Special school figh
KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Anindependent school in Ottery is showingresilienceinthe face of zoning disputes with theCityof Cape Town,asits leadership,parents andbroader community rallytokeep the institutionoperational.
Otters Creek Junior School (OCJS),which has been operatingfor thepasteight yearsasaninclusiveschool catering forlearnerswithspecial needs, includingautismand ADHD,has faced thethreatofclosure sincelastyear(“Futureup in theair”, People’s Post,28October 2025).
Theschool hasbeen instructed to ceaseoperations duetonon-compliancewithmunicipal planning regulations. Theschooloperatesfrom apropertyat11Serissa Street,zoned as Single ResidentialZone1,which does notpermituse as aplace of instruction.
Theschool caters forinfants,pre-primary learners on differentsites andlearnersupto Grade7.Despite thesechallenges,the school community hastaken proactivesteps to ensure
learning continuesthisyear.
On Friday 17 April, theschool celebrated the purchase of land at theNGGemeente Ottery church,which is locatednextdoor to theschool, with aribboncutting,saysschool principal YumnaAllie.
Alliesaysthe school hasworkedclosely with theCityinanefforttocomplywithland-use requirements whileminimisingdisruptionto learners.“We have come together with one shared goal:toensurethatlearningcontinues, no matter thechallenges we face,” shesays.
As part of interimmeasures, theschoolhas reducedthe number of learners on itscurrent premises whileseekingthe necessary approvals.
Apartnership with theneighbouringchurchhas also provided relief,withthe church hall being convertedintofourclassrooms, alongwitha kitchenand staff room.The majority of learners have been relocatedtothisspace,which is alreadyzoned forcommunity use.
In addition,the school hasmoved activities away from shared boundaries to reduce the impact on neighbours andhas acquired adjacent land from thechurch. Plansare in placeto developthe spaceintofacilitiesfor sport, play andparking,further supporting theschool’s long-termsustainability.
However, theCitymaintains that theschool remainsunauthorised.
Spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed that no newland-useapplication hasbeen submittedfollowing therefusal of a previous applicationlastyear. “The activity is continuing from Erf1302, 11 Serissa Street, Ottery andtherefore remainsunauthorised,”he said Thedispute follows yearsofattempts by the school to obtaincompliance.
Allieexplainsthatefforts to secure consent usedatebackto2017, when she firstpurchased theproperty. Challenges,including missing building plansand delays in therezoningprocess, hindered progress. Asubsequentrezoning application, managedbya professional planner, wasultimatelyunsuccessful,including an appeal
TheCityhas emphasised that it must enforce planning by-lawstoensurelawful andsafe development.
Maycomemberfor spatialplanning andenvironmentEddieAndrews previously stated that whilethe City hasempathy foraffectedfamilies, it must applyregulations fairly andguide applicantsthrough thecorrect legalchannels
Last year theschool’stroublescauseddistress
amongparents,manyofwhomrelyonthe school forspecialised education.
TheWestern Cape EducationDepartment confirmed that thematterrelates to municipal zoning andthatthe department is notresponsiblefor closingthe independentschool
Whilethe futureofthe school seemsuncertain Allieremains positive andsaystheyare preparinga newconsent-use or rezoning application andremainhopeful that engagement with the City will lead to aresolution. “Thisjourney has tested us,but it hasalsoremindeduswhy we exist– touching theheartsofthose we teach,” shesays.
Fornow,the school continuestooperate while pursuing compliance,supported by adeterminedcommunity committedtopreserving aspace that many families sayisvital to their children’s development.
Declining vaccination aworry
Arise in measlescases across the WesternCapehas raised fresh concerns aboutdeclining childhood-vaccination ratesand growinggaps in community immunity.
Health officialswarnthatthe spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella anddiphtheriaposes aserious public-health risk,withefforts intensified to protect children andprevent further outbreaks.
An increase in measlesoutbreaks hasbeen reported in theBelharand Delftareas,withover 20 casesreportedsince thestart of this year
TheWestern Cape Department of Health and Wellnesssaidthe increase in measlescases wasnot unique to theprovince, as SouthAfrica faceda declineinchildhood-vaccination uptake, whichposes aserious risk forpublichealth andthreatens thecountry’s efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases
Thedepartmentfurther said thedecline contributedtomultipleoutbreaks of measles, rubella anddiphtheriaacrossthe province,signalling seriousgapsinpopulationimmunity
SinceOctober 2024,the department has ramped up itsimmunisation efforts to protect children from seriousand life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases
It hasimplemented an early-warningand -responsesystemtothese outbreaks, which includes strengtheningcoordination of the response,intensifyingdisease surveillance, clinical management of casesand community engagement “Targetedvaccination outreaches will be prioritisedinthe areaswhere we seea rapidincrease in measlescases,” thedepartmentwrote
in astatement
PROTECTCHILDRENFROMMEASLES
Measlesisa highly contagious diseasethat infectsthe respiratorytract.Symptomsinclude high fever, rash,runny nose,conjunctivitisand coughing
Health-carepractitioners candiagnose measlesonsigns andsymptoms, anda blood sample collected forlaboratorytesting
Parentsare urgedtolook outfor measles symptoms andkeep theirchildrenhomewhen they have oneormoreofthese symptoms to curb thespreadofthishighlycontagious disease.
Should achild runa fever, feel sleepyorstruggletoeat parentsare urgedtotakethemtothe nearestclinicimmediately. Potentialcomplicationsofmeasles includepneumonia,diarrhoea, braininfection andblindness.
Complicationsare more seriousinthose who catchmeasles as younginfants (under 2years of age) andinchildrenwho aremalnourished. Free childhood vaccinesare availableatall public-healthfacilities, andcatch-updoses can be givenifa childhas misseda vaccination Vaccinesare also availablethrough private-sectorfacilitiesand private-public partnerships.
Applicationsforfellowshipclosethisweek
Grade12learnerswho displayacademicexcellenceand entrepreneurialpotential have until Thursday 30 Apriltoapplyfor TheAllan Gray OrbisFoundationFellowshipProgramme Theprogramme givesmatriculantswho have always dreamt of making adifference in their community or wanted to explorea career as business owners.Successful candidates gain access to needs-baseduniversityfunding, entrepreneurialmindset developmentand the support of personal industry mentors. Throughthese combinations of resources, networks anddevelopment opportunities,
CandidateAllanGrayFellows areempowered to generate ideas, launch ventures andgrow purpose-driven businessesthatmakea tangible impact
Requirements:
. SouthAfrican citizenship
. Currently in Grade12inthe year of application
. Aminimum of 60%inpuremathematics or 80%inmathematicalliteracyfor finalGrade 11 results
. Aminimum averageof70% for finalGrade 11 results(excludinglifeorientation)
. An intentiontostudy towardsa commerce, science, engineering, law, humanities,arts, or health sciences degree (excluding medicine, veterinary science, anddentistry)atone of the following partneruniversities: University of theWestern Cape,UniversityofCapeTown, Stellenbosch University,UniversityofKwaZulu Natal, University of theFreeState,University of Pretoria,RhodesUniversity, Nelson Mandela University,UniversityofJohannesburg, Wits University or TSiBA. .Visitwww.allangrayorbis.org to downloadan application form,ortoapplyonline
LateapplicationsforGrR,1and8to17May
Following theclosure of applications forGrade R, 1and 8learnersfor the2027academic year,the WesternCapeEducation Department (WCED) says parentswho missedthe deadline will have untilSunday17May to applyaspart of itslateapplicationprocess.
Accordingtothe WCED,a totalof166 144 parentsapplied fortheir children before the Tuesday14April deadline
However, alllateapplications will only be considered by schoolsafter theapplications received during theon-time window have been considered
Schoolswillnow applytheir admissionspolicies to allthe applications they received during
theon-time window
Theoutcomesofthese applications will become availableonlinefromThursday28May, andparents must confirm theirchoiceofplace by Monday 15 June
Parentswho receivemultipleoffersofacceptancebut do notselectone of thoseoffersby Monday 15 June will be automatically confirmed to theirtop-rankedchoice.
Parentswho wish to transfer theirchild to a differentschoolfor Grades 2– 7or9 –12next year duetorelocationwillhavethe opportunity to submit atransferrequest between Monday 3 August andMonday17August.
TheWCEDurges parentswho have appliedto
inform thedepartmentiftheir contactdetails changed, to ensure thecorrect detailswhenthe outcomes of applications aremadeavailable Provincial educationministerDavid Maynier said parentsare responsiblefor applying fora placeata school fortheir child.
“There arestill 1441 current Grade7 learners in theWestern Cape whoseparents have not yetappliedfor aplace in Grade8 next year.We urge parentstoapplyimmediately, to help us plan fora placeina school fortheir childnext year
“Wehavemadehelpavailable forparents so therereally is no reason nottoapply,”said Maynier.
Techno-savs,don’tgazetoolongintoabyss
Theconsequence of toomuch convenienceseemstobea topic that mayholdanominous future fornot only thecurrent butfuture generationsifleftunchecked Thesedaystechnologyand our cellphoneshavestreamlined the activities that used be laborious andtime-consuming. Thereare countlessapps, with some newonesbeing createdas we speak, that caneasilyoffer us shortcutstopurchasegroceries, clothing or offer us opportunities to date newpeopleorprovide us alifttoworkoranevening outon thetown.
Thebreakneck speedsofinternet access at shopping malls,cafes andplazashavealsoprovidedus so much opportunitytoanswer emails,conduct Zoom meetings or
provideusa spot to download and stream an albumorserieswe’re binging. Sure theseinnovations wouldsound like autopiatomost whogrewupinthe ’60s with their ears closetotheir radiosetsfor the latest instalment of theirserialor to hear what wasonthe hitparade, or theircounterpartsa decade later whowould trytowatch asitcom from aneighbour’s window
Thosedaysthe TV sets were tiny compared to today’s, with their 4K ultra-realisticresolutions
Thescary part of ourfast-paced modern ageisthe length of time we spendstaring at ourcellphone screensand promptingour tasks andstaying productive,thatwe neglectour physical well-being, not to mentionour spirituallives
Late-night doom-scrolling in ourcomfy beds watching endless streamsofbite-sizedcontent are strainingour eyes andmakingus insomniac, as we entertainourselves to funny videos andother sourcesofdopaminehitsthatform
ourpersonaluseralgorithms. What is importanttoknowhere is that we arespoonfedcurated content, news andentertainment that couldalsoalign with ourbeliefs andideologies, which couldbecomeproblematic if one becomestrappedinloop content that strokesour egos withoutalso challengingustothink Hating andtrolling remain as popularasever, andinthe commentssectionsusers canbeseen trying to competefor thewittiest comment or thenastiestremark, lambasting someonefor theirhaircutoroutfitchoice. Thesad realityisthatCEOsof thesesocial-mediaplatforms care more forprofitthanbullying, as more commentsmeanmoretraction as engagement helpsa post to keep appearingonpeople’stimelinesdespite howthe insultshave hurt thevictim’smentalhealth. It appearswecan become so numb lookingatall thechaotic news,especially with theendless
updatesofdestroyed hospitals, schoolsand destructionand bloodshed plaguing theMiddleEast, site of theholiest places associated with ourmonotheisticfaiths. Theirony of allthisisthatpeople arekilling oneanother in His name,ofdoing God’swork, andwe remain astonished at howcontent creators usethese tragic wars to fueltheir politicalagendas and endlessmudslinging.All thewhile thelateJohnLennon’santhemof peace, “Imagine”, springstomind, afamiliartunethatseemstofallon deaf areas. So Ipraythatwestart usingthese toolstoreflectonourselves more closely, insteadofbecomingmore andmoreabsorbedinthe endless dramaand oceanofcontent informingushow to live andwhat to like
As theGermanphilosopher FriedrichNietzsche famously said: “And if yougazelongintothe abyss, theabyss also gazesinto you. ”
Ariseinmeasles casesacrossthe WesternCape has been reported. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
KEANAN HARMSE
Uptospeedontheroadtosuccess
KEANANHARMSE
Asyouth unemployment continues to challengeSouth Africa,corporate andHRprofessionalsinCape Town arestepping in to equipGrade 12 learners with critical job-readinessskills througha hands-on initiative at Christel HouseSouth Africa
BasedinOttery,the no-fee school supports 976learnersfromdisadvantaged communities, offeringholisticeducation from GradeRRto Grade12, alongwithcontinued support for five yearsafter matric.Thisincludestransport, healthcare,daily meals, psycho-socialservices andcareer development, ensuring learners are prepared forlifebeyondschool
Akey componentofthispreparation is the school’s annual SpeedInterviewsinitiative, whichbringsprofessionalsfromvarious industriesintothe classroom to conductmockinterviews with matric learners.The programme giveslearnersanopportunitytoengageinoneon-one interviewscenarios,receive constructive feedback andbetterunderstandemployer expectations,saidschool spokesperson,Megan Losper
“The recent scenes at AthloneStadium,where thousandsofunemployedyoung people queued forlimitedjob opportunities, is highlighting the urgent need forgreater access to opportunity, networks andsupport,” said Losper Formanylearners, theSpeed Interviews event is their firstexperienceofa formal jobinterview.Participantssay theexposurehelps build confidenceand provides valuable insights into workplaceexpectations.
“Our unique,annual SpeedInterview event provides aplatformfor professionalstoengage in mock interviews with ourmatric(learners), offeringinvaluablefeedback andguidanceto equipthemtobettertransitionintothe professional world. Guests representcompanies that
Newschoolfor Grassy Park
KEANANHARMSE
Anewhighschool hasemerged in Grassy Park andhas been rebranded as theRoyal SchoolsStarlight Academy, markinga significant milestonefor thegrowing independent institution.
Theschool,formerlyknown as theTwo Oceans Leadership Academycelebratedits launch on Saturday 18 April.
Accordingtoschool principal, Andre Berrange, theplanning processbehindthe developmentwas shaped by careful considerationand acommitmenttodeliveringa modern learning environment. Over thepasttwo years, theschool’s leadership team,board andfaculty conducteddetailedneedsassessments and explored innovative approaches to education.
Theprocess included consultationswitharchitectstodesign flexible,adaptable spaces that support both academic achievement andlearner well-being. Inputfromparents,students, localeducation expertsand theWestern Cape EducationDepartmentalso played akey role in shapingthe finaldesign, he added.
“Our aimwas to create afacilitythatreflects ourvaluesofcreativity, characterand value-centred learning,” said Berrange.
Theproject wasmadepossiblethrough partnerships with Core Educationand OldMutual. This growth hasalsoseen theinstitution evolve from TwoOceansLeadershipAcademy into itscurrent identity as RoyalSchoolsStarlight Academy.
Establishedin2018, theschool formspart of RoyalSchools, anetwork that hasprovided independenteducation formorethan30years
TheGrassy Park campus is thegroup’s sixth, offeringeducation from GradeR to Grade12
PRIVATEEDUCATION THAT IS BOTH ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE
learners
Ward 72 councillorKevin Southgatealsoexpressedexcitementfor theschool’s launch
“I’m encouraged by thefactRoyal Schoolshas introduced privateeducation that is both accessibleand affordableintoour community.It presents families theopportunity to enroll their children in an educationalfacilitythatcaters forthe developmentofthe wholeperson. The onsite psychologicalsupport adds anotherdimensiontothe learning experience.I welcome theinitiativeand want to wish theschool allthe success as it expandseducational experience on theCapeFlats,” he said
“Overthe past twoyears,our leadership team,board members, andfaculty undertook extensiveneedsassessments andengaged in meaningful collaborationwitharchitectsto design future-readylearningspaces.
“The result is an environmentpurpose-built to support both academic rigour andholistic studentwell-beingwhere learners canthink critically andgrowwithconfidence. This is the 6thcampusofthe RoyalSchoolsfamilyand a proud fixtureofthe Grassy Park community since2018,”saidschool spokesperson,Shanice Swain.
Berrangeexpressedgratitude to thebroader community forsupportingthe projectand contributingtoits success. He notedthatthe new building is designed notonlytomeet current educationalneedsbut also to accommodate futuregrowthand innovation
HeathfieldbeatsSteenbergindebate
HeathfieldHighSchool celebrated amemorable victoryafter defeatingSteenberg High School in adebateheldatSteenberg High on Friday 17 April, securing a finalscore of 50–35.
Heathfieldprincipal NadiaAanhuizen praised thelearnersfor theirdedication, highlighting theteam’sgrowing confidenceand cohesion
Aspecial commendationgoestoKhweziSaki, whowas namedBestSpeaker with an outstanding scoreof14out of 16.Close behind was Lisakhanya Silinga, whoachievedanimpressive 13 outof16, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Theevent also marked an importantmilestonefor HeathfieldHigh, as learners received theirbadgesfromthe ToresFoundationand theschoolofficially establishedits firstdebate team Learners reflectedpositivelyonthe experience
Silingadescribed thewarmwelcome from Steenberg High,notingthe hospitalityand sportsmanshipshown throughout theday.Both teamspresented compelling arguments, making
thedebateengagingand competitive.
FarahBaxteraddedthatdespite cloudy weather, theatmosphereremainedvibrant.She highlightedhow both teamsanticipated each other’sstrategies, contributing to awell-contested debate
Following thecompetition,learnersfrom both schoolsparticipatedina bondingsession, sharingsnacks, conversationsand laughter.The journeyhomewas ahighlight,withlearners travelling together,singing andenjoyingeach other’scompany
Theday notonlyshowcased debating talent butalsofosteredfriendshipand unity, leaving learners with lastingmemoriesand asense of prideintheir achievements
Aanhuizenemphasisedthatconsistent participationindebates is helpinglearners developcriticalthinking, confidenceand public speaking skills.She expressedgratitude to Steenberg High forhosting theevent and encouraginginterschool collaboration,adding that such engagementsstrengthencommunity ties andinspire learners to strive forexcellence in academicsand beyond goingforward
Atotalof75roundsfound duringajointraidinOttery
Police andthe SouthAfrican National Defence Force(SANDF) conducteda jointoperation in Ottery on Friday 17 Aprilatabout 06:30, following aspate of recent shootingincidents in thearea. Theoperation aimedtorestore calm andensurecommunity safety Acting on gathered intelligence, officers
A look at the decoratedentranceofthe school. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
HeathfieldHigh School’s debating team seen posing fora photo before they took to thestage PHOTO:SUPPLIED
KEANANHARMSE
SunnySeville in theArtscape
CapeTownOpera returnstothe grandeur of theclassicrepertoirewitha dazzlingnew production of Georges Bizet’sbeloved opera Carmen from Tuesday19toSunday31May at theArtscape.
Oneofthe most popularand electrifying worksinthe operatic canon, Carmen promises an unforgettabletheatricalexperienceasCape Town Opera(CTO) brings together astellar cast,brilliantorchestration andvivid staging that re-imaginesBizet’s timeless tale of passion, freedom andfate.
Directed by acclaimedtheatre-maker StevenStead this newproductionset in 1931/’32 transports audiencestoSeville,Spain,where desire,jealousyand destinycollide with tragic inevitability.
From theopening bustle of thecigarette factory to theexhilaratingspectacle of thebullring, Bizet’smusic pulseswithSpanish colour and dramatic intensity. Aficionados will recognise of a’ ti ni elodie fr th
Thetitlerolewillbe sungbythe magnetic CTOhousesoloist NonhlanhlaYende
PHOTO:MARK DOBSON
Animalsheltermarks30years withgaladinnerfundraiser
MdzanandaAnimalClinicand Shelterwill host itsthird annual gala dinnerand auction on Saturday 9May at 18:30atthe TwoOceans Aquarium,celebrating threedecades of service to Khayelitsha’sanimals andcommunity.The milestoneevent comesasthe organisation reflects on 30 yearsofproviding veterinary care,animal-rescue services andcommunity educationprogrammesinone of Cape Town’s largesttownships
STAR-STUDDEDEVENINGPLANNED
Thefundraising eventwillfeature renowned broadcasterPippa Hudson as host,withrespectedauctioneer GuyMcDonaldleading alive auctionofexclusive itemsand experiences.
Entertainmentwillinclude aperformance by theIsibane Se Afrika Choirduringthe predrinks reception.
DESIRE,JEALOUSY AND DESTINY COLLIDE WITH TRAGIC INEVITABILITY
of thedevoted Micaëla, whilebaritoneConroy Sc ti he ch is ticbullfigh rE illo
Guests will enjoya two-course dinnerwith complimentarywineand dessert.
Eventorganiser andfundraiserKelly Arendse said theannual gatheringbringsanimallovers andsupporterstogetherfor ameaningful cause.
“The funds raised on thenight enable us to
continue theveryimportant work we do in the community of Khayelitshaand beyond,” she said
THREEDECADESOFIMPACT
Sinceits establishmentMdzananda hasprovidedessentialveterinaryservicestoa community whereaccess to animal health care is oftenlimited.The organisation’s work includes emergencyanimalrescue, preventative care and educational-outreach programmes.
Allproceedsfromthe gala will directly support theseservices, ensuring continuedcarefor animalsinneed across Khayelitsha.
Ticketsare availableatQuicket at https:// www.quicket.co.za/events/369665-mdzananda-gala-dinner-auction/ or by contacting fund@mdzananda.co.za.
Theorganisationisalsoseekingcorporate sponsors andpartnersfor themilestone event.
“Joinusfor an eveningofcelebration,connectionand compassion as we honour 30 years of impact,” Arendsesaid, “and we look ahead to afutureofcontinued care forthe animalsof Khayelitsha.”
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 || Peop
Johnson of Collegians RugbyFootball Club (RFC) lifts up Niezaam Crowder of Hamediehs RFCina tackle during aWestern ProvinceRugby Union (WPRU) Super League Bmatch played at Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone on Saturday25 April.Collegians, who arebased in Lentegeur,scoredinthe last minuteof the game to win 19-15 in front of asold-out crowd. PHOTO:RASHIED ISAACS
Niyaaz
