People's Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 17 February 2026

WESLEYNEUMANNCASECONTINUES

WCED in courtagain

Flesappealtoblock teacher’sreturn,” People’s Post, 27 January2026)

In thelatestdevelopmentsregardingthe courtbattlebetween the parties, theWCED filedananswering ffidavitrespondingtoNeumann’s latest courtapplication.

WesternCapeEducation Minister

DavidMaynier outlined severalissues in thedepartment’ssubmission, alleging that Neumann’sdeparture from HeathfieldHighwas “characterisedbydisruption, protests,early school closures andhighabsenteeism”

“A smallgroup of teachers encouraged learners nottoattend class, and agroup of hissupportersentered the school withoutpermissiontohold meetings with certainlearnersand teachers.”

Maynieralsoallegedthat“staff membersreportedthattheyhad felt bullied by Wesley Neumann’ssupportersand hadbeenafraidtospeak up in thepast”

However, SpecialActionCommittee– Education(SAC-E),a lobby groupfocusingoneducation issues, continuedtoshowtheir support for Neumannthrough amedia release, statingtheywould approach the

Labour Courtonanurgentbasis on Friday 13 February to seek an enforcementorder to compel theWCED to comply with thejudgmentofJudge Coen de Kock

“Thisfollows thedecisionofJustice Makura who, on Friday 30 January, dismissedthe WCED’s applicationto have thematterstruckfromthe roll.

“The court’srulingonceagain affirmed that theWCED’sprocedural manoeuvres lack meritand that the reinstatementjudgmentremains valid, bindingand enforceable,”the statementread.

Furthermore, theSAC-E alleged that theWCEDhad “continued to delaycompliance, unnecessarily prolonging amatterthathas already caused significant harm to Mr Neumannand instabilitywithinthe HeathfieldHighSchool community”.

SAC-Esay arecalling on teachers, unions,civil societyorganisations, parents, learners andcommunity activiststostand in solidarity with Neumann.

When People’s Post askedNeumann’slawyer, Vernon Seymour, for comment he referredthe paperto theirenforcement replyaffidavit.

Furthermore, theWCEDalso allegedthatthe curatorprincipal’s appointedbythe department picked up “financialirregularities”during Neumann’stenureatHeathfield High

“These allegationswereinvestigated, andprima facieevidenceof several financialirregularitieswas uncovered,”claimed Maynier.

Wesley Neumann alongsidehis lawyer and lead counsel on theright,VernonSeymour,during one of thecourt proceedings. AdvocatesJoeyMoses and RodSolomons also greatlyassisted thecase, Seymour adds PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

“Teachershaveexpressedconcerns fortheir safety should demonstrationsbeintensified,which wouldalso have adebilitatingeffectonlearners.”

SAC-Echair TerrenceSmith reported theWCEDwas “spinning an incorrect narrative in themedia,painting SAC-Easdisruptiveindividuals hellbent on preventing schoolingtooccur at HeathfieldHighSchool

“The WCED conveniently forgets that when Mr Neumanntook overas principalheimprovedthe matric pass

rate from 74%to82%

“The WCED should take fullresponsibility forthe disruption of theeducation processesatHeathfieldHigh andstopthisemotional deflection of thetruth by abusingthe media.

“The judiciaryand thepubliccan seeright throughwhattheyare trying to do.”

People’s Post reachedout to HeathfieldHighSchool principalNadia Aanhuizenfor comment,but she declined

Urgent funds neededfor Blistersfor Bread walk

For nearly sixdecades,the Blisters for BreadCharity Family FunWalkhas broughttogetherfamilies, schools, businessesand community organisationsina shared standagainst child hunger

Nowinits 58th year,thismuch-lovedevent facesanuncertain future.

To deliverthe eventsafelyand professionally andtoensureitremains accessiblefor the community,the PeninsulaSchool Feeding Association(PSFA)requiresR1,5million in sponsorshipfunding

This sponsorshipenables PSFA to coverall operationalcosts.Thismeans walker entry fees remain affordableand 100% of themoney raised is directed to itsschool feedingprogrammes.

Withouturgentsponsorship support, this year’s Blisters forBread walk maynot be able to go ahead, dealinga significant blow notonly to thePSFAbut also to thefamilies, schools, andcommunities whohavemadethisevent an annual tradition.

ThePSFAiscalling on membersofthe corporate sector to partnerwithPSFAfor this year’s event.

Thewalkraisesawareness of childhood hunger andcontributes to vitalfunding forthe PSFA’s school nutritionsupport programme, whichfeedsover30000 learners across the WesternCapeeachschool day.

Sinceits inception, Blisters forBread has grownintoa trustedplatformfor collaboration, combininglarge-scale public participationwith astrongfocus on social impact

BrianBenatar,PSFAchair,saidBlistersfor Breadhas always been builtonpartnership

“Corporate supportplays acriticalrolein helpingusdeliver ahigh-qualityevent,while maximising thefunds that go directly to our core feedingmission

“Without this support,werisklosingnot only

THE PENINSULA SCHOOL FEEDING ASSOCIATION REQUIRESR1,5 MILLION IN SPONSORSHIPFUNDING TO ORGANISE THE FAMILYFUN WALK

this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.”

Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecuri-

ty amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades.

“Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.

“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”

PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za

WillSonaoptimismtranslatetorealchange?

andhousing,macro-economic indicators oftenfeel distantand abstract.Recoveryonlybecomes meaningful when we seeitreflected in secure jobs,stableservices, andsafer streets.

WhilePresident CyrilRamaphosa spokeofa strengtheningrand, fallinginflation, andrenewed investor confidenceduringhis Stateofthe Nation Address(Sona)atCape Town City Hall on Thursday 12 February,manyofuswokeupthe next morningtoa farlessreassuringreality:dry taps,risingliving costs, unemployment queues,and neighbourhoodswhere safety cannotbetaken forgranted

This contrast captures thecentral tensionofthisyear’saddress. On onehand, thePresident painteda pictureofaneconomy gradually stabilisingafter yearsofcrisis.

On theother,weknowfromour owndaily experiencesthatlifefor millionsofSouth Africans remains uncertainand difficult

Hisadmission that “liferemains hard”may have been themost honest andimportant line of the speech. It reflectedsomething we alreadyunderstand: national progress measured in statistics does not always translateintorelieffeltin ourhomes andcommunities

Economic stabilitymatters,and we should acknowledgethat. A stronger currency signalsconfidence, helpsgovernmentmanage debt,and canencourage investment.Lower inflationprotects purchasing powerovertime. These arenecessary foundationsfor longterm growth

Butfor many of us strugglingto affordfood,transport,electricity,

This is wherethe president’s message invitesbothhopeand scrutiny

To hiscredit, thespeechdid not avoidthe country’smostpressing challenges

Organisedcrime,hesaid, remainsone of thegreatestthreats to economic developmentand social stability. This recognitionis importantbecause we know crime is notonlya policing issue, it is an economic barrier that affects how we live andwork.

Communities affectedbygang violence,extortion,and illegal activity struggletoattractbusinessesand opportunities. We see howunsafeenvironmentslimit whereyoung people canmove freely, wheresmall businessescan operate, andhow confident we feel walkinginour ownneighbourhoods.

Yetwehaveheard strong commitments to tackling crimebefore. Tactical plansand enforcement strategies oftensound decisive when announced, butour confidencedepends on consistent implementation andvisible results.

Thesamepattern appliesto corruptionand governance failures.The president’semphasis on strengtheninginstitutionsand restoringaccountability signals an understandingthateconomic reform cannotsucceed without credible leadership andfunctioningsystems

However, we arelikelytojudge progress notbythe number of investigations announcedorpolicies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance,and improved servicedeliverythatwecan experience firsthand.

Perhapsthe most immediate concerns raised in theaddress relate to municipalservices. Water shortages, failinginfrastructure, andinconsistentservice delivery affectour dailylives in ways that national economic indicators cannotcapture

Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance,these issues aretangible. They shapehow we experience ourcommunities dailywhether ourtapsrun,roads remain usable,refuseiscollected, andelectricity supplyisstable.

Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalitiescould lose servicedeliverypowerssuggestsa willingnesstoact more decisively Butitalsoraisesuncomfortable questionsfor allofus. If governmenthas long knownwhich municipalities arestruggling, why hasinterventionoften appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurableimprovements?

Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust

Stateofthe Nation addresses traditionally aimtoinspire confidenceand seta national agenda

This year’s speechdid so,offering avisionofrecovery, reform,and unity. It sought to reassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in theright direction.

Butweknowthatpublicexpectations have shifted. Yearsof economic pressure,service delivery failures,and governance challenges have changedhow we evaluate leadership

Today, we measureprogressnot by promises,but by outcomes.We want to seeunemploymentdecline meaningfully,not merely stabilise. We want crimerates to fall in ways that make ourcommunities feel safer. We want municipalities to provideconsistent, reliable basic services

We want visible, sustainedimprovementinour dailylives

Thepresident’s speechoutlined adirection andacknowledged many realities. It highlighted progress whilerecognising ongoing challenges.But thetruetestlies beyond thechamber in whichit wasdelivered

Will economic gainstranslate into broaderemploymentopportunities forour youngpeople? Will governance reformsrestore our confidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabilise in thecommunities wherewelive?

Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whether theoptimismexpressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric

BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeeches alone, it is builtondelivery, accountability,and change that we cansee andfeel in ourlives Anduntil that change becomes consistently visible, ouroptimism will remain cautious,shapedas much by ourlived realitiesasby thepromiseswehear.

CHSA alumni gatherfor indaba

KEANANHARMSE

ChristelHouse SouthAfrica’scareer developmentdepartmenthosted some of theiralumnileaders on campus on Saturday 7Februaryfor the firstin-person leadership engagement of theyear.

Theevent focusedondevelopingthe next generationof“community change-makers”

Christel HouseSouth Africa (CHSA) is a no-fee, non-profitschoolbased in Ottery and supportslearnersfromdisadvantaged communities,startingfromGrade RR untilage 18 and five yearspostmatric.

Theworkshopwas facilitatedbyFrancoise GalletfromThriveLifeand JustineGevisser from Corself, whoservesasa Christel House EducationBoard Member

Together,theyguidedthe past learners throughconversations on leadership,collaboration,and “leading from within”.

PERSONALGROWTHANDCONNECTION

Designed as aspace forreflection,personal growth andconnectionwithinthe alumni committee, thesession equipped participants with practicaltoolstoleadwithclarity,purpose, andaccountability as they supportthe broader CHSA alumni community

Alumni leader Aatiqa Philanderfromthe Class of 2024 reflectedthatthe experience reinforced herbeliefthatleadershipisfundamentally aboutuplifting others

Shedescribed herselfasanenergetic andvery friendly person whohas adeep love fornature andcreativity.

Philanderbegan herjourney at Christel House in 2017 as aGrade 5learner

“Itwas ahugechangefor me becauseI came from apublicschool whereeverythingwas differentbut differentina good way.

“Itwas exciting to startsomething new, although thebiggest challengewas believingthat

General Worker Responsibilitiesincludes butnot limited to:

•Follow instructionstosupportdaily operationsacross multiple areas

•Perform general labour tasks such as lifting, carrying, cleaning, and assistingskilled workers

•Keepthe work area clean, organized, and free of hazards.

•Assistwith loadingand unloading trucks,containers, or equipment.

•Sort, pack, andlabel itemsfor storage or delivery

•Ensureproducts arecorrectlyorganized and stored safely.

•Follow instructionstosupport dailyoperations.

What youwill need to

•Matricorequivalent

•Post qualification is preferable

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Only suitablecandidateswillbecontacted.

If you have notreceived aresponse within 1month,then your application has been unsuccessful

for

What you will need to

•Provenexperienceworkingona sewingmachine

•2 –4years sewing machine experience on PlainorOverlocker

•Prior experienceinhome textiles manufacturing willbeadvantageous.

•Attention to detail

•Ability to work towards and meet targets.

•A positive andhard-working attitude

•Work cooperation with team members and supervisors.

•Follow instructions andcomplete tasks efficiently and accurately.

If you have what it takes,emailyour CV to careers@sheraton.co.za.

Ward 65 Hero reads to matrics

KEANANHARMSE

Eleven-year-old LotusRiver bookworm Cassidy Hendrickscontinues to shareher passion forreading with hercommunity

At hermostrecentreading workshop,World Read AloudDay (WRAD) at FairmountHigh School,Grassy Park,onTuesday 4February, shereadfromCanadianauthorYannMartel’s deeply allegoricalaward-winning 2001 novel Life of Pi (madeintoanaward-winning film by AngLee) forthe matric students during their school assembly

WRAD is celebrated annually on the first Wednesdayofevery February andwas founded in 2010 by thenon-profitLitWorldtocelebrate thepower of readingaloud to buildcommunity andfosterliteracy.

Cassidy,who is in Grade5 at Ferndale Primary School in Ottery, firstread Life of Pi in 2024, andcountsitamong herfavourite books. Herappearance at FairmountHighwas her firstvoluntary readingexperiencethisyear, her

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD LOTUS RIVER BOOKWORM CONTINUESTOSHARE HER PASSION FORREADING

grandmotherBrendaTommy pointedout.“She hasbeenassistingher brother, whoisinGrade 12,withhis readingand we thoughtitwould be appropriatetoreadtothe twoEnglish classesat theschool.”

Cassidy told Fairmount’sClass of 2026 that this wasthe fifthtimeshe wascelebrating WRAD

“Thisisalsothe firstgroup of matricsI’m readingto, although Ireadtoa groupofsenior learners threeyears agoatFairmount.My passion is reading, whichI’vebeen doingfrom theage of two. I’ve volunteered at libraries, schoolsand senior homespromoting reading andliteracy.”

Last year shetookpartinthe SA Literacy Association’sannual readingcompetition and reachedthe finalrounds.

In 2023 Cassidy won firstprize in theassociation’sprovincialand national annual reading competition, in thecategoryofEnglish First Language Grade2

Shewas theonlyprimary-school learnerfrom theWestern Cape andcompetedagainst learnersfromother provinces.

In 2022 shewalkedawaywithsecondprize in thenationalreading competition.

Shesaidreading forthe matricsfelteffortless. “Itwas easy becausethe matricsare very respectful anddidn’tmakea noise, which allowedmeto finish readinginmylimited time It wasreally enjoyable, even though Iwas abit nervous, butI quicklyovercameit.

“I find this year’s matricstobegood examples fortheir school.”

Cassidy wasalsoone of theyoungestrecipients of theWard65HeroAwards, whichwere held at theLotus RiverSportsand Recreation Hall last year

ChristelHouseAthletesExcelatInter-SchoolCompetitions

Christel HouseSouth Africa’s athletes celebrated aremarkableweek of athleticssuccess as both Junior andHighSchool teamsdelivered outstandingperformancesattheir respective inter-school competitions on Tuesday3 February.

TheJuniorschool team competed in theMetro CentralEducation District (MCED) Athlone 2Athletics Cluster, achievinganimpressive second placeoverall finish.Itisaninter-school athleticscompetition forschools within the MetroCentral EducationDistrict, specifically targetingthe Athlonearea. It serves as aquali-

fyingevent forthe MetroCentral Semi-Champs. TheHighSchool athletes demonstrated exceptionalall-roundcapabilitiesacrosstrack and fieldevents, securing acommendable fifth place finish

Theteamshowcased remarkable talent with strong performances in varioustrack and field events

Theoutstanding performances earned the athletes qualification forthe MetroCentral Semi-Championships,scheduled forFriday20 February at Vygieskraal Building on this momentum,the school is

actively seekingcommunity support to enhance itsathletics programme Christel Houseaimstoacquire essential athleticsequipment anddevelop awalking and running tracktopromote learnerhealthand wellbeing

Theschool’sdevelopment andpartnerships director Lara Blackwelcomespartnerships from communitymembers andlocal businesses interested in contributing through financialor in-kindsupport

. Formoreinformation contact Lara Black at lblack@sa.christelhouse.org.

WC authorities seek‘long-term’ actiononcrime

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Western Cape PremierAlanWinde haswelcomedthe planneddeployment of theSouth African National DefenceForce (SANDF)to supportthe SouthAfrican Police Service (SAPS) in tackling gang violence,after PresidentCyril Ramaphosaannounced theinterventionduringhis Stateofthe Nation Address(Sona)atCapeTownCity Hall on Thursday 12 February.

In hisaddress, Ramaphosaacknowledged that organisedcrime andgangviolenceremain amongthe most urgent threatsfacingcommunities,particularlyinurban crimehotspots.

“Organised crimeposes oneofthe greatest threatstoour democracy, oursociety andour economic development,”hesaid. “Weare intensifyingefforts to dismantlecriminalsyndicates, recoverillegal firearms andrestore safety in our communities.”

Thepresident indicatedthathehad directed theministerofpoliceand theSANDF to developa tactical deployment plan forhigh-risk areas, includingparts of theWestern Cape “South Africans deservetofeel safe in their homes, in theirstreetsand in theirworkplaces,” he stated

PROVINCEWELCOMESSUPPORTBUTURGESREFORM

Windesaidgang-relatedcrime continuesto devastatecommunities across theprovince, particularly in areasaffectedbyfrequentshootings anddrug-relatedviolence.

“I welcomethe long overduefocus on gangsterismand thecommitmenttolifestyle audits forseniorpoliceofficers,” Windesaid. “The deployment of theSANDF is ashort-termsolution andcannotbea replacementfor reformingthe police.”

He said keyreforms must include filling police vacancies, strengtheningcrime intelligenceand sharinginvestigative powers with localpolicing structures

WesternCapePoliceOversight andCommunity Safety Minister Reagen AllenMaraissaid military intervention alonewould notresolve thecrisis.

“The deployment of theSANDF cannotbe viewed as asustainable,long-term solution,” Marais said.“Lastingchangewillonlybe achieved througha well-resourced andintelligence-driven police service.”

COMMUNITYBOARDSUPPORTSSTABILISATIONROLE

TheWestern Cape Provincial Community police boardsaiditsupportsthe deployment as ashort-termstabilisation measurebut warned that sustainablecrime reductionrequireslongterm institutionalreform.

“Militarydeploymentisnot asubstitutefor

IWELCOME

THE LONG OVERDUE FOCUSON GANGSTERISM AND AUDITS FORSENIOR POLICE

effective policing,” theboard stated.“Lasting reductions in crimedependonstrengthening investigativecapacity, crimeintelligenceand community-orientedpolicing.”

Theboard calledfor clearoperational plans, oversightmechanismsand atime-bounddeployment strategy

CITYPUSHESFORMOREPOLICINGPOWERS

MayorGeordin Hill-Lewiswelcomedthe deployment forimmediatereliefingang-affected communitiesbut urgedthe national government to devolvemorepolicingpowersto municipalities

“Any short-term relief forfamiliesingang-impacted communitiesismostwelcome,” Hill-Lewissaid. “But whilewewelcome the army,itisonlyshort-term. We urge thepresidenttoact on real solutionstoincreasegang crimeconvictions.”

He addedthatCitylaw enforcementofficers areready to assist with building prosecution-ready case docketsifgranted expanded investigativeauthority

Accordingtothe City,municipal officers confiscatehundredsofillegal firearms annually, yetconvictionrates remain lowdue to resource constraintswithinthe criminal justicesystem. Maycomemberfor safety andsecurityJP Smithsaiddelaysindevolving policing powers continue to underminecrime-fighting efforts

“The SANDFcan stabilise, butonlya functioningcriminaljustice system will keep communities safe,” Smithsaid.

ONGOINGSAFETYCRISIS

Ramaphosaacknowledgedthatcrime undermines economic growth andcommunity well-being.

“Crime discouragesinvestment, destroys livelihoodsand weakenspublicconfidence,”he said.“Reducing crimeisessentialfor rebuilding oureconomy andrestoring hope.”

Provincial leaderssaidaddressing gang violence requires coordinatedactionacrossall spheresofgovernment, combiningshort-term security interventionswithlong-term policing reform andsocialdevelopment programmes. Windesaidthe provincial government remainscommittedtocollaboration

“Our communitiesdeserve asustained,intelligence-ledand properly resourcedresponseto gang violence,” he said

Afteryears of disruption caused by the2022 fire,parliamentary debateswillnow be held in thenewly refurbished NieuwmeesterDome, at theParliamentary Precinct Thefacility, upgraded at acostofapproximately R30million,was officially handed over to parliament by Minister of Public Worksand Infrastructure Dean Macpherson on Friday 6 February

ThokoDidiza, theSpeaker of theNational Assembly,accepted theDome.

Macpherson said he wasproud of thework done by engineerstoreinforce theDome, which was firstusedfor thefuneral of former President Nelson Mandelain2013.

Thetimingofthe handover is significant,as theDomeisset to host severalkey events this month, includingNationalAssembly sittings, thedebateonthe Stateofthe Nation Address (Sona),the President’sreply to thedebateand theNationalBudgetSpeech.

The fire of January2022causedseveredamagetothe ParliamentaryPrecinctand disrupted thenormalfunctioning of Parliament Sincethen, Parliament hashad to secure alternative venues in ordertocontinueits sittings, oversightresponsibilities, andthe work that keepsSouth Africa’s constitutional democracy alive.

Locatedatthe corner of Roelandand Plein streets, theDomehas nowbeen repurposed for an equally importantnationaltask, providinga stable andsecurevenue forparliamentary sittingswhile thepermanent home of theNational Assembly is restored

Therefurbishment focusedonstrengthening thestructure’s resilience andimproving its overalldurabilitysothatitcan functionreliably throughdifferentseasons

Attentionwas also giventocreatinganenvironmentwhere debate cantakeplace clearly, whereproceedings canbeheard withoutdisruption, andwhere membersand staff canwork effectively

Soundquality formed akey part of theup-

grade. Improved soundproofing andacoustic performancewereintroducedtoensurethe integrityofparliamentary proceedings andthe public record.The Dome wasalsorequiredto comply with theoperational standardsnecessary forparliamentary sittings.

“WhenParliamentisnot sitting this facility hasthe potentialtobeusedasaneventsand conferencing venueina controlledmanner,” said Macpherson,“alignedwithsecurityand operationalrequirements, andthrough aproper processthatprotectsthe integrityofthe site whilegeneratingadditional income.”

Following approval in September2024the Dome wasinstalledasa state-owned, reusable facility designed to host National Assembly sittings, jointsittingsand otherhigh-levelnational events during thereconstructionperiod.

“The projectreflects acollaborative partnership betweenParliamentand theDepartment of Public Worksand Infrastructure to delivera functional, secure and fit-for-purposeparliamentaryfacility, capableofsupportingParliament in fulfilling itsconstitutionalobligations to thepeopleofSouth Africa,” Didiza pointed out.

Sheaddedthe handover allows Parliament to move aheadwiththe finalphase of technical readiness. “Thisincludesthe installation and commissioningofaudio-visualand broadcastinginfrastructure, ICTsystems andofficial parliamentarybrandingtoensurethe Dome is fully operationalfor sittingsofthe National Assembly andother parliamentarybusiness.”

TheDomewillserve as asecure, fit-for-purpose anddignified temporaryhomefor the National Assembly at atimewhenParliament must continue to dischargeits constitutional responsibilities withoutinterruption.

Hiring external venues forparliamentary sittingsisprojected to cost an estimatedR48 million peryear, with no residual value, while theDomerepresentsa once-off investment and remainsa reusable national assetfor future parliamentaryand stateuse

Readersspeak out on budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.

TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.

Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget

AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”

Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”

Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”

Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”

Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”

Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”

Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”

Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”

Carnivaltoshowcase ‘diversity’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withjustovera monthtogo, organisers of oneofCapeTown’s biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is readytobring the heARTtothe Green PointFan Walk on Saturday 21 March.

On Thursday 12 February,organisersgavethe mediaand otherinterestedparties abehindthe-scenes glimpseofall thepreparationsatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executiveofficer, said people canlook forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.She said organisers areexcited to bringthe 16th edition of thecarnivaltolife.

Adding to theexcitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions”fromCapeTown’s creative scene, includingsingerAnslinGysman, localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Tracey Carter,performance director,said therewillbeentertainment forthe entire family

“Someofour floats arealready completed. Performers aregetting readywithchoreography, andcostumesare almost done.Weare getting readytoput on ashowlikeCapeTown hasnever seen before.”

Shesaidpeoplecan look forwardtoa celebration of diversity.

“Weare telling thedifferentstories of thecreatives from Cape Town.Asdifferentastheyare, that’s howdifferentthe pods aregoing to be This year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”

Daphne Lodewykhas been aseamstressatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop forthe past 10 years.

Shesaidwithlessthana monthtogo, sheand hersmall team of threeare workingaroundthe clocktocompleteover1 000 costumes forthe bigday

“Weworkasa team,and each person knows what to do.Westill have alot to do butthe bulk of theworkis finished.”

Lodewyksaidshe stillgetsexcited despite doingthisfor thepastdecade.

“Every year thecarnivalisdifferent. Different themes anddifferentpeople. Youmeet alot of people andmakefriends.”

WORKINGAROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE OVER 1000 COSTUMESON TIME

Shesaidoncarnivalday,theyworktirelessly behind thescenestomakesureevery performer looksdazzling. “Weare stationedina tent,dressing each performer anddoing alterationsor fixing things.”

Prof Rachel Jaftha,chair of theCapeTown Carnival Trust, said:“We areexcited because it’s just over amonth to go.Thisyearweare following ourhearts. People will seeamazing creativity as always andthe joyonthe facesof thepeopleparticipating.Donot miss theamazingfollow-your-heart journeywithus.”

JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,stressedthe City’s unwavering commitment to theevent

“Thank youfor bringing this eventtoour city each year.Thisevent is aboutsocialcohesion. It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”

ACTNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeapplicationsopen

TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year

This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant. It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-

whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.

Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution

This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts

“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT

TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South

Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected

“The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”

Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”

To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha

Teep yt phy cabinet.

School sports in SouthAfricaaren’t just aboutwhathappens on the field—it’s aboutthe entire experience, theculture,the passion that splits townsinhalfand createsheroes overnight.

AndfromThursday19February, NovaNews is abouttorevolutionise howwecelebrate it all.

NovaNews is launchingThe School Sports Zone,a dynamic,

lly ge pe

TheSchool Sports Zone will be the authoritativedestination celebrating emerging talent,preservinglegendary rivalries, andbuildingthe foundation forthe futureofSouth African sport. Becauseevery Springbok, every Protea,every national representative startedsomewhere,and that somewhereisusually aschool fieldona Saturday morning.

NovaNews isn’tstopping at written coverage.Accompanying thelaunch is TheRugby Factory, adedicated

vod- andpodcast that divesdeeper than ever before into theheartbeat of school rugbyinSouth Africa

This is storytelling with substance. It is abouttrackingtomorrow’s Springboks from thegrassrootstothe bigleagues,capturing thejourney, thesacrifice,the rivalry, andthe momentsthatdefine youngathletes before theprofessional contracts.

“School sports is at theheart of so many communitiesinSouth Africa,”

yc e, yd pl e, everyschool making noiseonthe sporting landscape.

“Beyondrugby,ifithas anything to do with school sports,wewant to be talkingabout it,” Wetdewich explains.“Thereare greatstories to tell around school sports.Supporters andschoolcommunities aren’t just engaged; they areemotionally and, in many cases, financially invested Smalltowns splitinhalfwhenderby weekends come around.Heroesare born andsuperstarsare made.All

pa gh generations. It’s aboutthe communities that live andbreathe everyresult. NovaNews is changing thegame by capturingthe atmosphere,the emotion, andthe culture. Thestage is set. Find TheSchool Sports Zone:

Website: https://novanews.co.za/ FollowThe RugbyFactory: TikTok:@therugbyfactoryza X: RugbyFactory_sa

Instagram: therugbyfactory_sa

Facebook:The RugbyFactory