People's Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 25 November 2025

Chief Heat Officer will help to Beat the Heat

ANAMHLAMONAKALI

s the world grapples with rising temperatures and extreme heat events linked to climate change, the City of Cape Town has announced the appointment of Albert Ferreira, as its first Chief Heat Officer

Ferreira, who is also the City’s Manager for Resilience and Climate Change, will lead initiatives to raise public awareness and strengthen the City’s heat response measures as part of its Beat the Heat programme and broader Heat Action Plan

“Cape Town’s Climate Change Action Plan addresses various climate hazards including droughts, fires, floods, and storms The specific focus on extreme heat as a growing public health and urban planning challenge highlights the need to treat it with the same urgency as other climate hazards,” said Ferreira

In the hottest months, some parts of the city experience temperatures above 35°C The highest temperature on record for last year was

44,6°C, recorded at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in the Foreshore, the hottest yet for Cape Town

The Beat the Heat programme, introduced during the summer of last year, focuses on communities most affected by high temperatures, including Atlantis, Mamre, Dunoon, Joe Slovo and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village

The initiative is implemented by multiple City departments, including Environmental Management, Risk and Resilience, and Disaster Risk Management

Cape Town joined the international City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) network last year, making it one of only three African cities, alongside Freetown and Kisumu County, to be part of the global partnership

“Albert’s appointment forms part of this international collaboration Chief Heat Officers across the world aim to unify city responses to extreme heat, accelerate protection measures, and reduce the risks and impacts of heat, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Gareth Morgan, the City’s Executive Director for Future Planning and

HIGHEST TEMP IN CITY LAST YEAR WAS 44.6°C

Resilience

The United Nations (UN) issued a Call to Action on Extreme Heat in July last year, urging governments to prioritise protecting vulnerable groups, workers, and communities while strengthening economic and social resilience

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined other CCHA mayors in endorsing the call

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions expected over the Bergrivier and Matzikama municipalities, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach the 40s Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses

TIPSTOBEATTHEHEAT:

. Drink plenty of water, spray bottle or damp cloth to cool down

. Seek shade or visit air-conditioned public spaces such as

libraries or shopping centres

of Cape Town has announced the

. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a wide-brim hat

. Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon

. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting, and seek medical help immediately

. Check on family, neighbours, and friends, especially those at higher risk

. For details and downloadable tools on heat safety,visit capetown gov za or access the City’s Beat the Heat educational materials site.

MyCiTiupdatestomodernvalidationtech

The City of Cape Town has announced plans to replace its current validators in its buses and at the stations from the beginning of December until the end of January next year

According to the City, these devices will be able to support modern and convenient payment methods in future The replacements will be done in phases, starting on Tuesday 2 December until Friday 30 January next year, if all goes as planned

“Our validators at the MyCiTi stations and on the buses are reaching their end of life and much like a mobile phone that needs to be replaced after a certain period, we now need to replace these validators with the modern version For now, the new single validators are only replacing the old separate “IN” and “OUT” machines on the buses and streamlining the boarding process for commuters,” said the City’s Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas

All work is planned for after hours and during off-peak times to minimise the disruption for commuters

As of Tuesday 2 December, commuters will notice replacement validators are activated at one station gate in the Stadium; Granger Bay; Refinery; Sandown and Janssens stations Around Thursday 4 December replacement validators will be activated on the first ten buses

Customers may encounter a mix

of old and new validators while the installations are still under way and commuters are encouraged to use the old separate IN and OUT validators At stations, customers should continue to tap in and tap out on any old validator or replacement validator in order to enter or exit These devices are also being used to replace info terminals at all stations where commuters view their card balance and transaction history

I am trying to be gentler with myself...

We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce I have come to realise that I’m married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up

and wonders who one is outside of one ’ s job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life

That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are

My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle We internalised those messages until slowing down began to feel like failure It has become normal to answer emails at midnight, to skip rest days and equate exhaustion with success

But what happens when the career slows down, when the children grow up or when the titles fade? What happens when the thing that

once defined one becomes partly redundant, has partly outlived its use value?

That question haunts me sometimes Because I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later

Except “later” always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one ’ s body reminds one it has limits even when one ’ s will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks “Who are you now?”

I am learning that belonging comes from connection, to ourselves, to others and to moments that have nothing to do with ambition Sometimes that looks

like a quiet walk after a long day Sometimes it is laughing with friends without checking one ’ s phone Sometimes it is doing absolutely nothing and realising one is still enough

That recognition takes practice For me it has meant setting boundaries that once felt impossible, saying no to late-night deadlines, taking weekends to reconnect with family and picking hobbies up that do not have outcomes or evaluations It means making peace with stillness, an uncomfortable task for those of us conditioned to measure our days in productivity I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do There has to be more There has to be room to breathe, to grow, to change

So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Trying to build a life that is full, not just busy

Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming

School honours grandparents

KEANANHARMSE

Perivale Primary School honoured the important role that grandparents play in the lives of the youth and broader community through a special celebration on Friday 15 November

The inagural Grandparents Day, which took place between 10:00 and noon, celebrated grandparents as the “kings and queens ” who serve as pillars of strength in many local families “With the theme ‘Gratitude’ the morning was filled with warmth, excitement and heartfelt appreciation,” said Grade R teacher Cheryl Alexander

The programme featured songs, dance, and touching poems rendered by the school’s Grade 7 learners

“The event also highlighted the true value of grandparents – their wisdom, strength and the nurturing presence they bring to families

A special highlight of the day was that each

THE THEME‘GRATITUDE’ WAS ABOUT WARMTH, EXCITEMENT AND HEARTFELT APPRECIATION

grandparent left with a thoughtfully packed goodie bag A small token of appreciation made possible through generous donations from sponsors, ” she said These bags were donated as a memento for the grandparents to let them know their value in society

“We extend our sincere gratitude to every grandparent who attended and made the day so special “The celebration reminded us once again that gratitude is the memory of the heart, it will remain in our hearts long after the moment has passed a lasting memory of kindness and blessing,” said Alexander

Christel House joins shutdown

KEANANHARMSE

Over 90 staff members and learners from Christel House South Africa (CHSA) drew purple hearts and wore black in honour of the Women’s Shutdown and to raise awareness of the suffering caused by gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on Friday 21 November At noon, the school community paused for a moment of silence and standstill, honouring the victims of violence.

The shutdown was organised by Women For Change (WFC), an organisation combating GBV, to pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a national disaster

On Thursday 20 November, on the eve of the two-day G20 summit, Ramaphosa declared the GBV as a “national crisis ”

“Our junior school and high school joined the national call for change by observing the G20 Women’s Shutdown in solidarity with the

SPEAK OUT AGAINST HARM OR INJUSTICE

movement against gender-based violence in South Africa,” explained school spokesperson Megan Losper

Throughout the day, learners participated in age-appropriate programmes, conversations, and activities designed to build awareness, empathy, and respect

“These initiatives are more than a lesson; they are part of the foundation we set for our young people: to value one another deeply and to speak out against any form of harm or injustice,” she added CHSA says they are trauma-informed school and see the impact of these issues related to GBVF on learners

“We proudly stand alongside those fighting for a safer and more just future for all women and girls Together, we raise our voices for change,” Losper said

PelicanParkprotestpeacefully

KEANANHARMSE

Pelican Park High School was joined by members of Grassy Park police during their peaceful protest of solidarity to honour the Women’s Shutdown and raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)

Armed with placards opposing GBVF, the school held a demonstration at the school gates which included staff, learners, parents, and the broader Pelican Park community for a powerful display of unity

The participants were dressed in solidarity colours which included black and purple, and held placards and stood together to highlight the urgency of ending GBVF

Grassy Park police spokesperson Sgt Alridge Issacs confirmed that their members joined the school’s cause and offered their support

He said two of their sector commanders joined the demonstration which included Sgt Eugene Nel and Const Brandon Issacs

The school was inspired to unite and join the cause by a Grade 8 learner, Shahd Shadrick, who approached school principal, Shariefa Clark, urging that Pelican Park High should take an active stand Shadrick, in partnership with the Represen-

tative Council of Learners (RCL), voiced his feelings on the matter saying that young people “cannot be silenced” in the face of violence against women and children

Clark said she was very eager to welcome the idea with full support and says she enjoys championing awareness programmes and community empowerment

“Our learners are at the heart of social change When they take initiative, we stand with them,” she said

Clark described as the demonstration as ‘‘true humanity and Ubuntu in action”

“We cannot be silent in the face of violence,” she added “Our voices matter, and today, our community showed that we stand together,” she said

Clark encouraged victims and families exposed to GBVF to report these incidents through the following methods: talk to someone you trust, seek help from support networks or professionals, report the incident to the police or open a criminal case against the perpetrator

“Pelican Park High School continues to reaffirm its commitment to creating a safe, aware, and socially responsible learning environment,” she said

A ‘Let’s keep going’ for change

cock mantis shrimps ub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass

s Aquarium today

Mobility gives you wings to soar!

Having lost her first leg at just one year old, prosthetics have given her a second chance at a full life.

Nokuthula Yonke (24) from Lansdowne faced a difficult upbringing Raised in foster care, and born with spina bifida, Princess Nonny, as she is affectionately known, has overcome much adversity in her short two decades “I was born with level four spina bifida I was born with both legs, but due to my disability my health had been going up and down I lost my first leg when I was a year and six months, and now I am a double below-the-knee amputee,” she says She has been a patient of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre (OPC) Pinelands for almost 20 years, having received her first prosthetic leg at the age of five through an outreach clinic to Maitland Cottage Hospital in the early 90s

With the help of these prostheses, the Lansdowne local has gone on to compete in pageantry earning 1st Princess of Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021 and playing professional international sport in provincial and national colours in wheelchair basketball, shotput, discuss and adaptive surfing, among other achievements

She is also a full-time student

“Prosthetics has improved my life so much as an athlete and a part of society I can do so many things I never imagined I could do, such as hiking and walking more than 10-

THE CENTRE WORKS ON REFERRALS

20km from one place to another I am able to ride the bike in the gym, pick up weights These are all the things I used to see on Instagram reels growing up and never imagined I would be able to do,” she says She receives ongoing care, with pin lock prostheses made to fit her active lifestyle

On Wednesday 5 November, we observed International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, aimed at creating awareness and celebrating the role played in empowering those with disabilities November is also Disability Awareness Month

Mr Bongani Mlambo, Facility Manager at OPC Pinelands, says they treat a variety of ailments in the management of disability, pain and injury

“The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre in Pinelands is the only Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness centre that services the province with orthotic, prosthetic and footwear services, excluding the Eden region where these services are outsourced to a private service provider The Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre currently operates 122 outreach clinics across 21 different locations,” he says The centre works on referrals from a number of hospitals and facilities across the province and treat patients

with ailments and injuries including scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, athletes with injuries such as ankle sprain or shin splint, diabetic foot, arthritis, amputations, trauma, chronic pain management and other foot deformities

The facility manufactures aides from scratch, specially customised to the need and body of the patient

They also offer ready to purchase aides procured from a local supplier

The centre treats both adults and children from eight weeks old OPC Pinelands treats patients on referrals only For orthotic services, patients are referred from community health care centres, primary health care centres, community organisations, geriatric services, insurance providers, government organisations, pediatric services, private and non-profit organisations For prosthetic services you need a referral from the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre Amputation clinic or Groote Schuur Hospital Amputation clinic

Casts and orthotic aides are customised to the need of the client

Withgrowingdiabetesrisk,healthychoicesstartyoung

Diabetes is a group of diseases characterised by high blood sugar levels

PHOTO: PEXELS

With more residents getting tested for diabetes, the City’s Health department has welcomed the trend but cautions that screening must go hand in hand with healthier choices, especially among younger people World Diabetes Day is commemorated annually on 14 November

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of South Africans and is the second leading cause of death

in the country, behind tuberculosis According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, 14% of adults aged 18 years and older were living with diabetes, an increase from 7% in 1990 More than half (59%) of adults aged 30 years and over living with diabetes were not taking medication for their diabetes in 2022 Historically, diabetes is associated with older persons, but recent trends

show that Type 2 Diabetes is starting to affect younger persons Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said more people in their 20s are diagnosed with diabetes and the cause is often the choices they made as teenagers “Healthy food choices and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes You’re not too young to

start making better choices for your health ”

In the past financial year, the number of diabetes screenings at City clinics in the 18 to 44 age group rose by just more than 4% to 132 518, with 425 new diabetes clients . Visit your nearest City Health clinic: https://www.capetown.gov.za/ Departments/City%20Health%20 Department for details

Don’t just dump IT, phones, appliances

As Black Friday (28 November) and Cyber Monday (1 December) approach, ERA

NPC is urging consumers and businesses to focus on responsible e-waste recycling

The Claremont based non-profit company aims to help producers meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations in a simple, efficient, affordable, and trackable way

Ashley du Plooy, chief executive officer of ERA NPC, said: “We urge the public to responsibly recycle their old and unwanted electrical and electronic appliances before purchasing new ones, helping to mitigate the looming e-waste crisis ”

South Africa is facing a critical challenge, often described as a “ticking time bomb” by industry commentators like MyBroadband, as the volume of electronic waste continues to mount

The statistics are concerning: “The Surmounting Mountains of E-waste 2025” report highlights the exponentially growing quantity of electronic and electrical waste being generated in the country

This waste stream is the fast-

ERA E-WASTE DROP-OFF BINS AT MAJOR RETAILERS PICK N PAY AND MAKRO

est-growing globally, and inadequate disposal practices, such as sending e-waste to landfill, risk contaminating soil and water with hazardous toxins like lead and mercury

Du Plooy said this Black Friday and Cyber Monday millions of new products will be sold, inevitably leading to the discarding of older devices By preparing for new purchases through responsible recycling, South African consumers and businesses can actively prevent a surge of harmful e-waste from entering the environment

RESPONSIBLERECYCLING:

Consumers and businesses have a clear role to play Instead of hoarding or disposing of old devices improperly, ERA NPC encourages the public to use their extensive collection network

Examples of small electrical appliances to recycle: Small household appliances:

Toasters, kettles, hair dryers, blenders, vacuum cleaners, old cellphones,

laptops, keyboards, monitors, printers

CONSUMERELECTRONICS:

Remote controls, digital cameras, headphones, old DVD players

HOWYOUCANGETINVOLVED:

Locate your nearest official ERA e-waste drop-off bin at major retailers including Pick n Pay and Makro

Du Plooy stresses the long-term significance recycling responsibly

“Our e-waste recycling habits now ensure the future of our children tomorrow By making a conscious choice to recycle your old appliances today, you are directly protecting our environment and conserving valuable resources for the generations who will inherit this country

“Responsible disposal is not merely an option; it is an obligation to our future ”

. Find your nearest ERA e-waste bin using the location map on ERA’s website: https://eranpc co za/for-the-public/find-an-ewaste-drop-off-location/

CityofCapeTownlaunchestheseason’ssafetyplan

Don’t be taken in by Black Friday

Two thirds of South Africans (64,3%) are relying on significant Black Friday deals on groceries and food to take the edge off what has been one of the toughest years financially for households across the country

This is the disturbing reveal from a survey conducted by the country’s leading debt counselling company Debt Rescue, to ascertain the mindset of consumers, ahead of this year ’ s major pre-festive season shopping event on Friday 28 November

While Black Friday has grown far beyond a single day of deals, since first bursting onto the retail scene in South Africa in 2012, driven by online retailers such as Takealot, it has since evolved into a shopping “ season ” that encompasses Cyber Monday on 1 December – setting the tone for the festive holiday retail experience – and generating a real sense of excitement and expectation among consumers over the past decade

This year it seems that sentiment has shifted, with a sizeable segment of South Africans now viewing Black Friday through a vastly different lens, having battled their way through another turbulent year of financial stress and strain, driven by relentless price increases and (still) high interest rates

“Insights from the survey we conducted are deeply concerning, showing that more than half of our participants cannot afford Black Friday shopping at all this year, ” said CEO of Debt Rescue Neil Roets, “with as many confessing that the shopping event and the advertising campaign around it have become a source of financial pressure and potential debt, and no longer engenders excitement ”

The survey results showed 50,38% of those polled believe Black Friday pushes people into unnecessary debt, while 25,3% feel stress or pressure to buy what they cannot afford

IT’SABOUTSURVIVAL

A SOURCE OF FINANCIAL STRESS, POTENTIAL DEBT

Roets said for most consumers this major shopping event was no longer about being able to splurge on little luxuries once a year, but rather to provide them with short-term relief by saving on essential items they need to stock the grocery cupboard and, at the same time, free up a little cash to spend on a special festive season meal for the family

This is the time of year when consumers are bombarded with relentless Black Friday advertising, making it difficult to resist impulse purchases However, insights from the Debt Rescue survey indicate that this year will be different, more than half of those polled (58,3%) saying they would buy only essentials such as food and household items

The survey results showed that, although a significant number of people intended to participate in Black Friday despite their economic challenges, they would largely spend on food and groceries while 19,9% would look for deals to help them afford clothing and school uniforms for the year ahead

NOMOREDEBT

In addition, survey outcomes showed respondents would avoid incurring new debt at all costs, even for discounted items, 60,9% opting to pay for their Black Friday purchases using either cash or their debit cards only, and only 3,5% saying they will use credit “This tells us that consumers are going to act with extreme caution this year when it comes to emptying their wallets,” Roets explained “People are really feeling the pinch, and I believe this is being driven by a fear of getting into even more debt

‘With the average citizen now spending around 80% of their income servicing debt every month, and millions more unable to afford even the basic necessities, this is understand-

able and commendable ”

AQUIETERCRISIS

“It’s no secret that financial stress is eroding the peace of mind of millions of people across the country,” Roets pointed out “Worrying about how to put enough food on the table for your family, or whether you will be able to meet your debt repayments every month, deeply impacts the emotional health and overall well-being of human beings and, by all indications, the pressure of retail events like Black Friday seems to be exacerbating this ” Findings from the newly released 2025 Cumulate Financial Resilience Index substantiate this, showing that 29% of South Africans report money pressure harming their mental health, while 42% constantly worry about their finances Released by independent financial behavioural specialists, Cumulate identifies “financial stress syndrome” as a widespread condition affecting even well-educated, high-earn-

ing South Africans The index explained it as a state of “middle-class poverty” that had a profound impact on health, relationships and wealth-building capabilities

“It’s a quiet crisis inside the minds of people,” Gary Kayle, CEO of Worth, a local financial education brand, said in a recent interview with Jeremy Maggs for Moneyweb@Midday

“With many households on the brink of financial ruin, ” said Roets, “and millions more barely able to live from paycheck to paycheck, the sad truth is that South Africans will be forced to use their credit facilities over the December holidays, just to enjoy some kind of festive cheer, even if this means serving up three nutritious meals for the family

“My advice to those who have fallen into a debt trap is to seek help from a registered debt counsellor who can assist them to manage their financial predicament This has been a very successful solution for thousands of consumers who are plagued by over-indebtedness ”

Impulsivespendingathreattoconsumers

As South Africans gear-up for Black Friday on 28 November, the National Financial Ombud (NFO) urges consumers to think twice before swiping their way into a financial hangover

While seasonal discounts may offer short-term appeal, the long-term consequences of overspending on credit, including high-interest debt and depleted savings, can undermine essential financial goals and lead to post-holiday hardship

The NFO has also cautioned that digital fraud tends to spike during the year-end holiday season

Nerosha Maseti, Credit and Banking Division Lead Ombud at the NFO, said Black Friday, known for massive sales and long lines, is a shopper’s

adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers and the thrill of snagging the perfect deal

“But beneath the buzz lies a financial minefield Swipe-happy spending can spiral into credit-card chaos and lurking digital scams are ready to pounce when vigilance slips To win the day truly, smart shoppers arm themselves with a plan, stay sharp online and keep their budgets on lockdown After all, the best deal is one that doesn’t cost your peace of mind ”

IMPULSIVESPENDING

Many South Africans use credit to fund Black Friday purchases, but impulsive spending can lead to

unmanageable debt Maseti said the risks of such expenditure include high-interest credit card balances or short-term loans, depletion of savings intended for essential goals like home ownership, education or emergencies and financial strain after the holiday season, when unexpected credit card or loan repayments become due, leaving consumers with limited funds for essential living expenses

She advised consumers to set a spending budget and stick to it; prioritise long-term financial goals over seasonal bargains; and keep credit balances low

CREDITCARDFRAUD

The NFO also sounded the alarm on a surge in credit-card scams

Fraudsters tend to zero in on Black Friday shoppers using non-bank and store-branded credit cards, especially those tied to big-name retailers

“These criminals contact cardholders by phone,” Maseti warned, “impersonating representatives from these companies, and deceive unsuspecting consumers into revealing their confidential One-Time Pins (OTPs) to make unauthorised purchases at large merchants, leaving victims responsible for fraudulent charges

“While this scam has been known in traditional banking circles for many years its rising prevalence in the nonbank credit card market is deeply concerning The NFO is worried such fraud will escalate over Black Friday with high transaction volumes and increased consumer activity

“It is crucial for cardholders to remember that no legitimate company will ever ask them to share confidential information such as card numbers, passwords, or OTPs ”

A recent case investigated by the NFO revealed a new trend, with the consumer losing R120 000 after responding to a social media advert offering discounted airline tickets

After submitting her phone number and email via a link she was contacted through WhatsApp and instructed to download an app from the Google Play Store to access promo codes

Though the link appeared secure the app was fraudulent and embedded with malware

Soon after installation the consumer ’ s phone began overheating and behaving erratically The unexpected activation of the camera ’ s green light raised immediate concerns On checking her banking app the consumer discovered two unauthorised transactions and swiftly reported the incident to both her bank and the police

Despite her prompt action within just 27 minutes after the transactions,the bank denied liability, citing that the payments had been authorised via selfie-authentication on her trusted device The consumer escalated the matter to the National Financial Ombud (NFO), seeking a full refund Following investigation the NFO found that the funds had already been utilised before the fraud was reported, leaving no opportunity for recovery Also, the bank provided evidence that biometric authentication was used to approve the transactions

Based on the specific facts of the complaint, it was evident that the compromise originated from the consumer ’ s interaction with a fraudulent third-party app, which contained malware capable of remote access and biometric simulation Maseti said no proof was provided that the transactionshad taken place as a result of maladministration or

safety and security failures on the part of the bank “By downloading the fraudulent app, the consumer essentially handed over her phone,” she said, “including all the information stored on her phone, to the criminals and this resulted in the fraud The NFO accordingly could not conclude that the bank was liable for the consumer ’ s loss ”

ANTI-FRAUDTIPS:

. Never share your OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be from your credit provider

. End suspicious calls immediately and contact your credit provider directly using an official phone number and not the number provided by the scammers

BESCEPTICALOFSOCIALMEDIAPROMOTIONS

. Verify legitimacy: Check official airline websites or verified social media accounts before engaging . Avoid sharing personal info: Never post your phone number or sensitive details publicly

THINKTWICEBEFOREDOWNLOADING APPS

. Use trusted sources – only download apps from verified developers with strong reviews and a high download count

MONITORYOURBANKACCOUNTS CLOSELY

. Check transactions daily, especially after suspicious

‘Ou Ses’ short film hits big screen

South Africa’s big-screen scene is about to get a jolt of raw authenticity with ‘Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel ‘ the latest short film from writer, actor and filmmaker Enrico Hartzenberg.

The film introduces two new actors, Wayde Solomons (21) and Yulbritte Smith (33), whose performances bring a fresh dimension to a story that blends grit, heart and humanity

“Forget the usual crime stories,” said Hartzenberg, founder of Hartzenberg Films “Ou Ses tells a story of courage, legacy and the redemptive power of love I wanted to show that there’s so much more to our communities than the headlines there’s resilience, laughter and dreams that refuse to die ”

The film will premiere nationwide on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November as part of the “Heart & Hustle Anthology” alongside three other Hartzenberg Film short films at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas

Hartzenberg described the agreement with Ster-Kinekor as a landmark collaboration and one of his most ambitious undertakings yet much more than a personal milestone

“This exhibition agreement isn’t just a win for Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel or ‘Heart & Hustle’,” he said “It’s a powerful affirmation that our stories

– urgent, emotional, and deeply rooted in the South African experience –deserve to be seen on the big screen ”

Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer of Ster-Kinekor, said they are thrilled to support emerging talent

“Screening local films in cinema is vital to keep the culture of cinema-going alive in South Africa We’re proud to play a role in showcasing stories

HEART & HUSTLE FILMS SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT

that reflect the richness and complexity of our communities ”

RISINGSTARS

Ou Ses marks an important breakthrough for both Solomons and Smith

Solomons, a young actor, voice-over artist, and broadcaster from Eerste River, already has early credits on Skemergrond, Suidooster, Wyfie and Coby Phoenix Rise

The 21-year-old said joining Ou Ses felt “like stepping into my purpose ” Smith, a performer from Belhar’s Chestnut Place, turned personal setbacks into fuel for her craft

After a dance injury paused her career, she completed a master’s-level theatre programme at Jacomus, actor Dann-Jacques Mouton’s drama school

Soon after, Hartzenberg invited her to join Ou Ses without an audition

“After years of trying, this felt like God making a way, ” said Smith

To Hartzenberg Films, Ou Ses isn’t just a short film, it’s a statement

“By investing in under-represented and emerging voices, Hartzenberg Films wants to expand the lens of South African storytelling and make space for new perspectives,” said Hartzenberg “I’m thrilled to give audiences a fresh perspective on our stories, and even more excited to showcase the raw talent bubbling up from our communities ”

Set on the Cape Flats, the film follows Charles, a man returning home after serving time for a crime

he didn’t commit only to find his family home taken over by the very man who betrayed him

The “Heart & Hustle Anthology” also includes the screening of: Sister Dinges a grief-fuelled revenge story told through a queer lens; After Quiet a reflective exploration of silence, memory, and healing; and Mr Isaacs a powerful narrative

examining masculinity and generational trauma

Collectively, the films embody the dual spirit of “Heart & Hustle” “Heart reflects the emotional depth and humanity that ground each story, ” said Hartzenberg, “while hustle shows the resilience, drive, and determination to rise above adversity ” The anthology will be screened at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide from Thursday 27 November until Sunday 7 December Hartzenberg will host a meet-andgreet session at the screening at the V&A Waterfront on Thursday 27 November .Book at www sterkinekor com or the SK App Call Ticketline on 086 166 8437 for queries.

‘PrettyWoman’musicalset todazzleSAaudiences

Get ready to step back into the late ‘80s as one of Hollywood’s most beloved love stories comes alive on stage next year

Pretty Woman: The Musical will make its South African debut at Artscape Theatre from Wednesday 18 March to Sunday 19 April, before heading to Johannesburg’s Montecasino Teatro Brimming with warmth, humour and romance, this dazzling stage adaptation of the 1990 film, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, promises a feel-good evening packed with laughter and nostalgia

With music and lyrics by pop-rock legend Bryan Adams and his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the show blends Hollywood glamour with Broadway sparkle

BOXOFFICERECORDS

When fate brings together the unlikely pairing of Vivian and Edward, they take a leap of faith on each other, and on love The result is a

joyous, uplifting celebration that captures all the charm of the original film while giving it new life through music and movement Since its Broadway premiere in 2018, Pretty Woman: The Musical has broken box office records and wowed audiences in the West End, North America and across Europe

Produced by Showtime Management in association with Crossroads Live North America, this production will feature an all-South African cast, crew and band working under a combined local and international creative team

The production carries a PG 12+ age restriction due to mature themes

Tickets start from R250 (or R200 on Terrific Tuesdays)

Book before Sunday 30 November to enjoy a 20% early-bird discount valid for Wednesday and Thursday performances only (maximum six tickets per customer, limited availability)

. Book at www.ticketmaster.co.za

It’s ‘Swingtime’

in January,

‘Nutcracker’ in December

Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) has unveiled an exciting and diverse programme for its 2026 season, promising a blend of timeless classics, innovative re-imaginings and collaborative productions that highlight the company ’ s artistic excellence

The season spans vintage charm, gothic drama, whimsical fantasy and youth-focused performance, offering something for audiences of all ages

The year opens in January with Swingtime, choreographed by Sean Bovim, a nostalgic journey through the Big Band Era

Featuring the charismatic club owner Bojangles, this ballet fuses Broadway energy with classical ballet flair, celebrating rhythm, romance and retro glamour

At the Maynardville Open-Air Festival on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 January

In March, audiences will step into the dark, atmospheric world of Dracula, choreographed by David Nixon CBE and based on Bram Stoker’s iconic novel This dramatic ballet follows Jonathan Harker’s harrowing encounter with Count Dracula, resulting in a tense tale of seduction, terror and the battle between good and evil

At Artscape Theatre from Friday 13 to Sunday 29 March June brings Veronica Paeper’s dazzling Orpheus in the Underworld, a lively 1920s-themed adaptation of Jacques Offenbach’s operetta Complete with flapper girls, mobsters and even a penthouse pool for the gods, the ballet combines humour, spectacle and musical charm Performances take place at the Artscape Opera House from 12 to 21 June On Youth Day (16 June), the company will also host Centre Stage, a large-scale fundraising gala featuring over 300 dancers from 21 studios across seven dance genres Led by former CTCB principal Laura Bosenberg and Sanette van der Mescht, the event will raise funds for the company ’ s artistic and community initiatives

In August, CTCB travels to Durban’s Play-

house Company for Alice in Wonderland, choreographed by Gerard Charles This colourful and imaginative production – set to debut in Cape Town next month – features playful choreography and enchanting storytelling accompanied by recorded music

September offers two special performances: Coppélia – A Celebration of Youth and Ballet, showcasing emerging dancers alongside CTCB professionals as part of a youth development programme; and Velvet Feathers, an intimate tribute to classical ballet inspired by Swan Lake and other masterpieces

The season concludes in December with The Nutcracker, choreographed by Veronica Paeper with designs by Peter Cazalet, running from Friday 11 to Wednesday 30 December at Artscape Artistic Manager Tracy Li says the season blends heritage, innovation and community engagement