Artist readytoinspire
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Followyourheart.That’s thetheme of the16thCape Town Carnival andit’s exactlywhatmakeupartist Jemma Fourie poursintoher craft.
Fourie hasbeen chosen as oneof the“champions” forCapeTown’s biggest event, taking placeonSaturday21March at theGreen Point FanWalk.
Fourie will join othercreatives whichinclude singer Anslin Gysman,local actorNatasha van derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.
Carnival organisers saypeople canlook forwardtoa celebrationof diversityasover1 000performers and10colourful handcrafted floats areset to dazzle spectators
Fourie said thetheme resonates deeply with herlovefor creativity andself-expression
“I sharemylovefor allthings self-expression,beautyand life, especially in regard to makeup artistry.Mycreativityand love for thearts, whetheronpaper or on faces, is what drives me.Thisfrom ayoung agetranslatedinto finding that same community online and sharingeachstepofmyjourney there.”
Fourie,who is also asocialmedia contentcreator,saidshe feels honoured to take part in this year’s event.
“Itfeelsinspiring.Italwaysdoes. Everytimeyou walk into aroom that is connected to Cape Town Carnival,you arewalking into a room fullofpassionatecreatives
“Everyoneloves what they create,and thecollaboration only strengthensthat. It is thedream
setupfor anycreativefromany field, whereyou cannotonlyrun wild,but uplift oneanother.”
Shesaidworking with the“FollowYourHeart”theme hasshaped herapproachtousing makeup to complete andenhance each look “I designed amakeuplook for oneofthe lead performers,taking alookatthe costumingand float creation to make somethingcohesive.I believemakeup, especially in itsextravagant,genderbending,
charactercreatingformallows dancersand performers to step into theircharacter (oreventhemselves)and embody thepassion they feel.”
Fourie said shewants people to leavethe eventfeelinginspired.
“I wouldlovefor audiencesto feel seen andinspired. Ithink the carnival is so rich in festivitiesand theartsthatitreminds theviewer of what they arecapable of notonly in theirown capacity,but when we
collaborate with oneanother as well.”
NovusMedia,publishersof People’s Post,isa proudprint mediapartner of theevent
THISYEAR’S THEME FORGREEN POINT IS:FOLLOW YOUR HEART
SANParkssuspendsindemnityatTMNP
TheSouth AfricanNationalParks (SANParks) announcedonFriday 13 February that it hassuspended theindemnity andverification form requirementatTable Mountain National Park (TMNP) with immediateeffect.
This announcement came just days afterSANParksstatedthatit
will be implementing theindemnity andverification form requirement process.
“The measurewas introduced to strengthen verification andgovernanceprocesses.
“However,SANParksacknowledgesthatits implementation led to operationaldelaysand visitor frustration. “Wehavelistenedto theconcernsraisedbyvisitorsand tourismpartnersand have acted decisively,” theentityexplained in itsstatement
“Overthe next twelve months, SANParks will implementa fully digitisedidentification document (ID) andpassportverification system at park gates, including high-speed scanning technology to ensure accurate compliance while delivering aseamlessvisitor experience,” thestatement read During this transition,gate operations will continue without theindemnity form requirement, SANParks concluded.
Adecadeago,which seeminglyfeels like alifetimeago, Ican recall an indescribable senseofwonderand curiosity Ihad as achild
Thesimplesensation of allowing my paintbrush to slideand slowly danceacrossa blankcanvas, was so therapeuticand always remains apowerfultool to expressmyself andthe weight of theworld forme. At theage of four,surroundedby action figures, crayonsand blank sheetsofpaper,I discovered that soon as Icould sketch ahouse,a garden anda fewstick figures, I knew Ihad founda passion that felt rewardingand soothing
Despitethe breathless rush of earlymornings, trafficjamsand tightschedules at school wherewe would flocktoour classroomslike obedient farm animals, shifting from economicsclass to biology, Ifound drawingtobeanendless
escape from thechaos that parades outsidethose homesaswellasthe stress that haunts ourconscience. WhetherI wasdoodlingonmy exam pad, reimaginingfamous Dragonball Zcharactersand occasionally catching thewrath of some of my teachers whowould ripapart adrawing Iwas obsessing over and chuckitinthe bin, IknewI hada gift,a refugefroma pollutedworld that no-one couldtouch or defile Howeversad Imay have felt at seeing my artworkbeing rippedto shreds in frontofmyclassmates as an angsty adolescent,I quickly understood thebeautyofart still eludes some whomay be navigating thecurrentsofwealthand work andthe stress of theirown tumultuous personal lives. Often, creativesare misunderstood,labeled as “uncompromising” or “unfiltered”withattimes littlecaretounderstanding the depthofthe waywethink and feel andhow it enriches ourart At timesI wouldstruggletofocus on subjects such as accounting or mathematicswhich Ifound uninterestingand woulddaydreamand
doodle,creatinga colourful world before my eyes that gave my young life ameaning,a purposeonmy ownterms.Often theyoung aren’t allowedmanyliberties to pursue their“hobbies”ascareersand thus fall back into safercareer choices, hencetheyhushtheir inner-child in ordertogrowupand to find a jobthatcan sustaina living anda roof over theirheads.The fears, responsibilities andburdens our parentscarry to providefor us as theirchildrenisunderstandable, butsometimes theirfears forus canslowlyswallowus, leavinglittle confidenceinour dreams they can’tenvisionaswedo.
Therefore, themereact of pursuingour goalsisa silent andat timesloudprotest againstthe cold reality, innerdoubtsand critics in ourfamiliesand friends. And yetI foundthata resilientspirit, adedicationand passion to your craftcan open doorsovertimeyou mayhavethought wouldn’t open foryou
In this ever-shiftingworld where Artificial Intelligence(AI)isspeedingupour livesdespite beingsold
us as tool to lightenour loads, it’s becoming evidentit’sa shortcut to boosting profitby floodingthe market with content. Whether it’s photographs, musicor film,I find AI generatedart toopolished, radio-readyand commercial. It’s nauseating with littlecarefor tasteordeeper curiosity. Ilovethe word saccharine, an expression forwhensomething is excessively sweet or when someoneis“too-polite”, as ametaphorfor exploring this golden ageoftechnology wherewecan “prompt” ourideas andsatisfy ourego’s with aclick of abutton. Eating toomanysweet treats cannotonlydecay your teeth andcause headaches, butcan lead to diabetes anddeath In this case,it’scrucial we protect that childlikewonderwhenone coloursbeyondthe borders, when “those mistakes”becomea signature of beinghuman before we ignore ourindividuality,our brand, in thepursuit of profitand before we know it,becomingpartofthe AI-slopinthe fear of missing out on thelatestgoldrushofthe 21st century.
Oneofthe floats that willbeshowcased on the day. PHOTO:KAYLYNNE BANTOM
City guarantees Huts’heritage
Meetingunpacks beachfrontplans
KEANANHARMSE
Muizenbergresidents,businesses andcommunity membersare invited to attend the firstConstruction Community LiaisonMeetingofthe year forthe ongoingMuizenbergBeachfront RefurbishmentProject
Themeetingwilltakeplace at Muizenberg CivicCentreonWednesday 25 February,from 17:30to19:00, providinganopportunityfor thoseaffectedbyconstructionactivitiesto receiveupdates andvoice concerns
Therefurbishment project, whichbegan in February last year,aimstoreplace aging seawalls anddeliver majorupgradestopublic amenities.
Theinitiativehas nowreached acriticalstage requiringlarge sections of thebeachfronttobe fenced off forpublicsafety.
Alarge cranewillbeinstalledatSurfer’s Corner within days to placeconcreteprecast unitsfor thenew promenadewalkway,resulting in theclosure of nine parkingbaysfor approximately threemonths.
STAKEHOLDERENGAGEMENTPRIORITY
ChandConsultants hasbeen appointedto facilitate transparentcommunication between projectdevelopersand thecommunity throughoutthe construction period
Thecompany aims to maintain open dialogue with affectedresidents,businessesand the broaderpublic.
Meetingobjectives
Theliaison meetingwillfocus on severalkey areastokeep thecommunity informed and addressongoing concerns
MUIZENBERGCIVIC CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY,FROM 17:30TO19:00
Projectrepresentatives will providecomprehensive updatesoncurrent construction activities andprogressmadetodate.
Thoseattending will receivecrucial information aboutno-go areasand alternativedetour routes to help navigate theconstructionzone safely
Themeetingwilloutline expected disruptions anddetailmitigationmeasuresbeing implemented to minimise inconveniencetoresidents andbusinesses.
Communication channels will be clearly indicated, ensuring community membersknow howtoaccessongoing informationand report issues
Thesession will conclude with an open forum allowing participants to raisequestions or expressconcernsdirectlytoproject representatives.
COMMUNITYPARTICIPATIONENCOURAGED
Themeetingrepresentsanimportant opportunityfor community memberstostay informed aboutthe beachfront refurbishment progress andensuretheir voices areheard throughout theconstructionprocess.
Formoreinformation,contact theproject team throughofficial communication channels or attend themeetingatMuizenbergCivic Centre, BeachRoad.
Threefamilieslosttheir homesina fire that ravagedthe MasiphumeleleareaonWednesday afternoon 18 February
TheCityofCapeTown’sFireand Rescue Serviceresponded to twoseparateincidents this week that displaceddozensofresidents across Masiphumeleleand Overcome Heights.
In thelatestincident, theCity’s firefighters received acallat15:44 regardinga structural fire that destroyedthree wood-and-ironstructures, said fire servicespokespersonGerardLangenhoven.“Oneformalstructure waspartially damaged,”hesaid. “Two pumpsand oneskid unit were used to fightthe fire.”
Threepeopleweredisplaced andaccounted forwhile the fire wasextinguishedat16:47
OVERCOMEHEIGHTSINCIDENT
Amoredevastating fire sweptthrough Overcome HeightsonTuesday 17 February,
destroying 16 homesand displacing 36 families includingchildren.
The fire servicereceivedthe emergencycall at 10:08and containedthe blazeby11:20.No injuries or deaths were reported Ward 45 councillorMandy Marr coordinated immediatereliefefforts.“We oftenget help from Living Hope andGiftofthe Givers.I get donationsfor children from ThulaBaba, and Sassa (South AfricanSocialSecurityAgency) provided mattresses.”
CandiceThomas, spokesperson forLiving Hope,confirmed herorganisationresponded to theimmediateneedsof38displaced people, including16children, deliveredhygiene packs andmealingredients
Officialsawait theDisasterRiskManagement report to determinecausesand preventfuture incidentsinthe densely-populatedinformal settlement.
Supportavailablefor wintercampaigns
Winter is approachingand formanyvulnerableresidents,shelter canmeanthe difference between safety andhardship.
Registered non-profitorganisations (NPOs) that provideaccommodation to vulnerable residents have untilTuesday 31 Marchtoapplyfor support aimedatincreasingbed capacity and sustaining operations throughout thewinter nths
. Completedover5 400screeningsand 9500 follow-up visits,and . Facilitated1 075placementsatsheltersor City Safe Spaces
Some roughsleepersengaged in this period have gone on to find employment,including jobs as an e-hailingdriverand chef TheWinterR di Pr will be
Prompt Muslim burials at risk?
NAMHLAMONAKALI
Aproposed digitaldeath-certificate system by theDepartmentofHome Affairs hasraisedfears it coulddelayMuslimburials andinfringeconstitutional religiousrights.
Theproposalmay requireanelectronicdeath certificate to be issued before burial cantake place. Religiousleaders warn this couldcause delays afterhours,onweekends andduring public holidays
In Islamburialmusttakeplace as soon as reasonably possible,often within 24 hoursof death. Thepracticeisrooted in religiousteachings that emphasisehonouring thedeceased, preserving dignityand allowing families to beginthe mourning processwithout unnecessary delay. Traditionally,the body is washed, shrouded andburiedpromptlytorespect these obligations
TheMuslimJudicialCouncil of SouthAfrica (MJC-SA) hasraisedserious constitutional concerns,sayingadministrativerequirements must notinterfere with religiousobligations.It said delays caused by office closures,technical failures or processing backlogs couldforce grieving families to postpone burialsorrisk beingtreated as lawbreakers. “Thisraises concerns relating to religiousfreedom,human dignityand therightsofreligious communities to practise theirfaith.” thecouncil stated TheMJC-SAsaidany blanketadministrative rule that prevents timely burial mayconflict with constitutional protections, includingSection 15 on freedom of religion andSection 31 on cultural andreligious practice
Religiousleaders arecalling forsafeguards, includingafter-hours processesoremergency
HOME AFFAIRSSAYSNEW SYSTEM WON’TIMPEDE CURRENT PRACTICES
exemptions,toensureburials canproceed withoutdelay
Home Affairs spokesperson ThulaniMavuso said:“Currently,where immediateburialis required forculturalorreligious reasonsand a Home Affairs office is notopenoravailable,a notice of deathform(DHA1663)iscompleted by amedical professional.Thisallows theburial to proceed,withformalregistrationdoneonce thedepartment’sreopen.”
He said this accommodation wouldcontinue. “Thisprinciple of accommodating theneed for immediateburialwillbefully retained andwill extend to digitalchannels underdevelopment.”
Thedepartmentsaidthe proposed changes areintendedtoimprove compliance with death-registration laws andprevent fraud.
Mavuso said inaccurate recordsoccurwhen deaths arenot registered before burial,leaving deceased people recorded as beingalive.“This opensthe door to acts of fraud, identity theft andunderminesthe integrityofthe country’s civilregistry.”Hesaidthe reformswould not limitreligious practices.
Mavuso said futurepractices wouldbeimplemented in amannerthatfully upholdsthe religiouspracticeofburying immediatelyorburial shortlyafter death. Wordingwould be clarified in the finalpolicy, Home Affairs said TheMJC-SAsaiditmay oppose anyprovisionsimpedingpromptburial, whichburial societiessay presents logistical challenges
WATERUSE AUTHORIS PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)FACILITYAND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTUR WORKSONREPORTION 28 OF ERF 948, KOMME
No
�ce is herebygiven in terms of the Na�onal EnvironmentalManagemen Impact Assessment(EIA) Regula�ons 2014, as amended,and in termso commencementofaBasicAssessment(BA)ProcessandassociatedPublicP
Applicant:CityofCapeTown:SustainableEnergyMarketsandClimateChang Project:Theproposedconstruc�onofaSolarPVFacilityonRemainingExte Loca on:Withintheexis�ngWildevoelvleiWastewaterTreatmentWorks Thesitecentroidisposi�onedatthegeographiccoordinates34°8'1.81"S, DEA&DPNOIReference:16/3/3/6/7/1/A6/93/2134/25
ABasic AssessmentProcess is required forthe Applica on forEnvironme followingListedAc vi esintermsoftheNEMAEIARegula ons,2014,as ·Lis�ngNo�ce1:ListedAc�vity1,12and19 ·Lis�ngNo�ce3:ListedAc�vity4and12 AWaterUseAuthorisa onprocessisrequiredastheproposeddevelopme
Sec�on21(c)–impedingordiver�ngtheflowofwaterinaw
Sec�on21(i)–alteringthebed,banks,courseorcharacteris Opportunity to Par cipate:A Dra� Basic AssessmentReport(DBAR) is bei and review period. Wri en no�fica�on will be sentout to all RegisteredI availability of the DBAR forpublic review andcomment.Acopyofthe (SomersetWay,Kommetjie,CapeTown,7975)andonJGAfrika'swebsite:w Interestedand Affected Par es (I&APs) areinvited to register. Regis
CrabeatersealvisitsCapewaters
Anunusual visitorfromAntarctica wasspottedalong theCape’scoastline last week.A female crabeater seal,a speciesseldomseen in South Africanwaters, wasinitially sighted at BadenPowellDrive andlater in the Strand area.
Following areportedsightingofa crabeater seal alongthe coastline, Helderberg Ocean Awarenessand theCityofficialswereprompted to respond.
Theareawas cordoned off to protectboththe seal andthe public,ensuringthe animal had adequate spacetorestundisturbed
Subsequently,a coordinatedmarinewildlife response team comprising MartineViljoen, Marine Wildlife Team Manager, TwoOceans Aquarium Foundation;YinhlaShihlomule, Top predator coordinator; andZafar Monier,MarionIslandsealer; respondedto flippertag and vaccinate theseal.
This remarkable animal hastravelledan estimated4 500kmfromher Antarctichome, journeying even further than thesouthernelephantseals that have visitedCapeTownshores in recent years.
“Weare so luckytohavethese amazing animalsvisit ourshoreline.Weappeal to all membersofthe public to please leavethem alone, respecttheir space, andviewthemfrom adistance. They don’tneed help,food,orwater –the best we candofor them is give them peaceand space,”saysGregg Oelofse, Coastal andEnvironmental Managerfor theCityof Cape Town
With Crabeaterseals, thereisalwaysheightened concernwhentheyare observed ingesting sand.Asa speciesnot naturally adaptedto SouthAfrican coastalconditions, such behaviourmay reflectstressordisorientation. Tragically,sandingestion canleadtoserious gastrointestinal complicationsand hasbeen
recognised as acause of mortalityinindividualvagrant seal species. Thereisnoimmediateconcern forthisindividualseal, however expertswillcontinuetomonitor herfor any change in behaviourorcondition
ARAREOPPORTUNITYFORLEARNING
Vagrantseals appearingalong theCape coastlineunderscorethe importance of public awarenessand establishedsafetyprotocols for thebenefitofbothwildlifeand people
This sighting serves as apowerfulreminder: Crabeaterseals arenot just distantAntarctic curiosities.
On rare occasions, they appear alongour shores,offeringa unique opportunitytoobserve andlearn abouta speciesverydifferentfrom ourfamiliarCapefur seals.
CONSERVATIONINACTION
As aprecautionary measure, theteam administered arabiesvaccination to theseal. This formspartofa broadersealvaccination studycurrently beingimplemented forCapefur sealsand othervagrant seal species, including elephant seals.
Giventhatcrabeater sealstravelvastdistances andinteractwithnumerousmarinespecies in theSouthernOcean,vaccination is aproactive step to reduce potentialdisease transmission risks.
Theteamalso flippertaggedthe seal foridentification purposes
“Flippertagging provides auniquevisual identification,allowing individual sealstobe recognised over time.Thishelps confirm whether repeated sightingsinvolve thesameseal rather than differentanimals,particularlywhen asealhauls outatmultiplelocations alongthe coastline,”saidViljoen,MarineWildlifeTeam Manageratthe TwoOceansAquarium.
As this rare Antarctictravellerrests alongour coastline, themessage is clear: Admiration from
RESPECTTHEIR SPACE BY STAYING AT LEAST20 METRESAWAY
adistanceisthe greatest kindness we canoffer By respecting herspace,weensurethatthis extraordinaryvisitor’s journeyremains astory of wonder,not harm
SAFETYFIRST:GUIDELINESFORVIEWINGWILDLIFE
Thepublicare urgedtofollowthese important
safety ruleswhenencounteringseals or other marine wildlife:
. Respecttheir spacebystaying at least20 metres away;
. Observebarriers– remain behind any cordoned-off areas;
. Do notpourwater over theseal, as this causes unnecessary stress;
. Minimise noiseand movement to keep the environmentcalm;
. Keep dogs on leashestoprevent unexpected animal interactions.Safety first: Guidelines for viewingwildlife.
Basking in the summer sun on thebeach. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
TCurre ly clubsare entangledi endlies locally as well as interprovincialahead of the league start.
Thecurrent league structurefor Super LeaguesA to Cremains with theinclusion of an extrateamineachSuper league as the16th team,based on rankings afterlastyear’sclub rugbyseason.
Thethree teamsfromSuper Cwho were relegatedtothe regionsfor this year will remain in SuperC with theinclusion of thewinner, runners up andplay-off winnerofthe Promotion League of last year
At theend of the15round-robin matches, teamswillberankedaccordingtotheir position,and this will determinethe structurefor next year’s competition.
Thetop team in each SuperLeaguewillbethe league winner. Therewillbea separate competition made up of topeight (President Cup) andbottomeight play-offs(Challenger Cup) foreachSuper League.Thiscompetition will be played on aknockoutbasis with no bearingon theseedingfor next year
At theend of this season thebottomthree clubsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to the Regional Leagues(Paarl, City,Northernand Southern).
Thetop team in each Regional League will be promoted to theSuper League C.
Allclubs ranked from 1to48, basedonresults in this year’s club rugbyseason, will be seeded in four newleagues next year,consistingof12 teamseach(SuperLeagueA,B, Cand D)
At regional level, thereare four leagues: Southern,Central,Paarland Northern Regional competitions will be played on a double round, home-and-awaybasis,withthe topteamineachregioncrowned league winners andpromotedtoSuper League D. Regional leagueswillcommenceonSaturday21March 2026,and clubsare required to fieldatleast a firstand second team,withthird teamsoptional.
At theend of thecurrent season,the bottom four teamsinSuper League Cwillberelegated to theregionalleagues.However,shouldthe PaarlRegionwinnerdecline promotiontothe newSuper League D, only thebottomthree teamswillberelegated
Teamsplaying in thedifferentleagues are: SuperLeagueA: Villager, Hamiltons, FalseBay,Helderberg, SK-Walmers,Van derStel-Evergreens,Durbell, Tygerberg, Ikeys,Maties, Uni-Mil, KuilsRiver, Brackenfell, UWC, Franschhoek andPrimrose SuperLeagueB: AllSaints, Belhar,Bellville,Collegians, CPUT, Goodwood,Hamediehs,Hamlets,Hands & Heart, Kraaifontein, Macassar, NTK, St.Georges,Vineyards,Violets andYoung Peoples SuperLeagueC: Atlantis,BusyBee, Caledonian Roses, Delft, Eersterivier,Gardens,Kylemore, Langa, Pniel-Villagers,Raithby-Universals, Rangers, Scottsdene Central, SirLowrians, Strand, Strand United andWatsonia
A newspaper that passes through hands.
