People's Post False Bay E-edition 10 March 2026

City a‘couturerunway’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe Cape Town Carnival settolight up theMotherCityinjust over 10 days celebrated designer Stephenvan Eedenis readytoturnthe streetsinto amovingrunwayofcouture, cultureand creativity.

Knownfor hissignature blend of bridal elegance,red-carpet glamourand luxuriousresortwear, he will bringboldfashion to oneof Cape Town’s biggest celebrations of art, identity andcommunity on Saturday 21 March.

More than 1000 performers and 10 beautifully-crafted floats will once againlight up theGreen Point FanWalk.

VanEeden is oneof10local artists selected to be championsofthe 16th editionofthe event.

On thetheme “Followyour heART” VanEeden says spectators canexpecta celebrationoftheatricalglamour andrefinedartistry.

“Myapproachisalwaysrooted in couturecraftsmanship,sothere will be meticulous attentionto intricatedetailing,texture and silhouette interpretedthrough the dynamic, high-energylensofthe

carnival.”

He says beyond thevisualspectaclethispresentationisalsoabout shininga spotlightonfashion as acatalystfor jobcreationinthe country, specifically in Cape Town

“Smallerdesignerstudios and localmanufacturersholdextraordinary skilland potential.

“Withthe rightsupport they have thecapacitytoupskill individuals andtrain them in refinedtechniques such as tailoring, cutting, patternmaking,draping, finishingand intricatebeading.These areartisanal skills that notonly preserve craftsmanshipbut create meaningful employment opportunities.”

VanEeden tells People’s Post that beingpartofanevent that brings together communities, artistsand visionariesina vibrantway is both “humblingand deeply exciting

“Itisanincrediblehonourtobe part of theCapeTownCarnival. Thecityisrichinculturaldiversity,creativityand bold expression andthe carnival encapsulates that spirit so beautifully.”

He explains what people canlook forwardtofromhis set.

“Our boldly beautiful PODwill featureour muse,Melissa Nayimuli, whobringsgrace,strengthand

CARNIVAL SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALFASHION

apowerful senseofrepresentation to theplatform. Herpresenceembodies theconfidenceand modern Africanelegancethatthe design narrative celebrates VanEeden says he wantspeople to leavefeelinginspired.

“I wouldlovefor audiencesto walk away feelinginspiredreminded that fashionisnot just clothing, buta powerful form of storytelling, identity,and economic empowerment

“I hope they feel prideinlocal talent,inour shared cultureand in theknowledge that supporting localdesigndirectlyimpacts communities andlivelihoods.”

He believes events such as the carnival area catalyst forthe arts

“Eventslikethe carnival arevital becausetheycreateaccessibleplatformsfor artiststoshowcasetheir work to broadand diverseaudiences. They nurturecollaboration, encourageculturalexchange, and stimulatethe creative economy. ”

AccordingtoVan Eeden, the

carnival is apowerful reminder that theartsare nota “luxurybut essential.

“Theycreatevisibility, open doors foremergingtalent, anddemonstrate howcreativitycan drivesocial andeconomictransformation within ourcommunities.”

NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post, is aproud sponsorof theevent

Yourchancetogiveyourbusinessa‘hand-up’

GrandWestiscalling on local businessestoapplyfor itsEnterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD)programme,which aims to give Small, Medium andMacro Enterprises(SMMEs) ahand-up to thenextlevel

In addition to mentorship and knowledgesharing smallbusinesses canaccess loans, payableover 36 months ESDwas introduced in 2014,but formalised as abusiness-incubation hubin2018and hasgranted

over R28million in loansand almost R12million in grants Applications closeonMonday 16 Marchand areassessedbya committeeconsistingofheads of alldepartments at GrandWest. Successful applicants agreetosign up fora three-year programme In the firstyearbusinessowners aretaught financialcontrol,governanceinbusiness, humanresources skills andaccounting among others

Second andthird year offer more

in-depth training in thesesubjects. Eventand décorplanners,brandingspecialists,food andbeverage distributors,maintenance specialists,including builders,plumbers andelectricians, arebeneficiaries. Criteria includehavinga registeredbusinessthatis51% empowered,somebusinessacumenand it is at leasttwo yearsold.Start-ups must have take-off agreements or long-termcontracts Applicants need to submit abusiness proposal that includes athreeyear financialforecast, certified copies of theirSouth AfricanID andthatofall shareholders,their business registration documents, taxclearance certificate,B-BBEE certificate anda minimumoftwo years’ audited financials .Drop allapplications and supporting documents off at GrandWest or contact ChrissyDyers on 021 505 7593 or emailchrissy.dyers@ suninternational.comorLayla Essop on 021 505 7590 or Layla.essop@ suninternational.comfor moreinfo.

Wemustholdinstitutionsaccountable

tional law, lack of humanitarian access to basicneeds, shelterand protectionswereparaded before us by theworld’s mediaevery day.

Hello partner!

TodayisTuesday 10 March, and maybeyou woke up to thehum of traffic, thecalls of street vendors andthe rhythm of everyday life

Formethe daybeginsquietly.But forothersitbeginswithworry, struggleoruncertainty.March is HumanRightsMonth in South Africa

Laterthismonth,on21March, thecountry will mark Human Rights Day, rememberingthe Sharpeville Massacreof1960, when police opened fire on unarmedprotestersdemanding dignityand freedom.Sixty-nine people were killed. Theirdeaths remind us that humanrights arenot abstract ideals;theyare protectionsbetween dignityand oppression

However, what do humanrights look like today?

Look farawayand thepicture is grim.The three-year warbetween Israel andGazasaw homes, schools, hospitals, nottomention lives, destroyed. It left us with the spectreoffamilies fleeing under relentless fire,childrengoing hungry, traumatisedcivilians living in constant fear Wholesaleviolationsofinterna-

This is astark reminder that rights arefragile.Theyare neither automaticnor guaranteed.And here at home rights arejustas vulnerable though thethreats may seem quieter.

Last week,Finance Minister EnochGodongwanadelivered the national Budget Speech. Numbers, projections, allocations, it allsounded distant. However, each rand hasconsequences.

Fundingdecisions determine whetherclinics have enough medicine, whetherpolicepatrols reach ourstreets, whetherfamilies finally geta roof over theirheads Everylineofa budget affects whetherrightsare realised or remain promises on paper.

Isee it.A nurseinKhayelitsha attendstopatientsina clinic with long queues andlimited resources.

Ateenager in Mitchells Plain takesovercrowded public transport to school,where textbooksand suppliesare oftenscarce.

AfamilyinMarikana, Philippi, awaits housing, whileinformal settlements expand

On astreet corner in Wynberg, a homeless manreads alibrary book, findinga quietmomentamidthe noiseoftrafficand passersby Adeliveryrider navigatesbusy

roads, earninga living while hoping forbasic protection from accidentsortheft.These arenot statistics.These arehuman rights in practice or,sometimes,inperil Humanrightsare notabstract. They arelived andare universal. Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable.The righttoprotest exists even when it disrupts traffic.

Dignityappliestoeveryone, even thosesociety wouldratherignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect.

Cape Town reflects thecontradictions of SouthAfricaitself. Breathtaking beauty co-existswith entrenched inequality.Pristine suburbssit alongsideinformal settlements. Modern infrastructure contrastswithcommunities strugglingfor basicservices.

Opportunityoften dependson wheresomeone is born.Safety, educationand health care remain privileges forsome, whileothers aredeniedtheir rights

HumanRightsMonth should challengeustoconfrontthese contradictions.Are we building asociety wheredignity is real for everyone,oronlyfor thosewith means?

Arewewilling to askuncomfortable questionsabout inequality, neglect, andgovernmentaccountability? Canweprotect therightsof themostvulnerableevenwhenitis

inconvenient?And here Isit with an uncomfortabletruth;rightsare meaninglessifwedonot live them in ourcommunities

They aredefendedinthe decisionswemake, in howwetreat our neighbours,and in theactions we take when we seeinjustice.Human rights aretestedbothinthe streets of Cape Town andinthe bombedoutbuildings of Gaza

Whetherthe threat is war, poverty, or neglect, theprinciple is thesame: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity.

As we walk toward 21 March partner, thechallengeisclear.We cannotsimplyrememberSharpeville.Wemustact.Wemustspeak to ourneighbours, question our leaders, andholdinstitutions accountable.

We must walk thestreetswith empathy, witnessthe struggles around us andchallengepolicies that leavepeoplebehind. Human rights arenot inherited; they are defended,lived andchosen, again andagain

Andthatresponsibilitybegins wherewestand.Human rights begininour streets, ourclinics, schoolsand homes, in thequiet cornerswhere people strugglefor dignitythatmanytakefor granted. Andaswemovethrough this month, partner, letuswalk together in memory of thepast, butincommitmenttothe present. Dignitybeginswhere we stand.

FirstMeerkatsbecomeScouts

Young Fish Hoek runner makes

EEvaHanekom at the Western Province Athletics Championshipswhich washeldinBlueDowns on Saturday28February.

sb ng

“Every week is notthe same,I maymissa session here or theredepending on howbusyI am,” Evanotes,showing mature understanding

Markettooffervendors dignityandshelter

TheR14 million Masiphumelele Gateway Market is entering its finalconstructionphase, with an anticipatedopening next month(April), markingthe culminationofa decade-longcommunity developmentproject

Maycomemberfor economic growth James Vosconfirmed themarketwillprovide 52 tradingopportunities, creating safe,sheltered and dignified tradingspacesfor informal traders currently operatingonpavements alongbusy Kommetjie Road

“The projectisinthe finalstage of construction.Thisphase involves finalbuildingchecks to ensure anypossiblefaultsare addressed,”he said Themarketisexpectedtobring entrepreneurialopportunitiestothe community

Theseinclude providingtraders with safe, shelteredand dignified tradingspaces, reducing pavement congestion,contributingtopublic

safety,and supportingoverall jobcreation during both theconstructionand operational phases

“Thereare 52 tradingopportunitiesatthe MasiphumeleleMarket, 42 of them areinformaltrading stalls.Thiswillbebestfor traders selling goods, andthere will also be five ‘kitchen kiosks’for traderstoprepare andsellfood

Then thereare five generaluse kiosks that are largeenoughfor generalretail, appliancerepair andlight industrial,” Vossaid.

TheCitywillalsoconduct an inductionsession with allnew permit holdersand identify their training needswhich caninclude:keepingaccounts,improving customer service, expanding to online salesand adopting cashless payment solutions, etc. “Visitorsand traderscan expect a safe,functionaland well-operated tradingenvironmentwithablutionfacilitiesfor thebenefit of thesurrounding community,” Vossaid.

ng s, typi lly reserved forrestand recovery

Despiteher intensivetrainingschedule, Hanekommaintains perspectiveonlifebalance

ly ,f ps,a time forrecovery.

Shecontinues developing herathletictalents whilemaintaining academic excellence.

Beachfrontrefurbonschedule

TheMuizenbergbeachfrontrefurbishment projectremains on schedule forcompletionby December this year,withcontractors having placed approximately15% of precaststepand promenadeunits that will provideenhanced coastalprotectionand beachaccess.

Theambitious project, whichcommenced in February last year,involvesreplacing aged seawalls anddeliveringmajor upgrades to public amenitiesalong thepopular stretchofcoastline

About15% of theconcreteprecast unitsfor thenew promenadewalkway hasbeen placed alreadybyusing alarge cranethatisoperating from Surfer’s Corner

Next week,the contractor will startwiththe dismantlingofthe four Muizenberg beachhuts on thewestern side of thebeachfront. Thehuts on theeastern side will be dismantled by midyear,asthe projectprogressestothatsection

Most of thesteps will be belowbeach leveland invisibletovisitorsasitwillbeburiedunder sand undernormalconditions.

Largesectionsofthe beachfront arecurrently fenced off forpublicsafetywhile excavations continue.Artisan steel formwork hasbeen installedbyhandtocreatethe curved design for thestepped revetmentatSurfer'sCorner.

Deputy Mayorand maycomemberfor Spatial Planning andEnvironment,EddieAndrews, reported significant milestones.“Theconstruction of theconnectiontothe St JamesWalkway is nowcomplete,”hesaid.

TheCityhas also completedconstructionofa newbuildingthatthe non-governmental organ-

isation(NGO),Waves forChange, will occupy

“However,publicaccess to theStJames Walkwayawaitscompletionofthe westernparking precinct next to therailway line.Wewillmake apublicannouncement when we reachthis milestone. Theold ablution building wasdemolished in Januaryand currently,weare busy placingthe precastconcreteunits that form the steppedrevetment andpromenade walkway,” he added.

Theiconicbeach huts face temporaryremoval as part of theupgrade.All eightwillbereplaced with improved-quality replicas following historic design andpattern arrangements

The2minlandsetback addressesclimate change impacts, includingrisingsea levels and stormsurges, whileensuringthe it doesn’treduce beachwidth.The unfenced beachsections remain open forrecreationand surfing

“Weare making useofthe good weather as much as we canbeforethe rainyseason. I want to thankthe public fortheir patience and support andreiterate that thesectionsonthe beachthatare notfencedoff remain open for recreation,aswellasthe surf,” he said

Acomplimentary community eventisscheduled forSaturday14March starting at 07:30, featuringbeach clean-up andocean-inspired guided movement sessions. Thewestern beachfrontfencing should be removedbyend-July, with marine worksthenshiftingeastwardwhile civilworks continue in thecentral plazaarea. Formoreinformation email muizenberg@chand.co.za

Child immunisation saveslives

Meningococcalmeningitishas claimeda life in theWestern Cape, promptingheightenedsurveillance from health authorities.

TheWestern Cape Department of Health andWellnesssad it’s closelymonitoringcases across theprovinceaspartofits ongoingpublic-health surveillanceefforts

Atotal of 11 confirmed meningococcaldisease cases, includingone death, were recorded between Thursday 1January andSunday22 February

Eightcases were recorded in theCapeTown Metrodistrict, twocases in Cape Winelands, andone case in theOverbergDistrict.

Meningococcalmeningitisiscausedbythe bacterium Neisseriameningitidis.The disease is severe butuncommon. It spreadsthrough fine droplets released during speaking,coughingorsneezing.

Themajorityofreportedcases were belowthe ageofone year

Accordingtothe department,these casesare sporadic anddonot constitute an outbreak Thedepartmentisalsomanaginga measles anddiphtheriaoutbreakbecause of declining childhood immunisation ratesand population immunity gaps in theprovince.

Meningococcalmeningitissigns and symptoms include:

. Suddenonset of fever

. Intenseheadache

. Nausea andvomiting

. Stiff neck

. Irritability

. Sensitivitytolight

. Arashwithsmall, dark reddiscolourations

on thebody

Meningitis is adangerous diseaseand canbe fatal. Parentsshouldseek immediatemedical attentioniftheyortheir childdevelop these symptoms

Meningococcaldisease is endemictoSouth Africa,occurringall year round, with apeak from June to October.

Infantsare themostaffected, followedbythe 15-24-year agecategory.

Anyone whohas hadclose contactwitha person diagnosedwithmeningococcalmeningitiswillbeidentified andsupported by health authoritiestoensuretheyreceive thenecessary preventive treatmentand information.

Certainstrains of meningococcaldisease can be preventedthrough vaccination.South Africa hasregisteredmeningococcalvaccines.

MEASLES

Measlesinfectionsare climbing sharplyin theWestern Cape,withthe Cape Town Metro emerging as theepicentre of thesurge

Between Monday 29 December last year and Sunday 15 February this year,the metrorecorded 203laboratory-confirmed measlescases, raisingconcern amonghealthofficialsasthey trackthe growingoutbreak.

Targeted measlesvaccination beganin

Dunoon on Wednesday18Februaryand continueswhere clusters or outbreaksare identified, includingthe Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern andTygerberg sub-districts.

Measlesisa highly contagious viralillnessthat affects therespiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing

Parentsare urgedtolook outfor symptoms

Timelydiagnosisandproper treatmentareessential

Chronicpelvicpainaffects thousandsofwomen in Cape Town,yet endometriosis, acondition affecting an estimatedone in tenwomen of reproductive ageworldwide,isoften underdiagnosed. March, recognised globally as EndometriosisAwareness Month, highlights the long-termimpactofthe conditiononwomen’s personal,professional andphysicallives Endometriosisoccurs when tissuesimilar to theliningofthe uterus growsoutside the womb,often causingpainful periods, discomfort during intercourse, reducedmobility,and chronicpelvicpain.

Thecondition canalsoaffectmentalhealth andoverall qualityoflifeaccordingtoDrAnita Naidoo, agynaecologist

“Manywomen wait yearsfor adiagnosis.In SouthAfrica, it cantakeuptoten years, and Africanwomen oftenfaceevenlongerdelays,” Naidoo said.“Symptoms arefrequently normalised,and access to specialisedcareis inconsistent.”

Whilethere is no cure,managementtypically includes medication,surgery,physiotherapy, andlifestyle adjustments. Some womeninCape Town arenow exploringnon-invasiveoptions such as Pelvic Chairtherapy,available in Tokai andRondebosch.

Danielle Ross,a women’shealthand female pelvic physiotherapistatPelvicCare, said the therapyuseselectromagnetic technology to stimulatethe pelvic floor muscles, supporting mobility andcirculation in thepelvicregion.

“Evidenceshows that physical activity assists pain management in womendiagnosed with endometriosis. ThePelvicChair is amethod that activatespelvicmuscles withoutstraining them,” Ross said

Thetherapy involves 30-minutesessionson achair,activatingmorethan11000 targeted muscle contractions persession.Initially developedfor urinaryincontinenceand pelvic organprolapse, it is increasingly used to addressmenstrual pain andendometriosis-related symptoms

Naidoo cautionedthatsuchtherapy should be considered part of amultidisciplinary approach

“Pelvic floor dysfunctioncan contribute to chronicpain. Strengtheningand relaxing these musclesmay help,but it should complement standard medicalcare, notreplace it,” shesaid.

PATIENTEXPERIENCES

Patients report varyingdegrees of improvement.One woman, whopreferredtoremain anonymous, said shenoted pain almost daily before starting therapy, butnow experiencesfar fewersymptoms.

Anotherlong-term patient, whohas livedwith endometriosisfor more than 20 yearsand undergonetwo surgical procedures,said: “I do feel therehas been some improvement. Iencourage youngerpatientstoseek treatmentearly.”

ChrismarideKock, founderofPelvicCare, said herteamlistens to womenwho have managed thecondition foryears

“Evensmall improvements canmakea significantdifference.Feelingheard andsupported matters,” De Kock said

KEEPINGEXPECTATIONSREALISTIC

Expertsemphasise that non-invasive therapies arenot acure.

“While Pelvic Chairtherapy mayprovide relief forsomepatients, it does notreplace medical treatment. Womenshouldconsult agynaecologist to developanindividualisedplan,”Naidoo cautioned. As awarenessgrows,women have more optionstomanageendometriosis symptoms,fromstandardmedical care to non-invasive therapies.

appropriatetreatment areessentialtoimproving qualityoflife.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS,MEASLESAND DIPHTHERIA ON THERISE.

andkeep children at home if they show any signsofillness. If achild hasa fever, becomes unusually sleepy, or struggles to eat, they should be takentotheir nearestclinicimmediately.

DIPHTHERIA

Diphtheria is aserious bacterialinfection caused by atoxin that leadstoa thickcoating at thebackofthe throat,makingitdifficult to breatheorswallow. It begins with asorethroat, mild feverand chills,followedbyswelling of theneckand formationofthe thickgrey-white coating. Thedisease spreadswhenaninfected person coughs or sneezes,and individualscan remain infectious foruptotwo weeksafter symptoms begin. Prolongedclose contactincreasesthe risk of transmission

Immunisation is themosteffective wayto preventdiphtheria. Children should receivethe diphtheria-containing(Hexavalent)vaccine at six, 10 and14weeks, 18 months,and booster doses(Tdap)atsix and12years.Anyonewho is notvaccinatedisatrisk, regardless of age. If symptoms appear,visit thenearest health facility urgently forassessmentand testing.

IMMUNISETOPROTECTYOURCHILD

Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilitiesand catch-up dosescan be administered if achild hasmisseda sched-

uled immunisation.Immunisationsare also availablethrough privatehealth-care providers andpublic–privatepartnerships.

Parentsare encouraged to sign theimmunisation consentformand return it to theirchild’s school,and attend clinic appointments for immunisation

Free days at Kirstenbosch

SouthAfricansare invitedtostepintonature as theSouth AfricanNationalBiodiversity Institute(Sanbi) opensits doorsfor National GardensWeek running untilFriday13March

During this time visitors canenjoy free weekdayentry to Kirstenbosch BotanicalGardens, with guided activities andhands-onconservation experiences, allunder thetheme “Your free passporttonature: celebrate, restore, and protectall life.”

This year Sanbioffersfreeaccess to allthe SouthAfricanstoits national botanicaland zoological gardenstoshowcasesomeofthe lesser-knowngardens

National GardensWeek is acalltoactionfor allvisitors.

By stepping into agarden, SouthAfricansare invitedtoreflectontheir role in celebratinglife, restoringecosystemsand protecting biodiversity forthe future.

This year’s National GardensWeek builds on themomentumoflastyear’sdebut,which saw over 126000 SouthAfricansstepintoSanbi’s 11 national botanicaland twozoological gardens to reconnectwithnature, families andlocal communities

As thethird most biodiverse countryinthe worldSouth Africa is home to more than 95 000 knownspecies,manyofwhich are foundnowhere else.NationalGardens Week offersanopportunityfor SouthAfricansofall ages andbackgrounds to experience this natural wealth first-hand,while learning whybiodiversity conservation matters forour well-being, livelihoodsand futuregenerations

ACOUNTRYWIDECELEBRATIONOFBIODIVERSITY

Across Sanbi’sgardens visitors canlook forwardtoa rich programme of activities that blendlearning, relaxation,and discovery. Theseinclude guided walks, bird andinsect observation,plant sales, wellnessactivitiesand hands-on conservation education. From floweringdisplaystoopportunitiestolearn about medicinalplantsand water-wise gardening, everygardenoffersa unique window into South Africa’s living landscapes

Visitors arealsoencouragedtoconnect more deeply with indigenous plants throughHappy by Nature,anindigenousnursery andbotanical studio basedatKirstenbosch.

As part of National GardensWeek Happy by Nature is offering5%off allindigenousplants untilFriday13March (not validinconjunction with otheroffers)

Secondly,there will be afree five-minutetalk on indigenous plants tomorrow (11March), Thursday andFridayat11:00 and14:00, offer-

ingpractical guidance on choosing, growingand caring forplantsthatsupport localbiodiversity. In addition,the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range andseasonalclearance sale with discountsofupto50%,while the Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15%off selected books, availablein-storeonly. To claimthe free or discounted entryfee, SouthAfrican citizens andresidents must show proof of SouthAfrican residency, eg theirID, acertified papercopyoftheir ID,anelectronic copy of theirIDortheir driver’s licence. . Forfulldetails on participating gardens, activitiesand access timesvisit the Sanbi website at www.sanbi.org/

Exporters talk tradewith

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withthe world’seyesonthe WesternCapethe Made in theCape Buyers Programme againproved whyitisa powerhouse of global trade connectionand opportunity.

Theevent,the flagship tradeevent of Wesgro, theofficial Tourism, Tradeand Investment Promotion Agency forthe WesternCape, connects internationalbuyerstothe province’s exporters of goodsand services

It took placefromMonday2 to Wednesday4 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)

Playinghosttoover30international buyers, it showcasedquality andsustainably produced goodsand services,manyofthemtrusted brands,acrosskey sectors.

Theevent fostered tradeand investment opportunitiesand builtbusinesspartnerships throughB2B (businesstobusiness) facilitation andnetworkingsessions.

To date,the programme boasts 1290 verified exporters, 8399 listed products andservices, and761 registered internationalbuyersacross 80 countries.

Ivan Meyer, WesternCapeMinisterofAgriculture, Economic Developmentand Tourism, said in hiskeynote address, that theprogramme’s purposeistogrowthe economyand create more jobs

“For example, if we have a5%increaseinagricultural exports, we immediatelygenerate22 900new jobs.Thisisanopportunitywhere we bringthe worldtoCapeTownand ourproducts into therestofthe world.

“Thisisa buyer’sprogramme,peoplecome here becausetheyknowthe qualityofour products andweare readytoexportour products to many partsofthe world.”

Meyersaidthe eventcontinues to grow

“Wehavealsoestablished aCapeTrade Portal with thousandsofproductsand businesses

registered on theportal. It is adigital platform forpeopletoshowcasethe products that we can export into therestofthe world.”

He explainedhow beneficial such an eventis forlocal producers.

“Wehaveexportpromotion seminars to preparelocal producersfor theexportmarket. We know export is atrickybusiness, that it’s noteasytoexportproducts, andthisiswhy we preparepeoplethrough training,support, technicalassistanceand financialassistance to showcase theirproductsontrade showsaround theworld.”

Meyersaidoverthe past five yearsthe WesternCapeaccountedfor 90%ofall jobs created in SouthAfrica.

“Webelieve in export-led growth,but forthat youneed solidinfrastructure… If youwantto grow theeconomy,you must make sure you have thebestinfrastructure, whichiswhatwe aretryingtodointhe WesternCape.”

JamesVos,Mayco member foreconomic growth,reaffirmed theCity’scommitmentto strengtheningexportgrowthand supporting localmanufacturersinaccessing international markets.

He highlightedthe importance of practical platformsthatconnect producersdirectly with buyers,notingthatsustainable economic growth is builtonrealtransactionsand longterm traderelationships

Vosfurther outlined theCity’sbroader efforts to strengthen thebusinessecosystem,including theadvancement of anew ManufacturingSupport Policy anda formalised Business Support Policy

He said theseinitiatives focusonimproving industrial areas, supportingenergyresilience, reducing redtapeand equipping businesses with thetoolstheyneed to scaleand compete globally

“Our objectiveisclear:tocreatethe rightconditionsfor businessestogrow, expand into new marketsand create jobs,and to seemoreCape products earningtheir placeonshelves around theworld.”

Booksonthe Bayreturns

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town will be abuzzwith activity as it prepares to welcome some of SouthAfrica’smostcelebrated writersfor thefourthedition of theBooks on theBay Literary Festival, whichtakes placefromFriday13toSunday15March.

Building on therunaway success of previous years, this year’s festival features 28 diverse events showcasing over 30 SouthAfrican and internationalwriters,including majorliterary prizewinners

STELLARSPEAKERLINE-UP

This year’s programme includes Judges Edwin Cameronand DennisDavis reflecting on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classicnovel Crimeand punishment followedbyMooiplaas wine tastings AnwarMcKay will sharehis journeyofhealing andlifewithhusband comedian Marc Lottering, whilePopinaKhumandadiscussesescaping rebels in theDemocraticRepublicofCongo Otherhighlightsfeature MicheleMagwood on creating award-winning gardens, Pieter du Toit exposing Paul Mashatile’srisetopower, andHloniphaMokoena examiningcolonial representationsofblack men.

SeraiDowling andVeruska de Vita explore wild swimming in theWestern Cape,while Pauli vanWyk presents herJuliusMalemaexposé. Internationally renowned author Prof Antjie

28 DIVERSE EVENTS,OVER 30SA AND INTERNATIONAL WRITERSSHOWCASED

Krog will discussmortality andSouth Africa’s bittersweet histories, complemented by legendarymusicianRoger Lucey’sperformance combiningstorytelling,memoirand song about building hismountainhome.

COMMUNITYANDEDUCATIONALFOCUS

Thefestivalproudly maintainsstrongUniversity of theWestern Cape (UWC)connections, with allthree organisers linked to UWC’sFaculty of Education.

Adedicated Children’s Literature Festival features writersresidinginthe Simon’sTown area,visitinglocal schoolsexclusively within the community

Localrestaurants andcoffee shopsare preparing specialmenus,while expanded tuk-tuk services will transportfestival-goersbetween venues free of charge

STRONGSUPPORTBASE

Majorsponsorsinclude Standard Bank,UWC, Simon’sTownCivic Association, TheHardy Boys,JonathanBallPublishers, Simonstown com, andMooiplaas Wine Estate . Formoreinformation visitwww.booksonthebay.co.zaoremail info@booksonthebay.co.za

Friday13toSunday15March.

CraigUrbani as Frank-N-Furter. PHOTO:JESSE

‘RockHorrorShow’at

TheatreontheBayinApril

Thelegendary cult musical TheRocky Horror Show opensatTheatre on theBay in Camps BayonTuesday 7April andrunsuntil Sunday 31 May.

PresentedbyPieterToerien Productionsin associationwiththe Luitingh AlexanderMusicalTheatre Academy(Lamta),thiselectrifying stagingbydirectorStevenStead promises to unleashall thewildenergy, wicked humour and rock ’n roll rebellion that hasmadethe show a globalphenomenonfor over 50 years.

Theshowstars an award-winning South Africancastled by CraigUrbani(We Will Rock You, My Fair Lady), whorepriseshis role as Frank-N-Furter,withLéa Blerk(Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, Dear Evan Hansen)asJanet,RobertEverson (Noises Off, Tony Awards)asBrad, SchoemannSmit(Black Coffee, TheSound of Music)asRiff,Jasmine Minter (Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, TheAddams Family)asMagenta,AnnaOlivier (Joseph andthe Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat)asColumbia, Natasha Sutherland (TwelfthNight)asthe Narrator, MicahStokajovic(My Fair Lady,Peter Pan)as Rockyand ZakHendrikz(Sewe,A Christmas Carol)asEddie/Dr Scott. Miguel de Sampaio, Tjaartvan derWalt, Cleo Wesley,Alessia Gironi,TayaPearson,GabiKnightand Sasha Duffymakeupthe stellarensemble.

Stead’sproduction, firstperformed last year in Durban,bringsa fresh, fearless edge to Richard O’Brien’siconicmusical whilestaying true to its anarchic heart.

Audiencescan expect aslick,high-voltage

theatrical experience packed with unforgettable songs, outrageous characters anda wholelot of liberatedfun

Firstperformed in 1973, TheRocky Horror Show hasbecomeone of themostcelebrated musicals of alltime, shattering conventionsand gleefully celebratingindividuality,freedom of expression andunapologeticself-discovery. From themomentsweethearts Brad and Janetexperiencea stormy night, a flat tyre and adetourtoa mysterious castle,audiences are sweptintoa worldwhere nothingisquite what it seemsand everything is possible. Inside thecastle, they encounterthe charismatic, corset-clad“sweet transvestite”Dr Frank-N-Furter hiseccentrichousehold andthe muscle-bound creation Rocky, broughttolifein ariotofglitter, glam andguitarriffs. What unfoldsisa deliciouslysubversivejourneyoftransformation, temptation andself-realisationfuelledbyrockanthems,including “TimeWarp”,“Sweet Transvestite”and “Hot Patootie -Bless My Soul”. Stead, whorecentlydirectedhitssuchas TwelfthNight,MyFairLadyand Metamorphoses,isknown forhis bold,actor-driven storytelling andtheatrical flair. Audiencescan expect avisually striking andmusically explosive take on thebeloved classicthatgarnered rave reviewswhenitpremiered in Durban last year

SetdesignisbyGregKingand KevinKraak is themusical director . Ticketsavailablevia Webticketsand the Theatre on the Baybox office on 021 4383300

The 16th annual Baxter Zabalaza TheatreFestivalwillonceagain champion localstories andartistic excellence, whilegivinga platform to thenextgenerationoftheatre makers from Friday 13 untilSunday 22 March.

Theprogramme will featuredrama, comedy,theatre forchildren, jazz, live music, workshops, paneldiscussions, andanexhibition. Thefestivalhas nurtured numerous artistsand writers, making asignificant contribution to thetheatre landscape. Simultaneously, newaudiencemembers have hadthe chance to experience theatre forthe firsttime.

Thefestivalisa celebrationof identity,community,creativityand resilience throughinspiring theatre anddynamic storytelling

Zabalaza is made possible by the WesternCapeDepartmentofCultural Affairs andSports, theOppenheimer Memorial TrustFund, theMakwande EmpowermentTrust,the City of Cape Town andthe HCIFoundation.

“Thisyear, we arepresentingan exciting programme of curatedwork from artist proposalsand productionsthatwere firstshowcased at our variousminifestivals held during the year,” says Zabalaza Artistic Directorand Curator, MduKweyama

“Indoing so,weare thrilledtobe returningtoour roots, findingstories andtheatre makers in theheart of ourcommunities,bringingthemalive on stageasfullproductions through mentorship andskills development.”

Festival goerswillbeabletoengage in severalworkshops andpanel discussions. Theseinclude Womenin TheatreSpacesfacilitated by Tiisetso

Mashifaneand apanel discussion honouringsix decadesof English Alive on Wednesday18March

“RobinMalan wasthe editor of EnglishAlive formanyyears andthe founderatJunkets,which publishes thescripts of theZabalazaTheatre Awards winners,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, Zabalaza coordinator andco-curator. “Wewillbehosting a

specialtribute in hismemory, featuringa week-longexhibitionof English Alive book covers Thelaunchevent on Wednesday 18 Marchat17:30 will be hosted by EnglishAlive editor KirstenDeane.”

“Our programme is bursting with entertainmentfor everyone,” says Mabutyana.

“Wehavethree greatshows for youngervisitorsincluding ourinvited productions, BOUNCED and Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures,as well as Themba:The LittleLionThat Lost HisMane

Thered-hot musicline-up includes thepopular Sunday jazz session,the RAWExperience,all-female band Mfazwe Ya Mweziand on 18 March in theConcert Hall, Joliza BhacaSoul in Ushuni WeBhaca,a celebrationof traditionalsounds, thehonouring of cultural roots, Africanheritageand stories.

Theproductions are:

. TheBatteredHousewives’ Club English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. EgameniEnglish,Xhosa Ages 14+

. Behind theFrame English, Xhosa, SothoAges14+

. Becoming EnglishAges14+

. Themba:The LittleLionThatLost HisManeXhosa Ages 6+

. HowToTrain Your Thoughts En-

glish, Xhosa, Setswana Ages 14+

. In Kinnesvan Somers English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. When BlackMen Disappear Xhosa andEnglish Ages 15+

. BringLight Englishand Xhosa Ages 12+

. It’s My Baby English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. IncindiYedlaka Englishand Xhosa Ages 13+

. Isibeleko, Es’belekweni English andXhosa Ages 13+

. BOUNCEDPhysicaltheatre Ages 3-6

. CaptainKwanda’sFanplastic Adventures English, Afrikaans, Xhosa Ages 6+

Performances areat14:30,16:00 and19:00 andfor theschoolsprogramme areat10:00 and13:00. Thedoor takingsfromeachshow also go straight back to thegroupsor artists, investinginthe futureofthe arts sector

Ticketstomorning showscostR40 andR50 forthe afternoon shows. Bookings canbemadeatWebtickets online or at Pick nPay stores . Forblock or schoolsbookings,charitiesorfundraisers canontact Carmen Kearns on emailcarmen.kearns@uct. ac.za and Mark Dobsononmark.dobson@uct.ac.za