People’s Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 21 July 2026
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
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Twentyvolunteershonoured thespiritofMandela Day during aplantingevent at Princess Vlei in Grassy Park, whichhas been crippled by acts of vandalism, on Saturday 18 July
Theevent wasorganised by the Princess Vlei Forum(PVF) andheld on theElfindalesideofthe Vlei accordingtoPVF chairBridget Pitt. Theday’s restorationinvolved clearing thelandofinvasive vegetation,suchaskikuyu grass, to make space forthe indigenous plants
Princess Vlei is hometothe critically endangered Western Cape LeopardToad
whichusedtothrivebesidethe Vlei
“Thisnot only restores indigenous plantspecies,but also thechameleons, frogs, birdsand insectsthey support,manyofwhich arethreatened by extinction Resto-
ration also beautifies thespace for thepleasureofvisitors, andprovides aplace forchildrentolearn about nature,” Pitt said Princess Vlei is home to thecritically endangered WesternCape LeopardToad, remnants of thecritically endangered Cape FlatsSand Fynbos vegetation andendangered fynbos speciesincluding theMarsh Heath(Ericaverticillata)and the Strawberry Spiderhead (Serruria foeniculacea).
@peoplespostnewspaper@ThePeoplesPostPeople’sPost
Volunteersworkonvlei
thePrincessVleitrail afterthe ribbon wascut on Wednesday10June(“Vlei TrailParklaunched”, People’s Post, 16 June).
However, thevleihas been plagued by acts of vandalisminwhich one of thebridges wooden boards were removed.
CCTVcameras at strategiclocations throughout thepark.
Severalpeoplevisitingthe Vlei and passing by thenew walkwayalso paused to puta plantinthe ground
Thedamages occurredonlythree weeksafter theofficial openingofthe R10,2million development, which includes boardwalks,bridges,seating areas, restored fynbos andupgraded public facilities
ResidentsofGrassy Park andthe Forum, whofoughtfor more than adecadetopreservePrincessVlei from aproposedshoppingmalldevelopment, celebrated thelaunchof
City rangersreportedlyinterrupted suspects removing wooden slats from oneofthe bridgesonTuesday 30 June,causing them to flee and abandonthe stolen timber
Additional inspectionslater revealed damagedsigns anda defaced informationboard
To combat thethreatofvandalism, PVFispartneringwiththe City of Cape Town to explorethe installation of CCTVcameras in Princess Vlei afterone of thefootbridgeswas vandalised just weeksafter thefacility opened to thepublic(“Forum calls for support”, People’s Post,14July)
“These included thosewho joined theAfrican Solidarity walk organised by theIshraaq Solidarity Forumto show solidarity with people from otherparts of Africa,” Pitt added.
An AfricanSolidarityWalktypically refers to grassrootsorPan-African public demonstrations held to advocate forhuman rights,self-determination,and theeconomicintegration of thecontinent
TheIshraaq Solidarity Forumis aCapeTown-basedcivil society andgrassrootsactivistorganisation whichactivelymobilises residents forhuman rights,socialjustice,and internationalsolidarity. Earlierthismonth,Ward72 councillorKevin Southgatesaidthe City hasalready increasedpatrols, involved lawenforcement andisengaging security agencies to strengthen protection of thepark. . Residents with information about the vandalismorany other criminal or by-law offences areencouraged to contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centreon021 480 7700 or report anonymously to 0800 110077,24hours aday
20 volunteers helped clearPrincessVleiofinvasivevegetation, such as kikuyu grass, and planted indigenous plants on theElfindaleside of theVlei.
Young visitors also assistedwith planting indigenous plantsatPrincess Vlei forMandelaDay
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ativefor Primedia.Itexemplifies thespiritofUbuntu, ourshared humanity,which compelsusto take action againstinequalityand hunger Participationinsuchinitiatives invigoratescommunities,nourishes children,and strengthensthe social fabric that bindsusall.” KnutsenbelievesBlistersfor Breadisa lastingreminderofthe values that definedSavio College andits commitmenttoserving the community Aftermorethan five decades, Knutsenispreparing to lace up hisshoes once againfor this year’s event.
“I am lookingforward to take part butI am lookingmostforward to notgetting blisters,” he said jokingly Participants canchoosebetween a10kmwalkstartingat07:30 and a5km walk starting at 08:00. Entrycosts R125 perperson, whichcan provide23childrenwith anutritiousbreakfast andlunch forone day. Entriesare limitedto 10 000 participants,and registrationsclose at midnight on Sunday 2August. Only online entrieswill be accepted
ousingcrisis
report monthlycosts of R1 200toR1500 fora single route. Workersdisplaced to outlying areastravel15-20 km or more.Those whocannot affordtolivenearworktravelthe furthest, pay themostand lose themosttime. When teachers cannotaffordtoliveneartheir schoolstheyspend hourscommuting instead of preparinglessons or eating dinnerwiththeir families.Nurses finish demandingshiftsonly to face anothertwo-hourjourney home.Police officers servecommunities they cannotafford to live in.Weshouldask honestly whetherour cities aredesignedfor thepeoplewho keep them functioning
Perhapsthe most revealingfactabout the City’s commitments is this:the City of Cape Town promised 12 000 affordable-housing unitstargeting households earninguptoR32 000 permonth.Asofmid-2025not asingle gapopen-market unit hadbeen completed. The R5,1 billion social packageexists. Thepolitical will to deploy it whereitisneeded most does notyet appear to SouthAfrica’snationalhousing backlogstands at approximately2,4 million units. More than 90%ofindividuals from historically marginalised groups remain in areasdesignatedunder apartheidspatial-planning,) areasthatconcentratepoverty,limit opportunityand guarantee long commutes. Fewerthan8%oftracked households in social housingevertransition to privatehomeownership.Whenthe system trapspeoplegeographically thepromise that honest work leadstosomewhere betterbecomesnomorethananattractive butinfinitely elusiveprospect. At what pointdid full-time employment stop beingenoughtobuild alife? Nota life of luxury.A modest one. Aplace to call home.A reasonable commute.Timetoeat dinnerwithyourfamily. Thechancetosave. Thepossibility of building wealth insteadof spending agrowing shareofyoursalaryonrent, transportand rising municipalcosts We have accepted adangerous contradiction. We tell youngpeoplethateducation is the pathwaytoopportunity, that hard work pays off,thata stable career leadstostability.Yet an increasing number of graduatesand professionalsare discoveringthatevenwithpermanent employment,homeownership in thecitywhere they work is notjustdelayed,but structurally impossible. Perhapsthe biggest question is notwhether theWestern Cape hasenough affordablehouses. It is whetherwehavequietly accepted that an entire generation candoeverythingsociety askedofthem: study, find work, paytaxes,contributetothe economyand still neverown ahomeinthe city they help build. If that is becoming normal,thenweare facing more than ahousing crisis.Weare witnessing theslowerasure of oneofthe most fundamental promises of adulthood:thathonestworkshould make it possibletobuild afuture.
Youth return home inspired
KEANANHARMSE
Agroupofyoung delegatesfromCape Town’s Cape Flatsreturnedhome buzzing with ideasafter attending Festival26,aninternational youthempowermentevent held in Boston,United States of America(USA),fromSunday5 to Monday 13 July
Thedelegationrepresented Oasis“ReachFor Your Dreams”, aSchaapkraal-based non-profit organisation (NPO)founded in 2000.
Oasisusessport,specifically football and netball, as avehicle to empoweryouth and marginalised communities,while also offering life skills training,violencepreventionprogrammesand community upliftment initiatives forat-risk youth.
The five youngdelegates –Shady Jaftha,Zoe Ruiters, Nathan Harrison, KeanuSampson andLiyanda Narwele– hail from LotusRiver, Grassy Park,Ottery andPhumlaniVillage
They were accompaniedbyyouth leader Lynn Damons and flew outofCapeTownInternational Airportonthe morningofMonday6 July (“AhistoricUSA trip foryoungsters”, People’)s Post,7 July).
Theirparticipation wasmadepossibleafter Oasissuccessfully reachedits fundraising target of R240 000– agoalthe NPOhad been appealingtothe public to support just weeks before departure.
Festival26 broughttogetherapproximately 400young people from 24 countries, providing aplatformfor cultural exchange,leadership development, global citizenshipand international networking
LIFE-CHANGING
Oasiswas invitedtoparticipate as aproud member of theglobalCommonGoalnetwork, placingthe Cape Flatsorganisation firmly on
FESTIVAL26 BROUGHT TOGETHER ABOUT 400 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM 24 COUNTRIES
an internationalstage Harrisondescribed theexperienceas“a life-changingopportunity”,withhis highlight beingthe friendshipsmadewithyoung people from across theglobe andparticipating in Football3 tournament.Football3 is aunique educationalmethodology andstreet football format designed to buildvital life skills –such as fair play,genderequalityand teamwork –on equalfootingwithathleticability
“Ittaughtmetorespect oneanother on and off thepitch.I also learneda lotabout theirculturaldifferences. We even shared ourdifferent backgrounds. Ievenchallenged aYouTuber andbeating himinhis ownchallenge,”hesaid. Football3 emphasises conflictresolutionand dialogue over traditionalcompetitive refereeing.
Jaftha,experiencingoverseastravelfor the firsttime, said thebeautiful sights of Boston, thefood,and thenew friendshipsmadeit“a dreamcometrue”
POPULAR YOUTUBER
Ruitersechoedthatsentiment,notinghow delegatestaughteachother wordsfromtheir differentlanguages,creatingmemoriesshe says shewillnever forget QuelynnDavids, anotherparticipant,saidshe will neverforgetthe greatmemoriestheymade in Boston andevengot thechancetomeet popularYouTuberSV2 in person “I learnt aboutFootball3 whichtaughtme that football is notonlyabout football, it’s abouthavingrespect forthe next player and
Theyoungdelegates also took part in aFootball3 tournament wheretheylearnt about the importanceofrespecting different cultures.
Theyouth delegatesand their mentors explored various citiesduring their tour to theUSA forthe Festival26 workshop PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
your teammates. It’s also abouthavingfun,” shesaid.
Oasisfounder CliffordMartinusexpressed immensepride in thegroup’s growth throughoutthe experience “Webelieve theexperiencetheygained abroad andthe expansionoftheir horizons, should inform theirfuturedecision-making as they journeyto finish theirschool yearsand likely further studiesbeyondschool,” he said "Welook aheadtohavingthemevenmore involved in theOasis organisation as youth ambassadors."
Mental healthtakes centrestage
Julyispsychosocialdisabilityawareness monthand Cape Mental Health, together with theSouth African Federation forMentalHealth(SAFMH), arecalling on communities forgreater investment in community-basedmental health services.These services help peoplewithpsychosocialdisabilitiesrecover,livewithdignity,exercisetheir rights, andparticipate fully in society.
This year’s campaign highlights theimportanceofmovingawayfromapproachesthat isolatepeoplewithmentalhealthconditions. Instead, it encourages communities to create opportunitiesfor people to live,learn,work, andbeincludedineverydaycommunity life
AccordingtoBarbara Meyer, spokesperson forCapeMentalHealth, they areappealingfor investment in community-based mental health services that promoterecovery, dignity, human rights,and social inclusionfor people living with psychosocial disabilities
This year’s theme, “FromInstitution to Inclusion: TheImportanceofCommunity-Based Mental Health Care”, highlights theneed to move beyond approaches that isolatepeople with mental health conditions andinstead createopportunitiesfor them to live,learn,work, andparticipate fully in theircommunities
Thecampaignaimstoraise awarenessabout psychosocial disability,challengestigmaand discrimination,and advocate forthe rights of people living with severe andlong-term mental health conditions
Apsychosocialdisabilityoccurs when aperson living with along-term mental health condition experiencesbarriersthatlimit theirability to participateequally in society. Thesebarriers mayinclude stigma,discrimination, lack of support services,unemployment, poverty, or limitedaccess to healthcare andeducation
ARANGE OF COMMUNITYBASEDMENTAL-HEALTH SERVICESISAVAILABLE.
is oneofthe most effective ways to support recovery andsocialinclusion.Unlikelong-term institutionalcare, community-based services allowpeopletoremainconnected to theirfamilies, friends, workplaces,schoolsand support networks whilereceiving thecaretheyneed “The longestpartofmentalhealthrecovery journeys happensoutside of hospital walls,” says Santie Terreblanche, Cape Mental Health’s Deputy ExecutiveOfficer. “Truehealing takes placewithinour communitiesand families, amongpeoplewho accept andembrace us Why, then,are community-basedmentalhealth services stillunderfundedand outofreach for most?Every community deserves easy access to mental health care that restores hope and dignity.”
PSYCHOSOCIALREHABILITATIONSERVICES
Theorganisationprovidesa rangeofcommunity-based mental health services designed to empowerindividuals andsupport theirrecovery journey. Theseservicesinclude counselling, psychosocial rehabilitation andsupport, family education, support groups,community outreach programmes, treatmentadherence support,skills development, andpubliceducation initiatives.
Akey componentofCapeMentalHealth’s community-based approach is itsFountain HouseProgrammesinObservatory andMitchells Plain. Theseprogrammesformpartof ClubhouseInternational andoffer psychosocial rehabilitation services that help membersbuild confidence, developworkand life skills,access supported employment opportunities, and strengthen social connections
Kimber House, aCapeMentalHealthresidential facility in Observatory, provides supported independentlivingfor adults with psychosocial disabilities.Residents receivepsychosocialrehabilitation,lifeskills development, social work support,and assistance to participateactivelyin community life
COMMUNITY-BASEDMENTAL-HEALTHCARE
Peer supportprogrammesfurther contribute to recovery by creating safe spaces wherepeople with livedexperienceofmental-health conditionscan support oneanother,share experiences,reduceisolation andfosterhope. Despitegrowing recognitionofthe valueof community-based mental health care,significant challenges remain.Mental-health services continue to be under-funded, thereare shortages of trainedmental-health professionals, and stigma continuestoprevent many people from accessing education, employment,housing and community participationopportunities.
During Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month, Cape Mental Health encourages government, employers, health-careproviders, teachers,community organisations, families, andthe public to play an active role in creating more inclusivecommunities
Theorganisationiscalling forincreased investment in community-based mental health services,greater access to psychosocial rehabilitation programmes, stronger support networks, andthe protection andpromotion of therights of personswithpsychosocialdisabilities. Untilthe endofJulyCapeMentalHealth will be raisingawareness throughsocialmedia campaigns, community educationinitiatives, mediaengagement, peer support activities,and open days at itsFountainHouse programmesin Observatoryand Mitchells Plain.
.Formoreinformation about Cape Mental Health’sservicesand Psychosocial Disability contact BarbaraMeyer on 082897 8176 or info@ cmh.org.za.
Kites were flown at apast Cape Mental Health event.JulymarksPsychosocial DisabilityAwareness Month, with Cape Mental Health and the South African Federation forMental Health (SAFMH) calling forgreater investmentincommunity-basedmental health services.PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Localplayers hope to makehistory
KEANANHARMSE
The Zeekoevlei High School u-19 Boys SoccerTeamhas earned an invitation to competeinthe SuperSoccer SchoolsTournament, settotakeplace in Gqeberha next month(August).
Thetournamentdraws some of the finest school football teamsfromacrossSouth Africa, andZeekoevlei hasbeen selected to proudly fly the flag forthe WesternCape.
Thesquad is made up of talented youngmen from thecommunities of Ottery,Lotus River, Phumlani Village,and PelicanPark.
TheSuper SoccerSchools Tournament is a premierelite high school football competition in SouthAfrica, bringing together topu-16and u-19 boys’and girls’ teamsfromacrossall nine provinces.
Theevent is hosted by UrbanAcademy in Gqeberha andisbroadcast on theSuperSport Schoolsplatform.
Forthese learners,football is farmorethan agame, accordingtotheir coachand teacher, Jordan Gysman “Soccerrunsinmyblood.I played thegame sincea youngage.The game hasgiven me a lot, friendshipsand lots of life lessons andthis is somethingI’d like to pass on to theboys, it’s notjustabout winning.It’sabout creating memoriesand forminglife-time bonds,”he said Zeekoevlei High’s soccerplayers were beamingwithpride afterhearing abouttheir tournament qualification,headded.
“Wefeltproud andimmenselygrateful forthe opportunity. This hasbeen ourgoalfor thepast twoyears
“Whenweheard thenewsthe boys were over themoon becauseweknewitmeant we wouldbetravelling to PE andgetting another opportunitytoshowcaseour talent andability,” he said
DarrenBasson, aplayerfromLotus River, says he fell in love with thesport at theage of seven.
He is centralmidfielderwho dictates play and breaks down theopposition’s attack
“I mean everysoccerplayer’sfuturegoalisto become aprofessional.I wouldlovetomakeit as apro,but Iwould also like to be an inspiration to theyoung lads in thecommunity and make it possiblefor youngeronesthatlovethis game andgivethe chancesI maybedidn’tget,” he says
FellowplayerJermaineBaatjies says hisbiggest football idol is CristianoRonaldo
“I enjoyplaying football becauseitkeepsme active,teaches me discipline,and allows me to work with others as ateam. Ialwaystry to improvemyskills andgivemybestinevery match,”hesays.
StrikerIjaaz Williamsonsayssoccerhas been his“escape”fromthe stress of everyday life
“Growing up,I spenthours playingwith
friendswheneverI hadthe chance.The joyof scoringgoals andcompeting made me realise that football is more than just agame, it is my passion,” he says Theplayers areburstingwithexcitementfor thesoccertourassomeofthemhad neverbeen outsideofthe WesternCape.
“Thisisgoing to be eyeopening andlife changing forthem. We want to inspire, we want to spread hope andleave people,young or old, with themessage that nothingis impossible.
“Weshouldnever letour circumstancesdefine us.I always tell theboys“everything starts with adream,and we will continue dreaming My jobistoleadthe attack,createscoring opportunities, finish chances, andput pressure on defenders. Ienjoy helpingmyteamwin by scoringgoals,” he concludes.
.Formoreinformation,contact Jordan Gysman at 081 3551073orgysmanjordan007@gmail.com
Zeekoevlei High School u- Boys Socce eamcelebrating with coach and teacherJordan Gysman. Thenewly sponsored football kits.
Zeekoevlei High School’s football starsare looking forwardtomaking their communities proudatthe upcoming Super Soccer SchoolsTournament PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Mandela Daycelebrated widely
Communities across SouthAfrica came together on Saturday,18July, to mark MandelaDay throughacts of serviceaimed at upliftingthose in need andhonouring thelegacyofformer presidentNelsonMandela
In Cape Town,schools, businesses, non-profit organisations, community groups andvolunteersrolleduptheir sleevestotakepartina wide rangeofinitiatives,including food drives, beachand neighbourhood clean-ups, educational activities,treeplanting, meal preparation andcommunity outreach projects
WhileMandela Daywas officially commemo-
Morethan 150 volunteers joined theTwo Oceans Aquarium’sTrash Bash beach clean-upatMonwabisi Beach on Saturday18July, collecting 611kg of litter alongside CleanCoast SA and theMayine e AfrikaFoundation. TwoOceans Aquarium spokesperson Heather Waressaid the facilityisgrateful forthe environmentalwork carried out by both organisations.
THOUSANDSGAVE67
MINUTESOFTHEIRTIME TO GIVE BACK
ratedonSaturday, many organisationshosted theireventsonFriday, allowing thousandsof people across themetro to giving back From feedingvulnerablefamiliesand supportingearly childhood developmentcentres to protecting theenvironment andimproving public spaces,the initiativesreflectedMandela’s enduring message that everyone hasthe power to make apositivedifference
Thenon-profit organisation, CommunityChest of theWestern Cape transformed Bree Street in Cape Town intoa1600-seat outdoor “Langtafel”,bringingpeopletogether to sharea meal and celebrate thespirit of giving.
Friends of TableMountain volunteers,alongside MedXand RondeboschBoys’ High School learners, markedMandelaDay by clearing invasive Port Jacksontrees in Silvermine to help restorefynbos, protect biodiversity and conserve waterresources.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
CRAWFORD Room in 3bedroom Housefor Singlelady to share 082 758
NOTICE OF SURRENDER OF A DEBTORS ESTATE (SECTION 4(1) OF THE INSOLVENCYACT 24 OF 1936)
Noticeishereby given that applicationwillbe made to the High Courtof South Africa, Western Cape Division, Cape Town on the6th dayofAugust 2026 for the acceptance of thesurrender of the estate of HISHAAM
JOHNSTONE Identity Number: (981102 5840 084) 8OpelRoad, Lansdowne, Cape Town, andthat astatementof his affairswill liefor inspectionatthe officeof the Master of the High Court WesternCape, Cape Town fora period of 14 daysfromthe 15th day of July 2026. 13 July 2026
Attorneys for the Applicant ADAM, ALLIE & MORARATTORNEYS 289BelgraviaRoad Penlyn Estate Cape Town TEL: 082891 2244 Email: disha@aamlaw.co.za REF:DM/HJ002
