TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-edition | 15 April 2026

Woensdag, 15 April 2026 |Tel: 021 910

Residentsremember

More than 100residents gathered at Dagbreek Hall, the oldest community centre in Mitchells Plain, to celebrate the area turning50and share memories of the township’s earliest days.

The community event on 9 April, the dateonwhich many of the first families moved into

the area in 1976, waspart of the Mitchells Plain LegacyProject. It brought originalresidents or their children together.

MOVINGIN

Among the speakers was Rodney Brown, who arrivedasa 4-year-old in 1980.

“I remember my father giving me 80 cents becausethere was an

advert on the radio,” Brown said before singingajingle. “Itwas known as the promised land.”

Brown’s family moved from Retreat to ahousethatcost R7 000.

“We moved in on 24 July 1980 and we are still there,”hetold

thegathering. Ebrahim Abdullah, known widely as “Boeta Hiemie”, shared hisexperience of moving to the area in September 1976 from Goodwood.

WOENSDAG15APRIL

. DieTygerberg Tuin- en Blommeklub komom 09:30 vir 10:00 by dieNGkerk ParowWelgelegen, Provencestraat47, Welgelegen, byeen. Lorraine Rose doen ‘n blommedemonstrasie met die tema “Verrassing” en Anja Freysenpraat oor moderne tendenseintuinontwerp en wenke. Die blommekunskompetisie se tema is “Halfmoon kisses”.Tee word van09:30 voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864met navrae

. Curious about Buddhism and the practiseof meditation? Residents and visitorsare invited to join aBuddhist lecture on meditationatMilnertonLibrary, 81 Pienaar Road,onWednesday15April at 18:30. Theevening willinclude atalk on meditationfroma Buddhist perspective, followedbya guided session to help participantsexperiencemindfulness firsthand Thesession is expected to last 2–3hours, and newcomers arewarmlywelcomed. Thelecture is open to all, witha suggested donation of R70, and visitor parkingisavailable at the library. Forenquiriesorto register,contact capetown@buddhism-southafrica orgor067 3768336

SATERDAG18APRIL

. DieVriendevan Bracken vier hul 20 jaar vandiens by dieBracken-natuurreservaatmet ’n grootbyeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal ’n verskeidenheid van stalletjies en aktiwiteitesoos’npretdraf, ’n begeleide stap,’npraatjie en rotsverf vir jong kinders wees. Die dagbegin om 07:00 en eindig 12:00. Kontak André by 071089 9503 vir meer inligting.

.TheCapeModel and ToyClubwillbehaving their Summer CollectorsToy Fair onceagain thisweekend Theevent willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall in Edgemead on Saturday18April. 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 and thatrefreshmentswillalsobeonsale. Formoredetails call Chris Lourens on 083448 6813or email capemodeltoyclub1997@gmail.com

.Aspecialfamilymovie evening is being presented by the Andries OlivierDurbanville QuadriplegicCentre on Saturday18April from 15:00 to 17:30.EntryisR40 forchildren and R60 foradults. Snackswillbesold at the venue.The event will be heldatthe centre at 18 Hafele Street in Durbanville.The Andries Olivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre is an independent care facilityfor paraplegicand quadriplegicpeople. Contact Ella on 079469 6267 to book your spot or for more information.

THURSDAY23APRIL

TheR5book sale at the Durbanville Children’sHome willtakeplace on Thursday23April and Friday24 April from 09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday25April from 09:00 to 13:00 at the receptionarea. Therewillbe alarge selection of fiction, non-fiction, coffee-table and children’sbooks, as well as CDsand DVDs. Card facilities willbeavailable

TUESDAY28APRIL

. TheEgyptianSocietyofSouthAfricawillhostits next meeting at St George’sGrammar School in Mowbray on Tuesday28April at 19:30.Guest speaker Prof Sebastianvan As willpresent alecture titled “The NurtureofChildren in Ancient Egypt”,offering insight intochildhoodpractices and upbringing in one of history’soldestcivilisations. Entryisfreefor members, whilevisitorspay R30.Refreshmentswillbeavailable at acostofR10.Booking is not required,and secure parkingisavailable on the schoolgrounds. Formore information, contact 021852 7273 or 084 7743972.

SATURDAY2MAY

. TheCapeTownGem and Mineral Club’s next open daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede Hoop St,Bothasig.Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Plentyofoff-road parking. Food available.All welcome, especially children.

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta Community MarketDay from 10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre,22TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, music and family-friendlyentertainment.Freeentry.For more informationcontact CJ JacksononWhatsApp 072830 1966.

FRIDAY12JUNE

.TheMitchells PlainUnited Residents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area’s 50th anniversarycelebrations. It will be heldatthe RoyalCapeGolf Club on Friday12June. Theevent will caterfor 120players over six to eight waterholes. Mura is in need of prizes, waterholesponsors, contentsfor goodie-bags, and auctionitems forthe prize-giving dinners. If youwouldliketotakepart, donateorfor more information, contact NormanJantjesat 083628 4421

Politicianfacesireoverlivevideo

“ILAURENO'CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

am not here to humiliate you,” Dereleen James declares in alive social media video before proceeding to do preciselythat.

The Action SA member of the National Assembly recorded her surpriselate-night visit, accompaniedbypolice, to ahouse in Lentegeuron8 April,claiming it is in response to complaints fromseveral neighbours about comings and goings from the house, alleging possible drug dealing and child abuseand neglect.

In the hour-long video she scolds, shouts, insults and belittles the residents before the crying children are removed from the house.

“We are doing an intervention,” she declares.

Nearly18minutes intothe video James asks that the children’s faces not be shown but by this point several clear shots of their faces had already beenvisible.

'ABUSEOFPOWER'

Online reactions to the video havebeen mixed. Some social-mediacomments have labelled thevideo an abuse of power while otherspraised James as ahero.

Activists have spoken out strongly against the video, saying James’ actions were in violation of child-protection laws

Lynn Philips for the Mitchells Plain Safety Forum said James dealt with the situation inappropriately and thather actions caused further trauma to the children. She said James' interventionwas notwithin her mandate.

“The trauma that those children faced, with her shouting on top of her voice, and speaking to parents in front of the minor children. The children started to cry, becauseshe made it knowninfrontof

them thatshe would have them removed.”

Philips also said that if there was truthto James’ allegation that there was substanceabuse in the house, thenher actionsmighthave made the situation worse.

“They might have been on substances,”

Philips said,adding that she was not condoning asoft stanceoncrime.“My next question would have been to her, if that mothers asked to be assisted because they'reonsubstances, if they asked to be taken to arehabcentre, would shehave actedinthat fashion? Is there aplace for thosemothers to be sent to arehabcentre sothatthey can getclean andlook after their children?”

Philips addedthatasanactivist James’ shouldhaveknown howtohandle the situation better.

“Is she untouchablebecause the Popia actisveryclear?” Philips said.

POLITICALMOTIVATIONS

Michael Jacobs,the Lentegeur Community Police Forum (CPF) chair, saidJames’ actions “speak to political mobilisation.”

“She claimed sheacted on information given to her by community members,but however good her intentions there was no need fora Facebook live video.”

He added that while the circumstances were causefor concern James' interventiondid not facilitate action from police.

“In light of the serious nature of the complaint the policewere duty-bound to actinthe best interests of those children found at the house. This is notthe first timeLentegeurpolice hadacted on informationconcerning child neglect and abuse in the normal course of their duties,

ACTIVISTSPEAK OUT AGAINST THE CHILDREN BEINGEXPOSED ONLINE

away from social media and political pressure.

“We also have adedicated police officer responsible for dealing with GBVand domestic violenceissues including child neglect andother issues. The officer is assisted by dedicated Victim Support Volunteersand anyone in need of assistanceshouldnot hesitate accessing that service.”

Jacobs addedthatthe CPF would be meetingwith the community to “sensitise them to matters relating to the care of children”.

“We callonpoliticians not to weaponise poverty andtoengage with the necessary urgency, yettobemindful of the dignity and rights of others.”

INVESTIGATION

Provincialpolice spokesperson Col Andre Trautsaid: “The management of theSouthAfrican PoliceService in the Western Cape hastaken note of scenes that unfoldedonthe evening of Wednesday 8April 2026 at aresidence in Lentegeur involving apolitician and police officers. In lightofconcerns regarding certain aspectsofthe incident, asenior police officer has been appointedtoconduct an investigation into thecircumstances surroundingthe matter. The South African Police Serviceremains committed to theprotection of vulnerable members of societyand will continuetowork closely with relevantstakeholders to ensure their safety.”

Social Development MEC Jaco Londt

confirmed the children had been taken to safetybut added that “DSD was not part of the planning, or present at the raid.” He said that police and social workers are mandated to remove children from situations of immediatedanger,without a court order.

“In general, when achild-protection investigation is underway the social worker will also work with the family and do necessary referrals and interventions, this could be referrals to family counselling, parenting programmes and other family-strengthening programmes and referral to substance-abuse services if needed. Where feasible and depending on the circumstances of the family the aim is reunification. We would like to remind everyone that at-risk children may not be identified, as thiscan further compound an already traumatic experience for those involved. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) prohibits the publication of any children’simages without the consent of aparent or legal guardian. This is further supported by the Children’s Act. Caution must therefore be taken when filming in uncontrolled environments where children or other vulnerable people may appear in the footage.”

Privateschoolappliesfor landinStrandfontein

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

“Who’s going to saytheydon’t wantChristel House,which hasaR100 million budget, in their ward?”Subcouncil 17 chair Elton Jansen asked.

The Subcouncil had indeedsaid“no”, but not because they didn’t want the independent, no-fee private school, Jansen clarified,when the item appeared on the Subcouncil agendafor the third time in three months.

At the March meeting, Jansen explained that the ground City of Cape Town officials had earmarked for apotential Christel House in Strandfonteinhad already been designated forother longterm projects by the Subcouncil.

When theitem reappeared on boththe January and February agendas Jansen advised that the school reapply for a different piece of ground, adjacent to the erf requested, instead.

“Subcouncil 17 does not endorse the disposal of erf 43996 for educational purposes,” Jansen said at themeeting in February. “But we recommend the property opposite.”

He said that not only were there already plans for erf 43996 but the ground on the opposite side was fenced andalready zoned for education by theprovince.

Jansen agreedtomeet with the school’s CEO and to get clarityfrom City officials on when the application was receivedand why ward representatives had notbeen consulted earlier.

COUNCILLOR REPRIMANDS

Nominations openfor your localheroes

Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (Mura) willhostits CommunityService Awards Ceremonyon Friday30October and is calling fornominations. TheBlack Tieevent willbeheldatWestend Primary. Localbands wanting to take part and possiblesponsors areasked to contactthe organisers.

CITY OFFICIALSFOR LACK OF CONSULTATION OVER LAND

APPLICATION FOR CONTESTED GROUND

SCHOOLSEEKSSTRANDFONTEINFOOTPRINT

Christel HouseSouth Africa is anonprofit organisation, which awards no-fee scholarships to students from some of Cape Town’s poorest neighbourhoods and supports them for 19 years (from Grade RR to 12 and five years post-matric) through character-based andcareer-focused education. It caters to children from marginalised communities andprovides transport and full support to learners.

COUNCILLORDEMANDSPROPERCONSULTATION

At the March meeting Jansen said that he hadmet with theschool andnow understood thatthere were legalities preventingthe use of the fenced erf. He saidhewas still investigating the legalities, but if they could notberesolved he would reluctantly endorse the school’s bid forerf 43996.

“It’s bittersweet because who doesn’t want awonderful school likeChristel House?Idogive my principal support,but Istill have afew otherthings that Ineed to sortout first before Igive my 100% support.”

However, Jansen, who is also the councillor for Ward43, expressed his frustration thatthe application had proceeded withoutproperconsultations.

“You cannot continue. you had to engage me first,” Jansen told the official at themeeting.

PROVINCIALALTERNATIVEEXPLORED

Jansen askedfor timetoengage with theprovincial education department and provincial ministers about potentially using theprovincial land.

TheCity officials handling the application acknowledged the consultation gap andagreed to consider engaging ward councillors earlierwhen such applications arereceived.

Theapplication is continuing to circulate among various city departments for commentsand potentialobjections as part of the standard approval process.

However, officials have agreed to wait for theward councillor’s feedback before proceeding further with the Strandfontein proposal.

Theproposedschool would serve underprivileged learners, addressing the identified shortage of highschool facilities in theStrandfontein community.

TygerBurger reached outtoJansen last week andasked about the outcome of his engagement

He said: “I am still engaging to get the best outcome thatwill be awin-win for theresidents of Strandfontein. Ihave a scheduled follow up meeting with Christel House.”

Muraisalsocalling on residents to nominate deservingcommunitymembers to receiveservice awards.

. If youwould like to nominatesomeone, donateorneedmoreinformation,contact Norman Jantjes on 083628 4421

Vendor applications openfor FreedomDay

Applications are now open for vendors wishing to take partinthe Mitchells Plain Freedom Day celebration, scheduled for Monday 27 April.

Theevent will take place from 09:00 to 17:00 at Lentegeur SportsFacility on Morgenster Avenue in Lentegeur.A commemorative walk will beginatthe corner of Imperial Street and AZ Berman Drive, proceeding towards the sports facility.

Thecelebration marks aspecial milestone as Mitchells Plainturns 50, making thisyear’sFreedom Day particularly significant for the community. Vendor applications opened on Sunday 6 April and will close today, Wednesday 15 April.

. Interested applicants canget theapplication form online at https://bit.ly/4cQPgQG.For enquiriesregarding vendor applications, contact Mikayla BarnesatMikayla.Barnes@capetown. gov.za or telephone021 444 9013.Alternatively, contact Songezo BatiatSongezo.Bati@ capetown.gov.zaor021 444 9676

LearnersvisitNorvalArtMuseum

The Mark Jeneker Foundation recently organised an educational trip to the Norval Foundation Art Museum in Tokai for childrenfrom Mitchells Plain, as partofits ongoing community-art programme

Theexcursion, which took place on 7April, brought learners from16local schoolstogether for what Jeneker described as an enriching cultural experience

Learners that attended were fromthe foundation-art classes at various schools and venues in Mitchells Plain, including YMCA Saturday classes, Portland

Primary, Hazeldene Primary, Lantana Primary, Spineview Primary, Oval North High,Agape, Mitchells PlainPrimary, WestEnd Primary, Tafelsig Primary, Huguenot Primary, Glendale High, Merrydale Primary, Summerdale High, MandalayPrimary, Princeton High and Mondale High schools.

Jeneker said the foundation hadbeen particularly active during the school holidays,runningart holiday programmes at various locations. Speaking about theinitiative,hesaid the foundation’s work is driven by thebelief that “art changes lives” and aims to provide

The

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

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