People's Post Woodstock/Maitland/City E-edition 03 February 2026

MaitlandHighSchool ranked among thetop five schoolsinthe Western Cape showingthe greatest improvementinmatricpassrates between 2024 andlastyear. Theschool’smatric pass rate jumped from 57,8%in2024to an impressive 78,2%lastyear, markinga remarkable turnaround

Theachievement wasformally recognised at theprovincialannual National Senior Certificate(NSC) Awards Ceremony,heldatLeeu-

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“Weintroducednew strategies such as afternoon,evening andSaturdayclasses. There wasimmensesupport from parents. It wasa collaborative effortthatwas done by theschool community,” Linganiexplained Otherschoolsrecognisedinthiscategorywere Modderdam High School andCrestwaySecondarySchool,who shared joint fifthplace.Forest HeightsHighSchool placed third, VistaHigh School came in second,and LK Zeeman Academysecured firstplace.The improvementat Maitland High comesaspartofa broadertrend of academic excellenceinthe WesternCape.

evening and Saturday classes

Theprovincerecordedits highestmatricpass rate yet, rising to 88,2% from 86,6%in2024. Theprovince’sbachelor’spassratealso increasedfrom47,8% to 49,2%, markingthe highesteverfor theprovinceand thesecond highestinSouth Africa Linganiencouragedthe classof2026tobuild on this success, urging learners to remain focusedand determined

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Speaking at theawardsceremony, David Maynier, provincial educationminister, said the department wouldnolongerfocus solely on a school’s overallpassrate. Instead, attentionwould also be givento raisingthe bachelor’s pass rate to above60%, increasing both thenumberand proportion of Mathematicspassesat60%,and improving thenumberand proportion of Physical Science passesatthe same level.

Linganisaidwithcontinued effortand community support,MaitlandHighSchool hopesto maintain itsupwardtrajectory.

ReadyDturning tables

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

The name ReadyD brings to mind legendaryturntables, packed dance floorsand nearly four decadesof influenceinthe musicindustry.

Deon Daniels, betterknown as GrandMaster ReadyD,has been entertaining forthe past 39 yearsand wasformerlypartofgroupslike Prophets of Da City andBrasse VannieKaap. ReadyD wasselectedasone of 12 champions forthe 16th editionofthe Cape Town Carnival taking placeinGreen PointonSaturday21 March.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival Chief ExecutiveOfficer, says theinitiativecelebrates individualswho arealready making adifference andusing theirstories to inspireothersthrough thecarnival’ssub-themes.

This year over 1500 performers will showcase theirtalentunder thetheme “FollowYour HeART.”

Danielssaysbeing raised in amusic-filled home ignitedhis passion forthe art.

“Wewerelucky to have ahi-fi with arecord player andthat’show Icould relate to thevinyl When Isaw aHip Hopmusic videofor the first time Iwas blownawaybythe fact that someone wasscratchingrecords.Inthatsamevideo there were kids breakdancing anddoing graffiti art.”

He says that whilehis career hashad many highlights,startinga non-profitorganisation (NPO), sharinghis knowledgewithyoung peopleand travelling theworld standout as some of hisproudestachievements.

Danielssayshehas also been actively involved in theradio industry forover17years

“I have produced musicfor TV andmovies. When Istarted,I didn’t know on what journey this role wasgoing to take me.All Iknewwas that Iwantedtoshare this skillofmakingmusic

OVER 1500 PERFORMERS WILL SHOWCASETHEIR TALENT UNDER THETHEME

‘FOLLOW YOUR HEART’

with as many people as possible.”

He believes hiscraft cannever be fully replaced by artificial intelligence(AI).

“WhenI speakabout scratching Imeanyou arebringingmoreofa humanelement into the music. Howyou executethe scratching techniquehas gottodowithyourexpression.AIcan also scratchbut youare able to tell if it’s human or artificial.”

Danielssaysbeing aDJisa skill.

“You must be able to read thecrowd andthe energy andcreatethe energy as well andtake people on ajourney.”

AccordingtoDaniels,staying eagertolearn andexperimenting with musicare what keep himmotivated

Danielssayshefeelshonouredtobepartof thethisyear’sCapeTownCarnival. He made aguest appearance with localrapperYoungsta CPTinlastyear’sevent

“I am excited. It givesmeanopportunityto participateinsomething that Ifeel is specialfor Cape Town.Being giventhe freedom to do what Idoand representthe cultureand bringsome additional elements to thecarnival. We will be bringing custom cars to theevent –torepresent theroadsafetyprogrammesour organisation does.”

He says audiencescan look forwardtobeing takenona hip-hopjourney Danielsencouragesaspiringcreatives to believeinthemselvesand to be committedtotheir craft. “Build your ownpresence. Youngpeople arebeing exploitedbecause they arehappy to play at acluband getpaidverylittlefor value. “Don’t undervalue yourself.Bepreparedfor late nights andremembernotwo events arethe same.”

Novusmedia,which publishes People’s Post, is aproud printmedia sponsorofthe carnival

ArtsandCulturefundingopportunitiesavailable

TheDepartmentofCulturalAffairs andSport in theWestern Cape invitesapplicationsfor its annual arts andculture funding Fundingisavailable across keyareas,includingculturaltourism,literature, film,language promotionand preservation,and theperformingarts. Applications will closeonMonday9 Marchat 23:59.

RicardoMackenzie,the WesternCapeMinisterofCulturalAffairs andSport,says: “The arts andculture sector playsa crucialrolein theWestern Cape in creating jobopportunities, bringing visitors to ourprovinceand growing ourlocal economy. We have awealthoftalent in ourprovinceand we arecommittedto supportingour localartists andorganisations in this sphere to ensure they cancontinuetheir work.”

Applicants areencouragedtosubmittheir requests at least24– 48 hoursbeforethe deadline

Late applications will notbeconsidered. .Thecriteriaand categories forfunding,as well as application forms,areavailableonline at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/cas/service/ arts-and-culture-funding

Toagewithgracethroughseasonsofchange

expect from someonewho just turned 100. Shesat in hercouch whilst herwalkerstood at her knees

“Whenyou look up,say thank you. Youmay notknowwhat youreceive.Every dayyou arecovered,inyourcar and anything canhappenonthe way, butGod makesyourpath clear.”

Theseare wordsfromFreda Naidoo, agreat-grandmother from Fairways that Irecentlyinterviewed fora storyuponreaching 100years of age. Aweek later, I find herwords of advice forthose wishingto live ahealthy andprosperouslife stillechoand intrigue my mind whetherI’m drivingtothe office or daydreamingonthe balconyofmy apartment.

During theinterview,I found myself dumbstruck at thesheer optimism andinfectioussense of humour Naidoo displayedasshe shared herstory

As Iapproached herhome, Isaw herexoticallydecorated porchwith shrubs whilst agroup of cats layon herstoep in theafternoon sun. Upon introducingmyself, she greeted me with theutmostrespect andenthusiasmone wouldnot

Once Iswitchedonmyvoice recorder andthe interviewunfolded, Ifelttransported to asimpler time wherethe flow of life wasallowed to move at amoremoderate, yet oppressive pace,considering it was theheightofapartheid

Isaw hereyesgleamed as she recalledher fond childhood memories of aforgottenversion of Piketberg, whereshe wasborn. Sheenthusedwithchildlike delightasshe told me abouther mother’s love forbakingcakes At theage of 23 shegot married, as most of ourgrandparentsand parentsdid at that time,and started herlifeasa furrier when she movedtoDiepRiver

However, notlongafter their move,tragedy struck when she, her husbandand 12-year-olddaughter, were forcibly removedand ordered to move to Fairways duetothe GroupAreas Act.

Hervoice wasstirring and filled herloungewitha haunting wisdom. Shewas theyoungestoffour siblings,all of whom have passed, andasI listened to her, Iwondered what theweightofher life felt like To comprehend thethought of witnessing so much change,trag-

edy, aWorld Warand countless advancements in technology

From theradio,tothe television, thefax machines,computers, cellphones, theInternetand now Artificial Intelligence(AI).

Andyet as Irelived themisty momentsofher life with her, I couldnot detect an ounceofworry, regret,spite or bitternessofeither thepastorpresent ageinher voice.

Of course,she felt hurt being disrespected andoverlooked as an upcoming andyoung female evangelist by some of herpeersinthe 70’s,but shetook this criticismas fueltofeed herdedication, to live alifehonouring JesusChristand remainingperseverant

She is amotherto five children; hereldestdaughtersadly died when shewas forty. She experiencednochronic illnessesnor anyaddictiontoalcohol or smoking.

Hersharp andinfectioussense of humour wasevident as shetold me whyshe neversmoked. “I’lltell youexactly whyI neversmoked! Iboughta pack of cigarettesand told myself,‘todayI’llsmoke them!’ andthatnight thestrangestthing happened,”she told this storywithOscar-worthygestures andpassion.“As soon as Iput the cigarette to my lips,it flew outof my mouthand landed on the floor

andfromthatday on,I said I’ll neversmoke again,”she laughedas sheclappedher handsand closed hereyesgleefully

In herninetiesshe wasstruck by aQuantum taxi whiletrying to crossthe road, flungoverthe vehicle, crackedher skulltwice and suffered abrokenhip

Sherecovered in hospital forten months only to endure aruptured vein

Andyet she’sstill standing,still laughing andbakingtrifles for Christmasand taking Ubersfor a weekly shopping When theinterview ended, Ifelt atremendoussense of gratitudeto be alive.

Hergrit, determinationand never-say-dieattitude will always remain with me wherever Igo. Before Ireached my car, sheheld my hand andlooked me in theeye andsaidshe sees aprosperous futurefor me

Theinspiration,the lessons we need to help us mature andappreciatethe present, cancomefrom theelders.

They arethe ones whohavesufferedand enduredlikegreat toweringtrees with deep rootsanchoring themselves throughthe seasons of rain,heatand uncertaintylife throws us as we tackle 2026 and theyears beyond

Searchfor

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Camps Baypolicesay no arrestshave been made following an armed robbery at TheGlenhikingtrail near CampsBay in TableMountainNational Park (TMNP),inwhich alocal couple wasinjured.

Threesuspectsarmed with knives confronted thepaironSunday18January,demanding moneyand valuables.

Capt Liaan Jansevan Rensburg,Camps Bay police stationcommander,saysthe suspects became violentwhenthe couple indicatedthat they hadnomoney “Theypushedthe managainst awooden

Twoworkers trapped

Thesection wherea trench collapsed at an infrastructure repair projectatthe V&AWaterfronthas been cordoned off whilst an incident report is beingcompiled.

Thecollapse, whichtook placeatthe East Pier on Friday 23 January, left twoconstruction workerstrappedbeforetheywereextricated andtaken to hospital

Donald Kau, V&AWaterfrontspokesperson, says theworkers were trappedbut were saved by protective shoringthatforms part of the trench AccordingtoKau,the workersdid notsustain seriousinjuriesand have sincebeendischarged from hospital

He adds that construction projects in the surrounding areasare continuing as normal,as they were notaffected.

WesternCapeDepartmentofHealthand WellnessEmergency MedicalServices(EMS) spokesperson Shimoney Regter says emergency crewsresponded to thescene andwereassisted by specialisedrescuepartners, includingthe police

Provincerecognisestopachievers

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Hardworkand determinationproved to be thedriving forces behind AbigailKok beingnamed SouthAfrica’s topmatricachieverfor 2025

Shealsoclaimed thetop position nationally in physical sciences andachievedanexceptional overallaverage of 98,4%.

TheYorkHighSchool learnerfromGeorge andall theother top-performing learners in theWestern Cape were honoured at the province’s annual National Senior Certificate (NSC)AwardsCeremony, held at thePremier’s official residence, Leeuwenhof,onThursday29 January.

Theprovinceachievedits highestpassrate of 88,2% up from therecord-breaking 86,6% in 2024.The province’s bachelor’s pass rate increasedfrom47,8% to 49,2%.

This is also thehighest ever forthe province, andthe second highestinthe country.

Koktold People’s Post beingnamed firstinthe countrystill feelssurreal

“Itisa massive privilegeand IonlyhaveGod to thankthatI am here.Itwas awilddream come true.Lastyearwas fun forme, yes, it was hard work andexams,but it wasamazing.” Shesharedaninspiring message with the classof2026.

“Good luck andI hope you find abalance.May youenjoy andremembertolaugh.Because yes, examsare important, buttheycan also steal your joy. Godbless.”

DavidMaynier,provincialeducation minister, lauded thelearnersfor their“exemplary achievement” andwishedthemwellfor the future

TakundaMuchuweni from JanKriel School in KuilsRiver wasannouncedasthe TopLSEN matric candidate(Learners with SpecialEducation Needs) in thecountry Despitelivingwithmusculardystrophy, Takundastayedfocused andcommitted to her

G GardenVillageschool turns 100

Oneofthe 100 stationery packsrepresentatives of Pinelands CIDand Umanyano representatives handed over to learners at Garden VillagePrimary School, marking the school’s milestoneand ongoing importance.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

From gang lifetoguiding youthtowardhope

KAYLYNNEBANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

“AsI waslying in thestreet Icried outand askedGod to forgive me formysins. Ifelta senseof peace. That’s when Isaw an angel at my righthand.”

Mervyn Matthys (28),oncea hardened gangster andnow asecond-year Unisastudent studying InformationScience,recalls thenight everything changed, amomentofsurrender that transformedhis life andlefthim paralysed from thewaist down Matthys’lifehas been shaped by trauma and heartachefromanearly age, drivinghim into a series of destructivechoices

“I wasnamed aftermyfatherand theonly thingI inheritedfromhim wasthe violent memories of howheusedtoabuse my mother.I grew up scared andlonely. Butmymotherwas my support system,” he tells People’s Post He says as a12-year-old he wasalready experimenting with drugsand hadjoineda gang “ItfeltlikeeverywhereI went Ihad asignon

my head that said,‘bully me’. At school andin thecommunity,childrenwantedtobully me

“I hada choice:eitherallowpeopletodowhat they wanted to do with me,orI couldstand up formyself. Standing up formyselfgot me into a lotoftrouble.”

Matthys says witnessing what hisfatherdid to hismother filledhim with anger, andhelashed outatothersasa result

“WhenI gottohighschool,the bullies got biggerand were twicemysize. Icouldn’t fight them.That’swhenI joined agang. Once Iwent to school with 25 gang memberstoconfrontthe bully

“I knew it waswrong,but it felt good because Iwas getting even.Thismademefeel better aboutmyself. People wouldcommend me for what Idid.”

At 16 he wasfound guilty of stabbing someone. “The courtsentenced me to adiversion programmewhere Ihad to attend angermanagementclasses.I wasexpelledfromschool.I couldsee thedisappointmentonmymother’s face.Mymotherdid thebestshe could. Imade thewrong decisionsonmyown.”

NIGHTOFSHOOTING

Matthys describes27May 2017 as aday he will neverforget. “Onthisday Icould feel death wasinthe atmosphere.Myfriendand Ilefta shebeen andwewerewalking in thestreet.It wasjustafter 23:45. Iheard avoice telling me to turn around.AlmostlikeGod warningme. Iturnedaroundand sawfourguysapproaching. We stood stilland oneapproached us.He walked straight to my friend andpulledout a gunand shot himrepeatedly.”

He says he frozefor amoment, unsure of what do andthenstarted running “I didn’t getfar,I couldhearthe bullets flying past me.I knew at this pointthathewas shootingatme. Ifellface firstintothe ground.When Iwantedtoget up,I couldnot feel my legs.”

He says theperpetrator rantowards him. “The guyran towardsmeand shot me in the chest. Iwas lyinginthe street on my back.He came closer leaned over me andpressedhis gun directly againstmychest andpulledthe trigger five times. Butnothing came out. AllI heard wasthe soundofthe trigger.”

AccordingtoMatthys,the gunman then fled leavinghim fordead.

“I wasjustlying thereand watchedthemran away.I turned to seeifmyfriendwas okay,and Iknewhewas gone.I couldn’t breatheproperly.”

In adesperate moment,Matthys says he re-

membered hismother’svoice telling himabout God

“After Iprayed, Ifeltatpeace andthatgave me theenergytoshout forhelp.”Heexplains that twopeoplearrivedonthe scene. However, they were family membersofthe rivalgangand they robbedhim andhis dead friend Matthys tells People’s Post when they left,he startedcalling forhelp.

“Mymothereventually arrivedwitha blanket andknelt next to me.She didn’t expect to find me alive. Shewhispered in my earthatI need to make rightwithGod.”

He hadtoundergo an emergencyoperation as most of hismajor organs were damaged. “AsI waslayinginthe hospital beda fewdayslater,I couldnot deny that it wasthe hand of Godthat savedme.”

Matthys says hisjourney to recovery waschallengingashehad to re-learn howtodothings forhimself

Aftera three-year legalbattle, theshooter was foundguiltyand sentencedto25years in jail

“I wouldliketoteach children howtoread andwrite.Hehopes to become alicensedyouth minister andestablish ayouth centre in his community.I am abetterfathertomykids than my father wastome. Thebad things that happenedtomepushedmetobethe person that Iamtoday.”

IPUT MYSELF THROUGH SCHOOL AND PAID WITHMY DISABILITY GRANT,MYONLY SOURCE OF INCOME

Lawprofwins topliterary prize

ProfJacoBarnard-Naude, director of research at the University of Cape Town’s FacultyofLaw,has wonthe prestigiousIngridJonkerLiteraryPrize forhis debutAfrikaans poetry collection, Om my kastele in Spanje te sloop (Todemolishmy castlesinSpain).

Theaward,widelyregardedasthe highesthonourfor debutAfrikaans poetry,isgiven annually to a firsttime poet andalternatesbetween Englishand Afrikaansworks.The 2025 prizerecognisedcollections publishedin2023and 2024

Barnard-Naude, aprofessorof jurisprudenceand co-directorofthe Centre forRhetoricStudies in UCT’s Department of PrivateLaw,saidthe collectionwas inspired by personal loss andtrauma.

“I startedwriting what would become this collectionaround2007, afterthe suddendeath of my best friend.The overallinspiration came from theneed to give voicetomy personal traumas, mostly as aresult of growingupasa queer person in thesmall town of Britsinthe last decade of institutionalisedapartheid in SouthAfrica, andinanabusive patriarchalAfrikaner family,” he said Thetitle of thecollectiondraws from linesina letterbySigmund FreudtoWilhelm Fliess, quoted in Ernest Jones’sbiography,and the manuscript wascompleted in early 2023

Barnard-Naudesaidreceiving the prizehad specialpersonalsignificance.

“For me,the awardisespecially

meaningful becauseIngridJonkeris the firstAfrikaans poet with whom I fell in love in themid-nineties, before Istarted writingpoetry. It feelsa bit like things have come fullcircle,”he said He addedthatthe recognitionhad givenhim renewedconfidenceinhis craft.

“The awardhas inspired me to continuedespite theusual hardshipsfor poetry in SouthAfrica, fewerreaders andanexceedinglyhighpublication threshold. As adebut poet whohas always been unsure whetherI am ‘good enough’, winning this prize endows me with alot of creative courage, perseverance,tenacity, andpure joy,”hesaid.

Barnard-NaudejoinedUCT in 2004 andbecamea fullprofessor in 2011. He currentlyteaches jurisprudence, acourseonspatial justiceinthe final year of theLLB,and supervises ten postgraduate students.His research focusesonjustice in modernistvisual poetry,post-apartheidpsychoanalytic critical jurisprudence, andliterary criticism.

He holdsa B1-ratingfromthe National Research Foundation and hasreceivedthe UCTFellows Award. Internationally,hehas served as a Newton Advanced Fellowatthe UniversityofWestminster,anHonorary Research FellowatBirkbeckInstitute

UCTlaw professor JacoBarnard-Naude with his debut poetry collection, ‘OmmykasteleinSpanje te sloop’, whichwon the2025 Ingrid JonkerLiteraryPrize. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

forthe Humanities,Universityof London andasa tutorfor theLondon Critical Theory SummerSchool last year

From Thursday 1January,he assumedthe chairmanship of theWP SchreinerinPrivate Lawand Jurisprudence at UCT, andiscurrently

workingonhis second poetry collection, collaborating with poet and translator KarenPress on theEnglish translationof kastele

Thriftshopofferslocals help

AVRILFILLIES

Nawaal Sadien,originally from FernessEstateinOttery andnow residing in Simon’sTown, always dreamt as ateenager to go into fashion designing, butitnever happened.After threeyears of marriageand leavingthe corporateworld afterover20years,she nowownsher ownthriftshop, Bluecherry Thrift,inSimon’s Town.

“Besides dreaming of studying fashiondesign at atertiaryinstitution Ialsodreamtofhaving my ownclothingshop. As astudent in the90s IthriftedmostofmyclothinginObservatory andthatiswhere theloveand passion grew.I loved findinggemsand vintageclothingwas my favourite,”she says Sadien opened herthriftshopinJanuary 2023 in Wickboom Lane on thepremisesofthe AmlayHeritageMuseumafter getting married at theage of 47

Theestablishment wasowned by herhusband’s grandfatherbeforetheywereforcibly removedfromSimon’s Town However, througha land claims processthe family wasfortunate to gettheir property back

BLUECHERRYISTHE ONLY THRIFT SHOPINSIMON’S TOWN BESIDESTHE CHARITY SHOP

“Withmyhusband’s help andsupport we decideditwas time formetopursuemydream andresignfrommycorporate job.

“Hefound thepremisesand Iusedsomeof my pensionpayouttohelpfundthe shop and we arestill goingstrong. Tourists visiting the Deep Southare notaware of theshoporthe traditional Malaycookingand spices at SpiceEtc by Mishkaah Saal on thesamepremises. Tour guides don’talwaysallowthemtowalkaround thetownand shop.However,the tourists that visithereontheir ownwillalwayssupport us,” shesays.

Nothavingchildren, only afur baby,means shedoesn’t need to balancethe rolesofwife, mother andbusinesswoman

“The greatthing abouthavingyourown business is thefactthatyou arenot confinedto an office environmentand thereare no external

pressures. Iamlucky that Ishare thespace with Mishkaah from SpiceEtc andwetakeoff days wherethe onewillstand in forthe other. We areopenevery dayexceptonMondays andmy husbandand Iwillmakea pointofspendingthe daytogetherordodinners in theeveningsafter work,” Sadien says Next on herbucketlististofocus on an online storeand to market theshop.

“The locals arecurrently doingmymarketing by thewordofmouth.Theyare my biggest supportersand they keep my dreamalive.Wealso gettomeet andcreatewonderful relationships with thelocalswhentheypop into thestore and we startchatting.Mymessage to thelocalsis that thriftingisdefinitely theway forward, it’s good forthe environmentand it is cost effective Iamthe only thrift shop,besides theCharity shop in Simon’sTown. My business wouldnot be running if it weren’tfor thewonderful residentsofSimon’s Town as well as people from othersuburbs.Theynot only keep my dream alive, buttheir support meansthe worldtome,”

Sadien says . Formoreinformation youcan contact her on 076304 2931.

Geyser the biggest user of energy

Aselectricity tariffscontinueto strain householdbudgets,One Energy,a solarenergyfranchise, is advising homeowners to focusonthe fastestwin forenergysavings:water heating, whichcan make up 30 –40% of atypical household’selectricity bill.

ChristoKok,Technical Director of the franchise, says many households focus firston big-ticket powersolutions,but themostpracticalisoften rightinthe ceiling.

“A conventional electric geyser is oneofthe highestenergyconsumers in most homes. By switchingtoanefficientwater-heating solution, families canmeaningfully reduce theirgrid reliance andprotect themselves againstrising tariffs.”

HIDDENCOSTOFACONVENTIONALGEYSER

Astandard200-litreelectricgeysertypically uses a4kW elementand mayrun several hoursper day, dependingonhot-water usage. This cantranslate into substantialmonthly consumptionand costs– particularly when multiple geysersare installed.

Consider atypical 200-litreelectricgeyser: 4kWelement (that’s4kW forevery hour it runs).

Ageyseroften runs four –six hoursper day (and more with high hot-wateruse).

That’s around 16–20kWh perday =±600kWh permonth on your geyser alone.

At an electricitytariff of R3,80/kWh, that’s roughlyR2200 permonth just to keep your waterhot.Ifyou have more than onegeyser, multiply that number

Save ±450kWhper month(75%of600kWh)

SOLARWATERHEATING:

SOLAR PV PANELS TO DIRECTLY POWER THE GEYSER’SELEMENT

That’s aboutR1700 permonth back in your pocket –monthly

“One of thebiggest misconceptions is that geysersare a fixedcost,”adds Kok. “They’re not. Efficientwater-heating technologies areproven, widely adopted, anddeliver real savingsmonth aftermonth.”

Authoritieswarn ofcongestion

Severe trafficcongestionisexpectedtocontinueinClaremont foruptosix weeksafter an emergencylanereduction wasimplemented on Stanhope Bridge followingthe failureofa retainingwall.

TheCityconfirmed that only onelaneineach directionremains open to trafficafter an existingretaining wall on thesouth-eastquadrant of theStanhopeBridgefailedonMonday26 January.

Thelanereduction hashad asignificant impact on traffic flow,particularlyduringpeakperiods, affecting motoriststravelling alongImam HaronRoad, Main Road andPalmyra Road Maycomemberfor urbanmobility Rob Quintassaidthe emergencyinterventionwas implementedtoensurepublicsafety. “The lane reductiononStanhopeBridgeinClaremont is an emergencyinterventionafter theexisting retainingwallonthe south-east quadrant of the bridge failed.”

He confirmed no injuries to workersorthe public were reported.“To ensure thesafetyof workers, pedestriansand motorists, theaffected area on andbelow thebridgewas immediately cordoned off.”

EarlieronMondayafternoon,one lane was closed following apartial collapse of asupportingembankmentbeneath thebridge, resulting in heavytrafficcongestioninand outofthe Claremontcentral business district Although onelaneremainedopenatthe time

motoristsexperienced extended delays Road usershavebeen advisedtoavoid the area wherever possible.

TheCitysaidthe appointedcontractorwas investigatingthe causeofthe retainingwall failureand wouldimplement remedial worksas soon as possible.

Duetothe complexnatureofthe anticipated repairsreinstatement of theretaining wall couldtakeuptosix weekstocomplete, if all went accordingtoplan.

“Weapologise forthe inconveniencetomotorists,local residentsand thegeneral public and empathisewiththe affectedcommuters,” Quintassaid. “However,wecan assure everyone that we will tryour utmost to complete theremedial work as soon as possible.”

TheCity’sUrban Mobility Directoratebegan work on Stanhope Bridge last year as part of the MyCiTi Phase2Aconstructionproject

Construction work on thebridgeisexpected to continue untilthe endofnextyear.

AbdulLatief, arepresentativeofthe CID, said residentsshouldexpectdisruptions as theCity movesahead with theproject

“There will be hiccups alongthe way, includingcongestionthatwillaffectpeak-hour traffic. Unfortunately, this will notbethe last inconvenience.However,thisisa majorupgrade aimed at preparingfor thefutureoftransport.Public meetingwillbeheldonTuesday 10 February , becausewewillbeaffected.”

Variousmodelsare available– some have either evacuatedsolar tubesor flat platecollectors whichare retro-fittedtoanexistingelectric geyser,while newertechnologycomprises dedicatedsolar PV panels anda controllerthat directly powers thegeyser’selement,retrofitting to an existing electric geyser andrequiring no plumbing Unitscomprisingofa tank andsolar collector areusedwhere thereisnoexistinggeyser, or wherethere is aneed to increase hotwater capacity,connectingtoanexistingelectricgeyser as apre-feed system

Savingsofupto70-75%onwater heatingare

achievable,withmonitoringand timeroptions availablefor addedcontrol

HEATPUMPS:

Heat pumpsextract heat from thesurroundingair (similar to an airconditioner working in reverse) andtransferittowater viaaheat exchanger. They arewellsuitedtohomes with higher hot-waterdemand, roofswithsignificant shade, andcoastal regions. Heat pumpstypically useabout 25%ofthe electricityrequiredby aconventionalelectricgeyserand candeliver strong paybackperiods

MAKINGHOMES“PV-READY”

Koksaysefficientwater heatingalsosupports thetransitiontorooftopsolar PV,because loweringbaselinedemandreduces thesize– and cost –ofthe PV andbattery system required later.

“Ifyou reduce oneofthe biggest loads first, youmakeyourwhole home more energy efficient. That’s thesmarter routetobecomingPVreadyand getting closer to grid independence over time.”

Choosecompliant,professionally installed systems

Kokcautionsthatwater-heating upgrades must be installedcorrectly andinlinewithrelevant safety andcompliancestandards

“Energysolutions only delivervalue when they’reproperlyengineered,safelyinstalled, andsupported with credible warrantiesand after-salesservice

“Homeownersshouldinsistoncompliant installationsand trustedproviders.”

Emailyourthoughtsorviews on this article to peoplespost@novusmedia.co.za

Ndlovu begins the year on aCThigh

Music lovers will be treatedtoa hit-ladenset list when theNdlovuYouth Choirstartsthe year at Artscape on Thursday 5and Friday 6 February

Four more showswillbeheldonSaturday7 andSunday8 February.Thursdayand Friday's eventwillbothstart at 19:30.

Saturday will featuretwo showsat15:00 and 19:30beforeclosing therun with twoadditional showsonSundayat14:00 and18:00.

Since2021the choir, whichoriginatedinLimpopo in 2009,has performedatsold-outshows Oneofthe highlights will be theNdlovuYouth Choir’sinterpretationofQueen’s eternaltourde force“Bohemian Rhapsody”.

Thesongwas addedtotheir repertoire in 2024,featuring an arrangementthatsomehow gave even asongthispopular aboost in popularity.The storyofhow thechoir wasabletoget therightstorecordand performthe song is an unconventional one.

ChoirDirectorRalfSchmitt knew it would be difficult,particularlyoncethe lyrics were translated into Zulu andthe arrangement wasupdated to includeAfrican rhythmsand stylings.Sohetook achance, recordinga fully produced studio versionofthe trackand creatinga spectacularmusic videobeforesending theresults to Queen’spublishersSonyMusic in London,who in turn forwardedthemtothe surviving band membersand theMercury Phoenix Foundation,representingthe late FreddieMercury.The band loveditand gave theirblessing to aNdlovuYouth Choirrelease,anincredible encouragementfor theChoir’s youngsingers

THE NDLOVUYOUTH CHOIR IS SETTOSHOWCASETHEIR WIDE

“Weare incredibly proudtoshare our uniquely African, Zulu renditionof‘Bohemian Rhapsody’,”saysSchmitt. “Widelyregardedas oneofthe greatest songsofall time,ithas been atrueprivilege to reimaginewhatitmight have soundedlikehad FreddieMercury’s musical journeynever left ourbeautiful continentof Africa.Weare deeply grateful to Queen for granting us permission to create the first-ever commercially released translationofthisiconic masterpiece. We hope we have done thesong justiceand that uBabaFreddieMercury is smilingdownonus.”

The2026set list combines some of thebiggest namesininternational musicfromacrosseras andgenres, includingElton John (“Circle of Life”);ArethaFranklin(“Respect”);Giacomo Puccini (“Nessun Dorma”,sungmostfamously by LucianoPavarotti); Dolly Parton (“Jolene”) andToto(“Africa”)among many others Powerful local flavourcomes from twomedleys –a newSouth Africanmedley, an Amapiano medley,Ghoemamusic –aswellasclassics from VickySampson (“AfricanDream”);Mango Groove(“Hellfire”);Solomon Linda(“Mbube”); andMamaAfricaherself,MiriamMakeba(“The ClickSong” and“Pata Pata”) .Tickets availableatwww.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za #NdlovuLIVE

Searchforgospelsingerson

TheCapeTownGospelChoir invitesenthusiasticvocalists to join oneofthe city’s most vibrant anduplifting choral ensembles. Thechoir welcomes singersaged16and over from allbackgrounds andexperiencelevels whoshare alovefor gospel,soul, contemporary Christianmusic,and rich four-partharmony Allvoice parts(soprano, alto,tenor,and bass) areencouragedtoapply. Auditionsare now open Prospectivemembers areasked to preparea shorta cappella song andtobookanaudition by emailing choir@ctgc.org.za, includingtheir fullnameand abrief explanationofwhy they wouldliketojointhe choir. Rehearsals take placeevery Monday evening from 19:00to21:00 in Mowbray.

Thechoir offersa supportiveand welcoming environment, professional musicaldirection, sectionalcoaching, andopportunities forsoloists andsmall ensemble work.Itperformsregularly at prominentvenues, includingthe Cape Town City Hall andthe V&AWaterfront, and presents concerts andperformancesthroughout theyear. Artistic Director ColinPeckham expressedenthusiasm aboutthe upcoming auditions. “We’re excitedtowelcome newvoicestothe Cape Town Gospel Choirfamily. Whetheryou’rean experiencedchorister or newtogospelsinging, you’ll find aplace with us to grow,share joy, andmakemusic that movespeople,”hesays. . Fordetailsemailchoir@ctgc.org.zaorcall021 8259903,alternatively visitwww.ctgc.org.za

BalletofBramStoker’s ‘Dracula’atArtscapesoon

Cape Town City Balletwillpresent DavidNixon’s electrifying full-length adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula at Artscape from Friday 13 to Sunday 29 March.

Settomusic by Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt, Sergei Rachmaninoff andMichael Daugherty, Dracula was firstcreated by Nixonin1999 for BalletMet

Over theyears theworkhas become oneof hismostcelebratednarrative ballets,widely praisedfor itscinematic Gothic atmosphere, theatrical flairand physically daring choreography.

Nixonwilldirectthisnew production,created specifically forCapeTownCityBallet, andwill also overseethe set, stageand costumedesign, ensuring acohesiveand highly personal vision

He will be supportedbya strong creative team,including hislong-time collaboratorand SA lighting designer,Faheem Bardien.

Firstpublished in 1897,BramStoker’s Dracula introduced theiconicvampire CountDracula andhelpeddefine many of thegenre’s enduring themes.Set in VictorianEngland,boththe noveland balletfollowJonathanHarker, a youngsolicitor whotravels to Transylvania to assist CountDracula with property transactions in England. What follows is agripping storyof suspense,horrorand thesupernatural, as Draculamakes hisway to London,accompaniedby dark intrigue,femalevampiresand adramatic strugglebetween good andevil.

Powerful orchestrations heighten thedrama,creatinga richly Gothic soundscape that complementsthe vividstaging andNixon’s choreography,which theBritish TheatreGuide describedas“exquisite… powerfully capturing theburgeoningromanticfascination between thetwo characters.” Theballetgainedrenewed internationalattentionfollowing Northern Ballet’s2019re-staging, whichwas filmed and screened in cinemasacrossEuropebeforebeing broadcastonBBC Four andBBC iPlayer, introducing theworktoa widerglobalaudience.

TracyLi, Artistic ManagerofCapeTownCity Ballet, said:“We’rethrilledtobring David’s Dracula to Cape Town,a balletthatallows our dancerstoexplore both rawphysicality and intensestorytelling.”

. Ticketsare pricedfromR180 to R450 and are availablethrough Webtickets.

PuppetPowerinCampsBay

Multi-award-winning comedian andSouth Africa’s leadingventriloquist,ConradKoch, along with hisoutspoken puppet alterego Chester Missing,willbring theirboldest andfunniest show yettoTheatre on theBay from Tuesday10 to Saturday 14 February Cape Town hasbeen selected as the finalstop on thenationalPuppetPower tour,a fitting choice giventhe city’s reputation forsharp wit, fearless laughter andanappetitefor clever, satiricalcomedy. “CapeTowncrowdsare different,”saysKoch. “They’re quick, they’repolitically aware, andtheylovecharactersthatpush boundaries.EndingPuppetPower here feels like bringing theshowhometoanaudiencethat really gets it.”

At thecentreofthe production is Chester Missing,South Africa’s most unapologetic puppet, whoseunfiltered commentary anchorsa cast of wildly entertaining characters, each adding theirown dose of chaostothe stage.“Chester is thevoice we allhaveinour headsbut wouldnever sayout loud,” Koch explains.“He says thewrong thingatexactly theright time.” Audiencescan also expect appearancesfroma mixoffan favourites and newcharacters, includingHiltonthe Ostrich, a party-loving bird with questionable life choices; DJ Hoodie,a puppetwho DJsliveonstage; Gordon Ratsy, acelebrity chef ratwithstrong opinions andnoregardfor hygiene; anda talkingdinosaurpowered –unexpectedly– by an audience member.“Thesecharacterslet us talk aboutserious things withoutitfeeling heavy,”saysKoch. “You canlaugh at arat or adinosaurand suddenlyrealise you’re also laughing at yourself.” Chester, however, has hisown take on theensemble. “These characters areheretosupport me,” he says.“I’m thestar. Hilton is comicrelief. Thedinosauris therebecause Conrad ranout of ideas.”While packed with humour,PuppetPower also taps into themood of this year,offeringaudiences a chance to connect,laugh and find relief through comedy.“People don’twanttobepreached to,” Koch adds.“They want to laugh, to feel seen,and to walk outlighter than they walked in.That’swhatthisshowdoes.”WithPuppet Powerofficially closingafter itsCapeTownrun, fans areencouragedtocatch theshowbeforeit wrapsup. Koch confirmsthatnew material and futureproductions arealready in development forlater this year,makingthisseasona true end-of-an-eramoment.

ROCKLANDSTROUNCERANGERS

Young talented rugbyplayersattertiaryinstitutions across thecountry are gearingupfor thekick-off of the VarsityShieldand VarsityCup, on Friday 13 andMonday15 February respectively.

As usual, thetertiaryinstitutionsin theWestern Cape arerepresented in

eU vers yo he WesternCape (UWC).

Thetwo sideswillcompete against Madibaz, University of KwaZulu Natal(UKZN), SolPlaatje University, Wits,WalterSisuluand Fort Hare

In theVarsity Cup, defending championsIkeys andlosing finalist Maties will carry the flag forthe Capetonians.

Otherteams competingagainst them areShimlas,Central University

ownasEme s.

Emeris wonthe VarsityShieldtwo yearsafter theirinitial involvementin thetournamentand progressedtothe VarsityCup

CPUT areinactionagainst Madibaz at home in theiropening fixtureand UWCtravels to theEastern Cape for thematch againstFortHareinAlice

In theVarsity Cup, Maties andIkeys both travel fortheir firstmatches Maties travel to Bloemfontein to play

againstS as andIkeys si Tuks in Pretoria

Sincethe matchesare shownon television allthe bigunionsand franchises will have theopportunitytosee potentialplayers in action to sign for thedifferentunionsand franchise.

Many of therugby playersoftertiaryinstitutionsinthe past became SpringbokorBlitsbokplayers,representingtheir countryonthe global stage.

pe ng en eclubcompe on kicksoff on Saturday 22 Marchdue to theobligations in theVarsity Shield andVarsity Cup. THE FIXTURES: FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY: . CPUT vMadibaz . Fort Hare vUWC

MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY: . Shimlasv Maties . Tuks vIkeys