People’s Post Woodstock/Maitland/City E-edition 12 May 2026

Blood supplyrunsshort as cold months set in

The WesternCapeBlood Service(WCBS)iscalling on thepublictoprioritise blood donation during winter, aperiodwhensupplyistraditionally understrain.

AccordingtoWCBS, whilewinter oftenleads to adecline in blood donations, thehospitaldemandfor blood remainsconstant.

“Winterisone of themost difficult periodsfor maintaininga stable blood supply as aresultof coldsand flu, andschool holidays,”

says Marike Carli, Public RelationsManager at WCBS. “When donation levels drop,itplacesa strain on ourstock andultimately affects patients whodependon

blood everyday.Thisiswhy we areencouraging donors to remain consistent throughout winter, rather than delaying or skipping donations.”

Asingleblood donation takes approximately30minutes andcan save up to threelives.However, only asmall percentage of eligible individualsdonateregularly,makingdonor retentionand consistency particularly importantduring high-riskperiods such as winter

In addition to encouragingblood donation,WCBScontinues to drive itsExtra Drop Initiative,which givesdonorsthe opportunityto extend theircontributionbeyond thedonationitself.

Throughthisinitiative, donors

BLOOD DONATION ONLYTAKES 30 MINUTES

maychoosethatWCBSdonateR15 to theselectedcharitableorganisations, therebyamplifyingtheir support forvulnerablecommunities across theWestern Cape Thenew beneficiariesfromMay untilAugustare PhilisaAbafazi BethuWomen’s Centre,supportingvulnerablewomen and children throughempowerment programmesand essentialservices, andStJoseph’sIntermediatePaediatricCare, providingspecialised

medicalcareand rehabilitation forchildrenwithcomplex health conditions

Blood donation centresacrossthe WesternCapeare open

Donors must be between 16 and 75,weigh 50kg or more,beingood generalhealth, andleada safe sexuallifestyle.Donorsare advisedto eata substantialmealwithinthree to four hoursbeforevisitinga clinic andtoincreasetheir fluidintake before,during, andafter donation Blood donation only takes30 minutesofyourtimeand youcan donate blood every56days. .Formoreinformation or to find your closest blood donation clinic, please visitwww.wcbs.org.za,or send aWhatsApp to 060 5497244.

Hundreds of walkersare expected to lace up forthisyear’sBlistersfor BreadCharity Family FunWalkin support of thePeninsula School FeedingAssociation(PSFA), with proceedshelping to feed vulnerable learners across theWestern Cape

Theannualevent will take place on Sunday 16 August,offering participants achoicebetween 5km and10kmroutesstartingfrom StephanWay in GreenPoint and finishingatthe Green PointCommonSportsGround.

Organisers saythe R125 entryfee perpersonwillenablethe PSFA to providemeals to 23 vulnerable learners fora day.

Entriesare limitedto10000 participants across both distances, with theclosing date setfor Sunday2 August

Refreshmentstationsand medicalsupport will be availablealong theroute andatthe finish area to assist participants.Walknumber collectionwilltakeplace on Saturday15August, from 09:00to17:00 at selected Sportsmans Warehouse branches,including V&AWater-

emailaddressand cellphone numberduringregistrationwillreceive confirmationdetails andcollection

informationahead of theevent . Theevent is online entry only.To enter visitwww.psfa.org.za

Classroomsare stillfilled with dreamers

notafford.

Returningtomyold school recently broughtbackmemoriesI hadnot thoughtabout in many years.

Ihad droppedmynephewoff for theday,and as Iwalkedpastthe playground,the classroomsand thefamiliarcorridors,a wave of nostalgiahit me.ItfeltasthoughI hadsteppedbackintomyyounger self’s world, aworld filledwith hope,dreamsand determination.

Irememberedsitting in those smallblueclassroom chairs,staringout thewindows andimagininga futurefar biggerthanthe community Igrewupin. Even as a child, Isomehow knew therewas more to life.I knew educationwas thekey that couldunlockopportunities beyond my circumstances. Icomefroma disadvantaged background wheremoney was oftentight.Myparents worked hard to make ends meet,and there were many things we simply could

Iwas neverthe childwho arrived at school wearingthe latest fashion on civvies day. Irememberdays when paying school fees felt impossiblefor my parents. Yet, despite thestruggles,theynever allowed our financialsituation to become an excuse formissing school

Educationwas non-negotiable in ourhome. My parentsconstantly reminded me that no onecould take knowledgeawayfromme. They believed educationwas the onething that couldchangethe directionofmylife. Lookingback now, Irealise thesacrificesthey made to ensure my sister andI had that opportunity. They maynot have been able to give us material things,but they gave us discipline, encouragementand areasonto strive formore.

My wayofthankingthemwas simple,I worked hard.I studied, respectedmyteachersand made sure Iachievedgood marks becauseI understood what wasat stake. Iknewthatevery test passed andevery report card improved broughtmeone step closer to a betterfuture.

TodayasI watchlearnersmaking theirway to school in themorning, Icannothelpbut feel concerned.

On some days it is already08:30 andsomeare casually strolling to school with no senseofurgency.Somelook disengaged and uninterested.Itmakes me wonder what haschanged.Haveour young people become disconnected from thevalue of education? Or arethey simply overwhelmedbythe realities they face daily?

Today’slearnersare growingup in aworld filledwithdistractions, social pressuresand uncertainty. Many areexposed to unemployment,violence, povertyand social mediainfluences that caneasily make educationfeel less important. Forsome, it maybedifficult to dreamabout thefuturewhen survival feelslikethe priority

This is whymotivationcannot come from schoolsalone.Parents,communities,teachersand mentorsall have aroletoplayin shapingyoung minds. Children need to seeexamplesofperseverance.Theyneed encouragement andguidance. Most importantly, they need hope

We cannotexpectyoung peopletovalue educationifsociety itself appearstoundervaluetheir potential. Sometimesall it takesis oneteacher,one family member or oneopportunitytoinspire achild to believeinthemselves. Iwishthose in powerwould take up that challenge. Howmanyleadershavewalkedthrough thehalls of theirformerschoolsand asked themselves what they coulddoto create lastingchangethere? Buildmoreschools, more librariesand saferspacesfor learning Invest in thesefutureleaders and give them areasontobeexcited abouteducation

Create opportunitiesthatmake learners eagertoget to school becausetheycan seea futurewaiting forthembeyondthe classroom,a future filledwithpossibility,dignity andmeaningful work

As Ileftthe school groundsthat day, Irealisedthe classroomsare still filledwithdreamers, children with untappedpotential waitingto be nurtured

Thechallengeismakingsurethey do notlosesight of thosedreams before they even begin.

Fire andRescue take abow

Sirens blared,hoses sprayedand crowds gathered as Capetoniansgot afront-row seat to the braveryand skillofthe City’s firefighters during theannual InternationalFirefighters’Day commemoration

Dozens of residentspackedthe Wesfleur Sportsground on Saturday 9May fora behindthe-scenes look at theFireand Rescue Service, with live demonstrations,emergency vehicles andinteractive displays showcasing thedepartment’s work,staff andequipment

Thecommemoration startedwitha cavalcade

throughthe streetsofAtlantisand wasfollowed by exhibitions, live displays,sport andgames JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,expressedhis gratitudetothe rescue personnelfor theirdedicationand commitment. He appealed to Capetonianstoberesponsible andhelpreduce fires.

“Thank youtoeveryonewho came to support ourstaff memberswho runtowards danger withouta second thought. We recognisetheir braveryand selflessnessand salute theirdedication andteamwork. Let’shonourthembydoing ourbit to help reduce theriskof fires.”

Helpfeedvulnerablelearners

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

ACapeTownvolunteer is making it hermission to ensure vulnerable learners at Salt River High School do nothavetofacethe school day hungry

MargoliteWilliams, whohas been volunteeringatthe school,has launched severalinitiativesaimed at supportinglearnersbothinside andoutside theclassroom

Workingwitha groupofvolunteers, Williams provides weekly food parcels, hygienepacks andadditional support programmes forlearnersfromdisadvantaged backgrounds.

Williamssaidmanylearnersatthe school come from disadvantagedbackgrounds

“Wehavelearnersatour school wholiveon thestreet,and some areorphans with no food With theeconomy like it is,manyofour learners’ parentsare unemployed andcannotfeed theirchildren,”she said

Sheexplained that thereisa growingneed amonglearners.

“Wealsotry andgivethemhygiene packs once amonth,including toothpaste,soapand deodorant.

“Weget sanitary products donatedalready,” said Williams.

Sheaddedthatclothingdonations arealso welcomed

Beyond food assistance,Williamsand hervolunteer groupare also focusedoncreatingbetter opportunitiesfor learners througheducation support andschool improvementprojects.

“Working with theselearnershas humbled me anditmakes ourvolunteer groupmore determined to make theselearnersget abetter chance in life,” shesaid.

Thegroup is appealingtoresidents whocan volunteer theirtimeand skills during school hours.

“Thisincludespeoplewithexperiencein high school educationtoassist with learning programmes,volunteersfor thefeedingscheme andlibrary,aswellasindividuals with building andmaintenance skills.”

Williamssaidinterestedresidents canjoina volunteer roster or assist throughdonations . Contact Williams on 079495 4433 formore information or to assist.Send e-mail to Margolitewilliams@gmail.com

Newschoolonthecards

KEANANHARMSE

Christel HouseSouth Africa (CHSA) is setto officially launch itsnew high-school development at itsOttery campus with aribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday 22 May, markinga major milestoneinthe organisation’s expansionplans

Theevent will bringdonors, partners and educationstakeholderstogethertocelebrate theprogressofthe newfacility, whichisaimed at increasing access to qualityeducation for underservedyouth in theWestern Cape CHSA is anon-profit, no-fee school in Ottery It wasestablished in 2001 to transformthe lives of vulnerable children from poor communities WesternCapeEducation Minister David Maynierisexpectedtoattend thelaunch, which will also includethe unveilingofa commissioned mosaic artworkbySue Beattiehonouringthe project’s2025expansion donors

Guests will also be invitedona campus tour followedbyrefreshments.

Construction on thenew high school began afterthe sod-turningceremonyinDecember 2024,withvisible progress continuing throughoutlastyear.

“Since then construction progress hasbeen

visiblethroughout2025. Access to quality educationfor underservedyouth in theWestern Cape remainslimited,withanaverage annual shortfallof18000 school seats, mostly in high schools,”saidschool spokesperson Megan Losper

Thenew building will featuremodern classrooms, amedia centre,a Computer Applications Technology (CAT)laboratoryand administrative offices.

Expanded facilities forthe school’s Career Developmentand Social Services teamswill also allowadditionalsupport forlearnersand theirfamilies.

Once completed, thenew high school is expected to accommodate up to 300additional learners by 2030,significantly expandingthe organisation’s reachand impact Losper said theproject hadprogressed smoothlyoverall, despitesomedelayscausedby unpredictableweather conditions.Construction wasintentionally scheduledtobegin at thestart of last year,including apause over thefestive season,toreducedisruptionfor neighbouring residents.

Thedevelopment formspartofa broader efforttoaddressthe ongoingshortageofschool placements in theprovince, whereanestimated 18 000 learners areleftwithout school seats each year,particularlyathighschool level, Losper added.

Theorganisationthanked thesurrounding community forits patience during theconstruction period andsaida dedicatedcommunity eventfor neighbours is plannedfor June.The launch also formspartofChristelHouse South Africa’s widerlong-term growth strategy.In addition to thenew high school theorganisation planstoexpandits junior school capacity andrecentlyannouncedplans fora newGrade RR to Grade12school backed by aR100million investment from Christel HouseInternational

Kensington gets school bus stops

WKAYLYNNEBANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

aiting in theblazing sunorpouringrainfor school transportisa thingofthe past formanypupils, thanks to Kensington ScholarTransport (Kenstra).

Thenon-profitorganisation(NPO),founded sevenyears agotopromote safe scholar transport, haserected shelteredwaiting areas at twoKensingtonschoolswiththe support of generous donors

BasedinKensington, thegroup does farmore than transportlearners. It also supportscommunity initiatives, includingfood distribution forvulnerableresidents andanannual sanitary drivefor learners

Mariam Hendricks, chairofKenstra,saidthe groupconsist of about13drivers

“Wehad thevisiontobuild shelters because when we gettothe schoolsour children are soakingwet becausethere isn’tsufficientshelter forthemtowait.

“Withthe help of some of thebusinessesin theareawewereabletoput up our firstshelter in June last year at KenmerePrimary School.”

Sheexplained thedesignofthe shelterwhich cost aboutR35 000 to erect. “Itlookslikea carportand is bigenoughtoaccommodate a fewlearners.”

Hendrickssaidtheywereabletoerect their second shelteredwaiting area at Windermere PrimarySchoolinApril this year

“Withthe help of donors,weevenmadesome benchesfor kids to sitonaswell. It waswell received by theschool.The children arealso usingitduringbreak time or when teachers have classesoutside,theyuse as theshelter as a spacetowork.”

Hendricksexplained that they wouldliketo expand theinitiativetoother schoolsbut arein need of funds.She appealed to residentsand businessestoget involved

LEARNERS MUST EITHER WAIT IN THE SCORCHING HEAT OR IN THERAIN FOR THEIRTRANSPORT

Or they cansimplysupport ourfundraising initiatives. We have more schoolsinthe pipeline,but we need funds.The driversmustfork moneyout of theirown pocket,orweapproach businessesinthe area.”

Rodney Page,principal of Windermere,said theshelter is beneficial forthe school as learnersmusteitherwaitinthe scorchingheatorin therainfor theirtransport

“Manyofour learners arefromoutside the area.Sometravelasfar as Langaand Gugulethu. They must wait in thehot sun. On rainydaysthe area wheretheyhavetowait is wetand muddy.Sometimes the fieldand flooded as well.”

Page said theshelter is alreadymakinga huge difference

“The timing of this projectwas perfectand just in time forwinter. We will have less absent learners becausetheywon’t getsickwhile standing in therain. They even erectedbenches so nowlearnerscan sitand wait.”

Theprincipal expressedhis gratitudetothe team.“Theschool hasa good relationship with themembers of Kenstra. They arealsoadvising otherscholar driversabout ensuring theirvehicles areroadworthy. They aredoing amazing things in theareaand forschools. We cannot thankthemenoughfor this projecttheyhave completedatthe school.”

Hendrickssaidlastyeartheir annual sanitary towelinitiativesaw them distributing over 1000 sanitary towels to schoolsinthe area

“It’snot just aboutdriving learners to school, thereare many otherthingsthatwedointhe community,” sheconcludes

ClimbersuniteforWC charities

TPa er said everycon ibution, helps grow theimpactofthe initiative . To pledgesupport,visit:www.charitychallenge.co.za

Constructionsectorplacingincreasedpressureoncompliance

TheWestern Cape’s growingconstruction sector is placingincreased pressure on compliance, with industry leaderswarning that gaps in oversightcould have financial, legal andsafetyconsequences.

Theprovinceadded42000 construction jobs in thethird quarteroflastyear, accordingtothe WesternCapeGovernment.

Afurther 22 000jobswerecreated over the past year,Premier Alan Windesaidinthe recent Stateofthe Province Address.

“Thislevel of activity is translatingintoreal compliance challenges,” says PetraDevereux, ExecutiveDirectorofthe Master Builders AssociationWestern Cape (MBAWC).

“Morecontractors areenteringthe market, includingfromother provinces. Whilethis signalsa strong economy, it also raises the risk of non-compliance withoutconsistent oversight.”

Construction in SouthAfricaoperateswithin amulti-layered regulatory framework.

Contractorsare required to register with the Construction Industry DevelopmentBoard (CIDB),maintaintax compliance with the SouthAfrican RevenueService andmeet

labour andsafetyrequirementsset by the Department of Employment andLabour.

Forresidential projects,registrationwith theNationalHomeBuildersRegistration Council(NHBRC) is mandatory.

In theWestern Cape,contractors must also comply with theBuildingIndustryBargaining Council(BIBC), whichregulates wages, benefits andworking conditions

“The BIBC is notjusta regulatory requirement,itisa cornerstoneoffairlabourpracticesand industry stability.

Forcontractors,complianceisessentialto operatelegally,compete fairly,and deliver projects withoutdisruption,”saysDevereux. However, compliance extendsbeyond registration anddocumentation

It requires approved health andsafetyplans, appointedsafetyofficers,regular risk assessments andstrictenforcement of personalprotectiveequipment on site

Contractorsmustalsocomplywiththe Unemployment InsuranceFundand Compensation forOccupational Injuries andDiseases Actrequirements, whilemaintaining accurate financialrecords andtax compliance

Wherethese measures arenot in place, risks escalate

Non-compliantcontractors mayfacedelayedpayments, disputes with subcontractors or projectabandonment

Health andsafetyfailurescan result in injury,fatalitiesorsiteclosuresbyauthorities

Labour violations mayleadtostrikes or legalaction, whiletax non-compliance can result in penaltiesand reputational damage

Theimpactisnot limitedtocontractors

Developers,architects, projectmanagers andprincipal agents mayfaceproject delays, insurancecomplications andincreased costs if compliance is notverified during procurement

Subcontractornon-compliancecan also affectthe main contractor’s liability.

“Complianceisa fundamental safeguard forthe entire construction ecosystem,”says ChandréAbrahams, chairofthe MBAWC MarketingCommittee.

“Every role in theproject chain, from quantity surveyorstoproject managers andprincipalagents, hasa responsibility to ensure that contractorsare fully compliantbefore appointment.”

Procurementpractices remain aconcern in thesector.

“Wecontinuetosee unrealisticpricing expectations,particularlyaroundlabour, shapingcontractorbehaviour

“Insomecases,thisdrivesnon-compliance in ordertoremaincompetitive

Theindustrymustmoveawayfrompurely cost-drivenprocurement toward compliance-drivenproject delivery,” says Abrahams Industry bodies such as theMBAWC continue to support membersand promote adherencetostandards,while workingwith regulators to strengthen oversight.

“The MBAWCremains firm in itsposition that compliance andprofessionalismare non-negotiable,” says Devereux.“Ourroleis to support membersinupholding thesestandardsand to work with industry stakeholders to ensure that compliance is notonlyexpected butconsistentlyenforced.”

As thesectorexpands,the focusisshifting towardssustainability, with consistent complianceseen as critical to maintaininggrowth andprotectingall stakeholders involved

Codetaconsiders taxi fare increases

KEANANHARMSE

The Cape Organisation for theDemocraticTaxiAssociation(Codeta)has raised concerns aboutthe impact of recent fuel pricehikes on commuters andtaxioperators, warningthatfareincreases may become unavoidableascosts continue to rise

Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana told People’s Post theassociationwas undergrowing pressure, operatorsalready feelingthe strain of higher fuelprices.

“Weare really worriedabout the petrol hike andhow it is goingtoaffect commuters.The people whoare goingtosuffer most arethose in our communities.Evennow,aswespeak, we areina very tightcorner.”

OPERATORSALREADYFEELING THE STRAIN OF HIGHER FUEL PRICES

This follows last week’s fuelincreases, wherea litreofdieselroseby R5,27and petrol by R3,27a litre.

TheDepartmentofPetroleum andMineral Resourcesreportedly attributethe increasestorisinginternationalcrude oilpricesdrivenby ongoingtension betweenthe United States of Americaand Iran

Thedepartmentsaidthe closureof theStraitofHormuzand damage to crucialinfrastructurehad affected crude-oilsupply.

Middledistillate prices,which includedieseland paraffin, increased more than thepetrolpricesdue to higher demand andreduced supply

from thePersian Gulf

Thesefactors contributedR2,04 per litretopetrolprices, R4,96per litreto diesel andR4,21 perlitre to illuminating paraffin. Thegovernmenthas extended aR3decreaseinthe general fuellevyfor petrol anda R3,93reduction fordieselinanefforttocushion consumersfromthe fullimpactofthe increases.

Whileno finaldecisionhad been made on raisingtaxifares Tumana confirmed discussionsona possible increase to addresssomeconcerns raised by many operatorswerelikely to take place. “Weare considering raisingtaxifares,althoughwedon’t

always thinkitisthe rightsolution.

Thegovernmentisnot stepping in to assist us andweare left with very few options.”

Artscape marks another era

The Artscape TheatreCentrecelebrates 55 yearsonTuesday 19 May, markinga powerful journeyfroman apartheid-eravenue reserved fora select fewtoa fully inclusiveculturalspace that nowwelcomesall SouthAfricans.

Originally opened in 1971 as theNicoMalan Theatre, theArtscapehas evolvedintosomethingfar more meaningful

Underthe theme“APlace forAll”,Artscape will mark this anniversarybycelebrating its journeyoftransformationand inclusivity.

Theanniversaryprogramme launches at 11:00 on Tuesdaywiththe unveilingofa memory wall, Becoming Artscape –A PlaceReborn

Theevent will includeanopenpress conference, apublicinvitationtotakepartinan historic groupphotographat12:00, anda free lunchtimeconcert wherepatrons areencouraged to actively participate.

Theconcert also marksthe continuation of Artscape’s commitmenttoaccessibility,with CEOMarlene le Roux having introduced regular lunchtimeperformancesthatgivemany people their firstexperienceoflivetheatre

This moment sets thetonefor ayear-long programme of productions, alongsidefree tours, masterclassesand public engagements, alldesignedtomakethe theatrefeel welcoming andaccessible.

Amongthese is theArtscapeCareersExpoon Saturday 6June, astandoutinitiativeaimed at youngpeople.

MORETHANATHEATRE

In many ways Artscape reflects thespirit of SouthAfrica’sConstitution, affirmingthe rightofall to participateinthe cultural life of thecountry andtoexpress themselves freely

ARTSCAPE

AFFIRMS THE RIGHT OF ALL TO PARTICIPATEINTHE COUNTRY’SCULTURAL LIFE.

throughthe arts

Le Roux said thebuildinghas transformed from onethatexcludedmostSouth Africans to onethatnow welcomes everyone

“Accessibility is notjusta conceptfor us,but a dailycommitment. Whetheritisphysicalaccess forpeoplewithdisabilities, representation on ourstagesorensuringthatpeoplefeel they belong here,thisisthe work we do everyday.”

Sheaddedthe theatreisa meetingplace,a spacewhere difference is notonlyaccepted but celebrated

LOOKINGAHEAD

As Artscape enters itsnextchapter,the focus turnstothe future:

. Advocating forthe arts to be part of education

. Nurturingyoung talent throughaccess and exposure

. Creating pathways into thecreativeeconomy

. Encouragingaudiences to valueand support live performance.

ZakGordon, chairofthe BoardofArtscape, said:“As we mark 55 yearsour focusremains on ensuring Artscape continuestoserve as an inclusiveplatformfor expression,access and opportunityfor all.”

Chairofthe PortfolioCommitteeonSport, Arts andCulture JoeMcGluwa said the Artscape is alivingsymboloftransformation “sprungfromdivisiontounity.”

Endlessdelightfortheatre patronsthiscoldwinter

TheTonyaward-winning Broadway musical AGentleman’s GuidetoLoveand Murder is settodelight Cape Town audiencesthiswinter with alocal production in Muizenberg by The Masque Theatreand MilnertonPlayers

This acclaimedmusical comedy,known for itssharp witand dark humour,runsatThe Masque TheatreinMuizenbergfromFriday22 MaytoSaturday6 June before transferring to theMilnerton PlayhousefromFriday19Juneto Sunday 5July.

TheMasqueTheatre is avibrant,community-drivennon-profitperformingartsvenue establishedin1959byBertieStern

LocatedinMainRoad, it acts as acultural hubfor amateurand professional productions, includingdrama,dance andmusic,while featuringa main auditorium (170 seats) anda smallerfoyer stage(60 seats)

Directed by award-winning theatre-maker Kyla Thorburn,the production features musical directionbyBarendvan derWesthuizen, who performs in theshow. Thecreativeteambrings to life ascriptbyRobertL Freedman, with musicand lyrics by Steven Lutvak.The storyis basedona novelbyRoy Horniman FirststagedonBroadwaytocriticalacclaim, themusical tells thestory of MontyNavarro,a charming butpenniless youngman whodiscovered he waseighthinlinetoinherit thefortune of thewealthy D’Ysquithfamily. Determined to improvehis standing,Monty embarked on adarklycomedic mission to eliminatethose

‘MammaMia!’musicalto returntoArtscapeTheatre

Thepopular musical Mamma Mia! will return to SouthAfricainSeptember,featuring Broadwayveteran Amra-FayeWrightinthe lead role of DonnaSheridan.

Theproduction, by Showtime Management, will runatArtscapefromThursday3 SeptembertoSunday11October before moving to MontecasinoinJohannesburgfromFriday16 Octoberthrough November Wright,borninSouth Africa,bringsextensive internationalexperiencetothe role.She performed as VelmaKelly in Chicago TheMusical on Broadway for23years,makingher the longest-running actressinthatrole. Hercareer spans30years across multiple continents, includingperformancesinLondon’sWestEnd, Europe,Japan andNew Zealand.

Beyond Chicago,Wright’scredits include Follies, AChorusLine, Grease, Footloose and PeterPan

Sherecentlycompleted aMasterofFineArts in painting at theNew York AcademyofArt

Africanmusical-theatre performers.Samantha Peoreturns as Tanya, reunitingwithWrightaftertheir previous collaboration in thelocal productionof Chicago in 2005.Lindy Abromowitz playsRosie,completingthe trio that formsthe 1970sbandDonna &the Dynamos. Paul du Toit,known forhis nine-seasonrun on Binnelanders,takes on theroleofSam Carmichael.Tiaan Rautenbach reprises hisrole as Bill Austin Matt Newman,who hasappeared in international series including TheCrown and Outlander,returns as Harry Bright.LeahMari, recently seen in Pretty Woman: TheMusical,plays Sophie Sheridan

aheadofhim in thelineofsuccession,one by one.

Theproductionpromisesa fast-paced theatricalexperience filledwithcleverwordplay, memorable songsand atouch of mischief.Audiences canexpecta blendoffarce,satireand musical brilliance,makingita standout addition to Cape Town’s winter theatrecalendar.

ChristineKaye, vice-chair of TheMasque, said thecollaboration with theMilnerton Players marked an exciting moment forlocal theatre. Shedescribed theshowas“deliciouslyfun”and ahighlight foraudiences seekinghigh-quality live entertainment.

Neal Johnsonofthe MilnertonPlayers added that themusical scoredemandedstrongvocal performances andthatthe cast andcrewembraced thechallengewithenthusiasmduring rehearsals

Performances will take placeat19:30,withselect matineeshows at 14:30. Ticketsstart from R180 andcan be booked online.The production will then move to theMilnerton Playhouse, wheretickets arepricedatR200, with asimilar mixofevening andafternoon performances

Both venues offer parking, wheelchairaccess andback-up power, ensuring performances continue uninterrupted during load shedding With itsaward-winning pedigree,engaging storylineand talented localcast AGentleman’s GuidetoLoveand Murder promises audiences “a murderouslygoodtime” andanunforgettablenight at thetheatre

SUPPLIED

Whilebased in NewYork, Wright maintainsa home in McGregor

STAR-STUDDEDSUPPORTINGCAST

Thecastincludesseveral establishedSouth

Themusical,built on thehitsofthe Swedish popgroup ABBA,follows ayoung woman’s questtodiscoverher father’s identity on a Greek island HazelFeldman of Showtime Management describesthe show as family-friendlyentertainment with broadappeal across agegroups. Regulardiscounts applyonTuesdays, with grouprates availablefor bookings of 20 or more tickets.

. Ticketsare availableatShowtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za

Theshowmustgoon:Lamta bringsKillerQueenthiswinter

Cape Town danceenthusiasts have something to look forwardtothiswinter, as theLuitingh AlexanderMusical TheatreAcademy (Lamta) brings itslatestproduction, KillerQueen,to Theatreonthe BayfromThursday4 to Saturday 20 June

Conceivedand directed by Naledi Award-winning LamtafoundersAnton Luitingh and DuaneAlexander,the show is ahigh-energy celebrationofthe musicofQueen —one of the world’smostenduringrockbands.Weaving together powerful choreography,strikingvisuals andthe unmistakable energy of Queen’s legendarycatalogue,itpromisestobea spectacular winter outing fortheatre anddance enthusiasts alike.

Theannouncement follows theacademy’s recent success with Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat,co-produced with Pieter Toerien, whichearnedmultipleaccolades at theNalediTheatre Awards in Johannesburg. Lamta’sannual productionshavebecomea firm fixtureonthe Cape Town performing arts calendar, with Hollywood (2024) andBeyond(2025) both selling outbeforeopening night. Killer Queen is widely expected to followsuit.

Theproductionfeaturesanimpressive roster of choreographers,including Michelle Reid, JaredSchaedler,Robin vanWyk,Chesney Stanfield, EmilePetersen, BrandonHerbstand Ashley Searle,among others —bringinga fresh anddynamic interpretation to theband’siconic songbook

Luitingh also musically directsa selectionof vocalnumbers,a featurethathas become afan favouriteinrecentLamta productions. Performedovertwo acts,the show showcases Lamtastudentsfrom firsttothird year,taking audiencesthrough Queen’s greatest hits and hiddengems, including“We Will Rock You”, “SomebodytoLove”,“TheShowMustGoOn” and“We Arethe Champions”,all reimagined throughexpressive anddynamic movement Performances runnightly at 20:00, with Saturday matinées at 15:00. . Ticketsare availableatWebtickets.

AVRIL FILLIES

The football community from theCapeTownTygerberg LocalFootball Association wasshocked on thepassing of MogamatSalie Davids (58) from Holy CrossSoccerClub in Bellville on Friday 8May in May.

Davids wasa much-respected coach andover-50 player.Hepassedaway on the fieldinthe fixtureagainst Fish Hoek in Bellville Duetohis passing all fixtures of Holy Crosswerecancelledoverthe weekendtoattend hisfuneral in the Muslim TraditiononSaturday9 May. Davids,known as CoachSalie amongthe juniorsatHolyCross SoccerClub, wasa deeply respected member of thecluband thebroader football community.His humility, kindness andgenuine love forthe game left alasting impact on everyonewho hadthe privilegeofknowing him, particularly themanyyoung playershecoached andmentored throughthe years.

“The past threeyears he played for Holy Crosswhile coaching thejuniors. He hada heartattack just after half-timeand collapsed.There wasno medics on the fieldand membersof