People's Post | False Bay | E-Edition 02 September 2025

Agy teaching awards recently.

Kelly Joe Francis received a certificate for Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning at the Western Cape Education Department’s Provincial Teaching Awards The ceremony was held at The Westin Hotel

g Francis is a teacher at St James RC Primary School in Kalk Bay

She says she her journey in education began during her tenure as the school librarian in 2010

“This was where I discovered my passion for helping learners access knowledge From there,

I served as the office assistant, gaining administrative skills that later prepared me for the role of bursar My love for technology led me to become the ICT (teacher) and leader, guiding the integration of digital learning Determined to grow further, I pursued studies and qualified

and

and

PassporttoNatureissued

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic tourism while promoting conservation awareness across the country.

The “Passport to Nature: Your Year of Discovery” campaign offers South Africans 25% off Individual Annual Membership during September, providing unlimited access to all 11 National Botanical Gardens and two Zoological Gardens for an entire year

Sanbi gardens include Kirstenbosch, Harold Porter, Hantam National Botanical Garden, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Free State Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

The initiative transforms traditional garden visits into an interactive experience Members receive an illustrated passport that collects unique stamps and biodiversity facts from each visited site Completed passport sections unlock rewards including Sanbi merchandise and seed hampers, with fully completed passports eligible for behind-the-scenes experiences

“Tourism Month is about discovering the hidden treasures of our country and how deeply nature is connected to our well-being,” said Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Sanbi’s Director of Marketing Communication and Commercialisation

“With this Passport to Nature, South Africans can turn everyday outings into experiences that nurture both biodiversity and bonds ”

EXPERIENCESTHAT NURTUREBONDS, BIODIVERSITY

The campaign aligns with Tourism Month 2025’s focus on domestic travel as an economic driver Economists and social development experts have highlighted tourism’s role in fostering both economic growth and social cohesion throughout South Africa

Sanbi’s network of gardens and conservation facilities serves a dual purpose: protecting the country’s natural heritage while providing accessible green spaces for communities Recent research indicates that regular access to nature improves mental health and well-being while strengthening community connections

The botanical gardens offer diverse activities from family picnics and birdwatching to sensory garden experiences and music events

Each visit with the Sanbi passport becomes part of a year-long discovery journey across South Africa’s botanical diversity

The discounted membership campaign runs throughout September, positioning domestic travel not just as leisure activity but as investment in South Africa’s natural heritage conservation efforts

. For more information about the Passport to Nature membership discount,visit Sanbi’s official website or contact participating botanical gardens directly

BlistersforBreadCharityFunWalkcompleted

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The weather was perfect for an early morning walk and over 9000 walkers did just that as they laced up their shoes for the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Fun Walk on Sunday 31 August

The Green Point Common Sport ground was a hive of activity as walkers gathered from early morning to partake in the 5 and 10km walks, all united for a worthy cause

Every step taken help support the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), which provides daily

In the chaos of our day-today working lives we can often forget how much time we spend inside our offices, let alone the time we spend working from home in hybrid conditions

Global research shows that on average for a typical full-time role, this equates to roughly 2207 hours per year, which can change due to holidays, vacation, and sick leave

In South Africa an average person spends approximately 40 to 45 hours per week at the office, which is also excluding their after-hour duties and study courses and qualifications they’re pursuing to further their careers in their downtime Let’s not forget how much we spend and endure with

the never-ending slow traffic and unruly drivers, taxis and motorcyclists complicating our safety and blood pressure My heart goes out to those working in Cape Town and the central business districts, rising extra early to ensure they’re not trapped in the traffic jams that plague these areas After work we still have to be emotionally available for our families and partners despite how drained our social batteries are after a typical day

Often the perils of a bad day can cause us to project our frustrations onto our loved ones who played no role in the frustrations we experienced at work Introspection and meditation are crucial during this time to avoid causing unnecessary pain and arguments for those closest to us

In the heat of emotion, one can forget the long-term psychological effects and stress these constant arguments can leave on the minds and emotions of young children

Participant Lorraine Pieterse said: “It is fun and the spirit among each other is so nice It allows people to come together and meet new people It would be nice if the schools can come out ”

Another participant, Petro

Theunissen said: “I came to support the children and to enjoy the early morning walk ” See more on page 8

meals to thousands of learners across the Western Cape Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, said this year 9 720 took part in the 57th edition of the event “Every cent from every entry will go towards feeding children We are looking at almost R1 million in funds that has been raised from this event That can go a long way if you consider that it costs R950 to feed a child for a year We appreciate what that means for so many children ”She expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the event possible “Thank you to Cape Town, to our sponsors, and donors who make it possible for us to be in existence for 67 years and to host this event for the last 57 years We appreciate all of them because as our motto says: you cannot teach a hungry child ”

and even our partners, who become accustomed to enduring scolds and an overall hostile home environment

Research shows that children exposed to family violence have brain activity patterns in their threat-detection areas, the anterior insula and amygdala, similar to war veterans, indicating a “hyper-aware” state of danger Furthermore, this neural adaptation may serve as a survival mechanism which also increases the risk for future anxiety disorders, trauma-related issues and impacting the child’s brain development

In the light of these worrying findings, we should be concerned for the overall well-being of our youth who are still navigating an ever-changing world fraught with technological innovation, social media, artificial intelligence, rising crime, they are still trying to find their place and voice in this “ content saturated” world

Therefore, they need the support, the love and patience from their parents to carry them through this turbulent modern age and once they feel that they are heard and seen, a great seed becomes planted that can only grow majestically and bear fruit that not only benefits themselves but their communities as well as we start leading with compassion and understanding instead of resorting to anger and bitterness

With all endless concerning data on the harmful effects that stress and repressed anger and unresolved conflict inflicts upon our immediate selves and families, we ought to know better and do better We should also bear a thought and prayer for all the women enduring emotional and physical abuse for their partners and their children as we celebrate the end of Women’s Month, into September, the month of spring, a time of restoration, reflection and rejuvenation

Library’sbook cluboneyearold

KEANAN HARMSE

The Kommetjie Public Library’s eager readers recently celebrated their new book club’s first anniversary.

To mark the milestone, the club hosted a special celebration as part of the Women’s Month

The club was established a year ago to unite readers and foster an inclusive and welcoming space

People’s Post spoke with senior librarian and club member Kim Beukes who has served at the facility since November last year

“My role and that of the team is ensuring that the library not only provides essential services but also fosters a sense of belonging through programmes like the popular Book Club,” she says The club meets every two months and has garnered around 15 members who gather to discuss and debate their latest reads

“We share perspectives, and build friendships It is a space where reading is not just solitary but becomes a shared journey,” she explains During the anniversary celebration members enjoyed a high-tea themed gathering, complete with pink décor to honour women and the joy of reading

FROMPAGE1

A highlight of my career has been watching learners who once doubted themselves develop the confidence to compete nationally in technology-driven initiatives

”

She says being recognised through the National Teaching Awards is one of the highlights of her career and has affirmed the value of innovation and resilience in education

“Winning the award was a humbling and emotional moment It felt like a recognition not just of my personal efforts, but of the collective journey of my learners, colleagues, and community For my family, it was a source of immense pride, as they witnessed the sacrifices and dedication behind the achievement ” She hopes the award will be recognised by her community as a “beacon of hope”

“It could be proof that even from a small fishing village, excellence and recognition at provincial and national levels are possible and inspire learners and parents alike to believe in the power of education ”

Her personal goals include: growing as a teacher and leader and expanding her expertise in digital learning and inclusive education

“For the school, I aim to further develop ICT integration, ensuring every learner gains the digital skills needed for the future I also hope to foster global citizenship among learners by promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural understanding Ultimately, my goal is to create a school environment where every child feels capable, valued, and ready to thrive in a changing world ” She credits the support of colleagues, parents, and the learners who constantly inspire her “Recognition at the National Teaching Awards is not the end of the journey but a stepping stone to even greater impact My message to other (teachers) is that innovation, perseverance, and love for learners can overcome any challenge, no matter how small or under-re-

IT IS A SPACE WHERE READING IS NOT JUST SOLITARY BUT BECOMES A SHARED JOURNEY

“The event highlighted not only the club’s milestone but also the sense of warmth and camaraderie that has grown among its members over the past year, ” Beukes adds Looking ahead, the library is eager to expand its community projects and welcomes volunteers to assist and support the facility

“Whether it’s assisting with events, helping to raise funds, or contributing time and skills, residents can get involved by becoming members of The Friends of Kommetjie Library to strengthen this vital community resource Kommetjie Library is more than just a space to borrow books it’s a hub of learning, connection, and creativity,” she says  For more information or to join the next Kommetjie Library Book Club meeting,contact Beukes at 021 814 1824 or email Kommetjie.Library@ capetown.gov.za.

sourced the school might be ”

. The school appointed Desiree Williams as principal on Wednesday 6 August and she will officially take over on Wednesday 1 October

As new principal, Williams says she is beaming with pride over Francis’s achievements

“As the newly appointed principal of St James Primary, my vision is rooted in growing others creating space for every staff member to flourish alongside me In that spirit, I am incredibly proud of Francis’s journey and the remarkable impact she continues to make Her dedication goes far beyond the classroom She consistently goes the extra mile for our learners, our parents, and our colleagues, embodying the values of service, innovation, and compassion Her recognition at the National Teaching Awards is not just a personal triumph it’s a celebration for our entire school community

It affirms that excellence can rise from humble beginnings, and that when educators lead with heart and purpose, they inspire transformation Francis's story reminds us that every child deserves a champion, and every school thrives when its teachers are empowered to lead boldly ”

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

With significant Dial-a-Ride (DaR) service changes looming, disability organisations say the City is failing its most vulnerable residents by not offering an inclusive transport solutions

From Monday 8 September, access to DaR will be limited strictly to wheelchair users and those with serious mobility impairments, excluding many who previously relied on the service (“Discriminatory action”, People’s Post, 26 August)

On Monday 25 August disability advocacy groups protested outside the Cape Town Civic Centre demanding that the City does more to ensure transport equity for all (“Protestors decry city’s DaR cuts”, People’s Post, 26 August) They also handed over a memorandum of grievances to According to the City, these service cuts are due to budget constraints

Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, met with leaders from organisations on Tuesday 26 August to look at alternatives

When asked about the outcomes of the meeting, Michelle Botha, chair for Western Cape Network on Disability, told People’s Post that there is no clear “commitment to restoring” the service “We were very disappointed by the engagement that the lack of consultation was not acknowledged That the long-standing inefficiencies of DaR were not clearly addressed

Botha said people with disabilities have long faced persistent barriers to accessible transport

“We view these as a symptom of a larger problem related to the lack of prioritisation of people with disabilities within City of Cape Town, which we have seen over many years of attempting to engage in good faith on issues of access “We are deeply concerned about the implications of the cuts for users We are angered by the lack of consultation by City about the cuts ”

She said the meeting did not yield “ a satisfactory outcome” and added that they are exploring options including “legal routes”

“As far as City is concerned, they are not will-

ing to restore the service

Sergil January, awareness officer for Cape Town Society for the Blind, who also attended the meeting, said they are left with more questions than answers

“Adding further frustration, Mr Quintas requested that organisations representing persons with disabilities approach employers to tap into CSI funding to support Dial-a-Ride

“This shifts responsibility away from the City and onto the very people most affected by their decision

January said DaR is a lifeline service to many “Dial-a-Ride is not a luxury, it is essential for attending clinic appointments, doctor visits, faith-based activities, and sport and recreational opportunities The presentation reflected a lack of understanding of what this service truly means to disabled citizens ”

He said the service cuts “robs people of their independence”

“As the Cape Town Society for the Blind, we strongly believe that the City of Cape Town which claims that “This City Works for You” must find the funds to reinstate and sustain this vital service They must find a way, even if it means reallocating budgets from elsewhere, because the dignity and independence of disabled people cannot be compromised

January said this issue goes beyond transport; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and equal access

“It is about whether disabled citizens are seen, heard, and valued as equal members of our city We refuse to be made invisible ”

Quintas said the City is willing to partner with advocacy groups “To potentially lobby large corporates who many have some form of social responsibility funding as well as to continue our fight to petition the National Department of Social Development to meet so that the relevant department (who’s core mandate is persons with disabilities and vulnerable persons) would be able to provide us with the deficit we have ”

He said they are “ more than happy” to resume the service to its current status if the funding is available

SafeJourneytoSchoolcelebration

NAMHLA MONAKALI

NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Scholar drivers play a vital role in ensuring learners travel safely to and from school every day On Saturday 30 August, the Discovery Safe Journey to School (DSJTS) programme celebrated the top-performing drivers for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2, rewarding their commitment to safe and responsible driving during a ceremony held at Pinelands Town Hall

At the heart of the programme is the DQ-Track system, which monitors driving behaviours such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and speeding By analysing this data, DSJTS can reward drivers for safe practices and help them become more aware of their habits on the road Coupled with First Aid and Defensive Driving training, the programme ensures that scholar drivers are not only safer behind the wheel but also prepared to respond to emergencies

While awards recognised both male and female drivers, Women’s Month brought special attention to female drivers Their dedication and leadership in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry were celebrated as a model for others in the community Programme lead Marcella Naidoo reminded attendees of the progress women have made over generations “These women are your peers, your fellow scholar drivers, and we want to honour them Not long ago, women were excluded from opportunities such as voting or leading projects Today, they do that and so much more, at home, in schools, and in communities ” Naidoo encouraged everyone to reflect on the women in their lives, mothers, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders, who continue to shape families and society The women drivers recognised at the event embody that same strength and dedication, going the extra mile to

keep learners safe each day

DSJTS administrator Quinlyn Johnson said the awards go beyond incentives “Celebrating these drivers is about recognising the essential role they play in our communities Women drivers, in particular, set a standard for safety and responsibility, showing young learners, especially girls, that leadership and care go hand-in-hand ”

By uplifting scholar drivers through recognition, training, and technology, DSJTS fosters

a culture of accountability and safety on the roads The programme reinforces the importance of safe learner transport while empowering drivers The celebration not only acknowledged top performers but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of all scholar drivers who ensure that children travel safely every day As DSJTS continues to expand its reach, safe journeys remain at the centre of its mission, inspiring both drivers and learners alike

WOMEN DRIVERS SET A STANDARD FOR SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY, SHOWING GIRLS THAT LEADERSHIP AND CARE GO HAND-IN-HAND

Inspired by resilience, generosity

KEANANHARMSE

AMuizenberg resident hopes to champion and foster a sense of conservation in her community.

Angela Gorman helps manage the iconic Muizenberg beach huts that are among 76 huts that fall under the care of the Beach Hut Trust (BHT)

The huts are managed by the BHT, which was founded by Gorman in 2020 to restore and protect these City assets

The huts also had the chance to be crowned the Cape’s best tourist attraction after securing a nomination for this year ’ s Kfm 94 5 annual Best of the Cape Awards, but the spoils went to last year ’ s winner, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMAC)

The huts are more than a century old, with origins in the early 1900s

This winter the huts faced a scourge of vandalism where the facilities were struck on Friday 4 July and experienced 30 break-ins where people damaged locks and doors

In an interview with People’s Post, Gorman revealed her journey and the challenges that shaped her career and led her to her role in conserving the beach huts

Her dream career was never a single “choice”, but rather evolved over time, she recalls “Early on, I worked in publishing and advertising, but I always found myself drawn to

SURROUNDYOURSELFWITH WOMENWHOLIFTYOUAND HOLDYOUACCOUNTABLE

projects where I could connect people and stories often with a strong sense of place

Whether through running Airbnb listings, heritage projects, or fundraising for conservation and community work, my work is tied together by a desire to showcase South Africa’s beauty while supporting those who live here ”

One challenge she had to overcome in navigating the corporate world was “creating structure in work that doesn’t follow a traditional nineto-five mold”

“But that flexibility also allows me to dive into causes and communities that matter, like the revival of Muizenberg’s iconic beach huts or the Senior Santa Shoebox initiative I launched Inspired by the popular Santa Shoebox Project for children, we created a version for elderly residents in welfare homes who are so often overlooked during the festive season What began as a Christmas outreach has grown into a year-round initiative, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see the joy and dignity these small gestures bring ”

When asked what obstacles remain for women in the workplace and society at large in 2025, she said: “There’s still a long way to go in rec-

ognising the unpaid, or underpaid, labour that women carry in homes, in communities, and in advocacy spaces In my work, I often see women as the first to show up, the last to be credited, and often doing it all while holding down paid jobs and caring for others In Muizenberg and surrounds, I’d love to see more funding, training and visibility for women-led community projects; not just applause, but actual investment ”

Gorman says that fundraising and giving back to her community doesn’t require a big budget

“Sometimes all it takes is time, empathy, and a willingness to connect Whether it’s mentoring a young woman or delivering a shoebox to an elderly person, small acts create ripples I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and generosity of women in our communities and hopeful about what we can still build together We’re not short on amazing women in this country We just need to keep making space for them to lead ”

Her advice for young women venturing off on their career path is to “stay curious” “Say yes to opportunities, even if you don’t feel ‘ready ’ Show up with heart and follow through And find a way to use your voice and skills for something bigger than yourself, even if your voice wobbles at first

“Also, surround yourself with women who lift you and hold you accountable That’s where the magic happens ”

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Cape Town’s economy is on the rise, adding 86000 jobs over the past year While South Africa’s national unemployment climbed to 32,9% in the first quarter of this year, Cape Town’s growth shows how jobs, innovation, and social impact can go hand in hand

James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, says these figures reflect the City’s “steady, service-driven approach to economic development”

“The city continues to create meaningful work and economic opportunities for residents,” Vos says Job growth has been strongest in business process outsourcing, technology, clothing and textile manufacturing, and marine industries Cape Town also plans R39,7 billion in infrastructure projects over the next three years, aiming to create 130 000 additional jobs

LABOURMARKETOVERVIEW

According to economic performance indicators for Cape Town, the City has a working-age population of 3,25 million Its broad labour force is 2,43 million The labour force participation rate stands at 71,8%, while the labour absorption rate is 56,1% Of the employed, 239731 work informally

The number of people actively searching for work is 511 186 Another 88 947 are discouraged or non-searching job seekers Strict unemployment, which counts only active job seekers, remains lower than the national rate Broad unemployment, which also includes discour-

aged job seekers, shows a similar trend

ECONOMICSNAPSHOT

The Western Cape contributed R669 billion to South Africa’s R4,68 trillion GDP in the first quarter Cape Town is estimated to provide roughly 72% of the province’s GDP, about R481 billion GDP per capita in the city is R152 093, above the provincial R139 337 and national R114 472

Tourism remains a bright spot In Q1, 983 568 international tourists visited six of Cape Town’s

major attractions Cape Town International Airport handled 2,87 million passengers in the same period Inflation in the Western Cape was 3,8%, slightly higher than the national 2,7%, while the city’s Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, was 0,59, below the national 0,61

DIGITISDEMPOWERSTEACHERS

Innovation is also reshaping education Cape Town-based start-up Digitisd, founded by teacher-turned-entrepreneur Cherith Wareley,

trains teachers to integrate technology into classrooms The company provides digital resources and practical tools designed for teachers, not just learners

“Digitisd empowers teachers to use digital tools meaningfully, not just know them,” Wareley says

The start-up has focused on underserved communities through partnerships, grants, and affordable training solutions Its work has earned recognition from several notable innovation platforms Innovation Accelerator Week supports early-stage start-ups with mentorship, networking, and guidance to scale their ideas

The WomHub/Standard Chartered Top 12 highlights the top women-led start-ups in South Africa, providing exposure and resources to grow their businesses Stellenbosch University’s Lion’s Den Top 3 is a competitive pitch platform where entrepreneurs present innovative ideas to investors, with the top three receiving funding and support to expand

INNOVATIONANDOPPORTUNITYINCAPETOWN Operating from Cape Town gives Digitisd access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and supportive stakeholders The company plans to expand through online courses, deeper institutional partnerships, and an AI-driven platform for personalised teacher training

With strong job growth, rising GDP, thriving tourism, and start-ups transforming education, Cape Town demonstrates its potential as a hub for economic development and social impact

Blind wine master triumphs

Blind wine tasting got a whole new meaning when the Institute of Cape Wine Masters celebrated its first blind graduate among four new Cape Wine Masters, three of whom are from the Western Cape and one from Johannesburg.

Jacques Lombard from Cape Town made history by being the first blind candidate to participate in the Cape Wine Masters programme

He was joined by fellow Cape Wine Master graduates Riaan van der Spuy, cellar master at Swartland Winery, Janine van Zyl, a sommelier and international account manager at global wine and spirits social media agency FirstPour, and Bradley Wood from Johannesburg, a specialist urologist in private practice

Since its inception in 1983 120 Cape Wine Masters to date have achieved this elite selfstudy qualification, making this year ’ s achievements all the more remarkable

The new Cape Wine Masters were celebrated at a prestigious awards luncheon hosted by the Institute of Cape Wine Masters on Friday 22 August, together with the Pinotage Association and the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa

Tasting group for visually impaired

After losing his sight in 1996 at the age of 26, Lombard’s introduction to the wine industry came through an invitation by Hermann Kirschbaum, then winemaker at Buitenverwachting, to join Wine Insight, a wine-tasting group for visually-impaired wine enthusiasts

This unique environment, free from influence by labels, brands, or appearance, honed his reliance on aroma, flavour and texture, skills that proved invaluable in his wine career

DISTINCTION

Twenty years later, in 2016, Lombard founded Winebrands, a Cape Town-based wine retail business supported by a dedicated team

A customer’s remark about purchasing only award-winning wines sparked his curiosity about South Africa’s awards system

His research revealed that most judges on leading panels were Cape Wine Masters or Masters of Wine, a discovery that inspired him

A JOURNEY DEFINED BY RESILIENCE,PASSION AND UNWAVERING BELIEF

to enrol with the Cape Wine Academy

Progressing through the certificate and diploma courses with distinction, Lombard earned an invitation to join the demanding five-year Cape Wine Masters programme

Throughout his studies he received guidance from no fewer than 84 industry leaders, whose mentorship and generosity he credited as instrumental to his success

For Lombard the Cape Wine Master title is the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, passion and the unwavering belief that wine

is best judged by the pleasure it brings in the glass

His dissertation examined the formation, health effects and mitigation of biogenic amines in wine, dispelling common myths about sulphites and highlighting the amine compounds as a key cause of wine-related discomfort

The dissertation investigates the complex role of biogenic amines in wine; nitrogen-containing compounds produced and broken down in the human body through normal metabolic processes

While essential for regulating functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, brain activity, digestion and immune response, these compounds can present significant health risks when consumed in excessive amounts from certain foods and beverages, particularly red wine

The research provides an extensive literature review of factors influencing biogenic amine formation in wine, including microorganisms, terroir, grape cultivar as well as viticultural and cellar practices

Central to their formation is the activity of lactic-acid bacteria, naturally present in the winemaking environment An exploratory consumer survey within the study revealed limited public awareness of biogenic amines and their potential effects, underscoring the importance of education in this area

Beyond wine, Lombard maintains an active lifestyle, training weekly on a tandem bicycle and participating annually in the Cape Town Cycle Tour He lives in Welgemoed with his wife, Petro, and their son, Daniel

SaveaFishieinurgentcalltobanplasticlollipopsticks

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Environmentalist group, Save a Fishie is calling for a ban on plastic lollipop sticks after thousands were discovered over the past few months during beach clean-ups

“Plastic pollution continues to plague Cape Town’s beaches, with one small yet persistent item now in the spotlight: plastic lollipop sticks,” says Zoë Prinsloo, founder of Save a Fishie

Save a Fishie has launched a campaign demanding a ban on these products, citing their dangers to marine life, seabirds, and ecosystems

PETITIONFORCHANGE

The environmental organisation has also launched a petition urging urgent action to ban plastic-stemmed lollipops in the country

The campaign emphasises that this small shift could mark a significant victory in reducing coastal pollution

“This is one of the easiest environmental victories we can win,” Prinsloo stresses “If we can’t ban plastic lollipop sticks when safe alternatives are already available how can we expect to address bigger plastic challenges?”

AFAMILIARSIGHTONLOCALBEACHES

From around Cape Town, residents and clean-up volunteers know the scene all too well: after heavy rains or storms, plastic debris litters the shoreline Among bottle caps, polystyrene, and straws, lollipop sticks are a stubborn and recurring find

While unsightly, the danger goes far deeper than appearance posing real threats to ocean health

“Plastic lollipop sticks are one of the most common items we collect during clean-ups,” says Prinsloo “They don’t break down, they end up in the food chain, and they’re completely unnecessary because safer alternatives already exist ”

THEHIDDENDANGERSOFPLASTICSTICKS

These small plastic stems, often overlooked, are far from harmless, Prinsloo says Rigid and sharp, they can injure or choke seabirds and marine animals

Over time, they fragment into microplastics that enter the food web, potentially affecting human health as well

“Every stick we find is another reminder of how deep the plastic crisis has become,”

Prinsloo says “If we cannot phase out such a simple, replaceable product, then what hope do we have for tackling the larger plastic problem?”

Unlike many environmental challenges that require new innovations or major investment, this issue has an immediate fix: paper lollipop sticks

Widely available and just as effective for holding sweets, paper options are biodegradable and far less harmful

“There is absolutely no reason for plastic sticks to still be on our shelves,” Prinsloo explains “Paper sticks work perfectly, they’re affordable, and they don’t destroy the environment ”

SAVEAFISHIE’SCAMPAIGNIDENTIFIESCLEARRESPONSIBILITIESFORCHANGE:

. Manufacturers: Stop producing plastic-stemmed lollipops and commit to paper-based alternatives

. Retailers: Remove plastic versions from shelves and offer only sustainable choices

. Parents, Schools, and Youth Groups: Refuse to buy or distribute plastic-stemmed lollipops at events, fundraisers, or as treats

. Government: Enforce legislation banning the manufacture and sale of plastic sticks, in line with global trends phasing out single-use plastics

“Plastic pollution is choking our oceans If we want to protect our beaches, wildlife, and future generations, we need to cut this problem off at the source, ” Prinsloo says

LESSONSFROMLOCALCLEAN-UPS

Beach cleanup groups often stress that the litter washing up after storms reflects what is flowing into rivers and stormwater systems daily Once in the sea, these plastics circulate indefinitely “Every time it rains, we brace ourselves for the waste that will end up on our beaches,” Prinsloo noted “From Milnerton Lagoon right up to Melkbosstrand, plastic lollipop sticks are always among the first items we pick up ” People’s Post has previously covered how these items, particularly around Sunset Beach and Bloubergstrand, overwhelm volunteers after storm surges evidence of how entrenched the issue has become South Africa’s beaches are a source of pride, recreation, and tourism They are also vital habitats for marine life Campaigners argue that allowing unnecessary plastic to continue polluting these spaces undermines both environmental health and community well-being As Prinsloo concluded: “Together, we can stop this source of litter at its root ” . Go to https://chng it/YFb6hgHgMT to sign the petition

Post is distributed every Tuesday and reach an estimated 419 650 readers

THOUSANDS OF WALKERS TOOK TO THE STREETS ON SUNDAY 31 AUGUST TO RAISE FUNDS AS PART OF THE ANNUAL BLISTERS FOR BREAD CHARITY WALK HOSTED BY THE PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION(PSFA).