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

Pedalforsterilisation Pedalforsterilisati

Ateam of cyclists who pedalled and sweated for neglected animals has achieved a record-breaking milestone, raising an impressive R777 382 during this year's Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8 March.

This team comprised of 102 members who all joined forces to raise funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA to assist with funding

sterilisations and purchasing pet food and

The amount raised by Team SPCA was an 11% increase from last year’s total of R700 640, with donations still coming in, said the Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham.

The SPCA is the oldest animal welfare organisation in South Africa, established in 1872 to prevent cruelty to animals, protect, and rescue them. They are based in Grassy Park and operate as a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) providing 24-hour emergency services, veterinary care, adoption, and education across the Cape Metropole.

“This year Team SPCA riders took on the 109 km route to help prepare 70 animals for adoption, giving them the care, comfort and support they need to find loving homes,”

One of those animals was a cat named Ivy

who arrived at the SPCA after losing everything when her owner passed away

“Despite the heartbreak, she remained gentle, loving and hopeful After waiting patiently, Ivy finally found her forever home – the kind of happy ending every animal deserves,” sh spoke to some of the cyclists to shed light on the inspiration behind their mi Newlands cyclist Sasha-Lee Gallow said she joined the race after visiting the SPCA and witnessing firsthand the team’s dedication

SPCA gets worldrecognition

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recently secured internationalrecognition at this year’s LUXlifePet Products andServicesAwards, highlightingthe organisation’s innovative approach to animal welfare andsector-wide collaboration in addressing SouthAfrica’scomplex animal welfarechallenges.

Thenon-profitorganisation(NPO) wasawarded thetitlesofBestAnimal WelfareOrganisationand theOutstanding Animal Protection ExcellenceAward on Wednesday4 March.

Theprestigious awardfollows previousaccolades, with theorganisation receiving“LeadingAnimalCruelty Prevention Non-Profit– SouthAfrica”in2023and “BestAnimalWelfare NPO– SouthAfrica” in 2022.

TheCapeofGood Hope SPCA is the oldest animal welfareorganisation in SouthAfrica. It wasestablished in 1872 to preventcruelty to animals, protect, andrescuethem.

They arebased in Grassy Park and operates as aregisteredNPO,providing24-hour emergencyservices, veterinarycare, adoption,and education across theCapeMetropole

TheLUXlife PetProductsand ServicesAwardshavebeen celebrating excellenceinthe petindustrysince theirinception in 2018

ForSPCAspokespersonBelinda Abraham, animal welfarework in SouthAfricatakes placewithin “complex social andeconomic realities, wheredemandfor services

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“Seeing theworkbeing done andthe anim beingcared formadeitsomucheasierand more meaningful to show people exactlyw theirdonations were going. Iabsolutelyl therace. Theatmosphereand support alon routewereincredible, anditfeltreally sp to be part of such abig eventwhile riding causethatmeans so much to me,” sheexplained.

Shealsoraces with theEmbarktriathlon andwas thrilledtoachieve asub-4 finish improvingher time by 45 minutescompa

As part of the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa’s“Sharethe Care”Drive, nearly1000 food hampers were donated acrossLavender Hill, Parkwood and HanoverPark on Tuesday4March. Picturedabove is Cape Flats DevelopmentAssociation (CAFDA) resident, Ayesha Petersen receiving a groceryhamper from Ahmet Aslantas, whileYusuf Orgyll stands in the background. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Missiontorestoredignity

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Grassy Park resident Chantelle Goliath’sjourney to endperiodpoverty in hercommunity is deeply personal androoted in herown experiencesgrowingupinpoverty.

As afounder of NewHeritageFoundation (NHF)Goliath helpstoprovide sanitary pads andworkshops foryoung girlsindisadvantaged communities wholackaccess to theseproducts andknowledge of howtocopewithmenstruation

NHFisanaward-winning,women-led non-profitorganisation(NPO) basedinCape Town,dedicated to ending period poverty. They

NEWHERITAGE FOUNDATIONDEDICATED TO ENDING PERIOD POVERTY

comprehensivesexualand reproductive health educationinschools.

Theprogrammesare meantfor both girlsand boys because“educationand understanding must existonbothsides,” shesays.

“Wefocus on dialogue rather than traditional classroom teaching.Wecreatesafespaces whereyoung people canask questions, share theirfears,and talk openly aboutbodychanges

Learnersget Life

KEANANHARMSE

KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The learners at Christel HouseSouth Africa (CHSA),are enjoying learningand developing skills afterhours throughtheir newlylaunchedStudent Life programme.

Throughthisprogramme,which waslaunched on Thursday 12 March, learners benefitfroman extended school day, stayinguntil 16:30most days.Italsohelps learners buildconfidence, discover theirpassions, anddevelop essential life skills

School spokesperson MeganLospersaidevery afternoon,learnersspend an hour engaged in variousactivitiesdesignedtosupport their personal growth in asafeand structured environment.

Recently theGrade 7learnersreturnedfrom athree-dayleadershipcampinSimonsberg, bringing back strengthened friendshipsand unforgettablememories.

Highlights included lake canoeing,where learners hadtoworktogethertonavigate successfully,alongside swimming sessions,obstacle coursesand extensiveoutdoor activities (“Outing to remember”, People’s Post,Tuesday 10 March)

Theprogramme offersa wide rangeofoptions, ensuring that everylearner can find something that excitesand inspires them

In junior phase, learners canchoosefrom participatinginvarious sports such as soccer, netball, volleyball, baseball,athletics,cross countryand cricket.

Technology enthusiastscan explorerobotics, coding,droning,e-sports, Minecraft, and advanced robotics.For thoseinterestedinthe arts,options includea jazz band,percussion, traditionalchoir,hip-hop andtraditional dance. Learners canalso developtheir leadership skills throughmentorshipprogrammessuch as “Girls Excelling throughMentorship” and

NEW PROGRAMME AT CHRISTELHOUSE SA

“Sisterhood”and “Build ourBoys” Creative arts andenrichmentactivitiesinclude poetry,reading,stage performance, literacy club,and podcasting

High school learners have access to adiverse selection, includingsportslikesoccer, rugby, basketball, netball, fencing, andathletics Technology optionsfeature coding,droning, robotics,and e-sports.“TheWorld of Work offerings expand to hairdressing,barbering, first-aidtraining, learnerdriver’slicence preparation,learner-led appdevelopment,recycling, andgardening Throughthe programme,the school is committedtoshaping well-rounded, responsible, andfuture-readyyoung people,explained Losper

TheCape’sfuturein ‘goodhands’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Cape Town’s next generation of leadershas officially takentheir seat at thetable

TheCityofCapeTownwelcomed50newly selected junior city councillors (JCC) on Saturday7 March, chosen from arecord-breaking 929applicationsfor theuniqueleadership programme

TheJCC is aone-yearleadershipprogramme developedtogiveyoung people insightintohow localgovernmentworks andthe keyfunctions of amunicipality.

It provides participants with an opportunity to grow in theirknowledge,learn more about themselves,and developtheir leadership skills

Theprogramme also seekstoinspire young people to play an active role in theircommunities andtobethe change they want to seein theirimmediateenvironment

Thelearnershailfromschools across thecity includingJan vanRiebeeckHighSchool,Sea PointHighSchool,Herzlia High School,South PeninsulaHighSchool,ReddamHouse Constantia, Star College Cape Town andWynberg Boys’HighSchool

People’s Post reachedout to some of the bright mindstohearwhattheyexpectfromthe initiative

MiaBraun,a HerzliaHighSchool learner, said when sheheard aboutthe programme she wasimmediatelymotivated to “stepupand be a voicefor theyouth”inher community

“I am passionateabout addressing issues affectingyoung people becauseweare thefuture of ourcountry andgivingyouth apathway and astrongfoundationhelpbuild abetterfuture. Iamalsoexcited to learnmoreabout government from experiencedleaders andfrommy peers, andtouse this opportunitytomakea positive impact.”

Braunhopes to developleadershipskills,publicspeakingand problem-solving skills through theprogramme

“I am excitedtolearn practicalskills such as writingspeeches, brainstormingideas and communicating confidently.I hope to apply theseskills in my school andcommunity life anduse them to make apositivedifference in my community.”

LaylaYaghya, from SouthPeninsula High, hopesto“amplifythe voices”ofyoung people in hercommunity

“I believeeveryonehas valuable opinions,

andI want to encouragemypeerstospeak up andvalue theirthoughts. I’dalsoliketohelp improvelearningcircumstances foryoung studentsand find ways to encouragethemtochase theirdreams- to find that thingthatdrives them andrun with it,” shesaid.

Determined to make adifference in thelives of underprivilegedyouth,Yaghyasaysthe programme will help equipher with thetoolsto inspirechange.

“Manyofour youthare underprivilegedand don’tget thesameopportunities, andI want to change that as best Ican.I know theJCC will guidemethrough that processand give me the toolstoupliftand empowerothers. Can’twait to seethe possibilities by theend of theyear.” Motivatedtobring aboutpositivechange, Albert GriesselfromJan vanRiebeeckHigh believes theprogramme will help “turncommunity concerns into action”.

“The JCCisthe firststepping stonetowards making arealchangeinthe livesofrealpeople andI look forwardtoworking with my ward councillorinorder to resolveour civicproblems.” Griesselsaidheiseager to betterunderstandhow localgovernmentworks

“The JCCpromisestoteach itscouncillors aboutthe structures of localgovernment. Thus,itwillshowushow to tackle community problems in themosteffective wayand allocate government resourcesinplacesthatmatter.” Forthe past five yearsthe programme has been spearheadedbyDonovan Nelson,Ward65 councillorwho played akey role in building the curriculumand expandingthe programme This year also sees twonewly appointed co-custodiansofthe programme,NicoleSukers, PR councillorfor subcouncil 11, andNicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor.

Sukers said:“Ilook forwardtobeing involved in aprogramme that will notonlyinspire but will allowmetoassist andengagewithCape Town’s futureleaders.Every youngperson needsa startinunderstanding thepolitical environmentand hopefully it createsthe opportunityfor more youngpeopletobeactively involved in thepolitical sphere.”

Jowell believes Cape Town’s futureisin“very good hands”.“What stood outduringthe orientation wasthe enthusiasm andwillingness of theseyoung people to step forwardand getinvolved.” Shesaidthe JCCisa powerful example of active citizenship.

Bayhillsupports Cansarelay forlife

TheBayhill PremierCup 2026,a premieryouth football tournament over theEasterweekend, announceda formal pledge of support to the Cancer AssociationofSouth Africa (Cansa)and their flagship initiative CansaRelay forlife. “Canceraffects thousandsofSouth African families everyyear, cutting across alldemographics.Cansa hasbeen at theforefront of

this battlesince 1931,providing vitalresearch, public educationand support services,” says Rayaan Alie,tournamentdirectorofthe Bayhill PremierCup

TheCansa Relayfor life is taking placeonFriday27and Saturday 28 MarchatVygieskraal Stadiumfrom18:00 to 06:00. Emedia@premiercup-bayhill.co.zafor details.

Courtconstruction gets underway

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Activistcallsfordignity,equality

NAMHLAMONAKALI

NAMHLA.MONAKALI@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

AsSouth Africa marksHuman Rights

Monthunder thetheme “Billof Rights at 30:MakingHuman Dignity Real”

Refugees rebuilding theirlives in Cape Town saydignity andequalityremaincentral to their journeys

HumanRightsMonth is observed every March, culminatinginHuman Rights Dayon 21 March. Thecommemoration is rooted in the Sharpeville Massacre, when apartheidpolice opened fire on peaceful protestors,killing 69 people andexposingthe brutalityofthe pass lawsystem.

More than sixdecades later, theobservance encourages reflection on thecountry’s progress sincethe adoption of theConstitutionof theRepublicofSouth Africa,which enshrines equality,dignity andfreedom throughthe Bill of Rights

This year’s themehighlights30years sincethe Constitution came into effectand calls on South Africans to reflectonhow therightsitguarantees arerealisedineverydaylife.

Organisationsworking with displacedcommunities saythe themeisparticularlyrelevant forrefugees andasylumseekersrebuildingtheir livesinthe country.

At theScalabriniCentreofCapeTown, programmessupport refugees andmigrants throughlegal assistance,employmentsupport andintegration initiativesaimed at helping newcomersnavigatelifeinSouth Africa

“Rebuildinglifeafter displacement often involves overcoming significant structural bar-

FACE CHALLENGESSUCHASDOCUMENTATION,SECURING EMPLOYMENT AND FINDING STABLE HOUSING

riers,”saysJames Chapman, Head of Advocacy andLegal Advisoratthe centre

Many refugees arrive in Cape Town after fleeingconflict, persecutionoreconomichardship in theirhomecountries

Once in SouthAfrica, they face challenges such as accessing documentation, securing employment and findingstablehousing

Accessing asylum documentationisthe biggest challenge, Chapmansays.

People whodonot have asylum transitvisas issued at aportofentry arebarredfromapplyingfor asylum unless they canestablish good causefor notobtaining thevisa.

“The provisions barring access to asylum make it virtually impossiblefor people with genuinerefugee claims to access andapplyfor asylum in SouthAfrica,”headds

Substantialdelaysinprocessing asylum and refugee documents, as well as delays in theasylumappealprocess, further complicate matters

Thesedocumentation challenges have aripple effectonaccessing services forrefugees and theirfamilies.

Whilethe Cape Town refugee receptionOffice wassubstantially upgraded andofficially reopened in 2023,policyand legislativebarriers mean asylum seekersremainundocumentedfor extended periods, leavingthemvulnerableto exploitation,discriminationand,insomecases, arrest,detention or deportation.

Chapmansayshuman dignityfor refugees

involves “livingina spacewithfreedom of movement,agencyand opportunitytointegrate andliveinpeace andharmony with thehost population forthe growth anddevelopment of therefugee, theirfamilyand thecommunity around them

“Human dignityincludesbeing able to study or work andput food on thetable foryourself andyourchildren.”

Chapmanalsohighlightscommonmisconceptions aboutrefugees.Manyinthe public do notrealise refugees areinSouth Africa notby choice butbecause they were forced to flee violence, persecutionorwar-torncircumstances

Refugees positively contribute to societyand oftenholdroles that arefundamental to thefabricofthe community.

“Wewould encouragethe public to take cognisance of thecircumstances that caused refugees to flee, andtoliveand work with refugee communities to thebenefitofall living in thecommunity,” he says

As SouthAfricareflects on threedecades of constitutional democracy, advocatessay the focusremains on ensuring dignityand equality arenot only constitutional principles butlived realities.

HumanRightsmonth provides an opportunity forcommunities to reflectonthe country’spast whileworking towardsa futureinwhich the protectionscontained in theBillofRightsare experiencedbyall.

HUMANRIGHTSARE NOTPRIVILEGES

Iwas bornduring one of the darkest periods in SouthAfrica’s history. Forpeopleofmygeneration, Human RightsDay is not just apublic holiday. It is areminder of fear,struggle and courage. This dayisobservedon21March to remember those killedduring the Sharpeville Massacrein1960. Masses protestedpeacefully againstthe pass laws,which reduced human beingstodocuments and permissions

Police opened fire, and many liveswerelost. Although I wasbornlater,the stories of Sharpeville were always present in our communities.Theyreminded us thatapartheid wasnot onlyapolitical systembut asocialorder builtto control movement, opportunityand dignity. Istillremember amoment from my childhood. Iwas about 11 and had abig afro thatcouldeasilymakemelook like agirl. During atenseperiod in our homeinNew Brighton, my mother dressedmelikeagirl, placed a doek over my head,and told me to lieinbed as if Iweresick.

At the time,I did not understand.TodayIknowitwas her wayofprotecting me,quietlyresisting asystemthat sought to strip us of safety and dignity.

Colonialism and apartheid took land, freedom and opportunity, buttheycould nevertakeour humanity, resilienceorbeliefinjustice.

Human rights arenot privileges, theyare the foundation of what it means to be human.

Everyperson deservesdignitysimplybecausetheyare human, and that shouldnever be up fordebate. When South Africabecameademocracyin1994, it represented hope and amoral commitment to equality and dignity.

To the next generation, Ihope,willrealise the freedoms theyenjoycameata greatcost.

Protect them. Upholdthem. Defend the humanityof everySouth African, everyday Freedom washardwon. Protecting dignityisnow the responsibilityofevery generation.

-ANDILE MONAKALI -EMAIL

Readersexpresstheir viewsonhuman rights

As SouthAfricareflects on thelegacy of theSharpeville Massacreon21 March1966 andthe sacrificesmade by thosewho fought forfreedom andjustice,the conversation around humanrightsremains as important todayasitwas decadesago

Theeventsofthatday serveasa powerful reminder of thecostofinequality andthe ongoingresponsibilitytoprotect andpromote therights of everypersoninthe country. While significant progress hasbeen made sincethe dawn of democracy, many communities stillfacechallenges that affecttheir basicrightsand quality of life.Withthisinmind, People’s Post askedreaders whichhuman righttheybelieve deserves themost attentioninSouth Africa today, and whytheyfeel it is an issuethatneeds urgent focus.

Alaric Jacob says:“Theright to food:there aresomanyinour countrywho arehungryand don’t have food.The unemployment levels aresohighand if we canhaveless restrictions forpeopletoactually do work forthemselves. So,let us help more people to getworksothatwe canfeed more people andmakethat difference.”

AlishiaDaniels believes theright to freedomand security needsurgent attention. “Itneedsattentionbecause criminalsare beinglet free even though they areguiltyoftrespassing andcompromisingthe safety of other individuals.”

Kgomotso Mhlakazi says:“It’s very difficult to just chooseone becausemostofthese humanrights need immediateattention. However,I’d go with protection services

becausethe levelofviolenceinthis countryiscrazy.GBV is aserious crisis in this country. We arenot safe in ourown houses,childrenare not safe at schools, thereare gangseverywhere,drugs everywhere.It’sjust violence andthe lawand ourjustice system aretoo lenientonthe perpetrators. We hear of scholartransport accidentsdue to reckless drivingand children dyingbecause there’snoone to enforceroadrules andthere are no harshconsequences, people do as they wish,pay abribe andmoveon. We hear of shootoutsevery day, rape casesand domestic abuse. Thereare killingsofwhistle-blowers,there are politicalkillings. Idon’t feel safe as a SouthAfrican andI stress aboutmy children’s safety everyday.Prisoners live agoodlifebecause they getfree meals, shelter, electricity, education andhealthcare.

MbuyiseloSibambane says womenand children’s rights must be prioritised. “Itissad to hear thereisa one-year-old childraped by heruncle or awoman killedbyher partner, and youask yourself wherethiscountry is going. Thegovernmentmustmake sure that it protects them andthatthe perpetrators stay behind bars.”

Nandipha Gxowa says women andchildren’srightsneed to be given attention.

Shesaysshe wantsthe government to impose astringent sentence on people whoare abusingwomen andchildren. “I don’tthink people whoare raping children andkilling womendeserve bail.Theyneed to rot in jail.Every dayweare complaining aboutthe same thing.”

Gary Adams says:“Thetwo most

pressing issues,inmyhumbleview, facing SouthAfrica, is housingfor our people andsafer communities (police areunderfundedand understaffed). Ourgovernmenthas failed our citizens on both theseconstitutional humanrights.”

MpumiSomlota says:“Housing andcrime.The people arestill living in informal settlements aftersomany years. Thehighcrime rate is butone of themanysideeffects of theinformalsettlements.Withwinteraround thecorner, my heartbleedsfor our people.”

SamkeloNonkumbi says:“The crimeisatanall-time high andpolice visibility needstobemore. Our people aredying andthe poor are sufferingthe most.”

Shiela Ndileka says:“Ireally want thefaultydrainstoget more attention in ourarea. It’s notonlydangerous forroadusers butalsoour children Thepotholesare very badand it damages thecars.”

LindseyJantjies says:“My favourite humanright is theright to privacy becauseitprotectsmypersonal freedom anddignity.Privacy allows people to keep theirpersonalinformation,thoughts, andconversations safe from others unless they choose to sharethem. It also givesindividuals thefreedom to make decisions withoutbeing constantly watchedor judged.For thesereasons,I believe theright to privacyisone of themost importanthuman rights,especially in my line of work,everyoneisall of asuddentracing agents.I hadto lock my Facebook accountand usea separate number becausemineisall over Cape Town.”

Legendary Ibrahim at Jazz Festival

The renowned SouthAfrican jazz maestroAbdullahIbrahim is set to gracethe stageonceagain at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)takingplace from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 Marchatthe Cape Town InternationalConvention Centre (CTICC)

Knownfor hisprofoundinfluenceonthe jazz scenebothlocally andglobally,Ibrahim’s performancesare nothingshort of transformative Hisuniqueblend of traditionalAfrican sounds with jazz harmonieshas made himan iconic figure,cherished by generationsoffans. Ibrahim’sperformance will notjustbea concertbut aheartfelt celebrationofresilience, culture, andthe enduring powerofmusic

Widely celebrated as oneofthe world’sgreatestpianistsand composers, Ibrahim’scareer spansmorethansix decadesand is rooted in therichculturaltapestryofDistrictSix,where he wasbornand firstdeveloped hisdistinctive sound.

Hisworkblendstraditional Africanmusical idioms,gospelinfluences,Capejazztraditions, andthe improvisationallanguageofglobaljazz.

As apioneering figure in SouthAfrican music, Ibrahimformedthe Dollar BrandTrioin1958 and, in 1959,co-foundedThe Jazz Epistles alongsideHughMasekela, KippieMoeketsi, JonasGwangwa,Johnny Gertze andMakaya Ntshoko.

Theirrecording became the firstjazzalbum by SouthAfrican musicians.

HISWORK BLENDS AFRICANIDIOMS,GOSPEL INFLUENCESAND CAPE JAZZ

That same year,hebegan alifelongpartnership with vocalist SathimaBea Benjamin Hiscompositions, includingthe iconic “Manenberg(Is WhereIt’sHappening)”,became cultural touchstonesand contributedtothe soundtrack of theanti-apartheidmovement.

Following the1960 Sharpeville massacreand intensifying apartheidrepression,Ibrahim went into exile.

In Zürich,Sathima introduced himtoDuke Ellington, leadingtorecordingsand major European appearances.

AfterMandela’s release, he returned home in 1990 andlater performedatthe presidential inauguration in 1994,marking ahistoric homecoming

Having spentmanyyears living,recording, andtouring internationally,Ibrahim’s artistry hasbeenshapedbycollaborationswithglobal legendsand exposure to diversemusical traditions.

Hisperformancesare knownfor theirquiet intensity, spiritualdepth,and emotionalclarity, offeringaudiences aprofoundand often meditative musicalexperience.

Ticketsfor thefestivalare availableonTicketmaster with BuyNow PayLater optionson Loot