TygerBurger | Bellville | E-edition | 15 July 2026

WOENSDAG15JULIE

. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklubbiedsyjaarliksesop-en-sjerriedagaan.Die sprekersisRochelle Marchesini (demonstrasie:Dancing Fantasy) en AviweNadine Homani oordie Polyphagousshot hole borer.Die tema vandie blommekunskompetisie is pret met rottang.Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 vir meer inligting

FRIDAY17JULY

. Blessa Baby is inviting everybody to maketheir 67 minutesmatteronMandelaDay by bringing hope to vulnerablemothers and their newbornbabies. The event is being presented on Friday17July. Volunteers willbepackingBagsofHopefor families in need to help giveanewborn abeautiful beginning in life Thosewho cannot attend the event,can still contributebydonating baby essentialssuch as clothing (0 to 3months, and 3to6months), nappies,blankets, soap,petroleum jelly(100ml)and toothbrush sets. They canalsodonateR67 or moreincash to contribute. Booking is essential and spaces arelimited. Visit https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379767-blessa-baby-mandela-day/#/ to book your spotand for moreinformation.

DONDERDAG23JULIE

. Alle Wes-Kaapse GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienspersoneelworduitgenooi om die vergadering vandie Association forMonitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP), 'n waghond oordie Regeringspensioenfonds, by te woon.Dit is dieeerste keer datAMAGP in die Wes-Kaapvergader en dien ook as diestigtingsvergadering vandie Wes-Kaapse struktuur vanAMAGP.Dit beginom11:00 by dieNG kerk Stellenberg. Onder diesprekersisZirkGous,voorsittervan AMAGP,enStrini Govendor, koördineerder: massa-mobilisasievan AMAGP. Kontak AlbinBowler by albinbowler@gmail.comvir meer inligting en om bywoning te bevestig.

SATURDAY25JULY

. TheEgyptianSociety of South Africa willbehaving their DaySchoolonSaturday25July, at the Hellenic CommunityHall, MountainRoad, Woodstock from 9:45–16:00.This year's theme is "Explorersofthe Ancient World", and features three speakers. Prof Sebastianvan As willopen with alecture titled: "Hanno theCarthaginian (c.500 BCE)". He willbefollowed by ProfessorPhilip Bosman with "Pytheas of Massalia (c.310 BCE)". Afterathree-courselunch, Joseph Koetsierwillpresent: "EudoxusofCyzicus(c.120BCE). The priceofR375per person includes three lectures,tea breakwith Greekbiscuits and athree-courseGreekstylelunch.Bookingsare open until 16 July. Contact JosKoetsier on 084774 3972 and sherab.koetsier@ gmail.com

. Bargainhuntersare encouragedtosupport the Home ofHope Charity Shop in TableView, located at 215Blaauwberg Road.The shop offersa varietyof affordablegoods including clothing, books,toysand householditems, with everypurchase contributing towardsthe care and support of children and young adults affectedbyprenatalalcoholexposure.

. Cape Town's world-renowned CollegeofMagic opens itsdoors to the next generation of youngperformersgiving familiesarareopportunity to explore theCollege's historic Victorian homeinClaremont meet its instructors, experiencealivelessonand discoverhow learning magicdevelopsskills thatextend farbeyond the stage. TheOpenDay,taking placefrom 09:00 to 11:00,isaimed at children aged 10 to 13 and their families.The CollegeofMagic is locatedat215 Imam HaronRoad, Claremont.Parking is availableon site. To reserveaplace,email info@collegeofmagic. comorWhatsApp062 519 1177

FRIDAY31JULY

. TheCenturyCityWinter Night Market transforms Century Cityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith live music, gourmetcomfortfood, artisanstalls and a very cosy atmosphere.The marketrunsfrom16:00 to 21:00 at Intaka Island

WOENSDAG19AUGUSTUS

. TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub se volgende byeenkoms vind om 09:30vir 10:00bydie NG kerk Parow-Welgelegen (LaProvencestraat47, Welgelegen) plaas.Die sprekersisArné Stander vanBabylonstoren oor "Probleme op jouplante: plantinsekte —jongsteuitdagings, voor-ennadele, en hoe ons dit in onstuinekan bestuur" en De-MaraBezuidenhout oor die"Elemente/beginsels vanontwerp".Die tema vandie blommekunskompetisie is "Dans,dans, dans!"Tee word vanaf09:30 voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbierby082 8739864 vir meer inligting oor diegeleentheid..

FRIDAY29AUGUST

. TheCenturyCityWinterNight Market transforms Century Cityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith live music,gourmet comfortfood, artisanstalls and a very cosy atmosphere.The market runs from 16:00to 21:00 at IntakaIsland

Vergaderingoor pensioenfonds

Politieke inmengingendie plundering vandie Regeringspensioenfonds, beter bekend as die Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), kom op Donderdag 23 Julie onder die loep op 'n vergadering vandie Associationfor Monitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP),'n waghond oor die fonds. Ditisdie eerste keer dat AMAGP in die Wes-Kaap vergader. Dievergadering dienook as die stigtingsvergadering van die Wes-Kaapsestruktuur van AMAGP. Provinsiale strukture is reeds in KwazuluNata en die Oos-Kaap gestig.

BEDREIGINGVANPENSIOENFONDS "GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienswerkers is onbewus van die geweldige omvang van die bedreiging van hul pensioenfonds," sê Albin Bowler, WesKaapsekoördineerder van die AMAGP. "Volgens verskeie mediaberigte verloor die pensioenfonds jaarliks miljarde rande met swak beleggings weens politieke besluite.Soisdaarindie 2023-'24-boekjaar meer as R100 miljard verloor weens plundering, asook verlore geleentheidskostes metdié swak besluite. "Alhoeweldie GEPF-bestuur gereeld spogdat dit die grootstepensioenfonds in Afrikais, is die opbrengs op belegging van die swakstes onder SuidAfrikaanse beleggingsfondse. Selfs die Vereniging van Staatsamptenare het in 'n verklaringop2 Julie sy ernstige kommer en ontsteltenis uitgespreek oor die plundering en swakopbrengste weens 'ongelyste ondernemings', of sogenaamde transformasieprojekte," sê Bowler.

OOGLOPENDEONGELYKHEID

"Daar is sistemiese onreg, ooglopende ongelykheid en diskriminasie as die GEPF se jaarlikse verhogings vergelyk word met die pensioenfonds vir politici, die Political Office-Bearers PensionFund (POBPF) "Vir die 2023-'24-boekjaar was die beleggingsopbrengs van die GEPF 'n powere 4,9% teenoor die POBPF se 10%. So gaan dit elke jaar. "'nRede vir die GEPF se swak prestasie is dat geld in ongenoteerde projekte belê word. Hierdie sogenaamde transformasie-projekte presteer swak en vereis gereeld finansiële reddingsboeie. So hetGEPF-pensioenarisse miljarde randverloor netmet Ayo Technology

STAATWERKERS

ONBEWUS VANBEDREIGINGS

Solutions. Laasgenoemde se oorspronklike kapitaalontvangs was R4 miljard. 'n Ander onderneming, Daybreak Foods,het in 2025 drie reddingsboeie ontvang. Die eerste twee het meer as R400 miljoen beloop.

"Hierdie kontras is moreel problematies, aangesien albei pensioenfondse deur dieselfde parlementêre prosesse geskep en goedgekeur is.

“Hoe kan politici dit regverdig om hul eie aftrede deur wetgewing goed te verseker, maar dan 'n wet maak vir diegene wat daagliks die staat se werk doen, wat hul belegging jaarliks koopkrag laat verloor," vra Bowler.

"Die GEPF se jaarlikse pensioenverhogings word beperk tot die inflasiekoers —spesifiek 75% van die vorige jaar se inflasiekoers. Oor tyd het hierdie beleid ’n kumulatiewe negatiewe effek. In skrille kontras hiermee het die POBPF geen soortgelyke plafon nie. Sy pensioenverhogings oorskrydie inflasiekoers gewoonlik met meer as dubbeld soveel,"gaan hy voort.

‘ONGELYSTEONDERNEMINGS’

"Die GEPF se Raad van Trustees het die diskresie om groter verhogings toe te staan: gelyk aan en selfs bietjie meer as die inflasiekoers. Wanneer pensioenverhogings gelyk is aan die inflasiekoers of selfs effens meer,word dit verkondig as ’n ‘buitengewone prestasie’. "Diegene wat hierdie 'ongelyste ondernemings' stig, wil geld hê. Hulle wil nie kapitaal of reddingsboeie by banke of nywerheidsbeleggingskorporasies leen nie, want sulkelenings moet met renteterugbetaal word. Die politieke invloed en die oorheersing van vakbondverteenwoordigers in die GEPF se Raad van Trustees —waarvan 13 van die 16 trustees lede van die ANC en Cosatu is —dra by tot swak bestuur, swak beleggingsbesluite en lei tot finansiële verliese.”

Die vergadering begin om 11:00 by die NG kerkStellenberg. Onder diesprekers is Zirk Gous, voorsitter van AMAGP, en Strini Govendor, koördineerder:massamobilisasie van AMAGP. . Kontak AlbinBowlerbyalbinbowler@gmail comombywoning te bevestig.

Okavango bridgetragedy:

man jumps to his death

DESIRÉERORKE DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Apanicked voicenotesent to a community group just before20:00 on Thursday eveningset off adesperate race againsttime. But for the manstanding atop the edge of the Okavango bridge in Brackenfell, help arrivedmoments too late

The voice note,sent by amember of the public who had spotted the man in distress on the bridge, reached Titanium Securitas at 19:55. “Cananyone help us please. There is aman standingontop of the Okavango bridgeitlookslike he wants to commit suicide.”

“Within moments, responderswere on theirway. But when they arrived, the man was no longeronthe bridge. He was found lyingonthe N1 highwaybelow, where witnessessaid he had been struck by two movingvehicles,” Titanium spokesperson Kobus Kotze told TygerBurger

“He was sadly declared deceased on the scene. Nothing could be done for him.”

Onlookerswereleftshaken as his body was covered.

Titanium Securitas extended itssincere

condolences to the man’s family, friends and all thosetouched by the tragic incident . If

Brazilian drugmulesentenced to four yearsafter guiltyplea

A35-year-old Brazilian woman hasbeen sentenced to jail for dealing indrugs. Theaccused,GleyianedaSilva, was sentenced in theBellville RegionalCourt on Wednesday 8July to atotal of eight years, of which three are suspended for a periodoffive years, theHawks said.

Spokesperson Lt Col Siyabulela Vukubi said members of the Hawks received information in March 2025 that Da Silva had boarded aflightfrom Brazil toSouth Africa andonsearching her luggage

atCapeTownInternationalAirport discovered cocaine inside asportsbag.

“Further information revealed shehad swallowed bullets of cocaine, which were later retrieved.”

The estimatedvalueofthe drugs was morethan R500 000.

Vukubi said Da Silva hadpleaded guilty andwas subsequently sentenced.

On contravention of the Civil Aviation Actshe receivedfouryears, wholly suspended for five years

Retailer recalls yoghurtproducts

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has alerted consumers to asafety recall of selected SPAR yoghurt products following amachine malfunctionduring production.

The recall covers five product lines: SPAR Fat Free Yoghurt,SPARLow Fat Yoghurt, SPAR Double Cream Yoghurt, SPAR Indulge Double CreamYoghurt andSPAR ActiveDrinking Yoghurt. The affected products carryasell-by dateof9 August 2026 and ause-by date of 12 August 2026. They were sold nationally through

SPAR storesfrom 15 June 2026.

SPARinformedthe NCC thata machine malfunction during production caused product blowing, which may result in changes to thetaste, smell andappearance of theaffected products. Consumption may causestomach upset.

Consumers who havepurchased any of theaffected products should notconsume them. Return theproducts to your nearest SPARstorefor afull refund or exchange . Visitwww.novanews.co.za/tygerburgerfor exact barcodes of allaffectedproducts

TRICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

he long-awaited Mandela DayRun on Sunday12JulybyDenver van der Bergh, an athlete and drug addict in recovery, wasanoverwhelming success.

Van derBergh, whoovercame his addiction with thehelpofthe Ramot Treatment Centre for Substance Abuse in Parow,says his run around Rondebosch Common was in commemoration of late formerPresident Nelson Mandela. He ran 27 laps, one for each of the 27 years Mandelawas in prison which equated to 67 km,the number of years he dedicated to theservice of others

The biggest highlight for him, he says, was that out of all 27 laps, he did not run a single lap alone, he says.

"Friends,family, members of Celtic Harriers,runners from Khayelitsha Athletics, Langa Athletics, Recovery Walk Cape Town, and manyotherstook turns joining me throughoutthe day. Young and oldcame togethertoshare the journey, and that's exactly what Ihad hoped the event would become."

CHALLENGE

Van derBerghsays the first 20 km flew by he caughtu ith old friends, met

Juniorchesschampsbattleitout

Cape Town hosted one ofthe largest editions of the national openin the country's chesshistory, drawing more than 500 players from across South Africa and beyond.

The 2026 South African Open Chess Championships concluded on Sunday 5July at DF Akademie in Bellville, following nine days of competition.

Organised by theWestern Cape Chess Association (WCCA) in partnershipwith ChessSouth Africa, and supported by the provincial department of cultural affairs andsport, the tournament was held from 27 June to 5July and offered atotal prize fund of R159 100across all sections

The event featured four mainopen sections alongside 12 junior age group categories,with the host province, Western Cape, well represented among the final standingsacross all sections

OPENCHAMPIONSHIP

Charlton Mnyasta from Elsies River claimed the 2026 SouthAfrican Open Chess Championship, finishing on seven points fromnine rounds. Mnyasta was joinedonseven pointsbyTezihano Mnyasta, with the title decided in Charlton's favourona tiebreak —aresult that placed two members of the same family at the top of the finalstandings.

The top five finishers in the championship section were(in orderfrom firstposition) Charlton Mnyasta, Tezihano Mnyasta, Matfey Rogov, Calvin Klaasen andCraig Willenberg,withplacingsfrom second onwards determined by atiebreak. Special prizes were awarded to Luke Bell, whofinished ninth overall and claimed the Best Junior Award, and to Lyndon Bouah, who received the Best Senior Award. DefendingchampionJames Dinham concluded the tournament in14th position on five points.

WOMEN'SSECTION

Imkhita Joya, alearner at Curro Durbanville, won the women's title, finishing on eight points from nine rounds to lead the section by aclear margin.At

500 PLAYERSTAKE PART IN NATIONAL CHAMPSINBELLVILLE

15 yearsofage,Joya delivered one of the standout individual performances of the tournament.

The top five finishers in this section were: Imkhita Joya (1st), Tshegofatso Mahuma (2nd), Denise Bouah(3rd), defending champion Sizakele Masango (4th) and CharneWoolf (5th), with third throughfifth determined by atiebreak.

ADVANCEDSECTION

AmukelaniHlatshwayo won the Advanced Section with eight andahalf points fromninerounds. Thedecisive momentofhis campaign came in round seven, when he defeated Willian Kolomwe, who hadenteredthatround carrying a perfect six-from-six record.

Thetop fivefinishers in the Advanced Sectionwere:Amukelani Hlatshwayo (1st), WillianKolomwe (2nd), Asanda Ngcobo (3rd), Senzo Msimango (4th) andConnor Opperman (5th), with placingsfrom third onwards determined by atiebreak

INTERMEDIATESECTION

Harrison Abrahams won the Intermediate Section with eight points from nine rounds, finishing afull point clear of thefield.

The top five finishers in the Intermediate Sectionwere: Harrison Abrahams,Kopa Lesetedi, Andile Siyali, Christian Maxwell

and Karl Freeks, with secondthrough fifth determined by atiebreak.

WORLDANDAFRICANQUALIFIERS

Atotal of 12 juniorsections were contestedover seven rounds, covering age groups from u-7tou-17for boys and girls.

The topthree finishers in each section qualify to represent South Africa at theWorld Individual School Chess Championships, while the top five finishersineach sectionqualify for theAfrican Individual School Chess Championships.

The confirmed qualifiers (school name in brackets if from theCape Townregion) arelistedbelow.

. U-7 Boys: Jannes Strydom (1st); Jeremiah Jobin (2nd, Table View Primary); Noah Pieters (3rd); Roger Schwalb(4th, Somerset College) and Adriaan Louw(5th).

. U-7 Girls: Nadeema Naidoo (1st); Jemma Erica Lee (2nd, PlumsteadPreparatory); Olivia Lamb (3rd); Diane Stander (4th) and ColineStander(5th).

. U-9 Boys: Khotso Mofokeng (1st); Zayden John (2nd); Akilan Varadharajan (3rd, Table View Primary); Evan de Wet (4th, Gordon's Bay Primary) and Nathan Rehse (5th,Bishops College).

. U-11 Boys: Mason Stern Herzlia (1st,Weizmann Primary); Kian Hugo (2nd); Schalk Wolf van der Merwe (3rd, Laerskool Welgemoed); Yugesh Aarumugam Radha (4th) and Ming Xuan Jesse Zhang (5th, Reddam House Durbanville).

. U-11 Girls: MinkaConradie (1st); Zara Rizvi (2nd); RujekoPfukwa (3rd, De Hoop Primary); Isabelle Ghamlouche (4th, Kirstenhof Primary) and Madalitso Ramonyaluoe (5th, Reddam House Durbanville).

. U-13 Boys: Ben Klopper(1st, De Hoop Primary); Livhuwani Nathan Nemusombori (2nd); Murray Copley (3rd, Generations Imhoff); Cade Ruiters (4th, Brackenfell Primary) and Ethan D'Souza (5th).

. U-13 Girls: Haojia Sun (1st,Pinelands NorthPrimary); Ciara Adams (2nd); Dene Cilliers (3rd, Huguenot Primary); Mari Greeff (4th) and Nizibone Xabadiya (5th, Hazeldene Primary).

. U-15 Boys: Micah John Fredericks (1st); Feraydo Adolf (2nd, Parel ValleiHigh School); Chezhaan Ethan Adams (3rd); Benjamin Banda (4th) and Zion Smith (5th, Parel ValleiHigh School).

. U-15 Girls: Mila Marie Snyman (1st, Curro Durbanville); Sophia Hagen (2nd, PaarlGirls High School); Lienka Viljoen (3rd, Worcester Gymnasium); DanielleAnn Stevens (4th, Curro Hermanus) and Hannah Osborne (5th, Teneo Education, Durbanville).

. U-17 Boys: Juan-Louis Combrink (1st); Prince Ngombo (2nd, President High School); Mohammed Zayan Khan (3rd, SouthPeninsula High School); Sayed Ridha Booley (4th, Westerford High School) and Malesela Moja(5th, Bergvliet High School).

. U-9 Girls: Rebecca de Swardt (1st); Keratilwe Kgwale (2nd); Lana de Bruyn (3rd, Lochnerhof Primary); Amrienta Gabriels (4th) and Gabriella Pienaar (5th, Gene Louw Primary).

. U-17 Girls: Maya Monteiro Correia (1st, Reddam House Bedfordview); Hannah Deysel (2nd); KaraCoetzee (3rd, Bellville High School); Viha Beecum (4th) and Nina van Niekerk (5th).

Dissipline en doelwitte onderskeimatriekkandidate

Pick nPay Preller Walk is allangeras’n dekade nou betrokke by dieMatrikulant van dieJaar-kompetisie.

Volgens John Pentz van dié winkel in Bloemfontein weerspieël hul betrokkenheid ’n kernwaarde wat deur die stigter, Raymond Ackerman, gevestig is: om terug te ploeg in diegemeenskappe wat die onderneming ondersteun.

“Ons voel bevoorreg om deel te wees van hierdie gesogte geleentheid waar ondernemings ’n betekenisvolle bydrae kan lewer tot die lewe van ons jeug en eindelik ook tot die toekoms van ons land.”

“Wat hierdie kompetisie so belangrik maak,isdat ’n groep van Suid-Afrikase toekomstige leiers die geleentheid kryom met mekaar om te gaan en waardevolle vaardighede te ontwikkel. Met die uitdagings waarmee ons land te kampe het, kan die samekoms van ons beste kandidate help om van Suid-Afrika ’n beter plek te maak.”

Pentz meen dissipline en doelgerigtheid is die eienskappe wat toppresteerders in ’n kompetisie soos hierdie onderskei.

“Topkandidate —trouens, enigiemand met dissiplineen’ndoelomdie beste te wees watjykan wees—sal slaag op die lewensreis. Onsvolg almal verskillende paaie,enpassie vir dit waarvoor jy geroep is,maak ’n groot verskil in die lewe.”

Verlede jaar se wenner, Kiara Subramanian,sêsysal altyd dankbaar wees datsydie kompetisie gewen het.

“Dit het my die geleentheid gegeeom wonderlike, vriendelike en doelgerigte menseteontmoet, vanwie baie nou saam met my die padstapommedies te studeer “Watas’nkompetisie begin het, het gou ietsveel meer betekenisvol geword: vriendskappe,ondersteuning en ’n gedeelde besef dat onsalmal na iets groter as onsselfstreef,”sêdie voormalige leerder vanEuniceHigh School in Bloemfontein. Die kompetisie het Subramanian,tans

’n mediese student in haar eerste jaar, die belangrikheid van verbondenheid en aanmoediginggeleer.

Nog ’n 2025-finalis, Laura Andrade de Ponte, wat vanjaar mediese fisika studeer, het ook in die eindronde in Bloemfontein hegte vriendskappe gesmee.

“Hierdie vriendskappe het vir my groot steun gebiedtoe ek metuniversiteit begin het.Die bande wat ek metdie chaperones (die vorige jaar se finaliste) opgebou het, het my ook gehelp om baie vinniger by die universiteitslewe aan te pas,omdat hulle uit hul ervaringvir my persoonlike raad kongee.”

Matriekleerders vanoor Suid-Afrika heen wat uitblinkopakademiese, kultuuren sportgebied en beplan om in 2027 aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat te studeer,kan hulle inskryf.

. Skandeer die QR-kode om die inskrywingsvormaftelaai. Stuur dievoltooide vorm teen 31 Julie aanLinda Greyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za.

In the front row,from left,are Johanna Martin,MargyIsaacs,Elaine Johnson,Eveline Fluks,LeaCoetzee, Johanna Benjamen,Chrisie Hugo.Atthe back areAndreaOckhuis,SusanOckhuis,Faylon Booysen,Christelle Pretorius,SandraKotzé,AmyAdams,Carin Burger,ShireenMartin,Marichen Ockhuis,Marzanne Ockhuis,Rita Swanepoel,Surene Esterhuizen.

Librariesfête womenwriters

City of Cape Town libraries launched awomen’s short-story anthology, Her Story ofStrength,at Melton Rose LibraryonSaturday11 July

The collection is the culmination of the HerVoice Project, acommunitydrivenwomen’s writing initiative led and facilitated by Magrietha “Rita”Swanepoel, an activecommunity member who runs several writing clubs.

She conceived the initiative, secured funding from the National Arts Councilof South Africa, presented writing workshops and guided participants through developingtheir personal narratives into structured short stories.

The project was established to givewomen, particularly thosefrom disadvantagedcommunitiesand those affected by violence, poverty, loss and difficult life circumstances, an opportunity to tell their stories, and often forthe first time.

FROMWORKSHOPSTOPUBLICATION

Twenty-four women were initially selected to participateinthe writingdevelopment programme. For many this wastheir first experience of writinga short story or recording deeply personal experiences.

Through structured workshops, participants learned how to transform memories and lived experiences into meaningful narratives, develop characters, structure stories and communicate emotion honestly.

The completed anthology contains 21 short stories reflecting courage, survival, healing, hope, perseverance and the remarkableresilience of women.

Surene Esterhuizen and Stefaans Coetzee compiled the individual stories into the completed anthology.

LOCALLIBRARIESOPENDOORS

Areahead forlibrary and information services René Walker welcomedthe writers and groups to the libraries, having liaised withlibraries in her area

THE PROJECTGIVES WOMEN FROM CERTAIN BACKGROUNDS, ESPECIALLY GBVVICTIMS, APLATFORM

and assisting withconnecting potential participants from local communitieswith the project

The initiative involved Melton Rose Library, Sir Lowry’s Pass Library, Eerste River Library and Bellville Library. Librarystaff provided spacesinwhich the women could meet, learn, writeand encourage one another.

“Libraries should notonly provide access to stories that havealready been written,” saidWalker. “They should alsocreate opportunitiesfor newstories to emerge

“The Her Voice Project demonstrates what canbeachieved when community members and librarieswork together.

Rita brought the vision, expertise and determination,while the libraries provided welcomingspaces where women could learn, write, grow andsupport one another.”

LASTINGIMPACT

Writers’circles havebeen established at some of the participating libraries, creating ongoing opportunitiesfor creative expression, learning, peersupport and community engagement.

The launch programme was facilitated by Walker and includedapersonal storytelling contribution by Elaine Johnson, presentations by guest speakers Karin Potgieter andAlicia Bock, anda reading by contributing writer Eveline Fluks.

Guests were also treated to performances by The Treble Clefs, a22-member community choircomprising womenfrom Sir Lowry’s PasstoBrackenfell.

The launch celebratedthe vision and determination of Rita Swanepoel,the courageofthe participatingwriters and theroleoflibraries in creating spaces where communityvoicescan be heard.

Vermaak // Entertainment

SwanLakein Stellenbosch

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August,featuring highlights from Swan Lake and Raymonda Theprogramme opens with the iconic second actof Swan Lake,set to PyotrIlyich Tchaikovsky's celebrated score. On amoonlitlakeside, thestory of Odette,the Swan Queen, unfolds through some of classical ballet's most recognisable choreography, including the corpsdeballet of swans,the White Swan pasdedeux and the timeless image of dancers in whitetutus that has come to symboliseclassical ballet around the world.

Thesecond half features highlights from Raymonda,set to Alexander Glazunov's richlyorchestrated score. Knownfor its demanding choreography and elegantclassical style, Raymonda showcases virtuoso dancing and intricateensemblework in sumptuous period costumes.Together,these excerpts celebratethe enduring appeal of classical ballet,combiningtwo landmark scores withsome of the art form's most memorablechoreographyand

traditions

Establishedin1934, Cape Town CityBalletis

South Africa's longest-running professional ballet company, presenting worksfromthe greatclassics alongside newproductions.

Performances: Friday 31 July: 19:00; Saturday1 August: 14:30 and 18:00

TicketscostR225toR350(105 discount forpensioners).Students payR175(at Pick 'n Pay only). . BookatWebtickets andPick'nPay stores. Advancebooking is recommended.

BALLETPERFORMANCE

HIGHLIGHTSAT

ADAM SMALLTHEATRE

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August. HannahWardasOdette

Vlooi kuierweer by Kunstekaap

Vlooi en maats maak eersdaagweer— virdie 24ste jaar —hul terugkeer na die Kunstekaap-teater se verhoog.

Skoolgroepe kannou bespreek vir Vlooi en die VerloreFossiel, watvan Donderdag13Augustustot Maandag31Augustus op die plankegaanwees.

Daar is een vertoning oop vir die publiek op Saterdag29Augustus.

Dit is net nog ‘n doodgewone dag—ons maats, Vlooi, Wilma en Wim, woel en werskaf in dietuin wanneer hulle skielik‘nreuseontdekkingmaak. Flappiehet dalk veel meer as net Vlooi se verlore frisbee begrawe. Vlooi vind ‘n yslike dinosourusbeen en voor jy kansê“stegosourus” swiepdie towersleutelhulle wegna'ntyd lank, lank gelede Vlooi en Wilma beland pensenpootjiesbinne-in ‘n oerwoud op 'n verlateeiland. Wilmasebroek bewe behoorlik as sy besef hierdie is nie leeuwêreld nie,maar T-Rex se agterplaas.

Danksy ‘n vriendelike, en effedeur dievere, pterodaktiel, Terry, dievlieëndereptiel,voel hullegou minder verlore. Terryneem hulledadelik onder sy vlerk. Dieontmoeting is egtervan korteduur,want Terryisbesig om te vlug met dieeilandselaaste dino-eier! Is Terrydan 'n eierdief?Ongelukkigis daar dienareProfessor Fosselina Voetspoor en haar onhandigehandlanger, Robbies Relik, watsommer gouhul planne in diewiele ry Fosselina is bekend daarvoor dat sy dinosourusse vang en hulbeentjies kaal kook en weer aanmekaar vasplakmet superglue!Fosselina soek dieeilandse laaste dino-eiervir haar versameling. Sy houselfs lewendedinosourusseinhaar museum aan. Dieopenbarevertoning begin Saterdag 29 Augustusom14:00. Kaartjieskos vanR100 totR130 by Webtickets. . Kontak marinda.vlooi@gmail.comofLouise by 071688 3033met navrae

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman uniteonstage forthe firsttime

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman willshare astage in a Roots Retrospective,fromWednesday22July at theGallowayTheatreofthe Waterfront Theatre School. Theduo willalsoperform at TheKraal Restaurant, JoostenbergWineEstate, on Thursday 30 July

Roots Retrospective is alivecollaboration ledby Paige, piano-driven and song-focused, rooted in folk, blues andjazztraditions.Grounded in storytelling andshaped througha South Africanlens, theshow features expressive pianoand acoustic-guitar textures accompanying herdistinctivesoulful voice. Paige'scatalogue spansmorethan two decades of Americana-inspired material across folk,folkrock,country andblues,blending blues sensibility with roots-drivenwarmth andpoetic depth.

Joining her is singer-songwriterand guitarist Veldsman,whose acousticminimalism,finger-style

guitar work andatmosphericplaying bring arich counterpointtothe set. Drawing on Americana, folk andblues traditions, andgrounded in classical-guitartraining, he is known forexpressive,technically refined playing, from intricate fingerpicking to soulful lapsteel,often described as “tasty andlanguid” in feel.Veldsman also performs aselectionofhis ownsimilarly styled songsaspartofthe show. Together,the twocreateanimmersive musical journeythat reimagines Americana-inspiredmusic throughapersonaland collaborativeSouth African lens.

. Ticketsfor theWaterfrontshowstart from R180 andare available at Quicket.Ticketsfor TheKraal cost R580 andincludesarrival wine tasting, theshowand afarm supper. Book via Dineplan on 079641 1430 or kraalrestaurant@ joostenberg.co.za

DAGBOEK /DIARY

. Waterfront TheatreSchool presents Something Rotten! until 18 JulyatArtscape. It’s bold,brash, knowingly silly, and packed with show-stopping numbers. TicketsR230 to R250atWebtickets.

. DisneyonIce presents Mickey's Search Party until 19 Julyatthe Grand Arena,GrandWest.Ticketsat Ticketmaster

. Agatha Christie's TheMurderofRoger Ackroyd starring Alan Committie runs from 16 July to 16 August at Theatreonthe Bay. TicketsfromR230 to R350 at Webtickets.

. EarlyBtreeopVrydag17Julie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R140 totR180.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Isaac vander Merwe Piano Recital: ABaxterFundraiser is on Friday17Julyat18:30.TicketscostR250at Webtickets.

. Un-touchedisatArtscape on Friday17and Saturday18Julyat17:00.A look at the factorsthat have shapedmillennialsand their views.TicketsfromR80 at Webtickets.

. KickstArt Theatre's Puss in Boots runs at the Baxter Theatrecurrently until 18 July. TicketsfromR250at Webtickets.

. PeterPan runs at the CanalWalk Theatrenow until 19 July. Threedaily shows.TicketsfromR75 to R130 at

Webtickets.

. Wilhelmvan derWaltistesien in diebekroonde produksie Seun vanMaandag 20 totVrydag24Julie om 19:30 in dieKaapstadToneelhuis in Loopstraat. Dithandel oorDana Snymansestorieoor grootword tydens diedoodsnikkevan 'n politiekestelsel. Kaartjieskos vanafR200byQuicket

. DalinOliver: Stuck In Dubai runs at TheBaxterfrom 21 July to 1August.TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Cape Town Opera's TheCunningLittleVixen is at Joseph Stone Auditorium from 21-26July. A family-friendlyadaptation. Dailyat11:00 and also at 14:00 Saturdayand Sunday.TicketscostR80 at Webtickets.

. Parklands CollegeinSandownpresentsDisney's HighSchoolMusical 2! from 23 to 25 July at 18:30. TicketsfromR150 at Quicket

. ANight with the StarsLloyiso is at the Grand Arena GrandWest on Friday24Julyat19:00.Ticketsfrom R400 at Webtickets.

. Salome This Is Me is at Artscape OperaHouse on Saturday25Julyat19:00.TicketsfromR285 at Webtickets.

. Moyo KirstenboschRecital withpianist Isaacvan derMerwe is on Sunday 26 July at 18:00.TicketsR225 to R385 at Webtickets.

Zoid, Eloff in newtheatrical work

Karen Zoid stepsawayfromher rock ensemblefor A NewTheatrical Work,a stripped-backperformance alongside pianist Anton Eloff at CurroDurbanville High School TheatreonSunday 2August at 15:00

Without her band, Zoid takesthe stagewithonly an acousticguitar, accompanied by Eloff's cinematic pianowork. Theresultisadeliberatelyintimate show,personalinaway that happens when an artist truststheir material andanaudiencecommits to genuine listening.

ANew TheatricalWork is morethan aconcert.It is aconversation between twomusicians exploring themes of blood ties,music, laughter andthe bonds that sustainus. Thetheatricalframework raises aphilosophical question: if life resembles avideo game,withits multiplelives andrespawningmechanics, what does that mean forhow we navigate our ownstory?

WHERECONCERTMEETSTHEATRE

At theintimate CurroDurbanvilleHighSchool Theatre, theboundaries between concert andtheatre dissolve.Zoid's songsbecome monologues and Eloff's pianotakes on an orchestral quality, creating something that movesbeyond traditional genre boundaries.

Forthose familiar with Zoid'srock recordings, the acoustic setting revealsnew dimensions of her work. Forthose encountering her forthe first time,the stripped-backpresentation offers direct access to her artistic vision

Theshowis90minutes long. Agerestriction: no childrenunder 13

Theproductionispartofthe school's Kultura Festival . TicketscostR220per person.Book at Quicket.

Provincialchampions,nationaldreams

DESIREÉRORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Durbanville Majorettes Club has exceeded all expectations at this year's provincial championships. Now the club is appealing to the community and business sector to help send its athletes to the national stage

The local drummies who hasjust been crowned provincial Large Drill champions is urgently appealing for financial support to compete at the2026 FDDCMSANational Championships, andwithout it, some of the Western Cape's most talented young athletes may not make it to the starting line.

Durbanville Majorettes Club (DMC), basedatAristea Primary Schoolin Kraaifontein, was founded in 2019 to provide young athletes from all backgrounds with access to the sport. Now in its seventhyear of competition, DMC supports approximately 60 junior and senior athletes of all backgrounds drawn from schools across Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Bellville, KuilsRiver and surroundingcommunities.

The athletes trainfor up to 23 hours per week, including weekends and school holidays," says the club's Yvonne Viljoen. "Beyondthe medals and titles, majorettes havehad asignificant impact on the lives of many of ourathletes by building confidence,discipline, leadership skills and astrong sense of belonging."

"Many of the children join the club shy and unsure of themselves, but through training and competition they grow into confidentyoungpeople whoare proudof their achievements and supportive of their teammates. For some, the club hasbecome asecond family and apositive space where they can develop both personally and athletically."

TEAM RASINGFUNDS TO GETTONATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

OVERCOME

What makesthisyear's success even morespecial, she says, is that many of these athletes have overcome financial andpersonal challenges while dedicating countless hours to training

"Qualifyingfor nationalsrepresents the reward foryears of hard work, commitment andperseverance.Our greatest achievementasa club is seeing these young people realise their potential andbelieve thattheir dreams are within reach."

WithProvincials 2scheduled for 1August, the teamcontinues its preparations for nationals, provided the necessary fundingcan be secured.

The appeal comesonthe back of a remarkable performanceatthe first round ofthe Federation of Dance, Drill, Cheerleading and Majorettes Western Cape Provincial Championships, where the DMCJunior Team was crowned FDDCMWC ProvincialLarge Drill Champions,claiming first placeinthe Leader,Subbies, Squad, Displayand Overall categories.

PODIUMFINISHES

The teamalso secured numerous podium finishes, includingfirst placeinthe NonProp Mini event. Individual honourswere claimed by Kaitlyn Metcalf (secondplace, Baton Solo), Kiara Kali (secondplace, Non-PropSolo),CorneRyke (third place, Baton FlagSolo) andPeytonGoliath (third place, Non-Prop Solo), while the Non-Prop

Trio of Kaitlyn Metcalf, Eshnicka Gordon and Cassidy Klein placed second in their category.

Theclub's senior team also performed strongly at Provincials 1. Asikelele Tsetswa and Rea Makaloiclaimed third placeinthe SeniorNon-Prop Duo/ Trio, with Asikelele Tsetswa and Peyton Goliath finishingthird in the Senior Baton Duo/Trio. TheSenior Non-Prop Mini Formation and Senior Non-Prop Group each placed fifth.

The club's standing was further underscoredbythe selection of five DMC

athletes for the SouthAfrican National Team, which will represent the countryat the International Association of Majorettes World Championships in Polandin August.

With the national championships set to take place at Huguenot High School in Wellington from 24 September to 1 October,the club needs to raise in excess of R200 000 to cover accommodation, transport, meals, registration fees and equipment.

. Contact Yvonne Viljoenon082 4997418or at yvonne.viljoen@ooba.co.za.

Pride and prejudice seems to cloud our society

“Imagine allthe people, living life in peace.” Perhapstheselyrics have sparkedafamiliar melody forwhoever’sreading.

This evergreen seventies tune,“Imagine”, from former Beatles band leader John Lennon, has become an anti-waranthem forpeace,justice,equalityand most importantlyempathy, awordwhich seemstobe deafened and bludgeoned in this “age of outrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.

He wasshot four times in theback by a“fan” afterhe autographed his album anddied afew metresfromhis hotel in ManhattanonDecember 8, 1980

Thesong “Imagine”, released during the Vietnam war, which killedoverthree million youngmen,children mothers and fathers, is accompanied by asoftpiano and gentlemelody and sounds like aprayerorpleafor understanding in atimeofsenselessbloodshed.

During the war, despitethe news reports commenting on the latest batchofdeaths anddestruction, many young men were drafted and sent in droveslikebullets in an assemblyline

Tragically the song has become anidylliclament fora societywherewecan allrespect andcarefor each other regardless of skin colour,cultureorcreed

Luther King Jnr,who preachedpeace and non-violenceinhis quest to fight race segregation and inequality,was assassinated along with Malcolm X.

As if the call forbasic dignity and equalrights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath.

Ironically the authorofUtopia, Sir ThomasMore, also lost his head forhis visions forafuture society He wasbeheaded in 1535 fortreason, afterherefused to accept King HenryVIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

THEPOPULARITYOF ‘RAGE-BAITING’ISALSO SADTOWITNESS

Thenovelcriticised greed, powerand supported women’srights and religious freedom, during aconservativetime in the 16th-century under the king’sreign. Even musical legend Bob Marley whose protest songs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshot but survived apolitically motivated assassination attempt ahead of the 1976 general election in Jamaica. This act howeveronlyfueled hisdesiretocontinue singing about the struggle to love in an unsympathetic world.

Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become a popular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate, violence, intoleranceand propaganda infiltrating our psyches wherever we go

Whether doom-scrolling on our cellphones, listening to the news on our car-radiosorevenstoppingfor a quickcatch-up at work, we’reflooded with the latest tragic news

Onceagain we’llhearabout the latest airmissile strikeinthe MiddleEast,the priceofpetrol and goods skyrocketing again, the unrestricted plagiarismof AI modelsregurgitating artworksand voices,all forthe sake of profit

Thesedaysthe integrity of the newsroom hasalso been moreimportant in the wake of variousinfluencers reporting on news and publishing their pieces, often with their ownagendas, without much considerationfor verifying information in the hopes of increasing followers and monetising theircontent.

Lately,the popularityof“rage-baiting” is also sad to witness too, you’veprobablyseen many videos of peoplemanipulating each other until an argument or violent fight occurs.

Research shows algorithms financiallyrewardanger whichcreates cognitiveurgency, compelling usersto comment,correct,orshareinreal-time,which all boosts engagement and virality.

Ireadthat the primitiveparts of ourbrain, the amygdala, scan the environment forthreats and process negativeinformation significantlyfasterthan positive experiences.

Pride and prejudiceseems to cloudour society even moresothesedays, whilethesealgorithms,these heartless systems capitaliseand advertiseonany content that canshackle the viewers in an endless loop that keepstheir profits high and ourattention spans low.

And so “Imagine”, asong of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026

-KEANAN HARMSE

LEWENSKIEKIE

BRIEWE/LETTERS

Firefighter

smoke inhalation articlewas misleading

With referencetothe articlethatappeared on your websiteon6Julywith theheadline “Exposure to smokeistaking atollonCape Town’sfirefighters”: It is unfortunate that the articlepublished on the UWC websitemisrepresented the findingsofthe study.The headline,for example, wasquitesimplymisleading. TheCityreached out to the researchers andthe headline hasnow been corrected.

Basedonthe study’s ownresults, only 278firefightersparticipated, with 53%showing some symptoms that included coughing,running nosesand headaches. That represents less than15% of firefighters within the CityofCape Town anditmustbenoted the study wasconducted while staff were on duty

Also to notethat97,8% of participants hadnormal lung function, which the research foundissignificantly higherthanthatreported in comparablestudies conducted in other countries.

To note, the Cape Town Fireand Rescue Service conducts afunctional abilitytest on aquarterlybasis,

which measures firefighters’ respiratoryrate.

In addition,firefighters undergo in-housemedical screeningbeforeevery physical abilitytest.Should theyhaveabnormal screeningresults, theyare referred to either their privatemedical provider or to the City’s occupational health department. Staff who driveand operateappliances andequipment must undergo compulsory medical testing everytwo years. TheFire Servicealsohas very strict medical screening in place forthose joiningits ranks. In addition, staff arerequired to follow fitnessprogrammes on their on dutydays.

Our staff aretrained to perform under allhazardous conditions andrespiratoryprotectionequipment is provided on everyfire enginetoensurestaff remain safe

We take the health andsafetyofour firefighters very seriouslyand we provide thehighest levelof respiratoryprotection in the form of aSelf-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set

JP SMITH, Maycomember forsafetyand security

Recent events arealesson we shouldn’t ignore

Much has beensaid about illegalimmigrantsand the fact that manyhavenow returned to their home countries.Whether oneagrees with thatornot is a separate debate. What shouldnot be ignored is that manyemployers foundthese workers dependable. They arrived forwork, wanted to earn awage, followed instructions,and often communicated effectively becausetheycouldreadand speak English. Those qualities matterinevery workplace. This is not about praisingillegal immigration.The lawisthe law. It is about askinganuncomfortable question: whydid so manyemployers valuethese workers?

South Africahas thousands of hardworkinglocal employees, and theydeserve recognition. Butwealso

knowthattoo manybusinessesstruggle with absenteeism, poor punctuality, lack of initiativeand weak communication. Thoseproblems hurtproductivity andmakeitharder forbusinessestogrowand employ morepeople.

Perhapsinsteadofsimplycelebratingthe removal of illegalworkers, we should also askwhatmade manyofthemsuccessful in theworkplace. If ourown workforceadopted the same attitude towardsreliability, communication, punctualityand commitment everyone wouldbenefit. Thelesson is simple. Good work habits have no nationality. They areachoice. And the more people who make that choice, the stronger our economywillbecome GREG, E-mail

Warm somer op pad

Na aanleiding vanverlede week se brief"Kapenaar watdie wolkemis" (1/7/2026) geeekmymening. Die bestemanier om enigeplekinAfrikaseweer te verstaan,isomopDStvkanaal 400BBC in te skakel om 13:25 en 19:25 (ons tyd).

Dit fokusopAfrikamet satellietwaarnemings. Daarin kanduidelik gesien word watverkeerdismet die Kaapse weer Normaalwegdraai die wind wesofnoordwes in die winter.Vir maande al waai dit egtersuid en suidwes. Dit stoot die tollende stelselindie middel vandie AtlantieseOseaan watmet koue fronte reën moet bring, wegvan die Kaap af

Die gebrek aan koue fronte beïnvloed ook die OosKaap en KwaZulu-Natalmet oorstromings,omdat die westewind dit nie bereik nie,enhulle kryreën uit die Stille Oseaan watook blytol

Die opbouende El Ninowes vanAmerika raak al sterker; dit beïnvloed die jetstroom en het die gevaarlike hitte in AmerikaenEuropaveroorsaak 'n Baie warm someriswaarskynlik op pad. Hou dus op om drinkwaterinutoilet af te spoel, vang stortwateropin'nemmerengebruik dit vir die toilet WAARNEMER,Bellville

Parking needed near Athlone stadium

Iwonder what happened to the grandplans at Athlonepower station site, after having spent afew thousand(millions perhaps) on the project. Nowthe Citywants to re-developthe parking area at Athlonestadium forhousing andcommercial purposes, whilestadium visitors fear theymight find themselveswithout aparking facility. So whynot buildabig commercial andresidential centreonthe parking lotwith adequateparking under or above?But as forresidential, Iwould notwant to live therewith allthatnoisefromtrafficand the stadium.

PETER SMULIK,

Rugby

Showrespect to thepolicewho put their livesatrisk to keep us safe

We live in atimewhenithas become fashionableto criticise those in uniform.

Social media is flooded with videos of what went wrong, rarely with footageofwhatwentright. And yet, dayafter day, men andwomen in the policeshowup, oftenunderstaffed, underresourced, andunderappreciated to do ajob that most of us couldnever do They respond to callsinthe earlyhours of the

morning when the rest of us areasleep.Theywalkinto situationsthatothers run awayfrom. They deal with trauma, violence, andheartbreakona dailybasis, and thengohome to their ownfamilies andtry to leaveit allatthe door

Most of the time,noone says thank you. Iamnot naive. Iknowthatthere arethose within the service who have letcommunities down, andaccountability

matters.But it wouldbedeeplyunfair to allowthe actions of afew to overshadowthe quiet dedication of the manywho servewith integrityand honour To everyofficerwho hasstood between acommunityand harm, your servicedoesnot go unnoticed by allofus. South Africaisnot an easy countrytopolice. Thankyou fortrying anyway THANKFULL, Brackenfell

Schoolsgearupformountainbiking

Underprivileged learners from four rural primary schools on the outskirtsofDurbanvilleare all about to be empowered through mountain biking (MTB) in arural youth development programme, thanks to anew initiative driven by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg in collaboration with teachers of the provincial education department (District North).

The schools are Vissershok Primary School, Klipheuwel Primary School, Attie van Wyk Primary School andThe Valley PrimarySchool.

“It will be wonderful to expose the disadvantaged learners of ourschool,who mostly resideinDunoon, atfirst toride abicycle for relaxation and enjoyment, and later maybe to competitive cycling,” says Brian Meyer, principalofVissershok PrimarySchool.

“It can also help with character building,” says Meyer, akeen cyclist with afew Cape Town Cycle Tourrides under hisbelt.

This came after arepresentative of the provincial education department reached out to the Rotary Club of Tygerberg last year to initiate aproject like this “The idea is simplebut powerful: to give disadvantaged learners the chance to discover asport that builds fitness, confidence and character,while opening doors that many children don’t knowexist.

“Eachoftheseschools hasalready put their hands up by appointing astaff coordinator and they havestarted scouting out the local trails from the Hoogekraal MTB routenear Vissershok to the farm tracks around the Altydgedacht farm,” Meyer says.

PICKEDUPMOMENTUM

The project has picked up momentum

involved with their friends andteachers. They will also be able to develop physically,”says Mariancha Hendriks, a teacher and mountain bike coach at Attie vanWyk Primary.

“We have only providedfourcyclesto each schoolbut the interest from learners hasbeen overwhelming,” says Willy Watson, president of the Rotary Club of Tygerberg.

“The trails on surrounding farmsare already being used for cross-country by the schoolsand lend themselves to asport like MTB,”hesays

“Formanyofthese learners, this programme offers arare opportunityto participate in structured sport, develop discipline, build confidence and discover new talents. Through training sessions, workshopsand eventually competitive events,our goal is to foster alove for cycling while instillingvalues such as perseverance, teamwork andhealthy living,” Watson says.

MENTORANDSUPPORT

In themeantime, Kenridge Primary School has stepped in to mentor and support The ValleyPrimarySchool, while Reddam HouseDurbanville will partner with VissershokPrimary. More partner schools are being lined up to help Attie vanWyk Primary and Klipheuwel Primary.

“It is exciting as the bicycles are starting to roll in.Ofcourse,aproject like this doesnot run on bicycles alone. The schoolswill need to secure storage for theirfleets of bicycles. They also need tools and spares forwhen the bicycles need maintenance

“Bicyclesare required for accompanying teachers, as well as cycling gear such as shoes,gloves, tights andany suitable items that these parents simply cannot afford. There is also theeveryday challenge of

getting children home safely after practice, especially in the areas where public transport is scarce,”Watson says.

“This is where the local MTBcommunity could make all the difference. Whether it is aspare bicycle, some new or good second-hand kit, abakkie with abicycle rack,abit of coaching know-how, or just willingness to become involved on race days —every contribution will help to turnthis from agood idea intoathriving, sustainable programme for these young riders,”heurges.

They are seeking donations of size-24 mountain bikes and suitable cycling attire, including tights, gloves and cycling shoes, for Grades 4to6learners.

. Anyone who wantstoreach outtothe Rotary Club of Tygerbergcan contact Willy Watson on 082781 0782 or JeffreyKingon 079210 9765

Kennelsgivenout forMandelaDay

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha will distribute 134kennels to community dogs this Mandela Day in partnership with Four Paws South Africaand the Signature of Hope Foundation.

On 18 July South Africansare encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to doinggood in honour of NelsonMandela’s legacy.Mdzanandaisinviting individuals, families and corporategroups to spend those 67 minutes at theclinicand shelter during its Mandela Day open days.

Guided tours will take place on Friday 17 July, and Saturday 18 July,giving visitors the chance to see the organisation’s work first-hand and learn more about animal welfare in Khayelitsha.

As part of the Mandela Daycelebrations Mdzananda has partnered with Four Paws South Africa to distribute 67 kennels and more than 670 care packs to community dogs that havespent months waiting for shelter during the cold winter months.

“Many of these dogs have been on our waiting list for months to receive adonated kennel,” said Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter. “This Mandela Daythey will finally receive the gift of warmth, protection and comfort.”

An additional 67 kennelshavebeen sponsored by theSignature of Hope Foundation,bringing thetotal distributed thisMandela Day to 134.

“We are proud that, through Signature of Hope, we can help provide safeshelter for animals in the care of thisremarkable organisation,” says Craig Featherby, trustee of the Signatureof Hope Foundation

MDZANANDAANIMAL

monoxide poisoning

As temperaturesdrop across the Western Cape,manyfamiliesare doing everything they can to staywarm. Windows are shut againstthe cold, gas heaters and charcoal braziers are lit, andgeneratorsare used duringpower outages.

While these measures may provide comfort, they can also create adeadly risk inside the home.

TheWestern Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urgingresidents to take precautionsagainst carbon monoxide poisoning, known as the “silent killer” becauseitisimpossible to see, smell or taste

Carbonmonoxide is produced when fuels such as charcoal,wood, paraffin, petrol, or gas do notburncompletely. When fuelburningappliances are used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, the gas can quickly build up to dangerous levels without anyonerealising it

Carine Marks, director of the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre, said carbon monoxide poisoning is often overlooked becauseits symptoms resemble common winterillnesses.

CLINIC INVITESRESIDENTS TO SPEND 67 MINUTES WITH THEM

COMPASSIONTURNEDINTOACTION

“This campaign is apowerful reminder of what we can achieve when compassion turns into action,” says FionaMiles, director of Four PawsSouth Africa.

“Together with oursupporters and partners we have notonly reachedour goal but gonebeyond it, delivering meaningful, lasting change for dogs who need it most. This is the spirit of Mandela Day brought to life.”

Du Plessis said theopen days are also an opportunity to challengeperceptions about Khayelitsha.

“Weknow some people feel hesitant aboutvisitingKhayelitsha, but we would love to welcome them to experience our work firsthandthis Mandela Day. It is an opportunity to see the difference that compassioncan makeevery single day.”

For30 years the Mdzananda Animal Clinic andShelter hasbeen the only veterinary clinic andanimal shelter serving Khayelitsha andsurrounding communities

Beyond providing veterinary care andshelter theorganisation focuses on education, responsible petownershipand building acompassionate community where people and animals can thrive together

. Formoreinformation emailinfo@ mdzananda.co.zaand to booka Mandela Day tour emailfund@mdzananda.co.za

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of themosteasily missed medical emergenciesduring winter

“Early symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion, are often mistakenfor flu,fatigue, or a viral illness. By the time people realise somethingiswrong, the consequences can be severe.”

Over the past year, the National Poison Information Helplinerecorded 25 reported cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, including eight children under the age of 12.

However, Markscautioned that these figuresrepresent only afraction of the trueburden.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is significantly under-reported. Many cases arenever recognised, are misdiagnosed or never reachpoison information centres. We suspectthe true numberofpoisonings is much higher.”

WARNINGSIGNS

One importantwarning sign is when several people in the same household develop similar symptoms at the same time.

“If morethanone person experiences headaches, nausea,dizziness or unusual drowsiness while indoors, carbon monoxide exposure should be considered immediately. Leave the building, get into fresh air and seek urgent medical attention, even if symptoms begin to improve.”

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is simple butrequires vigilance.

Neveruse charcoal braziers (imbawula/ mbawula), gas heaters, or other openflame appliancesincompletely enclosed rooms. Keep awindow or door slightly

open to ensure adequate ventilation, even during very cold weather.

Always place generators outdoors, well away from windows, doors, and air vents. Never sleep in aroom where charcoal, gas, paraffin, or other fuel-burning appliances are in use.

CHILDRENMOSTVULNERABLE

Dr Bradley Browne of the Red Cross Poisons Information Centre saidyoung children are particularly vulnerable because they breathe faster than adults, resulting in greater carbon monoxide exposure relative to theirbody weight. In addition, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in children areoften non-specific, making the condition more difficult to recognise.

Pregnant women should also take particular care, as the developing fetus is especially vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Every winter we see children requiring emergency care for preventable injuries and illnesses linked to unsafe heating practices. Carbon monoxide poisoning can progress rapidly and, without timely treatment, can have devastating consequences. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that we are keeping warm in a safe way.”

Browne encouraged families to make ventilation part of theirwinter safety routine.

“A small gap in awindow may seem insignificant,but it can save lives. We encourage every household to use heaters safely, ensure adequate ventilation, even when it is cold, and recognise the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning before it is too late.”

Magdalenahuis is urgently looking for Clementina Davids and Patrick Henry, regarding family matters. Contact Susara Drijfhout 021 948 3637

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ALL APPLIANCES REPAIRED ON SITE We repair appliances. Fridges, stoves,washing machines with

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HIRING FRIENDLYCASHIER

Experiencedand honest cashier needed to work at a24hr Fuel stationsituated in Welgemoed.

*Willing to work shifts

*Sober habits (Non-smoker and Non-drinker)

STEVE'S SATELLITE SERVICES DSTV &antennae installation (HD PVR), extra points, home theatre&CCTV tems. BUILDINGPLANS DURBANVILLE -BRACKENFELLKRAAIFONTEIN TEL 082690 5202

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BEMARKINGSADVISEURS:

OnsluitJou Potensiaal: Geleenthede vir Professionele Bemarkingsadviseurs in Kaapstad(Bellville)! Sluitaan by ons vinnig groeiendespanenneemjou loopbaan na nuwe hoogtes! Ons is op soek na gemotiveerde kandidateomdeelteweesvan ons fenomenalesuksesverhaal. Vereistes: Ervaring in bemarkingerkope. Doelgerigmet 'n positiewe houding. Selfgedrewe en spanwerker. Tweetalig (Afrikaans &Engels). Eiebetroubare voertuig en rybewys. Ons bied: Uitstekende verdienstepotensiaal. Omvattende interne in-huisopleiding.