DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette - E-Edition - 3 December 2025

Page 1


& Helderberg Gaz

Infernodev In Fire hoses

BarendWilliams

Following Saturday night’s devasting fire, community members of the Ethembeni informal settlement in Nomzamo made a grim discovery on Sunday (30 November)

“The body of a 27-year-old man was found by community members when they were busy cleaning this morning,” said Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, spokesperson for Lwandle police

He confirmed that police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the cause of the fire.

Three other people were taken to a nearby medical facility after sustaining

burn wounds during the blaze Firefighters responded to reports of burning structures in Nombula Street at 22:45 on Saturday, confirmed Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services

“The first arriving officer assessed the situation and, given the windy conditions, called for additional resources including an IMT Type 4,” said Carelse

The operation required nearly 60 firefighters working through the night to suppress the flames, which were intensified by strong winds Firefighting crews extinguished the blaze by 04:30

During the firefighting effort, two firefighters sustained injuries, with one requiring hospital treatment

Dumping blocking drains

Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling sewer-system challenges, but officials emphasise that technical solutions have limitations when residents misuse infrastructure.

“Infrastructure alone cannot prevent blockages caused by incorrect disposal of materials into the network,” said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, highlighting how improper waste disposal undermines even well-maintained systems.

The response addresses two sewage crises reported in the Helderberg region. In Somerset West sewage flowed down Victoria Street opposite Garden Village near the N2 intersection for consecutive days, forcing motorists and pedestrians to navigate contaminated water. This recurring problem intensifies during summer months, creating severe health risks and unbearable odours

Sir Lowry’s Pass residents along Brinkhuis Road, Eden Crescent and Barnabas Shaw Road claim they face weekly sewage flooding that blocks street access and property entrances. The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday 18 November.

“We’ve been battling this problem for years and have maintained an email trail since 2016, complete with photographs documenting our complaints,” said one Brinkhuis Street resident.

“Some days the stench is so overwhelming that we can’t even open our windows. We’re forced to drive and walk through sewage just to access our own properties. The situation has become so notorious that our street has earned an embarrassing sewage-related nickname in the community.”

Badroodien confirmed the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate

is aware of recent incidents and has deployed teams to both areas. “Our records show all reported incidents have been resolved within service-level agreements, except for an outstanding blockage at 58 Brinkhuis Street, which teams are currently addressing.”

He acknowledged that recurring blockages around Brinkhuis Street are primarily caused by foreign objects being disposed of into the sewer network.

“The sewer line passes through an informal settlement. Our field observations show this section experiences the highest number of blockages. Improper waste disposal remains the primary factor.”

For areas requiring infrastructure upgrades, permanent interventions depend on budget availability and must follow standard project phases.

Where blockages result from system misuse, long-term solutions focus on ongoing education, enforcement and operational interventions

The City’s response system immediately routes all logged sewer overflows to depots, with teams dispatched to clear blockages, contain overflows and restore service. Specialised cleansing teams then disinfect affected areas.

Proactive measures include regular sewer cleaning through jetting and bucketing methods, manhole inspections, removal of illegally disposed materials, and community education programmes.

Badroodien stressed that lasting solutions require community cooperation “Residents play a crucial role by using the sewer system correctly, avoiding disposal of cooking oil, sanitary products, nappies and other foreign objects that cause blockages,” he pointed out.

Residents are implored to report issues via the City’s Call Centre, WhatsApp, online portals or mobile app, which generate unique service-request numbers for tracking

Fokus op keuses

BarendWilliams

Die polisie, onderwysers en onderwysbeamptes het verlede Maandag (24November) by Sir Lowry’s Pass Primêre Skool saamgestaan om kinders by ’n lewensveranderende imbizo uit die kloue van dwelms, bendes en misdaad te red

Die provinsiale onderwysdepartement se Metro-Oos-distrik se Safe Schools-program het deelnemers uit die gemeenskap na hul Dwelmmisbruik-imbizo in die skool se saal gelok Verteenwoordigers van verskeie gemeenskapsorganisasies het ’n verenigde front gevorm om werklike uitdagings wat leerders raak, te takel

Die imbizo het met ’n gebed deur Sharene de Bosch begin, wat leerders uitgedaag het om krities oor hul keuses te dink en verantwoordelikheid te aanvaar

Shaun Salfieris van Somwes Charter het ’n oortuigende aanbieding oor boeliegedrag gelewer Hy het gewys hoe hierdie skadelike gedrag blywende gevolge het – nie net vir slagoffers nie, maar ook vir oortreders Shanou Robyntjies het die hoofonderwerp aangepak en passievol oor dwelm-

gebruik gepraat Sy het ’n prentjie van die verwoestende gevolge van alkohol- en dwelmgebruik op jong lewens geskilder Dumile Gubuza, ’n senior onderwysbeampte van die distrik, het saam met Marilee Benjamin van die Safe Schools-program gewerk om die ernstige gevolge van inbraak en vandalisme te bespreek Hulle het beklemtoon hoe voortdurende skoolafwesigheid en om uit klasse weg te bly tot ’n gevaarlike agteruitgang in akademiese sukses en lewensgeleenthede kan lei

Die geleentheid het sy hoogtepunt bereik toe kapt Charles Riffel, bevelvoerder van die Sir Lowry’s Pass-satellietpolisiekantoor, die naakte werklikheid van misdaad skerp in fokus gebring het Hy het verseker dat leerders verstaan – swak keuses vandag kan môre tot ernstige regsgevolge lei

Hierdie insiggewende imbizo het aan leerders gewys dat skynbaar klein keuses in lewensveranderende gevolge kan ontwikkel Deur onderwysbeamptes, gemeenskapsleiers en wetstoepassers bymekaar te bring, het die geleentheid ’n kragtige boodskap geskep: die hele gemeenskap staan saam om dié jong mense se sukses te verseker

Local rakes in national title for women in DIY

Somerset West resident Elle Franco has been named one of three national winners at the 2025 Brights Women in DIY Excellence Awards, cementing her position as one of South Africa's leading DIY educators

Franco, who has built a substantial following through her DIY with Elle platform, television presenting on Home Made Easy, and monthly Garden & Home Magazine features, was selected from an exceptional field of entries nationwide

The annual awards, presented by Brights Hardware, celebrate women transforming the country's DIY landscape through creativity, skill, community impact and innovation Franco’s victory recognises her decade-long commitment to making home improvement accessible to beginners

Her journey began more than 10 years ago, crafting pallet furniture in her small Johannesburg apartment After settling in Somerset West, her “you can do this too” philosophy has helped thousands tackle projects ranging from simple décor updates to ambitious builds including pergolas, fencing and shelving

As Garden & Home Magazine’s DIY content contributor, Franco provides monthly step-by-step guidance designed

to make home improvement achievable for novices Her approachable style has established her as one of South Africa’s most trusted DIY voices

The judging panel particularly noted Franco’s role in opening a traditionally male-dominated field, with her core belief that “DIY is for everyone” encouraging people across age groups and backgrounds to embrace hands-on creativity

Brights Hardware CEO Orlando Luis praised this year’s exceptional standard, noting that women like Franco “continue to raise the bar for creativity in South Africa”

Each winner receives a R5 000 Brights voucher and R5 000 product hamper to support future projects

Franco shares the honour with Nkosazana Mtshazi from Johannesburg, known as “DIY Princess Nkosazana” for her sustainable, family-friendly content, and Ndandu Khavhadi from Port Elizabeth, the “Just a Mom with a Drill” creator who combines DIY with humanitarian work

The trio represents a growing wave of woman creators reshaping South African DIY culture, proving that creativity thrives when shared within communities

Knitted in festivity

“Surreal and deeply rewarding.”

These are the words Somerset West resident Marnus Botha uses to describe winning the City of Cape Town’s inaugural “Wear the Hope Challenge”

He also had the honour of designing mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s official festive season sweater

The competition, launched as part of this year’s Festive Lights Switch-On celebrations under the theme “United in Hope,” invited all Capetonians to submit concepts that reflect the city’s resilience, cultural diversity, and spirit of togetherness

For Botha, entering was simply about embracing a creative challenge while contributing something meaningful to the city “I first came across the ‘Wear the Hope’ Challenge while browsing the City’s website, and it immediately caught my attention,” he recalled “The idea of combining creativity with a message of hope and unity really resonated with me When I read that the challenge involved designing a Christmas-themed jersey for the mayor of Cape Town, I remember thinking, ‘This is such a unique and meaningful concept – I have to give it a try’ ”

The appeal went beyond aesthetics for Botha “It wasn’t just about design; it was about using creativity to spread positivity and

celebrate the spirit of the city I’ve always enjoyed taking part in creative projects that have a deeper meaning or community focus This felt like the perfect opportunity ”

Despite his success, Botha doesn’t consider himself a traditional designer “Although I’m not a professional designer by trade, I’ve always had a strong appreciation for creativity and design as a personal passion This has led me to pursue a career path in ‘designing cities,’” said Botha, who works for the City specialising in infrastructure planning and service delivery

For him, the victory represents something larger than personal achievement “It’s a reminder that creativity and innovation are valued within our workplace Opportunities exist for staff to express talents beyond their dayto-day roles, so to actually win was an incredible surprise ” Botha’s winning concept captured the hearts of the judges through its heartfelt symbolism It

had a masterful ability to weave together iconic elements of Cape Town’s heritage, landmarks and natural beauty It told a compelling story of hope that clearly articulates the festive season Fashion designer Victor K and costume designer and art director Widaad Albertus, who served as judges, reviewed the shortlist of entrants separately They were impressed by Botha’s creative vision

While fellow contestant Karon Botes also received recognition for her entry’s simple elegance and unique approach to festive wear, it was ultimately Botha who walked away with top honours. Hill-Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for wearing Botha’s creation, which was revealed at the Festive Lights Switch-On event on the Grand Parade on Sunday (30 November) “The winning design represents the heart and soul of Cape Town I’m honoured to get to wear this creation as a symbol of our unity and hope for the season ahead,” the mayor said

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis donning the festive season sweater designed by Somerset West’s Marnus Botha, winner of Cape Town’s inaugural Wear the Hope Challenge
Photo: City of Cape Town/Facebook

Skote klap, seun getref

’n Sewejarige seun is na bewering in die been geskiet toe die Strand-polisie die ontsnapte gevangene Denver “Seun” Pietersen in Morkel’s Cottage in hegtenis geneem het, en nou eis sy pa geregtigheid.

Die 32-jarige ouer beweer sy seun het in die omgewing gespeel toe lede van die Strandpolisie tydens Pietersen se inhegtenisneming skote afgevuur het. Hy het eers later daardie aand die skietwond ontdek toe hy ’n kneusplek en swelling aan sy seun se been gesien het

“Die ding wat met my seun gebeur het, maak my siek,” het die pa gesê.

Pietersen was die laaste van drie gevangenes wat vasgetrek is nadat hulle Maandag 27Oktober uit die hofselle by die Strand-landdroshof ontsnap het nadat hulle van die Pollsmoorkorrektiewe sentrum na die hof geneem is.

Strand-polisiebeamptes op patrollie in die informele nedersetting het Pietersen verlede Dinsdag (25 November) raakgesien waar hy te voet gevlug het toe hy die polisievoertuig sien. Die beamptes het hom agternagesit.

Pietersen het glo in ’n woning weggekruip, maar die beamptes het hom gevolg. Toe hy

vermoedelik deur die agterste venster probeer ontsnap het, het die beamptes skote op hom begin afvuur

Pietersen is in die bors getref en na ’n nabygeleë mediese fasiliteit geneem, waar hy onder polisiebewaking bly.

Die voorval het na bewering gemeenskapsbetogings ontlok, met inwoners wat bevraagteken het waarom beamptes naby kinders se speelplekke skiet.

Die seun se ma is blykbaar tydens dié betoging in hegtenis geneem. Die kind, wat aan aanvalle ly en gereeld medikasie gebruik, is volgens sy pa erg getraumatiseer nadat hy tydens die betoging raakgeskiet is. “Ek is tevrede dat hulle [Pietersen] gevang het, omdat hy gevaarlik was vir die gemeenskap,” het die pa gesê. “Maar hoekom het hulle geskiet terwyl hulle geweet het daar is kinders in die omgewing?”

Die pa het ’n klagte by die polisiekantoor aangemeld na sy seun mediese hulp ontvang het. “Ek soek geregtigheid vir wat met my seun gebeur het.”

Die Onafhanklike Polisieondersoekdirektoraat (Opod) het bevestig ’n polisieverslag oor die voorval is ontvang, maar geen verdere inligting is aan die koerant verskaf nie.

CIT robbers hits SLP

Jamey Gordon

Suspects remain at large following a cash-in-transit robbery at a discount supermarket in Sir Lowry’s Pass, despite police apprehending several potential suspects in connection with the incident

The robbery occurred at a store along Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road last Tuesday morning (25 November), as previously reported by DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette

When contacted for an update, Somerset West police confirmed that while several individuals had been taken into custody for questioning, the main suspects responsible for the robbery have not yet been captured

The robbery occurred around 10:30 when an armed suspect

Skietery eis 2

Die Strand-polisie het Maandag (1 Desember) drie mans in verband met ’n dubbele moord- en poging-tot-moord-voorval in hegtenis geneem

Authorities on the scene where a cash-intransit heist played out at a grocery store in Sir Lowry’s Pass last Tuesday morning (25 November)

targeted a Fidelity Services Group security guard who was collecting money from the store

The gunman held the guard at gunpoint and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash before firing a single shot and fleeing the scene. No-one was injured during the incident

Luidens ’n polisieverslag het ’n polisiebeampte op patrollie om 03:18 Saterdag 29 November op die toneel in Serinastraat, Sercorpark gereageer Die beampte het ’n informele woning agter die huis binnegegaan, waar hy glo die drie persone Siyabonga Jaftha (33), Curtly Adams (25) en Jeff Adams (28), op die grond met

Police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies confirmed that a case of cash-in-transit robbery was opened for investigation

Following the robbery, authorities cordoned off a significant section of Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road to conduct a thorough search of the area Motorists travelling towards Somerset West were redirected via the N2 highway while the investigation continued Jantjies confirmed that police initially detained six people for questioning at Somerset West Police Station as part of their preliminary investigations

However, all six were subsequently released after officers could not establish a positive connection to the robbery Hawks provincial spokesperson Captain Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing

koeëlwonde aangetref het ’n Gemeenskapslid het die beampte meegedeel dat die slagoffers deur drie onbekende mans geskiet is Jaftha en Curtly Adams het op die toneel aan hul wonde beswyk Jeff Adams wat skietwonde aan sy maag en regterarm opgedoen het, is in die hospitaal opgeneem

Kersfees vroeg gevier

Meer as 50 kinders van Macassar het Saterdag 29 November Kersfees vroeg gevier toe Hope Support-groep hulle met geskenke verras het. Die groep het ’n “Restoring Hope” kinderpartytjie by die Macassar Metodiste-kerk gehou vir kinders wat hul bewustheidsprogramme deur die jaar bygewoon het. Links is die leierskap van Hope Support (van links) Desiree Presence, Franklyn Sedgwick, Marica Sedgwick, Elizabeth Mitchell, Estelle Gouws, Joy Fourie (stigter) en Sanel Martinus Foto’s: Barend Williams

SjefEltonGordonwysdieburgersentjippies

Fourie,diestigtervanHopeSupport-groep

Vark-sage woed voort

Barend Williams

Die vark-beslaglegging-sage duur voort terwyl die eienaar van 50 diere hul terugkeer eis.

Intussen kom besonderhede oor die ingewikkelde grondeienaarskapskwessies rakende die terrein na vore.

Die beslaglegging het Donderdag 13 November in Sir Lowry’s Pass plaasgevind, toe personeel van die Dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) met polisie-ondersteuning 96 varke uit hokke langs die spoorlyn verwyder het (“ ‘Ek sal veg vir my varke,’ sê ouma”, DistriksPos & Helderberg Gazette, 19 November )

Die Wyk 84-raadslid Norman McFarlane het verduidelik hy het die optrede meegemaak om met die gemeenskap te kommunikeer

Hy het bevestig die varke was op Transnet-grond, wat slegs vir vervoerverwante aktiwiteite gebruik mag word

“Aangesien die varkboerdery op Transnet-grond is, het die Stad Kaapstad geen jurisdiksie oor die gebied nie,” sê McFarlane.

Hy het onthul die gebied is aan voortdurende hofsake onderwerp om inwoners van die Spoorweg-informele nedersetting te hervestig

McFarlane het egter beklemtoon die DBV se beslaglegging was heeltemal afsonderlik van die hervestigingsproses

Transnet Property het bevestig hy was bewus varke word op sy grond gehuisves en was

met die eienaars in gesprek om die diere te verwyder

“Transnet het ook aan die regsprosedure vir die verwydering van die varke deelgeneem,” lui ’n verklaring van Transnet

Volgens die maatskappy, beset die Spoorweg-inwoners onwettig die spoorwegreservaat wat vir instandhouding gebruik word

Die spoorlyn is steeds aktief vir vrugvervoer van die Elgin-gebied na Kaapstad en vir toeristetreine

“Transnet Property het nie toestemming gegee vir die ongemagtigde huisvesting van varke nie,” lui die Transnet-verklaring Transnet bevestig hy het aangrensende grond aan die Stad verkoop om hervestiging moontlik te maak

Die grondoordrag is reeds voltooi

Die informele varkboer het gesê sy is teleurgesteld omdat die DBV haar glo nooit persoonlik gekontak het Sy sê die beslaglegging stel haar kleindogter se vlootstudies in gedrang

“Dis nie die einde nie; ons gaan terugveg Ek wil my varke terug hê,” het sy gesê

Die gemeenskapsaktivis

Christiaan Stewart het haar ondersteun en die beslaglegging as “diefstal” beskryf

Die DBV-woordvoerder Belinda Abraham het herbevestig dat die saak oor dierewelsyn gaan

Die diere bly vir nou by ’n DBV-fasiliteit

Steel trap for strays

YaseenGaffar

A significant boost to local animal-rescue efforts was celebrated this week following the donation of a custom-built animal trap to animal lover Kyle Girodo, a result of community networking and local business generosity

The project began when Girodo, an inspector at Animal Welfare Society Helderberg (AWS) issued a plea out for the specific equipment His life revolves around rescuing animals from precarious situations, and he noted that standard equipment often fell short when dealing with elusive strays

“I’ve had stray animals no-one can catch, a dog at Steenbras Reserve for example,” Girodo explained

“Our traps are so important, because you often can’t get near animals who are scared With traps, it makes it easier ”

Girodo required a trap that was large enough for bigger animals, but manageable enough to be operated by a single person. He needed it for his personal rescues, outside of his official work duties

His plea caught the eye of Lisa Starr, founder of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (Hoam) Operating on the philosophy “if you don’t ask you don’t know” she decided to intervene

“My first port of call was Crawford Steel as I know the owner, Dicky Crawford, has a big heart for all animals ”

Starr forwarded a design sketched by Girodo to the company

The response was immediate

“We’ve been helping community initiatives for 20 years; it’s a privilege to help,” Crawford said “When we were approached, we immediately decided to assist ” Despite a busy schedule the team at Crawford Steel – specifically Chris Reyneke and Crawford – put their heads and hands together

Assisted by Melissa de Bruyn, who ensured the request reached the right people, the custom trap

was manufactured and ready within just three weeks

When Girodo received the donation, valued at over R6 000, he was overwhelmed. “I almost went into a state of shock I was so happy I appreciate it so much I am so blessed,” he expressed Starr praised the team at Crawford Steel and took the opportunity to highlight Girodo’s “selfless commitment”, noting that he also assists the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre “When a community works together we can move mountains – and porcupines,” she quipped

Kyle Girodo (left) and Dicky Crawford with the custom-built animal trap

Ferg’nSontobringtheheat

Powerhouse musical duo Ferg ’n Son hits the road with their high-voltage It’s in the Blood tour this December

Ferg ’n Son comprises Fergie Ferguson, the legendary original voice behind the smash ’80s hit “Man on the Moon” with the iconic band Ballyhoo, and his son, Michael Ferguson, a multi-talented guitarist and vocalist

Blending pop, rock, country, and timeless classics, the genre-crossing duo delivers an unforgettable live experience that keeps audiences coming back for more Together, their musical chemistry

is undeniable Their performances fuse soulful melodies, crowd-favourite covers and infectious energy that has captured the hearts of fans

They will bring that same electric energy home with a local coastal summer tour Audiences can expect high-energy shows, a repertoire full of hits and a musical journey that transcends generations and genres

Fergie started his musical journey at a young age playing guitar and singing in various show bands in Ireland On turning professional at age 18, he took a contract and came to South Africa to perform with

an Irish show band in the early 1970s He enjoyed an illustrious career with Ballyhoo with performances all over Africa, spanning over 35 years

All the while, he watched as his son Michael grew into his roots as a successful musician Last year, they joined forces and founded their band, Ferg ’n Son About the It’s in the Blood tour, Fergie said: “It is going to be great to be on the road with my son We are excited to meet you all at these great venues ”  ThetourstopsatTheDramaFactoryinStrand onSunday21December.Tobookyourtickets,visit https://fergnson io/tour/

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DAY28DECEMBER

mersetWest:Localresidentscanenjoythe yseasonwiththescreeningofMammaMia!at ENSFORDWINEESTATE,astheGalileoOpen emareturnsforanotherspectacularseason nningWinelandsvenues AdditionalHeldercreeningsfortheseasoninclude:TheGreatest manonSaturday3January2026;Crazy,Stupid, nSaturday14February2026;andTheProposal turday4April2026 Eacheveningfeaturesa experiencewithlocalfood,sweettreatsand -winningwineswhilewatchingblockbuster sonthebigscreenatsunset Theeventsinclude s prizes musicandgiveaways–perfectfor families,andparties Thegatesopenat18:00 ekdaysand17:00onweekends Bookyourplace throughWebtickets Formoreinformationorto moviessettobescreenedatothervenuesacross peWinelands,visit wwwthegalileoco za

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mersetWest:STPETER’SCATHOLICCHURCH ndcelebratesits120thanniversarywitha ingthroughtheDecades”NewYear’sEveevent mersetWestTownHall Thepopulardance TheElginaires,willprovideentertainmentfor ening,withguestsencouragedtodressupina mefromtheirfavouritedecadeandtakealong wnsnacksanddrinks Thechurchhasserved motherchurchoftheHelderbergregionfor120 growingfromasimple80-personstructureto plexthatnowincludesa200-personcapacity h,presbytery,hallandgardens Thegrounds ousetheformerCatholicLoretoPrimarySchool, wasfoundedbytheLoretoSisters,buthas beenhandedovertothegovernmentasapublic lonprivateproperty Aspartofthechurch’s ersaryyearfundraisingefforts,thechurchaims eR70000specificallytorevarnishthehistoric ypineceilings TicketsforthedancecostR250 rsonandareavailablethroughWebtickets,with nformationavailableontheStPeter’sCatholic hFacebookpage Alternatively,interested nscancallMerleFalkenon0825584919

Father and son music duo Ferg ’n Son will embark on a coastal tour this December

West for a period of 21 days as from 5 December2025

MORKELANDDEVILLIERSInc. Executors 166MainRoad,StuartsHill SomersetWest, POBox43, SOMERSETWEST7129 Tel:021-8509700 LL/mlm/JG130

SPORT

Woensdag,3Desember2025

Sylvesterlea

Yaseen Gaffar

An unbeaten century by Jody Sylvester secured a dramatic five-run victory for Helderberg Cricket Club (HCC) against a resilient Blue Bells CC in a nail-biting First Division C encounter at Helderzicht Sports Grounds on Saturday (29 November).

Blue Bells won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit the early-morning conditions.

However, HCC’s innings was defined by Sylvester’s majestic knock. He carried his bat, scoring a blistering 153*.

While wickets fell around him, Sylvester found support from Marcello Thomas, who chipped in with a steady 25, and Brandon Williams, who added 17. Their contributions helped stabilise the middle order as HCC finished their 50 overs on a competitive 270/8.

Chasing 271 for victory, the visitors put up a fierce fight, taking the game deep into the final moments.

For HCC, Waqar Josephs was the pick of the bowlers, tearing through the opposition lineup with figures of 3/35. He was ably supported by an all-round effort from Thomas (2/44) and Chad Bailey (2/49). Despite a valiant effort, Blue Bells finished their 50 overs on

265/8 to hand HCC the victory,

In First Division A, Hottentots

Holland CC (HHCC) were on the road, locking horns with Strandfontein CC

HHCC won the toss and decided to field, but the home team raced to 50/0 in just eight overs before captain Fuad Behardien made the all important break-

through. Stalwart Abdul Aziz Temoor grabbed four crucial wickets and was well supported by Tauriq Oliver (3/29) as Strandfontein were bowled out for 187 runs.

In reply HHCC started swiftly with openers Irshaad Salie and Shakoer Baderoen putting on a solid 30-run stand. However,

once again a cluster of wickets fell in the middle that left HHCC reeling and eventually they were bowled out for 123 runs

Only Yaasien Railoun (34) added a noteworthy score in his side’s 64-run defeat.

In First Divsion B, Somerset West CC (SWCC) produced a polished all-round performance to secure a convincing six-wicket victory over Gugulethu CC.

Bowling first, the SWCC attack applied pressure from the outset, consistently taking wickets to prevent the opposition from building partnerships.

Jason Lee Josephs (4/41) was the destroyer-in-chief, tearing through the Gugs’ lineup. He was brilliantly supported by Gous Koen (3/27) and Daandre Walker (2/40) to bowl out Gugulethu for 208 runs in the 48th over.

The SWCC batsmen approached the target with an aggressive confidence, as Scott Innes (43) helped set the platform Juan Viljoen (41) injected pace and Aqeel Dramat (54*) anchored the innings, guiding the SWCC to 209/4 in 43.2 overs to seal the six-wicket victory.

In First Division D, Strand Cricket Club (SCC) suffered a disappointing 42-run defeat to Pollsmoor CC in Tokai, failing to chase down a modest 145-run target.

After winning the toss and

electing to field, the SCC bowling attack executed their plans brilliantly, restricting the hosts to 144 runs.

Ashwin Julies (3/6) was the star performer with the leather, and was superbly supported by the veteran Ebrahiem Latief (2/20).

Unfortunately for Strand, the difficult pitch conditions proved to be their undoing as well. Going in to bat just 35 minutes before the lunchbreak, the Pollsmoor CC bowlers immediately struck with a flurry of quick wickets

SCC’s top order offered minimal resistance and the local team found itself at 38/4 at lunch The remaining batsmen struggled to build the necessary momentum, with only Logan Savory (21) and Johan Cyster (15) showing brief signs of resistance on their way to being bowled out for 102 runs.

 Fixtures for Saturday 6 December:

HHCC vs Milnerton CC (Navy Sports Ground);

• SWCC vs Bishop Lavis CC (Radloff Park);

• HCC vs Vikings CC (Stan Abbott Park, Ruyterwacht); and

• SCC vs Bellville South CC (Gustrouw Sports Ground)

 Sunday 7 December

• HCC vs Wynberg CC (Ama20 semi-final) at Blue Downs Sports Ground.

Brandon Williams had a great knock for Helderberg and a valuable partnership with Jody Sylvester
Jody Sylvester of Helderberg CC steers the ball past the Blue Bells CC wicketkeeper Azmie Tregonning Sylvester led the HCC charge, scoring an unbeaten 153 in his sides five-run victory at Helderzicht Sports Ground Photos: Peter Bee

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