Eikestadnuus - E-Edition - 9 April 2026

Putting his body on the line

Studente-huur laat betaal

US reageer op versoekskrif

Yaël Malgas

Verhuurders wat studente van die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) huisves, het die afgelope Donderdag (2 April) ’n versoekskrif oor agterstallige huur aan die universiteit oorhandig.

Die groep, Landlords of Stellenbosch – Accredited Providers of Student Accommodation, sê hulle het ’n goeie verhouding met dié tersiêre instelling en vervul ’n belangrike rol in die universiteitsgemeenskap. Hulle het egter antwoorde geëis oor hoekom hulle nie die afgelope twee maande betaal is nie.

“Ek het nou meer uitgawes as wat ek gehad het toe dit slegs ek en my man in die huis was,” verduidelik die pensioentrekker Rachel Davids.

Sy is een van vele bejaardes wat kamers aan studente verhuur en sê sy is aangeraai om studente in te neem as ’n mani-

er om haar pensioen aan te vul. Nog ’n verhuurder neem jaarliks nege studente in en sê die studente gebruik water, elektrisiteit en die internet, maar sonder die huurgeld raak sy agter met haar finansiële verpligtinge.

Huiseienaars het twee opsies om hul huurgeld in te vorder – hulle kan of huurgeld direk van die studente ontvang, of in gevalle waar hulle blyplek aan vyf of meer studente bied, kan hulle aansoek doen om huurgeld direk van die US te ontvang. Dit moet deur die betrokke studente goedgekeur word.

Rashaad Cupido, die voorsitter van die verhuurdersorganisasie, sê vir vele Idasvallei-verhuurders is die huurgeld hul hoofbron van inkomste.

“Een van ons lede het gesê sy het ’n elektristeitsrekening van R17 000 wat sy nie kan betaal nie. Om as ’n geakkrediteerde verhuurder te kwalifiseer, is ’n lywige proses met baie

voorwaardes. Ons verskaf met graagte verblyf aan studente, maar verwag om betaling tydig te ontvang.”

Vir vele universiteitstudente is private verhuurders die beste opsie aangesien ander studenteverblyf in Idasvallei meer as R6 000 per maand beloop. Die groep verhuurders huisves jaarliks sowat 5 000 studente.

Die groep voer aan die US het versuim om die twee partye se ooreenkoms in goeder trou na te kom. Twee jaar gelede is huurgeld vir Februarie en Maart teen die einde van Februarie betaal. Die verhuurders sê dit het nie vanjaar gebeur nie, wat tot finansiële druk lei.

Die akkreditasieproses begin die vorige jaar en geld gewoon-

lik totdat die nuwe akademiese jaar begin. Dit gee die US genoeg tyd om die verhuurders en hul eiendom na te gaan, die huurooreenkomste te bekragtig en om probleme met betalings te ondersoek.

Die US het by navraag gesê hy praat met die verhuurders en waardeer hul geduld.

“Die universiteit erken en waardeer die verhuurders se geduld en voortgesette kommunikasie met die universiteit oor die saak,” het Martin Viljoen, ’n US-woordvoerder, verduidelik. “Benewens sommige uitstaande betalings vir April, is die betalings nou op datum. Uitstaande betalings kry voorkeur.” Viljoen het bygevoeg die verwerking van betalings word deur verskeie faktore beïnvloed, en sluit betalings deur Nasionale Finansiële Hulpskema vir Studente (NSFAS), registrasie as US-diensverskaffers en NSFAS-studente wat nog nie hul huisvestingsreëlings korrek geregistreer het nie, in. Die US het die betrokke studente versoek om dit onmiddellik reg te stel.

VTC outsourced

Yaël Malgas

Making sure vehicles are roadworthy to hit the highways and byways is currently a municipal function, but the Stellenbosch Municipality hopes to outsource this service to the private sector.

The municipal council recently heard plans for the privatisation of the vehicle testing centre (VTC) in Joubert Street. The current state of the testing station is such that upgrading the facility would cost between R1 million and R2,4 million.

The VTC is non-compliant with the minimum standards to retain its registration and A-grading status, and continues to operate at a loss.

“It is very concerning that we allowed the vehicle testing station to fall into this state of disrepair and that we now wish to see that equipment upgrades are necessary in order for the station to remain a station of note for the Stellenbosch community,” ANC councillor Jacobus Davids noted.

He added that cases of corruption at VTCs are too often reported and urged that putting the VTC into private hands could possibly have the same outcome.

He warned against a situation where unroadworthy vehicles would be signed off by the leaseholder and asked for more clarity on what the role of the municipality would be if the privatisation of the facility is approved.

Davids’ concerns are not completely unfounded. In March a former vehicle examiner, Kgomotso Masindi (45), was sentenced to five years in prison or a R10 000 fine by the Atlantis Magistrates’ Court, after being found guilty of issu-

ing fraudulent roadworthy certificates. Masindi was convicted on charges of fraud and corruption after the officers of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested him for fraudulent dealings at the Jeffreys Bay VTC in the Eastern Cape between 2016 and 2018.

The local testing station, built in 1982, was equipped with Millitron equipment, but with the departure of Millitron the maintenance and quality of the technical maintenance became a concern.

Later, Clifford Technical Services took over the job, but this business closed shortly after its appointment.

The service provider the municipality used after Clifford Technical Services had trouble maintaining the “outdated” equipment and sourcing the necessary parts.

Along with these problems, the building also poses challenges of flooding in the pits and leakages in the roof during winter. The water problem also led to equipment failure as a result of water dripping onto machinery.

A lack of manpower is also cited as reason to outsource vehicle testing to an outside party.

Both councillors Marius van Stade (GOOD) and John Andrews (PA) said generating a profit is not the aim of a municipality and raised concerns on the lack of financial records provided for the VTC.

However, the proposal to outsource the service was passed during the council meeting on last Tuesday (31 March). Outsourcing municipal testing stations is not unheard of, with the provincial government’s database showing majority of testing stations in the Cape Metropole are privately run.

Hoof

Yaël Malgas

Register to cast special vote

Voters of Cloetesville who need to cast their votes before the official by-election day can apply to cast a special vote.

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced that special vote applications for the upcoming by-election in Stellenbosch’s Ward 16 will open next week.

The by-elections are scheduled for Wednesday 29 April and provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse emphasised that registered voters in these wards should make their voices heard in the upcoming polls.

Special vote applications open on Monday 13 April through to Friday 17 April at 17:00. No late applications will be entertained.

The commission offers two types of special votes to accommodate different voter needs. Registered voters who cannot make it to their designated voting station on election day may apply for a Voting Station Special Vote, allowing

them to cast their ballot at the voting station on a scheduled day before the election.

For voters who are physically unable to travel as a result of infirmity, disability or other mobility constraints, a Home Visit Special Vote option is available, enabling them to vote at their place of residence within their voting district.

Voters can apply for special votes online at www.elections.org.za, send an SMS to 32249 for voting station special votes (at R1 per message), or submit manual applications using the MEC35 Special Vote Application Form.

Manual applications can be downloaded from the IEC’s website or collected from the local offices and submitted to the Stellenbosch IEC office at 21 Electron Road, Techno Park.  For additional information, Stellenbosch voters can contact their local IEC offices during business hours on 083 331 6790.

Polisie kyk na drankverkope

Die Wes-Kaapse polisie-eenheid vir nagemaakte en onwettige goedere het onlganse ’n week lange ope- rasie in die Wynlande, Strand en Somerset-Wes uitgevoer. In samewerking met die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomstediens, handelsmerkbeskermingsbeamptes en die teen-ekonomiese misdaadtaakspan, het polisiebeamptes inspeksies by verskeie drankwinkels gedoen en verskeie nagemaakte drank, van verskillende handelsname, geïdentifiseer. Vyf sake is geregistreer, maar geen inhegtenisnames is nog gemaak nie. Die gevalle sal nou deur die staatsprokureur vir ’n beslissing nagegaan word.

tree ná seksklag deur kollega uit

Die skoolhoof wat tans in die Stellenbosch-hof verskyn op ’n klag van seksuele aanranding, het uitgetree. Volgens die Wes-Kaapse onderwysdepartment (WKOD) het die betrokke hoof van ’n Stellenbosch-laerskool verlede Dinsdag (31 Maart) amptelik afgetree.

Die voormalige skoolhoof is deur ’n voormalige kollega van seksuele aanranding beskuldig ná ’n voorval wat glo verlede Desember tydens die skool se jaareindgeleentheid

plaasgevind het. Die klaer het die department dieselfde maand ingelig en ’n interne ondersoek is van stapel gestuur.

Millicent Merton, ’n woordvoerder van die WKOD, het verlede week bevestig die hoof is aanvanklik op verlof geplaas, waarna hy as voorsorgmaatreël geskors was.

Eikestadnuus verneem hoewel interne ontmoetings tussen die betrokke partye vroeër vanjaar moes geskied, is die sessies verskeie kere uitgestel nadat die hoof se verteenwoordiger aangedui hy kon nie die geleentehede

as gevolg van sy gesondheid bywoon nie.

Die skoolgemeenskap sal, volgens die departement, met die aanvang van die tweede kwartaal deur die plaaslike kringbestuurder van die hoof se aftrede in kennis gestel word. Intussen is hofverrigtinge tot Woensdag 13 Mei uitgestel. Die staat het op die vorige hofverskyning gesê verdere ondersoek word gedoen. Die beskuldigde was weens sy gesondheid nie teenwoordig nie, het hy by monde van sy regsverteenwoordiger laat weet.

‘Education doesn’t have expiry date’

When teenage pregnancy and early parenting felt like a double-edged sword, Noku Katom made a lifechanging decision: she would “go and fetch herself”.

The Khayamandi resident has now graduated cum laude with a master’s degree in practical theology (community development) from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Theology. “Though life’s challenges delayed my path to higher education, I knew that chapter was part of my story, not its end,” she reflects.

Today, Katom is a community developer, faith-driven entrepreneur and scholar-practitioner exploring how theology can inspire economic justice and transformation in South Africa’s deeply unequal society.

Originally from the Qumanco in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, Katom is the third of eight children. She was raised in a community where resilience and faith were part of daily life.

Although she has been living in Khayamandi since the early 2000s, SU once felt out of reach. “There were very few students who looked like me or spoke like me. Language was also a major barrier,” she recalls. “I never imagined myself studying at SU.”

But over time, as she witnessed SU’s transformation, something shifted. “What once felt distant and inaccessible eventually became part of my journey.”

Today, she shares that story widely, especially with youths who doubt whether

they belong at SU. One thing that stood out was that the university is located within walking distance of marginalised communities. “This proximity created a sense that higher education could be within reach.”

Katom began her studies in her late thirties, navigating the complexities of being an older student among younger peers. “I had to confront the inner shame of being an older full-time student among much younger students, but one thing people often don’t realise is that older students often perform very well academically – not in comparison with younger students, but because we study with life experience, discipline and intention.”

This she shares when encouraging ma-

ture aspirant students who feel they may have missed their chance. “Education does not have an expiry date.”

Like many students, Katom faced financial difficulties throughout her studies, yet she speaks with deep gratitude about the support she received along the way.

One moment stands out: “In December 2022, I had an outstanding debt and it was unexpectedly paid in full by someone. I still don’t know who it was,” she says. “For me, that was a powerful reminder of God’s provision.”

She also values SU’s policy that allows students with outstanding debt to attend their graduation. “Graduation is such a significant moment, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds. I will always be grateful that SU allowed me to experience this milestone.”

Despite financial constraints, her academic journey opened doors she never imagined, including international travel. A 2024 exchange programme in Finland proved particularly transformative. “It turned me into an author,” Katom says. “I wrote a book reflecting on my journey. It reminded me that entrepreneurs see opportunities behind challenges.”

Katom credits her support network as central to her success, speaking with deep appreciation of Dr Dawid Mouton from the Faculty of Theology, who provided pastoral care during the Covid-19 pandemic and her supervisor, Prof Nadine Bowers du Toit, also played a pivotal role.

Although her decision to study theo-

logy was rooted in faith, Katom initially had a limited understanding of the field. “I thought theology was mainly about becoming a pastor,” she says. “But I knew my calling was in working with people and communities.”

At SU, she discovered the wide scope of the discipline and found her place in practical theology, specialising in community development. “What amazed me was discovering that the work I had been doing for years actually exists as a full academic discipline. In many ways, my studies helped me put academic language and theoretical grounding to work I had already been passionate about.”

Katom hopes to pursue a PhD in the future, but is now focused on putting her master’s research into practice. Her study, “Christian Entrepreneurship and Marketplace Ministry: Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide for Women’s Economic Participation in the South African Context”, reflects her vision for change.

She plans to partner with churches across South Africa to build faith-based entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly aimed at empowering women. “The goal is to help churches become spaces where faith, economic justice and empowerment meet,” she explains.

As Katom celebrates her third graduation, she remains grounded in her motivation. “I am in competition with no-one but my yesterday,” she says.

Her journey from a young mother to a cum laude graduate and emerging thought leader is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to begin again.

‘Skoolstelsel skep ongeletterde volwassenes’

Yaël Malgas

Hoe druk iemand hom- of haar uit wanneer die woorde wat hulle nodig het ontbreek?

Dr. Ilse Eigelaar-Meets, sosioloog verbonde aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US), was vanjaar die gasspreker van die 22ste Johan Combrink-gedenklesing. Die gedenklesing is deur die Vriende van Afrikaans (VVA) aangebied, met die tema “Taal – die instrument wat menslike ontwikkeling kan maak of breek”.

In Eigelaar-Meets se navorsing het sy gekyk na taal onder jongmense. Sy beklemtoon dat taal gemeenskappe skep en tot ’n gedeelde erfenis en kultuur lei, en word geskep deur diegene wat dit praat.

“Taal is ook ’n meganisme van ongelykheid. Mag, status, ekonomiese toegang word versterk en regverdig deur taal.

Ons hoor dit wanneer daar gepraat word oor die oorloë wat aan die gang is – hoe dit regverdig en gerasionaliseer word. Dink aan watter tale word geprioritiseer, watter tale het status en watter dialek gemarginaliseer word. Dit is ongelykhede, ingewerk in taal,” sê

Eigelaar-Meets.

Die sosiale meganisme van taal word gebruik om te verdeel, maar ook bymekaar te bring.

In haar navorsing het sy gevind die woorde wat gebruik word, kan ’n kind help maak of breek.

Deur haar navorsing in die Wes- en Noord-Kaap het Eigelaar-Meets ’n hoërskool in Oudtshoorn besoek waar sy die krag wat woorde kan hê, besef het.

By hierdie skool vertel die skoolhoof dat leerders in gr.8 nie kan lees en skryf nie en hoe gr.8-onderwysers kinders

die alfabet leer, in plaas van vakonderrig.

“Hy sê maar dit is egter nie die skool se grootste probleem nie. Die grootste probleem is die ouers, want as kinders sê hulle wil ’n onderwyser of ’n dokter word, sê hul ouers vir hulle ‘Is jy dan simpel? Hier word ons net plaaswerkers’.”

Die woorde wat dié jongmense hoor is ’n manier om jongmense terug te hou van hul potensiaal.

Onderwysers in die gehoor het van die gebrek aan taalvermoë getuig, met een plaaslike gr.11-onderwyser wat vertel van leerders in sy klas wat hy agterkom nie met begrip kan lees nie.

Eigelaar-Meets vertel van kinders op plattelandse dorpe wat skool ná gr.3 of gr.4 verlaat, omdat skool frustrend is omdat hulle nie kan lees of skryf nie.

“Ons beweeg terug in tyd en sal ongeletterde volwassens in ’n tyd van skole sonder skool-

geld hê.”

Ten spyte van die gebrek aan taal en geletterdheid, vertel Eigelaar-Meets van die verskil wat programme soos die VVA se naskoolse programme kan hê. Hierdie programme gee veral jongmense woorde om mee te werk, bied ’n geleentheid om die wye wêreld te verken deur lees, en bou selfvertroue deur hul eie skryfwerk en digkuns.

“Jy kan lees van buite jou onmiddellike omstandighede. Baie van hierdie kinders kom nêrens nie, hulle bly in die plekkie waar hulle is,” verduidelik sy. Sy het gevind in Ashton was die meeste leerders met wie hulle gesels het nooit in die dorpie nie. Sommige van die leerders van 18-jaar bieg hulle was nog nie eers in Bonnieville of Worcester nie. “Al wat hulle kan oopmaak, is ’n boek.”

Vir kinders wat wel lees en skryf, maak dit wêrelde oop

Dr. Ilse Eigelaar-Meets aan die woord by vanjaar se Johan Cobrink-gedenklesing. Foto: Yaël Malgas

want soos een seuntjie die navorsers vertel het: “Nou is ek nie meer dom nie.”

Tog het hierdie leerders nie meer potensiaal as wat hulle gehad het voor hulle kon lees nie. Wat hulle nou wel het, is die woordeskat om hul te kan uitdruk in ’n manier wat ander en hulself kan verstaan.

“Dit sal geen verskil maak aan die stand van ongelykheid in ons land indien ons nie die basiese en noodsaaklike lees kan vaslê in ons kinders nie,” sê Eigelaar-Meets.

Pebbles bring kliniek na vroue

Die Pebbles Project Trust, wat op die Villiera-wynplaas buite Stellenbosch gevestig is, het Dinsdag (7 April) sy mobiele kliniek, Impilo Yabafazi (Vroue se Gesondheid), wat gratis gesondheidsdienste aan vroue reg oor die Wes-Kaap bied, amptelik bekendgestel.

Die mobiele kliniek bied ’n veilige en vertroulike omgewing waar vroue toegang tot belangrike gesondheidsdienste kan kry, insluitend: papsmere (vir vroue 21 jaar en ouer); borsondersoeke;gesinsbeplanningsdienste; MIV-toetsing; bloeddruk-, bloedsuikeren cholesterol-toetse; en gesondheidsvoorligting

In Februarie en Maart het die gesondheidswerkers by die mobiele kliniek reeds 129 vroue bedien.

Die Pebbles Project, wat sedert 2004 landelike landbougemeenskappe van oral bedien, ondersteun meer as 1 300 begunstigdes tussen die ouderdomme van 0 en 25 jaar.

Die organisasie fokus sedert sy stigting op die bemagtiging van kinders en jong volwassenes deur onderwys-, gesondheids-, voedings- en maatskaplikewerkdienste.

Die Pebbles Project se mobiele kliniek het ten doen om lewensbelangrike gesondheidsdienste direk na

Die nuwe mobiele eenheid bied ’n veilige en toeganklike manier vir vroue om belangrike gesondheidsdienste te ontvang.

plaaslike gemeenskappe, wat dit die meeste nodig het, te bring.

 Vir meer inligting oor die organisasie se ander projekte of die mobiele kliniek, stuur ’n SMS- of WhatsApp-boodskap na 060 709 0745 of besoek gerus die webtuiste www.pebblesproject.org.

Local club’s footballers reach out to Noah House elderly

Soccer players of Idas Valley FC swopped their training session for community outreach last Thursday (2 April), when the club’s promotional team traded cleats for kindness at Noah House in Ida’s Valley.

The community-outreach initiative proves that over the holy Easter period, football’s work is as much about uplifting as playing.

Head coach Charl Beukes and assistant coach Gladwin Wanza, along with several promotional team players, walked into the home as neighbours, not athletes. Wanza opened with a moving prayer for Easter and for the residents’ health, setting a gentle tone.

For about two hours the coaches and players washed elders’ feet and offered hand care, a gesture that carries particular weight at Easter, recalling the washing of feet often observed during Holy Week, then spoiled them with treats.

“I simply want youngsters to love and respect elders, as it was in years gone by, so they become better men in society and create a better future,” Beukes

related. “I’m the [football] coach, but also their coach in life; my work isn’t just to make footballers out of the gift they’ve been blessed with; I need to groom them into respectful, disciplined young men and soon-to-be adults, shifting mindsets away from gangsterism. Initiatives such as this help.”

One resident said it was the first time athletes had come to share time and give back to elders, a warm feeling, and that they’d love to support the team on the field too.

Beukes added that this first visit to Noah House will become an annual affair: “Easter is holy. Elders are our history; if we forget them now we forget ourselves.”

Ida’s Valley FC’s promotional side currently tops the Stellenbosch LFA Promotional League in their stream and returns to league play this Saturday (11 April). But at Noah House Thursday’s memory lingers: clean hands, full stomachs and the certainty that football’s measure isn’t only on the field. Footballers

Mertia wins again

Mauricia Petersen

Stellenbosch restaurant Mertia has made history by winning Restaurant of the Year at the Luxe 2026 Awards for the second consecutive year, with head chef Matt van den Berg describing the achievement as “incredible” for a restaurant that has only been open for two and a half years.

Speaking to media after the prestigious win, Van den Berg reflected on the moment the reality of their success truly hit him. “I don’t think you really think about it, when you first win it,” he said. “It’s been a couple of weeks now and last night, while driving home, was the first time that I was like, ‘what we’ve done in a short period at Mertia is actually incredible’.”

The restaurant first opened on 15 December 2023, established by owner Marais Uys, who brings Three Michelin Star-experience to the venture, having being the first South African to manage a Three Michelin Star restaurant.

Van den Berg, who was Mertia’s first employee, worked closely with Uys to develop their shared vision for the restaurant experience.

The Luxe 2026 Award winner distinguishes itself through frequent menu changes that follow South Africa’s seasons, Van den Berg related.

“Our menu changes about three to four times a year. So if guests enjoy the expe-

rience, they can come back in a month or two, and they can experience a completely new menu,” he explained.

This seasonal approach allows the restaurant to focus on local produce while supporting small-scale farmers in the Western Cape. Van den Berg emphasised that while the culinary techniques are highly technical, the final dishes remain approachable for diners.

“We make it very technical in the kitchen, but when it’s delivered to the guests, it feels approachable and it’s just really well executed food,” he said.

MENTORSHIP’S ROLE

Mertia sources 99% of its ingredients from within South Africa, with Van den Berg explaining their commitment to local produce extends to creative substitutions when needed.

“We’re in the Winelands and there’s lots of almond farms, so we’ll move to using almonds or macadamia nuts, also largely produced in South Africa,” he said, describing how they pivot away from imported ingredients like Turkish hazelnuts.

Van den Berg credits his development to two prominent South African mentors: Luke Dale Roberts from Test Kitchen for culinary expertise, and James Gough from La Colombe for leadership skills.

“One of the problems with a lot of young South African chefs is they’re always looking overseas for mentors," Van den Berg noted.

Dorpskalender | Town calendar

THURSDAY 9 APRIL

Stellenbosch: The SU BOTANICAL GARDEN hosts its first student exhibition, featuring artworks by unexhibited artists as young as 10 years. The exhibition, curated by Karen Stuart, showcases works in many mediums and subjects. It will be on display until Friday 17 April and is made possible by the James & Shirley Sherwood Project. Send email to Annerie Senekal at amsenekal@sun.ac.za or Karen Stewart at studio@ karen-stewart.co.za for more information.

TUESDAY 14 APRIL

Stellenbosch: African Drumming Tuesdays, a programme of the SU MUSEUM, will be held from 13:00 to 14:00. It aims to enhance wellness and well-being on campus, with sessions free and open to all. Call Ricky Brecht on 021 808 3660 or send email to rickyb@sun.ac.za to book.

VRYDAG 17 APRIL

Stellenbosch: Aletta Francina de Kock keer om 19:00 terug na die DROSTDY-TEATER met haar nuutste komedie, Jussie Sussie. Aletta het na ’n ander provinsie toe getrek en “jussie, sussie!”, die lewe het sommer baie verander sedert haar vorige show, Effens Anders. Hierdie girl lewe kliphard en doen deesdae enigiets vir die storie. Bederf jouself met ’n kaartjie en kekkel saam oor al haar nuwe ervarings en absurde waarnemings! Kaartjies kos R230 elk en kan aanlyn deur Webtickets bespreek word.

SATURDAY 18 APRIL

Ida’s Valley: SPEELKRING PRE-PRIMARY holds a colour run at the school in Dahlia Street from 09:00 to 13:00. Tickets cost R50; children enter free of charge. Ticket collection is at 08:30. Bring the family, picnic basket and camping chairs for a morning of fun.

Stellenbosch: The TOKARA RARE PLANT FAIR & AUTUMN OPEN GARDEN will be held from 08:00 to 16:00. Explore the farm’s gardens with secluded corners and scultures, and buy a variety of plants from specialist growers. Guided tours are available. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission costs R60; children under 10 enter free of charge. All proceeds go to the Camphill Farm Community in Hermanus.

SATERDAG 9 MEI

Pniël: Die nasionale krisanteskou word van 09:00 tot 15:00 deur die Pniël- Tuinbou- en nywerheidsvereniging en die Pniël- Erfenis- en kultuurtrust by die PNIËL CONGREGATIONAL- kerksaal aangebied. Die krisante-uitstalling word van 09:00 tot 12:00 gehou, gevolg deur die openingseremonie en prysuitdeling (12:00) en die verkoop van blomme aan die publiek (13:45). Kos- en kunsvlyt-stalletjies sal ook beskikbaar wees. Toegang beloop R50. Skakel 083 485 2888 of stuur e-pos na pekt2011@gmail.com vir nog inligting.

 Stuur alle kalender-inskrywings per e-pos na eikestadnuus@novusmedia.co.za voor 14:00 op ’n Maandag.

Luxe

December 2023 under the guidance

“I think we need to focus more on the local chefs – the guys who are actually teaching you.”

The award-winning restaurant has broken down traditional barriers between front-of-house and kitchen staff, creating what Van den Berg describes as “telepathy” between the teams.

“A lot of the chefs go on the floor. Sometimes the front-of-house staff even come and cook food in the kitchen for staff,” he explained. “We work really well together, so much so that one can almost know what the person is thinking.”

During quieter winter months, staff members dine at the restaurant to experience the service from a guest’s perspective, helping maintain service standards yearround.

FUTURE PLANS

With two consecutive Luxe Awards under the belt, Van den Berg acknowledged the pressure to maintain excellence. “Now the pressure is on for us to really lift our service game, to make sure that the guests keep enjoying the experience,” he said.

Looking ahead, Van den Berg and Uys are planning an ambitious culinary tour

to Turkey in June, where guests can join them for a South African-Turkish food experience that builds on Uys’ connections to Turkey.

For the winter months, the focus remains on maintaining local support in Stellenbosch while keeping the restaurant at capacity during the traditionally quieter period.

Van den Berg’s counsel for young chefs entering the industry emphasises patience and dedication over immediate recognition.

“Don’t worry about the fame and money in the beginning of your career. For the first five years, you must put your head down, focus on getting better, find a mentor whom you can learn from, and stick with them for two to three years,” he advised.

He warned against frequent job changes, saying: “When you look up again, youyour are going to be a really good chef and the opportunities will come to you.”

The double Luxe 2026 Awards win positions Mertia as a leader in South African fine dining, with Van den Berg expressing pride in setting service standards while maintaining the warm hospitality South Africa is known for internationally.

The admissions window for on-time online applications for the 2027 school year is quickly drawing to a close.

The provincial education department is urging parents to apply before Tuesday 14 April. “Parents are responsible for applying on time for a place in a school for their child, but the parents of 28 003 Grade 7 learners currently attending school in the Western Cape have not yet applied for a

Apply now for 2027

place in Grade 8 next year,” provincial education minister David Maynier said. Parents and guardians of children who will be in Grade R, 1 and 8 next year must apply before the closing date. To apply, copies of several documents,

including the child’s most recent official school report, where applicable, and certified birth certificate, passport or identity document must be uploaded. For foreign learners, a passport, study permit, proof of application for a permit,

or a copy of the parent’s asylum seeker or refugee permit will be accepted. If none of these documents are available, a police affidavit may be submitted. For those applying for primary school, the child’s Road to Health booklet, proof of residence or an affidavit confirming residence must also be submitted.  To apply online, visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions.

BELANGRI KE KENNI SGEWIN

G

AA NSOEK OM OLOP-B EFON DS IN G 2027/2 02 8*

1. DOEL

Die *Omvattende Landbou-ondersteuningsprogram (OLOP) is deur die Departement van Landbou (DoA) ingestel en word deur die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou geïmplementeer deur middel van ’n kommoditeitsgerigte benadering, met die doel om sy dienste aan produsente binne die Provinsie uit te brei. Die strategiese doel van hierdie program is om ’n gunstige en ondersteunende landboudiensomgewing vir boerderygemeenskappe te skep, insluitend kleinskaalse en kommersiële grondhervormingsprodusente, sowel as dié wat betrokke is by landbouverwerking (Agri-Verwerking) in die Wes-Kaap

• Vroue, jeug, persone met gestremdhede en eerste-keer-aansoekers sal voorkeur geniet

• Enige versoek om bystand moet die proses hieronder uiteengesit volg. Versuim om aan die vereistes te voldoen, sal u aansoek outomaties diskwalifiseer

2. AA NSO EKPROSES

Om vinniger en meer doeltreffende diens te verseker, word aansoekers versoek om die onderstaande proses te volg 2.1 PRODUSENTE: GE MEENSKAP S- EN HU ISH OUDELIKE PROJE KT E (NB: Hi erdi e kate gor ie boere ka n deu r die ja ar aan so ek doe n. )

Aansoeker moet by hul naaste landboukantoor in hul onderskeie distrikte aansoek doen.

2 .2 KL EINSKAA LSE E N KO MME RSIËL E GR ONDH ERVO RM IN GSPRODUS ENT E

Kriteria:

• Voorkeur sal gegee word aan die primêre kommoditeit van u besigheid.

• Bewys van wettige toegang tot grond (gehuur of besit) en wettige waterregte moet saam met u sakeplan ingedien word

• In die geval van gehuurde grond moet die aansoeker ’n huurooreenkoms hê van nie minder nie as 9 jaar en 11 maande ’n Langer huurtermyn van minstens 15 jaar sal vereis word vir langtermyngewasse. Let daarop dat ’n notariële akte moontlik op die titelakte van die plaas vereis kan word

• Waar van toepassing moet Omgewingsimpakstudies (OIS’e) en ’n Rekord van Besluit (ROD), waterlisensieregistrasie en dokumente ingevolge die Wet op Diere- en Plantverbetering verkry word voordat befondsing aangevra word

• Die projek moet die potensiaal hê om werksgeleenthede te skep en te onderhou.

• Ondernemings moet voldoen aan die jongste Agri-BEE-raamwerk, en besighede met ’n jaarlikse omset van meer as R1 miljoen moet ’n staatsondersteunde lening by die Landbank aansoek doen.

• Munisipaal-goedgekeurde infrastruktuurplanne, ’n onde rtekende sakeplan en finansiële state moet ingedien word 2.3 LANDBOUVERWE RKI NGSONDE RSTEUNI NG (AGR I-P ROSESSERING)

Kri te ria:

• Moet toegang hê tot voldoende produksie-insette (grondstowwe) vir die volhoubaarheid van die voorgestelde waardetoevoeging en/of landbouverwerkingsaktiwiteite.

• Bewys van grond-/eiendomsbesit of huurreg moet saam met die aansoek ingedien word Huurreg moet een van die volgende vorme aanneem voordat n projek vir befondsing oorweeg kan word: i. ’n Huurooreenkoms vir 5 jaar (waarvan minstens 3 jaar oorbly), ii. ’n Huurooreenkoms vir 3 jaar op staatsbesit grond/eiendom (insluitend PLAS-huurooreenkomste) iii. ’n 3-jaar-huurooreenkoms vir die ontwikkeling van gemeenskaplike weidingsgrond (ontwikkeling op munisipale gemeenskaplike grond, Wet 9-grond en kerkgrond).

• Produksie-aktiwiteite moet in die Wes-Kaap plaasvind

• ’n Bydrae tot voedselsekerheid en belyning met die strategieë van Nasionale en Provinsiale Regerings word vereis

• Die projek moet die potensiaal hê om werksgeleenthede te skep en te onderhou.

• Die projek moet die potensiaal hê om ekonomies lewensvatbaar en volhoubaar te word

• Die besigheid moet betrokke wees by waardetoevoeging en/of primêre verwerking van landbougrondstowwe.

3. HOE OM AA NSO EK TE DOEN

• Verkry ’n besigheidsplanformaat by u plaaslike kantoor van die Departement of by www.elsenburg.com.

• Aansoekers word aangemoedig om met die naaste voorligtingskantoor kontak te maak vir leiding en beplanning.

• Dien ’n volledig voltooide sakeplan binne die vereiste tydperk by die naaste kantoor in, vergesel van alle ondersteunende/vereiste nakomingsdokumentasie soos per die kontrolelys in die sakeplan

• Dit is ’n verpligte vereiste dat alle aansoekers op die Produsenteregister geregistreer moet wees.

• Sodra die sakeplan ontvang is, sal die Departement ontvangs skriftelik bevestig en verdere inligting verskaf oor die proses en plaasverifikasie van inligting.

4. VO ORWAARDES WAARAAN D IE AA NS OE KER MOET VO LDOEN

• Sodra die aansoek goedgekeur is, sal van die aansoeker verwag word om ’n kontrak met die Departement van Landbou of sy projekbestuurders aan te gaan waarin die implementeringsvoorwaardes ooreengekom sal word

Nr.Distrik Kontakpersoon AdresKantoor E-pos

1 Klein Karoo Distrik Mnr Willem Burger Oudtshoorn Navorsingsplaas, Ou Kammanasie Pad, Oudtshoorn, 6620

044-803 3747Willem.Burger4@westerncape.gov.za

2 Sentraal Karoo DistrikMe Vianca Erasmus 104 Peter Jacobslaan, Beaufort Wes, 6970 023-414 9209 Vianca.Erasmus@westerncape.gov.za

3 Noord-Weskus DistrikMnr Marius Du Randt Posbus 130, Vredendal, 8160 027-201 3502 Marius.DuRandt2@westerncape.gov.za

4 Kaapse Metropool Distrik Me Constance MakhuvhaGoulburnsentrum, h/v Goulburnstraat en Voortrekkerpad, Goodwood

021-483 7082 Mmbengeni.Makhuvha@westerncape.gov.za

5 Overberg Distrik Mnr Hennis Germishuys Albert Myberg Koshuis, Golfstraat, Bredasdorp 7280 028-425 4807 Hennis.Germishuys@westerncape.gov.za

6 Kaapse Wynland Distrik Dr. Rene Bastian ABSA-gebou, 4de Vloer, Pleinstraat, Stellenbosch, 7600 021-808 7051 Rene.Bastian@westerncape.gov.za

7 Tuinroete Distrik Mnr Clyde Lamberts Ou Lughawepad, George, 6529 044-803 3757 Clyde.Lamberts@westerncape.gov.za

8 Swartland Distrik Me Rose HorneLangstraat 42, Moorreesburg, 7310 022-433 8903 Rose.Horne@westerncape.gov.za Alle aansoekers moet vorige staatsbystand verklaar; versuim om dit te doen sal tot outomatiese diskwalifikasie lei. NB: Daar moet kennis geneem word dat staatsamptenare, werknemers van semi-staatsinstellings en buitelandse burgers uitgesluit is van bogenoemde ondersteuning. Die Departement behou die reg voor om slegs die kritieke items wat dit noodsaaklik ag binne ’n sakeplan, en binne beskikbare begrotingsmiddele, goed te keur en te befonds. Persone wat gekontrakteer is om ’n diens aan die staat te lewer, sal nie ondersteun word nie

SLUITINGSDAT UM VIR AA NSOEKE : 3 0 APR IL 2 02 6

of nie. Doen ook herstelwerk. Kontak Gerard 084 735 7442.

PRG athletes conquer XTERRA

Six athletes from Paul Roos Gymnasium delivered exceptional performances during the XTERRA South Africa event held at the scenic Elgin-Grabouw Country Club last month.

Competing in the demanding offroad triathlon format, which combines open-water swimming, mountain biking and trail running. all six PRG athletes finished within the top 10 of their respective categories, with a podium and near-podium finishes.

In the Youth A category, Charl Whitehead claimed an outstanding second place finish, followed by Daniel Lutz in fourth place and Michiel Vreken in fifth.

In the Youth B category, Niel du Bois secured fourth place, with Ruhann Slabber finishing fifth and Nico de Nysschen close behind in sixth place.

This top-tier finishes not only highlight the local athletes' abilities but also their determination, resilience and sportsmanship. The outstanding results have earned the athletes more than just local recognition. Five of the competitors have qualified for the prestigious XTERRA Youth World Championship, which will be held in Ruidoso, New Mexico in October.

The 2026 championship will be a landmark occasion for the sport, as Ruidoso will become only the third location to host the global event that also marks the 30th anniversary of XTERRA since its origins in the Hawaiian island of Maui in 1996. The event offers young competitors a rare opportunity to compete alongside elite champions.

Now in its third year, the XTERRA Youth Tour, which feeds into the world championship, has quickly become a vital platform for developing emerging talent. Designed for athletes aged 14 to 19, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of off-road triathletes by providing international exposure and high-level competition experience.

The achievement has sparked pride within PRG and broader community, underscoring the school's strong sporting tradition. As these young athletes prepare to represent South Africa abroad, they carry with them not only personal ambition but also the hopes of a nation eager to see them succeed on one of the sport's biggest stages.

With talent, discipline and momentum on their side, the PRG contingent is poised to make a powerful impression in New Mexico, and to continue building a legacy of excellence in off-road triathlon.

VORM 3A - KENNISGEWING VAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 37(1) VAN DIE WES-KA APSE DRANKWET, 2008 - [REG. 10(1)]

Hiermee word kennis gegee dat die volgende aansoeke om dranklisensies ingedien is by die Wes-Kaapse Drankowerheid (die Owerheid) en by die aangewese drankbeamptes by die aangeduide SuidAfrikaanse Polisiedienskantore Die betrokke aansoeke kan, tot en met die 28ste dag vanaf die datum van publikasie van die aansoek op versoek en gratis deur enige persoon besigtig word by die kantore van die Owerheid of die aangewese drankbeampte hieronder gelys Afskrifte van 'n aansoek kan by die Owerheid verkr y word na betaling van die voorgeskrewe fooi Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstig artikel 39 van die Wet skriftelik by die Owerheid en die aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word

IFOMU 3A - IS AZISO SOKUFAKWA KWESICELO SEPHEPHA MVUME NGOKWECANDELO 37(1) LOMTHETHO WOTYWAL A WENTSHONA KOLONI KA - 2008 [UMGAQO 10(1)]

Isaziso siyanikezelwa ukuba ezi zicelo zilandelayo zamaphepha mvume otywala zifakiwe kwabasemaGunyeni ezoTywala eNtshona Koloni (abasemaGunyeni) nakumagosa ajongene nemiba engotywala kwii-ofisi ezixeliweyo zeeNkonzo zamaPolisa aseMzantsi Afrika. Izicelo ekubhekiselelwa kuzo zingakwazi kwiintsuku ezingamashumi amabini anesibhozo (28) ukususela ngomhla wokupapashwa kwesi sicelo, xa eceliwe kwaye simahla ziye kuhlolwa nguye nawuphi umntu okwi-Ofisi esemaGunyeni okanye yegosa elijongene nemiba engotywala elixelwe apha ngezantsi Iikopi zesicelo zingafumaneka kwabasemaGunyeni emva kwentlawulo emiselweyo Uchaso neengxelo ezixhasayo ezibhaliweyo zingafakwa kwabasemaGunyeni nakwigosa elijongene nemiba engotywala ngokwecandelo 39 loMthetho

Easter weekend sporting action in Khayamandi

It was an action-packed Easter weekend in Khayamandi as the annual Easter Tournament was held at the local sports ground. The games started on Good Friday (3 April), followed by a 5 km fun run which saw locals taking to the trails at Papegaaiberg. On Monday (6 April) the finals were played with teams on the soccer pitch and netball court. On the netball court the Thunder Birds took on Makupala A with the Thunder Birds beating their opponents by five points. The finals saw the Thunder Birds taking on Khayamandi Netball Club and the action packed match ended with Khayamandi Netball Club being crowned the tournament champions for the second year in a row. Photo: Yaël Malgas

Maties kry duur rugbyles

Die FNB Maties-span moes stert tussen die bene terugkeer na die Kaapse Wynland, ná hy die afgelope Maandagaand (6 April) in Potchefstroom ’n behoorlike pak slae in die halfeindstryd van die FNB Varsitybeker deur FNB NWU Eagles toegedien is.

Die Eagles-tuisspan het op tuisbodem op die Fanie du Toit-sportterrein ’n dominerende tweede helfte oplewer om ’n 50-10-oorwinning oor die Stellenbossers aan te teken en na die 2026-eindstryd teen FNB UP-Tuks deur te dring.

Voor die stampvol stadion het die tuisspan ’n kliniese en meedoënlose vertoning opgedis om sy teleurstelling van vroeër in die seisoen, met sy nederlaag teen die Maties in Stellenbosch, om te swaai na vreugde toe dit die meeste tel.

Die eerste helfte was ’n tameletjie, met die telling op 10 elk teen halftyd. In die eerste helfte het beide spanne ’n verdoele drie en strafskop aangeteken.

Ryan Manuel van FNB Maties probeer om ’n stormlopie deur Luan van der Walt te keer tydens die FNB Varsitybeker halfeindstryd tussen die twee spanne by die Fanie du Toit-sportterrein. Foto: Asem Engage

[THUTOWEDSA]

Explosive speed at Coetzenburg SU sprinter breaks record

Dustin Wetdewich

Lightning struck twice at Coetzenburg Stadium, and both bolts bore the name Puseletso Mabote.

The 20-year-old para-athletics phenomenon tore through the record books once again, delivering a performance that left the Toyota SASAPD National Championships crowd roaring in disbelief. On Wednesday 1 April what seemed like an April Fool’s miracle was anything but, as Mabote annihilated the men’s T63 400 m World Record with a 60,74-second run.

The Stellenbosch University (SU) student crossed the line with the kind of explosive finishing speed that has become his trademark, shaving precious time off the previous global standard in an event where every hundredth of a second is earned through blood, sweat and relentless determination. Pending official ratification, the performance cemented Mabote’s position as one of South Africa’s brightest para-athletics stars.

The 400 m heroics represented the crown jewel in what proved to be a busy week for the Maties sprinter.

Before his record-breaking long-distance blast, Mabote had already showcased his devastating acceleration in the T63 100 m, posting a solid 12,23 seconds that served as the perfect appetiser for the main course to come.

what’s possible in para-athletics.

Yet even moments of sporting immortality can carry shadows. Despite the euphoria that engulfed Coetzenburg Stadium as Mabote’s time flashed on the board, the achievement arrived with a sting of disappointment that the young champion couldn’t hide.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling,” Mabote admitted in the aftermath. “One works so hard to push the boundaries of what’s possible, only to find out one won’t have the stage to represent your country in it at the next major games.”

The 400 m T63 event has been cruelly excluded from the upcoming Commonwealth Games programme, denying him the opportunity to showcase his prowess.

Die Eagles het met mening na die veld teruggekeur en drie drieë in die eerste 18 minute van die tweede helfte aangeteken en beheer van die wedstryd geneem. Hul tempo, fisieke spel, akkuraatheid en verdediging was net te goed vir die besoekers.

For an athlete who first seized global attention with gold at the 2025 World Championships in New Delhi, India, this recent form suggests Mabote isn’t simply maintaining his elite status; he’s ascending to entirely new heights.

Met momentum aan sy kant, het die laaste kwart van die wedstryd aan NWU behoort met drieë wat ingestroom het om ’n plek in die eindstryd te verseker.

The speedster now holds world records in both the 200 m and 400 m T63 categories, a double that speaks volumes about his versatility across sprint distances. Add several African records in the long jump and you have an athlete redefining

What makes Mabote’s achievements even more remarkable is that he isn’t a full-time professional athlete; he’s grinding through a Business Management degree at SU, finding the balance between academics and athletics.

Commonwealth Games setback aside, the star athlete has set his sights on the European Grand Prix later this year, with the ultimate target: Los Angeles 2028.