Residents filledthe hall at Wynberg Boys’JuniorSchool Pavillion on Tuesday24February, demandingclear timelinesand decisive action on thelong-standing problems at the state-ownedWaterlooGreen property in Wynberg.
Themeetingwas attended by Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson,officialsfromthe Department of Public Worksand Infrastructure (DPWI),representatives from theCityofCape Town,the police andWard62councillorEmile Langenhoven.
TheWaterlooGreen site bordersresidential homesand severalschools. Portions of thepropertyremaininlawful use, including agovernmentgarageand severalresidential dwellings. However, threevacantbuildings have repeatedly been unlawfully occupied,and residentssay thesituation hasdeterioratedover more than adecade.
Residentstoldthe meetingthatconcerns aboutthe site were firstformally raised with authoritiesapproximately11years ago, when complaints aboutderelictbuildings andunlawfuloccupation were escalatedtogovernment. Despiterepeatedengagements over theyears, sustainedcorrectiveactiondid notfollow, and thepropertycontinued to deteriorate.
MACPHERSONAPOLOGISES
“I want to offer apersonalapology to allofyou that we have notgot as farasweshouldhave,” said MacPherson.“We take responsibility for thecondition of this property.”
Residentsdescribed howindividuals access thepropertythrough theWynberg rivercanal system andthenclimb over boundary fences
into neighbouring homes.
“These people areusing theriver to access thepropertyand then coming over ourback fences,” oneresidentsaid. “Manyofushave spentsignificant amountsofmoney securing ourhomes.”
DPWI officialsconfirmed that thedepartment hasobtaineda courtorder allowing it to remove unlawful occupierswhennecessary.However, removals must comply with legislationgoverningevictions and, whereapplicable,considerationofalternative accommodation
“You cannot simply remove people without following thelegal process,”a departmental official explained. “There areconstitutional requirements that must be respected.”
Security measures areset to increase
Atotal of sixsecurityguardswillbedeployed on thesite, includingtwo doghandlers. Fencing around thepropertywillalsobereinforcedto closeoff access points,particularlyfromthe riverboundary. Lawenforcement authorities acknowledged that thesitepresentsongoing challenges
UNLAWFULOCCUPATION
PrincipalInspector MalcolmDriefromthe MetroPolicesaidofficers regularlyconduct operations to remove unlawful occupants.
“Weremovepeoplefromthe site,but within ashort period some return,” said Drie.“It remainsanenforcement challengeand we continuetomonitor it.”
Drie confirmed that illegalelectricity connectionshad been identified anddisconnected in cooperationwiththe City’s electricitydepartment
Demolition of unsafe buildingshas notyet
proceeded becausethe structures areolder than 60 yearsand fall underheritagelegislation.Approval is required from Heritage WesternCape before anydemolitioncan take place.
DPWI officialsexplained that aheritagearchitect must firstassess thebuildings andsubmit aformalapplication. Only once thenecessary approvalsare grantedcan demolition legally proceed.“Thereare heritage considerations, protectedtrees andenvironmental factors, includingthe river,”a property specialist told the meeting. “The lawrequiresthatthese processes arefollowedbeforedemolitioncan happen.”
An additional complication involves electrical infrastructure
Langenhovensaidanelectricity cableruns
througha portionofthe site andmustbe relocatedbeforecertain sections canbefenced off or formally leased.“That infrastructure has to be movedbeforewecan properly secure or repurposeparts of theproperty,”saidLangenhoven.
ADMINISTRATIVEDELAYS To addressadministrativedelays, MacPherson announcedthe appointmentofanindependent programme managertooversee theproperty’s futureuse.“This will notbeleftunattended,” said MacPherson.“Thereisnow adedicated person responsiblefor moving this project forward.”
Residents listening to apresentation at WynbergBoys’ Junior School.
70 yearsofstaging Shakespeare
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The Maynardville Open AirTheatre is celebrating70years of staging Shakespeareproductions in the park,asaudiences gather forthisseason’srun of TwelfthNight
Sinceits firstperformance in 1956,the openairvenue hasbecomeone of Cape Town’s most enduring cultural landmarks, attracting generationsoftheatre-goers,schools andartists
Foundedbytheatre pioneersincluding Cecilia Sonnenberg, thefestivalhas grownintoa summertradition,presentingworks from across the canonofWilliam Shakespearewhile adapting to changing times.
Sonnenberg’s son, David, recalledattending the firstproductionasa nine-year-oldboy.“I remember theexcitement. It wasa bigevent in thefamily, with rehearsals sometimeshappening in ourgarden,”hesaid. “Maynardville wasmymother’spassion project, andshe was particularly proudofthe schools’ programme.I am very pleasedthatinitiativecontinues to this day.”
He addedthatthe theatre’slongevity lies in itscareful handover between generationsof custodians.“Each erahas nurtured thefestival andreinterpreted what it means. That balance between heritage andreinvention haskeptit alive,”added David.
Jaco vanRensburg, spokesperson forthe event, said educationremains centraltothe festival’s mission
“Eachseasonwewelcome around 70 schools androughly 5000 learners.For many,itistheir firsttheatre experience,” VanRensburgsaid. “Theatre is meanttobeexperienced,not just read andstudied.You canfeel theshift when learners realisethisart form belongstothem too.”
He said accessibility is also apriority. Selected performances includeSouth AfricanSign Language interpretation,and thevenue offers
underthe skytoshare stories,”Van Rensburg said.“In aworld increasingly mediated by screens, that shared,liveexperiencebecomes even more valuable.”
StagingShakespeare outdoorsadds another dimensiontothe performance.
ahearing loop system forpatrons with hearing aids
“SpaceslikeMaynardville remind us that theatre beganasa communalact,peoplegathering
“Natureisnot abackdrop; it is acollaborator,”hesaid. “The lightfades,the airchanges, sometimesevena bird crossesthe stage. It demandspresencefromthe actors andinvites theaudiencetoleanindifferently.”
Across productions, concerts andthe schools programme,the festival hostsapproximately25 000 people each summer.
Thecurrent season runs untilSaturday14 March, markingbotha celebrationofseven decadesand acommitmentfor futuregenerations
“Our focusissustainabilityinthe broadestsense,nurturing newaudiences,training youngpractitioners andensuringMaynardville continuestothrivelongafter we aregone,”Van Rensburg said
Serialkillergets102yearsfor murder,robberyandtheft
NAMHLAMONAKALI
A42-year-old parolee, Ayanda Dayi,has been sentencedtofourlifeterms and102 years’ direct imprisonment in theWynberg Regional Courtfor aseriesofmurders in Dunoon and Delft.
TheHighCourt of SouthAfrica, WesternCape Division,handeddownthe sentence on Tuesday24February.
Dayi wasconvicted of four counts of murder, onecount of attemptedmurder, twocountsof robbery with aggravatingcircumstances,theft, threecountsofillegalpossession of firearms andthree counts of illegalpossession of ammunition
Acting JudgeAmandavan Leevedescribed Dayi’s actionsas“extremelyviolent”and said he showed a“totaldisregard forhuman life”. Sheaddedthatheposed adangertosociety andhad shownnoremorse Dayi wassentenced to life imprisonment for each of thefourmurders.Healsoreceived15 yearsimprisonmentfor each robbery count, five yearsfor theftofa firearm, 15 yearsfor each firearmpossession charge,fouryears foreach ammunition charge,and 10 yearsfor attempted murder
Thecourt declared himunfittopossess a firearm. Anyadditional sentencesare to run concurrently with thelifeterms,accordingto courtprocedures. Theconvictions relate to twoseparateincidents.
On 24 January2024, Dayi andanaccomplice fatally shot Eric Yaphiand ElvisThembelani Cwethiso in Dunoon andhijackedtheir vehicle.
On 16 May2024, threebread delivery workers were shot during arobbery at aspaza shop at thecornerofDelft Main Road andSymphony Way.
Xolani Gaji andCebisileMfundiso died,while Aphiwe Nogaya survived afterbeing hospitalised
Surveillancefootage of theDelft shooting, alongwithforensicand ballistic evidence, linked Dayi to thecrimes.
Senior StateAdvocateEsnaErasmus told the courtthe families of thedeceasedhad effectively received “a differentkindoflifesentence”
marked by griefand trauma
Accordingtothe National ProsecutingAuthority, Dayi hadpreviousconvictions forrobbery andrape. He wassentenced to 18 yearsimprisonment forrapeand released on parole on 17 April2018.
He wasdue to complete that sentence on 15 July next year.Regarding theco-accused, reportsindicated that theother manknown as “Soso” wasshotdeadinanunrelated incident before theconclusionofthe trial.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson forthe NPAin theprovince, said:“This sentence reflects the severity of thecrimesand themeticulouswork of ourprosecution andinvestigation teams. Theaccuseddisplayed extremecruelty against unarmedvictims,and justicehas nowbeen served.”
Provincial Commissioner Lt GenThembisile Patekile welcomed thesentencing. He commended theinvestigating andprosecution teamsfor ensuring justicewas served andsaid thesentencereflectedthe police’s commitment to holdingperpetratorsofviolent crime accountable.
WesternCapeDirectorofPublicProsecutions AdvNicolette Bell said:“We hope thefamilies of thevictims will find solace knowingthe accusedhas received sentenceswhich fitthe crimes he hascommitted.”
Maynardville’s amphitheatreishosting aperformance of TwelfthNight at the MaynardvilleOpen Air Festival. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Ayanda Dayi (42) has been sentenced to four life termsand 102years direct imprisonment in the WynbergRegional Courtfor aseries of murders in Dunoon and Delft PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Help these petsfind anew home
Toshine thespotlight on thousands of pets that areabandoned or in need of newhomes, People's Post hasteamedupwithTears Animal Rescue to help some of thesefour-legged pets getnew homes. Once amonth,wewill publishseveral dogs andcatsthatare up foradoption.
TEARSisa pro-life,non-profitorganisation (NPO)established in 1999 to rescue,treat,rehabilitate,reunite,and rehome lost,abandoned, abused,and neglectedcompanion animalsand to educatepet owners andthe youthlivingin thefourunder-resourced communities
TheNPO remainsthe only facility in theCape Peninsula’sfar Southavailable sevendaysper week,including an after-hoursmobile clinic servicefrom16:30 to 19:00withlimited veterinary care.TEARS treatthe hundreds of animals forvarious conditions,illnesses, andinjuries.
DOGS
Madison Madisonisa youngpittiecross with an
unforgettable, award-winning
smile. Rescued from Vrygrond in active labour,she survived adangerous birthwithremarkableresilience. Playful,people-oriented andfullofwarmth, she lovesdogsand olderkids. Strong yettrainable, Madi needsa confident handler— anddreams of becoming someone’sdevoted couchcompanion.
Arabella
Meet Arabella,our big-heartedbeautywitha powerful comeback story. Once underweight anddespondent, she’snow thriving —loyal, intelligent andfullofwarmth. Shyat firstbut deeply devoted, sheloves snuggles,snacksand calm routines
Selectivewithdogsand best with teens, Arabella needsa steady,semi-active home where shecan bond,playand trulysettle.
Dylan
Two-year-old Dylanisa bright,eager soul readytodiscoverhis placeinthe world. Sweet, energeticand endlesslycurious,hethrives in waterand enjoys dogs,thoughhe’dhappily rule theroost solo.Receptive to training andcraving guidance,Dylan needsa strong ownertohelp
himgrowintothe confident,happy companion he’s meanttobe.
Hardy
Meet Hardy, aleggy,loveableparvo survivor bursting with life.Confident,socialand packed with teenageenergy, he thriveswithother dogs andwould flourish alongsidea steady canine companion. Smart, sassy andeager to learn, he’s perfectfor an active,experienced home with teens. Agile, affectionateand fullofspark, Hardyisready forhis foreverteam.
CATS
Calithea
Calithea thePriestess is astrikingtabby with aquiet,watchful soul.Independent andonce misunderstood,she isn’ta typicallap cat— heraffection is earned,not assumed. Patient, peaceful homeswillsee hermagic:a gentle head bump,a slow blinkoftrust.For thosewho move softly,Calitheaoffersa love that’s subtle, sacred anddeeply profound
Anissa
Meet Anissa,a sweet,shy domestic short-hair tabby with alot to offer.Slowlycomingout of
hershell, shethrives with patience,gentlecare, andthe promiseofchicken treats.Socialwith othercats, she’d flourish with afelinefriend— ideally heroutgoingbrother Kahlil.Quiet,loving, andready to blossom, Anissa is theperfect gentle companion.
Jones
Meet Jones, acharmingtabby with awild past anda heartready to grow.Onceferal,he’s learning trust, love,and cuddles at hisown pace.Quiet,patient homeswillsee histruepersonality shine— fullofwarmth, curiosity, and affection.Givehim time andlove, andJones will become thepurr-fect companionand your loyalfelinefriend.
Zuko
Meet Zuko,a spirited ginger firecrackerfull of heartand personality. Playful,affectionate, andcurious,helightsupevery room he enters Confident yetfeisty, Zuko needsa patient, kind ownertoguide himgentlyand help himfeel secure
With love,boundaries, andcare, this joyful, loyalboy will reward hisforever family with laughter,warmth, andendless devotion
Dylan Zuko
Calithea Anissa Arabella Hardy Jones Madison
Designers and Manufacturers of fine household linen &accessories
since 1920. Based in Diep River, Cape Town, South Africa. Sheraton Textiles Holdings (Pty) Ltd is aSouth African manufacturingcompany that produces merchandise that has developedover the years into atrusted, sought-after brand.
ASSISTANTSTORE MANAGER
JobDescription:
One of the leadingTextilescompany, Sheraton Textiles Holding is seeking to employa top-notch Store Manager to manage our retail storein Hout Bay &Rondebosch.
ThesuccessfulapplicantswillberesponsibleforthefollowingKPI's:
•Achieve all budgeted targets
•Manage expenses as per agreed budgets
•Banking and reconciliation
•Manage end of day procedures and banking
•Staff management
•Administration
•Maintain accurate stock recons and manage stockcontrol effectively
•Ensure staffing levels and criteria are maintained
•Promoting the companyname through sales and quality assistance &customer service.
The idealcandidate should have:
•Experience in Retail Management(at least2years)
•Knowledge of householdtextiles
•Organisational,planning &motivationalskills
•Accuracy and show attention to detail
•Assist as and when requiredonthe store floor
•Hands on and work on the tills as and when required
•Excellent communication andpeople skills
•Honest,trustworthy and reliable
•Ability to manage, delegateresponsibility and show assertiveness and leadership abilities
•Drivers licence /own transport
If you meet the above requirements and wouldliketoapply, please forward your full CV to careers@sheraton.co.za
TheSheraton brandisdistinctive in that it focuses on innovative productdesign, withoutcompromising on qualityand craftsmanship. We cater forour customers every need and taste and we aim to please.
STORE MANAGER
JobDescription:
Oneofthe leading Textiles company,Sheraton Textiles Holding is seeking to employ atop-notch Store Manager to manage ourretail store in Hout Bay
ThesuccessfulapplicantswillberesponsibleforthefollowingKPI's:
•Achieve allbudgeted targets
•Manage expenses as per agreed budgets
•Banking and reconciliation
•Manage end of day procedures and banking
•Staff management
•Administration
•Maintain accuratestock reconsand manage stockcontrol effectively
•Ensurestaffinglevelsand criteria are maintained
•Promoting thecompanynamethrough sales and quality assistance &customer service.
The ideal candidate should have:
•Experience In RetailManagement (at Least2 Years)
•Knowledge Of Household Textiles
•Organisational, Planning&Motivational Skills
•Accuracy AndShowAttention To Detail
•AssistAsAnd When Required On TheStore Floor
•Hands On AndWorkOnThe TillsAsAnd When Required
•ExcellentCommunication AndPeople Skills
•Honest,Trustworthy AndReliable
•AbilityToManage, DelegateResponsibilityAnd Show AssertivenessAnd LeadershipAbilities
•Drivers Licence /Own Transport
If youmeet theabove requirements and wouldliketoapply, pleaseforwardyour full CV to careers@sheraton.co.za
We specializeinmanufacturinganexquisite range of bedding, homelinen and curtaining products. Our range of merchandise includeplain, quilted, embroidered, woven and print designs. We haveafullspectrum of unique productstofulfil awide variety of customer requirements.
SALES ASSISTANTS
Enjoy putting people first? Havedriven and enthusiasm? Then we want to hear from you!
One of theleading Textiles company, Sheraton Textiles Holdingisseeking to employ atop-notch SalesAssistants for our branches in HoutBay & Rondebosch
Responsibilities include:
•Customer Service
•Beable to workontills and process orders.
•Give quotes to bulk customers
•Beinvolved in store merchandising/instore displaysand preparing for promotions.
•Handlingcustomer queries and resolvingcustomer issues.
•Participate in stock take and stock take administration.
•Effectivelyreportupwards to the store manager.
Requirements:
•Minimum Grade 10
•Fluent In English
•Committed customer focus
•Atleast 1-year sales experience in aretail environment
•Sales and Marketing skills
•Abilitytoworkunder pressure.
•Knowledge of householdtextiles
•A friendly and positive attitude
•Excellent written and verbal communicationskillsand be able to effectively communicatewith people on all organizational levels.
•Goodadministrativeability.
•Honest, trustworthyand reliable
•Problem solving skills.
If youmeet the aboverequirements and would like to apply, please forward your full CV to careers@sheraton.co.za
NM10049446-QK030326
