TygerBurger | Brackenfell | E-edition | 15 April 2026

WOENSDAG15APRIL

. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub komom 09:30 vir 10:00 by die NG kerk ParowWelgelegen, Provencestraat 47,Welgelegen, byeen.Lorraine Rose doen ‘n blommedemonstrasie metdie tema “Verrassing”enAnjaFreysen praatoor moderne tendenseintuinontwerp en wenke. Die blommekunskompetisie se tema is “Halfmoon kisses”. Teewordvan 09:30voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 metnavrae. . Curious about Buddhism and the practise of meditation?Residents and visitors areinvited to join aBuddhist lectureonmeditationatMilnerton Library, 81 Pienaar Road,onWednesday 15 April at 18:30 Theevening will includeatalk on meditationfroma Buddhist perspective, followed by aguided session to help participants experiencemindfulness firsthand Thesession is expected to last 2–3hours,and newcomersare warmly welcomed.The lectureisopen to all,withasuggested donationofR70,and visitor parkingisavailable at the library. Forenquiries or to register, contact capetown@buddhism-southafrica orgor067 3768336.

SATERDAG18APRIL

. Die Vriendevan Brackenvierhul 20 jaar vandiens by die Bracken-natuurreservaatmet ’n grootbyeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal ’n verskeidenheidvan stalletjies en aktiwiteite soos ’n pretdraf,’nbegeleide stap,’npraatjieenrotsverfvir jong kinderswees. Die dagbegin om 07:00eneindig 12:00. Kontak André by 071089 9503vir meer inligting

.TheCapeModel and ToyClubwillbehaving their SummerCollectorsToy Fair onceagain this weekend. Theevent willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall in Edgemead on Saturday 18 April. Theevent starts at 09:00,finishing at 14:00.Entrycosts R10 perpersonand children under 16 yearsenter forfree. Organisers saysofar 80 tables have already been booked andthatrefreshments will also be on sale FormoredetailscallChris Lourens on 083448 6813or email capemodeltoyclub1997@gmail.com

.Aspecial family movie evening is beingpresented by the AndriesOlivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre on Saturday 18 Aprilfrom15:00 to 17:30. EntryisR40 forchildrenand R60for adults. Snacks willbesold at thevenue. Theevent will be held at the centreat 18 Hafele Street in Durbanville.The AndriesOlivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre is an independent care facility forparaplegicand quadriplegicpeople. Contact Ella on 079469 6267 to book your spotorfor moreinformation.

THURSDAY23APRIL

TheR5booksaleatthe DurbanvilleChildren’sHome willtakeplace on Thursday 23 April and Friday24 Aprilfrom09:00to15:00and Saturday 25 April from 09:00 to 13:00 at the receptionarea. Therewillbe a largeselection of fiction, non-fiction, coffee-table and children’sbooks,aswellasCDs and DVDs.Card facilitieswillbeavailable

TUESDAY28APRIL

. TheEgyptian SocietyofSouth Africa willhostits next meeting at St George’s GrammarSchoolinMowbray on Tuesday28April at 19:30. Guestspeaker Prof Sebastianvan As will present alecture titled “The NurtureofChildren in Ancient Egypt”,offeringinsight intochildhoodpracticesand upbringing in one of history’soldest civilisations. Entryisfreefor members, whilevisitors payR30.Refreshments willbeavailable at acostof R10. Booking is not required,and secure parking is available on the schoolgrounds.For more information, contact 021852 7273 or 084774 3972

SATURDAY2MAY

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.Freeentry. Formore informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072830 1966

FRIDAY12JUNE

.TheMitchells PlainUnitedResidents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area’s 50thanniversarycelebrations. It willbeheldatthe RoyalCapeGolfClubonFriday12June.The eventwill caterfor 120players over six to eight waterholes. Mura is in need of prizes,waterholesponsors, contents for goodie-bags, and auctionitems forthe prize-giving dinners.Ifyou wouldliketotakepart, donateorfor moreinformation, contact NormanJantjesat 083628 4421

Partyslams amendmentbid

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

The CAPEXIT Party hasdenounced aproposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate the only explicit provisionguaranteeingcommunities’ right to self-determination, describing the move as acalculated attempt to constitutionally foreclose any prospect of Western Cape secession fromSouth Africa

The Twenty-Fourth Amendment Bill, whichwas introducedand gazetted by MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi at the end of March, seeks to repealSection 235 of the Constitution. It calls for public comments on anoticeannouncing his intention to table aBill in Parliament. Servingasthe Bill’sprocedurally requiredpre-tablingexplanatory summary, the noticesummarises the thinkingunderpinning thisproposal whichisthat theBill of Rights already safeguards thefreedom to use alanguage of choice;participate in acultural life of choice,and practise areligion of choice. In thatcontext, the notice asserts that,inMK’s view, theConstitution’s Section 235 “introduces confusion, contradictions and ambiguity intothe constitutionalframework by providing a theoretical basis for self-determination of communities”.

STATEMENT

In astatementtothe media, CAPEXIT Partyleader Jack Millersays thisisnot atechnical amendment, but rather a deliberate attempt to shut down lawful, constitutionalpathways forcommunities to determinetheir own future, and abold move to shut the door on anychance of theWestern Cape breaking away from South Africa.

“Section 235 forms part of SouthAfrica’s negotiated constitutionalsettlement. It acknowledges asimple reality: thisis adiverse country, andunity was never meant to erase identity. Removing it doesnot strengthen the Constitution —it weakens its ability to accommodate that diversity,”says Miller.

Milleradded that the claim that the Bill of Rights makes Section 235 unnecessary is fundamentally flawed. “Individual freedoms do not replacecommunity rights. The right to speak alanguage is not the same as the right of acommunity to sustain itself. More telling is the political signal behindthis move.Rightsare not removed becausethey are irrelevant Theyare removedbecause they may be exercised.”

AccordingtoMiller, supportfor selfdetermination in the WesternCape is growing. “Insteadofengaging thisreality democratically, this amendment seeks

VANAFBLADSY1

Metgeldvan die Rowland &Leta Hill Trust en die stadsraad hetdie groep sitbankebyuitkykpunte geïnstalleer, tafels en stoelevir die omgewingsentrum gekoop en ’n inheemse tuinbydie ingang gevestig.

Bewaringspogings is in die2010's uitgebrei. ’n Biodiversiteitsopname het byna300 plantspesies in diereservaat onthul ’n Grysbok is ingebring en die kritiek bedreigde Kraaifontein-spinnekopprotea (Serruria furcellata)isindie reservaat geplant

Aangesien die plantendemies is aan slegs Bracken en ’n een ander plek in Northpine, speel die natuurreservaat tot vandag toenog ’n belangrike rol in die beskerming daarvan.

In 2013 is ’n seinkanonwat deur Tygerberg-natuurreservaat geskenk is, deur Neville Smith geïnstalleer.Die kanon is tydens die Lentedagviering van die jaar vir die eerstekeer afgevuur —’n gebeurtenis wat die VOC-era tradisie laat herleefhet,ensedertdien ’n jaarlikse

DEBATEHEATS UP OVER SECTION235

to close it down constitutionally. Let us be clear, self-determination includes the right of apeople to pursue independence through peaceful and democratic means,” he says.

Miller is of the view that the futureof the Western Cape must be decided by its people —not restricted by politicians in Pretoria. “CAPEXIT will continue to advocate, without compromise, for the right of the people of the WesternCape to decide theirown future —including the option of independence,”Miller added.

“Suppressing constitutional avenues for self-determination will not eliminate the demand for it.Itwill strengthen it.”

Self-determining enclaves in SouthAfrica that operate within the frameworkof Section 235 are primarily small, privately established settlements, with Oraniain the Northern Cape and Kleinfontein, a settlement east of Pretoria, being the most prominent examples.

These communities operate withinthe framework of Section 235, which allows for the right of self-determination for communities sharing acommon cultural and language heritage, although Section 235 does not necessarily mean secession. They were founded on principles of Afrikaner self-governance and cultural preservation, which many critics hold is aviolation of constitutional principles of equity and non-racialism.

Critics argue that “self-determination” in the SouthAfrican context should not be interpreted to allow racial exclusivity, whilstdefenders of thesetowns argue it is avoluntary association to protect minority culture.

hoogtepunt geword het. Die twee gemeenskapsgeleenthede strek oor April en Mei, met die vereniging se hoofviering wat op 18 April plaasvind wanneer die reservaat se hekke reeds om 07:00 oopmaak om ’n dag vol feestelikheid in te lui

Die fees bied ’n 5km-pretloop wat om 08:00 beginmet inskrywingsgeld van R50vir volwassenes en R20 vir kinders. Deelnemers wat die roetevoltooi, sal ’n gedenkmedalje ontvang. Daarbenewens wag ’n verskeidenheid gratis aktiwiteite op besoekers, insluitend rotsverf vir kinders om 09:00, gevolg deur ’n historiese wandeling deur die natuurreservaat om 09:30, en ’n insiggewende praatjie om 10:30. Verskeie stalletjies sal ook beskikbaar wees. Die tweede geleentheid bied ’n betowerende volmaanstaptog op Vrydag 1Mei, wanneer stappers om 17:45 by die reservaat se ingang bymekaarkom om eers die pragtige sonsondergang by die historiese kanon om 18:00 te geniet. . Kontak André by 071089 9503 vir meer inligting ooralbei geleenthede.

Speelselessebousterk fondamentbykinders

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Die Dameskring, 'n nasionale vroueorganisasie, het agt versorgers van voorskoolsekindersuit Goliath Estate in Kraaifontein opgelei in die organisasieseWaardeprojek, wat daarop gemik is om basiese lewenswaardes op ‘n speelse wyseaan jong kinderswat in moeilike omstandighede grootword,oor te dra.

Dié opleidingsessie, spesifiek gerig op vroue wat met jong kinders werk, het by die Logos-gemeente in Brackenfell plaasgevind

Dit vorm deel van ‘n groter inisiatief om basiesewaardes in minderbevoorregte gemeenskappe te vestig.

PRAKTIESEMETODES

Die doel van die projek is om versorgers toe te rus met praktiese metodes omses kernwaardes, naamlik omgee, respek, eerlikheid,gehoorsaamheid,diensbaarheid en geloof, op ‘n speelse en verstaanbare wyse vir voorskoolse kinders te leer Volgens Ria Breed van Charitas, ‘n organisasiesonder winsbejag, wat werk doen in verarmde gemeenskappe, isdaar sowat350 inwoners in die informele nedersetting, van wie120 kindersis. Dieklein gemeenskap op dieouterrein van die Morawiese kerk in die hartjievan Kraaifontein word deur grootuitdagings in diegesig gestaar

"Die behuising is swak en net 40% van die inwoners het elektrisiteit, terwyl water slegs by krane beskikbaaris.

Daarbenewensiswerkloosheidaan die orde vandie dag," sê Breed.

SWAKVERHOUDINGS

Maatskaplik-ekonomieseomstandighede lei tot swak verhoudings tussen ouers enkinders, waar kinders van jongs af opstandig is.

"Die kinders is gereeld betrokke by bakleiery metander skoolkinders, en het geleer dis aanvaarbaar om te jok," sê

Breed

"Die organisasie het tans twee voorskoolse speelgroepe waar onsvir kinders deur spel en aktiwiteite waardes wil aanleer. Onshet laerskoolaktiwiteite een keer per maandenstel hulle ook blootaan goeie waardes, asook ons nasorgprogramme metlaerskoolkinders."

NASIONAAL

Die Dameskring is ‘n nasionale

Afrikaanse vroueorganisasie wat daarop gemik is om vrouelandswyd te bemagtig deur middelvan verskillende ontwikkelingsprogramme en gemeenskapsinisiatiewe.

Ansievan Molendorff, uitvoerende bestuurslid vanDie Dameskring in die Wes-Kaap, sê die organisasie se langtermyndoelisomdie Waardeprojek na nog voorskoolsesentrumsuit te brei. "Ons glo dat die vestiging van goeie waardes reeds op ‘n jongouderdom‘n groot verskil in kinders se lewenskan maak,"het Van Molendorff gesê. Die organisasie se waardeprojek vorm deel van`nbreër strategie om volhoubare

Twoguiltyof attempted police officer’smurder

VERSORGERSVAN KINDERS IN GOLIATH ESTATEDEURDIE PLAASLIKE DAMESKRING OPGELEI OM WAARDESTE

LEER

impak in gemeenskappe te maak deur op jong kinders te fokus watinuitdagende omstandighede grootword “Navorsingbewys dat gelukkige mense verrewegonder meer gesonder is, minder hartsiektes opdoen, langer leef, beter verhoudings het, suksesvoller is, minder geneig is tot depressiwiteit en ‘n positiewe invloedopander uitoefen," sê dr. Pieter van Jaarsveld, skrywer van die boek ‘n Gelukkige kind."Kinders vestig reeds neutrale netwerkeinhul brein in die eerste sewe jaar van hul lewens en dit bly vir altyd daar.”

DIEDROOM

Hierdie woorde omskryf Die Dameskringdroom vir Suid-Afrika se kinders.

DieWaardeprojek se doel is om gesagsfigure toeterus om dié "neutrale netwerk" in die kinderbrein te bevorder. "Ons droom is om deur middel van hierdie projekgesinne in ons land beter toe te rusomtekan bydra tot ‘n beter toekoms vir ons kinders."

. Belangstellendes watgraag dieopleidingwil ontvangofmeeroor die projek wil uitvind, kan Ansie vanMolendorff by 082927 5208 bel.

Two men have been convicted of attempting to murder apolice officer in adramatic 2009 shootout that left a constable with abullet wound to the neck and sparked arunning gun battle through Kraaifontein streets.

TheBellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last week convicted Thulile Peters (59) and Headman Nogqala (47) of crimes including attempted murder of a police officer, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Theconvictions stem from an incident in 2009 when Kraaifontein police officers were alerted to asuspicious vehicle possibly involved in abusiness robbery.

“The vehicle was spotted leaving an Engen Garage in Kraaifontein when occupants began shooting at officers before speeding away,” says Hawks spokesperson Lt Col Siyabulela Vukubi.

During the ensuing gunfight, the suspects’ vehicle came to astandstill near bushes, prompting the occupants to flee on foot. Onesuspect was arrested immediately, but awhite FordCourier bakkie subsequently arrived with armed suspectswho resumed shooting at police officers.

“A constable was shot in the neck during the ordeal but fortunately survived,” says Vukubi. Thearmed men escaped in the FordCourier, pursued by aprivate securitycompany in arunning gun battle. During the shooting four suspects were shot on afoot bridge as they fled and collapsed from theirinjuries. Two died from their wounds while the other two werearrested. Thematter has been remanded to 14 Julyfor sentencing.

EnkelmaverwerfPhDop67

Op67jaar is dr. Retha Smit ‘n lewende bewys daarvandat jynooit te oudisomteleer nie.

Smit het verlede week haarPhD in psigiatriebydie Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se Maart-gradeplegtigheid ontvang die hoogtepunt van dekadessetoewyding aan navorsing en leer.

Smit, wat vir byna driedekades in psigiatriese navorsing by die US werk, sê dat toe sy in 2012 as ‘n eerstejaarstudent ingeskryf het, sy reeds ‘n duidelike doelwit vir haarself gestel het:om haar PhD te behaal.

“Ouderdom was nooitvir my ‘n faktor nie. Ek blyeerder diep dankbaar vir die gesondheid en krag wat my in staat gestel het om die reis te voltooi watekin2012 begin het

“Om hierdie mylpaal te bereik, was een van die mees vervullende ervarings van my lewe. Diegeleentheidomintellektueel te groei en met soveel nuwe idees en konsepte om te gaan was diep verrykend “Ek voel trots en dankbaaromhierdie doelwit te kon bereik het.

“Hierdie prestasie wys met deursettingsvermoë, ‘n positiewe ingesteldheid en selfvertrouekan jybereik wat jy jouself ten doel stel.”

Smit se studieleier, prof. Laila Asmal van die departement psigiatrie aandie US,eggohierdie sentiment wanneer sy haar prestasie beskryf as `n wonderlike getuienis van deursettingsvermoë, lewenslange leer en die kragomweer van voor af te begin.

AKADEMIESEREIS

Smit se akademiese reishet lank voor haar formele nagraadse studie begin. Nadat sy ‘n diploma in algemene verpleging en verloskunde behaal

HAAR

STUDIE HETGEFOKUS

OP SKISOFRENIE EN DIEROL WATANDERFAKTORE IN DIE BEHANDELINGSPEEL

het, het syin1996 aansoekgedoen om ‘n pos as studiekoördineerder vir klinieseproewe in psigiatrie. Hoewel sy geen formele opleiding in psigiatrie gehad het nie,was Smit vasbesloteom te leer.Kort daarna is sy aangestel as die hoofstudiekoördineerder (proefverpleegster) van ‘n baie besige psigiatriese kliniese proewe-eenheidbydie US, ‘n rolwat sy totaan die einde van 2023 beklee het toe sy afgetree het. In dieselfdejaar het Smit ‘n vroeëloopbaan-navorsingstoekenning vandie Internasionale Skisofrenienavorsingsvereniging ontvang Wat Smit se prestasie nóg merkwaardiger maak,isdat sy haar honneursgraad in sielkunde cumlaude op 60-jarigeouderdom deur Unisa voltooi hetenlaterhaar meestersgraad in navorsingsielkunde by die US behaal het.

Wanneer sy besin oor wat haar gemotiveer hetomhierdie akademiese reis later in die lewe te begin, sê Smit:

“As’n enkelouer het ek vier kinders grootgemaak terwyl ek voltyds gewerk het en, by tye, ‘n deeltydse werk gehad het om deur die maandtekom. Dit was baie belangrikvir my om my professionele verantwoordelikhede te balanseer met betekenisvolle tyd saam met my kinders.

Ek het aktief betrokke gebly by hul opvoedkundige reise en hul deelname aan sport.

“Gedurende daardie jare was daar min geleentheidvir my vir verdere studie

Nogtanshet ek altyd die voorneme gehad om my opvoeding voort te sit wanneer die tyd regwas.Myouers het in my ‘n diep waarderingvir die waarde van kennis ingeprent,endaardie oortuiging het ‘n konstantebron van motivering gebly.

“Terselfdertyd het ek die voorreg gehad om saam met hoogs gekwalifiseerde psigiaters en statisties streng navorsers te werk vir wie ek groot bewondering gehad het, en om van hulleteleer het my akademiese aspirasies verder geïnspireer.”

Smit sê in 2012, toe haar jongste kind universiteit toe gegaan het, het sy uiteindelik die geleentheid gehad om haar langgekoesterde doelwit om ’n PhDte behaal,natestreef.

Hoewel sy vierkinders as ‘n enkelma grootgemaak het terwyl sy haar loopbaan gebou het, hetSmit seker gemaak dat hulle altyd elke geleentheid gehad het om hulself akademiesteverryk en uit te blink in buitemuurse aktiwiteite soos sport “Ekhet myself tenvolle daartoe verbind om hulle emosioneel én finansieel te ondersteun.Mykinders is grootgemaak om te waardeerwat hulle in die lewe het, om die meeste van hul omstandighede te maak,enomteverstaan dat sukses persoonlike inspanning vereis eerder as om te verwagdat die samelewing hulle moetdra.”

PHD-NAVORSING

Virhaar PhD-studie het Smit gefokus op terugval in skisofrenie en die rol wat faktore buitennie-nakoming van behandelingspeel. Sy wys daarop dat skisofrenie ongeveer 1% van die wêreldbevolking affekteer en daarom as ‘n laevoorkoms-versteuring beskou word. “Diesiektelas daarvan is egter aansienlik, en dit tel onder die toptienoorsakevan gestremdheid wêreldwyd. Dit is ‘n chroniese siekte wat gekenmerk word

nie van plan om rustiger te lewe nie. Met ‘n PhDindie sak,beplan sy om artikels oor haar bevindings te publiseer, meestersgraadstudente te begelei, en by te dra tot ‘n kliniese proefneming oor skisofrenie, sowel as assesserings vir ‘n ander studiewat behandelingsweerstandige skisofrenie ondersoek.

Buiten haar akademiese werk geniet Smit kreatiewe aktiwiteite. Sy speel akoestiese kitaar en maak gereeld musiek saam met vriende wat haar liefde vir 1970’s- en 1980’s-rock deel. Sy is ook passievol oor Ierse hekelwerk en kantwerk —vaardighede wat sy haarself geleer het deur aanlyn tutoriale van kennersinOos-

Vermaak // Entertainment

Taarereturns to stage

Taare, aCape Town-based Indian danceperformance troupe,willbring their newest danceproduction, The Bollywood Times,toArtscape on Saturday2May as part of the Suidoosterfees.

Foundedbyartisticdirector AhneeshValodia in 2012, Taarewas established to create aplatform forboth emerging and experienced dancers to contributetheir skills to the enrichmentofthe greatercommunity. Taarehas builta reputationfor vibrant storytelling through the promotion of the Indian performingarts, blending theatrical concepts with thecolour and energy of Bollywood musicand dance. Over the years, the companyhas staged imaginativeproductions such as TheTaareExpress, When DancersUnite, Kismet, AnjaliinWonderland, and TheBollywood Bazaar,eachexploringunique themes throughdance, cross-cultural collaborative work, and theatrical storytelling. Celebrating14years of dance, thecompany continues to foster asupportiveand inclusive environmentfor its members, encouragingthemto sharetheir uniquestories and talents. "The troupe is morethanjustadance group; it is afamilythatnurturescreativity, passion,and lifelong connections," Valodia said.

DANCEGENRES

TheBollywood Times marksTaare’s12thdance production and its fifth collaboration with the Suidoosterfees,one of South Africa’s leading arts festivalsthatcelebrates diversetheatre, music, anddance whileshowcasing both emerging and establishedartists.

Freshoff thepress, TheBollywood Times is an electrifying90-minutedance spectacular staged within theimaginative worldofabustling newspaperoffice.Asheadlines and stories come to life from the pages, audiences aretaken on adynamicjourney throughdifferent emotions,events,and cultural influences.

Theproductionfeatures Taare’ssignature storytelling stylewhile incorporating an exciting rangeof dancegenres.Alongside traditional Indian andmodern Bollywood dancestyles, audiences willexperience elementsofballet, contemporary, flamenco, African dance, jive,modern, hip-hop,and bellydance,creatingavisuallyrichand high-energy theatrical experience.

TheBollywood Times has twoperformancesonly, 17:30 and20:30 on Saturday2May at Artscape Theatre. . Book at Webtickets

Taare,aCape Town–basedIndian dance performance troupe will bring their dance production The Bollywood Timesto the Suidoosterfees on Saturday2May

Nuwevenuesvir Suidoosterfees

Die Suidoosterfees,watvanjaar van29 April tot3Mei vir die 23stekeer aangebied word,breivanjaar verder uit as die Kunstekaap-teaterkompleks,met verskeie nuwe venues watbenut word "Kortvoor lank"iseen vandie fees se gewildste programafdelings–waar uiteenlopende stories in treffende 30-minuut-vertoningslewegegee word Hierdieplatformis’nbroeikasvir vernuwing en bied aan feesgangers’ntoeganklike manier om nuwe stemme, genres en vormevan teater te ontdek. ’n Hoogtepunt op dieprogram is Jakobregop –die premièrevan Hennie Aucamp se heerlik ondeunde saterspelwat reeds in 1988 in Sjampanjevir ontbyt verskynhet,maarnog nooitvoorheen opgevoer is nie. Hierdieslegs-vir-volwassenes komedie met Dean Balie, MarcelMeyer en AnzioSeptember,onder regievan Fred Abrahamse, speel sensueel,stylvol en skreeusnaaksmet temassoosmenslikebegeerte, dieouderdom en magsverhoudingstussen mense. Jakobregop is bedoel virvolwassegehorewat nie skrikvir naaktheidnie

Adam Small90 is ’n reeksnuwekort tekste waarin Smallsewerkherverbeel word deur jong skrywers en spelersvan dieProscenium-dramakompetisie.In Ongekarteerde drome, Langsdie paduitsak, Tussen vlugte en Waar oekaldjy belong word temassoos behoort, drome,identiteitenverlies ondersoek teen dieagtergrond van’nsamelewingwat steeds deur ongelykhede gekenmerkword. Hierdie reeks, ondersteun deur dieStigtingvir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans, bring jong kunstenaarsinkreatiewe gesprek met een vanSuid-Afrika se mees invloedrykeliterêre figure.

Deon Lotz besin saam met GaryNaidoo in die komedie Flip-Flop oor akteurs se pogingsomin‘n uitdagendebedryf te oorleef.

DIE DRAMATURG HENNIE AUCAMP SE ONDEUNDE TONEELSTUK ‘N HOOGTEPUNT

speelveld waar teater as medium self ondersoek en bevraagteken word Kabaretenmusiek blom in Karamonkie,waarin Bianca Flanders ’n speelse,grensverskuiwende keusevan kontemporêreskryfwerk, visueleteater en kamishibai aanbied. In Net’nbietjie liefde bring AndréSchwartzhulde aanmentors en kunstenaarsvriende watsyloopbaanhelp vorm het.En in Verweef skep CorneilMüller’nintieme klankwêreld waarin stem, tjello en klavier saamvloei in ’n poëtiese refleksie oor herinnering en betekenis

IngridJonker se enigstetoneelstuk krynuwelewe in ’n Seun na my hart,onder regie vanMaríBorstlap, terwyl diedigteresenaktrise Veronique Jephtasin Ouma slaan’nses hemel toe geloof,rou en verlies in ’n poëtiese, intiemesolovertoning ondersoek. Humor en sosialekommentaar loop dikwels hand aan hand. In Baggage gebruikJurgenMcEwanen AviweNgabom skerpskets-komedie om Suid-Afrikaanse werklikhede te belig teen die agtergrond van ’n lughawe.

Flip-flop met Deon Lotz en GaryNaidoo besin oor dieharde werklikhede vanakteurs se pogingsomin ’n uitdagende bedryf te oorleef,terwyl Pick aStruggle se Zach Esau en Roland du Preezmet spitsvondige humorenkwesbaarheid dieervaringsvan minderhede in ’n kompleksesamelewing ondersoek.

MUSIEK

Op musiekfront staan Stadskoor, -Choir,-iKwayarasing diva-pop uitas’nuitbundige produksie waarin ikoniesepoptreffersuitgevoer word met ryk koorharmonieë,energiekevertolkings en ’n vars, kontemporêreklank.Die skitterende fopdoskunstenaar Manilavon Teez bring haar legendarieseflair, humorenglans na dieoptrede

In Eenmanstuk neem De KlerkOelofse feesgangersop’nspeelse en verrassende reis deur ’n versameling eenbedrywe, mimiek en pantomime.Met minimalehulpmiddelsen’noorkoepelende fokus op diemenslikeverbeelding word die verhoog ’n oop

DAGBOEK/DIARY

. '88' metCoenie de Villiers en Rocco de Villiersisop Vrydag 17 April om 20:30byDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville. Kaartjieskos R290.Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.

. Laughter is Culture is at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday 18 April at 19:00.A largescalestand-up comedy showhostedbyDavid Kau, plus 13 topcomedians. TicketsfromR200at Webtickets.

. Theever-evolving MadameFreak Ensemblebrings funkygrooves,blazing fusionsolos,Afrojiveand balladstothe Alma Café in Rosebank on Saturday18 Aprilat18:30 for19:00.TicketscostR150 perperson at Quicket.

.TheCapeTownPhilharmonic Orchestrapresentsa ee concertoflight classics and film musiconSunday 19 Aprilat16:00 at the BellvilleSouth Town Hall. No booking required,justarriveand enjoythe music. . Pretty Woman:The Musical is nowonatArtscape Theatreuntil 19 April.Ticketsavailable at Ticketmaster.Contactsales@showtime.co.za forgroup bookings.

. Krismisvan Map Jacobs is tot24April in die Kunstekaap-teater te sien. Die dramaspeel af ná die gedwongeverskuiwingsuit Kaapstad na dieKaapse

Die Waterfront-teaterskool se studentestelhul talent tentoon in Encore met sang,toneelspel en dans.In TheMagic of Musicals: From Good to Great bring Northlink-kollegestudentegunstelingeuit musiekblyspelemet flair na die verhoog. Dansproduksies soos Sbo Ndaba’sBolero, Unmute en Sands of Time fokusopdie liggaamasdraer van storie, emosieenbetekenis

In Sbo Ndaba’sBolero bring SboNdabaDance ’n asemrowende versmelting vankontemporêre dans en Afrika-ritmes na die verhoog met ’n groot ensemblewat fisiekekragenemosioneleintensiteit kombineer

Unmute,gechoreografeer deur Andile Vellem, gebruikSuid-Afrikaanse gebaretaal as primêre bewegingstaalenbring dansers met uiteenlopende vermoëns byeen in ’n verbeeldingrykewerk oor kommunikasie en inklusiwiteit

Sands of Time deur die Jacqui Pells-balletskool ondersoek tydenverganklikheid deur elegante choreografieenbeweging

Kykook uit vir Opera Trios: Love Triangles, Trysts and Intrigue met jong sangers vanOperaUCT, Op reis in 30 minute waarin Luna Paigehaarmusikale swerwersverhale deel, Songsvan diehart met Jodi Jantjies en KarenPetersen, TheTramp (Bite-sized) deur Wêla Kapelaen AVictorBorge Taster met Winand Grundling . Besoek www.suidoosterfees.comvir die volledigeprogram.

Vlakte.Kaartjies kosR80 by Webtickets. . Thecultmusical TheRocky Horror Show is at Theatreonthe BayinCamps Baycurrently until31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16. Ticketsstart from R200.Book at Webticketsorthe theatre's boxoffice on 021438 3300

. YouShouldGoIn is at TheBaxter'sMasambe Theatrefrom16to25April. Amoving newdrama about family,abandonment and the difficultroadto forgiveness. TicketsatWebtickets.

. mAnJE!MaNJe (anepic) runs at TheBaxter Flipside from 17 to 25 April. Astriking and imaginative production thatdraws on the storyofDaedalustoreflect on thehuman conditioninthe ageofthe machine, bigdataand climate catastrophe.R120early-bird special forperformances from 17 to 21 April. Ticketsat Webtickets.

. ConSpirito PhilharmoniccelebratesMozart's 270thbirth anniversarywithan All-Mozart Concert on Saturday18April at 19:30 at the DutchReformed church Uitsig, Ridgeworth. TicketscostR220at Webtickets.

. Cape WelshChoir presents Whywesing —Generations in harmony,a concert collaborationwithlearners from CurroCenturyCity, DF Academy, Milnerton High School and St Cyprian's on Sunday 19 April at 15:00 in the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow. TicketscostR160 at Quicket

Arts scholarship application deadline extended

TheArts &CultureTrust has extendedthe application deadline for its 2026 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme to Monday 27 April, giving aspiring young artists across the country more time to submit their applications.

The programme, in its fifth year and sponsoredbyNedbank, Sun International and the MTN Foundation, offers two scholarshipsworth R300 000 each to support exceptional talent in pursuing tertiary studies in the arts from 2027.

COMPREHENSIVESUPPORT

The scholarship goes beyond financial assistance, providing recipients with a structured four-month online mentorship andskills-development programme facilitated by industry experts

Applications are open to South African emergingartists aged 17 to 25 who qualify for tertiary education, covering disciplines including acting, singing, dance, visual arts anddigital arts.

The Arts &Culture Trust is inviting schools, community centres and organisations to host in-person informationsessions. Those interested can contact info@act.org.za andmarketing@ act.org.zatoarrange visits.

SUCCESSSTORIES

The scholarship programme has produced numerous success storiesin SouthAfrica's creative industries.Notable alumniinclude Tankiso Mamabolo, a2011 recipient who completed her studiesatthe University of Cape Town andhas since released two albums

Televisionaudiences will recognise otheralumni including Wonder Ndlovu, known for roles in Justice Served, GO and Scandal!,and Dillon Windvogel, who plays Wade Daniels in Blood &Water and has appeared in Spinners and Arendsvlei

Candice Modiselle,a2012 scholarship recipient,has establishedherself as a leading media personality andactress on Generations: TheLegacy.She was named oneofthe Mail &Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africansin2023.

Morerecently, visualartist RickBaloyi, a2019 recipient, gained recognition throughhis commissionfor acurated arts experience at Africa's firstMontreux Jazz Arts Festival in Franschhoek.

APPLICATIONDETAILS

The Trust encouragesall eligible applicants to takeadvantage of the extended deadline and available support to complete their applications. The scholarship covers tuition and study materials for accredited tertiary education beginning in 2027.

. Theapplicationplatformisavailableatact org.za/nyoloha

Lockablemanhole coversinstalled

The City of CapeTown’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has installed 12 lockable manhole covers across Brackenfelland Kraaifontein as part of an initiativetoreduce unauthorised access to the sewer system and prevent tampering,theft, andillegal dumping.

AccordingtoMayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, more than 500 of these covers were installedacrosssewer andreticulation infrastructure in themetrosince June last year to protectcritical infrastructure and address one of the leading causes of sewer blockages.

“The new covers have no scrap value, reducingthe risk of theft, and can only be accessedbyCityofficials and contractors throughaspecialised key. They are also madefrom aUV-stabilised glass fibre reinforced sheet, whichislightweight and fire resistant,” says Badroodien.

Accordingtohim, manyofthe sewer blockages are caused by the illegal disposal of foreign objectsinto the sewer network. “This misuse results in recurring blockages and overflows, which negatively impactresidents andplaceadditional strain on municipal resources,” he says.

The effectiveness of lockable covers in preventingunauthorised access to manholes andreducing the illegal disposal of foreign objectsinto the sewer system, will nowbeassessed, of which the outcomes of the pilotwill inform potential roll-outs to otheraffected areas.

“Many communities across our city

Town.

struggle with sewer blockages and overflows because of foreign objects being dumped intothe sewer system. Our hope is that the lockable coverswillbea deterrent against vandalism and misuse.” Currently, atotal of 72 lockable manhole covers are being installed in Wesbank, with afurther 20 to be installed in Kalkfontein at atotal cost of R1,4 million. This cost includes the supply of the covers and associated installation work, including demolition, road reinstatement, repainting of affected road markings and related work.

THINKING OUTLOUD

Let’stalk abouttech, baby... and brains

Our family is very strict about screen time. To explain the reason, I’m going to get all nerdybefore Iweigh in with experience fromraising seven daughters. Our tech reluctance is becauseofthe prefrontal lobe. This part of the brain is in the forehead and keeps developing long after the rest stops. It actually only stops when one is about 25. It is responsible for impulsecontrol, emotion regulation, and weighing longterm consequences. It will becomethe filter that will influence decision-making. Put another way, this is whereyour wisdom sits andittakes at least25years to grow.

So what has this got to do with screen time?

Well, screens, and any other activities from the plethora of instantgratification stimuli readily availablenowadays, damagesthe development of the prefrontal lobe.

If you don’t believe me, lookitup. There are dozens of peer reviewed articles easily accessible online that say the samething. So, for this reason, my husband and Itry, really, really hard, to limit ourdaughters’ screen times. Ideally we’d cutitout altogether but unfortunately, the world, the school system and my ownrelatives seem to be against us. Gone are the days when pupils used adiary torecord appointments and homework. Nowadays even my six-year-old’s homeworkissent via google classroom. And Ihavefirsthand experience of how my children’s moods and marksdecline when they have access to too much screen time Take for example my second eldest.

PRINCIPALS,HELPUSOUTHERE

For years, before we had aTV, she and her sisters woulddraw, read, play boardgames, skate, cycle, play outside, write their own littlecomicsand entertain themselves easily without anyhelp from us. When we had no TV, mychildren would automatically navigate to their hobbies,but then my sister gifted us with one and all creativity in our home had a sudden and dramatic drop.

Soon after, when the sameSantasister gave mysecond eldest acellphone when she turned 14, it was accompanied by a dramatic change in personality. That year shefailed asubject for the first timeand all her marks dropped. We took awaythe phone. She regarded it as apunishment. We didn’t care.

Her first phoneless week, she meandered around the house like apoltergeist; head lowered, face scowling, speaking to no one and answering anythingaddressed to her in growlymonosyllables. She also behaved like an addict. She threw epic tantrums, cried, and tried allmanner of manipulation. She searched our room and stoleitback afew times, but, eventually, after awhole week of phonelessness,she moved on from being avery morose, moody, anti-social teenager to aslightly lessmorose, moody, anti-socialteenager But, more importantly, within one school term, her marks improved and she was back in the top quarter of the class again. We would havegladly never given her phoneback but, unfortunately her teachers started sending homeworkon WhatsApp chats.

While modern tech is anecessary part of life and Idonot hate it,Ido feel that in the classroom it should be limited to only what is absolutely necessary and I am not alone in my thinking. The growing philosophyworldwide is foracomplete banofcellphones in schools. Yet, last term, Igot letters requestingthat Iregister all three my primary school-aged children on google classroom.

Principals, help us out here, please!

—LAUREN O'CONNOR-MAY

Parklands safety in crisis

As ahome ownerinParklands, Iamwith the many who strive to makethis asafeplace to call home

Informalsettlements, particularlysectionsofSiyahlalaand shacksnearPioneer Valley,haveexpanded intothe TableBay NatureReserve near Dunoon This occupation, often on the Diep River floodplain, causes severe pollution andhabitat disruption, with approximately 189shacksinthe reserveasof2021. It alsoposes greatsafetyrisks; thugs andthievesoften quickly findplacestohide

This allimpacts home values andselling power, if ever oneseekstomoveatsome stage. Additionally, thereislittle to no policing in the Parklandsarea, leaving lawlessness to flourish, unabated

TheParklands Satellite Police Station on Parklands Main Road facedconcernsregardingresource limitations and remains closed, apparentlydue to manpowershortages.

Therecentincident of an attempted murder followingashootingincident on Friday3April at approximately17:00 in MorningfordRoad, is notthe only incident. Much moreneeds to be done from by our council, our policeand the other civic structures. What assurancedowehaveashomeownersand the greaterParklands community? Is proper and proportionateaction being take on ourbehalf?

Parklands is abeautiful area and canbebetter maintained. TheParklands FynbosCorridor is agood example.

It connects the Rietvlei Wetland Reservewith the BlaauwbergConservation Area but it is notwellkept andhas been neglected foraverylongtime.Whatis being done here?

Thereare manywho share my sentiments andwe allbelieve in this community.

TYRONE BRETT COETZEE, Parklands

Ratepayers question legaltariff basis

Ifind it peculiar that ourmunicipalityisbudgeting basedontariffscurrentlyunder legaldispute.

Do municipal officialspossess information unavailabletothe public, or aretheysimplyproceedingwith wishfulthinking?The eventual court ruling will serve as acrucialtest of judicial independence and adherence to the ruleoflaw

Ipropose that ratepayerassociationsdemand areferendum on the municipal budget.Taxpayers should vote on whether theyaccept the proposedbudgetand arewilling to payinflation plus 1% on their municipal accounts. Whatever the outcome,all residents should

payaccording to the referendumresults.

This is howgenuinedemocracyshouldfunction–with citizens having adirect sayinhow their taxmoney is spent,rather than having decisions imposedupon them by officialswho maybeoperatingondisputed legalgrounds.

Thecurrentapproach undermines both fiscal responsibilityand democratic principles. Ataxpayer referendumwouldrestoreaccountabilityand ensure that municipal spending truly reflects the willofthose who fundit.

CONCERNED RATEPAYER,Brackenfell

Somerkan noumaar einde se kant toestaan

Asseblief,winter, komgou!

Ná nog ‘n paar strawwe somerdae verlede week, begineknou wonderofons ooit weer verligtinggaan kry. Ek verlang na daardie eerstekoue oggendwanneer jy lekker onder ‘n kombers kaninkruip,enwanneer ‘n koppiewarmkoffiewerkliksin maak.Ekverlang na die

dae toeons oorkoue weer geklahet –wat soueknie nougee vir ‘n lekker koue reënbuinie!

Ek is nouuitgesomer komassebliefgou,winter Onsisgereed vir jou koue wind, jou reën, en selfsjou donker dae

UITGEPUTTE SOMERLEWENDE

Basic kindness missing on Cape Town roads

My worst fearsabout Cape Town'sreputation as an "unfriendlycity" were confirmed when my car recentlybroke down on abusymain road during peak traffic. Foroveranhour, Istood beside my vehicle with the bonnet raised, the universal distress signal, whilehundreds of cars passed by.Not asingle person stopped to offer assistance,check if Ineededhelp,or even ask if Iwas alright Iwatchedasdrivers deliberatelylooked away,some even changing lanestoavoid anypotentialinteraction. What has happened to the spirit of communityand Ubuntu thatweclaim defines South Africa? Whendid we become so self-absorbed andindifferenttoour

fellow citizens' plight?

Before moving here recently, I'veheard visitorsdescribe Cape Town as beautiful butcold–not referring to the weather,but to its people. This experiencesadly validates those observations.

We'vebecome acitywhere peopleare toobusy, toosuspicious, or simplytoo uncaringtoextend basic human kindness. Perhapsweshouldreflect on what kind of societywe'recreatingwhen common decency becomes uncommon, and helpingastranded motorist is seen as someone else's responsibility. We candobetter, Cape Town. DISILLUSIONED, Durbanville

LAGMET LANGNEK: ’n Nuuskierigevolstruis by dieCape Ostrich Ranch op dieN7-snelweg het diekolliggesteel toehysykop uitsteek om besoekers op ’n vriendelikeenspeelse manier te“groet”.Die dier se nabyheid het gastelaat glimlag en groot vermaak verskaf

FOTO:CHRISTA ROSSOUW

Stronger communities start with us

It is easy to complain about the stateofour neighbourhoods —fromlitterand crime to service delivery—but real changebegins when residents choose to getinvolved. Toooften, communityinitiatives such as neighbourhood watches, clean-up campaigns or localmeetings aresupported by only ahandful of dedicated individuals. Thereality is that theseefforts cannotsucceed or grow without broader communityparticipation Getting involved does notrequireamajor time commitment.Itcan be as simpleasattending alocal meeting, reporting issues to the relevant authorities, supportingaclean-up effort,orlooking outfor your neighbours. Smallactions, when multiplied, canmake ameaningful difference.

Stronger,safer andcleaner communities arebuilt through sharedresponsibility. When residents work together,theynot only address challenges more effectively, but also buildasenseofpride andconnection in the places theylive. Insteadofwaitingfor others to take the lead, perhapsitistimeweeachask: what can Idotocontribute?

If moreresidents step forward, even in smallways, we canbegin to create the kind of communities we all want to live in.

LEND AHELPING HAND,Brackenfell

Medicalcosts leave families struggling

Irecently had an experiencethat left me deeply concerned about the growing cost of healthcarein our communities.

Whilevisiting apaediatrician with my young son, Iwitnessed acouplearrivewith their child, clearly anxious andinneed of care.During their conversation at reception, it became evident that theydid nothave medical aid. Thequotedcostfor asimpleconsultation, excluding anymedication,was alarminglyhigh. One couldsee the hesitation andworryontheir facesas theytriedtodecide what to do,quietlyweighing their child’simmediateneeds against what theycould afford.

As someonefortunate enough to have medical aid, I am acutelyaware that even we feel the financialstrain of co-payments, shortfallsand steadilyincreasing monthlypremiums. Each visit often comeswith unexpectedadditional costs. But forfamilies without this safety net,accessing privatehealthcarehas become an overwhelming andoften impossibleburden. Yes, it is often argued that government clinics and hospitalsare availabletothose who cannotafford privatecare. Whilethis is true in principle, the reality on the ground is very different.Thesefacilities are frequentlyovercrowded andunder immensepressure. Healthcareisnot aluxury –itisa basic humanneed. No parent shouldhavetostand at areceptiondesk andwonder whether theycan affordtohavetheir child seen by adoctor.

EMAIL, TableView

Leadersspendnightonthestreet

NAMHLAMONAKALI

More than 30 businessand community leaders will spend anight on the streets of Cape TownonSaturday 18 April as part of afundraising initiative aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The initiative, ANight on the Streets, is hosted by U-turn Homeless Ministries and forms part of efforts to raise awareness and funding forlong-term interventions.

Participants will eachcontribute R10 000 and spend 12 hours outdoors. Organisers say the event aims to raise over R1 million.

The initiative is designed to move beyond awareness, directing support towards sustained rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

RESEARCHHIGHLIGHTSSTRUCTURALCHALLENGES

Academic research intohomelessness in Cape Town pointstolong-standing structural and governance challenges.

AUniversity of Cape Townstudy, "Exploringthe lived experiences of homelessness in aCape Townsuburb" by Kerry-Lee Black, found homelesspeople face barriers including limited access to services, social exclusion and difficulty transitioning offthe streets.

AUniversity of the Western Cape research paper, "An analysis of the City of Cape Town's responseto street homelessness" by Francesca Visagé, examines the City's legaland institutionalresponsibilities inaddressing homelessness and how municipal frameworks respond to the issue.

Together the studies framehomelessness as acomplex issue requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral and long-term interventions.

BY SUCH INITIATIVESU-TURN HOMELESS MINISTRIES ENACT LONG-TERM INTERVENTIONS.

EXPERTRAISESGOVERNANCEANDPOLICYGAPS

Dr Nobukhosi Ngwenya, urbanplanner anddevelopment practitioner whose research interest focuses on communityled planning, of theUniversity of Cape Town said homelessness in Cape Town persisted largely due to unclear responsibility among spheres of government, resulting in fragmented and uncoordinatedresponses.

"This governance gap is closely tiedto the question of whose budgetthe response to homelessness should come from,"she said, adding that municipalities have often had to take on responsibility through social-development departments despite homelessness being amulti-sectoral issue.

Ngwenya said thecity's approach had also been shaped by aconservative policy andby-law framework, including regulationsfor street-based activity.

She noted such frameworks hadattimes criminalisedhomeless people, contributing to further marginalisation even where amendments have been introduced.

While she described the City's Street People Policyand the 2024 StrategytoReduce Rough Sleepingas important developments Ngwenya said implementation remained limited.

"Safe spacesand shelters often came with strict conditionsthatseparate couples, exclude pets andimposerigid entry and exit times."

She added that thebiggest gap was the lack of transitional housing between shelters and long-term accommodation

Ngwenya argued this reflected abroader

gap in both municipal andnational housingpolicy, whichdoes not adequately provide pathways from temporary accommodation into stable, long-term housing.

U-TURNPROGRAMMEAPPROACH

U-turn Homeless Ministries says its programme combines immediate support with structuredrehabilitation, including therapeutic services,skills development and work readiness training.

Theorganisation said about 80% of participants who complete itsprogramme remain stably housed andemployed.

Chiefprogramme officer Lise van den Dool said the focusisonlong-term change.

"When you provide stability, rehabilitation and skills development people are able to rebuild theirlives,"she said. We knowwhatworks, but we need theinvestmenttoscaleit."

FUNDINGANDCLAIMS

U-turn has also highlighted what it describesasthe costofongoing crisis management in addressing homelessness.

The organisation hascited an estimated annual spend of R744 million related to homelessness in Cape Town.

Theinitiative alsoincludes participation from business leaders who say they want to understandthe realities faced by people living on the streets.

Colin Young,Chief Executive Officer of UrbanGrowth,said his company previously supported individuals who moved off thestreets andlater joined the business. He said the experience showed thepotentialfor long-term impact when support is sustained.

PUBLICPARTICIPATION

The public can also takepart by

More than 30 business and communityleaders willspendanight on thestreets of Cape Town on Saturday 18 April as part of U-turn Homeless Ministries’“A Night on the Streets”initiativetoraise awareness and fundsfor homelessness support PHOTO:SUPPLIED

purchasing virtual tickets and spending anight outdoors while raising awareness through social media.

Brandon Manzoni, aformer homeless person, says safetywas his biggest daily concern while living on the streets.

"You're constantly worried about getting robbed or assaulted. Finding asafe space to sleep was the biggest thing."

"A typical day was just getting up and figuring out what to do ,where Iwas going to eat, where Iwas going to sleep and whether that place was safe."

Manzoni said homelessness is often misunderstood.

"When people see homeless people, all they see is the person there. They don't see the suffering behind it."

"I had no idea places like U-turnor other programmes existed. Iwas totally oblivious."

"Ifthere were more programmes and safe spaces, it would change things hugely. A lot of the time, Ijust needed someone to talk to."