MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
“A vote for a smaller party is not a wasted vote,” says PMC leader Marius Fransman
The National elections are on the horizon, with 27.7 million registered voters heading for the polls.
After 30 years into the South African democracy people are dismayed at the empty promises and negative outcome of political parties.
With the emergence of new smaller parties voters will be spoiled for choice, the reality is that many remain undecided and may not vote.
With 52 registered parties on this years ballot paper, the list of choices may seem to be intimidating and overwhelming to many voters, resulting in a no-vote stance.
There has never been so many splits in the ANC-government since the coming of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The DA is not in the clear either. The DA vote has dwindled from 67 percent to 53 percent in the last National democratic elections.
The new kid on the block, People’s Movement for Change (PMC), led by Marius Fransman says, ‘we need new leaders.’
“We are committed to building a stronger, more equitable and prosperous South Africa for all.”
A snap survey with first time voters revealed many are undecided. Some say their vote is not going to make a difference.
A first time voter from Salt River, Mikaeel Jonkers (18) says: “I’m not sure who to vote for. There are too many parties to choose from.
“I’m not going to vote.”
Imam Shafiek Jacobs from Tenneson Street Mosque in Salt River urges residents not to vote for a political party who supports the Zionist-regime.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE reporter met up with a few political party members.. They had the following to say:
Al Jama-ah leader, Hon. Ganief Hendricks says: “We are committed to ethical governance and transparency.”
Joy Davids, from the GOOD says: “We must get the Democratic Alliance (DA) out.”
Nazier Paulsen from EFF says: “The EFF will implement practical steps to combat crime, unemployment and housing.
“We will train 100 000 police officers by December 2026.”
PAC’s Cassiem Khan says: “We stand by our people and will deliver. We ensure equality for all citizens.”
Khalid Sayed from the ANC says: “The ANC fully supports the people of Palestine. There is a positive shift towards the ANC due to their stance on Palestine.”
Hanief Loonat from NCC says: “The coloured people are being marginalised. We need to take back what belongs to us in the Western Cape.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters took a strong stand against the Patriotic Alliance rally at Athlone Stadium, claiming Patriotic Alliance ( PA) leader, Gayton Mackenzie is a supporter of the Israeli Zionist regime.
Pro-Palestinian activists converged outside the Athlone Stadium chanting, “free-free Palestine and Gayton must go”.
A Palestinian activist, Muniera Peters says: “I’m here in solidarity for my Palestinian brothers and sisters who are facing atrocities by the Isreali-government.
“PA’s leader, Gayton was funded millions by the Zionists to show-case his campaign.”
Imam Abduragmaan Abdul from Lavender Hill says: “People need to open their eyes and not side with any political parties who are being funded by Zionists.
“The Israeli-regime is committing war crimes.
“How can one still support a Party who is in cahoots with the Zionists.”
A PA supporter, Joane Peters from Piketberg says free bus transport was arranged to attend the rally.
“We were served sandwiches and got a free sweater.
“Gayton will give us a better life.”
Shariefa Job from the Good Party raised her concerns about the DA-led City’s service delivery, stating, “The majority of the drains in Salt River and Woodstock are clogged with dirt.”
Job says in most instances you find either missing drain covers or dirt filled drains.
She says blocked drains have a detrimental impact on our already overloaded sewerage system.
“The City must come clean-up the drains.
“It is an eyesore.”
“It’s only now when its election time when I see them cleaning the streets.
“After the elections you don’t see them.”
Sedick Soeker, Chairperson of the Woodstock Steering Committee says vagrants are using the drains as storing space.
” I once saw a man climbed inside a drain.”
In a recent statement, the City has called on residents to refrain from dumping objects in the sewer network
A Salt River resident, Gadija Phillips, whose home was recently ravaged by fire says she’s fed-up with the DA’s empty promises and will not be voting for them.
According to Phillips, the DA Councillor, Yusuf Mohamed told her he would assist her to get roof rafters and building material from the building contractors in Hopkins Street, Salt River and make funds available to make her home habitable.
“It’s been more than a month and nothing has come from it,” says Phillips.
“I’m fed-up with the DA’s empty promises.”
Phillips who resides with her 79-year-old mom says the fire ignited at her neighbours house after a candle fell during loadshedding.
“We don’t have money for repairs.
“We are already battling to get food on the table and now this.”
A disgruntled Phillips says further her neighbour, Ashraf is living with his girlfriend who are both on drugs.
“I can hear them ‘eart'(getting high) in the evenings.’
“They are both unemployed and ‘skarrel’ for a living.’
DA councillor, Yusuf Mohamed says he did not make any promises and is still awaiting feedback from the building contractors.
The Salt River Residents Association (SRRA) raised funds through donations appeals to assist the families of the fire damaged homes.
Warda Rahim, Chairperson of SRRA thanked all donors for their contributions in the time of need.
Couple celebrates 66-years of marital bliss
Mr Karriem and Gebeba Gabier’s love has stood the test of time.
Mr Karriem(89) and his wife, Gabeba Gabier(92) met in 1940’s and it was love at first sight.
He says: “The secret to a happy marriage is understanding and to have a lot of Sabr (patience).
“A happy wife means a happy life … she is always right.”
The couple has one son, 6 grand-children and 2 great-gran children.
Salt River Neigbhourhood Watch is in full swing to combat gangsterism and drugs.
Mustakim Salie from SR Neigbourwatch says his team is ready to rid the community from crime.
“We urge Salt River residents to join in our Safety Patrols.
“I also call on local businesses to support the community-driven inititiave.”
Col.Matroos from Woodstock SAPS says there is a spike in crime in the area.
“The Neigbourhood watch plays a vital role to help combat crime.
“They are our eyes and ears.”
Nizaam Dalwai, CPF Sector 3 chairperson says: “We have seen a spike in theft.
“In most cases it’s people from outside the community.
“There are too many vagrants roaming at night.”
Suleiman Apolles from Salt River Residents Association (SRRA) says drugs are a major issue in our community.
“We plan to make Salt River drug-free by 2030.”
Schotchekloof Walmers Rygby Club’ ‘Linge’, Ebraheem and Abubakr Davids are breaking new boundaries and silencing critics in the rugby world.
The ‘linge’ as they are commonly refer to by the Bo-Kaap rugby fraternity proves that resilience and determination can triumph over adversity.
SKW has bragging rights after winning the Super League B and progressing to Super League A.
SKW’s captain and flanker, Ebraheem Davids and his brother Abubakr in lock position both played in two National Club championships and the team were crowned Bowl Champions consecutively.
The past season the duo has been turning heads with a series of exceptional performances on the rugby field.
Their strategic moves, powerful tackles and precise kicks have silenced even the most sceptical critics.
In an exclusive interview with Ebraheem Davids he says: ” I’m focused on the game and the team’s success.
“I’ve always believe that actions speak louder than words.
“I don’t let anyone else define my limits.
“I’m here to play rugby and my performance on the field will speak for itself.”
Abubakr Davids remarked their goal for next season is to remain in the Super League A and come out tops.
“On the field I’m out to inspire others and to show that resilience and hard work can pave the way to success.”
The twins grew up in Bo-Kaap, a place where rugby is not just a sport but a way of life.
Coaches and team-mates alike have attested to their unparalleled work ethic, dedication to the game and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Faa-ieka Ryland, spokesperson for SKW says: “The ‘linge’ are an inspiration and trendsetters for our youth in rugby.”
The Tweede Nuwe Jaar working group has made a submission to the City to declare the slave route as a national cultural heritage route.
The application submission to declare the route as part of our national heritage will pave way for Minstrels, Malay and Christmas choirs to enjoy freedom of cultural expression and not under a DA -City rule.
The DA-City has in recent years renamed the Tweede Nuwe Jaaar, as Capetownians know it, to the Cape Carnival.
Sedick Soeker, member of the Tweede Nuwe Jaar committee says the cultural heritage groups contribute significantly to social cohesion through their annual parades and performances.
He says the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel street parades attract thousands of tourists form all over.
“Our cultural event is a mulit-million rand industry that the DA wants to control”
“The DA wants to dictate when we can celebrate ‘ou jaar aand’ and Tweede Nuwe Jaar.”
Soeker says: “Once the slave route has been gazetted by national government the Minstrel fraternity will be free from the DA-city control.”
Soeker says the term Tweede Nuwe Jaar dates back to the early 1800’s when the slaves were given the day off.
“It was on this day they joined and celebrated by marching through the streets and playing music.
“The slaves used to paint their faces black and mocked their owners and law-givers at the time.”
Patric Solomons of Molo Songololo, a child rights organisation says parents must keep a vigilant eye when it comes to social media apps.
A Woodstock resident claims her 13-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by a 44-year-old man.
She told PEOPLE’S CHOICE reporter the turn of events and says the stranger managed to get her daughters WhatsApp contact and posed as a teenager. The stranger then started stalking her.
According the the resident her sister and her 13-year-old were home at the time when they saw a strange man on their doorstep.
She said the stranger just came storming inside and headed straight to her daughter and started attacking her.
“Luckily my sister and I were at home to intervene and immediately called for help.
“I am so disgusted and outraged.”
She further says: ” My daughters behaviour has changed drastically after the incident.
“My daughter is currently under-going trauma counselling.”
The Woodstock police confirm a case of sexual harassment and is under investigation.
Child rights activist, Patric Solomons of Molo Songololo says he is appalled by the shocking number of young children being kidnapped, raped and murdered in Cape Town.
He urge parents to always keep a vigilant eye over their children.
“Teenagers between 10 and 14-years are in a developmental stage and during that phase children develop sexual feelings and thoughts.
“During this stage children are very vulnerable and can easily be manipulated.”
“There’s a lot of predators out there.
“Unfortunately people do get aroused by children who falls prey to these heinous crimes.”
Molo Songololo social worker, Charlotte Pankhurst says: “Parents need to have an open communication when it comes to social media.
“They need to be made aware of how to spot dangers on social media and the internet.”
She said one of the main challenges are that parents themselves are not familiar with social media platforms.