People's Post False Bay E-edition 17 February 2026

Urgent funds neededfor Blistersfor Bread walk

For nearly sixdecades,the Blisters for BreadCharity Family FunWalkhas broughttogetherfamilies, schools, businessesand community organisationsina shared standagainst child hunger

Nowinits 58th year,thismuch-lovedevent facesanuncertain future.

To deliverthe eventsafelyand professionally andtoensureitremains accessiblefor the community,the PeninsulaSchool Feeding Association(PSFA)requiresR1,5million in sponsorshipfunding

This sponsorshipenables PSFA to coverall operationalcosts.Thismeans walker entry fees remain affordableand 100% of themoney raised is directed to itsschool feedingprogrammes.

Withouturgentsponsorship support, this year’s Blisters forBread walk maynot be able to go ahead, dealinga significant blow notonly to thePSFAbut also to thefamilies, schools, andcommunities whohavemadethisevent an annual tradition.

ThePSFAiscalling on membersofthe corporate sector to partnerwithPSFAfor this year’s event.

Thewalkraisesawareness of childhood hunger andcontributes to vitalfunding forthe PSFA’s school nutritionsupport programme, whichfeedsover30000 learners across the WesternCapeeachschool day.

Sinceits inception, Blisters forBread has grownintoa trustedplatformfor collaboration, combininglarge-scale public participationwith astrongfocus on social impact

BrianBenatar,PSFAchair,saidBlistersfor Breadhas always been builtonpartnership

“Corporate supportplays acriticalrolein helpingusdeliver ahigh-qualityevent,while maximising thefunds that go directly to our core feedingmission

“Without this support,werisklosingnot only

THE

PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION REQUIRESR1,5 MILLION IN SPONSORSHIPFUNDING TO ORGANISE THE FAMILYFUN WALK

this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.”

Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecuri-

ty amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades.

“Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.

“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”

PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za

WillSonaoptimismtranslatetorealchange?

andhousing,macro-economic indicators oftenfeel distantand abstract.Recoveryonlybecomes meaningful when we seeitreflected in secure jobs,stableservices, andsafer streets.

WhilePresident CyrilRamaphosa spokeofa strengtheningrand, fallinginflation, andrenewed investor confidenceduringhis Stateofthe Nation Address(Sona)atCape Town City Hall on Thursday 12 February,manyofuswokeupthe next morningtoa farlessreassuringreality:dry taps,risingliving costs, unemployment queues,and neighbourhoodswhere safety cannotbetaken forgranted

This contrast captures thecentral tensionofthisyear’saddress. On onehand, thePresident painteda pictureofaneconomy gradually stabilisingafter yearsofcrisis.

On theother,weknowfromour owndaily experiencesthatlifefor millionsofSouth Africans remains uncertainand difficult

Hisadmission that “liferemains hard”may have been themost honest andimportant line of the speech. It reflectedsomething we alreadyunderstand: national progress measured in statistics does not always translateintorelieffeltin ourhomes andcommunities

Economic stabilitymatters,and we should acknowledgethat. A stronger currency signalsconfidence, helpsgovernmentmanage debt,and canencourage investment.Lower inflationprotects purchasing powerovertime. These arenecessary foundationsfor longterm growth

Butfor many of us strugglingto affordfood,transport,electricity,

This is wherethe president’s message invitesbothhopeand scrutiny

To hiscredit, thespeechdid not avoidthe country’smostpressing challenges

Organisedcrime,hesaid, remainsone of thegreatestthreats to economic developmentand social stability. This recognitionis importantbecause we know crime is notonlya policing issue, it is an economic barrier that affects how we live andwork.

Communities affectedbygang violence,extortion,and illegal activity struggletoattractbusinessesand opportunities. We see howunsafeenvironmentslimit whereyoung people canmove freely, wheresmall businessescan operate, andhow confident we feel walkinginour ownneighbourhoods.

Yetwehaveheard strong commitments to tackling crimebefore. Tactical plansand enforcement strategies oftensound decisive when announced, butour confidencedepends on consistent implementation andvisible results.

Thesamepattern appliesto corruptionand governance failures.The president’semphasis on strengtheninginstitutionsand restoringaccountability signals an understandingthateconomic reform cannotsucceed without credible leadership andfunctioningsystems

However, we arelikelytojudge progress notbythe number of investigations announcedorpolicies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance,and improved servicedeliverythatwecan experience firsthand.

Perhapsthe most immediate concerns raised in theaddress relate to municipalservices. Water shortages, failinginfrastructure, andinconsistentservice delivery affectour dailylives in ways that national economic indicators cannotcapture

Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance,these issues aretangible. They shapehow we experience ourcommunities dailywhether ourtapsrun,roads remain usable,refuseiscollected, andelectricity supplyisstable.

Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalitiescould lose servicedeliverypowerssuggestsa willingnesstoact more decisively

Butitalsoraisesuncomfortable questionsfor allofus. If governmenthas long knownwhich municipalities arestruggling, why hasinterventionoften appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurableimprovements?

Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust Stateofthe Nation addresses traditionally aimtoinspire confidenceand seta national agenda

This year’s speechdid so,offering avisionofrecovery, reform,and unity. It sought to reassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in theright direction.

Butweknowthatpublicexpectations have shifted. Yearsof economic pressure,service delivery failures,and governance challenges have changedhow we evaluate leadership

Today, we measureprogressnot by promises,but by outcomes.We want to seeunemploymentdecline meaningfully,not merely stabilise. We want crimerates to fall in ways that make ourcommunities feel safer. We want municipalities to provideconsistent, reliable basic services

We want visible, sustainedimprovementinour dailylives

Thepresident’s speechoutlined adirection andacknowledged many realities. It highlighted progress whilerecognising ongoing challenges.But thetruetestlies beyond thechamber in whichit wasdelivered

Will economic gainstranslate into broaderemploymentopportunities forour youngpeople? Will governance reformsrestore our confidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabilise in thecommunities wherewelive? Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whether theoptimismexpressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric

BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeeches alone, it is builtondelivery, accountability,and change that we cansee andfeel in ourlives

Anduntil that change becomes consistently visible, ouroptimism will remain cautious,shapedas much by ourlived realitiesasby thepromiseswehear.

Lions rallysupport forvictims

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The Fish Hoek Deep SouthLions Club mobilisedanimpressive community response followingthe devastating fire that left over 1000 families in Masiphumelelehomelessbydonating38new mattressesonWednesday 4February.

Ingrid Russell, theclub’sprojectsconvener, immediatelyreached outtoAverilThomasfrom non-profitorganisation(NPO) Living Hope to determinehow theservice club couldmost effectively support thedisplaced families during such acrisis.

Theclubisa community-focused service organisation basedinthe southdedicated to humanitarian aid, andspecifically disaster relief,hungerand vision impairment

TheMasiphumelele firesravagedthe area for four hoursonTuesday 20 January, when several fire enginesarrivedonthe sceneaswellas40 ground-crewmembers andthree helicoptersfor aerial support.Reliefhas slowly been pouringin forthe community;recentlya Fish Hoek High School learnerMegan Nortierdonated bedding, clothing andcannedgoodsfor theaffectedfamilies(“Learner showskindness”, People’s Post,3 February 2026).

Living Hope in Fish Hoek is afaith-based NPOtacklingpoverty,disease andsupporting health andeducation programmes

COMMUNITYGENEROSITY

Theclub’sappeal forassistance received an overwhelming response from thepublic, enabling memberstocollect anddistributeessential items, includingfood,clothing, household goodsaswellassandwichesfor theaffected families

“The Fish Hoek Deep SouthLions Club is in aweofthe amazingcontributionfromall involved andwould like to extend abig thank you,”clubmemberAidan Ewerssaid, ac-

REGIONALSUPPORTDELIVERSRESULTS

LionsMultipleDistrict410 collaborated by providinga R10000 disaster relief grant specifically designated forpurchasing38mattresses, whichweredelivered to Living Hope on Wednesday4 February fordistributionamong fire victims.

knowledgingthe remarkable community spirit displayedduringthe emergency. Thecoordinatedreliefeffortinvolveddedicated club membersBarry Deeks, LindaConnone, CandiceThomas, andMarthie de Koning,who worked tirelesslytoensuredonations reached thosemostinneed,Ewers added.

“Weare very fortunatethatweare notfaced with unexpected challenges in such situations as we have thesupport of ourLions District Disaster coordinators anda greatrelationship with Living Hope,” Ewersnoted

TheFishHoekDeepSouth Lionsserve communities from Muizenberg to Simon’sTownin alldisastersituationsand have assisted 15 700

people over thepastseven months,headded.

UPCOMINGCOMMUNITYEVENTS

Theclubwillhostthe “Big Walk forLittle Warriors” on Fish Hoek BeachonSaturday 21 February at 13:00, raisingawareness for childhood cancer.The club meetsonthe second Monday of everymonth at theFishHoekBowlingClubat18:30 for19:00, welcomingnew membersinterestedincommunity service. TheLions club arealsoseekingcommitted volunteerstoserve vulnerable communities across theregion.

 Formoreinformation contact Aidan Ewers at 082453 3272

FROMPAGE1

This forced them to race withoutcriticalequipment.Despite this setback, they extended their lead and finished aheadofschedule.

Crew membershailfromMasiphumelele, Khayelitshaand Capricorn.

Andthe threewomen on boardhad never crossedthe Atlantic before,makingthis achievementevenmoreremarkable.

Thedecisiontoabandon AngelWings came afterconsultationwithmotor vessel Bryant's master,considering thecompletelossofall sparsneededfor ajuryrig anddeteriorating weatherconditionswith20-25 knot windsand 4-5metre waves.

“The distance from safe harbourand thenotoriousunpredictabilityofSouth Atlantic weather

ledtothe finalcallofcrewupliftand vessel abandonment,”maritimeauthorities stated AngelWings sank afterthe crew’s safe rescue Thefamiliesofall threesailors have been notified of theincidentand successful rescue operation.

Viresh Maharaj, retail CEOatAlexforbes, reflectedonthe bittersweet conclusion:“The crew is elated with thewin andtheir successful campaign despitethe setbacks

“They’re lookingforward to theirreunion and thelocal prize-giving at RoyalCapeYacht Club in March.”

Maritime authoritiesthanked themaritime rescue coordination centresinSouth Africa and Brazil fortheir prompt assistance,along with motorvessel Bryant's master,crew, andownersfor theirprofessional rescue operation.

GENERALWORKERS TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

Sheraton Textiles,based in DiepRiver,islooking for General Workers in ourHomeTextilesProduction

GeneralWorker Responsibilities includesbut notlimited to:

•Follow instructions to supportdailyoperationsacross multiple areas.

•Perform general labourtasks such as lifting, carrying, cleaning, andassisting skilledworkers

•Keep the work area clean, organized, and freeofhazards

•Assist with loading and unloading trucks, containers, or equipment.

•Sort, pack, and label items for storage or delivery

•Ensure products are correctly organized and stored safely

•Follow instructions to supportdailyoperations.

What you will need to

•Matric or equivalent.

•Post qualification is preferable

•Prior experience in home textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•A positive and hard-working attitude.

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors

•Follow instructions and complete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes, email your CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Onlysuitable candidates willbecontacted.

If you have not received aresponsewithin1month,then your application hasbeenunsuccessful

EXPERIENCED MACHINISTS TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

Sheraton Textiles,based in DiepRiver,islooking for experienced Plain andOverlocker Machinists in the Home Textile Manufacturing industry

What you will need to

•Proven experience working on asewing machine

•2 –4years sewing machine experience on Plain or Overlocker

•Prior experience in home textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•Attention to detail

•Ability to work towards and meet targets

•A positive and hard-working attitude.

•Work cooperationwith team membersand supervisors.

•Follow instructions and complete tasks efficientlyand accurately.

If you have what it takes, email your CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Only suitablecandidates willbecontacted. If you have not received aresponse within 1month, then your applicationhas been unsuccessful.

Reformtospeed uppatientcare

False BayHospitalhas embarked on an ambitious18-monthrenovation projectaimed at transforming the 60-year-oldfacilitytobetterserve communities from Simon’sTowntoMasiphumelele.

TheWestern Cape Department of Health and Wellnessannouncedcomprehensive upgrades designed to create asafer,morecomfortable andefficientenvironment forpatientsand staff whileensuringuninterrupted patientcare

rectly into theresuscitation area withoutdelays.

“Thisseparationwilleasecongestionatthe main entrance andsignificantly reduce time between arrivaland treatment,”Opperman added. Enhanced patientexperience

TheEmergency Centre will includea specialised pediatricresuscitation room,providing a safe,child-friendlyenvironment that reduces stress foryoung patients andfamilieswhile enabling more efficientcriticalcareresponse.

TheupgradedGreen Clinic will manage non-emergency, unbooked patients with minor conditions in adedicated spacelocated closer

Cityremindsresidentsof possiblefinancialsupport

TheCityofCapeTownisurgingresidents who arestruggling financially to applyfor available relief measures,including indigent assistance andpensioner rebatesaimed at easing thecost of municipalservicesand property rates. Households earningbelow R7 500per month mayqualify forindigentsupport

Pensioners aged 60 andolder with ahousehold income of R27000 or less areencouraged to apply.

Maycomemberfor financeSisekoMbandezi says theCityhas expanded thequalifying thresholdfor pensioners andsocialgrant recipients to allowmoreresidents to benefit.

“The City hasincreased thesocialsupport packagetoR5,1billion forthe last year and this years financialyear. Qualifying households couldaccess free basicservicesand mayreceive a100%discountontheir property rates,”says Mbandezi

He says theexpandedsupport aims to assist vulnerable residentsfacingrisinglivingcosts and financialstrain.

AccordingtoMbandezi, officialsatthe City’s Customer InteractionCentres areavailable to assist residentswithapplications andprovide guidance.“We encourageindigentresidents andpensionersto find outmoreabout the variousforms of support available. TheCity remainscommittedtoassistingthose in need,” he says Mbandezi reminded thecurrent beneficiaries to reapplyfor anyexistingbenefits after Tuesday1 July this year,whenthe new financial year begins Thereapplicationprocess ensuresthat qualifying residentscontinuereceiving support basedonupdated property valuations and income assessments

Mbandezi praisedresidents whocontinueto payfor theirservices, saying theaverage payment ratiofor the12monthsendingDecember last year was97,9%,reflecting strong public

Pensionersearning R27000 or less canapplyfor rebatesand support from the City.Officialsare available to help residents apply. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

participationinmaintaining servicedelivery. “These payments arevital to maintain service delivery andensurethe City continuestofunction effectively.Wethank residentswho consistently meet theirpayment obligations,”hesays. Residentsseekingassistance areencouragedto visittheir nearestCustomerInteraction Centre formoreinformation on applicationprocesses andavailable support measures

.Email your viewsonthistopeoplespost@ novusmedia.co.za

TheMuizenberg Post office is settoundergo a revamp as amodern collaborativeworkspace

Localpostoffice gets amakeover

KEANANHARMSE

After standing watchoverMuizenberg forover90years thetown’s historic post office is undergoing a makeover as it becomesa “collaborative workspace”

Therestoration projectwillbeconducted by Workshop17 as ademonstration of howheritage buildingscan remain “powerful enginesof community andeconomiclife” whileembracing themodernera Workshop17 designsfully-servicedoffice workspaces,event spaces meetingroomsand podcasting facilities in Cape Town,KwaZulu Natal, Johannesburgand Mauritius.

Thelandmarkbuilding, constructedinthe 1930s, wasdesignedthenbyPublicWorks Department architectWBT Newham,who was knownas“Potty Newham”for hisintense passion forintegrating localceramicsintopublic buildings.

ARCHITECTURALHERITAGEPRESERVED

Newham understood that infrastructure shapes communityidentity, insistingthe post office functionedefficientlywhile speaking to all whousedit. He createda sea-facing structure featuringHerbert Baker-styleelementswith hammer-dressedsandstone,archedwindows andCape-vernacular-meets-Art-Deco proportions.

“The approach hasbeen conserve first, intervene lightly,”saysarchitect ChrisCharltonof Insitu Architecture

Insitu Architecture is acting as Lead Architect andPrincipal Agentonthe project, overseeing compliance,coordinationand design integration

“Thisbuildingalready hadarchitectural dignity. Ourroleistosteward it into itsnext chapter,”headded.

Engagement beganwiththe Muizenberg Historical Conservation Society, ensuring alignment on theretention andrestoration of key heritage elements.“Following this engagement, formal approval anda permit were obtained from Heritage WesternCapetoproceed with

therefurbishment,” Charlton explained. He also creditsJim Hallinanfor hisroleas Heritage practitioner to theprofessional team Thebuildingspots twoceramic murals on the Main Road façade,which arecrafted by Isa Cameronatthe CeramicStudioinOlifantsfontein

Theseblue-and-whiteglazedpanelsfeature tall shipssailing over stylised ArtDecowaves to honour theDelft andDutch heritage of the Cape andtocelebrate Muizenberg’s maritime communication history.

MODERNTRANSFORMATION

Today, architectand design team HovenDesignsworks with property owners Flip Floppers andbuildingcontractors W30, to repurpose thehistoricspace carefully.The transformation preservesoriginalfeatures, includingpigeonholedmailboxes,the oldmailsorting table, Art Deco fittingsand parquet flooring. “Astechnologychanged so toodid thetools of communication,” said Angelfish spokesperson Neke Ndlovu,“letters became emails, telegrammesbecametexts andplugboards became servers. Fora long time thebuilding’s role shrank untilitseemed almost obsolete,but heritage buildingsdonot become antiquated when theirpurpose disappears; they wait.And becausethisbuilding’sintentwas nevermerely aboutmail, butmoreabout theexchangeof ideas, themovementofpeopleand theweaving of community into theworld,its wait is finally over Angelfish is assistingWorkshop17withupdatingthe public of thepostoffice’s renovations. IndependentheritagepractitionerJames J Hallinanpraised therestoration project: “This is atextbook exampleofhow aredundant and even derelict heritage resource canberepurposedwhile preserving itsintrinsic heritage qualities. It is further proposed that this will not only bringnew life to this historical structure butinfusea highly interactiverevenue generatingelement into this Heritage Protected OverlayZoneand thus,support thegeneral economicempowerment andrenewal of historical Muizenberg more widely.”

SouthAfricansAfricansare encouraged to put theirbestfoot forwardfor children andadolescentsdiagnosed with cancer as Flip Flop Day 2026 returnsonFriday20February.

LedbyCHOCChildhood Cancer Foundation SouthAfrica, Flip Flop Dayisa national fundraising andawareness campaign inviting individuals, schoolsand workplaces to purchase aR10 Flip Flop Daysticker andweartheir flip flopsinsolidaritywithfamiliesaffectedby childhood cancer.The daycontinues to highlighthow simple,collectiveactioncan translate into meaningful,life-changing support “Thisfun campaign carries aserious message, that no family should walk thechildhood cancer journeyalone,” says Hedley Lewis, CEOof CHOC Fundsraisedthrough Flip Flop Dayenable CHOC to continue delivering vitalservices, includingsafeaccommodation near treatment centres, transportassistance,psychosocial support andeducational programmesthathelp children andadolescents to continue learning during treatment.

This year Flip Flop Dayplacesa strong em-

phasis on friendship andsharedparticipation, encouragingpeopletoget involved together, whetherascolleagues, classmates,familiesor communities Purchase aFlipFlopDay stickerfor just R10 from CHOC or TekkieTownnationwide. Wear your stickers and flip flopsonFriday20 February andencourage friends, colleaguesand communities to join Shareyourphotos, tagCHOC, use#FlipFlopDay26and help spread awareness. Flip Flop Daydemonstrateshow collective participationdirectlytranslatesintopracticalsupport.Whenjust20friends purchase aFlipFlopDay sticker, it canhelpcover the averagemonthly transportcostfor achild to travel to andfromtreatment.When30friends getinvolved, it helpsfunda CHOC Carebag, whichevery newlydiagnosed childorteenager receives.These Carebags containessential items, as well as aparenthandbook designed to help families understand andprepare forthe childhood cancer journeyahead Forinformation or to getinvolved, visitwww. choc.org.za

Readersspeak out on budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.

TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.

Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget

AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”

Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”

Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”

Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”

Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”

Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”

Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”

Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”

Carnivaltoshowcase ‘diversity’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withjustovera monthtogo, organisers of oneofCapeTown’s biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is readytobring the heARTtothe Green PointFan Walk on Saturday 21 March.

On Thursday 12 February,organisersgavethe mediaand otherinterestedparties abehindthe-scenes glimpseofall thepreparationsatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executiveofficer, said people canlook forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.She said organisers areexcited to bringthe 16th edition of thecarnivaltolife.

Adding to theexcitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions”fromCapeTown’s creative scene, includingsingerAnslinGysman, localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Tracey Carter,performance director,said therewillbeentertainment forthe entire family

“Someofour floats arealready completed. Performers aregetting readywithchoreography, andcostumesare almost done.Weare getting readytoput on ashowlikeCapeTown hasnever seen before.”

Shesaidpeoplecan look forwardtoa celebration of diversity.

“Weare telling thedifferentstories of thecreatives from Cape Town.Asdifferentastheyare, that’s howdifferentthe pods aregoing to be This year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”

Daphne Lodewykhas been aseamstressatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop forthe past 10 years.

Shesaidwithlessthana monthtogo, sheand hersmall team of threeare workingaroundthe clocktocompleteover1 000 costumes forthe bigday

“Weworkasa team,and each person knows what to do.Westill have alot to do butthe bulk of theworkis finished.”

Lodewyksaidshe stillgetsexcited despite doingthisfor thepastdecade.

“Every year thecarnivalisdifferent. Different themes anddifferentpeople. Youmeet alot of people andmakefriends.”

WORKINGAROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE OVER 1000 COSTUMESON TIME

Shesaidoncarnivalday,theyworktirelessly behind thescenestomakesureevery performer looksdazzling. “Weare stationedina tent,dressing each performer anddoing alterationsor fixing things.”

Prof Rachel Jaftha,chair of theCapeTown Carnival Trust, said:“We areexcited because it’s just over amonth to go.Thisyearweare following ourhearts. People will seeamazing creativity as always andthe joyonthe facesof thepeopleparticipating.Donot miss theamazingfollow-your-heart journeywithus.”

JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,stressedthe City’s unwavering commitment to theevent

“Thank youfor bringing this eventtoour city each year.Thisevent is aboutsocialcohesion. It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”

ACTNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeapplicationsopen

TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year

This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant. It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-

whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.

Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution

This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts

“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT

TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South

Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected “The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”

Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”

To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha