2022 Matric Pass Rate per district/school

Here are the 2022 matric pass rate per district per school in the Western Cape.

Data supplied by the Department of Basic Education.

Conundrum for order in the House

Given the chaotic scenes in the House at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, the past few weeks, it is clear there is no authority that demands the order.

For the DA they would not only need a suitable Speaker-candidate but there is also the vacant Chief Whip-position. A vacancy contributing to all the drama in the House. Even though there is an Acting Chief Whip, with all the powers and priveleges, it is still acting.

It might appear as if the DA is sitting with a conundrum in filling the vacancies, but within the caucus there are indeed members capable of stepping into the shoes.

Presiding Officer

First prize would be someone who has occupied the hot seat and for that reason Sharna Fernandez would be a good choice.

If continuity and stability is considered the DA might look towards Wendy Philander, one of three current rotating House Chairs. Interestingly most of the time when she presided over sittings the opposition has been friendly towards her and she has been lenient towards the opposition, giving them more attention.

A wild card who could attract alot of criticism but is capable is Andricus van der Westhuizen, this might not be an option the party will consider.

An option the DA would want to consider is Daylin Mitchell, who did well as Deputy Chief Whip. Since his transport and public works ministry was modernized to mobility, he now only condemns public transport incidents and after each road (transport) accident he issues condolences.

Whippery

Daylin Mitchell could also return to the Whippery as Chief Whip. This might also be more accepting for the rest of the caucus, he once served as deputy chair.

I've previously written that a strong candidate, who has the knowledge, to be Chief Whip is Andricus van der Westhuizen. In the position he can use the fact to being one of the older members in the House to get respect and maintain order. 

Should Wendy Philander, who is also DA Women's leader in the province, not be presiding officer she could be considered to maintain order amongst members. Another female and for continuity would be Deidre Baartman, current Deputy Chief Whip.

First prize for the DA would be the party's Federal Chairperson, Ivan Meyer. He is a former chief director of provincial training, lecturer in public policy and local governance and has published work on education, housing, local government and public administration.

Should Fernandez, Mitchell or Meyer vacate the executive, it is highly unlikely Premier Alan Winde will make major changes. He will most probably just fill the vacancy with either Philander or Dan Plato.

The position of Chief Whip become vacant after the sad passing on of Lorraine Botha, in August.

By end November the position of Speaker of the Western Cape Legislature became vacant, on a point of technicality when Masizole Mnqasela's political party membership was terminated. This resulted in him losing his seat as member of the legislature, thus creating the Speaker vacancy.

Mnqasela indicated to his now former party he will approach the courts to reinstate his party membership. This and the fact that he was not removed as Speaker is no reason for the House not to elect a new Speaker.

Drakenstein council and Mayco-predictions

One of the first tasks of the newly constituted municipal council would be the appointment of senior office bearers, including the mayoral committee.

Before one add any names to a portfolio the constituting of a new council is also an opportunity to reconfigure portfolios and align it with the plans of the administration. Now that might not happen with the incoming administration, but I will still play around. 

First, I would add recreation to the public safety portfolio, I mean at any event there should be public safety. Secondly to put focus on the economic growth and development of Drakenstein as a city I would create an Economic Opportunities and Tourism portfolio and add Human Settlements and Rural Development together.

Finance: There are rumours that Gert Combrink might not be returning as Deputy Mayor, should that be the case and he miss out on this portfolio two excellent candidates would be Jako Matthee and Aletta van Staden. Both would also be excellent choices for Chief Whip.

Engineering: Rumour has it Koos le Roux will be returning as Speaker, leaving the portfolio vacant. Two potential candidates are Johan Miller and Anre Koegelenberg.

Public Safety & Recreation: Rean Smuts has retired leaving the portfolio vacant. This could go to Aidan Stowman, Reinhardt van Nieuwenhuyssen or first-time councillor Avron Apollis. 

Social Services: Should Stowman get Public Safety and Recreation, Apollis might get Social Services. Another candidate for is Laurishia van Niekerk.

Inter-Governmental Relations and Communication: It is highly unlikely that Van Nieuwenhuyssen would return to this portfolio, leaving the door open to Van Niekerk. Another candidate would be Rita Andreas.

Environment, Parks & Open Spaces: Christephine Kearns looks set to return to te portfolio.

Human Settlements & Rural Development: Lorraine Cyster might be returning to the portfolio and take on rural development as well.

Arts, Culture & Sport: It looks like a definite that Lorenzo Arendse will take on the Arts, Culture & Sport portfolio. 

Corporate Services: Patricia Mokoena will not be returning the council leaving the portfolio vacant for first time councillor and former PA to the Mayor, Elizabeth Baron.

Planning and Development: Should Miller be moving to engineering the likely candidate for this portfolio might be first-time councillor Stephanus Liebenberg.

Economic Opportunities & Tourism: Rita Andreas should be the likely choice for this portfolio should it be created, thanks to her successful first term in the rural development portfolio. Should the new portfolio not be created she will most probably return to her old portfolio. 

Voters made an x for the devil they know

Voters made an x for the devil they know. This is the conclusion one can draw from the recent local government election. 

Despite the ANC and DA still being the two biggest political parties, they did not have a good local government election. 

Both should also be doing some serious introspection.

While at it they may as well look at and compare their message to that of other parties. Their ignorant approach and avoiding the noise that often cause distraction is what cost them votes.

The voter percentage everywhere was down. There are many factors to that, for starters the Independent Electoral Commission was not ready for an election. In their defence they said before the proclamation they not ready, but that is just poor planning. Secondly the election was on a Monday that was a public holiday, and many compatriots took a long weekend. There are other factors as well like the weather and fact that political parties did not offer any real service delivery solutions and speak to the heart of voters.

In Drakenstein with 51,44% the voter percentage was 13,80% less than the 64,72% in 2016. There were 131 182 registered voters of whom 67 483 voted in 2021, compared to the 129 265 registered voters of whom 83 666 voted in 2016.

Despite the DA and ANC retaining all the wards and the ANC winning one from the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), the DA lost 7 and ANC 2 seats. The DA went from governing with a comfortable 66% to a 55% support, while the ANC went from 23% to 19%. This is a lot for the two big political parties.

On the ballot paper there were 19 political parties of whom 11 have won seats in the Drakenstein council. There was an expectation that GOOD would perform well, but they disappointed and managed only to perform uhm good [sic]. Nevertheless, they took votes from the DA and in some wards from the ANC. 

Meanwhile the Freedom Front Plus, Concerned Drakenstein Residents, ACDP and Patriotic Alliance did very well. Icosa increased its support, but there was an opportunity for them to do better. Big surprises in the election were the EFF, who lost votes, and the PAC and Al Jama who both increased their support.

Why did the DA and ANC still do better than the smaller parties? Both can run bigger campaigns and, based on a summarised response from a few voters, they voted for the devil they know.

Several wards had a voter percentage of under 50% with wards 5, 8 and 24 at 41%, ward 14 had 40% and ward 16 with 35% the lowest. The highest voter percentage was 71% in ward 2, but still lower than in 2016. The DA’s support in wards dropped from 66,30 to 54,92%.

Compared to 2016 the DA lost the most support in ward 20 (31,82%), ward 24 (30,81%), ward 14 (26,69%), ward 22 (26,18%) and ward 25 (25,78%). The party had a slight increase in ward 6 (4,67%) and ward 28 (0,7%).

The Freedom Front Plus performed well in ward 2 gaining 24% of the vote, where the DA lost 23,68%. GOOD did good in ward 25 (25,92%) and received 17,81% in ward 33 where the DA lost 21%. In ward 11 the DA lost 22,74% where Good received 15,67% and CDR 14,81%. CDR also performed well in ward 14 (16.81%) and got 14,86% in ward 13 where the DA lost 23,4%.

Smaller parties who did well, based on the voter percentages from 2021 vs 2016 and political party representation in council, is a clear sign that voters are not happy with the bigger parties and sending a message to parties that votes can be taken back.

The challenge now is for the duly elected public representatives of the fifth Drakenstein municipal council to be just that: public representatives. It is especially the smaller parties who will need to show they can be an effective opposition, with a bigger task resting on the shoulders of those entering council for the first time to make an impact on their communities.

Some entering council will learn that there is a difference to being an activist and being a public representative and saying things are easier than getting things done, as well as the consequences for some decisions.

GOOD will have to be careful not to make the same mistakes as the Independent Democrats back in the day, while CDR needs to be careful not to walk the same path as that of the Federation of Democrats during the second administration.

Most important for our public representatives is that the newly formed government might have been given a mandate, but that should not be taken for granted. Those not part of the government were also given a mandate to hold local government accountable and ensure they play their part in ensuring service delivery takes place.

An edited version of this opinion piece was originally published in Paarl Post of 11 November 2021.

DA Cape Town no.2 more interesting

The DA announced Geordin Hill-Lewis as it's Mayoral Candidate for the City of Cape Town. An announcement that came as a no surprise.

There are a few important events surrounding the announcement of the mayoral candidate.

The first thing to keep our eyes on is whether the incumbent Dan Plato will complete the current term, or will he move to the national assembly and become a back-bencher or will he move to the provincial legislature.

Should Plato move to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament the second thing to keep our eyes on is if he will become and MEC and who will make space for him in cabinet?

LIFO [Last In, First Out] would probably be the easiest solution, Daylin Mitchell could be dropped as Transport and Public Works MEC and become the answer to the third important thing to keep our eyes on: who will be candidate for Deputy Mayor.

For Hill-Lewis to have governance experience is not that crucial but his lieutenants and especially number two should. It thus looks like an easy, simple move but in politics nothing is easy or simple.

Daylin Mitchell might only be minister for a few months, but he is a former chairperson of the transport and public works, as well as premier and constitutional matters committees. He is also a former deputy chief whip and deputy caucus chairperson.

One can expect the Deputy Mayoral Candidate position to be a bigger competition than the Mayoral one.

Race is a sensitive issue and the DA who believes in non-racialism might give some hope to the current deputy mayor Ian Neilson for another term or Mayco Members JP Smith and James Vos to throw their names in the hat. Neilson, Smith and Vos have the expertise for the position and would give great support to Hill-Lewis as a Mayor. It would however be difficult to convince not only voters and potential voters but also party members that with white Mayor and Deputy Mayor Candidates the DA is not a white party.

From within the DA there would be a push that the number two be a person of colour. Four names come to mind...

Top of the list is Xanthea Limberg, whose name have been previously rumoured as a potential deputy mayor candidate, followed by Zahid Badroodien.

The other two on my list might not have governance experience but they know the communities, are regularly on the ground and to an extend are engaging on the streets. They are Angus McKenzie, the Bonteheuwel-ward councillor, and Reagen Allen, chairperson of the standing committee on community safety and cultural affairs and sport.

Three of the above eight names have previously hinted at aiming for the blue cloak. There could however be wildcard candidates like Patricia van der Ross and Dr. Arlene Adams.

The DA can be very predictable, applying textbook politics, like watching House of Cards and West Wing at once. Thus, when selecting the number two for the City of Cape Town, the DA should be honest and take parties like the EFF, NFP, Good, Icosa, CDR and the Patriotic Alliance serious. 

It should also first decide whether the status quo will do or will they want to stir the pot – like deal with pending disciplinary matters…

Together we are responsible for our children!

It is Thursday just after 06:00 and I am on a train on my way to work. My phone went of trice already, so I decided to check what is so important.

Two of the messages are from a source, in the one he mentions the body of a child was found and in the second he confirms it is that of Tazne van Wyk.

For a few seconds I just sit quiet and pray: “Kyrie Eleison”.

During the day I occasionally read the comments on social media. We are all upset, furious and want answers!

Death penalty is raised, Bundu-courts, taking the law into our own hands and we need more prisons, is what many are saying.

It is on my way home that I tell myself and eventually share on my social media platforms – the death penalty is not the answer to the rape and murder in our country. The two crimes are as old as humanity it has been here long before us and will likely be here long after us.

As for building of prisons, I feel it is an indirect encouragement for crime. We already sit with a shortage of classrooms, why thus want more prisons?

What we do need is classrooms. We need to tackle the social challenges in our communities. Social programmes need to be revised and improved, especially those aimed on the youth.

In parts of the Western Cape there are youth cafes. The programmes presented there need to be revised and need to accommodate programs addressing the specific needs in that community. It is clear that the one approach for all is not working.

We, the people who live in this country, are the answer. The day we stop to protect criminal elements and perpetrators of domestic violence, looking the other way, that is when we are addressing the actual problem.

When we come forward with information and call out the names of those guilty, then we implement something far bigger and better than the death penalty.

How many don’t hear the conversations when walking by of a guy boasting how his girl jumps when he talks.

How many don’t hear how a girl confides in a friend about her boyfriend or husband who raised his hand for her by accident.

It happens once and then again and again and again. It becomes such a habit that when something happens to her those around them will say: “no it happened regularly.”

The day you hear it the first time and call out the name of the perpetrator, that is when you give the deed the death penalty.

Then there is the matter of just quickly sending your child to the shop, across the road or just down the street. One of the train buddies best summarise the feeling as: “If I cannot walk myself, then I can sit without it.”

The week Tazne van Wyk’s body was discovered two other girls, Nabeelah Begg (16) from Bonteheuwel and Mishaney Jansen (14) from Oudtshoorn, were reported missing.

It is also just each time a child goes missing or is raped and/or murdered that there is an outcry. Then we remember Lekita Moore, Rene Roman, Courtney Peters, Stacha Arends, Stracey Adams, Kaithlyn Wilson, Lache Stols, Aqeel Davids, Ezra Daniels, Shamonique Claasen, Jeremiah Ruiters and many others.

The shortcut is then chosen, and government blamed. But when did we as society fail?

We need to do better. We need to act quicker and sooner.

You and me and everyone around us are and should be the answer.

• Original was published in Afrikaans on Thursday 27 February 2020 in Paarl Post as Post Scriptum

Candidates are fit but serve what purpose?

The appointment of the first Children’s Commissioner, in not only the Western Cape but South Africa, looks set to happen within the first quarter of this new decade.

Reading the cover letters of the 15 shortlisted candidates makes me wonder if the process was not rushed to complete, losing focus of the objective.

The successful candidate will be responsible for protecting and promoting the interest of children to ensuring that crime and its impact on children and issues of child safety are address. As well as monitor, investigate, research and lobby issues and policy that impact children.

Each of the 15 candidates are qualified for the position. While it gives peace of mind it is also sad that 53% of the shortlisted candidates come from the legal fraternity.

One should keep in mind that the Children’s Commissioner will not be writing or amending any legislation. Anyone can make legislative suggestions, from the aunty running a soup kitchen to the aunty with a creche in her backyard.

The individual tasked with advocating children’s rights will only enforce but should be someone who will speak and raise all aspects of being a child, those in the city; Cape Flats; rural streets and on our farms.

There are alarming incidents involving children, in the Western Cape, from child exploitation to abduction and rape and murder. The successful candidate should thus be someone who can console a family to walking the gravel roads, protesting in the streets and engaging with stakeholders from all walks of live. Most importantly be someone who can go sit in the park with a 4-year-old with a lolly and have that child open to him or her.

As members of the Standing Committee on Social Development of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament prepare for one-on-one interviews, it is a good time to first go back to the drawing board.

The honourable members should ask themselves (and their caucuses) what do they hope and aim to achieve and what and how should the Children’s Commissioner do this. This should guide the members of the provincial parliament on who would be a suitable candidate to be the first Children’s Commissioner.

In summary the Children’s Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the needs and interest of all children in the province are met. All shortlisted candidates already in their own right qualify. 

Question is whether they meet the objective of the office with their expertise.

Click on name of shortlisted candidates for their biographies:

• Carol Bower
• Christina Nomdo
• Eric Atmore
• Gabriela McKellar
• Ingrid Lestrade
• Joy van der Heyde
• Lizelle Africa
• Lydia-Anne Plaatjies
• Lucas Muntingh
• Marlene Le Roux
• Mirinda Gaum
• Naqita Alexander
• Samantha Albertyn
• Zakira Mohamed

2019 Matric Pass Rate per district/school

Here are the 2019 matric pass rate percentages per district per school in the Western Cape.

CAPE WINELANDS DISTRICT

EDEN AND CENTRAL KAROO DISTRICT

OVERBERG DISTRICT & WEST COAST DISTRICT

CAPE METRO: NORTH DISTRICT

 

CAPE METRO: SOUTH DISTRICT

CAPE METRO: EAST DISTRICT

CAPE METRO: CENTRAL DISTRICT

• Above results, supplied by the Department of Basic Education from the Republic of South Africa, were all correct at time of publishing

Winde's new beginning

A week ago I speculated who will feature in Alan Winde’s first Western Cape cabinet. As mentioned then Winde can be consistent and only appoint a replacement for any possible vacancies. Read previous blog here: Winde vote for consistency or change

During a recent interview the guy known as the “jobs”-Premier confirmed he will be re-configuring the current portfolio’s and also look bringing in new younger talent. As Winde puts it: “I am not going to be around forever and we need to prepare now already.”

In the interview Winde was clear that he is looking at re-configuring cabinet to align it with the DA manifesto and only once that part is complete one can start adding names.

The incoming Premier of the Western Cape is advocating for jobs, safer communities, education that does more than the basic and the arts and culture sector to be more than performing arts but a vehicle for job creation. I’ve taken this, along with the DA’s ideal 15 national ministries and came to the following reconfiguration of the provincial executive:

- Health and Social Development
- Cultural Affairs and Sport
- Finance
- Human Settlements
- Community Safety
- Transport and Integrated Planning
- Agriculture, Local Government and International Relations
- Education, Skills & Innovation
- Environmental Affairs & Planning
- Economic Opportunities, Assets & Facilities

Adding names to the portfolio's is not that easy, as it looks...
Bonginkosi Madikizela looks set to return to Human Settlements. 
Nomafrench Mbombo has been very successful in the health portfolio and one would want her to continue with that. Because you can link the two Social Development could be added here.

Anroux Marais has been doing well at Arts, Cultural Affairs & Sport. Who can forget in her first three months she became the first MEC to go swim with lifeguards.

A possible successor at Community Safety is the former chairperson of the standing committee, Mireille Wenger. She is familiar with the portfolio, competent and being a female counts in her favour. Being married to the whistle-blower in the Patricia de Lille-saga, Craig Kesson, might raise the eyebrows though and could make a few people uncomfortable.

Another option is Albert Fritz, who headed the ministry previously. He could possibly also head Transport and Integrated Planning, a portfolio Tertius Simmers could also be given. This was Simmers' portfolio as Garden Route District Municipality MMC.
Simmers could also be given Economic Opportunities, Assets and Facilities. A portfolio currently headed by Beverely Schafer, whom I'm speculating if she does not return to the executive becomes Chief Whip.

Another candidate for Chief Whip is Debbie Schafer. That is if she does not return to Education, Skills and Innovation. Leaving it vacant for Daylin Mitchell.

It is highly unlikely that Anton Bredell will not return to Environmental Affairs and Planning. If he does not... A likely portfolio for Bredell, who is provincial chairperson, would be to move to the vacant Chief Whip position. Some will consider this a demotion and others might raise concern at separating party and state - as both positions are administrative.

A prominent DA member, who served as shadow finance minister, is rumoured to have his eye on the finance ministry.
David Maynier was Winde's campaign manager and is fit for purpose. I have no doubt that he will be included in the executive. 
The trick is that the finance portfolio is viewed as second most important after that of the premier, and both these occupied by white men in a coloured majority province is sending the wrong message.

This means dr. Ivan Meyer could head Agriculture, Local Government and International Relations. Meyer is the DA's deputy federal chairperson and most senior coloured leader in the party and has a good relationship with all three sectors.

As previously said another strong contender for Chief Whip is Andricus van der Westhuizen. The move by the former MP to the provincial legislature is surely not to be closer to retirement. Should Mitchell not be included in the executive he could become deputy Chief Whip. This is the DA showing confidence in the next generation.

Van der Westhuizen could likely also be deputy speaker. He was once upon a time the speaker of Stellenbosch Municipality. Another possible candidate for this position is Masizole Mnqasela, whose promotion is longer overdue.

In the fifth parliament the second most senior portfolio was occupied by a coloured woman. Considering that the former deputy speaker, Piet Pretorius, retired it is highly unlikely the DA will replace Sharna Fernandez as speaker.
For a first term member and speaker she did well. With the Patricia de Lille-saga still fresh, not retaining Fernandez is opening a can of worms and critics will have a field day "attacking" the DA of how people of colour, especially woman, are rejected/demoted if they become too popular.

Winde vote for consistency or change

Votes have been counted, seats allocated and now the real work begins.

The first task of the Premier-designate, Alan Winde, will be to assemble his yes-men and woman. This includes his cabinet and over the following two weeks he will be consulting to appoint that team.

Of the former DA MPLs four are retiring, two moving to the National Assembly and 20 will be returning to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Except for Helen Zille retiring her entire cabinet is returning.  Winde can be consistent and only appoint a replacement for himself.

Winde and his DA caucus could also use to their advantage the fact that only 27.80% or 5 of the 18 opposition MPLs are former members and 66.70% have never served in a legislature.

A possible successor for Winde at Community Safety is chairperson of the standing committee, Mirreile Wenger. She knows the portfolio, is competent and being female counts in her favour. Being married to the whistleblower in the Patricia de Lille-saga, Craig Kesson, might raise the eyebrows though and could make a few people uncomfortable.

Another option is moving Albert Fritz, who previously occupied the position. I have two scenarios replacing Fritz at Social Development.

First scenario is Anroux Marais and being replaced at Arts, Culture and Sport by Masizole Mnqasela (let’s be honest his promotion is long overdue).

Second scenario is dr. Ivan Meyer, he previously occupied the position. This leaves vacant the all-important finance portfolio.

A prominent DA member, who served as shadow finance minister, is however moving to the legislature and rumour has it that David Maynier has his eye on the finance ministry.

Maynier was Winde’s campaign manager and fit for purpose, I have no doubt that he will be included in the executive council. The trick is that the finance portfolio is viewed as second most senior after that of premier, and both these occupied by white men in a coloured majority province is sending the wrong message.

Consistency might be a safer bet. Meyer is also deputy federal chairperson of the DA and the most senior coloured leader in the party.

Meyer could make space for Maynier and move to Local Government and Development Planning, but it is highly unlikely that Anton Bredell will move.

A likely portfolio for Bredell, who is provincial chairperson, would be to move to the vacant Chief Whip position. Some will consider this a demotion and others might raise concern at separating party and state as both positions are administrative.

If Bredell is not the new Chief Whip someone who also deserves to be considered is Beverley Schafer. Having a woman in this portfolio could also be the DA silencing critics that their shortage of female leaders.

Schafer’s move to the 5^th floor leaves vacant the Economic Opportunities portfolio, one she could possible be handing over to Maynier – unless the unlikely happen and he and Meyer swap portfolios.

Should Schafer not move another strong contender for Chief Whip is Andricus van der Westhuizen. The former MP’s move to the provincial legislature is surely not to be closer to retirement. In showing confidence in the next generation the Deputy Chief Whip position could likely go to Daylin Mitchell. To date the youngest person to become WCPP MPL and who did well in his first term.

Van der Westhuizen could likely also be deputy speaker. He was once upon a time the speaker of Stellenbosch Municipality. Another possible candidate for this position is Masizole Mnqasela, whose promotion as said is long overdue.

In the fifth parliament the second most important portfolio was occupied by a coloured woman. Considering that the former deputy speaker, Piet Pretorius, retired it is highly unlikely the DA will replace Sharna Fernandez as speaker. Despite some minor flaws, for a first term member and speaker she did well. With the Patricia de Lille-saga still fresh, not retaining her opens a can of worms – critics will have a field day ‘attacking’ the DA of how people of colour, especially woman, are rejected/demoted if they become too popular.

So here’s my three list:

Something old, something new, something blue

New trains launched in Cape Town is the best news the province could have gotten.

You excused for assuming it was a political stunt, I mean it was exactly a month before the elections.

These new trains will be implemented along with the upgrading of the rail network. That upgrading commenced but sadly the rail network is crippling at a faster pace than what upgrades are taking place.

The features in the new trains are cool, big windows, cameras, intercom. You will even get a heads-up as the train is approaching a station. The driver can even see what is happening in the carriages

On the new train’s drivers will also be able to communicate with commuters. Now however they don’t have information when asked a question by commuters passing by.

Metrorail however has a delay in leadership, with management failing to use existing resources. How will they deal with a new ball?

For now, no one will board the two test trains and 35 new trains it anticipated to arrive sometime in 2020. The unanswered question is how systemic issues are being addressed.

Currently there are gate-keepers to proactive customer communication and management is awol with major delays.

Communication are not a priority to Metrorail, yet 5-years ago I pointed out to the current Regional Manager this is one of his two biggest challenges. If communication was a priority, why is there no customer communication strategy and for the past few years a permanent head of Customer Services has been cancelled. So, actors need to show leadership and give direction, and if their performance is too good the curtain closes.

Metrorail's other dilemma is getting all their staff on one train. With no consensus on its regional executive on many things it is no surprise there are delays. Senior managers do as they please. I once caught the HR Manager smoking on a platform, next to a no smoking sign and while that announcement was made. He got off with a warning.

Metrorail operates with policies and procedures written in the dark years of our country and many of the current staff will tell you it worked 20/30 years ago.

To be blunt Metrorail did not stay on track with environmental and behavioural changes. The rail operator is reactive, instead of proactive. Their actions are evident to this.

Something needs to happen for them to react.

They lack the leadership, vision and strategy to think about tomorrow, next week, next month and while they follow policy, they not system driven but person-driven. So, every new actor comes with their own taste and that is not always healthy.

One should rightfully ask how important are commuters for Metrorail, has there been any commuter awareness program?

Yet commuters are blamed for not taking ownership and responsibility. 

I am who I am, ME

Actors are activist who has a bigger role than acting.

Roberto Kyle says his career gives him a voice and a responsibility.

“People go to movies and see us on TV to relate and see their stories and themselves through us. We need to tell those stories.”

The actor from Paarl is openly gay and plays the role of a gay-character in kykNET&Kie’s telenovela, Arendsvlei.

According to Roberto it took him 25 years to love who he is.

“I fought. I still fight for my identity, for who I am and the space around me.

“I don’t have 25 years for others to accept and love who I am.”

Roberto was also in movies like Eye in the Sky and The Dark Tower, as well as the drama series Homeland.

Shortly before Arendsvlei Roberto was seen as Skalkie Fortuin in Knapsekêrels and before that as Aunty Merle’s son Carl Abrahams in the Marc Lottering musical.

Roberto gets serious when he says his sexuality does not determine which type of actor he is, or that he can or should only portray a gay-character.

“It is not why I went to drama school. If I have to play a tree, then I play a tree.”

SUPPORT

Roberto confess he always knew he was different, and how other people made him feel about himself.

“I was always the target of the one or other form of bullying. Especially by boys and simply because I was not like them. When I became a teenager, I started to understand the dynamics of masculinity and being a man. At 13-years it all started making sense… that I am gay.”

Even though he is a friendly, full of life person, there was some challenging times.

In his matric year he opened towards school friends about his sexuality.

“I was scared of who I am. When I told my school friends they started crying, because they have been waiting the whole time on me just to be happy for me. I then told my sister, and that same evening my mom. Both was, and they still are very supportive.”

Roberto now partially regrets the whole “coming out”.

“I believe no one should endure the trauma young boys and girls go through with the whole ‘coming out’ process. My sister never had to hide her love (for someone else) or explain her existence. Why should I?”

There is another thing that Roberto regrets. His dad passed away in 2013, to cancer and they never had the opportunity to talk about Roberto’s sexuality.

“I’m sure he knew. Before I “came out of the closet” my parents were busy getting a divorce and my dad moved out. I just didn’t want to still disturb him with this news. I know that he loved me, and he supported me.

“Still there is a part of me that feel I lack something that would make me a good son for him,” an emotional Roberto adds.

There is no shortage of love and support for Roberto from his mom – who raised him and his sister with faith, determination, acceptance and humility.

He is aware though many others are not that lucky.

“It breaks your heart if your loved-ones don’t accept and support you for who you are. Know that your identity and potential is not linked to any person, who rejects your presence. Just be who you are.

“My dad’s passing taught me we should love each other unconditionally, while we still with each other.”

AWARENESS

On the work front it seems Roberto and his character have a lot in common.

His character Lee-Roy is like Roberto also Ronel (played by Melanie du Bois) his mom’s everything. There is another thing. We got to know Lee-Roy when he was bullied on school. Roberto was bullied on primary and high school.

An honest Roberto says he was not only bullied by learners on school, but even teachers.

“Bullying takes on any form. It is not only to lift your hand. It is also people’s actions, words or even a simple look you give someone. On school I was bullied by teachers, about my sexuality and because I was different.

“I can recall two incidents where I was bullied. One being on high school when a teacher shouted, ‘stop being so gay’. I got up and walked out of the class. “Some classmates and myself went to the principal’s office, where I asked that the teacher be addressed for discriminating against me.”

Roberto’s mom was called in and it later came out, according to Roberto, that the teacher’s daughter is lesbian, and it appears as if the teacher took out her personal feelings and homophobia on Roberto.

“We need to point out homophobia, especially adults. We give permission if we pretend there is no injustice against other, or ourselves.”

Roberto reckons bullying on school is being address, but we all have a responsibility.

He is of the opinion victims should be given a bigger voice and more awareness.

Like he’s doing with his Arendsvlei-character.

Roberto says he almost immediately got the rol when he went for the Arendsvlei audition.

“I was wondering if it would be a challenge to play a schoolkid and what message I might be telling with that. When I read about the character and the big topic he’s taking on, I knew I wanted to play the role.”

Roberto says it was an adjustment to go from Skalkie, who walks with a firearm in Knapsekêrels, to Lee-Roy with schoolbooks.

“There are still people who recognize me as Skalkie, but I think many are getting used to Lee-Roy. I just don’t want Lee-Roy to become each to play.”

BE YOURSELF

What makes Lee-Roy so much fun is that he is quirky, friendly and likeable and he bring humor to every situation. From social media Roberto also successfully touch on the homosexuality topic and from the messages many of his supporters see him as a role-model.

“It is difficult to play a gay character on South African TV. I open myself to the public and all the risks that comes with that.”

Hy feels he has a responsibility to tell the truth. It is part of my goal to tell the story of my people.

“Whether it is sexuality, coloured, manly, Paarl or South African narrative.

“Irrespective if I play a straight, gay or asexual character. Lee-Roy is not who I am in life, it is the story I am telling now.”

Roberto is one of the youngest actors to play a gay-character on our TV-screens.

He is also one of a few, possibly the youngest, to openly talk about his own sexuality.

“I enjoy the reaction and messages from supporters and try to respond to everyone.

“Jinne but then I read some of the commentary and I think Rihanna don’t pay attention to rude and negative commentary, why should us plebs.”

The young man views all criticism as constructive, it helps him to be a better actor and person.

“I ask myself if I will be creative and live out my character if I’m only going to focus on negative comments.

“What concerns me is that I should not hurt people with my character.”

Roberto is aware it comes with the industry for him to be scrutinize and the backlash that can come from the public.

“It is a sad fact that a subject like homosexuality is still half taboo in our society. There is room to change that and it starts with something as simple as a conversation.”

Roberto did his thesis on the classification of the queer identity in the entertainment industry.

He says it often happens that gays bully each other.

“Gay culture is judging feminine men. The culture draws this from the heteronormativity rules of a relationship between a man and a woman, and the role of each in a relationship.

“It derives from the rooted homophobia, because gays have a view of what the perfect man should be and how he should act. If you don’t meet the standards of what a gay man should be, you judged.

“Where people are marginalized things are always sensitive, but actors can be a voice to address the topics.”

Roberto feels strongly if people irrespective race, class or sexuality are only seen as a person, who also have a story with successes and challenges, there is respect.

“People are scared to talk about homosexuality, because they don’t understand it. Aggression comes because people don’t want to talk about it and when someone comes out of the closet, especially if it is in your home, it is a problem.

“Some say you can only be gay from a distance, but when it is in your house it is a different case.”

A serious Roberto adds “people don’t always respect that you as a person have a right to express yourself, and how you feel.”

Our interview took place as the scenes of the Arendsvlei-matric camp was shot. Everyone loves Lee-Roy, and not because he is gay or being bullied, but because he is so sincere.

Ever since the barn-scenes there has been chemistry between Lee-Roy and Wesley (played by Craig Adriaanse) and viewers have been waiting and begging for a kiss between the two.

Will there be a kiss, will the two date?

“LOL” is Roberto’s reaction to the question.

“For three days a week Arendsvlei tells the stories of our people, by our people. No one came from abroad. Every day stories are being highlighted and things that are still taboo for some are now in our homes.”

Roberto hopes that viewers learn from Lee-Roy to take ownership of their life, to fight for what they believe in.

“I hope especially the gay, lesbian, transgender boy or girl learn from this that their sexuality doesn’t determine who they are and that they so much more.

“Be true to yourself and know no ones has a right to say who and what you are. You have ownership of your identity and no one can take that.”

The young actors mention he takes it with a pinch of salt how people and especially other gays judge him.

“I am not going to lay awake at night and don’t have time to wonder how others feel about my existence. It is important that I am who I am, me!”

Roberto gives his killer smile and says: “There is nothing as powerful as someone who can walk in a room and just be themselves, without having to defend their identity!”

• An edited version of this was published in Afrikaans in Kuier of 6 March 2019