People’s Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 2 June 2026

Choose schoolby15June

Thousands of Western Cape parentswho appliedfor GradeR,1 and 8placementsfor next year have untilMonday15Juneto confirm aschool

TheWestern Cape Department of Education(WCED)releasedthe outcomes of theon-time admissionsapplications on Thursday 28 May. Thedepartmenturged families nottopanic if they do not receiveanimmediate offer

DavidMaynier,Ministerfor Educationinthe WesternCape, said schoolsdetermine theoutcome of admissionsbased on theiradmissionspolicies.

“Atthe pointwhenoutcomesare firstreleased, asubstantial number of learners will have received multiple offers. Forexample,last year more than 40 000 learners hadmultiplesuccessful outcomes at variousschoolsand were ‘double parked’onthe system.”

Mayniersaidwiththousands of learners holdingmultipleoffersat once theadmissionsprocess was expected to shiftsignificantly in theweeksahead as spaces beginto open up across schools.

“Itisimportant to note that more than 46 000 learners received two or more offers, andastheir parents confirm theirchoiceofschool more than 64 000 places will stillopen up to be offered to otherparents.”

WHATTHISMEANSFORPARENTS

LEARNERSWILL BE PLACEDASPLACES BECOME AVAILABLE

Maynierstressedthatthe admissionsprocess continues well beyond theinitial releaseof results, with significant movement in placements expected in thedays andweeks that follow.

He said many learners whoare notplacedimmediatelywillbe accommodatedlater as spaces become available, with schools contacting parentsdirectlywhen newopeningsoccur.

ACTIONSFORPARENTS

Parentswho received multiple offers areurged to accept oneschool immediately. This helpsfree-up places forother learners

Parentswhose children have notyet been placed areadvised to constantly engage with theschools they appliedtoand ensure their contactdetails arecorrect

Accordingtothe department,the admission processisstill active, many placements will stillbe finalised. Maynierurged parentsto remain patient, saying thedepartment closelymonitored placements andremainedcommittedtoensuringevery learnerisaccommodated.

He said further communication andsupport wouldbeprovidedto families throughthe remainderof theadmissionsprocess.

Abahambeorabahlale?AfricaDayexposesus

AJOURNO’SVOICE

On social mediatimelines andinstreetconversations,a phrase hasbecomeshorthand forSouth Africa’s current tension:“Abahambe?Abahlale?”

Should they leave, or should they stay?Itisa question that has gained momentum alongsidethe “March andMarch”protestsin recent weeksinGauteng andnow in Cape Town thepastweekend, wheredemonstrators have called forstricterimmigrationenforcement,tighter border controland, in some cases, theremoval of undocumented migrants.Atthe same time,itsitsuncomfortably against Africa Day, marked on 25 May, whichwas meanttoaffirm unity, solidarity andsharedbelonging across thecontinent.The contradictionisdifficult to ignore

Translated from Zulu “Abahambe?” means“Should they leave?” and“Abahlale?” means“Should they stay?” On thesurface,itisa binary question.Inreality,itreflects amorelayered struggleover belonging, legality,economicpressure andidentityina countrystill shaped by inequality andhistorical displacement

This year’s Africa Daytheme, focusedonwater security and sustainablesanitationunder the AfricanUnion’s Agenda 2063, speaks to along-term vision of shared infrastructure andcollective survival across borders. Howeveronlineand offline, the dominant mood is oftenshaped less by continentalunity andmore by scarcity,frustration andfear.

The“Marchand March” protests have been framed by organisers andsupportersasa response to unemployment,strainedpublic services andcompetition forlimit-

ed opportunities. In communities wherejobsare scarce andservice delivery inconsistent,frustration hasfound avisible target.Migrants,particularlythose without documentation, areoften placed at thecentreofthatanger.Yet even within that anger, distinctions are frequently lost Concerns aboutimmigration policy arenot automatically the same as hostilitytowardforeign nationals. Butinthe speed and heat of public discourse, those linesblureasily. That is where “Abahambeorabahlale” becomes more than aphrase. It becomesa filter throughwhich people sort others into categories of belonging or exclusion.

SouthAfrica’sunemployment crisis,inequalityand uneven access to housingand healthcare arereal pressures. They shapehow people interpretevery additional strain on public systems. However, Idonot thinkmigration is theroot cause of thesestructuralproblems. It is onevisible expression of awider regional realityshapedbydisparity, conflictand uneven development across thecontinent.A recent conversation with my father on Africa Daybrought this into sharper focus. He wished me a“Happy Africa Day, ntombam,”beforeunpackingits meaning. He reminded me that this dayemerged from the liberation era, when Africanstates supported oneanother in struggles againstcolonialism andapartheid That historyisnot symbolic alone; it shaped theideathatAfrican futures areinterconnected,not isolated Former presidentThabo Mbeki hasrepeatedlywarnedthatpoverty across thecontinent remainsdeeply entrenched,a reminder that the promiseofAfrican unitystill exists alongsidepersistenteconomic hardship.His reflection echoes the gapbetween Africa Day’sideals andthe livedrealities that continue

to define much of thecontinent

That conversation made clearthat present-dayrealities nowsit alongside that legacy in uncomfortable ways In SouthAfrica, thegovernment is oftenexperienced notas astabilising forcebut as asource of frustration. Servicedelivery protests,risinglivingcosts and persistent unemployment shape howcommunities respondto anything perceivedasadditional pressure.Migration becomesone of thosepressure points becauseit is visible, immediateand politicallycharged.The question,then, is notonlywho belongs, butwhat belongingmeans in asociety where many alreadyfeel excluded from economic participation. If my observationsserve me right“Abahambeorabahlale” captures that tensionina wayofficial language oftencannot. It is raw, direct and emotionally loaded.But it is also reductive. It flattens acomplex mix of documented migrants,undocumented migrants,refugees,longterm residentsand citizens into a single forced choice

It also raises adeeper question aboutgovernancewhether enforcement alonecan addresswhatis fundamentally an economic and structural challenge. Border controlmay respondto legality,but it does notcreatejobs. Deportationmay signal political action,but it does notresolve failingservicesoreconomicstagnation.Atthe same time,dismissing public frustrationwould miss the point. Theseconcernsare rooted in livedexperience. Theriskliesnot in recognisingthatfrustration,but in howeasilyitcan be redirected into exclusionary narrativesthat harden over time

Thereisanother layertothisconversationthatlives almost entirely online.Morethanjustcreating content, as aMillennial Igoonto social mediatoengage. That is a

worldonits own; aworld fullof voices,opinions, threads, clips, counterarguments andoutrage cycles that move faster than my reflections.

In that space, youare constantly pulledintopositions.You areexpected to declarewhere youstand, to pick asideand respondquickly andvisibly.But if youdonot know whoyou are, andifyou do not standyourground, youcan easily getlostinthe discourseitself. It is notjustabout beinginformed. It is aboutbeing anchored.Without that grounding, everytrend becomespersuasive, everyargument feelsurgentand everycomment sectionstartstofeel like truthrather than noise. Thedangerisnot only misinformation,but fragmentation,the loss of personal clarity in asea of competingcertainty That dynamicmatters here because“Abahambe or abahlale” is notonlya street-level question It is also adigital one. It circulates, sharpens andpolarises in real time.Socialmedia does notmerely reflectpublicopinion;itintensifies it,often stripping away nuance in theprocess.

Africa Day, in contrast,asksfor somethingslower. It asks formemory, contextand an awarenessof shared historiesthatare notalways visibleina scrolling feed SouthAfricanow sits between thesetwo worlds:the immediate pressure of economic hardship andthe longer arcofcontinental connection. Theprotestsrepresent urgency. Africa Dayrepresents intention. Social mediaamplifies both,often withoutdistinction Andinthe middlesitsthe question Abahambe or abahlale?There are no simple answers. Butthere is awarning embedded in howthe question is asked. When societyreduces complexrealities into binaries,itmay feel like clarity.But it oftencomes at thecostof understanding.

Wooligan

KEANANHARMSE

Agroupofknitting pensioners are hoping to providesomewarmth forthe homeless throughbeanie donations, butare callingonthe public to assist them with wool donations.

Florence Reddy,coordinatorofthe Wooligans knitting groupand aresidentofGrassy Park,saidone of themostrewarding partsof theiroutreachworkisseeing thereactionfrom people whoreceive handmade scarvesand blankets

“Peoplewillask if they cantakeone fortheir sister or theirgranny in awheelchair,”she said “Whentheyask howmuchitcosts andwetell them it’s notfor sale – that they cansimply have it – some of them gettears in theireyes becausetheyare notusedtoreceiving things forfree.”

TheWooligansworkclosely with the67 Blankets forNelsonMandela Dayinitiativeand regularlydistributescarves,blankets, beanies andslippers to homeless people,pensionersand vulnerable residents. Last year,they distributedbetween 150and 200scarves.This year Reddy hopestohandout even more.“If we have scarvesleftoverI keep them in my car or at home.IfI seea homeless person sitting in thecoldorrainI stop andgivethemsomething warm.”

Reddy also keepsextra blankets andscarves at home forresidents whoknock on herdoor asking forhelp. “Ifsomeone says they need five blankets becausea family member is coming to stay then Ihelpwhere Ican.”

Thegroup is also planning to support an elderlyday-carecentreinGrassy Park by donatingblanketsand beanies. Reddy firstbecame involved with the67Blanketsmovementin 2014 afterseeinga Facebook post aboutthe initiative startedbyCarolyn Steyn.

Thecampaignchallenged SouthAfricansto

Mobileoffice brings services to residents

TheCityofCape Town’sMobileOffice willvisit Masiphumeleleand Richwood on Thursday 4and Friday5June,bringing keymunicipal servicesdirectly to residents’ neighbourhoods to improveaccess to customer support

TheMobileOffice willbestationed at the MasiphumeleleCommunityHallonThursdayand at the Richwood Sport and Recreation CentreonFriday Both sessions willrun from 09:30 to 13:30,giving residents an opportunitytoresolve accountqueries withouttravelling to municipal offices. Residents areencouraged to makeuse of the servicetoaddress non-emergencyenquiriesrelated to rates, water, electricity, refuse, andother municipal accounts. TheCity’scustomer relations department mobileteamwillbeonsitetoassist with logging servicerequests andhandling querieselectronically, helping to speed up responsetimes and improve servicedelivery Masiphumeleleand Richwood areinvitedto attend and makeuse of the availableservices during thedesignated times.

HeathfieldHighlearnersare tops

KEANANHARMSE

HeathfieldHighSchool hascemented itsgrowing reputation in debating afteremergingasthe overallwinner of theTores Foundation Africa DayDebate Tournament hosted at theschool on Friday 22 May.

Thetournamentfeaturedthree rounds of debating andincludedeight participatingschools from across theregion.

Heathfieldwon allthree of itsdebates,defeatingSouth PeninsulaHighSchool,Muizenberg High School andGarlandaleHighSchool to claimthe honours.

School principalNadia Aanhuizenpraised thelearnersfor theiroutstanding performance throughout thecompetition “Weare exceptionally proudofour learners forthe professionalism, confidence, critical thinking andteamworktheydisplayed throughoutthe day,”she said KweziMembethisiSaki, Matric learnerand head boywho ledhis debate team to victory, shared hisjourney andloveaffairfor debating with People’s Post

Originally from thesmall placecalledPaballelo in Upington,NorthernCape, Saki said he has been at HeathfieldHighsince Grade8.Healso enjoys basketball “I starteddebatinglastyearwhenI wasin Grade11. During the firstterm, thecurrent captain, Richea Sabo,approached me andencouraged me to join theteam. Ialready enjoyed public speaking,but Ihad neverconsidered formal debating before.I decidedtogiveita try andattended afew practises. Afterwards Ireally startedtoenjoyed it,” he said

In thebeginning,hefound debating slightly challengingbecause of thepressure of speaking in frontofpeople, presenting arguments, and then beingchallenged with questions.

matriculates “For learners interested in debating,I would saydebatingisnot necessarily difficult —it simply takespractiseand confidence. It teaches

Zwaanswyk’s50th birthday

Zwaanswyk AcademyinRetreatiscelebrating a remarkablemilestone this year –50years of education, growth and communityspirit.The celebrations will culminateinaspecial GalaEvening on Friday31 July, marking theschool’s official 50th birthday.The event promises an unforgettablenight ofreflection andcelebration, featuring adelicious three-course meal, live entertainment,dancing and the chanceto reconnect with oldfriends and classmates. Embrac-

ingthe theme“Tuxand Tekkies”,guests areencouraged to combine elegance with comfortasthey celebratethis historic occasioninstyle.The initiative aims to strengthen tiesbetween past and present membersofthe school communitywhilehonouring the peoplewho have contributed to its success over the past fivedecades. Tickets cost R300 perpersonand will be availableto the public through Quicket

FROMPAGE1

ForPhilander,one of thehardest partsofthe jobiswitnessing theloyalty animalsstill show toward owners whoneglected them.“Thedogs used forbreedingare oftenstill loving toward theirowners, butnoloveisreturnedtothem,” he said.“That is thedifficult part that drains youasaninspector.”

During theoperation,inspectorsfound acritically illpuppy convulsing.Despite emergency veterinary intervention,the puppy laterdied. Theremaining dogs arenow receivingtreatment andrehabilitationatthe SPCA.“Each of them wasassessedbya qualified veterinarian

past thevicinityofthe incident at that time TwoSPCAemployees,Tanya Petersen and Rudolf Philander, went beyond thecallofduty andselflesslyassisted thelearner untilhewas transportedtohospital, despitethe demandingcircumstances they were alreadyfacing afterrescuing24dogsseizedfroma makeshiftbreedingcentreinDunoon,” said school spokesperson,Anne Chetty Sheconfirmed that thelearner hassince been discharged from GrooteSchuur Hospital andiscurrently recovering at home in astable condition.

“Onbehalfofthe school andthe learner’spar-

Surfpopboosts maths scores

WGrade4 andGrade 7improvedtheir mathematicsmarks by as much as 60%. Theprogramme also address-

np ry pletingcommunity service. “I’m the firstpersontogototertiaryeducation andI will be the firstgraduateinmy

mentor,” says Chikuni. “Every day, Isee children growingintostronger andmoreconfident youngpeople.”

Locallibrary giveschildren hope

KEANANHARMSE

For many children in Retreatthe local libraryhas become farmorethan aplace to borrowbooks from,but rather an escape anda safe spaceaway from thefamilyhardships

Everyafternoon children stream into the facility afterschool,not only to read,but to play,learn,receive asandwich, andspend time in asafeand nurturingenvironment wherethey feel supported andvalued, accordingtoRetreat librarianMaymuna Roomaney

As theCityofCapeTowncelebrated World Play DayonWednesday 28 May, RetreatLibrarywas amongthe librarieshighlightingthe importance of play-based learninginchildren’s development.

Roomaney said creating awelcoming spacefor children hasalwaysbeen centraltoher work “Asa librarianatRetreat LibraryI have always believed alibrary should be more than just a placefor books; it should be asafeand welcomingspace wherechildrenfeel seen,supported andinspired. Everyday many children from our community come to thelibrary straight after school,and over time they become like family to us.”

WorldPlayDay celebrations at thelibrary were filledwithactivity, laughter,and educational games. Children movedbetween activity stations featuringpuzzles,educational toys, outdoor games, arts andcrafts, storytelling,and imaginativeplay.

Thelibrary hasalsopartnered with organisationssuchasShark Spotters,Metro WorldKids, Recreation andParks,and Community Arts and CultureDevelopment to expand theexperience forchildren.

Roomaney said thetoy libraryresources providechildrenwitheducational opportunities many maynot have access to at home “Through theseactivitieschildrenlearn while having fun,and it createsa joyful environment

NOTICEOFPUCLICPARTICIPATION

PROCESS

Basic AssessmentProcesses forthe LiveableUrban Waterways(LUW) Projects

Lukhozi Ref: Grootboschkloof River (Upper andLower): 1699.72

Westlake River(Upper andLower):1699.73

Keyser River (Industrial -Frogmore) +BlueRoute Sloot:1699.80

The CityofCape Town's WaterStrategy (2019) makes acommitment to transitiontobecomewhat's calleda “water sensitive city” by 2040. This visionincludes “celebratingand reconnectingpeople, natureand water towards achieving awater sensitive city bydesign”. The LiveableUrbanWaterways (LUW) Programme was introduced to communities during 2022, and 5pilotprojects wereintroduced andworkshopped. Theseprojects were taken to theDetaileddesign stage.

Noticeishereby given of aPublic Participation Process being undertaken in termsofthe Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014(GovernmentNotice(GN) No.326),asamended, enacted under National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107of1998),asamended (NEMA).ABasicassessment process is being undertaken for each project.

Applicant: City of Cape Town –Catchment,Stormwaterand River Management

DEA&DP Reference Numbers: Grootboschkloof River:16/3/3/6/7/1/A7/4/2253/23; WestlakeRiver: TBC; Keyser River: 16/3/3/6/7/1/A7/4/2002/24

DWSReference Numbers: Grootboschkloof River:WU32792+WU32796; WestlakeRiver: WU32793+WU32797; Keyser River: TBC

Project descriptions: The projectsentailthe stabilising and naturalisingofthe river corridors, reinstatement of wetlandconditions, sediment management, erosionprotection, indigenous vegetationmanagement and establishment,Alienvegetation management and upgradingorinstallationofpathways to improve connectionand use of theproject areas by the public.

The following listed activity is triggered by theproposed application: GNR327LN1:Activity19. The proposed projectsalso trigger thefollowing wateruses that requireauthorisationintermsofSection 21 of the National Water Act (NWA) 1998 (Act No.36of1998):Section21(c):Impeding or divertingthe ow of water in awatercourse Section 21 (i): Altering the bed, banks, course characteristics ofa watercourse. Awater use applicationorgeneral authorisation will be submittedto Department of Waterand Sanitationfor consideration.

Register as an I&AP,comment on thePre-ApplicationBasicAssessmentReport (Pre-app BAR) and attend the Open House Meetings -detailsprovided below: Interestedand AffectedParties(I&APs) are invited to register and comment on the pre-appBAR for theabove-mentioned applications. Thereports will be availablefor a30-day comment period. The public review periodwill be from 2June 2026– 10 July2026. ThePre-app BARswillbemade availablefor download on the website of Lukhozi Consulting Engineers (LCE)–www.lukhozi.co.za. Find thedocumentstab, scroll to public participation documents.Refer to the specicproject youare interested in DetailsofOpenHousemeetings:

• Thursday 18 June 2026,Alphen Centre Hall,M41 Alphen, TIME:09.00-13.00. Focus will be the Grootboschkloof river Presentation to be given at 11.00.

• Thursday 18 June2026,Coniston ParkCommunity Hall,MilitaryRoad, TIME:15.00 –20.00. Focus will be the Keyser River Presentation to be givenat18.30.

• Saturday 20 June 2026,Westlake UnitedChurch Trust,48Westlake DriveTIME: 09.00-13.00. Focus will be the WestlakeRiver. Presentationtobegivenat11.00.

Should you wish to be registered as an I&AP,obtainadditional informationorcomment on the Pre-app BARs, please contact Lukhozi using the contact detailshereunder,aswellasthe DEA&DPReferences provided above.

LukhoziConsultingEngineers(Pty)LtdATT:NatalieRitsch Ofce 301A, 3rdFloor,Tijgerpark3,Willievan Schoor Drive, Bellville,7530 Tel: 021 686 2550 / Email: n.ritsch@lukhozi.co.za

COMMENTSTOREACH LUKHOZI ON OR BEFORE 10 JULY 2026

Please note: When you request to be registeredasanI&AP, youconsent to the lawful processing of personalinformationfor the intended purposes, as described by the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No.4of2013). Your details will notbesharedwith externalentities. NM10059864-QK020626

Child neglect continues in SA

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Far toomanychildreninSouth Africa continue to be exposedtoabuse, crimeand violence,saysPatricSolomons,directorofchild-rightsorganisation Molo Songololo.

HiscommentscomeasNationalChild Protection week concludesonFriday5 June.The week is observed annually to shinea spotlighton children’s rights andthe urgent need to protect everychild from abuse, neglectand exploitation,asenshrined in SouthAfrica’sConstitution andthe Children’s Act.

This year’s themeis“Workingtogetherin ending violence againstchildren”

Thecampaignisspearheaded by theNational Department of Social Developmentinpartnership with keygovernmentdepartments andcivil societyorganisations providingchild protection services

Solomons tells People’s Post:“We need everyone to invest in childsafetyand protection becausethatinvestmentcan help theirsurvival. Andcan increase theirfutureprospects.We need to take care of children andprotect them.”

He says that whileattempts have been made to strengthen childprotectioninterventions at national level, theturnaroundtimefor addressingcases at localcommunity levelremains unclearfor many children

Solomons says Molo Songololo continuesto work with keyrole-playersand is constantly exploringwaystoimprove itsimpactand better secure thesafetyofchildren.

Children-rightsactivistLucinda Evansimplores communities,parents andgovernmentto do more to guardchildren.

Thefounder of PhilisaYoung MindsAcademy, an early-childhood development(ECD) centre dedicatedtouplifting underprivilegedchildren in Lavender Hill andsurrounds,believesthere arenot enough safe spaces forkids.

“I want thecommunity to be more vigilant

andtoreportabuse.There is stilla reluctance to report abuse.”

Evans, whoisalsothe founderofPhilisa AbafaziBethu Womenand Family Centre in Retreat, explains that abuseofall forms, not just physical,shouldbereported.

“Neglect is also aformofabuse.Too oftenwe seechildrenattrafficlightsorshoppingcentres

pm t( D),m n430

children areinfostercareinthe province and2 800morechildreninNPO-run childand youth care centres.

Between Octoberlastyearand Marchthis year,the department says it received 1957 reportsofabuse

Acting WesternCapeMinisterofSocialDevelopment Deidré Baartman says everyone hasan obligationtoprotect children ig yt ay temporarilyplacedwithsafetyparents

“Weurgethose whomeet thequalifyingcriteriatosignuptobecomea safety parent.Thisis just oneway of making ahugeimpactonthe life of achild when they need it themost.”

. Formoreinformation on becoming asafety parent visithttps://www.westerncape.gov.za/ social-development/get-involved-and-becomesafety-parent

Newbuilding forCHSAopened

KEANANHARMSE

ChristelHouse SouthAfrica(CHSA) marked its25thanniversaryby officially openinga newhighschool building aimedatexpanding access to qualityeducation forlearnersfromunder-served communities.

CHSA celebrated themilestone with aribbon-cutting ceremony at itsOttery campus on Friday 22 May. Theevent wasattended by WesternCapeEducation Minister DavidMaynier,donor partners andother stakeholders

Theexpansion comesata time when many families across theprovincecontinuetoface challenges accessing qualityand affordablesecondary schooling. Theno-feeschool andpublic benefitorganisationserveslearnersfrom30 disadvantagedcommunities across Cape Town

Thenewly launched high school facility includes modern classrooms, amedia centre, aComputerApplications Technology (CAT)laboratoryand administrative offices. It will create spacefor up to 300additional learners and strengthen theschool’s career developmentand social support services

Sincelastyear, theschool hasalready enrolled an additional 120Grade 8and 9learnersas part of theexpansion Maynierpraised theschool’scontributionto educationinthe province

“ChristelHouse is avaluededucation partner andishelping to reshapehow we view independent,non-profiteducation in SouthAfrica,”he said

“Theyare delivering excellentlearning outcomes,along with apackage of support for learners.”

Adri Marais,Chief ExecutiveOfficerofCHSA,

Foundedbyp la opistC iste eHaan,ChristelHouse Internationaloperates 10 schoolsglobally,withthe Ottery campus remainingits only Africanschool

Storm Bayhas been dredged