People’s Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 7 April 2026

CHRISTELHOUSEMATRICSREVELLINGINWHATWASTHEIRSPECIAL

ChristelHouseSouth Africa’s class of 2026dressedtothe nines andwalked the redcarpet as

Theevening took in delicious food,glamour and enjoyablemusic. Thelearners, shown

Youngkaratekaneed

KEANAN HARMSE KEANAN.HARMSE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

False BayKarateAcademy is calling on thecommunity to come together fora specialfundraising eventin support of itsyoung athletes.The goal? To help localkarateathletestraveltoNamibiatocompete in theDesertChampionship,a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity formanyofthese Cape Flatschildren.

traditionalkaratetrainingwithsocialempowerment forlocal youth.

FalseBay Karate Academyisa martialarts school basedinGrassy Park.Itwas established in 1999 by thelateSenseiWilliam Jordaan. It’s acommunity-focused institutionthatcombines

Classesrun everyTuesday andThursday from 18:00to19:00 underthe leadership of Shihan Evelyn Jordaan (5th DanKyokushin) andSenseiHiltonJordaan (4th Dan),alongside theircollaboration with Shihan Eric Snyders (7th Dan)

Uphill battle forcitizens

Ithas been atough starttothe month forconsumers as thefuelhikewas implementedfromWednesday 1April as well as an averageelectricity tariff increase of 8,76%for Eskomcustomers

Neil Roets, chiefexecutive officer(CEO) of Debt Rescue,warns that theincreases are“disastrous”for consumers.

“Thispricestwo of themostessentialnecessities –petroltodrive theirvehiclesand electricitytoheatfood andkeep thelightson– beyond thereach of theaverage citizen– andthisspells disaster on alevel we have notseen yet.”

He warnsthatSouth Africans arefastfalling deeper into financialruin.

“Itisdeeplyconcerningthatauthorities are notrespondingmoreurgentlytothe writingon thewall.”

ANYRELIEFINSIGHT?

Despitegovernment’sannouncement to temporarily reduce thefuellevybyR3per litrefor petrol anddieselfor this month, Roetssaidthe pricehikes will stillhavea dramatic impact on SouthAfricans.

“Petrolisa mainstay of themonthly budget

GOVERNMENT IS SCRAMBLING TO SECURE FUEL SUPPLYFOR THE COUNTRY

of everyhousehold,whether youare avehicle ownerornot,and many ruralhouseholdsstill useitto fire up theirgenerators.

“Whenthe priceofpetroland diesel increases, it’s inevitable that otheressentialgoodswillgo up in pricetoo,withstaplefoodsatthe topof thelist, as we seethe knock-on effectonroad andrailtransport.”

THEDIESELDEBATE

He said in SouthAfricadieselretailpricing is notregulated in thesameway petrol is.Unlike petrol,where thegovernmentsetsa regulated pump pricethatall stations must follow, diesel’s retail priceisonlyguidedbya monthly referenceprice

This meansthatfuelstationscan adjust diesel prices at anytimeduringthe month.

“Itisencouraging that ourgovernmentis

scrambling to secure fuelsupplyfor thecountry forthe upcoming months,withreports coming in that SouthAfricaisseekinga standard contract fora 12-month supplyfromNigeria,” Roetsnotes

“Right nowthough, we only have enough to seethe countrythrough forthe next fewweeks.”

ESKOM’SDARKAGE

Roetswarns that thenationalpower utility Eskomwillalsobehardhit by thedieselprice hike

Theprice increase will placeseverepressure on Eskom’s finances forthisyearbydramatically increasing theoperational costsofits Open CycleGas Turbines (OCGTs).

This forces Eskomtoeitherfundhigheroperationalcosts or reduce usage, potentially risking higher stages of load shedding or more outages, notesRoets

“Loadshedding is somethingweSouth Africans believed we hadleftbehindfor good,” says Roets. “Householdssimplydon’t have the wherewithaltowithstand anotherround of plannedpower outages, especially at this time when they arefacinginsurmountable financial challenges,” he warns.

Taxisandbusesmonitoringtheoilmarket

TheSouth AfricanNationalTaxiCouncil (Santaco)saidgiven that most minibustaxis operate on diesel,which is largelyunregulated,the significant priceincreasemeans theindustry will continue to absorb thegreatestimpactof thecurrent fuel priceadjustments

Motoristsare feelingthe squeeze, with petrol increasedbyR3,06 perlitre anddieselspiking by R7,37.

Santacosaidwhile it welcomes theR3fuel levy relief as anecessary short-term intervention,the overallincreaseinfuelpricescontinuestoplace significant pressure on thetaxi industry andits dailyoperations.

Mmatshikhidi Phala, Santaconationalspokesperson,saidtaxiassociations across thecountry arecurrently assessing theimpactofthese increasesontheir operationalcosts andprofit margins.

“Based on theseassessments,associations will communicate directly with theircommuters regardingany potentialfareadjustments.”

Phalasaidthatany fare increasesimplemented by associations will be approached with “caution,transparency, andresponsibility”

Phalasaidnationally,Santaco leadership remainsactivelyengaged with government to explorefurther supportmeasuresaimed at softeningthe ongoing financialstrainonboth theindustryand commuters.

“These engagementsare critical to ensuring that theburdenofrisingcosts does notdis

proportionatelyaffectthose whorelyonpublic transportdaily

“Santaco calls forunderstanding andcooperationfromcommuters during this challenging period,asthe industry workstobalance sustainabilitywithaffordability.”

MeanwhileBronwen Dyke-Beyers, spokesperson forGoldenArrow,saidthe busservices remainscommittedtosupportingthe communities that they serve.

Shesaidcurrently Golden Arrowdoesnot plan to implementfareincreases

“Wewilldoeverythingpossibletoshieldour passengersbyabsorbing theseadditional fuel costsfor as long as possible. However, should thesepressurespersist or intensifythere will come apoint wherefareadjustments become unavoidable.”

Dyke-Beyerssaidtheywillcontinuetomonitordevelopments.

“Wewillcontinuetomonitor thesituation closelyand will always communicate transparentlywithour passengersshouldany changes become necessary.”

As fleetingand unpredictableas theweather canbe, so toohave ourpersonallives become in the ever shifting globaland economic landscape. We find ourselveswrestlingtounderstandwhile we keep ourheads abovewater.These daily anxietieswrackingour brains have been compounded by theraging warinthe MiddleEastand the conflictoverthe Strait of Hormuz whichhas caused an unprecedented fuelhikethatpunctured our pocketsaswelookedonhelplessly at theprice of petrol anddiesel skyrocketing as we approached the monthofApril Ironically thefuelhikearrivedon AprilFool’s Day, howapt we find ourselvescaughtinthe middleof ajokewhere onecan only laugh insteadofcry at theimminent risingcosts andinflationthatawaits

us in thecomingweeks. Research showsthatthe increase in petrol (fuel) prices is asignificant global economic shockthattriggers a “chain reaction,leading to higher inflation, increasedcostofliving, andslowereconomicgrowth” Slowly we’llsee howthese fuel hikesaffectthe grocerieswebuy as fuelis“essential” fortransporting goods, agriculture, andmanufacturing Rising oilpricescreatea negative supplyshock that spreadsacross theentireglobaleconomy.This feelingofhelplessnesscan be quite draining as we deal with ourown personal problems andissues affecting ourfamilies, notmissing thefactthatthe SouthAfrican National DefenceForce hasdescended upon theCapeFlats to bringa senseofsafetyand security amid thealarmingrates of violence and gunshots affecting residents. Themerefactthatthe army had to be calledintoquell andcurbthe amount of shootings is notonlya worryingsignfor ournationwhere

everynew Stateofthe Nation speechbringsthe “promise”ofa SouthAfricawhere theconstant issues of unemployment,housing, educationand economic freedomhavestarted to show signs of improvement. Insteadwe’re constantly seeing ourcalls falling on deaf ears

Ironically,itseemsgovernment seemstolistenmoreattentively when election season is loomingand more voters need to be groomed.

So we’llsee more politicians showingthemselvesinthe poorer communitiesand mingling with thedisadvantaged andoffering more illusionsofhopeona horizon that neverseemstoreach us despitethe yearsthatpass. Whymustour crimestats andthe number of bodies of youngpeople killedsenselesslybecomepiled into such aunsettlingstatistic that ourpoliticians andkey figurescan “wakeup” andtakeaction? On Tuesdayevening,driving past apetrolstation in Cape Town,I

wasamazedatthe long queues of cars seekingfuelattendants andthe sightseemed so grim as Iwatched thecarsstand still anddrivers patientlywaiting.At timesitcan be such an exercise to remain hopeful andgrateful watching thenewsand seeing all thedestruction andinnocent lives everywhere we go.Whether we’re hearingabout disturbing murders on ourphones, television or on the radio, we’reconstantlyswarmed with notonlynewsreports,wenow have influencersdissectingthese storiesfor us andoften sensationalisingthese incidentswithmore gruesome detail It’s becoming harder to stay optimistic andtosupport each otherin this ageofrapid informationand anxiety. Butoften theright thingtodo requires themostdisciplineand in theend becomesthe most rewardingfor notonlyourselves,but also in aiding anotherhuman beingby simply listeningand understanding.

NHF acce againstp

KEANANHARMSE

ACape Town-based non-profitorganisation (NPO), NewHeritage Foundation (NHF), haslaunchedits annual SheMatters Campaign,a twomonthinitiativerunning from Aprilto Maythisyearinrecognition ofInternational MenstrualHealthMonth,aimed at tackling periodpoverty andrestoring dignitytoyoung girls.

NHFisdedicated to ending period poverty. They focusonperiodimpactinitiatives,aiming to ensure no younggirlorwoman is left behind duetomenstruation.

Thegroup wasrecentlyrecognisedfor making significant stridesinadvancing gender equality andyouth empowermentafter getting an award at theVoice andChoiceSummitinJohannesburg (“NHFwinsVoice award”, People’s Post, 24 March)

Thecampaignisdrivenbya simple buturgent message:nogirlshouldhavetochoosebetween hereducation andher period,saidNHF founder,Chantelle Goliath. “Globally,morethan500 million womenand girlsmenstruatewithout adequate resources, whileinSouth Africa alone, over sevenmillion girlsfacelimitedaccessto sanitary products.Thisoften leadstoabsenteeism, lowself-esteem and, in some cases, school dropouts,” sheexplained

Throughthe SheMatters Campaign,NHF partners with schools, businesses,communities anddonorstoprovide sanitary products directly to learners

“Eachparticipating school receives about 90 boxesofsanitarypadstoensuregirls have

FROMPAGE1

Forseveral athletes,thiswillbetheir firsttime leavingthe WesternCape, letalone SouthAfrica.The trip is more than just asportingevent; it’s achancefor exposure,personalgrowth, and areminderthattheir dreams canextendfar beyond theireverydaycircumstances

Fellowathlete,DanielJordaan,saysheis excitedtotesthis skills in Namibiaagainst the best He attendsWynberg Boys School andisin Grade3.“I’mexcited to go to anothercountry forthe firsttimeinmylife. It meansa lotthatI canrepresent my club andmycountry andI’m only nine yearsold.I really hope Idowell,”he said Jordaan says hispassion forkarateand the training hasturnedhim into agood listener “Karateteaches discipline,sothathelps.I’m most excitedabout leavingthe country. I’mjust nervousto fight. Please help us,weneedtohelp everybodyinour clubsget to Namibia,”hesaid. Anotherathlete,JaydenFrancis,saysheis excited, becauseitwould be his firsttimetravelling on an airplane andvisitinga newplace “Itisa greatopportunityfor me as we do not getmanyofthese kind.It’sanopportunity for me to representthe children whodonot have theopportunityasmyself. It made me stronger, more agileand more confident,” he says Francissaysheisslightlyafraidofgetting motion sickness on theplane as well as visiting anothercountry Thefamily-friendly eventwilltakeplace at the Cape Town CricketClubinPlumstead (nextto thegraveyard)onSunday12April from 12:00 to 17:00, giving locals plenty of time to attend church in themorning andstill join theafternoon festivities.

Therewillbeliveentertainment from Sons of Selassi,Ram Music, andDenis on guitar,plus aDJset by DJ Johno. Jumpingcastles,face painting,and otherfun activities,while avarietyoffood trucks will ensure there’ssomething forthe wholefamily.

Everycontributionwillhelpthese young athletes experience internationalcompetition, buildconfidence, andchase theirdreams. It’s a chance forthe community to support thenext generation,while enjoying an afternoon of music, food,and fun

.The eventisopentoeveryone, andorganisers hope it will be aday to celebratebothsport and community spirit

. Formoreinformation or to getinvolved,locals cancontact the FalseBay Karate Academysensei HiltonJordaan at 074994 9785

WorldTBDayatDPMaraisHospital

Various patients andhealthcare workersunitedunder acommon causetoraise tuberculosis (TB) awarenessand hosted aWorld TB Day commemoration at DP Marais Hospital on Tuesday31March

Thefacilityisa specialisedpublictuberculosis hospital situated in Retreat.

It operates as astate-fundedfacilityfocusing on TB treatmentand care,often functioning in conjunctionwithregionalhealthservicesto support patients in theSouth PeninsulaHealth District

TB remainsa majorhealthconcern across the WesternCapeand thecountry,despite being preventable, treatableand curable. Underthis year’s national theme, “Yes!You andI canend TB,” theWestern Cape Department of Health andWellnessurged communities to play an active role in fighting thedisease

Theevent highlightedthatendingTBrequires more than medicalintervention.

Earlytesting,completingtreatment and supportingthose affectedare allvital stepsin reducing thespread.

TB notonlyimpacts physical health,but also affects families,livelihoodsand dignity. However, with theright care andcommitment, recovery is possible.

OperationalNursing ManagerReginald Abrahams emphasised theimportanceofcollective action.Henoted that whileawareness is important, more must be done to addresstreatment interruptions andundetectedcases

“Stopping thespreadofTBrequiresa multi-sectoral approach,” he said,addingthat education, compassionatesupport anddecisive action arekey to making adifference

Healthcare workersacrossthe district continue to play acrucial role in supporting patients throughout theirtreatment journeys,offering both medicalcareand emotionalencouragement

THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL THEME IS ‘YES!YOU AND I CANEND TB’

Recent statistics highlightthe urgencyofthe situation. Between Aprillastyearand February this year,atleast 48 388peopleinthe province were diagnosedwithTB, with 57%ofcases affecting men. Nearly half of thosediagnosed were betweenthe ages of 25 and44. Despite free andeffective treatmentbeing available, only 90%ofdiagnosed patients startedtreatment,increasingthe risk of further transmission

Residentsare encouraged to test earlyifthey experience symptoms such as apersistent cough, weight loss, nightsweatsorfever Starting andcompletingtreatment is essential, even if symptoms improve. Clinicsalsooffer integrated TB andHIV services to ensure early diagnosisand care

Thecommemoration formspartofthe department’s Healthcare 2030 vision,which focuses on prevention,early intervention andcommunity-based support. As themessage of World TB Dayechoedthrough theevent,one call remained clear: ending TB is asharedresponsibility,and together,communities canmakeit areality

etohoneskills

Youngjazzmusicians across theWestern Cape cannow applytoshowcasetheir talents at this year’s YouthJazzSeries, settotake placeinJuneatArtscapeTheatre in Cape Town

Theevent will featureaspiringjazzsoloists performing on Friday 12 June,followedby school jazz bandsonSaturday13June.

Originally launched in 2003 as theYouth Jazz Festival,the programme hasexpanded significantlyoverthe yearstomeet growing interest andaccommodate theexceptional talent of younglocal musicians.

Theproject combines performanceopportunities with valuable masterclassprogrammesled by industry professionals.

“Participantsbecomehubsofsustainable learning as they aregiven aplatformtovoice theirown creativity to acaptive audience whiletheyalsoget an opportunitytobroaden theirhorizonsbyexperiencingthe magicof live stage, lights,sound andanaudience,” organisers said

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Aspiring musiciansand instrumentalists must submit audition videos by Friday 17 April. Applicants must be 27 yearsold or youngerinthe year of participationand reside in theWestern Cape

Theprogramme encourages both school learners andinformalmusic students to audition

Musicliteracyisnot essential, with candidateswho play by earwelcome to apply.

Each applicantmustsubmita maximumof twoauditionvideos, each lasting3-4 minutes,featuring twojazzsongs or standards.

Selected candidates maybecontacted for live auditionswiththe audition panel, with a maximumof15minutes allocatedper candidate.

Successful applicants must be availablefor masterclassesand allrequiredrehearsals between Mayand June

Thesesessionswillbearranged between candidates andmentors following theaudition process.

. Contactslu@artscape.co.za foranentry form, then submit your audition video along with the entryform(which must include full name andsurname).

A Communityparkgetsafacelift