DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette – E-Edition – 22 April 2026

Dredgingcausing as

Yaseen Gaffar andJameyGordon

Residents in Somerset West and Strand have raised the alarmover the “hazardous” aftermath of canal-dredgingoperations in theirneighbourhoods.

While the projects were intended to mitigate flooding, locals claim the remaining pilesofrotting vegetation and silt have turnedtheir streets into a health hazard and security risk.

The complaints centre on two primary locations:the Melcksloot in Helderzicht and Boundary RoadinStrand

Residents report that while the canals themselves are being cleared,the dredged material – amix of reeds,organic matter and silt – is being lefttorot on the banks, giving risetoa foul stench and attracting pests.

Responding to these concerns,Zahid Badroodien,MayoralCommittee member for Water and Sanitation,clarified that the projects are in progress with afinal completiondate set for Tuesday 30 June.

The primary objectiveofthe work is to “restore thehydrauliccapacity of the system to improve stormwater conveyance and reduce the riskofflooding,” Badroodien explained.

Regardingthe piles of debriscurrently lining the streetsinStrandand banksof the canal in Somerset West, he saidthe placement was anecessarypart of the process.

“Material needs to have an acceptable moisture contentbefore being disposed of at alandfillsite,”Badroodien said. “Where material is temporarilyplaced on siteitforms part of aphased projectimplementation approach and ismanaged accordingly.”

MATERIAL NEEDSTOHAVEAN ACCEPTABLE MOISTURE CONTENT BEFOREBEING DISPOSED OF AT ALANDFILL...

The delay in removingthe stockpiles has sparked more thanjust complaints aboutodours.InStrand, residents along Boundary Road have noted thatthe debris blocks pavement access andcreates potentialconcealment areas forcriminal elements.

InHelderzicht residents have notonly bemoaned the eyesore andsafety risk posed by the heapeddebris, but have also voiced serious concerns aboutthe inadequate cleaning of the Melcksloot

The poor maintenance hasresulted in ineffectivestormwater drainage,with insufficientremovalofreeds andovergrowntrees stillblocking the natural flow.

Additionally, residents question the reliabilityofthe contracted worker, who is allegedlynot consistently present on-site toconductthe required work.

Furthermore, residents are particularlyfrustrated with acement canal section of the Melcksloot thatremainsuncleaned and containsstagnant, green-tinged water suggesting possible contamination.

Despite these matters being raised with councilpreviously,residents claim their concerns have been ignored with no visible improvements made.

Badroodien assured residents the removal of these stockpiles arepart of the activescope of work, which willeventually restorevisibility andaccessibility

Asked specificallyabout the concrete canalwith stagnant water and waste materials that had been left uncleaned

Firstrainfallcauses floodinginLwandle

Yaseen Gaffar

Thefirst significantautumn rains arrived with force overthe weekend, delivering an estimated 50mm to 60mm of rainfall across the Helderberg basin betweenFriday andTuesday morning.

Whilethe bulk of the region’sinfrastructuremanagedthe deluge,informal settlements bore the bruntofthe cold fronts.The most severe impact was felt in an informal settlements in Lwandle, adjacenttothe local policestation.

Ward 86 councillor XolaniDiniso reported thathundredsofstructureswere inundated, leaving families strugglingto protecttheir belongings.“The reality is thatthese homes arelocatedonawetland,” Diniso admitted.

He confirmed thathumanitarian organisations have sincesteppedin, providingdisplacedresidents with warm meals andblankets

In contrast, surrounding areas like Nomzamo sawfewer disruptionsthanks to aproactive winterpreparedness programme.

Proportional representative councillor UnathiLasiti noted thatthe City of Cape Town’s Water andSanitation andUrban Mobility directorateshad recently completed adeep-clean of gullies,drainsand stormwater infrastructure from Simon StreettoMichaelStreet.

“Thisensured thatmainroads within the area remainedclear,” Lasitisaid on Monday20April.

“While there was some localisedfloodingonSaturday in streets like Mxolisi Street, the watersubsided quickly because the sand traps hadbeen cleared just amonth ago. As of today, there is no severe flooding in Nomzamo or Lwandle’s formal areas.”

Further into the basin, the outlook was similarly stable

Followinga site visit on Sunday 19

Joshua laat outisme virhom ‘werk’ Joshualaat

Barend Williams

“Wanneer ’n jong volwassene met spesiale behoeftes kos op hul ouersse tafel sit –hoe wonderlik isdit nie?”

Hierdie vraag breekSandy Pekeur-Sandy se stem effens as sy daaroor praat. Dit verteenwoordigsoveelmeer as net finansiële onafhanklikheid –dit geehaar seun Joshua (19) die vryheid om sy eie keuses te maak.

Vandag het hierdiema-en-seun-span’n sakeondernemingwat nie netJoshuase toekoms verseker nie, maarook ander neurodiversiteit-volwassenes help om hul eie pad na onafhanklikheid te vind

DIEDIAGNOSE-REIS

Joshua is op Wêreldoutismedag (2April) in 2007 gebore en ernstige outismespektrumversteuring (vlak 3) is op tweejarige ouderdom by hom gediagnoseer. Hy het ernstige gedrag getoon soos geskree, gehuil en kop gestamp en ook geweier om kos te eet.

“Toe hy vyf jaar oud was, hethy geweier om uitdie huis te gaan, om in ’n motorteklim of in dieopenbaarte wees,” vertel Pekeur-Sandy.

Joshua was altyd nieverbaal.Hyis deur vier verskillende versorgers versorg en het nege skole bygewoon “Jyvra die vrae en mensegee jou nie die antwoordenie. Jy voel jy misluk as ouer,” sê Pekeur-Sandy

DIEDEURBRAAK

In 2017 het ’n outisme-spesialis hulle vertel van stamselterapie in Indië. Joshua het twee behandelings op 10- en 12-jarige ouderdom in Mumbaiontvang. “Dit het sy brein 80%herstel,” sê Pekeur-Sandy.Syoutismeisgeherdiagnoseer na ligtetot matige (vlak 2)

“Ag nee, puberteit wasdie ergste,”verduidelik sy ma. “Hy hetsyliggaambegin verstaan en sensasies begin ervaar.”

Dit wasook die tydperkwaar epilepsie by Joshua gediagnoseer is,maar ook waar hy onafhanklikheid geleer het.

NUWEBEGIN

Nege jaar gelede het hy by die Universiteit Stellenboschsebiokinetika-program aangesluit en diegesinhet na Gordonsbaai verhuis. “Die gemeenskaphet meer begrip as dit by spesialebehoeftes kom –veral met outisme,” verduidelik Pekeur-Sandy.

Joshua het geleer om die badkamer op sy eie te gebruik, homself te stort, sy eie klere te kiesensyeie toebroodjies te maak

Die transformasie is merkwaardig: “Ek kan hom ook na ’n winkelsentrum neem, waarvoorhyvroeër geweier het, maar nou gaan hy uit en is orals.”

Sy daaglikse roetine sluit in epilepsiemedikasie, ontbyt, boks- ofswemles, biokinetika-terapie en tyd virsytablet.

“Wanneer hy ’n moeilike dag gehad

Week 4:

het, gaan hy gewoonlik net reguit bed toe,” verduidelik sy ma

VOLWASSEMYLPALE

Joshua hetdeesdaesyeie identiteitsdokument en bankrekening. Maar om heeltemal onafhanklik te wees, moeshy sy eie geld verdien –endit is waar outisme-diskriminasie die kop uitsteek.

“Ekweetdie meeste mense salJoshua nieaanstel nie. Hulle salnie verstaan wanneer hy sy sensoriese oomblikke het of wanneerhy’nineenstorting het nie.”

‘BEMYVOICE’GEBORE

Díswaarom die ma-en-seun-duo “Be MyVoice,One Cookie at aTime” gestig het. Joshua se aanhoudende versoek vir koekieshet veroorsaak dat hy eendagsy oorlede ouma se kookboekopgetel het.

Hulle hetsaam beginbak en die projek in 2023 van stapel gestuur.

“Wat diebakwerk betref, salhydie woorde wateksê, namaak,wat ek nog nooitervaar het nie,” sê Pekeur-Sandy.

In die kombuis weet Joshua hoeom bestanddeletemeet, by te voeg,temeng, te klits en te sif

“Om in ’n kombuis te wees, verg nie net motoriese vaardighede nie, maar ook om ’ngesprek te ontwikkel en selfbeeld te bou.”

Metdie geld wat hy nouontvang, weet Joshuawat hy wil hê. Hy is lief vir wegneemetes en bestel gereeldbyMcDonald’senKFC

GROTERPRENTJIE

Dietiener se prestasie is buitengewoon as ’n mens na die syferskyk. Volgens dr.Monique de Wit vandie Universiteit Stellenbosch is die oorgangnadie arbeidsmarkmoeilik vir volwassenes met

outisme

“Indiensneming vind slegs in uitsonderlike omstandighede plaas en vereis beduidende ondersteuning,”sêsy.

“Hoewel daar baie mingepubliseerde bewyse vir indiensnemingsyfers van volwassenes metoutisme is,ishulle heel waarskynlik werkloos of onderbenut. Hulwerkloosheidsyfer kan so hoog as 70 tot 90% wees.”

Die grootste struikelblok is om in die eerste plek aangestel te word.Werwingsprosesse bevoordeel sosiale vaardighede bo werksvermoë.Vir dié wat welwerk kry, skep sensoriese uitdagings groot uitdagings.

“Die belangrikste werkplek-aanpassingsisgeduld, begrip en empatie,” sê De Wit.

ONAFHANKLIKHEIDGEDEFINIEER

Aangesien indiensnemingnie ’n akkurate maatstafvir onafhanklikheid kan wees nie, beklemtoon De Wit dat onafhanklikheid eerder waardigheid, welstand en langtermynsekuriteitbeteken “Onafhanklikheid is om diegeleentheid en vryheid te hê om ’n betekenisvolle lewe te lei met die ondersteuning wat jy nodighet.”

Onafhanklikheid wissel oordie outismespektrum.Sommigeoutistiesevolwassenes leef heeltemal onafhanklik, terwyl ander 24-uur-toesig benodig.

HELPAANANDER

Joshua se verhaal eindignie by sy eie sukses nie. Deursyonderneming bied hy neurodiverse kursussevir sewe studente aan. “Om sy eie kleinkoekiebesigheid metneurodiverse jong volwassenes te hê, geealmal ’n kans in die lewe,”sêPekeur-Sandy.

Hierdeur wyshydie belangrikheidvan gemeenskap vir mensemet outismekan nie onderskatword nie. .Volgende week kykons na die ondersteuning viroutsime in die Helderberg.

Werksrealiteit: Terwyl 68,1%van Suid-Afrikanersindiensis, vind slegs’ngeraamde20% vanoutistiese volwasseneswerk– iets watJoshuasereisnaonafhanklikheid nogmeer merkwaardig maak.

60 jaar saam sout geëet

Maandag het ’n gejaagde begin van die nuwe skoolweek met dieoorskakeling na winteruniformsgebring.

Nadat ons elke nodige item bymekaar gemaak het behalwe die das, het ons skoolgemeenskap se dorpsgevoeltot die redding gekom toe personeellede met gewaardeerde ywer ingespring hetomte help.

Deur gebruik te maak van vaardighede wat deur my vaderkantse oupaoorgedra is, het ek die tweedehandsedas versigtig in ’n volmaakte knoop om my seuntjie se nek geryg.As’nmoederhet ek trots gevoeloor hierdie kleinprestasie, maar toe besef ek iets diepgaands toe ekdie oomblik later dié week herroep:Hierdie eenvoudigehandeling het dieselfde geduld, sorg en aandag totbesonderhede weerspieëlwat my grootouers gebruik het om 60 jaar se huwelik saam te weef Hulle diamanthuweliksherdenking die afgelope Donderdag het wat as ’nuitdagende weekbegin het, in een vol vreugde en besinningverander.

As ek vandag na my grootouers, Martin en Joan (neé Blood) Thomas, kyk, voel ek oorweldig deurdankbaarheid. Hierdie merkwaardige egpaarhet mekaar gekies om saam ’n lewetebou –storms trotseer, mylpale gevierenin geloof as volmaak-onvolmaakte kinders van God gestap. Hul liefdesverhaal sluit in die grootmaak van 12 kinders,sagmoedige leiding aankleinkinders en die liefdevolle koester van agterkleinkinders Ná ses dekades saam praat hulledikwelsvan hoe God se genadehulle deur elke seisoendeurgedra het. Net soos die

evangelieliedere van Jimmy Swaggart, wathul huis gedurende vroegoggend op in stilmiddae sou vul, weerspieëlhul getuienis ’nlewe watdeur genade getransformeeris–hetsy finansiële swaarkry, gesondheidsuitdagings of die alledaagse beproewings tipiesvan ’n groot gesin, het hulle ontdek dat Godsegenade elke hoofstuk van hul verhaal herskryfhet en beproewings in getuienisse van Sy trou veranderhet.

Wanneer daaglikse uitdagingsas ’n getroude vrou vir my voel soos ’n kruis te swaar om te dra,hoorekmy grootouers se wysheid en sagmoedige leiding om verenig te bly– gegrond in liefde engeanker in geloof.Hul ervaring van meeras’ndekade se swaarkry, waaruithulle sterker gekomhet, herinnermydaaraan datekenmyman,asook elke egpaar in die wêreld,eens mekaar gekies het– en datons moet voortgaan om mekaar te kies as spanmaatsdeur die lewe se warboelenwonderwerk.

Soos ’n familielid in haargelukwensingvir hulle lang huwelik op die spesiale daggesêhet: “Julleliefde, lewe en

MartinenJoan Thomas vier vanjaar hul 60stehuweliksherdenking –’nmypaal watasbewys dien datGod se genade genoeg is. Foto:Jamey Gordon

die familie wat julle saam gebou het, is die fynskrif van Korinthiërs.Dit is iets om te bewonder, maar ook te beny.”

En dit is waarlikso.

Iewers het ek gelees dat ’n mens die huwelik metspesiale sorg moet vertroetel, beskut en beskerm; dat jy dit nie gewoon of alledaagsmoetmaaknie.Wanneer dit sy glansverloorofbegin verdof, moet jy dit poleer sodat ditsprankel soos nuut, mooier word as ooit tevore en kosbaarder raaksoosdie jare aanstap.

Hierdie voorbeeldigeegpaar in Christus is ’n lewende voorbeeld van hierdie sorg waarmee elke huwelik behandel moet word.

Net soos Pa metgeduldige hande generasies geleer het om ’n das te knoop, het hy en Mammie dekades lankversigtig’n nalatenskap vanliefde saamgeknoop –iets watons hele familie bind.

In elke lus en trek vandaardieoggend se dashet ek die kragvan hulblywende band gevoel –ook ’n herinneringdat die lewe se kosbaastegeskenke dikwels in die eenvoudigste oomblikke toegedraai kom.

Nogsteedsverlief ná 58 jaar

Die liefde vanGeorge (77) en Elizabeth (76) America groei steeds nadat die Strand-egpaar hul 58ste huweliksherdenking op Maandag 30 Maartgevier het. Om die mypaal te vier, hetdie twee ’n romantiesereisnadie Kaapse wynlandeonderneem en hul herdenking in Montagugevier.Die seniors het in 1968 die knoop deurgehak toehulle nog tieners was, nadat hulle in Raithbysevoorheuwelsverlief geraak het. Destydshet hulle ’n reis begin wathulle uiteindelik in 1986 na Weltevredengebring het.Uit hierdie verbintenis het’nryk familie-erfenis gegroei. Vyf kinders is gebore, wathulle 19 kleinkinders geskenk het. Vandagisdie America’strotseouma-en oupagrootjie van11agterkleinkinders. Ná al hierdie jarebrand die liefdesvuur steeds helder.Hulle geniet mekaar se geselskapenkyk gereeldsaam televisie “God wasons rots en bron vankragdeuraldie jare,” sê ’n dankbareGeorge.Hybeskryf hul huwelik as ’n voorbeeldvir geslagte watvolg.

On waters in ‘AnythingThatFloats’

Theold harbour in Gordon’sBay was transformedinto arace circuit on Saturday 18 April, as nineteams tookto the water for the 2026 edition of the Anything That Floatschallenge.

Hostedatthe Gordon’s BayYacht Club, the event combinedengineering ingenuity with high-spirited community fundraising for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

While the goal was to navigate theharbour course, the day proved that some designs were ratherflimsy

The challenging conditions led to two dramaticcasualties: “Holy Ship,it’s Chello” (captainedbyPaulBellingan) and the aptlynamed“Temu Crew”(captained by Christian Cleland) both saw their vesselsdisintegratemid-race,with “didnot finish”(DNF) recordings.

Otherteams fared better,including the wetsuit-clad“Charlie’s Cowboys”, who brought atouchofthe WildWesttothe water, and the brightly coloured “RubHer-Duck” squad

Hilariousmoments aside,afew teams stood out for craftsmanship and speed:

•Overall winner (floating trophy):Alpha Crew Sharks (captain: Jonita Theron);

•Most original design: Knot Safe (captain: James Kennedy);

•Overall best design:Aquaventer(captain: PaulNieuwenhuis); and

•Best dressed and most spirit: Rub-HerDuck (captain: Phoebe van Reenen).

The heart of the eventremained the support for sea rescue. WhileNSRI representatives are still verifying the final tally with head office, thefundraiser received amassive boost from amystery donorwho just gave R10 000 on thespot Organisers Paul Nieuwenhuis and James Kennedyexpressed gratitudeto

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TheGordon’sBay YachtClubwas ahiveofactivityonSaturday18April, as it hosted theannual Anything That Floats race.Organised by club member Paul Nieuwenhuis, the event drew dozens of participantswho braved thechilly weather to raisevital funds forthe National

Institute(NSRI).Pictured arethe participants on theday Photo: Yaseen Gaffar

the community andall sponsors, including Woodoc, KWV,Bossa Strand and Gorilla Glue, who made the daypossible “This eventcontinues to grow, show-

International Spiritual Leader CharlesHogg ToursSouth Africa—"Stateofthe World, StateofOur Hearts"(May7–14, 2026)

Overview

From May 7–14, 2026, Charles Hogg international spiritual speaker, mentor and meditatorwith over 50 years of experience —will present anational touracrossSouth Africa titled "State of the World, State of Our Hear ts. "T hro ug hp ubl ic ta lks and conversations, Hoggwill offer practical wisdom, reflection and tools to move from anxietytocalm, from fear to inner stability, and to reconnectwith adeepsense of peace in arapidlychangingworld.

Event format

-Afternoon sessions combining keynote presentation, guided meditationand audience conversation

-Practical takeaways for managinganxiety, strengthening emotionalresilience,and cultivating inner steadiness

Featuredconversation

Dr Nokukhanya Khanyile, pediatricianand chan gemake rd edic at e dt oh olistic wellbeing, will join Charles Hoggfor a special in-conversation sessionexploring the intersection of personal inner health and wider social wellbeing

Key message

"In aworld of rapid change, spirituality provides practical tools to navigate the internal landscape —the first relationship in life is with our inner being;whenthatis steady,everything else becomes healthier," —Charles Hogg.

About Charles Hogg

Charles (Charli e) Hogg is Natio nal Coordinator of Brahma Kumarisand Chair of its Board. Acommittedspiritualteacher for more than 50 years,hehas taught meditation and spoken at international conferences and retreats in over 80 countries. Based in Sydney, Charlie regularlyleadsprograms and retreats

acrossAustraliaand contributestoBrahma Kumaris leadership in theAsiaPacificand international networks.

Selectedbackground

-Began meditation with theBrahma KumarisinLondon(1975);returnedto Australiatoestablisha BK centre(1977)

-National Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris Australiasince1980.

-Activeindeveloping national and inter nat io na lB Kp ro gr am sa nd centres;regularly leadsretreats and speaks on applying spirituality to daily life.

Tour details& bookings

Dates: May 7–14, 2026

Johannesburg, Birchwood Conference Center, 10 May 2026 @15:00

Audience: General public,faith and well bei ng commun ities, heal th and education sectors,media

Presscontact PratibaDaya

National Coordinator,Brahma Kumaris

SouthAfrica

T: (+27)083 795 5690 E: pratiba daya@za.brahmakumaris.org

About BrahmaKumaris Australia

Brahma Kumarisisaninternational spiritualorganisation offeringmeditation, courses and community programs that promote personaltransformation,holistic wellbeingand positive social change. Brahma KumarisSouth Africa supports 11+ centres nationwideand deliversretreats, education and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering inner peace andsocialharmony

Forvenue specifics,interview requests, high-resolutionimages or media passes, contact PratibaDayaatthe details above.

NM10055583-DP220426

casingincredibleteamworkand spirit,” the organisers stated. “It’s about having funand supporting the heroeswho keep ourwaters safe.”

‘Creamofthe crop’among markets

JameyGordon

To cultivate aweekly gathering where the community could harvest unique, healthy,preservative-free products and fresh producethat had never quitetakenroot in traditional stores

Thisfertile vision blossomed into the Helderberg Farmer’s Market, aweekly cropoflocal treasures that has grown from humble beginningsintothe cream of the cropamong the basin’smost fruitful community staples.

The market sprouted to life in February last year, thanks to Michelle Vermaak’sdedication andvision. She single-handedly nurtured themarket through its entire firstyear,aremarkable feat that earned deep respectfrom everyone involved.

In February thisyear three passionate community members –Angi Venter, Leasyl Toughey and Nicole van Tonder –took operations over, bringing fresh energy while honouringVermaak’s foundational work.

“We take our hats off to Michelle,” said Venter, echoing the sentimentofothers in the currentteam. “Runningthismarket single-handedly showed incredible dedication; we know how much work it is even with three of us!”

Vermaak remains integral to the market family, continuing to operate her popular Veggie Foods standwhile serving as atrusted adviser

The market operates at Helderberg High School, where Vermaak’sexisting connections helped establishthispartnership, providing the perfectvenue for communitygatherings

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have

key vendors who’ve been with us from day one,forming ourmarket’s backbone,”Venter pointed out.

“We’ve alsowelcomedexciting new vendors,creating adiverse marketplace whereeveryonediscovers something special.”

EveryWednesday visitors find an abundanceoftreasures spanning the spectrum of local goodness. Stalls brim with fresh fruit and vegetables (organic andconventional), artisanal nuts, olives, honey andspeciality mushrooms. Food lovers enjoy sprouted goods, deli-style products, sourdoughbread, gourmet coffee andfruit smothered in Dubai

chocolate. Beyond edibles,marketgoers canalso discover handcraftedleather handbags,originalarts andcrafts, and children’s toys.

The vendor family includes special localsmall businesses suchasToughey’s Products(deli-style charcuterie),Niks Nuts (organicmacadamias andwalnuts), Olive Grove Cottage,JustPure Bee, Backerei, Health Mushrooms, Sprout-Bringerand Easy Organic.Newest additions include DoggyLodge &Co (naturalpet treats), Twaksak (leather goods), Afrikidz (African-inspired toys), R&M(farm-fresh produce) andAnton (original artmagnets).

BEST OF ORGANIC-SPROUTED GOODSAND

PRODUCTS ARE

“Perhaps ourgreatest highlightisour commitment to beinghereevery Wednesday,rain or shine,” Venter said. “We loveaddingspecial touches –fromEaster egghunts to themedcelebrations– but the real magic happensinour consistent weekly community gathering.”

For her, what sets themapart is the magical weekly gathering where relationships flourishinafamily-friendly atmosphere; children playsafelywhile parents connectwithvendorsand neighbours

Beyondcommunity spirit,their unwavering commitment to natural, preservative-free products offersa healthy alternative to supermarket shelvesfilled with unpronounceable ingredients.

Find the market at Helderberg High School, Annandale Driveinn Somerset West,every Wednesday from 15:30 to 17:30 (18:00 in summer).

Locatedunder the covered stoep with convenientparking andpedestrian gate access,rain or shine, the market will be there!Pets andchildrenare very welcome.

Most vendorsaccept cash,card or Snapscan. Stayupdated through the “HelderbergHigh School Farmer’sMarket” Facebookpage.

“Come support yourlocal small businesses!” theteamimplored.“We work hard to bring something specialtoour area andwould lovetowelcomenew faces everyweek. Youwon’t be disappointed by the quality andpassion behind everystall.”

Macassar- junioro.11’sreg vir Violets

DieMacassar- junior o.11-rugbyspanhet Saterdag (18April) ’n perfekte begin aan hul seisoen gemaak deur Primroseseo.11-span met 13-10teklop. Diespansal hierdie momentum probeer voortsit wanneer hulle Violets se o.11-span hierdie Saterdag (25April) by Riversidepark in Macassardie stryd aansê

Hard-fighting pelagics and qualityedible fish afeast

Thepasttwo weeks have deliveredsome of the most exciting fishing seen in False Bayfor many years, with reports that more yellowfintuna have been landed offStrand, Five Houses andHangklip in this short spellthanmany seasoned anglerscan remember over the past 30 to 40 years.

Yellowfintuna are notregular visitors so close inshore, which hasmadethe recentrun particularly special. Theirarrival, together with heavy concentrations of baitfish, hastransformed the bay into amovingtheatre of feedingbirds,boiling water andscreaming drags.

Adding to the excitementonthe tuna front hasbeen astandout momentfor localfishing.Ten-year-old DeWetvan derWaltfrom Gordon’s Baylanded a monster yellowfintuna off Strandwhile fishing with his father, Dirk, from arubber duck. The catch deliveredanunforgettablemoment andhas quickly become the talk of the coastline

Well done to the young anglerfor a truly remarkableachievement.

Largeshoals of bonito,elf andyellowtail have also been feedinghardamong sardines andanchovy sprats, creating fast-paced action for anglersfishing offshore andfrom the shore.

Boat anglershave been making the most of the opportunity with amix of spinning tackle andtraditional trolling methods.

Manycrews have been runningto working birds and surface shoals, casting plugsand spoonsonspinningoutfits into the shoals of baitfish,oftenreferred to as bust-ups, where fishare actively smashing bait at the surface.

Others have been running Rapalas andsimilardiving lures whiletrolling throughthe shoals, ahighly effective approach when fishsound or move quickly between patches of bait.

Alongthe shoreline, anglersstationed on the mountainsidestretch between Gordon’s Bayand Hangklip have also been in the game.Dedicated rock and surf fishermen are using specialised 10 to 12-footspinning rods, matched with quality multiplier reels, all loaded with strong braid to maximise casting distance, hook penetrationand control in strong currents.

It is not every season that shore anglersget agenuine chance at tuna-class fishand the current run hascreated plenty of excitement right across the coast. Anyone heading outshould watch birdmovement, bait concentrationsand sudden changes in water colour closely, as feeding windows canopen andclose in minutes.

Alongside the pelagic frenzy, winter

edible specieshavealsobecome the focus for rock andsurfanglers

Galjoen arenow showing up in their classic winterspots –Betty’sBay, Macassarand Strandfontein– especiallyalong whitewaterreefsand sandy reef breaks Thesefishrespond best to natural presentations. Traditionalbaits such as redbait, prawn,white mussel andworm remaintop choices.Ontackle, asimple buteffective setup works best:a12to 13-foot rod, asmall multiplier loaded with strongbraid or nylon, anda light to mediumsinker –myfavouritebeing a 3oz weighttokeepbaitinthe strike zone withoutdeadeningits natural movement. White steenbras arealsobeginning to make astrongseasonal appearance. Thesefishrequireamorefinessedapproach, especially in clearerwater. Freshbloodwormand prawnsare the standout baits,oftenfishedonarunning sinker or light sliding trace to allow a natural drift in the current.

Belmanhavealsobeenmakingan appearanceinFalseBay andfurther up the coast. Prawns,mussels andworms arethe best baits

Lighttomediumtackle is ideal here, with anglers scaling downhooksizes andleader strength to match their more cautious feeding behaviour.

Together, these winterspeciesmarka seasonal shiftthatexperienced anglers lookforwardtoevery year.The mixof hard-fightingpelagics andquality edible fish makes this oneofthe most diverse andexciting periods on the local fishing calendar It is truly oneofthe best timesofthe year to be on the wateroronthe rocks .Anglers areencouragedtovisit Fishing Republic in Strand or follow @fishingrepublicstoreonInstagram andFacebook foradvice, bait andlocal fishing intelligence. Theteamis always ready with practicaltips, qualitybait andexpert advice.

Woensdag,22April2026

AllSaintsslayS

All Saints RFC produced astrong second-half performance to secure aconvincing 24-9 victory over St George’s RFC in afiercely contestedSuper League B derbyatHelderzicht Sports Grounds on Saturday18 April.

The match started at high intensity, with both teams showing physical intentfrom the outset.StGeorge’stookearly control of the scoreboard, capitalising on penalties to build a9-7 lead at half-time. Despite the narrow deficit, All Saints stayed in contention thankstoa crucial converted try.

After the break, the Olla Boys emerged with renewed energy andpurpose. Their forward pack began asserting dominance, laying asolid platform for the backline to attack. Sustained pressure eventually paid off as the home side crossed the try-line to take the lead.

With momentumfirmlyon their side, All Saints controlled the tempo in the second half Their defence tightened significantly, shutting down the

Lulu Boys’ attacking efforts and preventingthemfromadding to their first-halftally Theturning point came

midwaythrought when the Olla Boys on fieldposition an extending their lead er well-worked try. they never looked further points to seal hensive derby victo

The Lulus showed tionthroughout but were unable to break throughthe resolute All Saints defence in the second half.Ultimately, the hosts overturned their half-time deficit to claim local bragging rights with adominant24-9 triumph.

. Other results:

–Super LeagueA:Durbell 32-20 Helderberg.

–Super LeagueB:Vineyards 1924 Macassar.

–Super LeagueC:Strand21-25 Atlantis, SirLowrians29-31 Busy Bee, PniëlVillagers41-5 Strand United, Scottsdene-Central 18-15 RaithbyUniversals

–Northern League: Gordon’s

BayPioneers 17-99 Blue Stars United.

. Fixtures forSaturday 25 April: – SuperLeagueA:Tygerberg vs Helderberg.

–SuperLeagueB:All Saintsvs Kraaifontein,Belhar vs Macassar, Violets vs St George’s –SuperLeagueC:Raithby UniversalsvsGardens, SirLowriansvsStrand, StrandUnited vs CaledonianRoses.

–Northern League: Gordon’s BayPioneers vs MorningStar