People's Post | Grassy Park / Retreat | E-Edition 26 August 2025

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Fiona Blanchard, a teacher at Crystal Secondary School in Hanover Park, scooped the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12)

certificate during the Western Cape Education Department’s Provincial Teaching Awards

The ceremony was held at The Westin Hotel on Friday 15 August

The annual awards shine the spotlight on the outstanding work by the teachers in the Western Cape

The categories included: national best teacher award, excellence in teaching Mathematics, excellence in special needs teaching, excellence in Primary School teaching and excellence in teaching Natural Sciences

Wedaad Esau from Bridgeville Primary school walked away with the national best teacher award

Blanchard was the only teacher from Hanover Park to receive the coveted award With 35 years of teaching experience, she’s stayed at Crystal Secondary School since 1990 and taught accounting (former) and currently teaches tourism for 24 years now

During this time she has mentored learners, supported extracurricular activities, and contributed to school development over three decades Blanchard is also the Deputy Princi-

NEWS

Coniston Park residents oppose high school’s construction - 3

BlistersforBreaduponus

With just days to go until Blisters for Bread hits the streets of Green Point it’s all systems go for this year’s annual Charity Fun Walk taking place on Sunday 31 August.

Participants are reminded that registration will take place at selected Sportsman’s Warehouse on Saturday 30 August

The much-loved charity walk is an initiative of the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) and raises vital funds to feed hungry and needy learners

All the festivities will start at the Green Point Common Sports Ground Walkers are urged to arrive early, as the 10km walk sets off at 07:30, followed by the 5km walk at 08:00

Charles Grey, PSFA’s fundraising manager, said the event promises a fun-filled day for the entire family

“We will have live entertainment

CHARITY FUN WALK TAKING PLACE ON SUNDAY 31 AUGUST FROM GREEN POINT SPORTS GROUND

by popular local artists Mujahid George, Anslin Gysman, and Natasha van der Merwe

“Delicious food and refreshments will be on sale, and participants stand a chance to win exciting lucky-draw prizes ”

He said ample parking will be available on the day of the event

“For safety, participants are encouraged to lock valuables in their car boots, apply sunscreen, and wear comfortable sneakers ”

Grey expressed his excitement and said they look forward to welcoming all 8 000 entrants

“We are overwhelmed by the sup-

port we ’ ve received this year

“Every step taken at Blisters for Bread helps us ensure that thousands of children in need receive a

TheSmileFoundationneedsyourassistance

The Smile Foundation is appealing for assistance with their latest fundraiser to bring more reconstructive surgeries for children across South Africa

The non-profit organisation (NPO) recently launched its boldest campaign yet, Socks for Smiles, an initiative aimed at raising R2,5 million to fund 100 life-changing reconstructive surgeries for children in the country

The Foundation is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for children and families affected by facial conditions and burns

For over 25 years, they have transformed the lives of over 5 000 children and their families

With the purchase of a R20 Socks for Smiles sticker, South Africans are encouraged to step out in their funkiest, brightest, and most joyful socks on Friday 19 September, whether at school, at work, or out in their community

Every sticker bought is a step closer to helping a child smile again

The campaign is made possible with the support of Dis-Chem, Cape Union Mart, and Baby City, where the public can purchase

their stickers nationwide

Lending their star power to the campaign are the Swing City, The Muses, Lady Zamar, Gugulethu Nyatsumba, DJ Milkshake, Miss World South Africa Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, John Vlismas, Themba Robin, and Toniquinne Becker

These ambassadors will be sharing their messages of support across social media and media platforms, encouraging the public to wear their socks

“We wanted to create something that’s fun, simple, and accessible but still powerful,” says the Foundation’s ambassador and campaign advocate, Loyiso Bala

“Socks for Smiles is a reminder that even the smallest act can have a life-changing impact It’s more than a fundraiser It’s a movement It’s about showing up, standing together, and helping children step into their future with confidence,” adds van Rensburg who is also an ambassador for the Foundation

The Foundation is calling on schools, corporates, universities, and everyday South Africans to join in Group sales are available, and the Foundation encourages companies to get their teams

involved or even sponsor sticker packs for schools in under-resourced areas

“We are so grateful to every single person playing a role in this campaign,” says Moira Gerszt, acting CEO of the Foundation “To our incredible retail partners, our inspiring ambassadors, the schools and corporates taking part, and everyday South Africans who are

A JOURNO’S VOICE

Love your neighbour as you love yourself Most Christians would know that this is a well-known commandment found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible It compels us to treat others with the same level of care, respect, and kindness that we naturally extend to ourselves

This is a sharp contrast to the reality faced in our beloved country today Whenever you are watching the news or listening to the radio you need to mentally prepare yourself for the worst All we hear is death, rape, murder, violence and other heinous crimes

The Cape Flats is currently bleeding So many senseless killings Families ripped apart

This begs the question then, is this showing love?

Once again, we have political leaders trying to paint a colourful picture, claiming that police have matters under control And that matters are not as bad as they look

If this is the case, why is our president not calling a family meeting to tell us what steps are being taken to stem the killings?

I fail to understand why, even during a crisis such as this, inequality is still rife

On Tuesday 19 August, the parliamentary police portfolio committee chair, Ian Cameron, and two members of parliament came under attack in an attempted hijacking incident in Philippi Within 24 hours, two alleged suspects were apprehended for the crime Police worked throughout the night to catch the criminals All available resources were deployed to apprehend the perpetrators 24 hours, that’s all it took to get

the perpetrators Yet, hijackings are a lived reality for many Capetonians

Some rape survivors are still awaiting the police to arrest the culprits Some murderers are still roaming the streets

These MPs were not told that there are no police vehicles available They were not turned away and told to provide proof of the incident They were not made to wait for hours or even treated like the perpetrator This is the service some ordinary South Africans are met with when they set foot at some police stations

I am in no way trying to downplay what these MPs experienced It is horrific, and no one should have to go through that

proudly wearing their socks to support our cause: thank you for walking this journey with us Together, we are changing more lives ” . To get involved,purchase your sticker,or learn more about the campaign,visit www smilefoundationsa org or follow @smilefoundationsa on Instagram,Facebook,TikTok,and LinkedIn

Isn’t it time that the police and those in leadership positions sit around the table, admit that they have failed in their mandate and get back to the drawing board? How many more mass murders should be reported on?

How many more communities should live in fear?

We don’t need more Imbizos or commissions of inquiries Been there, tried that It’s proven ineffective

Instead of spending on projects that never come to fruition, create more job opportunities Make education more affordable so that young people can obtain degrees and become employable Invest in educational institutions

As we live in hope that the powers that be wake up soon and act

Let us start by ourselves Practice more patience and tolerance with one another

During times of adversity, it is wise to note that not everyone or everything requires your reaction or response

How peaceful this nation would be if we obeyed the commandment to love our neighbour as we love yourself?

Localsnothappywithnewschool

A“CPRRA stands with our community in opposing the abrupt shift from a promised special needs school to a mainstream high school on Erf 124690, Coniston Avenue This decision disregards both the urgent shortage of special needs facilities in the Western Cape and the clear expectation that the initial plan would serve vulnerable children,” said CPRRA vicechair Keegan Ford

A fellow resident who protested on the day, Debbie Turner, said the school’s construction may invite criminal elements to the community

“I just feel the school may bring the wrong element into the area whereas with other high schools you find shooting, gangsterism, drugs and that’s what we don’t want in our area ”

Senior citizen Mandy Jacobs said she fears the high school may dampen the community’s ‘ peace and tranquility’

“We are mostly seniors that live here This school is not going to serve us any purpose because our children are married already so this school is not going to benefit us at all Also our residents had no input into the construction of

the school We wanted input because we don’t want the entrance to the school in Coniston Avenue, we suggested the entrance must be from Prince George Drive but they did not take any heed with our suggestions We as ratepayers are very unhappy and want the powers that be to speak to us ”

Ford feels that the elderly residents in particular are the ones being failed most and ‘stripped of their voice and their dignity ’

“CPRRA remains committed to advocating for accountability, transparency, and meaningful consultation We call on the Western Cape Education Department, the City of Cape Town, and Subcouncil 18 to urgently restore trust by engaging honestly with Coniston Park and addressing the issues we have repeatedly placed on record ”

The CPRRA have also sought legal representation to represent them and advise on the matter

People’s Post reached out to Ward 68 Councillor Marita Petersen for comment but she could not respond before the time of publication

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Southfield canal still a disaster

Repair work on two sections of the Southfield Canal was initiated by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate in June and has since been suspended due to inclement weather

The work is scheduled to resume in October, once conditions are safer and more conducive

The canal sustained severe damage during the stormy weather in June and was undergoing repairs

Several homes in Southfield, Heathfield and Steenberg located near a canal were flooded after the waterway was severely battered during a storm on Thursday June 26 (“Southfield stormwater canal to be fixed”, 22 July, People’s Post)

The City’s Catchment, Stormwater and River Management Branch initiated the R3,6 million repair project after sections of the canal wall collapsed during heavy rainfall in July last year at Prince Charles Road and Dirkie Uys Street

According to the City, these repairs are critical to prevent further erosion and embankment failure, which pose a risk to nearby properties and infrastructure

Situated in the Zeekoe Catchment between Southfield, Retreat and Grassy Park; the Southfield Canal is a vital watercourse, serving as the main inlet to the Princess Vlei waterbody It drains an area of approximately 800 hectares and plays an important role in maintaining water flow to the vlei Since work began, several challenges have impacted the project

Limited access between adjacent properties has restricted the movement of machinery and materials, while persistently high water levels within the canal have hindered excavation and construction activities “We understand the inconvenience this delay may cause and appreciate the patience of our residents I want to assure the community that work will resume as soon as the weather permits in October,” said

Mayor defends new CT tariffs

DESIRÉERORKE

In an answering affidavit to a court case brought by the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) to have the three new fixed tariffs for Cape Town residents reviewed and set aside, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis warns that scrapping them would leave the City with a billions of rand shortfall this financial year

The 300-page affidavit was filed in the Western Cape High Court on Monday 11 August Sapoa in mid-July filed an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court, challenging the legality of the three new property-linked tariffs in Cape Town’s 2025-’26 budget

Sapoa held that the cleaning levy and fixed water and sanitation charges based on property value unfairly burden ratepayers and infringes on property rights under Section 25 of the Constitution, along with setting a concerning precedent

They stated that the new tariffs do not comply

with the Property Rates Act in that it is based on property values rather than actual use It says the charges are not a consumption-based fee, a basic surcharge, or a municipal tax, but rather a form of property rate that doesn’t meet legal requirements

Negating the argument Hill-Lewis stated that the City in determining the 2025-’26 budget fulfilled its constitutional obligation and that the tariffs are lawful and constitutionally sound

He says Sapoa’s case has no substantial legal grounds, as the tariffs are fair and rational, as well as being constitutional in that the metro has a constitutional duty to provide water, sanitation and cleaning services and to establish the right or levies to pay for them

Pointing to South Africa having the highest inequality in the world, he said the budget encapsulates the principle of equality within the current social context

“In an ideal world the City’s revenue would meet all the City’s needs, but this is not the case There are obvious tensions between policy

Newby-lawtoenable

a

ffordablerentalflatsinCT

New land-use rights to build affordable rental flats in identified neighbourhoods with highest demand in Cape Town will be effective as from Monday 1 September, affording thousands more to make the leap from informal housing to City rental flats

This after the revised Municipal Planning Bylaw (MPBL) was gazetted on Friday 8 August A number of changes to the bylaw will make it easier to build and develop in the City

AFFORDABLEHOUSING

These additional land-use rights will enable micro-developers to deliver affordable housing in townships, informal and lower-income suburbs at a far faster rate

. New provisions will see incentive overlay zonings for development focus areas in Athlone, Maitland, Parow/Elsies River, Bellville and Diep River This zoning assign additional and enhanced development rights to properties that fall within certain areas in these overlay zonings

. Additional use rights for Residential Zoning include affordable rental flats, supplementary dwelling units and places of instruction

.An affordable rental flat is a new additional use right to enable the development of small-scale affordable rental accommodation in identified areas The number of small-scale affordable rental units on a single property may not exceed eight units plus a dwelling house, or 12 units if there is no dwelling house on the land

. New additions under Section 135 allow the City to impound moveable property that is being used for illegal building or demolition work if an order to stop work is being disobeyed This amendment intends to address the challenge of owners and contractors continuing illegal work without tangible consequences

. Single residential zoning is renamed “Residential Zoning” (R1) and provides for single-family dwelling houses and additional use rights in low- to medium-density residential

neighbourhoods

. Amendments to the emergency-housing provisions, now called “temporary-disaster housing”, under Section 68 to enable the City to provide temporary housing on land that may not be zoned for such purpose for a period of 12 months without needing to undertake a public participation process beforehand if it is reasonable and justifiable, and complies with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act The amendment allows for those who are left homeless due to emergencies such as fires and floods to be temporarily relocated to an alternative site in a timeous manner

. Amendments under Section 111 to allow the City to use email as the method of contacting and notifying interested and affected parties; parties must provide the City with their email addresses and update these; and anyone who doesn’t have access to email may apply for notification by other means If a resident already has their latest email address with the City, they do not have to update it again

. A new rectification chapter combines the existing regularisation provisions with new revocation and amendment provisions to provide an internal remedy for irregular decisions

PUBLICPARTICIPATION

Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews says the City followed an extensive public-participation process, including a call for input prior to the drafting of the bylaw proposals

The 90 days of public participation last year included public meetings, both in-person and online, and various engagements with residents and interested stakeholders

“The amended bylaw refines planning processes, offers greater clarity and strengthens our ability to promote social and economic development,” Andrews elaborates

“It also gives greater effect to policies such as the Municipal Spatial Development Framework and related district and local frameworks ”

NEWTARIFFSDONOTCOMPLY WITHTHEPROPERTYRATES ACTINTHATITISBASEDON PROPERTYVALUES-SAPOA

priorities and financial realities,” he stated

The mayor says Sapoa does not argue that the tariffs are excessive and that the court application is therefore limited to one issue, namely that it is unlawful to link the fixed tariffs to property values

In this respect he argues that property values in this instance are merely used as a measure to determine the tariffs that are not in essence a property tax

He furthermore stated that municipalities across South Africa are caught in a financial vice, driven by rapidly growing populations and the urgent need to expand infrastructure to maintain basic services

Without raising funds from residents, the only alternative is the decline and eventual collapse of public services and infrastructure

He said the tariffs are needed to set the city on a “ new path” to combat poverty in the face of a massive population growth in Cape Town Hill-Lewis cited census data showing Cape Town’s population grew by 27% between 2011 and 2022, now officially at five million He believes the true figure is higher due to undercounting in informal settlements, where over 1,2 million people live in some 800 such settlements with only shared taps or toilets “I do not in any way wish to suggest that I regard concerns raised over the budget as trivial

The concern which almost all residents in this country raise in relation to relentless increases in municipal bills, food and fuel is real and acknowledged by the City and has been taken into account ” The urgent court challenge is set to be heard on 17 and 18 September in the Western Cape High Court

CapeTown tourism sector on an upward trajectory

Cape Town continues to be a destination of choice for tourists with 2,4 million overnight tourists arriving in the Mother City last year, injecting R24,5 billion into the local economy

This was revealed in Cape Town Tourism’s latest Economic Value of Tourism report

Tourists are not only enjoying Cape Town’s world-famous views and dynamic culture scene, but they are also actively helping keep the city working

According to the report, domestic and international visitors directly supported over 106 000 jobs, accounting for 6,9% of total employment in the city

Enver Duminy, chief executive officer of Cape Town Tourism, says: “The standout figure: One job is created or sustained for every 10 tourists That makes every booking a significant contribution to employment in Cape Town ”

He says every tourist who arrives in the beautiful city, walks the streets, dines at restaurants, and books a bed, contributes directly to someone ’ s livelihood

“In Cape Town, tourism is more than just a holiday It’s jobs for local guides, chefs, drivers, street artists, concierges, and so many more It’s opportunity, growth, and stability Every tourist helps keep someone employed, and in a country where every job matters, that kind of impact is huge ”

INTERNATIONALTOURISTSONTHERISE

The report also highlights a 6% year-onyear growth in international arrivals and a 5% increase in bed nights sold, underscoring Cape Town’s continued appeal as a top global destination Duminy says while international arrivals last year were still below pre-pandemic levels, at

68% of 2019 volumes compared to a national average of 87%, the growth trajectory remains positive

“Recovery is well underway, and signs for the second half of 2025 are even more encouraging ”

ForwardKeys’ latest forecasts predict a 4,6% increase in international arrivals at Cape Town International Airport from July to December this year

The United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and the United States of America (USA) remain the top three source markets, with UK arrivals expected to grow by a notable 12,1% in the coming months

James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, sees tourism as one of Cape Town’s most dynamic job creators “That’s why investing in air access to boost connectivity, running conversion-driven campaigns that secure forward bookings, and working closely with industry partners are so critical ” Vos says ahead of Tourism Month (celebrated in September), the City will take the lead in launching a new tourism development framework

“This strategy will focus on growing both volumes and value attracting more arrivals while ensuring greater benefits for businesses and spinoffs in communities, ultimately creating more jobs for Capetonians ” Duminy said Cape Town Tourism, in partnership with the City and private-sector stakeholders, remains committed to attracting visitors whose spending makes a real impact

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WPM journos sparkle at the FCJs

WP Media had a good showing at this year’s AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards, held in Stellenbosch on Friday 22 August.

Former People’s Post reporter Samantha Lee-Jacobs featured strongly in several categories, with City Vision reporter Unathi Obose bagging the Vernacular Category

The awards, hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ), shine the spotlight on the incredible work done by community journalists across the country The work includes front pages and back pages, free newspaper of the year, hard news and compelling human-interest reportage

A total of 541 entries in different sections, including another new category (mobile phone

WP MEDIA’S JOURNALISTS HAVE AGAIN DISPLAYED EXCELLENCE,WINNING SEVERAL FCJ AWARDS.

photography), were received The adjudication process was overseen by Dr André Gouws of Akademia

Lee-Jacobs obtained third place in the Hard News section, second spot in the Investigative reporting, fourth in the Human Interest category and a third in the Mobile photography

Kaylynne Bantom finished sixth in the Hard News category, while sports photographer Rashied Isaacs finished in the fifth spot

“As a business we believe in the value and role that community journalism plays in society,” said Nakedi Pilane, AVBOB Executive Director: Business Development and Financial Services “This year marks the fourth AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards where we acknowledge and celebrate outstanding work We’re proud of the journey we have travelled together To us, investing in journalism is to invest in collective memory, in accountability, and in the dignity of our people ”

The FCJ also hosted its national seminar prior to the gala dinner and for the first time had a panel discussion talking about journalism and AI The discussion was led by Ivor Price with panellists Phathiswa Magopeni, Alet Law and Sisanda Nkoala Adam Oxford spoke about data journalism

Praise and worship at the City Hall

City Praise is returning to the iconic City Hall on Saturday 30 August at 19:00 and Sunday 31 August at 15:00

Origin South Africa will be hosting this evening of worship featuring their band, orchestra, two choirs and guest soloist Jen Lee, who is a songwriter, recording artist and music producer from the northern suburbs of Cape Town, and Kirk Kirkland, a published songwriter and in-demand studio singer from Nashville Tennessee

The Cape Town Gospel Choir was founded in 2010 and since then has performed all over Cape Town, from Guguletu to Constantia and Durbanville

They have performed with Rouchelle Liedemann, Neville D and many others, and groups such as the Tygerberg City Choir, Joyful Harmonies, the Guguletu Tenors, and the Cape Town Philharmonic

Joining them will be the Sweet Valley Singers, a dynamic junior school vocal group made up of learners from Grade 3 to Grade 7

Formed in 2022 with a small group of the school’s top singers, the ensemble has grown into a vibrant choir of around 40 members Under the baton of Colin Peckham there will be an opportunity to join the choirs in some of the best contemporary worship songs along with some traditional favourites

.Visit www originsa org for details Tickets start

run sold out. PHOTO:

Popular act to enchant patrons

The smash-hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Techn icolor Dreamcoat sold out its initial run at Theatre on the Bay in record time This prompted producers Pieter Toerien and the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) to announce its return on Saturday 4 October due to overwhelming public demand During the first season, that ended on Sunday 13 July, the production captivated audiences with eight shows a week, garnering rave reviews and playing to capacity houses nightly Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, created by the legendary duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a global musical phenomenon Performed hundreds of thousands of times across over 80 countries, with

notable runs on Broadway and the West End, the musical features beloved hits such as “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph ” This vibrant production boasts an all-star cast led by Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator, and Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh Under the direction of Luitingh and Alexander, with musical supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and musical direction by Amy Campbell, the show delivers a fresh and exhilarating interpretation of the classic tale

Tickets are priced from R175 . Book at Webtickets or Theatre on the Bay’s box office at 021 438 3300

HearUs fundraiser concert

A concert in aid of cochlear implant patients will take place next month (September) The event is organised and hosted by the non-profit organisation (NPO) HearUs, a South African Cochlear Implant Association

This year’s concert, HearUs, A celebration of Sound, the third annual concert, will be held on Saturday 6 September at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch

The mission is to secure financial sustainability of all cochlear implant patients, who are in financial need to maintain their cochlear implant functionality, which is a lifelong journey, explains Dr Sucari Vlok, a radiologist and clinical trainer at the University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital

The legendary South African five-time Grammy award-winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, will be celebrating an incredible 65-year milestone in the music industry with a special concert series at the Artscape in October

Running from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October this event is a significant part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s national tour to mesmerise patrons with their unique vocal style and rich storytelling

The concert will showcase their powerful harmonies and emotive performances, promoting themes of unity, love, and hope

Audiences will enjoy a blend of timeless classics and new arrangements, celebrating the beauty of African vocal traditions, immersing themselves in an inspiring cultural journey that connects past and present, offering a deep dive into the heart of South African music

The legendary group will be sharing the stage with Abantakwethu, a Gugulethu-based cultural music group discovered by Ladysmith Black Mambazo as part of their talent discovery project

Ladysmith Black Mambazo last performed at

Artscape in 2023 for a two-day sold-out run, leaving many people asking for more

This year will be another ground-breaking moment of a spectacular show that will be engraved in the hearts of many people for many years to come

This celebrated group, renowned worldwide for their rich harmonies and deep cultural significance, has been a beacon of South African music since their formation in 1960 Their journey over the past six and a half decades has not only mirrored the evolving landscape of the country but has also significantly contributed to global music heritage

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the most celebrated music group on the African continent, having collaborated with international music greats like Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, The Winans, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton and many others . For ticket enquiries,including wheelchair/persons with disability access requirements,kindly call Artscape Dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695 or visit the Artscape website (www artscape co za) for more information.

Learners are in for a treat as Cape Town Opera (CTO) will premiere a vibrant new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September

Created especially for young audiences, the delightful production will be directed by Elizma Badenhorst, with designs by Frankie van Straten and lighting by Kieran McGregor

This dynamic adaptation brings Mozart’s beloved opera to life through a playful blend of live performance and imaginative puppetry

The music ensemble will be directed by CTO’s Jan Hugo who was recently seen onstage as Rossini in CTO’s hit comedy opera, The Barber of Seville

The Magic Flute is a fantastical opera that follows Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina, facing trials of love, wisdom, and virtue

who stars as the Queen of the Night, and current JNYA participants Khayakazi Madlala as Pamina, Mongezi Mosoaka as Tamino, Sisikelelwe Mngenela as Papagena and Nathan Lewis on piano

Guest artist Riaan Hunter takes the role of Papageno while Garth Delport, a member of the CTO Vocal Ensemble, is Sarastro Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble ladies Pumza Mxinwa, Danielle Speckman, Nolubabalo Mdayi, Sasha Damons, Ernestine Nur Stuurman and Ntombizodwa Nkosi complete the lineup

Audiences can look forward to a host of colourful bird characters brought to life by a mix of larger-than-life puppets, crafted by Frankie van Straten from recycled and found materials

The result is a whimsical, interactive storytelling experience filled with humour and heart, and schools and families can look forward to a unique cultural outing that combines music, drama and puppetry with education

Refreshments, which are included in the ticket prices, will be served to the members of the audience during the interlude

The main sponsors of the concert are Morton and Partners and Schnetler, as well as Corbett and Partners, two of the biggest radiology practices in the Western Cape

Last year the HearUs concert raised R400 000

Tickets are available at Quicket The dress code is formal and the concert starts at 19:00 .For more information email info@hearus org za or visit www hearus org za

The programme for this year's fundraiser features the Heydeburg Symphony Orchestra and the soloists are Chris van Straten (clarinet), Etienne van der Walt (tenor), Dumisa Masoka (tenor), Alida Scheepers (soprano) José Dias (piano) and Mario Nell (organ) Vlok, a fellow organiser, says they are delighted to have the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra on board and several cochlear implant recipients

Guided by a magic flute and joined by the delightful bird-catcher Papageno, he uncovers a deeper journey toward enlightenment and harmony Conceptualised with accessibility and engagement in mind, the immersive production offers two unique versions, beautifully tailored for primary and high-school learners

It serves both as an exciting introduction to opera and a valuable educational resource particularly for high school music learners, as The Magic Flute is part of the national curriculum

It also underscores Cape Town Opera’s dedication to making opera inclusive, accessible and inspiring for the next generation and in keeping with this ethos, the production narration will be in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa so that audiences can more easily understand the opera which is sung in German

An extraordinary cast, featuring past and present members of Cape Town Opera’s Judith Neilson Young Artist (JNYA) Programme, will enrapture audiences

They include former JNYA Alida Scheepers

The Magic Flute is supported by The National Arts Council, the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the Community Chest of the Western Cape and the Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust . Two shows will take place daily at 10:00 and 13:00.Tickets cost R80 via Webtickets.

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