Eikestadnuus - E-Edition - 7 May 2026

Safeguardall kids fromabuse

ChantélleHartebeest

The 2026 Child Protection Month officially launched on Sunday (3May), with government calling on all citizens to playanactive role in safeguarding children from abuse and neglect.

The national Department of Social Development confirmed thisyear’s theme, “Working togetherinending violence against children,”highlightsthe need for collective action to protectthe country’s most vulnerable.

Child Protection Month is anationwide campaign aimed at promotingthe rights, safety andwell-being of children. Theinitiativecomes amid ongoing concerns about the high levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm experienced by children across homes, schools, communitiesand onlinespaces.

Recentstatistics underscore the urgency of the campaign.

According to the National Child Protection Register, 8984 casesofchild abuse wererecorded betweenthe first andthird quarters of the 2025-’26 financialyear, including3258 cases of sexual abuse. Data from the DepartmentofJustice further shows an increase in statutory rapecases to 199, up from 127inthe previousfinancial year

Authorities havealso raisedconcern about cases involvingminors, with22childrenreported as perpetrators of statutory rape and 890 involved in rape cases, while 129victims wereunder the age of 18

In response, the 2026 campaignwill

placeparticular emphasis on improving the management of statutory rape cases including better identification, reporting, investigation andaccess to therapeutic services to ensure thatvictims receive immediateprotection andongoing psychosocial support.

The campaign will also focus on strengthening responses to teenage pregnancy and closing gaps in mandatory reporting, as South Africa continues to face highlevels of gender-based violence and child sexualabuse.

National Child ProtectionWeek, observed annually from Friday 29 May to Friday 5June, is akey component of the campaign. It aims to raise awareness of children’s rights as outlined in theConstitution andthe Children’sAct.

The initiative is also recognised on the calendarofUnicef.

Government urges all citizens to support the campaign and help break thecycle of neglect,abuse, violence and exploitation affecting children.

“Protecting children from violence,

Know whereyour child is

ChantélleHartebeest

With safety concerns continuing to affect communities across South Africa, security expert Mike Bolhuis is calling on parents to take amore structured and proactive approachtoprotecting their children.

Through his company, Specialised Security Services (SSS), Bolhuishas released a three-part safety awarenessseries highlighting the importance of communication, emergency preparedness and rapid response in reducing risks faced by children.

According to SSS, agrowing concern in South African households is thebreakdown of consistent communication between parents andchildren during daily routines.

In an environment marked by unreliable transport, opportunistic crime and unpredictable social conditions, thecompany stresses that knowing achild’swhereabouts is no longer optional, but acritical part of everydaysafety management

Parents are urged to maintain basic awareness of where their children are, who they are with, howthey are travelling and when they are expected home.

SSS emphasised that this approach is not aboutcontrol, but rather about prevention andsituational awareness.

Thecompanynoted thatmany incidents begin as simple communication failures, such as adeadphone battery, delayed transport or unplanned changes. These situationscan quickly escalate intopanic due to uncertainty. After-school hours are the highest-risk period, with unsupervised waiting, changing plans and unreliable transport increasing vulnerability.

In the second part of the series, SSS highlights the need to equip children with practical skills to respond to unexpected

situations. Rather than using fear-based messaging, parentsare encouraged to teach clear, actionable behaviour that children can apply under pressure. Children should be taught to stay visible, seek help from trusted adultsand communicatewith their parentsbefore any change in plans.

SSS advised that children must clearly understand who qualifies as atrusted adult.Basic emergency knowledge is also essential, including memorising aparent’s phone number, surname and home area. The company further recommended practicing real-lifescenarios such as alatelift, adead phone battery or being separated

The third part of theseries focuses on common mistakes made by bothchildren and parents, and theimportance of acting quickly when something goes wrong.

SSS investigations show that risk escalation is often theresult of multiplesmall failures in communication and routine, rather than asingle major incident.

Children may delay reporting problems, leave safe areas or fail to communicate changes, while parentsmay relytoo heavily on mobile phones or assume their child knows what to do.

The company stressed that thefirst hour in apotential incident is critical, as it offers thebest chance of obtaining accurate information and locating achildquickly. Parents are advised to follow astructured response plan, including contacting the child, confirming arrangementswith schools and friends, and documenting all actions taken.

Effective child safety does not relyon complex systems, but rather on consistent habits, clear communication and practical preparation. Awell-prepared child supported by informed parentsissignificantlyless vulnerable.

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Niksmooier as ’n krisant

Verskeie plaaslike krisantkwekers neem komende Saterdag (9 Mei) aan die nasionale krisantverenigingse krisantskou in Pniël deel.

Die skou, wat as die Olimpiese Spele van krisantskoue bekendstaan, word slegs elkevierde jaargehou. Blomme van hoogstaande gehalte sal vanjaar te sien wees, sê RichardWilliams vandie Pniël-vereniging en skou-organiseerder Volgens die voorsitter vandie nasionalekrisantvereniging, prof.Michael le Cordeur, is die doelvan die skou om alle geaffilieerde klubs diegeleentheid te geeomopgelyke voet met mekaar mee te ding. By die geleentheidword ook wenke en nuwe ideesuitgeruil, wattot die ontwikkeling van die krisant-kultuur bydra. Le Cordeur sal ook aan vanjaar se skou in die Dwarsrivierdeelneem. Die oudste klub is die Wellington

Krisantvereniging waarvanLeCordeur al virlanger as vierdekades ’n lid is. Hy sê diekrisant-kultuurisiets wat hy by sy pa,Michael le Cordeur sr.,geëerf het. Ditiskenmerkend datdie tradisie van geslag tot geslag oorgedra word. Die huidigevoorsitter vanWellington, Anthony Cavernelis,het ookdie tradisie by sy pa,wyleEricCavernelis, geëerf, terwylnog ’n lid,Clive Matthee, die tradisie by sy skoonpa,Jimmy Louw, geleer het. Laasgenoemde was’ngereelde wennerindie daevan die Tweede Wêreldoorlog,van 1939 tot1945. Nog ’nbekend Wellingtonner, die digter AdamSmall,sebroer, Bokkie Small,hou die rekord vir die meeste kampioenblomme,naamlik sewe, terwyl Adam enBokkie se oomErnest Small in 1937 en1938 die wenner was.

Gegewe die ryk geskiedenis van kristante endie Small-familiesebetrok-

Viva Stellitaly,Allanostra!

The Italian community of Stellenbosch took asignificant step toward cementing its presenceinthe town on Saturday 25 April,officially launching Stellitaly –The ItalianClub of Stellenbosch at awell-attended ceremony held at localrestaurant RomeInABite.

The event, which drew Italian residents, members of the public and representatives of Italian institutions in SouthAfrica, marked the beginning of what organisers hope willbecomea lasting culturalhub in the heart of theCape Winelands. Club president Fabio Ficoroni and secretary Alberto Borello spokeofthe deep and often overlooked contribution Italians havemadetoStellenbosch over the years –across academia, hospitality, the wine industryand the arts. Far from envisioning aclosed or insular organisation, the pair described Stellitaly as “a bridge” between Italian and local culture,opento anyone with acuriosity fororconnectionto Italy.

GuidoAngelucci,president of COMITES, the body representing Italian citizens livingabroad,lent institutional weight to the launch occasion,speaking to the importance of cultural associations in helping migrant communities maintain asense of identitywhile actively participatinginthe

societies that have welcomed them

The club, runentirely on avoluntary basis by acommittee of Italian residents, has already outlined an ambitiousprogramme of activities. Members andnon-members alike canlook forward to culinary events, oliveoil tastings, music nights, cultural evenings and social and sporting gatheringsthroughout the year.

Perhapsthe most poignant moment of theevening came from an unexpected quarter. Filippo Ferraro of the Scalabrinian Fathers, aCatholic congregation with a centuries-long history of ministering to migrants anddisplaced communities, offered ablessing and reflection on the values of inclusion and belonging that underpin the club’s founding mission

The launch concluded with aribbon-cutting ceremony, drawing applause froma crowd that, by all accounts, left the evening energised.

Withits first public outing behindit, Stellitalynow sets its sights on growingits membership and establishing itself as the go-topointofreference for Italian culture in the Western Cape.

.Thoseinterestedinjoiningorfindingoutmore abouttheclubcansendanemailto stellitalysa@gmail.com.

Art of Originunitescreatives

Stellenbosch has launched Art of Origin Stellenbosch, afirst-of-its-kindtown-wide art competitionand exhibition uniting every generationand creative community in theregion under one roof. Organised by Visit Stellenboschin partnership with the Art Association Stellenbosch, the initiative is open to all –school learners, universitystudents, township collectives, established artists and senior residents alike. Submissions are welcomed across allmediums and three age divisions: seven to 18; 19 to 65; and66 and above. Works willbejudged across fivethematic categories: Taste; Wine;Stay; Experience;and Community. The stakes are significant.Five category

winners will each receive R10 000 in prize money, while oneartwork will be selected for the cover of the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors’ Guide, reaching overone million prospective visitors worldwide –arare platform for emerging andcommunity-basedcreatives. All submitted works will be exhibited at thePJOlivier Art Centre, with the opening evening and prize announcementtaking placeonThursday 4June, followed by a public exhibition running from Friday 5to Thursday11June. Thesubmission deadline is Monday 25 May at 17:00. .Forentryformsandsubmissionguidelines, contactadmin@stellenboschkuns.co.zaorcall 0790846183

kenheid,het die nasionale vereniging die nalatenskap vanAdam Small by die onlangseSuidoosterfees met ’n spesiale krisantuitstalling herdenk.

Benewens die plaaslike kristant-spesialiste vanPniël, Stellenbosch en die nabyeWellington, sal nogskouers vanOostenberg, Atlantis en Ceresdie naweek te sien wees.

Die beoordelingvan die blomme vind reeds Vrydag (8 Mei) plaas.

Die skou se deure open Saterdag om 09:00 en besoekers saldan die kanshê om die blomme te besigtig. Daar salook stalletjies metkontreikosenkunsvlyt wees. Die skousal om 12:00 deur die voorsitter van die direksievan die Suidoosterfees en hoofvan dieVIA-televisiekanaal, Azelia Morkel, geopenword.

Na afloop van die prysoorhandiging saldie blomme van13:00 tot 15:00 te koopwees. Besoekers word daaraan

Prof.MichaelleCordeur en sy vrou, Sonia,bydie krisantuitstalling vandie nasionalekrisantvereniging by die onlangse Suidoosterfees.

herinner dat kristante ’n goeieMoedersdaggeskenkmaak. Dieskou vind soos oudergewoonte by die Pniël Congregational-kerksaalplaas.

e’Bosch-vakansieprogram

bringkinderswaardes by

Die e’Bosch-erfenisprojek nooi kinders om deel te neem aansyskoolvakansieprogram.

In Junie en Juliekry kinders van die plaaslike dorpies die geleentheid om ’n wêreld van verbeelding, kreatiwiteit en pret te betree wanneer die organisasie sy jaarlikse skoolvakansieprogram, metdie tema“e’Bosch Sprokieswoud”,aanbied.

Die program is ontwerpomteinspireer en op te bou, en gebruik storievertelling as ’n kragtige hulpmiddelom kinders te help om belangrike lewenswaardes soos moed,hoop, verbeelding en vriendelikheid te verken. Deur ’n verskeidenheid boeiende aktiwiteitesal deelnemers nie net na storiesluister nie, maar dit lewendigmaak deur drama, kuns, musiek, beweging en spel

Elke deelnemende dorpie salsyeie unieke “sprokieswêreld”skep, volledig met’nnaam, identiteit, lied, dansen kreatieweoptredes. Kinders salsaamwerk om iets betekenisvol te bou,wat spanwerk, selfvertroue en ’n gevoelvan behoort bevorder.

Die program belowe ’n lewendigeen interaktieweervaring waarkreatiwiteit en persoonlikegroei hand-aanhand gaan.Dit is sorgvuldig ontwerp om ’n veilige en inspirerende ruimtete bied waar kinders hulself kan ontdek, vriendskappekan bouenpositiewe waardes kanontwikkel watverderasdie vakansie strek.

Die hoogtepunt van die programsal ’n Sprokiesfees (Woensdag 15 Julie) en ’n Wêreldbekerviering (Vrydag17Julie) wees, waar al die deelnemende groepe bymekaar salkom vir ’n kleurvolle parade, optredes en ’n prettige sportdag

Die twee dae beloof om diekreatiwiteit en gees wat tydensdie programontwikkel is, ten toon stel.

Ouers en voogde word hartlik

Houdiekindersindiekomendevakansiekonstruktief besigenskryfhullebye’Boschseskoolvakansieprogramin.

aangemoedig om hulkinders vir hierdieopwindende vakansieprograminte skryf. Ditbiedmeerasnet vermaak– dit is ’n geleentheidvir kindersomtegroei, hulself uittedruk en deel te wees van iets groterinhul dorpie.

e’Boschnooiook gemeenskapslede, organisasiesenvrywilligers om betrokke te raak.

Of jy vaardighede hetinkuns, sport, mentorskap,ofbloot ’n passiehet om metkinders te werk,jou bydrae kan ’n betekenisvolleverskil maak. Vrywilligers salleiding en ondersteuningontvangdeurverskeie opleidingsessies,wat ditmaklikmaakvir enigeen wat bereid is om te help om deel te word van hierdieimpakvolle inisiatief

Dieeersteopleidingssessie in Afrikaans is komende Saterdag (9 Mei) van 09:00 tot 12:00 by dieDeLaerVoortrekkersaal, 3Simonsbergstraat, Stellenbosch.Die onderwerpe is persoonlike groeiendrama

. Skakel of stuur ’n WhatsApp-boodskap na 0615954085 of ’n eposnaschool.ebosch@ gmail.com om ’n kind in te skryf of as vrywilliger betrokke te raak en die opleidingsessiesby te woon.Besoek ookwww.ebosch.co.za.

Die eerstestraatmark virdie jaarhet ’nfeestelikeatmosfeer geskep Foto’s:Mauricia Petersen

Jamestown se straatmarkslaag

Jamestown se eerste straatmark einde April het plaaslike entrepreneurs, familieseninternasionalebesoekers byeengebring in ’n lewende viering van gemeenskap.

Dieorganiseerders beplan reeds die volgende groot geleentheid —die Arbeidsfees op 6 en 7November.

Hierdie wasdie eerste straatmark vir die jaar en die volgende een is op 30 Mei.

vanJamestown

Musical delight at Artscape

Fans of the hit Hollywood blockbuster MammaMia! are in for atreat as thetheatre adaptation of the hotmovie returns to local shores later this year.

The production features acast that raises the bar on musical theatre, ledby the iconic Amra-Faye Wright as Donna Sheridan, who is best known her role as Velma Kelly in Chicago The Musical South African-born Wright has worked internationally for 30 years, appearing in Chicago The Musical on Broadway, in London’sWest End, through Europe, Japan, South Africa, NewZealand and theconcert version with the San DiegoSymphony Herother musical theatre credits include Follies, AChorus Line,Grease, Footloose, Peter Pan, Nunsense, Elvis Las Vegas and Butterflies

Resident in New York, Wright also spends part of the year at her home in McGregor in the Western Cape, and is thrilled to be back performing on theSouth African stage.

Samantha Peostars as Tanya, Lindy AbromowitzasRosie,Paul du Toit as Sam Carmichael, Tiaan Rautenbach reprises his role as Bill Austin, Matt Newman is back to reprise the role of Harry Bright, and,in the pivotalrole of Sophie Sheridan is Leah Mari.

Written by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is the enchanting tale of family and friendship that unfolds on aGreek island paradise.

On the evening of her wedding, daughter

Amra-FayeWright returns to the localstage as Donna Sheridanin Mamma Mia! at the Artscape Theatre.

and bride-to-beSophie invites three men from her mother’spast back to theisland they visited 20 years ago in thehope of discovering which one is her father.

This major international “guaranteed feel-good musical” features thetimeless ABBA songs composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including “Knowing Me, Knowing You”; “Dancing Queen”; “I Have ADream”; “Voulez Vous” and many more. It’s astory of lovelaughter and friendship, awedding and aparty!

“Mamma Mia! is agift that keeps on giving,” says Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management.

.Bookyourticketsatwww.showtime.co.zaor www.ticketmaster.co.zaforashowfilledwith sensationalmusic,asublimecastandhappy vibes-musicalentertainmentforthewholefamilywithabroadappealtoaudiencesofallages.

Unieke koor het900 stemme

Die Breytenbach-klassiekekonsertreeks bereik Sondag 17 Mei sy hoogtepunt met ’n simfoniese samekoms –’ngrootskaalse samewerkingskonsert by die CR-sentrum, Hoërskool PaarlGimnasium.

Hierdie besondere geleentheid bring skoolkore van reg oor die Drakensteinvallei byeen –nie om teen mekaarmee te ding nie, maar in samewerking.

Die eerste helfte van die program bestaan uit optredes deur die onderskeie skoolkore, waarna die Wynland-Filharmoniese Orkes die verhoog betree.

Die konsert word met ’n massakoor van 900 jong sangers saam met die orkes afgesluit.

Die deelnemende skole sluit in die Laerskool Hugo Rust, HugenoteLaerskool, die laerskole WA Joubert, Paulus Joubert, Meisieskool Paarl, Paarl Gimnasium, Courtrai, Drakenstein, die Hugenote Hoërskool en die Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasium.

Die konsert is deel van die Breytenbachklassiekekonsertreeks, ’n inisiatief vandie Breytenbach-sentrum, wat daarop gemik is om klassieke musiek toeganklik te maak, nuwegehore te ontwikkel en ’n platform te skep waar professionele kunstenaars en jong, opkomende musici saam kan optree.

Die simfoniese samekoms bou voort op hierdie visie deur spesifiek jong leerders aan die klank en ervaring van’nvol-

waardige simfonieorkes bloot te stel en deur samewerking tussen skole, plaaslike gemeenskappe en professionele musikante te bevorder.

In ’n tydwaar klassiekemusiek nie meer vanselfsprekend deel van baie jongmense se leefwêreld is nie, bied hierdie projek ’n betekenisvolle toegangspunt totdie filharmoniese tradisie en ensemble-spel. Volgens André Terblanché, die bestuurder van die Breytenbach-sentrum, lê die waarde vandie projek juis in die samekoms.

“Hierdie konsert gaan nie net oor uitvoering nie, maar oor blootstelling, deelname en die bou van ’n kultuur vansamewerking,” verduidelik hy

“Ons wil hê jongmense moet die energie van ’n orkes van nabybeleef en besef dat daar ’n plek vir hulle in hierdie wêreldvan musiek is.”

Die projek word aangebied deur die Breytenbach-sentrum en Paarl ArtsHub, in samewerking met die Wynland Filharmoniese Orkes, die Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasium en die deelnemendeskoolkore, met die ondersteuning van die Rupert-musiekstigting.

.Diekonsertbeginom15:00.KaartjieprysebelooptussenR100enR150;besoekQuicketomjou plektebespreek.KuduCoffeesalvoordiekonsert entydensdiepouseverversingsbeskikbaarhê.

Dorpskalender |Towncalendar

THURSDAY 7MAY

Stellenbosch: TheStellenboschUniversity DramaDepartment presents Tom, Dick and Harry by Rayand Michael Cooneyatthe ADAM SMALLAUDITORIUM.Inthe old-school farce, Tomand Linda areinthe finalstagesofadopting ababy, waitingfor theagencytoconduct the final interviewand inspection. But Tom’s brothers pitch to support their brotherwith boxesfilledwith contraband, illegalimmigrants and shopping bags with suspicious content.The cast is directed by Petrus du Preez. Theshow runs from Thursday7 to Saturday9May,and Thursday14toSaturday16May at 19:00,with amatinee at 14:00 on 16 May. TicketscostR110 throughQuicket

Stellenbosch: TheBreath Between,anart exhibition, opens at VOORGELEGENMUSEUM in Dorp Street with wine andlivemusic at 18:00 Thegroup exhibition featuresworksby Ros Koch, LilyMaas andStephen JQuirke, andruns until Saturday9May.The openingisacelebration of both art and communityconnection, offering art enthusiasts thechancetomeet theartists and experiencetheirlatest creative explorations. It coincides with thetransition from summer,when “autumnalcoloursemerge momentarilybeforethe winterchill”,a seasonal shift thatmirrors theartists’ owncreative transitions. Formoreinformaton on the artists and their work, visit www.roskoch.co.za,www

lilymaas.co.za and sjqwatercolour.com.

Stellenbosch: Join the AI forBusiness, hosted by Launchlab and StellenboschNetwork, and discoverhow localfounders areusing AI to build, grow and scaletheir ventures in Stellenbosch. Theguest speakers areChris Immelman from Kwanda.ai and Lizanne du Plessis from EcoAfricaDigital. Theevent willbeheldat LAUNCHLAB at 16:30 for17:00,with drinks, snacksand networking from 18:00 to 19:00 Tickets cost R80 each at ticketbee.co.za

SATURDAY 9MAY

Stellenbosch: Families areinvited to celebrateMother’s Dayat MIDDELVLEI WINE ESTATE this weekend.The estatewill honour moms with two occasions: arelaxed pre-Mother’s Daybrunch on 9May,followedby atraditional Mother’s Dayoffering on Sunday 10 May. Thecostfor thebrunch menu is R225 (includingbubbly) or R155 without the bubbles. TheMother’s Daymenu features stokbrood served with bokkom butter(starter); aspread of curriedlamb sosaties with mint yoghurt, boerewors, BBQ spiced chicken wings, Caprese saladwith cocktail tomatoes, fior de latteand basil, athree-bean salad, braaied corn on the cob, and cheesygarlic breadbaked (main); and milk tart mille-feuille (dessert) at R375 perperson. Pre-booking is essential on 021 8832565 or email info@middelvlei.co.za.

SUNDAY 10 MAY

Stellenbosch: TheStaccatos willcelebrate 65 years of music and uphold their reputation as SouthAfrica’slongest-running band with ashowatthe DROSTDYTHEATRE at 15:00 Thegroup’s record-breaking hit “CrytoMe” was recorded in 1968,a song that wouldbecome amonumental hit in SA.Itspent an unprecedented 38 weeksonthe charts in 1969, arecord forboth localand international hits on the SpringbokRadio Hit Parade.Fans willget to relive memories of “CrytoMe”,enjoy alegendary musical journeyshowcasing TheStaccato’shits and timeless classics and enjoyanengagingatmospherewith audienceparticipation. Tickets cost R260 through Webtickets.

WOENSDAG 13 MEI

Jamestown: Komkuier gesellig saam by Babbel&Breienlaat die breipenne klap om Jamestown se kinders en bejaardes warm te hou. Die groep komelkeWoensdagvan 10:00 tot11:00bydie JAMESTOWN-BIBLIOTEEK byeen. Beginners leer blokkies brei en diéwat kan, brei musseenserpe. Wolenbreipenne word verskaf,enallegebreide artikelswordaan die gemeenskap geskenk. Virmeer inligtingof om betrokketeraak, kontak diebiblioteek by 021 8088373, 021 808 8372ofJamestownLibraryStaff@stellenbosch.gov.za.

FRIDAY 15 MAY

Franschhoek: The FRANSCHHOEK LITERARYFESTIVAL bringstogetheracclaimed authors, thinkers and readers foraweekend

Skooltjie vier 50 jaar!

Vanjaar is ’n besondersejaar vir die NoraTyers Crèche watsy50ste bestaansjaar vier. Deel van die verjaarsdagviering was’nmodeparadewat die skooltjie aangebied het.Die geleentheid, watop Saterdag 25 April in RietenboschPrimêrseskoolsaal gehou is, hettalle gelokvir ’n glansgeleentheid waar die kleintjiesswierig gelykhet in hul aandrag. Die personeel, bestuurslede vandie skool,asook die nuut gekroonde leerders hetseker gemaak om ’n foto te neem

celebrating the powerofstorytelling in allits forms untilSunday17May.The programme spans current affairs, fiction, memoir,art,food, historyand children’sliterature. This line-up features both international authors and leading South Africanvoices. Amajor highlight is the expanded children’sprogramme on Saturday16 May. Sessions include storytelling with Refiloe Moahloliand Gcina Mhlophe,adventuretales from Riaan Manser,and live illustration with Alex Latimer. Parents canalsoattend adiscussion on modern parenting. Formoreinformation and tickets, visitwww.flf.co.za

TUESDAY 9JUNE

Stellenbosch: AfricanDrumming Tuesdays,a programme of the STELLENBOSCHUNIVERSITY MUSEUM,willbeheldfrom13:00 to 14:00 It aims to enhancewellness and well-being on campus, with sessions free and opentoall To book your place, contact RickyBrecht on 021808 3660 or rickyb@sun.ac.za.

VRYDAG 12 JUNIE

Jamestown: Die STELLENBOSCH-KRIEKETKLUB bied om 18:30 sy jaarliksewinterbal in die saal vanWeber Gedenk Primêre Skoolaan. Die dansorkes Coolsounds salseker maak diedansgangers blyopdie dansvloer. Kaartjies kosR150 elk en sluitkaas-en-wyn in dievoorportaal in Neem jou eie XYZ. Virmeer inligtingofkaartjies, kontak Brian by 084 4259440

Stuur alle kalender-inskrywingsper e-posna eikestadnuus@novusmedia.co.za.

Local‘green’ school goes global

TheSustainabilityInstitute

Schools Programme (SISP), situated in Lynedoch, has been shortlisted among the top 50 nominees for theGlobal Schools Prize2026.

Established by the Varkey Foundation, the prize celebrates the world’s most innovative and transformative schools –institutions that are boldly reimagining education for the generations ahead.

Selected under the Health and Wellbeing category from nearly 3000 nominationssubmitted across 113 countries, SISP’s inclusion on the shortlist is a remarkable distinction.The Global SchoolsPrize,founded by education pioneerand philanthropist Sunny Varkey, carries atotal valueofUS$1 million, making it the largest award of its kind in the world

Each of the 50 shortlisted schools receives aGlobal Schools Prize Badge, amark of worldclass achievementspanning disciplines from artificial intelligence

to teacher development. Shortlisted institutionsare further welcomed into theGlobal Schools Network, which affords access to internationalpartnerships, professional development andcollaboration with leadingeducational establishmentsworldwide

At theheart ofSISP’sdistinction lies aconviction that well-beingisnot peripheralto education –itisits very foundation. Serving 142 children aged fourmonths to 18 years within a Montessori-inspiredenvironment, andregistered asanIndependent Special School, SISP integrates emotional literacy, nutrition, movement,creativityand an enduring connection with nature into the fabric of each school day.

NUMBERSDON’TLIE

The resultsare compelling. In 2025, learners in Grades 8to12 improved theiracademic performance by an averageof9,6%. All six matriculants of the 2024 cohort passedtheir finalexaminations. Ten young girls participated in the Oribi Entrepreneurship Boot-camp, while the school’s drama ensemble –performing aplay of their own authorship –advanced in aprovincial competition.

More than 24 000 nutritious meals are served each year, and Community Keepers delivered 152 emotional support sessions to 34 learners within asingle term.

NATUREISBEST

Beyond the classroom, children tend to gardens four days per week, engage in equestrian activities, practise aerial silks andexhibit their artwork at the

Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. Initiatives such as theNextGen Men programme confront gender-based violence withcandour, while Emotional Support Circles offeradolescents adignified space in which to be heard. The school is aplace of genuine belonging. Were SISP to receiveprize funding, it would enable the provision of on-site occupational andspeech therapy –removing longstanding barriers for vulnerable children and demonstrating that preventive care, rather than reactive crisis management,isthe

surest means of building futures. Varkey offered his congratulations to SISP, commending the school’s capacity to equip young people withthe knowledge, skills and values necessary to navigate an evolving world.

The 50 shortlisted schools will be reduced to 10 category winners, each receiving US$50 000. Of these, one exceptional institution will be awarded thegrand prize of US$500 000. The winner is expected to be announced at theEducationWorld Forum in London this month.

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