Teacherwinsnationalmathsaward
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
For Waldilene Folding, teaching maths is about more than just getting learners to understand numbers, it's about exposing them to a world beyond their limited experience
“I want to show them that maths exists everywhere in the community and outside of the class,” the teacher from Summerdale High School in Lentegeur said
ENTHUSIASMFORMATH
Folding (34) fosters this mental shift by including her learners in olympiads, competitions and extra curricular maths and science-related activities
They’ve also taken part in a recycling indaba and water testing excursion
“That was for both science and maths,” Folding said R tl th l l t k
p U m F f
part of at the school AWARD
And, it earned her a second place in Excellence in Mathematics at the National Teaching Awards competition
last month The awards recognise exceptional teachers in the country It was launched in 2000 and this year was its 25th anniversary The competition is tough with
teachers needing to meet strict criteria before they can be nominated, such as developing learners' interest in math, creative use of resources, giving timely feedback and fostering high-level maths skills
FOSTERINGALOVEFORLEARNING
Modest about her win, Folding was more interested in talking about her learners and how the interventions have fostered a love and excitement for learning
“It’s so important, or the only thing they will see is poverty and crime in their communities,” she said
Folding also lives this creed and is currently studying to improve her qualification
Her current qualification only equips her to teach up to Grade 9 When she finished her current studies she will be able to teach Grades 10 and 11 too
And, her win has also inspired the learners
“The learners were very proud,” she said
“For the learners it was something major
“They felt a sense of achievement as well ”
FROMPAGE1
“Mitchell’s Plain turns 50 in 2026 and we will celebrate our diversity as a community where I believe we have more to give as a community,” Philander said in his address
“Daily we are painted as a gangster community, but the reality is, we are resilient Out of this community we have great artists, great professionals, rich cultures – die Klopse, die klein Macca great sportsmen and women, a volunteer spirit in neighbourhood watches and NGOs, across Mitchell’s Plain The Mitchell’s Plain Music School is here in Mitchell’s Plain, we have a garden, and many rich in culture projects So let us celebrate ”
Philander also commended the various churches who have held several anti-gang prayer walks
“Community was in action in the powerful prayer of the local community who united against gang violence When the church unites – they walked the streets and they were praying for Mitchel’s Plain in their numbers we want to support these initiatives and encourage them to go to all the areas of Mitchell’s Plain, because we have very many churches and mosques ”
Philander also commended schools in Beacon Valley and Lentegeur for opening wellness hubs
“We’ve heard of many children who want to commit suicide We’ve also heard about young people on substances, so the mental health of our youth is becoming concerning I commend the initiative by Beacon Hill and Lentegeur High to establish wellness hubs, with the aim of supporting pupils’ emotional and social well-being ”
EPWPGOESDIGITAL
Sub-council 12 also hosted several public engagements last month, including an indigent grant programme on 16 September at the Eastridge Community Centre and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) outreach with the national department of public works
Philander said the Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, and representatives from the provincial government and the City of Cape Town took part in the “listening tour to reform EPWP”
“The minister highlighted that if we want to reform EPWP we need a competent state, a competent municipality, a competent government by making sure that what we are doing is fair and transparent, provides equal opportunities and creates access to better opportunities because it is not only about sweeping the street, but professional people and students also come through the ranks Neighbourhood watches also came up on the agenda Philander said there was a need to engage with neighbourhood watches on their roles and responsibilities He said the City issued equipment to neighbourhood watches, including vests and radios, and that an inventory of that equipment was needed
“If you are no longer a member of the neighbourhood watch then that needs to be transferred to the next one We don’t expect you to give your sweaters but if there is a torch or a radio or other valuable equipment, those should be transferred to the structure, and we have to make sure that our children, our neighbours, our friends and our husbands do not wear the jackets when they are not on duty because with the crime in Mitchell’s Plain itself, we find perpetrators wear these jackets and they steal, rob and shoot wearing those jackets and we need to eradicate that ”
TRAFFIC“PAIN”
The sub-council met with joy the news that the “traffic pain” caused by the MyCiti construction would soon be over
“The red road is about to be constructed in about six or seven months We can already see the fruits of that It is looking good,” Philander said Plaatjies, whose ward the construction has affected the most, quipped that the road should be named after him
“I hope they will rename that road after me after all the time that people have been swearing at me, for a road that I did not close on a project that was voted in before I became the councillor ”
Familiesfindfreshhope
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
They had gone grudgingly at first
Some had even been insulted at the invitation but by the end of the eight-week Family Strengthening Programme, all the participants agreed that they had been enriched by it
The programme, which is run by the department of community, arts and cultural development – a department formerly known as social development – was done at three regional sites in Cape Town over the last few months, Steenberg, Gugulethu and Mitchell’s Plain
PARTICIPANTS WERE NOMINATED BY THEIR CHILD’S SCHOOLS
In Mitchell’s Plain it was held at Cascade Primary School in Tafelsig on Thursday afternoons
The final session was held last week and the participants celebrated with a graduation on Saturday 27 September A total of 17 families took part in the programme
One participant said she almost walked out on the first day
“Ek het gedink, ‘Is die nou die stoute kinders’?”
Another mother was invited to the course by Ward councillor Washiela Harris who hosted the programme in partnership with the department
The mother admits to going begrudgingly at first but then came back willingly every week afterwards because she enjoyed it
Most of the people who took part had been nominated by the schools their children attended In some cases it was because the children had disruptive behaviour
“They were referred here and we will make further referrals,” said parent facilitator Natasja Solomon “Two people will be referred to Matrix and one to Mosaic ”
Matrix is the City’s out-patient based substance abuse clinic network and Mosaic is an nongovernmental organisation
working to prevent gender-based violence
“Basically, people have asked for help,” Solomon said FEEDBACK
Among the people in the group who gave feedback, a few mentioned the desire to change and some of the children also noted positive changes they had seen in their parent
One child said: “My grandma stopped skelling ”
Another said: “I learned about manners and how to behave ”
One mom looked sheepish after her son said: “I’m glad my mommy stopped swearing ” The parents also mentioned that they had learned to communicate more positively with their children
One mom said she had played games with her child for the first time during the programme “I never knew I needed to play with my child,” she said Others also had notable first experiences
One mother praised the picnic experience saying she’d never gone out with her children as a family and another said that she’d been moved when her son had told her that he loved her “Niemand sê dit vir my nie, ” she said Solomon said the programme is targeted at families with children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old and the next one will be held in Washington Drive Primary School in Colorado Park
Strandfontein police,ward councillors,neighbourhood watches and the CPF met ward 43’s neighbourhood safety officers on Tuesday 23 September Strandfontein
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
gets safety boost
Community crime fighters and police have met the news that they would be getting five dedicated neighbourhood safety officers (NSO) with enthusiasm and welcome
Several wards have already had meetings with the officers, who arrived officially last week, and have taken them on walkabouts to show them the hotspots
Last Tuesday, 23 September, Strandfontein Community Policing Forum chair Sandy Schuter arranged a meet and greet with the NSOs, the neighourhood watches and police
Schuter said the station’s plan was to include them in the weekly crime meetings and mass patrols, over and above their regular patrols
The Bayview Neighbourhood Watch has also made their premises available as an office point where they can take breaks, organise themselves and take care of administration
“Can you imagine what we can do with five extra officers?” she said
Schuter said Ward 43 was very broad and diverse It encompassed Strandfontein, Schaapkraal and parts of Philippi, an area which had 17 informal settlements
BOOTSONTHEGROUND
Schuter said two new police officers had also started at the station, which brings the total number of new boots on the ground in the area to seven
“Just in time for the festive season,” she said
Schuter encouraged residents to welcome the officers if they saw them patrolling
“If you see them, stop and chat to them What the community wants is visibility,” she said
“Visibilty is what reduces crime ”
She said that when the community had a close working relationship with police, it strengthened police intelligence which also impacted crime
“Many people see this as a publicity thing but me, I’m happy, because our community needs this,” she said
A parent and child play Jenga during the games session of the Family Strengthening Programme
Hoekom lol met iets wat werk?
Hoekom is dit so dat mense iets wil verander wat regtig goed gewerk het? Is verandering dan nie juis daar om iets beter te maak nie dus, goed wat nie reg werk nie, te verander sodat dit beter werk?
As die toepassing op jou foon om jou gimnasium se oefenklasse te bespreek regtig baie goed gewerk het, wie is daardie persoon wat dink dis nou 'n bak gedagte om dit te verander? Pleks die persoon 'n ware verbetering doen en die font groter maak dat 'n mens jou klas sonder 'n vergrootglas kan bespreek, of dat jy ten minste kan inzoom as jy nie die mikroskopiese lettertjies kan sien nie Hoekom skuif supermarkte gedurig hul goed rond? Al rede daarvoor is, dink ek, dat hulle hoop jy soek so naarstiglik rond in al wat n gangetjie is dat jy só al meer winskope raaksien en koop
Maar die teenoorgestelde is in my geval waar Dit frustreer net die dinges uit my uit dat die meel nou gepak is op die rak waar ek gewoond was die eiers was So is ek gister sonder die soppakkies wat ek wou koop by die winkel uit nadat ek op en af tussen die rakke gestap het op soek daarna Ek sal dit maar elders koop, waar ek weet waar op die rak dit te vinde is
BEENLIGTEENLAMPPAAL
Daar is mos die grappie dat as iets verander, dit waarskynlik 'n nuwe besem is wat aangestel is en hy nou soos 'n hond sy been teen die lamppaal lig om sy merk te laat Natuurlik is daar vernuwing, of moet ek liewer sê verandering, wat rewolusionêr was Dink maar net aan die wiel Hoewel, dit my dronk slaan dat enigeen ooit kon dink n vierkantige wiel is hoegenaamd prakties
.. ...METELKENUWEBESEMISDAARNUWEDINGE ..
Die uitdink van die gloeilamp was natuurlik aardskuddend, maar ook glad nie so briljant in die lang termyn nie Thomas Edison sal in sy graf omdraai as hy moet weet al wat 'n gloeilamp is, is al met 'n LED-lamp vervang - ten minste in Suid-Afrika, waar elektrisiteit 'n duur kommoditeit is Tot op 'n dag dat iemand "ontdek" die boks by Woolworths vir al die gebruikte LED-lampe is vol, en wat maak ons nou met al die gebruikte LED-lampies? Tyd vir 'n nuwe blink gedagte?
UITDIEOUDEDOOS
So, was dit nou eintlik slim om die gloeilamp te ontdek? Nee Motors wat petrol of diesel gebruik? Nee Selfone? Tablette in skole? Ouers staan tou om hul kinders in te skryf by skole waar daar net op tablette gewerk word kinders van die toekoms, glo hulle Maar, lees ek, in Denemarke, wat ons seker so 20 jaar vooruit is, is selfone en persoonlike tablette sedert verlede jaar uit skole verban laer- én hoërskole Wat weet Denemarke wat ons in Suid-Afrika nog moet leer? Dalk dat alle veranderings nie altyd vooruitgang is nie
Die jonger geslag dink natuurlik als van dáárdie jare is uit die oude doos, dat als wat nuut is, beter is Maar, as 'n mens al amper 30 jaar by een maatskappy werk, sien jy dit veral met elke nuwe besem verander dinge en hoe dit gedoen word, tot jy eintlik nie meer weet of jy kom of gaan nie Net sodat dit ná 'n paar jaar weer verander na iets amper soos dit was voor dit verander het
As jy lank genoeg soos 'n reier in die malende stroom van verandering in die poel staan en kyk na die gedruis hier om jou pote, besef jy dat dit eintlik maar net dieselfde water is niks verander werklik nie
Waarom dan lol met iets wat werk?
-ESMÉERASMUS
LEWENSKIEKIE
WAT‘N UITSIG! Alles lyk net soveel beter hier van bo af,skryf‘n Bellville-leser wat onlangs‘n duif se ruskans vanaf sy woonstel op die sesde verdieping afgeneem het “‘n Pragtige voël wat die mooi uitsig geniet Wonder wat deur hierdie voël se gedagtes gaan?” FOTO: ARCHIBALD MAREE
BRIEWE|LETTERS
Call on Kuils River business community to step up
A quiet concern is growing among community leaders and parents in Kuils River: a noticeable lack of structured activities and positive outlets for the area’s youth
This observation points to a deeper issue of youth inactivity, which community advocates warn is a fertile ground for increased crime, antisocial behaviour, and long-term social challenges
On any given afternoon groups of young people can be seen with nowhere to go and little to do While not inherently problematic, this idleness, experts say, creates a vacuum that can easily be filled by negative influences
When young people are disengaged, without positive channels for their energy and creativity, they become vulnerable Boredom can quickly turn into mischief, petty crime, or worse, as they seek belonging and excitement elsewhere We are seeing the early signs of this and it is a cycle we must break
The dangers extend beyond crime Inactivity contributes to poor physical health, mental health struggles like depression and anxiety, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future The result is not only a threat to the safety of the community but also a tragic waste of potential talent and ambition
Whose responsibility is it to address this?
While local government and non-profit organisations strive to make an impact, their resources are stretched thin There is a growing consensus that a crucial partner is missing from the equation: local business
Businesses in Kuils River can no longer afford to focus solely on their bottom line while the community around them faces a dire need The health of a business is intrinsically tied to the health of its community A community plagued by crime, hostility,
Spoil grandma and grandpa
The International Day of Older People is observed on 1 October each year On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna international Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly The holiday was observed for the first time on 1 October 1991 In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted The Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages
The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021 Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17% In societies with aging populations, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities
The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual's inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside Supportive environments such as family friends churches and local government play a pivotal role in assisting older persons to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age
Older Persons Week is celebrated from 26 September to 2 October this year
Spoil grandpa and grandma by visiting or phone them If they stay far away video chat with them But what about an “appreciation day”? Celebrate by having dinner together Maybe you can show them something new on the cellphone Most important, tell them regularly that you love them and pray for them every day
ALBIN BOWLER, Email
‘n
Ope brief aan die Stad Kaapstad
and a disengaged youth is bad for business It can deter customers make it difficult to attract and retain employees, and create an environment of instability that stifles economic growth
The notion of corporate social responsibility must move from being a peripheral PR exercise to a core business strategy We are not asking for handouts We are asking for partnership We need businesses to come on board and be genuine partners in community development
This partnership can take many forms: sponsoring local sports teams funding after-school art and music programmes, offering their premises for workshops, providing mentors, or creating dedicated internship and learnership opportunities for school-leavers The investment needed is not solely financial; expertise, time, and infrastructure are equally valuable
The long-term payoff of such investment is immense By helping to create a network of youth centres, sports leagues, and skills-development workshops to mention just a few, local businesses would be investing in a future generation of employees, customers, and community leaders They would help foster a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and pride, directly countering the allure of crime and antisocial behaviour
Transforming Kuils River from a potential hotspot of youth discontent into a hub of opportunity requires a collective effort
The youth need guidance and outlets, the community needs safety and hope Local businesses have a unique power and resources to help provide both The time for waiting is over The call is for Kuils River’s business community to step up and become the architects of a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all FEZEKILE COTANI, Soneike, Kuils River
Toe kry ons dit ‘n ruk gelede op nasionale radio sommer so reg uit die perd se bek Sonder om te blik of te bloos Die pot goud is net hier waar ons Kapenaars woon, reg onder die punt van die reënboog Kaapstad is mos die stad in die land waarheen elke Jan Rap en sy maat sonder werk en inkomste kan stroom om daar te gaan plak, te vermeerder en gratis dienste van die stadsraad kry Hier is mos baie ryk mense wat belas kan word om hiervoor voorsiening te maak deur ekstra fooie te betaal
Sonder om te blik of te bloos word daar ook aangekondig dat daar selfs van die ander provinsies is wat baat sal vind hierby Bid jou aan! Dit is dus nie n klein ou potjie goud waarvan ons hier praat nie; dit moet ‘n baie groot pot goud wees wat net meer en meer mense na die Kaap lok - werklose mense wat niks tot die ekonomie bydra nie
Ons word nou selfs belas om skoonmaakaksies te befonds Net asof die inwoners in die woonbuurt waar ons woon die strate en parke bemors Neem kennis dat ons self die rommel optel wat mense, wat verbyloop, in ons tuine gooi Die vraag is: hoe gaan mense wat hul eie omgewing so bemors dat ‘n mens nie eens daar verby wil ry nie, ooit leer om hul omgewing skoon te hou indien ander voortdurend vir die opruiming moet betaal?
Al gehoor van die groep kinders wat met lekkergoed beloon is nadat hulle ‘n skoonmaak- en opruimingsaksie uitgevoer het? Ja, u raai korrek Die lekkergoedpapiertjies is oombliklik weer op dieselfde terrein laat val!
Baie van ons het deur ons loopbane ekstra geldjies gebruik om ons woninigs te verbeter en om die waarde daarvan op te stoot
Kondig datums vir skoonmaakdae af waarop mense self hul eie bemorste omgewings skoon moet maak Verskaf slegs die vragmotors waarmee die vulles weggery kan word Dit werk in ander Afrikalande noord van ons waar daar ‘n wil is om tussen die semels uit te kom In dié dele waar dit hier nie werk nie, was julle hande in onskuld en laat hulle voortploeter BELASTINGVOOS, E-pos
Youthtobattleforglory
AVRILFILLIES
Atotal of 20 u-16 boys and 16 u-18 girls teams will participate in the annual Gavin Manuel Schools Legacy Cup from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 October at the Rocklands Sports Field For the u-16 boys it is the eighth year and the second year for the girls. Manyano High is the defending girls champions, while Plumstead will try to be the first school to defend their title two years in a row
The draw was held on Tuesday 17 September at Mondale High in Mitchell's Plain and the inaugural tournament was held in 2016 No tournament was held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic
A total of seven different winners have won the boys competition since its inception
LEGACY
"Gavin Manuel passed on on 6 October 2015 and attended St Columbus High in Athlone before he completed his tertiary education at UWC and his honours degree at Stellenbosch University He taught at
Zeekoevlei High, Strandfontein High and was the principal at Cloetesville High before he went to teach at Abu Dhabi English School and Premier College in Athlone," says Sean Campbell, tournament director
In soccer circles he was well-know as a referee at Alliance FC, formerly known as Stephanians, the Federation Professional League, and the SA Senior Schools Sports Association (SASSSA) He not only coached soccer at schools, but also the WP Senior Schools Sports Union, but clubs such as Sea Point Swifts and Peninsula
DRIVINGFORCE
"He was part of the management of Hellenic Professional FC Youth Academy and Santos Professional FC Youth Academy
“As an administrator he was involved, not only in soccer at WPSSSU and SASSSA), but also in athletics at the same
bodies and the baseball team of WPSSSU
As a referee he represented the Federation Professional League Cape Town," says his friend, Nigel Crowie, organiser of the tournament
Manuel was the driving force of schools football in the 80s under WPSSSU and SASSSA Together with Crowie they established the "September Tournament", a "World Cup" of High Schools in the Western Cape, which after a few years involved other schools nationally The Gavin Manuel Schools Legacy Cup mimics the September Tournament
PARTICIPANTS
Ocean View and Wynberg High are new entries in the girls' section Paramount and Strandfontein are new in both girls' and boys' sections, while Sphamandla is welcomed to the boys section
Previous winners in the boys competion are: Livingston (2016), Oval North (2017),
Portland (2018), Spine Road (2019), Windsor (2022) and Westridge (2023 and 2024)
A total of 16 girls teams and 20 boys teams are participating and the schools in the girls competition are: Beacon Hill, Glendale, Harry Gwala, Intlanganiso, Iqhayihy, Manyano, Muizenberg, Ocean View, Oval North, Paramount, Portland, Rocklands, Spine Road, Strandfontein, Wynberg and Zeekoevlei
The 20 boys teams are: Aloe, Beacon Hill, Glendale, Harry Gwala, Iqhayiya, Ocean View, Oval North, Mondale, Muizenberg, Paramount, Portland, Plumstead, Rocklands, Sphamandla, Spine Road, Strandfontein, Thembelihle, Westridge, Wynberg and Zeekoevlei
After seven successful tournaments at Rocklands High School, the tournament is moved to Rocklands Sports Field, where six fields can be utilised for the
event In both sections, the teams were