DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette - E-Edition - 11 February 2026

 Vanbladsy1

Madelein beskryfLivenia as ’n baie liefdevolle kind, maar ook kinderlik tartend en koppig.

“Sy het altydreggekry watsywou hê–selfs wanneer ek ‘nee’ gesê het.Livenia het gedroom om ’n brandweervrouteword en om eendag virons ’n groothuis te koop,” deel dieemosiebelaaide moeder.

Sy vertel voorts dat ’n pynlikeherinnering vir haarisdat Liveniaverlede Maandag noggevra hetvir ’n pop, wat sy die dag ná die ongeluk as ’n soort nagedagtenis aan haar dogter gekoop het.

By die laerskool verwelkom ’n gedenktafel besoekers in die voortportaal –’n brandende kers ter nagedagtenis aan die oorlede leerder, haar geraamde foto en ’n vaas vol pers blomme.

In juffrou Melissa Fourie se graad-2klaskamerhet Livenia se leësitplekas’n pynlike herinnering gedien.

“Die verlies is groot en moeilik om te verwerk,” sê Fourie in trane.

Sy beskryf Livenia as haar “regterhand” –’nbehulpsame kindwat leierskapseienskappe getoon het. “Ek kon net sê ‘Livenia, gaandoen gou dit,’ en sy was daar.”

Die onderwyseres onthou Livenia as ’n rustige kindwat uitgestaan het vir haar behulpsaamheid. “Sy washeel rustig in die klas. Sy kon soms bekkigwees, maar sy het haarwerk gedoen en mooi methaar maatjies gespeel.”

Hoewel Livenia hierdie jaar graad 2 moesherhaal, hetsyleierskapseienskappe getoon omdat sy effensouer as haar klasmaats was.

Fourie, wat self in die Temperance Town-gemeenskap woon, was self op die ongelukstoneel.“Dit wasnogal ’nhartseer toneel,veral met haar ouers wat daargesit het.Ons hetgewagtotdat dieforensiese span haar liggaampie komhaal het–soby 23:00 Dinsdagaand,” beskryf sy die traumatiese ervaring.

“Baie gemeenskapslede het op die toneel byeengekom om hul ondersteuning te bied.”

Die skool het’ngeskiedenis van soort-

gelyke voorvalle. Livenia se klasmaat

Rodwin Louis is in September 2023 in ’n ongeluk opdieselfde pad kritiek beseer toe hy as sesjarige die pad tydens spitsoggendverkeer probeer oorsteek het(“Gordonsbaai-ongeluk: Padveiligheid bekyk, leerder in koma,” DistriksPos&Helderberg Gazette,13September 2023).

Ná hierdie voorval het die skool veiligheidsmaatreëls ingestel.

“Ons het tussenbeide getree deur te vra dat ouers hul kinders moetvergesel. Dit het begin werk,” verduidelik die skoolhoof, Zaibuniesa Windvogel.

Dieskool het ook saam metdie plaaslike raadslid Sean Stacey gewerkomdie zebrakruising sigbaarder te maak deur dit te verf en ouer leerders is gevra om kleiner leerders te ondersteun terwyl hulle die pad oorsteek

Met die koerant se besoek aan die skool die afgelope Vrydag (6 Februarie) hetRodwin bevestig dat hy sy vriendin baie mis.

“Ja,” antwoord hy op die vraag of hy Livenia mis en bevestig dat hulle “altyd saam gespeel” en “saam skoolwerk gedoen” het.

Die seun raak emosioneel verward wanneer hy oor sy vriendin praat.

Volgens Windvogel is die skoolgemeenskap diep getref deur Livenia se tragiese afsterwe vroeg in die skooljaar.

“Natuurlik is onsbaie,baie hartseer. Ons het een van onsmaatjiesverloor; onsskoolgemeenskapvoeldit erg,”sêdie skoolhoof, wat beskryf hoe die jong meisie ’n blink toekoms voor haar gehadhet.

“Sy het altyd juffrou Fourie se sleutel gebring en ingekom en gegroet...Dis hoe ek vir haaronthou–asiemandwat baie behulpsaam was en altyd gereedwas om haar maatjies te ondersteun. Sy het ook gereeld by die motors gewag om opvoeders methulle sakke en allerhande take by te staan,” voeg sy by.

Windvogel voer verder aan dat kinders in die gemeenskapgereeld die gevaarlike Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad moetoorsteekomby winkels en die skool uit te kom, watdie dringende behoefte aan verbeterde padveiligheidsmaatreëls beklemtoon.

Lotz-moordsaak opnuut uitgestel

JameyGordon

Die beskuldigde Charles Apollis, wat van die grumoord op Nadia Lotz aangekla word, hetVrydag 30 Januarie weer in die Strand-streekhof verskyn.

Die saak is met dié hofverskyning weer uitgestel –dié keer tot Vrydag20Februarie. Apollis staan tereg op die moordopLotz,die ma vansydrie minderjarige kinders. Dié 32-jarige ma vanTemperance Town was op 4Maart 2023 die slagoffer van ’n noodlottige mesaanval op ’n rit van Strand na Gordonsbaai (“Pa vermoor glomavan 3”, DistriksPos &Helderberg Gazette,8 Maart 2023) ’n Stryery het na bewering in die motor uitgebreek, waarna Apollis glo haar keel afgesny en haar uit diebewegende voertuig gestoot het. Die vriendin wat bestuur het, is met die mes gedreig om aan te hou ry.

agter tralies nadat hy sy borgtogaansoek laat vaar het (“Beskuldigde weier borg,”15Maart 2023).

Die saak is in Julie 2025 vir verhoor hervat Volgens die burgerregte-organisasie Action Societyisskokkende getuienis van verskeie getuies gehoor.

Die organisasie meld dat Lotz se bestevriendin getuig het dat sy die aanval probeer afweer het terwyl sy beheer oor die voertuig probeer behou het. Action Society sê die verdediging het die skuld op haar probeer afskuif deur te beweer sy het die moord uit romantiese belangstelling gepleeg –’n bewering wat sy ontken het

Lotz is om 18:00 in Laer Gordonsbaaiweg dood.Apollis het hom later by die Gordonsbaai-polisiekantoor oorgegee.

Volgens die polisie is die beskuldigde al voorheen vangeweldsmisdade aangekla, maar nooitskuldig bevind nie.

Hy wasten tydevan die moord op borgtog in ’n poging-tot-moord-saak.

Apollis bly vir dieduur van die hofsaak

Die organisasie vertel dat ’n ooggetuie getuig het dat sy Lotzuit die bewegende motor sien val en probeer help het, maar die oorledene het op die toneel gesterf. Volgens Action Societyhet ’n voormalige adjudant-offisier in die polisie uitgebreide bloedvlekke in die voertuig, beserings aan die beskuldigde en forensiese bewyse voorgelê.

Die hof het die verdediging se Artikel 174-aansoek om die saak te laat vaar, verwerp.

BLOEDPATRONE

Die burgerregteorganisasie meld voorts dat die beskuldigde op Maandag 19 Januarie getuig het met ’n weergawe wat vroeëre bewyse weerspreek –hybeweer hy het bestuur en die bestevriendin het die moord gepleeg. Die organisasie sê in kruisverhoor hy het gesukkel om bloedpatrone te verduidelik en kon nie verklaar waarom die polisie hom valslik in hegtenis sou neem nie.

Volgens Action Societyhet die verdediging Dinsdag 20 Januarie aangedui hulle is nie gereed om voort te gaan nie, wat tot nog ’n uitstel gelei het.

“Hierdie saak het ’n verwoestende voorbeeld geword van hoe prosedurele vertragings geregtigheid ondermyn,” sê Kaylynn Palm van Action Society. “Drieen-twintig uitstelle is nie toeval nie; dit is ’n mislukking. Nadia se familie word gedwing om die gewelddadigste oomblik van hul lewe oor en oor te beleef.”

Palm beklemtoon dat die uitstelle openbare vertroue in die strafregstelsel ondermyn. “Die bewyse is gelewer, getuies het getuig en die beskuldigde se weergawe is betwis. Daar is geen regverdiging vir voortgesette vertragings nie.”

In ’n video by die hofgebou het Palm verduidelik: “Albei partye het vandag hul argumente voorgelê. Die landdros sal nou moet oorweeg wat sy gehoor het voordat sy uitspraak lewer.”

Action Societyhet ’n beroep op ferm geregtelike saakbestuur gedoen. “Families verdien afsluiting en ’n regstelsel wat die moord op ’n jong vrou met die dringendheid behandel wat dit vereis.”

’n Familielid van Lotzhet haar frustrasie uitgespreek oor die uitgerekte moordsaak,wat al drie jaar voortsleep.

“Volgende maand is dit drie jaar, en drie jaar is te lank. ’n Mens is moeg, man. Ek wil net hê hy moet straf kry;hy moet bly waar hy is –indie tronk,” sê die familielid.

Die familie voel die beskuldigde geniet meer regte as die slagoffers. “Hy kan maak en doen wat hy wil –hykan chop and change soos hy wil. En elke dag kry hy nog ’n kans om te lewe, wat ek voel nie reg is nie.”

Die familielid beklemtoon die blywende pyn: “Nadia is nie meer hier nie, en niks gaan haar ooit terugbring nie.

Die feit dat hy daar in die hof staan, wys hy het geen berou nie.”

Becomewater safe

Yaseen Gaffar

Every Saturday afternoon, the Strand Municipal Swimming Pool transforms into a classroom that teaches children –and adults –how to swimand be water safe.

Since October last year, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)has been offeringfree Survival Swimming lessons, led by local architectand NSRI volunteer Mieke Herbst.

While manysee swimming as aluxury or acompetitive sport, Mieke and her teamofvolunteers –rangingfrom salespeople and students to professional lifeguards –view it as afundamental right.

Mieke’s journey to the Strand pool deck wasn’t astraight line. An architect by trade with a lifelong passion for thesea,she grewupsailing and swimming. However, it was an NSRI talk that changed her perspective.

“I realised just how lucky I was to have learned to swim at such ayoungage,” Mieke says.“Iwantedtohelp make thatsame confidence and safety accessible to everyone in our community.”

After astintwith theGordon’sBay NSRI crew, Mieke jumped at the chance to coordinate the “pop-up” Survival Swimming location in Strand “When the opportunity came to set-up at the municipal pool,the restwas history,” she recalls.

mersion. We teach peoplehow to stay calm andget to safety.”

Theprogramme is entirely volunteer-based andfree of charge, supported by donors and the NSRI’s famousfundraising initiatives, such as the 2026 JimnyCar Competition andthe Monthly Draw.

The Strand MunicipalSwimming Pool was chosen for its accessibility to adiverse cross-section of locals.While the programme is open to anyone over the ageoffive, the team sees awidevariety of students.

There is acommon misconception that survival swimming is thesame as learning the butterfly stroke or training for agala. But the NSRI programme focusesonfour specific, high-impactskillsdesigned to help apersonsurvive an unexpected fall intodeepwater

Thecore skillsinclude: – breath control: learning how to manage breathing under pressure; – orientation: opening eyes under water to find safety; – the float: conserving energy by staying buoyant; and – movement:moving safely through the waterfor at least five metres.

“Swimmingisa life skillthat everyone shouldhave,” says Mieke. “These lessonsare about survivinganunexpected sub-

“If someone wants to learn how to swim, we willteach them,” Mieke notes. “While we mostlysee children between six and15, we’ve heard of students as oldas83. It’s never toolateto learn to float.”

As the seasons change, the teamfacesa practicalhurdle: the heating systematthe Strand pool is currently non-functional.

“We willtakeitasitcomes,” Mieke admits regarding the winter months.“As it cools down, interest usuallydrops, but if there arepeoplewanting to learn, we willbethere.”

TheNSRIisalwayslooking for more volunteers to join its ranks. Whether you area professionalswimmer or just someone who wants to give back, training is provided  Thelessonstakeplace on Saturdays from 12:00 to 14:00atthe Strand municipal pool and thereis no cost.Sendanemail to survivalswimming@searescue.org.za.

Driver killed, three others woundedintaxi

Provincialpolice’sSeriousand Violent Crimedetectivesare investigating amurderand three attemptedmurdercases following afatalshooting in which aminibus taxi was apparently targeted in Macassar on Monday (9 February)

The incidentoccurred around 16:20 in MagdelineGila Road, Macassar Village,claimingthe lifeofa36-year-oldtaxi driver.

Thedeceased, believed to be aBellville operator,was reportedly droppingcommuters off in the local community when the alleged attack tookplace.

Accordingtoprovincialpolice spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg three other passengers arebelievedtohavebeen wounded in the shooting,an adultwoman andtwo adult men. “Macassarpoliceresponded to reports of ashooting and

found the victims with gunshot wounds on arrival,” he said “The 36-year-old victim was declared dead at the sceneby medical personnel, whilethe other victims were transported to amedical facility.”

Unconfirmedreports suggest thatunknownsuspects, travellinginavehicle behind the taxi, openedfireonthe minibus before fleeing the scene.

Thecircumstancessurroundingthe shooting remainsunder investigation.

On Tuesdaymorning (10 February) Macassar policespokesperson Warrant OfficerDesire Adendorf said the suspects remainatlarge  Police were appealingtoanyone with informationaboutthe incident to contactCrime Stop on 08600 10111 or usethe MySAPSmobile applicationtoreport anonymously.

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BICWLraising hope step by step

ThestreetsofStrand transformed into asea of pink on Sunday 8February as theBolandIslamic Council Women’s League (BICWL) hosted its highly anticipated2026 Boland Pink Walk, which alsocommemorated the 21stinstalment of the annual event.

The event, which started under cloudy skies and with afresh breeze at 08:30, proved to be aroaringsuccess in powerful demonstration of community solidarity.

While organisers officiallyprocessed 3750 entries, the actual turnout was significantly higher.

Many attendees chosenot to walkthe official route, insteadpaying the R50 entry fee simply to stand in solidarity, wear their commemorativebandanas and contribute to the cause.

The atmosphere at the Harmony Park Resort waselectric, withfood stalls and lucky draws keepingspirits high throughout the morning.

Thecore missionofthe walk –supporting those battling cancer –yielded extraordinaryresults.

Organisersconfirmed that about R204 000 wasraisedthroughdonations and entries.

In asignificant move forlocalhealthcare, R100 000 of these funds have been allocated directlytothe Groote Schuur Hospital Oncology Department to assist with their life-saving work.

Sumaya Gabier, chairperson of the BICWL, expressed deep gratitude following the event’s conclusion.

“Weare overwhelmed by the outpouringoflove. We want to thank every supporter, sponsor, andvolunteer wholeheartedly,” she said.

“Whetheryou walked the full distance or simplyshowed up to cheer, your contribution is making atangibledifference in thelivesofoncologypatients.”

Everyfinisher was awardeda medal, a smalltoken of appreciationfor acommunity that showed up in abig way.

More than just crime-fighters

TheGordon’sBay policeSpiritual Crime Prevention Group marked World Cancer Day(4February) with pamphletsand prayers at the localbeach last Wednesday. Officers and volunteers startedthe event with aprayerand lit candles forthose who have lost their livestocancer at the policestation. Cancer survivor Olivia Ford,one of the group’s members, thensharedher story with the group and explainedthe exercise thatfollowed. Theteamspent the rest of the dayatGordon’sBay Beach, wheretheydistributed pamphletsin the hopesofhelping visitors understand the disease andits impact.Pictured aremembers of Gordon’sBay police’sSpiritual Crime Prevention Group with lit candles in honour of those who have lost their livestocancer

Ya The ah don’ fro ing describe pr suf Ntun of ac tio hav nored the all proof ces Anim en fur ref gation matter,” to rushed cialist. indictme were vealed le unt

‘First Brush’ boundtoinspire

TheNdiza Gallery, located at Krystal BeachHotel in Gordon’s Bay, presented the launch of First Brush,asolo exhibition by artist Andy Louw, on Saturday 7 February.

The exhibition challengesthe notion thatcreativity belongs onlyto theyoung or the formally trained.

It features acollection of bold,intuitive paintings that serve as proof that inventioncan thrive entirelyoutside of traditional instruction

Louw hasturned to painting without the weight of formal training,resulting in what criticsdescribe as an uninhibited engagement with colour and shape His canvases are characterised by elemental and striking colours that fill the frame, and compositions that display a

sophisticated balance,belying the artist’s lack of aformal background.

The “First Brush” in these works is not tentative but fearless,illustrating that creativity is truly timeless.

Theexhibition, which willbeondisplayuntil Tuesday 10 March, highlights how creativity canflourish at anystage of someone’s life, andsooffering an inspiringlook at Louw’s personalartistic journey.

Sit jou droomhoedjie op

Skrywers en aspirantskrywers word genooi om aan ’n skryfgeleentheid deur Sunset Books en Kwarts Uitgewers deel te neem. ’n Bundel met die versamelde bydraessal later gepubliseer word Strandenomliggendegebiedeis ryk aan geskiedenisenherinneringe sowel as kreatiwiteit. Hier is ook baie belangstellinginskryf.

Sunset Books wil graag ’n geleentheid bied vir mense om hulstories te vertel en ook hul belangstelling in kreatief skryfwerk uit te leef. Hierdie projeksal dit vir plaaslike mense moontlik maak om hul skryfwerk in gepubliseerde vorm te sien

–Watter soortstories kaningestuurword?

•Stories en staaltjies uit die verledeof geskiedenis vanStrand; •beskrywende sketse oordie lewe in Strand;

•fiktiewe enverbeeldingryke stories met ’nStrand-konneksie; of •wat maak Strand vir jou spesiaal?

Praktieseinligting:

–

•Die sluitingsdatum is Dinsdag31Maart; •1 000 tot 1500 woordeinMSWord-formaat; en •die stories moet in Afrikaans wees.

 Stuur alle bydraes per e-posna info@kwartspublishers.co.zaofbel Tanya O'Connor by 0845881106 metnavrae.

Heart wants gold

Barend Williams

Three heart surgeries could notstop Hannah Banienfrombecoming aMiss Grand SouthAfrica 2026 finalist

TheSomerset West teenagerwas born withasevere congenital heartdefect, alife-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.

“I was born without an aortic valve; at only amonth old open-heart surgerywas performed on me,” the 18-year-old explained. “The aortic valve controls blood flow fromthe heart to the body; without it, blood willnot circulate properly.”

Twomore surgeries followed –atage four when the valveleakedand in Grade 9for monitoring andmaintenance.

“Growing up, the surgeries were challenging, but it didn’taffect me negatively. Thesurgeries shaped me into the youngwoman Iamtoday.”

It wasduring Grade 10 at Gordon High SchoolthatBanien discoveredher heartbeatfor pageantry. She wonMsPersonality in the school’s Mr andMsSpring competition in 2022, followed by her crowning moment, as Miss Gordon 2023.

“I wasn’texpecting to win. When I heard my name,Icouldn’t believe it –all Icould do was smile.”

That victory launched her modeling career, becoming aMiss TeenWorld South Africa 2024 finalistbefore taking abreak during matric to focus on studies

Now, with final examinations complete, Banien hasset her sights on Miss Grand South Africa 2026.

The pageant formspart of the Miss Grand International competition,emphasising individuality, authenticity and international readiness.

This year’s theme, Riseofthe Phoenix, symbolises resilience, growth andtransformation.

“Banien stoodout forher confidence, composure andability to communicate authentically,” explained LenieLouw, the pageant’s national director

“She demonstrated strongself-awareness, clearpurpose andthe determination needed to thrive.”

Forthe local teen, the pageantrepresents far more than competition

“Miss Grand SA is more thanjusta crown; it represents pride andrespon-

sibility to inspire. Idon’t just wantthe crown;Iwantthe responsibility that comes with it.”

Drawing from hermedical experiences,Banien hasestablishedHope’sHeart Foundation to help childrenwith heart defects andthose struggling to find their place.

“I wanted to create aplace for children whofeelunsureabout wherethey belong,touplift andencouragethemand show themtheydobelong.”

Shepursues this mission whilestudyinglaw at the University of South Africa (Unisa)and continuingher modelling career

“I’ve been training hard –walking in heels,hittingthe gym –and preparation is goingsmoothly.”

Througheverything Banien remains authentic. “I wanttobeknown as HannahBanien,a young girl whostarted small andnever hadanything easy, but by puttingGod firstI was abletoovercome andachieve.”

Banien provesthatbeing aqueen requires more thanbeauty; it needsa heart of gold, even if thatheart hastoworka little harderthanthatofotherstogive of itself.

 To showsupport,contact Banien viaemail at hannahbanien@gmail.com.

During the visit to the school (behind from left) areproject

Rotary visits computer room

TheHelderberg Sunrise RotaryClub washonoured to welcome Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo to the computer room at Oklahoma Street Primary SchoolinMacassar on Friday 30 January

Thecomputer room projectwas selected as oneofonly two projects showcased during Arezzo’s recentvisit to District 9350, making the occasionevenmore special. The ItalianArezzo commented thatthe project wasexactlywhathewas hoping to see during his visit– meaning-

ful, practicalRotaryinaction,changing lives at grassroots level. He was accompaniedbyhis wife,AnnaMaria, Daniel Tanase (Rotary International director for Zones 21 and22), andDistrict Governor Pam Rawbone.

“Moments like these remind us why we do what we do; service thatcreates opportunity, dignity andhope,”a statement from the local club read. “Thank you to everyone whoplayed arole in making this projecta reality. Rotaryat its best!”

Tydtoets vandag steeds gewild

YaëlMalgas

Veertig jaar gelede het ’n groep manne diepad gevat in Van Rheedestraat in Stellenbosch vir huleerstetydtoets en nou, vier dekades later, pak atlete steeds elke Dinsdag hierdieroete.

Die tydtoets is in 1985 deur die Helderberg Harriers-atletiekklubbegin.

Klaus Zollner,destyds die klubkaptein, verduidelik die idee wasdié van wyle Justin Swart aangesien daar’nbehoefte was vir hardlopersindie Eikestad om hul eie tydtoetstehê.

“Daarislank gesoek vir ’n geskikte roeteinStellenbosch.Daar is verskillende kriteria neergelê waaraan dietydtoets se roete moesvoldoen. Ditmoesbyvoorbeeld ’n baie plat roete vir vinnigetye, die minimum verkeer hê en goeie beligting deur straatligte in die winter. Onshet verskeie opsies oorweeg, soos Plankenbrug of Simonswyk, maar op die ou einde maarbesluit op ’n roete deur Die Boord,” verduidelik Zollner.

“Jat du Toit, destyds ’n lektorbydie departement ingeneurswese by die UniversiteitStellenbosch, het diemoeilike taak gehad om vir ons ’n roete te ontwerp. Onthou, in daaijare hetdaar nie so iets bestaan soosdie internetof Google Maps nie! Jat moes nog kaarte met die handteken, en diekorrekte afstandedaarop bepaal –glad nie so ’n maklike onderneming nie. Sy voorstel was ’n 2km- en’n3kmronde, waarvan enige veelvoud dan enige gekose afstand vir die deelnemers kongee. Die roetesisoor die algemeen uiters gewild gevind, en tot vandag toe is daarslegs

Michi Hugo het hierdiefotoinJanuarie1986 geneemvan die heel eerstewegspring vandie eerste tydtoets in Die Boord, met sesdeelnemers en een tydhouer.Die herkenbaredeelnemersis(vanlinks) Francois Kirsten,MarkTodes, BothaPretorius, Sol JacobsenHansHugo.

in Die Boord op die hoek van VanRheedeen Rokewoodstraat weggespring het. Michi Hugo was daar methaar kamera om die geleentheid vas te vang.

Hoewel die tydtoets deur die lede van Helderberg Harriers gestig is, is Zollner vandag die enigste oorspronklike lid wat nogbetrokke is. Hy meen die tydtoets is ’n hartsaak en benewens die Covid-pandemie hetdie weeklikse drafsessie voortgegaan. “Deur beurtkrag, stormweer en al het hier selfs net twee mense opgedaag,” verduidelik hy Die spanagter die tydstoets is ’n hegte en getroue klein span. RoyCarstens, oudonderwyservan Cloetesville, is reeds vir die afgelope24jaar die amptelike tydhouer vir die tydtoets. Carstens meen eenvan die beste aspekte van die tydtoets is datdit