Eikestadnuus - E-Edition - 26 March 2026

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Klapmuts Primêr se ouersgekwel

Yaël Malgas

Die skoolgemeenskap vanKlapmuts Primêr sê daar is steeds te veel vrae oor die toestand van die skool en hulle voelantwoorde moet gegee word.

Op ’n gemeenskapsvergaderingverlede

Woensdag (18 Maart) in die plaaslike veeldoelige sentrum hetouers gesê hulle is onseker hoe veilighul kinders werklik by die skool is.

Ouers kla oor die elektrisiteitstoevoer wat wekegelede by die skoolafgeskakel is,temin toilette vir hul kinders en ’n gebrek aan genoegsame waterpunte by die skool op die snikhete dae “My dogter is net 10 jaaroud en was reedsin’nmobiele toilet toesydeureen van die groter meisiekinders gesê is om ‘buite te gaan p*s’. Sy hethaar toe uit die toilet geruk,” het een ma vertel Verskeie toilette is glo buite werking. In ’n skrywe op die skoolsesosiale media het dieskoolhoof, Lee Hoffmann, verduidelik die probleme met die ablusiegeriewe geniet die“hoogte prioriteit”. “Daar is goeie vordering met ons aansoekomfinansiëleondersteuning

Die skoolgemeenskap vanKlapmuts Primêr het verlede Woensdag byeenkom om hul griewe te lug. Ouers eis antwoorde vandie skool en die WKOD oor verskeie kwessies by die skool. Foto:YaëlMalgas

van dieWes-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement (WKOD) om die toilette te herstel. Die skoolbestuur is tansbesig om ’n volledigesakeplan en alle nodigedokumentasietefinaliseermet die doel om ditbinnekort vir goedkeuring in te dien. Sodra dit goedgekeur word, vertrou ons dieWKODsal geld beskikbaar stel vir dieherstel van alleleerdertoilette, insluitenddie mobieleeenhede by die ‘Heights’ (Graad Ren1),” het hy verduidelik. Intussen is ses mobieletoilette gehuur. Ouerskla benewens die toilette oordie elektrisiteitstoevoer na die skool sedert

die dood vanMatthew Baartmanafis. Hoewel die Klapmuts-polisie bevestig het datdie gr.3-leerder vandie plaaslike skool doodgeskokhet, beweerdie WKODgeenbewyse kongevindworddat MatthewopVrydag 23 Januariegeskok het nie.

Die aanvanklike bewerings was dat Matthewwater gedrink hettoe hy aan’n lewendige kragkabel geraak en geskok het.

Die departementhet in Februarie aan Eikestadnuus gesê die kragtoevoer na die skool is afgeskakel sonder om enigeverduideliking aan die departement te bied Volgens inligting het diekragverskaffer die elektrisiteit afgesit terwyl hulle die elektrisiteitnetwerkbydie skool ondersoek ná Matthew se dood.

Hoelankhierdie ondersoek salduur en watdie bevindinge is weet niemand nie. Kragopwekkers word noutydelik gebruik, maar ouers is bekommerdoor die koste.

’n Woordvoerder vir Eskom het vandeesweek gesê die elektrisiteitstoevoer na die skoolissteedsafweens “uitstaande vereistes om Eskom toe te laat om voort te gaan metdie herstel van die toevoer”. Hy het nie uitgebrei oor

dievereistes nie, maar gesê bevestiging van dieskool dat alles in plekissal eers moet geskied“voor verdere aksie geneem kan word”

Ouers kla ookoor ’n gebrek aanwater by dieskool, maar Hoffmannhet verduidelik daaríslopendewater. “Onsis besigomdie aantal waterpunte(krane) te vermeerder om toegangteverbeter. Ouerswordvriendelik versoek om,waar moontlik, waterbottels saam te stuur, veral virjonger leerders.Die skool het klein watertenks vir gr.R-engr.1-klasse gekoop om diehitte in mobiele klaskamerstehelpverlig.”

Ouersmeenegter die gebrek aan duidelike antwoorde van dieskoolen WKOD oorkwessies, insluitendMatthew se dood, kom op neer op minagting.“Ons soek antwoorde. Iemand moet verantwoordbaar gehou word, wantekstuur daagliks my kinders na dieskool. Moet ek nouvrees dat my kind die volgende eengaanweeswat seerkry? Winter is op pad en onssoek antwoorde oordie elektrisiteit,die klasse wat nogbuite gebruik is en onsander klagtes,” het’npagesê. Eikestadnuus hetnadie WKOD uitgereik virkommentaar, maar hetteen druktyd geen terugvoerontvang nie

Safe bike park open

Yaël Malgas

In an effort to help more cyclists travel to Stellenbosch central with their bicycles the Stellenbosch TrailFund (STF) andits partners have created abike lock-up in the parking area in front of Eikestad Mall.

Cyclists wary of leavingtheir bikes unguarded in thecentral business district can now park their bikes in Andringa Street daily from 07:30to17:00. Amember of the STF willcheck inthe bikes andkeepawatchfuleye AccordingtoErnstGouws, director of thelocalNPC,the STF BicyclePark and Walk concept has been three years in the making. “Wefirstproposed thisconcept to Stellenbosch Municipality in August 2023.

Given our town’s traffic congestion and lack of vehicleparking, it is imperative that non-motorised transport (NMT) strategies be investigatedand tested,” he explains.

Councilapproval wasreceived inOctober 2024 and since then STF has been working with SiteEye, alocal technology solutions business,who created asturdy bike stand prototype.

“This is our firstattemptat the standsbut we already have the functionality to eventually haveusers openthe bike stands with anapp on their cellphones,” EricaTruscott of SiteEye explains.

Truscott andher partner WimpieSanderare both cyclists andknow the challengeofkeeping abicyclesafewhen popping intothe shops,sothey kept this inmindwhendesigningthe

stands

Twelve stands, which can each accommodate two bicycles, have been builtwith rebar and the whole parking bay it kitted outwith SiteEyesecurity technology which is directlylinked to alocal security controlroom.

Gouwssays the price point for the BicyclePark andWalkwas specifically kept low foraccessibility. All payments, in the form of adonation, aredone via SnapScan.

Parking abike fortwo hours or less willcost R5. Parking fortwo to four hours willcost R10 andbetween four andeight hours, R20 meaning cyclists can park their bikes forthe workday. Amonthly park pass costs R50.

“STF receives no municipal funding,sowerely purely on donationsfromthe public. We

Theroleplayers responsiblefor the newSTF Bicycle Park andWalkincentralStellenbosch. Theteamincludesmembers of the StellenboschTrail Fund, SiteEyeand StellenboschCycling. Photo: Yaël Malgas

would like to thank andrecognise SiteEye, whodesigned andmanufacturedthe bicycle storagesystemfreeofcharge, andsupplied the24/7security monitoring;Tim ZiehlArchitects, whodrewupthe formal

building plans anddrove the municipal approval process; and Groeneveld Construction,who assistedwith the overall implementation of the service,who all contributed their resources free of charge,”Gouws says

Stellenbosch police caution heightened vigilanceintown

Stellenbosch police is warningvehicle owners to heighten their awareness and put preventative measures in place to help protecttheirvehiclesagainst wouldbe thieves

According to Captain NathalieMartin an uptick in vehicle theft was recorded betweenTuesday 17 Februaryand Tuesday 10 March.“Criminals are becoming more organised and opportunistic, which means that everyvehicle ownermust takepersonal responsibility for safety.”

Banghoek Street, BlaauwklippenRoad, Merriman Road andSuidwal Street are consideredashotspots, with Martin warning that thieves areespecially busy fromTuesdaytoSaturdaysinthe morning, between 06:00 and12:00, andthe againlate afternoon, 15:00 to 18:00.

Martinurged localstoremain alert and awarebyalways being conscious of their surroundingswhen arriving at or leaving their vehicle. “Avoid distractions suchas mobile phones in public spaces.”

Make sure vehicles’ windows and doorsare closed andlocked.Owners shoulddouble-checkremote locking as criminals may use signaljamming devices. Always physically checkthata vehicle is locked before walking away.

“Park strategically by making useof secure, well-lit areasorguardedparking,” Martin advised. “At home, park insidea locked garage or securedgates.”

Othersafety tips from localpoliceinclude installing trackingdevices as ave-

hicletracking system improvesrecovery chances andcan deter criminals;keeping valuableslike handbags andelectronics outofsight, andusing additional security measureslike steering locks,immobilisersand alarm systemsasadded layers of protection.

 Anyone who finds theirvehiclestolen shouldimmediatelyreport the crimeas quick reportingincreasesrecovery chances. Contactthe StellenboschPoliceStation at 0218095012/15 or 0825221912.

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nonthe nny comng they the fake fectly nthe -19A vals skool (AfStadium .Italso nth as the tesits ,the sed sno tor’ofthe plane,” ie de it just as fthe pubhe post joke oy.”

ThePRG AI-generated photo follows an AI-generatedimage of aleopardparading through the streets of Pniël,shared on social media earlier thismonth (“Vals KI-luiperd saai paniek,” Eikestadnuus online, 12 March) This postand photo was widely shared, with userswarning their onlinecommunities to tread carefullyinthe local community.

However, the CapeLeopard Trustimmediately labelledthe photo as false,warning those sharingittorefrain from creatingchaos andsharing false information on leopardbehaviour, whichcould in turn disadvantagethe welfareofthese elusive felines

TheTrust said on Facebook postthe AI-generatedimage of the strollingleopard, followed real CCTVfootage of aleopard walkingthe Simonsbergslopes.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONPROCESS in terms of the National Environmental Management Act,Act 107 of 1998,asamended (NEMA),and the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) Regulations of 2014,asamended andthe National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (NWA), forthe following proposed project: sday For moreinformation, or to register as an I&AP,and/or to submit comments,pleasefind contactdetailsbelow

KENNISGEWING VAN'NPUBLIEKE DEELNAME PROSES in terme vandie WetopNasionale Omgewingsbestuur,Wet No.107 van1998, soos gewysig (“WetopNasionale Omgewingsbestuur”),endie Omgewingsimpakstudieregulasies van2014, soos gewysig, en dieNasionale Waterwet, WetNo. 36 van1998,vir die volgende projek:

Datum ag Virmeerinligting,omteregistreeras'nB&GP,en/of om kommentaarintedien,sien kontakbesonderhedehieronder

Farmersconcerned about diesel shortages

South Africa’s agricultural sectorisfacingcriticaldieselsupply disruptions at retail level, despite national fuel stocks remaining stable

This as global crudeoil marketsnavigate tensionsaroundthe StraitofHormuz, avitalshippingroute for Middle Easternpetroleum Agri WesternCape(AWC) hasescalatedconcernsabout ongoing diesel shortagesatretaildepots,particularly in ruralfarming areas, to the officeof PremierAllan Windethrough Provincial Disaster Management structures

Theorganisation reported thatseveral depots have runcompletely dry. “The key concern, however, is whythissupply is notconsistentlyreaching theretail level,” AWCstated.

Recent engagement betweenAWC, AgriSA,Agbiz andrepresentativesfrom the FuelIndustry Association of South Africaconfirmed thatnationalfuel stock levels remain stable.However, the failure to translate this stability into consistentretail availability hasraised questionsabout distribution efficiency withinthe fuel value chain.

Jannie Strydom, CEO of AWC, said: “Dieselisa critical input for agriculture operations– from planting andharvestingtotransportand logistics.Any disruptioninsupply poses direct risksto production, foodsecurity andthe sustainability of farming operations.”

Theshortagescomeasinternational crudeoil marketsfacepressurefrom ongoing conflict in the Middle East. AWChas called for full transparency from all stakeholders in the fuel value chainand immediateaction to address distribution bottlenecks.The organisation said it will continuemonitoringthe situationand engagingwith authorities andindustrypartners to facilitate solutions.The agriculturesector’s reliance on diesel extendsacrossthe entire production cycle,from fieldoperations to cold chainlogistics,makingconsistent fuel access essential for maintaining food security andoperational continuity.

Briewe van ons lesers |Letters fromour readers

‘Responseirksome’

Iwish to expressmyconcern regarding the handling of a recent complaintsubmittedto the Speaker of the Stellenbosch Municipal Council concerning the conduct of acouncillor.

On Monday 2March, Isubmitted aformal complaint requesting an investigation in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors relating to asocial mediavideo in which Councillor Stephanie Heneke publicly addressed asensitivematter involving allegations of sexual misconductatalocal school

My concern wasthat the statements made in the video appeared to take apublic stance in support of the accused individual before any investigative or legal processes had beenconcluded.

In asocietystruggling with high levelsofgender-based violence, publiccommentary that may be perceived as dismissive of acomplainant carriesserious implications.

The purpose of the complaint was therefore not political,but rathertorequest that the matter be assessedthrough the proper mechanismsprovidedfor in the Code of Conduct.

However, the response from the Speaker of the Stellenbosch Municipality indicated that the office had assessedthe matter and decided not to refer it to the municipal council or acommittee for further investigation, effectively closing the matter.

Whilethe Speaker is entitled to

make such adetermination, the lack of atransparentprocess raises concerns aboutaccountability and public confidence in the oversight mechanisms intended to regulate councillor conduct.

Local governmentplays a criticalroleinpromoting ethical leadership and protecting the dignity of all members of ourlocal community.

Matters involving allegations of sexual misconductand the treatmentof complainants deserve careful andopen consideration, particularly when public representatives are involved in the discourse.

For these reasons, Ibelieve that amore transparent approach would havebetter served the interestsofthe community and strengthened trustinlocal governance.

The residents of Stellenbosch expect their elected representatives toexercise bothresponsibility andsensitivitywhen speaking about matters as serious as gender-basedviolence.

Chris, STELLENBOSCH

CouncillorQuintin Smit, Speakerofthe Stellenbosch Municipal Council,responds: In accordancewith allapplicable provisions of the Code of Conduct for Councillors andfollowing due consideration andinvestigation, the matterhas beenconcluded, and it was determined that they do not warrant any furtherinvestigation

Welcome sign‘illegal’

Jana Scheepers

Residents and community leaders gathered at the Klapmuts Multipurpose Hall on Saturday7 March forthe unveiling of anew signboard intended to recognise the area’s growing identity and shared heritage.

However,what was presented as acelebration of unity has since drawn scrutiny amid concerns about both theinvolvement of acontroversialchurch and the failure to follow proper municipal procedures.

The ceremony marked what organisers described as the culmination of three yearsof communityengagement in Klapmuts.Apostle JunetteEngelbrecht, leader of the Church of Christ,praised thepresence of the New Heaven New Earth Church in the area, saying it had playedapositiverole in supportingresidents.

“I haveseen that it is very good for the church to be herebecauseitishelpingthe community,” shesaid. “It is very importantfor achurch to understand theheart of the communityand to supportit. Currentlymany young people are struggling with drugs and gang involvement, and this kind of support is very much needed herefor our youth.”

Wardcouncillor JC Anthony unveiled asignboard, declaring Klapmuts a“Shincheonjitown”.

The reference to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, however, has raised eyebrows.

The New Heaven New Earth Church, as it is translated in English, is aSouth Korean religious movement, now also prevalent in SouthAfrica, including Cape Town, that has attracted international controversy. Critics, including former members, have labelled it a cult, citing allegations of secret recruitment practices and strict internal control. The church has repeatedly denied these claims, maintaining is alegitimate Christian organisation.

In Klapmuts reactions have been mixed, with some residents welcoming the church’s community outreach efforts, while others have expressed concernabout itsgrowing influ-

ence and the publicbranding of the area.

Added to the controversy, Stellenbosch Municipality has confirmed the signboard, unveiled on 7March, was erected without following the required legal processes.

Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar said while the church is aregistered organisation that has been active in the community thereisnoformal agreement between it and the municipality. “The municipality welcomes any form of community upliftment and assistance; however, it does not endorse any specific group, church or organisation.”

He added that the necessary authorisation was not obtained. and notices have been issued for the signage to be removed.

Digbundelvir vroue

Yaël Malgas

Kuns is lank reeds’nuitlaatklep vir pyn en ’n Klapmuts-mahoop die gedigtewat vanuit haar pyn geskep is, sal ander vroue help.

Isabella Saulus van Klapmuts het ’n ruk gelede ’n terugslag in haar huwelik gehad en besef die enigste manier om deurdie pyn tewerk, is met stilte en die hulp van haar Skepper.

“Die grootste leswat ek geleer het, was dat hestel ná teleurstelling en pyn moontlik is,” vertel sy.

Isabella hetbesef die beste manier om deur die mallemaai van gevoelenstewerk,isom haar gedagtes neertepen Hierdie gevoelens het tot vele gedigte gelei wat die ma in haar bundel, Stilteindie geraas,deel.

“Ek het besef datmygedigte moontlik vroue in dieselfde posisie kanhelp. Ek het gedink my gedigte het nie net vir my deur die donker tyd gehelp nie, maar kan ook ander vroue minder alleenlaat voel en dat hulle kanbesef dit wat ek het [die genesing], is iets wat hulle ook kan hê.”

Isabella se streweomander te help, is nie nuut nie en die Klapmuts-inwonerhelp reeds jare lank haar gemeenskap as ’n veldwerker en streef veral om kindersenjongmensetebemagtig.

Reneal Davids van The Reneal Effect, die uitgewer van Stilte

in diegeraas,sêvelevroue, veralindie bruin-gemeenskap, hetwaardevolleverhale om te deel,maar baie keerishulle te skaam om dittedoen.

Davids sê dit was Isabella se bereidwilligheidomnie te skroom vir fouteentekortkominge nie wat haar beïndruk het.

“Elkeen het’nstorie, maar niealmal hetdie moed om daardiestorie die ligte laat sien nie. Tog, deur diebekendmaking, kom mag en vryheid,” sê sy.

Davidshet ’n beroepop skrywers gedoenomhul manuskriptevir moontlike publikasie in te dien.Isabella was een vandie talle vroue wat haar skryfwerkingestuurhet.

‘KREATIEFMETUITDAGINGS’

“Syhet onmiddellik haar handopgesteek. Skrywers voel baie keer hulle werk so hard aan ’n projek, maar daar is geen deurbraak nie.Daarom het ek besluit om viervroueskrywers te help. Isabellahet op so ’n kreatiewe manier oor haar uitdagings geskryf –daarwas geen ‘wieliewallie-gedigte’ nie.”

Isabella sêvir haar is Goddie stilte in diegeraas.

“Stilte iswanneer jy Homkan hoor.Enigeenwat moedeloosis, wat sukkelmet wanhoop moet weet dat al is daarniemand in jou lewewat jou verstaan of kan troos nie, Hy kan. Baie vroue hetniemand om mee te gesels nie. Skyf ditneer, gebruikdit as ’nuitlaatklepvir die pyn.

Henrietta du Preezingesprekmet Isabella Saulus oor die digter se bundel Stilte in die geraas. Foto’s:YaëlMalgas

“Later saljybesef dit kangenesing bring.Myteleurstelling wasgroot, maar die herstel was die mooistevan alles.”

Dit was’ntrotse dagvir Isabellaseman,Bevan, en die res vanhaar gesintoe sy onlangs haar digbundel by die Franschhoek-biblioteek bekend- gestel het.

Bevan sê sy vrouis’nseëning vandie Here en hy is daagliks dankbaarvir haarliefde en die inspirasie watsybied. “Ja daar wasdonkerdae in onshuwelik en ek praat dit nie goed nie, maar vandag staan onssterker as gevolg van die ervaring,” vertel hy.

Isabella se dogter, Ilza, het gesê haar hart loop oor van trots, nie net vir haar ma nie, maar vir beide haar ouers.

Isabella sê sy het reeds planne vir haar volgende digbundel en intussen hoop sy haardebuut inspireerander vroue.

Kontak Isabella by 0789479678 vir’nkopievan Stilte in diegeraas

Stellenbossesakelui, inwoners,verteenwoordigers van die Stellenbosch TrailFund, asook beamptes vandie Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit het verlede Vrydag (20 Maart) by die stadsaal byeengekom om die plantvan twee nuwe eikebome te vier.

Foto:YaëlMalgas

Nuweeikegeplant

YaëlMalgas wat vroegoggend die twee bomevoor die Stellenbosch-stadsaal geplant het, was gees

Bikers arekilling ‘our berg’

Astern warning hasbeen issued to all scrambler motorcyclists illegally accessing CapeNature’s protected areas to stop immediately.

Adelaide Moolow, conservation manager at the LimietbergNature Reserve, said trespassers have been scrambling forfiveyears without permission. This nature reserve stretches from Franschhoek to Paarl andWellington “It’sconcentrated mainly on the Paarl sideofthe Drakenstein mountains. This is also happening on other protected areaswhere access is notcontrolled.”

Scrambler motorcycles arelightweight andhaveoff-road capabilities

Overthe years the entity hastried to catch these trespasserswithoutsuccess. AGoogle Earth satelliteimage shows howthe illegal activity hasled to illegal trails on protected areas. “Itreduces biodiversity in the area .diggingtrenches into the ground andcausing erosion.”

Permits areneededtoaccessthe area, butscramblers are strictlyprohibited andwillbefined if caught.

“Weask the scrambling community to enter into dialogue with us to manage this situation.”

Anyonewith more information can call Moolowon082 494 9707.

– Chantélle Hartebeest

ExploreLight Art at historicwinefarm

Theeighth edition of Spier Light Art is currentlytransforming the historic wine farm intoamesmerisingnocturnal landscape.As darknessfalls,contemporarylight installationsglow, shimmer and shiftacrossthe grounds, creating an immersivejourneythrough art and nature.Curators Vaughn Sadieand JayPatherhaveselected worksfrom21South African artists exploring environmental crises, social memoryand post-apartheid realitiesalongside abstract investigations of perception, technologyand the cosmos.Unlike traditional exhibitions, visitors navigate winding farm paths at night,with no prescribed route. This year featuresdirect neon text pieces celebrating South African vernacular, while other works illuminateunexpected intersectionsbetween technology and nature.The exhibitionincludes an international exchangewith Swiss artists Florian Bach and Kerim Seiler.Itruns dailyatdusk untilMonday6April; bookingsfor entryand sunsetpicnics areavailable on Dineplan.Visit www.spier.co.za formoreinformation Photo: Spier Wine Farm

Dorpskalender |Towncalendar

THURSDAY26MARCH

Stellenbosch: The STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL GAR-

DEN (SUBG) hosts its first student exhibition, featuring 50 artworksby unexhibited artists as young as 10 years. Theexhibition, curated by Karen Stuart,showcasesworksinmanymediums and subjects of nature. It willbe on displayuntil Friday 17 April. Theexhibition is made possiblebythe James &Shirley Sherwood Project at SUBG Formoreinformation, email Annerie on amsenekal@sun.ac.zaorKaren on studio@karen-stewart.co.za

an exciting lineup of evening concerts at the ENDLERHALL until Saturday 29 March. Theline-upsetsoff with threesolorecitals, each by arenowned international artist.Overthe weekend theconcerts changetosoloistswith an orchestra and therenownedPiano Extravaganza. Bookingsfor allconcerts canbemade on Webtickets.See www stellenboschsymposium.com.

Stellenbosch: The10th Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium brings topinternational artists to town, with

SATERDAG 28 MAART

Pniël: Die PNIËL CONGREGATION-

AL-KERK bied van09:30 sy jaarlikse basaar aan. Diegesinsdagbeloof hope pret metstalletjies watgebak, pannekoek, wafels,lekkers, gemmerbier,hamburgers, vars groenteenmeer verkoop.Daar salook speletjies wees, asook ’n stalletjie waar die jongspan hul gesigte kanlaat verf.Allestalletjies salkardfasiliteitehê.

SUNDAY 5APRIL

Stellenbosch: MIDDELVLEIWINES holds itsannual Easter Brunch and

Easter EggHunt from 09:30 to 11:30, promising amorning of delicious farm-stylefood, laughter and Easter festivities and delight forall ages. While adults savour their Easter inspired mealsand aglass of wine, the morning’sfestivities will come alivefor younger visitors at 10:00 with the vibrant Easter egg hunt and even painting of Easter eggs. Thereare also prizes up forgrabs.Pre-booking is recommended on 021 8832565 or info@middelvlei.co.za.

Doen somme ‘speel-speel’

YaëlMalgas

Leerders van plaaslike hoërskole wat hulwiskundige vaardighede wil opskerp, kan nou by dienaskoolprogram Wiskunde Speel-Speel aansluit Dié program word by die Ou Lückhoff-geboudeur onder andere Livia Anthony, Mildred Davids en Gilmore Davids aangebied met die finansiëleondersteuning van dieJannie Mouton-stigting Dinsdagtot Donderdag,tussen15:00 en 17:00, word leerders van die hoërskole Lückhoff, Stellenbosch en Cloetesville gehelp met wiskunde, rekenaartoepassingstegnologie en Afrikaans.

“Ekhet nog altyd wiskunde geniet,want daar is altyd iets nuuts om te leer.Altyd ’n nuweuitvindsel,”meenZachary Amos, gr.11-leerder vanHoërskool Lückhoff. Hy bieg wiskunde op laerskool was nie

juis ’n uitdaging nie, maar nouophoërskool vind hy waarde in die Speel-Speelprogram aangesien dit hom addisionele en individuele ondersteuning bied.

Hoewel daar talle wiskunde-boffins in die program is, was dit nie die beginpunt vir al die leerders nie. Chevour King,gr.9-leerder van Hoërskool Cloetesville, sê die program het homgehelp om meer selfvertroue in sy wiskunde-vaardighede te bou.

Nadat sy ma besef het Chevour salmeer hulp deur die program kankry as watsy hommet sy huiswerk kanbied, hetsyhom vir Speel-Speel ingeskryf.

Gilmore verduidelik dit is juis die selfvertroue en gemak met die vak wathywil kweek. “Daar is gevinddat baie leerders in Cloetesville en Idasvallei liewerwiskunde geletterdheid as vak neem en daarwas ’n afname in die aantal leerders wat wiskunde as vak geneem het. Dieprogram is daarom gemik op leerders wat50% in

wiskunde behaal, maar graaghul wiskundige vaardighede wil verbeter. “Wiskunde is vir baie leerders ’n intimiderende vak. Ons poog om ’n positiewe gesindheid te kweek, omdat beter uitslae in wiskunde soveel deure vir leerders kanoop maak wanneer hulle verder studeer. Hier kry leerders die geleentheidomindividuele hulp en aandag te kry,” verduidelik hy. Anthony, watwiskunde-hulpaan graad neges bied, sê sommige leerders sukkelmet vakke omdat die beginsels van wiskunde nie vasgelê is nie. Volgens haar kenbaie leerders byvoorbeeld nie hulmaaltafels nie. “Hier, in teenstelling met klasse by die skool, het kinders die vrymoedigheid om te sê waarmee hulle sukkel,” vertel Anthony Benewens wiskunde en rekenaarvaardighede is Afrikaans, die leerders se huistaal, ingesluit by die program. Deur navorsing is gevind talle leerders kry die somme onderdie knie, maar sukkelmet

Kampioene³optuisbodem!

Die o.19A-tennisspan vanPaulRoosGimnasium het verlede maand (Februarie) vir diederde agtereenvolgende jaar die21steweergawe van dieZestfruitGerrie Berner-tennistoernooi op tuisgrond gewen. Die Stellenbossers het dieeindstryd teen dieHoërJongenskool Paarl (Boishaai) met 4-1gewen. Die span het onderwegnahul algeheleoorwinning segesteen Westville Boys’High School,die HoërskoolPearson,die Hoërskool Outeniqua, dieHoërskool Waterkloof,Kearsney Collegeendie AfrikaanseHoër Seunskool(Affies) behaal. Met die gesogtetrofee(vanlinks) staan Jannie de Villiers(PRG-rektor),SimeonRoothman, Luke Verwey,Liam Badenhorst, Hanno Bouwer, Sebastian Oosthuizen (kaptein), Tristan vander Merwe,Zach Jooste,Swannie Swanepoel (afrigter) en Lucettevan Niekerk

Leerders en die personeel vandie Wiskunde SpeelSpeel-program nooi hoërskoolleerders vanHoërskool Cloetesville,Lückhoff en Stellenboschomby hul naskoolprogram aan te sluit Foto:Yaël Malgas

woordsomme of om met begrip te lees en dus die rede vir die Afrikaans-sessies. Dié leesvaardighede kanleerders in alle vakke toepas. Die Speel-Speel program, nou in sy vierde jaar, kan20leerders akkommodeer in die naskoolprogam wat R180 per maand kos.

VirmeerinligtingkontakMildredpere-posby davidsmildred6@gmail.com.

VanStellies tot SA-netbalspanlid

MauriciaPetersen

Die 22-jarige Mikell Lindoors van Idasvallei in Stellenbosch het ’n merkwaardige reis agter dierug –van ’n skoolnetbalkaptein tot’n lid van die Suid-Afrikaanse o.23-nasionale gemengde aksienetbalspan.

Lindoors, wat haar netballoopbaan in gr.6 by die Laerskool Stellenbosch begin het, het vinnig deur die geledere gevorder. Op 15-jarige ouderdom was sy reeds ’n gevestigde lid van die Hoërskool Stellenbosch se eerste span asverdediger, en in haar matriekjaar het sy die spanas kaptein gelei.

“Ek het verledejaar my doelwitbereik en is vir die o.23-gemengdeSA-span gekies, wat in Augustus deelneem aan dieDrienasiesbeker, waar onsteen Australië en Nieu-Seeland gaan kompiteer.” Hierdie sal ’n belangrike mylpaal in haar loopbaan wees en ’n geleentheid om haar vaardighedeteen wêreldklas-teenstanders te toets. Die jong verdediger, wat bekend is virhaar rolashaar span se moraalbouer en haar komiese verligting,fokus in haar voorbereiding grootliks op fiksheid en voetwerk.

PERSOONLIKE

KRUIEKENNER

VOERTUIEGESOEK

Ná skool het Lindoors haarbydie Stellenbosch-netbalklub aangesluit,waarsy drie jaar lank vir die Westelike Provinsie se o.23-gemengde span gespeel het.Haar talent is gou raakgesien en sy het haar debuut vir die Kaapse Wynland-seniorspan gemaak.

“My netbalreis het baie natuurlik gevoel,” sê Lindoors, wat die Nieu-Seelander Maria Folau as haar grootste bron vir netbalinspirasiebeskou.

Tans is sy lid van die o.23- gemengde span van die Western Cape Coastalaksienetbal wat in die interprovinsiale toernooi meeding wat by die Hillfoxaksiesportarena aangebied word.

“Hierdietoernooi bring van die beste talent reg oor Suid-Afrika bymekaar waar onsvir die eerste helfte van die week teen 6’espeel en dan oorskakel na 7’s. Hierdie week is werklik ’n stryd, geestelik sowel as fisiek, aangesien ons teen verskillende provinsies speel wat almal verskillende stylehet.”

Lindoors noemdat sy vanjaaralvir vyf jaar aksienetbal speel en een vanhaar grootstedrome en doelwittewas om die Suid-Afrikaansespan te verteenwoordig

Lindoors vertel hoe sy voel om die Wes-Kaapse Tornados te verteenwoordig, en wat hierdie span so spesiaal vir haar maak.

“Dit voel nog regtig soos ’n droom. Soms by oefeninge moet ek nog myself knyp, omdat eknog steeds nie kanglo datek hierdie ongelooflike geleentheid gekryhet nie.

“Hierdie span is spesiaal omdat hulle regtig alklaar soos ’n familievoel met al die motivering,ondersteuning en vibes,”sê Lindoors.

Sy voegbydat sy nounet alles inneem en dingevat soos hulle kom.

“Ek werkaljareaan my huidigedoelwitteenstap ’n splinternuweera binne waar ek nie eintilik enigiets kan voorspel of selfs behoorlik kan bepaalnie.”

Haarraadaan ander jong spelers in plaaslike gemeenskappe is om net aanhou te werkenomelke geleentheidmet twee hande aan te gryp.

“Veralproewe, want al maak jy nie die span nie, verbeter die blootstelling alleen al klaar jou spel.”

Met haargebalanseerdheid tussen fisiekevoorbereiding, gemeenskapssteun en ’nnederige ingesteldheid, is Lindoors beslis ’n naam om in die netbalwêreld dop te hou.

SA’stop para-athletes to converge on Coetzenberg

South Africa’s top para-athletes, alongside emerging talentfrom across the countryand beyond, will convergein the Cape Winelands thisweekend for the 64th edition of the Toyota SASAPD National Championships.

Recognised as Africa’s premiermultisport championship forathleteswith physical and visual impairments,the event brings athletes from all nine provinces together, along withcompetitors from 13 African nations andGermany, firmlypositioning the championships as aleading continental platform for high-performancepara-sport.

The meet will officially openatCoetzenburg AthleticsStadium at 18:00 on Saturday (28March), setting the stage for four days of high-performancecompetition and inspiring human achievement. More than just anational competition, the championships serve as acritical platform in SA’shigh-performance pathway,where athletes are identified, developedand prepared forinternational competition, includingthe Paralympic Games.

“This is where dreams begin.These championships representfar more than medals; they are aplatform of opportunity,” said SASAPD president, Jean Miggels

“For many athletes,this is thegateway to representingSAonthe globalstage. It is here that resilience, excellence and future Paralympians are shaped.”

Competition will take place across multiple venues in Stellenbosch,headlined by the historic Coetzenburg

Athletics Stadium,arecognised high-performance hub forpara-athletics. The championships willfeature eightsport codes:para-athletics; boccia; goalball; para-swimming;CPfootball;para-cycling; para-judo; andpara-powerlifting.

The opening ceremony willcoincide with the Score Cape WinelandsInternational Para-athletics event, giving spectators apreview of world-class competition on South African soil.

The closing ceremony takesplace at Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium at 17:00 on Tuesday 31 March

Some of the toppara-athletes in action willbeSimoneKruger (Paralympicand world champion), Puseletso Mabote (worldchampion sprinter) andrising starsPieter Cornelius Otto,Arno JurgensGraaff andSibusisoManabela.

Catchall thepara-sports action

• Para-athletics: CoetzenburgStadium – 29 to 31 March; Boccia: CoetzenburgSport Centre – 28 to 31 March;

• Goalball:StellenboschUniversitySport &Games Hall – 28to31March; Para-swimming: CoetzenburgOutdoor Pool – 29 and 30 March;

• CP Football:CoetzenburgB-SoccerField – 29 to 31 March;

• Para-cycling: KillarneyRaceway – 29 to 31 March;

• Para-judo:StellenboschUniversitySport &Games Hall – 28March; and Para-powerlifting: MatiesIndoor Tennis& Netball Hall – 28March.

BETREKKINGS

ALGEMEEN

26Maart 2026 -1 April 2026

Time to celebrate! Ti

Luyanda Tobigunya and ZiandroJordaan, winners of the Exarro Category at the2026 Absa Cape Epic, celebrating their victoryatthe finish line at Coetzenburg Stadium in StellenboschonSunday(22 March). Thepair,part of the Fairtree Imperial Cannondalemountain-biking team, clocked atime of 31:52:03 to win the category,whilealsofinishing 38th overall and eighth in theOpenMen’sCategoryasthey retained the Stellenboschteam’sExarroCategory jersey forthe second consective year.The threeother Fairtree Imperial Cannondaleteams to participate in the gruelling ride comprised Damon Terblanche and Ethan Micahels(39th overalland ninth in the OpenMen’s Category); LihleNgidi andKwazi Mbhamali (114th overall and 47th in the Open Men’sCategory); and YomelaMfazweand WinileMajavu(428th overall and fifth in the Women’s OpenCategory). Despiteextreme heatthroughout theeight-daystage race,the teams managedtodeliver their finest performance to date, said team managerChris Norton. “Winning the ExarroCategoryand having our ladies podium wasanincredibleachievement,” he said.

Topbikersdefythe limits

The world’s top freeride mountain bikers defied the limits of gravity at Darkfest 2026, as theevent’s10th anniversary deliveredits biggest, fastestand most progressive edition to date Hosted at theHellsend Dirt Compound on Vuurberg Farmnear Stellenbosch from Saturday14toSunday22March, over 30 elite riders gathered for one of the world’s premierfreeride MTB events SaidThéo Erlangsen, the top South African rider at Darkfest: “Itreallyisthe mostinsane set of jumps in the world The jumps are so big and dangerous that you actually work together with everyone that you ride with, so it’scompetitive in asense,but you’re competing againstyourself, noteach other.” Allthe jumps for the event were brought to fruition throughthe work of C-dogand the Trails Crew.Theyshaped

and hand-packed every jump lip and landing to give the ultimatecanvasfor the riderstopush the limits of the sport. AddedSam Reynolds, Darkfest co-founderand professional rider:“I am absolutely blown away. To see how farwe’ve come in 10 years is insane The riders took everything we builtand absolutelydestroyed it. Amassive‘thank you’to the Trails Crew for the bloodand sweat theyput into the dirt, andtoour sponsorsfor believing in this dream.”

 Thewinners were:KingofDarkness –Alessio Tonoli; Queen of Darkness –Natasha Bradley; Insta360 Best Clip –MattMacDuff (Candy Bar Flip);Muc-Off Filthiest Style–VeroSandler and Tonoli; Mavrix Moment– Vaea Verbeeck and Tonoli; KendaMindBender –Elias Ruso (DoubleFliponFalconHeavy);RobinGoomes (FlipCan on theStep-Up); and DeWalt Best Run–Tom Isted andBradley.

Tasmin Cupido

DOnoorwonne seisoen

ie vrouespan van dieCoronations-krieketklub is virdie tweede agtereenvolgendejaar die 50-en20-boulbeurt-kampioen van Boland!

Dít nadatdie spanSondag(22 Maart) ’n sewepaaltjie-segeoor sy eweknie vandie Stellenbosch-krieketklubindie eindstrydvan die T20-ligabehaalhet

Die wedstryd is by die GrootDrakenstein-sportklub gespeel, metdie Corries-vroue wat met die oorwinninghul onoorwonne status vir die seisoenbehou

Corries-vroue weerkampioene

ondersteun.

VirCorries hetMelissavan derMerwe (1/27) en AshlynKilowan (1/25) elk’n paaltjie laatkantel, terwyl Jolene Hendricks die druk op dieStellenbosch-kolwers gehou hetdeurslegs sewe lopiesin haar vier boulbeurte af te staan

Die tuisspan het die loot gewen en die Stellenbossers ingestuuromtekolf Die aanvangskolwer Christen Hanekom (76* van60balle) het vanvoorgelei en deur die beurt gekolfomhaarspan na ’n verdedigbaretotaalvan 114/2(20 beurte) te neem.Syisgoeddeur Jada Jacobs (24)

Op hulbeurt hetdie Coronations-kolwers klinies te werk gegaanomdie teiken te jaag en hulle hetindie 20ste boulbeurtoor diewenlyn metdie telbordop 116/3 getrap.Dit was veral dieervaring van Mia-Lizevan derVyver(51* van 50 balle) en Van derMerwe (41 van 41 balle) wat diesege virdie Dwarsriviervalleiers verseker het. Dieopeningsbouler Gemeez Adams (2/13) was vir die Stellenbossers in diekol metdie bal Dieseisoenhet viralbei spannegeëindigenCorries,asdie Bolandse T20-kampioen,sal in September vanjaar hulstaal teendie top-T20-vrouespanne van die WP en SWDten toonstel.

DieCoronations-krieketklubsevrouespan vier Sondaghul sewepaaltjie-segeoor die Stellenbosch-krieketklub in dieeindstryd vandie Bolandse vroueliga T20-kompetisie Foto:HiltonRuthford