PeoplesPost Constantia/Wynberg E-edition 30 September 2025

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

HOUTBAYSEALRESCUEANDRE

Rescue

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (HBSRC) says its future and the lives of countless seal pups hang in the balance as the facility enters its eighth month without electricity.

Despite repeated appeals to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the City of Cape Town, the Centre remains disconnected from the grid

A chain of emails, seen by the People’s Post, between the Centre and various government departments paints a grim image of frustration by the Centre management

Since July this year, the facility has tried in vain to get assistance from the government

The situation raises urgent questions about government accountability ahead of the October seal pup season

“Every year, dozens of orphaned seal pups are rescued from our coastline They need constant warmth from heaters and infrared lamps to survive, but without electricity, we cannot provide it,” said Ilana Nel, a volunteer and the Centre’s director of PR “We are days away from pup season If nothing changes, we face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to save them This week alone, we have already lost three pups ”

Since February this year, the Centre has relied on generators, gas, and community donations to keep operations running

Volunteers say funds meant for food, veterinary care, and rehabilitation are instead being spent on fuel

Local residents and businesses have stepped in, covering the cost of prepaid meters and donating bedding and jackets during the cold winter months, but Nel warns that this is not sustainable

“We cannot run a facility of this nature on makeshift power forever It places both the animals and our team at risk,” she said

The Centre continues to receive monthly rental invoices despite lacking essential services

discovered that they were still paying for the supply of electricity, and they requested the City of Cape Town to disconnect, which they duly did,” the department said Belinda Abraham, communications manager for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said: “It is always distressing to learn of the challenges

Alterationstirsdiscourse

NAMHLAMONAKALI

The amendment of the Intestate Succession Act earlier this month has not only stirred legal discussions but has also revived deeper questions about memory, heritage, and lineage

The modification, which updates the current Intestate Succession Act of 1987, the primary piece of legislation that governs how estates are distributed when someone dies without a valid will, seeks to close long-standing gaps in inheritance law that historically left women and children vulnerable Parliament’s move aligns inheritance rights with constitutional principles of equality But in the heart of Cape Town, where the scars of forced removals

still shape daily life, the new law is being interpreted through a different lens: heritage

For the District Six Museum, inheritance is more than a matter of property or assets It is about the preservation of memory, the recognition of belonging, and the safeguarding of cultural traditions that were deliberately fractured by apartheid-era laws

“In District Six, dispossession meant that families were not only stripped of their homes but of their lineage,” said Chrischene Julius, director of the District Six Museum “Inheritance here is not just about wills and succession It is about who inherits the right to tell our stories, who gets to preserve the memory of a place once erased from the map, and how those traditions live on in our children ”

ITISABOUTWHO INHERITSTHERIGHT TOTELLOURSTORIES

The Museum has spent decades collecting oral histories and artefacts that keep alive the memory of families uprooted during the Group Areas Act

According to curators, the debate over inheritance laws today resonates with this painful history because it raises questions about whose memory is valued and how families can claim back not just assets but cultural dignity

Cultural activist Solomzi Nyezi echoed this view, noting that inheritance systems are deeply tied to identity

“Heritage lives in our names, in our practices, and in how we pass down traditions When the law changes, it reshapes the ways families think about lineage and custodianship of memory, ” he said The Women’s Legal Centre Trust, meanwhile, has welcomed the law as a necessary protection for vulnerable groups but warns that without awareness campaigns, its impact may be limited “Communities must be educated about their rights if they are to claim them Otherwise, the promise of the law remains only on paper, ” the Centre noted In District Six and across the challenge remains how to ensure that the law not only protects property but also strengthens the inheritance of memory, tradition, and cultural identity

ThousandsofmenexpectedatMightyMen

For the first time in Cape Town’s history, 30 000 men will gather on Saturday 1 November at Athlone Stadium for a free Mighty Men event This historic moment is a direct response to decades of gang violence and brokenness on the Cape Flats - and a collective statement that enough is enough

On Friday morning 19 September, approximately 200 church and community leaders gathered in Athlone to prepare for this milestone event The Mighty Men Cape Flats event, which is free to attend, aims to bring together men from across Cape Town and South Africa to reclaim their communities and restore hope and healing

The movement forms part of Radio Tygerberg 104FM’ s “Healing the City” initiative, launched last year after a report in a local newspaper highlighted that 121 people had died in just two weeks due to gang violence - a tragedy that no longer

even made front-page news

“We simply could not remain silent any longer The loss of life and pain on the Cape Flats deeply moved us This Mighty Men Cape Flats event is a response to the cry of the community,” said Hardus Zevenster, chief executive of the Bloudruk Group, of which Radio Tygerberg is a part

Speakers announced at Friday’s event include inspirational men who themselves grew up in gang-ridden areas

Well-known author, singer, and media personality Johnny Davids, and Ivor Swartz, also an author and now a pastor, will be among the speakers

The keynote speaker is world-renowned evangelist Angus Buchan, who last spoke in Mitchells Plain in 2018 Although he no longer travels or speaks as frequently, he felt called to be part of this event

“I truly believe that the men of

Cape Town have the potential to lead their families and communities toward healing and restoration This movement reminds men of their God-given purpose, ” explained Buchan

Music will also play a central role at the gathering

Neville D - breakfast show host on Radio Tygerberg and Grammy-nominated artist - will lead the music programme on the day, accompanied by a band and an impressive 100-man choir

A movement of hope and transformation, The Mighty Men Cape Flats gathering is the result of requests from church and community leaders working with Radio Tygerberg to find practical solutions for the community

Other community radio stations are also helping to mobilise for the event “Life on the Cape Flats is relentless The violence, the loss of life, the trauma that unfolds daily

devastates families and our community,” said Pastor Theo Roman of the Open Assemblies of God

He adds: “We believe and pray that this gathering will equip men to rediscover their roles as leaders, fathers, and role models, so that healthy families and stronger communities can grow ”

The event starts at 14:00 and ends at 20:00

Gates open at midday Although free, booking is through itickets co za

The lost art of listening and caring

human cruelty is an indestructible weed that keeps growing and returning as the centuries pass

on our cellphones, ranging from assassinations, attacks and heated arguments

“The purpose of propaganda is to make one set of people forget that the other sets of people are human ’’

These few words from the late author Aldoux Huxely are a simple mantra when it comes to understanding the dangers that ideologies on race, religion, gender and politics, can cause violent and catastrophic results for our society History constantly shows us how cruel and senseless the World Wars were, the thousands of innocent lives, lands and precious parts of ancient history and culture lost through colonisation and the after-effects we still feel today The horrors of the Holocaust, American slavery and apartheid have become petrifying and painful reminders for the youth and the old who remember what life was like in these eras Now the younger generations can only imagine and gasp at the inhumanity of the Nazi’s and slave owners who dedicated their lives to terrifying another human being with whip lashes and death when they see artefacts of oppression such as gas chambers and the photograph of Hector Petersen when visiting history museums However, it seems this thirst for

The 1800’s can appear so barbaric and heartless when one thinks of the limited freedoms afforded women, the fact that they couldn’t vote and were told to enjoy being housewives Yet we see gender based violence and harrasment still terrorising our women of today in homes, shopping malls and work offices

Now it appears eerily evident that there’s a cloud of cynicism and hostility hovering and brewing above our ever-evolving society in 2025 I recall in the mid two thousands, ‘‘trolling” was seen as a juvenile and loathsome act linked to cyberbullying and now it seems every second person is anonymously poking fun at someone online and saying their “ new song is trash” These days it seems there’s so much contempt spreading on social media and bleeding into our social circles when it comes to opinions being shared on religion, gender, policies, climate change, wars and the list goes on

The irony is that this kind of content brews hatred and can be triggering for some but the algorithms could care less how much harm and cyberbullying is being caused as it’s increasing traction and clicks for their platforms With the swipe of a finger violent content is more easily shared than ever

As we all know money talks, and why would the safety regulators on social media care if the youth or emotionally vulnerable are witnessing this disturbing videos when it boosts their profit and skyrockets the number of users downloading their apps?

Often we see parents handing their children tablets to keep them entertained with some already having their own YouTube accounts and subscriptions Hopefully their profiles are on a restricted mode seeing how unfiltered and graphic content have become recently Attention spans are already endangered the more we absorb bite-sized reels and doom-scroll the nights away and numb our emotions Content creators are also feeding their audiences their ideologies, creating an endless stream of likes, shares and subscribers The more the messages resonates with them, the more they wish to share this, connect with similarly minded individuals who can join their causes and “fight the enemy ’’ Our society is more divided than ever during Donald Trump’s presidency with the Republicans and Democrats increasingly villifying and mocking each other online, in the news and even during family and friend debates at home It’s become impossible to avoid loud

and passionate arguments when the state of Palestine and war on Gaza has entered the conversation, with seemingly people preferring to argue their differing points on the issue instead of finding some common ground and understanding with one another The fact that women, children and fathers are being killed should bear the most prominence Instead we find people argueing it’s the “collateral damage” You also keep hearing about the radical right or left wing parties that are being categorised as terrorists who are a threat to our communities, young generations and could influence and “propogate” their philosophies to the world Each opposing thought group says the other is spreading false information instead of trying to see themselves in each other and trying to have a healthy and wholesome dialogue without demonising but rather understanding I fear that the more we misunderstand each other, the more we push each other away, making the act of conversation as risky and dangerous as walking on ice

The Bible says: “Love thy neighbour” irrespective of race, religion and gender, three ancient words that should remind us to choose empathy and approach each other with grace, dignity and respect Hopefully we can see a reflection of ourselves and instead of an “ enemy ”

Protect your smile, protect health

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Tooth decay and gum disease don’t only affect your smile. They are linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke

Yet many people only seek dental care once they are already in pain

That’s why Oral Health month, observed every September, encourages residents to take proactive steps to protect their oral and overall health

“People often wait for a toothache before visiting the dentist, but by then, the damage is often done,” says Dr Nikisha Sanjith, dentist at Ottery Community Health Centre “Regular check-ups are key to preventing silent threats like decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer ”

Government dental clinics provide essential services, including check-ups, fillings, cleanings, extractions, X-rays and minor surgeries

Patients are advised to book in advance and bring an ID or clinic card

Children under 18 need parental consent for extractions, and pregnant women are encouraged to consult a dentist early

BEYONDTHEDENTIST’SCHAIR

While dentists are often the face of oral care, dental technicians play an equally vital role in restoring function and confidence

Jeremiah Kafi, a practising dental technician and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) graduate, says their work goes far beyond the laboratory

“Every crown, denture, or orthodontic appliance we craft has a direct impact on someone ’ s quality of life,” he explains

“In many under-resourced communities, our work helps people speak, eat and smile again Replacing teeth is not just cosmetic, it prevents serious health problems ”

Dental technicians fabricate dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances, all of

devices that fit and function properly

“We don’t see patients directly, but our work is hands-on in improving their oral health Collaboration with dentists is what ensures successful treatment outcomes ”

TEACHINGHEALTHYHABITSEARLY

which directly influence patients’ oral health

“Losing even one tooth can lead to drifting of the remaining teeth, exposing the roots and creating gum pockets where food gets trapped This raises the risk of decay and gum disease

Replacing missing teeth prevents these complications and even helps stop bone loss in the jaw,” says Kafi

He stresses that teamwork is crucial Dental technicians rely on accurate prescriptions and digital information from dentists to fabricate

Oral hygienists are also stepping into schools and crèches, teaching children the basics of brushing and avoiding sugary drinks Good habits learned young, they say, can prevent tooth decay later in life

Simple practices such as using the “spit, don’t rinse” method after brushing to allow fluoride to stay on teeth longer, can make a big difference

Halthier communities Sanjith and Kafi both stress that oral health is

community health

Preventing disease, improving access to care, and ensuring strong collaboration between dentists, dental technicians and oral hygienists is key

“Oral health must be seen as part of general health,”says Sanjith “When communities understand this, they will see the dentist not only as someone who treats pain, but as a partner in prevention ”

Kafi adds: “We may work behind the scenes, but every device we create helps restore dignity

When someone smiles again without pain or embarrassment, we know we ’ ve done our job ”

As Oral Health Month comes to an end, residents are reminded to book regular check-ups, encourage children to build healthy brushing habits, and remember that protecting a smile today helps protect health tomorrow

Bag-a-Burger pulls children in

Rocking4Cancer celebration

Founded in 2013, Rocking4Cancer has grown into an iconic annual event, raising funds and awareness for cancer-related causes and other vital organisations

This year ’ s milestone 10th show will be hosted at West End Superclub, Athlone, on Friday 3 October at 20:00 and Saturday 4 at noon, with proceeds going to St Joseph Home for Children, which is celebrating 90 years of service

Themed “Masquerade”, this year ’ s event will feature performances by a wide range of local artists, including Dr Jules, Berry Trytsman,

Daylin Sass, Novocaine, Sade Von S, Tiana, Zoë Avontuur, B12 Boy Band, and DJ Hielin

The first 100 patrons will receive complimentary goodie bags, and there will be a few additional surprises on the night St Joseph’s provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support to children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, from birth to age 17

Over the years, Rocking4Cancer has supported several organisations

. Tickets are R100 via Quicket,or R150 at the door

OrpheusMcAdoo at Artscape

Following its acclaimed premiere in October last year Orpheus McAdoo returns to Artscape Theatre from Tuesday 21 October to Sunday 2 November

Written and directed by South African theatre

With its evocative mix of old spirituals, ragtime, early American folk and South African musical influences, Orpheus McAdoo gives audiences a sonic and emotional journey through a little-known but powerful chapter of Cape Town’s past

Top cricketers honoured

With the new domestic cricket season on its way and the auction of the franchises something of the past, Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) honoured the winners at the annual Awards Ceremony at Newlands Cricket Ground on Wednesday 3 September after a successful 2024-'25 season for both men and women

Rory Kleinveldt was appointed as the new head coach of WP Men after

Salieg Nackerdien was appointed as coach of the Tanzania T20 squad

Claire Terblanche, the successful Women’s coach, was appointed to the Proteas management team of the Proteas Women’s team for the ICC Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka The tournament gets underway today (30 September) and will continue until Sunday 2 November

The Women’s team had a successful season keeping their Pro20 title and finishing second in the Pro50

The men finished fourth in the CSA T20 Challenge with opener Eddie

Moore becoming the top scorer with 328 runs

Kyle Simmonds, left-arm spinner, took 25 wickets in four matches and helped WP to finish fifth in the CSA 4-day Series

Kayla Reyneke and all-rounder

George Linde each won two and three awards respectively

Reyneke received awards as Women ’ s Young Player of the Year and Women’s T20 Player of the Year, while Linde claimed the Men’s Player of the Year, the Men’s 4-Day Player of the Year and the WP Player’s Player

of the Year

Known for his big hits during the season, Moore was named the WP Men’s T20 Player of the Year while Simmonds received the Men’s 50Over Player of the Year award

Faye Tunnicliffe won the WP Women ’ s 2-Day Cup Player of the Year, while captain Leah Jones took home the WP Women’s Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year

CEO Corrie van Zyl congratulated the winners He said the awards are a fitting tribute to a season of tremendous effort and achievement across

the entire cricketing community

“Celebrating our amateur club stars on Saturday 30 August and our professionals showcases the vibrant health of WP Cricket I congratulate every winner and thank all players, coaches and staff for their dedication,” he says WPCA President, Johannes Adams said the awards highlight the depth of passion for the game in Western Province

“We are not just building winning teams but also nurturing the future of SA cricket,” he says