Babyfoo
Baby food manufacturers are widely violating South Africanhealth regulationsdesigned to protect breastfeeding and prevent misleading marketing to parents, according to new research from the University of the Western Cape.
The study, conducted by dietician and researcher Aneeqah Latief, examined 266 babyfood products in Cape Town supermarkets and found significant noncompliance with Regulation 991 (R991) of 2012 —anational health regulation that restricts aggressive advertising and promotion of infant formula, cereals and juices.
Latief’s research revealed that many products featured front-of-pack marketing specifically designed to attract parents, including healthclaims,catchy phrases, expert endorsements anddigital linksto manufacturers. Some products boasted claims such as “reduced sweetness contains iron”, “no added starch”, “no addedsalt/sugar, no preservatives”, “gluten-free”, and “organic”.
The findings come as South Africa grapples with one of the world’s lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates. Just 22% of mothers breastfed exclusively in2024, far below the World HealthOrganisation target of 50%bylast year.
CROSS-PROMOTIONCONFUSION
The study found widespread “cross promotion”,with over 80% ofproducts sharing identical labels, making it difficult for parents to distinguish between formula, follow-up milk and complementary foods.” Clearlabelling is vital as South Africa faces growing malnutrition and obesity challenges,” Latief said.
Paediatricjuices showed the highest
Beachdaysfor wagging tails
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha recently announced "Wags and Waves", monthly beachoutings where the public is invited to walk, playand socialise with shelter dogs in need of homes.
The initiativeaddresses two community needssimultaneously: providing enrichment forshelter animals while offering pet interaction opportunities for people who cannot own animals due to living circumstances or thosesimply seeking companionship.
"The events are very beneficial for the dogs as it allows themtimeout oftheir shelter kennels and good stimulation," explained Marcelle du Plessis, spokespersonatMdzananda."They also get more human contactwhich helpsthem feel loved."’
The shelter's first beach day tookplace at Fish Hoek Beachrecently, with volunteers and dog lovers spending the morning with the animals. The next eventisscheduled for Saturday 21 March at Milnerton Beach, running from 10:00to13:00.
For manyresidents, theprogramme offers aunique solution to pet loneliness. With apartment living and rental restrictions often preventing pet ownership, Wags and Waves providesan opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction without the long-term commitment. . Contact info@mdzananda.co.zafor more information.
Volunteers walking with shelterdogsonthe beach
FROMPAGE1
According to one resident, since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequent lockdown, operations at the train station hasnot been the same.
Trains no longer stop here, brick paving on platforms have been removed, copper cables have been stolen, while bathroom buildings and other infrastructurehave beendamaged and vandalised. Vagrants have also set up camp directly opposite the once busy train station.
NO‘ACTIVEVANDALISMINCIDENTS’
Prasasaid it is aware of the situation, but added that thereare currently no “active vandalism incidents” reportedin the area. They said the damage observed at the station dates backseveral years, primarily during the Covid-19 period and the subsequent phase when the region experienced limited on-site security presence following the termination of security contracts in line with the public protector’srecommendations
Despite this, residents are fed-up with their non-operational train station. In September last year thelocal Parow NorthRatepayers Association wrote to Prasa andRaymond Maseko, group regional manager,outlining their concerns over the continuedclosureand deterioration of the train station. The station has remained non-operational since 2020, and its prolongedinactivityis having asignificant negative impacton resident’s safety and qualityoflife, the association wrote.
The absence of active railservices has resulted in increased vandalism, theftand other criminal activities in and around the station. Armed robberies havebeen reported in the vicinity, heightening fears among commuters and residents,the letter reads. The location has also become agathering point for the homeless, which hascreatedadditional socialchallenges that their community must regularly navigate, it continues.
The association said, beyond compromising safety, the station’sclosure removesanessential public transport link.Re-establishing rail serviceswould not only restore convenientcommuting options, but alsodeterthe illicit activities that thrive there, the letterreads.
Their sentiments were echoed by Roger Cannon, Ward 2councillor. Cannon confirmed the extent of the damage and saidsince 2020 there have been attempts to removethe camp set up by vagrants in the area.
He saidthat the City of Cape Town’s Displaced Persons Unit (DPU), metro police and law enforcement regularly clears the area, but thatthe vagrants return soon afterwards.
Prasa Western Cape said they are aware of thegrievances.
“We are aware of community concerns regarding the deterioration of specific facilitiesand acknowledge that residents have lodged complaints. Community feedback forms part of ourongoing corridorassessments andrecovery planning.Engagements with relevant stakeholders continue as we prioritise areas based on operational readiness, available fundingand security risk mitigation,” said Zino Mihi, spokesperson.
Prasa confirmedthatrail operations between Cape Town andBellville are currently provided primarily via the main line corridor. The main line servicesSalt River, Maitland, Goodwood, Tygerberg andParow. Itssaid thesectionofthe line servicing stations suchasDeGrendel, Monte Vista, Avondale,Oosterzee and Century City forms part of thebroader central line recovery programme.
“Due toextensive vandalism, theft of criticalrailinfrastructure andsafety concerns experienced over aprolonged period, trains are presently notstopping at DeGrendel and Avondale stations. The damage hasincluded theft of copper cables,destruction of ablutionfacilities, vandalising of buildings andillegal
occupation within andaround station precincts, all of whichhaverendered safe passengeroperations unsustainable at this stage,” said Mihi.
INSTRASTRUCTUREPROTECTION
Prasasaid it notes with concern thecontinued challenges relating to vandalism andillegal encampments in certain rail reserves.
“Infrastructure protection remains apriority andwecontinue to work in coordination with law enforcement agencies andother spheres of government to addresscriminalityaffecting rail assets. However, issues relating to unlawful occupation and vagrancy within municipal jurisdictions require acoordinated, multi-stakeholder interventionbeyond PrasaWestern Cape’s areas of responsibilities.”
Mihi said at present, the area is
supported through contracted security deployments, comprising two security officers assigned to day shiftsand two to night shifts, as part of ongoing infrastructure protection measures. Theresidents association requeststhat Prasa provide them with an outline of the approval recovery or rehabilitation plan for the De Grendel Train Station, arealistic timeline for each phase of the restoration process, including projected reopening and interim safetyor maintenance measures Prasa intends to implement to protect the precinct until full operations resume.
Prasa said it remains committed to restoring safe, reliable and dignified rail services across the province and that updates regarding infrastructure recovery and service reinstatement will be communicated as implementation milestones are achieved.
Cables have beenstolenfromelectrical poles on theplatform.
CentrecelebratesWorldHearingDay
Asthe world marked World Hearing Day on Tuesday 3March,the Carel du Toit CentreinParow saidthis year it is celebrating more than just awareness. For the centre’s learners andtheir families, the dayisa celebration of possibility, perseverance, and the power of early intervention.
CARELDUTOIT CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESSSTORIES AND ‘MIRACLES’
Every child at thecentre, whichis located on the grounds of Tygerberg Hospital,has ahearing loss or is deaf.
In astatementissued on Mondaythis week,the centre said throughearly identification,consistent use of hearing technologyand theLearning andSpoken Language approach,children at the centre aretaughttolisten andspeak.
Forfamilies, the moment ababy hears their mother’s voicefor the first time, abird singing or even the sound of a passing carisnothingshort of amiracle, the centre said.
EARLYDIAGNOSISLEADSTOINTERVENTION
One of themiracle stories is that of five-year-old Zay-Lee Adams. Thecentre shared her inspiringstory, explainingZayLee’s journeythus far.
Born with permanent hearing loss in bothears, Zay-Lee’sjourney began at just three months old when aclinic follow-up appointment revealed that she was not responding to sound.
After being referred to Red Cross War MemorialChildren’sHospital, she was diagnosed at five months andfitted with hearing aids amonth later.
Fromthat point forward, her path towards sound and speechtruly began, the centre said.
Hermother, Shihaam, recalls the diagnosisasshocking yet clarifying.
With both parents experiencing hearing loss themselvesand afamily history of hearing loss on herfather, Zane’s,side, the news soon turnedintodetermination.
Zanecommunicatesusingbothsign languageand spoken language, whilst
Shihaam uses signlanguageasher primary mode of communication.
COMMUNICATIONCHALLENGESOVERCOME
Initially, communication presented challenges, the centre said.
After receivingher hearing aids, Zay-Lee wasreferred to the Carel du Toit Children Hear andTalk (CHAT) Centre, apartner organisation that provides specialised early intervention support to families of children with hearing loss.
Through structured guidance, practical strategiesand unwavering encouragement, thefamily learnt howtoturneveryday interactions into powerful languagebuildingopportunities, the statement reads
As Zay-Leedeveloped spoken language, shenaturally gravitated towards communicatingverbally, oftenrelying on her father to interpret between herself and her mother.
This created an emotional barrier between mother anddaughter.Yet Shihaam remainedsteadfast. Through ongoingsessions andfamily-centred support, thatbarrier was gradually dismantled.
BREAKTHROUGHBRINGSFAMILYTOGETHER
Today, at five years old, Zay-Lee confidently communicates using both spoken language andsign language.
Shenow sharesconversations directly with her mother, no interpreter needed. What once felt like distance has transformed into connection.
“She is my gift from God,” said Shihaam.
“Without thesupport we received, Ido
Zay-LeeAdamsasababyundergoing ahearing test at thetime
not believe Zay-Lee would have reached the level of spoken language she has today.”
World Hearing Day serves as aglobal reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention in hearing loss.
At Carel du Toit Centre, it is also a celebration of resilience, partnershipand the extraordinary journeysthat beginwith asingle sound.
Zay-LeeAdams (5)
Vermaak // Entertainment
. Beyond Breath, 'n galakonsert,vind op Woensdag4Maart in dieEndler-saal in Stellenbosch plaas. Gareth McLearnon (Ierse fluitspeler), Cobus du Toit en Nina Schumann (pianis) tree saam met’nprofessionelefluitensembleop. Dieprogram sluit diepremière van’nnuwefluittrio deur diegevierde komponisHendrik Hofmeyrin. Kaartjies by Webtickets.
. Meraki DanceFestival runs at Artscape untilSaturday7 March. Ticketsat Webtickets
. Juan Boucher is op Woensdag4 Maartom20:00 by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville.Kaartjies kosvanafR185 by Quicket
. JonathanRoxmouth's Keychange runs at Theatreonthe Bayfrom4 to 28 March. Eveningsat20:00 and Saturdays also at 15:00.Ticketsat Webtickets.
. Nataniël bring sy nuwevertoning Sooibrand vanDonderdag5tot Sondag 8Maart na dieDrostdy-teaterinStellenbosch. Krykaartjies by Webtickets.
. TheKingdom of Ubuntu –The MusicalinConcert is at Artscape on Friday6 and Saturday7 March at 19:30.Tickets R150 to R300 at Webtickets.
. Die country-groepWest komtree op Saterdag 7Maart om 19:00 in die Kraaifontein-stadsaal op.Kaartjies kos vanaf R190 by Open Tickets.
. MatthewMole is at the Kirstenbosch
at 17:15.Ticketsare R360 or R255 (age 6-21). Book at Webtickets.
. Mark Haze:Masters of Rock is at KapstadtBrauhaus BloubergonThursday 12 March at 20:00.TicketsfromR200 at Quicket
. Die Piesangskille is op Vrydag 13 Maart om 20:00 by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville.Kaartjies kosvanafR200 by Quicket
. Skemerkonsertmet Appel is op Vrydag 13 Maart om 19:00 by die Kenridge-gemeenteseMaastricht-kuierfees op dieMaastricht-wynplaas. Die hekkemaakom17:00 oop. Kaartjies kosR250byQuicket
. Lutesong Consortbied Cupid’s Arrow –LoveSongs from the 17th Century op Vrydag 13 Maart om 19:00 in die Endler-saalinStellenbosch aan. Die programondersoekliefdesevreugdes en pyndeurdie duette vanMonteverdi, Strozzi,Sances, Kapsperger, Merula en Frescobaldi—gesing deur diemezzo-soprano's LenteLouw en LusibalwethuSesanti.
. Dracula presented by Cape Town City Ballet runs at the Artscape Theatre from 13 to 29 March. TicketsfromR200 to R400atWebtickets.
An Iliad starring Alan Committieruns at the Baxter currently until14March. In thisstage work,a single Poet and alivemusician (the Muse) summon the Trojan War. TicketsfromR220at
Kommentaar // Comments
THINKING OUTLOUD
We must rebuild safer communities forchildren
Ilook at young people todayand Icannot helpbut feel slightly sorry for them
Iamaproud millennial. Partofthe last generation to experience achildhood balanced between freedom and technology, between scraped knees and dial-up internet, between real-worldadventure andthe digital revolution that was still finding its feet
We were the bridgegeneration.
We knew life before the internet —and we witnessed its arrival.
We remember when boredom sparked creativity,not scrolling. When the streetlights flicking on at dusk wereour only curfew.
You would play in the roaduntil the sky turned orange, too scared to run homefor supperbecause once you stepped inside, that was it, you were in for the night.
We were scolded, but tomorrow, after school, it was the same case scenario.
There were no WhatsApp groups arranging playdates, no location sharing, no TikTok trends dictating how to have fun.
walking to the shop, heading to school, playing in their own backyard.
The very spacesthatoncedefined childhood freedomhave become sources of anxiety. Where we once worried about being shoutedatfor cominghome late, today’sparents worry aboutwhether their children will come home at all.
Thisisnot nostalgia speaking; it is grief for whathas been lost.
We oftenhear debates aboutgenerational resilience, aboutwhether millennials were tougher, or whether today’s youth are moreaware, more emotionally intelligent, moredigitally-skilled.
Perhaps every generationromanticises itsown upbringing. But what cannot be romanticised is safety.
Freedomrequires safety. Community requiressafety. Childhood requires safety. Andhere lies theuncomfortable truth: we are failingto prioritise it.
CHILDRENTODAYARE NOTWEAKER;THEYARE CONSTRAINED
There were bicycles, cricket in the street, hide-and-seek, and the unquestioned assumption thatoutside waswhere childhood belonged.
If we were insidethe housefor too long our parents would demand we play outside.
Children today will sadly never know that version of freedom.
The internet is not the villain. It has brought innovation, connection and opportunity. But it has also replaced something irreplaceable: unstructured, unsupervised, real-world play.
Today’schildren are growing up in a world where entertainment isstreamed, friendships are curated online, andsilence is filled by ascreen.
Their memories willbecloud-backed,not grass-stained
Theshift indoors is not only cultural, it is driven by fear. Crime has become so prevalent that many parents cannot allow their children to roam freely.
For too many families, tragedy has struck during themost ordinary routines:
Billions are spent on state entitiesplagued by mismanagement and inefficiency,while neighbourhood parks decay and community sports facilities remain underdeveloped or unsafe. Instead of investingmeaningfully in secure public spacesinwell-lit fields, maintained playgrounds, accessible after-school sport programmes funds are toooften mismanaged.
We speakabout youth empowerment while neglectingthe environments that allowyoungpeople to grow confidently andsocially.
Millennials grewupoutdoors not becausewewere braver, but because the world around us felt more accessible Children today are notweaker; they are constrained. The tragedyisnot thatthey will never know life before theinternet. It is that they maynever knowlife beyond their front gates. If we careabout the next generation,the goal should notbeto recreatethe 90s, but to build safe spaces where children can rediscoverfreedom, where parents can exhale, where play can spill intostreets, andwhere childhood is notdefined by fear.
-KAYLYNNE BANTOM
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