DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette – E-Edition – 13 May 2026

TheHelderbergisreeling from aseverestorm thatuprooted trees, damagedinfrastructureand forced theclosureofmajor roadsand schools, including Beaumont PrimarySchool whichsuffered significant structural damage.Whilegale-force winds caused chaosinSomerset West and Strand, torrential rains triggered ahumanitarian crisisinLwandleand Nomzamo,where thousandsofresidents were displaced by flooding. Emergency services remain on high alert as relief partners provide aid to affectedinformal settlementsand repair work begins acrossthe basin. Pictured is the effectofthe gale-force winds whichuprooted trees in Drama Street, Somerset West on Mondaymorning (11 May). Photos:BarendWilliams

Basintakes devastating battering

YaseenGaffar

Communities acrossthe Helderberg are assessingthe aftermathofadevastating stormsystem that continued to lash the region from Sunday to Tuesday.

Severegale-force winds and torrential rains have lefta trail of destruction, uprootingtrees, damaging infrastructureand displacing thousandsininformal settlements.

The most dramatic scene unfoldedatBeaumont Primary School early Monday morning (11 May). Staff arriving at 06:50 were met with ascene of “catastrophe” as massivetrees, uprooted by the powerful gusts, crashed into the school buildingand damaged multiple cars parked nearby.

Principal Dwain Brownreported thatthe school immediately pivoted to emergency protocols. While150 learners were already on the premises, they were safely evacuated by 09:00

“It was aserioussituation,” Brown said. “There weremajor concernsgiven the gale-force winds and the debris. Our biggest concern was trees that had collapsed onto classrooms and cars, as well as the damagetothe pavilion and the perimeter fencing.”

Though no injuries werereported, the school requested aformal closurefor several days to allow for structural repairs. This local incident preceded avisit to the school by provincial education

minister David Maynier anda broader announcement by the provincial educationdepartment, which officially ordered the closure ofall schools in the province forTuesday(12 May).

The City of CapeTown also anounced severalclinic closures on Tuesdayasa result of the inclement weather. Sir Lowry’s Pass Clinic is closeduntil further notice due toacollapsedceiling, while clients are being redirected toSomersetWestClinic, Gordon’s Bay Clinic, Ikhwezi Clinic,

Gustrouw Clinic andHelderberg Hospital.

Commuters faced anightmare on Monday as fallentrees anddebris obstructed major routes. Significant blockages were reported on Broadway Road, Sarel Cilliers Street and Onverwacht Road near the N2. Authorities were forced to implement severalemergency closures including that of Clarence Drive at 09:15 on Monday as a result of highwinds andsporadic rockfalls.

By mid-morning Victoria Link Road was closed between Victoria Street and De Beers Road due to severe flooding.

The parking basement of Sanctuary Shopping Centre in Somerset West was also overwhelmed with flowing water.

Reportsofaportion of aresidentialroof blowing ontothe roadway on theR44 also emerged on Monday morning. Roof cladding was also blownontoMain Road in Somerset West.

Other major obstructions were

noted at Irene Avenue, Drama Street,and theintersection of Broadway Blvd and Main Road in Strand.

While thewind battered Somerset West, heavy rains caused a humanitarian crisis in Lwandle and Nomzamo, where about 200 people sustained damage to their homes.

Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for theCity’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, confirmed 45 structures were damaged in the Riemvasmaak area in Sir Lowry’s Pass. Humanitarian relief partners have been activated to provide warm mealsand blankets to flooding victims, whileassessment dataisbeing forwarded to Sassa and thenational department of Human Settlements for further aid.

Subcouncil 8chairperson ChantelCerfontein conducted oversight visitsacross theHelderberg on Monday.While she noted that winter preparedness work,including thecleaning of drains and canals had been underway for a month, she highlighted arecurring challenge in theharder-hit areas.

“Lwandle seems to havehad abad knock,but those severe floodings were caused by constant illegal dumping in thearea,” Cerfontein remarked.

She urged residentstocontinue securing roofsand clearing leaves to prevent further blockages as theweather persists.

As of Tuesday morning, no further major damage was reported.

Storms good forthe dams

It has been adry season by most measures, but nature offered some welcome relief last week when powerful storms sweptthrough theGarden Route and theCentral Karoo, lashing thelandscape withthe kindofrain that fills rivers overnight and sendsdry river bedsrushing back to life.

Then, over theweekend, therains extended their reach across therest of the province, soaking thecatchmentsthat feed its most vital reservoirs.

The latest weekly dam level report, issued by thenational Department of Water and Sanitation on Monday (11 May), captures exactly what those storms have left behind.

Across theentire province damlevels stands at 52,5% full, ameaningful climb from 44,9% last week,with theregion visibly drinking in theseason’s gifts. The totalnet volume held across alldams has reached 981,5 million cubic metres, afigure drawing quiet relief from water managers and farmers alike.

In Cape Townthe city’s combined dam system –fed by theiconic giantsofWemmershoek,Voëlvlei, Steenbras, Theewaterskloof and Berg River –sits at 50,5%, up from 47,8% just aweek ago.

Theewaterskloof,the region’s largest reservoir, has edged to 49,5% aftersoaking up 65 mm of rainfall in thepast seven days.

But it is in theGouritzRiver Catchment where themost dramatic scenes are unfolding. The dam system there surged to an extraordinary 88,8% full, up sharply from 52,2% just last week.Stompdrift,Kammanassie, and Gamkapoort haveall burst past 100% capacity, while LittleGamkadam is now at 100,25% aftersitting quietly at just 16,5% last week.Further north, the Olifants/Doorn River Catchment paintsa more sober picture at only25,9% full.

The Misverstand Dam in theBerg River Catchment is already overflowing at 116,9%. Nearby, Wemmershoek and Berg River dams havebothclimbed above50%, inching towards thecomfort zone water authorities hopetosustain.

H’bergHospitalgetsneededfacelift

AR4million repair and renovation project is currently underway at Helderberg Hospital, aimed at improving overall patient care and experience.

The project forms part of the provincial Department of Health and Wellness’s 2025-’26 financial year infrastructure programme. Renovations will include critical roof replacements at the facility’s administration building, as well as phased vinyl flooring replacement across key hospital passages and clinical areas.

“This project is essential to ensure a safe, functional and dignified healthcare environment for patients andstaff,”said Sharon Leo, CEO of Helderberg Hospital

The refurbishmentcomesaftera

R35 million renovation project at the hospital in 2024 andmakes Helderberg Hospital the secondhealthcare facility in the region to benefitfrom upgrades,following maintenance work at Gustrouw Clinic in Strand last year. The project forms partofthe department’s R1,8 billion investmentinto health infrastructure over the next three years

Work at the SomersetWestfacility began in mid-April, withrenovations to be carried out in phases to minimise service disruptions. The new flooring, which is expectedtolast more than 20 years, will improveinfection control, safetyand long-term cost efficiency

Affected areas willincludethe administration building’s first floor during the roof replacement, as well as the main reception, selected wards, passages, diagnostic areas and support services during the phased floor replac Ward 7(B

be temporarilyclosed during specific phasesofthe work.

The bulk of the work is expected to take place during the 2026-’27 financial year, though the departmentcautioned that timelines maybeadjusted due to weather conditions or unforeseen construction requirements.

Thedepartment assured patients that healthcareservices willbeuninterrupted and that patient safety remains atop priority throughout.

“Helderberg Hospitalmanagement and the Department of Health andWellness remaincommittedtotransparent communicationwith staff,patients andthe broader community throughout the project,”said AbuleleDyasi, spokesperson for the department’s Khayelitsha and Eastern Substructure.

Patients andvisitors are advised to followon-site signage andadhere to staffguidance whil tion is in

Men imploredtofeel, grieve,heal

Barend Williams

Men in Lwandle were givenpermission to feel,grieveand heal whenNavigating Adulthood:MentalHealth Awareness for Men took place at the Lwandle Migrant LabourMuseum this past Saturday (9 May).

The event aimed to raise awareness of men’smental health and create a safe spacefor men and boys toopen up, free from judgement.

OrganiserLethu Sisusa (33), aStrand resident with aBachelor of Arts in psychologicalcounselling and acertification in neurosciencecoaching,drew

on personalexperience to bring the event to life. Raised by asingle mother alongside three brothers, she witnessed the toll of an absent father figure –one thatleft her brothers without directionand vulnerable to mental health challenges.

“I am not heretodeconstruct the patriarchy, but to look at it through anew lens,” she said.“Because if you areunemployed as aman, the patriarchy looksdownonyou.”

Sisusa choseLwandle deliberately, believing its distance from the city centrefuelsunemployment anda shortageofresources. “The high number of suicides and crime in Lwandle is alarming,”she said

Three prominent speakersaddressed the gathering to helpshift that reality.

Actor, filmmaker and mental health advocate EarlHendriks drew on his ownexperience of childhood sexual abusetoencourage men to speak up. Trauma counsellor Phinius Sebatsane, founder of Rea Thusana, argued that suppressed grief escapesthrough vices that feed anger and desperation, and ultimatelyleadstocrime. Local poet Thabo Leholo drew the audience in with readings from his book, The BrokenPieces of My Heart “There is amisconception that men don’t cry. They do.Their tearsjust smell like beer,” said Sebatsane.

During agroup discussion, Moneleli

NostaLengoasa reflected on theAfrican cultural expectation that men must provide, lead and protect –aburden he described as impossible to bear alone.

Trevor Piggoffered adifferent perspective: despite his background as awhite man, he faced the same pressures as men from other races and cultures. The conversation made clear that masculine burden crosses racial lines.

The discussion kept returning to one conclusion: healing begins withhonesty.

“Men must learn to do introspect, and to understand the importance of exercise and routine in the household,” said Sisusa.

Councillor geared to help

Barend Williams

“When you see all the things that are not there –like water,food or even sanitary pads –somethinghappens inside of you.”

Thisiswhat ledtoWintoniaJacobs,a Grade 10 learner at Hottentots-Holland High School, being selected for the City of Cape Town’s 2026 JuniorCity Council (JCC) –anon-political initiative promoting youth leadership andcivic engagementamong Grade 10 and11learners

Behind the remarkableselection lies an equally remarkable story

Jacobs’ path to Hottentots-Holland High School was not astraightforward one. Having moved aroundand attending various schoolsthroughouther childhood, she experiencedthe kindsof challenges that manyyoung peopleface but few speak about openly, including bullying.

It was at HHH where shefinally found her footing.

Yet just as she found stability, her Grade 9year broughtits ownbattlesas she faced heavy mental health challenges. “Last year was areally tough year,” Jacobs recalls.

But it is not her struggles that define the teenager; it is what she chosetodo with them.

It was this journeythat made herrealise she had agreater purpose. When a family friend introduced hertothe JCC, she took her chance

“At first Ithought, what if there are better people than me?” she explains.

“A total of 929 people applied and they only chose 50 –there was no way they wouldchooseme.”

To her surprise,her story resonated

word forword,”she recalls. Nowaspart of her duties, shewill play an active role in JCCactivities and attend sessions each month in which she willreceive leadershiptrainingand learn more aboutlocalgovernment –something she admits she knewvery littleabout.

Jacobs is also responsible for developing two projects during herone-year term, both rooted in her lived experience

Thefirst, Bridging the Gap, will see her visit schools to help Grade7learners prepare for the social andemotional realities of high school.

“The other project truly touches home,” Jacobs says. “A lot of people think that when learners reach high school, they don’t need foodhampers, but as someone thatreceivedthe food, I quickly realised thatyou need it more in high school.”

To protect their dignity, hampers will be distributed by teachersprivately at the end of each term.

“We’re going throughasensitive period in ourlives andIamnot goingto do it in front of the whole school like a charity event where everyonecan see.”

Jacobs is proof that dynamite comes in smallpackages– andwith ayearleft to complete her projects, sheneedsthe community behind her.

Lesersbrief

Baie dankie, verpleegsters!

Elke jaar op 12 Meiisdit Internasionale

Verpleegstersdagomdat die bekende verpleegster, Florence Nightingale, (gebore 1820) op diédag verjaar het. Sy was ’n rykmansdogter wat besluit hetomeerder’nnederige bestaante voerenasverpleër siekesuit alleoorde by te staan.Syhet ’n ikoniese simbool van verpleegkundegewordenbekend gestaanas“The ladywith the lamp”. Ek wil dusdeurmiddelvan diemedia dieduisendeverpleegkundigeswat in diébesondereberoepdiensvan onskatbarewaarde lewer,bedank. Ditisaltyd ’n voorreg om na julle te kan uitreik, vreugde en hartseer te deel, maar ookte weet dat diéwat vrylik gee, mildeliksal ontvang

Dieverpleegkundigehet netdie slag om sonskyn te bring metdit wat hulle doenofsê.

Baie dankie viralles wat dieverpleegkundiges vir pasiënte beteken.Dit word baiewaardeer ’n Jaar vol voorspoedensuksesword alleverpleegkundiges toegewens.

HJ Gerber, E-POS

with selectors, andonFriday13Februaryshe received the news thatshe was a junior councillor “I reallycouldn’t believeit. Forthe next fewdays Ikept re-reading the email

“I sometimes feel they made amistake with the JCC, butthen Irealisedthat in order for me to help others,Ihaveto help myself firstbybelieving in myself. Andnomatter what the result is,it’sin God’splan.”

. To assist Jacobsinher projects, contact JabezMosesvia emailonjabezmoses09@ gmail.com, or Monet Benadé on MBenade@ hhhschool.co.za

We want your letters

DistrictMail &Helderberg Gazette invites readers to submittheir lettersfor possible publication. Letters should notexceed400 words andmustbesubmitted via emailtodistrictmailhelderberg@novusmedia.co.za by 11:00 on Monday.

Feel-goodplaytotransport audiencestoGreek paradise

Fansofthe hit Hollywood blockbuster

Mamma Mia! are in for atreat as the theatre adaptation of thehot movie returns tolocal shores later this year.

The production features acast that raises the bar on musical theatre, led by the iconicAmra-Faye WrightasDonna Sheridan, who is best known herroleas VelmaKelly in Chicago TheMusical South African-bornWright has worked internationally for 30 years, appearing in Chicago The Musical on Broadway, in London’s West End, through Europe, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand and the concert version with theSan Diego Symphony. Her other musical theatre credits include Follies,AChorus Line, Grease,Footloose, PeterPan, Nunsense, Elvis Las Vegas and Butterflies.

Resident in New York, Wright also spends part of the year at her homein McGregor in the Western Cape, and is thrilled to be back performingonthe SouthAfrican stage.

Several other major musical theatre luminaries occupy lead roles in Mamma Mia! Samantha Peo stars as Tanya,Lindy Abromowitz as Rosie, PaulduToit as Sam Carmichael, Tiaan Rautenbach repriseshis role as Bill Austin,Matt Newmanisbacktoreprise theroleof Harry Bright, and, in the pivotalroleof Sophie Sheridan is Leah Mari.

Written by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is the enchantingtaleoffamily and friendship that unfolds on aGreek island paradise. On theevening of her wedding,daughter and bride-to-beSophie invites three men from hermother’s pastback to the island they visited 20 years ago in the hope of discovering which one is her father.

Twoone-man showsatFactory

This major international“guaranteed feel-good musical” features thetimeless ABBA songscomposedbyBenny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including “Knowing Me,Knowing You”; “Dancing Queen”; “I Have ADream”; “Voulez Vous” and manymore.It’sastory of lovelaughter and friendship, awedding andaparty!

“Mamma Mia! is agift that keeps on giving,” says Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management. “ABBA’s music is timeless andthe story is fun and upbeat,and –with such an incredible cast and creative team in place forthis production, we know South Africanaudiencesare guaranteed agreatfeel-good show.”

. Book your tickets at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za forashowfilled with sensational music, asublime cast and happyvibes– musical entertainment forthe wholefamilywith abroad appeal to allages.

TheDrama FactoryinStrandserves up afeastoftheatrethis month,with twoacclaimed one-manproductions guaranteed to leaveaudiences laughing, thinkingand perhapsevenreachingfor atissue.

First up is Andrew Buckland’s The Fool’s Guide. to Living andDying..., a physically virtuosic solo performance thathurtles through the world of contemporary technologywith raucous comedy andpoignantstorytelling

Buckland –one of SouthAfrica’s most celebrated physical theatreperformers –asks serious questions about the human conditioninthe ageofsocialmedia and artificial intelligence, navigating them with the skilland wit of an artistatthe peakofhis powers.

Will Milton save his son from the TechBro Overlords? What secret does the Home RobotVacuum Cleanercarry? Expect the unexpected.

at 19:30 andmatinees on Saturday 16 andSunday 17 Mayat15:00. Tickets are priced at R180 (concession)and R210. Later in the month, award-winning writer andperformerLouwVenter returns to the stage with DeadDad,directed by comedy legendRob van Vuuren Theshow is the highly anticipated follow-up to Venter’s smashhit The Best Man’sSpeech,which rannationwide for years,was translatedinto Afrikaansas Strooijonker andbecamethe featurefilm Konfetti In DeadDad,Venter chroniclesthe spectacular unravellingofahaplessantihero attempting to deliverhis father’s eulogy. It is griefasyou have never seen it before –raw, wonderfully messy and deeply funny.Audiences at its opening runwerenot only in stitches,but many were left surprisingly andgenuinely moved by the warmth andrelatability of the flawed yetloveableLukas DeadDad is on stage on Thursday 22

Learntodrawcamelliasonthefarm

Artists with apassion for precision and alove of nature are invited to immersethemselves in afull day of focused creativity at Vergelegen Wine Estate.

Taking place on Wednesday 8July, the Masterclass: ContemporaryBotanical Drawing –The CamelliaCollection offersanadvanced,hands-onexperience designed for those with established drawing skills and akeen eye for detail.

Guided by renownedbotanical artist SallyArnold, MA, Dip BotArt (SBA Fellow), participants willexplore how to plan, compose and executea contemporary botanical artworkinspired by one of the world’smostcelebrated camellia collections.

The programme is structured to help artistsrefine their technique, elevate theirindividual style and reinterpret a classical subject.

Vergelegen in Somerset West ishome to Africa’s only International Camellia GardenofExcellence,awardedbythe International Camellia Societyin2010.

Oneofjust 39 suchgardens worldwide, and only two in the Southern Hemisphere, the estate’s collectionfeatures more than 1000 camelliashrubs, some dating back to the 1920s.

Floweringinautumn and winter, camellia blooms are elegant,rose-like flowers that appear in shades of white, pink and deep red. Glossy, dark green leaves contrast beautifully withtheir

soft petals.

Arnold, who has studios in both Prince Albert and Luxembourg, is a highly regarded botanicalartist known for her precise, contemporary interpretationsofplantlifethat balance scientific accuracy with artistic expression.

AFellowofthe Society of Botanical Artists, shehas areputation for meticulous attention to detail and refined technique.

Her teaching is equally respected, guidingartists to develop bothtechnicalskill and adeeper, more observant connection with the natural world

“My focus will be on drawing attention to thewonderful details withinthe camellia blossom, buds and leaves –and siting the ensuing compositions in adecidedlycontemporary compositional layout,” Arnold explains.

COLOUR PENCIL

“Traditional botanicaldrawing styles and rules will be respected, but Iwould like participants to push the envelope in terms of how they highlight focalaspects of their chosen subject

“Another important element will be the use of colour pencil layering-up,which can achieverichly luminous, powerful,three-dimensional shapes.”

The masterclass includes –a full-day advanced drawing master-

Be ethical atErinvale

Unashamedly Ethical, anationwide movement committed to activating ethical behaviours and developing values-driven leaders, is inviting the public to its 2026Gala Dinner for an evening designedtoinspire action, strengthen accountability, and build acultureofintegrity.

Taking placeatErinvale

EstateHotel &Spa in Somerset West on Saturday 30 May, the black-tie event willbring together leaders, entrepreneurs and engagedcitizens who are committed to rebuilding trust and advancing ethical leadership across the country. It offers away for individuals and organisations to support the movement, through purchasingtickets or hosting a table,directly contributing to initiatives that develop ethical leaders nationwide.

The evening will be hosted by award-winning radio presenter Guy McDonald, who willalso lead ahigh-impact live auction,giving guests the opportunity to activelyinvest

in thework andimpactof Unashamedly Ethical.

“SouthAfrica’s future depends on the choices we make everyday,” says Gary Power, CEO of Unashamedly Ethical. “This evening brings together people who are ready tomove beyondconcern and take responsibility.”

Through practical programmes in schools,communitiesand organisations, the movement equips individuals to makecourageous, ethical decisions that shapea better SouthAfrica.

The Gala Dinnerwill be held at 17:30 for 18:00.Tickets, at R1 600 per personor R14000 per table of 10, include awelcomedrink and canapés, atwocourse dinner andaccess to the live auction.

Auctionlots include ahot air balloon ride,openwater scuba diving course,weekend getaways,artworksand more .Tobookyourplaceorformore informationontheevent,email pippa@unashamedlyethical.com.

Abit of GermanyinStellenbosch

The Lutheran congregation of Stellenbosch warmly invites interested persons to their beloved annual Winterfest, which will be heldatthe church in Hofmeyr Street,Stellenbosch from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturday 6June. This cherished winter tradition promises amorning full of warmth, good food and great company Festival-goers are urged to starttheir experience with acontinental breakfast or indulge in classic potato pancakes served with apple sauce. For those with asweettooth, aspread of delicious German cakes awaits, paired with freshly brewed coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Feeling for something more hearty? Enjoy Bratwurst and sauerkraut with potatosalad andapretzel, washeddown with awarmingglass of Glühwein or acoldbeer. Beyond thefood, there will be plentytobrowse andtake home –Germanbooks, homemade cakes and breads, jams, and aselectionofGerman meatspecialties will all be on sale.

Parking is available on-site, withextra parkingconvenientlyaccessible at the Reformed church in Marais Road.

.Formoreinformation,call 0218875030orsendanemailto info@lutheranstellenbosch.co.za. Alternatively,visitthewebsite www.lutheranstellenbosch.co.za.

Camelliajaponica“Elegans Supreme”atVergelegen.

class with expert instruction; –drawing and tracing paper (participantstotake along their own pencils and tools); –the proposed drawing size will be auniform A3, but participants wishing to work on asmaller format due to timeconstraints will be accommodated; –tea, coffee and ascone on arrival, and alight lunch. The event is scheduled to take place from 09:30 to 16:30 at R1 750 per person. . Forbookings, visit https://vergelegen. co.za/event/masterclass-contemporary-botanical-drawing-the-camellia-collection/. SallyArnoldwillleadthe camelliamasterclass at Vergelegen.

Lo for

The 2026 Friday com alike na Canal Su is nationwide as controller the presente wit of esports ping gust, sho EA lat adr lenge. the -t –B day) with fo -aP stations; -ak -s one up ki doors. across

CaCoronation ing giving to pat sidered. South vestor engaging designed ay sta prize more kno cha

Sir Lowry’sPass vier plaaslikeBlitsbok-helde

Dit was’nhelde-tuiskoms toedie gemeenskapvan Sir Lowry’sPasstweeplaaslikeBlitsbokkedie afgelope Saterdag (9 Mei) met ope armsterugverwelkom het.Gino Cupido en TristanLeyds wasdeel vandie Suid-Afrikaansesewesrugbyspanwat in Maartdie HSBC SVNS Series-kampioenskap in NewYork, Verenigde State, gewenhet.Die geleentheid is deurdie Brotherhood of Men (BOM Squad) gereël, watdie twee spelers voordat die fees begin het,inLotus-sportmotorsdeurdie stratevan SirLowry’s Pass vergesel het.Omdie feestelikhede af te rond, het die BOM SquadCupido en Leydsmet ’nontbytbydie Ongegund Lodgeen-konferensiesentrum op die MyrtleGrove-wynlandgoed langsOld Sir Lowry’sPass-wegvereer.Die uitstalling het gewysrugby het hulle al vergeneem, maar hul harteissteedsinSir Lowry’sPass. Op die foto is lede vandie BOMSquad saam metGino Cupido en Tristan Leyds(voor,middel). Foto:Peter Bee

Final call to enter popular GB swim

After aweek of battering winds and debris-strewnstreets,the Helderberg communityislooking forward to calmer waters

With only afew days to go,excitement is reaching fever pitch for the region’s favourite swimofthe year. TheHarbour to Harbour Swimisset to take place in Gordon’s Bay on Saunday17May.

Organisers have issued afinal boarding call for athletes andweekend warriors alike, warning that the event is almost at capacity. Those who want aspotwillneed to actfast,asentries will close themoment the capisreached.

Spectators and participants alikecan look forward to avibrant finish-line experience that includes live music, apost-swim feast and alively race-day atmosphere designed to shake off thewinter blues.

Finishers will receivemedals, while luckydraw winners willtakehome sponsor vouchers and premium product hampers.

Withthe event nearly full, organisers are urging residentsnot to leave it to thelast minute. “Don’tbethe one watching from theshore. Secure one of thefinal spots today,”they urged .Enteratwww.fluidlines.co.zaunder“events”.

SPORT

Woensdag,13Mei 2026

PerfectplayforMCBoys

YaseenGaffar

Club rugby was in full swing this past weekend, from one-point thrillers to clinical displaysofdominance.

Here is abreakdownof how the local boys fared –and what to expect when the clouds (hopefully) clear next weekend.

Helderberg travelled to False Bay for aSuperLeague Aclash and emerged with anarrow 39-38 victory.

In agame that swung likea pendulum, Berge showed immense grit to securethe winthat sees them climb to sixthplace on the log with 16 points. False Bay, despite the defeat and ahealthy points difference, slipped to eighth. The leagueremains dominated by Maties, at the top witha perfect 30 points from six games.

Macassarisofficiallythe teamtobeatin Super League B, after theyclinically dispatched Hands &Heart 32-21tomaintain theirflawless record of five wins from five games. The MC Boys sit perched at the top of the log with 24 points.

Meanwhile, Young Peoplesdelivered a masterclassagainst St George’s, claiming a

35-13 win. The result leaves languishing in 14th place, the relegation zone. was aweekend of mixed unes for the local Super League Csides. Sir Lowrians put on adominant display to crush CaledonianRoses35-11 and remain in the hunt, tied in fifth on 16 points alongside Eersterivier dAtlantis. Eersterivier, meanwhile, handed Strand United a50-5 drubbing,leaving United rootedtothe bottom of the standings alongside Strand RFC. Raithby rounded off the weekend with ahard-fought 27-21 win over Langa –their first victory of theseason.

ResultsSaturday9May:

–SLA: False Bay 38-39 Helderberg

–SLB: Macassar 32-21 Hands andHeart, St George’s 13-35 Young Peoples.

–SLC: Sir Lowrians 35-11 CaledonianRoses,Eersterivier50-5 Strand United, Langa 21-27 Raithby.

FixturesSaturday16May:

–SLA: Villager vs Helderberg.

–SLB: Hamediehs vs St George’s, Collegians vs All Saints.

–SLC: Langa vs Strand, Strand Unitedvs Busy Bees, Raithby vs Atlantis.