It’s easy to get swept up in the moment during the festive holidays, loosening your grip on your wallet as December winds down to a close, only to wake up after the New Year celebrations with a deep hole in your finances. This is especially concerning when it’s time to consider the January school budget, which can add additional pressure to your financial situation.

With January suddenly looming, millions of parents across the country will be staring down the first week of 2026, trying to reconcile their budgets as they face the annual financial strain of back-to-school costs for their children.

School expenses remain a huge contributing factor to financial pressure for parents from all walks of life. As the January school budget approaches, Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue and one of South Africa’s most recognised consumer finance experts, says that, along with essentials like food, electricity, and petrol, school necessities have become one of the major costs amounting to thousands of rands, besides the exorbitant monthly or annual school fees.

The cost of essentials, such as school fees, uniforms, textbooks, and stationery, adds up quickly, not to mention the additional expenses for sports equipment, technology, transportation, and class outings.

With family budgets already overstretched, the added expenses can be overwhelming, and, for many parents, it’s simply too personal an issue to reach out and ask for help or advice.

The burden this places on the household budget can be heavy. Parents must navigate choices, like deciding between adding debt on their credit cards or completely blowing their January school budget.

Navigating back-to-school expenses

Whether your children are taking the first daunting steps of their school career or super-troopers in their final years of High School, as parents, you will be familiar with the woes of trying to manage your budget, so that you don’t have to endure a month of Janu-worry – or worse.

Back-to-school doesn’t have to break the bank, and there are many smart ways to shave hundreds of rands off expenses.

Roets shares valuable tips on navigating the perils of the new school year and the associated expenses.

1. Get the hardest lesson out of the way first
   “Cultivating the financial discipline to stick to your budget – no matter how big or small- is the key to limiting stress. Understanding the limits of your budget and adopting firm resolve means you can approach the task of back-to-school spending, considering the reality of the January school budget,” Roets advises.
2. Buy second-hand wherever possible
   There are plenty of these types of markets around these days, e.g. ThriftFest, UPmarket, Facebook Marketplace – and don’t be too proud to re-use.
   “Many parents and households learn early on that second-hand shopping can be a lifesaver. School uniform “swap shops,” community groups, social media marketplaces and neighbourhood forums often offer great-quality items at a fraction of the retail price, and the savings really add up,” he points out.
3. If you do buy new, compare prices and shop smart
   “There are back-to-school sales at major and minor retail outlets. Shop around for the best prices. Consider ‘back-to-school’ combo packs – they’re often cheaper than buying items individually,” Roets points out.

Planning is everything

Financial experts, including Hayley Parry, money coach and facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money, emphasise the importance of preparation when it comes to the back-to-school outlay of expenses.

“Small steps can make a big difference, and a little planning today can create lasting peace of mind throughout the year. If you do find yourself going into January with your bank balance in the red, seek help from a registered debt counsellor who can assist you to manage your financial predicament,” concurs Roets, reminding you of the importance of an organised January school budget.

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The post SPONSORED | How to keep school costs from ruining your January appeared first on Paarl Post.

Behind the counter of a local Paarl pharmacy, there’s a story of kindness, dedication, and a deep love for the people it serves.

Each day, the team goes beyond the call of duty to make sure their customers feel seen and cared for.

Paarl East Pharmacy has earned its place as Adcock Ingram OTC’s Pharmacy of the Week.

This recognition speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to the community it serves.

What sets Paarl East Pharmacy apart isn’t simply its range of healthcare solutions.

It’s the team’s commitment to serving customers with excellence and genuine care.

The Paarl East Pharmacy dedicates itself to excellence and is honoured to be selected as Adcock Ingram OTC’s Pharmacy of the Week, a recognition that affirms its deep commitment to customer happiness and service excellence.

Above all, they drive success by focusing on providing both quality products and affordability, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of wellness in the Paarl East community.

We spoke to the team about their third selection, their motivation, and how their partnership with Adcock Ingram OTC helps them serve you better.

How do you feel about being selected as Adcock Ingram OTC’s Pharmacy of the Week?

Being selected for the third time by Adcock Ingram OTC is a true honour.

At East Pharmacy at SPAR, we are committed to serving our customers with excellence and care. This recognition reaffirms that we are on the right path, continuously striving to deliver the best service and value to our community.

What keeps your pharmacy dedicated to the community?

The smiles, feedback and appreciation we receive from our customers motivate us to keep doing more.

Our greatest joy comes from seeing our customers happy. Our goal is to give the best service we can to our customers.

How has your partnership with Adcock Ingram OTC helped?

Our top priority is ensuring our customers’ happiness.

The diverse range of products offered by Adcock allows us to achieve this goal by providing quality and value.

Affordability is important to our customers, and Adcock Ingram OTC supports us in meeting their needs effectively.

The post SPONSORED | Pharmacy of the week: Paarl East Pharmacy appeared first on Paarl Post.

After depending on a hearing aid for more than 30 years 69-year-old former teacher Hendrina Nel experienced what some may still see as a miracle – the gift of hearing. But really, she was at the receiving end of medical excellence at its finest; Nel received a cochlear implant, the first of its kind performed in Paarl, at the Cure Day private hospital on Wednesday (15 October).

This groundbreaking operation was carried out by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and cochlear-implant surgeon Dr André van Straten, marking a new chapter in advanced hearing-restoration services in the region.

Shortly before going into theatre Nel, who once taught in Virginia in the Free State, told Paarl Post she was grateful for this opportunity after more than three decades’ severe hearing loss.

“I am grateful to God for this opportunity, as I had to rely on a hearing aid all these years. It was quite challenging as a teacher.

“I would often walk up to students, to listen to them and, often, also to read their lips. It was not always easy; I often made mistakes and misheard a lot of things.

“This is a new chapter and one I am so grateful for.”

Following the procedure Nel was expected to regain substantial auditory function, dramatically improving her quality of life.

“I just want to hear my grandchildren clearly again.

“I’m looking forward to being part of conversations and hearing better every day.”

“It is indeed a privilege to be part of Mrs Nel’s hearing-restoration journey,” said Van Straten.

“Cochlear implants offer new hope to patients who no longer benefit from hearing aids. It is truly rewarding to be part of a team of professionals who help someone reconnect with the world around them.”

Hospital Manager Anel Scheepers added: “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to medical excellence and patient-care innovation. We are excited to offer such transformative procedures locally and look forward to many more.”

Local audiologist Tamara van Zyl, who has been part of Nel’s journey to hearing since she moved to the Boland, was also present during Wednesday’s procedure.

Cure Day Hospital, Paarl, which forms part of the Cure Day Hospitals Group, continues to expand its scope of specialised surgical services with this latest achievement.

The procedure forms part of its mission to offer cutting-edge medical care in a comfortable, patient-friendly environment.

The post Paarl’s first cochlear implant performed on 69-year-old retired teacher appeared first on Paarl Post.

KLAPMUTS – Lance Booysen (36) ‘n platejoggie van Klapmuts wat ook as The Switch bekend staan, se lewe was vol uitdagings. Die plaaslike kunstenaar, wat onlangs fase 3-Hodgkin-limfoom oorleef het, sien nou uit na ’n nuwe hoofstuk in sy loopbaan – die bekendstelling van sy langverwagte debuut-EP op 31 Oktober.

Booysen het Hodgkin-limfoom, ‘n soort bloedkanker, oorleef nadat dit in Maart by hom gediagnoseer is. Volgens hom het hy op 14 Maart ‘n “gig” gehad, maar hy het daardie dag ook gesukkel met sy gesondheid, waarna hy vir toetse na Paarl-hospitaal gegaan het en toe na Tygerberg-hospitaal oorgeplaas is, waarna die dokters hom meegedeel het dat hy fase 3-bloedkanker het.

Hy is hierna vir 12 weke op ‘n intensiewe chemo-behandeling en het wesenlike leefstylveranderinge ondergaan, soos om gesonder te eet en meer te oefen – iets wat hy steeds doen.

Hy het nou onlangs die goeie nuus ontvang dat hy in remissie is. Booysen het in ’n musikale familie grootgeword en dit was dus onvermydelik dat hy eendag dieselfde sou doen.

Volgens hom was daar nie geld vir tersiêre studies nie en het hy as ‘n vragmotorbestuurder gewerk terwyl hy in Porterville gewoon het. Hy vertel verder dat hy altyd ‘n passie vir musiek gehad het en beplan het om dit in ‘n professionele hoedanigheid te beoefen.

Booysen het sowat 10 jaar gelede na Klapmuts teruggekeer en is getroud en ‘n pa van ‘n dogter. Sy formele opleiding het begin by Underground DJ in Mitchells Plain, ’n skool gestig deur die legendariese DJ Ron X, wat ‘n mentor vir Booysen geword het. Dit was DJ Ron X wat hom die naam “The Switch” gegee het, ’n titel wat sy evolusie van selfgeleerde hiphop-DJ na ’n veelsydige kunstenaar simboliseer.

Uiteindelik het Booysen sy kenmerkende klank in Gqom gevind, ’n plaaslike Suid-Afrikaanse genre wat deur kunstenaars soos DJ Tira, Oskido en Black Coffee gewild gemaak is.

Daardie kreatiewe wending het vrugte afgewerp en kort voor lank was Booysen die platejoggie by groot geleenthede, insluitend die DStv Mitchells Plain-fees in 2023, en het van Kaapstad se gewildste klubs gespeel.

Hierna het Booysen egter stelselmatig siek begin word en het tot dusver nog by geen nuwe groot geleenthede gespeel nie, maar vertel dat hy wel uitsien om weer te begin en dat hy gereeld by klubs en funksies as platejoggie opdaag.

Hy stel ook op 31 Oktober vanjaar sy langverwagte debuut-EP vry wat beskikbaar sal wees om te luister op alle musiekplatforme. Booysen vertel dat hy buiten sy kankerdiagnose wat hom getoets het ook ‘n ontstuimige kinderlewe gehad.

“My ouma het my grootgemaak en toe ek nege jaar oud was, is sy oorlede. Daarna is ek weer in my ouers se sorg geplaas en daar was ek aan alkoholmisbruik blootgestel.”

Sport het egter sy ontsnapping geword. As leerder by Scottsville High School het hy in rugby uitgeblink en ’n beurs by Hoërskool Bellville gekry, waar hy op provinsiale vlak gespeel het. Hy het ook later vir die Durbell-rugbyklub in Durbanville uitgedraf.

Booysen moedig ander aan om hul gesondheid eerste te stel en wil sy ondersteuners herhinner dat die “lewe nie gaan oor materialistiese dinge nie”.

The post Platejoggie van Klapmuts oorleef kankerdiagnose, stel EP bekend appeared first on Paarl Post.

Hy is bly dat daardie kontroversiële potgooi-uitsending waarin uitlatings oor die bruin gemeenskap gemaak is opspraak gemaak het, want dit is hoogtyd dat bruinmense se worsteling met hul identiteit aan die groot klok gehang word.

Só het Denver Toroga, ‘n plaaslike aktivis wat hom beywer vir die beskerming van inheemse groepe se regte, verlede week gesê te midde van die rassistiese uitlatings op die Open Chats Podcast wat die hele land aan die gons gehad het.

Die Open Chats Podcast, wat deur vier jong swart Suid-Afrikaners vanuit hul studio in Pretoria aangebied word, is sedertdien van DStv afgehaal.

Die groep het ook Maandag (11 Augustus) in ‘n nuwe episode op hul YouTube-kanaal om verskoning gevra nadat hulle gesê het bruinmense is geestelik versteurd en dat hulle [bruinmense] met hul familielede slaap.

Verskeie politieke partye en nasionale aktiviste het die mes ingehad vir die aanbieders en hulle met regsaksie gedreig.

“Weet jy, dalk is ons bietjie mal. Dalk is ons mal omdat ons nooit herstel het van historiese koloniale trauma nie.

“Jy kan nie ‘n groep mense se taal en erfenis van hulle ontneem en dan verwag dat hulle normaalweg voortgaan nie,” het Toroga in reaksie op die uitlatings in die potgooi-uitsending gesê.

“Jy hoef nie ver te soek om steeds die impak te sien van wat ons ontneem is nie. Hier in Chicago in Paarl-Oos woon ons mense opmekaar.

“Daar is so baie maatskaplike probleme in ons gemeenskap. Ons is fundamenteel getraumatiseer, so daaruit spruit daai malligheid seker waarna hulle verwys,” het Toroga bygevoeg.

Hy sê dis hoogtyd dat daar dialoog gevoer word oor wat hy beskryf as ‘n identiteitskrisis in die bruin gemeenskap.

“Dit het ‘n omstrede gesprek onder ‘n groep mense van ‘n ander ras geverg vir ons om uiteindelik hieroor te praat. Dis ‘n gesprek wat onsself baie lankal moes voer.

“Ons mense weet baie duidelik nie wie en wat ons is nie. Ons sien dit tydens die viering van dae soos Erfenisdag en Internasionale Moedertaaldag.

“Ons geskiedenis het ons getraumatiseer. Generasie ná generasie se trauma. Dit is hoogtyd dat ons oor hierdie dinge praat, ons roots gaan trace en ons regmatige plek in die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing inneem.”

Luister na die volledige gesprek met Toroga hier:

The post LUISTER | ‘Dalk is dit generasies van trauma wat ons mal maak’ – aktivis appeared first on Paarl Post.

Die beplande nuwe private hospitaal vir die Paarl is ‘n goeie toevoeging tot die bestaande mediese fasiliteite in die dorp – veral met die Paarl wat so vinnig uitbrei.

Dit is die mening van Michiel Scharrig­huisen, ‘n direkteur by die Giflo-groep. Dié maatskappy is bekend vir sy kundige handels- en mediese-eiendom-ontwikkelings. Hul spesialisafdeling, Giflo Medical, is die ontwikkelaar van die nuwe hospitaal asook die mede-eienaar saam met Fairwater.

Die nuwe hospitaal sal as die Paarl Valley Hospital bekendstaan. Die hospitaal sal deur die Life Healthcare-hospitaalgroep bestuur word en dit sal hul eerste hospitaal in 10 jaar wees. Scharrighuisen voeg by die hospitaal sal op die grond waar die Fraaigelegen-plaas langs die R301 (Wemmershoek-pad) was, gebou word.

“Ons is twee partye wat deel is van die nuwe hospitaal wat die eienaarskap en die eiendom betref. Dit is dus Giflo en Giflo Medical en dan het ons Fairwater as vennoot. Giflo Medical is ons ontwikkelingsmaatskappy van mediese eiendomme soos hospitale en dialise-

sentrums. Giflo Medical is ook betrokke op twee vlakke wat die nuwe hospitaal betref – dit is eienaarskap en die ander is om die hospitaal te ontwikkel.

“Die ontwikkeling van Paarl Valley behels dus die ontwikkeling-en-ontwikkeling-bestuursfunksie wat ons vervul. Dit is wyd en sluit die eerste interaksie met die hospitaalgroep in,” sê

Scharrighuisen.

“Daar is baie hospitaalgroepe en om uit te reik na hulle toe en die belangstelling te gaan soek, want so groot en so mooi soos wat die Paarl is, was dit nie net vir ‘n eerste oogopslag en al die hospitaalgroepe val oor hul voete nie. Dit was vir hulle ‘n baie groot besluit om betrokke te raak. Ons rol was dus om na die hospitaalgroepe uit te reik en die geleentheid aan hulle voor te lê en belangstellendes dan te oortuig.

“Oortuiging is nie net praat mooi woordjies nie. Dit gaan oor syfers, impakstudies en geografiese studies wat hulle wil sien. Hulle wil baie inligting hê, en dan wil hulle ontwerpe ensovoorts ook sien.

“Dit was dus ons taak om die regte ligging te gaan soek. Dan moet jy hulle oortuig oor die bevolkingsyfer en die behoefte. Dit was ook ons rol om uit te reik na dokters, spesialiste en verpleegmense en te sê hier is die dokters wat die

hospitaal sal ondersteun.

“Ons rol sluit verder ook in om die planne in oorleg met Drakenstein goed te keur. Dit is waar ons nou is. Die volgende stap is met ons konsultantespan om bouplanne by die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit goedgekeur te kry en eers wanneer ons dit het, kan ons na bou-ondernemings uitreik. Ons doen nie self die bouwerk nie – ons is die ontwikkelaars. Ons doen alles tot en met die bouwerk. Ons bestuur die hele proses totdat die geel masjiene op die terrein is.”

Bouwerk is gereed om op 1 November

te begin en sal na verwagting op 31 Mei 2027 voltooi wees.

Volgens Scharrighuisen sal Paarl Valley se gebou 13 621m² groot wees met altesaam 140 beddens.

Dié hospitaal sal met verskeie afde-

lings pronk, waaronder ‘n kraameenheid, ‘n pediatriese afdeling, ‘n pediatriese waaksaal, ‘n kardiologieteater vir hartchirurgie en ‘n ongevalle-eenheid. Die nuwe hospitaal sal ook ‘n paar eerstes vir die Paarl bied, soos ‘n neonatale waakeenheid vir pasgebore babas. Die hospitaal sal ook met konsultasiekamers en ses teaters pronk – waarvan een net vir kardiologie sal wees.

Die hospitaal is naby die N1-hoofweg. Indien ‘n ongeluk gebeur, sal dit nie te ver wees om pasiënte te vervoer nie.

“Paarl Valley word nie gebou om o by die bestaande twee hospitale in die dorp or te neem nie, maar eerder om dit aan te vul,” sê Scharrighuisen.

“Die Paarl-provinsiale hospitaal is in die middedorp, Mediclinic Paarl in die noorde van die dorp en nou kom Paarl Valley in die suide van die dorp, en dit bring ‘n goeie balans.”

Op ekonomiese vlak gaan Paarl Valley ook ‘n groot uitwerking op die dorp hê. Scharrighuisen meen dit gaan geweldig tot werkskepping in die gebied bydra. Hy is van mening dat dit ook eiendoms-

waardes in die 10-km-radius van Paarl Valley sal beïnvloed.

“Tydens die 18 maande boutydperk gaan ongeveer 120 werksgeleenthede geskep word. Plaaslike konstruksiefirmas asook kontrakteurs soos loodgieters, elektrisiëns en skrynwerkers en ander sal ook benodig word.

“Wanneer die hospitaal uiteindelik aan die gang is, sal dit werk vir meer as 60 dokters en spesialiste, ongeveer 600 verpleegpersoneel, skoonmaakpersoneel, voedseldienste en linnedienste skep.”

Scharrighuisen sê die hospitaal sal inwoners so ver as Moorreesburg, Porterville en Piketberg bedien.

The post ‘Ja!’ vir nuwe hospitaal in die Paarl appeared first on Paarl Post.

Die Wellington-Moederkerk, wat reeds sedert die 1800’s soos ‘n ikoon in die dorp staan, het op 26 Julie haar 185ste bestaansjaar gevier.

Hierdie Nederduitste Gerevormeerde (NG) kerk is in 1840 as susterskerk van die Paarlse Strooidakkerk gestig en het sedert die gemeente se totstandkoming geslagte gelowiges verwelkom.

‘n Kerk vir Wamakersvallei

Volgens ds. Dawie Theron, ‘n tentmaker van dié gemeente, het twee inwoners van die omgewing, Johan de Villiers en Johannes Marais, ‘n amptelike versoek aan die NG gemeente Noorder-Paarl gerig om ‘n kerkgebou in die Wamakersvallei op te rig. Dié versoek is egter afgekeur met die motivering dat ‘n afsonderlike gemeente in Wellington nie lewensvatbaar sou wees nie.

Die versoek is in November 1837 hernu – hierdie keer met groter dringendheid weens lidmate wat gesukkel het om in die wintermaande die Bergrivier vir kerkdienste oor te steek.

Die aansoek is onder die leiding van dr. John Addey weer ingedien – dié keer met sukses ten spyte van hewige teenkanting van ds. GWA van der Lingen van die NG gemeente Noorder-Paarl, wat vandag as die Toringkerk bekendstaan.

“Ná 108 vergaderings en met 500 lidmate as begin is die kerkgebou en gemeentestigting op 27 Julie 1840 gevier,” vertel Theron, wat passievol oor die kerk se geskiedenis is.

Kerkklok lui vir verkope op markplein

Die eerste aanbouing aan die Moederkerk het die grondslag gelê vir wat vandag as die skipgedeelte bekendstaan, met die ikoniese kerkklok as die middelpunt.

In die vroeë jare het dié klok selfs as ‘n bron van inkomste gedien – boere wat hul produkte na die aangrensende markplein gebring het, kon dit gedurende die week laat lui teen ‘n fooi van ‘n sikspens, vertel Theron.

Een van die mees omstrede aangeleent- hede in die vroeë geskiedenis van die kerk was die toekenning van sitplekke. Ná ses vergaderings het die kerkraad uiteindelik ‘n amptelike “stoelreglement” aanvaar, met streng bepalings oor hoe sitplekke toegeken en gebruik moes word. Aanvanklik is 144 stoele gekoop, wat deur kerkraadslede teen £6.80 per dosyn gefinansier is, volgens Theron.

“Lidmate moes destyds jaarliks betaal om ‘n stoel te besit – hoe nader aan die preekstoel, hoe hoër die koste. Die jaarlikse fooi van vyf sjielings moes voor 5 Januarie betaal word om die plek vir die nuwe jaar te verseker. Weens die hoë aanvraag het ‘n waglys ontstaan, en sonder betaling is die plek eenvoudig aan iemand anders toegeken.”

Dié proses is as ‘n vorm van dankoffer beskou, aangesien tradisionele bankkollektes en kontantofferandes nog nie deel van eredienste was nie.

Die laaste stoele is eers in 1928 verwyder en met die banke wat vandag nog in die kerk gebruik word, vervang.

Geestelike herlewings

Gedurende die 19de eeu het die NG kerk Wellington verskeie belangrike strukturele en funksionele veranderings

ondergaan, wat nie net die groei van die gemeente weerspieël het nie, maar ook die kerk se rol as geestelike en gemeenskapsentrum versterk het, verduidelik Theron.

In 1841 is die konsistorie vergroot en dr. Kriegler het ‘n skenking vir ‘n teksaanhaling, wat vandag steeds bokant die preekstoel pryk, gegee.

Die twee syvleuels van die kerk is in 1861 aangebou – hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die geestelike herlewing van die 1860’s en die skerp toename in lidmate, wat die 1 000-kerf oorskry het.

Galerye is in 1874 by die syvleuels saam met voorportale by al drie hoofingange van die kerkgebou aangebring.

Die kerktoring is eers in 1891 opgerig en het later ‘n prominente visuele baken in die dorp geword.

Die kerkorrel is in 1893 herbou om aan die groeiende behoeftes van die gemeente te voldoen.

Die oorspronklike preekstoel is in 1895 met die huidige een vervang, sodat albei predikante tydens eredienste gesien kon word. Hierdie gebruik is egter in 1962 gestaak.

The post NG kerk Wellington vier 185 jaar appeared first on Paarl Post.

A new South African short film Spoiled has premiered at a high-level workshop in Cape Town this week. This marine-focused event unpacked the findings of the Wildtrust driven project highlighting the environmental, social and economic risks of offshore oil and gas in South Africa.

The film carries an urgent call to protect South Africa’s rich and irreplaceable marine heritage from the growing threat of offshore oil and gas exploration. It weaves together the stories of coastal communities, activists, scientists, and traditional fishers who are standing up to one of the greatest environmental and social threats facing the country’s oceans today.

Presented by non-profit organisations Wildtrust and The Green Connection, and produced by Love Africa Marketing, the film takes viewers along the rugged coastline of the Northern Cape and the culturally rich Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape.

At the heart of the film lies a simple truth: around 90% of South Africa’s oceans are at risk. The film uncovers the cracks in the system that allow international oil and gas giants to exploit these waters, including flawed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), a lack of meaningful public consultation, and the leasing of the ocean without community consent.

“There’s not enough effort being made to explain to people what the advantages and disadvantages of, or the impact of offshore oil and gas will be on coastal community livelihoods and on the ocean,” says Neville van Rooy, community outreach coordinator for The Green Connection. “All they usually do, is paint a beautiful picture by telling people about jobs, which they know will get people – especially when they hear it from government officials. The reality is that there are very few jobs created for our people.”

Testimonies paint a bleak picture

Featuring deeply personal interviews with local fishers, activists, youth and community leaders, the film explores themes of justice, environmental degradation, and resistance.

“It’s almost as though my heart has been called to it. That is why I can say with pride that I love the ocean and will do anything in my power to protect it,” says Chanel Jaar, who started the Environmental Traits Youth Organisation in Port Nolloth – a small town along the coastline of the Northern Cape.

Their testimonies paint a picture of what is at stake: biodiversity, food security, coastal heritage, and ultimately the survival of future generations.

“Look at Mexico, for five years now they’ve been struggling to get that oil spill cleaned. That community is suffering. Look at Nigeria; their fishermen are suffering. Their boats are lying high and dry, never touching the water because there’s no more water, it’s oil,” adds Walter Steenkamp, Chair of the Fishing Co-operative for Aukotowa Fishers in Port Nolloth.

“However, this isn’t just a story of destruction,” says Lauren van Nijkerk, Wildtrust campaign’s director. “It’s a story of hope. Spoiled is a tribute to the everyday heroes who are defending their livelihoods, their heritage and the sea itself.”

Critical time for SA

The film goes a step further by encouraging greater public involvement in pushing back on the offshore oil and gas application processes. As part of its call to action, viewers are directed to an interactive platform available at www.stopthespoil.co.za, where several active offshore oil and gas applications – their status in process, public participation process information – across South Africa’s coastline are listed, enabling the public to stay informed in an industry that relies on the lack of available data, and have their voices heard.

“The interactive platform we have developed in partnership with The Green Connection features detailed information of around 15 applications for oil and gas giants in South Africa’s ocean,” says Van Nijkerk. “The vision is to one day have information on every single application by oil and gas wanting to lease a block of our ocean space living on this platform, giving the public an opportunity to have a ‘one-stop-shop’ to make informed decisions and get involved in stakeholder consultation that ensures every South African has a say in how our oceans are utilised.”

The launch of the film comes at a critical time for South Africa, as environmental and climate justice organisations wait in anticipation for the release of our country’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP). The IEP is a national roadmap that aims to shape how South Africa produces, distributes, and consumes energy in the coming decades. It seeks to balance the country’s energy needs with environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social justice.

“Operation Pakhisa, which means ‘hurry up’, was South Africa’s idea of pushing for a Blue Economy, but the system is just wrong because it assumes that the ocean is just there to exploit for economic gain,” says van Rooy.

“It doesn’t take into account the inherent value that an ocean would have in terms of ecosystem services, in terms of heritage, culture and that such an ocean feeds thousands of families around the coast of South Africa.”

Van Rooy adds that “all alternative energy solutions have their pros and cons, and we need to make sure that people are not worse off when the Integrated Energy Plan is implemented.”

In February 2023, Wildtrust unveiled a groundbreaking oil spill model for South Africa, a first-of-its-kind aimed at showing the real-world risks of offshore oil operations, using a proposed ultra-deep drill site off Durban, KZN. Developed with partners from the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, and international experts in ocean modelling, the model reveals that shoreline contamination could occur in as little as three days along the east coast.

The fast-flowing Agulhas Current would transport oil large distances, hindering predictions of where oil would reach the shoreline, complicating clean-up efforts. The model indicates that a blow-out spill on the East coast could result in the need for beach clean-up operations as far away as the West coast. The minimum time for oil to shoreline impact could be as little as three days for the East coast of South Africa, and within about 10 days for the South coast and 30 days for the West coast. The results highlight what civil society has long feared, the risks of oil and gas exploration in South African waters are not theoretical, but rather they are imminent and potentially catastrophic.

“If we remain complacent, we risk losing not only our coastline, but our ability to shape a future that values life over profit,” adds Jaar.

WATCH: SPOILED – OFFICIAL FILM

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Budapest police have summoned Mayor Gergely Karacsony for questioning as a suspect in a criminal investigation after he helped organise the city’s 30th Pride parade in defiance of an official government ban. The Mayor’s office confirmed on Thursday that Karacsony will be questioned next week in a case that highlights growing tensions over LGBTQ rights in Hungary.

The June Pride celebration drew what organisers called a record-breaking crowd of more than 200 000 participants, despite Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling coalition having passed legislation specifically designed to prohibit the annual event. Budapest city hall’s decision to co-organise the parade was a strategic move to circumvent these new regulations.

“The mayor was summoned as a suspect by the investigating authority and will be questioned next week,” the mayor’s office told AFP. If formally charged and convicted, Karacsony could face up to a year in prison.

Mayor responds with defiance

Taking to Facebook after the summons, Karacsony remained defiant: “I became a suspect, and if that is the price we have to pay in this country for standing up for our own freedom and that of others, then I am proud of it.”

The environmentalist mayor’s stance represents a direct challenge to Orban’s government, which has implemented increasingly restrictive policies regarding LGBTQ rights over recent years, framing them as measures for “child protection.”

Prime Minister Orban had previously condemned the 30th Budapest Pride march as a “disgrace.” His government accused the opposition of staging the event “at Brussels’ command” and attempting to “force woke culture” onto Hungary.

In February, Orban declared his intention to ban this year’s celebration, which was followed by his ruling coalition codifying provisions into law and the constitution specifically designed to prohibit the parade.

Participants spared prosecution

While the mayor faces potential legal consequences, police announced earlier in July that they would not take action against parade participants, who could have faced fines up to 500 euros (approximately R11 400) for attending Pride.

The investigation against the mayor marks a significant moment in Hungary’s ongoing cultural and political conflicts over LGBTQ rights, with government authorities apparently willing to pursue criminal charges against elected officials who challenge the country’s increasingly restrictive policies.

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Na die oorweldigende sukses van die Theuns Jordaan Tribute-konserte op Loftus Versfeld en die DHL Stadion, waar skares van meer as 15 000 mense die ikoniese Suid-Afrikaanse musikant geëer het, breek die produksie nou nuwe grond met sy eerste Europese voorstelling.

Die room van SA-talent verenig in Amsterdam

Die AFAS LIVE Arena in Amsterdam sal die verhoog wees waar die room van Suid-Afrika se musikale talent byeenkom om hulde te bring aan die legendariese Theuns Jordaan. Die sterrebesetting sluit in Steve Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, Dozi, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Ricus Nel, Gerhard Steyn, Liezel Pieters, Dewald Wasserfal, Jacques du Plessis, Bok van Blerk, Lianie May en Floors Oosthuizen.

Hierdie kunstenaars het almal Theuns na aan die hart gelê en sy lewenspad saam met hom gestap, wat die tribute-konsert ’n diep persoonlike en betekenisvolle ervaring maak.

’n Grootskaalse produksie met persoonlike toewyding

Die uitnemende grootskaalse produksie word behartig deur gesoute vervaardigers Deedee en Floors Oosthuizen in samewerking met Jacques du Plessis, wat self vir byna vyftien jaar saam met Theuns opgetree het.

“Die konsert is vir ons uiters kosbaar en dis ’n groot voorreg om dit in Amsterdam te kan aanbied,” sê Du Plessis. “Die kunstenaars wat deel is van die produksie is baie opgewonde en die publiek se reaksie is oorweldigend.”

Du Plessis beklemtoon die ongelooflike invloed wat Theuns op miljoene mense gehad het: “Ons is almal in totale verwondering en ontsag vir die invloed wat Theuns op soveel miljoene mense gehad het. Sy nalatenskap is omvangryk.”

’n Massiewe produksie wat Amsterdam sal onthou

Die organiseerders belowe dat die Amsterdam-konsert dieselfde grootsheid sal hê as die Suid-Afrikaanse voorstellings. “Dis ’n baie spesiale konsert. Ons besef watter groot verantwoordelikheid op ons rus om Theuns se nalatenskap te eer. Ons gaan nie terughou nie,” verduidelik Du Plessis.

“Dit gaan ’n massiewe produksie en konsert wees, soos wat dit op Loftus en by die DHL Stadion was. Dit was besonders op Loftus en in die Kaapstad Stadion en dit gaan iets wees wat Amsterdam ook vir ’n baie lang tyd sal onthou.”

Van “partytjie-liedjies” tot vroë klassiekers

Aanhangers kan verwag om ’n breë spektrum van Theuns se repertoire te hoor, van sy gewilde “partytjie-liedjies” tot liedjies wat in die beginjare van sy loopbaan uit sy pen gevloei het.

“Die kunstenaars wat deel is van die produksie is diegene wat Theuns se lewenspad saam met hom gestap het en hom werklik na aan die hart gelê het,” verduidelik Du Plessis.

Bobby van Jaarsveld, in wie se loopbaan Theuns ’n beduidende rol gespeel het, is opgewonde oor die geleentheid. “Theuns was ’n besonderse mens en vriend. Ek is baie opgewonde om weer op die verhoog te kan wees saam met hierdie kunstenaars en vir so ’n besonderse geleentheid.”

Die groot belangstelling van ander kunstenaars om deel te wees van die huldeblyk getuig van Theuns se blywende invloed op die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekbedryf.

’n Eenmalige viering van ’n legende

Die Theuns Jordaan Tribute in Amsterdam belowe om ’n besonderse eenmalige massa-konsert te wees wat op gepaste wyse die lewe en musiek van die legendariese Theuns Jordaan sal onthou en vier.

Met hierdie internasionale uitbreiding van die tribute-reeks bereik Theuns Jordaan se nalatenskap nou ook die Suid-Afrikaanse gemeenskap in Europa, wat ’n bewys is van sy blywende invloed op die harte van mense regoor die wêreld.

Kaartjies vir die Theuns Jordaan Tribute-konsert op 9 Augustus by AFAS LIVE in Amsterdam is nou beskikbaar.

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