arners at chess
EverygameIplayedwas about twohours or longer and we played over four rounds
on Sunday.”
Oneofhis toughest momentscameduringa te-night Saturday match.
“I wasquite tiredbythen, butluckily Imanaged to win.”
Competingagainst playersfromacrossthe province wasbothexcitingand stressful,Blom added.
“Itisfun playingagainst playersfromareas such as Eden andOverberg, whom Idon’t often ce,but it wasstressful competingagainst the best in theprovince.”
He said he hadexceeded hisown expectations thetournament.
“I didn’t expect to wingold. My goal wasonly finish somewhereinthe top10. Ilearntthat oneworks hard anddoesn’t give up,somemesone canbeatone’s ownexpectations.” Blom’s long-termgoals nowinclude competginthe SouthAfrican Junior ChessChampionshipsnextyearand potentially qualifying for ternationaltournaments
Hisparents said theachievement hadbeen aproud moment forthe wholefamily. “SeegLucareach such asignificant milestone inspiringfor hissiblingstoo. It showsthat dedication andhardworkreally do payoff,” they said They recognisehow chesshas played ahuge part in hisdevelopment,teachinghim resilnce, strategicthinkingand humility
“Chess is oneofthe most valuable activities ayoung person canpursuebecause it encourages problem-solvingand long-termthinking,” they said.“It also builds confidenceand shows learners that with hard work they cancompete with anyone.”
Luca Blom in action at the Western Cape SchoolsChess PrimarySchool Individual Provincial ChampionshipsheldatGansbaai PrimarySchool. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Kangaroo care promoted
Hospitals across theWesternCapeare promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), asimplebut effective method that helpsimprove outcomes forpremature and lowbirthweight babies.KMC involves prolongedskin-toskin contactbetween aparent andbaby.
Thepracticehelps stabilisea newborn’stemperature,breathing andheart rate,while supporting weight gain,breastfeedingand braindevelopment
“KMC reducesmortality and infectionrates whileimproving temperatureregulation, weight gain,and cognitivedevelopment,” said Sister MelanieHolland,NursingManager at MowbrayMaternity Hospital
“Skin-to-skincontact and breastfeedingserve as powerful formsofpainrelief, providing importantneuroprotective benefits during this vulnerable stageof development. Importantly, KMC is notonlyfor mothers, fathers areencouragedtoparticipate,as closecontact with alovingparent helpsregulatea baby’s heart rate,breathing andtemperature, strengthensbonding,and supports healthybrain development.”
Prematurityremains oneofthe leadingcausesofinfantcomplicationsworldwide,and healthcare workersare placingrenewed emphasis on earlyinterventions such as KMC.
Prof Gugu Kali,headofthe ClinicalUnit: NeonatologyatTygerberg
KMC IS NOTONLY FORMOTHERS,AS FATHERSCAN ALSO HELP BOND
Hospital,described KMCasa cornerstoneofneonatalcare.
“KMC is an essentialpartofour neonatal care package, whichhas been showntoimprove outcomes forpreterm andlow birthweight babies.Wepractisebothintermittent andfull-time KMC, and we encourageparents to do it as soon andasoften as possibleafter birth.”
At RedCross WarMemorialChildren’s Hospital,KMC is embraced as both aclinicalinterventionand afamily-centredphilosophyof care.“KMCisnot just aclinical model; it is aphilosophyofcare that places dignity, compassion, andfamilypartnership at the centre of everything we do,” said MitziFranken,HeadofNursing at RedCross Formanyfamilies, KMCoffersa waytoplayanactiveroleincaring fortheir baby during an emotional andoverwhelmingtime.
Louise Galant,a mother of twins from Villiersdorp, born on Saturda 14 March, said theexperiencewas meaningful.The twinswereborn weighing just 870g and950 g. “I love bondingwiththem. It makesour bond stronger andalso helpsthemgrowquicker,” shesaid. GrooteSchuur Hospital hasalso strengthened itsKMC services,
offeringparents emotionaland psychologicalsupport.“KMC formspartofa holistic care model that supportsboththe medicaland
emotionalneedsoffamilies,”said CindyLouw, OperationalManager of thehospital’sNeonataland KMCUnit.
BravethecoldforNSRIWinterSolsticeSwim
As thewintersolsticeapproaches,the National SeaRescueInstitute (NSRI) is calling on South Africans to bravethe cold andtakepartinits annual Winter Solstice Swim,a nationwide fundraising initiative aimedatsupporting lifesaving rescue operations andwater safety programmes
Theswimwilltakeplace on Sunday 21 June, markingthe longestnight of theyear.
Theinitiativeencouragesindividuals,teams, andcommunities to host theirown plunge events andraise funds forthe rescue organisation
Participants areinvited to take theplungein thesea,tidal pools, swimming pools, dams,or even throughanice bucket challenge, joining agrowing traditionthatunitescommunities across thecountry in supportofthe NSRI
VOLUNTEERSONDUTY
NSRI volunteersremainondutythroughout theyear, readytorespond at amoment’snotice, even in theharshestwinterconditions.
AccordingtoNSRIspokespersonCraig Lambinon,the initiative reflects both thededicationofrescuecrews andthe importance of public supportinsustainingtheir work “NSRIvolunteersare on duty year-round, readytospringintoactionata moment’s notice,evenonthe coldestday of theyear,” Lambinon said He addedthatthe Winter Solstice Swim gives thepublica meaningful waytocontributetothe organisation’s mission
“Eachyear, teamsofNSRIvolunteersfrom ourrescuebases bravethe plunge to raisefunds fortheir station. This year we challengeyou to organise awintersolsticeplungeand help
support ourlifesavingwork,”hesaid. Participants areencouragedtocreatefundraisingcampaigns andrally friends, family,and colleaguestoget involved.Every contribution helpsensureNSRIcrews remain equipped, trained, andready to save lives.
SAFETYFIRST
. Neverswimalone
. Avoidrough or unsafe conditions
. Always have a flotationdevicenearby . Know whotocallinanemergency
.Moreinformation is availablevia the NSRI official websiteand fundraising platform GivenGain. Formoreinformation on organising your Solstice Plungeand the taxbreaksyou’ll getfromyourdonation,contact Renee on 021 4344011 or renee@ searescue.org.za
Empathymattersintimesofbloodshed
OftenI find myself dreading to hear thedevastating detail of family membersrecalling harrowing momentsoftheir children,brothers, sisters or motherswho were either senselesslymurdered, missingorwereviciously injured in an attack or hijacking.
It’s even worsehearing afather saya courtsentenceof100 years couldnever bringbackhis 10-yearold-daughter that waskilledtragically whileshe wasplaying outside with herfriends in thestreetafter school.Whenthese sadaccounts arereadonlineorwhenvideosare circulatingonsocialmedia where citizens arewatchingrobberies un-
fold helplessly, thecynical amongst us in societywould just sigh and say“well that’s just life nowadays in SA”under thegovernanceofthe ANC. This oceanof“content” we witnessevery minute canquickly drainone of anycrumb of optimism in aworld wheremore people prefer to commentand complain insteadofcontributing andcollaborating in ahealthy way. Some mightsay what’s theuse of even voting when it seemsour localpoliticians andparties arelike walkingthrough arevolving door whereone only encounters corruption andfalse promises Themereact of caring is as precious as an endangered species in atimewhere conversationsand discourseonnewsstories feel like amud-slingingmatch where“narratives” areconstantlyshiftingand argumentsare centredonfascist viewsonreligion, race,geopolitics
andthe list keepsgrowing.This week Ifelta personal call to action listeningtoa mother from Ottery tearfully remember what thelast telephonic conversation with her daughter aboard theGlobalSumud Flotilla soundedlikebeforeshe wasdetainedbythe Israelinavy. Igaspedatthe horrorofseeing armedofficers capturingand detainingsomeone’s daughter on alivestreamvideo.The sadness, angerand exhaustion in hervoice resonatedwithmeand Ifelther pain.I canonlyimagine how terrified andupset Iwould be not knowingifmysisterorbrother wasalive,starvingorworse,being tortured Theirony is,weare more connected than ever with technology andsocialmedia that thethought of notbeing able to message or call ourloved ones,isoften ablessing we take forgranted.The fact that instantcommunication is always
availablewiththe push of abutton canseem like ahellish nightmare when this convenienceisrobbed from us in acrucial time when we need to know amissing person’s whereabouts.
It’s dreadfully sad, andeven more so when thesebrave souls bringing baby formula, food and toiletries,enduringthe merciesof theocean,are captured,taunted, tortured,scapegoated andpainted as “terrorists” andtroublemakers To hear amother’sdesperate cry to hear anywordorconfirmation of herdaughter’ssafetywas such acoldblooded reminder of how cruel, violentand unforgivingthe worldoutside canbe.
Empathyfor ourfellowbrothers andsisters matters more than ever in an agewhere bloodshed andthe threat of bombskeep clouding us in adarknessthatappearsinvisible, butitisa sickness we need to cure andsee before it’s toolate.
LouiseGalant withher twins.
Secondbodywashesontobeach
KEANANHARMSE
The discoveryofanother body at Fish Hoek Beachhas renewedconcern in theDeep Southcommunity,just twomonthsafter thebodyofa missing teenager wasrecovered from thesame shoreline.
Fish Hoek police have opened an inquest docket afterthe body of an unidentified man washed ashore on Wednesday20May Accordingtopolice, thebodyofthe man, believed to be in hisforties,was discovered at about07:30 “The circumstancessurrounding theincident
areunder investigation,”policespokesperson SgtWesleyTwigg confirmed
Apost-mortem examinationwillbeconducted to determinethe causeofdeath
Thelatestincidentcomes afterthe body of 15-year-oldMasiphumelele resident,Luve Bukwana, wasfound in thewater at Fish Hoek BeachinMarch followinganextensive search operation.
Luve,who livedonNtantisoRoadinMasiphumelele,had been reported missing on Monday 17 Marchatapproximately 23:50.
Police spokesperson Capt FC vanWyk previouslysaidthe matterwas transferredtothe Muizenberg family violence,child protection
ALARGE-SCALE
SEARCH INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY WAS LAUNCHED IN OCEAN VIEW, MASIPHUMELELE AND NOORDHOEK
andsexualoffences(FCS) unit forinvestigation
Alarge-scale search involvingpoliceofficers,community organisations, neighbour-
hood watchmembers,familyand friendswas launched in OceanView, Masiphumeleleand Noordhoek.
“Enquiries were done in OceanView, Masiphumeleleand Noordhoek. Theareawas patrolledalong with family membersand the victim’s friendswerecontacted with no success,”Van Wyksaidatthe time
Officers attached to FCSMuizenberg, Ocean View police,Masiphumelele community members, neighbourhood watchesand thePink Ladies organisation allassisted in thesearch efforts
Luve’s body wasdiscoveredinthe waterat Fish Hoek Beachtwo days later.
Museum schools in
KEANANHARMSE
The Fish Hoek ValleyMuseumis strengtheningpartnershipswith localschools as part of itsefforts to preserve thevalley’shistory andinspire greatercommunity engagement through educationand heritage preservation
Theinitiativeformedpartofthe museum’s InternationalMuseumDay celebrations held on Monday 18 May, whereteachersand school representativesfromacrossthe valleygathered at themuseumfor an eveningofdiscussion, collaboration andreflection Museum curatorSue Maudesaidthe event aimedtohighlight theimportant role museumsplayasspacesoflearning, dialogue and connectionwithincommunities.Thisyear’s InternationalCouncil of Museums(Icom) theme, “Museums Unitinga DividedWorld”, focusedonhow museumscan bridge cultures andgenerations throughsharedunderstanding andstorytelling RepresentativesfromPaulGreylingPrimary School,FishHoekHighSchool,Jupiter Primary School in OceanViewand Kommetjie Primary School attended theevent.For many of the teachers,itwas their firstvisit to themuseum. Museum volunteersguidedthemthrough the facility andintroducedthe teachers to theinstitution’s archives,which includecollections of oldnewspapers, directoriesand referencebooks availabletoresearchers,learnersand teachers Discussionsduringthe eveningexploredhow schoolsand themuseumcould work together more effectively to preserve localhistory and bringheritageeducation into classrooms.
Oneofthe keytopicsfocused on involving
No need for poliopanic
Detection of twodifferent polio virus strains in wastewater samples in Cape Town has prompted a public health response, but the national Department of Health says there is no need forpanic as no human caseshavebeen identified.
TheNational Institutefor CommunicableDiseases (NICD)informed the department that the strains, identified as VDPV3 and nOPV2-L,weredetected during routine environmental and wastewater surveillanceinthe Western Cape recently.
Thedepartment said in astatement the testing forms part of proactivedisease monitoring aimed at detecting emerging outbreaks and viralvariants before clinical casesappear
Officialsstressed that the detections areclassified as “vaccine events” becausethe viruses were not found in anyperson. “No outbreakhas been declared and no additional vaccination campaign is required,” read the statement
Polioisavaccine-preventabledisease,and South Africawas officially declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation’sAfrican Regional Certification Commission in September 2019
According to the department,the virusesdetected arelikelylinked to imported casesinvolving people vaccinated withdifferent vaccines from those used in SouthAfrica. Thedepartment said it is working with the NICD and has sincestrengthened surveillance measures and increased the frequencyofwastewatersampling as part of ongoing monitoring and outbreakpreparedness. It further said the detections do not translateintoanoutbreakand reassured the public that there is no need forpanic
Residents areencouraged to remain vigilant and report anysuspected symptoms to healthcare providers.
Symptoms associated withpolio caninclude progressivemuscleorjoint weakness and pain, fatigue, musclewasting, breathing or swallowing difficulties, and sleep-related breathing disorders, although these symptoms mayalsobelinked to other medical conditions.
Musicians perform at the Cape Town BigBand JazzFesti Baxter TheatreConcert HallinRondeboschfromtomor
BigBandJazzFe Baxteropensto
Forthe 26th consecutiveyear, theBaxter TheatreConcert Hall in Rondebosch will ring with the soundofjazzwhenthe BigBandJazz Festival openstomorrow(27 May) andruns untilSaturday30May
Performances beginat19:00 each evening.
“It’sa celebration! TheCapeTownBig Band Jazz Festival is back andcelebrating its26thanniversary,”saidAnn Barr, festival organiser. Twenty-six bigbands will take to thestage over thefournights, with ensemblesdrawn
Artscape marks big milestone
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
Music,colourand celebration filled theArtscapeashundredsgathered to mark the55thanniversary of the artfacilityonTuesday 19 May.
Thecelebration also featured theunveiling of Becoming Artscape –A PlaceReborn, a memory wall honouringthe people whoshaped itslegacy.
Speaking at theevent,Marlene le Roux, chiefexecutive officerofthe Artscape,said: “A countrywithout theheartbeat of artisa country withouta soul.Thisbuildingisvibrating with thecolourful diversityofour country.”
Le Roux said sheisoverwhelmed by thesupport of everyone whocametocelebrate
“I am overwhelmedand emotionalbecause people came from fartocomeand be part of this.Wethought we wouldonlyhave500 people,but thousandscameout.Thiscelebration is about30years of ourdemocracy andour constitution andthe Artscape is builtonthose pillars.”
Reflecting on theartscentre’stransformation sinceapartheid,the Le Roux highlightedhow theonce-segregated spacenow embraces diversevoicesand community-driven storytelling
Le Roux describedartsasa powerful vehicle fortelling thestories of people,while also makinga significant contribution to theeconomy, with artistscontributing4%tothe country’s GrossDomesticProduct (GDP).
“The narrative should change.Artists are professional people andthe countryishungry forliveperformances. Forthe next 55 yearswe want to seethatartists have theirplace notjust at Artscape butatevery institution.”
Sheexpressedher gratitudetoher staff and
ACOUNTRYWITHOUT THE HEARTBEAT OF ART IS ACOUNTRYWITHOUT A SOUL
will take placeatthe facility over thenextfew months.These will includea career expo on Saturday 6June.
Le Roux encouraged youngpeopletoattend “Wewanttodemystify theartsand sayitis possibletohavea career in thearts.”
Le Roux thankedgovernmentpartners, staff andthe public fortheir continuedsupport of Artscape andits programmes.
Francine Higham,Mayco member forcommunity services andhealth, congratulatedthe team on 55 “remarkableyears.”
“Whatstandsout aboutthismilestone is notonlylongevity,but transformation.From beginningsthatreflectedexclusion,Artscape hasbecomea placewhere people from allbackgroundscan gather,connect andtellstories and experience therichnessofsharedhumanity.”
Shenoted that athrivingcityneeds“thriving cultural spaces”.
“Spacesthatinspire youngpeople, bringcommunities together andhelpusimagine somethingbiggerthanourselves.”
RicardoMackenzie,Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs andSport,calledonthe private sector to support thearts.
“Weneed more organisationstoplaytheir part.Pleaseinvestinthe arts so that in thenext 55 yearsweprotect more than just theArtscape. Thereare many of ourcommunity artfacili-
Two Ethiopianathleteswerecrowned thewinners of theCapeTown Marathon on Sunday 24 Maywhen they wonthe men’sand women’stitles respectively in aracewhere threeofthe four course recordswereshattered.
MohamedEsa wonthe men’selite race in a time of 2:04:55and he shatteredthe course record of 2:08:16makingthe marathon the fastestonthe Africancontinent
Esa’scompatriotDeraDidaclaimed thewomen’s titlein2:23:18
In thewheelchairdivisionDavid Weir of GreatBritain dominatedthe men’sraceashe poweredtoa 1:30:20win,loweringthe course record from 1:32:09. Whilethatrecordwas still sinkingin, thewomen’s wheelchairrecordwas absolutely obliterated, with Switzerland’sManuela Schartakingthe record down from 1:52:58
to 1:43:25. This bodeswellfor theevent,which is nearing thecompletionofPhase 2ofthe candidacy processtobecomeanAbbott WorldMarathon Majors (AbbottWMM) event.
Therace, whichisalready considered Africa’s premiermarathon, will then bringAfricaits firstMajor
Theracealsofeaturedits biggest international contingent to date,withsome8 500international entries.
Thestacked men’selite fieldincludedEliud Kipchoge,the former two-time WorldRecord-holder, two-time OlympicMarathon Champion andwinnerof11Majors. He chose Cape Town as his firstofficial marathon race on Africansoil, andthe firststopfor hisEliud’s Running Worldtour, whichwillsee himtackle aseriesofseven marathonsacrossall thecontinentsoverthe next twoyears,toinspire people
THREE OF THE FOUR COURSE RECORDSWERE SHATTERED IN ABOUNCE BACK EVENT AFTER LAST YEAR’S DISASTER
to lead healthierlives whileuniting theworld throughrunning
He finished 16th in 2:13:29, greeted by adoringfansfromstart to finish
“I have runall theMajorsinthe world, but Sunday 24 May2026isthe daythatI believe theCapeTownMarathonwillbecomeand Abbott WorldMarathonMajorsevent.I believe that allAfricansshouldbeproud of this race, andthatweare creating areallegacyfor Africa by making theCapeTownMarathona World
Major,”hesaid.
ClarkGardener, CEOofthe Marathon, describedthe race as very importantfor the organisers following last year’s cancelledevent “I thinkitwas really greattobouncebackwith an eventona perfectday,withgreat organisation,and an incredible eliteresult, with so many newrecords.Itwas nota perfectevent,and we’vealready learnt some valuable lessons,but overall, we’resuper proudthatwehavesomany happy participants andsupporters.
“Thatincludesall ourinternational participants,and theoverall feedback from them hasbeen impressive -theyloveCapeTown, they love SouthAfrica, they love amarathon in Africa -sowecan be supperchuffed as a team aboutthe delivery of this event. We look forwardtojustsoaking it allin, andseeing what that meansfor us in twotothree weeks’ time,” Gardnersaid.
