Gazette-ST-E-edition-27 January 2026

Rasieleiersrybrul-brul

Die Hoërskool Swartland hetop22en23Januarie sy jaarlikse interkleure-atletiek-byeenkoms aangebied. Dirigente vandie Blouspan word op motorfietseaangery as deel vanhul optog,

25-jarige afgemaai

Bendegeweld het Sondag (25Januarie) wéér in Kalbaskraal uitgebreek nadat ’n skietery glo tussen bendelede plaasgevind het. Volgens die Malmesbury-polisiewoordvoerder sers. Henry du Randt het die gebeure omstreeks vyfuur die oggend tot die dood van nog’ninwoner, Cornel Snyers (25), gelei.

Die plaaslike polisie was ten tyde dievoorvalindie omgewing op ’n sigbaarheidspatrollie.

Western Cape records195 murders in 17 days -11/day

The Western Cape has recorded195 homicides in the first 17 daysof2026, averaging 11 murders per day, as awaveof mass shootings on the CapeFlatshas left communities devastatedand the Democratic Alliance callingfor immediate intervention from national police.

Theviolence has included multiple mass shootings in Cape Town, with at least 21 people killedinseparate incidents between17and 20 Januaryalone.

On the evening of 17 January, seven people were shot dead at theMarikana informal settlementinPhilippi.One woman andsix men,aged between 30 and 50, were killed shortly aftermidnight, whilstthree others were wounded. Police said preliminary investigations indicated the attack may be extortion-related.

The following day, 18 January, eight people were killedand three injuredin anothershooting at the same Marikana informal settlementinPhilippi East. Six victimsdied at the scene,one died en route to amedicalfacility, and one died later in hospital. Authoritiesbelieve theincident is linked to local extortion syndicates.

In the early hours of 20 January,six people were killedintwo separate shootings in Cape Town. Fourpeople –three women agedbetween20and 52, and one

man –werefound dead with gunshot wounds inside an informaldwelling on MelckStreetinNdabeni. At the Maitland cemeteryinKensington, two menwere found dead andtwo others were injured in whatpolice believewas agang-related attack.

A15-year-old boywas also shot in Seawinds, Muizenberg,with afatal gunshot wound to the back of hisheadduring the sameperiod.

In astatement DA spokesperson on policeoversight andcommunity safety Benedicta van Minnen condemned the outbreak of violence andsaid the provincecannot fight the battle alone.

“Thefailure of Saps, anationalcompetency, to adequately resource and prioritise gang-affected areas directly undermines community safety,” Van Minnensaid.

The DA noted that it hasbeen four monthssince acting minister of police Prof Cachalia requested acomprehensivestrategy to deal with violent crime, illegal firearms andgangsterism, but Saps has stillnot produced an updated resourcing plan,operationalplan, or any clear physicaldeployment strategyto support the Western Cape.

VanMinnen said the DA-led Western Cape government continues to invest in Law Enforcement Advancement Planofficers,violenceprevention programmes,

Mediese personeel hetSnyers kort ná die voorval op dietoneel dood verklaar.’n21-jarige verdagteislaterdieselfde dag weens diemoord in hegtenis geneem. Hy salvandag (27Januarie) op dieaanklagvan moordindie plaaslike landdroshof in Malmesbury verskyn Volgens Cornel se ma, Christa, het haar seun ’n paar jaar gelede sy lewe omgedraai nadat hy vroeër weens diefstal vasgetrek is. “Hy was ’n goeie kind. Toehy uit dieVoorberg-gevangeniskom,

was hy ’n andermens.Almal het homgeprys–enmyook,” het ’n emosioneleChrista Maandag buite diehof aan Gazette gesê. Cornel het volgensooggetuies sigarette gaan koop toe die skietery uitgebreek het.Sybroer Bronnie (24) was op daardietydstipby hom. Bendeledewou na bewering sy broerskiet, brei Christa uit. “Hyhet sy broer probeer beskerm en is toe in dierug geskiet.” Cornelisdirek daarna in diekop geskiet. Hy laat sy eenjarigedogter agter.

Polisie vang dwelmsmouse

Die Moorreesburg-polisie hetopnóg verdagte dwelmhandelaars toegeslaanin hul volgehoue pogings tot diebekamping vandwelmhandel binne dieplaaslike gemeenskappevan die Swartland. Volgens die polisiewoordvoerder AONicolette Visagie het polisielede op 20Januarie omstreeks 18:25 op ’n sigbaarheidspatrollie ’n verdagte genader watopsybeurt net weggehardloophet. Die verdagte is agternagesit en tot by ’n welbekende dwelmhuis in Sentrumweg gevolg.Met die polisie se aankoms daar is ’n manen’nvroubinne ’n woonwa op die erf aangetref waar hulle besigwas om dwelms weg te gooi. Dietweeverdagtes –onderskeidelik 19 en 30 jaar oud– is op die perseel weens onwettige dwelm-

handelinhegtenisgeneemnadat 27 mandrax-tablette, dagga en verskeieander dwelms en geld aangetref is Diedwelms se straatwaarde is ongeveerR1900, voegVisagie by. Die verdagtes hetreedsop21Januarie in die plaaslikelanddroshof verskyn In nog’nvoorvalisdie polisie op Woensdag 21Januarie na Sibanya Square ontbied,waarverdagtes glo besigwas om Mandrax-tablette te tel.Die beampteshet methul aankoms ’n manmet negemandrax-tablette en geld in sy besit vasgetrek. Die39-jarigeverdagte is omstreeks 20:30 daardieaandvir die onwettige handelvan dwelms in hegtenisgeneem.Hy hetdie afgelope Vrydagindie plaaslike landdroshof verskyn.

'n Geleentheid om 'n saai-,wingerd- en veeplaas in die hart vandie Swartland te bekom.Ideaalgeleë,slegs 10 km buiteMalmesbury in die rigtingvan Kalbaskraal.

Geïnteresseerdekopersworduitgenooiomhul belangstelling per epos aanreception@tglaw.ltdterig voor of Dinsdag17Februarie 2026. Verdereinligting en ondersteunendedokumentasiesal aan belangstellende partyebeskikbaargestel word.

Yzer Watchthe bestinProvince

Yzerfontein Neighbourhood Watch (YNHW) has been awardedfirst placeinthe Neighbourhood Watch Excellence Award categorybythe Western Cape Community Police Board

The prestigious award waspresented at aglamorous awardsceremony hosted by the Western Cape Community Police Board at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre on Saturday, 24 January, says Johan Conradie in astatement shortly after the event.

The chair of YNHW, KoosLiebenberg attendedthe ceremony and received the award and certificateonbehalf of the organisation.The event was attended by senior leaders within the community policing environment, including Major General Luyanda Damoyi (Deputy Provincial Commissioner). "All delivered messages of strong support and heartfelt congratulations to therecipients," he adds. According to Conradie, this year's competitionfor theawards was fierce, makingYNHW’s achievement even more remarkable. On receivingthe award,Liebenberg highlighted that such recognitionis only possible through hardwork,teamwork, and sacrifice.

"He emphasised that thisachievement belongs to every neighbourhood watchmember, the dedicated executive committee,and the operational groups whospend countless lonely hours on patrol—often on cold nights—keeping our community safe. The YNHW often uses the metaphor of dolosse that strengthen aharbour wall: onealone is ineffective, but together they form apowerful, unbreakable force.This perfectly reflects the strengthofYNHW and the incredible support it receives fromthe Yzerfontein community. "

The YNHW extendedits appreciation to everyone who has played arole in supporting the organisation. This includesthe community ofYzerfontein, YAR,Senior Inspector Neale Africa, their sponsors, and sister organisations such as the YzerfonteinResi-

dents Association, Bewarea, NSRI 34, Yzerfontein Dutch Reformed Church, Darling RuralProtection, and benefactors. "Without this collectivesupport, thisachievement would not havebeen possible."

The neighbourhood watch elaborated in it'sstatement saying this organisation requires strong and committed leadership, and the YNHW is fortunate to havethat in Liebenberg. "We congratulate Koos on this award and thank him forhis exceptionaldedication andleadership. He truly embodies the spirit of the neighbourhood watch, leading by exampleand serving far beyond his elected role as chairman." In additiontobeing chair, Liebenberg voluntarily serves simultaneously as operational coordinator and operational group leader. "He does not merelycoordinate patrols—heactivelyparticipates in them He is present at vehiclecontrol points, high-density patrols, and major operations.During publicholidays, he often patrols himselftoallow volunteers valuable familytimeand regularly steps in when volunteer availability is limited, especially during festive seasons."

He ended by saying this award is not only arecognition for the YzerfonteinNeighbourhood Watch—itis an achievement for Yzerfontein as a whole.

Collect, deposit tops and tags andgivegiftofmobility

SkålInternational is anon-profit international organisationwith 294 clubs in 75 countries and12500 members encouraging peopleintourism to work together

Skål International Cape West Coast currentlyhas 23 members from the West Coast,Swartland andNorthern Cape areastopromote tourism inthe area. Charity work and sustainable tourismare also part of its mission.

OneSkål International Cape West club, Skål International Winelands, supports aWest Coast charity,The Sweethearts Foundation, inits campaign to collect bottle tops, aluminium canand bread tags.For more than a decade thefoundation hasgivenpeople the giftofmovement by providing them withwheelchairs.

Moneytofund this community-driven project is raised through collecting aluminium can tags, breadtagsand bottle tops, which are soldtorecycling companies that process the plastic

To date The SweetheartsFoundation, whichhas 114 collection points, has collected 78-plus tons of bottle tops and 37-plus tons of bread tags resulting in more than 600 wheelchairsbeing handed over to beneficiaries.

(inset)fromSkålInternationalWinelandsand husband Tommytoacollection point. 'E' is mosvir Emma!

The West Coast has fourcollection points,inStHelena Bay, Velddrif, Piketberg andCitrusdal.

www.sweetheartsfoundation for the addresses and become apartofthe gift of movement.

Klein Emma du Plessis (4)van Stutterheim in die Oos-Kaap wasbaie verras toehulle in Yzerfontein gaan kuier en sy haar naam se eerstelettergroot sien staan: “E”vir Emma. Die fotograaf is haar trotse ouma, Erna du Plessis, vanSaldanha.

SWARTLAND

KENNISGEWING62/2025/2026

KENNISGEWINGVAN VOORNEME OM ONROERENDE EIENDOM TE RIEBEEK KASTEEL TE VERVREEM

KennisgeskiedhiermeeingevolgedieVerordeningenBeleidinsakedieOordragvanMunisipaleKapitale Bates,PK7394gedateer22Mei2015,dat dieRaad vanMunisipaliteitSwartlandinbeginselgoedgekeur hetdatdievolgendeonroerendeeiendomuit-die-hand-uitverkoopmagwordsoosaangetoon:

Erf nommer &omvangLigging Koper/sVerkoopprys*

Gedeelte vanpadreserweErf159 Riebeek Kasteel, ±223m²groot

*BTWuitgesluit

PietRetiefstraat, Riebeek Kasteel Eienaarvan Erf 1260 Riebeek Kasteel R500/m²

Enigekommentaar rakendedie voorgenome vervreemding vangemelde eiendomen/of besware daarteen moet op skrif gestel en die ondergetekendebereikteennie laternie as 15:45opVrydag, 27Februarie2026

NavraeindiebetrokkeverbandkangerigwordaanmeFeliciaWilliamsby022-4879400,terwylpersone watnie kanlees of skryf nie, me NicoletteBrand gedurende gewone kantoorurebydie munisipale hoofkantoorinMalmesburyombystandkannader

Houtlepel-effek ‘werk virmy’

MurphyRoberts

"Luister met begripenluister om te verstaan, Juffroutjie, want ek stuur jou skool toe om te gaan leer en nie om 'n grootvrou te gaanweesnie! Verstaan ons mekaar?"

Thessolika Matthews van Atlantis, of Ousiwe Ousiesoos sy op TikTok bekend is,het met haar eerste-skooldagvideooor diehoutlepel-effek dietonge behoorliklosgemaak. Haarvideois reeds deur meer as twee miljoen mense gekyk.

"Jy gaan nie skool toe omtegaan rook, te bank en 'n juffrouofmeneer voor die borstegryp nie. En as hulle praat, dan luister jy, wanthulle het die laaste sê! Verstaan jy?"

Volgens Ousieisdit dietweede jaar wat sy die video maak, maar vanjaar het ditalle verwagtinge oortref.

"Ek bedoel elke woord indie video, en diehoutlepel-effek werk beslis vir my," verduidelik sy.

Ek is nog nooitna'nskool oor my kinders se gedrag ingeroep nie. Ek wordwel gebel om die klomp diplomas te kom haal,"vertel sy

In die video moedig sy haarvier kinders aan om afstand te doen van maatjies wat rook, bank, vape en ander verkeerde dinge doen.

"Hulle is negatief en dit is nog nie julle beurtnie," sê sy.

Indien 'n juffrou of meneer hulle wel benadeel of –slegs sonderrede –enigsins ongemaklik laat voel, moet hulle vir haar kom sê.

"Dán sal ek met my houtlepel skool toe gaan," voeg sy by. Sy vertel laggend dat sy nognooit nodiggehad het om die houtlepel te gebruiknie en hoop ookdit sal

ThessolikaMatthews,ofOusiwe Ousie, soos sy op TikTok bekendis, hetmet haar eersteskooldagvideo oor diehoutlepel-effek dietongebehoorlik losenhaar video is al meer as twee miljoen keer gekyk.

Foto: MurphyRoberts

nie nodig wees nie, "maar ek sal nie skroom omdit te gebruik nie," sê sy Volgens Abrenicia, Ousie se oudste dogter en 'n gr.11-leerder by Atlantis Sekondêr, vermysydie kring van spotters.

"Ek weet wat reg is," sê sy "Ek neem ook diehoutlepel-effek ernstig op,want ek weet my ma bedoel elke woord." Zion, 'n12-jarigeleerder by Kerria

Primêr, sê hy het voorheen 'n groot vriendekring gehad,maar ná die houtlepel-gesprek het hy net 'n handjievol oor.

"Ekwil my familie trotsmaak en daarom het ek ontslaegeraak van die meeste vanmystout maatjies en fokus nou net op my skoolwerk,"sêhy. Volgens Ousie ontvangZion elkejaar diplomas vir sy skoolwerk en raak hy mismoedigashynie 7'sbehaal nie.

Regstelling

DieHoërskoolDirkie Uyspronk nie slegs met’n100%-slaagsyfernadat dieNSS-uitslaevir dieklas van 2025 op 13 Januarie bekend gemaakis nie, maar met’ntweeling wat elkeen onder dietoptien pronk. Milla van Dyk(18) is as HDUsetopmatrikulantaangewys met’nA-gemiddeld van 89,6%. Die Gazette hetverlede week foutiewelikberig dat haar tweelingsuster, Elle,’nA-gemiddeld van 84,4% behaalhet.Elle,wat in dietweede posisie pronk, was inderdaadkortophaarsuster se hakke met’nA-gemiddeld van 88,4%.

Busy festiveseason forWestern Cape emergencyservices

More than 130 000 cases were recorded at public health services thispast festiveseason, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said in astatement issued thisweek.

Each year the festive season places increased pressure on emergency services in the province, it pointed out.

This treatment estimate, between 15 December and 14 January,atemergency centres across the province is accompanied by the more than 47 000 estimated incidents responded to by the department’sEmergency Medical Services (EMS), totalling 177 000 emergency cases.

The Health Department said EMS teams responded to 47 351 emergency calls across all districts, the highest demand recorded in greater Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Garden Route.

It said trauma remained a majordriver of demand, the EMS responding to 7353 assault-related cases and 1437 motor-vehicle incidents.

Seasonal risksalso increased, with 93 drowning incidentsand multiple wilderness and Table Mountain rescues, the department said.

Emergency centres recorded atotal of 130 004

patient admissions, including 29 272 trauma cases and 93 755 non-trauma cases. Early indicators showed patients with chronic medical conditions made up a large proportion of these admissions. This added to the trauma load, increasing waiting time at many facilities, the department said. From15December last year to 14 January this year most children seen in emergency centres were treated mainly for non-trauma-related conditions, while falls and accidental injuries remained the leading causes of injury. Overall paediatric visits were lower than the previous festive season, but transport-related cases increased by 30% and some rise in violence-related injuries was recorded, the department said. It said the cases of adults treated at emergency centres were primarily non-trauma-related.

While overall visits declined compared to the previous festive season including fewer accidental injuries, blunt assaults and falls —serious violence-related cases such as stabbings and gunshot wounds continued to place pressure on services.

The Forensic Pathology Service confirmed 941 deaths in the reporting period.

Tafeldruiwe-oes lykliplekker

Die tafeldruifseisoen van 2025/’26 word gekenmerkaan verskeie uitdagings,tog is hoë volumes en goeie gehaltekorrels aan die orde vandie dag.

Te midde van ’n bedrywige oes hetdie Bergrivier-tafeldruif-produsentevereniging(BTPV) tyd gemaak vir huljaarlikse blokkompetisie waartydenswennersvan reg oor die streek aangewys is. Die gesellige geleentheid hetSaterdag 17 Januarie by dieDrie Seuns-onthaal net buite Porterville plaasgevind. Die wenner van die BTPV se jongblokkompetisie is PG Marais en sy span van die

plaasDasdrif in die omgewingvan MoorreesburgenRiebeek-Wes.

Sy span is ook aangewysasdie Topproduksiespan vir 2026. Hullehet verder ’n tweede plek in die produksieblokkompetisie behaal.

MornéEllisensyspan vandie plaas Vrede in Piketberg is op hul beurt as die wennervan die BTPV se produksieblokkompetisie aangewys.

Ellishet boonop ook’ntweede plek in diejongblokkompetisiebehaal.

HenryHorne van die plaasVorentoe in Halfmanshofensyspan is met’nderde plek inbeide die produksieblok- en die jongblokkompetisiebeloon

More home devicescalls for replacing yourDBboard

After the year-end shopping period

manySouth Africans are starting the yearwith new appliancesand gadgets, from gaming consoles andupgraded TVs to air fryers, fridges and more. As these go into daily use theadded demandcan expose weaknesses in older homewiringand electrical systems.

“Most families don't thinktwice about their distribution board(DB board) until something goes wrong, and by then it’s often too late,” says Dr Andrew Dickson,engineering executive at CBi-electric: low voltage.

CBi-electric: lowvoltagewas established in 1949 as amanufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection and control equipment.

Previously known as CircuitBreaker Industries or CBI,the company specialises in the design, development and manufacturing of circuitbreakers, residential current devices,surgeprotection, wiringaccessories andmetering products.

The DB board is designed tocut the powerwhen something goes wrong, whether it’s afaulty kettle, anoverloadedplug point or alightning strike. But many South African homes still rely on DB boards installed in the 1990s. Back then atypicalhousehold had aTV, fridge and perhapsa microwave.Today, it’s multipleTVs, computers, chargers, Wi-Fi routers, air conditioners,washing machines and other high-demand devices, often running at the same time.

That mismatchbetween old infrastructure and new energy use is exactly where problems begin

According to Dickson, several

indicators suggest your DB board or wiringmay be unsafe. Theseinclude burn marks around switches, any faint burning smell, rust or corrosion, loose or exposed wires, lights dimming whenappliances switch on, frequent power trips, warm switches or outlets, buzzingsoundsfromthe boardand unmarked switches you cannot identify. Noticing any of these signalsmeans it’s time to contact aqualified electrician.

“It is important to consider your earth leakage; look for the button marked ‘TEST’onyour DB board and press it.The unit shouldtrip immediately.Ifitdoesn’t your earth-leakage protection has failed, and that’s the device designed to saveyou fromelectrocution,”hewarns.“It is crucial to getthis replaced immediately if it does not operate.”

ADBboardmay need replacing if:

• Your home is morethan 25 yearsold, and the boardhas never been upgraded

• Youstill haveanold fuse boxinstead of modern circuit breakers

• You’ve added high-demand appliances such as an EV charger, heat pump or multiple air conditioners

• Power trips regularly during normal household use

• Your board has no earth leakage protection

Astandard replacement costs between R3 500 and R7 000, with major upgradesreaching R12 000. “Compare thattorebuilding after an electrical fire,” says Dickson.

He encourages South Africans to take 10 minutes to check their DB board.

“It’s asmall step thatcan prevent afar biggerproblem down the line.”

Maleleopard electrocuted

Rasaad Adams

TheLandmark Foundationsaidit suspects no human foul play was involved in thedeath of an adult male leopardfoundelectrocuted andhangingfromanelectric pole in theNuy Valley, near Worcester.

Theincident occurred on Friday 23 January andadded to growing concern following aparticularly devastating2025 for leopards in the Western Cape.

In astatement the foundation saidit wasalerted to the leopard’s death after ashort circuit in the electricitysupply wasreported overnight in the area

Although no clear animal tracks couldbe identified investigators noted signsofa scuffleatthe base of the electrical pole.

According to the Landmark Foundation’sgeneral managerBool Smuts the evidence suggests the leopardattempted to climb the pole andwas electrocuted in the process. He said whilethis was notthe first timeleopardshad died from electrocution it remained ahighly unusualoccurrence.

“It remains unclearwhy the leopard tried to scale the pole. Thefoundation suspects the animal may have been pursuing prey, another territorial leopardor mayhave been involved in aconfrontationwith acaracal,which ultimately led to its tragicdeath.”

Theleopard was confirmed to be a healthy adult male “Hehad no other injuries apart from

an entryand exit wound thatiscommon in electrocution incidents,” Smuts said. “His jawwas still stuck to thepolehence we ruledout anyhuman foulplay.” He said geneticsampleswillbecollected along with additional morphological data to support ongoing researchand conservation monitoring.

Thelatest incident hasonceagain highlightedthe increasing risksfaced by leopards in landscapesshapedby expanding human infrastructure andhas renewed calls for greater awarenessand protectionofthe speciesinthe Western Cape. According to Smuts the foundation recordedatleast five separate leopard deaths in the Western Capelastyear. He said the provinceisestimated to have around500 adult leopards.

WesternCapefaces theworst fire season in adecade We ern Cape facesthe worst re se

to rage.Photo:Heinrick Strumpher (CapeWinelands District Municipality)

TheWestern Cape is grappling with its mostdevastating fire seasoninover adecade, withapproximately 132 000 ha already consumed by flamessince December, prompting premier Alan Winde to seekaprovincial disasterdeclaration to unlockemergencyfunding and resources

Speakingata briefing at the provincial DisasterRisk ManagementCentre in BellvilleonThursday morning(22 January), Winde confirmed that the2025-’26 fire season has proven catastrophic, with double the numberofblazes recordedcomparedtothe same periodlast year.

The province has witnessed widespread destruction of structures and significant wildlife casualties, though remarkably,

no human fatalitieshave been reported –a testament to the coordinated response of emergency services.

“When tackling disasters such as this, our sole priority is to protect lives and, as far as possible, infrastructure, including homes,” Winde stated. “It is deeply unfortunate that structures have been destroyed, but our main priority is ensuring public safety.”

Firefighting teamscontinue to battlea raging wildfire in mountainsabove Franschhoekarea for the eighthconsecutive day, with theCape WinelandsDistrict Municipalityreportingthatmultiple aerial resources were deployed following multiple flare-upslate Wednesday afternoon (21 January), most of whichhave been

contained. Afire line at the top of the Banghoek Vallei remains active.

STRONGDEPLOYMENT

Between 1December 2025 and Sunday 11 January, the Western Cape Government spent more than R19 million on firefighting operations, with R16 million allocated specifically to aerial firefighting resources.

Local governments are estimated to have spent triple that amount funding their own firefighting efforts.

Theprovince has deployed more than1600 municipal firefighters, bolstered by an additional 1000 Working on Fire (WoF)personnel, who continue working tirelessly. The provincial

government covers thefirst hour of aerial firefighting costs, during which 90% of fires are typically extinguished.

DECLARATIONSOUGHT

During thefirst sitting of the Western CapeCabinet for2026 last Wednesday,21January, it formally requested aprovincial disaster declaration from the National Disaster Management Centre. This would enable the province to access emergency funding and reallocate budgetsbetween departmentstostrengthen municipal firefighting operations andcritical infrastructure if the declaration was made.

Projections indicatethe current fire season could extend intoMay 2026, placing continued strain on

already stretched resources. The severity has been attributed to persistent hot,dry,and windy conditions.

COMPOUNDINGCHALLENGES

The Western Capealso faces mounting water-securitychallenges affecting multiplemunicipalities.

“The request for aProvincial Disaster classification is apreventative and risk management measure,”Winde explained. “It allows us to strengthen governance and sustain acoordinated response, desperately needed to mitigate theimpact on residents, theeconomy,and infrastructure.” Water restrictions are already in place across multiple municipalities.

Rotary enables sightfor thefuture

The Rotary Club of Riebeek Valley’s ambitious “Sight For Future” project has achieved remarkable results in addressing vision problems among local schoolchildren and now seeks community support to expand their life-changing initiative.

In October ’25 the club conducted comprehensive eye tests for 387 Grade 1and Grade 5learners across three local schools: Riebeek Kasteel Primary School, Meiring Primary and Riebeek West Primary School

The screening revealedthat 38 children required corrective eyewear, withtheirspectacles successfully delivered and fitted on Monday 18 January.

However, the most significant discovery involved two children with cataracts so severe that without surgical intervention they would soon have been classified as blind. Both children have been scheduled for urgent corrective surgery as Provincial Hospital beneficiaries in April, with assistancefrom Melkbosstrand Rotary in facilitating the necessary medical connections

“We are extremely hopeful that these procedures will totally change their lives,” said Gary Lindhorst, Presidentofthe Rotary ClubofRiebeek Valley.

The club, which was chartered in 2021 and comprised 18 dedicated members committed to “Service above Self” is now focused on raising approximate-

ly R30 000 to provideeyesight testing for allGrade 7learners at their three local schools, approximately 200 children.This critical year ineducation makes vision correction particularly important for academic success.

COMMUNITYSERVICE

RotaryInternationalisrenowned for planningand executing humanitarian, educational and cultural projectsthatsignificantlyimpact communities worldwide.The Riebeek Valleychapter’s vision initiative exemplifies thiscommitment to communityservice.

It aims to make eye testing an annual event, ensuring all Grade1and Grade 5learners receiveregular visionscreening. Thissystematicapproach will help identify andaddress

vision problemsearly,preventing educational setbacks caused by undiagnosed sight issues.

Local businesses, corporate sponsors andcommunity members are invited to support this crucialinitiative. Theclub emphasisesthatevery contribution, regardless of size, makes ameaningfuldifferenceina child’s educationalfuture. Forthose interested in donating or becominginvolved with Rotary's community work, contactthe Rotary Club of Riebeek Valley at riebeekvrotary@gmail comorreach outtoGary Lindhorstat082 770 6665 or David Riley at 083 259 6207.

As the club’s mission statement reflects: together, the community canensure thatnochild is held back simply because they can't see clearly.

‘Rugbybou onsgemeenskappe’

David Rossouw

Malmesbury het op Dinsdagaand 20 Januarie die afskop van die 2026- SuperSpar- Mount Royal 7’s beleeftoe dieWesbank-rugbyklub die amptelike bekendstellingvan die toernooibydie Dros-restaurant aangebied het. Die 19deweergawe van diegewilde 7’s-kompetisie is net ná19:00 bekendgestel en die boodskapwas duidelik: Wesbank is nie net reg vir dieuitdaging nie, maarbevestig hul statusasdie voorloper van 7’s-rugby in die Boland.

Die atmosfeer was eenvan trotsen optimisme, met gaste, ondersteuners en die mediawat die klubsevisie en toewyding eerstehands beleef het. Met die dinamiese betrokkenheidvan Eduan HoubergenAshleyLots, wat borg-

skappe en dieorganisasiedryf, sowel as volgehoue steun vandie uitvoerende bestuur, is die verwagting datdie 2026toernooi een van diemees suksesvolle nog sal wees

Die voorsitter, Jionel “Doppies” Coetzee, het diebyeenkoms geopen endie rol van rugbyasgemeenskapsbouer beklemtoon. “Ditis’nviering van rugby wat gemeenskappe oor die jarebymekaargebringhet en ditmaak Wesbank ’n trotseklub. By Wesbank glo ons nie net datrugby ’n spel is nie, maardat ditkarakter bou, dissipline kweek,groei bevorder en verhoudings versterk,” het Coetzee gesê. Hy het die borge en vennote virhul volgehoue ondersteuning bedankenbeklemtoon dat die samewerking dieklubseinvloed en kapasiteitverder sal uitbrei.

Onder diesleutelvennote wasCoca–ColaPeninsulaBeverage en Tersius de

Sunrisers snatch third SA20 title in thrilling final

Tristan Stubbs produced acaptain’s knock for the agesasSunrisers Eastern Cape claimedtheir third SA20 title in foureditionswith adramatic six-wicket victory over Pretoria Capitals at Newlands on Sunday afternoon.

Chasing amodest 158, the Sunrisers appeared destined for defeat when they slumped to 48/4 in the ninth over, requiring nearly 15 runsper over from thefinal four overs. However, an unbeaten 114-run partnership between Stubbs and MatthewBreetzke,a record fifth-wicket stand for thefranchise, turned the contest on its head in spectacular fashion.

Stubbs remained unbeaten on 63*(41), includingtwo fours and four sixes, whilstBreetzke castaside his recent struggles withacalculated 68*(49) The pair navigated mounting pressure with ablend of fortune and brilliance, ultimately sealing victorywith four balls to sparewhenStubbs dispatched consecutive sixesoff the unfortunate Bryce Parsonstobeginthe finalover. Earlier, 22-year-old DewaldBrevis had justified his eye-watering R16.5 million price tag with amagnificent maiden SA20 century. Walkingto the crease at one for two afterjust seven balls,Brevis orchestrated a masterclass in controlled aggression, reaching his hundred from amere53

deliverieswith seven sixes andeight fours.

His inningsofcalmsavageryaccounted for nearly two-thirds of the Capitals’ total, as he selected his targets withmaturity beyond his years.Left-arm spinner JamesColes conceded 20 runs in his openingover, whilst Chris Green’s first delivery disappearedhighover mid-wicket. A 96-run partnershipwith Parsons (30) steadiedthe ship before Brevisfell for 101, reverse-lapping Marco Jansen to Quinton de Kock three balls after reachingthree figures.

TheSunrisers’ bowling attack had laid the foundation for victory, with Jansen’s superb 3-10 in four overs and Anrich Nortje’seconomical1-19 restricting the Capitals when it mattered most.

Thepair conceded just 29 runs in eight overs combined, whilst the Capitalsplundered 129 from the remaining 12

Stubbs’match-winning 63 was particularlysignificant, representing his first T20 half-century in 51 innings since August 2024, perfectly timed aheadofhis call-uptoSouth Africa’s T20World Cup squad.

As three-time champions in four years,the Sunrisers’ dynasty may standunchallenged fora generation

Villiers van Malmesbury se Drosrestaurant, wat hul verbintenis totgemeenskapsontwikkelingduidelik gestel het. Hulle glo sakeondernemings floreer wanneer hulle in gemeenskappe belê en platforms soos dieWesbank-SuperSparMount Royal 7’s nie net sportbevorder nie, maar ook jong spelers diekansgee om hul talente te ontwikkel en dromete verwesenlik.

Die trots en toewyding van Houberg en Lots was sigbaar, met dieerkenning dat ditwat eens ’n klein,plaaslike toernooi was, nou tot een vandie bes georganiseerde 7’s-kompetisiesindie landgegroei het.

Hierdie suksesformaat is ’n wenner virdie Wesbank-rugbykluben’nbron van trots vir die hele Malmesbury-gemeenskap.

Ondersteuners kandus Saterdag (31 Januarie),ophul kalenders merk

Die dag beloof nie net 7’s-rugbyvan die hoogste gehalte nie, maar ook een van diebes georganiseerdesportgeleenthede wat Malmesbury nogbeleef het. Behalwe dieaksie op dieveldsal ’n verskeidenheid verversingsopdie terrein beskikbaar wees om diedag vir toeskouers aangenaam te maak. Alkohol mag egternie op dieterrein ingebring wordnie. ’n Gelisensieerde biertuin salwel beskikbaar wees, waar ondersteuners ouer as 18 jaar kan afkoelindien diesomerhitte se temperature te hoog styg.

Streng veiligheidsmaatreëlssal toegepas wordom’nveiligeengesellige atmosfeer viralmal te verseker. Die toernooi-organiseerders doen’n beroep op ondersteuners om saam te werk en diereëlsnatekom, sodatdie toernooi ’n sukses kan wees en rugby diewarewenner van diedag bly.

Muratiesunset to full moon

Dirtopia invites outdoorenthusiasts to a special Sunset to Full MoonHike– Late Summer EditionatMuratie Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 31 January 2026.

Hikers willfollow amarked3.5km circular route to ascenic lookout point abovethe cellar, timed to enjoysunset over the Winelands andthe full moon rising behind Simonsberg. Participants

areencouragedtobring their own picnic anda headlamp for the moonlitwalk back. Muratiewineswillbeavailable for purchaseatthe lookout.

Thehike startsfromthe Dirtopia Trail Centre, with arrivalsfrom17:45. Cost is R160 for adults andR80 for children under 10. Online bookingisessential via Dirtopia’s ticketing partners More information at www.dirtopia.co.za

'n Geleentheid om 'n saai-,wingerd- en veeplaas in die hart vandie Swartland te bekom.Ideaalgeleë,slegs 10 km buiteMalmesbury in die rigtingvan Kalbaskraal.

Geïnteresseerdekopersworduitgenooiomhul belangstelling per epos aanreception@tglaw.ltdterig voor of Dinsdag17Februarie 2026. Verdereinligting en ondersteunendedokumentasiesal aan belangstellende partyebeskikbaargestel word.