DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette – E-Edition – 1 April 2026
Su home tevreden unknown searched bing community to inj dent fami
Die Strand-gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum (GPF) het die afgelope Donderdag(26 Maart) in huleerste veldtogteen geslagsgeweld(GBG)saamgestaan om hierdie probleem in Morkel’sCottage en AllanBoesak Villagetebekamp. Die veldtogisinvennootskap met die Strand-polisiekantoor gehou.GPF-lede, lede van verskeie veiligheidsmaatskappye en die Gemeenskapslede in Blou het saam met polisieledeenslagofferondersteuningskamer-vrywilligers deelgeneem.Die deelnemers het 250 pamflette oor gesinsgeweld versprei. Hulle het ook diepgaande gesprekkemet gemeenskapslede gevoer.Lillian Albertyn, die waarnemende voorsittervan die Strand GPF,het verduidelik die veldtogwas nodig weensdie hoë volume gesinsgeweld in al twee gebiede.Die GPF beplan ommaandeliks soortgelyke veldtogteinverskeie Strand-gebiede as deel vanhul verpligte bewustheidsprogramme aan te bied.
DieStrand-GPFvoorsitterLillian Albertyn(waarnemend), kapt Crispian Meyeren die stasiebevelvoerder,kol. Jaqui Johnson, vorder saam in diegemeenskap se stryd teen geslagsgeweld
Raad vir misdaad
DieStrand-polisie en die gemeenskap het verlede Woensdag (25 Maart) tydens ’n imbizo by die Rusthof Primêre Skool saamgestaan teen bendegeweld en alkoholmisbruik, wat die gebied teister
Dievergadering is gehoumet die doel om die voorkomingvan geweld in die gemeenskaptebespreek en oplossings te vind.
Tydens die imbizo is dit uitgelig dat sektor 1verantwoordelik is vir die meeste misdade in die polisiegebied.Hierdie sektor sluit in Broadlands Park, Gustrouw, Southfork, Casablanca en Rusthof Casablanca en Rusthofisveral kommerwekkend geïdentifiseer –weens dwelms en bendegeweld.
Dit volg op ’n bendeverwante steekvoorval in Maart, wat een slagoffer geëis het en twee anderhospitaal toegestuur het –as gevolg van ’n beweerde bendegeveg in Casablanca (“Drie met messe gesteek”, DistriksPos en Helderberg Gazette, 18 Maart).
Die Strand-polisie het die gemeenskap en veiligheidsorganisasies bedank virhul bystand wat tot die inhegtenisneming van twee verdagtes geleihet. Die polisie het belowe om voort te gaan om werk te maak van bendeprobleme in al die betrokke woonbuurte.
Die polisie het ook die oorsakevan misdaad in die gebied uitgewys, waaronder onwettigealkoholverkope, dwelms, gevaarlike wapens en onwettigevuurwapens.
Hierdie probleme spruit voort uit bendeaktiwiteite, insluitend die werwing van jeugdiges en die wegsteek van dwelms in huise. Die vergadering het ook alkoholmisbruik as die hoofbron van hierdie probleme uitgewys.
Die polisie takel ook kontakmisdaad deur die probleem van dronkenskap ter plaatse uit te lig, aangesien ’n dronk slag-
Strand-polisiekantoor bespreek misdaadgenerators metdie gemeenskap tydens die imbizo.
offer nie ’n verklaring aan beamptes kan gee nie.
Tekortkominge in die regstelsel en gemeenskapsonstabiliteit is as verdere uitdagings uitgewys.
Om hierdie probleme die hoof te bied,is verskeie oplossings tydens dievergadering voorgelê. Dit sluit in ’n oproep om die provinsiale Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling en die maatskaplike ontwikkelingsorganisasie, Badisa, te betrek ’n Voorstel vir’nwerksessie oor ouervaardigheid is ook ingedien om in diegemeenskap te help herstel “wat gebreek is”
Die gemeenskap het die belangrikheid van beter kommunikasie beklemtoon. Om dit baas te raak, is ’n omvattendekontaklys aan die gemeenskap verskaf,sowel as radio’s vir buurtwagvoorsitters virvinniger toegang totdie polisiekantoor.
Die gemeenskap kandie volgende nommers gebruik:
•Kolonel Jaqui Johnson, stasiebevelvoerder vir gemeenskapsprobleme: 082 469 2574; •Luitenant-kolonel Noxolo Patience Rulwa vir alle sigbare polisiëringskwessies: 082 778 7341; •skofbevelvoerder: 082 850 9628; en •speurders: 082 469 3359.
More than
50 drivers on thehook
Apublictransport driver wasarrested in Grabouw last Thursday (26 March) forpossession of fraudulent documentationwhiletransporting five passengers, as part of intensified provincial traffic enforcement that netted63arrests across theWestern Cape Provincial Traffic Services’ week-long operation, timed for end-of-monthtraffic and theEaster long weekend build-up, saw more than 31 000 vehicles stopped with 51 arrestsfor driving under the influence. The Grabouw incident leftfive passengers stranded and highlighted ongoing publictransportsafety concerns. Other serious incidents included a minibus taxi driverarrested for drunk driving near Brackenfellwhiletransporting 14 work-bound passengers, and ataxi driver whoallegedly struck apedestrian in Knysna before fleeing thescene. Isaac Sileku, provincial minister for Mobility,expressed concern about driver behaviour. “The behaviour we are seeing from drivers whoinjure pedestrians and fleethe scene, to the51individuals arrested fordriving under theinfluence, is exactly what our Easter Road Safety Plan is aimed at addressing,” he said Tragically, 26 crashes claimed 30 livesduring theweek,with pedestrians accounting for19fatalities. Amajor R45 crash between Hopefieldand Langebaan Way killedfivepeople
The operation also resultedin7 544 fines fordriver andvehiclefitness offences, 20 impounded vehicles, and148 vehicles removed forsafetydefects. Speed violations included 165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on theN1near Beaufort West
Officials urged residentsand visitorsto theprovince to drive soberand remain patient to ensure safe travel during the upcoming holiday period.
Kol. Jaqui Johnson vandie
Warminghearts at Sencit
The 2026 edition of theCSV ConstructionLegacy Day proved to be an incredible, heartwarming successasbusinesses from across theHelderbergand beyond onceagain made ameaningful impact in the community.
Led by Annes van Geems,the CSV Construction team andtheirpartners dedicated this year’s initiative to Sencit Resthaven Home for the Aged in Rusthof, in which residentswere treated to aday filled with joy, laughter and connection. The atmosphere was vibrant as residents participated in afun-filled bingo session, with winners receiving prizes and plenty of excitement shared all around.
Braai fires burnt high throughout the day, bringing together residents, staff, sponsors and visitors to enjoy adelicious meal in awarm and welcomingenvironment. The celebration was further uplifted by live music from Gert Zandberg, creating afestive and memorable experience for everyone present.
In the spirit of Easter each residentalso received aspecial Easter gift,addinga personal touch to the day. The occasion was made even more special as Sencit proudly celebrated its 50th birthday.
Ahighlight of the day wasthe official handover of anewly-built library at the family. CSV Construction built andinstalled sturdy bookshelves, whichwere generouslyfilled with donated books fromthe community. The cosy reading corner now gives residents access to awide range of reading material, offering both enjoyment anddaily mental stimulation
“This project wasabout more than just giving” said Van Geems, “it was aboutcreating something lasting for the residents. The day’s success would not have been possible withoutthe generous support of the sponsors.
“Special thanks areextended toAlvino
de Morney of IthubaIndustries, Inus du Plessis of Coastal Hire Somerset West, Mike HallofC&B Filtration,Tommy Mullerof Talisman Hire Blackheath, Fiona Johnson of BellEquipment, Leo Schwemmer of Yellow Metal Solutions and Johnny van derBerg ofForm-Scaff, along withtheir respectiveteams for theircontributions andpresence.
“A special word of appreciation is also extended to the DistrictMail &Helderberg
Gazette team, whoformed part of the day and played an important role in helping to sharethe initiative with the public, particularly in encouraging book donations for the library.”
Annesvan GeemsofCVS Construction with 96-yearoldAnnie Gordon, the oldest resident of Sencit Resthaven, during the ribbon-cutting ceremonyat the newlyinstalledlibrary. Photos:BarendWilliams
Participants of thecharity daywith residents andstaff of Sencit ResthaveninRusthof,Strand
Thelma Matthee (left) andHazel Malherbewereall smiles as theyreceivedtheirspecialEaster gifts.
Erika Cullen, one of the residents, eagerlyawaiting theopening of the newlibrary,which coincided with thehome’s 50 anniversarycelebrations.
Nicolaas Jacobs (left) breaking it down with one of the day’sparticipants. Photo: Tasmin Cupido
rkers en polisiehonde ebied metondersteuning dighede aan die leerders estop, te laat valenterol, uidelikhet.Veiligheidsgveiligheidswenkegedeel en ed het die dagondersteun etus Bemarking),Tamara rum) en LenwaboGani (Vetus
trisk’
with Roos denying dural wrongdoings thatthe State’s case ws, includingclaims mentand improper the case is the bery attempt where sedofofferingCity ungelo Mbandazayo (“City managerenrictMail &Helderberg 1March).The incident facontrolledoperahe City’s Ethicsand epartment working
gRoos’s arreston arch, the City termintracts with Triple C eand Services, which in road maintenance, andstormwater
ter was postponed to 25 Marchtoallow the spond to the State’s idavit.The matter tponed to Wednesfor bail judgement
Off-dutypublic order policeofficers acting on atip-off about drugs being transported from KZNtoCapeTown intercepted apassenger bus in Somerset West on Thursday26March. When theysearchedthe luggageof35-year-old woman, theydiscovered 6500 synthetic Cathinone tablets worth about R520 000.The suspect wasarrested and appeared in court on drugdealing chargeson Monday30March.
Outisme in die Helderberg-reeks dieHelderberg-reeks
Barend Williams
Van Strand tot Somersetleef gesinne met’nr wat baie nie ten volle staan nie –die lewe outisme.
DistriksPos en Hel derbergGazette sal in April–Outisme-bewustheidsmaand –hierdie gesinne en families se stories vanuitdaging,hoop en triomf vertel
Maar om werklik te verstaan wat hierdie mense ervaar, moet onseers verstaan wat outisme is
WATISOUTISME?
Ziyanda Runu-Giyama, ’n maatskaplike werk-koördineerder virOutisme Wes-Kaap (AWC), verduidelik outisme is ’n lewenslange ontwikkelingsgestremdheidwat die manier waarop mense die wêreld ervaar, beïnvloed.
“Dit raak hoe iemand op stimuli soos klank, lig, aanraking, ruimte, reuk en smaak in hul omgewing reageer,” sê sy.
“Outisme staan ook bekend as’n sosialekommunikasiever en beïnvloed vier hoofafd ontwikkeling –taal en gedrag en denke, sosiale sensoriese verwerking.”
AWCis’norganisasie soogmerk wat meera met outisme in die Wes Hul doel is om ’n same watindividue met outisme insluit.
“Outisme is deel van is,” beklemtoon Runu outisme weg te neem, weg te neem. Die vlak ningsbehoeftes wissel mens en geen twee mense is dieselfde nie.”
DIE OUTISMESPEK
Hierdie verskillend steuningsbehoeftes vorm wat bekend staan as outismespektrum –d vlakke, wat die intensite van ondersteuning aand wat só iemand benodig.
VROEË WAARSKUWINGSTEKENS
Tekens van outisme kan reeds van driejarige ouderdom af herken word. Runu-Giyama het die volgende
eëwaarskuwingstekuitgelig, watopdie moontlike behoefte aan professionele evaluering dui:
•Maak nieoogkontak nie, glimlag nie terug wanneer geglimlagwordnie, reik nie uit om opgetel te wordnie en speel nie met ander nie.
•Reageer nie op hul naam nie, gebruik nie gebare soos waai of wys nie, maak nie geluide om aandag te trek nie en vranie vir hulp nie.
•Volg nievoorwerpe visueel nie en boots nie bewegings of gesigsuitdrukkingsnanie.
Vir Rahkeenah Peters van Strand was hierdie tekens aanvanklik nie duidelik nie. Sy erken sy was heeltemal onbewus vanhierdie tekens totdat dit haar werklikheid gewordhet toe outisme opdriejarigeouderdom by haar dogter, Yas
Foto’s:BarendWilliams
wysdepartement bied verskillende vlakke vanondersteuning aan leerders op die outismespektrum, maar toegang bly ingewikkeld
Sommige ouers, soos dié van Reece hardveg vir hul kind onderwys. Ander, hanteer tans die skoolplasing vir haar
EN ONAFHANKLIKHEID met outisme grootword, onafhanklikheid langrik. In die Helbewys families dat dit is.
Sandy (19) is ’n voorbeeld. Sy ma, Pekeur-Sandy, het ’n liefdadigheidsorganisasie ter ere van hom gestig nie, maar ook ’n heid,“Be My Voice Cookie at aTime,” in.
GEMEENSKAPSONDERSTEUNING
Die sleutel tot suklê in gemeenskapndersteuning. Organisasies soos AWC, Be My Voice One Cookie at aTime, en die Autism Parents Support Group maak ’n werklike verskil.
Vandag (Woensdag2April), ter ere vanWêreld Outisme-dag en Joshua se verjaardag, pak sy organisasie 2000 koekies om bewus-
theidenvriendelikheid te versprei. Die Autism ParentsSupport Group, gestig deur Rahkeenah, bied ’n belangrike ondersteuningsnetwerk aan. Saterdag 25 April hou hulle ’n spesiale dag vir families.
PROVINSIALEONDERSTEUNING
Die Helderberg is deel van ’n groter provinsiale poging. Die Wes-Kaapse departement maatskaplike ontwikkeling het R60 miljoen toegeken aan maatskaplike dienste vir mense met gestremdhede, insluitend outisme.
“Gedurende Outisme-bewustheidsmaand moedig ons mense aan om bereid te wees om te luister en opgevoed te word,”sêMonique Mortlock-Malgas, departementele woordvoerder.
UITDAGINGSBLY
Ten spyte van hierdie ondersteuning, bly daar uitdagings. AWC rapporteer dat families in die Helderberg sukkel met skooltoegang en verhoogde armoede omdat ouers nie kan werknie. Wanopvattings –soos dat outisme beteken iemand is “stadig” of dat dit “geneesbaar” is –vererger hierdie uitdagings.
Maar families oorkom hierdie struikelblokke danksymekaar en gemeenskapsondersteuning.
Waar om hulp te kry
DieAutism Parents Support Group se lede (van links) Lana Newman, MeganMeyer,Rahkeenah Peters, AqeelaBeckett, Mymoena FanieenSoraya Canterburyhelp anderouers verstaan watoutisme behels.
Kanker,been keer haar nie
JameyGordon
Met ’n glimlag wat haar gesig verlig en ’n geestigheid wat haar ouderdom trotseer, sit die 18-jarige Kaylin Stellenberg van Strand gemaklikendeel wysheid met ’n kalmte watmerkwaardigisvir iemand wat nog só jonk is “’nMens moet nooit opgeeas iets in jou pad komnie –eniets sal altyd in jou padkom, soos ek wat ’n dokter wou word maar nou met skool sukkel. ’n Mens gaan nooit reguit by ’n bestemming uitkom nie; jy gaan altyd sukkelomdaaruit te kom–dit is wat ek geleer het,” sê Kaylin met ’n oortuiging wat uit diep ervaring spruit
Hierdie tiener se lewe het verlede jaar ’n dramatiese wendinggeneemtoe aggressiewe beenkanker haargedwinghet om ’n keuse te maak watgeenkind ooit behoort te maak nie
Dit het alles begin met ’n val wat aanvanklik onbenullig gelyk het.Kaylin se pa,Ishann Stoffels, verduidelik hoe die situasie ontwikkel het: “Syhet gevalentoe die heletyd oorhaar beengekla.”
Die kankeroorlewende is ewig dankbaar vir die onwrikbare ondersteuning vanfamilie insluitend
Toedie pyn en swelling erger raak, is die gesin hospitaal toe waar dokters beginvermoedhet dit is kanker –’nmoontlikheid wat die familie aanvanklik geweierhet om te glo. Op 28 Februarie verlede jaar hetdie diagnose gekom –beenkanker, watreeds na haarlonge versprei het. “Dit was baie moeilik, maarmet my familie se steun het allesveilig verloop,” vertel Kaylinhoe sy die lewensveranderende nuus hanteer het.
MOEILIK
Die stryd teen kanker het onmiddellik metchemoterapie begin, watmaande geduurhet. “Dit was moeilik, maar toe my liggaamdaaraangewoondgeraak het, was ek nie meer siek nie,” beskryf Kaylin haar chemo-ervaring
Ironies genoeg was die ergste aspekvir haar nie die kanker self nie, maar die verlies vanhaar hare. “Die ergste was toemy hare uitgeval het. Virjongmense is hare mos belangrik.”
Die hoop dat behandeling die kankersou uitwis, het later verdwyn.“Hulle het gesê hulle moet die been laat gaan,wantopdie skandering was dit nie kleiner nie –dit was groter as wat hulle gedinkhet,” verduidelik Kaylin die verwoestende nuus.
Hoewel diechemogewerk vir die kanker in haar longe het, was die primêre tumor in haar been onbehandelbaar.Die keuse was eenvoudig –haar been of haar lewe.
Diebehandeling het wel sy tol geëis–chemoterapie het 20% vanhaar hartfunksie geraak; ’n permanente herinnering aan haar oorlewingsreis.
Vandag praatKaylin metverrassende aanvaarding oor haar amputasie. “Ek sê vir my ma ek wil nie meer die been hê nie. Ek is fine,” sê sy opreg.
“Dit was erg in die begin, maar nouis
Die18-jarigeKaylinStellenbergvan Broadlands Villagegeniet gewone tieneraktiwiteite met ’n nuwe waardering virdie lewe.Jamie-LeeCharles help haar op die swaai by die woonbuurt se speelpark.
ek gemaklik.Ekiseintlik bly hulle het dit laat gaan. As ek dit gehou het,sou dit eerder teruggekom het.”
Hoewelsypraktiese uitdagings het –sy kannie ver loop nie en sukkel soms met beweging –het sy merkwaardige vrede gevind. “Soms die hop, natuurlik,” erken sy met’nglimlag die fisieke beperkings.
Die tiener is nou in graad 9, nadat hospitaalbehandeling haar die meestevan verlede jaar uit die klaskamer gehou het Maar, die akademiese agterstand sit geen demper op haar lewenslus nie.
Later hierdie maandgaan Kaylin vir haar finale meting vir ’n kunsbeen. “Ons moetdrie metingshêvoordathulle die been kan gee. Ek gaan vir opleiding voordat hulle die kunsbeen kan pas,”verduidelik sy die proses.
Interessant genoeg het sy, tenspytevan haar liefde vir dans, nog nie gedink aan wat sy weer met twee bene sal wil doen nie –’nteken van hoevolledig sy haar huidige situasie aanvaar het.
Ishann beskryf die reis as alles behalwe maklik:“Dis glad nie maklik nie. Maar wat kanons doen? Onsmoetsaam met haar
’n GeesdriftigeKaylin Stellenberg,die baken vanhoop en bewyshoe ’n mens se gees sterker as enigefisiekeuitdaging kanwees. Foto’s: JameyGordon
staan. Ons moes sterk wees vir haar. Ons konnie breek nie, want dan breek sy ook.” Sy bewondering vir sy dogter se moed is onmiskenbaar: “Ek sê vir haar sy is baie sterk. Ek weet nie of ek so sterk sou gewees het om te sê ‘dis fine, laat die been gaan’ nie. Sy is baie sterk –eknoem haar my soldaat.”
Kaylin se boodskap aan ander wat soortgelykeuitdagings trotseer, komuit die hart:“Moenie opgee nie. As jy val, leer om op te staan. Moenie in die donkertesit en voel niksgaan regkom nie. Glo in Goden onthou jou familie is alles. Die Here sit iets in jou pad wat Hy weet jy kanhanteer.” Ishann glo daar was ’n dieper doel in hierdie beproewing: “Alles gebeur met ’n rede. Die Here sal nie iets op jou pad sit as dit te groot is vir jou om te dra nie.” Hy onthou Kaylin was voor haar siekte rusteloos en sê hierdie ervaring het haar miskien die rus en fokus gegee wat sy nodig gehad het
Jamie-Lee Charles en IshannStoffels.
Ready forher London run
Barend Williams
Raine Scott Anderson hasexceeded her fundraising target forcancer research ahead of her London Marathon tribute to her mother.
The SomersetWest resident has spent eightmonths trainingwhile raising £2 921 (R66598) for neuroendocrine tumour research for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF),exceeding her £2 500 target.
The 24-year-old made the decision last August despite never runningmore than 4km, but her motivation was deeply personal (“Novice to take on marathon”,
vember last year my mumwent to an oncologistspecialising in neuroendocrine cancer,and after ascanwas told she was cancer-free,” Scott Anderson related.
Traininghasn’t been without its challenges for her. “It’sbeen aroller-coaster. Iwentthrougha dip in January when I was struggling to find motivation. The slump wasbrief after joining the SomersetWestRun Crew and completinga 10 km race on Saturday 8March.”
Themarathonhas become afamily endeavour,with her father cycling alongside her on training runs andher mother preparingpost-run meals. “It’sbecome one whole-group effort to make sure I survive,”Nicci declared.
21 April for the marathon on Sunday 26 April. “I just want to soak it all in, becauseI’vebeen training since August last year. I’m notgoingtorace through this marathon andmiss it all.”
True to her roots, Scott Andersonis excited about where South Africans traditionallyhandout boerewors rolls to competitors. “If yousee me stuck at a certain point just know I’m munching on some boerewors rolls.”
To donate, visit https://events.wcrf.org/ fundraisers/rainescottanderson Follow herjourney on Instagram@rainescottt or TikTok @rainescottt
Raine ScottAnderson has exceeded herfundraising target forthe 2026 London Marathon and now plans to focus on enjoying the experience.
Honouringgrandparents
Principal Rosslyn Arendserolledout the red carpet forguests at Play WayPre-primarySchool’s Grandparents DaycelebrationonFriday 27 March. Theevent,heldatthe preschool in MonteVista Crescent,Helderzicht,SomersetWest,featureda specialaddress by WarrantOfficerSuzan Jantjiesof the Somerset West police. Thecelebration proveda huge success, thankstogenerous support from local sponsors. Panarottis SomersetMall, Tallahassee Spur and Somerset West policecontributed to the event,whilecommunitymember Britta Belz delighted the children with Easter
Photos:JameyGordon
LocalawardedCitybursary
Twenty-one-year-old Kaitlin vander Bijl from Somerset West was among 30 youths whose academic dreams became reality through the City of Cape Town’s external financial-support bursary programme.
The law student said she was “very excited and grateful”aboutthis life-changing opportunity, which would allowher to complete her degree.
“What Ilove mostabout the fieldI’m pursuing is that I’llbeable to work with people in making adifference by figuring outhow systemsworkand how they can be used to benefit those thatneed helpthe most,” she related
Van der Bijl was partofacarefully-selected group of 30 awardrecipients who successfully competed through a rigorous process evaluating academic results, interview performance and alignment with the City’s strategic workforce plans.
Theprogramme targets critical skills shortages by supporting studies in high-demand fields,including engineering,geo informatics, project management, architecture, data science, occupational therapy,marine science, supply chain management, psychology, GIS and technology, and law.
“Our vision is to create life-changing opportunities for young residents who will be the dynamicleaders we will need in our city one day,” said Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee member for CorporateServices.
“They will be the much-needed qualifiedprofessionals of the future in Cape Town.”
The bursaries havereached young people fromdiverse communities across the metro.
Nineteen-year-oldAyabonga Mbinyashe fromKraaifontein,who is pursuing studies in statistics and data sciences at UCT, calledreceiving this
award “a dream come true”, one that lifted the heavy burden of funding concerns.
Similarly, 19-year-old Mihle Manana from Strandfontein said the bursary “meant agreat deal because someone was investing in her,”motivating her pursuit of aBachelor of Applied Science degree with distinction.
Recipientshail from areas such as Kraaifontein, Strandfontein, Athlone, Atlantis, Khayelitsha, Somerset West, Pinelands and Milnerton, among others.
These strategic investments directly address skills gaps identified by various City directorates, including Energy, Spatial Planning and Environment, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements and Corporate Services. Formoreinformation about scarce skills priorities, visit the Scarce Skills List at www.capetown.gov.za
Lawstudent Kaitlin vander Bijl pictured with TheresaUys (left) andNonzuzoNtubane.
CityofCape Town bursaryrecipients celebratewith their proud parents after securing funding fortheir academicfutures, with families from Somerset West to Kraaifontein sharing in this life-changing moment that will breakbarriersand create newopportunities.
treats.
Caroland Joseph Hartzenbergbeamwith pride as the grandparents of five-year-oldRiley Benjaminat thespecial celebration.
SETTINGTHE BENCHMARK IN EXCELLENCE Rola Toyota Somerset West
The Helderberg Pool Union (HPU) and Pool4Change officially launchedthe Macassar Schools’8-Ball Pool League at False Bay Primary School last Thursday (26 March).
The initiative marks asignificant shiftfor cue sports in the region.Bymoving the game frominformal settings into structured classroom environments, organisers aim to providea“safe haven” forlocal talent,protecting youth fromthe threatsof drugs, alcohol and gangsterism
Theproject hasgained substantial institutional backing, earning official recognition from the Department of Basic Education as aformalextra-mural sports code.
Adiel Rhoda,HPU spokesperson, openedthe ceremony. “This is about creatingasafespace wherethe youth of Macassar and Firgrove can developtheir skills and excel without the risks of negative exposure,” he told those in attendance.
Neville Davids of the South African Confederation of Cue Sport (SACCS) addressed historical misconceptionssurrounding
pool. For decades,the sporthas beenassociated with pubs By bringingthe sport into schools, Davids explained, “opportunities arelimitless,” providing asecureplatformthat keeps children off thestreets through constructive competition.
Desmond Engelbrecht, principal of False Bay Primary, expressedpride in hisschool being chosen as the league hub. He noted that hostingpool tables in the school hall benefits both learnersand the broader community.
Pool4Change representatives Ritha Naidoo and Abdul KhalikSaville highlighted that the launch forms part of anational movement, withFalse Bay Primary now amongthe elite schools leading cue sports development in South Africa.
DrEdgarSmith of the MacassarSports Board expressed optimism about pool’s future as asportingcodeinMacassar andcongratulated organisers for investing in local youth.
Stuart Hainsworth of Boys NightProjects NPCmadea crucial commitment during theevent, pledging to sponsor learners who qualifyfor national
Abdul Khalik Saville(Pool4Change), Desmond Engelbrecht(FalseBay Primary principal) andAdiel Rhoda (HelderbergPool Union) cut the ribbon to symbolisethe official opening.
championships once the league begins. This ensures financial barriers won’t prevent local talent fromreaching the sport’s highest levels. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,officially launching anew era for Macassar’s young athletes
Helderberg,Macassarfall short at finalAma20 hurdle
It was aweekend of high stakes and tough lessons for local cricket as both Helderberg and Macassar cricket clubs lost their championship finals.
Despite individual brilliance and disciplined bowlingperformances, the pressureofthe chase provedtoo much for both local teams at Newlands Cricket Grounds.
In the First Division CAma20 final, Helderberg CC facedastrongsidefrom BergvlietCC. After winningthe toss and electing to bat,Bergvliet posteda challenging 168/7 in their 20 overs.
The score could’ve been much higher, but DexterHindley delivered a death bowling masterclass.Finishing withexcellent figures of 3/29, he broke Bergvliet’s momentum.
Hindley was well supported by Gregan Mouers (2/26) and WaqaarJosephs (1/28), whose economical spells kept Helderberg CC in thetitle race.
Their reply started with intent, but they soon struggled against disciplined Bergvliet CC fielding. Junaid Sylvester and Blaze Roos provided hope with
composed inningsof28runs apiece,but the batting order struggled to maintain rhythm. Helderberg CC finishedon120/7 after20overs falling 48 runs short.
Meanwhile, Macassar CC also lost theirFirst Division DAma20 final, losing by 31 runs to Montrose CC
Aftersending Montrose in to bat, the Macassar bowlers showed excellentdisciplinetorestrict them to amanageable 133/8.
FaizKippieled the attack with aclinical2/15 from four overs. He found good support from DevonKriel (1/11) and EbrahimSalie (1/14), both maintaining economy ratesunder four runs per over
The chasebeganpromisinglyasPieter Samuels anchored the innings with a steady 40 from 38 balls.
WhenRowayneSinden added aggression with aquick-fire 20 from 15 deliveries, acomebackseemed possible.
However,momentumshifted when Montrose’s Robin Pretorius (3/16) tore through themiddle order, ending Macassar’s title hopesasthey stalled at 102/9.
SomersetWest and BoxerrunnerKylaJacobs(right) crossedthe line in thirdplace at the SPAR Grand Prix race’s Cape Town leginGreen Point on Sunday(29 March).The race waswon by TaylaKavanagh (centre)ofHollywood Athletics Club in atime of 31:33, followed by defending champion and Boxer athlete GlenroseXabainsecond (31:38, left). Third-placed Jacobs,a mom of aone-year-olddaughter (also pictured) clocked atime of 32:16,with the topseven womenall dipping under 34 minutes in the pacy race.After pickingupastressfracturein2023 Jacobs had to undergo surgery andthentook a breakfromcompetitiveathleticsfor the birth of her first child, born in Februarylastyear. Shereturned to action late last season andwas delighted to proveshe wasback at her best following theweekend’s result. “I’m happytobeback on the podium herewith anew personalbest,”she said afterthe race.“It shows I’m moving in the right direction. Istillhavebig plansfor the rest of the year,but Spar is always afun event to be part of,soit’sgreat to be back racing with the girls.”
TheMacassar Schools’ 8-BallPool League officially opened at FalseBay Primary on Thursday26March.Pictured aresome of the delegatesinattendance. Photos:Yaseen Gaffar
SPORT
Woensdag,1 April2026
Successfulyouthtourney
The local football scene reached afever pitch thispast weekend as the secondannual De Beers AFC Champions Cup took place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March.
Whathas quickly become a premier fixture on the youth sporting calendarsaw 50 teams andover 900 players compete in an impressive display of talent, discipline andcommunity spirit.
Thetournament drew close to 2000 spectators andfeatured four age divisions –under-12, under-14, under-16 andunder-18 –providing aplatform for the region’srising stars.
The format was designed to test teams to their limits. Starting with arigorous round-robin
De Beers AFCChampions Cup
groupstage, thecompetition movedintoaknockout format with teams battlingthrough the round-of-16 and quarter-finals within two days
To ensure every team had something to play for, thetournament was split into Cup and Platesections. Winners received trophies and medals, while the Cup champions walked away with new team kits.
Individual excellence was recognised withGolden Glove andGolden Boot awardsfor top players.
In the under-12division, Sunningdale CityFCclaimed theCup after defeating Stellenbosch FC, while hostsDeBeers 1took the Plate.
Theunder-14category saw EaglesPerformance Academy soar to victory over FuegoAcademy for the Cup, withHoly Cross securing thePlatesection.
The under-16division saw Stellenbosch FC liftthe trophy against Central AFC, while De Beers 2earned Platehonours.
In thepremier under-18 division, Nomenti FC dominated by defeating VeronAcademy for the Cup, withHoly Cross FC adding thePlatetotheir collection. Organisers hailed thesecond edition as a“massivesuccess,” noting significant growthinboth player participation and spectator turnout compared to theinaugural event
Said Junaid Roopnarain, chairperson of De Beers Junior AFC: “I’mvery happy and proud of theorganising team who worked tirelessly to makethe tournament agreat weekend of football. It has become amust enter event.We’re inviting many other teams for the 2027 version, withmore exciting things to come. We’re also looking for amajor sponsor.”
OkhleWaliofthe De Beers under-18B team is tackledbyaplayerofHolyCross. Photos: PeterBee
