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Tyger Burger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 22 April 2026

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TOpen started Grade to surrounds. growth shown entered League October by Pi-oneers Values the 2025, Cape innovate theme

CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.

Learnerscaughtwithknives,booze

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

“School is stressful” was the curt reply given to police by a learner at aBonteheuwel high school after he was found with Jack Daniels whiskey on him.

The admission came during ablitz targetingschools in the area conducted by police, Metro police and neighbourhood watches in a“unified operation”.

According to local Ward councillor AngusMcKenzie what they found on

learners was nothing short of alarming.

“Wefound cigarettes, lighters and lotsof vapes, aside from theJack Daniels find, andknives.”

The operation also uncovered alearner actively dealing in drugs.

“Hehad drugs andasignificantamount of cash on him,” McKenzie said. “Imagine alearner selling drugs in aplacewhere he is supposed to learn.This is exactly why theseoperations will notstop. In fact they will become more frequent andmore consistent.

“If we don’t intervene now we lose our childrentothe same cycle we are pushing up against in ourstreets. As gang violence risesinour communities it doesn’t stay on thestreets. It creeps into ourclassrooms.”

He said the process wouldnot stop there. “Every caseinvolving drugs or weaponshas been escalated. Social

workers have been brought in, schools are being supported through the Safer Schools Programme and interventions are underway to deal with the root causes. “We are here not to criminalise children but to keep them safe. This should be a wake-up call for every parent, guardian and community member. What enters our schools today shapes our communities tomorrow. We will not look away, we will not slow down, nor will we allow our schools to become recruitment grounds for gangs!”

Localapptofeatureonglobalstage

Two University of the Western Cape (UWC) alumni and innovators took their homegrown tech invention to the world stage after theirpublic transport solution, Uthutho, won the 2026 Red Bull BasementSouth Africa national title.

Software developers Shaqeel Less and Makhi Mangxola, both alumni of the UWC Future Innovation Lab in 2023 and 2025 respectively, are set to jet off to Silicon Valley in the US in June where they will showcasethe app alongside other topyoung innovators from around the world. The Red Bull Basement 2026 World Final is scheduled to take place in San Francisco and Silicon Valley from 1to3June.

Developed late last year, Uthutho was born out of aneed to make the country’s public transportsystemeasier and more reliable to use. Inspired by the frustrations with unclear taxi routes, uncertain fares and lack of real-time travel information,the duo and public transportcommuters setout to create adigital platformthat helps commuters better navigate

SOFTWARE DEVELOPERSWIN AWARD

public transport, especially when travelling unfamiliar routes.

AITECH

Using AI tools such as GPS and cloud technology, the transport appoffers live journeyupdates andcommunity-verified transport information to reducewaiting times andimprove the safety ofpublictransport.School transport operators can also use the platformby signingupand listing their routes,vehicles and pricing. Thisallows parents to browse available school transport optionsand apply directly to join operators’ transportsystems.

“We wanted to build something that couldmake commuting morepredictable andaccessible, especially foryoungpeople andthosetravelling unfamiliar routes,” saidLess,who is currently asoftwaredeveloper at theUniversity of Cape Town (UCT). Being announced as the winning teaminSAwas both emotional and unforgettable forthe pair, who describedthe moment asa“surreal mix of

excitement,disbelief andpride".

“It felt like aturning point wheresomethingwe’ve been building with intentionand persistence was finally recognised on anational stage.Itrepresents validation of aproblem we’ve experienced firsthand as public transport commuters in South Africa,” said Mangxola,who works as asoftware developer for theShoprite Group.

REAL-WORLDIMPACT

The pair said theFuture Innovation Lab exposed them to “practical, problem-solving approachestotechnology” and pushed them to think beyond theoryand focus on real-world impact. They believe that the nextstage of the competitionwill offer significantvalue.

Winninginthe final competition would not only secureinternational mentorship for theduo andgive them access to AI tools,but they would also stand achance to secure funding that could help refine andexpand Uthutho beyondSA.

Makhi Mangxola and Shaqeel Less after theywereannounced as 2026 RedBull Basement SouthAfricachamps.They will be jetting off to theUStotakepart in the
final legofthe 2026 RedBullBasement competition in June

Radiomansterfaanhartaanval

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Huldeblyke het verlede weekvan oralooringestroom ná die skielike dood van Johnny Davids, radio-omroeper, televisie-aanbieder, motiveringspreker,sanger, liedjie- en boekskrywer.

Davids, 'n inwoner van Bothasigin Kaapstad, is verlede Donderdag 16 April dood weens 'n hartaanval.

Die 49-jarige Davids is oorspronklikvan Windhoek in Namibië, maarhet ookbaie vansygrootwordjareinEersterivierop die Kaapse Vlaktedeurgebring.

Davids was tot onlangs toe nogaanbieder van kykNET se geselsprogramme Kwêla en SuperRugby

"Johnny het gekies om sy lewe sóte lei dat dit as 'n voorbeeld virjongmans soudien. Hy het op sy warm, innemende manier gewys dat toewyding, integriteit en medemenslikheid ononderhandelbaar is, en sodoende'nvoorbeeld nienet virdie jeug geword nie, maar vir almal vanons," sê Waldimar Pelser, kanaalhoof.

Johnny was ook geliefd onder kykNETkykers. Hy het sy debuut op die kanaalin 2003 gemaak met die wen vandie Zingtalentkompetisie saam met sysangmaat, Vivian Molauly.

"Daarna het hy 'n bekende gesig geword as aanbieder op onder meer Kwêla en Ysters op die Landgoed.Sydood,veralop so 'n jong ouderdom, is 'n grootskoken'n geweldige verlies," sê Pelser.

Paul Venter, vervaardiger by Homebrew Films, het ook hulde aan die pa van twee gebring.

"Johnny was een van ons staatmakers by Homebrew Films, van jaregeledese Kollig op Kie tot by Ysters op die Landgoed en Kwêla.Hywas professioneel, baie goed in dit wat hy doen, maar bo alles seker

die ordentlikste mens denkbaar om mee te werk —nooit souhyenigiets slegsvan enigiemand sê nie. Hy was altyd positief, volentoesiasme en 'n rolmodel vir almal. “Ek dink niedie leemte wat hy laat sal ooitgevulkan word nie. Onsgaan hom ongelooflik baie mis en dink aan sy familie, vriende en ook ander kollegas in hierdie slegte tyd," sê Venter.

Davids was ook in Landbouweekliks op Via Sy vrou, Liezel Swarts Davids, hetdie nuus oor sy dood op sosiale media gedeel.

"Dis met groot hartseer dat onsdie nuus oor die dood van onsgeliefde Johnny Davids moet meedeel. Hy was 'n geliefde eggenoot, gekoesterde pa,familielid, kollegaenvriend en sy dood laat 'n onmeetbare leemte in onslewens. As 'n gesinneem onsnou tyd om hierdie groot verlies teverwerk, en ondersteun ons mekaar tydens die moeilike tyd," skryf die weduwee.

Davids se heel eerste boek waaroor

TygerBurger in 2024 berig het, is getiteld Boytjie

In'nonderhoudmet die skrywer in 2024 wouons weet waarom hy besluit het om die boek te skryf, en wat hy graag wou hê die leser daaruit moet onthou.

"Ek het besef dat my storie geensins uniekisnie, en dat daar steeds, op 'n daaglikse basis, mense is wat gekonfronteer word metarmoede,verwyt, mishandelingendepressie. Boytjie is 'n storie van hoop. My storie van hoop. Van 'n klein seuntjie watsonder 'n ma en pa moesgrootword, maar nooit ophou droom het nie. Nooit ophou glo het in beter omstandighedenie, en aanhoubly veghet —met die genade en guns van die Here."

Lux Verbi, die uitgewer vansyboek, hetook hulmedelye betuig. "Met groot hartseer neemons afskeid vanJohnny. Hy

was 'n talentvolle radio-ensportaanbieder, musikant en skrywer. Hy het met sy uniekepersoonlikheid, warmte en talent diepspore in baie mense se hart getrap. Ons innige simpatie aan sy familie, vriende en almal wat homgeken en liefgehad het."

Radio Tygerberg 104FM, met wie hy verlede jaar saamgewerk het tydens hul Mighty Men-konferensie, het hom ook vereer

"Ons saljou altyd onthou, Johnny. Sjoe,Boytjie.Wat sê 'n mens? Onswas so bevoorreg om saam te werk en gereeld met jou te gesels oor jou projekte en planne. Jy het opgestaan vir die Here; hy was so passievol oor die nuwe naam wat Hy hom gegee het. Onseer jou nagedagtenis, Johnny. Jy gaan altyd deel wees van Radio Tygerberg se geskiedenis, want jy het jou plekinAthlone-stadionbyons Mighty MenCape Flats-byeenkoms volgestaan. Jy het daardie manne geïnspireer. Jy het uitjou hart gepraat,enjou roeping geleef. Dankie vir jou hartenwarmte."

Die Wes-Kaapseregering skryf op hul Facebookblad dat hulleook sy heengaan betreur. "'nBelangrike stem in ons sportgeskiedenis, sy insiggewende kommentaar in sport wat hy uitgesaai het,het aanhangers oor die jare geboei. 'n Ware storieverteller, en sy liefde om skares toetespreek, strek oor vele generasies. Hy salgemis word deur talle dwarsoor die land."

DieDAbetreur ook sy heengaan. "'n Geliefde Afrikaanse sportkommentator en

musikant. Hy het passie en trots na SuidAfrikaanse sport en kultuur gebring. Sy stem en gees sal onthou word." Davids sou vandeesweek 'n ontbytgeleentheid met die Bonnievalegemeenskapspolisiëringsforum bywoon en sou in Mei 'n produksie Griekwa Psalms, Hulde aan Randall Wicomb,by die Tygerberg-gesinskerk in Durbanville aangebied het.

Hy sou ook in Augustus as gasspreker by die mannekonferensie, MenofValor,by die Rotskerk in Brackenfell opgetree het. Davids laat sy vrou en twee seuns agter

JohnnyDavids

Adultlearners celebrated at annualreading competition

CityofCape Town employees, predominantly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,had an opportunitytoshowcase their literacy skills during areading competitionheld at the Parow Civic Centre.

The employees obtained these skills after joining the Adult Education and Training (AET) programme; skills which they were able to showcase last week during the annual AET Reading competition.The event was hosted by the City's Corporate Services DirectorateonThursday 9April

Thelearners are staff members from various depots and departments within the City, each having adesire to empower themselves and to achievepersonal growth, the Citysaid.

“These proud participantsenjoyed showcasing their reading skills and were recognised for their hard work and drive to empower themselves with literacy despite their age or demanding lives. This

programme is offeredtoall City staffwho do nothavea first qualification on the National QualificationsFramework.We hope that today's competitionencourages other staff members to embark on this journey to improve their everyday lives and access furtherdevelopmental opportunitiesattheir workplace,”said Theresa Uys, Mayco memberfor corporate services

The participants at this year's competitionare from Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Kalksteenfontein, Rylands, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Lotus River, Gugulethu, Seawinds, HanoverPark, Strandfontein, andKewtown. The winners were awardedfirst, second and third placerespectively, and acertificate for participation andhard work

The programme hasbeen running successfully for over25years andattracts participants aged between 25 and65years.

Tekenin

Coupleboardlove busandgraduate together

Itbegan with asimplequestion at a bus stop. In November 2012, in Hanover Park, Lance Bowers was on his way to campus, where he was pursuing aBEd degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).Thatday, Dominique walked up to him andasked, “Do youtake this bus?”

It was thestart of apartnership that wouldspan more than adecade. “We got on thebus and started chatting. We ended up sittingtogether, and from there, things just grew,” Lance recalled.

At thetime, Dominique was working at theSchool of Natural Medicine at UWC, while Lance was navigating the demands of university life. Their connection deepened between lectures, bus rides and longdays shapedbywork and study.

By 2016, Lance hadcompleted his BEd degree, andthat year, the couple married. For many, that might have marked the end of ademanding chapter, but for the Bowers, it was only the beginning

In 2017, Dominique embarked on her own academic journey, enrolling for an AdvancedDiploma in Management, followedbyaPostgraduate Diploma in BusinessAdministration in 2021. Their householdbecame aspace defined by deadlines and mutualsupport.

As with everything in life, their path was not without hardship.In2022, while balancing part-time studies, Dominique fell seriously ill. At thesame time, Lance had justbegun hisMaster’s of Philosophy (MPhil) in Sport for Development.The convergence of illness andacademic pressure couldeasily have derailed their progress.

COUPLE TRAVEL ACADEMIC AND MARRIAGE JOURNEYTOGETHER AT UWC

Instead, it revealed the strengthofthe community around them.

“Our village, our family, church and loved ones carried us. Through prayer, meals, childcare and care after Iwas discharged from the hospital. They held us together during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives, ”Dominique shared. It was aperiod that tested them deeply, but also reinforced the foundation on which theirjourney was built: faith. Guided by the scripture, Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of thosewho love Him”, they found meaning in their struggle and strengthineach other. With renewed determination, Dominique completed her MCom in Information Systems, while Lance completed his MPhil. Now,in2026, the couple prepares to graduate together, both with Master’s degrees. Their story stands in powerful contrast to the narrative often associated with Hanover Park, acommunity frequently defined by socio-economic challenges. For theBowers, it is not where they started that defines them, but rather how they chose to move forward. When they walked across the graduation stage on Monday, 13 April, theirmessage is clear: Where you begin may shape your journey, but it will never define your destination.

AI cameras eyetrafficoffenders

DESIREERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

South Africa is on the cusp of asignificant shift in traffic enforcement, as the City exploresthe introduction of AI-powered cameras capable of detecting seatbelt and mobile phone violations in real time.

AccordingtoKevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City'sTraffic Services, the City of Cape Town used an AI camera on atrial basis to see howthe technology could be of useindetectingoffences like crossing solid white lines, motor vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts, or using their mobile phoneswhilst driving.

"At this time, there is no plan for a rolloutofAIcameras; however, we cannot discount thepossibility that AI will play abigger role in this, andother means

of enforcement in the future," he told TygerBurger

Should thisever go ahead at some point in the future, traffic enforcement could, for the first time, move beyond roadblocksand visible policing to continuous, automated monitoring, with implications not only for road safety, but for how quickly fines are issued. It will pave the way for anew phase of traffic enforcement, according to Fines SA.

According to Fines SA, the AI-powered system will automatically identify motorists driving without seatbelts or using theirmobile phones behind the wheel —two of the most common and dangerous road offences.

"This is asignificant moment for road safetyinSouth Africa.”

Dominiqueand Lance Bouwersattheir home ahead of their graduation ceremony. Both graduated with their Master’satUWC on 13 April.
Theparticipants in this year’s AETReading Competition heldatthe ParowCivic Centre.

Indiandanceperformanceonstage

Taare, aCape Town-based Indiandance performancetroupe,willbringtheirnewest danceproduction, TheBollywood Times,to Artscape on Saturday2May as part of the Suidoosterfees.

Foundedbyartisticdirector Ahneesh Valodia in 2012,Taarewas established to create aplatform forboth emerging and experienced dancers to contributetheir skills to the enrichment of the greatercommunity. Taarehas builta reputation for vibrant storytelling through the promotion of the Indian performingarts, blending theatrical concepts with thecolour and energy of Bollywood musicand dance.

IMAGINATIVEPRODUCTIONS

Over the years, the companyhas staged imaginativeproductions such as TheTaareExpress, When DancersUnite, Kismet, AnjaliinWonderland,and The Bollywood Bazaar,eachexploring unique themes through dance, cross-cultural collaborativework, and theatrical storytelling.

Celebrating14years of dance, thecompany continues to foster asupportiveand inclusive environmentfor its members, encouragingthemto sharetheir uniquestories and talents. "The troupe is morethanjustadance group; it is afamilythatnur-

turescreativity, passion, andlifelongconnections," Valodiasaid.

DANCEGENRES

TheBollywood Times marksTaare’s12thdance production and its fifth collaboration with the Suidoosterfees,one of South Africa’s leading arts festivalsthatcelebrates diversetheatre, music, anddance whileshowcasing both emerging and establishedartists.

Freshoff thepress, TheBollywood Times is an 90-minute dancespectacular staged within a bustling newspaperoffice.Asheadlines andstories come to life from thepages,audiencesare takenon ajourney through different emotions,events,and cultural influences.

Theproductionfeatures Taare’ssignature storytellingstyle whileincorporating an rangeofdance genres.Alongsidetraditional Indian andmodern Bollywood dancestyles, audiences willexperience elements of ballet,contemporary, flamenco, African dance, jive,modern, hip-hop,and belly dance, creatinga visually rich andhigh-energy theatrical experience

TheBollywood Times has twoperformanceson Saturday2May,atArtscape,at17:30 and 20:30 . Book at Webtickets

Hiram tree by DieBoerop

Hiram Koopman bring sy eerste solovertoningsedert 2011 op Dinsdag28enWoensdag 29 AprilnaDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville Ná 17 jaar wathyprofessioneel saksofoonspeel en die wêreld deurtoer het —van Afrika tot Amerika, Europa,Nieu-Seeland en Australië —isdit vir Hiram ’n grootvoorreg om weer ’n solovertoningaan te bied. Met SaxinAfrikaans vierhydie klassiekeAfrikaansemusiek waarmee hy grootgewordhet en wat hy op sy uniekemanier op die saksofoon vertolk. Hiram se storie het begin as ’n sewejarigeseun met groot drome —in’nhuis waar Afrikaanse musiek elkedag in diekombuis gespeel hetterwylsy ma gebakenkos gemaak het,ensypasejazzklanke die agtergrond gevorm het Dáár het sy liefde vir musiek en sy unieke klank beginvorm kry. Sedertdien het hy die verhooggedeel met kunstenaars soos Elvis Blue,David Kramer, Laurika Rauch en vele andergevestigde énnuweAfrikaanse kunstenaars. . Kaartjies kosR230.Bespreek by www dieboer.comofby021 9791911.

Young talent brings

ShakespearetolifeatBaxter

The16th ShakespeareSchoolsFestival South Africa is settoelectrify theBaxter Theatrefrom6to23 May.

What sets this festivalapart is itsboldapproach to Shakespeare'stimeless works. Learner performers, manystepping ontoaprofessionalstage forthe first time,transform full-length playsintodynamic 30 to 45-minuteproductions. Theresultisfastpaced, inventive theatrethatkeeps Shakespeare's spirit alivewhile making hisstories accessibleand engagingfor modern audiences.

"This festivalismorethanjust ashowcaseof talent,it'sa celebration of creativity, courage, and thepower of young voices to inspirechange and connectcommunities,"saysfestivalfounder Kseniya Filinova

DIVERSEVOICESTAKECENTRESTAGE

This year's Cape Town programme features 42 schools, each bringing theiruniqueinterpretation

andstyle to thestage.The lineupincludes exciting newcomers like Italianschool SocietàDante Alighieri, presenting Romeoand Juliet in Italian, alongside PaarlSchool joining thefestival family for thefirst time

Returningparticipantsinclude De La BatSchool, Pioneer School,and VistaNova, creating avibrant communitythat celebrates diversetalents, perspectivesand experiences.

Audiences canexpect unexpectedtwists, modern spinsonclassic tales, andplentyofcreativerisk-taking

Whether it's acontemporary Romeoand Juliet or avisually striking Macbeth,theseproductions prove Shakespeareisfar from outdated.

Performances run MondaytoSaturday, starting at 19:00.Tickets rangefromR75 to R150 andare availableatWebtickets.

. Visitwww.ssfsa.co.za fordetailed performancedates andparticipating schools.

HiramKoopman,ook‘n“boytjie vanBrackenfell”, bring eersdaags sy saksofoon na Die Boerin Durbanville
Taare,aCape Town–based Indian danceperformancetroupe will bring their dance production TheBollywood Times to the SuidoosterfeesonSaturday2 May.
BOLLYWOOD TIMESSET

Learnersshineinsciencechallenge

CARINAROUX

The first-ever Metro Interschools Life Sciences Challenge has been hailed as asuccess,withteams from 41 schools participating in the competition hosted by the Metro East andMetro North Education Districts on Saturday 18 April at De Kuilen High School in Kuils River. Parklands College claimed top honours, with Malibu High School finishing second, followed by Melkbosstrand and Stellenberg sharing thirdplace.

The brainchild of Jeremy Dietsiso,vice-principal and life sciences teacher at De Kuilen, the competition aimed to foster academicexcellenceand healthy competition among Grade 10 to 12 life sciences learners. "The aim of the competition is to show thatscience is fun," said Dietsiso. "We want to cultivate alove for science amongst our learners."

COMPETITIONTESTS

MULTIPLESKILLS

Each team consisted of six learners drawn from Grades10to 12, with amaximum of two Grade 12 learners per team. Schools

41 SCHOOLSCOMPETE IN SCIENCE QUIZ

held preliminary assessments inMarch to select their top six representatives forSaturday's finals

On Saturday, learners warmed up with arapid-fire round where onelearner fromeachschool had to answer questions on the spot. Inroundone, learners completed aquestionnaire individually on their phones orcomputers before teamsweredivided into pairs who went toworkstationstesting practicalskills, observationand identification abilities.

STRENGTHENINGCOMPETENCIES

The competition focused on strengtheninglearners' competencies in multiple areas including terminology usage, scientificconcept analysis, and understanding the applications of life sciences in everyday life and indigenous knowledge.

At the announcement of the winners, Dietsisonotedall of the top performing schools scored above87%.

Cayden Presence, Grade 10

learner from second-placed Malibu High School, described theevent as "one of the most excitingopportunities Iwas privilegedtohave." Despite initialnerves, she found the difficulty manageable and appreciated exposure to highergrade content. Sheenjoyed"the atmosphere of learners from different backgrounds" andthe opportunity to make new friends while competing.

Her Grade 12 teammateMisqah Solomon praisedhow the competition requiredinterlinking different life sciencesconcepts "becauseitmade me think on adeeper level." She said theexperienceimprovedher teamwork skills andconfidence under pressure."I'm so grateful that Mr Dietsiso gave schools theopportunity to participate in alife sciences quiz," Solomon added.

Several sponsors contributed to theevent, including Jawitz Properties (donation)and Gift of theGivers (food). Dietsiso alsothanked Landeka Diamond, director of MEED, who shares hisbelief"that this project will expandfor years to come".

TheteamfromMalibu High School who came second.From left: Renee Pietersen (curriculum advisor); Cole May(grade 12); Mishqa Solomon (grade 12); Carleigh Moses (grade 11); HenryRank (teacher); AliziweJanuary(grade 11); Likhona Cekiso(grade10); Cayden Presence(grade10) and JeremyDietsiso(coordinator,DeKuilenHigh).
PHOTOS: CARINA ROUX
Marcelene Cloete from Forest Heights High School taking acloserlook.
Kéane Erasmus (front,Tygerberg High School)and Cayden Presence(Malibu High School)completing the questionnaireatone of theworkstations.
Siyahluma Maqnutyana from Masibambisani High School (Delft) at one of the workstations.
MishqaSolomon (Malibu High) at one of theworkstations.
Cayden Presence(Malibu High) takesa good look.
Xanthene Thomas and Jessie Williams (Grade 10) from De Kuilen High School busywith the individualquestionnaire.
Director of MetroEastEducation Department,Landeka Diamond handed overaspecialprizetoCaitlin Williams from Protea HeightsAcademy who scored fullmarksfor the individual questionnaire.
Parklands Collegewon the inauguralLifeSciences Challenge.Fromleft: Alexa-Rose Schreuder,Jenna Simpson,AmmielKianda Mukalay,Jolandi Gibson(teacher),Jean Goliath (former curriculum plannerfor LifeSciences in the WesternCape),Rayah Moodley,AishaSalie,and Jeremy Dietsiso(organiserfromDeKuilen High School).

Kommentaar // Comments

THINKING OUTLOUD SLICEOFLIFE

Socks,storms and stubborn summer vibes

Winter has officially arrived. Youcan feel it in theearly morning chill, see it in the grey skies rolling in,and hear it in the steady rhythm of rain against thewindows. For some, it’s aseasonto endure. For me, it’s one to embrace. There’s something deeply comforting about winter. It invites you to slow down, to trade the rush of summer for quieter moments. To wrap yourself in blankets, cradle awarm cup of coffee,and sitalittle longer beside the fireplace while the world outside turns cold and wet

But this past weekend, winter reminded us that it is not always gentle. Heavy rains battered parts of thecity, leaving floodingand damage in their wake. For many families, the season did not arrive with cosy blankets and warmdrinks, but with risingwater, soaked belongingsand uncertainty. My heart goes out to those who have been affected —especially thosewho havelost their homes or have nowhere to go. It’s astark reminder that while winter can feel magicalfor some, it canbeincredibly harsh for others. It puts things into perspective.

Because while I’mlightingafire and reaching foranotherjersey,thereare people trying to stay dry, trying to stay warm, trying to hold onto whatthey have And inside my home, winterlooks very different. My three-year-old sonisfirmly convinceditisstill summer

Every morning beginswitha negotiation —socks being the main point of contention. To him, they areunnecessary and deeply offensive. To me,they are essential. “Just try them,” Isay,holding

..

FORMANYFAMILIES,THE

outasmall pair. “No,” he replies, without hesitation.

Then comes the wardrobe debate. While I’m layering up, he’s pointing atshorts andT-shirts as if the weather outside is merely asuggestion. Explaining winter to atoddler is no easy task.

“It’s cold,” Itell him. “Butthe sun is there,” he says, pointing outthe window. And in his mind, that settles it. Because sun means one thing: beach.

So when Iexplain that we can’tgo, the confusionisreal. Why would anyone not go to the beach if the sun is visible? It’s a fair question —one that logic struggles to answer when you’rethree years old

After one such conversation, he paused, looked up at the sky, and asked, “Is the sun on holiday?” And just like that, winter made perfect sense.

Because that’s exactlywhatitfeels like sometimes —like the sun has taken abreak, leaving clouds, wind andrain behind.Itstill makes the occasional appearance,just enough to remind us it hasn’t disappeared entirely

But it doesn’t linger. Itriedtoexplain this to him —that the sun is still there, just not as warm, not as strong.Hewasn’t convinced. In hisworld, things are simple. Warm means outside. Sun means beach. Socks are optional.

The recent flooding has reminded us how vulnerable so many people are when the rains come.And maybe that’s the balance winter asksofus— to find comfort wherewecan, while remaining aware of those who cannot. To be grateful,but not unaware. So whileIsit with mycoffeeand my blanket, and continue the daily battle oversocks, I’m holding space forboth realities. Thecosy and the difficult. The laughter and theloss.

And somewhere in between, asmall voicestill asking whether the sun will be back from holiday tomorrow. Itell him yes. Even if, for now, winterishereto stay.

-KAILIN DANIELS

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Heavyrain bringsback thepotholecrisis

As winter settlesoverCape Town once again, so too doesthe familiar and frustrating problem of potholes returntoour roads.Every year it feelslikethe same story is replayed —heavy rainsarrive, roads deteriorate, and motorists arelefttonavigateanever-growing network of craters anddamagedsurfaces

In some areas, temporary'patchwork fixes' seem to last only afew days before the damage re-emerges, often worsethanbefore. Better planning, more resilientroadmaterials, andfasterresponsetimes couldgo alongway in reducing the impact of winter damage.

ACONCERNEDMOTORIST, Email

Ek is nounet mooi keelvolvan mense se ongedulden selfsugtigheid op die pad, veralinspitsverkeer soggens op Bottelary

Onsmoetalmal ‘n sekere tydbydie werk komen, net soos 'n mensin'nwinkel in 'n ry gaan staan om te betaal,nie net summier voor ander indruk nie.Jykan mosopdie padook jou beurt afwag

Die padwerke op Labellewegisnou al sedertdie begin vandie jaar aan die gang. Dit is nie 'n nuweding nie,maar vanoggend staan die ry karreopBottelary watalmal voor wil indruk amper net so lank soos die ry watindie korrekte baan geduldig moetwag —eintlik noglanger, te dankeaan al die selfsugtiges. Elkedag dieselfde storie —dieselfde voertuie wathul neusenet voor joune indruk. ESTHER,E-pos

DIE DONKIE(EN BOEKE) IS ’N WONDERLIKE DING: Stan Davidoff,plaasbestuurdervan Eseltjiesrus Donkey SanctuarynabyMcGregor,enHansel,die donkie,lyk alte gretig om meer oor tuinmaak te leer.Hulle maak voorbrand virEseltjiesrus se jaarlikse boekefees,wat van7 tot9Mei by Oos-kerkinRobertsongehouword.‘n Groot verskeidenheid boeke,meeste teen R30elk,sal te koop wees.Besoek www.donkeysanctuary.co.zavir meer inligting. FOTO:JACKIE WERNBERG

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Tyger Burger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 22 April 2026 by Novus Media - Issuu