City Vision E-edition 16 April 2026

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What benefitsare thereina can?

THULANI MAGAZI

Igumbilomhleli /Editor’sCorner

Thumelauluvo lwakho.Yimiyalezo ebhaliweyo kuphelaezakuthi ipapashwe.Izintoezithethwa apha ziphelelakweli gumbi

Send us your views. Note,onlytextmessageswill bepublished.What is discussedinthis corner remains here.

thulani.magazi@novusmedia.co.za WhatsApp on 083 7217648

Whatisinacan?Ican!Wecan and it seems everyone hasa can. Whatis in acan,especially in the morning? What arethe benefits of having all these cans?

Do theyoffer consumers anything or is it just amarketing gimmick? Arethey perhaps good forthose who consume their contents?

These questionsreverberatedinmymind as Idrovemyson anddaughter to school on Monday morning

Generally,I leave home forworkafter 08:00,but on this particular day Ihad to leave home just after 07:00 andfound my-

self stuck in heavy Monday-morningtraffic. I’ve becomea late risersince my kids stopped attending school in the city andI miss outonmanythings on the roadnow

But on Monday morning, as Idrove out of my neighbourhood andall the way to my son’sschool, before dropping my daughter offinBellville, Iwitnessed alot of people walking with cans in their hands,young andold. They differed in colourbut looked the same in size.

Iasked myself what’sinthese cans?Why aresomanypeople walking with cans of energydrink in their hands? If it’snot a Score, it’saMonster,Dragon andmany other such energy drinks.

Almost everyonefromprimary-school learners to construction workers hada can. Why must achild probably younger than13walkaroundwith these cans?

Do these cans have genuinebenefits for the consumers, the thousands andmillions who consume energydrinks?

There are people who buy these religiously.Whatismore concerning is the factthat somechildren have fallen into this trap. I stand to be corrected, but ourenergydoes notcomefromcansorenergydrinks. It comes from the stuff that we eat. Most unprocessed foodsare packedwith nutrients thatcan help boost your energy. They nourish our bodies andkeep us goingfor the day.

Abananafor instance,which costsfar

less thanthese energy drinks,has amix of carbohydrates andfibre,makingitan excellent, convenient energysource Nuts areanother good example of energy source.Different typesofnuts, such as almonds, areakey snackfor prolonging energy. Thesedaysone canget apackfor less thanR12. Nuts andbananas do not just provide energy, theyalsonourish the body. Thesehavenoage limit. If people buyenergydrinkswhatother nutrients do theyget from them? Why must we,asparents,allow ourchildrento consume these energydrinks?

Iamstrongly opposed to anyformof energy drink, particularly for children. I encourage my kids to eatbeforetheygo to school in the morning. I’d rathermake sure there is enough foodathomethan giving thempocket money. When thathappens it means Iamincontrol of what they eat.

ButwhenI give themmoney Ihaveno idea what theybuy with it. Icould be sitting here at workand theyare eating or drinking something theyknowIdislike from my own money.

Energy drinks arejustascam andwe seem to have embracedthem. As children there was none of this andhereweare today as strongasfiddle because we were raised in aparticular manner

According to experts these cans have alot of sugarand atickinghealth time bomb.

Flu shots urgedafter earlyonset thisseason

DESIRÉERORKE

The publicisurged to vaccinate against influenza as the fluseasonhas commenced earlierthanusual, the NationalInstitute ofCommunicable Diseases (NICD) recently announced

This year’s influenza seasonbegan in the second week of March,with the respiratorysyncytial virus(RSV)seasonstarting simultaneously. The concurrent onset meansclinicianscould potentially see a high burden of patients with respiratory illnessin medicalfacilities.

“The flu season is declared when the ratefromthe NICD sentinel surveillance exceeds the defined level for the season to startand is sustained for two consecutive weeks.While this year’s season has started earlierthaninrecent years,itis similartolastyear’s, when the season started in the week of 24 March,”says NICD spokesperson Vuyo Sabani.

“The early start to theseason means that this year, the vaccine is only becoming available as the seasonisgetting started, so members of the public who fall into groups at highrisk for severe influenza are urgedtoget their vaccines as soon as possible,” says Sabani

“Influenzavaccination is recommended to protect against infectionand severe illness. Ideally, the influenza vaccine should be administeredprior to the start of the influenzaseasonasittakes about two weeksfor an adequate immune response to developfollowing vaccination.”

However, it is not too late to vaccinate once the seasonhas begun.

The public is urgedtovaccinateagainst influenzaasthe flu season has commenced earlier than usual, the National Institute of CommunicableDiseases (NICD)recently announced.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

NICD are common influenza strains.

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VaccinesavailablefromApril

Vaccines are nowavailable at pharmacies

“High-risk groups includepregnant women,individuals living with HIV, thosewith chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, andobesity, older individuals above 65, andchildren under two years old. These groups should seek medical help early if they develop respiratory symptoms whichare not resolving,” says Sabani.Influenza A(H3N2),A(H1N1) pdm09 andinfluenza B, according to the

“The majority of people with influenza present with mild illness, which usually resolves within three to seven days. However, influenza may cause severeillness, leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, while RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in young children and can lead to severe illness in infants. It is highly contagious, primarily spreading through respiratory droplets.”

Yekani ukubulalanangenxayezikhundla

Nanje ngoko sele luqalileokanye luvulelekileulonyulo looceba kuzwelonke ukulungiselela ulwanyulo lomasipalaekupheleni konyaka.

Akwaba singabahlali singathatha eli thuba sonyuleiinkokheli ezinesakhono nezikulungeleyoukukhokhela abantu nezizakuqinisekisa ukubainkonzo ziyafika eluntwini

Siyayazi ke lixesha elinzima kakhulu eli ngoba linemiceli mingeni emininzi nalapho ngamanye amaxesha kude kubekho nabantu abaphulukana nemiphefumlo yabo,bekwabulawangabanye ngenxa yezikhundla. Uninzi lwabantu babona ukuba yinkokheli okanyeukuba nguceba nanjengomsebenzi,hayinje ngendlela yokunceda abantu.

Amadodaamaninzi akubona ukuba nguceba nanje ngendlela yokubeka isonka etafileni

Yilento yenza ooceba abaninzi ufike bexhathisa xa ixesha labo lifikelele esiphelweni ngenxa yokucinga amaqithiqithi abawafumanayo ngokuba kula ofisi.

Akhonakenamarhe okubaamanye walamaqithiqithi akalungangaaza ngondlela mnyama.

Akwabakweli lonyulo luzayo akunokubakho miphefumo siphulukana nayo ngenxa yabantu abangafuni kukhuphisana

namntu.

A journo’s

-Unathi

Iye iqheleka ke nalaphakulendlu imnyama into yokuba xa ngaba abantu bengaboni ngasonye, endaweni yokuba abo bangavaniyo bahlale phantsi bathethe endaweni yokusebenzisa izigalo

Ayiphucukangakelonto ngoba amaxesha amaninzi iyeibenemiphumela engathandekiyo.

Indawo esihlala kuzo zisebugxwayibeni, kwaye zisafuna ukuphuhliswa.Asifuni madoda anamandla, sifuna amadoda anengqondonakwaziyo ukucinga.

Andiyazi ke umntu xa ezongafuni ukuphuma e-ofisini kodwa naye uyazibona ukuba luncinci utshintshoalwenzileyo ekuhlaleni

Ndikhendibonekwezinye zeengingqi

endisebenza kuzo, ingakumbiezi zinamatyotyombe amaninzi. Ngelinye ke ixeshaasinakugxeka uceba yedwa, nabahlali banegalelo. Inkolisoyabahlali abakhathali, nto leyo eyeibeke uxinezelelo kuceba kunye norhulumente Umzekelo xa ujonga iindawo zokuphumla nokudlala abantwana (park) kwiingingqi esihlalakuzouninzilwazo zityhuthulwe zakugqiba zamoshwa yimigewu. Uthiusajongeleyo, abahlali kwelinye icala balahla inkunkumaesithubeni,nto leyo eyenzaindawozethu zingajongeki kwaye zinuke. Kwelinyeicala kukuqhawulwa kweentambo zombane ziqhawulwa kwazezi zikrelemnqa. Yeminyeyemicelimngeni oocebaabajongenenayokwingingqi zethu.Zizinto abazinqanda mihla le kodwaabahlali abalawuleki. Sizakusoloko sibagxekakodwakwelinye icala singonobangela lokuba uphuhliso lungahambeli ndawo. Ithilonto oocebaabanakusebenzabodwa bayayifunaintsebenziswano nabahlali. Kodwa ingathi lonto mabathi ooceba bakungenae-ofisinibawulibale umsebenzi wabo. Umntu makahlale esikhundleni sakhe kubaesebenzahayingokubauyoyikwa.

‘Autism is nota disability’

UNATHIOBOSE

Noluthando School for the Deaf and AutisminKhayelitsha hosted an autism-awareness eventonFriday10 April to educate the community about the condition. The event was also attended by various organisationsworkingwiththe school

NomhleMnunu,the schoolprincipal, saiditishigh time peoplelearnmore about autism.She describedApril as Autism Awareness Month.

“Weneed parents and the community at large to understand children living with autism. We want the community to accept them.”

Mnunu added that children with autism sometimes behave differently from others. She urged the community to stop discriminating against them, emphasising that all they need is loveand to be treated like any other child.

Noluthando’s occupational therapist

Nzolokazi Katudescribed autism asaconditionthat affects how the brainworks, influencing how achild understands the world, communicates and builds relationships.

She stated that every child is uniqueand emphasised that autismbegins in the brain beforebirth.

“It is not caused by bad parenting, witchcraft,vaccinesorcurses,asmanycommunities believe. It is alifelong condition. However, with proper support, children withautism can grow and thrive within our communities.”

Katu added that autism is linked to genetics.In some casesitmay be associated with older maternal ageorinfections during pregnancy.

Katu highlighted thatinSouth Africa approximately oneinevery 150 childrenis affectedbyautism.

Children’s librarianatKuyasa Library

ThumekaMnyusela described the event aseducational. She said the library has a strongrelationship with the school. “Every Thursday the school sends learners to our library, where we teach them digitalliteracy, basic communication literacy, show themhow to print andsoon,”she said Parent Nomawonga Ngepe saidher daughterhad shown greatimprovement since joining the school two years ago.

“Her speech hasimproved alot. She is nowabletosocialise with others.Wethank the schoolfor the greatworkthey are doingfor ourchildren.”

Sheaddedthat autism is nota disability, buta condition.

EmboForum secretarylaidto rest in asomberservice

UNATHIOBOSE

HundredsofLanga residents gathered at the Langa Methodist Church yesterday(15 April) forthe burialofSiyabulela Nojekwa, the former secretary of the Embo Initiation Forum.

Nojekwadiedinhospital on Saturday 4 April after ashort illness andhas been laid to rest at Maitland Cemetery.

On Monday 13 April, scoresofresidents attended hismemorial serviceatLanga High SchoolHall.

Embo chair Mandla Mlambo described Nojekwa’sdeath as asignificantloss, not only to his family but also to the broader community. He describedhim as a role-modeltomany.

“He wasapeople’s person. He was always sharing jokes. We learnt alot from himas an organisation. He dedicated hislifeto serving the community.”

Mlambo added thatNojekwa’s death came as ashock, as many had expected himto

recover.“We knewhewas ill. Last year he was hospitalised for almosta month and recovered.Webelieved he would overcome this as well because of hisstrength and character. ButGod decided otherwise.”

Mlambo said Nojekwa hadbeenactively involved with the organisationsince 2019.

“In2019, he served on the education subcommittee within ourforum.In2022, he becamethe treasurer, andinmid-last year he was electedsecretary,a position he held untilhis passing.”

Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Pakade echoed Mlambo’s sentiments,describingNojekwa’s death as agreat losstothe community.

He praisedhim as acommitted anddedicated leader.“Nojekwa embodied the type of leadership neededtomovethiscommunity forward. He was aman of integrity andwillberememberedasone of the leaderswho preserved andupheldXhosaculture in Langa through hisrole in the Embo Initiation Forum.”

FROMPAGE1

In March 2025, she said hergrant was renewedbysix months until November, compared to the usual 12 months. “When the grant expires you must wait for a month to renewit,” she explained

In January this year, she visited Michael Mapongwana Health Centreto complete herapplication,but this wasrejected According to her, the decisionleft many people puzzled. She said shereceivedvariousadvices.“Iwas told not to appeal, but to reapply,” saidRamashala.“Iapplied againbut my application wasrejected again in March. Isimply did not understand. Ibroke down and cried when my application was rejected for thesecond time in March.”

The decision put extra pressure onher to seek alternative ways to earna living. Sheeven appliedata local store for work “The manager said Icannotworkthere unless Iwant them to be arrested,” she said. “I cried recently whenmydaughter toldmethat her teacher criticised her for not having the correct uniform,”she said,

Zikhona Ramashala (35) is facing hardshipafter the South African Social Security Agency(Sassa) terminated her disabilitygrant PHOTO:UNATHI OBOSE

claimingthatshe reached outtothe school earlierand outlined her challenges. “It’s notthatIdon’t want to work, but Icannotworkbecause of my condition andthe doctorsknow that. Theproblem is thatthe doctor forSassa at Mapongwana does not seethe patients and only works with the

folders,”saidRamashala ShivaniWahab,spokespersonfor Sassa in the Western Cape, encouragedRamashala to launchanappeal with the Independent Tribunalfor Social Assistance Appeals within90daysofreceivingthe outcome if she felt she was treatedunfairly.She stressed that approvalorrejection of disability grants relied on various factors.

Theseinclude:

○ Theextent to which the medical condition results in functionalimpairment

○ Whether the impairmentlimits the applicant’s ability to work or sustain themselves

○ Whether the condition meets the criteria foreither atemporary or permanent disability grant

Responding on claims thatthere was no direct contact between applicants andthe Sassa doctoratMapongwana,Wahab defended the move as asecurity measure. “In parts of the Khayelitsha area,including this facility, paper-based medical assessments arecurrently implemented. This

meansthatmedical officersassessapplicants based on submitted medical records andreports, withouta face-to-face consultation.Thisapproach is notthe standard model nationally, buthas been introduced as acontext-specificintervention dueto operational andsafety challenges in the area,”

Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western CapeDepartment of Education (WCED), said no childshould be excluded from school or discriminated against due to school. “Nolearner shouldbedisadvantaged or excluded from learningdue to an inability to afforda school uniform,”she said Hammond urgedparents whoexperiencedchallenges with their schools to contactrelevantdistrict officefor further assistance.

“The WCED remainscommitted to ensuringthatschools areinclusive,supportive environments wheredecisions aremadein the best interestsoflearners, with dignity, compassion, andfairnessatthe forefront,” explainedHammond.

Probe into NewX’s triple murder

UNATHIOBOSE

Gugulethu police have openeda triple murder case following ashooting incident on JNontulo Street in New Crossroads on Monday 13 April

Provincial police spokesperson,Col André Traut,confirmed thatauthorities aredeeply concerned about the incident.

“At approximately 20:22, officersresponded to acomplaintatNontulo Street,New Crossroads,wherethey discovered the bodies of twovictims -aman anda woman -inside aresidence. Bothhad sustained

multiple gunshotwoundstothe headand upper body.

“A third manwas found outside the premises witha gunshot wound to the back of hishead. The deceased men are aged 33 and 46,”saidTraut.

The motive forthe attack is currently unknown andremains under investigation.

Traut added thatdetectives from the Provincial Serious andViolent Crime Unit havebeenassignedtothe case andwill pursue allavailable leads to ensure those responsibleare brought to justice.

Acommunity leader, who spoke on con-

dition of anonymity forfearofreprisal, said residents areshocked andalarmed by the incident.

He notedagrowing pattern of violent crime in the area

“The killingsare becoming aserious problem

“Three weeks ago, therewas another shooting where three people were killed and one injured “New Crossroads is becominga danger zone,”hesaid.

He further suggested that the attack could be linked to extortion activities

“The way the shooting was carriedout resembles howextortion groups operate. When theystrike,theyoftentargetmultiple victims, sometimesthe entire family,” he added.

Despite the speculation,heurged authorities to conduct athorough investigation andleave no stone unturned Policeare appealingtoanyonewithinformation thatmay assist in the investigation to contactCrime Stopon08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treatedwithstrict confidentiality.

K’litshatohost MaskandiFest

UNATHIOBOSE

Christmas comesonce ayear, butfor Maskandi musiclovers in Khayelitsha and surrounding areas, it’sa different story as they gearupfor abig event next week

Allroads will lead to Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, where fans will gather to watch some of the biggestnames inMaskandi music share the stage at theKhayelitsha Maskandi Festival on Saturday 25 April. For the first time in Khayelitsha, an event of this kind will be held during this timeofthe year.

Some of the well-known Maskandi artists expected to perform include Khuzani Mpongose, Mthandeni SK, ShwiNomtekhala, and Umafikizolo. Local talent, including Tornado, will also take to thestage Event organiser Thabo Smouse described the festival as a“humdinger”, saying it is truly one of akind.

“We have avariety of Maskandiartists. We’veblended national andlocal talent. It is strictly Maskandi -it’s acultural event,” saidSmouse.

He addedthat they plan to host theevent twice ayear. Traditionally held inNovember,the growing interest from fans has inspired them to expand.

“This is the first time we’re hosting itin April. From this year onwards, our plan is to host it twice ayear -inApriland November.Wewill pushitand see how fans respond,” he said.

The event is settostart at 11:00 and run

untillate,giving musicloversplenty of time to enjoy the experience. Food stalls willalso be available to purchaserefreshments.

Tickets are available at web tickets and cost R300.

Philippi-Eastcareerjamboree guideslearnersonchoices

UNATHIOBOSE

In an effort to bring services closertothe community the PhilippiEastLibrary and various government departments hosted a careersjamboree to help learnersinchoosing the right subjects fortheir future careers.

The event washeld at Vuyiseka High SchoolonThursday 9April.

Ayanda Qagana,the event organiser and alibrarianatthe Philippi East library, said this wasthe third annualinitiativetoguide learnersin making informed choices about their future.

“We are focusing on Grade9,10and 12 learners only.Only two high schools were represented,Vuyiseka and Lower Crossroadshighschools. We noticedmany learners visiting our librarystruggled with applications. Many hadnoidea of whatthey couldstudy aftertheir schooling,” she said, adding that some learners failed to meet the requirements for their preferred courses

Qagana said the timing of the event could notbebetter, forthis wasthe time learners

were beginning to apply to tertiaryinstitutions. “Applicationsare openfromMarch to the endofApril.Whentheystartapplyingwewantthemtobefully informed.”

Aprofessional officer at the City’s Department of SolidWaste Mayedwa Perhe said hisdepartmentoffersawiderangeof career opportunities beyondwaste collection anddrain cleaning. “Wehavecareers such as landscaping,environmentaleducation andlogistics andtransportmanagement, among others. We offered adviceon the rightsubjects for these fields.”

Vuyiseka High School teacher Vuyolwethu Lugwalidescribed the initiative as highly beneficial.

“I wish theycould come two or three times ayear, with differentstakeholders.It is rare to have such programmes in townships.”

Olothando Mdunyelwa,a Grade10learner at Lower CrossroadsHighSchool, describedthe event as educational andimpactful

“I nowhavea clear idea of what Iwant to do. Iwanttobeanurse because Ienjoy caring for people.The programme came at the righttime,”she said

officer at

Citybegins Eskom split

DESIRÉERORKE

Moving away from relianceonEskom’s rising electricity costs, the City may become the first municipality in South Africa to procureelectricityatscale from licencedenergy traders and aggregators at belowEskom rates.

Anew Energy Trader Tender aimsto procure 500 MW through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) spanning one to 10 yearsfrom avarietyofpower generation technologies, including solar.

According to the City, it spends approximately 70% of its tariff incometo buy bulk energy from Eskom.

“As by far the greatest input cost, it is vital to find means to reduce the impactof Eskom on electricitycosts and subsequent consumer tariffs.

“This is the latest pioneering step we are taking to procure clean and affordableenergy from the open market and to reduce ourreliance on Eskom’s very expensive power,” says Mayco member for energy, Xanthea Limberg.

'Aheadofthecurve'

“The City remains ahead of the curve, adapting to international best practices and SouthAfrica’s transitioning energy landscape through amix of inhouse solutionsand privatesector collaboration.

“This 500 MW tender is one of many novel interventions aligned to our landmark energy strategy, and implemented under the focused Mayoral Priority Programme.”

Limberg encourages Nersa-licenced energy traders and aggregators to submittheir proposals under this tenderasthe City looks to accelerate powerprocurement in the open market at affordable prices.

Procurementprogramme

“The City of Cape Town is the first municipality to launcha procurement programmeofthis scale andambition, increasingly positioning ourCity as an energyleaderinthe South African local government community.

“The tender also enables the City to participate in the South African WholesaleElectricity Market, as bidders may procure energy from SAWEM.

“We invite submissions to support our goalsof reliable, affordable andcarbon-neutralenergy,” says Limberg.

Tender details say oneormultiple bidders will be selected as part of apanel, where asecondary process will be followed forsubmissionoffinancial offers by the panel, subjecttooperational requirements

Work order requests will be sent to the panel, andoffers will be ranked from highest to lowest. Each PPA will be up to 10 years, withthe first power delivery to be madenomore than36months after the signing. Bidders will then provide prices lower thanthe equivalent Eskom Time-ofUsetariff, including all relevant charges.

Only electricity traders registered with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), or undergoingregistration, shallbeadmitted to the panel to ensure regulatorycompliance andsafeguard both consumers and theCity in perpetuity

The tenderer may also notprocure energy orpower from the City’sexisting generating plant contracts, whichincludes existing Small-Scale Embedded Generation plants andremunerated at the existing City feed-in rates;orthatispart of an existing tenderprocess.

Tenders haveuntil Wednesday 13 May to respond.

Allegedsmash-and-grabbershotdead

An allegedsmash-and-grabsuspectwas shot and killed on Jakes GerwelDriverecently. Angus McKenzie, Subcouncil 15 chair,saysitseems avehicle was attacked and during the incident one of the suspects wasreportedlyshot and killed.

“The fulldetailssurrounding the incident are still unclearand we will provide updatesassoon as more

information becomesavailable. This road, linking areassuch as Dunoon, Langa, andSamora Machel, has become ahotspot forsmash-and-grab syndicates targeting vulnerablemotorists at trafficlights. Ihope that those involved in theseactivities begintounderstandthe consequences that come withterrorising drivers on ourroads,” says McKenzie

Relianceonheavy trucks and weak maintenance damaging SA’s roads

RICHARDROBERTS

The state of South Africa’s roads is appalling. This is theunequivocal verdict of Bobby Ramagwede,chief executive of theAutomobile Association (AA) of South Africa, whowas discussing several vehicle-relatedmatters, such as the proliferationofvehicles, their roadworthiness, safety on the roads,aside from their conditionofcourse

At thehelm of the organisation since October2024, he said the roads, nationally and regionally, needed much work, although the Western Cape’sroads far exceeded those of other parts of the country in terms of quality.

Heavyvehicles

Ramagwede pointed outthat poor road conditions were experienced internationally, duelargely to thepresence of heavy vehicles on them andthe economy’s over-relianceontrucks, whichare crippling the road networks.

He decried the factthatthere was no active road-maintenanceprogramme; instead therewas an ongoingpractice of patchingpotholes. “Patching potholes is not a maintenance programme; amaintenance programme is oneinwhich the condition of theroad is continuously assessed.

“We mustask ourselves whether or not this road is going to be fit for use tomorrow, ayear from now, five years from now,and if theanswer in any of these assessmentsisno, then one strips the road and rebuilds it, to the extent that it needs to be rebuilt from base laying, from where onerebuilds it.

“What we alsoneed to appreciate –and this is my call to the engineers– is that when roads were first builtthey were built for an average vehicle weight of less than aton. Today the average vehicle weighs more than aton

“In addition to that,wehave more trucks on theroad. So, when we keep topping up potholes we actually need to ask ourselves whom we have built these roads for, and whom we are trying to solve road conditions for.”

Ramagwede said roads should be built or adjusted for heaviervehicles. “If we are going to continue relying on road networks as aprincipal means of ferrying goods andpeople, then we need to build roads with stronger base layers, better drainage and more consideration for the type of traffic we are experiencing.

“We will notget trucks off the road if the state is reliant on thatvery generous and

Theinflux of Chinese-manufactured vehicles also plays arole, Ramagwede said.

“I am not saying it is directly related, but it speakstomore people having access to cars, so the roads take an even greater beating. But the headline fix for the state of roads is we need proper maintenance programmes. Once one has amaintenance schedule in place the general condition of roads will improve. Takethe Western Cape, for instance; not every road is perfect, but most roads are in agreat state.” He said municipalities should be able to worktogether, borrow from one another to help improve the conditions of the roads. “I was on acycle tour coming from George down to Gqeberha recently and it was an absolute pleasure. When we entered the EasternCape Icould feel it.The first thing that came to mind –and Iamdoing this on my bicycle –was all they had to do was follow asimple maintenance schedule.

“In acountry where we have an example of it working Ifind it interesting that municipalities do not borrow from one another. It is as simple as ‘Hey, Western Cape, send me your schedule, show me the materials you use and teach us the methods you use to keep theseroads in a good nick’.”

Roads

Ramagwede said Gauteng, the Free State and the EasternCape probably had the worst roads among the provinces. “They are in dire need of aroad networkover

Amateurrugbybackwithabang

AVRILFILLIES

The two new teams in Super League A, Primrose and Franschhoek,are making astatement of theirintentions this year in the competition.

Of the two Franschhoek outplayed Van der Stell-Evergreens in Stellenbosch by 55-16 and Ikeys had to pull out all the stops to beat Primrose by 33-27ina scintillating match. With Franschhoek’s win they are lying second on the log behind Villager and VDE second from last for scoring some points.

Villager was too strong for UniMil winning by 57-0. Hamiltons went to Jagtershof in Kuils River and came homewitha 45-25 victory, Helderberg scored the most points in the first week in their encounter against SK-Walmers by beating them 64-30. Durbell travelled to False Bay for their win of 36-24 and Tygerbergnarrowly beat Brackenfell by 10-8.

In Super League B, Violets and Young Peoples shared the spoils 24-24, Kraaifontein wasvictorious in their derby against Hands &Heart with a27-12 win.

Hamediehshad to playsecondfiddle when they were trounced by Macassar by 33-12, Vineyards travelled to Bellville for their win of36-30, All Saints narrowly beat Hamlets in Mamre by 34-31 andSt. Georges wastoo strongfor Goodwood by beating them 37-14.0

In Super League C, the lucky number was34for awin. Watsonia, Rangers,Gardens,Pniel-Villagers, Atlantis, Kylemore andScottsdene Central were victorious. Watsonia beat Sir Lowrians34-10,Rangers beat Strand United 34-11, Pniel-Villagers wonthe derby against Raithby-Universals 34-22, Atlantis beatCaledonian Roses 36-18, Kylemorewon at home by 32-20 against Strand and Scottsdene Centralnarrowly beat Delft 27-25.

Watsonia, Rangers andAtlantis are the trendsettersinSuper LeagueC

It is back to thegrind on Thursdayto ironout the mistakesand work out new game plans

Each team will work outa separate game plan for each opponent anditwill be interesting tosee who is goingtolearn from their mistakes.

Home boyand golden girl bring TwoOceansUltra gold home

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

History was made at the Two Oceans Marathon on Saturday 11 April, asthe women’s and men’s races produced memorable performances one from adominant champion andthe other from an unexpected winner.

The race started at about 05:15 on Newlands Main Road and finished atthe University of Cape Town (UCT). Thisyear saw roughly 14 000 runnersinthe 56km Ultra marathon

But it was Northern Caperunner Arthur Jantjies who surprised the field with a breakthrough victoryinthe men’s race, finishing in 3:09:25.

While South Africa’s ultra-distance running queen, Gerda Steyn, crossed the finish line to claim her 7thvictory finishinginatime of 3:27:43.

Speaking to the mediaafter the race, Jantjies from Hope Town, asmall town outside Kimberley, reflectedonhis breakthrough victory and the mindset that helped him secure the win.

“The race was beautiful. My fellow competitors put on agood show…For a small-town boy winning is abig thing My coachalways says, ‘we stay smalland fly under the radar’. And whatever coach says, Ido.”

“It has been history in the making. The Northern Cape is slightly on the map now,” he said.

Jantjies hopes the win will open doors andopportunities for him.

Steyn said she knew the race would be challenging but her goal was to claim her 7thvictory.

“I knew what place Ineeded to be to breakrecord. Ididn’t makethe record but still feel Iran astrong race.For me it was asuccessful race.”

When asked whether she would be returning next year, Steyn said: “When Iwon my firstTwo OceansMarathon, I never envisioned winning seven. Itake it yearbyyear. Ifeelstrong andfeelIhave a fewmoreyears in me.”

Runner-up in the women’scategory, MargaretJepchumba finished in atime of 03:33:31 and said: “The racewas tough. I hadtofight.”

Men’s runner-upwas 2024 champion

Onalenna Khonkhobe who said: “I am happy because this guy(Jantjies) is my home boy.Myrace started on Constantia Nek. Ilooked and sawmyman is here. I am in trouble.”

Topthreefinishers

Women:

Gerda Steyn (South Africa) –3:27:43 Margaret Jepchumba (Kenya) –3:33:31

Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma (Zimbabwe) –3:38:34

Men: Arthur Jantjies(South Africa) –3:09:25

Onalenna Khonkhobe (South Africa) –3:10:00

BlessingWaison (Zimbabwe)–3:11:13