DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette - E-Edition - 8 July 2026

Deadlytaxichaoserupts

Barend Williams, ChantelleHartebeest & JameyGordon

The provincial mobility department is enforcing action following the cold-blooded killing of threemen in Lwandle at the weekend, in what has been confirmed as ataxi-route dispute.

In recent days, provincialtraffic officers have impounded several minibustaxis operating in violationof their operating licenceconditions on the Somerset West-Khayelitsha route, confirmed departmental spokesperson Muneera Allie.

“The department will continue toenforce the law consistently and without fear or favour. Compliance withoperating licence conditions is mandatory and applies equally to allpublic transport operators,” she pointed out.

Allieadmitted officials are concerned about arecent spate of violence affecting commuters, actively working to restore stability through extensive engagement with taxiassociations, industryleaders,the City ofCapeTown andlaw enforcement agencies.

This includes mediation efforts to bring an end to the violence and dispute.

“Violence can never be used to resolvedisputes or influencedecisions on operating rights or routeallocations,” she related. “These matters must be addressed through lawful processes and constructive engagement.”

However, thedepartment declined to comment on the specific fatalities, citing ongoing legal processes before the courts.

The enforcement follows three fatal shootings in Lwandlein less than48 hours at the weekend.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg, aprovincial police spokesperson, said the latest incident occurred in Mandla Street, Asanda Village, on Saturday (4 July). The shooting claimedthe life of a 53-year-old man.

This followed another fatalincident on Saturday on the corner ofMichael and Onverwacht roads in Lwandle at 06:20, where a44-year-old manwas

‘Law enforcementpart of theproblem’

fatallywounded.

Thesewere precededbyadeadly incident on Friday (3 July), where police responded to ashooting in Onverwacht Road at 20:00 thatclaimedthe life of an adult man.

No arrests have been madeinany of thecases andinall instances the suspectsfled the scene

The Lwandle killings follow aweek of suspectedtaxi violenceacross the Helderberg.

BLOODSHED

Strand police are investigating attempted murdercasesfollowing a shooting in Vander Stelat07:40 last Tuesday(30 June)

It isalleged the incident originated in Somerset West before thetargeted taxicametoahalt on thecornerof Broadway Boulevard andMainRoad in Strand (“Suspected taxi violencerears its ugly head in Helderberg suburbs,” DistrictMail &Helderberg Gazette,30 June)

Surrounding areas also saw suspected taxi violencewhen footage of a bullet-riddled taxi at aFirgrove service

station circulatedon social media on Tuesday. It is alleged the taxi wastargetedinKleinvlei, Eerste River.

West Public Transport Interchange (“Taxi rivals back in talks,” 10 September 2025).

Sityebi claimed the flames werereignited two weeks ago when Codeta drivers were found to be illegally operating in the Somerset Westarea.

“Catahas clear authority to operate in Somerset West,which is indicated by the court. Codeta is only supposed to drop off their commuters,”hesaid.

Sityebi expressed the same frustration he voiced when the violence first erupted last year

“We are tired of only ever appearing in the media to give condolences because one of our membershas died,” he said, adding peace talks can’tbeheld when nothing fundamentally changes –and peace only lasts for nine months.

“WE ARE TIRED OF ONLY EVER APPEARING IN THE MEDIA TO GIVE CONDOLENCES BECAUSEONE OF OURMEMBERSHAS DIED”

In an incident last Monday (29 June), a35-year-old man was wounded near a taxi rank in Japhta KMasemola Street, Makhaza, which prompted the mobilisation of policeatthe Somerset West Public Transport Interchange.

No arrests have been made in these incidents.

Nkululeko Sityebi, chairperson of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), confirmedthat three deceased were Cata members.

He said the violenceisaresult of the route dispute.

Theincidents are eerily similar to the bloodshed last year when five people were killed in separate shooting incidents related to taxi violence, which stemmed from aroute dispute over the Khayelitsha-SomersetWestroute between Cata andthe Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).

This led to closure of the Somerset

LIVES TAKEN

Makhosandile Tumana, spokesperson for both Codeta and the SouthAfrican National Taxi Council (Santaco), confirmed the routedispute.

“We can’tdeny that our membersare operating in Somerset West,” he said.

However, he clarifiedthat if Cata members were disgruntled by Codeta’s operations in the area, they should have reached out to their leadership.

“Now look what has happened... We are losing lives of innocent taxi drivers,”Tumana said.

He called on his Cata counterparts to sit down and have adiscussion while urging his memberstorespect commuters.

Both taxi associations said the ninemonth truce came to an end because law enforcement entities did not adequately police the routeagreements

Cata and Codeta claimed the Minibus Taxi Task Team, comprising representatives of the associations,CityofCape Town, provincial government and Santaco Western Cape, has been ineffective in mediating the dispute.

Continues on page 2.

Skoteeis Casablanca-man

BarendWilliams

Edgar Jackson (36) is verledeDonderdagaand (2 Julie) in Casablanca, Strand, doodgeskiet, maardie polisie sê hierdie skietery hou niemet bendes verband nie.

Volgens kapt.FCvan Wyk, Wes-Kaapse polisiewoordvoerder, is Jackson omstreeks 23:45inNazlisingel, Casablancanoodlottig geskiet.

Ditword beweer dat Jackson en ’n vriend buitebydie huis gesit het toeonbekende mans by die heining opgedaag en

met hulle gepraat het.

“Een vandie manshet ’n vuurwapen uitgehaal en dit afgevuur,”sêVan Wyk. Jackson het glo omgedraai en na die agterkant van die huis gehardloop, waar hy ineengestort en gesterf het.

Hy het twee skietwonde aan sy lyf opgedoenenisdeur nooddienste op die toneel dood verklaar.

Kol. Jacqui Johnson,die Strand-polisie se bevelvoerder, het bevestig dat, hoewel die oorledene aan die polisie bekend was, hy geen bekende bende-affiliasiesgehad het nie.

Inwoners het egter beweer dat die voorval weer met bendegeweld verband gehou het

word. Die motief vir die aanvalisnog nie vasgestel nie en niemandisinverband met die voorval in hegtenis geneem nie.

Dit volg nadat drie mense in Maart ook in Casablanca met messe tydens ’n skietvoorval gesteek is (“Drie met messe gesteek”, DistriksPos &Helderberg Gazette, 18 Maart).

Daardie voorval het omstreeks 23:55in O’Connellrylaan plaasgevind,waar skote geklaphet en drie mense gesteek is.

Een slagoffer is noodlottig gewond terwyl twee anderna’nnabygeleë hospitaal vir mediese behandeling vervoer is. .Diepolisiedoen’nberoepopenigiemandmet inligtingoordiemeesonlangsevoorval,insluitendonwettigevuurwapensindiegebied,omdie

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Linestreets for local hero

Three Rusthof rugby clubs –Strand, Strand United and St George’s RFC –will unite the community this Sunday (12 July) for astreetparade honouring local sevens rugby star Tristan Leyds, who was named the world’s best sevens player. Leyds, who grew up in Strand, has brought international recognition tothe community withthis historic achievement The parade is ajoint initiative of the three clubs, who met on Monday 15 June and committed to celebratingthe milestone togetherand inspiringthe next generation of localyouth.

The Leyds familyand Tristan himself have thrown their fullsupport behind the initiative Organisers are also hopeful thatBlitzboks coach Phillip Snyman and other members of the national sevens squad will be abletoattend.

The paradewill begin with set-up and assembly at AbattoirSports Groundfrom 10:30,withthe processiondepartingat 11:00.The route will take in Webb Street, OnverwachtStreet, 8th Street,9th Street, Broadlands Road, and Broadway Boulevard, passing the Leyds family residence in Helderberg Park, before continuing via Broadlands Park to GustrouwSports Ground

sisters arecastingon

winter wear. Through aseries of successful raffles, the knitters recently raised R3700, which hasbeen donated directly to theRed Cross Children’s Hospital.

While the knitting groupfocuses heavily on externaloutreach, their handiwork is also transforming lives right at home within the village’sown care centre, thanks to aheartwarming collaboration with resident Denise Elkin.

Denise, who studied dementia and runs alocal support groupfor affected spouses, is deeply passionate aboutimproving the lives of those in specialised care. Having previously run similar initiatives at Evergreen Muizenberg,she knew exactlyhow to bring comfort to Sitari’s residents.

Though nota memberofthe knitting groupherself, Denise commissioned the women to create specialised “care bears” and“fiddle blankets” –the latterfeaturing

sewn-on gadgets, buttons, and textures designed specifically to soothe and stimulate dementia patients.

To add atouch of spiritual comfort, Denise invited Reverend Ralph Afghan from theCoronation Avenue Methodist church to formally bless thebears.

“I sew on labels at theback of each bear withthe resident’s name," Denise explains.

“I tell each person when Igive them their bear that it’s to remind them they are never alone, and that Godisalways with them. They absolutely lovehugging their bears when they feel sad or lonely.”

To keep this waveofkindness going, theEvergreen Knit Group is constantly in need of raw materials.

.Communitymembers,localbusinesses,and avidcraftersarewarmlyinvitedtocontribute wooltothecausebycallingtheEvergreenSitari Officeon0878087000forarrangements.

Safety measuresfor heritage site

YaseenGaffar

The municipal Recreationand ParksDepartmentannounced its intentiontoimplement immediate law enforcement interventions at the heritage buildingat24New Street in Somerset West.

This as the City of Cape Town confirmeditispushing ahead with planstoflatten the controversial structure

The movefollows DistrictMail &Helderberg Gazette’s report, revealing that the abandoned 60-year-old municipal assethad degenerated into ahotbed for vagrancy, public indecency and vandalismafter appointed security guardsallegedlyvanished from the property (“Heritage house now eyesore,” 1July).

Responding to concerns of neighboring homeowners, the Recreation and ParksDepartment confirmed it is coordinating with multiple municipalbranchesto reclaim control of the perimeter.

IMMEDIATEACTION

To address theimmediate security vacuum, the department has initiated amulti-layered response.

This includes the municipal Law Enforcement officially requested to conductregular, targetedpatrols aroundthe property in abid to deter anti-social behaviour.

Additionally, “No Unauthorised Entry” signs have beenfasttracked through procurement and

were installed onthe property last Thursday(2July).

The Cityalso revealed it is currently in the middle of a supply chain processtoprocure a dedicated, round-the-clock private security service to permanently monitor the property.

“The City is aware of the concerns raised by residents regarding unlawful access andanti-socialbehaviour atthe property,” theRecreation andParksDepartment stated.“We are working with [other] services to secure the site andreduce unlawfulactivity.”

While local civic groups, including the Helderberg Renaissance

Foundation(HRF), have spent the last two years advocating for the “adaptive reuse” of the site –proposing acycling academy and community workshops –the City’slatest update signals an entirely different direction.

Despite Heritage Western Cape (HWC) fiercely blocking the City’s initial 2024 permit to demolish the building, the Recreation and ParksDepartment revealed it has notabandoned its original plans to flatten the existing structures. Instead, the department confirmed thata recent, secondary application to demolish the historic house has been submitted to HWC.

HERITAGEFIRST

While theheritage authority once again refused to support the destruction of thesite “at this stage,” municipal officialsare currently drafting areinforced motivation to push theapplicationthrough.

Anydemolition permit applicationfor thesite automatically triggers astrictheritage statement requirement, amandate established by HWC in January 2024 –more than twoyears ago.

To succeed now, themunicipality’s application willpresumably require afresh motivation supported by an updated condition report, alongside an explanation

regarding their investigations intoalternative uses and the cause for thetwo-year delay in deciding to pursue totaldemolition.

Ultimately,HWC will decideif thedemolition permit is justified and should be given thegreen light

Aheritage professional noted that thecase has raised broader, systemic questions regarding “demolition by neglect”.

If HWC considers this aclearcut case of preventable deterioration, theauthoritywill need to indicate how such outcomes can be avoided in thefuture, and whether corrective action is necessary.

This decision carries immense weight as theCity and various government public worksdepartmentscurrently owntens of thousands of buildings over 60 years old.

Industry observers warn that these public assetsmust not be permittedtobecome “problem buildings” –whether by intent, bureaucracy, or alack of resources –that are ultimatelycleared away by bulldozers.

Eervir Kanu se ‘wynengel’

Dr.IvanMeyer (regs),die LURvir landbou entoerisme in die Wes-Kaap,het onlangsdie Kanu-wynlandgoed buite Stellenboschindie Koelenhofvallei besoek om CobusGermishuys(links),ook bekend as die“wynengel”, virsybydraetot toerisme en landbou die afgelope 26 jaartebedank.Germishuys,’n bekende in wynkringeen ’n inwoner vanStrand,is dieafgelope26jaar deel vanKanuasdie bestuurder vandie plaas se proelokaal

‘Oasis’for women

BarendWilliams

“If you change oneperson in acommunity you canchange the entirecommunity by just giving them something to become self-sustainable.”

So said Sister Tessia August,who has turned this philosophy into action, using three decades of nursing experience to build her Strand-based Oasis Training Centre andtrain other women to become entrepreneurs themselves. This work has earned her two major recognitions.

The 54-year-old placed seventhasa finalist for the WomenofStature Award in Education andTraining and won the GoGetters Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship andEconomic Power.

“One is always working when anew project materialises, so one never has a chance even just to celebrateoneself,” she declared. “This was supposed to be the year for celebrating myself but,ofcourse, he did far more than respond;helefthis job. Because I’d supported his dreams, he decided it was my turn; he supported me in running thebusiness.”

They started Oasis from their garage in 2013. It has since expanded to nine franchises and 19 premises. It employsits graduates, ensuring jobs fortrained students.

Parcelsoflove before agameoffootie

Gift of the Givers volunteers and learners from RondeboschBoys’ HighSchool (pictured)joined forces at Masifunde Primary School in LwandleonThursday25June to distribute250 food parcelsand winter beanies to families affected by recent storms. Theparcels were handed overmostlytoelderlyresidents, with thebeaniesdistributed to children to help ward off thebitterwinter cold.Lwandle’sinformal settlements were among thecommunities hardest hit when alevel-8 stormtorethrough theHelderberginMay,impacting hundreds of residents. Thehumanitarian organisation has remained on thegroundthroughout,withdeployedteams assisting closeto150 000 affectedresidents acrossthe Cape Metro. “The informal settlements in Lwandlewereamong thehardest-hit,withhundredsofresidents severely impacted,”saidAli Sablay,project managerinthe Western Cape.Ina heartwarming end to theday theRondebosch learners swapped relief work forthe footballfield, taking on alocal Lwandleschool team in afootballmatch organised by Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso, afittingreminder that communityupliftment extends beyond thedistribution of goods. Photo:

Ambassadors forsaferroads

The provincial mobility department has introduced road safety ambassadors to Strand to make roadssafer for pedestrians.

On Monday 22 June, in collaboration withthe Cityof CapeTown’sSubcouncil 8, the department officially launched the Road Safety Ambassador Project in wards 85 and 86 at the municipal offices in Lwandle. Nine ambassadors signed their contracts and dedicated themselves to road safety in the area.

The deployment comes after the department revealed that between 1and 22 Julylast year, 72 road fatalities were recorded across theprovince, with pedestrians accounting for themost deaths.

ing face-to-face road safety awareness sessions in schools and communities, and actively engaging withpedestrians to encourage safe road-crossing practices. The initiativeaims to reduce injuries and fatalities on provincial roads, particularly near schools in informal settlements.

Acting subcouncil manager Nonzuzo Jacob explained that theprogramme is grounded in thebelief that informed road users play akey role in reducing fatalities, especially among vulnerable pedestrians. The project also seekstoaddress unemployment by creating job opportunities within local communities, therebycontributing to povertyalleviation, restoring dignityand supporting broader economic growth

Marking fivedecades with maskedball

Sencit ResthavenHome forthe Aged marked its 50thanniversary in stylewitha grandmasquerade dinner ball at the KrystalBeach Hotel in Gordon’sBay on Saturday27June –anunforgettable evening of elegance, live music and finediningthat celebrated fivedecades of care and legacy.Guests arriveddressed to the nines, masksand all, foramagical night of entertainment by Gert Zandbergand Wesley Clark. Pictured (from left) areAbigail Sebastian (Sencit assistant manager),Corne vanSchoor andHelene Wilson (members of the organising committee), andReverendEmmanuelGabriel(Sencit manager) Photos:JameyGordon

Nou kanfamilie én vriendekuier

JameyGordon

’n Jare langedroom het op Woensdag 24 Junie ’n werklikheid geword toe die ACVV se Huis Jan Swartin Strand die amptelike openingvan sy nuwe sitkamer en verandagevier het –’nmylpaal waar die Stad Kaapstad se burgemeester, Geordin Hill-Lewis, ook teenwoordig was.

Die beheerraadslid Hennie Coetzee het die verwelkomingbydie aangeleentheid behartigendié teenwoordig meegedeel dat die nuwe toevoeging’nvyfjaar-droom was wat uiteindelikgesien en beleef word. “Ons droomalvyf jaar lank hiervan en dit was ’n nege maande lange ‘swangerskap’. As julle net na hierdie vloere kyk, weet julle hoeveel ons hieroor gestry het? Dit was bitterlik moeilik, maar vanaandisons hier. “Onswil die burgemeester, Geordin Hill-Lewis, besondersverwelkom. Dit is ’n besige tyd met ’n verkiesing wat voorlê en ons waardeer dit datuhierdie tydjie vir ons ingeruim het. Hierhet 62 jaar niksgebeur nie. Herinneringe is gebouvir mense wathierdeur is en nou wil ons nuwe herinneringe met hierdie nuwe toevoeging bou.” BelindaMostert, die voorsitter van die ACVVsenasionale raad, hetophaar beurt gesêdie samekoms vier nie bloot ’n gebou of vertrek nie, maar “’nwerklike nalatenskap” wat in 1957 begin het toeJan Swart tweeerwe vir die oprigtingvan ouetehuise geskenk het en HuisJan Swart in 1963 as die 17de tehuisonder die vlerkevan die ACVVamptelik geopen is.

“Vandag, meer as ses dekades later, staan hierdie tehuis steeds as getuienis van die krag van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid,

Die Stad Kaapstad se burgemeester,GeordinHill-Lewis, hetdie opening vanHuisJan Swartsenuwe sitkamer en veranda bygewoon en skouer geskuur met (van links) die bestuurder,Hannelie Koekemoer,die beheerraadslid Carl Gersbach en diewyk 83-raadslid,CarlPunt. Foto’s:JameyGordon

deernis en diensbaarheid. Die ACVVhet 65 soortgelyke tehuise vir ouer mense.

’NTUISTE,NIE’NBLYPLEKNIE

“Julle biednie net ’n blyplek nie, julle skep’ntuiste. My man se ouma hethier gewoon, en ek het haar eerste agterkleinkindvir haar in Huis Jan Swart kom wys. Dis ’n plek waar mense veilig voel; waarhulle behoort; waar hulle gesien en waardeer word.

“Hierdie nuwe ruimte spreek van warmte, gasvryheid en die geleentheid vir lekkerkuier en saamwees. Dit skep nie net waarde vir die inwoners nie, maar ookvir hul familie en geliefdeswat hier herinneringe kan bou.”

Ná ’n uitnodiging van diebeheerraadslid en voorsitter van die Strand-buurtwag, Carel Gersbach, het Hill-Lewis ook die geleentheid aangegryp om iets te sê: “Ek is self ’n produk van die ACVV. Ek was in die ACVV-kleuterskool in Bothasig en dis hoekom ek nog ’n bietjie Afrikaans kan praat. En noudat my 40ste verjaardag nader kom, begin ’n mens nadink oor die toekoms –ekhet gehoop ek kanvanaand my naam op die lys kry.

“Huis Jan Swart is ’n baie belangrike deel van die Strand-gemeenskap. Dit is so belangrik dat ons senior burgers ’n aangename,menswaardige en gemaklikeplek het om hulle aftrede te geniet –’nwarm plek wat soos ’n werklike tuiste voel,nie

’n koue en kliniese ruimte nie. Toe ek die foto’ssien en vanaand hier aangekom het, het julle presies dít bereik.Baie geluk aan almal wat hierdie projek gelei het.”

VISIOENOORVYFJAARGEKOESTER

Die bestuurder, Hannelie Koekemoer, het almal virhulle teenwoordigheid en ondersteuning bedank.“Die beheerraad koester hierdie visioen al vyf jaar –’n ruimte waar inwoners en hul families saam kankuier. ’n Kamertjie in ’n ouetehuis is omtrent drie by drie; om jou familie daar te onthaal, is nie juis moontlik nie. Hierdie ruimte is nou hier en die koffiewinkel maak [Vrydag 26 Junie] oop.

“Dit was nog altyd ’n droom van my dat ’n ouetehuis nooit ’n plek moet wees waar ’n kind bang is om te komkuier nie. Ek wil hê families en klein kindertjies moet die vrymoedigheid hê om hier in te stap.

“Aan die bestuurspan, die inwoners en almal wat bygedra het –baie dankie. Ek dink dit lyk selfs beter as wat ons beplan het.”

Die aand het ’n besondere hoogtepunt bereik toeCoetzee die beheerraadvoorsitter Theo Rix in die kollig geplaas het.“Hierdie vyfjaar-droom was joune, Theo –oral waar jy hoor, is Theo Rix daar; by al die ou mense en gemeenskappe.”

Die beheerraad het besluit die nuwe ruimtemoet sy naam dra, en ’n bordjie is bokant die koffiewinkel onthul. Rix was duidelik verras en het dit nie verwag nie.

“Ons sou dit nie sonder Hannelie se leiding kondoen nie –om’nprojek soos hierdie in ’n ouetehuis te doen, is nie maklik as jy 70 inwoners op jou nek het nie. Sy het ons taak soveel makliker gemaak.Nou kan julle komkuier –hier’s ’n kuierplek.”

Arttolight up night skies again

Spier Light Art has issueda call for artistsahead of the 2027 edition of the interactive art exhibition,which will be on display at thehistoric Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch from 26 February to 21 March2027.

The ninth edition of Spier Light Art is South Africa’’s leading platform for lightbased contemporary art and Africa’s longest-running exhibition of its kind.

KnIt’s local Helderberg for communities the childhood tha ma locals balls lens Voice

MartiaHeunis wys4de boek

Die skrywer Martia Heunis hetWoensdag24Junie haar nuutsteboek, My moskombersie-mense,by die Somerset-Wes-biblioteek met ’n praatjie aan ’n gehoor,wat ook haar vorigedrie boekekon besigtig, bekendgestel. Die bundel persoonlikesketseishaar vierdepublikasie en biedwarm, eerlikeendikwels skreeusnaakse portrette vandie mensewat haar lewe gevorm het–ouers, familie,vriende,oudkollegasenmede-inwoners vanSilverOaksLodge, waar sy woon. Die titel is geïnspireer deur ’n reël uit ’n LaurikaRauch-liedjie: “Die mensewat ek liefhet, komgroei op my soos mos.”Heunis, ’n oudjoernalis en -onderwyseresen’nbekroonde amateur-toneelspeler,het die bundel in twee maande voltooi –grootliksindie stilte vandie nag. My moskombersie-mense verskyn as ’n broosheid aan Die mense watekliefhet,enbevestighaar reputasie as ’n skrywer met’nfyn oog vir menslikheid en humor. Foto:JameyGordon

Karatefestintown

TheHelderberg is gearing upfor an exciting display of discipline, skill and community spirit on Saturday 18 July, when Dr GJ Joubert Primary School will host the first-everHelderberg Invitational Karate Tournament.

Coinciding with Mandela Day, this friendly, non-association tournament is designedtobring peopletogether and shine a spotlight on karate. It is organised by Seiki Kan GojuRyu, aStranddojowhich is dedicated to empowering adultsand youthto become leaders, mentorsand teachers

Rather than focusing solely on medals, the club’s core vision is to create an environment that encourages personal growthand active communityengagement through martial arts. By partneringwith other local karate schools, the organisers hope to achieveacollective vision of building ahealthier, more connected region.

Around 150 participants are anticipated to steponto the mats this year. The event is structured to be highly inclusive and family-friendly,and will feature divisions for all age levelsand three distinct skill levels. In addition to competing, officiating training will be availablefor students,offering thema chance to learn the technicalities of refereeing.

There will also be no special side events or demonstrations thisyear;the focus re-

mains entirely on the localkaratekas andfostering asupportive network among regionalschools. To ensure asecure environment,the event will feature dedicated outside security andqualified paramedics.

“We are committed to ano-pressure environment,” says Sensei Richard Kloosman “We want ourstudents to perform at their very best without the fearofbeing shouted at by coaches. This is about growth, not intimidation.”

Karate offers aunique artistic quality that traditional team sports often lack. For children who may notfeel drawn to mainstream sporting codes, practices like kata (detailed patterns of movements) provide aprofound sense of purpose, focus and self-expression.

The tournament serves as the perfect stage to showcase the true legitimacy and value of martial arts beyond the sensationalisedversions seen in movies.

Tokeep the event accessible to as many families as possible, the organisers have set low entry fees, relying on potential sponsors and anonymous contributions to bridge the financial gap.

Locals are warmly invited to come out, support local athletes andexplore somethingnew. There will also be atuck shop. .Formoreinformationortosupportthrough sponsorship,contactKloosmanon0839999314 orkloosman@gmail.com

Dressed to blow the whistle

TherefereescorpsoftheHelderbergLocalFootballAssociation(LFA)recentlyreceivedadonationofkit, jackets,bagsandequipmentfromCTMSomersetWest.“WewanttothankCTMforsponsoringtheHelderbergLFA referees,aswellasthelocalnetballteam.Thedonationwillgoalongwayinsupportingtheofficialsandthe localnetballgirls,”theHelderbergLFAsaidinastatement,addingthattheyhopetobuildstrongerbondswith thelocalCTMbranchinfuture.

One last cast before packing up

HOOK,LINE &SINKER

-Kegan Mattheys

Some fishingstoriesare measured in kilos; others aremeasuredinmemories.

When Chris Jurisch first walked intoFishing Republic, he wassimplyanother customer looking foradvice. Like manyanglers starting outortrying to improve,hewanted to knowabout tackle,bait presentation and howweapproachour fishing alongthe Cape coast

Over time,those conversations across thecounter turned into friendship,and before long we were sharingearly mornings, long walksand many hours together on the rocksand beaches.

Over thelast year we fished some of theSouthern Cape’s iconic stretches of coastline including Blombos,Jongensfontein,Stilbaaiand Witsand. We caught some beautiful fishalong theway including Chris’s beautiful whitemusselcracker he caught and released last winter, butdespiteall the effortand countless casts,the real trophy fish always seemed to eludehim

With Chris preparing foramajorlifechange, time on thewater suddenlyfeltmorevaluable.

He willsoon be moving to Switzerlandtomarry hisfiancéeand beginanew chapteroverseas, meaning hisrodswillsoon be packed away andopportunities to fishthesewaters againmay become fewand farbetween.

Abouttwo weeksago,weset outtogether chasing monstergaljoen and steenbras. We threw everything at them: crabs, worms,redbait,changingtactics and covering water. But thefish simply were notthere.

Afteralongwalk into abeautiful butremote stretch of coastlineand afullday of preparation and effort, we each managed onlya coupleof small galjoen.Weleftslightlydisappointed, but that’sfishing.

Chris headed back toward Stilbaaiand Ireturned home before travelling back to Cape Town to work at FishingRepublic. As we parted ways,Chris simplysaid he’d letmeknowwhenhefished again.

Then last Sunday evening my phonelit up.A messagefromChris

Attached wasaphotograph that immediately stopped me in my tracks. Therehestood besidea magnificent 137cmcob,a fishestimated at close to 30 kg

Fishingalone on abeautiful stretchofCape coastline, Chris had landed what many anglers spend alifetime chasing

Using an Okuma Euphoria 14-foot3-5ozrod, paired with aSaragosa8000 loaded with 30lb UltraTough braid,Chris presented acarefully prepared chokkabait on adingle-dangle rig witha 6/0Gamakatsu circlehook.

According to Chris,the bait hadnot been in the waterfor even 10 minutes before therod folded over.Whatfollowedwas ahard, memorable fight lastingaround 10 to 15 minutes.

“The fishgavetwo knocksand just pulled me flat. It wasone of thefights of my life,” he said

Being alonemadethe moment even more remarkable.Fortunately,someonewalking alongthe beachstopped to helptakeaquick photograph But perhapsthe most importantpartofthe storycameafter thecatch

Chrisspent time revivingthe fishinthe water untilitregainedits strength before successfully releasing it.The giant cobswamawaypowerfully That fishremains outthere–and that matters Duskycob stocks in SouthAfricahavebeen under immensepressurefor decades, with estimates placing breedingstock at only around 1% to 4,5% of historical untouched levels

Largefish like this arenot simplytrophies. They arebreedingfish andplayanimportant role in the future of thespecies.

Toooften anglers seeafish like this andthink freezerfirst.But catches like this remind us that some rewardsare bigger than fishfillets. Take your photo. Measureyourfish. Spendthe time revivingit. Watchitswimaway. That memory lastsforever andyou canbeproud of that

Thefish livesonand maycontributethousands more fishtofuturegenerations. Catch, release andresponsibletagging aresomeofthe strongest toolsrecreationalanglers have to protectour fisheries andensurethat ourchildren andgrandchildren stillget to experiencemoments like these. People like Chrisdeserve recognition; notjust because they catchexceptionalfish, butbecause they choose to letthem go

Afterall thehours spent fishingtogether and allthe conversations abouttackle, bait and technique, Icouldn’tbehappier to seeChris put everything together andachieve acatch like this. Afish of this calibredoes notcome often. For most anglers,itmay nevercomeatall ForChris, justbeforepacking awaythe rods andstarting anew life in Switzerland, it arrived at exactlythe right time.Whatalegend andan amazing fish.

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