People's Post Woodstock/Maitland/City E-edition 19 May 2026

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Afterthe storm... is notmerelyamoment

alterthe course of ordinary days

Butbeyondthe tragedythat makesheadlines lies thequieter aftermathsomanyfamiliesnow face

We oftenspeak aboutstorms as if they endwhenthe rain stops. Theskies clear. Roads reopen.Schoolsresume.

Official updatesassure us that life is graduallyreturning to normal Andinmanyways, it does Butbehindthose updates, in homesacrossthe affectedareas, anotherreality is unfolding. Because“afterthe storm” is not amoment. It is along, unequal processofrebuilding. Last week’s severe weatherleftits mark across theWestern Cape Families were displaced, homes were damagedand livesweredisrupted in ways that cannotbemeasuredbyweather reportsalone

In Wynberg, thestorm turned fatalwhenane-hailing passenger PhathiswaMkhunjulwalosther life aftera tree fell on thevehicle In Zwelethemba, Worcester, a life wasalsolost. Ourchildrenare traumatisedand will live to tell thetaleofwhattheyexperienced as thedisastertorethrough their community

It wasa devastatingreminderof howquickly severe weathercan

It is theaftermath that begins when emergencycrews leave. When the floodwaterdrains. When thetelevisioncameras move on.Whenthe work of rebuilding begins.Weoften measurerecovery by therestoration of systems. If roadsare clear, if powerisrestored andifschools areopen, we assume normalityhas returned Butsystems canrecover farmore quicklythanhouseholds. Aschool canreopenwhile alearner returns to ahomewitha leakingroof Aparentcan report forwork whilequietly calculatingthe cost of replacinga soaked mattress.

Aneighbourhood canappear functionalfromthe outsidewhile families inside arestill trying to salvageclothing, documentsand whatever pieces of normal life remain

This is wherethe true cost of a stormreveals itself.Not in dramaticheadlines.But in quietliving rooms. In damp blankets.Inthe uncertaintythatsettles long after thecloudshavepassed.

Butbehindthe official updates andreopenedroads,recoverydoes notarrive at everydoorstep at the same time.For many families,the

stormisnot over when therain stops.

Aroof is stillgone. Amattressis stilldamp. Achild is stilltryingto sleep in aroom that no longer feels secure

Andthe question that remains is adifficult one: canour people affordwhatcomes after?

Becauserecoveryisnot only aboutrepairing walls or clearing debris.Itisabout replacingwhat waslost.

Furniture. Clothing.Important documents. Asense of safety.For some,support comesquickly.For others,itcomes slowly.And for many,itmay notcomeatall.

That is theuncomfortable truth severe weathercontinues to expose.The rain mayfallacross thesameprovince, butrecoveryis rarely experiencedequally

Forsomehouseholds, insurance claims are filedand repairsbegin within days

Forothers, rebuilding depends on borrowedmoney,the generosity of neighbours or simply learning to live with thedamagefor longer than they should have to

This is whereinequalitybecomes visibleinits most practicalform. Notinstatistics. Notinpolicy statements

Butinwho canreplace what was lost,and whocannot. Thereisalso an emotionalcostthatoften goes

unseen.Childrenreturntoschool carryinguncertainty

Parentsattempttocreatecalm whilecarryingprivate anxieties aboutrepairs they cannotyet afford.

Teachers aretaskedwithrestoringroutine andstability forlearners, even whileknowing some are returningfromhomes stillmarked by disruption

This emotionallabourforms part of recovery too. Becauserecovery is notsimplyabout rebuilding structures It is aboutrebuildingstability Predictability.Security. Thethings that make ahomefeel like home

My heartiswithevery family across theWestern Cape now facing that difficult work

Thequiet,exhaustingtaskof beginning again. Oftenwithlimited resources. Oftenwithnoclear timeline forrelief. Andoften whilethe worldhas alreadymoved on.Thisiswhat happens afterthe storm. Notclosure.Not instantrecovery. Nota neat return to normal Butthe long,unevenprocess of rebuilding Untilrecoveryisexperienced more equally across ourcommunities,“normal”willremain somethingrestoredquickly for some andpainfully outofreach for others

Kewpieknitters inspired by icon

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Warmconversations,handmade woollengifts andstorytelling

filledthe walls of theHomecomingCentreonThursday14May as the District SixMuseum’sMemoryThreads Kewpie Knitting andCrochetingCircle handed over dozens of knitteditems inspired by thelegacyofqueer icon Kewpie.

Born as Eugene Fritzand commonly known as Kewpie,she wasa well-known District Six hairdresserand drag queen

Theknittedscarves,beanies,blanketsand otheressential itemsweregiftedtoresidents of Kensington Home forthe Aged,a placeKewpie once calledhome.

Tina Smith, head of exhibitionsatthe museum,saidthe handover marked theculmination of ayear-long intergenerationalproject that not only celebrated Kewpie’s creativity andcompassion,but also broughtcommunities together throughcraft,storytelling andcare.

Sheexplained that Kewpie wasknown for her flamboyant style, hairdressing talent and generosity “Kewpie’sstory is such an importantpartof ourlocal history, especially in termsofblack gaycommunity wherepeoplefeel Kewpie gave

turned theirfocus to knitting practicalwinter itemsfor vulnerable residents.

Mona Angers,general managerofKensingtonHomefor theAged, said shefelthonoured to have been on duty when Kewpie became a resident at thehome.

“Kewpiewas well-lovedand respected. You wouldnoticeKewpiewithhis pink gown and slippers,she wasalwayslookingsmart.Weare happy that shewalkedthrough ourdoors. Her memory stilllives on.”

Upon acceptingthe donation Angers said: “Thisisanoverwhelmingexperience; Iam happy that theold agehomecan be part of this beautiful occasion.Itiswinterand theresidents arenaturally cold.So, this will warm their hearts andbodies.”

Oneofthe knitters,RahmahMiang-MacLean, aSeven StepsClubmember, said Kewpie was herneighbour in District Sixand aclose family friend

“Itfeelsgoodtobepartofthisproject.I knittedhandwarmers andscarves forthe seniors.”

Amelia Brinkhuis, aSeven StepsClubmem-

Givingloveandhelptothe needypeopleofSaltRiver

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

With aheart of gold anda passionfor helping others,SheradiaBrown (63) hasspent thepast decade ensuring vulnerable people in Salt River feel seen,supported andnever go hungry Hertirelesscommunity work hasearnedher a fitting nickname:the “Mayor of Salt River” Brownsaidgrowing up in asingle-parent householdgaveher first-hand insightintothe dailystruggleoftryingtomakeendsmeet.

“Mymotherwas asingleparentand sometimeswehad,sometimes we didn’t have.When Igot older, Ialwaysthought aboutpeopleon thestreet.I startedfeedingpeoplefrommy house. In themorning Ifed them porridge.”

Sheexplained that afew yearsago,while workingasa caterer, shedecided to host a Christmaslunch forhomelesspeople, agesture that sparkedher passion forhelping vulnerable membersofthe community

“I hadhad leftover food,soI decidedtogive people living on thestreet aChristmas lunch. Ispent my Christmaswiththem. Isaw one manlooking at hisfood andhewas crying.He told me thefood reminded himofhis mother’s house.”

Brownnow worksatanorganisationcalled YouthSolutions Africa,where shecontinues her mission of upliftingvulnerablepeople.

her life to theneedy and vulnerable. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

FROMPAGE1

Macunexplained that Shell garage’s upgrades at VicProctor Motors andthe newhotel andretail developmentat55Beach Road areexpected to be completedbythe endofthisyear. Macunsaidresidents have raised concerns aboutthe growingnumberofelectricscooters andmicromobility devicesonthe SeaPoint Promenade, callingfor stricter regulations includingpermits,speed limits,age restrictions anddedicated lanes.

He said theMPRAcontinues to engage with eventorganisersand theCitytoensurethe best possibleoutcomesfor residentsasthe Cape Town Stadiumremains abusyvenue Ward 54 councillorNicolaJowellupdated residentsonthe progress of projects completed andcurrently underway sincelastyear’sAGM Jowell said theCityisaware of thetraffic challenges facedduringevent days in theGreen

Theorganisationprovidesskills training and temporaryshelter to help people rebuildtheir livesand reintegrateintosociety

“Atthe youthcentreeachyearwecelebrate Christmaswiththe homeless people.I have a passion forpeople. Idon’t like them getting hurt andI don’tlikepeopletogohungry.”

Brownsaiddespite caring forher husband whohas cancer,God givesher thestrengthto continue helpingothers.

“Myhusband is astage-fourcancerpatient AndI have four foster children.Somedaysare noteasy, butbythe graceofGod each dayhe givesmethe strength andthe wisdom to continue.Itmakes me feel happythatthere arepeople whoappreciatewhatyou do forthem.”

OneofBrown’s most touching success stories beganeight yearsago when shemet ahomeless mother strugglingtocarefor her13-day-old baby girl

Unable to turn away,Brown steppedinto help,and thechild hasbeen living with herever since.

“She is noweight yearsold,it’slikeshe is my ownchild.She calls my husbandher grandfather.I always remind herthatshe hasa biological mother,I am just awoman taking care of her.”

YusufMohamed,Ward57councillor, said Brownhas a“genuineheart”for thecommunity.“AuntyRadia is notjustanassettothe community of Salt River, buta shiningexample of thespiritofwhatCapeTownis. Feedingthe needy. Fosteringkids.

“Cleaningthe community.Standingupto criminals. Assistingwithhomework. Herspirit of always having theattitude of ‘yes Ican help’ makesher trulyher brother’skeeper.”

Brownbelievescompassion costsnothing and says people should treatotherswithkindness, regardless of theircircumstances

“Justshowloveand don’tbecruel to people Youdon’t know whereyourlifewillend up Todayyou couldhaveeverythingand tomorrow youcan find yourself on thestreet.Bea helpful person.You don’tneed to have money. Just show love.”

Pointprecinctand said plansare on thecards to mitigate traffic.

Shesaidhomelessnessremains amajor challengeacrossthe ward andurged residents to support registered organisationsratherthan giving handouts on thestreets.

“Our social developmentteamhas been active in theareatheydogreat work with compassion anddignity andwehaveopenedthe thirdSafe SpaceonEbernezer Road last year.”

Jowell explainedthatnoisy andspeeding vehicles remain aproblem throughout thearea.

“Wehaveput Ward allocation funding towardsthe newspeed radarsignonBeach Road On High LevelRoadthe data showed speeding droppedby60%.”

Shesaidplans areunderwaytoestablish aforumwithe-bikeoperators to developsolutions aimedatmakingthe Promenadesafer forall users.

‘Thankanurse’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Theyare the firsttocomfort patients, thelasttoleave theirbedsidesand theheartbeat of everyhospitalward. Despitelonghours anddemanding conditions,nursescontinuetoshowup everyday with compassion andcare.

InternationalNurses’ Day, celebrated annually on 12 Maymarks theanniversaryof modern nursingfounder Florence Nightingale’s birthday

At Groote Schuur Hospital management honouredthe dedication andvaluablecontributions of nursingstaff during aspecial eventheldat thefacilityTuesday 12 May.

Aghmat Mohamed, director of nursingatthe hospital,saidnursesshouldbecelebrateddaily “Weshouldacknowledge,appreciate andcreatespaceswhere we identify thegood work that nurses aredoing.Nursesare thebiggest part of thehealthcareworkforce.Theyare there24/7, andtheir role is important.”

Mohamedsaidthatstaff wellnessremains a keypriorityatthe hospital

“Wehavea fully equipped staff wellnessunit wherestaff cangoto. We do alot forstaff wellness. We have events like lunchtimecomedy, karaokenightsona Friday anddofun activities to getstaff away from theirdaily duties.”

AccordingtoMohamed,staff shortagesremain achallenge, butthe hospital prides itself on thecalibre andexperienceofits nurses

“Weencourage nurses to furthertheir studies, andtry andmakethe work environmentas lucrative, pleasant andfun as possible. And each year we have excellenceawardswhere we acknowledgenursesgoing beyond thecallof duty.”

He urgedthe public andpatientstoshow appreciation fornursing staff

“Weappreciatethe feedback from thepublic, sometimestheycan be harsh…butweask them to putthemselvesinthe shoesofnurses.”

NatashaBooth,a nurseinthe dialyses department at thehospital, hasbeen in thenursing profession forthe past 29 years.

Boothsaidher motivation forbecominga nursestemmedfromher love andcarefor people

“Nursing is ahumblecareer,and thegreatest reward is just a‘thankyou’frompatientsand staff.Itmakes your daymuchlighter knowing that youmadea difference.”

Sheacknowledgedthatnursing comeswith many challenges,including long hours, stress andburnout,but said therewards of helping patients recovermakeitworthwhile.

“Seeing apatient come in very illand when they arebeing discharged,theyare adifferent person.Itmotivates me knowingthatI am making adifference.”

Boothencouragedaspiringnursestoremain passionateabout theprofession andcontinue growingtheir knowledgeand skills

“You must have apassion fornursing.Nursing notjusta single fieldthere arevarious departments. Continue your nursingcareer,whenyou arewelleducatedinyournursing career and know what youare doingyou will feel confident Thepatient will also feel more safe with you. ” TheWestern Cape hasabout 12 837nurses whothe WesternCapeDepartmentofHealth andWellnessdescribes as caregivers,leaders, educatorsand essentialpartnersinstrengtheninghealthcare.

Mireille Wenger,the provincial health minister, said nurses oftenworkunder immense pressure butcontinuetocarefor patients with dignityand compassion

“Withthe current severe weatherconditions, nurses across theprovinceare once againstepping up to support andcarefor communities when they need it most

“I encourageevery resident to thanka nurse andrecognise theextraordinary difference they make in ourcommunities everysingleday.”

Lookafter,andcheckyourhearing

SNewheartforformerSA-bornWalesrugbyplayer

When Rhys Thomas (43) answered hisphone at 07:00a fewweeksago,hereceivedlife-changingnewsfromCapeTowncardiac surgeonDr WillieKoen. Therewas aheart availableto replacehis damagedone,and hislong-awaited transplant wouldtakeplace that morning. Previously aprofessional rugbyplayer, South AfricanbornThomasrosethrough theranks as atalentedproptoplayfor theWales national rugbyunion team.However,atjust29years old in 2012,his rugbycareer wascut shortafter he suffered amassive heartattack during training “You neverexpectthistohappentoyou,and then boom,ittakes youdown,”saysThomas. Despiteundergoingtwo heartsurgeries in the United Kingdom(UK), he wasleftwithendstageheart failure, physically ashadowofwhat he hadbeen as aprofessional sportsman. Later, doctorsinthe UK fitteda battery operated left ventricularassist device (LVAD) to help his

heartpumpblood around hisbody.

“Thisinterventionboughthim time,but not qualityoflife. Forsomeone wholived forsport, beingtetheredtobatteries andunabletoswim or shower normally is survival,not living,” commentsKoen.

In 2019,after yearsofharrowing battles with depression andaddictionfollowing thelossof hisprofession andidentity, compounded by his fragilephysicalcondition,his friendsrealised that Thomas needed urgent help to stop his self-destructive behaviour.

They intervened and flew himtothe Netcare AkesoStepping Stones in Cape Town,which offersin-patienttreatment forthe dual diagnosisofaddictionand underlying mental health conditions.Thomasdescribes hisstaythere as transformative,sayingithelpedhim getbackon theroadtorecovery.

Thomas hadlived in theUKfor 24 years.

“I wasonthe transplant list therefor eight years. Ihad alot of medicalcareinthe UK,but ultimately IlefttocomehometoSouth Africa becausethe UK doctorshad concerns around performing thetransplantsurgery andmy chancesofsurvivalafterwards. When I finally left theUK18monthsago,I hadtoleave my children there. My youngest is just 19 years old, so it wasnot adecisionI took lightly,”says Thomas Thomas nowlives in Cape Town permanently andhas founda newcareer workingasa breathwork practitioner

“I work with clientsinvarious ways,sometimesassistingthemthrough transformational momentsintheir livesand helpingthose who arelooking forchange. I’malso oneofthe co-foundersofSaunahaüs,a wellnessfacilityin Cape Town.”

Thomas’s health continuedtodeteriorate “I wasfeelingterrible. Iwas breathless, andI couldn’t walk very far. I’dbeen usingthe LVAD formanyyears,but towardsthe enditjustfelt very different. I’dhad afew issues with it over thelastyear, andI hadtogotohospitaltwice We knew themachine wasonits last legs “I then turned to Dr Koen forhelp. Ifeltthe time wasright andthathewas thedoctorto getmethrough thetransplantsurgery.Itwas a toughdecisiontogoahead with thetransplant, butI trustedmygut.”

Goingbacktothatmorning,Thomaswas alreadyatworkwhenthe call from Koen came “Hesaid, ‘Can youget to thehospitalby10:30?’

Iwas incredibly nervous, butexcited.I gotto thehospital, went fora shaveand shower,and spentthose last minutespraying andmeditatingwithmypartner,Kez Green.

“Mynextmemorywas waking up in thesurgicalICU twodayslater with my children around my bed. It wassospecial.Itwas my thirdopen heartsurgery,and Iknewthe transplant came with challenges.The wayI envisioned it was that if Iwokeupand sawmychildren, Iwould know Ihad made it.”

Thomas pays tributetoKoenand histeam at theNetcare Christiaan BarnardMemorial Hospital.“ThethingsDrKoendid during the surgerywereamazing.There wastwo inches of scar tissueinmychest cavity,and he managed to getthrough that.The team wasjustfantastic.”

Koen says thethick scar tissueinThomas’s chestfromhis previous surgeriespresented a unique challenge, butthe transplant hadbeen a success. “I wassotouched when Iheard about thedifficult journeyhehad walked to reachthis pointthatI felt compelledtohelphim.” Koen is concernedthatpatientsacross

SouthAfricaare dyingwhile waitingfor heart transplantsbecause of acriticalshortageof organdonors. He repeatedly sees this tragedy unfolding: “PeoplelikeRhys, whocould return to normal lives, working, raisingtheir children, contributing to theircommunities andtheir country, areinstead dyingonwaiting lists.”

Theshortagepersistsacrossall sectors. “It’s notjustabout resources; doctorshesitateto raiseorgan donation with grieving families Medicalteams arefocused on fighting to save livesinthe ICU(IntensiveCareUnit) and emergencydepartments,and when that battle is lost,navigatingculturalsensitivities around donation becomesanother challengeduringan alreadydevastating moment

“Asa country, we must thinkabout what we candoabout this.You must talk to your family if it is your wish to donate your organs.InSouth Africa,yourfamilymakes the finaldecision, and if they don’tknowyourwishes, people diewaiting. We need to normalisethese conversations. Onedonor cansaveseven lives, butonlyifyour family knowsthat’swhatyou wanted.Somany patients couldhavea chance forrealhopeif more donororganswereavailable,” he explains Thomas wantstohonourthe manwhose hearthereceived. “After theoperation,I was able to hold my oldheart in my hands. It wasa very emotionalexperience. Afterwards,I cried theentireday.Itwas arelease Ineeded,but also areckoning with what someonehad given me.” He joinsKoeninurgingSouth Africans to register as organdonors. “A stranger’s family, in theirdarkest moment,chose to save my life That generosity deserves to be honoured by living well.”

Speaking from hishome, Thomas said that although histimeinhospitalfeltlong, it was necessary preparationfor thechallenges ahead. “There’s agreat deal that needstohappen. I need alot of medication to stabilisemycondition andtogivemyselfthe best possiblechance of alonglifewiththisnew heart. I’mprepared forthat, andI’m lookingforward to taking things gently andslowly.”

He said he wasgoing forwalks of afew hundred metres each dayand wasfeelingwell. “Not only didmypartner,Kez,movehouse at sixmonthspregnantwhile Iwas in hospital,but she’sbeen my rock.She’s so supportive. Ihave such huge respectfor howshe’s held everything together.It’sbeen awhirlwind fewweeks, butI feel incredibly grateful andlucky.Havinga new heartfeelslikea dream; Ihavetopinch myself I’mgetting used to feelingmyheart beatingin my chest. Icouldn’thavedreamed of abetter outcome. At last,I feel like Ihavea futuretobe really excitedabout.”