People’s Post Grassy Park/Retreat E-edition 9 June 2026

HAPPYTOBEHOMEAFTERTOUGHORDEAL

Hajar KagisoAl-Tha’irahAhjum-Mathee alongsideher mother Gadija Ahjum at the Universityofthe Western Cape campus recently. Mathee wasone of six SouthAfricanactivists aboardthe Global Sumud Flotilla,which attempted to deliverhumanitarian aid to theGazaStrip and wasintercepted by Israeli authorities on Monday18May People’sPost spokewith Hajar to uncoverher thoughts on hermission since returningtoCape Town. Read moreonpage3 PHOTO:SHELLEY CHRISTIANS/UWC pr

Theteenager says hearinghis name announcedfor theSouth Africansquad remains oneofthe proudest momentsofhis life

“I wasveryhappy andveryproud of myself when Iheard thecoach calling my name,” he said

Although baseball remainsa relatively small sportinSouth Africa,Haydenhas remained committedtopursuinghis goalsdespite limited recognition. “Itcan be difficult to getrecognised becausebaseballisnot awell-knownsport in SouthAfrica,”heexplained

Hisparents believethe sporthas played an importantroleinshaping hischaracter.“Baseball hastaughtHaydenpersistence,humility anddiscipline,”theysaid. “Hehas also become much more confident andoutspoken.” Hayden editshis father as hisgreatestinspiration “Mydad introduced me to thegameand has been coaching me sinceI wasthree yearsold,” he said TOPAGE4

Entriesopen forbusiness competition

Learnersfromacross Southern Africa are invitedtoenter the10th birthday editionofthe annual AllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challenge(AGEC)– the region’s most celebrated business competitionfor young people.

This milestoneyearbringsa bigger, bolder experience:morefun, more relevanceand more of the action-packedactivitiesthathas shaped adecadeofinspiring and sparking entrepreneurialspirit across theregion.

“Asthe Challengecelebratesits 10th year this year,it’samazing to seehow this competitioncontinuestospark interest andignitea passion forentrepreneurshipinso many youngpeoplefromall over Southern Africa,” says Charleen Duncan,HeadofPublicAffairs andCommunicationsatthe Allan Gray OrbisFoundation. “We’re proudofthe cultural movement theAllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challengehas spearheadedover thepastdecadeand theway it is reshapingthe entrepreneurialaspirations within Southern Africanyouth.Thiscompetition’s mission is to getmoreyoung peopleinterestedinstartingontheir entrepreneurialjourneysasearly as possibleinlife, becauseentrepreneurshipistransformativefor youngpeople, theircommunities, andtheir economies.”

Topstudentsget theopportunity to pitchtheir business ideas live at theAGECSummittoturn business plansintorealventures.

“Through fun,relevantand accessiblemeans,AGECexposes the foundational concepts of entrepreneurship,shiftingperceptions and creating aculture that excitesand inspires futureentrepreneurs,” says Duncan

HOWTHECOMPETITIONWORKS AGEC startedasanonlinegame

GETYOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEYS

to getstudentsexcited about business, andsince inception, has grownintoa full-on entrepreneurialmovement.

Thegameisopentostudents from SouthAfrica, Namibia, Botswana andEswatini.

Thecompetition features ahigh school game basedona deep, scenario-based simulation that puts learners in thedriver’sseatof real-world business decisions.

Participants canpickfrom five differentshoptypes to starttheir “retailempire”.The game is free to play butrequires14MBofdatato play,onlineordownloadedfor offlineplay. Thegamecan be played year-round,althoughprizescan only be earned in thecompetition timeframe. No priorbusiness, accounting or financeknowledge is required.The fast,smart and mobile-friendlyAGECdigital platform is designed to feel relevant,excitingand easy to use. The competitionalsoincludeshandson toolsfor teachers,physicalcard gameslikeStartup Shuffleand in real life (IRL)pitchingevents.

Participants standa chance to winexcitingprizes, includingcash andAllan Gray Unit Trusts

The finalBusinessPitch Challengewillrewardthe topthree students with incredible prizes, whilethe AllanGrayHighSchool Game features agenerousoverall prizepool.Schools canalsowin a specialprize forenteringthe most participants

More than 21 000 learners from four countries, andmorethan800 teachers,who participatethrough partnerships with teacherunions participate.

.Formoreinformation about the

ELUSIVEJELLYFISHATTHEAQUARIUM

Visitorstothe TwoOceans Aquarium at the V&A Watefronthavearareopportunitytosee one of SouthAfrica’smostelusive jellyfishspecies up close.A thriving pink meanie jelly (Drymonema sp.) is currentlyonexhibit in theAquarium’s Jelly Gallery,captivating visitorswith its striking appearanceand impressive size PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Arewelookingafterourchildrenproperly?

Thenames Kelly-Amber Koopman(12), Zahnia Woodward (6 months), Uthmaan Taliep (2), Alnika Mitchell (14),Qadir Boer (4)and Machiano Geswind(4) andmanyothersshouldnever be forgotten.

They were children with dreams, laughter andfutures aheadof them

Instead, theirlives were cutshort by violence on theCapeFlats As thecurtain comesdownon National ChildProtectionWeek, commemoratedfromFriday 29 MaytoFriday5 June under thetheme “Working together in ending violence againstchildren”, communities areremindedthat protecting children is everyone’s responsibility

Statistics released by theWestern Cape Department of Social Developmentpaint aheartbreakingpicture.Morethan43000 children arecurrently in foster care, whilea further 2800 children are beingcared forinNPO-run child andyouth care centres.

Thedepartmentalsorevealed that between Octoberlastyearand Marchthisyear, nearly 2000 reportsofchild abusewerereceived, highlighting theurgentneed for stronger protection measures and community involvement.

Gone arethe days when communities helped raisethe children; today, many families face the challenges of parentinginisolation,makingitmoreimportant than ever forneighbours, schools, organisationsand community leaderstoworktogethertoprotect andsupport youngpeople.

Children deservesafehomes, safe streetsand safe schools. They deservetoplaywithout fear,to

grow withouttraumaand to dream withoutviolenceinterruptingtheir futures

Parentsand caregivers,please speakopenlytoyourchildren, know wheretheyare,check their phones andsocialmedia platforms, listen to theirfears and create spaces wheretheyfeel safe andprotected

To ourgovernments,createmore jobs so that children don’thaveto standonstreet cornersbegging for food

To ourjustice system,implement stricter laws andensure swiftjustice forthose perpetrating childmurders,abuse andviolence againstchildren. As acommunity we cannolonger turn ourbackand look theother way, report abuse, neglectand violence,and let’sstand together in protecting themostvulnerable.

To thechildren: your voice matters.Ifsomething feelswrong or unsafe,speak to atrusted adult,

teacher, family member,social worker or community leader

Youare notalone,and thereare people whocareabout your safety andwell-being. LetusberemindedthatinMatthew 18:10the Biblesays: “See that youdonot despiseone of these littleones. ForI tell youthattheir angels in heaven always seethe face of my Father in heaven.” This scripturereminds us that children arepreciousinthe eyes of Godand worthy of ourprotection, care andrespect.Wehavea mandate to care forchildren, to safeguardtheir well-being, to speak outagainst abuseand neglect, and to ensure that everychild hasthe opportunitytogrowupina safe andnurturing environment. Childprotectionisnot only aconversationfor oneweek in theyear. It is adaily responsibility.Every childmatters,every childdeserves love andevery childdeservesthe chance to simply be achild

Lotus Rivergymnast dreams big

KEANANHARMSE

Eight-year-oldSaarah Bosch from LotusRiver is proving that talent,determination andhardworkcan help young athletes rise abovechallenging circumstances.

Theyoung gymnasthas already builtanimpressive collection of gold medals andrecentlyqualified for theWestern Cape gymnastics trials, bringing herone step closer to her dreamofone dayrepresentingSouth Africa

Growingupina community often affectedbygangviolenceand crime, Saarah hasremainedfocused on hergoals,saysher mother,Rushana Bosch. Insteadofallowing her surroundingstodefine herfuture, she spends hourstrainingand perfecting herroutines. “I startedgymnastics when Iwas five yearsold,” shesaid. “I remember beingveryexcited when I firsttried acartwheel.Itfeltfun and alittlescary at first, butI wanted to keep trying untilI gotitright.That’s when IknewI lovedgymnastics.”

Saarah,a learneratBuckRoad PrimarySchool,balancesher trainingschedulewithschoolworkand enjoys spending time with family andfriends when sheisnot in the gym.Herachievementshaveearned admiration from teachers andclassmatesalike.“My teachers andfriends know that Idogymnasticsand they arealwaysveryhappy formewhen Iwin medals.Theytellmetheyare proudofmyachievements,”she said OneofSaarah’s proudest moments came when shewon agoldmedal

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“Hetaughtmehow to throwand catcha ball andhas supported me from dayone.”

National coachTonyAlexander says Hayden’s abilityand attitude set himapart from many playershis age. “Whatstood outimmediatelywas hisnatural abilityand willingness to learn,”saidAlexander.“At u-15 levelhehas that rare combinationof talent,disciplineand coachability.”

Alexanderdescribes Hayden as a reliable pitcherand infielderwho performs well underpressure “Thistournamentismassive forhis development. It offersexposureto higher-level coaching,scoutsand opportunitieswithinthe national pathway,”hesaid. However, thefamilynow facesthe challengeofraising approximatelyR60 000 to coverthe costsofHayden’striptoMexicolater this year.“It wouldmeansomuchto us if thecommunity couldassist in anyway,whether throughdonations,

SHEIS MILES AHEADINTERMS OF COMPETITION READINESS

at theCapeTownWomen’s Artistic Gymnastics competition. “I wasvery excitedand proudwhenI foundout I hadwon.I worked really hard forit.

The firstpeopleI wanted to tell were my momand grandpabecause they always support me,” shesaid.

EXPENSIVE

Rushanasaidgymnasticsquickly became more than just ahobby forher daughter.“Saarah started gymnastics at theage of five andimmediatelyfellinlovewiththe sport. Watching herdedication, discipline anddetermination grow over the yearshas been incredible,” shesaid.

As asingleparent, however, supportinga competitivegymnast comes with significant financialchallenges “Competitive gymnastics includes entryfees,transport,accommodation,trainingcosts andmeals while travelling.Meetingthese expenses canbeextremely difficult,” Bosch explained. Therehavebeen times when the financialpressure became so severe that shehad to sell personal belongings to help covercompetition costs.”

Selling itemsfromour home was neveraneasydecision, butI was determined nottolet financialchallenges stop herfrompursuingher dreams,” shesaid.

sponsorships,fundraising or simply spreadingthe word,” hisparents said.Alexander believes community support canmakea lastingdifference.“Hayden’s trip to Mexico is aboutmorethanone player,” he said “It’sabout showingevery childin Grassy Park that talent exists in our communities andthatdreamsare worthpursuing.”

ForHayden, thegoalremains clear. “Mydream is to play fora Major League Baseball club overseas,” he said.“Nothingworth having comes easy.Workhard, stay focusedand nevergiveuponyourdreams.” . Formoreinformation contact Nicole at 061 6243979.

Saarah’s grandfather, Robert Bosch, hasalsoplayeda vitalroleinher journey, helpingwhereverpossible andencouraging herevery step of the way. Much of thefamily’ssupport comesfromRobert’s Sassa grant.

Accordingtoher coachWayne Samuels,Saarah’s commitment sets her apartfrommanygymnastsher age.

“Saarah is an extremelydedicated gymnastwho will practise askill repeatedly untilshe perfects it,” said Samuels. “She is milesahead in terms of competitionreadiness compared to many gymnasts herage”.

He addedthatsaarah is alreadypart of ahigh-performanceprogramme afterwinning gold in aerobicGymnasticsatthe National Gymnastics Championshipslastyear. Despite

hersuccess, funding remainsa major obstacle.The family is hoping to raise R2 500tocover costsassociated with upcoming competitions

“The support wouldmeanthe world to ourfamily,”saidRushana.“Every contribution,nomatterhow small, helpsSaarah continue pursuing her goalsand representing hercommunity with pride.”

ForSaarah,the dreamremains simple butambitious.“Iwantto keep improving, winmorecompetitionsand representmyprovinceand countryone day,”she said.“Iwould love to become acoach.”Heradvice to othergirls whomay be afraid to try somethingnew is straightforward: “Don’t be scared.Justtry your best andkeep practising.”

Neumanntaken to Appeal Court

KEANANHARMSE

The long-running legalbattlebetween theWestern Cape Education Department (WCED) andformer HeathfieldHighSchool principalWesleyNeumann is settocontinueafter the Labour Courtgranted thedepartment leavetoappeal ajudgmentorderinghis reinstatementonWednesday 3June.

WesternCapeEducation Department (WCED) Minister DavidMaynier confirmed that the matterwillnow proceed to theLabourAppeal Court.

“Wehavebeen grantedleave to appeal the decision of theLabourCourt with regardsto Wesley Neumann’sdismissal,” said Maynier. “Inour application, we argued that theCourt committedmultiplelegal andfactual errors in reviewingthe EducationLabourRelations Council’sarbitration award. TheCourt hasnow grantedusleave to appeal thejudgmenttothe Labour Appeal Court.”

Mayniersaidthe ruling meansthatthe earlier courtorder reinstatingNeumann as principal remainssuspended pendingthe outcomeofthe appeal.“This meansthatthe ordertoreinstate Mr Neumannasprincipal of HeathfieldHigh School remainssuspended.Wewillremain focusedonthe best interestsofthe learners of HeathfieldHighSchool,” he said Reacting to thelatestruling, Neumann’sattorney, Vernon Seymour, acknowledged that the decision wouldprolong thematter.

“Wenoted therulingthatWCEDhas been grantedleave to appeal.Itwillunfortunately delaythe closureofthismatter, whichmany people in theeducation sector hadhoped for,” Seymoursaid.

He notedthatActingJudge De Cock hadhighlightedthe significanceofcovid-related tensionsatthe school during 2020 andsuggested that theLabourAppeal Courtshouldconsider theissues raised

“MrNeumann is naturallydisappointedwith therulingand washopingtoreturntothe class-

IT IS GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULTTOPROVE THAT IT CONTAINS ALEGAL ERROR

room next term

“However,heremains positive that he will be vindicated once againafter theappealis finalised,” Seymoursaid. “Wewillbeopposing the appeal as vigorously as possible, andpresent a case that thejudgmenthandeddownonMonday5 January, ordering hisreinstatement as principalofHeathfieldHighSchool,issound.”

Seymourarguedthatthe WCED facesa difficult task in overturningthe judgment.“Anyone whoreadthe original judgment will agreethat it is goingtobeverydifficult to provethatit contains alegal error, seriousproceduralmistakesorunreasonableconclusions.The WCED will have averysteep mountain to climb.”

TheLabourAppeal Courtwillnow determine whetherthe Labour Court’sreinstatement order should ultimately stand.

Maynieradded that theschool hadcontinued to performwellduringthe dispute. “The school is flourishingand hasproduceda matric pass rate of 89,9%– theschool’s highestin15years We remind Mr Neumann’ssupportersthatdisruptingschoolingisnow an offence in termsof Section3(7)ofthe SouthAfrican Schools’ Act, andwewillnot tolerate anyfurther disruptions at HeathfieldHighSchool.”

Neumannwas dismissedinOctober 2021 following allegationsofmisconductand insubordination linked to decisionstaken during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020

Theformerprincipal challenged hisdismissal and, aftera protracted legalprocess spanning five years, secureda Labour Courtjudgmentin January.

TheWCEDsubsequentlylaunchedanappeal application, whichautomatically suspendedthe reinstatementorder

Healthfieldlearnersobtain provincialvolleyballcolours

KEANANHARMSE

TwoHeathfieldHighSchool learners areprovingthatdedication, hard work andperseverance canopendoors to provincial success after earningselection to representthe WesternCape in volleyball.

Grade11learnersTuvia Manuel andBlanche Matthewshavebothbeen recognised fortheir talent andcommitmenttothe sport, with Matthewsalsoearning selectionfor multiple representative teams.

Accordingtoschool principalNadia Aanhuizen,the learners’achievementsreflectthe growth of volleyballatthe school andthe strong support structures availabletoaspiringathletes.

“Selection forthese teamscomes down to skill level, composureduringtrialsand matches, athletic abilityand overallperformance,” said Aanhuizen. Shehighlighted Matthews’ rapid rise in thesport,notingthatshe only began playingvolleyballinJanuary last year

“Blanche is extremelyathleticand playsasa middleblocker.Her height givesher asignificant advantageatthe net,”she said Matthewshas been selected forboththe Federationu-19tournamentand theCapeMetro SchoolsAssociationu-17team, whereshe will representthe WesternCape.

Anotherlearner whosecured hisprovincial coloursisAyabongaBerry,after only playing thesport fora year before hisselection.“The sportisveryinviting. At thestart thecoaches didn’t shout, so once Iknewthe basics it only went up from there,”hesaid.

AanhuizensaidHeathfield’svolleyballplayers benefitfromextensive opportunitiesbeyond theschoolenvironment.“Allofour playersalso competefor clubsoutside of school.Someplay in thePremier League,which is averyhigh standard of volleyball,”she explained. “There is alot of exposure availabletothese players. They

trainalongside experiencedathletesand have opportunitiestolearn from some of thetop volleyballplayers in theregion.

ForTuvia,volleyballisa family passion.He wasintroducedtothe sportbyhis father and sister afterattendingmatches at theUniversity of Cape Town in 2022. “Volleyballdefinitely runs in my family,” he said.“My father played at club leveland my sister wasselectedfor a KwaZulu-Natalu-19development squad.”

Tuviacurrently playsfor theChristelHouse SouthAfrica(CHSA)men’s team in thePremier Division

Originally asetter, he hasdeveloped into a versatileall-roundplayercapable of contributinginmultiplepositions.Havingrepresented theprovincebefore, Tuviawas confident about hischances of making theu-17teamagain “Mypreparation hasbecomemoreintense I’mnolongerone of theyounger playersand have to take on more responsibility as aleader,” he said.Balancing academicsand sportisnot always easy.Tuvia oftentrainsseveral times aweekand only starts hishomeworklateat night. Despitethe challenges,heencourages others to getinvolvedinvolleyball.

“Whether you’re experiencedornot,it’s always worthtrying. Younever know howmuch you’ll enjoyituntil youget involved,” he said Blanche’sjourney is equally inspiring. Before last year,she knew very littleabout volleyball andjoinedsimplybecause afriendsuggested they trythe sporttogether.

“The beginning wasdifficult becausemany of theplayers alreadyhad experience,” she recalled. “Atone stage, Iwantedtoquitbecause Ifeltoverwhelmed.” Instead, shepersevered andworkedtowards hergoal. “WhenI found outI hadbeen selected,I felt proudbecause I hadachievedsomething Ihad worked very hard for,”she said

FBKAdowellatWorldAllKyokushintournament

KEANANHARMSE

YoungathletesfromFalse BayKarate Academy(FBKA)delivered aseriesof impressive performances at the first WorldAll KyokushinKarateUnion tournament recently,bringinghome podium finishes andvaluablecompetition experience Thetournament, hosted in Belhar by Kyoshi Eric Snyders(7thDan), attractedkaratekafromacross Cape Town,including Grassy Park, HanoverPark, Belhar,Khayelitsha, Bellville Southand Eerste River

amongother areas.

Forthe FBKA team,the eventprovidedanopportunityfor theathletes to test theirskills,demonstrate their determinationand reap therewards of months of hard work andtraining.

Amongthe academy’sstandout performers waseight-year-old Kaynan Poole, alearner at Star of the SeaPrimary School andthe youngest member of theteam. Kaynan showed courageand determination throughout theday,earning an impressive second-place finish

Anotherlearner whodemonstrated remarkable commitment wasDaniel Jordaan

Afterplaying arugby matchfor hisschoolearlier that morning, he headed straight to thekaratetournament andstill managedtosecurean excellent second-place finish Oneofthe toughest divisionsofthe daywas thehighlycompetitive 12-to 13-year-oldcategory. Jayden Francisfaced adifficult challengeagainst larger opponents. Despitegivingawaysignificant

weight to many of theircompetitors, both boys displayedexceptional resilienceand fighting spirit Francisfoughthis waythrough the division to claimsecondplace,while Hendricksnarrowlymisseda podium finish afteranimpressive effortthat earned himfourthplace overall.

HannahHendricks impressed judges with herdiscipline, focusand technicalability to secure second placeinthe kata division Hercousin, AdaHendricks also delivereda strong performance.