Eikestadnuus - E-Edition - 27 November 2025

Ma pak skuld op Stellenbosch-hospitaal

Herrienadat

KYaëlMalgas

A language expert and passionate teacher is how the community will remember Mlamli Matshingana, deputy principal of Khayamandi Primary School who was fatally wounded at the school last Friday (21 November) The provincial education department said learners had already been dismissed when the 54-year-old decided to sit under a tree, where he was approached by an armed man who had entered the school premises and shot him

“The department is deeply shocked and saddened by the fatal shooting of a deputy principal in what appears to have been a targeted attack on Friday afternoon,”

Teacher’s murderer sought

Bronagh Hammond, a spokesperson for the department, said The incident apparently occurred around 13:10 in view of some learners and staff members

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a Western Cape provincial police spokesperson, confirmed police are investigating the murder

“Police attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his body,” he said

“The victim was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel The motive for the attack forms part of the police inves-

tigation ” Hammond said the shooting is believed to be a targeted attack

On Wednesday morning (26 November), Captain Nathalie Martin, spokesperson for Stellenbosch police, said no arrests have been made Eikestadnuus recently spoke to a local involved in crime prevention, who confirmed the local township is seen as a red zone and hotspot area for serious contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder and assault

Hammond added that counselling and trauma support teams have been dispatched to the school to assist staff and

learners, who are understandably devastated by the senseless act of violence

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the entire school community during this difficult time This is a tragic and deeply disturbing incident, and we urge law enforcement to ensure the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice,” she said

Matshingana was previousy a language education specialist for the Department of Basic Education With his love of isiXhosa, he had also been a poetry judge for the Franschhoek Literary Festival’s poetry competition for learners  Membersofthepublicwithinformationabout theshootingtocontactCrimeStopon 0860010111orusetheMySAPSanonymously

New firefighting corps step out

The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services Training Academy celebrated the graduation of 23 firefighters last Friday (21 November)

Unusually, the event was hosted at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base to allow the Department of Defence (DoD) graduates the honour of stepping out on their own ground The firefighters completed various components of their fire training, including Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, and Hazmat Operations The programme commenced on Monday 18 August and concluded on Friday

“The CWDM’s Fire and Rescue Services Training Academy has, through training firefighters from various DoD units, developed strong relationships and created a solid platform for collaboration,” said CWDM mayor Dr Elna von Schlicht

“By developing skills across multiple disciplines, we have expanded the footprint of trained firefighters, ensuring that there are able-bodied responders in areas that previously had none or had only limited access ” The graduation ceremony included long-

held fire service traditions, such as the formal parade of firefighters The showcase demonstrated how the group works as a cohesive, disciplined team capable of following the direction of their leader

Heinrich Louw, a regional training commander who has been training firefighters since 2013, expressed his pride in the group “Every group is different and every person faces unique challenges It is with pride that I watch them develop into a team of firefighters Though they come

from different walks of life, they form a single firefighting force – they become a brotherhood,” said Louw

During the event, CWDM chief fire officer Wayne Josias shared that the district’s Fire Services are well prepared for the 2025-’26 fire season

“Not only are we seeing an increase in the number of fires, but the intensity and duration of these fires are also rising Maintaining firebreaks and keeping the wild areas adjacent to your property clear

of flammable materials – such as dead vegetation and rubbish – can greatly reduce the risk of fires that destroy homes,” Josias pointed out

No graduation is complete without celebrating the exceptional few students, who were recognised for their academic and practical achievements

The top student in both the theoretical and practical components of the course was young Sebastiaan van der Walt, a reservist at Stellenbosch Municipality

‘Hou Liggiefees se sterre plaaslik’

Yaël Malgas

Die liggies sal die komende naweek op Die Braak skyn, maar min van die skitterende talent sal uit die plaaslike gemeenskap kom

Dit is die klagte van talle Stellenbossers nadat die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit vandeesmaand die kunstenaars vir die jaarlikse Liggiefees aangekondig het Onder die bekendes wat Saterdag 29 en Sondag 30 November sal optree, is Die Heuwels Fantasties, Craig Lucas, Don Vino en Tebogo Louw “Al weer? Stellenbosch het soveel talent dat hulle nie eens buite hoef te gaan soek nie Wie reël die besigheid? Nee man,” het ’n ontstoke inwoner op sosiale media gekla

Plaaslike musiekmakers sal wel die naweek optree Hul name verskyn egter nie op die plakkaat vir die fees nie Volgens Rudy “RCJ” Joubert het hy sy groot musiek-doelwit vir die jaar bereik toe hy gekies is om by die Liggiefees op te tree “Ek het die doelwit vir myself gestel en seker gemaak

ek doen so baie optredes as moontlik Ek het vanjaar in voorbereiding vir my oudisie geen nuwe musiek bekendgestel nie

GROOTOOMBLIKVIR‘RCJ’

“Hoewel ek nie noodwendig ’n groot aantal volgelinge op sosiale media het nie, was dit ’n wow-oomblik toe ek vir die fees gekies is Dit het my laat besef – al het ek soms gevoel ek wil my musiekloopbaan prysgee, is ek goed genoeg om aan te hou Hier het die beoordeelaars my gekies om by die groot geleentheid op te tree,” vertel dié gospel-rymkletser van Cloetesville

Die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit hou jaarliks ’n talentkompetisie vir plaaslike talent Die wenners van die kompetisie se groot prys is om by die fees op te tree Benewens RCJ sal die plaaslike musiekmakers Proudly Coloured van Idasvallei ook op die verhoog wees

Volgens die burgemeester Jeremy Fasser streef die munisipaliteit om die beste moontlike fees aan te bied

“Dit is Stellenbosch se liggiefees en ons wil natuurlik die beste kunste-

naars hê om op te tree Ons is ook nie die enigste dorp wat ’n liggiefees aanbied nie – Kaapstad, Drakenstein en soveel ander dorpe het ook hul feeste elke jaar Vanjaar se kunstenaars is fantasties en daar is iets vir almal om na uit te sien,” meen hy Fasser sê hy onthou hoe hy as kind die geleentheid bygewoon het “Die Stellenbosch-liggiefees sal vir my as ’n kind wat in Stellenbosch grootgeword het, altyd baie spesiaal wees

“Ek is van Cloetesville en in daardie vroeë jare het ons nie ons eie vervoer gehad nie Die kerk het destyds jaarliks ’n bus volgemaak en ons kon die fees bywoon Die Stellenbosch-liggiefees is vir my die hoogtepunt van die jaar

KERSLIEDEREOPDIEBRAAK

“Families, vriende en kennisse kan bymekaarkom, groet en vir ’n oomblik op die mees ikoniese grasperk in die Kaap – Die Braak – ontspan en sodoende die feesseisoen met dankbaarheid en versoening ingaan en hopelik ook met nuwe hoop na 2026 uitsien ”

Nuwe leierskap vir Wemmershoek

Die Wemmershoek-gemeenskap het verlede Dinsdag (18 November) sy jaarvergadering by die Wemmershoek-gemeenskapsaal gehou Lede van die gemeenskap het nuwe leiers by die byeenkoms gekies, met Isaac Davids wat as voorsitter verkies is en Hannelie Meiring as ondervoorsitter Die bestuur sal onder meer gemeenskapsake soos behuising en maatskaplikekonomiese uitdagings asook munisipale uitdagings in die gemeenskap met die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit bespreek Die bestuurslede (van links) is Davids, Eben Kies, Denver Boer, Meiring, Janine Papier, Andrika Booysen, Randall Christians en Lawrence Seals (die voorsitter van die Stellenboschagterplaasbewonersforum). Inwoners word aangemoedig enige probleme by Davids by 074 367 6469 aan te meld

Net meer as R2,5 miljoen is vir die geleentheid begroot

Eikestadnuus het na die munisipale kommunikasiespan uitgereik oor die keuringsproses vir kunstenaars vir die fees, maar het teen druktyd geen terugvoer ontvang nie

Fasser sê op sy beurt hoewel hy insae in die lys kunstenaars gehad het, bly dit ’n administratiewe proses

’n Aspek van die fees, wat Fasser self gedryf het, was om Kersliedere as deel van die Sondag-program te hê

“Noem my sentimenteel, maar ek onthou hoe spesiaal dit vir my as kind was om saam met my ouma en ouers op Die Braak te kan sit en sing en die oomblik te kon geniet Ek het dit beklemtoon dat die program weer terug moet beweeg na die oorspronklikke ‘Carols by Candlelight’ op Sondae ” Deel van Sondag se program is dus ’n halfuur met Kersliedere wat Fasser hoop om in 2026 verder uit te brei Wat plaaslike talent by die Liggiefees betref, sê Fasser die munisipaliteit sal in 2026 kyk hoe om meer plaaslike kunstenaars te bevorder

Changing waste into wealth

In the rolling vineyards of Franschhoek

Jocelyn van der Ross is proving that with the right support small businesses can drive remarkable change

Her company, Green Spot Trading, has evolved from a modest waste-collection operation into a thriving enterprise that now employs 44 people and partners with municipalities across the Western Cape

The transformation began when Van der Ross joined Tetra Pak’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme

What followed was a strategic investment that provided the foundation for exponential growth

“Tetra Pak’s support allowed us to purchase vehicles, containers, uniforms and essential safety gear,” Van der Ross explains “We branded our fleet and launched a website These investments were the foundation we needed to expand operations and secure new municipal contracts ”

The partnership delivered immediate results Green Spot Trading has expanded into Paarl, acquired new vehicles and protective equipment, and created seven additional positions in just four years

Plans to establish a new site in Franschhoek and further growing its presence in Paarl are underway “Every new role we create, every piece of equipment we buy, directly improves efficiency and safety for our staff,” says Van der Ross “It’s empowering to see the team thrive and to know our work is making a real difference ”

Van der Ross’ success story exemplifies how targeted ESD can transform businesses and communities Rather than just compliance, the approach represents strategic investment that strengthens supply chains while addressing structural inequalities

The recycling sector, where women-led businesses are increasingly prominent, demonstrates the programme’s potential Tetra Pak’s ESD initiative has supported numerous companies, investing more than

R3 million and creating significant employment opportunities

Another beneficiary, Amanda Mtembu of Durban-based Power Rush Trading, echoes Van der Ross’ experience Since joining the programme last year, her company has grown from 48 to 60 employees, while expanding its network of informal collectors from 82 to 140 “Our growth has not only stabilised the business, but created dignity and livelihoods for marginalised communities,” Mtembu notes Cheryl Moodley of Tetra Pak South Africa emphasises the programme’s long-term vision: “Mature programmes show that when large companies back women-led SMMEs, they don’t just help them survive They give them the tools to thrive, innovate, and lead change in their industries ” Tetra Pak supports businesses for three years before introducing new SMMEs into the programme, ensuring sustainable impact

For Van der Ross, this sustained partnership has provided the stability needed to build a lasting enterprise that benefits both her community and the environment

NOTICE OF LAND DEVELOPMENTAPPLICATION TO INTERESTEDANDAFFECTED PARTIES

DEPARTURE: Erf 2252, Die Weides, STELLENBOSCH

The following land use application in terms of the Stellenbosch Land Use Planning Bylaw refers:

Application PropertyAddress: 15 Verreweide street, Die Weides, Stellenbosch, 7600

Application Property Number: Erf 2252

Applicant: Deon Carstens Carstenspg@gmail.com 072 9062717

Owner: PROSPEKTCONSULTING (PTY) LTD – 021 109 3017

Application Reference: (TP1243/2025) LU/19343

Description of land development proposal:

Application has been made in terms of the municipal Bylaw on Municipal land use Planning, 2023 for the following:

• removal/suspension of restrictive title deed condition, contained in the title Deed NoT80179/2024, C.5 in terms of Section 15(2)(f) of the said bylaw in order to accommodate the covered staircase structure exceeding the title deed condition (Street building line) but complying to the Stellenbosch Municipality zoning scheme by-law – 4,5m building line. a departure in terms of Section 15(2)(b) of the said bylaw to relax the second storey common building lines from 6m to 4,5m (as allowed for the ground floor).The 1,5m relaxation allows for the design of a decent living space.

NoticeisherebygivenintermsoftheprovisionsofthesaidBylawthattheabovementioned application has been submitted to the Stellenbosch Municipality for consideration. TheapplicationisavailableforinspectiononthePlanningPortalof the Stellenbosch Municipal Website for the duration of the public participation p r o c e s s a t t h e f o l l o w i n g a d d r e s s : https://www.stellenbosch.gov.za/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-useapplications-advertisements.Ifthewebsiteordocumentscannotbeaccessed,an electroniccopyoftheapplicationmustberequestedfromtheApplicant.

Youareherebyinvitedtosubmitcommentsand/orobjectionsontheapplicationin terms of Section 50 of the said bylaw Written comment, which must include the referencetotheapplication,thename,contactdetailsandphysicaladdressofthe persontosubmitthecomments,thereasonsforthecomments,andtheinterestof the person who submits the comment in the application, may be submitted to the Applicantbyelectronicmailasfollows:DeonCarstenscarstenspg@gmail.com.By lodging an objection, comment or representation, the person doing so acknowledges that information may be made available to the public and to the applicant.

The comments must be submitted within 30 days (plus extended holiday period) from the date of this notice to be received on or before the closing date of 26/01/2026(extendedperiodduetoholidayperiod)

TheMunicipality,intermsofSection50(5)ofthesaidBylaw,mayrefusetoaccept anycomments/objectionreceivedaftertheclosingdate.

Yours faithfully

Deon carstens

Inwoners“koop”allesvanpastatottoiletpapiernadathullehulhernubareafvaloorhandighet

Koskassies is vol

Yaël Malgas

Die gemeenskap van Cloetesville het oor ’n tweedaagse tydperk byna twee ton herwinbare afval versamel en vir basiese kruideniersware geruil om hul koskaste aan te vul

Die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit se gewilde Swop Shop is verlede Donderdag (20 November) vir die eerste keer in die buurt aangebied Die reaksie uit die gemeenskap was so oorweldigend dat die munisipaliteit die volgende dag terug by die Eikesaal was met ’n rommeldrom en hul mobiele snoepie

“[Die rommel versamel] was ’n ongelooflike prestasie gedryf deur die groot opkoms van entoesiastiese inwoners –veral die talle jongmense wat gretig is om deel te neem, te leer en huishoudelike goedere te koop,” vertel Stuart Grobbelaar, ’n munisipale woordvoerder Karton, blikkies, glasbottels en ander

VAN GRONDONTWIKKELINGSAANSOEK

KENNISGEWING

AFWYKING EN OPHEFFING: Erf 2252, Die Weides, STELLENBOSCH

Die volgende grondgebruiksaansoek in terme van Stellenbosch se Verordeninge op Grondgebruikbeplanning verwys:

Adres van aansoek eiendom: 15 Verreweidestraat, Die Weides, Stellenbosch.

Aansoek eiendom beskrywing: erf 2252

Aansoeker: Deon Carstens, carstenspg@gmail com, 072 906 2717

Eienaar: PROSPEKTCONSULTING (PTY) LTD – 021 109 3017

Aansoek Verwysing: (TP1243/2025) LU/19343

Besonderhede van die grondgebruiksaansoek:

Aansoek is ingevolge die Stellenbosck munisipale Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2023 gedoen vir die volgende: verwydering/opskorting van beperkende titelvoorwaarde, vervat inTitelakte Nr T80179/2024, C.5 ingevolgeArtikel 15(2)(f) van die genoemde verordening om die argitektoniese ontwerpte en oordekte trapstruktuur te akkommodeer, wat die titelvoorwaarde (Straatboulyn) oorskry, maar voldoen aan die soneringskemaverordening van die Munisipaliteit Stellenbosch – 4,5m boulyn. • ‘n afwyking ingevolgeArtikel 15(2)(b) van die genoemde verordening om die gemeenskaplike boulyne van die tweede verdeping te verslap van 6m tot 4,5m (soos toegelaat vir die grondvloer) Die 1,5m-verslapping maak voorsiening vir die ontwerp van 'n ordentlike leefruimte

KenniswordhiermeegegeeintermevandievoorskriftevandiegenoemdeVerordeninge datbovermeldeaansoekbydieStellenboschMunisipaliteitingedienisviroorweging.Die aansoek is beskikbaar vir insae op die Beplannings Portaal van die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit se Webtuiste vir die tydsduur van die publieke deelname proses by die volgendeadres: https://www stellenbosch gov za/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-useapplications-advertisements Indien die webtuiste of tersaaklike dokumente nie toeganglik is nie, moet die Aansoeker versoek word om ‘n elektroniese kopie van die aansoekbeskikbaartestel.

Kommentaar en/ of besware kan vervolgens gedien word op die aansoek in terms van Artikel 50 van die tersaaklike Verordening Skriftelike kommentaar wat besonderhede ten opsigte van die verwysings nommer van de aansoek, die name, fisiese adres en kontak besonderhede van die persoon wat die kommentaar lewer die redes vir die kommentaar endiebelangvandiepersoonwatdiekommentaarlewerindieaansoek,by die Aansoeker ingedien word by wyse van elektroniese pos as volg: Deon Carstens, carstenspg@gmail com. Deur 'n beswaar kommentaar of vertoë te rig erken die persoonwatditdoendatinligtingaandiepubliekenaandieaansoekerbeskikbaargestel kanword.

Die kommentaar moet binne 30 dae (plus verlengde vakansietydperk) vanaf die datum van hierdie kennisgewing wat ontvang moet word op of voor die sluitingsdatum van 26/01/2026(verlengdetydperkweensvakansietydperk)

DaarmoetkennisgeneemworddatdieMunisipaliteit,intermevanArtikel50(5)vandie vermeldeVerordeninge,magweieromenigekommentaar/beswaarteaanvaarwatna diesluitingsdatumontvangword.

Indien daar enige navrae op die aansoek of bovermelde vereistes vir die lewer van kommentaar is of indien dit nie moontlik is om geskrewe kommentaar te lewer of die kommentaaropdiewysetelewersoosvoorsienninggemaakisnie,kandieAansoeker geskakel word vir bystand by die vermelde elektroniese pos adres of telefonies by 021 88774740 gedurendenormalekantoorure.

Die uwe

Deon Carstens

herwinbare afval is aan munisipale beamptes oorhandig in ruil vir kaartjies Inwoners het met dié kaartjies verskeie basiese kruideniersware by die snoepie “gekoop” Geblikte boontjies, ingemaakte vis, visolie, pasta, tee, kerse en toiletpapier was onder die daaglikse noodsaaklikhede wat inwoners kon ruil Lekkernye soos NikNaks en koekies was ook beskikbaar “Hierdie is regtig ’n goeie inisiatief My man is in die tronk en ek het twee kinders, dus kan ek nou ’n sappie vir my dogter kry Sy hou veral van sap En dan wil ek mieliemeel kry, dan weet ek daar is darem iets vir vanaand Ek wil ook ’n kers kry, want ons het nie elektrisiteit nie,” het Bernadine Pienaar (36) vertel

Wilma Khan, ’n lid van die Cloetesville-buurtwag se Flat Watch, sê baie inwoners in die buurt trek swaar en baie het nie geld om selfs basiese kruideniersware te koop nie “November is gewoonlik ’n maer maand, so nou het hulle die geleentheid om die koskassie aan te vul,” sê Khan Kitsnoedels, koffie en suiker was veral gewild onder jonk en oud by die rommel-vir-kos-ruilwinkel (swop shop) Die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit probeer keer dat alle huishoudelike afval by die munisipaliteit se enigste stortingsterrein in Devonvallei beland Die laaste sel van die stortingsterrein is vanjaar in Februarie geopen (“New landfill cell opened”, Eikestadnuus, 13 Februarie) By dié geleentheid het Clayton Hendricks, die senior bestuurder van afvalbestuur, verduidelik: “Die doel is om ’n sel so lank as moontlik te laat hou, maar die werklikheid is dat die tydsraamwerk vir elke sel al hoe korter word Ons het die gemeenskap se hulp nodig om te kyk na die vermindering van afval wat na die stortingsterrein gebring word ”

Met die opening het die laaste sel 1,1 miljoen kubieke meter lugruim gehad

“Hierdie inisiatief, wat al vir etlike jare deel van ons gemeenskap is, word nou weer van stapel gestuur en uitgebrei met die doel om elke gemeenskap in Stellenbosch te bereik Ruilwinkels (swop shops) het reeds in die Klapmutsgebied, Khayamandi en Cloetesville plaasgevind, met planne om dit in die komende maande na Idasvallei, Jamestown, Raithby, Pniël en Groendal uit te brei,” het Grobelaar gesê

Die vriendinne Feroza Abrahams (37) en Fatima Dixon (38) het aan Eikestadnuus bevestig indien die munisipaliteit weer ’n swop shop hou, sal hulle gewis weer deelneem Dié twee het met arms vol kruidenierware huis toe gekeer nadat hulle sakke rommel oorhandig het Volgens die raadslid Elsabe Vermeulen is dit “goed om te sien hoeveel inwoners vroegoggend reeds sakke hernubare afval ingehandig het”

Met verwysing na verskeie inwoners het Vermeulen gesê sommige is so gefokus op hul alkohol-verslaafheid dat hulle nie seker maak hul kinders het kos nie

“Nou is daar darem iets vir die koskassies Deur projekte soos hierdie leer ons ook ons jongmense dat hulle hulself kan bemagtig en om selfstandig te wees Hulle het nie net afval van die huis af gebring nie, maar goed in die strate ook opgetel,” het sy bygevoeg

NM10039149-EN271125

Young blood crowned

The eighth annual Mr, Miss & Ms Crèche Stellenbosch 2025 was presented by Cloetesville resident and CEO of the pageant, Sonja Adonis, in the Eike Hall last month. Kayron Josephs was crowned Mr Crèche Stellenbosch, with E-Jay Erasmus as 1st prince and Quenton Fortuin as 2nd prince. The winner of the Miss Crèche Stellenbosch title was Zayaan Adonis, with Chelsea Roman crowned 1st princess, Carli Goeieman 2nd princess and Thanaq Crombie as Miss Photogenic For the first time, the Ms Crèche Stellenbosch competition was also held, with Maralisa Adams walking away with the overall title, Ruthalene Daniels being crowned the 1st princess, Porchia Michaels the second princess, Roeleen Snell winning the Ms Personality title and Lena van Wyk winning the Ms Photogenic prize

SU, SM commit to close colab

The final Mayor-Rector Forum of 2025 ended on a high note, with a firm commitment to strengthen collaboration between the Stellenbosch Municipality and Stellenbosch University (SU)

New leadership at both institutions has brought renewed energy to work together on issues that matter to residents, including transport and traffic congestion, safety and economic growth

The forum serves as a regular platform for dialogue between the municipality and the university, fostering partnership in service of the broader Stellenbosch community

Mayor Jeremy Fasser called for deeper engagement, urging for a move “from discussion to action” He plans to draw on expertise at SU as the custodians of academic progress during his term

Fasser also suggested reviewing the current Memorandum between the two instit delivers greater value

His call for closer co comed by Prof Deresh rector and vice-chance the strong link betwee university

“The successes of ou what we want to achie are intertwined,” the r Ramjugernath said S

Enjoy full moon hike

Experience a truly enchanting evening at Muratie Wine Estate with the 3,5 km Sunset to Full Moon Hike on Wednesday 3 December

Participants will enjoy sweeping views of Simonsberg, the Winelands and Table Mountain while relaxing with a picnic and a glass of award-winning wines, available for purchase at the viewpoint

Take a picnic, warm layer and torch along Snacks, drinks and coffee will also be on sale

Guests are advised to arrive from 17:45 for the latest 18:45 start

The cost is R145 for adults and R75 for children under 12; book at www dirtpass co za, www entryninja com or www quicket co za

Tour assistants begin their run

Visit Stellenbosch and the Stellenbosch Improvement and Transformation Initiative (SITI) relaunched their Tourism Assistants Programme, placing local youth at the centre of the town’s visitor experience

The regenerative tourism initiative supports job creation, strengthens community pride and ensures safer visitor-resident interactions Ten tourism assistants now serve the town, including eight new trainees who completed training at Bergzicht Training Centre in October plus two students from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy

the world’s top 100 research-intensive universities, but remained focused on “giving back in service of society”

Safety in town was a key focus of the meeting “It’s important that we, as a municipality, don’t shift responsibility,” said Fasser

He added that those visiting the town during the festive and peak tourist season should feel safe

The safety of students was also an ongoing concern Ramjugernath said that SU’s open campus means security in Stellenbosch is a shared concern that requires close cooperation

Prof Nicola Smith, SU’s acting chief operations officer, said safety will remain a top priority at a joint strategic workshop between the municipality and SU to be held early next year “It’s one thing to monitor

The programme transforms local youth into ambassadors equipped to guide and inform visitors while ensuring safe, authentic experiences “Sustainable tourism starts with people,” said Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch “Through the Tourism Assistants Programme we are investing in our youth and, simultaneously, elevating the visitor journey This project embodies our commitment to regenerative tourism, one that leaves communities stronger, more skilled and more connected ”

The initiative aligns with broader strategies for job creation, visitor safety and public-private collaboration A key goal is creating inclusive opportunities enabling locals to take ownership of their future while playing meaningful roles in tourism –an important economic driver

“SITI is proving that impact-driven innovation doesn’t only belong in boardrooms, but belongs on our streets, in our commu-

nities, and in our people,” said SITI project lead Marinus Louw “This is a practical step towards regenerating Stellenbosch’s tourism economy from the ground up by empowering young people to step into visible, respected roles as town ambassadors ”

The initiative reflects Stellenbosch’s sustainable-development approach and echoes successful collaborative efforts such as the recently-launched “Rent-a-Cop” programme, also driven by SITI and Visit Stellenbosch partnerships

Stellenbosch mayor Jeremy Fasser praised the programme as “a shining example” of what happens when communities, government and business work together with shared purpose “In Stellenbosch we don’t just talk about job creation; we create real, tangible pathways for young people to thrive By supporting such initiatives we ensure tourism benefits are shared, inclusive and sustainable,” he related

For the group, taking to the streets symbolises a new tourism era rooted in local pride, inclusive participation and unforgettable visits – tourism with purpose

A fusion of science, music and storytelling on stage

Hidden Giants – the extraordinary live show that fuses science, storytelling and music – is coming to Cape Town. From Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December audiences at The Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre, will be transported across galaxies in an immersive journey through space, sound and human curiosity Created by physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer-actuary Yasheen “Yash” Modi, Hidden Giants is a cinematic stage experience that explores one of the most profound mysteries of our cosmos – black holes –through breathtaking visuals, original live music and storytelling that make even the most complex science beautiful and accessible Using the world’s first image of a black hole as its starting point, the show reveals just how extraordinary these cosmic giants are, and how human innovation made it possible to “see the unseeable”. Ticket prices range from R260 to R540; book your seat through Webtickets.

Dorpskalender | Town calendar

THURSDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER

Stellenbosch: The Rupert Museum presents the 33rd annual BONSAI SHOWCASE by Boland Bonsai Kai There will be walkabouts, demos and bonsai products on sale on Saturday and Sunday, while The Story of the Johannesburg Station Panels by JH Retief will also be on display Free entry For more details visit www rupertmuseum org

FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Devon Valley: The HOUSE OF J.C. LE ROUX hosts a vibrant evening of music, bubbles and celebration, featuring a live performance by singer-songwriter Shekhinah Guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly before enjoying a guided tasting of five J C Le Roux sparkling wines paired with your choice of decadent nougat, artisanal chocolate or biltong Tickets cost R350 each Visit https://jcleroux howler co za to book

Stellenbosch: In celebration of the 60th

anniversary of the premiere of The Sound of Music, Amira Willighagen and Louis Loock invite guests to step into a world of unforgettable cinematic melodies and the iconic music of your favourite movies at the DROSTDY THEATRE at 20:15 Tickets cost R290 each through Webtickets

SATERDAG 29 NOVEMBER

Stellenbosch: Die jaarlikse DUITSE KERSMARK bied handgemaakte Kersversierings en adventskranse, Kersgebak en ander Duitse lekkernye van 09:00 tot 13:00 by die Evangelies-Lutherse Gemeente Stellenbosch-Somerset-Wes in Hofmeyrstraat

WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER

Devon Valley: The ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY STELLENBOSCH holds its AGM Devon Valley Hotel at 18:00 RSVP by Friday 28 November via email to jessica@awss co za

NOTICE OF LAND DEVELOPMENTAPPLICATION

APPLICATION FOR REMOVALOF RESTRICTIVE TITLE DEED CONDITION AND BUILDING LINE DEPARTURE ON ERF 898, STELLENBOSCH – 1 CRUSE STREET

ThefollowinglanduseapplicationintermsoftheStellenboschLandUsePlanningBylawrefers:

ApplicationPropertyAddress: Erf898,Stellenbosch

ApplicationPropertyNumber: 1CruseStreet

Applicant: Arch Town Planners (Pty) Ltd (Carlien Coetzee, carlien@archtownplanners.co.za)

Owner: RumarTrust

ApplicationReference: TP1370/2025

Descriptionoflanddevelopmentproposal:

Application is made in terms of Section 15(2)(b) and (f) of the Stellenbosch Municipal Land Use PlanningBy-law,2023forthefollowingonErf898,Stellenbosch:

• ApplicationismadeintermsofSection15(2)(f)oftheStellenboschMunicipalityLandUse Planning By-Law, 2023 for the removal of restrictive condition B(c) as contained in Title DeedNr T40671/2014relatingtothecoverageonErf898,Stellenbosch.

• ApplicationismadeintermsofSection15(2)(b)oftheStellenboschMunicipalityLandUse PlanningBylaw,2023foradeparturetorelaxthestreetbuildinglinefrom4,0mto2,0mto accommodatethebalconyonErf898,Stellenbosch.

Notice is hereby given in terms of the provisions of the said Bylaw that the above-mentioned applicationhasbeensubmittedtotheStellenboschMunicipalityforconsideration Theapplication is available for inspection on the Planning Portal of the Stellenbosch Municipal Website for the duration of the public participation process at the following address: https://wwwstellenbosch govza/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-use-applicationsadvertisements. If the website or documents cannot be accessed, an electronic copy of the applicationmustberequestedfromtheApplicant.

Youareherebyinvitedtosubmitcommentsand/orobjectionsontheapplicationintermsofSection 50 of the said bylaw Written comment, which must include the reference to the application, the name,contactdetailsandphysicaladdressofthepersontosubmitthecomments,thereasonsfor thecomments,andtheinterestofthepersonwhosubmitsthecommentintheapplication,maybe submitted to the Applicant by electronic mail as follows: carlien@archtownplanners.co.za By lodging an objection, comment or representation, the person doing so acknowledges that informationmaybemadeavailabletothepublicandtotheapplicant

The comments must be submitted within 30 days from the date of this notice to be received on or beforetheclosingdateof23January2026.

TheMunicipality,intermsofSection50(5)ofthesaidBylaw,mayrefusetoacceptanycomments/ objectionreceivedaftertheclosingdate.

ForanyenquiriesontheApplicationortheaboverequirements,orifyouareunabletowriteand/or submityourcommentsasprovidedfor,youmaycontacttheApplicantforassistanceatthee-mail addressprovidedortelephonicallyat0722625304duringnormalofficehours.

Yoursfaithfully

CarlienCoetzee

Wen kaartjies na jeug-galakonsert

Die violis Nicholas Bruiners, ’n bronsmedaljewenner van die 2017- Nasionale Jeugmusiekkompetisie (NJMK), keer vanjaar terug na die kompetisie om as as gaskunstenaar by die finaliste se galakonsert op te tree.

Bruiners sal die Vioolkonsert nr 5 in A mineur, Op 37 deur Henri Vieuxtemps, in die konsertfinale saam met die Kaapstadse Filharmoniese Orkes (KFO) uitvoer

Die konsert sluit die uitmergelende 2025NJMK af, wat van Maandag 1 tot Saterdag 6 Desember by die Endler-saal in Stellenbosch plaasvind

Die dirigent vir die 2025-galakonsert is maestro Brandon Philips, wat ’n lang geskiedenis met die kompetisie het Die konsert begin om 18:00 en bestaan uit ’n overture, die ses finaliste-soliste en die uitvoering van die gaskunstenaar

Bruiners, ’n boorling van Mowbray in Kaapstad, was op 17-jarige ouderdom die naaswenner in die NJMK se strykinstrument-afdeling en het met ’n bronsmedalje en prysgeld van R3000 weggestap

Hy is ’n jaar later genooi om as een van die nege skadujurielede vir die 2018-kompetisie te dien

In 2023 het het by die KFO as lid in die eerste vioolafdeling aangesluit Ná matriek het dié talentvolle violis onder die leiding van prof Farida Bacharova aan die Universiteit van Kaapstad studeer, waar hy in

2022 sy BMus in Uitvoering met onderskeiding behaal het en die volgende jaar sy Uitvoeringshonneurs voltooi het By dié universiteit was hy die ontvanger van die Kamermusiekprys, die Leonard Hall-prys en die Alfred Libochowitz-prys

“Ek is opgewonde om vanjaar na die NJMK terug te keer Agt jaar gelede was dit ’n senutergende ervaring om teen 20 ander jong, talentvolle musikante mee te ding, maar dit het ook my liefde vir musiek en optredes bevestig,” sê Bruiners

Die jaarlikse kompetisie is 41 jaar gelede in Gqeberha (toe Port Elizabeth) deur Michael Maas begin Die NJMK- eerste prys van R36000 word ter ere van sy nalatenskap die Michael Maas-gedenkprys genoem

Die galakonsert is die hoogtepunt van die weeklange kompetisie, waar 22 gekeurde deelnemers ’n uitgebreide repertoire werke uitvoer. Hulle word deur ’n sewe-lid-paneel van klassieke musiekkundiges beoordeel

Toegang vir die eerste drie rondes van 1 tot 4 Desember is gratis

Besoek Quicket vir kaartjies, vanaf R110, vir die eindronde se galakonsert WEN!WEN!WEN!TweeEikestadnuus-lesers kanelk’ndubbelestelkaartjiesterwaardevan R380nadiegalakonsertwen Omjounaamindie goedtegooi,besoekwww.eikestadnuus.co.za, klikop“Competitions”endie“NJMK”-kompetisie Volgdandieinstruksiesominteskryf Die wennerssalpertelefoongekontakword

KENNISGEWING VAN GRONDONTWIKKELINGSAANSOEK

AANSOEK OM OPHEFFING VAN BEPERKENDE TITELVOORWAARDE EN BOULYNAFWYKING OPERF 898, STELLENBOSCH – 1 CRUSE STRAAT

Die volgende grondgebruiksaansoek in terme van Stellenbosch se Verordeninge op Grondgebruikbeplanningverwys:

Adres van aansoek eiendom: Erf 898, Stellenbosch

Aansoek eiendom beskrywing: 1 Cruse Straat

Aansoeker: Arch Town Planners (Pty) Ltd (Carlien Coetzee, carlien@archtownplanners.co.za)

Eienaar: Rumar Trust

Aansoek Verwysing: TP1370/2025

Besonderhedevandiegrondgebruiksaansoek:

Aansoek word gedoen in terme van Artikel 15(2)(b) en (f) van die Stellenbosch Municipaliteit se Beplanningsverordening (2023) ten einde voorsienning te maak vir die volgende op Erf 898 Stellenbosch:

• Aansoek word gedoen ingevolge Artikel 15(2)(f), vir die opheffing van beperkende voorwaarde B(c) soos vervat in Titelakte Nr T40671/2014 met betrekking tot die dekking opErf898,Stellenbosch.

• AansoekwordgedoeningevolgeArtikel15(2)(b),vir'nafwykingomdiestraatboulynvan 4,0mna2,0mteverslapomdiebalkonopErf898,Stellenbosch,teakkommodeer

Kennis word hiermee gegee in terme van die voorskrifte van die genoemde Verordeninge dat bovermelde aansoek by die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit ingedien is vir oorweging. Die aansoek is beskikbaarvirinsaeopdieBeplanningsPortaalvandieStellenboschMunisipaliteitseWebtuistevir dietydsduurvandiepubliekedeelnameprosesbydievolgendeadres: https://wwwstellenbosch govza/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-use-applicationsadvertisements. Indien die webtuiste of tersaaklike dokumente nie toeganglik is nie, moet die Aansoekerversoekwordom‘nelektroniesekopievandieaansoekbeskikbaartestel. Kommentaaren/ofbeswarekanvervolgensgedienwordopdieaansoekintermsvanArtikel50van die tersaaklike Verordening. Skriftelike kommentaar, wat besonderhede ten opsigte van die verwysings nommer van de aansoek, die name, fisiese adres en kontak besonderhede van die persoon wat die kommentaar lewer die redes vir die kommentaar en die belang van die persoon wat die kommentaar lewer in die aansoek, by die Aansoeker ingedien word by wyse van elektroniese pos as volg: Marike Bolz, carlien@archtownplanners.co.za Deur 'n beswaar, kommentaarofvertoëterig,erkendiepersoonwatditdoendatinligtingaandiepubliekenaandie aansoekerbeskikbaargestelkanword.

Die kommentaar moet binne 30 dae vanaf die datum van hierdie kennisgewing gestuur word en moetontvangwordvoorofopdielaastedagvandiesluitingsdatumvan23Januarie2026. DaarmoetkennisgeneemworddatdieMunisipaliteit,intermevanArtikel50(5)vandievermelde Verordeninge mag weier om enige kommentaar / beswaar te aanvaar wat na die sluitingsdatum ontvangword

Indiendaarenigenavraeopdieaansoekofbovermeldevereistesvirdielewervankommentaaris, of indien dit nie moontlik is om geskrewe kommentaar te lewer of die kommentaar op die wyse te lewer soos voorsienning gemaak is nie, kan die Aansoeker geskakel word vir bystand by die vermeldeelektronieseposadresoftelefoniesby0722625304gedurendenormalekantoorure Dieuwe

CarlienCoetzee

ForArch Town Planners (Pty) Ltd

Co-founding coach proud of milestones

VDSGymClubturns50

Yaël Malgas

Van der Stel gymnasts have been tumbling, jumping and twirling for the past five decades.

The Van der Stel Gymnastics Club (VDS), housed at the local sport facility that shares its name, has produced many well-known gymnasts over the years.

“I have more than one degree, was a teacher, a lecturer, but nothing makes up for seeing the difference we can make in a child’s life by teaching them some of the skills they see on TV,” club coach Annette Nel said. “A child that cannot do a cartwheel and at the end of the year can do a beautiful one – pure joy! Then VDS is in the centre of town, we have the facilities and coaches and mouldable clay (children) to produce where their dreams lead them.

“Sport is the door to every persons future. One does not have to be the top, but any place on the ranking makes one a better human. Vannie Edwards, a top American coach, was a normal athlete, so nothing defines one but the self, and hopefully we can help everyone who passes through our hands be a better self.”

Founded in 1975 by her and Karien Verster at a time when gymnastics in the Boland was few and far between, less visible, with limited support, the club started with no apparatus. It was merely the vision and energy of 200 gymnasts.

VDS was originally part of Stellenbosch University (SU), but larger facilities were needed, and a sports facility with a big hall

and five badminton courts were being built. Nel was a badminton player and when her club moved she moved the gymnastics as well “We had bankies, tables and 14 fillers used by the aerobics ladies,” she recalled.

Nel was a sportswoman since 1971, playing for the first hockey team and teaching 14 aerobics class; it was the 1970s after all With 200 kids, 10 volunteers and plenty of parents to help, the club started. SU professor Kathy Myburgh’s parents were among those who helped invest in the club. She was part of the national gymnastics team in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Along with Myburgh, now a professor of physiological sciences, are former national team members who called VDS home, including Gerhard Swiegers, Joel Wade Manuel, Riaan van Zyl and world champions Jo-Anne Nelson, Riaan Teblanche and rhythmic gymnast Stephanie Sandler, who represented South Africa at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Nel also also made the Olympics, invited to be a judge in 2008 and 2012.

Over its 50 years the club has waged its own battles and struggles, such as having to move its pit so the hall could be hired out, a long lockdown as well as diminishing recognition as an indoor sport.

Despite it all, the club continues to produce high quality gymnasts, Nel declared. “In 2000 we started an outreach programme, Pinkie Yolisa, at Ikaya Primary [in Khayamandi] to develop talent. Over the years some excellent gymnasts have come from this school project.”

One of the main objects, she said, remained to help children learn essential skills.

“Over the years physical education has dropped to second or even third place as the focus of attention at schools. Now they’re superseded by cellphones and computers, which have first place. Children cannot do rolls and cartwheels, or handstands, nor can they climb trees. These are almost basic child movements, so part of what we do is also to improve the motor skills of children.”

“As a parent with children who have

trained at the Van der Stel Gymnastics Club since 2013, and one of them is a beginner coach, what I love about the club is that children still get individual attention, regardless of whether they are competitive gymnasts or not,” said Lizelle Rademeyer, a club member

“It really is a club for the community, where children from 13 different primary schools and four different high schools in and around Stellenbosch get to train, grow and interact. The reality is that many parents do not have the means or time to travel out of town for their children to train This is why facilities at Van der Stel create an opportunity for so many children to take part in sport disciplines that they would otherwise not have been able to do.”

Nel said she hoped the club leaves a legacy of producing quality at competitions and gymnasts who value good work, discipline and caring for others, believing life to be the sum total of what one puts in. VDS is a caring club, she said, where money has its value, but not at the expense of gymnasts’ well-being.