Paarl Post – E-edition – 15 January 2026

Fraaigelegen sê neevir verskuiwing

Rasaad Adams

’n Regsgeding speel hom tans in die Paarl-landdroshof af te midde van ’n aantal huisgesinne wat weier om van die Fraaigelegen-plaasnaby die Wemmershoekpad in die Paarl te trek

Die grond,waar die nuwe Parelberg-winkelsentrum onlangs sy deure geopen het, is geoogmerkvir kommersiële en residensiële eiendomme en die eienaars sê by wyse van hul prokureursdat die plaaswonings lank nie meer virmenslike bewoning geskik is nie.

Sommige plaasbewoners het vandeesweek aan PaarlPost gesê dat hulle nie tevrede is met die gratis alternatiewe behuising wat deur die grondeienaar aangebied word nie.

Angelique Stevens (52), verbonde aan die Fraaigelegeninwonerskomitee, sê die meeste van die plaashuisebevat groot gesinne.

“Hullewil vir ons skuif na klein tweeslaapkamereenhede in die dorp. Hoe gaan onsmense daar’nbestaan maak? Al wat ons ken, is die plaaslewe.

“Die meeste van ons mense sit sonder werk. Hoegaanons

dan hierdiehuise onderhou?” vrasy.

Stevens woonalhaarhele lewe lankopdie plaas en het ookin’nstadium daargewerk.

DieFraaigelegen-plaashet volgens Stevens tot die jaar 2002 druiwe uitgevoer

Syvertel dat dieboerderypraktyke daardie jaargestopis en diemeeste van die werkers afgelêis.

Dieres isglo indie daaropvolgende drie jaar afgelê.

Volgens Stevens het planne

om die grondvir kommersiële en residensiëledoeleindes te ontwikkel, reeds in 2013 begin.

“Vandaai tyd af was hier al so baie mense wat kom opnamesdoen het. Hulle wouook weet hoeveel mense in elke huis woon.

“Onshet dit toe al duidelik gemaak datsou hulle onsskuif, moet onsgeskuif word na iets soortgelyk –huise watgroot genoeg is om onsgroot families te huisves.”

Die Paarlseregsfirma Otto

Dieplaashuisemoet gesloop word om plek te maak vir beplandekommersiële en residensiëleeiendomme

TheronAttorneys Inc. het vandeesweek by navraag aan Paarl Post bevestig dat hy reeds metuitsettingsverrigtingebegin het.

Volgensdie firmahet altesaam 14 huisgesinnereeds die aanbodaanvaaromna tweeslaapkamerhuiseindie Paarl verskuifteword.

“Alternatieweakkommodasie word tansvoorsien aanelke huishouding wat op die eiendom woon, of is steedsonder aanbodbydie bekendeMountain Ridge-behuisingsoord in die Paarl

“Die huishoudingsword voorsien van ’n geserviseerdeerf met’nnuutgeboude woningwat aanNHBRC-vereistesvoldoen en watindie naam van diehoof vandie huishouding oorgedra

salword. Diegrondeienaar finansier diekoopprys, oordragen verskuiwingskoste,” sê die firma

Volgens diefirma is diewoningsopdie plaas nie geskik vir menslike bewoning nie.

“Sommigehet toegangtot elektrisiteit, maar geen lopende waterbinne diehuise nie. Anderhet geen toegangtot elektrisiteit nieenslegs beperkte toegangtot water.

“Geenvan diewonings is aan ’n formele munisipale watergedrewe rioolstelsel, vullisverwyderingsdiensofdrinkwaterretikulasie gekoppelnie. Die wonings is virbaiejarenie deur vorigeeienaarsonderhou nie en is in ’n swak toestand.”

Diefirma hetdit duidelik gemaak –selfs al slaag die eienaar in diehofaansoek,sal alleinwoners(selfs dié wat geweier hetomteontruim)van alternatiewe behuising voorsien word.

Volgens diefirma saldie hervestigingsvan die14gesinne wat reedsdie aanbod aanvaar het, in dieeerstetweemaande van vanjaar plaasvind. Verderetydlyne vir hervestiging saldeurdie hangende hofverrigtingebepaal en gefasiliteerword.

‘Results good,but allisnot well’

Chantélle Hartebeest

This week came as agreat relief for the classof2025 when their matric results were finally announced,while also makinghistory.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube publicly released the 2025 matric results on Monday (12 January), while matriculants received their individual results from their schools on Tuesday morning.

The country’s overall matric pass rate for 2025 stands at 88% –the highest scoreinSouth Africa’s history.

“Austerity measures, if appliedwithout care, threaten the foundations we are working to strengthen –earlylearning, learner supportand school nutrition.

“Reform requirespatience, planning and sustainedinvestment. Baobabs do not grow in a single season. Taken together, these results tell aclearstory.

Thesystemismore stable. Participation is improving. Inclusion is expanding. Integrityis holding firm.

“But the results also confirm the central truth of our reform agenda: without strongfoundations in the early years, inequi-

ty willalways return later,”the ministersaidduring her speech.

Gwarube furthercontinued that the newcoursethe departmenthas set for the basic education system is defined by deep roots,strongfoundations and longvision

“Itisfocusedonquality as muchasaccess, on safer schools through collaborationwith the police, on ensuring thatevery childcan thrivebythe ageof five,and on educating ageneration capable of claiming Africa’s demographicdividend.

“This is not arejectionofthe past. It isa crossing into new territory– informed by experience,guidedbyevidence and anchored in foundations strong enough to carry thefuture.

“But government cannot do thiswork alone. Strengthening the foundations of learning is a national project.”

WesternCape MEC forEducation David Maynier also stood proud.Hehighlighted the province’smatricpassrate increase from86,6% to 88,2%, which is the highest the Western Cape has seen

“Our bachelor’s pass rate,a key indicator of quality matric passes, increased from 47,8% to 49,2%. This is also the highest ever for the WesternCape,

andthe second highest in the country

“Ourcandidates have achievedthe second highest distinction rate in the country, with 13 234 candidates earning atotalof31220 distinctionsin 2025.”

Here in Drakenstein matric results were welcomed with jubilation andthe pass rate for the Cape Winelands District standing at 84,6%.

Paarl Post spoke with Prof Emeritus Michael le Cordeur, who specialises in education in the DepartmentofCurriculum Studies at Stellenbosch University,about the matric results. He says the results are impressivecongratulating thosewho passed and their parents. Le Cordeur also pointed outhow grateful he is to all the teachers who never gave up on the newly graduated matrics.

“I think the results are beyond expectations andI am also happy that so many of ourchildren have qualified for university admission, but we havetobevery careful because it does notmeanthateverything is necessarilyhonky dory in the education system.

“I think there are stillmany aspects that we need to improve andcan improve on.The one

Brandbyafvalwateraanleg

leitot reuk in Wellington

Jana Scheepers

Verlede week het inwonersvan die Paarl en Wellington ’n slegte reuk en rook waargeneemwat soos “mis in die lug gehang het”. Dié reuk, wat blykbaar oordonderend was, asook die rook wat gevolg het, hetvan die rigtingvan die Wellington se afvalwaterbehandelingsaanleg gekom.

Paarl Post het na die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit (DM) uitgereik om te hoor wat die oorsaak was.

VolgensLouis Pienaar, DM se direkteur vaningenieursdienste, hetdie munisipaliteitse“brand-enreddingsdienste, in samewerking metdie DMse ingenieursdienste en afvalwaterafdeling, suksesvol ’n brand in ’n ongebruikte rypwordingdam by die Wellington-afvalwaterbehandelingsaanleg geblus”

Die brand het Maandag5 Januarie uitgebreek en is teen Woensdag 7Januarie heeltemal geblus.

“As deel van sy proaktiewe brandvoorkomingsstrategie het die munisipaliteit brandbane geïnstalleer voor die huidige brandseisoen, aangesien brande in aangrensende veldgebiede voorheen na ongebruikte rypwordingsdamme versprei het. Dié voorval het egter binne die rypwordingsdamgebied, binne die brandbaansone,ontstaan,” volgens Pienaar.

Dieoorsaakvan die brandwordsteeds ondersoek, hoewel brandstigting vermoed word.

As gevolg vandie afgeleëligging van dieterreindoendie DM ’n beroep op die publiek omdie gebied te vermyenenige verdagte aktiwiteite aandie wetstoepassingsafdeling by 0218078508 (beskikbaar 24per dag)aan te meld

thing that Ialways wonder aboutisthatwemakea fuss aboutthe matric results,but there are many other students who arenot so good academically andwho areperhaps technicallyinclined.

“I do notthink theyget the sameexposure in the education departmentoreventhe media. Ithink we alsoneedtopay a littlemoreattention to those children, because theyalsowant to feel part of the country.

“They alsowanttomakea contribution to the country’s economy.”

Le Cordeur added thathe hasafavouritesaying that goes “yes, we need doctors and teachers, butwealsoneedpeoplewho build the hospitals and schools andwemustnot forget aboutthem”

“We must give such children just as many opportunities.In thatrespect Ithink oureducation system still falls far short.

“My wife was asewing teacher andthe subjectwas abolished, butdoyou know howmanyofher students are seamstresses todaywho make people’s matric farewell dresses? They have made acareerout of it. We live in atimeofunemployment todayand the question is whydowenot pay more

attention to career-orientedsubjects. Ithink thisissomething thatwestill need to pay alot of attention to.”

Here’s alistofschools in Drakenstein andtheir matric pass rate:

Al-Azhar Institute of Paarl (100%)

Bergrivier Secondary(81,5%)

BolandLandbouskool (100%)

CharlestonHillSecondary (88,3%)

Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary(80,5%)

Paarl GimnasiumHighSchool (99,5%)

Paarl Boys’High(97,8%)

Hugenote High School (99,3%)

Ihlumelo Junior Secondary (71,7%)

Klein Nederburg Secondary (84%)

La Rochelle Girls’ High (100%) Labori High School (95,1%)

LK Zeeman Academy (83,8%)

NewOrleansSecondary(78,8 %)

Noorder Paarl High School (74,5%)

Nouveau Paarl (100%)

Paarl Girls’ High (100%)

PaulusJoubert Secondary (76,5%)

WellingtonSecondary(68,8%)

Weltevrede Secondary(80,5%) •See photos on page12.

Blou ‘voetsoldate’ staan polisieby

Rasaad Adams

Altesaam 30 nuwe “voetsoldate” help sedert Desember verlede jaar om die Wellington-polisie se werk ligter te maak –alles as deelvan die Wes-Kaapseregering se Community in Blue-insiatief (CIB).

Die groep staan die polisie met sigbaarheid in gemeenskappe by en bestaan uit inwoners van so ver as Hermon, wat ook onder die Wellingtonpolisiegebied val

Die CIB-projekis’ninisiatief van die Wes-Kaapse departementvan gemeenskapsveiligheidenpolisieoorsig en is daarop gemik om sigbare polisiëring, gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en misdaadvoorkoming in die provinsieteverbeter.

Dit behels die ontplooing van opgeleide gemeenskapsveiligheidsbeamptes en het ’n sterk fokus op gemeenskapsverhoudinge, vertrouebou en samewerking tussen inwoners, die polisie en ander rolspelers.

Volgens Jarque Jacobs, die voorsitter van dieWellingtongemeenskapspolisiëringsforum, isdie nuweledehoofsaaklik uit die buurtwagtevan Wellington se verskeie sektore geïdentifiseer.

“Hierdie is mense waarmee die gemeenskappevertroud is. Baie van hulle het al bande metdie polisie gevorm.Dit het ookdie keuringsproses maklik gemaak omdathulle reeds in die stelsel is. Alle lede is onder-

worpe aan’nstrengkeuringsproses om seker te maak jy het ’n skoon rekord,” verduidelik Jacobs Volgens Jacobs hetdie “voetsoldate” al verskeieoptredes uitgevoer –ook in Hermon.

“Een van dieonlangse suksessewas waardie lede inligting ontvangenopgevolghet oor drank wat onwettigindie Wellington-middedorpverkoopis. Dieinligting is metdie polisie gedeelendie polisie hetopdie perseeltoegeslaan.

“Hierdiespreek tot diedoel van hierdieprojek. Hulle is nie daaromdie polisie te vervang nie, maar om diepolisie se werk maklikerenligter te maak.

“Onssal graag op diekleiner, minderernstigemisdade wil fokusendie polisie op daai manier help om op die ernstige sake te fokus,”sêJacobs. Hy sê benewens diemisdaadbekamping wat dieCIB-lede weekliks doen, is daarook ’n sterk fokusopbewusmakingsprojekte

“Die lede is sover baiegoed ontvang. Diegemeenskappe is dankbaar virdie ekstra polisiëring en sigbaarheid.”

Jacobs sê enigeenwat by die CIBwil aansluit, kan hulnaaste polisiekantoor besoekvir nog inligting of methom kontak maak.

BurntCucinaDiGiovanni’s ownerthankfulfor support

Despite watching his restaurantgoup in flames, Stelios Coutsides says he feels immensely grateful for theoutpouringof support since the incident.

Coutsides is the ownerofthe wellknownCucinaDiGiovanni restaurant that is situated on the propertyof Laborie Estate in Paarl.

On 20 December last year shortly after midday afirebroke out destroying the restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities, saidthe Drakenstein Municipality in astatement.

“Everybody asks me [how Ifeelafter what happened].I don’t even know –whatdoI answer?

“Honestly, there arenowords. You can’t describe how you feelwhenyou’re watching something that you’vebuilt up since 2017 and it goes up in flames in front of you.

“The support of the Paarl people has just been phenomenal.

“Everybody is just reaching out and wants me to bounce back. It is tough and then there’s also the staff.

Imean, what do you do with the staff, because the restaurant could take months to restore,” says Coutsides. Municipal firefighters with the support of firefighters fromStellenbosch Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), the Fire Protection Association (FPA) andDrakenstein Farm

Watch(DFW) Fire &Rescue NPCworked togethertocontain the flames.

“FPA-deployed helicopters assisted groundcrews with aerial water drops during the containment phase,” the statementcontinues.

An investigationisstillunderway to determine the cause of the fire.

In the meantime,the staff of Cucina Di Giovanni have also been heavily impacted by the incident.

“Thepeoplehave opened their pockets and their hearts. Isupposeit’s the mag-

Project Proposal: GuillaumeNel EnvironmentalConsultants(GNEC) were appointedbyRedprop (Pty) Ltd, to facilitate the EnvironmentalAuthorisa on process in termsof the Na onal EnvironmentalManagementAct,1998 (Act No.107 of 1998) forthe proposed residen al developmentonErf RE/8709, Paarl, WesternCape. The proposeddevelopment entailsthe rezoning of agriculturalland to residen al and mixed-use zoning andthe phaseddevelopmentofa mixed-use precinctofapproximately 41 ha. Theexis ng farm werf (±2.53 ha) will besubdividedand excluded from the development footprintand retained as aheritage resource. The developmentwill includea formalisedschool(±3.71 ha)toreplace exis ng containerclassrooms (Phase 1±160 learners, withfutureexpansion to 1000+ learners), amedium-density residen al area (±26.78 ha; 449 ervenand clubhouse), highdensity apartments (±3.50 ha; 240 units) and amixed-use precinct (±3.49ha; 60apartmentsand ±6 865 m² GLA).The proposal also includes the BergRiver Boulevard Extension, apublicroadalongthe Easternedgeofthe sitetoconnect to theR45 (Malmesbury Road)(±25mroadreserve;±1.3km;±3.5ha).AccesswillbefromtheR45(MainRoad)andthefutureBoulevardExtension. Loca�on:ErfRE/8709islocatedinNorthernPaarl,approximately4kmNorthofPaarlCBD.Theproposedsiteis41.8hainextentandis bordered by exis ng residen al estateswhichabuts Re ef Streettothe South.Agricultural land surrounds thesitetothe North, East and Southeast. The R45 (Main Road) sitsdirectlyadjacent to the West.Assuch, the propertyrepresentsa rural–urban transi on with amixtureofsurrounding land uses. Thesiteis located within demarcated urban edge in accordance with theDrakenstein MunicipalitySpa alDevelopmentFramework(2024/2025) Applica�onforEnvironmentalAuthorisa�on(BasicAssessmentProcess)toundertakethefollowingac vity: EIAac�vi�es:Lis ngNo ce1(GNR985)Ac vity12,19,24,28&67.Lis ngNo ce3(GNR985)Ac vity14. AWater

nitude of the impact thatI have made in Paarl andpeoplewant to help the staff especially. We’re trying to support them for as long as we can, but again we can’t do it forever becausewe’re notgoing to have an income forthe next fewmonths.

Ican’t explainhow people have reached outand wanting to help in anyway whether to cleanuporwhatever.”

ForCoutsides the flood of support is abittersweet feeling andheisutterly amazed by the numberofpeople that have reached outtohim daysafterthe

incident. He says he can’tthank everyoneenoughfor their support

“Onthe bright side it takesyou afew daystomaybe realiseand say‘it’s done andoverand there’s nothing that we can do’. So,we’re just goingtotry andlook forwardnow andfocusingonopening again in the future.

“The fire departmentwas there and theydid their best

“The ownersofthe farm HCI Laborie was alsoverygoodand everybody jumped in anddid their thing,especially on the day

“People came outtohandout water andaskedifwe’re alright.

“Itwas amazing thatthe Paarlpeople always just seem to stick togetheror try to help people.I honestly from the bottomofmyheart andwith tears in my eyes just wanttothank everybody for assisting in whateverway.”

Dereck Peceur,Drakenstein’sacting managerfor fire,rescueand disaster management, says their crewsmanaged to save the historic manor house andthe second accommodation wing andother buildingsonthe site from the fire

Meanwhile Laborie Estate hasreopenedfollowing initial closure afterthe fire,and shared in anoticethatoperations will continueonthe rest of theestate,including the remainingrestaurants andaccommodation facilities

BewarefakepolicecallerID

TheSouth African Police Servicein the Western Cape warns the publicof an ongoing scam in whichfraudsters arecloningthe official officetelephone numberofthe Western CapeProvincial Commissioner, 021 417 7148, to deceive andintimidate victims.

In this scam, the caller ID appearsto reflectthe police’sprovincial officenumber, creating the false impression that the call originates from them. Victims arethen contacted, in some instances via video call,byanindividualimpersonating apolice officerand dressed in police uniform

“The victim is falsely accusedofbeing linked to aparcel allegedlyintercepted at an airport containing contraband. Throughintimidationand threats of arrest or prosecution, victims arecoerced

into payinglarge sums of moneyto“resolve”the matter.Thisscam is notlimited to the Western Capeand similar cases have been reported across the country,” explains provincialspokesperson Col André Troutwho elaboratesfurther and says the compromise andmisuse of the above-mentionedtelephone numberare currently under investigation,along with the reported caseslinked to thisscam. Thepoliceemphasise thatofficials will never demand money to prevent arrest or prosecution andwillnot request payments viatelephone or videocalls

“The public should always verify the identity andcredentials of anyoneclaimingtobeapoliceofficial. Immediately reportany encounterwithsuspected scammerstoyournearest policestation or to Crime Stopon08600 10111.

Moreteenagemothers aconcern

TheWestern Cape saw atotalof303 babies born across public health facilitiesonChristmas andNew Year’s Day this past festiveseason.

Accordingtothe final statistics shared by the Department of Health on Thursday 26 December 1668 babieswere safely deliveredinpublic health facilitieson 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 numberofChristmas Day births with 38 newborns, followed closely by Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital with 35 deliveries. Both facilities are located in Gautengprovince.

Adding to the joyfulness, theDepartment revealed that 308 more births were recorded this year compared to the1 360 babies born on the same day in 2024.

The total numberofbirths recorded per province on Christmas Day (25 December): Eastern Cape (187);Gauteng

(428); FreeState (88); Limpopo (182); KwaZulu-Natal (302); Mpumalanga (172); North West(95); Northern Cape (43); and WesternCape(171).

On New Year’sDay 1669 babies were born,anincrease from1448 deliveries recorded at the beginning of last year. Oneofthe first babies of the yearwas born at MowbrayMaternity Hospitalin the WesternCape at 00:00, weighing 3,8 kg, to proudmother Geneva Claasen.

Thetotal number of birthsrecorded perprovince on NewYear’sDay (1 January2026): Eastern Cape (208); Gauteng (396);FreeState (72); Limpopo (234); KwaZulu-Natal (334); Mpumalanga (141); North West(102); Northern Cape (50); andWestern Cape (132).

Following the release of birth statistics, the Departmentrevealed aconcerning trend inteenage pregnancies, with the number of teenage mothers deliveringonChristmas Dayrising from 90 in 2024tojustover 130 in 2025 and 160 on New Year’s Day2026 comparedtojust

over 80 recorded in 2025 on NewYear’s Day.

In response to this increase,the Departmentemphasised the need for collaborativeefforts among allstakeholders to intensify awareness campaignsfocused on sexual reproductive health, including comprehensive family planning education. Theinitiative aimstoempower adolescent girls andyoung women with vitalhealth education, enablingthemto make informedhealthchoices thatcould reduce unintended pregnancies and, consequently, decrease the numberofunsafe andlife-threatening abortions.

TheDepartment reminded newmothers andtheir families of theimportance of registering their newborns with the Department of Home Affairs within30 days of birth

Officials noted thatmosthospitals across the country provide thisregistration service directlyatthe time of birth, making the process more convenientfor families.

Lisensiesgeldgou langer

Suid-Afrikaansevoertuigbestuurderskan uitsien na langer geldige lisensies nadat die departement van vervoer planne bevestig hetomdie geldigheidstydperk van bestuurderslisensiekaarte van vyftot agtjaar te verleng.

Die besluit, aangekondig deur die departement van vervoerse direkteur-generaal, Mathabatha Mokonyama, kom as welkome nuusvir motoriste wat gekla het oordie ongeriefenkoste van die vernuwing van hullisensies elke vyfjaar

In ’n toespraak vroegin Desemberaan dieparlementse verkose komitee viropenbare infrastruktuur hetMokonyama gesê die departement hetsy assessering oordie lisensie-verlengingvoltooi.

“Onshet ditpas voltooi, hoewel dit ’n bietjie tyd gevat het–die kwessie rakende dieverlenging vandie geldigheidstydperk vandie bestuurslisensiekaart vanvyf tot agtjaar,” hetMokonyama aan diekomitee gesê

“Onsanalise en assesseringis datSuid-Afrikaners’nlanger tydperk verkies. Hulle wil nie elke vyfjaar na onstoe terugkom nie. Ons saldus definitief binnekortnaagt jaar beweeg.”

Die departementgaanvoort metdie veranderingten spyte van’nonvolledige koste-voordeel-analise.

Die verlengingsal waarskyn-

AECI PLANT HEALTH PAARL NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR HAZARD INSTALLATION

In terms of Sub-regulation4(4) of the Major Hazards Installation (MHI)Regulations 2022 (GNR.2989 of 31 January2023) of theOccupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993 as amended),AECI Plant HealthPaarldohereby notify thecommunity that an MHIrisk assessment has been conducted by an ApprovedInspectionAuthority for the existing facility ocated at the c/oJan vanRiebeeckDrand Borssenberg Street, Da Josafat, Paarl, 7646. The Paarl site handles various toxic, ammable, corrosiveand oxidising substances. Whichmay causetoxic fumes and noxioussmoke that may affect the public.

Arisk assessment identiedthe following worst-casescenarios:

•Awarehouse re could cause toxic lethalityplumesofsmoke,with1% lethality effects up to 1455metres

•Anoxidiser explosion could cause overpressure effects, with1% lethality effects extendingupto 42metres

In terms of Sub-regulation 4(4), the risk assessment will be presented to interested and affectedparties as follows:

Venue: AECI Plant Health –Training Room, BergRiver Park, c\oJan VanRiebeek Dr and Borssenberg St, DalJosafat, Paarl, 7646

Date: 26 January 2026

Time: 11h00-16h00

KindlyRSVP to theAECI Plant Health contactperson below by 23 January 2026. In terms of Sub-regulation 4(5) any interested and affected person may,within60daysof thepublication of this advertisement, make written submissions concerning the installation to theDrakensteinMunicipalityand the Chief Inspector fortheir consideration.

RelevantLocalAuthority:

lik ’n verlies aaninkomste vir diedepartement van vervoer (DoT)tot gevolg hê Dieministervan vervoer, Barbara Creecy, hetvroeër haar steun uitgespreekvir die agtjaarlisensie, maar hetdie noodsaaklikheid beklemtoon om dieuitwerking op die bestuurders-lisensiekaart-rekening ook te oorweeg.

Sy hetook voorgestel dat bestuurdersvan swaar voertuie en passasiersvervoer moet voortgaan om hullisensies weens veiligheidsoorwegings elke tweejaar te hernu.

“Mense wat óf swaar voertuie bestuurwat beduidende ongelukke kan veroorsaak óf dié wat passasiersvervoer, behoort tweejaarliks te vernuwe,” het Creecy voorheengesê.

“Met betrekkingtot die bestuurslisensievir gewone burgers soos jy en ek was die voorstel dat ons’ntydperk van agtjaar gebruik.”

Dieprojekblyk agter te wees wat beplanning betref. Die departement hetoorspronklik beplan om ’n kennisgewing in die Staatskoerant viropenbare kommentaar in dietweede kwartaalvan die2025-’26-boekjaar te publiseer,maargeen sodanigekennisgewing is nog gepubliseernie

Dieskuif na agtjaarlisensies salSuid-Afrikanader aaninternasionale norme bring

AECI PLANTHEALTH PAARL KENNISGEWING VAN'NBESTAANDE “MAJORHAZARD INSTALLATION”

In termevan Subregulasie 4(4) vandie Major HazardInstallation(MHI) 2022(GNR.2989van 31 Januarie2023) ingevolge dieWet op Beroepsgesondheid en Veiligheid (Wet 85 van1993, soos gewysig), stelAECI Plant Health Paarlhiermee kennisdat ’n MHI-risikobepaling uitgevoerisvir hulbestaande fasiliteit op diehoekvan Janvan Riebeeck Dr en Borssenberg Straat, DalJosafat, Paarl, 7646. Diehoofdoel van AECI Plant Health Paarl is diebergingvan verskeie giftige, vlambare,bytendeenoksiderendemateriale wat moontlikgiftige dampe en skadelike rook kanvrystelwat diepubliek nadelig kan beïnvloed

DieMHI-risikobepalingisuitgevoer deur ’n goedgekeurde inspeksie-owerheidinooreenstemming met dieMHI-regulasies,endie volgende ergste gevalle is geïdentiseer:

•’nPakhuisbrand kangiftigerookwolkeveroorsaak met ’n 1% sterftesyfertot op ’n afstandvan 1455meter vanaf dieinstallasie

•’nOntplofng van’noksideermiddelkan oordruk-effekte veroorsaak met ’n 1% sterftesyfertot op ’n afstandvan 42meter vanaf dieinstallasie

In termevan Subregulasie 4(4)(b)(iv) is dierisikobepalingsverslag beskikbaarvir besigtigingenbespreking met belanghebbendes en geaffekteerde partyesoosvolg

Lokaal: AECI Plant Health –opleidingskamer,BergRiverPark,hoek vanJan VanRiebeek Dr en Borssenberg Straat, DalJosafat Paarl ,7646

Datum: 26 Januarie 2026

Tyd: 11h00-16h00

Bevestig assebliefubywoningteen23Januarie2026bydie kontakpersoon virAECI Plant Health Paarl–kontakbesonderhede hieronder

In termevan Subregulasie 4(5) magenige belangstellende en geaffekteerde persoon binne 60 dae na diepublikasievan hierdie advertensie geskrewe indieningsoor dieinstallasie aandie Drakenstein-munisipaliteitendie Hoonspekteurrig virhul oorweging

RELEVANTEPLAASLIKEOWERHEID: Paarl Brandweer,Paarl 021872 2323

NM10042622-PL150126

AECIPLANTHEALTHPAARL-MHI VerantwoordelikeKontakpersoon: IlseBroodryk ilse.broodryk@aeciworld.com 011823 8000

Digterookwolke oor Drakenstein

JanaScheepers

Die Drakenstein is vir die afgelope paar dae in ’n digte rookwolk gehul weens die brand wat verlede Woensdag (7 Januarie) in Wemmershoek buite Franschhoek begin het. Rolspelers het die afgelope Maandag (12 Januarie) by ’n bevelsentrum op die perseel van die Drakenstein-gevangenis vergader om die omvang van die brand te bespreek, asook watter stappe gevolg word om dit te bestry

Anton Bredell, die Wes-Kaapse minister van plaaslike regering, omgewingsake en ontwikkelingsbeplanning, dr. Elna von Schlicht, die burgemeester van die Kaapse Wynland-distriksmunisipaliteit (KWDM), Stephen Korabie, die burgemeenster van die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit, en Jeremy Fasser,die burgemeenster vandie Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit, was onder andere teenwoordig, saam met CapeNature asook die Winelands Fire Protection Association (WFPA), wat deel is van die taakspan wat byeengeroepisom die brand te bestuur.

Volgens Dale Nortjé, die bestuurder van die WFPA, is die brand bo die Langrug- informele nedersetting in Franschhoek

VanlinksisStephen Korabie (die burgemeester vandie Drakenstein-munisipaliteit), AntonBredell(die Wes-Kaapse minister vanplaaslikeregering,omgewingsake en ontwikkelingsbeplanning), en dr.Elna vonSchlicht (die burgemeester vandie Kaapse Wynland-distriksmunisipaliteit). Foto:Jana Scheepers

verlede Woensdag omstreeks 16:00 aangemeld,waarnadit na dele vanFranschhoek en Wemmershoekversprei het.

Nortjé sêdie brand is waarskynlik deur mense veroorsaak, maar ditkon nog nie vasgestel word of dit opsetlik was of nie.

Altesaam 17000ha is reeds in die brand vernietig wat, soos die kraai vlieg, oor meer as 19km strek

Diebrand het nadie Du Toitskloof-berge verprei, waar dit in Rawsonville en vandie

Du Toitskloofpas af sigbaar is. Dit het ookverder na die Bainskloofpas versprei.

Volgens Nortjéwou die WFPA ’n “uitbrand”-metode volg om plantegroei na aandie brand op ’n beheerde wyse af te brand sodat dit nie die brand verer- ger nie, maar die windwas te sterk. Die brand het die afgelope Vrydagversprei en die Voortrekkerkamp in Wemmershoek, metongeveer 100 leerders,moes ontruim word. Niemandisbeseer nie.

Hy hetbevestigdat geen huise tot dusver in die slag gebly het nie, maar wesenlike skade is aaninfrastruktuur veroorsaak.

Eenvoorbeeld hiervan is die Chamonix-gasteplaas in Uitkykstraat, waardie gastehuisdie afgelope naweekafgebrandhet Luidens Chamonix se webtuiste saldie gastehuis“nievir die afsienbaretoekoms weer oopmaak nie”. Die wynproelokaal en Arkeste-restaurantiswel oopenis nie deur diebrand geraak nie Paarl Post hetvroeërberig die Avondale-wynplaas hetna beweringook aansienlikeskade aanwingerde en natuurlike plantegroei aangemeld

Die plaas hetwel op sosiale mediaaangekondig die plaas is soos gewoonlik oopvir besoekers en dat dieinfrastruktuur en vee– insluitend30perde –veilig is Plase soos Helderstroom, Hartebeestkraal op die R301, Afsaal, RustigenWildepaardenjacht is ookindie brand se pad vasgevang

Nortjé hetbevestigdat die brand tansin’nbergagtige gebied woed, wat die brandbestrydingspogings bemoeilik. Nietemin is drie helikopters en ongeveer vyf brandbestrydingspanne tansopdie toneel. Die spannesluit tweevan die

KWDM,drievan Working on Fire en eenvan VolunteerWildfire Services,asook ’n verdere span van ’n private instansie in. Volgens Bredell hetdie WesKaapse regering reedsmiljoene rande aandie brand bestee,wat ’n beduidende uitwerking op ’n reedsbeperkte begroting het. Hy hetverduidelikdat die span wat verantwoordelikisom diebrand te bestuur, dusmoet besluit hoeomdie beperkte hulpbronnetebenut.

Volgens Bredell word droë en warmtoestande virdie volgende drie tot vier maande voorspel, wat beteken diebrandseisoen salverleng moet word.

Hiermee saam hetdamvlakke oordie provinsie heen ookreeds aansienlikgedaal

CapeNaturehet die publiek in ’n verklaring herinner dat wilde diere, wat deur brande verplaas of geraak word, nie aangeraak, gevang, gevoerofverwyder mag wordnie en diepubliek gevra om CapeNatureofdie naaste dierebeskermingsvereniging te skakel.

“Hoewel dierebeseerof gedisoriënteerkan voorkom, kan baie wegbeweeg en sonder ingryping herstel.Onnodige hantering kan ernstige stres, besering of doodveroorsaak en kan menseenwild in gevaar stel.”

Soulfood

Don’t letanyone look down on youbecauseyou areyoung,but setanexamplefor the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,in faith and in purity. –1Timothy4:12

available on

Mag’njaar vantuiskomsons almalvoorlê

Onshet dalk nie12000 vuurwerkewat afgaan of 100000 mensewat dit gade slaan soos in Londen nie, of Time Square se ball drop (43m in 60sek) of Sydneyse wêreldbekende SydneyHarbour Fireworks nie, maar dit beteken niedat Nuwejaar nie hier gevier word nie! Ons het ons eie vreugdes en kultuur watdalknie so ten toon gestel word nie, maarwat vanonskatbarewaarde in die harte vanalmal is. Nieallefeesvieringehoefgesien te word om ’n fees te wees nie. “I slept andIdreamed that life is alljoy Iwokeand Isaw that life is allservice.I served andI sawthatservice is joy,”skryf Kahlil Gebran.

Omindiens vanmekaar te staan, is tog sekerdie grootsteroepingwat daar kan wees.Ons sukkel, want ons wilook ontvang.Daar is niks verkeerdmet ontvang nie, solank jy ditnie ’n vereiste virtoekomstigediens maak nie. CharlieKirkhet Erika (syvrou) elkedag gevrahoe hy ’n beter man vir haar kanwees; wathyméér kan doen sodat sy geliefdkan voel

Daar is egterook ’n ander soort viering –’nstillereen;sonder vuurwerke, maar met waarheid. Dieterugkeer na jouself. Nie’nnuwejynie,maar’nmeer eerlikejy. Diewêreldleerons om vorentoe te beweeg,teverbeter, te presteer.Maarwysheidfluister soms ietsanders:keer terug. Dietuiskoms na jouselfvra nieprestasies nie, maar teenwoordigheid. Nie dapper verklarings nie, maareerlikeoomblikke. Diswanneer jy ophou om jouselfte probeer bewysenbegin om jouselfte ontmoet.Dalkis2026 niedie jaar waarin allesverander na dit watjywou gehad het nie, maar die jaar waarin jy ophou om teen jouselfteveg Wanneer jy meer begin oplet na jou eie optrede,hoe jy mensebehandel,hoe jy met hulle praatenhoe gereed jy is om te dien –dis dan wanneer jy jouselfverruim Jy raak fyner ingestel op jou grense, jou motiewe, jou ritme. Jy begin agterkom hoe

gereeldjyjasêuit skuld; hoe gereeldjy helpuit vreesomnie genoeg te wees nie; om nieliefgehêtewordnie;hoe gereeldjy moeg is, maaraanhou omdat dit vanjou verwag word

Dieironieis: Wanneer jy ophou om jouselfteprobeerbewys en jouself uitte put,raakjyméérbeskikbaar– nieminder nie. HenriNouwen hetdit só gestel:“You cannot givewhat youdonot have.” Ware diens aanandervloei nieuit selfopofferingnie,maaruit innerlike volheid. Wanneerjytuisraakmet jouself,raakjou teenwoordigheid ’n geskenk. Jy hoefnie allesreg te maaknie;jyhoefnie almal te dranie;jyhoefnie altyddie sterkeen te wees nie. Jy aanvaarmense soos hulleis. Wysheid komsit op jou skoot en jy kan beter luister.Jyreageer stadigerendien met wysheid, niemet uitbrandingnie Dalk is 2026 niedie skouspelagtige, luidrugtigefeesviering waarmeedit begin het nie en is daarmeerklein oomblikke om regtig teenwoordig te wees wanneer iemand praat, om die vryheid te hê om neetesêsonderverduidelikingen gemaklikdaarmee te wees,omtegaan ruswanneer dit nodigissonderomskuldig daaroor te voel Om jouself niemeertestraf viralles nie, is waar ware diens aanjou medemens

begin. Thomas Merton waarskujuis daarteen. “Our job is to love otherswithout stoppingtoinquire whether or not they areworthy.”

Dietuiskoms na jouself in 2026 kanook baie allerdaags wees.Jybesef jou liggaam is nie’nmasjiennie en dalk meersoos’n WiFi-sein– soms sterk, soms swak,soms moet jy netnader aandie router beweeg, soms hou jy aanprobeer!

Wanneer jy die eerstehoofstuk van ’n boek drie keer lees en dan sê dit was meditasie,kan dit oortuigendwees, behalwe in my suster se geval. Niemand saldie meditasie-storie glonie,wantdie boek wasinEngelsenons wéét sy hetnie ’n woordverstaannie Jy beginjou sinne met:“Ek is nienou beskikbaar nie. ”maarlaatnaom’nverduidelikingtegee.Jytrekjou huisklere aan met dieselfde erns as waarmeejyvroeër jou werkklere gekies het. Jy antwoord ook niemeerelkeWhatsApp onmiddellik nie– en niks verskriklik gebeur nie. Jy raak opgewonde oor stilte–warestilte. Jy praatsagtermet jouself as met ander mense –endis nuut.Dis ’n begin. Ware tuiskoms na jouself in 2026 hoef niedramaties te wees nie– dit kanrustig wees;alledaags. En soms effensbelaglik. Dalk is dit hoe ’n ware feesviering lyk.

Skoolklereruk ouerssesakke

JanaScheepers

Die mededingingskommissie het in 2021 ’n riglyn gepubliseer om skole, ouers en beheerliggame te help om meer mededingende en billike praktyke te volg wanneer skooldragen leer- en onderrigmateriaalgekoop word. Diemededingingskomissie het die publiekin’nonlangse verklaring aan hierdie riglynherhinner –veral in die lig van die jaarliksestygende koste van skoolklere, skryfbehoeftes en handboeke.

Die verklaringhet ookbekendgemaak dat die kommissie ’n nuwemoniteringsinstrument, wat pryse en verskaffers van skooldrag dophou, tansontwikkel en wat na verwagting voor dieeinde van 2026by alle skole in gebruik sal wees.

Die riglyn, wat in 2021 gepubliseer is, het ontstaan nadat die kommissie sedert 2010 klagtes ontvang het oor skole wat eksklusiewe ooreenkomste met spesifieke skooldragverskaffers gesluit het. Tussen 2020 en 2025 is altesaam 490 klagtes ontvang,waarvan465 reeds afgehandel is. Diegevolg was dat ouers gedwingisomhoër pryse virnoodsaaklike skoolitems te betaal. Die kommissie het ’n landwyeondersoek in 2017 van stapel gestuur teen verskeieskole en vervaardigers en/of verskaffers van skooldrag,weens die moontlike misbruik van oorheersende markposisies en beperkende sakepraktyke. Terselfdertydis verskeie ingrypings gedoenommededinging in die verkrygingvan skooldrag en ander leerverwante goedereendienste te bevorder.

Volgens die kommissie het hierdie proses ’n duidelikeinligtingsgaping blootgelê,luidens die verklaring.

Dit het gelei totdie ontwikkeling van die riglyn, wat verduidelik wat teenmededingende gedrag behelsenhoe pro-mededingende beginselskan help om die finansiële las op ouers te verlig

Die doel van die riglyn isombewustheid te skep oor dievoordelevan mededinging, skole te moedig

Macquline de Kokerenhaar ma, She Earl de Koker, passkoolklere aan.Macquline is ’n leerderbyPniel PrimêreSkool. Foto:Ernest Kilowan

skole dit nie toegepas nie –onder meer omdat die riglyn nie verpligtend is nie of weens ’n gebrek aankennis en kapasiteit

Sedert die bekendstelling van die riglynhet die kommissie ook meer klagtes van ouers ontvang,wat dit moontlik gemaak hetomdirek in te gryp waar skole niehieraan voldoennie.

Die kommissiebeklemtoon egter dat hy niepryse reguleernie, maar eerder poog om mededingende markte te verseker,wat uiteindelik tot laer pryse en meer keusesvir verbruikers lei. Hoewel geen skole tot dusver vir nie-nakoming vervolg is nie, sê die kommissieinsy verklaring dat skole reeds voldoende tyd gehad hetomdie nodige maatreëlsinte stel.

Ouerswat vermoed dathul kind se skoolsteeds teen-mededingende praktyke volg, kan’nklagte by die kommissie indi

PaarlGimnasium passtreng selfoonbeleid op skooltoe

Chantélle Hartebeest

Die Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasiumhet hom onlangs by talleskole aangesluitwat ’n streng selfoonbeleid op dieskoolperseel toepas.

Die skoolhoof, Paul Viljoen,het in ’n brief,wat aanouers en voogde gerig is, die nuwe verwikkeling verduidelik en gesê die beleid word van1 Januarie 2026 toegepas

“Nádeeglike navorsing, gesprekke met onderwysers, leerders,die SBLeneksterne kundiges het die skool besluit om die gebruikvan selfoneopons kampus gedurende die eerste kwartaal van 2026 progressief uit te faseer.”

Viljoen sê die redes vir diebesluit is gegrond op akademiese fokusenemosionele en sosiale welstand.

“Die skool ervaar ’n toenemende behoefteomons leerders in terme van gesonde interpersoonlikeverhoudings, selfbewustheid en emosionele regulering te ondersteun. Selfoongebruik dradikwels by tot verhoogde angs, sosiale druk, konflik, kuberafknouery en ’n gevoel vanminderwaardigheid as gevolg [van] verwagtingewat deur sosiale media geskep word. Deurdie gebruikdaarvan tydensskoolure te beperk, skepons ’n veiliger en meer gebalanseerde leeromgewing, waarleerders weer metmekaar in gesprek kan tree.”

Viljoen dui daaropdat dieskool ’n

gefaseerde benadering salvolgmet die toepassing van dieselfoonbeleid, wat ookdie personeel se gebruik van selfone salbeïnvloed. Ouersenvoogde word dusgevra om die nuwe verwikkelingte ondersteun.

Nog’nPaarlseskool, wat reeds ’n gevestigdeselfoonbeleidhet,isKlein Nederburg Sekondêr.

PaarlPost hetinOktoberverlede berig oor’nselfoonbeleidbyskole nadat ’n gesamentlike subkomitee,bestaande uit amptenare van die Wes-Kaapseonderwysdepartement(WKOD)endie SuidAfrikaansepolisie,die Wes-Kaapse staande komitee ooronderwys ingelig hetoor sy programmeomgeweld by skole in die provinsie te bekamp.

Millicent Merton, ’n woordvoerdervir dieWKOD, hetvoorheengesêdie WesKaapse LURvir onderwys,David Maynier,het dievergadering bygewoonen’n paarpunte voordie subkomitee gemaak wat betrekking tot selfone op skoolterreine gehad het.

“Wat diegebruik van selfone in skole betref, hetMaynier gesê dat daarmoontlik’nrol virdie staande komitee ooronderwys,asdeelvan hultoesighoudende rol, kan wees om skole te besoekwat ’n selfoonvrye beleidaangeneem het en te sien wat by daardieskole gewerk heten wat niegewerkhet nie. Hy salbaiein diekomitee se bevindinge en moontlike aanbevelings belangstel.”

ALIENATION OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTY

No�ce is hereby given in terms of Sec�on 21 of the LocalGovernment: Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000), Sec�on 14 of the Municipal Finance ManagementAct (Act 56 of 2000),the Asset TransferRegula�ons (MFMANo R.878)andtheDrakensteinMunicipalAssetTransferPolicy(approvedon31May2021),thattheMunicipalityintends toalienatethefollowingmunicipalproper�es,subjecttocertaincondi�onsassetoutbelow:-

Thedetailsregardingthetransac�onsareasfollows:

1. Property:Por�onofErf543,Saron

Applicant:RootedtoRiseNPC

Purpose: Social,welfare,youthandcommunitydevelopmentpurposes

Remunera�on: Susidizedsellingpricetobedetermined Size: ±5000m²

2. Property:Erf3636,toadjacentlandownerofErf3641,Paarl

Applicant: EbenezerTrust

Purpose: Gardeningpurposes

Remunera�on: Marketrelatedsellingpricetobedetermined

Size: ±833m²

3.

Property:Por�onofErven4921and14733,PaarltoadjacentlandownerofErf28634Paarl

Applicant: MpactVersapak(Pty)Ltd

Purpose: Expansionofexis�ngproperty

Remunera�on: Marketrelatedsellingpricetobedetermined

Size: ±2705m²and643m²

Par�cularsregarding the above transac�ons maybeviewedduring office hoursatthe Legaland Administra�on Sec�on,1stfloor,CivicCentre,BergRiverBoulevard,Paarl. EnquiriesmaybedirectedtoMsNicole�eWilliams (021-8074879/Nicole eb@drakenstein.gov.za).

Anyobjec�ons,comments or representa�ons in respect of the aforesaid transac�ons must be lodged in wri�ng to the CityManager,Civic Centre, BergRiver Boulevard, Paarl or viaemail to customercare@drakenstein.gov.za on or before13February2026.Latesubmissionswillnotbeconsidered.

Persons who areunable to read or write, maysubmit their properly mo�vatedobjec�ons,comments or representa�ons verballyatthe Municipal Offices, Berg RiverBoulevard,Paarl, where theywillbeassistedduring officehoursbyMs.Nicole�eWilliams,totranscribetheircomments,representa�onsoralterna�veoffersinwri�ng.

councillorSindileGravel’sannualback-to-school haircut and hairstyleinitiativeonMonday.

Free hairstylingfor pupils

Rasaad Adams

Drakenstein councillor Sindile Gravel has,for the second consecutive year, hosted aback-to-schoolinitiativein Mbekweni aimed at helping pupils start the academic year withconfidence and dignity.

The initiative, held this past Monday at Chippa’s Place, awell known establishment in thearea,providedfreehaircuts and hairstyles to school goingchildren ahead of the reopening of schools.

This year’s programme saw the hair of 150 boys cut free of charge, while25girls received complimentary hairstyles.

Gravel launchedthe initiativelast year and, followingoverwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and the broader community, it hasnow been formalised as an annual event.

“There is areal need forprojects like thisin our communities,” Gravel said.

“Something as simpleas a haircut can make ahuge differencetoachild’s

confidence.

“Itrestores dignity in ourkids as they prepare for the new school year.”

Parents welcomed the initiative, sayingiteased financial pressureata time when householdsface multiple back to school expenses, including uniforms, stationeryand transportcosts.

Gravel said the programme is notonly aboutappearance, but also about creatingasenseofpride andreadiness among learners.

“Whenchildren feel good about themselves,theywalk into the classroom more confident andready to learn,”he added

The councillor thanked local partners and service providersfor their support, noting that community collaboration is key to sustaining such initiatives in future years.

With the back to school drive nowan annual fixture, Gravel said plans are already underwaytoexpand the programmeand reach even more learners in Mbekweni in the years ahead.

CONSIDERACAREER IN THELEATHER INDUSTRY

LEARNERSHIPSIN LEATHER MANUFACTURING 2026

Training opportunityfor 20 unemployed Learners in Wellington NationalCertificateinLeather Manufacturing processes.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:

•The program willlast until competency is achieved -approx. 8months.

•Successful learners willsign acontract withMossop Leatherand theFP&MSeta.

•The learners willbepaid aStipend ofR767per week (full 5days, 42 hoursper week)

•Practical factory work (75% of thetime)onthe factory floor,and Classroomwork (25% of the time).

•Atthe end of the Learnership,successful learnerswillreceive anationallyrecognised qualification. Successful learners will be abletoapply fortemporary or permanent vacancies.

REQUIREMENTS:

•Must have passed Gr 12

•Must have passed Mathematics Literacyand English Second Languageatlevel 4(50-59%);

•orMathematics and English First Languageatlevel 2(30-39%)

•Must be prepared to undergoAptitude(psychometric) testing

•Must be prepared to undergomedical screening and adrugtest

•Must be prepared to start withthe program in February 2026

•Must resideinWellington/Paarl area

•Must be physically strong, healthyand fit

APPLICATION PROCESS:ONLYAPPLYIFYOU MEET ALL OF THE ABOVEREQUIREMENTS

•Submit your CV together withcopiesof your Gr.12results and aSouth African ID.

•Email to recruitment@mossop.co.za,orhand delivertoMossopLeather, Blignaut Str,Wellington.

•Please ensurethat your correctcontact detailsare on theapplication (telephoneoremail)

•Onlysuitablecandidates will be invited to do aptitude tests.

•Applications Close on 30 January2026

Forany queries, please contact HRDeptat021-864 9300

Gr.1’s én ouerssit beste voet voor

Localcheesesearn global success

Jana Scheepers

Dalewood Fromage, afamous cheese farmsituated on the R101outside Paarl, has made aremarkable impression at the 37th WorldCheese AwardsinSwitzerland, securing its place among the top 110 cheeses in the world at the largest cheese-only competition on the planet.

Held in Bern at theend of 2025, the event saw more than 5200 cheeses from 46 countries judged by 265 international experts, including retailers, chefs, journalists, and dairy professionals.Amid such fierce competition, DalewoodFromage claimed threemajor accolades for three of theircheeses, namely the signaturecheeses “Boland” and “Simond”, which won asuper-gold medal, and “Huguenot” agold medal.

“Theseresults highlightDalewood’s commitment to regenerative farming and traditional farmstead cheesemaking, producing cheeses that are proudly South African,”DalewoodFrom-

age saidina statement.

Addingtothe triumph, Dalewood’sown Nellie Fischer was named BestFemaleCheese Maker at the awards

Fischer, whohas dedicated 25 years to the craft, received the honour for herworkonthe Boland cheese, the competition’s super-gold medal winner.

“[Fischer] has been part of the Dalewood family since the very beginning.Every cheese she creates carriesher passion, skill, andunwavering care –atrue reflectionofher dedicationtothe craft. We areendlessly proudto celebrateher talent andthe love shepours into what she does,” Dalewood Fromage said.

Fischer’sjourneyreflects a wider South African success storyincheesemaking training

In 2010, she received the BurgundyCheesemaking Fellowship, aprogramme run by Agri-Expo andsupportedbythe WesternCape Department of Agriculture.Between2005 and2014 the initiative offered hands-on traininginBurgundy, France, to 38 aspiring SouthAfrican cheesemakers

Grootvreugde metmatriekuitslae

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNINGOPPORTUNITY –GRADUATES

THE WORK INTERGRATED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR12MONTHS FOR THE FOLLOWING GRADUATECANDIDATES

•B.Comm. Cost and Management Accounting

•B.Comm. LOGISTICS

•BA/Advanced Diploma inSafety Management/EnvironmentalManagement / QualityManagement Systems

REQUIREMENTS:

•Must have passed undergraduatedegree/Advanced diploma.

•Must be prepared to undergoAptitude (psychometric) testing

•Must be prepared to undergomedical screening and adrugtest.

•Must be prepared to start withthe program in February 2026

•Must reside in Wellington/Paarl area

APPLICATION PROCESS:ONLYAPPLYIFYOU MEETALL OFTHE ABOVEREQUIREMENTS

•Email your CV to recruitment@mossop.co.za,orhanddeliver to Mossop Leather, Blignaut Str,Wellington.

•Please ensurethat your correctcontact detailsare on theapplication (telephoneoremail)

•Onlysuitable candidates willbeinvited to do aptitude tests.

•Applications Close on 30 January 2026

Forany queries, please contact HRDeptat021-864 9300

forward to whatthe

in

Swimmer ropes in the medals

Whilethe rest of his peers were enjoyingthe holidayJayden Williams, achampion swimmer from Paarl, took part in the 4th AfricanYouth Games in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Theevent took place from 8till17Decemberand Jayden ropedinafew medals. Forthe 200m breaststrokehereceived gold; bronzefor the 50m breaststroke; and 4thplace for100m breaststroke. Jayden, whoisamatriculant at Paarl Boys’High this year,was also selected by Swimming South Africatobepart of adevelopment team who willundergo training at the high-performancecentre. Pictured withJayden is his coach, AdriaanKock.

Applications for bursariesopen

TheAthlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF)applications opened on 12 January 2026.

“AIBPROF heard the hearts of students who want to study part-time anddo post-graduate studies. As of 2024 wehave extended the criteria to includediploma and certificate courses to increaseand intensifythe impact of awell-educated workforce,”said ErnestNontes, AIBPROF Chairperson

The AthloneInstitute Trust (AIT), a recipient of the prestigous Impumelelo Social InnovationsCentre Award,has been in existencesince 1926, through the collectiveeffort of members fromthe five member churches.For the past 24 years the AIT, through the AthloneInstitute Bursary Project Fund, has been awarding students with bursaries. Awardsare variableand cover apercentage of the costoftuition and registration. Bursary funds are paiddirectlytotertiary institutions andare notrepayable.

Applicants are advisedto adhereto the following criteria:

1. The applicantshould be South African by birth and apermanentresident of Paarl or Mbekweni.

If residing outside theboundaries of Paarl or Mbekweni the applicant should be aparishioner of one of the five member churches of theAIT, namely, Holy TrinityorStStephen’sAnglican,URC Immanuel; URC Zions and Bethal Congregational Church.

2. The applicant should haveobtained theirmatric certificate. (the year of

achievement is not reallyrelevant).

3. Theapplicant must prove financial needbyproducing the relevant financial records(own, parental, guardian)

4. Theapplicant should be enrolled as part or full timeand either under or post-graduatestudent forthe academic year at atertiary institution (TVET College/Universities/UniversitiesofTechnologyoraninstitution recognised by theSouth African Qualifications Authority SAQA).

The intended course of study andthe institutionshould be registered with the Council of Higher Education.

5. Students who want to re-apply for subsequent years of studies shouldproduce anacademic record verifying their promotion.

6. Theapplicant should produce proof ofregistrationfor studies andother required documentation as stipulated in the applicationform.

7. Be willing to becomeinvolved in community service in the Paarl/Mbekweni area.

8. Voluntarilyparticipate in the mentoringprogrammes.

Application forms: Applicationformsand informationfor the bursaries are availableatthe offices of themember churches, or at DrakensteinPharmacysituatedinJan van RiebeeckRoad, Paarl

Allapplications must be completed manually. Completed application forms mustbeemailed to:admin@athlonebursary.co.za

The closing date forbursary applications is Friday 27 February

Paarl Girls’ High School celebrates 150 years

As part of Paarl Girls’ High School’s 150th anniversarycelebrations,the schoolishostingagala evening thatwill be heldonSaturday 17 Januaryfrom 18:00 to 00:30 on theschoolpremises. The programme forthe evening will include formal announcements and music to commemorate this historic milestone. In the interest of safety and to ensure the smooth flow of the event, regulated traffic measures willbeimple-

MissTeensemi-finalist supportslearners in stationery drive

LienkeUys (12),a Miss Teen UniverseSAsemi-finalist from Wellingtonand and Grade7 learner at Laerskool Hugo Rust,ispassionateabout creating meaningfulimpact whereitmatters most –inclassrooms and the Drakenstein community. Throughher School StationeryCharityDrive, Lienkeiscollecting school stationery essentialstosupport learners in need. Anyone who wants to makeadonation, cancontact Margot Uys (Lienke’smother)on066 2230096 or drop the stationery off at Laerskool Hugo Rust

Lateapplications for school placement‘challenging’

With the start of the new school year, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) hasconfirmed that theprocess of placing learners at schools is still ongoing,due to late applications being submitted.

According to Bronagh Hammond, a spokesperson for the department, late learner applications have agreatimpact on the placement progressoflearners. She says since the beginning of November last year up until lastweekthe WCED hasreceived 10666 late applications.

By last Wednesday (7 January) 180960 learners starting in GradesR,1and 8 were successfully placed, while 7540 learners stillneeded placement

“Despite extensive publiccommunication andadvocacyencouraging parents to apply on time, thousandsofapplications arestillbeing submitted well after the official deadlines,”saidHammond.

“Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, andstaffing, andplace additionalstrain on the departmenttoplace learners immediately duringaperiod

when schools areclosed for the holidays This means thatdiscussions around placementcan only resumeonceschools reopen, delaying the process further.”

Hammondreiterated thatthe responsibility to apply on time rests with parents/guardians.She says late applicationsimpactthe entire system.Inthe meantime,Hammondsays,the WCED hasbeenworking tirelessly to place learners. Thedepartmentisengaging with schools to identify openplaces.

“The WCED will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been openfor ten days. This surveyprovides accurate data on learnernumbers in each grade,allowing the system to settle before reporting. Theinformation gathered is criticalfor determining where additionalresources–suchasfurniture andequipment– are neededand where furtherplacementopportunitiesmay exist.”

Hammondfurther encouragesparents whohavenot applied for thisyearto urgently do so at their nearestWCED DistrictOffice.InDrakenstein, parents canvisit the satelliteofficeat6Hospital Streetorcall023 348 4601.

mentedfrom15:00 to 00:30 in the area immediately surrounding the school. Access to properties willbemaintained,and traffic officials willbeon duty to assist residents, visitors and businesses. The schoolismindful of the potential inconveniencesuch an event may causeand sincerely appreciates everyone’sunderstanding, patience and cooperation as they celebrate this significant milestone in the school’s history.

Paarl Boys’High alumnusin‘CATS’

Chantélle Hartebeest

Thetalentedyoung balletstar Cleto van Rooi has come along way over the years carving a path for himself in the industry, and now he is takingonthe big stages.

VanRooi is aformerlearner of Paarl Boys’ Highand is currently athird-year student studyingmusical theatre at Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) in Cape Town. He has beenpart of adozen productionsincluding portraying thelate Dr Johaar Mosaval in the production Dreaming Dance in District Six: The Johaar Mosaval Story.Mosaval is known as the first black South African to be appointed senior principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London, being born in District Six in Cape Town in 1928.

Now Van Rooi has been cast for CATS the Musical.The show opened in December last year at Artscape and will be on stage at Johannesburg’s Teatroat

MontecasinoonSaturday (17 January).

“CATS in the theatrecommunityisaniconichistorical

Dagboek/Diary

Stuur dagboekinskrywingsteen Maandagom 12:00 vir publikasieoorwegingna paarlpost@novusmedia.co.za

SATURDAY 17 JANUARY

•LaMotte says welcome to aNew Year with “LookingBack, Looking forward” performed by Liesl Stoltz on flute and José Diasonpiano Guests arewelcome to enjoy aglass of wine and some light refreshments in theestategardens between 17:00 and 18:00

Theconcert is presented from La Motte’srenovated Parshuis or HistoricRed Wine Cellar andstarts

piece anda productionall actors andperformers would dream of being apart of.Three of my mentors, Robin vanWyk (2001

‘ZoidPsalms’ in Strooidakkerk

’n Nuwe musikaleervaring met ’n grensverskuiwende samesmelting vanheiligeen moderne klanke wagin Zoid Psalms,’nproduksiewat sy gelyke nie kennie.Kom geniet die mengselvan ikoniese kerkorrel en die sensasionele energie vanKaren Zoid se rock-kitareopVrydag13en Saterdag 14 Maart by die Strooidakkerk in diePaarl in ’n uniekeproduksie wat ouwêreldseinstrumenteen kontemporêremusiek verken –en’nspirituele en klankervaring soos g’n andernie saloplewer.Moenie diekans misloop om dié musiekreis mee te maak nie! Kaartjies is nou by Quicket te koop

promptlyat18:00. Please notethat seating is not reserved. Tickets areR350 per person. Book at https:// la-motte.com/products/classical-music-concert-17-january-2026 Makesuretostayinformed about La Motte’s Summer ConcertSeries to be announced soon. •Two Olives Ministries onderneem weer ’n Pelgrimstog na Israel. Die besprekingsvergadering vind plaas om16:30 by Spinstraat,Wellington, in die Tabernakel vanYahweh.

KontakPastoor Nico Mettler by 060559 1708 vir nog inligting.

Mr Mistoffelees),Anton Luitingh(2001 Monkustrap) and Duane Alexander(2001 Swing) were allin CATS in 2001. I am hoping to fulfill my role in CATS andmakethemproud mentors. Ihavebeenunder Van Wyk’s wing since Iwas nine yearsold.”

AccordingtoVan Rooi he wasapproachedinNovember to be part of the production after oneofthe cast memberswere injured. “I was asked to be a place-holderfor three weeks –the entire duration of my exams. It was hectic, butatthe same time an amazing,phenomenal experience. Thecast members were very welcoming andvery accommodating with examsinbetweenour rehearsals.

“The show started 10 December 2025 in CapeTown and ended on Sunday 11 January. The show nowstarts in Johannesburg on 17 Januaryand runs until 22 February. It’s been one phenomenal experience. Chal-

lenging at times as Iamaswing for sixdifferentcharacters–costumes,makeup, wigs,all different.Itissorewarding when we successfully endeachshow. Eachtimeexperiencing and learningsomething new. Each performance IhopeI make my mentorsand lecturersproud.” Van Rooi added thathe doesn’t thinkthathereallyhad the time to think about how privileged andfortunate he is to be part of CATS,because it all happened so fast. “I am performing in amusical that all actors would cast aside any other role for.And for this beingmyprofessional debut in musicaltheatregives me goosebumps;Ineedtopinch myself to realise this is my current reality. Thankyou to the staff anddirectors for havingfaith in me andgivingmethisamazing opportunity, Pieter Toerien and GWBEntertainmentfor seeingmeand bringingthislittle boy into the world of musical Theatre.”

Eish! Reis saam metRuan in sy soekenawareliefde

Op my eish! keer vanaand(Donderdag 15 Januarie) terug na kykNET met’n nuwe seisoen vol vars energie en romanse. Hierdiekeer is dit die voormalige rugbyspeler RuanSmithwat sy hart op die spel plaasindie hoop om iemand te ontmoet saam metwie hy ’n toekoms kan bou.

Kykers kanregskuif vir’nseisoenvol verrassings, egte interaksiesenonvergeetlike oomblikke.

Ná honderdeinskrywings vir ’n kans om om Ruansehart meeteding, het hy 16 vroue gekies om hom te ontmoet. Hy kan egter net 12 saam methom op die reis neem, wat nog meer spanning, emosie en onverwagte oomblikke bied.

In vorige seisoene het die tweebuiteperde altyd in dieselfde episode hul

Ruan Smith(links) en sy tweelingbroer,JP, wathom in Op my eish! gaan bystaan op sy soekenaliefde.

opwagting gemaak, maar hierdiekeer verskyn hulle uit die bloute –wanneer Ruan ditdie minste verwag.Dit het nienet spanningonder die vrouelaat opvlam nie, maar ooktot ’n paaruitdagende besluitegelei,wat dieverloopvan diéseisoengewis beïnvloed het. Diéseisoenbring nienet opwindende aktiwiteite en romantieseafsprake nie, maar ook’nklompsoene– en dieeerste eenwordsommeralinepisode twee geplant. Dievroeë vonke voorspel’n onstuimige liefdesreis waaremosies vinnigopvlam en bande onverwagsvorm. VirRuan was dit ’n emosionele reis vol verrassings en waardevolle lesse “Ekisongelooflikopgewonde oorhierdie nuwe seisoenomnuweliefde te vind,” sê hy.Moenie ditmisloop nie.

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RosesUnited neem voortouinWitsentraal

VrouespaninBolandliga

Charl Williams

Die Roses United-rugbyklub het geskiedenis gemaak deur die eerste klub in die Witsentraal-streek te word wat amptelik tot die BolandRugbyunie se vrouerugbyliga toegelaat is –’nmylpaal wat vrouerugby en gemeenskapsontwikkeling in die streek na nuwe hoogtes neem.

Volgens die klubsevoorsitter, Herman Bailey, is die aanvaarding nie net ’n sportprestasie nie, maar die vervulling van ’n langtermynvisie om rugbymeer inklusiefentoegankliktemaak.

“Hierdie is ’n trotse oomblik vir Roses United en virWitsentraal. Dit bewys wanneer ’n gemeenskap en ’n klubmet ’n gedeelde visie saamstaan, is groot dingemoontlik,” het Bailey gesê.

RosesUnitedisdie eersteklubindie Witsentraal-streek watmet ’n vrouerugbyspan totdie Boland-rugbyunieseVrouerugbyliga

toetree Foto:Taschen Hendricks

Roses Unitedsetoetrede bevestig sy posisie as ’n voorloper in die streekenstuur ’n sterk boodskap dat vroue se rugby nie netgroeinie,maar ernstig opgeneemword. Die klubhoop dat sy sukses ander plaaslike klubs salinspireer om ook vrouespanne te stig. Diepad na deelname was egternie sonderstruikelblokke nie. Volgens Bailey moes die klubeersseker maak datgenoeg belangstellingonder vroue bestaan voordat die formele proses aangepakkon word. Ná aanvanklike gesprekke, gelei deur Francois Oliphant en Marisan Allies, is vinnig oorgegaan totdie streng administratiewe vereistes wat deur Boland Rugby gestel word. ’n Verdere bron vaninspirasie vir jong spelersisdie feit

Adams se leierskap groot stap vorentoe virHillies

Charl Williams

Die nuutverkosevoorsittervan die Hillcrest United-rugbyklub, FionaAdams, beskryfhaar aanstelling as die eerste vrou in dié rol as ’n oomblik van groot persoonlike en historiese betekenis VirAdams –’nboorling van Wellington en voormalige sportaanbieder by ’n plaaslike radiostasie –isdit nie net ’n persoonlike prestasie nie, maar ook ’n belangrike stap vorentoe virdie kluben die breër Witsentraal-gemeenskap. Sy is nederig oor die mylpaal, maar sê dit is inspirerendenbring die verantwoordelikheidommet integriteit te leien jong vrouetewys dat leiersrolle binne hul bereik is.

Deursigtigheid en gemeenskapseienaarskap vorm diekern vanAdams se leierskapstyl. Sy glo oopkommunikasie en aktiewe betrokkenheid is noodsaaklik en beplan om lede en die gemeenskap op hoogte te hou van belangrike besluite, doelwitte en uitdagings. Volgens haar moet mense ook meer geleenthedekry om hul stemtelaat hoor, sodat Hillcrest United die waardesenbehoeftes van sy gemeenskapweerspieël.

In haar eerste jaarasvoorsitterwil Adams op die versterking van die klub se hoekstene fokus. Dit sluit in beter bestuur en deursigtigheid,die ontwikkeling en ondersteuning van spelers en afrigters,asookfinansiëlestabiliteit en volhoubaarheid. Sy sê ’n sterker verbintenis met die gemeenskap en ’n gedeelde visie vir die toekoms is noodsaaklikom die klub na nuwehoogtes te neem. Sy sien die verhouding tussen die klub, spelers, ondersteuners en die Hillcrest-gemeenskap as ’n vennootskap. Wanneer

almal verbind is, word die klub volgens haar meerasnet ’n rugbyinstelling –dit word’nsentrum waar trots en samehorigheidheers. Inklusiwiteit en veiligheid isvir Adamsononderhandelbaar. Sy wildeurhaar voorbeeld lei en verseker datHillcrest United ’n ruimte blywaar respek, insluiting en veiligheid op en wegvan die veld af geld.Duidelike beleide, oop gesprekke en geen verdraagsaamheid vir diskriminasie of onveilige gedrag is deel van haarbenadering. As ’n sterk voorstaander van vrouesport wil Adams vrouerugby by Hillcrest United op ’n volhoubare manier ontwikkel.Haar visie sluit sterk ontwikkelingspaaie van juniortot seniorvlak, belegginginafrigting en ondersteuningstrukture en groter sigbaarheid vir die vrouespel in. Sy verwys ooknaRoses Unitedsesukses as inspirasie vir wat moontlik is. Haar boodskap aandie Hillies-familie is eenvan eenheid.“Dit is nie my Hillies ofjou Hillies nie –dit is ónsHillies.”

datdie huidige hulpafrigter vandie Springbok-vrouespan, Franzel September,’nRoses United-boorlingis–’nbewys datinternasionale geleenthede ookvanuit klein gemeenskappe kan spruit Bailey beklemtoon dat die vrouespan metdieselfde status

en ondersteuning as die manspannebehandel salword. “Daar salgeenonderskeid wees nie. Dieselfde hulpbronne virfisieke,emosionele en professionele ontwikkeling salvir al onsspelers beskikbaar wees,” hethygesê.

Dieklubglo dat vrouerugby ’n kragtige instrumentvir leierskapsontwikkeling en sosiale opheffing kan wees –veral in gemeenskappe waarsosio-ekonomiese uitdagings ’n daaglikse werklikheid is Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid wordas’nsleutelfaktor in die sukses van die span beskou Die2026-seisoen salhoofsaaklikopdie vestiging van die span binne’nprofessionele en gestruktureerde omgewing fokus, sowel as op dieontwikkeling van ’n volhoubaretalentpyplyn virdie streekendie Boland. Methierdie historiesestap posisioneer RosesUnited RFC hom/haarself nienet as ’n rugbyklub nie, maar as ’n gemeenskapsorganisasie wat sport as ’n voertuigvir groei, diensen vooruitgang gebruik

WinelandsRacea seeding eventfor CT CycleTour

TheRhodes Quality Winelands Cycle Race on 25 January is approaching and entries are filling up fast. Theevent combines breath-taking scenery with camaraderie making it ahighlight on the cycling calendar. Therace will start and finishatHuguenot PrimarySchoolin Wellingtonand willbeanexcellentrace to help yougearupand improve your seeding for the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2026.

There willbetwo races(102 km and52 km) under the auspices of the PedalPower Association, with online registration andseeding by CTCT and timingbyFinish Time.The raceswillstartinGeneral Hertzog Boulevard in frontofthe school andfromthere cyclists can travelontwo routesinto the rural Riebeek/Paardeberg area

Thefirstraceover 102km startsat 06:00 (entry fee is R480 and students aged 16-17 pay R430). It is for more experiencedridersand willbeaseedingrace forthe Cape Town CycleTour. Theroute

takesriders through scenicvineyards andwheatfieldstoHermon, Riebeek West andbacktoWellington viaVoor Paardeberg

Thesecond race,over52km, is nota seedingrace (entryfee R360) andisideal for the whole family.Scholarsaged16-17 pay R320. Riders traveltoVoor Paardebergand backtoWellington. At the finishthere will be avarietyoffoodand beverage stalls as well as medals,a lucky draw anda bike park.

Theclosing date for on-line registration is Monday19Januaryat17:00, but late entrieswillbeallowed onlineuntil 22 Januaryand at all numbercollection points provided the limit of 2500 riders hasnot been reached.

Thelate entryfee for 102km is R550 andfor 52km is R430.

For more information on the route and to enter, go to www.winelandscyclerace. co.za.

Theproceeds of the race go to charity projects supported by Paarl Rotary.