People's Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 09 December 2025

An animal rescue in Retreat has halted all its community outreach programmes after one of its mobile clinics was attacked by nine men on Tuesday 2 December.

That morning, Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO)’s Mobile Clinic

1 staff were treating animals at the Siyahlala Clinic, in Philippi, before they were trapped and surrounded by nine men at their location

It is alleged the men physically assaulted staff by twisting arms, repeatedly hitting them, and attempting to force them into the mobile clinic vehicle to move them to a second location

ARO, originally known as the Voluntary Animal Rescue Organisation (VAR), was established in 1986 to combat the neglect and abuse of animals in the Old Crossroads area

STAFFFIGHTBACK

However, despite the shocking ambush, the staff held their ground and fought back against being moved

Some members suffered bruises, a concussion, and significant emotional trauma from the incident, explained founder (ARO) Lindsey Concer

The criminals stole personal cellphones, driver’s licences, and other belongings

Concer registered a case at Phillipi Police Station

MOBILECLINICSGROUNDED

Following the attack and with the year-end crime spike approaching, ARO has made the difficult decision to ground both Mobile Clinics for the rest of the year

“Every year, ARO grounds our

Mobile Clinics for part of December

Historically, this period carries a higher risk for violent crime, and our priority is, and has always been, the safety of our team and the communities we serve This is not a decision we take lightly We understand how many families and pets rely on our mobile services every week, and we know this will create hardships for those who depend on affordable veterinary care, ” read a press release issued on ARO’s website

COMMUNITYIMPACT

ARO acknowledges the hardship this decision creates for families and pets who rely on affordable mobile veterinary services each week

“What happened was unacceptable, frightening, and heartbreaking, especially to a team that shows up every single day to support animals and families in underserved communities,” Concer added

ARO will continue supporting staff through recovery while evaluating additional safety measures

ALTERNATIVECAREAVAILABLE

Pet owners needing veterinary care can visit: ARO Home Clinic located on Olieboom Road, Ottery and contact their number at 021 396 5511

The ARO Home Clinic provides full-service clinic remains open through the festive season

Pet owners are also encouraged to contact their local animal welfare organisations for assistance

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The CACD Department will deploy 53 officials and 159 Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) members who will work closely with other City departments, including the Disaster Risk Management Centre Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, encourages parents to make use of the programme “We all share a responsibility to create safer spaces for our children, and our beaches are no exception –especially considering how busy these spaces get over the peak festive season Identikidz adds a lot of value, but caregivers are still responsible for ensuring that their children are supervised at all times ”

December

SILWERSTROOMSTRANDHOLIDAY SERVICE

.Route 247 will operate between Atlantis, into Mamre to the Silwerstroomstrand beach and resort daily until Sunday 4 January, except on Christmas Day The service has been adjusted to directly connect with Mamre to make it more convenient for these residents

Buses will depart from the Starke stop at 09:00 and 13:00 via Atlantis station and Mamre, and return from Silwerstroomstrand at 09:38, 13:38 and 18:00

. For more information and a list of all the relevant timetables visit: https://www myciti org za/en/ routes-stops/festive-season-services-2025/

andimportant

artwork

You could sense the sweat and stress that went into these paintings, the care and delicate touch to try and capture a feeling or a moment frozen in a misty memory

Now you’ll find yourself being turned away from your bank and told to use your app, after you were queuing for a query you had about your finances

The convenience and comfort our cellphones have brought us, are slowly eroding the times we spend speaking face to face when we can simply “video call”

Human interaction is precious, important and needs to be protected and nurtured

The more our eyes slide with the rhythm of our scrolls on our screens, the more they feed and become addicted to our content and algorithms

We can become attached or victims to our ego, numbing our ability to understand each other in the pursuit of curating a “perfect world” where only we reign and other thoughts or ideas are seen as threats or volatile

Whether your utopia is encapsulated with thoughts of bigotry, sexism or tolerance and liberty, we run the risk of misunderstanding or refusing to “ see ” ourselves in each other

As we all know the French Revolution became a bloody nightmare where potential traitors faced the guillotine This Reign of Terror involved mass executions and arrests for those opposing the new government that “fought for the people”

History tells us around 20 000 men and women were killed – either shot, stabbed or drowned, during this reign, with the vast majority of deaths being ordinary citizens not the rich and elite

When vengeance and fear rule it can blind our reflections like a mirror in a steam room, we can become barbaric and cruel, normalising violence as a “ means to an end”

As the world and society keeps trying to quicken its pace with technology’s innovation, let’s not outrun our humanity in this process to survive the stress of being “left behind” in the fourth industrial revolution

Groups join in drive against GBV

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Members of the Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) took to the streets and handed out flyers to residents about the scourge of gender based violence (GBV) for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign

The awareness campaign took place on Klip Road on Saturday 29 November

CPF members were joined by Grassy Park police, local GBV ambassadors, and the Western Cape Department of Social Development DSD)

The 16 days initiative raises awareness about violence against women and children and takes place between 25 November and 10 December annually

The organisers walked through the surrounding streets distributing flyers to inform victims who may be suffering in silence that help is available

Nicole Jacobus, CPF chair, said there was a critical need for this type of community outreach, noting that many people know someone who may need help but do not know where to turn to for support

Jacobus is also a member of the DSD GBV Ambassador programme

“Often, people don’t know who to reach out to or where to start Abuse is real Do not turn a blind eye We will continue to raise awareness and support our communities,” Jacobus explained

During the walk, Jacobus came across a young man she knows personally but discovered he had become involved in a life of crime and drug abuse

She expressed hope that he would one day use the advice offered to him to make some positive changes in his life

“Sometimes, all a person needs is a bit of encouragement,” Jacobus said

Sewerrehabilitationdrive hitsthehalfwaymark

A R1,35 billion sewer rehabilitation project that is currently upgrading the sewer pipelines on the Cape Flats has reached the halfway stage, says the City of Cape Town

The ambitious project is described as South Africa’s largest sewer rehabilitation project and aims to upgrade 28 km of critical bulk sewer pipelines across the Cape Flats and benefit an estimated 300 000 households, primarily in lower-income neighbourhoods

These areas include: Lotus River, Ottery, Grassy Park, Eagle Park, Pelican Park, Athlone, Hanover Park and surrounding areas

The project is expected to be completed by 2030

The extensive infrastructure upgrade is designed to extend the lifespan of the sewer network by 100 years, significantly reducing the risk of pipeline collapse, leaks, and overflows that could impact these communities

This bulk sewer network serves an estimated 8 000-hectare area across the Cape Flats It is

a critical link to transfer flow between two bulk wastewater catchment areas A significant portion of the inflow originates from the Raapenberg and Bridgetown pump stations, extending approximately 14km to the Cape Flats Wastewater Treatment Works

INNOVATIVEMETHOD

The rehabilitation uses cutting-edge Spirally Wound Piping (SWP) technology, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liners manufactured internationally

The process involves inserting a machine through manholes to wind continuous PVC strips inside existing pipes, creating a new pipeline within the old structure

“This major rehabilitation project will enable the City’s sewer infrastructure to channel higher volumes of flow across the Cape Flats,” said Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien

CURRENTPHASEPROGRESS

WORKISCURRENTLYUNDERWAYACROSSFIVEKEY

AREAS:

. Rylands: 888 m of pipe, 11 manholes;

. Gatesville: 880 m of pipe, 11 manholes;

. Mountview and Penlyn Estate: 1 764 m of pipe, 26 manholes;

. Pinati Estate: 8 meters of pipe, 13 manholes;

. Wetton: 866 m of pipe, 13 manholes

THESCOPEOFWORKALSOINCLUDES:

. Bulk cleaning of sewers from manholes

. Point repair work (where applicable)

. Manhole rehabilitation - demolishing existing brick manhole shafts and intermediate slabs, then replacing them with new, precast concrete rings and intermediate slabs

. Rehabilitating existing brick manhole chambers by replacing missing bricks or casting a 150mm thick concrete wall, on the inside of the manhole

. Applying a 15mm Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC) layer on manhole rings, intermediate slab surface and 25mm CAC on brick manholes surfaces

“This investment will restore the structural integrity of the pipes, as well as prevent leaks and groundwater ingress, so that the system can continue to reliably convey sewage from properties to pump stations and finally wastewater treatment works,” Badroodien explained He also thanked residents for their patience during construction, acknowledging traffic disruptions and possible odours while this essential work takes place

Supercross action in CT

The stage is set for the ultimate global showdown as the FIM World Supercross Championship heads to Cape Town for the highly anticipated South African Grand Prix, where the 2025 world champions will be crowned on Saturday 13 December

After a gruelling global calendar that sees the championship battle through Buenos Aires, Vancouver, the Gold Coast and Stockholm, the season-long quest for glory will culminate at Cape Town Stadium

A night of high-stakes motorcycle racing between the strongest field in the championship’s history will decide the SX1, SX2 and Team World Champions

In the SX1 class, championship riders including Ken Roczen, Jason Anderson, Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig would’ve been battling for championship points all season heading into the finale Meanwhile in SX2, reigning champion Shane McElrath will fight to defend his crown against a relentless field, including key contenders Max Anstie and Enzo Lopes Tom Burwell, CEO of World Supercross, said

THE WORLD’S BEST MOTORCYCLE RACERS TO DESCEND ON CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is perfect for the season finale

“The intensity of the title hunt, combined with the phenomenal atmosphere of the DHL Stadium, guarantees an unforgettable night The riders, teams and fans are all ready to see who has what it takes to be crowned the 2025 World Champion ”

Tony Feldman, Director of Showtime Management, said the quality of racing for the World Supercross Championship finale in Cape Town will be nothing like South African fans have ever seen before

“To have the world’s best riders descend upon DHL Stadium to decide the champions of the world will be a spectacular moment and a fitting climax to the global series ” . For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www showtime co za or www ticketmaster co za

‘Ajourneyintothe universe’atStarTheatre

Hidden Giants, the mind-expanding live show by The Universe on Stage, has added an extra Saturday evening performance to its Cape Town schedule at The Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre (District Six)

Set to run from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December, audiences will now have an additional chance to experience the magic on Saturday 13 December at 19:30

After a sold-out run in Johannesburg, Hidden Giants has been hailed as a “ wow of a show” – a visually stunning, emotionally charged journey through black holes, human curiosity, and the wonder of the cosmos

Created by physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer-actuary Yasheen “Yash” Modi, the show fuses live music, cinematic visuals, and storytelling that turns science into sensation At its heart lies the story of how humanity captured the first-ever image of a black hole –and what that discovery reveals about our own imagination and ingenuity

“This isn’t just a show; it’s a journey into the universe and into ourselves,” says Pontiggia “We want audiences to feel the mystery, the beauty, and the possibility of discovery ”

“Cape Town audiences love innovation – and Hidden Giants is exactly that,” adds Modi “It’s where intellect meets emotion, and science becomes art ”

Using the world’s first image of a black hole, the show reveals the astonishing nature of these cosmic giants – and the human ingenuity that made it possible to “ see the unseeable”

Sequinned goddess and drag

Parton is to host a spectacular New Year’s Eve at The Royal Countess Zingara at Century City Patrons can expect a night of unmatched revelry beneath

Charles creates a unique interpretation for Cape Town dance lovers and is celebrated for blending technical precision with theatrical charm He has mentored two emerging choreographers contributing to the production: principal Leusson Muniz (cast as The Mad Hatter) and corps de ballet member Abdul Isaacs

FAMILYFUN

This spectacular production marks another milestone for Cape Town City Ballet, now in its 92nd year

As Africa’s oldest ballet company CTCB continues upholding a legacy of artistic excellence and innovation, merging tradition with fresh, imaginative vision

The cast includes professional actor Gregan Aherin and Amahle Cindy Nyeke of The Rainbow Academy Four young dancers from Cape Town ballet schools – Zara Yazbek, Kai Damon, Cameron Payne and Sinethemba Wisani

will alternate

Tc ow s t e ot e C ty

The Springboks Sevens came into the Cape Town tournament at the back of a disappointing Dubai tour and were eager to redeem themselves in front of their home supporters They made their intentions clear with a flawless group stage wins

w t gu s b a g, bac ed by t e vo ciferous Cape Town crowd They won the match by 22-17 for a final spot against Argentina

With some of their key players, including semi-final star Tristan Leyds missing for the final due to injuries, the Blitzboks made a poor start They conceded a converted try in

e a e ded 4 7 to ge t a In the first minute of the second half, Moneta crossed the whitewash for the second time, putting Argentina 19-7 up However, the Blitzboks refused to give up and continued to push hard at the start of the second half They were rewarded in the second

ga e co ve s o e su ed t e boys retained the trophy by registering a 21-19 victory

The win elevated the Springboks to the top of the HSBC log after two rounds

The Blitzboks will look to carry their winning formula to Singapore in January next year

Matteo Graziano of Argentina shows a face of determination to stop Christie Grobbelaar of the Blitzboks crossing the try line during the final of the HSBC sevens tournament at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday 7 December The Blitzboks won 21-19 to win back-to-back at tournament on home PHOTOS: SUPPL ED

MICapeTown#OneFamilyspirittrophytour

Supporters of MI Cape Town in the Southern Suburbs will have an opportunity to share Christmas cheer with the team and SA20 Trophy tour ahead of the start of the fourth edition of the competition on Friday 26 December

On Saturday 13 December, some players will visit Canal Walk and Kenilworth Centre on Monday 15 December

“We kicked off the Trophy Tour on Saturday 6 December at CapeGate in Kraaifontein, and fans attending at Canal Walk and Kenilworth Centre

will also have a chance to win prizes

“As Cape Town steps into the festive Christmas season and builds excitement for the SA20 kicking off on Friday 26 December at Newlands, MI Cape Town is taking the coveted silverware to the people,” says Pratik Gore, spokesperson for MI Cape

Town

Inspired by MI’s global #OneFamily spirit, the tour brings the championship silverware closer to the fans who fuelled the team’s remarkable 2025 title run “The Trophy Tour aims to spark excitement among the

fans ahead of the new season and strengthen the emotional bond between the team and the community

Fans can expect an immersive experience featuring a secure trophy display, a selfie zone with live photo printing, interactive trivia sessions, and high-energy engagement running crowd games, and a Cape Town-inspired play list

“Exclusive prizes like signed merchandise are up for grabs and if you know everything and anything about MI Cape Town during the fan quizzes, you will be a winner

“The tour promises to be a citywide celebration of festive spirit, passion and championship glory, adding Christmas cheer to the build-up for the new season, ” he says Currently members of the different franchises are in action for the Proteas in India and will all be donning the colours of the franchises before the start of the tournament MI Cape Town will again be led by Rashid Khan Their first fixture is against Durban Super Giants at Newlands The first double-header is on Saturday 27 December between:

Eastern

MICAPETOWNSQUAD: