There are artists who make music, and then there are artists
who become music whose lives are so knotted with contradiction, pain, and faith
that every song feels like a confession. Johnny Cash was that kind of artist.
And now, his story is taking the stage at the Baxter Studio Theatre in a
production that has been captivating Cape Town audiences for over a year.
Sin and Salvation: The Story of Johnny Cash runs from the
25th to the 28th of March 2026, and if the buzz is anything to go by, it's a
show not easily forgotten.
How It Began
The production has an almost fittingly organic origin story.
Director Nigel Vermaas explains that the whole thing began with Jamie Jupiter actor,
musician, and lifelong Cash devotee. Long before there was a show, Jupiter was
weaving Johnny Cash songs into his regular concerts, drawn to the music in a
way he couldn't quite shake.
It was Jonny Blundell, a longtime collaborator who had
worked with Jupiter on recordings, who first saw the potential. "You
should really do a show around this," Blundell told him. "It's such
rich material." From there, the pieces came together: a script, two more
extraordinarily versatile musicians Sarah McArthur, whose voice Vermaas
describes simply as "from heaven," and Daniel Franks, a powerhouse on
bass who also plays the authority figures Cash constantly clashed with and
eventually, Vermaas himself stepping in to direct.
"I always say don't let musicians act, generally,"
Vermaas laughs. "But this time, these musicians all act."
The Tension at the
Heart of Cash
What makes Cash such compelling material isn't the music
alone it's the man behind it. Here was someone who preached the gospel and
wrestled with addiction in the same breath, who grew up in hardship and never
quite left it behind, even as fame found him. Putting that on stage without it
becoming preachy or worse, judgmental is a genuine creative challenge.
Vermaas describes Cash's faith as something communicated not
through speech, but through song. A few specific songs carry that spiritual
weight, while the rest of the show breathes with everything else Cash was:
funny, dark, rebellious, and achingly human. "There are comedy songs,
there are songs about murder," Vermaas notes. The show opens, pointedly,
with Cash's famous Prison appearance a man performing for people society had
cast aside, finding friendship with them.
Rick Rubin and the
American Recordings
One of the production's most fascinating threads is the
story of Cash's late-career renaissance. When producer Rick Rubin a man better
known for hip-hop and alternative rock called Cash and told him his career
wasn't where it should be, most people might have hung up. Cash didn't.
The result was the American Recordings series: spare,
stripped-down albums where Cash sat with a guitar and sang his own songs, folk
songs, spirituals, murder ballads, and compositions passed along by Rubin from
the artists he knew. It was a reinvention that felt, somehow, like a
homecoming.
In the production, Jonny Blundell plays Rick Rubin and the
cast performs these recordings live. One standout is the old American Spiritual
God's Gonna Cut You Down, which the company has recorded and which gives you a
real sense of what wait in the theatre: raw, unhurried, and steeped in
something ancient.
Worth Seeing
Sin and Salvation is the kind of production that reminds you
why live theatre exists. It's not a tribute act, and it's not a jukebox
musical. It's four gifted, multidisciplinary performers telling a story that
still resonates about a man who lived loudly, sinned openly, and kept reaching
for something he believed in.
It would be a shame to miss it.
Sin and Salvation: The Story of Johnny Cash runs at the
Baxter Studio Theatre, 25–28 March 2026. Evening performances start at 8 p.m.,
with a Saturday matinee on the 28th at 3 p.m.
The School Placement Crisis in Western Cape: When
Access to Education Becomes a Legal Battle
A
conversation with education advocates on the front lines
With approximately 7,500 children still awaiting
school placement for the 2026 academic year despite the Western Cape Education
Department's reported 96% placement rate, families across the province are
facing an urgent crisis. What does it mean when 4% of students are left behind?
For thousands of families, it means constitutional rights violated, futures
disrupted, and children at risk.
In a recent Bush Advice Program discussion, three
education advocates shared insights from the front lines of this crisis: Abeada
Van Neel from Eerste River Advice Office, Wesley Moodley from Centre of
Excellence, and Ziyanda Mncono-Chaule (Sister-in-Law) from Banjatwa Magazi
Attorneys. Their perspectives reveal a system struggling under pressure,
administrative failures, and the human cost of delayed placements.
Understanding
the Constitutional Right to Education
Section 29 of South Africa's Constitution guarantees
everyone the right to basic education. Unlike other socioeconomic rights, this
right is not subject to progressive realization, meaning it must be fulfilled
immediately, without delays or excuses.
"This places a direct obligation on the Western
Cape Education Department to actually place these children at schools,"
explained Ziyanda. "The delays and other administrative errors are never
an excuse. These are children that have this right."
This constitutional protection is particularly
significant because it applies to entry levels of basic education, ensuring
that every child must be placed in school regardless of capacity constraints,
administrative backlog, or infrastructure limitations.
The
Reality on the Ground: What Advice Officers See
When parents finally arrive at an advice office
seeking help, they've already been through an exhausting journey. According to
Abeada Van Neel, "by the time a parent walks into an advice office for
assistance, they have been everywhere. They have been to every school. They've
been standing in long queues."
These parents are understandably frustrated, having
spent time and money they don't have. Many feel they've failed their child,
even though the failure lies with the system, not with them.
The
Digital Divide Challenge
Wesley Moodley highlighted a critical barrier that
often goes unrecognized: the shift to online applications. While parts of South
Africa have migrated to online systems, this creates significant obstacles for
families in marginalized communities.
"Realistically, on the Cape Flats, the Townships,
not everybody can or is able to do online applications. People don't have data.
People don't have internet. People don't have laptops," Moodley explained.
He emphasized that more could be done at primary schools to assist learners and
parents transitioning from grade 7 to grade 8, as "most parents need
somebody to guide them, to walk them and to mentor them."
Legal
Protections: What Parents Need to Know
When a child is turned away from multiple schools,
parents have legal recourse. The Constitution is clear: a child cannot simply
be told there's no space.
"The right to education means that a child cannot
be turned away from school," stated Abeada. "The state has a duty to
find a place for the child. Lack of infrastructure is not a valid excuse. The
courts are clear."
Ziyanda emphasized that capacity restraints cannot be
used as a defence against fulfilling constitutional obligations. The Education
Department must make means for immediate placement, even if that admission is
provisional while a permanent solution is found.
The
Administrative Maze: Why Parents Get Lost
One of the most frustrating aspects of the placement
crisis is how parents are sent from pillar to post. They go to a school and are
sent to the department. From the department, they're sent back to schools.
As Ziyanda explained, schools should serve as the
middle ground, approaching the department as an institution rather than leaving
parents to navigate the bureaucracy alone. "The most degrading thing we
are now witnessing is that the schools don't even open their gates as if these
parents even pose a danger to these principals," she noted.
The
Absence of Written Communication
Another critical issue is the lack of written feedback.
Parents are told orally that schools are full, but the law requires written
reasons. Schools avoid providing written documentation because they understand
they cannot legally use capacity or administrative errors as excuses to
infringe on this basic right. This leaves parents without evidence to challenge
unfair denials.
The
Overlooked 4%: Who Gets Left Behind?
While 96% placement might sound successful, it leaves
thousands of children unaccounted for. The families bearing the brunt are
typically the most vulnerable:
• Children from poorer communities and informal
settlements
• Parents without access to online systems
• Grade 8 learners (high school placements)
• Students migrating from other provinces
• Non-South African nationals
Wesley pointed out that migration patterns aren't
accounted for in planning: "Every year, there's a migration of students
coming from other provinces into the Western Cape. Now, all of a sudden, we
have to make place for students that were not part of that planning."
The
Consequences: When Children Stay Out of School
The impact of delayed placements extends far beyond
missed lessons. Wesley described the cascading effects:
"If the child is not in school, the child will
most probably be recruited into a gang, and we don't want that," he
stated, noting that in gang-affected areas and gang hotspot schools, parents
worry about both their child's education and safety.
When a child enters school four months late, they're
already at a significant disadvantage. They've missed foundational material,
and the pressure to catch up takes a toll on mental wellbeing. Educators,
already stretched thin, struggle to provide the extra support these students
need, often leading to behavioural issues and eventual dropout.
Legal
Action: When to Take It Further
When emails go unanswered and applications stall, Ziyanda
advises parents to consider legal action. "They should actually apply at
the high court on the grounds of discrimination," she stated.
Parents should document everything: application dates,
reference numbers, email communications, and any counselling reports showing
the psychological impact on their child. This evidence strengthens applications
based on contraventions of Section 29 (right to education) and Section 9 (the
Equality Clause).
"Once we communicate with the department to say
that we are preparing an application that we're going to send to the high
court, then the department seemingly always has a miracle. And there's always a
desk and a chair available for the child," Ziyanda noted.
Community
Solutions: Bridging the Gap
While waiting for systemic change, community-based
organizations are stepping up to provide interim solutions. The Centre of
Excellence, for example, houses students in the meantime, creating a
school-like environment where children can come daily.
"We provide a space for them, and some of our
volunteers will just assist them and get them and keep them in line, in tune,
on beat. So when they go back to school, there's no hiccups or hurdles,"
Westley explained.
These organizations have also built working
relationships with local education departments, helping to facilitate
placements and safeguard both parents and children from potential legal
consequences of keeping children out of school.
Systemic
Issues That Need Addressing
The placement crisis reflects deeper structural
problems:
1. Infrastructure Gaps: Areas like Bishop Lavis have
14-15 primary schools but only two high schools, creating a problem at the
grade 8 level.
2. Flawed Application Systems: The online system is
difficult to navigate, with poor communication channels and inadequate feedback
mechanisms.
3. Overcrowded Classrooms: Some educators are teaching
56 students in a single class, indicating severe oversubscription in certain
schools.
4. Lack of Planning: Migration patterns and population
growth aren't adequately factored into capacity planning.
5. Poor Administration: Contravention of the Promotion
of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), with schools and departments failing to
provide written reasons for decisions.
What
Parents Can Do Right Now
If your child hasn't been placed in school, here are
concrete steps you can take:
Be Persistent: Don't accept silence. If emails go
unanswered, escalate to higher authorities in the department structure.
Document Everything: Keep records of all applications,
emails, reference numbers, and dates. Written evidence is crucial for legal
challenges.
Request Written Reasons: Don't accept oral
explanations. Demand written documentation of why your child cannot be placed.
Seek Help from Advice Offices: Organizations like Eerste
River Advice Office and Centre of Excellence have established relationships
with education departments and can facilitate placements.
Know Your Metro: Identify which education metro (Metro
North, Metro South, etc.) is responsible for your area and engage directly with
them.
Consider Legal Action: If administrative channels
fail, don't hesitate to pursue legal remedies through the high court on grounds
of constitutional violations.
Document Psychological Impact: If your child is
showing signs of distress, get professional counselling and keep the reports
for legal substantiation.
A
Call for Accountability and Change
The school placement crisis in the Western Cape is not
just a statistical problem, it's a violation of children's constitutional
rights with real, lasting consequences. As Ziyanda stated, "This is a
pandemic. This is a disaster that needs to be held because people's
constitutional rights are actually infringed."
The solution requires proper planning, adequate
budgeting, consequence management, and accountability. There are qualified
teachers waiting for employment. Infrastructure can be expanded. Communication
systems can be improved. What's missing is the political will to prioritize
this fundamental right.
Until systemic change happens, parents must know their
rights and be prepared to fight for them. Community organizations must continue
bridging the gap. And advocates must keep pushing back legally and publicly.
Because every child deserves a desk, a chair, and
access to the education that is their constitutional birth right.
Get
Help
If you need assistance with school placement issues,
contact:
Eerste River Advice Office: Contact Abeada Van Neel (vanneelabeada484@gmail.com)
Madi van Schalkwyk is the founder of A StrangerKind (ASK) and director of A Kind Agency. She shared how the idea for A StrangerKind emerged from recognizing how little people truly know about one another — and how difficult it can be to approach a stranger and start a meaningful conversation.
The Concept Behind A StrangerKind
At A StrangerKind events, Madi and her team provide curated lists of topics that participants can choose from to help spark conversation. The intention is to create a structured yet open space where strangers can connect more easily and authentically.
Through these interactions, Madi discovered that engaging deeply with strangers strengthened her ability to ask more thoughtful questions of the people closest to her — including friends and family. She highlights how familiarity often leads to assumptions, rather than curiosity. By asking about a parent's childhood, their first pet, or the experiences that shaped their views, conversations can become more meaningful and layered. Showing up fully in dialogue with strangers, she explains, has transformed how she approaches conversations in her own life.
Impact in Educational Spaces
A StrangerKind has also been brought to universities, where the impact on students has been significant. Students gain new perspectives on their professors, seeing them as multidimensional individuals rather than solely authority figures. This shift often changes the overall educational experience.
Madi emphasizes that people are inherently willing to share their stories and lived experiences when given the opportunity, and that these exchanges foster genuine human connection.
Addressing Skepticism
For those skeptical about the impact of structured conversations with strangers, Madi encourages attending an event firsthand. She recounts moments where individuals who appeared to have little in common discovered unexpected shared ground — perhaps a favorite childhood meal or a beloved song — and soon found themselves connecting with ease. A 45-minute conversation, she notes, can influence someone's perspective, interests, communication style, or even how they manage stress. The ripple effects can be profound.
Across hundreds of events, one question has stood out as particularly powerful: "What question do you wish someone would ask you?" This simple inquiry often unlocks deeply personal reflections and provides rare insight into another person's inner world.
Broad Reach
Madi's work spans grassroots organizations and global institutions such as Google and the International Monetary Fund. Whether in community spaces or corporate boardrooms, she observes that the need for meaningful human connection remains the same.
In a time marked by polarization and isolation, her work continues to create spaces for empathy, understanding, and authentic dialogue.
To learn more about A StrangerKind, contact Madi at +27 82 926 1012 or visit
Jerome Mzuri, founder and director of Southern Africa Youth
Vision, or SAYOVI. SAYOVI is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to
uplifting at-risk and underprivileged people, with a focus on youth who use
drugs—both on and off the streets—as well as vulnerable migrants and those
experiencing homelessness. Jerome founded SAYOVI in 2011 and has been leading
its mission to implement programs that improve the quality of life for these
communities ever since. Jerome shared that every Friday, SAYOVI staff members
go into local communities to interact directly with at-risk youth, offering
meals and taking time to connect on a personal level.
These moments of
interaction, he explained, are about more than just providing food—they are
about building trust, showing care, and creating a sense of belonging. He says
his biggest takeaway is the importance of spreading love, and of sharing joy
and warmth with those around him. He also reflects that many people become
entangled in drugs and addiction not out of choice, but because they lack a
meaningful sense of community in their lives. SAYOVI aims to fill that gap by
reminding people they are seen and valued. The work Jerome is doing is
admirable as he is doing it to connect with often-overlooked communities.
If you’d like to learn more about SAYOVI work or find ways
to get involved, you can reach them at (0)76 920 6481 or at
sayovi2711@gmail.com.
In a world that still struggles to fully
embrace gender diversity, conversations like these are not just important —
they are necessary. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Melody
Sahiri, the Community Engagement Manager at Gender Dynamics, South Africa’s
pioneering organisation dedicated solely to supporting transgender and
gender-diverse communities.
As the first Africa-based registered
public benefit organisation focusing exclusively on trans and gender-diverse
people, Gender Dynamics has grown from a grassroots vision into a cornerstone
of the trans movement across Southern Africa. Their work spans advocacy, policy
accountability, community support, and human rights documentation — ensuring
that constitutional promises don’t remain just words on paper.
A Personal Journey of Identity
During our conversation, Melody shared
her deeply personal journey — one that many transgender people can relate to.
She recalls knowing, from as early as six or seven-years-old, that the body she
was born into did not align with who she truly was.
At that time, there was no language to
describe being transgender. Gender identity and sexual orientation were often
conflated, and anyone who did not conform to societal norms was simply labelled
as “gay.” Melody explained how this lack of understanding forced her — and many
others — to adopt terminology that never fully fit.
This confusion highlights a reality many
LGBTQIA+ individuals face: knowing something feels “off” long before having the
words, safety, or permission to explore that truth.
PICTURE: Melody Saherrie with host, Jasnine Roberts
Gender Identity vs Sexual Orientation:
Clearing the Confusion
One of the most critical parts of our
discussion focused on education. Melody broke down concepts that are still
widely misunderstood:
·Sexual orientation
refers to who you are attracted to.
·Gender identity is
about who you are.
·Gender expression
is how you present yourself to the world.
·Sex characteristics
relate to intersex variations.
Being transgender does not mean someone
is gay. Melody herself is a heterosexual transgender woman. Likewise, being
transgender does not mean someone is “in drag.” Dressing in alignment with
one’s gender identity is not performance — it is affirmation.
These misconceptions, especially among
older generations, continue to fuel stigma, discomfort, and rejection.
How Gender Dynamics Is Making a
Difference
Gender Dynamics plays a crucial role in
bridging these gaps. One of their key initiatives, the Altemba Project,
operates across five provinces and focuses on:
·Documenting human
rights violations
·Providing emergency
response and referrals
·Supporting individuals
facing violence, rejection, or discrimination
·Facilitating
community dialogues and education
They also offer sensitisation training
for schools, organisations, and institutions, helping to create safer, more
inclusive environments for everyone.
Through their social media platforms —
including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok — Gender Dynamics shares accessible,
educational content that explains gender diversity in simple, relatable terms,
making it easier for parents, elders, and communities to understand.
A Call to Compassion and Courage
If there is one message to take away from
this conversation, it is this: visibility matters, education matters, and
empathy saves lives.
Being transgender or LGBTQIA+ is not a
threat to society. What is harmful is silence, ignorance, and the refusal to
listen.
As a nation that proudly calls itself the
Rainbow Nation, we must do more than celebrate diversity in theory. We must
practice it — in our homes, our schools, our churches, our healthcare systems,
and our everyday interactions.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable option that could
significantly shift how people protect themselves against HIV.
Joining the conversation were representatives from the Desmond Tutu
Health Foundation: Mbali Jonas, Marketing and Communications Coordinator;
Nombeko Mpongo and Thando Wonxie, Media Liaison Officers.
Together, they unpacked what Lenacapavir is, how it works, and why it
matters for communities across the country.
What Is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention injection taken twice a
year. According to Mbali Jonas, it offers protection against HIV infection
without the need to take a daily pill.
This innovation builds on years of HIV prevention efforts in South
Africa. Since 2016, oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has been available
nationwide. Over time, newer prevention options such as injectable PrEP and the
dipivefrine ring were introduced through implementation science projects like
FAST PrEP.
Lenacapavir now expands these choices even further, with plans for
national availability, not just limited research settings.
Choice, Not Replacement
A key message from the discussion was clear: Lenacapavir does not
replace oral PrEP. Instead, it adds another option. Mbali compared HIV
prevention to contraception. Some people prefer daily oral contraceptives,
while others choose injections or implants. HIV prevention works the same way. If
daily oral PrEP fits your lifestyle, it remains a great option. If you prefer
something discreet that doesn’t require daily adherence, Lenacapavir may work
better. The goal is choice—allowing individuals to select what best suits their
lives.
Prevention vs Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Thando Wonxie explained the distinction simply:
‘’HIV treatment is lifelong for people living with HIV. HIV prevention
is for people who are HIV-negative and want to stay that way. Lenacapavir, in
this context, is currently focused on prevention. While studies are underway
exploring its use in HIV treatment, those findings are not yet publicly
available.’’
PICTURED - representatives from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation: From left - Mbali Jonas, Marketing and Communications Coordinator; Thando Wonxie and Nombeko Mpongo, Media Liaison Officers.
What Could This Mean for South Africa?
South Africa carries one of the highest HIV burdens in the world,
making new prevention tools critically important.
Nombeko Mpongo described Lenacapavir as a bridge between HIV infection
and hope. Because it is taken only twice a year, it could be especially
beneficial for people in rural areas, learners, and those who struggle to
access clinics regularly.
For example, someone could receive an injection during school holidays
in January and June, reducing disruptions to education and daily life.
“This is hope,” Nombeko said. “It tells us we’ve survived so much—and
now we have solutions.”
What About Resistance and Long-Term Use?
The panel reassured listeners that there are no major concerns about
resistance when Lenacapavir is used correctly. Importantly, prevention is a
choice—if someone is no longer sexually active, they can stop using it.
While NGOs like the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation play a key role,
the panel stressed that communities must also advocate for themselves.
People need information before they can demand better services. By
engaging clinics, NGOs, and local leaders, communities can push for access to
prevention, family planning, and education—especially in remote areas.
How to Get in Touch
You can reach the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation / FAST PrEP Study
via:
Social media: @fastprepstudy (all platforms)
WhatsApp: 076 726 1950
They also operate mobile clinics, including a stationed clinic in
Philippi Village, with services available Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00. Weekly
schedules are shared online.
While the
start of a new academic year is often portrayed as an exciting fresh start, for
many children, it brings overwhelming feelings of fear, worry, and distress. For
some, this anxiety is not just about school—it can be deeply connected to
childhood trauma and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To better
understand this issue, we spoke with Chanel Andrews, Social Work Manager at
Cape Mental Health, an organisation dedicated to supporting the mental wellness
of children and families across the Western Cape. With extensive experience
working closely with high school learners, Chanel offers valuable insight into
why school-related anxiety occurs, how to recognise the warning signs, and what
parents, teachers, and caregivers can do to help.
The Work of Cape Mental Health
Cape Mental
Health provides services to schools across several areas, including the
Northern and Southern Suburbs. Their work focuses on counselling learners,
facilitating group sessions, and engaging in broader community and parental
support initiatives. They also collaborate with universities and other
stakeholders to ensure learners receive holistic care.
A key focus
of their school-based programmes is addressing the mental health challenges
faced by high school learners, particularly during times of transition and
increased academic pressure.
SUPPLIED: CMH
Why Does Going Back to School Cause Anxiety?
For many
children, every new school year brings new challenges. According to Chanel,
some of the most common causes of back-to-school anxiety include:
·Fear of underperforming academically, especially when moving into a
higher grade
·Starting high school, particularly for Grade 8 learners adjusting to a
new environment
·Difficulty making new friends or fitting in socially
·Pressure of matric, where learners feel the weight of expectations
from parents and themselves
These
pressures can feel overwhelming, particularly for learners who are already
vulnerable or who have experienced trauma.
Subtle Signs of School-Related Anxiety
Not all
children openly express how they feel. Anxiety often shows up in subtle
behavioural changes that can easily be missed. Some warning signs include:
·Ongoing fatigue or low energy
·Withdrawal from friends or family
·Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
·Declining academic performance
·Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
Chanel
emphasises the importance of parents and caregivers staying emotionally attuned
to their children. Even small changes, when persistent, may signal deeper
distress.
How Schools and Teachers Can Help
In
overcrowded classrooms, it can be difficult for teachers to give individual
attention to every learner. However, schools can still play a crucial role in
reducing anxiety by:
·Creating open lines of communication with learners
·Ensuring educators know the referral pathways for counselling support
·Working closely with mental health organisations in their communities
·Establishing first-response support systems within the school
When
teachers understand how and when to refer a learner for additional support,
early intervention becomes far more effective.
When Anxiety Is Linked to Trauma or PTSD
School-related
anxiety can sometimes be connected to deeper trauma, including PTSD. In these
cases, proper screening and assessment are essential. Learners may be referred
to school psychologists, clinics, or mental health professionals to determine
the root cause of their distress and ensure appropriate support is provided.
When Should
Parents Seek Professional Help?
Parents
should consider seeking professional help if they notice:
·Persistent behavioural changes
·Signs of self-harm or talk of hopelessness
·Strong resistance or refusal to attend school
·Ongoing negative thought patterns or lack of motivation
Listening
to your child and taking their concerns seriously can make a critical
difference in their recovery and well-being.
The
Long-Term Impact of Unresolved Anxiety
If left
unaddressed, anxiety and trauma can have lasting effects on a child’s academic
performance, social development, and overall mental health. Early support not
only helps children cope in the present but also strengthens their emotional
resilience for the future.
Where to Get Help
Cape Mental
Health offers professional support for children and families navigating mental
health challenges. Parents and caregivers can contact their Observatory office
on 021 447 9040 or email info@cmh.org.za
More
information is also available via their social media platforms by searching
Cape Mental Health.
Back-to-school
anxiety is more than just nerves—it is a call for awareness, understanding, and
compassion. By recognising the signs early and working together, families,
schools, and communities can help create safer, supportive environments where
children can truly thrive.
