Paarl Post – E-edition – 26 February 2026

Seun (9) verdrink in swembad

Met temperature wat Saterdag(21 Februarie) byna 40 °C in Wellington bereikhet, het talle mense hulle na die openbare swembaddens vir ’n bietjielafenisgehaas. Die dag het egter ’n tragiese nadraai gehad toe ’n jong seun by die Weltevrede- openbareswembad verdrinkhet.

Drakenstein-munisipaliteit het die hartseer nuus in ’n verklaring bevestig.

“Omstreeks 14:00 hetmenseredders aan diens ’n kind wat indie noodwas in die water opgemerk Hulle hetonmiddellik gereageer en die seun, ongeveer nege jaar oud, uit dieswembad gehaal.”

Volgens diemunisipaliteit het die menseredders resussitasiepogings voortgesit totdat nooddienste op die toneel opgedaag het.

“Tenspyte van alle pogingshet die mediese span die dood van die seun met leedwese bevestig.”

Die munisipaliteit het hul leedwese met familie gedeel.

Kol Johan Barkhuizen, Wellington-polisie se stasiebevelvoerder, het die insident bevestig

Pleine word ontwikkel

Jana Scheepers

Die voorgestelde verkoop van gedeeltes van Vander Lingen-en Patriot-pleinindie Paarl hetaandag getrek nadattweeonafhanklike waardasies beduidend verskillende pryskaartjies op die eiendomme geplaashet –onderskeidelik R24,48 miljoen en R9,8 miljoen, waarvan dielaer prysdeurdie munisipaliteit

’n Tweede onafhanklike waardasie het ’n verkoopprys vanR9800000 aanbeveel, watuiteindelik deur die munisipaleraad as die voorgestelde transaksiewaarde uitgewysis.

Die raadsverslag verduidelikdat hierdie laer bedrag verskeie ontwikkelingsvoorwaardes en beperkings weerspieëlwat aan die eiendom gekoppelis. Dit sluit in:

•Die behoud van parkeerruimtes;

regverdiging virdie laerverkoopprys.

Dievoorgestelde transaksie is onderhewigaan openbare deelname en goedkeuringsprosesse.

Dieprosesistansoop viropenbare deelname en sluitop5Maart.

DMSETERUGVOER

“Die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit (DM) se raad hetdie vervreemding van Patriot- en Van derLingenpleininbeginsel

Saak teen pr

weer eens ui

Chantélle Hartebeest

Die hofsaak van die plaaslike en ontslaande prokureurBen van Heerden is weer eens uitgestel.

Van Heerden het verlede Donderdag (19 Februarie)weer in die Paarl-streekshof op aanklagte van bedrog verskyn. Eric Ntabazalila, ’n woordvoerder vir die NasionaleVervolgingsgesag in die Wes-Kaap, sê die aanklagte het gevolg nadat Van Heerden na bewering voortgegaan het om as’n prokureur te praktiseer en in die proses geld van kliënteontvang het, hoewel hy verbied is om dit te doen.

Van Heerden is volgensdie regspraktykraad reeds op 17 November2022 van dierol geskrapendie beweerde misdade is glo in 2023 gepleeg.

“Hyword aangekla van bedrog(alternatiewelik diefstal) van sowat R3,2 miljoen en statutêre oortredings [Aanklag 2en3]van die Wet op Regspraktyk,” sê Ntabazalila.

Die aanklagte teen Van Heerden is aanhangig gemaak deur Rhys van Wyk, ’n sakeman van diePaarl, en Marén de Klerk, ’n Namibiese prokureur.

Van Wyk beweer hy het bykans R300 000 aan Van Heerden oorbetaal vir ’n huursaak wat nooit afgehandel is nie.

De Klerk het na beweringso-

Foot-and-Mouthcrisisupdate

ChantélleHartebeest

Active measures are in place and implemented to avoid any further spread of the Foot-andMouth Disease(FMD) in the Western Cape and the rest of the country.

On Friday (20 February) morning PremierAlan Winde together with Dr Ivan Meyer,provincial minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, gave an update of the Western Cape's response to the FMD outbreak, which has beendeclared as anationaldisasterinSouth Africa.

"This is abig issue foragriculture, it'sabig issuefor the animals in our provinceand we've got to protect those animals and the industry, but it is not transferable to humans," says Winde.

"It'show we move on and off farms, how we move in areas that are infectedand just make sure we understand whatthose biosecuritymeasures are.They are critical. We've gottomake sure we don'tenable the spread across this province, so that we can keep the jobs of those people whoput food on the table everyday."

FMD is an infectiousdisease and cause painful sores in the mouth and aroundthe hoovesof cloven-hoofed animalslike cattle, sheep,goats and pigs

"Our food security is safe. There is no food security risk," Meyer emphasized. "The Western Cape havefive confirmed cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.Why is

this important? It isvery important because agriculture is 11% of the Western Cape's economy andthe livestock industry in the WesternCape is [worth] about R13.5 billion. So, thisisasignificant industry in the Western Cape. It also employs about 50 000 people."

FMDWASDETECTEDINMBEKWENI

Meyer disclosed that the national MinisterofAgriculture John Steenhuisen is currently issuing aGovernmentGazette in which theywill further announce control andmovement measures.

Earlier this month apositive case of FMD was detected in Mbekweni within the Drakenstein-municipality. Thearea have since been placed underimmediate veterinary quarantine.This case hasalso prompted theprovincial government to enable a21-point plan that include 24/7border controls and apermit systemand recovery involvingcleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas. Meyer said they have been flooded with many questions from the public. Forthis reason aFMD hotline has been set up in theWestern Cape andisalready active. The contact number is 080 9284102 andthe email address is fmdhotline@westerncape.gov.za.

The National FMD Control Centre Toll-Free Number is 0860 246 640.

Dr Noluvuyo Magadla, Director for Animal Healthfor the Western Cape Department for Agriculture, explainedthe province's vaccine roll out strategy.

"Our main aim nowistovaccinate as manyanimals as possible to minimize the FMD transmission within the province andto prevent any new virus introduction. Newvirus introduction we are preventing by limiting the movement into the Western Cape and also limiting introductions into the farms, which are still not infected up to now. How are we doingthat? We are targeting all the infected herds. Immediately when we hearthere are suspected clinical signs we send an officialtocheck thatherd andwe vaccinate immediately. We are no longerwaiting for the lab results. We do take blood samples for lab testing, but we vaccinate immediately. We also vaccinate the immediatefarms close by."

According to Magadla they will also vaccinate all high risk herds.

"Anexample of those are our informal settlements and which we don't have controlover and the animals are roaming all over. The next target is ourdiary herds, which we are prioritizing. We had discussions with the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) andprivate vets who will be assisting us. We are also vaccinating beef herds, which are also highrisk."

It was also disclosedthatprivate veterinarians are nowbeing roped in to help with vaccines. It hasbeen made clearthatthe vaccine are provided by national government andtherefore it is free of charge. During the meeting it hasbeen confirmed thatthe

Western Cape's vaccine doses will be scaled up to 400 000 doses.

Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery in Franschhoek also showed their support for farmers and thecause to help curb FMD on Friday morning. The roastery made a significant contribution towards the disaster relief fund of the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai). The donation of R500 000 will help bring relief to farmers who have been hit hard by the FMDoutbreak

Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof, said: "When you enjoy acup of coffee withus, you stand with ourfarmers. Together we are building astronger agricultural sectorand protecting food security for the future."

VACCINATETHENATIONALHERD

Dr Theo de Jager, Chair of Saai, added: "Family farms are the backbone of food security.When they fall, communities fallwith them. This partnership proves thatthe privatesector is willing to take responsibilitywhen systemsfail."

Winde and Meyer reiterated their support for farmers with multiple FMD Joint Operations Centres (JOC) and their commitment to keeping thepublic informed about theprovince's FMDresponse. In themeantime, Steenhuisen welcomed theone million high-potency FMD vaccines that arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday (21 February).

"We have decided to vacci-

natethe national herd of 14 million cattle. This requires 28 million vaccines over thenext 12 months,"said President Cyril Ramaphosa during theState of theNation Address.

Rojeanne de Wet,spokesperson for Agri Western Cape, confirmed on Tuesday (24 February)that over 12 000 vaccinations have already been administered within theprovince.

"The Western Cape willreceive 30,000 vaccines from the1 million that arrived in South Africa over thepast weekend. Vaccines are used exclusively for emergency vaccinations within thebiosecurity zones," saysDeWet She also confirmed that vaccinations havebeen done in Klapmuts, withsurrounding farms also being vaccinated based on a risk analysis and theavailability of vaccines from theWestern Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services.

"Agri Western Cape urges producers to strictly implement biosecuritymeasures, not to move animals without proper documentation, and to immediately report any suspicious symptoms to their nearest stateveterinarian."

Vragmotorbeskadig Bainskloofpas

JanaScheepers

’n Vragmotorongeluk het onlangs weer op die Bainskloofpas plaasgevinden wesenlike skade is aan dieinfrastruktuur op diepas aangemeld. Diékeer het dievragmotorbestuurder buitendien sukkel-sukkel deur die pas aangery, nie die ongeluk aangemeld nieenisdus nie vasgetrek nie.

VolgensStephan Landsberg,VFPlusraadslid in die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit (DM),wat hom beywer vir die beveiliging van die pas deur die plaaslikemunisipaliteiteverantwoordbaar te hou en dit reeds na provinsiale valk geëskaleer het,het die ongeluknet ná middernag op 20Februarie in die vroeëoggendure plaasgevind.

Landsberg hetgesê daar word vermoed dat die vragmotor te wyd virdie pas was en gevolglik in sekere area’s in die pas vasgesit en dit beskadig het.

Op foto’s kan gesien word hoe die vragmotor ’n brugbeskadig het, asook ’n gedeeltevan die klipmuur, soveel so dat die vragmotor se allooi-wieldoppe gebreek het.

Die koerant het navrae aan die Wellington-polisie gerig, maar volgens kol. Barkhuizen,stasiebevelvoerder van die Wellington-polisie, is daar geen saak aangemeld nie ’n Paar dae tevore het tweetoerbusse glo ook die roete gebruik en deur die Preekstoel-gebied gery. Daarna is rommel en drankbottelsindie omgewing aangetref, sê Barkhuizen.

Landsberg voer aandat belastingbetalers telkensdie koste van herstelwerk moet dra, terwyl oortreders min of geen gevolge in die gesig staar nie.

Landsberg het in ’n verklaring gesê dat verskeie VF Plus-mosies reeds sedert

Oktober verlede jaar by die DM se raad ingedien is waarin optrede en terugvoering versoek is. Die mosies, wat in Oktober 2025, Desember2025 en Januarie 2026 ter tafel gelê is, is volgens homófafgestemóf onbeantwoord gelaat

Hy meendaar is tans onduidelikheid oor watter owerheid verantwoordelikheid moet neem vir die beskermingvan die pas. Hy het verwysnadie DM, die Kaapse Wynland-distriksmunisipaliteit (KWDM) en die Wes-Kaapse provinsiale regering, en gesê dat die gebrek aan gekoördineerde optrede tot verdere skade lei.

TOLHEK

Daarword reeds sedert 2017 gepleit vir

die instelling van ’n tolstelsel soortgelyk aan dié van Chapman's PeakDrive. Volgens Landsberg is daar nog egter geen stappe deur die provinsiale regering geneem om so ’n stelsel te implementeer nie.

Paarl Post het in Februarie verledejaar oor die voorstel berig en geskryfdat die provinsiale departement van infrastruktuur nog geen planne opgestel het om ’n tolhek by die pasaan te bring nie.

Sou’ntolhek in die toekoms oorweeg word, sal dit ’n uitgebreide konsultasieproses verg, het die departement in sy terugvoering gesê.

NASIONALEMONUMENT

Die Bainskloofpas is ’n nasionale monu-

ment wat tussen 1849 en 1853 deur Andrew Geddes Bain gebou is.

Die pas, nou sowat 173 jaar oud,was een van die eerstegroot deurgange na die binneland en is oorspronklik virossewaens ontwerp.

Die VF Plus het in sy verklaring gesê hy sal voortgaan om druk op die owerhedeuit te oefen vir konkreteoplossings en groter beskerming vandie bergpas.

Editorial Comment

Paarl Post

Preservation or growth?

Arecent letter to thisnewspaper, though not published this week, has articulated whatmany Paarl residents have been thinkingand communicatinglately: that Paarl stands at acritical crossroads betweenprogress and preservation.

The observation is difficulttodispute. Overthe past decade, and withincreasing pace in recentyears, Paarl has witnessed visible transformation. Where vineyards oncestretched towardsthe mountains, shopping centres andgated communities now stand. Farmsthat havedefinedour landscapefor generations are giving way to office parks and commercial developments

The letter writer’s reflection —that Paarl’s characterlies in “the mountains, the vineyards, the historical buildings and thelandscapes that make ourtown unique” —speaks of whathas madethis town desirable.Yet therein lies theparadox: these qualities attract development –and development, unchecked, threatens the very characteristics that made growth possible.

wegaan geveerde eteinDrakenstein

Pitkos

En God is by magteomaan jullealles in oorvloed te skenk, sodat julleinalleopsigte altydvan allesgenoegkan hê en volopkan bydravir elkegoeiewerk –2Korintiërs9:8

Ek drinkrustig en suinig aan jou, want jy komvan verafommyverlangenahuis en haardteblus.

Jy’t jou goedjies opgepak,jou perd opgesaal en die reis na die verreOoste aangepak. Jou kopbesluit wasnugter vanaardenjou hartengees ruim genoeg omdie vreemdeteomhels. Iewers in jou gedagteganghet jy geweet –jysal die boegoewaterenwildealsmoet verruil vir wieweetwat op jou salwag.Jysal die geur vanvarsgebakteharders en soetsuurdeegbrood moet agterlaatvir smake en geurewat ’n ander deuntjie sing.Jou kollektiewelangtermyn geheue bring bietjievrede omdat jy al iewers in jou lewensreis ’n soortgelykedraai gemaakhet En daaidraai vrahareopjou tande Ditvra vir uithou, aanhou en vasbyt want hier waar jy nou is, lykjou lêplek soveel anders. Dietaalwat joumagoed en jyself al te goed ken, is hier nie hoorbaar nie. Die kultuurgoed watjou na hartelus konlaat lagofhuil, is hier nievan

sprakenie,wantAsiëisnie Afrikanie Jou kieskeurigepalet salmoet plek maak virdit watvolksvreemd is, anders as dit watjyeensaan gewoond was. Troosjou daaraan dat die smake en geure vanhiereersdaagssylêplekbyjou sal maak. Dienoedels,tofu,seegrassop en gebraaide seekat salweldradie plek van koningskos inneem.

Hoe dan nou anders as die geur van hoenderpastei,geelrys en soet wortelsnie meer op die spyskaartwil verskyn nie?

En as die kultuurdikteer dat jy die taal moet praat, maardie woordeskatontbreek om jou hartsgoed te kommunikeer, dan beginjystadig maarseker ’n woordof drie aanteleer. En as dit moet dan span jy maarvir Google-goed in om die nodige te doen. En as die viering van’nNuweJaar hier ergerklink as die bendegeweldopdie Kaapse Vlaktes, dan blyjymaaroopkop en omhels die andersheid vanhierwees. En stuur jy saggies maardingend ’n skietgebednaBodat die pynenhartseer vandie Kaapse Vlaktesiewerstot ’n einde salkom.

En as ons die maand vanliefdeopeie bodem vier,dan kies ek om my spatseltjies daarvan hier in die VerreOoste te deel. Meteensworddie vreemde ’n vriendelikereisgenoot,wordmyrieldans vervleg met die ritme vanOostersetromme Ek laat toedat my hunkeringnadie eens

bekende dinge en plekkeruimtemaak vir’nsplinternuwe avontuur. Disinmy oopmaakvan kop, hart en sieldat ek die soetegeurvan die vreemde ontdek. En totmyverbasingloop ek hier raak –die menswat anders lykenpraat maar togbereidisommyasvreemdelingte aanvaar.

En wanneer ek deur die gangetjiesvan die nou bekende straatmarkwandel, dan valmyoog die hardervissie op kole gebraai. Doenhulle dit ook hier?Ja, is die antwoord–ons is nieverwyderdvan mekaarnie.Enloop ek ’n entjieverder, ontdek ek ’n bottelrooiwyn wataldie pad uitdie hartjievan die Swartlandingevoer is.Entot my verbasing sien ek op ’n winkelrak ’n pakkie rooibostee uitClanwilliam se gewestesorgvuldig verpak En hier waar ek nou is, sitekrustig terugendrink genotvol aanmykoppie rooibostee,gevul met liefde uitAfrika. Jy komvan veraf, om my verlange na huis en haardteblus.

Mindful practitionerhas newbook

JanaScheepers

APaarl resident who spent nearly three decades in the financialservices sectorand nowworks as amindful practitioner is inviting readersinto what shedescribes as the defining moments of her first 50 years and howthey ultimately shaped herpurpose.

In her debut book, Pivotal Points, Bronwen Baymen (51) reflects on alife journeythat spans motherhood, grief, corporate leadershipand, ultimately, spiritual awakening. The memoir, completedinjust weeksbut rooted in years of reflection, willbe launched in Paarl next month.

“In Pivotal Points, [the book] invites you into the intimate landscape of [Bronwen's] first fifty years, wherenothing is wasted and everything becomes ateacher,” she said.

The book traces herpath “throughmotherhood, griefand corporate journeys to spiritual awakening and self-discovery; she shows how the seeminglyinsignificant moments are often the ones thatguide us.”

It is, she said,“abook about paying attention and trusting the signs.It's about seeing the human first, in others and in yourself. And about realising that every step,even the painful ones, prepares you for the lifeyou are meant to live.”

According to Baymen,readers can expect adeeplyreflective

experience.“It isa book that will leave you feeling inspired and will spark reflective thoughts aboutyourown journey, based on the pivotal points that have shaped your life.”

PAARLTOPURPOSEFULPRACTICE

Born and raised in Paarl, Bronwen attendedLKZeeman Primary and Klein Nederburg Secondary School, growing up largely in her grandmother’s homeinAmstelhof, Paarl East She later obtainedaBSc degree from StellenboschUniversity before embarking ona three-decade career in financial services. Over time, she developed a passion for healing andcoaching, ashift that wouldeventually redefine her professionalpath. In 2022, she founded MindfulPractice, blending her corporate experience with mindfulness-based techniques to support individuals and groups -especially working women -inpersonaldevelopment. Through her work, she says she aims tocreate spaces where people feel seen, heard and supported, guiding them on what she describes as an innertransformative journey. Theexperiences thatinformed this transition are documentedchronologically in PivotalPoints.

WRITTENINASEASONOFREFLECTION

Although thebook was writtenover the Christmas holidays of2025 “in arecord amount of time”, Baymen described it as theculminationofyears of inner

work. During December 2025 she revisited the significant events of her life, expanding on the framework of ashort e-book she had produced two years earlier. She described the process as “flowy and easy, yet intense”, requiring her to relive both the highs andthe lows of her first 50 years. Maintaining adaily rou-

tine of walking and meditating, she says,supported her creative process.

The experience, she added, was “deeply healing; as if adeeper level within her soul has unlocked.”According to Bayman, she examined each of thefivedecades of her life, identifying thedefining or pivotalmomentswithin each

period. She explains that apivotal moment may be something celebratory, such as starting anew job or gettingmarried,but it can equally arise from adversity.

ForBayman, these pivotal momentsincluded losing her husband, becoming asingle mother, living abroad and navigating thedemands of thecorporate financial sector. She says these experiences, bothaffirming and challenging, shaped her intothe person she is today.

The lessons she learned from these defining periods, she added, have equipped her to guide and educateothers through their own life transitions.

The manuscriptwas submitted to Kintsukuroi Consulting for editing in early January 2026.

BOOKDETAILSANDLAUNCH

Pivotal Points spans 55 000 words across 16 chapters and 327 pages. It is priced at R299 and is available in-store at Exclusive Books at theWinelandsSquare in Paarl, or can be shipped to any other Exclusive Books branch in thecountry.

The book can also be purchased locally via theKintsukuroi Online shop and internationally through Amazon.

Alimited in-person book launch will take place at Exclusive Books, WinelandsSquare, Paarl, on 26 March 2026 at 18:00 where Stephen Korabie (mayor of theDrakenstein Municipality) is set to attend.Readers are required to RSVP in advance.

From having brainsurgery to becoming abrain surgeon...

ChantélleHartebeest

The young and outspoken Cadi de Jager from Paarl recently started studying towards her medical degree, years after shetoldSouth Africans as alittlegirl that she wants to become apediatric neurosurgeon.

Herdetermination has cemented her vision and now Cadi looks forward to make her dream areality.

Cadi de Jager

Aboutadecade ago Cadi stole theheart of the nation when she wasan ambassador for the Red Cross Children's Hospital (RCCH). At the time she had underwent brain surgerythere andCadiwas very candid, and especially educated, about her condition using big medical terms. Thisiswhat many found fascinating.

"When Iwas 7years oldI was diagnosedwithacraniopharyngioma. Thisis amalignant brain tumour and in many casesitislife threatening. Myfamily was utterly distraughtand spent many months crying behind closeddoors and praying to God askingfor His protection Ayear later Iwentfor aCTscan which revealed that the tumour had no calcifications. This meantthat my diagnosis was changed to aRathke's Cleftcyst whichisacyst andnot abrain tumour and is also much less dangerousthan a braintumour. Manybelieve thatI was incorrectlydiagnosed,but Ifirmly believed that Godchanged mydiagnosis as He has big plans for my life."

After Cadi had the cyst endoscopically removedatRCCH she was interviewed by astaff member who regularlyinterviews patients about their stay at the hospital. Cadiimpressed so muchthat she was asked to becomea mini ambassador for RCCH to help themintheir campaign to raise R10 million to builda bigger and better intensive care unit "This allowed me the opportunity to appear on television shows, radio stations, newspaper andmagazinearticles and spread awareness aboutthe campaign andthe great impactitwouldhave on not only the children at the hospital, but children all over SouthAfrica. This opportunity allowed me to play asmall part in makingadifferenceinsomeone

else's lifeand showothers thateven asmall actof kindness canchangethe world,"Cadi reflects.

Since then Cadi enjoyed a healthy childhood, buthad to getthe same surgery at 16-years-old when her vision began deteriorating

"We were all concerned as we knew thatmyvision was an indicator of whether the cyst wasgrowing or not. I underwent the same procedure atGroote SchuurHospital. Three yearslater, Iamdoing amazingly, even though Iface small day-to-day challenges."

Cadi matriculated fromCurro Durbanvillelast yearwalking away withsix distinctions. She says after receiving her matricresults it felt as if her dream of becominga pediatric neurosurgeonwas so faraway. Cadi even questionedwhether itwas truly her purpose,but through everyemotionshe did notgive up.

"I waited,not always patiently and continued to believethatGod placed this desire to study medicine in my heart for areason. When Ireceived the call to say that Iwas accepted it felt completely unreal. It felt as if Iwas living in a dream. Now, amonth later, Ihaveto pinchmyself becauseIcan't believe that Iamtrulyliving my dream andfulfilling my destiny."

SinceCadi started her studies at Stellenbosch University,she hasbeen overwhelmedbygratitudeevery day.

"I am so grateful every daythatI get to live my dream and this is what motivates me to keep going even when things get tough. Even thoughthis will be averylongand difficult journey, my reason for pursuing medicine is deeply rootedinmyheart andwillbewhatI holdonto when the journey aheadfeels like an uphill battle.

"Mydream is to be apediatric neurosurgeonthatactswith kindness and compassion. Iwanttoserve others and putmypatients at ease knowing that theirdoctor also hadbrain surgery.

Mostimportantly, Iwant to give back the giftof childhood, just as my surgeons didfor me."

DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALITY ADJUSTMENTSBUDGET FOR2025/2026

No ce is herebygiven in terms of sec on 21Aofthe Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 and sec on 26 of theMunicipalBudgetandRepor ngRegula onsthatthe Municipal Council on 25 February 2026, approved an AdjustmentsBudgetfor2025/2026

The Adjustments Budget2025/2026for Drakenstein Municipality canbeviewed on theMunicipalWebsiteat: www.drakenstein.gov.za and copieswillalsobeavailable during office hours(and also a�er hoursatlibraries that offera�erhourservices)atthefollowingvenues:

•MarketStreetLibrary,Paarl

•GroenheuwelLibrary,Paarl

•DrakensteinLibrary,PaarlEast

•MbekweniLibrary,Mbekweni

•ThusongMul -PurposeCentre,Mbekweniand

•PaarlEast

•WellingtonCustomerCareCentre

•VanWyksvleiLibrary,Wellington •JanvanRiebeeckLibrary,Wellington

•Library,Hermon

•MunicipalOfficeandLibrary,Gouda

•MunicipalOfficeandLibrary,Saron

•CivicCentre,Paarl.

Forany further informa on with regard to the Adjustments Budget, please contact the Budget Office, Civic Centre, BergRiver Boulevard, Paarl at telephone 021-8074500

DR JH LEIBBRANDT CITYMANAGER

Paarl Post:26February2026

DRAKENSTEIN MUNISIPALITEIT

AANSUIWERINGSBEGROTING VIR 2025/2026

Kennis geskied hiermee kragtens ar kel21A vandie

MunisipaleStelselswet,Nr.32van 2000,en ar kel26van die Munisipale Begro ng en Verslagdoening Regulasies datdie Munisipale Raad op 25 Februarie 2026 die Aansuiweringsbegro ngvir2025/2026goedgekeurhet.

Die Aansuiweringsbegro ng vir 2025/2026 kanbesig g word op Drakenstein Munisipaliteit se webblad by: www.drakenstein.gov.za en afskri�esal ookbeskikbaar wees gedurende kantoorure(asookna-urebybiblioteke watna-ureoopis)bydievolgendekantore:

•Markstraat Biblioteek, Paarl

•Groenheuwel Biblioteek, Paarl

•Drakenstein Biblioteek, Paarl-Oos

•Mbekweni Biblioteek, Mbekweni

•Thusong Veeldoelige Sentrum, Mbekweni en PaarlOos

•WellingtonKliëntedienssentrum

•Van WyksvleiBiblioteek, Wellington

•Jan vanRiebeeckBiblioteek, Wellington

•Biblioteek, Hermon

•Munisipale KantoreenBiblioteek, Gouda

•Munisipale KantoreenBiblioteek, Saron

•Burgersentrum, Paarl.

Virenige verdereinlig ng metbetrekkingtot die Aansuiweringsbegro ng,kontakdie Begro ngskantoor, Burgersentrum, Bergrivier Boulevard, Paarlbytelefoon 021-8074500.

DR JH LEIBBRANDT

STADSBESTUURDER

Paarl Post:26Februarie 2026

NM10048474-PL260226

Menstrualproductsusedbymillions of South Africans maycontain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Pads ‘far from safe,’ study says

Menstrual products usedbymillions of South Africans may be harmful, containing hormone-disrupting chemicals, even when marketed as “free from harmful chemicals”, new research fromthe University of the Free State (UFS) hasfound.

The findings raise concerns about potential long-termhealth risks, includinganincreased risk of serious illnesses such as cancer

Published in thejournal Science of the Total Environment,the study found that everysanitarypad and pantyliner tested contained at leasttwo endocrine-disruptingchemicals(EDCs), raising concerns about consumer safety, transparency and long-term exposure.

The research was conducted by aUFS team, including Janine Blignaut (PhD candidate), Dr Gabre Kemp(Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry), Prof Elizabeth Erasmus(Department of Chemistry), Prof Deon Visser (head of the Department of Chemistry) and Prof Marietjie Schutte-Smith(Department of Chemistry).

“Our studyhighlightsa concerning reality regarding thesafety of menstrual products,” saidVisser.

“Many sanitarypads andliners contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, even when they are marketed as being ‘free from harmful chemicals’.”

CHEMICALSFOUND ACROSS ALLPRODUCTS TESTED

The UFS research team analysed 16 brandsofsanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners(such as Always, Kotex, Libresse,Lil-lets and Stayfree), popular in South Africanretail stores. The study focused on three groupsofendocrine-disruptingchemicals(EDCs) namey phthalates,bisphenols(including BPA) and parabens.

The findings showed widespread contamination acrossall products tested. Every single pad andliner contained at least twoofthe target chemicals.

The findings showed widespread contamination acrossall products tested. Every single pad andliner contained at least twoofthe target chemicals, bisphenolsweredetected in 100% of sanitary pads and 75% of pantyliners, while parabens were found in more than 81% of pads and 75% of liners.

Phthalates were present in all pantyliners tested and in 50% of sanitary pads. Theresearchers noted these substances are not always added intentionally, but may migrateinto products from plastics, adhesivesand manufacturingprocesses.

“The heat-pressingprocesscan cause thesechemicalstomove intothe top layerthat touches one’s skin,”Visser explained

Although the levels detected in a single product may appear small the researchers emphasised the concern lay in repeated exposure over time.

Menstrual products come into contact with mucosal tissue, which absorbs chemicals more quickly and directly than normal skin. Most individuals use theseproductsfor several days each month over several decades.

This repeated contact may contribute to cumulative exposure, which has been linked to hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, endometriosis and even certaintypes of cancer.

LIMITED REGULATION AND LACK OF DISCLOSURE

The study also highlighted gaps in chemical regulation in South Africa.

“The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) does have the South African National Standards (SANS) 1043 test,” Visser said, “but it tests only for microbiology, absorbency and so on. According to our knowledge, thereare no standards regarding the chemicals we observed.”

Manufacturers are also generally not required to disclose the full chemical composition of menstrual products.

“We do believe that manufacturers should disclose all chemicals in their products, even if they fall below daily limits,” said Visser.

PRACTICAL STEPSAND FUTURE SOLUTION

Visser advises consumers to look for products certified under the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or to consider reusable alternatives.

“Look for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 verification an international standard or use areusable sanitary towel,” he said.

This research forms part of abroader UFSinitiative addressing menstrual health and access.

“Our research started off several years ago when we discussed aradio programme that mentioned that many young girls do not have access to feminine products,” Visser said. "We decided to get involved."

The interdisciplinary team is now working on new innovations.

“Our team is in the process of developing areusable sanitary pad with superpowers, antimicrobial properties,” Visser added.

ACALLFOR TRANSPARENCY

The researchers said the findings underscore the need for clearer labelling, stronger chemical standards and continued monitoring of everyday menstrual products.

“This study serves as awake-up call that current regulations and ‘clean’ labels in SouthAfrica may not be providing the protection consumers expect,” Visser said.

‘Dis net soos brildra’

ChantélleHartebeest

“In ons oë is ditmaar basies, soosiemandwat bril dra.Hulle dra bril om betertesien, en my kinders dra gehoortoerusting om beter te hoor.”

So beskryfLillibet de Wet haar dogter, Ina (10), en seun, Gaffie (8), wat metgehoorverlies gediagnoseer is toe hullejonger was. De Wet en haar gesin woonin Wellingtonensyhet haarervaring as ’n ma met kinders wat met gehoorverlies leef met Paarl Post gedeel te midde van Wêreldgehoordag wat op 3Maart herdenk word.

Sy vertel Inaisop37weke

gebore en die dokter het eers gedink daar is vog in haar oorkanale.Dus het Ina by geboorte nie ’n siftingstoetsgeslaag nie “Op ses weke het hulledit weer getoets en weerniks opgetel met die siftingstoets nie. Die pediater het vermoedIna is dalk allergies vir my borsmelk. Sy kry toetwee verskillende medikasies.Ekkan onthou eenwas kortisoon. Dit bots met die andermedikasie wat veroorsaak dat Ina niks slaap nie, regtigniks nie. Ons was oudioloog toe elkemaand, waar hulle niks kon optelmet daai toetsenie. Op ses maandekon hulle eers die seine na die brein toe stuur,en toe kon ons eers ’n meer definitieweantwoord kry,” vertel Ina. Die medikasie wat Ina gebruik het, kon onmiddellik gestaak word, want daar is toe bevind dat sy nie allergies vir borsmelk is nie. Volgens De Wet het die uit-

slae van die toets getoon dat Ina gehoorverlies het, maar dat daar niks op daardie stadiumgedoen kon word nie omdat die verlies nie so groot wasnie.Daarna moesIna elke ses maande vir ’n toets gaan,waarby De Wet streng gehou het.

“Toesydrie jaar oud was en sy nou al lekker duidelik moes praat, het ek meer bekommerd geraak en besef sy lees lippe en het toe ’n ander oudioloog gesoek

Ekkom toe by Bellville-oorinstituutuit. Drie ure se toetse later en Ina [is gediagnoseer met] 70% hoëfrekwensie-verlies. Sy moes al metdie eersteondersoek apparate gekry het,” onthouDeWet.

GAFFIESEVERHAAL

In daardie stadiumhet die gesin tussen SwellendamenBredasdorp geboer. Dit het beteken dat hulle gereeld Kaap toe moes reis vir spraak-enarbeidsterapie

Daar is gelukkig niksfoutmet Ina se koglea nie, wat beteken ’n operasie was nie nodig nie.

WatGaffie betref, vertel De Wet, het hy op sy beurt metgeboortedie siftingstoets geslaag. Dis toe Gaffie begin praat het wat sy ma onraad vermoedhet.

“OmdatGaffie eers in Desemberverjaarhet,het ek aanvanklik gedinkhy is net ’n late bloomer Seuntjies is mosmaar stadiger wat spraak betref. Die juffrou by die skooltjie het gesê sy is nie bekommerd nie, maar as ek vir Ina weer neem vir ’n opvolgbesoek, moet ek hom saamneem vir ’n toetssodat ekkan rus kry vir my siel. Ons is toe ook Bellville-oorin-

stituut toe, waar hulle ook drie ure se toetse gedoenhet methom, en ’n uitslaggee wat ons nie wou hoor nie.”

Hoewelsydiagnose nie so erg was soos Ina s’n nie, het De Wet die uitslae betwyfel en gedink dit is moontlik net ’n geldmaakstorie. Sy besluit toe om ’n tweede mening te kry by ’n oudioloog in die Paarl en meld nie dat Gaffie reeds vir die toets gegaan het nie.

“Twintig minute later en ons het dieselfde uitslagasdie vorige toets ontvang.Wel, toekan ek nounie meer stry nie. Daai was nogal ’n harde hou –’nboerseuntjie wat nou gehoorapparatemoes kry. Ja, ek weet daar is veel erger dinge wat jou kan tref –siektes, verlamming, ens. –maar dit bly nogsteeds nie lekker vir ’n ouer om dit te hoor nie.”

Gaffieisgediagnoseer met50% verlies aan een klank in een oor en 50% verlies aan twee klanke in die ander oor.

Daar is nie ’n geskiedenis van gehoorverlies in De Wet of haar man,Jurie, se families nie Boonop is die paartjie se oudste dogter, Ilke, se gehoor piekfyn.

Tenspyte van Ina en Gaffie se diagnoses lewe hulle ’n normale lewe en woon hulle ’n hoofstroomskool in Wellington by.

“Eintlik het onsgeen uitdagings nie. Aan die begin van elke jaar moetekmaar net metdie klas-onderwysers gaan praat en hulle inlig van hoedit werk –sit voor in klas, moenie metjou rug na die klas praat terwyl daar op bord geskryf word nie, ens.”

Buiten hul gehoorverlies lewe

Jóú koerantisvan volgendeweek af …?

GR N UO

Ina en Gaffie’nnormale lewe, behalwe dat hul ma soms harder as gewoonlik met hulle moet praat

SOMSMOETSY‘SKREE’

“Onskampindie vakansies en die kinders is in en uit die water. So, diegehoorapparate blymaar by diehuiswantons is bang ditraak wegofnat.Die goed is duur en die mediese fonds betaalnie daarvoor nie Die gevolg is dat hulle dit nie dra nie. Ek is al so ingestel om harder te praat. Sommige mense sê reguit ‘moenie op joukinders skree nie’

“Of as ek in diewinkelse ry staan, hetekallelikekyke gekryvan menseoor hoehard ek metdie kinders praat. Dan maak ek maar verskoning en sê die kinders dragehoorapparate en het ditnie nouinnie,soek moet harderpraat.”

Ondersteuningvan dieres vandie familie, sê De Wet, maak hullewensreiselkedag maklik.

As daarraad is wat De Wet het vir ander ouerswat pas uitgevind hethul kind hetgehoo-

rverliessêsy: “Glo diedokter! Gaan virdaaitweede opinie, maar moenietelankwag voor jy metterapiebegin of apparate kry nie. Jy gaan virjou baie geld, tyd en afsprake spaar, hoe gouer jy begin.”

De Wetvertelverder: “Ekwou nieglo Inakan nie hoor nie. Ek hetdan alles om haar getoets. Ek dink die oudioloog het gesien ek is ‘pff, julle sien my nieweernie’enhet my na die oudioloogkamer geneem. Sy het gesê ek gaan virjou ’n sinspeel soos jy dithoor, dan gaan ek dieselfdesin op Inasefrekwensies speelsoos sy dit hoor’ Joh! Ek hetsnikkend in trane uitgebars.Ekkon nieglo dat my arme kind kon dink ditis normaal nie.

Om jou ’n idee te gee[vanwat Inaervaar] –drukjou ore met jouhande baiestyf toe en praat dan.Dit is hoeIna sonderhaar apparate hoor.”

Volgens dieWêreldgesondheids-organisasieleef sowat 90 miljoen kinders tussen dieouderdom van 5en19jaar wêreldwyd metgehoorverlies.

Kommersiële ontwikkeling komdalk virDeZoete-inval

Jana Scheepers

Die Drakenstein-munisipaliteit (DM)is tansingesprek metkonsultante rakende ’n voorgesteldeontwikkelingsprojekwat “voorlopig”’nwinkelsentrum en vulstasie op drieerwe in De Zoete-inval geleë langsNuweEskadelstraat in diePaarl insluit.

Hierdie voorgestelde kommersiële ontwikkeling salook die huidige Strawberry King-winkel insluit.Volgens die familie wat voorheen hierdiegrond besit het, saldie geskiedkundige Strawberry King-ontwikkeling steeds voortleef.

“Die grond is verkoop, maar ons[die familie] huurdie gebouterug van die nuwe eienaar. So as die aarbeiseisoen begingaanons nogaarbeie daarverkoop,” luidenshul terugvoering

Die familiewou nie enige verderekommentaarlewer nie.

Die drieerwe wat verkoopissluit in 3075, 3078 en 20000 in Paarl.

Volgens SerajJohaar, dieDMseuitvoerende direkteur van korporatiewe en beplanningsdienste, het die munisipaliteit noggeenformele aansoeke virdie beoogde ontwikkeling tot dusverontvang nie.

Munisipaleskakeling vind tansslegs metdie span konsultante plaas, wat verdere besonderhede oordie ontwikkelaar kan verskaf, hetJohaar verduidelik

“Omgewingsimpakstudiesisdeelvan dieaansoek viromgewingsmagtigingwat deur dierelevante besluitnemingsowerheid,die Wes-Kaapse Departement Omgewingsake en Ontwikkelingsbeplanning, oorweeg word. Dieeersteronde van ’n openbaredeelnameproses in hierdieverbandhet reedsplaasgevind

“Die DM se rolisdié van reguleerder en sal’ngrondgebruikaansoek oorweeg wanneer ditingedien word. Deel hiervan is ’n openbaredeelnameproses ingevolge diemunisipaliteit se verordeningoor munisipale grongebruikbeplanning

“Die munisipaliteitbepaal dieomvang van infrastruktuur-opgraderingsnadat ’n aansoekerverskeie impakstudies by die munisipaliteitingedienhet.Die aansoekerisverantwoordelikvir die finansieringvan hierdieopgraderings. Geen munisipale geld wordvir private ontwikkelings aangewendnie.”

Volgens Johaar hetdie DM die afgelope 10 jaar heelwat aansoeke vir kommersiële ontwikkelingindie gebied ontvang waarvanvier goedgekeur is

Wie hetsó besluit?

VanlinksisStevenvon Schlicht (ACVV-kantoorbestuurder),Magrietjie de Villiers(ACVV-bemarking), Adri Grobler (voorsittervan die komitee oor die plek vanveiligheid), Ilanavan Vuuren (menslikehulpbronne), Elmien Rossouw (ACVV-tesourier)endr. Elna vonSchlicht (voorsitter) Foto:Argief/Jana Scheepers

ACVV-tuistevir kinders in nood

WELLINGTON –’nLank gekoesterde droom het uiteindelik ’n werklikheid geword toedie Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging (ACVV) in Wellington se maatskaplike dienste-tak amptelik sy veiligheidsouerprojek van stapel gestuur het.

Die projek,wat in samewerking met Mosaic Community Developmentstot stand gekom het, het op 12 Desember 2025 ’n belangrike mylpaal bereik toe veiligheidsouersintwee wooneenhedein ’n behuisingskompleks ingetrek het. Mosaic het die eenhede beskikbaar gestel om in die groeiende behoefte aan noodsorg en tydelike veilige sorgvir kinderstevoorsien.

Volgens ’n verklaring deur die ACVV is die organisasie op grond van sy bewese rekord van dienslewering in die gemeenskap genooi om die instelling op te rig en te bestuur.

Wat aanvanklik soos ’n enorme uitdaging gelyk het,het gou momentum gekrytoe kerke, individue, organisasies en skenkers ruimhartig bygedrahet Skenkings van onder meer beddens, linne, klere, matte, lessenaars,gordyne, kombuisware, speelgoedenselfs ’n wasmasjienentuimeldroër hetingestroom. Die veiligheidsouers is ná ’n deeglike

keuringsprosesaangestel. Die enigste oorblywende behoefte is rakke of kleiner kaste vir klere. Die projek bied tydelike verblyf aan hoë-risiko kinders vanafgeboorte tot 18jaar wat wettiglik uit hul omstandighede verwyder is en dringend in veiligesorggeplaas moet word Kinders kan vir ’n tydperk vaneen dag tot ’n maksimum van ses maandeindie veiligheidsouers se sorg bly. Gedurende hierdietyd werk maatskaplike werkers aan diemoontlike hereniging metdie biologiesegesin of alternatiewelik die plasing in pleegsorg.

Dieprojek sal kinders reg oordie Drakensteinvallei,insluitend Franschhoek, bevoordeel.

DieACVV het sy opregte dank uitgespreek teenoor alle rolspelersen ondersteuners watdie projek moontlik gemaak het.

Dieuiteindelike doel is om ’n volhoubare, veilige en stabielewoonplek vir kinders tydens ’n uiters kwesbare tyd in hul lewens te bied

Stuure-pos aan die ACVV-kantoor by well.admin@acvv.org.za of skakel 0825754628 vir nog inligting.’nFinansiëlebydraekan ookgemaakword. Geldelike donasies kwalifiseer vir ’n Artikel18A-belastingsertifikaat

Located an hour's drivefromCape Town, Drakenstein Municipalityisthe top-rated secondary city forgood governance and service delivery excellence in the Western Cape. It covers Paarl(whereits head office is based), Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda,Hermon, Saron andSimondium.A fast-growing,progressive regionand investment des�na�on, Drakenstein boasts excellent infrastructure, top-performing schools, and vibrant business,manufacturing,sportandtourismsectors.Itscharmundoubtedlyliesinitsage-oldwinefarms,historical landmarksandarchitecture,beau�fulscenery,cyclingandhikingtrails,andadventuresportofferings.

The Municipality,anemployer commi ed to equal employmentopportuni�es, invitesqualifyingcandidatesto apply forthe following vacancy/ies. If youare passionate about building acityofexcellenceinDrakenstein, thisis theteamandplaceforyou.

Reagan het’nkop vir algemenekennisenmusiek

Chantélle Hartebeest

’n Paarliet het onlangssyalgemene kennis op die proef gestel toe hy aandie Via-televisie-speletjiesprogram WieWeet Wat? deelgeneem het.

ReaganAnthony sê dit was vir hom’n ongelooflike ondervinding om deel van die program te wees. Dit word tansop DStv-kanaal147 uitgesaai.

“Ek het ingeskryf want ek houdaarvanomopdie TV te wees. Ek het altyd voor die TV gesitas Noot vir Noot opgekom het en wanneer JohanStemmet die vrae vra dan skee ek al dieantwoord uit. Ek was baie blytoe ek ingekom het [by Wie Weet Wat?]wantekmoesook ’n oudisie gedoen het, waar hulle my vrae gevrahet. Nina Swart, watook voorheen in 7de Laan was, speel ook ’n groot rolin die program.”

Volgens Anthony is dit eendingom vandie kantlyn af antwoorde te gooi, maar wanneer jy self aan só program deelneem, is dit ’n andersaak.

“In my gedagte wasdit ek wat die program gaan wen, want ek meen ek was altyd warm op Noot virNoot –alwas dit in die sitkamer,” skerts Anthony. “Maar dis nie so maklik soos onsdink nie. As ek dus weer vir so ’n program wil inskryf, moet ek niedie anderdeelnemers onderskat nie. Ek sal weer aanso ’n program wil deelneem, maar salmy huiswerk hard en mooi moetdoenasdit by die vrae kom.”

Die 32-jarigeisgetroud metShaleen Anthony en die paartjie het’nseun, wat in graad7 is. Anthony, watindie gasvryheidsbedryf in Franschhoekwerk, vertel hy het nogaltyd’ngrootliefde gehad vir die kunste.

“My tannie het my in 2012 by die Breytenbach-sentruminWellington ingeskryf want hulle het dramastudente gesoek. Sy het geweet ek kan goed act

en diswat ek nogaltydwou doen. Weer moes ek ’n oudisiedoen, maar diékeer hetekiets van Trevor Noah gedoen. Toekom ek in.Ekhet destyds saam hoë mensegewerk. Ons hetbyskole soos L.K. Zeeman Akademie, Amstelhof Primêr en WellingtonPrimêropgetree. Deesdae doenekook background acting in Keldersvan Geheime,Kings of Jo’Burg seisoen3, Skemergrond en Spinners seisoen2.”

Anthonyvertelhybeoog om ookbinnekort ’n boekuit te gee, maar hetnie veel uitgewei waaroordie boekgaannie Intussen kan menseuitsien na wanneer Anthonysyverskyning in WieWeet Wat? gaan maak.

Dieeersteepisode is reeds op 16 Februarie uitgesaai. Dieander tweeepisodes wordafsonderlik op 17 Maarten14April om 17:00 uitgesaai.

Gesels-geselsoptweewieledeurdie buurt

’n Paar inwonersvan die Rusoord-tehuis in die Paarlisverlede Vrydag (20Februarie) lekker bederf toevrywilligerssowat 20 tannies en ooms met hul rolstoeledeurdie buurt gestoot het.Dit hetdie bejaardesweer ’n kans gegeeomvarslug in te asem en lekker geselsies aan te knoop.Volgens Ina Troost,hooforganiseerder vandie RusoordWheelies, loop hulle elkeVrydagtussen 09:00en10:00deurdie buurt.Die grotevan die groep hang af vandie aantalvrywillige rolstoel-stoters watopdaag. Dusnooi Ina almal in die gemeenskap uitomsaam ’n bietjierolstoeletestoot en tydmet die bejaardesdeurtebring. Kontak Ina Troost by 0724414211 virnog inligting Foto:Chantélle Hartebeest

Acityofexcellence

Montreux Jazz in Franschhoek

TheMontreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek presented by Nedbank has announced the first phase ofartists for its inaugural African edition, taking place from 27 to 29 March 2026.

Mark Goedvolk, founder of Montreux JazzFestival Franschhoek, said: “This firstannouncement reflects the spiritofMontreux atits best,where 60 years of legacy meets Africa’s artistic flair on the continent for the first time,and whereAfrican voices are central to the globalmusical conversation.”

Headlining The Arches, thefestival’s main outdoor stage, is legendary Malian artist Salif Keita. Widely regarded as The Golden Voice of Africa, Keita’s career spans more than five decades, making hisappearanceboth rare andsignificant.

South African composerand band-

Saterdagis

weer feestyd!

Die mooiste fees in die Boland is terug! Paarlberg-fees vind komende Saterdag, 28 Februarie, vir die vierdekeer plaasen bring almalbymekaar in die hartjie van die Paarl by die Faurestraat-stadion. Kom beleef musiek op sy bestemet ’n propvol program wat elke oorsal bederf. Kunstenaars sluit al die bekendste mense in diebedryf in.

Kosstalletjies, kindervermaak, ’n groot kroeg en BBP gouesirkel sal aan feesgangers ’n besonderse ervaring bied.

Program:

Die hekke open om 10:00. Om 12:00 kom Danny Smoke aan die beurt, gevolg deur Demi Lee Moore om 13:00. Van 14:00 is dit JuanitaduPlessis se beurtomfeesgangers te vermaak, en om 15:00 kry Biggy ’n beurt.

Zaan Sonnekustreevan 16:00vir die volgende tydgleuf op en gee om 17:00 aan Brendan Peyper oor.

Kurt Darren komom18:00 op die verhoog, gevolgdeur Robbie Wessels om 19:00.

Dagboek/Diary

Stuurjoudagboekinskrywingsnapaarlpost@ novusmedia.co.zateenMaandaeom12:00|Send yourdiaryentriestopaarlpost@novusmedia.co.za

leader Mandisi Dyantyis will also perform on the main stage. Known for his expressive trumpet work and genre-fluid compositions, Dyantyis represents the evolving language of contemporary African jazz.

Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence bringstogether acclaimed musicians Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela in a rare collaboration rooted in African storytelling and shared virtuosity

Abold collaborative statement comesfrom the Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, ledbySouth Africandrummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo.

The 26-piece ensemble of South Africanand European musicians reimagines Amapiano through the language of alargeacoustic jazzensemble, featuring lead vocalists Boohle, Stogie Tand BONJ.

The Jazz Village programme, set within the DR Church Complex, offers

Demi LeeMooreiseen vandie kunstenaars op die sterbelaaide feesprogram.

Om20:00 is dit Bokvan Blerk se beurt, gevolg deur Spoegwolf om 21:00. Die seremoniemeesters is Arno Greeffen AngeliqueGerber.

Kaartjies is by die hekke beskikbaarof aanlyn by: www.kaarkies.co.za

programin2025aanenspeelvanBachenBeethoven totLeonardCohenenDukeEllington.Diegehoorkry kansomvoorstelletemaakwaaropCharlrondom ’ntemasalimproviseer.Dieopvoeringisdeelvandie Breytenbach-konsertreeksenbeginom16:00indie Goodnow-saalinWellington.KaartjiesisbyQuicket tekoop.KaartjieprysewisseltussenR100enR150per

an intimate space for deep listening and experimentation.

Confirmed artists include arare collaboration between Madala Kunene and SibusileXaba, fusing Kunene’s masterful maskandi guitar tradition with Xaba's exploratoryapproach.

Also performing in the Jazz Village is ensemble Kwanti Leeh!,comprising Herbie Tsoaeli,AndileYenana, Ayanda Sikade andSisonke Xonti.

LindsayRhoda, artistic curator: music and programming for MJFSA, said:“JazzVillage is whereweallow the music to breathe. It’, aspace for lineage, collaboration and experimentation, where artists can take risks and audiences cantruly listen.”

Further artist announcements will followweekly, leading to the full programme revealinearly March.

Tickets available at Ticketmaster

For more information, visit www. mjfsa.com

Jakvier uniekeWeskus-gees

Die Weskus-Kuierkonsert is ’n gesinsvriendelike fees wat ’n geliefde jaarlikse gebeurtenis in Laaiplek,Velddrif, geword het.

Die fees –nou in sy vyfde jaar –groeisteeds watbywoning en invloedbetref en bring mense bymekaar om musiek, gemeenskap en die unieke gees van die Weskus te vier. Vanjaar word gepronk metbekendessoos Snotkop, Jak de Priester, DesmondWells en die talentvolle plaaslike kunstenaars Gerrie West, Bokkom & V’tsekenEk’sNadia.

Jak de Priester saldie Saterdagmiddagom17:30 sy plek op die verhoog inneem.

Nog hoogtepunteisdie Fear Factorkompetisie, waar Ougat Bouers geldpryse aan die 1ste-,2de-en3de-plek-wenners aanbied –R2000, R1 000 en R500.

Kindervermaak biedweerallerhande pret en plesierenkinders van alle ouderdomme kanindie lekkerkrykom deel. Volgens Steyn Fourie,die stigter, is ’n sleutelfokus van die Weskus-Kuierkonsert die positiewe uitwerking watdit op die hele dorp het. “Hoe meer besoekers ons lok,hoe meer trekplaaslike ondernemings voordeel daaruit –van verblyf en restaurante tot winkels en diensverskaffers.

“Die fees skep’nlewendige atmosfeer en gee’nbetekenisvolle ekonomiesehupstoot aan die omgewingasgeheel.”

Die fees sluit ook elke jaar ’n gemeen-

skaps-opheffingsprojek in.

Individue of gesinne in nood word in die gemeenskap geïdentifiseer, waarna geld ingesamel word om hulle met spesifieke behoeftes te ondersteun.

“Vanjaar bederf ons graag die bejaardes met skootkombersies, mussies, serpe, ensovoorts. Om terug te gee, lê ons na aan die hart, en hierdie inisiatief help die fees om werklik ’n verskil te maak, buiten al die vermaak,” sê Fourie.

’n Groot strandpartytjie vir 10 menseby Draaihoek Lodge sal opgeveil word.

“Ons bied skaduwee, veilige parkeerplek en goeie herinneringe om seker te maak almal geniet elke oomblik van die dag.”

Die hekke vir die Weskus-Kuierkonsert op Saterdag 7Maart by die Laaiplek-hotel, open om 15:00. Almal van oral wordgenooi om saam te kom kuier en die fees en plaaslike ondernemings en die stalletjies te ondersteun.

Kaartjies is aanlyn te koop by weskustickets.co.za of by die Laaiplek Spar, sowel as op die dag by diehek. Kaartjiepryse: Volwassenes R149, hoërskoolkinders R79, laerskoolkindersR49 en pensioentrekkers R99. Voorskoolse kinders en almal ouer as 90 jaar kan die konsert gratis bywoon.

St.Albans-atletemik hoog

Atlete vanSt. Albans Primêr het die afgelope Saterdag aan die Boland-atletiekkampioenskap in die bekende DalJosafat-stadion deelgeneem.Die o.10-aflosspan wasdie naaswennersenhet ’n silwermedalje ontvang. VanlinksisEstan Wagenstroom,TyriqueCarolissen, SaigeIsaacs en Lee-Heino Dampies. Lee-Heino het ook die derdeplekindie 100m-o.10-eindstryd behaal en’nbronsmedaljeontvang.Hyisindie Boland-span opgeneem, watop7Maartweer op Coetzenburg gaan meeding.

Hoër Meisieskool

wenvir 5dekeer!

Diejaarlikse 4M-atletiekbyeenkoms hetverlede Donderdag (19Februarie) groot pret by die DalJosafat-stadion in die Paarl opgelewer.

Diebyeenkoms vindtussendie vier gesogte meisieskole in die Kaapse Wynland –die HoërMeisieskool Paarl, die Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle,die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhofendie Hoër Meisieskool Rhenish –plaas.Vanjaar het HMSPaarl die geleentheid aangebied, en is ookmet 694 punte as die wenners gekroon.

Dit is die skool se vyfde agtereenvolgende keer dathyasdie 4M-wenners wegstap.Boonop vierHMS Paarl ook vanjaarsy150ste bestaansjaar.

“Om die 5de agtereenvolgende jaar ’n groot geleentheid soos4Mtewen, is ’n absolute voorreg en om in die skool se 150ste bestaansjaar dit ook te vier, is ’n dankbare belewenis,” sê dieskoolhoof, Mariana van Zyl

“Die wen is ’n produk van onvoorwaardelike toewyding deur atlete,afrigters, bestuurders en atletiekorganiseerders Ons geeook erkenning aan me.Marli Visagie wat met haar passie geleenthede skep vir kinders watlief is viratletiek

Die ondersteuningendissiplinevan die leerders op die pawiljoen salook onthou word as ’n spesiale toevoeging tot die aansporing vandie skool se atlete. As skoolhoof –ontsettend trots!”

Eula Nel,HMS Paarl se hoofmeisie,sê vanjaarse4M-atletiekbyeenkomshet ’n beeld geskep wat sy vir ewig salkoester “800 Girls’ High-sussies wat saam staan om onsatlete aantemoedig. Dit wasmeerasnet ’n oorwinning;dit was die refleksievan ’n deurlopende nalatenskap...’nNalatenskapwat al vir150 jaar in die hartjie van die Paarlvoortgebring word.”

School security awork in progress

Burglary and vandalism incidents at WesternCape schools droppedover the recent summer-holiday period, but Education MEC David Maynier said the province cannot afford to let its guarddown.

Atotal of 36 incidents were reported by 32 schoolsduring the 2025-’26 summerschool holiday. This is down from47incidents at 34 schools during the2024-’25 summer holidays.

According to Maynierthe decrease points to improved

security measures at schools across the province

“Wesubsidised holiday security at 441 schools during the holidays toprotectschool properties andhave worked closelywith theSouth African Police Service (SAPS) and lawenforcement to increasevigilancearound our schools.”

Despite theimprovement Maynier stressedthatthe latest figures remainedaserious concern.“Nevertheless this is still 36 incidents too many,” he said. Items stolen or damaged

during the holiday periodincluded fencing, electricalcables, plumbing fixtures, kitchen equipment andfoodintended for learners.

In oneofthe most serious cases more than 100 windows at aschool were deliberately damaged. Maynier described the incident as “anact of senseless criminality”.

He warned that the financial impact of these crimes directly affects educationdelivery.

“Every single item thatis damagedorstolen must be

Principal confirmed

Newton Primary School is delighted to announcethe permanent appointment of Jacques ClarkeasPrincipal, effectivefrom1 February 2026. Clarkehas demonstrated exceptional leadership anddedication to the school community, andthey areconfident thathe will continuetoinspire andmotivateits learners andstaff to achieve greatness.

Best performatCurroevent

Eight provinces, more than 1500 ath-

replaced, whichdiverts funding fromthe core task of educating ourlearners so thattheycan so thatget ajob or study further when theyleave school.

“Stealing from aschool is stealing from achild’s future.”

Mayniercalled on communities to remainvigilantand to work with authorities to protect localschools

“A watchful school community canthwart even the most dedicatedofcriminals andvandals, so we urge the publictokeep aclose eyeontheir neighbour-

hood schools andtoreport any suspicious activity to the police or ourSafe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately.”

He alsoappealedtoanyone with information about the incidents to come forward.

“Ifyou have anyinformation about the incidents thatoccurred overthe school holidays, pleasespeak up

“You mayholdthe key piece of information thatwill allow SAPS to arrest the perpetrators andrecover ourschools’stolen properly!”

William Llloyd Primarybids teacher Cornel Charlesfarewell

After39years as ateacher,MrCornel

to

theyears

celebrateCharles’ journeyatthe

DamesenLadies veg’ntaai stryd

Charl Williams

Die Sanlam Boland Dames moes op Saterdag 21 Februarie diep delf om ’n taai Border Ladies met 45-21in die Boland-stadioninWellingtonte klop, maar het in die tweede helfte hul ratte verwissel en uiteindelik hul aanvalkanse benut.

Dit was egter Border wat in die eerste helfte die botoongevoer het. Diebesoekers het oorheers metbalbesiten die Dames geen geleentheid gegunom enige momentumoptebou nie. Border het glad nie gelyknadie span wat verledenaweek100 punte teendie Isuzu Bulls Daisiesafgestaan hetnie.Die Border-senter AphiweNgwevu was ’n uitblinkerenhet die middelveld oorheers. Dié Bok-vrouespeler sekragtige lopies het haar span deurentydvorentoe laat beweeg. Boland, daarenteen, kon in die eerste helfte minvloeiinhul spel vind. ’n Geelkaart aan Ngwevu hetegter ’n keerpunt gebring. Border hethul byt

verloor en twee drieë deur die Sanlam BolandDames het die tuisspanlaat voorloop. Die Ladies het egter teruggeveg en kortvoor rustyd gaan drukombinne

#CelebrateHerwith SPAR Grand Prix10km runseries

The SPAR Grand Prix celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, and this iconic competition justkeeps on gettingbetter.

The SPAR Grand Prix series,run over fiveSPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races, in Cape Town,Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, is designed for top female road runners.While the SPAR Women’s Challenge attract thousands of women of all ages and abilities, the SPAR Grand Prix is arace within arace, launched in 2008 to enable elite runners to earnsome seriousmoneyand strongcompetitioninaannual series

Initially, theSPAR GrandPrixwas restricted to South African runners,but in 2019, it was extended to includeinternational athletes and has attractedsome outstanding runners from elsewherein Africa. The international competition has proved to be invaluable,spurring localrunners on to achieve fastertimes.

The total prizemoney has been increased to awhoppingR1967 500. The overall winnerofthe SPAR Grand Prix will take home R210 000, thesecond-placed runner R105 000 and the third placed runner willreceive R80 000. Prize money forthe age categorieshas also been increased, with the overallwinner receiving R11 000 and the runner-upR8 000.

In addition, there are incentivesfor the top five South African runners,with the top SouthAfrican receiving R110 000, and the second R75 000. Thefifth placed SouthAfrican willtake homeR21 000. This is in addition to themoney they win in the main competition.

Overthe past 18 years, four runners –Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl,Tadu Nare of Ethiopia, and Glenrose Xaba have each won the SPAR Grand Prix three times. Xabawas the firstSouth African to win the series sinceitwas openedto

international runners, andshe wasthe firstblack South African to win it three times. Sheisnow aimingtomakemore historybybecomingthe first personto winthe covetedprize fora fourth time

“TheSPAR Grand Prix hasbecome very important to me,” said Xaba.

“I am very proud to be the firstblack South Africantowin it three times. I like to think that my achievements are an inspirationtoyounggirls living in povertyasIwas, whosee what Ihave done and believethey candothe same.”

SPAR’s NationalPR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager, Mpudi Maubane,saidSPARwas very proud of its roleinthe SPARGrand Prix andinthe alliedcampaign to end period poverty (EPP)and gender-based violence (GBV).

“As abusiness rootedinthe heart of South African communities, SPARhas a responsibility to stand up for women and girls,” she said.

“TheSPAR Women’s10km Challenge and the SPAR Grand Prix are examples of our efforts to breakdown barriers, restoredignity andcreate comfortable spaces where women canthrive,”she said

SPAR announcedthatHyundai and Coca Cola would be officialpartners of the 2026 SPARGrand Prix Series with Modern Athleteagain the official media partner.

Hyundaiwith SPAR willbegiving away an all-new HyundaiEXTER to one lucky entrant at each of the SPARGrand Prix racessolongasthey are over the age of 18 andhold avalid driver’s licence.

Thetheme for this years series is #CelebrateHer which aligns with the SPAR objective through their sponsorship to uplift, empower andcelebrate the women of South Africa

trefafstand te bly. Die Damesisverder geknou toe die heelagter, Chloe Adams, vir ’n hoëduikslag met’nrooikaart afgestuur is nadat sy vroeër ook’ngeelkaart

ontvang het. Dithet dietuisspan genoopomhul strategie in dietweede helfte aantepas. DieSanlamBolandDames se aanval het metmeerspoed en dringendheidgepaardgegaan, metdie skrumskakel,FeleciaJacobs, wat ’n sleutelrol vertolk het Uiteindelik hetdie Dames vier drieëná rustydaangeteken, terwyl die verhoogde tempo en diehitte in Wellington sy tol van Border geëishet

DieSanlamBolandDames speelSaterdag die28ste om 14:00 ’n wegwedstryd teendie IsuzuBulls Daisies.

Puntemakers:

SanlamBolandDames 45 (12)

Drieë: FeleciaJacobs, MaxeneValentine,Aseza Hele, Ropha Madyah, Veroeshka Grain, Tereske Kabuika, RufaroTagarira. Doelskoppe:Zintle Nonkasana(3),Chloe Adams,Rufaro Tagarira.

Border Ladies21(7)

Drieë: Nombuyekezo Mdliki,Asiphe Mrweqana,strafdrie. Doelskoppe:Khanya Ketani,Zintle Holofela.

NewtonsklopVelddrif

Newton Bombelas het Saterdag (21 Februarie) weer gewyswaaromhulle so hoogaangeskryf word deur met’nomgekrapte Velddrif-rugbyklub af te reken. Die spanne het goed teen mekaaropgeweeg, maar dit was Newton wat die botoongevoerhet in die vastelos. Newtonhet eerste punte aangeteken nadatCurran van Diemen (stut) oorgebars het vir ’n drie. Hierna het Velddrif weer teruggeslaanmet ’n verdoelde drieomdie telling 7-5 in Velddrif se guns te swaai.

het.

Die woelige flankDuran Bastiaan het kort daarna ’n drie gaan druk, gevolg deur nog’nVan Diemen-drie. Ná nog ’n strafskop deur kaptein WilfredBowers (losskakel) kon die manne gaan water drink metdie Bombelas17-12 in die voortou

Die tweede helfte het baieopwinding gebring omdat albei spannedie bal lug gegee het. DiagoJulies(senter)het met goeievisie twee keer agter diedoellyn gaan kuier en in die doodsnikke het Lyle Thyse(vleuel) die wendrie aangeteken, metdie eindtelling36-34 in die guns van Newton Bombelas.

Voorlangshet VanDiemen, Bas-

tiaan, NicarloAugust(agsteman) en RodwinGordon (flank) behoorlik gekookendie opponente hoofbrekens besorg methul genadeloseinklimspel en rotsvasteverdediging.Agterlangs het diegeneraalBowersenJulies rigting gegee en dieopponente oorhoops gehad methul berekendebreekslae. Saterdag meet NewtonBombelas op tuisveld kragte metFranschoek-rugbyklub, wat bevorder is na dieSuperliga-A en afgerig worddeurvoormalige Springbok-afrigter PieterdeVilliers. Ditvoorspel hope aksie en toeskouers moet vroeg hulsitplekke inneem

KFA fighters all getmedals

Four students fromthe Kickboxing &Fitness Academy (KFA) in Paarl participated in the Vibrant Kickboxing Tournament thatwas held on 14 February in Ottery Cape Town. They all fought in the Junior Division as they are under 18 years of ageand still scholars. Allreceived medals in their division, andintotal won two gold andthree silver medals. According to the head coach, Mclarren Arendse this marks aconsiderable accomplishment for beginners in the sport.

From left MickyleSimpson (gold and silver),Keashan Liebenberg (silver),Dalnezio vanSchoor (silver), Kennitho Baartman (gold) and(front)Coach Mclarren Arendse

Ta die langse prysui aand Paar verte vier strek Stellenbosch, Langeberg vir sporttoekenn ag Post Williams noemdes die Joernalis Sportmediajoernalis Jaar. in het veelsydige bieder met krieket bestendig ingeligte houd