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13 Januarie 2026 | Jaargang 29 | www.bolandgazette.co.za

Die brand was Maandag teen druktyd nog onder beheer.

Piketberg brand nou ook Te midde van verwoestende brande wat sedert die begin van Januarie in groot dele van die Wes-Kaap woed, het nóg ’n brand Donderdagmiddag (8 Januarie) agter ’n plaaslike skool in die Wittewater-gemeenskap in die Bergrivier-munisipaliteit ontstaan. Die brand het volgens ’n woordvoerder van die Weskus-distriksmunisipaliteit (WDM), Heinrich Robertson, vinnig na aangrensende plase en die bergagtige dele van Piketberg versprei. Die brand het grootliks in die omgewings van Wittewater, Piketberg en Goedverwacht gewoed. Plaaslike brandweerdienste, wat die WDM, die Bergrivier-munisipaliteit en spanne van die Groter Cederberg Brandbeskermingsvereniging (GCFPA) insluit,

Soveelste vlammehel in die Wes-Kaap is ontbied. Lugondersteuning van Kishugu Aviation is ook betrek om te verhoed dat die brand verder versprei en buite beheer raak. Hoewel die brand vir nou onder beheer is, bly brandweerdienste op die toneel om die gebied te monitor. Opruimingsdienste was ook toegepas. “Die brand is Vrydagoggend (9 Januarie) onder beheer gebring. Die winderige toestande bemoeilik egter omstandighede en brandweerspanne bly paraat vir geïsoleerde brande wat weer kan vlam vat,” voeg Robertson by. Die Bergrivier-munisipaliteit se munisipale bestuurder, adv. Hanlie Linde,

het die WDM en alle betrokke partye vir hul spoedige en doeltreffende optredes en brandbestrydingspogings geloof. “Namens al die plaaslike gemeenskappe wat deur die brand geraak is, insluitend die landbousektore, bedank ek alle brandbestryders vir hul toewyding en onvermoeide werk. Die brand kon baie skade veroorsaak het indien hulle nie so flink en beslissend opgetree het nie.” Inwoners is gevra om waaksaam te bly, veral wanneer vuur gemaak word. Geen beskadiging van eiendom is intussen aangemeld nie. • Lees meer oor ander brande wat die Wes-Kaap teister, op bl. 3

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NUUS NEWS

Swartland | 13 Januarie 2026

Skote klap in feestyd; talle skieters, vuurwapens gekry Lede van die misdaadvoorkomingseenheid in Malmesbury het die afgelope feestyd op verskeie verdagtes toegeslaan, wat na bewering in die besit van onwettige vuurwapens was. Talle onwettige vuurwapens, waaronder ’n sogenaamde Zip-handwapen en ’n speelgoedgeweer waarmee gepeuter is om 9mm-ammunisie te kan afvuur, is deur lede van die polisie opgespoor nadat bendegeweld in Chatsworth, Kalbaskraal en Malmesbury in Desember toegeneem het. Polisielede het onder meer ook op 7 Januarie deeglike ondersoek by ’n huis in Thabongstraat, Ilingelethu, ingestel en op nog ’n vuurwapen afgekom. Die eienaar van die vuurwapen is reeds twee jaar gelede dood. ’n 49-Jarige verdagte is in verband met dié vuurwapen in hegtenis geneem. Hy het die volgende dag – op 8 Januarie – in die Malmesbury-landdroshof op aanklag van die besit van ’n onwettige vuurwapen verskyn. In nog ’n voorval is ’n 22-jarige verdagte van Chatsworth weens die besit van ’n onwettige vuurwapen in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die polisiewoordvoerder sers. Henry du Randt is die polisie op 5 Januarie omstreeks 18:45 na Chatsworth ontbied nadat verskeie skote afgevuur is. Twee mense is tydens die voorval raakgeskiet, van wie een van die slagoffers aan sy skietwonde beswyk het. Die verdagte het volgens ooggetuies van die toneel af gevlug, maar is twee dae later danksy goeie speurwerk in Elsiesrivier opgespoor. Die onwettige vuurwapen wat by dié skietvoorval betrokke was, is eers ontdek nadat die verdagte die wegsteekplek van die wapen aan die polisie uitgewys het. Die verdagte het ook op Donderdag 8 Januarie in die hof op aanklagte van moord en die besit van

Een van die onwettige vuurwapens wat die feestyd deur die plaaslike polisie opgespoor is.

’n onwettige vuurwapen voorgekom. Nog inhegtenisnemings het intussen gevolg nadat verskeie moorde vroeër in Desember in Kalbaskraal en Chatsworth gepleeg is. ’n 37-jarige man is op sy beurt weens die moord op ’n 17-jarige seun, wat op 30 Desember in Alfastraat, Wesbank, doodgeskiet is, aangekeer. ’n 13-jarige seun is gedurende die voorval in die skouer geskiet, maar het dit oorleef. “Die saak is intussen deur die hof teruggetrek nadat geen bewyse en getuies teen die vermeende verdagte opgespoor is nie. Nie een van die verdagtes wat weens die betrokke misdade en oortredings in hegtenis geneem is en voor die hof verskyn het, is in aanhouding nie,” het Du Randt bygevoeg.

’n Speelgoedgeweer wat in ’n dodelike vuurwapen omgeskep is en 9mm-ammunisie kan afvuur, is deur die polisie opgespoor.

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Baanbreker in landbou groet “Carel van Niekerk se liggie is gedoof, sy selfoon antwoord nie meer met ’n vrolike boodskap nie, sy klaviervingers is nou stil, sy deuntjie sal nooit weer gespeel word nie, maar sy legende leef in ons harte voort.”

Só skryf Piket Implemente in ’n hartroerende huldeblyk met die afsterwe van Van Niekerk (81), wat op 11 Januarie in die Mediclinic Durbanville oorlede is. Honderde boodskappe van huldeblyke en medelye het op sosiale media ingestroom namate die nuus oor die “groot boom” se val in die landbousektor die ronde doen. Van Niekerk se gesondheid het die laaste vier weke dramaties versleg, waartydens hy gereeld in die hospitaal opgeneem is. Hy is op sy verjaardag – op Woensdag 7 Januarie – weer in die hospitaal opgeneem nadat hy geval het. Sy toestand het vinnig verswak, waartydens hy nie kon praat, eet of loop nie. By nadere ondersoek is bevind sy toestand het weens ’n aggressiewe kanker erg versleg, vertel sy familie namens Piket Implemente. Carel, wat veral bekend was vir sy omgeehart, het egter nog tot Desember 2025 by Piket Implemente gewerk nadat hy 54 jaar gelede die leisels van ’n familie-onderneming by sy pa, Hennie van Niekerk, oorgeneem het. Hennie was in 1933 die stigter (saam met Sam Krupp) van Van Niekerk en Krupp in Piketberg. Carel het in 1971 by Van Niekerk en Krupp aangesluit. In 1976 het hy met sy pa se skielike afsterwe die stuur amptelik oorgeneem, vertel sy skoondogter Ilze van Niekerk. Die onderneming se naam is in 1993 na Carel van Niekerk Ingenieurswerke verander en in 2018 na Piket Implemente, toe Carel se seuns die leisels op hul beurt by hom oorgeneem het. Volgens die familie sal hy altyd onthou word vir sy uitmuntende landboukennis, kennis oor landboumasjienerie en sy liefde vir musiek, gholf in sy jong dae, sy sudokuspel en sy voorkeur vir rooiwyn, biltong, olywe en brandrissiesous. Van Niekerk was ’n kranige musikant en veral bekend vir sy vernuf op klavier, saksofoon en trekklavier. Hy het ’n kalm geaardheid gehad en ’n groot liefde vir sy medemens gekoester, voeg Ilze by.

Carel van Niekerk (81). Foto: VLV-Piketberg

Piket Implemente staan vandag bekend as een van die gewildste ondernemings in die saaibedryf in Suid-Afrika danksy Van Niekerk se visie en kennis, voeg sy familie by. Van Niekerk het boonop in 1990 baanbrekerswerk verrig ten opsigte van die ontwikkeling van die eerste saaimasjiene in die landboubedryf. Hy laat sy vrou, Soekie, hul seuns Carel jr. en Rossouw, skoondogters Leana en Ilze en kleinkinders, Carel, Jani, Leon en Barend asook sy stiefkinders Julian en Michelle en hul gesin agter. “Carel was baie lief vir sy vrou, sy kinders, kleinkinders en veral sy familie en vriende saam met wie hy ’n glasie kon klink en ’n potjie gholf in sy jonger dae kon geniet. Hy was baie lief daarvoor om stories uit sy jonger dae te vertel en het veral baie respek vir sy medemens, sy werknemers en wêreldwye kliënte gehad,” deel sy familie verder. Besonderhede oor Van Niekerk se roudiens, wat Saterdagmiddag in Piketberg plaasvind, sal binnekort deur die familie bekend gemaak word.

Beware fake Saps caller ID The South African Police Service in the Western Cape warns the public of an ongoing scam in which fraudsters are cloning the official office telephone number of the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, 021 417 7148, to deceive and intimidate victims. In this scam, the caller ID appears to reflect the Saps provincial office number, creating the false impression that the call originates from Saps. Victims are then contacted, in some instances via video call, by an individual impersonating a police officer and dressed in police uniform. "The victim is falsely accused of being linked to a parcel allegedly intercepted at an airport containing contraband. Through intimidation and threats of arrest or prosecution, victims are coerced

into paying large sums of money to “resolve” the matter.This scam is not limited to the Western Cape and similar cases have been reported across the country," explains provincial spokesperson Col. André Trout who elaborates further and said the compromise and misuse of the above-mentioned telephone number are currently under investigation, along with the reported cases linked to this scam. Saps emphasises that Saps officials will never demand money to prevent arrest or prosecution and will not request payments via telephone or video calls. "The public should always verify the identity and credentials of anyone claiming to be a police official."Immediately report any encounter with suspected scammers to their nearest police station or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

NUUS NEWS

13 Januarie 2026 | Swartland

Wildﬁre burns Chamonix, others Ronél van Jaarsveld Devastating fires that raged over the past few days in the Wemmershoek and Franschhoek areas have reduced buildings and many hectares of vineyards to ruins. The fire apparently started in Langrug on Wednesday and spread from there, the Cape Winelands District Municipality said. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO WINE ESTATES Chamonix Wine Estate in Franschhoek sustained significant damage as firefighters were unable to save the guest house and office buildings despite their best efforts. Eight to nine surrounding farms were also hit hard, with substantial damage to vineyards and infrastructure, according to Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp of DFW Fire & Rescue NPC. Avondale Wine Estate reportedly sustained considerable damage to vineyards and its solar plant, but announced on Facebook that it is open for business as usual. The estate thanked the community for its support during the crisis. Farms such as Helderstroom, Hartebeestkraal on the R301, Afsaal, Rustig, and Wildepaardejacht were also caught in the fire’s path. HEROIC EFFORTS AMID CHALLENGING CONDITIONS “Many people were heroes during this time – from the farm worker who went to save children to the firefighters who saved a group of people from a house in the mountains in the Val de Vie area. We had hundreds of people arriving to offer their help, for which we are grateful. To fight fire, however, one must have the correct training and equipment,” van Leeuwen Boomkamp said. The CWDM reported on Sunday morn-

Fireﬁghters continued to battle the blaze in challenging circumstances with very little sleep. Photo: DFW Fire & Rescue NPC

ing that it was a challenging night as the fire in the area continued to burn out of control. “During [Saturday] night, the fire spread rapidly down the mountain across a large area, threatening surrounding farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301). Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. The fire later shifted back towards the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented,” said spokesperson Anesca Roodt. An assessment of the full extent of the

fire was made folowing a reconnaissance flight on Sunday, after which an operational plan for the day was drawn up. COORDINATED RESPONSE ESSENTIAL “The CWDM Fire Services extend sincere thanks to our partners, farmers, landowners, and volunteers for their continued support. However, all firefighting operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System (ICS). For safety and coordination reasons, members of the public are requested not to organise or participate in independent

or ad-hoc firefighting groups.” Firefighters are continuing to battle the blaze with very little sleep following physically draining days. “We last had to deal with a similar fire in 2017. The key is that the teams must be efficient and prepared. We used massive water and foam cannons to protect the buildings. “It was a firestorm with 40-60 km per hour winds. It felt like a bear roaring – the only way to kill such flames is when they are just waking up,” said van Leeuwen Boomkamp.

AARTO implementation delayed to later this year South African motorists will start with a clean slate when the country’s new traffic demerit system is finally implemented, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has confirmed. However, the nationwide rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act has been delayed once again, pushing the countrywide implementation date from 1 December 2025, to mid-2026. The announcement brings welcome relief to drivers who feared that existing traffic violations would count against them when the new system launches. “Everyone gets zero points to start. Rack up 15 points, and your licence is suspended for three months. Do that three times, and your licence isn’t suspended, it’s cancelled,” the RTIA stated in recent social media posts. UNDERSTANDING AARTO AND ITS IMPACT ON DRIVERS The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act represents a fundamental departure from South Africa’s current traffic violation system. Unlike the existing Criminal Procedure Act framework, Aarto introduces a pointbased penalty system designed to encourage safer driving through progressive consequences for repeat offenders. Under the new system, motorists will face licence suspension after accumulating 15 demerit points, with points allocated based on the severity of violations. More serious infractions such as running red lights or moderate speeding will result in two to four points, while the most dangerous offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will carry a six-point penalty. The RTIA provided specific examples of how points will be allocated. Drivers caught speeding 21 to 25 km per hour over the limit will receive two demerit points, while those exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 35 km per hour will face

Motorists to begin with zero Aarto penalty points when nationwide rollout eventually happens.

four points. Motorists who accumulate 15 points three times will have their licences permanently cancelled rather than suspended, forcing them to restart the entire licensing process from learner’s licence through to driving tests. A PATTERN OF IMPLEMENTATION DELAYS Another postponement last year continues a troubling pattern of delays that has plagued Aarto’s implementation since its inception. The system was originally designed for gradual rollout across the country, but legal, technical, and administrative challenges have repeatedly forced authorities to push back the nationwide deployment timeline. Currently, Aarto operates only in Johannesburg and Tshwane, though without the demerit point system. These metropolitan areas serve as pilot regions for testing the broader implementation framework that will eventually extend across South Africa. The decision to delay the December 2025 rollout until late 2026 marks yet another setback for what was intended to be a comprehensive modernisation of the country’s traffic law enforcement system. OUTSTANDING FINES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT While the clean slate approach applies

to demerit points, the RTIA has emphasised that existing traffic fines will not simply disappear. RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi explained that all violations committed before full Aarto implementation will continue to be handled under Criminal Procedure Act provisions. “The expectation is that such CPA infringements should be cleared within a two-year period after the Aarto Act has come into effect in the proclaimed jurisdictions,” Mkalipi said. However, drivers concerned about retroactive demerit points can breathe easier. “No demerit points will be allocated on infringements committed during the CPA regime. Demerit points will only

be allocated to infringements committed during the Aarto period,” Mkalipi confirmed. SCAM ALERT The RTIA has issued multiple warnings about fraudulent traffic fine notifications targeting motorists. These scam communications have become increasingly sophisticated, often arriving after office hours and on weekends to catch drivers off guard. “The threatening emails demanding payments for traffic fines that are being sent out to road users are illegal,” the RTIA sated. “No law is currently in place in South Africa stating that Aarto traffic fines should be served in this manner.”

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NUUS NEWS

Swartland | 13 Januarie 2026

Thousands of learners still not placed in Western Cape

Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the examination system remains credible despite a breach involving leaked question papers.

Official’s child cited in NSC leak

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has revealed that a Department of Basic Education official whose child was a 2025 National Senior Certificate candidate is allegedly behind the examination leak that has affected 40 pupils in the Tshwane area. The minister briefed the public on Thursday on interim findings from the National Investigation Task Team (NITT), which investigated the breach involving 2025 NSC examination materials. Despite the breach, examination authority Umalusi approved the 2025 NSC results and confirmed the credibility of the examinations.

INVESTIGATION EXPANDS FROM INITIAL FINDINGS The breach was first detected in December during the marking of English Paper 2, when markers identified irregularities that triggered an immediate investigation. Initially, the department reported that 26 learners across seven Pretoria schools were affected, with two officials suspended. However, the NITT’s comprehensive investigation has since expanded the scope, identifying 40 candidates in the broader Tshwane area and confirming the involvement of at least one official whose child was among the 2025 NSC candidates. “Umalusi’s approval today is a clear assurance to every candidate and every parent: the 2025 NSC remains credible,” Gwarube said. “Where wrongdoing is proven, it will be addressed firmly – but we will not allow a small number of offenders to taint the achievements of the overwhelming majority.” BREACH ORIGINATED WITHIN SECURE ENVIRONMENT The NITT, chaired by Professor Chika Sehoole and deputy chair Brian Schreuder, found that the breach originated within the DBE’s secure national examinations environment where NSC question papers are set, processed and managed. The investigation revealed that the suspected DBE official’s child subsequently became part of the distribution chain for the leaked materials. A possible second suspected official remains subject to ongoing forensic investigation, with the department having suspended suspected officials since the breach was discovered in December. However, the task team emphasised that confirming the exact extraction pathway remains part of continuing forensic work, as investigators have not

yet found definitive evidence pinpointing the specific machine and time of extraction from the secure DBE server.

EXPANDED SCOPE OF LEAKED MATERIALS The investigation has confirmed seven leaked question papers, covering English Home Language (Papers 1, 2 and 3), mathematics (Papers 1 and 2), and physical sciences (Papers 1 and 2). This represents an expansion from the initial three subjects identified when the breach was first detected. The leaked materials were distributed through multiple methods, including USB drives as initially suspected, but also electronic messaging, screenshots and printed copies, showing a more sophisticated distribution network than first thought. Despite the expanded scope, the breach remains contained to 40 candidates in the Tshwane area, representing a tiny fraction of the more than 900 000 candidates who wrote the NSC examinations in 2025. RESULTS WITHHELD PENDING HEARINGS Results for the 40 implicated candidates will be withheld temporarily whilst official irregularity processes are completed. Each candidate will be subjected to an independent hearing. Candidates found guilty may have their results in the relevant subjects nullified and face sanctions including being barred from writing NSC examinations for up to three examination sessions. The matter was reported to the South African Police Service for criminal investigation in December, with the department implementing disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials. The department is also strengthening examination security measures, including tighter controls for handling examination papers, enhanced high-risk centre monitoring, and updated controls to address evolving technology risks including artificial intelligence-enabled tactics. DATA SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS Following the 2024 EduMarks incident where candidate data was unlawfully traded, the DBE has implemented stronger security measures for results distribution. Universities and media will only receive 2025 results under embargo 24 hours before official release. “South Africa can have confidence that the NSC system remains credible: irregularities are detected, investigated with rigour and addressed through firm consequence management – whilst protecting the integrity of the qualification for the overwhelming majority of honest learners,” Gwarube concluded.

Many learners are still awaiting placement, including 14 Grade R learners, as well as a total of 51 Grade 1 learners and 56 Grade 8 learners in schools in the West Coast, mostly due to late school applications. These placements are currently in progress as of 7 January. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says in a statement released on Friday they are prepared and ready for the start of the 2026 school year, despite learners awaiting placements in the West Coast and the rest of the province. Educators and school-based staff returned on Monday 12 January and learners will enter the school gates tomorrow on 14 January to begin their first term. “We are also ready to respond to new requirements that may arise due to late applications or unexpected demand,” spokesperson for the WCED ensured parents. The WCED is currently processing a significant number of late school applications for the 2026 academic year. As of 7 January this year the WCED has successfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 school year in the Western Cape. Placement is still in progress for 7 540 learners in these grades. However, late applications continue to affect placement progress. Since 1 November 2025, the WCED has received 10 666 late applications being 5 873 new late applications in November 2025, 4 035 applications in December and 758 new extremely late applications in January this year. “Despite extensive public communication and advocacy encouraging parents to apply on time, thousands of applications are still being submitted well after the official deadlines.” According to the department late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. “They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further.” The department remind parents that the responsibility to apply on time rests with them. Applying late not only affects their child’s placement, especially during the school holidays, but also impacts the

entire system. “The WCED is actively working to secure placement opportunities for learners who are still awaiting allocation. With schools reopening for staff on Monday, we will engage more extensively with principals and management teams to identify additional spaces. Further movement within the system is expected as schools finalise promotion, progression, and enrollment lists, which often create additional capacity.” In addition, the WCED will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been open for ten days. This survey provides accurate data on learner numbers in each grade, allowing the system to settle before reporting. The information gathered is critical for determining where additional resources – such as furniture and equipment – are needed and where further placement opportunities may exist. The WCED has built 175 new classrooms through the building of new schools and the expansion of existing schools. This too will contribute towards the placement of learners. We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible. We also urge any parent who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year to do so immediately at their education district office. District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials. Each year, the department receives queries regarding requests for stationery or other items from no-fee schools. Nofee schools receive norms and standards funding to provide stationery to their learners. Schools may, however, request that parents contribute to their children’s stationery list or other expenses, but at no-fee schools this must be voluntary. “If parents are concerned about any contribution they are being asked to make at a no-fee school, we urge them to have a discussion with the school to clarify that it is voluntary, or report the matter to their education district office. In most of the cases raised with us, we find that it is a misunderstanding or miscommunication of a request for voluntary contributions.”

NM10042492-ST130126

NUUS NEWS

13 Januarie 2026 | Swartland

Teenage mothers on the up from ’24 The Western Cape saw a total of 303 babies born across public health facilities on Christmas and New Years Day this past festive season. According to the final statistics shared by the Department of Health on Thursday 26 December 1 668 babies were safely delivered in public health facilities on Christmas Day in South Africa, of which 854 were girls and 814 boys. Leading the delivery statistics, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital recorded the highest number of Christmas Day births with 38 newborns, followed closely by Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital with 35 deliveries. Both facilities are located in Gauteng province. Adding to the joyfulness, the Department revealed that 308 more births were recorded this year compared to the 1 360 babies born on the same day in 2024. The total number of births recorded per province on Christmas Day (25 December): Eastern Cape (187); Gauteng (428); Free State (88); Limpopo (182); KwaZulu-Natal (302); Mpumalanga (172); North West (95); Northern Cape (43); and Western Cape (171). On New Year’s Day 1669 babies were born, an increase from 1448 deliveries recorded at the beginning of last year. One of the first babies of the year was born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital in the Western Cape at 00:00, weighing 3,8 kg, to proud mother Geneva Claasen. The total number of births recorded per province on New Year’s Day (1 January 2026): Eastern Cape (208); Gauteng (396); Free State (72); Limpopo (234); KwaZulu-Natal (334); Mpumalanga (141); North West (102); Northern Cape (50); and Western Cape (132), Following the release of birth statis-

tics, the Department revealed a concerning trend in teenage pregnancies, with the number of teenage mothers delivering on Christmas Day rising from 90 in 2024 to just over 130 in 2025 and 160 on New Year’s Day 2026 compared to just over 80 recorded in 2025 on New Year’s Day. In response to this increase, the Department emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns focused on sexual reproductive health, including comprehensive family planning education. The initiative aims to empower adolescent girls and young women with vital health education, enabling them to make informed health choices that could reduce unintended pregnancies and, consequently, decrease the number of unsafe and life-threatening abortions. The Department reminded new mothers and their families of the importance of registering their newborns with the Department of Home Affairs within 30 days of birth. Officials noted that most hospitals across the country provide this registration service directly at the time of birth, making the process more convenient for families.

Mother Enid Asjan welcomed a baby girl at 00:18 at Worcester Hospital.

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NUUS NEWS

Swartland | 13 Januarie 2026

Wesbank -7’s eersdaags terug

David Rossouw

Die gewilde Wesbank- Super Spar Mount Royal-7’s keer op Saterdag 31 Januarie terug na die Wesbanksportterrein in Alfastraat en beloof om weer ’n rugbyfees van formaat te wees. Wat jare gelede as ’n beskeie 7’s-klubtoernooi begin het, het intussen tot ’n gesogte byeenkoms gegroei wat klub-, provinsiale en selfs nasionale afrigters lok. Dit is die 17de weergawe van die toernooi sedert dit in 2007 ingestel is. Die toernooi lok die afgelope jare spanne uit die Suid-Kaap, Pretoria en Namibië. Die Namibië Kudus van Walvisbaai het reeds hul plek in die toernooi bevestig. Drie voormalige kampioene – Hamlets (2013), Wesbank Koringare (2019) en die opwindende St. Georges Lulu Boys (2014, 2020 en 2024) – het ook hul deelname bevestig, wat die toernooi een van die grootstes in die land maak. Altesaam 16 mans-klubspanne, 16 sosiale spanne en agt vrouespanne gaan danksy die prysgeld van R70 000 meeding om die gesogte Wesbank- SuperSpar Mount Royal-7’s-titel te wen. SOSIALE SPANNE IS WELKOM Klubspanne sal kragte meet in die beker- en plaat-kompetisies, insluitend die naaswenners, terwyl die sosiale en vroue-afdelings elk op hul eie platforms sal speel. Die toevoeging van ’n sosiale afdel-

ing bring ’n nuwe weergawe spelers wat nie aan klubrugby verbonde is nie, maar steeds die vaardigheid en gees van 7’s-rugby opwindend maak. Die organiseerders van die Wesbank 2025-7’s-reeks het vanjaar besluit om die toernooi vir sosiale spanne oop te stel – ’n nuwe geleentheid wat ’n skuif in die verandering van rugby weerspieël. Die groei van sosiale rugby het die aanpassing genoodsaak en bied nou ’n breër deelnamegrondslag, het die organiseerders aan Swartland Gazette genoem. Slegs een opening vir ’n klubspan is nog oop. Klubs wat belangstel, word versoek om dringend met die organiseerders in verbinding te tree. Inskrywings sluit sodra die laaste betaling ontvang is. Die sosiale afdeling is reeds byna vol, met net ’n paar plekke beskikbaar, terwyl die vroue-afdeling ook nog openings het. SKRYF NOU IN VIR KOMPETISIE

Inskrywings en koste beloop R1 500 vir klub- en sosiale spanne, terwyl vroue-rugbyspanne R500 betaal. Toegangskaartjies is beskikbaar by Malmesbury SuperSpar, Tops en Spar The Bank teen R30 vir volwassenes, R10 vir voertuie, R20 vir skoolleerders ouer as ses jaar en R20 vir pensioentrekkers. Vir navrae kan belangstellendes die toernooi-organiseerders Eduaan Howburg (071 920 1345), Sharonay Solomons (083 282 3629) of Ashley Lotz (076 100 7914) kontak.

Lisensies langer geldig Suid-Afrikaanse voertuigbestuurders kan uitsien na langer durende lisensies nadat die departement van vervoer planne bevestig het om die geldigheidstydperk van bestuurslisensiekaarte van vyf tot agt jaar te verleng. Die besluit, aangekondig deur die departement van vervoer se direkteur-generaal Mathabatha Mokonyama, kom as welkome nuus vir motoriste wat lank gekla het oor die ongerief en koste van die vernuwing van hul lisensies elke vyf jaar. In ’n toespraak vroeg in Desember aan die Parlement se kieskomitee vir openbare infrastruktuur het Mokonyama gesê die departement het sy assessering oor die lisensie-verlenging voltooi. “Ons het dit pas voltooi, hoewel dit ’n bietjie tyd gevat het, die kwessie rondom die verlenging van die geldigheidstydperk van die bestuurslisensiekaart van vyf tot agt jaar,” het Mokonyama aan die komitee gesê. “Ons analise en assessering is dat Suid-Afrikaners ’n langer tydperk verkies. Hulle wil nie elke vyf jaar na ons toe terugkom nie. So ons sal definitief binnekort na agt jaar beweeg.” Die departement gaan voort met die verandering ten spyte van ’n onvolledige koste-voordeel analise. Die verlenging sal waarskynlik ’n verlies aan inkomste vir die departement van vervoer (DoT) tot gevolg hê. Vervoerminister Barbara Creecy het vroeër steun uitgespreek vir die agtjaarlisensie, maar het die noodsaaklikheid beklemtoon om die impak op die Bestuurslisensiekaart-rekening (DLCA) te assesseer. Sy het ook voorgestel dat bestuurders van swaar voertuie en passasiersvervoer moet voortgaan om hul lisensies elke twee jaar te vernuwe weens veiligheidsoorwegings. “Mense wat óf swaar voertuie bestuur

wat beduidende ongelukke kan veroorsaak óf dié wat passasiers vervoer, behoort tweejaarliks te vernuwe,” het Creecy voorheen gesê. “Met betrekking tot die bestuurslisensie vir gewone burgers soos jy en ek was die voorstel dat ons vir ’n tydperk van agt jaar gaan.” Die projek blyk agter te wees wat beplanning betref. Die departement het oorspronklik beplan om ’n kennisgewing in die Staatskoerant vir openbare kommentaar gedurende die tweede kwartaal van die 2025-’26-boekjaar te publiseer, maar geen sodanige kennisgewing is nog gepubliseer nie. Die skuif na agtjaar-lisensies sal Suid-Afrika nader aan internasionale norme bring. ’n Vergelyking van 33 lande toon dat Suid-Afrika se huidige vyfjaar-geldigheidstydperk korter is as die meeste wêreldwye standaarde. Tans het slegs Egipte en Kenia korter geldigheidstydperke as Suid-Afrika, met lisensies wat geldig is vir een tot drie jaar. Die meeste lande wat ondersoek is, het 10-jaar-geldigheidstydperke, terwyl sommige Europese lande soos Denemarke, Frankryk, Duitsland, en Noorweë lisensies uitreik wat geldig is vir 15 jaar. Lande soos Singapoer en Switserland plaas nie geldigheidsbeperkings nie totdat bestuurders onderskeidelik 65 en 70 jaar oud bereik, waarna mediese assesserings vereis mag word. Baie lande implementeer ouderdom-gebaseerde beperkings vir ouer bestuurders. Byvoorbeeld, in Japan is lisensies geldig vir vyf jaar totdat die houer 70 bereik, waarna geldigheidstydperke verminder word tot drie of vier jaar afhangend van mediese assesserings. Brasilië volg ’n soortgelyke model, met 10-jaar-lisensies wat verminder tot vyf jaar vir bestuurders tussen 50-69 jaar oud, en drie jaar vir dié bo 70.

GEKLASSIFISEERD CLASSIFIEDS

13 Januarie 2026 | Swartland

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Ian blaas in wenners se nek

Ian Hall (16), ’n graad 11- leerder aan Hoërskool Swartland, het gedurende die afgelope Desember-vakansie vir die eerste keer as medejaer aan die uitmergelende Six Gun Grill- Trans Agulhas-opblaasboot-uitdaging deelgeneem.

Ian en sy spanmaat agter die stuur, Rikus Roux (van Ashton) het die uitdaging oor 700km voltooi en die algehele derde plek in die Pro Stock-klas aangeteken nadat hulle teen 50 ander bote meegeding het. Hy en Roux het ook daarin geslaag om ’n ongelooflike eerste plek in die King of the Waves Trans Agulhas te behaal. Die geleentheid, wat oor vier dae van 28 tot 31 Desember beslis is, word as een van die mees uitdagende byeenkomste vir opblaasbote ter wêreld beskou. Volgens Ian sal hy gewis weer aan die uitdaging wil deelneem. “Dit is nie moeilik nie; jy moet net fiks wees, uithouvermoë hê en vasbyt,” skerts hy. “Ons het saans vroeg gaan slaap en soggens vroeg opgestaan. “Jy kan nie die volgende oggend lam en tam wees nie, omdat jy met jou lewe speel. Jy moet kan kophou,” voeg hy by.

Ian Hall, ’n leerder aan die Hoërskool Swartland, het die afgelope Desember-vakansie aan die ikoniese Six Gun Grill Trans Algulhas-opblaasbootuitdaging oor 700km deelgeneem. Hy en sy spanmaat was derde.

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ALGEMENE KENNISGEWINGS

GENERAL & HOME SERVICES

The Department of Social Development Retreat, local office, is requesting anyone who knows the whereabouts of Tsepang Mehlomahulu, last seen in Malmesbury, to please contact social worker: Asisipho Boco on 021 763 6200.

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Swartland Gazette

Gazette

13 Januarie 2 0 26

Sport

Swartland

Kontak Loraine Malan vir advertensies. Tel: 022 482 4669 • Sel: 071 492 9797 E-pos: loraine.malan@novusmedia.co.za NM10026652-ST130126

Winelands Race is a seeding event for CT Cycle Tour The Rhodes Quality Winelands Cycle Race on 25 January is approaching and entries are filling up fast. The event combines breath-taking scenery with camaraderie making it a highlight on the cycling calendar. The race will start and finish at Huguenot Primary School in Wellington and will be an excellent race to help you gear up and improve your seeding for the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2026. There will be two races (102 km and 52 km) under the auspices of the Pedal Power Association, with online registration and seeding by CTCT and timing by Finish Time. The races will start in General Hertzog Boulevard in front of the school and from there cyclists can travel on two routes into the rural Riebeek/Paardeberg area. The first race over 102km starts at 06:00 (entry fee is R480 and students aged 16-17 pay R430). It is for more experienced riders and will be a seeding race for the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The route

takes riders through scenic vineyards and wheatfields to Hermon, Riebeek West and back to Wellington via Voor Paardeberg. The second race, over 52 km, is not a seeding race (entry fee R360) and is ideal for the whole family. Scholars aged 16-17 pay R320. Riders travel to Voor Paardeberg and back to Wellington. At the finish there will be a variety of food and beverage stalls as well as medals, a lucky draw and a bike park. The closing date for on-line registration is Monday 19 January at 17:00, but late entries will be allowed online until 22 January and at all number collection points provided the limit of 2500 riders has not been reached. The late entry fee for 102km is R550 and for 52km is R430. For more information on the route and to enter, go to www.winelandscyclerace.co.za. The proceeds of the race go to charity projects supported by Paarl Rotary.

The Rhodes Quality Winelands Cycle Race on 25 January is fast approaching.

Wes-liga begin in erns

David Rossouw

Die Boland Promosie Wes-liga-seisoen het Saterdag 10 Januarie in alle erns begin met Malmesbury-krieketklub (MKK), oftewel die Koringboere, wat die gasheer vir die Drakenstein Edukrieketklub gespeel het. MKK het die nuwe seisoen met groot selfvertroue aangepak soos hulle dit in 2025 teen Tulbagh Pioneers afgesluit het – beide die A- en B-spanne het klinkende oorwinnings oor Drakenstein Edu in die Boland Promosie Wes-liga behaal. MKK se eerste span: Die MKK-eerstes het die loot teen Drakenstein Edu se eerstespan verloor, wat verkies het om eerste te kolf. Die Koringboere-boulers het goeie dissipline en lengte gehandhaaf en Drakenstein Edu almal vir 80 lopies uitgeboul. Davan Folding het die boulaanval gelei en Edu se kolwers laat les opsê deur 4/15

M’bury maak korte mette met Edu-klub laat kantel en goeie ondersteuning van sy medeboulers ontvang. Die Koringboere is die teiken gelaat vir ’n oorwinning van 81 lopies en het dit in 18.3 boulbeurte vir die verlies van slegs drie paaltjies vermag. Divan Robertson en Carlo Solomons het die oorwinning deur goeie kolfwerk en stabiliteit verseker. Met die oorwinning van sewe paaltjies het hulle nie net ’n sterk boodskap aan hul teenstanders gestuur nie, maar ook die Koringboere se posisie in die Boland Promosie Wes-liga verder met ’n bonuspunt-oorwinning verstewig. MKK se tweedespan: Die tweede span het ook die loot verloor en is deur Drakenstein Edu gevra om eerste te kolf. Hulle het Drakenstein Edu met ’n indrukwekkende kolfbeurt

en uitstaande boulwerk van die begin af onder druk geplaas. Hul beurt van 282/5 in hul toegelate 50 boulbeurte het Drakenstein Edu bekommerd gelaat. Brent Julies se ankerbeurt van 53 en Randall Welkom se bydrae van 43 lopies – sewe lopies minder as sy eerste vyftigtal – het die grondslag vir die Koringboere gelê. Llewellyn Koopman (65 nie uit nie*) en Marikus Saayman (51 nie uit nie*) se lopies het die Koringboere se kolfbeurt met ’n 100-lopie-vennootskap verseker dat hulle ’n goeie teiken van 282/5 opgestel het. Peter Douglas met sy uitstekende boulvertoning van 5/38 het toegesien dat Drakenstein Edu almal vir 162 uitgeboul is, wat die Koringboere se oorwinning van 120 lopies verseker het.

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Die klub het die lojale ondersteuners, sy borge Ouvat Overland Liquors (Markham Jantjies), OK Minimark (Wesbank) en Lucky 7 Superette (Akasialaan), wat as sleutelfaktore beskou word in die spanne se prestasies en ontwikkeling vir die 2025/’26-seisoen bedank. • Darling, wat ’n loslootjie gehad het, open hul 2026-seisoen eerskomende Saterdag en kom teen Wolsley op Gabriel Pharoa te staan. Ander Boland Promosie Wes-ligauitslae: Essex KK 1ste XI wen Tulbagh Pioneers met 139 lopies, Piketberg KK 1ste XI wen Hopefield Wanderers KK met 5 paaltjies en Bergrivier KK wen met agt paaltjies teen Wolsley KK, Wedstrydbepalings vir Saterdag 17 Januarie: Darling t. Wolsley, Malmebury t. Bergrivier, Hopefield Wanderers t. Tulbagh en Essex t. Drakenstein Edu. Piketberg het ’n loslooitjie.

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