People’s Post False Bay E-edition 30 June 2026

False Ba so prist

KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Anewstudy ledbyresearchers at theUniversityofCapeTown(UCT) hasfound signsofcontamination in FalseBay’s waters afterinvestigators discovered traces of pharmaceuticals, pesticides andmetals.

The findings,recentlypublished in Marine Pollution Bulletin,investigatedthe presence andecologicaleffects of selected pharmaceuticalcompounds,herbicidesand metals across 19 sampling stations in False Baybetween April andJune2021.

FalseBay is describedasone of themost varied anddiverse areasinthe worldfor marine life andplays host to an abundanceofspecies largeand small, accordingtoCapeRaddresearch anddiver development.

Accordingtothe study, researchersdetected pharmaceuticalssuchasacetaminophen, carbamazepineand diclofenac,along with the herbicides atrazine andmetolachlor,inboth seawater andmarinesediments throughout the bay.

Theresearchinvolvedtesting sampling at 19 locationsthroughoutthe bay.

HIDDENCONTAMINANTS

Thesightings of pharmaceuticals, pesticides andmetalsare linked to urbandevelopment, wastewater discharges andharbour activities, accordingtothe study.

“Wefound that pharmaceuticalsand herbicidesare widespread throughout FalseBay

Lions return forBlisters

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

While thousandsofCapetonianswilllaceup theirwalking shoesfor this year’s Blisters forBread funwalk, adedicated group of volunteerswillbehardat work behind thescenesensuring theevent runs smoothly.

Forover40years,members of theLions Club have generously giventheir time to serveasmarshalsatthe annual fundraising event, whichraisesmoney forthe PeninsulaSchoolFeedingAssociation (PSFA) Blisters forBread,one of Cape Town’s most iconic charitywalks, hasbeen fighting childhood hunger for58years throughthe PSFA

This year theevent will take place on Sunday 16 August andwithonly 10 000 entriesavailable,participantscan choosebetween a5km or 10km routealong theSea Point Promenade.

EntriescostR125, enough to providebreakfast andlunch to 23 children fora day.

The10kmwalkstartsat07:30

THEEVENTWILL TAKEPLACE

SUNDAY16AUGUST

andthe 5kmroute at 08:00, with medals andrefreshmentsprovided to allparticipants.

Each year around 130Lions Club memberstakeuppositions along theroute guidingparticipants, ensuring theirsafetyand handingout medals to thosewho successfully complete therace.

Former LionsClubpresident John Houston, whohas personally volunteered at theevent for30 years, said supportingBlistersfor Breadalignsperfectly with oneof theorganisation’scoremissions.

“One of theLions Club’s pillars is hunger relief,and Blisters for Breadfalls perfectlyintothatcategory,” he said

Houstonsaidmembers willingly volunteer theirtimebecause they understand theimpactthe eventhas on children facing food insecurity

“Every cent raised goes directly to feedingschoolchildren.I enjoy attendingthe eventand assisting people.I believeit’sfor aworthy cause,”hesaid.

Thereisa greatsense of camaraderieand satisfaction in knowing you’re helpingtomakea difference.”

Despitethe earlystartsand long hoursontheir feet,Houston said theatmospheremakes theexperience worthwhile

“Wedoitvoluntarily anditisfun

TheLion’sClubisalsoencouragingcommunity memberswho wouldliketoget involved and serveasmarshalsinfutureevents to contactthe organisation

WCED extendswinter security to 453schools

TheWestern Cape EducationDepartment hasexpandedits holiday security support from 424schools last winter to 453high-risk schools forthisyear’sJune-July holidays, allocating R11,99 million forthe 2026/27 financialyear.

Themovecomes as schools across theprovincefacea growing threat of vandalismand burglaries during school breaks,placing increasing pressure on departmental resourcesevenascrime prevention

remainsprimarily theresponsibility of thepolice. Schoolsacrossthe countryclosed forthe winter holidayonFriday26 June andwillreopenonTuesday 21 July

During the firsttermbreak,25 schoolsreported28incidents of burglary andvandalism,causing nearly R400 000 in damages. Stolen anddamaged items included computers, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures andsecurity

infrastructure,diverting resources away from teaching andlearning.

Thedepartment’sinterventions have yieldedresults Incidentsdeclinedoverthe 2025/26summerholidays, dropping from 47 incidentsaffecting 34 schoolsduringthe previous holidayperiodto36incidents affecting 32 schools.

Expenditureonholiday security hasincreased steadily,rising from R57,3million in 2024/25to

R70,26 million in 2025/26. Thetotal allocation for2026/27 stands at R72,68 million Schoolsidentified through district risk assessments receive support for12-hour or 24-hour guarding,aswellascluster patrols. Thedepartmentprovidestargethardeningmeasures, including alarms linked to armedresponse, burglarbars, stoneguards, security gates, automatedaccess gate,and fencingrepairs

Thecallthatneverstops,butwhathappenswhenitdoes

He neverwantedthatfor me.He wanted me to think. To reason.To push back

He believed achild whoonly obeys hasnot been educated,he hasbeen domesticated

On Sunday 21 June,while many people celebrated fathers, Ifound myself thinking notabout grandgestures, but abouta phonecallatsix in the morning.

Withoutfail, my phonerings at aboutsix o’clock. Ialready know howitbegins.

“How didyou sleep?” Then: “How’s theweather over there?” Andeventually:“What areyour plansfor today?”

What once felt routinenow feels like agiftI didnot know Iwas receiving. Becauseone day, Iknow, thephone will stop ringing.

THEMANBEHINDTHECALL

My father is notthe hero I imagined when Iwas young. He is somethingbetter, ahuman being whohas spenta lifetime choosing hisfamily, andwho continuesto do so

He is stubborn.Heisproud.And Ilovehim in away that hasgrown deeper andmorecomplicated with everyyear.

Father’s Daystirs somethingI cannotfully name.Itisthe weight that comeswithunderstanding, finally,whatsomeone hasbeen doingfor youall along.

Growingup, we spokeabout the structureofmanyAfrican homes, wherechildrenobeywithout question becauseanelder hasspoken.

Research from asystematic review in Acta Paediatrica found that thequality of father-child communication is linked to fewer behaviouralproblems, better academic outcomes andstronger emotionalregulationeffects that endure into adulthood

My father spoketomelikeI was worthspeakingto. Ionlyunderstood what that meantmuchlater

“ANDITHANDIUKUBETHA”

Ionceasked my father whyhe choseconversationovercorporal punishment

“Corporalpunishmentisthe laziestformofpunishment,”hesaid. “Itgetscompliance. Quickresults Butitdoesnot teacha childwhy they were wrong. ”

Thetwo timesI recall himdiscipliningmewithhis belt,itnever beganinanger.Italwaysbegan with thesamewords

“Andithandiukubetha.”I do not like to beat someone.

Then came theexplanation.The standard.The expectation. The lessonmatteredmorethanthe punishment.Hewas parentingfor character, notcompliance. Research on childdevelopment studiesconfirmswhathepractised by instinct

Thequality of thefather-child relationship,not thestrictnessof discipline,iswhatshapesa child.

WHENTHEROLESSHIFT

Ageing hasa wayofteaching children lessons too. It teachesusthatour parents arehuman.Thattheybecome tired. Vulnerable.Resistant to help.There is aparticulargrief in watching aparentslowdown, not thesuddengrief of loss, butthe slow griefoftransition. Of watchingsomeone whooncecarried you begintoneed carrying.

Today, I find myself telling himto rest.Toslowdown. To letpeople in.Tohaveboundries.Sometimes theshiftingofroles arrivesbefore youare readyfor it.But love is not theabsence of difficulty. Love is extendingthe same patience he once extended to me

My father mayhavefaced disappointments he neverfully named. Buthenever failed at beinga father.And if youmeet me,chances areyou have alreadymet him. He is stillmyhero, notbecause he is invincible,but becausehe neverwas.I still find comfortin thememoriesofhim tuckingmein bedatnight When he showed up forthe milestones andthe ordinary moments. He raised me with intention. Yes, thememoriesmay sound ordinary,but they areanything but. They aregifts In acountry whereabsentfathers have become so commonthat many children grow up expectingless, Inever hadtowonder whethermyfatherwould be there. Inever hadtoquestionwhether Imatteredtohim.I neverhad to competefor hisattentionorearn

hispresence. Hislovewas not somethingI hadtochase.Itwas simply there. He showed up consistently,faithfully andintentionally

AWORDTOTHEFATHERS

This column is nota performance of gratitude. It is an invitation To everypresent father:what youdointhe quietmoments is not small. Youare building something in your childthatnoschool or institutioncan replicate. It does notrequire perfection.Itrequires presence

To thosewho have lost their fathers: what waspouredintoyou does notdisappear when they do It livesinhow youshowupfor others

Iamaware that noteveryone readsthiscolumnwithwarmth. Forsome, Father’s Dayisa hard day.

Absenceisnot always physical Thereare fatherswho live under thesameroof andremainunreachable, presentinbody, absent in attention, in conversation,in warmth.Childrenare notonly lookingfor aroof over theirheads They arelookingfor awitness to theirlives Theexplanation you nevergavecan stillbegiven.You do nothavetobeperfect to begin. Youonlyhavetobegin.Say the hard thing. Say: Iwas notthere in theway Ishouldhavebeen.I am here now. That sentence,spoken with sincerity, hasrebuilt things that looked beyond repair Becauseone day, thephone will stop ringing. Andthere is no preparingfor that silence.

TwoMasi players to go national

KEANANHARMSE

Apair of talented youngfootball stars, EnzokuhleMyeki andMilani Mkhonto, arelookingforward to sweepingthe competitionwiththeir skills at theupcomingWinterNational School SportChampionships taking placeinKuGompo City from Friday 10 to Tuesday14July.

Thedynamic duohavebeen selected to represent theWestern Cape u-15 soccer team

Theevent will featurenearly3 000 young athletes,coaches,and officialsfromacross SouthAfrica. They will be competinginvarious sporting codesincluding soccer, rugby, volleyball, andhockey.

Thetwo Grade8 learners from Masiphumelele High School arealso supported by MasiSports (MS),a SouthAfrican non-profitorganisation (NPO)based in Masiphumelele MS wasfounded in 2017,and it aims to transformthe localyouth,their families,and thecommunity by providingaccess to organised sports,arts, culture, andlife-skills education. Enzokuhleplays as acreativemidfielderand hopestopursuea professional football career

“WhenI am on thesoccerpitch,I feel free. My dreamistobea professional player oneday,” he tells People’s Post

TheWinterGames providea platform for high-level competition, personal growth,and theopportunityfor youngathletestoshowcase theirskills againstthe best playersfromacross thecountry

Beingchosentowearthe WesternCape coloursisa significant honour andone that Enzokuhleand Milani have earned through theirdetermination,discipline, andoutstanding performances on the field.

Milani,who playsasa goalkeeper,says: “I hope to reachmypotential andbea positive role modelfor youngpeoplelikemeinthe future.

F NSRI rescues fishingvessel off Kommetjie

FROMPAGE1

TheCityhas alreadycommenced itsown longterm contaminantmonitoringprogramme across FalseBay andthe Atlantic Seaboard, as well as five of thelargest estuariesinCape Town.Thisprogramme includes fish tissue, musseltissueand sediment sampling andwill be repeated at thesamelocations everythree yearstotrack andmonitor changesincontaminant levels over time,” he explains Thehighest seawater contaminantloads were recorded in thenortheasternsectorofthe bay near Gordon’s Bay, whilethe highestsediment accumulationswerefound in areasnear Muizenberg andparts of thenortheastern coastline, researcherssay

SitesnearGordon’sBay showed particularly high concentrations of some metals,which researcherslinkedtomaritimeactivities, vessel maintenanceoperationsand land-based pollution sources.

Environmentalriskassessments showed that risk quotient values remained well belowinternationally recognised thresholds of concern. Themetal concentrations were also generally belowlevelsassociated with adversebiological effects

ENVIRONMENTALIMPACT

Oceans activist Dr CleeveRobertson told People’sPost he wasaware of thestudy’s findings butaddedthatthe reported pollution does not show “significant levels foracute poisoning. Chronically maybe”

“Thisconfirmsthe pollution buttimewilltell thei t. Ca ff dt aitbef ethe

as a“long-termstorage reservoirfor pollution entering thebay.”

Diclofenac,a commonlyusedantiinflammatory medicine,was amongthe most frequently detected pharmaceutical compounds

Mazeka said thepersistence of this contaminantinthe environmentand wastewater systemsisconcerning.

POLLUTIONLEVELS

TheCityrecognisesthatpharmaceuticaland personal care products pose “evolvingchallenges forwastewatermanagementworldwide,” said Maycomemberfor waterand sanitation, ZahidBadroodien. “These substances arenot fully removedinmostmunicipal wastewater treatmentworks globally,and research into effective removaltechnologies– as well as into whichcompounds arepartially or fully treated by existing processes– is ongoing. TheCity encourages continuedengagementbetween independentresearchers,the City andother municipalities as this fielddevelops.”

Concentrations of copper, iron,manganese, lead andzincinsediments were also measured in thestudy

Elevated metallevelswerefound in areasinfluenced by urbanisation,wastewater discharges andharbour-related activities,the researchersnoted

SitesnearGordon’sBay showed high concentrationsofsomemetals, whichresearchers linked to maritime activities,vesselmaintenanceoperationsand land-based pollution sources. Ho de it di wide ad

Policeon high alertfor protests

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withanti-immigrationprotests expected to take placeacrossthe countrytoday (30June),Western Cape police saytheyare on high alert andready to respondtoany threatsto public safety

Acting Police Minister Prof FirozCachalia gave theassuranceduringa mediabriefing held at theCapeTownCentral Police Stationon Tuesday23June. Thebrief followed awalkaboutofthe police’s Provincial Operational Coordination Centre (POCC),where security operations forthe demonstrations will be coordinatedand monitored.

Thevisit formed part of efforts to assess operationalreadiness andensurelaw enforcement agencies arepreparedfor theplannedprotests. Cachalia appealed to citizens participating in theprotestsagainst undocumented foreign nationalstoexercisetheir righttodemonstrate peacefully andremainwithinthe “confinesof thelaw”.

“The righttoprotest should notbeusedasan excuse forcriminality andabusive behaviour. Only thepoliceand otherofficialshavethe responsibility to enforcethe law.”

He also urgedpeopletorefrain from making “inflammatory statements on social media”

“Peopleare making statements that they are goingtoexpel people from thecountry themselves andwesee that already,”hesaid Cachalia assuredthe public that extensive measures have been putinplace to safeguard thecountry andmaintainpublicsafetyand security

“I have received afullbriefing from police of theiroperational plans. We have interrogated thoseplans to make sure wherethere aregaps, they are filled. Iamnow satisfied that thepolice areready forany eventuality.”

AccordingtoCachalia, theplannedprotests couldcostSouth Africa as much as R600 million,althoughhedid notprovide adetailed breakdownofhow thefunds wouldbeallocated or howthe figure wascalculated.

Lt GenBongiwe Zulu,actingdeputynation-

Foreignbusinessowners speakoutaboutlifeinSA

BRENDANRUITER

Twoforeign business owners saytheywillnot flee today(30 June), butwillexercisecaution People’s Post spoketoMohamed (sic)and Tanvir from Somaliaand Bangladesh respectively,about today’scountrywide anti-immigration protestcalledMarch andMarch Movement Mohamed, aspaza shopkeeper,saidhehas neverhad problemsinthe community he serves.“Ihavebeen here fornineyears andonly in thebeginning didstreet criminalstry to intimidate me.After that thecommunity accepted me as part of theirown.Someofthe people even buynecessities on ‘the book’(credit). Even thechildrenknowmyname,”saidMohamed, whodoesnot want hisshop’slocationmade knownout of “caution”and not“fear”.

AccordingtoMohamed,hewillonlyshowhis legaldocuments to official delegatesofthe governmentand nottoanyoneaskingfor them “I am here legally,and that is allthatmatters Ichose SouthAfricaasthe placewhere Iwant to live till theend of my time.WhenI arrivedon this street,there wasnoshop, so Inever took

anyone’s shop or job. Even if youask,I will help youwithinformation on howtoopenyourown shop,” he said Tanvir,a barber,saidheislivinghis best life in SouthAfrica. “Weare twobrothersand three cousinsand we have been here fordifferent amountsoftime. Ihavebeen here forthe shortest time,but sincearriving Ihavefound SouthAfricanstobefriendlyand welcoming people.Obviously youalwaysget some people whomakefun of howwespeak or whatever,but we areforeignersintheir country. It is understandable. We hadone attemptedbreak-in, but therestofthe time we render aservice that is lackinginthe surrounding community,” said Tanvir Askedabout themood amongsthis fellow countrymen,hesaid“cautious butcalm” “Amongst amillion people therecould be ten whohaveviolent tendencies,sowemustbeon thelookout. Maybewewillclose forthe day, but Iamsurethe community will look afterus. We have builtrelationships here andhopefully no violence will come to us.Wewanteveryoneto live in peace,”saidTanvir.

al police commissioner forsupport services, confirmed that leavefor specialisedofficers has been suspendedtoensuremaximum operational readiness.

“Those individualswhose leavehas been suspended,theyknow. if they have thosecritical skills andexpertise that we aregoing to need at this particular time as police we know that when servicedeliveryisneeded on oursidewe have to come andservice theservantsofthis country.”

WesternCapeMinisterofPoliceOversight andCommunity Safety Anroux Marais called on residentstorefrain from anyactsofviolence, intimidation or lawlessness.

“The WesternCapeGovernmentacknowledges thefrustrationsregarding issues affecting residentsand theircommunities.Wealso respectthe constitutional rightofresidents to protestpeacefully.However,any protestaction must be peaceful,lawful andwithinthe confinesofthe Constitution.The rule of lawmust be respectedatall times,”she warned

Foreignersfeartheworst

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

“I am scared becausewesimplydon’t know what will happen. Thereare people whomay seizethisopportunitytocause trouble,”said BernyBokemo, aDemocraticRepublicofCongo national living in Cape Town

As SouthAfricabracesfor nationwide anti-immigrationmarches plannedfor today (30June),manyforeign nationalssay they are grippedbyfearand uncertainty, with growing concerns that thedemonstrationscould spiral into violence

Forthe past fewmonths, groups of anti-immigrationprotestors, some carryingsticks, have been protesting across thecountry chanting “Mabahambe”, aZuluphrasemeaning “They must go.”

Bokemo said he fearsthe plannedprotests couldturnviolent andleave foreignnationals vulnerable “I am scared;wedon’t know what will happen.

Thereare people whoare goingtotakechances.”

Bokemo said he hasbeen living in thecountry forabout 10 years.

He believes stricter enforcementpolicies should be implementedatSouth Africanborders andimmigration offices.

“How do people enter? They enterbythe border. People workingatthe border andimmigration officesare corrupt.The question should be asked, howare people allowedtoenter without documents?”

Bokemo said many migrants have builtlives in thecountry after fleeing conflictand have lived here foryears withouttheir immigrationstatus beingresolved.

“I have been here for10years.Inmycountry thereare wars and fires. Some have been here for10to20years withoutdocuments.How can youtellthemtheymustleave,whenyou have notchecked (them) forover20years.”

Exportersworriedaboutdisruption

As South Africabracesfor planned nationwide demonstrations today(30 June),Exporters Western Cape has warned thatpolitical tensions and protest action must not be allowedtoderailtrade,investment and economic activity.

Thenon-profit organisation, established in1979 to support and promotesustainable exporting in the province, has urgedall parties to ensurethat any protests remain peaceful andwithin the law.

TerryGale, chair of the organisation, said internationalbuyers andinvestors expectSouthAfrica to deliver goods on time and without unnecessary disruption.

“Every delayed truck,every blocked road and every dayofuncertaintyaffects exporterswho arecom-

peting inhighly competitiveinternationalmarkets. Buyers havealternatives and,oncetrust is lost,itis difficult to regain,” he said.

“Government has aresponsibilitytoenforce immigrationlegislation whilemaintaining public order. Communities cannot take the lawintotheir own hands or allowprotests to disrupt businesses that supportemployment and economic growth

“Our members spend years building relationships with international customers. Thoserelationshipsare builtonSouth Africa’sability to deliverconsistently. Imagesofviolenceorblocked roads quickly find their wayaround theworld and canundermine thattrust.”

He called on protest organisersand lawenforcement agencies to work together

A More penguins at Bouldersnow

Help petsfindloveand foreverhomes

Helppet in reverhomes

To shinethe spotlightonthousands of pets thatare abandonedorinneed of newhomes, People’sPosthas teamed up with TEARSAnimal Rescue to help some of thesefour-leggedpets getnew homes. Once amonth we will publish severaldogsand cats up foradoption.

TEARSisa pro-life non-profitorganisation (NPO)established in 1999 to rescue,treat,rehabilitate,reunite andre-home lost,abandoned, abused andneglected companionanimals and to educatepet owners andthe youthlivingin thefourunder-resourced communities. The NPOremains theonlyfacilityinthe Cape Peninsula’sfar Southavailable sevendaysper week,including an after-hoursmobile clinic servicefrom16:30 to 19:00withlimited veterinarycare. TEARStreatshundredsofanimals forvarious conditions,illnessesand injuries

PUZZLE

Meet Puzzle, asweet ‘n spicyAfricanis-Pibble mixwitha bigpersonality andanevenbigger heart. Energetic, affectionateand toy-motivated,she’s lookingfor an experiencedowner who cangiveher structure, stimulationand love Sheenjoyssocialising with dogs on walksbut

wouldprefertobethe only petathome. Puzzle is eagertolearn,bondand become thecentreof your world.

PATSY

Meet Patsy, thehappiestgirlaround! Clever,cuddlyand fullofenergy, she’slooking foranactivehometoshare adventures with Food-motivated andhighlytrainable,she loves playtime,trail runs andaffection.Patsy would prefer to be theonlypet so shecan soak up all theloveand attention. Loyal, playful andfull of kisses, she’sready to become your perfect companion.

BAGHEERA

Meet Bagheera, astrikingGreyhoundAmerican Staffiemix with aloyal heartand adventurousspirit. This intelligent,affectionate boyloves swimming,exploring andbonding deeply with hishumans. He’d thrive as the only petina patient, active home with older kids.Bagheeraiseager to learn, lovestraining andwillrewardyourlovewithendless loyalty, cuddles andcompanionship

MAZZY

Meet Mazzy,a bright-eyedJackRussellAfricanismix with aplayful spirit andlotsof love to give.Rescued as astray in Muizenberg, she’ssearching foranactivehome filledwith adventure, affection andmaybe anotherdog friend too. Mazzy maybeshy at first, buttreats andpatiencequickly winher over.Energetic yet cuddly, she’sready to become someone’sloyal best friend

CATS

THEODORE

Meet Theodore,a breathtaking fluffyboy with thegentlestsoul. Quiet, sensitiveand fullof grace, he’s searchingfor acalmhomewhere he cantruly feel safe andloved.Theodoreadores peaceful moments, soft companionshipand simply beingnearhis people.Withhis cloudlike fur andtenderheart,hebringscomfort, calm anda littlemagic wherever he goes

ZUKO

Meet Zuko,a ginger-and-white firecracker with ahugepersonality andanevenbigger heart. Playful,affectionateand fullofcharm,he

brings joyand laughter wherever he goes.Zuko canbea littlefeistyand will need apatient, confident ownertoguide himwithloveand boundaries.Inreturn, this specialboy promises endlessloyalty,entertainment andunforgettablecompanionship

KOHANNA

Meet Kohanna,a rare ginger-and-white girl with agentleheart anda playful spark. Born at midnight on NewYear’sEve,she’s readyfor a freshstart with apatient,lovingfamily. Kohanna maybeshy at first, butonceshe trusts you, she’saffectionate, loyaland fullofpurrs.This sweet cuddlequeen wouldlovea calm home with plenty of playtime andlove.

VALYA

Meet Valya, abeautiful calico with abig personality andplentytosay!Thischatty girl loves treats,affection andkeepingher humans entertained.After raisingher kittens andwatching them find homes, it’s finally herturnfor an ever after. Valyamay need alittletimetosettle in,but once comfortable, she’sanaffectionate, loyalcompanion fullofloveand character.