People’s Post False Bay E-edition 28 April 2026

Beachupgradesproceed

KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Road-access improvements andupcomingworkphases took centre stageatthe latestcommunity meetingonthe current upgrades underway on Muizenberg Beach.

Themeetingwas held at theMuizenbergCivic Centre on Wednesday last week,22April

Residentsand business owners attended thesession,where the City of Cape Town’s projectteam outlined thelatestdevelopmentsin theMuizenbergbeachfrontupgrade andresponded to questionsfromthe public

Akey update wasthe reopening of thenorth-eastern access to the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) platform,restoring an important connectionbetween thebeachfront andpublictransport

Providinganoverviewofprogress, Deputy Mayorand Maycomember forspatial planning andthe environment EddieAndrews said construction is advancingsteadilyacrossmultipleworkareas.“Excavationsand thepreparation forthe placement of pre-cast concrete unitsfor the steppedrevetment andpromenade walkwayare currently underway,” he said,notingthatthisincludesboth backfilling andinstallation of the units.

Andrewssaidworkonthe universalaccess ramp is also progressing, with formwork andreinforcement currently in place. As part of site adjustments, non-governmental organisation (NGO)Waves forChange hasrelocated to anew premises on thewestern side of thebeachfront. Stormwater upgrades were also highlightedduringthe meeting.

Andrewssaidthe existing drainage system wasbeing redirected into improved pipework to bettermanage surfacewater alongthe beachfront

In thecentral sectionatthe beach preparations were underway fornew ablution facilities andrelated services, whichformpartofthe broader upgradetopublicamenities

“Mostofthe work is currently happening on thewestern side and centralsection of thebeachfront,”he

explained. “However,all visitors still have access to thesurf.”

Andrewssaidpavingfor the first portionofthe westernparking area will beginsoon.

However, some parkingbaysadjacent to ongoingcrane operations will remain temporarilyclosedfor safety reasons.

Thenextcommunity meetingisset to take placeinJunewithnoconfirmed date determined yet.

Therefurbishment project, which beganinFebruarylastyear, aims to replaceageingseawalls anddeliver majorupgradestopublicamenities

Theproject is beingimplemented in phases over atwo-yearperiod. The firstphase commenced on the westernsideofSurfer’sCorner, next to therailway line

This year theinitiativehas now reacheda “critical” stagerequiring thefencing off of largesectionsofthe beachfront forpublicsafety.

Declining vaccination aworry

Arise in measlescases across the WesternCapehas raised fresh concerns aboutdeclining childhood-vaccination ratesand growinggaps in community immunity.

Health officialswarnthatthe spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella anddiphtheriaposes aserious public-health risk,withefforts intensified to protect children andprevent further outbreaks.

An increase in measlesoutbreaks hasbeen reported in theBelharand Delftareas,withover 20 casesreportedsince thestart of this year

TheWestern Cape Department of Health and Wellnesssaidthe increase in measlescases wasnot unique to theprovince, as SouthAfrica faceda declineinchildhood-vaccination uptake, whichposes aserious risk forpublichealth andthreatens thecountry’s efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases

Thedepartmentfurther said thedecline contributedtomultipleoutbreaks of measles, rubella anddiphtheriaacrossthe province,signalling seriousgapsinpopulationimmunity

SinceOctober 2024,the department has ramped up itsimmunisation efforts to protect children from seriousand life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases

It hasimplemented an early-warningand -responsesystemtothese outbreaks, which includes strengtheningcoordination of the response,intensifyingdisease surveillance, clinical management of casesand community engagement

“Targetedvaccination outreaches will be prioritisedinthe areaswhere we seea rapidincrease in measlescases,” thedepartmentwrote

in astatement

PROTECTCHILDRENFROMMEASLES

Measlesisa highly contagious diseasethat infectsthe respiratorytract.Symptomsinclude high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing

Health-carepractitioners candiagnose measlesonsigns andsymptoms, anda blood sample collected forlaboratorytesting

Parentsare urgedtolook outfor measles symptoms andkeep theirchildrenhomewhen they have oneormoreofthese symptoms to curb thespreadofthishighlycontagious disease.

Should achild runa fever, feel sleepyorstruggletoeat parentsare urgedtotakethemtothe nearestclinicimmediately. Potentialcomplicationsofmeasles includepneumonia,diarrhoea, braininfection andblindness. Complicationsare more seriousinthose who catchmeasles as younginfants (under 2years of age) andinchildrenwho aremalnourished. Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilities, andcatch-updoses can be givenifa childhas misseda vaccination Vaccinesare also availablethrough private-sectorfacilitiesand private-public partnerships.

Applicationsforfellowshipclosethisweek

Grade12learnerswho displayacademicexcellenceand entrepreneurialpotential have until Thursday 30 Apriltoapplyfor TheAllan Gray OrbisFoundationFellowshipProgramme Theprogramme givesmatriculantswho have always dreamt of making adifference in their community or wanted to explorea career as business owners.Successful candidates gain access to needs-baseduniversityfunding, entrepreneurialmindset developmentand the support of personal industry mentors. Throughthese combinations of resources, networks anddevelopment opportunities,

CandidateAllanGrayFellows areempowered to generate ideas, launch ventures andgrow purpose-driven businessesthatmakea tangible impact

Requirements:

. SouthAfrican citizenship

. Currently in Grade12inthe year of application

. Aminimum of 60%inpuremathematics or 80%inmathematicalliteracyfor finalGrade 11 results

. Aminimum averageof70% for finalGrade 11 results(excludinglifeorientation)

. An intentiontostudy towardsa commerce, science, engineering, law, humanities,arts, or health sciences degree (excluding medicine, veterinary science, anddentistry)atone of the following partneruniversities: University of theWestern Cape,UniversityofCapeTown, Stellenbosch University,UniversityofKwaZulu Natal, University of theFreeState,University of Pretoria,RhodesUniversity, Nelson Mandela University,UniversityofJohannesburg, Wits University or TSiBA. .Visitwww.allangrayorbis.org to downloadan application form,ortoapplyonline

LateapplicationsforGrR,1and8to17May

Following theclosure of applications forGrade R, 1and 8learnersfor the2027academic year,the WesternCapeEducation Department (WCED) says parentswho missedthe deadline will have untilSunday17May to applyaspart of itslateapplicationprocess.

Accordingtothe WCED,a totalof166 144 parentsapplied fortheir children before the Tuesday14April deadline

However, alllateapplications will only be considered by schoolsafter theapplications received during theon-time window have been considered

Schoolswillnow applytheir admissionspolicies to allthe applications they received during

theon-time window

Theoutcomesofthese applications will become availableonlinefromThursday28May, andparents must confirm theirchoiceofplace by Monday 15 June

Parentswho receivemultipleoffersofacceptancebut do notselectone of thoseoffersby Monday 15 June will be automatically confirmed to theirtop-rankedchoice.

Parentswho wish to transfer theirchild to a differentschoolfor Grades 2– 7or9 –12next year duetorelocationwillhavethe opportunity to submit atransferrequest between Monday 3 August andMonday17August.

TheWCEDurges parentswho have appliedto

inform thedepartmentiftheir contactdetails changed, to ensure thecorrect detailswhenthe outcomes of applications aremadeavailable Provincial educationministerDavid Maynier said parentsare responsiblefor applying fora placeata school fortheir child.

“There arestill 1441 current Grade7 learners in theWestern Cape whoseparents have not yetappliedfor aplace in Grade8 next year.We urge parentstoapplyimmediately, to help us plan fora placeina school fortheir childnext year

“Wehavemadehelpavailable forparents so therereally is no reason nottoapply,”said Maynier.

Techno-savs,don’tgazetoolongintoabyss

Theconsequence of toomuch convenienceseemstobea topic that mayholdanominous future fornot only thecurrent butfuture generationsifleftunchecked

Thesedaystechnologyand our cellphoneshavestreamlined the activities that used be laborious andtime-consuming.

Thereare countlessapps, with some newonesbeing createdas we speak, that caneasilyoffer us shortcutstopurchasegroceries, clothing or offer us opportunities to date newpeopleorprovide us alifttoworkoranevening outon thetown.

Thebreakneck speedsofinternet access at shopping malls,cafes andplazashavealsoprovidedus so much opportunitytoanswer emails,conduct Zoom meetings or

provideusa spot to download and stream an albumorserieswe’re binging. Sure theseinnovations wouldsound like autopiatomost whogrewupinthe ’60s with their ears closetotheir radiosetsfor the latest instalment of theirserialor to hear what wasonthe hitparade, or theircounterpartsa decade later whowould trytowatch asitcom from aneighbour’s window

Thosedaysthe TV sets were tiny compared to today’s, with their 4K ultra-realisticresolutions

Thescary part of ourfast-paced modern ageisthe length of time we spendstaring at ourcellphone screensand promptingour tasks andstaying productive,thatwe neglectour physical well-being, not to mentionour spirituallives Late-night doom-scrolling in ourcomfy beds watching endless streamsofbite-sizedcontent are strainingour eyes andmakingus insomniac, as we entertainourselves to funny videos andother sourcesofdopaminehitsthatform

ourpersonaluseralgorithms. What is importanttoknowhere is that we arespoonfedcurated content, news andentertainment that couldalsoalign with ourbeliefs andideologies, which couldbecomeproblematic if one becomestrappedinloop content that strokesour egos withoutalso challengingustothink Hating andtrolling remain as popularasever, andinthe commentssectionsusers canbeseen trying to competefor thewittiest comment or thenastiestremark, lambasting someonefor theirhaircutoroutfitchoice. Thesad realityisthatCEOsof thesesocial-mediaplatforms care more forprofitthanbullying, as more commentsmeanmoretraction as engagement helpsa post to keep appearingonpeople’stimelinesdespite howthe insultshave hurt thevictim’smentalhealth. It appearswecan become so numb lookingatall thechaotic news,especially with theendless

updatesofdestroyed hospitals, schoolsand destructionand bloodshed plaguing theMiddleEast, site of theholiest places associated with ourmonotheisticfaiths. Theirony of allthisisthatpeople arekilling oneanother in His name,ofdoing God’swork, andwe remain astonished at howcontent creators usethese tragic wars to fueltheir politicalagendas and endlessmudslinging.All thewhile thelateJohnLennon’santhemof peace, “Imagine”, springstomind, afamiliartunethatseemstofallon deaf areas.

So Ipraythatwestart usingthese toolstoreflectonourselves more closely, insteadofbecomingmore andmoreabsorbedinthe endless dramaand oceanofcontent informingushow to live andwhat to like

As theGermanphilosopher FriedrichNietzsche famously said: “And if yougazelongintothe abyss, theabyss also gazesinto you. ”

A Bo

FROMPAGE1

Alarge cranewas installedat Surfer’s Corner to placeconcrete precastunits forthe newpromenade walkway, resultinginthe closureof nine parkingbaysfor approximately threemonths. So farabout 15%ofthe concrete precastunits have already been placed andthe contractor was expected to startdismantling four beachhutsonthe westernsideofthe beachfront next week,while thehuts on theeastern side were scheduled forremoval by mid-year.(“Cityguarantees Huts’heritage”, People’s Post, 24 February).

Thedecisiontoerect newhuts resultsfrompublicconsultations, whichdeterminedthatthe current huts wouldnot be thesameafter their dismantling, storingand reconstruction,soreplacing them wasthe more sensible practicaloption.

BeachHut Trust(BHT) spokespersonAngelaGorma said:“TheCityhas confirmed theeight existing iconic huts will be replaced with eightnew huts,designedtomatch thehistoric look,patternsand coloursofthe originals, so theirfamiliarcharacter is retained.“Thenew huts will be relocatedfurther towardsthe central plazaarea, wherethey’ll provide additional wind shelterfor central shower facilities.InFebruarythisyear theBHT retrenched threeoperational staff positionsasMuizenberg’siconic beachfront refurbishment projectenteredits active phase, whilethe City of Cape Town movedtoreassure the public aboutthe futureofthe historic beachhuts.

“Itconfirmed that operational adjustmentsbecamenecessary due to significantly reducedday-to-day activities during therebuild period.” .Residents canaccess project updates through beachfront infoboards,QR codes or emailing muizenberg@chand. co.za.

Safety,supportanationalright

AsSouth Africa marked 32 yearsof Freedom Dayyesterday (27April), theNationalShelter Movement of SouthAfrica(NSMSA) called foranurgent national reflection on what freedom trulymeans following thedeclaration of gender-based violence andfemicide (GBVF) as anationaldisaster.

“Thisclassification formalises what shelters across thecountry have witnessedfor years–that domestic violence is nota privatematter, buta national emergencyaffecting thousands of families everyday,” said Greer Schoeman, NSMSAboard member.“It also signifies that thescale of harm facing womenand children is comparable to anyother national crisis.Why then aretraumatised survivorsstill expected to navigate complexlegal systems, oftenwithout support?”

NSMSAisisa non-profitorganisationestablishedin2008 at aconferenceofshelters nationally andcurrently consists of 78 shelters spread across allnineprovinces

PROTECTIONORDERSCRITICAL

AccordingtoNSMSA,applying fora protection orderoften requires an unrealisticlevel of recall, clarityand emotionalreadiness from individualsincrisis. Many womenarrive at courthavingjust fled violence,often in shock, withoutdocumentation andwithout assistance

Across SouthAfrica, shelters –supported by NSMSA– provideimmediate refuge, safe-

ty planning,psychosocialcareand practical support to survivorsescapingabusive homes. Theseservicesfrequentlyserve as the firstpoint of safety forwomen andchildrenwho have nowhereelsetoturn. National crimestatistics from indicate 5400 womenare murdered annually in SA,while 63 000 domestic violence casesreportedannually continue to demonstrate thescale andurgency of thecrisisand the need forstrongerprotectionmechanismsfor survivorsofdomesticviolence, said NSMSA.

SURVIVOR-CENTREDSUPPORT

Schoeman emphasises that whileprotection orders remain oneofthe most critical legal toolsavailable to survivorsofviolence, the processofaccessing them must be grounded in survivor safety andsupport

“Inthe currentcontext we must be clearabout what works. Safety andsupport must always come first. Before survivorsare expected to engage with thejustice system,the priority must be securing immediatesafetyfor women andtheir children.Thatmeans effectively amplifying GBVhelplines andstrengthening referralpathwayssosurvivors areconnected to community-based services withoutdelay.”

Theclassification of GBVF as anationaldisasterplacesresponsibilityonall sectors, including policing,justice services andsocialsupport systems, to respondina coordinatedand urgent fashion. Forsheltersthisrecognition reinforces theirroleasessential components of thecountry’ssafetyinfrastructure. Despitethis, shelters

LEGALREFORM ALONE CANNOTADDRESS THE GBVCRISIS

WITHOUT ACCESSIBLE SUPPORT.

across thecountry continue to operateunder chronicfunding constraints. Many arerequired to respondtoincreasingdemandwhile working with limitedresources,supportingsurvivors whooften arrive traumatised, displacedand in urgent need of protection

SYSTEMGAPSUNDERMINEPROTECTION

“Wealsoneed to scaleupprovencommunity models,” addedSchoeman. “Programmessuch as the[MOSAIC Training Serviceand HealingCentre’s] court-support modelshowwhat effective,survivor-centredsupport lookslike. They reduce case attritionand help women navigate complexlegal processes. It is unreasonabletoexpecta woman, oftentraumatised anddisplaced,tomanagethisprocess on her own. Even modest investment in court-support services cansignificantly improveoutcomes across thecriminaljustice system

“Finally,every police stationmusthavea properly functioning victim-friendlyroom Completing aprotectionorder is notanadministrativeexercise, buta deeply personal and oftenretraumatisingprocess. Thecurrent gap

of approximately90victim-friendly roomsin police facilities is nota minorinfrastructure issue. Even wherethese roomsexist qualityand accessibility remain inconsistent,and this must be addressedaspartofthe national response to GBVF.”

TheNSMSA emphasises that public awareness remained oneofthe most significant barriers to safety.“Many individualsremainunaware of theirrightsorthe stepsrequiredtoaccess protection,”she said.“Public educationisessential to ensure survivorsunderstandthe protections availabletothem. ”

STRONGERLAWS,SHAREDRESPONSIBILITY

Thegender-justiceorganisationnoted that recent amendments to SouthAfrica’sdomestic-violence legislationhavestrengthenedavailable protections, includingbroader definitionsof domestic violence andadditional mechanisms aimedatimproving survivor safety.Legal reform alonecannotaddressthe crisis withoutaccessiblesupport services andinformed communities

TheNSMSA hasurged SouthAfricansto recognisethatfreedom is notmeasuredonly by constitutional rights,but by thesafetyand dignityexperienced in everyday life.For many survivorsthe abilitytolivewithout fear is the most meaningful expression of freedom.Ina countrywhere GBVF hasbeen formally recognisedasa national disaster,ensuringaccess to protection,safetyand support is notoptional –itisa national responsibility

Thedaymustremindusofthemanychallengesandrights

Priortoyesterday’s Freedom Daycelebrations, People’s Post took to thestreetstoget asense of what Capetoniansthink aboutthe day. Theday marksthe country’s firstdemocraticelections in 1994,a historic turningpoint that endedapartheid andushered in hopesoffreedom,equality anda betterlifefor all. More than threedecades later, theday remainsa commemoration and amomentofreflection on howfar thecountry hascome—andhow faritstill hastogo. To capture theseviews on theground, we spoketoour readersand asked: HasFreedom Daybrought real change to your community,ordoyou feel thereisstill alongway to go?

. Patric Solomons said:“FreedomDay celebratesour non-racial democracywhere every childand adultisequal before thelaw andhave theirrightsprotected.The daymustremindus of themanychallengesand rights violations ourchildrenand vulnerable groups stillface. It must inspireustoend thesystemicproblems that hamper transformation to endpoverty,

inequality,and improvethe advancementof theblack childand family:prevent andreduce crimeand corruption andimprove security for all. Ourcurrent challengefor children is rooted in thesocialeconomicsystems of exploitation anddispossession of thepoorand enrichment of multinationaloperationsand business, and maintainingwhite wealth andlandamassed during thecolonialand apartheidexploits. freedomsgainedare easily lost if notprotected, implementedand enjoyed.

. Graham Daniels said Freedom Daymust be both acelebration anda call to action.“In ourcommunity,there hasbeen progress. More people have access to services,and residentsare more awareoftheir rights andresponsibilities. Thereisa stronger senseofcommunity voice andparticipation.However,the realityisthat many stillfacedaily struggles,unemployment, crime, housingshortages andinconsistentservice delivery.For some,the promiseoffreedom hasnot yettranslatedintomeaningful change

in theireverydaylives.”

. KevinAlexander said:“We stillhavea long waytogo, although we cannow celebrate ourmanygreat constitutional rights that we neverhad before.Weare stilleconomically oppressedand stillexperiencemanyhardships andchallenges of violentcrimes, drug abuse, gender-based violence,gangsterism,joblessness andchild abuse. Theaboveconditionsare nothingtocelebrate.”

. PeterHarmse said:“In communities it changedfor theworse kids dropping outof schoolsand gangsterismincreased with no control.”

. KhodaniMafadza said:“Freedom Day hasbrought some change,but formanyrural communities thejourney is not finished.People nowhavethe righttovote, to speakfreely, and to be treatedequally underthe law. That is real progress compared to thepast. Butinmany villages, problems like poverty, poor roads, lack of jobs,and weak schoolsstill remain.Soyes,

Freedom Dayopenedthe door forchange, but thecommunity stillwalks alongroadtosee thosepromisesfully in dailylife.”

. LuciaEarl said:“We have come along waysince democracy, butthere is stillmoreto be done.Itwillnot change overnight. Communities must do more to support people in need, especially thoseexperiencinghomelessness.”

. QaqambaFalithenjwa said:“Freedom Dayhas broughtopportunities, especially for youngpeople, butunemploymentremains a bigchallenge. We arefree, butmanyare still strugglingtoaccess thoseopportunities.”

. Leon Wildschut: “There’s stilla long waytogo! Therehas been change to access to basicservices. We have made bigstrides in addressing thewrongsofapartheid,but Ithink we have stagnatedunder ourcurrent government.Our underprivilegedcommunities are stillfacingeconomicstruggles.Unemployment, biginequalitygap,poor spatialplanning,safety, educationremains aissue.”

‘City, banglue traps’ – SPCA

KEANANHARMSE

The useand sale of glue trapsinCape Town hascomeunder renewedscrutiny,withthe Cape of Good Hope SPCA warningthatthe devicescause severe andprolonged animal sufferingand maycontravenenationallegislation

Since2023the SPCA hasreceived and respondedto47complaintsrelatingtoshops selling glue traps, 14 of theseoriginating from specificareas highlightedbythe organisation Over thepastthree yearsinspectorshavealso removedmorethan10000 glue trapsfrom retail outletsacrossthe city,indicatingthe widespread availability of theproduct

Glue traps, also knownasglueboards, are commonlymarketedasa simple pest-control solution.However,the SPCA describesthemas oneofthe most inhumane methodsofanimal control.

Thedevices work by immobilising animalson astickysurface,often leavingthemtrappedfor hoursorevendays.

During this time animalsexperienceextreme distress, dehydrationand starvation.Indesperateattempts to escape they mayteartheir skin, breaklimbs or suffocate. Deathisoften slow andpainful

Theorganisationalso raised concerns about theindiscriminatenatureofgluetraps.While intended forrodents they frequently capture birds, reptiles andother smallanimals.Ina biodiverse urbanenvironment such as Cape Town this posesa threat to wildlife,including protectedspecies

Legally,the SPCA believes theuse of glue trapsmay violatethe AnimalsProtectionAct, whichprohibits cruelty, tortureand ill-treatment of animals. It also requires that trapsbe inspectedand cleareddaily

Accordingtothe SPCA,gluetraps arefundamentally incompatible with theseprovisions, as removing atrappedanimalwithout causing further harm is nearly impossible.

If foundguiltyofcontraveningthe Actindividualscould face finesofuptoR40 000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months,orboth.

TRAPS‘‘ONE OF MOST INHUMANE METHODS OF ANIMALCONTROL”

TheSPCAisurgingthe City of Cape Town to take decisive action by banning thesaleand useofgluetraps.Sucha move,itsaid, would alignwithlegal obligationsand demonstratea commitmenttoanimalwelfare

Humane alternatives areavailable,includinglive-capturetraps andpreventativemeasuressuchassealing entrypoints, improving sanitation andremovingfood sources. Ethical pest-control services arealsobecomingmore widely used

Residentsare encouraged to report retailers selling glue trapstothe SPCA,providing details such as thestore name,locationand date observed

Theorganisationmaintains that addressing pest problems should notcomeatthe cost of unnecessary suffering, calling forcompassion andresponsible solutionsinmanagingurban wildlife

. To reportliveanimalscaught in glue traps please contact the Inspectorate on 021700 4158/9duringoffice hoursor083 3261604 after hours.

Oldiesgethomelylove,care

NAMHLAMONAKALI

At theheart of Grassy Park sits an elderlyday care that is anything butordinary, ahomebasedspace whereolder residentsspend their days together in comfort, companionshipand care outsideofa traditionalold agehome. Leap of FaithElderly DayCareoffersolder residentsa structured andwelcoming environment wheretheyreceive dailysupport,shared mealsand companionship, withoutthe institutional settingofa residentialfacility.

Thecentrewas startedbyHoutBay resident Estherline Meyerinresponsetowhatshe describesasa growingbut oftenoverlooked need, olderpeoplelivingalone at home,withlimited interactionorstimulation

“There is aneedfor them to socialisewith theirpeers. Most elderlyare left at home alone with littleornostimulation forthe mind and body,” Meyersaid.

Rather than functioning as an oldage home, thecentreoperatesduringthe dayasa safe, home-likespace whereroutine,careand connectionformpartofeverydaylife. Meyer describesitasa “homeawayfromhome” Inside thecentre, theday is builtaround shared meals, conversation andsimpleactivities that keep residentsengaged andconnected Thefocus is on dignity, presence andsocial well-beingratherthanclinicalcare. “Wepro-

videthemwithsafety, some warm mealsand greatcompany,” Meyersaid.

Sevenelderly people attend thecentredaily Allare mobile,using walkersorcrutches whereneeded,and areabletomanagetheir ownpersonalcare.

Thecentrealsoaccommodatesclients living with dementia,offeringa stable andsupervised environment.

Meyersaidsomestruggletoleave at theend of theday

“Theyenjoy each other, andsomeofthemare reluctanttoleave in theafternoon.Theyalways saytimegoestoo quick,”she said Families,she added, have noticedpositive changesinmood andoverall well-being.

Behind thedaily routine, however, thecentre facesongoing financialpressure

As anon-governmentalorganisation(NGO), thecentrereliesoncommunity supportand at timesprovidescarewithout payment.

“The main challengeislackoffunds to pay fortheir fees.AsI am an NGO, Idotreat some clientsinthe communityfor free,” Meyersaid.

Thecentrecontinues to operatethrough donationsand sponsorships,which help sustainit andallow more elderlyresidents to attend Meyersaidevensmall contributionsmake ameaningfuldifference in keepingthe centre open to thosewho rely on it

KEANANHARMSE

Fish Hoek residentsare invitedtoreflecton adifficult chapteroflocal historyatthe next HistoryoverTea gathering, wherethe themeof forced removals will take centre stage.

Themonthly initiative,hostedincollaboration between theFishHoekLibrary andthe Fish Hoek ValleyMuseum, continuestogrowasa platform forcommunity storytelling andengagement.The upcoming session will take place tomorrow(29 April) at 11:00 in thelibrary’s side hall, with teaand coffee served

This month’sdiscussion will explorehow colonial andapartheid-era legislationreshaped both thephysicallandscape andthe livesof people in thevalley. Throughsharedmemories andpersonalaccounts,organisershopetobring ahuman perspectivetopoliciesthatare often discussedinabstractorhistoricalterms

Participants will be encouraged to reflecton storiesofloss, resilience andadaptation, highlighting howcommunities were uprooted and forced to rebuildtheir lives. Theevent aims not only to inform,but also to foster dialogue and understandingamong residents.

TheHistory over Teaserieswas launched earlier this year followingfeedback from alibrary survey,which revealed strong interest in local historyprogrammes. Thecollaboration between thelibrary andmuseumwas anatural fit, combining historical expertisewitha welcoming community space.

Accordingtolibrarian Caroline Moody, the initiative is designed to make historyaccessibleand engaging.“Themuseumprovidesthe history, andthe libraryprovidesthe venueand biscuits,” shesaid, adding that thegoalisto encouragemoreresidents to connect with their heritage andmakeuse of localresources

The firstsession,heldinFebruary, drew a positive response from thecommunity.Witha themeof“Romanceinthe Valley”,the inaugural eventfeaturedlight-hearted andentertaining stories, includingtales of earlycouples,pirate legendsand notablelocal relationships.

March’sgathering shiftedfocus to “Untold Stories”,invitingresidents to explorelesser-known narrativesand gaps in thehistorical record.Visitorswereencouragedtoshare personalanecdotes andfamilyhistories,contributingtoa broaderunderstanding of thevalley’s past

Organisers hope theinitiativewillevolveinto asharedplatformwhere residentsactively participate, rather than simply listen.Bycreatinga spacefor storytelling,the projectaimsto preserve localheritageand ensure that diverse voices areheard

Thesession on forced removals is expected to be more reflective in tone,addressing asignificantand oftenpainful aspect of SouthAfrica’s history. By sharinglived experiences, organisers believethe eventcan help buildempathy and strengthen community connections

Residentsare invitedtoattend,share their storiesand contribute to theongoing conversation aboutthe valley’spast.

. Residents areencouraged to submit their stories in advance.Youcan visitthe museum on Tuesdayand Thursday morningsorWednesday afternoons,or email curator.fishhoekvalleymuseum@gmail.com.

Heritagesiteorholidaystay?

Ever wondered what it wouldbeliketospend thenight on Robben Island?

That couldsoon become areality should RobbenIslandMuseum(RIM) move aheadwith planstoturnabout 100formerprison-guard houses into overnighttourist accommodation Theplanhas gained mixedreactions from the public andheritagegroups.

RobbenIslandwas declared aUnitedNations Educational, Scientificaland Cultural Organisation (Unesco) WorldHeritageSitein1999 for itsprofoundculturalsignificance.

RIMsaidina pressstatement it hasembarked on aproject to “meaningfully repurpose” former guards’housesintoaccommodation facilities as part of itscommitmenttosustainable tourism developmentand responsibleheritagemanagement

It said thehouseswilladaptivelybereusedto servecontemporarysocial, economic,and environmentalobjectiveswhile “preservingtheir historical integrity.”

“The conversion of theguards’ houses into accommodation supports economic sustainabilitybygeneratingrevenue that contributestothe museum’s long-term financialviability.”

AccordingtoRIM,incomefromovernight stayshelps subsidiseconservationwork, educationalprogrammes, andthe ongoing maintenanceofthe site,reducingreliance on external funding sources. It further stated that theaccommodation provides spacefor researchers, teachers,artists-in-residence, students,and staff whoare engagedinheritage, memory work,and dialogue aboutdemocracy andhuman rights

Elderlyresidents spendtimetogether at Leap of Faith ElderlyDay Care in GrassyPark, where the focus is on companionship and daily

AccordingtoRIM,relevantpermits hadbeen received to embark on this projectand that stakeholderengagementhad been conducted.

However, RIMdid notrespond to People’s Post’s queriesabout this stakeholderengagement that took placeorthe groups that were consultedduringthe process.

AshMüller, property mediaprofessional,said from adevelopment standpoint theconcept is viable,but only underspecificconditions.

Sheaddedthatsuchprojectsrequireda delicate balancestruckbetween “commercial feasibility” andstrict“heritage conservation”.

“The existing structures providea strong foundation that canreducenew-build impact, butthe cost of compliantrestoration,infrastructureupgrades, andongoing maintenance canbesignificantly higher than in conventional developments.”

Sheaddedthatviability hinges on positioningand believes it must be alow-density, high-value offeringratherthana “mass-tourism product”

Müllersaidthe biggest challenges when repurposinghistoricbuildings fortourism and hospitalityuse,especially on aWorld Heritage Site,are both “technical andphilosophical”.

“You aredealing with ageing structures that must be upgraded to meet modern safety,accessibility andservice standards, oftenwithout altering theiroriginalfabric. Logisticsonan island addanother layerofcomplexitytoconstruction, utilitiesand ongoingoperations.”

Shesaidculturaland historical integritymust also be considered.“RobbenIslandisnot just a heritage site;itisa placeofprofoundnational andglobalsignificance. Anyinterventionmust be guided by respectfor itslegacy, ensuring commercialactivitydoesnot overshadow or dilute itsmeaning.”

Müllersaidheritage-basedaccommodation canbe financially sustainablewhenitoffers aunique, “deeply contextual experience that justifies premiumpricing.”

Sheaddedthatrevenue aloneshouldn’t be thesoleobjective.“Theseprojectsworkbest when they operatewithina broaderfunding ecosystem, potentially includingpublic-private partnerships,grants, andconservationfunding If approached correctly,accommodation can become asupportingmechanism forpreservation rather than theprimary driver.”

Müllerexplained that thesuccess depended on maintainingthe site’s integritywhile creatinganexperiencethatis“both respectful and economically resilient.”

When approached forcomment by oursister paper TygerBurger,Durbanville Heritage Societysaidina statementthatitisnot against therestoration of thehomes to theformercondition,“provided that it remainsauthentic and preservesthe historical period andstays true to theoriginalcharacter of theislandprison.”

SunnySeville in theArtscape

CapeTownOpera returnstothe grandeur of theclassicrepertoirewitha dazzlingnew production of Georges Bizet’sbeloved opera Carmen from Tuesday19toSunday31May at theArtscape.

Oneofthe most popularand electrifying worksinthe operatic canon, Carmen promises an unforgettabletheatricalexperienceasCape Town Opera(CTO) brings together astellar cast,brilliantorchestration andvivid staging that re-imaginesBizet’s timeless tale of passion, freedom andfate.

Directed by acclaimedtheatre-maker StevenStead this newproductionset in 1931/’32 transports audiencestoSeville,Spain,where desire,jealousyand destinycollide with tragic inevitability.

From theopening bustle of thecigarette factory to theexhilaratingspectacle of thebullring, Bizet’smusic pulseswithSpanish colour and dramatic intensity. Aficionados will recognise of a’ ti ni elodie fr th

Thetitlerolewillbe sungbythe magnetic CTOhousesoloist NonhlanhlaYende

PHOTO:MARK DOBSON

Animalsheltermarks30years withgaladinnerfundraiser

MdzanandaAnimalClinicand Shelterwill host itsthird annual gala dinnerand auction on Saturday 9May at 18:30atthe TwoOceans Aquarium,celebrating threedecades of service to Khayelitsha’sanimals andcommunity.The milestoneevent comesasthe organisation reflects on 30 yearsofproviding veterinary care,animal-rescue services andcommunity educationprogrammesinone of Cape Town’s largesttownships

STAR-STUDDEDEVENINGPLANNED

Thefundraising eventwillfeature renowned broadcasterPippa Hudson as host,withrespectedauctioneer GuyMcDonaldleading alive auctionofexclusive itemsand experiences.

Entertainmentwillinclude aperformance by theIsibane Se Afrika Choirduringthe predrinks reception.

DESIRE,JEALOUSY AND DESTINY COLLIDE WITH TRAGIC INEVITABILITY

of thedevoted Micaëla, whilebaritoneConroy Sc ti he ch is ticbullfigh rE illo

Guests will enjoya two-course dinnerwith complimentarywineand dessert.

Eventorganiser andfundraiserKelly Arendse said theannual gatheringbringsanimallovers andsupporterstogetherfor ameaningful cause.

“The funds raised on thenight enable us to

continue theveryimportant work we do in the community of Khayelitshaand beyond,” she said

THREEDECADESOFIMPACT

Sinceits establishmentMdzananda hasprovidedessentialveterinaryservicestoa community whereaccess to animal health care is oftenlimited.The organisation’s work includes emergencyanimalrescue, preventative care and educational-outreach programmes.

Allproceedsfromthe gala will directly support theseservices, ensuring continuedcarefor animalsinneed across Khayelitsha.

Ticketsare availableatQuicket at https:// www.quicket.co.za/events/369665-mdzananda-gala-dinner-auction/ or by contacting fund@mdzananda.co.za.

Theorganisationisalsoseekingcorporate sponsors andpartnersfor themilestone event.

“Joinusfor an eveningofcelebration,connectionand compassion as we honour 30 years of impact,” Arendsesaid, “and we look ahead to afutureofcontinued care forthe animalsof Khayelitsha.”

og ya gbyc ,”

says.“Whilethiswas auseful opportunityto buildstrongerbonds with ourusergroups, we understand that thereare existing challenges andworktobedone. As aCity, we’recommitted to walkingthisjourney with theclubs andall usersofCityfacilities.”

Maintenanceworkatfacilitiesalsoimpacts theincomegenerated at thegates as home gameshavetobemoved to opponents’ home groundsand thetwo clubshavetoshare the spoils at thegate.

Theweather also impactsthe clubs’ preparaon.Thisseminar ties in with theundertaking theprovincialministerofculturalaffairs and sport, RicardoMackenzie,earlier this month when he handed over twocheques to thevalue R7,5 meachtoWPCricket andBoland Cricketfor developmentatthe twostadiums preparationfor the2027Cricket WorldCup held in SouthAfrica.