgotten. They were children with dreams, laughter andfutures aheadof them

Instead, theirlives were cutshort by violence on theCapeFlats

As thecurtain comesdownon National ChildProtectionWeek, commemoratedfromFriday 29 MaytoFriday5 June under thetheme “Working together in ending violence againstchildren”, communities areremindedthat protecting children is everyone’s responsibility

Statistics released by theWestern Cape Department of Social Developmentpaint aheartbreakingpicture.Morethan43000 children arecurrently in foster care, whilea further 2800 children are beingcared forinNPO-run child andyouth care centres.

Thedepartmentalsorevealed that between Octoberlastyearand Marchthisyear, nearly 2000 reportsofchild abusewerereceived, highlighting theurgentneed for stronger protection measures and community involvement.

Gone arethe days when communities helped raisethe children; today, many families face the challenges of parentinginisolation,makingitmoreimportant than ever forneighbours, schools, organisationsand community leaderstoworktogethertoprotect andsupport youngpeople.

Children deservesafehomes, safe streetsand safe schools. They deservetoplaywithout fear,to

grow withouttraumaand to dream withoutviolenceinterruptingtheir futures

Parentsand caregivers,please speakopenlytoyourchildren, know wheretheyare,check their phones andsocialmedia platforms, listen to theirfears and create spaces wheretheyfeel safe andprotected

To ourgovernments,createmore jobs so that children don’thaveto standonstreet cornersbegging for food

To ourjustice system,implement stricter laws andensure swiftjustice forthose perpetrating childmurders,abuse andviolence againstchildren. As acommunity we cannolonger turn ourbackand look theother way, report abuse, neglectand violence,and let’sstand together in protecting themostvulnerable.

To thechildren: your voice matters.Ifsomething feelswrong or unsafe,speak to atrusted adult,

teacher, family member,social worker or community leader

Youare notalone,and thereare people whocareabout your safety andwell-being. LetusberemindedthatinMatthew 18:10the Biblesays: “See that youdonot despiseone of these littleones. ForI tell youthattheir angels in heaven always seethe face of my Father in heaven.” This scripturereminds us that children arepreciousinthe eyes of Godand worthy of ourprotection, care andrespect.Wehavea mandate to care forchildren, to safeguardtheir well-being, to speak outagainst abuseand neglect, and to ensure that everychild hasthe opportunitytogrowupina safe andnurturing environment. Childprotectionisnot only aconversationfor oneweek in theyear. It is adaily responsibility.Every childmatters,every childdeserves love andevery childdeservesthe chance to simply be achild

From one to fifty vege patches

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Asingle vegetablepatch planted10 yearsago hasgrown into acommunity initiative feedingthousands of children across Hout Bay.

What beganasone circular garden beddug into thegroundin2015has blossomedinto50 mini-farms supplying freshproduce to early childhood development(ECD) centresinImizamo Yethuand Hangberg

This year,HoutBay-based non-profitorganisation (NPO)Loveina Bowl celebrates adecadeofgrowing food,creatingjobs and strengtheningcommunity connections

Projectmanager Tjarla Norton,affectionately knownasthe “FarmQueen”, said theorganisation startedwitha simple idea

“Wedug onecirclewiththe hope of growing enough vegetables to make soup fora single community programme,” said Norton

Thefarmcurrently growsclose to four tonnes of organicvegetablesmonthly andsellhalfof that andthen“donate therestto23community drop-offsinthe twolow-incomeareas in our valley”

Everyweek,fresh organicvegetablesharvested from Love in aBowl’smini-farmsare delivered to ECDcentres across thevalley, helping providenutritiousmeals to youngchildren.

“For many children,these mealsare an importantsourceofnutrition.Knowing that thefood wasgrown righthereinHoutBay by membersofthe community makesitevenmore meaningful,” Norton explainedto People’s Post TheNPO also opensthe farm to ECDcentres andschool groups,allowing children to connect directly with wheretheir food comesfrom.

“Wealsoopenedthe farm up forthe ECDs and thekidstocometothe farm,soweholdschool groups,” shesaid.

VEGETABLESHARVESTED FROMLOVEINABOWL’S MINI-FARMSAREDELIVERED TO26ECDCENTRES

Theorganisationcurrently employsnearly40 people andinterns,creatingopportunitiesfor localresidents to gain skills in agriculture, food production andenvironmental stewardship.

“Wehavealwaysbelievedthatfoodsecurity andemploymentgohandinhand. By investing in people,weare building stronger andmore resilientcommunities,” Norton said

Akey part of theinitiativeisits community composting programme,which collectsfood wastefromhouseholdsand businessesand transforms it into nutrient-richcompost forthe farms.

“Whatsomepeoplesee as wastebecomes thefoundationfor growingfresh food.Itisa beautiful exampleofa circular economyatwork in ourcommunity,” shesaid.

Residentscan also support theorganisation by purchasing freshvegetables, eggs,bread and honeyatregular market days hosted on the farm.Revenue generatedthrough thesesales helpsfundfeedingprogrammesand operational costs. Norton describedLoveina Bowl as more than afarming project.

“I am aforever member of theHoutBay community,and this organisation belongsto thecommunity

“Wehavecreated aspace wherepeoplefrom allwalks of life cancometogether, learn, volunteer andcontributetosomething bigger than themselves,” shesaid.

Volunteersare encouraged to assist with planting,harvestingand food distribution, whilelocal businesses, restaurantsand non-governmental organisationscontinueto partnerwiththe projecttoexpandits reach. .Themarket runs everyTuesdayand Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00,aswellasonthe last Saturday of each month.

Oldtimersenjoy JazzatBaxter

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Residents of DouglasMurrayOld AgeHomeenjoyed aday of music, companionshipand entertainment at theannual Cape Town BigBandJazz Festival at theBaxterTheatre on Saturday30May.Members of theLions Club of TokaijoinedfellowLions andRotarians to accompanyresidents from the home in CafdaVillage

Thefestivalremains ahighlight on theLions District 410W calendar andgives clubsan opportunitytotreat senior citizens from their communities to aspecial dayout

Guests enjoyedperformancesbya school band,a community band anda Christmasband throughout theafternoon

Thevariedprogramme kept theaudience entertainedand encouraged social interaction amongattendees

Accordingtothe LionsClubofTokai,the performances maintained thehighstandardfor whichthe festival is known.

“The residentsthoroughlyenjoyed themusic andthe opportunitytospend time with others in awelcoming environment,”the club said Club membersvolunteered as chaperones and assisted residentsthroughoutthe day. They helped ensure everyone travelledcomfortably andenjoyed theouting.

Theevent also provided residentswithan

RESIDENTSTHOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE MUSICAND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPENDTIME WITH OTHERS

opportunitytoreconnect with oldfriends and make newacquaintances whilelistening to live music.

TheLions Club thankedall volunteerswho contributedtheir time andefforttomakethe daya success.

Specialrecognition went to club member Lynette Davids,who arranged take-homesnack packsfor theresidents

Theclubsaidthe thoughtful gestureaddedan extratouch of care andkindnesstothe experience

Community organisationssuchasLions clubs continue to play an importantroleinsupportingolder people throughsocialand recreational activities

Events like theBig Band Jazz Festival help combat loneliness, encouragecommunity participationand create lastingmemoriesfor residents.

Formany, theoutingoffered more than entertainment.Itprovidedanopportunitytoconnect with others,enjoy achangeofscenery andfeel valued within thewider community

FROMPAGE1

That youngman is Siseko Jokazi (21),founder of theSisekoJokaziFoundation. Siseko didnot have to look farfor hismotivation. He grew up in Westlake,a community that, like many on theoutskirts of Cape Town,carries theweightofdeep socioeconomicchallenges.“Westlake is subjectedtoa lotofsocioeconomicissues,” he says.“Igrewuphere. Isaw it.And Isaw agap;the community of Westlake lacked recreational facilities.Young people had nowheretogo.”Ratherthanwaitfor someone else to step in,Sisekodecided to become the answer

ASEEDPLANTEDINSERVICE

Thefoundation’sstory begins in 2022, when Siseko wasa member of theCapeTownJunior Town Council(JTC),a civicprogramme designed to cultivateyoung leadersand inspire them to servetheir neighbourhoods. “Aspartof theJuniorTownCouncil,wewerethe custodiansofcommunity programmes,”heexplains. “The JTCsaidtousgostart aproject in your community.Sothat’swhatI did.”

He startedwitha sanitary toweldrive,distributingsanitaryproductsatschoolsinand around Westlake,a quietbut vitalact of service foryoung girlsinunder-resourced communities

“That’swhere it allbegan.Something small, butsomething real,” he says.Thatseedof servicegrewintosomething farlarger. Today, theSisekoJokaziFoundationisa registered Non-ProfitCompany (NPC), with afocused mandate: tackling literacy andeducational inequality amongthe most vulnerable in the community Walk into theWestlakeUnitedChurchTrust

Joyasyoungstersvisit oldies

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Learners from Wittebome High School spent30 minutesatParkhaven OldAge Home in Wynberg on Saturday 30 May, leavinghavingmade alasting impression on its12residents

Thevisit formed part of theschool’s Outreach Programme,which aims to instil acaringnature into theschool’s ethosthrough charityprojects both inside andoutside theschool

PrincipalClarice Fortuinsaidthe programme specifically sought to reachgroupsthatoften go unnoticedinthe community.

“Wewantedtostart workingwithinour community andfocus on groups that are‘silent’,” shesaid. “After doingsomeresearchwefound that therewas an oldage home just down the road andsaw it as theperfect fitfor what we wanted to do to make an impact in someone’s day.”

Thelearnersdid notarrive empty-handed They came with afullprogramme designed with theresidents in mind.The afternoon included agameofBingo,a heartfeltrendition of “All of Me”byJohnLegendperformed by Mzomhle Zulu,handmassagesfor residents, andthe handoutofhappy hampersthe learners had lovingly packed aheadofthe visit. Each onewas filledwithdeodorant,conditioner,soap, sweets andtissues.Afterwards, thelearnerssat with residentsand engagedinopenconversation. Formany, thoseconversations proved themost meaningful part of theday.“Just listeningto them speakabout theiryouth wassopleasant,” said Alvine Tchala.“Even though thevisit was only 30 minutes, it felt like Iaccomplished alot Oneresidentevenremindedmetoenjoy my youth.”HassanJenkins said thephysicalacts of care struck achord.“Helpingmassage their handsand simply beingthere made me realise howmuchsmall acts of care mean.I left filled with joyfor getting theopportunitytospread kindness.”

Notall 12 residentshad family visiting that day. ForAmeliaNgoyi,thatreality made the visitevenmorepurposeful.“Beingabletobe with theresidents whodidn’thavefamilywith them made me feel good becausewewere able to have an amazingtimetogether.”One encounterinparticularlefta mark that no classroom lessoncould replicate. “I spenta few minuteswithanelderly womannamed Jessica,” said Anokende Nganda.“When sheblessedme, wishingthateverythingI hopedfor would find me,itstuck to my heart.”

KamvaFonte,reflecting on theafternoon as a whole, said theexperiencereinforcedjusthow much asimpleact of showingupcan mean to someone. ForFonte,the 30 minutesfeltfar longer,and farmoresignificant.Fortuin said thevisit reflectedexactly thekindofvaluesthe school hopestogrowinits learners compassion,presenceand awillingness to serve. And

AWittebome High School learner massages the hand of aresident during theOutreach Programme’s visit to anearbyold agehome

PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

Wittebome High School learners gatherwith residents during aold agehome visit as part of the school’s Outreach Programme,which aims to instil acaring natureinlearners throughcommunity projects.

this is only thebeginning.The school’s outreach committeehas alreadycompleted auniform driveand hasa number of further initiativesin thepipeline, with planstovisit more organisationsand reachmorepeoplelater in theyear, proof that theprogramme’s impact is only set to grow

on anyweekdayafternoon andyou will find the Foundation’s flagship initiative in fullswing, theHomeworkAssist Programme.“It’s avery vibeyatmosphere. It’s fun.It’sa real learning space,”Sisekosays, andthe energy in theroom leaves no room fordoubt.Fourdaysa week Monday to Thursday primaryand high school learners gather fora 90-minutesession of guided homework support ledbythree dedicated tutors.Onany givenday,between 20 and30 children show up.“Thenumbers fluctuate, but theenergyisalwaysthere.Weget really good feedback andthatmakes us feel good about what we’redoing,” he says with unmistakable pride. Most importantly, andthisissomething Siseko wantsevery parent in thecommunity to hear,“parentsdon’t paya thing. Nota cent.” In acommunity whereevery rand is stretched, that is nota smallgesture.Itisthe entire point. Running on passion andfromtheir ownpocketsbehindthe laughter andlearning, however, lies aquiet andveryrealstruggle. TheFoundation is currently self-funded. “Weare stillusing moneyout of ourown pocketstokeep things running,” Siseko says plainly.

“Weare limited, andthatisa barrier. That is achallenge.” It is achallengefamiliartomany grassrootsorganisations,the gapbetween a powerful vision andthe resourcesneeded to sustainit. TheFoundationisactivelyseeking partnerships andsponsorships, andSisekois clearabout what they need most:stationery andmaterials forthe learners,and sanitary towels to continue theiroutreachtoyoung girls in thecommunity.“Thefoundationisslowly growing. Butwewanttopartner with organisationswho believeinwhatwe’re doing, because rightnow we’redoing it largelyonour own, ” he says

Siseko’s vision hasalwaysextendedbeyond theclassroom.Recognising that children need more than academic supporttothrive, the Foundation hasalsostepped into theworld of youthsport “Wethought howdoweget youngpeopleinvolved?How do we take them off thestreets?” he says.“So we partneredwitha community coachwho workswithyoung boys everyweekend, teaching them discipline throughsport.” It is aholisticphilosophy, onethatsees thechild, notjustthe learnerand it reflects theheart of everything theSisekoJokaziFoundationdoes.

EYESONTHEHORIZON

With threetutors, agrowing learnerbase, and acommunity that is beginning to take notice,

gather at theWestlakeUnited Church Trust foran afternoon homework session runby theSisekoJokazi Foundation. Thefree programme runs Monday to Thursday and serves between 20 and 30 primary school children from theWestlake community.

Siseko is setting hissightsfurther afield. His goal is to expand theFoundation’sfootprint into neighbouring communities,bringingfree homework support andyouth developmentto more children whoneed it Buttoget there, he needshelp. “Weare in need of volunteers. We need sponsors.We need people whoare willing to invest in young people,” he says

“Ifyou believeinthiscommunity,comeand be apartofwhatweare building.” Becausein Westlake,every afternoon at thechurchhall, somethingextraordinary is happening,one homework session,one child, onebelieving adultata time . To volunteer,donate,orpartner with the Siseko Jokazi Foundation,contact themon068 061 2983

A Warofwords eruptoverKirstenbosch

Millionlearners reportabuse

Morethanone million SouthAfrican learners experiencedviolenceat school in 2024,exposinga disturbingreality behind classroom doorsand highlighting theurgentneedtobetter protectchildren.

As ChildProtectionWeek concludedonFriday 5June, newlyreleasedGeneral Household Survey (GHS)datareleasedbyStatisticsSA paints astark pictureofthe abuse, neglectand violence many children continue to face

Thesurvey, whichtrackstrendsbetween 2009 and2024, showsthatwhile corporal punishment hasdeclinedsignificantly,violenceagainst children remainswidespreadinschools.

Accordingtothe data,the proportion of learnersaged five yearsand olderwho experienced corporal punishment declined by 10 %overthe 14-yearperiod. Whilethe decrease wasgradual in theearlier years, thesharpestdecline occurredbetween 2015 and2024. This downward trendisconsistentwithSouth Africa’s legislative stance againstcorporalpunishment.

Thepracticewas outlawed in schoolsunder Section10ofthe SouthAfrican SchoolsAct whichcriminalisesits usebyteachers.

Data for2024shows notabledifferencesin thesources of physical violence experiencedby learners aged five yearsand older.

Incidentsinvolving teachers (156 229)are farhigherthanthose involvingfellowlearners (87059).In total, 1156 009 learners said they experiencedsomeformofviolenceatschool

About14% reported physical violence from teachers,comparedwithroughly 8% from other learners

YOUNGERCHILDRENMOSTATRISK

Learners aged five to eightreporthigherlevels of violence,withpeaks at ageseven (20,6%)

PEER–PERPETRATED VIOLENCEISMOST PROMINENT AMONG SEVEN YEAR OLDS

andagain at age13(19,5%),highlightingparticularly vulnerable stages in earlyschooling and earlyadolescence

In contrast,peer–perpetrated violence is most prominentamong sevenyearolds(16,3%),suggestingthataggressive peer interactions tend to emerge earlyand areconcentratedinthe first yearsofformaleducation

This divergence in age–specificpeaks indicatesthatdifferentdynamicsmay be at play dependingonthe source of theviolence: while peer–related aggression surfaces earlier, teacher relatedorother formsofviolenceappearto persistintolater developmentalstages.

Aclear distinctionemerges between teacher–andpeer–perpetrated incidents. Verbal abuseis more frequently reported from fellowlearners, with 21%identifying peersasthe source,comparedto12% whoreportsimilar experiences involvingteachers.

AGEPATTERNSREINFORCETHISTREND

Thehighest incidenceofverbalabuse occurs amongseven year olds,where nearly onethird (30,1%)reportexposure.

Elevated levels arealsoevident amongpre–teens, suggesting that verbal abusenot only begins earlybut canpersist,and potentially intensifyintolater developmentalstages. Amonglearnersaged five andolder who experiencedviolenceinschoolsin2024, reports of verbal violence were almost evenly splitby gender,with51,2% of femalesaffected.

NPOplantsseedsto givechildrenlifeline childrenlifeline

Thereare no grandstandsatManenberg.No corporatehospitality suites.Notelevision camerascapturing everyscrum andlineout forarmchairanalyststodissect.But make no mistake, what happens on thesepatchy fields carries more weight than anyderby match couldeverhold.

TheRugby Factory, aNovaNewsschoolsrugby podcast, ventured into theheart of Manenberg to witnesssomething farmoresignificant than silverware andschool rankings

TheManenberg SchoolsDay,organised by Just Planting Seeds, showcaseda non-profit organisation (NPO)thatisn’t just teaching children howtopassa rugbyball, it’s offeringthem alifelineout of gang-affectedstreetswhere futures arestolenbeforethey’ve barely begun. This is grassrootsrugby at itsrawestand most powerful.Thisiswhere thegametruly matters “Yoursituation does notdefine you, even if nobody believes in you, youhavetobelieve in yourself.You have to putinthe work,nobody will do it foryou.You have to work hard,sport is your ticket outofManenberg,” Sovianka, oneofthe girlswho played on theday,and has made it into theWestern Province (WP) structures, deliveredthose wordswiththe conviction of someonewho understandsthe stakes

Forher ,rugby isn’tabout prestige or school pride, it’s aboutsurvival. About findinga differentplace to be when thestreetsoffer nothing butdangerand dead ends

Thegirls’section of Just Planting Seedshas become athrivingforce,withvarious players making it allthe waytonationaldevelopment camps. Theseachievementshappenfar from thebrightlightsofthe King PriceDerby series, butthatdoesn’t make them anylessserious.If anything,theymattermore.

BUILDINGCHARACTERTHROUGHCONTACT

JasonPoleman foundedJustPlantingSeeds with asimplephilosophy, usethe discipline inherent in rugbytotransform livesbeyondthe pitch.

Thegamebecomes thevehicle forsomething greater.

“Weteach them to applythingslikerespect anddisciplineonthe fieldand that they should putthe same energy into thesethingsoff the field, whichwillbenefitthem,”Poleman explained. “Whenwestarted off we worked with tenorelevenschools.Sofar we have introduced thedisciplineofrugby to over 2400 kids in thecommunity.Wehaveabout 97 kids directly

underus, so far23kids, boys andgirls,thisyear have been exposedtoprovincialrugby.Weare notpushing forthe provincial accolades, butif they happen, that is great.”

Thenumbers tell only part of thestory.Behind each statisticisa childwho choserugby over thestreets. Ateenager whodiscovered self-worth throughteamwork. Ayoung person wholearned that respectand discipline aren’t just words, they’resurvivaltoolsthatwork anywhere

COMMUNITYINACTION

TheManenberg SchoolsDay itself demonstratedthe powerofcollectiveeffort. Preparing the fieldrequiredcommunity mobilisation “A guyfromanother school arrivedtocut the grass, whilst kids pitchedinto fill holesinthe ground,” Polemanexplained.Inanareawhere resourcesare scarce andchallenges overwhelming,rugby became thecatalystfor people pulling together

“Wetry throughour programme to caterto allofthem, it is aboutcreatinga safe spacefor thekids,”Poleman said,acknowledging that children join Just Planting Seedsfor different reasons. Some just want to be part of theteam. Others want to make thestartinglineup. Some dreamofchampionships

Allofthemneed somewheresafetobe. Rugby provides that sanctuary.

TheRugbyFactory is aweekly schoolsrugby PodcastbyNovaNews.

13 economic innovators awarded

TPHOTOS: BRADLEY URION

gory

TheNPC redirectssurplus productfromover 2000 retail stores to help launch micro-enterprises Tracey Chambers,co-founderofTakingCare

lb ng aj ry of families.”

Otherwinners included TheBluebirdGroup SA,which provides door-to-door workforce transport. AndResearchand Development

YounglocalactivisttellsofGazaflotillatrip

KEANANHARMSE

Weeksafter returningtoCapeTownfollowingher detentionbyIsraeli authorities, Hajar Kagiso Al-Tha’irahAhjum Mathee recalledthe psychologicaland physical toll of herhumanitarian mission to Gaza to People’s Post The22-year-old Ottery resident andUniversity of theWestern Cape (UWC)postgraduate, whoispursuinga Master’s degree in Bioscience at UWC.

Shewas theonlywoman amongher fellow flotilla activistsontheir boat,who participated in theGlobalSumud Flotilla,a civilian-led humanitarian initiative that aimedtodeliver aidto Gaza (“Hajargetshero’swelcome” People’s Post 26 May)

In an in-depth interviewwith People’s Post Mathee spokeonwhatshe learnt during hermission

Shesaidevery step of this expedition reignited hercourage

“Itwas areminderthatwearen’tgoing as individualswithour differentlabelsorindifferent boxesbut as agroup of people united against oppression,occupation andinjustice.From boarding theplane in Johannesburgtoarriving in Marmaris,attendingtotrainings, meeting at theportthe firsttime, standing with people from alloverthe world, packingthe boatswith humanitarian aid. Everystepofthe waypushed me to keep going,”she recalled Despitethe terrorofthe interception at sea, Mathee said aoverwhelmingsense of courage calmed herthatmoment.

“Seconds before interception therewas alittle fear,sure, butmostlycalm filledwithcourage, somethingI learnfromPalestinians,”she said Herhomecomingatthe airport“hadits challenges”but shesaysshe is grateful to be home again.

“Weall come back with variouslevelsoftrauma butwehavebeen receivingall thenecessary help that we need.I’vebeen quitefortunate to have hadvarious platformswelcome me to speak, such as delivering thepre-Khutbah talk at theAhlul-baytmosqueinOttery,” shesaid.

Mathee says it’s importanttocontinueto receivethese platformsand keep talkingabout thePalestinian struggle. fear,uncertainty

“Whatweneed people to take home from this mission is that ourstruggles areinterconnected

andthatweall have adutytostand andkeep talkingabout theoppressedand dispossessed. We must recognisehow theimperialist,capitalist, oppressive system harmsusall,”she said Speaking at UWConTuesday 2Junealongside hermother, Gadija Ahjum, Mathee describedthe experience as onemarkedbyfear, uncertaintyand intimidation afterIsraeli forces interceptedthe flotilla in internationalwaters in May.

“It’sanexperiencewhere youare constantly on edge becauseyou neverknowwhatisgoing to happen next,” shesaid.

The flotilla,carryinghumanitariansupplies includingbabyformula,water andmedical aid,

wasintercepted about268 kilometres off the Gaza coast. Activistsonboard were detained andtransported to Israel before laterbeing deported to theirhomecountries following internationalpressure

Mathee, oneofonlysix SouthAfricansonthe mission andreportedlythe youngest activist involved,saidmanypassengerswererestrained with cabletiesand subjectedtoharsh treatment whileincustody.She allegedthatsoldierstightened restraints,forceddetainees to remain in uncomfortablepositions forextendedperiods andsubjected them to psychologicalintimidation

“Hearing asoldier saythingslike, ‘I feel like killing someonetoday’, really affects you psychologically,” shesaid. Mathee also claimed that soldiers tore herheadscarf andconfiscated thehijabsofseveral Muslim womenduringthe operation.

tearsofjoy

Despitethe ordeal,she said shehas no regrets aboutparticipating in themission.“Palestinians have been crying outand pleading forassistancefor decadeswhile facing oppression.Give me some ointment formybruises,and Iwould go againtomorrow,”she said Mathee explainedthather decision to join the flotilla wasmotivated by herbeliefs andvalues. “Every part of my identity wastelling me that I needed to standupfor global justice. Icouldn’t continue watching theatrocitiesthatare happening.I felt Ineeded to take amorehands-on approach.”

Herpubliccommentscomeshortly afteran emotionalhomecomingatCapeTownInternational Airport, wherefamilymembers,supportersand membersofthe public gathered to welcomeher andfellowSouth Africanactivists home

Hermotherpreviouslydescribed thereunion as overwhelming,sayingthe family shed tears of joywhenMatheeemerged from theairport arrivals hall.

Ajhumsaidshe remained proudofher daughter’scourage andconviction. “Whenshe told us shewas goingonthe flotilla,itwas astatement from herside.

Shedidn’trequire permission from us as parents,”she said “Itisthatexpression of commitmenttovalues such as justice, humandignity,kindnessand compassion that Imarvelat.”

y’ ga

business-friendly environmentwhile congratulatingthe Cape Chamberfor recognising businessesthatcontributetoeconomicgrowth andjob creation

‘Enc

TAudienceatprevious festival

SondheimatTheatreontheBay

Cape Town audiencescan look forwardtoan enchanting mixofromance,wit andemotional dramawhenCapeTownOpera (CTO)stages StephenSondheim’sacclaimedmusical ALittle NightMusic at Theatreonthe Baylater this month.

From Tuesday30JunetoSunday12July, the Fred Abrahamse-directed production will feature adistinguished cast of musicaltheatre performers, bringing to life astory of love,longing, jealousy andsecondchances setagainst oneof Broadway’s most celebrated musicalscores.

ThecastincludesMarcelMeyer as thecharismaticCount Carl-MagnusMalcolm,Kate Normington as Countess Charlotte Malcolm, Liné Jordaan as Anne Egerman, William Young as Henrik Egerman, Mia-CeciliaKriel as Fredrika Armfeldt andCTO HouseSoloist Brittany SmithasPetra Smith, whowon aFleur du CapTheatre Awardin2024for herportrayal of Mariain TheSound of Music,isexpectedtobring her acclaimedvocal anddramatictalents to the production

MusicaldirectorJoséDiaswillconduct from thepiano,while costumes have been designed by Marcel Meyer. Lighting design is by Nicolaas de Jonghand sounddesignbyDavid Classen. Abrahamsesaidthe enduring appeal of the musicalliesinits emotionaldepth “Itissophisticated andfunny,but beneath

theglitterthere is enormous tenderness and vulnerability. Sondheim’s writingisunmatched in itsintelligenceand emotionaltruth,” he said Firstperformed on Broadway in 1973, ALittle NightMusic wonsix Tony Awards,including Best Musical, andremains oneofSondheim’s most celebrated works. Theproductionfeatures theiconicsong“Send in theClowns”,alongside ascore renowned forits lush waltzes, sharp lyrics andemotional complexity . Ticketsthrough Webticketsand Theatreonthe Baybox office on 021 4383300.Advancebooking is recommended.Uptacon est ipsunt reproint

Seaforest on global stage

An enchanting underwater photograph capturinga colourful kelp forest takennearSimon’s Town hasplacedthe GreatAfrican Seaforeston theglobalstage aftergracing thecover of the latest editionof TIME magazine.The image, captured by Cape Town-based freediver and underwater photographer HelenWalne,showcasesthe vast biodiversity of theGreat African Seaforest, avastkelpecosystem stretching alongthe Cape coastline.

Walnetookthe now-famous photograph at a site calledA-Frame,which is closetoBoulders Beachoutside Simon’sTown.

TheGreat AfricanSeaforest is theonlycontinuousforestofgiant bamboo kelp (Ecklonia maxima)onthe planet.Fringingthe shores of Cape Town andstretchingover1000kmnorth into Namibia, this thriving marine ecosystem is home to unique biodiversity,including thousandsofspecies foundnowhere else.The photo appeared in TIME magazine’s feature– “The PowerHidinginUnderwaterForests”– which puts aglobalspotlight on oneofSouth Africa’s most extraordinarynatural wonders.

Walnetold Time OutCapeTown magazine that shehas been visiting thesitefor the past eightyears andwas drawntoa striking pink-purplesea anemonefeaturedinthe photograph. “Thatparticularsitebecamealmost like family,ora friend,” shesaid, describing it as oneofseveral speciallocations sheregularly returnstowithinthe seaforest.

TheGreat AfricanSeaforest is recognised as theworld’s only giantsea bamboo forest and supportsanextraordinary rangeofmarinelife, includingsharks, seals, octopus, abalone, rock lobsterand countlesssmallerspecies

Accordingto TIME,which drew heavilyonthe work of Cape Town-based SeaChangeProject, Save OurSeasFoundation, andthe 1001 SeaforestSpecies project.

Theecosystem gained internationalrecognition throughthe Oscar-winningdocumen-

tary My OctopusTeacher, filmed in thekelp forestsaroundthe Cape Peninsula. TIME’s featureexploresthe importance of kelp forests in supportingmarinebiodiversity, protecting coastlines andhelping absorb carbon in a warmingworld

Whilemanykelpforests globally face threats from climatechangeand pollution,research suggeststhe GreatAfrican Seaforesthas shown encouragingresilience.

ForSimon’s Town,the internationalrecognition is areminderthatone of theworld’s most remarkable naturalwonders lies just offshore, hiddenbeneath thewaves

ThePiratesofPenzancesailsintotheArtscapethisJuly

Pirates, policemen, romanceand comicchaos come to Artscape this winter as G&Spresentsa vibrantnew production of Gilbertand Sullivan’smuch-lovedcomic opera, ThePirates of Penzance,fromSaturday4 to Sunday 12 July PerformedinEnglish, filledwithhumour, andshorter than many traditionaloperas, The PiratesofPenzance offersanaccessibleand entertaining introduction to operafor families,younger audience membersand first-time opera-goers– whilestill delivering allthe wit, wordplay andmusical sparklethatGilbert and Sullivanaudiences know andlove.

Directed by DarrylJ Spijkers,withmusical directionbyAlastairCockburn, this bold new stagingbringsrenewed theatrical energy to one of themostenduringworks in comicopera, whileremaining firmly rooted in itsVictori-

an-era setting andcharm

ENTERTAINING

Theproductionfeaturesa cast of more than 60 performers anddancers,withliveaccompaniment provided by thenewly formed Cape Town Sinfonietta,a 26-piece orchestra. At atimewhenlarge live orchestras are increasingly rare in musicaltheatre andcomic operaproductions,audiences will have the opportunitytoexperienceSullivan’ssparkling scoreperformed in full.

Firstperformed in 1879, ThePirates of Penzance remainsone of Gilbertand Sullivan’s most popularand entertaining works. Filledwithrazor-sharp humour,fast-paced storytelling,swashbuckling adventureand memorablemelodies, theproductionincludes

favourites such as “I Am theVeryModel of a Modern Major-General”,alongside romantic duets, comicensembles andenergetic finales.

With itscolourful characters,livelystaging, dancers, fullorchestra andlarge cast,this production promises laughter,spectacle and musicalbrilliance in equalmeasure

It will runfor eightperformances, including threeafternoon matinees,between Saturday 4 andSunday12July.

. Tickets rangefromR225toR350.Book at Webtickets or the Artscape BoxOffice on 021 421 7695.

Colourful characters,livelystaging, dancers, orchestraand largecast,Pirates promises laughter, spectacleand musicalbrilliance. PHOTO:TIFFANY SCHULTZ