PeoplesPost Woodstock| Maitand| City 3 June 2025

Walk for a worthy cause

Are you ready to step up and say no to childhood hunger? Then the annual Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk is just the thing for you

Amid high unemployment rate and alarming poverty in the country, the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) in association with Lucky Star is thrilled to announce the return of Blisters for Bread

PSFA is a 67-year-old registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that addresses hunger among young learners attending primary, secondary and special-needs schools, OVC Safe Parks, ECDs and TVET colleges in the Western Cape Now celebrating 57 years of walking with purpose, the Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk has grown into one of the Mother City’s most beloved fundraising events It raises vital funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province

This year ’ s event will be on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground Online entries are now open, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers

BLISTERS FOR BREAD IS A MOST BELOVED EVENT IN THE MOTHER CITY.

Flexible registration options are available for individuals and groups Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August

Every participant will be presented with a commemorative medal as a token of PSFA’s appreciation Complimentary refreshments from Peninsula Beverages will be available to all walkers, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energised throughout the day

There will also be live music

performances from Cape Town’s top local artists, family-friendly entertainment, food stalls and loads of activities for kids and grown-ups alike

Whether you ’ re walking with your school, workplace, friends or family, this event is the ultimate combo of purpose and play

Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA, says Blisters for Bread is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt movement

“Every rand raised and every kilometre walked helps us ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach We invite everyone –young and old – to walk with pur-

pose and be part of this extraordinary cause ”

The R100 entry fee will enable PSFA to provide both breakfast and lunch to 20 hungry schoolchildren for a day

Official event T-shirts are available at R150

Starting in Stephan Way, the event offers two scenic route options along Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade

The 10km walk starts at 07:30, while the 5km walk kicks of at 08:00 . To register, visit www psfa org za For enquiries, Top Events: info@topevents co za, or WhatsApp 066 139 4210

Drivetocollectmorethan1milsouppackets

With the winter cold and chilly days fast approaching vulnerable people will be most affected In light of this Pick n Pay Hypermarket is partnering with Feed the Nation to collect over 1 million packets of soup for vulnerable communities

The Soup for SA initiative, launched across all the retailer’s Hypermarkets nationwide, encourages customers to donate a packet of soup costing just R5

Seventy-five percent of the donated soup will be distributed to 2 675 Pick n Pay School Club-registered primary schools, while the remaining soup will be allocated to local civil-society organisations surrounding each Hypermarket

The schools run feeding schemes for learners who often rely on

these meals as their main source of nutrition

Customers can purchase any quantity of soup packets, swipe their Smart Shopper card and donate the packets at the designated vehicle trailer parked near the store entrance before Sunday 29 June As an incentive for customers 21 winners will be selected to win a trailer (one from each hypermarket)

Deirdre Mullins, National CSI Manager at Pick n Pay, said every contribution, no matter how small, can bring some relief through a warm, nourishing meal

“As winter sets in and temperatures drop more feeding schemes seek to prepare soup for those in need, placing increased strain on food supplies and heightening the

Pick n Pay Hypermarket is partnering with Feed the Nation in a drive to collect more than 1 million packets of soup for vulnerable communities

need for food support Feed the Nation has always stood alongside customers and partners to help meet this increased demand

“This year we ’ re rallying our customers, once again, to support us in providing essential nutrition to those who need it most ”

A JOURNO’S VOICE

“Senzeni na? What have we done?” This is a song I often find myself singing in the office, much to the amusement of my colleagues Here I am, a woman in South Africa today, writing this and find myself singing it yet again

But this time these lyrics hold so much pain and heartache I am singing this song on behalf of yet another woman who was murdered in our beloved country

According to police, Olorato Mongale left her home in Athol, Johannesburg on Sunday 25 May with a man she had planned to go out on a date with

“The man collected Olorato from her residential complex around 15:00,” read the police report “He drove the victim to the township

of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew afterwards, and between Alexandra and Lombardy West allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body ”

She was picked up from her home Just two hours later, she was dumped somewhere as if her life meant nothing Her only crime was trusting the person she got into the vehicle with

This incident, as horrific as it is, is not an isolated case

Olorato isn’t the first Her name unfortunately joins a long-bloodied list So many others have been killed, some raped, then killed and others burnt to death, all at the hands of someone they knew and trusted

Some went to school, some went to the post office, some never even left their homes, some were lured outside Some were asked out on a date Once-vibrant and -bubbling personalities have been silenced To the perpetrators of these hei-

nous crimes I ask, “Senzeni na?”

What have we (women) done?”

Why can’t we trust you? Why do we have to wear certain attire so we don’t look as if we want to be sexually assaulted? Why can’t we drive or walk the street alone not only at night, but at any time of the day?

Women for Change (WFC), an organisation advocating against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), says the rate of femicide in South Africa is six times higher than the global average At least 15 women are murdered daily, with 5 578 women murdered in 2023-’24, a 33,8% increase from the year before

As women we are being brutalised and our constitutional rights violated, yet not much is being done to mitigate this

Women brave enough to report such crimes committed towards them at police stations have, in many instances, been treated like

the perpetrator

Mounting calls for the names of sexual offenders and murderers to be released should be adhered to

Name and shame them It should be their names up on a flyer, not the face of a missing woman or child

To the thousands of women and girls who have brutally lost their lives I am sorry Sorry your lives were cut short by these callous monsters Sorry your school, home, the post office, the street, even the police station was not safe

Your voices have been silenced, but may your cries from six feet under echo through the corridors of the Union Buildings and Parliament I pray our political leaders refrain from making lengthy speeches about how they are making strides in the fight against GBV and femicide and do the work Until then my question remains: “Senzeni na?” What have we (women) done?”

‘Protecting children starts at home’

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

“The protection of children starts at home and in the community.” This is the view of Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, a non-profit organisation (NPO) working with abused women and vulnerable children in Steenberg

Evans spoke to People’s Post at the start of Child Protection Week which started on Thursday 29 May and concludes on Thursday 5 June

The week is commemorated annually to raise awareness on the rights of children with this year ’ s theme being “Working together in ending violence against children”

Evans says protecting children is everyone ’ s responsibility

“At home and in the communities is where the abuse happens and where it’s kept a secret We don’t deal with the uncle, brother or grandfather that has been molesting the children ”

Evans believes all forms of child abuse and neglect should be reported

“A first perpetrator is an angry parent who takes his or her anger out on the child We must keep the parents responsible that refuse to get any help for a child that’s bullying That child can be helped ” She lambasted the government for its alleged failure to protect children

“Many cases of child sexual abuse are thrown out by the court because of the DNA backlog, and inadequate investigation

“We need to report social workers to the Medical Health Professions Council and to the Council of Social Workers Some social workers are not doing their work and because of this a child is in harms way ”

According to Evans, organisations for children should also be held accountable

“I want residents to walk into organisations that work with children and ask them whether everyone is vetted and screened against the

sexual offenders register

“We should not be reactive when something bad happens to children We should continue to be proactive and do our collective bit to protect them ”

Patric Solomons, director at Molo Songololo, an Observatory-based organisation advocating for the rights of children, appeals for more support for organisations

“We can do better to protect the rights of children We still have far too many who live in poverty, many children go hungry Statutory rape is a massive problem Adults believe they can have sex with children and there will be no consequences We are not taking good care of our children, especially those in disadvantaged communities ”

He said continued budget cuts deprive children of much-needed services

“It affects us and our abilities to sustain our programmes and children accessing services

Over the last couple of months, we had to reduce some of our services that we provide We had to cut down on providing children with meals ”

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) kicked off the week by hosting a 10-kilometre relay in the Breede Valley Municipality

The department funds 108 designated child protection organisations across the province that play a crucial role in protecting children’s welfare and providing support services for vulnerable children

Elarna Siljeur, DSD social work supervisor, said children have the right to be protected

from exploitation and harm

“We marched to highlight this and to call on communities to protect children, and for them to see who they can go to for help ‘Each one serves one ’ , so if someone in the community sees something, they know who to go to for assistance

“We need people to report cases of abuse, to either the police or DSD, so that we can assist the child immediately ” Jaco Londt, provincial minister for the department of social development, said in a press statement: “Children represent the promise of tomorrow, they are the architects of a better South Africa Yet, many of them are confronted daily with circumstances beyond their control such as poverty and family instability ”

He said government alone cannot protect all

the vulnerable children in the province

“It is simply impossible Our department needs its NGO partners, municipalities, communities, our residents, and the private sector in this great and important task ”

Londt encouraged businesses and society to support organisations either through donations or by volunteering their time

“There are also many children who are removed from harmful situations by social workers and are then in need of temporary safe care If you have a heart for helping them, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent ” Contact your nearest DSD local office, or call 0800 220 250 tollfree

You can also find information here: https:// www westerncape gov za/social-development/ service/fostering-child

CPOA Berghof

44a Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Peace of mind • Proud Life Right Owner • Retirement Village on the Golden Mile

Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, the Berghof offers vistas of Lions head, Devils Peak, Signal Hill and the Bay In addition to the breathtaking views, a beautiful and well-maintained garden with a mountain stream passing through adds to the natural beauty of Berghof Consisting of 62 Life Right apartments, this sought after residence lies within walking distance of De Waal Park and Cape Town Mediclinic and caters to independent living needs.

A Tragedy strikes Slave Route run

Spaza up-charges anger residents

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Spaza shops have long been a vital part of communities, providing affordable and convenient access to everyday goods But recent reports from consumers reveal a troubling trend: many spaza shops are allegedly charging excessive card-payment surcharges, in some cases as high as R5 per item, a practice that is unlawful under South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

At the heart of this issue is Section 23 of the Act, which clearly states all prices must be displayed and honoured at checkout Importantly, it prohibits suppliers and merchants from charging any additional surcharges at the point of sale

Liaquat (Lee) Soobrathi, ombudsman for Consumer Goods and Services, emphasises: “As a supplier or merchant one is not allowed to charge a surcharge This is not allowed in South Africa ”

He urged consumers to report such violations, adding “the more complaints we receive the easier it is to identify a pattern Once trends emerge we investigate the practices behind

them ”

For many South Africans spaza shops are more than just shops; they are often family-run and deeply embedded in the local economy Yet the introduction of these unlawful fees has left many feeling exploited

A resident of Samora Machel voiced a common frustration: “It’s not about the R5 It’s the principle We’re already struggling to put food on the table, and now we ’ re being penalised just for using a card ”

To understand how spaza shops are regulated, People’s Post contacted the City of Cape Town’s Media Office Since November last year, the City has issued Certificates of Acceptability under health legislation to 1 269 spaza-shop premises Applicants must register via the City’s e-Services platform, with no fees involved, and certificates do not require renewal

Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, explained: “The City of Cape Town is committed to ensuring public-health compliance, especially where food retail is concerned

“These certificates help ensure businesses, including informal spaza shops, meet minimum health standards Residents who have concerns

PAYMENT ABUSES DON’T SIT WELL WITH THE CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES OMBUDSMAN.

are encouraged to report them to their local Environmental Health Office ” However, when it comes to enforcing compliance on payment methods and pricing transparency the City clarifies that this responsibility does not fall within its mandate This leaves a regulatory gap that really frustrates many consumers

Soobrathi highlighted the importance of public participation “Consumers need to be aware of their rights and exercise them Reporting unlawful surcharges is key; that’s how we create accountability and protect vulnerable consumers ”

People who have been charged an unlawful card payment surcharge ,or suspect unfair practices in any spaza shop, are urged to complain to the National Consumer Commission or the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud via www

cgso org za

Community members across Cape Town have taken to social media and consumer platforms alleging they are being charged as much as R5 per item when paying with a debit or credit card These fees, they say, are often not disclosed beforehand and add up quickly for households already grappling with rising food prices and high unemployment

According to Soobrathi, these charges violate the CPA, and specifically Section 23, which governs product pricing and transparency

“Suppliers are required to display the price of goods clearly and charge the consumer that price Merchants are not allowed to impose surcharges on card payments It’s simply not permitted under South African law ” He urged consumers to report such practices to the National Consumer Commission (NCC)

“Every complaint counts The more people speak up the better the commission can identify national trends and take action against exploitative retailers ” The NCC can be reached on 012 428 7000 Complaints should include the shop’s name, location, the amount charged and any proof of payment, if possible

Junior teams battle for honours

Bothasig AFC hosted the Back 2 Basics Soccer Tournament for u-7 to u-11 teams from across the metro this past weekend (Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June) at the Abe Sher Stadium.