People’s Post Woodstock/Maitland/City E-edition 16 June 2026

WOODSTOCK |MAITLAND| CITY

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Sale

The historic Salt RiverMarketsiteisset fora major transformation afterthe City of Cape Town handed it to developerCommunicare,clearingthe wayfor 970“affordable” housingunits as part of awider inner-city housingdrive

107SERGEANTS, 84INSPECTORS

Therevered site wasofficially handed over to Communicare on Monday 8June.

Thedeveloper hasbeen in discussion with theCity, whichowned the land,overdevelopingthe site since

TheCity’smetropolicedepartment has introducedanew advancement process aimed at creating morecareer opportunities forqualifying staff members within theservice. Eligible officers were either promoted or allowedtoapplyfor higher ranks, including sergeant and a newlyintroducedinspector position. Throughthe process, 107officers were promoted to sergeant,while84attained therank of inspector as part of an expanded career progression framework Theinspector rank has been introduced to strengthen middlemanagement and giveexperienced sergeantsgreater supervisoryand operational responsibilities. According to thedepartment,the newstructureisexpected to improve command oversight,operational coordination and mentoring of junior officers, ultimatelyenhancing servicedelivery outcomes. Theceremony washeldatthe Edgemead CommunityHallonWednesday10June. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Thedevelopment includes 300 social housingrentalunits and670 affordablemarketunits

However, some stakeholders,includinghousing lobby groupNdifuna Ukwazi,are notconvinced aboutthe pace or priorities of theproject ly earmarkedbythe City in a2017 prospectus foraffordablehousing Besidesthe transitional housingin Pickwick Road nota single brickhas been laid on anyofthese sitesinthe nine yearssince.”

Shesaidthe City must accountfor yo Salt RiverMarketdevelopment forms part of theCity’sbroader strategy to unlock underutilisedpublicland foraffordablehousing,withmore than 12 000 housingopportunities plannedacrosswell-locatedareas of themetro TOPAGE4

Gold Awards for CapeTownTourism

CapeTownTourism (CTT) has achieved internationalrecognition afterscoopingthree Gold Awards at theInternational TourismFilmFestival Africa (ITFFA).

Theawardsceremonyheldatthe Bannister HotelinBraamfontein, Johannesburg,on Wednesday10June, sawCTT take tophonours in threecategories: Gold for Go AllOut Cape Town (Pride Tourism),Goldfor My Cape Town:Armani“Mr Poppins”Minani (BestEpisodeofa TourismCampaign),and Gold for My Cape Town (BestTourism Campaign 2026). Foundedin2019byCarolineUngersbockand JamesByrne,the ITFFA is theonlyfestivalof itskindonthe Africancontinent It recognises excellenceintourism-related film andvideo contentacrossplatforms,from broadcastcommercials anddocumentaries to social mediacampaigns anddestination storytelling

Cape Town Tourism’sChief MarketingOfficer Briony Brookessaidthe awards affirm thecity’s commitmenttoauthentic storytelling

“Three Gold Awards at theITFFA,thisis everything,” shesaid. Brookesaddedthatthe campaignsare rooted in real people rather than idealisedimagery.“Go AllOut Cape Town and My Cape Town weren’tbuilt around postcard momentsbut around people —the grit,the warmth,the complexity that makesCapeTown unlike anywhere else on earth.”

Shesaidthe recognitionbelongs notonlyto thecreativeteams butalsotoresidents who shared theirstories.“This one’sfor everyCapetonian whoappeared in frontofour cameras andtrusted us with theirstory.”

JamesVos,Mayco member foreconomic growth andtourism,saidthe achievement

strengthensthe city’s global tourismposition. He describedthe awards as a“powerful endorsement” of strategicinvestmentindestination marketing.

AccordingtoVos,campaigns of this calibre help driveinternational interest,increase visitornumbers,and support jobs across the tourismvalue chain.

“Tourism remainscentral to Cape Town’s economic growth strategy,” he said,adding that thefocus nowisonexpanding thebenefits of tourismtomorecommunities andconverting interest into bookings andeconomicopportunity

Ungersbock praisedCapeTownTourism for itsauthentic approach to storytelling,sayingthe campaignsstood outfor theiremotional depth andclarity of message.“From theboldenergy of Go AllOut Cape Town to thedeeply human storytelling of My Cape Town,their filmscaptivatedaudiences andjudgesalike,” shesaid. Byrne, whoisalsothe festival director,added that they hadset anew benchmark. Theorganisation “knows whoitis, tells itsstory with confidence, anddeliversworld-class creative execution.”

TheITFFA recognises outstandingtourism filmsthatinspire global audiencestoexplore destinations.CapeTown’striplegoldvictory positionsthe city notonlyasa sought-after travel destinationbut also as aleaderinhow places arecreativelyand authentically represented on theglobalstage

Hopefullythistournamentcanstill beasourceofhopeandcommunity

phiweTshabalalascoredthe WorldCup opener in 2010 andsaid: “goalfor SouthAfrica! Goal forall Africa!BafanaBafanahavepoppedthe firstcork! SipTshabalala!”

In 2022

At last,fouryears later, themostbeautifulgameinthe worldreturns to pitthe best football playersagainst each other andcrown thebestfootballing nation whogetstoliftthatlegendary golden trophy at this year’s FIFA WorldCup

This time thetreasured tournament takes placeonNorth American soil,inthe ageof unprecedentedtechnological innovation with Artificial Intelligence(AI), PresidentTrump’s second term,conflictinthe MiddleEastand an immigrationcrisiswhich hassparked much debate recently,especially in SouthAfrica.

This year theWorld Cupisdescribed as the largesttournamentinhistory featuring48 teams. However, much controversyhas tainted thehypeand joythe tournament is meantto bringtomillionsacrossthe globe. Reportshavehighlighted theinsanecosts of flight tickets, hotelaccommodation,transport, visa barriers, security crackdowns allofwhich arecompoundedbythe rising inflationrates andpetrolpricesthatshows no sign of slowing down in themidst of theIranwar Despiteour financialchallenges,the arrivalof theWorld Cupstill carries breathless andiconic momentswhere homesorbarsare filledwith friendsand families whocongregateonmatch days despitea busy week

Throughthe ages,you’llsee thelatenights, thesnacksand beer bottles adorning thetables whilefansshout at thetop of theirlungs upon hearingthe netcrack at alast-minute goal when allhopeseemed lost.It’swonderous to see sports’profoundeffects to galvaniseand pacify acrowd as if theplayers arethe conductorand thefansare theorchestra,liketheir heartstrings arebeing pluckedbyevery tackle,unfairreferee call, skillorcareer-shattering injury Let’snot forget thepoetryofthe commentators whonarrate andbreathe life into these matchesand immortalisemoments as deftly as renowned broadcasterPeter Drurydid when Si-

Drurysaidthismomentwas from his favouritefootball matchheevercommentated on,calling it amomentthat“transcendedsport andmeant so much forthe worldthatthis humble boyfromSowetoscoredthe goal of his dreams”. Ican stillrecallthe carnival feverthat hummedinthe airduringthe 2010 WorldCup that graced ourshores. Shakira’sWakaWaka andTkzee’sBafanaanthemserenaded theCape thoseyears.I wasinGrade 11 that time andrecall fond momentsdebatingwithschool friends aboutwho we thoughtwould conquerthe cup andwhich playerswould make history.

Thoseyears Spain’s firstelevenseemed as impervious as SpartantroopswhilstI supported Netherlandsinthe final, watching sadlyinmy bright orange topasSpain clearlyoutclassed theDutch You’ll oftenhearexcitementspeakingwith SouthAfricanswho recalledwhatitfeltlike goingtogames during the2010World Cup. Andyet theseiconicmoments of sheer entertainment stillreverberate yearslater

Ican remember watching in disbelief, the greatest WorldCup finalin2022whenArgentina andFrancebattled it outtillpenalties and Lionel Messi finally silenced thecritics and lifted thetrophyinQatar.Thistournamentwas also drenched in scandaland tragedyasmany of thebuilderswereenduringharsh working andlivingconditionsand many died whilst constructing thestadiums. Sadlyitseemsthere’s always adarkcloud of mistreatment,violenceand corruptionblanketingeachFifaWorld Cup.

Recently aSomalianreferee, Omar Artan, was denied entrytothe United States andprevented from officiatingatthisyear’stournament. Research showsSomalia is oneof12countries on atravelban list introduced by America’s presidentDonaldTrump last year

StillI hope this year’s WorldCup canstill be asourceofhopeand community with differentraces,culturesand religionswho canstill appreciate agreat matchoffootball no matter whichteamwesupport or anthem we sing

Younglearn to make garments

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

AsSouth Africa commemorates YouthDay today(16 June), agroup of 15 youngCapetonians is celebratingmorethanjusta milestone; they are stepping into afuture filledwithnew opportunities.

Againstthe backdrop of youthunemployment thegraduates have successfully completeda four-month Sector Educationand Training Authority(Seta)-certified GarmentConstruction course throughthe Salesian InstituteYouth Projects’(SIYP)StitchAhead programme, equipping them with practicalskills to enterthe fashionand textileindustryorlaunchtheir own entrepreneurialventures.

Thegraduates received theircertificateson Friday 29 May, markingthe culminationof months of intensivetrainingdesignedtotransform ambition into employable skills andcreate pathways to economic independence

Theprogramme is afour-monthcourse that equips youngpeopleaged18to35with practicalskills in industrial sewing,garment construction,quality controland patternin-

COURSE EQUIPSYOUNG FROM ACROSS CAPE FLATS

terpretation,preparing them forcareersinthe textileindustry.

It accommodates only 15 participants at a time

Heathervan Diemen,LeadFacilitator of theprogramme,saidthe initiative provides students with valuable opportunitiestoimprove theirfuture.

“Tomethisprogramme is more than just teaching theyoung people.Whenthe students complete thecourseI stay in touchwiththem andfollowupI remain involved in theirlives

“The programme is beneficial becauseitopens doorstofuturelearnerships.”

VanDiemensaidthe programme concluded with an incubation phasewhere participants design anddevelop theirown products,encouragingcreativityand entrepreneurship

ShesaidstudentscomefromacrossCape Town,including Manenberg, HanoverPark, Bonteheuwel, Langaand Nyanga

“Throughoutthe programme students gain hands-on experience in productdevelopment, pricingstrategies, marketingand entrepreneurialthinking, equipping them with theskills to turn theircreativityintocareers.”

VanDiemensaidthrough partnerships with businessessomestudentsare placed in in learnership programmes, to gain practicalexperience andearna stipend.

ForThebakazi Sigwadi(20)fromLanga the course wasa life-changingexperience.

“I wanted to further my studiesbut unfortunately duetocircumstances Icould not. Iheard aboutthe Stitch Aheadprogramme anddecided to join.Now that Iamdonewiththe programme andunemployed, Iwillstart making clothing items.”

Shereflectedonher journeythrough the programme,describinghow it helped hergrow in confidenceand skills

“WhenI startedthe course Iwas scared,but when I finished afterthe four months,I was happy.I have learnt many things,especially howtoworkwithdifferentmaterials.”

Sigwadinow planstouse hernew skills to give back to hercommunity

“I am planning to make itemsfor theyouth choiratchurchsothateveryonecan wear the same outfit.”

Aftermonthsofunemploymentand job hunting, Thanduxolo Komana said hisfortunes changedwhenheheard aboutthe programme

“After Ijoinedthe programmeI realised this waslikea designer programme.Itresonated with me becauseI am an artist anda creative.I gained so many skills andnow Ican make my ownclothes.”

Armedwithnew skills andconfidence, Komana hopestotakethe next step by officially registering hisclothingand accessories business

Youngpeopleare encouraged to followthe Salesian Facebook page forupdates andannouncementsonnew programmecohorts

Jetsetting with JanetImmersive

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Aspecially craftednon-alcoholic cocktail, inspired by arts andculture icon Marlenele Roux became thetoast of theevening as Cape Town’s tourism, hospitality, business andcreativesectors gathered forthe soft launch of theJetsetting with JanetImmersive Culinary Experience at theInternational HotelSchoolinSaltRiver.

Thelaunchmarkedthe beginningofa partnershipbetween Jetsetting with Janetand the HotelSchool,bringingtogetherculinarytourism, experiential learning andculturalexchange throughaninteractive dining experience

Hosted by travel andlifestyle curatorJanet Pillai, theevent broughttogethertourism,hospitality,businessand creative industry leaders foraninteractive dining experience where guests helped preparetheir ownmeals

Asignature non-alcoholiccocktail, The Marlene, wascreated in honour of Le Roux.It featured rooibosand pomegranate, ingredients carefully selected fortheir flavour, wellness benefits andpersonalsignificance.

Underthe guidance of HotelSchool students andstaff,guestspreparedelementsoftheir supper, creating opportunitiesfor conversation, andconnectionaroundfood

Receivingthe drink, Le Roux reflectedonthe significanceofthe gesture. “Asa poliosurvivor, therehavebeen many momentsinmylife when Ihavehad to fighttobeseen beyond my disability,” shesaid.

Le Roux said beinghonouredwitha signature drinkwas both “unexpectedand deeply meaningful”.

“Itisimpotantfor organisationsand commu-

nities to realisethatpersons with disabilities are firstpersons andwanta fulllifejustlike anotherhuman being. We just happen to be disabledand ourdisabilitiesneed to be considered in orderfor us to have thefullexperience.

“The non-alcoholiccocktail, is aboutdetermination becauseitisabout thebitterand sweet of life.”

Le Roux believes more should be done to createinclusive spaces forpeoplewithdisabilities in thearts, tourismand cultural sectors.

“Accessible(wheelchair) rampsare notthe only waytosay that thebuildingisaccessible. Before youinstall aramp, aska wheelchairuser to guidethe companyorconstructioncompany to guidethem.

“Someramps aresosteep that awheelchair user cannot useit. Theindustryand allworkplaces should consultwithreputable focus groups whoare disabled themselves to give guidance.”

ForPillai, honouringLeRouxwas anatural choice

“Food andbeverageexperiences have aunique wayofbringingpeopletogetherand telling stories.Ratherthanhonouring Marlenethrough wordsalone,I wanted to create an experience that people couldengagewith, celebrateand share.

Shesaidthe beverage became asymbolic tribute.

“Choosinga non-alcoholiccocktail, wasalso intentional. It reflects inclusivity, wellnessand celebrationwithout barriers, values that Marlene haschampionedthroughouther career Everyingredientwas selected to representqualitiesassociatedwithher leadership:strength, warmth,creativityand grace. ”

Pillaisaidthe immersiveculinaryconcept was

FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXPERIENCES HAVE A UNIQUE WAYOFBRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND TELLING STORIES

designed to go beyond food

“Myhopeisthatguestsleave feelingmore connected.Connected to oneanother,tolocal cultures,tothe destinationand to thesimple joyofcreatingand sharingsomething together

InsaafLevy,doctorandrugbyplayer

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Whilemanyyoung SouthAfricansare stillsearching fortheir path,Bo-Kaap resident Insaaf Levy hasalready carved outtwo demandingcareers, as arugby player representing hercountryand anewly qualified doctor

The23-year-old WesternProvince scrumhalftold People’s Post that although sheparticipatedinseveral sports at school,including netball andathletics,itwas rugbythatultimately captured herheart “Mymainsport wastouch rugby whichI startedwhenI wasabout sevenyears old. So,I have always played some form of rugby. Ireally enjoyedtouch anditbuilt my skills forwhenI movedtocontact rugbyin university.”

Levy,who is thedaughterofStormersskills coachLabeeb Levy,saysshe comesfroma strong rugbybloodline

Shegrewuparoundthe sport throughher father’s long-standing involvementinthe game,while her maternal grandfather, DickySieed, served as aWestern Province coach before unification

Heryounger sister,Nuha, is also following in thefamily’srugby foot-

FROMPAGE1

Carl Pophaim, Maycomemberfor humansettlements,saidoncecom-

steps. Shecurrently playsasa flyhalf forthe WesternProvinceWomen’s u-20 team

Levy explainedthatone of her career highlights wasrecently, when shewas namedamong nine uncapped playersselectedtorepresent the green andgoldatthisyear’sRugby Africa Women’sCup in Kenya.

Thetournament, whichtook place from Thursday 21 untilSunday31

May, sawSouth Africa defeat Kenya 35-20towin theRugby Africa Women’s Cupfor the fifthtime.

Levy said beingpartofthe victorioussquad wasbotha proudand humbling experience,especially as oneofthe newermembers of the squad.

“Itwas greattobepartofthe environment. I’mnew andlearninga lot from theplayers andcoaches.I just do my best andtry to addasmuch valuetothe team as possible.”

Shealsosharedhow shebalances sportand studies, embracinglifelong learning andinspiring youngpeople to pursue theirgoals with purpose.

“I only just finished my degree in March, so doingmed school and playingsport wasa bitchallenging. I

pleted thedevelopment will provide affordablerentaloptions to householdsearning up to approximately

thinkitwas abit of trialand errorby seeing what worked anddidn’twork andI thinkI foundmyroutine in 6th year (ofstudies).”

Whilerugby andmedicineoccupy much of hertime, Levy says maintaininga healthybalance is important, often findingcomfort in the companyofloved ones

“I mostly like to spendmyoff time with family andfriends just relaxing or doingthingstotakemymindoff medicine andrugby.”

Levy explains that herdrive comes from adesiretokeep growing, constantly seekingnew knowledge, refining herskills and findingwaysto improvebothonand off the field.

As thecountry commemorates YouthDay today(16 June)Levy encourages youngpeopleto“keep going” in pursuitoftheir dreams

Levy says herimmediatefocus is on improvingasa rugbyplayerwhile also prioritising hermedical internship

“I thinkmymaingoalisjustto keep improvingmyrugby skills to become betterasa player.Interms of medicine,I thinkI’m just focusing on internship at themoment.”

R34400 permonth

He said it will also deliverrentals rangingfromapproximatelyR700to R10000 permonth

AccordingtoCommunicare chair

Mark vanWyk,the developmentwill featureretailspace,a public piazza,a day-care centre andsports field.

He said thedevelopment will add 300socialhousing apartments across aseven storey building and 670affordablehousing unitsina nine-storeybuilding.

VanWyk addedthatthe historic Salt RiverHallwould be restored andpreserved,while plansalso make provisionfor themarket’sfour long-standingfresh-produce traders to continue operatingonthe site AnwarOmar, founding member of theSaltRiver Heritage Society, said whiletheysupported theaffordable

In an increasingly fragmented world, that sense of belongingand shared experience is more valuable than ever.”

Sheaddedthatfood canunite people Forthe InternationalHotel School,the partnershipprovidedstudentswithvaluablereal-world industry exposure whilestrengthening thelinkbetween educationand hospitality.

Lynn Naidoo, Managing Executiveofthe HotelSchool,said: “Our students benefitedenormously from beingpartofthisinitiative. They hadthe opportunitytoengagedirectlywith professionalsfromacrosstourism,hospitality, business andthe arts whileapplying theirskills in areal-worldenvironment.”

housingconcept they also hadsome concerns “Weneed to seethatthe affordable housingthatwillbeprovidedwill benefitthe Salt Rivercommunity directly.Weare notsayingother communities shouldn’tbenefitfrom it.”

He said thesociety nominatedthe site,the Salt RiverHallincluded, as aprovincialheritagesitebased on its “intangible” cultural heritage “Weneed to determinethe heritage significanceofa site andthenthe developmentneedstorespond to that significanceand notthe other wayaround.”

CrystalWest, programme manager of theDevelopment Action Group (DAG), notedthe organisation’s role throughout this processhad centred on supporting ajustrelocationfor

residents, whoselives,livelihoods andsocialnetworkswererooted in thearea.

Thenon-profitorganisationworks to advancespatial justiceand inclusive developmentbyempowering communities andstakeholdersto improveaccess to safe,affordable housing. It hasalsobeen supporting residentswho live in an informal settlementnexttothe site Responding to itshandover, West said:“This hasbeen alongand,at times, complexprocess, marked by both frustrations andimportant progress. Allresidents were ultimately relocatedvoluntarily “Thisoutcome reflects what is possiblewhenstakeholdersremain committedtoworking throughchallenges collaboratively,ratherthan circumventingthem.”

Youth asked to register and vote

The SouthAfrican LocalGovernment Association(Salga) is urging young people to turn YouthMonth into action by registeringtovoteand taking ownershipoftheir future in this year’s localgovernmentelection.

Salgasaidwithvoter apathy rising andtrust in democratic participationunder strain,the upcoming voterregistrationweekend on Saturday 20 andSunday21Juneisa crucialchancetoget on theroll, update details, andstepbackinto thedemocraticprocess that shapes everyday life

Accordingtoa recent Public OpinionResearch by Government Communication andInformation System (GCIS),South Africa approaches this year’s localgovernmentelectionamid “entrenchedpublicpessimism andactive democratic disengagement”,asthe public lose motivation forparticipating in voting

Thestudy says 62%ofunregisteredvoters have no intentionofregistering to vote,with only 38%ofunregisteredrespondents saying they areopentoregistration.

SalgaYouth Commission chairLucky Sele said:“What is worryingisthe fact that over 60%ofnon-registeredyouth aged 18–34donot

OVER 60% OF NONREGISTERED YOUTH

AGED 18–34 DO NOTINTEND TO REGISTER

intend to register,representingmillionsofpotential first-time or second-timevotersabsent from therolls.”

TheIndependent ElectoralCommission (IEC) recently unveiled itscampaignfor this year’s

localgovernmentelectionunder themessage “Get Up,ShowUp, Vote”which hasidentified youngpeopleasa priority audience in efforts to strengthen democratic participation. Salgabelievesthatlocal democracywillonly be strengthened when youngpeoplechooseto participateactivelyinshaping thecouncils, prioritiesand decisionsthataffecttheir dailylives “Young people cannotaffordtobeabsent from decisionsthataffectjobs, servicedelivery, accountability andthe futureoftheir communities,” concludedSele.

This year’s election will be held on Wednesday4 November.

Newchallenges,samedetermination:Youthreflectsonfuture

As SouthAfricacommemoratesYouth Day today(16 June), questionsremainabout the role,ambitionand activism of today’syoung people.While theyouth of 1976 arerememberedfor theircourage anddetermination in the fightagainst apartheid, some oldergenerationsbelieve today’syouth arelessdrivenand committedtosocialchange.

To explorethese perceptions, People’s Post askedyoung people whethertheybelieve their generation is unfairly judged,and invitedolder SouthAfricanstoshare theirviews on whether today’syouth arelessambitious or simply navigating adifferentset of challenges and opportunities.

. LorinMitchell said shehas respect forthe youthof1976because they “put their livesonthe line”for abetterfuturefor today’s generation “I don’tthink my generation necessarily lacks drive; we’rejust fighting completely different battles.Backthen, theenemy wasclear and rightinfront of them.Today,we’re dealingwith amassive surgeofunemployment, thecost of living is waymoreexpensive,and trying to breakintoa worldthatfeelsstacked againstus economically andstill trying to become ourown person whilenavigatingthrough life.Ittakes a differentkindofgrittokeeppushing forward when thefuturefeels this uncertain. We’restill driven to change things;we’re just trying to survivethe system we inherited first.”

. Shanaas Johnson said:“We aregrowing up with differenttoolsand pressures, student debt,housing costs, weak economy, social media. Idon’t thinkweare less driven.I think thebattlefieldchanged andit’smoredifficult to have things like jobsecurityand buying a house. So,I’d say: notlesscommitted, just committeddifferently.”

. Joanne Meyer said:“Idon’t thinkitis aboutbeing more or less ambitious, butrather that theambitiontoday maylook different. It canbeseen as less collectiveand more individual. Many youngpeopleare highly motivated

andare making deliberate decisionsabouttheir future- prioritising development, stabilityand wellnessand leveraging technology.Young peopleare seekingsustainable growth,meaningful work andcareer/lifebalance andintegration Theirambitionisverymuchpresent.”

. AaminahMuhamud said:“Ithink this idea comesfromcomparing twoverydifferent realities, anditdoesn’t tell thefullstory.The youthof1976foughtina visibleand united way, whiletoday’s youthfacechallenges like unemployment,inequality,and limited opportunities. Young people todayare still driven andhungry forsuccess. Many are eagertofurther their educationand build skills,but they don’t always have access to theopportunities they need.I thinkit’s nota lack of commitment, butoften a lack of opportunity. Theresilienceisstill there, andwiththe right support,theycan create meaningful change.”

Thespiritofyouth activism is stillalive,it simply looksdifferenttoday.It’sall aboutperspective,and it begins with parenting, whereby parentsare failingtoteach theirchildren (teens) howtogrow. Idon’t believetoday’s youthare less driven than theyouth of 1976 Thedifference is that we face differentchallenges.Manyyoung people arepassionateabout creating change,but they arealsoaffectedby issues such as unemployment,poverty,crime, substanceabuse,and negative influences within some communities.”

. Judith Baxolile Gwala said:“They are ambitiousbut in differentwayscause they do theirthingsindifferentways, butifyou look at what they are fighting for, they also want freedom andtobeheard ,and if they arenot listened to they find away of fighting forwhat thinktheyare deserving, howdothey fight they wouldblock somethings that they know it will make whoeverisincharge. They stillforce things.”

. KwakhanyaZweni said:“Ibelieve today’syouth arejustasdrivenasthe youthof 1976.Wefacedifferentchallenges,but we are stillpassionateabout creating change.Weuse differenttools, such as technology andsocial media, to raiseawareness, supportour communities,and fightfor abetterfuture.

. Joslau Baron said:“Ithink that today’syouth maynot be ‘lessdriven’,but we definitely have it alot easier than theyouth of 1976.Thatwas during theyears of apartheid. Andthatwas acompletelydifferenttime. Thereweredifferent rulesand expectations from certainpeople. Youth, especially youth of colour,wereforcedto fightand even diein thenameofchange. They hadtofacediscriminationand mistreatment.Theydidn’thave access to theopportunitiesand lifestyles of the whitecommunity

“There weren’tthatmanyjobsand different ways of income like thereistoday.Peoplewere forced to work in ordertosurvive.Young or old, they were focusedonsurvivaland freedom.So, do Ithink we arelessdriven? Yesand no.But only becausethe youthofthattimefoughtfor theyouth of ourtime. They shed theirblood, sweatand tears.

Forustohaveaccess to opportunities, freedom, andchangethattheywerebannedfrom most of theirlives.The youthoftoday still have battles to fightsure. Butwedon’t have to paywithblood.And ourvoicesare more easily heard.

“The youthof1976foughtharderand hada heavierprice to paythanwhatwehave. We are less driven if youcompare us to 1976.But that’s only becausenot even half of what they hadto do,isexpectedorneeded from us.”

. Kian Jordaan said:“Idon’t thinkit’sfair to sayyoung people todayare less driven than theyouth of 1976.Backthen, theyouth were fighting apartheidand standing up againstvery clearand seriousinjustice,which took alot of bravery. Today’syouth deal with differentproblems,and they also show theirdrive in different ways Alot of it happens throughsocialmedia, community action,and speaking outonissues they care about. It mightnot always look the same as protests in thepast, butthatdoesn’t mean there’slesscommitment. In theend,each generation responds to thechallenges of itsown time,and both have shownthatyoung people canpushfor change.”

. Ambervan Rhyn said:“Idon’t think youngpeopletoday arelessdriventhanthe youthof1976. Thechallenges aredifferent, but thedesirefor change is stillthere Theyouth of 1976 fought forpolitical freedom andequal education, whiletoday’s youthare tackling issues like unemployment,mental health,inequality, climatechange, andaccess to opportunities.”

Everygenerationexpressesits activism in ways that reflectthe timestheylivein.

. ChristineKaye said:“Idon’t thinkambition is somethingthatbelongs to onegeneration or another. Everygenerationhas people whoare driven to make adifference Theyouth of 1976 facedverydifferentchallenges to thoseyoung people face today, and theirresponsereflectedthe timestheylived in Today’syouth aresimplygrowing up in a differentworld with differentchallenges and opportunities.

Everygenerationhas people whowantto create change,and hopefully each generation leaves things betterfor thenext.”

COLLEGIANSFLYTO DRUBBINGOVERRFC

Samieravan Rooyen of CollegiansRugby FootballClub(RFC) acrobatically dots down herteam’sthirdtry leaving Ameera DanielsofRocklands RFCasamerespectatorduring aWestern ProvinceRugby Union (WPRU)Super League match playedatthe Rocklands Sports groundsonSaturday 13 June.Collegians wonthe Mitchells plain derby19-0 PHOTO:RASHIED ISAACS