Heideveld takes flight

THE Heideveld Community Sports Field came alive with adorable smiling faces and the air filled with colourful kites this week.

Organisers Cape Mental Health kicked off their second event on Wednesday as part of this year’s Cape Town International Kite Festival taking place this weekend.

Now in its 31st year, the flagship festival is back once again taking place over two full days, this Saturday and Sunday since the Covid-19 pandemic with the theme Courage to Fly.

Almost 300 children from four daycare centres around Heideveld, including learners with severe and profound intellectual disabilities were entertained as the vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes soared in the wind.

Professor Ingrid Daniels, Chief Executive Officer for Cape Mental Health, said the kite festival is an opportunity to talk about mental health as October is Mental Health Awareness Month.

She said: "The Heideveld Community Fly is a very special event because we want the children to experience and see these beautiful kites take up to the sky, but is also a message of inclusion. Kiting does not discriminate.

"There is still a lot of stigma regarding mental health and we name-call. When we have a misunderstanding and misconception it is a huge barrier because people who have challenges are afraid to seek help because of the stigma.

"However, in our communities we still find that people are reluctant to talk about mental health and almost feel ashamed.”

Special Education and Care Centres manager Mpilo Khumalo said that the kites are stimulating to those with special needs.

Khumalo explained: “It is a rare opportunity for the children with special needs to experience this but it is actually stimulating for them to see the kites. They hardly find opportunities like these, even to go outdoors.

"It is very important to advocate on behalf of the children with special needs, especially with severe to profound intellectual disabilities because their mental health and development matters."

Catch the rest of the Cape Town International Kite Festival on Saturday and Sunday at the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery.