DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette - E-Edition - 19 November 2025

Hond se lyding deur DBV beëindig ná lang getjank

Jamey Gordon

“Die dier is baie beter af by die Here ” Só meen ’n Strand-inwoner wat saam met gemeenskapslede en verteenwoordigers van die Helderberg-dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) by ’n reddingspoging van ’n hond wat na bewering in nood was, betrokke was

Die voorval het die afgelope Saterdag (15 November) afgespeel nadat klagtes ontvang is oor ’n hond wat aanhoudend tjank Die hond is uit die omstandighede verwyder, maar moes weens haar toestand uiteindelik van kant gemaak word

Volgens ’n Strand Patrol-lid, wat vir die afgelope vyf jaar as patrolleerder dien, is inligting oor ’n hond wat na bewering vir dae aanhoudend tjank, vroegmiddag deur bure op die buurtwag se dieregroep gedeel

Foto’s toon die hond – vermoedelik ’n Duitse Herdershond – in die Lochnerhof-woongebied Hierdie beelde is op die groep gedeel

Die lid het by ondersoek van die situasie hulp ontbied nadat hy nie self toegang tot die hond kon kry nie

Intussen het die 55-jarige inwoner en haar dogter ook die inligting wat op die groep gedeel is, gelees en besluit om hulp aan te bied

“Ons het beleefd by die huis aangeklop en onsself voorgestel as mense wat graag wou help,” vertel sy “Die vrou van die huis het die deur oopgemaak en gesê sy sou haar man bel

Die man het met sy aankoms glo verduidelik dat die hond op haar laaste was ná 14 jaar as geliefde vierpotige gesinslid, voeg die inwoner by Hy het gesê hulle het op ’n vorige geleentheid

reeds self die DBV gekontak

Julia Evans, die bestuurder van die Helderberg-DBV, het bevestig dat hulle kort ná 15:00 op die voorval reageer het Die hond moes weens haar gesondheidsituasie van kant gemaak word.

“Ons moes die moeilike besluit neem om die dier se lyding te beëindig,” het sy gesê Sy wou vanweë die voortgaande ondersoek nie verder kommentaar lewer nie

Belinda Abraham, ’n woordvoerder van die Kaap die Goeie Hoop-DBV, het bevestig die saak is vir ondersoek aan hulle oorhandig

“Enige verdere stappe sal deur die uitkoms van die ondersoek bepaal word,” het Abraham gesê

‘Ek sal veg vir my varke,’ sê ouma

Barend Williams

“Hulle het my varke kom steel,” sê ’n vrou wie se 50 varke deel was van die 96 waarop die die Kaap die Goeie Hoop-dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) die afgelope Donderdag (13November) in Sir Lowry’s Pass beslag gelê het.

Die dramatiese optrede het om 10:00 by dierehokke langs die spoorlyn agter Van Aardestraat begin. DBV-personeel het die hokke binnegegaan met ondersteuning van die Somerset-Wes-polisie en die Stad Kaapstad se dierebeheereenheid.

Chaos en ’n geskree het uitgebreek toe mense saamgedrom en gekyk het hoe

amptenare die diere aanjaag en varkies na veiligheid dra. Die varke is weggeneem en is veilig op die DBV se plaaswerf.

Die informele varkboer sê sy is diep teleurgesteld en voel sy het alles reg gedoen. “Hulle het vir ons gesê ons moet die varke se hokke skoon hou, en dit is presies wat ons gedoen het,” sê sy. Sy beweer die DBV het nooit persoonlik met haar kontak gemaak nie, maar net met een van haar werkers gepraat. Volgens haar stel die beslaglegging haar kleindogter se vlieënierstudies in gevaar.

“My kleinkind het gehuil toe ek vir haar sê ‘die mense het die varke kom haal’. Daai kind kan nou nie verder gaan leer nie,” sê sy.

Sy beskryf die voorval as diskriminasie teen kleinskaalse boere uit voorheen benadeelde gemeenskappe

“Dit is nie die einde nie; ons gaan terugveg Ek wil my varke terug hê!” Die Helderberg-gemeenskapsaktivis Christiaan Steward het namens die eienaar na vore gekom en die beslaglegging veroordeel. Hy bevraagteken die wettigheid daarvan en eis die onmiddellike terugbesorging van die diere.

‘DIEFSTAL’

Hy beweer die eienaar is onregverdig behandel en noem die beslaglegging “diefstal”.

Belinda Abraham, ’n DBVwoordvoerder, sê die dierebeskermingsagentskap erken Steward nie as ’n verteenwoordiger nie. Sy sê die optrede volg ná ’n hofbevel nadat welsynskwessies in vorige waarskuwings aan die eienaars van die hokke uitgelig is “DBV-inspekteurs het bevind die varke het in hul eie ontlasting geleef sonder toegang tot drinkwater – ’n oortreding van die Dierebeskermingswet,” verduidelik Abraham.

Sy sê die DBV probeer sedert Mei met die varkboere saamwerk, maar “dit is baie ongelukkig; hulle het nie saamgewerk nie”

Abraham toon empatie vir die eienaar se situasie, maar sê ekonomiese omstandighede kan nie diere in onmenslike toestande regverdig nie. “Die saak het nooit oor boerdery gegaan nie, maar oor dierewelsyn,” sê sy.

Eddie Andrews, onderburgemeester en die burgemeesterskomiteelid vir ruimtelike beplanning en omgewing, bevestig die gebied waar die hokke geleë is, behoort aan Transnet en is vir vervoerdoeleindes gesoneer “Die eiendom mag slegs vir vervoerverwante aktiwiteite gebruik word,” sê Andrews.

Wayne Dyason van die Stad se wetstoepassingsafdeling sê hulle was nie bewus van die hokke totdat die DBV hulle genader het nie. Die departement het geen aansoeke van varkeienaars ontvang nie en ook geen klagtes oor die hokke gehad nie.

Dyason ontken kennis van enige beloftes om die hokke te verskuif, soos die eienaar beweer “Ons kan nie toelaat dat diere verwaarloos word nie en sal ingryp wanneer nodig,” sê hy

Dynamic duo’s on a mission

Barend Williams

A Gordon’s Bay pensioner and her faithful companion are eager to teach children to interact safely with man’s best friend

Retired paramedic Susan Holdswords and her labrador Marley are on a mission to help children interact with pets safely through her “Prevent That Bite” programme, an educational initiative that teaches children dog safety and animal respect

“I want to make a big difference And my pilot project is the Helderberg,” she points out

The innovative one-hour programme teaches children proper dog interaction, including what to do when a dog chases them, how to approach a new dog and the importance of dogs sleeping inside the house

Children practise their new skills by getting to know Marley, sitting in a circle as he slowly walks around them There is also time for grooming as the children brush the pooch’s fur

After the lesson children receive goody bags containing personalised certificates, paw moulds and multili l M l S l i b k

peared and my parents found me in the kennel, cuddled up with the family dogs,” Holdswords recalled By age nine she was assisting the local veterinarian with medical procedures Though she dreamed of becoming a vet, language barriers in South Africa in the 1970s led her to opt to become a paramedic instead, a career she pursued for 30 years

Even during ambulance duties

Holdswords couldn’t ignore the animal suffering she encountered

“The number of times I came out with an animal in my ambulance as well, and my partner was saying, ‘Sue, we’re going to lose our jobs’, and I said, ‘I can’t leave him behind’ ”

THEMISSION

She also witnessed traumatic dogbite incidents involving children

“A couple of times I’ve seen a child that was bitten by a dog [It was] very scary It is horrible And, of course, they want to thrash the dog Meanwhile, it’s not the dog’s fault ”

In 2021 Holdswords rescued Marley from euthanisation when his family couldn’t afford to take him overseas “Marley and I clicked the moment we t ” h id

‘Wedon centrein

Yaseen Gaffar

A long-running dispute between t Croydon Homeowners’ Associatio (HOA) and NPO Helderberg Uitrei has intensified following commen ment of construction on a new com munity centre on erf 3430 in Joha nesburg Street, Croydon

Despite the City of Cape Town con firming that all necessary approvals are in place, the HOA insists the dev opment is unwanted and goes against years of community opposition

The land in question is zoned for Community Use and is owned by Helderberg Uitreik

According to the City, the process began in 2019, when an application to consolidate and rezone the property from Single Residential to Community Use was approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT)

“The community has been against Helderberg Uitreik sinc the idea of placing this there was fir mooted,” stated Lincoln Meyer, chai person of the Croydon HOA Meyer confirmed that residents ha records of being against the develop ment since 2019, stating they reques “countless times to construct any ty of facility other than an ECD centre

He claimed the NPO continued to “disrespect the wishes of the commu nity”

The HOA has submitted a petition to halt the process and also met with Helderberg Uitreik last Thursday (13 November) to “again reach an amicable decision,” but again reiterated their unhappiness with the project

The City further clarified the time line of approvals, including a 2019 rezoning and a medium-sized Site De velopment Plan (SDP) approval and 2021 application to amend the SDP fo a larger building approval A furthe amendment for a smaller building th previously approved was granted in March this year

In August, the building plan, consistent with the reduced SDP, was approved, and construction has sinc commenced

Regarding the community’s deman for public participation post-approva the City noted: “Public participation was done during the rezoning proces to change the land-use right No pu lic-participation process is required the submission of a building plan [if complies with the approved SDP] ”

The core of the community’s frustr tion lies in the perceived necessity a

Get your rate

Property owners in the City of Cape Town have until Wednesday 31 Decem ber to go digital for all municipal corre spondence.

This as the municipality transitions all direct communication with locals the electronic route

“Almost 517 000 Capetonians have al ready switched to emailed accounts and we have about 200 000 to go,” said Sise Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee member for Finance. “The City is sending direct communication to those who we still need to assist to make the switch We’ urging all customers to register as soon as possible, as the City will stop sendi accounts by post after 31 December 2025. “Deadlines often come up faster than

Seawall build still on schedule

Yaseen Gaffar

The Strand seawall upgrade project is making significant strides, with approximately 400 m of the 720-m main structure already installed, keeping the project on schedule for completion before the 2026 festive season.

The multi-million rand initiative, which aims to strengthen coastal pro

struction has encountered minor hurdles “As with any construction project, there are minor delays and challenges that have been experienced, which have been mitigated by the responsive contractor and professional team,” he explained.

“These are mainly linked to old, decommissioned or uncharted services This remains a challenge in the environment that we are working in and needs

very precaution to diarrhoea surge

does the risk of young chilhealth departcaregivers n prevent

promotes bacterial of childhood difrom November recognised “surge particular dangers children, promptmaintain staff prepared en required. begins at home. remain alert, recogms and impleasures,” said ral Committee Services and handwashing and remain the most y habits: drinking, cookfor the first six discard leftovers and maintain with soap being, and after s increase fluid re oral rehyby dissolving sugar and half a

The importance of handwashing, especially during “surge season”, demonstrated

teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water. Offer small, frequent sips, continuing even if vomiting occurs.

Breastfeeding mothers should continue nursing, as breastmilk provides optimal hydration

Seek immediate medical attention if the child shows:

• excessive thirst or inability to drink;

• sunken eyes or dry mouth;

• absence of tears when crying;

• drowsiness, weakness, or irritability;

• blood in stool;

• persistent vomiting or diarrhoea exceeding two days; and

• reduced or absent urination

Ensure children receive routine immunisations, particularly Rotarix drops for protection against rotavirus-induced severe diarrhoea.

City Health clinics and its staff members have activated summer surge protocols and are fully equipped to treat dehydration.

More than just books at St Paul’s fundraising book sale

St Paul’s Catholic church in Andries Pretorius Street, Somerset West will hold a book sale from 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturday 6 December

It will feature an extensive selection of quality books along-

side offerings such as delicious refreshments, unique Christmas décor, manicure services, carwash facilities and much more.

All proceeds go towards the church’s Christmas feeding scheme, which continues into January,

when families face financial difficulties Visitors are encouraged to enjoy freshly-brewed tea or coffee, a selection of treats Card-payment facilities are available Todonatebookstothesale,callCarole on0842999023.

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT-IN-AID FUNDING 2026/27: SUBCOUNCIL 8: WARDS 15, 85 AND 86

The City of Cape Town s Subcouncil 8 invites registered organisations to apply for grant-in-aid (GIA) funding for the 2026/27 financial year

The amount available for 2026/27 is R440 000 (Ward 15: R400 000; Ward 85: R20 000; and Ward 86: R20 000)

Please note that a new application must be completed for each financial year Therefore, a separate application must be completed if your organisation intends to apply for the 2026/27 financial year

Kindly refer to the Grants-in-Aid Policy Annexure 9 (approved by Special Budget Council: 26 June 2025 SPC 05/06/25) in order to ensure that applications are compliant and aligned to the objectives and requirements of the funding The GIA policy can be accessed on https://resource capetown gov za/ documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Grants-In-Aid%20Policy pdf

DESIRED OUTCOMES FOR THE 2026/27 FINANCIAL YEAR

Applications for the following projects and/or programmes that are in line with the policy objectives will be considered:

• Development and implementation of initiatives and programmes in partnership with the City in order to raise awareness around substance abuse and to promote active support for the City’s Substance Abuse Programme

• Access to services for non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-profit companies (NPCs) in accordance with determinations made by Council in order to enable effective partnering for social and economic development

TARGETED ORGANISATIONS

NPCs, NPOs, public benefit organisations (PBOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) may apply for this grant funding

PROPOSALS FOR WARD ALLOCATIONS

All applications for grant funding must be made on the official application form A1 and Business, Budget and Project Plan form A2 (available from the Subcouncil 8 office or accessible for download from the municipal website) and must include an official business, budget and project plan, accompanied by all the required documentation, namely:

• The A1 application form, duly signed and initialed on each page

• The A2 Business Budget and Project Plan form duly signed and initialed on each page

• An audited financial statement (for requests over R100 000) or

• An independently reviewed financial statement (for funding between R50 001 and R100 000) or

Diary | Dagboek

WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER

Somerset West: Nine South African women artists are showcasing their festive creations at the KAROO MADONNA ATELIER’S

Christmas art exhibition Kuns vir Kersfees, running until Wednesday 31 December The group exhibition features works by Juanette Menderoi, Terry Stephens, Christie du Toit, Corietha Muller, Herma Kitching, Hanlie Kotse, Sonja Nel, Maria, and founder Glendine with each artist presenting original pieces in a unified 30x30 cm format Drawing inspiration from the Madonna figure, the collection honours the strength, creativity and grace of women while celebrating the joy, color and spirit of a South African summer Christmas Founded by artist and curator Glendine, the Karoo Madonna Atelier aims to provide a platform for South African women artists’ work while enriching local culture during the festive season The exhibition offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the unique perspective of local women artists during the Christmas season Visitors are encouraged to contact the venue for specific opening hours and further details about the showcase

Strand: SUNSET BOOKS hosts the launch of Cathy Donald’s book Legally Blind at 14:30 for 15:00 Entry is free, but RSVP is required on 068 385 2563

THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Strand: It’s Pensioner’s Day at SUNSET BOOKS in Beach Road, with activities starting with a free knitting circle at 13:30 It is followed by an informative talk by Corlea Viljoen (general manager of Robin Trust) and registered nurse Tia Chivell, who will share their knowledge, stories and practical insights on understanding, managing and finding ways to fight back against dementia The free talk will be held from 14:30 to 15:30; reservations are essential on 068 385 2563

SATERDAG 22 NOVEMBER

MAANDAG 24 NOVEMBER

Strand: Die Storie-tannie kuier elke Maandag om 11:30 en 14:00 by SUNSET BOOKS Kom luister na ’n storie en kleur ’n prentjie in Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS, of Christians Against Drugs (Cad), nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het na hul byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Strand Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat Bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972 vir nog inligting of navrae

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER

• An income and expenditure statement for its previous financial year as tabled at its annual general meeting (AGM), signed by the chairperson or other authorised member of the organisation together with a copy of the minutes of the relevant AGM (for funding requests under R50 000)

• The AGM minutes (not older than 18 months) The minutes should reflect the decision to apply for the City’s funding If the AGM minutes does not reflect such decision in the minutes of the meeting where this decision was taken, a letter signed by all members of the board indicating agreement thereto needs to accompany the application

• The registration certificate (e g NPO certificate)

• The signed constitution or articles of incorporation of the organisation

• The municipal rates account (paid up to date) or

• An affidavit confirming that the organisation does not have a municipal account

• A valid tax compliance status certificate

• A zero-rated VAT invoice with the amount applied for if VAT registered

• Certified copies of IDs of committee members and/or responsible officials

• Proof of the organisation s bank account inclusive of authorised signatories

• The organisation must be registered on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) database

• The organisation must hold a valid City of Cape Town Supply Chain Management vendor registration –https://www capetown gov za/City-Connect/Register/Business-and-trade/Register-as-a-supplier

• The organisation must be registered on the National Consumer Supplier Database –https://secure csd gov za/Account/Register

Projects must commence within two (2) months and be completed within six (6) months after the receipt of the funding

Applications for grant-in-aid funding will only be considered where organisations or bodies have responded to advertisements published

Please request the official application forms (A1 and A2) at Subcouncil.8@capetown gov za Contact the Subcouncil staff on 021 427 7031 or 021 850 4107 or 021 444 6328 for further information or assistance

All applications must be delivered to the Subcouncil 8 office and no applications may be delivered to or be accepted by any councillor. Forward online submissions to Nonzuzo.Jacob@capetown.gov.za or Subcouncil 8@capetown gov za by the closing date on Friday 5 December 2025 at 16:00

NO LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED

Stellenbosch: Ná meer as ses jaar se suksesvolle Gesels-aanbiedinge bring Nataniël dié vinnig-groeiende projek uiteindelik na die Kaap, met die leefstylpraatjie wat by die DROSTDY-TEATER aangebied word Soos vorige jare het Gesels 2025 ’n unieke tema: “Die Ratkas Van ’n Keuse” Op of af? Reg of verkeerd? Links of regs? Eet ek dit of los ek dit? Loop ek of bly ek? Met die maak van elke keuse is daar ’n masjien met ’n miljoen ratte wat sy werk moet doen Van jou ingebore neigings tot jou opvoeding, omgewing, oortuigings, invloed en gesondheid – elkeen speel ’n rol in elke keuse wat gemaak word Kyk hoe lyk ons wêreld! Die resultaat van keuses! Hierdie onderskatte daad word van alle kante bekyk met insiggewende, skreeusnaakse en verrassende ontdekkings Nataniël takel weer eens ’n yslike onderwerp met stories, deernis, vrae, antwoorde vermaaklikheid eerlikheid persoonlike oortuiging en alle erns Gehoorlede kan vrae vooraf in ’n houer plaas en Nataniël bespreek hierdie kwessies dan van die verhoog af – ’n hoogtepunt vir vele! Die 90-minute-praatjie begin om 15:30 Geen kinders onder 14 jaar word toegelaat nie ’n Kaalkopwinkel met boeke, keramiek, geskenke, kerse, musiek en kombuisolies sal in die foyer beskikbaar wees Bespreek jou plek aanlyn deur Webtickets

Strand: Head down to SUNSET BOOKS in Beach Road for a free live performance by Sareltjie Bergdwerg from 11:00 to noon This will be followed by author Francois Verster launching his book Ill at Ease from 14:00 to 15:00 The novel is a based on a true story about the Border War Entry for the talk is free, but you need RSVP on 068 985 2563

Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET at Southey’s Vines in Main Road takes place in park-like surrounds from 09:00 to 14:00 The family-friendly market is renowned as the place to buy handcrafts of an exceptional quality Well-behaved pooches on leashes are welcome and there is plenty of safe parking For more information, call Lesley on 083 590 9197 or send an email to info@countrycraftmarket org Stellenbosch: Die jaarlikse DUITSE KERSMARK vind van 09:00 tot 13:00 by Hofmeyrstraat 26 plaas met gratis toegang vir alle besoekers Hierdie unieke geleentheid bied Kersinkopies met ’n ware Europese inslag, waar besoekers handgemaakte Kersversierings en adventskranse, geskenkartikels, sowel as heerlike Duitse lekkernye soos Bratwurst en aartappelslaai, Kersgebak en ander tradisionele geregte kan geniet Die mark word aangebied deur die EvangeliesLutherse Gemeente Stellenbosch–Somerset-Wes en belowe ’n feestelike atmosfeer Belangstellendes kan die gemeente vir nog inligting by info@lutheranstellenbosch co za kontak, 021 887 5030 skakel of www lutheranstellenbosch co za besoek

Stellenbosch: The first STELLENBOSCH MOM’S BIZ NETWORK CHRISTMAS MARKET will be held at Aunty Sophie se Kombuis in Noordwal Street place from 09:00 to 14:00 It offers a festive opportunity to support local female entrepreneurs while finding unique Christmas gifts The market is hosted by the Mom’s Biz Network, which has grown from eight founding members in 2022 to 1 800 members across eight provincial chapters Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewellery, artwork, pantry goods, sweet treats, body products, baby clothing, thrift treasures, and books from local creators, while enjoying family-friendly activities, including a kids’ play area face painting and 15-minute Ensofic Reiki relaxation sessions The event celebrates creativity, community spirit, and the entrepreneurial achievements of local businesswomen, encouraging families to spend a day discovering hidden gems while supporting the season of giving

Panto magic brings festive cheer

The Playhouse Theatre’s very own end-of-year smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, Scrooge, comes alive at the Somerset West theatre this December.

Joyously adapted for the stage with panto flare by Darryl Spijkers and Matt Kingwell, the 16show run stars a 50-cast troupe of local performers of all ages.

Starring Jarred Pitout (Grease, The Wizard of Oz and Show Me How You Burlesque) as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, the story gives audiences a look at class divisions in Victorian society that somehow remain very recognisable. By the end of a journey – complete with disco dancers, snowflakes, time machines and ghosts – there is a time honoured message of doing good at Christmas time.

The role of Ethel Crachit is played by Kelly Holmes (The Sound of Music and Hairspray) with her hardworking husband played by Tristan Slater (Allo Allo and Fiddler on the Roof). Scrooge’s late business partner is the quirky and surprising Marley, who is taken on by seasoned actor Travis Pitout (Of Mice and Men, Grease and The Crucible).

The Playhouse is also proud to introduce young Emma Montgomery and Lumay Jansen van Vuuren as Tiny Tim and Kathy Krachit.

True to pantomime tricks there is a sing-a-long, some “he’s behind you” jokes, lots of “oh yes, it is”, and, of course, a resident pantomime dame that provides the moral reasoning and silliness played by Kingwell.

Director Spijkers is known for large-scale and top-quality productions with over 20 years of service to the Playhouse. His latest productions include the South African drama Curl Up and Dye, the national champion school production for Parel Vallei High School Wegwêreld Slegwêreld and Happy Days Are Here Again Again! presented by Helderberg Academy of Theatre.

The action of the panto plot is filled in by dancers under the leadership of longtime and award-winning Playhouse choreographer Sumé Lotter. They bring to life foot-tapping numbers from MJ The Musical, Back to the Future, Cabaret, Mary Poppins, Spirited and more.

With performances by Gill Jones, Gretel le Roux, Cath Goldie, Zane Habig, Leigh Japhet and more, it’s sure to be

a fun outing as Scrooge fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. Beautiful costume and staging immerses the audience into a memorable panto-land visit with something old, something new, and something festive!

Suitable for the entire family six years and older, early booking through Webtickets is recommended to avoid disappointment.

 The show runs from Tuesday 2 to Tuesday 16 December. A special sensory and relaxed performance will take place on 16 December

Crafts piece together perfect market day

The Country Craft Market returned to the picturesque grounds of Southey’s Vines in Somerset West on Saturday 16 November, attracting vendors and customers passionate about handmade treasures that blend tradition with creativity Among the highlights was Kerry-Lee Christensen from Gnomy Christmas, showcasing some whimsical gnome creations for shoppers seeking unique festive decorations The market has built a reputation for featuring exceptional handmade arts and crafts by local artisans, with each stall offering distinctive pieces that reflect genuine craftsmanship and creativity.

Strand’s Driessen lifts world title

YaseenGaffar

Dante Driessen, a 22-year-old powerlifting sensation from Strand, made his mark at the WPC World Powerlifting Congress Competition in Durban on Friday 7 November.

Competing in the junior men’s under100kg division, he secured first place in his category and an impressive second place overall for junior men

Driessen’s combined lift totalled 740kg, demonstrating exceptional strength across the three disciplines: squat (270kg), bench (190kg) and deadlift (280kg)

Hailing from a background rooted in Laerskool Lochnerhof and Boland Agricultural High School, Driessen initially focused on rugby before transitioning to the gym after school He credits his parents for always supporting his “wild ideas”

His entry into powerlifting was unexpected “I was never passionate about it as my first competition was just for fun,” he explained “I was stuck between choosing powerlifting or bodybuilding With my first powerlifting meet I won my category and overalls that’s when the passion started ”

a formal coach made the victory particularly satisfying “Proud to say the least” was Driessen’s reaction, noting “especially that I did everything on my own without a coach,” while acknowledging most competitors had professional help

The 740 kg total, though impressive, was shy of his 765 kg minimum goal

“I had a goal in mind of going for the national bench record, but just missed it,” he admitted, conceding the result wasn’t his best to date

Still, he embraced the sport’s unpredictability, noting that unexpected results are “the beauty of the sport ”

Driessen immediately nominated his 190kg bench press as his strongest lift: “Since my first competition, my bench has always been my strong suit ”

He vividly described the powerful atmosphere during the deadlift: “The deadlift has always been the biggest feat of strength When you walk out, everything is just quiet, and its just you, the bar and everyone focusing on you to get it Once you start pulling, the crowd goes wild ”

Preparing for a major event demands intense scheduling and precise nutrition

Driessen employed a strict training schedule that prioritised recovery while pushing

He also found a typical bodybuilding diet worked best for his preparation

As a diabetic, the final stages of prep are challenging “The toughest part is always the diet, as my blood-sugar levels sometimes drop, especially in the last two days when I’m barely eating with the water cut ”

Before a big lift he uses visualisation techniques to manage pressure “I clear my mind and visualise myself in an empty space with just me and the bar, ignoring all distractions ”

Though he had no formal coach in Durban, he recognised his support system: “My team could have my back only with training, but that’s putting it lightly as they were there always with every single session ”

With 2026 his final year as a junior, Driessen has clear goals “I’m planning on going to the nationals next year,” he said After that, he plans to transition to bigger competitions to establish himself in the senior category He also intends to use his expertise to take on a few clients for the sport

Driessen’s advice to newcomers emphasises patience: “It’s never the perfect time to start The sport of powerlifting is a long

SPORT

Woensdag19November2025

Mixedcricketfortunes

YaseenGaffar

Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) delivered a commanding performance to secure a decisive victory over Bonteheuwel CC in a First Division B encounter at Radloff Park on Saturday (15 November).

SWCC triumphed by a massive 130 runs, showcasing superior batting depth and bowling efficiency

After Bonteheuwel CC won the toss and elected to bowl, SWCC set a challenging total, reaching 229 runs in their allotted 50 overs The innings was anchored by solid contributions from Scott Innes (51), while Daandre Walker (48*) and Jan Rademan (42) aso added to the local team’s tally

In pursuit of the 230-run target, the visitors struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for only 99 runs in 29 3 overs

SWCC’s bowling attack was ruthless, with Ghaulied van Schalkwyk (5/18) instrumental in tearing through the Bonteheuwel lineup Gouws Koen (1/3) and Robert Uys (1/15) also contributed to the rout Meanwhile, Hottentots Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) travelled to Goodwood to face Northerns Goodwood (NGCC) in a First Division A outing

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, but it seemed to be the incorrect decision as HHCC were on the frontfoot throughout the innings

NGCC only managed to score 159/10, with spinners Marwaan Wanza (3/39), Abdul Aziz Temoor (2/17) and Yaasien Railoun (2/27) running rampant as they led their team’s bowling efforts

The host’s bowlers came out all guns blazing, rattling the HHCC batsmen, who never truly found rhythm as they were bowled out for a paltry 81 runs to lose by 78 runs

In First Division C, Helderberg CC (HCC) was also the losing side, bowing the knee to Wynberg CC by eight wickets

Wynberg’s decision to field after winning the toss paid off, as their bowlers restricted to 163/10 in 36 1 overs The innings was built on a solid half-century from Chalynn Hess (59), while Brandon Williams (28) and Charl Katts (24) also contrbuted

Van Schalkwyk stars in SWCC rout

The Wynberg batsmen made light work of the chase, reaching 164/2 in just 34 5 overs to claim victory

In First Division D, Strand Cricket Club (SCC) returned to winning ways, securing a thrilling victory over Northpine CC

SCC fielded first after Northpine won the toss, and the match started with a bang, as the home side lost a wicket on the very first ball of the game

SCC’s bowlers maintained strict discipline, backed up by excellent fielding and some great catches in the out-field, to restrict the hosts Northpine eventually set a target of 180 runs to win.

The bowling effort was spearheaded by economical spells from two key players,

Ricardo Naidoo (2/25) and skipper Ebrahiem Latief (2/25)

SCC’s chase got off to a difficu Dyron Malapa lost his wicket w ing to the tally However, the mi steadied the ship, led by Sharwa (47) and Fahiem van Niekerk (23 With Strand needing seven ru last over, they managed to snatc and hard-fought victory

Fixtures for Saturday 22 No

•HHCC vs St Augustines (Navy

•SWCC vs Yorkshire (away);

•HCC vs Atlantis (Helderzicht);

•SCC vs Seacrest CC (Gustrouw

Fixture for Sunday 23 Nove be :

•HHCC vs Edgemead CC (Navy Grounds)