DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette - E-Edition - 10 June 2026

Homeowners group take on board

Yaseen Gaffar

The tranquil exteriorof StormhavenPark,aSomerset Westretirement community established in 1987, has been shattered by an escalating battle between its board of trustees and alargegroup of frustrated homeowners.

What began as internal friction over daily managementhas grown into afull-scale governance crisis, marked by High Court-registered legal orders,a multi-million-rand budget deficit and open residentdefiance.

The ongoing feud reached a critical turningpoint earlier this year, whenconsecutive Community Schemes Ombud Service(CSOS)adjudication orders were officially filed in the Western Cape High Court.

In alandmark ruling issued by Adjudicator PhilaniZumaon 15 January and filed in the High Court on 18 March, the trustees were hit with aseriesofmandatory compliance directives.

This followed aSeptember 2025order, whichforcedthe bodycorporate to handover years of previously withheld financial records

The High Court-registered orders demand that the Stormhaven Park Trustees immediately implementseveralstructuralreforms.These include the recalculationofreserve fund contributionstomeetstatutory minimum thresholds after

years of non-compliance, the ceasing of charging common estate expenses on aper-person basis,orderingthat the AdministrativeFundbefunded strictly viaindividualParticipation

Quotas (PQ),and to convene the next annual general meeting (AGM)instrictaccordancewith thelaw,ensuringthe proper circulation of audited financial statements.

HISTORICTROUBLES

Theroots of the legal rebellion tracebacktoacomprehensiveCSOSdispute application originallylodgedinAugust 2023. Documents revealed thatthe retirement village,which houses a vulnerablepopulation where the majority of residentsare older than 75, had been operating undersevere, continuousfinancial strain

InMarch 2024, aSpecial General Meeting (SGM) representing acommanding 72,6% PQ successfullypassed five member-driven motions. These resolutions legallycapped trustee discretionary spending, restrictedthe hiring of expensiveoutside legalconsultants, andmandated openmonthly meetings.

Despite these measures, residents state theyhave been left entirely“in thedark” without mandatory budget forecasts, auditedfinancials or levy schedules since 2024. Furthermore, records indicate thatthe board has failed to convene astatuto-

rilycompliant AGMfor the past two consecutive financialyears.

Theconflict reached aboiling point following an “Emergency SGM” called by trustees on 17 April, to push througha localised painting project.

Homeowners were left deeply frustrated when leadership strictlylimited the assembly to asingle topic, refusing to allow anybroaderdiscussion on the estate’s deteriorating state or unapproved High Court litigations.

“A body corporate cannot functionwhen its elected trustees appear shielded by a manager andanattorney, are inaccessible, or areunwilling to engagedirectlywith the people they represent,” wrote along-standing resident in a

formalobjection

In adirectchallengetothe board,acoalition named the “ConcernedOwners”organised an informal brainstorming assemblyonThursday 7May. On Wednesday6May, the trustees issued acontroversial official notice attempting to “disallow” andblockthe gathering on commonproperty.

PETITIONINITIATED

Labelling the board’sban an “extraordinary overreach” andanattempt to intimidate pensioners,54residents defiantlyfilled the estate clubhouse anyway. Theanonymous, structured sessionresultedin the drafting of an urgent planof action to address their concerns Themeeting concludedwith

the vast majority signingapetition to force an immediate SGM to review whetherthe trustees still hold amandate to govern. In aformalresponseto DistrictMail &Helderberg Gazette, Clara BrandofBrandAttorneys, acting on behalf of the Stormhaven Park Trustees,strongly disputed residents’claims Brandassertedthatthe allegationsreflect the complaints of a“specific faction” of residents ratherthanverifiedfindings of misconduct.

Regarding the missing AGMs andwithheld disclosures,Brand stated: “The AGM processhas experienced delays arising from acombination of ongoing disputes, administrative complexities andthe need to ensure thatthe financial andgovernanceinformation presented to ownersisaccurate andproperly finalised.

“The allegation thatowners have been ‘left in the dark’ or thatinformation hasbeenintentionally ‘withheld’ is disputed.” Brandemphasised thatthere is absolutely no evidenceof financial misappropriation or improper fund conduct by the board.

Sheconcludedthatthe board of trustees arecurrently implementing measurestostrengthen communication andregularise governance obligations,adding thatleadership doesnot believe it is constructive to litigate internalbodycorporate matters through the media.

Macassar sonsharesstory

JameyGordon

“Stop waiting for the stars to align perfectly. Use what you have.”

These were the words of Macassar resident Derico Jansen,who is on amission to inspirereaders to pick up apen and write their own stories. Channelling Maya Angelou’s famous reminder thatthe “perfectcircumstance” doesn’t exist, Jansen recentlytook hisown adviceand published an e-book abouthis life.

Inspired by acharacter in aStephen King novel,the free book chroniclesa normal “bra”from Macassarfindinghis way through life’s highs andlows. Entitled Project Derico Devine Jansen 2.0 it’s araw story of rebirth, resilience andthe power of starting exactly where youare withthe technologyright in your hands.

The spark for Jansen’s book came from Stephen King’s Billy Summers,athriller aboutamarine-turned-assassin who poses as awriter working on atop-secret manuscript. “Initially, my book was also top-secret,” he shared. “I toldabsolutely no-one. Eventhough Billytook avastly different path, we shared alifelong dream of writing.”

Driven by an earlylove forlibraries Jansengrew up obsessed with thick books, striking phrasessuchasthe local “hou julledop”and awide arrayofniche interests, from card magic and chess to astronomy and the occult.

To fitinto his surroundings he often felt

the need to hide his intellect. “Billy would actively dumb himself down around his bosses to avoid suspicion. Ioftenfound myselfdoing the samewith friends and family. Billy’s obsession was rifles; for me, that intense, isolated focus was poured into my interests. It’s alonely road but, unlike aclassic King thriller, Iammaking a conscious choice nottoavenge my younger self. Ichoose to makethe most of theone life Ihave.”

LOOKINGBACK

Ultimately, Project Derico DevineJansen 2.0 captures that entire journey. “It’smy life story up to this moment. From being born at the Macassar DayClinic to changing schools andnavigating various jobs –it’s been awild ride, andIfeel as if it’sjust getting started.”

Hesaid his bookisa free public service.

“I amsimply grateful for the opportunity to share mystory with readers... Ijust want everyone to be able to access it. It is awonderfulprivilege even to have abook to read.”

When Jansen looks back at his roots his perspective shifts. “Now thatIthink of it Irealise I’m notjust a‘normal bra from Macassar’.”

While his youth included everyday realities such as playingwith friends and attendingsoupkitchens, it was also shaped by faithand ambition. “My parents are a living testimony of this. They took amassive leap of faith andwent back to study at an advanced age, goingall the wayto postgraduate level.”

His mother was writing her own book abouta journey thatincluded hitchhiking from Macassar to Stellenbosch University (SU).

Growing up also meantwitnessing the harsh impacts of crime, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. “It taught me from a young age there are heavy consequences if onedoesn’t stay on course,” Jansen reflected.

After university he brought his mathematics expertise back home to tutor local youth. “If onejust sits down and talks to people on their level onediscovers a wealth of wisdom there.”

Jansenwants outsiders to look past the negative headlines of crime and unemployment. “There is so much more to our community. We have abeautiful beach within walking distance, diverse cultures living in harmony andadeeply rooted Muslim community in Sandvlei. We must learn to count the little blessings in our townships, such as livestock grazingfreely on open green fields or just sitting in thepark near Shoprite enjoying aCoca-Cola.”

CANDIDACCOUNT

Writing honestly aboutthe harder chapters of his life was achallenge that left him deeply exposed, but pushing through that vulnerability helped him heal. He believes pure honesty is the only wayalifestory can truly impact someone else, writing openly abouthis addictions to alcohol, tobacco andpornography.

He said it’s no good hiding those struggles, particularly amongmen, as true

healing occurs when those monsters are brought to light

The highs that kept him going were deeply meaningful, such as being accepted by SU armed withbursaries, and being sponsored by Yes4Youth withaMicrosoft exam voucher. Withlimited datahewould sit near thelocal clinic to use its Wi-Fi to completehis modules –smallwins that kept thefire burning in dark periods.

Forhim being “reborn” is agradual spiritual awakening, theresult of deep soul searching that has filtered into every facet of his life. Drawing further meaning from astrology he sees Uranus moving into his sun sign, Gemini, as theuniverse ushering in this season of breakthrough and growth It is, he says, an ongoing journey of stepping into his full potential

To his younger self, Jansen would say: “Speak your truth.Live your truth. Embody your truth.”

Childwelfare agency marks70 years

JameyGordon

One of the Helderberg’s longest-running community organisations is celebrating 70 years of childprotection servicesinthe basin.

ChildWelfare South Africa Helderberg has been delivering essential, uninterrupted child protection services in Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Firgrove, Somerset West andthe surrounding areas since its establishmenton18February 1956. The milestone coincideswith Child Protection Week, an occasion the organisation marksnot as asingleevent, but as the launch of aquarterly child protection programme that will continue throughtoMarch next year

Reflecting on the organisation’s humble beginnings, supervisor and manager Paula Rossouw recalls that the first meeting took placeon18Februaryat the Methodist church, where 36 concerned volunteersgatheredtodiscussthe nutritional welfare of young children in the community.

The meeting waschaired by Archdeacon andRector Griffith Green and includedapresentation by arepresentative of the National Councilfor Child Welfare. Aresolution was passedtoestablish alocalbranch, and by July1956, the organisation had been registeredand its first constitution drafted.

Seventyyears on, onemilestonestands out above the rest. “The appointment of the first professional social worker

“AFTER THEFIRST DEMOCRATIC ELECTION, THEREWAS FAR GREATER AWARENESSOFHUMAN RIGHTS ANDTHE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES. ”

must have been oneofthe most defining moments in ourhistory,” says Rossouw. “Itmeant thatfull-timeattention could finally be given to the child protection challengesfacing ourcommunity.”

Today, the organisationemploysseven socialworkers,fivesocial auxiliary workers, one socialworkmanager, and administrative staff.

FULLSPECTRUM

As one of afew organisations in the regiondelivering dedicated child protection services, ChildWelfare SA Helderberg coversthe full spectrum of care

“Fromawareness andprevention, to earlyintervention, andthrough to statutoryintervention andfamily reunification,” Rossouw explains. “We are responsible, for the most part, forthe implementation of the Children’s Actat acommunity level –and it is the most vulnerablechildren whomwework with most.”

The need for thoseserviceshas only grownovertime. As the basin’s population expanded, so toodid the demand.

“After the [first] democratic election, therewas fargreater awareness of human rights andthe services available to communities, and, as aresult, the reporting of abuse andneglect increased

significantly,” says Rossouw.

On anygiven day, the team juggles active court cases, crisis interventions, foster care monitoring andcommunity awareness programmes –arelentless but vitalworkload.

Few stories illustrate the importance of this work more powerfully thanthat of ayoung boywho lost hisfather at age one, spent his earlyyears in adrugden, drifted into bad company anddropped outofschool.

ChildWelfare SA Helderberg intervened, placing him with foster parents andenrolling him back in school.He went on to become headboy andistoday asecond-year LLBstudent.

“Thatiswhy this work matters,”Rossouw points out.

Centraltooutcomeslikethese arethe organisation’s foster andsafety parents, individuals who open their homes to children removedfromtheir families, helping them healand thrive.

These caregivers must undergo police clearance, screening andtraining, and arealways in demand.

None of it would be possible without the supportofthe broadercommunity. Over the decades, Rotary clubs,churches, businesses, trusts and private individuals have all contributedthrough

donations,fundraising events,and street collections.There aremanywaystoget involved –volunteeringatthe annual booksale at SomersetMall, donating clothing andgoods,orjoiningthe board Avolunteer with afinancial background is currently beingsought.

SERIESOFEVENTSCOMINGUP

As Child WelfareSAHelderberg marks this milestoneunder the theme “Time to Fly”,Rossouwsays the focus is firmly on the future: “Now is the time to strengthen oursustainability, build lastingrelationships with donorsand embracethe technologiesthatwill carryusforward.”

Aseriesofcelebratory events is plannedthroughout the year, including an official launchonMonday13July, with apossible EasySunday event and wine auction still in the pipeline. Onedate is confirmed:4 December, when the organisationwillhostagala dance at the SomersetWestTown Hall. “Save the date,” Rossouwimplores Hermessage to the community is one of deep gratitude andanopeninvitation. “Wewould like to thank everyone whohas contributed overthe years and encourage formervolunteersand staff to reachout andsharetheir stories, so that we caninspirethe next generation to get involved. It doestake avillagetoraise a child.”

Andthe dream for the next 10 years? “Tobuy ourown building andimprove the working conditionsofour social workers.”

Spotlight firmlyplacedonchild protection in Strand

Aspecialfuss was made of the Helderberg’s children forNationalChildProtection Week, which sawlocal organisations come together to play their part at a special event.

BadisaStrand hosted the child protection event at the PhambiliCommunity CentreinBroadlands Park, Strand on Friday (5 June). It formed part of the national awareness campaignobserved from29May to 5June to highlightchildren’s rights under the Children’s Act.

The week-longprogramme included an immunisation awareness session for newmothers anda blanket distribution at Gustrouw Community DayCentre on Monday 1June. At the Morkel Cottage ECDCentre in Strand on Tuesday 2 Juneteachers received Form 22 training whilePATCH Helderberg delivered a body-awareness programme forchildren

Anree Weyers, asocial worker from BadisaStrand, acknowledgedthatprotecting children requires collaboration acrossall local role-players. She introduced the participating stakeholders: Strandpolice andtheir Victim Support Room; Gustrouw Community DayCen-

Organisationsfromacrossthe Helderbergcametogether at the PhambiliCommunityCentre in Broadlands Park, Strand on Friday5 June to mark NationalChildProtection Week. Photos:BarendWilliams

tre; the provincial education department; the provincial Department of Social Development; Phambili; Mosaic;and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary. An open engagement session allowed

community memberstospeak freely about what was neededtobetter protect childreninthe area.

Ulen Afrika from Heartlands Baby Sanctuary closedthe event.

Ubuntu Golf Day in aid of St Paul’s

BarendWilliams

ASomerset West investment firm has swung into fundraising action to upgrade technology at one of theregion’s oldest schools, witha golfday that brought the local business community together in support of St Paul’sPrimary School in Faure.

MH Capital hosted the UbuntuGolfDay at ErinvaleGolf Club on Friday (5 June), where golfers raised funds for the school which has served the Faurecommunityfor morethan 150 years since itsfoundingasa farm school in 1867.

School principal Antonia du Toit,who joinedthe school in 2022, said St Paul’s would have closed following the establishment of False Bay Primary School had the community not rallied to keep it alive. The school currently serves 133 learners. It is this community spirit that drew in the Hugo family. The connection began when Jeanne andLise-Marie, daughters of MH Capital founder MariusHugo,wanted to make adifference in children’s lives. The siblings launchedanecobrickinitiative in 2020, collecting non-recyclableplastic from community members and having it converted into ecobricks by local women. The projectwas later handed over to a local organisation, which hassince producedmore than 5000 ecobricks and built

five structures in the community.

Eager todomore,Jeanne started aweekly sportsprogramme at St Paul’s.

Wanting to go further still, and inspired by the annual golf days her parents hosted during her childhood, she approached her father, Marius –who founded MH Capital in 2019with the goal of sharing insights and working with entrepreneurs to grow andscale meaningfulbusinesses.

Togetherthe father-and-daughterduo established the Ubuntu Golf Day.

“Forme, the golf day represents potential. Ihave always felt that South African youth have the power to changethe entire country,” says Jeanne.

With support fromgenerous sponsors Drs Hugo,Bryer andAssociates, Baker Tilly Greenwoods Capital, Red andWhite Corp, Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape Wheel, Cape Town Aquarium, Meerlust, Peter Falke, Compagniesdrift, Vilafonte, Mount Babylon, Seven Sisters, Post House, Vergelegen, Vergenoegd Löw, Manzi Water andother companiesthe day raised funds to upgrade technology at the school.

“It wasa successful day andthe learners thoroughly enjoyedthemselves,” aproud Du Toit relates.

The golf day marks another chapter in the Hugo family’srelationship with St Paul’s, asthey continue working to ensure the learners are equipped for the digital age.

Brand-new onlineportalto celebrates all thingsschools

NovaNews is launching Schools Zone,a dynamicdigitalhomefor school news, sport, achievement andcommunity stories across SouthAfrica on Youth Day (Tuesday 16 June), aday thatcelebrates young peopleaspowerful agents of change.

Schools Zone willhave adedicatedsite forschool sports.

Central to this launch is the incorporation of the beloved Schools That Rock website into the NovaNews Schools Zone Formore than11years, Schools That Rock hasbeen South Africa’strusted platform for celebrating school achievements,culturalmilestones, sporting excellence andextraordinarylearner stories –giving schools apowerful national voice.

Founded by Christo du Randt in 2009 with the community newspaper KRANT in Bloemfontein, followed by the website in 2015, the platform hasgrown intoone of South Africa’s largest school news destinations

“Over the past 11 years, Schools That Rock haspublished thousands of articles andphotos –a true digital archive of pride andachievement,” said Du Randt. “Every story, every smile andevery victory hasreinforced the vision:every child hasa success story worth sharing withthe world.I am proud to continue with this legacy on the NovaNews platform.”

By joining the NovaNews ecosystem, Schools That Rock nowreaches asignificantlylarger nationalaudience through NovaNews’s 389 000-plus active users, 1million-plus Facebook followers and distributionacross 21 community newspaper titles.

“The launchofthe Schools Zone and School Sports Zone on Youth Dayisdeeply intentional,”saidBettie GiliomeeRossouw,headofdigitaland editorial commissioning at NovaNews

“We believethatevery school hasa

story worth telling, everylearner has an achievementworth celebrating and everycommunity deservestosee their young people recognised on anational platform.Bybringing Schools That Rock into ourecosystem,weare honouring11 years of extraordinaryworkand taking it to an entirely newlevel. Thisisour contribution to Youth Day– giving every South African school alouder,stronger voice.”

At the heartofthe School Sports Zone is The RugbyFactory, NovaNews’s weekly schools rugby vodcasthostedbyAndy Daniel, with 10 000-plussubscribers in just two months andepisodes exceeding 54 000 views. Proudly sponsored by Bossa Restaurant Group, the 33-episode series broadcasts across YouTube,Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, andall NovaNews channels.

“Together, let’scelebrate everyschool, everyachievementand everycommunity thatmakes South Africa extraordinary,” said Giliomee-Rossouw.

. Send stories, achievements, photosand videostoDustin Wetdewich, nationaldigitalsports editor for NovaNews,via email on dustin.wetdewich@novusmedia.co.za.

Local Grade7learnersget a chance to look to thefuture

Grade 7learners at primaryschools in Macassarand Somerset West were introduced to awiderange of careers andskills-based opportunities lastweek as their schools hosted back-to-back career days.

On Wednesday 27 MayFirgrove Primary Schoolhostedneighbouring Oklahoma Street andStPaul’sprimary schools fora jointLife Orientation ClubExpo

Themed “Explore –Discover –Inspire”,the event featured alocal husband-and-wifeteam– Vernon Davids, an antenna andRFdesign engineer and CEOofLambda G, andDrMelissaBoonzaaier-Davids, amarinebiologist.

Also speaking were Micka Alexander

from Helderberg FM,foodscientistChloë Wyngaard, Damian September of Northlink College’s plumbing andconstruction facilitiesand representativesfrom Macassar Fire Station

Across the N2, FalseBay Primary School hostedits own career day on Friday 29 May, alsowelcomingStPaul’s Primaryand drawing professionals from awiderangeofindustries

Guests includedAxios School of Skills, social workers from PATCH Helderberg Child Abuse Centre’ssatellitestation in Macassar, spraypainters,builders and electricians from JC CharlesBouers, Belgium Campus iTversityand Diana’s Sewing &Dressmaking.

At both events learners were introduced to careersand industries theymay never have considered, andweregiven the space to dream

Themessage acrossboth dayswas clear:skills offer astrongalternative to university studies,opening pathways into future employmentand entrepreneurship.

Riding the SA masters wave

Strand speedster stamps

Springbok Sevens playmaker and Strand local TristanLeyds wasovercome with emotion after theBlitzbokssecured back-to-back HSBC SVNS WorldChampionships alongsidethe overall series titleinBordeaux, France on Sunday(7 June), achieving what he describedasthe team’sultimategoals Thedoubletriumph was made even sweeter when he wasnamedthe World RugbySevensPlayerof theYear. Celebrating the milestone with his family in thecrowd,including his brother,former Springbok Dillyn, Tristan said the prestigious accolade had allowed him to step out of his brother’s shadowand establish himselfasaforce in his own rightonthe internationalstage.Reflecting on ajourneythat included milestone victories in Hong Kong and aconsecutivetitledefenceinCape Town, Tristan is already setting his sights on the future. Aftercapturing abronzemedal in Paris 2024his next goal is to anchor the squadand hunt forOlympic gold at the 2028 games in Los Angeles. Photo: www.springboks.rugby

NikskeerWelman-sibbe nie

Barend Williams

Bloed laat diegras groei.Uit die stratevan die B-blok in Macassar het die twee Welmans hulkrag geput om ’n helegemeenskap se vlag indie wêreld van Suid-Afrikaanse rugby te plant.

Vyftien jaar gelede, voordat Hiram (23) en Logan (21) Welman professionelekontrakte ontvang het, washulle kaalvoet in die strate van dieblokke om dieeer van hultuiste te verdedig.

“Ek was ses jaar oud toe ek begin rugby speel het. Die seuns hetmy altyd geroep as ons teendie A-blok moes speel en hulle het my soos ’n suster behandel,” onthouLogan.

vertel Hiram.

Eenvan Hiram se mooiste herinneringe uit sy kinderjare is die laat aande vanraak-rugby in die agtertuin saam met sy suster –oomblikke wat ’n vlam in hulle albei aangesteek het; ’n vlam wat tot vandagtoe brand.

Later hetdie sibbe albei hulself by Oklahomastraat Primêre Skool en MacassarJeug-rugbyklub gevind –Hiram by die o.13-span en Loganbydie klub se vroue-span.

“Dit was hulle wat die honger vir rugby in my raakgesien het en op daardie manier hetekself begin glo dat ek eendag rugbyverder in my lewe wil vat,”

Agter die twee atlete staan ’n familie watnooit ’n wedstryd gemishet nie Hulma, Amelia,oom Esmond en oupa Edward, is hul grootste ondersteuners–altyd op die kantlyn, heeltemalbankvas. Loganverduidelik dat huloupaaltyd op die veld was om hul wedstrydetekyk, al wasdit net die laasteoomblikke

“Ek glo stellig dat my oupa vandag van bo af op onsneerkyk en baie trots op ons is,”sêHiram Loganhet haar padvan dieB-blok se strate na die hoogste vlak van die Suid-Afrikaanse vrouerugby gebaan Teen gr.7het sy reeds Westelike Provinsie-geleenthedeontvang en daarvanhet sy nooit teruggedraai nie.

Sy het die Springbok-vroue-sewes-span behaal en wasdeel van dienasionale vrouespantydenshul segeviering by die 2026-Rugby-Afrika-vrouebeker.

Hiram het op sy beurt sy pad gebaan vanjeugrugby by die Hoërskool Macassarnadie Rustenburg Impala-rugbyklub onder die Luiperds-rugbyunie. Virdié seun vanMacassarisdit ’n eerenhyglo datdie geloof van jougemeenskap al is wat’nspeler nodig het –selfs sonder’n grootrugbyskool.

“Ek sê altyd –hymoeslankal al in ’n Springbokspan geweeshet netdie talent wathyhet en watekinhom sien,” sê Loganoor haar ouboet.

DieWelmans verstaan dat hulle Macassarophul rûe dra en dat alles wat hulle bereik het, nie sonder die gemeenskap moontlik sou gewees het nie.

“Ek wil net dankie sê aandie Macassar-gemeenskap, wataltydbankvasagter onsstaan,” sê Hiram.

Hulle wildie jeug van Macassar wys dat enigiets moontlikis.

“Asjydrome en ’n visie het, sit dit in aksie en glo daarin. Moet nooitopgee nie en draaltydgoeie dinge saam metjou,” sê Logan Uitdie B-blok vanMacassar:Logan en Hiram Welman drahul gemeenskap se naam mettrots.