People’s Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 30 June 2026
KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
AyoungtalentedgirlfromChristel
HouseSouth Africa (CHSA) has bigdreamsofrepresentingSouth Africa as afootballeronthe global stage aftershe hasbeen selected to competeat the2026WinterNationalSchool Sport Championshipstakingplace in East London(kuGompoCity) from Friday 10 July to Tuesday14July.
VaughanJackson (15),fromManenberg,has recently secureda spot on theu-15Girls provincial soccerteamtocompete at thegames This eventwillfeature nearly 3000 young
athletes,coaches,and
officialsfromacross SouthAfricacompeting in sporting codesincludingsoccer, rugby, volleyball, andhockey. Vaughansaysshe prides herselfonmaking sure shebalancesher commitmenttobothher training andschoolwork
TheGrade 7learner playsasa midfielderfor both FC SalvoSoccerCluband herschool’s soccerteam. FC Salvoisa prominent, community-based amateursoccerclubbased in Manenberg.
Theclubisa well-knowncontender in the ManenbergLocal Football Associationand regularly participates in majorregionalknockout tournamentslikethe SouthAfrican Football Association(Safa)CapeTownCoca-Cola Cup.
CHSA is anon-profit, no-fee school basedin Ottery,thatprovidesholistic, character-based educationtochildrenfromdisadvantaged
communities Vaughan’sfootballing journeyhas been mouldedbythe dailycommunity challenges wheregangsterism andviolencestill pose great risksfor theyouth,saysschoolspokesperson, MeganLosper.
“WhenI want to play outside, my momalways says Imuststayinsidebecause of thegang relatedshootings.Justlastweek,theyshot an innocent manand he passedaway,”said Vaughan.
Hercoach andschool head of sportand physical education, RoscoHendricks,isthrilledat seeing herprogressand sees abrightfuturefor theyoung footballer.
“Everybody at Christel Houseisextremely proudofVaughan andwecan’t wait to seeher lightupthe National Winter Games,”hesaid.
Shealsocredits having astrongfamilyfoun-
dation that ensuredher sportsuccesses. Everytrainingsession,every match, and learning everyschool dayisa step toward a futureshe is workinghardtoredefine,not only forherself,but forthe community shecalls home,Jackson adds
Hermother, Melissa Jackson, is currently studying towardsa social work degree at the University of Cape Town whileactivelycontributingtoher community
Shealsodreamsofbecominga doctor one day.
Lions return forBlisters
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
While thousandsofCapetonianswilllaceup theirwalking shoesfor this year’s Blisters forBread funwalk, adedicated group of volunteerswillbehardat work behind thescenesensuring theevent runs smoothly.
Forover40years,members of theLions Club have generously giventheir time to serveasmarshalsatthe annual fundraising event, whichraisesmoney forthe PeninsulaSchoolFeedingAssociation (PSFA)
Blisters forBread,one of Cape Town’s most iconic charitywalks, hasbeen fighting childhood hunger for58years throughthe PSFA
This year theevent will take place on Sunday 16 August andwithonly 10 000 entriesavailable,participantscan choosebetween a5km or 10km routealong theSea Point Promenade.
EntriescostR125, enough to providebreakfast andlunch to 23 children fora day.
The10kmwalkstartsat07:30
THEEVENTWILL TAKEPLACE
SUNDAY16AUGUST
andthe 5kmroute at 08:00, with medals andrefreshmentsprovided to allparticipants.
Each year around 130Lions Club memberstakeuppositions along theroute guidingparticipants, ensuring theirsafetyand handingout medals to thosewho successfully complete therace.
Former LionsClubpresident John Houston, whohas personally volunteered at theevent for30 years, said supportingBlistersfor Breadalignsperfectly with oneof theorganisation’scoremissions.
“One of theLions Club’s pillars is hunger relief,and Blisters for Breadfalls perfectlyintothatcategory,” he said Houstonsaidmembers willingly volunteer theirtimebecause they understand theimpactthe eventhas on children facing food insecurity
Despitethe earlystartsand long hoursontheir feet,Houston said theatmospheremakes theexperience worthwhile “Wedoitvoluntarily anditisfun Thereisa greatsense of camaraderieand satisfaction in knowing you’re helpingtomakea difference.”
TheLion’sClubisalsoencouragingcommunity memberswho wouldliketoget involved and serveasmarshalsinfutureevents to contactthe organisation
WCED extendswinter security to 453schools
TheWestern Cape EducationDepartment hasexpandedits holiday security support from 424schools last winter to 453high-risk schools forthisyear’sJune-July holidays, allocating R11,99 million forthe 2026/27 financialyear.
Themovecomes as schools across theprovincefacea growing threat of vandalismand burglaries during school breaks,placing increasing pressure on departmental resourcesevenascrime prevention
remainsprimarily theresponsibility of thepolice. Schoolsacrossthe countryclosed forthe winter holidayonFriday26 June andwillreopenonTuesday 21 July
During the firsttermbreak,25 schoolsreported28incidents of burglary andvandalism,causing nearly R400 000 in damages. Stolen anddamaged items included computers, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures andsecurity
infrastructure,diverting resources away from teaching andlearning.
Thedepartment’sinterventions have yieldedresults Incidentsdeclinedoverthe 2025/26summerholidays, dropping from 47 incidentsaffecting 34 schoolsduringthe previous holidayperiodto36incidents affecting 32 schools.
Expenditureonholiday security hasincreased steadily,rising from R57,3million in 2024/25to
R70,26 million in 2025/26. Thetotal allocation for2026/27 stands at R72,68 million Schoolsidentified through district risk assessments receive support for12-hour or 24-hour guarding,aswellascluster patrols. Thedepartmentprovidestargethardeningmeasures, including alarms linked to armedresponse, burglarbars, stoneguards, security gates, automatedaccess gate,and fencingrepairs
Thecallthatneverstops,butwhathappenswhenitdoes
He neverwantedthatfor me.He wanted me to think. To reason.To push back
He believed achild whoonly obeys hasnot been educated,he hasbeen domesticated
On Sunday 21 June,while many people celebrated fathers, Ifound myself thinking notabout grandgestures, but abouta phonecallatsix in the morning.
Withoutfail, my phonerings at aboutsix o’clock. Ialready know howitbegins.
What once felt routinenow feels like agiftI didnot know Iwas receiving. Becauseone day, Iknow, thephone will stop ringing.
THEMANBEHINDTHECALL
My father is notthe hero I imagined when Iwas young. He is somethingbetter, ahuman being whohas spenta lifetime choosing hisfamily, andwho continuesto do so
He is stubborn.Heisproud.And Ilovehim in away that hasgrown deeper andmorecomplicated with everyyear.
Growingup, we spokeabout the structureofmanyAfrican homes, wherechildrenobeywithout question becauseanelder hasspoken.
Research from asystematic review in Acta Paediatrica found that thequality of father-child communication is linked to fewer behaviouralproblems, better academic outcomes andstronger emotionalregulationeffects that endure into adulthood
My father spoketomelikeI was worthspeakingto. Ionlyunderstood what that meantmuchlater
“ANDITHANDIUKUBETHA”
Ionceasked my father whyhe choseconversationovercorporal punishment
“Corporalpunishmentisthe laziestformofpunishment,”hesaid. “Itgetscompliance. Quickresults Butitdoesnot teacha childwhy they were wrong. ”
Thetwo timesI recall himdiscipliningmewithhis belt,itnever beganinanger.Italwaysbegan with thesamewords
“Andithandiukubetha.”I do not like to beat someone. Then came theexplanation.The standard.The expectation. The lessonmatteredmorethanthe punishment.Hewas parentingfor character, notcompliance. Research on childdevelopment studiesconfirmswhathepractised by instinct
Thequality of thefather-child relationship,not thestrictnessof discipline,iswhatshapesa child.
WHENTHEROLESSHIFT
Ageing hasa wayofteaching children lessons too. It teachesusthatour parents arehuman.Thattheybecome tired. Vulnerable.Resistant to help.There is aparticulargrief in watching aparentslowdown, not thesuddengrief of loss, butthe slow griefoftransition. Of watchingsomeone whooncecarried you begintoneed carrying.
Today, I find myself telling himto rest.Toslowdown. To letpeople in.Tohaveboundries.Sometimes theshiftingofroles arrivesbefore youare readyfor it.But love is not theabsence of difficulty. Love is extendingthe same patience he once extended to me
My father mayhavefaced disappointments he neverfully named. Buthenever failed at beinga father.And if youmeet me,chances areyou have alreadymet him. He is stillmyhero, notbecause he is invincible,but becausehe neverwas.I still find comfortin thememoriesofhim tuckingmein bedatnight When he showed up forthe milestones andthe ordinary moments. He raised me with intention. Yes, thememoriesmay sound ordinary,but they areanything but. They aregifts In acountry whereabsentfathers have become so commonthat many children grow up expectingless, Inever hadtowonder whethermyfatherwould be there. Inever hadtoquestionwhether Imatteredtohim.I neverhad to competefor hisattentionorearn
hispresence. Hislovewas not somethingI hadtochase.Itwas simply there. He showed up consistently,faithfully andintentionally
AWORDTOTHEFATHERS
This column is nota performance of gratitude. It is an invitation To everypresent father:what youdointhe quietmoments is not small. Youare building something in your childthatnoschool or institutioncan replicate. It does notrequire perfection.Itrequires presence
To thosewho have lost their fathers: what waspouredintoyou does notdisappear when they do It livesinhow youshowupfor others
Iamaware that noteveryone readsthiscolumnwithwarmth. Forsome, Father’s Dayisa hard day.
Absenceisnot always physical Thereare fatherswho live under thesameroof andremainunreachable, presentinbody, absent in attention, in conversation,in warmth.Childrenare notonly lookingfor aroof over theirheads They arelookingfor awitness to theirlives Theexplanation you nevergavecan stillbegiven.You do nothavetobeperfect to begin. Youonlyhavetobegin.Say the hard thing. Say: Iwas notthere in theway Ishouldhavebeen.I am here now. That sentence,spoken with sincerity, hasrebuilt things that looked beyond repair Becauseone day, thephone will stop ringing. Andthere is no preparingfor that silence.
AJOURNO’S VOICE
NAMHLA MONAKALI
Capetonians areencouraged to lace up forthe annual Blisters forBread fun walk on Sunday 16 August PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Otters Creekto 3rdstage show
ay 29 gu 17
TicketscostR140for adults andR80 for children .Formoreinformation contact JaydineRossat 084095 8435.
ThelearnersatPelican Park High School were crownedfor theirinnovative ideaswhen it comestosustainable energy practicesand emergedasthe topperformer in theCityof Cape Town’s Energy Efficiency SchoolsProgramme
Theschool, locatednearGrassy Park,recently earned firstplace in thecompetition which is aimedatempoweringyoung people and celebratingtheir creativity andcommitmentto promotingenergyefficiency
Theschools were assessedonthe creativity of theirposterdesigns,aswellastheir ability to articulate energy efficiency practicesand sustainableenergysolutions
Thepostercompetition featured learners from nine participatinghighschoolsacrossCape Town
As thewinning school,Pelican Park received a R15000 Heating, Ventilationand AirConditioning(HVAC)voucher awardedtothe learnersand theirsupervising teacher.
Second placewenttoGroenvlei High School whileVista Nova High School clinched third spot
They received stationery vouchers valued at R5 000and R3 000, respectively
TheCitydescribes thefestivalasa city-wide movement to “equip allresidents with theinformation to make betterenergychoices”.
PelicanParkHighstood outamong theother
schoolsfor thequality of itsposterdesignand itsability to clearlycommunicate practicalsolutionstoenergychallenges facing communities
Speaking at theprize-givingceremony, Mayco member forenergy, XantheaLimberg,saidthey were proudtohonourtheir “learner-leaders”, especially during YouthMonth (June)
“The Future Energy Festival wasdesignedto do more than simply teachfacts aboutelectricity andenergyuse.Itwas createdtobring learningtolife. Throughinteractive plays, workshops, andpractical activities alignedwiththe school curriculum, learners were encouraged to thinkcritically aboutthe energy challenges facing ourcityand ourcountry,” shesaid. Theenergyfutureofthe city is aresponsibility everyresidentshoulduphold, sheadded.
“Whether we areresidents,businesses, government, educatorsorlearners, everyone of us hasa role to play in creating amoresustainable, resilientand energy secure future. Theleaders of tomorroware theyoung people whochoose todaytocareabout theircommunities,their environmentand theirfuture,”she said People’s Post reachedout to PelicanParkHigh School forcomment buttheycould notrespond before thetimeofprinting.
“Toevery school that participated in theEnergy Efficiency SchoolsProgramme.Thank you foryourpassion,yourcommitmentand your willingness to be part of building abrighter futurefor Cape Town,” said Limberg.
CityofCape Town’s Future Energy Festival Executive Director (ED)ofEnergy,Kadri Nassiep alongside Maycomember for Energy,XantheaLimbergseen studying theposters that the learners at Pelican Park High School designed
Otters’ Creek Junior School learners who aretaking part in the Otters’ Creek Junior Schoolplay: Raeed Isaacs(Grade 1), Imaan Martin (Grade 7), and London-Rose Gordon (Grade 3). PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Alook at the posters displayed at theCityofCape Town’sEnergy
CPF concerned about Nita Street
KEANANHARMSE
The Grassy Park Community Policing Forum(GPCPF) is taking up raising concerns amongresidents that Nita Street,Lotus River, is becoming ahot spot forshootings,inlight of amurder in whichfourmen were gunneddownon Thursday 18 June.
On theday,policesaidthe WesternCape anti-gangunitdetectiveswereinvestigating a deadly shootinginLotus Riverthatleftfour mendeadand anotherseriously injuredinwhat police believeisa gang-related attack Theshootingtook placeonthe corner of Nita andOlgastreets.
When People’s Post enquired if therewereany newarrestspolicespokespersonSgt Wesley Twiggsaidthe case wasstill underinvestigation andthere were no newdevelopments.
Grassy Park police areinvestigating murder andattemptedmurder, he added.
However, CPFchair Nicole Jacobussaidresidents should practise cautionwhentravelling on Nita Street,sayingitisbecominga hotspot forshootings andmuggings.
“Thisisthe thirdshootingincidenttooccur in this very road,leaving residentslivinginfear. Thesituation hasbecomesoconcerningthat many community membersconstantlyhave to checkwhether it is safe to return to their homes.
“Weare once againcalling forincreased resourcesinthisarea, includinggreater police visibility andadditional lawenforcement deployment.Our community continuestogrow andthe resourcesallocated to it must grow accordingly.”
MANYRESIDENTSHAVE
TO CHECK IF THE COAST IS CLEAR TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMESSAFELY.
People’s Post reachedout to Grassy Park police forfurther commentonthe matter, butthey couldnot respondbeforethe goingtoprint
Jacobushas also appealed to localresidents nottovandalise statepropertyorpolicevehicles
TheCPF also sent amedia statementout condemning thedamagingofa police van’s windscreen in LotusRiver earlierthismonth
“Suchselfish acts servenopurpose andonly hinder theability of emergencyservicesand law enforcementagenciestoeffectively serveour residents,”Jacobus said “Parents,educators,religious leadersand community stakeholders allhavea role to play We encourageyou to have thosedifficult,but necessary,conversations with ouryouth about making theright choices, avoiding negative influences andchoosingtheir friendswisely.”
Shesaidshe hadseen asufficientpolice presence alloverGrassy Park in thewakeoflast week’s shooting. “Crime is nota policing problem alone, buta community problem. Only by standing together canwebuild asafer Grassy Park forall,”said Jacobus.
.Police areappealingfor anyone with information aboutthe LotusRiver shooting incident to contact CrimeStopon08600 10111 or usethe mobile application MySAPSanonymously.
Anotherdumpedbabygirl founddeadinadustbin
KEANANHARMSE
Police areinvestigating thedeath of anewborn baby girl foundina blackdustbin at apetrol stationonthe corner of Prince George Drive and4th Avenue,Grassy Park,onWednesday 24 June
At 08:30, Grassy Park police received acomplaint of thedumpedinfantand upon arrival were ledtothe body,saidpolicespokesperson SgtWesleyTwigg.
Thecircumstances surrounding this incident arestill underinvestigation
In asimilar incident in May, theLotus River community wasshocked to learnofthe discovery of ababy’sbodyfound in astormwater drainonSunday3 May, around 14:00, on the corner of Second Avenue andAntelopeStreet, bringing thedesperate search that hadbegun thepreviousday to an end.
A31-year-old womanwas arrested andthe charge againsther waschanged from suspected
TheGrassy Park Community Policing Forum’s (CPF)NicoleJacobus said they areaware of the infant that wasdumped.
“Wedon’t have much detail on thematterbut it’s quitesad that amotherwould give up her baby so easily when thereisa safe spacethat babies canbetaken to,likePhilisa Abafaziin Retreatthathas ababysaver.Ifyou aregiving birthand youdon’t want thechild,thenyou canratherleave thebabyatthe hospital than to discarditina plasticbin.Yes,wedon’t know thecircumstances around whythe mother did that,but Idosympathisewiththe parent in that sense,”she said . Anyone with information is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to usethe MySAPSApp to report anonymously
DRUGABUSE,TRAFFICKINGFIGHTCELEBRARTED
Prevention wasthe keyfocus of this year’s International DayagainstDrugAbuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated on Friday26June. Theevent forms one of four pillars of theCityofCape Town’sAlcohol and OtherDrugStrategy. In the first nine months of the2025/2026 financial year,over5 000 learners participated in the City’s substanceabuseprevention programmes,exceeding theinitial target of 3500 participants. TheCityhas also expanded itsFamilyStrengthening initiativethrough the Sinovuyo Teens programme, which equipscaregivers and adolescentswith skillstoimprove communication, coping and family relationships. Whileprevention efforts areled through communityprogrammes,intervention services areprovided by City Health’s Matrix® treatment programme and suppressionefforts by the City’s Safety and SecurityDirectorate. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A More penguins at Bouldersnow
Help petsfindloveand foreverhomes Helppet in reverhomes
To shinethe spotlightonthousands of pets thatare abandonedorinneed of newhomes, People’sPosthas teamed up with TEARSAnimal Rescue to help some of thesefour-leggedpets getnew homes. Once amonth we will publish severaldogsand cats up foradoption. TEARSisa pro-life non-profitorganisation (NPO)established in 1999 to rescue,treat,rehabilitate,reunite andre-home lost,abandoned, abused andneglected companionanimals and to educatepet owners andthe youthlivingin thefourunder-resourced communities. The NPOremains theonlyfacilityinthe Cape Peninsula’sfar Southavailable sevendaysper week,including an after-hoursmobile clinic servicefrom16:30 to 19:00withlimited veterinarycare. TEARStreatshundredsofanimals forvarious conditions,illnessesand injuries
PUZZLE
Meet Puzzle, asweet ‘n spicyAfricanis-Pibble mixwitha bigpersonality andanevenbigger heart. Energetic, affectionateand toy-motivated,she’s lookingfor an experiencedowner who cangiveher structure, stimulationand love Sheenjoyssocialising with dogs on walksbut
Puzzle
wouldprefertobethe only petathome. Puzzle is eagertolearn,bondand become thecentreof your world.
PATSY
Meet Patsy, thehappiestgirlaround! Clever,cuddlyand fullofenergy, she’slooking foranactivehometoshare adventures with Food-motivated andhighlytrainable,she loves playtime,trail runs andaffection.Patsy would prefer to be theonlypet so shecan soak up all theloveand attention. Loyal, playful andfull of kisses, she’sready to become your perfect companion.
BAGHEERA
Meet Bagheera, astrikingGreyhoundAmerican Staffiemix with aloyal heartand adventurousspirit. This intelligent,affectionate boyloves swimming,exploring andbonding deeply with hishumans. He’d thrive as the only petina patient, active home with older kids.Bagheeraiseager to learn, lovestraining andwillrewardyourlovewithendless loyalty, cuddles andcompanionship
MAZZY
Meet Mazzy,a bright-eyedJackRussellAfricanismix with aplayful spirit andlotsof love to give.Rescued as astray in Muizenberg, she’ssearching foranactivehome filledwith adventure, affection andmaybe anotherdog friend too. Mazzy maybeshy at first, buttreats andpatiencequickly winher over.Energetic yet cuddly, she’sready to become someone’sloyal best friend
CATS
THEODORE
Meet Theodore,a breathtaking fluffyboy with thegentlestsoul. Quiet, sensitiveand fullof grace, he’s searchingfor acalmhomewhere he cantruly feel safe andloved.Theodoreadores peaceful moments, soft companionshipand simply beingnearhis people.Withhis cloudlike fur andtenderheart,hebringscomfort, calm anda littlemagic wherever he goes
ZUKO
Meet Zuko,a ginger-and-white firecracker with ahugepersonality andanevenbigger heart. Playful,affectionateand fullofcharm,he
brings joyand laughter wherever he goes.Zuko canbea littlefeistyand will need apatient, confident ownertoguide himwithloveand boundaries.Inreturn, this specialboy promises endlessloyalty,entertainment andunforgettablecompanionship
KOHANNA
Meet Kohanna,a rare ginger-and-white girl with agentleheart anda playful spark. Born at midnight on NewYear’sEve,she’s readyfor a freshstart with apatient,lovingfamily. Kohanna maybeshy at first, butonceshe trusts you, she’saffectionate, loyaland fullofpurrs.This sweet cuddlequeen wouldlovea calm home with plenty of playtime andlove.
VALYA
Meet Valya, abeautiful calico with abig personality andplentytosay!Thischatty girl loves treats,affection andkeepingher humans entertained.After raisingher kittens andwatching them find homes, it’s finally herturnfor an ever after. Valyamay need alittletimetosettle in,but once comfortable, she’sanaffectionate, loyalcompanion fullofloveand character.
Patsy Bagheera Mazzy
Theodore Zuko Kohanna Valya
TheBoulders Penguin Colony locatedinSimon’sTownishometoathriving, protected group of endangered African penguins.
Thecollaborativeteamconsisting of South African National Parks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,the City of Cape Town, Cumic Rangers, the Southern African Foundation forthe Conservation of Coastal Birds and volunteers conducted the annual surveyofthe Africanpenguin colony, which takesplace in Juneeach year
