ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION
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TUESDAY 24 March 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za
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A large vegetation fire broke out below Tafelberg Road on Sunday 15 March and destroyed several homes and cars. Pictured is a house in Trek Road, Gardens, that was completely gutted. The City says claims that the fire was started by arsonists are being investigated. Read full story on page 3. PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Fire ruins homes BO-KAAP
Community bans tourists KAYLYNNE BANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@MEDIA24.COM
T
ourists will not be allowed to enter the Bo-Kaap in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. Osman Shaboodien, chair of the Bo-Kaap Civic Association, says the decision to place the area on lockdown was not taken lightly. Shaboodien says it is in line with president Cyril Ramaphosa’s national state of disaster declaration. On Sunday 15 March, Ramaphosa announced a travel ban on for-
eign nationals from high-risk countries. Yesterday, Monday 23 March, the number of confirmed cases in the country stood at 402 at the time of going to print. Shaboodien says a letter has been sent to tourism agencies, asking them to refrain from allowing tours into the area. “We are appealing to travel agencies to adhere to our request to not bring tourists to the Bo-Kaap. We are not being difficult or anything but everyone must be responsible,” he says. He adds he is aware that the area is a tourist attraction but says they must take precaution as they are more prone to get into direct contact with tourists.
“We have discussed this with community members, and we’ve decided that, going forward, this decision is best. “We have many elderly people living here and they have been identified as the most vulnerable to get infected by the virus,” explains Shaboodien. Masturah Adams, head of social welfare at Boorhaanol Islam Movement, a community organisation, says they are disappointed that the decision, to not have tourists enter the vicinity was not taken by the local government. “One would expect the City to be the first to say, ‘No tourists for now in the Bo-Kaap’.
They lock up the local public spaces like the municipal halls, Robben Island, parks and forests, yet in a residential densely populated area nothing is done.” Mayor Dan Plato has announced that facilities like swimming pools, camping sites, museums and nature reserves, among others, will be closed until further notice. Plato says: “We have taken note of best practice from other affected countries and the success they have found in social distancing and improved hygiene practices.” Shaboodien says he believes placing the area on lockdown is one way in which they can safeguard their community.
2 NEWS
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
PENNED BY A JOURNO
Experience and youth a dynamic duo W
People's Post is published by WP Media, a subsidiary of Media24. ATLANTIC SEABOARD / CITY 20 454 copies distributed Tuesdays to the following areas: Cape Town CBD, Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, Green Point, DeWaterkant, Mouille Point, Sea Point, Three Anchor Bay, Gardens, Higgovale, Lions Head, Oranjezicht, Schotschekloof, Signal Hill, Tamboerskloof, Vredehoek and Zonnebloem. OTHER EDITIONS People's Post also has the following nine standalone editions: Woodstock / Maitland (14 825) Mitchell's Plain (69 503) Retreat (19 493) Grassy Park (18 418) Lansdowne (18 225) False Bay (24 824) Constantia / Wynberg (25 142) Claremont / Rondebosch (27 756) Athlone (29 825) Total print order: 268 465 WHOM TO CONTACT EDITOR: Thulani Magazi Email: Thulani@media24.com REPORTER: Kaylynne Bantom E-mail: Kaylynne.Bantom@media24.com SALES MANAGER: Shafiek Braaf Tel: 021 910 6615 Email: Shafiek.braaf@peoplespost.co.za MAIN BODY ADVERTISING: Yvette Smith Tel: 021 910 6577 Email: yvette.smith@media24.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 087 353 1328 Email: classifieds@peoplespost.co.za PRESS CODE, CORRECTIONS People's Post subscribes to the South African Press Code and we are committed to journalism that is honest, accurate, fair and balanced. Under our editorial policy, we invite readers to comment on the newspaper's content and we correct significant errors as soon as possible. Please send information to the news editor at Thulani@media24.com or phone 021 910 6500. Alternately, please contact the Ombudsman of Media24's Community Press, George Claassen at george.claassen@media24.com or 083 543 2471. Complaints can also be sent to the SA Press Ombudsman on telephone 021 851 3232 or via email khanyim@ombudsman.org.za or johanr@ombudsman.org.za
e are all familiar with the saying “nothing can replace experience” and this is exactly what was on display at the Over-50s Cricket World Cup from 11 March to 15 March in Cape Town. Cricketers from yesteryear representing their countries showed they still have the skills that made them household names in their playing days. The tendency among young players nowadays is that they know everything and don’t need advice from senior players who played in an era when there were no specialised training, academies or personal trainers – something the young players do have.
When Alan Dawson played for Western Province and the Proteas in his youth, he was a bowler who could swing a match in his team’s favour. And he did it again for the SA team during the Over-50s World Cup in two consecutive matches against Wales and England. My experience as a journalist spans 38 years. Being back in the workforce, I like to share my knowledge with the newbies. But not everyone is open to advice. When I again put on my journalist hat at WP Media in 2017, it was an adjustment just to get tech-savvy – something I lacked, big time. Luckily, I could ask a colleague to as-
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sist me and, for the past three years, I have tried not to pester anyone with small things. However, despite my best intentions, every now and then, I do have to ask for help. There is also a saying in the office that I go out for one interview and come back with three or more stories. This really baffles my colleagues but that is where the 38 years of experience come in. For example, you attend a function or launch and by just looking at who are there, you can generate stories. I also don’t take a press release at face value. As we say in print, “read between the lines” to get a new spin on a story; as long as it is hyper-local. Why am I mentioning all of this? To show that even I am not too old to learn. When I started out in journalism in 1982, I was taught that if you don’t know what a story’s angle should be, ask. Sometimes, without thinking, my mouth runs away with me, suggesting angles for stories that is no business of mine. But do I feel guilty about sharing my “opinion” with whomever is listening? Nope, because we all work for one newspaper and if I can contribute by being “meddlesome”, so be it. All I ask is that everyone should be open to criticism and advice and not to take it personally. As a journalist, you learn to grow a thick skin over the years. But your resolve, especially if you also have to contend with the challenges that come with being a parent, is tested daily. Don’t let anyone tell you experience and youth cannot be a dynamic combination. But for this to work, egos have to be put aside! -Avril Fillies
Send us your feedback As the Covid-19 infection rate increases, many companies have adopted a work from home policy that sees thousands of employees moving their operations to the comfort of their own homes. Share your pictures and thoughts on the challenges and how you are finding this transition. What is your company doing and what are your thoughts on measures announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 15 March and subsequent announcements. V Email your letters, comments and pictures to letters@peoplespost.co.za.
Share your thoughts Join the conversation by sending us your letters on topical matters or in response to any of our stories. Email letters@peoplespost.co.za before the close of business on Thursdays.
NEWS 3
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
GARDENS | CLIFTON | CAMPS BAY
Escaping the fire KAYLYNNE BANTOM @bantomkaylynne
“W
e were certain that when we return, there would be nothing left of our home.” This was the anxious thought of Keith Griffiths, an elderly resident in Gardens, after a vegetation fire broke out below Tafelberg Road on Sunday 15 March. Griffiths and his wife, who have lived in the area for more than 30 years, had to be evacuated along with several other families. JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, says: “Thirty-three people had to be evacuated from Table Mountain and 65 people were evacuated from Signal Hill.” Griffiths says: “I ran out into the back yard and saw the fire. It all went so quick. I grabbed the hose pipe and tried to douse the fire. But it didn’t really help.” Griffiths explained that all he and his wife could do was grab their dog and run. He explains that there was no time to take any belongings with them. “It’s awful to know your house and life is about to go up in flames and there is nothing you can do about it. We are an elderly couple so our house has sentimental value.”
The Griffiths’ home was spared except for minor damage. But their neighbours, who live two doors away, were not as fortunate. “We watched how our neighbour’s home was completely destroyed. “They couldn’t save anything. They are a young couple and didn’t even live here for that long,” says Griffiths. The couple’s home was burnt to the ground. They were not available for comment. Several cars that were parked at Lion’s Head were also destroyed. Firefighters had their hands full trying to contain the blaze which raged on throughout the night. It was fanned by a strong south-easterly wind. It quickly spread from Tafelberg Road to Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and affected some homes in Camps Bay. Residents from Nettleton Road in Clifton were also evacuated. Seven firefighters were injured and had to receive medical treatment. Griffiths thanked firefighters and volunteers who fought tirelessly to save their homes and valuables. According to Smith there is video footage and eyewitnesses that suggests arsonists are responsible for the fire. He says this is being investigated.
A massive vegetation fire broke out below Tafelberg Road on Sunday 15 March.
Cars at Lion’s Head left damaged.
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4 NEWS
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Suspected poachers caught
Tourist sites closed for now
Nine suspects were arrested for abalone poaching on Sunday 15 March. The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement, police and the department of environment, forestry and fisheries (Deff) teamed up to catch the nine suspected poachers. Wayne Dyason, law enforcement spokesperson, says: “The drama started on Robben Island where a number of divers fled in different directions after being observed harvesting abalone in a marine protected area.
In a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, many public facilities and tourist attractions have temporarily closed their doors. The number of cases reported in the country has surpassed the 200 mark and is increasing daily. The following facilities are closed with immediate effect: . The Two Oceans Aquarium will be closed until Tuesday 14 April. This temporary closure extends to activities planned
“Some fled on a rubber inflatable boat with the police in hot pursuit. Four suspects tried to evade capture on the island but were soon caught by Deff officers.” Dyason says the five suspects on the boat beached in Sea Point but ran into the arms of law enforcement officers on the beach at Broken Baths. He says: “The nine suspects were all charged for illegally harvesting abalone in a marine protected area.”
by the aquarium including members’ sleepover, Trash Bash and holiday workshops. . Robben Island Museum tours are suspended until such a time that conditions allow to lift the suspension. . Iziko Museums of South Africa says the closure will last for 21 days until 7 April, after which the situation will be reassessed. V For more information, the official websites of these facilities can be visited.
New officers to receive continuous training Additional training will be provided to the approximately 500 law enforcement officers who are being deployed as part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP). The law enforcement officers are also receiving full in-basket training which includes tactical street survival, docket and statements and radio procedure, to name a few. The appointed learner law enforcement officers are being deployed in Site C Khayelitsha, Delft and Philippi, including Hanover Park. They are completing their inductions within the three deployment areas. Thereafter, they will be deployed operationally. “Prior to deployment, the officers received basic training in the City of Cape Town by-
laws, peace officer and traffic warden training,” says provincial minister of community safety Albert Fritz. “WCSP is committed to service delivery excellence. As such, the learner law enforcement officers who have been deployed will receive continuous training. This will include basic firearms training, tonfa or baton training, pepper spray, powers and duties and tactical street survival or stop and approach. “Since 27 February, 353 learner law enforcement officers have received full in-basket training. Of the 353, 202 have had their competency certificates signed by the chief of Metro police and are ready to be deployed operationally,” he says.
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More than 30 food parcels will be handed over to deserving learners.
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amps Bay High School says it hopes to relieve some parents of the added financial burden after the president’s announcement that schools would close earlier due to the coronavirus. On Wednesday 18 March the school started with an initiative to hand out food parcels to underprivileged learners and will be doing so every Thursday until schools reopen. On Sunday 15 March, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that schools will be closing two days earlier and reopen after the Easter holidays in a bid contain the spread of Covid-19. Principal Dave de Korte says: “We rec-
NOTICE OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN A meeting of the Council of the City of Cape Town will be held on Thursday 26 March 2020 at 10:00 in the Podium Block, Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town. Please note that limited seating is available for members of the public and, therefore, seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to attend the meeting, you are requested to contact Nadine Damon on 021 400 3708 between 09:00 and 16:00. All requests for attendance must be received by no later than a day before the meeting. You will be required to provide your surname, initials and contact telephone number. Visitors are kindly requested to be seated by 09:30.
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ognised that the next couple of weeks may be quite tough for some of our learners as the unplanned extended break will put additional financial pressure on their families, particularly those who do not receive other assistance from bursary programmes or sponsors.” More than 30 food parcels will be handed over to needy learners. De Korte added: “We say that we are a caring school, and now that a real need has arisen, we have done some practical caring. While I may be able to fill my trolley at the shops, we have some pupils who are not sure if they will have food over this time. Being able to offer them food security is incredible.” He thanked donors and staff for putting the parcels together at short notice.
NEWS 5
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
SEA POINT
Praises for ‘Closet killer’ snatcher A
detective from the Sea Point police station is being praised for his investigative work, which led to the arrest of a suspect on the list of the 10 most wanted criminals in the Western Cape. Thanks to detective Sgt Christopher Botha, the notorious ‘closet killer’ Ziyaad Haywood will spend the next 30 years in jail after pleading guilty in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday 4 March. Nearly five years after the Lotus River man went on a robbery and
killing spree, he confessed to the murder of three men and attempted murder of a woman. He was dubbed the ‘closet killer’ after he was found hiding in a secret room behind a cupboard in his parents’ Lotus River home. The 35-year-old Haywood appeared before Judge John Hlope who sentenced him to three life terms after he entered a plea deal. Haywood was on the top 10 most wanted list in the province after killing a security guard in 2016. He
pleaded guilty to all 21 charges, including murder, kidnapping and robbery. Botha had a picture of Haywood published in newspapers and warned Grassy Park police station that he was on the run. Haywood was nabbed by Capt Ashley Petersen of Grassy Park police station in July 2018 following a tip-off. The station commander, Col Helena Mouton congratulated Botha and said his determination and commitment paid off.
Detective Sgt Christopher Botha was praised for his investigation.
6 NEWS
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Bus makes clean sweep
MyCiTi gears up health move
G
The City of Cape Town has issued a statement imploring all public transport commuters, drivers and owners, to work with them in finding ways to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. “We cannot achieve this on our own. Commuters have a major role to play and we appeal that everybody avoid touching surfaces. Commuters should also wash their hands once they have reached their destinations,” says Mayco member for transport, Felicity Purchase. The following measures will be imple-
olden Arrow Bus Services’ (Gabs) interdisciplinary internal Covid-19 task team will meet daily to assess and formulate strategies based on global best practices and the specific needs of its passengers and staff. Derick Meyer, the general manager of Gabs, says: “We ask that our passengers follow the prescribed hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and covering mouths with hands or elbows when sneezing or coughing. Please keep your windows open.” Golden Arrow has introduced the following measures:
. Daily application of specialised 24-hour germ and virus-killing surface cleaner to its 1 200 buses with additional applications at terminals where possible. . Load reduction strategies. . Providing drivers with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. . On-going passenger and staff education in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. V If you suspect you or someone you know is ill, call the National Coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999.
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mented on the MyCiTi bus service in response to Covid-19: . The City is investigating the provision of hand sanitiser to commuters. . The City is increasing the frequency of the MyCiTi bus fumigation and cleaning practices – this will apply inside and out. . MyCiTi station personnel will seek to limit the number of standing passengers on the bus to half of the standing capacity. . The City will monitor the demand for buses and may adjust services frequency.
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NEWS 7
PEOPLE'S POST | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION Tuesday, 24 March 2020
HEALTH
Sanitiser or bust NETTALIE VILJOEN
government. But unlike MyCiTi, it isn’t. Although the operation of MyCiTi buses is open to tender to private companies, the City retains complete authority in setting sanitation standards and enforcing them. “When it comes to minibus-taxis, the government has little authority over them because, whatever regulations the government might set, it is difficult to enforce them,” he explains. And here is where passengers should come in. Manuel says what most passengers don’t realise is that the taxi industry is oversupplied. Now is a good time to realise you can make demands. He says there are enough taxis to allow the passenger to choose which one they want to use, you don’t have to get into the first one that arrives. “Chances are, if you stand at a minibustaxi transit point, there will be a taxi stopping there every two minutes. It is quite easy to say, ‘I am not going to get into your taxi’, and wait for the next one.” He says he realises passengers might feel scared to voice what is a justified request. “We view taxi drivers as being these gangsters because of how some of them speed or use violence to protect their routes. But the only reason they act like this is because of the way the industry is structured.” How it works, says Manuel, is that the taxi owner leases his vehicle to a driver at a daily set fee. The driver then has to recoup this fee, the petrol and the guardjie’s salary from passengers’ fees paid. It is the desire to protect their earning potential which motivates reckless behaviour. “But taxi drivers are service providers. It is in the owners’ and drivers’ best interest to ensure their passengers are happy.” Manuel says taxi associations also have a role to play.
“W
aar’s my sanitiser?” That, says Mikhail Manuel, must be passengers’ first words when the guardjie slides open the minibus taxi’s door. “Before you get on board, stick out your hand and ask for it. And if the guardjie doesn’t have any, wait for the next one who will.” Manuel, a doctoral researcher at the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Transport Studies, says, considering that the risk of contact among passengers is high in minibus-taxis because of the proximity in which people sit next to each other, this is a very reasonable request. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, president Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster (in terms of the Disaster Management Act) on Sunday 15 March. In his address, he said: “We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis and bus.” The reality, however, is that a large number of Cape Town residents, particularly commuters from disadvantaged communities, rely heavily on minibus-taxis for their daily commute to and from their jobs. Recognising this, the City of Cape Town will be implementing several measures at public transport interchanges (PTIs), minibus-taxi facilities, MyCiTi stations and on MyCiTi buses. While Manuel commends the City for its efforts, he says commuters must also take responsibility for their own health and demand that health and safety precautions are taken by minibus-taxi owners and drivers. “There is this misconception that the minibus-taxi industry is a public good – something owned, operated and managed by the
Taxi commuters are urged to demand hygiene measures be implemented.
PHOTO: SAMANTHA
LEE-JACOBS
“For example in Durban last week, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) was handing out hand sanitisers to taxi drivers and passengers. Our local associations also need to step up and get involved.” Felicity Purchase, City’s Mayco member for transport, says the City will, together with the provincial and national government, engage with the minibus-taxi associations through their provincial and regional structures on the way forward, and voluntary precautionary measures. It will also discuss with industry the provision of hand sanitiser at PTIs. “We appeal to minibus-taxi operators to keep their safety and the safety of their customers in mind during this time, and to adapt their business practices accordingly,” says Purchase. The City is also in the process of implementing more regular deep cleansing operations at the PTIs and minibus-taxi facilities and requests all bus and minibus-taxi passengers to practise the following hygiene and travel guidelines: . Ensure windows are open. . Avoid using public transport if you are
elderly or have underlying health issues. . Make use of hand sanitiser and avoid touching your face especially around the eye and mouth area. . Do not travel if you have a sore throat or fever. . Wear a protective mask, scarf or buff. . Consider travelling outside of peak hours when buses are less crowded. . Taxi passengers must ensure they have the correct taxi fare amount to minimise contact with the taxi conductor. . Wait for the next taxi if you are concerned about your social distance being compromised. People’s Post contacted Prasa, asking for the measures the rail agency would implement in wake of the declaration. Riana Scott, spokesperson for Prasa in the province, said the region had completed and submitted to Prasa its preparedness assessment to limit and/or prevent the spread of Covid-19. “It is anticipated that a national statement will follow. In the interim the region has commenced with awareness communication among commuters and employees,” says Scott.
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SPORT TUESDAY 24 March 2020 | People's Post | Page 8 | 0021 910 6500
Newlands hosts mini-cricket O
ver 1 000 kids attended the Western Province KFC mini-cricket provincial festival at the Newlands cricket ground on Friday 13 March. The programme brings youngsters from across the country together and not only introduces them to the wonderful game of cricket, but also allows them to play and have fun. The festival was hosted by the Cape Cobras, with players Simon Khomari, Isaac Dikgale and Rory Kleinveldt all there to assist in coaching the kids and looking for talent. The Western Province women’s team came out in full force including their coach Claire Terblanche as well as Proteas players and Western Province players Sinalo Jafta, Andrie Steyn and Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt has just come back from the Women’s T20 World Cup and where she was picked in the combined World XI. “I started playing cricket by playing mini-cricket and it started with me just playing to do something to keep me busy
but I see that things have changed considerably since I played. I can see that there are a lot more kids playing minicricket, they know a lot more about cricket than what I used to and they really have a lot of fun. As a player we don’t always know the impact that we have on the players. My brother plays rugby and when his mates come back from a mini-cricket festival they tell him about all the professional players that they have met and how the players have inspired them. Who knows, one of the kids that I spoke to today could be the next Laura Wolvaardt.” said Jafta. “We had 1 000 kids and over 200 coaches that come from schools from all five regions in the Western Cape. These youngsters and their teachers get excited to play on a big stage like the Newlands Cricket ground where they get to see their heroes play. It was special for the kids to get to see (Simon) Khomari, (Isaac) Dikgale, (Laura) Wolvaardt, (Andrie) Steyn and (Sinalo) Jafta at the festival, but
the big surprise for me was when retired Proteas player Rory Kleinveldt actually asked me if he could attend the festival to coach the kids. It just shows how special the programme is for the players for them to ask to be part of it,” said Mark Khoabane, Western Province minicricket coordinator. The attending children from the various schools across the province are a part of the 124 000 kids from 6 495 schools that take part in over 44 000 mini-cricket matches around the country over the cricket season. The mini-cricket programme remains one of the most significant development programmes in the South African sporting landscape and goes far beyond the game of cricket. Children from all walks of life will continue to have a platform that will help them grow, develop and shine in hopes of reaching their full potential and realise their dreams. And they could possibly become the future stars of this country, like their Protea heroes.
Sonwabile Tingeni of John Mama Primary School and Rory Kleinveldt of the Cobras during the KFC Mini-Cricket Western Province Festival at Newlands cricket ground on Friday March 13.
Goldhill juniors shine at Bellville Netball Club tournament EARL HAUPT EARL@MEDIA24.COM @EARLHAUPT
Bellville Netball Club hosted its first tournament of the year on Saturday 14 March at the Bellville netball premises in Mark Street, Bellville. According to Bellville Netball Club’s president, Helena “Lientjie” Laubscher, clubs from around the Peninsula competed. These included Spoiltbratz (Kraaifontein), Goldhill Legends (Mitchell’s Plain), Bellville Netball Club, Scottsville High (Kraaifontein), Curro Durbanville, Scottsdene Angels (Kraaifontein), Golden Queens, Red Ants, Leipoldt, Popstars, Kraaifontein netball club and Brackenfell. “Wow! What a great enjoyable day we had. We started at 08:00 with our junior tournament. We had eight clubs and 10 junior
teams from all over the Peninsula participating. The little ones played their hearts out and the winners in each category were u.9 Bellville, u.11 Goldhill Legends from Mitchell’s Plain and u.13 again Goldhill Legends,” says Laubscher. In the seniors tournament, 11 clubs with 21 teams took part, with the games played on a goal average. The first place went to Bellville’s first team and the second to Goldhill Legends u.17 from Mitchell’s Plain. The Bellville Netball Club had three junior teams and five senior teams participating in the tournament and Laubscher says the pride and potential that was shown throughout the day shows that the club is not only growing in numbers but also playing excellent netball. “What also made this day very special was the fact that the sponsor Bart Saayman of Triangle Consultants and his entire staff came out to support the day. They won the
hearts of every kid and player by handing out cooldrinks and chips and also by involving themselves with the game and all the players,” she says. Laubscher adds that she was blown away by the response from those who supported the event. “For me, the little ones are very important. Seeing the parents support their kids at a tournament like this... It is such an honour to be part of and to know that we, as a club, did something for the community to help keep our young ones off the street and to help invest in their future. As chairperson of the Bellville Netball Club, it is a huge honour to say that, with the support of every member of this club, the day was worth every effort and we will do it again soon,” she says. Concerning the Covid-19 outbreak, Laubscher warns against spreading unnecessary panic among the club members.
“I correspond with them on our Bellville WhatsApp group, telling them to stay calm and that the executive committee (exco) will meet and take the necessary steps. Because we, as the exco, highly value the health and safety of our members. After our meeting and president Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech (on 15 March), we decided to respect the restrictions laid out by the president. From Monday 16 March, all activities for the Bellville netball players were put on hold till further notice,” she says. Laubscher urges all players and club members to stay home, be careful and to take the necessary precautions. “We are also part of the Cape Town Netball Federation Western Province, Western Cape Netball Federation and Netball South Africa. All these bodies have decided to put a hold on their activities throughout South Africa till further notice and we will also abide by their decisions.”
ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY EDITION
TUESDAY 24 March 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za
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