Eikestadnuus - E-Edition - 19 March 2026

Verkeer grootste kopseer

Klagtes stroom in

‘GEEN

GEBREK AAN OPLOSSINGS,

Verkeerskopseer is deesdae sinoniem met die dorp Stellenbosch.

Inwoners kla oor die tyd wat dit neem om werk of huis toe te reis, terwyl talle uitnodigings vir geleenthede in sentraal-Stellenbosch met ’n vriendelike versoek kom om die trae verkeer in gedagte te hou sodat die verrigtinge betyds kan begin.

Die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit het oor die jare heen verskeie oplossings vir die verkeersprobleme ondersoek, maar nie die bou van nuwe paaie, die omstrede multi-verdieping-parkeergebou of die munisipaliteit se eie nie-gemotoriseerde vervoerbeleid (NMT) is tot nou al ten volle ingestel nie. Paaie en vervoer, wat saam met stormwater groepeer word, blyk die grootste probleem vir inwoners.

Die meeste kommentaar wat op die laaste Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplanvergaderings (GOP) gelewer is, is oor dié afdeling. Vir die 2025-’26-GOP is 288 kommentare hieroor aangeteken en dit is die enigste kwessie wat in ál 24 munisipale wyke genoem is.

Volgens Piet van Blerk, ’n padingenieur van Stellenbosch, het die munisipaliteit nie ’n gebrek aan oplossings vir die verkeersprobleme nie. Volgens hom is dit eerder ’n gebrek aan dryfkrag in die munisipaliteit om die nodige projekte in te stel, langtermyn beplanningskundiges in die betrokke posisies te plaas en die praktiese uitvoering van die munisipaliteit se planne. “Oplossings vir al die grootste probleme

is beskikbaar. Die munisipaliteit moet net sy eie padmeesterplan toepas, maar dan kry jy gevalle waar raadslede planne teenstaan – planne wat die raad reeds goedgekeur het,” verduidelik Van Blerk.

PADMEESTERPLAN – AGT JAAR LATER

Die munisipaliteit het in 2012 sy eerste padmeesterplan opgestel. Die dokument dek die hele munisipale gebied en het onder meer “ ’n geprioritiseerde lys van infrastruktuurprojekte” geskep.

Onder die projekte in die dokument, wat in 2022 opdateer is, is planne vir die oostelike skakelpad tussen Technopark en die middedorp. Dié beplande pad, wat fietsen voetgangergeriewe insluit, behels onder meer die verlenging van Van Reedeweg en ’n verbinding met Pastorieweg by die Universiteit Stellenbosch se teologiese fakulteit, met ’n nuwe voorgestelde brug oor die Eersterivier.

Van Blerk sê hierdie pad sal daadwerklik ’n verskil maak en talle motoriste wat van Brandwacht, Paradyskloof en De Zalze reis ’n alternatief vir die besige R44 bied. “Die pad moet uiteindelik by Paul Roos Gimnasium uitkom, dan sluit dit by Dorpstraat aan. By Suidwalstraat is heelwat oop grond waar parkering gebou kan word, dan loop mense net oor die rivier en hulle is in die dorp,” verduidelik hy.

Die munisipaliteit se padmeesterplan maak ook melding van ’n westelike verbypad wat beoog om verkeer op die R44 te verlig.

Van Blerk sê volgens verkeersmodulering, wat reeds jare gelede gedoen is, sal ’n

bykomende westelike verbypad ’n groot verskil aan verkeer op hoofroetes deur die dorp hê. “Verkeer op die R44 in die omgewing van Dorpstraat kan met tussen 20% en 25% verminder word.”

Die westelike verbypad moet volgens Van Blerk ’n provinsiale pad wees wat deur die provinsie gefinansier moet word.

Wat die Technopark-skakelpad tussen Technopark en Adam Tasweg (Polkadraaipad) betref, sê Van Blerk die aanvanklike tydlyn was dat die projek binne vier jaar gebou sou word. Dis nou al agt jaar later en geen pad is gebou nie.

“Hierdie pad sal ’n enorme verskil maak ten opsigte van verkeer na en van Technopark, die verkeer op Adam Tasweg dorp toe, asook die verkeer op die R44 van Annandalepad na Technopark.”

Wat hom betref, vererger die onkunde van politici ten opsigte van verkeer ook voortuitgang aangesien sommige die munisipaliteit se ingenieursplanne afkeur. Hy sê kontinuïteit in ’n paaie-afdeling is uiters belangrik vir ’n munisipaliteit se susesvolle bestuur en dit is juis wat by die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit gebrekkig is.

PADPROJEKTE ONTWERP EN BEPLAN

Om verder verkeer in Stellenbosch te verlig, moet die munisipaliteit openbare vervoer asook voetganger- en fietsgeriewe – iets wat gebrekkig is – as ’n saak van dringendheid hanteer, sê Van Blerk.

Stuart Grobbelaar, ’n woordvoerder vir die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit, het by navraag verduidelik die munisipaliteit monitor die verkeer deurlopend met

verkeersopnames en voertuig-telling op sleutelpaaie- en kruispunte.

Hierdie paaie en punte sluit onder meer Dorpstraat, Adam Tasweg, Birdstraat en Alexandrastraat in. Dís juis die hoofroetes na en van die dorpsgebied waar motoriste bedags van een verkeerslig na die ander kruip.

Grobbelaar sê die data word gebruik vir verkeersontwerpe, uitbreiding en verkeersimpakstudies. “Verkeersdatamodules is reeds by ses groot kruispunte aangebring, met planne om dit na 36 verkeersseine reg oor die munisipale gebied uit te brei om seininstellings te verfyn en knelpunte te verminder,” verduidelik hy.

Eikestadnuus het in September verlede jaar met die span agter Quebit oor hul verkeersmoniteringsagteware gesels (“Quebit an AI traffic solution for Stellenbosch”, 4 September 2025). Die onderneming, wat in Technopark geleë is, gebruik kunsmatige intelligensie om verkeersaktiwiteit te monitor en verkeersligte onmiddellik aan te pas om verkeersvloei te verbeter.

“Om verkeersvloei verder te verbeter, is opgraderings by drie belangrike kruispunte op Adam Tasweg, naamlik by Alexander-, Dorp- en Merrimanstraat, geïdentifiseer, terwyl projekte soos die Birdstraat-dubbelbaanprojek en die verbreding van Laer Dorpstraat tans in die ontwerp- of beplanningsfase is,” sê Grobbelaar.

Die Laer Dorpstraat-projek behels om die pad tussen die R44 en Adam Tasweg na dubbelbane te vergroot en sal na verwagting later vanjaar van stapel gestuur word.

Blue line corruption in taxi industry?

Yaël Malgas

During difficult economic times many South Africans may be looking to get a second job or side hustle, but police officers with business ties to the taxi industry is a no go.

Last week Ian Cameron, National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, released various statements claiming that police officers stationed in Stellenbosch, Pinelands and Mbekweni have been identified as being involved in the taxi industry.

According to Cameron “a number of members”, specifically local sergeants own taxis. “This raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and the integrity of policing, particularly in a sector where the South African Police Service (SAPS) is frequently required to intervene in disputes,

violence and organised crime,” he said.

Section 46 of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995 of the regulatory framework governing police members prohibits police officers from being involved in the taxi industry, while Section 13 of the National Land Transport Act, prohibits their spouses’ involvement in the sector as well.

A local taxi operator from the Cape Winelands told Eikestadnuus that although his local association has no such problem, police officers having taxi business is a challenge countrywide. “In many areas where taxi violence occurs, we find police members with ties to the sector is the case,” the operator alleged.

“As a business owner these members will, of course, work to protect their own business interests. You may also have scenarios where police officers feed their taxi drivers information about planned operations or trouble on their routes.”

Ecological burn near airfield

Stellenbosch Municipality plans to execute a controlled ecological burn on a portion of Louwsbos next Tuesday (24 March).

The planned burn area comprises a 55 ha portion of Louwsbos south of De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, between the Stellenbosch Airfield and Stellenbosch Riding Club.

“The primary purpose of the planned burn is to maintain a viable population of fynbos within the area and to reduce the present biological fuel load to address the risk of a potential unmanageable wildfire occurring within – or spreading through – the area,” explained municipal spokes-

person Stuart Grobbelaar.

“The planned controlled burn will be executed with the assistance of the local fire department and Winelands Fire Protection Association. The burn will be implemented between 09:00 and 14:00, after which the area will be made safe and monitored.”

The proposed controlled ecological burn is planned to coincide with the start of winter.

The municipality and fire department will monitor weather conditions in the days leading up to the planned burn and only execute the burn if conditions are favourable, Grobbelaar concluded.

Asked what taxi associations can do to ensure all its members adhere to the law, the operator said knowing who you allow into the organisation is key.

“We know every single person who is part of our body. It does not do to allow someone from Johannesburg to simply come and operate here. Who knows what problems he brings with him,” he stated.

“More than anything, we seek to give opportunities to our own drivers who want to become owners. Our system, as it is, is very controlled and we prefer to empower local operators.”

Police officers are bared from having any ties to the industry – be it directly or indirectly. This is also stated in the SAPS National Instruction 18 of 2019 on Integrity Management.

“There are no exceptions, and this applies regardless of whether a member claims to have permission or not,” Camer-

on further explained.

On enquiry, Brigadier Sandile Sonjani, Stellenbosch police station commander, said any allegations of officers involved in unlawful activity is viewed in a serious light. “Any member found to be participating criminal activities, including interference or improper involvement in the taxi industry will face internal disciplinary processes as well as possible criminal prosecution,” he said.

“Stellenbosch police is dedicated to serving all communities impartially and will not tolerate corruption or misconduct in its ranks. We encourage the public to report any such incidents through official channels so it can be investigated.”

Cameron called on the national police commissioner to clarify whether disciplinary action has been initiated in these cases, calling for the cases of police officers with taxi interests to be exposed.

Drug haul

The Boland Public Order Police (POP) unit confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R42 760 in Groendal, Franschhoek on Wednesday 11 March. The team was executing a search warrant alongside Franschhoek Crime Intelligence Gatherers in Mazaleni Street around 07:40. On the premises, the officers found 816 Mandrax tablets and 49 sachets of tik. The suspect was not at home during the search and the drugs were booked in. The investigation continues.

De Koker: verdagtes vra nie borgtog

(muhammad.brinkhuis@novusmedia.co.za) 084 735 7866

Die twee verdagtes wat verdink word van die moord op Piet de Koker (77) het Maandag (16 Maart) hul borgtogaansoeke in die Stellenbosch-landdroshof laat vaar. Darren Stephanus and Ryan Munnik is deur die Stellenbosch-polisie in verband met De Koker se dood op Saterdag 17 Januarie in hegtenis geneem.

Die bejaarde van Strand is vroeër vanjaar in die Onderpapegaaibergbegraafplaas dood gevind waar hy sy seun se graf besoek het.

De Koker het gereeld sy seun se graf in die begraafplaas besoek wanneer hy in die dorp was. Dié betrokke Saterdag het hy nie vir ’n braai by sy dogter, Liezel Vermeulen, wat steeds in die woonbuurt woon, opgedaag nie.

Stephanus en Munnik het vandeesweek besluit om nie voort te gaan met hul aansoek vir borgtog nie. Benewens die aanklagte van moord staan die twee ook tereg op ’n aanklag van roof met verswarende omstandighede.

Munnik moes dieselfde dag ook in dieselfde hof verskyn in verband met ’n klag van diefstal.

Die twee se saak is tot Woensdag 8 Mei uitgestel.

Kylemore-reus vier 90ste met diens

Yaël Malgas

’n Reuse-boom wat se takke wyd in die Kylemore-gemeenskap strek en onder wie se takke geslagte lewenslesse geleer het – dit is hoe Johannes “Diekie” Brandt beskryf word.

Vir die meeste wat hom ken, is hy “Meester Brandt”, maar vir diegene wat hom ’n vriend noem, is die 90-jarige Kylemore-inwoner net Diekie. Brandt het verlede Vrydag (13 Maart) sy 90ste verjaarsdag met ’n spesiale kerkdiens in die VG kerk saam met vriende, familie en oud-kollegas van die Laerskool P.C. Petersen gevier.

“Jy [Diekie] sal die eerste een wees om te sê hierdie viering is slegs deur die Here se genade,” het ds. Jaco Coetzee, wat die diens gelei het, gesê. Brandt is 90 jaar gelede op die plaas Shangarry teen die hange agter Kylemore gebore en het in die dorp skoolgegaan. Nadat hy die Hoërskool Lückhoff verlaat het, het hy as arbeider op die plaas gewerk.

Dit was hoenders wat uiteindelik Brandt se lot in 1955 verander het.

“Daar was ’n man op soek na hoenders vir Kersfees en hy is gesê is om by die Rainbow End-plaas te gaan vra waar hy my pa raakgeloop het. Hy was so beïndruk met my pa se maniere en gesprekvoering dat hy teruggekom het na die plaas met die aanbod om vir my pa se studies te betaal,” vertel Diekie se seun, Marius Brandt.

Danksy mnr. Cupido se borgskap was Brandt op die pad om “Meester” te word. Hy is na die onderwyskollege Söhnge in Worcester en het in 1957 sy prakties in Kylemore kom doen.

Marius vertel namate die dorpie van Kylemore uitgebrei het, het die behoefte vir ’n skoolgebou groter geword.

In 1961 sluit die Ou Apostoliese kerk sy deure vir drie weke en met twee busse vol lidmate het hulle hul saak aan die owerhede gaan stel: Kylemore het ’n skool nodig en hulle het reeds ’n onderwyser en ’n gebou (hul eie kerk), vertel een van die destyde lidmate, Ma Joyce Adams (92).

Jare later praat Brandt steeds met

groot waardeering oor dié gemeente se opoffering. Brandt was terug in sy gemeenskap en het sy hele onderwysloopbaan in Kylemore deurgebring.

Eers was hy onderwyser, onder die hoofskap van P.C. Petersen, later adjunkhoof en daarna, van 1979 tot 1993, hoof van sy voormalige laerskool.

“Ek het twee keer pak gekry by my pa. En ek het sommer twee ekstra houe bygekry, want hy het gesê ek moes nie daar wees nie,” skerts Marius.

Oud-leerders onthou 13 Maart, want op die hoof se verjaarsdag het die skoolklok vroeg gelui en dan gaan “almal huistoe!” Selfs die skoolinspekteur se sessies is op daardie dag ingekort.

STRYD TEEN VERSKUIWING

Ten spyte van sy enorme bydrae tot Kylemore se onderwys, is dit die saga van Kylemore en Johannesdal onder die Groepsgebiede-wet wat as Brandt se nalatingskap uitstaan.

Op 8 Julie 1970 was daar ’n klein advertensie in Die Burger wat aange-

kondig het dat daar ’n voorstel is om die inwoners van Kylemore, grotendeels bruinmense wat op plase werk, onder dié apartheidswet te verskuif.

Almal wat vir jare lank hul tuiste in die vallei gehad het, sou hul goed moes vat en na buurte soos Hanover Park trek.

Die Kylemore Openbare Sake Vereniging, waarvan Brandt aan die stuur was, het toe gespook om amptelik kapsie teen die voorstel te maak. “Ek was net vyf, maar ek onthou die aande wat ’n motor voor ons deur gestop en die toeter geblaas het vir my pa. Hy het dan uitgeloop, vir ’n rukkie gesels, vir my ma kom sê hy gaan nou en het dan ure later teruggekom,” onthou Marius.

Hierdie laataandontmoetings en vele vergaderings was alles om die Kylemore-inwoners se saak te stel dat hulle nie van hul dorp verskuif moes word nie.

Hoewel die afdelingsraad van Stellenbosch en vele plaaslike boere ten gunste van die verskuiwing was, was daar ook boere wat inwoners goedgesind was en gehelp het.

Paartjie wen groot

’n Gelukkige paartjie van Idasvallei het onlangs een van die mees gesogte kompetisiepryse gewen danksy Puma Energy-vulstasie in Idasvallei – ’n jaar se gratis brandstof! Die inwoners Enrico en Melody Frantz is een van die 13 wenners van die nasionale Puma Energy-kompetisie en is onlangs deur die span van die plaaslike vulstasie gelukgewens. Saam met die Frantz-paartjie (van links) is die joggies Khaya Dyantyi en Phelelani Nyembezi, asook die onderneming se eienaar, Jaco Kotze.

Brandt het so noukeurig boekgehou van elke vergadering en elke brief van dié tydperk dat die briefwisseling eintlik self die verhaal vertel.

‘GETUIENIS VAN GOD SE BELOFTE’ Op 9 Oktober 1970 moes hy Kylemore en Johannesdal voor die raad verteenwoordig om die voorlegging te doen. In die dokumente kan jy die verskillende weergawes van die voorlegging sien. Dansky goeie voorbereiding kon Brandt nie net sy voorlegging doen nie, maar ook antwoorde bied teen die boere se beweringe dat Kylemore ’n vlei en “te nat vir ontwikkeling” was, en betoog hoekom die inwoners hier moes bly, ten spyte van hul gebrek aan geld, om die dorpie te ontwikkel.

Die voorlegging vir die Kommitee van die Groepsgebiederaad was egter slegs die begin van die stryd en dit het uiteindelik drie jaar geneem voor die amptelike proklamasie verskyn het dat Kylemore en Johannesdal aan sy sowat 2 500 “anderskleurige” inwoners behoort. Ná sy aftrede in 1993 was Brandt steeds bedrywig in onder meer die kerk, Kansa en by die plaaslike bejaardesgroep. Sy vrou, Elizabeth, is in 2011 oorlede. In verlede Vrydag se kerkdiens het Piet Swartz vertel hoe hy en Brandt in Sub B (gr.2) ontmoet het en sedertdien vriende is.

Saam het hulle skool voltooi, vir die Sevens River-rugbyklub uitgedraf en beide het hul gades by die Stellenbosch-hospitaal ontmoet.

Swartz het ’n roerende lied met sy mondorrel vir Brandt uitgevoer. “My pa het ’n onwrikbare geloof in sy Skepper en het altyd gesê hy is ’n lewende getuienis van God se belofte,” vertel Marius.

Sport facility makeover on the cards

Yaël Malgas

A proposal to upgrade the sport facilities in Khayamandi was met with enthusiasm, but also calls for consideration at the most recent Stellenbosch municipal council meeting.

Councillor Ndipiwe Olayi, Mayoral Committee member for Sport, Youth and Culture, presented a proposal by the Open Play Foundation, which hopes to enter into an agreement with the municipality to upgrade the area’s sport facilities to ultimately include two full-size artificial soccer pitches, a four-lane 400 m athletics track, a swimming pool and even a primary healthcare facility.

Olayi said the refurbishment project will be a catalyst

for youth development in the neighbourhood and have minimal financial obligation for the municipality.

However, ANC councillor Jacobus Davids warned the municipality must consider the “bigger picture” for the proposal and the impact it could have as three of the erven included in the proposal are zoned for agriculture, education and private open space.

The education-zoned property is under the custodianship of the national Department of Public Works.

“We are dealing with certain obligations or expectations from Open Play towards the municipality in this partnership going forward,” Davids said.

“We don’t know if the municipality is empowered to grant these rezonings. As for the

Public Works property, which is viewed as part of the development, what do we put in its place? Can we investigate that?”

ANC councillor Ayanda Tomose shared that the plans were for a world-class facility, raising his concerns about residents of the Zone A informal settlement at the entrance of the sport facility.

He urged municipal officials to be proactive and strategic if there is a need for the relocation of these residents, should the redevelopment of the facility get the nod.

The Open Play Foundation runs a host of programmes in Khayamandi, including a community coaches programme, which supplements the two primary schools’ coaching and sports-organisational capacity by coaching and/or engaging

Franschhoek-‘rowers’ in Paarl vas

Jana Scheepers

Altesaam agt verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem in verband met ’n reeks rooftogte wat verlede Donderdag (12 Maart) tussen 11:00 en 12:00 by drie spaza-winkels in die Langrug-informele nedersetting in Franschhoek plaasgevind het.

Volgens konst. Ndakhe Gwala, ’n Wes-Kaapse polisiewoordvoerder, is die polisie ontbied nadat inligting oor die rooftogte

ontvang is.

Lede van die Paarl se misdaadsvoorkomingseenheid het later die verdagtes se voertuig in Paarl opgemerk, sê Gwala.

Die polisie het die motor voorgekeer en deursoek. Geld, selfone en sigarette is in die insittendes se besit gevind, wat vermoedelik in die rooftogte gesteel is.

Die agt verdagtes sal na verwagting in die Paarl-landdroshof verskyn sodra hulle amptelik

Verskeie spaza-winkels is in Langerug, Franschhoek, beroof.

Foto: Jana Scheepers

aangekla is. Geen verdere inligting is tans beskikbaar nie.

at learners on the Open Play facilities daily.

In the proposal the foundation states: “At Khayamandi Primary School, the GreenSource wastewater-management system has enabled Love to Give to grow its community garden, employing 100 community members per year. This programme is also supported by the IDC/GST. Love to Give and Open Play co-fund the salary of the garden manager and our collaboration illustrates [our] approach to partnerships: creating platforms that also enable other community organisations to grow their footprint and social impact.”

Funding for the upgrade project would be sourced through donor funding.

The Khayamandi Sport Council (KSC) is backing the proposal. “We strongly believe the de-

velopment of such a world-class facility will bring significant benefits to Khayamandi,” wrote Kwezi Mfazweni, KSC secretary. “Improved access to quality sports infrastructure will enhance talent development, provide a safe and structured environment for youth engagement and promote physical and social well-being. Furthermore, the multi-purpose nature of the facility will create opportunities beyond sports, fostering education, entrepreneurship and community cohesion.”

At the sitting, council granted permission to the municipality’s Community Services Department to conclude a draft agreement in terms of a memorandum of understanding, with the Open Play Foundation, which will be brought before council for approval.

Who Is Responsible for Preventing Underage Gambling?

Preventing underage gambling is a shared responsibility

Licensed gambling operators must verify the age of their customers and prevent anyone under the age of 18 years from participating in gambling activities. However, parents, educators and communities also play an important role in guiding young people and helping them understand the risks associated with gambling.

Talk to young people about the risks of gambling. Be aware of what they are doing online and help them make responsible choices. Parents and guardians should also ensure that children do not have access to their ga mb li ng ac co un ts , dev ic es us ed fo r gam bl in g or per so nal identification numbers (PINs) that may allow them to place bets.

Early conversations can help young people understand why age restrictions exist and why they matter

Children learn from the adults around them. When adults demonstrate responsible attitudes towards gambling, money and risk, it sets a positive example for young people and helps them develop healthy decision-making skills.

Protecting young people from underage gambling starts with all of us.

Weighing children helps with growth

Every child in South Africa has the constitutional right to adequate nutrition, yet many young children still face uncertainty when it comes to accessing enough healthy food.

Nutrition in the early years is essential for children’s growth, development and readiness to learn.

Over the past three years, Inceba Trust has equipped principals in Stellenbosch and Drakenstein with tools and training to monitor children’s growth, strengthening nutrition awareness and enabling more targeted support where it is most needed. The first five years of life are a critical period of development, yet nutrition challenges are not always immediately visible. Without regular monitoring, children who may need additional support can easily be overlooked.

Recognising this, Inceba Trust began a pilot project in 2023, measuring the height and weight of 838 children aged five to 59 months. This expanded to 3 927 children in 2024 and 4 331 children in last year’s baseline assessment. A follow-up assessment later that year included 2 510 children, allowing progress to be tracked over time. The nutrition monitoring currently includes more than 100 early childhood development centres (ECDs) locally as well as Worcester and Kimberley.

ECD principals were trained to conduct height and weight measurements accurately, and provided with scales, height charts and guidance. “Children who receive nutritious food every day can grow, learn and develop optimally. When we began measuring children’s growth, we saw that some children were not developing as expected,” said Nielen Bekker, CEO of Inceba Trust. “Measuring allowed us to better understand where support was needed and to work alongside ECDs and partners to respond in practical ways.”

The baseline findings highlighted the importance of strengthening nutrition practices within the schools. In response, principals increased their focus on balanced menu planning, food preparation and monitoring children’s development. This has contributed to greater awareness among staff and more intentional daily practices. Through collaboration with Outside the Bowl Africa, breakfast porridge was provided to selected centres

Teachers measure the height and weight of children biannually to track their growth and nutrition status.

where children were identified as being at greater nutritional risk.

“We are very grateful for the nutritional programme. We are receiving breakfast porridge that supports the children’s growth and development,” said Thandile Mbaqa, principal of ABC Crèche in Khayamandi.

“What I appreciate most is that we can monitor their progress and see their growth over time. It helps us understand how to better support the children.”

The follow-up assessment at the end of last year showed encouraging progress. The percentage of children showing signs of wasting declined from 4,9% to 3,6%, and underweight declined from 6,4% to 4,5%. Stunting also showed a slight improvement.

At the same time, the findings highlighted areas that need continued attention, including an increase in the percentage of children showing signs of being overweight.

Beyond the data, one of the most significant outcomes has been the strengthening of capacity in centres. Principals are better equipped to monitor children’s growth, recognise potential concerns and respond appropriately. This knowledge enables centres to play an even stronger role in supporting children’s development.

The provincial Department of Health and Wellness contributed to this work by ensuring that measurements were accurately captured. “While nutrition challenges can’t be resolved overnight, consistent monitoring, strengthened practices and collaboration help build a stronger foundation,” Bekker added.

“These efforts contribute to environments where children are better supported to grow, develop and enter formal schooling ready to learn and thrive.”

Sign up for shoebox drive

This year, one of South Africa’s most beloved children’s organisations, the Santa Shoebox Project, celebrates its 20th birthday – and it is looking for volunteers to help it share the joy in their local communities during this special year of celebration.

“We are specifically looking for volunteers to join our dedicated on-the-ground teams in Welkom and Bloemfontein in the Free State, East Rand and Vaal in Gauteng, Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, and Umhlanga, Pinetown and Richards Bay/ Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal. The work is a lot of fun and very fulfilling – our long-time volunteers have many beautiful stories to tell,” says Margie Kostelac, sponsorship and regional manager for the Santa Shoebox Project in Gauteng.

This year, as the award-winning organisation celebrates its milestone birthday, volunteers will have the chance to get involved in celebrations and campaigns to mark the momentous occasion.

Essentially, the task is to bring festive cheer to children in need. Every year, warm-hearted people from all over South Africa volunteer as Santa’s helpers and offer a few hours of their time to see to ensure more than 75 000 children experience the magic, joy and dignity that a Santa Shoebox provides.

Once the www.santashoebox.org.za website opens for pledges every year – to

The Santa Shoebox Project, one of the country’s most loved children’s organisations, is calling on volunteers from Stellenbosch to sign up for the worthy cause.

corporates on 1 August and individuals on 1 September – volunteers in each region collect the packed, decorated and labelled boxes on specific dates.

They also quality-check each box and liaise with schools, early childhood development (ECD) centres and other registered beneficiaries in their communities to arrange the joy-filled handovers of personalised boxes to every child on Santa’s list.

“The support of our magnificent volunteers, donors and sponsors countrywide over these past two decades has created countless moments of sheer joy,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project.

“Giving to a child might seem like a small act of generosity to the giver, but it can make a big difference to a child’s life, and many children treasure their letters and gifts into adulthood.”

 Go to www.santashoebox.org.za to sign up as a volunteer for this year and share the call with your friends on social media channels, like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

AWSS top animal-care body

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) received international recognition at the prestigious LUXlife Pet Products and Services Awards, receiving two honours for 2026.

The local organisation received the award for Animal Welfare Champions of the Year 2026: South Africa and the Pet Services Dedication Excellence Award 2026.

The awards recognise organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to animal welfare and meaningful contributions to the global pet-care and animal-protection sector.

Following a comprehensive evaluation conducted by LUXlife’s independent judging panel, AWSS was selected for the impact of its work, commitment to ethical practices and its high standards of care.

For seven decades it has protected and cared for the community’s animals. Receiving this international recognition is

meaningful, as it reflected the compassion, hard work and unwavering commitment brought to animal welfare every day.

The AWSS said it believes such an achievement belongs, equally, to its inspectors and animal-welfare staff, compassionate veterinary team providing life-saving care, the adoptions team that works tirelessly to match animals with loving homes and its outreach teams who support and educate communities.

Also, it said, the many staff and volunteers working behind the scenes, not to mention the many supporters, donors, volunteers and partners.

“This recognition means so much to all of us at AWSS,” said general manager Jessica Perrins.

“It reflects the passion and dedication of an extraordinary team that works every day to give animals the care, protection and second chances they deserve.”

Gr.10-leerder in internasionale ekspo

Die navoringsprojek van ’n leerder van die Hoërskool Stellenbosch is onder drie Suid-Afrikaanse projekte wat vanjaar by die Internasionale Fees van Ingeneurswetenskap en Tegnologie (I-FEST²) in Tunisië ten toon gestel sal word.

Die projekte, wat werklike uitdagings in onderwysstelsels, lugvaartingenieurswese en kunsmatige intelligensie (KI) aanpak, is verlede jaar op die Eskomekspo vir jong wetenskaplikes gekies.

Die fees word van Maandag 23 tot Sondag 29 Maart deur die Tunisiese vereniging vir die toekoms van wetenskap en tegnologie vir jong wetenskaplikes tussen die ouderdom van 14 en 24 aangebied.

Nicolaas Steenkamp, ’n gr.10-leerder aan die Hoërskool Stellenbosch, se navorsingsprojek, getiteld “Evaluering

Nicolaas Steenkamp, ’n leerder aan die Hoërskool Stellenbosch, is een van drie jong wetenskaplikes van Suid-Afika wat volgende week aan die Internasionale Fees van Ingeneursweteskap en Tegnologie in Tunisië sal deelneem.

van die impak van versterkingsstrategieë op leerdoeltreffendheid en aanpasbaarheid in Q-leeralgoritmes,” is een van die drie projekte wat Suid-Afrika by

‘Let’s build the nation’

A new group of future engineers celebrated two decades of the bursary programme that helped them further their studies this past Saturday (14 March).

Tertius Simmers, provincial minister for Infrastructure celebrated the major milestone in human capital development as the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme officially marked 20 years of transforming the province’s built environment and engineering sectors at the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre in Techno Park.

Since its inception in 2006, Masakh’iSizwe, which translates to “let us build the nation,” has evolved from a financial aid initiative into a premier talent incubator. To date, it has supported more than 1 200 bursars with an investment exceeding

R200 million. The bursary covers tuition, mentorship and experiential learning for chosen students of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cape Town, and Stellenbosch University.

Speaking at the bursary awards ceremony, Simmers highlighted the programme’s role in driving long-term economic growth by producing a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

“This programme does more than fund degrees; it builds the capability and confidence required to lead our province into the future,” he said.

“The success of our past bursars is a testament to what can be achieved through consistent, high-level investment in our youth and our infrastructure.”

die fees sal verteenwoordig.

Die ander twee navorsingsprojekte is deur Diya Zacaria (gr.11) van The High School For Girls Potchefstroom en Nathan Moolman (gr.11) van Leeuwenhof Akademie in Johannesburg.

Al drie leerders het op verlede jaar se ekspo medaljes gewen.

Anina Nel, die streeksdirekteur van die ekspo in Welkom, sal die leerders na Tunisië vergesel.

Die 16-jarige Stellenbosser se projek is vir sy duidelike verkenning van versterkingsleerbeginsels deur middel van ’n vereenvoudigde berekeningsmodel gekies. Nicolaas het ’n Q-leeragent ontwikkel om die spel Hexapawn te speel, wat met hulp van drie versterkingsbenaderings opgelei is: slegs beloning, slegs straf en ’n gekombineerde beloning-strafstrategie.

“As primêre befondser van die Es-

kom-ekspo vir jong wetenskaplikes is Eskom baie trots dat hierdie talentvolle jong navorsers SA by die I-FEST² verteenwoordig,” sê Mologadi Motshele, waarnemende uitvoerende direkteur van die Eskom-ontwikkelingsstigting.

“Hul deelname weerspieël die sterkte van die land se opkomende wetenskaplike talent, asook die belangrikheid daarvan om platforms te bied waar jong innoveerders hul idees met die wêreld kan deel.”

Sy sê die drie leerders dra nie net tot die internasionale wetenskaplike dialoog by nie, maar ook tot die ontwikkeling van oplossings wat volhoubare groei en tegnologiese vooruitgang in opkomende ekonomieë kan ondersteun.  Skoolleerders van gr.4 tot 12 kan nou inskryf vir vanjaar se Eskom-ekspo. Navorsingsprojekte kan aanlyn by www.exposcience.co.za geregisteer word.

Many graduates of the programme now serve as industry leaders, academics and key technical experts in both the public and private sector.

The event also served to welcome 58 new bursars into the programme for 2026, with a budget of R15,9 million has been allocated for the current finan-

Young botany artists showcased

In its first student exhibition

Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG) is exhibiting 50 excellent artworks produced by unexhibited artists as young as 10 years old.

It showcases works in many mediums on subjects of nature, from a beautiful charcoal drawing by Andrea Slabber to a botanically-accurate crochet piece by Genevieve Broccardo.

SUBG opened a call for submissions late last year, and received an overwhelming response from novice artists interested in gaining experience in exhibiting.

The exhibition is currently on in the Garden Gallery until Friday 17 April.

It includes works of scholars, students and early-career artists who depict nature.

“Botanical art is an important medium that showcases both artistic ability and the science behind the plants,” explained Annerie Senekal, SUBG acting curator.

“At SUBG it has become increasingly important to highlight plants through art, and we are excited to see so much talent and creativity in early-career artists.”

Botanical-art curator Karen Stewart oversaw the curation process. “We are really impressed with the quality of many of the works we received. We got more than 100 artworks in the initial call and chose 50,”

she pointed out.

This exhibition was made possible by the James & Shirley Sherwood Project at SUBG.

Thanks to its funding, the garden is currently developing the first public florilegium in South Africa while supporting the country’s top botanical artists in producing world-class artworks.

The funding also allows SUBG to support early-career artists by professionally showcasing their work and providing informal mentoring and advice.

The project also supports three art interns who are learning more about how exhibitions are run and looked after.

SUBG also acquired a work depicting Disa maculata by Bradley Wiehahn for permanent display.

Artworks are for sale and, to support early-career artists,

SUBG waived its commission fee for all artworks.

As a result, artworks are very reasonably priced, offering younger collectors the opportunity to get into the market and make their first purchase. Prices for the works range from R100 to R6 000.

SUBG hopes the exhibition can continue providing inspiration, learning and growth for artists and garden visitors alike.

The James & Shirley Sherwood Project is special collaboration initiative by Stewart, chairperson of the Botanical Artists’ Association of Southern Africa’s Cape branch; Dr Donovan Kirkwood, the late curator of SUBG; Annerie Senekal, acting curator of SUBG; and academic partner Prof Léanne Dreyer, expert in the mega diverse Cape Oxalis.

cial year. According to Simmers, the Western Cape government remains committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented young people from entering specialised fields like engineering, architecture and town planning.

Through fostering partnerships between higher education institutions and industry stakeholders, the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme continues to help ensure that South Africa’s infrastructure development is led by innovative and highly skilled professionals.

Try your hand at JSE

Registrations are now open for the 2026 JSE Investment Challenge, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s flagship youth-focused financial literacy programme.

The competition teaches high-school learners and tertiary students the fundamentals of investing, allowing them to simulate real-time trading and engage with the stock market in a practical, game-based format.

Last year more than 66 000 participants from across the country participated in the JSE Investment Challenge, showing growing interest in investment education among SA’s youth.

The challenge is more than just a competition; it is an accessible way to build financial skills. It turns complex market ideas into practical learning, improves financial literacy, encourages strategic decision-making and helps learners and students gain confidence as they learn to manage their finances in a world that values informed choices.

Teams receive a virtual R1 million portfolio to invest in JSE-listed shares, developing essential skills in strategy, decision-making, risk assessment and portfolio management through this unique platform.

“At the JSE, we believe that financial literacy is a vital life skill for young people. It empowers them to make smart choices and confidently manage their finances as they become adults,” said Ralph Speirs, senior corpo-

rate social investment officer at the JSE.

“That’s why our competition is more than just a contest; it is an exciting learning platform that helps young people move toward financial independence. By giving young South Africans real investing and market experiences, we help them build a solid foundation. They can then face future financial challenges and take advantage of new opportunities with confidence.”

Learners in Grade 8 to 12 can enter online at schools.jse.co.za in teams of four, guided by a supervising teacher.

Tertiary students can participate by registering online at university.jse.co.za in teams of two to four from the same institution, regardless of their field of study.

Monthly prizes are awarded throughout the competition,and the overall winners share R1 million in investment vouchers.

The top tertiary team in the speculator category also earns an international stock exchange trip, with all prizes presented at the awards ceremony in October.

The JSE Investment Challenge team recently was on a national university roadshow to raise awareness and drive registrations for this year’s competition.

The 2026 challenge started this past Monday (16 March), with trading running until the competition closes on Tuesday 15 September.

Msaki will present Entropy at the Jazz Village on the second day of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek.

Biggest jazz names in F’Hoek

The highly-anticipated Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, unveiled a powerful new wave of artist announcements, confirming an exceptional programme across its two core performance hubs, the Arches’ main stage and Jazz Village Church.

Blending global heavyweights, pioneering African voices, genre-defying innovators and rising talent, the newly announced line-up reinforces MJFSA’s positioning as a boutique, hospitality-led festival rooted in deep listening, cultural exchange and world-class artistry.

“Bringing the Montreux Jazz Festival to Africa has never been about replication,” said MJFSA founder Mark Goedvolk. “It has been about re-imagining what this legendary platform can become when rooted in African creativity, excellence and storytelling. Franschhoek also provides the perfect canvas to share something that is intimate, meaningful and globally resonant. It is against this backdrop that this exceptional programme will be delivered, and I am grateful to our team, our partners and to all who have walked this path with us, and who continue to inspire what we are building.”

On stage at The Arches (at the Huguenot Monument) on Friday will be The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, Brother Kujenga, Wet Wet Wet and Róisín Murphy. Saturday opens with The Ploemies and Friends, followed by Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, Mandi-

si Dyantyis and Salif Keita as well as Thandiswa Mazwai, Ezra Collective and Robert Glasper with special guest Bilal.

Friday at the Jazz Village features: Madala Kunene and Sibusisle Xaba, Kesivan & The Lights featuring Swiss Africa Horns and special guest BONJ, Stacey Kent, the Ramon Alexander Trio featuring Buddy Wells. Saturday continues with Kwanti Leeh!, Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku, presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer; A Kind of Blue by Eddie Henderson; Msaki presents Entropy and the Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA).

“Every artist on this programme has been chosen for their ability to move audiences, emotionally, spiritually and musically,” said music and programming curator Lindsay Rhoda. “We wanted to honour jazz’s legacy while also showcasing where the music is going, particularly through African voices shaping the future. From deeply intimate Jazz Village performances to powerful moments on The Arches stage this line-up offers discovery, celebration and connection.”

On Sunday 29 March the three-day festival concludes with a Sunday Slowdown, along the Montreux Mile in Huguenot Street. While The Arches and Jazz Village Church stages will be closed the festival spirit continues with a series of un-ticketed music performances.

The Jazz Village precinct will remain a vibrant hub of public bars, food vendors, and a “wine down” supported by some of the valley’s most notable vignerons.

 Book online through Ticketmaster and find the full programme at www.mjfsa.com.

Dorpskalender | Town calendar

VRYDAG 20 MAART

 Stellenbosch: Die bekende Afrikaanse musikant Jak de Priester bring om 19:00 sy vertoning Van Sally Williams tot Somerset-Wes na die DROSTDY- TEATER. Met 25 jaar sedert sy debuut kyk hy in die vertoning terug op ’n waardevolle reis propvol musiek en stories. Hierdie mylpaal word gevier met die konsert vol geliefde liedjies, oud en nuut, aangevul deur De Priester se staaltjies soos net hy dit kan vertel. Hy deel die verhoog met Ruben Davis (baskitaar) en Rickardo van der Horst (dromme). Kaartjies, teen R260 elk, kan deur Webtickets bespreek word.

 Stellenbosch: Die Universiteit Stellenbosch Simfonieorkes nooi klassieke musiekliefhebbers na ’n aand van ryk musikale storievertelling, onder leiding van die internasionaal gerekende maestro Arjan Tien, met die bekroonde Suid-Afrikaanse mezzo-sopraan Minette du Toit-Pearce as solis, in die ENDLER-SAAL om 19:00. Die aand open met Maurice Ravel se “Pavane pour une infante défunte”, gevolg deur “Shéhérazade,” “Asie”, “La flûte enchantée” en “L’indifférent”. Die konsert kulmineer in Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov se “Scheherazade”, Op. 35. Bespreek jou kaartjies aanlyn deur Webtickets.

SUNDAY 22 MARCH

 Stellenbosch: Run through the

PERSOONLIKE DIENSTE

KRUIEKENNER 1435

Series, with Dirtopia’s Harvest Trail Run. The event offers two beautiful routes in the valley below Simonsberg – a 6 km and 11 km route. Registration starts at 07:30, with the 11 km event starting at 08:00 and the 6 km event at 08:15. Pre-entries close on Friday 20 March. Enter online at www.dirtpass.co.za or visit www.dirtopia.co.za for more details.

WOENSDAG 25 MAART

 Stellenbosch: Die jaarvergadering van die STELLENBOSSE HEEMKRING word om 19:00 in die konferensiekamer van die NG kerk Stellenbosch-Wes gehou. Die spreker by die geleentheid is prof. Tertius de Wet, emeritus-professor en deeltydse dosent en navorser by die Universiteit Stellenbosch. Sy onderwerp is “Moederkerk Stellenbosch se klokke oor 340 jaar”. Belangstellendes is welkom en aansoekvorms vir nuwe aansluitings is ook beskikbaar.

 Stellenbosch: The 10th Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium brings top international artists to town, with an exciting lineup of five evening concerts at the ENDLER HALL between Wednesday 25 and Saturday 29 March. The line-up sets off with three solo recitals, each by a renowned international artist. Visit www.stellenboschsymposium.com for more information

 Stuur alle kalender-inskrywings per e-pos na eikestadnuus@novusmedia.co.za.

GESOEK OM TE KOOP 1675

GESOEK vir kontant yskaste, wasmasjiene, mikrogolwe ens. Werkend of nie. Doen ook herstelwerk. Kontak Gerard 084 735 7442.

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High risk jumps!

Maties just too strong for Ikeys

FNB Maties scored a valuable bonus-point victory on the road to Western Cape rivals FNB UCT Ikeys in their fifthround Varsity Cup encounter at the Green Mile in Rondebosch on Monday evening.

The men from Stellenbosch collected maximum points, beating the defending champions 34-7.

Both sides needed to have their wits about them in the windy conditions with the home side heading into the clash as favourites.

Maties found themselves on the back foot in the early exchanges, but they managed to open the scoring against the run of play inside 10 minutes.

UCT were on the front foot and misplaced a pass inside the Stellenbosch 22, leading to a breakaway that resulted in Luan Botha dotting down for a Point of Origin try after six minutes.

The Ikey Tigers needed to navigate a tricky spell of play with 14-men shortly after, when

captain Enos Ndiao was sent to the bin for cynical play.

Maties headed into the break with a slender lead after a gruelling first half, where they needed to absorb waves of pressure from the home team.

Despite spending majority of the first period in their own half, they led by seven-points at the break, with the home side yet to notch up any points.

The Maroon Machine came out firing in the to start the second period with tries aplenty. First, Stellies’ skipper and eventual player of the match Ezekiel Ngobeni showed some slick skills and quick thinking to get his side’s second try.

Sensing a shift in momentum, Ngobeni opted for the Tap, which worked a treat as Zuko Poswa crashed over the line just 24 seconds later for a 17-0 lead.

The visitors had their tails up and scored their bonus-point try shortly after the restart courtesy of prop Janlu Basson. The front rower bagged a brace of tries within two minutes – one

of them coming from another successful tap by the visiting team that saw them race to a 29-0 lead on enemy territory.

The hosts hit back with a seven-pointer that was finished off by Jack Benade a few moments later, but just couldn’t seem to impose themselves on the contest. The gusting wind caused problems for both sides, but the visitors were able to keep their mistakes to a minimum.

Maties ran in their sixth try after the hooter, following a well-worked scrum setpiece that went through the hands and eventually saw Mckyle Volmoer finishing off the move for a 34-7 success over their archrivals.

Maties now turn their attentions to top-of-the-table NWU Eagles, whom they host at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday (23 March). The Maroon Machine, who are currently in third place on the log after three victories, will look to use home ground advantage to improve their place in the standings.

The match kicks off at 19:00.

The world’s biggest free ride mountain biking event, DarkFest, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with some of the world’s best free-ride mountain bikers gathering to ride one of the most thrilling courses ever built. Hosted at the iconic Hellsend Dirt Compound on the Vuurberg Farm outside Stellenbosch, the course is famous for its massive features, including the legendary 33,5 m gaps and towering step-ups that have helped redefine the limits of the sport. “I can’t wait for the big 10-year Darkfest this year!” said Sam Reynolds, Darkfest founder and Monster Energy MTB rider. “It’s going to be bigger than ever! We’ve spent a decade pushing the boundaries of what a mountain bike can do, and to see where we are now with the world’s best men and women sending these monster hits, is just insane. The vibes are going to be through the roof.” A limited number of general admission tickets will allow fans to watch the action in person from 08:00 to 17:00 this Saturday (21 March). A small number of premium passes will also give ticket-holders access to the Monster Energy Triples BMX and free-ride session taking place tomorrow (Friday 20 March).

Vrouewenner in plaaslike derby bepaal

Tasmin Cupido

’n Plaaslike derby sal vanjaar weer eens die wenners van die T20-kompetisie van die Bolandse vroueliga bepaal.

Die eindstryd word Sondag (22 Maart) by die Groot Drakenstein-sportklub buite Pniël beslis, met die vroue van die Coronations- en Stellenbosch-krieketklub wat mekaar die stryd aansê.

Dit is ’n herhaling van verlede jaar se eindstryd, wat die Corries oortuigend gewen het (“Corries is kampioen van Boland!”, Eikestadnuus, 27 Maart 2025).

Die Stellenbossers sal hul stemme dus wil dik maak en hul bes probeer om die algehele oorheersing van die span van die Dwarsriviervallei te beëindig.

Verlede jaar het Corries die Stellenbossers op laasgenoemde se tuisveld in alle aspekte van die wedstryd oorrompel en die T20-kroon met agt paaltjies gewen. Die akkurate en verwoestende boulvernuf van Moseline Daniels, wat vyf paaltjies laat kantel het, en Doni Lin (twee) het toegesien dat Stellenbosch vir slegs 21 lopies uitgeboul is.

In vanjaar se eindstryd sal Corries hoop om weer op die ervaring van Daniels, ook die spankaptien, staatmaak. Hulle

hoop ook dat die aanvangskolwer Christine Tomlinson voortbou op haar uitstekende spel met die kolf. Sy het die afgelope naweek (Sondag 15 Maart) ’n honderdtal aangeteken en haar span in hul laaste groepswedstryd teen die Grabouw-krieketklub by die Elgin-buiteklub na ’n sege gelei. Die besoekers het die loot gewen en eerste gekolf. Tomlinson het haar voorneme gewys deur die Grabouw-boulers aan te val en hul ritme te ontstel. Sy het deur die beurt gekolf en met 108* (66 balle) die grootste bydrae tot haar span se telling van 182/2 in 20 beurte aangeteken.

Die Grabouwers se dissipline het hulle in die steek gelaat met 33 bylopies wat die tweede hoogste lopies was. Op hul beurt het die Corries-boulers ligte werk van die tuisspan se kolwers gemaak en hulle vir 32 in 11 beurte in ’n goeie spanpoging uitgeboul. Danya Laas (3/4) en Mialize van Merwe (2/7) het met die bal beïndruk om hul span na ’n 150-lopie-sege te neem.

Die Pniëllers sal hoop om in die eindstryd op dié goeie vertoning en wen-momentum voort te bou, asook om hul algehele oorwinning in die 50-boulbeurt-vroueliga te herhaal. Die wedstryd begin om 10:00.