People's Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 10 March 2026

unway’

accountable

alivingwhile hoping forbasic protection from accidentsortheft.These arenot statistics Theseare humanrightsinpracticeor, sometimes, in peril.

Humanrightsare notabstract. They are livedand areuniversal.Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable Theright to protestexistsevenwhenitdisrupts traffic.

Dignityappliestoeveryone, even thosesociety wouldratherignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect. Cape Town reflects thecontradictionsofSouth Africa itself.Breathtakingbeautyco-exists with entrenched inequality.Pristinesuburbs sit alongsideinformalsettlements.Moderninfrastructurecontrasts with communities struggling forbasic services

Opportunityoften dependsonwhere someoneisborn. Safety,education andhealthcare remain privileges forsome, whileothersare denied theirrights.

HumanRightsMonth should challengeusto confront thesecontradictions. Arewebuilding asociety wheredignity is real foreveryone, or only forthose with means?

Arewewilling to askuncomfortable questions aboutinequality, neglect, andgovernment accountability?Can we protectthe rights of the most vulnerable even when it is inconvenient? AndhereI sitwithanuncomfortable truth; rights aremeaningless if we do notlivethemin ourcommunities

They aredefendedinthe decisionswemake, in howwetreat ourneighbours, andinthe actionswetakewhenwesee injustice. Human rights aretestedbothinthe streetsofCape Town andinthe bombed-out buildingsofGaza. Whetherthe threat is war, poverty, or neglect, theprinciple is thesame: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity.

As we walk toward 21 Marchpartner,the challengeisclear.Wecannotsimplyremember Sharpeville.Wemustact.Wemustspeak to ourneighbours, question ourleaders,and hold institutions accountable.

We must walk thestreetswithempathy, witnessthe struggles around us andchallenge policies that leavepeoplebehind. Humanrights arenot inherited; they aredefended, livedand chosen,again andagain

Andthatresponsibilitybeginswhere we stand. Humanrightsbegin in ourstreets, ourclinics, schoolsand homes, in thequiet cornerswhere people strugglefor dignitythatmanytakefor granted.

Andaswemovethrough this month, partner, letuswalktogetherinmemoryofthe past,but in commitmenttothe present. Dignitybegins wherewestand

Club bailsout needylearners

KEANAN HARMSE

The learners at Perivale PrimarySchoolare well equippedtotacklethe rest of thesemesterafter receiving newlydonated school stationery anduniformsrecently.

Theitems were donatedbythe Rotary Club of Wynbergand handed over at theschool on theday andthe eventdrewstrongattendance from parents, teachers,and community members,saidschool teacherNicolene Janger

Theclubisa Cape Town-based volunteer serviceorganisation, charteredin1949, focusedonsustainable community developmentinthe Southern Suburbsand Cape Flats. As part of Rotary International, it connects localprofessionalsfor networking,fellowship, andprojects targetingeducation,healthcare, and youth.

Theclubhas establisheditselfasa

NETWORKING, FELLOWSHIP, PROJECTS TARGETING EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE,AND YOUTH

cornerstoneofsupport forPerivale Primarylearners, particularly those requiringassistance with basic school needs.

“Thisorganisationgenerously funds learners whorequire assistancewiththeir basicschool needs,” said Janger

Themembers donatedseveral stationerysupplies, school uniforms, andother basiceducational resources that enable learners to participate fully in theiracademicjourney

In lightofthisdonation, many learners aregiven theopportunityto

focusontheir educationwithconfidenceand dignity, Janger added.

“The impact of this support is particularly significant forlearners from disadvantagedbackgrounds,” shesaid.

Theclub’songoing commitment reflects agenuine investment in thefutureofour children,Janger added.

“Weextendour sinceregratitude fortheir meaningful andlasting

PelicanParkHighSchool‘bullies’suspended

KEANANHARMSE

Severallearnerswho were allegedlyinvolvedin aschool bullyingincidentatPelican Park High School have been suspended, theWestern Cape EducationDepartment(WCED)confirmed last week

Thesuspensionstems from videofootage of aviolent sceneatthe school featuringmultiple physical altercations breaking outsimultaneouslybetween severalgroupsoflearnerson Wednesday18February.

Following theincident, PelicanParkHigh School issued aformalmedia statementon Friday 20 February.The school confirmed they were awareofa videodepicting learners engagedina physical altercation.

“The matterhas been addressedinaccor-

dancewiththe school’s Code of Conductand all appropriatedisciplinaryprocedureshavebeen followed.

“Wewishtoplace on record that thesharing anddistributionofthisvideo is both irresponsibleand unlawful,” thestatement read

TheWCEDsaidtheywerealsoaware of the incident andthatthe learners were identified

“The learners that have been identified to havingbeeninvolvedhavebeen suspendedwhile theSchool GoverningBody(SGB) investigates thematter,”saidWCEDspokespersonUnathi Booi

Adisciplinaryprocess is currentlyunderway.

People’s Post reachedout to theschool for comment buttheycould notrespond before the time of publication.

Beachfrontrefurbonschedule

TheMuizenbergbeachfrontrefurbishment projectremains on schedule forcompletionby December this year,withcontractors having placed approximately15% of precaststepand promenadeunits that will provideenhanced coastalprotectionand beachaccess.

Theambitious project, whichcommenced in February last year,involvesreplacing aged seawalls anddeliveringmajor upgrades to public amenitiesalong thepopular stretchof coastline.

About15% of theconcreteprecast unitsfor thenew promenadewalkway hasbeenplaced alreadybyusing alarge cranethatisoperating from Surfer’s Corner

Next week,the contractor will startwiththe dismantlingofthe four Muizenberg beach huts on thewestern side of thebeachfront. Thehutsonthe easternsidewillbedismantled by mid-year,asthe projectprogressesto that section.

Most of thesteps will be belowbeach level andinvisible to visitors as it will be buried undersandunder normal conditions

Largesectionsofthe beachfront arecurrently fenced off forpublicsafetywhile excavations continue.Artisan steel formwork hasbeen installedbyhandtocreatethe curved design forthe steppedrevetment at Surfer’s Corner Deputy Mayorand maycomemberfor SpatialPlanning andEnvironment,EddieAndrews, reported significant milestones.“The construction of theconnectiontothe St James Walkwayisnow complete,” he said

TheCityhas also completedconstructionof anew building that thenon-governmentalorganisation (NGO), Wavesfor Change,willoccupy.“However, public access to theStJames Walkwayawaitscompletionofthe western parkingprecinctnexttothe railwayline. We will make apublicannouncementwhenwe reachthismilestone.The oldablutionbuilding wasdemolishedinJanuary andcurrently,we arebusyplacing theprecast concrete units that form thesteppedrevetment andpromenade walkway,”headded.

Theiconicbeach huts face temporary removalaspartofthe upgrade. Alleight will be replaced with improved-quality replicas following historic design andpattern arrangements.

The2minlandsetback addressesclimate change impacts, includingrisingsea levels and stormsurges, whileensuringthe it doesn’t reduce beachwidth.The unfenced beachsectionsremainopenfor recreation andsurfing

“Weare making useofthe good weather as much as we canbeforethe rainyseason. I want to thankthe public fortheir patience and support andreiterate that thesectionsonthe beachthatare notfencedoff remain open for recreation,aswellasthe surf,” he said Acomplimentary community eventisscheduled forSaturday14March starting at 07:30, featuringbeach clean-up andocean-inspired guided movement sessions.

Formoreinformation email muizenberg@chand.co.za

About 15% of the concreteprecast units forthe newpromenade walkway at Muizenberg Beach has been placed already by using alarge crane that is operating from Surfer’s Corner. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

contribution to ourschool community,” shesaid. People’s Post reachedout to the club forcomment buttheycould not respondbeforethe time of publication

Ascreen-grab of aviral video footageshows agroup of learners at PelicanPark High School in multiplephysical altercations that brokeout simultaneously between severalgroupson Wednesday18February.

AROfundraiser reaches 96%

KEANANHARMSE

The Animal Rescue Organisation’s (ARO)ambitious birthday fundraiser hasachievedremarkablesuccess, raisingR20 750towardits R21450 target to fund 39 animal-sterilisation proceduresofar

Thecampaign, celebratingARO’s 40th anniversaryalongside head of fundraising Lindsey Concer’s 39th birthday,has reached96% of its goal with community support exceedingexpectationsonWednesday 25 February ARO, originally knownasthe VoluntaryAnimal Rescue Organisation (VAR), wasestablished in 1986 to combat theneglect andabuse of animalsinthe OldCrossroadsarea.

MILESTONEACHIEVEMENTWITHINREACH

TimedtocoincidewithSpayDay on Tuesday24Februarythe fundraiseraimstofund onesterilisation foreachyearofConcer’slife, combiningpersonalcelebration with ARO’s core mission of preventing animal crueltyand overpopulation.“This year AROturns 40,a milestonethat fills me with pride.”

Theorganisationencouragescontinued donationsdespite nearingits target

“Since we’resoclose whystophere? Everyadditional contribution meansevenmoreanimals canbesterilised...”

CRITICALCOMMUNITYNEED

Sterilisationrepresentsthe cornerstoneof ARO’sanimalwelfare strategy.“It is themost effective waytoprevent cruelty, neglectand overpopulation,” Concer explained.

“Every sterilisationsaves countlesslives and

reducessufferingfor animalswho mightotherwise face hunger,disease or abandonment. The procedureprovideslong-term benefits beyond immediateanimalwelfare,helping controlstray populationswhile reducing pressure on shelters andrescueorganisations.”

FOURDECADESOFIMPACT

Thesterilisation programme directly impacts localanimalpopulations whileeducating communities aboutresponsible petownership “Yourdonation, no matterthe size,willdirectly fundsterilisation procedures that give animals ahealthier,safer future,”Concersaid. The campaign says donationsofany amount create meaningful difference in animal welfare. For more,contact lindsey@animalrescue.org.za.

FROMPAGE1

Thethree-dayexperiencecombinedadventure-based learning with intentionalleadership developmentand learners participated in a varietyofstructuredactivities, including: low ropeschallengecourses,initiativeand problem-solvingtasks,raftbuilding, team-building gamesfocused on communication andtrust

“One of themostimpactful challenges was the‘Over theWall’ activity,where teamswere required to move everymemberovera wall withoutleaving anyone behind.Thistask demanded strategicthinking, collaboration, empathy, andclear communication underpressure.Itreinforcedthe importance of inclusion andcollectiveresponsibility— keyprinciplesof effective leadership,” Losper said Anotherhighlight wasthe raft-buildingchallenge.

“Learnersworkedingroupsoffourtodesign andconstruct asturdyraftbeforetesting their creation on theriver.Thisactivityrequired planning,delegation, creative thinking,and

trust. Theexperiencenot only strengthened teamwork butalsoencouragedadaptability when plansdid notunfoldasexpected,”she said

Beyond thephysicalchallenges,the programme emphasised core life skills such as healthyconflictresolution, understanding values,buildingpositiverelationships,and developing self-awareness.

“These sessionslaida strong foundation for navigating theacademicand social demands of high school.The camp concludedwitha memorablebonfire evening filledwithsinging, laughter,and reflection.Thisspecial time together further strengthened thebonds among peersand teachers,allowing learners to celebratetheir shared growth andachievements,” shesaid.

As theGrade 7learnersreturnedtoschool, they came back strong,reunited, andready forthe year ahead— equippedwithrenewed confidence, deeper friendships, anda stronger senseofunity

FSScyclistsgetkitsponsored

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Eleven-year-oldLotus RiverbookwormCassidy

Hendrickscontinues to be abeaconoflight for theyouth in hercommunity aftersponsoring sports gear foryoung cyclists tackling this year's Cape Town CycleTour.

Hendricksspearheaded adonationdrive for 20 youngridersfromFairmount Secondary School whoare taking part in thecycle tour andneededR11 600tosecuretheir fundraising goal fortheir entry. Thesedonations included: bike servicingfunding,equipment andrace-day essentials

Hendricksisa Grade5 learneratFerndale PrimarySchool in Ottery

Sherecentlyhelda readingworkshopat FairmountSecondary School,Grassy Park,on Wednesday4 February forWorld Read Aloud Day(WRAD)("Ward65heroreads to matrics", People's Post,Tuesday 17 February).

Shesaysshe wasinspiredtoassist theriders afterthe school's cyclingteamrequested assistancewiththeir fundraisinggoallastyear.

"I read aboutitand felt that theircause wasa worthy onewithcollectingcycling apparelsuch as shorts,socks as well as nutritionalproducts andsupplements.Our goal is to providethe team with gear anda breakfastprior to therace as well as sustenance forraceday," Hendricks said

CassidyHendrickswith the sponsoredwater bottles forthe cyclists. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Recently Hendricksreceivedracinghelmets, gloves,vests andgoggles from Infinity Cycling Club

TheFALKE SA shop sponsoredboxes of cyclingsocks towardsHendricks forthe young riders as well.

Herproud grandmother, Brenda Tommy,also thankedNutriseed forsupplying theriderswith anutritiousbreakfast on theday.OnFriday6 Marcheachrider received theirgoodie bagfor thecycle tour

"Toeveryonewho reachedout to assist with this goal,thank youfromthe bottomofmy heart. Thecyclistsare goingtobeblown away! We stillneed 20 pairsofshort cyclinggloves and9 pairsofsunglasses,"Hendricks said

Goodprogressfor EdwardAvenue

The City of Cape Town hasbegun handingovercompleted homesto beneficiariesatits Edward Avenue Breaking NewGroundhousing projectin Ottery,marking asignificant milestone for124 qualifyingfamilies.

Thedevelopment,which initially facedconstructiondelays, is nowprogressing steadily with completion expected by June this year, accordingtoCityofficials.

PROJECTBACKONTRACK

“I am elated to seethe excellent progress

MakingZeekoevlei safe underway

After beingclosedfor twoyears, when theZeekoevlei freshwater lake will be reopened remainsa mystery.

It wasfound to have “highrisk” levels of toxicity of thefreshwaterlake, whichposed a significant health andecologicalrisk, says the City of Cape Town Thewater body’s extended closurehas barred allrecreationalactivities, including fishing, as dangeroustoxin levels persistthroughoutthe FalseBay Nature Reservesystem.

Its2024closure,after blue-green algae bloomsproducing elevated microcystinlevels were foundinit, protects againstserious risks associated with cyanobacterial toxins

To alleviatethe issuethe City undertooka major26-month, R100+ million dredging project, in June last year,toremove360 000+ m³ of nutrient-richsedimentfromStorm and Home Bays

This aims to improvewater quality, reduce

INITIATIVESINCLUDE INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION,WATER,HEALTH

algalbloomsand restorethe ecosystemusing aspecialised floating suctiondredger,with material pumped to theCapeFlats Wastewater TreatmentWorks fordrying. Thelakeis258 ha in area andlocated in theSouthernSuburbs

TheDeputyMayor andMayco member for spatialplanningand environment, Eddie Andrews, confirmed currentMicrocystin levels at allsamplingpointsfellwithinthe “veryhigrisk”category, exceeding30µg/L.

“The bloom posesa significant health and ecological risk,and aprecautionary approach remainsessential,”Andrews said

REOPENINGREQUIREMENTS

Before anyreopening canoccurZeekoevlei

must record twoconsecutive toxinreadings belowthe “highrisk” category of 20 µg/L

Unfortunately, officialscannotpredict when this milestonewillbeachieved. Andrewsexplainedthatblue-green algalbloomsrespond to environmentalfactors,including temperature, wind andnutrientavailability, late summerand autumn typically favouringalgal growth

LONG-TERMSOLUTIONSNEEDED

Whilea dredging projectaimstoreducepollutantswithinZeekoevlei,addressing theroot causerequiresmitigatingnutrientand pollutant inputs from theupper catchment. Current E. coli readings in thein-flowingBig LotusRiver remain abovesafethresholds.

“Ideally,addressing nutrient sourceswould help ‘starve’ thebloom,but in hypertrophic systemssuchasZeekoevlei this is challenging,” Andrewsnoted

ONGOINGMONITORING

TheCitycontinues to monitorthe sys-

temclosely,prioritisingusersafetythrough science-basedhealth-risk thresholds.The precautionaryclosure reflects theserious nature of cyanobacterial toxinexposureand cancause severe illnessinhumansand animals. Authoritiesare workingtowards sustainablesolutions forthisvaluablerecreationalresource.

Founda on AwqafSA, formally knownasthe National AwqaffoundationofSouth Africa,isa community developmentorganisationthatmobilises waqf,orcharitableendowment funds,tosupport long-termprojectsineducation,healthcare andpoverty alleviation.

Theseinitiatives includeinfrastructuredevelopment,education programmes, waterprojects andhealthservicesaimed at empowering disadvantaged communities Hasanain Abdullah, projectmanager of Awqaf SA,saidthe organisation provides food relief mainly during Ramadanand the Qurbani (sacrifice)period, alongsideits broaderdevelopment programmes.

amongthe most vulnerable,particularlythose living on limitedincomeorrelying on family support

Thecurrent distribution will reachapproximately 4000 people throughnearly1 000 grocery hampersacrossthe targeted communities Amongthe beneficiariesisShahiedaAbrahams,anelderly resident whousesa wheelchair. Organisers sayelderly residentsare often

ENCOURAGINGCOMMUNITYSOLIDARITY

Thedecade-long partnershipbetween Awqaf SA andthe TürkiyeDiyanet Foundation reflects abroader commitmenttohumanitariancooperationand charitable supportduringthe month of Ramadan. Organisers saythe campaign is designed not only to providefood relief butalsotoreinforce thespiritofcompassion andsolidarityassociated with thesacredmonth

Distributionsare expected to continue over thecomingdaysasvolunteersand staff

Teen’sinspiring journey

Justovera year after fighting forhis life,14-year-old Jason Keymer from CapriVillage hasachievedhis dream– standingonAntarctica’svastwhite expanserecently, completely cancer-free.

In 2024,Keymerwas diagnosed with agerminoma braintumour, markingwhathis family describesas thelinebetween “before” and“after” Theaggressive radiationtreatment that followedbrought crushing fatigue, hormonal disruption,sleeplessnessand severe appetite lossthat made simply eating adaily struggle However, todayKeymeriscancer-free afterundergoingyears of medicaltreatment,radiation and therapy.

Keymer is aGrade 8learner at Fish Hoek High School andlives at home with hismom,dad,and oldersister, Erinn.

He also enjoys mountain biking, swimming andpreviouslyparticipated in interschool events.Heisslowly trying to getbackintocycling as some days he struggles to do anynormal tasks.

DREAMBECOMESREALITY

Antarctica hadbeen Keymer’s dreamdestination sincechildhood

“Hehas always been fascinated by Antarctica andhad long dreamedof visiting theicy continent,”saidhis mother,Lee-Anne

Earlierthisyear, when WhiteDesert Antarctica,anadventure tourism companythatoperatesinthe interior of Antarctica,sponsored alife-changingjourney forKeymerand hismother,thatbrought hisdream to reality.

On Thursday 29 January, Keymer left Cape Town in a five hour flight to theAntarctica, a firstevertraveloutside of thecountry forthe teenager

Upon arrival, he said it was“less cold than he hadimagined, andhe founditfar more beautiful than he expected.”

During hisshort stay,Keymerexplored thevastopenspacesofice,the icecrevasses that resembledice caves andevenabseileddownanice cliff

“Tosee himstandingthere,healthy andstrongafter everything he’s endured, wasoverwhelming. It reminded us that even afterthe harshest seasons, life canstill be beautiful.It wasone of thegreatestdayshehad ever experienced,”she said

COMMUNITYHEALINGNETWORK

TheKeymers describe theSouthern Peninsulaastheir “healing mecca”, whereanentirecommunity rallied around them

“Duringthistime, we experienced firsthandhow thecommunity in Noordhoekand theDeepSouth has so much to offer andcametogether to heal Keymer.Peoplewerechecking

in,makingmeals,sending messages, offeringassistance,sharing research, andguiding us throughthe process, ” shesaid.

WingsHyperbaricCentreinNoordhoek provided oxygen therapy, while anutritional scientistguidedtargeted supplementation strategies.Unconventionaltherapies included healing sessionswithSolaraWing’shorsesin Noordhoek.

“Wehavebeen carriedbythiscommunity,” Lee-Anne explains.“From medicalprofessionalstofriends who broughtmeals –every single act mattered. When you’re in crisis,you realisehow extraordinaryordinary people canbe.”

SYMBOLOFRESILIENCE

ForKeymer, reaching Antarctica wasn’t about“escaping hisdiagnosis” but“provingitdoesn’t define his future’ssize.”

“Recoveryisnot linear.There are setbacks.There areharddays. Energy fluctuates.But with medicalcare, innovation,familysupport anda community willing to step forward, healingispossible,”she said Keymer hopestoreturntothe icy plains anddosomeresearchduring hisvisit

“HethinksAntarcticaisnot only beautiful butreally important. Thetripmadehim believethat dreams canreally come true,and that youshouldnever give up on them He is dreaming of atimewhenheis fitand in strong enough to ride his

Booksonthe Bayreturns

KEANANHARMSE

Simon’s Town will be abuzzwith activity as it prepares to welcome some of SouthAfrica’smostcelebrated writersfor thefourthedition of theBooks on theBay Literary Festival, whichtakes placefromFriday13toSunday15March.

Building on therunaway success of previous years, this year’s festival features 28 diverse events showcasing over 30 SouthAfrican and internationalwriters,including majorliterary prizewinners

STELLARSPEAKERLINE-UP

This year’s programme includes Judges Edwin Cameronand DennisDavis reflecting on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classicnovel Crimeand punishment followedbyMooiplaas wine tastings AnwarMcKay will sharehis journeyofhealing andlifewithhusband comedian Marc Lottering, whilePopinaKhumandadiscussesescaping rebels in theDemocraticRepublicofCongo Otherhighlightsfeature MicheleMagwood on creating award-winning gardens, Pieter du Toit exposing Paul Mashatile’srisetopower, andHloniphaMokoena examiningcolonial representationsofblack men.

SeraiDowling andVeruska de Vita explore wild swimming in theWestern Cape,while Pauli vanWyk presents herJuliusMalemaexposé. Internationally renowned author Prof Antjie

28 DIVERSE EVENTS,OVER 30SA AND INTERNATIONAL WRITERSSHOWCASED

Krog will discussmortality andSouth Africa’s bittersweet histories, complemented by legendarymusicianRoger Lucey’sperformance combiningstorytelling,memoirand song about building hismountainhome.

COMMUNITYANDEDUCATIONALFOCUS

Thefestivalproudly maintainsstrongUniversity of theWestern Cape (UWC)connections, with allthree organisers linked to UWC’sFaculty of Education.

Adedicated Children’s Literature Festival features writersresidinginthe Simon’sTown area,visitinglocal schoolsexclusively within the community

Localrestaurants andcoffee shopsare preparing specialmenus,while expanded tuk-tuk services will transportfestival-goersbetween venues free of charge

STRONGSUPPORTBASE

Majorsponsorsinclude Standard Bank,UWC, Simon’sTownCivic Association, TheHardy Boys,JonathanBallPublishers, Simonstown com, andMooiplaas Wine Estate . Formoreinformation visitwww.booksonthebay.co.zaoremail info@booksonthebay.co.za

Friday13toSunday15March.

CraigUrbani as Frank-N-Furter.

‘RockHorrorShow’at

TheatreontheBayinApril

Thelegendary cult musical TheRocky Horror Show opensatTheatre on theBay in Camps BayonTuesday 7April andrunsuntil Sunday 31 May.

PresentedbyPieterToerien Productionsin associationwiththe Luitingh AlexanderMusicalTheatre Academy(Lamta),thiselectrifying stagingbydirectorStevenStead promises to unleashall thewildenergy, wicked humour and rock ’n roll rebellion that hasmadethe show a globalphenomenonfor over 50 years.

Theshowstars an award-winning South Africancastled by CraigUrbani(We Will Rock You, My Fair Lady), whorepriseshis role as Frank-N-Furter,withLéa Blerk(Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, Dear Evan Hansen)asJanet,RobertEverson (Noises Off, Tony Awards)asBrad, SchoemannSmit(Black Coffee, TheSound of Music)asRiff,Jasmine Minter (Joseph andthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, TheAddams Family)asMagenta,AnnaOlivier (Joseph andthe Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat)asColumbia, Natasha Sutherland (TwelfthNight)asthe Narrator, MicahStokajovic(My Fair Lady,Peter Pan)as Rockyand ZakHendrikz(Sewe,A Christmas Carol)asEddie/Dr Scott. Miguel de Sampaio, Tjaartvan derWalt, Cleo Wesley,Alessia Gironi,TayaPearson,GabiKnightand Sasha Duffymakeupthe stellarensemble.

Stead’sproduction, firstperformed last year in Durban,bringsa fresh, fearless edge to Richard O’Brien’siconicmusical whilestaying true to its anarchic heart.

Audiencescan expect aslick,high-voltage

theatrical experience packed with unforgettable songs, outrageous characters anda wholelot of liberatedfun

Firstperformed in 1973, TheRocky Horror Show hasbecomeone of themostcelebrated musicals of alltime, shattering conventionsand gleefully celebratingindividuality,freedom of expression andunapologeticself-discovery. From themomentsweethearts Brad and Janetexperiencea stormy night, a flat tyre and adetourtoa mysterious castle,audiences are sweptintoa worldwhere nothingisquite what it seemsand everything is possible. Inside thecastle, they encounterthe charismatic, corset-clad“sweet transvestite”Dr Frank-N-Furter hiseccentrichousehold andthe muscle-bound creation Rocky, broughttolifein ariotofglitter, glam andguitarriffs. What unfoldsisa deliciouslysubversivejourneyoftransformation, temptation andself-realisationfuelledbyrockanthems,including “TimeWarp”,“Sweet Transvestite”and “Hot Patootie -Bless My Soul”. Stead, whorecentlydirectedhitssuchas TwelfthNight,MyFairLadyand Metamorphoses,isknown forhis bold,actor-driven storytelling andtheatrical flair. Audiencescan expect avisually striking andmusically explosive take on thebeloved classicthatgarnered rave reviewswhenitpremiered in Durban last year

SetdesignisbyGregKingand KevinKraak is themusical director . Ticketsavailablevia Webticketsand the Theatre on the Baybox office on 021 4383300

The 16th annual Baxter Zabalaza TheatreFestivalwillonceagain champion localstories andartistic excellence, whilegivinga platform to thenextgenerationoftheatre makers from Friday 13 untilSunday 22 March.

Theprogramme will featuredrama, comedy,theatre forchildren, jazz, live music, workshops, paneldiscussions, andanexhibition. Thefestivalhas nurtured numerous artistsand writers, making asignificant contribution to thetheatre landscape. Simultaneously, newaudiencemembers have hadthe chance to experience theatre forthe firsttime.

Thefestivalisa celebrationof identity,community,creativityand resilience throughinspiring theatre anddynamic storytelling

Zabalaza is made possible by the WesternCapeDepartmentofCultural Affairs andSports, theOppenheimer Memorial TrustFund, theMakwande EmpowermentTrust,the City of Cape Town andthe HCIFoundation.

“Thisyear, we arepresentingan exciting programme of curatedwork from artist proposalsand productionsthatwere firstshowcased at our variousminifestivals held during the year,” says Zabalaza Artistic Directorand Curator, MduKweyama

“Indoing so,weare thrilledtobe returningtoour roots, findingstories andtheatre makers in theheart of ourcommunities,bringingthemalive on stageasfullproductions through mentorship andskills development.”

Festival goerswillbeabletoengage in severalworkshops andpanel discussions. Theseinclude Womenin TheatreSpacesfacilitated by Tiisetso

Mashifaneand apanel discussion honouringsix decadesof English Alive on Wednesday18March

“RobinMalan wasthe editor of EnglishAlive formanyyears andthe founderatJunkets,which publishes thescripts of theZabalazaTheatre Awards winners,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, Zabalaza coordinator andco-curator. “Wewillbehosting a

specialtribute in hismemory, featuringa week-longexhibitionof English Alive book covers

Thelaunchevent on Wednesday 18 Marchat17:30 will be hosted by EnglishAlive editor KirstenDeane.”

“Our programme is bursting with entertainmentfor everyone,” says Mabutyana.

“Wehavethree greatshows for youngervisitorsincluding ourinvited productions, BOUNCED and Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures,as well as Themba:The LittleLionThat Lost HisMane

Thered-hot musicline-up includes thepopular Sunday jazz session,the RAWExperience,all-female band Mfazwe Ya Mweziand on 18 March in theConcert Hall, Joliza BhacaSoul in Ushuni WeBhaca,a celebrationof traditionalsounds, thehonouring of cultural roots, Africanheritageand stories.

Theproductions are:

. TheBatteredHousewives’ Club English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. EgameniEnglish,Xhosa Ages 14+

. Behind theFrame English, Xhosa, SothoAges14+

. Becoming EnglishAges14+

. Themba:The LittleLionThatLost HisManeXhosa Ages 6+

. HowToTrain Your Thoughts En-

glish, Xhosa, Setswana Ages 14+

. In Kinnesvan Somers English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. When BlackMen Disappear Xhosa andEnglish Ages 15+

. BringLight Englishand Xhosa Ages 12+

. It’s My Baby English, Afrikaans, XhosaAges14+

. IncindiYedlaka Englishand Xhosa Ages 13+

. Isibeleko, Es’belekweni English andXhosa Ages 13+

. BOUNCEDPhysicaltheatre Ages 3-6

. CaptainKwanda’sFanplastic Adventures English, Afrikaans, Xhosa Ages 6+

Performances areat14:30,16:00 and19:00 andfor theschoolsprogramme areat10:00 and13:00. Thedoor takingsfromeachshow also go straight back to thegroupsor artists, investinginthe futureofthe arts sector

Ticketstomorning showscostR40 andR50 forthe afternoon shows. Bookings canbemadeatWebtickets online or at Pick nPay stores

. Forblock or schoolsbookings,charitiesorfundraisers canontact Carmen Kearns on emailcarmen.kearns@uct. ac.za and Mark Dobsononmark.dobson@uct.ac.za

AYouthCup on Sunday 8March after beatingCapeTownCityonpenalties in Lentegeur.

Thetournament, whichisSAFAaccredited, wasorganised by Beacon Spursand Catalysts forChangeunder theauspicesofthe Mitchells PlainLFA Atotal of 24 teamstook part andweredivided in sixgroupsoffour. Gameswereplayedona round-robin-basis.

“The tournament startedinOctober 2024 and LentegeurFCwas the firsthostclub. Afterthe round-robinthe teamsmoved on to achampionship roundofwhich thetop twoteams in each groupwas placed andthe twoteams who finished thebestoverall, were in action,” says

ye ey sp pby inviting teamsacrossCapeTowntoenter

“Our youthneedsthe exposure andtocompete at thehighest levels.Theydoget exposure in competitions againstlocal LFAs or other youthcompetitions.

“Congratulations to allthe teamswho participated. Friday nightwehad rain,Saturday thewindnearlyblewusawayand on Sunday theteams fought in theknockoutroundsinthe heat,but it wasworthwile,” Adamssays.

SCHOOLSCONTINUETOFIGHTITOUTONATHLETICSTRACK

<<Azrah Ismail of Bergvliet High School maintains herfocus during the long-jumpevent at the champsof champscontest heldatthe Vygieskraal Stadium in AthloneonSaturday7February. PHOTOS: RASHIEDISAACS

“But aweekendtournamentbringseveryone together andwetry to putupa decent one wherethere is an explosionoftalentright here in Mitchells Plain,”Adams says minute goal by AntalyasporJPM Cape Town to equalise before headingintoextra time,where they wononpenalties,bringingthe tournament to athrilling end.