Tyger Burger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 29 April 2026
City says thanks
Community clean-upproves to be most effective mechanismagainst neglect and dumping, the City hassaid.
The City of Cape Town has thanked community groups andresidentsfor organising 80 clean-upevents over the currentfinancial year.
ItsUrban Waste Management Directorate, which provided refuse bags and waste-removal support,said the community-ledinitiatives demonstrated
discourages illegal dumping and increases the likelihood that inappropriatewastedisposal behaviour will be addressed.
“When communities get involved it sends astrong message that neglect and dumping will not be accepted as normal,” Twigg said. “It also helps to create an environment where residentsare more likely to report illegal dumping and work together to protect the areas they live in.” Community groups and organisations
approaches to proving public spaces over time. Active resident participation helps build stronger ownership,
theaHigham(Parallel demonstrasie) en MarcoMoors vanLowensvlei Blomplaas(Snyblomme). Dietema vandie blommekunskompetisie is Elegansie.Tee word vanaf09:30bedien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864vir meerinligting
SATURDAY30MAY
. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.
FRIDAY12JUNE
. TheMitchells PlainUnitedResidents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area's 50thanniversarycelebrations. It willbeheldatthe RoyalCapeGolf Club on Friday12June.The eventwill caterfor 120players over six to eight waterholes. Mura is in need of prizes, waterholesponsors, contents for goodie-bags,and auctionitems forthe prize-giving dinners.Ifyou wouldliketotakepart, donateorfor moreinformation, contact NormanJantjesat 083628 4421
FROMPAGE1
Aparticularly influential figure was her lecturer,Prof Russell Kaschula, from the Department of African Language Studies, whoused innovative teaching methods, including adocumentary showing white childrenlearningisiXhosa, to highlight thecomplexities of language acquisition.
Freed from the rigid method at school into adaptive teaching,Oniwe thrived, even achievinga100% pass in some isiXhosa tests as an undergraduate student “I startedtoenjoy it …I finally understood it,” she said.
Her academic journey inspired her master’sresearch, whichinterrogates the assumption that all isiXhosa speakers share thesame level of proficiency.
“There’s abig differencebetween speakingalanguage andbeing academically literateinit. We need to recognise that,especially in our education system.”
Her story highlights the wider systemic challengesinmanyformer Model C
schools where African languages are introduced too late, leaving learners at adisadvantage. Her mother, aformer teacher,now works with the Western Cape Education Department’sIncremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL) programme, mentoring teacherstobetter support theselearners.
For Jennifer, seeing her daughter excel in her mother tongue is adream come true. “Although my children attended former Model Cschools, we were intentional about preserving isiXhosa at home. Many families feel pressured to prioritise English to help them gain confidence quickly, but that often comes at the cost of losing proficiency in their home language, something we were determined to avoid.”
Looking ahead, Oniwe hopes to become an isiXhosa professor, using her own journey to inspire and support others.
“I want to create the kind of environment that helped me succeed… where studentsaren’tjudged, but guided.”
Spring cleaning activities heldinMakhaza,Cape Town.
Anallegedgang leaderarrested
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.COZA
A33-year-old alleged gang leader was last week arrested in Ravensmead for the possessionofunlicensed firearms and ammunition. Accordingtothe police, during Operation Lockdown 3anR5rifle, a shotgun,three pistols, more than160 rounds of ammunition, and several magazines were seized.
According to Lt Col Amanda vanWyk
WEAPONS HAUL FOUND NEAR FLATS IN RAVENSMEAD
Public Prosecutions to raise my concern at the state’s routine fordrug dealers fuelling Cape Flats,” says Hill-Le
According to hims cannever be acrime not opposed by the “Denialofbail, an
Huge drug bustinStikland
Thedistribution of drugs on the Cape Flatssufferedamajor setback when officers attached to Operation Prosper arresteda45-year-old man for dealing in drugs in Delft last Wednesday. According to police spokesperson Capt Frederickvan Wyk,officers were conducting stop-and-searchoperations in BuczaneStreet, N2 Gateway, Delft, when they stopped asilver Honda Civic.
DRUGSANDCASHFOUND
Further investigation led officersto astorage facility in Stikland, Bellville.
“At the facility, officers discovered 46 packets containing 1000 mandrax tablets each, bringing the total to 46 000 tablets with an estimated street value of R2,76 million,” he said.
ARREST
Thesuspect was arrested and is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s
Communityclinic completedearly
The provincial department of infrastructure (DOI) says construction of thenew R105 million Ravensmead Community Day Centre (CDC) has been completed —three months ahead of schedule.
The department saysitremains committedtofast-tracking infrastructure delivery to support service delivery Infrastructure MEC, TertuisSimmers, said theproject reflectsgovernment’s focus on governanceand service delivery.
“This partnership betweengovernment, thecommunity, industry partners and professional teams is unitedbyacommon purpose—todeliver safe, dignified and accessiblepublic infrastructure,”hesaid.
According to Simmers, thecommunityfocusedproject created 236 local job opportunities and injected R36,1million into thelocal economy through subcontractors, suppliers and labour
He said the single-storey facility featuresadurable exterior and light-filled courtyards, withaflexible layout that allows consulting rooms to be adapted as community healthcare needschange.
The CDC will offer arangeofprimary healthcareservices, including acute care,
Simmers addedthatthe design incorporates energy-efficient andclimateresponsive features, including natural lighting,shaded windows, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting.
The DOI also thanked the contractor, professional service providers andits health infrastructure teamfor their role in completing the project aheadofschedule
OPENING
The Western Cape Department of Health andWellness will announce the official opening date
Healthand wellness MEC, Mireille Wenger, said teams are currently equipping the facility.
“While the building is complete, we are ensuring thatwhenitopens, residentsare welcomedinto aspacethatsupportstheir health and careneeds,”she said.
Measlesincrease seen inWCape
The Belhar and Delft areas of the Western Cape are seeingmeasles outbreaks, with more than 20 cases reported since the start of 2026.
The increase in measlescases is not uniquetothe Western Cape, as South Africa is currently facing adecline in childhood-vaccination uptake, which poses aseriousrisk for publichealth and threatens thecountry’sefforts to eliminate vaccine preventable diseases.
This decline contributed to multiple outbreaksofmeasles, rubella and diphtheria acrossthe province, signalling serious gaps in population immunity.
According to Megan Davids, spokesperson for the WesternCape Department of Healthand Wellness, immunisation coverage across the province remains atop priority.
“Since October2024 the department has ramped-up its immunisation efforts to protect youngchildren from serious and life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
“It has implemented an early-warning and -response system to these outbreaks that includes strengthening coordination of theresponse, intensifying disease surveillance, clinical management of cases and community engagement. Targeted vaccination outreaches will be prioritised in theareas where we see arapid increase in measlescases.”
Measlesisa highlycontagious disease
Geslagsgeweldonder dieloep
DieVictorious Women's Movement het op Woensdag 22 April 'n bewusmakingsprogram oor geslagsgeweld by die Laerskool Hoofweg in Wesbank aangebied.
Berenise Louw, voorsitter van die nie-winsgewende organisasie, sê Ronell Higgens van die departement van maatskaplike ontwikkeling, polisiebeamptes
AO Louise Strydom (Kraaifontein) en AO Lungiswa Dyidi (Mfuleni), asook Monique Cyster en Yuseriq Gierdien van Old Mutual het tot die program bygedra.
Meer as 50 ouers vanuit die gemeenskap en Hoofweg se gr. 7-leerders het die geleentheid bygewoon wat deur Xpresso Zevenwacht Mall en Twizza geborg is. "Ons is baie dankbaar vir ondernemings wat wil help om 'n verskil in ons gemeenskappe te maak," sê Louw. Kheth'Impilo Health het basiese gesondheidstoetse vir belangstellendes gebied. "Ons gemeenskappe gaan ten gronde as gevolg van geslagsgebaseerde geweld wat
toeneem en die oorhand in ons kwesbare gemeenskappe kry,"sê Louw."Ditword net by die dag erger asofdit normaal is."
Die programhet ondermeer die verskillende soorte mishandeling uitgelig soosfisiekegeweld (slaan, wurg, brand en beserings aan die liggaam),seksuele geweld(seksueleaanranding, verkragting), sielkundige mishandeling (afdreiging, intimidasie, manipulering) asook ekonomiesemishandeling.
"Soveel mammiesmoethof in en hof uit vir hul kinders se reg om finansieel deur hul pa's ondersteunteword," sê Louw."Dit is hartseer om te sien hoe ma's met tranebydie onderhoudshofuitstap oor die onreg watvaders hul kinders aandoen.
"Baievaders hetdie vermetelheidom totindie hof die moederste verneder en te intimideer. Ditishoekom daar so baieseer en bitterheid by kinders isomdat hulle sien hoe hulmoeders sukkelom ondersteuning te ontvangvan die afwesigevaders. Dit veroorsaak
dat baie kinders by die skole teruggetrokke raak of boelies word weens die geweld in hul huis."
Louwsêhul doelisomdie stilte in gemeenkappe te verbreek en ondersteuningtebied. Sy raai vrouens wat slagoffers
that infectsthe respiratory tract. Symptoms of measles include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis and coughing.
Health-care practitioners can diagnose measles on signs and symptoms as well as ablood sample collected for laboratory testing.
“We ask that parents look out for measles symptoms and keep their children home when they have one or more of these symptoms so we can curb the spread of thishighly contagious disease. Should your child run afever, feel sleepy or struggle to eat take them to the nearest clinic immediately.”
Potential complications from measles include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection and blindness.
“Complications are more serious in thosewho catch measles as young infants (under 2years of age) and in children who are malnourished,” said Davids. “Free childhood vaccines are available at all public-health facilities, and catch-up doses can be given if achild has missed a vaccination.
“Vaccines are also available through the private-sector facilities and privatepublic partnerships. We urge parents not to assume theirchildren are immune. Help us protect our children by taking them for their routine immunisations and signing consent forms when our school vaccination teams visit their school.”
van huishoudelikegeweld is aan om op te staan vir hulself en hul kinders. "Moenie stilbly nie, neem aksie en staan op vir jul regte. Moet nooit ophou bid en op God vertrou nie. Spreuke31:10 sê: ''nKnap vrou is baie meer werd as edelstene'."
Meer as 50 ouers vanuit die gemeenskap en Hoofwegsegr.7-leerdershet die
Theplayers who received awards are from left Ettiene Davids (Most Dedicated Player),Tony Bagley (best bowler in the2nd team),BevanAbrahams (Player of theYearand Meritorious Awards),Vaughn Koeberg (Sportsman of the Year),SaquilePhillips(Most ImprovedPlayer) andCheslynRoberts (Impact player of the Year Award).
Clubcelebrates successes
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The Bishop Laviscricket club recently held itsannual awards ceremony where they celebrated a seasonofmixed fortunes.
Sars chief honoured
South African Revenue Service
Commissioner Edward Kieswetter was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Businessand Management Sciences in Taxation by Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) recently, describing therecognitionfrom his former institution as "a full circle moment"
The ceremonytook place during CPUT's final graduation ceremonyinthe Autumn Grad Series, with Kieswetter reflecting on his journey from apprentice to one of South Africa's most seniorpublic servants.
Kieswetter began his academic journey at theinstitutionin1978 when it was known as Peninsula Technikon, arriving as ayoungapprenticeseeking his start in life
"I startedhere as ayoung man trying to get hisstart in life. It is ironic that it is theimpact of the work that Ihave done over thesepastdecadeswhich brings me back now," Kieswetter told the graduation audience
"I came to Peninsula Technikon as an apprenticein1978. That turned out to be one of the greatestgifts in my life because this institution taught me that theory mustconnecttoapplication. Iwalked thesegrounds backthen withremarkable people whoexpanded my senseofwhat
was possible."
Thecommissioner thanked both past and present management at CPUT for their role in shaping not only hislife but also that of other young people who look to education to transform their circumstances.
RECOGNITIONFORBROADERCOMMUNITY
Kieswetter emphasised that he accepted the honour on behalf of young people from the Cape Flats and beyond who face limitations in theirlives.
POTENTIALNURTURED
Among thoseinattendance was a particularly significant figure from Kieswetter's past —his former high school principal Victor Ritchie from Harold Cressey High School. Kieswetter credited Ritchie as aformidable influence who recognised his potential and nurtured it. Theceremony also served as aplatform for Kieswetter to reflect on his legacy as he prepares to hand over leadershipof Sars. The incoming Sars Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhuba was present, along with other senior members of the tax authority and Kieswetter's family.
"Mylegacy is the ethical and disciplined staff who will take it forward."
CRICKETERS HAVE ASEASONOF MIXED FORTUNES
The clubhad amuch improved season where, at stage, it found itself wasthe keynote address speaker at the event, where he reiterated the import
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetterreceives HonoraryDoctoratefromCapePeninsulaUniversityof Technologyatgraduation.
MargitenFrankbySuidoosterfees
Frank Opperman en Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck is te sien in dieverhoogstuk Eerste vir Alles hierdie naweek by die Suidoosterfees. Die gedugteakteurs span kragte saam om dieoorspronklike “powercouple”tevertolk in ’n klassieke gevalvan “he said, she said”. Eeue nadat hulleuit die paradysgesmytis, besin Adam en Evaoor die huwelik. Kykhier, dit wasnie maklikomdie proto-paartjie te wees nie, hoor? Allesmoes vir die eerstekeeruitgepluisword: liefde, kinders en huishou. Nou dat dielaatlammetjie die huis gaan verlaat,het Adam en Evaweerbinnekort net mekaar virgeselskap.Sien hullekansvir nog‘n honderd jaar saam en salhul sondes hulleontsien?
Ná baie goed en kwaad het Adam en Evavir oulaas ‘n appeltjie met mekaar te skil
Eva(Meyer-Rödenbeck),’ngefrustreerde kunstenaar,kry uiteindelik ’n beurt om haar kant vandie storie te vertel, die liefde enleedvan die eerstemoeder en huisvrou. Adam (Opperman) glo ook nie hy’t dit maklikgehad nie,die handboek vir
TONEELSTUK HANDEL OOR DIE LIEF EN LEED VANSAAM OUDWORD
menswees is eers ná sy tydgeskryf
Hierdie romantiese komedie gaan oor ou bene saam maak, veralaseen dieander ’n ribbebeen skuld. Wessel Pretorius is verantwoordelik virdie teks en regie.Die stukis'ngesamentlike produksievan dieSuidoosterfees en dieVrystaat-kunstefees met ondersteuning vandie HetJan MaraisNationale Fonds. Die vertoningsbydie Suidoosterfees is in die Little Theatreopdie Universiteit vanKaapstad se Hiddingh-kampus op Vrydag 1Mei om 20:00,asook Saterdag 2enSondag3Mei om 12:30 Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar by Webtickets
. Diestuksal ookop4 en 9Junie en van13tot 19 Augustus by DieBoer-teaterrestaurant op die plankewees. Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021 9791911.
Mamma MiaMusical returns
Mamma Mia! willreturn in September, featuring Broadway veteranAmra-FayeWrightinthe lead role.The production, by ShowtimeManagement, will run at Artscape from 3September to 11 October. Wright,who wasborn in South Africa,brings
Broadway veteran Amra-Faye Wright stars in the lead role of Donna Sheridan.
extensiveinternationalexperiencetothe role
Thecastincludes severalestablished South Africanmusical-theatreperformers.Samantha Peoreturns as Tanya, reuniting with Wrightafter their previouscollaboration in thelocal production of Chicago in 2005. Lindy Abromowitz playsRosie completingthe trio that formsthe 1970sband “Donna &the Dynamos.”
Earlybirdticketdiscounts of 20%are available until30Aprilfor theopening performances(on 3 and4 September)atArtscape.Regular discounts applyonTuesdays,withgroup ratesavailablefor bookingsof20ormoretickets.
. Tickets areavailableatShowtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za
Nataniël by die Suidoosterfees
Nataniël kommaak'ndraai by dieSuidoosterfees met dievertoning, Händel en die donkie, waarin hy diewaarde en wonde vanindrukke ontleed –daardie oomblikke watjou byblyenvorm.
Die gehoor kangereed maakvir jazz,pop en die barokklankevan GeorgFriedrich Händel en natuurlik Nataniël se verbeeldingryke stories. Die pianis Charl du Plessisen’nstrykkwartetissaammet hom op dieverhoog. Om gestandtedoen aandie styl en klankvan Händel moesdaaruitstekende strykers wees."Dieselfde tydwat ek as kind en jong orrelstudent dieklank vanHändel leer kenhet,was daarook ander gebeure– goed en sleg –wat my totvandag bybly,"vertelNataniël.
"Daar is heelwatmeermusiek in die vertoning as net diévan Händel, maarekisklassiek opgelei en hou daarvan om ditwaartoeekinstaat is te gebruik."
Nataniël is versot op dieKunstekaap-teaterkompleks. "Nog voor ek ’n solo-loopbaangehad het meeras40jaargelede,was ek al deel vanproduksiesdaar. Dis een vandie laaste teaters hier watnog funksioneer soos watekteaters leer kenhet."
Sy raad aan jongkunstenaarsisomnooit op te geenie."Ek het gevegsoos’njong leeu om deure oop te skop en geleenthedetekry.Dis nie ’n maklike lewe nie. Teater of diekunsteisnie ’n prioriteit in hierdielandsooswat sport of sake-ondernemingsis
nie.Jymoet sewe dae per week opoffer om werklik enigesuksestebeleef,"sêhy. Händel en diedonkie is Donderdag30April om 20:00enVrydag1Mei om 11:30 in die Kunstekaap-operahuis op die planke . Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar by Webtickets.
Nataniel is by dieSuidoosterfees te sienin‘Händel en diedonkie’opDonderdag 30 April om 20:00 en Vrydag 1Mei om 11:30 in dieKunstekaap-operahuis.
DAGBOEK /DIARY
. Thecultmusical TheRockyHorrorShow is at Theatreonthe BayinCampsBay currently until31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16. Ticketsstart from R200. BookatWebticketsorthe theatre's boxoffice on 021438 3300
. Hatched Ensemble is at TheBaxter'sPam Golding TheatreonWednesday 29 and Thursday 30 April. This choreographic piece features 10 ballet-trained dancersfromdifferent ethnicbackgrounds and interrogatestradition, identity and gender norms. Tickets at Webtickets.
. Demi LeeMoore tree op Donderdag30April om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR220 totR260. Bespreekasseblief kaartjies by www heroeslive.net
. TolliePartontreeopVrydag1Mei om 20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R180 totR220. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net
. Countryrockfusion and bluesband Then &Now is launchingtheirnew album at Woodstock Breweryon Saturday 2May at 20:00. TicketsR100 at Quicket or R250atthe door.
. DieSuidoosterfeeswordvan 29 April tot3Mei by dieKunstekaap-teater,die Media24-gebou en die Kaapstad-burgersentrumaangebied. Besoek www. suidoosterfees.comvir meer inligting. Krykaartjies by Webtickets.
. DieUniversiteitskoor StellenboschtreeopVrydag 8enSaterdag9 Meiom19:00 in dieEndlersaalop. Kaartjieskos R190 totR280 by Webtickets.
. TheDrama LabatTable View Primarypresents Annie at the schoolfrom8 to 16 May. TicketsatQuicket
. TheSaffaStunt Awards ceremony, shortfilm screening and afterparty is at the HomecomingCentreonSaturday9May from 16:00. Moredetails and ticketsatwww.saffastuntawards.co.za.
. TheHumanLeagueand Blancmangeare live at the Grand Arena,GrandWestonTuesday 12 Mayat19:00 TicketsatWebtickets.
. Alfred Adriaan'sbrand newshow, PositiveStrokes,
is at TheHomecoming Centre on Wednesday13and Thursday14May at 19:30.TicketsfromR200toR250 at Webtickets.
.Eden tree op Saterdag 16 Mei om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR260tot R300.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Cape Town OperapresentsGeorges Bizet's Carmen, astory of passion, freedom and jealousyatArtscape from 19 to 31 May. TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets. . MilleniumtreeopVrydag22Mei om 20:30by HeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR120tot R140 Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. ACDC Duet Xchange2026,a two-dayfestival of dance performanceand competition is at TheHomecoming Centre on Friday22and Saturday23May at 19:00.TicketsR150 at Webtickets.
. XollyMncwango: TheUnusual Encounter is at the Grand Arena,GrandWest on Saturday23May at 18:00.TicketsfromR300 at Webtickets.
. Boyz II Men LiveinSouthAfricaTour is at the Grand Arena,GrandWest on Wednesday27May at 18:00 TicketsfromR750atWebtickets.
. TheJiveCapeTownFunnyFestivalruns at The Baxter from 28 Mayto21June. TicketsfromR190 to R250 at Webtickets.
. JayenLianie MaytreeopVrydag29Mei om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Please,don’t call me moffie runs at Artscapefrom2 to 6June. No under 16s. TicketsR150 at Webtickets. . Killer Queen –ALamta DanceProduction –runs from 4to20JuneatTheatre on the Bay. Ticketsfrom R200 at Webtickets.
. Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30by HeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR290tot R350 Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Cape Town ConcertSeries:Charl du Plessis –Mozart, Mambo& Merlot is on Saturday6Juneat15:00 at TheBaxter. TicketsfromR100 to R300 onlyavailable at Webtickets.
Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck en Frank Opperman span kragte saam as Adam en Evaindie verhoogstukEerstevir Alles,hierdie naweek by die Suidoosterfees
Citytransportsystemcriticised
Cape Town's transport system is trapped in aweb of fragmentation that's draining economic productivity and preventing anymeaningful progress toward solving the city's mounting congestion crisis, according to logistics expert Prof Stephan Krygsman from Stellenbosch University. Krygsman, who was apanelistatarecent Cape Chamber Urban Mobility Strategic Dialogue Network event, delivered astark assessment: if current approaches continue, “we will have the same discussion in five, 10 and 15 years”– as CapeTown hurtles toward an estimated10million residents by 2050.
Unlikesuccessful cities worldwidethat typically operate with two or three public transportmodes, CapeTown is burdened with five competing modes: cars, Golden Arrow buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT/ MyCiTi), rail, and minibus taxis "This fragmentation prevents any single mode -especially rail -from reaching the critical mass needed for efficiencyand lower unit costs," Krygsman explained. With an estimate of aroundfour millionpassenger trips daily, the competing modes cannibalise each other's market share rather than working towardan integrated system. Rail and BRT, which have inherent economies of scale that make them cheaper as ridership grows, are "probably operating far below optimum
Perhaps moredamaging than modal competitionis whatKrygsman describes as institutionalfragmentation creating "a recipe for complete failure.
Three tiersofgovernment each controldifferenttransport elements: Nationalgovernment runs rail while collecting most taxes,provincialgovernment subsidisesbuses, and municipal government plans BRT but relies onnational funding. Meanwhile, taxis operate largely independently, and SANRAL controls national roads.
Within the City of Cape Town itself, three separate departments -Mobility, UrbanPlanning andDesign, and Development Management -all handle transport-related responsibilities without effective coordination, Krygsmanclaimed.
ECONOMICPRODUCTIVITYDRAIN
The transport dysfunction extends far beyond commuter inconvenience, Krygsman argues,striking at the heart of Cape Town's economic competitiveness Workers spend significant
Logistics expert Prof StephanKrygsman from StellenboschUniversity.
portionsofdisposable income on transport, while long commutes and uncomfortable travel options reduceproductivity through worker fatigueand contribute to high employeeturnover.
Evenlogisticscompanies -the backboneoffreight movementare relocating to city peripheries partly "becausethey want to be closetothe workforce,"further entrenching spatial separation between residentialand employment areas Krygsman alsocriticisesCape Town's continued separationof landuses.
"We observe with ongoing urban sprawl andtraditional planning approaches that residentialareas,employment areas,industry, manufacturing etc. areall planned separately."
Unlike international cities that fund public transport through congestioncharges anddeveloper contributions, Cape Town lacks essential revenuemechanisms.
"There is no otheralternative
to generate revenue for public transport other than implementing congestion taxes, developer contributions and privatising rail, stations, busses etc.," Krygsman stated.
He suggestsdevelopers should conduct "housing impact studies" and make "significant contribution to public transportnot onlyroads and parking."
THEINDEPENDENCESOLUTION
Krygsman's proposed remedy centersoncreating an "Urban and Transport Development Authority" -stronger than a department with revenue-raising powers -that would coordinate planning, design, construction, regulation, and funding across all transport modes."
Contrary to common complaints about Cape Townbeing hemmed in by mountain and ocean, Krygsman views these as assets that "limit sprawl which is good" and provide recreational amenities and pollution control that make cities attractive.
CITYRESPONDS
Approached for comment on some of Krygsman’s analysis, Maycomember for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas defended theCity’s current transport approach. Quintas acknowledged that “fractured governance arrangements are historic” but outlined theCity’s vision for “an integrated interoperable public transport system where all modes of public transport…are
integrated in terms of scheduling, and with one mode of payment.”
He said the City is pursuing devolution of passenger rail services and working with the minibus taxi industry “towards a streamlined mobility ecosystem.”
Regarding institutional fragmentation, Quintas stated: “The City does not work in silos. All planning happens across City directorates.” He noted that departments collaborate on spatial development frameworks and all provide input on development applications.
On spatial planning, Quintas noted that underutilised sites like Wingfield and Ysterplaat “belongs to the national government, and the City has long advocated for national government to release thesesites.”
TheCityremains “committed to TOD [Transit-Oriented Development], thisisone of our main goals,” he added.On congestion charges, Quintas stated: "A congestion charge would not be considered, let alone implemented, unless public transport is the most reliable and effective travel option. That point has not yet been reached and remains along-term goal. Furthermore, thereiscurrently no provision in national legislation that would enable any municipality to implement a congestion charge."
Quintas rejected Krygsman proposal for an independent transport authority, stating: "The City is not considering it.”
LEWENSKIEKIE
Waddehel? Nee, regtig, watgaanaan?
Ek vang myself gedurig dat ek wonder of die wêreld stapelgek geraak het.
Soosinabsoluut hierdie is 'n gesinspublikasie en daarom moet ek versigtig wees hoe ek my uitdruk. Maar ek kandeesdae nie meer onderskei wat komedie of wat realiteitisnie. Veralnou dat dit open season vir politiekeryis, met die plaaslikeverkiesing op die horison. Kom ek gee 'n paar voorbeelde. Dieburgemeesterskandidaatvir Johannesburg, Helen Zille, gaan snorkel in 'n slaggat in 'n straat. Volgens die inwoners is die gat jarereeds daar. Nou my vraag is, word ons nie op laerskool reeds geleer stilstaandewater is gevaarlik nie?
Maar disdie opvolgstorie watmy laat kopkrap. Die Johannesburgse munisipaliteit reageer op 'n "dringende basis" om die gat te fix. In Suid-Afrika is driejaar dalk spoedig, veral as jy inag neem dat sommige regeringsprojekte nooit klaar gemaak word nie. Of asdit voltooi word is dit miljarde oor begroting. 'n Sprekende voorbeeld hiervanisdie herbouingvan die parlement, wat'npaar jaargelede tot op die grond afgebrand het. Die parlementisdie hoogste wetgewende liggaam in meeste demokratiese lande. In ander woorde, wette word daargemaak, wat dandeur die samelewing gehoorsaam moetword. Dus, as jy nou soosekreken jy is 'n normale mens, sal jy ditnie waagom geld wat vir hierdie liggaam se herbouing gebruik moet word te verduister nie. Hou my bier, sê die mense watdaarmee vertrou word om die hart van ons demokrasie te herbou. Daar word berig datdie projek, wat reedsvier jaar sloer, se begroting reeds van die aanvanklike R2,1 miljardtot R4,6 miljard gegroei het. Nou wat is vandie uitgawes wat tothierdie styging lei?
Na bewering is daar R86 849 vir grondboontjiebotter betaal en R80 000 elk op vissmeer en vlapoeier. Gelukkigwas die gedroogdebone glo slegs R30 000 werd. Ek het soveel vrae. Meng jy die grondboontjiebotter, vissmeer en vlapoeier saam om 'n tipesement te vorm waarmee jy dan die baksteneaan mekaarvassit? Op 'n ernstige noot, waddehel?! Maak nie saakhoe jy dit aan my verduideliknie, daarisgeen manier dat ek sal glo enige van hierdie produkte is noodsaaklikom enige gebou, wat nog te sê die parlement, te herbou nie. Al woord wat by my opkom is die vermetelheid. "The audacity," saldie Engelsman verklaar,omdie plek te besteel waar die wette gemaak word. Is dit normaal? Gebeur dit in ander landeook? Beslis,veral in Donald Trumpse Amerika. Trump plaas 'n kunsmatige intelligensie-prentjie, wat homasJesus uitbeeld op X. Dit te midde van 'n oorlog wat hy beginhet,gespog het dit salgou verby wees en nouweet hy nie hoe om homself daaruit te wurm nie. Hy spoghy hetdie Straatvan Hormoes oopgemaak, maar dit was oop voordat die oorlogbegin het.
Intussen lees sy oorlogsminister glo 'n vers uit die Bybel, maar dit is eintlik 'n opgemaakte vers uit'nfliek.Endie hoofvan die FBI is so dronk dat hy sy wagwoord vir sy rekenaar vergeet en daarom dink hy is uitsydiens ontslaan. Asof dit niegenoeg is nie, ondersoek die Amerikaanseregering die dood of verdwyning van 11 wetenskaplikes wat aanhoogsgeheime projekte,waaronder projekteoor buiteruimtelike wesens,werk. Ek wil die aliens nooi om 'n paar SuidAfrikaners ook te kom haal. Vir padkos is daar grondboontjiebotter,vissmeer -BRENDENRUITER
DIEOGGENDSTONDHETGOUDINDIEMOND: ’n Goue sonsopkoms verf die oggendlug in ’n rykpalet vanwarmkleureoor dieTygerberg,soosgesien vanaf Bloubergstrand.Die ligbreek stadig deur die horison en skep ’n rustige,ampermagiese toneel watdie begin van’nnuwedag aankondig FOTO:CHRISTA ROSSOUW
Visionfocused atworkshop
CARINAROUX
The women from localnon-profit companyCoin Carebrought inspirationand practical lifeskills to learners at Bet-el School of Skills through two workshops held at the school, on Tuesday 14 April and Tuesday 21 April.
During the first session learners were taught how to createtheir very own vision board. This serves as avisual toolto clarify, concentrate and intain foc
Prof Lizelle vanWyk, aneonatologist at Stellenbosch University, in thepaediatric unit of theTygerbergHospital, aunit that receives a lotofsupport from the TygerbergHospital Children’sTrust and its supportersand donors. Here VanWyk is seen withanew Consona N7 RT2Neonatal Package Ultrasound that the trust had donated to the hospital.
Gala eventcelebrates 25th anniversary of trust
RICHARDROBERTS
Agala dinner andfundraising event are beingplanned for later thisyear to mark 25 years of the Tygerberg Hospital Children's Trust
YOUTH TAUGHT ‘MINDSET OF APPRECIATION’AT VISION BOARDSESSION
thank you for even the smallest things “whether it’s connected to their vision or simply gratitude for life itself. It’s about building amindset of appreciation and h .O thro hout is: ‘Yo
Louise Theron,chief executive, says this milestone event marks aquartercenturyofdedicated service to enhancing paediatric and neonatalhealthcare at Tygerberg Hospital. Theelegant evening will bringtogether supporters, healthcare professionals, donors,and community leaders to celebrate the trust’s impact while raisingvital funds for the future, Theron says.
Guests can expect asophisticated threecourse dinner, live entertainment, and an excitingauctionand raffle, all in support of adeeply meaningfulcause. Theron says for 25 years, the trust has played apivotal role in enhancing healthcare for young patients and their families. The gala event aims to build
on thislegacy by raising funds for lifesaving medical equipment. Theevent, in collaboration with the Ingamu Foundation, will also support the Children’sSoup Kitchen in Wesbank near Kuils River,she says.
"Thefeeding scheme for children in Wesbank is run by Ingamu and a percentage of the evening's proceeds will go towards this initiative. We will then purchase better equipment and add alittle extra each month to make feeding easier, especially in colder months,"says Lee-Ann Garcia, chief executive.
TheIngamu Foundation partnered with Synergy Café to host the gala event which takes place on Saturday 20 June at the Synergy Café and Catering at the Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Campus, Francie van ZijlDrive, Parow. . Ticketscosts R950 perperson; it includesa three-coursedinnerand areavailable at info@ synergycafeandcatering.co.za
Cape Town residents acrossall income brackets arestrugglingwith housing affordabilityasmunicipal ratesand taxescontinue to rise, according to Leon vanZyl, chair of the Western Cape PropertyDevelopment Forum (WCPDF)
In the forum’slatest newsletter addressing the housing crisis, vanZyl warned that affordabilitychallenges, onceconfined to lowerincome groups, arenow affecting the middle class as propertyprices soarthroughout the region.
“In response, some commentators are calling forpricecontrolsand land-value taxation to cross-subsidisehousing. Others arguethat short-term rentals arereducing availablehousing stock. Stillothers blame rising operational costs, particularlyhighermunicipalrates and taxes, and point to an increasingly bloatedpublic administration as the root cause,”hewrites.
But housing affordability is not unique to Cape Town; priceescalations in surrounding towns such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and even as farafieldasGeorge and Mossel Bayconfirmthat affordability is abroader regional challenge, drivenby both demand and supplychallenges.
STRONGDEMANDMEETSSUPPLY CONSTRAINTS
TheWestern Cape’s appeal as an internationally recognised destination is drivinghealthy market demand. VanZyl cited the region’snaturalbeauty, superior governancecompared to otherparts of SouthAfrica, and its attractiveness
to internationalcompanies seeking an Africanpresence, such as Amazon
“And,measuredonaninternational scale, theCapeisaffordable when compared to otherinternational addresses.Plus, withthe message of good governanceand abetterlife, comesthe message of potentialemployment opportunities, leadingto mass semigration across alllevelsofincome.”
However, supply-sidechallenges areexacerbatingthe crisis.Despitethe Western Cape’s reputation forgood governance, vanZyl criticisedexcessive redtapeand associatedcosts
“Manywould agreethat theWestern Cape is exceptionallygoodatcrossingevery‘t’ anddotting every‘i’ when it comes to statutoryapprovals fornew development.Thiscreates the perceptionthat thegoverningculture is oneof: ‘It’seasier to saynothantosay yes’,” he observed.
“With publicsectorsalaries andjob security often exceedingthose in the private sector,bureaucrats arefrequently criticised forlackofurgencyindelivery, prioritising cleanauditsoverimplementation. However, sinceclean audits seem to be thepoliticaldifferentiator celebrated by politicalleadership, canone blame thebureaucrats forthe political culture ofclean auditabove delivery?Red tape isarealchallenge in the Cape,and the cost of timeisdirectly reflected in the cost of housing,” he wrote.
Land availability remains another significant cost driver,historically addressed throughgreenfieldexpansion Whilst municipalities nowadvocatefor densification duetooperational cost
“Municipalities nowargue fordensification, sinceoutward expansion brings additional municipal operational cost implications. Changes in technology and resultantcostreductions, specifically in privateelectricity generation andwater treatment, challenges this argument to some extent,but one must also remember that theseadvances cause municipalities to lose theirmonopolyon
utility provision,”henotes.
Theobvious solution to land availabilityistostart with releasing state-owned land, followed by acritical review of why densification does not naturally occur on privately-owned land
“Althoughthe City of Cape Town has made progress in releasing surplus land, ensuring that it is ultimately used for affordable housing remainsdifficult. One of the biggest obstaclesispolitical resistance from existing voters who
prefer to preserve thestatusquo.Despite itsliberal reputation, theCape is farmore conservative than most wouldcareto admit,” he writes.
CONSTRUCTIONCOSTS ADDPRESSURE
Building material costsfurther compound theproblem, as fewmaterialsare produced locallyinthe Western Cape
“Materialsdelivered at scalein Gauteng arebrokenintosmaller quantities forCape projects, with transport costsand markupsadded along theway,” vanZyl explained.
Combined with higher labour costs, stricter site controls,and rising fuel expenses, construction costsinthe Western Cape significantly exceed those in other provinces.
Rather than seekingsimplesolutions, vanZyl called foramultifaceted approach encompassing land availability, statutoryrights reform, services provision,financestrategies, andbuilding cost management
Theforum chair’s letter highlights the complex interplay of factors contributing to theWestern Cape’s housing crisis, suggesting that sustainablesolutions willrequirecoordinatedaction across multiplefrontsrather than piecemeal interventions.
Leon vanZyl,chair of the Western Cape Property Development Forum
GENERAL & HOMESERVICES
LEGAL& TENDERS
WPclubsspeakout
AVRILFILLIES
Representatives of rugby clubs in the province met with Francine Higham, Mayco member for recreation and parks in the City, on Saturday 18 April in adialogue aboutthe challenges the clubs face with the City’s facilities. Club rugby is the heart of every community under the umbrella of the Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) and each year
when the seasonstarts, clubs sharethe facilities with summer sporting codes orhave to use highschool sportfields in their community.
“This is afirstinaseries of seminarswiththe sporting fraternity fromWPrugby clubs, as part of ongoingefforts to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the sporting community.Iwant to thankthe WP Rugby Union
for suggesting this seminar as aplatform for opendialogue between the City andrugby clubs,” she says. “While this wasa usefulopportunity to build stronger bonds with our
user groups, we understand that thereare existing challenges and work to be done. As aCity, we’re committed to walking this journeywiththe clubs and all usersofCityfacilities.”
Maintenance workatfacilities alsoimpacts the income generated at the gates as home gameshave to be moved to opponents’ home grounds and the two clubs have to share the spoils at thegate.
Theweather also impacts the clubs’ preparation. This seminar ties in with the undertaking of the provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, earlier this month when he handed over two cheques to the value of R7,5 m each to WP Cricket and Boland Cricket for development at the two stadiums in preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup held in SouthAfrica.
