19 Augustus 2026 - 25 Augustus 2026 | Tel 021 841 4260 | www.districtmailhelderberg.co.za
GRA T FREEIS
www.marksautocare.co.za
strand@marksautocare.co.za 021 110 0301 STRAND BRANCH 076 628 7110
NM10069760-DP190826
Mako high above the surf S11 Stock class champions Dylan Bamberger and co-pilot Carien Engelbrecht launch their Yamahapowered Mako high above the surf, battling through treacherous conditions on their way to a first-place surf finish and a third-place overall podium at the national championships in Jeffreys Bay on Sunday 9 August. Read the full report on page 15.
Nog ’n tragiese einde Jamey Gordon
D
ie soektog na ’n 60-jarige vrou van Somerset-Wes het die afgelope naweek op ’n tragiese einde uitgeloop.
Rika Norris is op Saterdag 23 Mei omstreeks 10:00 laas gesien toe sy met haar suster se hond by Lourensford gaan stap en nooit teruggekeer het nie. Haar verdwyning is die volgende dag aangemeld, wat ’n uitgebreide soektog deur die plaaslike polisie en verskeie rolspelers aan die gang gesit het. Ten spyte van die soektog, wat twee weke lank geduur het, insluitend die ontplooiing van spesialisduikers, is geen spoor van haar gevind nie. Die hond, wat haar op die stap vergesel het, het agt dae later alleen tuis aangekom, wat die gesin se angs verdiep het. Die provinsiale polisie het volgehou dat die soektog steeds aktief was. “Die soektog en ondersoeke gaan voort. Daar is in hierdie stadium geen nuwe ontwikkelings om aan te meld nie,” het kaptein FC van Wyk,
Oorskot ná soektog van 82 dae gevind ’n polisiewoordvoerder, verlede maand (Julie) bevestig. Namate die weke in maande omgesit het, het Norris se dogter Hester haar na die publiek om hulp gewend en selfs ’n Back-a-Buddy-skarefinansieringsveldtog begin om R17000 vir ’n satellietopsporingsdiens en uitgebreide soekpogings in te samel. “Om met die soektog te help, wil ons graag ’n satellietopsporingsdiens in diens stel, wat moontlik kan help om haar verblyfplek te identifiseer en ons van broodnodige inligting kan voorsien,” het Hester op die veldtogblad geskryf. “Of sy nou lewend of oorlede gevind word – ons moet haar vind en in hierdie pynlike situasie sekerheid bring.” Die antwoorde waarop die gesin so wanhopig gewag het, het Saterdagoggend (15 Augustus) gekom toe ’n soekspan ’n liggaam – vermoedelik dié van Norris – in ’n steil kloof in die rigting van Porcupine Ridge in die Helderberg-natuurreservaat
gekry het. Die Vriende van die Helderberg-natuurreservaat het die nuus op Facebook gedeel en geskryf: “Hartseer nuus, maar om almal in kennis te stel dat die soekspan Rika se liggaam vanoggend in ’n steil kloof naby Porcupine Ridge gevind het. Ons innige meegevoel teenoor die familie. Ons hoop hoop dit bring afsluiting. RIV.” Die ontdekking was net ’n paar dae nadat dieselfde groep hul beroep om inligting hernuwe het en enigiemand wat Norris moontlik gesien het, gevra het om vorendag te kom. Luidens ’n vorige inskrywing het ’n stapper Norris om 12:00 dieselfde dag op die Watsonia-wandelroete gewaar. Die groep het verder beroep gedoen op enigiemand met inligting om Koos Jordaan, bestuurder van Lourensford, te kontak. Norris was Jordaan se vrou se jongste suster, dus sy skoonsuster. Sy het in Januarie by die gesin aangesluit om haar suster te help om hul bejaarde ma te versorg.
Rika Norris (60) van Somerset-Wes was byna drie maande sonder enige spoor vermis sedert sy laas op 23 Mei gesien is.
“Op die dag dat sy vermis geraak het, het sy op ’n normale roete naby die huis gaan stap – met my hond, Ferdi, wat uiteindelik teruggekeer het,” het Jordaan gesê. Toe sy teen 14:00 nie teruggekeer het nie, het Jordaan se vrou die roete gaan stap, sy het Norris nie gewaar nie. Sekuriteit is ontbied en ’n soektog is voortgesit. Later is die owerhede ingespan, insluitend die polisie en Wildernis-soek-en-redding (WSAR), wat vir 82 dae uitgebreide soektog “ongelooflike werk” verrig het. Die familie het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat sy óf gaan swem en verdrink het, óf dat sy op die roete beseer is. Volg op bladsy 2.
2
Distrikspos
19 Augustus 2026
NUUS NEWS
Cold comfort for hot water Yaseen Gaffar Sectional-title estate residents locked in a dispute with developer Balwin Properties over private electricity resale and smart-geyser management have hit a major regulatory wall as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has admitted it lacks the statutory power to enforce its reseller guidelines. The revelation comes amid mounting tension between homeowners in Helderberg lifestyle estates and Balwin Properties over the developer’s private energy partnership with SolarAfrica and Plentify. At the centre of the dispute are claims by locals that private resellers are manipulating household appliances and inflating energy costs under the guise of green compliance. A local geyser expert, who asked not to be named, monitored a Balwin estate’s utility framework and claims that centralised solar PV systems are dumping excess daytime energy into private geysers without resident consent. According to the expert, data logs show geyser temperatures being driven up to 75 °C during daytime hours to clear solar capacity, resulting in severe thermal losses and element switching. “The homeowner is supposed to be the beneficiary of green energy under Sans 10400-XA regulations,” the expert said. “Instead, daytime energy is billed through the meter while consumers are denied access to their geysers, prohibited from installing timers and charged unit rates higher than the City of Cape Town tariffs. The promoted 10% rebate is a bluff when base rates are already inflated.” Residents further argue that Nersa guidelines strictly prohibit resellers from making a profit on electricity tariffs passed
to end-users or charging rates higher than the local municipality. Balwin Properties strongly rejected the allegations, stating that its central solar PV and integrated geyser control systems are designed specifically to lower electricity costs and achieve IFC EDGE Advanced green certification. Responding to the claims, Balwin confirmed that residents receive a guaranteed minimum 10% saving across their entire consumption relative to published municipal tariffs – not just on the solar portion. DEFAULT SETTING “The claim that residents’ geysers are forced to 75 °C is incorrect,” Balwin stated, explaining that its newly integrated Plentify HotBot smart controllers default to 55 °C, with user-adjustable ranges between 45 °C and 65 °C. Factory-installed thermostats remain capped at 65 °C as a safety limit. “The system never causes the geyser to consume more energy than required to maintain the chosen temperature. The use of available solar energy simply displaces electricity that would otherwise have been drawn from the grid,” the developer added. Balwin cited independent performance verification by the SANAS-accredited University of Cape Town (UCT) Measurement and Verification Inspection Body, which demonstrated an 18% overall reduction in geyser energy consumption and a 70% drop in peak-period load across tested units. Regarding physical access and controls, Balwin noted that service-room geyser placement is standard in sectional-title developments for safety and common infrastructure maintenance. The developer maintained that residents retain the ability to adjust temperatures via the Plentify Home App and can manually isolate gey-
sers at their distribution boards. However, the legal foundation relied upon by aggrieved homeowners has been thrown into doubt following official clarification from Nersa. Responding to DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette’s enquiries on whether remote appliance manipulation and tariff markups violate consumer protection rules, Nersa’s head of communication Charles Hlebela, confirmed that the regulator’s authority over private resellers is severely constrained. “The prevailing regulatory framework does not comprehensively regulate or prescribe the activities undertaken by electricity resellers,” Hlebela said. “The principal statutory requirement is that resellers are required to be registered with the Energy Regulator. Save for this registration obligation, the act and associated regulations are silent as to the detailed conduct and operational parameters applicable to resellers.” Crucially, Hlebela revealed that Nersa’s widely cited reseller rules offer no direct legal protection. “While Nersa has published guidelines pertaining to the conduct of resellers, such guidelines are advisory in nature and do not possess the force of law.” Nersa confirmed that unregistered resellers fall outside its direct regulatory jurisdiction. Consequently, residents alleging contract breaches, forced appliance settings or tariff disputes cannot rely on Nersa for enforcement or intervention. Instead, Nersa advised affected homeowners that their only immediate recourse lies with either instituting civil court proceedings for breach of contract or lodging formal complaints under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). See Balwin’s full response online at www.novanews.co.za/districtmailhelderberg/.
.
Vanaf bladsy 1. “Haar selfoon en alles is in haar kamer agtergelaat. Ons het in ’n stadium selfs in die gronddam gesoek. Duikers was in die water op soek na haar, maar tevergeefs. Toe besluit ons om in die klowe te bly soek,” sê Jordaan. ’n Keerpunt het gekom toe die stapper met die inligting vorendag gekom het. “Dié persoon en die inligting het geloofwaardig geklink. Die soektog is weer hervat en twee lede van die Bergklub van Suid-Afrika se plaaslike tak het die afgelope Donderdag gesê hulle soek weer Saterdag vroeg. Toe kom die oproep voor 10:00... “Hulle het haar gekry waar sy diep teen die steilte afgeval het. Ons was al daarby verby en niemand het iets gesien nie. Hulle moes die reddingswerkers met ’n tou laat afsak om by haar uit te kom.” Wat wel duidelik was, is dat Ferdi by haar gebly het. “Daar was duidelike tekens, en hy moes seker, toe hy dit besef het [dat sy dood is], teruggekeer het.” “Rika as mens was solied, spontaan en gelukkig en het, terwyl sy hier was, verlief geraak op die Kaap. Sy was aangenaam en doodeenvoudig. Die verlies is baie moeilik vir die familie. Dit is hartverskeurend, tog is daar afsluiting en verligting dat sy gevind is.” Die polisie het bevestig dat die liggaam, vermoedelik dié van ’n 60-jarige vrou, Saterdagoggend omstreeks 09:00 deur lede van die Bergklub van SA in die reservaat gevind is. Die Somerset-Wes-polisie het ’n ondersoekdossier geregistreer. ’n Lykskouing sal gehou word om die oorsaak van dood te bepaal. David Nel, ’n woordvoerder van WSAR, het bevestig klublede het die polisie Vrydag en Saterdag ondersteun. “Dit is ongelooflik hartseer.” Die ontdekking is die tweede tragedie in die reservaat in soveel maande. Die stapper Itumeleng Mekoa (28) is op 10 Julie dood gevind ná ’n week lange veelpartysoek-en reddingsoperasie. Albei stappers is in steil, moeilike terrein gekry.
021 841 4260
SPECIALS AVAILABLE AT ALL STORES (jamey.thomas@novusmedia.co.za)
OFFER VALID FROM 19 AUGUST - 23 AUGUST 2026.
WHILE STOCKS LAST
T&C's Apply. Picture of the product may di�er to the one instore. NM10070031-DP190826
NM10068303-DP050826
NUUS NEWS
19 Augustus 2026
Distrikspos
3
Dog unleashed with brutal results Yaseen Gaffar A peaceful afternoon walk in a Somerset West park ended in tragedy after a local pensioner’s 7 kg pet dog – a wire hair and sausage dog mix – died following a violent attack by an off-leash dog, prompting an investigation by municpal Law Enforcement. The incident occurred near Dummer Street around 17:30 on Friday 31 July. According to the devastated complainant, her small dog was sitting quietly at her feet, not even moving, when a large pitbull mix, estimated to weigh around 40 kg, launched an unprovoked attack. Although the owner managed to separate the animals, the small dog suffered extensive bite wounds and severe hematomas where the pitbull mix had grabbed him. What followed was a harrowing multiday medical ordeal. After her pet cried in severe pain throughout the night of 31 July the owner rushed him to Strand Animal Hospital early the next morning, where it was administered morphine. Hours later, as the dog began hyperventilating and crying in agony, he was taken to a local veterinary clinic where emergency surgery was performed to insert a Penrose drain to treat deep hematomas. Despite daily injections and continuous care, the small dog’s suffering escalated. At 00:30 on Wednesday 5 August, he was rushed to an emergency vet due to severe neck and spine pain, and given additional medication. By 09:30 on Sunday 9 August, his condition had deteriorated further, requiring an emergency admission to a vet clinic, where the dog was placed on life support machines but tragically died from sepsis last Monday evening (10 August). He was buried in his owner’s garden. FORMAL INVESTIGATION The aggrieved owner expressed deep pain over the complete lack of remorse shown by the owners of the attacking dog, who allegedly blamed the small dog for the incident. They have also allegely refused to apologise or contact the woman. This prompted her to contact the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, who confirmed a formal investigation is underway to prosecute the owner of the off-leash dog. “An officer interviewed the complainant
and determined that there had been a transgression of the Animal Keeping Bylaw and therefore grounds to formulate a docket for prosecution,” said Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for Law Enforcement. He noted the investigating officer was finalising outstanding documentation to complete the docket. The incident falls under section 7 of the City’s Animal Keeping Bylaw, which governs animal control and public safety. Under Section 7(1), no person may, through negligence, fail to prevent an animal from attacking, worrying or frightening any other person or animal. CONTROL MEASURES AGAINST OWNERS Law Enforcement can enforce severe penalties against owners who fail to control aggressive animals in public spaces, including issuing compliance notices as a corrective warning for minor or first-time infractions, or issuing Section 56 fines as direct monetary penalties to non-compliant pet owners. Formal prosecution can follow with the compilation of a court docket to pursue formal criminal charges, which can include a court application to remove the aggressive animal from the owner’s care permanently. To ensure justice can be pursued under municipal bylaws, Law Enforcement outlines specific protocol steps for pet owners facing similar incidents, which urges urgent medical or emergency veterinary attention for injured humans or animals as a first step. Next is to secure the full names, physical addresses and phone numbers of all involved parties and eyewitnesses, and keep detailed veterinary reports, medical invoices, and high-clearance photos of all injuries. Also take photographs of the aggressive animal to verify its breed, size and markings. City officials urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep their pets properly secured in public spaces to protect the community and prevent further heartbreaking losses. To log an official complaint contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 to route the case to Animal Control. If human injuries are sustained, report the case directly to the police under the Animal Matters Amendment Act.
AT 00:30 ON WEDNESDAY (5 AUGUST), HE WAS RUSHED TO AN EMERGENCY VET DUE TO SEVERE NECK AND SPINE PAIN AND GIVEN ADDITIONAL MEDICATION.
This little 7 kg dog died after being attacked by an pitbull mix in Somerset West.
.
Chef XL Stand Mixer 1000W
Titanium Chef Baker XL Stand Mixer 1200W
- 6.7L Stainless steel mixing bowl - Speed control: Variable speeds + pulse - In-bowl tools: K-Beater, whisk and dough hook
- 1200W Powerful ChefMotor™ - Includes 4 bowl tools: S/Steel K beater, whisk, - spiral dough tool & creaming beater
(KVL85.004SI)
(KVL4100S)
Now R4 949
TELEFOON BEMARKING AGENTE Ons is ‘n Nasionale Maatskappy wat as gevolg van ‘n fenomenale groei ons Somerset Wes kantoor uitbrei. Ons is opsoek na nuwe talent om telefoniese afsprake met besighede te maak vir ons bemarkingsadviseurs. Afrikaans en Engelse kandidate sal voorkeur geniet. Ondervinding is nie ‘n vereiste nie aangesien volledige In-huis opleiding verskaf word. Skoolverlaters is welkom om aansoek te doen. Vergoeding: Basies, kommissie en prestasie bonusse is van toepassing. Stuur jou CV na gerda@serr.co.za NM10070114-DP190826
Now R8 349 Air fryer Oven 25lt Stainless Steel
Magnica S Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
- Multifunctional oven + air fryer - 15 Pre-Set Functions - Digital Display
-- Bean Capacity: 250 grams - Pump Pressure: 15 bar - Traditional Milk Frother
BEMARKINGSADVISEURS Geleenthede vir Professionele Bemarkingsadviseurs in Somerset Wes. Sluit aan by ons dinamiese span en neem jou loopbaan tot nuwe hoogtes. Ons brei uit en is op soek na gemotiveerde kandidate om deel te wees van ons fenomenale suksesverhaal. Vereistes: Ervaring in bemarkingsverkope. Doelgerig met ‘n positiewe ingesteldheid. Selfgedrewe en spanwerker. Tweetalig (Afrikaans en Engels). Eie betroubare vervoer en rybewys.
Now R2 349
Now R5 899 Eletta Explore Bean to Cup Coffee Machine (ECAM450.65.S)
Ons bied: Uitstekende verdienstepotensiaal. Omvattende interne in-huisopleiding. ‘n Energieke en ondersteunende werkspan wat jou sukses ondersteun. Ons benodig kandidate wat onmiddellik beskikbaar is.
(ECAM12.121.B)
(MOA26.600SS)
- LatteCrema Hot & Cool: De'Longhi technology - Coffee Beans Container: 300g - Cold Extraction Tech
Now R16 899
La Specialista Opera Manual Pump Espresso Machine
(EC9555.M) - Cold Extraction Technology: Make a Cold Brew in under 5 minutes - Milk System: My Latte Art - 15 Grinding settings
Now R11 499
Stuur jou CV na gerda@serr.co.za NM10070115-DP190826
0000000-DP190826
Distrikspos
4
19 Augustus 2026
NUUS NEWS
Alarm Installations Alarm Monitoring CCTV Installations Advanced CCTV Monitoring Access Control Systems
Specialising in: Armed Response Strike Management Guarding K9 Unit LPR: License Plate Recognition
Armed Escorts VIP Protection Sasseta Accredited Training Academy Intelligent Perimeter Protection NM10069766-DP190826
Strand CPF to gather The Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF) is calling on all organisations within the policing precinct to register to vote at its special general meeting on Tuesday 8 September. The meeting will elect a new chairperson and, depending on the outcome, either a new deputy chairperson or confirm the current deputy. Secretary and project coordinator positions will also be filled. Only organisations registered on the CPF database will be eligible to vote. To register, organisations must collect and complete an Annexure A registration form from the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) room at Strand Police Station. Electronic copies are available from Lillian Albertyn, acting Strand CPF chairperson. Completed registration forms must be accompanied by supporting documents and signed off by Monday 31 August. The VEP room will be open daily from 09:00 and 13:00 for collecting or dropping off forms. For more information on the meeting and CPF, phone Albertyn on 072 920 9864.
.
Misdaad-brokkie ’n Man is verlede Dinsdag (11 Augustus) deur vier koeëls in ’n skietery in Broadlandspark, Strand, gewond. Die skietery het omstreeks 14:00 in Bosduifstraat uitgebreek. Die man het drie skietwonde aan sy linkerbeen en een aan sy bobeen opgedoen en is na ’n nabygeleë mediese fasiliteit vervoer. Die Strand-polisie het ’n saak van poging tot moord geregistreer en die omstandighede rakende die skietvoorval word ondersoek.
CPF closer to full strength Barend Williams The Somerset West Community Policing Forum (CPF) has elected a new executive committee after months of inactivity, with Strand set to follow suit next month as the Khayelitsha sub-district moves closer to full operational strength. Marlon Solomons, chairperson of the sub-district’s CPF, welcomed the appointment of Ellen Esau as chairperson of the Somerset West CPF after a period of inactivity within the precinct following the resignation of previous chairperson Dane Thomas. Thomas resigned in January, citing being overwhelmed by church, business and family responsibilities alongside extensive CPF commitments. “I don’t think the new executive will experience the same problems as the last, given most of those chosen are selfemployed,” Solomons related. He highlighted that the precinct is in desperate need of sub-forums, given how large and varied the areas within it are. Esau, a long-time community worker who has been serving as acting chairperson since Thomas’s resignation, said she knows the community’s concerns and believes she can contribute significantly in the role. She praised her predecessor for his investment in the community and spiritual support to the police and residents during his tenure. Esau said the new executive committee’s
NM10068475-DP050826
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF BADEN POWELL / MACASSAR ROAD TRAFFIC CIRCLE The City of Cape Town intends to upgrade the four-way stop at Baden Powell Drive and the Macassar Road intersection to a tra�c circle. These roads provide direct access to key regional transport routes. With the proposed upgrade, improved tra�c flow for current and projected road tra�c for the wider area will be achieved. The upgrade will include additional lanes entering and exiting the tra�c circle. Location The site is located in Macassar along Baden Powell Drive (R310) and Macassar Road intersection within the City of Cape Town,Western Cape (34.048461°S,18.718494°E). Application for environmental authorisation to undertake the following activities The project requires an environmental assessment in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, (107 of 1998), and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, as amended.The proposed development includes activities in Listings Notice 1 (GNR 983 of 2014,as amended) Activity 19,and Listings Notice 3 (GNR 985 of 2014,as amended),Activity15. Opportunity to participate: A draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be available for a 30-day commenting period from 19 August to 17 September 2026. This report will be available on the following website: www.enviropart.co.za. Please select the Public Participation tab to access “The Baden Powell, Macassar Tra�c Circle Report”. A copy of the report will be placed at the Macassar Public Library. An Information Sheet (summary of the report) will be available on the website, at the library and on request at the contact details below. You may provide comments or register for further notifications during the EIA process by contacting The Environmental Partnership at the contact details below on or before 19 August – 17 September 2026. ContactDetails: The Environmental Partnership Tel: 021 422 0999 Email: comments@enviropart.co.za www.enviropart.co.za NM10069743-DP190826
priorities are to strengthen partnerships with all stakeholders, encourage more residents to become involved in neighbourhood watches and Community in Blue initiatives, and get young people on board in fighting crime. “When we have a strong community presence with police, we will be able to bring change in our communities,” Esau pointed out. She identified drug abuse, crime and unemployment as the most concerning issues facing the community. George Kruger, the CPF’s newly elected public relations officer (PRO), said the new committee plans to strengthen partnerships between local police, communities and neighbourhood watch structures through better communication and cooperation. The structure is focusing on increasing community participation and creating platforms where safety concerns can be shared and constructively addressed. “Through collaboration and a shared commitment to community safety, we can build a stronger, safer and more united Somerset West,” Kruger said. With the Somerset West CPF back on its feet, attention has turned to Strand, which will elect new members for vacant executive positions on Tuesday 8 September. The CPF structure has been without a permanent leader following the expulsion of the previous chairperson after he was charged with sexual assault last year (“Beskuldigde uit GPF geskors,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 13 August 2025).
Justin Kumlehn, deputy chairperson of the City of Cape Town’s CPF district, has confirmed the former chairperson has officially been removed from his position following an internal investigation. “Because the disciplinary hearing is linked to a criminal case that is currently under way, I am unable to comment any further,” Kumlehn said. The Strand CPF has been led by acting chairperson Lillian Albertyn for the past year. A new permanent chairperson will be elected and, depending on the outcome, a deputy chairperson. Secretary and project coordinator positions will also be filled after the incumbents stepped down. Brent Louis, Strand CPF PRO, has recused himself from his role after entering the local government elections race in November. The election for the vacant positions on the Strand CPF executive committee will be held at Rusthof Primary School in Tenth Street on Tuesday 8 September. Only organisations registered on Strand police's CPF database will be eligible to vote. Nearly at full strength, Solomons is looking forward to what is next for the sub-district’s CPF. “We are the partners of the police and our goal is to bring crime down,” he reiterated. He explained that their next focus will be on the taxi violence that has been crippling the sub-district’s precincts, as well as the continued threat of illegal firearms. Solomons has called on the community to assist and support the CPF.
NUUS NEWS
19 Augustus 2026
The Ben Friedman Square in Strand will be renamed Strand Muslim Community Square. Photo: Jamey Gordon
Plein renaming gets go-ahead Jamey Gordon The renaming of Ben Friedman Plein in Strand to Strand Muslim Community Square has been approved by council, despite a political party arguing that the change sidelines a local pioneer following objections from residents. At the end of July, Freedom Front Plus councillor Pieter Janse van Vuuren issued a statement, urging the City of Cape Town to take community input seriously and keep public spaces “inclusive and neutral”. He said 54 of 74 residents who attended the public-participation meeting formally objected to the proposal, which aims to recognise the Muslim community’s role in Strand’s history. Janse van Vuuren noted that the proposal’s own backers conceded the current name is not offensive, as Friedman, a pioneer in Strand’s economic development since 1903, is held in high regard by the community and his family. He argued that public spaces should remain inclusive and neutral, uniting all residents regardless of religious conviction, and called it irresponsible to spend tax money on symbolic name changes when local communities oppose them. Janse van Vuuren urged the City to take residents’ input seriously and focus instead on pressing service-delivery issues affecting all Cape Town residents. However, the proposal drew broad institutional support. Letters of endorsement were submitted by the Strand Muslim Council, Nurul Islam Masjid, Masjid Aneeqah, the Muslim Judicial Council and the Rusthof Methodist church. Crucially, Barry Friedman, Friedman’s grandson and a director of the family business, wrote on behalf of the Friedman family: “I do hereby on behalf of the Friedman family fully support the proposal.” He cited three reasons: the Muslim community were residents of the area until their forced removal, a mosque is situated on the square and, despite the community celebrating its 200th anniversary, there is no acknowledgement of their presence in the Strand CBD. PUBLIC INPUT The Muslim community has since proposed that a nearby traffic circle on the Strand beachfront be named Ben Friedman Traffic Circle, ensuring both histories are acknowledged. The public-participation process ran from 1 August to 30 September 2024, with an extended comment period from 1 to 30 November 2024 after technical difficulties prevented some residents from submitting comments online. A public meeting was held at the Strand Town Hall on 18 November 2024, attended by 74 community members. On-site surveys were also conducted in the vicinity of the square. On enquiry Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and chairperson of the municipality’s Naming Committee, said the public-participation process was formally concluded on 30 November 2024. “Following consideration of the outcomes of the public-participation process the Naming Committee recommended the
proposed renaming of Ben Friedman Plein to Strand Muslim Community Square to the executive mayor for consideration. He subsequently recommended the proposal to council for approval. At its meeting on 30 July this year it approved the proposal. Accordingly, Ben Friedman Square will be renamed Strand Muslim Community Square.” Andrews added that a total of 193 comments were received during the public-participation process, of which 54 objected to the proposed renaming. “All comments and objections received during the public-participation process were considered,” he related. “Having considered the outcomes of the process and the level of community support, the Naming Committee recommended that the executive mayor submit the proposal to council for approval.” NUMBERS CLARIFIED “As council has approved the renaming, the relevant line departments will commence implementation of the ccouncil resolution, including scheduling the replacement of the relevant signage.” Janse van Vuuren said the 54 of 74 people attending the public meeting formally objected, which the City should regard as a clear signal from the community. To this statement, Andrews said: “The premise of the [statement] is incorrect; it refers only to physical attendance. A total of 193 comments were received during the public-participation process, of which 54 objected to the proposed renaming. “All comments and objections received during the public-participation process are considered. The Naming Committee evaluates the outcomes of the publicparticipation process, including the level of community support, before making a recommendation to the executive mayor, who in turn may recommend the matter to council for a decision. Any submissions received during the public-participation process are dealt with in accordance with the City’s established processes. Parties requiring further engagement or formal correspondence may do so through the appropriate official channels.” Andrews explained that the publicparticipation process was conducted in accordance with the methodology outlined in the report to council. The process included a public notice published in local community newspapers, including DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette; distribution via Subcouncil 8’s community organisation database; information made available at the Subcouncil office and the Strand Library; publication on the City’s Have Your Say online platform with an online comment form accessible via QR code; on-site surveys near the square; and the public meeting in November 2024. “The Friedman family has provided its consent, which forms part of the annexures to the council report,” Andrews added. “The proposal, including the appropriateness of the renaming, was considered by the Naming Committee. Following its deliberations, the committee recommended that the executive mayor submit the proposal to council for approval, which council subsequently approved.”
Distrikspos
5
6
Distrikspos
19 Augustus 2026
NUUS NEWS
Local kids’ incentive to read more books A reading challenge launched by Easy2learnkids in Strand is transforming reluctant readers into confident bookworms, with learners flocking to Gordon’s Bay Library to borrow their next book. The challenge sees young children borrow books from the library or read their own at home. They then read aloud at Easy2learnkids, where teachers listen and assess their comprehension. Learners who complete 20 books earn a spot on the Reading Wall and receive a prize. Classroom pride is also at stake: teachers are competing too, with the teacher whose class has the most learners on the Reading Wall receiving an overall prize. Renske Surmon, principal and co-founder of Easy2learnkids, created the initiative after noticing many learners were struggling with literacy or were not reading enough outside the classroom. The Southfork-based centre partnered with Gordon’s Bay Library to give learners access to more books. The competition caught the attention of LiBee, the City of Cape Town’s library bee, who arranged for Gordon’s Bay Library to set up a mobile library service at Easy2learnkids. The mobile library now makes regular visits to the tutoring centre for new book selections, with many learners receiving
Excitement buzzes as LiBee, the City of Cape Town’s library bee, surprises Easy2learnkids learners with their first mobile library visit.
their first library cards. Gordon’s Bay Library is part of the City’s library network, which runs youth literacy programmes including school visits, reading challenges, storytime sessions and the 1 000 Stories Before School programme for children from infancy to age five. The response has been enthusiastic, with children visiting the library more often and becoming more confident readers. Sponsors interested in donating prizes for learners who reach 20 books is asked to call Surmon on 082 455 0382.
.
Women relay stories Women from Sir Lowry’s Pass have stepped into the literary spotlight following the official launch of Her Story of Strength, a moving short-story anthology showcasing the courage, survival and lived experiences of local women. The book was launched at Melton Rose Library, marking the culmination of the Her Voice Project, a community-driven writing initiative that turned local libraries, including Sir Lowry’s Pass Library, into vibrant hubs of literacy, creative healing and empowerment. Conceptualised and led by community writer Magrietha “Rita” Swanepoel, the Her Voice Project was established to give a platform to women, particularly those from disadvantaged communities that have faced adversity, violence, poverty and loss, to record their personal narratives, many for the very first time. Supported by funding from the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), Swanepoel facilitated a series of hands-on literary development workshops at Sir Lowry’s Pass Library and surrounding facilities. Initial sessions saw 24 women step forward to participate in the rigorous writing programme. Guided through the narrative process, participants learnt to transform personal memories into structured short stories,
The writers group (behind from left) are Andrea Ockhuis, Susan Ockhuis, Faylon Booysen, Christelle Pretorius, Sandra Kotzé, Amy Adams, Carin Burger, Shireen Martin, Marichen Ockhuis, Marzanne Ockhuis, Rita Swanepoel and Surene Esterhuizen. Front: Johanna Martin, Margy Isaacs, Elaine Johnson, Eveline Fluks, Lea Coetzee, Johanna Benjamen and Chrisie Hugo.
developing character arcs, building tension and expressing deep emotion. Through multiple rounds of editing, mentoring and rewriting – assisted by key figures Surene Esterhuizen and Stefaans Coetzee – the writers persevered through emotional challenges to refine their craft. The resulting anthology features 21 powerful short stories reflecting resilience and healing. For the women of Sir Lowry’s Pass the local library served as far more than a house for books; it provided a safe, welcoming environment where aspiring authors could gather, write and support one another. This community-first model reflects the vision of René Walker, area head for the City of Cape Town’s Library and Infor-
mation Services, who actively supported the Her Voice Project by connecting locals with the initiative and ensuring participating libraries were fully accessible for the workshops. Walker’s approach builds on her Lighthouse philosophy, an evolution of her earlier “Raise a Village” initiative, which positions every public library as a trusted beacon of knowledge, belonging and opportunity within its neighbourhood. “The Her Voice Project demonstrates what happens when passion, funding and community support meet,” a project statement read, praising the collaboration between Swanepoel’s vision, NAC funding, municipal support and the dedicated library spaces that welcomed the writers.
19 Augustus 2026
ADVERTENSIE ADVERTISEMENT
Distrikspos
7
8
Distrikspos
19 Augustus 2026
ALGEMEEN GENERAL
Women beating cancer lauded More than 500 women gathered in Strand for a celebration of sisterhood, courage and community on Sunday 9 August, with the Boland Islamic Council Women’s League (BICWL) hosting its Vintage Women’s Day High Tea for Cancer. The event transformed the hall of Dr GJ Joubert Primary School into an elegant vintage wonderland, bringing 520 guests across 51 uniquely decorated tables together. Beyond the tea sets, lace and vintage fashion, the afternoon carried a deeply meaningful mission: to stand in solidarity against cancer and raising vital support for local beneficiaries and survivors. One of the most emotional highlights of the afternoon was the Survivor Walk, a tribute to women who had overcome cancer, those currently undergoing treatment and the memory of loved ones lost to the disease. “When women stand together they can create change,” said Sumaya Gabier, chairperson and coordinator of the BICWL. “When communities unite lives can be touched and when we choose hope over
The women participated in a vintage modelling show.
fear we become a light for others.” The event served as a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a human story of perseverance, requiring both emotional and practical community backing. Proceeds and resources raised from the event will be distributed among five NPOs providing critical services across the region: hospice, Check/Know/Prevent, ROTO, Real Sisters and Stellenbosch Cancer Survivors. Organisers emphasised that the scale of the gathering was made possible through strong grassroots support and business sponsorships across the Helderberg and Boland. Key sponsors included MACSAND, Helderberg Build & Save (Strand), Astron Energy, Superphotos (Somerset Mall) and Garlic Man, along with individual patrons Yasmin and Ghaleel Arnold, Kareema Baard and several anonymous donors. The success of this year’s event reaffirmed the BICWL’s commitment to ongoing health advocacy, survivor support and community outreach, proving solidarity and hope remain powerful tools in the fight against cancer.
Maranatha-sopkombuis vier Erijaville-moeders se opofferings Veertig moeders van Erijaville in Strand is die afgelope Sondag (17 Augustus) by ’n spesiale viering deur die Maranatha-sopkombuis vereer. Die vrouegeleentheid het by die Volkskerk Die Strand op die hoek van Derdestraat en Onverwachtpad in Rusthof plaasgevind. Die oudste moeder teenwoordig was Millie de Waal. Mary-Ann Williams het ’n Bybelwoord gebring, wat die vroue gemotiveer het om hul plekke in die gemeenskap vol te staan. Sy het verwys na die feit dat vroue in die gebied noodgedwonge leiers word omdat hulle verskeie rolle moet vervul. Dit gebeur wanneer enkelma’s teen wil en dank as beide moeder én vader moet optree en oumas hul kleinkinders grootmaak wanneer die ouers nie meer daar is nie. Katy Arendse, die bestuurder van die Maranatha-sopkombuis, het haar dankbaarheid aan die NG-gemeente Suiderstrand uitgespreek, wat pakkies geskenk het, die Volkskerk wat die geleentheid gehuisves het en Patricia Mkili, wat die middagete voorberei het.
Diary | Dagboek WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST Somerset West: HELDERBERG HOSPICE holds its annual meeting at 12:00. This year’s meeting will be held virtually, allowing those attending to join from the comfort of their own homes. To receive the link for virtual attendance, send an email to eventsteam@helderberghospice.org.za. Somerset West: The REACH FOR RECOVERY breast-cancer support group invites residents of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch to a free talk by the breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Liana Roodt on the latest developments in breast surgery. The talk will be held in the Learning and Development Room at Mediclinic Vergelegen at 09:30 for 10:00. Anyone with an interest in breast health is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call 082 357 0497 for enquiries. MAANDAG 24 AUGUSTUS Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS (CAD) nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het, na ’n byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Moedergemeente op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat, Strand. Vir navrae, bel Gerrie by 073 336 3119, of Werner by 082 826 0972. SATURDAY 29 AUGUST Somerset West: ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Andries Pretorius Street holds a book sale from 09:00 to 12:00. Browse a great selection of good reads, enjoy lovely eats and take advantage of the on-site car wash. All proceeds go towards the church’s feeding programme.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Proud owners of Herrenknecht AVN 800/1000/1200/1350 microtunnelling machines paired with Bauer and Schauenburg Separation Technology.
REGISTERED MEMBERS OF:
SCAN ME
labour Department: Labour REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NM10069768-DP190826
DINSDAG 1 SEPTEMBER SOMERSET-WES: Die HELDERBERG-SENIOR KLUB kom by die NG gemeente Helderberg in Firmountweg bymekaar. Die oggend begin om 09:00 met tee en verversings, waarna die samesang en program om 09:30 volg. Tee kos lede R10,
What do you get when you combine five courses of Durban-inspired curry with one of South Africa’s most entertaining comedians? An evening that promises to be considerably spicier than your average night out. VERGELEGEN turns up the heat on FRIDAY 21 and SATURDAY 22 August, welcoming Durban comedian Mo Vawda for curry, comedy and conviviality. Vawda is a multi-talented comedian, actor, filmmaker, scriptwriter, presenter and academic at UKZN with a PhD in statistics. For his visit to Firehorse, however, his brief is simple: make people laugh, while acclaimed chef Michelle Barry and her team ensure no appetite is disappointed. Both evenings run from 18:30 to 21:30 at the Firehorse temporary restaurant on the Somerset West estate. Tickets cost R795 per person, including a five-course Durban curry-inspired dinner and live entertainment. Book your place online at https://vergelegen.co.za/events/.
besoekers R20. Die program is ’n musiekoggend getiteld “Lentebederf uit Stellenbosch”, aangebied deur Lian Bell en musiekvriende. Alle afgetredenes word genooi. Vir navrae, bel Apolonia Maritz by 021 853 7560 of 082 507 7091. VRYDAG 5 SEPTEMBER Somerset-Wes: Die GLORIA BOTHA-SKOOL vir kinders met verstandelike beperkings pronk met ’n onvergeetlike “Back to the 80s”-geleentheid wat om 19:00 by die Strand-stadsaal plaasvind. Die aand beloof vermaak in lewende lywe met opwindende energie, wat besoekers sal meevoer na ’n tyd van neonkleure, “boogie”-kief en nostalgiese treffers. Gaste word aangemoedig om hul eie piekniekmandjie saam te bring – die perfekte manier om tyd met vriende en familie te geniet. Kaartjies kos R200 en kan vooraf bespreek word. Belangstellendes kan uitsien na ’n heerlike aand van nostalgie, musiek en gemeenskapsgees.
ADVERTENSIE ADVERTISEMENT
19 Augustus 2026
Distrikspos
9
Why Fenestra?
On My Mind by William Meyer Making Sense Of Your Cents Inves!ng Overseas The Importance Of Diversifying Your Por�olio * Extraordinary Profits From Ordinary Shares * Winning Stock Market Strategies *
G
eopoli"cal risks and massive market vola"lity are factors investors need to contend with. At "mes like this the importance of planning carefully and considering offshore opportuni"es and idiosyncra"c shares is clear. It is cri"cal for investors to have an interna"onal strategy. Adding an off- shore equity/currency component to a South African por�olio reduces the risk of vola"lity of the overall por�olio. If any one currency or country enters a bear market, an investor will be protected by a diversified por�olio. The best countries to invest in have fewer government regula"ons and interference, less government ownership, fewer trade unions, lower taxes and no foreign exchange controls. A though�ul alloca"on of capital that results in an ambivalent a&tude towards poli"cal risks and currency moves is another way to avoid catastrophe. Idiosyncra"c growth stocks are an important building block in achieving this goal. The profitability of these companies is driven by their own fundamentals, rather than macro-economic condi"ons, like the USChina trade war.
At Fenestra we tailor client’s por�olios according to their individual needs. And the service is close and personal. Clients will never have to talk to a computer. We consistently steer our clients away from risky investments and toward great companies. In the process we have protected clients from the worst calami"es, e.g. Steinhoff and African Bank. Since incep"on in 1992 Fenestra has regularly outperformed the market, as measured by the All Share Index. In 2018, another good example, Fenestra did not buy or hold any of the worst 20 performing stocks, poin"ng to a significant out-performance of the market. We are very suspicious, paranoid and focussed, with 10 to 12 well researched shares in a por�olio. We invest in companies with great track records, honest management, strong balance sheets and great future prospects. If you are not happy with your por�olio performance or would like a second opinion, please do not hesitate to contact Fenestra for a free, independent, ob$ec"ve ad confiden"al review of your por�olio. Protect your wealth. Op"mise your returns. Contact Fenestra now! William Meyer 079 624 4031
Our Mission Fenestra strives to be a great South African and Interna"onal specialist investment group. We are driven by a passion for outstanding performance and an unwavering commitment to our philosophies and core values. “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings, The inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” Winston Churchill We all find some of the ‘faces’ of capitalism unacceptable. At Fenestra we strive to change what we can. Our clients use their success to set up legacies for the greater good. We need to remember we are custodians and stewards of our wealth and we must act wisely. I also love Apple CEO Tim Cook’s words in the latest Apple results: “We’re always searching across a world of possibili�es, finding those places where we can do the most good.” We are grateful. Apple helped us find the Fenestra mo!o for 2025. Focus Fenestra limits its a!en"on to about 50 outstanding companies but will invest in no more than 10 of them. This restricts the por�olio to only five or six outstanding performers. It is a style of investment advocated by the world’s most famous investor, Warren Buffet, of whom CEO William Meyer is an avowed disciple. Criteria The criteria for investments are simple but top of the list is honesty of management. Other key investment criteria include an established profit history, a growing market with growing margins, strong cash genera"on ability and some blue-sky poten"al. It is also preferable if the managers are very significant shareholders. Performance Since incep"on in 1990 Fenestra Asset Management has regularly outperformed the market (as measured by the ALSI).
THE BOTTOM LINE Fenestra doesn’t invest clients’ money in generic por�olios. Rather investment por�olios are custom made. We listen to our clients, find out exactly what their investment ob$ec"ves are and design por�olios accordingly. William Meyer CEO NM10069468-DP190826
10
Distrikspos
ADVERTENSIE ADVERTISEMENT
19 Augustus 2026
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS-IN-AID FUNDING 2026/2027: COMMUNITY, ARTS AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Community, Arts and Culture Development Department of the City of Cape Town, hereby invites applications for funding from registered organisations to submit proposals to implement Substance Abuse Prevention Programmes, Gender Programmes and Early Childhood Caregiver Training within vulnerable communities across the City of Cape Town for the 2026/2027 financial year. The purpose of this call is to identify and fund evidence-based preventative interventions that mitigate the risk and enhance protective factors. Programme will only be considered if they fit into the following categories: Substance Abuse Prevention Programmes The programme must target one of the following: • Prevention programmes aimed at children between 6 – 12 years old • Prevention programmes aimed at adolescents between 10 – 19 years old • Family-based prevention programmes targeting caregivers aged 18 years and older with children between ages 10 – 17 years old. Programmes must be preventative in nature and may not focus solely on treatment or aftercare. Programmes should be implemented over a period, allowing for regular and consistent engagement, as evidence shows this is more effective in supporting meaningful and lasting behaviour change. Interventions must be age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and contextually relevant. Desired outcomes 2026/27 Proposals should focus on alignment to prevention science principles as guided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) All proposed programmes must demonstrate alignment with UNODC prevention principles, including: • Focus on risk and protective factors. • Use of evidence-informed and developmentally appropriate approaches. • Emphasis on skills-building, positive behaviour modelling, and social competence. • Inclusion of family strengthening and community cohesion where applicable. • Avoidance of fear-based, punitive, or once-off awareness approaches. Please note: An amount of R2 000 000 is available for allocation. Applicants must be realistic when drafting proposals. Not all applicants will receive funding and the City may decide not to fund entire proposals. Projects must commence within two months from receipt of funds and completed within six months after disbursement of the funding. Gender Programmes The programme must target one of the following: • Prevention programmes aimed at families targeting parents/caregivers aged 18 years and older children aged 10- 17 years old • Prevention programmes aimed at young boys aged 13 – 17 years old • Prevention programmes aimed at young girls aged 13 – 17 years old Programmes must be preventative in nature. Programmes should be implemented over a period, allowing for regular and consistent engagement, as evidence shows this is more effective in supporting meaningful and lasting behaviour change. Interventions must be age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and contextually relevant. Desired outcomes 2026/27 Proposals should focus on alignment to prevention principles All proposed programmes must demonstrate alignment to the following prevention principles: • Focus on risk and protective factors. • Apply a gender transformative approach. • Promotion gender equality. • Address the root causes and drivers of GBV, including harmful social and gender norms. • Strengthen individual, family, and community-level protective factors. • Be evidence-based and informed by best practice. Please note: An amount of R1 000 000 is available for allocation. Applicants must be realistic when drafting proposals. Not all applicants will receive funding and the City may decide not to fund entire proposals. Projects must commence within two months from receipt of funds and completed within six months after disbursement of the funding. Early Childhood Caregiver Programme Proposals should focus on skills development of parents/caregivers of children (2–5 years) that outline A comprehensive home-based learning programme for children aged 2-6 years with daily and weekly activity plans • Phase 1: Ages 2–3 (Foundation) • Phase 2: Ages 4–5 (Growth) Programme to include: • Age-appropriate modules that caregivers can implement at home, and • Provide a toolkit with resources to support daily learning and development activities. • Caregiver guide with step-by-step instructions. • Printable and digital materials (flashcards, storybooks, charts, activity sheets). • Monitoring and progress tracking tools for caregivers, and progress of caregivers • Focus on caregiver-child bonding and family participation. • Ensure alignment with national ECD frameworks and best practice standards. • Integrate outcomes across cognitive, language, motor, socio-emotional, creativity, and life skills domains Please note: An amount of R2 000 000 is available for allocation. Applicants must be realistic when drafting proposals. Not all applicants will receive funding and the City may decide not to fund entire proposals. Projects must commence within two months from receipt of funds and completed within six months after disbursement of the funding Application requirements Proposals for grants-in-aid must be made in writing on an official application form (available from all Subcouncil offices, the Research and Programme Development Branch and online on www.capetown.gov.za/grants-in-aid). Project proposals must align with the strategic aims of the City and include a clear and realistic budget. When preparing their budget, applicants should take note of the Grants-in-Aid Policy, which is available from the City’s website (above) or on request. Applicants are required to register with the Central Supplier Database: https://secure.csd.gov.za/Account/Register. Applicants will also need to register on the City’s Supply Chain Management Database before submitting their application: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/Business-and-trade/Register-as-a-supplier Both registration numbers are required on the grants-in-aid application form. Applicants should be registered as a non-profit organisation (i.e. NPO, NGO, section 21, trust, etc.). Please take care to read the application form thoroughly and supply ALL supporting documents listed: • A1 application form, duly signed and initialled on each page • A2 Business and project plan, duly signed and initialled on each page • Audited financial statement (for requests over R100 000) or • Independently reviewed financial statement (for funding between R50 001 and R100 000) or • Income and expenditure statement for its previous financial year as tabled at its annual general meeting (AGM), signed by the chairperson or another authorised member of the organisation together with a copy of the minutes of the relevant AGM (for funding requests under R50 000) • AGM minutes (not older than 18 months), which should reflect the decision to apply for the City’s funding. If the AGM minutes does not reflect such decision, the minutes of the meeting where this decision was taken or a letter signed by all members of the board indicating agreement thereto needs to accompany the application • Registration certificate (e.g. NPO certificate) • Organisation’s constitution or articles of incorporation • Municipal rates account (paid up to date) or • An affidavit confirming the organisation does not have a municipal account • A valid tax compliance status certificate • A zero-rated VAT invoice with the amount applied for if VAT registered • Certified copies of IDs of committee members and/or responsible officials • Proof of bank account Please deliver the completed application, with supporting documentation, to the Research and Programme Development Branch, 13th Floor, Civic Centre, Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town (Attention Siphokazi Dyani) or Public.Participation@capetown.gov.za. The closing date for applications is on the 14 September 2026 at 12:00. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. All applications for grant-in-aid funding will be assessed in accordance with the Grants-in-Aid Policy and must conform to the Municipal Financial Management Act, Act 56 of 2003. Please contact Anrich Ras 021 427 7063 for further information. LUNGELO MBANDAZAYO CITY MANAGER CTA185/2026
19 Augustus 2026
ADVERTENSIE ADVERTISEMENT
Distrikspos
11
12
Distrikspos
19 Augustus 2026
SKOLE SCHOOLS
Buco Somerset West Interschools 2026 Somerset Primary and Gordons Bay Primary
NM10070166-DP190826
Young athletes from Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay Primary School line up as the BUCO Winter Interschools gets under way. Pictured (behind, from left) are captains Zaarah Meyer (SWPS girls’ hockey), Bryan Benjamin (SWPS boys’ hockey), Prince-Will Nwobi (SWPS coding and robotics), Allysa Eckhard (SWPS chess), Neala Petersen and Kenzo de Morney (SWPS art), Taylon van Wyk (SWPS cross country), Madison Steyn and Jordan Jones (GB cross country), Layla Hare (GB girls’ hockey), Eunjun Nam (GB boys’ hockey), Emma Martin (GB chess and art) and Aydin Buckus (GB coding and robotics and art). Seated: SWPS rugby captain Mikaeel Jaggers and netball captain Kristy-Grace Willemse, SWPS principal Kobus van Schalkwyk, Bertus Malan from BUCO Somerset West, GB principal Nelitha Botha, GB netball captain Rochen Marshall and rugby captain Scott Jones. Photo: Jamey Gordon
BUCO Winter Interschools kicks off
The BUCO Winter Interschools, a week-long festival of sport and activities, kicked off at Somerset West Primary School (SWPS) on Monday (17 August) and runs through to Saturday 22 August. Now in its third year of BUCO Somerset West sponsorship, the event brings together learners from Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Mikro primary schools for a programme that goes well beyond the traditional rugby and netball fields. The week opened on Monday with
coding and robotics in the school hall, where Grade 2s and 3s tackled unplugged stations, Grade 4s and 5s got hands-on with building challenges, and Grade 6s and 7s designed and debugged Scratch games. Chess followed on Tuesday in the library, while an art presentation organised by Moyo and presented by Jo Shepherd took place in the Sport and Culture Centre. Cross country rounds out the midweek fixtures on Thursday. Friday is hockey day, with fixtures spanning under-7 through under-13 boys and girls across the astro and mini-astro,
building to the marquee under-13A clashes in the late afternoon. The festival culminates on Saturday with a full morning of mini-rugby, rugby and netball, featuring age-group fixtures from 08:30 and the traditional introduction of under-13A teams and singing of school songs at 12:15 ahead of the headline matches. SWPS principal Kobus van Schalkwyk encouraged every participant to be a true ambassador for their school. “Let them play in the spirit of good sportsmanship and with gratitude towards our Heavenly
Father, for the privilege to participate,” he implored. Van Schalkwyk also expressed gratitude to Bertus Malan of BUCO for sponsoring the event for a second consecutive year, and thanked staff members Koos Reyneke, Dean Williams and the broader SWPS team for their preparations. “There is potential in every child, and with this day Somerset West Primary strives to develop that potential,” Van Schalkwyk said. “Enjoy the week with us and watch our children enjoy being children.”
Helderberg/Strand
TYRES • SHOCKS • BATTERIES • VEHICLE SERVICES
287 Main Road, Strand 021 853 8195 | 021 853 1210 ONE WEEK ONLY!
FREE PUNCTURE REPAIR HEEL ALIGNMENT, WHEN YOU PURCHASE A W ING PACKAGE ROTATION AND BALANC
R450
GREAT IN STORE
SPECIALS
, SHOCKS, S E R Y T N O AND BATTERIES PAIRS. N RE SUSPENSIO
NM10070006-DP190826
SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
19 Augustus 2026
Distrikspos
13
Buco Somerset West Interschools 2026 Somerset Primary and Gordons Bay Primary
NM10070167-DP190826
Ready for interschools challenge Coding and robotics captains Prince-Will Nwobi (Somerset West Primary) and Aydin Buckus (Gordon’s Bay Primary) are geared up for the tech challenges that opened this year’s Buco Winter Interschools at SWPS on Monday 17 August.
MAKING ALL THE RIGHT MOVES — SWPS chess captain Allysa Eckhard and GB chess captain Emma Martin squared off ahead of Tuesday’s board battles at the Buco Winter Interschools. Photos: Jamey Gordon
Gordon’s Bay Primary School’s Madison Steyn and Jordan Jones and SWPS’s Taylon van Wyk had their sights set on the cross-country course as the Buco Winter Interschools hits its stride.
STICK-ING TO THEIR GUNS: Hockey captains Layla Hare (GB) and Zaarah Meyer (SWPS) mean business ahead of Friday’s under-13A showdown.
COOL HEADS, HOT STICKS: Gordon’s Bay Primary’s hockey captains Eunjun Nam and Layla Hare and SWPS hockey captains Zaarah Meyer and Bryan Benjamin face off before Friday’s headline clashes at the Buco Winter Interschools.
BOYS ON A MISSION: GB’s Eunjun Nam and Summies’ Bryan Benjamin gear up for Friday’s astro turf battles.
Get the best in blinds and shutters!
Thermowood shutters will not chip, crack or warp
Moisture and fire resistant and easy to clean
Shutters for excellent control of light, noise and temperature
The perfect finishing touch to decor
SOMERSET WEST
PAARL
FRANSCHHOEK
PICTURE PERFECT: Summies art captains Neala Petersen and Kenzo de Morney, alongside Gordon’s Bay Primary School’s Emma Martin and Aydin Buckus, painted a bright future ahead of Tuesday’s art showcase.
Safe and secure with trendy decorative Shutterguard
Custom-built in our factory with the highest structural intergrity Stellenbosch Blindsand Shutters enhances your decor, safety and lifestyle with quality blinds and shutters. Our exciting range includes: wooden and aluminium Venetians; natural bamboo or wooden roll-up blinds; vertical blinds, meterial roller blinds; Thermowood shutters; Hurricane shutters and Shutterguard. All our shutters can be installed indoors or outdoors. Get the best value for your money. Phone us for a free quote at your premises
OVERBERG COAST
Irna van Wyk Cell: 082 5722 740 (Irna) 082 452 5072 (Paul) Email: info@stellenboschblinds.co.za www.stellenboschblinds.co.za NM10069765-DP190826
STEPPING UP AND SHAKING HANDS: Rugby captains Mikaeel Jaggers (SWPS) and Scott Jones (GB) set the tone of sportsmanship before Saturday’s big under-13A clash.
SHOOTING FOR GLORY: Netball captains KristyGrace Willemse (SWPS) and Rochen Marshall (Gordon’s Bay) take aim ahead of Saturday’s big clashes at the Buco Winter Interschools.
14
Distrikspos
19 Augustus 2026
GEKLASSIFISEERD CLASSIFIEDS
&-"-*),(+ ! #(,(%*(0$"( "(..$+%('$.%+ ! /(..$+%('$.%+
)!0!(6 *&' 5%' %&"* 23 #2+ -10-$( ,( .(-1/((!4 FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED HUISVERBETERINGS BUITE
DEATH NOTICES 1005
*..1-0/ $ %"'2*,*..1-0/ 3.)2('-!# !.))2*!-"+# "03 -03&('*-"+ !.0'*"!'.*(
,J1N= 6G.AL.6L-9 '(:;= AL.A9.FAF/ !E1D(D:; ?B ):1 JN$B 0JN< ,1:N;@N %@>&0JN2 #JD(N+ "JH):1< 81(:N; @N; *)1(0H(@N2 !): +1:C E5 (N !J":10:H I:0H @N; CJ1&:; @H K:1+:$:+:N '@(1B 8J1 JD:1 GA B:@10 @N; $@H:1 @H #J"?@1;( 8JJ;02 M)@N& BJE 8J1 H): 0E55J1H ;E1(N+ 8EN:1@$ 4JN 67.A932 )*#,,!,#'!&+(#%,'"$
9% '? @%9 =??#< =%6=??#L@! #J,; =??#< =??# =%>,L=< <;?=A ',A,!% 9,;%=>=??#L@! !:;;%=< + #,*L,< =??# *J%,@ + >,L@; >,L@;L@! L@;%=L?= + %8;%=L?=
ELECTRICAL & DIGITAL 1625
Collector buys all collector items Old Tools, Military Items, Toys, Cameras, Old Coins, Old Watches, Bank Notes, Stamps, Car Badges, Cash paid. WhatsApp me photos. Mack 072 286 4473 GENERAL & HOME SERVICES
1807
)*!,,,,!%'#+("$,""&
MISCELLANEOUS
/2-32,!2,1
1","12 300,* &*<*&' (!!<9 9#$($"& &*6'9 %,88@, 4@//,1 7+? )-A +)-A
=,; :8. 8;,. 46"<<75;)83%6-&2/9$<. *! (<$1 '07!!0# '07&+"
)+&##&$%$$'3.$&#($(
!( !( ()$##$#"&&%*'#"#&!&
1675
*A' 8">
=;1 ::= =:29 48 (7<% &"# '/)"/3+< *%, ...-5!/<60-$/->%
)*#,,$$'%%&+("",!"$
$";%#&
"$#% &'')
&"('#!%$ 6,-9;.= -7) 1<3>;+< =5, +-7 3<9= 57 !%!(%4 8$ !*20%4 (/#"&%42 *228'#*0#8:
I9 +IE,6/5.4,:< ()6L C94/)6 C54+ @I9 2)+6- /H9L54,6/.IL7)6- @94+:)6@H9,4LH9)- 14L/7), 6LH@@- .4,),- )L/?
Dated at SOMERSET WEST on 12 AUGUST 2026
DALENE KUHN ATTORNEYS 2 St George Street Somerset west 7130 Tel: +27218010174 Email: dalene@dattorneys.co.za
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
#0. "D.G7&. 52"0.3-G502 )02G-)G NDK7 >-..C 02 *&44( B$F MM$ FB1B ;&4( BE/ $$I I$BH ;&4( BE/ $OE $MIF
1872
5/.043./ %//' !40& (&01/%' ")*/ &0+2$ $2/ -&%$ $0,/'
All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Western Cape at Cape Town, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice.
NM10070059-DP190826
PAINTING
WANTED TO BUY
3601
28YR OLD Cosmas Maluwah is looking for garden, landscaping, or any general work. Honest & hardworking. 075 044 6171
3670
0 *=B5;2B@58 0 0 $8/B2>> 0 9,1:@., 0 0 <,32@1 0
DSTV/TV/DVD SERVICES
WANTED
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
1845
FOR SALE
EMPLOYMENT
1836
"!
*$(% )(#" *('&!$%
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T 6257/2000 passed by PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN in favour of NOSANDILE ANGELINA SIPENDU Identity Number 521010 0994 08 6 Unmarried in respect of ERF 19416 STRAND CITY OF CAPE TOWN, STELLENBOSCH DIVISION PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN CAPE IN EXTENT 165 (ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER T 6257/2000 which has been lost or destroyed.
)*%""%"#!%&+("#"'$'
MY NAAM is Adam van Platteland Piketberg 'n Christelike jongman en ek drink en rook nie. Baie eerlik en betroubaar en ek is dringend opsoek na inslaap huisskoonmaakwerk. My WhatsApp nommer is 063 329 7773 of 065 519 1475. Kontabare verwysing Keith Goodwill 082 558 3262 of 083 980 6558. GENERAL 3680
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer No T 19770/2001 passed by REGARDO COCHIUS OOSTHUIZEN, Identity Number 610920 5036 08 3, Married out of community of property, in favour of PETER BERNHARD. Born on 26 April 1947, Married, which marriage is governed by the Law of Switzerland, in respect of ERF 10648 SOMERSET WEST, In the City of Cape Town, Stellenbosch Division, Western Cape Province, which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge such objection in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at Foreshore Place, 2 Riebeeck Street, Cape Town CBD, within two weeks from the date of publication of this notice. H E U N I S L AW, 1 H a a r h o f S t r e e t , B e n e , Somerset West, 7130 Tel: 021 851 1555 email: lesley@heunislawgroup.co.za
BD= KDK 03FJ )*#,,#,!&'%+(#',$"&
TRANSPORT & STORAGE 1870
"!)0 2 +)-.0'',-/!* '0)$,10 .-) !** #-%) .%)/,&%)0 )0(-$!*'
"0!+)1 /!$-&%'!.&*,'%3$,/!0!+)(2,(#! ",),' (&+ %.2),'.0 %%%-1.$'+!*)/(+'-1(-#! )*!,,'"!$#%+(,!,&-$
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T 46965/2013 passed by CITY OF CAPE TOWN in favour of THANDEKA GALADA Identity Number 720926 1054 08 4 Unmarried in respect of ERF 15037 NYANGA CITY OF CAPE TOWN, CAPE DIVISION PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN CAPE IN EXTENT 82 (EIGHTY TWO) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER T 46965/2013 All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Western Cape at Cape Town, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at CAPE TOWN on 31 July 2026
DALENE KUHN ATTORNEYS 2 St George Street Somerset west 7130 Tel: +27218010174 Email: dalene@dattorneys.co.za NM10070060-DP190826
NM10069867-DP190826
(A,6 .1C;)@ ,A41.=;.B1C +;, ; ?;5;:56 /7. ; "151)?):- '@1.B ;:3 ; %.A)C ;:3 >1- !A41.?),7.2 #7,)C)7: .10A).1, !*# 1941.)1:51 ;:3 C+1 ;8)@)C6 C7 <7.B ,+)/C,2 #@1;,1 1=;)@ '> ;:3 5746 7/ $& C7 &%!/'!#.)+*$#$"(!",+ +')!#,&%*(!#,&"$
The Farmhouse Somerset West Looking for waiter /waitresses. Please send 2 page CV to info @thefarmhouse.co.za
NOTICE In the estate of the late VERA OLGA HARTDAVIES, Identity Number 350118 0203 188 of Unit S12, Helderberg Village, Bakkerskloof Road, Somerset West, 7130 who died on 29 December 2025 (Estate No 006874/2026). Creditor and debtors are hereby requested to lodge their claims and pay outstanding accounts within a period of 30 (thirty) days from 21 AUGUST 2026. Du Plessis & Hofmeyr Inc Helderberg Law Chambers 208 Main Road Somerset West (Attorneys of the Estate) Ref: Kotze van Wyk
FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T 32685/2012 passed by PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN CAPE in favour of SARAH NTOMBOHLOBO NTSHOLO Identity Number 600910 0930 08 5 Unmarried in respect of ERF 19566 STRAND CITY OF CAPE TOWN, STELLENBOSCH DIVISION PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN CAPE IN EXTENT 165 (ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER T 32685/2012 which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Western Cape at Cape Town, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at CAPE TOWN on 5 August 2026
DALENE KUHN ATTORNEYS 2 St George Street Somerset west 7130 Tel: +27218010174 Email: dalene@dattorneys.co.za NM10069521-DP190826
NOTICE In the estate of the late MANDY HART-DAVIES, Identity Number 670506 0697 180 of Unit S12, Helderberg Village, Bakkerskloof Road, Somerset West, 7130 who died on 15 December 2025 (Estate No 006879/2026).
!7I,) AI,G.
FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Creditor and debtors are hereby requested to lodge their claims and pay outstanding accounts within a period of 30 (thirty) days from 21 AUGUST 2026. Du Plessis & Hofmeyr Inc Helderberg Law Chambers 208 Main Road Somerset West (Attorneys of the Estate) Ref: Kotze van Wyk
NM10070064-DP190826
FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer TE5206/1992 passed by The Administrator of the Cape of Good Hope in favour of NOLINDILE BUKAZA Identity Number 580116 0880 08 0 Unmarried in respect of ERF 41429 KHAYELITSHA CITY OF CAPE TOWN, CAPE DIVISION PROVINCE OF THE WESTERN CAPE IN EXTENT 161 (ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER TE5206/1992 which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Western Cape at Cape Town, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at CAPE TOWN on 5 August 2026
DALENE KUHN ATTORNEYS 2 St George Street Somerset west 7130 Tel: +27218010174 Email: dalene@dattorneys.co.za NM10069518-DP190826
NM10070062-DP190826
SPORT
19 Augustus 2026
Distrikspos
15
Final push yields victory for Berge Myneve Swartland Helderberg produced a remarkable second-half comeback to edge UCT 24-26 in a thrilling encounter at the Green Mile on Saturday (15 August). In their final match of a stellar Super League A season Berge endured a difficult opening stanza, struggling to find their rhythm as the home team took control. The Ikeys opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Meyer Prinsloo crossed the line, with Alex Vermeulen adding the extras (7-0). The hosts extended their advantage five minutes later when Vermeulen calmly slotted a penalty (10-0). Helderberg finally got on the scoreboard just before the break, Darren Hendricks succeeding with penalty to reduce the deficit (HT: 10-3). Whatever was said in the Helderberg changing room during the break clearly had an impact, as the visitors returned with renewed determination. Five minutes after the restart, Liam Tattersall scored the visitors’ opening try, breathing new life into the comeback (10-8). In the 58th minute Junior Fortuin crossed for Helderberg’s second try to put them firmly back in contention (10-13). Two minutes later Michael Visser slotted a penalty to extend the lead (10-16). The Ikeys responded in the
63rd minute when Steph van der Merwe scored their second try, with Vermeulen adding the extras (17-16). But Berge refused to surrender. Fortuin struck again in the 65th minute for his second try of the afternoon, with Visser converting to keep the scoreboard ticking over (17-23) A FITTING REWARD The match descended into a frantic final quarter. UCT’s James Kobrowisky scored in the 68th minute, and Vermeulen converted to put UCT back in front and set up a tense finish (24-23). With six minutes remaining Helderberg were awarded another penalty and Visser stepped up under pressure to put the kick through the posts to seal the deal (24-26.) UCT had one final opportunity in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Vermeulen’s attempt went wide, bringing the contest to a dramatic end. The result was a fitting reward for a side that refused to give up when the odds appeared to be against them. From a slow start to a thrilling finish, Berge’s second-half performance demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of the team and a fitting end to their campaign. Meanwhile, it was a weekend of high drama in Super League B (SLB), with All Saints suffering
Helderberg Rugby Club played their final match of the 2029 Super League A season against UCT Ikeys at the weekend.
a bitter blow as they dropped to ninth position on the standings. Falling just outside the vital topeight, All Saints have officially been relegated to Super League C for next season. Conversely, Hamlets secured their spot in the top eight, marking themselves safe for 2027, thanks to a helpful result from Vineyards. All eyes now turn to Macassar RFC, whose postponed clash against CPUT stands as the lone remaining fixture of the SLB schedule. While Collegians have already celebrated as the newly crowned SLB champions, the MC Boys’ rescheduled match will bring the curtain down on the league season.
Helderberg’s Darren Hendricks strikes the ball cleanly downfield, launching a towering kick to clear his lines under intense pressure. Photo: Adre Knipe
Helderberg teams impress at tough J-Bay nationals
The Helderberg Junior Rugby teams celebrating a successful tournament debut.
Young rugby stars dominate In what organisers are calling a “fairytale debut”, the newly formed partnership between Helderberg Rugby Club and Mr Accuracy Rugby Academy delivered a near-perfect performance last Monday (10 August), sweeping top honours at the Morningstar Junior 7-a-side tournament. Fielding 40 young players across four squads, the junior teams dominated both age divisions, with both top teams going undefeated throughout the tournament to lift trophies. The newly formed pipeline enjoyed immediate success against tough regional competition, capturing two overall titles and a third-place finish. The Helderberg under-13 side put on a masterclass of high-tempo sevens rugby, sweeping through the tournament without a single loss to secure first place and take home the gold. The under-11 first team similarly outplayed the field with an undefeated run to claim the division crown. Adding to the podium sweep, the under-11 second team fought through a competitive field to claim third place overall, bringing home bronze. The triumphant outing comes just weeks after the official rollout of the joint initiative, which was created to bridge grassroots schools’ sport with
Torrential rain, heavy swells and punishing winds could not deter Helderberg’s top inflatable powerboat crews as they battled extreme ocean conditions at round three of the National Inflatable Power Boat Championship in Jeffreys Bay on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August. After arriving early to calm, picturesque conditions on Thursday 6 August, teams were met with a drastic weather shift by Saturday morning. Towering surf and strong winds forced a two-hour safety delay before the surf racing heats could launch. Sunday delivered even harsher weather, with relentless driving rain and severe gusts from early morning as competitors lined up for the gruelling 90 km long-haul race through heavy swells. Despite the punishing environment, local teams made an impressive impact in both the Stock and Modified divisions. In the S11 Stock class, Yamaha-powered Mako, pilot Dylan Bamberger and
co-pilot Carien Engelbrecht won first place in the surf racing and third place in 90 km long-haul, finishing third overall in the Stock Class national championship. In the M11 Modified class, Yamahapowered Mako, pilot Marc Gleed and co-pilot Abdul Benjamin finished in eighth place in the surf racing and third place in the 90 km long-haul. In M32 Modified class, Yamaha-powered ATC, pilot Rico Meyer and co-pilot Wynand de Wet finished seventh in the surf racing and sixth in the 90 km longhaul. In the S3 Stock class, Tohatsu-powered Legacy, pilot Nikki du Bois and co-pilot Ruan Louw finished seventh in the surf racing and 10th in the 90 km long-haul. The impressive showing by Bamberger and Engelbrecht in the S11 craft capped off a thrilling weekend, securing a podium finish for the local contingent at one of the season’s most challenging venues.
Thor Pillay in action for the local team.
club rugby development (“Structure for youth rugby bridging,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 12 August). Programme manager and academy founding member Rutger Boshoff praised the players and coaches for turning preparations into silverware. “Bringing home two trophies and a third-place finish in our very first official tournament is a testament to the tactical preparation of coaches Martin and Leon Smith,” he said. “The intensity and skill these boys displayed was simply incredible.”
Pilot Marc Gleed and co-pilot Abdul Benjamin catch serious air in their Yamaha-powered Mako (M11) as they launch over heavy swells during the Modified class racing in Jeffreys Bay.
SPORT Woensdag, 19 Augustus 2026
Nominated for ‘crown’ Paddling her way to the top
Jamey Gordon
H
elderberg surfski world champion Kira Bester has been nominated as Sportswoman of the Year for canoeing at the 19th edition of the South African Sport Awards (SASA), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announced last Wednesday (12 August). Under this year’s theme, “Crowned by Greatness” the nomination caps a year in which the Gordon’s Bay-raised paddler defended her world title in home waters, a victory forged in grief as much as in glory. Bester clinched her second successive ICF Canoe Ocean Racing world crown in Durban in October last year, crossing the line in 2:22:46, 23 seconds clear of New Zealand’s Danielle Richards. As she finished the 34 km race, she pointed to her ORKA cap and then to the sky as a tribute to her coach and mentor, Pete Cole, who died last July. She is nominated alongside cricket star Laura Wolvaardt and middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso. “It honestly is a huge honour. When I first heard about the nomination there was a bit of disbelief because one looks at the names of the other women in the category and what they have achieved in their sports, and it is humbling to be included alongside them. “It also means a lot to me because paddling, and particularly surfski, doesn’t always get the same attention as some of the bigger sporting codes. We have incredible paddlers in this
country and a strong paddling community, so this is bigger than just me.” Asked which single performance best defined her “greatness” in 2025, she pointed to the world championships in Durban. “Not necessarily because it was the perfect race, but because of everything that went into getting to that start line. The year 2025 was an incredibly emotional year for me, especially after losing my coach and mentor, Cole. He was so much more than a coach to me. Winning a second world title, at home with all that emotion behind it, meant more to me than I can really put into words.” Bester’s 2025 season was a clean sweep across three oceans – winner of the the Freedom Paddle in Cape Town in April, the Euro Challenge in Spain in May, the Hong Kong Dragon Race in November, the Perth Doctor and overall WA Shaw and Partners Race Week in Australia, the Cape Point Challenge in December and current SA Ocean Racing Champion. She also won the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup in Villajoyosa, Spain, and in Réunion. “You can’t be at your absolute peak every week of the year, so it’s about planning your training around the important races and trusting the work you’ve done. Mostly, I kept coming back to why I enjoy paddling. When you’re enjoying what you’re doing the hard training becomes a little easier.” Has she reached the summit? “Definitely a higher gear, but not there yet! I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but I’m not finished. Winning makes me more curious about how much better
From Helderberg waters to national recognition: Surfski world champion Kira Bester is nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year award at the 19th South African Sport Awards. Photo: Chris Hitchcock
“JUST TRY IT. FIND A CLUB, FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN TEACH YOU SAFELY AND GET ONTO THE WATER.” I can become.” Bester also competes in marathon racing and lifesaving alongside surfski. “Surfski is my main focus. I do marathon racing as race simulation and lifesaving brings a team environment I really enjoy. I’m excited to compete in the Lifesaving World Championships in Port Elizabeth later this year.” If she wins the prestigious title of Sportswoman of the Year this Saturday (23 August), what would that mean for paddling in South Africa. “It would be massive. South Africa has such a rich history in canoeing and surfski. We consistently produce athletes who compete with the best in the world, but the sport doesn’t
always receive mainstream recognition. If a young girl sees a paddler on that stage and thinks, ‘Maybe I could do that, that would be pretty special.’” Her advice to newcomers? “Just try it. Find a club, find someone who can teach you safely and get onto the water. Paddling has given me so much more than medals – friendships, travel and so much about myself. You might swim more than you paddle at first, but that’s part of the fun.” Bester has coached for three years and is establishing an online training school. “Five years from now? I’d like to think you’ll still find me in the ocean doing what I love or on a start line close to water
somewhere.” Asked what people wouldn’t see from the results, she said: “There is more emotion behind the results than people realise. They see a name, a position and a time; they don’t see the early mornings, the bad sessions, the self-doubt or the difficult things away from racing. “Last year, taught me that more than any other year. Success isn’t just about standing on the top step of a podium. It’s about the people with whom you share the journey, how you respond when things become difficult and still finding joy in what you’re doing. “Behind all the results I’m still just Kira. I love paddling, I love being on the water and I’m very lucky that something I love doing has taken me to places I never imagined it would.”