Tyger Burger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 15 April 2026

WOENSDAG15APRIL

. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub komom 09:30 vir 10:00 by die NG kerk ParowWelgelegen, Provencestraat 47,Welgelegen, byeen.Lorraine Rose doen ‘n blommedemonstrasie metdie tema “Verrassing”enAnjaFreysen praatoor moderne tendenseintuinontwerp en wenke. Die blommekunskompetisie se tema is “Halfmoon kisses”. Teewordvan 09:30voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 metnavrae. . Curious about Buddhism and the practise of meditation?Residents and visitors areinvited to join aBuddhist lectureonmeditationatMilnerton Library, 81 Pienaar Road,onWednesday 15 April at 18:30

Theevening will includeatalk on meditationfroma Buddhist perspective, followed by aguided session to help participants experiencemindfulness firsthand Thesession is expected to last 2–3hours,and newcomersare warmly welcomed.The lectureisopen to all,withasuggested donationofR70,and visitor parkingisavailable at the library. Forenquiries or to register, contact capetown@buddhism-southafrica orgor067 3768336.

SATERDAG18APRIL

. Die Vriendevan Brackenvierhul 20 jaar vandiens by die Bracken-natuurreservaatmet ’n grootbyeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal ’n verskeidenheidvan stalletjies en aktiwiteite soos ’n pretdraf,’nbegeleide stap,’npraatjieenrotsverfvir jong kinderswees. Die dagbegin om 07:00eneindig 12:00. Kontak André by 071089 9503vir meer inligting

.TheCapeModel and ToyClubwillbehaving their SummerCollectorsToy Fair onceagain this weekend. Theevent willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall in Edgemead on Saturday 18 April. Theevent starts at 09:00,finishing at 14:00.Entrycosts R10 perpersonand children under 16 yearsenter forfree. Organisers saysofar 80 tables have already been booked andthatrefreshments will also be on sale FormoredetailscallChris Lourens on 083448 6813or email capemodeltoyclub1997@gmail.com

.Aspecial family movie evening is beingpresented by the AndriesOlivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre on Saturday 18 Aprilfrom15:00 to 17:30. EntryisR40 forchildrenand R60for adults. Snacks willbesold at thevenue. Theevent will be held at the centreat 18 Hafele Street in Durbanville.The AndriesOlivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre is an independent care facility forparaplegicand quadriplegicpeople. Contact Ella on 079469 6267 to book your spotorfor moreinformation.

THURSDAY23APRIL

TheR5booksaleatthe DurbanvilleChildren’sHome willtakeplace on Thursday 23 April and Friday24

Easterperiod housefiresspike

The City of CapeTown's Fire and Rescue Service said last week said there had been aspike in residentialfires over the Easter period.

Easter weekend was celebrated from Friday 3toMonday 6April.

Theservicesaid it recorded aslight increase in the overall number of incidents over theweekend, from 277 last year to 298 this year.

JP Smith,Mayco member for safetyand security, said formal residential fires had increasedfrom just adozen last Easter to 30 this year. Thenumber of informal residential fires decreased slightly, he said. Last year atotal of 34 informal residential fire incidents were recorded, while this year there were only 32.

"Thesestatisticsare of concern, particularly as we headinto winter, where thefire risk in the home increases as the useofvarious heating methods increases.

"I appeal to residents always to keep fire safety topofmind, make sure their electrical systems are up to code, service heaters, gas andparaffin stoves and other flammable devices, and keep theirwits aboutthem when using them.

"Our emergencyservices do fire education outreaches, but we also have a comprehensive list of safety tips."

Smith said mostincident categories

INFORMAL RESIDENTIAL FIRESDECREASED SLIGHTLY

declined this year, but that trauma and medical incidentswent from 21 to 36, an increase of 71%.

Theother categories which have shown a decline, according to the Easter statistics, are motor-vehicle accidents, of which only 53 incidentswere reported this year, pedestrian accidents of which 22 incidents were reported, and vegetation fires of which 84 incidentswere reported. . Visitwww.capetown.gov.za/firesafety to viewthe list of safety tips.

Easter road deaths drop with 14%inWestern Cape

The Western Cape recorded a14% decreaseinroad deaths over the Easter period, with 19 fatalities compared to 22 last year.

The provincial governmentattributes thedeclinetoincreased visible policing and stricter lawenforcement across major

the influence, failing to provide his name and address, and resisting arrest.

Nationally, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy reported a10% decrease in road fatalities between January and mid-March, indicating apositive trend ahead of the Easter period. Final Easter road statistics

history’soldest civilisations. Entryisfreefor members, whilevisitors payR30.Refreshments willbeavailable at acostof R10. Booking is not required,and secure parking is available on the schoolgrounds.For more information, contact 021852 7273 or 084774 3972

SATURDAY2MAY

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.Freeentry. Formore informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072830 1966

FRIDAY12JUNE

.TheMitchells PlainUnitedResidents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area’s 50thanniversarycelebrations. It willbeheldatthe RoyalCapeGolfClubonFriday12June.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

Asix-year-old girl, andtwo boys aged 13 and14years, are in hospital,” says Cameron. AccordingtoCameron with the 36 deaths, 47 cases of attempted murder were alsoopened.

“That means 36 funerals now have to be arranged. It meansmore families getting phonecalls no family should ever have to get.Itmeans morechildrengrowing up with gunfire as part of everyday life. That is whythe response cannot just be about visibility. It hastobeintelligence-led and prosecution-led. It is not enough to put more bootsonthe ground and hope for the best,”says Cameron.

FEWARRESTSANDBUSTS

He furthersays what should be a concern to all is that so far veryfew arrests have been made and hardly any major drugorarms caseshave been uncovered.

Nicholas Gotsell, aDAmember of the provincial parliament alsocriticise the deployment of the SANDF.

“As gang-riddencommunities mark one week since the deployment of the SANDFtothe Cape Flats, it is becoming increasingly clearthatthis deployment began withouta credible operational plan, without measurable goals and without the full mobilisation of resources promised to parliament and communities,” says

Gotsell.

Gotsell says nine people were shot in Mitchells Plain.

“Four people died, whilst three children aged six, 13 and 14 wereinjured in a brazen attack at the Hazeldene Taxi Rank, while another young man was killed in Merrydale.

“These shootings occurred despite the presence of soldiers in the area and underscore the realitythat the deployment is not intelligence-driven and is not covering large parts of ganglands simultaneously,” he says.

TheCape Crime Crisis Coalition (C4), a non-profit organisation looking at ways to curb gangsterism and crime, recently also opposed the army deployment.

“C4 has consistently and unequivocally opposed deploying the SANDF to combat gangs on the Cape Flats.Wemaintain that military intervention is not asolution to entrenched gang violence —itrepresents an abdication of strategic responsibility, an acknowledgment of institutional weaknesses, and apreference for theatrical optics over substantive action,” reads arelease from C4.

“Nevertheless, we are realists. The presidential announcement has been made. Themachinery of deployment is in motion. Soldiers will arrive, media will descend, and political posturing will commence.”

Medicsrobbedin Bonteheuwel

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Two people have been arrestedfor stealing personal belongings from emergency medical service (EMS) personnel who were attending to acall in Bonteheuwel.

According to Sgt Samantha Adonis, spokespersonfor Bishop Lavis police, EMS personnel attended to acallout in Bonteheuwel and while loading the

saidEMS was responding to avery sick elderly lady in Bluegum Avenue.

"If attacks like this continue, Bonteheuwel risks being declared ared zone, which meansambulances, fire services and paramedics will notenter

TwoRavensmead men caught withcrayfish

Twosuspects were arrested forbeing in possession of alarge quantityofWestCoast Rock Lobstertails Thearrests were executed by theCityofCape Town’sLaw Enforcement’s marine andenvironmental unit.Officers attached to theunitwere conducting patrolsinthe ParowareaonSunday 12 Aprilwhen they spottedasuspect vehicleinthe industrial area says WayneDyason, law enforcement spokesperson.

“The officers approached thedriverwho appeared very uncomfortable. They askedthe drivertoopen thebackofthe bakkie andfound abucket filledwith West CoastRock Lobstertails,” Dyason says The41-year-olddriverand his 39-year-oldpassenger,bothfromRavensmead, were arrested and charged.

Sector 3CPF AGMand election on 30 April

KuilsRiver Sector 3communitypolicing subforum will hold its annual general meeting and election on Thursday30April at 19:00 at the NewApostolic Church, on the corner of Church and Skool street Allinterested members who wouldliketo

participateinthe election process must make suretheir application form is up to date. Allnew applicants who wish to participatemust register.The application forms areavailableatWOBinedellat KuilsRiver police.

Global awardfor researcher

Arenowned South African oral-health expert and University of theWesternCape (UWC)researcher, Prof Sudeshni Naidoo, has beenawarded one of the highest honours in global dental research, placing the spotlight on her decadesof work improving oral health in disadvantaged communities.

The US-based International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has named Prof Naidoo as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Scientist John Greenspan Global Oral Health Research Award. Named after the wellknown researcher, pathologist and public health specialist Prof John Greenspan, whodied in 2023, the awardrecognises outstanding contributions to improving oral health worldwide.

She received the awardatthe opening ceremony of the IADR’s 104th General Session held in San Diego between 25 and 28 March.

Naidoo, who is the Directorofthe UWC World HealthOrganization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for OralHealth, where her work contributestoshaping policies and programmes that promote betterhealth outcomes globally, saidthe latest recognition is an encouragement to continue pushing for oral health to be an integral part of public health, notasa secondary concern.

“If this award signals anything it is that this neglected field is finally gaining visibility and researchthat isgrounded in equity, prevention, and systemsthinking is beginning to resonate more widely.”

Having met Greenspan in the early '90s at the height of the HIV pandemic and collaborating with him on someofher research, she said that while receiving globalrecognition is remarkable the award also reflects the collaborative effort of peers forged over theyears

Other key milestones include

collaboration on theWorld Health Organization Global Oral HealthStrategy andAction Plan (GOHAP) 2023-2030and itsimplementation as well as effortsto strengthen evidencefor integratingoral healthinto primary health careand universalhealth coverage.

Some of Naidoo’s work at UWC’s Faculty of Dentistryhas focused on improving oral health in communities, including education, dental-public-health training, howdiseasesand nutritionaffect oral health, andhow technology can improve accesstocare

Speaking about oral-health-care challenges in Africaand South Africa, she highlighted the deep inequalities many people face when seeking services

“Mostoral diseases are preventable, yet they remain highlyprevalent. This reflects structural issues, whichare unequal accesstocare,over-reliance on treatment rather thanprevention, andhealth systems that do not adequately integrate oral health.”

Naidoo believesfocusing more on prevention, strengthening oral-health services at aprimary-health-care level andensuringthatdentalprofessionals aremoreevenly distributed beyondmajor cities could significantly improve access to care.

“The central challenge is nota lack of knowledge, but agap between what we knowand what is implemented.”

She hoped to use her latest recognition to inspire young researchers. “We know that awards can opendoors andcreate visibility, buttheir real value lies in how they areused. For young researchers, the message is that impactful work often lies at theintersection of disciplines andbetweenresearchand practice. It requires persistence, collaboration,and awillingness to engage with real-world complexity.”

Graduationisa familyaffair

Amother and daugher were capped side by side in the historic Jakes Gerwel Halllast week.

Yolandaand Rouelle Maarman both graduated from the Universityofthe Western Cape (UWC). For Yolanda, this marked thecompletionofher Master’s degreeinEducational Leadership and Management, 27 years after earning her BEd Honours degree. For her daughter Rouelle,itwas thebeginning of anew legacyinthe Maarman family as she was thefirst grandchild to graduate with aBA degree. Yolanda was adoctoral student, while Rouelle was enrolled for the Post GraduateCertificateinEducation (PGCE) to qualify as ateacher.

Yolanda investigated the lived experiencesofHeads of Departments (HODs)atschools. Shecontributed to a trainingprogramme for HODstointegrate theProfessional Teaching Standards of theSouthAfrican Council of Educators into their prescribedcurriculum roles in schools.

Her experienceasa longstanding HOD prompted her to pursue the professionalisation of HODs through ascientific study, to enhance the professional standing of the teaching profession, andtotakecurriculum leadership to newheights in schools. She said: “Nowmydoctoralstudy aims to investigatehow school governance can be professionalisedthroughthe building of theeducational agency of parents serving on school governingbodies.”

Mother anddaughter thanked their supervisors and lecturers in the faculties of Education and Artsand Humanities, respectively, for their dedication to UWC’s academicproject.

FAMILYAFFAIR

Adding to the significance of the day, they were invested by Prof Rouaan Maarman —Yolanda’s husband and Rouelle’s father.Heisthe Deputy Dean for Research andPostgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Education.

This makes the ceremony not only a celebration of academic achievement, butalso aprofound family milestone,

PROF INVESTS DAUGHTER AND WIFEATGRADUATION

symbolising alegacy in education and a shared triumph for the Maarman family.

Prof Maarman said: “The Jakes Gerwel Hall possesses aspirit of triumph, given the political liberatory events I participated in as astudent in that hall, and Iregard each graduation ceremony of UWC as alegacy continuation of those proud political phases of UWC.” Education, for the Maarman family, is not just aqualification; it is acornerstone of identity, apathway to opportunity and agift passed from one generation to the next. It representssacrifice, perseverance and the belief that knowledge can transform lives. This family is driven by adeep sense of service to others and the belief that theirachievements find meaning and significance in reaching out to thosearound them.

Yolanda and Rouelle shared the special day with family from the Eastern Cape, and celebrated it thanks to the previous generation who paved the way for access to education through theirsacrifices and ambitions to achieve beyond their circumstances.

Arts scholarship application deadline extended

TheArts &Culture Trust has extended the application deadline for its 2026 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme to Monday 27 April, givingaspiringyoung artists across thecountry more timetosubmit their applications.

Theprogramme, in its fifth year and sponsoredbyNedbank, Sun International and theMTN Foundation, offers two scholarships worthR300 000 each to support exceptional talent in pursuing tertiary studiesinthe artsfrom 2027.

COMPREHENSIVESUPPORT

The scholarship goesbeyondfinancial assistance, providing recipients with a structured four-month online mentorship andskills-development programme facilitated by industry experts

Applications are opentoSouth African emerging artistsaged17to25who qualify for tertiary education, covering disciplines including acting, singing, dance, visual artsand digital arts.The Arts &Culture Trust is invitingschools, community centres andorganisations to host in-person information sessions. Those interested can contact info@act.org.zaand marketing@ act.org.za to arrange visits.

SUCCESSSTORIES

The scholarship programme has producednumeroussuccess stories in

SouthAfrica's creative industries. Notable alumni include Tankiso Mamabolo, a2011 recipient who completed her studies at the University of Cape Townand has since released two albums.

Television audiences will recognise other alumni including Wonder Ndlovu, known for roles in JusticeServed, GO and Scandal!,and Dillon Windvogel, who plays Wade Daniels in Blood &Water and has appeared in Spinners and Arendsvlei Candice Modiselle, a2012 scholarship recipient,has established herself as a leading media personality and actress on Generations:The Legacy.She was named one of the Mail &Guardian's Top200 Young SouthAfricans in 2023.

More recently, visual artist Rick Baloyi, a2019 recipient,gained recognition through his commission for acurated arts experience at Africa's first Montreux Jazz Arts Festival in Franschhoek.

APPLICATIONDETAILS

TheTrust encourages all eligible applicants to take advantage of the extended deadline and available supportto complete theirapplications.

Thescholarship covers tuition and study materials for accredited tertiary education beginning in 2027.

. Theapplication platform is available at act org.za/nyoloha.

UWCpublicseminar to exploresport’srole in building our nation

The University of the WesternCape(UWC) will host apublic seminar examining how sportcan contribute to social transformation andnation-building.

The seminar, entitled “South African Sport and Nation”, will take place on Wednesday 22 April from 08:30 to 16:00 in the Faculty of Education.

Organised by theJaap Durand Chair, in collaboration with the Departmentof Sport, Recreation and ExerciseScience in the FacultyofCommunity and Health Sciences, the event will bring together academics, government officials, city administrators and sports professionals.

NATIONALIDENTITY

Prof Hein Willemse, Jaap Durand professor, said the seminar recognises sport’s central role in shaping national identity while also reflecting the country’s

incomplete andfragmented historiography of SouthAfrican sport. “Hopefully ourseminar will contribute to amore inclusive approach to writing oursporting past. But we should alsomove beyond that.”

The seminar will explore sport as aformof social intervention, with speakersexamining howcommunitylevel participation promotes discipline, teamwork andimprovedphysical and mental healthwhile offering pathways to educationand employment. In vulnerable communitiessport can provide structured alternatives to crimeand substance abuse, although such outcomesdepend on sustained investment andeffective organisation.

WOMEN’SSPORTCHALLENGES

Discussions will alsohighlight the

‘Roadsarein appallingstate’-AA

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

This is the unequivocal verdictof Bobby Ramagwede, chief executive of the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa,who was discussing severalvehicle-related matters, suchas the proliferation of vehicles, their roadworthiness, safety on the roads, aside from their condition of course.

At thehelm of theorganisation since October 2024, he said the roads, nationally and regionally, needed much work, although theWestern Cape's roads far exceeded thoseofotherparts of the country in terms of quality.

HEAVYVEHICLES

Ramagwede pointed outthat poor road conditions were experienced internationally, duelargely to the presence of heavy vehicles on them and

Toetskinderssegehoorvroeg

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Ouers van kinders watdoof is,meen dis belangrik vir ander ouers om hul kinders se gehoor vroegtydig te laat toets. Kinders wat doof is of aan gehoorverlies ly, ontvang behandeling by die Carel du Toit-sentrum in Francie van Zijl-rylaan, Parow. Die sentrum is geleë op die terrein van die Tygerberg-hospitaal. Die sentrum het verlede Donderdag (9 April) sy nuut-opgeknapte CHAT-sentrum (Children Hear and Talk) bekendgestel. Dis hier waar babas en jong kinders behandeling ontvang en geleer word hoe om te luister en te

THINKING OUTLOUD

Let’stalk abouttech, baby... and brains

Our family is very strict about screen time. To explain the reason, I’m going to get all nerdybefore Iweigh in with experience fromraising seven daughters. Our tech reluctance is becauseofthe prefrontal lobe. This part of the brain is in the forehead and keeps developing long after the rest stops. It actually only stops when one is about 25. It is responsible for impulsecontrol, emotion regulation, and weighing longterm consequences. It will becomethe filter that will influence decision-making. Put another way, this is whereyour wisdom sits andittakes at least25years to grow.

So what has this got to do with screen time?

Well, screens, and any other activities from the plethora of instantgratification stimuli readily availablenowadays, damagesthe development of the prefrontal lobe.

If you don’t believe me, lookitup. There are dozens of peer reviewed articles easily accessible online that say the samething. So, for this reason, my husband and Itry, really, really hard, to limit ourdaughters’ screen times. Ideally we’d cutitout altogether but unfortunately, the world, the school system and my ownrelatives seem to be against us. Gone are the days when pupils used adiary torecord appointments and homework. Nowadays even my six-year-old’s homeworkissent via google classroom. And Ihavefirsthand experience of how my children’s moods and marksdecline when they have access to too much screen time Take for example my second eldest.

PRINCIPALS,HELPUSOUTHERE

For years, before we had aTV, she and her sisters woulddraw, read, play boardgames, skate, cycle, play outside, write their own littlecomicsand entertain themselves easily without anyhelp from us. When we had no TV, mychildren would automatically navigate to their hobbies,but then my sister gifted us with one and all creativity in our home had a sudden and dramatic drop. Soon after, when the sameSantasister gave mysecond eldest acellphone when she turned 14, it was accompanied by a dramatic change in personality. That year shefailed asubject for the first timeand all her marks dropped. We took awaythe phone. She regarded it as apunishment. We didn’t care.

Her first phoneless week, she meandered around the house like apoltergeist; head lowered, face scowling, speaking to no one and answering anythingaddressed to her in growlymonosyllables. She also behaved like an addict. She threw epic tantrums, cried, and tried allmanner of manipulation. She searched our room and stoleitback afew times, but, eventually, after awhole week of phonelessness,she moved on from being avery morose, moody, anti-social teenager to aslightly lessmorose, moody, anti-socialteenager But, more importantly, within one school term, her marks improved and she was back in the top quarter of the class again. We would havegladly never given her phoneback but, unfortunately her teachers started sending homeworkon WhatsApp chats.

While modern tech is anecessary part of life and Idonot hate it,Ido feel that in the classroom it should be limited to only what is absolutely necessary and I am not alone in my thinking. The growing philosophyworldwide is foracomplete banofcellphones in schools. Yet, last term, Igot letters requestingthat Iregister all three my primary school-aged children on google classroom.

Principals, help us out here, please! —LAUREN O'CONNOR-MAY

Parklands safety in crisis

As ahome ownerinParklands, Iamwith the many who strive to makethis asafeplace to call home Informalsettlements, particularlysectionsofSiyahlalaand shacksnearPioneer Valley,haveexpanded intothe TableBay NatureReserve near Dunoon This occupation, often on the Diep River floodplain, causes severe pollution andhabitat disruption, with approximately 189shacksinthe reserveasof2021. It alsoposes greatsafetyrisks; thugs andthievesoften quickly findplacestohide

This allimpacts home values andselling power, if ever oneseekstomoveatsome stage. Additionally, thereislittle to no policing in the Parklandsarea, leaving lawlessness to flourish, unabated

TheParklands Satellite Police Station on Parklands Main Road facedconcernsregardingresource limitations and remains closed, apparentlydue to manpowershortages.

Therecentincident of an attempted murder followingashootingincident on Friday3April at approximately17:00 in MorningfordRoad, is notthe only incident. Much moreneeds to be done from by our council, our policeand the other civic structures. What assurancedowehaveashomeownersand the greaterParklands community? Is proper and proportionateaction being take on ourbehalf?

Parklands is abeautiful area and canbebetter maintained. TheParklands FynbosCorridor is agood example.

It connects the Rietvlei Wetland Reservewith the BlaauwbergConservation Area but it is notwellkept andhas been neglected foraverylongtime.Whatis being done here?

Thereare manywho share my sentiments andwe allbelieve in this community.

TYRONE BRETT COETZEE, Parklands

Ratepayers question legaltariff basis

Ifind it peculiar that ourmunicipalityisbudgeting basedontariffscurrentlyunder legaldispute.

Do municipal officialspossess information unavailabletothe public, or aretheysimplyproceedingwith wishfulthinking?The eventual court ruling will serve as acrucialtest of judicial independence and adherence to the ruleoflaw

Ipropose that ratepayerassociationsdemand areferendum on the municipal budget.Taxpayers should vote on whether theyaccept the proposedbudgetand arewilling to payinflation plus 1% on their municipal accounts. Whatever the outcome,all residents should

payaccording to the referendumresults.

This is howgenuinedemocracyshouldfunction–with citizens having adirect sayinhow their taxmoney is spent,rather than having decisions imposedupon them by officialswho maybeoperatingondisputed legalgrounds.

Thecurrentapproach undermines both fiscal responsibilityand democratic principles. Ataxpayer referendumwouldrestoreaccountabilityand ensure that municipal spending truly reflects the willofthose who fundit.

CONCERNED RATEPAYER,Brackenfell

Somerkan noumaar einde se kant toestaan

Asseblief,winter, komgou!

Ná nog ‘n paar strawwe somerdae verlede week, begineknou wonderofons ooit weer verligtinggaan kry. Ek verlang na daardie eerstekoue oggendwanneer jy lekker onder ‘n kombers kaninkruip,enwanneer ‘n koppiewarmkoffiewerkliksin maak.Ekverlang na die

dae toeons oorkoue weer geklahet –wat soueknie nougee vir ‘n lekker koue reënbuinie! Ek is nouuitgesomer komassebliefgou,winter Onsisgereed vir jou koue wind, jou reën, en selfsjou donker dae

UITGEPUTTE SOMERLEWENDE

Basic kindness missing on Cape Town roads

My worst fearsabout Cape Town'sreputation as an "unfriendlycity" were confirmed when my car recentlybroke down on abusymain road during peak traffic. Foroveranhour, Istood beside my vehicle with the bonnet raised, the universal distress signal, whilehundreds of cars passed by.Not asingle person stopped to offer assistance,check if Ineededhelp,or even ask if Iwas alright Iwatchedasdrivers deliberatelylooked away,some even changing lanestoavoid anypotentialinteraction. What has happened to the spirit of communityand Ubuntu thatweclaim defines South Africa? Whendid we become so self-absorbed andindifferenttoour

fellow citizens' plight?

Before moving here recently, I'veheard visitorsdescribe Cape Town as beautiful butcold–not referring to the weather,but to its people. This experiencesadly validates those observations.

We'vebecome acitywhere peopleare toobusy, toosuspicious, or simplytoo uncaringtoextend basic human kindness. Perhapsweshouldreflect on what kind of societywe'recreatingwhen common decency becomes uncommon, and helpingastranded motorist is seen as someone else's responsibility. We candobetter, Cape Town. DISILLUSIONED, Durbanville

LAGMET LANGNEK: ’n Nuuskierigevolstruis by dieCape Ostrich Ranch op dieN7-snelweg het diekolliggesteel toehysykop uitsteek om besoekers op ’n vriendelikeenspeelse manier te“groet”.Die dier se nabyheid het gastelaat glimlag en groot vermaak verskaf

Stronger communities start with us

It is easy to complain about the stateofour neighbourhoods —fromlitterand crime to service delivery—but real changebegins when residents choose to getinvolved.

Toooften, communityinitiatives such as neighbourhood watches, clean-up campaigns or localmeetings aresupported by only ahandful of dedicated individuals. Thereality is that theseefforts cannotsucceed or grow without broader communityparticipation

Getting involved does notrequireamajor time commitment.Itcan be as simpleasattending alocal meeting, reporting issues to the relevant authorities, supportingaclean-up effort,orlooking outfor your neighbours. Smallactions, when multiplied, canmake ameaningful difference.

Stronger,safer andcleaner communities arebuilt through sharedresponsibility. When residents work together,theynot only address challenges more effectively, but also buildasenseofpride andconnection in the places theylive. Insteadofwaitingfor others to take the lead, perhapsitistimeweeachask: what can Idotocontribute?

If moreresidents step forward, even in smallways, we canbegin to create the kind of communities we all want to live in.

LEND AHELPING HAND,Brackenfell

Medicalcosts leave families struggling

Irecently had an experiencethat left me deeply concerned about the growing cost of healthcarein our communities.

Whilevisiting apaediatrician with my young son, Iwitnessed acouplearrivewith their child, clearly anxious andinneed of care.During their conversation at reception, it became evident that theydid nothave medical aid. Thequotedcostfor asimpleconsultation, excluding anymedication,was alarminglyhigh. One couldsee the hesitation andworryontheir facesas theytriedtodecide what to do,quietlyweighing their child’simmediateneeds against what theycould afford.

As someonefortunate enough to have medical aid, I am acutelyaware that even we feel the financialstrain of co-payments, shortfallsand steadilyincreasing monthlypremiums. Each visit often comeswith unexpectedadditional costs. But forfamilies without this safety net,accessing privatehealthcarehas become an overwhelming andoften impossibleburden. Yes, it is often argued that government clinics and hospitalsare availabletothose who cannotafford privatecare. Whilethis is true in principle, the reality on the ground is very different.Thesefacilities are frequentlyovercrowded andunder immensepressure. Healthcareisnot aluxury –itisa basic humanneed. No parent shouldhavetostand at areceptiondesk andwonder whether theycan affordtohavetheir child seen by adoctor. EMAIL, TableView

Taarereturns to stage

Taare, aCape Town-based Indian danceperformance troupe,willbring their newest danceproduction, The Bollywood Times,toArtscape on Saturday2May as part of the Suidoosterfees.

Foundedbyartisticdirector AhneeshValodia in 2012, Taarewas established to create aplatform forboth emerging and experienced dancers to contributetheir skills to the enrichmentofthe greatercommunity. Taarehas builta reputationfor vibrant storytelling through the promotion of the Indian performingarts, blending theatrical concepts with thecolour and energy of Bollywood musicand dance. Over the years, the companyhas staged imaginativeproductions such as TheTaareExpress, When DancersUnite, Kismet, AnjaliinWonderland, and TheBollywood Bazaar,eachexploringunique themes throughdance, cross-cultural collaborative work, 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 afamilythatnurturescreativity, passion,and lifelong connections," Valodia said.

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 electrifying90-minutedance spectacular staged within theimaginative worldofabustling newspaperoffice.Asheadlines and stories come to life from the pages, audiences aretaken on adynamicjourney throughdifferent emotions,events,and cultural influences.

Theproductionfeatures Taare’ssignature storytelling stylewhile incorporating an exciting rangeof dancegenres.Alongside traditional Indian andmodern Bollywood dancestyles, audiences willexperience elementsofballet, contemporary, flamenco, African dance, jive,modern, hip-hop,and bellydance,creatingavisuallyrichand high-energy theatrical experience.

TheBollywood Times has twoperformancesonly, 17:30 and20:30 on Saturday2May at Artscape Theatre. . Book at Webtickets

Taare,aCape Town–basedIndian dance performance troupe will bring their dance production The Bollywood Timesto the Suidoosterfees on Saturday2May

Nuwevenuesvir Suidoosterfees

Die Suidoosterfees, watvanjaar van29 April tot3Mei vir die 23stekeer aangebied word,breivanjaar verder uit as die Kunstekaap-teaterkompleks, met verskeie nuwevenues watbenut word "Kortvoor lank"iseen vandie fees se gewildste programafdelings–waar uiteenlopende stories in treffende 30-minuut-vertoningslewegegee word Hierdieplatformis’nbroeikasvir vernuwing en bied aan feesgangers’ntoeganklike manier om nuwe stemme, genres en vormevan teater te ontdek. ’n Hoogtepunt op dieprogram is Jakobregop –die premièrevan Hennie Aucamp se heerlik ondeunde saterspelwat reeds in 1988 in Sjampanjevir ontbyt verskynhet,maarnog nooitvoorheen opgevoer is nie. Hierdieslegs-vir-volwassenes komedie met Dean Balie, MarcelMeyer en AnzioSeptember,onder regievan Fred Abrahamse, speel sensueel,stylvol en skreeusnaaksmet temassoosmenslikebegeerte, dieouderdom en magsverhoudingstussen mense. Jakobregop is bedoel virvolwassegehorewat nie skrikvir naaktheidnie

Adam Small90 is ’n reeksnuwekort tekste waarin Smallsewerkherverbeel word deur jong skrywers en spelersvan dieProscenium-dramakompetisie.In Ongekarteerde drome, Langsdie paduitsak, Tussen vlugte en Waar oekaldjy belong word temassoos behoort, drome,identiteitenverlies ondersoek teen dieagtergrond van’nsamelewingwat steeds deur ongelykhede gekenmerkword. Hierdie reeks, ondersteun deur dieStigtingvir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans, bring jong kunstenaarsinkreatiewe gesprek met een vanSuid-Afrika se mees invloedrykeliterêre figure.

Deon Lotz besin saam met GaryNaidoo in die komedie Flip-Flop oor akteurs se pogingsomin‘n uitdagendebedryf te oorleef.

DIE DRAMATURG HENNIE AUCAMP SE ONDEUNDE TONEELSTUK ‘N HOOGTEPUNT

speelveld waar teater as medium self ondersoek en bevraagteken word Kabaretenmusiek blom in Karamonkie,waarin Bianca Flanders ’n speelse,grensverskuiwende keusevan kontemporêreskryfwerk, visueleteater en kamishibai aanbied. In Net’nbietjie liefde bring AndréSchwartzhulde aanmentors en kunstenaarsvriende watsyloopbaanhelp vorm het.En in Verweef skep CorneilMüller’nintieme klankwêreld waarin stem, tjello en klavier saamvloei in ’n poëtiese refleksie oor herinnering en betekenis

IngridJonker se enigstetoneelstuk krynuwelewe in ’n Seun na my hart,onder regie vanMaríBorstlap, terwyl diedigteresenaktrise Veronique Jephtasin Ouma slaan’nses hemel toe geloof,rou en verlies in ’n poëtiese, intiemesolovertoning ondersoek. Humor en sosialekommentaar loop dikwels hand aan hand. In Baggage gebruikJurgenMcEwanen AviweNgabom skerpskets-komedie om Suid-Afrikaanse werklikhede te belig teen die agtergrond van ’n lughawe.

Flip-flop met Deon Lotz en GaryNaidoo besin oor dieharde werklikhede vanakteurs se pogingsomin ’n uitdagende bedryf te oorleef,terwyl Pick aStruggle se Zach Esau en Roland du Preezmet spitsvondige humorenkwesbaarheid dieervaringsvan minderhede in ’n kompleksesamelewing ondersoek.

MUSIEK

Op musiekfront staan Stadskoor, -Choir,-iKwayarasing diva-pop uitas’nuitbundigeproduksie waarin ikoniesepoptreffersuitgevoer word met ryk koorharmonieë,energiekevertolkings en ’n vars, kontemporêreklank.Die skitterende fopdoskunstenaar Manilavon Teez bring haar legendarieseflair, humorenglans na dieoptrede

In Eenmanstuk neem De KlerkOelofse feesgangersop’nspeelse en verrassende reis deur ’n versameling eenbedrywe, mimiek en pantomime.Met minimalehulpmiddelsen’noorkoepelende fokus op diemenslikeverbeelding word die verhoog ’n oop

DAGBOEK/DIARY

. '88' metCoenie de Villiers en Rocco de Villiersisop Vrydag 17 April om 20:30byDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville. Kaartjieskos R290.Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.

. Laughter is Culture is at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday 18 April at 19:00.A largescalestand-up comedy showhostedbyDavid Kau, plus 13 topcomedians. TicketsfromR200at Webtickets.

. Theever-evolving MadameFreak Ensemblebrings funkygrooves,blazing fusionsolos,Afrojiveand balladstothe Alma Café in Rosebank on Saturday18 Aprilat18:30 for19:00.TicketscostR150 perperson at Quicket.

.TheCapeTownPhilharmonic Orchestrapresentsa ee concertoflight classics and film musiconSunday 19 Aprilat16:00 at the BellvilleSouth Town Hall. No booking required,justarriveand enjoythe music.

. Pretty Woman:The Musical is nowonatArtscape Theatreuntil 19 April.Ticketsavailable at Ticketmaster.Contactsales@showtime.co.za forgroup bookings.

. Krismisvan Map Jacobs is tot24April in die Kunstekaap-teater te sien. Die dramaspeel af ná die gedwongeverskuiwingsuit Kaapstad na dieKaapse

Die Waterfront-teaterskool se studentestelhul talent tentoon in Encore met sang,toneelspel en dans.In TheMagic of Musicals: From Good to Great bring Northlink-kollegestudentegunstelingeuit musiekblyspelemet flair na die verhoog. Dansproduksies soos Sbo Ndaba’sBolero, Unmute en Sands of Time fokusopdie liggaamasdraer van storie, emosieenbetekenis

In Sbo Ndaba’sBolero bring SboNdabaDance ’n asemrowende versmelting vankontemporêre dans en Afrika-ritmesnadie verhoog met ’n groot ensemblewat fisiekekragenemosioneleintensiteit kombineer

Unmute,gechoreografeer deur Andile Vellem, gebruikSuid-Afrikaanse gebaretaal as primêre bewegingstaalenbring dansers met uiteenlopende vermoëns byeen in ’n verbeeldingrykewerk oor kommunikasie en inklusiwiteit

Sands of Time deur die Jacqui Pells-balletskool ondersoek tydenverganklikheid deur elegante choreografieenbeweging

Kykook uit vir Opera Trios: Love Triangles, Trysts and Intrigue met jong sangers vanOperaUCT, Op reis in 30 minute waarin Luna Paigehaarmusikale swerwersverhale deel, Songsvan diehart met Jodi Jantjies en KarenPetersen, TheTramp (Bite-sized) deur Wêla Kapelaen AVictorBorge Taster met Winand Grundling . Besoek www.suidoosterfees.comvir die volledigeprogram.

Vlakte.Kaartjies kosR80 by Webtickets.

. Thecultmusical TheRocky Horror Show is at Theatreonthe BayinCamps Baycurrently until31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16. Ticketsstart from R200.Book at Webticketsorthe theatre's boxoffice on 021438 3300

. YouShouldGoIn is at TheBaxter'sMasambe Theatrefrom16to25April. Amoving newdrama about family,abandonment and the difficultroadto forgiveness. TicketsatWebtickets.

. mAnJE!MaNJe (anepic) runs at TheBaxter Flipside from 17 to 25 April. Astriking and imaginative production thatdraws on the storyofDaedalustoreflect on thehuman conditioninthe ageofthe machine, bigdataand climate catastrophe.R120early-bird special forperformances from 17 to 21 April. Ticketsat Webtickets.

. ConSpirito PhilharmoniccelebratesMozart's 270thbirth anniversarywithan All-Mozart Concert on Saturday18April at 19:30 at the DutchReformed church Uitsig, Ridgeworth. TicketscostR220at Webtickets.

. Cape WelshChoir presents Whywesing —Generations in harmony,a concert collaborationwithlearners from CurroCenturyCity, DF Academy, Milnerton High School and St Cyprian's on Sunday 19 April at 15:00 in the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow. TicketscostR160 at Quicket

FRATERNITY

Rugbyi

CARINAROUX

The rugby communityisinmourning following the death of Stormers and Western Provinceteam manager Christopher “Chippie”Solomon (64) due to aheart attackonSaturday morning.

Solomon, wholived in Kuils River,is survived by his wife, Pearl, and children Nina and Chad. He was alifememberand honorary president of Kuils River Rugby Football Club (KRFC).

On Friday evening he wasatKRFCin Jagtershof for the unveilingofthe club’s kit for the season. On Saturday, aminute of silence was observed to pay tribute to Solomon ahead of the club’s match against Hamilton

DonnyIsaacs, aformer player and public relations officer of KRFC, said Solomon’s death is ahuge loss to himpersonally asa friend, but also to theclub.

Solomon joined KRFC in 1997 as under-20 coach. He became the secondteam coach a year later and the club’s first team coach in 1999.

“The team was undefeated for fiveyears –they drew one game. It wasanamazing achievement,” Isaacs said.In 2002 the teamwon Super League Band moved up to Super League A, where KRFCstill competes.

Isaacs said the club was blessedtohave some provincial playersatthe time, but Solomon clearly played ahugepart in the promotion. “Chippie knew how to manage talent.Hejust had that intrinsic skill that could bring out the best in everyone. That’s why he was so much-loved asa coach. Everyone just wanted to play for him.”

Solomon became club president around 2004 and then honorary life president. “In that role he formed an anchortoso many aspects of what theclub was trying to achieve, whether it was sponsorship or events...Chippie always said (yes)–no did not exist. He was astraightforward person,loud and proud and youknew exactly where you stood with him,” said Isaacs.

“He did not accept failure, he always strived for success, and if he didn’t get it, he would make sure that we stoodupvery quickly and go forthe goals we set out to

“Hewillberememberedasatrue rugbyman...”

-John Dobson

achieve. Hewas awonderful kind-hearted man withawonderful rough edgethat knew exactly howtoget everyone excited Hisloveand genuine approach to people were whatmade his tenure at the clubso special.”

Isaacswas aschoolboy when he firstmet Solomon as WP school’s coach,and at the club, they workedvery closely. Even when the Stormers were on tour, Isaacs could reach outtohim andSolomon would walk the extra mile.“He always deliveredwhen he said he would do something.”

Solomon’s sudden passing hit hard.

“I still can’t get overit–onFriday evening we spoke aboutthe game against Hamilton andhesaid to me:‘Ithinkwe aregoingtohave agreat day tomorrow.’

Those were his final words to me before he left.What aloss; there will neverbe anotherChippie Solomon.”

Solomon’s impact extended far beyond club rugby to theprofessional game

STORMERS

Solomon servedasStormers team managerfrom 2004 until his death,

“Our thoughts arewithhis family and all thosewhose liveshetouched over what was an incredible career. Oursupporters will all misshis familiar presence, and the entire rugby community is in mourning over this sadloss,”hesaid Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said therewould never be another character quite like Solomon.

“Thisisdevastating news for so many of us.Chippie was aremarkable man whowas so much more than just ateam manager. He has been synonymous with our team for so long and represented us with pride all over the world,” he said. “He will be remembered as atrue rugby man, butmore importantly as someone whowas fiercely loyal and represented his community and family with distinction in all thathedid.”

Former Springbok and Stormers player Bryan Habana described Solomon as the Stormers’ heartbeat

“His laughterwas infectious, his passion unmatched,and hiscare for every single person in that environment was somethingtruly special.Hedidn’tjust manage ateam... he was the glue that held it together,” he wrote in an online tribute.

“Hewas amentor,aconfidant, aconstant.

The guy whochecked in when no one else did, whocelebratedyour highs like they were hisown,and whostood firmly by you in yourlowestmoments.”

maintained arelentless tempo to the finish.

Masai ultimately crossed the line in acontrolled finish, with Musyokaand Mengich completing apodium sweep after adominant display on the Cape Town streets.

In the women’s race, Haitope delivered asimilarly commanding performance, winning in 1:14:36 after breaking away decisively on the hilly sections of the course. She finished nearly two minutes ahead of Zimbabwe’s Fortunate Chidzivo (1:16:29),withEmma Pallant-Browne rounding out the podium in 1:18:09. Themen’srace was effectively decided before the halfway point, with the early tempo proving too much for the chasing pack.

Thecombination of aggressive pacing and sustained pressure from the leaders ensured the gap remained intact through the second half of the route.

In the women’s race, patience quickly gave way to decisive action as Haitope broke the rhythm of the leading group, using her course knowledge and strength on the climbs to establish awinning advantage.

Two Oceans Marathon NPCchairChris Goldschmidt congratulated all finishers, describing the event as acelebration of endurance, personal achievement and the spirit of running.