People's Post Woodstock/Maitland/City E-edition 17 February 2026

WOODSTOCK |MAITLAND|CITY

neededfor ead walk orealchange?

“Without this support,werisklosingnot only this eventbut apowerful platform forthe community to show solidarity againstchild hunger.” Theevent hashistorically benefitedfrom strong corporateinvolvement.Italsooffers sponsors credible brandvisibility, employee engagement opportunitiesand alignmentwith PSFA whichhas been addressing food insecurity amongvulnerablelearnersfor decades. “Blistersfor Breadcontinues to demonstrate what is possiblewhenbusinessand community work together,” said PSFA Director,Petrina Pakoe.

“Weare sincerelygrateful to thecompanies that have stood by us year afteryearthrough donations, sponsorships,corporate hospitality andactivations.Their support helpskeep the walk accessiblewhile making alasting difference in thelives of children whorelyonour meals.”

PSFA welcomes theopportunitytoengage with businessesinterestedinsupportingthis year’s walk throughsponsorship or partnership. .Formoreinformation,contact PSFA’s Fundraising Manager,Charles Grey,on021 4476020 or via emailatcharles@psfa.org.za

accountability signalsanunderstanding that economic reform cannotsucceed withoutcredibleleadershipand functioning systems. However, we arelikelytojudge progress not by thenumberofinvestigationsannounced or policies drafted, butbyconcreteoutcomes, successful prosecutions,transparent governance, andimprovedservice delivery that we canexperience firsthand.

Perhapsthe most immediateconcernsraised in theaddressrelatetomunicipal services Watershortages,failing infrastructure,and inconsistent servicedeliveryaffectour daily livesinwaysthatnationaleconomicindicators cannotcapture Unlike growth figuresorcurrencyperformance, theseissues aretangible. They shape howweexperienceour communities daily whetherour taps run, roadsremainusable, refuseiscollected,and electricitysupplyisstable. Ramaphosa’swarning that failingmunicipalities couldloseservice delivery powers suggests awillingness to actmoredecisively. Butitalso raises uncomfortablequestions forall of us.If government haslongknown whichmunicipalitiesare struggling, whyhas intervention often appeared slow or reactive?And will stronger oversightnow translateintoquicker,measurable improvements?

Thesequestions pointtoa deeper challenge, restoringpublictrust Stateofthe Nation addressestraditionally aim to inspireconfidenceand seta national agenda This year’s speechdid so,offeringa vision of recovery,reform, andunity.Itsoughttoreassure both citizens andinvestors that progress is possibleand that thecountry is moving in the rightdirection Butweknowthatpublicexpectationshave shifted.

Thepresident’s speechoutlineda direction andacknowledgedmanyrealities.Ithighlighted progress whilerecognising ongoingchallenges Butthe true test lies beyond thechamber in whichitwas delivered.

Will economic gainstranslate into broader employment opportunitiesfor ouryoung people?

Will governance reformsrestore ourconfidenceinpublicinstitutions? Will localservice delivery stabiliseinthe communities wherewe live?

Theseare thequestions that will ultimately define whetherthe optimism expressedinthis year’s addressbecomes more than rhetoric BecauseinSouth Africa today, hope is no longer builtonspeechesalone,itisbuilt on delivery,accountability,and change that we can seeand feel in ourlives

Anduntil that change becomesconsistently visible, ouroptimismwillremaincautious, shaped as much by ourlived realitiesasbythe promises we hear

ResidentsreliveDistrictSixmemories

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Six decadeslater thepainofforced removals from theoncethriving community of District Sixstill lingersinthe hearts of families wholost theirhomes andcommunity afterthe area wasdeclareda “whitesonly” by the apartheidregimeunder theGroup Areas Act.

More than 60 000 people were forcibly removedtooutlyingareas knownasthe Cape Flatsand theirhomes in District Sixdemolishedbybulldozers.

On Wednesday11February, theanguish was relivedasformerresidents,families, claimants andmuseumpatrons gathered at theDistrict SixMuseumtomarkthe 60th anniversaryof theforcedmassremovalstomanyparts of Cape Town Chrischené Julius,museumdirector, said acommemorative ceremony is hosted each year,tokeep thestories,struggles andspiritof District Sixalive “Onthisday we trytorememberwhatit meanttobelongtothatcommunity.It’sa solemnoccasion markinga community’s destructi tu is to wa wo wh th th of

WE ARE GLAD TO BE LIVING HERE AGAIN.THE HOUSEIS NOTPERFECT,BUT IT’S OUR BUCKINGHAM PALACE

now-mainly-vacantlandthatsomanyremained deeply connected to,representingtheir bond with it as well as thedestruction of theircommunity At this year’s commemorationfamiliesonce againgot to sharetheir stories.

Courtney Haas said hergrandparentslived in theareaand were forced to move to Bonteheuwel. Buther grandfatheralwayskeptDistrict Sixalive in thefamily’scollectivememoryand imagination.

“Heheldontohopethathewould return one day. That is what kept himgoing,but he died waiting.”

Shesaidafter alengthy land-restitution processthe family was finally able to return in 2022.

SusanLewis (82) said herfamily’sland-restitution processtooknineyears andtheymoved back in 2004

Fighting hunger

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

After recognisinganincreasing need forfood security amongsome learners,staff andmanagement at Holy CrossHighSchool in Maitland launched aSandwichDrive last year.

Theschool caters forabout 209learners, many of whom come from financially disadvantagedhouseholds.

CharmaineHuman,school secretary, said the initiative wasintroducedtoensurethatnochild hastoattend classesonanempty stomach.

“Manyofour learners come from homes wherefood insecurity is adaily reality. This initiative is aboutmeetinganimmediateneed with dignity, care,and compassion,sothatour learners areabletofocus on learning rather than hunger.”

Humansaid: “Atthisstage,itisanongoing initiative andwillcontinuefor as long as there is aneed andaslongasweare able to sustainit with thehelpofour community.”

Sheadded that they arealwaysinneedof donations.

“The community canget involved by donat-

ingbread,sandwichspreads such as peanut butter, jam, fish paste, tuna or margarine, as well as by offering financialcontributions.Even thesmallestcontributionmakes ameaningful difference.”

Sheexpressedher gratitudetothose whohave supported theinitiativetodate.

“Wewould like to extend ourheartfelt thanks to everyindividual, business, andorganisation that hasalready contributed.”

Humansaidtheir generosity hashad a“direct andpositive” impact on learners’lives

“Because of you, ourlearnersfeel seen,supported,and caredfor.Weare trulygrateful.”

Donationscan be droppedoff at Holy Cross High School,161BCoronationStreet, Maitland Formoreinformation contactthe school on 021511 9365

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Thedeveloper hasnow issued noticesrequiring residentstovacatethe cottagesbythe endof this month.

Resident Vanessa Collisonsaidthattoday, forced removals arenolongerjustified solely by race butbyprofitand exclusionunder the bannerof“development”

Sheaddedthatthe result remainsthe same, with workingand middle-classfamiliesbeing pushed outofcitieswhile thewealthy are prioritised.

“Fivegenerations from my family livedin thesecottages. It is theonlyhomeI know.”

Collisonsaidthe evictionsleave cities stripped of theirpeopleand histories.

“These cottages area landmark foreveryone. Buttheyare wiping outall that historyfor greed.Weare appealingtothe community to support us.”

AnotherresidentIta Haricombesaidshe has been living in theareafor thepast16years

“Thisismyhome. It is whereI want to stay This is taking an emotionaland financialtollon us.Wehavenever wanted to live therefor free.”

Sheexplained that shehas twochildren, one whosuffersfromanillness.

“Where do Igowithmytwo boys?Myone son whohas an illnessonlyknowSearleStreet as hishome.”

Meanwhile, over 2500 people have signed apetitionurgingthe eviction be stoppedand calling forfamiliestohavethe chance to buy theirhomes at afairprice

When askedabout theevictionMayor GeordinHill-Lewissaiditwas a“privateeviction andhas nothingtodowiththe city”. People’s Post reachedout to thedeveloper’s lawyer forcomment andwillupdatethe article once aresponseisreceived.

Readersspeak out on budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana hasinvited SouthAfricanstosubmit theirsuggestions andpriorities aheadofthisyear’sNational Budget,which is scheduledtobe tabled on Wednesday25February.

TheBudgetisexpectedtonavigate thedelicatebalance between stimulating economic growth andprovidingcontinued support to vulnerable communities,all within theconstraints of limitedpublicresources As government weighs competingdemandsonthe national fiscus, People’s Post hasalsocalledonits readersto sharetheir views.

Readerswereasked wherethey wouldallocate additional funding if they hada direct sayinshaping this year’s Budget

AvumileDywilisaid the government shouldprioritiseeducation. “Schoolsare under-resourced, and manychildren still lack basic learning materials. Iwould allocate morefunding to ensureevery childhas textbooks, computers, and safe classrooms.”

Chrisvon Ulmenstein said shewouldensuremorefundingisallocated towards safety and security. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Chrischené Julius said: “Our call is always foran‘easy’landclaims process: resourcing commissionswith trained staff and internal support to provide a dignifiedprocess forclaimants. On the arts and culture front, focused funding forfestivals,galleries,theatres and independent museums like ourselves. Thearts andcultureecosystem is what createsactive citizenryand allows us to participate in oursocietyasinformed and dignifiedcitizens.”

Alvina de Bruin said: “If Ihad asay in the 2026 budget,I wouldreduce the money spentonprisons. They canwork fortheir food, have gardens. Iwouldincrease the oldage pension and children’s grant funds. Also Iwouldspend or allocate morefunds on our hospitals.”

Patric Solomon said: “Children notonly deserve, theyneed significant implementation of their basic rights to food security, good health, good sanitation, decent shelter, qualityeducation, recreation and sport,protection from harm to surviveand become meaningful contributors to the transformation and developmentofour country. failure to eradicatesystemicinequality, land reform and exploitation of the poor and marginalised,willnot transform SA.”

Patricia Smithsaid: “Moneyshould be allocatedtoinfrastructureand affordablehousing although Ifeel that people coming overthe South Africanborders areburdening thealready strained problemofhousing. More moneyneeds to be allocatedtoeducation to provideschool going children with skills from primary school levelsothat when they reach high school, they arealready equipped. Also to providemoreextra-curriculum activities forchildren. Also to have more jobs forteachers so that thereare less children in aclass forteaching purposes.”

Kannemeyersaid: “Stopcorruption, grow theeconomy, education and housing.”

Eugene Matthews said:“Increasing school teachers’ salaries and allocate moremoneytothe arts to makeit sustainablefor theartistsand more accessible forthe consumers of art.”

Bjorn Harmse said:“Focus on police, fight unemployment and servicedelivery. We need to combat crime ,itisgetting out of hand.Creating jobswillalso assist in reducing crime.Creating decent roads, waterinfrastructureand electricity to everyone willalsoassist in reducing unemployment and givecitizens asense of pride in their surroundings”

Cityremindsresidentsof possiblefinancialsupport

TheCityofCapeTownisurgingresidents whoare struggling financially to applyfor available relief measures,including indigent assistance andpensioner rebates aimedateasingthe cost of municipalservicesand property rates.

Households earningbelow R7 500per monthmay qualifyfor indigent support

Pensioners aged 60 andolder with ahousehold income of R27 000 or less areencouragedto apply.

Maycomemberfor finance

Siseko Mbandezi says theCityhas expanded thequalifyingthreshold forpensionersand social grant recipients to allowmoreresidents to benefit. “The City hasincreased thesocialsupport packagetoR5,1 billion forthe last year andthis years financialyear. Qualifying households couldaccess free basic services andmay receivea 100% discount on theirpropertyrates,” says Mbandezi

He says theexpandedsupport aims to assist vulnerable residents facing rising living costsand financial strain

AccordingtoMbandezi, officials at theCity’sCustomerInteraction

Pensioners earning R27000 or less canapply forrebates andsupport from the City.Officialsare availableto helpresidents apply. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Centresare availabletoassist residentswithapplications and provideguidance.

“Weencourage indigent residents andpensionersto find outmore aboutthe variousforms of support available. TheCityremains committedtoassistingthose in need,” he says Residentsseekingassistance are encouraged to visittheir nearest Customer InteractionCentrefor more informationonapplication processesand availablesupport measures

Cape2Rio champs safely home

KEANANHARMSE

Three SouthAfrican sailors whomadesailing history by winning theCape2Rio race have been safely rescued andbrought ashore to theNaval Base in Simon'sTownonThursdaymorning,12February, after theiryacht suffered catastrophic damage during theirhomeward journey. SailingvesselAlexforbes AngelWings wasabandoned approximately1 448 kilometres south-east of RiodeJaneiro at 02:30onMonday3 February aftersufferinga complete dismastingthatleftthe crew unable to continue theirvoyagetoCape Town.

Threecrewmembers,skipper Sibusiso Sizatu, firstmateTshepoRenaldo Mohale,and Andrea Myburg,were safely transferredtomotor vessel Bryant followingcoordinationbetween maritime rescue coordination centres in SouthAfricaand Brazil

Thetrioformedpartofa six-member Alexforbes AngelWings crew that won the3 300-nautical mile race on Saturday10January

Threefemalecrewmembers whoparticipatedinthe race victoryhad already returned to SouthAfricafor work and educationcommitments,whenthe

THE FIRST YOUTH TEAM FROM THECAPE FLATS TO CLAIM FIRST PLACE ON HANDICAP

vesselreached SouthAfrican waters

TheSANavycommended theswift coordination between theRoyal Cape YachtClub, MRCC SouthAfrica, and thecrewofBryant,ensuring thesafe rescue of thesailors,Mabinaadded. From triumphtorescue

Thedramaticrescuefollows the crew's historic victoryinthe 2025 Cape2Rio race,where AngelWings became the firstyouth team from the Cape Flatstoclaim firstplace on handicap in theSouthernHemisphere's longestcontinent-to-continentyacht race

This forced them to race withoutcritical equipment. Despitethissetback, they extended theirleadand finished aheadofschedule.

Crew membershailfromMasiphumelele,Khayelitsha andCapricorn

Andthe threewomen on boardhad nevercrossedthe Atlantic before, making this achievementevenmore remarkable

Thedecisiontoabandon AngelWings came afterconsultationwithmotor

rescue.The families of allthree sailors have been notified of theincidentand successful rescue operation. Viresh Maharaj, retail CEOatAlexforbes,reflectedonthe bittersweet conclusion:"Thecrewiselatedwith thewin andtheir successful campaign

Carnivaltoshowcase ‘diversity’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Withjustovera monthtogo, organisers of oneofCapeTown’s biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is readytobring the heARTtothe Green PointFan Walk on Saturday 21 March.

On Thursday 12 February,organisersgavethe mediaand otherinterestedparties abehindthe-scenes glimpseofall thepreparationsatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.

JayDouwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executiveofficer, said people canlook forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.She said organisers areexcited to bringthe 16th edition of thecarnivaltolife.

Adding to theexcitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions”fromCapeTown’s creative scene, includingsingerAnslinGysman, localactor Natashavan derMerwe,DJReady D, graffiti artist RizahPotgieter,and designer Stephenvan Eeden.

Tracey Carter,performance director,said therewillbeentertainment forthe entire family

“Someofour floats arealready completed. Performers aregetting readywithchoreography, andcostumesare almost done.Weare getting readytoput on ashowlikeCapeTown hasnever seen before.”

Shesaidpeoplecan look forwardtoa celebration of diversity.

“Weare telling thedifferentstories of thecreatives from Cape Town.Asdifferentastheyare, that’s howdifferentthe pods aregoing to be This year we will have our firstAfrikaanspod Therewillbesomething foreveryone.”

Daphne Lodewykhas been aseamstressatthe Cape Town Carnival workshop forthe past 10 years.

Shesaidwithlessthana monthtogo, sheand hersmall team of threeare workingaroundthe clocktocompleteover1 000 costumes forthe bigday

“Weworkasa team,and each person knows what to do.Westill have alot to do butthe bulk of theworkis finished.”

Lodewyksaidshe stillgetsexcited despite doingthisfor thepastdecade.

“Every year thecarnivalisdifferent. Different themes anddifferentpeople. Youmeet alot of people andmakefriends.”

WORKINGAROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE OVER 1000 COSTUMESON TIME

Shesaidoncarnivalday,theyworktirelessly behind thescenestomakesureevery performer looksdazzling. “Weare stationedina tent,dressing each performer anddoing alterationsor fixing things.”

Prof Rachel Jaftha,chair of theCapeTown Carnival Trust, said:“We areexcited because it’s just over amonth to go.Thisyearweare following ourhearts. People will seeamazing creativity as always andthe joyonthe facesof thepeopleparticipating.Donot miss theamazingfollow-your-heart journeywithus.”

JP Smith, Maycomemberfor safety andsecurity,stressedthe City’s unwavering commitment to theevent

“Thank youfor bringing this eventtoour city each year.Thisevent is aboutsocialcohesion. It’s aboutshowing that thereismuchmorethat uniteusthanwhatdivides us.”

ACTNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeapplicationsopen

TheArts& CultureTrust (ACT)has officially opened thehighlyanticipated applications forthisyear’sNyoloha ScholarshipProgramme

Nowinits fifthiteration,the programme aims to identify,support, anddevelop exceptionalartistic talent by providingaccess to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship,and career development opportunities. Applications closeonSunday5 April. Each scholarshipisfully paid coveringtuition andstudy materialsonly, supportingstudies in performing, visual,and digitalartsstartingnext year

This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends,draws on theSesotho word Nyoloha,meaning “torise”,and reflects ACT’scommitmenttoreaching talented youngartists in communities whereopportunityislimited but creative potentialisabundant.

It speaks to theorganisation’sbelief that artistic excellenceexistsevery-

whereand that,withthe rightsupport,artists cantranscend barriers to access, training,mentorshipand buildsustainable creative careers.

Eligible applicants includeSouth Africanemergingartists aged 17 to 25 in thedisciplines of acting,singing, dancingaswellasvisualand digital arts whoare either in matric or not yetstudyingart at atertiaryinstitution

This opportunitysupportsyoung artistswho do nothavethe financial meanstostudy towardsa degree in arts

“Through theACT NyolohaScholarship Programme, theACT continues to enable youngartists to transcend financialand structural barriers, strengtheningaccess to professional developmentand career pathways,” said Jessica Denyschen, chiefexecutive officerofACT

TheACT NyolohaScholarship Programmeisdelivered by ACTwith thesupport of itsstrategic partners, includingNedbank andMTN South

Africa PooviPillay, ExecutiveHeadofthe Social Impact Unit at Nedbank, said last year 60 performing,visualand digitalartists from allnineprovinces were selected to participateinthe three-monthtrainingand mentorship that formspartofthe NyolohaScholarship Programme from whichthe scholarshipwinners were selected

“The training andmentorshipassist artiststotakegiant leapsforward in realisingtheir worthand honing theirtalentfor fulfilling careersinthe creative industry.”

Niel Nortjé,Manager of theMTN ArtCollectionsaid: “The accelerationofdigital transformation for artskills development, jobcreation, andthe pursuitofemploying digital solutionsfor theculturaland creative industries,remains apriorityfor this partnership. As theMTN Foundation, we areproud andexcited to continue ourcontributiontowards theACT’s NSP.”

To applygotoact.org.za/nyoloha

PREMIERCUPBATTLECONTINUES

Lukhanyo Dyani of Everton FootballClub(FC)fromNyangashavesthe face of Onwaba Bovu of Greenpoint Salesians with his mid-air challengeduring around robinplay-off match of the BayhillPremier Cupplayed in WynbergonSaturday14February. Everton won1-0 PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS

SomangayeMpalala of JabulaBrothers FC is on thereceiving end of awell-executed tackle by Veron November of Bishop Lavis FC duringa Bayhillpremier cup round robinencounterplayedinWynberg.Lavis won3-1.

is URGENTLY seeking anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the following:

Library (Private Meeting Room) 81 Pienaar Road Milnerton Thursday 26 February10amuntil 1pm (Large Free Car Park)

Mr.Elton, aprevious presenter of the AntiquesRoadshowas well as “What’s in the Attic” will be in MILNERTON for alimited time to view youritems. With immense experience in valuable items such as jeweller med ab the If we items, We spot maximu

by

and others